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President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi praised on Monday efforts exerted by COMESA to promote regional integration in Africa and boost inter-Africa trade.



This came during a meeting Sisi held with Secretary General of COMESA Chileshe Kapwepwe.



During the meeting, the president expressed Egypt's support for all activities carried out by COMESA at the regional and international forums.



Egypt is committed to boosting joint action in Africa to achieve sustainable development, increase economic growth rates and reduce poverty, Sisi said.



The president further pledged to support Kapwepwe in her duties after she assumed office last July.



Egypt is keen on accelerating the development of infrastructure in Africa during its presidency of the African Union in 2019, El-Sisi said.



Kapwepwe, meanwhile, praised steps taken by Egypt in support of Africa's development, citing the Africa 2018 Forum, which was concluded Sunday in Sharm El-Sheikh city.



She also valued the economic reform program adopted by Egypt over the past period.



Kapwepwe pointed out that Egypt plays a pivotal role in promoting investment ties between Africa, Asia and Europe.

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A DNA test performed on evidence from the scene of the 1979 rape and murder of a woman in her Fountain Valley home confirmed that the man convicted in the case was in fact responsible, authorities said.

Family members and an attorney for William Lee Evins, who died in prison in 2013  28 years after pleading guilty  said in July this year that they believed he was not guilty of the May 1979 slaying of Joan Anderson, 28. They said they believed the prolific Golden State Killer was the true killer.

Annee Della Donna, a Laguna Beach lawyer with Innocence Rights of Orange County, said Monday that Evins family was hoping he would be declared innocent, but added, We are happy to have closure and that the truth came out.

Innocence Rights is an initiative that works with students from the UC Irvine law school to advocate for the release of innocent prisoners.

Prosecutors alleged Evins broke into Andersons home, raped her and beat her to death with a hammer.

The Orange County district attorneys office partnered with the Camille Hill Innocence Review Panel to revisit the case, the district attorneys office said Friday. DNA evidence confirmed that Evins was guilty, authorities said.

A DNA profile obtained from the evidence was uploaded to the state DNA database, according to a statement from the DAs office. On Dec. 4, 2018, law enforcement was notified by the California Department of Justice that the profile matched that of William Evins, the convicted offender.

Della Donna said in July that Innocence Rights took on the case because the evidence against Evins was ridiculously flimsy.

But she said Monday that the group is very proud of the DA for being willing to reopen the case and test DNA.

She read an email from Evins adult daughter that stated, We might not always get the answers that we are looking for, but we get the truth we so desperately need.

Della Donna would not provide the name of the daughter, who she said no longer lives in Orange County.

Evins, who was 25 at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 1985 and received a sentence of 15 years to life in state prison.

Evins knew Anderson, a wife and mother, because he had been doing work at her familys home, officials said.

Sclafani is a Daily Pilot staff writer.

UPDATES:

This article was originally published at 7:25 a.m. and was later updated with additional information.
Newport-Mesa Unified School District Supt. Fred Navarro was recently awarded $29,812, the latest in a series of pay supplements given to him based on performance, as evaluated by the board of trustees.

Navarros contract allows a yearly merit award in the form of a tax-sheltered annuity  a retirement savings plan  as long as he gets at least a standard rating from the board.

The amount is adjusted each year based on the rating Navarro receives and the Internal Revenue Service limitation on such annuities. This years nearly $30,000 award, approved at the Nov. 26 board meeting, is for a proficient rating Navarro received from the board. He earned an exceptional rating the previous three years.

The board was still very pleased with his performance, but thats just the way the numbers fall, trustee Martha Fluor said.

Board President Vicki Snell noted that Navarro suffered a head injury before the start of the 2017-18 school year, which caused him to miss work for about two months.

His absence for a long period of time interfered with some of his goals, Snell said.

To date, Navarro has garnered about $111,000 in performance-based supplements. He previously got a $20,000 merit award in November 2015, $26,500 in February 2017 and $34,450 in December 2017.

Navarro said he is grateful for the competitive compensation that all Newport-Mesa employees receive.

He did not respond to a request for further comment.

During public comments at the board meeting, Erica Roberts, a parent at Mariners Elementary School in Newport Beach, and Laurie Smith, a retired Newport-Mesa teacher, urged the board to deny the latest supplement, saying Navarro had not earned it.

Roberts argued that Navarro has cost the district a lot of money in legal fees. A lawsuit filed in 2016 in which two former district employees alleged that Navarro created a workplace culture of fear and intimidation was settled last year. The plaintiffs did not receive money in the settlement, according to the district.

Snell said concerns about Navarros compensation are voiced by a very small group of people.

People say that they value education, but they dont seem to want to pay people what theyre worth, Snell said.

The annuities awarded to Navarro are not creditable to the State Teachers Retirement System, and he is not eligible for any additional STRS contributions, per his contract.

The awards are in addition to his base salary, which is currently $289,915, up from the $230,000 approved when he began at Newport-Mesa in July 2012.

Navarro received a raise of about 6%, or $14,376, in October 2013 because his original salary was considered on the low end for superintendents, according to the board.

There was a point when he needed to be raised substantially  he was underpaid, Snell said.

By contract, Navarro and members of the executive cabinet are guaranteed proportionate cost-of-living adjustments when other employee groups receive raises. Such raises increased Navarros salary by 6% in 2014, 2.5% in 2015 and 2.5% in 2017 and 2018.

Navarro and cabinet members also receive monthly allowances of $750 for transportation and $100 for communications, totaling $10,200 annually.

I would challenge anyone to take a look at corporations and look at how [employees] are evaluated and how they are compensated, Fluor said. Many corporations provide salary increases. ... I believe our system is quite weighty. We dont sit willy-nilly and hand out numbers.

The superintendents performance is rated first by board members individually, then collectively, and Navarro completes a self-evaluation. His performance is based on eight standards of governance: vision, mission and beliefs; work and school culture; leadership and personal integrity; communication and advocacy; community relations; fiscal and facilities; human resources and annual goals and priorities. The evaluation reports are not available to the public under state law.

charity.lindsey@latimes.com

Twitter @CharityNLindsey
Among the hundreds of vacation rentals in Altadena, the cottage tucked away in Michelle Mapps back yard is a nice find.

Private, fully equipped and reasonably priced, the cute studio has many sweet spots travelers want in a short-term rental.

It also has a ramp, a roll-in shower with grab bars and an electric adjustable bed, so it hits the mark for travelers requiring mobility access.

We consider it a positive marketing angle, Mapp said of her propertys disability-friendly features, and she promotes this in descriptions on vacation rental platforms.

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But of 50 bookings she has made this year, just two have been for people seeking such options.

Could she be missing an untapped market? Airbnb thinks so.

The San Francisco-based company launched a campaign in Los Angeles to help entrepreneurs such as Mapp attract travelers with disabilities.

We think there are a lot of homes in L.A. that already have accessibility features, but we need to educate owners, said Srin Madipalli, Airbnbs accessibility program manager.

In February, Airbnb acquired Accomable, an accessible travel platform that Madipalli founded. Since then, his team has been strategizing ways to make Airbnb a more accessible and inclusive operation.

L.A., with nearly 18,000 Airbnb hosts, is an important market for the company, he said. Madipallis team has been cultivating key relationships within the disability community here, hoping to form natural synergies between an oft-misunderstood customer base and the fast-growing vacation rental industry.

L.A. has just over 1.6 million guest arrivals per year, so its a good area to pilot some of our work and see what the impact is, Madipalli said.

The awareness-raising campaign kicked off in November with an open house for the disability community and an education session for top hosts to demystify issues related to disability access.

Some hosts have said their homes may be very old, or up three flights of stairs, and they want to know how to manage expectations, said Madipalli, who uses a wheelchair. Its about us creating a safe space where hosts can ask questions and feel comfortable talking to me and my team.

In 2019, Airbnb will offer free professional photography for up to 200 hosts in the L.A. area who have accessible properties.

These efforts follow Airbnbs announcement in November 2017 of 27 new accessibility filters that allow owners to address disability in a focused way instead of simply describing a place as compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA.

We focus more on helping hosts explain what they have as clearly as possible and letting guests decide what works for them, Madipalli said.

This also helps disabled customers more quickly and accurately search for lodging that will work for them.

Using the filters, Mapps listing tells you that theres a disabled parking spot in the driveway and that the cottages entryways are at least 32 inches wide.

Its important that vacation rental owners understand whats at stake with descriptions. Those whose property descriptions are vague or misleading or who dont understand their obligations under federal and state disability access laws could be putting themselves at risk.

At the end of the day, if youre not honest about your property or dont understand [access standards], you might check the box that your home is accessible but its not, said Dana Barton, executive director of the Rocky Mountain ADA Center, which recently published a report on legal issues affecting the booming vacation rental business.

The center has received calls about disputes over service animals and vacation homes that are advertised as accessible but arent, she said.

Can you imagine showing up some place and you think youre going to spend a week there for a family vacation and cant get in? Barton said.

Renters can avoid this drama by practicing exhaustive due diligence, said Melanie Fish, a spokesperson with HomeAway, an Austin, Texas-based online marketplace for vacation rentals. Its brands, including VRBO.com, list more than 2 million rentals in 190 countries.

The company recently launched virtual tours so customers can do a walk-through of a property before booking.

After you find a home or condo you like, the best way to make sure it actually meets your access needs is to message the owners and ask any questions you have before you book, Fish said.

To illustrate, she pointed to a positive review of a wheelchair-accessible beach house in Massachusetts. After some discussions before arrival, the owner bought a piece of adaptive equipment for the guests disabled son.

Tips from HomeAway for renters

Read reviews and look through photos to get a better idea of what the owner and property are like..

Get the name of an on-site contact or property manager who can help you in case any issues arise. Do this before your trip.

Handle your booking through the HomeAway platform, which will qualify you for the Book with Confidence guarantee in case theres a problem.

Tips for owners

Communicate and be responsive to guests questions and needs.

Provide detailed descriptions of your property. Include detailed accessibility information and include photos of everything.

Include a virtual tour, if possible. The 360-degree tours give travelers a comprehensive, accurate look.

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
Question: Im trying to maneuver my way through the world of visas and realize I need help. Three of us are traveling to Cambodia and Vietnam. Is it better to get the visa yourself or have a visa service do it? Also, what about getting a visa on arrival? Another question: The flight to Cambodia will require two lengthy layovers, one in Seoul and the other in Shanghai. Is it safe to drink the water? What about food?

Carol Bellamy

Thousand Oaks

Answer: Lets start with my favorite topics: drink and food.

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When I was a kid, the family moved to Manila, and my mother insisted that the cook boil the drinking water. Even with that, we all got sick, and although we eventually recovered, my mother was puzzled about why this had happened. Then one day she walked into the kitchen and saw the cook filling the ice cube trays from the tap. She told the cook she didnt need to boil the water anymore.

This was in the days before bottled water, which is pretty much the travelers salvation. Tap water may be fine, but why take a chance? I often brush my teeth with bottled water when Im in a dicey place. Cant hurt, might help.

As for food, alarm bells should sound with food that is room temperature, raw, undercooked and unpasteurized. Take a look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, which allows you to specify your destination and suggests precautions based on it.

You wont want to miss an opportunity to eat local cuisine, of course, so for a first-timer, starting at a higher-end restaurant may be key. Read guidebooks before you go, check with your hotel, and if you happen upon a winning restaurant, ask it for recommendations for your next dining experience. You also might want to pack medications for stomach troubles, so check with your doc before departure.

As for visas, here are your choices: Hire a visa service or do it yourself.

With a few exceptions, visas are fairly easy to get, so if you are a do-it-yourselfer, make travel.state.gov your first stop. Thats the State Departments website, and it contains a wealth of information about entry requirements for foreign countries.

Click Find International Travel Information, then Country Information. Under learn about your destination, enter the country youll be visiting.

Stop. Do not pass go when you get to the Quick Facts. Here youll learn

Whether you need a visa (yes for both Cambodia and Vietnam)

How many pages you need in your passport book to ensure you get that visa

How much remaining time is required on your passport.

Weve said this before and we will say it again: Your passport is good for 10 years  but not really. At least, not in the eyes of some countries, many of which require your passport to be valid at least six months after your U.S. return date.

For instance, if youre going to Cambodia or Vietnam for two weeks in March and your passport expires in June, you must renew it immediately, because each country requires six months validity.

Besides getting the passport book, youll need visas for both countries (and many others) and that also will take time.

Whats a visa? Its a stamp, sticker or piece of paper that tells your host country that you are authorized to visit.

Some countries dont require a visa. Others do, but say you can get it on arrival. Heres advice from Ken Ripoll of Allstar Passports & Visas in Los Angeles: If you can get that visa ahead of time, its always better to have it with you.

For these countries, that entails

Going to the embassy or consulate, Vietnam does not has a consulate or embassy in the Los Angeles area. Cambodia has an honorary consulate in Long Beach at that can help with visas.

Or

Submitting forms by mail, which requires paperwork and photos

Or

Applying for an e-visa, which requires paperwork and photos

Or

Asking a visa service to handle all of this.

I spoke with the Cambodian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Vietnamese Consulate in San Francisco (hit Translate for an English version), and both were helpful. Both offer e-visas, which requires one or two passport photos and a fee.

The good news: Most e-visas can be processed in three business days from those countries. But heres the rub: E-visas may be accepted only at certain ports of entry.

If you apply by mail, processing takes about seven days from the date your paperwork is received. Besides the application, youll need to send fees (usually a money order or cashiers check) and include return postage that can be tracked.

Assuming all goes well, youll need to scrutinize your visa to ensure it is correct.

To begin the process, visit the websites above and follow the instructions.

If this gives you pause, consider a visa service. To find one, check with your travel agent or friends (I asked world traveler John DiScala, founder of travel website JohnnyJet.com, who recently used A Briggs Passport & Visa), or check out SmarterTravels list of expeditors (which presumably can do visas in real time). Its list includes CIBTvisas, which is mentioned on many peoples list of reliable procurers.

Over the years, Ive spoken with Ripoll of All Star, and he has always been right on the money with information about visas and passports, and hes in L.A.

In terms of time and expertise, I think paying a pro pays off in the long run. Ive done my own visa application, including one for China a couple of years ago, and it required two trips to the consulate in L.A. and a lot of paperwork and patience.

Using a professional company to obtain a visa is like hiring a contractor to do a home improvement project: If it must be done quickly and correctly, the person I want doing it is not me.

Have a travel dilemma or question? Write to travel@latimes.com. We regret we cannot answer every inquiry.

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
Are you getting on or what?

Ludmilla Vasilieva, the driver for the 4:05 p.m. trolleybus, stared impatiently at two foreign tourists who were standing at the bus stop in Yalta, Crimea, contemplating their next move.

Since the Crimean peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014, few foreign tourists visit Crimea, and Vasilievas tone seemed to take into consideration the unusualness of the situation. Still, rules were rules, and she made it clear she wanted to start on time.

This wasnt just any trolley. Vasilieva is a driver on the No. 52 trolleybus from Yalta to Simferopol, which claims to be the longest trolleybus line in the world.

Before Crimea became a disputed territory and a symbol of Russian aggression, the peninsula was known (mostly) for three major attractions: the pebbled beaches along the Black Sea; the site of the 1945 Yalta conference at which Josef Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill negotiated the future of postwar Europe; and the No. 52 trolley.

At least thats how some locals talk about it.

The No. 52 trolleybus leaves the bus stop near Gurzuf in Crimea. Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times

A stop in Yalta serves as the starting point for the No. 52 trolleybus that makes its way through the mountains to Simferopol, the Crimean capital. Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times

Our trolleybus is in the Guinness World Records, said Petr Kotler, a construction worker from Partizanskoye, a small city 12 miles north of Yalta, where he was boarding the bus.

Well, not quite.

The No. 52 doesnt have an entry in Guinness latest edition, nor has it ever been officially recorded as the longest trolleybus in the world, according to the people at the Guinness World Record headquarters in New York. But since the trolleybus inaugural ride in 1959, no other country or metropolitan transport authority has come forward to challenge the claim.

So, at 53 miles, the Yalta-Simferopol line has clung to its title as the Worlds Longest Trolleybus Route for almost 60 years.

Luggage is extra, Vasilieva said, as she calculated the out-of-towners fare and tore off 12 tickets at 30 rubles each. Total fare for two people and two bags to Simferopol: $5.45.

The two foreigners pushed to the back of the bus. A couple seated in the back row were eating potato- and meat-filled piroshki, leaving a smell of onions in the hot air of late afternoon.

Above them, a mounted television monitor was playing a Russian movie that appeared to be a cross between Shrek and Game of Thrones. The sound was turned down, making the movie a mere visual distraction for the next three hours of the journey.

The couple eating the piroshki were headed to Simferopol to get to the airport. A quicker, more expensive option would have been a marshrutney taxi, an unofficial minivan service with fewer stops. But it would have been triple the price.

For the traveler on a shoestring budget, the trolleybus cant be beat. For locals who live and work in Crimea, the No. 52 is an essential part of daily life.

Los Angeles Times)

The bus quietly lurched forward and set off. A ticker tape with red letters at the front of the bus announced the time, the outside temperature and the next station.

Summers can be hot in Crimea, and short, drawn curtains keep the sun out. Older buses have windows that slide open, but stern elders in this part of the world allow nothing more than a small crack, lest someone catch their death from a draft. To see an argument between a pensioner and a millennial over even the slightest opening of a window on public transportation is to witness the epitome of the generational divide in the post-Soviet world.

Forty minutes into the ride, Kotler got off the bus at Gurzuf, where the road turns left before continuing up into the mountains. He persuaded the two foreigners to hop off with him to see the scenic lookout, where sharp cliffs drop down to the shoreline, revealing a sweeping view of the Black Sea.

Ive ridden this bus so many times, I couldnt even begin to count it, he said. He nostalgically recalled his youth during the Soviet era, when there were no other transportation options.

Another No. 52 pulled up at the Gurzuf station. Time to get back on.

Passengers aboard the trolleybus that goes from Yalta to Simferopol, the Crimean capital. Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times

The Soviet Union laid the Crimea trolleybus lines in 1959 as a cheaper alternative to extending the railroad from Simferopol. The line from Yalta travels the twisting roads along the steep cliffs of the coast, up and over the mountains, and finally into Simferopol, the peninsulas administrative center and transportation hub.

The buses run on electricity, which is supplied via two parallel, antenna-like poles that hook onto lines strung above the road. Occasionally, the antennas get unhooked, grinding the bus to a halt. When that happens, the drivers get out and use a long pole to push them back up and onto the power lines.

That doesnt happen much anymore with these new buses, said Anatoly Vladimirovich, another driver who has been working the No. 52 route since 1991, the year the Soviet Union split up and Crimea became part of independent Ukraine. (He didnt want to give his last name and instead gave his patronymic, which Russian speakers use as a middle name and formal sign of respect.)

The trolleybus offers travelers an affordable way to get from Yalta to Simferopol in Crimea. Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times

The bus stop in Alushta is part of the route of the trolleybus that goes from Yalta to Simferopol, Crimea. Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times

The Soviet Union laid the Crimea trolleybus lines in 1959 as a cheaper alternative to extending the railroad from Simferopol. The buses run on electricity. Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times

Four years ago, Russia annexed the peninsula. But the real change for trolley drivers came in the 1990s, when capitalism spurred entrepreneurs with microbuses and minivans to ply the highways for a higher price but fewer stops.

The No. 52 remains essential for local transport, Anatoly said. There are rush hours as well as stretches of the route with only occasional passengers. In the winter, snow at the top of the Angarskiy Pass can make the road slippery. At 2,500 feet, its the highest point of the route, and a popular spot for hikers get off to explore the mountain trails.

At a turnout at the top of the pass, local vendors sell jars of honey and sweet Crimean purple onions with their roots woven together in bunches of four or five. An original 1960s trolleybus sits proudly on a stand, a monument to the local significance of the bus.

I never get bored, but you do have to pay attention, Anatoly said, inviting the foreigners into his drivers cabin to hear more about the trolleys history.

Anatoly was driving at rush hour, and the bus was full. Passengers, including a school group on an outing, stood in the aisle and it was difficult to maneuver bags to find a seat.

Cant you read? a teacher barked at one of the foreigners, who was now leaning into the drivers cabin to talk to him. Excuse me, cant you read? she repeated, pointing to a sign above the drivers seat that said in Russian: It is forbidden to disturb the driver.

Anatoly winked at the foreign passenger and motioned for her to take a seat.

Be nice! We have a foreigner here interested in our bus history, he lightheartedly yelled back at the teacher. When was the last time you saw a foreigner here?

The teacher angrily folded her hands on the purse on her lap, and mumbled something about the importance of safety.

Outside, the sun had gone down. Several rows back, a group of students giggled at a video playing on someones iPhone.

The remaining 30 miles to Simferopol are relatively flat as the bus passes vineyards and small towns and former collective farm communities. Just past 8 p.m., Anatoly pulled into the Simferopol train station, the final stop.

Anatoly would drive the route three times that day, ending in Yalta, where he lives.

There are worse jobs, he said.

A roadside cafe at a bus stop near Gurzuf in Crimea offers travelers respite during their journey. Vasiliy Kolotilov / For The Times

sabra.ayres@latimes.com

Twitter: @sabraayres

Ayres is a special correspondent.
Protesters on Monday disrupted the Trump administrations only official event at the U.N. climate conference  a panel defending fossil fuels  with laughter and chants of Keep it in the ground.

Scores of demonstrators from youth and indigenous groups let President Trumps energy advisor Wells Griffith get 10 minutes into his policy talk before erupting into loud, prolonged guffaws followed by chanting.

Trumps presence here is a joke. His only priority is ensuring fossil fuel CEOs squeeze every last dollar out of our communities, said Aneesa Khan, 23, with SustainUS, a U.S.-based, youth-led advocacy group.

The panel embracing coal, natural gas and nuclear power highlighted the United States near-outlier status as nearly 200 other nations worked to address scientists warnings.

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Two days earlier, the U.S. sided with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to block endorsement of a landmark climate report that warned of the dangers of allowing warming beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) over preindustrial levels.

Other nations wanted the conference to welcome the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report warning the dangers of global warming are coming faster than predicted. The four oil- and gas-exporting nations wanted the conference to merely note the existence of the report, which strongly suggested drastically cutting fossil-fuel emissions by 2030 to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.

Experts expect the battle over whether to embrace the report to reignite as higher-level delegates arrive this week.

The administration is out of step with the transformation happening across the country and the world, said Lou Leonard, the World Wildlife Funds senior vice president for climate change and energy.

The United States is looking to continue investing in fossil fuels instead of weaning away from them, he said. U.S. influence in these talks is waning as global leaders recognize the difference between these two visions for the future.

Once a key player in the climate change negotiations, the United States has said it will back out of the Paris climate accord signed by then-President Obama in 2015. More than 190 countries have signed the agreement, pledging to lower greenhouse gases to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius.

But President Trump has mocked the agreement and has questioned the overwhelming scientific consensus about human-caused climate change. He said he didnt believe the congressionally mandated National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive and dire study on the effects of climate change that his own government released last month.

The U.S. political delegation had come to the conference to promote what the Trump administration calls its balanced approach to energy security and accessibility, environmental protection and economic development, Griffith said. The U.S. planned to continue to supply energy to the rest of the world with coal, natural gas and nuclear power, he said. He cautioned several times against alarmism over climate change.

All too often at meetings like these, alarmism displaces pragmatic solutions to address energy and environmental concerns, he said. During his talk, Griffith waited for the protesters to finish and leave, then he continued, with seemingly lowered enthusiasm.

Because the U.S. cannot officially pull out of the Paris agreement until November 2020, it sent at least 40 delegates to Poland to work on the technical aspects of the agreement. Most of the delegates work for the State Department, and several were on the 2015 team that helped write the Paris accord.

Theres no escaping the fact that the loss of U.S. federal leadership on climate action has a chilling effect internationally, said Reed Schuler, who was a U.S. delegate to climate change talks from 2013 to 2015.

Thats why other U.S. leaders are here to discuss how they are doubling down on climate action to make up for the federal government, said Schuler, now a senior policy advisor on climate and sustainability in the office of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

Shortly after Trump announced that the U.S. would pull out of the accord, a group of states, cities and businesses joined together to create the We Are Still In movement. They committed to lowering emissions on the state and municipal level and to following other initiatives in line with the Paris accord.

The group, which has grown to more than 3,500 members, has no negotiating power in the talks but is holding meetings with world leaders.

They arent the federal government, but in lieu of that, they are giving hope to other countries, particularly the small, poor countries who are looking for U.S. leadership, said David Waskow, director of the International Climate Initiative at the World Resources Institute think tank in Washington.

Ayres is a special correspondent.

sabra.ayres@latimes.com

Twitter: @sabraayres

Ayres is a special correspondent.
Early returns from Armenias snap parliamentary elections Sunday show the countrys new prime ministers bloc with a commanding lead  an outcome that would help further consolidate his power.

The charismatic 43-year-old Nikol Pashinian took office in May after spearheading massive protests that forced his predecessor to step down. Pashinian pushed for an early vote to win control of a parliament that was dominated by his political foes.

An ex-journalist turned politician, Pashinian has won broad popularity, tapping into public anger over widespread poverty, high unemployment and rampant corruption in the landlocked former Soviet nation of 3 million that borders Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.

With 185 out of the nations 2,010 precincts counted, Pashinians My Step was garnering 66% of the vote, while the Republican Party that controlled the old parliament was a distant fourth with just under 4%, struggling to overcome a 5% barrier to make it into parliament. The pro-business Prosperous Armenia party was in second with about 11%, and the nationalist Dashnaktsutyun party was winning about 8%.

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By the time the polls closed at 8 p.m., 49% of the nations eligible voters had cast ballots. Preliminary results are expected Monday.

Pashinian exuded confidence after casting his ballot in Yerevan, saying that he was sure that his bloc will win a majority in parliament.

During the monthlong campaign, Pashinian has blasted members of the old elite as corrupt and pledged to revive the economy, create new jobs and encourage more Armenians to return home.

An economic revolution is our top priority, Pashinian told reporters Sunday.

Armenia has suffered from an economic blockade stemming from the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region of Azerbaijan that has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a six-year separatist war in 1994. Attempts to negotiate a peace settlement have stalled and fighting has occasionally flared up between ethnic Armenian forces and Azerbaijans soldiers.

Both Azerbaijan and Turkey have closed their borders with Armenia over the conflict, cutting trade and leaving Armenia in semi-isolation. The country has direct land access only to Georgia and Iran.

About one-third of Armenias population has moved to live and work abroad and remittances from those who have left account for about 14% of the countrys annual GDP.
It was the showdown that wasnt.

On the eve of a key parliamentary vote expected Tuesday on the terms of Britains departure from the European Union, Prime Minister Theresa May called it off. That postponement set off a new round of now-familiar chaos associated with Brexit, Britains intended exit from the 28-nation bloc.

In a speech Monday to a raucous parliamentary session, the prime minister crisply acknowledged that the proposed divorce deal she negotiated with the EU and announced last month would have gone down to significant defeat if taken up by lawmakers as scheduled. No new date has yet been set for a vote.

May indicated shell try to salvage the deal somehow, but EU members are signaling theyre unlikely to go along with any major new changes. And the prime ministers political opponents at home appear re-energized in their drive to push her out of office.

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Here is a look at some potential scenarios going forward:

Whats Mays likely political future?

Rather bleak. Shouts of Resign! rang out in the parliamentary chamber as the prime minister spoke. The leader of the opposition Labor Party, Jeremy Corbyn, excoriated her, telling lawmakers that Mays government had lost control of events. Even so, Labor and its allies dont appear to have the votes for a no-confidence motion against the prime minister  at least not yet.

The prime ministers own Conservative Party hasnt been much of a bulwark for her; internal rivals like Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg blasted the proposed deal she struck with EU negotiators as undeliverable. Before the postponement of the Tuesday vote, dozens of Conservative lawmakers indicated they would not lend their support to the deal.

What are potential financial repercussions?

Investors are increasingly worried about what could be a disastrous economic fallout from a so-called hard Brexit  Britain leaving the European Union without a legally binding agreement on relations going forward. Economists have said a no-deal departure from the bloc would likely result in a deep recession in Britain. European economies would almost certainly suffer too, although not as severely.

Mays take on that has hardly been reassuring; she says the risk of an accidental hard Brexit is increasing as infighting goes on and the departure date  March 29, 2019  draws closer.

In response to Mondays developments, Britains already-slumping currency, the pound, dropped to a 20-month low, and the stock market slipped.

How has May defended the deal?

She says its the best one available. But when it was unveiled, it was reviled by almost everyone  with Brexit backers saying Britain would remain bound by too many European rules, and remainers saying it would throw away all the advantages of membership in the bloc with almost nothing to show in return.

One big sticking point has been the border between Northern Ireland, which would leave the EU, and the Republic of Ireland, which would stay in the bloc. The frontier between them is open now, and thats an important element of the 1998 accord that ended years of sectarian bloodshed.

The Republic of Ireland, backed by fellow EU members, does not want to leave open any possibility for the creation of a hard border, with customs posts and other infrastructure. Britain wants to avoid that too. Under the draft deal, thats addressed with a provision known as the backstop  that if theres no other agreement in place, the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, would remain part of the EUs customs union, and couldnt leave without European consent. Many British lawmakers, including allies and critics of May, fear that gives the EU too much leverage.

What about a do-over Brexit vote?

Although opposition to leaving the EU has become much more vocal as a departure date nears, there are worries that a new referendum would be deeply harmful to democracy, carrying with it the suggestion that a popular vote or election result could subsequently be cast aside. May alluded to those fears in her speech, asking if the country really wanted to revisit the divisive 2016 campaign, which ended in June that year with 52% of voters favoring leaving the EU.

Those who want to stay in the EU got a boost Monday from the European Court of Justice. The court ruled that even though Britain had formally given notice of its plans to leave  invoking Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon  that notification could be unilaterally revoked right up until the departure date.

Parliament would have to approve holding a new referendum, but as of now, there doesnt appear to be support for that.

What have the Europeans said?

Even before Mays speech, key European officials made it clear the bloc was simply not willing to try to hammer out a whole new deal. Belgiums foreign minister, Didier Reynders, told reporters in Brussels that some details could be tinkered with, but that the EU had already made clear its red lines. The Dutch foreign minister, Stef Block, said the EU would study anything May might propose, but said any new talks wont be easy.

Somewhat less diplomatic was Guy Verhofstadt, the Brexit coordinator for the European Parliament. After word of the delay, he tweeted: Its time they make up their mind!

May almost certainly can expect another earful on all this soon enough; she is due at a summit in Brussels this week.

laura.king@latimes.com

@laurakingLAT
The arrest in Canada this month of a member of Chinas corporate elite may shake Sino-U.S. relations for years, but may also push China to take steps to quicken its rise as a global tech leader.

The arrest of Meng Wanzhou, vice chairwoman of Chinese smartphone giant Huawei, on U.S. fraud charges is seen in Beijing as an attack on China designed to block its technological advance. But an unintended result could be to bolster Chinas global rise by pushing the country to increase subsidies and protection of its tech companies, according to analysts. That would be the polar opposite of what the Trump administration is demanding in its trade war with China.

The Trump administration sees Chinas drive to be a global leader in key technologies as a major threat to the United States. Its trade war is focused on preventing China from getting hold of cutting-edge American technology, and even on disengaging the United States economy from Chinas in key areas.

Mengs arrest and U.S. action against another Chinese tech company, ZTE, earlier this year posed an existential threat to Chinese interests  and sent a stark message to Beijing that major Chinese companies reliant on U.S. components could be toppled should the U.S. ban supplies to them.

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That happened to ZTE in April after it violated U.S. sanctions on Iran and North Korea. A U.S. ban on American companies supplying chips for ZTEs cellphones would have killed the company, if President Trump had not intervened to save it at the request of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both Huawei and ZTE rely on a range of U.S. technologies, including software and semiconductors.

Whatever happens with the Meng case  and with trade talks  the damage of the arrest has been done, as far as China is concerned. It proved how vulnerable Chinas top national companies are if they rely on American components such as chips and superconductors.

The result is that China will do whatever it takes to become self-reliant in key high technologies and to phase out American components as soon as it can, according to analysts, although that will take years.

If they could do it tomorrow, they would do it, said Kerry Brown, China analyst at the Lau China Institute at Kings College London.

Chinas determination to reduce its vulnerability may end up cutting U.S. tech firms access to Chinas massive market.

The ZTE case and now Huawei in a different way basically will propel China to do all the things that America wants them to stop doing, that is subsidizing state and private companies to give them technological independence, said Richard McGregor, an analyst on East Asia at the Sydney-based Lowy Institute think tank. It will make them try even harder to do what America wants them to stop doing.

The Trump administration levied tariffs on $200 million of Chinese goods, but Trump and Xi agreed at a dinner during the recent Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires to suspend tariff hikes for 90 days to allow negotiations to end the trade war.

But even if they manage to make a deal on trade, things will not go back to the way they were. Mengs arrest shocked China because Huawei is the countrys most visible corporate brand and the worlds largest telecom vendor with about 40% of the market, and the second-largest in terms of smartphone sales. ZTE is the fourth-largest telecom vendor.

For China to see its biggest and second-biggest telecom companies hit in less than a year was seismic.

When your most important companies can just be frozen by the actions of one government  its an enormous problem, said Brown.

That Trumps national security advisor John Bolton knew of the planned arrest before Trump met Xi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit only added to the sense of injury.

Mengs arrest is now part of legal process in Canada and the U.S., theoretically beyond the reach of politics, but Beijing does not see it that way.

Theres no doubt they would see this not as the U.S. legal system working, but as a conspiracy against China as part of a larger plan to keep China down. I dont think they think that the rule of law in America is the rule of law. They think its all politics, McGregor said.

That perspective was reflected in Chinese state media, including the Global Times, which has decried the arrest as a despicable rogue approach.

On Sunday, China summoned the U.S. ambassador to Beijing to protest the detention and demanded that Washington cancel an order for Mengs arrest.

The primary intention is so clear and strategic  whatever the legal appearance and Iran or North Korea sanction-related causes  that is to make it as difficult as possible for China to develop its own high-tech capability and to become the United States strong competitor in one of the critical fields of power in the 21st century, said Shi Yinhong, professor of international relations at Peoples University in Beijing.

Wang Yong, deputy director of Peking Universitys Center for New Structural Economics, said it appeared to be part of a bid to contain Chinas rise to rival the United States.

One has reason to believe the U.S. is targeting the advancement of the technology of China. The security hawks got into power and carry forward the strategy of containment of China, he said.

With the pressure from the U.S., China has no choice but to make more efforts to be self-sufficient in terms of technology, Wang said.

Shi said there was no doubt the arrest would motivate China to avoid reliance on American technology.

China has just realized how far it has to go and how hard the journey will be to achieve self-reliance in numerous major high-tech areas, he added.

Brown said the deteriorating relations between the two countries meant that Mengs arrest was seen in China as part of their growing rivalry.

Its part of the deterioration of relations over the past year or more and the fact they [are] much more edgy toward each other. Although there probably are legal, legitimate and neutral reasons for this event happening  its going to be fed into that narrative, Brown said.

Its going to be hard to separate all that dense politics from the relatively straightforward issue of whether she, as an officeholder in this company, has done this that could be held to account, according to American or international law.

Huawei is privately owned but deeply distrusted in the U.S. and was described by a congressional report in 2012 as nefarious.

Chinas national intelligence law  passed last year  reinforces the doubts, with its requirement that all organizations and citizens cooperate with intelligence agencies. At a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in February, the heads of the CIA, FBI and National Security Agency warned against buying Huawei phones.

U.S. suspicions have focused on its founder and chief executive, Ren Zhengfei, 74, Mengs father and a deputy director of the Peoples Liberation Army engineering corps, who, according to American officials, has close ties to the government.

Fueling suspicions is the key role that telecoms play, with superfast 5G mobile networks to be at the heart of new developments, including artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, smart cities and the internet of things.

The problem is the sector [Huawei] is in  telecoms  is sensitive, and its sensitive anywhere, Brown said. The United States has put pressure on its partners in the so-called Five Eyes intelligence network (Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) to shut China out of 5G.

Huawei has been barred from 5G networks by the U.S., Australia and New Zealand because of fears it could be used in spying or denial-of-service attacks. British telecom giant BT Group is removing Huawei equipment from the core 3G and 4G networks of EE, the largest mobile network operator, and Huawei is not part of its 5G network.

What weve seen in the last sort of year basically is America, Canada, Australia, the U.K., a lot of really important markets [for Huawei] tighten up and in some cases disappear, Brown said. No company, no matter what their kind of architecture, no company can survive that or put up with it. And I think Huawei is going to really hit these issues more and more because Huawei is not able to operate in the markets it wants to operate in.

One of Xis trademark policies is Made In China 2025, his crucial bid to transform China from a low-wage, high-volume industrial economy into an advanced technical economy by 2025. The policy has identified 10 key high-tech industries in which China aims to be a global leader by 2025, including artificial intelligence, robotics, aerospace, transport, self-driving cars and clean energy.

The U.S. is worried that, with the weight of the Chinese state supporting them, Chinese tech companies could surpass American rivals  particularly given its insistence that foreign companies doing business in China operate with Chinese partners, leading to complaints from U.S. companies forced to share their technological secrets.

Both Huawei and ZTE are key to Xis Made in China 2025 plan, vital for the countrys prosperity and its capacity to support the burdens of a rapidly aging population in the decades to come.

The truth is that China cant be self-sufficient in some areas  certain agricultural products, energy and the like  and they have various strategies to address that, McGregor said. But theyre determined to be self-sufficient in major technologies, which have both an economic value in economies around the world and also have an intrinsic military value as well.

As trade tensions have ramped up with U.S. alarm over the Made in China 2025 strategy, Chinese officials and state media, on orders in June from state censors, have stopped using the term. But that does not mean the campaign has gone away, McGregor said.

Thats part of a strategic and tactical retreat. Theyre going to try to play down the things that make America angry, but the truth is in fact the opposite. With Made in China 2025 theyre going to talk about it less but invest in it more.

robyn.dixon@latimes.com

Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT
The second-largest Ebola outbreak in history has spread to a major city in eastern Congo, as health experts worry whether the stock of an experimental vaccine will stand up to the demands of an epidemic with no end in sight.

Butembo, with more than 1 million residents, is now reporting cases of the deadly hemorrhagic fever. That complicates Ebola containment work already challenged by rebel attacks elsewhere that have made tracking the virus almost impossible in some isolated villages.

We are very concerned by the epidemiological situation in the Butembo area, said John Johnson, project coordinator with Doctors Without Borders. New cases are increasing quickly in the eastern suburbs and outlying, isolated districts, the medical charity said.

The outbreak declared on Aug. 1 is now second only to the devastating West Africa outbreak that killed more than 11,300 people from 2013 to 2016. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, there are now 471 Ebola cases, of which 423 are confirmed, including 225 confirmed deaths, the countrys Health Ministry said last week.

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Without the teams that have vaccinated more than 41,000 people so far, this outbreak could have already seen more than 10,000 Ebola cases, the Health Ministry said.

This is by far the largest deployment of the promising but still experimental Ebola vaccine, which is owned by Merck. The company keeps a stockpile of 300,000 doses, and preparing them takes months.

We are extremely concerned about the size of the vaccine stockpile, Dr. Peter Salama, the World Health Organizations emergencies director, told the STAT news outlet in an interview last week, saying 300,000 doses is not sufficient as urban Ebola outbreaks become more common.

Health workers, contacts of Ebola victims and their contacts have received the vaccine in a ring vaccination approach, but in some cases all residents of hard-to-reach communities have been offered it. The prospect of a mass vaccination in a major city like Butembo has raised concerns. Salama called the approach extremely impractical.

A WHO spokesman said shipments of doses arrive almost every week to ensure a sufficient supply for the ring vaccination. No interruptions of vaccine supply have occurred to date, Tarik Jasarevic said in an email. Merck is actively working to ensure sufficient number of doses continue to be available to meet the potential demand.

This Ebola outbreak is like no other, with deadly attacks by rebel groups forcing containment work to pause for days at a time. Some wary locals have resisted vaccinations or safe burials of Ebola victims as health workers battle misinformation in a region that has never encountered the virus before.

A fringe population has regularly destroyed medical equipment and attacked workers, Congos health minister, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, told reporters Wednesday.

The Ebola virus is spread via bodily fluids of those infected, including the dead.

The outbreak remains serious and unpredictable, the World Health Organization said in an assessment released Wednesday. Nine health zones have reported new cases in the last week, and some have been unrelated to known victims, meaning that gaps in tracking remain in a region with a dense, highly mobile population.

Thousands of people have been organized by Red Cross societies and others to go house-to-house dispelling rumors and checking on possible contacts of victims.

Dr. Fatoumata Nafo-Traore, Africa regional director for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, joined one awareness campaign in the outbreaks epicenter, Beni, last week.

The head of one family thanked her for the face-to-face contact, saying he didnt even have a radio and didnt understand what was happening. Ignorance is the enemy, another resident said.

Given the years of conflict in eastern Congo, its essential that households trust why the health workers are there, Nafo-Traore said.

While she called the insecurity very worrying, she said that with new tools at hand, including vaccines, there is great hope.
Egypt's Defence Minister General Mohamed Zaki held on Monday a meeting with visiting US Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, the Egyptian armed forces announced.



According to the statement, General Zaki and Nielsen discussed issues of mutual concern as well as the latest developments in the region.



The talks between them also focused on boosting cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security, exchange of information and combating transnational crimes.



Zaki praised high-level coordination between Egypt and the US in the military and security domains.



Nielsen, meanwhile, stressed the depth of relations between the two countries in different fields.

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Rafael Correa wanted to fast-track development projects when he was president of Ecuador, so he borrowed billions of dollars from China. But the loans have come back to haunt his successor, Lenin Moreno, who will go hat in hand to China this month to seek more flexible terms and breathing space.

A onetime ally and now bitter enemy of Correa, Moreno and his government are straining under a huge budget deficit caused partly by obligations to the Chinese, whose loans financed roads, dams, schools and office buildings during Correas time in office from 2007 to 2017.

Ecuador is one of several Latin American countries that in recent years benefited from Chinas lending spree. Like other loans China has made in the region, those to Ecuador are partially payable with shipments of natural resources  oil, in Ecuadors case  which China needs to stoke its fast-growing economy.

Correa was a close ally of Venezuelas socialist, anti-U.S. President Hugo Chavez and saw Chinese loans as attractive because the Asian giant made no political or ideological demands, and the loans were a way of thumbing his nose at Uncle Sam, analysts say.

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But terms of Ecuadors $6.5 billion in Chinese debt have become onerous with the global decline in the price of oil, Ecuadors main source of revenue from exports. Moreover, some developments financed by the loans, including hydroelectric plants, are not producing the revenue that was anticipated.

Correa also made deals to sell the Chinese millions of barrels of oil in advance on favorable terms, committing the country to ship 90% of all its exportable crude to the Asian giant through 2024. Terms of the deals, by which he mortgaged to China much of the countrys future production of crude, its principal source of export dollars, remain shrouded in mystery.

Ecuador is just the latest Third World borrower to have trouble making payments to China; the list includes Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

In a radio interview Thursday from the presidential palace in Quito, Moreno acknowledged that he will travel soon to China to ask the government and banks there to cut Ecuador some slack because the previously made commitments are not the most suitable if the country is to go forward. ... We are trying by any means to secure financing.

Finance Minister Richard Martinez used more stark language last month when he spoke before the National Assembly, describing Ecuadors $6-billlon spending deficit (not including $4 billion in debt payments due) for 2019 as unsustainable  deriving from the implementation of a development model in which the state inevitably spent more money than it had, a reference to Correas presidency.

Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno speaks to reporters at Carondelet Palace in Quito. (Rodrigo Buendia / AFP/Getty Images)

Vicente Albornoz, dean of the economics department at the University of the Americas in Quito, said that even if China relaxes loan terms, Ecuador will still need a bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund of as much as $10 billion. (Ecuadors finance and energy ministries did not respond to requests for interviews.)

Correa thought he was a genius and he has escaped accountability by giving the problem to someone else, Albornoz said. Moreno knew he was inheriting a country in bad shape but wasnt fully aware of the things he has to do to correct the problem.

Jaime Carrera, director of the watchdog Fiscal Policy Observatory, said the IMF is sure to set conditions for any bailout, including a likely demand that Moreno cut at least 10% of the 450,000-strong central government workforce and end all or most of $4 billion in annual fuel subsidies for consumers. Meeting those preconditions will carry a political cost, he said.

Those reductions will bring a lot of people out into the streets to protest, Carrera said.

Making matters worse, said former energy minister Fernando Santos, is that some of the projects built with Chinese loans are overpriced and of poor quality, particularly the biggest, the $2.8-billion Coca Codo Sinclair dam.

As is often their practice when making large-scale public works loans, the Chinese made the naming of a Chinese company as general contractor a condition of granting the financing. There was no bidding for the project, which made it vulnerable to overruns and corruption, said Maria de la Paz Vela, an analyst with the Multiplica economics consulting firm in Quito.

The massive project located 90 miles east of Quito was inaugurated with much fanfare by Correa and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2016. Designed as a 1,500-megawatt facility, the dam is operating at half that capacity since the discovery in March by a German inspection firm of serious structural problems that could require hundreds of millions of dollars to repair  if they can be repaired at all.

A report issued last month by the government controllers office said inspections had turned up 402 large and small cracks in the machine room that houses the dams eight turbines.

The report made scathing comments about Sinohydro Corp., the Chinese company that built the dam, for the projects irresponsible and incomprehensible use of substandard building materials and construction methods including inferior welds. Part of the structure may have to be demolished and rebuilt, the report said.

The report also said the Chinese contractor ignored a stipulation of the construction contract, that the dam be built according to rigid standards set by the American Society Of Mechanical Engineers. The Chinese used bad-quality steel and fired inspectors who said to change it,  said ex-minister Santos.

The Chinese had a party with us and took advantage, said Augusto Tandazo, an energy analyst in Quito. It was a case of a big country ripping off a small one.

Ecuador is no stranger to financial crises. In 1999, several big banks failed and the country defaulted on $98 billion in foreign debt. While the debt load is lighter now than in 1999, Ecuador finds itself in an acute short-term cash squeeze, unable or unwilling to stem the flow of red ink by drastically cutting spending. The adoption of the U.S. dollar as the national currency in 2000 brought a measure of stability  until the current debt squeeze.

In addition to Chinese debt, Moreno is also confronting an enormous amount of domestic obligations left by Correa. He raided the $2.5-billion Social Security fund to finance his agenda and allowed the government-owned Petroamazonas oil firm, which produces 80% of the countrys oil, to run up $3 billion in debts to contractors including Texas-based oil field services firm Schlumberger, Tandazo said.

Although Correa has been made the scapegoat for Ecuadors problems, economics dean Albornoz also blamed Moreno for not doing enough to reduce state budgets since he took office in May 2017. Government spending, which Correa nearly tripled over his decade in office, is still too high, he said.

Has Moreno learned anything? Im afraid not. I dont see any austerity in the government and there should be a lot of it, Albornoz said. The IMF is a bank and it expects to be paid. But with no austerity plan, a huge deficit and public expenditures rising, its going to be difficult for Moreno to get a loan.

Correa has his defenders, including economist Hugo Villacres, a professor at Catholic Pontifical University in Quito, who worked in his administration.

When Correa came in, there was an enormous social debt and paying it down was paramount. There had been 20 years without much public investment in education, health, infrastructure, Villacres said. Could he have done it better? Yes. He should have gone after corruption more harshly. But he reduced poverty and inequality and were certainly no better off now than we were when he left office in May 2017.

Among other Latin American countries benefiting from Chinese largesse are Panama, which is using loans to expand the port of Colon; Costa Rica, for the construction of a new freeway; and Argentina, to upgrade a dilapidated urban rail system, said Nashira Chavez a professor at FLACSO graduate studies center in Quito.

Andres Paez, a former National Assembly member whose family was persecuted for its opposition to Correa, blamed the former presidents authoritarian actions, including the establishment of a network of state-run media, for keeping the nation in the dark about the extent of Ecuadors mounting debt.

Every day, over five state-owned TV channels, 20 radio stations and three newspapers, we were told the revolution was going great, marvelous, Paez said. But he never explained how much it was all costing.

Special correspondent Kraul is based in Bogota, Colombia. Special correspondent Pablo Jaramillo Viteri in Quito contributed to this report.
After weeks of civil unrest, all eyes were on French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday evening as he attempted to talk yellow vest protesters out of another wave of demonstrations that could wreak further havoc across the country.

In a televised address  his first public statement since protests against a tax hike and other matters erupted last month  Macron said he understood the anger displayed by many people, which he described as in many ways legitimate. He pledged measures to relieve economic strain, describing the situation as an economic and social state of emergency.

Macron, elected in May 2017 on a centrist program to kick-start Frances economy, said his reforms had not helped many people quickly enough.

I might have given the impression that I was not concerned, that it was not a priority, he said from Elysee Palace. I may have hurt some of you with my words.

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But he said a malaise that had been growing in France over several decades did not justify the violence of recent protests. Some demonstrators have set fires, thrown stones at officers, built barricades, torched cars and buildings, looted shops and sprayed graffiti on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris; police have used tear gas and water cannons on protesters and thousands have been arrested.

No anger justifies attacking a police officer, a gendarme or damaging a shop or a public building, he said. When violence is unleashed, freedom ceases.

Macron announced an increase in the minimum wage and other changes. He said tax increases on low pensions would be abandoned and called on employers to give staff tax-free end-of-year bonuses if they are able.

Macron said the emergency measures he was announcing were to help those having difficulty making ends meet.

We are at a historic moment in our country. With dialogue, respect, engagement, we will succeed. My only concern is you. My only combat is for you. Our only battle is for France, he said.

Macrons 13-minute prerecorded speech came 48 hours after a fourth Saturday of mayhem and destruction hit major cities, particularly the French capital. It was aimed at heading off calls by the gilets jaunes  yellow vests  for a fifth day of protests across the country. Some protesters have called for Macron to resign.

Demonstrators stand behind a burning bin during clashes on Saturday in Marseille, southern France. (Claude Paris / Associated Press)

On Saturday, Paris tourist sites including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre were closed, as were popular department stores that should have been enjoying one of the busiest weekends of the year, for fear of vandals and looters.

France deployed 89,000 police and gendarmes across the country, including 8,000 in Paris, where riot police backed up with a dozen armored vehicles used tear gas and water cannons to push back protesters and sweep away burning barricades.

The widespread destruction of private and public property hurt Frances economy, which had been showing signs of recovery, officials said.

On Monday, the Bank of France and the Finance Ministry downgraded forecasts for fourth-quarter growth from 0.4% to 0.2%, way off the 0.8% needed to meet the governments annual target of 1.7%.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the reality was that losses to businesses that saw the shops damaged, vandalized and looted on Saturday could not be recovered.

Its also the reality for foreign investors who are watching us. I see the impact that this is having abroad and its not good for the attractiveness of our country, he told RTL radio.

The gilets jaunes, whose name comes from the high-visibility vests French motorists carry, have come to symbolize years of simmering dissatisfaction with a succession of leaders.

Even a major U-turn by the French government that announced last week it was dropping an eco-tax hike that initially sparked the protests last month failed to calm the febrile atmosphere and was dismissed by some as too little, too late.

Some protesters have called for Macron to resign. New demands from the movement include higher minimum wages and pensions, better public services including hospitals and transport, lower taxes for workers and higher taxes for the wealthy and companies.

Negotiations have been hampered by the fact the movement has no official organization or representatives. Some of those who have appeared on television to speak for the movement have received death threats.

Macrons statement was not enough to stop the demonstrations, some protesters said.

Benjamin Cauchy said the presidents statement was more of a budgetary adjustment than a change of political course, the Associated Press reported. That doesnt correspond to what the French want.

Willsher is a special correspondent.
The Congolese doctor who shares this years Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the use of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war called Monday for strong international action against the abuse, including reparations for victims.

Dr. Denis Mukwege, founder of a hospital in Democratic Republic of Congo that has treated tens of thousands of victims of the countrys conflicts for two decades, and Iraqi activist Nadia Murad received the prize at a ceremony in the Norwegian capital, Oslo. They split the $1-million prize amount.

In an address interrupted by frequent applause, Mukwege criticized the international community for allowing Congolese to be humiliated, abused and massacred for more than two decades in plain sight.

I insist on reparations, measures that give survivors compensation and satisfaction and enable them to start a new life, he said. I call on states to support the initiative to create a global fund for reparations for victims of sexual violence in armed conflicts.

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He said countries should take a stand against leaders who have tolerated, or worse, used sexual violence to take power.... This red line would consist of imposing economic and political sanctions on these leaders and taking them to court.

Dozens of armed groups in Congo profit from mining the countrys trillions of dollars worth of mineral resources, many of which are crucial to popular electronic products such as smartphones.

As consumers, let us at least insist that these products are manufactured with respect for human dignity. Turning a blind eye to this tragedy is being complicit, Mukwege said. An outspoken critic of Congos government, he added: My country is being systematically looted with the complicity of people claiming to be our leaders.

Young girls at the prime of life are sold, bought, held captive and raped every day. It is inconceivable... the world is not mobilized to liberate these girls. Iraqi activist Nadia Murad

Murad, a member of Iraqs Yazidi minority, was kidnapped and sexually abused by Islamic State militants in 2014. She became an activist after escaping and finding refuge in Germany.

She said she wants world leaders to translate sympathy for victims into action against the abusers.

The fact remains that the only prize in the world that can restore our dignity is justice and the prosecution of criminals, Murad said.

Young girls at the prime of life are sold, bought, held captive and raped every day. It is inconceivable that the conscience of the leaders of 195 countries around the world is not mobilized to liberate these girls, she said.

What if they were a commercial deal, an oil field or a shipment of weapons? Most certainly, no efforts would be spared to liberate them, she said.

Berit Reiss-Andersen, head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee that chooses the peace laureates, also said action was necessary.

This award obligates Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad to continue their vital work. But the award obligates us to stand side by side with them in the struggle to end wartime sexual violence, she said.

In northern Iraq, Murads sister and brother who live in a camp for displaced Yazidi people in Dohuk, expressed their happiness for their siblings Nobel Prize.

We are very happy, because on this date, Daesh was defeated in Iraq, on the same day Nadia is receiving her award, her sister Khayriya Murad told the Associated Press, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. She spoke at the familys caravan, where a photo of Nadia hung on the wall, and she received congratulations from friends and camp staff.

This is like a tumor in the chest of Daesh, Khayriya Murad said. We are very glad, and very proud.

The winners of the medicine, physics, chemistry and economics Nobels received their awards Monday in Stockholm and were to make brief comments at a later banquet. No winner of the literature prize was named this year.
New waste policy lacks backbone

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is calling for leadership from the Commonwealth following endorsement of the new National Waste Policy (NWP) at the 8th Meeting of Environment Ministers in Canberra last Friday.

ALGA President, Mayor David OLoughlin, said, We congratulate the Environment Ministers on the delivery of Australias new National Waste Policy, but the job is not done yet.

The new policy may be full of good intentions and strong principles, but has as much backbone as youll find in the average plastic shopping bag.

Urgent action is needed as Ministers themselves have acknowledged.

Industry and communities need to see real on-ground action and there is a critical need for national leadership to maintain a unified approach.

It is essential that councils, federal, state and territory governments increase their procurement of goods and infrastructure that incorporate recycled materials  such as those used in road bases  which will help to reduce items entering the waste stream in the first place and create jobs.

Mayor OLoughlin said that there are already many local governments paying for innovative products made entirely or partly from recycled materials, but that state and territory governments also need to take the necessary steps to help the recyclate industry sector go further.

There is more than $1 billion sitting in state waste levy funds that could be invested in industry innovation, pilot projects and financially supporting transitions from virgin product feedstock to recycled feedstock.

Theres another $1 billion to be collected next year, but the meeting achieved no strong policy commitment, no agreement on concrete targets or timeframes, miniscule investment and little progress.

Lets work together over the next few months, years and beyond to fulfill the vision of a sustainable future - one that supports jobs, local businesses and the environment.
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Iran has the ability to build ballistic missiles with a broader range, a senior commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Monday, according to the semi-official Fars News agency.

Irans missiles currently cover a range of 2000 kilometers (1,240 miles) and many enemy bases are within 800 kilometers of the Islamic Republic, Amirali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards airspace division, was cited as saying.

U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of an international agreement on Irans nuclear program in May and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. He said the deal was flawed because it did not include curbs on Irans development of ballistic missiles or its support for proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq.

We have the ability to build missiles with a broader range, Hajizadeh said, according to Fars News. He added, We dont have limitations from a technical perspective or by conventions with regard to missile range.

The Iranian government has ruled out negotiations with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly its missile program run by the Guards.

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MRC Allied Inc. plans to raise P1 billion through a private placement to expand the companys renewable portfolio to 100 megawatts of solar energy over the next two years. Newly-appointed MRC president Gus Cosio said in an interview the company was focusing on renewable energy, mainly solar which is faster to roll out. Cosio said the company was looking to build a 12-megawatt solar power facility in Central Luzon and interested in other acquisitions in Visayas and in Davao. To be attractive we need to at least have 100 MW of solar energy in our portfolio. We plan to achieve that target over the next two years, Cosio said. MRC Allied owns a 15-percent stake in a Leyte-based solar power firm Sulu Electric Power and Light Philippines (Sepalco) valued at P255 million. It has the option to further increase its stake in the company to at least 51 percent. Cosio said MRC Allied by 2019 plans to have at least 43 MW of solar power through organic growth and acquisitions.The company is now in talks to acquire a 30-MW solar power plant project in Leyte. To fund potential acquisitions and construction of its own solar power plants, MRC Allied is looking to conduct a private placement to local investors. Meanwhile, MRC Allied reported it signed a memorandum of agreement with Edward Marcs Philippines Inc. for the design, supply, delivery, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of its 550 kWP Grid-Tied Solar PV Rooftop Project for two rice milling plants in Northern Luzon. The project is estimated to cost P34 million. Under the agreement, MRC Allied will be the project developer and owner of the solar facility while a private entity, owning and operating two milling plants, will purchase the power output. Share price of MRC Allied on Monday dropped 3.6 percent to P0.40.
Macron Heralds The End Of The European Union

The concept of the EU might have worked, but still only might have, if a neverending economic boom could have been manufactured to guide it on its way. But there was never going to be such a boom. Or perhaps if the spoils that were available in boom times and bust had been spread out among nations rich and poor and citizens rich and poor a little more equally, that concept might still have carried the days.

Then again, its demise was obvious from well before the Union was ever signed into existence, in the philosophies, deliberations and meetings that paved its way in the era after a second world war in two score years fought largely on the European continent.

In hindsight, it is hard to comprehend how its possible that those who met and deliberated to found the Union, in and of itself a beneficial task at least on the surface in the wake of the blood of so many millions shed, were not wiser, smarter, less greedy, less driven by sociopath design and methods. It was never the goal that missed its own target or went awry, it was the execution.

Still, no matter how much we may dream, how much some of the well-meaning founding fathers of the Union may have dreamt, without that everlasting economic boom it never stood a chance. The Union was only ever going to be tolerated, accepted, embraced by its citizens if they could feel and see tangible benefits in their daily lives of surrendering parts of their own decision making powers, and the sovereignty of their nations.

There are 28 countries in the Union at this point, and one of them is already preparing to leave. There are 28 different cultures too, and almost as many languages. It was always going to be an uphill struggle, a hill far too steep for mere greed to master and conquer. History soaked Europe in far too much diversity through the ages for that. To unify all the thousands of years of beauty and darkness, of creativity and annihilation, of love and hatred, passed on through the generations, a lot more than a naked and bland lust for wealth, power and shiny objects was needed.

And sure, maybe it just happened on the way, in the moments when everyone was making new friends and not watching their backs for a moment. But they all still should have seen it coming, because of those same thousands of years that culminated in where they found themselves. The European Union is like a wedding and marriage without a prenup, where partners are too afraid to offend each other to do what would make them not regret the ceremony later.

Today, there are far too few of the 28 EU countries that have been lifted out of their poverty and other conditions that made them want to join the Union. And within many of the countries, there are way too many people who are, and feel, left behind. While Brussels has become a bastion of power that none of the disadvantaged feel they can properly address with their grievances.

The main fault of the EU is that the biggest party at the table always in the end, when things get serious, gets its way. The 80 million or so people of Germany de facto rule the 500 million of the Union, or you know, the three handfuls that rule Germany. No important decision can or will ever be taken that Berlin does not agree with. Angela Merkel has been the CEO of Europe Inc. since November 22 2005, gathering more power as time went by. That was never going to work unless she made everyone richer. Ask the Greeks about that one.

Merkel was the leader of both Germany and of Europe, and when things got precarious, she chose to let German interests prevail above Italian or Greek ones. Thats the fundamental flaw and failure of the Union in a nutshell. All other things, the Greek crisis, Salvini, Macron, Brexit, are mere consequences of that flaw. In absence of a forever economic boom, there is nothing left to fall back on.

Traditional right/left parties have been destroyed all across Europe in recent national elections. And its those traditional parties that still largely hold power in Brussels. As much as anyone except Germany and perhaps the European Commission hold any power at all. The shifts that happened in the political spectrum of many countries is not yet reflected in the European Parliament. But there are European elections in less than 6 months, May 23-26 2019.

About a quarter of the votes in the last such election, in 2014, went to euroskeptic parties. Its not a terrible stretch of the imagination to presume that theyll get half of the votes this time. Then well have half or more of representatives speaking for people who dont have faith in what they represent.

And on the other hand you have the Brussels elite, who continue to propagate the notion that Europes problems can best, nay only, be solved with more Europe. Of that elite Emmanuel Macron is the most recent, and arguable most enthusiastic from the get-go, high priest. Which cant be seen apart from his domestic nose-diving approval rating, and most certainly not from the yellow vest protests and riots.

Macron won his presidency last year solely because he ran against Marine Le Pen in the second round of the elections, and a vast majority on the French will never vote for her; theyll literally vote for anyone else instead. In the first round, when it wasnt one on one, Macron got less than 25% of the votes. And now France wants him to leave. That is the essence of the protests. His presidency appears already over.

Among the 28 EU countries, the UK is a very clear euroskeptic example. Its supposed to leave on March 2019, but thats by no means a given. Then theres Italy, where the last election put a strongly euroskeptic government in charge. There are the four Visegrad countries, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia. No love lost for Brussels there. In Belgium yesterday, PM Michels government ally New Flemish Alliance voted against the UN Global Compact on Migration.

Spains Mariana Rajoy was supported by the EU against Catalonia, and subsequently voted out. The next government is left-wing and pro EU, but given the recent right wing victory in Andalusia its clear theres nothing stable there. Austria has a rightwing anti-immigration PM. Germanys CDU party today elected a successor for Merkel (in the first such vote since 1971!), but theyve lost bigly in last years elections, and their CSU partner has too, pushing both towards the right wing anti-immigrant AfD.

And with Macron gone or going, France cant be counted on to support Brussels either. So what is left, quo vadis Europa? Well, theres the European elections. In which national parties, often as members of a voting alliance, pick their prospective candidates for the European Parliament, then become part of a larger European alliance, and finally often of an even larger alliance. You guessed right, turnout numbers for European elections are very very low.

Of course Brussels is deaf to all the issues besieging it. The largest alliances of parties, the EPP (peoples party) and the socialists, have chosen their crown prince spitzenkandidat to succeed Jean-Claude Juncker as head of the European Commission, and they expect for things to continue more or less as usual. The two main contenders are Manfred Weber and Frans Timmermans, convinced eurocrats. How that will work out with 50% or more of parliamentarians being euroskeptic, you tell me. How about they form their own alliance?

The Union appears fatally wounded, and thats even before the next financial crisis has materialized. Speaking of which, the Fed has been hiking rates and can lower them again a little if it wants, but much of Europe works on negative rates already. That next crisis could be a doozy.

But were getting ahead of ourselves. First thing on the menu is Macron tomorrow, and the yellow vests in the streets of Paris and many other French cities -and rural areas. He has called for 90,000 policemen on the streets, but theyll come face to face with their peers who are firemen, ambulance personnel, you name it, lots of folks who also work for the government. Will they open fire?

Can Macron allow for French people to be killed in the streets? Almost certainly not. Therell be pitchforks and guillotines. The only way out for him, the only way to calm things down, may be to announce his resignation. The French dont fool around when they protest. And whos going to be left to drive the reform of Europe then? Not Merkel, shes gone, even if she wants to be German Chancellor for three more years. But then who? Im trying to think of someone, honest, but I cant.

Itll be quite the day Saturday in Paris.

By Raul Ilargi Meijer

Website: http://theautomaticearth.com (provides unique analysis of economics, finance, politics and social dynamics in the context of Complexity Theory)

 2018 Copyright Raul I Meijer - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.

Raul Ilargi Meijer Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Waiting for Gold Price to Erupt

As we are watching the US and global markets rotate dramatically lower over the past few days, we have been advising our members that we believe this rotation is an over-reaction to economic impetuses and trade issues  not a massive downside price break. Overall, some of our longer-term technical indicators are currently bearish, as one would think technical indicators would react to price activity and trends. Our ADL, predictive modeling system, is still suggesting upside price activity and we believe our research team has hit on something that helps to put this end of year turmoil into perspective.

Where is the fear? The news cycles had indicated that much of the big money investors had already exited the markets prior to Nov 1. This leaves the retail investors and the market-makers to manipulate the markets. Volatility has been much higher than the previous two-Quarters average and volume has been moderately strong in the ES. This leads us to believe that quite a bit of retail and foreign investor activity has been taking place in the US Equities markets.

Yes, there are concerns arising from the likes of Apple, Caterpillar and other blue-chip symbols. These arise from some concerns regarding future earnings capabilities in the face of increasingly complicated trade and global market conditions. Yet, we have yet to see any of this fear fall into the normal outlets  GOLD.

When we take a look at monthly gold using one of our custom pricing indicators, we are seeing very moderate upside gold price activity over the past 60+ days. All of this is taking place near a very tight pricing channel, setting up as a pennant or flag formation, that should prompt a bigger move in Gold in 2019. But as of right now, nothing is evident to show that a massive amount of fear has entered the markets and is driving capital into the traditional safe-haven investment.

Therefore, we still believe this downside move is more technical in nature and will likely end near the 2620 level on the ES as support continues to hold near recent lows. As we have been suggesting for many months now, we continue to believe this is the time to establish small long positions near these support levels in preparation for a broader market recovery near the end of December and into early 2019.

Please take a minute to visit www.TheTechnicalTraders.com to learn how we can help you find and execute better trades in 2019 and how we can help you navigate these market moves more clearly. Our research team is dedicated to helping you understand these markets and find greater success. Join our other members in making 2019 a fantastic year.

Chris Vermeulen

www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic



Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better.



His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility.



He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect.

Chris Vermeulen Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Following the motion (submitted by our comrades) that passed with strong majorities at student assemblies at l'universite Paul-Valery-Montpellier and Toulouse, another extremely radical resolution has been adopted by the Paris Nanterre University. It declares the university on strike, lays out a series of demands against Macron's educational counter-reforms, states its solidarity with the yellow vests, condemns police repression, calls for Macron's resignation and puts the word out for a delegate conference of representatives from Paris universities to discuss a coordinated political strategy.

Read the statement in French at Revolution |

In the last two weeks the movement of outrage against Macron has done nothing but grow. High school students are showing the way forward: tens of thousands have taken to the streets en masse. On university campuses there has been an explosion of General Assemblies, strikes and sit-ins. Last Saturday, workers with and without yellow vests were out demonstrating. We welcome this movement, as the government has been intensifying its attacks on workers and young people. Following changes to the university admissions system that would disadvantage working class students, Macron wants to impose an increase in tuition fees for non-EU international students!

Faced with this movement, Macrons sole response was to use repression. The arrest of over 150 high school students in Mantes-la-Jolie, and the images of those hurt by the police, came as a shock to all of us. We condemn this weeks harsh and barbaric repression aimed at school students, workers and yellow vests. We demand that all judicial proceedings be abandoned. We refuse to fall into the trap of dividing up protesters between the good and the bad. This government is the main culprit for the current situation: it is the perpetrator of real, systemic violence and of the violent repression methods used by the police.

It is time to put an end to this cynical, arrogant and profoundly anti-working class government. Macron has never been so hated and rejected by the people.

The General Assembly of Nanterre calls on students to join the ongoing struggle alongside the Yellow Vests, workers, and school and university students who have mobilised to fight Macrons anti-working class policies. It is no longer a question of fighting this or that individual attack on the working class, henceforth we must fight against the totality of government policy. This government is no longer legitimate. It is time for them to resign.

We, 2000 students of Nanterre University, gathered in a General Assembly on the 10th December 2018, call on all students to go on strike until our demands are met and to take to the streets on the 11th, 13th and 14th December. We call on you to join the General Assembly and vote to cancel lessons and postpone midterm exams in order to free up time to build for the mobilisation.

Likewise, we call on workers from all sectors to join us on strike. With this in mind, the trade union movement must put a 24-hour general strike on the agenda, as a starting point for a wide movement of unlimited strike action.

We cannot win on our own, but only through a general strike with the masses of workers, and school and university students!

Thus, we demand:

the withdrawal of the Bienvenue en France programme [entailing higher tuition fees for non-EU students]

free education for all

the repeal of the ORE law and of Parcoursup [aforementioned university admissions reforms]

the withdrawal of the BAC and SNU reforms [concerning a change in high school qualifications and the introduction of mandatory civil service]

enrolment for all students who have been denied it [because of the reform] and the right to enrol in the faculty and course of their choice

the repeal of the new Licence decree, abolishing the practice of making up for grades and exam resits

the withdrawal of charges against all the arrested and acquittal of all those who were sentenced because of their participation in the movement

a wage increase and an end to precarious work

an increase in funding for scholarships and social services, and their being made available to all students

In order to coordinate amongst ourselves and establish a mobilisation strategy, we call on all Universities in the Paris region to elect delegations to an Ile-de-France Student Coordination meeting on Thursday 13th December at 5pm. We propose the following delegation numbers, to be elected through General Assemblies at each University:

Under 50 : observers

50  200 : 5 people

200  500 : 7 people

500  800 : 10 people

Over 800 : 13 people

The venue will be confirmed on the Facebook page Nanterre venere en lutte contre le Plan etudiant.
The yellow vest movement entered its fourth act this weekend, with another round of radical protests by well over the officially cited 130,000 people (possibly as many as 500,000). This time, the state response was even more brutal, with 89,000 gendarmes mobilised across France in an attempt to prevent the yellow vests from demonstrating  peacefully or otherwise  resulting in over 2,000 arrests.

The youth, both university and high school students, have also now decisively entered the scene, and faced ruthless repression from the police as a result. Meanwhile, despite determined participation by rank-and-file unionists, the leaders of the main trade union federations are playing a shameful role in trying to calm down the protests and negotiate with the government. Moreover, an international media campaign of hysteria and misinformation has attempted to undermine the movement by identifying the yellow vests with far-right nationalism, and (surprise, surprise) the nefarious machinations of Russia.

Throughout these dramatic events, President Macron (whose approval ratings have now fallen to around 20 percent) has been conspicuously absent. The task of announcing the delay and then cancellation of the new carbon tax that triggered the movement instead fell to Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, in a humiliating concession for a head of state who vowed never to bend to street protests. However, this concession has done nothing but embolden the French masses, who have now learned that the only way to win is to fight! Their demands have expanded considerably beyond cancelling the fuel tax to a whole range of issues linked to the cost of living and rejection of the hated political establishment. Popular demands include the restoration of the ISF wealth tax, increased pensions, raising the minimum wage, cutting salaries for politicians, and  most prominently of all  Macrons resignation, as well as the dissolution of the National Assembly.

A revolutionary situation is developing in France: all that is now lacking is leadership and a clear programme of action, rooted in the working class, involving a campaign towards an all-out general strike to deliver the coup de grace to Macron.

Police clampdown

On Saturday, Macron employed new police tactics, which to all intents and purposes did away with the right to demonstrate. In Paris alone, 1,000 people were arrested, passersby were subjected to stop-and-search, whether or not they were wearing wearing yellow vests (any found in bags were confiscated); and groups gathering to join the demonstration were blocked in many parts of the capital. Arie Alimi, a lawyer at the Paris Bar and a member of the League of Human Rights, said of this scandalous policy: We have seen people who just wanted to protest arrested (...) [the police] have arrested people who have done nothing, simply because they believe they have dangerous intentions. In fact, what the French state is doing is arresting people preventatively before they have committed any crime, thus breaking all principles of bourgeois law and entering into Minority Report territory.

The police repression in Paris was merciless. Tear gas, foam projectiles, water cannon and even armoured cars were deployed to disperse the demonstrators who had declared their intention to march to the Elysee presidential palace. Images are circulating online of people being knocked off their feet by water cannon, and collapsing in agony after being struck by rubber bullets. There are many images on social media of horrific injuries inflicted by the police (and yet 99 percent of the media coverage focuses on the violence of the protesters). In all, 700 people have been injured in the course of the yellow vests movement thus far. Still, large numbers of people managed to make their way through different parts of the centre of Paris, some of whom were chanting revolutionary songs, like Bella Ciao.

18h, rue du pont Louis Phillipe. Ca fait maintenant 8h que la manifestation est partie. Encore un monde fou, et determine ! #8Decembre @T_Bouhafs pic.twitter.com/aZo9hhSlF0  La-bas si j'y suis (@LabasOfficiel) December 8, 2018

17h15, la place de la Republique est pleine a craquer... et chante Bella Ciao ? #8Decembre @T_Bouhafs pic.twitter.com/VfAMKwrAT2  La-bas si j'y suis (@LabasOfficiel) December 8, 2018

Outside of Paris, protesters in some cities were allowed to march and they did so in large numbers. For instance, 2,000 protesters mobilised in Brest on the northwestern coast: a town with a population of only 140,000. Invariably, these demonstrations in the provinces were also met with police repression.

2,000 #GiletsJaunes protesting in #Brest just recently. Brest is on the north western coastline of #France with a population of around 140,000 thousand. Similar demonstrations are happening all over the country, too, not just in #Paris.pic.twitter.com/Oz1dimOQ8A  Jordan ? (@Jordan_SP1) December 8, 2018

In Toulouse, different groups of protesters broke through police lines which prevented them from joining together, while in Bordeaux, demonstrators chanted Anti-capitalista:

But the vicious behaviour of the police is merely serving as a whip of counterrevolution, driving the masses forward. Already, an 80-year-old woman has been killed after she was hit by a tear gas canister while on her balcony, dozens of unarmed protesters have been isolated and beaten by gangs of police, and one video is even circulating of a disabled man in a yellow vest being tipped out of his wheelchair by a gendarme. These despicable acts are pouring petrol on the flames and enraging the public, as evidenced by one comment on the latter video on Twitter: Oh, you son of a bitch! I hope [the police] all end up in wheelchairs, soon!

Full video of the confrontation between a disabled French protestor that ends with French police pushing him out of his wheelchair #France #YellowVests pic.twitter.com/uw0eTestGV  CNW (@ConflictsW) December 9, 2018

Interestingly, the movement of the yellow vests is starting to acquire a more organised character, with the convening of General Assemblies in a number of towns and cities. Thus, in Toulouse, about 500 yellow vest activists from the region held a general assembly to discuss the aims of the movement and strengthen their organisation. These are important steps forward. These assemblies should be linked up through a network of elected and recallable representatives, which in turn should meet together with representatives of students and workers on strike, and struggle at a local, regional and national level.

Students strike back

The youth in high schools and universities have been signalling their support for and participating in the yellow vest movement all over France. Many institutions (both high schools and universities) are now blockaded or under occupation (including Nanterre and Tolbiac), and there have been enormous general assemblies held across the country to discuss students position on the yellow vests, among other issues (including education reform).

A motion written by comrades of the IMT, voicing support for the yellow vests and calling for coordinated strike action to bring down the government, has already been passed overwhelmingly at l'universite Paul-Valery-Montpellier and Toulouse, and will be debated in Lyon. In Nanterre, a resolution passed at a 2,000-strong assembly (of both students and staff) today that declared the universitys solidarity with the yellow vests, and opposition to state repression; and vowed that the university would go on strike until such time that a range of demands (including the cancellation of education counter-reforms) are met. The resolution also calls for Macrons resignation.

Moreover, student blocs were prominent on the weekends demonstrations, with a large contingent from the University of Sorbonne marching with the yellow vests in Paris on Saturday, raising slogans against Macrons economic policy and police repression:

El bloque estudiantil de la Sorbona, coordinado por la Comuna Libre de @TolbiacLibre, avanza por las calles de Paris. Gritos contra la violencia policial, la represion y las politicas neoliberales de Macron. pic.twitter.com/sFuHZMSEFM  Revolucion Real Ya (@RRYrevolucion) December 8, 2018

High school students have also been mobilising nationally following a call by the National Union of High School Students (UNL). On Thursday last week, over 700 high schools blockaded or were on strike, and the number was higher on Friday.

The police have treated the students with particular brutality, which has only further aggravated the movement. For instance, on Thursday 7 December, over 150 high school students from Mantes-la-Jolie in the Ile-de-France region in north-central France, who were protesting reforms to national exams, were forced by riot police to kneel with their hands behind their heads. This absurd mass arrest of the entire school was quite rightly described by France Insoumise MP, Eric Coquerel, as "unacceptable and humiliating. In response to this outrage (footage of which went viral on social media), dozens of students and teachers across France knelt with hands behind their heads in solidarity, including a large group in Place de la Republique in Paris on Friday. In some places, like Marseille, the CGT stewards have come out to physically defend the school students from the brutality of the riot police.

Radical motions in support of the yellow vests have been passed by student general assemblies across France / Image: Nanterre Marxists

Far from being cowed by repression, such provocations will drive the students to more radical conclusions and bring them closer to the mobilisations of workers on the streets. This has already begun to happen, as evidenced by the overwhelming support for our comrades motion in Montpellier and Toulouse. The students are also moving towards proper organisational structures. The resolution in Nanterre called for the universities of the Paris region to elect delegations for a mass assembly at Ile-de-France, starting on 13 December. Additionally, a call has gone out for a general education strike (currently under debate by the student assemblies). Finally, in Toulouse, contingents of yellow vests are attending student general assemblies and vice versa. These are very important and positive steps forward, and show the effect that the yellow vests are having on students consciousness. We should remember, it was the coordination of students in solidarity with the working class that brought De Gaulle to his knees in May 1968.

The trade unions: revolution from below, reformism at the top

From the beginning, the leadership of the main trade union federations have had a terrible policy on the yellow vests: refusing to support them and even denouncing them, before being dragged into mobilising alongside them by pressure from below. We have seen more and more layers of the working class entering the struggle and standing with the yellow vests  including firefighters and ambulance workers  as the gravitational pull of the mass movement draws broad layers of the working class into the struggle.

Even workers from traditionally apathetic, middle-class professions are starting to move. For instance, 160 lawyers of the bar of Beziers started a total strike last Tuesday (4 December) over attempted counter reforms to the justice system. The striking lawyers declared their solidarity with the yellow vests movement, and they protested together outside the Beziers court last week. This action is highly significant, and recalls the events of 1968, where the revolutionary general strike also encompassed extremely broad layers of society, including clerks, administrators, civil servants and so on.

In contrast to this radicalism at the base, the leaders of the six main unions (including the CGT, but excluding SUD) reached a new low on Thursday, by signing a joint statement rejecting all forms of violence in the expression of demands, welcoming government negotiations and saying nothing at all about the then-upcoming demonstrations planned for the following day. This scandalous statement almost read as a direct acquiescence to Macrons appeal, made that same day to all political and trade union organisations, to meet and talk instead of deepening the violent protests or pushing for strike action.

[THREAD] on the unions and the #GilletsJaunes yellow vest protests in France

On Dec 6, all the main unions (including CGT, but excluding SUD) signed a scandalous joint statement rejecting "all forms of violence in the expression of demands" pic.twitter.com/de5YY8183X  Jorge Martin (@marxistJorge) December 7, 2018

Unsurprisingly, this treacherous move enraged the union rank-and-file, who have been coordinating with the yellow vests since the start of the movement. The joint statement was immediately and strongly condemned by the local branches of the trade union federations. The CGT Departmental Union 13 (Toulouse) has issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the joint statement from the union tops and saying "we will continue to denounce and fight the real violence which is that of the ruling class against working people."

CGT UD 31 from Marseille (the branch that protected high school students from police repression that same week) said that the joint statement sends a catastrophic message to those [in the] struggle. It puts our activists in danger, and has called for an emergency meeting of the CGT to hold their leaders to account.

The CGT National Federation of Chemical Industries has also rejected the joint statement, saying it is "unworthy of the CGT", and condemning instead "the violence of the bosses, police and trade union repression, as well as reformist complicity." The statement continues: if there is violence, the cause for it is amongst the ranks of the oppressors not the oppressed the role of the CGT is to be side by side with the workers and not as an auxiliary of the bosses and the government." The Paris energy sector branch of the CGT has condemned the joint statement, and will join CGT-affiliated transport workers with a 48-hour strike on Thursday. The CGT UD 59 (Lille) is the latest to join in the chorus of protest at the joint union statement, and has also issued a communique demanding an emergency meeting of the CGT national leadership.

The stark contrast between the radicalism below and reformism at the top is becoming clearer by the day. While ordinary workers and trade unionists are moving closer to the yellow vests and drawing bold, even revolutionary conclusions against the hated Macron regime, the leadership are afraid of this radicalism at the base going too far, and have tried to pour cold water on events. It is likely that this anger and frustration will result in a rebellion against Philippe Martinez and the current leadership of the CGT at their 52nd annual congress in May 2019.

In the meantime, with a CGT day of action planned for 14 December, it is imperative that rank-and-file unionists continue to intervene in the struggle and deepen its links with the organised working class, if possible raising the perspective of a coordinated campaign of strikes and for the election of democratic, national leadership to carry the movement forward. At the moment, there is a danger that the leaders of the trade unions could deepen the perception that the unions are part of the same political establishment the yellow vests are railing against, which could isolate them from the movement.

While ordinary workers and trade unionists are moving closer to the yellow vests and drawing bold, even revolutionary conclusions, the leadership are afraid of this radicalism at the base going too far / Image: Twitter, CGT

The ruling class realises that it needs to use the authority of the trade union leaders to try to contain the movement. That was the meaning of the 6 December joint trade union statement against violence and todays meeting between Macron (along with members of his government), the heads of the association of local mayors, the president of the Senate, the leaders of the largest trade unions (including the CGT) and the representatives of the three main bosses organisations. Macron wants to be seen as consulting with society as a whole, when faced with a threat to the Republican regime. However, by involving these organisations in his maneuvers, Macron risks discrediting them even further, tainting them with his own failure, and making them less useful as instruments to contain the yellow vests.

Furthermore, on Friday, the Labour Minister asked private employers to increase workers wages. As in 1968, when threatened with losing everything, the ruling class might be prepared to make concessions. There are, however, some differences with 1968. First of all, those revolutionary events took place at the peak of the post-war boom and the bosses had more room to manoeuvre in terms of their accumulated profits. Right now, the situation is completely different, as the French economy has barely recovered from the crisis of 2008. Furthermore, in 1968 it was the Communist Party, which had a massive authority amongst the advanced workers and trade unionists, which ensured that the offer of higher wages was accepted, against the wishes of many mass workers assemblies. Today, there is no such force with any authority in the workers' movement, and even less amongst the yellow vests, which could impose such a deal. The reaction of workers to the appeal by the Minister of Labour was to say: we were told there was no money for any concessions, but now that the yellow vests are on the streets fighting, suddenly money is found. The conclusion is clear: all out!.

Its the Russians, again!

The capitalist class and their political and media representatives are terrified of the yellow vests movement, which has already begun to spread beyond French borders, with protesters in high-visibility vests mobilising in Belgium and the Netherlands and raising similar demands to their counterparts in France. The European bourgeoisie recognises that this movement puts the entire regime of French capitalism at risk, with alarming implications for the whole of Europe.

As such, they have done everything in their power to blacken and discredit the yellow vests as violent hoodlums led by far-right and far-left extremists. Ahead of the protests this weekend, the government warned tourists and citizens alike to stay indoors, saying that far-right and far-left extremists were coming to smash and kill.

The international press has consistently downplayed the scale of the protests this weekend, to give the impression that the movement is weakening. The Guardian, for example, claimed that only 30,000 took part in national demonstrations on the weekend, in spite of a considerable amount of video and photographic evidence to the contrary on social media. A huge amount of emphasis has also been placed on acts of violence and hooliganism, with images of burning cars and rioting plastered over newspapers and beamed out of screens all over the world. Meanwhile, acts of violence by the state have been given very scant coverage; as have the mostly peaceful marches that have taken place across the country  where the police have permitted them to go ahead.

Attempts have also been made to paint the movement as a violent, chaotic, far-right phenomena against a progressive, green carbon tax. The Observer, for instance, wrote in its editorial statement on the yellow vests:

The movement has no leaders with whom to negotiate; it lives and organises, for the most part, on social media platforms; and, as is evident from the violent clashes in Paris, it has been too easily hijacked  including by far-right groups bent on overthrowing an elected government.

Right-wingers in France and internationally have attempted to profit from or co-opt the yellow vests, but so far have been unsuccessful. In a spectacular piece of fake news, Donald Trump managed to convince himself that the protesters in Paris were chanting we want Trump!, and Marine Le Pen of Front Nationale has repeatedly stated her support for the movement against the fuel tax in order to steer it in a reactionary, nationalist direction and demagogically boost her own profile. But so far, the only politician who has benefitted from the movement has been the far-left Melenchon, who has consistently supported the yellow vests, and whose approval has climbed eight percentage points to 29 percent, becoming the most popular party leader in France. Meanwhile, Le Pens approval has barely changed since the movement began, increasing just one point to 20 percent.

France, Kantar poll:



Approval ratings (president+party leaders)



Melenchon (FI-LEFT): 29% (+8)

Hamon (G.s-S&D): 23% (+1)

Bayrou (MoDem-ALDE): 22% (+4)

Macron (LREM-ALDE): 21% (-5)

Le Pen (RN-ENF): 20% (+1)



Field work: 29/11/18  3/12/18

Sample size: 1,000 pic.twitter.com/udaLmHZj8T  Europe Elects (@EuropeElects) December 6, 2018

Moreover, while publications as far flung as the Telegraph and New Scientist have condemned the yellow vests anti-environmentalist rejection of Macrons carbon tax, a climate march took place on Saturday and many of the participants were pictured wearing yellow vests! As was clear from the start, the yellow vests do not object to environmentalist policies as such, just the idea that ordinary working-class French citizens should carry the burden of reducing emissions rather than the big capitalist companies who are overwhelmingly responsible for carbon emissions. In many towns, yellow vest protesters and climate change activists marched together.

In an especially desperate move, the bourgeois press tried the old trick of describing the yellow vests as a conspiracy orchestrated by the Kremlin. A report by the Times declared that hundreds of social media accounts linked to Russia have sought to amplify the street protests that have rocked France. French intelligence is apparently investigating claims that the movement, which originated on social media, has been spread with the help of Russian sock puppets (fake accounts controlled by Russian agents). Exactly what interest Putin would have in opposing a fuel tax hike in France is anybody's guess, but in any event, to put down this mass outpouring of rage and frustration against austerity and equality to Russian meddling is simply laughable.

Despite this calumny (and small but genuine elements of hooliganism), support for the movement and its demands from the French public has held strong at between 60 and 70 percent. Moreover, there is building evidence of international solidarity with the yellow vests. Aside from the mobilisations in Belgium and the Netherlands, videos of yellow vest protests are being circulated online on British Labour Party forums, for example, receiving hundreds of comments to the effect that workers in the UK need to fight like the French!

Macrons Waterloo

Macrons authority and international standing have been completely shattered by this movement, and with the European elections coming up (which will be seen as a referendum on his presidency) his position is extremely weak. The speed of this collapse is striking: in a matter of months, he has gone from the great white hope of sensible, moderate, pro-market, democracy to a barely-visible prisoner of a crisis over which he has lost all control. He is due to deliver a public address tonight, but it seems unlikely that anything will restore his standing at this point. As Marc Lazar, a professor at Sciences Po in Paris, said in the Washington Post: Macron emerges from this extremely weakened and isolated. Both at home and in Europe.

As we predicted during the last national elections, Macrons pro-EU, pro-business agenda has proved incapable of resolving any of the contradictions in French capitalism. The yellow vests are proof of this / Image: Remi Jouan

The international bourgeoisie is alarmed and frustrated at Macrons humbling climb down over the fuel tax and his plummeting approval ratings, and are sceptical of his ability to resolve the crisis, noting with exasperation that his haughty, arrogant, out-of-touch style and aggressive police clampdown have only exacerbated the situation. But Macrons hubris was always built on pillars of sand. The crisis of his regime runs deeper than his personal incompetence (glaring though it is), to a fundamental impasse of French capitalism, which has been consistently falling behind the rest of Europe of many years and has not recovered from 2008. The implementation of austerity and squeezing of the working class demanded by the crisis has totally discredited the entire French political elite, and previously sealed the fate of Macrons predecessor, Francois Hollande, along with that of the two main establishment parties (the Socialists and the Republicans). As we predicted during the last national elections, Macrons pro-EU, pro-business agenda has proved incapable of resolving any of the contradictions in French capitalism. The yellow vests are proof of this. As the Financial Times wrote this afternoon, the bourgeoisie are starting to see their faith in Macron was misplaced:

If Mr. Macron had been able to break this dismal cycle [of French presidents rapidly losing popularity], his international credibility would have soared. He could have emerged as the global champion of liberal values  such a champion is sorely needed. Now, however, it seems highly unlikely that Mr Macron can save the world. He will be lucky if he can save his own presidency.

The crisis has also manifested in the form of splits at the top. MPs and Ministers are divided between hardliners who want to continue with police repression and move no further, while others are calling for new measures, contemplating further concessions and proposing an unclear change of course. But tiny reforms (if, given the economic crisis, they are even possible) are unlikely to satisfy a movement that now encompasses a multitude of different demands, and seems increasingly intent on the collapse of Macrons regime. As one spokesperson for the movement stated in response to the cancellation of the fuel tax hike: we dont want crumbs, we want the whole baguette!

These splits at the top are a symptom of a revolutionary process taking place. Our French comrades said in a statement on Friday that all the ingredients now exist in France for a revolutionary situation. What is currently lacking is the necessary working-class leadership to translate the momentum on the streets into a campaign of strikes that will paralyse the economy and finally finish off Macrons ailing administration. The development of proper, democratic structures will also preserve the movements coherence and prevent it from burning out over the Christmas period, or degenerating into un-directed hooliganism. These are the objective tasks facing the yellow vests at this juncture. Onward to Act V!

Note: hours after the publication of this article, Macron made a public address in which he announced a series of measures as part of a "social and economic emergency". These include:

- A 100 euro increase in the minimum wage (which the employers will not pay for).

- Exemption from increases in social security contributions for pensions below 2000 euro a month.

- The promise that overtime pay will not be taxed.

- A request that employers give workers an end of year bonus.

- Assurances that blank votes in elections will be taken into account.

These are very mild reforms, none of which will touch the wealth of capitalists and the ultra-rich. Because Macron has also insisted he will not backtrack on his abolition of the wealth tax, it is likely these crumbs will paid for by the tax payer, that is to say, ordinary workers. Melenchon has rightly rejected the measures and called for a massive Act V on Saturday.
Avec le fait que Maurice est passe en alerte cyclonique de Classe II, le NEOC est place en alerte de niveau deux.

Les LEOC de Curepipe, Savanne, Grand Port et Pamplemousses sont deja actives.

Le Rodrigues Emergency Operation Conmand est aussi active.

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The Syrian military will demobilise some conscripted and reserve officers, the military said on Monday, following the governments recapture of much of the country from rebels and the dwindling of fighting on many fronts.

Last week UN special Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said there was no major military territorial conflict at present, but Damascus has sworn to retake every inch of Syria and there is no sign of an imminent peace deal.

The tide of the 7 1/2-year-old conflict turned in the governments favour in 2015 with the intervention of Russian air power to supplement Iran-backed militias fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

The army general command issued an administrative order on Monday ending active service for conscripted officers who will have completed five extra years, beyond their original 18-month term of mandatory military service, in January.

The order, which takes effect next week, also demobilizes reserve officers who joined in 2013 and who will have completed five years of reserve service by January.

The army began demobilising some conscripts who had served long periods in May, shortly after it took back eastern Ghouta, the last major rebel enclave near the capital Damascus.

After the conflict erupted in 2011, desertions, defections and deaths drained the Syrian army.

It has relied on critical support from Shia militias including Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, though devastating Russian air strikes on rebel areas proved decisive in Assads military comeback.

Syria conscripts men at age 18 into the army. During the conflict many conscripts said they were serving additional years with no sign of being discharged.

Damascus announced an amnesty in October for men who deserted the army or avoided military service, giving them several months to report for duty without facing punishment.

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Yemens government is willing to accept a UN role in Hodeidahs seaport, a lifeline for millions of people during the countrys war, but not a long-term presence in the city itself, Foreign Minister Khalid al Yamani said on Monday.

Mediator Martin Griffiths, who opened United Nations-sponsored peace talks between Yemens warring parties in Sweden last week, wants to avert a full-scale assault on the Red Sea city.

Yamani told Reuters that Hodeidah, which is currently held by the Iranian-aligned Houthi group, should come under the control of his government.

The Houthis control most population centers, including the capital Sanaa which it seized in 2014 after ousting the internationally-recognized government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi that is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

Control of Hodeidah, the Houthis main supply line, is one of the trickiest issues at the talks, aimed at paving the way for a political process to end nearly four years of war.

The Houthis told Reuters they want Hodeidah to be declared a neutral zone.

Yamani rejected this idea. The concept of peacekeeping or some sort of permanent presence of the UN  boots on the ground  or making the city as neutral is something that we will never accept, he said on the sidelines of the talks.

Yamani, who heads the Hadi government delegation, said the city should be placed under the control of the interior ministrys police forces as a matter of sovereignty.

However, the government is willing to accept the deployment of monitors from the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM) in the port, the entry point for most of Yemens commercial goods and aid supplies.

It could also accept the transfer of port revenues to the central bank in Hodeidah instead of routing them to Aden, the Hadi governments temporary base, the minister said.

Soaring prices have put basic commodities out of reach for millions of Yemenis. The central bank has struggled to pay public sector wages on which many depend as foreign exchange reserves dwindle.

The UN is working with the International Monetary Fund and other partners to reunite the central bank after Hadis government moved it from Sanaa to Aden in 2016.

Political Process

The UN is seeking agreement on a ceasefire in Hodeidah and other confidence-building steps such as re-opening Sanaa airport after a deal was reached on a prisoner swap.

Another sticking point is a transitional governing body. Hadis government insists the Houthis disarm first while the movement says this would require agreement on a unity government and timeframe for the transitional period.

The first step to be taken in order to achieve peace in Yemen is that they should hand back arms, ammunitions and missiles, Yamani said.

The United Nations special envoy to Yemen said on Monday he hopes there will be an agreement by the warring factions to hold another round of talks early next year.

There will be a detailed plan for those talks, and the next round will discuss security arrangements, Martin Griffiths said on the sidelines of the Yemen peace talks outside Stockholm.

The Sweden-based talks, which began last week, will be the first in many rounds of consultations, he said.

Prospects for the talks have risen as Western nations press for an end to the war that has killed tens of thousands of people and left more than 8 million facing famine.

* This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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The United Nations special envoy to Yemen said on Monday he hopes there will be an agreement by the warring factions to hold another round of talks early next year.

There will be a detailed plan for those talks, and the next round will discuss security arrangements, Martin Griffiths said on the sidelines of the Yemen peace talks outside Stockholm.

The Sweden-based talks, which began last week, will be the first in many rounds of consultations, he said.

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Regulators in Australia are proposing 11 measures to fight Facebook and Googles market-stranglehold, transparency issues and controversial social impact.

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As criticism mounts against the massive digital platforms over privacy concerns, political bias and snooping on rivals, Canberra is preparing to strike back. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is pushing ahead with 11 wide-ranging recommendations aimed at regulating massive tech companies.

That includes the creation of a watchdog tasked with monitoring large digital platforms. The draft report delivered to the government also noted 8 areas it is looking into for further analysis and assessment."

The 378-page document was released Monday following months of public hearings, discussions with the companies and input from experts.

The proposed monitoring group would be tasked with overseeing how the major digital platforms rank and display news and advertisements, given concerns that the businesses are operating with a lack of transparency.

The ACCC considers that the strong market position of digital platforms like Google and Facebook justifies a greater level of regulatory oversight, said Rod Simms, the chairman of the ACCC.

The operation of these platforms key algorithms determining the order in which content appears is not at all clear.

The report also raised concerns about the cryptic methods used by both companies to rank and display advertising and content, a process which lacks transparency to advertisers and news organizations. The lack of transparency is especially troubling because Google and Facebook have the ability and incentive to give preferential treatment to businesses which they may have a pre-existing commercial relationship.

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The report suggests that Google and Facebook have become the dominant gateways between news media businesses and audiences, and as a result threaten to reduce the brand value and recognition of media businesses. The platforms ability to repackage and curate content also endangers the viability of  print media and their ability to monetize journalism.

The downturn in advertising revenue has led to a cut in the number of journalists over the past decade. This has implications across society because of the important role the media plays in exposing corruption and holding governments, companies, powerful individuals and institutions to account, ACCC chairman Rod Simms said.

The agency also pointed to the worrying amount of private information that the companies collect on Australian citizens, which goes beyond the data which users actively provide when using the platforms.

Cited research which shows that consumers are concerned about how much of their personal information is collected by digital platforms, the ACCC underscored that the complexity and ambiguity of online privacy policies make safeguarding private data particularly difficult.

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Tokyo has announced plans to halt government purchases of Huawei and ZTE network equipment, citing security issues. The claims come amid a brewing diplomatic row over the Huawei CEO detained by Canada at Washingtons request.

Japanese central government ministries and the Self-Defense Forces have reportedly received procurement guidelines that effectively ban the offices from buying telecommunications equipment, servers and personal computers from Chinese telecom giants. The new rules will come into effect in 2019, after a training period.

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The decision was reportedly made after communication with the US on a wide range of issues, including cybersecurity, according to Japans chief government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga.

Later, Japanese media agency Kyodo News reported that the countrys big three telecom operators are planning to stop using network equipment from Chinas Huawei and ZTE.

The ban came after Huaweis expulsion from the US market followed by Washingtons allies, including Australia, New Zealand and Britain, making moves to restrict the Chinese telecom giants businesses. The restrictive measures were taken due to the companys alleged ties to the Chinese government and concerns over spying.

Earlier this month, Canadian authorities arrested Meng Wanzhou, the global chief financial officer at Huawei Technologies, at the request of US authorities. The top executive faces possible extradition to the US for allegedly breaking a trade embargo with Iran.

China has never heard of any country having a security problem with Huawei, according to the Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang who called for equal conditions for Chinese companies abroad.

Chinese enterprises operating in Japan under any circumstances cannot become a target for discrimination, the spokesman said. We demand that Japan provide Chinese corporations with transparent, equal and nondiscriminatory conditions.

Huawei stock has plunged over 13 percent since Washington started using the Chinese corporation as a tool in a trade war against Beijing.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
The UN Special envoy for Syria said Monday work is still ongoing to form a committee meant to draft a new constitution before the end of the year, adding that hurdles remain in place.

Staffan de Mistura made his comments in Jordan after meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi who said that Jordan's ``firm position'' is that a political solution must be found, and ``destruction and killing must be stopped in order for Syria to be recovered and to restore its role as a cornerstone in the region.''

Last month, Syria's warring sides and mediators meeting in Kazakhstan failed to agree on the formation of a constitutional committee which is key to ending the seven-year civil war. De Mistura at the time called it a ``missed opportunity.''

At issue is the 50-member delegation comprising Syrian experts, civil society, independents, tribal leaders and women that de Mistura was authorized to put together by countries attending a Russian-hosted Syrian peace conference in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Jan. 30.

Agreement has already been reached on a 50-member government delegation and a delegation equal in size from the opposition for the drafting committee.

Syrian President Bashar Assad has said his government will only consider amendments to the current constitution, in defiance of the Sochi agreement to have the government, opposition and independents draft a new document.

``We are still working (nights) in order to make sure that if we can there will be an announcement of something regarding the constitutional committee,'' said de Mistura, whose term ends at the end of the year. ``If not, we will have to draw ourselves some conclusions.''

De Mistura added: ``We need to not leave any stone unturned in order to actually help the situation political process in Syria to move forward.'' The UN envoy said that he will likely be delivering his last statement to the UN Security Council on Dec. 20 and assess ``where we are on the constitutional committee.''

In the capital Damascus, the Syrian army command said it will demobilize thousands of conscripts and reservists who have been serving in the military for five years by Jan. 1.

The army said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA that the implementation of the order will begin on Dec. 16.

The announcement comes after government forces captured wide parts of the country earlier this year including suburbs of the capital Damascus known as eastern Ghouta and southern regions in the county. Demobilizations began after eastern Ghouta was captured in April.

Earlier Monday, US-backed Syrian fighters pushed deeper into the Islamic State group's last remaining stronghold in Syria, capturing an abandoned hospital.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces entered the eastern town of Hajin last week and intense fighting has been ongoing since then.

SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali said the US-allied fighters took full control of town's hospital early Monday.

Omar Abu Layla, of the activist-run DeirEzzor 24 monitoring group, confirmed the hospital on the edge of town was retaken by the SDF.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the hospital had been destroyed earlier by airstrikes from the US-led coalition. The hospital was close to the front lines and was not believed to be operating when it was hit.

SDF fighters launched an offensive to capture Hajin and nearby villages on Sept. 10. They have made little progress since then, but last week intensified their attacks under the cover of airstrikes by the US-led coalition.

The Observatory meanwhile released an updated death toll for Syria's conflict, saying that about 560,000 people have been killed since it began in March 2011.

The group said it has documented the names of 367,965 of the deceased.

The updated toll was released to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The group said the dead include 111,330 civilians, 65,048 troops and 50,296 pro-government Syrian gunmen. It said the dead also include 65,108 insurgents and 2,619 army defectors.

The seven-year conflict has also wounded more than a million people and displaced half of Syria's 23 million-strong population, including 5.6 million who are refugees, mostly in Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon.

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Spies are tremendously tech-savvy today, according to the Russian intelligence chief, who said he doesnt use mobile phones or internet while at the office. Guess which (old-school) gadget is the only exception?

Sergey Naryshkin, the head of Russias Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), went public to unmask some little-known details of modern spycraft. Today, its hard to do anything without a mobile phone, social media or cashless payments  we do use all forms and instruments of intelligence activities, Naryshkin told Rossiya 1.

Also on rt.com VIDEO of Russian Foreign Intel Spetsnaz training shown for the 1st time on TV

But forewarned is forearmed, the intelligence chief said, explaining why hes wary of those gadgets. Once Im at the office, I switch my [mobile] phone off and take it away to a remote room, Naryshkin revealed.

You know, even walls have ears. Well, the walls are secure, but electronic communications  you have to be very, very careful about it in terms of intelligence activities.

Although Naryshkin noted his working space doesnt have ears, he said he goes online only outside the office. That said, high-ranking intelligence officials are immune from internet addiction for security reasons, but what about watching TV?

The television is the only device allowed in the top-tier office, according to Rossiya 1. Its secure [against wiretapping]. It doesnt matter, its secure.

That aside, Naryshkin, a career intelligence officer, provided another glimpse into SVR activities. Rossiya 1 visited the training of the agencys elite Special Operations team, probably marking the first time a media outlet was allowed to film the clandestine unit.

The SVR succeeded the KGBs First Main Directorate back in 1991, when the powerful Soviet agency was dissolved. It is now in charge of collecting foreign intelligence and reporting it to the president.

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Ukraines Poroshenko signs law terminating Friendship Treaty with Russia

Ukraines Poroshenko signs law terminating Friendship Treaty with Russia

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Monday signed a law terminating the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership with Russia. Verkhovna Rada, the Parliament, upheld the presidents decision not to extend the Treaty on December 6. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had already notified the Russian Foreign Ministry in late September that the document would be terminated on April 1, 2019. Poroshenko wrote on Facebook that the decision not to extend the treaty should be considered not just as an episode but as part of our strategy to finally break with our colonial past and pivot towards Europe. He sees visa-free travels, the Ukraine-EU Association agreement and a tomos of autocephaly for the Ukrainian Church as parts of this strategy, as well as the countrys withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States.Source : RT - Daily news
UN members adopt global migration pact  Moroccan FM

UN members adopt global migration pact  Moroccan FM

A majority of UN states adopted on Monday a non-binding global pact to better handle migrant flows, according to Moroccos Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. The minister announced the decision as host of the UN conference in Marrakesh. Talks to finalized the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration lasted 18 months and were finalized at the UN in July. The US government disavowed the negotiations late last year. Since then, Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have pulled out of the process. The pact lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million. Activists argue that the pact does not go far enough to secure migrants rights.Source : RT - Daily news
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NORRISTOWN  Theres a new twist for Norristown Garden Clubs Holiday House this year. For the 71st Annual Holiday House Tour, public buildings of historic significance, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, will replace private homes for the 2021 tour. These five fascinating and authentic historic public buildings are located along the equally historic []
Related Germany braces for train turmoil as workers strike Monday

German rail workers staged a four-hour stoppage on Monday but their union said it would now pursue talks with operator Deutsche Bahn to resolve a dispute over pay.

Long-distance rail traffic came to a standstill and commuter and freight trains were disrupted after the walkout by workers from the EVG union. Deutsche Bahn said train services had started to gradually return to normal after the strike ended at 0800 GMT.

EVG, which represents most railway workers, called the strike after talks with state-owned Deutsche Bahn broke down on Saturday.

It rejected Deutsche Bahns offer for a 7 percent pay increase over 29 months. EVG wanted the increase over two years instead.

The strike comes at a bad time for Deutsche Bahn, which is under pressure to hire more staff, invest in modern trains and remedy chronic delays.

EVG had initially demanded a 7.5 percent pay increase for some 160,000 Deutsche Bahn employees. The union said a meeting with the rail operator could take place on Tuesday.

The strike reflects rising confidence among workers in Europes economic powerhouse who want a slice of the economic success that Germany has enjoyed over the last nine years and are aware of labor shortages.

Generous pay increases won by German unions last year marked the end of years of wage restraint in Germany.

This years negotiations are happening against the backdrop of a cooling trend in Germany, which is in its ninth straight year of growth.

Generous pay increases should sustain private consumption as a key driver of growth as exports weaken.

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The European Commission is monitoring the budget impact of possible new fiscal measures to be introduced by the French government, the vice president of the EU executive said on Monday.

"We are monitoring closely the potential new measures being announced, but we cannot comment before they are properly announced and detailed," Valdis Dombrovskis told EU lawmakers.

His remarks came as French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes for pensioners and raise the minimum wage in January, after a wave of protests against him.

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SOUTHINGTON  Practicing yoga in a heated room, up to or over 90 degrees, has health benefits and is a great way to warm up and relax in the winter.

The Record-Journal recently tried a class at Bloom Yoga in Southington led by co-owner and instructor Bethany Wallace.

Here are four things to know about hot yoga.

Health benefits

Hot yoga amps up the benefits of standard yoga by making the body sweat more.

Sweat is one way your body detoxifies itself and it releases things, so its a really detoxifying class, Wallace said.

She said hot yoga is beneficial to the lymph system because it moves lymph fluid throughout the body. Hot yoga also helps the immune system fight off illnesses, especially during cold and flu season.

Hot yoga can also produce muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular benefits.

A study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise found there were no safety issues with the higher than normal temperatures. As with any new physical activity, its always best to check with your physician before starting.

The heat

Temperatures for hot yoga can vary from the low 70s to nearly 100 degrees.

The room is heated to increase the metabolism, as well as aid the body into deeper poses.

Often the temperature corresponds with the yoga level, as beginner and intermediate classes can be cooler than advanced classes. Other studios keep the same temperature for every level.

Everybodys different, Wallace said.

Class

Hot yoga classes typically start with stretches and a sun salutation to warm up the joints.

From there, the class moves into standing postures and balance poses. Some typical poses include warrior, downward dog, cow, cat, and planks.

The class ends with a cool down, which can literally mean cooling down with cold towels.

Wallace said the poses can be modified for individual needs. If participants get too hot or sore, they can return to childs pose with their head on the mat.

Water, towels and loose yoga clothing is recommended.

More information can be found by calling 860-620-4530

Options

Some places that offer yoga classes in warm and/or hot heated rooms include Ignite Yoga in North Haven, The Studio Pure Yoga in Cheshire, Bikram Yoga in New Haven and Luna Vinyasa Hot Yoga in Middletown.

akus@record-journal.com

203-317-2448

Twitter: @KusReporter
MERIDEN  School resource officers will return to the citys middle schools todayafter budget cuts prompted Police Chief Jeffry Cossette to cut the positions in September.

Cossette said Friday that today will be the officers first day back in school since Sept. 15. The City Council voted 6-2 last week to fund the positions by transferring money from other departments. The funds were freed up by current vacancies in various departments in addition to anticipated vacancies from several upcoming retirements. At the time the council restored funding for SROs, city officials didnt know exactly when the officers would return to schools.

Superintendent of Schools Mark Benigni said hes very pleased the SROs will be returning.

The SROs have been a proactive team member who regularly shares concerns occurring in the community with school staff While the SRO is the only person on school grounds who serves in a law enforcement role, they regularly help prevent problems before they occur, Benigni said Friday.

In addition to providing security, SROs are responsible for conducting school programming, building rapport with students and families and proactively de-escalating situations at the schools. Officers Thomas Giannakopoulos and Margaret Smusz are the officers assigned to Lincoln Middle School and Washington Middle School, respectively, according to the city website.

Prior to budget cuts made by the City Council and mayor as part of a referendum process earlier this year, the police department had five SROs assigned to schools  one in each high school, one in each middle school, and one assigned to all eight elementary schools.

To manage $423,000 in cuts to his budget, Cossette eliminated the middle school and elementary school SROs along with the departments 11-member Neighborhood Initiative Unit and moved the officers back to patrol, which Cossette said would lower overtime expenses.

Many members of the public spoke at meetings in recent months urging city officials to reinstate the SROs and NI officers.

City Manager Tim Coon, who previously led curriculum training of all municipal police officers in Connecticut for 20 years, said reinstating the elementary school SRO was a lower priority than middle school SROs because there is only one officer assigned to eight schools. Coon added that developmentally its more important for students to have interactions with police at the middle school level.

Councilor Cathy Battista asked Coon at the council meeting last week whether the city is trying to reinstate the NI Unit.

Coon said the NI Unit is "a very valuable unit," but noted there are "a number of issues" with reinstating it, including funding and "contractual language between the city and police officers involved."

mzabierek@record-journal.com

203-317-2279

Twitter: @MatthewZabierek
WALLINGFORD  Dozens of residents dressed as Santa Claus as they visited bars and restaurants around town Saturday during the 4th annual SantaCon event.

Santas route led through various establishments and featured raffle prizes at each stop. After paying a $5 registration fee and receiving a wristband, participants could walk to any of the six bars and restaurants participating to enjoy specialty drinks and enter a raffle.

Everything goes to SCOW, said Michele Stocking, co-organizer.

Adrianna Rodriguez, interim executive director of the Spanish Community of Wallingford, said she was excited that the organization could participate in a nationwide tradition.

Were very excited and very appreciative and grateful that we were chosen as the agency that would receive the proceeds, Rodriguez said.

April Ryczak, co-organizer, said in addition to raffles guests participated in the first ever Elfie Selfie scavenger hunt during the event.

There are hints and you have to find the objects at each location, you take your picture with that object, she said.

Ryczak said participants could take photos with each item and submit the photos online to win a grand prize, a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka and shot glasses.

Guests visited Gaetanos, Hard Hat II, Los Mariachis, Chriss, Grand Central, and Lennys. Each stop had a raffle drawing and clues for the scavenger hunt. Members of SCOW also participated in the event.

Jeffrey Necio, chairman of the SCOW board of directors, said the proceeds of the event will help SCOW to continue to provide services and programs to the Hispanic community and the greater community of Wallingford.

We were excited that SantaCon recognized the impact that we have in the community and the benefit that SCOW brings, Necio said.

jroman@record-journal.com

203-317-2420

Twitter: @JenieceRoman
By Lesley Kennedy

Mount Vernon, Va.If you want to talk leadership skills in Washington, D.C., youd be hard-pressed to find a better example of putting ideas into action than the man for whom the place is named.

The annual NCSL Capitol Forum took place in the nations capital last week with hundreds of legislators, legislative staff and policy experts meeting to tackle state-federal issues and set the States Agenda.

And at a session held at the George Washington Leadership Institutea special event held for NCSL staff at Mount Vernon, the historic home of George and Martha Washingtonthe discussion centered on the first U.S. presidents unparalleled ability to use communication, credibility, collaboration and vision to lead change.

I think as a leader, as a manager, as a visionary, he may very well be the most relevant of all historic figures, says Peter Cressy, director of Leadership Programs, who spoke during the session. The leaders in that time had no executive experience unless they had picked it up through business or running a big plantation, which fortunately Washington had.

And now, nearly 220 years after his death, theres no question there are problems facing our country, Cressy adds, but Washington would respond that theres nothing we cant overcome.

Basically, in his farewell address, he said, We have this bountiful country. We have great oceans on either side to protect us. And we are the last great hope for democracy and the peoples of the world. And if we fail, we only have ourselves to blame. Imagine that, he says. From this guy who didnt have this huge, philosophical formal education. What an extraordinary note to end his term of service on. It was a clarion call then, its a clarion call today.

We rounded up seven of the strengths Cressy says made Washington a great leader:

Be A Listener

During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, to which Washington was unanimously elected president, Cressy says he formally spoke just three timesopening and closing the convention and chiming in on what number of people should constitute representation. What he did do, Cressy notes, was to lobby every single night at dinner with the various factions. His whole purpose was to keep everybody working together.

Be Patient

Washington, Cressy adds, was focused on masterful execution. Get it done. Pay attention to details. Get it right, he says. It doesnt matter whether its with a constituent or whether its how youre going to plow your field. How often have you talked about strategic patience? Its very, very rare and what were discovering is that strategic patience is absolutely essential to really getting things right.

And part of strategic patience, he notes, means you dont chase every idea. You only chase the right onesthe ones that are really focused on the vison. And you dont get upset or thrown off by the problems that inevitably come. If you are strategically patient, as Washington discovered, then you have the chance to be truly strategically agile.  This notion of strategic patience combined with strategic agility is really worth taking away.

Be a Manager

While we always think of leadership as the glamorous thing, being a good leader without being a good manager is for naught, Cressy says. You can have a very nice conversation with a constituent, but if you dont follow up, you got yourself a black eye. Washington was incredible on details. Remember, he didnt have an executive branch, he didnt have an army corps of engineers. He didnt have an HR group. Hes building this as he goes.

Be OK With Making Mistakes

To be ambitious is to be a little rash, or even arrogant, Cressy notes. (Washington) made more mistakes than the groundhog who gets up in February. But this guy learns from every mistake.  He learns how to control his ambition.

Be Visible

Visibility, according to Cressy is, in a way, the essence of politics. You and your bosses have to be visible to your constituents, he says. But in those days, general and noble people didnt necessarily want to be all that visible. During the long winters, the British generals and senior officers all went into the cities and had cotillions and ate well. Not Washington. He stayed at Valley Forge. And we have wonderful, heart-rendering letters from soldiers writing home that hes here, hes trying and were gonna win. And you see his presence makes all the difference.

Be Perceptive

You cant be a good communicator if youre not perceptive, Cressy says. Youve got to put yourself in the other persons shoes.

Be Credible

Washington harnessed the power of quiet conversations, the power of legislative diplomacy and the power of bipartisanship, Cressy says. His credibility, his authority, was fantastic and, as a result all of those complicated issues, and the great trust people had for Washington, I think we can say collaboration is really at the essence of being able to lead, manage and/or react to change.

His credibility is absolutely essential. Being trusted and having credibility is the great force multiplier in negotiations of any kind--and thats leadership at its heart.

Lesley Kennedy is a web editor for NCSL.

Email Lesley
Related Egypt to sign 45 million euro loan deal with EU to support SMEs

Egypt and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a 15 million euro grant agreement to improve community facilities in the country.

The deal was signed during the Africa 2018 Forum held in Sharm El-Sheikh, which concluded on Sunday.

The 15 million euro grant aims to improve community facilities such as schools, health clinics, and community centres in several governorates.

The European Union has previously pledged 55.8 million euros in grants to Egypt to support sanitation programmes and renewable energy in the country.

The first grant, which is worth 45 million euros, is allocated to the Kitchener Drain project, which aims to deal with wastewater and sludge treatment, solid waste and drainage improvement in the governorates of Daqahliya, Gharbiya and Kafr El-Sheikh.

The second grant, which is worth 10 million euros, aims to boost reforms in the fields of renewable energy and water resources through strengthening the capacity-building process.

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By Reuters

Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd said on Monday it had challenged in court the central bank's decision to disregard the issue of preference shares to reduce promoter stake in the private-sector lender, sending shares sharply lower.

Uday Kotak, the billionaire head of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has been asked by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to lower his holding in the lender to 20 per cent by this year-end, and to 15 per cent by March 31, 2020.

Uday Kotak directly held a 29.73 per cent stake in the lender, as of Sept. 30, 2018, according to Bombay Stock Exchange data.

Kotak Mahindra, which in August completed an issue of perpetual non-convertible preference shares (PNCPS) in a bid to cut promoter stake, was told by the RBI that this did not meet the central bank's promoter-holding dilution requirement.

The bank said it had not heard from the RBI on the matter after clarifying that PNCPS were a part of the paid-up capital of the bank, and also the legal basis on the dilution of shareholding.

"Given the milestone of Dec. 31, 2018, the bank has been left with no option but to protect its interest," the lender said in a statement. Kotak Mahindra Bank's move against the RBI comes days after billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc was rumoured to be in talks with the bank to pick up a 10 per cent stake. The lender's shares had closed 8.4 per cent firmer following the report on Friday.

The bank said it was unaware of any plans of Berkshire investment.

The stock fell as much as 7.2 percent in its biggest daily drop since Oct. 1 after Kotak Mahindra's announcement on Monday.
M C Vaijayanthi By

Express News Service

This is going to be an action packed December week, coming close on the heels of Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) monetary policy and OPEC meetings that dominated the one that just cruised past. After the recent controversy, the RBI Board meeting set to happen on December 14 is going to grab a lot of attention, with any outcome on NBFC liquidity likely to be of direct relevance to markets.

But first, all eyes are going to be on the state election results on Tuesday. The results of key states like Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh would be keenly watched. BJP had won 62 out of 65 seats in these states in 2014 Loksabha Election, ICICI Securities said.

Exit polls have called the results too close to call, leaving Mondays moves up to the interpretation of traders depending on their informal band of ground level observers. Markets are betting on a positive signal if the BJP is able to come back to power in at least two of the three states in the Hindi-belt. Exit polls for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram came in after market hours on Friday.

Kotak Securities for instance, notes that 3-0 win for BJP may result in a moderate rally subject to global developments, giving a higher probability for a May national elections. However, a 0-3 (BJP losing all the three states) or 1-2 score (BJP losing Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan) may result in a sharp market correction as the market will likely take a dim view of the BJPs prospects in the next national elections given the large contribution of these three states to (its) 2014 win, it said.

The uncertainty surrounding the December 11 outcome may keep the markets moving sideways on Monday and react once the results are out, say traders. There will be a knee-jerk reaction, but not a bloodbath. People, would soon be back to making their own permutations and combinations about the May 2019 elections, said Arun Kejriwal, Kris Research.

Markets are also going to be guided by US-China tensions following the arrest of Huaweis CFO Wanzhou Meng and post-OPEC oil markets. However, the elections results are likely to be most important que for the domestic markets.


By Online Desk

Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel stepped down on Monday citing personal reasons for the decision. The resignation comes following friction between the government and the RBI. Patel's tenure was scheduled to end in September 2019. His decision to cut short his term in office has made him the shortest serving RBI governor since 1992.

Patel was hand-picked by the BJP-led government after his predecessor Raghuram Rajan was denied a second term. Rajan has expressed his concern over the resignation. In an interview to the Economic Times he said, "We need to ask what was the circumstances that led to Dr Patel resigning and the government must take extreme care in how it proceeds further in its relationship with the RBI. Wiser head should prevail in the current environment and the circumstances that led to this resignation have to be reversed."

Patel said, "It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years, support and hard work of RBI staff, officers & management has been a proximate driver of Banks considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues & Directors of RBI Central Board & wish them all the best for future."

Urjit Patel's resignation letter

Patel is among the few with a corporate background to become RBI Governor, the top post at the Mint Street that has been previously held by mostly career bureaucrats and economists.

Recently, the public spat between the government and RBI got wider public attention, the RBI's central board, at its November 19 meeting, decided to climb down and 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 succour to the troubled MSMEs.

Congress reacted sharply on the resignation and stated," Integrity of another institution stands denigrated by Modi regime."

P Chidambaram, Congress leader and former Finance Minister said he was not surprised by the development as "no self-respecting scholar or academic can work in this government".

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also issued a comment saying government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the service rendered by Urjit Patel.

The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2)  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018

PM Narendra Modi tweeted appreciating Urjit Patel's calibre as a leader and lauded his professionalism and integrity.

Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 10 December 2018

Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 10 December 2018

Surprised at the news that RBI governor has resigned. The previous meeting was held in such cordial atmosphere that it comes as a shock. All directors said media had created a wrong perception while inside it was totally different. That makes it even more surprising  S Gurumurthy (@sgurumurthy) December 10, 2018

On the contrary, a BJP member and former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha in an interview to CNBC-TV18 said, "The resignation is a clear sign of the government trying to interfere with the working of the RBI and nothing has changed."

Jayati Ghosh, Professor of Economics, at the Jawaharlal Nehru University while talking to TNIE says the move should have come earlier, "I believe he should have stepped down when demonetisation happened, the damage to the RBI is irreparable since demonetisation. The government has destroyed the autonomy of RBI. Media has been subservient."

The government also recently invocated the never-before-used Section 7 or the proposed economic capital framework for the central bank with was not met with much enthusiasm from the RBI.

The government, which is staring at falling revenue and a likely fiscal slippage, 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.

(With input from PTI)
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The seven-day long strike by private sewage tankers opposing the hike in charges for discharging sewage at Perungudi treatment plant has come to an end. Tanker association members confirmed that they withdrew the strike on Sunday afternoon after Metro Water Board officials agreed to bring down the charges from Rs 250 to Rs 150.

Around 1,500 private sewage tankers stopped service since December 3 after discharge fees for one load of sewage was hiked from Rs 100 to Rs 250 at Perungudi Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). For the past 10

years or more, one load of sewage was charged Rs 100 to be discharged into the STP.

D Ravi, member of Private Sewage Tanker Lorry Association said that local politicians meet officials two days ago during which negotiation talks were held to bring down the charges.South Chennai MP JJayavardhan, former MLA KP Kannan and former MLA from Chitalapakkam, C Rajendran spoke to the officials about lowering the charges. Metro Water officials agreed to our demands and only increased it to Rs 150 instead of Rs 250, he said.

Though its only a slight increase in charges, association members said that there will be an increase by Rs 30 to Rs 50 in the cost of hiring sewage tankers by residents. We will soon have a meeting to discuss exactly how much more we will be charging the residents. Nothing is decided as of now, added Ravi.

Residents living along OMR, ECR and southern suburbs of Tambaram, Guduvancherry, Selaiyur have been heavily dependent on private tankers due to the lack of underground pipe connections. In 2014, Metro Water promised to lay underground water and sewerage connections for the stretch from Perungudi till Shollinganallur. Even after a delay of five years, this project has failed to materialise.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Customs officials posted at Anna International Airport, Chennai, detected five cases of smuggling of gold weighing over 1.5 kg over the weekend, according to an official release. The smugglers were arrested.

On Saturday night, four passengers Muthuraman Boominadhan (21), Sahul Hameed (42), Mujib Rahman (50) and Kalandar Abbas (27), all Indian passport holders, arrived from Colombo by Indigo Airlines flight, and were intercepted at the exit of the customs arrival hall, on suspicion that they had concealed gold in their bodies, the release said.

On repeated questioning, they admitted to have concealed gold in their rectum in the form of rubbery spread, the release said.

A rubbery spread of four gold ingots of 24-carat purity, totally weighing 929 grams, valued at Rs 30 lakh, were extracted from their rectum.

On Sunday morning, Abdul Samad (50), an Indian passport holder, arrived from Dubai by Emirate Airlines. A check on him led to the recovery of 10 pure gold cut bits weighing 580 grams (valued Rs 19 lakh) which were kept concealed among his personal effects, the release said.
MUDITA Girotra By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Official crime data with Delhi Police shows that in the past year, there has been a 5.7 per cent increase in the number of non-heinous crimes, which include burglary, house theft, and molestation.

Even though cases of burglary were down by 59.5 per cent, and house theft by 65.8 per cent, the overall number of non-heinous crimes rose in the past one year.

The rate of heinous offences such as dacoity, attempt to murder, and rioting went down, but cases of rape, murder, and abduction were higher than the previous year.

Delhi Police is working day in and day out for the safety of the citizens. We encourage the registration of crimes and try to work out cases and take action in a time-bound manner, Delhi Police PRO Madhur Verma said.

Cases of kidnapping for ransom went up 26 per cent in the last one year. This figure had been consistently going down since 2015, but rose this year, with 19 cases being reported, as against 14 last year. The cases involve abduction of both kids and adults.

According to activist Arvind Singh, under-reporting remains a huge issue in the context of missing children, whose cases are registered as cases of abduction under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code.

The cases reported and the number of FIRs is much lower than what happens on the ground. Also, its important to see how many of the kids who go missing are traced.

The police recently launched their Police Uncle initiative to promote child-friendly policing.

It is an initiative to tell children that policemen are there to help, and to change the mindset that they will harm them, PRO Verma said.

He said cases of trafficking of children who are too young to inform others about their address or parents phone number were given top priority and looked into swiftly.

Crimes against women rose one per cent, with 12,134 such crimes registered in the last one year. The maximum number of crimes against women were reported under Section 354 (Assault on women) of the Indian Penal Code. Rape cases were up by 0.2 per cent, dowry deaths were up by 14.5 per cent, and cruelty by in-laws by 10.5 per cent.

Shockingly, since the year 2012, when the Nirbhaya gang-rape case shook the entire nation, the number of rape cases has increased by 64.3 per cent. The year 2012 recorded 706 cases of rape. The number kept going up year after year, with 2,199 cases recorded in 2015. The number dropped slightly in the years that followed, but went up again this year.

Verma said that the number had increased because earlier rapes were not being reported due to the taboo around them.

The number increased after 2012 because there were changes in law after the Nirbhaya case. Also, earlier it was a taboo. The victims were not coming up to speak about it. People have now started reporting. We encourage all incidents to be reported to us.

Women rights activist Shabnam Hashmi, however, feels that the city is becoming more and more unsafe for women.

All kinds of violence have increased in the last three to four years across the country because there is total impunitycriminals are given protection from the state... we saw what happened in Kathua, where elected representatives of political parties came out in support of a rapist. Rape is being used to terrorise women, and also the community.

She disagreed that the issue of womens safety in the capital, till 2012, was about under-reporting of crimes in the previous years.

Delhi is becoming more and more unsafe for women. It is true that women, to an extent, are coming out. But rape cases were not reported in other big cities also.

Other kinds of harassment have come out a lot more, but the violence has increased, she said, adding that the solution was equal rights for women.
Apoorva Jayachandran By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: For four months now, a promise made by the civic authorities has been hanging in the air -- a foot over-bridge (FOB) to ease the choking traffic in Indira Nagar, Telecom Nagar, and Cyber Gateway. In July this year, GHMC officials had announced on Twitter that the FOB will be constructed by the end of December. However, the works are still yet to begin.

A number of people had taken to social media to complain about the lack of FOBs in major traffic congestion areas in Hitec, Gachibowli regions. GHMC officials responded back on Twitter in July, stating that there were plans to construct 4 FOBs in major areas -- IDBI Bank near Gachibowli, Cyber Gateway, Indira Nagar, and Telecom Nagar.

When contacted, GHMC electrical engineer Venkat Reddy said, We had already issued tenders for the construction of the foot over-bridges in July. But we did not get any response from the public. When model code of conduct was put in place, we had to take the tenders back. Now that elections are over, we will re-issue the modified tenders again.

Another official said that the tenders will be reissued within the next week. Once the tender is approved, the works will start. We can complete them within 5 months, he said.

There is hardly any place for us to cross the road. There is a zebra-crossing away from here. What is the use of keeping a crossing if you have to walk a minimum of 500 metres, just to get to the other side? questions Rama Reddy, a resident of Telecom Nagar.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Hours after the Westminster Magistrates' Court in United Kingdom ordered the extradition of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, prominent Mumbaikars welcomed the development and said it would send a strong message to economic offenders.

Mallya is wanted for alleged bank fraud amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore. On Monday evening, Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot ordered his extradition.

ALSO READ: Chronology of Vijay Mallya's extradition case and its origin

Bureaucrat-turned-lawyer Abha Singh said Mallya's extradition would restore people's faith in Indian laws and also send a message to economic offenders that they couldn't walk away after cheating fellow countrymen.

She said it had made the country more powerful and would also help get other fugitive offenders like diamantaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi back to the country.

Nirav Modi and Choksi are accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank to the tune of Rs 13,000 crore.

ALSO READ: Businessman Vijay Mallya should be extradited from UK to India, says London Court

BJP Lok Sabha MP BJP MP from Mumbai North-East Kirit Somaiya said, "The Modi government has got Vijay Mallya. This is the beginning of the action. The Insolvency Code has started showing results. Essar Steel and Bhushan Steel issues have been resolved, and now action begins against ghotalebaj."

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam, while expressing gratitude to the UK court for Mallya's extradition, said that he stood by his earlier allegations on the businessman's escape from the country.

"We are grateful to the London court. I hope the entire money will be recovered from Mallya and banks get their dues. But I am still firm on (my allegation) why look out notice was removed and he (Mallya) was given green signal to decamp with a full load of entire aircraft?" he said.

Social activist Mayank Gandhi lauded the government agencies' efforts in putting up a strong case to get Mallya extradited.

"The agencies (including CBI) put in hectic efforts to present the case strongly in court. Moreover, the government also kept the pressure on," Gandhi said.

Mumbai-based chartered accountant Nagesh Dubey said the common man was feeling satisfied with the news of Mallya's extradition and are hopeful that taxpayers' money would be recovered.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Satyajit Ray and Ingmar Bergman were his greatest inspirations, said Iranian filmmaker Bahman Farmanara. Ray produced incredible films with minimum facilities. The enormous scale of Rays films have always been an influential factor, with realistic themes portrayed in relevant contexts, he said at the meet-the-press session as part of the 23rd IFFK.

Swedish filmmaker Bergman and American filmmaker Oliver Stone have also influenced him, Farmanara said. They narrated stories of people and issues related to socio-economic and cultural aspects in exciting perspectives, he said. Farmanaras Tale of the Sea - a byproduct of the past four decades of artistic renaissance in Iran - is in the International Competition section of the fest.

Cinematographer of the Kyrgyzstan drama Night Accident Kabuljan Hamidov said the film was based on three short stories. Indian films are familiar to the audience in Kyrgyzstan. During the Soviet era, we watched Indian movies of popular heroes like Raj Kapoor, added Hamidov.

Director of Painting Life Bijukumar Damodaran, director of Kottayam Binu Bhaskar, director of Ave Maria Vipin Radhakrishnan and filmmaker Balu Kiriyath participated in the session.

Indian filmmakers should expose fascism: Buddhadeb Dasgupta

Indian filmmakers must be vocal against the fascist regime in the country and around the world through films, opined Bengali filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta. He was speaking at the in conversation session on the sidelines of the IFFK.

The state has become omnipotent in restricting the realms of artistic expression all around the world and young artists including filmmakers, writers, poets and photographers are asked to confine their freedom of speech and expression before them, he said.

Young filmmakers, in places such as Bengal, are pursuing power which is absurd. They are limiting their creativity to satisfy the government as soon as they are given awards and recognition.

Buddhadeb said Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Luis Bunuel were his inspirations. Reality is boring, and predictable. Yet unreality is not another world or segment but a part of reality itself. Extend reality and one can find the magic of unreality. Deep in that world, an aesthetic filmmaker will find the derivation of reality, dreams, magic, and images with an absolute newness, he said.

Sound in cinema is about cheating: Resul Pookutty

Sound can never be real in cinema, said Academy award-winner Resul Pookutty. It is all about cheating and how good you are at it determines how good a technician you are. The digital medium has democratised the filmmaking process, but killed the quality of recording in the process, he said, adding technology should only be a tool, and not overrule skill.

He also narrated the tale of how he wanted to be a physicist and dreamt of winning a Nobel Prize for his discoveries in superconductivity, but instead won the Oscar after becoming a sound engineer. Filmmakers K P Kumaran, and Sanju Surendran participated. in the session.
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: The death of a villager of Chintakolla in Koduru mandal of Krishna district due to suspected swine flu has sparked fear among people of nearby villages prompting them to boycott Chintakolla for the past four days. Chintakolla villagers were not being allowed to enter the nearby villages. Children of the area were given holidays by school managements and even school buses stopped coming to the village. The social boycott came to light on Sunday, prompting the district administration to organise a health camp in the village.

The fear of the people of neighbouring villages is that they too would get infected by H1N1 virus. The Medical and Health Department staff, who rushed to the village, however, clarified that the death was due to cardiac arrest and not because of swine flu as believed. Chintakolla is a small village with 80 houses and a population of 306.

READ HERE: 37 fell prey to swine flu till December in Tamil Nadu, says report

According to officials, Pere Nancharaiah (43), a daily wager, was suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and hypertension. He had fever and cough from November 14 and consulted Dr Srihari, a PMP at Avanigadda. Later, he went to another PMP at Koduru. As there was no improvement in his health condition, he visited Silicon Andhra Hospital at Kuchipudi, where he was treated as an outpatient. On November 29, he consulted another doctor at Repalle who referred the case to the Guntur Government General Hospital.

He was treated for respiratory infections at the GGH in Guntur. He left the GGH ignoring the advice of doctors and got himself admitted to Time Hospital at Autonagar in Vijayawada on December 1. Nancharaiah died on December 5 while undergoing treatment at the hospital. The doctors who treated him stated that he died of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

Following the death, villagers of Chintakolla were being boycotted by people of neighbouring villages. The private schools had unofficially declared holidays for the children of the village. The villagers also alleged that they were not being allowed to sit in autos and even milk vendors stopped coming to Chintakolla. The people of other villages announced the social boycott through the public address system. On Sunday, the villagers of Chintakolla took the social boycott issue to the notice of mandal level officials. Following the instructions of Krishna District Collector B Lakshmikantham, officials rushed to the village, set up a medical camp and conducted tests on all the villagers.

In the report submitted to the Collector, the District Medical and Health Officer said a medical camp was organised at the cyclone shelter in Chintakolla. Two paramedical teams were deployed in the village. No suspected swine flu case has been detected in the entire village. Cleaning of drains and fogging was conducted in the village. Sanitation in the village was also improved. All the PHCs in the area were alerted about the possible outbreak of viral infections. However, the officials ruled out the social boycott and said it was only a false rumour.

Speaking to TNIE, Collector Lakshmikantham said, Chintakolla village was not boycotted. The villagers are getting all the amenities. Fair price shops and schools are functioning normally in the village. However, we have deployed health teams and also officials in the village to promote swine flu awareness among villagers and the precautions to be taken to protect themselves from the influenza. Everything is normal in the village.

Patient died of respiratory failure

Pere Nancharaiah, a daily wager, was suffering from COPD and hypertension. He was treated at the Guntur GGH. He later got himself admitted to a hospital in Vijayawada. Doctors who treated him stated that he died of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure
Minister of Planning and Administrative Reform Hala El-Saeed said that exports are vital for the Egyptian economy, adding that the government is seeking to increase annual exports by 15 to 20 percent.

The minister's remarks were made during her meeting with governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Tarek Amer, the Council of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and representatives of the IsDB's Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) led by the corporation's CEO Abdel-Rahman El-Kaissi, Director of Middle East and North Africa Morad Mizori and Regional Director Ali Mostafa.

The talks covered bolstering cooperation between the Egyptian government and the IsDB.

The minister asserted the need for expanding the base of foreign currency, adding that a group of sectors are propelling the Egyptian economy such as industry, agriculture, communication, and construction.

El-Kaissi proposed increasing the ICIEC's investments in Egypt in view of its stability compared to the volatile regional situation. He also asserted his corporation's keenness to open up to the African market.

El-Kaissi congratulated the Egyptian minister on her appointment in the Council of Governors of the IsDB in August.

The ICIEC is a member of the Islamic Development (IDB) Group. The ICIEC was established in 1994 as an international institution with full juridical personhood.

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By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: To mark the International Human Rights Day, Vimukhthi (survivors collective) extended their support to the #MeToo movement here on Sunday. The officials said that the victims of human trafficking also want to voice their horrifying experiences through this movement and thus they have decided to join the campaign.

We were not shocked by the revelations made by various women through this campaign. We have been through beatings, deprivations of the worst kind, rape and what not. But so have they. They are not alone. We are not alone, said one of the rescued victim. They also discussed the abuse of actress Tanushree Dutta. The officials said they were hoping for the victims they come across to have the courage Tanushree Dutta has.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: Iron Man aka Tony Stark is lost in space in "Avengers: End Game" trailer and after a plea by Marvel fans NASA has decided to rescue the superhero.

Post the release of the trailer last Friday, the official Twitter handle for the agency was flooded with tweets asking them to take some measures to save Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr.

The over two-minute-long trailer starts with Iron Man recording an audio message as he is stuck in space without food and water following his near fatal encounter with Thanos at Titan.

ALSO WATCH | Iron man prepares to die in this new Avengers 4 trailer

Over the weekend, NASA gave a winning response to Marvel fanatics, hinting that they would theoretically try to do something about the situation.

"Hey @Marvel, we heard about Tony Stark. As we know, the first thing you should do is listen in mission control for '@Avengers, we have a problem'. But if he can't communicate, then we recommend ground teams use all resources to scan the skies for your missing man," the tweet read.

Fans welcomed the cheeky response.

"It's quite MARVELOUS that #Nasa tweeted to #Marvel," a user tweeted.

Another user wrote, "Please save Tony Stark he deserves better than what marvel is giving him."

NASA also included a photograph in their tweet which featured a Marvel Easter egg, Thor's nameplate and hammer.

In a follow-up tweet, NASA said their Thermal Operations and Resource (THOR) officer will ensure the success of the mission.

"The THermal Operations and Resource (THOR) officer is truly one of Mission Control's mightiest heroes.

They ensure the operation of multiple @Space_Station subsystems which collect, distribute & reject heat from critical equipment and payloads for the success of the mission."

Chris Hemsworth plays Thor, the Asgardian God, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

"End Game", which is said to be the final movie in the "Avengers" franchise, will release on April 26, 2019.
Avinash Ramachandran By

Express News Service

Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle

Director: Andy Serkis

Cast: Rohan Chand, Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch

Rating: 2.5 stars

Nostalgia is a funny thing. You never can quite look back at whats happened with unadulterated fondness. The Jungle Book I knew, growing up in the Doordarshan era, was a fun-filled ride into Rudyard Kiplings world punctuated with lively music.

Then adulthood happened. And I realised that Disney has not just watered down The Grimm Brothers fairy tales but also extended its saccharine family-friendly goodness to Kiplings The Jungle Book. It first adapted the story in 1967, and it has taken 51 years for us to see a version which, to an extent, lines up with Kiplings vision.

Andy Serkis Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, is a motion-capture retelling of the story of the beloved feral child, who grows up among the wolves, hiding from Shere Khan, the tiger, who is out to kill him, just as he killed his man-parents.

Mowgli stars a spirited Rohan Chand as the titular character, whose search for identity forms the crux of this Netflix release. One of the very few live actors in the film, Rohan brings a sense of angst-ridden vulnerability to his Mowgli. The film boasts a rich star cast including the likes of Christian Bale as the guardian black panther Bagheera, Serkis as Baloo, Cate Blanchett as an interesting new version of Kaa, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Shere Khan, whose silkily violent voice perfectly accentuates his fury.

However, the motion capture technology does take time getting used to, as your mind keeps seeing the actors rather than the characters. Christian Bales chiselled jawline, for instance, gets overlaid onto the pristine black mane of Bagheera.

Though the story isnt new, screenwriter Callie Kloves inserts a lot of issues plaguing the world today. You have people dealing with an identity crisis in a new world, and how even the good-at-heart mistake individuality for weakness. You have the problems of poaching and how the jungle is changing, and man is taking more of it as every season passes. A lot of subtext is at play, but the writing only scratches the surface and never becomes too expository.

A stand-out aspect of the film is its Indianness. Though the setting of Kiplings 1894 story has always been India across its adaptations, there was never a sense of indigenousness in its making. It always made me wonder how the animals living in Indian forests, never had an animal that spoke in an Indian slang. Thats true here too, but the Indianness comes in the music, which is heavily filled with flutes and violins, with a marked Indian sound.

Even the Indian villagers in the film (of whom Freida Pinto is the only recognisable face), are given decent character arcs instead of just being token brown characters.

There is a lot to root for: the raw violence in the fights between the animals, an interesting flashback to Bagheera, the scenes where Mowgli is initiated into the world of humans, and more. However, just like the writing, these moments also just skim the surface. You dont really care much about the plight of the man-cub, and this is not because you know the story already.

The intended lack of humour notwithstanding, even the conversations between major characters arent memorable. The makers always advertised this film as a dark version of The Jungle Book, and yet it is not as dark as youd expect.

With the 2016 Jon Favreau blockbuster adaptation of The Jungle Book still fresh in audiences minds, comparisons of Serkis version with it, though unfair, are unavoidable. When Mowgli gets kidnapped by the monkey-people, you expect King Louie to engulf your screen. When Mowgli goes into the village, you expect Shere Khan to be immediately vanquished, instead of seeing Mowgli spend time in the village and making friends with people who actually look like him.

Intended for a big-screen release, Andy Serkis Mowgli had to settle for a Netflix release, and in a way, that might be for the best, considering there are scenes which are sure to scar children hoping to watch frolicking animals on screen. However, despite the clear breakaway from the traditional retelling of The Jungle Book, Mowgli: The Legend of the Jungle deserves a theatrical release. The screens on our handheld electronic devices dont do justice to the world of Serkis, where the expanse of the forests, the shimmering of the sun on flowing streams, the mirror-like scales on Kaa, and the glowing embers of fire are bewitching, to say the least. But, if this is the version we get to see, then so be it.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: RLSP president Upendra Kushwaha Monday severed his ties with the BJP and resigned from the Union council of ministers, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of reducing Cabinet to a "rubber stamp", "betraying" backward classes and giving Bihar only "jumlas".

Making the announcement a day ahead of Parliament's winter session, the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party leader from Bihar said he is open to joining the opposition alliance, which includes Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress.

He also claimed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance would not be able to win a single seat in the state.

Kushwaha, whose break-up with the BJP was expected, sharply attacked Modi on a host of issues in his resignation letter, which was also released to the media.

He said he felt "betrayed and dejected" by the prime minister's leadership and alleged that "fixing" political opponents and not working for the poor had become the government's priority.

The former minister of state for HRD also raised the planks of Other Backward Classes and social justice -- used by the opposition to decimate the BJP in the Bihar assembly polls in 2015 -- to target Modi. He alleged that the Modi-led government was implementing the RSS agenda and dubbed it unconstitutional.

The RLSP president has been upset since the BJP made it clear that it will not be given more than two Lok Sabha seats in 2019 against the three it had fought in 2014.

The party has two MPs and two MLAs. BJP president Amit Shah's announcement that his party and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) will contest an equal number of seats also did not go down well with Kushwaha, who has long had a bitter equation with Kumar.

The NDA won 31 of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in 2014 and has now been bolstered by the presence of the JD(U), which had fought against it in the last polls.

Opposition parties believe political winds are no longer as favourable to the BJP as they were in 2014 due to "anti-incumbency" against both Modi and Kumar and are hoping that Kushwaha's exit further weakens the state's ruling alliance.

"It (NDA) won't be able to open its account in the state this time," Kushwaha claimed. At a press conference, he said people like him were attracted to Modi in 2014 due to his OBC background and hoped that he would deliver on the agenda of social justice.

"People believed 'achchhe din' will come. It did not happen. Bihar remains where it was," he said. Targeting the Modi government for not releasing the census data of the OBCs, he said there is fear and confusion among the backward classes.

"The government has been toeing the agenda of the RSS which is unconstitutional and is neglecting and subverting the agenda of social justice enshrined in the Constitution for which we have supported the NDA," he said in his resignation letter.

The agenda of the RSS is against social justice, he alleged. Attacking Modi, he said the Union Cabinet has been reduced to a mere rubber stamp, simply endorsing the prime minister's decision without any deliberation.

"Ministers and officers posted in ministries have become figureheads as virtually all decisions are taken by you, your and the BJP president. Which is unconstitutional," his letter added.

"The promise of providing Bihar with a special package has been the biggest jumla (rhetoric)," Kushwaha said, as he also attacked Kumar for leaving the state's infrastructure in a shambles.

Asked about his future move, he said his party is yet to take a decision.

The Bihar leader said he is open to joining the opposition's camp and also launching a third front.

He was joined by his party MP Ram Kumar Sharma but there are reports that two MLAs of his party have deserted him and may join the NDA.

Kushwaha accused the BJP and the JD(U) of doing everything to weaken his party and alleged that inducements have been used to win over the MLAs.

He also said that he would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Karakat, from where he had won in 2014.

To a question about his stand of Hindutva groups' demand for building a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said construction of a temple, mosque or church should be done lawfully but added that it is not the job of a political party to build religious places.
Swansy Afonso By

Bloomberg

Indias immense appetite for gold means smugglers are getting more creative to bypass the countrys high import tax.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence arrested four people last week for smuggling in 66 kilograms of gold, worth about 210 million rupees ($3 million), and seized fours cars in operations in two northern states that border Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, according to a statement on the Press Information Bureau. Indians can travel to Bhutan and Nepal freely because of bilateral treaties.

The worlds second-biggest consumer raised import taxes three times in 2013 to control a record current-account deficit, with the rate still standing at 10 percent.

The high duties spurred a spate of smuggling, including attempts to bring in bullion via planes and trains. The cars seized last week had gold concealed in a specially-built box fixed behind the dash board and also in cavities near the cars gearbox or drivers seat.

One of the operations was prompted after the DRI received information that a syndicate was attempting to smuggle foreign gold from Bhutan into India through the countries land border.

Indian customs authorities seized about 2.63 tons of gold between April and November, according to Mondays statement. That compares with 3.22 tons in the 2017-18 financial year, more than double the volume seized in 2016-17. Bullion is suspected to be smuggled through Indias land borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan and China, it said.

The amounts are tiny compared with demand of 771 tons last year and about 200 tons that was brought in illegally at its peak in 2014, according to a trade group.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: BJP president Amit Shah Monday said the credit of a UK court ordering extradition of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya to India "entirely" goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who ensured that agencies were unrelenting in their pursuit of the man who "bled" banks here.

ALSO READ | 'No ground at all' to believe Vijay Mallya faces any risk in Mumbai jail, says UK court

The UK court ordered Mallya's extradition and said there were substantial "misrepresentations" in the flamboyant billionaire's characterisations of his financial dealings, in a major boost to India's efforts to bring back the fugitive wanted for alleged bank fraud amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

"Vijay Mallya's extradition is a very significant development in India's fight against corruption. The credit for this goes entirely to Prime Minister @narendramodi, who ensured that the agencies were unrelenting in their pursuit of the man who had bled Indian banks and fled," Shah wrote on Twitter.

ALSO READ | An offender who benefited during UPA, brought to book by NDA: Jaitley on Mallya extradition

He said the prime minister's "hard stand against corruption and cronyism" also puts a premium on the honest and law-abiding citizens of the country who work hard to ensure better life for their families.

"Welcome to the New India!", Shah said.

ALSO READ | Chronology of Vijay Mallya's extradition case and its origin

Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that Mallya can be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED.

The judge referred the extradition case to Secretary of State. The ruling marked a significant point in the high-profile extradition trial that has lasted over a year.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss was on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Living up to the spirit of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, a group of Muslim intellectuals and social workers has reached out to the saints and seers to express their desire to study Hindu scriptures and also serve the pilgrims during the forthcoming Kumbh mela due to commence from January 15, 2019.

Recently, a delegation, led by social worker Tariq Syed Ajjoo, met Mahant Narendra Giri, president, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) and urged him to spare a piece of land on the mela campus where renowned Sanskrit scholar Hayat Ullah Chaturvedi and other Muslim scholars could set up a camp and be a part of Mela by studying Hindu scriptures and reciting shlokas with the devotees, saints and seers during the month and half long religious extravaganza.

In fact, Hayat Ullah, the renowned Sanskrit teacher and scholar has been conferred with the title of Chaturvedi as he is believed to be proficient not only in Sanskrit but also as the profound knowledge of four Vedas of Hindu mythology. A Chaturvedi is one who has the knowledge of all four Vedas.

According to Kumbh mela authorities, the procedure of allotting land to different akhadas and others to set up camps will be done between November and December.

As per the local sources, the groups of Muslim scholars and social workers handed over a letter of request to president of ABAP demanding allotment of a piece of land so that they could set up camp. This will not only send across a message of communal and social harmony but will also give the Muslim scholars to enhance their understanding of Hindu scriptures, religion and rituals, Ajjoo said.

The group of Muslims scholars also expressed their willingness to serve the pilgrims and devotees coming from far-flung areas to mela on five mahasnan (main bathing days). For this purpose, we have already a plan ready, said a member of the group.

While the Akahada Parishad has appreciated the spirit of the group, Mahant Narendra Giri assured it to look into their plea positively. The delegation has also handed over a letter to Kumbh Mela authorities seeking allotment of land.

In all, 13 Akhadas will be participating in the mela and a few of them incudng Juna Akhada have started reaching the venue. Moreover, for the first time ever, at least 2,500 transgender monastics and seers will also participate in the Kumbh Mela this year.

The Kumbh Mela is scheduled to be held on the banks of confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, from January 15 to March 4, 2019. The first shahi snan of Kumbh mela 2019 would be held

on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, January 15 while the second will take place on Mauni Amavasya, February 4. The third shahi snan is scheduled to take place on February 10 (Basant Panchami.) The mela will conclude with the final Shahi snan on the occasion of Mahashivaratri on March 4, 2019.


Abhijit Mulye By

Express News Service

MUMBAI: After symbolic protests over the low rates onions are fetching, farmers have started committing suicide. At least two onion cultivators took their lives in Satana tehsil of Nashik district over the past two days, sources said.

While Tatyabhau Khairnar, hanged himself on Friday, Manoj Dhondge consumed poison on Saturday, they added.

Tatyabhau had a Rs 12-lakh loan, besides money he owed fellow villagers. He had around 900 kg of onions in his godown, and was depressed for a week due to the low rates, explained Mahendra Bhamre, police officer of the village. A preliminary inquiry has been conducted, but no relief has reached the family yet, he added. In Dhondges case, an inquiry is pending, and his demise has been registered as an accidental death, officials at the Jaikheda police station said.

The onion rates have dipped so much that some farmers cant even recover what they spend to take their crop to the market. One such farmer, Vikram Kolhe, from Solapur district, sold around two tons of his crop at the Siddheshwar market in the city, and made just Rs 2,087. His transportation cost, meanwhile, was Rs 2,430.

Its the onion farmers hoarding their summer crop that are in distress since the fresh crop is fetching better rates and has created a glut, explained minister of state for agriculture Sadashiv Khot. Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on Tamil Nadus health helpline 104 and Snehas suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.

Cant even cover money spent to transport crop

Farmer Vikram Kolhe says onion rates are so low, he couldnt even make as much as he spent to take his crop to the market. The trader offered different rates for different quantities, but it was less than the transportation cost. He told me to take the onion back to my godown, which would have cost `2,500, so I settled for a loss, he explained, adding that he could afford it as he works as a teacher and earns additional income, but not many are so lucky
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Alleging atrocities on Sikhs in Pakistan, activists of an NGO Monday staged a protests outside the Pakistan High Commission here demanding protection of human rights of Sikhs in that country.

More than 250 volunteers of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal marched towards the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, demanding justice and protection of human rights of Sikhs and other minorities in the neighbouring country, a release stated.

After the demonstration, a five-people delegation of the NGO met officials of the mission and handed over documents related to the alleged atrocities on Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan and demanded protection of their interests.

During the protests, the volunteers carried placards and banners with messages like 'Save Human Rights', 'Stop Forced Conversion', 'Save Sikh Girls', 'Stop Harassing Sikhs in Pakistan', 'Don't Grab Gurudwara Land', 'Stop Distorting Sikh History' and others, the release said.
Kumar Vikram By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Touted as a gamechanger, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana ensured that 5.8 crore households belonging to deprived sections were provided LPG connections so that their women folk dont have to cook in smoky kitchens using firewood, coal or cow dung.

Two-and-a-half years after its launch, the Centres flagship programme appears to be flagging as most beneficiaries after getting gas connections, have not been able to continue using LPG as a medium for cooking, perhaps because of the steep cost of a refill.

This is clear from the data compiled by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. A total of 4.70 crore had been given LPG connections up to July this year but only 2.70 crore, or 58% of the beneficiaries, went in for a second refill of their cylinders. The number dropped further when it came to the third refill: only 2.07 crore or 44% went for the refill.

Explaining the numbers, K M Mahesh, a senior official with the ministry, said the consumption pattern defines the usage as many deprived people consume food only once a day.

READ | Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: 'Where will I get the money for a cylinder'? asks beneficiary

But Devinder Sharma, a policy expert, said the declining percentage of LPG usage among Ujjwala beneficiaries reflected the harsh reality in the country.

About 58% of the farmers sleep with an empty stomach. The Economic Survey of 2016 says that the average income of the farming family is just Rs 20,000 a year in 17 states, about half the country. If this is the situation, then how can they refill a cylinder, he said.

The ministry data also disclosed huge variation in consumption pattern of LPG among various states. Less than 50 per cent of the beneficiaries in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Odisha took a second refill. But in richer states such as Haryana, Maharashtra and Gujarat, over 80% of the beneficiaries availed of a second refill. Officials claimed that people use LPG as per their socio-economic condition.

There are different consumption patterns in different parts of the country. Many people in tribal belts use it once a day. Some use it twice a day. So, people are refilling it differently as per their requirement, Mahesh said.

ALSO READ | Study suggests Narendra Modi's LPG scheme reduced household air pollution

LPG distributors said logistical issues and the high cost of a full cylinder could also be behind the declining usage of cooking gas.

Many beneficiaries are unable to pay a large amount of a big cylinder up front. The beneficiaries can now take two small cylinders of five kg instead of the large LPG cylinder, said Pawan Soni, general secretary of the Federation of LPG Distributors of India.

He said smaller cylinders were easier to transport, so 5 kg ones were being distributed in the hills and far-flung areas.
The Ministry said recent comments by Minister Hisham Tawfiq on the 'receding strategic importance' of the steel industry were taken out of context

Egypt's Ministry of Public Enterprises issued a statement on Monday stressing its support for the country's public steel companies, explaining that the ministry is currently undertaking comprehensive renovation and the doubling of the production capacity by five to 10-fold for two main production lines at the ministry's Delta for Steel Capital company.

The ministry also explained that comments made by Public Enterprise Minister Hisham Tawfiq in the media last week, where he said that the "steel industry is not strategic," were taken out of context.

"The minister said that the publically owned steel companies are currently producing less than 5 percent of the total steel produced in Egypt, compared to 100 percent in 1970s; that was the era when the iron and steel industry was thought of as a strategic public sector industry," the ministry statement explained.

The ministry said that it is following up on the execution of the proposals made by international consultants to operate steel furnaces at the giant iron and steel complex in Helwan in order to modernise the complex, which was established in 1954.

The head of the general syndicate for engineering, mining and electrical industries had said in media statements that the union rejects any proposals to privatise publically owned steel firms, stressing the historic role of these companies in building a strong economy since their foundation.

In media statements to Masrawy news website last week, Minister Tawfiq had said that the iron and steel industry is no longer a "strategic industry," explaining that "what was once called 'strategic' in the past might not be considered strategic today."

Moreover, in the same statements, the minister stressed that the ministry has no intention of shutting down any of its companies that are losing money, and that the decision to shut down any company depends on the results of extensive viability studies.

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Amit Agnihotri By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: As party leaders lined up to greet former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on her 72nd birthday, she discussed alliance issues with DMK chief MK Stalin a day ahead of the Opposition meet on Monday.

The meet is slated a day before Parliaments winter session begins, and when results for Assembly polls in MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram would be out. DMK leaders TR Baalu, Kanimozhi and A Raja joined the meeting. We had a warm and cordial meeting... I look forward to continuing our dialogue and strengthening our alliance, Rahul said.

MK Stalin had personally invited Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for the inauguration of his late father and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhis statue in Chennai on December 16. Karunanidhi had passed away on August 7.

Sources said with a weakened AIADMK after the demise of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalitha, the DMK-Congress alliance hopes to bag most of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the southern state. Stalin had also backed Rahul when he targeted the PM over the Rafale jet deal.

The DMK has remained positive on working together with Congress, which is elated over the projections of various poll surveys that the Grand Old Party, which at present is in power on its own in Punjab, Mizoram and Puducherry and shares power with the JD-S in Karnataka, was doing better than the BJP in the five assembly polls.

A good show in this round, being billed as the semi- final to the 2019 national elections, would provide the much-needed boost to Sonias efforts as the Congress Legislative Party leader to forge Opposition unity, which appears to be elusive.

West Bengal chief minister and TMC president Mamata Banerjee in the past and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently have made a pitch to bring the opposition together but the key player to watch at the December 10 conclave would be BSP supremo Mayawati, who shocked the Congress managers by saying a clear no to joining hands with the grand old party before the assembly polls.

Prime Minister Modi, West Bengal chief minister and TMC president Mamata Banerjee, RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav, NC leader Omar Abdullah and several Congress veterans greeted Sonia on her birthday.

Opposition unity

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in the past and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently have made a pitch to bring the opposition together
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A Delhi Court on Monday granted further 5-day remand of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman who has been chargesheeted in the graft-tainted AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, for his custodial interrogation by the CBI.

He was produced before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar after the expiry of his five-day CBI remand.

The probe agency sought nine days further remand of Michel for his custodial interrogation saying he was not cooperating in the investigation of the case. Michel's counsel opposed the CBI plea for further custody saying it was not required as no incriminating evidence has been shown to him till now.

ALSO READ: MEA says examining UK's request for consular access to Christian Michel

At the outset, Michel withdrew his earlier bail plea and filed fresh detailed bail application.

Michel, who is a citizen of the United Kingdom, was brought to India on the night of December 4, following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case and later produced before the court which had allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI.

The court had asked the CBI to provide all relevant documents including the charge sheet to Michel.

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 on December 4 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 has denied the charges. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about 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.

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.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: After taking the selection examination in May, Sonika Devi was confident she would easily be one among 68,000-odd primary teachers being appointed through a government drive in Uttar Pradeshs public schools.

Her optimism, however, turned to despair when she failed to make the cut. But Sonika was not ready to accept the result and challenged it in the Allahabad High Court. When a panel appointed by the HC when checked her examination copy again, it found that the handwriting on the bar-coded cover page didnt match the one found on the answer sheet inside. Clearly, her answer sheet had been swapped with someone else.

The latest drive, was initiated to appoint 68,500 assistant teachers in government schools. It was the first mega recruitment process under the Yogi Adityanath government. Over one lakh aspirants appeared for the exam which was conducted on May 27, 2018 at 248 centres across 18 divisions of Uttar Pradesh. The result was declared on August 13 in which only 41,000 aspirants could qualify.

Sonikas case is one of several anomalies found in the results of the examination. Another petitioner, Rekha Singh, who scored 65  two less than required cut off  had actually scored 80 and would have easily made the cut.

Rekha along with Anupam Pratap Sharma, Sheo Poojan Yadav and scores of others are now among the petitioners who have challenged the examination before the HC. The court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.

Though the Uttar Pradesh government has challenged the single-bench order of the HC, the CBI has already commenced the probe its crime branch has lodged an FIR against unknown officials of the states basic education department and the agency that conducted the examination.

The premier investigative agency will provide a probe progress report on Monday. The state government has set up a three-member high-powered committee and suspended an officer while transferring a few others. The HC however, ordered the CBI probe nevertheless.

The Director, Central Bureau of Investigation shall make an investigation in regard to the entire process of selection initiated for the recruitment of Assistant Teachers in Primary Schools against 68,500 posts, which is known as Assistant Teacher Recruitment Examination, 2018 initiated in pursuance to an advertisement dated 23.1.2018, taking into consideration the observation made in the order and the material taken notice by this Court and submit a report of the progress of the investigation in the matter to this Court on the date fixed. However, it is further directed that against the Officers who are found involved in corrupt practices, if any, necessary action in accordance with law be taken by the competent authority, ordered Justice Irshad Ali.

In its order, the court asked the CBI to complete the probe within six months. During the hearing, the state government accepted that the agency hired to bar code the answer sheets admitted that copies of 12 candidates were changed. It further admitted that 23 candidates who were declared to be qualified, had not done so in the first list.

Meanwhile, in the second list, 24 candidates who had not qualified according to the result, had actually scored the sufficient marks. The court was also told that the firm had committed a mistake and pages of the copies of the candidates were found attached to copies of other candidates. Following the anomalies, the government withheld the entire appointment process and ordered re-evaluation of all the copies afresh, it said.

The HC noted that two of the members of the governments inquiry panel, were from the basic education department.

In another decision, the HC cancelled appointments of 12,460 assistant teachers done in 2016 claiming that they were selected without following the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education (Teachers) Service Rules, 1981. The state government has been asked to started the appointment process afresh and complete the selection within three months in 2016 case. However, those selected in 2016 are yet to get their appointment letters owing to stay on the process.

This is not the first time such irregularities have surfaced in the selection and examination process of a government job in UP. The recruitment of these teachers however, had been carried out under the glare of the public eye.

Over the past 20 years, every selection process undertaken by subsequent state governments or the selection board or commission, has been marred by controversy. These include question paper leaks, graft and favouritism. However, no action has been taken in a majority of the cases, aside from the formation of an inquiry panel and a few suspensions.

Another key issue plaguing the states education system is that of proxy teachers. Teachers, especially those in rural areas, often appoint pay someone else to take classes instead of them.

Consequently, basic shiksha adhikaris (BSA) in Allahabad have decided to stick photos of teachers on the front wall of basic schools with their details. Assistant basic shiksha adhikaris (ABSAs) of respective blocks have been instructed to attest their photos and details.

A look at the numbers
Kumar Vikram By

Express News Service

SHEOPUR (MADHYA PRADESH): It is midday and smoke billows from Ramolis shanty in Kalmi, a village in Madhya Pradeshs Sheopur district, one of the most backward in the country. The smoke is the result of Ramolis cooking. She is using firewood to prepare food for her family of five even though there is an LPG stove next to her mud-baked chulha (fireplace) and a gas cylinder perched on the roof of her outdoor toilet.

Asked why she was not using LPG to cook, Ramoli said hesitatingly: Its not that we never use the cylinder. We use it sometimes but for a few months it has been lying there. Prodded further, she responded: Where will I get the money from (to refill the cylinder)? We generally pick firewood from nearby areas and sell it. This fetches us less than Rs 7,000 a month. How can I spend Rs 900-1,000 on a cylinder?

Ramoli got an LPG connection about a year ago under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and for some time stopped using firewood for cooking. But she is back to cooking food with firewood or dung. Her story is repeated in the nearby Goras village. A gas stove lies at a corner of Ramas house with heaps of utensils on it, obviously out of disuse, while a weather-beaten LPG cylinder stands in the courtyard.

READ | Costly refill forces poor to come out of free LPG connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

We use it (cooking gas) only when we are in a hurry to cook because of guests. We use it mainly for making tea and snacks, she said. Maan Singh, another villager, explained why they find it more convenient to cook using firewood instead of LPG.

We visit nearby forests to pick herbs and firewood and make a living out of it. The firewood we pick for selling is also used for cooking, this doesnt cost us anything, he said.

Sheopur was brought in the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana map about a year ago. Inhabited mostly by the Sahariya tribe, Sheopur is one of the countrys 250 most backward districts.

Pawan Soni, general secretary of the Federation of LPG Distributors of India, admitted that many beneficiaries had not refilled their LPG cylinders.
Ch V M Krishna Rao By

While the outcome of the Telangana Assembly elections will be known only on Tuesday after the counting of votes, it will go beyond deciding the fate of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Congress-led Peoples Front and have repercussions in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh as well as in national politics. The increase in voter turnout by about three to four per cent as compared to the earlier elections is causing quite a bit of anxiety.

Normally, the ruling TRS ought not to be worried as most of the exit polls suggest it would comfortably hold on to power. However, a poll survey by former parliamentarian Lagadapati Rajagopal, who enjoys greater credibility as his predictions in the past have been bang on target, is predicting a clear mandate in favour of the Peoples Front. For the record, leaders of both the TRS and the Peoples Front are exuding confidence in emerging victorious, based on their individual assessments, but calculators are already out.

Of the total 119 Assembly segments, as many as 103 registered over 80 per cent polling, which is unprecedented. And the rural segments saw a higher turnout than the urban ones. No surprises there, but how does one read it? Was the polling high because people in rural areas assumed it was payback time for all the goodies showered on them by the TRS government over the years? Or do people across the state really want a change in government? Reserving the answer for the counting day, here is some crystal gazing on three different scenarios that the elections could throw up.

Scenario One: If the Telangana mandate goes in favour of the TRS with it comfortably crossing the magic figure of 60, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao will not sit idle. He will revive his Federal Front that was hitherto a non-starter, to bring non-NDA and non-UPA parties together to lead a Third Front before the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, which are but a few months away. But the success of his Front would depend on the outcome of Assembly elections in four other states - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram. If the Congress manages to win at least two major states in the Hindi belt, it will get the confidence to try and cobble together a coalition of other non-NDA parties to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the next Lok Sabha polls. KCR will also lend his full support to Y S Jaganmohan Reddy in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to take on Telugu Desam Party boss and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu there. Indeed, KCR made the Telangana elections Chandrababu-centric, by flagging Andhras objections to Telangana projects and the TDPs alliance with its arch rival Congress in the run up to the polls.

Scenario Two: The Congress-led Peoples Front wresting power. This would invariably be seen as triumph for the rainbow alliance comprising different parties and ideologies with the common goal of unseating the enemy. Except in Telangana, no other poll-bound state has such an alliance in place. The Telangana experiment could become the template at the national level to bring all Opposition parties together in each state against the BJP, posing a serious threat to the BJP-led NDA.

Scenario Three: The possibility of a hung Assembly. Pre-poll surveys and exit polls indicate that a few Independents, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the BJP would bag anywhere around 20 to 25 seats of the total 119, leaving the TRS and the Peoples Front to share the remaining 95-100. If both the TRS and the Peoples Front fall short of the halfway mark of 60, the advantage could shift to the TRS as the Congress cannot possibly get support from either the AIMIM or the BJP. All it can expect is the backing of a few Independents. Would that suffice to form a stable government? On the other hand, both the BJP and the AIMIM could directly or indirectly help the TRS to form the government. In fact, the BJP could actually try to jump the queue to lend support just to take revenge on the Congress for what it did to it in Karnataka seven months ago. The situation is pregnant with possibilities.

Ch V M Krishna Rao

Resident editor, Telangana

krishnarao@newindianexpress.com
Anahita Mukherji By

An East Coast senator is faced with a peculiar quandary. Shes not sure how to motivate young Americans to join politics, when their president is a man called Donald Trump.

The US has a leader who has bragged about sexual assault, called a woman horseface, branded opposition parties evil and press coverage against him fake news. He has been accused of financial fraud and is embroiled in probes over Russian influence on US elections. When it comes to guiding youngsters about what it takes to succeed in politics, she says shes now at a loss for words.

Earlier this month, polling company Rasmussen Reports showed a 50 per cent approval rating for Trump, who said his approval would be at 75 per cent without the phony Russia Witch Hunt. The 50 per cent rating may itself be an exaggeration; Rasmussen is believed to have a Republican bias. According to polling data aggregator RealClearPolitics, Trumps average approval rating was 43 per cent.

Amid jokes about Trumps high disapproval ratings and adverse comparisons with former US presidents, it may be worth noting how popular Trump remains with his supporters. While a Gallup poll showed a 40 per cent approval rating for Trump between November 26 and December 2, there was a yawning chasm between his approval among Republicans (89 per cent) and Democrats (6 per cent).

Trumps support base has long been fodder for cartoons, and jokes, and is likely to spawn countless books and PhD theses. So who exactly are these people who support a scandal-ridden president?

In very liberal California, Trumps base includes a lean, middle-aged fitness enthusiast who doubles up as a taxi driver. He believes Trump has been misunderstood. When it came to Trumps anti-immigrant stance, he felt Trump was only against illegal immigrants, not against those who entered the US legally. He tried hard to assure the Indians in his car that Trump wasnt after them. But when it came to Trumps behaviour towards women, he was visibly uncomfortable.

While liberals have often wondered how conservatives could like a man like Trump, the truth is, many dont. A woman from Alabama whom I interviewed for a piece on the many shades of conservative thought in the US, found his behaviour cringeworthy and un-presidential, but voted for him as she wanted a conservative judge to fill in a Supreme Court vacancy, for which she knew shed have to vote for a Republican.

The Guardian columnist Gary Younge, who covered presidential elections from Muncie, Indiana, writes of how he was struck by how many of those who voted for Trump didnt particularly like him. They called him garbage, a bully and an arrogant SOB. When he returned to the city a year after Trumps inauguration, he found they still didnt like him. People said he was embarrassing the US and was like your drunk uncle at a party. And yet, they all thought Trump was doing a good job; they cited his tax cuts, deregulation and Supreme Court nomination as examples. Younge sums it up, saying, It was as though they had elected not a president but a CEO, and felt you dont have to like your boss so long as he keeps the company healthy.

Henry Olsen, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Centre, points to a mistaken presumption among liberals, that since Trump is unconventional, his support base must be equally so. But its not. The data clearly shows Trumps coalition is pretty much the traditional Republican coalition, he writes in The Guardian. He points to the sheer ordinariness of Trumps supporters, what he calls the usual suspects: tax-cut advocates, religious evangelicals and Catholics  and business types eager for deregulation. Trump gives them what they want and they support him in the face of the media storm against him.

Olsen believes the numerous daily attacks on Trump from comedians, actors and virtually the entire US press barring Fox News and some conservative outlets, have hardened the attitudes of many Trump supporters. When the media cries wolf at every passing shadow, many Trump backers simply dont believe them when they say that a wolf might actually be coming, he writes.

While Fox News has come under attack for toeing Trumps line, liberal media outlets have been criticised for the space and time devoted to Trump, giving him free publicity as they analyse his outrageous behaviour. Lisa Hymas, director of the climate and energy program at the non-profit Media Matters for America, complains of how news networks squandered climate-change coverage trying to decipher what Trump thought of climate change instead of reporting on critical issues like his aggressive dismantling of climate protections. When they (media) chase Trump around and let him set the agenda, the hoax is on all of us, she writes for The Grist.

While The Boston Globe carried an opinion piece a few months ago on how Trump lies because he can get away with it, a letter from a reader complained that the Globe itself allowed Trump to do so. The reader pointed to an article headlined Trump says Russians will be pushing for Democrats in 18, legitimising a false tweet, while the article merely mentioned the claim was made without evidence.

In addition to taking advantage of the medias flaws, Trump routinely dismisses all criticism against him in the media as fake news. A chubby, northern California chicken farmer and ardent Trump supporter once told me that he did not believe the left-wing press, a term he used to describe virtually the entire American media. His trusted source of information? The far-right Breitbart News.

Anahita Mukherji

An independent journalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area

Tweets @newspaperwalli
Chetana Belagere By

Express News Service

CHIKKABALLAPUR: Just 60km from Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is Deshmar Thanda, a Lambani settlement where 23 families have been living for the past four decades without access to basic amenities, including drinking water, primary healthcare, roads and even education.

TNIE visited a government school in Bagepalli town, about 8.5km from Deshmar Thanda, where a group of girls narrated to this reporter the ordeal of their daily lives in a village forsaken by the government.

Eleven-year-old Kalpana (name changed) said: In our thanda, we walk 1.5 km every day to get water; there are no pucca roads either. We walk for almost 2km through thorny paths to reach the bus stop, and then take a bus to reach school. We dont even have a hospital in our village.

TNIE decided to check out this rather unbelievable story about a village on the outer hem of global city Bengaluru and found that Deshmar Thanda was, indeed, frozen in time, untouched by development.

The thanda, which falls under Kanagamakalapalli gram panchayat, is a Lambani settlement in existence for the past 45 to 50 years. Weve been living here for more than 40 years now. Weve always been neglected by our gram panchayat, and have to run back and forth to their offices for everything, said Nagraj (name changed) of the village.

Kids walk 2 km to school

The villagers, who have at least three families with children of ages eligible to be admitted to anganwadis, refuse to do so as they dread walking almost 2km over thorny, muddy paths with their children to reach the anganwadi.

I am used to these roads. But I get tired carrying my four-year-old daughter and walking such long distances in the scorching heat. Its horrible during the rainy season too, complained Lakshmi, mother of a toddler and a four-year-old.

The families here have decided that education for their children would start only at the age of eight, when they are ready to either walk for an hour to Nellampalli village, which is about 4km away, and then take a bus from to Bagepalli, which is again a 30-minute drive.

We start as early as 6.30am and reach school by 8am. When we leave late, it gets dark by the time we get home, and dealing with rodents and snakes on the way is common, says Nirmala, a Class 8 student.

Most of the boys discontinue their education after Class 10. They are either sent to Mumbai to earn their living or go to nearby fields to work. Girls finish their education till high school with great difficulty.

We love to study but are forced to stay home as our parents fear for our security when we walk to school. The roads are so lonely, anything could happen. said Sangeetha, 13.

However, the government school at Bagepalli has now provided them with free hostel facilities and the authorities are trying to convince parents to send their children.We have no choice but to leave our children at the government hostel. If we have to give them an education, we have to let go of our children and see them only once a month or during holidays, said Kanchana, whose daughter is in Class 9 and stays at the hostel.

NO ACCESS TO WATER

The villagers dread summer. Deshmar Thanda is located in the drought-affected taluk of Chikkaballapur. Water is a luxury for us. Our women walk 1.5 km to fetch water from a stored borewell water pit from someones farmland, to wash clothes and take a bath. The same water is later brought to drink. This has been the reason for many health issues and illnesses in our thanda, including dehydration, cough, cold etc, said Dhanesh, a resident of the village.

There was only one hand pump in the village that stopped working eight months ago. Villagers now use it to tie their cattle, and children play with its lever. The water in the borewell dried up and no efforts were made to drill another one. Water tankers roll into the village once a fortnight, and agree to come right in only after many requests from the villagers.

Women of Deshmar Thanda walk through the dreaded path every day to bring water from a nearby waterhole | PANDARINATH B

NEAREST HOSPITAL 15 KM AWAY

It wont be an exaggeration to say that there is no access to healthcare over a radius of 15 km from Deshmar Thanda. They have to walk till Nellampalli and wait for the bus to take them to Bagepalli Government Hospital. There have been cases when deliveries have turned disastrous for these families. According to Kamakshi, 65, I have seen women suffer during pregnancy and delivery.

Our grandchildren have health problems, and all we can do is provide some home remedies or be ready to walk to the nearest village. A 30-year-old woman dreads those days when her daughter gets her monthly period. She gets terrible stomach cramps and heavy flow. I cant take her to a doctor as we have to travel at least 15 km to reach a hospital, she said. Meanwhile, a human rights activist based in Kolar, said there is heavy flurosis in the water they drink, which further complicates their health issues. Meanwhile, a doctor at the government hospital in Bagepalli says thirty to forty percent of the patients show symptoms of fluorosis.
Ajay Kanth By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Kerala coast has been put under tight surveillance after intelligence agencies warned possible infiltration of Rohingya Muslims through the seas on fishing trawlers with the help of local rackets operating off south Indian coast.

Intelligence Bureau and other agencies overseeing national security have sounded an alert following inputs of Rohingyas fleeing Myanmar in big numbers in the last couple of days.

Weve analysed the situation and apprised the agencies concerned of its gravity. Therere still trawlers and boats operating from Indian coast without Automatic Identification System or similar valid tags, said an IB officer.

ALSO READ | Rohingyas arrival: Coastal police into combing operations

Railways and Border Security Force have tightened their screening of trains and it has prompted the defence and intelligence agencies to keep a close watch on the sea routes that the travelling Rohingyas might opt for them.

Southern Railway chief security commissioner had recently sent a letter to all its divisions to keep a track on the arrival of Rohingyas in specific trains and hand over them to police.

State coastal police DIG K P Philip said: We havent received any specific information about Rohingyas arrival on fishing trawlers. Yet were into combing operations randomly checking trawlers that operate off the state coast. Weve also directed the Kadalora Jagratha Samithis (coastal local alert groups) to keep an eye on suspicious activities.

In the last one month alone, at least six boats with refugees on board were intercepted by enforcement agencies.

Intelligence wings suspect fishing trawlers from Indian coast are picking up them midsea from the boats which carry them from Myanmar coast. According to them, the southeast coast, from Orissa to Karnataka, is highly vulnerable as boats from Myanmar have easy access to fishing boats operating from these states.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: The war of words between two senior leaders of the State Congress - OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik and former Union minister Srikant Jena - continued on Sunday with the latter resigning from all posts in the party, including the State executive committee, election and core committees.

While Jena targeted Patnaik again, the latter said resignation of former Union minister from all party posts is his personal choice, but it will have no impact on the party. Issues raised by Jena are not taken seriously by the people, he said and added that action will be taken against those creating indiscipline in the party.

Jena, who seems to have been isolated in the party, informed his decision to resign from all party posts in a letter to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. I have informed Rahul Gandhi about my resignation. How long Congress party will be run by members of the Patnaik family, he said.

ALSO READ: Srikant Jena an expert story-teller: Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik

Chairperson of the OPCC disciplinary committee and former Chief Minister Hemananda Biswal, who had warned that action will be taken against those creating indiscipline in the party, on Sunday disapproved the decision taken by Jena to resign from all party posts. Its not a wise decision to resign from the party posts when Congress is doing well in other States.

The former Union minister reiterated that he will go to the villages to seek the opinion of people on the issues raised by him, confiscation of the ill-gotten wealth of the mining mafia, chief minister from the OBC and deputy chief minister from SC/ST communities if Congress came to power in Odisha, and expose them (Patnaik family).

Meanwhile, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge Jitendra Singh is reported to have warned Jena to refrain from creating indiscipline in the party. The former Union minister has been asked to raise issues in party forum and stop raising them in public forum. Jena was removed as the chairman of the State Congress manifesto committee and replaced by former minister Ganeswar Behera on December 6.
The ambassador of Egypt in Belgrade Amr Aljowaily hosted a working lunch this week for the directors of major Serbian museums and friendship societies with world-renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass.

The event was attended by the deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia and president of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Egypt Dubravka Filipovski, as well as acting president of the Egyptian-Serbian Friendship Association Aneta Djermanovic.

We expect to make new discoveries during the current Egyptian excavation mission in the Valley of the Kings, Hawass said at the gathering, expressing his hopes that some results will be reached by the end of this month.

Hawass invited the audience to enjoy the safe environment that currently prevails in Egypt and which has contributed to bringing tourism back to its normal rates.

Hawass also praised the infatuation of the Serbian people by the Pharaonic civilisation, which he wrote about in the book 'Serbia in Egyptian Eyes' in a chapter titled 'Serbia through Pharaonic Eyes,' which recounts the memories of the former ambassadors of Egypt in Belgrade, and the memoirs of senior intellectuals with Serbia.

Ambassador Aljowaily said that the working lunch celebrated a campaign launched by the Embassy this year titled #EgyptALLogy, which aims to promote the ancient Egyptian civilisation through visual arts, theatre, and music.

The ambassador revealed that discussions at the gathering included talks with director of the National Museum Bojana Boric Breskovic to explore possibility of creating a pavilion for Egypt antiquities at the museum, as well as cooperation with the Centre for the Restoration of the new Grand Egyptian Museum to restore a funerary mask available in Serbia.

We also discussed with the director of the Ethnographic Museum Tijana Colak-Antic collaborating with the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation given its unique role in exhibiting the continuity of the Egyptian culture through the various historical eras, Aljowaily added, noting that there are consultations with the director of the Museum of Contemporary Arts Slobodan Nakaradaon on featuring how artists view the history of ancient Egypt.

The Egyptian ambassador also revealed that there are currently discussions with the Cultural Secretariat of the City of Belgrade to organise an exhibition of artefact replicas.

Aljowaily added that the gathering was also an opportunity to reach out to professors of archaeology at the University of Belgrade Branislav Andjelkovic and Vera Vasiljevic to translate their publications on ancient Egypt from Serbian to Arabic, in preparation for Egypt's participation as a guest of honour at the Belgrade Book Fair next year.

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By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government on Monday said it can't hold any talks with Karnataka on building a new dam on Cauvery River at Mekedatu. It has instead appealed to the neighbouring state to give up its proposal to build the dam as it violates the final verdict of the Supreme Court on the inter-state river water sharing dispute.

Responding to the recent letter of Karnataka Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar, addressed to Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami seeking his audience to discuss the Mekedatu issue, Tamil Nadu Law Minister CVe Shanmugam on Monday clearly indicated that there was no possibility for holding talks on Mekedatu issue.

The request of Karnataka government to discuss the Mekedatu project with Tamil Nadu is an attempt to impede the proceedings pending on the Application filed on December 30 by Tamil Nadu and also the Contempt Proceedings initiated against him (Shivakumar) and others in the SC on December 5 and the matter has now become sub-judice, Shanmugam said in his reply to Shivakumar.

READ: Mekedatu project may wipe out Sangama, disturb jumbo corridor

The Tamil Nadu Law Minister said that the Karnataka government had, in violation of the judgment of the SC, obtained permission from the Central Water Commission to go ahead for preparation of a DPR for the Mekedatu Project, without informing and getting the concurrence of Tamil Nadu and of other co-basin States. Besides, Karnataka did not inform this to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), an authority established for the implementation of the decision of the Tribunal as modified by the SC.

The Tamil Nadu Law Minister urged Karnataka Water Resources Minister not to proceed in any manner with the preparation of a DPR for Mekedatu Project or take up any construction activities in any place in the Cauvery Basin of Karnataka, without the prior consent of the Tamil Nadu government.

Any construction or even preparation of a DPR for construction of any new reservoir/project is a clear violation of the judgment of the SC. Hence, I request you to desist from preparation of DPR for Mekedatu project. I also request the Karnataka government to comply with the judgment of the SC dated February 16 in letter and spirit, Shanmugam added.
Akhila Damodaran and Vinod Kumar T By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Valli is part of an extended family of over 20 members, who have arrived in Bengaluru from Salem, Tamil Nadu, with their drove of 17 donkeys. They are going door-to-door in an effort to sell donkeys milk to people. They milk the donkeys in front of customers, and sell it for Rs 50 per paladai (a cup-like feeding vessel for babies). The family earns around Rs 800-Rs 1,000 every day.

Valli (20) says this is how they earn a living. They travel across Tamil Nadu, and Bengaluru and Mysuru in Karnataka, to sell the milk. Only five to six of their donkeys can produce milk. Each donkey cannot produce more than 250 to 350 ml of milk. We milk them between 6 am and 8 am at the doorsteps of customers. We do not milk them after 8 am or store the milk. If anyone asks for milk post 8 am, we fix up an appointment with them the next day and sell the milk, she says.

The joint family, consisting of five families, stayed in Mysuru for a month. We came to Ramanagara and then reached Kengeri. We will be travelling to different localities in Bengaluru for about a month and a half. They would travel to Nagarbhavi, JP Nagar and Uttarahalli, camping at each place for a couple of days, before reaching Hosur and heading back to Tamil Nadu.

They stay in the open with their donkeys. They walk most distances or take lorries to reach their destinations. We come to Karnataka every year, mostly during the winter. We travel when its not raining. So, we cover Tamil Nadu for most of the year, she says.

Donkeys milk is popular in Tamil Nadu, where many hold the age-old belief that it boosts immunity and gives clarity of voice to newborns. Valli says, The donkey milk is good for cold, cough, jaundice, headache, stomach or muscle pain, digestion and improves immunity and blood circulation. It can be given to anyone, from a 15-day-old infant to seniors. She adds that a minimum of three paladais should be consumed raw. It should not be boiled or added with sugar, she says.

They started the business about three-four years ago. We bought these donkeys from a man at our native place, Ammapet in Salem. We arent sure how old are they. She says people in Bengaluru are curious to know more about donkeys milk. The Tamilians here get easily convinced, especially if there is an elderly person in the house. Some enquire about the milk and ask us to come the next day, she says. Her uncle, Dorai, and his wife have also joined the business to fund education of their two sons in Salem.

Used for donkeys years

The father of medicine, Hippocrates, was perhaps the first to write about the benefits of donkey milk. Legend has it that Cleopatra, queen of ancient Egypt, took bath in milk of 700 donkeys to preserve the beauty and youth of her skin. The first scientific consideration was given to donkey milk only in the Renaissance era. French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc mentioned its benefits in his Histoire naturelle. Napoleons sister, Pauline Bonaparte, is also said to have used donkey milk for skincare. The milk is thought to improve immunity and help people with asthma, eczema or psoriasis.

Not popular in India

Donkeys are domesticated in Italy, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. But no study on donkeys milk can be found in India, says dietitian Sheela Krishnaswamy. Another city-based dietitian, Ryan Fernando, also says that donkey milk is popular in Egypt, but not in India. We ask our clients to try goat or sometimes donkey milk if they are lactose intolerant and want to consume something white, as some believe that the child will otherwise have stunted growth. It has less fat than cow milk, Fernando says, adding that any milk has nutritional value, which can also be obtained from fruits and other foods.
By UNI

MOSCOW: The Ukrainian export-oriented economy might lose billions of dollars due to the imposition of the martial law on the country's territory, Volodymyr Husak, a lawmaker from Ukraine's Opposition Bloc party, said on Sunday.

"I believe that the losses from martial law for Ukraine's economy might cost billions of dollars," Husak said as quoted by Ukraine's Pryamiy TV channel.

The lawmaker recalled that the country's economy was highly dependent on export.

"All the regulations and protocols usually forbid buying and selling of goods from countries with martial law. Many enterprises just cannot conclude contracts now," Husak indicated.

On November 26, the Ukrainian parliament supported Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's initiative to impose martial law in 10 eastern regions of the country after the Russian coast guard detained three Ukrainian ships that illegally crossed the country's territorial waters in the Kerch Strait.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Kerch Strati incident was a provocation prepared in advance as a pretext to introduce martial law in Ukraine.

Putin said the provocation could be linked to Poroshenko's low approval rating ahead of the presidential campaign set to start in late December.
By AFP

WASHINGTON: Jamal Khashoggi's final words were "I can't breathe," CNN said Sunday, citing a source who has read the transcript of an audio tape of the final moments before the journalist's murder.

The source told the US network the transcript made clear the killing was premeditated, and suggests several phone calls were made to give briefings on the progress.

CNN said Turkish officials believe those calls were made to top officials in Riyadh.

Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to The Washington Post, was killed shortly after entering the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

READ | Saudi investigation reveals Jamal Khashoggi murdered with 'overdose'

The transcript of the gruesome recording includes descriptions of Khashoggi struggling against his murderers, CNN said, and references sounds of the dissident journalist's body "being dismembered by a saw."

The original transcript was prepared by Turkish intelligence services, and CNN said its source read a translation version and was briefed on the probe into the journalist's death.

The members of Arab-Turkish Media Association and friends hold posters as they attend funeral prayers in absentia for Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi | AP

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on Sunday meanwhile rejected demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of Khashoggi as sought by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan has repeatedly called on Saudi Arabia to hand over suspects in the killing. According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia, however, holds that it was a "rogue" operation gone wrong -- a claim undercut by the reported transcript.

For his part US President Donald Trump has refrained from blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, even though the CIA reportedly concluded that he ordered the assassination.

The murder has damaged Riyadh's international reputation and Western countries including the United States, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals.
By ANI

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has indicated that Qatar knows what to do in order to return as an active member of the council.

"Brothers in Qatar know what is required of them to return as an active member of the council," Al Arabiya quoted the minister as saying. He was addressing the closing session of the 39th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit.

The Foreign Minister also informed that the GCC members believe that the crisis with Qatar will have no impact on the Council.

"The Gulf States are one family and any disagreement is resolved within the Gulf house. The stance towards Qatar came to push it to change its policies," Jubeir added.

The 39th summit of Gulf Cooperation Council issued a seven-point Riyadh Declaration. The Declaration revolved around the motive to unify its member states in the fields of defence, economy and strategic partnerships.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani skipped the summit and a delegation headed by Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi was sent to represent the country.

The GCC summit comes amid an ongoing blockade on Qatar imposed by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt, four members of GCC out of seven, after accusing Qatar of supporting 'terrorism' in June 2017. However, Qatar has denied the alleged charges and claimed that the boycott is affecting the country's sovereignty.

Recently, Qatar had also announced its decision to withdraw from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in January 2019 in order to strengthen its own position as a leading natural gas producer.
By Online Desk

A teenage boy in Malaysia, reportedly died after being electrocuted by the headphone he was wearing. According to the media reports, he was using the headphones while his smartphone was charging. The boy's mother found him on the floor, motionless, with bleeding from his left ear.

The information on the make and model of the gadgets and accessories is not available. The police identified the boy as Mohd Aidi Azzhar Zahrin (16), residing in Kampung Gaing Baru Pedas, Malaysia.

The district police chief Deputy Superintendent said the victim was found dead at 12:45pm - on the same day - by his mother.

She saw him lying on the ground, early morning before leaving for work, but dismissed the motionless 16-year-old as asleep. After she came back from work, when she attempted to wake him up, she realised that he was dead as his body was cold and stiff. The fact that Mohd had died hours before he was brought to the Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital was verified by the medical examiner.

Media reports sugest that Mohd is the fourth person this year to be killed by a headphone-inflicted electric shock.
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The Inland Revenue (Profits Tax Exemption for Funds) (Amendment) Bill 2018 was gazetted today to provide profits tax exemption for eligible funds operating in Hong Kong.

The Government proposes introducing new and self-contained provisions in the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (IRO) so that all funds operating in Hong Kong, regardless of their structure, their location of central management and control, their size or the purpose that they serve, can enjoy profits tax exemption for their transactions in specified assets subject to meeting certain conditions.

A fund can also enjoy profits tax exemption from its investment in both overseas and local private companies.

To minimise the risk of tax evasion, the Government will put in place anti-abuse measures, including certain requirements on a fund's investment in private companies in relation to holding of immovable property and assets, as well as holding period.

The current anti-round tripping provisions for resident persons will be retained.

The bill seeks to address the concerns of the Council of the European Union over the ring-fencing features of Hong Kongs tax regimes for privately offered offshore funds, adding its proposal has struck a balance between facilitating market development and preventing tax abuse.

The move will enhance the competitiveness of the citys tax regimes by creating a level playing field for all funds operating in Hong Kong.

The Government added it will also help strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international asset and wealth management centre and drive demand for the related professional services in the city.

The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on December 12.




PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has promoted 56 senior police officers with three top cops, among them, the Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Learn Ncube, having been elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioner General.





The promotions are with effect from December 7. The others who were promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner General include Senior Assistant Commissioners Lorraine Chipato and Mind Elliot Ngirandi.





Prior to his promotion, Ngirandi was the Chief Staff Officer (planning and development) while Chipato who is former Officer Commanding Victoria Falls Police, was also among the 660 police officers who were elevated in August.





She was recently promoted from Assistant Commissioner to Senior Assistant Commissioner.





The trio replaces three former Deputy Police Commissioner-Generals  Innocent Matibiri, Josephine Shambare and Levi Sibanda who retired last month after reaching the compulsory age of retirement. The three newly promoted Deputy Commissioner-Generals join former head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Stephen Mutamba who was elevated to the same rank four months ago.





In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, said the promotions were made in terms of section 14 of the Police Act, Chapter 11.10.





The Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police informed the nation that in terms of the Police Act, Chapter 11:10, Section 14 (1) (b) His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has promoted senior officers with effect from December 7, 2018.





The senior police officers who were promoted to the ranks of Deputy-Commissioner-General are: Senior Assistant Commissioners Mind Elliot Ngirandi, Learn Ncube and Lorraine Chipato, said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.





Four Assistant Commissioners have been elevated to the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner and these are Assistant Commissioners David Mahoya, Kudakwashe Mubhemi, Chrispen Charumbira and Partson Nyabadza.





Snr Asst Comm Charamba said 15 Chief Superintendents were promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioners while 34 Superintendents were elevated to Chief Superintendents.




El-Sayed wrote several dramatic works, directed plays and was involved in film and TV production

Ahmed El-Sayed, director of Cairo's Comedy Theatre, passed away on Sunday following a long struggle with illness, the culture ministrys theatre department announced in an official press release.

In recent years, El-Sayed has created several important developments within the Comedy Theatre, the head of the theatre department, Ismail Mokhtar, said in the release.

El-Sayed had been involved in theatre since childhood, first working besides his father, who was a theatre director. He then graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts and continued to work as an assistant director for several years.

El-Sayed wrote several dramatic works and directed a few plays in the later stages of his career. His work also extended to a few productions for cinema, such as assisting in the productions of Al-Irhab Wal Kabab (Terrorism and Kebab, 1992) directed by Sherif El Arafa and starring Adel Imam and Yousra. This led to numerous cooperations with Imam, when he joined the crew of Amir El-Zalam (The Prince of Darkness, 2002) and Hassan wa Morcus (Hassan and Marcus, 2008), both directed by Rami Imam, and starring Adel Imam, the latter one also starring Omar Sharif.

El-Sayed was also part of the production crew of Morgan Ahmed Morgan directed by Ali Idris, in which Adel Imam also starred.

El-Sayed also worked on Makan fi Al-Qasr (2014), a TV series, and more recently on Between Two Worlds (2017).

He was appointed director of the Comedy Theatre in 2016.

El-Sayed's health deteriorated over the past months and he eventually fell into a coma, passing away in an intensive care unit. His funeral will take place on Monday.

Minister of Culture Ines Abdel-Dayem extended her condolences to El-Sayed's family and the theatre community, saying that Egyptian theatre had lost one of the creative artists who had presented many outstanding works in the field.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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Scientists Question Models

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Millennials and Their Phones in case you missed it

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Mothers May Be Wrong in case you missed it

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(Newser)  Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and others have gone to bat for a woman fighting a life sentence for killing a man when she was a teen, after she says she was forced into prostitution by her pimp boyfriend. Now, per People, the Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that Cyntoia Brown, 30, must serve at least 51 years before she can get parole; she'd be 69 when eligible. It was a unanimous decision Thursday, CNN notes, after the US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals asked the state Supreme Court to weigh in, as state law was unclear. The ruling was in response to Brown's argument that the US Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to give juveniles mandatory life sentences without parole (a lower court noted her life sentence did include the possibility of parole), as well as that it's "cruel and unusual punishment." The appeals court rejected her first argument but is still reviewing the second.

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Brown was 16 when she killed Johnny Mitchell Allen in 2004, a real estate agent she says solicited her for sex after she was forced to serve as a prostitute by her boyfriend, "Kut Throat," HuffPost notes. She contends she shot Allen after she saw him reach for a gun; prosecutors, however, said she was trying to rob Allen, and she was tried and convicted as an adult. Many are noting that Brown, a woman of color who says she killed in self-defense, is receiving a more severe punishment than whites who commit crimes. HuffPost cites the example of Jeffrey Epstein, the hedge fund manager sentenced to just 13 months in prison after being accused of sex-trafficking young girls. "The system has failed," Kim Kardashian tweeted last year, calling the case "heartbreaking" and saying she was going to get her lawyers involved. (Teen prostitutes are a "human rights scandal" in US.)
(Newser)  A Maine seaman is facing up to 10 years in prison for the death of a sailor on his boatwho committed suicide. "Nothing like this has ever happened to me," Rick Smith tells the Press Herald. According to reports, interviews, and court documents, Smith was piloting his two-masted vessel down to the US Virgin Islands in 2015 when he replaced one of three crew members with a man he didn't know: David Pontious. Boarding in Beaufort, NC, the 54-year-old came with sailing credentials but seemed out of shape. He soon got seasick, had aural and visual hallucinations, and called wildly for help on the VHF radio. Standing at 6 feet and weighing at least 250 pounds, Pontious allegedly punched and tried choking Smith. "Touch my equipment again and I will slit your throat," Smith told him. A few minutes later, Pontious jumped into the Atlantic and sank under a nearly full moon.

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The law moved slowly, but in 2018 the US Virgin Islands charged Smith with a rarely used federal statute called "seaman's manslaughter"alleging that Smith's "misconduct, negligence and inattention to duties" caused Pontious' death. Smith's lawyer says prosecutors are just angry the captain declined a grand jury invitation, while the feds say Smith failed to deploy the boat's emergency beacon to alert the Coast Guard when Pontious jumped over. Smith also dumped marijuana and an illegal firearm off the boat, per the Virgin Islands Daily News. An antidepressant pill found in Pontious' key fob may also affect the case. Now 66, Smith remains under house arrest in the Virgin Islands awaiting trial. (In related news, a submarine that vanished with 44 crewmen was found a year later.)
(Newser)  China is demanding that Canada free Meng Wanzhou immediately or pay a "heavy price," but the Huawei CFO and her lawyers are trying to make a case for release that isn't based on threats, according to court documents released Sunday. In a bail application, Meng states that she suffers from hypertension and was treated in a hospital after she was detained Dec. 1, reports Reuters. The court documents state that Meng's family gave assurances that she would remain in Vancouver, where they own two homes, if she was granted bail while fighting proceedings to extradite her to the US. She was detained at the request of US authorities, who accuse her of violating sanctions on Iran. Meng says she has longstanding ties to Vancouver and still spends at least a few weeks there every year.

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Court documents note that Meng would surrender her travel documents if granted bail. "The applicant cannot board an airplane without a passport, and the only country to which she could flee via car is the very country that seeks to extradite her," the bail application states. The court documents describe the US fraud case against Meng, which involve her "control" of an entity called Skycom, which allegedly broke sanctions between 2007 and 2013, as resting "wholly on her reliance on a PowerPoint presentation prepared by others," Global News reports. Canadian prosecutors are arguing that Meng is a flight risk with "virtually inexhaustible resources." The hearing resumes Monday. (The Meng arrest could throw a wrench in US-China trade talks.)
(Newser)  "STOP THE MADNESS!!!!," "dear lord," and "I want to die" were just a few of the responses to what was meant to be a routine email Friday about a seasonal potluck party in a Utah state office, per the Miami Herald. What caused the holiday hubbub: The email meant for one department was accidentally sent to more than 25,000 employees throughout the state, leading to what Newsweek calls "a cascade of curt, angry, and confused responses" when recipients started hitting "reply all" in their return correspondence, KUTV reports. Unable to simply ignore the mass email, hordes of workers, both irritated and amused, tried to get off the "reply all" chain by  replying to all with that request, which Newsweek notes "only deepened the communication quicksand."

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"It's Replyall-gate 2018. Adventures in state government," one worker tweeted as it was happening, while another worried the messages wouldn't taper off: "I fear this will never end." In addition to the snark and outrage, some replies were genuine queries about what to bring to the potluck, as well as to the white-elephant gift exchange also set to take place. A Utah communications professional offers some advice to those who want to avoid the same "reply all" fiasco happening when they have their own email to send out. "Prevention is key: send large group emails to yourself w/ bcc to other recipients, and hope somebody doesn't 'loop' others in," he tweeted. Neither the person who sent the email, nor the department, had been IDed by EOD Friday. (Read more email stories.)
(Newser)  Scientists checking a camera set up to observe otters in northern Italy were thrilled when another furry creature wandered into the framethe first beaver seen in the country in centuries. The last recorded sighting of a beaver in Italywhere they were hunted for food in the Middle Ages as a "white meat" that Catholics could eat on Fridayswas in 1471, the CBC reports. The male beaver has been nicknamed "Ponta" in honor of photographer Renato Pontarini and the bridges they are famous for building, Il Globo reports. Researchers, who suspected a new kind of animal was in the area after being alerted to unusual tracks, believe Ponta is the descendant of a group of beavers reintroduced to the Danube region around 30 years ago. (Argentina, meanwhile, says it has far too many beavers.)
(Newser)  A video circulating widely on Facebook has brought a new controversy to the NYPD. In it, officers are seen trying to forcefully pull a 1-year-old baby from his mother's arms while she is on the ground, reports the New York Times. "They're hurting my son!" the woman identified as 23-year-old Jazmine Headley is heard screaming as officers try to arrest her. The department called the video "troubling" and said it is investigating. The incident occurred Friday at a food stamp office, and the woman who filmed the video said police were called when Headley sat on the floor and refused a security guard's orders to move. Officers arrived and ordered her "numerous times to leave the location, and she refused," says an NYPD spokeswoman, per the Daily News.

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Dozens of onlookers gather around as one officer in particular, a female, repeatedly tries to yank the child from Headley. The same officer later waves a stun gun at the angry crowd, notes the Times. City Council Speaker Corey Johnson called the video "unacceptable, appalling and heart breaking" in a tweet. "No mother should have to experience the trauma and humiliation we all witnessed in this video, said Public Advocate and state Attorney General-elect Letitia James, reports NBC News. Headley faces charges of resisting arrest, acting in a manner injurious to a child, obstruction, and criminal trespass. Police say she also had a warrant for her arrest out of New Jersey, but the details on that were not immediately known. She was being held in Rikers Island, and a relative was caring for the baby. (Read more NYPD stories.)
(Newser)  Tokyo prosecutors have charged Nissan's former chairman Carlos Ghosn, another executive, and the automaker itself for allegedly underreporting income. The charges imposed Monday involve allegations Ghosn's pay was underreported by about $44 million between 2011 and 2015, per the AP. The prosecutors said earlier that the allegations were the reason for Ghosn's arrest on Nov. 19. The prosecutors issued statements also outlining new allegations Monday against Ghosn and Greg Kelly, the other executive. The fresh allegations are of underreporting another $36 million in 2016-2018. Nissan as a company wasn't mentioned in the latest allegations; in Japan, a company can be charged with wrongdoing. Some kind of action by the prosecutors had been expected, as the detention period allowed for the allegations disclosed earlier was to end on Monday.

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Nissan Motor Co. confirmed the charges against it in a statement, noting, "Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissan's public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret." Kelly, 62, is suspected of having collaborated with Ghosn. Kelly's attorney in the US says he's asserting his innocence, noting that insiders at Nissan said the procedure was legal. Ghosn hasn't commented. Ghosn was ousted as Nissan chairman, and Kelly lost his representative director title, following their arrests, but they both remain on Nissan's board pending a shareholders meeting. Meanwhile, the SEC said it had filed criminal complaints against Ghosn, Nissan, and Kelly. A commission official said Monday that the three parties were suspected of falsifying reports on millions of dollars' worth of Ghosn's income. (Read more Nissan stories.)
(Newser)  It wasn't a noteworthy request, but what it helped reveal was significant: A family asked for a copy of a check they had paid to a California Catholic school. But when the staff at St. James Catholic School in Torrance retrieved it, they realized it had been deposited into a different accountone opened in 1997 and "long forgotten" by all but two nuns, who the school now says used it to embezzle up to $500,000. Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper, the K-8 school's former principal, and Sister Lana Chang, were identified last Monday as the two involved. Long Beach Press-Telegram reports a forensic auditor discovered Kreuper would collect the tuition checks and then turn them over to the school's bookkeepers, allegedly withholding some and depositing them in the other account.

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In last Monday's meeting with parents and alumni, archdiocese lawyer Marge Graf explained where those funds next went: "We do know that they had a pattern of going on trips, we do know they had a pattern of going to casinos"; the nuns reportedly told others a wealthy relative funded the getaways. Where the women won't be going is jail: Though Kreuper has reportedly admitted taking all the money and the school notified police of its findings, it and the archdiocese are declining to press charges. That's apparently because the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet will make full restitution on behalf of its sisters and slap them with "severe sanctions"; it's unclear if the order's arrangement stipulated no charges be filed. NBC News notes that in a Feb. 4 church newsletter about Kreuper's upcoming retirement, parishioners were urged to "thank her for her generous service." (Read more embezzlement stories.)
The festival will see the performance of 117 plays from 39 countries, with only 11 competing for awards

Egyptian play Al-Sa'a Al-Akhera (The Last Hour) has been rescheduled to be staged twice on Thursday at The Municipal Theatre in Tunis during its participation in the Journees Theatrales de Carthage (JTC) theatre festival, taking place between 8 and 16 December.

The show was initially supposed to be staged on Monday at The Arts Hall, but the venue was decided to be unsuitable for the play.

During the 20th edition of the JTC, Sameh Mahran, head of the Cairo International Festival for Contemporary and Experimental Theatre, has been honoured at the event and has expressed gratitude to the organisers.

Iconic theatre actor Abdel-Rahman Abou-Zahra travelled on Monday to Tunisia to be honoured at the event on Thursday.

The Last Hour, which premiered in April, tells the story of the American pilot who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima during World War II.

The play is directed by Nasser Abdel-Monim and written by Eissa Gamal Eldin. The cast features El-Ghad Theatre actors Sherif Sobhi, Samia Atef, Moataz Swify and Mahmoud El-Zaiat.

The festival will see the performance of 117 plays from 39 countries, with only 11 competing for awards.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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(Newser)  It's crunch time for Brexit, and investors are on high alert. British lawmakers weremaybeset to vote Tuesday on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal with the European Union, reports the AP. All indications are that she would suffer a major defeat, opening up a dizzying array of consequences that could increase volatility in global financial markets. On Monday, however, the BBC quoted two government sources who said the vote will be canceled. May was expected to clear things up in a speech Monday afternoon. That wasn't the only wrinkle: Europe's top court boosted the hopes of people who want to stay in the EU by ruling Monday that Britain could change its mind about leaving. When an EU member country has notified its intent to leave, "that member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification," said the European Court of Justice, per the AP.

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Britain voted in 2016 to leave the 28-nation bloc and invoked Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty in March 2017, triggering a two-year exit process. May has worked out a deal with the EU to make that happen, and Britain's Parliament was to vote on it Tuesday. Defeat of May's deal could suggest that Britain is one step closer to dropping out of the EU in March with no deal at all, a worst-case scenario that most economic commentators, including the Bank of England, say would lead to a savage recession. Another possibility: After a defeat of May's deal, Parliament could vote again on a revised version and back it. Or it could coalesce around another Brexit deal that would see Britain retain very close links to the European single market. There could even be a second referendum on Britain's exit from the EU.

(Read more Brexit stories.)
(Newser)  A 75-year-old has just been added to the US Marshals Service's "15 Most Wanted" listsome 45 years after he went on the lam. Lester Eubanks was sentenced to death in 1966 for the murder of 14-year-old Mary Ellen Deener of Mansfield, Ohio, a year prior. In 1972, that sentence was commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole, but he wouldn't be there much longer. As the Cincinnati Enquirer reports, on Dec. 7, 1973, Eubanks was given what turned out to be an unwise reward for good behavior: a holiday shopping trip in Columbus, where he was permitted to shop solo and told to report back to a pickup location. He escaped.

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A press release from the US Marshals Service calls it "one of the most notorious prisoner escapes in Ohio history" and says it's looking to end Eubank's time on the lam. They believe Eubanks is alive, but they don't know where; he's believed to have spent time in Michigan and California over the years. He's described as 5-foot-11, with a mole under his left eye, though authorities note "fugitives on the run as long as Eubanks tend to use that time to change their appearance." He has possibly used the alias Victor Young. A $25,000 reward is being offered for info that leads to his arrest. (This most-wanted deadbeat dad was felled by a cherry pit scheme.)
(Newser)  New Zealand's prime minister made an emotional apology Monday to the family of a British tourist who was murdered in New Zealand. Grace Millane, 22, graduated from college and then started in Peru what was supposed to be a yearlong trip around the world. She traveled from there to New Zealand on Nov. 20, but she disappeared on Dec. 1; her family became concerned when they didn't hear from her on her birthday the following day. A week after she was last seen, police detained a 26-year-old man believed to have been seen with Millane on Dec. 1; he has since been charged with murder. On Sunday, authorities found a body they believe to be Millane. "Your daughter was supposed to be safe here," Jacinda Ardern said during a post-Cabinet address, per ABC.net.

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"From the Kiwis I have spoken to, there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality, on our manakitanga," she continued, using a word referring to kindness, generosity, support, and respect, "especially to those who are visiting our shores." Millane's father traveled to New Zealand last week to assist with the search. News.com.au has a detailed timeline of Grace Millane's time in New Zealand; she was last seen on surveillance footage on Dec. 1 spending time with a man and ultimately entering a hotel with him around 9:40pm. She had told friends at her hostel that she was meeting up with a friend. Police believe a car that was rented on the morning of Dec. 2. was used to transport her body to a forested area. (A security guard is suspected in the murder of a US tourist in Costa Rica.)
(Newser)  Planned Parenthood got some good news from the Supreme Court on Monday, as new Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the court's more liberal judgesas did Chief Justice John Robertsin deciding not to hear a case involving the group. The upshot is that state court rulings will remain in place; those rulings allow Planned Parenthood to contest laws in Louisiana and Kansas to defund the organization. If either Kavanaugh or Roberts had joined conservative justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch, the court would have taken up the case, turning it into the first major abortion test of the new court, reports Politico. Lawmakers in the two states sought to deny public funding to Planned Parenthood because the group provides abortions.

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However, federal law already prohibits Medicaid funds from being used for abortions, notes NPR. In his dissent, Thomas blasted the decision. "What explains the Court's refusal to do its job here?" he wrote. "I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named Planned Parenthood." He contended that the cases at hand "are not about abortion rights" but "about private rights of action under the Medicaid Act," per CNN. Still, USA Today sees the court's move as a setback for conservative interest groups who have been pushing for action on Planned Parenthood over the issue of abortion. (Abortion rights groups won a reprieve in Iowa earlier this year.)
(Newser)  Defying fierce opposition from the United States and a few other nations, nearly 85% of the countries at the UN agreed Monday on a sweeping yet non-binding accord to ensure safe, orderly, and humane migration. A total of 164 countries among the 193 UN members approved the first-of-its-kind the Global Compact for Migration by acclamation Monday, reports the AP. At the two-day conference, UN leaders were hoping to lure in holdouts from mostly Western nations who were not signing: Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, and Slovakia along with the United States, which under President Trump did not participate in drafting the accord.

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The UN's International Organization for Migration estimates there are 1 billion migrants worldwide, or nearly one in every seven humans," and more than 60,000 migrants have died on the move since the year 2000," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a migration conference in Marrakesh, Morocco. "This is a source of collective shame." The conference is the capstone of efforts set in motion two years ago when all 193 UN member states, including the US under President Barack Obama, adopted a declaration saying that no country can manage international migration on its own and agreed to work on a global compact. The Trump administration pulled out of the accord a year ago. It said it could not "support a 'compact' or process" that could "impose" policy and said the agreement failed to "distinguish adequately" between legal and illegal immigrants. Read more on the pact here.

(Read more migrants stories.)
(Newser)  Jack Dorsey is under serious fire on his own platform thanks to some ill-advised tweets about his birthday present to himself. The Twitter CEO traveled to Myanmar to enjoy a 10-day silent meditation, and he shared all about it in what many are calling a tone deaf series of tweets. "Looks like that silent retreat kept him silent about the ethnic cleansing of #Rohingya" Muslims in the country, reads one sample tweet reply to Dorsey. "Out of all the places you picked a spot w/ an ongoing genocide," reads another. Read on for more:

The tweets: Dorsey explained what exactly a vipassana meditation is, talked about how great Myanmar is and urged his followers to visit, mentioned his Apple Watch and Oura ring and how they lent insight into the whole experience, and shared details from "push[ing] through til the end" after catching a cold to the amazingness of listening to a Kendrick Lamar album after the 10 days of silence ended. Read the Twitter thread in full here.

Dorsey explained what exactly a vipassana meditation is, talked about how great Myanmar is and urged his followers to visit, mentioned his Apple Watch and Oura ring and how they lent insight into the whole experience, and shared details from "push[ing] through til the end" after catching a cold to the amazingness of listening to a Kendrick Lamar album after the 10 days of silence ended. Read the Twitter thread in full here. The main controversy: Most people took issue with Dorsey's failure to mention the plight of the Rohingya, and the New York Times has more on that. Before 2012, when Myanmar was ruled by a repressive military junta, one could argue that by visiting the country, "you were lending important financial support to ordinary people who were not involved in the junta and were largely innocent of any moral wrongdoing," says one travel expert. Not so today, he continues, as the Aung San Suu Kyi-led government's actions "enjoy a degree of popular support within the general population."

Most people took issue with Dorsey's failure to mention the plight of the Rohingya, and the New York Times has more on that. Before 2012, when Myanmar was ruled by a repressive military junta, one could argue that by visiting the country, "you were lending important financial support to ordinary people who were not involved in the junta and were largely innocent of any moral wrongdoing," says one travel expert. Not so today, he continues, as the Aung San Suu Kyi-led government's actions "enjoy a degree of popular support within the general population." Social media's contribution: Multiple people pointed out the role social media itself has played in the Rohingya crisis; one person pointed out that the Myanmar military "weaponized Facebook" to incite violence and shared this article explaining how.

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Human rights: The Guardian takes note of this tweet from Andrew Stroehlein, the European media director of Human Rights Watch: "Im no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention youre in a country where the military has committed mass killings & mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, in one of todays biggest humanitarian disasters?"

The Guardian takes note of this tweet from Andrew Stroehlein, the European media director of Human Rights Watch: "Im no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention youre in a country where the military has committed mass killings & mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, in one of todays biggest humanitarian disasters?" But that's not all: Dorsey was also criticized for being generally clueless when it comes to his privilege; Mashable rounds up the eye-rolling responses to many of Dorsey's tweets, including one person who compared Dorsey to Gavin Belson, the comically villainous CEO from HBO's Silicon Valley who also went on a meditation trip in Asia.

Dorsey was also criticized for being generally clueless when it comes to his privilege; Mashable rounds up the eye-rolling responses to many of Dorsey's tweets, including one person who compared Dorsey to Gavin Belson, the comically villainous CEO from HBO's Silicon Valley who also went on a meditation trip in Asia. Paying for pain: Others LOLed at the fact that Dorsey proudly tweeted about getting 117 mosquito bites in 10 minutes. "He sat down and counted each bite so he could tweet about it on his own platform," observed one user.

Others LOLed at the fact that Dorsey proudly tweeted about getting 117 mosquito bites in 10 minutes. "He sat down and counted each bite so he could tweet about it on his own platform," observed one user. Speaking of pain: Some took issue with the fact that Dorsey talked about the physical discomfort of the meditation and noted that "vipassana would likely be good for those suffering chronic pain to help manage it." One response to that idea: "Poor people sit in their pain every day all day because they cant afford proper healthcare. But instead of sitting in it they go to work and take care of their families."

Some took issue with the fact that Dorsey talked about the physical discomfort of the meditation and noted that "vipassana would likely be good for those suffering chronic pain to help manage it." One response to that idea: "Poor people sit in their pain every day all day because they cant afford proper healthcare. But instead of sitting in it they go to work and take care of their families." Summing it all up: "Youve confused entitlement with enlightenment," says one Twitter user. Adds another: "as a rule Buddhists never say this, but you are doing Buddhism wrong. Literally and allegorically." And then there's this: "If you had actually learned anything. You would have said nothing."

(Dorsey was recently involved in a Twitter argument regarding homelessness .)
(Newser)  Whitey Bulger smelled a rat. A month before the 89-year-old former gangster was murdered in prison, he told his lawyer that he wasn't happy about an upcoming transfer, reports the Wall Street Journal. The devil you know is better than the devil you dont, attorney Hank Brennan remembers Bulger telling him. I dont trust them. During the call, Bulger said he'd been informed he was being sent from a federal prison in Florida, where he spent his time in solitary confinement, to a medical facility. Instead he ended up in a notoriously violent prison in West Virginia and was beaten to death inside his own cell within 24 hours.

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Its important for the family and the public to know why the prisons decided to wheel an 89-year-old man with a history of heart attacks into one of the most dangerous prisons in the country, says Brennan. The attorney tells the AP that he plans to begin filing multiple lawsuits over the next month on behalf of Bulger's estate. No charges have yet been filed in Bulger's death, but two mobsters from his home state of Massachusetts are under suspicion. (The killers used a padlock in a sock.)
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His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday issued Royal Order 59/2018, appointing the members of the Shura Council.

The order shall take effect as from December 12, and will be published in the Official Gazette.

The is the Upper House of the National Assembly, the main legislative body of Bahrain. The forty seats of the Consultative Council combined with the forty elected seats of the Council of Representatives form the National Assembly of Bahrain.

All laws have to be passed by both chambers of the Assembly.
Saitama Prefectural Police have arrested a 39-year-old man over the stabbing of three Cambodian nationals at an apartment building in Hanyu City on Saturday, reports NHK

At around 9:00 p.m., Hideaki Nakayama, of no known occupation, entered a unit of the building, located in the Minamihanyu area, and allegedly slashed the three persons a two men (32 and 29) and a woman (34) a in the abdomen and chest with a knife.

The victims were transported to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening, according to the Hanyu Police Station

After the incident, a neighbor who aheard the screams and cries of a mana tipped off police. Officers arriving at the scene found Nakayama, who lives in a different unit of the building, on a road near the residence with blood on his face.

aI stabbed three foreigners,a the suspect was quoted by upon his arrest on suspicion of attempted murder. aI entered the unit to try to kill people.a

At the time of the incident, there were seven persons inside the residence. The suspect used several knives to carry out the crime, police said.
Ishikawa Prefectural Police have arrested two station attendants at West Japan Railway Co. over the theft of 5 million yen from an office in Kanazawa City earlier this year, reports TV Asahi (Dec. 7).

On a day in September, Yuzuru Kawabuchi, 35, and Shintaro Omote, 33, allegedly stole 5 million yen in cash from an office at JR Ishikawa Station.

Kawabuchi is believed to have carried out the theft while Omote assisted. Police did not reveal if the suspects admit to the allegations.

At the time of the incident, the office was unoccupied and both suspects were on duty, police said.

The matter emerged after another employee noticed the money missing on the day of theft and tipped off police.

According to JR West, both suspects work at a ticket window and ticket gate.
This is as the said attack has continued to generate mixed reactions.

In a statement made available on Monday, which was signed by his media aide, Barr Ike Maximus Ugwuoke, Mbaka said he never at any time blamed the attack on the Church.

The statement read: The report in a section of the media that Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka of Adoration ministry Enugu Nigeria fingers the Church on his alleged assassination is a false and a sensational headline curled by mischief makers for whatever ends and it is hereby refuted.

First, the assassination plot against Fr Mbaka was not a mere allegation or claim as reported in the media but an established fact. The impact of the bullet on his car which the security agents have confirmed is there for all who cared to see. It is also ridiculous that two fictitious characters masquerading as concerned Catholics could go wild to insinuate in the media that Fr Mbaka planned his own assassination to curry public sympathy and presidential favour.

Such statement depicts how far mischief makers can go in trivializing issues as important as human life and their absolute lack of fear of God. The statement calls to question the level of concern of such Concerned Catholics in such a matter involving the life of a catholic priest. We call on security agencies to investigate the source of such media report as the makers of the report or their pay masters may have some useful information to give them in their investigation into the incident.

We challenge the two impostors claiming to be writing for the Concerned Catholics to come forward with their real identity, parish addresses and contacts to prove the point that they exist and that they are Catholics.

We state categorically that in all efforts made to inquire from Fr Mbaka the person or persons behind the gun attack at him, he never at any time named anyone or pointed accusing finger at anyone as the sponsor of his assassination plot, be it the Catholic Church or Whomever.

It is wrong and out of context to ascribe to Fr Mbaka any deductions made by any person or group of persons, or associations or followers of Fr Mbaka on the issue whether verbally or in prints. Such persons or group of persons may be freely expressing their sentiments on the issue but they are not speaking for Fr Mbaka and should not be taken or quoted as speaking for Fr Mbaka.

Fr Mbakas love for the Catholic Church is unquestionable and to allege that he is unleashing his ministry against the Catholic Church in an attempt to blackmail, or stampede the church into doing his bidding only portrays the clear mischievous intention of the originators of the statement to incite the Catholic Church against Fr Mbaka.

Such statement can only come from agents of darkness and liars from the pit of hell and should be considered as such.
As the 2019 general elections draw nearer, the Nigerian Senate on Monday, December 10, formally declared open the public hearing on vote-buying and improving electoral processes in the country.





It was gathered that the Senate made the disclosure on its official Twitter page on Monday, December 10.




President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.Security levies: Christians, Muslims, traditionalists in Oyo spit fireThe Governor arrived the Villa at about 12:30pm and went straight to the Presidents office for a closed-door meeting.Recall that Amosuns preferred candidate for governor in the states governorship primaries, Adekunle Akinlade, has since left the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, having defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a move Governor Amosun has endorsed.Aside Akinlade, other loyalists to the Governor have dumped the APC.
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the freezing of the b...

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the freezing of the bank accounts of the presidential running-mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi.









The PDP in a statement on Saturday cried out over the stoppage of transactions on all accounts belonging to Obi, wife, his family members and their businesses by agencies of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.









Frank in a statement made available on Sunday described freezing of Obis accounts as an act of wickedness, senselessness and desperation by the President Muhammadu Buharis administration.





He noted that President Muhammadu Buharis administration by using such tactics of depriving the opposition figures access to their personal resources had failed.





According to Frank, if the PDP and former President Goodluck Jonathan, who performed well could lose election in 2015 despite access to huge resources, nothing will stop Buharis and APCs total defeat in 2019.





The statement read: In the history of Nigeria, and in the history of democracy in Nigeria, we have never seen a government this wicked to its citizens and to the opposition like this present government.

Let me remind Buhari not to forget that he was poor before he became President in 2015, if today he has corruptly enriched himself  thinking that he will use the proceeds to buy votes during the election while trying to impoverish the opposition  Nigerians will prove him otherwise.





He has forgotten that his election was sponsored by Nigerians who believed in his course, otherwise he would not have become President.





No amount of blackmail and witch-hunt against businessmen and opposition politicians in the country will give him victory come 2019. No true Nigerian will behave the way he treats Nigerians and opposition.





While accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of bias, Frank queried why the anti-graft agency has not frozen the accounts of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo -who is allegedly involved in NEMAs financial scandal  and that of the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole  for allegedly receiving bribes during the partys primaries.





Buharis actions are beginning to make us doubt if indeed he is the Muhammadu Buhari we know or the Jubril from Sudan as alleged by so many people. It will only take a foreigner to treat citizens and the opposition the way Buhari is treating Nigerians at the moment.





I want to remind Buhari that he was once in the opposition and he was never treated the way he is treating Atiku Abubakar and the opposition today.




President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted an implementation committee on autonomy of state legislature and state judiciary. Femi ...





President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted an implementation committee on autonomy of state legislature and state judiciary.





Femi Adesina, spokesman to the president, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.





He said the committee will drive the actualisation of the autonomy granted to the legislature and judiciary at the state level.





It will be chaired by Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, and has representatives of state judiciary, such as N Ajanah, chief judge of Kogi state, and K Abiri, chief judge of Bayelsa state.

Other members are Khadi Abdullahi Maikano Usman, Grand Khadi, Gombe state sharia court of appeal, and Abbazih Musa Sadeeq, acting president of the FCT customary court of appeal.





Also represented on the committee are speakers of state houses of asembly, the Nigerian Bar Association, among others.





Adesina said the committee will monitor and ensure the implementation of financial autonomy across the judiciary and legislature of the 36 states.




President Muhammadu Buhari will still defeat the opposition presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, despite his endorsement and open s...





President Muhammadu Buhari will still defeat the opposition presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, despite his endorsement and open support by former President Olusegun Obsanjo, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, boasted on Monday.





Mohammed, who briefed the media on current developments in the polity, also absolved President Buhari of any wrongdoing in rejecting the latest version of the Electoral Bill and returning it to the National Assembly, asking Nigerians to accept the reasons advanced by him for not assenting to the bill in good faith and in the national interest.





The minister pointed out that while Obasanjo was entitled to support Atiku or any other candidate of his choice, Buhari had done enough to garner the overwhelming support of Nigerians to roundly defeat Atiku in the forthcoming contest.





The minister said: With due respect to Obasanjo, it is his fundamental right to support any candidate of his choice and we hereby encourage and urge him to go all out and campaign vigorously for Atiku Abubakar and we wish him the best of luck in his choice and political pursuit. But we assure him that his candidate will be roundly and comprehensively defeated by Buhari.





We want to place it on record that the Buhari government has done the best for this country in virtually all facets of governance and for this reason, we believe strongly that we have enough achievements to flaunt and win the forthcoming election with ease. We have it on record that the opposition is already jittery of Buharis imminent victory and has consequently resorted to using fake news to blackmail the president and our party in order to give excuse for the looming defeat.





One of the fake news being propagated by the opposition, which is now very confused, is that Buhari cannot speak Fulfulde, his mother tongue and cannot open the main door to his conference room in the Presidential Villa having undergone cloning, despite having openly been made clear that there was nothing like that. This is clearly the fake news and handiwork of the opposition in serious distress and confusion.





It is not true that Buhari has not been able to access his main office as a result of being cloned. Anybody who says so is a purveyor of fake news and should be ignored. Let this campaign be issue-based and not on sentiments, silly and idiotic fake news.





But I want to put the media on the alert that as we approach the election, they should be more cautious as the opposition is determined to dish out more and more fake news in order to confuse them and create tension and dissonance in the system all in their desperate bid the win the election. They know they have nothing to offer the Nigerian people, he pleaded.





On the electoral bill, Mohammed asked Nigerians to accept the reasons given by Buhari as enough justification for his rejection of the proposed amendments, but declined to say what the implications would be on the conduct of the elections.





The minister said the Presidency would await the decision on the rejected electoral bill before commenting further on the matter, adding that the constitution of Nigeria was very clear on what each arm of government is expected to do concerning the enactment or rejection of any bill.





He said, We believe Mr. President has the prerogative to do what he has done by rejecting assent to the electoral bill. Each arm of government must guard jealously its independence. Let us wait for the National Assemblys next line of action on the electoral bill, Mohammed said.





Asked whether Buhari would be ready to take up the challenge of engaging his main rival, Atiku Abubakar, in a presidential debate, Mr. Mohammed declined to be specific, arguing that it was the presidents prerogative to decide if he wanted to do so or not. He said there was no law compelling the president to engage in any debate as a condition for contesting election in Nigeria.





The minister also defended the disbursement of billions of money by the Presidency to Nigerian traders under the Trademoni scheme, which the opposition has described as an indirect way of vote-buying.




The Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Monday debunked insinuations in some quarters that the completion of the Mausoleum of the first president of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, by the President Muhammadu Buhari government was to get political favour from the Igbo.Fashola stated this during an inspection visit to the Mausoleum in Onitsha, Anambra State.He said the Buhari administration decided to work on the Ziks Place as a mark of honour to the late sage after successive administrations had abandoned the project.He said, This is the fourth time I have visited this project since 2016. Why didnt you accuse us then that we were playing politics with it?Now that we have completed the project, you are saying its politics.Well, if that is politics, its development politics and I think I like that type of politics.The minister thanked the staff members of his ministry for working assiduously to ensure the completion of the project.While saying he could not say in particular what it cost the Federal Government to complete the Mausoleum, Fashola said what remained was the furnishing of the complex.Speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the honour done to Zik and the Igbo by completing the Zik resting place.He said, This is the beginning of the great things coming to the Igbo from the Buhari government.What successive governments couldnt do in two decades, the APC government of President Buhari has done in three years, Ngige stated.The Zik Mausoleum, otherwise known as the Zik Place, was started in 1997.Fashola also inspected a road project on the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway at Umunya in Oyi LGA of the state and the Federal Secretariat project in Awka, the state capital.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday reacted to report of its operatives raiding the residence of the sons...









The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday reacted to report of its operatives raiding the residence of the sons of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in Abuja.





Spokesperson of the former Vice President, Paul Ibe, while confirming the incident had said that during the search of the residence of Aliyu and Mustapha Atiku-Abubakar, EFCC operatives ended up arresting two other residents of the estate in Maitama, Abuja.





Ibe disclosed that the anti-graft agency confiscated two of their cars but later released them





But reacting, the anti-graft agency said they arrested one Ogbonna Orji, son of former Abia State governor, Theodore Orji are not Abubakars children.





In a series of tweets, the anti-graft agency said the arrest of Ogbonna Orjidhas nothing to do with Abubakars sons.





The tweets read: The recent arrest of Ogbonna Orji, son of Sen. Theodore Orji, over money laundering, has absolutely nothing to do with son of ex-VP Atiku Abubakar.





The EFCC had been on the trail of cars allegedly bought by the sons, and last Friday the cars were traced to a nightclub in Abuja, where operatives waited patiently through the night to arrest the owners  Ogbonna and his friend, Kelvin Ilonah.





They were arrested at about 5am on Saturday, and they led operatives to their three-flat apartment, where documents retrieved showed that it was rented at a rate of N13million per annum.




Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Lagos) has kicked against any attempt to override President Muhammadu Buharis veto on the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018.Adeola made this known, on Sunday, December 9, in a statement by his media adviser, Kayode Odunaro, in Abuja.He said those making the calls to override the presidents veto did not have the interest of Nigerians at heart as they were not bothered about the success of the 2019 general elections.The lawmaker said he would not support any move in the Senate to do such, adding that the plan was counterproductive.According to him, passing the bill into law to take effect from the 2019 elections as observed by the president will not yield desired result because the country has only few months to election.As a senator and Nigerian, I cannot be part of any move to override the presidents veto on the Electoral Bill.The president clearly stated his reasons for the veto and I think they are cogent enough to be accepted by all in national interest.Good enough, the president is not totally foreclosing the need to amend the Act as he clearly stated that such process can take place after the 2019 elections, he said.The lawmaker warned that moves to override the presidents veto would only amount to waste of precious legislative time and overheating the polity in place of other important legislative agenda.He added that besides waste of time, it would be an exercise in futility, stressing that the parliament would not have the required constitutional two third to override the presidents veto.The lawmaker noted that: At this point, I will stand with all those desirous of peaceful and transparent election as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari.With the assurances by INEC that it is ready to conduct a free and fair election with or without the amendment of the electoral law, only those with ulterior motives will want to override the presidents veto less than three months to the general elections.President Buhari on Friday, December 7, declined assent to the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 for the fourth time.Senator Ita Enang, the presidents senior special assistant on National Assembly matters (Senate), said that the president had communicated his decision to the National Assembly.In September, the president rejected the bill for the third time due to what Enang described as some drafting issues that had remained unaddressed.It had earlier reported that the immediate past special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on justice reform, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu said the presidents decision to decline assent to Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 is a prove of an active leadership.Ibekaku-Nwagwu who made this known in Abuja on Sunday, December 9, stated that presidents decision also saved INEC from a booby trap that would have put the commission in a very tight situation.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, has condemned the distribution of cash to the public very close to general elections by public officials, saying no matter how noble the intent may be, such endeavors amount to vote buying and inducement, which is a clear case of corruption.Delivering remarks at a public hearing organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC and Political Parties Matters on Vote-buying and Improving the Electoral Processes in Nigeria, Hon Dogara said the act of inducing the public with cash in exchange for their votes is a fraud that is covered within section 124 (1)(a);(b);(c); Section(124)(2)(4)(5) and Section 130 of the Electoral Act.He also noted that financial inducement for votes contravenes the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy enshrined in Nigerias Constitution, even as there is also a lack of political will to implement the laws to offer deterrence to violators and even where arrests are made, prosecutions are unheard of despite the damaging effect of the practice.Hon Dogara explained, Vote buying and other sundry criminal manipulations of the electoral process in Nigeria have left our citizens in a state of unmitigated disaster. As a result, we have been married off to a mob. A mob that rules us by the example of their power nor by the dictates of law. A mob that rules by fear as an inalienable tool rather than by courage. A mob that accepts the status quo rather than challenge it. Mobs dont grow others, they only destroy others in order to grow themselves. We follow the mob because we must, not because we are receiving any sense of significance for our own lives from them. Our democracy has stagnated and will sadly remain so until we eliminate all sham elections which have the effect of throwing up the worst of us to lead the best of us.It is instructive to note that the Electoral Act anticipated and captured most forms of electoral fraud including inducement and vote buying. I hope we will have the courage at this event to address the distribution of cash to the public very close to general elections by public officials. I am afraid that such endeavours no matter how noble the intentions behind them may fall within the all-encompassing provisions of S. 124 (1)(a);(b);(c); and S.(124)(2)(4)(5) and S. 130 of the Electoral Act. Although penalties are not stringent, there is also lack of political will to implement the laws as it is, even if it were to offer feeble deterrence to violators. Arrests are hardly made and even where arrests are made, prosecutions are unheard of.Indeed, the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in our Constitution envisages that Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of Democracy and that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, through which government derives its authority, powers and legitimacy. Therefore, any form of contrivance by any person or authority to unduly influence the choice of the voter is condemnable as it is patently an assault on this constitutional guarantee.Undue influence of voters has always existed in different forms all over the world, however, the recent phenomenon of direct pricing and buying of votes as if in a market square is very disturbing. It is one of the highest forms of corruption, he stated.Reiterating the need for free, fair, credible and transparent elections, he stressed that that is the very basis for translating the consent of the governed into governmental authority, especially as elections are now so attractive that even pretentious democracies lay claim to holding elections just in order to confer some aura of legitimacy on their rule.While noting that not all elections are democratic elections, he said that for elections to qualify as democratic, they must be competitive, periodic, inclusive and definitive and free, fair, credible and transparent elections, therefore, is the very basis for translating the consent of the governed into governmental authority.The speaker, therefore, called on Nigerians and members of the global community to rise up for free, fair and credible elections and fight against the phenomenon of electoral fraud that could destroy the nations democracy and install leaders that would operate as if they are above the law.The high prevalence of vote-buying in the electoral system of the country is, without any doubt, of great concern to all Nigerians and members of the global community who truly love democracy. It is disheartening that this absurd phenomenon has assumed alarming proportions in recent times. As citizens, we must not surrender to this criminality as we cannot do so and still expect honour. When political office holders defy the law and corruptly assume office, they will always operate as if they are above the law, he added.Hon Dogara further noted a more worrisome dimension to vote buying which he stated is the alleged use of the officials of the electoral umpire, INEC, and officers of security agencies to induce, or intimidate and coerce voters to vote for particular candidates. He lamented that such absurdities have been widely reported in the media and confirmed by some local and international observers in respect of the recently concluded governorship elections in Osun State.As expected, all lovers of democracy worldwide rose to condemn these despicable incidents. Condemnation is not enough, it will amount to hypocrisy, if we dont take the bull by the horn by taking concrete steps to eliminate these evils that make mockery of our hard worn democracy.Let me seize this opportunity to call on all people of goodwill in our country to rise in condemnation and denunciation of vote-buying and all forms of electoral malpractices. Indeed, electoral fraud is one of the worst forms of corruption, and should be treated as such. This is the only way we can guarantee the stability and growth of our democracy, he charged.
According to Mr. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Osinbajo was responding to questions...





According to Mr. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Osinbajo was responding to questions during a town-hall meeting where he said that those who have made away with the nations resources should be made to account for them.





According to him the greatest problem Nigeria has is one of grand corruption; that is the biggest problem we have, not the problem of planning or plans; and grand corruption is the reason why we are not moving as fast as we should in our country.



He said that, there is no country in the world that can survive if its resources are stolen the way Nigerias resources are stolen. He said that, there is no country in the world that can survive if its resources are stolen the way Nigerias resources are stolen.





The Vice President noted that most of the issues raised by the Nigerians in Diaspora at the meeting around lack of energy, infrastructure, quality and extensive health care services, education and security can be traced back to the management of resources, while calling on Nigerian citizens to hold leaders accountable for the nations wealth.





The Vice President spoke and took over 30 questions at the town hall meeting in Berlin, described by many of the attendees as the first of its kind since 1999, when civil rule was restored in Nigeria.





Prof. Osinbajo stated that one of the key issues the Buharis administration was dealing with in partnership with European leaders now was the repatriation of the countrys stolen assets stashed abroad.





He added that the Federal Government was equally having conversations with European countries on the subject of migration of Nigerians to Europe.





He told the gathering that government was concerned about whole migration issue and has started negotiating with European countries.





He added that European countries can partner with Nigeria by investing in the country thereby discouraging the kind of migration of young people that is now prevalent. He was optimistic the challenge can be effectively addressed through Nigerias collaboration with its European partners.





Explaining Federal Governments efforts at addressing unemployment challenges, the Vice President observed that a young population of about 60 per cent creates a yearly addition of about 1.4 million graduates to the unemployment market.





He, however, revealed that the Buhari administration is addressing the matter from several fronts such as the Federal Government employment of 500,000 graduates under the N-Power scheme, as well as through other social investment programmes like MarketMoni and TraderMoni.





Still on government efforts, he noted that, one of the areas we are hoping to get employment is through agriculture.





What we have done with agriculture is we have given 760,000 farmers direct loans under the Anchor Borrowers scheme; generating more interests among farmers especially in the North, which is where a lot of farming is going on.





Responding to the issue about the wild insinuation that made the rounds to the effect that the President died last year, Vice President Osinbajo told the audience, which included cross sections of Nigerians in Germany, Ambassadors of Nigeria to Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium, that it was ridiculous for anyone to suggest that the President was dead.





He said it did not make sense to say the President died abroad and that no one knew. Continuing, he said: Is it possible that anyone will die here in Germany and no one will know he died and somehow he will be flown out quietly out of a country like England?

I think it is just so absurd. I think it is not something we should take half seriously. I think we should be properly informed. I think it is just so absurd. I think it is not something we should take half seriously. I think we should be properly informed.





On health care delivery services to majority of Nigerians, Prof Osinbajo agreed on the need to extend good health care to all Nigerians, but he pointed out this can only be achieved through compulsory health insurance policy.





Underscoring the urgent need to develop a functional educational system, the Vice President announced that the Buhari administration was developing a robust education policy, saying education is the basis of all were doing.





In the next number of years by 2050, we are going to be third most populous country in the entire world. So if we dont get education right we are in deep trouble, it means if we dont get our education policy right, we are going to have millions of young people out there doing nothing; nothing can be more dangerous than that.





But if you look at our education policy and what we are trying to do a lot of it is technology based.





We are working on our curriculum with some technology institutions and companies like MIT, Oracle, Cisco, and quite a few, just to develop the curriculum.





The educational policy is what we call STEAM; we have added Arts to STEM and we are looking at how to deliver that policy in the cheapest and quickest possible way using technology.





Part of our plans is to reconstruct 10,000 classrooms annually; it is not just to fix the structure, it also involves technology; to put technology into those classrooms to make sure we have the model right and we have so many countries that are interested in partnering with us.





Technology in my view is really the way to go; to expand our capacity to train teachers and to train them quickly and this is contained in our Next Level document, he stressed.





On the ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Vice President said negotiation between the Federal Government and ASUU was continuing and he expressed hope that an agreement can be reached with soon.





The Vice President is today headlining the Nigerian-German Business Dialogue in Berlin.




President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday, attributed his election victory in 2015 against former President Goodluck Jonathan to the revolt by Nigerians over glaring endemic corruption.President Buhari stated this while declaring open, the Corruption Risk Training for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies of the African Union, at the Conference centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.He said that the pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption in the nation before the election, was dysfunctional.He said, When we assumed office in May 2015, the pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption on the Nigerian nation had become dysfunctional. The momentum for our electoral victory could not be separated from the revolt of the people against glaring endemic corruption.The President said that the training facilitated by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, ACAN, the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, was at the instance of his administration as part of the support for the war against corruption in our continent.He said, The fight against corruption is a battle for the souls of our different countries and it is one that we must win. Since independence our continent has suffered from the severe consequences of corruption and it is imperative that we take steps to reverse the trend.During the past several months, we have been taking steps to institute integrity and transparency in the processes of government and holding those who have plundered our commonwealth to account for their actions.However, the costs of recovery and sanctions are also enormous. While commendable successes have been recorded, it has become manifest that corruption fights back. With enormous stolen resources elements have attempted to compromise law enforcing institutions and pervert the course of justice.This realization highlights the necessity of building a system that focuses on preventing corruption. We continue to implement policies aimed at building resilient systems that can withstand assault by corrupt officials.Our steps in this direction include the full implementation of both the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) the Open Government Partnership, various Executive Orders, strengthening the Anti-Corruption Agencies and permitting their full autonomy.It is in this context of building robust preventive systems that we must understand this initiative which aims to train leaders of anti-corruption agencies in the African Union by deploying Corruption Risk Assessment Methodology for corruption prevention in our countries.Corruption Risk Assessment seeks to identify corruption-prone processes and procedures in organisations and recommend appropriate remedial steps. The methodology places a premium on prevention as an effective complement to enforcement in the war against corruption.In 2016, through support from the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria acquired the capacity to conduct training on Corruption Risk Assessment. Since then, the Academy has conducted a number of these trainings.To showcase the growing appreciation of CRA as a tool for preventing corruption, the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria has received a request for the training of Corruption Risk Assessors for ECOWAS countries from the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.President Buhari said the training was an opportunity to extend the benefits of the methodology to other African countries, stressing that it is clear that we have not taken our appointment as Anti-Corruption Champion for the continent for the year 2018 lightly.He expressed optimism that most of the countries have subscribed to not only the United Nations Convention against Corruption, UNCAC, but also the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).This event offers a good opportunity to encourage the few countries which are yet to ratify the African Union Convention to expedite processes to do so. No efforts can be too much as we seek to rid our societies of the evil of corruption, he said.President Buhari who said the training session was essentially an orientation on the benefits of deploying the CRA Methodology in the fight against corruption, urged participants to embrace it and also take steps to widen the knowledge and skills imparted by supporting the training of Risk Assessors for their countries.The Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria has a robust curriculum and expertise cutting across the spectrum of anti-corruption training which can be adapted for other countries taking into consideration national specifics. To further strengthen this institution, the Academy has our support as it moves towards its objective of being an African Centre of Excellence in anti-corruption training and capacity building.I would like here to point out that the training on CRA can only have meaning when the Risk Assessors are put to work.In Nigeria, the Methodology has been deployed to a number of sectors. The most recent one being the Risk Assessment of the countrys e-government system whose report is now available and the summary presented earlier this morning. It is therefore my great pleasure to present this Report to all the stakeholders, many of whom are present with us here.I urge them to work assiduously to implement the recommendations of the Report. I must also commend all those who carried out the assessment and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for supporting the process, he said.Speaking in an interview, the Acting Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Usman Abubakar, said that though the TSA has helped to check-mate corruption in the system, there were rooms for manipulation before data was entered into the system, noting that contracts were awarded to individuals but at the point of procurement some ugly things happen.He said, We also found out that some agencies are yet to comply fully with the TSA policy. That is why we asked Mr. President to mandate all agencies to make all their payments or revenue through the TSA platform.
Buruji Kashamu, senator representing Ogun east, has accused Uche Secondus, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of promotin...





Buruji Kashamu, senator representing Ogun east, has accused Uche Secondus, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of promoting illegality.





He said this in reaction to the choice of Ladi Adebutu as the partys governorship candidate in 2019.





Kashamu had emerged candidate of a faction of the PDP which had earlier been dissolved by the partys national working committee (NWC).





Following a federal high court ruling, INEC had accepted the candidates list submitted by the Adebayo Dayo-led faction loyal to Kashamu for the 2019 elections.





The court had ordered INEC to accept and process the list of candidates and delegates submitted to it by the Dayo-led faction.





But the leadership of the party eventually had its way and submitted the name of Adebutu to INEC.





Kashamu has vowed to fight on till the end, claiming that the action of Secondus and other leader of the opposition party was illegal.





Below is a statement he personally signed on the issue:





I write with reference to the statement credited to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus with regards to the nomination forms wherein he made some criminal imputations, describing me as an agent of the All Peoples Congress (APC). I am nobodys agent. Like Secondus, I am only fighting for my rights and the rights of my teeming supporters in the PDP.





My initial reaction was to ignore the statement as an outburst made in a fit of momentary anger. However, following enquiries made by our supporters and friends across political divides, I have decided to respond as follows:





As the National Chairman of an opposition and pan-Nigeria political party, Prince Secondus is supposed to be a leader and the alter ego of the PDP. Thus, there is a presupposition that he would project the best that PDP represents. It is not for him to continue carry on as a serial contemnor through consistent disobedience of subsisting court judgments under the guise of party supremacy. He cannot continue to act as if the party is not guided by its own constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.





It is surprising that while the leaders and elders of the party as well as its presidential candidate who believe in the Rule of Law have advised the national leadership of our party to toe the path of honour, Secondus and his co-travellers decided to go the inglorious way of impunity and disregard for constituted authorities  in a desperate bid to accomplish the mercenary job they have been paid to do.





By their conduct, they are telling Nigerians and members of the PDP that the Party belongs to them and they can do whatever pleases them. They are saying they are the Alpha and Omega of the Party; and that they are more powerful than the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They have always done this to people. But, I want to make it abundantly clear that, on behalf of all the cheated and oppressed members of the party, we will fight for our rights till the last.





I urge the judiciary, the legislature and the executive arms of government to take cognizance of the happenings in the PDP as they relate to the Ogun State PDP issue. It is not about me or my supporters. It is about our democracy and respect for the Rule of Law which are being endangered by the activities of Secondus and his ilk.





Our respectable and well-meaning leaders and elders must also rise up to the occasion and deal with these gangsters who do not believe in the Rule of Law but the rule of might and money. I am referring to Secondus, Elder Yomi Akinhonmi, Kola Ologbodiyan and Emmanuel Enoidem. More than anyone else, they are the ones bring the party into disrepute by their actions. Truly, I am not bigger than the party, just as Secondus is not bigger than the law. Even the Party is not bigger than the law. But, I know my rights and will always fight for my rights. Secondus and his co-travellers cannot be protecting their own legacies and be destroying other peoples legacies.





He said somebody printed forms, sold the forms and screened himself, describing such actions as criminal. While not holding brief for the State PDP, I am aware that the PDP is one.





Let me also add that there is nowhere in our Partys Constitution or the Electoral Act where the collection of Nomination Forms from the national headquarters of a political party is made a condition precedent to validating a candidates nomination. All you are required to do is to signify interest, hold congresses at designated centres and forward the name of the candidates with the highest number of votes to the electoral body. It is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that issues the nomination forms that is known to law. Any other form by the party is for administrative convenience. It is NOT statutory.





Section 25 (1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) states, There shall be a State Party Congress which shall consist of:





(a)The State Chairman who shall be the Chairman.





Section 25 (2c) states further, The functions of the State Congress shall be to: (c) Elect governorship candidates of the Party.





There is a subsisting court judgment that has resolved the issue of who is the State Chairman of the PDP in Ogun State and restrained the Party from removing him until he serves out his four year tenure as guaranteed by our Partys Constitution. It was the State Chairman recognized by law and the teeming members of our Party in Ogun State that presided over the State Congress where the governorship candidate was elected. The other group has no legitimacy of any sort than to claim national leaderships backing as if the power of the national leadership of the party is absolute.




A Lagos based organisation, Ahaai Media Limited rejected a male corp member sent to them by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for his com...

FILE PHOTO: NYSC members in camp

A Lagos based organisation, Ahaai Media Limited rejected a male corp member sent to them by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for his compulsory one year service because of his gender.In rejecting the male corp member, the organisation stated in a letter that he was rejected because of his gender as the organisation would prefer to have two gorgeous female corp members.Below is the rejection letter as addressed to NYSC:
President Muhammadu Buhari has accused looters of attempting to compromise law enforcing institutions in order to perv...





law enforcing institutions in order to pervert justice. President Muhammadu Buhari has accused looters of attempting to compromiselaw enforcing institutions in order to pervert justice.





Speaking at the opening of Corruption Risk Assessment training for heads and senior officials of anti-corruption agencies in Abuja on Monday, Buhari vowed that his administration would continue to tighten the noose by implementing policies aimed at building resilient systems that can withstand assault by corrupt officials.





He reminded the participants from 22 African countries that the fight against corruption is a battle for the souls of our different countries and it is one that we must win.





Since independence our continent has suffered from the severe consequences of corruption and it is imperative that we take steps to reverse the trend, he said.





The pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption on the Nigerian nation had become dysfunctional. The momentum for our electoral victory could not be separated from the revolt of the people against glaring endemic corruption.





During the past months, we have been taking steps to institute integrity and transparency in the processes of government and holding those who have plundered our commonwealth to account for their actions.





However, the costs of recovery and sanctions are also enormous. While commendable successes have been recorded, it has become manifest that corruption fights back. With enormous stolen resources elements have attempted to compromise law enforcing institutions and pervert the course of justice.





This realsation highlights the necessity of building a system that focuses on preventing corruption. We continue to implement policies aimed at building resilient systems that can withstand assault by corrupt officials.





Buhari listed steps his administration to build resilient systems that can withstand looters antics to include: the full implementation of both the treasury single account (TSA) and the bank verification number (BVN), the open government partnership, various executive orders, strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and permitting their full autonomy.





It is in this context of building robust preventive systems that we must understand this initiative which aims to train leaders of anti-corruption agencies in the African Union by deploying Corruption Risk Assessment Methodology for corruption prevention in our countries.





Corruption Risk Assessment seeks to identify corruption-prone processes and procedures in organisations and recommend appropriate remedial steps. The methodology places a premium on prevention as an effective complement to enforcement in the war against corruption.





Usman Abubakar, chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), said when loopholes and leakages in the systems are plugged, people will be denied access to public funds and as such will not have the opportunity to misappropriate it.





This is against pursuing individuals after the the deed is done, an action that drains a lot of resources admits challenges that create uncertainty of the outcomes, he said.





To this end, ICPC stands on the principle that an ounce of prevention is worth more than anyone of remedy.




The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN), has arrived the Federal High Court in Lagos for his scheduled arraign...

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN), has arrived the Federal High Court in Lagos for his scheduled arraignment on money laundering charges.The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accused Usoro of converting and laundering a sum of N1.4bn belonging to the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) says Nigerian security forces (NSF) have committed war crimes against humanity. In a report...





The International Criminal Court (ICC) says Nigerian security forces (NSF) have committed war crimes against humanity.





In a report sent by the court, the ICC said it has received a total of 169 communications from Nigeria and its assessment has shown that security forces in Nigeria have committed war crimes varying from murder, torture, and intentionally attacking the civilian population.





Specifically, the Office found a reasonable basis to believe that the NSF committed the war crimes of murder pursuant to article 8(2)(c)(i); torture, cruel treatment pursuant to article 8(2)(c)(i); outrages upon personal dignity pursuant to article 8(2)(c)(ii); and intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population, the ICC said.





Fatou Bensouda, the ICC prosecutor, in her annual report on preliminary examination activities (2018), also said the ICC found reasonable basis to believe that Boko Haram also committed war crimes against humanity.





Furthermore, the Office found a reasonable basis to believe that Boko Haram committed the war crimes of murder pursuant to article 8(2)(c)(i); cruel treatment pursuant to article 8(2)(c)(i) and outrages upon personal dignity pursuant to article 8(2)(c)(ii).





The ICC added that Boko Haram was intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population or against individual civilians pursuant to article 8(2)(e)(i); intentionally directing attacks against buildings dedicated to education and to places of worship and similar institutions pursuant to article 8(2)(e)(iv); pillaging a town or place pursuant to article 8(2)(e)(v); rape, sexual slavery and sexual violence pursuant to article 8(2)(e)(vi).





The office of the prosecutor added that the ICC met with Abubakar Malami, Nigerias minister of justice and attorney general of the federation (AGF), to further investigate eight potential cases of war crimes against humanity.





ICC says several files pertaining to alleged violations by members of the army were submitted to the Office (of the prosecutor). These files relate to a limited extent to the two potential cases identified by the Office.





Of the 27 files provided to the Office, 24 either lacked information to determine their relevance for the admissibility assessment or did not appear relevant.





The ICC complained that other information specifically requested by the Office which was assessed to be potentially relevant to the admissibility assessment has yet to be provided by the Nigerian authorities.





The criminal court added since 2017, the Nigerian authorities appear to have taken concrete steps toward fulfilling their primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute ICC crimes.





While there seems to be a tangible prospect of further proceedings against members of Boko Haram, including high-level commanders, at this stage the same cannot be said of the NSF, in particular since the Nigerian authorities tend to deny any allegation against the latter.





While acknowledging the cooperation of the Nigerian authorities in the course of the preliminary examination, the Office will require, for the purpose of expediting its complementarity assessment, further information and evidence

demonstrating that relevant national proceedings are being or intended to be conducted without delay.





The ICC also said it is examining the farmers-herders crisis in Nigeria.




The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has warned of imminent terror attacks and death in Nigeria. Kanu w...



The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has warned of imminent terror attacks and death in Nigeria. The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has warned of imminent terror attacks and death in Nigeria.





Kanu warned that the dreaded Islamist State for Iraq and Syria, ISIS, would soon take their bloodletting campaign to Nigerias territory.





In a broadcast aired on Radio Biafra over the weekend, Kanu, who is currently on exile in Israel said mothers would be raped during the terror attacks.





The IPOB leader said more Nigerians will be killed if leaders fail to carry out their responsibilities.





According to Kanu, You think I am joking. They are coming. Your mothers will be raped. Your sisters will be married off as slaves. Biafra land will be decimated unless we equip this army.





The worst is yet to come and more innocent people will lose their lives if community leaders fail to do the needful.





I have the men. I need guns and I need bullets. That is all we need, and then we will win. I have been sounding this warning, and I have been telling you, osi na ofu nti banye, osi na ko ozo puo.





Kanu claimed that Boko Haram has an alliance with ISIS and that the group has lost confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari.





Buhari was their god-father, they no longer trust him. I mean Boko-Haram, in this instance. Buhari they thought will give them sharia immediately. When Buhari said, I dont belong to anybody, from that day they intensified their bombing.





They will enter the zoo from Chad, very very shortly, not as Boko Haram. They are coming in as their franchise and as their name dictates. ISIS is coming, he added.




The Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola SAN, on Monday, blamed the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party for abandoned federal government projects across the country.He stated this while inspecting the building project of the federal secretariat, Awka, Anambra State.He described the corruption during the PDP era as monumental, adding, They looted our collective destiny, prospects, jobs and so on.Thats why the masses are suffering today. Thats why there are no jobs. But we (APC) are trying to bring back smiles on the faces of Nigerians.He said the 18-kilometer Umunya axis of the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway would be completed in May, 2019, while the federal secretariat, Awka, the state capital would be completed the first quarter of next year.Fashola, said the Buhari government inherited those projects because past governments failed to complete them as a result of corruption.They awarded the contract without paying contractors, and when you dont pay contractors you create problems down the labour ladder.This man here told me that he gets N30,000 per week. With such fund he will patronise pubs in the evening by eating Isiewu (goat head) and drinking with his friends in the evening and through such way wealth is distributed and redistributed; jobs are created.For instance, the contract for this federal secretariat was awarded in 2012 by the previous administration without making funds available for its completion. If the money meant for it was not stolen, it would have been completed before now.We are bringing back what was denied the people in the past to them; thats the difference between a development administration and a corrupt regime, the minister stated.
Some supporters of Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who marched to the Area F police comma...

Some supporters of Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who marched to the Area F police command in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday were shot, teargassed and arrested.





The protesters had marched there to demand the release of six supporters of Sowore who were detained for breaching Lagos signage law and removing posters of other political parties and candidates, replacing them with Sowores.





Witnesses at the scene said that the police shot directly at the protesters whose conduct had been peaceful.





This is a peaceful protest, for Gods sake. They shot teargas canisters and one of our members, Annabelle Okooboh was hit, one of the AAC members said.





He added that the police moved in on them and arrested placard-wielding members.





Rachel Onamusi-Kpiasi, director of media and communications of Sowore campaign, said many of the protesters sustained injuries and one car was impounded.

The TakeItBack Movement and AAC party is still trying to account for its members that embarked on a peaceful protest this morning, the statement read.





The order to disrupt the peaceful awareness exercise being carried out by members of Sowores party, the AAC, is believed to have come from Imohimi Edgar, the Lagos state commissioner of police.





Witnesses at the scene reported being shot at and teargassed, with many of them sustaining injuries.

Chike Oti, Lagos police spokesman, was not available for comments when contacted over the matter.




The lawmaker representing Delta Central at the upper legislative chamber, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has said that he and his colleagues in the All Progressives Congress, APC, will not allow Senate President, Bukola Saraki, humiliate President Muhammadu Buhari.Omo-Agege was responding to claims that the Senate could override President Buhari on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.The lawmaker, dismissed any such move, saying that they will never allow Saraki and the PDP Senators to carry out such an act.As a caucus, we the senators of APC extraction will not allow Saraki and his PDP crew to humiliate Mr President.We will not allow any override. They dont have 73 votes in the senate to carry out their threat.You must understand that Mr President has no problems with the content of the bill as passed.His problem is with the timing and the chaos the bill could generate where it to become law.Those who support the bill like myself are happy that it would not be signed into law and be used, he was quoted as saying.
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Paper2019 Registration and Suite Reservation Now Open Dr. Frank Newport, editor in chief at Gallup, led the discussion at Paper2018's Leadership Forum, followed by a discussion by panelists: Mike Doss of Graphic Packaging International; Mark Gardner of Sappi North America; Donna Harman of AF&PA (moderator) Tom O'Connor, Jr. of Mohawk; Andrew Wallach of Central National Gottesman, Inc.; and Pete Watson of Greif, Inc. Dec. 10, 2018 - Paper2019 is the industry's most effective event for meeting with key representatives across the paper value chain. Register for the event and book your suite today so you can start filling your appointment calendars. Register Today! All Paper2019 attendees must register. Early fee: $169; after February 15, 2019: $219

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Porn is illegal in China, but the government has recently beefed up its strategies for enforcing the ban. Thanks to The National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications, citizens can now earn 600,000 yuan, or approximately $86,500 dollars for reporting illicit content, via to Tech In Asia.

"The reward system for "removing pornography and pornography" must also keep pace with the times," reads the announcement.

The hefty reward, which, according to Statista, exceeds the average Chinese annual salary of approximately 74,000 yuan (just under $11,000) is a pretty compelling bounty for potential pornbusters.

One user on Chinese social media platform Weibo, via Tech In Asia, wrote: "I'm not going to work today. I'll look everywhere for materials so I can report anyone who I find disagreeable. There's money to be made in reporting, so what am I doing working myself to death?"

Porn, of course, is not only kind of online content that the Chinese government notoriously regulates. The new announcement also upped the purse for flagging content that "endangers ideological security, cultural security, physical and mental health of minors."

The campaign is consistent with Chinese federal efforts to surveil and control online activity. It also taps into a cultural precedent, particularly strong among the elderly, of whistleblowing. "The Chaoyang Masses" is a nickname for an expansive network of senior citizens (jokingly referred to as "the world's fifth intelligence agency") who has historically served as a useful tool for the government in identifying censored speech and behavior.

State media has allegedly already taken down "tens of thousands of websites." However, the ban applies to offline content as well, and state police have taken to raiding bookstores, publishing houses and cafes to search for illegal content (Tech In Asia).

As always when porn comes under fire, the limits of constitutes pornography are tested, with dire consequences. Based on Chinese legal scandals over the last several years, everything from avant-garde art to homemade iPhone videos are on the chopping block.

According to Tech in Asia, artists and creatives are warning each other to hold off on sharing more risque work. Last month, a Chinese novelist, who writes under the pseudonym Tianyi was sentenced to ten years in prison for writing and distributing homoerotic fiction. This summer, the founder of a Chinese video app service called Hot TV received a 7-year prison sentence for hosting racy videos.

In 2015, China's anti-porn efforts reached US news, when four people were detained after a clip of a couple having sexing a Uniqlo dressing room went viral, and caught the eye of the Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications.

The legal consequences are extreme and the cultural implications appalling. But it makes you think... would you snitch for a year's salary?
IAEA: Iran Continues To Abide by Nuclear Deal

11/13/18

Source: VOA

The United Nations atomic watchdog says Iran continues to keep its side of the 2015 nuclear agreement, even as new U.S. sanctions raise concerns about whether the deal can survive. The assessment was published Monday in a quarterly report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA.







Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Last week, the United States re-imposed sanctions on Iran that had been lifted as part of the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers.



The measures bring back bans on the purchase of Iranian oil, which is a major part of the country's economy.

IAEA DG's Statement to the 73rd Regular Session of the UNGA: We have continued to verify and monitor the implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Iran is implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. pic.twitter.com/LhgoInXy71  Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN-Vienna (@PMIRAN_Vienna) November 10, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year unilaterally pulled out of the nuclear agreement, saying it did not impose strict enough standards on Iran.



European nations oppose Trump's decision and are trying to salvage the deal. But that will become trickier, as U.S. sanctions take effect.
Mr Kweku Awotwe, the Managing Director of Tullow Oil Ghana says beginning next year, the company will start paying dividend to the government.



This he said, follows the companys ability to service its debts that was in excess of four billion dollars in the last twelve months.



Mr Awotwe, who announced this during an interaction with editors and senior media practitioners in Accra, remarked that the year 2018 had been a good years because the company made great strides.



The company was poised to deliver strong and sustainable returns on investment for shareholders, he said, adding that, it would continue to take safety measures to prevent accidents.



Over the next five years, Mr Awotwie said Tullow would commit the sum of 10 million dollars to help improve infrastructure to support the Free Senior High School.

On cooperate social responsibility, he said Tullow had invested in impactful projects in the areas of science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM), capacity building, enterprise development, shared infrastructure and environmental interventions.



He hinted that the company was working to strengthen and grow its business in Ghana by tapping into additional exploration opportunities.



Touching on the undrilled prospects, the Managing Director stated that leads had been identified within the Jubilee and TEN fields and that could lead to new discoveries and generation of additional production and revenue for Ghana and other stakeholders.

He said the rise in oil price had shored up the companys finances and helped to reduce its debt portfolio.



Tullow-Ghanas drilling programme is targeting significant increase in production from around 147, 000 barrels to 180,000, in 2019.



Commenting on the companys implementation of the local content law, Mr Awotwe stated that, many Ghanaians had benefited from variety of training programmes, which had enable them to take up various positions that were previously occupied by expatriates.

Source: GNA









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Claims by the Paramount Chief of the Tepa Traditional Area, Nana Atwere Ampem III about the abundance of food as a result of the government's flagship Planting for Food and Jobs programme appears to have been corroborated by the recent reports that the country has started exporting some food commodities to three neighbouring countries.



The popular Chief came under barrage of criticisms after claiming food had become so abundant in his area that it can be used as a weapon to chase out anyone who comes there to cause trouble.



Nana Atwerewa Ampem II observed during a visit to the area by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, that the government's flagship PFJ programme had benefited hundreds of his subjects.



He therefore encouraged government and the Minister to enhance the programme by completing the construction of warehouses in order to provide storage facilities for the excess produce.



His comments did not go down well with members of the opposition party in particular, who accused him of exaggerating for political recognition.



However, recent positive developments in the agricultural sector appears to have vindicated his pronouncement.



Three days ago, the Daily Graphic Newspaper reported that some farmers in the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country have started exporting plantain to neighbouring countries such as Togo, Ivory Coast and Benin.



The development is a complete reversal of the trend that prevailed three years ago when Ghana was importing plantain from Ivory Coast.







Source: newsroomgh.com









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Sixteen Chinese and some 13 Ghanaians have been arrested in a forest reserve at the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region in a special operation to tackle illegal mining.



The Excavator Evacuation Team of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, on Thursday, carried out the special operation at 15 locations in the district in the heart of the Krobo Forest.



Led by WO1 Odei Nyarko, the taskforce seized 30 excavators, four pick-ups, two caterpillars, 14 pump-action guns, one M16 gun, 200 live cartridges, five cutlasses and cash of GH45,000 during the raid.



The taskforce, which was alerted to the illegal mining operation about five days ago, also destroyed some chanfan machines that were being used by the illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey operators.



Spokesperson of the taskforce, Twum Agyekum, said the suspects had been handed over to the Obuasi Police to carry out further investigations that will lead to their prosecution.



According to him, since the clampdown on the activities of galamsey operators and ban on all forms of small-scale mining activities was issued, some illegal miners have been operating at night to avoid detection.



Illegal gold mining in the forest has left behind huge dugouts and a degraded forest, while chemicals like Mercury, which is used to sieve the mud to isolate the gold, are also draining into the nearby rivers.



Government, in April last year, placed a ban on illegal gold mining in the country to stop environmental damage and pollution of water bodies.



Currently, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is planning to roll out a Multi-Sectoral Mining Integrated Project (MMIP) ahead of the lifting of the ban.



The project, which is intended to, among others, regulate and assist Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) to improve the efficiency of their operations, hinges on three main pillars- statutory enforcement, social interventions and technological adaptations.

Source: Daily Guide









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The Greater Accra Police Command has started looking into how four British girls and their teacher were sexually assaulted at gunpoint on Saturday.



Official information on the incident is scarce, however, British newspaper The Sun, reports that the victims, ages between 16 and 17, had been staying in a walled guesthouse where the attack occurred.



They were part of a group of ten on a charity mission to Accra. The attacker allegedly shot and wounded a security guard on duty at the guesthouse before reaching the young British girls. The security guard had attempted to stop the attack.



It is believed a Ghanaian security guard was shot and seriously injured after trying to stop the sickening attack on Saturday night.



The pupils, aged [between] 16 and 17, flew to Ghana on the trip that was meant to give them the opportunity to experience life in a developing country.



"The girls and their teacher, who cannot be named, were understood to be recovering from their traumatic ordeal in a British hospital on Sunday night, the paper reported Monday.



According to the story, the accommodation, which had a caretaker and a security, was close to a beach and the teenagers were staying in rooms of up to six at the site.



The victims were flown to the United Kingdon on Sunday and treated at a British hospital after their ordeal, according to the The Sun.



Although it has been difficult to get police officials to comment on the incident, police sources tell him that an investigation has started in full swing. The matter is being handled at the Police Headquarters, the police sources said.



Meanwhile, the British High Commission in Ghana will also not give details about the incident but says it is providing support to several British nationals following an incident in Greater Accra and in close contact to local authorities.







Source: Joy News









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Members of Parliament have called on government to ensure allocation of more resources to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enable it provide good premises for Ghana's missions ( embassies ) abroad, many of which are reported to be in deplorable state.



The MPs made the appeal in Parliament whilst commenting on a motion for the adoption of the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the State of Ghana's Missions Abroad. The report which was presented to Parliament by Hon Frank Annor - Dompreh Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, is on the findings of the committee which embarked on a visit to some of the country's missions in Europe, Asia, America and Africa.



Hon Annoh- Dompreh said a number of restrictions and procurement challenges in countries where some of the missions are based have caused undue delay on renovation works on those buildings for which a loan of US$ 50 Million was contracted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2016.



Touching on the recommendations and findings of the committee , Hon Frank Annoh- Dompreh said most of the Missions properties and facilities were in deplorable state and need urgent replacement and repairs .



To ensure effective oversight of the Missions activities , the committee emphasised the need for it to be encouraged to undertake future oversight visit to the Missions which were not visited, whilst a comprehensive report on the state of the country's missions should be submitted to the Committee on Foreign Affairs every year for the attention of Parliament.



The committee according to Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh noted that busy Missions such as Paris do not have the capacity to issue Passports and Visas on their own hence the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take steps to establish a fully -fledged Passport and Visa issuance processing centers with capacity to print and issue passports and visas in Missions with high numbers of applications .



Seconding the motion for the adoption of the Committee's report, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa the Minority Ranking Member on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and MP for North Tongu called for urgent steps by government to address challenges faced by the country's missions abroad.

Source: Emmanuel Akorl/Parliamentary Correspondent, Peace FM









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The Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has disclosed that President Akufo-Addos visit to Japan on Monday 10th December 2018 is expected to further deepen Ghana-Japan trade ties which have been strong in recent years.



The President will arrive in Japan on Monday for a three day official visit.



Mr. Nkrumah told the Sunday Press briefing in Takoradi that the bulk of the Presidents meetings will focus on the industrial giants of Japan in an effort to strengthen trade relations and deepen efforts at attracting more Japanese FDI and knowledge transfer to Ghana.



The President will also specifically be at the GIPC  Jethro business seminar to make a strong case for Japanese businesses to situate in Ghana under the 1D1F program he said.



He told reporters that in recent months the Presidents International visits have yielded dividends for Ghana including the recent announcement of automobile companies that are setting up in Ghana in 2019.



It is our expectation that this visit as well will yield further dividends for the Ghanaian business community the information minister added.





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash









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A Chinese envoy said Thursday that his country will continue to support the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) and other regional and subregional organizations in conflict prevention and resolution.

At the same time, China is willing to work with the rest of the international community in helping boost the United Nations' cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

At an open debate of the Security Council on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, Ma asked to leverage the unique role of regional and subregional organizations as well as regional countries in tackling topical issues concerning a given region.

"Regional and subregional organizations and regional countries have the benefit of more intimate knowledge of the history, culture and realities of their own region. They are uniquely positioned to address regional topical issues and their role is irreplaceable."

The international community is advised to fully respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the countries concerned, support the role of regional and subregional organizations and regional countries in leading the mediation efforts, he said.

The Chinese ambassador also asked to leverage UN advantages in lending more support to regional and subregional organizations.

The United Nations should make better use of its mechanisms, resources and capabilities to assist regional and subregional organizations in training, institutional development, logistics and funding, said Ma.

China supports strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and the AU and subregional organizations in Africa, he said.

China unequivocally supports the use of UN peacekeeping funds to provide stable, predictable and sustainable financing for AU's peacekeeping operations and supports the adoption of a resolution by the Security Council to that end, he said.

The Chinese ambassador expressed the hope that the Security Council could reach consensus promptly.

Ma stressed the need to strengthen multilateralism and to stick to mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.

All parties should encourage regional countries to seek win-win results in cooperation by taking into account the interests of other parties, said Ma.

He asked countries to uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and to encourage all efforts to find solutions through dialogue, good offices, mediation and other peaceful means, and enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust.
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New Bern officers dealt with flooded and tree-blocked streets as they tried to help residents affected by the storm. Photo: New Bern (NC) PD

Immediately after Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach early on the morning of Friday Sept. 14, public safety officials in the coastal cities and communities of North Carolina believed they had dodged a bullet. As the storm had approached the Southeastern seaboard it had been measured with sustained gusts of 130 mph, a Category 4 on the overused and little understood Saffir-Simpson scale. But it hit the beach as a Category 1, a dangerous storm capable of serious damage, but not the monster that they had feared.

Storm surge had flooded the beach towns and people had to be rescued. Trees were down. Power was out. But overall, the effect wasn't nearly disastrous. "That first day everybody was thinking the damage was minimal, and we felt a great sense of relief," says Michael Fanta, a lieutenant in the city of Wilmington just upriver from the beach cities where the storm came ashore.

By the time Florence blew into Wilmington, a city of around 100,000 people, she was much diminished. But then came the rain.

Wilmington

Florence stalled over the southern coast of North Carolina, moving no faster than a slow walk of 3 to 4 mph. Within two days she had dumped as much as 40 inches of rain on the area. That might not have been so bad, but the area is crisscrossed with rivers, tributaries, and creeks, and they were already swollen by earlier summer storms. Adding to the recipe for disaster was the fact that the ground was saturated and could not absorb more water.

The intensity of the rain and the fact that Florence just wouldn't leave caught many of the public safety officials by surprise. They had never seen anything like this, and they hope to never see it again. "We watched the storm on the map over a 12-hour shift, and it barely moved," says Fanta.

In accordance with their agency's policy, officers of the Wilmington PD were back on the street on Sept. 14 after the storm was downgraded from a hurricane. Because the policy allows for response to life-and-death calls, some of the officers had also been dispatched on priority calls in the teeth of the hurricane, including a domestic violence case that led to an arrest, but mostly they took shelter until the storm weakened.

The wind speed weakened but the effects of the storm intensified. Fanta says that for the officers of the Wilmington PD, the night that followed was much worse than when the hurricane force winds were blowing in the city. There was no power, no streetlights, tornadoes were touching down, and torrential rain fell in blackout conditions. "Officers said they couldn't see over the hoods of their vehicles," he says.

The rain came down so hard and so quickly that the Wilmington PD lost seven patrol vehicles to the rapidly rising waters. Fortunately, no officers were injured.

But conditions soon deteriorated to the point that the department's command had no choice but to take their officers off the street. "We had to withdraw police services," Fanta says.

When Wilmington officers went back out on the streets, they quickly discovered that their city had changed.

The heavy rain had flooded almost every access road into the city, including I-40 and U.S. 74-76, which connect the Wilmington area to the rest of North Carolina. The city was virtually an island. Which meant getting aid and personnel in and out was extremely difficult.

Worse, many of the city's streets were flooded or blocked by fallen trees. So officers responding to calls had to find new ways around town. "It was a maze," Fanta says. "Officers had to find ways to navigate through it, and it was very frustrating. Sometimes they had to start over again trying to get to their destinations."

New Bern

Days before Florence made landfall, the public safety officials in the city of New Bern could follow the storm track and predict that Florence was coming for North Carolina. They also knew the historic coastal city of 30,000 people was likely to get some flooding.

New Bern Chief of Police Toussaint E. Summers Jr. says there was even concern that police headquarters would flood. Accordingly, the department relocated its function to two different locations on higher ground with one on each side of the river just in case the other was disabled by the flooding. The New Bern PD also moved its emergency vehicles to an area that flood waters were not expected to reach. "The only thing we kept here at headquarters was the communications center. They are on the third floor," says Summers.

The predicted flooding did not hit police headquarters. But much of the city, which lies just upriver from Pamlico Sound and at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers, was inundated. By the end of the week, swift water rescue teams had saved 800 people in some 400 different incidents just within the New Bern city limits. The primary police role in these rescues was security. Each team went out with an armed officer in the boat, just in case of hostile action. Fortunately, no one attacked the rescuers.

New Bern and surrounding jurisdictions had one advantage that agencies in the Wilmington area did not. Because access to New Bern was not disrupted by the flooding as it was in Wilmington, officers from other agencies were able to help. Officers and firefighters came from as far away as New Jersey and New York to assist in rescues. Officers from other jurisdictions in North Carolina came to help with police duties.

Summers explains that New Bern has mutual aid agreements with other area agencies, but they were dealing with their own hurricane-related issues and could not lend assistance. "We were very fortunate that the North Carolina Chiefs Association has a very good network," he says. The officers from other North Carolina cities helped New Bern officers patrol, provide security at shelters, enforce the curfew, and guard the barricades that protected flooded communities from looters.

Effects on Officers

In both New Bern and Wilmington and in other areas of the North Carolina and South Carolina coast, officers worked while their own homes were damaged by the storm and subsequent flooding.

New Bern Chief Summers says about 40% of his force lives in the city, and as much as 10% suffered damage to their homes from Florence. Officers who lived outside of the city in rural areas of Craven County also suffered property damage. One officer's home outside of New Bern was destroyed along with all of his possessions, according to Summers. "It was seven or eight days before he could get home to see the damage," the chief says.

Wilmington officers were also hit hard by the storm. Several lost their homes, according to Fanta. "One officer was on duty while his house was flooding, and we had to set up a rescue for his family," he says. Wilmington SWAT was able to make that rescue with the assistance of Cajun Navy volunteers, according to Fanta.

Fanta says one of the department's priorities during the storm and subsequent flooding was to let the officers go check on their homes. "We knew it was weighing on their minds, so when at all possible we let them go do that."

What Worked

Before Florence hit, the Wilmington PD realized that fuel could be an issue. With the power out, the pumps might be disabled. Also, there might be a run on fuel by the populous. So the planners took steps to ensure that public safety personnel had fuel to respond to calls for help after the winds died down.

Fanta says the city closed its public safety fuel center days before the storm arrived. Officers were told to fuel at local commercial service stations using city fuel cards. The result was that the city's fuel supply was held in reserve for after the storm. This became critical when flooding cut off fuel resupply to the city.

Both the New Bern and Wilmington police took steps to protect their vehicles by moving them to high ground. New Bern officials say they used historic flooding records and GIS analysis to determine where to position their vehicles, and they were not damaged by flooding.

Mutual aid agreements with the state chiefs association were extremely helpful for the New Bern police. The Wilmington PD could have availed itself of the same assistance, but getting personnel, equipment, and supplies into the city was extremely difficult because of flooding on access roads and highways.

What Didn't Work

The preplanning for such a disaster was lacking in Wilmington, according to Fanta. He says he was "surprised" the department did not have a template for hurricane response. Fanta was assigned to help produce a plan as Florence was still far out at sea. He and other officers met daily to assign duties, allocate resources, and establish policies.

While Wilmington's fuel allocation measures ensured that their vehicles had gas, New Bern went through some challenges in this area. City pumps were down, according to Summers, but local gas stations were sporadically operating. Eventually, a tanker was brought into the city and stood by to fuel public safety vehicles.

The types of patrol vehicles available to Wilmington officers proved to be a great issue during the flooding. All of the department's squad cars were traditional sedans, and Fanta says their lack of clearance led to some of them being destroyed by water. He hopes the city will be able to soon acquire some patrol SUVs or trucks to respond to future hurricanes. But that may not be possible, as the city budget is now strained by storm recovery.

Wilmington also experienced a communications issue in the aftermath of Florence. After the 911 center lost power, a generator was used to get the center back up and running. Then the generator caught fire and comms went down again. Fanta says the response plan anticipated this possibility and had set up access to some state run VIPER (Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders) channels. But that didn't work out as planned, and soon all of the city's public safety agencies were operating on one VIPER channel. Fanta says that could have led to a major disruption of communications, but the same catastrophic rain and flooding that had taken out power to the 911 center also made the single VIPER channel a non-issue. "We had made the decision that we couldn't deploy. So there wasn't that much radio traffic," Fanta explains.

Recovery

Both the Wilmington and New Bern police departments said their operations were back to normal when they were contacted last month. Fanta says the Wilimington PD is still affected by the loss of some of its vehicles and by damage at some of its facilities but those facilities are operational.

The cities these departments serve, however, are still recovering and will be for months to come as the citizens try to rebuild their lives and their property. "We had as many as 4,000 homes damaged by the storm," Summers says. Some of those homes belonged to officers who responded to help others while suffering their own losses.
Source: The CPEC Portal



Warrior VI joint military exercise underway between Pakistan and China

A special forces contingent of People Liberation Army China arrived in Pakistan on Dec. 8 to participate in Pak-China joint military exercise Warrior VI 2018.

Troops of Special Service Group from both armies will participate in the three-week long exercise, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Focus of the joint exercise is to share respective experiences in the field of counter-terrorism operations and learn from each others experiences.

This is sixth joint exercise of the series as part of bilateral military cooperation between both friendly countries.

Earlier this month, Joint International Air Drill of Pakistan and China, Shaheen VII, also took place at an operational airbase in Pakistan.

According to a Pakistan Air Force spokesperson, the Chinese contingent included pilots and air defence controllers.

In September, a senior Chinese general told Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa that military ties between China and Pakistan are the backbone of relations between the two countries.

Disclaimer: This article was originally produced and published by The CPEC Portal. View the original article at The CPEC Portal.
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By Tao Yu

US President Donald Trump, in tweet, recently said that I am certain that, at some time in the future, President Xi and I, together with President Putin of Russia, will start talking about a meaningful halt to what has become a major and uncontrollable Arms Race. He also complained that The US spent 716 Billion Dollars this year. Crazy! Some analysts pointed out that rather than discussing with China and Russia to reduce military spending, the US is better off with less intervention and less military use.

As is known to all, the US is a military power and its strong military strength is basically based on money. Its annual military expenditure of $716 billion is more than the total of the rest of the world.

However, in recent years, a contradiction between its maintenance of global hegemony and the shortage of military spending has gradually emerged. Trump announced in October that he would cut the budget in the fiscal year 2020 due to the rising deficit. Among the proposed cuts, the Pentagons allocation would be reduced to $700 billion, a decrease of $16 billion from the fiscal year 2019, and far below the expected $733 billion of the US military.

It is worth mentioning that Trump had publicly promised to substantially increase military spending at the beginning of his administration. As a result, he became very popular among the US military. However, Trumps change of mind has caused dissatisfaction.

The US Secretary of Defense James Mattis said at the Reagan National Defense Forum on November 30 that more funds should be allocated for the Pentagon and that he opposed Trumps reduction in defense spending, the US Naval Institute (USNI) reported on November 28.

Mattis said that major budget cuts would be a dangerous disservice to our troops and the American people they serve and protect. We all know that America can afford survival. The US Senate Committee on Armed Services also issued a statement saying that if there was no steady growth in military spending and a clear defense strategy, the US will not be able to cope with threats from countries such as Russia.

The Army Times of the US reported by quoting an expert that Russia and China are the two driving forces behind the rise of US military spending. Trumps remarks indicate that he wants to achieve the goal of reducing military spending through negotiations with China and Russia.

However, the question is: who is leading the arms race? Reuters recently reported that Chinas defense budget is only one-fourth the size compared with that of the US, and Chinas growth rate is not the fastest.

Some analysts pointed out that China pursues a defensive national defense policy. Chinas national defense and military construction must focus on the challenges of its security environment and tackle the changes in technology and war style, as well as coordinate with domestic social development. In this way, Chinas current military spending is still at a reasonable level.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said on the afternoon of December 4 in response to a meaningful halt to arms race by Trump that peace and development are the common themes of our era, and China is committed to the path of peaceful development and pursues a national defense policy which is defensive in nature. China has never taken part in arms race of any kind or posed threat to any country, he added.

James Carafano, an expert from the US Heritage Foundation, said that Trump who always keeps a tougher stance announced several months ago that the US would pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty signed in 1987 and as a result, the tweet by Trump aims to warn Russia that if it does not sit down at the negotiating table, it will face US military expansion and race.

The US has been a war profiteer for a long time. It has carried out military interventions around the world, and even provoked military conflicts or wars. To date, the US still has military operations in Afghanistan, Libya and Syria.

According to statistics, the US has invested more than $10 trillion in the last 10 wars. The US military operations in these countries are still on-going and a large amount of military expenditure is still needed.

Therefore, some analysts said that Trumps aforesaid tweet is intended to get an advantage by making concessions. Trump hopes that Russia will return to the negotiating table on the grounds of cutting military spending to stop the arms race.

Disclaimer: The author is Tao Yu. The article was published on the China's National Defense newspaper on December 10. It is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military online.
NBC News, December 5, 2018

By Alastair Jamieson

Afghanistan has overtaken Iraq to become the worlds deadliest country for terrorism, according to a report released Wednesday.

One-quarter of all worldwide terrorism-related deaths during 2017 occurred in Afghanistan, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index. It cited a surge in attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic State group.



Security forces inspect the site of a car bomb attack in Kabul on Nov. 29. (Photo: Mohammad Ismail/Reuters) Security forces inspect the site of a car bomb attack in Kabul on Nov. 29. (Photo: Mohammad Ismail/Reuters)

America's longest war began after the 9/11 attacks when the U.S. invaded Afghanistan and toppled the ruling Taliban, which was sheltering Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The country still hosts around 14,000 U.S. troops, although President Donald Trump has expressed impatience with the military mission.

In total, Afghanistan endured 4,653 fatalities across 1,168 terrorist incidents last year, the report said. The Taliban was responsible for 77 percent of them.

However, worldwide deaths linked to terrorism fell for the third consecutive year, according to the report published by the Australian-based Institute for Economics and Peace think tank.

U.S. officials are keen to bring the Taliban into an peace deal in case Trump pulls the plug on the current American military mission before the presidential election in November 2020.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis paid a surprise visit to Kabul on Sept. 7 to encourage peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Almost 2,400 Americans have died in Afghanistan since 2001.

While ISIS remained the deadliest terrorist group globally in 2017, the report also highlighted that the threat of far-right violence is on the rise.
Round Rock, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/10/2018 --All Pro Restoration, Inc. has over one decade of experience when it comes to providing restoration and damage mitigation services in Round Rock, Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, Texas, and close by areas. The company makes use of high-tech equipment and techniques when it comes to dealing with water damage, fire damage, storm damage, and disaster and mold removal scenarios. The staff members here also provides services in the area of exterior and interior home construction so that one can depend on them for remodeling and renovations, drywall work, flooring, siding, fencing, roofing, in addition to painting.



All the staff members at All Pro Restoration, Inc. are experienced professionals who take a great deal of satisfaction in their capabilities. They make sure that the work is done right at the first time and always prepared to assist the customers with whatever issues that they may go through. The company specializes in offering water removal in Austin and Cedar Park Texas restoration services. The company knows that flood damage can take an enormous toll on any commercial or residential property, and that is why they offer a fast reply when one requires an emergency water removal team. The specialist technicians at All Pro Restoration, Inc. are always accessible 24*7, seven days a week as they understand this kind of emergency can take place at any point in time.



Water damage restoration is carried out by the accomplished water restoration professionals, who have many years of experience. Besides, they are well equipped with the latest certified equipment, and this ensures that the work can be carried out fast. Apart from this, All Pro Restoration, Inc. work with the insurance companies on behalf of the clients to make sure suitable steps are taken to file the claim effectively.



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About All Pro Restoration, Inc.

All Pro Restoration, Inc. is a leading restoration and damage mitigation services company located in Texas. It specializes in Water Damage Cleanup, Fire Restoration, Disaster Recovery and Mold Removal Services.
Bridgeview, IL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/10/2018 --It is not surprising that wood flooring is considered the most popular type of flooring. Characterized by its natural appearance, it comes in vast range, color and grain variations that offer a distinct look to the room. This ever-growing popularity has led to the rise in innovative wood flooring types.



When it comes to choosing innovative wood flooring types, engineered wooden flooring proves to be a fantastic option. This type of flooring can go well with all areas of the residential as well as commercial space. Made of plywood or hardwood in conjugation with a layer of hardwood veneer attached to the top surface, it not only rules the market, but it also resists the moisture and heat.



Royal Home Flooring is a premier resource for wood flooring options in Chicago and Joliet, Illinois. This type of flooring can be a great alternative to the real wood as it resembles the very structure. The similarity is so pronounced that even experts often fail to tell them apart.



Unlike conventional flooring options, engineered wood flooring does not contract or expand. This quality makes them a suitable choice for bathroom and kitchen renovation, considering they are resistant to moisture and heat.



As it includes several layers of plywood and features solid wood topping, it is durable. They can be considered for both residential and commercial areas since they can withstand heavy traffic. Royal Home Flooring offers a large selection of styles and colors, giving an added touch to take a room from good to fantastic.



Whether one looks for a classic oak floor design or rich mahogany, Royal Home Flooring has everything at its disposal to deliver the best result. The installation process is quick and fast. The experts duly clear the mess generated in the site during installation.



For more information on laminate flooring in Oak Lawn and Orland Park, Illinois, visit https://www.myroyalflooring.com/laminate.



About Royal Home Flooring

Royal Home Flooring is a well-known flooring company which offers services in Bolingbrook, Brookfield IL, Aurora IL, Joliet, Chicago, Elgin IL, Oak Brook, Naperville, Oak Lawn, Plainfield IL, Orland Park and Schaumburg.
Hollywood, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/10/2018 --With crime rate increasing at an alarming rate, safety and security are at stake. Given such a disruptive scenario, taking precaution is mandatory. What's better than hiring a private investigator to gather information? Several private detectives work with insurance agencies, attorneys or for the individuals who are looking for some information. Saffron Investigations is a one such private investigative agency that stops one's search for a registered and licensed private investigator in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, Florida.



The experts at Saffron Investigations are qualified professionals who have been working in the field for years. Licensed and certified, they specialize in various cases from background research to surveillance investigations.



At Saffron Investigations, they are skilled in preparing detailed notes about the evidence. One can avail their service at any time that suits to solve the case. Coupled with years of experience and expertise, they have earned an excellent reputation for their commitment and quality of service in a specific area.



Over the years, the company has developed an excellent track record for delivering quality and quick service in almost every area of investigation. Some of the most common areas that they specialize in include auto accident investigation, sexual harassment, cheating spouse investigation, criminal defense, missing persons, police corruption, comprehensive background investigations, and surveillance investigations.



According to the latest record, each year around 1.5 million stalking cases are reported in the U.S. This is a significant problem. For people who suspect someone is stalking them, it is the right time to take action before it goes out of control. One should take it lightly. Hiring private investigators can help stop the threat and get stalkers arrested and prosecuted through a proper legal process.



Selecting the private detective with an excellent education background is essential. At Saffron Investigations, the investigators are not just well educated, but also knowledgeable and well-skilled.



For more information on a private detective in West Palm Beach and Pompano Beach, Florida, visit https://www.saffroninvestigations.com/personal-protection.



About Saffron Investigations

Saffron Investigations is a trustworthy South Florida based investigative firm, which has been offering its professional services to the local community for several years.
Washington, DC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/10/2018 --Everett Stern, the terror-finance whistleblower who uncovered major financial crimes at one of the world's largest banks, today accused the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services of fraud. In a public letter to the incoming Michigan Governor and to a federal Inspector General, Stern alleges that the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) committed fraudulent acts that have jeopardized the health and safety of Michigan's most vulnerable residentsits elderly, frail and disabled population.



"Over the past weeks, I have uncovered three blatant acts of fraud carried out by the MDHHS bureaucracy going back more than a decade, and continuing during the entire term of outgoing Governor Rick Snyder," Stern writes in the letter, posted here.



Stern says that, based on fraudulent assertions and backdated regulations, MDHHS is trying to shut down the state's home health program, which provides vital home health care services to Michigan's most frail population. Using internal government emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, Stern alleges that MDHHS personnel disabled a federally approved computer program designed to monitor home health services and prevent fraud. He writes that the computer program was intentionally disabled by MDHHS insiders to "to ease the burden" on staff.



Stern adds that Michigan failed to bring the state into compliance with federal rules that would expand home health care to more Michigan residents, at great taxpayer savings. "There is no way of telling how many people have been forced out of their homes and into institutional facilities because of the state's failure to promulgate Washington's new rules," he writes.



Unfortunately, this is far from the first instance of MDHHS failing to keep Michigan residents safe. MDHHS Director Nick Lyon's cavalier response to the Flint Water Crisis was that "everyone has to die of something." A District Court Judge recently called Lyon "corrupt" in his handling of the Flint-area Legionnaires' disease outbreak, and ordered him to stand trial on involuntary manslaughter charges in the deaths of two men. Why should Lyon be trusted, now, when it comes to the elderly and disabled residents of Michigan?



Stern, a respected whistleblower and investigator, is asking Governor-Elect Gretchen Whitmer and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services IG to open a case. Next week, at a press availability in Detroit, Stern will issue a complete Investigative Report laying out his evidence.



About Everett Stern

Everett Stern is the CEO and Intelligence Director of Tactical Rabbit, a private intelligence agency composed of former U.S. intelligence community officers and analysts. He has extensive expertise in identifying financial wrongdoing, and was the central whistleblower in the HSBC Bank money laundering scandal. In part as a result of his efforts, HSBC agreed to pay a record $1.9 billion fine to U.S. authorities, for the bank's many misdeeds.



Stern is a former candidate for the United States Senate. He has been featured in dozens of news articles and broadcasts, and appeared in a Netflix documentary, "Dirty Money," on Wall Street and corporate greed.



For more information, please visit https://tacticalrabbit.com/ or https://everettstern.com/.
In what appeared to be a setback for Seoul's diplomacy to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and nudge North Korea into embracing openness, the Vatican said Friday Pope Francis is unlikely to visit North Korea next year.

The possibility of the landmark visit was raised when South Korean President Moon Jae-in, during a private meeting with the pope in October, conveyed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's desire for a papal visit to the isolated country. The Vatican responded positively, saying a formal invitation from North Korea was necessary.

Given the necessary preparations and the pope's busy schedule, however, the visit is not likely to come next year, according to a Vatican official who asked to remain anonymous.

"I don't see it happening in 2019... too many other trips on the schedule, or in the plans. And they are all easier than North Korea!" the official said in an e-mail message sent to VOA's Korean Service.


Meggitt (MGGT.L) provided the impact of the restatement on its Full Year 2017 results and its net debt following the implementation of IFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' and IFRS 16 'Leases'.

Meggitt reported restated revenue of 1.99 billion pounds in 2017, compared to the previously reported revenue of 2.03 billion pounds.

Meggitt reported restated underlying operating profit of 354.0 million pounds in 2017, compared to the previously reported underlying operating profit of 388.4 million pounds.

Separately, Meggitt said that it has signed a long term agreement with Turkish Technic, a leading service provider in aircraft maintenance, repair and modification. The agreement is valued at around $15 million for the lifetime of the contract.

The five year global agreement covers spares and maintenance activities across the whole range of Meggitt products and services from high-performance sensing systems to fire protection and control, pneumatic, fluid control, thermal management and electro-mechanical equipment. Such agreement reflects the close relationship between Turkish Technic and Meggitt and supports the continuous growth of a key MRO organisation in the Region.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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Anti-Semitic hate speech, harassment and fear of being recognized as Jewish are on the rise in Europe, a major survey by the European Union has found.

EU's Fundamental Rights Agency questioned Jews in 12 EU countries where most of the bloc's estimated Jewish population live.

FRA's report "Experiences and perceptions of anti-Semitism - Second survey on discrimination and hate crime against Jews in the EU" outlines the survey findings.

About 90 percent of respondents feel that anti-Semitism is growing in their country, and that it is particularly problematic online.

About 70 percent cite public spaces, the media, and as common sources of anti-Semitism.

Almost 30 percent said they were harassed, with those being visibly Jewish most affected.

"Decades after the Holocaust, shocking and mounting levels of anti-Semitism continue to plague the EU," says FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty. He called on member states to step up their efforts to prevent and combat anti-Semitism. "Jewish people have a right to live freely, without hate and without fear for their safety," he added.

Anti-Semitism appears to be so deep-rooted in society that regular harassment has become part of their normal everyday life.

Fear for their safety and insecure feeling has reached alarming heights that more than a third of those surveyed said they avoid taking part in Jewish events or visiting Jewish sites. Some of them even considered emigrating.

The report recommends that all Member States should fully and correctly transpose EU laws to protect victims and to counter racism into their national law.

France is identified has having the biggest problem with anti-Semitism, followed by Germany, the UK, Belgium, Sweden and the Netherlands.

The biggest anti-Semetic attack in France occurred in January 2015, when 5 hostages were killed in a terrorist attack by the Islamic State at a Jewish supermarket in Paris.

An 85-year-old woman who escaped the Holocaust was murdered in her Paris flat and an eight-year-old boy wearing a kippah (skullcap) was attacked in the street by teenagers this year.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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Synnex Corp. (SNX) Monday lifted its outlook for the fourth quarter, helped mainly by strong performance at segments and stable market conditions.

For the fourth quarter, Synnex now expects revenues of $5.5 billion to $5.6 billion, up from previous outlook of $5.2 billion to $5.4 billion.

The company now expects adjusted earnings of $3.20 to $3.30 per share, above the previously announced outlook range of $2.90 to $3.10 per share.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters currently estimate revenues of $5.34 billion.

"Excellent execution in both of our business segments and stable market conditions led to our very strong performance," stated CEO Dennis Polk.

"Our Technology Solutions division saw solid results across the board while our Concentrix business is executing to plan on the integration of Convergys, with excellent performance from the underlying businesses. We are delighted that results for the fourth quarter of 2018 will exceed our expectations."

Synnex plans to announce fourth quarter results on January 10, 2019.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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Despite recently calling this year's $716 billion defense budget "crazy," President Donald Trump reportedly plans to ask for a sharp increase in military spending next fiscal year.

Numerous media sources indicated Trump intends to ask Congress for $750 billion in defense spending in fiscal 2020 after previously calling for the defense budget to be reduced to $700 billion.

Trump reportedly agreed to increase his budget request after a meeting last Tuesday with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., and House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, R-Tex.

Defense officials are said to be seeking a $733 billion budget, with a former administration official with knowledge of the meeting telling Politico the request for $750 billion is a negotiating tactic.

"[Trump] suggested that if the position is $733 billion, then we should submit a budget at $750 billion as a negotiating tactic," the former administration official said. "That said, the president changes his mind constantly."

Reflecting the president's frequent changes of heart, Trump complained about the high level of defense spending in a post to Twitter just last Monday.

Trump suggested he would talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin about halting the "uncontrollable Arms Race."

"I am certain that, at some time in the future, President Xi and I, together with President Putin of Russia, will start talking about a meaningful halt to what has become a major and uncontrollable Arms Race," Trump tweeted. "The U.S. spent 716 Billion Dollars this year. Crazy!"

Facing rising deficits due in part to the highly touted Republican tax cuts, Trump previously called on members of his Cabinet to submit proposals slashing spending by their agencies by 5 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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China summoned the U.S. ambassador in Beijing on Sunday to lodge a "strong protest" over the arrest of a Chinese technology executive in Canada and Washington's demand that she be extradited to the United States to stand trial on fraud charges.

China called the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, telecom giant Huawei Technologies's chief financial officer, "extremely bad" and demanded that the U.S. cancel its extradition request linked to allegations that she broke U.S. laws prohibiting trade with Iran.

Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned U.S. ambassador Terry Branstad a day after calling in Canadian envoy John McCallum to protest Meng's arrest, at the U.S.'s behest, at the Vancouver airport on Dec. 1.

The Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement that Le told Branstad, "The actions of the U.S. seriously violated the lawful and legitimate rights of the Chinese citizen, and by their nature were extremely nasty." Beijing urged the United States to "take immediate measures to correct wrong practices, and revoke the arrest warrant against the Chinese citizen."

Meng, if convicted in the U.S., faces up to 30 years' imprisonment, with a Canadian prosecutor alleging at a court hearing Friday in Vancouver that she committed fraud in 2013 by telling financial institutions that China's Huawei was not tied to a Hong Kong-based company, Skycom, which was allegedly selling U.S. goods to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions against Tehran.
Supreme National Economic Committee's activities discussed [10/December/2018] SANAA, Dec. 10 (Saba)  Prime Minister Abdul Aziz Bin Habtoor on Sunday meet in the capital Sanaa with Deputy Finance Minister Hisham Islmael.



During the meeting, Ismael briefed the PM on the activities of the Supreme National Economic Committee, headed by President al-Mashat.



The PM heard from the Ismael an explanation on the studies which he carried out concerning economic and financial affairs and other economic propositions aiming to solve the economic problem in country.



The PM praised those important propositions which can also be submitted on the table of peace talks in Sweden and can help to alleviate the suffer of the Yemeni people due to the war waged by the coalition on Yemen.





AA



SABA


'Kedarnath' "Kedarnath" director Abhishek Kapoor has urged the Uttarakhand government to lift a ban on the movie. "I plead with the Uttarakhand government to please lift the ban on my film 'Kedarnath'. It is an attempt to bring peace, harmony and healing to the people of this country. Please don't deprive us of this opportunity," Kapoor tweeted.



While there has been no official ban on the film by the state government, it wrote to all district magistrates about the film and the controversies surrounding it.



The decision followed a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat that reviewed a report submitted by a committee headed by Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj.



The government asked the district administration to take a call on their own and left it to their discretion whether or not the film should be released in their respective jurisdictions.



Following which Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Almora and Udhamsinghnagar banned the film.



The Hindi film, with the 2013 flash floods in Kedarnath as the backdrop, was being opposed by the right-wing activists from the day its shooting began in the hill state and they alleged that it hurt Hindu sentiments and promoted the idea of "Love Jehad".



The film, starring Sushant Singh Rajput and debutante Sara Ali Khan, was shot extensively in Triyuginarayan, Gaurikund, Soneprayag, Rambada, Kedarnath and Chopta, and it had to face protests even then.



The Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday refused to ban the film and asked the petitioners to approach the District Magistrate with their complaints.



On its opening day, the movie garnered Rs 7.25 crore in India.




VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP)  China raised the pressure on the United States and Canada as a bail hearing resumed Monday for a top Chinese technology executive in a case that has fueled U.S.-China trade tensions and roiled financial markets.

Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei and daughter of its founder, was detained at the request of the U.S. during a layover at the Vancouver airport on Dec. 1  the same day that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping of China agreed to a 90-day cease-fire in a trade dispute that threatens to disrupt global commerce.

The U.S. alleges that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. It also says that Meng and Huawei misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran.

Her arrest has fueled U.S.-China trade tensions at a time when the two sides are seeking to resolve a dispute over Beijing's technology and industrial strategy. Both sides have sought to keep the issues separate, at least so far, but the arrest has roiled markets, with stock markets worldwide down again Monday.

China formally protested to the ambassadors of both Canada and the United States over the weekend.

David Martin, Meng's lawyer, called a representative from a surveillance company to help ensure Meng won't flee if released. Martin said Meng, who has agreed to wear an ankle monitor, will cover the expenses. Scott Filer of the surveillance company said his company would make a citizen's arrest if she breaches bail conditions.

The hearing has sparked widespread interest, and the courtroom was packed again Monday with media and spectators, including some who came to support Meng. One man in the courtroom gallery brought binoculars to have a closer look at Meng, her lawyers and the prosecution team. Outside court a man and woman held a sign that read "Free Ms. Meng."

Over the weekend, China's Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned Canadian Ambassador John McCallum and U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad.

Le warned both countries that Beijing would take steps based on their response. Asked Monday what those steps might be, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said only that "it totally depends on the Canadian side itself."

The Canadian province of British Columbia has already canceled a trade mission to China amid fears China could detain Canadians in retaliation for Meng's detention.

Stocks around the world fell Monday over investor concerns about the continuing U.S.-China trade dispute, as well as the cloud hanging over Brexit negotiations after Britain's prime minister postponed a vote on her deal for Britain to exit the European Union. U.S. indexes recovered some ground in afternoon trading after a sharp morning drop.

Commercial retaliation against firms from countries at odds with China has grown increasingly common as Beijing exercises its leverage as the world's second-largest economy.

Such movements are almost certainly countenanced by the ruling Communist Party. The government doesn't confirm its role to avoid damaging its image as a champion of free trade.

Huawei, the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies, has become the target of U.S. security concerns because of its ties to the Chinese government. The U.S. has pressured other countries to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information.

Lu, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, accused unnamed countries of hyping the "so-called" threat. "I must tell you that not a single piece of evidence have they ever presented to back their allegation," he said. "To create obstacles for companies' normal operations based on speculation is quite absurd."

Canadian officials have declined to comment on Chinese threats of retaliation, instead emphasizing the independence of Canada's judiciary and the importance of Ottawa's relationship with Beijing.

While protesting what it calls Canada's violation of Meng's human rights, the Communist Party is regularly accused by outsiders of rights violations at home. They include the widespread internment of Muslims in restive regions without due process to refusing to allow citizens of other countries to leave China to pressure their Chinese relatives living overseas and accused of financial crimes.
At busy year-end, lets pause to consider: What are hours worked for which an employee must be paid?

California work orders regulating wages and hours define hours worked as the time during which an employee is subject to the control of an employer, and includes all the time the employee is suffered or permitted to work, whether or not required to do so.

That definition has two independent parts. First, an employer must pay for the time an employee is under its control, even if the employee is not doing productive work. Second, an employer must pay the employee for the time the employee actually works with the employers knowledge, that is, the time the employer suffers or permits the employee to work. Overtime that is worked with the employers knowledge, but that is not pre-approved, falls into this second category of compensable work. (An employee may be disciplined for working unauthorized overtime of which the employer is aware, but still must be paid for it.)

Determining hours for which an employee must be paid generally is straightforward. Time spent working at the office: paid. Time voluntarily spent at the office holiday party: unpaid. Time spent driving between work and home: unpaid. Time spent driving between work and a customers facility: paid.

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But what if, instead of driving his own car for work-related purposes, an employee exercises the option his employer gives him to drive a company-provided vehicle, with company-provided tools and equipment and with company-imposed limitations on his use of the vehicle, from home to a worksite where he uses the tools in the vehicle to perform his job? Must the employer pay the employee for time spent driving the company-provided vehicle to and from home?

No, said the California Court of Appeal in a mid-November ruling. The employees in Hernandez v. Pacific Bell Telephone Co. were hourly technicians who installed and repaired video and Internet services in customers homes. Pacific Bell had a Home Dispatch Program which allowed -- but did not require -- technicians to drive a company vehicle, with the equipment and tools needed to perform their work at customer homes, from home to the first customer worksite and then home again from their last assignment of the day.

Before Pacific Bell offered this option, technicians would drive their own vehicles from home to the company garage where they would pick up a company truck loaded with tools and equipment and drive to their first worksite. That remained an option with the new program. The technicians were paid for the time between picking up the company truck at the garage and arriving at their first customers home. Technicians were required to use a company vehicle to drive to and from customers homes.

The Court of Appeal ruled that Pacific Bell did not control the technicians for compensation purposes by prohibiting the technicians from using the vehicle to run errands and from letting unauthorized people drive or ride in it. The key, said the Court of Appeal relying on numerous previous rulings, was that employees were not required to drive a company vehicle from home to their first worksite.

Moreover, time spent merely transporting tools and equipment in a company vehicle which does not add time or exertion to a commute is not time Pacific Bell suffers or permits the technicians to work. The court accepted Pacific Bells argument that if carrying equipment necessary for the job were always compensable, every employee who carries a briefcase of work documents or an electronic device to access work emails to and from work would need to be compensated for commute time.

My next column in two weeks will be a year-end, multiple-choice quiz based on this years Law at Work columns.

Dan Eaton is a partner with the San Diego law firm of Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek where his practice focuses on defending and advising employers. He also is an instructor at the San Diego State University Fowler College of Business where he teaches classes in business ethics and employment law. He may be reached at eaton@scmv.com. His Twitter handle is @DanEatonlaw.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is looking to open a parole office in La Mesa, a proposal that is not sitting well with residents or city and county officials.

In a Nov. 5 letter to the city, the state said it was giving La Mesa 60 days notice that it was considering leasing a newly built structure at 9400 Grossmont Summit Drive.

Willie Ann Sims, who works in leasing and property management for the state, wrote that the Division of Adult Parole Operations would use the space as a parole office for 65 employees, including 52 parole agents. Each agent is typically charged with overseeing dozens of criminals after they are released from prison.

Residents and business people opposed to the plan are circulating an online petition to prevent a parole office from being located at that site and encouraging opponents to attend Tuesdays City Council meeting. The city cannot block the state from opening the office; it can only enforce code violations.

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Susan Nichols, who heads up the Grossmont Mount Helix Improvement Association, said the facility would bring hundreds of convicted felons to a quiet, residential neighborhood.

She said she is concerned for the safety of students at Grossmont High School, which is a 5-minute walk from the building, as well as neighboring businesses such as a day spa, several realty groups and the Brigantine Restaurant.

The structure, owned by Duane K. Dubbs II of Windmill Summit, LLC, is currently unoccupied. Its front faces and runs parallel to Interstate 8; it backs up to Fuerte Drive. Above its parking structure is a hill where fences lead up to homes along Fuerte.

It is inconceivable to bring this operation to our community, Nichols said.

Parking on the street is extremely limited along Grossmont Summit Drive and the only public transportation is a bus stop located by Grossmont High, Nichols said. The closest San Diego Trolley stop at Severin and Amaya drives is across the street from Mt. Helix Academy, and down the street from Parkway Middle School.

What must they be thinking attempting to site such a facility in a residential area, and in that close proximity to a high school, said Roger Roberts, a Realtor in the building next door on Grossmont Summit Drive.

According to plans shared by the sites leasing agent, Mark Robak, there are 41 parking spots associated with the building. He said he assumed that was enough parking because he said it was likely that only about half the 65 employees would be on site at any one time.

Luis Patino, spokesman for the CDCR, said the plans were in the early stages, the lease transaction has not yet been finalized and nothing was set in stone. He said the Chula Vista parole office is still open, as is another parole office in Escondido. This would be the first parole office in East County.

Patino said the CDCR improves public safety by supervising and helping to reintegrate parolees back into their neighborhoods through rehabilitative programs and that the proposed La Mesa location would not bring new parolees to the area.

The men and women who will be served at this office lived there before they were incarcerated and have returned to the community, Patino said.

Wendy Tinsley-Becker, who runs a business in the building next door to the proposed parole office, said she will be collecting letters speaking out against the plan from residents and businesses in the area and have the letters delivered to one of the other local parole offices.

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob said she is deeply troubled by the state proposal and that (a)llowing convicted criminals to frequent an area that close to thousands of Grossmont High School students and quiet neighborhoods is a terrible idea.

La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis said he was against the office opening at that site and questioned whether it fit the zoning requirements for the area. When Windmill Summit LLC was approved for its final map with the city in November 2017, the area was listed as Residential Business.

La Mesa City Manager Yvonne Garrett said in a written statement: Staff and the Citys Attorney are reviewing and considering all of the options related to this potential lease agreement and will be responding to this notification in a timely fashion once our review is complete.

Assemblyman Randy Voepel has previously lashed out at the state for putting a womens prison in Santee, where he was the citys mayor for 16 years. Voepel wasnt surprised at the plan for the parole office in La Mesa and didnt mince words.

For too long, the California Department of Corrections has used our East County as a dumping ground for sexual predators, detention centers and now a parole office, Voepel said. The security of our community is paramount, and I will do everything in my power to ensure residents get the opportunity to voice their opposition and help stop this detriment to public safety.

Patino said the CDCR was listening to the community and that people with concerns about the La Mesa site should call (916) 445-4950 and ask for the Office of External Affairs.

karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
City leaders in Imperial Beach approved last week a map that breaks up the coastal city by geographic areas, creating a system for district-based elections.

The action caps a months-long effort to create four districts for future elections in an effort to improve representation by council members across the city of more than 26,000 residents and almost 13,000 registered voters.

Under the map the City Council approved:

District 1 includes the region north of state Route 75, as well as the area east of 12th Street and north of Imperial Beach Boulevard.

District 2 includes an area bounded by state Route 75 on the north, 12th Street on the east, Imperial Beach Boulevard on the south and 3rd Street on the west, as well as the northwestern edge of the city, north of Palm Avenue.

District 3 includes the coastal area and a region south of Imperial Beach Boulevard that stretches east.

District 4 includes the southeastern edge south of Imperial Beach Boulevard.

The new election process will be used for the first time in 2020, when voters will choose council members to represent Districts 2 and 4. In 2022, voters will choose council members for Districts 1 and 3. Candidates must live in the district and be elected by residents who live in the same district.

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The mayor will continue to be elected at large.

The transition from at-large to by-district elections began in September under the threat of a lawsuit by Malibu-based lawyer Kevin Shenkman, who is known to pressure cities to make the switch.

In a letter sent to Imperial Beach, Shenkman argued that the citys at-large election process has left Latinos underrepresented. Although Latino residents make up almost 50 percent of the population, the city has not yet had an elected official of the same background on the City Council.

(That will change when Paloma Aguirre, the top vote-getter in the Nov. 6 City Council race, is sworn in on Wednesday)

In his letter, Shenkman threatened to sue the city under the California Voting Rights Act, which bans at-large elections in a jurisdiction if theres proof the process limits a groups ability to influence the outcome of an election.

No city has successfully challenged a lawsuit stemming from the California Voting Rights Act.

Considering the potential costs and probable defeat in court, the city had no interest in a legal battle. Instead, the City Council set aside $150,000 to pay a consultant to run the process to establish districts.

Over the three-month process, the city held five public hearings and made maps available online for residents to provide ideas and feedback on proposed districts. The City Council considered 10 maps, including some made by residents.

In October, the City Council called for minor revisions to one proposal, resulting in the final map, referred to as Rose B.

While some residents have said they hope district-based elections will boost civic engagement and voter turnout, others have been more skeptical.

Councilman Ed Spriggs, who has recognized the city didnt have much of an option in light of the legal threat, has said he didnt think district-based elections were a good fit for Imperial Beach.

In a small community like ours where were constantly trying to build on the forces of community, as opposed to the forces that tear our community apart, I dont see districting as being supportive of community unity, he said Dec. 5 before the council voted 4-0 to approve the final map.

Councilwoman Lorie Bragg was absent for the vote.

Also approved was a resolution in which the City Council expressed its intent to continue to represent all residents despite the move toward district-based elections.

The resolution, approved 3-1, was put forward by city staff in response to concerns that district-based elections may some cause council members to consider only the interests of their district.

The dissenting vote came from Spriggs, who unsuccessfully pushed for the language in the resolution to be included in the ordinance that created the districts so future City Councils would be under that clear obligation of representing all residents.

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
December 10, 1985 The Tribune

The San Diego Union-Tribune will mark its 150th anniversary in 2018 by presenting a significant front page from the archives each day throughout the year.

Tuesday, December 10, 1985

In 1985 Roger Hedgecock resigned as mayor of San Diego and vowed to appeal his 13-count felony conviction on conspiracy and perjury charges related to the financing of his 1983 mayoral campaign.

The conviction was largely overturned amid evidence of jury tampering by a bailiff, and a plea agreement with prosecutors led to a final conviction being dismissed and expunged from his record six years later.

Here are the first few paragraphs of the story:

MAYOR QUITS

One year in custody, probation, fine ruled

By Ann Levin and Vicki Torres, Tribune Staff Writers

Mayor Hedgecock resigned from office today, just an hour before Superior Court Judge William L. Todd Jr. sentenced him to 365 days in the custody of the county sheriff, a suspended three-year prison term and probation.

Todd made no specific recommendation about whether the mayor should spend actual time in jail. He said he wouldn't object to the sheriff placing Hedgecock in an honor camp or any other program available to the sheriff.

He also ordered Hedgecock to pay restitution of $1,000 and told him not to run for public office during the three-year probationary period.

Todd allowed the mayor to remain free during his appeal of the conviction.

Prior to the pronouncement of sentence, Hedgecock told Todd he ran for office "to serve the community I grew up in and that I love very much.

"And, with God as my witness, I did not intend to violate these laws in an intentional way."

He stressed that he never did favors for anyone who contributed to his campaign and asked that that be a mitigating factor in the sentence. He added that he had suffered public humiliation and "public branding," and said his family suffered financially "to the point of being broke."

He said the fitting punishment would be to sentence him to do community service.

"I ask for your mercy," the mayor said.

Prior to entering judgment, Todd said: "The court certainly realizes how serious the offenses are. I'm completely convinced of your guilt, Mr. Hedgecock.

"It's not a case where you stole public money as a thief would," Todd said. "I feel you have violated the public trust in an onerous way. But I agree you did not steal public funds.

View anniversary front pages online at sandiegouniontribune.com/150-years. For more from the Union-Tribune digital archives, go to newslibrary.com/sites/sdub. Searching is free, with registration. A fee is required to view full stories.
Officials on Monday morning were trying to persuade a man to leave a Temple City In-N-Out, where he had been barricaded for more than six hours.

Deputies were called to the 10600 block of Lower Azusa Road about 2:40 a.m. Monday after an alarm went off in the restaurant, said Trina Schrader, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

When they arrived, they found a man inside the fast-food eatery. Officials called the restaurants managers, who confirmed the man was not authorized to be inside, Schrader said. When the man repeatedly refused to exit the building, deputies evacuated the surrounding area.

The Sheriffs Departments Special Enforcement Bureau and crisis negotiators were called to the scene, but the man remained locked inside as of 9 a.m., the sheriffs department said. Its unclear whether he is armed.

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alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com

Twitter: @r_valejandra
Mayor Eric Garcetti was forced to halt a speech Monday at USC after demonstrators began shouting at him and criticizing his approach to the citys homelessness crisis, the Los Angeles Police Departments use of force and other issues.

Garcetti was less than a minute into his address in front of an audience of about 350 people at USCs Bovard Auditorium when he was interrupted by a series of protesters.

The mayor had planned to deliver the keynote speech at an event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The first man to speak accused Garcetti of trying to suppress the formation of a skid row neighborhood council, which the mayor denied. You should be ashamed of yourself, the protester shouted.

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Moments later, another demonstrator stood up and accused the city of throwing away homeless peoples belongings, including medicine and personal documents, during tent sweeps.

As he spoke, protesters quietly started singing Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, but with the verses, You better watch out, you better not cry, Eric Garcetti is telling us lies, human rights violations happening now.

The demonstration was organized by groups including the Los Angeles Community Action Network and the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, both of which regularly criticize Garcettis policies on homelessness and the LAPD.

Garcetti responded to each protesters complaint and tried to move on, but each time, another person stood up and lobbed a new criticism at the mayor.

Do you respect 1st Amendment rights, do you? Garcetti said to a protester who talked over him, refusing to let the mayor reply.

At one point, many in the audience applauded in a show of support for the mayor.

As more protesters stood up, an announcement over a loudspeaker urged people to return to their seats so that Garcettis speech could continue.

But the demonstration went on. Los Angeles is a city where real estate interests displace entire communities of color, one man shouted at Garcetti. Another man criticized the LAPD for the number of people killed by officers.

After nearly 20 minutes, an event organizer walked to the stage and thanked the mayor, who left without delivering his speech. Some people gave Garcetti a standing ovation as he exited.

After the event, Garcetti spokesman Alex Comisar called it unfortunate that a very small group of people denied the audience an opportunity to hear [Garcettis] remarks  but he respects the 1st Amendment rights of all people who want to make their voices heard on issues that they care deeply about.

Steve Diaz, an organizer with Los Angeles Community Action Network, said his group wants homeless housing to be built faster and for the city to stop the police sweeps of homeless camps.

After the event, some USC students expressed support for both the protesters and how Garcetti handled the disruption.

Im new to L.A., just got here a few months ago, and I dont know whats going on in terms of [homelessness] policy,  said Danielle Serota, 21. But it definitely inspired me to look more into it.

dakota.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @dakotacdsmith
U.S. President Donald Trump continues to insist that Korea must pay more for the upkeep of U.S. forces here.

That means Seoul faces an uphill struggle in negotiations this week. Its current share of the upkeep of the U.S. Forces Korea amounts to W960.2 billion, about a half of the total (US$1=W1,121).

The Special Measures Agreement, or SMA, a five-year contract between the U.S. and Korea expires at the end of this year.

"Trump, who has sought to reopen global agreements to get what he considers better deals for the U.S., wants [Korea] to pay as much as double the current amount," the Wall Street Journal said citing an unnamed official.

The daily said U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford have been trying in vain to convince Trump of the importance of the Seoul-Washington alliance beyond financial considerations.

Seoul has little leverage in negotiations since Washington can put pressure on Seoul with automobile tariffs or reduction of USFK troops.

Trump has repeatedly said Seoul is not paying its way since his election campaign two years ago, and the U.S. has urged Seoul to drastically increase its share in nine rounds of talks so far this year.

Seoul's current share based on negotiations in 2014 is only effective until the end of this year, so the two sides must reach agreement this week.


Investigators on Saturday found more human remains in the bed of a creek near the Santa Clara River and about 100 yards from where a skull was discovered Wednesday, authorities said.

Los Angeles County sheriffs homicide detectives and investigators with the Los Angeles County coroners office returned to the area Saturday with a cadaver dog to search the riverbed near South Fork Creek and Magic Mountain Parkway in Santa Clarita.

Detectives opened an investigation Wednesday after a utility worker discovered the skull in the bed of the Santa Clara River, authorities said.

The two discoveries appear related, but it has not been determined whether the remains are from the same body or from different people, according to the Sheriffs Department.

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The skull was reported to law enforcement about 11 a.m. Wednesday, a sheriffs spokesman said, near Magic Mountain Parkway at the South Fork Trail bike path.

Coroners officials documented the scene and are working to identify the victim or victims and a cause of death.

Information on how long the remains have been exposed was not immediately available.

javier.panzar@latimes.com

Twitter: @jpanzar
The panicked relay of telephone calls began when volunteers found out late Saturday that immigration officials would be releasing two more busloads of families before the night was over.

The shelter that opened seven weeks ago to temporarily house families released by immigration officials was already full.

Volunteers from the San Diego Rapid Response Network, a collective initially organized to respond to interior immigration enforcement activity, dropped what they were doing and raced to the Greyhound bus station in San Ysidro. The first busload of about 40 people, made up of families seeking asylum from countries like Honduras and Guatemala, was supposed to arrive around 6 p.m., they were told.

The families released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have come to San Diego either through the asylum line at the San Ysidro port of entry or by going over the border barrier and asking for asylum by the agents who catch them. They spend several days in holding cells at the port of entry or Border Patrol stations while theyre processed, fitted with ankle monitors and then released with orders to appear in immigration court.

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The volunteers brought blankets in case the new families needed to stay the night. Its not the first time this week volunteers havent known where they were going to put everyone, said Kevin Malone, executive director of the San Diego Organizing Project.

Every day it looks like we may have to leave people on the street, Malone said. Weve been patching this thing together minute by minute. Everyone is really stretched.

The second bus with another 23 people pulled in after 8 p.m. As volunteers worked to organize both groups, a call came in that changed everything.

The families would have a place to stay that night, announced a visibly relieved Kathy Stadler, a volunteer coordinator for the effort. A church had offered to take them until space could be made at the temporary shelter the next day. It was midnight before all of the families had been transported.

Were doing our best to keep the inn open for as many people as possible, Stadler said, sitting at the shelter on Sunday. Last night was one of the most intense nights.

Among those facing the possibility of sleeping outdoors at the bus station overnight were Marco, a 40-year-old man from Guatemala, and his 6-year-old son. Marco quietly handed his son a cookie from a bag given to him by volunteers as Stadler tried to explain to Marcos nephew in Iowa over the phone that he would need to buy his uncle bus tickets. The nephew asked Marco to call back the next day.

Several others hoping to go to Miami quickly learned that all of the buses were full until Monday.

Kateri, a 29-year-old from Guatemala traveling with her 12-year-old daughter, 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, was luckier. She had family in Los Angeles who agreed to drive down to pick her up. She stood close by her children, her fingers bandaged from when she injured them crossing the border near Tecate.

She tried to ask for asylum at the port of entry, she said, but was told to leave. The next morning, she decided to go over the fence with her children though she worried they would get hurt.

Thank God it was me and not them, she said, holding up her fingers.

Malone and other organizers from the groups coordinating the shelter have asked local and state government officials for help. They met with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconers office last week.

The city of San Diego, along with the county, Chula Vista and National City, sent a letter to the state on Friday requesting state-owned armories be opened for the families as they were in 2016 when a large number of Haitians arrived at the border from Brazil, according to Ashley Bailey, spokeswoman for the mayors office.

People in the San Diego area have donated a lot of supplies, Malone said. What the Rapid Response Network really needs is a permanent building with a larger capacity, he said, as well as cash to help those whose families cant cover the cost of travel.

In October, immigration officials stopped helping arriving families contact relatives in the U.S. to arrange travel and began releasing families en masse without plans.

Family units continue to cross the border at high volumes and are likely to continue to do so as they face no consequence for their actions, said Sarah Rodriguez, spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE continues to work with local and state officials and NGO partners in the area so they are prepared to provide assistance with transportation or other services.

Since it opened, the shelter has moved five times.

The shelters current location has a capacity of just under 100. Organizers have been trying to negotiate with the city, arguing that because the shelter is for short-term stays and in response to an emergency, they should be allowed a higher capacity.

The fire marshal has already reduced the square footage required per person because of the situation, Bailey said.

Volunteers with the Rapid Response Network worried that ICE has dropped off families at bus stations around the county without alerting their group.

When asked, ICE said it doesnt routinely notify NGOs unless people are being dropped off at their shelters.

The safety of those in ICEs custody remains the agencys highest priority with special attention paid to vulnerable populations, the agency said.

Even if ICE communicates about every drop-off, Stadler said, that wont be enough to help everyone unless the shelter has space to house them.

Morrissey writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com
A Los Angeles School Police Department employee was found dead on the grounds of a North Hollywood elementary school Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

Homicide detectives from the L.A. Police Departments Valley Bureau do not suspect foul play was involved, and there are no suspects in the case, said Lt. Chris Ramirez, a police spokesman.

The mans body was found on school grounds away from campus buildings, he said.

School police officers responded to Valley View Elementary School around 4:15 p.m. Sunday and found the mans body, Ramirez said. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

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The case has been turned over to the Los Angeles County coroners office.

javier.panzar@latimes.com

@jpanzar
It took years for Tasreen Khamisa to move from anger to forgiveness for the person who killed her brother, Tariq Khamisa, during a 1995 robbery over pizza in North Park.

For her father, compassion came quickly  the ability to see victims on both ends of the gun fired by his young sons killer.

The gunman, Tony Hicks, was a skinny 14-year-old in junior high. He was also a gang member.

Hes now 38 and likely to be out on parole soon. Tasreen Khamisa, now 46, fought for his release to happen. She has come to see him as a soul brother.

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He took Tariq from us, she said last week. Yet he has taken accountability, responsibility. He has asked for forgiveness. He has worked on making amends. ... That is the power of restorative justice.

Tasreen Khamisas story is one of forgiveness, of healing, of peacemaking all at the heart of the organization her father founded and she now runs.

The Tariq Khamisa Foundation was created to educate children and teens in those restorative principles, as well as accountability. The ultimate goal: safer schools, safer communities.

The foundation was born 23 years ago, after Tasreen and Tariqs father, Azim Khamisa, reached out to Ples Felix, grandfather to the young killer.

Together, the two men embraced the concept of restorative justice before it became a movement.

Restorative justice goes beyond punishment for a transgression. Its about offenders coming to understand how and why their actions were harmful, and trying to make up for it.

Its not only healing the victim and making the victim whole, Tasreen Khamisa said. The power of restorative justice is healing the perpetrator to become whole  and bringing the perpetrator back into the community and be whole.

Over the last three weeks, the story of her brothers murder in January 1995 has landed back in the news.

The killing was high-profile from the start. Tariq Khamisa, 20, was working his way through San Diego State University, and was delivering pizzas when Hicks shot him.

Hicks was tried as an adult  the youngest person in the state to face that fate at that time. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. He got 25 years to life.

Late last month, a parole board found him suitable for release.

Tasreen Khamisa was at the parole hearing at the prison in San Luis Obispo. She and her father lobbied hard for Hicks, and have formally offered him a job at the foundation named for his victim.

While Hicks grew up in prison, TKF grew its program.

From the start, the organization put on school assemblies, their signature presentation in which Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix tell their story to students with hopes of ending youth violence.

Now, the organization provides more services, including a 10-session character-building workshop where students learn about restorative principles such as accountability and compassion.

Recently, the foundation won a grant to start a five-session workshop for parents of adolescents, a program that parallels the student curriculum.

Hicks takes part in the foundation from afar, writing a blog for TKF and answering questions from students. He also wrote an open letter to his victim, praising him and apologizing to him.

In recent years, the philosophy of restorative justice has made its way into the juvenile justice system in San Diego County. All new probation officers are trained in the practice.

It is a culture shift. We are transitioning from a correctional mind set to more of a therapeutic, positive youth-justice direction, said Scott Huizar, deputy chief of the countys Probation Department, which has responsibility for monitoring juvenile offenders under its umbrella.

He said a restorative justice approach helps teach the young offenders empathy and the negative effects of their behavior on others.

We are eliciting a behavior change in these kids, said Huizar, a veteran probation officer who worked in Juvenile Hall when then-14-year-old Hicks was in custody there.

District Atty. Summer Stephan said she, too, believes in restorative justice practices. We know this is very effective with juveniles, she said, in certain cases.

There is a specific program in place for juvenile offenders who qualify, often those accused of property crimes such as vandalism and theft. Not every young person  such as violent or repeat offenders  gets to take part in the restorative justice program, which can be a voluntary alternative to Juvenile Court.

It requires buy-in from the young offender, rather than forced participation from a judges order. That, Stephan said, allows the individual to take ownership of the harm they caused.

Sometimes, the young offender will face the victim, and they can apologize or try to explain themselves. They can also come up with proposals for how to make amends  perhaps community service or restitution.

Victims have the right to decide whether they want to take part. Its very personal. Some dont want to talk face-to-face with the offender. Others find it helps them heal.

The program has a lasting effect, and a very low recidivism rate, Stephan said.

Tariq Khamisa loved Gandhi, travel, culture, photography. He was funny and popular and two years younger than his sister.

He was my best friend, Tasreen Khamisa said.

When her brother was alive, Tasreen Khamisas college major was sociology, with an emphasis in juvenile delinquency.

Before she ever heard the name Tony Hicks, she spent her senior year studying cases like his, asking herself the larger question of why a kid would kill.

Its usually because they come from a really tough traumatic life, they are dealt a lot of external circumstances they could not control, she said.

Hicks mom was just 14 when she had him. She and his father were gang members, authorities said. Raised by his single mom in South Los Angeles, Hicks lost three cousins to gang crossfire. His grandfather became his guardian.

It helped me start to develop empathy for Tony, and let go of that anger and resentment in my heart, Khamisa said. And when I was able to do that, it opened up space for me to serve the foundation and serve kids.

It was through her fathers urging that she came to work for the organization, back in 1998.

I think of forgiveness in layers. I peeled off one layer of forgiveness, and said, I am going to let go of that anger and that resentment and do it for myself.

Tasreen Khamisa worked at the foundation for five years, until 2003. Although her father had met Hicks, she had not done so at that point. She didnt see a need.

After stepping away for more than a decade to focus on her family, she came back in 2014 to lead the foundation as the executive director.

She was ready to meet Tony Hicks.

In 2015  20 years after her brother was murdered  she went to Centinela State Prison in Imperial Valley to meet her brothers killer.

The first they did was hug.

I dont know how to explain it, but this warmth washed over me, Tasreen Khamisa said. I sat in a place of complete empathy and compassion towards him.

They talked about that awful day in 1995. They talked about what that day had been like for Hicks. They talked about her brother. They talked about remorse.

They spent six hours together. When it was time for Hicks to head back to his cell, Khamisa recalled thinking, I knew that I was going to support him.

They talk once a week now. She is eager for Hicks to come to work for the foundation. She believes he will relate to the at-risk youth they target.

Forgiveness, Tasreen Khamisa said, is a very personal journey.

My brother is my hero and he is my role model, she said. I deeply miss him  and I will honor him by doing this work for the rest of my life.

teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com
A man who was suspected of driving a stolen car while armed with a rifle was killed Sunday evening in an officer-involved shooting in Torrance, authorities said.

The incident began shortly before 8 p.m., when officers were flagged down by a man who said he had just seen someone driving his car, which had been stolen two days earlier, the Torrance Police Department said.

Officers found the car in the parking lot of Ralphs at 1770 Carson Street. When they approached the car, they were met by a man with a rifle, the Police Department said.

Its unclear how many officers opened fire.

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Officers pulled the man out of the car and tried to save him. The man, who was not named, died at the scene.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Torrance police at (310) 618-5570.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek
A Tulare police officer was injured and his canine partner, Bane, was fatally shot following a pursuit Sunday night.

One suspect was shot and killed in the gun battle, authorities said. Another suspect was gravely injured, and a third was taken into custody, said Sgt. Jon Hamlin, a spokesman with the Tulare Police Department.

The officer was shot in the arm and torso but is expected to recover. His vest protected him from more serious injuries, Hamlin said.

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Were in a state of shock right now, and were trying to process the events of tonight, Hamlin told reporters Sunday night.

The deadly encounter began about 7 p.m. when police tried to stop a vehicle with three people inside. The driver sped away, and when a police pursuit ended near Tulare Avenue and Palm Street, an officer and the trio of suspects exchanged gunfire, with Bane caught in the middle.

It is not lost on us the seriousness of this matter that a human being lost their life tonight and another is fighting for theirs, the Police Department said in a Facebook post. We are grateful for our four-legged hero, Bane, and his selfless sacrifice.

After the police dogs death, Tulare police escorted Bane to the Sheriffs Office and invited the public to pay their respects along the processions route.

The Tulare County Sheriffs Office is investigating the shooting.

alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com

Twitter: @r_valejandra
The panicked relay of telephone calls began when volunteers found out late Saturday that immigration officials would be releasing two more busloads of families before the night was over.

The shelter that opened seven weeks ago to temporarily house families released by immigration officials was already full.

Volunteers from the San Diego Rapid Response Network, a collective initially organized to respond to interior immigration enforcement activity, dropped what they were doing and raced to the Greyhound bus station in San Ysidro. The first bus of about 40 people, made up of families seeking asylum from countries like Honduras and Guatemala, was supposed to arrive around 6 p.m., they were told.

The families released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have come to San Diego either through the asylum line at San Ysidro port of entry or by going over the border barrier and asking the agents that caught them for asylum. They spend several days in holding cells at the port of entry or border patrol stations while theyre processed, fitted with ankle monitors and then released with orders to appear in immigration court.

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The volunteers brought blankets in case the new families needed to stay the night. Its not the first time this week volunteers havent known where they were going to put everyone, said Kevin Malone, executive director of the San Diego Organizing Project.

Every day it looks like we may have to leave people on the street, Malone said. Weve been patching this thing together minute by minute. Everyone is really stretched.

The second bus with another 23 people pulled in after 8 p.m. As volunteers worked to organize both groups, a call came in that changed everything.

The families would have a place to stay that night, announced Kathy Stadler, a volunteer coordinator for the effort, with visible relief in her face. A church had offered to take them until space could be made at the temporary shelter the next day. It was midnight before all of the families had been transported.

Were doing our best to keep the inn open for as many people as possible, Stadler said, sitting at the shelter on Sunday. Last night was one of the most intense nights.

Among those facing the possibility of sleeping outdoors at the bus station overnight were Marco, a 40-year-old man from Guatemala, and his 6-year-old son. Marco quietly handed his son a cookie from a bag given to him by volunteers as Stadler tried to explain to his nephew in Iowa that he would need to buy his uncle bus tickets. The nephew asked Marco to call back the next day.

Several others hoping to go to Miami quickly learned that all of the buses were full until Monday.

Kateri, a 29-year-old from Guatemala traveling with her 12-year-old daughter, 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, was luckier. She had family in Los Angeles who agreed to drive down to pick her up. She stood close by her children, her fingers bandaged from when she injured them crossing the border near Tecate.

She tried to ask for asylum at the port of entry, she said, but was told to leave. The next morning, she decided to go over the fence with her children though she worried they would get hurt.

Thank God it was me and not them, she said, holding up her fingers.

Malone and other organizers from the groups coordinating the shelter have asked local and state government officials for help. They met with the San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconers office last week.

The city of San Diego, along with the county, Chula Vista and National City, sent a letter to the state on Friday requesting state-owned armories be opened for the families as they were in 2016 when a large number of Haitians arrived at the border from Brazil, according to Ashley Bailey, spokeswoman for the mayors office.

Local community members have donated a lot in the way of supplies, Malone said. What the Rapid Response Network really needs is a permanent building with a larger capacity, he said, as well as cash to help those whose families cant cover the cost of travel.

In October, immigration officials stopped helping arriving families contact relatives in the U.S. to arrange travel and began releasing families en masse without plans.

Family units continue to cross the border at high volumes and are likely to continue to do so as they face no consequence for their actions, said Sarah Rodriguez, spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE continues to work with local and state officials and NGO partners in the area so they are prepared to provide assistance with transportation or other services.

Since it opened, the shelter has moved five times.

The shelters current location has a capacity set of just under 100. Organizers have been trying to negotiate with the city, arguing that because the shelter is for short-term stays and in response to an emergency, they should have a capacity based on a lower square-foot per person.

The fire marshal has already reduced the square footage required per person because of the situation, Bailey said.

Volunteers with the Rapid Response Network worried that ICE has dropped off families at bus stations around the county without alerting their group.

When asked, ICE said it doesnt routinely notify NGOs unless people are being dropped off at their shelters.

The safety of those in ICEs custody remains the agencys highest priority with special attention paid to vulnerable populations, the agency said.

Even if ICE communicates about every drop off, Stadler said, that wont be enough to help everyone unless the shelter has space to house them.

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

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While President Trump continues to assert his innocence despite investigations moving closer to him, and to berate his accusers, both foes and allies nonetheless are grappling with a looming question: If what prosecutors say is true, what then?

Allegations in court filings last week, if borne out, would constitute an impeachable offense, said the incoming head of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, on CNNs State of the Union program Sunday.

But the New York Democrat quickly sounded a cautionary note: That doesnt mean his newly empowered party would actually seek to impeach the president.

Nadler joined other lawmakers on Sundays television interview programs in citing the need for greater clarity to emerge from the wide-ranging Justice Department investigation by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who is looking into Russias interference in the 2016 presidential campaign and whether Trumps team coordinated with the Russians. A separate federal case in New York also focuses on Trump associates.

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Despite the bipartisan calls for the process to play itself out, however, members of both parties suggested that the latest court documents marked a distinct milestone in the presidents deepening legal woes.

Lets be clear: We have reached a new level in the investigation, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said on ABCs This Week.

In a filing in New York, federal prosecutors asserted that shortly before the 2016 election, Trump directed Michael Cohen, then his personal lawyer and fixer, to arrange hush-money payments to pornographic actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal in an attempt to conceal extramarital affairs.

Both women said they had sexual liaisons with Trump more than a decade ago, and prosecutors say the payments were intended to short-circuit any harm to Trumps presidential bid.

Meanwhile, Muellers investigators wrote in their filings of previously undisclosed contacts between Russians and Cohen, including one at Trumps direction. That marked the latest challenge to Trumps long-standing denials of any collusion.

Allies continued to defend the president, although at least one prominent Republican, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, warned that Trump could imperil himself even further if he moves to pardon his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.

Speaking on ABC, Rubio said he would advise strongly against such a pardon.

I believe it would be a terrible mistake, he said. Pardons should be used judicially. Theyre used for cases with extraordinary circumstances. I havent heard that the White House is thinking about doing it. I know he hasnt ruled it out.

Manafort was convicted on eight charges of tax evasion and bank fraud related to his previous work in Ukraine. After pleading guilty to two charges of conspiracy and agreeing to cooperate, he repeatedly lied to Muellers investigators after agreeing to cooperate, the special counsels team said. He faces a heavy sentence for the crimes.

Nadler said on CNN that details in last weeks court filings suggested that Trump was at the center of a massive fraud perpetrated against American voters.

They would be impeachable offenses, Nadler said. But he said of the alleged illegal hush-money payments, Whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question.

Sen. Angus King, a Maine independent who caucuses with the Senate Democrats, pointed out on NBCs Meet the Press that an impeachment is very different from a criminal prosecution.

If such proceedings were initiated against Trump, he said, at least a third of the country would think it was just political revenge.

King described impeachment as a last resort but said the filing in the Cohen case implicated the president in committing a felony.

The key phrase for me is directed by President Trump, he said.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a frequent ally of the president, played down the hush-money payments, suggesting that campaign finance violations were largely a technicality.

If were going to prosecute people and put them in jail for campaign finance, were going to have a banana republic, he said on Meet the Press.

In January, control of the House  along with its key committee chairmanships and subpoena powers  will come into Democrats hands in the wake of their partys midterm election gains. Democrats have accused their Republican counterparts of serving as a bulwark for Trump, ensuring a lack of congressional oversight and executive accountability.

The new Congress will not try to shield the president, Nadler said.

Another incoming committee chairman, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), called the extent of Trumps potential legal exposure breathtaking.

Though Justice Department guidelines rule out the indictment of a sitting president, Schiff, a former prosecutor, said there was a very real prospect that Trump could be indicted as soon as he leaves office.

Speaking on CBS Face the Nation, Schiff said Trump may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time.

He added, however, I think we need to see the full picture to determine whether impeachment proceedings would be warranted, let alone other measures.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing, claiming in a tweet Saturday that the latest court filings in fact vindicated him. That prompted head-scratching among legal experts, including the lawyer married to White House aide Kellyanne Conway, George Conway, who said the prosecutors assertions posed a significant new legal threat.

On Sunday, Trump was back to raging on Twitter at a familiar target, former FBI Director James B. Comey, whose firing by Trump in May 2017 led to the appointment of Mueller as special counsel. Without providing evidence, the president accused the ex-director of lying to Congress during testimony last week.

His Friday testimony was so untruthful! Trump tweeted. This whole deal is a Rigged Fraud headed up by dishonest people who would do anything so that I could not become President.

laura.king@latimes.com

@laurakingLAT
Wisconsins Democratic Gov.-elect Tony Evers said Sunday hes not optimistic that outgoing Gov. Scott Walker will veto bills approved by the Republican-dominated Legislature that would limit the new governors power.

Speaking on NBCs Meet the Press, Evers said he talked by telephone with Walker recently and appealed to him to veto the legislation, but that Walker was noncommittal.

Evers, who will be sworn in Jan. 7 after narrowly defeating the two-term Republican last month, said Wisconsin voters did not elect him to fight over administrative powers with the GOP legislative majority. He said the lame-duck legislation approved by lawmakers after an all-night session last week gets us off to a bad start. And I think thats a mistake.

But well continue working to get the people of Wisconsin to convince Scott Walker to think about his legacy and make sure that he vetoes this language, Evers said.

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Walker has indicated that he generally supports the legislation though his office late last week said only that he was reviewing it. Walker has six days after the bills are delivered to him to either sign them into law, allow them to become law without his signature or veto them. He may also be able to line-item veto portions of them, depending on how they are drafted and whether they spend money.

If Walker signs the bills, lawmakers can decide when the state can withdraw from lawsuits, and Evers would have to request permission to adjust programs that are run jointly with the federal government, such as Medicaid.

The GOP measures also would empower legislators, not new Democratic Atty. Gen. Josh Kaul, to decide whether to withdraw Wisconsin from a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act.

The bills also could make it harder for Evers to renegotiate a $3-billion subsidy spearheaded by Walker for a Foxconn Technology Group manufacturing facility in southeastern Wisconsin.

If you look at this package of legislation, the Legislature is trying to say, You have to get our permission to do stuff. Were your supervisors, Lester Pines, a Madison attorney who frequently represents Democrats, has said. The Legislature is not the supervisor of the governor.

A lame duck joins a crowd Tuesday at the Capitol Rotunda in Lansing, Mich., to protest far-reaching GOP legislation that would restrict the new Democratic administration. (Robert Killips / Lansing State Journal)

Evers said Sunday that if Walker had won, We wouldnt be sitting here talking about this today. The incoming governor said the GOP moves are directly related to a Democrats win.

Though Evers has said he might have to sue unless Walker vetoes the legislation, he said he is not making any promises one way or the other.

I need to stand up for the people of Wisconsin, Evers said.

A Walker spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday.

In neighboring Michigan, where a Democrat also won the governors office this year, Republicans are considering proposals to strip campaign-finance oversight from the new Democratic secretary of state. With a Democrat poised to take control of the attorney generals office, lawmakers also want to take authority to intervene in lawsuits.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said Sunday he hadnt decided if hell sign or reject controversial bills from the Republican Legislature in the days before Democrats get control of major statewide offices in Michigan.
Shawn Siebert never thought it would happen here, in tolerant, laid-back San Diego.

But hours after his family dressed their Poway home for Hanukkah, vandals painted a swastika on their wall.

The attack on his familys Jewish faith last week was an ugly reminder hate can breed anywhere.

Hate crimes in San Diego County are up 15 percent, with 121 incidents reported in 2017, mirroring a nationwide increase of 17 percent, according to data released by the FBI and state Department of Justice this year.

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Data for 2018 has not been released, but the District Attorneys Office said the number of hate crime prosecutions has doubled this year over last, with 28 cases filed so far.

About 60 percent of hate crimes are based on race or ethnicity, 20 percent on religion and 16 percent on sexual orientation  a ratio that has remained somewhat constant over the years.

African-Americans are overwhelmingly targets in the race category, as are Jews when it comes to religion, according to the data.

Those who study hate crimes point to an erosion of civility on social media, a rise in extremist groups and a changing demographic as the U.S. becomes more minority-majority as some of the drivers behind the rise.

If you go on social media we see hate speech left and right now, said Deputy District Attorney Leonard Trinh, the offices hate crimes prosecutor. It seems more people are willing to express their prejudices and biases than ever before.

The sharp national political divide that has largely defined the era of the Trump presidency is also seen as a factor.

The Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, at Cal State San Bernardino, reports that a deeply polarized political tribalism occurs as trust in the unifying institutions and processes of American democracy  such as government, academia, the news media, corporations, medicine and financial sector  have declined markedly in recent decades.

The Centers 2017 report also points out recent polls that show race relations are perceived to be at quarter-century lows and anti-Muslim prejudice at levels higher than directly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

White power propaganda has become more noticeable at college campuses across the country, with 147 incidents documented during the fall 2017 semester, including some at San Diego State University and University of California San Diego, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

One study attempted to draw a direct causation between Donald Trumps tweets to a rise in hate crimes, although conclusions are difficult to draw.

The Center did find that reported hate crimes surged the day after Trump won the 2016 election, as well as the day after Barack Obama won his first presidential election in 2008.

Even at the most basic levels, it remains difficult to get a handle on the scope of the problem, as hate crimes are considered to be one of the most underreported crimes.

A lot of time victims of hate crimes dont speak English as a first language, said Deputy City Attorney Sam Park, who prosecutes misdemeanor hate crimes. Those who come from other countries often have a fear of law enforcement due to experiences with corruption in their homeland. Others fear their reports wont be taken seriously because of their sexual orientation or race, she said.

There is also indication that many law enforcement agencies around the country arent properly logging, or even recognizing, hate crimes as such.

Case in point: 88 percent of the law enforcement agencies that report crime statistics to the FBI indicated no hate crimes in 2016. Five states dont have hate crimes statutes.

Clearly we are not getting an accurate picture of all the hate crimes out there, said San Diegos U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman.

Late last month, Braverman gathered about a hundred people in a community room at Balboa Park for a forum on hate crime in San Diego. The Stop the Hate event was the second to be held in the county in recent months; the first was in El Cajon and the next will be in North County. The goal is part outreach, to encourage victims to report hate crimes, and part prevention, to gather the community at large to fight against extremism.

We in law enforcement cannot respond if we are not aware of these instances, Braverman said in urging the crowd to report.

While denouncing all hate, the U.S. attorney issued a clear warning against attacks based on anti-migrant views.

I appreciate that this issue is very polarizing to many people in our community, but the targeting of people based on actual or perceived status for hate crimes or bullying in schools will not be tolerated, Braverman warned.

We are a nation of immigrants, he added. These crimes are un-American and erode the principles that gave birth to our nation.

Hate crime is defined in California as criminal acts against an individual or a group of people because of their perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability. The state has one of the toughest laws against hate crimes in the country.

There are also federal hate crime statutes, although they tend to be more narrowly defined.

To be prosecuted as a hate crime under state law, the motivation of hate must be more than a remote or trivial factor in the crime.

A lot of times, it boils down to statements the defendant makes before, during or after the crime, Trinh said. Social media is often a goldmine for evidence in such cases, he said.

A lot of times, there is a complete absence of any other motive for the crime, Trinh added.

Sometimes the hate is crystal clear.

In one recent case, a customer began beating a Middle Eastern Uber driver as soon as he pulled up.

You are a motherf******g Muslim, get out of this country, you dont belong in this country. We are Trump people, the customer reportedly yelled, according to Park. The attacker ended up pleading guilty to a hate crime and battery.

Other times, determining a hate nexus can be more nuanced.

In one local case, a man threw rocks and a shopping cart at a gay couple outside a San Diego grocery store. The man hurled an anti-gay slur at them, but also demeaned their race. They were white, he was black  and also gay. Authorities determined it to be a hate crime based on race, not sexual orientation.

Another time, the suspect uttered no words at all. He walked into a church service, dressed in black, face covered with a bandanna, and began taking items out of his backpack, including a cylindrical object and lighter.

Now we have a church full of people believing this guy is taking out a bomb. Hundreds of people are rushing out of the church all at once, Park recalled.

He was charged not with a hate crime, but a misdemeanor code of disrupting a religious ceremony.

Even if a hate-spiked incident does not rise to the level of a crime, there is recourse, said Matt Wagner, associate director of the Anti-Defamation League in San Diego.

In the U.S., its not illegal to be a racist, its not illegal to be a hater, its not illegal to be a terrible person. However, for people who choose to do those things  and have the right to do those things  they dont have the right for you and I not to react.

He pointed to the ADLs actions following the white supremacy march that turned violent in Charlottesville, Va., last year. The organization outed more than 100 alleged participants, resulting in a public backlash against the marchers and causing many to lose their jobs.

Some Muslim children in San Diego are experiencing hate in the form of school bullying, especially Syrian refugees, said Imam Taha Hassane of the Islamic Center of San Diego.

They are the other, the newcomers, he said of the Syrians fleeing their war-torn country.

This is a very alarming situation. Many of the kids of the refugee community express to their parents they hate school, they dont want to go to school anymore, they dont feel safe, the imam said.

But often, the parents cultural and even religious background act as a barrier to reporting. They say, Just be patient. God will reward you for your patience. Dont worry it will go away.

No! Hassane retorted. I often say in my sermons on Fridays, if your child experiences any time racism or bullying at school, you have to report it.

The solution has to arise from a collective sense of responsibility, Hassane said.

Joel Day, a city of San Diego official who oversees public policy boards, studied hate in the Middle East and West Africa, and he came to some conclusions upon interviewing more than 100 people who had committed acts of extremism, hate or terrorism.

He found many had isolated themselves from the ties that bind people together  economic, political, social, religious. The people who are highly opinionated yet will engage with someone who disagrees with them in an open civil discourse and do the hard work of community building, those are not the people who are committing hate crimes, he said.

Over and over in his interviews, former extremists said it was community that saved them. Day said its an important lesson that can be applied now, to what he calls a cultural crisis.

Community that builds an identity around shared values, not exclusion  that creates resilience in a community that can prevent and intervene when they see someone who is falling through the cracks.

Staff writer Teri Figueroa contributed to this report.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
Newsstands face battle amid changing times

From:ChinaDaily | 2018-12-10 07:58

Street kiosks challenged by ubiquity of internet

Zhang Fan, 33, stopped by a newsstand one recent Sunday morning near his home in Beijing to buy a magazine, only to find the stand had been shut down.

Zhang, a designer living on the Guangqumenwai street in Chaoyang district, used to visit a stand just 500 meters from his residential community to buy newspapers and magazines.

But since he started to read news and other material on his phone, he can count on one hand the number of times he has visited the stand in the past year. He had not even noticed it had been closed for the past four months.

Due to falling demand for newspapers and magazines, newsstands in many cities have been closing. They have also been criticized for obstructing roads and sidewalks and for generally being eyesores.

The Beijing municipal government has decided to upgrade and regulate the city's newsstands by turning them into "innovative reading spaces" and "convenient service providers" to better serve the public.

Li Zhigang, who is in his 40s and comes from Anhui province, runs a different newsstand in Guangqumenwai.

"I haven't been given any notice of closure, but I noticed most newsstands within the Second Ring Road were torn down this year," he said. "I don't know any details about the new policy, but I hope I can continue my business."

According to the Beijing Municipal Commission of City Management, the city's newsstands will be better located based on passenger flow, the number of people living in nearby residential communities, and public demand.

Under the plan drafted by the commission and the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, newsstands will become more like convenience stores and be "more fashionable".

The plan has been submitted to the municipal government for approval. An official with the commission, who declined to be named, said the plan clearly states that the number of newsstands in the city should be based on public need.

"There is no easy way to solve the contradiction between people who love the printed word and have the habit of buying from the newsstands, and the owners' continued operational losses," the official said. "It's also difficult to decide which department is responsible for footing the bill to upgrade newsstands."
A 57-year-old man assaulted in Old Town last Wednesday has died from his injuries, San Diego police said.

The victim, who was identified as Gregory Freeman, died Saturday in a hospital, said San Diego police Lt. Anthony Dupree.

Police are still looking for the assailant who was seen hitting Freeman with some kind of weapon on Rosecrans Street near Pacific Highway and Interstate 5 around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The witness described the assailant as a black man in his 20s wearing a yellow poncho and blue jeans. Police have disclosed no suspected motive for the attack.

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Anyone with information about the case was asked to call the police homicide unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Twitter: @karenkucher

(619) 293-1350

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
A father and teenage son out on a hike in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park were rescued early Monday after they became stranded and unable to hike their way out of the canyon Sunday night, sheriffs officials said.

After spending the night in Borrego Palm Canyon with members of the sheriffs search-and-rescue team, the pair was flown out of the canyon by a sheriffs helicopter and returned to their camp Monday morning, sheriffs Lt. Karla Menzies said. Neither hiker was injured.

The 44-year-old father and his 13-year-old son went hiking in the state park Sunday and had reached a spot near a waterfall when they found themselves unable to hike out because of darkness.

They called for help shortly after 7 p.m., saying they had plenty of food and water, but were beginning to get cold, said sheriffs Lt. Mike Rand.

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A sheriffs helicopter flew to the area but was unable to land or use a hoist where the two were stranded. Around 9 p.m., a San Diego fire helicopter was sent to try to assist them, but it could not help either.

The walls of the canyon are too narrow for the San Diego fire helicopter to get low enough, Rand said on Sunday night.

Search-and-rescue team members hiked into the canyon and stayed with the pair overnight, he said.

Twitter: @karenkucher

(619) 293-1350

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com

UPDATES:

9:45 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details.

8:25 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details.

This article was originally published at 10:15 p.m.
Four adults were displaced when a fire possibly ignited by a candle damaged a home in the San Diego neighborhood of Palm City on Sunday morning, officials said.

When firefighters arrived at the home on Madden Avenue near Donax Avenue around 9:20 a.m. they found heavy black smoke coming from the homes vents, said San Diego Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Rick Ballard.

Crews had the blaze knocked down in about 10 minutes. The four adults were able to get out of the home without injury, Ballard said.

Damage was estimated at $60,000 to the structure and $30,000 to the homes contents. There was fire damage in one bedroom and significant smoke damage to the entire structure, Ballard said.

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Ballard said the cause of the fire wasnt known, but investigators said it may have been ignited by a candle. The Red Cross was called to assist the residents with finding shelter.

Twitter: @karenkucher

(619) 293-1350

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
A man was struck by a SUV involved in a collision as he was getting into his parked car in the San Diego neighborhood of Grant Hill Sunday afternoon, police said.

The victim was on Imperial Avenue near 29th Street around 12:50 p.m. when he was hit after two nearby vehicles collided, San Diego police Sgt. Rich Forsey told OnScene TV.

Paramedics transported the victim to the hospital with what were thought to be major injuries, a San Diego Fire-Rescue official said. Police said it was later determined he had suffered suffered minor injuries.

Video of the scene showed a white SUV crashed into the drivers door of the gray sedan. A white Cadillac with front-end damage was nearby.

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Police planned to review video surveillance footage from nearby businesses to see if they had captured the collision, Forsey said.

Twitter: @karenkucher

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karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
A 29-year-old man who had been drinking suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing a rented scooter into a building in Pacific Beach early Monday, police said.

Alcohol was believed to be a factor in the crash, which was reported around 2:20 a.m. on the south sidewalk of Garnet Avenue near Everts Street.

Police said the man was riding a Lime scooter eastbound when he veered to the right and hit the building. He was not wearing a helmet and suffered serious head injuries, police said.

He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. San Diego police traffic officers are investigating the crash.

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A 52-year-old man was hospitalized but was expected to survive following a possibly gang-related shooting in San Diegos Southcrest neighborhood Sunday night, police said.

It happened around 10:30 p.m. on Gamma Street near South 42nd Street, San Diego police Officer John Buttle said.

The victim was running away from a man for unknown reasons near the intersection of 42nd Street and Gamma Street when the suspect caught up to him in a courtyard in the area, Buttle said.

Both the victim and the suspect exchanged words and the suspect shot the victim in the left leg,' Buttle said.

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The gunman then fled the scene in an unknown direction, Buttle said.

The victim was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg, which was not believed to be life-threatening, Buttle said.

Detectives from the San Diego Police Departments gang unit were investigating the shooting.

Twitter: @karenkucher

(619) 293-1350

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
The Supreme Court signaled Monday it is not anxious to revisit the abortion controversy in the year ahead, disappointing conservative activists who were cheered by the appointment of Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.

After weeks of debate behind closed doors, a divided court turned down appeals backed by 13 conservative states that sought to defund Planned Parenthood.

The courts action leaves in place federal court rulings in much of the country that prevent states from denying Medicaid funds to women who go to a Planned Parenthood clinic for healthcare, including medical screenings or birth control. It is already illegal in most cases to use federal money like Medicaid to pay for abortions, but some states wanted to go further, cutting off all Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood because the organization offers the procedure using alternative revenue sources.

In dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas, joined by Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Neil M. Gorsuch, accused their colleagues of allowing a politically fraught issue to justify abdicating our judicial duty.

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The lower courts are divided on the Medicaid funding dispute, making the high courts refusal to clarify the issue all the more surprising to some.

We created the confusion. We should clear it up, Thomas wrote in Gee vs. Planned Parenthood. So what explains the courts refusal to do its job here? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named Planned Parenthood. 

The brief order denying the appeals from Louisiana and Kansas suggests Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Kavanaugh were not willing to hear the cases.

The high courts refusal to hear an appeal petition is not a ruling, and it will not prevent the justices from taking up the issue in the future or ruling against Planned Parenthood eventually.

Kavanaughs vote against hearing the case was noteworthy since it was his first abortion-related case, but it does not necessarily reflect how he would rule in future cases. Many legal experts predict Kavanaugh would vote to restrict or overturn the landmark Roe vs. Wade abortion ruling.

For now, however, the chief justice may have preferred to avoid controversies that result in a 5-4 split along ideological lines, particularly in the aftermath of the fierce partisan fight over Kavanaughs confirmation. Last month, Roberts objected to President Trumps criticism of an Obama judge and issued a statement saying, We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges.

Even so, if the court had agreed to decide the Medicaid dispute, the justices could well have split along the usual conservative versus liberal lines, with the five Bush or Trump appointees on one side and the Clinton and Obama appointees on the other side in dissent.

In their appeals, lawyers for Kansas and Louisiana pointed to a recent split among the U.S. appeals courts. Last year, the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, breaking with others, upheld Arkansas decision to cut off funding to Medicaid to Planned Parenthood clinics.

It takes four justices to hear a case, and these appeals were considered in a series of closed-door meetings since late September. But the courts conservatives were unable to gain the needed fourth vote. Kavanaugh took his seat in the second week of October, and his supporters have assumed he would vote in favor of restricting abortion rights when given the opportunity.

Catherine Foster, president of Americans United for Life, said her group was disappointed with the courts action. We join the dissent in calling on the court to do its duty, she said.

The pro-life citizens of states like Kansas and Louisiana, through their elected representatives, have clearly expressed their will. They do not want Medicaid tax dollars used to prop up abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood, said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, an antiabortion nonprofit. The pro-life grass roots will not stop fighting until every single tax dollar is untangled from the abortion industry.

Planned Parenthood called the outcome a victory for patients. As a doctor, I have seen whats at stake when people cannot access the care they need, and when politics gets in the way of people making their own healthcare choices, said Dr. Leana Wen, the groups president. We wont stop fighting for every patient who relies on Planned Parenthood for life-saving, life-changing care.

In the last decade, conservative states have sought to defund Planned Parenthood because it is the nations largest single provider of abortions. None of the Medicaid money pays for abortions, and most of the state funding bans have been blocked by federal judges.

Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and the states, and Congress has said its funds may not be used to pay directly for abortions, except when the womans life is in danger or in cases of rape or incest. But more than 2 million people go to Planned Parenthood clinics for birth control and general healthcare, including cancer screenings and pregnancy tests. And for low-income women, this healthcare can be paid for through Medicaid.

Republican lawmakers who sponsored the defund laws argue the states should not indirectly subsidize facilities that perform abortions.

But lawyers for Planned Parenthood and their patients have gone to federal courts and won rulings blocking most of the laws from taking effect. They have done so by relying on a provision in the Medicaid Act that says eligible patients may go to any doctors office, hospital or clinic that is qualified to perform the required medical services. If a federal law creates a right for individuals, plaintiffs like the Planned Parenthood patients may go to court and sue if that right is denied.

But in their appeals, lawyers for Kansas, Louisiana and 13 other states argued that Medicaid is a healthcare spending agreement, not a law that establishes rights for individuals. If so, they said, states may decide who is a qualified provider of healthcare.

The latest from Washington 

More stories from David G. Savage 

david.savage@latimes.com

Twitter: DavidGSavage
Long before the Camp Fire raced through Northern California, claiming at least 85 lives and all but erasing the Gold Rush town of Paradise, state law required the three big power monopolies to file detailed strategies to prevent wildfires.

Under Senate Bill 1028, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric were supposed to prepare annual wildfire mitigation plans for reducing fire threats and identify who specifically would be responsible for implementing them.

The bill, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in September 2016, also called on the California Public Utilities Commission to review the filings every year, comment on the material and audit the companies to make sure they were being followed.

More than two years after the legislation was enacted, state regulators have yet to direct issue directives for the utilities to write the plans, let alone discuss or examine them for compliance  although SDG&E says its own fire plans comply with the new law.

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While the commission delayed enforcing the new law, wildfires suspected of being caused by overhead powerlines and other utility equipment killed at least 125 people. They also destroyed 18,000 buildings and charred hundreds of square miles of the California landscape.

They have done absolutely nothing in those two years, state Sen. Jerry Hill, the San Mateo Democrat who introduced SB 1028, said of utility regulators.

The unfortunate thing is we gave them that authority but we did not put a timeline on it, Hill said. We assumed it would be prioritized, but sadly it takes a tragedy to realign priorities -- and thats what weve seen -- tragedy and devastation.

Utilities commission spokeswoman Terrie Prosper did not respond to questions about why the agency has not required the plans.

In a response to a California Public Records Act request, commission lawyer Frederick Harris said regulators were in the process of developing procedures to implement Senate Bill 1028 when Brown signed a different wildfire-related bill this past September.

As a result, the commission had not yet directed the utilities to submit wildfire mitigation plans in compliance with SB 1028, Harris wrote.

The new timetable was developed under Senate Bill 901, the wildfire legislation signed early this fall. The schedule has PG&E, Edison and SDG&E filing annual mitigation plans by February. Regulators have little faith that the paperwork will make any immediate impact.

The commission does not expect to achieve perfection in the short time that will be available for initial review and implementation of the first wildfire mitigation plans, but will work with the parties to make the best use of that time to develop useful wildfire mitigation plans, an October report states.

For decades, state regulations have required power companies to maintain their equipment in ways that ensure safe and reliable electricity. They also are required to take corrective action when accidents happen.

As monopolies, they are permitted to collect as much money from ratepayers as they need to meet their obligations, with commission approval.

The mitigation plans required under SB 1028 are intended reduce the threat of wildfires and to help determine whether utilities will be able to shift liability for future wildfires from company shareholders to utility customers.

Part of Senate Bill 901 allows power companies to issue bonds to pay for future wildfire-related expenses. If regulators determine that utilities met the prevention standards in the mitigation plans and other rules, they will be allowed to pass the bond costs on to their customers.

PG&E, whose equipment is suspected of igniting the Camp Fire and at least a dozen others since 2017, did not respond to questions about why it has not produced the mandated wildfire mitigation plans.

The other major utilities said they fully complied with state laws, including fire prevention plans required under previous legislation.

SDG&Es fire prevention plans are filed with the commission on October 31 each year and are compliant with the requirement to submit a wildfire mitigation plan for the past two years, spokeswoman Christy Ihrig wrote by email. Because we were required to submit both a fire prevention plan and a wildfire mitigation plan, we filed one plan that met both sets of requirements.

Edison, which operates the powerline suspected of starting the Thomas Fire that roared through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties last December, said it has several plans in place to prepare for and to mitigate the impact of potential wildfires.

It blamed regulators for not having the plan required by SB 1028.

At the time SB 901 was enacted, no CPUC rulemaking on prior legislation had been established, an Edison spokesman said by email.

San Diego firestorm

In October 2007, amid a crush of high winds and even higher temperatures, a transmission line owned by SDG&E sparked a brush fire just east of Ramona.

Within minutes the blaze grew out of control, driven by powerful gusts known as the Santa Anas and fueled by acre after acre of thick, drought-stricken vegetation that had not burned for years.

The Witch Fire was the first in a cavalcade of wildfires to strike San Diego County that week, the second deadly firestorm in the region in just four years. Some 500,000 people would flee their homes before it was over. Two people lost their lives; 40 firefighters were injured..

Two other fires that erupted that week also were caused by SDG&E powerlines, according to investigations completed in the aftermath.

In Fallbrook, hundreds of homes were lost to the Rice Fire. A smaller blaze dubbed the Guejito Fire broke out and quickly merged with the Witch Fire, which eventually burned down more than 1,100 homes on a relentless march to the coast.

SDG&E pegged damages at more than $2 billion, exceeding its $1 billion insurance policy.

The utility later recovered hundreds of millions from a telecommunications firm whose cable had come in contact with the transmission line suspected of igniting the Rice Fire and a tree-trimming company that was supposed to have removed dry vegetation.

Then in 2009, SDG&E sought permission to charge customers almost $400 million in leftover costs from the 2007 fires. Edison and PG&E joined SDG&E in asking to open special accounts to hold ratepayer funds to pay for future wildfire damages.

The utilities commission rejected the idea, and the monopolies persisted in working to curb their liabilities.

SDG&E appealed the commission ruling in court and lost. Just last month, utility executives announced they would appeal to the decision to the California Supreme Court.

Hills 2016 legislation was introduced in response to the powerline-caused fires in San Diego County  and SDG&Es years-long effort to charge ratepayers for the damages.

We were a little ahead of the curve, obviously, the senator said.

Meanwhile, citing climate change and the intensifying nature of wildland fires, lobbyists for the monopolies began meeting with lawmakers to propose legislation that would insulate shareholders from billions of dollars in losses.

Their efforts were rewarded in Senate Bill 901. One provision sets aside $1 billion over five years to fund programs aimed at thinning California forests and other fire-prevention measures.

More important, the law granted PG&E special permission to borrow billions of dollars to pay for damages from a dozen or more 2017 wildfires that ravaged Sonoma and Napa counties -- and to repay the loans with ratepayer funds.

I was the only person in the Senate to speak against 901, and it was clearly a bailout of PG&E for their liability before any alternatives, said Hill, the San Mateo senator. Or even before the extent of the liability was determined.

Diane Conklin is a co-founder of the Mussey Grade Road Alliance, an East San Diego County community group that was organized after the 2003 Cedar fire to help prevent powerline-caused wildfires.

The alliance opposed Senate Bill 901, arguing that protecting utilities from liability for equipment failure or negligence would raise the likelihood of future wildfires because companies would no longer be concerned about paying the costs.

Utility-caused wildfires are not natural disasters, even if climate change contributes to their severity, she said. Such fires do not start without a source, and if utility equipment is old, poorly inspected or poorly maintained it is more likely to be a source of ignition.

Theyre doing nothing

Over the two-plus years since lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1028, California wildfires have grown increasingly common and deadly.

In June, state fire investigators announced that 12 fires from the October 2017 siege in Northern California were caused by PG&Es equipment. State officials took the unusual step of sending their findings to local prosecutors.

Cal Fires investigations have been referred to the appropriate county District Attorneys offices for review in eight of the 12 fires  due to evidence of alleged violations of state law, the agency said.

Utility regulators say they are investigating the recent fires but have yet to issue penalties due to violations cited by Cal Fire.

Some consumer advocates see the delays in civil enforcement by the commission -- or a lack of citations in general -- as a factor that has contributed to recurring utility-caused wildfires.

The problem is theyre doing nothing to stop the fires, and they are stoppable, said lawyer Michael Aguirre, who has been investigating the commissions response to wildfires and other accidents since he served as the San Diego city attorney more than a decade ago. What the CPUC is focused on is funding the fires. We are trying to stop the fires.

While regulators have begun considering how to implement that latest law aimed at reducing the threat of wildfires, utility lobbyists have been meeting with commissioners and their staffs privately.

According to state-required disclosures, Edison lobbyists requested and received five separate meetings with three different commissioners in November.

Meanwhile, commission President Michael Picker reported four meetings with PG&E and Wall Street investors, some of which attracted dozens of hedge funds and asset managers.

To ensure public safety in this time of increased wildfire occurrence, the commission is addressing wildfires in many settings and proceedings, Picker explained in his disclosure.

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
I wish to commend the Pearls Before Swine cartoonist, Stephan Pastis, for a truly profound strip last Sunday.

Pastis lost his beloved dog and the panels depict in small, intimate ways, how he and his wifes lives were profoundly impacted by having the love of a dog in their lives.

For those of us who love our pooches it was confirmation of what we already knew about our wonderful companions; however, Im optimistic Pastis art might turn the staunchest anti-dogger around!

Elisabeth Lenderman

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Bakersfield, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/10/2018 -- With versatility and professional excellence as the defining traits, Bland Company enjoys consistent customer loyalty and a reputation to be proud of. Bland Company is headquartered in Bakersfield, offering top quality solar, air conditioning and roofing solutions across most of California. Solar solutions being the primary competency of the solutions provider, it has solar showrooms in Bakersfield, Fresno, and Atascadero each carrying the latest roof racking technology and solar panels installed on actual composite, tile, slate, and metal rooftops. The showrooms offer both sales and education through friendly and knowledgeable staff.



One of the executives at Bland Company recently stated, "Bland Company started its journey in the year 1985, and has seen strong, organic growth ever since. We are now an established brand offering comprehensive solar solutions to help residential and commercial clients generate clean and reliable energy and ward off hefty utility bills. We sell solar panels and install and maintain them for their entire service life. We exclusively source solar panels and equipment from the likes of LG, Solar Edge, BOVIET, ENPHASE, Q Cells, SNAPNRACK, Iron Ridge, and more. The idea is to deliver high performance, least hassles, and lasting value to our esteemed clients."



Bland Company takes the unique requirements of the client into account to create solar solutions and ensures swift, efficient and reliable solar installations through seasoned crews. Providing all-inclusive quotes outlining the total costs is also a standard practice for Bland Company, which resonates with its inclination for transparency. The solutions provider also has proven capabilities with HVAC installation, repair, and service, along with heating and furnace repairs, and optimizing ductwork in homes and offices. Bland Company also serves as the sales point for some of the best AC brands like American Standard, Fujitsu and Ruud.



On the roofing solutions, the executive further stated, "Our abilities with roofing cannot be undermined. We bring nearly three decades of industry experience, skills, and technology into each roofing assignment, which serves as a guarantee for the best possible outcomes. We have some of the most experienced and agile roofing crews that can pull off any project on budget and in time, no matter how small or big, complex or easy it is. Our crews give us the versatility to install a new roof and repair an existing one. They also can perform periodic inspections and ongoing maintenance that are so integral to the safety of the structure and its occupants."



Bland Company's roofing contractors have a knack of exceeding customer expectations through a hard-working approach, attention to detail, and commitment. Whether it's a minor roof repair or a complete roof replacement, the crews are there to deliver a vast range of services to meet all residential or commercial needs. Those seeking Roofing in Bakersfield Ca can also expect great brands, friendly service, and competitive prices with Bland Company.



About Bland Company

Bland Company is a solar and energy efficiency solutions provider based in Bakersfield. Its specialities include solar panel and HVAC installations, repairs, and service, along with heating and furnace repair, and duct optimizations. One of the leading Fresno solar companies,Bland Company has a terrific record in helping clients harness Fresno solar companies.



Contact Information:

Company : Bland Company

Address: 4303 E Brundage Ln, Bakersfield, CA 93307

Email: info@blandcompany.com

Contact Page: https://www.blandcompany.com/contact/

Website: https://www.blandcompany.com/
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/10/2018 -- The Canada market for concrete floor coatings is characterized by a highly consolidated competitive landscape because of the strongholds of a handful of market players. There is a need to have skilled labor, effective techniques, and a robust industrial base to manufacture concrete floor coatings, and hence, only a countable number of players have risen to reckon in the market. In 2016, 70% of the total market share was held by the top five players in the Canada market for concrete floor coatings. These market players are PPG Industries Inc., RPM International Inc., The Sherwin Williams Company, BASF SE, and Sika AG, and each of them has a unique selling point that aids its growth. Furthermore, these market players have made continual efforts to make their production more agile and nimble, which has helped them in reducing the operating costs. Technological expertise and product innovation have been the crux of the business strategies of the aforementioned market players. Although other market players also coexist in the market, there is little scope of growth for them because a major market share is held by the top five players. There are strong barriers to the entry of new players into the market and their sustenance is even more difficult.



Read Report Overview @

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/canada-concrete-floor-coatings-market.html



A report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR) forecasts the growth rate of the Canada concrete floor coatings market over the period between 2017 and 2025. The Canada market is expected to expand at a steady CAGR of 5.2% over the aforementioned forecast period. Furthermore, the market was valued at S$100.8 mn in 2016 and is expected to reach a stellar value of US$158.0 mn in 2025.



canada concrete floor coatings marketConstructions Industry to Raise Market Demand



The environmental regulations in Canada have played a pivotal role in elevating demand within the market for concrete floor coatings. The government has imposed restrictions on the use of paints and coatings with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can easily turn into vapor or gas. Constructions across residential, industrial, and commercial sectors in Canada have witnessed an unprecedented rise over the past decade. Since most of the constructions now involve the use of concrete floor coatings, the demand within the Canadian market for floor coatings is expected to keep rising over the coming years. Besides this, the government of Canada has introduced several plans and schemes for the development of the constructions industry in the region including New Building Canada Plan (NBCP) and Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI).



Request to view Sample Report:

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Ontario to Emerge as Leading Regional Segment



The market for concrete floor coatings is expected to register the highest growth rate in Ontario where a number of residential projects are in the pipeline. Furthermore, the disposable income of the population in Ontario is significantly higher than that of other regions in Canada. In 2016, Ontario accounted for a total market share of 30% in the regional mix which shows the splendid performance of the region in the market for concrete floor coatings. Other key regions that are expected to exhibit a robust growth rate over the coming years include British Columbia, Manitoba, Atlantic, and Alberta.



The review is based on a market research report by TMR titled, "Concrete Floor Coatings Market (Product Type - Epoxy and Polyaspartics; Application - Indoor and Outdoor) - Canada Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017  2025".
Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/09/2018 -- The global genetically modified food market has been significantly growing due to the rise in demand for healthy and nutritional food products by consumers of different age group. Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods which are derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in such a way that it does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms). Foods produced from by using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods. The major advantages of genetically modified foods are better texture, flavor and high nutritional value along with longer shelf life. However, unusual taste over non-GM food and safety concerns as it might interfere with the body normal functioning are some of the disadvantages of genetically modified food.



Request for sample report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-889



Genetically Modified Foods: Drivers and Restraints



The major factors driving the genetically modified food market are high nutritional content in the food, high production quantity and less requirement of pesticides. However, damage to beneficial insects and soil fertility coupled with genetic pollution, absence of any centralized government regulation and lack of awareness about the benefits of GMO are factors which are restraining the market potential growth. Rising demand for healthy food products, year round and easy availability of genetically modified food are main trends in the genetically modified food market globally.



Genetically Modified Foods: Segmentation



Genetically modified food market is segmented on the basis of type and region. On the basis of type genetically modified food is segmented into crops, vegetables, fruits and animal products. Corn and Soya are widely cultivated in genetically modified form as compared to other crops in the US. Furthermore, on the basis of region the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa.



Genetically Modified Foods: Key Players Major players operating in this category are Monsanto US, DuPont US, Syngenta Switzerland, Bayer Crop Science Germany, Sakata Japan, BASF Gmbh, Group Limagrain France to name a few. The global players are focused on partnership and collaboration with other companies in order to increase its product portfolio, industry offering and global presence. The global giant in genetically modified food are actively involved in collaboration with the Advanced Research Institutes (ARIs) in the industrial countries such as Brazil, Argentina, China, India, Malaysia and the Philippines for significant R&D program in biotechnology and transgenic crops. Companies are also increasing their R&D in some of the African countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mali, Nigeria, Egypt and Uganda in order to cater the growing demand for genetically modified food in Africa



Ask the analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/genetically-modified-foods-market#engage_analyst



Genetically Modified Foods: Regional Outlook



In 2014, North America was the largest market for genetically modified food and likely to remain as market leader in terms of revenue during the forecast period. China and India are the major countries in Asia-Pacific which is expected to emerge as major market for genetically modified food market. Also, other developing countries such as Brazil is anticipated to growth at a robust CAGR over the forecast period. The US government is focused towards the safety of GM products. The industry is regulated by the Department of Agriculture, for farm biotechnology, and the Food and Drug Administration, which governs food and its ingredients. The developers of the genetically modified food products are intensely involved in certifying their safety. For instance, FDA depends on a consultative process with developers who voluntarily present their plans to the agency before marketing the products



The report covers exhaustive analysis on:



Genetically Modified Food Market Segments



Genetically Modified Food Market Dynamics



Historical Actual Market Size, 2012  2014



Genetically Modified Food Market Size & Forecast 2015 to 2025



Supply & Demand Value Chain



Dairy Product Packaging Market Current Trends/Issues/Challenges



Competition & Companies involved



Technology



Value Chain



Genetically Modified Food Market Drivers and Restraints
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/10/2018 -- Respiratory failure may occur due to a decrease in the amount of arterial oxygen and an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. Anesthesia and intubation by positive pressure ventilation is lifesaving. Veterinary respiratory ventilators are of two types, viz. long-term mechanical ventilation and short-term ventilation. Veterinary respiratory ventilators provide oxygen supplementation and carbon dioxide removal in patients suffering from respiratory failure. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) through the use of mechanical ventilators has been a therapy in patients suffering from respiratory failure. Major indications for the initiation of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) include hypoxemia refractory to conventional therapy and ventilator failure but it is an invasive and time consuming process, and consumes tremendous resources, emotionally and financially. PPV is usually used in emergency and critical care situations. For long-term ventilation in veterinary medicine, veterinarians prefer ICU ventilators. But patients that come with imminent respiratory failure need to be managed quickly. In such cases, veterinary respiratory ventilators are used. Veterinary respiratory ventilators have a variety of applications in head trauma, obesity, debilitated patients, or during surgery. Anesthetic ventilators can deliver breathing assistance to a patient by pressure cycled-delivers, volume cycled-delivers, and time cycled-breaths in a given specific interval of time. Veterinary respiratory ventilators are used for stabilization of the ABCDs (i.e., airway, breathing, circulation, and dysfunction).



Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market: Drivers and Restraints



Growing pet adoption and reimbursement in regions such as the U.S. and Europe are the major factors driving the growth of the global veterinary respiratory ventilators market. Technological advancements in veterinary respiratory ventilators are further driving the demand for the product in matured markets. Advanced features such as adjustable tidal volume, control over respiratory rate, inspiratory time and pressure, etc., make electro-pneumatic ventilators the choice of equipment for veterinary physicians. Nurses/anesthetists can handle veterinary respiratory ventilators easily, but need continuous observation. However, mechanical ventilation is expensive and labor-intensive. Size issues associated with veterinary respiratory ventilators is the biggest challenge for veterinary medical institutes, and can affect the adoption rate. The unavailability of veterinary respiratory ventilators across some of the developing and under developed countries is another major issue in the global veterinary respiratory ventilators market, and can be a major restraint for market growth.



Claim Sample Report For FREE: https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1223



Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market: Segmentation



Tentatively, the veterinary respiratory ventilators market has been segmented on the basis of product, end user, and geography.



Based on by product type, the global veterinary respiratory ventilators market is segmented as:



Electro-pneumatic

Mechanical

Electronic

Pneumatic

Based on end user, the global veterinary respiratory ventilators market is segmented as:



Veterinary Clinics

Veterinary Hospitals

Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market: Overview



According to the University of Florida, Small Animal Hospital, 30% of dogs having pneumonia are successfully taken off with the use of a ventilator, and 75% of dogs having respiratory muscle paralysis observed better prognosis with ventilators. This shows that the market for veterinary respiratory ventilators is increasing for pneumonia and muscle paralysis treatment. According to the survey, approximately 1.5 million patients are ventilated yearly in the U.S. People usually try to treat their pets in at home with their own methodologies, and this can lead to the death of the pet. For this type of population, we need to impart education and awareness. The availability of veterinary respiratory ventilators is very less across emerging markets. The number of patient visits for veterinary respiratory ventilators is on the rise across the globe, which is expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for the companies investing in the global veterinary respiratory ventilators market.



Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market: Regional Outlook



The North America market for veterinary respiratory ventilators holds a largest revenue share owing to presence of major key players, increased spending on pet and increasing research and development activities and introduction of new innovative products. Europe accounts for the second large revenue share in the global veterinary respiratory ventilators market due to increasing concern for pet and rise in disposable income. Asia Pacific is expected to witness rapid growth owing to increase in awareness and increased in number of veterinary physicians. China is expected to show significant growth owing to increased number of pet and livestock animals. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are projected to show slow growth owing to lack of awareness among population and less developed healthcare facilities.



Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market: Key Players



Some of the players identified in the global veterinary respiratory ventilators market include Philips healthcare, Bioseb, DRE Veterinary, Eickemeyer Veterinary Equipment Inc., Hallowell EMC, Vetronic Services Ltd, Midmark Corp., Magnamed, RWD Life Science, and Smiths Medical ASD Inc., and MATRX MEDICAL INC, among others.



The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, and inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators, and governing factors, along with market attractiveness as per segment. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.



Request Brochure of this Report- https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1223



The report covers an exhaustive analysis on:



Market Segments

Market Dynamics

Market Size

Supply & Demand

Current Trends/Issues/Challenges

Competition & Companies Involved

Technology

Value Chain

Regional analysis includes:



North America (U.S., Canada) Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market

Latin America ( Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Rest of LATAM) Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market

Europe (Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, France, Russia, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Rep, Rest of Europe) Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market

Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (India, Australia & New Zealand, Greater China, S. Korea, ASEAN Countries, Rest of APEJ) Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market

Japan Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market

CIS & Russia Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market

Middle East and Africa (GCC, Turkey, Iran, Israel, South Africa, Rest Of MEA) Veterinary Respiratory Ventilators Market

Report Highlights:



Detailed overview of parent market

Changing market dynamics in the industry

In-depth market segmentation

Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value

Recent industry trends and developments

Competitive landscape

Strategies of key players and products offered

Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth

A neutral perspective on market performance

Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint

For more information on this report, please visit:https://www.factmr.com/report/1223/veterinary-respiratory-ventilators-market



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CARB stated that the MSC violations were discovered during a routine audit of the companys 2014 visits to the port of Oakland and the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The investigation by CARB revealed more than 2,500 violations for both the Oakland and LA/LB fleets for failing to reduce auxiliary engine power generation by at least 50% and for exceeding limits for auxiliary engine run time as required by the At-Berth regulation.

Ocean-going vessels are significant contributors to air pollution, said Todd Sax, CARB enforcement division chief. Even in port, their auxiliary engines generate toxic diesel particulate pollution that impacts not only port-adjacent communities, but also entire inland regions. This regulation helps to protect all Californians and is necessary to ensure we meet our clean air goals.

Read more: MSC to introduce new fuel surcharge to pass on cost of low sulphur compliance

The authority said MSC has cooperated with the investigation and subsequently converted its California fleets to include 100% shore power-equipped vessels, and has had no further violations of the At-Berth regulation.

Adopted in 2007, the At-Berth regulation was designed to reduce emissions from diesel auxiliary engines on containerships, passenger ships and refrigerated-cargo ships while berthing at a California port. Vessel operators can either turn off auxiliary engines and connect to grid-based shore power, or use alternative technologies to achieve equivalent emission reductions while in port.

The regulation ultimately aims for reduction of NOx and PM emissions from berthed vessels auxiliary engines in port by at least 80% by 2020.
CHED commits to Sen. Bam 100% compliance to Free College Law

Thanks to Sen. Bam Aquino's prodding, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will soon issue a memorandum prohibiting state universities and colleges (SUCs) from charging mandatory fees.

"Sa batas natin, bawal nang mangolekta ng mandatory fees ang mga SUC. Dapat ituloy ang laban para sa 100 percent compliance ng mga kolehiyo," said Sen. Bam during the CHED's budget hearing.

During interpellation of the CHED budget, Sen. Bam expressed his concern that a few SUCs may still collect miscellaneous and other mandatory fees from students, despite the expressed prohibition under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

"Sa pag-iikot natin sa mga SUC, nalalaman naming may balak pa ang ilan na mangolekta ng miscellaneous fees," said Sen. Bam, principal sponsor of Republic Act 10931 during his term as chairman of the Committee on Education.

"Hindi dapat ito nangyayari dahil may batas nang nagsasabi na bawal ang paninigil ng miscellaneous at iba pang mandatory fee," added Sen. Bam. "Sa batas na ito, sinisiguro na ang kapos, makapagtatapos."

Sen. Bam insisted that the law should be properly enjoyed by students and their families so they can cope with daily expenses amid the high prices of food and other goods.

"Halos aabot din sa daan-daang piso ang kinokolektang miscellaneous fees sa mga estudyante, pera na dapat ginagamit nang panggastos ng pamilyang Pilipino na pambili ng pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan," added Sen. Bam.

In response, CHED chairman Prospero de Vera agreed to issue a draft memorandum that will clarify and warn SUCs that students should not pay a single centavo to enroll in an SUC, LUC or TESDA-run TVI

In addition, Sen. Bam sought to expand the coverage of the free college law to cover on-the-job training, affiliation fees for nursing students, and other Related Learning Experiences (RLEs).

Sen. Bam also pushed for the better support for SUCs through additional plantilla position for non-teaching personnel, such as security personnel, registrar, guidance counselors, resident ombudsman, among others.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), for its part, committed and allocated money for this endeavor and was simply waiting for the recommendation from CHED.

Sen. Bam said once the CHED gave its recommendation, SUCs can start hiring non-teaching personnel next year.
Press Release

December 10, 2018 Dispatch from Crame No. 433:

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement on the Claim of Persecution on the part of the Past Administration 12/10/18 Reveling over the acquittal of former Sen. Bong Revilla, sympathetic lawmakers, past and present, including those also charged in other pending PDAF Scam plunder and graft cases, cry political persecution from the previous administration. Sabi pa nga ng isa, pinag-initan lang daw sila ng dating administrasyon. I don't know what their definition of political persecution is. In the case build-up versus Enrile, Estrada, Revilla, et al, as an offshoot of Benhur Luy's illegal detention and rescue, no evidence was fabricated. Evidence was well documented coming from official government documents like those from COA and DBM. The paper trail was established, backed up by credible testimonies of Benhur Luy and other whistleblowers. No witness was ever coerced, pressured or threatened. There was simply no reason to file a case against them other than the fact that evidence of their PDAF misuse was so blatant to be ignored by the PNoy Administration, irrespective of the political affiliation of those charged. Their prosecution also went through an independent investigation of the Ombudsman, not only of the NBI and the DOJ. The layers of government agencies that the cases went through assured the public that the cases were thoroughly studied to have evidentiary basis, evidence that was not manufactured, before the Ombudsman finally decide to file the criminal complaints with the Sandiganbayan. As then Secretary of Justice overseeing the case build-up, I, and for that matter, anyone in the PNoy Administration, never resorted to public vilification or character assassination of any of those under investigation. We never attacked their personal honor. Their rights were respected. So what persecution are they talking about? If indeed these powerful personalities were victims of political persecution, how come global institutions, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW) and even the European Parliament and UN bodies, never took the cudgels for them or acted in solidarity with them? Simple. These organizations know what is and what is not persecution. I rest my case on my behalf and on behalf of the PNoy Administration that served our country well but now being systematically discredited by this good-for-nothing, abusive regime.
Press Release

December 10, 2018 Be the light for human rights, De Lima calls on Filipino people Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has called on the Filipino people to rally with renewed passion behind the promotion and protection of human rights, especially against flagrant abuses and attacks across the world. In her message for the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), De Lima said the Filipino people should demonstrate their strong commitment to defending the dignity and rights of individuals. "We must come together in our common defense of human rights. We cannot remain quiet and rely passively on governments. We the people ourselves have to act - act urgently and in solidarity with one another," she said. "Let us all shine our light for dignity, freedom and equality of everyone. Each has the power and the duty to make a difference - to make our homes, communities, countries, and our world safer, just and more humane for all of us," she added. For De Lima, every individual - regardless of his/her position in the society - has "the power and the duty to make a difference to make our homes, communities, countries, and our world safer, just and more humane for all of us." In 1948, the UDHR was adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in Paris. The assembly later passed a resolution declaring every December 10 as International Human Rights Day to commemorate the day the UDHR was adopted. De Lima noted that the "extraordinary document" was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly as "a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to be promoted by education, and, more optimistically, by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance." "For 70 years since its adoption, the UDHR has been a bedrock of freedom and equality all across the world, lifting the lives of billions of people in the planet, influencing almost a hundred national Constitutions and inspiring numerous international, regional and national laws, institutions and mechanisms," she said. Although seven decades have already passed since the birth of UDHR, the lady Senator from Bicol expressed concern that the world continues to face an almost endless barrage of attacks on human dignity and freedom. The obsessive attacks against human rights, De Lima said, remain rampant not only in the country under the rule of an authoritarian leader, but is also widespread in various conflict-stricken places, including Syria, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, and a number of countries in Central America. "But, causes for continued optimism remain. Still intact are the admirable legacy of the UDHR, the endurance of some relevant conventions, treaties and international law, and the resilience of a vibrant global human rights movement. Hope springs eternal for human rights," she said. Last February, De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1699 which seeks to institutionalize and enforce state obligations for the protection of the rights of human rights defenders, but the measure has remained unacted upon by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights chaired by Sen. Richard J. Gordon.
Press Release

December 10, 2018 Lacson: Filipinos P71,000 in Debt as They Face the Year of the Earth Pig More at: https://pinglacson.net/2018/12/10/lacson-filipinos-p71000-in-debt-as-they-face-year-of-the-earth-pig/ The coming year may be a happy one only for those who continue to benefit from the pork barrel system - and a burdensome one for the rest of the Filipinos. Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said every Filipino, even those born just now, is already saddled with a whopping P71,000 debt, no thanks largely to the corrupt pork barrel system. "2019: Year of the Earth Pig. Brace yourselves for more pork," Lacson said in a post on his Twitter account. "I do not know if it is a coincidence that next year is the Year of the Earth Pig," he added in a radio interview on Monday. Lacson said the practice of lawmakers to make insertions in the budget for pet projects - without consulting the agencies concerned - has resulted in projects being implemented inefficiently, if at all. "All Filipinos, even those born just now, are already saddled with a debt of P71,000 each, because our borrowings have ballooned. Worse, we have to borrow more just to pay off our past debts," he said. "It would have been better if the borrowings resulted in development projects whose benefits we can actually feel. But if taxpayers' money is lost due to corruption and inefficiency, that is sad," he added. As it is, he said the government is forced to impose added taxes to generate the needed additional revenue to pay off the debts, he noted. Lacson noted that only three to four years ago, each of 90 million Filipinos owes "only" about P60,000. Had development projects been properly implemented, each of the 100 million-plus Filipinos today would have a much lighter debt. "Aren't you angry that because some people played around with the budget, all of us Filipinos are made to bear the burden of debt?" he said. To illustrate his point, Lacson cited findings of the Commission on Audit for 2017, where some P583 billion in funds for implementing projects was tagged as questionable. "Why did COA tag such an amount as questionable? There was no consultation between the executive and legislative in implementing projects," Lacson said.
Press Release

December 10, 2018 Senate passes measure simplifying adoption process With 17 votes, no negative vote and no abstention, the Senate on Monday, December 10, approved on third and final reading simplifying the adoption process of a child by allowing the rectification of simulated births through a simpler administrative proceeding. Senate Bill 2081, entitled "Simulated Birth Rectification Act of 2018," is contained in Committee Report 498 prepared by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality. Committee chair Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the measure aims "to grant amnesty and allow the rectification of the simulated birth of a child where simulation was made for the best interest of the child, and that such child has been consistently considered and treated by the person" who considered the child as his or her own. The bill is a substitution of Senate Bill 1725, introduced by Sen. Grace Poe, and Senate Bill 1728, proposed by Hontiveros and Sen. Leila de Lima. Its counterpart measure, House Bill No. 5675, was approved by the House of Representatives on August 29 last year and was transmitted to the Senate two days later. In her sponsorship speech, Hontiveros said the bill seeks to correct the status of a child whose birth was simulated by opening the avenue for a legal adoption that the child may enjoy all the benefits offered by the law to legally adopted children. "To remedy the problem of a lengthy and financially restrictive adoption proceedings, this bill likewise proposes a simpler and less costly administrative adoption process without compromising the safety and integrity of the child," Hontiveros added. According to the measure, "birth simulation" refers to the tampering of the civil registry to make it appear in the record of birth that a child was born to a person who is not the child's biological mother. Poe, the principal author, said Republic Act 8552, also known as the "Domestic Adoption Act" recognizes informal adoptions or more commonly known as simulated births. "While Section 21 (b) of the said Act penalizes any person who shall cause the fictitious registration of the birth of a child under the name(s) of a person(s) who is not his/her biological parent(s), it also provided for an amnesty for those who did so for the best interest of the child. However, this amnesty resulted in a lacuna in the law in that it only allowed the rectification of those who 1) did so before the effectivity of the law on 22 March 1998; and (2) filed a petition for adoption within five (5) years from the effectivity of the Act or until 22 March 2003," she explained. This provision, she said, makes adoption process "tedious and excessively costly for ordinary Filipinos," the senator said. "This leaves a lot of adoptees under assumed filiation and unduly deprived of the benefits of legitimacy and succession," she added. To fast-track the adoption process, those who simulated the birth record of a child should be exempt from criminal, civil and administrative liability provided that the application to rectify a simulated birth record should be filed within 10 years from the effectivity of the measure. Instead of going through the courts, those who will file a petition may do so through the Social Welfare and Development Officer of the city or municipality where the child resides. The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development shall decide on the petition within 30 days from receipt of the recommendation of the department's regional director. After all requirements for administrative adoption have been met, the child shall be considered the legitimate child of a person and as such is entitled to all rights and obligations provided by law to legitimate children born to them. Poe said the measure, if passed into law, will give the adoptive parents the opportunity to have the status of their adopted child or children regularized in law. "It is also in the best interest of the parents and the children to have the records rectified for possible future uses such as medical or DNA purposes or for other legal matters," she said.
Villanueva hails Senate ratification of the Universal Health Care Bill

Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday welcomed the Senate ratification of the Universal Health Care Bill which seeks to expand the benefit packages being offered by PhilHealth by increasing the amount of benefits to lessen the out-of-pocket expenses on the part of the members.

"The UHC Bill is only one step closer to becoming a law. Once enacted, all Filipinos will be covered by the PhilHealth," Villanueva said.

"Congratulations to my Seatmate, health committee chair Sen. JV Ejercito, and to all our co-authors in the Senate who have contributed to the fine-tuning of the bill," the senator added.

Improving the benefit packages would entail the inclusion of preventive and promotive health services in a bid to alleviate the chances of confinement and encourage a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos.

As of 2016, 91% or 93 million Filipinos are covered by PhilHealth. About half of them are indigents while the rest are composed of paying individuals from both formal and informal economies and lifetime members.

Under the bill, funds from the said program will be sourced from the incremental sin tax collections, charity fund from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), income from the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), premium contribution of members, annual appropriations of the Department of Health (DOH), and government subsidy to PhilHealth.

"Magandang Pamasko po ito sa ating mga kababayan dahil kapag may libreng tsekap, laboratory tests, at diagnostic services na para sa bawat Pilipino, sila ay mas magiging malusog at malayo sa anumang karamdaman," the senator stressed.

"Kapag may peace of mind ang ating mga kababayan na makapagpagamot, lalo na ang ating mga manggagawa, sila ay mas magiging produktibo, lalago ang negosyo at gaganda ang ating ekonomiya," Villanueva said.
Villar Family Celebrates Christmas with Baseco and Iruhin Kids in Tagaytay

The Villar family led by Senate President Manny and Senator Cynthia Villar celebrated their annual Christmas gift-giving get-together with some 150 kids from barangay Baseco in Tondo and barangay Iruhin in Tagaytay at the Christmas Village in Crosswinds, Tagaytay.

Joined by Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar and wife Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Villar, Camille Villar and grandchildren Emma Therese and Tristan, the family sang and played with the kids in the annual gift-giving affair hosted by the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance).

"We are very happy to have spent this special time with the kids," Senate President Villar said as he watched kids, aged 2 to 13 years old, enjoy the Christmas Village set up at the 100-hectare Crosswinds community in Tagaytay.

The Villars, especially grandkids Emma Therese and Tristan, joined the Baseco kids in watching a magician show and playing parlor games. In the end, they handed out the Christmas presents to the kids.

"Christmas has always been a special time especially for the children. This event is just one of our family's way of giving back to the Filipino people," Villar said. "We hope through this celebration, we are able to spread joy to the kids and their families this holiday season," Senator Villar said.

The Tagaytay Christmas party for the Baseco and Iruhin kids is an annual event organized by Villar SIPAG, which is now on its ninth year.
Graham Stuart says he isnt worried that Vital Healthcare Property Trusts manager can fire him at will after a current review of the managers fees has been completed.

Stuart tells BusinessDesk that I absolutely see scope to change the management contract owned by NorthWest Healthcare Properties Management in a way thats more favourable for unitholders.

However, he doesnt see any need to change NorthWests rights to fire him.

I dont see a need for it. I dont think that compromises independence. The basis of my independence is in my experience, in my reputation and in my integrity, Stuart said.

I dont think having that threat hanging over me affects my independence  the very act of NorthWest exercising that right would send a pretty awful message to the market.

Stuart has had a high-flying executive career  NorthWest said he is the outstanding candidate who was Sealords chief executive until 2014 and before that Fonterras chief financial officer for seven years.

He is currently chair of Eroad and an independent director and chair of Towers audit committee.

What complicates the position Stuart has accepted is that the board he is joining isnt Vitals but that of its manager, whose ultimate parent is an eponymous real estate investment trust listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

NorthWest announced last month that it will suspend its right to fire independent directors while the full board of the management company reviews the fees paid to itself, contradicting its own board charter which says such a review should be conducted by the independent directors.

That doesnt bother Stuart either  he said the board can form a committee of independent directors but that it doesnt have to.

Theyve opened the door to the conversation about fees, he said.

From my personal perspective, were better off to have as many conversations as we can with NorthWest sitting in the room so its probably better to keep the board whole at this stage.

Vitals trust deed gives NorthWest sweeping powers over directors, fees and Vitals activities.

It bought the management contract from ANZ in 2011 for $11.5 million and has collected nearly $100 million in gross fees since then while distributions to unitholders have risen from 8.1 cents per unit to 8.56 cents, a 5.7 percent increase.

Back in November 2007, when ING owned the management contract, NZX granted it a waiver from its listing rules to preserve its rights under the management contract, rights that NorthWest inherited.

At Vitals annual meeting on Dec. 20 investors are being asked to choose between Stuart and Paul Mead who are contending for the one open board seat.

NorthWest, which also owns nearly 25 percent of Vitals units, is urging the investors to vote for its candidate, Stuart.

NorthWest is also urging investors to vote against a resolution to increase directors from five to six which could see both contenders elected.

Mead is being proposed by three institutional unitholders who collectively own 10 percent of Vital. They are agitating for changes to the way Vital is managed, to give NorthWest less control over Vital, to the way NorthWests fees are calculated and for an enlarged board.

Mead declined BusinessDesks request for an interview, despite the fact that hes agreed to put himself at the centre of a public battle.

The rebel investors describe Mead as being experienced in property, banking and finance at both senior corporate and board level in New Zealand and abroad.

He has worked for Jones Lang LaSalle and Bayleys in New Zealand and for Citibank and Barclays Capital in London.

Currently, Mead is director of a number of private companies including Tangible, a bespoke investment business that arranges and manages the syndicated ownership of commercial vineyards in New Zealand, according to information supplied by the rebel investors.

(BusinessDesk)

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Yealands Estate Wines has pleaded guilty to unprecedented offending under the Wine Act 2003 and has copped a $400,000 fine.

The Ministry for Primary Industries prosecuted Yealands for deliberate, deceptive and sustained breaches of the Act.

It laid a total of 39 charges in the Blenheim District Court against the company, its founder and director at the time of the offending, Peter Yealands, former winery operations general manager Jeff Fyfe and former chief winemaker Tamra Kelly,

The company and the three individual defendants were immediately sentenced after their guilty pleas were recorded.

On top of the company fine, Fyfe and Kelly were each fined $35,000 and Yealands was fined $30,000.

The charges relate to all parties being complicit in making false statements regarding export eligibility applications and material omissions in wine records relating to the use of added sugar, a breach of European Union regulations, MPI says.

The offences relate to records of more than 6.5 million litres of wine and about 3.7 million litres were exported to Europe between May 2013 and December 2015.

MPI's manager of compliance investigations, Gary Orr, claims the prosecutions show the system governing compliance in the wine industry works.

These are the first convictions for offending under the provisions of the Wine Act in New Zealand, Orr says.

It is common knowledge in the wine industry that you cant add sugar post-fermentation to wine destined for the EU market, yet the parties convicted were well aware of what they were doing, he says.

Peter Yealands was made aware of what was happening at the time but failed to do anything to stop it.

Orr says the MPI investigation took almost two years to complete and reveal that one of New Zealands leading wine companies "engaged in deliberate deception through the use of falsified records that were designed to deceive routine audit.

As a general rule, the wine industry is compliant and law-abiding. Thats why this offending is very disappointing, Orr says.

The outcome of the prosecution will act as a strong deterrent to anyone engaging in non-compliant behaviour under the Wine Act.

Electricity lines company Marlborough Lines bought a controlling stake in Yealands Wine Group in 2015. It acquired the last 14 percent in July from Peter Yealands, who quit as a director the same day.

Current Yealands chief executive Adrian Garforth is playing down the companys part in the proceedings. The company is legally responsible for the actions of some former staff members, even though they were employed before his time and the companys ownership has changed, he says.

The wines were destined for European Union markets and were not sold under Yealands brands, he says.

Yealands has co-operated fully with the MPI investigation as soon as the errors were brought to their attention in early 2016 and the company took immediate and decisive action to remedy the issues well before any charges were laid, he says.

Systems we have introduced, training and comprehensive audits mean that our wines are fully compliant and breaches of this kind will not happen again, Garforth says.

These events, which predate my appointment, do not reflect our company values and our desire to do everything to the highest possible standard. We have taken these charges very seriously.

(BusinessDesk)

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Finaccess Capital's $881.5 million bid for three-quarters of Restaurant Brands New Zealand has the backing of the Kiwi firm's board, with the per-share price topping the independent adviser's assessment.

Restaurant Brands' independent directors have elected to accept the $9.45 per share offer and the board unanimously recommends shareholders do likewise, unless a better offer emerges. Director Stephen Copulos has already agreed to sell his 8.6 percent stake to the Mexican firm.

Finaccess has offered to buy up to 75 percent of the fast food operator at a 24 percent premium to the $7.60 price before the bid. The offer also trumps the $8.15-$8.92 range adviser Grant Samuel calculated. The Mexican firm lodged its offer document yesterday, which closes on March 12, 2019, and acceptances above 75 percent may be scaled depending on the uptake.

"Our partial takeover offer allows shareholders to realise a significant premium for some or all (subject to scaling) of their investment in Restaurant Brands, while also providing them an opportunity to continue participating in the business," Finaccess chief executive Jose Pares Gutierrez said. "We are firmly focused on creating value for all Restaurant Brands shareholders over the long-term."

The Grant Samuel report valued Restaurant Brands at between $1.02 billion and $1.11 billion, including a premium for 100 percent control. It noted that because the deal is a partial takeover, shareholders can only be certain of selling 75 percent of their shares.

Fianccess has committed to support Restaurant Brands' existing strategy in the near-term to pursue international growth. The Kiwi company made further progress on those plans today, saying it will build more than 60 Taco Bell restaurants in New Zealand and New South Wales between 2019 and 2024.

It expects to fund the building of the stores from internally generated cash flows, but doesn't expect the brand to make a significant contribution to earnings for several years.

"Bringing the Taco Bell brand to this part of the world aligns with our strategy of focusing on global tier one brands in markets we understand," chief executive Russell Creedy said. "We know from our experience in Hawaii and Guam that Taco Bell is a top-tier brand backed by excellent franchise systems."

Finaccess will also seek to retain Creedy as CEO for at least three years and maintain continuity in the senior management team.

The Mexican firm has agreed it won't seek a delisting for at least 12 months, and told Restaurant Brands' board it sees a number of benefits in retaining the NZX and ASX listings, such as having access to capital to fund future growth.

Among conditions to close the deal, it needs Overseas Investment Office approval

(BusinessDesk)

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Trade Me chief executive Jon Macdonald will stay on at the online marketplace as it weighs up two multi-billion-dollar takeover offers from overseas private equity firms.

Macdonald had planned to leave the company this month after a decade in the top job, having joined Trade Me in 2003. That's now being put on hold, and he will lead the company on an interim basis due to the rival bids by Apax Partners and Hellman & Friedman.

The company said it will provide news on a new CEO appointment in due course.

The competing firms have been invited to undertake due diligence by Trade Me's board, having each lobbed in indicative bids. Apax kicked off the bidding, offering $6.40 a share, or $2.54 billion and was trumped a fortnight later when Hellman & Friedman came in with a $6.45 a share price, or $2.56 billion.

Before the initial bid was made public, Trade Me's share price was $5.10. It's since jumped closer to the offer prices, recently trading at $6.17, down from a record $6.26 last week.

British firm Apax makes long-term investments in technology, services, healthcare and consumer industries, targeting large firms valued at 1-5 billion euros. Its portfolio includes several e-commerce companies such as Israel-based Global-e Online and MatchesFashion.com, a British-based predominantly online global luxury goods retailer, and Moda Operandi.

Hellman & Friedman is a US private equity fund manager which focuses on large-scale equity deals in select sectors. Last year it was one of several bidders for Australian publisher Fairfax Media Group and its online real estate listings unit Domain. Fairfax is a former owner of Trade Me.

(BusinessDesk)

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Retail spending using electronic cards was only 1.2 percent higher nationwide in the first seven days of December than in the same week last year, according to Paymark, which processes more than 75 percent of New Zealand card transactions.

However, it suggests this is a pause before another rush and that the Black Friday sale in November may have bought spending forward.

Meanwhile, Westpacs economists are suggesting the recent fall in petrol prices should mean a little more left in consumers wallets for other spending.

Paymark says the $1.2 billion in spending in the first seven days of December was 10 percent higher than the average weekly spending between January and October this year.

But compared with spending in the same week last year, spending was highest last week in Palmerston North, up 7.5 percent, and Southland, up 6.4 percent, but low in Auckland and Northland, up just 0.1 percent, and negative 1 percent in the Wairarapa.

Typically, spending builds through the last two weeks of November and the first week of December, then ramps up rapidly in the last couple of weeks ahead of Christmas Day, Paymark said.

This year, the three weeks were again busy but spending in the week of Black Friday was slightly above that of last week, it said.

But it is predicting a surge is still to come. In the week ahead, we are likely to increase our buying at department stores, recreational goods shops, electrical shops and clothing stores by 10-25 percent, only to step up even further in the last few days before Christmas.

Paymark said in the last seven days before Christmas, it expects an 80-180 percent lift compared with the average week between January and October.

It expects spending at food and liquor merchants will rise 60-70 percent above average in the last seven days before Christmas.

Westpac said it is expecting a temporary improvement in the housing market due to recent falls in mortgage rates and the loosening of the Reserve Banks loan-to-valuation restrictions from Jan. 1.

Westpac cut its two-year fixed mortgage rate from 5.5 percent to 4.79 percent in September and it also has a 'special' offer at 4.29 percent.

The improvement in the housing market is likely to be felt particularly acutely in Auckland, the bank said.

The Auckland housing market has been treading water since mid-2016, so even a modest lift in prices could generate a bit of momentum in consumer spending in the region.

Westpac notes that oil prices peaked in early October with Brent crude rising above US$86 a barrel but that has since receded to about US$60.

The New Zealand dollar has also risen over that period, helping to make petrol prices cheaper.

For New Zealand consumers that means theyve seen a noticeable drop in prices at the pump from a peak of around $2.48 per litre in early October to around $2.08 per litre currently, the bank said.

With petrol costs gobbling up a smaller share of household budgets, there should be a little extra left to spend in other areas.

(BusinessDesk)

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The New Zealand dollar was higher as the greenback continues to bear the brunt of rising risk aversion amid concern about global growth.

The kiwi traded at 68.90 US cent at 5pm in Wellington from 68.49 US at 8am and 68.66 cents on Friday in New York. The trade-weighted index was at 75.13 from 74.92 last week.

The US dollar came under further pressure as China on Sunday called on the US to withdraw the arrest warrant on Huawei global chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who faces extradition to the U.S. According to the Guardian, China has warned Canada there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Meng, calling the case extremely nasty.

The greenback was already weighed by increasing speculation that the US Federal Reserve may be nearing the end of its tightening cycle, in particular as data undershoots expectations.

There has been "a bit of doom and gloom" and the Meng case "could certainly trip up the trade talks," said Martin Rudings, senior foreign exchange dealer at OMF. He also noted the US has now imposed a hard deadline for a resolution to the trade stoush with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, saying negotiations need to reach a successful end by March 1 or new tariffs will be imposed.

"Markets are very pessimistic going into next year," said Rudings. He said the kiwi is holding up well considering the risk aversion.

Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr also said the New Zealand dollar's support is "coming from a weaker USD which is under the shadow of any resolution to the ongoing trade disputes, increasingly dovish Fed language, and slowing global growththat set of factors has created a wall of worry offshore while the NZD looks relatively stable/robust."

The kiwi traded at 95.46 Ausralian cents from 95.48 cents last week.

The local currency was at 54.06 British pence from 53.96 pence last week in the run-up to the UK parliament's Brexit vote on Tuesday. It trade at 60.26 euro cents from 60.37 cents last week.

The kiwi was at 77.40 yen from 77.45 yen last week and was at 4.7453 Chinese yuan from 4.7220 yuan.

New Zealand's two-year swap rate was unchanged at 2.04 percent; the 10-year swaps eased 2 basis point to 2.75 percent

(BusinessDesk)

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New Zealand shares fell to a five-week low as rising concerns about global growth due to heightened US-China trade tensions extended into Asian markets. Export-focused A2 Milk dropped.

The S&P/NZX 50 index declined 107.3 points, or 1.2 percent, to 8,660.02, the lowest close since Oct. 30. Within the index, 38 stocks fell, nine gained and three were unchanged. Turnover was quieter than usual at $78.7 million.

Wall Street lost ground on Friday and Asian markets followed suit on concerns that Canada's arrest of Huawei global chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou could derail the temporary truce between the US and China. US authorities are seeking her extradition over claims she was involved in violating US sanctions against Iran. China on Sunday demanded the United States should withdraw the arrest warrant. The flare-up in tensions come just as the two nation's kick of 90 days of negotiations.

The S&P 500 Index fell 2.3 percent on Friday, while across Asia today, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was down 2.2 percent in afternoon trading and Hong Kong's Hang Seng declined 1.4 percent.

Hamilton Hindin Greene director Grant Williamson said while the New Zealand market was down it was outperforming Australia.

"We've probably held up reasonably well but certainly, the sellers are in charge of the market today," said Williamson.

Dual-listed companies were among those hardest hit.

Sky Network Television led the market lower, sliding 7.1 percent to $2.11 and Fletcher Building dropped 3.4 percent to $4.56, both on light trading volumes.

A2 fell 4.1 percent to $10.57 on half its average trading volume. The milk products marketing firm today announced the departure of general manager of international development Simon Hennessy and head of emerging markets business development Michael Bracka.

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group dropped 3.8 percent to $25.95 and Westpac Banking Corp declined 3.4 percent to $26.14.

Spark New Zealand was the most traded stock, with 2.3 million shares changing hands compared to the 3 million 90-day average. Spark rose 1.7 percent to $4.27, posting the biggest gain on the day.

"It is really quite defensive and investors are considering Spark to be quite a safe haven, as it produces an extremely good dividend income," Willamson said. "It is performing particularly well and has done all the way through this market correction in the past couple of months."

Of other stocks with more than 1 million volume, Meridian Energy fell 1.2 percent to $3.22, Auckland International Airport dropped 2.1 percent to $7.10 and Contact Energy decreased 0.4 percent to $5.70.

Air New Zealand fell 2.2 percent to $2.965, a month low. Brent crude oil prices rose 0.5 percent to US$61.96 a barrel in Asia trading after Opec producers and other nations, including Russia, agreed to cut output by 1.2 million barrels a day from January. The airline is also in pay negotiations with its engineers who are threatening to down tools over Christmas.

Trade Me declined 1.9 percent to $6.07. Veteran chief executive Jon Macdonald will stay on a little longer while the online marketplace considers competing takeover bids.

Retailers were mixed after Paymark figures showed a muted start to the Christmas spending season. Briscoe Group increased 0.3 percent to $3.32, while Hallenstein Glasson dropped 8.3 percent to $4.45 and Warehouse Group was down 1.5 percent at $2.02. Kathmandu Holdings was unchanged at $2.66.

(BusinessDesk)

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Disgruntled Auckland District Law Society members want heads to roll at the top of the organisation after they defeated a divisive plan to sell the society's heritage building.

The societys president Joanna Pidgeon announced yesterday that members had voted almost 60:40 against selling the 1924 Chancery Chambers building. This was a much wider majority than at a previous vote in July.

Pidgeon and the societys eight-person ruling council had pushed members to accept a $14.9 million offer from an unknown bidder, arguing preliminary seismic testing carried out by the potential purchaser indicated the building needed earthquake strengthening, which could be expensive. Opponents said Chancery Chambers brought in $660,000 a year in rents for the society and before making a decision members needed more information about seismic risk and possible market value for the building.

The ADLS council signed the $14.9 million sale and purchase agreement despite members also voting in July not to sell. Since then the society has received two more unsolicited bids, one for $15.5 million.

Barrister Chris Eggleston, a spokesman for opponents of the sale, called for Pidgeon and the council to resign.

This is a vote of no confidence in the council, Eggleston told BusinessDesk. They tried to sell once and were told no. They tried it again with a short window and Christmas coming up and still failed.

I think the 59 percent who voted against this are very fired up as to why this council tried again to sell the building after being given a clear message not to. This is a vote of no confidence and Id want them to resign.

Lawyer Gary Keep the Buggers Honest Gotlieb is one of the countrys more tenacious criminal defence lawyers and another strong opponent of the Chancery Chambers sale. He called for heads to roll.

Great result. Need special general meeting for resignations, he said in an email.

Pidgeon did not return BusinessDesks calls yesterday, but said in a statement the council would respect the outcome of the ballot.

The members have voted and this building sale will not proceed, she said. ADLS presidents normally serve only a one-year term, which means Pidgeon is likely to be replaced in March.

Chancery Chambers is a 1924 heritage building on the corner of Chancery and OConnell Streets. The ADLS website stresses its unique qualities.

Many of Aucklands well-known identities have worked in the building, which for a time housed a tea room in the sixth floor tower and a Turkish bath complex in the basement, the site says.

ADLS bought and renovated the building as its headquarters in 1989. It was listed on its 2017 accounts (the most recent available) as being worth just under $11 million.

Meanwhile, some ADLS lawyers, spearheaded by Russian-born Serge Roud of law firm Loughlin McGuire, are pushing for constitutional changes they say will bring the ADLS framework more in line with the incorporated society-type organisation it is now, rather than the regulatory body it was until 2009.

At that time, all statutory powers for district law societies were transferred to the New Zealand Law Society and the ADLS became what Roud calls a union of like-minded lawyers.

Its roles include professional development, organising events, liaison with government and the media, and selling a WebForms service to lawyers.

A second membership ballot, due to close on Dec 17, calls for a number of rule changes designed, Roud says, to make the society more transparent and accountable to members. These include: getting rid of unelected members of council, so all councillors are elected; allowing members to attend council meetings and to have easy access to agendas and minutes; and replacing the chief executive with a secretary of the society role, accountable to members.

The ADLS council has urged members to vote against the rule changes, arguing the CEO and council model worked well for the organisation, and appointed (rather than elected) council members brought particular skills and attributes to enhance the quality of governance.

In notes to the rule change, the ADSL leadership said the corporate model with closed meetings did not work against the interests of members.

There is ample opportunity for consultation between the members and councillors and there is no need to have council meetings open for attendance by all members, in the same way that a board of directors of a company would not be open to attendance by every shareholder.

The proposal to hold open meetings and to make meeting agendas and minutes easily available to members seems to be motivated by distrust and suspicion of the Council, which is unjustified, the council said.

Barrister Helen White, another opponent of the sale, said while the rule changes were important and members should vote to adopt them, more sweeping change was needed. She said the sale process and the difficulty of communicating with ADLS had been eye-opening in terms of not-for-profit organisation governance.

We were a bunch of lawyers and we found it difficult to get our message across to the organisation we are part of, White said. We learnt a big lesson about how important the constitution of an organisation is and how important it is to participate.

Hopefully now we will have an opportunity to sit down and talk about having a constitution that works well for members.

Pidgeon didnt comment to BusinessDesk about the rule changes, any culture of secrecy within the organisation, or calls for her resignation. However, BusinessDesk was interested to note that when we rang the organisation, no one at ADLS was allowed to confirm either the exact wording of the two resolutions, or the cut-off date for the vote on the member-initiated rules changes.

Ive got to do what Im told, one staffer told BusinessDesk.

(BusinessDesk)

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Business owners who use unfair trading and contract terms in their dealings look likely to face a stiffer range of rules and penalties following a government review of unfair commercial practices.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi and Small Business Minister Stuart Nash published a discussion document today outlining four possible packages of reforms to strengthen existing prohibitions on poor corporate behaviour, the most impactful of which would also create new uncertainties about what constitutes unfair practice or contractual terms.

In a survey of mainly small business owners, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment found 45 percent felt that they had been offered unfair contract terms in the past year and 47 percent felt that they had otherwise been treated unfairly.

Unfair contract terms included limiting the ability of the customer to make a claim or placing risk on their business, extended payment terms, limiting the ability to enforce contract terms or to terminate a contract, and unilateral terms allowing the customer or supplier to determine when a contract breach had occurred.

"There is both theory and evidence to suggest that businesses (particularly small ones) are vulnerable to unfair contract terms in a range of circumstances," says the discussion document, which is open for public submissions until Feb. 25 next year.

However, the ministry said "it could be argued that there are stronger justifications for protecting businesses against unfair conduct than unfair contracts".

"Unfair conduct seemingly has the ability to distort market outcomes and undermine free and informed decision-making by businesses more than unfair terms within the contract itself".

That had prompted investigations into whether protections against unfair business-to-business conduct should be extended.

Nash highlighted concerns about the impact on small businesses of unfair commercial practices relating to payment.

Small businesses can face significant cash flow issues as a result of other businesses not paying them on time as per contract terms," he said. The government wants to build a more productive, sustainable and inclusive economy, but we wont get there with these types of practices in the marketplace.

At the same time, we need to strike a balance to ensure any changes are proportional to the problem. We want honest businesses to continue to compete effectively, negotiate firmly, and freely enter into contracts."

Of the four options proposed to deal with either some or all of a combination of both contract and conduct issues, the two with the greatest beneficial impact for businesses and consumers would also create the greatest uncertainty for businesses engaging in conduct that might be acceptable and competitive rather than unfair, the discussion document says. It discusses whether only "egregious" unfair conduct should be covered.

Based on experience with consumer contracts in New Zealand and business contracts in Australia, many standard form business-to-business contracts are likely to contain unfair contract terms or UCTs, the paper says.

"As such, many businesses are likely to face one-off costs reviewing and amending their contracts to eliminate any UCTs."

It was estimated it might cost New Zealand businesses $13 million to make those checks.

Uncertainties about what constitutes a UCT could be reduced by reference to existing case-law and by inclusion of a grey-list against which proposed conduct or contract terms could be judged.

"We think that most businesses, if they are acting fairly and reasonably, ... are unlikely to be in breach of any prohibition," the document says.

The chief executive of the Food and Grocery Council, Katherine Rich, welcomed the discussion paper, saying its proposal would complement the Commerce Commissions new powers to accept enforceable undertakings and to undertake competition studies, and could lead to reduced costs for businesses, especially small businesses.

Crucially, the proposed prohibitions should capture only particularly egregious conduct  most typical business behaviour should not be affected, she said in a statement.

Some unfair commercial practices that would be illegal overseas currently go unpunished in New Zealand. Australian consumer law, for example, has included some form of prohibition on unconscionable conduct since 1986, and their Unfair Contract Terms regime was expanded in 2016 to protect small businesses.

Its worthwhile considering the single economic market benefits for New Zealand having law that is more consistent with Australia's," said Rich.

(BusinessDesk)

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The more highly paid the chief executives of publicly listed companies, the more likely they are to use figures that dont conform to generally accepted accounting principles, according to a University of Otago study.

Not only is the use of such non-GAAP figures increasing, but managers are more likely to use them when they miss their GAAP earnings benchmarks, the study found.

Firms experiencing a decrease in earnings demonstrate a stronger association between CEO cash compensation and the likelihood of non-GAAP disclosure, says one of the three authors, Dr Dinithi Ranasinghe.

This suggests some managers may be disclosing these measures with opportunistic intentions, Dr Ranasinghe says.

The other two authors are Dr Helen Roberts and Professor David Lont, head of the universitys department of accountancy and finance.

All the companies in the study were NZX-listed. Between 50 and 60 company reports were examined each year between 2004 and 2013 for a total of 622 in total. The financial sector was excluded.

The study found that the proportion of loss-making firms using non-GAAP figures rose from 33 percent in 2004 to 70 percent in 2013. However, in 2006 only 13 percent of loss-making firms used non-GAAP numbers.

The proportion of profitable firms reporting an earnings increase using non-GAAP figures varied considerably from 53 percent in 2004 to as few as 28 percent in 2006 and as many as 65 percent in 2012.

Put simply, when targets are missed, it can be argued that managers are using non-standard reporting methods to help protect their compensation or detract from poor GAAP-based earnings results, Dr Ranasinghe says.

Professor Lont says shareholders need to be wary of the use of non-GAAP numbers.

A company may argue that their use of non-GAAP measures is to explain their performance better. But if CEOs are highlighting selective profit metrics instead of GAAP measures, due to a desire to improve their compensation or disguise poorer performance  essentially painting the picture they want investors to see whilst detracting from potential negative performance shown in GAAP measures  then this should raise alarm bells, the professor says.

That may mean more regulation of New Zealands reporting of non-GAAP profit figures might be needed, he says.

On the other hand, the study found no evidence of a relationship between equity-based incentives and disclosures, despite their inclusion in the compensation contract reducing moral hazard.

In other words, equity-based incentives tend to better align a chief executives interests with that of shareholders.

The power of the equity incentives model may be weaker because of the opaque nature of equity compensation disclosure in New Zealand, the study says.

The authors suggest their findings can inform regulatory guidance in smaller markets with similar institutional structures to New Zealand.

In particular, the results regarding opportunistic intentions related to CEO cash compensation indicate that regulators should mandate reconciliation provision requirements and reasons for releasing non-GAAP measures, the study says.

It notes that GAAP accounting earnings-based performance measures often fail to capture managers value-increasing actions, encouraging the use of alternative performance measures such as non-financial measures, revenue targets and cost reduction goals in compensation contracts.

(BusinessDesk)

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Trading blows: Canada next in China's crosshairs?



Beijing, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



Canada's arrest of a top executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei has put the country in the crosshairs of Beijing, which has warned of "grave consequences" over the case.

China's foreign ministry issued the warning after it summoned Canada's ambassador on Saturday and called for the release of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who was held on a US warrant on charges related to alleged sanctions-breaking dealings with Iran.

While the ministry did not spell out what the consequences might be, Beijing has long used economic measures to punish countries that offend it.

AFP takes a look at what Canada could face, and what other nations have endured in the past:



- Canada trade hopes -



China's state-run Global Times, a nationalist tabloid, cited experts as saying the consequences may include trade sanctions, a degradation in bilateral ties and fewer visits to Canada by Chinese tourists and businesspeople.

Canada exported goods worth US$18.2 billion to China last year, and it would be "very easy" for Beijing to shut down key energy and agricultural products with bans or boycotts, said Shaun Rein, the founder of Shanghai-based China Market Research Group.

The spat could also endanger exploratory talks on a free trade agreement between Ottawa and Beijing that have been ongoing for two years.

"I think the free trade agreement is definitely in a precarious situation, because Canada needs it with China more than China needs it with Canada, economically," Rein said.

China could also hit back by detaining an executive from a large Canadian company, Rein added.



- S. Korea's tourism hit -



Last year, after Seoul agreed to deploy a US missile defence system that Beijing considered a threat to its own military capability, Beijing banned Chinese tour groups from going to South Korea.

South Korean retail giant Lotte Group, which provided land for the THAAD system, became a target of Chinese nationalist sentiment, as online shoppers and internet trolls launched a boycott and protestors gathered in front of stores, costing Lotte hundreds of millions of dollars.

Several Chinese companies also joined the boycott and Chinese authorities closed nearly two dozen Lotte retail stores across the country, citing safety regulations.



- Norway ties frozen -



In 2010, China froze ties with Norway and suspended talks on a bilateral free trade deal after the Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo.

The spat hit Norway's salmon producers hard, with exports to China plummeting in following years.

Relations returned to normal six years later, after the Norwegian government said that it fully respects China's development path and social system, and pledged not to support actions that undermine Beijing's core interests.



- Taiwan visits cut -



More recently, Taiwan has experienced a sharp drop in mainland tourists as cross-strait relations have worsened under President Tsai Ing-wen, whose party traditionally advocates independence from China.

In contrast with a boom in mainland tourists under her Beijing-friendly predecessor Ma Ying-jeou, the island suffered a 42 percent drop after Tsai took office in 2016.

Tourism operators attributed the decline to a more negative portrayal of Taiwan in Chinese media, along with scaled-back promotion of tours by major Chinese travel agencies.
Huawei exec seeks Canada bail on health grounds



Vancouver, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



A top executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei on Monday sought release from Canadian detention on health grounds, as Beijing escalates its protests over her arrest on a US warrant.

Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, faces US fraud charges related to alleged sanctions-breaking dealings with Iran, and has been awaiting a Canadian court's bail decision.

She was detained in Vancouver on December 1 while changing planes during a trip from Hong Kong to Mexico, for possible extradition.

Her arrest has infuriated Beijing, rocking stock markets and raising tensions amid a truce in the US-China trade war.

Beijing's latest outcry over the case also led to the suspension of a planned Canadian forestry trade mission to China this week.

Meng has agreed to surrender her passports and submit to electronic monitoring if she is released, pending the outcome of the extradition case.

"Given her unique profile as the face of a Chinese corporate national champion, if she were to flee or breach her order in any way in these very unique circumstances, it does not overstate to say she would embarrass China itself," Meng's lawyer, David Martin, told the court.

In a sworn 55-page affidavit, Meng said she has been treated in hospital for hypertension since her arrest.

"I continue to feel unwell and I am worried about my health deteriorating while I am incarcerated," the affidavit read.

Meng said she'd suffered numerous health problems, including surgery for thyroid cancer in 2011.

"I wish to remain in Vancouver to contest my extradition and I will contest the allegations at trial in the US if I am ultimately surrendered," she said.



- Ambassadors summoned -



A Chinese vice foreign minister summoned the US and Canadian ambassadors over the weekend, demanding that the US withdraw its arrest warrant and warning Canada that it faces "grave consequences."

Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang was critical of Meng's treatment, citing China's state-run Global Times newspaper as reporting that "it seems that the Canadian detention facility is not offering her the necessary health care."

"We believe this is inhumane and violates her human rights," Lu said at a regular press briefing.

At a hearing that was adjourned on Friday, Canadian Crown prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng had been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions" and posed a flight risk.

She is specifically accused of lying to bankers about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions.

If convicted, she faces more than 30 years in prison. The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case.

Meng said she has ties to Vancouver going back 15 years. She and her husband Liu Xiaozong own two homes in the city, and she even had a Canadian permanent residency permit that she has since renounced.



- Trade talks -



Liu, who was at the hearing, has offered the residences and Can$1 million in cash -- for a total value of Can$15 million -- as a surety for wife's release, the court heard.

Police were reportedly called to one of the houses, in Vancouver's Dunbar neighborhood where she proposes to stay, about a possible break-in early Sunday.

A decision on extradition could take months or even years, if appeals are made in the case.

Analysts say Meng's arrest -- the same day that presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day tariffs truce -- could be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations between the United States and China.

But US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer rejected suggestions that the case could affect the talks while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said politics played no part in the decision to arrest Meng.

Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns.

The company faces being shut out of Australia, New Zealand and US 5G rollouts, and British telecom group BT revealed last Wednesday it was removing Huawei equipment from its core cellular network.

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context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

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/var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe1c3adc8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe5c59220)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe1c3adc8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe5c59220)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe1c7a758)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe5c59220)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe5c59220)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe1343e48)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe50a87f0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe50a87f0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951

/var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe18a9be8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe1cfdf38)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe18a9be8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe1cfdf38)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fe188f760)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe1cfdf38)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe1cfdf38)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe1343d40)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe1d0fb48)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fe1d0fb48)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Tesla CEO Elon Musk taunts US financial regulatory agency



Washington, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, openly derided the US Securities and Exchange Commission in an interview aired Sunday, having settled fraud charges with the regulatory agency over an errant tweet.

"I want to be clear. I do not respect the SEC -- I do not respect them" he said in an interview on the CBS network news program "60 Minutes."

Musk had to resign as Tesla chairman under a September arrangement with the SEC to settle fraud charges stemming from a tweet in which he said he planned to take the firm private and already had the financing to do it.

That caused a brief spike in Tesla's share price, leading so-called short-sellers, who have been betting on the stock crashing for years, to lose millions.

Musk and Tesla each had to pay a $20 million fine to the agency, to be split among harmed investors. He was forced to resign as chairman but allowed to remain CEO.

The SEC had also demanded oversight of the mercurial Musk's social media use.

But he said in the Sunday interview that no one was proofreading his tweets.

"The only tweets that would have to be, say, reviewed would be if a tweet had a probability of causing a movement in the stock," he said.

"Otherwise it's 'Hello, First Amendment,' he continued, referencing the US constitutional right to free speech, which he called "fundamental."

Asked how Tesla would know if his tweets would move the market if they weren't all being read, Musk replied: 'Well, I guess we might make some mistakes. Who knows?"

"Nobody's perfect."

Musk said he was abiding by the settlement, however, "because I respect the justice system."

dt/mdo/mdl

CBS CORPORATION
China court bans iPhone sales in patent dispute: Qualcomm



Washington, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



A Chinese court ordered a ban in the country on iPhone sales in a patent dispute between US chipmaker Qualcomm and Apple, according to a Qualcomm statement Monday.

The statement said the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court had granted Qualcomm's request for two preliminary injunctions against four subsidiaries of Apple, ordering them to immediately to stop selling the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.

The move marked the latest in a long-running dispute over patents and royalties between the two California tech giants playing out in courts and administrative bodies worldwide.

"Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us. These court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm's vast patent portfolio," said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm executive vice president and general counsel in Monday's statement.

The China case is based on patents which enable consumers to adjust and reformat the size and appearance of photographs, and to manage applications using a touchscreen, Qualcomm said.

An Apple statement to AFP called Qualcomm's effort a "desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world."

Apple added that Qualcomm "is asserting three patents they had never raised before, including one which has already been invalidated."

Apple said that "all iPhone models remain available for our customers in China," adding that "we will pursue all our legal options through the courts."

The court action also comes amid a backdrop of increased trade tensions between Washington and Beijing and the arrest in Canada of a top executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei at the request of US authorities.

Beijing has reacted angrily to the arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the company's founder, who faces US fraud charges related to alleged sanctions-breaking dealings with Iran.



- Apple's China strategy -



China has been an important market for Apple in recent years since China Mobile agreed to begin distributing the smartphones, and the company has opened up a number of Apple retail stores in the court.

Apple's most recent quarterly report showed it brought in some $11 billion -- around 18 percent of its total revenues -- from "Greater China," a region which includes Taiwan and Hong Kong.against

Apple chief executive Tim Cook has made regular visits to China, and has touted the company's inroads in the Chinese market as well as its manufacturing there.

Qualcomm, the leading supplier of chips for mobile devices, has been in a prolonged legal battle with Apple in recent years.

Apple has claimed that Qualcomm is abusing its market power over certain mobile chipsets in order to demand unfair royalties, joining a string of antitrust actions against the chipmaker.

Qualcomm has countersued Apple and earlier this year escalated its legal fight, claiming the iPhone maker stole trade secrets and shared them with mobile chip rival Intel.

According to Qualcomm's US lawsuit, Apple's goal was to buy mobile chips from Intel instead of depending on Qualcomm.

Qualcomm is facing antitrust probes in South Korea, the European Union and the United States over its dominant position.
Nadia Murad: from jihadist captive to Nobel winner



Baghdad, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



Nadia Murad survived the worst of the cruelties and brutality inflicted on her people, the Yazidis of Iraq, by the Islamic State group before becoming a global champion of their cause and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Murad, who was taken hostage by IS in 2014 but escaped, is the first Iraqi to receive the prestigious award.

The 25-year-old won the Nobel in October alongside Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege for their "efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war".

"For me, justice doesn't mean killing all of the Daesh members who committed these crimes against us," she said shortly after winning, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

"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.

Murad once lived a quiet life in her village in the mountainous Yazidi stronghold of Sinjar in northern Iraq, close to the border with Syria.

But when the jihadists stormed across swathes of the two countries in August 2014, her nightmare began.

IS fighters swept into her village, Kojo, killing the men, taking children captive to train them as fighters and condemning thousands of women to a life of forced labour and sexual slavery.

Murad was taken to Mosul, the Iraqi "capital" of the IS's self-declared caliphate, where she was held captive and repeatedly gang-raped, tortured and beaten.

IS fighters wanted "to take our honour, but they lost their honour", said Murad, now a United Nations goodwill ambassador for survivors of human trafficking.



- Seen as heretics -



For the jihadists, with their ultra-strict interpretation of Islam, the Yazidis are seen as heretics.

The Kurdish-speaking community follows an ancient religion, revering a single God and the "leader of the angels", represented by a peacock.

Like thousands of Yazidis, Murad was sold and forcibly married to a jihadist, beaten and -- in contrast to the official wives of IS leaders -- forced to wear makeup and tight clothes, an experience she later related in front of the United Nations Security Council.

"The first thing they did was they forced us to convert to Islam," Murad told AFP in 2016.

She set about trying to escape, and managed to flee with the help of a Muslim family from Mosul.

Using false identity papers, she crossed the few dozen kilometres (miles) to Iraqi Kurdistan, joining crowds of other displaced Yazidis in camps.

There, she learnt that six of her brothers and her mother had been killed.

With the help of an organisation that assists Yazidis, she was re-united with her sister in Germany, where she lives today.

Even there, she says she is still fearful, for herself and other innocent women.

"I am a joyful person, I am an outgoing person, I don't want to live in fear," she told reporters at a press conference on Sunday.



- 'Our peoples' fight' -



The Yazidis numbered around 550,000 in Iraq before 2014, but some 100,000 have since left the country.

Many others who fled their hometowns to Iraqi Kurdistan remain reluctant to return to their traditional lands.

Murad has dedicated herself to what she calls "our peoples' fight".

She and her friend Lamia Haji Bashar, joint recipients of the EU's 2016 Sakharov human rights prize, have advocated to reveal the fate of some 3,000 Yazidis who remain missing, presumed still in captivity.

She has also campaigned for displaced Yazidis to be taken in by European countries and for the acts committed by IS to be recognised internationally as genocide.

The Yazidi cause has won a high-profile supporter -- Lebanese-British lawyer and rights activist Amal Clooney, who also penned the foreword to Murad's book, "The Last Girl", published in 2017.

That same year, the UN announced it would begin gathering evidence on IS war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide that would be used to try IS militants in Iraqi courts.

Announcing the Nobel winners in October, committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said: "A more peaceful world can only be achieved if women and their fundamental rights and security are recognised and protected in war."







- Happier times -







Murad was in the United States when she heard about her prize, and said she was "scared" initially.

"The first thing that came to my mind was my mother, I cried a lot," she said on Sunday.

"It was very difficult. I have received the Nobel Peace Prize from the hardship, the difficulties that all these people have been faced with and from all the hard work that we have been doing."

In contrast to all the tragedies that have befallen her, recent pictures on Murad's Twitter feed show happier times.

In August, she announced her engagement to fellow Yazidi activist Abid Shamdeen.

"The struggle of our people brought us together & we will continue this path together," she wrote.

Underneath, a photo showed her next to a young man in a bow tie, her face still framed by her long brown hair, but this time, bearing a broad smile.
The Islamic State group in Iraq



Baghdad, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



The Islamic State (IS) group launched a lightning offensive in Iraq in 2014, seizing nearly a third of the country before being beaten back and declared defeated a year ago.

Here is a timeline:



- Creation -



In an April 2013 recording, the head of the Al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announces the creation of a group called the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Al-Qaeda disavows links with the new outfit by early 2014.



- Jihadist sweep -



ISIL fighters, backed by former officers of late dictator Saddam Hussein, capture Fallujah and parts of Ramadi, west of Baghdad, in January 2014.

Fallujah is the first major town to fall to the militants since the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled Saddam.

In June, ISIL launches an offensive in northwestern Iraq, seizing Mosul and Sunni Arab areas bordering the autonomous Kurdistan region and routing the badly prepared Iraqi army without a fight.



- 'Caliphate' proclaimed -



Also in June, the group declares the creation of a "caliphate" in territories it holds in Iraq and Syria, rebranding itself the Islamic State (IS) and declaring Baghdadi the "caliph".

In early August, IS seizes several northwestern towns held by ethnic Kurds, including Sinjar. Tens of thousands of civilians flee into the mountains.

Thousands of women and young girls, in particular from the Yazidi minority, are subjected to rape, abduction and enslavement in IS-controlled zones, according to the United Nations.



- US-led coalition -



In August, US warplanes strike IS positions in northern Iraq and then form a coalition of more than 70 countries to fight the group in Iraq and Syria. Washington deploys 5,000 soldiers.

In March 2015, Iraq announces the "liberation" of Saddam's hometown of Tikrit, north of Baghdad, after nearly 10 months under IS rule.

In November, coalition-backed Kurdish forces retake Sinjar.

In February 2016, Anbar provincial capital Ramadi is recaptured and in June, Iraqi forces retake Fallujah.

A week later, an IS attack in Baghdad kills 320 people.



- Mosul recaptured -



On July 10, 2017, then Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declares victory in Mosul after a nearly nine-month offensive led by a 30,000-strong federal force backed by coalition air strikes.

In August, the last major IS urban stronghold in northern Iraq, Tal Afar, is declared "liberated". It is followed in October by Hawija, one of the few remaining IS holdouts.



- Victory proclaimed -



On December 9, Abadi declares victory in the three-year war against the IS, saying Iraqi forces are in "complete control" of the entire Iraqi-Syrian border.

The following day is declared a public holiday to celebrate, with a military parade through the capital.

The jihadists, however, maintain sleeper cells, including along the border with Syria, and have carried out periodic hit-and-run attacks.
Iraq's long persecuted Yazidi minority



Baghdad, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



The Islamic State group especially targeted the Yazidi minority when it seized control of large parts of Iraq in 2014, massacring its men and forcing women into sexual slavery.

2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad, among the victims, was captured, raped and forced to marry a jihadist before she was able to escape.

As Murad received the award Monday in Oslo with Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege, here is some background about her Yazidi community for whom she has become a powerful advocate.



- An ancient faith -



Of the world's 1.5 million Yazidis, the largest number was in Iraq where it comprised some 550,000 people before being scattered by the IS offensive in 2014.

Mainly living in remote corners of the north of the country, the Kurdish-speaking Yazidis are followers of an ancient and unique religion.

Their faith emerged in Iran more than 4,000 years ago and is rooted in Zoroastrianism, over time integrating elements of Islam and Christianity.

With no holy book and organised into castes, Yazidis pray to God facing the sun and worship his seven angels -- first and foremost Melek Taus, or Peacock Angel.

Yazidis discourage marriage outside of their community and even across their caste system.

Their usual beliefs and practices, such as a ban on eating lettuce and wearing the colour blue, have often been seen by other Iraqis as satanic.

Orthodox Muslims consider the peacock a demon figure and refer to Yazidis as devil-worshippers.



- Long persecuted -



Being non-Arab and non-Muslim has placed Yazidis among Iraq's most vulnerable minorities.

Persecution by Saddam Hussein, president between 1979 and 2003, forced thousands of families to flee the country. Germany is home to the largest community abroad.

The Iraqi Constitution of 2005 recognised the Yazidi right to practise their religion and gave them seats in the central and autonomous Kurdish parliaments.

But for jihadists, with their ultra-strict interpretation of Islam, they are heretics.

In an attack blamed on Al-Qaeda, massive truck bombs almost entirely destroyed two small Yazidi villages in northern Iraq on August 14, 2007. More than 400 people died.

The community also came under assault by the IS group when it launched a sweeping offensive in 2014 to seize nearly a third of Iraq, before being beaten back and defeated three years later.



- Islamic State victims -



The IS seized the Yazidi bastion of Sinjar, near the border with Syria, in August 2014, unleashing a brutal campaign against the minority that drew warnings of a potential genocide.

Thousands of men were slaughtered and thousands of women and girls abducted as sex slaves, while boys were sent to military training camps to become soldiers.

According to the religious affairs ministry of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, the IS abducted more than 6,400 Yazidis.

Kurdish Iraqi officials said in December 2017 that around half of those kidnapped were still missing and that 47 mass graves containing the remains of Yazidis had been found since 2014.

The IS assault also led about 100,000 Yazidis to flee Iraq, with about 360,000 more displaced.



- UN investigates -



In March 2015, UN investigators said the IS assault on the Yazidis was a premeditated effort to exterminate an entire community -- crimes that amount to genocide.

In September 2017, the UN Security Council set up an investigation team. Britain drafted the resolution to help bring perpetrators of IS war crimes to justice -- a cause championed by international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.

The investigation team announced in December 2018 that it would begin work early next year to gather evidence on war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide for use in Iraqi courts that will hold trials for IS militants.
Syria announces fresh demobilisation for army conscripts



Damascus, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



Syria's army on Monday announced the demobilisation of officers who have completed five years of compulsory service, the second such move in recent months as fighting abates in the civil war.

The decree ends the drawn-out deployment of conscripts and reservists of the rank of officer "who will have completed five years of service" as of January 1, 2019, state news agency SANA reported.

The latest order comes after the army in May sent those conscripted in 2010, the year before the conflict erupted, back to their homes.

Before the war started, men 18 and older had to serve between 18 months and two years in the armed forces, after which they remained part of the reserves.

But when the conflict broke out, anyone enlisted remained deployed on active duty.

The 300,000-strong army was nearly halved by deaths, injuries and defections as the violence tore apart the country.

Fighting has diminished since a string of major battleground gains by the Russia-backed forces of President Bashar al-Assad.

Regime troops have secured the capital Damascus and largely confined opposition fighters to the northwestern province of Idlib, where a buffer zone deal is seeking to still violence.

Syria's war has killed 360,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-regime protests.
Iraq, a rocky year since the IS declared defeated



Baghdad, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



The year since Iraq declared victory over Islamic State jihadists in December 2017 has been a rocky one for the political divided and war-ruined country.

Here are some of the key events.



- 'Sleeper cells' -



On January 15, 2018 the prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, says jihadist "sleeper cells" remain and must be eliminated.

His comments come after a twin suicide bombing kills 31 people in Baghdad in the second such attack in three days.

On February 19 IS fighters disguised as soldiers kill 27 members of a pro-government paramilitary group, Hashed al-Shaabi, underlining the threat still posed by the jihadists.



- Moqtada Sadr shock poll win -



On May 12 Iraq holds parliamentary elections, with firebrand Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr achieving a shock triumph.

Sadr's militia is known for a bloody insurgency against US troops who invaded in 2003 to oust long-time dictator Saddam Hussein.

In an alliance with communists, Sadr's group takes 54 seats. The Conquest Alliance of pro-Iranian former paramilitary fighters comes second with 48 seats. Abadi's bloc is third with 42.



- Jihadists hanged -



On June 3 a court sentences a French woman to life in jail for membership of IS. She is among more than 300 people, including around 100 foreigners, sentenced to death or life in prison on the same charges, judicial sources say.

On June 29, 13 jihadists on death row are executed in retaliation for the killing of eight civilians who had been held captive by IS.



- Protests erupt -



On July 8 dozens of people protest against unemployment in the port city of Basra. Violent demonstrations spread to other parts of the country, demanding jobs and condemning corruption among officials.

Over a week in early September, 12 protesters are killed in Basra in clashes with security forces.

On September 3 -- four months after the elections -- the groupings of Sadr and Abadi agree to work with others to create the biggest bloc in parliament capable of forming a new government.

But on September 8 Sadr drops his support for Abadi as anger grows over the Basra killings.



- Political divisions -



On September 15 parliament elects a speaker in a major step towards forming a long-delayed government.

Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi is a Sunni, in line with a long established power-sharing deal in which the prime minister must be a Shiite and the president a Kurd.

On October 2 the parliament selects Barham Saleh as president, a largely ceremonial role. He instructs independent Adel Abdel Mahdi to form a government as prime minister designate.

On October 5 the parliament approves Mahdi's 14 proposed cabinet ministers but key portfolios are not assigned because of political divisions.



- First attack on Mosul -



On November 8 a car bomb kills at least three people in Mosul in the first such attack in the city -- which had been the de facto IS capital in Iraq for nearly three years -- since jihadists were ousted there in July 2017.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies says that while the total number of IS attacks in Iraq has dropped in 2018, those against government targets have increased.

On the anniversary of the declared IS defeat, Mahdi says on December 10 the next target is corruption.

The government meanwhile announces it will reopen part of Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, where key government offices and Western embassies are based, for five hours every evening. It has been closed off to the general public since 2003.
Iraq marks one year since 'victory' against IS



Baghdad, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



Iraq's premier on Monday marked a year since his country declared victory against the Islamic State group by pledging to fight corruption next, even as he faces a political crisis within his government.

A year ago, his predecessor announced the conclusion of a three-year battle to oust IS, putting an end to the so-called jihadist "caliphate" straddling Syria and Iraq after they seized swathes of Iraq.

It was "the biggest victory against the forces of evil and terrorism", Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said Monday at a ceremony at the defence ministry.

He said Iraq could now turn to a host of other challenges, including hundreds of thousands of people still displaced, widespread unemployment and rampant corruption.

But he did not mention the current stalemate over the cabinet, where political infighting has left eight of the 22 ministries unmanned.

"The final victory we hope for is achieving our people's ambitions and hopes," he said.

"Corruption was and remains one of the many faces of ruin and terrorism. If we do not eliminate corruption, our victory will be lacking."

In a congratulatory note on Twitter, President Barham Saleh said Monday marked "the anniversary of victory over the ugliest criminal assault that history has seen," but that it must be followed by parallel political progress.



- Green Zone reopens -



IS, which traces its roots to Al-Qaeda in Iraq, sent shockwaves across the world when it swept across a third of Iraq in 2014.

It swiftly took over Mosul, making the northern city the de facto capital of its "caliphate".

For three years, Iraqi troops, the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary units, and US-led coalition forces waged a brutal fight to oust the jihadists, finally recapturing Mosul in June 2017.

On December 9, then-premier Haider al-Abadi announced "victory" over IS, and the following day was declared a national holiday.

To mark the one-year anniversary on Monday, checkpoints and military vehicles across the capital Baghdad were decorated with balloons and elite troops put on a military exercise.

Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis, Hashed's deputy leader, issued an online statement hailing the force and also thanking Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah for backing the units.

Unlike the spontaneous street parties marking victory last year, there were few public celebrations during the day Monday.

But as the sun set, cars amassed at two entrances to the high-security Green Zone, home to government buildings and Western embassies.

Starting Monday, the government will reopen a main thoroughfare running through the area for five hours every evening.

"Today we are celebrating two occasions: the victory, and the Green Zone opening," said Hussein al-Sharfi, 30, seated in a car decorated with balloons and Iraqi flags beside the zone's northern gate.

Just after 5:00 pm local time, security forces pulled back the yellow-painted metal barricades and dozens of cars entered the zone as a convoy of motorcycles streamed out, having crossed from the other side.

"This is the first time I see this much traffic in 15 years," said Jabbar al-Shuwaili, a parliamentary advisor who lives in the Green Zone.

"I hope my daughter's future will be open as the Green Zone," he said, watching the passing cars with his daughter Rand, aged nine.



- New start? -







But beyond the celebrations, Iraq remains mired in crisis.

Parliamentary elections in May produced no clear ruling coalition, with political divisions paralysing Abdel Mahdi's efforts to fill key ministries.

"Abdel Mahdi has found himself hostage to the very vested interests and political forces that Iraqis hoped his government would stand up to," said Fanar Haddad, an Iraq expert at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute.

Abdel Mahdi's pledge to stamp out corruption is identical to the one made by Abadi when he announced the win against IS last year.

The former premier was unable to tackle embezzlement of public funds in Iraq, which is the 12th most corrupt country in the world according to Transparency International.

The challenges extend beyond the political. Much of the country remains in ruins, including large swathes of the north, as authorities struggle to gather funds to rebuild.

More than 1.8 million Iraqis are still displaced, many languishing in camps, and 8 million require humanitarian aid, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Observers also fear an outbreak of violence either between rival political forces once united against IS, or between authorities and a protest movement angered by lack of services and jobs.

And while IS no longer holds large chunks of territory, it can still wage hit-and-run attacks that chip away at the sense of security many hoped would return.
Nobel laureates urge world to help victims of rape in conflict



Oslo, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



Nobel laureates Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad called on the world to protect victims of wartime sexual violence in their Peace Prize acceptance speeches on Monday, slamming indifference to the plight of women and children in conflict.

Congolese gynaecologist Mukwege, whose work has made him a global expert on rape in conflict, and Yazidi activist Murad, a survivor of IS sexual slavery, both said victims were sometimes valued less than commercial interests.

In an emotional ceremony in Oslo, which saw the laureates cheered and given standing ovations, Mukwege and Murad called on the world to do more.

"If there is a war to be waged, it is the war against the indifference which is eating away at our societies," Mukwege said.

His Panzi hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo's war-torn east has treated the wounds of tens of thousands of women and children after sexual assaults that have become a "new reality" in the country.

The 63-year-old said the violence "shames our common humanity".

In her speech, Murad, 25, implored the global community to help free hundreds of women and girls still held by jihadists, saying the world must protect her people and other vulnerable communities.

"It is my view that all victims deserve a safe haven until justice is done for them," she said.

Nobel committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said the pair had received the Peace Prize "for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict".

She described them as "two of the strongest voices in the world today".

They received the Peace Prize gold medals, diplomas and nine million Swedish Krona (880,000 euros, a million dollars), which they will share.



- Women, children and babies -



Mukwege lay much of the blame for the horrific violence unleashed on civilians on those in power in his troubled country.

"For twenty years now, day after day, at Panzi hospital, I have seen the harrowing consequences of the country's gross mismanagement," said the doctor, a critic of DR Congo President Joseph Kabila, who is set to be replaced in elections this month.

"Babies, girls, young women, mothers, grandmothers, and also men and boys, cruelly raped, often publicly and collectively, by inserting burning plastic or sharp objects in their genitals."

Mukwege said the trade in the country's abundant natural resources helped fuel the violence while profits "end up in the pockets of a predatory oligarchy".

"We love nice cars, jewellery and gadgets. I have a smartphone myself. These items contain minerals found in our country. Often mined in inhuman conditions by young children, victims of intimidation and sexual violence," he said.

"It's not just perpetrators of violence who are responsible for their crimes, it is also those who choose to look the other way," Mukwege added, calling for a global fund to provide reparation for victims and economic and political sanctions for those behind the violence.



- 'Inconceivable' not to act -



Murad survived the horrors of captivity under the Islamic State group, which targeted her Kurdish-speaking community as it seized parts of Iraq and Syria.

Older women and men faced summary execution during the IS assault, which the United Nations has described as a possible genocide.

Captured in 2014, Murad suffered beatings and gang-rape before she was able to escape.

In her Nobel acceptance address Monday, Murad said more than 6,500 women and girls from her community had been kidnapped, raped and traded "in the 21st century, in the age of globalisation and human rights".

The fate of some 3,000 women and girls is still unknown.

"Young girls at the prime of life are sold, bought, held captive and raped every day. It is inconceivable that the conscience of the leaders of 195 countries around the world is not mobilised to liberate these girls," she said.

"What if they were a commercial deal, an oil field or a shipment of weapons? Most certainly, no efforts would be spared to liberate them."

Murad, whose mother and six of her brothers were killed, said on Sunday that "steps towards justice" had given her some hope.

A UN team authorised to investigate the massacre of the Yazidi minority is due to finally start fieldwork in Iraq next year.

Murad has been supported in her campaign for justice for Yazidis by Lebanese-British lawyer and rights activist Amal Clooney, who was in the audience in Oslo.

No jihadist has yet faced trial over the atrocities against the Yazidis.

Murad is the first Iraqi to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

She said she was thankful for the honour, but added: "The fact remains that the only prize in the world that can restore our dignity is justice and the prosecution of criminals."
Israel army says delegation heading to Russia over Lebanon ops



Jerusalem, Dec 10 (AFP) Dec 10, 2018



An Israeli army delegation will head to Moscow on Tuesday to brief their Russian counterparts on operations to destroy Hezbollah tunnels from Lebanon, the military said.

"An Israeli army delegation composed of senior officers and led by the head of army operations, General Aharon Haliva, will fly to Moscow on Tuesday," the military said in a statement.

"During the day-long visit, the delegation will brief their Russian counterparts on Operation Northern Shield and other operational issues," said the statement issued on Monday.

The announcement came after a telephone call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Israel on Wednesday launched an operation -- dubbed Northern Shield -- aimed at destroying alleged Hezbollah "attack tunnels" infiltrating its territory from Lebanon.

Ties between Israel and Russia have been strained since the accidental downing of one of Moscow's transport planes on September 17 by Syrian ground batteries killed 15 service personnel.

Moscow pinned responsibility for the incident on Israel, saying its fighter jet used the larger Russian plane for cover, an allegation Israel disputed.

Russia subsequently upgraded Syrian air defences with the delivery of the advanced S-300 system.

The Kremlin said on Saturday that Netanyahu had called Putin to discuss the operation against alleged Hezbollah tunnels.

During the conversation, Putin stressed "the need to ensure stability along the dividing line between Israel and Lebanon", according to Russia's embassy in Israel.

Netanyahu for his part reaffirmed Israel's policy of preventing the establishment of an Iranian presence in Syria and to "act against the aggression of Iran and Hezbollah".

Israel occupied parts of Lebanon for 22 years until 2000, and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement claimed credit for its withdrawal following persistent guerrilla attacks.

The two countries are still technically at war but the border has remained relatively calm in recent years.

Russia is fighting on the same side as Iran and Hezbollah in support of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
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Kramp-Karrenbauer's Win Rough Road Ahead for the Merkel Dynasty

German Chancellor Angela Merkel wanted to hand over the leadership of the Christian Democratic Union to Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and on Friday she got her wish. But the party is deeply divided and keeping the CDU together is task No. 1.
Geneva (Switzerland), December 9, 2018 (SPS) - The Polisario Front representative in Switzerland Omeima Mahmoud Abdel Salam renewed the rejection of the Sahrawi people and its sole representative, the Polisario Front, of all solutions outside their inalienable right to self-determination, so that they can express themselves in a just, democratic and transparent manner on Western Sahara future under the UN auspices.



In an interview with "Tres Puntos" radio after the round table held Wednesday and Thursday in Geneva, the Sahrawi diplomat said that "the Sahrawi people ask the international community only to guarantee the exercise of its right to self-determination, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council."



She also recalled that "the Sahrawi people had made great sacrifices for their freedom and the sovereignty of their State, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, over all of its territory and its natural resources," regretting "Frances attempts at the UN Security Council to thwart any initiative to enable our people to exercise their legitimate rights and put an end to their sufferings."



Moreover, the Sahrawi diplomat condemned the negative role played by the EU Commission and Council through their illegal involvement with the Moroccan occupation in the systematic plundering of Western Sahara's natural resources. According to her, this is a flagrant violation of international law and judgments of the European Union Court of Justice.



The discussions took place in an "atmosphere of serious commitment, of openness and mutual respect," said a statement on Thursday released at the end of Geneva round table on Western Sahara. (SPS)



062/SPS/APS
by Thyagi Ruwanpathirana

( December 10, 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian)

Until the political crisis that began on 26 October, when the sitting Prime Minister was removed and a new Prime Minister appointed by the President, Sri Lanka had been on a trajectory to deliver on several human rights commitments it had undertaken in 2015. When one considers the progress so far, it is inevitable to wonder whether the slow pace at which these reforms were implemented, contributed to the present crisis, especially the lack of accountability for serious human rights violations and crimes.

The international community welcomed Sri Lankas cooperation at the Human Rights Council to embark on a comprehensive transitional justice agenda. It is unfortunate that the government showed limited will to urgently address serious human rights violations such as enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings and torture.





The gains made so far on the human rights front have attracted specific criticism from civil society and survivors, but they are significant steps in the right direction. On the other hand, throughout the year, incidents did take place which marred the human rights track record that Sri Lanka was touting internationally.

The much-awaited Office on Missing Persons (OMP) publicly released its interim report which made important recommendations.

Whether the cabinet subcommittee that was appointed to implement OMPs recommendations will be reconstituted will be a legitimate concern following the political tug of war. Meanwhile, mothers of the disappeared have, for over 500 days, continuously protesting. They have yet to receive any answers from the government or the OMP.

The Act establishing the Office on Reparations was gazetted in October, despite civil societys concerns around key decision-making powers over the Offices work being concentrated within the cabinet. Whether this Office will come to fruition will depend on which government retains, or gains, power.

Victim groups of the war-affected in the North have been protesting continuously for release of their land from the military. Pockets ofprivate and State land remain under military control in conflict areas despiteassurances by the government that more land has been earmarked for release bythe end of 2018.

Sri Lanka committed to repealing its draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), both before the Human Rights Council in 2015, and before UN treaty bodies. The Counter Terrorism Bill, attempts to provide better protection against torture and other ill-treatment, and to deter the admission of confessions elicited under torture, however it is far from perfect. Problematic aspects of the bill include permitting detention without charge for up to one year and ambiguity on critical definitions of what constitutes an offence of terrorism. The bill is far from being compliant with international human rights law, and has the potential to be used, as in the past, to target peaceful dissent against government.

March witnessed renewed ethnic violence against the minority Muslim community in both Digana and Ampara. In Digana, as mob violence increased and spread to neighbouring towns, the government responded by proclaiming an island-wide state of emergency, and restricting access to select instant messaging applications and social media platforms. These incidents speak to the communal tensions that continue simmering.

A magistrates court in June handed down a sentence to Secretary General of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), a hardline Buddhist group, for threatening human rights defender Sandhya Eknaligoda who has been pursuing justice for the enforced disappearance of her husband, Prageeth Eknaligoda. This was a rare case of victory for human rights defenders and also against Buddhist leaders rarely held to account for their actions. Soon after the verdict this year, Sandhya was smeared as a supporter of the LTTE and was taunted with threats of disappearance, death and violence against her children in a series of menacing social media posts.

2018 witnessed attacks on many more human rights defenders. In July, Srishobana Yogalimgam, an anti-enforced disappearances activist, was assaulted in Jaffna.

In July, unidentified motorists assaulted human rights defender Amitha Priyanthi and snatched the court documents of the case of her murdered brother which she is vigorously pursuing.

Shalin Uthayasara, a journalist at the Tamil Guardian, an online news portal, has faced continuous harassment from the military. He was threatened and interrogated about his work in the north of the country, through the year.

The possible return of the very people who are accused of committing frequent attacks on human rights defenders when they were in power, pre-2105 does not portend well. Jeyakumari Balendran, Lasantha Wickrematunge, Keith Noyahr, Prageeth Ekneligoda are a few victims of intimidation and attacks that were frequent pre-2015. The political crisis has brought back legitimate fears of returning to a past of rampant human rights violations.

Trade unionists loyal to the Rajapaksas threatened and took over key state media houses to control how reports of the former Presidents controversial appointment was delivered to the public. If any evidence was needed at all of what might follow in the coming year, this was it. The weeks that have followed since have seen egregious violations including attempted transfers of key criminal investigators and intimidation of witnesses in cases involving the top brass of the defence establishment. They were indicators of the culture of impunity and practices Sri Lanka could return to.

A further cause for wariness is that there has been no accountability for members of the former government, accused of committing serious human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity during the last stages of the war. This could lead to a reversal and potentially even stall the progress made so far on all four pillars of transitional justice: truth, justice, reparations and non-recurrence.

Sri Lanka is far from the success story many want it to be. Key commitments, and gains on the human rights front since 2015, however limited, may now be at risk of being reversed if Sri Lanka returns to the past. On Human Rights Day, while celebrating the twin anniversaries of 70 years of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and Sri Lankan independence, perhaps these are sobering reflections of the year past. A past we must never return to.
by Nalin Abeysekara

(December 10, 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian)

Weare in the era of chaos. Breaking news has now become very common because of some sections of media. People talk about corruption, discipline, and all the weaknesses of politicians. But how many among the general public in Sri Lanka would like to reflect on their own behaviour? A country should be governed by people, not by politicians, but do we have people like that? Many of the so-called general public do not have any plan to contribute to the country and they simply criticise each other. People talk about the need for better leaders for this country as well as for business. The intention of this article is to see what kind of leadership is needed at this moment.

In his 1996 book Emotional Intelligence, Goleman argued that EQ (or emotional intelligence quotient) might actually be more important than IQ





The concept of strategic leadership has been discussed by Kautilyas teachings (4thcentury BC), which leader has been considered as a strategist (Jain and Mukherji, 2009). Furthermore, according to Nuumann (1999), the idea of strategic leadership style is derived from the work of Bass (1985) on transformational leadership. Bass (1985) theory is an extension of Burns(1978) classification of transactional versus transformational political leaders. However, transactional leadership is defined as a series of exchanges and bargains between leaders and followers in the short-run (which we can see in the current context in Sri Lanka, with all deals, businesses and all sorts of ill practices).

Transformational leadership goes beyond mere short-term relationships and focuses on grooming, inspiring, intellectually stimulating, and motivating followers for long-term expectations. I think, at the moment, we have a problem of transformational leaders. According to Bass (1990), most experimental research, unfortunately, has focused on transactional leadership, whereas the real movers and shakers of the world are transformational. At the moment, not only in research but also in practice, people would like to talk about transactional leaders in consumer society. It is worthwhile to elaborate on four magical factors, which is important to develop a transformational leader.

Idealised influence (charisma) applied by leaders is considered as role models for their followers. They show great persistence and determination in the pursuit of objectives, show high standards of ethical and moral conduct, sacrifice self-gain for the gain of others, and share the success and the limelight (Coad and Berry, 1998). As a result, those leaders are admired, respected, trusted, and followers identify with them and want to emulate (Avolio and Bass, 1994). Sometimes we can witness leaders only with this aspect. But you need to have all ingredients to become a perfect leader.

Inspirational motivation creates a clear picture of the future that is both optimistic and attainable. Leaders set high expectations, use symbolism to focus on efforts, and communicate a vision to followers in simple language. Followers react by willingly increasing their efforts to attain the vision (Avolio and Bass, 1994). Even in business, we can rarely see leaders who can communicate the vision clearly to the followers and align with the vision of the organisation and subordinates.

Intellectual stimulation describes leadership behaviour which encourages followers to use their imagination and to re-think old ways of doing things. The leader provides a flow of ideas, questions, and assumptions, creates a broad and imaginative picture, and encourages followers to come up with their own structures and solutions to problems. The message is that followers should feel free to try out new approaches, and their ideas will not be publicly criticised when they differ from those of the leader (Avolio and Bass, 1994). Furthermore, Thomas (2007) observed that intellectual stimulation is what makes leaders challenge the status quo and influences the intellect of the subordinates. This is one of the areas lacking in politics and business. Most of the leaders in Sri Lanka do not like their subordinates to challenge their decisions, which ultimately, in the long run, are described as dictatorship.

Individualised consideration means that the leader gives personal attention to followers, building a considerate relationship with each individual, focusing on that persons needs. The leader provides challenges and learning opportunities, and delegates the authority to subordinates to raise their skills and confidence. In the process, the leader exhibits trust, respect, and some tolerance for mistakes that occur as learning proceeds. The result is that followers are more likely to be willing to develop competence and take initiatives. Furthermore, they feel trust and respect for the leader (Avolio and Bass, 1994).

The proposed four specific dimensions of transformational leadership  namely charismatic leadership or idealised influence, inspirational leadership or motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualised consideration  can be considered as important for managers to become leaders. If you are a leader with all four qualities, you will automatically become a leader with sense. We call that emotional intelligence (EI), according to Goleman (who is serving as an author, psychologist, and a science journalist). For 12 years, he wrote for The New York Times (specialising in psychology and brain sciences). EI is a construct of an array of positive attributes including political awareness, self-confidence, conscientiousness, and achievement motives rather than focusing only on intelligence, which could help individuals solve problems effectively (Brackett and Geher, 2006). In his 1996 book Emotional Intelligence, Goleman argued that EQ (or emotional intelligence quotient) might actually be more important than IQ (see box).

It is really interesting to see how psychology will impact the behaviour of people. And on the other hand, it can be argued that candidates with IQ but not EQ is not a good choice as EQ is a better indicator of success of smart people! Keep in mind that Albert Einsteins IQ was estimated at 160, Madonnas is 140, and John F. Kennedys was only 119!

Sri Lanka needs to study about King Ravana, Parakramabahu, and Dutugemunu as well as all the ancient kings who brought us pride and prestige. There should be amethodology to blend what we discuss earlier as magical factor oftransformational leadership with ingredients of our own heritage and culture.Simple copy-paste might not work in this context. There is a need (or duty) forscholars and practitioners in the subject domain of leadership to revisit ourhistory by researching leadership qualities of people in past. We may come upwith different dimensions which could be better than transformationalleadership! There is a need for us to search for our own leadership style!

The writer is a professor in Management at the Open University of Sri Lanka
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Can dissolution of parliament and elections bring political stability? By Gamini Weerakoon View(s): View(s):

Dissolution of Parliament followed by elections is the magic potion that can cure the raging political crisis in one dose, is the belief of the Rajapaksa faithful.

If an election can be held within a short time, it may resolve the current political impasse. But to hope for an election to end the plague affecting Sri Lankas body politic for long years  and the main cause for the continuing instability  is to look away from Lankas recent political history.

Mahinda Rajapaksa last week was demanding that a general election be held to end the current crisis and bring about the much needed political stability for many reasons, including his obviously burning desire. The impressive triumph at the recent elections for Gam Sabhas and other local council bodies has given him hope for a sweeping victory at parliamentary polls. But politics is a game that does not always conform to statistical trends, particularly in Sri Lanka. He seems to be forgetting his defeatnot a very long time agoat the presidential polls in January 2015 after sweeping all provincial council polls, except for the Northern Province poll. This was followed by his defeat at the parliamentary elections which set in motion the current political instability that has rocked the country for the past three and a half years.

However, for the Rajapaksas and their politically faithful, a parliamentary election appears to be the abracadabra for a quick return to power. Political stability they may be presuming will come with their new governmenta form of political stability that they consider is normal but dodging the fact that even though the state of emergency was called off on September 11, 2011 the emergency regulations are being enforced under the Public Security Ordinance that enables the government to deploy the armed services in any province for the maintenance of law and order. There is much concern in the North and East about suspects being held for long yearsmany without even being prosecutedunder the public Security Ordinance and the Prevention of Terrorist Act. The recent killing of two policemen could be indications of the cracking of ice under mounting pressure.

This columnist is not contesting the merits or demerits of the application of such laws to maintain law and order, but to make the point that a parliamentary election cannot result in consolidating a political stability for all Sri Lankan society to live happily in a fools paradise while fires are raging below. Since 1958, when the unfortunate estrangement of the Sinhalese and Tamils took place, all political parties, particularly the SLFP, should bear the blame of riding the dragon of racialism to win elections. We will not labour too much to cast the burden on the Rajapaksas save to say that the Tamil and Muslim communities turned against the overlords during their decade-long rule. The continued opposition to a Rajapaksa-led regime to date is further confirmation of the rejection by minority communities.

When Velupillai Prabakaran was killed by Sri Lankas Special Forces in May 2009 Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa who returned home after a brief sojourn had a good opportunity to bring about reconciliation between the Sinhalese and the Tamils after a near 30-year war. Instead, he went into triumphalist demonstrations such as kissing the ground of his motherland and staging kiributh-kavun street parties with all the political razzmatazz. It certainly did not go down well with the sulking Tamils who had suffered so much for so long. He did make some positive contributions such as rehabilitating thousands, demining etc. but that was not enough?

What was lacking was the overt sympathy and empathy in words and deeds probably because it would not have pleased the hardcore Sinhalese in their moment of ecstasy. In war resolution, in defeat defiance, in victory magnanimity was the recommendation of the World War 11 winner Winston Churchill. But Mahinda Rajapaksa has given no indications of being Churchill like. But he has a much better idol to emulate, a personality to whom he will go down on his knees, Dutugemunu, Sri Lankas legendary king who defeated Tamil king Elara who had held sway for 44 years at Anuradhapura. On slaying Elara and regaining the Rajarata, his immediate response was to order building of a dagoba in honour of his arch foe at the entrance to Anuradhapura. He issued a fiat: All processions passing this monument should silence their drums and blowing of horns when passing the Elara tomban order which was being obeyed even 500 years later when the Mahavamsa was written. This example of his proclaimed hero, Rajapaksa did not follow.

Rajapaksa who often harks back at the past did not do so on this occasion probably because this was a time 2,000 years after the Dutugemunu-Elara encounter and in the politics of 21st century Sri Lanka, a hardcore Sinhala line was a sine qua non for victory in the election he had called for. But that formula did not work in January 2015. That line appears to have been softened but whether it will work at the next poll, only the Tamils and Muslims can tell, not so much his optimistic astrologers.

Since political stability is absolutely essential if this country is ever to pick itself up and move forward, enlightened, cultured and reasonably educated peoples representatives are called for. Sri Lankans saw on TV in recent times the quality of representatives they had elected to make the country progress.

Before the last presidential election, many civil society groups under the leadership of the Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha thera made fervent appeals to all political parties to nominate contestants with no criminal records and educated persons. Those who were successful in entering parliament may not have had criminal records at the time of nomination but during the past three years have qualified enough to face criminal charges in the courts while many of the honourable MPs had stumbled at the GCE O/L before entering the highest legislature. Those pious upasaka-like figures clad in virgin white kurtas and sarongs seen on TV carrying trays of jasmines and some nattily dressed imitations of pukka sahibs staged a splendid display of their talents on live TV on two days hurling chairs at the Speaker, throwing water laced with chilli powder, while a burly ex-serviceman enjoyed himself at the commencement in the Speakers chair surveying the chaos and raw thuggery below him. All this made the facade parliamentary attire a farce because it betrayed the real character of the performers: bare bodied bazaar thugs in fancy parliamentary clothes.

Can an election result in an end to all this mayhem and bring about political stability if the same set of performers or like performers are nominated and elected to parliament? President Sirisena made it even easier on the last occasion. Even defeated candidates were elected and given top ministerial posts!

The sovereign people will get governments they deserve, if they continue to elect the same riff-raff.
Sri Lanka China Society signs three MoUs with Chinese friendship associations View(s):

The China International Friendship Cities Conference was held at Wuhan in the Hubei Province in China recently. This conference was jointly hosted by the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the China International Friendship Cities Association and the Wuhan Municipal Peoples Government.

Jinith de Silva, Vice President of Sri Lanka China Society, participated in the conference, which drew around 800 local and foreign delegates. Mr. de Silva said the conference enabled him to meet representatives of similar organisations and exchange views.

During the conference, the Sri Lanka China Society signed three memorandums of understanding with the following Friendship Associations with the support of the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in Beijing:

The Henan Province Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Wuhan Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Hunan Province Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Mr. de Silva says the MoUs will enable the Sri Lanka China Society to enhance twin city programmes, exchange of professionals, scholars, youth and schoolchildren.
ScreenSkills (formerly Creative Skillset) has published the first findings from its new Skills Forecasting Service revealing worries in the industry about recruiting for production and technical jobs.

The first Quarterly ScreenSkills Barometer, a state-of-the-sector snapshot from a specially selected panel, found that UK screen industries remain confident of continued growth but 86% report recruitment difficulties.

The survey found that limited availability of skilled workers in key areas is perceived as one of the main factors affecting further growth, cited by nearly half the panel. More than a third (36%) named Brexit as affecting business activity and 22% changes to exchange rates.

In film and TV, the survey found the most difficult roles to recruit for are in production (including production accountants, line producers, production and location managers). Several technical and supervisory roles were also reported as hard to fill in VFX (supervisors, FX artists, creature FX and animators) and in games (programmers and project managers).

Less than a third of screen professionals believe the industry is investing sufficiently in skills although 86% report recruitment difficulties.

The Barometer consists of 50 industry representatives from film, high-end TV, unscripted TV, childrens TV, games, animation and VFX  chosen for their understanding of the sector and to be able to inform the quarterly temperature check. They sit on a panel for up to five consecutive quarters.

More Barometer panellists are required for future rounds. ScreenSkills is particularly seeking input from professionals based outside London and the South East, including those working in childrens television, games and VFX.

The Barometer will take the temperature of the sector at regular intervals and will be added to by the Employer Survey where the plan is to get input from hundreds of UK employers in the screen industries (film, high-end TV, unscripted TV, childrens TV, animation, VFX and games).

The Skills Forecasting Service, supported by National Lottery funds awarded by the BFI as part of its Future Film Skills action plan, is intended to provide solid evidence to inform future skills investment and help anticipate new skills needs such as those created by virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological innovations.

Seetha Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of ScreenSkills, said: The Barometer findings support anecdotal concerns being raised across industry about skills shortages. In time, we expect these snapshots will also act as an early warning system to identify new skills needs as they emerge.

We will also encourage the whole industry to take part in the Employer Survey, so we have comprehensive evidence on skills. This will help employers plan and help us to target investment where it is most needed to support growth.

We are already working closely with our colleagues in the screen industries on skills and training. But if we are going to address skills gaps effectively and diversify the talent pool, we all need a better understanding of the state of the workforce.

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Linkedin Inforial (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta, Indonesia  Tue, December 11, 2018 00:02 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e17ff5b 4 Inforial Free

Besides being part of foreign direct investment, the presence of foreign talents in Indonesias business sectors is important to encourage an exchange of best business practices that allow local companies and human resources to thrive by learning from what their international counterparts are doing.

According to data from the Manpower Ministry, Indonesia currently issues work permits to less than 100,000 foreign workers in the country for positions such as foremen, supervisors, managers, senior executives and consultants. This number is negligible compared to the countrys workforce of 125 million people.

Building a business/investment-friendly environment is of importance to attract both domestic and foreign investment, as well as foreign talents, to spur the countrys long-term investment-based economic growth. President Joko Jokowi Widodo once put it that the government was continuously improving, making it easier to conduct business in Indonesia to attract investment and retain foreign talents to move the countrys economic wheels forward.

To reiterate his commitment to accelerating the growth of Indonesias economy through foreign investment, Jokowi issued Presidential Decree No. 20/2018 on the simplification of work permit issuance for expatriate workers in order to boost the national economy and job creation through such investment activities.

Many strategies have been pursued to attract foreign talents to work in Indonesia. One important strategy is the simplification of business permit issuance, which is highly important to retain foreign talents in a country that is currently striving to reform its bureaucratic red tape.

Currently, the process of simplifying the issuance of foreign workers business permits is managed by the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), along with relevant ministries and regional administrations. The BKPM has supported foreign investment sincec the establishment of its one-stop service center three years ago.

The Manpower Ministry, meanwhile, did its part in supporting the implementation of the newly launched presidential regulation by coordinating with the Law and Human Rights Ministry to jointly develop an online system for foreigners work permit applications.

The new presidential regulation annulled Presidential Regulation No. 72/2014, integrating the procedures for temporary stay, work as well as investment permits under one roof through an online system.

Thanks to this integrated system, expatriate workers can have the three aforementioned documents issued in one administrative procedure, with the documents issued in just six working days. Previously, the compartmentalized administrative processes for the documents would see them issued within 40 days.

Although the administrative procedures for the permits have been simplified by the ministries, resulting in the faster issuance of documents, they still follow rigorous and meticulous procedures to reinforce compliance with Indonesian immigration and labor laws.

Besides moving the application procedures fully online, the ministries have also simplified the application process, by no longer requiring foreign workers to obtain a recommendation letter from their employers to get work, temporary stay or investment permits in Indonesia. Instead, the Manpower Ministry issued a general guideline outlining job descriptions and positions that are open for expatriates and those that are reserved for local workers, thus doing away with the requirement for foreign workers to submit a recommendation letter from their employers.

To further simplify the issuance processes for these documents, the ministries have also decided to annul the requirement for foreign workers to obtain a business license prior to working in Indonesia; as long as they work for companies that already have a business license number registered in the online single submission system, they will be eligible to obtain those permits in Indonesia.

In addition to that, employers no longer have to renew their foreign worker employment plan, unless they change their company address, name, business line or the business locations where these foreign workers operate. For employers to get the ministries approval for their foreign worker employment plan, they only have to submit the required documents and wait for the ministries to approve their requests within two working days. The verification process of the application involves an online document checking system as well as phone or video interviews. Notifications on the results of the approval process are sent via email.

Shareholders who also serve as members or commissioners on an employers board of directors will also be exempted from the obligation to pay the government the compensatory expertise and skills development fee. Foreign workers can become members of a board of directors as well as commissioners in the following industrial sectors: education, vocational training, digital economy as well as oil and gas.

The two ministries conduct legal supervision on foreign workers in Indonesia by monitoring both the foreign employees as well as their employers. The ministries pay close attention to whether the employers comply with the regulations applied by the Manpower Ministry. Meanwhile, immigration officers will pay close attention to individual foreign workers with regard to their compliance with Indonesian immigration rules and regulations.

The Manpower Ministry will impose administrative punishments on employers violating local regulations on foreign workers. Those punishments include a withholding of services from the ministry and temporary revocation of foreign worker recruitment permits. The ministry will also apply civil or criminal procedures on employers who have violated the law on the employment of foreigners.

For further information, visit tka-online.kemnaker.go.id/syarat.asp.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 09:06 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e157d89 4 Art & Culture Eco-Fashion-Week-Indonesia,Save-the-Loom,fashion,#fashion,weaver,culture,Lombok-earthquake,Central-Sulawesi-earthquake Free

Home to various kinds of traditional fabrics, many Indonesian regions boast local weavers whose skills were usually passed down from their ancestors.

Realizing the importance of Indonesian weavers in crafting high quality fabrics, the Save the Loom campaign was launched during the first edition of Eco Fashion Week Indonesia (EFWI) on Dec. 2 at the National Awakening Museum in Central Jakarta.

The campaign is said to have been inspired by weavers on Lombok and in Central Sulawesi whose hometowns were recently shattered by earthquakes. It aims to help them recover.

Read also: 2Madison Avenue to appear at New York Fashion Week 2019

Initiated by Indonesian designer Merdi Sihombing, Sewing Love Project founder Rita M. Darwis and fashion event director Myra Suraryo, EFWI focuses on ethics, the environment and social welfare through the fashion industry and seeks to provide training for 2,000 weavers in different provinces, including West Sumatra, Bali, Lampung, Jambi, West Nusa Tenggara, North Maluku and East Nusa Tenggara.

Were excited to conduct a movement that could bring significant change to Indonesia, Merdi told Antara. [We hope] to promote Indonesian culture to the world, attract more foreign tourists to Indonesia and contribute toward the national economys growth. (wir/kes)
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 08:09 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e1555dc 1 Art & Culture Kongres-Kebudayaan-Indonesia,Joko-Widodo,Education-and-Culture-Ministry Free

The Indonesian Cultural Congress concluded on Sunday with President Joko Jokowi Widodo stressing the importance of tolerance for the development of culture.

Cultural academics, artists and performers alike that attended the closing ceremony of the five-day event donned attire that reflected the countrys cultural richness, with some wearing traditional outfits from various regions, while others wore batik.

The end of the congress was marked by the handing over of a policy framework to Jokowi called a cultural strategy, in line with Law No. 5/2017 on cultural advancement.

In his remarks, Jokowi said culture was always developing, as the mobility of people and information enabled intercultural interaction and exchange. He noted that the development of information and technology had allowed for the fast transfer of data, words and images, as well video, making them accessible to many.

This phenomenon created traffic and interaction of culture that was more intense and complex, Jokowi added, whether it be interaction between groups, nations, notions and even between the old and new. The condition at the same time opened up the potential for tolerance and synergy for the advancement of culture.

Read also: Congress seeks to establish national 'cultural strategy'

This is why I think its not enough just to ensure the availability of a platform for expression. What we need is a platform of interaction with tolerance, Jokowi said.

The event also recognized three awardees for their contributions to culture, with recipients including the Borobudur restoration team, jointly received by Hubertus Sadirin and Ismijono, as well as litterateur Putu Wijaya and poet D. Zawawi Imron.

Speaking on behalf of the art and culture community, Zawawi expressed optimism on the conclusion of the congress, which he said had succeeded in highlighting the countrys creative cultural richness and ideas on where it was headed.

The Indonesian Cultural Congress was truly a platform for creativity on how to advance Indonesian culture in the future, Zawawi said.

Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy said more than 7,000 people had attended the event, which for the first time in its 100-year history was open to the public, members of which participated in debates, discussions and seminars, as well as showcased a number of performances.

As it was open to the public, the platform facilitated cultural experts and actors in expressing their ideas, Muhadjir said.

In addition to the cultural strategy, the congress also produced a set of resolutions adopted by congress participants, as well as those involved in the creation of the cultural strategy. Derived from the strategy itself, the resolution, among others things, includes the facilitation of multicultural expression and a push for interaction to strengthen inclusive culture. (kes)
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Linkedin Linawati Sidarto (The Jakarta Post) Amsterdam  Mon, December 10, 2018 09:30 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e15aafa 4 Books eka-kurniawan,Indonesian-writer,Prince-Claus-Awards,Literature,Indonesian-literature,#books Free

Indonesian author Eka Kurniawan was awarded the prestigious Prince Claus prize for his writing at a ceremony presented by the Dutch royal family in Amsterdam.



In Amsterdams grand Royal Palace, where visiting kings and heads of state are received, prince Constantijn handed over the 2018 Prince Claus award to Eka on Thursday.



In his speech, Constantijn, the younger brother of King Willem Alexander, praised Eka, whose literature mercilessly but with humor raises issues that Indonesia has long kept buried.



The Prince Claus Fund, named in honor of the kings late father, has been handing out annual awards since 1997 to honor outstanding achievements in the field of culture and development.



The awards are mainly given to groups or individuals from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Other award recipients this year were from Uganda, South Africa, the Philippines, Brazil and Syria, in fields such as dance, photography and architecture.



Past Indonesian award winners include dancer and cineaste Sardono Kusumo, the Institute for Islamic and Social Studies LKiS, writer Ayu Utami and artist FX Harsono.



Eka broke onto the international literary scene in 2015 when his first bookCantik itu Luka (Beauty is a Wound) appeared on major best books lists.



The year after that he became the first Indonesian author to have a book  his second novel Lelaki Harimau (Man Tiger) longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize. His work has been translated into 34 languages, including Dutch.



Eka  a man of few words when not writing  said he had no idea that he was considered for the award until the Prince Claus Fund contacted him two months ago to inform him that he was one of this years prize winners. This, he noted, was the first award he had received that was not only given to writers.



It was great to meet and exchange thoughts with the other winners, like Dada Masilo from South Africa. Shes not just an impressive dancer, but also a choreographer and manager of her dance group, the 43-year-old says.



Asked what made Eka stand out from the other writers considered for the award this year, selection committee member Tejumola Olaniyan, a professor of English, African languages, and literature at the University of WisconsinMadison in the United States, said, What really made Eka stand out as a writer was his remarkable skill at using humor and satire to deal with very serious topics, and to do it in a way that engages readers to think about  and finally to acknowledge and discuss  historical realities that have long been repressed in Indonesia.



It struck Olaniyan, when he first met Eka in person, that he was a surprisingly shy and modest man. He doesnt immediately strike you as someone who writes such powerful novels!



On the eve of the ceremony Eka forsook his usual attire of T-shirt-and-jeans and was dressed in a dark blue suit as he chatted with members of the Oranjes, the Dutch royal family, before and after the official ceremony.



Queen Maxima asked in which city I lived, and noted that Go-Jek helps navigate the busy streets of Jakarta, he says.



The queen had visited Indonesia earlier this year in her capacity as the United Nations secretary-generals special advocate for inclusive finance for development.



Eka also spoke with princess Beatrix, who was queen of the Netherlands for 33 years before handing over her responsibilities to her son Willem Alexander in 2013.



She admitted she had not had the opportunity to read my book, but kindly promised she would do that as she had heard that it also included our countries shared history.



Cantik itu Luka is an epic story that travels through crucial decades of Indonesias history, from the Dutch colonial era until the 1990s, seen through the lives of Dutch-Sundanese prostitute Dewi Ayu and her family in the fictional village of Halimunda.



One day prior to the awards ceremony, the six award recipients spoke about their work in front of an audience of about 250 people at Amsterdams Compagnie Theater.



Also present to cheer Eka at the Royal Palace were Maya Sutedja Liem, who translated Ekas book into Dutch, and Indonesian ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, who said he was very proud of Ekas achievement.



Eka, meanwhile, remained his sober self when asked what the award meant to him: It is always nice to be appreciated for ones work, he said, drily adding that it never hurts when more people become familiar with my writing.
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 16:41 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e177540 1 Art & Culture Indonesian-Cultural-Congress,Kongres-Kebudayaan-Indonesia,Education-and-Culture-Ministry,art-and-culture Free

The latest edition of Nunus Supardis Bianglala Budaya (Culture Rainbow), a book documenting the Indonesian Cultural Congress (KKI), is being released just in time for the event's 100th anniversary.

The congress takes place every five years and the book explores those held between 1918 and 2013, the most recent edition prior to the latest publication. Deemed an important documentation of past congresses, Nunus' book has been present at each event since it was first published in 2003, including in 2008 and 2013.

Speaking at the books launch over the weekend, which coincided with the 2018 KKI held at the Education and Culture Ministry in Jakarta, Nunus explained that his writing process had involved gathering documents from various sources, including the Sonobudoyo Museum in Yogyakarta, the H.B Jassin Literature Documentation Center, the National Library, National Archives of Indonesia and the Royal Netherlands Institute of Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV) in Jakarta.

"In the book, it can be seen that [each congress] is a spectrum of colorful thoughts about concepts, policies, cultural obligations," Nunus said, explaining the inspiration behind the books title.

He further noted that the first congress was held during an important time prior to Indonesia's independence, as it took place between two historical events that were instrumental to the Indonesian national awakening, namely the establishment of political society Budi Utomo in 1908 and the Youth Pledge in 1928.

"This means that along with growing national awareness, scholars at that time also developed a cultural awareness in view for the future," Nunus said.

Read also: Jokowi stresses tolerance at cultural congress conclusion

Also speaking at the event, litterateur Nirwan Ahmad Arsuka said the book comprehensively laid out the history of thought in Indonesia, including on how the Indonesian people viewed their culture in the future.

"This book gathers debates from a number of people, and they debate this because they have shared ideals; they have a vision of Indonesia's future," Nirwan said.

As people continue to share their thoughts on development, the need for the KKI also continues, he added.

Nirwan went on to say that with a different approach implemented this year, which included public participation and not just elite thinkers, as well as gathering empirical data in the period leading up to the congress itself, it is hoped that the results would work toward the establishment and development of culture in Indonesia.

The most recent KKI was held on Dec. 5-9, produced a policy framework titled "Cultural Strategy" that was handed over to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the closing ceremony on Sunday.

The framework was formulated based on data submitted by more than 300 local administrations across the country through discussions that took place starting from March, where each administration identified its cultural strengths, local facilities and infrastructure.

In line with Law No. 5/2017 on cultural development, the strategy will be implemented over the next 20 years in accordance with the laws and the Constitution on a city-wide or regency-wide scale. (wng)
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Linkedin Jose Arturo Cardenas (Agence France-Presse) Cocayapu, Bolivia  Tue, December 11, 2018 03:08 1083 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e180583 2 Art & Culture Bolivia,Youth,music,orchestra Free

When Mariel Chura joined a youth orchestra at age 14, she did not even know what a viola was.

Seven years later, she loves the instrument, which has offered her an escape from the hardships of everyday life in Bolivia's biggest coca-producing area.

The Chulumani Youth Symphony Orchestra has helped teens avoid the usual pitfalls plaguing the region: drug and alcohol abuse, violence, and family drama, according to the group's director and conductor Erik Castro.

Instead, they learn the discipline of classical music, forge lasting friendships and dream of a future career in the arts.

Bright-eyed and slender, Chura grew up picking coca leaves on her parents' land in the Cocayapu region, near Chulumani in the Yungas valley, about 120 kilometers east of the capital La Paz.

When she received visitors on a suffocatingly hot and humid day, she took out her instrument and filled the family home with music, as her mother Lidia turned the pages of her sheet music.

"I feel calm (playing the viola). It's like you forget everything -- you're focused on playing, you forget your problems," Chura said.

A fan of German Baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann -- but also Vivaldi, Mozart and Bach -- Chura says she dreams of playing in a symphony orchestra like Venezuela's Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, founded in the 1970s by Jose Antonio Abreu, who developed the country's El Sistema music education program.

She is not alone -- many of the 80 or so children and young adults in the Chulumani Symphony hope their love of music can turn into a lifelong occupation.

Chura's foray into music wasn't easy.

She was picked on by classmates. The boys in the group were the targets of homophobic slurs for playing in the orchestra.

At age 18, Chura used her income from the coca fields to buy her own her viola for $115 - a significant amount of money for her.

Now, she is studying engineering at the Higher University of San Andres in La Paz, where she lives during the week. On weekends, she goes home to teach viola to two little boys and continue rehearsing with her fellow orchestra members.

Read also: Jakarta Youth Choir sings heart out in Rome, takes home awards

- Orchestra is a 'sanctuary' -

The Chulumani Symphony welcomes children from ages four to 22 who are hoping to learn about music and invest in their futures.

"The orchestra has become like a sanctuary, where kids come and feel like they're free from those problems" that usually mark adolescence, Castro told AFP.

Like other Bolivian kids, these young musicians "have a lot of social problems (around them). These days, it's not just drugs and alcohol; instead, there's violence, the issue of family abandonment, lack of affection," he said.

"We've been a kind of prevention program" against drug and alcohol use by default, said Castro, who has become a role model for his music students.

The orchestra was founded in 2011 with a combination of support from the city of Chulumani and private organizations.

Since then, several students have been awarded scholarships to universities at home and abroad, as well as to conservatories in Peru and Costa Rica, Castro says.

The conductor agreed with Chura that they need to combat the stigma about young boys playing in the orchestra, and the bullying they are suffering, as it resulted in fewer young boys wanting to join.

Read also: Summer camp helps troubled youth reach their dreams

- From Tchaikovsky to 'Jaws' -

After years of practice, the Chulumani Symphony has begun to collaborate with other Bolivian youth orchestras, as well as ones in Argentina, Chile and Paraguay.

In November, the town hosted an "International Youth Summit for Music and Life," in which hundreds of young people from the four countries put on a concert for more than 1,000 spectators.

The musicians entertained the crowd with pieces from Strauss, Tchaikovsky and French composer Georges Bizet.

They also played bits of movie soundtracks from living US legend John Williams -- including from Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

"When music comes into your life, it changes you," said 19-year-old violinist Lourdes Sarabia during a break in the more-than-two-hour program.

Younger boys Aldo, 11, and Johsset Salvador, 10, both skilled on the violin, echoed the feelings of their older fellow musicians.

"It makes me happy," Aldo said, while Johsset said he too found "lots of joy, lots of happiness, playing with other orchestras."

The orchestra is hoping to travel abroad to bring Bolivian music to other countries.
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Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 09:54 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e15cd17 4 Art & Culture people,identity-politics,political-polarization,religious-background,stereotypes,prejudice,LGBT,minority-groups,#essay Free

Susanna (not her real name), a 30-year-old lesbian, Christian Manadonese woman from North Sumatra endured a great deal of prejudice for her triple minority status. Until one day she had to confront her own prejudice against people from outside her own tribe.

Susanna was friends with a Muslim lady named Siska (not her real name either) who had always been conservative, but maintained a fairly open mind until she shocked her liberal-leaning friend with her anti-Christian, anti-American, anti-Chinese and anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) tirades. At some point, she also tried to cure Susannas homosexuality.

That was when Susanna decided to back away from the friendship.

A few years later, Siska called Susanna again and asked her to meet up. Susanna embarrassingly admitted her own prejudice to me, that she was prepared so as not to be surprised if Siska arrived wearing a long black robe with niqab (face veil), recalling their last conversation years ago, wondering if her friend had been radicalized. As if radicalization could always be gauged from ones fashion statement.

As it turned out, Siskas appearance did change  but not to the degree Susanna had anticipated. She wore a bright red hijab and looked nice in it, too. The next thing Susanna did was ask Siska whether she still allowed herself to smoke (she did)  assuming women in hijab would not even touch a cigarette. Susanna laughed at her own sense of prejudice. Fortunately, however, Siska no longer felt the need to lecture her like she once did.

Nevertheless, Susanna remained as curious now as she was then  what drew Siska to act the way she did a few years ago? Was it just a phase? But Susanna did not feel right asking her.

Our prejudice against people from different social groups and with differing ideological stances disconnects us from them and in actuality makes us lonelier. Susannas recounting of her recent experience breaking her own prejudicial barrier against her friend fit nicely with a book that I am currently reading as I write this essay: Identity and Violence  the Illusion of Destiny ( 2006 ) by 1998 economics Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen.

In the book, translated beautifully from English into Indonesian by academic-cum-activist Arif Susanto, Sen criticizes the proponents of the clash of civilizations theory  first coined by the butcher of Vietnam scholar Samuel Huntington  who tend to reduce social groups into one monolithic set of mental characteristics. The set of mental characteristics of one social group, he supposes, will collide against the monolithic set of characteristics possessed by its polar opposite social group.

People are always made up of more than just one defining social identity. I can be a conservative Christian while still being a firm believer in feminism, working as a journalist for a politically liberal-leaning newspaper while still writing advertorials for companies on the side.

Furthermore, people are always heterogeneous even within one shared social group. Their religious attitude does not always correspond with their social behavior either. For instance, a conservative Christian might have a strong anti-gay stance, but that does not prevent him from being friends with a homosexual.

Due to my triple minority status (gay Christian Chinese-Indonesian), like Susanna, I used to be afraid of people from the hegemonic social group as well. Yet, my experiences have led me to believe it isnt that hard to break through our own social identity and ideological barriers.

The problem nowadays is that while we campaign for inclusivity, we often exclude those we believe are against us, or beneath us. Instead of embracing them, we alienate them (and sometimes call them names). Honey draws the bees. You can convince people of the validity of your own views more effectively if you try to comprehend your opponents perspective. Instead of slamming them with criticism, why not try kindness and give them the benefit of the doubt?

If only we, who proclaim ourselves as liberal thinkers, could embrace people like Siska with kindness, instead of prejudice, not only would we be able to break through our loneliness caused by the clash of civilizations school of thought; we might also be able to somehow mitigate the deep socio-political division and brutal conflicts that currently rock our world.

As Italian writer Giuseppe Catozzella  whose 2014 novel Dont Tell Me Youre Afraid examines the European immigrant crisis through the eyes of an aspiring Muslim female runner from Somalia  told me once: Do not be scared to start a dialogue with the Other because eventually, people are just people.

As my experience receiving kindness from strangers in many foreign countries during my business trips has shown me, this much I know is true.
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Linkedin News Desk (Reuters)  Mon, December 10, 2018 17:05 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e17839f 2 Entertainment Fleetwood-Mac,Lindsey-Buckingham,music,band,lawsuit Free

Guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and his former Fleetwood Mac bandmates have settled a lawsuit he filed after he was axed from a tour, the musician said in a television interview that aired on Saturday.

Buckingham, a key member of the British-American band with hits such as "Don't Stop" and "Go Your Own Way", did not disclose the terms of any settlement agreement, but he expressed little hope of rejoining Fleetwood Mac.

"I'm pretty much figuring that I won't," Buckingham told CBS News.

Buckingham filed a civil lawsuit in October in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing other members of the band of breach of contract and saying the dispute stemmed from a clash between the planned 2018/19 Fleetwood Mac tour and his wishes to play some solo dates.

The settlement was reached a couple weeks ago, Buckingham, 69, told CBS News.

Read also: Lindsey Buckingham sues Fleetwood Mac after being axed from tour

"We've all signed off on something," he said.

Buckingham did not describe the terms of the settlement and Reuters could not immediately obtain a copy of the agreement.

Representatives for Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac could not immediately be reached for comment.

Fleetwood Mac, which first formed in 1967, has been plagued by behind-the-scenes romantic and creative tensions among its members and a shifting lineup over the years
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Linkedin Katrin Figge (The Jakarta Post) Berlin  Mon, December 10, 2018 10:27 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e15e165 4 Books history,Germany,activist,memoir,Pipit-Rochijat-Kartawidjaja,New-Order,Dokumen-Berlin Free

When Pipit Rochijat Kartawidjaja came to West Berlin to study electrical engineering in the early 1970s, he found a city isolated by the Cold War and divided by a wall. It was home to all sorts of creative minds: musicians, artists and student activists.

Foreigners seemed to be strangely attracted to West Berlin, as its isolated status reflected their own state of mind of feeling like an outsider.

Pipit, however, quickly took root and befriended many students  German students, mostly, because he thought it was the quickest way to learn the language.

I distinctly remember the many discussions we had, Pipit recalls. It was quite an amazing experience for me because we all had different ideas, yet we were still able to talk about it. My friends didnt judge me for my views but were rather interested in finding out how I came to have these views.

Pipit soon became an activist for the Indonesian Students Association (PPI)  an organization founded by Indonesian students in West Germany  himself. At the same time, he distanced himself from the Soeharto regime in Indonesia, publishing critical articles in PPIs journal Gotong Royong, of which he became editor-in-chief in 1977.

The Indonesian government soon saw the students political activism as a threat. By the end of the 1970s, it established a nationwide program to induce and implement the principles of the state ideology Pancasila. This program, called P4, came in the form of two-week seminars that every pupil, student, civil servant and military personnel had to participate in  including Indonesian students abroad.

They had flown in high-ranking government officials to lead through this program, Pipit says. But they used this platform to intimidate us. They asked us to come in for one-on-one conversations under the pretext of getting to know us better, but then inquired about the PPIs activities and even threatened some with bodily harm should they not refrain from political activism in the future.

While the intimidation seemed to work with some, Pipit was furious and continued to challenge the Indonesian government officials, asking critical questions that remained unanswered. He left in the middle of the program.

That was quite a scandal, he says, a faint smile on his face. From that day on, he was officially considered a troublemaker. This became painfully obvious when Pipit wanted to renew his passport. Instead of receiving a two-year renewal, which was common at the time, his passport was only renewed for a mere six months.

I asked them on which statutory basis they were basing their decision, Pipit says. But again, they didnt answer. I then received a letter from the consul, in which he explained that I should regard his actions as a warning for whatever I had planned in the future.

In 1986, things got even worse for Pipit.

I was invited to appear in a German talk show on TV, where they wanted to discuss the New Order in Indonesia, Pipit explains. Two days before the recording at the studio, the Indonesian consul invited me for dinner and told me to play nice on TV. I didnt.

Pipit Rochijat Kartawidjajas (Pipit Rochijat Kartawidjaja/File)

After he openly criticized the Soeharto regime, and even worse, told the audience about the dinner with the consul that had occurred prior to his TV appearance, his passport was revoked  he only regained it in 1998, shortly after the fall of Soeharto. In the meantime, he had to use an alien passport, a travel document issued by Germany to noncitizens residing within their borders who are stateless or otherwise unable to obtain a passport from their state of nationality.

During that time, Pipit was isolated  his Indonesian friends were often too scared to be associated with him. Moreover, he was subjected to repeated harassment by telephone and veiled  or not so veiled  threats from the Indonesian authorities.

I had my own tactics on how to counter it, Pipit explains. He regularly wrote letters to the Indonesian Embassy and sometimes even showed up when it organized events  fully aware that in the presence of German and other international dignitaries, the Indonesian government wouldnt cause a scene. Pipit also carefully recorded the telephone calls he received; the date, the time and what was said. These handwritten records have found their way into his book Dokumen Berlin, an important and intriguing collection of letters, notes and other documents Pipit wrote and received during this rather tumultuous period in his life.

Seno Gumira Ajidarma, under whose supervision the book was put together, writes in his introduction to Dokumen Berlin that, With his own interests being sacrificed, and his life being disrupted, Pipits experience is a narrative that is absolutely necessary to the illustration of our national history, as it is revealed from all the documents. Indeed, we have to thank Pipit for not wanting to forget his bitter experience, for example by throwing away or burning all the files that filled the walls of his house in Berlin, but diligently scanning them, seemingly in their entirety, so that many people could learn from these documents.

In 1991, Pipit cofounded the human rights organization Watch Indonesia! as a response to the military actions in East Timor. Watch Indonesia! exists until today; after the fall of Soeharto, its main objective became to strengthen and further the democratic process in Indonesia.

Pipit, who worked for the Brandenburg Agency for Structural Development and Employment (LASA) until he retired, has traveled to Indonesia a lot over the years, where he has established a reputation as an election observer and has also cofounded Sindikasi Pemilu Demokrasi.

When asked about the upcoming presidential election, he throws up his hands in defeat. Twenty years after the fall of Soeharto, he says, it is rather disappointing to see the recent developments in Indonesia.

The old players, they are all still there! he bemoans the current situation, shaking his head in disbelief. He also watches the rise of conservative Islam with growing concern.

But maybe I should be happy because paradise will be filled with Indonesians if we keep it up, Pipit adds sarcastically, referring to the suicide bombers belief that their actions will secure them a spot in paradise.

Pipit has been living in Germany for so long that he cant imagine relocating to Indonesia again. There would be too many things he couldnt cope with anymore, he says. But if he had the opportunity to go back in time and do things differently, would he take it? Would he rather have led an uninterrupted, less dangerous and peaceful life in Germany, or even Indonesia?

No, I wouldnt, Pipit says emphatically. A lot of people have asked me this question, but my father taught me to always follow through on what I have started. Thats my answer.
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Linkedin Umit Bektas (Reuters) Gaziantep, Turkey  Mon, December 10, 2018 19:09 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e17b78e 2 Art & Culture Turkey,united-states,artifacts,art,treasure,archeology Free

Missing fragments from one of Turkey's most striking ancient treasures, the haunting, wide-eyed "Gypsy Girl" mosaic, have returned home more than half a century after they were plundered and smuggled to the United States.

On Saturday, the returned pieces went on display alongside the nearly 2,000-year-old mosaic of the girl, whose piercing gaze and disheveled hair have become a symbol of Turkey's southeastern city of Gaziantep.

Turkish archaeologists discovered the mosaic 20 years ago during an excavation of the old city of Zeugma, founded by one of Alexander the Great's generals, near the modern city of Gaziantep.

They also realized that several accompanying pieces had already been looted.

Those pieces had been smuggled out of the country in the 1960s and bought by Bowling Green State University in Ohio in the United States, which displayed them until 2012 when their true provenance was established and Turkey asked for their return.

The university initially asked Turkey to buy them back, a request which Ankara rejected, according to Sedat Gulluoglu, Turkey's tourism ministry attache in the United States.

After more than five years of talks, an agreement was signed for their return. "The university has signed off on a very important and significant cooperation by returning these pieces to our country as goodwill," Gulluoglu said by email.

Read also: Looters plunder Albania's sunken treasures

He added that Turkey would provide the university with exact replicas of the mosaics to display.

The old city of Zeugma, on the Euphrates river, flourished under Greek and then Roman rule before it was destroyed in war in the 3rd century AD. The 15 square metre (160 square foot)Gypsy Girl mosaic is the most prominent symbol of that history.

On Saturday, the pieces were put on exhibit at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep in a ceremony to celebrate their return, before which a song composed to celebrate the homecoming of the mosaic pieces was played by a harp artist.

Turkey's Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who lifted a cover to unveil the mosaic as visitors poured in to see the artwork, told Reuters the returned pieces would greatly contribute to tourism in Turkey and Gaziantep.

"It is a very important day for Turkey. A six-year process has been completed and our pieces have returned where they were born," Ersoy said.

Gaziantep mayor Fatma Sahin said putting the full mosaic back together was a national triumph.

"It returned to Gaziantep, to its nation," Sahin told Reuters. "The Gypsy Girl has been reunited with her family."
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse)  Mon, December 10, 2018 14:04 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e16d5b1 2 Art & Culture Google,Google-Art-and-Culture,Johannes-Vermeer,art,painting,exhibition,virtual-reality Free

Google Arts & Culture has announced a new feature that gathers all 36 of Johannes Vermeers known works in a virtual exhibition space where they can be viewed in all their detail.

In addition to Girl with a Pearl Earring, perhaps the most famous work by the Dutch Master, viewers will find The Concert, which went missing more than 28 years ago in a famous heist at Bostons Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

With the rest of the artists masterpieces scattered across seven countries, and some too fragile to travel, the online exhibition, called Pocket Gallery, marks the first time all of his work are gathered in one place.

Read also: Masterpiece theatre: Chinese make-up artist brings paintings to life

Eight of the works were added to the exhibition using Googles high-resolution robotic Art Camera, which was deployed to galleries around the world to get the highest-ever resolution image of each for maximum zooming. Viewers can also experience guided tours and hear stories from experts including Girl With a Pearl Earring author Tracy Chevalier.

Also included is an original piece of art titled Icons conceived by Justin Richburg, who created the character designs for Childish Gambinos music video Feels like Summer, that reimagines Vermeer in the 21st century, showing how the subjects of his paintings have themselves become icons.

To view the virtual exhibition, go to this linkhttp://artsandculture.google.com/project/vermeer or try out the Pocket Gallery on the Google Arts & Culture app for iOS or Android.
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Linkedin News Desk (Reuters) Madrid, Spain  Mon, December 10, 2018 20:06 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e17c901 2 Lifestyle santa-claus,Madrid,Spain,charity,cancer-care Free

More than 7,000 people dressed as Santa Claus ran through central Madrid on Sunday in a charity race to raise money for cancer care.

Many children dressed as elves in green robes also took part in the 5km (3 mile) race along Madrid's Paseo de la Castellana avenue.

Read also: Champs Elysee gets stylish Christmas kick-off with Karl Lagerfeld

Organizers say the Santa-themed race is the largest of its kind in the world.

Part of the entry-fee paid by each participant in the race will be donated to the cancer care non-profit organization, Fundacion Intheos.
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Linkedin Shukhrat Khurramov with Chris Rickleton in Almaty (Agence France-Presse) Parkent, Uzbekistan  Tue, December 11, 2018 05:05 1083 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e180f45 2 Food uzbekistan,wine,agriculture,winemaking Free

As the warm, busy autumn becomes a distant memory and winter extends its grip over the Central Asian steppe, Uzbek grape farmer Abdumutal Yuldashev's harvest is bottled up, bound for Russia.

If once Yuldashev's 15 hectares of land mostly yielded grapes for the table, now he and his small cohort of workers find themselves on the front lines of an ambitious state-led winemaking drive in the majority-Muslim country.

This season his team harvested Bayan Shirei and Rkatsiteli grape varieties, native to the former Soviet countries of the Caucasus.

But in the future, more internationally-renowned types such as Chardonnay and Cabernet could be the order of the day, if strongman President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's plan to overhaul the sector bears fruit.

A decree published by the presidential office in February called for a 60-percent increase in the state wine company's wine exports by the end of 2021 from current levels.

By then too, it also wants the area under cultivation by the company to have doubled.

Mirziyoyev has pledged to unshackle Uzbekistan's economy, weaning it off its dependence on commodities like the water-thirsty cotton crop that covers the country in swathes, while attracting foreign investors.

The plan calls for the "organization of cultivation of especially valuable industrial varieties of grape seedlings", including those from France, Italy, Chile and the United States.

However, industry experts have voiced reservations about Uzbekistan's ability to become a maker of fine wines, while a wine festival organized in the capital, Tashkent, last month as part of the drive failed to pique public interest.

That has not stopped 38-year-old private farmer Yuldashev from already thinking big.

"I want to expand next season by renting some of these other fields," he said, gesturing across a vista of vineyards stretching towards the foothills of the Parkent mountains, 80 kilometers from Tashkent.

"It seems there is a lot of work ahead," he told AFP.

Read also: Climate change hits Germany, and winemakers couldnt be happier

- Far from Burgundy 

For now, local winemaking is still a far cry from the chateaux of Burgundy, and some exports are still limited to the early, unfinished stages in the winemaking process.

Uzbekistan produces around 20 million liters of wine a year, compared to France's more than four billion liters.

At a plant near Yuldashev's farm, a mostly female workforce dressed in white overalls watches over a conveyor belt turning out bottles of pressed grape juice, all of which will be sent to Russia for refinement.

Gayrat Ashurov, the plant's director, says 180 local farmers, including Yuldashev, bring their grapes to the factory.

But tax breaks and other incentives for wine producers set out in the presidential decree are designed to phase out exports of raw wine and strengthen grape-to-glass operations.

In addition to other former Soviet countries, Uzbekistan is eyeing markets in Europe and China.

- Vodka rather than wine -

Nearly three decades after the breakup of the Soviet Union, Uzbeks are still more likely to drink vodka than wine, while Islam's growing role in society is a threat to both.

Yet, promoting wine domestically is important for any country with export ambitions, according to industry experts.

"It is sometimes difficult to sell abroad if you can't show that the stuff is popular at home," said Kym Anderson, executive director of the Wine Economics Research Centre, at the University of Adelaide.

Climate will be another potential hurdle, he said, as Uzbekistan sees more extremes than traditional winegrowing countries, including the ex-Soviet bloc's most well-known producer, Georgia.

Last year, Yuldashev told AFP, he was forced to bury his vines as deep frosts gripped the region, a practice Anderson says raises labor costs while risking long-term damage to the plants.

In the summer meanwhile, "temperatures above mid-40s can damage grapes if not shaded appropriately by the leaf canopy," Anderson added.

Read also: In China's Himalayas, a wine 'flying above the clouds'

- Two hits to output -

While winemaking in Uzbekistan has a long history, it was only introduced on an industrial scale in the 19th century during the Russian imperial period.

The first winery was founded in 1868 by Russian merchant Dmitry Filatov.

But after wine -- mostly in its fortified form -- emerged as a relative staple of Uzbek production during the Soviet era, output took two massive hits.

Firstly came the anti-alcohol campaign of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s that attacked the production of spirits across the Soviet Union.

Then independence and the economic straitjacket that defined Uzbekistan under Mirziyoyev's long-presiding predecessor and mentor Islam Karimov further compounded the downturn.

Analysts are so far unsure whether the top-down production drive can establish Uzbekistan as a new force in a relatively crowded international wine market.

Tom Whittington, of London-based Cult Wines fine wine investment firm, questioned what niche the country would find.

"Uzbek wine, at least in the short term, will not compete with established fine wine from the old and new world," he said.
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Sydney, Australia  Mon, December 10, 2018 09:09 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e15985e 2 World #Australia,#refugees,asylum-seekers,accuse,tortures Free

One thousand-plus asylum seekers being held by Australia in offshore detention centres are suing Canberra, alleging they have suffered torture and human rights abuses.

Migrants being held on the islands of Manus -- in Papua New Guinea -- and Nauru are to launch two class action suits, the latest civil bid to end their detention.

"The group members allege that they have been subjected to torture, crimes against humanity and the intentional infliction of harm by the Australian Government," said George Newhouse, a lawyer with legal campaign group the National Justice Project.

The roughly 1,200 individuals will be represented by top lawyer Julian Burnside, the project said.

Australia's right-leaning government has repeatedly defended its policy of detaining migrants at offshore facilities.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison argues allowing the would-be refugees to reach Australia would encourage others to make the trip.

But the policy is unpopular among the Australian public and has been pilloried by rights groups and doctors as inhumane.

Conditions in the camps are often difficult.

The United Nations and a doctors group recently warned of alarming levels of depression on Nauru, with many suicide attempts and children living in despair.

Those detained have already launched several legal challenges in a bid to close the camps.

Their lawyers will now argue they have suffered arbitrary imprisonment and denied proper medical treatment -- constituting a crime against humanity.

The government has vowed to move children off Nauru but has opposed legislation allowing transfers to take place.
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Mon, December 10, 2018 16:36 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e176314 1 National Sunbear,Bandung-zoo,bandung,animal-conservation,animal-welfare Free

Bandung Zoo in West Java has celebrated the first birthday of Rika, a one-year-old female sun bear, in its bid to respond to public doubt regarding the health and wellbeing of the zoos animals.

The zoos marketing communication officer Sulhan Syafii said on Sunday that Rikas father, Kardit drew public attention in 2016 because the animal looked malnourished and appeared to beg for food from visitors in a viral video.

Sulhan said Rika was Kardits sixth offspring. Kardit is old, but he is healthy, he said.

During the celebration, animal caretaker Lia Marlia went into the sun bear enclosure carrying a message saying Rika, Happy Birthday. A number of gift boxes containing food were also placed in the enclosure.

Rika, a one-year-old sunbear in Bandung Zoo on Sunday. (JP/Arya Dipa)

The party was made even merrier with a busker singing a version of Selamat Ulang Tahun (Happy Birthday), popularized by rock band Jamrud.

Rika weighed 400 grams when she was born and is currently 25 kilograms.

A sun bear can weigh up to 65 kilograms, although it is the smallest of the eight bear species in the world.

But its tongue is the longest, the zoos veterinarian Josephine Bernadeth said, adding that a sun bears pregnancy lasted 96 days.

Sun bears are considered unique because of the yellow, white or orange markings on their chest. Often the marks form a semi circle shape like a sun.

In its natural habitat, the animal lives in Kalimantan, Sumatra, Indochina, Myanmar and the Malay Peninsula. Unlike polar bears and grizzly bears, sun bears do not hibernate.

Naturally, sun bears live in primary and secondary forests, usually in trees some two to seven meters from the ground. Damage to their habitat, field fragmentation and illegal hunting have threatened their existence in the wild.

The International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) puts sunbears on the red list with a status of vulnerable, four steps away from extinction.

Sulhan said Rika was proof the animal could be successfully bred outside of its natural habitat.

We also continue sun bear exchanges to prevent incest so as not to disturb their existence, he said, adding that in September the zoo gave a bear to a conservation institution in Surakarta, Central Java.
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States  Mon, December 10, 2018 22:07 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e17f7a0 2 Business #China,#iPhone,Court,ban,iPhone,sales,patent,Dispute Free

A Chinese court ordered a ban in the country on iPhone sales in a patent dispute between US chipmaker Qualcomm and Apple, according to a Qualcomm statement Monday.

The statement said the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court had granted Qualcomm's request for two preliminary injunctions against four subsidiaries of Apple, ordering them to immediately to stop selling the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.

The move marked the latest in a long-running dispute over patents and royalties between the two California tech giants playing out in courts and administrative bodies worldwide.

"We deeply value our relationships with customers, rarely resorting to the courts for assistance, but we also have an abiding belief in the need to protect intellectual property rights," said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm executive vice president and general counsel.

"Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us. These court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm's vast patent portfolio."

The China case is based on patents which enable consumers to adjust and reformat the size and appearance of photographs, and to manage applications using a touchscreen, Qualcomm said.

An Apple statement to AFP called Qualcomm's effort a "desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world."

Apple added that Qualcomm "is asserting three patents they had never raised before, including one which has already been invalidated."

Apple said that "all iPhone models remain available for our customers in China," adding that "we will pursue all our legal options through the courts."

The court action also comes amid a backdrop of increased trade tensions between Washington and Beijing and the arrest in Canada of a top executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei at the request of US authorities.

Beijing has reacted angrily to the arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the company's founder, who faces US fraud charges related to alleged sanctions-breaking dealings with Iran.

- Apple's China strategy -

China has been an important market for Apple in recent years since China Mobile agreed to begin distributing the smartphones, and the company has opened up a number of Apple retail stores in the court.

Apple's most recent quarterly report showed it brought in some $11 billion -- around 18 percent of its total revenues -- from "Greater China," a region which includes Taiwan and Hong Kong.against

Apple chief executive Tim Cook has made regular visits to China, and has touted the company's inroads in the Chinese market as well as its manufacturing there.

Qualcomm, the leading supplier of chips for mobile devices, has been in a prolonged legal battle with Apple in recent years.

Apple has claimed that Qualcomm is abusing its market power over certain mobile chipsets in order to demand unfair royalties, joining a string of antitrust actions against the chipmaker.

Qualcomm has countersued Apple and earlier this year escalated its legal fight, claiming the iPhone maker stole trade secrets and shared them with mobile chip rival Intel.

According to Qualcomm's US lawsuit, Apple's goal was to buy mobile chips from Intel instead of depending on Qualcomm.

Qualcomm is facing antitrust probes in South Korea, the European Union and the United States over its dominant position.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 14:32 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e16ddde 4 Business bank-indonesia,Foreign-exchange,reserves,November,2018 Free

Bank Indonesia (BI) has announced a US$2 billion increase in foreign exchange reserves in November due to capital inflows from oil and gas exports and other foreign exchange revenue. The inflows exceeded outflows for foreign debt service.

The foreign exchange reserves stood at $117.2 billion at the end of November, up from $115.2 billion a month earlier.

The central bank explained that the foreign exchange reserves were sufficient to cover 6.3 months of imports plus debt installments.

Meanwhile, the international standard for foreign exchange sufficiency is three months worth of imports.

BI notes that the foreign exchange reserves can support economic resilience [in the face of] external pressure and maintain macroeconomic and financial system stability, said BI spokesman Junanto Herdiawan, as reported by kontan.co.id on Monday.

In November, BI did not need to spend much foreign exchange, because the rupiah was holding up stronger against the United States dollar. On Nov. 30, the rupiah changed hands at Rp 14,399 per US dollar, before weakening slightly in early December.

BI monetary management department head Nanang Hendarsah said the rupiah was supported by fast capital inflows as external pressure was lessening.The central bank recorded capital inflows of Rp 35 trillion ($2.41 billion). Meanwhile, foreign direct investment in November also reached the highest figure of 2018 at $4.3 billion. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States  Mon, December 10, 2018 08:32 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e15649c 2 World #SaudiArabia,#MurderCase,killing,journalist,Khashoggi,tape Free

Jamal Khashoggi's final words were "I can't breathe," CNN said Sunday, citing a source who has read the transcript of an audio tape of the final moments before the journalist's murder.

The source told the US network the transcript made clear the killing was premeditated, and suggests several phone calls were made to give briefings on the progress.

CNN said Turkish officials believe those calls were made to top officials in Riyadh.

Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to The Washington Post, was killed shortly after entering the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

The transcript of the gruesome recording includes descriptions of Khashoggi struggling against his murderers, CNN said, and references sounds of the dissident journalist's body "being dismembered by a saw."

The original transcript was prepared by Turkish intelligence services, and CNN said its source read a translation version and was briefed on the probe into the journalist's death.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on Sunday meanwhile rejected demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of Khashoggi as sought by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan has repeatedly called on Saudi Arabia to hand over suspects in the killing. According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia, however, holds that it was a "rogue" operation gone wrong -- a claim undercut by the reported transcript.

For his part US President Donald Trump has refrained from blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, even though the CIA reportedly concluded that he ordered the assassination.

The murder has damaged Riyadh's international reputation and Western countries including the United States, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals.
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Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10 2018

Japan and Indonesia have officially unveiled the details of Project 2045, a three-pronged partnership platform for a collaboration on political, economic and social issues that was launched as part of the 60th anniversary of Indonesia-Japan ties.

A high-level seminar was held on Saturday in Jakarta in which a report of Project 2045 was handed to Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

The event was also attended by Japanese parliament members Fukui Teru and Ito Tadahiko, Japanese Environment Deputy Minister Akimoto Tsukasa and National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 15:25 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e1705d0 1 City drug-raids,drug-courier,West-Jakarta,arrest Free

Police arrested a 19-year-old man on Jl. Pekapuran III in Tambora, West Jakarta, on Saturday for allegedly storing crystal methamphetamine on his motorcycle and getting ready to distribute it.

Tambora Police criminal investigation chief Adj. Comr. Supriyatin said on Monday that the suspect, identified as Fadhil Muhammad, had planned to distribute the meth on orders of a high-profile drug dealer, RL, who is currently an inmate at Bekasi penitentiary in West Java.

Police conducted an investigation following residents reports that drug distribution and transactions often took place in the area.

We used a number of investigation methods, which led us to a man sitting on his motorcycle, Supriyatin said, as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

Police found 20 grams of meth stored in the motorcycle. The man admitted it was meth, which he had obtained from RL, Supriyatin said.

According to the police, Fadhil and RL had coordinated the distribution by mobile phone, with the former obtaining the drugs from someone RL had sent to him. RL would reward Fadhil with Rp 3 million to Rp 4 million (US$275) for handing the meth to another person.

Police also confiscated a total of 20 grams of meth in three packages, Rp 1.3 million in cash, two packs of plastic bags and a mobile phone. The suspect was detained at the Tambora Police headquarters for further investigation. (ars)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 09:19 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e159dc6 2 Business DarminNasution,KEK,Riau Free

Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution inaugurated the special economic zone (KEK) in Galang Batang, Riau Islands, over the weekend.

The economic zone, which has an estimated investment value of Rp 36.25 trillion [US$2.5 billion], is expected to become a major production center for aluminum and its downstream products, he said as reported by Antara news agency.

Darmin added that the new KEK would lift economic activity in the region through the employment of over 23,300 workers.

In turn, the minister urged the local community to support the zone by supplying it with the necessary skilled workers and supporting businesses such as food and accommodation.

This year, the zone secured Rp 5.6 trillion worth of investment from the zones advocate, aluminum producer PT Bintan Alumina Indonesia. The investment includes Rp 951 billion for a seaport, Rp1.65 trillion for an aluminum refinery, Rp 196 billion for a dam and Rp1.93 trillion for a power plant.

The government has attracted investors using a series of fiscal and nonfiscal incentives exclusive to the economic zone.

Bintan Alumina Indonesia director Santoni said he hoped the investment in the economic zone will increase to $5 billion over the next 10 years.

Meanwhile, construction is ongoing for three other special economic zones  Arun Lhokseumawe, Bitung and Morotai  slated to begin operations next year. (brf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 11:19 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e1690e7 1 National blackpink,KPI,Shopee,Advertisement,children Free

More than 85,000 people have signed a petition demanding the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) stop airing an ad for online store Shopee that features South Korean girlband BLACKPINK, a brand ambassador for the e-commerce company.

A mother, Maimon Herawati, started the petition on change.org on Friday. In her statement, she deemed that the girlbands outfits were too short.

"A group of women wearing skimpy outfits. What kind of subconscious values do we want to instill in our children with this vulgar ad that flaunts aurat [intimate parts]? The clothes do not even cover the thighs. Movement and expression are provocative. It is really far from [state-ideology] Pancasila values," she wrote on the petition.

She also made a post on her Facebook account, showing a screenshot of the video, in which she blurs the legs of the four members of the band.

The ad has been aired during several children programs. One of them even aired this ad every few minutes, Herawati said.

At least, the KPI could regulate what kind of ads are appropriate to be aired during our childrens programs, she added.

After her petition went viral, a fan of BLACKPINK launched her own counter petition on change.org, which had 27,000 signatures by Monday morning.

The petition, started by Uci Fauzia, calls on the commission to not stop the ad. In the statement, she said that people should be more open-minded. Open your mind. Be smart, people, she said.

As the regional brand ambassador, BLACKPINK starred in the commercial that has garnered close to 27 million YouTube views since it was published on Nov. 18. (ggq/evi)
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Linkedin Abdul Hadi Habtor (Agence France-Presse) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia  Mon, December 10, 2018 10:10 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e15d84f 2 World #SaudiArabia,#Qatar,Emirates,absence,summit,Yemen,war,killing,journalist Free

Qatar's emir skipped a summit in Saudi Arabia on Sunday with fellow Arab Gulf leaders whose boycott of the small but energy-flush neighbour has sparked a major regional diplomatic row.

Riyadh is hosting the annual gathering as crises rumble on over the 18-month-old dispute with Doha, the war in Yemen and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul.

The regional powerhouse had invited Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to attend the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council talks, but the foreign ministry in Doha said he would not go.

Instead Qatar was represented by the minister of state for foreign affairs, Sultan al-Muraikhi, it said.

Saudi Arabia, along with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, severed diplomatic ties with Doha in 2017, accusing it of supporting terrorism and fostering close ties with their regional rival Iran.

Doha -- which announced this month it was quitting the Saudi-dominated OPEC oil cartel -- denies the allegations, but the dispute has dragged on.

Speaking at the summit, Saudi King Salman accused Iran of "continuing to interfere in the affairs of the countries in the region".

He stressed the importance of the GCC and the need to "defend, in collaboration with our partners, security and stability in the Gulf".

The summit's final declaration included a call for "unity", but did not explicitly mention the Qatar crisis.

A Qatari foreign ministry spokesman blasted the communique on Twitter for "not evoking the blockade of Qatar and the means of resolving it".

The GCC was formed in 1981 at the height of the Iraq-Iran war and two years after the Islamic revolution in Tehran sparked concern in Sunni-led Gulf states, many of which have sizable Shiite populations, including in Bahrain.

GCC secretary general Abdullatif al-Zayani has said the summit would review ties with Iran after the US reimposed an oil embargo and other sanctions on Tehran following Washington's withdrawal from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

- Saudi prince under pressure -

Saudi Arabia, along with allies the UAE and Bahrain, accuses Tehran of fomenting unrest among Shiites in the Gulf, and has backed the US in piling pressure on Iran.

This contrasts with Kuwait and Oman which prefer normalising ties with the Islamic republic.

The meeting comes as delegations from Yemen's Saudi-backed government and Iran-linked Shiite rebels hold UN-brokered peace talks in Sweden.

Yemen's capital has been held since 2014 by Huthi rebels who drove the government out and seized a string of ports.

The Yemeni government, based in the southern port city of Aden, has fought to push back the rebels with support from a military coalition led by Riyadh and the UAE.

King Salman defended the coalition's intervention in Yemen and called for a "political solution" in the impoverished country.

The conflict has killed nearly 10,000 people since 2015 when the coalition intervened, according to the World Health Organization, though some rights groups say the toll could be five times higher.

The UN calls it the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with as many as 20 million Yemenis facing acute food shortages.

Pressure has been piling up on Riyadh to ease off its offensive, particularly an assault launched in June on the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, a key lifeline for aid entering Yemen.

The summit comes with Saudi Arabia and its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, under mounting pressure over the murder of Washington Post columnist Khashoggi.

A critic of the crown prince, Khashoggi was killed by a hit squad in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 in what the kingdom described as a rogue operation.

Riyadh has steadfastly denied claims the grisly murder of the Saudi journalist was ordered by Prince Mohammed.
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France  Mon, December 10, 2018 22:01 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e17ec78 2 World #UK,#drugs,British,drug-lord,France,trial Free

Briton Robert Dawes, believed to be one of Europe's biggest drug traffickers, went on trial in Paris on Monday accused of importing 1.3 tons of cocaine into France.

The drugs, stuffed in 30 unregistered suitcases, were discovered in 2013 after an Air France plane arrived at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport from Caracas.

Dawes, 46, was arrested in November 2015 at his luxury resort in Benalmadena, southern Spain, after police intercepted a conversation in which he reportedly claimed ownership of the cocaine, with a street value of 240 million euros ($275 million).

Extradited to France shortly after his arrest, he has denied the charges of drugs trafficking which follow investigations launched in 2007 into alleged links to the Italian mafia and South American cartels.

Dawes is on trial alongside two other Britons and three Italians, who risk up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to 7.5 million euros.

At the time of his arrest, Spanish police said Dawes "headed up the biggest criminal organisation in Britain and Europe devoted to drug trafficking, money laundering and murder."

The Air France shipment caused a stir in Venezuela where the interior minister admitted the suitcases had gone through security scanners that had clearly showed the presence of drugs.

Venezuelan police arrested 25 people, including members of the military and an Air France manager.

- Mafia suspicions -

Dawes was also being probed in the Netherlands over a wave of murders there in 2014 and 2015, allegedly aimed at taking control of cocaine trafficking in several European countries, police said.

From his base in Andalucia, he is suspected of importing "furniture from China and fruit containers from South America which he would fill with large quantities of cocaine", and his cartel also shipped heroin from Turkey and Afghanistan to Britain, Spanish police said.

Dawes mainly used shipping containers to move the drugs around, but also lesiure boats and commercial flights such as the Air France one, they added.

He allegedly would meet regularly with representatives of South American crime empires, including the notorious Medellin cartel, at hotels in Madrid.

He is also accused of buying large amounts of drugs from Italy's secretive 'Ndrangheta mafia, which is thought to run much of Europe's cocaine trade from Calabria.

Dawes's alleged criminal empire stretched from Portugal, France and Belgium to Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Venezuela and Mexico.

His suspected right-hand man, Dutch citizen Emiel Brummer, was arrested in April 2016 on Spain's Costa del Sol and extradited to the Netherlands.

Dawes's trial is set to run until December 21.
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Srinagar, India  Mon, December 10, 2018 21:19 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e17dc98 2 World #India,#KashmirViolence,youngest,Fighter,killed,India,soldiers Free

Thousands of mourners thronged the funeral on Monday of a 14-year-old rebel shot dead by Indian troops in Kashmir, the youngest-ever fighter killed in the decades-long insurgency, police said.

Mudasir Ahmad Parrey was killed alongside two other militants, one a 17-year-old, outside the city of Srinagar on Sunday.

Parrey, a ninth-grade student, went missing in August before emerging in a photograph on social media brandishing an automatic assault rifle and military knife.

The young militants' deaths sparked angry protests in the restive Himalayan region administered by India but also claimed in full by Pakistan.

A funeral procession Monday for the slain teenagers turned violent as mourners clashed with police, who used tear gas to drive them back.

Rebels fighting for Kashmiri independence or a merger with Pakistan have been warring with Indian troops in the disputed territory since the late 1980s.

The violence has left tens of thousands dead, mostly civilians.

But this year has been the deadliest in a decade in Kashmir, with rights monitors saying more than 500 people have been killed from armed conflict.

Many young men die fighting Indian troops but Parrey's death shocked even a region weary from years of bloodshed.

At 14, police said he was the youngest known fighter to have died in the insurgency.

He was killed in an 18-hour siege by Indian troops in Hajin, outside Srinagar. The home Parrey and the two other militants were holed up in was blasted to rubble.

"He had never failed in school exams," mourned his father, Rashid. The teenager also sometimes worked as a labourer to help out with family expenses, he added.

Many Kashmiris sympathise with the rebels fighting half a million Indian troops stationed in the heavily-militarised Muslim-majority region.

Civilians often pelt soldiers with stones while they are conducting search operations for militants, and funerals for slain fighters draw thousands of mourners and see shops closed.

New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of stoking anti-India sentiment in the region and funding militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba fighting in Kashmir.

Police believe the teenagers killed in Sunday's fighting joined the militant group around August. The third dead fighter is a Pakistani national, police say.

Pakistan says it only provides diplomatic support to the Kashmiri struggle for right to self-determination.
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Linkedin Rina Chandran (Reuters) Ban Napia, Laos  Mon, December 10, 2018 16:04 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e175b0b 2 SE Asia #SoutheastAsia,#Laos,village,residents,bomb,bracelet Free

With a long-stemmed ladle, Vanthon pulls shiny, molten metal from a kiln and deftly pours it into a mould carved in a wooden block.

Seconds later, she prises out a silver coloured dove that was once shrapnel from a bomb dropped in Ban Napia village in the north eastern province of Xieng Khouang in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world.

Vanthon, who goes by one name, grows rice in a small plot of land a short distance away. But the ornaments and jewellery made from scrap metal in the small kiln at home provide her husband with an income.

For the dozen families in the village who fashion jewellery from shrapnel for the New York-based company Article 22, it is a curious twist to the devastating war - one that helps them make a living from bombs, as they wait for their land to be cleared.

"Our field has not yet been cleared of bombs, so this is our main source of income for now," said Vanthon, gesturing to a pile of finished doves.

"We have to be careful while farming, and hope that a bomb does not go off. When the land is cleared, we can farm more."

The United States dropped more than two million tons of cluster bombs on Laos during the second Indochina War from 1964 to 1973, to disrupt supply routes to North Vietnam.

About 30 percent of those bombs did not detonate, and still pose the risk of death or injury to villagers as they go about their daily routines, according to Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a British charity that clears unexploded ordnance (UXO).

MAG estimates that about 1,600 square km (618 square miles) of land - roughly the size of Greater London - still needs clearing in Laos, one of the world's poorest countries.

Meanwhile, UXO contamination prevents Lao communities from "fully utilising their land" and earning better incomes, according to MAG.

"People have been living with the contamination for 40 years, and they have no choice but to live with the daily risk and fear of death or injury from unexploded bombs," said Greg Crowther, MAG's Southeast Asia director.

UXO-impacted communities are "predominantly the poorest members of society", and the risk of bombs forces them to adopt different farming practices that often reduce the productivity of their crops, he said.

'A-HA MOMENT'

More than of two-thirds of the population in the landlocked Southeast Asian country depends on the land for a living, according to government data.

Many farm small plots of land that they do not legally own.

The government aims to title all land by 2025, and introduce a new law that officials say will expedite modernisation of records and give greater tenure security.

The country is also luring more foreign investment to build much-needed infrastructure and generate jobs, but most villagers have few livelihood options, particularly in Xieng Khouang, where much of the land is still off-limits because of the bombs.

Elizabeth Suda, founder of Article 22, first visited the province about a decade ago while exploring a sustainable weaving venture with local women.

It was there that Suda, who had previously worked with a luxury brand in New York, came across villagers melting bomb shrapnel into spoons that they would use and sell in the local market.

She said she had an "a-ha moment".

"I thought, why not take a weapon of destruction and turn it into a symbol of love that has a positive impact on the community?" she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"These are subsistence farmers; having their land cleared makes a big difference. But until then, they can earn a living making jewellery from shrapnel they find."

Suda founded Article 22 in 2009, named for the clause in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that says every individual is entitled to the realisation of "economic, social and cultural rights" indispensable for his or her dignity and personality.

After partnering with Swiss non-profit Helvetas, Suda set out on her own, selling online and through a few retail outlets, including one in Luang Prabang, Laos' former royal capital that the U.N. cultural agency considers a world heritage site.

Suda works with about a dozen families in Xieng Khouang, sending designs for earrings, pendants and ornaments that the villagers fashion in their kilns. They are finished in capital Vientiane, then shipped to New York.

Article 22 only works with shrapnel, or bombs that have already exploded, so the villagers are not at risk, Suda said. The metal has been tested for toxicity and found to be safe.

Some of the profits are donated to MAG to clear UXOs.

WAR TOURISM

Unlike neighbouring Vietnam, which draws millions of tourists each year keen to visit sites related to the war with the United States, Laos has few Instagram-ready war attractions.

In villages in Xieng Khouang, remnants of the "secret war" are largely articles of everyday use - mugs and buckets fashioned from shell casings, ladles from shrapnel.

Article 22 received a huge boost when actor Emma Watson wore a pair of its earrings at a red carpet event in 2017.

There is little glamour in Ban Napia, whose sign declares it to be the "war spoon village".

Simple wood and concrete homes sit on either side of a mud road. Some have a handpainted sign that says "making spoon", with a name and a phone number.

Demining is a slow and expensive process, and at the current pace, experts say it could be more than 100 years before Laos is safe.

While waiting for their land to be cleared, villagers in Ban Napia and elsewhere in Xieng Khouang will probably continue to supplement their income with articles made from shrapnel, said Nouds Phedrasy, a tourist guide.

"In the years after the war, they had nothing, and had to make do with whatever they could find - including shell casings and shrapnel," he said.

"Now, it's a business, and they are aware of the irony. But it is just a way to make some money."
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Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, December 10, 2018 19:31 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e17c282 1 Tips Jakpost-guide-to,#JakpostGuideTo,Christmas,Christmas-gift,#Christmas Free

Time flies in the blink of an eye. Christmas 2018 is just around the corner, which means we dont have much time left to shop for presents.

Heres a brief but helpful guide to get you started on shopping for gifts this holiday season.

Galeries Lafayette

French lifestyle department store Galeries Lafayettes Indonesian outlet in Pacific Place shopping mall, Central Jakarta, has everything for everyone.

Here, you can find cosmetics, skincare products, toys and childrens clothing, as well as local and international fashion brands, such as Studio 133 Biyan, Sapto Djojokartiko, Maison Kitsune, Max & Co, Karen Millen and Coast.

For this holiday season, the department store is offering an additional 20 percent discount on weekends for Bank Mandiri credit card holders, Fidelite and MAP Club members until Dec. 25. Customers will also receive a Rp 250,000 (US$17.18) shopping voucher for minimum purchases of Rp 3 million.

And why not buy a new outfit for yourself while youre out shopping? During its Golden Night event on Nov. 28, a show of appreciation for the department stores loyal customers, Galeries Lafayette will highlight collections from Terani Couture, Adrianna Papell and Aidan Mattox to give you some ideas on what to wear to that special New Year party.

Jo Malone

British perfume and scented candle brand Jo Malone officially opened its first outlet in Indonesia on Nov. 22.

The shop, located in Plaza Indonesia shopping mall, Central Jakarta, offers a wide array of fragrances as well as special Christmas gifts packages.

Be sure to check out the Christmas Cracker package. Priced at Rp 850,000, it comprises cologne, body creme and body and hand wash, making it a suitable gift for travel enthusiasts.

Read also: Five Christmas feast destinations in Jakarta

The Body Shop

If you are looking for a gift that everyone will use, you may want to visit the nearest The Body Shop outlet.

This time around, the brand is offering up an array of Christmas gift collections, namely the Skin Care Gift, Bath & Body Care Gift and Fragrance Gift, which cost between Rp 99,000 and Rp 1.99 million.

The Body Shop has also launched three new products in its Winter Makeup Collection, namely the Metal Eye Liquid eyeshadow, Color Crush Lipstick and the Sparkler, a shimmering body powder.

Hennessy Pop-up Store

Meanwhile, the Hennessy Pop-up Store in Pacific Place shopping mall is offering up a range of presents with a personal touch.

Available until Dec. 16, it adds personalized engravings and a decoration of Swarovski crystals on Hennessy bottles.

This is also a rare chance for you to get your hands on some exclusive Hennessy collections, such as the Chandon x Seafolly and Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Gold Fairy. (wng)
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse)  Mon, December 10, 2018 15:02 1084 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e16fbbc 2 News tourism,overtourism,travel,Tourist Free

The prospect of overcrowding and overtourism seem to have spurred more travelers to seek out alternative destinations in 2018, with secondary cities seeing double-digit growth from last year.

Thats according to Expedias 2018 Year in Review report, which looked at the fastest-growing travel destinations around the world to identify the top travel trends of 2018.

After crunching the flight data, analysts found that more and more United States travelers are venturing beyond the capital cities and primary tourist stops and seeking out lesser known gems that attract less crowds.

Thats good news for hotspots around the world that suffer from overtourism, a buzzword tossed around to denote destinations where tourism has resulted in overcrowding, congestion and disrupted local lives.

Over the last few years, Portugal has enjoyed the travel spotlight as one of the trendiest destinations of 2018. But the numbers show that after Lisbon and Porto, travelers were also booking trips to the Azores this year for its dramatic landscapes, diving and hiking.

Visitors to Thailand also ventured beyond Bangkok to Chiang Mai, described as the spiritual sibling of the Thai capital with its Buddhist temples, street food stalls and festivals.

Read also: Kyoto aiming to disperse crowds amid fears of 'overtourism'

And while London is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, flight data shows that curious travelers booked trips further north to places like Inverness, Scotland and Belfast, Northern Ireland, in search of less common experiences.

Meanwhile, what did tourists do while on holiday this year? The fastest-growing activity included observation decks, attractions and architectural landmarks, with the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum among the top trending attractions. Food and shopping were also popular tourist activities.

The report also found that travelers are more open to staying in alternative lodgings. Tentalows (tent, bungalow hybrid), chalets and villas were the fastest-growing accommodation types this year.

Heres a selection of secondary cities that experienced at least 40 percent more growth in US visitors in 2018, compared to 2017:

Victoria, B.C., Canada

Alexandria, Virginia, US

Valencia, Spain

Vientiane, Laos

Georges, Bermuda

Azores, Portugal

Kenai, Alaska

Inverness, Scotland

Cuenca, Ecuador

Vilnius, Lithuania

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Seville, Spain

Perth, Australia

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Brisbane, Australia

Winnipeg, Canada

Kodiak, Alaska

Valletta, Malta

Moscow, Russia

New Haven, Connecticut, US

Cartagena, Colombia

Zagreb, Croatia.
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The Floow wants to make you a smarter, safer driver.

A mirrored glass building at 2300 Superior Road in Taylor houses the telematics companys North American operation. The office is primarily client-focused, comprised of several experienced mobility professionals working to expand the footprint of usage-based insurance in the U.S. market.

As the name implies, usage-based insurance attempts to define cost in terms of actual behavior. That is, if you as an individual have a pattern  backed by robust, real-time data  of safe driving, your risk is deemed lower and you are rewarded. This differs from traditional insurance, which skews toward broader, high-level metrics when defining risk and, consequently, cost.

The hypothesis of organizations like The Floow, then, is that more granularly tracking and evaluating individual driving habits better represents reality. Instead of simply recording driving habits over a single period then using that information to provide a discount, insurers can track incidents more or less continuously via smartphone technology. From the insurers perspective, this means increased accuracy in modeling risk.

John Kramer, vice president of North American operations for The Floow, explained the general cost-benefit analysis of usage-based insurance from the perspective of an insurance company.

Instead of giving people an insurance discount, I can give them rewards, he said. Improve their behavior, make them safer  keep road congestion down and also lower the risk that I have and, in turn, make a more profitable customer.

Known as FloowDrive, a customer-facing app launched by the company uses smartphone sensors to assess each trip across five dimensions: smooth driving, mobile usage, speed, fatigue and time of day. Each dimension then feeds into an aggregate driving score, which informs the drivers eligibility for certain rewards.

The safer you drive, the more points you earn; the more points you earn, the more rewards you get, Kramer said.

Similar to certain credit card rewards programs, users redeem points for gift cards. The hope is that this incentivizes safer driving habits.

The interface of the app shows the route of a trip and icons for certain events  the start of a phone call or an abrupt acceleration  along the path. A driver can review each trip and see how they were rated.

Along with approximately 120 colleagues in England, The Floow has seven employees in Michigan working to scale the business. Partnering directly with insurance providers, the company offers several different solutions, including white label products and custom builds.

According to Kramer, usage-based insurance has proven to be useful in improving driving and limiting risk. He said nine of the 10 largest insurance companies in the U.S. are already working in the arena.

AmeriTrust, a commercial lines insurer in southeast Michigan, is one of the organizations piloting a product from The Floow.

Josh Crumley, vice president of operations and analytics at Ameritrust, said its a win-win-win for policyholders, business owners and agents.

Traditional underwriting guidelines say you dont write someone with less than X years of experience, he explained. But if you can give them the ability to show through the telematic device that theyre driving safely even though theyre inexperienced, it gives you more comfort instead of using proxies for variables.

Crumley also added that AmeriTrust wants to be transparent in sharing data with customers. To that end, the company is working with The Floow to develop a dashboard view that would allow business owners to gain insight into the aggregate driving habits of their fleets.

Though based in Europe, The Floow stores its U.S.-based data in the U.S. using Amazon Web Services. Kramer said data security is important both to The Floow and the insurance companies it works with, each of which is bound by certain data protection standards.

We do work in partnership, he said. We do things to make sure were giving them accurate data and were protecting the data. Were very careful with the data because clearly, with location-based data, you need to treat it with kid gloves.

Kramer said early-term loss ratios  a measure of losses relative to premiums  are considerably better for telematics customers than non-telematics customers, though he conceded the possibility of a self-selection bias (i.e., the customers who opt into the program are already predisposed to safer driving).

In 2019, The Floow plans to make a direct-to-consumer play, letting the public download the app and track themselves on both Android and iPhone.


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MBABANE  Government means business about zipping the purse as more politicians had their salaries slashed.

The first cheque for some politicians in the 11th Parliament was something not worthy of their happiness as their pay was deducted due to an overpayment in the month of October. First to highlight the challenge was Matsanjeni North Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), Phila Buthezi. Buthelezi, who is the Deputy Speaker of the 11th Parliament, during a workshop for MP last Thursday, said he was among those who had received the lowest salary among the politicians and said the reason was that there was an overpayment. He said it was discovered that there was an overpayment of E45 000 in his salary which was then deducted. The problem has been caused by the fact that when legislators were paid their salaries at the end of October, it was on a full-month scale yet they had worked for around 10 days.

Gratuity

It was then stated that the Treasury Department would deduct the money from those who were returnees while for those who had not returned, it would be taken from their gratuity. The politicians who were affected by this included those who were backbenchers and ex-Cabinet ministers in the previous Parliament. Another politician who had to cough up the extra remuneration he had received from government in October was David Cruiser Ngcamphalala, who had his first salary cruise away from his hands. This, according to the minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, followed that the Ministry of Finance had informed him that he was overpaid in October, 2018. I was not paid for November and they informed me that I was paid an extra amount for October by mistake, Ngcamphalala said.

The Sigwe Constituency elected Member of Parliament (MP) further said the Treasury Department, under the Ministry of Finance, informed him that he would be remunerated for this month. The legislators had their first pay cheque on November 30, 2018.

This was unlike in previous years where they were paid every 20th of each month. Following that there is no new circular addressing the perks and remuneration of politicians in the country, the legislators were paid using Finance Circular No.2 of 2013.

Further, the reason the politicians were paid by cheque on the last day of the month was, according to an impeccable source in the Ministry of Finance, because Cabinet made an addendum to the circular allowing the 11th Parliament to be remunerated accordingly with the provision that the payment will change when a new circular was released.




MBABANE  After being roasted by legislators last week, Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) has said it needed guidance and support from policymakers.

During a workshop for senators and Cabinet ministers held at the Happy Valley Hotel last Wednesday, the parastatal received strong criticism on how it conducted its duties. One of the issues raised was that SRA taxed people to the bone and did so until they died as it also demanded a share from pensions. The legislators said they did not understand why their sitting allowances, which are E350 per sitting, were taxed. Furthermore, the legislators said the existing tax laws had led to a situation where emaSwati found themselves having to think twice before they considered opening businesses. The parastatal has come out to state that it was but an administrator of policy.

Mandate

Interviewed on Friday, SRA Manager Customer Service Riccardo Kruger said the mandate of the parastatal was to administer the countrys tax laws as well as provide expert advice to government with respect to issues of taxation. The SRA does not promulgate any law, neither does it have any powers to change any aspect of the law. The SRA, in essence, is incomplete without the support and guidance of policy makers as the countrys legislators, he said. Explaining further, he mentioned that all legislation were primarily for purposes of guiding and maintaining order in the countrys social, political and economic environment. He said it was for that purpose that all legislation had to be thoroughly interrogated and debated prior to being endorsed as law as the final product becomes critical for the development of the country.

Furthermore it is critical that there is clear segregation of duty among the various role players to mitigate any conflict of interest as well as to ensure optimal accountability. For example, the ultimate administrators of any law would participate less during the development phases, often only providing technical advice, and it would be legislators who would take the lead in crafting the law and ensuring that the resultant law will be as effective as possible. It is therefore very important that there is harmony and cooperation among the various role players, he said. Following that there was not enough time, the legislators were informed that they would get another opportunity of meeting the parastatal for further engagement.




NTONDOZI  Protocol was broken by a family following the mysterious death of their member.

The Dlamini family of Ntondozi refused that one of the family members, Sicelo Dlamini be buried according to lisiko lemalangeni; emgedzeni despite that some family members had already prepared a place for him there. They questioned the decision to take Sicelos body to the caves following that his other relatives were not taken there. This is against the fact that the deceased member Sicelo Dlamini was not from the royal family and not even one of his family members had been buried there. Normally descendants who have royal blood are buried in the mountains (emgedzeni) and are not put inside a coffin but covered with skin inside a mountain cave. There was division among the family members as some of the elders felt that he needed to be buried in the mountains, while others declined.

Despite reporting the matter at the Royal Kraal in Ntondozi, there was no solution but instead they were directed to the police. Police had to be called to the scene to calm the situation yesterday morning after adamant family members declined to take the deceased Sicelos body to the mountain caves following an order from some family members. When this reporter arrived at the homestead the mood was sombre. Some of the family members, including the widow, were packing their belongings following foul play in the death of Sicelo. Sicelo died under mysterious circumstances after complaining of stomach pains and later vomited blood. According to his elder sister Zodwa Mkhabela, who was found at the homestead, said she thanked God that her brother was finally laid to rest as per their wish without involving lawyers as the family did not have money.

Mkhabela said police had advised them to seek legal counsel in order for the courts to issue an order directing that Sicelo be buried at the family graveyard and not in the mountains. This, she said was frustrating because they could not afford a lawyer. She said Sicelo got sick last Sunday after complaining of stomach pains, then he later vomited blood and was taken to Mankayane Government Hospital. Mkhabela said at the hospital, Sicelo was not admitted but a drip was administered to him before he was released on the same day. Sicelo died upon his arrival at the Dlamini homestead at Khalanglile in Ntondozi. Mkhabela said some of the family members who wanted the deceased to be buried in the caves made excuses that there had been a number of family members who had died mysteriously, hence they wanted to put an end to it. They told us that by burying him in the caves they want to put an end to the mysterious death occurring within the family, said Mkhabela.




MATSAPHA  Police are on a man-hunt for a First National Bank (FNB) employee, who is alleged to have stolen about E3 million belonging to the bank, in one day.

The employee, Thulani Nkambule (28), based at the Matsapha branch of the bank is alleged to have stolen the money and transferred it into three different accounts, two local ones and another in South Africa. The Fraud Unit is currently questioning possible witnesses over the incident, which has left everyone shocked, especially employees at the bank. The accused person, who is on top of the police wanted list, is a Supervisor for Consultants at the bank and recently won an award for Best Performing Employee of the Year at the bank.

Information gathered is that the suspect, who is believed to have premeditated the theft reported for work on Friday as normal and was in his office the whole day, going about his daily duties. It was established that he allegedly transferred the money into the different accounts, one of them belonging to his distant brother. It was also confirmed that the brother together with other witnesses were questioned yesterday at the Police Regional Headquarters. Nkambule allegedly committed the offence on Friday and on the following day, he never reported for work. He is also alleged to have withdrawn about E300 000 on Saturday in the country before escaping. Sources alleged the accused person left the country for South Africa while others said he was in Mozambique, however, the police are still conducting investigations. It was also gathered that another E300 000 was withdrawn from the South African account over the weekend by an unknown individual, whose account was used by the accused person while he was at this place of employment on Friday.

Missing

A well-placed source at the bank said officials there believed a total of E2.8 million was missing from the banks account. Bank officials suspected that there was money missing on Saturday when the accused person failed to pitch for work. When they tried to contact him on his mobile phones, he could not be reached. His father also reported to the bank and said he was worried about his son, who never returned home on the Friday. The father also revealed that the accused persons phones were off and he was worried about his safety as he had never disappeared from home, the well-placed source, who preferred to speak on condition of anonymity, said. Other sources revealed that the incident was crafty in that money was taken in different amounts and transferred to the other accounts to evade detection. When the alleged fraud was discovered, bank officials tried their best to block some of the transferred funds, especially those in foreign accounts. It was gathered that the remaining funds, which were withdrawn were still being tracked by the bank.




It gets worse by the day.

Yesterday we woke up to revelations that some government vehicles have been found to be registered in the name of a government employee. These are no ordinary cars but the controversial luxury BMWs bought for the ministers serving in the Barnabas Dlamini-led Cabinet. The employee denies playing any part in this anomaly, except to have served as a messenger in filing the documents for their registration. Strangely, some were correctly registered as State property while others belong to him. We dare ask how many government cars are registered in the name of the messenger? This warrants a full blown investigation to determine the extent of this practice and to call upon the Central Transport Administration (CTA) to account for all government vehicles. Such a probe is all the more necessary when considering a past incident where a government-purchased truck was found in the hands of a private construction company.

Not to mention a govt car that was found to be registered in the name of an influential citizen. We have also had a case of a car parts syndicate that was busted servicing public transport owners. We are yet to be convinced that government fuel theft has been addressed given the failure of the previous government to curb government vehicle abuse. The latest revelation presents Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini with bulging paperwork for the anti-corruption crusade and we expect no less than the vigor with which the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has adopted in using the Prevention of Organised Crime Act of 2018 (POCA), to confiscate property from those suspected to have acquired it through ill-gotten means.

It is becoming more apparent each day that some executive decisions taken by the previous Cabinet were detrimental to the economy and these decisions need to be reviewed for purposes of prosecution. Gifting the ministers these BMWs is one of them. These ministers wrecked an economy but continued to entitle themselves to State property worth almost half a million Emalangeni without paying a cent for it. This cant be right! Neither is considering any of the former Cabinet ministers to serve in public office given the shambolic state in which they left our economy.
Benjamin Pavard a vecu un weekend difficile. Le defenseur francais sest blesse lors de la defaite de Stuttgart contre le Borussia Monchengladbach (3-0).

Auteur dun csc sur le troisieme but adverse, le champion du monde 2018 a subi une blessure a lischio-jambier de la cuisse droite. Le VfB na pour le moment pas donne de nouvelles du footballeur de 22 ans, ni communique la duree de son absence.
Infrastructure work related to the new Bahrain International Airport project is progressing at a steady pace with the Phase One of the new road network leading to and from the airport already completed, said a statement from the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning.



With the work in full swing, the Phase Two is likely to be ready in time for the official opening of the airport in the next few months, it stated.



The work on the new airport roads network will continue even after the opening of the airport as the flow of passengers is expected to surge, said Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf.



Al Khalaf was addressing newly-elected members of Muharraq Municipal Council after they were sworn in yesterday (December 9).



The minister said that new projects and services had been earmarked for Muharraq area of the kingdom to raise the governorate to its original status as Bahrains second oldest city.



"The projects for the next four years have been designed and an estimated budget calculated. They will be tendered as we have secured financing from the $10 billion GCC Development Fund," revealed Al Khalaf.



"But the councillors feedback is vital for us to go ahead and incorporate the strategy in the four-year Government Action Plan that will be presented to parliament next month and then the two national budgets that will follow," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) said it has signed a deal with Egyptian government to provide funding worth KD15 million ($50 million) for the construction of four water desalination plants in South Sinai region of the country.



The duo also signed another loan deal under which the Kuwait Fund would present an additional loan worth KD25 million ($85 million) to the Egyptian government for development works.



These agreements were signed by Dr Sahar Ahmed Mohammed Abdul Moniem Nasr, the Egypt's Minister of Investment and International Cooperation, and Abdulwahab Ahmed Al Bader, the director-general of KFAED, in the presence of senior officials on the sidelines of "Africa 2018 Forum" held recently at Sharm El Sheikh.



The construction of Bahr Al Baqar Water Drainage Systems Project aims at meeting expected demand for agricultural water, contribute to environmentally protection of Lake Al Manzala and creation of about 100 thousand of new jobs, said a statement from KFAED.



The scope of work includes the construction of civil and mechanical facilities to divert about 5 million cubic meters per day of water from three drainage systems; Bahr Al Baqar, Shadr Azam and Om Al Reesh, to be treated at a new treatment plant facility with capacity of about 5 million cubic meters per day that will be constructed east of Suez Canal, it stated.



The project will see the reclamation of about 330,000 acres of agriculture lands, in addition to 70,000 acres currently cultivated, bringing the total cultivated land to 400,000 acres.



It also involves provision of consultancy services for detailed design and supervision of construction. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubai-based Trustworthy.ae Group plans to invest Dh365 million ($100 million) in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), to develop an inland container depot (ICD), a third-party container freight station (CSF) and other port-related services over the next five years.



Kizad is one of the largest industrial zones in the Middle East and a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports.



Future investments will entail the development of engineering services, third-party logistics, marine services, retail and hospitality, said a statement.



Construction on the container freight station and inland container depot, which will be developed on a 1.4 million sq ft land plot, will commence in January 2019 and is set to become operational by June 2019.



Hayleys Advantis Limited, the transport and logistics arm of Sri Lankas Hayleys Group, will operate the facility.



Hayleys is the first Sri Lankan-listed company to cross $1 billion in turnover in fiscal year 2017/18.



Container volumes in Kizad are expected to grow exponentially from 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 8.5 million TEUs over the next five years.



Abdul Lathif, managing director, Trustworthy.ae Group, said: Under the steadfast guidance of our chairman Sheikh Maktoum Bin Hasher Bin Mana Al Maktoum, it is our honour and privilege to invest and be part of Kizad.



Our state-of-the-art inland container depot and container freight station will provide world-class and most reliable services to our clients across various industries, he said.



The potential growth in container volumes over the coming years in Kizad implies the need to build an integrated facility within the port and together with our partners we will provide services such as container handling, repairs and maintenance, he added.



Samir Chaturvedi, chief executive officer, Kizad, said: We are delighted that Trustworthy.ae is setting up at Kizad.



This new container freight station will form an integral part of our thriving ecosystem at the industrial zone, which already offers world-class infrastructure, free zone and industrial zone solutions, dedicated investor support, and a strategic location with access to regional and international markets, he said.



Hayleys PLC chairman Mohan Pandithage said: As the leading logistics solutions provider in Sri Lanka, Hayleys Advantis Limited is happy to enter into this landmark partnership with Trustworthy.ae Group, stepping into the Middle East market after having already established its presence in over ten countries.



It gives us great pride to represent and work with many of the large shipping and freight companies in the world and we look forward to a fruitful partnership with Trustworthy.ae Group to build a world-class operation in Kizad using our diverse and in-depth expertise, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Microsoft, a leading technology company, showcased its latest solutions at the recently concluded 6th E-Government Forum which was held in Kuwait.



The company demonstrated the power of its cloud and artificial intelligence solutions to accelerate the governments efforts towards e-services and drive digital transformation across all sectors in the country, said a statement.



Currently in its sixth year, the E-Government forum (EGOV6) in collaboration with Kuwaits Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), focuses on Managing Change towards Digitization and places emphasis on the change management practices that need to be implemented in order to boost e-Government programme implementation, and make the best use of all available resources along the way, it said.



Said Qusai Al Shatti, deputy director general for information technology sector at Kuwaits Central Agency for Information Technology, said: Kuwait is undergoing a massive transformation and is seen accelerating towards the digital era.



Our objective is to empower the government entities in the country with innovative and state-of-the art technologies to accelerate digitization and achieve sustained growth, he said.



In this process, it is imperative for us to rely on a technology provider who can deliver on these lines and can be relied upon. We are proud to have a partner like Microsoft on our side in this journey of to become a truly digital and connected government of Kuwait, he added.



The EGOV6 also features a technology exhibition, where Microsoft experts demonstrated a broad range of AI tools and innovations that can accelerate e-services in the government sector. Delegates visiting the Microsoft stand, gained the opportunity to get hands-on experience of latest cutting-edge solutions including cognitive computing, machine learning and use cases on face recognition, chatbots, emotion detection and object analysis - aimed at enabling better and secure engagement of citizens, empowerment of government employees, optimization of operations and transformation of public services.



Charles Nahas, general manager, Microsoft Kuwait, said: The Government of Kuwait is ambitiously steering towards achieving the countrys Vision 2035 of New Kuwait with a strong focus on digital transformation.



Cloud and Artificial Intelligence can be at the heart of this journey to fuel digitisation and accelerate e-services in the public sector to address challenges and meet citizen expectations. Our participation at this years EGOV6 is to reiterate our companys commitment and support the governments vision, as well as commend the role played by agencies such as the CAIT, in driving this transformation - and delivering the power to the countrys government agencies to achieve more, he added.



Microsoft speakers also participated at the forum and addressed delegates on the power of artificial intelligence, cloud, cyber security and related technologies. Mohammed Zayed, senior cyber-security solutions specialist for Microsoft Kuwait, gave a talk on the Culture Transformation for Identities & Information Protection in a Cloud Era, and the responsibility that Leaders and Security Officers carry in driving a secure digital transformation to protect their organizations from potential cyber-attacks.

Firas Bou Fakhereddine, technology solutions professional for AI & Big Data for Microsoft Kuwait, addressed delegates on the role of artificial intelligence and how it is accelerating innovation, and bridging the gaps in society for individuals, organisations and governments to achieve more.



Microsoft partner, Blackstone also shared the booth with the company and showcased its AI solutions built on the Microsoft Azure Platform. Blackstone showcased the Intelligent Assistant, a chatbot powered by AI that is capable of understanding conversation phrasing and provide human-like conversations to the end user, enabling government entities to automate customer services and business processes.



The company also showcased Predictive Analytics and Facial Recognition solutions that can enable government entities to better serve and protect citizens. In line with the showcase, Wajih Yahyaoui, Managing Partner at BlackStone eIT, also delivered a session during the Egov Summit on the Role of AI in transforming Public sector institutions and make the most out of these technologies, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) said that four per cent stake in its onshore concession, previously held by CEFC China Energy Company Limited (CEFC China), has been acquired by North Petroleum International Company Ltd, a subsidiary of China ZhenHua Oil.



The ownership change has been approved by Abu Dhabis Supreme Petroleum Council and is in line with the UAE leaderships directives to grant access to Abu Dhabis oil and gas concessions to partners who offer technology, operational experience, capital or market access.



The transfer was endorsed by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Adnoc Group CEO, and Liu Yijiang, chairman of China ZhenHua Oil.



Dr Al Jaber said: China ZhenHua Oils acquisition of the four percent stake in the onshore concession underlines the continued pull of the United Arab Emirates as a leading global energy and investment destination, backed by a strong, stable and secure commercial environment. With China ZhenHua Oil, we will pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, share business growth opportunities and work together as we deliver on our 2030 smart growth strategy.



China ZhenHua Oil is 100 per cent indirectly owned by the Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, a Chinese-government agency that supervises and manages over a hundred state-owned assets and enterprises in a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, oil and petrochemicals and transport.



Yijiang said: For decades, Adnoc Onshore has successfully developed a number of oil fields that produce from Abu Dhabis giant cretaceous carbonate reservoirs, working in partnership with various international oil companies. China ZhenHua Oil, as a new partner in UAEs upstream sector, is honoured to join the operating concession and will contribute its capabilities in technology, management and supply chains, which may maximize the benefits and value for all.



China ZhenHua Oil operates 11 oil and gas upstream projects in six countries, with gross production of close to 10 million metric tons per year. It is also in the fuel storage, transportation and refining business, with a trading desk in Singapore.



China ZhenHua Oil joins BP of the UK (10 per cent), Total of France (10 per cent), China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) (8 per cent), Inpex Corporation of Japan (5 per cent), and GS Energy of South Korea (3 per cent) as participants in the onshore concession and shareholders of Adnoc Onshore. Adnoc retains a majority 60 per cent share in the Adnoc Onshore operated concession.



Adnoc is one of the worlds leading diversified energy and petrochemicals groups with a daily output of about three million barrels of oil. With 14 specialist subsidiary and joint venture companies, Adnoc is a primary catalyst for the UAEs growth and diversification.  TradeArabia News Service
Swiss-Belhotel International, which currently manages a portfolio of more than 145 hotels and resorts worldwide, has signed a management agreement with HRR Properties for Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair in Bahrain.



Featuring 174 keys (studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and 3 unique penthouses), equipped with outstanding facilities, the hotel is expected to begin operations by mid-2019.



Gavin M Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International, said: Swiss-Belsuites is a distinctive brand that delivers a compelling guest experience. We are delighted to introduce it in the gulf region with a unique property like Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair and very excited to partner with the HRR Properties. We have a strong presence in Bahrain and this latest addition to our portfolio will further strengthen our offering in the Kingdom.



Designed for both business and leisure travellers, the hotel is strategically located right at the start of the vibrant American Alley facing the US navy base.



Abdulhameed Mohamed Hasan Dawani, chairman, HRR Properties, said: Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair is being developed to meet the needs of both extended and short-stay guests offering contemporary accommodation with comfortable living areas and flexible working spaces. It will provide an enhanced experience to travellers with its excellent location, design and wide range of facilities combined with Swiss-Belhotel Internationals signature hospitality. We value our partnership with the group and look forward to working with them on this wonderful project.



Laurent A Voivenel, senior vice president, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said: Bahrain is a leading business and leisure hub and, therefore, a significant market for us. We are very happy to continue our expansion in the country with an exceptional hotel like Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair and extremely grateful to HRR Properties W.L.L. for having given us this opportunity. We are confident it will be a popular choice for visitors to the Kingdom.



The high-end suites at Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair are equipped with a wide array of facilities including fully-fitted kitchens. The penthouses too are exceptional and offer stunning sea views along with exclusive amenities such as their own private pools and BBQ stations.



The hotel also boasts multiple one-of-a-kind food and beverage options spread over huge spaces. These range from an all-day-dining outlet, with shisha serving terrace, to speciality restaurants and bars, an upscale lounge and a lobby cafe. Other facilities include a meeting room, a large spa, an indoor swimming pool, kids club and a kids splash pool.  TradeArabia News Service
Imperative Execution Closes $9 Million Series A Financing Round

Imperative Execution, a financial technology company that created IntelligentCross, a new trading venue for institutional investors, announced it has completed a $9 million Series A round of financing. The investment round included participation from prominent buy side firms, industry executives and leading venture capital funds. It follows a $5 million five-investor seed round in 2017 and provides Imperative Execution with funding to grow IntelligentCross, launched in September. IntelligentCross is a smart venue, pioneering the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the venue level. It uses AI-assisted scheduled matching, engineered to reduce market impact  a key implicit cost of trading.

Roman Ginis, Founder & CEO of Imperative Execution, commented: We founded Imperative to create more efficient markets. Market efficiency for institutions is about market impact  a measure of price dislocation during trade execution. It affects everyone with an investment account from Main Street to Wall Street. The brokerage community has done an impressive job of developing advanced execution algorithms to help with this, but trading venues  exchanges and alternative trading systems that match buyers and sellers  have lagged in innovation. We believe our approach to market design, building smart venues that optimize for investor objectives, has the potential to truly transform trading in the same way that smartphones have transformed our communications. We are pleased to secure this next round of funding to pursue our mission to make the market more efficient.

Larry Tabb, Founder and Chairman of Tabb Group, commented: The impact of institutional investors trades on the market has been one of the most significant issues since the days of the Buttonwood tree. The average US equities transaction size has dropped below 200 shares per trade, which has made this challenge even more pressing. The application of AI to dynamically address this problem has the potential to be a game changer, and early results are truly encouraging.

IntelligentCross is currently accessible through major electronic execution providers. Its key features are as follows:

Focused on Performance: IntelligentCross is built to minimize market response after each trade. Lower market response implies lower information leakage, crucial for institutional investors seeking to avoid moving the market.

Dynamic: IntelligentCross matches orders at scheduled times, typically milliseconds apart. Each match is at the market midpoint (NBBO mid). What makes the venue intelligent is an AI-assisted process that calibrates the match schedule per security, based on the actual market response to its trades. This closed-loop measure-optimize-calibrate type of AI allows the venue to adapt to market conditions and continuously improve to help traders achieve their performance objectives.

Simple: IntelligentCross has a single order type (mid peg) that seamlessly fits into todays electronic execution workflow, requiring no programming or changes to brokers algorithmic suite or the buy sides order entry process.

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:
CANNABIS CORNER: Part 1: Snapshot of the Legal Cannabis Market at Years End

I field several calls daily from former trading associates inquiring about investing in cannabis. Its easy to skip the basics, but that can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. Ive enlisted the help of cannabis business intelligence leader New Frontier Data to provide an editorial series for Traders Magazine outlining the fundamentals of this rapidly evolving industry. -SB

With an increasing majority of Americans supporting cannabis legalization, and the industry generating $10.3 billion in sales throughout 2018, it is a seminal time for investors and operators seeking entrance and opportunities in this fast-growing sector.

Through results from state ballot initiatives in the November 2018 elections, medical cannabis is now legal in 33 states (nearly 2/3 of the U.S.) and the District of Columbia (D.C.), while cannabis has been legalized for adult (i.e., recreational) use in 10 states and D.C.

Based on the election results, New Frontier Datas revised U.S. forecast for the combined medical and adult-use state markets is on track to grow to $17 billion in 2020, and $25.7 billion by 2025. Meanwhile, with large states like California and Michigan now fully legal, the adult-use markets share of those sales will double, from 22% in 2018, to 44% in 2025.

As of the first week of November, the total market cap of the top 15 cannabis companies was about $24.3 billion.

New Frontier Data analysis shows that were cannabis fully legal in all 50 states, it would at minimum create $105 billion in combined federal tax revenue by 2025. Based on an estimated 15% retail sales tax, between 2017 and 2025 the federal government would collect $46 billion in sales tax, $20 billion from business tax, and $39 billion from payroll deductions from a legalized market  entirely new revenue from an industry which on the federal level remains illegal.

In October, Canada became the first G7 member nation to legalize cannabis nationally, though now the supreme courts of both Mexico and South Africa have declared that prohibition violates their citizens civil rights. The Canadian markets opening means that the entire northern contiguous U.S. border with Canada includes legal markets on both sides for all but a 45-mile stretch in Idaho.

The popularity of cannabis has been borne out among U.S. state markets. As confirmed through a nationwide survey released in October by the Pew Research Center, more than six-in-10 Americans (62%) favor legalization, maintaining a steady increase over the past decade. Though the share of U.S. adults supporting legalization changed little from 2017 (with 61% favoring it), it has doubled since 2000 (31%).

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Human development is about expanding the richness of human life, rather than simply the richness of the economy in which human beings live. It is an approach that is focused on people and their opportunities and choices.
Emir of Kuwait urges persian gulf states to stop media campaigns against each other

Doha, Dec 9 (Sputnik) Emir of Kuwait Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah called on Sunday for the Persian Gulf monarchies to halt mutual media campaigns over the Saudi-Qatari row.

"According to our position on preserving unity of the Persian Gulf states and promoting their prosperity, we call for an end to the information campaigns that have hurt our principles and planted seeds of hatred in our society," the emir said at the 39th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Ryadh, as broadcast by Al Ekhbariya.

After Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Qatar in June 2017, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have launched information campaigns against Qatari government. Doha, in turn, harshly criticized the neighboring states in the state-owned media outlets.
GLO.ACT supports pilot of the specialized training module for judges on human trafficking

Kyiv, Ukraine - 10 December 2018 - Under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants ( GLO.ACT) and in collaboration with the National School of Judges, UNODC organized its pilot of the specialized training module for judges on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) related crimes from 21 to 23 November 2018.

The new curriculum covers all aspects of TIP. It provides theoretical background whilst also making available practical exercises to future judges. This will make a significant difference to the work of the future judges, since one of the reasons why court rulings often appear lenient is because judges do not have adequate training on how to interpret Article 149 of Ukraine's criminal code. In many TIP cases, due to a lack of training on TIP, judges do not fully appreciate the severity of the crime or the devastating impact it has on its victims.

Acting judges from all over Ukraine, as well as former judges with extensive expertise in cases related to TIP and international partners, including IOM delivered the training during the pilot workshop. 28 judges of city courts from Western Ukraine participated as recently this region has seen an increase in labour migration and vulnerable migrants at risk of becoming TIP victims.

The curriculum consists of the following modules:

Reasons for TIP;

National and international situation on countering TIP, tendencies and challenges;

Types of TIP cases and modern trends;

Analysis of the national and international legislation on TIP;

Analysis of the European Court of Human Rights practice;

Qualification of crime in accordance with the Art. 149 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, cumulative crimes, separation of crimes;

Practical aspects of the use of Article 149 in court;

Peculiarities of evidence in criminal proceedings on TIP related crimes;

Ethical aspects of the trial. Actual issues of ensuring the safety of participants in criminal proceedings;

Damages and compensation, civil litigation in connection with the criminal case;

Appointment of punishment.

Each module contains mini-lectures, practical tasks for group work and a discussion of the group work with the trainer. The training also contains role-play to better understand TIP for the purpose of labour and sexual exploitation as well as films that cover issues of vulnerability, ethics and cumulative crimes. During the training it was decided to extend the training by 13 working hours, as the topics lead to a more detailed discussion.

During the development of the training course changes to Article 149 were made. Ms. Valentina Kuzmenko, Vice Head of the National School of Judges, and Mr. Andrii Orlean, expert of the National School of Judges, explained that prior to the changes, the definition of definition of TIP was - sale, other paid transfer of a person, as well as the commission of any other illegal transaction related to the legal or illegal movement of it with the consent or without consent. In the new version the part "any other illegal transaction related to the legal or illegal movement" is omitted. The experts showed how to qualify cases, which were subject to the article 149 under it's previous formulation. Meaning, experts gave guidance on how to work with crimes, which previously qualified as TIP. They gave information how to regard such cases under the revised version of the article 149.

Ms. Orysya Ferenze-Pijuk, a judge of the Volyn region court said, "The training was amazing and extremely up to date. I have experience in TIP related cases, but there turned out to be so many nuances, which I learned during the training. There was a huge amount of work done by the developers of the course; they presented a serious analysis of Ukrainian and European legislation. Practical tasks and examples showed that there are many details, which are essential, but I had never considered them before. I would be happy to come to a training of trainers' workshop and to work further with the TIP related crimes and teach colleagues in my region. I am thankful to the UN for their assistance in the delivery of the curriculum."

The training for trainers, scheduled to take place from 20 to 21 December 2018, will be a workshop that enables to teach the trainers how to work with the TIP related crimes. Thirty judges from all regions of Ukraine are invited to participate. This will allow to provide trainings in each regional department of the National School of judges and to have all judges, who work with TIP crimes

The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms.

For more information, please contact:

Olga Ilchenko, National Project Assistant, UNODC

Email: olga.ilchenko@un.org

www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/

Twitter: @glo_act
GLO.ACT supports training of trainers in Niger on the treatment of children associated with violent and extremist groups

19 November 2018 - Like most of the Sahel countries affected by Boko Haram, Niger has been facing the phenomenon of child recruitment and exploitation by violent extremist and terrorist groups. The country is also known to serve as a key source of, transit point, and destination for trafficking in persons, especially women and children.

In the framework of the UNODC contribution to the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel, called the Sahel Programme, UNODC has been supporting the government of Niger with technical assistance aimed at strengthening the capacities of criminal justice actors concerning the treatment of children within the criminal justice system as offenders or victims. Between 2017 and 2018, UNODC has trained more than 230 Nigerien officials on these issues and, to enhance national training capacities, the Office initiated a series of training-of-trainers with the aim to build a pool of trainers specialized on the criminal justice response in the context of counterterrorism and human trafficking.

From 8 to 19 October 2018, a training-of-trainers (ToT) workshop was therefore organized by UNODC in Niamey, in cooperation with the "Ecole Nationale de Formation Judiciaire du Niger" (EFJN), focusing on the treatment of child victims of violence, trafficking and recruitment by violent and extremist groups, and the application of alternatives to prosecution and imprisonment for children in conflict with the law. The ToT, which aimed to form a pool of trainers on justice for children at the disposal of the EJFN, was attended by 12 Nigerien magistrates (prosecutors, juvenile judges and investigative judges) from across the country and was led by both UNODC experts and selected international experts on adult training, juvenile justice, and child psychology.

Through practical exercises, case-studies, role-play, and mock training, the workshop provided the 12 magistrates with refresher and tailored knowledge regarding violence against children within the criminal justice system as victims or alleged offenders, and on the application of alternative measures for children in conflict with the law including those accused of terrorism related offenses. In doing so, the ToT emphasized the importance of adult training methodology and how to efficiently conduct training for future magistrates and other criminal justice actors.

One juvenile judge stated: "I have attended a number of trainings but this one is really particular. Thanks to the methodology and the practical exercises and mock-training we had in this ToT, I now feel ready to take on the role of a trainer and disseminate the knowledge and know-how amongst other magistrates." Another participant who works as an investigative judge stated further: "This ToT will have an impact not only on my work as a judge but also on my role as a father. Thanks to the excellent sessions and the practical exercises, I learned a lot about violence against children, especially secondary victimization and how to detect child victims. Before applying my knowledge as a judge, I will look at my own children with a different perspective because I think there are many things I have been doing wrong as a father and as a judge."

The training also served as a platform for exchange on the challenges Nigerien magistrates are facing, especially concerning cooperation with other actors within the penal chain such as social workers, police, and those in the broader protection system. One prosecutor stated: "I accumulated a lot of knowledge through different theoretical trainings, but I was never able to apply it to my daily work as a prosecutor. For instance, I know the meaning of alternatives to imprisonment but I admit I have missed a lot of opportunities in applying them and I used to overlook the role of social workers. I am confident that thanks to this training things will change because I now know when, why and how to apply alternative measures to children in conflict with the law. I also understand now why a social worker is crucial to my role as prosecutor or juvenile judge."

This activity was organized in the framework of the UNODC Global Programme on Violence against Children and the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants ( GLO.ACT) thanks to the support from the European Union and the Governments of Canada and Sweden.

The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. GLO.ACT works with the 13 countries to plan and implement strategic national counter-trafficking and counter smuggling efforts through a prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships approach. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms.

For more information, please contact:
UW Student Graduating from WTBC Incubator, Moving Business to Riverton

Caitee and Dallin Cooper will graduate from UW Dec. 15. Dallin Cooper will be the first graduate of the WTBC incubator in Laramie to relocate his business outside of Laramie. He and his wife will be moving Atmosphere Marketing to Riverton in an effort to help more businesses in the state with their website development and SEO needs. (UW Photo)

When Dallin Cooper walks down the aisle to receive his dual degrees in marketing and management from the University of Wyoming Dec. 15, he also will be departing the Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC), a home where he cultivated his company, Atmosphere Marketing, for the past two years.

Cooper will be the first graduate of the WTBC incubator in Laramie to relocate his business outside of Laramie. He and his wife, Caitee, will relocate the business to his hometown of Riverton, where it will be more centralized to be better able to reach companies located in the rest of the state.

Atmosphere Marketing helps small businesses manage their search engine optimization (SEO) on the internet. SEO is the process of boosting the online visibility of a website in a web search engines unpaid or organic results. SEO encompasses both technical and creative elements required to improve website rankings, drive traffic and increase awareness.

There are many companies in Wyoming that understand the value of having a great website. But, nobody sees the website because the company needs to also understand SEO, Dallin Cooper says. We spend a lot of time educating and addressing what opportunities there are, whether thats to focus on social media, paid advertising or SEO.

A lot of companies in Wyoming do well through word-of-mouth, says Caitee Cooper, who will receive her degree in psychology Dec. 15. But, some company websites are hard to navigate and out of date, which can drive potential customers away.

By moving the company to Riverton, Dallin Cooper is hopeful Atmosphere Marketing can spread its wings even farther and reach companies in his hometown, as well as Casper, Sheridan and Rock Springs.

Weve seen a lot of rapid growth over the past few years. Six months ago, we were trying to figure out if our company would be successful enough when school ended that we could eat. Now, its bringing in enough money that we can support ourselves and continue to grow our business even further, Dallin Cooper says. By this time next year, we could be where we are right now or looking at something with four offices across the state with 10 employees.

Both come from families of entrepreneurs. Dallin Cooper says his parents started around a dozen different companies while he was growing up. Caitee Cooper says her parents started an office supply store, and later branched out into businesses in office furniture and technology.

During his time at UW, Dallin Cooper served as a WTBC intern and won third place in the 2016 version of the John P. Ellbogen $30K Entrepreneurship Competition, which is now known as the John P. Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition. Coopers prize was $5,000, and that was used to jump-start Atmosphere Marketing.

There was not a whole lot of capital costs associated with starting an SEO company. We needed software and some basic equipment but, mostly, it gave us a little bit of a name and some validation and confidence, he says. We probably took risks we might not have felt comfortable doing without that money. There are many things that worked out well that came out of placing in that competition.

It gave us the flexibility to try different tracking software, lead generators and link-building strategies that we probably wouldnt have invested in without that money, Caitee Cooper adds.

Some of their local clients include Big Hollow Food Co-Op, Mountain Valley Properties and Cirrus Sky Technology Park. Dallin Cooper says the company currently has 18 active clients, but they have probably helped 25-30 Wyoming companies with their websites and SEO.

Dallin typifies the best of UWs entrepreneurial students because he is using skills he learned here at the university and is using them to solve the problems of others, says Fred Schmechel, assistant director of the WTBC. Selling on the internet often relies just on being the top search result. Atmosphere Marketing helps Wyoming businesses that want a web presence best position themselves to sell everywhere and not just at home.

Steve Russell, assistant dean in the UW College of Business, was equally complimentary.

Dallin utilized every entrepreneurial resource our university has to offer, from the entrepreneurship classes he took all the way to placing in the Ellbogen $50K Entrepreneurship Competition and being incubated at the WTBC, Russell says. He was willing to ask for help, and he worked hard. Entrepreneurship is much more about perspiration than inspiration, and Dallin has that figured out. From all of us at the UW College of Business, we wish him lots of success with Atmosphere Marketing.

Our goal is we want to feel like we are making an economic difference in the development of Wyoming, Dallin Cooper says, adding he is a big proponent of working with companies that pride themselves on ethical behavior.

We want to see Wyoming become more diverse in terms of business, and we want to see local businesses succeed, Caitee Cooper adds.

For more information about Atmosphere Marketing, go to www.atmospheremarketingwy.com/.
Minister Cortes at Overseas Territories Meetings in London

While the Chief Minister continued his high level meetings and media appearances in London, Minister for Education, Environment and Climate Change John Cortes was representing Gibraltar at the UK Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in Lancaster House.

This followed the UK Overseas Territories Association Political Meeting held at Church House in Westminster.

Chief Ministers, Premiers and other senior political leaders and officials, and Governors, from all fourteen UK Overseas Territories attended the JMC and related meetings over three days. The meeting was chaired by the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Lord Ahmad. Despite the activity during the week in the Westminster Parliament, a number of UK Ministers personally attended the JMC. These included EU exit Minister Robin Walker, Financial Secretary to the Treasury Mel Stride, Environment Minister Therese Coffey and Minister of the Constitution Chloe Smith. Senior officials included Lindsay Appleby and Ben Merrick from the FCO.

A wide range of issues was discussed, including Brexit, the Environment, Disaster Response, Financial Services and Safeguarding.

Heads of Delegation also attended the Queens annual reception for the Diplomatic Service at Buckingham Palace, attended by Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family.

During his time in London, Minister Cortes, accompanied by Gibraltars UK Representative Dominique Searle, met at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Ministers Environment Advisor, Lord Randall. At this meeting, the Minister who is co-chair of the OT Environment Ministers Forum, raised environmental issues relating to Gibraltar as well as wider Overseas Territories environmental matters.

The Minister also attended a workshop on Funding and the Environment organised by the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) where he formed part of a panel of experts together with academics and representatives of NGOs and funding organisations, and attended the Chief Ministers briefing to the All Party Parliamentary Group in the House of Commons.

Commenting on the visit, Minister Cortes said, It is important to keep in close contact with our friends in the other Overseas Territories. While we are all very different, we can certainly learn from and support each other in many of the areas that we discussed. The fact that senior UK Ministers attended the sessions shows that the UK Governments support for all the Territories is greater than it has been before.

Heads of Delegation of the 14 UK Overseas Territories with Lord Ahmad and Ben Merrick (FCO)

UKOTA Political Meeting
Between 3 and 7 December 2018, the WCO conducted a Workshop on Customs Valuation for the Pacific Islands sub-Region in Suva, Fiji.

The mission was made possible with the generous financial support of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund.

The Workshop was opened by Mr. Das, Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service. The head of the Oceania Customs Organization (OCO), Mr. Roy Lagolago, also spoke at the opening ceremony.

24 Customs officials from five WCO Member countries, namely, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, and five non-WCO Members of the OCO, namely Cook Islands, Guam, Kiribati, Niue and Solomon Islands, participated in the Workshop. The programme consisted of refresher sessions on the methodology of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement and in-depth presentations, discussions and exercises on a number of key technical valuation topics such as royalty and licence fees, transfer pricing and software-related issues.

Also included in the programme were presentations and discussions on the WCOs Revenue Package programme, focusing on the practical challenges of implementing the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement in developing countries and how to identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Customs valuation infrastructure by use of the WCOs diagnostic tool. Additionally, a number of local practical cases were presented by the participants and discussed by the group. These cases highlighted the particular valuation challenges faced by small island economies.

Expert Trainers on Customs Valuation and Post-clearance audit from Japan Customs co-facilitated the Workshop, together with the lead expert from the WCO, and shared the Japan Customs experience of its valuation control system.

At the end of the Workshop, participants made commitments to follow up on the knowledge acquired within their administrations.
By Dec. 09, 2018

The main entrance to Noble Park, 2915 Park Avenue opens to welcome visitors when the park lights up each evening Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 pm; Fri. & Sat., 6-10 pm.



The is no charge to drive through the light display, but please bring a monetary gift or canned goods to donate to local food pantries and shelters. There will be volunteers at the Santa House to take the donations as you drive by.



Experience the region's premier holiday light display as Paducah Power System lights up the holiday season with Christmas in the Park! Christmas in the Park kicked off Wednesday, Nov. 22 with a lighting ceremony and walk under the lights. The event is open and lighted nightly through December 31.





John's Pass Carriage Service offers horsedrawn carriage tours by reservation during Light Display hours. Call 270-243-4365 to make a reservation.





For more info, call 270-575-4000

PADUCAH - Christmas in the Park Lights Up Noble Park Nightly at 6
By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 10, 2018 | 10:02 AM | PADUCAH

The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce is currently taking nominations for its annual awards ceremony.According to its December newsletter, PACC will present the awards at the Chamber's 2019 Annual Meeting and Business Celebration on Jan. 25. Mercy Health and CSI are sponsoring the event, and will present the awards.Businesses are required to be members in good standing with the chamber for at least two years to be eligible. Any business that has won an award within the past five years is also ineligible for an award in the same category. Businesses are free to nominate themselves.Nominations will be accepted through Friday. You can find a nomination form at the chamber's website at the link below, or by calling 270-443-1746.

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Calvert City Jingle All the Way 5k and Fun Run set for December 4
By MSU Public Relations Dec. 09, 2018 | 04:33 PM | MURRAY

Murray State Interim President Robert L. Jackson presided over the ceremony. Jackson, along with Provost Mark Arant, administered the conferring of degrees. Altogether, 721 degrees were conferred to students representing 19 states and 15 countries.

The formal Presentation of Colors was led by the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Color Guard from Paducah Tilghman High School. Distinguished Professor Stephen Cobb served as the ceremony's mace-bearer.

During the commencement service, Emma Cook and George Bittel, the outstanding seniors for fall 2018, delivered valedictions addressing their fellow graduates. Cook, of Marble Hill, Missouri, graduated with a degree in human resource management, while Bittel, of Owensboro, graduated with a degree in agricultural business.

Dr. Kenneth Winters also received an honorary doctorate from the University during the ceremony. Winters received his bachelor's degree in education from Murray State in 1957 and served as dean for the University's College of Industry and Technology from 1977 to 1988. Additionally, during his career, Winters served as the ninth president of Campbellsville University and was elected to the Kentucky State Senate. Winters thanked the University for "nurturing me through my years as a student and as part of the faculty, staff and administrative team."

Faculty in attendance for the ceremony were led into the CFSB Center by the recipients of the Regents Teaching Award for Excellence, including Frances Smith, Brian Bourke, Deborah Bell, Yoko Hatakeyama, Rebecca Williams, Elizabeth Donovan, Sterling Wright and Shea Porr. They were joined by the Max Carman Teaching Excellence Recipient Amelia Dodd, Presidential Research Fellow Juyoung Song, University Distinguished Mentor Yoko Hatakeyama, Distinguished Researcher Randall Black, Faculty Advisor of the Year Bassam Atieh and University Emerging Scholars Urmi Willoughby and Gary Zeruth.

Faculty marshals assisting with the ceremony included Susana Bloomdahl, Heath Keller, Michael Kemp, Robert Lyons, Melony Shemberger, Matthew Shultz and F. Gilland Welsch.

Jackson's remarks included words of Murray State's first president, John Wesley Carr, who envisioned the University as a special place with its best days ahead, and an institution with inspiring faculty and staff that produces leaders who make a difference in and beyond the Commonwealth.

"You have benefitted from this special place; we have benefitted from this special place, and our best days are still in front of us," Jackson said. "You now have a responsibility as a new alumnus to lead, to make a difference, to give back, to assist your alma mater as an active graduate, to help us continue this work for the next 100 years."

On Saturday, Dec. 8, Murray State University celebrated December 2018 Commencement during a combined undergraduate and graduate ceremony in the CFSB Center.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 10, 2018 | 01:27 PM | PADUCAH

The U.S. Marshals Service and ten other local law enforcement agencies recently completed "Operation Jackson Purchase," a compliance check on 360 people in the Kentucky sex offender registry. The operation led to ten arrests between November 26-30.Marshals targeted Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall and McCracken counties. Arrests were made if the person was immediately found to be non-compliant, or if other illegal activity was suspected.The ten people who were arrested are Timothy Davenport of Almo; Charles Harding of Murray; William Jeffrey of Fulton; Andre Patton of Fulton; Lawrence Williams of Hickman; Clayton Davis of Wingo; Kenneth Dean of Benton; William Alford of Paducah; Kenneth Cooper of Paducah; and Craig Lindsay of Paducah.In addition to the ten arrests, officers seized over $10,000, one handgun, 43 grams of crack cocaine, one mobile meth lab, and one Corvette.The Kentucky Sex Offender Registry will be reviewing the information gathered in the operation to determine if others in their system have been non-compliant.The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 requires people who have been convicted of sex offenses to register as a sex offender in the jurisdiction(s) where they live, work, and go to school, and, in many cases, also in the jurisdiction(s) where they were convicted. Sex offenders who fail to register or keep their registrations current may be subject to up to ten years imprisonment. If they commit a violent crime while non-compliant, they could be sentenced to 30 years imprisonment.

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By West Kentucky Star Staff Dec. 10, 2018 | 10:56 AM | PADUCAH

Just as the National Weather Service said it would, Saturday and Sunday's winter weather tracked right along the Kentucky/Tennessee border, until it really unloaded on east Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.Most of Saturday's activity involved a light glaze of ice across the Missouri Bootheel, and a more pronounced freezing rain in northwest Tennessee, enough to break down tree branches in Weakley and Gibson counties.By late Saturday night, heavy freezing rain had crossed over the border into Murray, and Sunday morning an eighth of an inch of ice was reported. Mayfield also picked up about a tenth of an inch of ice by Sunday, along with observations of icing in southern Graves, Marshall, Fulton and Hickman counties. However, there was a sharp cutoff of precipitation to the north.In middle Tennessee, a wintry mix on Monday morning added to weekend snow on the ground to close many county school systems.By the time the southern storm reached the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, a foot of snow and accompanying ice knocked out power for 10,000 homes. In North Carolina, half a million customers lost power under up to two feet of snow.

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Wits human rights lawyer to be knighted

Professor Bonita Meyersfeld is being honoured for her efforts to promote human rights and fight gender-based violence.

Meyersfeld, a human rights lawyer, activist and academic at Wits University, has been named a Knight of the National Order of Merit by the President of France in recognition of her work on gender-based violence.

Meyersfield, the former director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and current associate professor of law at the Wits School of Law, will be awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Merite ('Knight of the National Order of Merit') by the French President Emmanuel Macron.

This honour is presented to French citizens and foreign nationals for distinguished military or civil achievements such as "acts of devotion, bravery, generosity, real merit or a measurable commitment to serving others". It is the second national Order after the Legion of Honour. Its purpose is to reward "distinguished merit" and encourage the lifeblood of the country.

Meyersfeld is awarded the honour in recognition of her work promoting human rights in South Africa, and in particular her commitment to combatting gender-based violence by establishing Lawyers against Abuse and through her research.

She served CALS as Director from 2012  2017 and currently sits on its Board of Directors, and teaches international law, business and human rights and international criminal law in the Wits School of Law.
Physicians are natural advocates of the poor

Patients are not clients and public healthcare is not an industry according to the recipient of the 2018 Gold Medal from Wits.

The University awarded Professor Kenneth Huddle its prestigious Gold Medal in recognition of his contribution to improving hospital services for the indigent in Soweto and southern Gauteng and for teaching generations of Wits medical students over 40 years.

Huddle delivered the keynote address at the Faculty of Health Sciences graduation ceremony on Friday, 7 December 2018.

What can be achieved in the public health system

Huddle said he has a special affinity for Health Sciences graduands, honed over 40 years of teaching at the University and as Chief Specialist and Professor of Internal Medicine from 1990 until his retirement in 2015.

He shared an anecdote about a medical emergency he encountered at Bara, which demonstrates what can be achieved in the public health system:

He shared the tale of a brilliant and promising 16-year-old boy from Pampierstand in the Northern Cape. The boy began experiencing elevated blood pressure and episodes of debilitating feelings of impending doom. An astute nurse in his hometown recognised the symptoms as something ominous and referred the boy to a specialist.

The boy ultimately ended up at Bara where specialists conducted tests, which revealed a tumour by his adrenal gland. Urgent surgery was recommended in consultation with the patient, his parents, and specialists in surgery and anaesthesia. The surgery saved the boys life. He later contacted his doctor to report that the nasty spells were over and he could focus on schoolwork.

Teamwork, collaboration, and consent

Huddles anecdote demonstrates the importance of teamwork amongst competent healthcare professionals treating patients in an enabling environment. It began with an astute nurse who had the foresight to refer to a specialist, where other experts in pathology, radiology, research, and surgery all played their role in diagnosis and treatment.

The sleuth work of medicine is what makes it so important and so much fun, said Huddle. One doctor cannot possess all the knowledge and skills. He emphasised the importance of involving the patient and his family in the diagnosis and treatment and the concept of informed consent.

Despite the success of this case, however, the majority of public health care services are patchy, said Huddle. He urged graduands to remember their Hippocratic Oath and quoted, Physicians are natural advocates of the poor and that this fundamental trust between a physician and a patient should not be compromised.

Patients as people

Huddle decries the reference to patients today as clients and the public healthcare as an industry.

He said medicine is a noble profession dedicated to servicing those in distress.

Citation for Professor Kenneth Robert Lind Huddle

Professor Kenneth Huddle was born and educated in Johannesburg. He completed his undergraduate medical studies at Wits (MBBCh, 1974) and qualified as a Specialist Physician in 1980. For most of his professional life, spanning more than four decades, Huddle was based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, where he was Chief Specialist and Professor of Internal Medicine at Wits from 1990 until his retirement in 2015.

He made major contributions to improving healthcare services for the indigent of Soweto and southern Gauteng and training undergraduate medical students and postgraduate registrars in Internal Medicine. He served on several hospital committees and played an active role in academic administration of the Department of Internal Medicine and Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits.

An accomplished and astute clinician, Huddles passion for bedside teaching benefitted innumerable medical students and medical registrars and contributed to the high throughput of specialist physicians at Wits. For this, he has received numerous accolades and awards, including the Wits Medical Students Council 1997 Daubenton Clinical Award for "the clinician who makes the greatest contribution to students, inspires his students and leads by example in patient care and knowledge acquired."

Other awards are the FJ Milne Department of Medicine Distinguished Teaching and Service Award in 2001, and the Phillip V. Tobias and Convocation Award for distinguished teaching in the Faculty of Health Sciences in 2007.

During his tenure as Clinical Head of Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, the Department of Internal Medicine grew from approximately 15 specialist physicians with mainly general medicine expertise, to a fully-fledged tertiary service, with more than 40 specialist physicians, most with subspecialty qualifications. Today, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital boasts specialist services in Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Neurology, Clinical Haematology, Infectious Diseases, Endocrinology, and Rheumatology.

Apart from overseeing the general affairs of the department, Huddle had a special interest in endocrinology, and, more specifically in diabetes care. He initiated a diabetic service for pregnant women, which has vastly improved both mother and child outcomes in pregnant diabetics. For his work, he was awarded the Novartis Diabetes Award in 2007 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes of Southern Africa, in 2015. His general contribution to Medicine was recognised by the South African Medical Association with the Extraordinary Service to Medicine award in 2013.

As a patient advocate, he constantly engaged the health authorities to improve access to quality in-patient care at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Together with Professor David Blumsohn and other senior physicians, he campaigned to alleviate the overcrowding and poor conditions for patient care at Baragwanath Hospital in the 1980s. When the hospital authorities failed to respond, a letter was published in the South African Medical Journal, co-signed by 101 doctors  of whom Huddle was one - to highlight the desperate conditions at the hospital. He also endeavoured to improve health services at the regional hospital and initiated an outreach programme in Internal Medicine at Sebokeng Hospital. Today, the hospital has a fully-fledged Internal Medicine department with specialists in critical care.

Following the loss of his wife to cancer, he lobbied for the establishment of a Palliative Care Service at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the first of its kind in a state health facility, to ease the suffering of terminally ill patients. He was honoured with the Joe Veriava Bioethics Medal in 2012.

Another strong attribute is his administrative skills. Apart from departmental duties, he was involved in the hospital administration as a member and as Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee at the hospital from 1995 to 2004. In the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences, he was a member of several standing committees, and was for a time, chair of the Professional and Ethical Standards Committee and the Nominations Committee. At the College of Physicians of South Africa, he was initially secretary and then president. Wearing his Endocrinology hat, he served as secretary and president of the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes of Southern Africa.

In spite of his huge clinical and administrative responsibilities, Professor Huddle found time to contribute to clinical research focusing mainly on pregnancy and diabetes and the rare medical disorder, Phaeochromocytoma and he supervised a number of Masters students.

Professor Huddle is quintessentially a family man who has managed to balance his prodigious work output with holding together a family of young children despite the early passing of his wife.

His paternal qualities extend to giving more of his guidance and time to his alma mater, King Edward VII School where the likes of Donald Gordon and William Kentridge were past pupils. There Huddle served on the governing body as chairman.

Huddles calm studied approach endured through turbulent times at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. In the heated debates about doctors going on strike for better wages and working conditions, Professor Huddle managed to keep the staff and hospital on an even keel, reminding them of their oath to help the sick, while still voicing a righteous displeasure against what seemed unjust for doctors.

Given his outstanding academic citizenry in serving the University and community of greater Soweto, Professor Ken Huddle is a worthy recipient of the University Gold Medal.
Welcome to the good fight

Poet, activist, academic and traditional healer, Prof. Mongane Wally Serote spoke at the Faculty of Health Sciences graduation ceremony on 7 December.

Serote received the National Poet Laureate Prize at the South African Literary Awards in November.

A poet laureate is a poet officially appointed by a government or conferring institution, typically expected to compose poems for special events and occasions.

Serote addressed the graduands as unbreakable diamonds who are citizens who will contribute to the quality of life of our society.

Graduands are the custodians of African knowledge, heritage and culture, said Serote. Welcome to the good fight as you put your collective shoulder to the wheel.

Serote said that South Africas freedom is sacrosanct and that freedom is not only a destination but also a future. This contextualised the good fight to which Serote referred. Tangible freedom is in our DNA as a nation, he said.

He urged the healthcare graduands  the best minds in South Africa who specialise in health  to nurture longevity and quality of life and encouraged a traditional and professional revolution in the health sector.

About Mongane Wally Serote

Mongane Wally Serote was born in Sophiatown and educated in Soweto and later at Columbia University. His poems contain a strong element of political protest - he was tested to the limits of endurance in 1969 when he spent nine months in solitary confinement, although he was finally released without being charged.

His books of poetry include Tsetlo, which the apartheid government banned; No Baby Must Weep; Behold Mama; Flowers; and The Night Keeps Winking, amongst others. A Tough Tale and Third World Express are long poems, the former documenting the sufferings of black South Africans and envisioning apocalyptic change, the latter an affirmative extension of earlier sociocultural preoccupations. In 2008, the Africa Book Centre selected Third World Express as one of the 100 Best Books of the Twentieth Century by.

Serote has received numerous awards over the last five decades including the Ingrid Jonker Poetry Prize for the best debut collection in English, the Noma Award for publishing in Africa, the English Academy of Southern Africa Medal for contribution to the English language, and the Pablo Neruda Medal for Writing.

In 2007, the Presidency awarded Serote the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his excellent contribution to literature, with emphasis on poetry, and for putting his artistic talents at the service of democracy in South Africa.




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Emergency services called to incident at St Marks car park

This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 10th, 2018

Emergency services have been dealing with an incident this morning at a town centre multi-storey car park.

North Wales Police and Welsh Ambulance Service were seen at St Marks Car Park in the town centre at around 9:30am this morning, with several police vehicles attending at speed.

Shortly after PC Thomas Hough tweeted:

We are currently dealing with an incident inside the multi story, at this moment in time we cannot disclose any further. Thank you for your patience. @wrexham @NWPolice  PC Thomas Hough (@NWPThomasHough) December 10, 2018

There is no official confirmation as yet to the nature of the incident.

More shortly.
Welsh Government announces enhanced business rates support for High Street by extending rates relief scheme

This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 10th, 2018

An extension to a business rates relief scheme has been announced by Welsh Government, in what has been described as an enhanced package of support.

The Welsh Government launched a high street rates relief scheme in April 2017 to provide targeted support for business affected by the independent revaluation and by the growth of internet sales/.

Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, and soon to be First Minister said today: I am today extending the scheme for a further year and extending the relief available through the scheme to businesses. The enhanced scheme will go significantly further than in previous years, providing support to all retailers in Wales with a rateable value of up to 50,000.

We will make an extra 23.6m of support available in 2019-20 through the high street rates relief scheme to support Welsh businesses  this is in addition to the more than 210m we provide through our other sources of support to help businesses pay their rates bills.

The enhanced high street rates relief scheme will provide support to around 15,000 small and medium-sized businesses in 2019-20. It will be fully funded by the Welsh Government and will provide support of up to 2,500 towards non-domestic rates bills for retail properties with a rateable value of up to 50,000.

It will reduce rates bills to zero for retail properties with a rateable value up to 9,100 and reduce bills by 2,500 for properties with a higher rateable value.

As well as increasing the level of support for retailers on the high street, the enhanced scheme will support retailers in other locations. Ratepayers who will benefit from the relief include those with occupied retail premises, such as shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and wine bars.

Welsh Government estimate that around 15,000 ratepayers will be helped by the scheme, which will operate in addition to existing relief schemes.

A further 2.4m will be allocated to local authorities to provide additional discretionary rates relief for local businesses and other ratepayers to respond to specific local issues. This funding will be provided to local authorities through the revenue support grant in 2019-20 , so it appears it will be up to local councils if that is passed on.

Mark Drakeford AM added: This extension to the high street rates relief scheme and the additional funding for discretionary rates relief, together with the permanent small business rates relief scheme, which has been in place since April 2018 and other bespoke reliefs, combine to offer timely and targeted support for ratepayers across Wales.

This approach makes full use of the consequential we received in the UK Autumn Budget. We have designed a scheme which fits the needs and circumstances of small businesses in Wales.

A technical note accompanied this mornings written statement, adding:



The eligibility criteria for qualifying businesses for the enhanced high street and retail rates relief scheme are as follows.

i. Hereditaments that are being used wholly or mainly for the sale of goods to visiting members of the public.

ii. Hereditaments that are being used wholly or mainly for the provision of the retail services to visiting members of the public

iii. Hereditaments that are being used wholly or mainly for the sale of food and/or drink to visiting members of the public

The relief will exclude:

i. Hereditaments with a valuation of more than 50,000.

ii. Hereditaments not reasonably accessible to visiting members of the public.

iii. Hereditaments that are not occupied.

iv. Hereditaments that are in receipt of mandatory charitable rates relief.
DELAND, Fla. (AP)  A Florida veterinarian is suing for defamation after a dog owner posted a harsh review of his clinic on Yelp.

Dr. Thomas MacPhail says he filed the lawsuit because the dog owner had smeared his clinic in DeLand, Florida, located halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach.

The dog owner, Thomas Lloyd, complained about the DeLand Animal Hospital in a Yelp review after he took his ill standard poodle, Rembrandt, there last March.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports that staff at the clinic told Lloyd that Rembrandt required surgery. However, they later concluded that the dog wasn't stable enough for surgery and discharged the poodle.

Lloyd took Rembrandt to another clinic where the dog was euthanized.

MacPhail's attorney says the legal fight would end if Lloyd took down the review.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Katie Milazzo told us about the Winter Solstice Celebration: Native American Festival, which provides fun and learning for all ages at Mission San Luis.

Milazzo on Monday told WTXL ABC 27 Sunrise Anchor Christine Souders about the festival, which will take place December 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event will take place at an Apalachee-Spanish living history museum and Tallahassee's only National Historic Landmark site.

Admission fee per day: Adults - $5; Seniors (65+) - $3; Children (6 -17) - $2; Members, Children under 6 and Active Duty Military - FREE.

For more information, go to www.missionsanluis.org.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - People in Leon County now have more time to apply for FEMA disaster assistance online.

WTXL ABC 27 Jada Williams was live Monday morning with details on how long you have to apply for disaster assistance.

Monday, today, was the original deadline to apply for assistance, but FEMA extended the deadline to December 17.

Anyone in Florida still looking to get assistance can do so.

So far, nearly 27,000 Floridians have been approved for assistance following Hurricane Michael.

The assistance allows homeowners and renters to cover disaster related losses not covered by insurance.

That includes basic home repair grants, personal property loss and temporary housing.

Deanna Frazier, the FEMA media relations manager: "We've had a constant pace of individuals coming in and seeking help here in Leon county. So far, we've approved over $800,000 here in Leon County for disaster assistance. That's money going directly into the pockets of those affected by Hurricane Michael."

December 17 is also the deadline to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity extended their deadline for Disater Unemployment and other forms of aid through the end of the year.
VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - A man is behind bars after he carjacked a family's vehicle from a local motel and got into a head-on crash before carjacking another victim, later crashing that car into a tree.

The Valdosta Police Department says Joshua Washington, 30, has been arrested for a series of crimes including multiple carjackings, burglary, and kidnapping.

On Saturday, around 7:43 a.m., police say a family from North Carolina was getting ready to leave a motel in the 1800 block of West Hill Avenue. However, as they got into their car, Washington grabbed a cellphone from one victim and opened the driver's side door of the car.

Washington then forced his way inside, brandishing a handgun. Luckily, the victims were able to get out safely as Washington drove off with the car.

As officers responded, the 911 dispatchers alerted them that there was a car crash in the 300 block of West Hill Avenue. They determined that Washington had driven the stolen car the wrong way on West Central Avenue, causing a head on crash with another vehicle.

The second driver was transported to a hospital in stable condition.

Police say Washington then ran away from the scene and to the Budget Inn in the 200 block of West Hill Avenue. They say that's where he forced his way into the office area and forced two employees into another area of the motel.

One of these victims was able to get loose and ran to safety. Neither employee was injured.

However, police say Washington's crime spree didn't end there and continued with another carjacking in the 200 block of West Hill Avenue. That driver was able to safely exit the car while Washington drove east on West Hill Avenue.

Eventually, Valdosta police officers spotted the car driving recklessly on East Hill Avenue and began to follow it as it went north on Troup Street. When officers tried to stop the car, Washington drove away.

Officers followed the car, chasing him from North Troup Street to Woodlawn Drive. In the 700 block of Woodlawn Drive, Washington lost control of the car, causing him to crash into a tree.

Washington tried to run away from that crash too, but was quickly arrested by officers.

Police say Washington suffered superficial injuries from the crashes. After receiving treatment at South Georgia Medical Center, he was transported to Lowndes County Jail.

He is facing the following charges:

Hijacking a motor vehicle (x2)

Robbery by sudden snatching

Burglary (x2)

Kidnapping

Fleeing and attempting to elude officers

Criminal damage to property in second degree

Numerous traffic violations

Further charges are pending.

Our thoughts go out to all the victims who were impacted by Washingtons actions. Our officers did an excellent job with their persistence in doing everything they could to make sure that Washington was apprehended, and his crime spree was stopped before any other people were harmed by his actions, said Interim Chief Leslie Manahan.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A former employee has been arrested, accused of embezzling more than $45,000 from a Tallahassee animal hospital.

Lesley Chamblin, a former office manager at South Monroe Animal Hospital, has been charged with grand theft and criminal use of personal identification.

According to complaint documents, the owner called Tallahassee Police to investigate on March 10. The owner told investigators that she believed 36-year-old Chamblin had been stealing money from the hospital.

The owner explained that she became concerned two days earlier when Chamblin didn't show up for work and didn't call ahead to let someone know she wouldn't be in. The day after, documents say the owner spoke with Chamblin's fiance, who said Chamblin had been arrested for a previous "fraud/theft charge" and was awaiting extradition to Thomas County, Georgia.

According to court documents, Chamblin had been employed at SMAH since November 2016, but was promoted to officer manager in February 2017.

However, when the concerned owner began looking into the hospital's finances, she told investigators she discovered the Chamblin had been stealing cash deposits and had given herself an unapproved raise.

Between February 2017 and March 2018, documents state the total amount of missing deposit cash was $44,253.04.

In additional to bank statements indicating the missing deposit cash, Chamblin was also found to be in possession of 23 customer checks totaling $4,513.57. Among Chamblin's belongings, investigators also found nearly $600 in cash and several documents containing personal identification information.

The owner of the animal hospital says that the personal identification information that was found did not belong to any clientele.

Documents say that when investigators interviewed Chamblin at the Thomas County Sheriff's Office in May, she confessed that she stole the cash deposits from the Tallahassee animal hospital because she had a drug problem and needed it to buy prescription pills. She stated that she had started taking hydrocodone four months after she started working at SMAH.

Chamblin estimated that she had stolen about $5,000 over the course of her employment, despite evidence that she had stolen tens of thousands of dollars.

When asked if she'd be willing to repay the money she took, documents say Chamblin replied, "Absolutely... without a doubt." However, she was insistent that she had only taken around $5,000.

Further investigation revealed Chamblin was paid unauthorized payroll totaling $827.65. Documents say the grand total of financial loss suffered by the animal hospital was $46,080.69.

Based on the information, she was charged and arrested over the weekend.

Court documents show that Chamblin has been convicted multiple times on theft, fraud, and violation of probation charges.

The owner of the animal hospital reached out to WTXL with the following statement:
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (L), Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh (C), and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir (R) on Dec. 9, 2018, inaugurate a Chinese-contracted major road project as the Ethiopian government aspires to connect strategic towns in western Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

JIMMA, Ethiopia, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Saturday inaugurated the Chinese-built Jimma Industry Park in Ethiopia's western town of Jimma, some 350 km west of the capital Addis Ababa.

The three leaders also on Saturday laid the corner-stone for another Chinese-contracted major road infrastructure project as the Ethiopian government aspires to connect strategic towns in western Ethiopia, including the historic town of Jimma, with Agaro and Dedesa towns.

Ethiopia's Ahmed, speaking after the industrial park launching and road project commencement events, said that the two development projects showcase the Ethiopian government's strong commitment to transforming the Jimma town and its surroundings in particular and Ethiopia in general toward industrialization.

Jimma Industrial Park, built by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), is expected to host investors in light manufacturing sectors, mainly agro-processing, textiles and apparel products.

Stretched on 75 hectares of land, the industry park hosts nine manufacturing sheds.

Ahmed said that the Jimma industry park will help western Ethiopia become one of Ethiopia's industrial powerhouses.

The industry zone, he said, as the latest addition to Ethiopia's huge industrial park development ambitions, would help local community members particularly the youth to get highly needed job opportunities.

Noting that foreign companies are approaching the Ethiopian government to invest in the Jimma industry zone, Ahmed urged local community members to strive with government efforts in protecting and benefiting from the industry park.

Lelise Neme, CEO of Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), said that the industry park's strategic location would benefit not only the local community but also Ethiopia's economy in general.

The industry zone, which has now become the sixth operational industry zone in the East African country, would help the socioeconomic condition of Jimma town and its surroundings, Neme said.

Wen Yingzheng, general manager for CCCC East Africa, told Xinhua that the designing and construction of the project took nine months.

"We did our best, and we are glad that a high quality industry park was completed in such a short time," he said.

In October, Ethiopia had also inaugurated Adama Industrial Park. Located some 74 km southeast of Addis Ababa, the Adama industrial park was also built by a Chinese firm, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).

Both Jimma and Adama industrial parks are part of the Ethiopian government's grand plan to transform the now largely agrarian country into an industrialized middle-income economy by 2025.

The Jimma-Agaro-Dedesa road project was contracted by China Railway Construction Company-21 Group (CRCC-21). The 79 km road project has a budget of 1.3 billion Ethiopian birr (about 46 million U.S. dollars).

CRCC-21, which has previously completed two other road projects in Ethiopia, pledged to create as many job opportunities for local community members as possible.

Speaking to Xinhua, Zhuang Jidong, president of CRCC-21, said the road project will be completed within 3.5 years.

"We will mobilize all resources that are available to finalize the project in time and up to the standard," Zhuang said.

"Our presence in this country gives us lots of opportunities to contribute to Ethiopia's development as well as to further strengthen the partnership between China and Ethiopia," he added.

The long-awaited road infrastructure, upon completion, will play a key role in the development of the east African country in general and the area in Oromia regional state in particular, according to Lemma Megersa, president of Ethiopia's largest Oromia regional state.

Jimma town and its surroundings are known as the major source of Ethiopia's major export commodity coffee, and the road projects are expected further spur the chain of coffee trading in Ethiopia.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 01:13:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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AMMAN, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations said on Sunday that it started delivering exceptional aid to the most impoverished Syrians inside Syria via Jordan.

The aid, including foodstuff and medical supplies, is exceptional and will be provided for one time, which meant to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Syrians inside Syria, according to the UN statement, a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua.

The UN office in Amman said that a total of 369 trucks laden with more than 11,200 tonnes of humanitarian aid will enter Syria to deliver aid to more than 650,000 Syrians inside Syria. The supplies are sufficient for one month.

The delivery will last for four months and the aid will be delivered via the recently opened Jaber Nasib border crossing.

Several UN agencies will take part in the aid delivery.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Jordan, Anders Pedersen, said that the aid delivery is one of the largest logistic operations that seek to reduce the suffering of the Syrians.

He voiced appreciation for Jordan for allowing the entry of the aid via its territories.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 01:33:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran fully supports the United Nations' mission to pursue a political solution to the ongoing crisis in Yemen, Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

"Since the beginning of the Yemen crisis, the Islamic Republic of Iran has stressed the need for intra-Yemeni talks free from any foreign intervention," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said.

"Tehran has consistently expressed its full support for the UN's mission to find an appropriate political solution as the only way to resolve the crisis," Qasemi was quoted as saying by the Foreign Ministry's website.

Iran hopes that the Yemeni parties, by adopting an independent and peaceful approach within the framework of national and intra-Yemeni talks, will prevent foreigners from interfering in the process of the talks, he said.

The Yemen peace talks sponsored by the United Nations continued for the fourth consecutive day in Sweden on Sunday in an attempt to make a breakthrough in war-stricken Yemen crisis.

The Yemeni warring parties have held several rounds of peace talks since the conflict began after Iran-backed Shiite Houthis seized power in late 2014.

However, all talks collapsed and failed to achieve a political agreement, leading to more violence.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 01:43:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, on Sunday urged for condemnation of the "crimes" of the U.S.-led coalition in Syria, according to state news agency SANA.

Mekdad made the remarks during his meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Children's Fund in Damascus.

According to the report, Mekdad said the U.S.-led coalition is committing "heinous crimes" in northeastern Syria through targeting tens of women and children on daily basis, which violated international charters.

Mekdad also accused the U.S.-backed Kurdish militias in northern Syria of preventing thousands of children from going to schools for education, according to SANA.

The remarks came on the heels of the U.S.' operation in northeastern Syria that has been dragging on since Sept. 10.

On Friday, SANA said the intense U.S.-led airstrikes destroyed the only hospital in the town of Hajin in the eastern Deir al-Zour province and killed eight civilians.

The U.S.-led coalition has been targeting the last vestige of Islamic State (IS) territory on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour as part of the support to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia.

The SDF, with the backing of U.S.-led airstrikes, launched a campaign to defeat the IS on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River since Sept. 10.

A total of 849 IS militants and 508 SDF fighters have since been killed, according to a report released by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Saturday.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 04:08:50|Editor: Li Xia

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A Chinese worker takes photos of the Halogaland Bridge near Norway's northern port city of Narvik, Dec. 9, 2018. A ceremony was held Sunday to officially open Norway's second largest bridge that has been built by a Chinese company and its partners some 220 km inside the Arctic Circle. With a total length of 1,533 meters and a free span of 1,145 meters, the Halogaland Bridge near Norway's northern port city of Narvik is the longest suspension bridge within the Arctic Circle. (Xinhua/Liang Youchang)

NARVIK, Norway, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held Sunday to officially open Norway's second largest bridge that has been built by a Chinese company and its partners some 220 km inside the Arctic Circle.

With a total length of 1,533 meters and a free span of 1,145 meters, the Halogaland Bridge near Norway's northern port city of Narvik is the longest suspension bridge within the Arctic Circle.

It is China's Sichuan Road and Bridge Group (SRBG) that delivered the steel constructions and was responsible for the mounting of the bridge, which contributes to a significant shortcut on European route E6 -- the main north-south road through Norway and the west coast of Sweden.

"It's been great to see Chinese participation in this project," Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters at the inauguration ceremony on the Halogaland Bridge over the Rombaken fjord.

"It is a very beautiful bridge that is very important for the local community," she said.

Chinese Ambassador to Norway Wang Min, who was also present at the inauguration ceremony, said the bridge has shown Chinese companies' efforts to carry out the Belt and Road Initiative.

The project "is an important result of the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Norway," Wang said. "It will set an important example to further promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries."

In 2013, the SRBG won the steel contract for the bridge in a tough competition with the world's leading builders.

The steel contract includes preproduction of all the parts -- cables and steel boxes and site construction. The production of the steel parts was carried out in four different factories in China.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 04:23:52|Editor: Li Xia

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Yemeni people gather in front of a window of a charity center to receive food aid in Sanaa, Yemen, on Dec. 9, 2018. An estimated 85,000 children under the age of five may have died from extreme hunger between April 2015 and October 2018, according to the latest data released by Save the Children, an international organization for children's rights. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed)

by Mohamed al-Azaki

SANAA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- As a 55-year-old father who cannot secure next meal for his eight starving children, Ahmed al-Sharafi doesn't complain.

"There is always a glimmer of hope," he told Xinhua.

Unlike millions of starving Yemenis, al-Sharafi is lucky as a charity bakery is few meters away from his house in a popular quarter east of the capital Sanaa.

"We were very comfortable before the war erupted ... but today I cannot afford a bottle of yogurt because it's too expensive," al-Sharafi said.

Al-Sharafi receives 15 pieces of small-and-round bread each morning from the charity bakery to feed his hungry children. The allocated bread is not enough for one meal.

Around 750 families in Noqum quarter receive a daily support of bread, according to those who fund the bakery.

Asked if his family has lunch or dinner, al-Sharafi lowered his head.

The civil war erupted between the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and armed Houthi rebels.

The Houthis moved in thousands of fighters and stormed the capital Sanaa in September 2014, forcing Hadi and his government into exile.

The U.S.-backed Saudi Arabia leading a military coalition from several Arab countries intervened in the Yemeni conflict in March 2015 to reinstate Hadi to power and roll back the rebels' gains who seized control over much of the country's north, including the capital Sanaa and Hodeidah port city.

Nearly four years of devastating civil war have killed more than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, displaced 3 million others and the all-out blockade and cut of salaries pushed the whole country to the brink of famine, according to the UN aid agencies.

An estimated 85,000 children under the age of five may have died from extreme hunger between April 2015 and October 2018, according to the latest data released by Save the Children, an international organization for children's rights.

"For every child killed by bombs and bullets, dozens are starving to death and it's entirely preventable," Save the Children's country director in Yemen, Tamer Kirolos, said here in a press conference last month.

"In the past few weeks, there have been hundreds of airstrikes in and around Hodeidah, endangering the lives of an estimated 150,000 children still trapped in the city," Kirolos said.

Save the Children is calling for an immediate end to the fighting, Kirolos added.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock told the UN Security Council last month that "about 14 million Yemeni people, half of the country's population, are facing pre-famine conditions, meaning they are entirely reliant on external aid for survival."

On Dec. 6, the Yemeni parties started peace talks sponsored by the United Nations in Sweden to end the war. Two previous peace efforts failed to result in any political compromise.

The rival negotiators agreed on Saturday to exchange files of war prisoners as debates are underway over the re-opening of Sanaa airport and withdrawing of rival fighters from the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, according to statements from both the government and Houthi side.

Al-Sharafi, the father and a resident of Sanaa, said he hopes the war to end very soon.

"We want all negotiating parties in Sweden to reach a final and complete solution to end the war ... for the sake of all Yemeni people," he said.
In this photo made from the footage taken from Russian Defense Ministry official website on Nov. 26, 2017 shows a Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bomber strikes the Islamic State targets in Syria.

MOSCOW, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The United States uses anti-terrorism as a tool and a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin has said.

This has undermined the role of state institutions and led to an increase in extremist sentiment, Volodin was quoted by TASS news agency on Sunday as saying.

"The Middle East and North Africa is an example. From 2011 to 2015, international terrorism in Syria grew to the scale of a 'terrorist pseudo-state'," he said at a conference of leaders of legislatures of Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia and Turkey on the topic combating terrorism, while noting other the achievements of other countries in combating terrorism.

Most of Syria's territory was liberated from the terrorist group Islamic State thanks to the joint efforts of Russia, Iran and Turkey, Volodin said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 06:04:07|Editor: Li Xia

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An orchestra performs during a ceremony to light the Christmas tree at the town center in Mati, Greece, on Dec. 9, 2018. It's been almost five months since Greece's deadliest wildfire in many decades ravaged the seaside resort of Mati, but the survivors are still facing many obstacles as they are trying to rebuild their homes and lives. Despite the pain and lost, residents here gathered on Sunday to join the lighting of Christmas tree ahead of the holiday season, sending a strong message of hope and determination to move forward. This summer, 99 people lost their lives when a wildfire swept through the coastal Mati, a city 30 km east of Athens. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

by Maria Spiliopoulou, Valentini Anagnostopoulou

MATI, Greece, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- It's been almost five months since Greece's deadliest wildfire in many decades ravaged the seaside resort of Mati, but the survivors are still facing many obstacles as they are trying to rebuild their homes and lives.

Despite the pain and lost, residents here gathered on Sunday to join the lighting of Christmas tree ahead of the holiday season, sending a strong message of hope and determination to move forward.

This summer, 99 people lost their lives when a wildfire swept through the coastal Mati, a city 30 km east of Athens.

The lighting of the settlement's Christmas tree at the yard of Mati's Sailing Association (NAOMA), where more than 700 people fled on July 23 to escape from the flames to the sea, brought hundreds of residents together to forget the sorrow and anxiety for the future for a few hours.

Life in Mati is yet far from normal, with hundreds of gutted houses still lining the blackened streets (over 1,000 were damaged according to official statistics) and hundreds of residents still staying in camps, awaiting the issuance of permits and state aid to reconstruct their homes, locals told Xinhua.

The subsidies handed out so far (the state received more than 4,000 applications) are not adequate to heal all the wounds. Several infrastructure works pledged are pending and many adults and children are still suffering of psychological trauma from experiencing the devastating fire which scorched the once heavily wooded settlement, they said.

However, they are determined to stand on their feet again and reconstruct their small paradise. This was the message conveyed via slogans written on banners raised on ruins and carols sung by children around the Christmas tree.

"We are decorating the Christmas tree and we wish that the area will not experience such a tragic event again. We are trying with all means in all possible ways to offer light and hope, gather people in various festivities so they can forget for a while what they have been through and look ahead," Michalis Schinas, member of NAOMA's board of directors, told Xinhua.

"There are still many unresolved serious problems and people are trying to keep it together and live with hope," he said, stressing the strength of solidarity.

Costas Boufis, NAOMA's Vice President, lost his primary residence that day. All he was left with was the swimming suit he was wearing.

With the emergency relief aid he cleared the basement of his destroyed home and set up a temporary shelter for his three children. He prefers this than a camp, he told Xinhua.

Many of his neighbors left Mati, saying they cannot stand the signs of the devastation. Boufis chose to stay and make a fresh start and he is eager to see soon many of the promises given to fire-stricken residents materialized.

"If one goes through the shock we have been through these two hours when havoc broke out, then he will not fear a thing. What's the worst that could happen?...The message is that we all believe that something will get done and the situation will improve... We stay here and we are trying to improve things. We need the state's support," Boufis said.

Solidarity is what keeps many residents going on, he added.

"All residents of Mati have come closer and each one of us is trying to do something to help. This is very important," he said.

Eva, who had been living in Mati for five decades, told Xinhua that her family's summer holiday house was demolished, but she retains optimism that Mati will blossom again.

"I believe that quickly we will rebuild everything, because we want this with passion...Do not forget us...We need assistance from the state so that we can stand on our feet again like before. This is what we want," she said.

Voula accompanied a group of students from a music and dance school of the nearby settlement of Agia Marina to Mati for the Christmas tree lighting event.

"The first time I told them that we would visit Mati to sing, they were asking me 'where? The place where people have died?' They did not want to hear about it," she told Xinhua.

In the end, the children embraced the idea and rehearsed hard to lend a helping hand and play their part in efforts to revive Mati and spread hope and joy.

"It is significant to demonstrate that all together we can support each other," Voula said on behalf of the schoolchildren.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 06:19:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RABAT, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Top politicians and officials will convene on Monday in the Moroccan city of Marrakech to formally adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

During the two-day Marrakech Intergovernmental Conference, the participants will discuss means to better manage international migration, address its challenges and strengthen migrants' rights while contributing to sustainable development.

The latest Global Trends report by the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR said that around 68.5 million people were displaced in 2017.

Among the displaced, refugees who have fled their countries to escape conflict and persecution totalled 25.4 million, 2.9 million more than that of 2016.

The latest data from UN migration agency International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that so far this year, 3,323 people have died or gone missing on migratory routes across the globe, mostly in the Mediterranean Sea, where thousands continue to attempt to cross into mainland Europe, mainly from Africa and Asia.

Agreed upon by UN member states under the auspices of the UN General Assembly last July, the Global Compact sets out a common understanding, shared responsibilities and unity of purpose regarding migration, making it work for all.

The compact recognizes that a comprehensive approach is needed to optimize the overall benefits of migration, while addressing risks and challenges for individuals and communities in countries of origin, transit and destination.

With this comprehensive approach, this agreement aims to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration, while reducing the incidence and negative impact of irregular migration through international cooperation and a combination of measures put forward in this Global Compact.

The compact lays out a cooperative framework comprised of 23 objectives, each one with a commitment and a range of actions considered to be relevant policy instruments and best practices.

The Global Compact calls for the creation of the International Migration Review Forum, which will serve as the primary intergovernmental global platform for member states to discuss and share progress on the implementation of all aspects of the compact.

The Marrakech Conference will also see the official launch of the Migration Network, by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

This body will ensure effective and coherent support to the implementation of the Global Compact, with the IOM taking the leading role.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 06:39:11|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Sunday that the African countries are now in dire need of double efforts at all levels to deepen cooperation and economic integration.

Speaking at the Africa 2018 Forum in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, Sisi said that the world views Africa as a land of promising opportunities qualified to achieve high rates of sustained economic growth.

Sisi added that Africa has enormous human resources and wealth, which "presents us with a great challenge to achieve decent living standards for all citizens of the continent."

Meetings of Africa Forum 2018 kicked off on Saturday with the participation of a number of African leaders from the countries of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The forum tackles with infrastructure, entrepreneurship, investment and women-related issues across the African continent.

"In this regard, I would like to emphasize the importance of using the potential of African youths and supporting their ideas by funding productive projects," Sisi said.

He added that it is also important to provide more economic empowerment for African women and eliminate all forms of violence as well as discrimination against them.

The Egyptian president said that this year's meeting comes at a time when Africans are looking for further regional integration and facilitating intra-regional trade, especially after the African Continental Free Trade Area was launched at the Kigali Summit in March.

Sisi stressed the keenness to increase investments among the continent's countries through joint and cross-border projects, particularly in areas of infrastructure, new and renewable energy, telecommunications and information technology.

"We aspire to achieve these goals through joint action under the umbrella of the African Union, which Egypt is to chair next year," Sisi said.

According to him, Egypt's investments in Africa have been increased this year by 1.2 billion U.S. dollars to a total of 10.2 billion dollars.

The Egyptian president added that his country has come a long way in economic, structural and social reforms in various sectors to create a more attractive environment for domestic and foreign investment.

"These reforms have contributed to the improvement of Egypt's economic indicators and credit ratings," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 08:59:25|Editor: Li Xia

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Louise Arbour (R), Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for International Migration, attends a press conference in Marrakech, Morocco, on Dec. 9, 2018. The Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration will be held here on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11. (Xinhua/Aissa)
FORT MACLEOD, Alberta, Dec. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Name: Gerad John Vanee

Age: 17

Missing Since: December 9, 2018

Missing From: Fort MacLeod, Alberta

Circumstances:

RCMP in Fort MacLeod, Alberta is asking the public's assistance in locating missing Gerad John Vanee.

On December 9, 2018 Fort MacLeod RCMP were advised of a missing youth. 17 year old, Gerad John Vanee, was reported missing by his family after he failed to return home after babysitting.

He will be operating a white 2017 Ford Explorer with Alberta licence plate BWR5658. At this time there is no known direction of travel or intended destination.

Physical Description:

Gerad is a caucasian male, 5ft 8in, he has blonde hair and blue eyes. He will be wearing dark rimmed glasses.

Contact Information:

Please contact Fort MacLeod RCMP at 403-553-7200 with any information.

Since 1986, the Missing Children Society of Canada has been reuniting missing children with their searching families through professional investigations, emergency response, public awareness and family support programs. To learn more, please visit www.mcsc.ca .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/db20ddd7-3791-40c8-9000-81441bbca832
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 07:34:16|Editor: Li Xia

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HELSINKI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Finnish forest industry reported major growth in exports on Sunday -- 38 percent growth in revenue from pulp exports in the period from January to September, while the volume grew by 16 percent.

The revenue from paper exports grew by 6.7 percent and cardboard 8.8 percent, the Forest Industries Federation announced.

The main export market is Europe, but demand for pulp has increased in Asia in recent years. The demand for Finnish saw timber has declined in Asia though, but it has been offset by increased exports to Europe, Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported.

Finnish forest owners have been able to cash in on the increased demand.

Tomi Salo, the forest director of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation, said record purchases have been done. The Pellervo Research Institute told Yle that forest owners are earning 2.2 billion-euro gross income, which is an increase by 16 percent from last year.

At the same time, Finland has increased imports of raw wood. Birch for pulp has been purchased from the Baltic countries but also from Russia.

Salo also commented favourably on the government's plans that consumption of wood could be increased to 80 million cubic meters by 2025. The current usage is around 70 million.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 07:54:18|Editor: Li Xia

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ARUSHA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Strange disease has killed a total of 8 elephants in northern Tanzania's district of Ngorongoro, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

Joseph Meng' oro, Deputy Wildlife Officer at the Ngorongoro District Council expressed his worry over the disease, saying, more deaths could be occurring without notice.

"The jumbos started to haemorrhage through their trunks then collapse and eventually die in Arash Ward, in the district," said Meng' oro.

Fidelis ole Kashe, an officer with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), said the jumbo was spotted by villagers meandering in the area before it collapsed and died.

The carcasses for the 8 elephants that have so far perished, feature bleeding trunks (nose bleeding), strange colored stools, sudden drunk-like dizziness while moving, before the jumbos collapsed.

Scientists at the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), based in Arusha have taken up the case, saying the unidentified disease as well as its resulting death of large mammals, is the first to be experienced in Tanzania.

Samples of blood from the carcasses found in Loliondo were taken to the Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) center of Arusha, where chemists analysed that there was no disease to be traced.

The TVLA Test Report Number, as approved by Paul Sanka at the Laboratory, indicated that the 'Microscopical Examinations,' samples using Polychrome Methylene Blue Stain were 'negative of anthrax,' it seems many had suspected cases of anthrax.

Some observers however suggest more tests should be done on the elephant remains, as it is possible that poachers could be resulting to use stealth poisonous chemicals to hunt down the jumbos for their ivories.

However, all the 8 jumbos found dead, had their tusks intact. Maybe because they were reported in time before some culprits could extract them.

Freddy Manongi, Chief Conservator at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, said the incidences of jumbo death have not yet been experienced in the sanctuary.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 09:39:37|Editor: Li Xia

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TOKYO, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japan logged a current account surplus in October for a 52nd straight month, the government said in a report on Monday.

According to the Finance Ministry, the current account surplus here stood at 1.31 trillion yen (11.65 billion U.S. dollars) in the recording month, with Japan logging a surplus for a 52nd straight month.

According to the preliminary figures released by the ministry, Japan had a goods trade deficit of 321.7 billion yen (2.86 billion U.S. dollars) and a services trade deficit of 233.0 billion yen (2.02 billion U.S. dollars).

The ministry also said, the primary income, which reflects returns on investments made overseas, booked a surplus of 2.05 trillion yen (18.23 billion U.S. dollars) in the recording period.

Japan has been consistently running a surplus in the current account, one of the widest gauges of international trade, helped by solid income from foreign investments.

Japan's current account surplus is one of the broadest measure of its trade with the rest of the world.

The data is keenly eyed by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the finance ministry ahead of new potential policy changes or monetary easing or tapering measures.

In Japan, the current account surplus increases the nation's net foreign assets by the corresponding amount, and a current account deficit does the reverse.

Both the Japanese government and private payments are included in the calculation and it is called the current account because goods and services are generally consumed in the current period.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 10:29:47|Editor: Li Xia

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YANGON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Win Myint on Monday reiterated the government's pledge to cooperate with international organizations to ensure that the articles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are respected and implemented.

U Win Myint made the remarks in his message on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He also urged the ministries, state and regional governments, civil society organizations, state and private media sector and the people to cooperate with the Human Rights Commission to work for the improvement of the human rights situation.

He believed that with collective strength exerted by all sides, human rights will blossom in Myanmar without any distinction between the highland and lowland.

Meanwhile, the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission also issued a statement on Monday, pledging to promote and protect the human rights of the citizens in accordance with the provisions of the commission law.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 10:29:47|Editor: Li Xia

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CANBERRA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Australia's corporate watchdog on Monday unveiled 11 recommendations in a ground-breaking report aimed at clamping down on the market dominance of tech giants Google and Facebook.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) preliminary report, released on Monday, recommended closer scrutiny of Google's and Facebook's activities by a government agency, new data collection rules and a review of "disparate" media laws.

The report included a proposal that would prevent Google's internet browser Chrome from being installed as a default on mobile devices, computers and tables and Google's search engine from being installed as a default search engine on internet browsers.

The ACCC has also proposed that a new or existing regulatory authority investigates, monitors and reports on how large digital platforms rank and display advertisements and news content.

The ACCC report is said to be the first of its kind globally to look at the impact of big technology on media and advertising markets.

The report revealed the significant extent of the market power Facebook and Google hold over Australians.

It said for every 100 Australia dollars spent by advertisers in Australia, 47 Australia dollars goes to Google, while 21 Australia dollars goes to Facebook.

Serious concerns have also been raised about the social media giants' willingness to crack down on ad fraud and their use of algorithms to determine what content and advertising users see, the Australian newspaper said on Monday.

"There is a lack of transparency on the part of the digital platforms about these algorithms," the ACCC's preliminary report said.

Under a key ACCC recommendation, Google and Facebook would be forced to regularly hand over information and documents to a regulatory authority.

"The regulatory authority could have the power to investigate complaints, initiate its own investigations, make referrals to other government agencies and publish reports and make recommendations," a section of the report said.

The ACCC is considering whether an ombudsman should be established to deal with complaints about digital platforms from consumers, advertisers, media companies and other business users of digital platforms, the report revealed.

It is also looking at whether an ombudsman could have a role in addressing concerns about advertisements containing false representations, such as fake claims involving celebrities.

"Google and Facebook could do more to address this issue," the ACCC said in its report.

The government, in a joint release on Monday from Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Attorney-General Christian Porter and Communications Minister Mitch Fifield, said the preliminary report highlighted several important issues related to news media and advertisers, including market power and potential regulatory adjustments.

A final report will be issued by the ACCC next June.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 10:34:49|Editor: Li Xia

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TRIPOLI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Islamic State (IS) militants have executed six hostages they kidnapped almost two months ago from Libya's central town of Fug'ha, a Libyan official confirmed Sunday.

Othman Hasuna, dean of the Jufra District, told local TV channel Libya al-Ahrar that members of the terrorist group had killed six out of the 10 hostages it kidnapped from Jufra's Fug'ha area.

Hasuna said elders of Jufra are negotiating an exchange of IS detainees with hostages between the terrorists and the army.

IS had claimed responsibility for an October attack on the Fug'ha area in Jufra, some 650 km southeast of the capital Tripoli, in which five people were killed.

The terrorist group said it killed and captured several army soldiers and burned their homes before withdrawing without losses.

Linking the Libyan cities in the west, east and south, Jufra has been under the control of the eastern-based troops led by Khalifa Haftar since June 2017 when the area was cleared of militant groups.

In February, a suicide attack on a checkpoint in Jufra killed three army soldiers and destroyed the checkpoint as well as a number of vehicles.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 10:44:50|Editor: Li Xia

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CANBERRA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Australia has taken delivery of two ultra-expensive, state-of-the-art fighter jets, a move which defence chiefs say will strengthen the deterrent effect of the entire Australian Defence Force.

The two F-35A stealth fighters arrived at Williamtown RAAF Base, near Newcastle, on Monday morning.

Flanked by the aging F-18 Hornets they're set to replace, the first two F-35s landed at RAAF Base Williamtown after flying from RAAF Amberley in south Queensland, where they arrived from the United States last week.

Aviation enthusiasts gathered on the edge of the base from early in the morning and more watched a flyover of Newcastle ahead of the aircraft's official welcome by Australian Defence Minister, Christopher Pyne.

The single-engine F-35A Joint Strike Fighter has been labelled the most advanced in the world and is capable of reaching a top speed of 1,975 km per hour.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has already bought nine early-model F-35As, but the remaining seven continue to operate out of a U.S. training facility in Arizona.

The RAAF chief, Air Marshal Leo Davies, told The Australian newspaper that allies and potential enemies would look at the "fifth-generation", stealthy, multi-role F-35A jets as a key element for the ADF, and the force's capabilities.

"They'll think we'd be a tough nut to crack," Air Marshal Davies said on Monday. "That to me is the first part of having a defence force -- deterrence."

The federal government will spend a total of 12.3 billion U.S. dollars on 72 F-35 aircraft, with the cost being widely criticised.

The exact cost of maintaining the aircraft won't be known until the end of 2020. By that time, Australia is expected to have an operational fleet of 12, with another 18 fighters on the ground.

Marshal Davies said his pilots have raved about the F-35 jets, saying "there's just no comparison" with other combat aircraft -- particularly in relation to the way it integrates information from its own and external sensors.

"The difference is that stark in their estimation: night becomes day so you can drive normally," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 10:54:51|Editor: mmm

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XINING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- When Nyima Cering left for the Polish city of Katowice to attend the UN Climate Change Conference, he was well aware of the importance of protecting the ecology in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

It was the first time he attended such an important international meeting. He felt a sense of mission.

Nyima Cering, secretary of the CPC Committee of Chengduo County in west China's Qinghai Province, was invited as a representative from a special ecological area with a unique culture during the pavilion events of the ongoing Katowice Climate Change Conference.

An ethnic Tibetan, He shared his ideas about the adaptation to climate change on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and grassland management.

Located in western China, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is about 2.6 million square kilometers in area, and most of it lies at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters above sea level. The Plateau covers the entire Tibet Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, in addition to parts of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Xinjiang.

Also hailed as the "roof of the world" and the "water tower of Asia," the Plateau contains the headwaters of three major rivers: the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancang (Mekong) River. It is also a natural habitat for rare animals and a gene pool of plateau life.

Nyima Cering's hometown sits at the headwaters region on the Plateau.

"The ecosystem of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is highly vulnerable. Rising temperatures and rainfall changes caused by global climate change can have impacts on grassland productivity and water conservation. Therefore, the local government and herdsmen work together to protect the grassland," he said.

Chengduo County has 1.5 million hectares of natural grassland, which has been well-preserved since 2005. He brought his successful experiences to the attendees.

"We worked out a solution with a combination of grassland construction, ecological protection and poverty alleviation," he said.

Over the past few years, the county has been making efforts to restore overgrazed grassland, increased the return of grazing land to grassland and encouraged more and more herdsmen to participate in the protection of the ecological system on the Plateau.

A growing number of herdsmen in the county, as well as on the Plateau, have been given subsidies and bonus for their efforts, while many have been provided new jobs after giving up grazing.

"We discovered a way of grassland protection in areas with high altitudes and extremely cold climates. And what is more important is that we realized grassland management scientifically and on the basis of traditional ideas of Tibetans about protecting the environment," he added.

According to a white paper issued by the Chinese government in July, the Plateau is still one of the cleanest regions on earth.

However, Chinese experts believe that the Plateau is facing a series of ecological challenges due to increasing climate change and human activities, such as glacier retreat and permafrost degradation.

"The glaciers on the Plateau have been melting because of greenhouse gas and black carbon emissions, which are also global issues and can transmit without boundaries," said Kang Shichang, a researcher with Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

To protect glaciers on the Plateau, China has been reducing emissions and carrying out international cooperation, Kang added.

In 1994, China's first Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) baseline station was launched at the top of Mt. Waliguan in Qinghai. It is one of the world's highest GAW observatories at an altitude of over 3,800 meters above sea level. The observatory has been sharing its data with international meteorological organizations since its operation.

"Dealing with global climate change on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau will be a long-term task. The government should enhance top-level system designs and overall coordination, promote scientific, technological and institutional innovation in order to build a better ecological environment on the Plateau," said Shen Yongping, a researcher with CAS.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 11:09:54|Editor: Li Xia

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KATHMANDU, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli convened the first ever Inter-province Council meeting with the chief ministers of the seven provinces.

The meeting has taken place some nine months after the formation of provincial governments in seven provinces of the Himalayan country on Monday.

"Prime Minister Oli convened the meeting to take stock of the problems the seven provinces are facing. The meeting was an opportunity to the prime minister to discuss with the chief ministers about the status of implementation of the federal system," Kundan Aryal, the prime minister's press adviser said here.

During the meeting, the prime minister told the chief ministers that the country is in the very preliminary phase of the implementation of the federal system.

On the occasion, chief ministers shared the prime minister about the existing problems the provincial governments facing while seeking strong support from the Central government for the same.

"Currently, provinces have no teeth to function independently. We have discussed on all the aspects including close coordination between the Central government and the provincial governments," Sherdhan Rai, the chief minister of the Province 1, told local media on Sunday.

The meeting was convened to look to resolve political disputes between the federal and provincial governments, and find out the way for coordination for development and other issues.

The Constitution of Nepal has envisioned the Inter-province Council for resolving political disputes among the Central government and the provincial government.

The provincial governments were formed in all seven provinces after the country held the provincial and parliament elections in November and December last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 11:19:57|Editor: Li Xia

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SYDNEY, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A third person has been confirmed dead on Monday, after a shocking vehicle collision on an isolated stretch of road in Western Australia.

According to a police spokesperson, on Sunday afternoon a utility vehicle crashed into a mini-bus carrying a number of tourists along the Indian Ocean Drive around 30 km north of the township of Lancelin.

The driver of the utility vehicle died at the scene along with another man on board the mini-bus, while the third person succumb to his injuries after being taken to hospital.

With nine people still recovering in hospital, it took emergency responders "some time" to free those trapped from the wreckage before seven ambulances and two helicopters were able to transport the survivors for treatment.

Local media outlet, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, has reported that at least three survivors remain in a serious condition.

Considered to be one of the state's most notorious stretches of road, the Indian Ocean Drive witnessed six people losing their lives on the 60 km route in 2017.
Lithuanian English

Notice of supplemented agenda of the Annual General Meeting of the shareholders of AB K2 LT

In accordance with the Law of Joint Stock Companies Articles 25 and 26, we inform about the change of the agenda of the Annual General Meeting (hereinafter the Meeting) of the shareholders of AB K2 LT (the Company).

The change of the agenda is convened by the initiative and the decision of the Companys Board of Directors

The Meeting will take place in the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists at Vienuolio st. 8, LT-01104, Vilnius.



Registration of participants starts at 09:25 on 21 December 2018.

Registration of participants ends at 09:55 on 21 December 2018.

The list of shareholders entitled to participate at the Meeting will be established on 14 December 2018.

Entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting are those who, aso f the end of the accounting day of the Meeting (14 December 2018), are shareholders of the Company.

AB K2 LT, in accordance with the Law on Joint Stock Companies Article 21 section 4 and 5, and Article 26 section 2 and 9, does not allow for the opportunity to attend and vote at the Meeting using electronic means of communication.

The supplemented Meetings agenda which was approved by the Board of Directors on 5 December 2018 consist of the following items:

Approval of land plot (unique identification No. 4400-4522-3343 at Talino st. 4A Vilnius acquisition Approval of land plot (unique identification No. 4400-4176-3193 at Jonavos st. 41A Kaunas acquisition Change in the number of the board members Election of the new board members Increase of the authorized capital by additional contributions Amendments to the Articles of Association

Information related to the execution of shareholders rights, resolutions of the Meeting as well as other documentation related to AB K2 LT, is provided to the shareholders at the head office of AB K2 LT at Metalistu st.3, Kedainiai, during the office hours 9:00  17:00.

Mobile: 8 698 44313
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 12:40:07|Editor: mmm

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno Garces is scheduled to pay a state visit to China from Tuesday to Thursday at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The visit will be Moreno's first to China as president. He had previously attended the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics in the capacity of vice president.

Moreno, 65, had been the head of the office of administrative affairs of the Interior Ministry, and of the division of affairs of the disabled people under the Health Ministry, among others. He was Vice President of Ecuador from 2007 to 2013.

From December 2013 to 2016, Moreno was the Special Envoy on Disability and Accessibility for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Moreno was elected President of Ecuador in April 2017 and took office on May 24 for a four-year term.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 13:05:12|Editor: ZD

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SYDNEY, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Premier of New South Wales state of Australia hit out Monday at suggestions that "pill-testing" is a viable solution to reduce the number of overdoses at dance parties and rave festivals in the state.

"If we thought it would save a single life, of course we would go down that path," Gladys Berejiklian told reporters on Monday.

"Unfortunately, what pill testing doesn't do is really take into account people's different physical attributes."

"What is safe for one person isn't safe for another."

Once again a huge topic amongst the Australian media landscape, the issue of "party drugs" at popular dance festivals has been brought back into focus after a 19-year-old man died from a suspected drug overdose in Sydney on Saturday.

According to local media, a further 130 of the 18,000 in people in attendance at the ill-fated Knockout Games of Destiny dance party also sought medical treatment during the rave, with 16 needing to be taken to hospital.

Three of which had to be placed into an induced coma.

With law enforcement and government regulators under heavy scrutiny, tough new laws were introduced back in October to combat the use of drugs at music festivals.

These measures include harsher sentencing for drug dealers and more stringent regulations for promoters.

The latest death takes the total number of suspected drug overdoses at Australian music festivals to at least 11 in the past five years.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 13:10:12|Editor: ZD

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MEXICO CITY, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's new government should reconsider those proposed public works projects to avoid accruing debt, a private-sector think tank said on Sunday.

The Private Sector Center for Economic Studies, which belongs to the Business Coordinating Council, Mexico's largest business confederation, called on new Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to reassess his plan to spur employment through infrastructure building.

The primary goal is to avoid a "negative impact on the health of public finances, which is fundamental to maintaining macroeconomic stability," the center said.

"The country's needs should now center on implementing policies that promote an atmosphere of certainty that will stimulate the permanence and arrival of productive investment," the center added.

Such plans as building a rail line and upgrading an airport, among others, will require around 10 percent of GDP through 2024, according to the center.

Lopez took office on Dec. 1. Mexico's debt ballooned to a record 48.2 percent of GDP in 2016, but decreased slightly to 45.4 percent last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 13:30:16|Editor: Li Xia

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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least five Afghan army personnel were injured after a military helicopter made a crash landing in southern province of Kandahar overnight, a local official said Monday.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 13:55:20|Editor: Li Xia

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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least five Afghan army personnel were injured after a military helicopter made a crash landing in southern province of Kandahar overnight, a local official said Monday.

"The incident took place outside Kandahar airport in Daman district shortly after Afghan Air Force helicopter took off from the airport in Daman late Sunday night," provincial government spokesman Aziz Ahmad Azizi told Xinhua.

None of the injured suffered life-threatening wounds and were transported to an army camp, he said.

The official ruled out insurgents' activities at the area, saying mechanical failure had caused the crash in the province, 450 km south of Kabul.

The incident occurred as violence has been on the rise as Afghan security forces are fighting against a surge in attacks by anti-government fighters since the drawdown of foreign forces four years ago.

At least eight Afghan air force helicopters have crashed so far this year. On Nov. 24, two Afghan air force personnel were killed after a chopper went down in Kandahar's Maruf district.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 14:00:21|Editor: Chengcheng

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's Supreme People's Court (SPC) has issued a document on enforcing judicial accountability.

The document covers the use and supervision of judicial power, as well as punishments for violations, the SPC said in a statement Monday.

The document calls for full respect of the role of judges and collegiate benches in trials.

Chief judges of courts and tribunals should hear cases in person on a regular basis, but they are not allowed to sign judicative documents or give instructions on trials in cases they did not personally hear, the document said.

The document also requires strict implementation of systems to keep record, report and give punishments in cases of leading officials or judiciary staff meddling in judicial proceedings.

It also called for serious investigation and punishment for judges that violate their judicial duties.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 14:15:24|Editor: Li Xia

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SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean delegation, composed of 10 government officials and forest experts, departed Monday for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to hold talks on forestry cooperation.

The delegation departed for Beijing earlier in the day from an international airport in South Korea's eastern port city of Incheon.

From Beijing, the delegation was scheduled to fly to Pyongyang Tuesday for a three-day stay.

During the stay, the South Korean delegates planned to tour a tree nursery and a factory, which produces forestry tools and materials, in Pyongyang, while reviewing the distribution of the pesticides that South Korea sent last month to help the DPRK fight forest diseases and pests.

The delegation will also hold working-level talks with DPRK counterpart about ways to push for the inter-Korean forestry cooperation, such as fostering tree nurseries and preventing forest diseases and pests.

The Pyongyang visit by the South Korean delegation was a part of efforts to implement the agreement, reached in October after the second round of the inter-Korean working-level dialogue on forestry cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 14:25:27|Editor: Chengcheng

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TAIYUAN, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A court in northern China's Shanxi Province have sentenced two drug dealers to death, while giving two others death sentences with a two-year reprieve for drug trafficking, according to a court statement on Monday.

A total of 12 people were engaged in the drug trafficking case involving 67 kg of methamphetamine, according to the Intermediate People's Court of Lyuliang City.

Liu Zepeng, a drug dealer, along with three other drug dealers -- Liang Jianjun, Li Hongwei and Fan Xiaohong -- bought methamphetamines from Ye Jinlun in Jiazi Town in the city of Lufeng in southern China's Guangdong Province several times in 2016. They then sold the drugs to other drug dealers from local and outside provinces, said the court.

The court also found that from September 2015 to November 2016, many drug dealers from Liulin County in Lyuliang had bought more than 40 kg of methamphetamine from Liu.

Liu and Ye were sentenced to death while Liang and Xue Yangsheng, another drug dealer from the port city of Qingdao, received death sentences with a two-year reprieve.

Li and Fan were given life sentences. The rest of the gang received sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years in prison.

The court also ruled that they would be fined or their personal property would be confiscated.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 14:45:29|Editor: Chengcheng

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TAIPEI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- "Everyday when I go out, I bring an iPad and an Apple Pencil with me," said Chang Ping-huang, a renowned calligrapher from Taiwan, when introducing his new toolkit for practicing Chinese calligraphy.

Chang, 69, is best known in Taiwan as host of a TV program that aired back in the 1980s where he taught the audience to write one Chinese character with ink and brush every day. The show aired for some 20 years, and Chang taught nearly 7,000 characters.

With the advent of the digital era, the calligrapher and educator sought to marry modern technology with the ancient wiring art.

Chang has been a professor of Chinese language at Tamkang University for many years. He found the students nowadays tend to spend much more time on computers and cell phones than writing on paper, and even less time on calligraphy.

"It was quite a blow to me," Chang said. "So I started to think about how to use technology to rekindle the interest of calligraphy among young people."

Starting from the very basics, Chang himself learned to use a computer and worked with the department of information engineering at Tamkang University. Six years since after they began working on the initiative in 2001, they came up with a system they call "e-pen."

However, this system was not perfect. With a computer and a trackpad, the movement of the strokes could be captured, but the eyes must focus on the screen instead of the hands. It did not feel like writing calligraphy.

Thanks to the invention of the tablet computer, an updated "e-pen" was born. Equipped with pressure sensors, the tablet detects the tiniest details of each stroke of the stylus and visualizes it on the screen in real-time. What's even better is that people can now look at the screen and their hands at the same time.

The new "e-pen" app was launched in September and soon topped Taiwan's weekly download ranking. It also became popular in China's mainland, the United States, Japan, Canada and South Korea.

The e-pen App is not only for the Chinese people, but anyone with an interest in learning Chinese characters from any corner of the world can also use it, Chang said.

When practicing Chinese calligraphy traditionally, people have to take time to prepare the ink, brush and paper. Chang believes that with this convenient digital toolkit, people who used to have no interest or were not willing to learn will be able to take the first step into the world of calligraphy.

"We did not digitalize Chinese calligraphy to make brush and ink obsolete," Chang said, pointing to scrolls of calligraphy works hanging on the walls inside his studio in Taipei.

For Chang's own calligraphy class, he combines the traditional teaching method with modern technology. "The students' spirits are much higher," Chang said.

Chang decided to be an educator for Chinese calligraphy very early on. When he was a child, Chang had very poor handwriting. It was the encouragement from his teacher that set him on the path of calligraphy.

He has been a keen promoter for this art, teaching on TV and by correspondence and taking part in various activities to pass this tradition forward.

He also said that he was impressed by the efforts to promote Chinese calligraphy on the mainland, where many students get to learn about calligraphy in classrooms.

To keep the tradition alive, Chang hopes more young people across the Taiwan Strait will learn more about calligraphy with the help of new technology, and maybe even fall in love with it.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 14:50:30|Editor: Li Xia

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KABUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's Public Health Ministry launched a five-day campaign on Monday to give immunity vaccination dose to 3 million children under the age of five in 10 of the country's 34 provinces, the ministry said in a statement.

The drive was launched as a fresh polio case was detected in southern Helmand province earlier this month, bringing to 21 the number of confirmed cases of polio infection since January this year, according to the statement.

"Polio is a crippling and a potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure and the polio vaccine is the only safe and effective way to protect children," the statement said.

The ongoing insurgency and conflicts have been hindering the efforts to stamp out the infectious disease in the mountainous country.
English Lithuanian

Lietuvos Energija, UAB (hereinafter  the Company or Lietuvos Energija), legal entity code: 301844044, registered office address: Zveju st. 14, LT-09310 Vilnius.

The gross nominal value of the bonds issued by Lietuvos Energija, UAB, is EUR 600,000,000, ISIN codes  XS1646530565; XS1853999313.

Lietuvos Energija confirmed the terms and conditions for the disentanglement of UAB Energijos tiekimas and for the establishment of a new company to which the activities of optimization of the works of power plants will be transferred. This decision was supported by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania acting as the manager of the Companys shares.

It is planned that the new company of the group UAB Gamybos optimizavimas will start operating on 1 January 2019. Lietuvos Energija will own 100 % of the shares of UAB Gamybos optimizavimas.

After the disentanglement of the activities, UAB Energijos tiekimas will continue selling energy resources to the customers as an independent supplier, and the specific activities of optimization of the work modes of power plants will be passed to a new company UAB Gamybos optimizavimas. UAB Gamybos optimizavimas will act as a mediator of electricity generation companies in selling electricity generated by them in energy exchange Nord Pool. The disentanglement of the activities will not affect the customers of UAB Energijos tiekimas, and all existing liabilities of UAB Energijos tiekimas will be continued.

More information: Arturas Ketlerius, Corporate Communications Project Manager of Lietuvos Energija +370 620 76076, arturas.ketlerius@le.lt
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 15:05:32|Editor: mym

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SYDNEY, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Australia's New South Wales (NSW) government's plan to cut immigration by half in order to ease the pressure on Sydney's infrastructure may end up costing the state around 130 billion Australian dollars (93.8 billion U.S. dollars), according to new economic modelling released on Monday.

The Property Council of Australia warned that cutting the state's migration numbers by 50,000 per year, that would equate to a workforce reduction of around 20,000 people per annum, meant a steep "loss of economic activity" that would be displaced to other Australian states.

Back in October, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said, "My government has been playing catch-ups building the schools, hospitals, roads and transport links our state needs to deal with our growing population."

"It's becoming increasingly clear that the current growing rate of immigration to our state needs to be addressed."

"This is an opportunity for a new dawn on this important issue."

However, Australian National University demographer Liz Allen said, "It's not surprising that a cut to immigration would adversely impact the economy, as the results of this analysis (by the Property Council of Australia) show."

"The 190,000 annual permanent migrant cap is based on the available evidence, which suggests the best range of immigration for Australia's economic well-being is between 160,000-210,000 permanent migrants each year."

"Anything above or below this range risks Australia's economy and future prosperity."

"We must remember that Australia has avoided economic catastrophe thanks to immigration, and a cut to immigration presents a serious risk of recession," she added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 15:15:34|Editor: mym

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ISTANBUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and 16 others wounded on Monday when a minibus hit a truck in northwestern Turkey, the private Ihlas news agency reported.

The bus carrying workers to a nearby factory overturned after hitting a truck in the Biga district of Canakkale province, Ihlas said.

The cause of the accident is not immediately clear, the agency said, noting many ambulances and police were sent to the scene.

Last week, 36 workers were injured in western Turkey when a shuttle bus heading to a factory hit a car.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 15:25:36|Editor: mym

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SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean bullet train linking the capital Seoul and the eastern city of Gangneung, some 240 km east of Seoul, resumed operations Monday after a derailment accident two days ago.

The KTX Gangneung Line, which opened in December 2017 ahead of the South Korea-hosted PyeongChang Winter Olympics in February 2018, resumed normal operations early Monday morning, according to Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL), the bullet train operator.

The resumed operation came after a bullet train, carrying 198 passengers, derailed about five minutes after departing from Gangneung city for Seoul early Saturday morning.

Sixteen passengers aboard the train were injured, but no fatality was reported.

The initial investigation showed an error in the railroad switch system, which controls tracks, could have caused the accident. Police in charge of railway affairs launched an internal probe to find out the exact cause of the incident.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said sorry to people for the accident, noting that it might have become a big disaster though it was not this time because the train was in a low-speed operation.

Moon said during a meeting with his senior secretaries earlier in the day that the accident aroused distrust among people whether their daily lives are safe, ordering officials to draw up measures to restore people's trust in the rail transport.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 15:50:42|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has confirmed new outbreaks of African swine fever in the northern province of Shaanxi and southern province of Guizhou, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Monday.

On a farm in Shenmu City, a county-level city of Shaanxi, 19 pigs were confirmed infected with the viral disease and all were dead, the ministry said, citing a China Animal Disease Control Center report.

Outbreaks were also found in the Baiyun District of Guiyang City, where five pigs have been infected and confirmed dead, it said.

A team was dispatched to Shaanxi and Guizhou immediately, and local authorities have initiated an emergency response to block, cull and disinfect the affected pigs.

African swine fever is believed to infect only pigs, and no humans or other species have thus far been infected.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 15:50:42|Editor: Liangyu

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NANNING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Home to the largest number of ethnic minorities in China, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region marks its 60th anniversary on Monday.

Here is some recent data on the region, which is reshaping its image from an economic backwater to a booming border trade hub.

NEW ENGINES

Guangxi's GDP reached 2 trillion yuan (296 billion U.S. dollars) in 2017, a world away from the 2.4 billion yuan in 1958 upon its founding, when it had barely any industry.

The region is an important agricultural base of China, producing over 60 percent of the country's sugarcane, half of silkworm cocoon and 45 percent of timber.

It witnessed fast industrialization over the decades, with new engines emerging in sectors including food processing, metallurgy, machinery and electronic information. It is now an important car manufacturing base, producing 2.4 million vehicles annually.

Tourism has become a pillar industry of Guangxi, which boasts the scenic town of Guilin. It recorded tourism consumption of 570 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2018.

SOUTHERN GATEWAY

Boasting both sea and land links with Southeast Asia, Guangxi has cast itself as an important gateway towards ASEAN countries. Its foreign trade was boosted by the proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 and holding the China-ASEAN Expo from 2004.

ASEAN has been the region's largest foreign trade partner for 17 years in a row. Guangxi's trade with ASEAN reached 189 billion yuan in 2017 with an annual growth of 27.1 percent in the past 15 years.

Guangxi's Beibu Gulf is an important transit in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor that connects western China and Southeast Asia with sea and rail intermodal routes. Ship routes link the gulf with over 200 ports in the world, including all the major ports in ASEAN.

Boosted by the booming border trade, Guangxi recorded 932.4 billion yuan in cross-border RMB settlement by the end of September, top among China's border regions.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 17:00:57|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has launched a three-year campaign on the prevention and cure of endemic diseases between 2018 and 2020, according to an action plan jointly released by the National Health Commission (NHC) and nine other authorities.

By the end of 2020, China will strive to eradicate iodine deficiency, bring an end to fluorine and arsenic poisoning caused by coal burning, Kaschin-Beck disease and Keshan disease, said the NHC.

It will seek to effectively control diseases such as poisoning caused by fluorine and arsenic-laden drinking water, endemic fluorine poisoning caused by tea-drinking, and water-borne iodine excess.

Schistosomiasis will be brought under effective control and eliminated, according to the plan.

As an important part of China's poverty alleviation efforts, the campaign aligns its target with the national goal to eradicate absolute poverty by 2020 and requires that all current endemic disease patients and advanced-stage schistosomiasis patients receive effective treatment, said the NHC.

Measures such as the improvement of nourishment and housing conditions, as well as the relocation of people from disease-causing environments, will be taken to meet the goal, said the NHC.

The action plan also includes a specific timetable for the prevention and cure of endemic diseases and orders that comprehensive measures should be taken and jointly financed by the central and local authorities.

Progress in the control of endemic diseases will be an important index in assessing the work of local governments.

As of 2018, 94.2 percent of China's counties have gotten rid of iodine deficiency, and Keshan disease is under effective control in 94.2 percent of the counties where it was once prevalent, while 95.4 percent of the counties once troubled by Kaschin-Beck disease are now free from it.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 17:16:00|Editor: Liangyu

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian police said on Monday that seven individuals had been arrested over alleged links to terror groups including receiving orders to plot attacks in Malaysia from overseas.

In a statement, Malaysian police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the suspects, five Malaysians and two Filipinos, were arrested in various operations across several states from Nov. 19 until Nov. 28.

Among them is a 28-year-old Malaysian suspect from Kelantan who sold honey for a living. He received orders from a Malaysian militant leader based in Syria to carry out attacks in Malaysia.

"He was ordered to launch attacks in Malaysia and received instructions from militant leader Akel Zainal," said the official.

Malaysian police said Akel Zainal is the main Malaysian militant leader recruiting people from his home country for the Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

Another suspect was a 52-year-old oil and gas engineer who had channeled 14,000 ringgit (about 3,350 U.S. dollars) to another Malaysian militant, Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi, based in Syria, for the purpose of carrying out attacks.

Muhammad Wanndy was believed to have been killed in Syria in April 2017, and his role as main recruiter was taken over by Akel Zainal.

One of the Filipino suspects, a 45-year-old man, was a member of the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf terror group, which is notorious for kidnapping and killing.

Fuzi said the suspect was involved in at least three kidnapping for random incidents in southern Philippines and the neighboring Sabah state of Malaysia.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 17:16:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping pledged to uphold the path of human rights development that fits the Chinese context and promotes well-rounded human development.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the statement in a congratulatory letter to a symposium marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Beijing Monday.

In the letter, Xi called the declaration a significant document in the history of human civilization and recognized its profound impact on the development of the human rights cause around the world.

Chinese people will work with people of other countries to uphold the common values of humanity, which are peace, development, equality, justice, democracy and freedom, to safeguard human dignity and rights, to promote fairer, sounder and more inclusive global human rights governance, and to build a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

Noting that the CPC has always taken human development as its goal, Xi said hundreds of millions of Chinese people have had their lives improved since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, particularly over the past four decades of reform and opening-up.

China has been combining the principle of human rights' universality with the reality of modern times and staying committed to a path of human rights development that fits the Chinese context, Xi said in the letter.

China adheres to a people-centered vision of human rights, considers the rights to subsistence and development as the primary and basic human rights, and works for coordinated development of the people's economic, political, social, cultural and environmental rights, the letter read.

Xi also called on people who work in the human rights research field to make greater contributions for the sake of diverse human civilizations and the world's human rights cause.

Huang Kunming, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, read Xi's letter at the symposium and urged for careful study and implementation of Xi's instructions.

The symposium was attended by about 150 people including officials and scholars in the human rights field.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 17:46:10|Editor: Liangyu

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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds from the Asian community including local overseas Chinese on Sunday mourned China's victims killed by imperial Japanese troops during World War II (WWII), calling for world peace for future generations.

The annual memorial event, Nanjing Ji (Remembrance of Nanjing Massacre), was held earlier in the day to honor over 300,000 Chinese people who were killed by invading Japanese troops in the Chinese city of Nanjing on Dec. 13, 1937, later remembered as the Nanjing Massacre. This year marks the 81st anniversary of the heinous crime committed by the Japanese military.

The Japanese forces also raped more than 20,000 Chinese women including teenage girls and perpetrated mass looting in the city in the six weeks after they captured Nanjing.

Jennifer Cheung, chair of the Rape of Nanking Redress Coalition, one of the leading sponsors of the memorial activity, said the right-wing elements in Japan have been trying to deny the Nanjing Massacre and lie about history.

"But we in the United States will tell the truth ... and tell the world we will not forget what happened (more than eight decades ago), particularly making sure that our younger generations will learn about it," Cheung said.

The history of "this massacre cannot be forgotten in China and in the world. Because if the world forgets it, history will be repeated," she said.

Ying-Ying Chang, the mother of Iris Chang, the late famous Chinese American writer of the book "The Rape of Nanking," told Xinhua that Japan has not made an official apology to the Chinese victims and the Chinese people, and not faced up to this tragic episode in history.

"We must educate our younger generations about this history. If we don't let them know about it, no lessons would be learned," she said.

"We want world peace, not war, and we don't want to see such a tragedy happen again," Chang added.

"The past isn't past. The past is present. Sometimes it seems that wars are constant (in today's world) and we are always in a state of war ... because we don't remember it, because people try to whitewash what happened," Judith Mirkinson, president of the Comfort Women Justice Coalition, told an audience of more than 350 people who had gathered in downtown San Francisco to pay their respects to the victims of the Nanjing Massacre.

Chinese Deputy Consul to San Francisco Zou Yonghong said Sunday's memorial was of special significance, as it aimed to remember history and tell people to treasure peace.

"We are here to remember the victims killed 81 years ago not for the sake of passing hatred to the next generation, but for the purpose of taking history as a mirror, so that the historical tragedy would never happen again," Zou said.

Only when people learn lessons from the past, can peace be anticipated and a better future be sought after, she said.

An 85-year-old eyewitness to the Japanese war crime from China's northeast region attended the event to tell the audience about the bitter sufferings of his family at the hands of the Japanese aggressive forces.

The event was sponsored by a number of grassroots organizations from the Chinese, Japanese, Korean and various other communities in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Rape of Nanking Redress Coalition, the San Francisco Committee to Promote the Reunification of China, the Comfort Women Justice Coalition, and the Alliance for Preserving the Truth of Sino-Japanese War.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 18:06:17|Editor: Liangyu

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by Edna Alcantara and Wu Hao

MEXICO CITY, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- China provided concrete proposals at the recently concluded Group of 20 (G20) summit that offer a path for a promising future for the global community, a leading Mexican expert has said.

Xinhua interviewed Enrique Dussel Peters, head of the China-Mexico Studies Center at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, about the 13th G20 summit, held in Buenos Aires on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Dussel said China played a positive role that was in keeping with the "wide-ranging" nature of the summit, which aims to promote joint solutions to the common problems that countries face today.

China is offering new models of growth by promoting a more open global economy and stepping up cooperation, as well as "a new financial architecture," said the expert.

There is no country more qualified than China to champion these measures, said Dussel, noting that in the past 40 years, China has undertaken a "very successful" reform and opening-up process that has been acknowledged across the globe.

China has, for example, embraced innovation "by incorporating science and technology, and linking academia to the productive apparatus, in a bid to boost competitiveness," he said.

It is also essential to grasp the development implications of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), first proposed by China in 2013, said Dussel, describing it as a globalization plan with Chinese characteristics.

The BRI "will continue to spur global ties (with) shared gains," said Dussel, who also heads the Latin American and Caribbean academic network on China.

This year's G20 summit took place amid rising protectionism and unilateralism, trends that threaten global growth.

However, China "has made the biggest difference globally in terms of very concrete financing and infrastructure proposals, creating new institutions for South-South cooperation," said Dussel.
TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascendant Resources Inc. (TSX: ASND) (OTCQX: ASDRF; FRA: 2D9) ("Ascendant" or the "Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Campbell to the position of Vice President, Exploration.



Mr. Campbell is an exploration geologist with over 40 years experience in mining and exploration in Canada, the United States and Latin America. He is currently a Director of the Company and most recently served as Vice President, Exploration for Largo Resources Ltd., a company he was involved with since its inception in 2003. Mr. Campbell has also worked with a number of major mining companies, most notably Noranda and Lac Minerals, and has held other senior management positions such as Vice President of Exploration for Apogee Minerals Ltd.

We are very pleased to have an established exploration professional of Mr. Campbells calibre join the management team at Ascendant. Mr. Campbells extensive skills and experience in Latin America will continue to help unlock the exploration potential of El Mochito and our entire land package in Honduras. His considerable knowledge of VMS deposits will also greatly assist to rapidly advance the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project in Portugal, commented Chris Buncic, President and CEO of Ascendant.

About Ascendant Resources Inc.

Ascendant is a Toronto-based mining company focused on its 100%-owned producing El Mochito zinc, lead and silver mine in west-central Honduras and its high-grade polymetallic Lagoa Salgada VMS Project located in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal.

After acquiring the El Mochito mine in December 2016, Ascendant spent 2017 implementing a rigorous and successful optimization program restoring the historic potential of El Mochito, a mine in production since 1948, to deliver record levels of production with profitability restored. The Company now remains focused on cost reduction and further operational improvements to drive robust profitability in 2018 and beyond. With a significant land package of approximately 11,000 hectares in Honduras and an abundance of historical data, there are several near-mine and regional targets providing longer term exploration upside which could lead to further Mineral Resource growth.

Ascendant holds an interest in the high-grade polymetallic Lagoa Salgada VMS Project located in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Company is engaged in exploration of the Project with the goal of expanding the already-substantial defined Mineral Resources and testing additional known targets. The Companys acquisition of its interest in the Lagoa Salgada Project offers a low-cost entry point to a potentially significant exploration and development opportunity. The Company holds an additional option to increase its interest in the Project upon completion of certain milestones.

Ascendant Resources is engaged in the ongoing evaluation of producing and development stage mineral resource opportunities, on an ongoing basis. The Company's common shares are principally listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ASND". For more information on Ascendant Resources, please visit our website at www.ascendantresources.com.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 18:11:18|Editor: Liangyu

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Photo taken on Dec. 10, 2018 shows the site of a minibus crash in south China's Hong Kong. Two people were killed and 12 others injured on Monday in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region after a school minibus mowed down pedestrians before crashing into a shop, police said. The cause of the accident has not been determined yet. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)

HONG KONG, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and 12 others injured on Monday in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region after a school minibus mowed down pedestrians before crashing into a shop, police said.

Police said the accident occurred around 2:00 p.m. local time in North Point. An 83-year-old man and an 80-year-old woman were killed on the spot.

Among the 12 injured, eight were males. All the injured have been sent to two hospitals.

The cause of the accident has not been determined yet.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 18:16:19|Editor: Liangyu

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ANKARA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is keen on playing a mediation role to ease new tensions between Russia and Ukraine, fearing a full-scale war in the Black Sea that would jeopardize its own interests in this region.

The new tensions erupted late October when Russian border guards opened fire on three Ukrainian vessels near the Crimean Peninsula as they were trying to pass through the Kerch Strait on their way to the Sea of Azov. The Russians then captured the ships and 24 crew members.

The standoff continued in early December with both countries accusing each other of violation and aggression while trading angry accusations.

Turkey, a key NATO power in the region and a Black Sea littoral state, fears that this new crisis between the two countries could escalate into a military conflict. The day after the incident, Ankara made a statement calling for peaceful settlement of the crisis.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered his country's mediation to ease tensions. "Here we could take on a mediator role and we have discussed this with both sides," Erdogan told reporters last week in Istanbul, adding that his country would like to see the Black Sea as a "sea of peace."

Experts are divided on the role that Turkey can play in this new crisis.

"Both Russia and Ukraine are in need of the mediation role that Turkey can play as Turkey is offering to ease the situation between these nations who remain at loggerheads," Togrul Ismail, international relations professor from Kahramanmaras University, told Xinhua.

Ismail, an expert on Russian affairs, believes that Turkey, which enjoys good political and trade relations with both Moscow and Kiev, is the perfect nation at hand to offer mediation in this complicated situation.

"If Turkey is indeed accepted as a mediator and succeeds to ease tensions, this would be an important factor of diplomatic prestige for the country and also regional stability," argued Ismail.

However, Ismail thinks that the crisis will not escalate into a full-fledged war, which would spark a major crisis and hit Turkey's regional interests.

Ankara's relations with Moscow have flourished since mid-2016 in a rapprochement that has sometimes troubled the West.

Turkey is working closely with Russia on the Syria conflict and is also purchasing sophisticated Russian S-400 air defence systems.

But Erdogan has always sought to emphasize the importance of Turkey's traditionally strong relations with Ukraine, even as Kiev and Moscow remain at loggerheads.

And if Turkey really takes the step to mediate the Russia-Ukraine crisis, it could boost Erdogan's image in Turkey and abroad at a time when things are heating up ahead of crucial local elections in Turkey, planned for the end of March, 2019.

In 2014, though as a vocal supporter of Ukraine's territorial integrity, Turkey did not sanction Russia over Crimea crisis like other European nations did.

Turkey, who doesn't recognize Russia's stance on Crimea, is opposed to the Russian policy in the disputed peninsula.

In the wake of the latest Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Turkish leader held intense telephone diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. Erdogan also talked to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Some analysts argue that Turkey is not in a position to act as a peacemaker in the Russian-Ukrainian standoff because of clashing interests between Ankara and Moscow.

"Turkey has a diminishing influence in the Black Sea because of the Russian policy there ever since the Georgian crisis after which Moscow has bit by bit squeezed Turkey," Selcuk Colakoglu, an international relations professor, told Xinhua.

The Black Sea has long had strategic significance, and Russians consider it as their "backyard," the expert said.

"I don't think that Turkey is seeking or poised to mediate in this conflict," said Colakoglu, director of the Asia-Pacific Center in Ankara, while underlining the actual low-key attitude of Ankara which simply mentioned its position in official statements regarding the latest incident.

"While Turkey is considering Russia as a partner, Russia for its part is seeing clearly Turkey as a regional rival," indicated Colakoglu.

This expert added that Turkey should instead focus on establishing a "healthy partnership" with Russia and make this powerful nation take notice of its national security "red lines," such as the strategic future of the Black Sea.

Colakoglu reminded that in recent years, Turkey has grown increasingly dependent on Russia's natural gas and its support in the Syrian war. Ankara and Moscow have also major energy interests in the region while Russia is constructing Turkey's first nuclear power plant.

Russian leader Putin visited Turkey in mid-November to attend a ceremony marking the completion of the TurkStream natural gas pipeline's offshore section, a project which bypasses Ukraine and gives a new boost to the Turkey-Russia ties.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 18:31:24|Editor: Yurou

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KUNMING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Police in southwest China's Yunnan Province apprehended seven suspected drug traffickers and seized more than 66 kg of methamphetamine, local police said Monday.

On Dec. 1, police in the border city of Lincang received a tip-off on a planned drug deal in Lincang.

Anti-narcotics police later intercepted a vehicle and found 66.59 kg of methamphetamine in the vehicle, arresting seven men from Myanmar.

Further investigation is underway.

Yunnan is a major front in China's war on drugs, as it borders the Golden Triangle, notorious for drug production and trafficking.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 18:31:24|Editor: mym

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BISHKEK, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Former Deputy Prime Minister Duishenbek Zilaliyev has been detained in Kyrgyzstan for hiding property, the government announced Monday.

Zilaliyev was arrested on Dec. 7 on suspicion of hiding a part of his property from his mandatory income declaration, according to the country's National Security Committee.

He held various senior positions from 2011 to 2017, including chairman of the State Property Management Fund and director of the State Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources of Kyrgyzstan.

Zilaliyev declared that he and his wife earned about 42,000 U.S. dollars during that period. However, the government investigation revealed that Zilaliyev, while in public service, hid 889,900 dollars, which were kept in a branch of a commercial bank until September this year.

The official also used his relatives' and other people's names to register his real estate, including apartments and houses, in order to conceal his property.

While being the director of the State Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources, he allegedly issued a number of licenses to his relatives for gold, limestone and other deposits in Kyrgyzstan, an investigation showed.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 18:41:26|Editor: mym

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WELLINGTON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The value of New Zealand's primary sector exports is set to grow by 505 million NZ dollars (347.6 million U.S. dollars) to a new record high over the coming year, Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said on Monday.

The Ministry for Primary Industries' latest Situation and Outlook report forecasts a 3.8-percent increase for primary sector export earnings for the year ending June 2019 to 44.3 billion NZ dollars.

"There's a lot to be positive about when strong consumer demand for high-value produce and good growing conditions have, in just the past three months, nudged up forecasts by an extra half a billion dollars," O'Connor said in a statement.

This shows primary sector exports will continue to be a strong contributor to the New Zealand economy, which is forecast to grow at about 3 percent a year over the next few years, O'Connor said.

Primary sector export growth is due to a range of positive pointers that also reflect the importance of moving away from volatile raw commodity markets and into markets offering sustainable, premium returns, the minister said.

"In particular for dairy farmers, good weather means plenty of grass and greater milk production at a time of growth in value-added products," he said, adding that this is set to be the fourth year in a row dairy export returns have risen following the dairy downturn of 2015.

O'Connor also warned of uncertainties in the global marketplace which means instability across commodity prices, exchange rates and equities.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 19:11:35|Editor: mym

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MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Two pro-government local fighters and 21 militants have been killed in clashes in Afghan northern province of Faryab, local police said Monday.

In one incident, 11 Taliban militants, including a local Taliban leader named Mullah Nasrat, were killed and 14 Taliban wounded after police and pro-government local uprising fighters fought back militants, who attacked security checkpoints in outer sides of Dawlat Abad district Sunday night, provincial police spokesman Karim Urush told Xinhua.

The militants tried to overran the district in northern of provincial capital Maimana city.

In separate clashes in Almar district, western of Maimana, two local uprising fighters and 10 Taliban were killed in similar incident late on Sunday, Urush added.

Fighting has escalated in Afghanistan as the Taliban insurgency spreads from its traditional strongholds in the south and east to the once peaceful region in the north, where Taliban have been recruiting from among the youth.

The Taliban militant group has yet to make comments on the report.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 19:21:38|Editor: Liangyu

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She Wenbin (front), a family member of a victim of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese invaders, unveils a memorial wall with more names inscribed in the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 10, 2018. She's father's name, She Peigeng, was recently added onto the memorial wall. A total of 26 names have been newly inscribed on the memorial wall in commemoration of Chinese killed in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese troops in 1937, bringing the total number of names on the wall to 10,664. The memorial wall, also known as the wailing wall, was set up in 1995 with 3,000 names representing the 300,000 victims of the massacre. (Xinhua/Sun Can)

NANJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 26 names have been newly inscribed on a memorial wall in commemoration of Chinese killed in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese troops in 1937, bringing the total number of names on the wall to 10,664.

The memorial wall, also known as the wailing wall, was set up in the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in 1995 with 3,000 names representing the 300,000 victims of the massacre.

"My father She Peigeng was seized by the Japanese troops when I was seven," said She Wenbin, whose father's name was recently added onto the wall. "He never returned, and I was told that he was drowned by the Japanese troops."

The names of the victims were confirmed by the city's committees on wartime loss and Nanjing Massacre investigations, survivors' dictated or published documents and information from victims' relatives, said the head of the memorial hall.

New names will be inscribed on the wall every year before the National Memorial Day, but the confirmation work is difficult, according to the memorial hall.

Japanese troops occupied eastern China's Nanjing on Dec. 13, 1937, and began a six-week massacre. Chinese records show that more than 300,000 people -- not only disarmed soldiers but also civilians -- were brutally murdered and thousands of women raped.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 19:26:41|Editor: mym

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BEIRUT, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army on Monday continued to destroy Hezbollah cross-border tunnels, sending six skid steers and three excavators with armored vehicles to several points on the southern borders with Lebanon, a security source speaking on condition of anonymity told Xinhua.

The source said that the Israeli army has started excavation work to locate tunnels in Kafr Kila.

It added that the Israeli army has increased the number of its operations to build sand mounds in the towns of Wazzani, Adaysa, Kafr Kila and Mays al-Jabal.

The security source said that Israeli military teams raised balloons equipped with cameras close to the town of Mays Al-Jabal border while installing surveillance cameras and additional devices on the wired fence between the towns of Hula, Mays Al-Jabal and Kafr Kila.

The United Nations Interim Forces (UNIFIL) in Lebanon deployed its forces in the area and increased its patrolling along the Blue Line.

The UNIFIL was informed Saturday by the Israeli army about the presence of a tunnel to the south of the Blue Line extending from Lebanon to southern Israel prompting the UNIFIL to announce that its teams will soon visit the area to verify Israel's claims.

On Thursday, the UNIFIL confirmed the existence of a tunnel close to the Blue Line after an inspection of the location near Metula in northern Israel.

Israel announced Tuesday that the Israeli military had detected tunnels crossing from Lebanon into northern Israel and the country has started an operation to destroy them.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 19:36:43|Editor: Liangyu

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DOHA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Qatar University (QU) and Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost bilateral cooperation, said local media on Monday.

The agreement was signed on Sunday with the attendance of the QU President Hassan Al-Derham and SISU President Li Yansong, Qatar-based newspaper The Peninsula reported.

"I am delighted today to sign this important agreement with the Shanghai International Studies University, which will undoubtedly enhance the prospects for cooperation between the two sides, especially with regard to the research aspect and student exchange programs," Hassan said.

According to the report, the agreement aimed to promote cooperation between the two universities, especially in the academic and research field.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Li said that Qatar University is a very strong academic institution and it's playing a very important role in Gulf countries.

"I wish to broaden our area of cooperation with Qatar University. I am very confident because I have been to Qatar several times and I know we can do lots of things together," Li added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 19:56:52|Editor: Liangyu

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Aerial photo taken on Dec. 9, 2018 shows the railway arch bridge across the Nujiang River in southwest China's Yunnan Province. With a grand arch bridge erected on Monday morning, Chinese constructors have built the longest-spanning railway arch bridge with a single span of 490 meters. The bridge is a key project of the 220-km-long Dali-Ruili railway which is a key section of the China-Myanmar international railway corridor linking Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, with Yangon of Myanmar. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- With a grand arch bridge erected on Monday morning across the Nujiang River in southwestern China's Yunnan Province, Chinese constructors have built the world's longest-spanning railway arch bridge.

The bridge measures 1,024 meters long and nearly 25 meters wide. With a single span of 490 meters, it can accommodate the parking of four trains at the same time, said Yu Changbin, a project manager with China Railway Construction Corporation.

"As the bridge is situated in the gorge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and affected by a high-intensity seismic belt, it was much more demanding in both breadth and bearing capacity than ordinary railway bridges," Yu said. "There is no precedent for building such a huge bridge station."

To complete the bridge, constructors had to assemble 800,000 bolts, and 922 steel poles of various models weighing 100 tonnes each in the air -- about 230 meters above the Nujiang River.

"The technical difficulty and risks are both very rare," Yu said.

The bridge is a key project of the 220-km-long Dali-Ruili railway which is a key section of the China-Myanmar international railway corridor linking Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, with Yangon, the capital of Myanmar.

Upon completion of the Dali-Ruili railway, the transport time between the two cities will be cut from six hours to two.
Boston, Mass., Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IDGs CIO and the CIO Executive Council are pleased to announce the 2019 Digital Edge 50 and Ones to Watch award winners [ click to tweet ]. The Digital Edge award honors 50 organizations for executing digital transformation initiatives with significant, measurable business impact. Winners are selected by a panel of executive peers who evaluate projects on complexity, scale, outcomes and innovation. Additionally, the Ones to Watch Awards recognize the rising stars in IT  those primed to become the leading C-level executives of the future. All winners will be honored at the AGENDA19 conference in March 2019.

Digital Edge 50 Awards

According to IDGs 2018 Digital Business Survey , 89% of organizations have plans to adopt a digital-first business model; however, only 44% have fully implemented this approach. The Digital Edge 50 Awards highlight the organizations at the forefront of digital transformation. These top organizations have harnessed emerging technologies to accelerate business while fostering a culture of collaboration. Seventeen industries are represented this year and technologies involved include: artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, virtual reality/augmented reality, cloud, data analytics, and mobile/smart devices.

The Digital Edge 50 awards recognize the very best projects driving IT innovation, said Anne McCrory, group vice president, customer experience and operations, events, and the Digital Edge and AGENDA19 conference chair. While a digital first strategy is needed to transform business, unifying efforts to embrace the future is no easy task. Our 2019 honorees are leading by example, serving as key thought leaders in an increasingly competitive business environment.

Ones to Watch Awards

In addition to the organizations being honored, 50 tech professionals have been named Ones to Watch award winners by CIO and the CIO Executive Council. The 2019 recipients have demonstrated a keen understanding of business goals, possessing the capabilities and character to be future leaders in the industry.

As CIOs become more involved in corporatewide decisions and objectives, reliance on qualified and talented people within their IT organizations to manage key projects is critical to overall business success, noted Tim Scannell, director of strategic content at the CIO Executive Council. We are pleased to acknowledge the success of those individuals who have the right mix of technology and management skills to maintain continuity, drive innovation and lead solutions teams with the Ones to Watch Awards. Congratulations to the 2019 recipients and we look forward to celebrating their future successes.

AGENDA19

All honorees will be recognized at AGENDA19, IDGs annual business leadership conference focused on digital innovation. The 2019 event will be held March 18  20 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The conference will bring together 300+ senior technology leaders and business stakeholders, and feature keynote sessions, winner case studies, workshops and technology breakout sessions. The Awards Ceremony and Gala Celebration honoring the recipients of the Digital Edge 50 and the Ones to Watch Awards will conclude the conference on March 20, 2019.

Featured topics for AGENDA19 include: The Latest Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Data Strategies: Insights, IoT and New Business Models; RPA and Robotics in the Enterprise; Blockchain Use Cases; Overcoming Roadblocks to Digital Maturity; Cultivating the Next Generation of Talent; and Innovative Leadership in a High Velocity Environment.

AGENDA19 is the leadership conference for business and technology leaders focused on driving business forward in changing times, said Adam Dennison, SVP & General Manager, IDG Events and CIO Executive Council, and Publisher, CIO. Emerging technologies and new solutions play an important role within digital business transformation. We are thrilled to have premium vendor partners joining us to provide a robust overview of what is possible for businesses in the future.

2019 Digital Edge 50 Award Winners

WINNING COMPANY CATEGORY Allstate API Technology Arapahoe County, Colorado Cloud/Multi-Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services AXA XL AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing Bank of America AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing Bayer AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing City of Los Angeles AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County Automation Commercial International Bank AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing Cornell University Customer Relationship Management Discover Financial Services AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing Evoqua Water Technologies Internet of Things (IoT) Ginnie Mae Data Analytics/Data-as-a-Service Health Care Service Corporation Data Analytics/Data-as-a-Service Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Cloud/Multi-Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Security for the Digital Enterprise HP Inc. Automation Humana Cloud/Multi-Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services IBM CIO Cloud/Multi-Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services Jackson Health System Data Analytics/Data-as-a-Service Jefferson Health, Thomas Jefferson University Data Analytics/Data-as-a-Service Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Mobile/Smart Devices JK Cement Ltd. Cloud/Multi-Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services King County Information Technology Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality/Augmented Intelligence LiRo Applied Technologies Automation Massport Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services McGraw-Hill Education Data Analytics/Data-as-a-Service Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Mobile/Smart Devices Mercer AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing Merck 3D Technologies Automation Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Biometric Technology/ Mobile Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget partnered with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Cloud/Multi-Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services PayPal, Inc. Automation Penn Medicine - UPHS Data Analytics/Data-as-a-Service



Power Design Inc. Mobile/Smart Devices PVH 3D Product Design and Development SimpleTire AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Cloud/Multi-Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services Startek/Aegis Automation Subaru of America Communications/Collaboration/Social Suffolk Construction Collaboration platform with VR/AR The Suddath Companies Cloud/Multi-Cloud-based Technologies and/or Services



TIAA Automation TKC Holdings, Inc. Combination of Cloud and Mobile Technologies Total Quality Logistics AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing TVS Motor Company Limited AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing Universal Orlando Resort Facial Recognition Verizon Communications AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing WABCO AI/Machine Learning/Cognitive Computing Werner Logistics Internet of Things (IoT) Whirlpool Corporation Internet of Things (IoT)

2019 Ones to Watch Award Winners

David Abbott, VP, Technology Operations, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

Katrina Agusti, VP Solutions Delivery, Carhartt

Kathy Alexion, Associate CIO, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center

Jomel Angat, Product Owner, Integrated Technology Solutions, Fannie Mae

John Antoinetta, Senior Manager Digital Marketing IT, Altria Client Services

Raghbir Banwait, VP of Engineering, Dealer Products, CarGurus, Inc.

Vikram Baskaran, Managing Director IT Applications, ITS, Alaska Air Group

Annie Baymiller, Director, Global Information Services, Roofing and Insulation, Owens Corning

Bryan Bee, VP of Applications & Service Operations, EBSCO Industries Inc.

Blake Brannon, VP, Products, OneTrust

Jennifer Burger, Executive Director of Epic Applications, UC Davis Health

James Butler, Director of Instructional Technology, Tucson Unified School District

Diane Butler, Associate VP, Rice University

Brett Caldon, Senior Director, Software Innovations, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Scott Carter, Senior VP, Digital Innovation, TSYS

Jason H. Cherry, Director, IS Technology Services, Lexington Medical Center

Michael Cockrell, IT Specialist, Internal Revenue Service

Chris Cummings, Technology Director, Klein ISD

Dan Denenberg, Senior Director, Enterprise Information Services, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield/Service Benefit Plan Administrative Services Corporation

Michael Derry, VP, Federal Reserve Bank, San Francisco

Tami Evanson, Senior VP, IT Emerging Businesses, Ascensus

Peter Fourie, Executive Director, Information Technology, Celgene Corporation

Joseph George, VP, Product Management, Global Recovery Services, Sungard Availability Services (Sungard AS)

Carol Goh, Senior Director, Global Infrastructure Services  Network Services, Cisco IT, Cisco Systems Inc.

Matthew Hubbard, Senior Manager, Infrastructure Delivery, Whirlpool Corporation

Babu Kuttala, VP, Advance Analytics, ABB

Eric Loyd, Senior Director, Delivery Office, Vistra Energy

Alexander Maximenko, Director, Applications Development Services, Miratech

Vishal Morde, VP, Data Science, Barclays US

Anbu Ganapathi Muppidathi, Senior VP, Digital Systems & Technology, Cognizant

Mark Nadler, Director of Corporate Applications, TKC Holdings, Inc.

Joel Nichols, Head of Software and Automation, MilliporeSigma

Jaideep Oberoi, VP, BNY Mellons Pershing

Matt ODell, Director, Global Software Services, Allegion

Renee Orser, VP, Engineering, NS1

Drew Pawlak, Director, End User Computing & Collaboration, Alexion

Greg Petersen, Senior Director, Global Security Technology & Operations, Avanade, Inc.

Jaganath Ram Shankar, VP & Head, Platforms & Solutions, MindTree Ltd.

Vasu Sambasivam, Director, Enterprise Architecture and Emerging Technologies, Zions Bancorporation

Thomas Scarpati, Managing Director, TD Ameritrade

Kunal Sehgal, Executive Director, APAC, FS-ISAC

Alisa Sheyn, Director of Business Operations, Technology, Avid Technology

Matt Skinner, Senior VP, Corporate Applications, Technology & Process Group, PVH

Dave Slifka, VP, Infrastructure & Service Operations, EBSCO

Kelly Smith, IT Program Manager, Americas, Gates Corporation

Todd Soisson, IT VP, Business Experience, Tokio Marine North America Services

Mark Sparks, Director of Products, IT, Bayer

Ravi Vedala, Director, IT & Applications Engineering, Ascensus

Petra Volckaert, Head of IT Digital Transformation for Global Marketing & Commercial Excellence, Bayer Crop Science

Kristin Wisnewski, VP, CIO Design, IBM

AGENDA19 Sponsorship Opportunities

The AGENDA19 Conference is proud to have Dropbox as our ideas partner. Action partners include Atlassian and Omnivex. For more information on our various sponsorship opportunities, including the awards celebration, please visit www.agendaconference.com or contact Adam Dennison, at adam_dennison@idg.com .

Event Information

To learn more about the conference and register to attend, visit www.agendaconference.com . You can also follow us at @CIOevents and @CIOEC , and use #MyAGENDA19.

About the Digital Edge 50 Awards

The Digital Edge 50 Award honors digital innovation. Through digital technologies such as mobile, analytics, AI, the Internet of Things and cloud, award winners see business results that indicate a true digital edge. Selected by a panel of industry experts and business and technology executives, winning applications are driving greater customer engagement, higher sales conversions and new products, as well as revenue and profit growth.

About the Ones to Watch Awards

The CIO Ones to Watch Awards honor rising stars in IT  senior staff destined to become the CIOs of the future  as identified and sponsored by the CIOs of todays leading organizations. Each year nominees are judged on their job history, job scope and on-the-job accomplishments by a panel of CIOs  past CIO 100 Award winners and CIO Executive Council members.

About CIO

CIO focuses on attracting the highest concentration of enterprise CIOs and business technology executives with unparalleled peer insight and expertise on business strategy, innovation, and leadership. As organizations grow with digital transformation, CIO provides its readers with key insights on career development, including certifications, hiring practices and skills development. The award-winning CIO portfolio provides business technology leaders with analysis and insight on information technology trends and a keen understanding of ITs role in achieving business goals. CIO is published by IDG Communications, Inc. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com .

Follow CIO on Twitter: @CIOonline

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About the CIO Executive Council

Believing in a members-first approach, CIO Executive Council, a division of IDG Communications, Inc., provides strategic leadership development for the transforming C-suite at the worlds most influential and evolving organizations. The CIO Executive Council offers each member a custom engagement experience that draws upon a wealth of programs and services, including: peer-to-peer interactions, a deep industry knowledge base, a range of professional development programs, and media/public relations opportunities that are tailored to an individuals strengths and career goals. For more information on joining the CIO Executive Council, visit council.cio.com .

Follow CEC on Twitter: @CIOEC

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About IDG Communications, Inc.

IDG Communications connects the world of tech buyers with insights, intent and engagement. We are the worlds largest media, data and marketing services company that activates and engages the most influential technology buyers. Our premium brands, including CIO, Computerworld, CSO, PCWorld and Macworld, engage the most powerful audience of technology buyers providing essential guidance on the evolving technology landscape.

Our global data intelligence platform activates purchasing intent, powering our clients success. IDG Marketing Services creates custom content with marketing impact across video, mobile, social and digital. We execute complex campaigns that fulfill marketers global ambitions seamlessly with consistency that delivers results and wins awards. IDG is the #1 tech media company in the world, per comScore.* Additional information about IDG, a privately held company, is available at http://www.idg.com .

*Source: comScore Media Metrix, Desktop Unique Visitors, Worldwide, January 2017

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Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 20:06:57|Editor: mym

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TOKYO, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Former Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn was served with a fresh arrest warrant on Monday for allegedly concealing a further 4.2 billion yen (37.3 million U.S. dollars) from the company's securities reports for the three business years through March 2017.

Tokyo prosecutors also indicted Ghosn, Greg Kelly, a former representative director of Nissan, and Nissan as a company, on charges of violating Japan's financial instruments law when misstatements were made in the company's releases to the market during the five years through March 2015.

"Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissan's public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret," Nissan said in a statement on the matter, adding that it will endeavor to strengthen its corporate governance.

Ghosn and Kelly may be slapped with an addition 20 days of detention in Tokyo through Dec. 30, sources close to the matter said Monday, without the access to lawyers or embassy officials being guaranteed.

Japanese law stipulates that the limit a suspect can be held without charge is 23 days if an arrest warrant was issued by police and 22 days if it was issued by prosecutors.

In theory, as new charges and fresh warrants are served, as long as they are approved by a court, a suspect can be held in detention in Japan indefinitely.

Ghosn, 64, was initially arrested by prosecutors on Nov. 19 on a charge of violating a financial law by understating his earnings in financial reports for the five fiscal years from fiscal 2010.

While Ghosn is suspected of having concealed around 9 billion yen of his pay, Ghosn, Kelly and Nissan were slapped with a criminal complaint by Japan's securities watchdog for the more than 5 billion yen of under-reporting.

Ghosn has admitted to the Tokyo prosecutors his remuneration was not fully reported in the securities reports to be submitted to Japanese regulators.

He has maintained, however, that the reports were not intentionally doctored, sources close to the investigation said, and claimed he did not have to report some of his earnings on payments that have yet to be settled.

Meanwhile, Nissan has rejected a request by Renault, its top shareholder in a three-way alliance, which also includes Mitsubishi Motors, to send a replacement for Ghosn from the French firm, on grounds that Nissans management structure needs to be reviewed in light of possible abuses of overly centralized power at the firm, sources has said.

Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa said he believes that an excessive concentration of power in Ghosn, while he was at the helm of the Yokohama-based automaker, had led to a lack of transparency at the firm and cast aspersions over corporate governance there.

Saikawa, a tussle continues between Nissan and Renault for leadership, sees the Japanese automaker's current relationship with Renault as favoring the French side, as Renault owns a 43.4 percent stake in Nissan, with Nissan in turn holding only a 15 percent stake in its French partner.

Nissan has no voting rights as far as Renault is concerned, although owns a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corp. who has along with Nissan ousted Ghosn as its chairman.

While Saikawa wants Nissan's management structure to be reviewed, three-way talks are being held by the alliance as to its future, in contrast to Ghosn's previous unilateral decision making process.

But under a current pact made between Nissan and Renault, the position of CEO and chairman of the alliance is to be held by someone from Renault.

The French government, as the firm's largest shareholder, also has a vested interest in ensuring Ghosn's replacement comes from Renault and has become more vocal on this point of late, sources said recently.

As talks continue between the alliance, three independent directors from Nissan's board have set up a panel to decide who should replace Ghosn, Nissan said.

At a meeting slated for Dec. 17, the board is expected to approve Ghosn's successor, with sources saying that Saikawa may double as temporary chairman.

Prior to that, it has been decided by top executives of Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi Motors that all three would be "fully committed" to the alliance and that it will, ostensibly, be led by the three companies' leaders, instead of one specific figure as had been the case, and indeed the problem, with Ghosn.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 20:52:07|Editor: Yurou

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COLOMBO, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has recorded a 29 percent growth in luxury cruise ships calling at the Port of Colombo in the first 10 months of this year, compared to the same period last year, helping boost the tourism sector, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said in a statement on Monday.

The SLPA said from January to October, 45 cruise ships had called at the Colombo Port which was a record-breaking growth.

Cruise tourism has seen a substantial growth in Sri Lanka in recent years, with industry experts seeking government approval to build a cruise terminal building at the Colombo Port to attract more cruise liners.

Tourism has been one of the country's leading sectors with a growing number of tourists visiting the country each year.

This year, over 2.08 million tourists have visited the island country, with India, China and Britain being the leading markets.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 21:32:14|Editor: mym

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KIGALI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A suspected Rwandan rebel group based in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) attacked Rubavu district in western Rwanda on early Monday, local media reported, citing the Rwandan army.

Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) is suspected of carrying out the attack in Rusura cell, Busasamana sector at around 1 a.m. Rwandan time, Rwanda's defense and military spokesperson Innocent Munyengango told Rwandan media Kigali Today.

Four of the attackers were killed in an exchange of fire with soldiers of Rwanda Defense Forces, he said, adding that one machine gun was recovered from the scene.

No other casualties were reported, he said.

FDLR was formed after the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against Tutsi with the intention to topple the Rwandan government. For decades the rebel group has been accused of wreaking havoc in neighboring DR Congo, terrorizing the local population and profiting from DR Congo's rich natural resources.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 21:47:19|Editor: mym

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LONDON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Businesses in Britain believe the Brexit deal brokered by Prime Minister Theresa May will leave them less competitive than staying in the European Union, a parliamentary report said Monday.

The report by the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee came amid rising speculations about the outcome of a planned Parliament vote on Tuesday on the Brexit deal with media reports indicating that the vote could be pulled.

The report outlines the reaction of the aerospace, automotive, processed food and drink, and pharmaceuticals sectors to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and the EU, which are currently being debated by MPs.

"The concerns of these industries, often relying on complex, just-in-time, international supply chains, reflect many other sectors that export to the EU," said the report, adding that the sectors are all vital to Britain's future manufacturing success.

Rachel Reeves, the MP who chairs the committee, said, "Businesses were clear that the deal on offer is inferior to what they currently enjoy as part of the (European) single market and customs union, with supply chains built for maximum efficiency using frictionless trade across Europe."

"Businesses need for certainty - and a desire to avoid a hard Brexit - has however led them to be supportive of the Withdrawal Agreement. However, they are under few illusions and they believe that the Withdrawal Agreement will leave them less competitive than the status quo of EU membership."

Reeves said the Political Declaration is seen as "vague" by many in the business community.

"These industries were particularly disappointed that the Political Declaration did not include an explicit commitment to pursue frictionless trade which is so important for doing business," Reeves noted.

Over the last two weeks, the committee has held a series of evidence hearings with representatives from the automotive, pharmaceuticals, food and drink sector and the aerospace industry.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 21:57:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan delivers a keynote speech during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Imperial Springs International Forum in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 10, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

GUANGZHOU, Dec.10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Monday said China will follow the trend of history, adapt to and lead economic globalization while eliminating its side effects, maintain the rules-based multilateral trading system, enhance equal consultation and cooperation, and jointly build an innovative, inclusive and open world economy.

The remarks came as Wang attended the opening ceremony of the 2018 Imperial Springs International Forum in China's southern city of Guangzhou.

Some 200 former world leaders, renowned scholars and business elites gathered here to exchange their views on "Advancing Reform and Opening-up, Promoting Win-win cooperation".

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, which, according to Wang, is a glorious chapter for the Chinese nation's great rejuvenation history, and not only profoundly changed China, but also deeply influenced the world.

Reviewing China's reform and opening-up, Wang stressed that the process is linked to the exploration and practices of socialism carried out 30 years before 1978, the history of Chinese people's struggle for national rejuvenation since 1840, as well as the sufferings and glory of the Chinese nation over the past 5,000 years.

"The sufferings and glory of history are the source of the present," said Wang, adding that socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era and the Chinese nation is closer to the goal of great rejuvenation than any other time in history.

He said the door to China will never be closed and will only be opened wider and wider, and this is a strategic choice based on China's development needs.

China will firmly adhere to its own path, work in a down-to-earth way on its own tasks, continue mutual learning and cooperation with other countries, build a peaceful world, contribute to global development and maintain international order, Wang said.

Noting that the interests of countries around the world are deeply intertwined nowadays, Wang said China will be committed to the path of peaceful development, uphold new forms of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and build a community with a shared future for humanity featuring lasting peace and common prosperity.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:07:28|Editor: mym

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MOSCOW, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Russia will grant an additional 2 million U.S. dollars to the World Food Programme to provide food aid to Syria, according to an order signed by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and officially published Monday.

The fund will be used to purchase food in Russia and pay for its shipment to Syria, the order said.

In September, Russia granted 3 million dollars to the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) meant for restoring the agricultural sector of the war-torn country.

According to the FAO, 6.5 million Syrians are facing acute hunger, while investment in agriculture will be vital for Syria's stability and recovery.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:07:29|Editor: mym

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BEIRUT, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Monday that he insists on the participation of Syria in the 2019 Arab Economic Summit in Lebanon, local media reported.

"I have said during previous Arab parliamentary meetings that I will not accept to hold any Arab meetings without the participation of Syria," Berri was quoted by Elnashra, an online independent newspaper, as saying.

Lebanon needs to coordinate with Syrian authorities on several matters including the return of refugees to their homeland, and the importance of Syrian borders for the exports of Lebanon's goods, said Berri.

The Arab Economic Summit, an event organized by the Arab League, is concerned primarily with developmental issues in the Arab world.

The event will take place in January 2019 in Lebanon.

However, Syria will not be capable of taking part in the summit because the Arab League passed a decree on Nov. 12, 2011 that suspends Syria's membership.

The Arab League said it froze Syria's membership because its government failed to stop violence against civilian protesters back in 2011.

Ibrahim Awad, a political analyst, praised Berri's stance, saying that Lebanon has the right to send invitations to the countries that it wishes to host during the conference.

"Lebanon and Syria have historic ties and there are diplomatic missions of each other in the two countries," he told Xinhua, adding that the relations should be normal even if this contradicts the political stance of some Lebanese officials.

Awad added that the Arab League should facilitate the invitation of Syria to the summit if it really wants to play a positive role in strengthening ties between the member states and promoting their common interests.

However, Mohamed Choucair, head of Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, told Xinhua that Lebanon will not risk its relations with other Arab countries by inviting Syria to the Arab Economic Summit.

"In all cases, Lebanon is only hosting the event and it does not have the right to decide on the invitees," he said.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's three top political powers differ on their stances on relations with Syria.

While Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are in alliance with Hezbollah, a Shiite political party backed by Syrian government and Iran, Lebanese Prime Minister designate Saad Hariri has been a long-time supporter of the Syrian opposition and has often been outspoken about his desire to see Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, removed from power.

Hariri announced on many occasions that he refuses to hold a dialogue with Syria.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:27:32|Editor: mym

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NAIROBI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural Africa e-commerce summit opened in Nairobi on Monday with delegates reiterating calls for sound policies to enhance the sector's growth.

Hundreds of participants including senior policy makers, industry executives, representatives of multilateral agencies, innovators and regulators are attending the five-day Africa e-commerce conference whose theme is "Empowering African economies in the digital era".

Mukhisa Kituyi, secretary general of UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which organized the summit in partnership with African Union and European Union, said the summit will explore innovative ways to spur growth of digital commerce in the world's second largest continent.

"The electronic trade in Africa has potential for growth but governments must put the right policies and regulations in place to ensure consumers are protected," Kituyi remarked.

Statistics from UNCTAD indicate that Africa had 21 million online shoppers by the end of 2017 while Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa accounts almost half of that number.

At the same time, the number of African online shoppers has risen by 18 percent annually since 2014, faster than the global average growth rate of 12 percent.

Chris Kiptoo, principal secretary in Kenya's ministry of trade said that exponential growth of electronic commerce in Africa will be dependent on investments in broadband, skills and research.

"We must invest in the infrastructure and human capital required to grow online commerce whose benefits include job creation and robust intra-Africa trade," said Kiptoo.

African countries should seize opportunities presented by the digital revolution to boost cross-border trade, promote growth of youth led start-ups and hasten diversification of their economies.

Akinwale Goodluck, head of Sub-Saharan Africa at global system for mobile communications said that growth of electronic commerce will position Africa as a strategic player in the global economy.

"The digital commerce is a strategic growth area in Africa and governments must provide the conducive regulatory environment to allow it to flourish," Akinwale said.

He urged African governments to reform taxation regime, harmonize policies and promote data protection to ensure online commerce is inclusive and seamless across borders.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:32:33|Editor: Yang Yi

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Passengers view a photography exhibition at London's Kings Cross Station in London, Britain, Dec. 10, 2018. A photography exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up is launched on Monday at London's Kings Cross Station. The exhibition titled Reform and Dreams, commissioned by the China International Culture & Image Communication Corporation, features 80 stunning photographs taken over the last 40 years by photographers with Xinhua News Agency. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

LONDON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A photography exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up is launched on Monday at London's Kings Cross Station.

The Reform and Dreams exhibition, commissioned by the China International Culture & Image Communication Corporation, features 80 stunning photographs taken over the last 40 years by photographers with Xinhua News Agency, China's biggest and most influential media organisation.

"Never before has such a unique photographic celebration of China's reform and opening up been brought to London," said Gu Zhenqiu, head of Xinhua's London bureau, in the opening speech.

Among the exhibits, 60 images depict changes in the daily life in China since 1978 while 20 showcase the close relationship between China and the United Kingdom over what has proven to be an extraordinary time of change to China's development.

"This exhibition tells the stories of the lives of the ordinary Chinese people for whom past four decades have meant so much. Every Chinese person has played their part in these 40 years of history. Their dreams have converged to form the irresistible power that has propelled China's development," Gu noted.

He added that "We want to show a developing China, and the optimism and enthusiasm of Chinese people in the process of this development."

Xiang Xiaowei, cultural counselor with the Chinese Embassy in UK, expressed the hope that the exhibition would help British audiences better understand China's reform and opening up.

"At this important moment when we celebrate the 40th anniversary, it is undoubtedly very important, not only to the Chinese people but also to the world, to review the process of China's reform and opening up, to sum up experiences and learn the lessons in this process that has paved the way in search for effective governance for all mankind," Xiang said.

Andy Golding, a professional photographer who has visited China many times, was interested in the old black and white photos and impressed with the technological changes that took place very rapidly in China.

"This show offers a glimpse into the history which now seems so remote in China. This makes a very attractive proposition and also an insight into the way that things changed so much," he said.

Golding also gave credit to China International Culture & Image Communication Corporation for drawing strength from its technological prowess and innovation and offering cultural and image products that cater to the new media market and audience.

"It works to provide a new platform to help improve the mutual understanding of China and the rest of the world," he noted.

The free-entry exhibition will last till Dec. 16.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:32:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A five-day international conference on drug demand and reduction kicked off in Nairobi on Monday with Kenya committing to step up fight against drug menace and substance abuse in the country.

The conference, organized by Kenya's National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in collaboration with the African Union (AU), brought together more than 1,000 delegates from across the globe.

In his opening remarks, Fred Matiang'i, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, called on the international community to join efforts to tackle the drug menace which he said was a global problem.

"Kenya is committed to collaborate with the international agencies to ensure that criminals dealing in drugs are arrested and arraigned in court," said Matiang'i.

He said the east African nation is already cooperating with the international community by deporting those engaged in the international illegal trade in drugs.

He said that drug sale and abuse is a global problem that Kenya being one of the sufferers will participate in its reduction fully.

"Besides regional efforts, we have also put in place a multi-sectoral team that includes faith based institutions to help reduce drug abuse in the country," said Matiang'i.

Matiang'i noted that a drug abuse is a major problem in Kenya, especially with the young people in primary and secondary school.

A survey recently conducted by NACADA in Kenya shows that alcohol and drug abuse is slowly being dropped by people.

It, however, shows alcohol use has been associated with the highest burden of substance use disorders in the country.

The survey was the third follow-up of the 2012 and 2007 surveys that have been conducted to find out the trend of alcohol and drug use in the country to guide policy and programs.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:37:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China will launch a reference range exclusively for Chinese children's blood test indicators next year, according to the Beijing Evening News on Monday.

Previously, the reference ranges of domestic adults' or overseas children's blood test indicators were widely used for domestic children's blood tests.

"Take serum creatinine, an indicator reflecting the renal function, as an example," Song Wenqi, a doctor at Beijing Children's Hospital, was quoted as saying by the newspaper. "The indicator covers a large range, without distinguishing gender and age."

Cooperating with several medical organizations, Beijing Children's Hospital has collected blood samples from more than 13,000 healthy children of different ages.

The children's reference range will cover 31 blood test indicators related to whole cell analysis, bone metabolism and renal function.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:42:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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NAIROBI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday called for renewed trade ties with companies in the Middle East, saying there are opportunities to tap into Kenya's infant oil industry.

George Kiondo, acting chief executive officer at the Kenyan Chamber of Commerce, said at a Trade and Investment Conference in Nairobi that the trade body was keen on organizing proper working relationships between the respective trade associations to ensure business takes off.

The trade and investment meeting brought together companies from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to promote business between East Africa and their middle East counterparts.

Moses Ikiara, Executive Director at Kenya's state-run Ken-Invest, said a single-stop shop for local and foreign investors has been set up in Kenya to ease the cost of entering the local Kenyan market by foreign firms.

Ikiara said the single-stop shop for investors was set up and operational. The single stop center was providing investors with support to open new businesses without the hassle of dashing from one government agency to another.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:57:43|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MADRID, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 671 irregular migrants crossed the Mediterranean Sea from the coast of North Africa to Spain over the weekend, the Spanish media reported on Monday.

Based on reports from Spanish Maritime Rescue Services and Police, 453 migrants arrived on Sunday, while 218 were rescued late on Saturday in the waters of the Straits of Gibraltar in an area known as the Alboran Sea off the southeast coast of Spain.

Among the arrivals, 199 people, including 37 woman and 5 infants, were rescued by Spanish rescue vessel 'SAR Mastelero' from four different dinghies in the Alboran Sea. They were taken to Malaga to receive attention from the Red Cross.

A further 90 people, 53 sub-Saharan Africans and 37 migrants from the Maghreb, were also picked up from two further dinghies in the same area and taken to the port of Motril in southeast Spain.

Another 30 people from the Maghreb landed directly on the beach at Santa Maria del Mar, in the province of Cadiz in southwest Spain, with witnesses explaining how the migrants all ran off the beach as soon as their boat reached the shore.

Meanwhile, 8 Moroccan nationals were arrested in the Spanish north-African enclave of Ceuta as they attempted to swim to a ferry bound for Algeciras in southwest Spain.

One of the reasons for the large numbers of people attempting the dangerous crossing this weekend is the presence of a high-pressure weather system over the south of Spain. This assures calm weather in the Mediterranean and in theory makes the crossing, which many attempt in inflatable dinghies, slightly less dangerous.

Figures released by the Spanish Interior Ministry a week ago confirmed that 59,043 irregular migrants came to Spain in the first 11 months of the year, 129 percent more than in the same period in 2017.

Among them, 11,543 arrived in November, while 114 people were confirmed to have lost their lives attempting the journey during the month.

Meanwhile the International Organization for Migration informed on Nov. 13 that 2,043 migrants have died in the whole of the Mediterranean this year.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:57:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry advised the Iranian nationals on Monday to avoid unnecessary trips to Georgia, Tasnim news agency reported.

"We are pursuing with special sensitivity the problems that recently arose for some of the Iranians in the air and land borders of Georgia," the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said.

"In the past few days, the Georgian ambassador has been summoned to the (Iranian) Ministry of Foreign Affairs" to receive Iran's discontent about the recent problems caused for some Iranians, Qasemi said.

Given the current situation, Iranian nationals are well-advised not to take unnecessary trips to Georgia, he added.

According to the report, several Iranian passengers with their Islamic headscarves were mistreated during the security check for a flight from Tbilisi to Iran's city of Isfahan recently.

On Dec. 2, the Iranian Embassy in Georgia confirmed the deportation or entry ban of dozens of Iranian citizens from or to Georgia.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 22:57:45|Editor: Chengcheng

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HANGZHOU, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Zhejiang Province, China's private business hub, has pledged tens of billions of dollars to drive tech and innovation in the next five years, local authorities said Monday.

The province rolled out a total of 50 measures at a press conference to boost up high-tech and internet companies as well as medical research and development.

In the next five years, the provincial, municipal and county-level governments in Zhejiang will spend a total of 120 billion yuan (around 17.3 billion U.S. dollars) on achieving the goal, according to Gao Yingzhong, head of the provincial Science and Technology Department.

"We will also guide social capital and financial institutions to invest around 290 billion yuan," said Gao, "The total investment on research and development (R&D) is expected to reach around 900 billion yuan."

The measures also include increasing the ratio of R&D expenditures in provincial GDP, cultivating leading innovators, and increasing patent numbers.

Zhejiang is home to many of China's most successful private businesses, which made up nearly two-thirds of the provincial economy in 2017, according to local statistics.

In the first three quarters, Beijing's R&D expenditures increased by 17.6 percent, while R&D costs of Zhejiang's industrial firms above designated size increased by 23.6 percent from January to August.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 23:12:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addresses a grand gathering in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Dec. 10, 2018, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the region's founding. Wang led a central delegation to attend festivities marking the anniversary. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

NANNING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Monday congratulated south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on its remarkable achievements over the past six decades.

He made the remarks when addressing a grand gathering in Nanning, capital of Guangxi, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the region's founding.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, led a central delegation to attend festivities marking the anniversary.

Guangxi has achieved giant leaps in economic development, big strides in reform and opening-up, great improvement of people's living standard, notable progress in its ecological environment and strengthened ethnic unity over the past 60 years, Wang said.

Such remarkable achievements have demonstrated the great strengths of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the strong vitality of the system of regional ethnic autonomy, Wang said.

He stressed that Guangxi should always uphold the leadership of the CPC and the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, adhere to a new vision for development, be committed to deepening reform in all areas and opening up further, ensuring and improving living standards through development, and upholding and improving the system of regional ethnic autonomy.

A total of 22,000 local cadres and people of various ethnic groups and from all walks of life attended the gathering.

On Monday morning, the delegation led by Wang visited an exhibition showcasing the region's achievements made in the past six decades, especially those during China's 40 years of reform and opening up, including progress in economy, politics, culture, society and ecology.

Wang also heard work reports of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee and regional government of Guangxi.

When hearing the reports, Wang said after 60 years of hard work, Guangxi has seen remarkable changes in both urban and rural areas, with the once impoverished and backward region turning into a place of prosperity and openness.

Wang attributed the progress to the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, joint efforts by cadres and people of all ethnic groups in the region, and strong supports from people across the nation.

Wang said the region faces historic development opportunities in the new era, calling for more efforts to pursue high-quality development, eliminate poverty and strengthen ethnic unity.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 23:22:53|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LONDON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- New statistics have revealed that British exports to Canada have increased by 13.7 percent since a trade deal between the European Union (EU) and Canada was introduced, Britain's Department for International Trade (DIT) said Monday.

Businesses are benefiting from the provisional implementation of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in September 2017, with the ability to trade freely with Canada without paying any duties at Canadian customs, the DIT said.

DIT said the latest figures was a significant increase when compared to the five years prior to the agreement being introduced, which saw annual trade increase by an average of 3.9 percent. British meat exports to Canada increased by 36.3 percent last year, while wine exports grew by 16.6 percent.

"The rapid growth in UK exports to Canada is great news for British people, who are already seeing how our free trade agenda can help to create jobs, boost economic growth and provide more choice for consumers," Britain's International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said Monday.

"CETA is one of the most ambitious free trade agreements and it will eliminate almost every tariff on goods between our two nations, giving a boost to a range of British businesses from our motor industry to our brewers and distillers," Fox said.

The CETA deal is one of the most extensive EU free trade agreements to date and removes 98 percent of export duties that are currently in place.

The UK and Canadian prime ministers have both committed to seeking to seamlessly transition CETA into a bilateral deal that will allow British and Canadian companies to enjoy as free and frictionless trade as possible after the UK leaves the EU, according to DIT.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 23:43:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Monday that Israel is not fully implementing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, the National News Agency reported.

"Israel violates Lebanon's sovereignty around 150 times in average per month," said Berri during his meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard in Beirut.

The latest violation, according to Berri, is the launch of a balloon for inspection above Mays Al-Jabal in South Lebanon.

"The solution to the end of hostilities is the full implementation of Resolution 1701," he said.

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 is a resolution that was intended to resolve the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict.

It called for an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army along the Israeli border, and the establishment of a weapon-free zone south of the Litani River.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 23:48:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KATOWICE, Poland, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Many of the world's largest energy-consuming countries have significantly improved their renewable energy regulations since 2010, said a new World Bank report released here on Monday.

The number of countries with strong policy frameworks for sustainable energy more than tripled - from 17 to 59 - between 2010 and 2017, said the report.

According to RISE 2018, a World Bank report charting global progress on sustainable energy policies, progress was even more marked in energy efficiency, with the percentage of countries establishing advanced policy frameworks growing more than ten-fold between 2010 and 2017.

RISE 2018 measures policy progress in 133 countries on renewable energy, energy efficiency, electricity access, and access to clean cooking - the four target areas of UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which calls for achieving access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030.

Among the countries covered by RISE, only 37 percent had a national renewable energy target in 2010. By 2017, that had grown to 93 percent. By 2017, 84 percent of countries had a legal framework in place to support renewable energy deployment, while 95 percent allowed the private sector to own and operate renewable energy projects.

Over the same period, the share of countries that had put in place national legislation on energy efficiency rose from 25 percent to 89 percent, according to the report.

However, there are still significant barriers to global progress on sustainable energy, said the report.

While countries continue to be focused on clean energy policies for electricity, policies to decarbonize heating and transportation - which account for 80 percent of global energy use - continue to be overlooked, it said.

"Policy matters. RISE 2018 confirms the numbers that make it clear that policy is a leading indicator of the world's sustainable energy transition," said Riccardo Puliti, senior director for Energy and Extractives at the World Bank.

But the report also contains a warning: that without accelerated adoption of good policies, and strong enforcement, the world's climate goals and SDG7 are at risk, he noted.

Among the four SDG7 target areas, clean cooking continues to be the most overlooked and underfunded by policymakers, said the report.

While the report finds some evolution in policy frameworks since 2010, there has been little progress on standard-setting for cookstoves or on consumer and producer incentives to stimulate adoption of clean technologies.

"There is a great opportunity now for countries to learn from each other to accelerate the uptake of good policies," said Puliti.

The World Bank report was released here during the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The two-week conference, which runs until Friday, aims to finalize the implementation guidelines and provide clarity on how to carry out the Paris deal fairly for all participating countries.

Michal Kurtyka, president of the COP24 and state secretary of Poland's Ministry of Energy, told Xinhua that China has been developing effective solutions to tackle climate change, an example for other countries in this regard.

Thanks to increased investment in green energy, China's carbon intensity, or the amount of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product, in 2017 declined by 46 percent from the level in 2005, meeting the target ahead of schedule of a 40-45 percent drop by 2020.

"Given the size of the economy, and even the path and the rapidity of development, it (China) is one of the fastest growing energy markets. So it is a very important impact on the world in terms of investment capacity but also in terms of example," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-10 23:58:10|Editor: Chengcheng

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NAIROBI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday endorsed Kenya's ambitious Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program which seeks to ensure that all Kenyans access quality healthcare.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesos, WHO director-general, said he will mobilize the top leadership of the global health body to attend the launch event on Thursday, which will kick start the pilot phase of the UHC program in four counties, President Uhuru Kenyatta's office said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

"Kenya is starting its UHC journey. Your country is trailblazing a new trend in Health in Africa," Ghebreyesos said when he hosted the president at the start of the first management meeting of the organization outside its headquarters in Geneva.

He assured President Kenyatta that WHO is committed to support the country's UHC, describing Kenya as a trailblazer in Africa.

The Nairobi meeting brings together the global leadership of WHO as they commence the implementation of the 13th General Programme of work, 2019-2023.

Kenya plans to rollout its UHC program on a pilot basis in four out of the 47 counties.

The ministry of health says use of Kisumu, Isiolo, Nyeri and Machakos as samples would generate the required feedback to guide the countrywide rollout afterwards.

UHC is part of President Kenyatta's Big Four agenda, comprising of food security, manufacturing, affordable housing and universal healthcare and is meant to ensure all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare.

Kenyatta, who opened the three-day WHO meeting in Nairobi, said the attainment of UHC in Kenya is not a destination but a continuous process which will involve constant widening of the social safety nets to ensure that no one is left behind as the country strives to achieve its national health aspirations.

He said Kenya has made good progress in uplifting the health of her people, gaps still exist in terms of service coverage, quality and human resource distribution across the country.

According to Kenyatta, UHC is aimed at addressing the financial burden that perennially drives some Kenyans to poverty and subsequently slowing down the economy.
A 22-year-old employee was found dead in Google's Manhattan office on Friday night.

The NYPD says that around 9 p.m. officers responded to a call about an unconscious male inside 111 8th Avenue, on the 6th floor. The officers found Scott Krulcik unconscious and unresponsive and with no obvious signs of trauma, according to police. EMS pronounced Krulcik deceased at the scene.

A Google spokesperson told the Daily News, "We are still gathering more information and want to remain respectful of the family during this difficult time."

Krulcik, who grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY, graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in May and joined Google. He had interned with Google in 2016 and 2017 and WhatsApp in 2015, according to his resume (PDF). He was living on West 11th Street with a friend who also graduated from Carnegie Mellon and worked at Google as an engineer. A neighbor said, "Oh my gosh. Thats so sad. I ran into him from time to time in the hallway. He looked just like he did in his photos. Such a nice young, vibrant man."

The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

Update, March 1: The M.E.'s office categorized Krulcik's cause of death as natural, with Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson saying, "This young man died of an abnormal heart rhythm, which developed due to a genetic abnormality in an ion channel of the heart (also known as cardiac channelopathy)."
Demonstrators hold placards in the "Brexit Betrayal Rally" in London, Britain, on Dec. 9, 2018. (Xinhua/Ray Tang)

LONDON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Monday that the House of Commons vote on Brexit deal scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed.

She told MPs at the parliament in a statement that there is "widespread and deep concern" over Irish border backstop.

The latest development came one day ahead of the parliament vote where opposition parties and rebels within the Conservative have vowed to foil the prime minister's efforts to have the deal passed.

The opposition Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn said May's Brexit deal is so "disastrous" that her government has taken "the desperate step of delaying its own vote".
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 00:08:14|Editor: Chengcheng

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JAKARTA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A delegation from the China International Import Expo (CIIE) held a roadshow here on Monday to invite Indonesian business to take part in the second CIIE event next year.

During the roadshow, the delegation met with government officials and signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) documents with representatives of prominent Indonesian export firms.

Addressing the roadshow, CIIE Bureau Deputy Director Liu Fuxue said the first event in Shanghai was successfully held, with the participation of exhibitors from over 170 countries, regions and international organizations.

Over 3,600 firms had showcased their products in an area of 300,000 square meters in the first CIIE, with total transactions generated during the event reaching over 57.8 billion U.S. dollars, according to Liu.

The first CIIE has attracted around 400,000 visitors, he said.

Cited the data from his office, Liu said 43 Indonesian exhibitors took part in the first CIIE. Indonesia was one of 12 guest countries of honor in the first CIIE.

Deputy head of Indonesia Industry and Commerce Chamber Yono Reksoprodjo said CIIE paves the way for Indonesian exporters to meet the needs of Chinese consumers amid excellent trade relations between the two economies.

"This (CIIE) is a great chance for businessmen of both countries to deepen partnership so as to expand further economic cooperation between the two countries," he said.

"We will take part in the second CIIE next year as we realized there will be more benefits that we can earn from the event," said Sulistyawati, director general of Export Product Development at Indonesian Trade Ministry.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 00:08:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LONDON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed on Monday that the crucial parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, originally scheduled for Tuesday, will be postponed.

In a statement in the British House of Commons, the prime minister said: "We will therefore defer the vote scheduled tomorrow," after acknowledging that "the deal would be rejected by a significant margin."

She said that the Northern Ireland "backstop" is still "a deep concern" among MPs over the much criticized Brexit agreement reached between London and Brussels after months of painful negotiations.

"There is still a majority to be won in parliament with additional reassurance on backstop," she explained.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 00:08:15|Editor: Chengcheng

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China's mobile phone shipments fell 18.2 percent year on year to 35.37 million units in November, according to a report released Monday.

Total shipments during the January-November period reached 379 million units, down 15.6 percent from the same period last year, the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), a scientific research institute under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said in its report.

4G phone shipment stood at 33.58 million, down 16.9 percent year on year, accounting for 94.9 percent of the total shipments in November, according to the institute.

Chinese phones accounted for 86.4 percent of the total shipments in November with a 17.9-percent decline year on year to some 30.5 million units.

The report also showed the number of new models launched last month decreased 49.4 percent year on year.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 00:18:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A warning strike by the railway and traffic union (EVG) completely paralyzed long-distance rail traffic in Germany on Monday.

"We have decided to discontinue all long-distance train services in Germany until further notice," Germany's rail company Deutsche Bahn (DB) announced on Monday morning.

According to Deutsche Bahn, regional and suburban rail traffic in metropolitan areas as well as rail freight services throughout Germany were "massively affected" by the warning strike. Deutsche Bahn expects "severe restrictions" in rail traffic to continue throughout the entire day.

On Monday, the EVG union went on strike from 5:00 until 9:00 a.m. local time after wage negotiations with Deutsche Bahn failed to result in an agreement on Saturday. Deutsche Bahn had "only presented offers that did not meet the demands of our members," said EVG chief negotiator Regina Rusch-Ziemba on Saturday.

Deutsche Bahn announced that it was still willing to continue wage negotiations with the EVG. "DB has called on EVG to continue the negotiations this afternoon. It was not DB that left the negotiating table on Saturday and called for warning strikes," said a DB press spokeswoman on Monday.

After the strike was ended, Torsten Westphal, managing director of EVG, emphasized that "we will return to the negotiating table" on the condition that Deutsche Bahn "seriously wants to negotiate with us."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 00:43:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) said on Monday that liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity in the United States was expected to reach 8.9 billion cubic feet (about 252 million cubic meters) per day by the end of 2019.

This would make the United States the third largest LNG exporter in the world, right behind Australia and Qatar, said EIA.

EIA said that U.S. LNG export capacity stands at 3.6 billion cubic feet per day for now, and it is expected to reach 4.9 billion cubic feet per day at the end of this year, as two new liquefaction facilities become operational.

The two new liquefaction units, Sabine Pass Train 5 in the State of Louisiana and Corpus Christi LNG Train 1 in the State of Texas, both began LNG production this year ahead of schedule, said EIA.

The EIA also noted that these two facilities were expected to ship their first cargos within the next few weeks.

The United States began exporting LNG from the continental states area in February 2016, according to EIA.

EIA is an agency part of the U.S. Department of Energy. It is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating energy information in order to facilitate policy making process. EIA covers data on coal, petroleum, natural gas, electric, renewable and nuclear energy.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 00:43:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LONDON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed on Monday afternoon that the crucial parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, originally scheduled for Tuesday, will be postponed.

In a statement in the British House of Commons, the prime minister said: "We will therefore defer the vote scheduled tomorrow," after acknowledging that "the deal would be rejected by a significant margin."

However, she did not offer any new proposed date for the parliamentary vote.

She said the Northern Ireland "backstop" is still a "widespread and deep concern" among MPs over the much criticized Brexit agreement reached last month between London and Brussels after months of painful negotiations.

A key part of the Brexit negotiations was about the border that separates Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The agreement on the Irish border was contained in the UK-EU Brexit deal.

Both London and Brussels committed to avoiding the return of a "hard border" -- physical checks or infrastructure -- after the UK leaves the EU in March 2019.

"There is still a majority to be won in parliament with additional reassurance on backstop," she said, adding that she would also be "looking closely at new ways of empowering the House of Commons to ensure that any provision for a backstop has democratic legitimacy."

May wanted to enable MPs to place obligations on the government "to ensure that the backstop cannot be in place indefinitely."

The prime minister said she will continue talks with the EU leaders after the Brexit vote is postponed, but insisted that her deal honors result of the 2016 referendum.

There will be no successful Brexit without compromise on both sides, she said.

Her statement came just one day before the original schedule for the crucial vote in parliament, where opposition parties and rebels within the Conservative Party have vowed to foil the prime minister's efforts to have the deal passed.

Opposition Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn said ealier on Monday that May's Brexit deal is so disastrous that her government has taken the desperate step of delaying its own vote.

The prime minister, criticized by some of her fellow MPs for "wasting our crucial time," said the parliament is stepping up preparing for a no-deal Brexit.

By what was described as the unilateral postponement, the prime minister appeared to make a policy shift by giving up her last-ditch attempt to win over rebel Tory MPs over the Brexit deal.

Still fighting to brush aside the calls for a second referendum, May said a second referendum "will lead to the significant loss of faith in our democracy."

Also on Monday, Vince Cable, leader of Britain's pro-EU Union Liberal Democrats said his party will support a vote of no confidence in the prime minister if the Labour Party called for one.

"With the fiasco today, the government has really lost all authority," Cable said. "I and my colleagues will fully support the leader of the opposition if he now proceeds to a no confidence vote as duty surely calls."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 01:13:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- A powerful winter storm that ripped through large swaths of the United States' southeastern region over the weekend caused at least one death, local media reported.

A driver was killed near Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday when a tree fell on his car. Divers were searching the Neuse River in Kinston for a missing truck driver, whose tractor-trailer ran off a road and into the river, WRAL-TV reported.

Power outages were affecting more than 200,000 clients across North and South Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia as of Monday morning, according to a live update by Poweroutage.us, which tracks power knockdowns by areas.

The wintry weather also caused more than 1,400 flight cancelations over the weekend at North Carolina's Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with American Airlines saying 450 flights scheduled for Monday had been canceled, which added to the 1,200 tally it grounded on Sunday.

"Operations at our Charlotte hub will begin to normalize this morning, with scattered cancellations expected throughout the day," American Airlines said in a statement on Monday. "The majority of these cancellations will be on smaller, regional aircraft."

As of Sunday, a winter storm warning remained effective for most parts of North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia. An additional snow and sleet measuring 2 inches (5 cm) are forecast for the night through Monday, as an accumulation of more than a foot (30 cm) of snow dropped on roads during the weekend.

The extreme weather may continue to disrupt air and road traffic into the workweek, as snow- and ice-covered interstates became dangerously slippery.

Snowfall could total 12 to 20 inches (about 30 to 60 cm) over the Appalachians and into the Carolinas by Monday, the National Weather Service forecast.

"There's another one on the horizon about five days from now," CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said of an approaching storm.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 01:48:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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XINING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- In the winter, the color of the Yellow River's headwater is dull, amid snow-capped mountains and dark wilted grass. People are rarely seen here, at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, but small groups of men in fluorescent yellow vests can occasionally be spotted in this vast area.

They are park rangers, responsible for protecting the headwater region of China's second longest river.

The headwater of the Yellow River sits in Maduo County, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Golog in northwest China's Qinghai Province, also home to the headwaters of the Yangtze and Lancang (Mekong) rivers.

With an average altitude of 4,200 meters and an average temperature of minus 4 degrees Celsius, the 25,000-sq-km county only has 15,000 residents and more than 90 percent of the entire population are ethnic Tibetans.

In the 1980s, husbandry was the pillar industry of the county. Every household farmed hundreds of goats and yaks. It was said that the average income of the herdsmen in the county was higher than the national average.

However, overgrazing and global warming led to the deterioration of the environment -- grassland was under threat of desertification, lakes disappeared and one of the largest lakes running along the headwater of the Yellow River was once cut off.

Without water and pastures, residents in the early 2000s quickly became poor, and the county became impoverished needing governmental support.

To restore the environment, the local government took a series of actions, launching ecological immigration to move herdsmen to the city, reducing herds and banning grazing in the headwater regions, as well as raising environmental awareness.

The situation has improved. Since the Sanjiangyuan (Three-River-Source) National Park started trial operation in 2016, local herdsmen have been recruited to help protect and improve the environment.

The operation aims to protect the headwaters of the three rivers as the environment had degraded due to human activity such as overgrazing.

"I start to work at 8:30 a.m. and finish work until 6 p.m.," said Sanggyae, a Tibetan herdsman-turned park ranger of the headwater of the Yellow River. "My work is to patrol the pasture, pick up trash, monitor and rescue wild animals and look out for poachers. This job is much better than being a herd. I used to get up at 6 a.m. to milk cows and ewes, and herd them"

Urgyan Rigzin, another herdsman-turned ranger, said he earned around 10,000 yuan every year before, but now receives a governmental subsidy of 1,800 yuan every month.

The local government also gives him an "ecological bonus," so he can gain a total of more than 30,000 yuan per year.

"The work and income satisfy me. I want to do my best and I think the policy protecting the environment is good. I've seen no poaches or grassland damages over the past three years," he said.

According to Ma Gui, head of the environmental protection station of the Yellow River headwater, the number of park rangers in Maduo County has increased from around 670 in 2016 to 3,042 to date, meaning that almost every household in Maduo has a park ranger. Each is in charge of 800 hectares of land, looking after mountains, water, forest, grassland and lakes in the area.

Ma said significant improvements have been seen.

"Vegetation cover in the headwater of the Yellow River has clearly increased, and water and air quality have also been improved," Ma said.

A World Wildlife Fund project team found a rare black wolf for the first time in the area last month.

"It shows the varieties of wolf have increased and biodiversity is very rich in the region," Ma added. "Local herders originally had a long tradition of protecting animals and the ecological environment. Now the policy can get them to really engage in the activity."

To date, there are 17,211 park rangers in the national park.

"Among the park rangers, more than half of them come from poverty-stricken families. We encourage herdsmen to participate in the campaign in an effort to raise their environmental awareness and promote harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and also help impoverished herdsmen shake off poverty through protecting the ecological environment of the national park," said Li Xiaonan, director of the administration bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park.

The provincial government has poured 434 million yuan into increasing park rangers' incomes, creating jobs, improving living standards and buying insurance.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 01:48:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned what it called the "illegal excavations" in historic sites in northern Syria by the U.S., France and Turkey, according to state news agency SANA.

The excavations are being carried out in the northern cities of Manbij and Afrin in Aleppo province as well as in ancient sites in the northern cities of Idlib, Hasakah and Raqqa.

The ministry said it has information that the illegal excavation work has been increased in the areas where the aforementioned forces have a presence and a clout over local militia groups.

"These actions represent a new war crime added to the crimes committed against the Syrian people and the Syrian heritage," said the ministry, adding that the looting of artifacts is part of the scheme to destroy the cultural heritage and historic identity of Syria.

The ministry, meanwhile, urged the UNESCO to condemn these "violations" and expose the sides standing behind it.

The ministry's statement comes a day after Syrian Director General of Museums and Antiquities Mahmoud Hammoud charged that the United States, France and allied Kurdish militia are carrying out illegal excavations in ancient sites in northern Syria.

"The excavations, looting and robbery are also taking place in the archaeological tombs in the eastern side of Manbij," Hammoud said.

The official described these acts as "crimes and a violation of the Syrian sovereignty," noting that the museum and antiquities department in Syria is communicating with international organizations to condemn the violations of the Syrian cultural heritage.

"We hope that the Syrian army would return peace and security to all those areas soon because it's the only force capable of protecting our heritage," he said.
On Halloween, we were lucky to meet Harry, a six-year-old Upper East Side resident who uses a wheelchair and loves the MTA so much, his parents built him an M96 Crosstown bus of his own to wear (the year before, he dressed up as the Q train). "Getting around the city can be challenging at times with the lack of accessible routes, but while most people would find it an inconvenience, he sees it as an adventure!" mom Jasmine Tay told us. The MTA took note of our story, and reached out to get in contact with the family.

On Friday, NYC Transit chief Andy Byford took Harry and his parents Jasmine & Brendan on a tour of the Casey Stengel Bus Depot and the 7 Train maintenance garage in Flushing, Queens. Byford told Gothamist that Harry's costumes "melted our hearts, and we immediately said we must do something for Harry. He's a transit fan, I'm a transit fan, we're going to lay on a special event for him, and this is what today's all about," he said. "He won't forget today."

During the two hour tour of the bus depot and train maintenance station, Harry also got to see how buses are cleaned (in the "bus hospital"), and they gave him a ceremonial promotion to Assistant General Manager for the day, as well as a bunch of MTA swag. That included a hard hat with his name on it, a map of the train system, a copy of the Fast Forward plan signed by Byford ("I don't want to see it on eBay" he joked), and more.

"He was so excited all week," Harry's mother Jasmine said. "And this is such a nice, happy story, and a really good opportunity to raise some awareness about accessibility, to really bring it to life for people day-to-day. It's a reality for Harry, so we need to work with what we've got."



(Jenn Hsu/Gothamist)

The MTA has an abysmal track record when comes to accessibilityroughly 80 percent of the city's 472 subway stations are inaccessible to people with disabilities, and half of the city's neighborhoods are "ADA Transit Deserts" that lack a single subway station that is accessible. The MTA has also faced multiple lawsuits arguing that they're not doing enough to maintain elevator service or make more stations accessible.

But Byford has made accessibility something of a priority in his ambitious Fast Forward plan to fix the system. In the next five years, he wants the MTA to install 50 new elevators at stations so that every subway station will sit within two stops of one that is accessible.

Alex Elegudin, the MTA's new Senior Advisor for Systemwide Accessibility who also joined for Harry's tour, is confident these improvements will happen, and Harry will have better access in the future than there is now: "I'm 100% confident, because I know when I was his age it was much worse than it is today."

"Transit has a bit of a stuffy image, maybe a bad reputation, so we're trying to show there's a human side to what we do," Byford said. "At the end of the day, we're either native or adopted New Yorkers too, so we want to do our bit for the city and kids like Harry."

"And certainly it's the most fun part of my week. I've had a very busy, arduous week...so after what's been a manic week on planet NYCT, it's nice to end with a real happy occasion."



(Jenn Hsu/Gothamist)

Byford was referring to a tumultuous week in which he made an impassioned case to the City Council's Transportation Committee to bite a $40 billion bullet to fund the Fast Forward plan. He was also heavily criticized this week for comments he made blaming some of the MTA's financial woes on fare evaders and saying he would think about stationing MTA employees at entrances to deter anyone who might be thinking about jumping a turnstile.

"Anyone who uses the transit system day-in day-out, same as I do, we all know it goes on, it's not unique to New York, and we can't ignore it. It's not fair on the majority of New Yorkers who do pay their fares, so we are clamping down on it," Byford said about farebeaters. "Having said that, we do know there are people who are less able to pay their fares, so we are working with the city and the Fair Fares campaign to get cheaper fares for those who need it. But equally we're sending a strong message: if you use transit, it's only right, you have to pay your way."

On the subject of accessibility, Byford said the MTA has surveyed 150 stations to determine which 50 need elevators in order to meet their goal. "What we really want to do is involve the accessibility community against a range of selection criteria to help inform that choice," he said. Selection criteria includes demographics (is it close to a hospital, or do a lot of older residents live nearby), whether it's an interchange station, how long a stretch it is between stops, and how complex it will be to build at the existing station. "That's our objective: no more than two stops between accessible stations within five years. That is light years from where we are now, but it's within our grasps."

That seems of a kind with Byford's attitude about the drastic changes the MTA desperately needs to make. As he told Harry at one point during the tour, "anything is possible. That's my motto in life." He is an optimist, and despite the fact many commuters hate the MTA with a passion, he's hopeful that people have noticed "a lot of behind the scenes activity is happening, and it's good foundations for next year when we really start to see the benefits kick in." The biggest priority for 2019 is getting funding for the Fast Forward plan "in parallel with an ongoing relentless focus on basics, to continue to drive up the existing service. Because I don't want to give New Yorkers the impression that you have to wait five years or ten years for Fast Forward."



Two signs inside the 7 train maintenance garage (Ben Yakas/Gothamist)

Was he worried about pushback from NIMBYs and local communities who might object to loud renovations disrupting their subway stops? "Absolutelywe know we can't just impose things without consulting the community," he said. "We will still consult the community. But we need it to be fast tracked. If we grind to a halt with every elevator installation or every subway installation where people say, 'we don't want that, you're not getting in there,' then Fast Forward will never progress."

As for the funding, we asked whether he supported recent calls by City Council speaker Corey Johnson and others to use tax revenue from marijuana legalization to help the MTA: "I'm agnostic on where the funding comes from," he said. "There's lots of ideas flying around about how to fund transit, all I know is we need sustainable, predictable, affordable funding. I'll leave it to the legislators to come up with the money, but I'm certainly asking for it. We need a big chunk of money. I'm not going to say no to any source of funding, as long as it's lock boxed for transit."

In the meantime, at least one sweet kid who unabashedly loves trains and buses got a glimpse of a better future: "Harry had a blast," his mom told Gothamist a day after the event. "He insisted on sleeping with his hard hat on his pillow next to him and he just called out sleepily, 'Mom, this was the best day ever.'"
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 02:13:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (L, front) holds a welcoming ceremony for German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 10, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier agreed Monday to further intensify the all-round strategic partnership between the two countries, to make bilateral cooperation yield more fruits that benefit both nations, both peoples, and the world peace and prosperity.

Noting that the world is undergoing complicated and profound changes, Xi said China and Germany share the same or similar views on many issues.

The two nations need to continue enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation to benefit both peoples as well as bring more stability to the world, said Xi.

He made several proposals for future China-Germany cooperation.

Mutual understanding and trust are the basis of deepening bilateral ties, said Xi.

It is the mainstream view of both governments and all circles in both countries to have win-win cooperation, he said.

Xi called on both nations to summarize the successful experiences of bilateral cooperation and continue to surpass ideological differences and respect each other's development paths.

China stands ready to maintain close high-level exchanges and make the best of various dialogue mechanisms to enhance policy communication, he said.

The two nations need to stick to openness and innovative cooperation to maintain the vitality of bilateral ties, said Xi.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up policy.

German enterprises have grasped the opportunities of China's new round of reform and opening-up, said Xi.

China is willing to continue to share its dividend of development and at the same time hopes Germany will remain open to Chinese investment, said the president.

On expanding cooperation, Xi said the Belt and Road construction could provide a major platform.

China would like to discuss trilateral cooperation with Europe and Germany and promote the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative with the EU-proposed connectivity plan, said Xi, adding that China will further cooperate on the China Railway Express with Germany and countries along the route.

He also encouraged both sides to promote people-to-people exchanges and provide more platforms for exchanges in areas including culture, education, youth, and sports.

Xi called on both nations to forge ahead with global governance, jointly build an open world economy, uphold the multilateral free trade system, implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, promote the robust, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of the world economy and jointly safeguard multilateralism with the United Nations as the core.

He suggests China and Europe coordinate and support each other to safeguard the international order and promote global governance, adding that he hopes Germany can continue to play an active role to this end.

Steinmeier, who is on his first state visit to China as president, said that his visit to various parts of China has made him admire more the achievements China has made in the past four decades of reform and opening-up, especially the success of getting several hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.

The economic and social development of the areas in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan which were hit by an 8.0-magnitude earthquake 10 years ago was very impressive, said Steinmeier.

He said Germany is satisfied with the development of Germany-China relations and willing to enhance dialogue and mutual understanding, expand consensus, narrow differences, intensify coordination in international affairs and uphold free trade.

Germany opposes protectionism in any form, said Steinmeier, adding that the country will continue to promote cooperation between Europe and China and boost connectivity between Eurasia and China.

Before the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Steinmeier.

Steinmeier's state visit to China lasts from Dec. 5 to 10. Prior to Beijing, he went to the southern city of Guangzhou and southwestern city of Chengdu.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 02:18:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TRIPOLI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The UN special envoy to Libya said on Monday that the UN won't turn a blind eye to the fighting and lawlessness in Libya.

In a message on the occasion of Human Rights Day, Ghassan Salame, also the head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, said democratic transition, justice, freedom and rule of law remain unrealized in Libya.

"We cannot stand idle while civilians continue to bear the brunt of the fighting and lawlessness in Libya," Salame said.

"Executions, abductions, unlawful detention and torture have become part of everyday life," he added.

Since the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Libya has been plagued with escalating violence and unrest, as well as chaos and political division.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 02:18:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 10, 2018. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany on Monday agreed to join hands to safeguard free trade and the international order.

The agreement was made between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is about to wrap up his 6-day visit to China starting from Dec. 5.

"China and Germany, as major world economies, are important cooperation partners to each other," Li said.

At present, the results of the fifth round of China-Germany intergovernmental consultations, held in Germany this July, are being implemented step by step.

"China will seize the opportunities and develop ties with Germany on the basis of mutual respect and equal-footed cooperation, so as to achieve mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes," Li said.

The Chinese premier noted that with continued efforts in opening-up and implementation of new measures, German enterprises in the areas of automobile, chemical industry and finance have become the first batch of beneficiaries.

China welcomes more German enterprises to expand investment in China and also hopes Germany will provide a fair business environment for Chinese investors and businessmen, Li added.

He also voiced his expectation of more people-to-people exchanges, which will help consolidate public support of China-Germany ties.

Stressing the importance of protecting multilateralism and the rule-based international order, Li called on both sides to stimulate vitality of global development and jointly push forward the world's economic and social progress.

For his part, Steinmeier said he has felt the tremendous vitality of China's economic development, as well as the increasingly closer people-to-people exchanges between Germany and China.

In the past few decades, as relations with China grew ever faster, Germany benefited from China's reform and opening-up, Steinmeier said, adding that his country stands ready to further expand trade and investment in China, boost bilateral dialogue, and jointly safeguard free trade and the existing international order.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 04:04:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday appointed Hanna Serwaa Tetteh of Ghana as his top envoy to the African Union (AU).

Tetteh succeeds Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia as the secretary-general's special representative to the AU and head of the UN office there. Zewde left the job after she was elected the first female president of Ethiopia in October 2018.

Tetteh has decades of experience at the national, regional and international levels, including skills in building consensus among stakeholders, said Guterres' press office.

Currently the head of the UN Office at Nairobi, Tetteh served previously as Ghana's foreign minister and a member of the National Security Council and the Armed Forces Council. Before that she was trade and industry minister.

From 2014 to 2015 she was the chairperson of the Council of Ministers as well as chairperson of the Mediation & Security Council of the Economic Community of West African States.

She was co-facilitator in the high-level forum for the revitalization of the agreement for the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan in 2017-2018.
File Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a joint press conference in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Lehtikuva/Jussi Nukari)

MOSCOW, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Kremlin said Monday that Moscow has grown tired of following sensational investigations in the Unite States with respect to Russia's alleged involvement in the U.S. previous presidential election.

"I can't comment at all. To be honest, we are already pretty tired of following these sensational investigations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the latest development of the case of Paul Manafort, former campaign chairman of U.S. President Donald Trump.

On Friday, U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office said in a court filing that Manafort lied on five major issues after agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors, including his contact with administration officials and interactions with Konstantin Kilimnik, his Russian associate allegedly having ties to the Russian intelligence.

"We don't even know these individuals, who are mentioned in the investigations. Therefore, I have nothing to say here," Peskov said.

Mueller's office announced Manafort's violation of the agreements with the investigation at the end of November. In particular, he was accused of repeatedly giving false testimonies, which relate especially to his interaction with Kilimnik.

The White House said Friday that the latest court filings have nothing about the U.S. president or of value and is mostly devoted to lobbying-related issues.

Russia-U.S. relations have worsened in recent years over a number of disputes including Washington's accusations of Russia meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, which Moscow has repeatedly denied.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 05:19:33|Editor: Yang Yi

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Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zhang Qiyue addresses a forum themed "Belt and Road Initiative - The New Silk Road" in Piraeus, Greece, on Dec. 10, 2018. Greek businessmen and Chinese scholars voiced confidence in the prospects of Sino-Greek cooperation in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative during a forum held on Monday at Piraeus port, Greece's largest harbor which in recent years has become a strong symbol of win-win bilateral cooperation between the two countries. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

PIRAEUS, Greece, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Greek businessmen and Chinese scholars voiced confidence in the prospects of Sino-Greek cooperation in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative during a forum held on Monday at Piraeus port, Greece's largest harbor which in recent years has become a strong symbol of win-win bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

"Belt and Road Initiative - The New Silk Road" was the main theme of the event organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Piraeus (PCCI) and the Chinese Embassy in Greece, with its co-organizer Renmin University of China.

Reflecting on the achievements made so far in this corner of the globe and along the 21st century's Silk Road, five years after the launch of Beijing's initiative, Greek and Chinese delegates explored the challenges lying ahead and the opportunities to further boost bilateral cooperation to benefit both sides, the region and the world.

"Greece can and should make further use of the opportunities opened up both from its key geopolitical position and from the primacy of Greek shipping to the global economic phenomenon," Vassilis Korkidis, president of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Piraeus, said in the opening remarks, pointing to Sino-Greek cooperation at Piraeus port which has become a rising hub in the global shipping, transport system.

Piraeus Port Authority S.A. is managed by China's COSCO Shipping Corporation since 2016, and Piraeus Container Terminal S.A. since 2010, posting remarkable results.

When addressing the forum, Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zhang Qiyue stressed that the B&R Initiative is proposed by China, but it is actually owned by the world, saying that "it is also a call on the part of China to other countries to cooperate in any way we can."

It is a good initiative for globalization and the world to work together, not in isolation, the Chinese ambassador said, underlining that China is trying to align her development with the development strategies of other countries.

Sino-Greek partnership at Piraeus has promoted economic recovery in Greece, creating jobs, and as the country's economic recovery has entered a new phase there are greater opportunities for bilateral cooperation, Zhang said.

Professor Wu Xiaoqiu, vice president of Renmin University of China, gave to the audience, which included mainly Greek entrepreneurs, a brief presentation of China's impressive economic development in the past four decades, underlining Beijing's spirit in favor of international cooperation and against isolation.

He expressed hope that collaboration between universities of the two countries can also deepen in coming years.

On his part, Wang Wen, Executive Dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, delivered a speech on "The 'Belt and Road' initiative and the world after 5 years: a review of challenges and successes in the past and its prospects for the future."

Until August 2018 China Railway Express has set off more than 10,000 trains, involving 48 domestic cities, and reaching 43 cities in 15 European countries, he noted.

He underlined that mutual trust needs to be strengthened in order to ensure the initiative's success to contribute to peace and prosperity around the world.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 05:24:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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STOCKHOLM, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The two parties of the Yemen conflict have agreed on the exchange of prisoners, according to the latest update by UN envoy Martin Griffiths on Monday of the ongoing Yemen peace talks in Sweden.

Representatives of Yemen Houthi rebels and the government of Yemen have been negotiating in Stockholm since last week. On Monday, the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths said in a press conference that humanitarian issues have been prioritized in the negotiations.

"Especially the release of prisoners has been in the focus during these last couple of days", Griffiths said.

The question of opening Yemen's capital's airport has also been a part of the negotiations, but no solution has been reached yet. In addition, negotiations regarding the port of Hodeidah and the city of Taiz will continue during the upcoming days.

"We now have an understanding of each other and we will publish more information of what we have achieved in the next few days," Griffiths added.

Peace talks between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels, coordinated by the UN, kickstarted in Sweden last Thursday. The talks, held at Johannesburg Castle, about 60 kilometers north of Stockholm, are expected to last for about a week, depending on the consultation's progress.

"The two parties are engaged in a serious and constructive way in discussing the details of confidence building measures, the reduction of violence, and the framework for negotiations. We hope we will achieve progress during this round of consultations", said Griffiths, commending on Saturday the positive spirit in the talks.

Griffiths also reiterated the importance of continued restraint on the ground and called on the two parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. "We are working to the background of a very fragile situation in Yemen. We hope that de-escalation will be maintained on different frontlines, to give a chance for progress to be achieved on the political consultations".
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 05:24:35|Editor: Chengcheng

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RABAT, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and the African Union (AU) signed on Monday an agreement to set up the headquarters of the African Observatory for Migration and Development (OAMD) in Morocco's capital Rabat.

The agreement was signed by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and chairman of AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on the sidelines of a UN Intergovernmental Conference on Migration held in the Moroccan city of Marrakech.

At the 31st AU Summit in July in Nouakchott, capital of Mauritania, the AU heads of states endorsed the proposal by Moroccan King Mohammed VI in his capacity as the AU leader to set up an African migration observatory in the kingdom.

The OAMD will undertake the task of collecting information and developing its exchange as well as facilitating coordination between African countries on migration issues.

The Observatory offers an important tool for analyzing the phenomenon of migration and obtaining reliable statistics that are specifically African, Faki told the press.

For Bourita, the OAMD is the beginning of the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration which emphasizes that better knowledge of this phenomenon will lead to better management.

More than 150 countries around the world adopted on Monday the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration at the UN intergovernmental conference in Marrakech.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 05:54:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LISBON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese Finance Minister Mario Centeno announced here on Monday that Portugal repaid remaining 4.7 billion euros (5.34 billion U.S. dollars) of loans to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after early repayments.

In a press conference at the Ministry of Finance in Lisbon, Centeno said that the early repayment, which started in 2015, has saved a cumulative 1.16 billion euros in interest for the country over the last two years.

The minister also said that the government maintains the objectives for 2018 and 2019 to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 121.2 percent and 118.5 percent, respectively.

Portugal is expected to pay all the loans to IMF by 2024 after it signed a 78-billion-euro bailout agreement with the European Union, IMF and European Central Bank in May 2011. The debt-ridden country made a clean exit from the bailout program after three years of harsh austerity measures.

The country has been on the track of slow economic recovery since 2014 with considerable drop in unemployment rate. (1 euro = 1.14 U.S. dollars)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 06:04:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADEN, Yemen, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Fresh clashes erupted on Monday night between the Yemeni warring sides near key government facilities in the strategic port city of Hodeidah, residents told Xinhua.

The Yemeni government forces were engaged in heavy armed confrontations with the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the areas surrounding Hodeidah University and in the southern part of the city, according to the residents.

They said heavy weapons, including artillery, were used in the exchange of fire, causing huge blasts in the city which had witnessed a temporary pause in fighting.

Mamun Mahjami, official spokesman of the pro-government Giants Brigades, told Xinhua by phone that the Houthi rebels attacked and attempted to recapture some areas around Hodeidah University.

"Our forces (the Giants Brigades) dealt with the Houthi armed attack and managed to foil it following a few hours of fighting," Mahjami said.

Meanwhile, the government negotiating team in the UN-sponsored peace talks in Sweden started studying a new initiative presented by UN Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths about Hodeidah.

Sources said the UN envoy's initiative suggests an internationally-monitored withdrawal of both Houthi rebels and the pro-government forces from all areas in Hodeidah.

However, a government official based in Aden said the government rejected the initiative and insisted on full withdrawal of the Houthis from Hodeidah while placing the management of the city's main airport under the government control.

"Our legitimate forces will be ready to expel the Houthis out of the Hodeidah and won't accept the presence of foreign troops," the official said on condition of anonymity.

During a press conference held in Sweden, Griffiths said Hodeidah remains the most difficult issue for the ongoing discussions between the two warring factions.

On Thursday, the UN-sponsored peace talks to build confidence between the Yemeni warring parties kicked off in Sweden in the first step to resume the political process which ceased in 2016.

The Yemeni government strongly insists on retaking Hodeidah Province where its forces, with support from a Saudi-led coalition, have been engaged in ferocious battles with the Houthis for months.

Moreover, it demands to implement the UN Security Council's Resolution 2216 which calls for Houthis' withdrawal from cities and handover of heavy weapons.

The Yemeni warring parties have held several rounds of peace talks since the Houthi rebels seized power in late 2014.

However, all peace talks collapsed and failed to achieve a political solution, leading to more violence on the ground.

Observers say the Houthis are unlikely to agree to surrender their arms as all parties lack goodwill to reach a peace deal.
Over the last two decades, NYC has slowly turned into a playground for the richbut for one very special day of the year, it transforms into a playground for the drunk. SantaCon swept into town on Saturday, leaving a trail of spilled beer, abandoned Santa hats, and candy cane colored upchuck across Midtown and the East Village.

There are of course plenty of Long Islanders and NJ residents who just want an excuse to have a fun day out with their friends, and organizers have taken pains to snuff out the worst behavior from participants... but there are the people, like the gentleman below, who are just obliterated. If you want to see one SantaCon video that summarizes what it's all about, here you go:

Charitable contributions aside, there is no culture or purpose to SantaCon other than binge drinking (and perhaps reliving fraternity days of yore). The first step to making SantaCon tolerable to the rest of New York is admitting that, letting go of the defensiveness, and then maybe erecting an electric fence around Murray Hill and letting participants roam free without worrying about anyone shouting "MAKE AMERICA SANTA AGAIN" at innocent passersby.

Despite alcohol being banned on all Metro North, LIRR and NJ Transit trains for the day, plenty of people got started nice and early Saturday morning. "We havent done anything but wake up and drink," one person admitted to the NY Post, inadvertently coining the official motto for the event.

We rode the train into NYC this morning with hordes of santas already drunk and loud at 10:45 am. https://t.co/ZS20JM7DNs  Ronna McNamara (@RonnaMcnamara) December 9, 2018

@NYCTSubway are you guys hosting frat parties on the subways now? (Yes, it also smells like beer.) Northbound F train car number 5513. This is so embarrassing for the city. @MTA @NYGovCuomo #CuomosMTA pic.twitter.com/dRV9DzEKIK  rebecca (@elligator2) December 8, 2018

Who wouldn't feel a sense of community when faced with the testosterone-rich scene below? As one person wrote on Twitter, "its like if Burning Man was sponsored by Axe Body Spray."

By the middle of the day, things had already taken a turn, as the ceremonial fighting and barfing had commenced:

New record! Made it all the way to 1:30 before seeing a #SantaCon fight pic.twitter.com/mSxir1Kt73  Andy Doherty (@AllThingsAndy) December 8, 2018

Thank you, #Santacon, for making me have to explain to my 3 year old why Santa was puking in front of the pizza place on the corner at 1:15 in the afternoon. (Well Sweetie, there are some rotten cookies going around and Santa ate too many trying to fatten up for Christmas)  Jason SweetTooth (@J_SweetTooth) December 8, 2018

So far this @santacon Saturday Ive seen peed-in-pants Santa, joint-smoking Santa, passed out on sidewalk Santa, profanity-laced pack of Santas...and this refreshing sign at @7eleven. And thats just Seventh Ave from 21st to 23rd Streets! #NYC #Santacon pic.twitter.com/XoyYTiiNg6  Sebastian White (@SebsInChelsea) December 8, 2018

As commenter TimSPC mused a couple years back: "I wonder if the charitable veneer gives the participant a licence [sic] to act even worse. Like, 'this is for charity, I'll pee where I want to!'" For the people looking to score a Darwin Award, it certainly seems to be true:

There was more general bad behavior throughout the day:

Earlier today I saw a guy dressed as JESUS among the Santas,TWO drunk Santa's hassled and eventually got into a fight with JESUS because he was not dressed like Santa. As a live action South Park episode unfolded before my very eyes I said "THIS is why I avoid #SantaCon ALWAYS"  Nik Carter (@TheNotoriousNIK) December 8, 2018

a drunk santa who was clearly wearing a leftover mario halloween costume puked on my wheeling suitcase while i was trying to get to penn station!!!!  DigitalBridget  (@BridgetMarie) December 8, 2018

An @MTA employee on the platform at Queensboro Plaza just had the gall to blame train delays on homeless people.



This after a SantaCon drunk projectile vomited all over a train car and caused the train to be taken out of service after sitting at QBP for like half an hour.  Ryan Gorman (@GormoExJourno) December 8, 2018

Agree- I got stuck in a subway car with 10 drunk Santas. Not fun!  Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) December 9, 2018

This is the first year I can recall that celebrities and politicians all started to come out very vocally against SantaCon. When you've lost Zach Braff, you've lost the popular vote:

Just saw a woman in a Santa outfit open a cab door and puke all over the street at 4:30. Happy #SantaCon NYC.  Zach Braff (@zachbraff) December 8, 2018

Oh no. Its Santacon.  Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) December 8, 2018

As a woman who has to walk through #NYC tonight, my past experience with Santa Con is mobs of very drunk people, lots of men, disguised, in the dark.



Its terrifying.



NYC can we stop doing Santa Con? People are choosing not to outside @NYCMayorsOffice @NYCFirstLady @CoreyinNYC https://t.co/tA2SnfmxJX  Piper Perabo (@PiperPerabo) December 8, 2018

Im not sure, but maybe we can look into establishing GrinchCon - a tea + coffee crawl where people can spread peace and quiet everywhere they go  https://t.co/rvuvf2qVLu  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) December 8, 2018

Nothing brings New Yorkers together quite like our collective revulsion of #SantaCon  Justin Brannan (@JustinBrannan) December 8, 2018

Okay, there was one celeb who was able to get into the spirit of things:

Andy Cohen's SantaCon IG story is the best thing you will see today @Andy pic.twitter.com/m2tcZYk5RM  Chicks in the Office (@ChicksInTheOff) December 8, 2018

Okay, make that two celebrities, if you count William Hung as a celebrity:

Altogether, the NYPD says there were over 50 summonses given out (including at least 41 OATH summonses and 9 criminal court summonses issued) throughout the day, which is certainly an improvement on the 100+ summonses for disorderly conduct given out in 2016. There were also two arrests made, including Antonio Smith, 38, who was charged with assault for punching a 24-year-old woman in the face.

As you can imagine, there were many faces of regret:

I will give celebrants this: the Grinch who dedicated his or her day to driving around town in an open-air Polaris Slingshot blasting Christmas music did bring a bit of cheer.

Nobody better summarized the event than Alex: "We've been out here for days. It's been...not fun, but like not bad. It's been enough to make us like, question whether it's worth it, but it's been enough."

Alex & Alex have been out all day partaking in the #SantaConNYC festivities and ended up here on the LES...and theyve just about reached their breaking point #1010WINS pic.twitter.com/imCpFhTZBa  1010 WINS (@1010WINS) December 8, 2018

What I learned from SantaCon pic.twitter.com/2aKSgqnJzT  Matthew Kick (@MatthewKick) December 8, 2018

This feels like a fitting final photo:

Click here for more photos of Santacon 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-11 06:50:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RAMALLAH, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- In a rare incident on Monday, an Israeli army force stormed the West Bank city of Ramallah, the unofficial capital of the Palestinian Authority.

It was part of Israeli search for Palestinians who attacked a group of Israelis near the West Bank settlement of Ofra and wounded seven of them.

Palestinians threw stones at the soldiers who responded with tear gas, Palestinian medical sources said, adding that 32 people were wounded, two by live bullets and the rest by rubber bullets and tear gas.

During the incursion, the Israeli army surrounded several residential neighborhoods in the city.

The army also raided the headquarters of the official Palestinian news agency WAFA and prevented staff from entering or leaving.

Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, condemned the Israeli incursion.

She told Xinhua that the absence of international accountability encourages the Israelis to expand their violations against the Palestinians.

The Israeli army violated all bilateral agreements by storming Ramallah in broad daylight, shooting, terrorizing citizens, besieging homes and breaking into an official institution.

The Palestinian official demanded that the international community shoulder its responsibility and put an end to "Israel's violations."

Earlier in the day, Israeli forces surrounded the headquarters of the official WAFA agency and detained its crew in one room before confiscating the agency's surveillance cameras.

Khuloud Assaf, the agency's editor-in-chief, told Xinhua that the storming of the agency's headquarters was "an Israeli crime against the Palestinian media."

Assaf said Israeli forces detained more than a dozen journalists inside the agency's headquarters, prevented them from leaving the agency's editorial lounge and fired gas and sound bombs inside the offices.

Meanwhile, Nasser Abu Baker, head of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate, condemned the incident, saying it was "a new crime and a flagrant violation" against the Palestinian media and its workers.

Abu Baker said the syndicate will follow up on the serious attack with the International Federation of Journalists, the Union of Arab Journalists and all international bodies and organizations.

The clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli army erupted last night following a shooting attack that resulted in the injury of six Israelis in Ramallah.

Since the incident, the Israeli army has closed the entrance to the northern city of al-Bireh, Etara and Ain Sinya, and tightened security along the Nablus-Ramallah road.

The Israeli army announced that at least six Israelis were injured in a Palestinian drive-by shooting attack in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Sunday night.

Video footage released by Ofra's security personnel showed a white car slowing down near a bus stop where a man sitting near the driver pulls out a gun and shoots at people waiting at the bus stop.

"Shots were fired from a passing Palestinian vehicle toward Israeli civilians who were standing at the bus station," an Israeli military spokesperson said.

The incident was the latest in a spate of Palestinian attacks in the form of knife stabbing, shooting, car-ramming and others, usually targeting Israeli soldiers, police officers and settlers.
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...
Ce semnifica tabloul canvas?

Este o idee foarte buna sa aveti in vedere mereu niste tablouri canvas de cea mai buna calitate. Alegand aceste tablouri, veti putea sa va bucurati de o alegere cat se poate de buna. Un astfel de tablou reprezinta o imagine imprimata pe un material care poate fi bumbac sau un material sintetic. Acest material [] Articolul Ce semnifica tabloul [citeste mai departe]
It's been more than 100 years since the East Bronx has had rail service, but in four years the MTA hopes to have built four new Metro-North stations in Hunts Point, Parkchester, Morris Park and Co-op City (PDF). The agency plans to use Amtrak's existing tracks where the Northeast Regional runs from Penn Station to New Rochelle, known as the Hell's Gate line.

Once the line is up and running, commuters will be able to get from Penn Station to the East Bronx in about 20-25 minutesshaving off about 45 minutes from the current bus trip it takes now.

This is the rare project that has city, state and MTA support. The MTA has budgeted $695 million in its 2015-2019 capital budget for the project, including $250 million in state funding that Cuomo has allocated for the project. The only holdup is disagreements with Amtrak over rail fees for using their track.

Listen to WNYC's Stephen Nessen discuss the future of Metro-North in the East Bronx on All Things Considered:

In the meantime, the city is moving forward, holding one of the only public workshops on this project at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Morris Park. While four years sounds like a long time away, it's nothing in infrastructure years. This workshop is where the public can weigh in on what services they would need along with the new stations.

Carol Samol, Director of City Planning in the Bronx, said she hopes the public comes with tough questions: "How do the streets function? How do the buses connect to the station? What kind of land uses are around it [the stations]? Do we want to rezone in order to have more density for different uses, different kinds of uses?" she said.

The Bronx has one of the largest populations of reverse commuters in the country. In 2017, there were 3.9 million rides to and from Bronx stations, a 40 percent increase over 2000, according to the MTA. The medical sector alone employs 15-20,000 people, according to the city.



The East Bronx is home to several Universities, medical and research institutions, which would take advantage of four new Metro-North stations planned for the area. (Stephen Nessen / WNYC)

It's also the fastest growing borough with a population of 1.57 million expected by 2040, according to the city. The new line would have a stop in Co-op City, the largest co-op complex in the world. The line would also meet the needs of various universities and medical centers, including Montefiore, the single largest employer in the borough, according to city officials.

John Dougherty works at Calvary Hospital in the Morris Park Section and commutes there from his home in Chelsea. A new Metro-North station there would slice his hour-long bus commute in half. "It would be great. A lot more comfortable, a lot more reliable," he said. "I'm down for a ride."

Elodie Picarea lives in Inwood and does research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. While she has transit options, a commuter rail station there would still be the best. "Right now we only have a bus, the subway stop is 20 minute walk, and there is an express bus," she said. "But that would be great to have a train to get to the city."

The MTA predicts it's already one year behind on the project due to disagreements with Amtrak and notes there are currently two major issues holding up the project. Since Amtrak owns the tracks, it wants to charge the MTA an "access fee" like rent. But the MTA argues it's upgrading the tracks, and signals for free, which will allow Amtrak to run 35 percent more service, so Amtrak should cut the agency some slack on these fees.



The MTA expects reverse commuters headed the Bronx will save up to 45 minutes one-way once new Metro-North Stations open in the East Bronx. (Stephen Nessen / WNYC)

Second, Amtrak wants the MTA to also replace the Pelham Bay Bridge over the Hutchinson River. The more than 100-year-old bridge is expected to cost $500 million to replace and the MTA doesn't want to shoulder the costs.

"Amtrak has been cooperating with MTA's planning efforts regarding the proposed expansion of Metro-North train service into Amtrak's New York Penn Station, which would include construction of four new commuter rail stations on Amtrak property in the Bronx," Amtrak spokesperson Jason Abrams wrote in a statement. "Amtrak and MTA executives have met frequently in recent months to try to reach agreement on a number of key issues regarding design, construction and ultimate train operation of this project, in order to ensure that the proposed expansion of Metro-North service does not adversely impact Amtrak intercity passenger rail operation, which will see a significant expansion in 2021 with the introduction of expanded Acela service between New York and Boston."

The project also hinges on a complicated infrastructure ballet, with East Side Access being completedsending some Long Island Railroad trains to Grand Central Terminal, freeing up space at Penn Station for more Metro-North trains. It also counts on the Moynihan Station opening in 2021, also shifting Long Island Railroad and Amtrak services out of Penn.

Once all those stars align, there may be four new train stations in the East Bronx.

Stephen Nessen is the transportation reporter for WNYC. You can follow him on Twitter @s_nessen.


Its the hoariest of musical theater plots: A young woman flees a small Midwestern town for the bright lights of New York, singing and dancing her way from innocence to experience. In this case, the woman  or girl, in the parlance of the mid-1960s  wants to be a photographer, and her subject will turn out to be America in the throes of a cultural revolution.

The vehicle, a jukebox musical on the model of Mamma Mia!, is A Sign of the Times, presented by the Delaware Theatre Company in a regional premiere with Broadway aspirations. The show pairs songs from the Petula Clark catalog (including Downtown, Dont Sleep in the Subway, and the title number) with Janis Ians haunting Societys Child, the Nancy Sinatra hit These Boots are Made for Walking, and the Monkees Last Train to Clarksville, among others.

Part of the fun is seeing how these random songs mesh  or fail to  with the frothy book by the Emmy-winning comedy writer and actor Bruce Vilanch (based on a story by Richard J. Robin). But the result needs to be sharper and funnier. Though Vilanch name-drops the causes of the time, from civil rights and the Vietnam War to the rising consciousness of women, he never goes very deep, or tells us  at least the baby boomers among us  anything we dont already know.

Director Gabriel Barre, whose approach can be frenetic at times, oversees a cast with Broadway credentials and polish. Chilina Kennedy (Carole King in Beautiful) is a likable Cindy who delivers powerhouse performances of the feminist anthem You Dont Own Me and the rousing Downtown. As Brian, the tippling advertising man who becomes Cindys own personal Don Draper, Ryan Silverman oozes first charm, then sleaze. (Too bad Mad Mens Matthew Weiner wasnt on hand to write his lines.) Drew Seeleys Matt, Cindys beau from Centerville, Ohio, is authentically retro as the boy (more or less) next door who wants his little woman at home.

But the real hot center of the musical is Crystal Lucas-Perrys Tanya, who is Cindys New York roommate. Tanya profits from her status as an in-demand token black woman  one of Vilanchs wittier conceits  and stumbles into an interracial romance with the nonviolent, injury-prone rabble-rouser Dennis (Stephen Grant Douglas). She belts out Rescue Me, infuses Societys Child with melancholy, and is simply an electric presence.

The electricity reverberates across the stage in choreographer JoAnn M. Hunters ensemble dances, which quote the Frug and other crazes of the era. Jen Caprios vibrant costumes  floral minidresses, peasant-style blouses and skirts, dashikis, and Cindys patchwork suede skirt  glow in Ken Billington and Jason Kantrowitzs psychedelic lighting.

Paul Tate dePoo IIIs sets morph from a realistic Midwestern kitchen to the more loosely modeled streets, clubs, offices, and apartments of New York. Projections by 59 Productions add color and atmosphere, capture Cindys street photography, and, finally, convey us through the decades to (almost) the present moment.

Highlighting the ubiquity of sexual harassment, pay discrimination, and other forms of gender inequality in the 1960s, A Sign of the Times lays claim to contemporary relevance. But it functions mostly as an exercise in nostalgia, easy to digest and easy to forget.
WILMINGTON -- Four days after Jea Street learned of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s assassination in April 1968, the 15-year-old stormed the streets of Wilmington. He joined hordes of other black youths in what started as a peaceful march to Rodney Square in the heart of Delawares biggest city.

Then, at Fourth and Market Streets, someone threw a brick through a storefront. Soon after, all hell broke loose, Street recalled. Residents burned and looted businesses in frustration, anger, and grief.

The gravity of the situation didnt sink in until the following days. Everywhere he looked, Street saw gun-toting National Guardsmen. For nearly a year, armed guards patrolled West Center City, a mostly black community commonly known as The Valley, heightening racial tensions in what would become the longest occupation of an American city since King's death, and the second longest since the Civil War.

In the weeks after the riot, Street vividly recalls high school hallways filled with blood from white teachers and youths being beaten up and the county police storming in in riot gear. That memory never goes away, he said.

Fifty years have since passed. And to many, Wilmington has yet to fully recover.

Crime and violence pervade the mostly black city with just over 71,000 residents, where youths were more likely to be shot than in any other American city, by some 2017 measures.

Since 1968, the businesses, the small shops, the retail, the ecosystem has just totally deteriorated, said David Teague, a professor at the University of Delawares Associate in Arts Program in Wilmington. In West Center City, he said, there is not a single doctors office. Theres not a dentist office. Theres not a school.

Wilmington has spent much of the last year acknowledging that grim chapter in its history, through the yearlong communitywide Wilmington 1968 project. Some hope the effort leads to change that improves the city and benefits its residents.

About a year ago, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki deemed West Center City the pilot location for the citys neighborhood stabilization program, striving, once again, to change the landscape by placing extra city resources there, such as police officers, inspectors, and city sanitation employees.

Many of the issues that were protested in 1968 are still bubbling today  fair and just housing, equal education, police brutality, jobs, and opportunities for class mobility. For many, the occupation was a catalyst to engage in social activism.

The assassination and the occupation, said Street, changed my life forever.

Interview with Jea Street Jea Street, 65, remembers the moment a peaceful demonstration turned into a full-fledged uprising. Interview with Clint Perkins Clint Perkins, 70, marched with a raised fist moments before riots broke out. Interview with Chuck Durante Chuck Durante, 67, only knew of the riots through limited media reports.

City of unrest

Days after Kings April 4 assassination, African Americans across the country were swept up in anger. Many felt that his death was symbolic and that they had nothing to lose. Riots broke out in more than 100 cities. It would take decades for many of these cities to recover both physically and socioeconomically, if at all.

In Wilmington, mostly young men took to Market Street, considered the heart of the city, on April 8, 1968. They planned a peaceful march down the bustling hub of retail shops and theaters -- a stretch that even drew shoppers from Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Clint Perkins, 19 and two months shy of graduation from Howard High School, made strides with his fist raised down the middle of Market Street at the forefront of the group headed to Rodney Square for a memorial in Kings honor. A snapshot of Perkins in that moment later became one of the few and most circulated photos of the peaceful march.

Hours later the scene had turned chaotic -- with Perkins in the midst of it all.

Shattered glass littered the streets; thick, black smoke was heavy in the air; and gunshots rang out sporadically. Stores and homes were engulfed in flames. Police cars were firebombed. Streets were strewn with mounds of garbage and debris from looting. People ran, screaming all the way.

Media reports at the time said that by midnight on April 9, more than 50 people were arrested in Wilmington, at least a dozen others were injured, 13 fires were reported, and 19 businesses were looted.

The next morning, in an attempt to restore order, Gov. Charles Terry activated the entire 3,800-man Army and Air National Guard for deployment throughout the state, with many assigned to downtown Wilmington.

The guardsmen would remain in the city until Jan. 21, 1969  the longest tenure of any such guard detail nationwide  until being removed hours after newly elected Gov. Russell Peterson took the oath of office.

Living under watch

At the height of the occupation, 1,300 guardsmen were on patrol in Wilmington. They first patrolled with city police, but those officers were later removed by the mayor.

Day in and day out, locals watched jeeps creep by carrying mostly white soldiers in combat gear and battle helmets, holding rifles with bayonets strapped to their sides. For black residents such as Perkins, the memories are engraved.

I just knew that we had a long ways to go before we were equal, which made me get involved with civil rights and just pay a little more attention to [black] people, what we were going through, he said.

Residents who worked adjusted their schedules to be home by the state-mandated curfew, or sought special permissions to be out after curfew. Black parents warned their kids to avoid trouble as they navigated each day. Neighborhood youths curbed after-school activities to be home on time. Some black residents felt put under surveillance.

Many white shoppers, commuters, and workers relied on limited local news reports that told riot stories and led them to fear visiting Wilmington.

The streets that I was familiar with looked very unfamiliar and very unwelcoming, said Patricia Wilson Aden, a longtime Delaware resident who was 9 at the time and now serves as president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

Even today, she describes the occupation as disorienting, chilling, and disconcerting.

And while the riot itself was relatively small, it still lives large in the memories of older Wilmingtonians, she said.

Interview with Bebe Coker Bebe Coker, 82, remembers armed guards driving by Cokers home in Jeeps each day to patrol The Valley. Interview with Ron Whittington Ron Whittington, 69, says he was almost arrested when he visited Wilmington in 1968. Interview with Aretha Morton Aretha Morton, 80, was working a retail job just feet away from the uprising when it broke out.

Soon after the occupation began, a stack of loosely bound pages, titled Black Survival Guide or How to Survive a Police Riot, were disseminated by a local civic association.

Pages of that guide appeared earlier this year at a Delaware Art Museum exhibition with the same name, as one of the many efforts to chronicle that event.

Because you are Black, this booklet is important to you, the introduction reads. It may help save your life.

Among the lessons it offered: how to put out or escape a blaze, and what foods to stock when stores close.

Long before it began, the occupation had been foreshadowed, local historians say.

Terry, the Democratic governor, had believed trouble was inevitable in Wilmington, so the state ordered a commission in 1967 to examine whether a riot was imminent, said Simone Austin, who studied the occupation and riots for the ongoing Wilmington 1968 project. Austin also penned the Wilmington 1968 source book.

After the commission looked into housing, welfare, employment, and education, the consensus was basically  Wilmington is ripe for a riot, Austin said.

From there, Terry led a charge for tougher legislation and strong law-and-order in the state, touting that the government needed to prevent what happened in other cities nationwide from happening in their backyard.

A flurry of legislation was enacted that same summer, Austin said, including very strict laws that addressed rioting, looting, and explosive devices, like Molotov cocktails. Many of those laws are still on the books.

In decades that followed, attempts were made to revive West Center City. In 1973, a neighborhood house became the first in the country to be restored as part of the national urban homesteading program that launched that year. The program allowed people to buy and renovate crumbling urban properties for $1. There were other ventures, too. But ultimately, a review found that decades of attempts at revitalization didnt prevent the decline.

Hope amid struggle

Teague, the university professor, says West Center City's diminished quality of life is in plain sight.

The physical aspect of the neighborhood has never, actually, literally recovered. said Teague. "There are lots of buildings and houses missing. There are lots of vacant lots, lots of places where garbage accrues, just the physical decrepitude that really decreases quality of life.

Through the Wilmington 1968 project, scholars have examined historical documents and artifacts, collected stories, and held events to consider how the past event influenced the present, and what can be done to better life for Wilmingtonians.

The young people that marched on the street are still alive, said Angela Winand, a historian who recently headed the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage at the Delaware Historical Society. Their younger siblings are still alive and here and trying to make Wilmington better.

Street, now a New Castle County councilman for 15 years, has dedicated his life to public service in Wilmington. He has been a member of a multitude of local civic groups, councils, coalitions, commissions, task forces, and committees.

He credits the occupation for opening his eyes to how far the city has left to go to achieve true equality.

Unfortunately, 50 years later, that fairness still does not exist, Street said. Even though weve continued to fight and continue to struggle.
In this combination of 10 photos taken on Sept. 19, 2018, Palestinians shot in the legs during demonstrations at the Gaza strip's border with Israel pose as they await treatment at a Gaza City clinic run by MSF (Doctors Without Borders). Israeli forces deployed along the volatile border have fired live rounds at rock-throwing Palestinian protesters since demonstrations began in March against Israel's long-running blockade of Gaza. Israeli snipers have targeted one part of the body more than any other: the legs. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana) Read more

GAZA CITY, Gaza (AP)  Israeli forces deployed along the volatile border with the Gaza Strip have fired live rounds at rock-throwing Palestinian protesters ever since demonstrations against Israel's long-running blockade of Gaza began in March.

And for eight months, Israeli snipers have targeted one part of the body more than any other  the legs.

The Israeli army says it is responding to weekly assaults on its frontier by Palestinians armed with stones, grenades and firebombs. The military says it opens fire only as a last resort, and considers firing at the lower limbs an act of restraint.

Still, 175 Palestinians have been shot to death, according to an Associated Press count. And the number of wounded has reached colossal proportions.

Of the 10,511 protesters treated at hospitals and field clinics in Gaza so far, at least 6,392, or roughly 60 percent, have been struck in the lower limbs, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. At least 5,884 of those casualties were hit by live ammunition; others have been hit by rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters.

The upsurge in violence has left a visible mark on Gaza that will likely remain for decades to come. It is now common to see young men walking through dilapidated streets on crutches. Most have legs bandaged or fitted with a metal frame called a fixator, which uses pins or screws that are inserted into fractured bones to help stabilize them.

The wounded can often be seen gathering at a treatment clinic run by the Paris-based medical charity Doctors Without Borders in Gaza City, where Associated Press photographer Felipe Dana took portraits of some of them.

Some of those he photographed acknowledged throwing stones toward Israeli troops during the demonstrations. One said he had hurled a firebomb. But others said they were unarmed bystanders; one paramedic said he was helping rescue the wounded, while another man said he was waving a Palestinian flag and another said he was selling coffee and tea.

International human rights groups have said the military's open-fire rules are unlawful because they allow the use of potentially lethal force in situations where soldiers' lives are not in immediate danger.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, rejected international criticism that Israel's response has been excessive. Instead, he said that firing at people's legs was a sign of restraint.

"Hamas is responsible for orchestrating violent riots where thousands of Palestinians assault our borders with the goal of breaching our defensive lines and attacking Israeli forces and civilian communities," he said.

"Israeli soldiers use live fire only as a last resort, after written and verbal warnings, as well as extensive use of tear gas and other non-lethal means have been exhausted. It is our duty to defend our civilians and sovereignty, and we do it with the minimal use of force possible," he said.

Doctors Without Borders said this month that the huge number of patients was overwhelming Gaza's health care system, which has already been severely weekend by a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt that has fueled economic stagnation and rampant unemployment, and devastated water and electricity supplies.

The Paris-based aid group said the majority of the 3,117 patients it has treated have been shot in the legs, and many will need follow-up surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

"These are complex and serious injuries that do not quickly heal," the group said. "Their severity and the lack of appropriate treatment in Gaza's crippled health system means that infection is a high risk, especially for patients with open fractures."

"The consequences of these wounds ... will be lifelong disability for many," the aid group said. "And if infections are not tackled, then the results could be amputation or even death."

Gaza's Health Ministry says it has carried out 94 amputations since the protests began, 82 of them involving lower limbs.

___

Associated Press journalists Fares Akram and Felipe Dana contributed to this report.
Street sign at Vine and 11th Streets with the Liberty Bell icon. Read more

Years ago, Lorraine Kolibabek, 64, of Northeast Philadelphia, started to notice that some street signs featured something you wouldnt put on an envelope.

It was on a sign along Knights Road, near the Philadelphia Mills mall  and then she saw it on other streets in Center City: a small image of the Liberty Bell.

There must be some importance for them, obviously, since they have the Liberty Bell designated on the street sign itself, but I dont know why," she said. "I can understand Center City. That I can understand, but up in the Northeast, because were relatively new compared to Center City Philadelphia, what streets up here would have that designation and why?

Kolibabek took to Curious Philly, the Inquirer and Daily News' question-and-response forum in which readers submit questions about their communities and our journalists report out the answers, to find the reasoning for the signage. Its less complicated than one would guess.

The formula is simple, determined by how many letters the name of the street has, said Deputy Commissioner of Transportation Richard Montanez, who has been with the Philadelphia Streets Department since 1996.

If its eight letters or more, we do not use the Liberty Bell," Montanez said. "Anything under eight letters, we do put in the Liberty Bell.

And if the sign has fewer than eight letters and doesnt feature the bell, he said, its either an old sign or an oversight.

Philadelphians have Gerry Ebbecke, who served as chief traffic engineer from 1992 to 1998, to thank. He wanted to give the signs a bit of flair that were also distinctly Philly, with the idea becoming reality in the mid- to late 1990s, Montanez said.

Everything Gerry put in place is still in place," Montanez said. " ... We think it gives the city quite an interesting character and it lets people know that youre in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, we cannot put it in every street-name sign, but we do our best to accommodate those that we can."

Montanez said he remembers talks with Ebbecke in which they floated the possibility of having different symbols for different neighborhoods, but they ultimately settled on the bell. Even then, there were revisions  some bells went without a crack, others were yellow.

They all should have a crack now," he said. "We standardized on the crack.

The bell was far from Ebbeckes only contribution. He was instrumental in implementing compass directions on hundreds of blocks as well as special markings  think of the Boyz II Men Blvd marker under Broad Street signs between Christian and Carpenter Streets, or the characters under street signs around Chinatown. During Ebbeckes tenure, Philadelphia also began to install bike lanes.

His planning plays a big part in how Philadelphians continue to navigate the city, Montanez said.

Ebbeckes former supervisor, Joseph Syrnick, once told the Inquirer that the engineers interest in pedestrian safety began long before it became fashionable.

His conference room was a war room with maps and pins, Syrnick, the Streets Departments former chief engineer and surveyor, said after Ebbeckes death.

Ebbeckes life ended tragically when he and another colleague were shot and killed by a fellow Streets Department employee who opened fire during a supervisors meeting in December 1998.

But even today, as Kolibabek and other observant Philadelphians have noticed, Ebbeckes legacy lives on.

The Liberty Bell represents Philadelphia," Montanez said. And we still intend to keep that honor and honor Gerrys wishes to keep those.
Amnon Shashua, founder and chief technology officer of Israeli camera company Mobileye, at the vanguard of self-driving cars. MobileEye sold to Intel for $15 billion. (Hebrew University) Read more

Amnon Shashua, cofounder and chief technology officer of the Israeli company Mobileye, lives and works at the vanguard of self-driving cars.

Autonomous vehicles are really just a platform for artificial intelligence, he told a rapt audience at an event hosted by the American Friends of Hebrew University in Center City. Thats essentially a computer that can perceive risks and make split-second driving decisions.

Say what? Thats right. Shashaus not like the rest of us  hes an inventor, a teacher, and a prophet about the future were all going to be living.

Shashua still teaches full-time as well at Hebrew University in Israel, despite the fact that the company he helped found, Mobileye, was sold to Intel for $15.3 billion in 2017. Mobileye cameras are embedded in 15 million cars around the world, providing a feature thats now standard technology on most new cars, known as assisted driving.

What the professor means by cars as an AI platform is that the artificial intelligence needed to create a safe, self-driving car is such a leap forward in technology that it will be used in other spin-off inventions.

Cars are the ideal platform for AI  requiring intelligence, perception, decision-making. Very much like playing chess," he explained. In addition, imagine a world where a family only needs one self-driving car. It can drop your kids off at school, then you at work, then go pick up your groceries at the store by itself.

Investors want to know: Which companies will be the winners and losers in self-driving car space?

Among players in autonomous vehicles are Uber, Alphabet, Apple, Ford, GM, Waymo, BMW, and Volkswagen. Uber is aiming to return to the self-driving road after Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) launched the first U.S. commercial robo-taxi service, called Waymo One, in Arizona.

Uber briefly suspended operations after one of its autonomous cars hit and killed a woman crossing a street in March in Tempe, Ariz. It now plans to run vehicles on a mile loop between its offices in Pittsburgh, not exceeding a speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

Apple (AAPL) has been highly secretive about what theyre doing, Shashua said. Its very hard to pick winners at this point.

Traffic deaths are the concept killer and carmakers are trying to solve the problem.

Thats the biggest challenge, how to guarantee safety, Shashua said. There are 40,000 driving-related fatalities a year in the U.S. But those are committed by humans.

If 40,000 people were killed by self-driving cars, which are just machines, every year, society wouldnt accept that, he added.

We wouldnt accept 10,000 deaths a year by computer-driven cars, even though thats an improvement. We need absolutely foolproof technology, he said.

When does he see fully driverless cars arriving commercially? In urban centers, such as Philadelphia, not for many years, he said. And it will likely take even longer in rural areas, where digital maps required for autonomous vehicles are less accurate.

The soonest a self-driving vehicle might launch is 2021, he estimates.

And that will be a car that can drive only in good weather. Well need another two to four years for cars that can drive themselves in bad weather.

Just a few weeks ago, Shashua and Volkswagen created a joint venture to commercialize VW autonomous vehicles in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Until 2021, well just be investing. Were in development stage only. There are no profits yet" in the self-driving car space, nor does he predict profits anytime soon.

What about decades into the future?

Once all cars are autonomous, say, in 50 years, we dont need street lights anymore. We may not need parking lots.

Shashua wouldnt be drawn into saying which companies would come out ahead first. And he admits there will be social implications.

What happens to all the cab drivers and truck drivers? The concept of vehicle ownership will change. Its more economical not to own a car in many cities, so you and your neighbor in the future might share a driverless car. Even Uber admits the drivers represent 50 percent of the cost of its business, he said. Thus, its in Ubers interest to push for self-driving cars.

Legacy American automakers such as GM and Ford are excited about this disruption, even though they may sell fewer cars. They realize the market is changing to a mobility market, rather than a car market.

What does an innovator like Shashua like to read?

I used to read novels, until about 10 years ago. I had to stop because all I read now is technical and scientific journals.

Shashua spoke for about an hour at the invitation of local businessman Herb Sachs, who endowed the professors chair at Hebrew University. Its Israels oldest and largest university. The campus is no stranger to genius: One of Hebrew Universitys earliest founders was Albert Einstein.
Members of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association gather for their Legislative Day to discuss staffing rules that would keep nurses and patients safe. Read more

America continues to stare down a staffing problem when it comes to nurses. According to a nursing trends and salary report released last week, 53 percent of nursing managers saw an increase in open positions throughout 2017. Sixty percent had a hard time recruiting registered nurses.

Things are better now than 20 years ago. In 2000, registered nurse and health-care economist Peter Buerhaus predicted a national shortage of nurses that would be at least four times larger than any prior shortage, if policies did not change. These predictions spurred private and public sector entities to create policy changes that would encourage younger people to explore the nursing profession. We are now seeing improvements in the size of the nursing workforce, with more young people signing up for the profession since 2002. Thats just in time for, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, the number of jobs for registered nurses to spike from 2.7 million in 2014 to 3.2 million in 2024. But those numbers dont tell the whole story.

While the size of the workforce is growing overall, hospital nurses experience extreme burnout. A 2002 report found that job dissatisfaction among hospital nurses was four times greater than the average for all U.S. workers, and that one in five hospital nurses intended to leave their jobs within a year. And some parts of the country, especially southern and western states, still face a high shortfall.

Whats the solution? Many health-care organizations have tried a variety of strategies, including sign-on bonuses, loan repayments, and overtime financial incentives. For most nurses, it is not about the money. It is about having their voices heard in their place of employment, where they should be given the hard-earned opportunity to weigh in on organizational policies and safer work environments. Newer nurses want experienced mentors and opportunities for career advancement. All nurses would choose to practice to the fullest extent of their licenses and education.

If we are going to solve issues surrounding nurse staffing and safety, nurses must be invited to engage in these high-level discussions as together we create solutions to improve outcomes for patients and maintain nurses at the bedside.

Input from nurses might have come up with a better solution than Massachusetts Question 1 initiative, which was rejected by voters in November. To tackle the problem of nurses being assigned too many patients, Question 1 proposed to set strict limits on the number of patients nurses can care for at once. Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association president Steve Walsh claimed the defeat was a victory to continue providing the best possible care for patients throughout Massachusetts. The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) does not support inflexible mandated nurse ratios, but we do believe change is essential. What Walsh and many hospital and health systems (HHS) fail to acknowledge is that serious staffing and safety challenges remain. The best way to address them is not to force nurses into strict patient limits, but to work together to create flexible staffing arrangements that give nurses the support they need without locking them into ratios.

Its time for HHS to act. The old adage talk is cheap seems to fit here. The solution begins with hospital administrators engaging staff nurses in discussions to address staffing and safety in the workplace. Nurses welcome the conversation.

Betsy M. Snook is CEO of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.
Pennsylvania has been a leader in bipartisan criminal justice reform, having enacted Clean Slate legislation this year that will seal certain types of criminal records for those who have served their time and proved they are making the most of their second chance. Now its time for the commonwealths senators to show that same kind of leadership in Washington.

Overwhelmingly popular prison and sentencing reform legislation is hanging by a thread in the U.S. Senate. As Congress races toward wrapping up business for the year, the First Step Act should be a priority. And Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey can help make that happen.

From finding a job to rebuilding their families, formerly incarcerated men and women face countless obstacles to successful reentry. The legislation would create programs that give them the tools they need to contribute to their communities  our communities  upon release.

The measure would allow offenders who participate successfully in job training and substance abuse programs, and who arent a threat to public safety, to earn credit toward pre-release custody at non-prison facilities such as halfway houses or home confinement. Earned time is just that  earned  and those with credits continue to serve their sentences in alternative settings.

Most federal prisoners  and there are more than 10,000 housed in Pennsylvania  could earn up to 54 days of credit per year only if they display exemplary compliance with institutional disciplinary regulations." The most serious and violent offenses bar inmates from participating. And the final call rests with the people in charge of the prisons.

Among those who should know is Pennsylvania Corrections Secretary John Wetzel, president of the Association of State Correctional Administrators and a strong supporter of the bill.

So, the very people who are running our prisons are arguing that the proven reforms in the First Step Act would reduce crime, save taxpayers money, and provide second chances to those who have paid their debt to society.

Pie-in-the-sky thinking? Anything but. We know because the federal legislation incorporates many of the reforms that have already been successful in several states, including Pennsylvania.

Reams of research coupled with real-world examples prove that these kinds of educational programs, vocational training, and mental health and substance abuse treatment can significantly reduce recidivism rates.

Pennsylvania adopted similar evidence-based reforms in 2012, and we have seen both crime and incarceration rates fall, making us safer and saving us money at the same time.

More than two million people are behind bars in the American criminal justice system. Almost all of them will eventually be freed. It is in no ones interest that they are ill-equipped to deal with that freedom when it comes.

The American people understand this. Thats why an estimated 70 percent of them support reforming the system to focus on rehabilitation.

In addition to Wetzel, a wide array of law enforcement groups have united behind the bill. The Fraternal Order of Police called it a bill that will make our streets and neighborhoods safer. Groups including the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Due Process Institute have called it a significant step to advance justice."

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill by a wide margin in May. President Trump has endorsed it. But, as the days dwindle down to a precious few, the Senate has yet to act. Sens. Toomey and Casey should shine Pennsylvanias light on Congress. It is unconscionable that we must go another day wasting so much human potential and throwing away taxpayer dollars on a status quo, revolving-door system that offers no hope to those in it or paying for it.

Beth Anne Mumford is Pennsylvania state director of Americans for Prosperity.
Chris Visco, President and CEO of TerraVida Holistic Center, shown here in her office holding Copper Chem Marijuana Bud by Ilera Healthcare, at her office in Abington, Pennsylvania, November 28, 2018. Visco sells more cannabis than any other legal dealer in the state. Read more

Chris Visco was once a major buyer for a department store. She has taught serial killers how to make lamps, run several political campaigns, and operated a bakery.

Now, Visco is Pennsylvania's dominant retailer of medical marijuana. The 47-year-old mother of three is the cofounder and CEO of TerraVida Holistic Centers, a chain of three cannabis dispensaries scattered across the Philadelphia suburbs.

"I am the biggest [legal] weed dealer in the state," Visco said, with customary bravado. Her claim is supported by the state's medical-marijuana growers.

We sell between 30 and 40 pounds of [marijuana] flower a week, she said. Then theres the concentrates and other products. Ive had over 20,000 unique patients who have walked through the doors since we opened in February. And the business is still growing.

She's also a patient. Visco said cannabis products have been good for her migraines and insomnia. She uses the Pineapple Express strain for her headaches. And each night, an hour before bed, she takes a 10 mg THC capsule that she maintains had increased the number of hours she can sleep from three hours to between five and six. "It's really worked for me," she said.

Visco has taken an unorthodox route to the top of the Keystone State's cannabis industry. She presides over an expanding chain  she hopes to open six more spa-like dispensaries next year  and employs nearly 80 people.

"Chris understood from the beginning that the marijuana business is, aside from whatever else it might be, a business," said State Sen. Daylin Leach (D., Montgomery). "And as such the basic rules of business apply: Provide a good product, at a reasonable price, and market yourself aggressively. This put her light-years ahead of some others who felt that marijuana was magic, and the normal hard work of building a business wasn't necessary."

In Las Vegas in mid-November for the MJBizCon, the world's largest marijuana business convention and expo, Visco said she witnessed a whirlwind of consolidation as venture capitalists sought to acquire successful grows and dispensaries throughout the country. "Everyone was buying and selling," said Visco, who entertained and rejected a few offers herself.

The number of patients walking through TerraVida's doors may be rising, but Visco said her stores  in Abington, Malvern, and Sellersville  may still see lots of red ink this year.

"In the medical market, no one is making money," Visco said. "Everyone  myself included  is playing the long game, waiting for adult recreational use to become legal and for Congress to reschedule the drug from a Schedule I narcotic so we can take care of banking and get rid of that 280E tax." (Because the federal government considers marijuana to be in the same category as heroin, banking services are hard to find and onerously expensive. Dispensaries are also prevented under 280E from writing off the cost of doing business, making for an effective tax rate up to 70 percent.)

The daughter of the late John P. Durante, the Republican sheriff of Montgomery County, Visco admits to smoking "lots of marijuana" back when she was a student at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and at Drexel University.

"I went to a lot of [Grateful] Dead shows," she said. "I was a big smoker when I was a teenager."

After studying psychology at Drexel, she was hired at Boscovs department stores as a gift department manager. She rapidly rose through the ranks and became a star buyer. I was promoted because I was aggressive and made sure I was always in the right place at the right time. That became her template.

Al Boscov became her mentor. The legendary department-store king, also a Drexel graduate, now deceased, was Visco's boss for nine years.

"He taught me how to be an entrepreneur," said Visco. "He showed me if you were driven and had ambition, you could and would succeed financially."

Boscov handpicked her to enter the executive training program. The master retailer, who died last year, was so fond of Visco that he anointed her with a pet name.

"He'd see me and call out, `Here comes Tenacity!' " said Visco, who says she wants to be "the Al Boscov of cannabis."

Visco left Boscov's in 1998. The commute to Reading from the Philadelphia suburbs ate up an hour and a half of every day. "I had to be closer to home and my children."

Boscov wrote her a letter before she left. "He said he never expected that I'd go," Visco said. "The letter was very touching. It's the most valuable possession I have."

In need of work, she talked her way into a job as an associate buyer for dresses at David's Bridal in Conshohocken. "They told me the position was beneath my buying level," she said. "But I told the company president that a good buyer can buy shoes, sheets, towels, or dresses. And now, even cannabis.

"If you are a good merchant, you know how to follow trends, read a market, and let the market guide you in terms of the products," Visco said. She spent seven years working for David's.

In 2004, Visco met an entrepreneur who had landed a government contract for a lighting business. The contract, with the U.S. Department of Justice, was up for renewal. "We hit it off," Visco said. "And for it to be a woman-owned business would give it a leg up." With the partnership forged, the pair won a new contract.

The company, called Performance Lighting, imported parts and shipped them to Coleman, Fla., where inmates in the maximum-security prison there assembled the components into marketable lamps.

"I spent a lot of time behind the walls. I trained serial killers to put together lighting fixtures," Visco said. "A visiting colleague once asked if they were serious criminals  they didn't know. Oh, yes! They were."

Visco said she and her partner built the business from $1 million a year in revenue to $10 million. "That's what I do," she said. It was a good run. But with the federal contract set to expire in 2011, Visco again set her eyes on the future.

She launched a social-media marketing firm from scratch in Conshohocken to promote restaurants. It evolved into the business she'd call PJs & Coffee. Soon, Visco was taking on car dealers and other small businesses.

But when her father, Sheriff Durante, died unexpectedly at the age of 60, "there were dozens of people who wanted his job and I knew who he wanted to replace him," Visco said. Republican Eileen Behr, who had been appointed to complete Durante's tenure, won a full term with Visco's social-media assistance.

Her results caught the attention of the Montgomery County Democratic Party. They brought her on to train candidates. "I was hired by individual Democratic candidates and went 16-0. Most of them were underdogs. Then I had more candidates from Philadelphia who wanted to hire me for contentious primary races."

While running PJs & Coffee, Visco learned about 14 merchants at the local farmers market in Flourtown who were being displaced for a new CVS drugstore. She ran a shaming social-media campaign pro bono, found a developer to help move the merchants, and then persuaded CVS to pay $50,000 to help the merchants set up in a new building.

But when the dust settled, they were missing a bakery. "The cornerstone of a farmers market  which is about one-stop shopping  is a bakery," Visco said. "If you can't get bread, desserts, or bagels, you don't have a market. So my business partner and I opened a bakery."

At this point, there was still no inkling that Visco's next major reinvention would come with marijuana.

But she was approached by a field director for one of the political campaigns she had worked on. The field director asked whether Visco would talk to a female client who was exploring the idea of opening a cannabis-growing facility.

As a favor, Visco reviewed the woman's investor presentation. "She hadn't positioned herself properly," Visco said. "She was going to investor meetings with a huge PowerPoint presentation that had no dollar signs on it. How do you ask for millions without telling people what the expected return on their investment was going to be?"

The meeting sparked her interest, not in growing but in opening dispensaries. She returned to the bakery to discuss cannabis with her business partners Adina Birnbaum and Valentine Gorski.

"We agreed we should do it ourselves. We were all retailers," Visco said. "We figured, how hard could it be?"

The trio submitted four applications to the state. According to Visco, they were the only applicant that was certified as a women-owned business enterprise. ("They wanted to make sure it wasn't just men putting businesses in their wives' names," Visco said.)

The trio was at Birnbaum's house when Birnbaum's son, searching for results online, screamed out: "You won!"

"I fell to the ground and started sobbing," Visco said. "I was elated."

How did they win?

"Our application showed we were passionate about our community, passionate about being a good neighbor, passionate about paying our people very well, passionate about helping patients, our outreach and education and diversity," Visco said.

Her suppliers said that compassion is a key to her achievement.

"There's good reason why Chris has been so successful, and it's not just her keen business sense," said Kobi Waldfogel, sales manager for Terrapin Pennsylvania, one of the state's 11 operating cannabis growers. "Chris really cares about her patients' well-being and it shows. You really can't fake that kind of empathy."

TerraVida opened the day after Valentine's Day. Visco said she loves the business more than she ever thought she would. Though she's repeatedly approached to sell, Visco said she's not interested. That's a far cry from just about everyone else in the industry. Most have an "exit strategy"  a plan to sell out to venture capitalists, Big Alcohol, or Big Tobacco.

Visco says she expects the industry to shake out as talk heats up about state and national legalization. But she's planted her stakes and is staying put.

"I have no desire to move on. This is what I do. This is who I am now," Visco said. "I'm too emotionally attached to my patients to leave them. Next year, patients are going to need medicine and some [dispensaries] won't be here. I can promise TerraVida will always be there."

For more news about medical and recreational marijuana, visit Philly.com/cannabis.
Anthony Wright, convicted in 1993 of raping and murdering an elderly woman in Nicetown, was freed from prison two years ago when new DNA evidence unraveled the prosecution's original theory of the crime.

Now at least two other Philadelphia men serving life sentences for separate and unrelated murders may have a new shot at freedom thanks to the fallout.

Attorneys for Andrew Swainson and Willie Veasy  each convicted more than two decades ago  have seized upon 10,000 pages of police documents turned over in a civil lawsuit Wright filed against the city and the homicide detectives who investigated him.

The lawyers contend the records show that the same detectives involved in Wright's case also failed to disclose evidence that may have proved Swainson's and Veasy's innocence in the crimes.

At a minimum, the attorneys have argued in newly filed appeals, their clients had unfair trials and deserve to face a jury again  without the deck improperly stacked against them, they say.

But the attorneys also contend that the documents suggest an investigation should be launched into whether the detectives  who investigated murders during the crack wars of the 1990s  routinely placed their thumbs on the scales while locking people up during one of Philadelphia's most violent eras.

"I would have some strong hesitation about any conviction that that group of detectives had secured," said Marissa Bluestine, attorney for Swainson and Veasy and executive director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project.

Wright accuses 11 now-retired detectives of abuses, and it remains unclear how many cases ultimately could be called into question should new District Attorney Larry Krasner launch a wider investigation into their work.

Krasner, in an interview last week, declined to say whether he planned to pursue such a probe. But he praised Chicago's top prosecutor, Kimberly M. Foxx, for exonerating 15 inmates last year after questions surfaced about the conduct of police officers there who had helped convict them.

The exonerations "took place because that office was courageous enough and willing to look at people who'd been in jail for [decades] when substantial questions emerged," Krasner said.

This month he named Patricia Cummings, a lawyer from Texas, to lead a unit dedicated to reviewing problematic old cases. And he has pledged to give the unit  which was criticized for a perceived lack of production under former District Attorney Seth Williams  more staff members and seek additional funding from City Council.

Cummings, who led a similar unit in Dallas, said identifying and examining patterns of potential misconduct was "absolutely" the approach she hoped to take in Philadelphia.

"This work is all about trying to figure out: 'How do we correct the mistakes of the past?' " she said. "And we do that by learning what they are and how likely they were to have reoccurred time and time again."

READ: An accomplice will die in prison while the killer goes free: The strange justice of Pennsylvania's felony-murder law

Bluestine said the unit already has agreed to review Veasy's case, which has been featured on the podcast series Undisclosed.

It was not clear whether prosecutors also would review the investigation of Swainson, but they could face pressure to make such a decision because of the documents released in Wright's case  documents they never intended to fall into the hands of lawyers for other convicted men.

Accidental sharing

Attorneys for the city began sharing material on other homicides with Wright's lawyers in March 2017 as part of the discovery process in his civil suit. Wright had alleged that his wrongful conviction stemmed from the city's "deliberate indifference" toward homicide detectives so desperate  or willing  to manage heavy caseloads that they routinely beat false confessions out of suspects, imprisoned witnesses for days to coerce their statements, and played fast and loose with the law themselves.

In his own case, Wright said officers  including former Detectives Martin Devlin and Manuel Santiago  held him for hours while trying to force a confession out of him, then, when he refused, typed one up for him to sign anyway. After Wright declined to sign it, his lawsuit states, Devlin threatened to "rip [Wright's] eyes out"  a claim Devlin and Santiago have denied. But Wright eventually relented and signed the document on a false promise that he would be allowed to go home, his lawsuit says.

To prove that similar tactics were applied outside of Wright's case, his lawyers requested the files on eight other homicide investigations handled by Devlin and the other detectives who investigated him. The city, in handing those files over, failed to mark them confidential, which would have barred Wright's lawyers from giving others access to them.

The District Attorney's Office, realizing the mistake, later tried to claw those documents back  but the damage had been done. By that time, Wright's team already had shared them with lawyers for the other convicted men.

In the cases of Veasy and Swainson, the Pennsylvania Innocence Project discovered that the files contained information that not only might help Wright's civil case, but also could help their own clients' chances on appeal.

Two new appeals

In Swainson's case, the Innocence Project claims the files obtained from Wright's lawyers show that police and prosecutors withheld key evidence before Swainson's 1989 trial, in which he was convicted of killing Stanley Opher in a drug-related shooting in West Philadelphia. The undisclosed materials, according to defense filings, included the identity of two other potential suspects; additional witnesses who contradicted the prosecutors' theory of the crime; and the fact that one witness failed a polygraph test when asked to identify Swainson.

The information, Bluestine said, furthers the argument that Swainson could not have formed a proper defense because so much of the investigation  led by Santiago  was hidden from him.

"Can it be honestly said that Mr. Swainson got a fair trial?" Bluestine asked. "We think clearly no."

Swainson, now 52, has maintained his innocence since his arrest, and defense attorneys previously claimed that the case's two key witnesses recanted their testimony. One of them, Paul Presley, said that Santiago, when asking Presley to identify the shooter, only showed him photos of one person: Swainson.

Presley also admitted giving statements to Santiago under a promise that drug-related counts against him would be dropped, according to defense filings. Swainson's trial attorneys were unaware of the arrangement, the filings claim, because Presley had been charged under a different name.

Veasy, too, repeatedly has said he is innocent.

Convicted in 1993 for a double shooting in North Philadelphia  which left one man, John Lewis, dead  Veasy signed a confession, but later said that Devlin wrote it and assaulted him until he agreed to put his name on it, according to defense filings.

Trial prosecutors, seeking a first-degree conviction and a death sentence, presented the confession to the jury, as well as testimony from an eyewitness, Denise Mitchell.

And even though Veasy's lawyers presented evidence that he'd been working at the time of the crime at a Houlihan's restaurant in Jenkintown, jurors voted to convict him of second-degree murder  sparing him from death row but triggering an automatic life sentence. No one else has ever been charged.

Mitchell, meanwhile, has recanted her testimony, defense filings claim. And the Wright documents, according to Veasy's lawyers, include a previously undisclosed statement from Mitchell's stepsister casting further doubt on the accuracy of her trial testimony.

Veasy's appeal also includes another curious claim: The victim, Lewis, and several witnesses in the case had been suspects in the murder of another man  an investigation Devlin had also been involved with. That information, defense filings claim, also never was disclosed to Veasy's attorneys.

What's more, the filings say, the man whom detectives eventually arrested, Shaurn Thomas, was freed from prison last year when the District Attorney's Office found another set of previously undisclosed homicide files raising questions about his guilt and agreed to vacate his conviction.

Bluestine said she was shocked when she discovered that key figures in Veasy's investigation also had turned up in Thomas' case files. But so far, she's been unable to determine if it's simply an odd coincidence  or something more.

"Was there a connection between these two [investigations]?" she said. "I certainly have that question."

It may now be up to Krasner and Cummings to seek an answer  and determine whether any more connections exist among other cases handled by prolific detectives.
Judge Rea Boylan called a brief recess at her courtroom in the Bucks County Criminal Justice Center so the lawyers could consult actuarial tables on the current life expectancy of an American male: 76.1 years.

Then, a lawyer for Richard Mazeffa, who has been locked up 32 years for shooting his grandparents when he was a teenager, urged Boylan to give him some chance at release from prison before he reaches that age.

"There's two deaths. We understand that," lawyer Burton Rose said. "I would ask the court to impose a sentence to make him eligible for parole at some time in the future that would enable him to live some years of his life out of jail." He pointed to a recent federal case that proposed the national age of retirement as a benchmark.

Bucks County Deputy District Attorney Marc Furber urged the judge to give Mazeffa two consecutive 35-to-life sentences, making him eligible for parole at 87. "A defendant who [commits] multiple murders does not receive a volume discount," he said.

The tenor of the arguments last week was unlike anything heard in Philadelphia courtrooms. Instead, it reflected the particular political microclimate of Bucks County, home to six juvenile lifers out of 521 statewide being resentenced in light of a 2016 Supreme Court holding, in the case Montgomery v. Louisiana, that the court's ban on mandatory sentences of life without parole for minors applied retroactively. Pennsylvania at that time had the largest juvenile-lifer population in the nation.

While Pennsylvania's Supreme Court has attempted to create clear guidelines for that work, now that more than 300 juvenile lifers have been resentenced across 31 counties, the disparities are striking.

"It's still very county-dependent, fact-dependent, and there are still a lot of politics involved," said Brooke McCarthy, who has been tracking the results for the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Juvenile Law Center. "If you look at the outcomes in Allegheny County, they are night and day from what we're seeing in Philly. That's true in various counties: In Bucks County, one judge has been handling the sentencing, and she's been particularly harsh. Different folks are handling the same facts differently."

>>READ MORE: Why is mass incarceration moving to the suburbs?

In Philadelphia, the average sentence for a juvenile lifer has been 31 years to life. In Bucks County, no one has received less than 40 years.

In Mazeffa's case, Furber said that it was only because of the inmate's remarkable prison record  he had not received a single misconduct, despite being assigned to the Forest state prison, which, by his prison counselor's estimation, is the most violent in Pennsylvania  that the DA decided not to seek life without parole.

Mazeffa at 50  introverted and bookish, a chess master, assistant librarian and college graduate  seemed far removed from the angry 17-year-old who grabbed a shotgun 32 years ago and destroyed two lives. The rift in his family has never healed.

An uncle, George Mazeffa, a steely, gray-haired ex-Marine, said he has never forgiven his nephew and does not want to see him released. "I have significant concerns about the safety of my family," he said. Mazeffa's own father, Richard Sr., said his son was not ready for parole. Only Mazeffa's younger brother, Robert, spoke unconditionally of Mazeffa's rehabilitation.

In the end, Boylan imposed two concurrent sentences of 45 years to life, making him eligible for parole at 62.

County by county, judges have disagreed about whether sentences on multiple homicides ought to run concurrently or be stacked consecutively.

A Lancaster County judge last year imposed consecutive 40-years-to-life sentences for Michael Lee Bourgeois, for killing his adoptive parents in 2001 with three accomplices. And, in Allegheny County, a judge imposed three consecutive 25-to-life sentences on Donald Zoller, who killed three people when he was just 14; he won't go before the parole board unless he lives to be 89.

But in Philadelphia, it's been a different story. Jose Hernandez, convicted of killing four family members as a teen, received 45 years to life after the district attorney tried to offer him even less time. And another juvenile lifer, Jorge Cintron Jr., was resentenced to 30 years to life for three murders; he could be released by age 47.

>>READ MORE: Convicted of killing his family as a teen, Philly man resentenced to 45 to life

Judges have also differed when it comes to tacking on additional time for associated charges, such as robbery, conspiracy, or possession of a firearm.

For instance, in May, a Montgomery County judge imposed a 48-years-to-life sentence for Terrell Clary, who shot two men in 2000, killing one of them. That was 35 years for the murder, and 13 years for related charges of robbery and aggravated assault.

In Delaware County, where 17 out of 26 juvenile lifers are still awaiting new sentences, outcomes have ranged from 30 years to life at the low end, up to life without parole all over again. (That lifer, a man named Jose DeJesus who has been incarcerated 21 years for a fatal shooting in Chester, has a troubled disciplinary record in prison, including a stabbing. But he also suffers from serious mental illness, which has made his adjustment more difficult.)

"In the counties where there are no settlement talks, it's just going slower, because everything is a fight," McCarthy said. In some cases, delays have been strategic, as defense lawyers hope for helpful appellate decisions. "In Delaware County, a judge imposed life without parole on a second-degree case, and I think that made people a little more nervous about proceeding, so they're trying to buy some time."

According to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision last year, a juvenile must be found to be "permanently incorrigible" before a life sentence can be imposed.

Now, state appellate courts will have to weigh in on a slew of follow-up questions being lobbed from all across the commonwealth. What comprises a de facto life sentence: Is 50 years too long? Is it constitutional to stack consecutive sentences such that a juvenile who is not incorrigible has no hope of release? What is a juvenile anyway  do 18-year-olds count? And, what factors must judges consider in the resentencings, which are supposed to take into account the reduced culpability of an immature, impulsive youth, as well as his or her capacity for change?

"As much as they're supposed to be looking at all of those things, that's not happening," McCarthy said. "They're not starting with the premise of adolescent development and the potential for rehabilitation. They're just looking at: How bad was the crime? How good is your prison record?"

Consequently, advocates report that lifers who already have been incarcerated for a long time are receiving, on average, shorter sentences than ones who've been locked up for a shorter period.

"What's encouraging to date is that very few people have been resentenced to life without parole  certainly fewer than 100," said Heather Renwick, legal director of the Washington-based Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth. "When Montgomery was decided, there were 2,600 people serving juvenile life without parole around the country. That number has been cut in half to date through resentencings and legislative reform, and that will continue to drop."

But outcomes have varied widely.

In Michigan, home to 360 teen lifers, the state has sought to reimpose life without parole in more than half of its cases. In Virginia, Renwick said, "the commonwealth has fought at every step to prevent" resentencings. And in Illinois, which is working through the resentencings of about 100 juvenile lifers, Shobha Lakshmi Mahadev, a professor at the Children and Family Justice Center at Northwestern University School of Law, said the vast majority are being resentenced to 50 or 60 years in prison, many with no opportunity for early release.

Other states, such as Louisiana, have addressed the issue legislatively, by creating across-the-board parole eligibility  though in some jurisdictions that still means few, if any, lifers are actually being released.

"What these decisions have done is opened up this conversation and this question: How do you sentence a child or an adolescent? What our systems did before was just to treat kids as adults  and that is unconstitutional and, given what we know now, inappropriate," Mahadev said.

"The bigger question is: Can we look to the U.S. Supreme Court to officially do what it has not yet done, which is ban the sentence? That's not yet clear."
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Here is what you need to know about consensual relationships under new law in UAE

Any couple conceiving a child out of wedlock will be required to marry or singly or jointly acknowledge the child and provide identification papers and travel documents in accordance with the laws of the country of which either is a national, considering the applicable laws of that nation. Failing this, a criminal case would introduce a prison term of two years for both correspondents.
Former juvenile lifers with staff of the Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project following a workshop for juvenile lifers at the State Correctional Institution at Graterford. Read more

They were told as teenagers that they would never get out of prison, but in the last two years, more than 70 men and two women sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole have returned home to Philadelphia  and a world drastically different from the one they were removed from decades ago, as children.

They are former "juvenile lifers," who were convicted as teenagers of murder or felony murder  that is, participating in a crime that ended in a death  and were sentenced to mandatory terms of life in prison without parole (JLWOP), meaning that a judge had no choice but to impose that sentence. After decades in prison, many are now 50 and 60 years old. They are trying to find work, housing, and education, learn technology, and deal with the other demands of modern life.

Soon they will be followed by others who now have a chance at freedom because of two U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

The first case, Miller v. Alabama, in 2012, responded to scientific evidence of the diminished culpability of teenagers because of their immaturity and susceptibility to peer pressure. The ruling declared that mandatory life sentences without parole for youth are unconstitutional and that context must be considered before sentencing a child to die in prison.

The second, Montgomery v. Louisiana, decided just two years ago, made that finding retroactive for all 2,000-plus juvenile lifers in the United States.

It's a life-changing moment, but the challenge of building new lives on the outside is daunting, and in many ways it is more difficult for former juvenile lifers than for other formerly incarcerated men and women.

At the time of the Montgomery decision, nearly a quarter of all juvenile lifers in the country had been sentenced in Pennsylvania and more than 300 in Philadelphia. In the two years since, more than 230 men and women have been re-sentenced statewide, and many more could be released in the near future. As a recent Inquirer article noted, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has taken a new approach to extending offers in JLWOP cases, which reflect the individualized circumstances of each situation.

The Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project (YSRP) has created a new online tool, the Pennsylvania JLWOP Reentry Navigator, to make it easier for former juvenile lifers to locate resources in the community, including those that can help with housing, behavioral health, physical health, food and clothing, education, employment and volunteer opportunities, government assistance and public benefits, faith-based services, identification documents, voter registration, senior services, life skills training, case management, and transportation.

Resentencing and parole decision-makers are particularly interested in the supports and plans that a juvenile lifer has in place for when he or she returns to the community, and the Navigator can help locate them.

The need for the Navigator grew out of training we conducted inside of nearly every prison in the state with juvenile lifers. We asked what concerns they had about reentering society, and what questions they had about navigating life on the outside. The Navigator responds directly to these questions and concerns, and now exists as a resource to support folks planning to return home, as well as those who have already returned home.

We are working to help all juvenile lifers have the best possible chance at this important and overdue opportunity.

Lauren Fine and Joanna Visser Adjoian are co-directors of the Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project.
An Airbnb bedroom in South Philadelphia. Philadelphia has crafted clear regulations around the home-sharing platform, stipulating that hosts can rent a property for as long as 180 days, among other rules. Read more

Its a question that cities and towns across the world have confronted in todays sharing economy: Can single-family homes be used for short-term rentals, such as the ones on Airbnb or HomeAway?

A case before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court may soon offer clarity to homeowners who are still trying to figure that out.

On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case Slice of Life LLC vs. Hamilton Township Zoning Board, a four-year-old case that originated in the Poconos after a property owner was cited for operating a short-term rental out of a 1,200-square-foot home in the woods  an alleged violation of the local zoning code. Initiated by neighbors who complained about the propertys boisterous guests, the case has wound its way from the zoning board in Hamilton Township, Monroe County, to the state Supreme Courts panel of seven justices, who are expected to rule sometime next year.

The complexity of the case thus far  a trial court sided with Hamilton, while the states Commonwealth Court with homeowner Val Kleyman and his business Slice of Life  underscores the confusion that local governments face in trying to regulate home-sharing platforms. Although some cities, such as Philadelphia, have created clear policies about how short-term rentals can operate, many others have struggled to adapt decades-old zoning codes to meet the ever-changing gig economy.

Some lawyers hope the Supreme Courts decision could offer some clarity to municipalities.

In the Slice of Life case, the Supreme Court will attempt to decide whether Hamiltons zoning code was clear enough in banning short-term rentals from operating out of single-family homes. When Hamilton Townships zoning officer issued a citation in 2014, the homeowner was accused of operating a hotel and/or other types of transient lodging  an alleged violation of how single-family homes can be used.

Lawyers for Kleyman countered that he had checked Hamiltons zoning ordinance and saw nothing in the law that appeared to prohibit short-term rentals. Specifically, one lawyer argued, the code did not define transient tenancy or transient lodging"  making it unclear to homeowners who operated short-term rentals.

A property owner should be able to read the ordinance and know what he can and cant do with his property, said Joshua Windham, a lawyer for the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit, libertarian law firm that filed an amicus curiae brief (meaning the group was not an initial party) on behalf of Slice of Life. If a town wants to restrict property rights, you have to do so clearly."

Reached by phone, one township employee said the zoning code  written in 1985 and last updated in June 2013  was not available online. Another employee said the ordinance, published in a paper book," could be purchased for $25 in person.

Lawyers for the township and the townships zoning board disagree with Windhams argument. They argue that short-term rental properties such as Airbnbs are incompatible with the single-family concept," according to documents filed in the case.

Slice of Life owned what would be considered a single-family residential structure; however, they were using the structure, the township contends, as a lodging-type or tourist-home type of facility  even a hotel-motel-like facility, where they would rent out the premises on a weekend to anywhere between 10 to 20 people, John Dunn, Hamiltons solicitor, said in an interview.

According to court filings, Slice of Lifes property listed three bedrooms and advertised being able to sleep from 12 to 17 people.

After receiving the citation, Kleyman appealed. Hamiltons zoning hearing board upheld the citation. After another appeal, the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas sided with the zoning board, too.

Last year, however, Commonwealth Court reversed the trial courts decision in a 2-1 opinion, arguing that the zoning ordinance was ambiguous and should be interpreted in a homeowners favor. (Kleyman, in an interview, said he has since sold the property and is no longer a part of the case.)

Now, with the case in front of the state Supreme Court, lawyers are hoping the justices' decision will offer clarity to townships on how to regulate Airbnbs and other short-term rentals.

When most municipalities drafted their zoning ordinances, the hosting of transient guests for profit was not anticipated as a potential use of a single-family home in a residentially zoned area, Katherine Janocsko, a Pittsburgh-based lawyer at Tucker Arensberg, who focuses on real estate, among other areas, said in an email. Based on the Supreme Courts ruling, many townships and boroughs may want to amend their zoning ordinance ... to either encourage or limit homeowners from listing their single-family residential homes on Airbnb and other home-sharing websites."
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner continued to have private conversations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and advised him on how to deal with the aftermath of the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives, a US media report said.

Kushner offered the crown prince advice "about how to weather the storm" following the killing of Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the New York Times reported, citing a Saudi source familiar with the conversations.

Since the early months of the Trump administration, Kushner, the president's Middle East adviser, was in private and informal contact with Prince Mohammed, which was a cause of worry for senior American officials, the report said.

Given Kushner's political inexperience, the private exchanges could make him susceptible to Saudi manipulation, said three former senior US officials.

In an effort to tighten practices at the White House, a new chief of staff tried to reimpose longstanding procedures stipulating that National Security Council staff members should participate in all calls with foreign leaders.

But even with the restrictions in place, Kushner, 37, and Prince Mohammed, 33, kept chatting, according to three former White House officials and two others briefed by the Saudi royal court.

In fact, they said, the two men were on first-name terms, calling each other Jared and Mohammed in text messages and phone calls.

The exchanges continued even after the October 2 killing of Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who was ambushed and dismembered by Saudi agents, according to two former senior American officials and the two people briefed by the Saudis.

As the killing set off a firestorm around the world and American intelligence agencies concluded that it was ordered by Prince Mohammed, Kushner became the prince's most important defender inside the White House, people familiar with its internal deliberations say.

Kushner's support for Prince Mohammed in the moment of crisis is a striking demonstration of a singular bond that has helped draw President Trump into an embrace of Saudi Arabia as one of his most important international allies.

But the ties between Kushner and Prince Mohammed did not happen on their own. The prince and his advisers, eager to enlist American support for his hawkish policies in the region and for his own consolidation of power, cultivated the relationship with Kushner for more than two years, according to documents, emails and text messages reviewed by NYT.

A delegation of Saudis close to the prince visited the US as early as the month Trump was elected, the documents show, and brought back a report identifying Kushner as a crucial focal point in the courtship of the new administration.

He brought to the job scant knowledge about the region, a transactional mind-set and an intense focus on reaching a deal with the Palestinians that met Israel's demands, the delegation noted.

Even then, before the inauguration, the Saudis were trying to position themselves as essential allies who could help the Trump administration fulfil its campaign pledges.

In addition to offering to help resolve the dispute between Israel and the Palestinians, the Saudis offered hundreds of billions of dollars in deals to buy American weapons and invest in American infrastructure.

Trump later announced versions of some of these items with great fanfare when he made his first foreign trip: to an Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The Saudis had extended that invitation during the delegation's November 2016 visit.

"The inner circle is predominantly deal makers who lack familiarity with political customs and deep institutions, and they support Jared Kushner," the Saudi delegation wrote of the incoming administration in a slide presentation obtained by the Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar, which provided it to NYT.

Several Americans who spoke with the delegation confirmed the slide presentation's accounts of the discussions.

The courtship of Kushner appears to have worked.

Only a few months after Trump moved into the White House, Kushner was inquiring about the Saudi royal succession process and whether the US could influence it, raising fears among senior officials that he sought to help Prince Mohammed, who was not yet the crown prince, vault ahead in the line for the throne, two former senior White House officials said.

American diplomats and intelligence officials feared that the Trump administration might be seen as playing favourites in the delicate internal politics of the Saudi royal family, the officials said.

By March, Kushner helped usher Prince Mohammed into a formal lunch with Trump in a state dining room at the White House, capitalising on a last minute cancellation by German Chancellor Angela Merkel because of a snowstorm.

Bending protocol, Kushner arranged for the prince, often referred to by his initials as MBS, to receive the kind of treatment usually reserved for heads of state, with photographs and news media coverage, according to a person involved in the arrangements.

It appears to have been the first face-to-face meeting between Kushner and the prince, but Kushner raised eyebrows by telling others in the White House that he and Prince Mohammed had already spoken several times before, two people at the event recalled.

White House officials declined to comment on Kushner's one-on-one communications with the prince since the killing of Khashoggi.

Their connection, though, has been pivotal since the start of the Trump administration.

"The relationship between Jared Kushner and Mohammed bin Salman constitutes the foundation of the Trump policy not just toward Saudi Arabia but toward the region," said Martin Indyk, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a former Middle East envoy.

The administration's reliance on the Saudis in the peace process, its support for the kingdom's feud with Qatar, an American ally, and its backing of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, he said, all grew out of "that bromance".
JODHPUR: A day before counting, massive billboards congratulating Congress for winning the Rajasthan Assembly elections 2018 along with their leaders' victory margin were erected in various places in Jodhpur constituency.

One such poster claimed that former state Chief Minister and senior Congress member Ashok Gehlot won the polls with a margin of over 30,000 votes from the Sardarpura Assembly constituency.

But all the posters were removed after some time.

Sardarpura is Gehlot's home constituency from where he's been elected four times in the past.

This year, he held two rallies in Sardarpura during pre-poll campaigning.

The state, which went to polls on December 7, recorded a turnout of 74 per. Results will be declared on Tuesday, December 11.

A few clashes were reported but the polling across the 51,687 booths was largely peaceful. The clashes were reported from Alwar's Mundawar constituency, booths in Bikaner and Sikar.

A total of 2,274 candidates are in the fray for 199-member Assembly constituencies.

The BJP is trying to retain power in the state it won in 2013, displacing Ashok Gehlot's Congress government.

The Election Commission ordered re-polling at Karanpur Assembly Constituency in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district. Ramgarh constituency in Alwar district will go to poll later due to the death of BSP candidate Laxman Singh.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Raman Singh, has been in power in Chhattisgarh since 2013. The party has left no stone unturned in making an attempt to retain power in the state, but has, at the same time, faced a stiff opposition from the Congress party. While the BJP once again relied on the credibility of Raman Singhs leadership, projecting him as its chief ministerial candidate, the Congress declared that a decision of the chief ministerial candidate would be taken after the results on December 11. The exit polls have predicted a neck-and-neck battle in the state, with some of the agencies giving an edge to the Congress party. Whatever the results be, Chhattisgarh Assembly elections have witnessed a number of heavyweights in the fray. Heres a look at some of them.

BJP:

Raman Singh

A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Raman Singh is the current Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He has been holding the CM's office since December 7, 2003. Raman Singh, who is seeking his fourth consecutive term, is contesting from Rajnandgaon Assembly constituency in the 2018 polls.

Popularly known as 'Doctor Saheb' being an Ayurvedic medicine practitioner, Singh was born in Kawardha on October 15, 1952. He started his political journey by joining the Bharatiya Jan Sangh and went on to serve as the president of its youth wing in his Kawardha from 1976 to 1977. Later in 1983, he became a councillor of the Kawardha municipality.

In 1999, Singh was elected as a member of the Lok Sabha from Rajnandgaon constituency. He then became the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry from 1999 to 2003.

Led by Raman Singh, the BJP has ruled Chhattisgarh for three consecutive Assembly terms ever since a resounding victory by his party ousted the then Congress leader Ajit Jogi's three-year-old government in 2003.

Singh took oath as the Chief Minister for his second term on December, 12, 2008 and he was re-elected as the chief minister on December 8, 2013. The BJP veteran was elected the Chief Minister for the third time in 2013.

The opposition parties claim there is a strong anti-incumbency wave against Singh and they have alleged his government of having failed in handling the naxal menace.

Vikram Usendi

A member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Vikram Usendi is contesting from Kanker constituency in 2018 Chhattisgarh Assembly polls. He is currently a member of the state Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, serving the post since July 28, 2016.

Born on October 17, 1965, Usendi became a member of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1993 and continued until 1998. He served the BJP Youth Front in Kanker District as its president from 2001 to 2003.

After the creation of Chhattisgarh, Usendi became a member of the State Legislative Assembly in 2003. He has been an MLA for three consecutive terms.

The BJP leader became a cabinet minister and served the Ministry of Education under the government of Chhattisgarh from 2003 to 2004.

From 2004 to 2008, he served as a deputy chairman of Bastar Development Authority.

He was also a Cabinet Minister of Forests; Public Undertakings; Public Grievances from 2008 to 2013.

Usendi was elected to the 16th Lok Sabha Assembly in May 2014.

From September 1, 2014 onwards he was a Member of the Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests. Also, he served as a Member of the Consultative Committee, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Prem Prakash Pandey

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Assembly Prem Prakash Pandey is contesting from Bhilai Nagar constituency in 2018 Chhattisgarh polls. Currently, he is a cabinet minister in Chief Minister Raman Singh's government.

He presently serves the Chhattisgarh government as the Minister of Revenue & Rehabilitation, Higher Education, Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment, Science & Technology and Disaster Management Department.

Born on March 8, 1958 in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria, Pandey made his political debut in 1976. The BJP leader won his first election in 1990 following which he was given the Ministry of Education, Skill Development and Technical Education in Madhya Pradesh before it was bifurcated in November 2000.

He was later elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1993 and in 1995 he became an elected Executive Member of BJP Yuva Morcha. From 2003 to 2009, he held the post of the Speaker of Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha.

Ajay Chandrakar

Ajay Chandrakar is a member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a cabinet minister in the Chief Minister Raman Singh-led Chhattisgarh government. In the 2018 state Assembly polls, Chandrakar is contesting from Kurud constituency.

He is currently the Panchayat and Rural Development, Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and Parliamentary Affairs Minister of Chhattisgarh.

Born on June 24, 1963, Chandrakar became a legislator for the first time in 1998.

In 2003, he became part of the Chhattisgarh government as he was allotted the portfolios of Panchayat and Rural Development Minister and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.

An additional portfolio of Science and Technology, Technical Education, and Manpower Planning was assigned to him in 2004.

Following a reshuffle in the cabinet in 2007, he was made the Minister of Higher Education.

Despite losing the state assembly polls in 2008, Chandrakar was made the chief of the State Finance Commission by the government, considering his expertise and capability.

Later, he also served the party as its vice chairman and the official spokesperson.

CONGRESS:

Bhupesh Baghel

A member of the Congress party, Bhupesh Baghel has been fielded from Patan constituency in the 2018 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. He is the current president of Chhattisgarh Congress, serving the post since October 2014.

Born on August 23, 1961, Baghel joined Indian Youth Congress in 1985. He was the youth wing Durg District (rural)'s president from 1990 to 1994.

In 2013, Baghel became a member of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, representing Patan constituency. Congress fielded him as its candidate for the 2004 Parliamentary elections from Durg Lok Sabha seat and from Raipur in 2009.

Notably, Baghel became the first Minister for Revenue, Public Health Engineering and relief work after Chhattisgarh was created in November 2000. He served the post until 2003.

From 2003 to 2008, the Congress leader served as the deputy leader of Opposition in Chhattisgarh Assembly.

Charan Das Mahant

Congress leader Charan Das Mahant has been fielded from the Korba Lok Sabha constituency. Born on December 13, 1954, Mahant is the former Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing.

Notably, during the 15th Lok Sabha term, Mahant was the only Congress Member of Parliament from Chhattisgarh. He won the Korba seat first in 1998 following which he was re-elected in 1999 and in 2009.

He has also served the state Congress wing as its working president. On August 31, 2009, he became a member of the Committee on Science and Technology, Environment and Forests.

He became the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament on September 23 and on October 19, he was picked as a member of the Consultative Committee, Ministry of Coal Member, Central Rural Development Council.

Karuna Shukla

Congress has fielded Karuna Shukla, niece of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh from Rajnandgaon constituency.

Born on August 1, 1950, Shukla was a member of the 14th Lok Sabha. She was earlier a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and represented the Janjgir Lok Sabha constituency as a BJP Member of Parliament. She lost the 2009 elections to Congress' Charan Das Mahant from Korba seat.

Shukla resigned from the BJP on October 25, 2013, saying that the saffron party was 'allegedly involving into power politics'.

On February 27, 2014, she joined Congress and contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur constituency. She, however, lost to the BJP candidate Lakhanlal Sahu by a margin of 176,436 votes.

Since then, she has been actively engaged in the state politics, particularly in Rajnandgaon.

Tamradhwaj Sahu

Congress leader Tamradhwaj Sahu is a Member of Parliament to the 16th Lok Sabha constituency from Durg (Rural), Chhattisgarh.

Sahu is currently a member of the Standing Committee on Coal and Steel, a member of the Consultative Committee, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and a member of the Rajbhasha Samiti. He has been serving the post since September 1, 2014.

Born on August 6, 1949, Sahu became a member of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1998 until Chhattisgarh was created in November 2000.

From 2000 to 2003, he served as a Minister of State under Chhattisgarh government.

The three-time MLA, Sahu, continued his membership with the state legislative assembly from 2000 to 2013.

In May 2014, he was elected to 16th Lok Sabha.

TS Singh Deo

Tribhuvaneshwar Saran Singh Deo is a member of Congress party and the current Leader of Opposition in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly since January 3, 2014.

Born on October 31, 1952, TS Singh Deo is an elected member of the state Assembly from Ambikapur (District Surguja) since 2008.

Contesting from Ambikapur, the Congress veteran is the richest nominee with assets in excess of Rs 500 crore. He belongs to the erstwhile royal family of Surguja. He has been re-nominated from the same seat this time.

He is believed to be in the race for the post of chief minister if the Congress comes to power.

In the 2013 elections, TS Singh Deo defeated Anurag Singh Deo, who has been given another chance by the ruling party, with a margin of 19,558 votes. As per the 2013 election data, 2,03,212 voters exercised their franchise in the constituency.

In 2018, both TS Deo and Anurag Singh Deo will be facing each other for a second time while Sita Ram Das from BSP will be looking to grab the seat.

JCC:

Ajit Jogi

A former member of the Congress party, Ajit Pramod Kumar Jogi served as the first chief minister of Chhattisgarh. In the 2018 state Assembly elections, Jogi contested from Rajnandgaon and Marvahi constituencies.

He was the chief minister of Chhattisgarh from 2000 to 2003. In 2016, he was expelled from Congress along with his son Amit Jogi. Following this, he formed his own political party, Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC), in June 2016.

Born on April 29, 1946, Jogi began his political career in 1986 as a member of All India Congress Committee (AICC). He was then nominated to the Rajya Sabha, which he served for two consecutive terms till 1998.

In 1998, he was elected to the 12th Lok Sabha from Raigarh constituency in Chhattisgarh. As a Lok Sabha member, Jogi served Mahasamund constituency after getting elected in 2009 Lok Sabha polls. He, however, lost the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to BJP's Chandu Lal Sahu by 133 votes.
Bhopal: With less than 24 hours to go for the Assembly election results 2018, incumbent Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan claimed that the Congress is creating a hue and cry over EVM malfunctioning since it is distressed about the upcoming results.

Chouhan, seeking a fourth straight term in office, alleged that the Congress will try to create hindrances on the counting day.

"We think as doubts were created about EVMs and even the Election Commission was not spared, they (Congress) will try to create hindrances on every step during the counting," said the veteran BJP leader.

"BJP is going to form government again in Madhya Pradesh. Friends in Congress are talking baseless things out of desperation.

Hence, State BJP chief Rakesh Singh has discussed this with district president, district in charges, assembly candidates and MPs," he added.

The 230- member Madhya Pradesh Assembly went to polls on November 28. Voting will be held on December 11.

Earlier in the day, Chouhan held an audio conference with all the 230 party candidates and discussed the preparations for the counting. State BJP president Rakesh Singh also took part in the conference.

Both the leaders told the candidates that the people of Madhya Pradesh have given "huge support" to the party in the elections and the Congress has raised the issue of EVM "tampering" out of desperation, a party spokesman said.

Chouhan and Singh said in 2008 and 2013, exit polls had predicted that the BJP was lagging behind in the race, but the party eventually won on both the occasions, he said.

A control room would be set up on the counting day at the state BJP headquarters, the spokesman added.
The exit polls in Madhya Pradesh have predicted that Congress may emerge as the single largest party in the state in the 2018 Assembly polls. However, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has exuded confidence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) making a comeback in the state for the fourth time as the Chief Minister.

Chouhan said that in 2008 and 2013, exit polls had predicted that the BJP was lagging behind in the race, but the party eventually won on both the occasions. Voting in the state for the 230-member assembly was held in a single-phase on November 28 and counting will be held on December 11. Madhya Pradesh registered a record 75 per cent voter turnout in November 28 polls.

The Congress, meanwhile, said has left no stone unturned to dislodge the BJP government in the state and make a comeback in the state after 15 years.

BJP:

Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the face of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan is looking to retain power for the BJP in the state and become the CM for the fourth straight term. He is contesting the Assembly elections from the Budhni seat. Chouhans association with the seat began in 1990 when he was elected from Budhni at the age of 31. However, he could then remain an MLA for only a year as he was elected to the Lok Sabha for successive terms. After he was elected the CM of MP in 2005, he contested from the seat again and won it again. He has since scored victory in elections to the seat thereafter. He is the longest-serving chief minister of the state. When he had become the MLA for the first time in 1990, he had carried out kanyadan for a poor mans daughter who was not wealthy enough to meet the expenses. When Chouhan became the CM, he flagged off the Chief Minister's Kanyadan Yojana under which financial assistance is given to poor for meeting expenses of marriage. In the 2018 assembly polls, Congress leader Arun Subhashchandra is contesting against Shivraj.

Yashodhara Raje Scindia

Yashodhara is the sister of Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje and former Madhya Pradesh Congress stalwart Late Madhavrao Scindia, who is also the father of Jyotiraditya Scindia. She was born in London and entered politics soon after her return in 1994 after she separated from her Indian-American husband. She was included in Madhya Pradeshs Council of Ministers in 2005 and was elected Member of Parliament from Gwalior in 2009. She was elected for 14th Vidhan Sabha from Shivpuri seat and took oath as a Cabinet Minister in 2013. Though she is a former royal from the Maratha clan of Scindias who ruled the then Gwalior state and also won the Lok Sabha elections in 2007 from Gwalior, she contested from Shivpuri seat in 2013 Assembly polls and won by a margin of over 76,000 votes.

Narottam Mishra

Dr Narottam Mishra is a cabinet minister in Madhya Pradesh government who is contesting from the Datia constituency in 2018 polls. He had defeated Congress leader Rajendra Bharti with a margin of 12081 votes from the same seat in 2013. The MP minister was held guilty by the Election Commission of filing wrong accounts of election expenditure relating to articles and advertorials in the media during the 2008 Assembly polls. However, despite allegations, he was allowed to conitinue as a minister in the cabinet. In May 2018, the Delhi High Court had set aside EC's decision to disqualify him from taking part in the poll process. The poll panel's June 23, 2017 decision had come on a complaint by Congress's Rajendra Bharti who had contested against Mishra in the 2008 polls.

Archana Chitnis

Madhya Pradesh's Women and Child Development Minister Archana Chitnis is contesting the 2018 Assembly elections from Burhanpur seat. The sitting MLA is up against Congress leader Ravindra Suka Mahajan. She has been winning the seat for the last three elections. Archana's father, late Brijmohan Mishra was a former speaker and a legislator from Nepanagar. She fought the elections for the first time in 1998 from Nepanagar but faced defeat. However, Archana has won all the three elections thereafter in 2003, 2008 and 2013. In 2018 polls, the Congress has fielded Ravindra Mahajan against the BJP candidate.

Jitendra Gehlot

BJP MLA Jitendra Gehlot, son of union minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, is contesting on the Alote seat in the current polls. He had contested the 2013 elections from the same seat and defeated Congress's Ajit Premchand Guddu by a margin of 7,973 votes. This year, he is facing a competition from Congress leader Manoj Chawla, Bahujan Samaj Party's Vinod Katariya, Aam Aadmi Partys Purnima Chouhan, Bahujan Sangharshh Dals Mukesh Panchola Tal and Shiv Sena's Sunil Kalyane. He has declared total assets of Rs 2.8 crore and has mentioned in his election affidavit that he is a high school passout. He has mentioned transport, business and agriculture as his source of income and his assets have increased by over Rs 1 crore since the 2013 elections when he won from the seat.

Sanjay Pathak

In the 2013 elections, Sanjay Pathak contested as a Congress candidate and defeated BJP's Padma Shukla with a margin of 929 votes on the Vijayraghavgarh seat. Sanjay has dominated the seat since the last two elections winning the elections both in 2013 as well as 2008 elections as a Congress candidate. However, he later joined the BJP and is currently serving as Minister of State for MSME. In 2018, Sanjay Pathak is contesting on BJP seat while Padma Shukla is contesting on a Congress ticket. He is the third top MLA in the state with the highest income and tops the list of crorepati candidates with assets worth over Rs 226 crore.

CONGRESS:

Kamal Nath

Congress has not named a CM face for Madhya Pradesh if the party comes to power, but Kamal Nath is being viewed as a prime contender for the top post. He is a nine-time Member of Parliament from Chhindwara. Though Kamal Nath is not contesting the Assembly elections, voters in Chhindwara have been lured in his name with slogans of 'Kamal Nath as CM'. However, while he dominates in the region in Lok Sabha polls, the Congress has been unable to defeat the BJP in Assembly polls here. In 2013, Congress won only three out of the seven seats in Chhindwara district but Kamal Nath went on to win the Lok Sabha seat for the ninth time. The BJP, meanwhile, is confident that such slogans will not help the Congress and have maintained that anti-incumbency for the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government is not a factor in the polls.

Jyotiraditya Scindia

Kamal Nath has a tough competition from Jyotiraditya Scindia when it comes to being the chief ministerial face of the party in the state. Scindia, who is the party's campaign committee chief, enjoys as good a support from Congress members in the state. Not just the Congress, the BJP also understands his importance in state politics. Many of BJP's campaigns were surrounded around Scindia with one of them being 'Maf Karo Maharaj, hamara neta Shivraj'. Scindia is also referred to as Maharaj in the state by many due to his royal legacy. An MP from the Guna-Shivpuri constituency, Scindia had secured a win during the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014 when most of his party colleagues faced a defeat amid a widespread Modi wave then. There have been several reports about a long-running rivalry between Scindia and Nath for the CM post.

Ajay Singh

Ajay Singh is the Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly and is contesting the elections from Churhat constituency in Sidhi district. He was elected from Churhat for the first time in 1985 and since then, he has won all elections from there. The only time he lost was in 1993 when he had contested against Sunderlal Patwa of the BJP from the Bhojpur constituency in Raisen district. Ajay is the son of former chief minister and former union minister Arjun Singh who had also represented the same seat of Sidhi district in the Vidhan Sabha four times between 1977 and 1990. During the 2018 elections, there were reports that BJP will field ex-minister Pushpraj Singh from Churhat which may dent Congress's chances on the seat. However ahead of the polls, Pushpraj joined the Congress in a move that was credited to Ajay Singh.

Arif Aqueel

In the 2013 Assembly elections, Arif Aqueel of the Congress won from Bhopal Uttar by a margin of 6,664 votes by defeating the BJP's Arif Baig. Aqueel is up against the lone Muslim candidate of the BJP Fatima Rasool Siddiqui. The battle between the Congress and the BJP in this seat holds importance because of the history of the two leaders in this constituency. Fatima is the daughter of Rasool Ahmed Siddiqui - a former Congress MLA from the same seat. Rasool attained successive wins on the seat before he was defeated by Aqueel who fought as an Independent in 1990. Later in 1998, Aqueel joined the Congress and hance since been contesting from the seat on a Congress ticket. BJP, meanwhile, is banking on the work done and reputation of Fatima's father to win the seat for the party.

Jaivardhan Singh

Jaivardhan Singh will be contesting Assembly polls from Raghogarh for the second time in a row. The son of former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, Jaivardhan Singh has admitted that it helps to have a political lineage but said that his aim is to "prove and establish" himself so that people vote for him as an individual and not because of his father. He said that since his father was the CM of the state for 10 years, he has to work harder as people make comparisons between the work done by his father and by him. The 32-year-old politician is educated at the Columbia University in New York and Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in New Delhi. Jaivardhan had his first battle at the hustings by a margin of over 58,000 votes. His constituency has remained with the royal family and the Congress since 1977. Apart from Digvijaya Singh, popularly known as 'Diggy Raja', his brother Lakshman Singh and other Congress candidates have held the seat at various times. The BJP has given ticket to 49-year-old Bhupendra Singh Raghuvanshi from this seat, a local who had lost by a slender margin of 6,300 votes against Congress' Mool Singh in 2008.
Bhopal: Several Congress posters may have jumped the gun in announcing a win for the party in Madhya Pradesh but incumbent BJP CM in Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan is confident that it is he who will roar back to power here.

On Monday, a day before counting of votes, Shivraj said the people of Madhya Pradesh will reward BJP for the work that has been done by his government. "The BJP will return to power on the back of an overwhelming majority. The voice of the people decides who will come to power, not the cacophony around Congress party. Their current state is indeed laughable," he said.

Referring to a self-congratulatory poster seen outside Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee office in Bhopal which showcased Kamal Nath and other party leaders, Shivraj said that instead of celebrating early, Congress is better-off waiting for the actual results. "Congress is busy discussing their win at a time when counting of votes is still a day away. What can be more laughable than this? They have even put up posters declaring they have won. Once the results are in, everything would be known. BJP will win and we won't even need the support of any other party to form the next government here," he said.

The battle for Madhya Pradesh has been fought fiercely by both BJP and Congress. While there can be an anti-incumbency factor against Shivraj who has been the CM here since 2005, the BJP has put on a confident face. After all, the party has been in power here since 2003.
Mizoram remains the last bastion of the Congress party in the northeast and if the exit poll results are to be believed, the grand old party may just fall short of retaining power in the state. Though Mizoram is witnessing a two-corner contest between the Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF), the possibility of a hung Assembly is looming large in the neck-and-neck contest. While Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla has said that is confident of retaining power, Zoramthanga is eyeing a comeback. Heres a look at the heavyweights contesting the elections for the 40-member Assembly:

MNF:

Zoramthanga

The former chief minister and Mizo National Front (MNF) president Zoramthanga is contesting from Aizawl East I constituency. He will be fighting Congress candidate KVanlalrawna and BJP candidate Laldinliana Sailo from the constituency.

Zoramthanga had served as the chief minister of the state for two consecutive terms, from 1998 to 2008.

MNF had lost the 2008 Assembly elections to the Congress and the MNF leader had cited incumbency as the reason for the loss. He had contested from both North and South Champhai but lost in both constituencies. They also lost in the 2013 elections.

In 1990, he became the president of the party. When the assembly elections were held at the end of 1998, he led his party to victory and became the fifth chief minister of Mizoram, he was re-elected in 2003.

Zoramthanga had said that he was confident of returning to power because of the failure of the Congress government in all respects including financial management.

The former chief minister has Rs 10 lakh in cash and immoveable properties, including cars and bank accounts, worth Rs 57.22 lakh, according to the affidavit filed by him. Zoramthanga has agricultural land worth Rs 20 lakh and a land and a building at the Chaltlang locality in Aizawl worth Rs 1.25 crore. His wife Roneihsangi has only Rs 7 in cash, Rs 43,756 in her bank accounts and moveable properties and a land and a building worth Rs 1.5 crore at the Ramhlun Venglai locality in Aizawl. Zoramthanga's son and daughter have Rs 28,398 each in their bank accounts.

Zoramthanga is fighting criminal charges, the report of the Mizoram Election Watch (MEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said. It is based on affidavits filed to the Election Commission by the aspirants.

He had cast his vote at Ramhlun polling booth in Aizawl North-II constituency.

In 2007, the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act banning sale and consumption of alcohol was amended during the Zoramthanga's rule. He allowed wine to be made from guavas and grapes, but with restrictions on the alcohol content and the volume possessed.

CONGRESS:

Lal Thanhawla

The Mizoram Chief Minister is contesting from two seats - Serchhip and Champhai South-ST  and is fighting Mizo National Front (MNF)'s C Lalramzauva and Zoram People's Movements (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma from Serchhip constituency and TJ Lalnuntluanga from Champai South constituency. In 2013, Thanhawla won by a margin of 734 votes defeating his nearest MNF rival Lalramzauva, who got 4,985 in a four-cornered contest. Thanhawla got 5,719 votes in the elections.

The nine-time MLA, Thanhawla, is aiming for a third consecutive term. The Congress has been power in the state since 2008. In 2013 assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the main opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) got five and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one.

Thanhawla's total assets have increased by 33.29 per cent to Rs 12,20,19,747 in 2018 from Rs 9,15,45,980 in 2013. He said that his source of income is "salary and rental income", his wife's earnings are attributed to "licence from quarry at Sakawrtuichhun".

A tribal organisation has appealed to Mizoram's powerful Presbyterian Church to support Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla in the Assembly election, describing him as a "prominent Christian leader" in the country.

Thanhawla had earlier said that he will "break the jinx" of no party winning the third consecutive term by forming the next Congress government with full majority. "I am going to break the jinx because of our good work. I am coming with full majority," Thanhawla, who was with his wife Lal Riliani, told reporters after casting his vote at Zarkawt-II polling station in the state capital.

The nine-time MLA also alleged that opposition BJP, which is looking to open its account for the first time in the state, is pumping in huge money, mostly in the minority areas of Chakmas and Brus, to get votes.

In Mizoram, support of 21 MLAs is needed to form a government in assembly, the counting of which will take place on December 11. "If like-minded parties come to me and want to support my leadership, then they may (be) welcomed," Thanhawla had told PTI during an interview when asked if the Congress is willing to form a post-poll alliance if it does not get a simple majority.

Mizoram is the only state in the north-east where the Congress is in power.
The Rajasthan Assembly elections is a direct contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The polling in Rajasthan for the 200-member Assembly took place on 199 seats. The BJP has maintained that Vasundhara Raje will retain the chief ministership if the party wins the elections, while the Congress has said that a decision on its chief ministerial candidate will be taken after the results are declared on December 11. The Election Commission has postponed polls in Alwar's Ramgarh seat following the death of BSP candidate Laxman Singh.

BJP:

Col. Sonaram Choudhary:

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a member of the Lok Sabha, Col Sonaram Choudhary is contesting from the Barmer constituency against Congress MLA Mewaram Jain. A former armyman, Choudhary had left the Congress party to join the BJP ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He was preferred by the party leadership over veteran leader Jaswant Singh to contest the Lok Sabha elections, and he went on to win the seat.

The Barmer BJP MP was yet again embroiled in a controversy last month over his age. As per the details mentioned by Sonaram in the affidavits for the 2014 Lok Sabha and the upcoming Assembly elections, he has mentioned his age at 73. The affidavits are available on the election department's website. Sonaram had contested the 2008 Assembly elections from Baytu seat, in which he had mentioned his age at 65. In the 2013 state elections, his age, as per the affidavits, was 72.

Kalicharan Saraf

Rajasthan Health minister and BJP leader Kalicharan Saraf has been fielded from Malvia Nagar seat against state Congress vice president Archana Sharma. In 2013 assembly elections, Saraf won a total of 89,974 votes defeating Sharma who trailed with 41,256 votes. Earlier, Sharma had said, "Candidates are same but people will vote for the Congress on December 7 because there is high resentment among people against Saraf who is facing corruption charges and people are inclined towards Congress."

Saraf has been in the news this year on account of bribery charges, controversial remarks and urinating on Jaipur walls. A complaint had been filed against Saraf alleging him of taking bribe for giving recognition to a nursing college. A CD containing conversation between his son and other accused was given as proof.

In an embarrassment for the BJP government in Rajasthan earlier this year, a picture of Saraf urinating on the walls of Jaipur had gone viral. He, however, had shrugged it off, saying it was "not a big issue".

Saraf also courted controversy after a video surfaced in which he made a remark that employees having connections with people of influence have higher chances to be transferred to posts of their choice, according to news agency PTI. The minister said that people who have "approach" are given priority and those without are considered "weak links". The BJP leader made the comment after a government worker had sought a transfer.

Sambhu Singh Khetasar

Sitting BJP MLA Khetasar is contesting against Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot from Jodhpur's Sardarpura, a key seat in Rajasthan. In the 2013 elections, Gehlot had defeated BJP's Khetasar by 18478 votes.



Exuding confidence of winning the seat, the BJP candidate had said, "Gehlot had the only advantage of caste factor. Gehlot has an upper hand due to a caste-based vote bank. Apart from that, there is no charm of him. There is no other basis. He did not work for his constituency and also often remained absent in the assembly. The issue in the assembly remains the same and unaddressed and I am confident that the BJP will win the seat this time. Public sentiments are not with the Congress. Gehlot has neglected constituency"

Khetasar is the chairman of the State Seed Corporation and enjoys a ministerial status in the current BJP government.

The sitting MLA recently found himself in a soup when he was caught urinating in public in Ajmer. While BJP has been making efforts to make India open defecation free, Khetasar was caught in the act. However, defending his act, the minister said that that urination alone doesn't contribute to uncleanliness.

Khetasar, who was spotted relieving himself near a wall that had a poster of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said, "There was a wall and some posters stuck at some distance on it. I had not paid attention. It is not right to urinate in open but it`s a natural call. Urinating in a crowded area is wrong."

Vasudev Devnani

Vasudev Devnani is currently holding the portfolio of the Minister of State (MoS) for primary and secondary education in Rajasthan. He is contesting against Congress leader Mahendra Singh Ralawta from the Ajmer North constituency. In 2003, the senior BJP leader was elected to the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from Ajmer North constituency. He obtained a total of 45 per cent votes. He was also subsequently elected in 2008 and 2013.

Earlier during the tenure of Raje from 2003-2008, he was holding the portfolio of the Minister of State (MoS) for technical education.

He started his career at a young age with the RSS and later Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of RSS. After 9 years he joined the BJP.

After the death of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Devnani had said that milestones achieved during his regime would be included in school textbooks in Rajasthan from the next academic session.

Devnani had written to the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education-Ajmer to start the process of scrutinising the contents and highlighting them in school textbooks.

The directions were given on August 18 and a committee of experts will take up the task. Apart from highlighting the achievements of Vajpayee, who died on August 16, the minister is also considering to make available biography of Vajpayee in selected libraries of every district.

Earlier in 2015, Devnani had stirred row after saying that Isaac Newton, Pythagoras and Akbar should be done away with. In 2016, he declared that changes should be made in the school curriculum and included the biographies of freedom fighters.

Vasundhara Raje

The 13th Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje won the 2013 elections from the Jhalrapatan Assembly constituency for the BJP defeating Congress leader Meenakshi Chandrawat by a huge margin of 60,896 votes. She had previously served the post from 2003 to 2008, and since 2013 till the present and is the first woman to hold the post.

As she battles anti-incumbency in the state, she has also filed nomination from the seat again to contest the polls. The Congress has fielded Manvendra Singh to fight against her on the seat in 2018.

In the mid-eighties she became the vice-president, of the Yuva Morcha BJP in Rajasthan. From the early-nineties till mid-2003, Raje was holding several portfolios in several ministries of the state.

On December 14, 2003, she became the Rajasthan BJP president. She was the chief minister of Rajasthan from December 8, 2003 to December 8, 2008. After losing in 2008, she was the leader of opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from January 2, 2009 to December 8, 2013.

In its second list of 32 candidates announced, the Congress fielded Singh who is a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and son of veteran BJP leader Jaswant Singh, in a big jolt to the saffron party.

Yoonus Khan

The BJP has fielded only one Muslim candidate, Yunus Khan, for the Rajasthan Assembly elections. The saffron party's candidate, Khan, who is the state transport minister, has been fielded from Tonk constituency, where state Congress president Sachin Pilot is contesting.

A sitting MLA from Deedwana constituency of Nagaur district, was kept reserved by the party till the last moment. After the Congress fielded Pilot from the Muslim-dominated constituency, the BJP replaced sitting MLA Ajit Singh Mehta, who figured in an earlier list, and announced Khan's candidature.

Dominated by Muslims, Tonk is one of the keenly watched constituencies and both Pilot and Khan are outsiders for the constituency.

Khan, a two-time MLA, was keen to contest from his present Deedwana constituency but his name was not announced in four lists till November 18. When the Congress announced Pilot's name on November 15, the BJP changed its strategy and asked Khan to contest from Tonk and declared his candidature on November 19, on the last day of filing nominations.

CONGRESS:

CP Joshi

The former Union minister is the Congress candidate from Nathdwara Assembly constituency. The senior Congress leader is contesting against BJP leader Mahesh Pratap Singh from the constituency.

He was the MP from Bhilwara in the 15th Lok Sabha and fought the Lok Sabha elections held in 2014 from Jaipur (Rural) seat. In spite of being a first-time member of the Lok Sabha, Joshi was one of the first 19 members of India's new cabinet sworn in on May 22, 2009.

As Rajasthan cabinet minister he was entrusted with several portfolios. He was appointed as president of the Rajasthan Congress in 2003. In 2009, he was the Union Minister Development and Panchayti Raj.

Recently he had courted controversy for his casteist remark at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Joshi had reportedly said that Modi, BJP MP Uma Bharti and Hindu activist Sadhvi Ritambhara are from "lower castes" and know nothing of Hinduism. He said it is the Brahmins who are learned and know of Hinduism. The Election Commission had served a notice to Joshi for alleged violation of code of conduct over his remarks. The notice was served by the returning officer of Rajsamand district following a complaint by the BJP. Later, Joshi had tendered an apology.

The senior Congress leader had also said that Congress will build a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya after the Supreme Court's verdict on the matter. "The BJP is misleading people by raking up the Ram temple issue in the election season, even though the matter is pending before the Supreme Court. The Congress will build a grand temple after the apex court's verdict on the matter. It is a civil suit and a decision will be given by the Supreme Court," he had said. Joshi also questioned the idea of building a temple based on an ordinance when the issue of "land title is not clear".

Girija Vyas

The former Union minister is the Congress candidate from Udaipur Assembly constituency and is contesting the polls against senior BJP leader Gulab Chand Kataria.

72-year-old Vyas is also the former National Commission for Women chief and she is back to her seat after a span of more than three decades. The senior Congress leader is facing Kataria, who has has won the seat five times since 1977.

In the 2014 Chittorgarh parliamentary constituency(general) elections, BJP's Chandra Prakash Joshi won the seat with 7,03,236 votes and Vyas trailed with 3,86,379 votes.

In the early eighties, she was elected as an MLA from Udaipur and had served the state till 1990. The next year, she was appointed as a Deputy Minister (Information and Broadcasting) in the Narsimha Rao ministry.

In the early nineties she held the portfolios of several ministries. In 1996, she was re-elected to the second term of the 11th Lok Sabha and in 1999 to third term of the the 13th Lok Sabha. Till the early 2000s she held several portfoilo. She was also the president of the Rajasthan Provincial Congress Committee from 2001-2004.

In February 2005, she chaired the NCW and held the position till August 2011. Vyas was also elected as an MLA in 2008. She was the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation from 2013-14.

Manvendra Singh

The Congress has fielded former BJP MLA Manvendra Singh from the Jhalrapatan constituency against Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

Singh, who had won Barmer district's Sheo assembly constituency in 2013, joined the Congress in October after quitting the BJP in September. He is the son of former union minister and BJP leader Jaswant Singh.

Singh, 54, quit the BJP in September and joined the Congress in October after being sidelined within the ruling party, reportedly because of Raje's feud with his father Jaswant Singh, who was denied a BJP ticket in the last Lok Sabha polls.

Dubbed as an "outsider" and a "turncoat" by his opponents, Singh is set to counter these charges.

Manvendra Singh's wife, Chitra Singh, has also been working hard in the city, campaigning for her husband in a bid to win supporters. Rajput vote is crucial for both candidates and they have been trying to woo the community with outreach efforts.

After crossing over to the Congress, Manvendra had said that it was an "uphill task" to beat CM Raje in her political fortress of Jhalrapatan, but he was here to "fight and win" the election.

Rameshwar Lal Dudi: The Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Rameshwar Lal Dudi, is the Congress candidate from the Nokha assembly seat. He will be fighting BJP's Bihari Lal Bishnoi who had unsuccessfully contested from Nokha in 2013 as an independent.

In 2013, Dudi had secured 70,801 votes against IND's Kanhaiya Lal Jhanwar who trailed with 40,007 votes. Dudi, a former MP, had himself led a fight over tickets after Jhanwar was replaced in Bikaner East constituency. Jhanwar was renominated from the seat following threats by Dudi of not contesting the polls. Incidentally Dudi in 2013 had won the Nokha seat defeating Jhanwar, who had contested as an independent.

A first-time legislator, he got elected from Nokha constituency in Bikaner district. He was previously a Congress MP and represented the Bikaner parliamentary seat in Lok Sabha from 1999-2004. Dudi was into politics at the Panchayati Raj level and was elected as a Pradhan in 1995 from Nokha. While being a Pradhan, he won the Lok Sabha election in 1999. He was an MP from Bikaner in 13th Loksabha (1999).

Vying to retain Nokha constituency, farmer distress and unemployment are his focal points. He is known for his image of a leader fighting for the farmers` rights.

Even as he asserted that "all was well" within party and there was no infighting, Dudi conceded the rebels contesting as independents was a matter of concern.

Sachin Pilot

The Rajasthan Congress chief, another probable chief minister candidate if Congress comes to power in the state, is contesting from the Tonk constituency. For the 2018 polls, BJP's Yoonus Khan has been fielded against Pilot for the seat. Incidentally, Pilot has never contested the state assembly polls.

The son of Rajesh Pilot, Sachin Pilot had earlier been an MP from Dausa in 2004. He won from Ajmer in 2009 Lok Sabha election defeating BJP's Kiran Maheshwari by a margin of 76,000 votes. He unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election from Ajmer in 2014 and was defeated by a margin of 1,71,983 votes by BJP's sitting MLA Sanwarlal Jat. He, however, did not contest the bye-election to the seat earlier this year.

On September 6, 2012, he became the first union minister to be commissioned as an officer in the Territorial Army.

Ashok Gehlot

The former Rajasthan chief minister and sitting Congress MLA Ashok Gehlot will contest the assembly elections from Sardarpura constituency against sitting BJP MLA Sambhu Singh Khetasar. In the 2013 elections, Gehlot had defeated Khetasar by 18478 votes. Gehlot will be contesting from the constituency in Jodhpur district for the fifth time. He was elected to the assembly from Sardarpura for the first time in a by-election in 1999.

He was the 12th chief minister of Rajasthan. Gehlot became the chief minister twice from December 1, 1998-December 8, 2003 and again from December 13, 2008-December 12, 2013. The senior Congress leader also held portfolios of several ministries of the state.

The 67-year-old leader is a silent worker but popular among the public and is considered close to Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

On the recent issue of the chief ministerial candidate of Rajasthan, Gehlot said that since independence the Congress has never declared its chief ministerial face in Rajasthan and the party is happy to carry on this tradition. He also asserted there is discipline in the party and all Congressmen will abide by the party leadership's decision.

If the Congress wins, it is expected to pick between Gehlot and Rajasthan party president Sachin Pilot for the top post in the state.
After most exit polls predicting the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) emerging as the single largest party in the state, both All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are keeping their options open.

Maintaining silence on any possible alliance with K Chandrashekar Rao-led TRS, AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi said, We should wait for the result, adding that all speculations are baseless.

"The TRS is going to form the government in Telangana on their own strength; all the speculations which are being raised are baseless, he added.

Commenting on Congress alliance, Owaisi added, I don`t want to comment on the Congress welcoming the AIMIM to Praja Kutami.

Exits polls CNX, Jan Ki Baat, and NETA have predicted incumbent caretaker Chief Minister Rao-led TRS retaining another term.

The BJP has claimed that it would play a "vital role" in the formation of the next government in the southern state.

"We have contested the election on our own for the first time after a decade. We have contested the polls to win. The BJP will be part of the government. Without the BJP, there cannot be any government. What happens after the results are declared, we will think of it," state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K Laxman told PTI.

Asked whom the BJP would support in case of a hung verdict, Laxman said the party would discuss the situation taking into consideration who would emerge as the single-largest party.

"It all depends on the results, because even the Congress in Karnataka had repeatedly said the JD(S) was the 'B' team of the BJP. Finally, what happened? They (Congress) joined hands with the JD(S). These are all mind games played by the Congress.

"Here also, we have never said we are going to support the TRS. We will see what happens once the results are out," he said.

While the BJP and the TRS, led by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, contested the polls on their own, the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) had formed the "People's Front".

Meanwhile, the TRS Sunday said it was going to form the next government on its own by winning more than 80 of the 119 Assembly seats.

"There will be no need for the TRS to have support -- either from the BJP or the AIMIM (the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen). We are going to form the government on our own with a comfortable majority, so the question of they (BJP) supporting us does not arise," said TRS leader and Karimnagar MP B Vinod Kumar.

"We are confident that the TRS will form the government on its own. There is no need for any support from any quarter," he added.

Telangana went to polls on December 7 and the results for the state's 119 Assembly seats will be announced on December 11.
The first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan, BJP leader Vasundhara Raje has been breaking stereotypes and his battling anti-incumbency in the state to win the Assembly elections 2018.

Born on March 8, 1953, Raje is the 13th chief minister of Rajasthan and is contesting from the Jhalrapatan Assembly constituency against Congress leader Manvendra Singh.

She had won the 2013 elections from the Jhalrapatan constituency for the BJP defeating Congress leader Meenakshi Chandrawat by a huge margin of 60,896 votes. She had ousted the Ashok Gehlot government. The senior BJP leader had previously served as the chief minister of the state from 2003 to 2008, and again since 2013 has been holding the post. As per the 2013 election data, 2,28,977 voters had exercised their franchise in the constituency.

In the mid-eighties, she rose to prominence after becoming the vice-president of the Yuva Morcha BJP in Rajasthan. From the early-nineties till mid-2003, Raje held portfolios in several ministries of the state.

On December 14, 2003, she became the Rajasthan BJP president. She was the chief minister of Rajasthan from December 8, 2003, to December 8, 2008. After losing in 2008, she was the leader of opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from January 2, 2009, to December 8, 2013.

For the 2018 elections, CM Raje has exuded confidence that the BJP will again win in Rajasthan riding on the development work and public welfare schemes of the BJP-led state government.

In its second list of 32 candidates announced by the Congress, Singh, a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and son of veteran BJP leader Jaswant Singh, was declared to be fighting Raje, giving the saffron party a big jolt.

Fighting from a small town in Jhalawar district, Jhalrapatan is among the most keenly-watched seats where the contest is as much personal as political. The bulk of voters include Muslims, Dalits, and also the sizable Rajput electorate which has traditionally voted for the BJP but has been increasingly growing disenchanted with the ruling party.

The Rajput discontent against Raje stems from the denial in 2014 of a ticket to BJP stalwart Jaswant Singh -- a former foreign, finance and defence minister, party vice president and a close confidante of late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee -- to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Barmer, his home district. The BJP had then fielded Congress turncoat and Jat leader Sonaram Chaudhary, who won the seat.

Jaswant Singh, 80, who lost contesting as an independent in 2014, has virtually faded into political oblivion after a stroke after a fall. CM Raje is held responsible by Singh's family for denying him the ticket in 2014.

The polling in Rajasthan took place on December 7 in the 199 out of the total 200 assembly seats. The Election Commission has postponed polls in Alwar's Ramgarh seat following the death of BSP candidate Laxman Singh.
NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) supremo Upendra Kushwaha, who resigned as Union Minister earlier on Monday, hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for not fulfilling the promises they made to the people of Bihar.

The RLSP chief also lashed out at the Bihar Chief Minister while accusing him of doing nothing to improve the situation in the state.

Narendra Modi ji couldn't meet the expectations of the people of Bihar. Nothing was done for special status,'' the RLSP chief said while addressing a press conference in the national capital.

''Bihar is still where it was earlier. Education and health system is non-existent. Nothing was done for Bihar,'' Kushwaha alleged while spelling out the reasons which forced him to quit as Union Minister.

RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha after his resignation as Union Minister: Narendra Modi ji couldn't meet expectations of the people of Bihar. Nothing was done for special status. Bihar is still where it was earlier. Education & health system is non-existent.Nothing was done for Bihar. pic.twitter.com/3D2QbVW8y4  ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

Earlier today, Kushwaha announced that he was resigning from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers.

Confirming the development, news agency ANI reported, quoting sources, that Upendra Kushwaha has resigned as Union Minister.

He had also reportedly sent his resignation to the PMO for approval, it said.

Kushwaha's move has triggered speculations that his party may soon end ties with the BJP-led NDA.

The RLSP chief was reportedly upset with the BJP central leadership over the distribution of seats for 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Earlier this morning, Kushwaha had said that he won't attend today's key meeting of all NDA allies.

''I will not participate in the meeting of NDA allies today,'' RSLP chief had told ANI.

It is to be noted that a crucial meeting of all NDA constituents had been called today to discuss the strategy to deal with the Opposition parties post declaration of results of the assembly elections held in five states held recently.

If the sources are to be believed, the RLSP chief, who has earlier rejected BJP's seat offer for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, was mulling to end ties with the NDA for quite some time.

All 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.

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, Kumar had said.

Speculations have also been rife over Kushwaha inclining towards the 'Mahagathbandhan', comprising the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, among other smaller parties.

What further fuelled speculations was 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.
New Delhi: A few days ago, reports were that actress Anushka Sharma will soon be seen in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. While there was no official confirmation for the same, fans were quite excited to hear the same. However, looks like we will have to wait longer to see Anushka working with the filmmaker.

As per a Filmfare report, the actress has not signed any film with the ace director.

Filmfare quotes Anushka's spokesperson's statement, Anushka Sharma would love to collaborate with Sanjay Leela Bhansali but as of now, there is no truth to the speculations claiming Anushka has been signed for his next. We request you to kindly refrain from reporting on the same.

The actress is gearing up for the release of her next film 'Zero'. It stars Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif in the lead along with Anushka. The film re-unites the 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' trio and will hit the screens on December 21 this year.

'Zero' will have Katrina in a glamorous role and SRK playing a happy-go-lucky man, Bauua Singh. Anushka plays a scientist who battles cerebral palsy.

Superstar Salman Khan also has a cameo and is expected to be an emotional ride.

'Zero' also marks the last on-screen appearance of Sridevi, who passed away shortly before the film's completion.
LONDON: A court in the United Kingdom will on Monday begin proceedings in connection with the Government of India's (GoI) request seeking extradition of embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, who is wanted in India on charges of alleged fraud and money laundering worth Rs 9,000 crore.

The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London is expected to pronounce its judgment in the case today.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.

He has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

Meanwhile, a high-level team of the CBI led by its Joint Director, S Sai Manohar, will attend the crucial hearing in the UK court today. The CBI team left for the UK on Sunday.

Manohar replaces Special CBI Director Rakesh Asthana, who had been attending the trial till now. The government had sent Asthana on forced leave, divesting him of all powers after he and CBI Director Alok Verma entered in a bitter feud.

Two officials of the Enforcement Directorate are also accompanying the CBI officer, sources said. Manohar is part of the SIT earlier headed by Asthana.

Mallya faces a case of loan default to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore besides allegations of money laundering and diversion of loan funds for purposes other than they were meant for. He is in self-imposed exile in London.

He left for the United Kingdom in March 2016 taking advantage of the dilution in the CBI lookout notice against him.

Indian agencies are seeking to extradite him.

Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his recent Twitter post on the issue.

"I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted earlier.

The judge's decision on whether to send Mallya's case to UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid can be appealed with the UK High Court's permission, with the person to be extradited entitled to make an application for permission to appeal to the High Court within 14 days of the date of the Chief Magistrate's ruling.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: UK Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot on Monday ordered the extradition of absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya on the charges brought by the CBI and ED.

The decision would now go to the UK Home Office for the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, to pass an order based on the verdict. Both sides will have the right to file for a permission to appeal in the Chief Magistrate's ruling in the UK High Court. On the other hand, the Indian government would also have 14 days to file leave to appeal to the High Court, seeking permission to appeal against a decision not to extradite.

Vijay Mallya is wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on December 4 last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it.

Before the announcement of the verdict, Mallya told journalists that he disproves the narrative of stealing money and said his offer to repay the principal amount to the Indian banks was "not bogus".

"My settlement offer is made before the Karnataka High Court. It is not related to this extradition trial. Nobody disrespects a court of law by making a bogus offer. The assets have been attached by the ED so they cannot be bogus assets," he said, asserting that his offer to repay the principal amount was not bogus.

The embattled liquor tycoon said that the value of his assets is more than enough to pay everybody and that is exactly what he was focusing on. "I want to disprove the narrative that I have stolen (money)," he said.

Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his most recent Twitter post on the issue.

"I have offered to repay 100 percent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted earlier.

(With PTI Inputs)
New Delhi: A man was shot dead near Mayur Vihar Phase1 Pandav Nagar police station limits after his motorcycle allegedly brushed past a car carrying two people. The incident took place on Sunday night.

Delhi: A man was shot dead near Mayur Vihar Phase1 in Pandav Nagar police station limits last night after his motorcycle allegedly brushed past a car carrying two people. pic.twitter.com/OEtAU0TZ6b  ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

According to Times of India, the deceased has been identified as Yogesh. The 20-year-old man had gone to buy something at a store. As he was parking his bike, it touched the accused's car. Following this, a heated argument started and soon after the Yogesh was opened fire by the two accused.

The duo fled right after shooting the 20-year-old dead.

A case has been registered against the unidentified men. Police are, meanwhile, trying to access footages from the nearby CCTV cameras.
It is important for the Indian government to heed the RBI's message on financial stability, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said Sunday, amidst reports of friction between the central bank and the Finance Ministry.

Addressing a group of journalists in Washington, he also said the International Monetary Fund does not want politicians "manipulating" central banks for political ends.

"There is debate over whether it's better for financial stability to be the remit of the central bank or an independent regulator...The UK in 1997, split them, then put them back together again. I'm not going to take a position on that...But I think...The central bank does have to be intimately concerned with financial stability to some degree and with the payment system," he said, responding to a specific question on the recent developments in India regarding the RBI and the government.

"We need to think about what is the best institutional framework in which financial policy can be set with regard to long term stability of the economy, not just to performance over political horizon," Obstfeld said.

"Well, I think they (the RBI and the Indian government) have reached an agreement on how to proceed. I think their (RBI) message that financial stability is important is correct. And it is important for the government to heed that," he added.

Responding to a series of questions on the attempt in certain countries like the US, India, Argentina and Turkey to curb independence of central banks, Obstfeld said central banks' role as a financial regulator is critical.

Central banks have "much greater power than you thought". They are fundamentally involved in financial stability policy, in fiscal policy, he said.

Obstfeld said if one looks at the record, the decisions taken by central banks worldwide did stabilise the economy by avoiding much worse losses in output and employment.

However, at the same time, he said, their moves also raised questions of transparency and accountability.

"So, it's not a shock that people raise these questions and it does create a challenge for central banks to be more transparent and to communicate more effectively with a broader public about what they are about and what they are doing," Obstfeld said.

If the central bank cannot communicate more effectively about what it is doing, then there is a possibility of political manipulation where politicians attack the central bank and undermine it, he said.

"Clearly, we don't want politicians manipulating the central bank for political ends," Obstfeld added.

After serving as IMF's Chief Economist for more than three years, 66-year-old Obstfeld is set to retire this month-end and will return to the University of California, Berkley. Gita Gopinath, Indian American economist from the Harvard University, would replace him from the first week of January.
New Delhi: Former chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian has warned the Indian economy was in for a slowdown for some time as agriculture and financial system were under stress.

Speaking at the release of his book, Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy, he said both demonetisation and implementation of GST have resulted in moderation of the economy and the budget estimate of revenue collection from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) seems to be unreasonable.

"To judge the GST by what the budget demands of the GST, is unreasonable. I will say it frankly, the budget has made unreasonable demands on GST. It has asked for 16-17 per cent (increase)," he said.

He also said that GST design could have been much better and there should not be more than three rates going forward.

The current rates are 28 per cent, 18 per cent, 12 per cent and 5 per cent.

With regard to the economy, he said, "we have to brace ourself for a slowdown for some time. I say that for a combination of reasons. First of all, the financial system is under stress, financial conditions are very tight. This is not conducive for rapid growth."

The agriculture sector remains under stress, he said, adding international environment is getting much softer.

"Europe is slowing down, Japan is slowing down...There are political calenders. It is easier to do things at some moments than other moments. I think to expect huge reforms that will perk up the economy at this stage would be somewhat ambitious.

"For the combination of all these reasons I think we should brace ourselves for a period of slowdown. Then we have to see what policy actions are taken, how external environment changes, then we can think about real perk up in the economy," he said.

He also predicted that Universal Basic Income (UBI) would find space in the election manifestos of various parties next year.

"Every major party manifesto will have some kind of universal basic income in it. I think it will happen," he remarked.

Many chief ministers have liked this idea not for populist reasons but for good reasons, he said, adding the UBI will help plug leakages.

He, however, said, "If the Centre wants credit for this and it promises UBI on its own then fiscal space would be a serious issue."

Subramanian said that the autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should not be undermined.

However, he said there were excess reserves with the RBI which can be utilised for the recapitalisation of public sector banks and not for funding the fiscal deficit of the government.

"First, it can only be used for something say recapitalisation of banks and recapitalisation of banks only happen when there are reforms in the banking system in place, which the government should initiate. So it can be a nice cooperative bargain with the RBI.

"Second, it cannot be a unilateral process, the RBI has to be a part of this. The government cannot do it alone. Third, any idea that this could be used to finance regular deficits or other expenditures, I would be totally against it. Because that would amount to a kind of raiding the RBI," he said.

Speaking about the revised GDP data released by Niti Aayog recently, he said the new series has created a lot of questions.

"If you look at the other indicators during that period, you see a big difference between those indicators and the recent back-series. It demands an explanation."
A Delhi court on Monday sent Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal case, to five days of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) remand. The court extended the remand for his custodial interrogation by the CBI.

Michel was produced before CBI Special Court Judge Arvind Kumar after the expiry of his five-day CBI remand.

The probe agency sought further remand of nine days for Michel's custodial interrogation saying he was not cooperating in the investigation of the case. "AgustaWestland alleged middleman Christian Michel not cooperating. He is evasive in giving answers during interrogation," said the CBI to the court.

"We need to confront him with LR (letters rogatory) that have been received from five countries and Michel didn't co-operate with Italian investigation in the case," added the CBI.

At the outset, Michel withdrew his earlier bail plea and filed a fresh detailed bail application.

The CBI has agreed to give British High Commission access to Michel. The agency said, "We have already been approached by British counsellors. We have allowed their plea of keeping their own counsel."

On CBI application for seeking specimen of handwriting and signature, Special CBI Court asks Michel's counsel to file a reply. The court will hear the application on Tuesday.

The court fixed 30 minutes time, in the morning and evening every day, for the counsel of Michel. The probe agency had wanted the counsel to visit only once a day.

The British national has been extradited to India from Dubai, UAE, in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP choppers deal case.
NEW DELHI: Reaching out to the Opposition parties a day ahead of Parliament's Winter Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that his government is ready to discuss all issues of concern.

''We are ready to discuss all issues raised by the Opposition. I hope that the upcoming winter session of Parliament will be fruitful and constructive. I look forward to receiving the support of all parties,'' the PM said this during the all-party meeting attended by top leaders from the Opposition.

''If needed, we will pass important bills till late evening,'' he added.

However, the Opposition does not appear to be satisfied with PM's appeal and said that it will press for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the Rafale jet deal.

During the meeting, several others issues, including the misuse of central probe agencies and autonomy for RBI, were also raised by the Opposition leaders which they said will be taken up during the winter session of Parliament beginning Tuesday.

Emerging from the all-party meeting convened by the government ahead of the Winter Session, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress veteran Ghulam Nabi Azad said, ''The Opposition will once again press for the formation of a JPC to look into the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale jet deal in which it has alleged corruption.''

Azad told reporters that the issue of alleged misuse of probe agencies by the government to settle political scores will also be raised.

The Opposition, he said, will take up the issue of autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India in the session.

Besides PM Modi, the crucial meeting was attended by top leaders, including Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, CPI leader D Raja among others.

Amid a tussle between the government and the RBI, Opposition parties have accused the NDA regime of trying to damage every institution in the country by interfering in their autonomy and alleged the central bank was being forced to "open bank funding" to defaulting corporates.

(With PTI Inputs)
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Monday said absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya can be expected back in India by the end of January 2019.

London's Westminster Magistrates' Court ordered for Mallya's extradition to India. While it is a shot in the arm for CBI, ED and others fighting to bring back Mallya to face the Indian law, the man accused of being a 'wilful defaulter' may not be getting onto an India-bound plane anytime soon.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Swamy said Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserves the credit as none of the investigating agencies was blocked in performing their duties in the extradition of Mallya.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserves congratulations for seeing that none of our investigating agencies is blocked in doing their duties, unlike in the past. By the end of January, you can expect Mallya back in India," said Swamy.

While Monday's order has indeed been seen as a major achievement in the case, the matter will go to Secretary of State Sajid Javid who can either agree or disagree with the verdict. If he does agree, Mallya - as per UK law - has the right to appeal in the High Court and then to the Supreme Court in UK. Many experts on extradition rules suggest that this entire process could take as long as 18 months.

In case Javid disagrees, the crown prosecution too has the right to appeal in High Court and then to the Supreme Court.

On paper, if an accused does not file an appeal, and the Secretary of State agrees with the original verdict, the accused has to be extradited from UK within 28 days. In this particular case, however, Mallya had already said that his lawyers would review an unfavourable judgement. Therefore, he is likely to file an appeal and this could mean getting him back to India could still be a long-drawn process.

Mallya is wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.
KOLKATA: Ahead of Monday's crucial meeting of the Opposition parties, the BJP has taken a swipe at its political rivals and asked them to reveal the name of their prime ministerial candidate before even thinking of ousting the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

"It's really good to see Opposition parties trying to forge an alliance to fight against us. But first, let them declare their prime ministerial candidate, then they should dream of fighting against us and ousting us," BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said on Sunday.



The remarks from the senior BJP leader came a day ahead of the crucial meeting of the Opposition parties to discuss forging a grand alliance to take on the saffron party in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"We have Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Who is their PM candidate?" Vijayvargiya asked.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is tipped to be the Opposition's PM candidate in 2019, has arrived in the national capital to take part in the meeting.

Further taking a dig at the West Bengal CM, another senior BJP leader Mukul Roy said she should first clarify whether the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Congress, which are also part of the Opposition meeting, were friends or opponents of the Trinamool Congress in Bengal.

"When the TMC was born in 1998, Mamata Banerjee and her party used to say both the Congress and the CPI(M) are political opponents," Roy said.

"The TMC throughout its 20-year history has termed the CPI(M) as its number one political opponent. So now, it should clarify whether the two have become friends," he said.

Interestingly, the NDA constituents are also due to meet today to discuss their strategy ahead of the counting of votes for the assembly elections held in five states recently.

Meanwhile, NDA ally RLSP led by Upendra Kushwaha has decided to skip today's meet.

(With Agency inputs)
BEIJING: The armies of China and India would hold a joint 14-day drill from Monday in southwest China's Chengdu city.

The opening ceremony of the drills will be held on December 11, they said.

The joint military drill is being held to improve the capabilities of the two armies in fighting terrorism and promote mutual understanding, the Defence Ministry said.

Each side will send 100 troops to take part in the 7th India and China joint military exercises codenamed 'Hand in Hand'.

This will focus on counter-terrorism operations, Defence Ministry spokesman Col Ren Guoqiang told a media briefing.

"The drill will promote understanding between the two militaries and improving their capabilities in fighting terrorism," Col Ren said.

The exercises, which will conclude on December 23, will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training, he said, adding that true to its name 'Hand in Hand', China and Indian militaries should also work hand in hand for the benefit of people in both the nation.

The exercises will be held after a gap of one year as both the sides were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border in 2017.

The strained relations between the two sides later improved resulting in an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Chinese city of Wuhan in April this year.

Top leaders from both the countries met on November 24 at the 21st India-China border talks held at Dujiangyan near Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who are the designated Special Representatives, took part in the talks.

The two sides also called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute.

Earlier at the 9th Defence dialogue held here on November 13 between Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt Gen Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of Central Military Commission, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, military ties, border control as well as regional and international issues.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by former BJP MLA Gagan Bhagat which sought to challenge the decision to dissolve Jammu and Kashmir assembly.

The decision to dissolve the assembly was taken by Governor Satya Pal Malik on November 21, a move that was challenged by Bhagat. The apex court however said there was no merit in the petition, before dismissing it.

Last week, Bhagat had challenged Governor Malik's decision to dissolve the state assembly, calling it undemocratic. "It's the biggest joke in democracy that you keep assembly suspended for five months and when a party stakes claim to form the government, you dissolve it. This policy is incorrect and undemocratic," he had told news agency ANI.

Governor Malik's sudden move to dissolve the assembly had been questioned by many. PDP's Mehbooba Mufti, at the time, had sent that she had sent a fax to the Governor's office in which she had staked claim to form the government along with National Conference and Congress. She also claimed that she had been trying to get in touch with him on phone, but he was not available. She took to Twitter to make this known.

Governor Malik had subsequently defended his decision in a way that hinted he was under pressure from the BJP-led NDA. "Had I looked at Delhi, I would have had to invite Sajad Lone to form the government. But I did not want to go down in the history as a dishonest man. I dont bother about the abuses now, he had said. BJP ally Sajid Lone of the People's Conference too had staked claim to form the government. Governor Malik however said that he had dissolved the assembly due to the impossibility of the formation of a stable government.
Washington: Flexible intellectual property and opening up more to foreign investment will help China diffuse its trade tensions and enhance Beijing's economic stability, a top IMF official has said.

China and the US are currently engaged in a trade conflict and have slapped tit-for-tat tariffs of hundreds of billions of dollars on each other's goods.

The hefty tariffs stem from the Trump administration's demands that China make sweeping changes to its intellectual property practices, rein in high-technology industrial subsidies, open its markets to more foreign competition and take steps to cut a USD 375 billion US goods trade surplus.

"One of the big issues in the trade disputes between China and trading partners is this area of intellectual property. And reforming that regime is a big to-do for the global multilateral order," IMF's Chief Economist Maury Obstfeld told a group of journalists here on Sunday.

Noting that China is increasingly a producer of new technologies, he said it is really important that this does not play out in a conflicting way as it will destabilise the entire global economy as well as the global politics.

As such, the IMF's top economist said, it is important "to entice China into a sort of global framework" by entering into multilateral negotiations in which Beijing changes some of its trading practices and there is also accommodation to some of its legitimate economic goals.

"Opening up more to foreign investment could benefit China greatly," he said.

Responding to a question, he said, it was a matter of algebra for China to overtake the US as the largest world economy if it keeps growing at the same rate.

The opening up of the Chinese economy in the late 70s had remarkable positive effects on China's standard of living, Obstfeld said, adding, "there is significant room for China to open up further" and play bigger role in ways that "might enhance not only growth, but also economic stability".

China should also move towards a more flexible currency, he said.

"It will be very important in helping the economy adjust and also to ultimately diffusing some of the trade tensions," he said.

After serving as IMF's Chief Economist for more than three years, 66-year-old Obstfeld is set to retire this month-end.

Gita Gopinath, Indian-American economist from the Harvard University, would replace him from the first week of January.
Toronto/Beijing: A top executive of China`s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing, citing fears for her health while incarcerated in Canada along with other factors, court documents showed on Sunday.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou is fighting to be released on bail after she was arrested on December 1 in Vancouver at the request of the United States.

Meng, 46, faces U.S. accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei`s control of a company operating in Iran. This deception put the banks at risk of violating U.S. sanctions and incurring severe penalties, court documents said.

China has criticized her detention and demanded her immediate release. The arrest has roiled global markets as investors worried it could torpedo attempts to thaw trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

In a sworn affidavit, Meng, the daughter of Huawei`s founder, said she is innocent of the allegations and will contest them at trial in the United States if she is surrendered there.

Meng said she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained. She cited hypertension as a factor in a bail application seeking her release pending an extradition hearing. She also said she has longstanding ties to Vancouver dating back at least 15 years, as well as significant property holdings in the city.

Her family also sought leave to remain in Vancouver if she was granted bail, according to the court documents, with her husband saying he plans to bring the couple`s daughter to Vancouver to attend school during the proceedings.

Earlier on Sunday, China`s foreign ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador to lodge a "strong protest" over the arrest, and said the United States should withdraw its arrest warrant.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng told U.S. ambassador Terry Branstad that the United States had made an "unreasonable demand" on Canada to detain Meng while she was passing through Vancouver, China`s Foreign Ministry said.

"The actions of the U.S. seriously violated the lawful and legitimate rights of the Chinese citizen, and by their nature were extremely nasty," Le told Branstad. He made similar comments to Canada`s ambassador the night before.

China strongly urges the United States to pay attention to China`s solemn and just position and withdraw the arrest warrant on Meng, Le added.

"China will respond further depending on U.S. actions," he said, without elaborating.

Le also told the Canadian ambassador on Saturday there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Meng.

The United States has been looking since at least 2016 into whether Huawei shipped U.S.-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of U.S. export and sanctions laws, Reuters reported in April.

In the Canadian court documents released on Sunday, Huawei said its Iran operations were "in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions" of the United Nations, United States and European Union.

In a company presentation from 2013 that was released with the Canadian court documents, Huawei said it communicated with U.S. government agencies on a "day-to-day" basis to obtain what it called "professional guidance" on trade compliance.

Companies are barred from using the U.S. financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said on Sunday he would "100 percent absolutely" introduce a measure in the new Congress that would ban Chinese telecom companies from doing business in the United States.

"We have to understand Chinese companies are not like American companies. OK. We can`t even get Apple to crack an iPhone for us in a terrorist investigation," he told CBS "Face the Nation."

"When the Chinese ask a telecom company, we want you to turn over all the data you`ve gathered in the country you`re operating in, they will do it. No court order. Nothing like that. They will just do it. They have to. We need to understand that."

Rubio was a strong critic of China`s ZTE Corp, which pleaded guilty in 2017 to violating U.S. laws that restrict the sale of American-made technology to Iran.
New Delhi: Markets extended sharp fall on Monday amidst negative global cues along with caution ahead of the results of Assembly elections in five states eroding over Rs 2.25 lakh crore from investors' wealth.

The BSE Sensex tanked 713.53 points or 2 percent to close at 34,959.72 while the NSE Nifty dived 205.25 points or 1.92 percent to 10,488.45.

Led by the sharp fall in equities, the market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies slumped Rs 2,52,478.89 crore to Rs 1,37,90,774.75 at today's closing. The total market capitalisation of BSE listed companies stood at Rs 1,40,43,253.64 on December 7.

According to market observers, heavy selling pressure in banking, consumer goods, oil and gas, capital goods and automobile stocks, along with continuous outflow of foreign funds accelerated the downward trajectory of the equity indices.

On Tuesday, the results of the state Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattishgarh, Telangana and Mizoram will be declared. These elections are considered as a crucial indicator of public mood before the Lok Sabha elections which are due in April-May 2019.

Last Friday - the previous trade session - bargain hunting and lower crude oil prices lifted the key Indian equity market indices by around 1 percent.



All sectoral indices on the BSE and NSE ended in the red, led by realty, banking, metal, pharma, pharma and financial stocks. Kotak Bank shares cracked over 6 percent after the bank said it had moved the Bombay High Court against RBI's decision with respect to the bank reducing promoter holding using preference shares.

Motors, Adani Ports, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, L&T, PowerGrid, HDFC, Axis Bank and Bajaj Auto, falling up to 4 percent. Coal India and Maruti were the only two gainers on the 30-share index, rising up to 0.79 percent.

With Agency Inputs
New Delhi: Finnish company HMD Global, which sells Nokia-branded smartphones, is likely to bring its android powered Nokia 8.1 smartphone in India on Monday.

HMD Global is hosting a launch event in India on today leading to speculations that the Nokia 8.1 may be announced at the event.

The Nokia 8.1 smartphone at an event in Dubai last week. The phone has been priced at 399 euro (approx Rs 31,900). The phone will go on sale in European and Middle Eastern markets from this week.

The Nokia 8.1 features a 6.18 inch Full HD+ edge-to-edge display with Corning Gorilla 2.5D Glass. It comes with PureDisplay screen technology for an enhanced viewing experience. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a Snapdragon 710 processor along with a multi-core AI Engine. It comes with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM. The device comes with a mammoth 3,500mAh battery

The phone houses a 12-megapixel + 13-megapixel with ZEISS Optics, 1/2.55 inch super sensitive sensor with large 1.4 micron pixels. It has a 20 MP adaptive front camera.

The Nokia 8.1 is the first Nokia smartphone to launch with Android 9 Pie out of the box. It will be available in three colour combinations, Blue/Silver, Steel/Copper, Iron/Steel.

The Nokia 8.1 also combines the capabilities of Google Assistant with Dual-Sight, so you can ask it to take Bothie pictures and videos, and even command it to livestream to YouTube for a convenient and seamless experience.
New Delhi: The whole Khan family came together under one roof to celebrate Salma Khan's birthday. Apart from Salman Khan, the gathering also witnessed ex-couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora. Despite separating from Arbaaz, Malaika shares a great rapport with his family.

The birthday celebration also brought Malaika and Arbaaz's girlfriend Giorgia Andriani under one roof. According to insiders, there was no awkwardness between the two contrary to the expectations.

Both Malaika and Arbaaz have happily moved on in life with their respective partners and remain to be on cordial terms.

"Malaika has separated from Arbaaz, not from his family. She continues to be part of the Khan-daan, attending all their functions. Relationship-wise both Malaika and Arbaaz have proven to be wise. He has moved on. So has she," The Asian Age quoted a source as saying.

The same report also revealed that Malaika, who is currently dating Arjun Kapoor, is planning to tie the knot with him soon.

"Their wedding is already being discussed in Malaika and Arjun's respective families. They are planning two ceremonies, one according to Hindu rites and the other a church wedding," a source told the newspaper.
New Delhi: A simple act of kindness can touch someone's heart in ways one can't imagine. Something similar happened to a woman named Kelsey Zwick who was on her way to CHOP (Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia). Zwick was with her daughter and traveling on a plane when a man gave up his first-class seat so that the baby and the mother can travel with ease.

After this kind gesture, Zwick took to Facebook and wrote a 'Thank you' note to the man.

The post is going viral and receiving love from all parts of the world!

Check it out :

Kelsey wrote,  To the man in 2D. Today you were traveling from Orlando to Philly. I dont know you, but I imagine you saw us somewhere. I was pushing a stroller, had a diaper bag on my arm and also lugging an oxygen machine for my daughter. We had smiles on our faces as we were headed to see her friends at CHOP (Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia). We pre- boarded the plane, got cozy in our window seat and made jokes to those around us about having to sit by my yelling-but-happy baby. The flight attendant came over and told me you were waiting to switch seats. You were giving up your comfortable, first class seat to us.

Not able to hold back tears, I cried my way up the aisle while my daughter Lucy laughed! She felt it in her bones too... real, pure, goodness. I smiled and thanked you as we switched but didnt get to thank you properly.

Sooo... thank you. Not just for the seat itself but for noticing. For seeing us and realizing that maybe things are not always easy. For deciding you wanted to show a random act of kindness to US. It reminded me how much good there is in this world. I cant wait to tell Lucy someday. In the meantime... we will pay it forward. AA 588 passenger in seat 2D, we truly feel inspired by your generosity. Please share so we can say thanks! #pleasesharepayitforward #americanairlines #ifyoufindhimtellhimthanks #overwhelmedbykindness #kindnessalwayswins
Washington: "I can`t breathe," were the last words uttered by Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi before he was killed by a Saudi hit squad at the country`s consulate in Istanbul in October, a CNN report said.

An informed source, who has read a translated transcript of an audio recording of the journalist`s painful last moments, told CNN on Sunday it was clear that the killing on October 2 was no botched rendition attempt, but the execution of a premeditated plan to murder Khashoggi.

The transcript begins at the moment Khashoggi enters the Saudi consulate in a quiet residential district of Istanbul at lunchtime on October 2.

Khashoggi thought he had made a routine appointment to pick up papers that would allow him to marry his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, but he soon found out that something was wrong when he recognised one of the men who meets him.

According to CNN`s source, a voice identified in the transcript as Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, a former Saudi diplomat and intelligence official working for Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and known to Khashoggi from their time together at the Saudi Embassy in London, addresses him.

"You are coming back," the man says.

"You can`t do that," Khashoggi replies. "People are waiting outside."

Without any further dialogue, according to the source, the transcript indicates that several people set upon Khashoggi.

Noises follow and very quickly Khashoggi is fighting for air.

"I can`t breathe," Khashoggi says. "I can`t breathe. I can`t breathe."

The transcript notes the sounds of the journalist`s body then being dismembered by a saw, as the alleged perpetrators were advised to listen to music to block out the sound.

However, it does not specify the exact moment of Khashoggi`s death.

According to the source, the transcript notes that at least three phone calls were placed by Mutreb and according to Turkish officials, the calls were made to senior figures in Riyadh.

The original transcript of the audio was prepared by Turkish intelligence services but they have not revealed how they obtained the audio.

In response to the development, a Saudi official told CNN: "The relevant Saudi security officials have reviewed the transcript and tape materials through Turkish security channels and nowhere in them is there any reference or indication of a call being made.

"If there is additional information Turkish authorities have that we are unaware of, we would welcome it being officially handed over to us for review."

The official did not address the transcript`s characterisation of the scene inside the Saudi consulate, nor Khashoggi`s last words.
Protesters on Sunday in Katowice, which is hosting the UN climate conference The Guardian

The US and Russia have thrown climate talks into disarray by allying with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to water down the approval of a landmark report on the need to keep the global warming below 1.5 degrees by Celsius.

After a heated two-and-a-half-hour debate on Saturday night, the backwards step by the four major oil producers shocked delegates at the UN climate conference in Katowice as ministers flew in for the final week of high-level discussions.

It has also raised fears among scientists that the US president, Donald Trump, is going from passively withdrawing from climate talks to actively undermining them alongside a coalition of climate deniers.

Two months ago, representatives from the worlds governments hugged after agreeing on the 1.5C report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), commissioned to spell out the dire consequences should that level of warming be exceeded and how it can be avoided.

Reaching a global consensus was a painstaking process involving thousands of scientists sifting through years of research and diplomats working through the night to ensure the wording was acceptable to all nations.

But when it was submitted to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change on Saturday, the four oil allies  with Saudi Arabia as the most obdurate  rejected a motion to welcome the study. Instead, they said it should merely be noted, which would make it much easier for governments to ignore. The motion has not yet been able to pass as a result of the lack of consensus.

It opened up a rift at the talks that will be hard to close in the coming five days. During the plenary, the EU, a bloc of the 47 least developed countries, as well as African and Latin and South American nations, all spoke in favour of the report. Several denounced the four countries trying to dilute its importance.

Rueanna Haynes, a delegate for St Kitts and Nevis, told the plenary it was ludicrous not to welcome a report that UN member nations had commissioned two years earlier and to hold up crucial talks over two words.

Its very frustrating that we are not able to take into account the reports findings: we are talking about the future of the world  it sounds like hyperbole when I say it, but thats how serious it is, she told the Guardian. I would say that this issue has to be resolved. This is going to drag out and the success of the COP is going to hang on this as well as other issues.

Scientists were also outraged. It is troubling. Saudi Arabia has always had bad behaviour in climate talks, but it could be overruled when it was alone or just with Kuwait. That it has now been joined by the US and Russia is much more dangerous, said Alden Meyer, the director of strategy and policy in the Union of Concerned Scientists.

He said the shift in the US position would be embarrassing for the country if it persisted. Donald Trump is the denier-in-chief. He takes a personal interest in dissing scientists, said Meyer. But the science wont go away. The law of thermodynamics cant be ignored.

Climate campaigners said the four blocking governments had been overrun by fossil-fuel interests and were trying to sideline the study.

May Boeve, the executive director of the activist group 350.org, said: Deliberately ignoring the IPCC report would be wholly irresponsible and 350.org stands with the rest of world in condemning these climate deniers  and the vested fossil fuel interests behind them.

Ministers have only five days to establish a rulebook for the Paris agreement. A wild card is the role of the host nation, Poland  the most coal-dependant nation in Europe  which will chair the final week of the meeting.

The big challenge now is for the Polish presidency to set aside its obsession with coal, get out of the way and allow full acknowledgement of the IPCC 1.5C report, and its implications for increasing the ambition of all countries, in the conclusion of COP24 later this week, said Bill Hare, the managing director of Climate Analytics.

As well as acceptance of the report, there are several other potential fights brewing regarding transparency rules for reporting emissions and proposals for wealthy high emitters to provide financial support to poorer nations struggling to adapt.

Read the original text at The Guardian.
Ronald Johnson met with the Ukrainian, American and Canadian military participating in the Joint Multinational Training Group program

U.S. Senator Johnson visits International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv 112 Agency

U.S. Senator Ronald Johnson has visited the International Center for Peacemaking and Security in Yavoriv district of Lviv region to express support for the cooperation of Ukraine and the United States in the defense area. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine reported that on their Twitter.

"U.S. Senator Ron Johnson visited Yavoriv today to show support for the longstanding U.S.-Ukrainian military cooperation that improves the defense capabilities of both of our nations," the Embassy said.

The senator met with the Ukrainian, American and Canadian military participating in the program dubbed "Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine, JMTG-U."

"I came to Ukraine for one primary purpose: to demonstrate the strong support of America, our government, and our people, for the people of Ukraine and our unwavering support for the commitment to your territorial integrity," Johnson said.
A statement about the oligarchic character of the Ukrainian state has become ordinary, that is why insufficient attention is paid to the oligarchs' influence on the state political processes

Open source

A statement about the oligarchic character of the Ukrainian state has become ordinary, that is why insufficient attention is paid to the oligarchs' influence on the state political processes. Back in 2006, oligarch Rinat Akhmetov personally tried to become an MP as a member of the Party of Regions. In 2014, oligarch Igor Kolomoisky personally headed the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration. The very essence of the oligarchic system does not change, the number of oligarchs is really limited to a spotted influence on politics; this is the reason for their invisibility.

Rinat Akhmetov remains the leader of the lists of the richest Ukrainians. Focus Magazine has estimated his wealth at 3.1 billion USD, Forbes speaks about 5.5 billion USD. According to Forbes, in 2017 Akhmetovs condition grew by almost a billion dollars. Despite his role in the coming to power of Viktor Yanukovych, Akhmetov could not avoid fierce competition with his surroundings. Maidan and Donbas war seemed to be the inevitable end of his business empire.

However, Akhmetov managed to survive, and the growth of his condition shows that he even managed to establish mutually beneficial contacts with Poroshenkos administration. Today one of the pledges of the success of the oligarch is the Rotterdam + formula. In accordance with the methodology, the cost of fuel is determined by the formula "the price of coal in the ports of Amsterdam - Rotterdam - Antwerp + the cost of its delivery to Ukraine." The coal comes from Donbas. As a result, with the introduction of the formula into force (from May 2016), tariffs began to break records, and from January to November 2016, the price of thermal electric power doubled. These are the best times for Akhmetovs business, which, according to experts of the Economic Truth, at the time of entry into force of Rotterdam +, controlled 76% of the thermal generation market.

Of course, it would be impossible to conduct such a super-profit business without a series of large-scale mutual agreements with the authorities. And it's not so much about the "share" in joint schemes - but about certain political obligations of Akhmetov. So, he became the main sponsor of the Lyashko Radical Party. Lyashko and his team, with all their declared opposition, correctly voted for the needed laws even if it contradicted all their previous rhetoric. The most recent examples are voting for repressions against NewsOne and 112 channels, as well as for the state budget for 2019.

Akhmetovs support for the Lyashko project was one of the important evidence of his loyalty to the authorities. However, the position of the "Akhmetov" part of the "Opposition bloc" in the Verkhovna Rada is 22-23 MPs. It was an excellent move for the oligarch to have "political actions" both on the "Maidan" and on the "anti-Maid" field. Until recently, it was possible to keep the balance. For example, during a recent vote for the budget, Akhmetovs deputies gave several votes in support of the powers project, and then they started talking about a technical error. The unification processes among oppositional forces, initiated by Viktor Medvedchuk, turned out to be a serious challenge for Akhmetov.

The 8th place among Ukrainian oligarchs, according to the Focus materials, belongs to Vadym Novinsky. He does not have the necessary experience of living in Ukraine; accordingly, he has no right to run for president.

Until recently, Borys Kolesnikov has been an extremely non-public figure. At the moment, he is trying to dramatically increase his presence in the media, but he is unlikely to have enough time to acquire sufficient recognition before the presidential election.

Many politicians and political observers skeptically reacted at the initiatives of Medvedchuk. Knowing all the complexities of the processes within the opposition, they would unlikely to unite.

However, the electoral prospects, the new opportunities, and, probably, the feeling of self-preservation took up. As a result, even Serhiy Lyovochkin and Vadym Rabinovich, who are suing each other, were able to unite.

Unlike the restrained and non-public Rinat Akhmetov, Igor Kolomoisky is completely different. He personally participated in Ukrtransnafta shoot-out, declared Putin a schizophrenic, and then stated that Ukraine fights against itself in Donbas.

During the post-Maidan times, his starting positions were better than Akhmetovs, however, the general dynamics were negative. The conflict around Ukrtransnafta, nationalization of Privatbank (albeit on favorable terms), and the actual squeezing out of the country. Moreover, Kolomoisky had to pay a large part of the assets of the Privat Group, including UIA aircraft, railway rolling stock, real estate, etc., as collateral for the refinancing loans of Privatbank. As a result, his economic and political influence decreased. However, Kolomoisky managed to maintain control over a number of media resources, primarily over the "1 + 1 media." In the Verkhovna Rada and a number of local councils, Igor Kolomoisky controls a number of deputies, primarily through the UKROP and Vidrodzhennia parties. At the same time, the absence of complete control over Vidrodzhennia does not embarrass him. It is rather considered as an opportunity to optimize the cost/benefit ratio. Well, his long-term partner Hennadiy Boholyubov (who has 1.5 billion dollars) provides an additional financial support; by the way, Boholyubov is number three in the Focus list is.

Founder and owner of EastOne investment consulting group, Viktor Pinchuk, with a fortune of $ 1.4 billion, comes the fourth. He has ICTV, Novyi, M1 and M2 TV channels, as well as Facts and Comments newspaper. Also, according to a number of media reports, Viktor Pinchuk is one of the key sponsors of the Anatoliy Hrytsenko campaign. But his rating is gradually declining. Yulia Tymoshenko (16.2%) and Yuriy Boyko (9.2%) remain the undisputed leaders of the rating, only strengthening their lead.

If the experience of the top 4 Ukrainian oligarchs indicates that, having reached certain peaks, you are more or less protected from the political ups and downs, the positions of the followers Konstantin Zhevago ($ 1 billion), Yuriy Kosyuk ($ 900 million) and Andriy Verevsky (785 million dollars) still do not look completely defined.

A classic example of the transition of a big businessman from the public to non-public policy is the biography of Andriy Verevsky (Kernel Group). In 2002  2013, he was an MP (excluded for skipping the parliamentary meetings, combining parliamentary and business activities). He did not take an active part in the events of 2013-2014, however, increased his influence significantly. In the current parliament, the Vidrodzhennia faction is mainly focused on him. So, when voting for the budget, votes of this faction were obtained only after taking into account the interests of the Kernel Group. While remaining not too noticeable, Verevsky managed to increase business assets, and, probably, now he will be engaged in political assets. It is most likely that the oligarch would distribute his bets between the candidate from Vidrozhennya and one of the favorites of the presidential election.

Read the original text at 112.ua.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or 112.International and its owners.
The first ever memorandum on cooperation was concluded between the Central Election Commission of Ukraine and the Council of Europe, during the visit of the commission delegation to Strasbourg, reads the message of the commission.

... The signatories intend to cooperate in ways to strengthen the CECs capacity to organize and conduct the electoral process in accordance with European electoral standards and good practices, as well as to strengthen the commissions capacity to train various participants in the electoral process, including voters, reads the message.

Related: Parliament Spokesperson signs decree on presidential elections

In addition, the document provides for the promotion of the creation and launch of the regional offices of the commission, the development of a regulatory framework for their functioning. AIt also promotes the use of new technologies in the electoral process in accordance with European electoral standards and good practices, as well as further improving the quality of voter lists and voter registration.

The delegation of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine held a number of meetings with the leadership of the structural units of the General Secretariat of the Council of Europe during the visit to Strasbourg. Chairman of the commission Tetiana Slipachuk had a separate meeting with Director, Secretary of the Venice Commission Mr. Thomas Markert.

Related: Ukraine's oligarchs and elections in 2019

Intensive and fruitful communication took place on topical issues of the CEC activities during the visit. In particular, on the preparation and conduct of the upcoming presidential elections of Ukraine and the people's deputies of Ukraine, which are scheduled for 2019, as well as on the issues of holding the local elections in 2020, the Central Election Commission reported.
The false claims read that Ukraine infected the sea with cholera and that its secret services tried to deliver a nuclear bomb to the occupied Crimea

European Commissioner Julian King claimed that the Russian Federation initiated a disinformation campaign before the capture of three Ukranian ships and their crew in the Kerch Strait, in order to ease the public opinion, reports The Guardian.

According to the British Commissioner, the false claims read that Ukraine infected the sea with cholera and that its secret services tried to deliver a nuclear bomb to the occupied Crimea.

Related: All captured Ukrainian sailors enjoy legal support, - ombudswoman

King has also said that the division of the European Commission responsible for covering disinformation revealed a complicated network of lie dissemination coming from the Russian sources.

If you thought that incident came out of nowhere, you would be wrong. The disinformation campaign began much earlier, more than a year ago, when Russian media started pushing claims that the authorities in Kiev were dredging the seabed in the Sea of Azov in preparation for a NATO fleet to take up residence, he noted.

Related: Ukrainian sailors cannot be considered as POWs, - Russias FSB

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: Ukrainian consul visits yet four sailors in Russia's Lefortovo remand center, - Ombudsman

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.
The document was voted in the Parliament on December 6

President Petro Poroshenko signed the law on termination of the Ukraine-Russia Friendship Treaty from April 1, 2019, reports the press office of the Presidential Administration.

The non-extension of the treaty with Russia should be considered not as an episode but as a part of our strategy on the final break with the colonial past and reorientation towards Europe, the President stressed.

At the same time, there is no information on the signing of the document on the website of the Ukrainian Parliament.

As it is known, the Head of the Parliament Andriy Parubiy has already signed the document. The law will enter into force the day after it is officially published.

In early September 2018, the National Security and Defense Council supported Poroshenkos proposal on the non-renewal of the treaty with the Russian Federation for the next 10 years. On September 19, the decree on the enactment of the decision came into force.

On September 21, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine sent a note to Russia on the non-renewal of the Treaty of friendship, cooperation, and partnership.
The President has also welcomed the decision of the Council of the European Union on the introduction of sanctions against the nine people responsible for the organization of elections in the occupied territories of Donbas

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stated that he would visit the city of Brussels on December 12-13, on the eve of the European Council meeting, where the increasing pressure on Russia will be discussed. The President posted that on his Facebook page.

I will personally visit Brussels on December 12-13 for negotiations with the leadership of EU institutions and member states on the eve of an important meeting of the European Council, where they will discuss ways to further increase pressure on Russia and help the Ukrainian Pryazovia, Poroshenko claimed.

Related: We must exert pressure to return Russia to civilized world, - Poroshenko

He added that he commissioned Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin to inform the Council of the European Union about the act of aggression of Russia in the Black Sea and the Kerch Strait.

Moreover, Poroshenko has also welcomed the decision of the Council of the European Union on the introduction of sanctions against the nine people responsible for the organization of elections in the occupied territories of Donbas.

Related: Families of MH17 victims ask Trump to apply pressure on Putin

The Kremlin has to receive a proper answer of the democratic world for every violation of the Minsk Agreements, for every new escalation of aggression, Poroshenko noted.

It is noteworthy that the European Council session is scheduled for December 12-13. EU long-term budget for 20212027, migration issues and external relations are on the agenda.

Related: France to impose sanctions against responsible for pressure on Ukrainian TV channels, - 112 Producer General

Today, it became known that the European Union added nine more people to the list of those on whom restrictive measures are imposed for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and the independence of Ukraine. They were added to the sanction list because of their engagement in the implementation of elections in DNR and LNR (the self-proclaimed 'republics' of Russian militants in the occupied areas of eastern Ukraine).
Earlier, the lawyer of the political prisoner reported that Sentsov has heart, liver and kidney damage

Open source

Commissioner of the Ukrainian Parliament for Human Rights Lyudmila Denisova asks Russian Ombudsman Tatyana Moskalkova, as well as Russian President Advisor Mikhail Fedotov to immediately provide the information on the health condition of Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov. The Ombudsman of Ukraine claimed this on Facebook.

Related: Ukraine's Sentsov receives Pro Dignitate Humana award from Polish Foreign Ministry

I addressed Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation Tatyana Moskalkova and Russian President Advisor, Chairman of Council under the President of the Russian Federation on development of civil society and human Mikhail Fedotov, in connection with the message of Oleg Sentsovs lawyer Dmytro Dinze on the deterioration of defendants health condition, in particular 'organic lesions of the heart, liver and kidneys, Denisova said.

The Ukrainian Ombudsman demanded to urgently provide an official information about Oleg Sentsovs condition.

Earlier, lawyer of the political prisoner Dmytro Dinze reported that Sentsovs hunger strike gave its results, heart, liver and kidney damages were detected.

Related: European Commissioner asks Russia to release Sentsov for awarding Sakharov Prize

Oleg Sentsov stopped the hunger strike on the 144th day. The Russian side officially announced the statement by Sentsov but did not name the reason. According to the lawyer of Sentsov, the decision to end the hunger strike was made after Russian doctors and penitentiary facility workers issued an ultimatum to Sentsov, suggesting that he either voluntarily stop the hunger strike or agree to be force-fed.

He announced a hunger strike in May 2018, demanding to release him and the rest of Ukrainian political prisoners illegally kept by the Kremlin. Sentsov has already survived four health crises.
Sergiy Lazarev said he was leaking information to Russia for three years

Sergiy Lazarev, a former official of the Defence Ministry, who was detained for leaking data about Ukraine's planes to Russia TSN

Sergiy Lazarev, a former official of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry stated that he has been leaking data about the Ukrainian planes to the Russian Security Service, as TSN reported.

The counter-intelligence revealed GRU undercover agent with the alias Socrates. He hopes for an exchange now.

Lazarev was recruited in Russia, where he visited his sister. Russians were interested in the secret information of the Ukrainian military aviation, and Lazarev exchanged military secrets for a residence permit in Russia.

Socrates was leaking information about Ukraines planes to Russia for three years in a row. The amount of the information he shared remains unknown. The laptop the Russian intelligence gave him looks like a cheap computer. But the software it has destroys all the traces of the contacts.

After data transmission, it eliminated the data and the route it followed. We failed to restore its route, Oleksandr Tkachuk, a cybersecurity expert, says.

Sokrat slipped up when he expressed interest in the airbase near Kyiv. His operation failed. Now, Sokrat is kept in Lukyanivska prison.

Earlier, it was reported that ex-officer who spied for Russias benefit for 20 years was arrested in Austria.
Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Perskov called the decision reckless and added that it is regrettable

Non-extension of the Russian-Ukrainian Friendship Treaty by Kyiv causes the Kremlin to regret; besides, it is a disrespect towards Ukrainians. Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov claimed this, as TASS reports.

One thing is clear - this step can hardly be regarded as that in the interests of the Ukrainians - the very Ukrainians in whom we link the interests of family and fraternal relations, despite everything, Peskov claimed.

Related: Ukraine asks Russia to immediately report on Sentsovs condition

He added that such reckless decision of the Ukrainian authority causes regret.

From our point of view, it is a disrespect for their people, to their interests, Peskov added.

Related: Poroshenko demands to create authority to form Ukraine's consolidated claim to Russia

As it is known, Head of the Parliament Andriy Parubiy has already signed the document. The law will enter into force the day after it is officially published.

In early September 2018, the National Security and Defense Council supported Poroshenkos proposal on the non-renewal of the treaty with the Russian Federation for the next 10 years. On September 19, the decree on the enactment of the decision came into force.

On September 21, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine sent a note to Russia on the non-renewal of the Treaty of friendship, cooperation, and partnership.

Today, November 10, President Petro Poroshenko signed a law on the termination of Russian-Ukrainian Friendship Treaty from April 1, 2019.
All Ukrainian sailors captured in Kerch Strait have their own lawyers and the Ukrainian state takes over all respective costs. Lyudmyla Denisova, the Ukrainian ombudswoman reported on Facebook.

Each Ukrainian prisoner of war illegally detained in the Russian Federation, already has his own lawyer. Payment of the lawyers services will be carried out according to the agreements concluded in Moscow by an authorized person of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine. The Ukrainian state takes over all costs. They will consist of the fee and additional expenditures necessary for defenders of the Ukrainian sailors, Denisova claimed.

The term of the action of the agreements will cover the entire period of the preliminary investigation. Each Ukrainian sailor will be provided with the full-fledged legal defense from the beginning of the investigative actions on December 11.

Moreover, ombudswoman called the detention of Crimean lawyer Kurbedinov an attempt of pressure by Moscow on the defense of the Ukrainian sailors.

The detention of Emil Kurbedinov for five days is connected with his intentions to defend Ukrainian sailor Bohdan Nebylytsia. Now, after the incident with Kurbedinov, the Crimean lawyers receive the threats from the law enforcement bodies of occupation authority of Crimea, Denisova claimed.

Earlier Viktoriya Khrystenko, the counselor to Ukrainian Navy commander, reported that one of the men sustains heavy injuries to his legs, another one had his fingers amputated.

According to Khrystenko, the Ukrainian side does not possess information on the help provided to the sailors at the remand center.

Besides, Ukrainian diplomats succeeded to visit the three captured sailors of the Ukrainian Navy, who were wounded during the Russian Navy attack in the Kerch Strait.

Related video:
Belavia plane, which made a hard landing at Boryspil airport, December 9, 2018 vesti-ukr.com

An emergency situation occurred in Boryspil airport. As the witnesses report in the social media, Belavia plane made a hard landing and got out of the runway.

The airport is operating in the usual mode. Belavia plane hit the lights while taxiing out. We closed the runway for a while to clean it. The plane has reached the parking place on its own. The plane belongs to Belarus and they will clarify the reasons for the incident. Its fairing is scratched. Nothing else is damaged, Pavlo Ryabikin, the director of Boryspil airport, told Vesti.

According to him, due to the incident, 11 planes were re-directed to other airports. The Boryspil airport website does not report about the incident, yet it warns about a possible delay as the airport works in a regime of limited visibility due to the fog.
The relevant list was published in the EU Official Journal

Open source

The European Union added nine more people to the list of those on whom restrictive measures are imposed for the actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and the independence of Ukraine. They were added to the sanction list because of their engagement in the elections in DNR and LNR, reads the message on the official website of the Council of the European Union.

Their names are as follows: Olga Pozdnyakova, Olena Kravchenko, Leonid Pasichnyk, Volodymyr Bidiovka, Denis Miroshnichenko, Oleksii Naydenko, Volodymyr Vysotskyi, Maksym Svidchenko and Kateryna Tereshchenko.

It is noted that these individuals undermined the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The measures consist of a travel ban and an asset freeze, meaning that these persons cannot enter the territory of any EU member state and all of the assets in the EU belonging to these persons are frozen and EU persons and entities cannot make any funds available to them, reads the message.

The decision brings the total number of persons listed by the EU to 164. In addition, the EU imposed an asset freeze on 44 entities under this sanctions regime.

Legal acts, where the names of the individuals added to the sanction list of the EU are available in the EU Official Journal.

It should be noted that the EU considers elections, which were held in Donbas, as illegal and illegitimate.
The delegation offers the exchange of prisoners based on the formulae '23 for 23' and '66 for 19'

Open source

Ukraine's representatives in the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk will offer the formulae of the prisoners exchange, namely '23 for 23' and '66 for 19', during the next session of the Group. Yevhen Marchuk, the representative of Ukraine at Minsk Talks made such statement as Interfax-Ukraine reported.

We have officially proposed this at the session on December 4. Russia does not agree on this. We will submit this offer again, Marchuk said.

According to the Marchuk, the Ukrainian side will announce this offer at the next and the last round of talks in Minsk this year.

Earlier, the Russian media reported that the representatives of self-proclaimed 'DNR' (Donetsk People's Republic) offered to exchange prisoners of war with Ukraine on December 27.

The previous round of prisoners' exchange between Ukraine and Russia-backed mercenaries took place on December 27, 2017. The actual issue is lively discussed in Ukraine, but the Russian side has not been responding to Ukraine's requests officially.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin will take part in a meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs of Monday, the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine reported.

"On December 10, 2018, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin is to visit Brussels at the invitation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to hold a working meeting with the foreign ministers of the EU member states," the ministry announced.

The meeting will take place within the framework of the meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs, the agenda of which involves the question regarding the aggravation of the situation in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.

The ministers are expected to discuss the parameters of the EU's complex responses to Russia's aggressive actions, in particular increasing the sanctions pressure on the Kremlin, as well as ways to assist Ukraine in releasing Ukrainian prisoners of war and helping the Ukrainian Azov region suffering from the consequences of Russian aggression on land and sea.

As it was reported earlier, Federica Mogherini said the European Union intended to take actions on the situation in the Sea of Azov in the coming weeks or days. According to her, the situation in the Sea of Azov is damaging the economy of both Ukraine and vessels under the flags of the European countries.

High Representative noted that the EU turned Russia's attention to the necessity to put and end to the excessive inspection of vessels in the Sea of Azov. She said that the EU authorities, in particular, the European Commission examine support measures for those regions of Ukraine that have been affected by the actions of Russia. The Representative added that this matter was discussed at the session of the Council of the European Union for international affairs.
U.S. is the world's leader in the weapons sale, Russia comes second

Russia beat Great Britain in 2017 and took the second place in the world of a weapons sale, as the report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) says.

The total for the SIPRI Top 100 in 2017 is 2.5 per cent higher than in 2016 and represents an increase of 44 per cent since 2002 (the first year for which comparable data is available; the figures exclude China). This is the third consecutive year of growth in Top 100 arms sales, the report reads.

The U.S. continue to dominate in the ranking. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute prepares its report using the data of a hundred worlds leading weapons producers, 42 of which are American. Five American major armory industries are in the Top 10. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are considered the largest weapons producers.

Taken together, the arms sales of US companies grew by 2.0 per cent in 2017, to $226.6 billion, which accounted for 57 per cent of total Top 100 arms sales. Five US companies were listed in the top 10 in 2017, the report says.

Ukraine was not mentioned in the report; yet, it is present in the Top 100 of the major arms producers. Ukroboronprom takes 81st place with sales worth $1,02 billion. Compared to the previous year, the Ukrainian company lost two positions.
A 63-year-old woman from Ukraine died on the spot

Delo Car accident, which took place in Slovenia on December 10, 2018 Delo Car accident, which took place in Slovenia on December 10, 2018 Delo Car accident, which took place in Slovenia on December 10, 2018

Two buses with Ukrainians got into a car accident in Slovenia. One person died, three more were taken to the hospital in a critical condition, as Delo reported.

The car accident took place in the morning of December 9. Mercedes Benz Sprinter pulled over as it had its tire blown out. In less than a minute later, another bus with Ukrainian registration crashed into it.

As a result of the crash, the first bus drove into a ditch, another one turned upside down.

A 63-year-old woman from Ukraine died. As the news agency reported, the lives of three injured are not at risk.

The investigators are exploring the circumstances of the accident.

According to WHO, one person dies in a car accident every 24 seconds.
U.S. companies increase their share of total Top 100 arms sales, while Russia becomes the second largest arms produce. The UK remains the largest arms producer in Western Europe

Open source

The sales of arms and military services by the worlds largest arms-producing and military services companiesthe SIPRI Top 100totalled $398.2 billion in 2017, according to new intrenational arms industry report released today by SIPRI, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The total for the SIPRI Top 100 in 2017 is 2.5% higher than that in 2016 and represents an increase of 44% since 2002 (the first year for which comparable data is available; the figures exclude China). This is the third consecutive year of growth in Top 100 arms sales.

US companies hold more than half of the world market share for the military equipment, according to a recent study by SIPRI.

The US company Lockheed Martin remains the undisputed leader among the world's 100 largest defense companies  no other company in the industry made a larger profit in 2017. With sales amounting to $44 billion (27.8 billion), Lockheed Martin leads the SIPRI ranking by a wide margin. Germany's largest defense group, Dusseldorf-based Rheinmetall AG, doesn't even account for a 10th of this sum. With sales of $3.4 billion, Rheinmetall ranks 25th, SIPRI Top 100 states.

With 42 companies listed in 2017, companies based in the United States continued to dominate the Top 100 in 2017. Taken together, the arms sales of US companies grew by 2% in 2017, to $226.6billion, which accounted for 57% total Top 100 arms sales.

Five US companies were listed in the top 10 in 2017. US companies directly benefit from the US Department of Defenses ongoing demand for weapons, says Aude Fleurant, Director of SIPRIs Arms and Military Expenditure Programme.

Lockheed Martin remained the worlds largest arms producer in 2017, with arms sales of $44.9 billion.

The combined arms sales of Russian companies accounted for 9.5 percent of the Top 100 total, making Russia the second largest arms producer in the Top 100 in 2017a position that had been occupied by the United Kingdom since 2002. Taken together, the arms sales of the 10 Russian companies listed in the Top 100 increased by 8.5 percent in 2017, to $37.7 billion. Russian companies have experienced significant growth in their arms sales since 2011, says Siemon Wezeman, Senior Researcher with SIPRIs Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. This is in line with Russias increased spending on arms procurement to modernize its armed forces.

In 2017 a Russian company appeared in the top 10 for the first time since SIPRI started publishing its annual Top 100 list. Almaz-Antey, which was already Russias largest arms-producing company, increased its arms sales by 17% 2017, to $8.6 billion, says Alexandra Kuimova, Research Assistant with SIPRIs Arms and Military Expenditure Programme.

Along with Almaz-Antey, three other Russian companies in the Top 100 increased their arms sales by more than 15%: United Engine Corporation (25%), High Precision Systems (22%) and Tactical Missiles Corporation (19%).

The combined arms sales of the 24 companies in Western Europe listed in the Top 100 increased by 3.8% in 2017, to $94.9 billion, which accounted for 23.8% of the Top 100 total. The UK remained the largest arms producer in the region in 2017, with total arms sales of $35.7 billion and seven companies listed in the Top 100. The combined arms sales of British companies were 2.3% higher than in 2016, says Fleurant. This was largely due to increases in the arms sales of BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and GKN.

BAE Systems, which is ranked fourth in the Top 100, is the UKs biggest arms producer. Its arms sales rose by 3.3% in 2017, to $22.9 billion.

Four German companies are among the world's 100 largest arms manufacturers: Rheinmetall, Thyssenkrupp and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, which manufacture submarines, ships, tanks and armored vehicles for the German armed forces. They also sell them abroad. All three companies increased their profits in 2017.
A hybrid form of yoga that combines traditional yoga postures with modern yoga moves and a silk hammock. Pre-registration required.

Please note: Aerial Yoga at the Yoga Art Space studio requires pre-registration through our website at www.YogaArtSpace.com/calendar. If no one registers for a class, the class may be cancelled between 6-12 hours prior to the class start time. Though this event is shown as a regular, weekly class each week on the Alabi calendar, there are occasionally times when the class will be cancelled in advance such as for certain holidays. All updates and cancellations are on the studio calendar at www.YogaArtSpace.com/calendar.

What is Aerial yoga?

Aerial Yoga is a hybrid form of yoga that combines traditional yoga postures infused with modern yoga moves and an silk fabric hammock.

Do I need Previous Yoga Experience?

No previous yoga experience necessary to enjoy an Aerial yoga class. In fact it can be easier than normal yoga! The silk hammock acts like a support whenever you require it, almost like having your own personal yoga teacher giving you assistance throughout the entire yoga class! Another advantage of having the support of the hammock is that 90% of students are able to complete more challenging poses, such as handstands!

Can Everybody do Aerial Yoga?

Yes and no. Students who have had a previous injury can find Aerial yoga much easier to participate in then normal yoga. This is due to the the weight being evenly distributed between your body, the hammock and the earth.

People who suffer any of following contraindications are advised NOT to participate in an Aerial yoga class: if you have had recent surgery of any sort, if you suffer glaucoma, if you are pregnant, if you suffer a heart condition (including very high or low blow pressure), if you get vertigo, if you have had a recent stroke or a hernia, if you have osteoporosis or any bone weakness, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, or if you have had botox in the last six hours.

What Should I Wear?

All jewellery items must be removed before participating, a t-shirt must be worn to cover the armpit area and leggings are advised to avoid the silk rubbing on the skin and creating irritation. Please have clean feet or, alternatively, bring a pair of socks with you.
Faced with the opening up of air freight to national private operators as part of the governments new economic orientation, Air Algerie has taken measures to adapt to the new environment. According to Abdelghani Zaalane, the Algerian Minister of Public Works and Transport, Air Algeria cannot fully respond to all the demands of economic operators willing to export their products.

Addressing the finance committee of the National Assembly, he justified the decision to accelerate the development of the national economy by opening up the air freight market by saying that the national carrier had limited capacity.

Opening the air freight market has become essential with the significant increase in non-hydrocarbon exports (3.4% in 2017) and the strong demand from certain African countries.

The measure will raise Algerias quota in the world freight market, encourage public and private investment. This will, according to the minister, boost the national economy and create new jobs.

To date, transportation costs represent 35% of the value of commercial products. We want to bring the figure to 15% by 2025, explained Zaalane.

Air Algerie must now react quickly and efficiently to be competitive against private operators who can acquire or charter aircraft for their export operations.

The national carrier started to put more emphasis on the freight sector back in 2016, when it created Air Algerie Cargo. Figures for 2017 show an increase of 13% compared to the same period in 2016.

The opening of the air freight market to competition will be a challenge for us, admitted Yahia Hassenaoui, CEO of Air Algerie Cargo. However, it will encourage us to ensure a good level of skills and human resources and maintain efficient equipment.

The company is convinced that it could support and benefit these new operators through eventual win-win partnerships and deploy its expertise to boost the expectations of exporters in line with government guidelines.

Air Algerie Cargo has two aircraft, a Lockheed Hercules HL-382 and a B737-700 QC, entirely dedicated to freight activity. It operates from its Algiers hub for Algeria and Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon airports for Europe. There are also plans to add Marseille as a hub.

A B737-800 with a payload capacity of about 22 tonnes will be in service next July. It is part of the companys action plan to adequately meet the growing demand.

Air Algerie wants to recover and preserve international market shares and conquer new markets through authorised general sales & service agents (GSSA), said Hassenaoui.

The sales networks covered by GSSA are: Canada and North America, United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, Spain and Portugal, Asia (China and Korea).

Air Algerie wants to fully participate in the promotion of national production and export. It will also offer international freight-forwarding opportunities from El-Oued, Biskra, Oran, Constantine, Annaba and Hassi Messaoud, in accordance with international regulatory and security standards and requirements.

The carrier is very interested in African and Asian markets. Volumes to these destinations have risen sharply, mainly because of government support to develop the export of Algerian products, an increase in the range of products and the number of exporters, and incentives given to set up logistics platforms.

The company will, furthermore, invest in training, while developing the transit market between Africa, Europe and the Middle East, modernising the operations centre at its hub in Algiers and introducing electronic freight (E-freight) systems.

Despitestrong competition, Air Algerie wants to preserve its position as a historicleader in Algeria by repositioning itself on the African market andmaintaining or even increasing its share of the world market. (africanaerospace)
Remarks: My favourite Adele song to date. It was the #1 song in the US and UK for most of this month, November 2021. See also: songs: the 2020s Adele: Hell...

4 hours ago
Kevin Kane/WireImageOn Friday, Bebe Rexha was nominated for two Grammys: Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for "Meant to Be," and Best New Artist. Bebe realizes it's pretty weird that she's up for Best New Artist -- considering she's been working in the music industry in one capacity or another for a decade -- but she'll take it.

At the Z100 Jingle Ball Friday Night at New Yorks Madison Square Garden, Bebe laughed, "I know! Best New Artist, 10 years later! Woo-hoo!" when ABC Radio mentioned how long she's been in the business.

"But you know what? To the world, to certain people, I am a new artist, and that's how you gotta think about it every day, y'know? You gotta work to be the best that you can be, and not get too jaded and think that you're the s**t."

As far as her nominations are concerned, Bebe says her childhood self is pretty much satisfied, so she doesn't even care if she wins.

"Honestly, I feel like I won today," she told ABC Radio. "The fact that I just got nominated is so incredible, because for me, [the] Grammys is like what I grew up watching as a child. And for me, it was that I just wanted to be recognized by my peers."

What Bebe means is that, unlike, say, the American Music Awards or the Billboard Awards, the Grammy is a peer award. It's voted on solely by the members of the Recording Academy, all of whom work in the music industry. You can find out if she'll take home either of those trophies when the ceremony airs February 10, 2019 on CBS, live from in Los Angeles.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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.
Presidente @MartinVizcarraC : Acabamos de ver una primera proyeccion de los resultados. Las propuestas que presentamos al Congreso de la Republica han sido acogidas mayoritariamente por el pueblo peruano. pic.twitter.com/Iam2TXEUt1

Presidente @MartinVizcarraC: Aqui no hay vencedores ni vencidos, aqui ha ganado el Peru. Tenemos mucho trabajo por delante y nuestro compromiso es continuar con la labor de mejorar la calidad de vida de todos los peruanos. pic.twitter.com/jTXTucKg0M
Right of information from alleged infringers ... Article 8(1) of the Enforcement Directive mandates upon Member States to ensure that, in the context of proceedings concerning an infringement of an IP right and in response to a justified and proportionate request of the claimant, the competent judicial authorities may order that information on the origin and distribution networks of the goods or services which infringe said right be provided by the infringer and/or any other person who was:

found in possession of the infringing goods on a commercial scale; found to be using the infringing services on a commercial scale; found to be providing on a commercial scale services used in infringing activities; or found to be providing on a commercial scale services used in infringing activities; indicated by the person referred to in point (1), (2) or (3) as being involved in the production, manufacture or distribution of the goods or the provision of the services. But is the right of information compatible with the values that individual Member States recognize in their constitutions?





The IPKat has learned from Katfriend Bohdan Wida (attorney-at-law at Barta&Kalinski ) that, recently, the Polish Constitutional Tribunal has ruled (the text is not yet available, but the press release is) that this might not always be the case.





Heres what Bohdan writes:





Is the right to information about the infringing activities compatible with constitutionally protected values? According to the latest ruling of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal, it might not necessarily be the case if information is requested from a non-infringing party, at least with regard to the Polish implementation of Article 8 of the Enforcement Directive.





Summary





The case dates back to 2015, when Grupa Allegro sp. z o.o. (the biggest e-commerce platform in Poland) was ordered to provide information about the origin and distribution of allegedly infringing goods from 2006 onwards. The claim was submitted by a German automobile manufacturer and related to two EUTMs it owned. The proceedings against the alleged infringer had not yet been initiated. Grupa Allegro tried to invoke a number of defences including statute of limitations, safe harbours, protection of trade secrets and protection of personal data. Neither by the Court for the EU Trade Marks and Community Designs in Warsaw nor the Court of Appeal in Warsaw accepted either of them. The latter also refused to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).





Article 286[1] sec. 1 subsec. 3 of the Industrial Property Law Act, which refers to the right to information against non-infringing parties, is incompatible with freedom to conduct a business as guaranteed under the Polish Constitution. Since the decision of the Court of Appeal was final, Grupa Allegro filed a constitutional complaint. Last week, in an unanimous decision, the Constitutional Tribunal declared that, which refers to the right to information against non-infringing parties, is incompatible with freedom to conduct a business asguaranteed under the Polish Constitution.





Reasoning





The full text of the decision has not yet been published, but we can extract some information from the available press release . At first glance, the provision in question appears similar to Article 8 of the Enforcement Directive and its other national implementations (e.g. 140b of the German Patentgesetz). As always, the devil is in the details. Just to name a few potentially problematic aspects:

the rightholder may request information without brining an action against the infringer, even when the infringing activity is neither proven nor obvious, but highly likely,

it is not explicitly stated that the court should assess the proportionality of the request.

To verify compliance with the Constitution, the Constitutional Tribunal applied a well-established test of proportionality. A statutory provision may limit a constitutional freedom only if it is:

useful (i.e. adequate to achieve its declared goal),

necessary (i.e. there are no alternative ways which are at least equally useful),

proportionate (which requires weighing and balancing opposing interests).

The rationale behind the right to information was not at issue here, nor was the usefulness of the relevant provision. Necessity was a different story. The main problem was that the disclosure of confidential information of the third party is irreversible. However, the rightholder may request and receive such information even if the proceedings against the actual infringer are never initiated. In such circumstances, the right of information loses the connection with the alleged infringement. As a result, the Polish implementation goes beyond what is necessary to enforce IP rights.



Finally, the court considered the protection granted to the rightholder to be disproportionately strong in comparison with the interests of the third party. This was due to the lack of statutory protections against any abuse of the right of information and lack of specific safeguards to ensure proportionality be observed.



The court dismissed the other arguments raised by Grupa Allegro, which mostly referred to the right to a fair trial.





... but also from AngelKats,

aka innocent third parties? Impact



Almost all of the parties of the proceedings, including the ombudsman and the Parliament, argued before the Constitutional Tribunal that Article 286[1] sec. 1 subsec. 3 of IPL was unconstitutional to some extent. The final decision, however, is a bit surprising. Why is that so?





Perhaps most importantly, it seems that the court struck down the entire provision referring to right of information from non-infringing parties, without using any of the tools which would allow it to survive at least to some extent. Some parties suggested a so called partial judgment, which would only invalidate the provision to the extent that it would interfere with the protection of trade secrets or would be detached from actual infringement proceedings. In other cases, the right of information would have remained unchanged. The court did not follow this path. Nor did it postpone the effects of the judgment, something that would have been possible for up to 18 months. As a result, the Constitutional Tribunal pushed Poland into a state of non-compliance with the EU law essentially overnight.





Although this warrants a quick legislative intervention, its direction is not immediately obvious. For example, what safeguards can be created to counterbalance the irreversibility of disclosure? It is hard to imagine an equivalent of the right to be forgotten. Perhaps linking the right of information more strongly to ongoing (or completed, as the CJEU pointed out in C-427/15 NEW WAVE CZ ) infringement proceedings would do the trick. Moreover, there are more issues with the provision in question. It has been criticized by Polish scholars since its introduction in 2007. One can hope that any fixes to the right of information will go beyond what is explicitly stated in the ruling.





Article 80 sec. 1 subs. 3 of the Act on Copyright and Related Rights. Although it was not struck down here, courts may follow the reasoning of the Constitutional Tribunal and refuse to apply the twin provision in copyright cases. It would not be entirely surprising. After the Polish provision allowing the rightholder to claim triple the value of license fees for a culpable copyright infringement was The impact is not limited to patents, trade marks and designs. A very similar claim is described in. Although it was not struck down here, courts may follow the reasoning of the Constitutional Tribunal and refuse to apply the twin provision in copyright cases. It would not be entirely surprising. After the Polish provision allowing the rightholder to claim triple the value of license fees for a culpable copyright infringement was found unconstitutional , the Polish Supreme Court followed the same reasoning with regard to the provision regarding claim for double the value for non-culpable infringement, and refused to apply it (even though it is compliant with EU law ).




The victims of Australia's live export trade led us to Jordan. But it was the suffering of a Syrian bear who first opened our eyes to the plight of animals in the country's zoos. In this grim environment  nestled in a region full of kind, warm people  we saw an opportunity. As seen on A Current Affair, through kind intervention, we knew we could secure a better life for the worst-suffering animals and in doing so, shift hearts and minds towards seeing all animals through a different lens  as unique individuals who are deserving of care and compassion.

It was during a live export investigation in Jordan that Animals Australia first visited the country's zoos and reported back on the dire conditions to Her Royal Highness, Princess Alia al Hussein. Like in many parts of the world where the illegal wildlife trade is thriving, the zoos in Jordan have found themselves with animals they have no capacity to properly care for. Once-spirited bears were living in solitary confinement; majestic waterbirds were deprived of water; highly intelligent striped hyenas cowered in fear; and a lone lion cub, yearning for his mother, was already displaying signs of trauma at just a few months old.

The sight of depressed animals was reminiscent of the misery we see in factory farms in Australia, where rows of confined mother pigs languish with no quality of life whatsoever. So, not for a moment did we stand in judgement. What's unfolding in Jordan's zoos is a classic example as to the cause of animal suffering world-wide  inherited and conditioned thinking that animals exist solely for human use. Seeing busloads of Jordanian children arriving at the zoos was one reason why we prioritised this project. This generational thinking was set to continue unless we could stage a 'kindness' intervention...

Jordan has a number of private zoos, all with significant animal welfare problems and all with an array of animals. We determined that we may not be able to save them all, but we could ensure that they were provided with a life worth living  which meant gaining the cooperation of zoo owners. While 'animal advocates' and 'zoo owners' might seem like two ends of a spectrum, it quickly became clear they were just looking at animals through a different lens. Before long, we were able to find common ground through explaining, without judgement, the needs of the animals that were not being met  and speaking to human qualities that they and their families value as much as we do: kindness and compassion.

Our goal was to reach an agreement where Animals Australia would be given custody of the animals most in need; that the illegal breeding and selling of all animals would stop permanently in return for us working with zoo owners to dramatically improve the lives of those who remained. These were some of the most complex negotiations in the history of Animals Australia but we have now signed the first agreement with one of the zoos which enabled us to take into our care three Syrian bear cubs, a 4-month-old African lion cub, two Striped hyenas, an Arabian wolf, three Great White pelicans, a Golden eagle, an Egyptian vulture, a falcon, and one feisty (yet adorable) Eurasian badger.

The day Animals Australia took these animals 'under our wing' was truly memorable! It was incredibly special for the Animals Australia team to work side by side with Jordanians, including the zoo owners, their staff and their children  one and all motivated by providing these animals with a better, kinder life.

Working with the veterinary team from the Princess Alia Foundation was a wonderful reminder of how, little by little, our efforts are creating a kinder world. The Foundation had come into existence as a result of Animals Australia's work on behalf of the victims of Australia's live export trade. But most special of all was knowing that, from that moment onwards, these animals would only know kindness  and that a door was now open at this zoo that would enable us to transform thinking and the lives of other animals in need.

The animals are thriving in their new, albeit temporary, homes. After a life of deprivation, the bear cubs now have play equipment to climb and a pool which they throw themselves into at every opportunity. The little lion cub is at the tender age where, most of all, he needs company. While we cannot replace his parents, we are ensuring that his expert human carers shower him with kindness and entertain him with toys.

Their home at the Princess Alia Foundation Rescue Centre is only temporary. Animals Australia plans to create large, natural homes for them at the Al Ma'wa Wildlife Sanctuary in the north of Jordan. This is a beautiful 50-hectare area of natural forest, high in the hills, donated by the Jordanian government. We will remain responsible for the care of these animals, and others who will come into our protection from zoos, for the rest of their lives. Help us make our vision for their future a reality by joining us on this journey.
Getting the Lead Out

The AAPS is working to eliminate risks at school. Some community members say they should do more.

by Julie Halpert

From the December, 2018 issue

In May 2017, a few months before Abby Dumes' son was to start kindergarten, she thought it was important to check the test results of lead exposure in Ann Arbor Public Schools. This likely would not be a priority of most prospective parents of kindergartners. But Dumes is a medical anthropologist and U-M anthropology lecturer specializing in environmental health.



"I was thinking about environmental health in the context of the Flint water crisis," she says. "It was on my radar." In 2016, the first year Ann Arbor Public Schools began testing its water for lead, most drinking fountains and sinks had undetectable levels. But that year only seventy sources were sampled. In 2017, the district expanded the sample to 388 sources, and when Dumes reviewed the results of this initial testing, she was alarmed. Only one of the district's thirty-two buildings, Huron High, had no detectable levels in any of its sources. Thirty-nine percent had at least one water source that exceeded the EPA "action level"--the threshold recommended to take action to remove lead--of fifteen parts per billion.



The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality recommends a lower action level, 5 ppb, which is also the FDA standard for bottled water. If the district had used that standard--as Dumes thought it should--79 percent of AAPS buildings would have had at least one source over the limit. One faucet at Burns Park Elementary initially tested at 320 ppb.



Lead is particularly toxic to children, whose bodies absorb significantly more of it than adults, causing major adverse effects to brain development. The American Academy of Pediatrics says there is no safe blood lead concentration level for children and recommends that school water fountains not exceed lead concentrations of 1 ppb.



The Flint water crisis was a cautionary tale. To save money, a state-appointed emergency manager stopped buying water from Detroit and reopened a treatment plant on the Flint River. But the river's water was more corrosive, and many homes

...continued below...

were connected to the city system through old lead pipes. City and state officials insisted the water was safe--but a 2015 study by pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha found that the percentage of young children with elevated levels of lead in their blood doubled after the water change, from 2.4 to 4.9 percent.Over the last thirty years, federal programs have greatly reduced the risk of lead poisoning from old plumbing and lead-based paint. Even in Flint, the number of children with elevated blood levels fell by nearly three-quarters between 2006 and 2016. But the governmental failure became a global scandal--and focused everyone's attention on the danger of lead in drinking water.---In October, Dumes, Ecology Center deputy director Rebecca Meuninck, and two pediatricians who are AAPS parents created a petition asking that every source in Ann Arbor Public Schools used for drinking and cooking be tested. It garnered over 1,000 signatures. After an emotional school board meeting dominated by concerned community members speaking on the issue, superintendent Jeanice Swift announced that the district's lead testing program had been updated "to establish greater than 5ppb (>5ppb) as the level at which we will conduct mitigation action; any drinking water or food preparation locations testing at greater than 5ppb will be taken out of service until mitigation is completed and acceptable test results are achieved."Mitigation actions could involve replacing water fixtures, installing lead filters, and possibly replacing water pipes. (Unlike Flint, Ann Arbor's system contains no lead pipes, but until 1986, copper pipes were joined with lead-based solder.) "We are all hands on deck" now, says Swift.The district has also begun to install lead filtered "hydration stations" in each school, one for each 100 students in a building. The cost, roughly $1 million, will come from an existing sinking fund for building repair and construction. Swift also convened an advisory group of experts to wrestle with some of "the more subtle components of these issues."There are no federal rules requiring testing of drinking water in schools. "Ann Arbor is the only school district I'm aware of in Washtenaw County that is on municipal water and has undertaken this type of proactive effort," says Kristen Schweighoefer, the county's environmental health director.At an October school board meeting, Dumes said the current course of action represents "huge steps on the path to ensuring safe drinking water for every AAPS student." Meuninck was impressed that as soon as the issues were raised, "the school district acted so quickly and set a precedent for the best practices in the state."But Dumes points out that only a portion of water sources have been tested so far and that sources that tested above 5 ppb in 2017 remain in use. "I think the biggest concern is that, while a long-term solution is being pieced together, children and staff continue to drink from tested and untested sources that are at risk for elevated levels of lead," she emails. "If there are outlets that continue to be on, and there isn't communication not to use them, they're going to be used."Dumes is particularly troubled that a number of the fixtures that tested over 15 ppb in 2017 were left in service when retests after flushing showed lower levels. She points to an EPA protocol which indicates that flushing prior to sampling can result in artificially low measures of lead levels.Swift says that the 2017 testing took place in the summer, when water sits stagnant in parts of closed schools, and standard protocol is to flush the water in such situations. She says the Arch Environmental Group, which did the testing, thought the unusually high levels from some of the faucets seemed out of order, so they tested them again. (Arch did not respond to requests for comment.) For example, when the Burns Park faucet tested high on July 27, two more samples were taken. On August 15, the level was down to 10 ppb. On August 16, after the prior day's flush, the level went down to 5 ppb. The Burns Park faucet remains in use, on the assumption that the initial high level was due to stagnant water.Swift says every faucet was supposed to be flushed prior to sampling, but it's likely that eighteen faucets where levels were initially high and came down in subsequent tests had not properly been flushed before the first test. Those sources are still in service. Holly Gohlke, a water quality specialist with the MDEQ, says Arch Environmental's decision to leave those fixtures in service followed appropriate guidelines. AAPS, she says, is "doing a good job" following guidance from both the EPA and the DEQ.Seven sources continued to test over 15 ppb in subsequent testing in the summer of 2017. Arch provided assessments of what parts needed to be replaced in those fixtures. Emile Lauzzana, AAPS executive director of physical properties, says that fixtures and immediately adjacent plumbing were replaced in those drinking water sources. The mitigation reduced lead levels under 15 ppb; those fixtures will now be retested, and if they test above 5 ppb additional mitigation will be performed.Wayne State civil and environmental engineering professor Shawn McElmurry, whose research focuses on the transport of pollutants in urban systems, says that presuming the high levels of lead are due solely to stagnated water and leaving them in service may not be the most prudent approach. Any time a high concentration of lead is found, it indicates a potential source of lead exposure, he says, and the first draw typically reflects sources that are closer to the faucet. But "you can't guarantee that the lead in the first draw sample is due only to the immediate plumbing"--there could be a lead source farther back in the system.Dumes remains concerned, she writes, that "AAPS continues to conduct pre-stagnation flushing, or flushing prior to sampling. This is out of step with EPA recommendations and, according to the EPA, 'may cause results showing lower than representative lead levels in the water.'"She also wants the district to be more aggressive in restricting access to untrusted sources while testing is conducted, and points to the Detroit Public Schools: In August, after testing found high levels of copper and lead at sixteen schools, DPS shut off all drinking water sources in its system. Swift says AAPS is taking appropriate precautions, since most of its drinking fountains and sinks already are at or below 5 ppb.Detroit, with its older housing stock, also has a much more serious problem with childhood lead exposure. The Michigan Department of Human Services reports that 8.8 percent of Detroit children tested in 2016 had elevated lead levels--far more than in Flint at the peak of the crisis.In Washtenaw County, the figure in 2016 was just 1 percent. According to preliminary 2017 figures provided by Schweighoefer, of 1,116 children tested who gave Ann Arbor addresses, just eleven had lead levels over 5 mg.---Given the risks, however, no one wants their child exposed to lead. The challenge, says McElmurry, is that there is there is no single protocol or set of regulations that schools must follow. Stagnant water can allow lead to build up and antibacterial chlorine to decay. "To avoid that, we want clean water to flow through the pipes to consumers as fast as possible," McElmurry says."We have definitely been seeing stagnant water being a factor in elevated lead results," says Gohlke, the MDEQ water quality specialist. "We are highly recommending that schools do a water moving program in the building on a routine basis."Jerome Nriagu, professor emeritus at the U-M School of Public Health, who has published several papers on lead poisoning, isn't surprised there is an issue with lead in drinking water. "It's what you would expect in any plumbing system that is thirty to fifty years old," he says, due to the use of lead solder. He believes there needs to be more effort invested in trying to identify the source of the lead in water. And he's worried there won't be enough hydration stations to ensure that all students have easy access to safe water, particularly in a large school like Pioneer High. After they play sports, "they're very thirsty. They'll have to get permission to run to the other end of the school to get a drink. It doesn't make sense to me," Nriagu says. He suggests an interim measure: equipping every drinking fountain with certified filters. "Filters can bring the lead down to acceptable levels while they're trying to figure out how to deal" with the problem, he says.Swift says filters won't be installed during testing, since doing so would significantly slow the process of ensuring all buildings are tested and that fixtures needing remediation are addressed immediately following the current rounds of testing during this school year. She adds that the plan is to install more hydration stations at high traffic locations, like near the cafeteria or gym or busy hallway intersections--"We will look at how the building is laid out and where there are natural traffic patterns."Depending on the size of the school, more than 100 may be installed, she says. There are already some in the schools that were given to the district as gifts from graduating classes.---It's unclear exactly how long the testing will take to complete. "Our role is to get this done very, very quickly. We are expediting this," Swift says. Mitigation will begin immediately following a high reading instead of waiting for all testing to be completed.Swift says AAPS will restrict access to unsafe sources with signs and labels that say "not safe for drinking" for sources that are never intended to be used for drinking, like bathroom sinks. "I do understand the concern of parents who say 'what if my child goes to a room that has not been used for a while and takes the first drink?'" she says. "We will all be engaged in a fundamental education, teaching and learning process," spreading the word that it's important to let a water outlet run for a few seconds before drinking. "They'll be getting water in a lot of places. It's the best practice for us to follow no matter where we're drinking."Meuninck believes AAPS is on the right course. With these caveats, she says there's still work to be done to ensure students and staff know which sources to use and which should be avoided. It's crucial to avoid a situation where "children are going up to a bubbler [drinking fountain] in a classroom if it's not a trusted source." But she points out, "We have a team full of educators who know how to reach children with messaging."Swift says she's confident that AAPS will be a leader in the area of water quality. "We will continue to work on this plan," she said at an October meeting. "It is our desire to get to the lowest levels. We hope to see a day when it will be zero. That is our goal." [Originally published in December, 2018.]
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. The results of the Sunday parliamentary election were expected, there was nothing surprising, according to political analyst Karen Kocharyan.

We have a parliament that has three political forces, the dominating one being My Step Alliance, and the Prosperous Armenia and Luminous Armenia parties are the opposition, he told ARMENPRESS.

Time will show as to what extent these political forces will be able to counterbalance the My Step Alliance, but Ive always said that the opposition will be born from the My Step Alliance, he said.

Kocharyan said he doesnt expect any post-electoral development. He argues that there are no circumstances to doubt the outcome.

Speaking about the political forces that failed to enter parliament, Kocharyan said these parties require changes within themselves.

The fact that the traditional parties didnt overcome the threshold speaks about the fact that if they arent rejecting their own tired faces, then the society is, Kocharyan said.

The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia has released the preliminary results from all 2010 polling stations in the country of the general election vote.

According to the CEC, caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans My Step Alliance has won a landslide victory with 70,43 % - with 884,456 votes.

The Republican Party of Armenia garnered only 4,70% - 59,059 votes.

Citizens Decision Social-Democratic Party received 0,68%, with 8530 votes.

Bargavatch Hayastan (Prosperous Armenia) Party received 8,27%, with 103,824 votes.

The ARF, or the Dashnaktsutyun, garnered 3,89% with 48,811 votes.

Lusavor Hayastan (Luminous Armenia) Party got 6,37% - 80,024 votes.

2619 voters (0,50%) cast ballots for the Christian-Peoples Rebirth Party.

The National Progress Party and the Menk (We) Alliance garnered 0,51% (6456 votes) and 2,00% (25,174) respectively.

Orinats Yerkir Party (Rule of Law) garnered 0,99% with 12,389 votes, and the Sasna Tsrer Pan-Armenian Party got 1,82% with 22,862 votes.

According to preliminary information the turnout was 48.63%.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. President of France Emmanuel Macron will deliver a televised address to the nation regarding the Yellow Vests protests, AFP reports.

Macron will deliver the address at 20:00, December 10.

According to government officials, the president intends to present specific and immediate actions for resolving the situation.

According to BFM, Macron will also hold a meeting with leading unions and enterprise representatives today.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Soon after the preliminary vote count results of the general election of Armenia were released by the countrys Central Electoral Commission, news media from around the world shifted their spotlight on Armenia.

Armenias acting prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has bolstered his authority after his political bloc won early parliamentary elections, the Guardian said.

Armenian citizens created a revolutionary majority at the parliament, the British daily newspaper quoted Pashinyan as saying at his blocs HQ after the first results were published.

Sputnik News noted that the Republican Party of Armenia, the former ruling party, for the first time failed to cross the 5-percent threshold to get into the country's parliament, garnering only 4.7 percent of the vote.

Acting Armenian PM's bloc easily wins parliamentary vote, Reuters reported.

Armenia's acting PM Nikol Pashinyan wins by landslide, said Euronews, referring to the overwhelming 70,43% of votes garnered by My Step Alliance, which includes Pashinyans Civil Contract party.

Nearly 40 foreign news media have accredited at the foreign ministry to cover the general election.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan said earlier on Facebook the foreign news outlets have accredited more than 80 journalists.

"After the elections, we will be developing Armenian democracy and make an economic revolution happen," France24 quoted Pashinyan telling reporters after casting his ballot on December 9 in Yerevan.

Armenians appeared to overwhelmingly back protest leader and current acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in early parliamentary elections on Sunday, reported the German Deutsche Welle.

The newspaper notes that the former ruling party suffered a massive defeat and came in at just over 4 percent, according to the early results. 

The Turkish press also covered the election, with TRT World quoting Pashinyan as saying : "An economic revolution is our top priority," after voting.

Irans PressTV noted Pashinyans landslide victory, that enabled the premier to consolidate his authority months after he rose to power.

The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia has released the preliminary results from all 2010 polling stations in the country of the general election vote.

According to the CEC, caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans My Step Alliance has won a landslide victory with 70,43 % - with 884,456 votes.

The Republican Party of Armenia garnered only 4,70% - 59,059 votes.

Citizens Decision Social-Democratic Party received 0,68%, with 8530 votes.

Bargavatch Hayastan (Prosperous Armenia) Party received 8,27%, with 103,824 votes.

The ARF, or the Dashnaktsutyun, garnered 3,89% with 48,811 votes.

Lusavor Hayastan (Luminous Armenia) Party got 6,37% - 80,024 votes.

2619 voters (0,50%) cast ballots for the Christian-Peoples Rebirth Party.

The National Progress Party and the Menk (We) Alliance garnered 0,51% (6456 votes) and 2,00% (25,174) respectively.

Orinats Yerkir Party (Rule of Law) garnered 0,99% with 12,389 votes, and the Sasna Tsrer Pan-Armenian Party got 1,82% with 22,862 votes.

According to preliminary information the turnout was 48.63%.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. German rail workers have gone on a four-hour strike across the country, with all long-distance trains canceled, according to Deutsche Welle.

Workers announced strikes after salary talks failed to give results last week.

Regional trains are also heavily affected.

In the capital Berlin, no city trains (S-Bahn) are expected to run.

According to Deutsche Welle, the rail workers have walked off the job after pay talks between the country's main railway company Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the EVG rail trade union broke down without agreement.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. The early elections of parliament in Armenia passed in free conditions and had broad trust of the people, OSCE Special Co-ordinator of the observer mission Peter Osusky told a news conference in Yerevan.

Open political debates took place in Armenia including with participation of the news media and online. The general absence of irregularities, including vote buying and absence of pressures, enabled to implement a true competition. All our observers noted that all procedures of the electoral code were adhered. Many of the people noted that the voting and campaigning process was open and clear, and substantial debates have taken place. Observers have also noted that they would also want for such debates between leaders to take place in their countries, he said.

According to him, they have certain concerns regarding the funding procedure of elections, which creates some unequal conditions.

He added that competitors had the chance to implement their campaigns and all political forces had equal conditions for holding free assemblies.

The current government of Armenia has expressed its political will on holding the elections in fair and equal conditions, and this government has not encouraged vote buying. But in any case, certain changes are required, and in this regard our organization has submitted recommendations and proposals that we would like to be implemented, he said.

According to him, this election brought positive energy to Armenia.

Democracy cannot advance without the confidence of the broad public and it is my pleasure to note that this confidence existed during the election and this was the main characteristic of this election, he said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Only the Bright Armenia party has an opposition resource in the parliamentary space, party leader Edmon Marukyan told reporters, reports Armenpress.

He said its normal that there are and will be opposition forces in the extra-parliamentary space. The situation is such that there cannot be any other opposition in the Parliament, he added.

Marukyan said after the revolution the Bright Armenia party had a contribution to the government from the revolution and defended the values of the revolution and prevented any regress from the revolution during these six months. But this doesnt mean that we have not shared our concerns, and this also doesnt mean that this can somehow conceal us in the future, he said.

Early parliamentary elections were held in Armenia on December 9.

Based on the preliminary results, 3 political forces have been elected to the parliament: My Step alliance  70.44% of votes, Prosperous Armenia  8.27% and Bright Armenia - 6.37%.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
The mark (AKA Pantone 2685C)

Cadbury UK Ltd v The Comptroller General of Patents Designs And Trade Marks [2018] EWCA Civ 2715.

This appeal concerned Cadbury's attempt to amend the description of the mark:

The mark consists of the colour purple, as shown on the form of application, applied to the whole visible surface, or being the predominant colour applied to the whole visible surface, of the packaging of the goods. The mark consists of the colour purple (Pantone 2685C) as shown on the form of application, applied to the whole visible surface, or being the predominant colour applied to the whole visible surface, of the packaging of the goods.

There were three grounds of appeal:

The deputy judge wrongly failed to construe the 876 mark as consisting of two descriptions of the mark presented as alternatives: namely (i) the purple colour applied to the whole visible surface of the packaging and (ii) the purple colour being the predominant colour applied to the whole visible surface of the packaging The deputy judge wrongly considered that the fact that the second alternative covered an unknown number of ways of presenting the colour meant that it failed to satisfy section 41(2) of the Act [i.e. it did not qualify as a series mark] . That was a different question from whether it satisfied section 1(1) of the Act. Even if it is correct that the 876 mark is wrongly registered as a series, the deputy judge was wrong to consider that this prohibited Cadbury from deleting the second alternative under rule 28(5) of the 2008 rules. Rule 28(5) permits the proprietor to delete any mark which appears on the register as part of a series regardless of whether it qualified to have been registered as a series.

The series argument was an interesting angle but [spoiler alert] it was not successful. Floyd LJ took the lead on this one.





Interesting points to note:

Although Cadbury's application was not explicitly for a series mark, Floyd LJ did not consider this determinative as the registrar has a power to register a series of marks in accordance with the Act and rules. "If a fair reading of the register is that he has exercised that power, I would be reluctant to hold that the absence from Form TM3 of a statement of the number of marks in the series would be determinative of whether a series had in fact been registered." The question was whether the mark was (i) a single mark with an imprecise description, or (ii) two or more marks forming a series. (Put another way, was it a valid mark bundled with an invalid mark or one mark with a flawed description?) This was important as if the mark was part of a series, it could have been possible to delete the invalid mark. The debate essentially was a question of whether (i) the opening description of the mark ("The mark [singular] consists of the colour purple") was determinative or (ii) the two alternatives (whole surface or predominant colour) in the second part of the description lead to the conclusion that more than one mark has been registered. The use of the word "or" was not enough to dissuade Floyd LJ from the conclusion that the description referred to a range: "Taking both parts of the description and reading the description as a whole, what is being described is every conceivable case where purple is the predominant colour, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the case where no other colour is visible." As Floyd LJ noted, "t he logical result of Cadbury's argument is... that the registrar has allowed registration not of a series consisting of two marks but a series consisting of an unknown number of marks." The simpler and more obvious conclusion was that the description " were parts of a generalised but imprecise description of a single mark".

The final word













This was an interesting and novel argument which has provided some clarity around both series marks and the description of colour marks. What next in the chocolate wars? Watch this space. This case could raise questions over adherence to future guidance from the registrar. As always, readers' constructive comments and insights on this and the other issues raised by the case are appreciated.

The Comptroller and John Baldwin QC (sitting as a deputy judge in the appeal to the High Court) both denied the request to amend the description.Frustratingly for Cadbury's the issue arises because Cadbury's followed guidance from the registrar in 1997 and amended their 1995 mark from a description which read "to the above longer form and more confusing wording. This change was made at the express suggestion of the registrar (Cadbury's application had been to amend the description to "".The reason for this application to change the mark was the impact of the decision in- see the IPKat post here . This case considered whether the description together with the mark defined a sign within the meaning of section 1(1) TMA (it did not). As a result of the Court of Appeal decision, Cadbury's had to revisit its earlier 1995 mark which had the same description and consequently was vulnerable to an invalidity attack. A small ray of hope was glimpsed in the Court of Appeal's analysis and it concluded that it might be possible to remove the "predominant colour" wording from the description, and leave only the "whole surface" wording. If this had been possible, it might have been possible to overcome the Cadbury 1 objection.Floyd LJ had the final word: "."
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan on December 10 sent a congratulatory letter to acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the Artsakh Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The letter says:

Dear Mr. Pashinyan,

On behalf of the people, authorities of the Republic of Artsakh and personally myself I congratulate you on the convincing victory of the alliance led by you in the snap parliamentary elections of Armenia.

I hope the new National Assembly and government will contribute to Armenias development and strengthening, preservation of Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora firm unity and implementation of pan-national programs.

The solution of issues facing our statehood and people, the further strengthening of defense and security system, ensuring socio-economic program, raising the living standards of the population are the main guidelines the activities of the two Armenian states and their political leaderships must be based on.

I wish you, all our sisters and brothers of Armenia peace, good health, success and victories for the glory of our homeland and people.

Early parliamentary elections were held in Armenia on December 9.

Based on the preliminary results, 3 political forces have been elected to the parliament: My Step alliance  70.44% of votes, Prosperous Armenia  8.27% and Bright Armenia - 6.37%.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent a letter to President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian welcoming the elections of the new National Assembly, reports Armenpress.

His Holiness Aram I called the December 9 a significant day for Armenia. Our people have expressed their collective will by electing a new National Assembly for the sake of free, democratic and powerful Armenia. The peoples will is also a fair expectation to have a homeland where justice, economic development, improvement of peoples living standards, guarantee of pluralism by law, strengthening of rule of law are transformed into transparent processes.

In the foreign front the strengthening of Artsakhs independence, our peoples demand for recognition and reparation of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the expansion of circle of our friends and partners of the East and the West must confidently have a priority place in Armenias diplomatic relations agenda, the letter says.

Catholicos Aram I said the Diaspora, as part of the Armenia world, in addition to the role of philanthropist and investor, must also participate in the discussion of pan-Armenians agendas and decision-making processes.

We believe that we can guide Armenia to further strengthening with such works and programs and committed participation of our people, with its healthy economy, strong Army and state structures. I warmly congratulate our lovely people. May God keep and hold firm our homeland, the letter said.

Early parliamentary elections were held in Armenia on December 9.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Acting Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan delivered opening remarks at the session of the Third Global Forum Against Crime of Genocide.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan particularly said,

Your Excellency President of Armenia, Mr. Armen Sarkissian,

Your grace Archbishop Natan Hovhannisyan,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,



Many warm welcome to Armenia,

Many warm welcome to the first morning post-election Armenia.

Welcome to the Third Global Forum. Welcome to Matenadaran, the institute and museum of ancient manuscripts, a monument of knowledge, idea, creation and education, a legacy of Armenias centuries-old contribution to world civilization and the bastion against the darker side of the human nature, against discrimination and hatred and intolerance - the very root causes of what we are gathered together to elaborate the ways to prevent.

Welcome also to Armenia at a time when the international community commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 72 years ago the UN adopted a landmark resolution 96/1, which was tabled by, at a time, India Cuba and Panama and which endorsed the term genocide and which opened the way for the subsequent adoption two years later, on 9th december in 1948, of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It was obviously a day of triumph for one particular man, Raphael Lemkin, who dedicated his entire life to addressing this crime, which rattles the conscience of humanity - the crime of genocide.

Also welcome to Armenia on a day when the international community commemorates the 70th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights which is exactly today. Again 70 years ago in 1948 great panel of experts have gathered to draft an important document, which became a foundation of what in subsequent seventy years have been the construction of the machinery of human rights protection globally, internationally. And again a good day to recognize and celebrate the legacy of those experts under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt and such prominent lawyers as Charles Malick, William Hutchison, Fernand Santa Cruz, John Humphrey, Rene Cassagne, Peng Chun Chang, Alexander Bogdanov

Over the seventy years UN has been quite successful in building considerable foundations, considerable pillars to bring nations together to work against discrimination, against violations of human rights for the protection of human dignity and human rights. It took two world wars to recognize the devastation of human distraction, the distraction of human identity.

In seventy years we have both solid body of law and practical machinery of addressing collectively the issue of human rights. Twenty years ago Armenia initiated a process to take a level up the international cooperation, international effort to strengthen the concept of prevention against atrocities. At the time of the 50th anniversary of the Convention, Armenia tabled a resolution to remind the international community that there is such document, which is still as relevant as ever and which requires recognition, effort, implementation, especially at the national level, the primary level of protection and promotion of human rights. Subsequently we have developed further the international soft law on prevention.

We have celebrated and supported the effort of UN Secretary General at a time in 2004 to create a special body within the United Nations. His ambitions were a bit higher but the members of the UN have lowered those ambitions unfortunately. We have what has been created as the Office of Special Adviser of the Secretary General for the Prevention of Genocide. I think we within the UN have created quite sound foundations of raising awareness of the risks of genocide in the international community and consolidating international efforts against this crime. And I particularly want to thank Mr. Adama Dieng for all his strong efforts in promoting this agenda.

In 2015 the UN adopted a resolution in the General Assembly to pronounce the 9th december as the international day of the commemoration and dignity of the victims of genocide and for the prevention of this crime. Since 2005 until 2018 we have been promoting the method of prevention against the crime of genocide and its an ongoing effort.

In 2015 Armenia made another contribution to this collective effort by way of establishing this very global forum. And I am so profoundly grateful to all of you for gathering today here in Armenia - a group of prominent scholars, prominent representatives of the academia, of the professionals of law, practitioners, to elaborate the method of prevention with a special focus on education.

Seventy years on, with the seventieth anniversary of the Convention we have been uttering the words never again unfortunately too often. The crime of genocide has not disappeared from the international agenda. The risks of Genocide have not disappeared from the international agenda. We live in a turbulent world, we live in a world of rising radicalism, populism, discrimination, intolerance. We live in a dangerous world where human rights are pushed in the backseat and this is very dangerous.

We know that in the era of rising social media and the proliferation of ideas - unfortunately it is a channel of all ideas including those who cultivate intolerance, discrimination, glorification of hatred - that is a challenge. Challenge at the national, regional, international level. This is the idea of the Third Global Forum today.

I am very keen to see an outcome, a generation of ideas and thoughts about the ways in which we can benefit from these discussions over the next two days, and take it up a level and bring in to the agenda within the UN, at regional level and at national levels, so that we can contribute in further institutional strengthening of our capacity to resist genocidal tendencies which cultivate the risks of mass atrocities.

Once again I welcome you very much to this Third Global Forum I look forward for the fruitful discussion and practical outcomes of this conference.

Thank you.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenia announced about its readiness to establish direct diplomatic relations with Turkey without preconditions, ARMENPRESS reports acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan told about this in a meeting with the representatives of foreign media.

We hope Turkey will take the same stance, Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan also mentioned the preconditions that can never be accepted, first of all Nagorno Karabakh issue. Relations with Turkey are linked with Nagorno Karabakh issue and a 3rd country, I mean Azerbaijan, he said.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
Next it is the mothers turn. Cleared of the clunky devices, the table is quickly transformed into a state-of-the-art pathology lab. Atop a sterile blue paper cloth appears a small blue box, two white strips of filter paper and a small graduated glass rod.

Local health workers Pele Melepia and Priscah Hezericlad stretch out her one-year-old baby girl and measure her length with a contraption that resembles those used to measure foot size. The baby is also weighed carefully on a set of digital plastic scales.

Amidst yapping dogs and swaying palms, the nervous young mother sits at the sturdy table set up in the dusty yard of her village.

ADELAIDE - Popular images of the people of Papua New Guinea tend to concentrate on colourful costumes, decorations and ceremonies  such as this picture showing locals at the city of Mt Hagen  but away from tourist spots the situation is very different.

A large drop of blood ebbing from the mothers pricked finger will reveal whether she is anaemic or carries malaria parasites. A vaginal swab, which she has discretely provided, will take stock of any genital tract infections.

The entire exercise has taken the four-member team  also comprising Primrose Homiehombo, who interviewed the mother, and Dukduk Kabiu, the community liaison officer  half a day.

The potholed three-kilometre dirt track that leads to the village situated within the Tokua plantation is one reason. Waiting for the mother to return from an excursion is another.

Its not unusual. For the last two years the dedicated Papua New Guinean staff of the Melbourne-based Burnet Institute have repeated this exercise thousands of times to track down mothers and babies in remote villages across the province of East New Britain).

Populated by some 400,000 people, the island is a microcosm of the mainland, nestled to the south-west. Villages are isolated by rugged terrain and accessing them is often a one-to-two-day journey down potholed dirt tracks and across footbridges, carrying equipment and ice buckets to keep tissue samples cold.

Their dedication stems from a conviction that the measurements and tissue samples they are gathering will help solve one of PNGs most pressing health problems: the poor growth and development of its children, commonly known as stunting.

We need this data to advise our politicians, Essie Koniel tells me. A handsome, middle-aged woman from a tiny fishing village in the north-west of the island, shes the Burnet Country Operations Manager for the 40-strong team at the Institutes headquarters in Kokopo, which has been the ENB capital since volcanic eruptions destroyed Rabaul in 1994.

This data is like gold, agrees Brendan Crabb, the Burnet Institutes Director. Well never have to repeat this study and it wont just help the people of PNG; it will help poor communities all over the world, he tells the people at the village in Tokua plantation via liaison officer Dukduk Kabiu.

Crabb is making one of his regular visits to Kokopo, accompanied by his partner  paediatrician Michelle Scoullar  deputy director and public health physician James Beeson, midwifery professor Caroline Homer, paediatrician Chris Morgan and me  a journalist and donor to the program.

Globally, children in poor countries experience stunting rates of about 22%, but PNG stands out with around 45% of its children falling well below the normal range for height by the age of two. It doesnt just mean these children will be short; they are more likely to be sickly throughout life, and less likely to reach their full intellectual potential.

Its not a statistic that sits nicely with prime minister Peter ONeills modernisation narrative.

Theres no doubt the countrys public health system is struggling. The polio outbreak last June put PNG on the global radar but any number of indicators bear testament: chronic malaria, drug resistant TB and the fact that PNG women are 35 times more likely to die in childbirth than their sisters across the Torres Strait.

Nevertheless, stunting stands out as a problem of special urgency. The World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim, has highlighted stunting as a humanitarian disaster. The World Health Organisation ranks it as a number one priority for development  and with good reason.

The prospect that a fifth  or in the case of PNG, half  of the population is starting life behind the eight ball is a dismal basis for nation-building. People will be left behind, says Crabb.

While its clear that modernisation and rising affluence largely eradicate the problem of stunting, in PNG thats a slow process hindered by rugged terrain, earthquakes, tsunamis and erupting volcanos. For Crabb, the question is What can you do while waiting for the country to modernise?

Thats why three years ago, the Burnet in collaboration with the PNG Institute for Medical Research, the University of PNG and government partners, embarked on the landmark Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies study to winkle out some answers.

Now, as the final data comes rolling in, the combined teams are starting to find answers and, ever so carefully, consult with community partners to plan the first intervention trials.

So, what exactly is stunting?

Link to the full article here
Investing.com - Asian equities fell in morning trade on Monday, with Japans Nikkei 225 ddown more than 2.3% after data showed the countrys gross domestic product shrank more than expected in the third quarter.

The GDP shrank by an annualised 2.5%, compared with an initial estimate of a 1.2% contraction and against economists' median forecast for a 1.9% decline, revised data from the Cabinet Office showed.

Japan Display Inc (T:6740)s share prices slumped as much as 9.09% after the company said it had no plans to cut production of its smartphone panels this month, following reports which said it was planning to do so.

Meanwhile, Chinas Shanghai Composite and the Shenzhen Composite were down 0.9% and 1.3% respectively by 10:00 PM ET (03:00 GMT). Chinese customs data showed on Saturday that the countrys November exports rose 5.4% from a year earlier, compared to the expected 10% jump.

Annual growth for exports to all of China's major partners slowed significantly, according to the data.

On the other hand, import grew at 3%, the slowest since October 2016.

"China's November trade data missed expectations by a hefty margin," said analysts from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in a morning note.

"Softer export growth reflects slower global growth and the fading effect of US importers' frontloading shipments to avoid increases in tariffs. Falling import growth points to softening domestic demand. But we expect Chinese fiscal stimulus to support imports in 2019," they said.

China-U.S. tension remained in focus as Chinas vice foreign minister summoned the U.S. ambassador Terry Branstad in protest over the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co.s chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou.

Meng was arrested in Vancouver on Dec. 1 for allegedly violating American sanctions. A posting on the Chinese ministry website said U.S. actions have violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and are extremely bad in nature, and that China will take further action based on the U.S. actions.

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Since the beginning of 2018, the U.S. has pressured European countries and other allies to limit the use of Huaweis technology.

Elsewhere in Asia, South Koreas KOSPI was down 1.4%, while Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index also declined 1.9%.

Down under, Australias ASX 200 slid 2%.

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Australia's Parkes radio telescope in NSW is now tracking Voyager 2 as it enters interstellar space.

The spacecraft, after its twin Voyager 1, is only the second to reach the space between the stars.

The CSIRO is working with NASA.

Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, is supporting NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft as it enters interstellar space.

The spacecraft, after its twin Voyager 1, is only the second to reach the space between the stars.

Voyager mission scientists have been closely monitoring the spacecraft, which is now about 18 billion kilometres from Earth, for signs that it has exited the heliosphere, a protective bubble created by our Sun.

The Parkes radio telescope, just outside the town of Parkes in the central-west region of New South Wales, joined NASA's Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC), part of NASA's Deep Space Network, to receive unique and historic data from Voyager 2.

This provides a clearer picture of the environment through which Voyager 2 is travelling. The Parkes telescope will continue to receive downlink data into early 2019.

Because of Voyager 2's location and distance from Earth, CDSCC and the Parkes telescope are the only facilities in the world that are capable of having contact with the spacecraft.

"So we're proud to help NASA solve the scientific challenge of capturing this once in a lifetime opportunity as Voyager 2 ventures into interstellar space," says CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall.

"Our team at Parkes has partnered with NASA on some of humanity's most momentous steps in space, including the landing of the Mars Rover Curiosity and, almost fifty years ago, the Apollo 11 Moon landing.

"Our long-standing relationship with NASA stretches back more than 50 years, creating breakthrough solutions from science, and fueled by our shared ambition to push the boundaries of exploration to benefit life back on Earth."

Voyager 1 crossed into interstellar space in 2012, while Voyager 2 has been on a different trajectory through our solar system.

On its journey, Voyager 2 flew past Jupiter (in 1979), Saturn (1981), Uranus (1986) and Neptune (1989).
After 16 years of development, testing and considerable controversy, the first two of the Royal Australian Air Force's F-35A Joint Strike Fighters finally touched down on home soil today RAAF Base Williamtown, north of Newcastle.

The $100 million planes - the total fleet of 72 F-35s is expected to cost taxpayers $17 billion - will be part of Number 3 Squadron in the Air Combat Group and are the first two to be permanently based in Australia after several months of testing and training with the planes at the USA's Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

Lockheed Martin hopes to get the cost down to $80 million per plane by 2020.

The RAAF has now received nine F-35As, with the other seven still operating from the US training facility. Today's delivery comes nearly four years to the day since the first of the Australian F35s arrived at Luke Air Force Base.

Australia is part of a consortium of nine nations, including the USA, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark and Norway, in the Lockheed-Martin-built project, which has so far cost more than $US1 trillion.

Defence minister Christopher Pyne MP, was there for the arrival of the plans, which flew from Arizona at speeds of up to 1975km/h, saying the multi-role stealth fighter will dramatically Australia's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The Joint Strike Fighter can get closer to threats undetected; find, engage and jam electronic signals from targets; and share information with other platforms, he said.

In an historic day in Australian aviation, the first two F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to be permanently based in Australia arrived at @AusAirForce RAAF Base Williamtown  https://t.co/vigdcieVwm #auspol #ausdef pic.twitter.com/kTJqAJ6f13  Christopher Pyne (@cpyne) December 9, 2018

Australian businesses have also been part of the F-35A's development, with more than 50 Australian companies directly sharing in $1.2 billion in production contracts according to Defence Industry Minister Steven Ciobo

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Up to 1500 contractors have worked on the construction of the facilities to accommodate the F-35A at RAAF Base Williamtown, representing approximately $1 billion of investment in the Hunter region alone, he said.

Australia's fifth-generation F35A planes are also the first among the program partner nations outside the US with Block 3F capability, the programs final software system, which unlocks its full war-fighting potential.

"Unlocks its full war-fighting potential" is something even the US Navy doesn't have. Its F-35Cs won't complete Block 3F testing until at least late 2018.

The F-35A jets will replace the RAAF's aging fleet of 71 F/A-18A/B Hornets.

https://youtu.be/pLmrL_ByGAo

The F-35A JSF plances will be based at RAAF Base Williamtown and at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

Here's a look at the planes before and as they arrived today.

Wing Commander Darren Clare, Commanding Officer of RAAF No. 3 Squadron, in front of an Australian F-35A aircraft on the flight line at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, USA

RAAF pilots and maintenance personnel are embedded within USAF units and partnering with Lockheed Martin as part of preparations for the F35A becoming operational in Australia

RAAF aircraft maintainer Corporal Cory Cochrane inspects the bomb bay of an Australian F-35A at Luke Air Force Base

The RAAF has now accepted delivery of nine F-35As, which have spent up to four years in the Luke Air Force Base training facility before heading to Australia.

The two F-35A aircraft flew to Australia from Arizona via Hawaii

The F-35As transited through US Hickam Air Force Base Oahu, Hawaii

The planes are costing $AU100 million each but Lockheed Martin hopes to get the cost down to $80m each by 2020

An RAAF KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft helped the F-35As refuel during their journey. The planes have a mission range of around 750 nautical miles - and more than double that - 1600nm, as ferry range

F/A-18A Hornets flew alongside the F-35A that will replace them on approach to RAAF Base Williamtown

F/A-18A Hornets are around 10% faster than the F-35A at top speed, but only have another decade of operational life left before they replaced by the high-tech F35s.
A Russian gun rights advocate who built a powerful network of Republican contacts that reached into President Donald Trump's circle has reached a deal to plead guilty after her arrest for acting as an illegal foreign agent, a court filing by her lawyers indicated Monday. Mariia Butina, 30, was arrested in July by counter-espionage agents and charged with conspiring to act as an agent of Russia "by developing relationships with US persons and infiltrating organizations having influence in American politics." Butina, whose first name is also spelled Maria, at the time pleaded not guilty to charges of acting illegally as an unregistered agent for the Russian government. She was placed in the Adult Detention Center in Alexandria, Virginia, where her lawyers said she was held in solitary confinement for weeks at a time. On Monday they asked the Washington federal court Monday to set a date for a change-of-plea hearing later this week. "The parties have resolved this matter, and the defendant Maria Butina remains in custody," they said, without stating what the final charge would be. Butina ran a small Russian group called the Right to Bear Arms that appears to have been funded in part by Russian politician Alexander Torshin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin. She used her group to build links with the powerful US gun lobby the National Rifle Association, in part via her personal relationship with an NRA-linked Republican activist, Paul Erickson. But the Justice Department said Butina was a "covert Russian agent" who maintained contacts with Russian spies and pursued a mission "to penetrate the US national decision-making apparatus to advance the agenda of the Russian Federation." In 2016, she moved to Washington to study for a master's degree from American University. Erickson, whom she lived with, helped introduce her further in Republican circles. Her social media accounts showed her mingling with senior US politicians and posing with firearms at national gun shows. Her efforts may have had some impact. In early 2016, Erickson was in contact with a senior official on the Trump campaign, Rick Dearborn, offering to help arrange a meeting between Trump and Putin before the election, with Torshin apparently the connection. In early May 2016, Torshin and Trump's son Donald Jr. both attended an official dinner during the NRA's annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky, though it is not known if they spoke to each other. Mariia Butina, leader of a Russian pro-gun organization who was arrested in the US in July and accused of being an 'agent' for Moscow
Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has won a landslide victory in snap parliamentary elections, results showed Monday, cementing his authority months after sweeping to power in a peaceful revolution. Pashinyan, a 43-year-old former journalist, has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty in the impoverished, landlocked ex-Soviet republic of three million people. With all votes counted, the bloc led by Pashinyan's Civil Contract party had taken 70.43 percent of the vote, the central election commission said. The Prosperous Armenia party led by influential oligarch and former arm wrestler Gagik Tsarukyan came a distant second with 8.27 percent. Pashinyan hailed his victory on Monday morning, thanking the "mighty people" of Armenia. "I am proud of you... Let's be courageous," he wrote on Facebook. He became prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian. But efforts at reform stalled in the face of opposition from Sarkisian's Republican Party, which dominated the National Assembly until Pashinyan resigned last month and triggered the snap vote. - 'Unchallenged rule' - The Republican Party took 4.7 percent in Sunday's elections, failing to clear the five percent threshold needed to make it into parliament. The only other party to clear the threshold was the liberal pro-Western Bright Armenia, which garnered 6.37 percent of the vote. As both Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia are seen as Pashinyan-friendly, the absence of an opposition party in the newly elected parliament will be a trial run for Armenia's nascent democracy, analysts said. "The elections have brought to completion the political change made by Pashinyan's 'velvet revolution.' Only pro-revolution parties made it to parliament," analyst Hakob Badalyan told AFP. "The opposition is extremely weak and from now on public opinion will be the only counterweight to Pashinyan's unchallenged rule." Analyst Gela Vasadze said: "Opposition parties were wiped off Armenia's political landscape and that's a challenge for Armenia's young democracy." - 'Vote for positive change' - Voters had expressed optimism about the political changes promised by Pashinyan. "Thanks to the revolution, we will finally have fair elections," 72-year-old pensioner Parzik Avetisyan told AFP on election day. "I voted for the positive change promised by Nikol," he added. Turnout was 48.63 percent, the election commission said. Previous elections have been marred by accusations of fraud but Pashinyan had last week promised "the best elections Armenia has ever seen". International monitors hailed the elections' democratic conduct, saying the vote "respected fundamental freedoms and enjoyed broad public trust." "The general absence of electoral malfeasance, including of vote buying and pressure on voters, allowed for genuine competition," observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a statement. Parliamentary polls had not been scheduled to be held until 2022. Analysts say Pashinyan sought new elections at the peak of his popularity. In September, his bloc scored a landslide victory in a municipal vote, winning more than 80 percent in the capital Yerevan, where nearly 40 percent of the country lives. While seeking reforms at home, Pashinyan also pursued a balanced foreign policy during his first five months in office. He reassured Russian President Vladimir Putin that Armenia would remain Moscow's loyal ally but at the same time sought to charm Western leaders. During an international summit in the capital Yerevan in October he danced traditional Armenian dances with French President Emmanuel Macron and wore matching socks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Nine political parties and two electoral blocs were competing for mandates in the National Assembly. Despite their poor showings, Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia parties will take up at least 30 percent of parliamentary seats under an electoral law aimed at preventing ruling parties from holding too much power. Pashinyan has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty in Armenia Voters had expressed optimism about the political changes promised by Pashinyan Previous elections in Armenia have been marred by accusations of fraud
Brazil's next government, under incoming far-right president Jair Bolsonaro who takes power in three weeks, will be neo-liberal economically, morally conservative and heavy reliant on a contingent of ex-military figures. That's the final composition that has emerged after weeks of announcements and casting about to fill the top posts of 22 ministries, down from 29 in the outgoing administration. Seven of the ministers will be military men. Eight have technocrat profiles. And seven are politicians. All are united by fierce criticism of the leftwing governments that ruled under former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010) -- who is now in prison for corruption -- and his protegee Dilma Rousseff (2011-2016) -- whose second mandate was cut short by impeachment. Bolsonaro said at a ceremony on Monday he would govern "without distinction of social origin, race, sex, age or religion." There are just two women in Bolsonaro's government, which is double the number in the outgoing lineup under President Michel Temer. There are no blacks, despite half of Brazil's population being at least partly descended from Africans. Oliver Stuenkel, a professor of international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, said there were three distinct groups to be seen: "A nationalist, anti-globalist group that is oriented towards the populist politics of Donald Trump, a group of neo-liberals that controls the economic part, and another of military men with influence in various areas." He added: "We'll soon see how the power play will work out between these three axes." - 'Chicago Oldies' - A big challenge for Bolsonaro will be to bring Brazil's economy back to full health. The country exited its worst recession on record two years ago but has put in an anemic performance since. To that end he has tapped Paulo Guedes, a product of the University of Chicago's economic liberalism, to head up an economy superministry in charge of finances, planning, trade and a chunk of the scrapped labor portfolio. Guedes, a strong advocate of privatization and small government, has named a bunch of veteran economists -- nicknamed the "Chicago Oldies" by the Brazilian press -- to take charge of state oil company Petrobras, the central bank and the BNDES development bank. "The formation of the economic team suggests that Guedes will enjoy fairly big autonomy to carry out the reform agenda without interference from other parts of the government," Thomaz Favaro, an analyst at the firm Control Risks, told AFP. - Anti-corruption - Another priority is to fight corruption and rampant crime. Another superministry -- for justice this time -- will be under the command of Sergio Moro, a celebrated anti-graft judge who led the Car Wash investigation that led to Lula and other politicians being sent to prison. But it remains to be seen how Moro will be able to operate under Bolsonaro's extreme right direction, with divergences already possible over the next president's push to ease gun laws and to label radical rural groups as "terrorists." Wladimir Gramacho, a political sciences professor at the University of Brasilia, said Moro and Guedes, as well as Onyx Lorenzoni who will become Bolsonaro's chief of staff, "have the confidence of the three pillars supporting a government: Congress, the economy and public opinion." - Camouflage in cabinet - Brazil's 63-year-old leader-to-be has never hidden his nostalgia for the 1964-1985 military dictatorship he served, nor his intent to dose his cabinet with ex-military types. In addition to the post of vice president, retired generals have been named as the ministers of defense, the secretariat of government, institutional security, mines and energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and the comptroller's office. "We'll see what the military men in the future government bring and their interest in taking on greater portions of power," Gramacho told AFP. - God above all - Bolsonaro has also brought in people who share his ultraconservative values -- he is against abortion and gender identity as defined by individuals -- and his Christian faith, as well as his pro-US, anti-globalization, anti-left views that include scepticism toward climate change. His future foreign minister, Ernesto Araujo, has promised to clean out any trace of "cultural Marxism" from his ministry. His education minister, a Colombian philosopher named Ricardo Velez Rodriguez, has stated that "it's nature that defines gender." His environment minister is a lawyer, Ricardo Salles, who is sympathetic to the powerful rural sector according to Greenpeace and other groups fighting deforestation. The new minister for human rights, women and the family will be a female evangelical pastor, Damares Alves, who has surprised some by saying she believed it was possible to have "a government of peace between the conservative movement, the LGBT movement and other movements." - Beef, Bullets, Bible - Bolsonaro has eschewed the custom of doling out ministries to parties supporting him. Instead he has put some portfolios -- agriculture for instance -- in the hands of what is being called the "BBB" lobbies, standing for "Beef, Bullets and the Bible." They cut across several parties and put forward the interests of Brazil's powerful agribusiness groups, gun advocates, and an influential and growing evangelical movement. A big challenge for Bolsonaro (C), who takes office on January 1, will be to reinvigorate Brazil's economy, which is anemic after exiting the country's worst recession on record
China on Monday ratcheted up its protest over the arrest of an executive of telecom giant Huawei on a US warrant in Canada, calling reports of her treatment "inhumane" as she seeks her release on bail for health reasons. China's latest tirade over the case came as Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the company's founder, faces a Canadian court's decision on bail later Monday in Vancouver. Meng's arrest on December 1 has infuriated Beijing, rocking stock markets and raising tensions amid a truce in the US-China trade war. A Chinese vice foreign minister summoned the US and Canadian ambassadors at the weekend, demanding that the US withdraw its arrest warrant and warning Canada that it faces "grave consequences". Meng, 46, faces US fraud charges related to alleged sanctions-breaking dealings with Iran. In a 55-page sworn affidavit, Meng said she has suffered from severe hypertension for years and has been treated in a Canadian hospital since her arrest. "I continue to feel unwell and I am worried about my health deteriorating while I am incarcerated," the document read. Meng said that she has had "numerous health problems" during her life, including surgery for thyroid cancer in 2011. "I wish to remain in Vancouver to contest my extradition and I will contest the allegations at trial in the US if I am ultimately surrendered," she said. China's state-run Global Times newspaper reported, without citing sources, that "it seems that the Canadian detention facility is not offering her the necessary health care". "We believe this is inhumane and violates her human rights," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing, citing such reports. Lu also said the Canadian government did not immediately notify the Chinese embassy or consulate about Meng's arrest, as it should have under a consular agreement. China has itself faced global criticism over its human rights record and treatment of detained activists and minorities. Last year, dissident Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo died of liver cancer while in custody after China rejected international appeals to let him travel abroad for treatment. The international community has voiced concern about reports that up to one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities are held in internment camps in the northwest region of Xinjiang. - Flight risk? - In a bail hearing that was adjourned on Friday, Canadian Crown prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions". If convicted, she faces more than 30 years in prison. The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case. Meng said she has ties to Vancouver that go back 15 years. She and her husband own several properties in the city, and she even had a Canadian permanent residency permit that she has since renounced. Analysts say her arrest could be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations between the United States and China. Meng was arrested the same day that presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day trade war truce. - National security threat? - But US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer rejected suggestions that the case could affect the negotiations, as the two sides face a March 1 deadline to reach an agreement. Meng's arrest "shouldn't really have much of an impact" on the talks, Lighthizer told CBS's "Face the Nation", although he conceded that the Chinese side might see it that way. "For us, it's unrelated" to trade policy matters. "It's criminal justice." Separately, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow denied reports that Trump was "livid" that the arrest of Meng occurred while the US leader dined with Xi. "He didn't know," Kudlow told "Fox News Sunday." "He learned way later." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said politics played no part in the decision to arrest Meng. While the White House denies any connection between the trade talks and the arrest, US concerns about security linked to the ambitions of Chinese high-tech companies and the alleged theft of intellectual property are at the heart of the trade dispute. Huawei has denied any ties to the Chinese government, but many in Washington and other Western capitals are sceptical and have raised security concerns. US federal law already bans military and government use of devices made by Huawei and fellow Chinese firm ZTE. Influential Republican Senator Marco Rubio told "Face the Nation" that he plans to reintroduce legislation that would ban companies like Huawei from doing business in the US because they "pose a threat to our national interests." Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran
A beleaguered President Donald Trump on Monday insisted hush payments made to women before the 2016 election were legal, as he struggled to fill the key position of chief of staff -- made toxic by two years of White House turmoil. While it remains unclear whether a sitting president can actually be indicted, the US leader has found himself cited in an FBI campaign finance probe, only deepening tensions as he ends his second year in office with top lieutenant John Kelly stepping down and opposition Democrats poised to take control of the lower house of Congress. Reacting to court filings on Friday about hush money payments made to former Playboy model Karen McDougal and porn star Stormy Daniels, Trump raged once again on Twitter that he was the victim of a "WITCH HUNT!" Federal prosecutors in New York urged "substantial" jail time for the president's former lawyer Michael Cohen who pleaded guilty in August to bank fraud and campaign finance violations as a result of the payoffs to the two women, who claimed to have had sexual encounters with Trump. Referred to as "Individual-1," Trump was directly implicated in ordering the payments -- which prosecutors believe aimed to influence the outcome of the election. Trump said Monday the opposition Democrats had taken "a simple transaction" and proceeded to "wrongly call it a campaign contribution." "Lawyer's liability if he made a mistake, not me," the president added, accusing Cohen -- his former right-hand man -- of "trying to get his sentence reduced." In the immediate term, one of the president's most pressing issues was to find a new chief of staff at the White House after announcing that Kelly, a retired general he had reportedly fallen out with, was to leave by the end of the year. Nick Ayres, the 36-year-old chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, had been touted as favorite to get the job, but announced Sunday he was taking himself out of the running, dealing a blow to the president. - Isolation - The fact that Trump is struggling to attract any heavyweights for what was once considered a plum political posting speaks to the increasing isolation the president finds himself in, as special counsel Robert Mueller probes whether his campaign may have colluded with Russia to tilt the 2016 election in his favor. Former members of the administration have spoken, with varying degrees of frankness, about the difficulty of working with the impetuous and temperamental 72-year-old, who came to office without any political or diplomatic experience. His former secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, who had largely kept quiet since leaving office, recently described his ex-boss as "a man who's undisciplined, doesn't like to read, doesn't read briefing reports, doesn't like to get into the details of a lot of things but rather says 'this is what I believe.'" That assessment earned Tillerson a broadside from the US leader, who called the former Exxon chief executive "dumb as a rock." "Nobody wants to be Trump's chief of staff," the Democratic Party said in a statement Monday. "And why would they? Trump has turned the White House's top job into 'a laughing stock,' and his entire presidency has been defined by chaos." As Democrats search for a candidate to run in the next elections in late 2020, James Comey -- the former FBI chief abruptly fired by Trump after he came to power -- said voters must "use every breath we have to make sure the lies stop on January 20, 2021." In a public appearance in New York, Comey said Democrats "have to win" the key election. A victory at the ballot box, he said, was far preferable to a messy impeachment in a highly divided country, calling for a "landslide (to) rid ourselves of this attack on our values." "Removal by impeachment would muddy that," he said, warning that die-hard Trump supporters -- who still make up almost a third of the electorate -- might see themselves as victims of a "coup." President Donald Trump, pictured in February 2018 with his outgoing chief of staff John Kelly, whom he is struggling to replace in a White House beset by turmoil, infight and legal probes President Donald Trump (L) with then secretary of state Rex Tillerson in February 2017 -- Trump recently called Tillerson "dumb as a rock" and "lazy as hell" after Tillerson said the president was "undisciplined"
Germany's state train operator Deutsche Bahn is bracing for severe disruptions Monday due to a nationwide railworkers' strike over pay. National, regional, and local train traffic will be affected even after the end of the stoppage scheduled to last from 5:00 am to 9:00 am (0400 GMT to 0800 GMT), Deutsche Bahn said Sunday. It did not specify how many trains would be cancelled, or how many passengers are likely to be inconvenienced. Pay negotiations between Deutsche Bahn and the EVG railworkers' union, demanding a 7.5-percent salary rise for 160,000 employees, ended without agreement on Saturday. "The employer made offers which did not correspond to the demands of our members," said EVG negotiator Regina Rusch-Ziemba. But the railway operator in a statement described the strike as "completely futile" saying its offer was "attractive and met the main demands" of employees. German news agency DPA said Deutsche Bahn invited the union to new talks on Monday afternoon. Railworkers have rejected Deutsche Bahn's salary offer
A young man has died after he was crushed by a pillar of bricks which fell on him while he was on a hammock with his girlfriend.

Jake East, 22, was relaxing with Carley Kempton at a house party in Perths Subiaco at about 12.30am on Sunday morning when the pillar fell onto them.

Mr East bore the brunt of the weight, suffering critical internal injuries. He was rushed to Royal Perth hospital but died later on Sunday.

Jake East died after the pillar of bricks fell on him early on Sunday morning. Source: 7News

Ms Kempton was also taken to hospital with injuries and is in a stable condition.

A loud crashing noise echoed around the property as the brick pillar, which was supporting a pergola, fell.

Neighbours who heard the impact rushed out of their homes to see what had happened.

He was in this hammock with his partner when the pillar collapsed. Source: 7News

The pillar lay broken on the ground on Sunday. Source: 7News

I went out to the lawn, thinking it was maybe an intruder and then the music was shut off, neighbour Ben Reynolds said.

Its pretty unlucky  a pretty tragic story really.

Taken to the intensive care unit, 7 News understands Mr East, a student at Notre Dame University, died during surgery.

Mr Easts girlfriend, Carley Kempton, was also taken to hospital and remains in a stable condition. Source: 7News

His aunt, Lara Mass, took to Facebook on Sunday to pay tribute to her nephew.

You had the whole world at your feet and it was so tragically taken away, she wrote.

Your family are in a world of pain and we will never be the same.

Mr Easts death is being investigated by police for the coroner.

The hammock was among evidence taken away for examination by forensic officers on Sunday.
Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to offer fresh concessions on Monday to try end the "yellow vest" protests that have shaken the country and taken a heavy toll on its economy. Macron will address the nation on television at 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) after three weeks of anti-government demonstrations which again turned violent Saturday in Paris and other cities. With the protesters vowing to remain at the barricades until their demands are met, Macron's first public remarks on the crisis in over a week are being billed as the most important of his presidency. On Monday, he held four hours of crisis talks at the presidential palace with government ministers, parliamentary leaders, business and labour representatives and regional officials. "No measure was announced, the president just listened to us. What we heard is that we can look forward to something concrete and solid", Herve Morin, head of an association of French regions, said on leaving the meeting. - 'New French model' - Richard Ferrand, the head of the National Assembly and one of Macron's closest allies, said the president would "give us some short-term answers along with his views on how to rebuild a new French model". Le Parisien newspaper hailed the speech as Macron's "moment of truth" on its cover Monday, warning that if he failed to appease the anger, "France will enter a dangerous period of political instability". Elected in May 2017 on a promise to revitalise the sluggish French economy, Macron had voted not to be swayed by street protests. In an attempt to quell the revolt, the government agreed last week to cancel a planned increase in anti-pollution fuel taxes -- the spark behind the protests in car-dependent rural and suburban France. But the move was seen as too little, too late by the protesters, who held a fourth round of protests on Saturday to press for further concessions on reducing inequality. The month-long campaign of nationwide road blockades and weekend protests in Paris, three of which degenerated into destruction and looting, have taken a toll on the French economy. The central bank on Monday halved its fourth-quarter growth forecast to just 0.2 percent from 0.4 percent -- far below the 0.8 percent growth needed to meet the government's full-year target of 1.7 percent. "We can't recover this," Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on RTL radio Monday Government officials said Macron will announce "immediate and concrete measures" in a bid to defuse the situation. Le Maire said that he was in favour of accelerating tax cuts -- one of the demands of the working- and middle classes protesters. - No repeal of wealth tax - But Macron is not expected to rescind his partial repeal of a wealth tax on high earners, a particular source of protesters' ire. Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud also rejected their calls for an increase in the minimum wage. "If we raise all salaries automatically, many businesses would just go bust," she warned. The "yellow vests" -- named after the luminous safety jackets they wear -- began slowing or blocking traffic on roads around the country on November 17 in protest over rising fuel prices they blamed on government taxes. The demonstrations have since snowballed, leading to calls to topple Macron, whom the protesters accuse of favouring the rich. Looting and rioting, blamed mostly on far-left and far-right agitators, has repeatedly broken out in Paris, spreading to Bordeaux, Toulouse, and other cities at the weekend. Nationwide, an estimated 136,000 people turned out for protests -- the same number as a week previously. Some 1,000 people were detained in a massive security operation to prevent a repeat of the chaos seen in Paris on December 1, though most were released by the day's end. . - Protests continue - On Monday, protests continued up and down the country, including near Vichy, central France, where a tax office was padlocked by "yellow vests" who also stopped trucks going in and out of a L'Oreal cosmetics factory. High school students also continued to demonstrate in and around their schools, forcing 40 of them to close. The students have latched on to the "yellow vest" movement to protest educational reforms, along with plans by Macron to reintroduce a month-long "national service" for young people aged 16 or 17. burs-js/fc/nla France's so-called 'yellow vest' protesters accuse President Emmanuel Macron of being a 'president of the rich' Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said the weeks of unrest were an 'economic catastrophe' for France The protests have shown little sign of easing since they began, with an estimated 136,000 people taking part nationwide last weekend
Two Russian long-range strategic bombers landed in Venezuela Monday for what the government said were air force exercises aimed at strengthening the defense of the leftist-ruled South American country. General Vladimir Padrino, the Venezuelan defense minister, welcomed about 100 Russian pilots and other personnel after the two TU-160s and two other aircraft landed at the international airport that serves Caracas. Padrino said the deployment showed "we also are preparing to defend Venezuela to the last inch when necessary." President Nicolas Maduro often accuses the United States of plotting against his government, which has overseen the plunge of a once-rich petro state into a severe economic crisis. Besides the two bombers, the deployment included an An-124 transport plane and an Il-62 passenger plane, according to a Russian military announcement in Moscow. Padrino noted that Russian aircraft had visited before in 2013, but said their current deployment was part of a "new experience." He said exercises would be held to "raise the level of interoperability of the aerospace defense systems" of both countries. It was unclear how long the Russian deployment would last, and Padrino did not provide details about the exercises planned. In recent years, Venezuela has purchased millions of dollars in military equipment from Russia, he said. A Russian Tupolev Tu-160 strategic long-range heavy supersonic bomber aircraft is pictured upon landing at Maiquetia International Airport, just north of Caracas, on December 10, 2018
A terminally ill young man given only weeks to live has married his sweetheart in hospital, making a wife of the woman who shares the same heartbreaking condition.

Cystic fibrosis patient Darren Easton 24, proposed to his bride Lauren Pope, also 24, moments after regaining consciousness while recovering from a double lung transplant in March 2016.

The British pair, who met at the wake of a mutual friend and fellow cystic fibrosis sufferer in 2015, planned to marry as soon as they could save for their big day.

Cystic fibrosis patient Darren Easton 24, proposed to his sweetheart Lauren Pope, also 24, while recovering from a double lung transplant in March 2016. Source: Darren Easton / Facebook

But when Mr Eastons lungs failed on November 27 due to an infection, doctors told the transplant patient he had just weeks to live.

In a race against time, Mr Easton decided he wanted to marry his fiance as a promise to her that he will always be with her, he told UK news outlet The Mirror.

Darren Easton moved in with Lauren Pope in April 2016  a month after he proposed. Source: Lauren Pope / Facebook

A friend of the couple set up a GoFundMe page and raised enough money for the pair to share their vows in an emotional ceremony at Londons Harefield Hospital, while 60 guests cried tears of joy and sadness.

The groom had to rest between the ceremony and the reception at a nearby private home donated by the owners, but regained enough strength to stand up from his wheelchair to share the first dance with his bride.

Last month Darren Eastons donor lungs failed and an infection took hold. Source: Darren Easton / Facebook

When I knew I was going to die, we were going to do all we could to get married, Mr Easton told The Mirror after the ceremony, which he described as the greatest day ever.

More than anything I want Lauren to be happy  and to know even after Im gone, Ill always be with her.

Darren Easton has been given just weeks to live but wanted to marry Lauren Pope, with whom he shares the same heartbreaking condition. Source: Darren Easton / Facebook

Ms Pope believes that the couples love is eternal.

I know the vows say till death do us part, but its not for us. Our love goes beyond that and will last long after both of us have gone, she said.

Having CF, you know, it takes everyone in the end. We had so many plans for our life together that well never achieve, but at least weve achieved this.
A United Nations conference adopted a migration pact in front of leaders and representatives from over 160 countries in Morocco on Monday, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism. The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- finalised at the UN in July after 18 months of talks -- was formally approved with the bang of a gavel in Marrakesh at the start of a two-day conference. But the United States and at least 16 other countries either opted out or expressed concerns, with some claiming the pact infringes national sovereignty. Billed as the first international document on managing migration, it lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million. Describing it as a "roadmap to prevent suffering and chaos", UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sought to dispel what he called a number of myths around the pact, including claims it will allow the UN to impose migration policies on member states. The pact "is not legally binding", he said. "It is a framework for international cooperation." "We must not succumb to fear and false narratives", he told an audience that included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela, Greek premier Alexis Tsipras, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Spain's premier Pedro Sanchez. Merkel launched an impassioned defence of the pact and multilateralism, saying her country "through Nazism brought incredible pain to humanity". "The answer to pure nationalism was the foundation of the United Nations and the commitment to jointly searching for answers to our common problems," she said. She insisted the pact seeks to prevent, rather than encourage, illegal migration. "This is about safe, orderly and regular migration -- it says (this) clearly in the title." - Draconian measures - On Friday, the US hit out at the pact, labelling it "an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states". It was the first country to disavow the negotiations late last year, while Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have all pulled out of the process in recent months and weeks, before Chile withdrew overnight. Rows over the accord have erupted in several European Union nations, hobbling Belgium's coalition government and pushing Slovakia's foreign minister to tender his resignation. From the United States to Europe and beyond, right-wing and populist leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years. US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants at sea. Belgium's liberal premier Charles Michel attended the conference after winning the support of parliament to back the accord, but was left leading a minority government after a Flemish nationalist party said it will quit his coalition over the pact. "This model of cooperation is complex, sometimes including steps forwards and sometimes banana skins," Michel told delegates. "But it is the only way forwards for those who want a better world". The pact has been welcomed by the Catholic Church as an important step towards addressing migrants' needs and reducing their vulnerability. "The Holy See is convinced that the enormous challenges that migration poses are best faced through multilateral processes rather than isolationist policies," said papal envoy Cardinal Piero Parolin. Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras also welcomed the accord. These countries have worked on their own regional plan to manage migration, which EL Salvador's foreign minister Carlos Castaneda told reporters represents a first effort to work within the framework of the global compact. - 'Should be ethically binding' - The UN's children's agency said the pact could help provide better access to education and health for migrant children and offer "them stronger protection from exploitation and violence". Other organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Federation of the Red Cross, see the accord as just a first step towards protecting migrants. "We have heard repeatedly that this compact is not legally binding and does not impact on state sovereignty," said IFRC president Francesco Rocca at a press conference on the sidelines of the main dialogue. "But if we are serious about fixing this problem, it should at the very least be ethically binding." In comments by a representative, Morocco's King Mohammed VI -- absent from proceedings -- said the pact offers a way forwards that navigates between the two extremes of closing borders and allowing uncontrolled migration. After the Marrakesh conference, the UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19. A Honduran migrant climbs the US-Mexico border fence on December 8, 2018 Factfile on global migration, according to UN data for 2017. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sits next to Louise Arbour, his special representative for migration, during the United Nations conference on migration on December 10, 2018 in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh A picture taken on December 10, 2018 shows silhouettes of migrants, part of an art installation, at the grounds of the International conference on Global Compact for Migration in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh The UN migration conference is being held in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh
US authorities on Monday charged an Ohio man with providing material support to the Islamic State for an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting attack at a synagogue. Damon Joseph, 21, allegedly had made a detailed plan to kill worshippers at a synagogue in the city of Toledo during the Jewish Sabbath, which begins at sunset Friday and lasts until nightfall Saturday. He was arrested Friday when he picked up two semi-automatic assault rifles from a federal undercover agent. Police said the rifles had been rendered inoperable. An affidavit filed in federal court claimed Joseph was inspired by Islamic State online propaganda and the October shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue -- the worst anti-Semitic attack in modern US history in which 11 were killed. "I admire what the guy did with the (Pittsburgh) shooting actually," Joseph wrote to an undercover agent, according to the affidavit. "I can see myself carrying out this type of operation inshallah," he was quoted as saying, using a common Arabic-language expression which roughly translates to "God willing." A day before his arrest, authorities said Joseph provided a plan for his attack -- including the address of the synagogue and research to identify when more worshippers would be present. An undercover agent met Joseph at a predetermined location Friday and he took a duffel back containing two AR-15-type rifles, according to the affidavit. He then was arrested. "This man spent months planning a violent terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS here in the United States," US Attorney Justin Herdman said in a statement. "The charges describe a calculated man fueled by an ideology of hatred and intent on killing innocent people." Joseph came to the attention of the FBI in May, when he began distributing messages of support for the Islamic State on social media, authorities said. An undercover agent began communicating with Joseph. Over the subsequent months, he expressed an interest in supporting Islamic State propaganda operations and, eventually, to carrying out an attack. If convicted, Joseph could face up to 20 years in prison. An Ohio man has been arrested, after being inspired by the worst attack on Jewish Americans, and providing support to IS


An eerie Instagram post has emerged from the young English backpacker found dead in New Zealand on the weekend.

Grace Millane, 22, was found dead in a bush on the western outskirts of Auckland, about 25km from where she was last seen on December 1 entering the central CityLife Hotel with a man it is believed she met through a dating app.

The 26-year-old man appeared in court in Auckland on Monday charged with her murder.

British woman Grace Millane went missing on December 1 before she was found dead in a bush on the outskirts of Auckland. Source: Facebook/ Grace Millane

In an Instagram post on October 23 from her account art_by_millane, Ms Millane pictured artwork of a skull.

Two can keep a secret, if one of them is dead, she captioned the picture.

The quote is from TV series Pretty Little Liars  a show about a group of teenage girls who become estranged after one of their friends goes missing.

An Instagram post of Ms Millane before she was found dead in New Zealand. Source: Instagram/ Grace Millane

The art_by_millane account features several paintings from the English advertising student including another of a skull on August 16.

Ms Millane also posted to her personal Instagram and Twitter accounts updates on her trip that took her to Peru before New Zealand as pat of a world tour she had embarked on since graduating from University.

She tweeted on November 30  the day before she went missing, and two days before her 22nd birthday.

I think travelling has changed me, she tweeted.

I just brought some blue jeans.

I think travelling has changed me I just brought some blue jeans  MillaneGrace (@MillaneGrace) November 30, 2018

No plea entered

Court documents say the accused is a resident at the CityLife Hotel on Queen Street and is charged with killing the tourist between December 1 and 2. No occupation was listed.

While police have said Ms Millane and the accused had not previously known each other, they have declined to confirm reports they met through online dating app Tinder. A source confirmed to Stuff the pair did meet on a dating app

Police were due to formally identify the body found and conduct a post-mortem examination on Monday but earlier said they believed it was Ms Millane.

The man is yet to enter a plea and the court has temporarily blocked his name from being published.

Earlier, Ms Millanes brother Declan posted a tribute to his sister on Instagram and included photos of the pair from their childhood.
The Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency and the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce have New York State Department of Health-certified navigators ready to assist you with health insurance enrollment.

Open enrollment for 2019 health insurance coverage commenced on Nov. 1 and will be open until Jan. 31. New York state operates a website called New York State of Health, a marketplace that offers an organized, one-stop application process designed to help people shop for and enroll in affordable qualified health plans (nystateofhealth.ny.gov). Individuals, families and small businesses can use the marketplace to compare insurance options, calculate costs and select coverage online. There is also a call center available to answer questions. The marketplace is the only place to qualify for and receive financial assistance, such as advanced tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.

Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency and the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce are available to help. The state Department of Health provides funding that enables these two agencies to collaborate and educate individuals, families and businesses about their health care options. A significant feature of the program is providing certified navigators. The navigators provide free in-person assistance with the online application process. They are there to answer questions about the enrollment process and to explain the various plans offered by health insurance companies participating in the marketplace.

The agency and the chamber offer in-person assistance at multiple locations throughout Cayuga and Seneca counties including the agency, the chamber, Lang Memorial Library in Cato, Scipio Town Hall, St. Matthew Episcopal Church in Moravia, Weedsport Library, the agency's location in Waterloo, Ovid Federated Church and the Seneca Falls Community Center. Chamber navigators are available to come to small business locations. Site schedules are updated monthly and may be accessed at cscaa.com/healthbenefit.html.

If you have enrolled through the marketplace during the previous year, you will be receiving a renewal notice. The notices will be delivered through the mail or email, depending on the method chosen during the initial application process. Small businesses will receive renewal notices based on their internal open enrollment period.

The renewal notices will contain health plan information and will indicate what the enrollee is required to do to update their application to continue their health insurance coverage for 2019. Failure to complete requested information could result in a loss of coverage. Individuals can receive assistance with this process by calling the Marketplace Help Center at (855) 355-5777 or by contacting the agency in Auburn at (315) 255-1703 or in Waterloo at (315) 539-5647. The navigator at the chamber can be reached at (315) 252-7291

The agency and the chamber have worked diligently to increase awareness and enroll Cayuga and Seneca county residents and businesses in qualified health plans through the marketplace. Certified navigators have assisted diverse groups with various needs, including but not limited to people who have no access to insurance through their employer, individuals who have taken early retirement, college students and people who have had life-changing events. As a result of all of these efforts, the number of uninsured individuals in both Cayuga and Seneca counties is decreasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York has seen a significant corresponding reduction in the number of uninsured from 10 percent in 2013 to below 5 percent in 2017.

The agency and the chamber continue to be available to assist individuals, families and businesses in obtaining affordable health insurance through the marketplace. For an appointment or more information, please contact the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency at (315) 255-1703 or the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce at (315) 252-7291 and ask to speak with a certified navigator.

Diane Draheim is the Seneca programs director for the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency. She can be reached at (315) 539-5647 ext. 1323 or ddraheim@cscaa.com. For more information about the agency's programs, visit cscaa.com.

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As we near the end of the year, there are several key pieces of legislation which hav/e received both senate and assembly approval but have not been signed into law by the governor. Among those measures is the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights.

The goal of the legislation is to better inform sexual assault survivors of their various rights to fair and sensitive treatment during the investigation of their crime. It also details the right of survivors to consult with and be accompanied by a victim assistance organization during physical exams and interrogations; receive preventive treatment for HIV; and be notified about the results of their sexual assault evidence kit and the status of their case.

Notifying victims of their legal rights will help ensure survivors are aware of the services available to them and provide them with the information they need to navigate complicated medical and criminal justice systems. Additionally, this bill requires all law enforcement agencies to adopt policies for communicating with survivors that put victims needs first.

I identified this bill as a priority early this year and along with my senate colleagues, included the measure in our senate budget. While the measure was not included in the final state budget, the push to advance this concern continued. In June, both the senate and assembly unanimously approved a stand-alone version of the bill (A.8401/S.8977) by a combined vote of 196-0.

The vote on the bill was taken first by the assembly, so legislative protocol requires the assembly to provide this bill to the governor for his signature, which has not yet been done, despite the compelling need.

Enactment of this legislation is vital to ensuring the compassionate and sensitive delivery of services so that survivors know about the tools available to help them both immediately after an assault, as well as during the criminal process. I am continuing to call on the assembly to get this bill to the governors desk for final approval immediately.

In a memo of support for the legislation, national civil rights organization Rise wrote, There are no standards for notifying a sexual assault survivor of his or her rights. This puts the burden of navigating a complex medical and legal system on the victim, making the traumatic experience even more difficult. The Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights is an important piece of legislation that would grant millions of sexual assault survivors in New York civil rights.

The Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights was just one of the bills I helped advocate for this past year to help victims of sexual assault. Several other key measure were included in the state budget to create safer workplaces free of sexual harassment and abuse, help prevent sex-related crimes, and support survivors of rape and sexual assault. Among the initiatives:

New requirements that ensure untested rape kits are stored for 20 years - an increase from the 30-day requirement originally in place  to increase the ability of rape and sexual assault survivors to get justice;

Ensuring that rape survivors are not subjected to any payments, including insurance co-pays, for a rape examination or hospital visit;

Funding increases to support rape crisis centers and to train more sexual assault forensic examiners;

Creating a new initiative that establishes a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) telehealth pilot program to make sure all hospitals have the supports they need to best care for survivors; and

Creating new penalties for the act of sexual coercion, or sextortion, to prevent sex-related crimes and protect victims from extortion.

A victim of sexual harassment or assault has already experienced a traumatic event. We need to ensure they are not mistreated further because of gaps in our state laws. The measures already adopted, along with the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights, will help protect individuals from violence and aid victims as seek necessary treatment and help.

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Exports sales of cakes have fallen 12.5% in the first nine months of 2018  a decline of 23.9m year on year.

The slump in cake sales came as total exports of food and drink rose 1.8%, according to Food and Drink Federation (FDF) data comparing January to September this year with the same period in 2017.

UK cake exports were worth 166.8m this year, which is 12.5% below the 190.7m recorded a year ago and puts exports back in line with the 154.7m recorded in 2016. In the past quarter (July to September), cake exports have fallen 19.2%.

A year ago, cake exports were benefitting from good sales to France and also a strong performance from Premier Foods overseas division, with Mr Kipling and Cadbury cake sales booming in Australia.

This year, however, Premier reported that sales at its international business fell 9% year-on-year in the 26 weeks ended 29 September due to capacity issues that resulted in phasing shipments of Cadbury cakes to Australia. Premier also said sales had been impacted by wholesalers raising the price of some Premier products they export.

In contrast to the decline in cake exports, overseas sales of UK bread products have risen 5.3% to 92.9m.

In terms of total food and drink exports, sales to EU markets rose 4.1%, while sales to non-EU markets fell 1.8%. The EU accounts for 62.1% of the UK food and drink export market.

Despite the tumultuous times, UK food and drink exports continue to grow, said FDF chief executive Ian Wright. These results record a very creditable performance across many product categories and destination markets. However, it is clear that businesses must work even harder to deliver.

Graham Stuart, minister at the Department for International Trade, added that the recently launched UK Export Strategy set out support for businesses as the government looks to increase exports from 30% to 35% of gross domestic product.
Oregon Coast Officials Seek Input on Bike Route, Kite Festival Theme

Published 12/10/2018 at 3:49 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Oregon Coast)  Oregon officials are seeking public input in two ways regarding the Oregon coast. The state is seeking opinions on what should be done with coming improvements to the Oregon Coast Bike Route, while the town of Lincoln City needs helping naming next years kite festival theme.

Explore Lincoln City is holding a contest to come up with next year's kite festival theme, which happens June 22 and 23. This time around it must begin with the letter Z, and the contest ends on New Years Eve. The lucky winner will be picked in the New Year and get to name the theme for the 2019 Kite Festivals. Last year, Melissa Rosin, of Salem, Oregon was the 2018 winner of the theme contest. Her submission of Year of the Kite was picked from hundreds of entries.

Multiple entries per person are allowed, provided that each submission is unique. Festival organizers will determine the winner based on the most creative use of the letter Z in relation to kite flying. In the event of duplicate winning submissions, a winner will be selected at random. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate.



For more information about the Kite Theme Contest, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com or call 541-996-1274.

The Oregon Department of Transportation wants the publics help as it undertakes a major planning effort to identify improvements to the Oregon Coast Bike Route (OCBR), a popular bike route that runs the length of the Oregon coast. Public input is a key part of the OCBR plan, and will set the stage for improved safety, accessibility and enjoyment for residents, visitors and all users of the route.

The public has a chance to provide input and share ideas about improving the OCBR by visiting an Online Open House through Jan. 31, 2019. The public input and ideas will help ODOT to better understand where the issues and gaps are along the route.

Every year more than 6,000 people ride the OCBR. The route, designated in the early 1980s, attracts tourists from all over the world and is a treasured resource for many visitors and coastal residents.

For more information please view the attached factsheet and visit the website at www.OregonCoastBikeRoute.org.

While ODOT does not currently have funding identified for improvements, the Oregon Coast Bike Route Plan will set the stage for future investments. The plan will identify needs and prioritize improvements to the route to increase safety, accessibility and enjoyment for residents, visitors and all users. Oregon Coast Lodgings in these areas - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

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Islamabad, December 10: On the auspicious day of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, while eulogizing the role of the framers of the world human rights manifesto, and paying rich tributes to the glorious sacrifices of the people the world over for the cause of human rights, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani , the Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Freedom League, and former Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, has in a statement deplored the overall situation of the basic human rights under rule of different oppressive regimes and imperial kingdoms that are trampling under their feet human rights and freedoms under the pretext of war against terror. He emphasized upon the UN authority to stand by its great manifesto and called upon all governments to shape and modify their laws in line with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).



Troops blasted seven residential houses in Srinagar outskirts, the residents says in our houses there was no militant hiding and said they were in other house but troops not listen us, not allow us to take out our belongings.

He said that although on December 10 1948, the General Assembly had adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and vowed to grant the right of self-determination to all the subjugated and forcibly occupied nations, but human beings in many parts of the world were being treated as sub-humans or second- class citizens and such nations were desperately fighting for their basic and inalienable rightthe right of self-determination. Expressing disappointment over an ugly environment in which many populations were enmeshed , he lamented loss of millions of people in the hands of brutal regimes during their struggle to achieve freedom in the last 80 years of post world War conflicts.He said that the State of Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine and some recently occupied regions by powerful countries were glaring examples of the violations of the UN manifesto in the world.Muhammad Farooq Rehmani reminded the world body of its promises in respect of the peoples of the Jammu and Kashmir State, the 2/3rd of which was groaning under the forcible Indian military occupation for the last 71 years.  In gross and flagrant human rights violations of the UNCIP resolutions, the Indian regime had increased her militarys numerical strength from thousands to over seven hundred thousand troops, giving them draconian police powers to brutalize the population , molest women, blind youth by pellet  gun firing , torturing to death more than one hundred thousand people since 1990., he stated. He said that the UN HRC report of 2018, highlighting Indian unbridled powers and atrocities by the army and police across the Indian occupied state and suggesting immediate inquiry into the ugly Kashmir situation further substantiates complaints of the aggrieved people and many independent human rights organizations. He further demanded the Security Council debate on the burning topic of Kashmir, where each day is a day of public funerals and every locality has turned into a killing and mourning field for the people.
Youth of almost all age groups were Sunday seen rushing towards the encounter spot at GhatMohalla, where thick smoke was emanating from five houses that were razed to the ground during the gun-battle.

By ABID BASHIR

Srinagar: Screams of wailing women breaking the cold breeze,roads dotted with hundreds of empty cartridges and remnants of tear-gas shellsfired by forces greeted visitors to Mujgund area after a night-long gunfightended here Sunday. The area was turned into a war zone given the quantity ofammunition used by the forces to kill three militantstwo local teenagers and aPakistani nationalin the 18-hour-long gunfight, local residents told GreaterKashmir.

Youth of almost all age groups were Sunday seen rushing towards the encounter spot at GhatMohalla, where thick smoke was emanating from five houses that were razed to the ground during the gun-battle.

Militant ha chekhnemit (militants have been taken away), a youth shouted at the encounter site.

Trying to separate burnt wooden pieces from bricks of a completely damaged house, an elderly man said: It was a doomsday for us. See what they did to our houses. Where shall we live now? Forces fired mortar shells at our houses throughout the night. We lost everything today. They spared nothing for us.

As the man was struggling to pull out the half-burnt window from the rubble, wails of women around grew louder.

Forces arrived here at 4 pm Saturday. They didnt allow us to even close the doors of our homes. There was no militant in my house and yet they razed it to the ground, she said, amid shrieks. I have three daughters. Where shall we go now in this bone-chilling cold?

A group of women while trying to clean utensils they had pulled out from the heaps of debris, said: We couldnt sleep throughout the night as forces fired mortar shells towards our houses.

It looked like a war. Perhaps such a scene cant be witnessed even during a war. After every two to five minutes, we heard loud explosions. We were in a nearby area but we could hear the earth-shaking bangs and saw our houses going up in flames, said Mymoona, whose house was flattened.

It was a night of horror. Big bangs continued till Sunday morning. Our houses were in flames for the whole night, she said, and broke down.

Many residents alleged that forces deliberately damaged houses where there were no militants.

In my house, there was no militant and yet it was flattened, alleged an elderly man.

Within no time, hundreds of youth reached the encounter spot Sunday as forces had left the site.

Unmindful of possibility of littered explosives, the youth started helping those who had lost their dwellings.

This is all we can do right now, said a youth, who instantly started separating bricks, stones and half-burnt doors and windows of a damaged residential house.

Many youth were seen helping women to bring out utensils,trunks and other house-hold stuff from the debris.

Source: GK
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Smart guy. Has 6-year-old triplets. Knows a shitshow when he smells one.

Nick Ayers, who is currently Vice President Mike Pence's Chief of Staff, will NOT become the next Next White House Chief of Staff.

NEWS  Pence Chief of Staff Nick Ayers Won't Be Next White House Staff Chief  Sources https://t.co/MFh95DTwBJ  Michael C. Bender (@MichaelCBender) December 9, 2018

Nick Ayers, the leading candidate to replace John Kelly as chief of staff, won't take the job, I'm told. He and Trump could not agree to terms. Trump pushed Ayers to commit to 2 years, but he declined, citing young kids & desire to move back to GA. Unclear who will take the job.  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) December 9, 2018

Ayers was Donald Trump's first choice as a candidate to replace outgoing chief of staff John Kelly.

He also tweeted the news himself.

Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause. ?? #Georgia  Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018

He has triplets, and that is the reason given for why Ayers will not be taking the job, a White House official told the Wall Street Journal, and later CNN and other outlets, on Sunday.

WSJ:

It was unclear on Sunday who would succeed John Kelly, Mr. Trump's current chief of staff, who is leaving the job this month. White House officials familiar with the planning said it was unclear whether the next staff chief would come from inside or outside the administration. Mr. Ayers has long planned to leave the administration at the end of the year.

And CNN:

Ayers, who has served as Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff for more than a year, is not taking the position because the President and Ayers could not agree to terms, the official said. Trump pushed Ayers to commit to two years on the job, but he declined. He has young children, he told the President, and wants to move back to his home state of Georgia. He offered to become chief of staff temporarily, but Trump insisted on a two-year commitment. The Wall Street Journal first reported that Ayers would not be taking the job as Trump's chief of staff. Trump told reporters Saturday that Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general and Trump's previous secretary of homeland security, will leave at the end of year.


In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution does not guarantee Americans "equal" education (which would require similar per-student funding in both rich and poor neighborhoods), merely "adequate" education.



Even that adequacy standard has weakened over the years, as right-wing governments have systematically gutted education budgets, and in 20 states, the state supreme court will not hear challenges to education cuts that argue that these cuts undermine an "adequate" education.

Now, a suit in Rhode Island is asking the state court to rule that underfunded education is unconstitutional because it denies pupils the opportunity to be sufficiently well-educated to be citizens in a democracy, something the framers of the Constitution were very explicit about.



The case just filed in Rhode Island seeks to avoid that trap by doing something completely new. It focuses on the civics knowledge and skills that our democratic form of government demands of citizens  a topic with deep historical roots. My recent research demonstrated that our founders intended public education to be a core aspect of the "republican form of government" that our federal Constitution demands. Our republican form of government began as an experiment in the idea that everyday citizens could govern themselves. But our founders  people like George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson  emphasized that public education was necessary for those governments to work. In legislation that would dictate how the western territory would be divided up and later become states, Congress in the Northwest Ordinances of 1785 and 1787 mandated that each township reserve a central lot for public schools and that the states use their public resources to "forever encourage" those schools.



Fight for federal right to education takes a new turn

[Derek W. Black/The Conversation]

(via Naked Capitalism)


Jim Hightower is a longstanding, respected columnist distributed by Creators Syndicate  but Creators refused to distribute his latest column, "Free the Free Press from Wall Street Plunderers," which warns about Wall Street vultures like Digital First Media and GateHouse Media buying up newspapers, including the Austin Statesman.



The Austin Chronicle reports that Creators wouldn't distribute the column because it feared retribution from the Wall Street firms; Creators managing editor Simone Slykhous told the Chronicle that "We have more than 200 columnists and cartoonists, and our job is to make sure that our actions do not negatively impact them."

Thankfully, the Texas Observer has run Hightower's column, the story of which is perhaps more persuasive on the risks that Hightower warns against than his column itself.



The buyers are hedge-fund scavengers with names like Digital First and GateHouse. They know nothing about journalism and care less, for they're ruthless Wall Street profiteers out to grab big bucks fast by slashing the journalistic and production staffs of each paper, voiding all employee benefits (from pensions to free coffee in the breakroom), shriveling the paper's size and news content, selling the presses and other assets, tripling the price of their inferior product  then declaring bankruptcy, shutting down the paper, and auctioning off the bones before moving on to plunder another town's paper. By 2014, America's two largest media chains were not venerable publishers who believe that a newspaper's mission includes a commitment to truth and a civic responsibility, but GateHouse and Digital First, whose managers believe that good journalism is measured by the personal profit they can squeeze from it. As revealed last year in an American Prospect article, GateHouse executives had demanded that its papers cut $27 million from their operating expenses. Thousands of newspaper employees suffered that $27 million cut in large part because one employee  the hedge fund's CEO  had extracted $54 million in personal pay from the conglomerate, including an $11 million bonus. To these absentee owners and operators, our newspapers are just mines, entitling them to extract enormous financial wealth and social well-being from our communities.

The Jim Hightower Column They Don't Want You to Read [Jim Hightower/Texas Observer]

(Thanks, Deanna!)

(Image: Raskin Fans, CC-BY-SA)
News / National

by Staff reorter

ZANU-PF last week threw a lavish party to welcome back its official after he was released from jail, having spent 14 years behind bars for killing an MDC activist in the run-up to the 2002 general elections.There was pomp and fanfare at the home-coming party when Eddie Munjanja of Munjanja village under Chief Nhema in Zaka Central was released from Mutimurefu Prison, a development that has irked the MDC.Munjanja was convicted of murder with actual intent after he killed MDC activist, Atinos Mapingure in cold blood, during the 2002 presidential election campaign. His accomplice, only identified as Makeme, is still serving his 45-year jail term.At the time, Munjanja was commander at a Zanu-PF campaign base where opposition activists were routinely taken in for torture and "political re-orientation".The village head Phillip Munjanja, who is Eddie's younger brother, defended the move, saying there was nothing wrong with welcoming a brother who was wrongly convicted. He went on to thank Zanu-PF for the pledges and donations."I don't have any remorse, neither am I moved by any complaints from haters and the opposition, because I feel my brother was wrongly implicated in that murder case. We are not going to offer any compensation to the bereaved family," Munjanja said."In fact, I would like to thank Zanu-PF supporters for making the event successful, and making my brother feel welcomed."But Harrison Mudzuri, former MDC legislator for Zaka Central, said: "It is not only abominable for Zanu-PF to throw a hero's welcome party for a murderer. In fact, it's immoral and amoral, to say the least, for right minded people to slaughter a beast on such an occasion."He added: "The move promotes political violence and does not have a deterrent effect. From the reports I have received, fear has already gripped the whole district."Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights communications officer, Kumbirai Mafunda, said they urge people to conduct themselves in a way that would not offend the aggrieved parties.MDC party spokesperson Jacob Mafume castigated Zanu-PF for throwing a party for the convicted murderer, saying it shows the party had not reformed."Zanu-PF never thought about how the victims are going to live with trauma of what he did to them before his incarceration," he said.Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial secretary for information and publicity, Ronald Nava, said he would call the party offices in Zaka to confirm if it was a party or private family event.The deceased's family could not be reached for comment at the time of going to Press.Zaka has recorded some of the worst incidences of political violence in the province since 2000. MDC party members have been murdered, maimed or displaced.At one point, MDC party activists were locked up in their party office and petrol bombed at Jerera Growth Point in the run-up to the June 27, 2008 presidential election run-off.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government business will literally come to a halt as the who's who in Zanu-PF, including Cabinet ministers, abandon their stations this week to attend the party's annual peoples' conference in Esigodini.The conference comes as the country battles shortages of fuel and medicines, among other things, due to the scarcity of foreign currency.Amidst the crisis, prices of basic commodities and services have shot through the roof beyond what the majority poor can afford.It also comes as succession demons have resurfaced, with the party's senior officials locking horns over who should take over from President Emmerson Mnangagwa - a few months after the 76-year-old strongman won a hotly-disputed five-year mandate to lead the country.Political observers have described the conference as nothing more than a platform for ruling party bigwigs to wine and dine while the majority of Zimbabweans continue to suffer.Eldred Masunungure, a political analyst, said the Gwanda conference was nothing but a gathering of bigwigs planning to consolidate power."They will be more of merry-making rather than solving the current crisis," he said, adding that politics is still looming large in Zanu-PF despite Mnangagwa's claims that priority was now on business."Less than six months after the election, president is now being nominated for the next election which is worse than (former president Robert) Mugabe. The country is facing economic crisis but Zanu-PF is concentrating on who is going to become the next president. The outcome will not likely solve the crisis that Zimbabweans are facing," added Masunungure.Piers Pigou, a senior consultant at the International Crisis Group, said the conference will measure whether Zanu-PF is now committed to solve the country's problems or not."The conference will not solve the crises. The big question will be to see how the party articulates support for Mnangagwa's reforms. Will the party show collective commitment beyond the usual choreographed fealty?" Pigou asked rhetorically.Political analyst Maxwell Saungweme said it is difficult to see viable solutions coming from Zanu-PF due to greedy and endemic corruption that has become party of Zanu-PF moral fabric and modus operandi."Innovative proposals to solve the political and economic woes are stifled by corruption, Zanu-PF plunder and opaque culture. Unless there is political will for true transformation this meeting of bigwigs of the party is another of many useless talk shows," he said.Insiders say things were again not looking good in the ruling party, with a group that included some of Mnangagwa's long-time loyalists starting a search for Mnangagwa's successor.This has angered other leaders of the party who want to deal with this matter at the conference.There are some who also want the old Zanu-PF guard - which includes other former Cabinet ministers who were shunted to the party's headquarters after the July 30 elections to leave their positions at the conference.Mnangagwa re-assigned these "chefs" to the party's headquarters in a desperate bid to breathe new life in government and to strengthen the former liberation movement's administration.The Zanu-PF leader's idea was apparently to emulate the Chinese Communist Party's model, which has also been adopted by South Africa's African National Congress.Another bone of contention in the ruling party is that top former army chiefs have occupied influential positions in the party, among them Constantino Chiwenga, who was retired from the army to take up the position of vice president and second secretary of the ruling party and government.Sitting along with Chiwenga in the party's supreme decision-making organ in-between congresses, the politburo, are decorated former army chiefs, retired Air Marshal Perrance Shiri and retired lieutenant general Sibusiso Moyo, who are committee members.The party's commissariat is now headed by retired lieutenant general Engelbert Rugeje, whose appointment was at the expense of Victor Matemadanda, the secretary-general of war veterans, who was stripped of that role at the ruling party's extraordinary congress held last December.The history of factionalism in Zanu-PF is as old as the party itself.Factionalism became more pronounced in the 1990s when Zanu-PF was torn between factions loyal to Mnangagwa and retired army general Solomon Mujuru (now late).
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has threatened to recall incompetent Members of Parliament from his party, including those who refuse to tow the party line in pursuit of narrow factional agendas.While addressing a Zanu-PF women's league national assembly in Harare last week, Mnangagwa warned that he would not hesitate to call for by-elections to replace the errant legislators.He said there were some MPs in the party who were voted into the august House before they were politically ripe after taking advantage of the chaos that characterised the ruling party's primary polls held in May this year."MPs must work for the people and play their oversight role on the Executive but we know there are some who were rushed into Parliament yet they were not ripe. We will not hesitate to recall you from Parliament and call for a by-election in line with the Constitution because our party has rules, Mnangagwa said.The president spoke amid tensions in his party over what many perceive to be unresolved succession issues.Five months after his narrow election to lead the country for the next five years, Mnangagwa appears desperate to consolidate his power base.Currently, his allies are falling over each other to endorse his candidature for the 2023 polls, with the Zanu-PF women and youth leagues joining the war veterans in rallying support for Mnangagwa.The endorsements are meant to close the door on ambitious party cadres who believe that Mnangagwa must serve one term and allow a new pair of hands to lead the country after the 2023 polls.In May, the 76-year-old Zanu-PF leader revealed that he had uncovered a plot by his MPs to impeach him after winning the July 30 elections."I got intelligence that some of those who have won this primary election have two minds. They have gone to join the Zanu-PF wagon using various means, money included, to be elected with a possible view (that) once in Parliament they will band together and move a motion of impeachment," said Mnangagwa at the time.By threatening to expel underperformers and those who do not tow the party line, Mnangagwa now seems to be going for the jugular.The country's Constitution gives parties with representatives in Parliament the right to recall their MPs if they feel they no longer represent their interests in the august House.It provides that a party that decides to use that right to recall does so by writing to the National Assembly Speaker through its secretary-general.The speaker would then make a public announcement in Parliament and declare the respective seat vacant to open the door for the president to gazette dates for a by-election.Last week, Mnangagwa suggested that the chaos that epitomised the ruling party's internal polls was down to the inexperience of its political commissar Engelbert Rugeje which saw some undeserving candidates being imposed on the electorate.Rugeje, a former brigadier in the army, was plucked from the barracks and catapulted to lead the Zanu-PF commissariat department after the ouster of former president Robert Mugabe in November last year.He took over from former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere who, along with Mugabe's nephew Patrick Zhuwao and former Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo had to skip the country to escape the military which was in hot pursuit of "criminals around" Mugabe.The military operation, code-named Operation Restore Legacy was targeting members of the Generation 40 faction, which was opposed to Mnangagwa succeeding Mugabe."When we held our primary elections this year, there were a lot of errors and problems. Those who were not strong enough could have been affected to the extent of quitting the party. You did not because you have the party at heart, you proceeded to vote for those imposed candidates although you were unhappy with the imposition," he said.Mnangagwa said the chief culprits in the imposition scandal were the party leadership."I do not think the juniors have the capacity to impose the seniors to positions, but instead, it is the seniors who can endorse people."We are totally against imposition of candidates. That will never happen again. The people's choice must be respected. If people choose the leader they want and you take them for fools and impose the one that you want, you end up being the real fool," he said.
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".
Thousands of people in Indian-controlled Kashmir joined the funeral procession Monday for two teenage rebels who were killed over the weekend in a long gunbattle with Indian troops in the disputed region.

SRINAGAR: Thousands of people in Indian-controlled Kashmir joined a funeral procession Monday for two teenage rebels who were killed over the weekend in a long gunbattle with Indian troops in the disputed region.

Villagers carried the teens bodies to a martyrsgraveyard in the northern town of Hajin, chanting slogans eulogizinganti-India militants and demanding an end to Indian rule over the Himalayanregion. Funeral prayers were held at least three times, to accommodate thelarge number of people arriving from different places in the area.

3 including Mudasir a 14 years old and they fought for 18 hours against Indian forces

According to police, the two friends, 14-year-old Mudasir Rashid Parray and 17-year-old Saqib Bilal Sheikh, joined the rebel ranks in late August. Police said Parray was the youngest rebel killed in the three decades of armed conflict in Kashmir, a territory divided between India and Pakistan but claimed by both in its entirety.

The two remained friends in life and in death, said Azhar Ahmed, a local resident. Weve lost two lively boys in our neighborhood. Everyones eyes are moist. They lived and died for the same cause.

The two teens and a militant commander were killed Sunday in fighting with government forces that lasted nearly 18 hours, triggering anti-India protests and clashes in the region that left at least five people injured. At least two counterinsurgency police officers and a soldier were wounded in the gunfight.

Police identified the slain insurgent commander as a Pakistani national who trained the two friends and recruited them into Lashkar-e-Taiba, a militant group New Delhi blames for a 2008 attack that left 166 people dead in Indias commercial capital of Mumbai.

Shortly after Mondays burial, hundreds of people, mainly youths, chanted slogans including Go India, go back and We want freedom as they hit streets in Hajin and clashed with government troops.

Police and paramilitary soldiers fired shotgun pellets and tear gas to combat stone-throwing protesters. No one was immediately reported injured in the clashes.

Woman weeps at the structure of their house blasted by Indian troops operation in Mujgund near Srinagar.

Most Kashmiris support rebel demands that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country, while also participating in civilian street protests against Indian control. In recent years, mainly young Kashmiris have displayed open solidarity with the rebels and sought to protect them by engaging troops in street clashes during military operations.

Rebels have been fighting Indian control since 1989. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, a charge Pakistan denies. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.

The two deaths, especially of Parray, triggered a debate among Kashmiri netizens, with some arguing that rebel groups should not permit the recruitment of young boys.

We as a society, state and resistance have failed to provide a ray of hope for the new generation, Mushtaq Ul-Haq Ahmad Sikander, a Kashmiri political commentator, wrote on Facebook.

Others highlighted the need to urgently resolve the Kashmir dispute.

How can we simply sit back and generically imbibe the news of combatants and noncombatants killed and properties devastated, Ather Zia, who teaches anthropology at the University of Colorado Boulder, wrote on Facebook. The occupation that pushes our children into the mouth of death must die. This systemic violence meted on Kashmiri lives has to end.

BY AIJAZ HUSSAIN ASSOCIATED PRESS(AP)
News / National

by newzimbabwe

Good day to you all.



We act on behalf of Choppies Enterprises. We have been asked to forward this attached statement for your consideration and publication on your website.



Choppies understands that you have the right to publish anything that you want. However, the client believes that there should be the observance of all forms of ethics that guide the journalism practice, mainly the right to respond to any allegation from anywhere. It must also be the truth and there should be fairness.



The article by Mandla Ndlovu on Choppies refers.



Please find attached the statement from the CEO of Choppies, copied here under.



Kind Regards,



G. N. Nyathi.

DIRECTOR

DungBeatlesMediaZimbabwe







A BOTSWANA company currently involved in a fierce ownership tussle for retail chain store, Choppies, has made shocking revelations on how former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko was both bribed and used as a front to defeat the country's indigenisation law that forbade foreigners from anything in excess of 49 percent ownership of firms operating in Zimbabwe.Until recently, Mphoko and his family have been known as owners of the retail giant which was erroneously targeted for acts of looting by some Zimbabweans who were disgruntled with their government.The Mphokos have been said to be controlling the 51% stake in the company with their Botswana partners owning the remainder.The shock revelations are contained in a self-incriminating letter copied to Zimbabwean media by Botswana based Choppies Enterprises Limited CEO, Ramachandran Ottapathu.Ottapathu says the Mphokos owned no cent in the company that operates 34 shops in Zimbabwe and has close to 2000 in its employ.Reads the letter, "As a matter of fact, Dear Editor, we would like to state again, for your understanding Sir/Madam that CHOPPIES OPERATIONS IN ZIMBABWE ARE OWNED, IN THE MAIN, BY CHOPPIES ENTERPRISES LIMITED, A COMPANY REGISTERED IN BOTSWANA."The reference of 51% being owned by Mphokos was done so as to comply with the legislation which was put in place by the government which precluded foreigners from owning big stakes in business in preference to locals. That legislation is being looked at as we write to you because of the vision that the government has to open up the business sector and promote investment."What we did as Choppies is nothing else than answer the Zimbabwean government's call to come and invest in Zimbabwe."The company said it has enough proof to counter Mphoko's claims they were the real owners of the business while basing on paperwork that was written to disguise the excessive foreign share of the business."We have documentation to prove that we are the ones who brought in $25 million from Barclays Bank of Botswana, the underwriters of the funding, for the setting up of Choppies operations in Zimbabwe," said Ottapathu."We also reiterate that Mphokos were given the 51% shares in an agreement which allows us to buy back the shares as and whenever we want as part of efforts to comply with the law. Mphokos NEVER invested any cent in the business. We gave them the shares on paper. Their 7% free carry shares was a way of thanking them for facilitating that we set up business in Zimbabwe."The 44% shares were allotted to them (the Mphokos) to add to the 7% free carry shares to make it 51%. BUT THAT IS MERELY ON PAPER."According to the shareholder agreement that was signed to facilitate the setting up of the business under Zimbabwean law at the time, said Ottapathu, the 44% shares can be called back at any minute at no cost to Choppies Enterprises, thus leaving Mphokos with their 7% share.He continued, "The 7% free carry share can be bought back by Choppies Enterprises at US$1 per share in the event that we want Mphokos out of the business altogether. We have not yet reached that stage yet."For the record, Siqokoqela Mphoko and his father, who are shareholders of Nanavac, have all along been getting dividends through their bank account for the 7% shares they hold and not 51%."The Botswana firm says it has proof of transfer which it was prepared to furnish to the media."We are, however aware, of machinations by those that seek to portray themselves as victims and saints to wrestle the Choppies Enterprises from its owners, the people of Botswana. They have tried to rewrite the Choppies story and we will not be party to that attempt."The partners know the truth and some are now trying to take advantage of the situation to twist facts in their favour."All the important and crucial stakeholders know who holds what percentage in the company. They also know who invested what. They have documents that talk to these issues."Ottapathu said Mphoko's Botswana partners were disturbed the embattled former VP and his family were battling to wrest control of the company."We are however disturbed when mature people now want to change facts and maintain they own the enterprise."He adds, "We firmly believe that our partners should desist from greed and respect the tenets of the agreement that we made and committed ourselves to at the initial stages."All this drama is not worth the energy that they have put into it. We would rather have the energy being devoted to the growth of the business."The revelations come after Siqokoqela, director of Nanavac Investments (Private) Limited, a local partner for the Botswana-registered Choppies Distribution Centre (Proprietary) Limited, has been accused of abusing his power to "loot" cash realised from sales at different supermarkets and replacing it with transfers.His wife Nomagugu Mphoko is also accused of bulldozing various shops demanding cash.The two, according to the foreign investors, are using threats of deportation against Choppies employees.This happens triggered the seeking of the court's intervention to bar the family from interfering with the retail business' operations.Choppies wants the family barred from taking money from the business and harassing workers.Below is an e-mail that was sent to Bulawayo24 and the attached document:
News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

Bulawayo24.com

Former vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and his son Siqokoqela Mphoko are bound to lose all the shares they hold in Choppies Zimbabwe if they continue fighting their Botswana partners, we can reveal.In a letter written toby the Botswana based CEO of Choppies Enterprises Ramachandran Ottapathu, it is alleged that the Mphoko Family only 7% of the shareholding and the rest of the 44% was given to them so a fulfill the indigenisation laws of the country."Mphokos were given the 51% shares in an agreement which allows us to buy back the shares as and whenever we want as part of efforts to comply with the law. We gave them the shares on paper. Their 7% free carry shares was a way of thanking them for facilitating that we set up business in Zimbabwe." Ottapathu said.He further reiterated that the agreement they said with the Mphokos allow them to withdraw the 44% allotted to the Mphokos at any time they want to and that the other 7% shares can be bought back at US$1 per share."The other 44% shares were allotted to them (the Mphokos) to add to the 7% free carry shares to make it 51%. According to the shareholder agreement that was signed to facilitate the setting up of the business under Zimbabwean law at the time, the 44% shares can be called back at any minute at no cost to Choppies Enterprises, thus leaving Mphokos with their 7% share."The 7% free carry shares can be bought back by Choppies Enterprises at US$1 per share in the event that we want Mphokos out of the business altogether."Ottapathu further alleged that the Mphokos have been getting dividends equal to the 7% shareholding they hold and not the 51%."For the record, Siqokoqela Mphoko and his father, who are shareholders of Nanavac, have all along been getting dividends through their bank accounts for the 7% shares they hold and not the 51%. We have proof of transfer and we can furnish you if you so wish."In his letter Ottapathu says he documentation to prove that the Mphoko family never invested any money into setting up of the business in Zimbabwe but they (Botswana partners) are the ones who brought in $25 million from Barclays Bank of Botswana, the underwriters of the funding, for the setting up of Choppies operations in Zimbabwe.Mphokos have been involved in a nasty fight with their Botswana partners in a bid to defend the 51% shareholding of Choppies Zimbabwe which they hold.Mphoko's son Siqokoqela and his wife Nomagugu were recently dragged to court on charges of interfering with the operations of Choppies Distribution Centre and Choppies Enterprises. This followed accusations that they swindled the businesses of a combined $80 000.Siqokoqela is back in jail after being accused by court officials of flouting bail conditions.
News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

We believe in humanity and we trust that Kenya will resolve our situation and allow us to live in dignity and with our true identity. pic.twitter.com/Fp6nto99ZL  The Shona Community of Kenya (@ShonaCommunity) December 5, 2018

There was jubilation this week among the Shona community that has been trapped in Kenya since the 1960s after President Uhuru Kenyatta promised to look into their plight.The community members have been stateless without any birth certificates or Identity Documentation."Today we sleep better after the President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta promised to look at our situation and grant us citizenship according to the law." The Shona community in Kenya said in a statement."There is 4000 of us Shona who are stateless. We have to get people with IDs to register our cellphone lines . They withdraw money on our behalf. We just pay for the support." The community said recently narrating their ordeal."We Shonas have been in self-employment all our lives. Our hand skills of carpentry have artistic perfection . We train our children and neighbours. When we get IDs we will scale this."Our children here hold birth registration but no birth certificates. The day we will hold birth certificates, we will sing Hosanna some more."We are arrested for lacking national IDs. Some of us were born in remand prisons as our mothers had been arrested. Some of our fathers died in Kenyan prisons.""We face lots of challenges in our life here. Our children can't sit exams because of lack of birth certificates . We sometime opt to have to be 'adopted ' by Kenyans already recognized as citizens."One of our daughters got burnt in the house but because we cannot be admitted in hospital without a national ID then she nursed her burns in the house for 3 months until a neighbour with ID couldn't take it anymore and took her to hospital as her child ."The first batch of 100 Shona community members arrived in Kenya to spread the Gospel and established The Gospel of God Church. They then settled in Nairobi in Central parts of Kenya. The Shona missionaries used British passports to travel since Zimbabwe and Kenya were under The British colony. In 1963 when Kenya gained its Independence the missionaries stayed put although they were no longer documented since there was no provision in the constitution to document them.
By Ben Blanchard and David Ljunggren BEIJING/OTTAWA (Reuters) - China warned Canada on Saturday that there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's [HWT.UL] chief financial officer, calling the case "extremely nasty". Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's global chief financial officer, was arrested in Canada on Dec. 1 and faces extradition to the United States, which alleges that she covered up her company's links to a firm that tried to sell equipment to Iran despite sanctions. The executive is the daughter of the founder of Huawei. If extradited to the United States, Meng would face charges of conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions, a Canadian court heard on Friday, with a maximum sentence of 30 years for each charge. No decision was reached at the extradition hearing after nearly six hours of arguments and counter-arguments, and the hearing was adjourned until Monday. In a short statement, China's Foreign Ministry said that Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng had issued the warning to release Meng to Canada's ambassador in Beijing, summoning him to lodge a "strong protest". Adam Austen, a spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, said Saturday there is "nothing to add beyond what the Minister said yesterday". Freeland told reporters on Friday that relationship with China is important and valued, and Canada's ambassador in Beijing has assured Chinese that consular access will be provided to Meng. When asked about the possible Chinese backlash after the arrest of Huawei's CFO, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday that Canada has a very good relationship with Beijing. Canada's arrest of Meng at the request of the United States while she was changing plane in Vancouver was a serious breach of her lawful rights, Le said. The move "ignored the law, was unreasonable" and was in its very nature "extremely nasty", he added. "China strongly urges the Canadian side to immediately release the detained person, and earnestly protect their lawful, legitimate rights, otherwise Canada must accept full responsibility for the serious consequences caused." The statement did not elaborate. "There will probably be a deep freeze with the Chinese in high-level visits and exchanges," David Mulroney, former Canadian ambassador to China, said on Friday. "The ability to talk about free trade will be put in the ice box for a while. But we're going to have to live with that. That's the price of dealing with a country like China." On Sunday, the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily said that while China would not "cause trouble", it also did not fear trouble and that nobody should underestimate China's determination on this case. "Only if the Canadian side corrects its mistake and immediately stops infringing upon the lawful, legitimate rights of a Chinese citizen and gives a proper accounting to the Chinese people can it avoid paying a heavy price for this," it said in an editorial. Meng's arrest was on the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump met in Argentina with China's Xi Jinping to look for ways to resolve an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies. "We are tracking the developments of this case and refer you to the filings in the Supreme Court of British Columbia," said a U.S. State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The news of Meng's arrest has roiled stock markets and drawn condemnation from Chinese authorities, although Trump and his top economic advisers have played down its importance to trade talks after the two leaders agreed to a truce. A Huawei spokesman said on Friday the company has "every confidence that the Canadian and U.S. legal systems will reach the right conclusion." The company has said it complies with all applicable export control and sanctions laws and other regulations. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Alexander Smith and Nick Zieminski)
ADELAIDE, Australia (AP)  First-innings century maker Cheteshwar Pujara again blunted Australia's attack to put India in a strong position after a rain-interrupted third day of the first test on Saturday.

India reached stumps at 151 for three in its second innings, an overall lead of 166 runs. Pujara was 40 not out and Ajinkya Rahane unbeaten on one run.

Pujara shared a 71-run third-wicket partnership with captain Virat Kohli. They threatened to bat through the session before Kohli prodded to short-leg from the bowling of spinner Nathan Lyon.

Kohli made 34 from 104 deliveries but fell to Lyon for the sixth time in his test career. Kohli received a hostile reception from the Adelaide Oval crowd on his way to the crease and he was watchful against probing Australian bowling.

With footmarks to aim at, Lyon was the main threat, but Pujara successfully reviewed decisions twice from his bowling.

India's second innings was delayed due to rain interruptions either side of lunch. Openers Murali Vijay and K.L. Rahul produced a 63-run partnership, their highest outside of India. Vijay fell to Mitchell Starc for 18 and Rahul (44 off 67 balls) was dismissed just before tea by Josh Hazlewood.

The out-of-form Rahul only scored one run off his first 25 deliveries. After seeing off Starc, he opened up and counterattacked Pat Cummins, hitting a cover drive for six.

"(The match is) slightly in our favor because we have a good lead," India paceman Jasprit Bumrah said. "The first session (of day four) will be very important. If we capitalize on that, we will be in a very good place in this match."

India had a first-innings lead of 15 runs after bowling out Australia for 235. After sweltering conditions during the opening two days, only 10.4 overs were bowled in the first session.

Travis Head top-scored for Australia with 72 and equaled his highest test score. He received invaluable support from Lyon, who hit an unbeaten 24 from 28 balls.

Story continues

India's four-pronged attack shared the wickets with Bumrah and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picking up three apiece.

Head said the wicket of Kohli gave Australia hope.

"It was a nice little wicket there at the end," Head said. "I thought the bowlers did a great job of containing and continuing to put pressure on. It makes for a big hour (to start day four)."

Australia resumed day three at 191 for 7, but it was Lyon who stole the show after the early wicket of Starc. Lyon dominated the strike in his partnership with Head and counterattacked with a six off a hook shot from Mohammed Shami's first delivery.

Two balls later, Head played away from his body to be caught behind and Hazlewood fell first ball, leaving Shami on a hat trick when Australia bats in its second innings.

A crowd of 30,348 braved the inclement conditions to record the second highest attendance for a day's play between the teams in Adelaide.

Sixteen overs were lost on day three after the rain delays. Days four and five will start 30 minutes earlier.

___

More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
A group of women in Yellowknife hope to win a gingerbread creation competition to raise more money for a local charity.

The competition, held by Engineers Canada, is called the Feats of Gingerbread Holiday Challenge. The winning group will have the amount they raised for their respective charity matched, up to $10,000, by the organization.

"I had a vision that it would be called 'Christmas at the Treeline,' and we could do a mixture from the boreal forest, over to the tundra, and then kind of like represent all the things that are great about the North in one scene," said Jennie Rausch, one of the gingerbread architects, in an interview on Tuesday.

Her group's creation is about the size of two cookie sheets. It includes gingerbread versions of an igloo, a caribou and trees.

Light, originating from Christmas lights behind the structure, shines through colourful translucent panels, made from isomalt  a sugar substitute that looks like glass when melted. The panels represent the northern lights.

It took the five women five hours to build the gingerbread scene.

Steve Silva/CBC



Rausch's group is fundraising for Food Rescue in Yellowknife, which collects food to provide to other organizations.

"Since it's food-related  we thought having a food-related charity was a really nice fit."

So far, they have raised about $2,300, and the aim is to collect at least $4,000 to potentially double if they win.

"I think it's also a time of year where we're all thinking about getting together and having the big dinner with family and having all of the food that we can think of," said Alexandra Giroux, another group member.

"I think it's important to remember that that is not the case for everybody, and food security is an issue in our community."

Their creation is currently on display in the lower level of Centre Square Mall.
CBI member, Spirit AeroSystems joined Boeing in celebrating the delivery of the 2,000th Boeing plane to a Chinese operator on Friday, with the handover of a B737 MAX to Xiamen Airlines last Friday.

Spirit AeroSystems is the largest individual supplier to Boeing and provides parts to all the companys commercial jet programmes. However, Spirit AeroSystems is predominantly involved with production of the Boeing 737; the company is responsible for building close to 70% of every aircraft sold in China.

The company is enjoying a significant up-turn as a result of a recent boom in the China aviation market. Spirit AeroSystems estimates that Chinas need of 7,690 new commercial jets over the next 20 years will contribute $1.2 trillion to the commercial aerospace industry in the companys home city of Wichita in the US state of Kansas.

The China market is particularly valuable to Spirit AeroSystems because around a third of all Boeing 737 sales are made to Chinese airlines. Boeing did announce, that as a result of the importance of the China market to the American aircraft manufacturer, China-bound 737s would begin to be finished in a new completion centre in Zhoushan, China as of December this year.

Spirit AeroSystems will continue production at its Wichita plant to meet demand, and export fuselages and components to Zhoushan for furnishing and painting. Spirit AeroSystems expects to export 100 fuselages per year.
A local group is illegally setting up booths and charging fees to foreigners near Everest, and the government hasn't done anything about it

A group of youth have been illegally collecting Rs500 as an accommodation fee in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality from foreign trekkers visiting the Everest region in the name of Khumbu Hotel Association.
The First Fleet of 11 ships arrived at Botany Bay after a 252 day voyage carrying over 1,000 passengers including 586 male convicts, 192 women convicts and wives and 213 marines plus some of their wives and children.

All 11 ships arrived within two days of each other.

There was hardly any loss of life.

The 16,000 mile (25,750km) voyage, made at the speed of a man walking, eventually settled in what Captain Arthur Phillip called Sydney Cove, very close to what is now Circular Quay.

So ended one of the great nautical achievements of the modern world.

Detractors

So many books have been written about the First Fleet, its arrival at Sydney Cove and what followed in the next few years, its difficult to discern between fact and fiction.

Charles Wilson, in Australia: The Creation of a Nation, rails against the inefficiency, carelessness and idleness of the masters and servants of the ministries which all had a finger in the pie called the First Fleet.

Its fate rested, he asserts, with an ill-chosen, ill-organised, contentious and unwilling body of what passed for public servants  and a venal and corrupt body of private contractors.

The stereotype is the infant colony of New South Wales was a terrestrial hell to which were assigned the socially damned by an uncaring government who only wanted to solve their crime problem as cheaply as possible without concern for human life.

The First Fleet was one of the most successful voyages in modern maritime history.

So how did these writers come to the conclusion the organisation, the trip and the settlement were such a disaster?

One noted critic of this so called disaster is Associate Professor & Director, Centre for the History of Christian Thought & Experience, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia, Dr Stuart Piggin.

Dr Piggin said the letter announcing New South Wales was to be settled by convicts was signed by Lord Sydney, British Home Secretary, on 21 August 1786.

Sydney decreed the new colony was not to be a military prison, but a civil administration, recognising the property rights of convicts.

Captain Phillip who then became Governor of the new colony also laid a humane foundation to the colony with his declaration that there can be no slavery in a free land and consequently no slaves.

His humanity extended to the Aboriginal people: he ordered there was to be no pay-back when he was himself speared at Manly by an Indigenous warrior.

Phillip was himself quite capable of envisioning a great future for the infant colony. He wanted to call it New Albion, and a sketch he commissioned in July 1788 incorporating his plans for Sydney Cove, showed wide streets and a church and hospital at the centre of the future town.

Dr Piggin wrote a great deal more about how many of the controllers of various parts of the organisation for the First Fleet were humanitarian Christians however space precludes me from naming them and their backgrounds however some are included.

The contractor for the First Fleet was William Richards Jr, an evangelical Christian. Far from being venal and corrupt, he honoured his contract with the government both in spirit and in the letter. He ensured convicts and marines on the First Fleet were so well provisioned they became healthier (heavier anyway) as the voyage proceeded.

He was subsequently engaged to transport 100 convict women on the Lady Juliana, and they arrived healthier and happier than they had ever been in their lives.

For the second and third fleets, by contrast, the contractor was Camden, Calvert and King, a firm engaged in the slave trade. They were both disasters: 267 of the 1006 convicts on the second fleet perished and the death rate on the third fleet was twice that of the first fleet.

So William Richards was re-engaged as the contractor for the three ships which arrived in 1792 after the third fleet, when only one life was lost.

The Forces of Humanity at Sydney Cove

Chaplain Johnson and his wife Mary were not the only representatives of vital Christianity and humane civilisation in the new colony. Among the devout Christians were also two future governors of the Colony: Captain John Hunter, who was 2ic to Governor Phillip and became governor of the colony from 1795 to 1800 and Lt Philip Gidley King, destined to follow Hunter as governor from 1800 to 1806.

But the most truly remarkable of the First Fleets contingent was Lieutenant William Dawes. He befriended the Indigenous Eora people and attempted to learn their language. His notebooks have survived and they reveal his wonder at aspects of Aboriginal culture and his sensitivity to their plight. He also became the first person appointed by the Church Missionary Society to teach its prospective missionaries.

The year 2014 was the bicentenary of the death of Arthur Phillip. Monuments to him were unveiled in St James Church, King Street, Sydney and in Westminster Abbey. His essential, if not perfect, humanity makes him worthy of the honour. However, he was neither alone, nor even pre-eminent, among the long line of humane founders of the Botany Bay experiment.

Charles Middleton (1726-1813), Comptroller of the Navy Board was responsible for finding the eleven ships of the First Fleet, only one of which was more than six years old and supervised their fitting out and their equipping with stores and provisions. He hated corruption and there was no doubting his contribution to the success of the First Fleet.

He used religion as his instrument and believed; Without religion there can be no public principle.
Kerala: Coast contains ecologically and socio-economically most vulnerable stretches

by Sahana Ghosh

December 10,2018 | Source: Mongabay

Home to Venice of the East, the coastal district of Alappuzha in the south Indian state of Kerala, and forested hills in tourist-magnets Idukki and Wayanad, are very highly vulnerable to climate change, says a recently released vulnerability index of the flood-battered state.



Bringing both environmental and socio-economic factors into the picture, researchers led by the University of Kerala, assessed the local dimensions of vulnerability in the tropical state of Kerala, using a specifically designed composite vulnerability index. Kerala has a very long coastline of 570 km, out of which close to 60 percent is prone to severe sea erosion, points out the Kerala State Action Plan on Climate Change.



The coastal wetlands, lagoons and mangroves, which are unique fragile coastal ecosystems in Kerala, are under the combined threat of projected sea level rise and saltwater intrusion, S. Sarun, the lead author of the study, told Mongabay-India. Hence, those districts that have (their) maximum geographical area under these ecosystems have the highest vulnerability, said Sarun, of the department of geography, University College, University of Kerala.



Also at play is the interaction of various socio-economic elements. Generally vulnerability is higher for those deprived sections of a society who could have been victims of some phenomena or events including the impact of climate change. We have tried to give prominence to people who are dependent on climate-sensitive sectors such as fisheries, forestry and agriculture, said Sarun.



Farmers, fishermen and tribes are most vulnerable



Farmers, fishermen and tribes are most vulnerable groups in the state because their dependence on fishery, forest and farming opens them up to the ravages of climate change while at the same time they are not adapted to cope with the uncertainties. These all are considered for determining socio-economic vulnerability. This study may help to plan appropriate measures to address events such as flood, drought, landslide, coastal erosion, storm surge which all are climate-induced one in the state, Sarun said.



The tourist-friendly state was thrust into the limelight this year when torrential rains (second spell of southwest monsoon) hammered the state from August 8 to 19 this year, displacing millions and killing over 500 people in rain-related events. Government officials estimate losses due to the floods and landslides at more than the states annual plan outlay (Rs. 26,500 crore or Rs 265 billion for 2017-2018 fiscal). A coordinated post disaster needs assessment study by United Nations organisations stated that the state would need Rs 31,000 crores (Rs 310 billion) for rebuilding.



Countries in South Asia are among the most vulnerable globally to the impacts of climate change according to the Global Climate Risk Index 2019 released at the ongoing annual climate summit in Poland (COP24). India has been ranked the 14th most vulnerable nation in the index which said massive rainfall triggered floods across Nepal, Bangladesh and India, affecting more than 40 million people.



Anshu Sharma co-founder and director of SEEDS India, a non-profit organisation working in disaster risk reduction and recovery in Asia, said vulnerability indices are very useful as they contextualise a risk or disaster impact. The same rainfall/flood in Florida would have a different impact. Vulnerability indexing tells you about the impact or potential impact of a given hazard for a specific geography or community. How reliable is this is something that depends on how robust the method followed was, Sharma said.



The good, the bad and the ugly



So how does Kerala fare? The researchers explained that factors such as a high population of people crammed into a narrow coastal strip inset with wetlands and lagoonsthat are exposed to anticipated climate change risks such as sea level risehave propelled Alappuzha to the top (very highly vulnerable) in the index.



Features such as backwater banks and filtration ponds/paddy fields are other sections of the coastal zone which are highly susceptible to sea level rise (SAPCC). Of the 14 Kerala districts, Alappuzha is the most densely populated one in the state, with a sizeable percentage of people depending on sectors like paddy cultivation and fishery which are sensitive to climate change, the study notes.



Idukki, Wayanad, and Palakkad that also hold sway in the top are endangered due to the high population of primary and socially deprived sectors inhabiting a landscape hallmarked by extensive patches of tropical montane forests amid rolling grasslands (locally called Shola forests) as also carpets of dense forests. A large distribution of Shola forest and dense forest cover leads to higher exposure to climate change risk, the researchers assert. Palakkad has a high social vulnerability because of the percentage of the population relying on agriculture-related activities and the comparatively low performance on the human development index.



It also has a high concentration of socially deprived groups (it has the highest number of Scheduled Caste population in the state). Similarly, state capital Thiruvananthapuram is pegged as highly vulnerable due to the comparatively large extent of sand beach. Thrissur and Kozhikode are in the middle (regions of medium vulnerability), their places attributed to population density, extent of beach and dense forests.



At the bottom of the rung with less vulnerability are Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, and Kasargod due to the absence of Shola forests and mangrove forest and also due to less extent of coastal wetlands and lagoons. The index rankings, therefore, reflect the identification of districts that more threatened under the impacts of climate change. Sarun Savith is hopeful that the index will be incorporated in the updated version of the state action plan.



The state action plan also has graded the districts according to composite vulnerability and they also list the same vulnerable hotspots but the present study is more scientific and has a strong component on the meteorological component. So that is why we hope the index will be incorporated, Savith said.



Index shows the way for adaptation



Pinpointing exposure and sensitivities through the index can also inform adaptive measures in a regional specific context for coastal areas, forested areas, and high densely populated areas and socially deprived hilly regions.



The study suggests that for the protection of forests, it is essential to limit anthropogenic disturbances, monitor changes and allow for the regeneration of keystone species, as well as maintenance and creation of connecting corridors over the landscape. For the protection of mangroves, authors recommend coastal planning that facilitates the inland migration of mangroves due to sea level rise.



To shield beaches and lagoons, beach nourishment, construction of sea walls and sea dykes, storm surge barriers, flood-proofing measures, flood hazard mapping, flood warning, and forecasting systems can be adopted. MC Deo from IIT Bombay, who was not associated with the study, said there is a gamut of hard and soft options to protect vulnerable coastal areas.



While the former includes building structures, the latter involves eco-friendly interventions with minimum damage to the coast. The hard measures pertain to building sea walls, groynes and similar structures while the soft one are in the form of geo- or sand tubes, artificial beach nourishments, growing vegetations around sand dunes, creating a buffer zone of mangroves, Deo said.



Deo advocated scrupulous adherence to coastal zone regulations framed by the Indian government as they target eco-friendly measures. Only in case of unavoidable coastal works, like defence works, a combination of soft and hard measures need to be adopted, he said.



This apart, Savith and co-researchers said prohibition of reclamation of wetlands, discharge of wastewater into wetlands, treatment of wastes at source itself and soil erosion control measures in the catchment area of tributaries to wetlands, measures to reduce siltation of wetlands are important.



- Researchers have mapped Kerala districts according to vulnerability to climate change by bringing both environmental and socio-economic factors into the picture.



- Vast swathes of coastal wetlands and lagoons and larger clusters of mangrove forests make the state environmentally vulnerable.



- Low human development index, a large population of socially deprived groups, which are dependent on the primary sector, and high population density render the state vulnerable from a socio-economic point of view.
Sri Lanka: Environmental damage and land acquisition: Anger grows in Sri Lanka against Belt and Road Initiative

by Amantha Perera

The leafy village of Beragama in Hambantota district is a throwback to a time when Sri Lanka was trying to get on to the Chinese development highway.



Far from the cranes, concrete high rises, widening highways and Chinese workers that are now a mainstay in many parts of the island, Beragama, 250 kilometres south of the capital Colombo, is still covered by verdant paddy fields. Villagers mostly use old bicycles to get around and the village temple, located at Beragamas highest point, is still its nerve centre. But over the top of the temples white stupa you can still see the large cranes of Hambantota harbour, built with Chinese funds in 2010 and now operated by China Merchant Port Holdings on a 99-year lease that came into effect last year.



They have been here since 2008, said Vimalabudhi Thero, the chief monk at the temple, alluding to the year construction started on the port. Like investments in the ports of Gwadar in Pakistan and Chittagong in Bangladesh, Hambantota port is a key part of Chinas Belt and Road initiative that is building infrastructure and boosting regional connectivity and trade across strategic maritime and land routes.



For a decade, Vimalabudhi had few problems with the Chinese-funded projects that were coming up in Hambantota at break-neck speed. Then President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched a series of projects in his home constituency. The most visible Chinese backed projects were the new highways, cutting south through the western slopes of the island, two port projects and a new airport, among others. It was in 2017, when Rajapaksa was defeated, that the monk from Beragama became really concerned. Burdened by heavy debt, the Sri Lankan government was looking for a release valve. The country owes at least one fifth of its over $50 billion foreign debt to China. The situation was worsened by a stagnant economy and non-preforming projects like the Mattala International Airport, known as the worlds emptiest airport. The port has recorded negative growth. The new government of President Maithripala Sirisena and Premier Ranil Wickremasinghe came up with a plan: they would hand over a majority control of the Hambantota Port to the Chinese in a $1.2 billion deal.



Vimalabudhi was alarmed that the agreement also included provisions for an additional 15,000-acre investment zone that would cover large portions of land in Beragama. There were plans to take over land from our villages for this, and from what we could see they were after the most fertile land, he said looking at the lush paddies outside his temple. Last year Vimalabudhi was in the forefront of public protests against the investment zone, which ultimately stalled the plans despite the port handover going through. However, the government is yet to scrap the plans so the villagers remain fearful they will still lose their land.



Look at what they have done to our land, it looks like a giant hedgehog has been here, said Dharamadasa Banda a 70-year-old villager. All across Sri Lankas Southern Province, large swathes of agricultural land and shrub jungle have been cut open for Chinese-backed projects like the extension of a highway and link roads. Inland from the airport, bulldozers are taking the earth needed for the highway with indelible effects.



Trampling elephant habitat



The stretch of the highway linking the empty airport to the port cuts through key elephant corridors. Its being built by China Communication Construction Company. Three quarters of the 489-hectare project runs through shrub jungle, according to an environmental assessment report obtained by the local rights body Center for Environmental Justice.



According to the records of the Department of Wildlife Conservation there are more than 400 elephants roaming in the Managed Elephant Range and those moving between the parks also use this area on a regular basis, the report states adding that animals roam as much as 25 kilometres a day. Between 15%-20% of the islands elephant population could live in the project area, the department estimates. The airport was also built on elephant habitat, and wildlife officials in Hambantota are frequently called up to chase the pachyderms off the runway.



Lack of information sparks anger and confusion



Information on the environmental impacts of the port and highways has been limited. However, available reports, such as the environmental impact assessment of the Southern Highway extension, or the supplementary environmental impact assessment of the Port City raise, serious concerns.



Landslides are one of the major risks identified. A Right to Information request to the Ministry of Higher Education and Highways in August revealed that the authorities had identified 13 landslide prone locations on the 143 kilometre stretch of the Southern Highway between the capital and Matara.



Four of the locations have already experienced landslides along with one other location that was not identified as being in danger. In May 2017, large areas of the highway were flooded during high monsoon rains. One of the lasting images of the floods was the southern exit of the highway with its semi-circular arch half submerged. We have never experienced any such thing in this area. The flood waters used to flow downstream to the west in the past. The highway looked as if it was blocking the waters, said Indrarathne Abeysinghe, who lives near the exit point.



Soon after the floods then Minister of Megapolis Development Champika Ranawaka blamed the disaster on ad-hoc development projects specifically mentioning the Southern Highway as lacking a detailed environmental assessment report. His cabinet colleague Minster of Home Affairs Vajira Abeywardene argued the highway was constructed properly and was not the cause of the floods.



Available environmental assessment reports on the highway do say that the elevated roads could cause obstruction of water flows downstream but also add proper drainage systems have been built in. There are concerns that the Port City, near the capital Colombo, could create similar problems. This involves large scale land reclamation south of the Colombo harbour and the construction of a new financial district. Coastal communities fear that the one-billion-dollar investment by China Harbour Engineering Company will lead to coastal erosion and harm fish populations. Further inland people worry about growing air pollution and traffic. With 95% of the work on the 2.3 square kilometre reclamation area complete, coastal communities and others now have to wait and see if those fears will come true.



The environmental impact assessment report by the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau states that they do not foresee any significant changes to the shoreline.



Communities left in the dark



Iddamalgodda says that communities are worried about coastal erosion, landslide threats, noise and air pollution. Environmental assessment reports indicate that the sand requirement for the reclamation is 65 million cubic metres supplied from two sites while a total of 3.5 million cubic metres of rock is also earmarked. But the biggest cause for concern is the lack of information and public consultations.



People were kept in the dark and no reliable information of this massive project was in the public domain. The agreement between the Sri Lankan authorities and the Chinese company has never been made public. There has been no consultation either with so- called local beneficiaries of this project or with the critics, said Iddamalgodda.



Vimalabudhi agreed that he found it next to impossible to get information on the projects other than what government officials were telling him verbally. In 2015 when the then Mahinda Rajapaksa government was defeated in national elections, the new government said it would reevaluate the progress of Chinese projects. The Port City construction was halted from early 2015 till mid-2016 but recommenced after the Chinese investors and the new government reached an agreement on landholding.



Government changes in Colombo are unlikely to alter Chinas influence. When President Maithripala Sirisena sacked his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa instead on October 26, one of the first visitors to meet Wickremasinghe and Rajapaksa separately was the Chinese envoy to Sri Lanka.



Back in Beragama, the plaque unveiled at the inauguration of the investment zone has been overrun by shrubs, but the villagers are still nervous. In early October, rumours spread through the village that government officials would pay a return visit to survey their lands.



Some of them gathered again at Vimalabudhis temple to plan another protest. The monk informed them these were just rumours. But when will we know if our lands will be safe from a takeover? Probably never, as long as the port and the airport is here, our lands are under threat, he said.
Kerala: Germany to provide Rs 720 crore loan to flood-hit Kerala

by Rejimon Kuttappan

December 10,2018 | Source: Down to Earth

Germany will provide financial aid of Rs 720 crore to rebuild climate-resilient infrastructure in flood-ravaged Kerala. German Ambassador to India, Martin Ney said the loan would be provided at a nominal rate by the German Development Bank, KfW. The rate would be decided after expert discussions, said Ney, while adding that the aim was not just to rebuild Kerala but to make the new infrastructure climate-resilient.



In Germany, we have the expertise to build and maintain climate-resilient infrastructure. So, we will support Kerala financially to do the same, the ambassador said. According to Ney, besides a reduced interest loan of Rs 720 crore to promote climate-resilient reconstruction of transport infrastructure, KfW will also provide a Rs 24 crore grant for international expertise in the field of climate-resilient infrastructure planning.



In 2019, we may also provide a Rs 80 crore support. However, the decision will be taken later, the ambassador said adding that annual German aid to India is to the tune of 1 billion euros. The aid to be given for flood relief was agreed after talks with the Union government held just after the August floods in Kerala. Ney also stated that within the framework of Indo-German cooperation, the city of Kochi had been selected to receive particular support in order to become a Smart City.



Through KfW, Germany is financing a Rs 940 crore project to provide Kochi with an integrated water transport system. The Water Metro project involves 15 identified routes connecting 41 boat piers and 10 island communities in the 46 km route network, he said. On Thursday, a High Level Committee of the Centre headed by Union Minister for Home, Rajnath Singh, approved an additional assistance of Rs 3,048 crore to Kerala. The Kerala government had sought Rs 4,700 crore as compensation from the Centre for the damage caused by the floods, which were termed as the worst in a century. At least 488 people died in the floods which hit 14 districts of the state.



In September, a month after the floods, Kerala had submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking Rs 4,800 crore for relief work. The memorandum included all the details about the loss of human life, property, infrastructure and damage to crops. Responding to this, a committee headed by the Union Home Secretary had cleared Rs 3,100 crore. The Rs 600 crore that was announced as an advance earlier was included in this amount.



Following the flood, there was an offer of Rs 700 crore from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, it didnt materialise. Besides the UAE, the emirate of Sharjah had also offered separate financial aid of Rs 4 crore. Qatar had offered Rs 35 crore and the Maldives had also offered some help.



But the Indian government had decided to refuse any help to deal with the post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation process. The Centres decision was questioned by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Recently, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in India, Yuri Afanasiev, presented the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Report to Vijayan, that assessed the damage and loss incurred due to the floods.



According to the report, the state would need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction. The highest amount would be needed for the reconstruction of roads and transportation (Rs 10,046 crore), followed by housing (Rs 5,443 crore), agriculture, fisheries and livestock (Rs 4,498 crore), employment and livelihood (Rs 3,896 crore), other infrastructure (Rs 2,446 crore), irrigation (Rs 1,483 crore) and water and sanitation (Rs 1,331 crore).



The report highlighted international examples and models for building a better Kerala in 16 sectors. It suggested that Kerala could become the first green state in the country by building on the four pillars of integrated water resources management; eco-sensitive and risk informed approaches to land use and planning; inclusive and people centered approaches; and by adopting knowledge, innovation and technology. The PDNA is the global methodology developed by the UN, the World Bank and the European Union to assess damage and loss in the wake of disaster and to recommend recovery needs and strategies.



In all, 76 experts from 10 UN agencies and the European Union across 13 sectors collaborated to develop the report in 20 days. The UN agencies included the UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, UN Women, UNFPA, UNEP, WHO, WFP, ILO and FAO and adopted reports of 3 sectors from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Besides, two experts on integrated water resources management from the Netherlands also provided support. The report was prepared after visiting 120 villages in 10 districts and interacting with experts, affected people, elected representatives, officials and representatives of civil society organisations.
Irans currency has lost 65 percent of its value in 2018 amid US sanctions, with strong demand for dollars and gold coins on unofficial market





Fast-track courts set up in Iran to fight economic crime have jailed 30 men for as long as 20 years each, the judiciary said on Sunday, as the country faces renewed US sanctions and a public outcry against profiteering and corruption.





The new Islamic revolutionary courts - whose rulings cannot be appealed, except for death sentences - were set up in August after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for "swift and just" legal action to confront an "economic war" by foreign enemies, Reuters reported.





Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, quoted by the body's news website Mizan, said 29 Iranians and an Afghan foreign exchange dealer were found guilty of crimes including bribery, embezzlement and "disrupting the economy".





Irans rial currency has lost about 65 percent of its value in 2018 amid revived US sanctions, with strong demand for dollars and gold coins on the unofficial market from ordinary Iranians trying to protect their savings. The cost of living has also soared, provoking sporadic demonstrations against profiteering and corruption.





Iranian officials have accused arch-foes the United States and Israel, as well as regional rival Saudi Arabia and government opponents living in exile, of fomenting unrest and waging an economic and media war to destabilise Iran.





Many of the jailed men were also fined, sentenced to lashes and had the "ill-gotten" portion of their assets seized, Ejei said.





Iran's supreme court upheld the death sentence of a businessman for economic crimes, Ejei added, weeks after the execution of two traders on similar charges.





Still, rights group Amnesty International condemned Iran's execution last month of the gold trader and his accomplice as "abhorrent" and said it followed a "grossly unfair show trial".





Vahid Mazloomin and accomplice Mohammad Esmail Ghasemi were executed after being found guilty of "corruption on earth," Iran's most serious capital offence - for "forming and running a network for disrupting the economy," said the judiciary's news agency Mizan online.





Mazloomin had been dubbed the "Sultan of Coins" for allegedly exploiting a surge in gold demand from savers spooked by this year's currency crisis in Iran.





"With these abhorrent executions the Iranian authorities have flagrantly violated international law," said Philip Luther, Amnesty's Middle East and North Africa research director.





"These men were convicted after a grossly unfair show trial that was broadcast on state television," he said, adding that international law forbids the death penalty for non-lethal crimes.

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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
Bengaluru: Congress Legislature Party(CLP) leader and former CM Siddaramaiah will not be attending the first week of the joint winter session of the state legislature convened in Belagavi from Monday.

Sources close to the ex-CM told Deccan Chronicle that Mr Siddaramaiah would be going to Malaysia on Monday to attend the marriage of his close friend. He would be out of the country for four days starting from Monday. Mr Siddaramaiah will attend the Belagavi session from December 17 with the session set to end on December 21.

Asserting that there were no political reasons for him skipping the first few days of the session to go on a foreign tour, Mr Siddaramaiah said the visit was planned a long time ago. "Cant I attend a marriage outside India ", he shot back when asked about this by media persons.

The absence of Mr Siddaramaiah from the Legislative Assembly is likely to disappoint a majority of Congress legislators who saw him as their saviour and a bridge between party workers and disgruntled MLAs. Fireworks are expected in the House in the first few days because of the sugarcane growers stir and political issues including the delay in filling vacant cabinet berths.
The law is also technically vague and seems contradictory because it doesnt require systematic weaknesses. (Photo: Pixabay)

A newly enacted law rushed through Australias parliament will compel technology companies such as Apple, Facebook and Google to disable encryption protections so police can better pursue terrorists and other criminals.

Cybersecurity experts say the law, the first of its kind globally, will instead be a boon to the criminal underworld by undermining the technical integrity of the internet, hurting digital security and user privacy.

I think its detrimental to Australian and world security, said Bruce Schneier, a tech security expert affiliated with Harvard University and IBM.

The law is also technically vague and seems contradictory because it doesnt require systematic weaknesses  so-called backdoors  to be built in by tech providers. Such backdoors are unlikely to remain secret, meaning that hackers and criminals could easily exploit them.

Backdoors were central to a 1990s US effort to require manufacturers to install a so-called Clipper chip  into communications equipment so the government could listen in on voice and data transmissions. US law enforcement officials, including Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, are again pushing for legislation that would somehow give authorities access to secure communications.

The Australian bill is seen by many as a beachhead for those efforts because the nation belongs to the Five Eyes security alliance with the US, Britain, Canada and New Zealand.

There is a lot here that doesnt make any sense, Schneier said of the Australian bill. This is a technological law written by non-technologists and its not just bad policy. In many ways, I think its unworkable.

A leading figure in cryptography, Martin Hellman of Stanford University, said it appears the bill would facilitate crime by weakening the security of the affected devices.

The law won final legislative approval late Thursday, parliaments final session of the year. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was urgently needed.

This was very important legislation to give police and security agencies the ability to get into encrypted communications, he told Nine Network television. Things like WhatsApp, things like that which are used by terrorists and organised criminals and indeed paedophile rings to do their evil work.

He noted that the opposition Labor Party had to be dragged to the table and backed the legislation as an emergency measure out of concern extremists could target Christmas-New Year crowds.

Labour lawmakers they want amendments passed when parliament resumes in February. Opposition leader Bill Shorten said he supported the current bill only because he could not expose Australians to increased (national security) risk.

Duncan Lewis, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, noted during hearings that extremists share encrypted messages that Australias main secret service cannot intercept or read.

President Morry Bailles of the Law Council of Australia, a leading lawyers group, criticised the bills swift parliamentary journey though lawmakers knew serious problems exist with giving law enforcement unprecedented powers to access encrypted communications.

Australian law enforcement officials have complained that the growth of end-to-end encryption in applications such as Signal, Facebooks WhatsApp and Messenger and Apples iMessage could be the worst blow to intelligence and law enforcement capability in decades. Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said it hampers criminal investigations at all levels.

But Apple, in comments filed with parliament in October, argued that it would be wrong to weaken security for millions of law-abiding customers in order to investigate the very few who pose a threat.

The companys iPhones, because of their strong encryption, are bulwarks of national security around the globe and help protect journalists, human rights workers and people living under repressive regimes.

The iPhone is national security infrastructure right now, said Schneier. Every Australian legislator uses the systems and devices that that law will target and making them insecure seems like a really bad idea.

Apple also complained in October that the bill was dangerously ambiguous.

One apparent contradiction confounds technologists. The legislation says the government must not require providers to implement or build systemic weaknesses in forms of electronic protection (backdoors) but also says it can require the selective deployment of weaknesses or vulnerability in a particular service, device or item of software on a case-by-case basis.

Technologists say that the mathematics underlying encryption and the manner in which it is encoded into software makes it impossible to decrypt a single users communications without affecting all users.

Eric Wenger, director of cybersecurity and privacy policy for the US technology giant Cisco Systems, warned during debate on the bill that Australia could be at a competitive disadvantage if its data was not regarded as secure.

Australia was a major driver of a statement agreed to at the Group of 20 leaders summit in Germany last year that called on the technology industry to provide lawful and non-arbitrary access to available information needed to protect against terrorist threats.

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The campaign for Ann Roe, who is running for Congress against Lyin' Bryan Steil has come out with the best one-liner of this cycle so far: I can't argue...

4 weeks ago


As part of the state visit to the Netherlands, Singapore president Ms. Halimah Yacob paid a visit to the iD-Lab of research institute Deltares, Delft, the Netherlands. In her company was Dutch king Willem-Alexander.

At the iD-Lab shewas briefed by senior researcher Marjolijn Haasnoot on the latest predictions of sea level rise and the consequences for Singapore.

Haasnoot told that her institute is now studying the options for additional sea defence measures in The Netherlands as predictions indicate sea level rise may occure faster.

CEO Maarten Smits (right) of Deltares welcomed president Yacob (second left) and king Willem-Alexander (third left).

Faster sea level rise

According to Haasnoot, new insights on melting of land ice on the Antarctic cause a growing concern, as sea level rise may be on a faster pace than current models indicate.

In case of a faster sea level rise, she explained to the Singapore president, sea defence measures will last less longer and new, higher, defences are needed quicker.

Or, as an alternative, measures will have to be bigger to span a longer period of sea level rise, Haasnoot told.

In the case of Singapore much of the mainland is high enough, but Singapore will notice that sand for beach reinforcement will become even more scare than it now already is, she warned.

The president was shown a visualisation of the Aqua Monitor that illustrated the changing of Singapore's contour over the last 30 years. The island state grew over 30 percent because of land reclamations.

A screenshot of the Aqua Monitor showing the changes in surface water over the past 30 years worldwide. Here seen Singapore with in green the land reclamation areas.

First Singapore polder

The shortage of sand was one of the main reasons for Singapore to step down from more its classical land reclamation and start to built its first polder.

CEO Maarten Smits of Deltares reminded the president of the involvement of his institute in the initial decision making for this new type of land development for Singapore.

Deltares has ever since been, and still is, a thrusted advisor to the Singapore government for the construction of the 810 hectare polder near Pulau Tekong that started earlier this year and is scheduled to be ready by 2020.

The levee and the polder will be equipped with state-of-the-art measuring equipment, both for short-term early warning as well as monitoring long term developments.

President Yacob meets Singapore state agency employees on course at Deltares.

Speed course polder management

At the end of her visit president Yacob met a group of Singapore employees of the governmental agencies involved in the construction of the polder.

Deltares provides short courses for the employees over in the Netherlands to become familiar with the management of land that lies below sea level.

The courses include visits to Dutch regional water authorities that have hundreds of years of experience in polder management.

The Singapore agencies involved, are the Housing and Development Board (HDB), Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

Read also on this website

 Singapore and Dutch ministries sign MoU for joint development of zero waste technology, 22 November 2018

 Royal Boskalis to build 10 km levee around Singapores first polder, 3 April 2018

 Deltares and NUS to develop centre on urban resilience in Singapore, 28 November 2016

 Country: Singapore

 Expertise: Enabling delta life



More information

Deltares

Delft, the Netherlands

+31 88 335 8273

www.deltares.nl/en
Typhoon Damrey knocks down a streetside electric pole in the beach town Nha Trang after making landfall in central provinces of Khanh Hoa and Phu Yen in November 2017. Photo by VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan

Vietnam suffered deadly damage from natural disasters last year, making it one of the 10 countries most severely affected.

Vietnam stood sixth in the annual Global Climate Risk Index for 2017 released last week, one rank down from 2016.

The index, developed by Germanwatch, an environmental policy group based in Bonn, analyses quantified impacts of extreme weather events  both in terms of fatalities as well as economic losses incurred.

The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico was ranked the hardest-hit and the island of Dominica came in third place after both were battered by Hurricane Maria in September last year.

Sri Lanka has took the second spot in the 2017 index due to the serious impacts of heavy landslides and floods that occurred in May last year that killed 200 people and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

The rest of the top 10 nations comprised Nepal, Peru, Madagascar, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh and Thailand.

Vietnam was struck by a record-breaking number of 16 tropical storms last year that killed more than 390 people and injured 668 others, mostly in northern and central regions.

Natural disasters, mostly flooding and tropical storms, caused damage worth VND60 trillion ($2.57 billion), 1.5 times higher than 2016s figure.

The Germanwatch report highlighted that Typhoon Damrey which wreaked havoc on the popular resort town of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province in early November last year was the worst storm to hit the country in 20 years.

Damrey alone killed at least 106 people and triggered around VND22 trillion (nearly $1 billion) in loss, accounting for nearly half of the damage incurred from the disastrous weather last year.

Vietnam among 10 countries hardest hit by weather disasters in 2017 Typhoon Damrey: The damages so far

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at a meeting last year that Vietnams weather forecasting capability has not met the demands.

"Several localities were unprepared or didnt buckle down in the face of disasters," he said at a meeting with legislators.

UNICEF also said in a statement last year that the lack of communication at community level had led to poor preparations for Damrey, leaving 150,000 children still at risk of malnutrition more than 10 days after the storm had passed.

The Germanwatch report also revealed that Vietnam secured the 9th position in the blacklist of countries hardest hit by natural disasters over the 20-year period from 1998-2017.

Puerto Rico is at the top of the global index, followed by Honduras and Myanmar.

According to the report, more than 526,000 people died in over 11,500 extreme weather events including storms, floods and heat waves worldwide, between 1998 and 2017. The economic damages amounted to about of $3.47 trillion, according to Germanwatch.
Global bids re-invited for Tribhuvan International Airport expansion project

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on Saturday re-invited global bids for soil filling works and construction of international parking bays on the northern side of the runway of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, two years after the project was halted. The final submission deadline for the tenders is January 22, 2019.
Saigon, Hanoi and Ha Long cities are among the worlds top 100 travel destinations, says a Euromonitor International report.

Colorful fireworks shows are seen on Saigon sky. Photo by Shutterstocks/HoangTuan

The three cities are respectively ranked 39th, 51st and 53rd in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2018.

The annual Top City Destinations Ranking report, compiled by the global business intelligence firm, notes that Saigon is expected to receive 5.8 million foreign visitors this year, up 5.9 percent against a year earlier.

It has overtaken some of worlds leading cities like Beijing (54th), Sydney (55th), Chiang Mai (64th), Kyoto (67th) and Melbourne (76th).

Hanoi will welcome an estimated 4.6 million visitors, while Ha Long, home to the world famous bay of the same name in north Vietnam, expects 4.4 million arrivals, up 8 percent and 12 percent year-on-year, respectively.

Foreign tourists walk around the Hanoi's Old Quarter. Photo by Shutterstocks/Minhhue

The Telegraph recently recommended Hanoi as an amazing food destination, while Ho Chi Minh City has cracked various lists of top destinations for solo and retiree travelers, including being named by priceoftravel.com as one of the cheapest cities for backpackers.

Both cities were also named among top 10 overnight business trip destinations in a recent report compiled by MasterCard.

In August, Hanoi and HCMC made it to the top 15 destinations in Asia in a ranking by the U.S. News. The ranking considered local prices, accessibility and the variety of attractions in each destination along with travelers feedback, and put Hanoi in 14th place followed by HCMC.

Three Vietnam hotspots among 100 most visited cities Hanoi: Heart of Vietnam

In the Economist Intelligence Unit's recent ranking of the worlds most livable cities, Hanoi and HCMC were among the top five improvers.

According to the latest ranking from Euromonitor International, Hong Kong was the most visited city in the world with an estimated 30 million international tourists by the end of this year, benefiting from the Chinese outbound boom and strategic location with mainland China.

Major cities in the top 10 list this year are Bangkok, London, Singapore, Macau, Paris, Dubai, New York, Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen.

In this years ranking, Asia has continued its rise. The region accounts for 41 out of the top 100 cities, up from 37 in 2012, notes Wouter Geerts, consultant for Euromonitor International.

Asia Pacific is the standout region that has driven change in the travel landscape and is expected to continue doing so in the coming decade, with Singapore overtaking London as the third most visited city in the world by 2025, making the podium fully Asian, the report says.
Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, attends the Tomorrow In Motion event on the eve of press day at the Paris Auto Show, in Paris, France, October 1, 2018. Photo by Reuters/Regis Duvignau

Tokyo prosecutors indicted ousted Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn for under-reporting his income and also officially charged the automaker.

This will make the firm culpable for the financial misconduct scandal that has shocked the industry.

Ghosn was arrested on Nov. 19 on suspicion of conspiring to understate his compensation by about half of the actual 10 billion yen ($88 million) over five years from 2010.

He has been held in a Tokyo jail since then for questioning, but had not been officially charged until now. Prosecutors re-arrested him on Monday on fresh allegations of understating his income for three more years through March 2018.

Nissan, which fired Ghosn as chairman days after his arrest, has said the misconduct was masterminded by the once-celebrated executive with the help of former Representative Director Greg Kelly, who was also indicted for the first time on Monday.

Ghosn and Kelly have not made any statement through their lawyers, but Japanese media reported that they have denied the allegations. Calls to Ghosns lawyer, Motonari Otsuru, at his office went unanswered.

Nissan, indicted for filing false financial statements, said it takes the charge seriously.

"Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissans public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret," it said, adding it will correct past financial reports to include appropriate compensation figures.

Japans securities watchdog, the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SESC), said the crime carried a fine of up to 700 million yen ($6.2 million).

Analysts and legal experts say it will be difficult for Nissan and its Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa to avoid blame, regardless of whether other executives knew about Ghosns misconduct or that the company lacked internal controls.

"It becomes difficult to overlook Saikawas role in all of this. That becomes the main focus now," prominent lawyer and former prosecutor Nobuo Gohara said.

Ghosn, if convicted, faces up to 10 years in prison and/or 10 million yen in fines under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

Fall from grace

Ghosns arrest marks a dramatic fall for a leader once hailed for rescuing Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy.

The once-feted executive has been treated like others in detention, held in a small chilly room. Authorities have limited his opportunities to shower and shave, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Asked about criticism that Japanese prosecutors often try to force confessions from suspects, deputy prosecutor at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, Shin Kukimoto, said no such method was being used with Ghosn and Kelly.

"Questioning is by no means being conducted in a way that forces confession," he told a news conference. "Its my understanding that both of them are being treated appropriately at the Tokyo Detention Center."

The arrest of Ghosn and Kelly has shaken up the foundations of the Renault-Nissan alliance.

While the Japanese automaker has stepped up its offensive against Ghosn, seeking to block access by his representatives to an apartment in Rio de Janeiro citing a risk that the executive may remove or destroy evidence, the European partner has kept him on as its chairman and CEO.

The key question is whether and how the ownership structure of the alliance might change. Ghosn, under pressure from the French government, had pushed for a deeper tie-up including a possible full merger between Renault and Nissan, despite strong reservations at Nissan.

Some Nissan executives have long been unhappy with what they see as Renaults outsized influence over the Japanese automaker, which dwarfs Renault in vehicle sales.

Renault holds around 43 percent of Nissan, while Nissan has a non-voting 15 percent stake in the French partner.
Toui Bounmy Sidavong, 43, holds a bomb dropped by the U.S. Air Force planes during the Vietnam War, in the village of Ban Napia, Laos, September 3, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Jorge Silva

With a long-stemmed ladle, Vanthon pulls shiny, molten metal from a kiln and deftly pours it into a mould carved in a wooden block.

Seconds later, she prises out a silver colored dove that was once shrapnel from a bomb dropped in Ban Napia village in the north eastern province of Xieng Khouang in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world.

Vanthon, who goes by one name, grows rice in a small plot of land a short distance away. But the ornaments and jewellery made from scrap metal in the small kiln at home provide her husband with an income.

For the dozen families in the village who fashion jewellery from shrapnel for the New York-based company Article 22, it is a curious twist to the devastating war - one that helps them make a living from bombs, as they wait for their land to be cleared.

"Our field has not yet been cleared of bombs, so this is our main source of income for now," said Vanthon, gesturing to a pile of finished doves.

"We have to be careful while farming, and hope that a bomb does not go off. When the land is cleared, we can farm more."

The United States dropped more than two million tons of cluster bombs on Laos during the second Indochina War from 1964 to 1973, to disrupt supply routes to North Vietnam.

About 30 percent of those bombs did not detonate, and still pose the risk of death or injury to villagers as they go about their daily routines, according to Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a British charity that clears unexploded ordnance (UXO).

MAG estimates that about 1,600 square km (618 square miles) of land - roughly the size of Greater London - still needs clearing in Laos, one of the world's poorest countries.

Meanwhile, UXO contamination prevents Lao communities from "fully utilising their land" and earning better incomes, according to MAG.

"People have been living with the contamination for 40 years, and they have no choice but to live with the daily risk and fear of death or injury from unexploded bombs," said Greg Crowther, MAG's Southeast Asia director.

UXO-impacted communities are "predominantly the poorest members of society", and the risk of bombs forces them to adopt different farming practices that often reduce the productivity of their crops, he said.

'A-ha Moment'

More than of two-thirds of the population in the landlocked Southeast Asian country depends on the land for a living, according to government data.

Many farm small plots of land that they do not legally own.

The government aims to title all land by 2025, and introduce a new law that officials say will expedite modernisation of records and give greater tenure security.

The country is also luring more foreign investment to build much-needed infrastructure and generate jobs, but most villagers have few livelihood options, particularly in Xieng Khouang, where much of the land is still off-limits because of the bombs.

Elizabeth Suda, founder of Article 22, first visited the province about a decade ago while exploring a sustainable weaving venture with local women.

It was there that Suda, who had previously worked with a luxury brand in New York, came across villagers melting bomb shrapnel into spoons that they would use and sell in the local market.

She said she had an "a-ha moment."

"I thought, why not take a weapon of destruction and turn it into a symbol of love that has a positive impact on the community?" she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"These are subsistence farmers; having their land cleared makes a big difference. But until then, they can earn a living making jewellery from shrapnel they find."

Suda founded Article 22 in 2009, named for the clause in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that says every individual is entitled to the realisation of "economic, social and cultural rights" indispensable for his or her dignity and personality.

After partnering with Swiss non-profit Helvetas, Suda set out on her own, selling online and through a few retail outlets, including one in Luang Prabang, Laos' former royal capital that the U.N. cultural agency considers a world heritage site.

Suda works with about a dozen families in Xieng Khouang, sending designs for earrings, pendants and ornaments that the villagers fashion in their kilns. They are finished in capital Vientiane, then shipped to New York.

Article 22 only works with shrapnel, or bombs that have already exploded, so the villagers are not at risk, Suda said. The metal has been tested for toxicity and found to be safe.

Some of the profits are donated to MAG to clear UXOs.

War tourism

Unlike neighboring Vietnam, which draws millions of tourists each year keen to visit sites related to the war with the United States, Laos has few Instagram-ready war attractions.

In villages in Xieng Khouang, remnants of the "secret war" are largely articles of everyday use - mugs and buckets fashioned from shell casings, ladles from shrapnel.

Article 22 received a huge boost when actor Emma Watson wore a pair of its earrings at a red carpet event in 2017.

There is little glamour in Ban Napia, whose sign declares it to be the "war spoon village."

Simple wood and concrete homes sit on either side of a mud road. Some have a handpainted sign that says "making spoon", with a name and a phone number.

Demining is a slow and expensive process, and at the current pace, experts say it could be more than 100 years before Laos is safe.

While waiting for their land to be cleared, villagers in Ban Napia and elsewhere in Xieng Khouang will probably continue to supplement their income with articles made from shrapnel, said Nouds Phedrasy, a tourist guide.

"In the years after the war, they had nothing, and had to make do with whatever they could find - including shell casings and shrapnel," he said.

"Now, it's a business, and they are aware of the irony. But it is just a way to make some money."
Robert Lighthizer speaks after he was sworn as U.S. Trade Representative during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, U.S. in this file photo dated May 15, 2017. Photo by Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

Unless U.S.-China trade talks wrap up successfully by March 1, new tariffs will be imposed, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Sunday.

The statement is to clarify that there is a "hard deadline" after a week of seeming confusion among President Donald Trump and his advisers.

Global markets are jittery about a collision between the worlds two largest economic powers over Chinas huge trade surplus with the United States and U.S. claims that China is stealing intellectual property and technology.

"As far as I am concerned it is a hard deadline. When I talk to the president of the United States he is not talking about going beyond March," Lighthizer said on the CBS show "Face the Nation," referring to Trumps recent decision to delay new tariffs while talks proceed.

"The way this is set up is that at the end of 90 days, these tariffs will be raised," said Lighthizer, who has been tapped to lead the talks and appeared to tamp down expectations that the negotiation period could be extended.

After a turbulent week in markets, investors "can be reassured that if there is a deal that can be made that will assure the protection of U.S. technology...and get additional market access...the president wants us to do it," Lighthizer said. "If not we will have tariffs."

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said both countries economic and trade teams were "intensifying contacts and consultations," when asked if China was sending a trade negotiation delegation to the United States this week.

"We hope both can earnestly, with joint efforts, put into effect the consensus reached by the two countries leaders at the Argentina meeting," he told a daily news briefing.

In Argentina last weekend, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to a truce that delayed the planned Jan. 1 U.S. hike of tariffs to 25 percent from 10 percent on $200 billion of Chinese goods while they negotiate a trade deal.

However, the arrest of a top executive at Chinas Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] has roiled global markets amid fears that it could further inflame the China-U.S. trade row. In Beijing on Sunday, Chinas foreign ministry protested the arrest to the U.S. ambassador.

In a series of appearances on the Sunday morning talk shows, Lighthizer, economic adviser Larry Kudlow, and trade adviser Peter Navarro insisted the trade talks with China would not be derailed by the arrest, which they deemed solely a law enforcement matter.

U.S. equity markets have staked much on the outcome of the talks. Stocks climbed early in the week on optimism tensions between the two sides were easing, then cratered after Trump claimed he was a "tariff man" after all. He also seemed to indicate the talks could be extended.

But Lighthizer, in his first comments since being appointed to lead the negotiations, said the United States would need concessions across a number of areas in coming weeks if the higher tariffs are to be avoided.

That includes demands for increased purchases of U.S. goods in a more open Chinese market, as well as "structural changes" to a system that, for example, forces American firms to turn over technology to Chinese partners as a condition of doing business.

"We need agricultural sales and we need manufacturing sales. We need structural changes on this fundamental issue of non-economic technology transfer," Lighthizer said.

The demands are similar to those made under previous Democratic and Republican presidents, but Lighthizer said he felt Trumps willingness to go beyond "dialogue" and impose tariffs would produce results.
Ukraine ranks second in Europe's e-commerce growth rate  BRDO

A global e-commerce market is growing at a rate of 23%-25% per annum.

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Ukraine, China extend US$2.2 billion currency swap agreement

Access to the funds received under the agreement will facilitate trade between Ukraine and China in the Remnimbi, Smolii said.

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Ukraine, Lithuania sign agreement to protect migrant workers' rights

Ukrainian Minister of Social Policy Andriy Reva signed the document on behalf of Ukraine.

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The Madrid region is preparing a contingency plan to deal with potential radioactive emergencies such as a terrorist attack involving a dirty bomb, radioactive debris from a satellite or the theft of sensitive material.

The regional government is keen to point out that the threat is nothing new and that the plan is simply a preventive measure that is required by national legislation.

There are sensors in towns across the Madrid region and the data is received immediately in a control center

Civil Protection Plan

The plan, which is now available for public perusal, flags up the importance of avoiding panic, isolating the source of the toxic material and acting to limit the radiation that the specialists are exposed to.

Only four other Spanish regions have taken similar steps  Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Basque Country and Catalonia  all of which have nuclear plants within their boundaries.

The plan facilitates the organization of a response in the event of an accident, says Carmen Martin Curto, who heads the team responsible for the 200-page Civil Protection Plan document. The risk now is the same as it has been in recent years. All we are doing is working to meet state regulations. The volume of traffic carrying these materials is not very high in Madrid.

Barajas and Mendez Alvaro

Madrid-Barajas airport and the customs depots in Coslada and Mendez Alvaro are the most likely source of traffic transporting radioactive materials. Before radioactive material can be transported, the relevant administrations alert the security forces of their movements, and this information is always transmitted confidentially to avoid sabotage or theft. A similar level of confidentiality applies to facilities holding radioactive materials.

The document details how to react in the event of an accident at any one of these installations. It also explains what to do in the event of a terrorist attack, fall of radioactive debris from a satellite, or a toxic cloud.

The unintentional theft of toxic material There has been the occasional theft of radioactive materials, mainly from construction sites and work zones, says the Civil Protection Plan document, which adds that thieves are typically unaware of the radioactive nature of the stolen material.

To make a dirty bomb, both radioactive material and conventional explosives are required, notes the document, which also explains that the terrorist engineering such a weapon would also be exposed to fatal levels of radiation. Although the probability is low, it can never be totally ruled out. It is believed that even for suicide bombers, making and setting off a dirty bomb containing high levels of radioactivity would be pretty complicated.

Specialists highlight the fact that Spain has 900 detection points that are constantly measuring gamma radiation levels, and any rise in levels would trigger an alert. There are sensors in towns across the Madrid region and the data is received immediately in a control center located in the National Center for Emergencies, says the document.

English version by Heather Galloway.
Guardian of peace and harmony

Bhutan is emerging as a responsible kingdom. By protecting and preserving its unique cultural values and steadily accepting democratic norms, it has been able to secure a unique place on the world stage. Bhutan is on the path to becoming a responsible nation, but it needs support to realise the progress we anticipate.
Photo from the operation provided by the Civil Guard.

By day he was a civil servant but by night he was a drug trafficker for one of Spains largest hashish gangs. That was until he was arrested by the Civil Guard in a major drug bust in Campo de Gibraltar, in the south of Spain. Working at City Hall gave him the perfect cover to lead an organization that brought up to 62,000 kilos of hashish to Spanish shores a year.

The public worker was just one of 57 people arrested in so-called Operation Albarraxin, a sweeping investigation that has led to the seizure of 10 tons of drugs and recovered or confiscated more than 3.3 million worth in goods.

Whats important is that everything has been dismantled

Civil Guard sources

The trafficking network worked like a big collective, capable of introducing tens of thousands of kilos of drugs from the coast between Tarifa in Cadiz up to Manilva in Malaga. It is one of the most important criminal organizations dedicated to drug trafficking between North Africa and Europe through the coast of Andalusia, the Civil Guard announced in a press release on Thursday.

It took four months of investigation, arrests and raids for the Civil Guard in Cadiz, Algeciras and Malaga to take down the criminal network. Whats important is that everything has been dismantled, although the investigation into money laundering continues, say sources close to the investigation.

It was in August when officers noticed that a very active drug gang was working in the area surrounding the Strait of Gibraltar. The gang was bringing in more than 60,000 kilos of hashish a year from Morocco. To do this, it had organized itself like a cooperative with up to three main ringleaders, one of them being the public worker. The three leaders shared supplies and human resources and arranged drug shipments along the coast according to what opportunities were on offer, one officer explains.

As well as the three ringleaders, the Civil Guard arrested 57 people who were working for the criminal network. Some were arrested while picking up a shipment, others while guarding the drugs or in a stolen vehicle used to transport the packages. The judge in charge of the case has sent more than half of them to prison.

The operation has led to the seizure of 10 tons of hashish and recovered or confiscated more than 3.3 million worth in goods

The drug gang used experienced captains to pilot speedboats, who were very well remunerated and considered for their work. On land, authorities went after all rungs of the network, from those in charge of unloading the drug shipments to the lookouts, the lowest on the ladder, who used their phones to warn if police were around. During the operation, police confiscated 30 cellphones, some with stickers indicating the meeting place for the informants.

The highly organized criminal network looked after every stage of the drugs movement. They shipped out the merchandise from North Africa, transported it using jeeps and vehicles stolen by another division of the gang, then kept it under guard until it was ready to be distributed across Europe. Civil Guard officers found up to 10 spots that were used to hide the drugs across Manilva, Casares, San Enrique de Guadiaro, Tesorillo, Estepona and Tarifa. In San Roque and Manilva, the drugs were stored at construction sites, and in Tarifa, the group used good containers on farms.

A drug shipment would move between different hiding spots, first to one along the coast then to another further inland with better security where it would stay until it was sent to Europe. At all stages the gang employed its own personnel to protect the drugs and ensure they were not stolen by rival organizations.

The Civil Guard seized 9,640 kilograms of hashish during three home raids and seized more than 3 million worth of property and goods. Officers also found documentation that will now be reviewed by specialists in investigating money laundering.

English version by Melissa Kitson.
There are 66 road structures in Spain, many of them bridges, with serious signs of damage that could compromise their safety, according to a restricted government database to which EL PAIS has had access. Most of these structures have recently undergone urgent repairs, said government sources.

This figure represents just 0.29% of the nearly 23,000 structures  bridges, viaducts, overpasses and underpasses  built on roads that are managed directly by the Spanish state, which says there is no risk of collapse. Only 6.5% of the analyzed elements were completely free of anomalies.

The collapse of a bridge in Genoa, Italy last August has drawn attention to the safety of road infrastructure

Of the 66 structures, 17 have already undergone repairs, one is being currently fixed, and another has been torn down as it was no longer necessary given its location on a secondary road, according to a written reply from the Public Works Ministry to queries from EL PAIS.

The ministry keeps a database called Bridge Management System (SGP) detailing each structure, the inspections it has undergone, the problems that were detected, and corrective measures undertaken, if any. This database is restricted and the government refuses to make it public for security reasons. EL PAIS accessed the information after filing an official request backed by Spains Transparency Law, which was passed in 2013.

The collapse of a bridge in Genoa, Italy last August has drawn attention to the safety of road infrastructure in Spain, where a deep economic crisis caused cuts to infrastructure maintenance funds. Germany has disclosed information about the state of its structures, but Spain has been keeping this information under wraps.

Overpass in poor condition on the FE-13 highway in Ferrol (A Coruna). OSCAR CORRAL

The nearly 23,000 structures along Spains roads have been inspected at least once in the last five years, according to this data. Inspectors assessed the damage based on several criteria and applied algorithms to obtain a figure ranging from 0 to 100, where a lower number means the structure is in better shape.

Those with 81 or more points suffer from potentially serious pathologies that could affect their resistant behavior and are targeted for special oversight. There ae 66 bridges and viaducts in this category, scattered across 26 provinces. More than half of them are in the southern region of Andalusia (34), followed by Galicia with 10 and Castilla y Leon with nine.

A report dated October 3, which this newspaper has seen, shows that there are many other structures in Spain suffering from some form of deterioration. A score of 21 points and over means the damage could have a pathological evolution affecting the durability or the conditions of service.

Crisis years Between 2009 and 2014, the worst years of the economic crisis, not a single euro was spent on bridge repairs. In 2008 the state had earmarked 11 million, and in 2015 the amount was slightly over 8 million.

Of the 22,961 elements facilitating travel on Spanish roads, 93% are deteriorated to some degree. Only 1,486 had no evident pathologies, or showed deterioration with no relevant consequences for durability, conditions of service or safety, according to the report.

Nearly half of bridges fall within the 41-to-60 point category, meaning that wear and tear may entail reduced conditions of service or structure durability and may require action in the midterm.

The potentially serious problems can occur in just one specific element  a support, a load-bearing tower, a stay  in which case a one-time, targeted repair can be conducted. When several elements are damaged, a complete repair is ordered.

Between 2014 and October of this year, the ministry spent around 116 million in emergency repair work to infrastructures whose state represented a serious danger.

The secretary general for Infrastructure, Javier Izquierdo, said that his department is planning to introduce improvements to the review system, including annual evolution reports and a technical platform to centralize control over all monitoring systems on bridges. The ministry also wants to use drones to inspect bridges with a span of over 300 meters.

Izquierdo underscored that none of the 66 structures in the worst category has any serious problems, and that there is no fear that any of them will collapse.

English version by Susana Urra.
The couple were facing empty plates on their wedding day. Pixabay

Just hours before a wedding was due to take place, Jesus C., the businessman in charge of catering the event, sent a mail to the bride purporting to be someone else, and claiming that both he and his son had died. The message explained that the company would not be able to serve the food  which was already 75% paid for.

The lie has been described as such by the Spanish justice system, yet the perpetrators will not be punished as the courts found that the ruse cannot be considered fraud. The man in question already had a criminal record for misappropriation of funds, and six other couples say he pulled the same trick on them.

At least six couples had created a Facebook page on which they claimed they had been ripped off by the firm

The public prosecutor was calling for a prison sentence of one year and three months. But despite the fact that the money was never returned to the bride and groom, the Madrid High Court found the defendants not guilty of fraud. The sentence can be appealed.

The victims, Adriana S. and Leonardo M., hired the services of Catering Modena in June 2015. Via a verbal contract, they agreed on a price of 1,980, including sales tax. As discussed, the couple paid 1,500 in advance, transferring the funds into a bank account.

The night before the wedding, Yerai C., the son of the owner of the catering service, took a marquee to the venue. But just hours later the bride awoke to an email from the company stating that no one would be able to serve the wedding banquet because the boss of the catering firm and his son had just died in a terrible workplace accident. The mail, which had been written by the very man who was claiming to be dead, promised to return the couples money.

The wedding finally took place, three hours later than planned

On the day of the ceremony, the couple were unable to contact anyone from the company, but the next day someone answered one of Leonardos calls: a man claiming to be the brother of Jesus C., and who stated that at that very moment the father and son were being laid to rest.

After months without news from the company and no refund, Adriana and Leonardo discovered that Catering Modena had been involved in other, similar episodes. At least six couples had created a Facebook page on which they claimed they had been ripped off by the firm.

But the judges that heard the case did not find sufficient evidence of fraud, given that the deception would have been proven if the perpetrator feigned a serious intent to agree a contract when, in reality, he was merely trying to take advantage of [the money offered by the couple], using the trust and the good faith of the victim with clear and categorical intention to renege on what had been agreed.

Fraud, the ruling states, did not happen because the accused carried out actions that involved an economic cost to themselves, which reveals a partial fulfillment of the agreed service, in reference to the marquee that they delivered. This, the judges concluded, is incompatible with the aim of not complying [with the agreement].

And while the ruling states that it is unquestionable that the catering service was not provided, there was insufficient evidence that the intention at the time the verbal contract was made was to not comply with the agreement.

The ruling makes no mention of the reasons for the no-show, nor of the untruth or faked death. It does, however, mention the statement of the owner of the company, who decided not to serve the wedding banquet because he was owed supplements  i.e. for the marquee  and that he didnt get a very good impression of the couple. The bride denied that the couple had requested any extras.

In the end, the wedding did go ahead  albeit three hours later than planned, and after a record feat of reorganization that took eight hours. It was, unquestionably, a day that the couple will never forget.

English version by Simon Hunter.
The Macroprudential Policy Strategy approved by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) in November is a Position Paper, which would not have quick effect on banks.

"Macroprudential tools are introduced not by this document, but by separate decisions of the NBU board. However, we declare the readiness to apply macroprudential tools, and this allows bank to prepare for it," Director of the financial stability department at the NBU Vitaliy Vavryschuk said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

In addition he said that according to the document, macroprudential policy appears as a systemic action at the NBU. The central bank will conduct systemic preventive work to timely identify and effectively remove risks, and not simply to respond to challenges post factum.

Deputy NBU Governor Dmytro Solohub said in the interview that the central bank is applying some of the tools outlined in the strategy, including the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR).

"The approval of the strategy is a statement that we do this systemically. The strategy itself is a tool of communication, presenting our plans and our actions," he said.

Vavryschuk said that in the future, if the Verkhovna Rada passes a bill on the split of the functions for regulation of the nonbank financial market (No. 2413-a), the strategy could be changed in respect to the focus of the macroprudential policy. The concept and the frameworks of the macroprudential policy would not be changed, he said.
Balance Group LLC, the ultimate beneficiary of which is ex-People's Deputy Dmytro Kriuchkov, who is suspected of embezzlement of funds in Zaporizhiaoblenergo, and which declared its plans to buy Centrenergo at a privatization tender, in November 2018 demanded in court that Centrenergo pays UAH 1.058 billion for overdue money commitment.

According to court registers, the claim was filed to Kyiv's business court on November 19. The court accepted it on November 26 scheduling the preparatory hearing for January 9, 2019 and proposing to the sides to take measures for signing a possible amicable agreement.

Subsequently, on December 5, when the deadline for submitting guarantee deposits for participation in the privatization tender for Centrenergo was expired, the Balance Group page was opened on Facebook, which posted a copy of the public report on the crime signed by Kriuchkov. According to this document, the obligations of the energy company to Balance Group, a member of the committee of creditors, amount to UAH 1.119 billion, and that officials of the energy company and the State Property Fund (SPF), under cover of more senior officials, allegedly organized a scheme for withdrawing funds from the energy company in 2016 with the purpose of its purchase during the privatization.

The State Property Fund is currently refusing to disclose information about companies that submitted documents for participation in the final stage of the tender for the sale of 78.289% in Centrenergo. According to Interfax-Ukraine, two of the six companies that announced their intention to acquire the state-owned stake submitted the required documents: Ukrdoninvest LLC (Kyiv), whose beneficiary is businessman Vitaliy Kropachev, and the largest Belarusian oil trader Interservice. At the same time, the agency has not yet been able to obtain official confirmation of this information, in particular, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers declined to comment on it. These two companies did not respond to several messages seeking comment.
JSC AvtoKrAZ (Kremenchuk, Poltava region), the sole manufacturer of heavy trucks in Ukraine, has completed an order to supply a batch of various trucks to a customer from Southeast Asia, the press service of the enterprise has reported.

Under the contract KrAZ 5233 4x4 chassis trucks and KrAZ 65053 6x4 chassis trucks and trailers are being prepared for shipment. All trucks have 380 hp engines.

"At the request of the customer, who well knows KrAZ vehicles, the batch was made standard for bulk production models," the enterprise said.

The trucks are painted white, as they will be sent to help the UN peacekeeping contingent. The platform trucks together with the chassis, on which the partner will install special equipment - drinking water tanks, waste-collection equipment and other equipment, will work in difficult road and climatic conditions.

The press service did not specify the country in which the cars will be delivered, but, as spokesperson of AvtoKrAZ Dina Stehantseva told Interfax-Ukraine that the products for the peacekeeping contingent have already been delivered to this country: all-wheel drive platform trucks and 6x6 chassis KrAZ-6322, repair trucks and tank trucks on the base of the same KrAZ model.

"Now it is not the largest consumer of KrAZ products by the number of units ordered - just over 10 units, but it is respected. The company always treats these customers with special attention. Missions and UN offices around the world are regularly added to the list of users of AvtoKrAZ's trucks: in recent years, these have been deliveries of a batch of combined road machinery with snow and rotary equipment to the Ministry of Public Works of Afghanistan, as well as the KrAZ-Shrek batch of various modifications to the UN mission in Mali," the spokesperson said.

She added that AvtoKrAZ is the official UN supplier of both civilian and military equipment. KrAZ vehicles have been repeatedly supplied for the needs of the UN to serve in peacekeeping contingents in various trouble spots.
Russia's hybrid military forces have mounted 14 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) has reported.

"On December 9, the Russian occupation forces violated the cease-fire regime 14 times. The enemy continues to use weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements ... On December 9, one JFO soldier was injured in hostilities," the JFO said on Monday morning.

Fire was opened on the Ukrainian troops positions using 82 mm caliber mortars near the populated areas of Novotoshkivske in Luhansk region and Vilny Khutor on the Popasna track. The enemies launched a total of 19 mines, the headquarters said.

Grenades of various systems, large-caliber machine-guns and firearms were used in the attacks on the strongholds of the Ukrainian military in the populated areas of Stanytsia Luhanska, Avdiyivka, Taramchuk, Krasnohorivka, Butovka mine, Pavlopil, Vodiane, and Hnutove.

"The situation in the JFO area remains under the control of the Ukrainian military," it said.

Two enemy troops were killed and another four were wounded, intelligence reports say.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin is grateful to the European Union for the decision on sanctions against those responsible for holding fake "elections" in Donbas.

"Grateful for EU decision to impose sanctions against those responsible for fake "elections" in Donbas," he wrote on Twitter.

Klimkin also noted that at a meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs on Monday he would ask the ministers to give a "comprehensive and clear answer" to the Russian aggression in the Kerch Strait area. In addition, he said, the issue of EU support for the situation in the Sea of Azov, created as a result of the blockade of the Kerch Strait, would be discussed.
The Federal Penitentiary Service's branch in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District has denied that Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov has serious health problems caused by his lengthy hunger strike.

"The health of convict Oleh Sentsov is assessed as satisfactory based on the results of unscheduled medical examinations and lab tests. No negative dynamics are observed," the branch's press service told Interfax.

"In accordance with the doctor's recommendations, he will be transferred from the medical unit of the establishment to a unit to continue serving his term. His health will be monitored in accordance with instructions given by civilian doctors," it said.

The agency did not specify why Sentsov is not being given a package containing clothes and food that arrived in November.

Earlier, attorney Dmitry Dinze said on Ekho Moskvy radio that Sentsov was suffering from damage to his heart, liver, and kidneys as a result of the hunger strike.

Human rights activist Tatyana Shchur said the package containing warm clothes and food, which arrived for Sentsov three weeks ago, has still not been given to him. A notice about the parcel arrived in the Labytnangi colony in late November.
President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine has signed the Law on Discontinuing the Agreement on Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the presidential press service has said.

"We must regard the non-prolongation of our Agreement with Russia not as an episode but as part of our strategy towards the final breakup with our colonial past and re-orientation towards Europe. The other components of this strategy are as follows: a visa-free regime, an agreement on the association with the EU, the tomos on the creation of an independent autocephalous Church in Ukraine, the discontinuance of our membership of the CIS, the mentioning of our aspirations to join the EU and NATO in the Ukrainian Constitution, the creation of a professional Ukrainian army, the support of the Ukrainian language, our own history, and the strengthening of our national identity," Poroshenko said.

He said the agreement had not been canceled earlier only because its provisions were useful as a basis for numerous lawsuits Ukraine has filed to international courts and other international institutions against Russia as the party that violated the agreement and the norms of international law. He cited some of the clauses of the agreement, which say that the parties "develop their relations with each other on the principles of mutual respect, recognition of territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, the non-use of force, the non-interference in the internal affairs, the fulfillment in good faith of the international obligations taken, and the norms of international law"

The president said that early in 2019 the next ten-year term of the agreement comes to an end and Ukraine has to decide whether to prolong it officially. He said that "the choice is clearto cancel [the agreement.]"

Poroshenko said Ukraine has used all the possibilities of this agreement for the good of its national interests.

As earlier reported, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on December 6 voted to discontinue the current friendship agreement with Russia.
Test case

This is in reference to a news story entitled (Heres everything you need to know about Nepal Airlines Airbus deal, TKP online, December 7). Connecting my appointment as managing director of Nepal Airlines on May 31, 2015 with the purchase of two wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, which was purchased after international competitive bidding participated in by 11 companies from six countries, is far-fetched.
Lawyers in Russia-occupied Crimea have been receiving threats since the detention of their colleague Emil Kurbedinov, the Verkhovna Rada's Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denysova has said.

At the same time, she voiced the belief that the fact that Kurbedinov has been arrested for five days has to do with his intentions to defend Bohdan Nebylytsia, one of the Ukrainian seamen taken prisoners of war by Russia, who happens to be the captain of the Nikopol warship that was seized by Russians on November 25.

"Following the situation with Kurbedinov, lawyers in Crimea have been receiving threats from law-enforcement bodies of the occupation authorities of Crimea," Denysova wrote on Facebook on December 10.

As earlier reported, Russia-controlled Kyivsky district court in Simferopol (occupied Crimea) on December 7 arrested lawyer Emil Kurbedinov for a period of five days on suspicion of disseminating extremist information on the Internet.

On December 6, the occupation authorities of the Russian Federation detained in Crimea lawyer Kurbedinov who has, in particular, defended the rights of the Ukrainian naval personnel taken prisoners of war by Russia on November 25.
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'The Risks of Holding an Auction to Sell the Public JSC Tsentrenergo. Why the Authorities Are Not Interested in the Bids Being Transparent'

On Tuesday, December 11, at 13.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "The Risks of Holding an Auction to Sell the Public JSC Tsentrenergo. Why the Authorities Are Not Interested in the Bids Being Transparent." Participating will be Oleksandr Kulikovsky, founder of the NGO All-Ukrainian Lustration; and Olena Zhyvko, head of the all-Ukrainian NGO Volunteers' Union (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation. For additional information, please, call +380 67 404 35 37, +380 63 439 9988.
A former commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and current MP has accused 50% of his colleagues in Majles (Iranian parliament) of seeking the demise of the Iranian regime.

The senior representative of Mashhad, the second largest city in Iran, Javad Karimi Ghoddousi says fifty percent of the legislators are after the disintegration of the Islamic ruling system by supporting the leaders of the "sedition".

Sedition is a term used by the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his conservative allies to describe the Green Movement of Iran or the widespread 2009 protests against the reelection of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that shook the country for almost a year. The leaders of the movement, twice speaker of parliament, Mehdi Karroubi, former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife Zahra Rahnavard are under house arrest since 2011.

In an unprecedented tweet on December 8, Karimi Ghoddousi insisted that the leaders of the 'sedition' were seeking the downfall of the Islamic Republic, and, today, 50% of the MPs use the parliament's podium to defend the leaders of the 'sedition'."

The Islamic Republic's current parliament is comprised of 290 members that 121 of them were on the "List of Hope" in 2016 parliamentary elections, supported by former President Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005) and his pro-reform allies.

Therefore, it seems that in his highly controversial tweet, Karimi Ghoddousi is also blaming at least 25 other MPs, including independent and right-leaning legislatures, of supporting the "sedition", as well.

Responding to the vitriolic tweet, Tehran's pro-reform MP, Abolfazl Soroush, called upon the Guardian Council on his Twitter account to review Karimi Ghoddousi's credentials and qualifications.

"The claim is against national interest and an affront to the people's intelligence" Soroush noted.

Another Tehran MP, Alireza Rahimi also lambasted his colleague from Mashhad by twitting, "When 50% of the MPs are wrongly accused of seeking the downfall of the [Islamic Republic] system, it means that half of the nation is confronting the ruling establishment."

Meanwhile, many social media users have also bombarded Karimi Ghoddousi with fiery responses, mostly deriding him for his "unfounded" analysis and disclosures in the past.

Some point out that when the foreign minister makes comments on widespread money laundering in Iran, he is immediately called upon to prove his remarks by presenting court-worthy documents, but, individuals such as Karimi Ghoddousi are absolutely free to say whatever they want with impunity.

Accusing the members of the rival camp has become quite common in Iran recently.

In a speech delivered on November 9, the secretary of the influential Expediency Discernment Council and former chief-commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major-general Mohsen Rezaee claimed, "U.S. elements have infiltrated President Hassan Rouhani's ministries", adding that these individuals are more active against Iran than Trump.

Rezaee went even further by saying that the American way of thinking is the root of all incapability in the country.

President Rouhani's chief of staff, Mahmoud Va'ezi fired back by advising Rezaee to stop delivering speeches and present documents that prove U.S. elements have indeed infiltrated the government.

Nevertheless, several conservative allies of the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including hardline MP, Hossein Ali Haji Deligani followed Rezaee's footsteps and claimed that the U.S. has infiltrated the Rouhani administration at three levels; directly as spies, acting as agents of influence, as well as individuals enchanted by Washington's propaganda.

Haji Deligani has yet to present evidence backing his claim.
The head of the Islamic Republic Judiciary has said on Monday that protests in France are part of the Islamic awakening and a development foreseen by Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

According to Mizan news agency, Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani said Khamenei had predicted years ago that Islamic awakening will not be limited to Muslim countries and will reach Europe. He did not explain how the protests are related to Muslims.

This is the latest in a string of statements by senior Iranian officials about French protests. On December 3, Irans foreign ministry spokesman told reporters that France should show restraint in dealing with protesters. France later responded that Iran should not interfere in the matter.

On Sunday, Irans former hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also tweeted that France should listen to the demands of the protestors.

The Islamic Republic has used overwhelming force on many occasions in the past twenty years to suppress student and other protests, especially the mass demonstrations in 2009, in the wake of the disputed reelection of Ahmadinejad.

Dozens of protestors were killed in 2009 and hundreds imprisoned in Iran. Several detainees died in prison and those who were freed spoke of torture and inhumane treatment.

In the last major nation-wide protests last December-January 25 people were confirmed dead and close to 5,000 arrested.
Members of a "US military group" who visited Iran were "presumably" spies, the chairman of the Public Works Commission of Iran's parliament has said.

The group entered Iran to negotiate about obtaining OFAC permits for selling planes to Iran, Mohammad-Reza Rezaei Kouchi asserted, without mentioning any date.

OFAC, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, is a financial intelligence and enforcement agency of the U.S. Treasury Department. It administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives.

Rezaei Kouchi has made the comments while there are no reports available on OFAC experts ever visiting Iran. Such unexpected statements are sometimes made by public figures in Iran.

Earlier it was reported that an unknown number of foreign experts had traveled to Tehran to negotiate to sell Boeing and Airbus planes to Iran. However, the nationality of the experts was not disclosed at the time.

Nevertheless, speaking to the state-run Iran Labor News Agency (ILNA) on Saturday, December 8, Rezaei Kouchi claimed, "This is an obvious fact that when an American team enters Iran to assess the country's transport situation, one can presume that it has had an espionage agenda, as well."

Meanwhile, Rezaei Kouchi has admitted, "I do not know if the team's presence in Iran was monitored and controlled, or not---yet, the intelligence and supervisory departments should have controlled and monitored the team's activities."

Furthermore, the chairman of parliamentary commission acknowledged that he has no "precise information" regarding the case and the officials of the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Roads and Urban Development (MURD) have not delivered a report concerning transactions for buying planes to parliament.

MURD has not yet responded to Rezaei Kouchi's comments.
An adviser to Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says "changing Iran's Constitution is possible in theory, except for four principles that emphasize the Islamic and republican nature of the regime, the guardianship of jurisconsult (Velayat-e Faqih) and the reliance on people's vote."

Presidential adviser Hesamoddin Ashna made the remarks during a meeting with students at the University of Tehran on belated Students' Day, on Sunday December 9 (the actual anniversary was Thursday December 7), stressing that any "harder struggle" for reform in Iran would be "costly" for those who have a problem with the underlying principles.

The remarks were made in response to student activists' demand for reforming the Islamic Republic through constitutional change.

Iranian university students have been pushing hard for decades to change Iran's rigid political system. During the past month, first a group of ultraconservative students called on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to visit the university, answer the students' questions and be accountable on the Islamic Republic's 40-year record.

Later , in a letter to President Hassan Rouhani more than 500 student activists condemned the expanding presence of security agencies and "the deepening atmosphere of repression" dominating universities in Iran.The students also criticized what they say is "competition" between intelligence organs in suppressing Iranian students and others, including teachers, workers, and dervishes across the country.

The students who were disappointed by Rouhani's absence on the Students' Day put tough questions to Ashna. Responding to the question "When the people's ordeal is going to come to an end, and when are we going to get rid of people like you," Ashna said: "I will be around as long as there are no better choices."

Although he did not explain his remarks about the "cost" of demands for essential changes, it was evident that he was talking about jail sentences.

In their letter to Rouhani the students had said, "more than 300 students have been arrested this year, sentenced to a total of more than 100 years, thousands of lashes, and banned from leaving the country for a year."

During the past year, especially during the protest demonstrations in December 2017 and January 2018, many activists pointed out that it was impossible to reform the Islamic Republic under its rigid Constitutional Law, and thus, called for regime change.

Subsequently, the term "regime change" entered the rhetoric of both the reformist and conservative factions in Iran. Reformist theoretician Saeed Hajarian recently said in an interview with proreform daily Etemad that "Reformers' rivals are no longer the right-wingers. Now-a-days our rivals are those who demand regime change" in Iran.

Chanting slogans in favor of monarchy, protesters in more than 100 Iranian cities in early 2018 warned both the conservative and reformist factions that the discourse of choosing one of the two factions was over. People do not believe in either one, they want regime change.

Ashna said on Sunday the constitution does contain articles that pave the way for changing the law and resolving the current political deadlock. However, he added, the dynamics of power in Iran are complicated, so that even former presidents realized only after their term of office that there were many things they did not know about while in power.

Although this was going too far for a presidential adviser known to be a staunch conservative, yet critics lashed out at him on social media.

Some pointed out that in fact the four principles he mentioned were the main hindrances to reform and that it was impossible to introduce any reforms as long as those principles prevail.

Comments under Ashna's tweet about Sundays meeting included criticism of his cautious responses. One student wrote, "The political atmosphere has shifted from reformism to conservatism and opportunism," and others protested to Rouhani's absence at the university on the day.

One comment said "Students' demands will be met when inefficient people like you are uprooted" from the government." Another one warned, "We will disrupt your sleep if you stop us from dreaming." Yet another comment said "Tell the main man to be accountable," alluding possibly to Khamenei.
The port city of Chabahar in Southeastern Iran on December 6 woke up to the sound of an explosion from a car bomb that went off near the city's main police station killing three and wounding as many as 42 others.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attributed the attack to "foreign-backed terrorists," and some regional media including Al-Arabiyah reported that Ansar Al-Forqan, an offshoot of Jondollah insurgents had assumed responsibility for the attack.

Jondollah, whose former leader was killed by Iranian forces in 2017, has carried out several other attacks in Iran since then.

The attack in Chabahar followed several other violent attacks, including the September 29 assault on a military parade in Ahvaz which clamed 24 lives, the hostage taking in Mirjaveh, clashes with Kurdish rebels in Marivan which left 11 dead and last year's attack on the Iranian parliament and Ayatollah Khomeini's tomb in Tehran where 17 were killed and 40 wounded.

Radio Farda's Friday evening show The Sixth Hour, on December 7 discussed Iran's security with Iranian security analyst Mehdi Talati, and Baluchistan affairs analyst Abdolsattar Doshouki, as listeners from Iran and elsewhere phoned in to share their views with other listeners and the program's host Niusha Boghrati.

They talked about what the attack meant in political terms, why did it happen in Chabahar, what is it going to entail and how probable are similar attacks. Some listeners' remarks highlighted their distrust of Iranian authorities and security forces.

A listener who named himself as Mehdi blamed the attack on the Islamic Republic, saying, "Every time there are mounting international pressures on Iran, the regime commits such an act in order to attract attention and at the same time to scare people."

Javad, another listener, called for "strict and powerful confrontation with terrorists," while also calling for "better protection of civilians' lives."

Yet another listener, Abbas, reiterated what Mehdi had said: "Like previous attacks [in this region] this attack was engineered by the security forces They want to scare the people and say that they are secure only if the Islamic Republic protects them."

Hossein calling from Iran said "Chabahar is a commercial area where a terrorist act is unlikely to happen. It is unlikely that a foreign group can operate in such a busy place in a remote area. I think Iranian forces do these things in order to portray themselves as protectors of security in the region. They want to pretend that foreign elements are intervening in these acts."

Hamid, another listener, said: "People are not idiots. Iranian agents do this in order to attract the world community's sympathy and to change their attitude toward the Islamic Republic."

Another listener, also called Hamid, said that "The economic crisis has limited Irans ability to deal with security. The people are not happy with the situation of security. Unemployment and economic crises have made Iran less secure."

Security analyst Talati said, "Reviewing the event and pictures reveals that those who attacked used a new tactic and used a car bomb, while they had a second group of shooters," although he said that car bombs were used in Iran as early as the 1980s. Talati added that "Iran's neighbors in that region do not have much control over weapons trade in the border areas. So, there is easy access to explosives and other requirements for bomb makers in that region."

"Terrorist groups learn from each other. We see that what happens in Iraq or Syria, later happens in Iran. This is natural," Talati added.

Balush affairs analyst Doshouki said that "Ansar al-Forqan group has always been active in Chabahar and Qasr Qam in southern Baluchistan. Last year, Iranian security forces attacked one of their safe houses in Chabahar killing several of their members including their leader Qanbarzehi as well as Intelligence Ministry agent."

Talati explained that "Chabahar is a key place after sanctions were re-imposed on Iran. Exemption of Chabahar from US sanctions made it even more important. It is also important for India as it can facilitate trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Any insecurity in Chabahar harms the prospects of foreign investment in the area. At the same time, there are indications that a key meeting was going to take place in Chabahar on that day and the attackers were probably aware of it."

He said most probably local people were involved in the attack and foreign involvement, if there was any, was one of financial and logistic support.

Talati added that one of the implications of the attack could be tightening of security in Iran. Comparing the situation to the security atmosphere in Europe following the attacks in recent years, he said that Tehran's sensitivities would increase as many fear Iran can turn into another Iraq or Syria. However, he assessed that Iran was successful in maintaining overall security.

Asked if several attacks during the past year in Iran indicated that there was a security loophole attackers use, Talati said: "Although every individual's life is precious, it is a fact that more people were killed in road accidents and wedding ceremonies last year than in violent attacks like the one in Chabahar."

"Iran will continue to be secure if the system takes lessons from the past incidents and if its sensitivities are not eroded as a result of complacency with its success in keeping the country and its borders secure in the past. However, there is no absolute security anywhere," Talati concluded.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.10

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Thanks to national leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan is the most important country in the South Caucasus, a well-known Russian political analyst, former MP Sergey Markov told Trend.

No doubt that Heydar Aliyev was one of the greatest leaders of the post-Soviet space, Markov said. He ensured rapid and effective development of Azerbaijans economy. Before him, Azerbaijan was an agrarian country. Heydar Aliyev was able to ensure rapid growth of labor productivity, and at the expense of this, he managed to lobby for investments in the development of Azerbaijans industrial potential in Moscow. Significant investments were also made in the development of science and culture, and thus, Azerbaijans rapid development and the formation of its modern economic, social system took place.

Markov noted that after Azerbaijan regained independence, Heydar Aliyev prevented a raging civil war, which arose due to extremely unprofessional and radicalist policy of the Azerbaijani Popular Front Party.

Thanks to his diplomatic talent, Heydar Aliyev managed to stop the war in Nagorno-Karabakh region, Markov said. He ensured political stability, established a stable political regime, which is still being used by the Azerbaijani people. He created a unique political system.

Markov noted that Heydar Aliyev was able to solve the problem of radicalism by creating a model that, on one hand, provided for the respect of religious traditions, and on the other hand, the strongest suppression of any manifestations of radicalism.

Heydar Aliyev took the system of interaction between secular and state institutions and the Islamic religion as a basis, and this made it possible to avoid a number of serious problems in Azerbaijan, he added.

Speaking about the role of Heydar Aliyev in the development of the oil and gas sector of Azerbaijan, Markov noted that Heydar Aliyev was able to create very good conditions for the extraction of hydrocarbons and the development of oil and gas fields, provided the signing of the Contract of the Century, which allowed attracting significant amounts of foreign investments.

At the same time, the foundation was laid for the transportation of Azerbaijani energy resources to European markets, Markov added.

Markov stressed that Heydar Aliyev managed to transfer this splendid system to Ilham Aliyev, who continued his fathers work and carried out a number of important historical tasks, including the formation of a modern multicultural society.

Heydar Aliyev is a great son of the Azerbaijani people, and this is great happiness and success of the people of Azerbaijan, that such a great politician held the highest state post at a political turning point, Markov said. That is why Azerbaijan is the most important country in the South Caucasus.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Ilhama Isabalayeva - Trend:

Armenia played an election game, said vice speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament, Bahar Muradova, Trend reports.

She was commenting on the early parliamentary election held in Armenia Dec. 9.

Muradova noted that all steps were taken in Armenia so that this election brings the desired result, individuals and organizations that could prevent this were isolated, and citizens were sufficiently intimidated.

At the election held, actions were taken according to the prime ministers candidacy is already determined no matter how election ends principle and a well-known result found its confirmation in Armenia, she said. I think the attitude of Armenian citizens to this issue is obvious, and they should decide themselves whether they want to live and work under the leadership of political showmen. It is their life, their internal matter, however, in any case, we are concerned and interested in the events taking place in the region.

She added that various centers, international organizations evaluating the election results, including the OSCE, should demonstrate an objective position on the extraordinary parliamentary election in Armenia.

They should express their objective attitude towards this election, accompanied by appeals full of pressure and threats, she said.

Muradova also said she doesnt think that there will be serious changes in the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict after this election, as many experts also believe.

On Dec. 9, by the end of voting, the final voter turnout in the early parliamentary election in Armenia was only 48.63 percent, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Armenia. For the first time, the majority of voters in Armenia ignored the election.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:

During intensive military operations, relatives of prisoners of war, as well as hostages and missing persons - a certain part of Azerbaijani citizens, without coordinating their steps with the relevant authorities, headed to Georgia, where they held informal meetings with Armenians, said Eldar Samadov, deputy head of the Working Group of Azerbaijans State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons.

He was speaking at a conference titled "Criminal acts of Armenians against the Azerbaijani people and their tangible and cultural monuments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict" held in Baku Dec. 10, Trend reports.

The result of such steps was tragic, he said, adding that the relatives of the prisoners of war were also taken hostage.

This is very regrettable, he noted. We always warn citizens that they should never take any steps that arent coordinated with state bodies.

During an operation in July 2014 in the Shaplar village of Azerbaijani Kalbajar district, occupied by Armenia, the Armenian special forces killed an Azerbaijani, Hasan Hasanov, and took hostage two other Azerbaijanis, Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov. A "criminal case" was initiated against them. Afterwards, a "court" sentenced Asgarov to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years in prison.

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.
Head of Nepal Airlines Corporation responds

This is in reference to a news story entitled (Heres everything you need to know about Nepal Airlines Airbus deal, TKP online, December 7). Connecting my appointment as managing director of Nepal Airlines on May 31, 2015 with the purchase of two wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, which was purchased after international competitive bidding participated in by 11 companies from six countries, is far-fetched.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Fikret Dolukhanov  Trend:

The State Assets Management Center under the State Committee of Uzbekistan on Assistance to Privatized Enterprises and Development of Competition and the American company United Investment Healthcare Group signed an agreement on the transfer of the Dori-Darmon pharmaceutical company to trust management for a period of five years, Trend reports referring to Uzbek media.

The document sets the legal basis for the new development strategy of the national pharmaceutical company Dori-Darmon to introduce modern management methods, exclusive information technologies, as well as an effective system for training specialists with the involvement of American pharmaceutical professionals.

Dori-Darmon includes eight joint-stock companies and six limited liability companies. There are about 2,000 drugstores and branch offices in the pharmacy chain of the company.

Recently, the company's financial position has been deteriorating sharply. In 11 months of 2018, the companys debt to partners and banks reached 125.4 billion soums and 54 billion soums, respectively.

United Investment Healthcare Group has many years of experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, banking and finance. Pharmaceutical consulting company PRS Inc. (USA) is a partner of United Investment Healthcare Group in Uzbekistan.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 10

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

A meeting with a delegation led by director of the office for promotion of international projects of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Takashi Yoshioka was held in the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, Trend reports citing the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

The sides drew attention to the strategic partnership and expressed interest in its development in the political, trade, economic and cultural spheres. The cooperation in the transport sector was also stressed.

The Turkmen delegation has recently held several business meetings in Tokyo with president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Shinichi Kitaoka. JICA has expressed interest in cooperation on social projects.

The Turkmen side proposed Japan to consider the possibility of participating in the project of modernization of the Turkmen railways.

Turkmenistan intends to purchase modern locomotives.

The Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway, which was commissioned in 2014, may give a powerful impetus to the development of the Caspian region.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkey will sell T129 ATAK military helicopters to the Philippines, Trend reports referring to the Turkish media.

The reports noted that ten military helicopters will be sold in the first batch.

It is expected that the agreement on the sale of military helicopters will be signed by the end of December 2018.

Turkey had earlier signed a similar agreement with Pakistan.

The first prototype of the T129 ATAK helicopters, manufactured for the Turkish army, made its test flight in Italy, in the suburbs of Milan in 2009.

In January-November 2018, exports of the Turkish defense industry grew by 16.05 percent compared to the same period in 2017, reaching $1.782 billion.

In the first 11 months of 2018, products of the Turkish defense industry worth $150.5 million were exported to Oman, the SSM said.

During the reported period, products of the Turkish defense industry worth $72.3 million were exported to the Netherlands and $71.6 million to India, the SSM noted.

In the recent years, Turkey has invested about $35 billion in the defense industry.

From 2011, Turkey produces mobile outposts that have proved useful in fight against the militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and also the Canik TP9 handguns, unmanned ANKA aircraft and other military equipment to strengthen the domestic defense industry.

Turkey is also developing a domestic military laser system.

Earlier, the trials of the domestically-made long-range surface-to-surface missiles have been conducted in Turkey. The new rocket, named KAAN, was launched from a firing ground in the province of Sinop in the north of Turkey.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Sara Israfilbayova Trend:

Large-scale activity is being carried out in Azerbaijan for the development of the agriculture sector, however, much work remains to be done, Assistant to the Azerbaijani President for Agriculture Policy Issues Azer Amiraslanov said.

He was speaking Dec. 10 at the AgTech and Green Energy Forum, being held in Baku under the slogan "Innovations for a Green Future", Trend reports.

He noted that according to the decree of President Ilham Aliyev, projects are being implemented in the country using innovative technologies in the field of agriculture.

We should apply innovative technologies in villages, he said. One of the main conditions for sustainable development is the development of sources of alternative, renewable energy and bioenergy. Among other things, the main task is to protect the environment and the ecosystem. The agriculture sector is considered one of the important directions in the countrys development, because this sector plays a special role in the diversification of the economy, providing the population with food, the development of districts, reducing poverty, addressing social problems and other issues.

Amiraslanov stressed that considering all this, President Ilham Aliyev pays such attention to the development of the agriculture sector.

Over the past 50 years, the agriculture sector has gone a long way of development, he said. If earlier, this sphere was given special attention by less developed countries, now this sector has become a sector that requires major investments and is based on sophisticated innovative technologies. Now, developed countries are also paying special attention to this area. In the 60s-70s of the 20th century, the term green revolution entered the international lexicon.

The two-day international forum, AgTech and Green Energy Forum, being held under the slogan "Innovations for a Green Future", kicked off in Baku. About 700 people, including diplomatic delegations from 20 countries, experts from 16 countries and founders of 15 startups from Israel, the US, Estonia and other countries attend the event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy.

The forum is designed to help agriculture and energy sectors to develop a roadmap and create an innovative ecosystem in Azerbaijan that will help introduce modern technologies and new energy sources.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

Agriculture sector is one of the biggest technology and innovation consumers in the world, said Ramin Guluzade, minister of transport, communications and high technologies of Azerbaijan.

He was speaking Dec. 10 at the AgTech and Green Energy Forum, being held in Baku under the slogan "Innovations for a Green Future", Trend reports.

He said that this is proved by the signing of a memorandum in 2017 between the International Telecommunication Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) regarding the application of high technologies and innovations in the field of agriculture.

The government of Azerbaijan also pays special attention to this, he noted. Information resources and systems in the field of agriculture have been created in Azerbaijan, and work in this direction continues. At the same time, high technologies are widely used in agriculture. This sector is receiving even greater development due to the application of drones, internet of things and BigData technologies. Our ministry can assist in the application of these technologies.

An Innovation Agency is being created under the ministry, and this agency will create the possibility of expanding the use of innovations in the agricultural sector, Guluzade said.

The agency can offer the use of data center resources, as well as the resources of the sterilization unit, which has already been built and will be commissioned next year, he noted.

In addition, laboratories for product quality analysis have also been established under the ministry, he said.

Serious steps are being taken to strengthen Azerbaijans export potential, creating favorable investment environment and expanding innovation activity, the minister noted. The strategic road maps adopted in the country create new opportunities for national economy. All this is reflected in international rankings. For example, in the latest WB Doing Business report, Azerbaijan ranked 25th among 190 countries. In addition, our country is included in the list of countries where many reforms are being implemented.

The two-day international forum, AgTech and Green Energy Forum, being held under the slogan "Innovations for a Green Future", kicked off in Baku. About 700 people, including diplomatic delegations from 20 countries, experts from 16 countries and founders of 15 startups from Israel, the US, Estonia and other countries attend the event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy.

The forum is designed to help agriculture and energy sectors to develop a roadmap and create an innovative ecosystem in Azerbaijan that will help introduce modern technologies and new energy sources.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Sara Israfilbayova Trend:

Turkey is ready to share its methods and technological innovations in the agriculture sector with Azerbaijan, Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said.

He was speaking Dec. 10 at the AgTech and Green Energy Forum, being held in Baku under the slogan "Innovations for a Green Future", Trend reports.

He said that the exchange of views on agricultural reforms with Azerbaijan will contribute to the development of cooperation between the countries.

Speaking about global problems, Pakdemirli noted that by 2050, the population in the world will reach almost ten billion people.

On one hand, demand is growing, on the other hand, environmental problems are also growing, he added. We must do everything possible to solve these problems, and I hope that this forum will help us.

The two-day international forum, AgTech and Green Energy Forum, being held under the slogan "Innovations for a Green Future", kicked off in Baku. About 700 people, including diplomatic delegations from 20 countries, experts from 16 countries and founders of 15 startups from Israel, the US, Estonia and other countries attend the event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy.

The forum is designed to help agriculture and energy sectors to develop a roadmap and create an innovative ecosystem in Azerbaijan that will help introduce modern technologies and new energy sources.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Taleh Mursagulov  Trend:

Innovations play an important role in the development of Azerbaijans economy, increasing competitiveness and enhancing the countrys export potential, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev said Dec. 10.

The minister stressed that Azerbaijans integration into innovative processes, transition to innovative economy have been outlined in the strategic road maps covering various areas, in the programs, as well as in the "Azerbaijan 2020: Look into the Future" development concept.

"These programs coincide with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Mustafayev said.

Mustafayev added that promotion of investments in innovations, as well as the use of scientific achievements in various sectors of the economy are outlined in the strategic road maps.

The winners of the 2nd Republican Innovation Contest were awarded in Baku.

Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev, Minister of Culture Abulfas Garayev, Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Ramin Guluzade, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations Ulvi Mehdiyev, Head of the UN Office in Baku Ghulam Isaczai and representatives of Ernst & Young attended the event.

Following the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed by the abovementioned structures and Ernst & Young.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

In the current Iranian year (started March 21), Iran's Razavi Khorasan Province accounted for 42 percent of the country's exports to Afghanistan, acting governor general of the province, Ghorban Mirzaei, said.

He noted that during the eight months of the current Iranian year, Razavi Khorasan exported goods worth $1.7 billion to various countries. Compared to the same period of the previous year, this is about 40 percent increase, he added.

Mirzaei stressed that export development is always in the center of attention and Razavi Khorasan holds a special position in this area.

"Some 600 projects may be given to private sector in Razavi Khorasan. In the current year, 151 projects are intended to be given to private sector," Mirzaei said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Sara Israfilbayova  Trend:

The share of alternative energy in Azerbaijan accounts for 18 percent of energy production, Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said, Trend reports.

He was speaking Dec. 10 at the AgTech and Green Energy Forum, being held in Baku under the slogan "Innovations for a Green Future".

He noted that green economy is a new and important industry that Azerbaijan wants to develop.

Alternative energy and efficient use of energy are integral parts of this direction, he said.

He noted that energy resources are unevenly distributed throughout the world and, unfortunately, are becoming a political weapon.

Changes in oil prices in recent years have shown that countries with rich energy resources should look for alternative solutions, said Shahbazov. In addition to energy security, environmental safety is one of the main tasks today."

"According to forecasts, two thirds of investments in electric energy will account for investments in renewable energy sources by 2040. As much as 40 percent of electricity needs will be met at the expense of renewable energy sources.

In the coming years, Azerbaijan plans to launch new facilities operating on such energy sources as the Sun and wind, he added.

Work is underway to create favorable conditions for private sector, which plays a big role in the development of alternative energy, he noted.

He said working groups are being set up for this purpose, and negotiations are underway with such companies as BP, Total, Siemens and others.

At the same time, a test project of floating solar panels was launched in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank on Lake Boyukshor in Azerbaijan, Shahbazov added.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Iran and China have already resumed financial transactions, Trend reported citing Majid Reza Hariri, deputy head of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce, as saying.

After the events of November 4, a new phase of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has been launched, Tasnim News Agency reported.

The relations between Iranian and Chinese banks should be regulated as a result of those events, he said.

This issue was solved last Friday, Hariri added.

As Saturday and Sunday are the days off in China, financial transactions between Iran and China will begin with Bank of Kunlun, he said.

Hariri added that $1 billion was imported from China last month.

Demand for currency over the last two months has increased by $2 billion as a result of serious problems in the financial transactions between the two countries, he said.

Therefore, there will be some problems at the initial stage, he said.

Hariri said the situation will improve in 7-10 days.

Iranian economists, exporters and importers hope for quick solution to this problem, he added.

Hariri said that the business process between Bank of Kunlun and Iranian economists has not changed.
Tika R Pradhan is a senior political correspondent for the Post, covering politics, parliament, judiciary and social affairs. Pradhan joined the Post in 2016 after working at The Himalayan Times for more than a decade.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Fikret Dolukhanov  Trend:

The Government of India headed by Prime-Minister Narendra Modi has approved the agreement on research of space in peaceful purposes jointly with Uzbekistan, Trend reports referring to Uzbek media.

The agreement was signed between the two countries on Oct. 1, 2018 during the first official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to India.

The document will strengthen cooperation between the parties in development of space technologies, satellite communications and space research.

Uzbekistan and India will create a joint workgroup to develop a plant of joint activities and measures on implementation of the document.

It was earlier reported that Uzbekistan and France will cooperate in space science, satellite communications, Earth and space research etc.

In mid-November 2018 Uzbek envoy to Russia Botirjon Asadov announced that Uzbekistan had developed its very own space program and had actively been developing international cooperation in this sphere.

On their part, Russian state space agency Roscosmos offered Uzbekistan cooperation in monitoring space debris and Earth probing, as well as involvement in joint projects on satellite development.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

In October 2018, 2,940,381 out of 3,755,467 tourists who visited Turkey arrived in the country via air transport, which accounts for 78.30 percent of the total tourists arriving in the country, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism told Trend on Dec. 10.

"In October 2018, 121,679 tourists arrived in Turkey by sea, which is 3.24 percent of their total number," the ministry said.

According to the ministry, the remaining 693,407 tourists arrived in Turkey by road and rail transport.

In October 2018, 1,356,263 tourists arrived in Antalya by air. In Istanbul this figure stood at 1,226,737.

During the 10 months of 2018, 11,977,414 tourists arrived via air transport in Antalya and 11,309,545 arrived in Istanbul.

In January-October 2018, 35,571,419 tourists visited Turkey, which is 22.43 percent more than in January-October 2017.

The ministry said that in October 2018, 1,359,212 tourists visited Antalya, while Istanbul's visitors amounted to 1,230,070 tourists.

In January-October 2018, Antalya and Istanbul were visited by 12,008,939 and 11,340,081 tourists, respectively, the ministry added.

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Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Chingiz Aidarbekov met with representatives of the Kyrgyz diaspora in Italy as part of his working visit to Naples, the press service of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported, Trend reports referring to kabar.kg.

This meeting has been held in Naples at the level of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic for the first time.

Expressing his gratitude to compatriots who arrived for the meeting with the diaspora from all the regions of Italy, the Minister spoke about the current state of bilateral Kyrgyz-Italian relations and the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to activate them.

Representatives of the diaspora were able to address their issues to Aidarbekov, and also spoke about their initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of compatriots. In addition, representatives of the diaspora provided some insight to the Minister into the activities of their social associations.

Having listened to the wishes of the diaspora, the Foreign Minister answered the questions voiced and assured that all the questions raised would be taken under control. In this context, he also informed about the recent establishment of the Council for Relations with Compatriots under the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Minister stressed that the main goal of the Council is to strengthen interaction and ensure effective cooperation between the state and its citizens on the issues of support and protection of the rights and interests of compatriots abroad.

On the same day, Chingiz Aidarbekov met with representatives of the administration of the city of Naples and discussed with them ways of solving the problematic issues of his compatriots.

In addition, Aidarbekov informed compatriots about his meeting on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Milan with OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Italian Foreign Minister Milanesi, where the sides discussed support for compatriots living in the country.
Dushanbe is the first among the Central Asian capital cities to install a New Years tree. The work on installation of a 28-meter light-emitting New Year tree, which is considered the main New Years tree of Tajikistan, was completed on December 9. This years New Years tree, which has been installed at Dousti Square in downtown Dushanbe, is considered Tajikistans tallest ever New Years tree, Trend reports referring to news.tj.

Besides, New Years trees have been installed in all Dushanbes districts as well.

A festive concert to celebrate the New Year is expected to take place at Dousti Square on December 31 from 18:00 to 24:00.

Last year, a 25-meter light-emitting New Year tree was installed at Dousti Square on December 10 and dismantled in early January.

In 2015 and 2016, the New Years tree was installed at Dousti Square on December 29 and dismantled just a couple of days later.

Tajikistan inherited the Soviet Unions New Years traditions, and celebrations have continued despite some criticism by religious figures.

In 2013, the head of the state-backed Islamic Council of Ulema, Saidmukarram Abduqodirzoda, urged Tajiks not to celebrate New Years holiday.

And even the then first deputy head of the Committee for TV and Radio-broadcasting under the Government of Tajikistan, Saidali Siddiqov, noted in December 2013 that Father Frost and Snow Maiden, the iconic symbols of New Years in Tajikistan and other former Soviet countries, have been barred from appearing on state television. Father Frost, his maiden sidekick Snegurochka (Maiden Snow), and New Years tree will not appear on the state television this year, because these personages and attributes bear no direct relation to our national traditions, though there is no harm in them Siddiqov told Asia-Plus in an interview on December 11, 2013. According to him, there was no any order on that point from above. The national TV channels have made such a decision themselves and the Committee for TV and Radio-broadcasting has just approved it, Siddiqov said.

The then Dushanbe Mayor Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, however, responded by signing a decree on December 9, 2013 on organizing festive activities in the city to celebrate New Years Eve and a 22-meter New Years tree was installed in Dousti Square on December 28.

The New Years holiday, which is entirely secular holiday, remains one of the most popular holidays throughout the former Soviet Union, celebrated with family meals and fireworks.

Meanwhile, the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek is the second in Central Asia to install the New Years tree. In Bishkek, the New Years tree wa installed on December 10.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec.10

By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend:

Delegation of Turkmenistan took part in the international conference which was organized by Executive Committee of CIS and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) related with the issues of statelessness, Trend reports citing State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.

During the conference, the reports of member states of CIS on accumulated experience related with issues of reduction of statelessness were read out.

Representative of Turkmenistan informed about the work on migration issues, interaction and corporation with international organizations and structures.

The UNHCR highly appreciated the work of Turkmenistan government on reducing the number of stateless people.

In November 2014, the UNHCR approved global action plan on elimination of statelessness for the period of 2014-2024, which was enshrined in the resolution of the UN General Assembly.

This year 735 people became the citizens of Turkmenistan, permanently residing in the territory of the state, who do not have citizenship and are representatives of various nationalities.

During the period of 2011-2017, 8,145 people were accepted to the citizenship of Turkmenistan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

The 4th meeting on the Caspian Sea's maritime safety protocol was held in Tehran, Trend reports citing Mehr News Agency.

Representatives of Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan take part in the meeting. The meeting will continue on Dec. 11.

The meeting participants discuss improving safety of vessels in the Caspian Sea, mechanisms in search and rescue operations, oversight and inspection of vessels, as well as protection of the marine environment.

The previous meeting was held in Tehran in June.

"The conventions adopted by the International Maritime Organization may be implemented regarding the Caspian Sea if all coastal states accept them," Deputy Head of Irans Ports and Maritime Organization Hadi Haghshenas told Trend.

Because the Caspian Sea is a special sea, we dont need all the conventions implemented regarding it, he noted. Some conventions can be implemented. We choose the corresponding parts of these conventions. A protocol on this basis has been regulated. Experts from five Caspian countries are currently working on that protocol."

"The protocol is based on the conventions of the International Maritime Organization. We hope the main part of the protocol will be agreed upon by experts today and tomorrow. One part of the protocol is expected to remain and the discussions about it will be held during the next meeting.
Tehran, Iran, Dec.10

Trend:

Possible agreement on Caspian Sea safety framework can boost safety in its basin, Deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, Hadi Haghshenas told Trend, as the protocol meeting on Caspian Sea maritime safety has kicked off in Tehran, with participation of Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan.

"This is the 4th meeting. The third meeting was held in Tehran as well, and the first two - in Turkmenistan," he said.

"The protocol is based on the maritime conventions, since the Caspian Sea is a closed sea, the sea conventions do not cover it, and therefore the five coastal countries must formulate laws together and on an agreed basis, which is why these meetings are formed," he said.

"The International Maritime Organization has approved over fifty conventions and protocols in three areas of safety, attention to vessels traffic safety and marine environmental protection, but these conventions are required in open waters for vessels and ships, Haghshenas explained.

He stressed that if the agreement is reached and the Caspian Sea safety framework is approved, the result will be the promotion of the safety of the Caspian Sea.

Naturally, some of the laws and international conventions can be implemented in the Caspian Sea, if all five countries agreed upon them, he said.
Details added (first version posted on 11:08)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

The 4th meeting on the Caspian Sea's maritime safety protocol was held in Tehran, Trend reports citing Mehr News Agency.

Representatives of Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan take part in the meeting. The meeting will continue on Dec. 11.

The meeting participants discuss improving safety of vessels in the Caspian Sea, mechanisms in search and rescue operations, oversight and inspection of vessels, as well as protection of the marine environment.

The previous meeting was held in Tehran in June.

"The conventions adopted by the International Maritime Organization may be implemented regarding the Caspian Sea if all coastal states accept them," Deputy Head of Irans Ports and Maritime Organization Hadi Haghshenas told Trend.

Because the Caspian Sea is a special sea, we dont need all the conventions implemented regarding it, he noted. Some conventions can be implemented. We choose the corresponding parts of these conventions. A protocol on this basis has been regulated. Experts from five Caspian countries are currently working on that protocol."

"The protocol is based on the conventions of the International Maritime Organization. We hope the main part of the protocol will be agreed upon by experts today and tomorrow. One part of the protocol is expected to remain and the discussions about it will be held during the next meeting.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

The EU has failed to meet Irans expectations, considering the Unions role in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Trend reports citing Chairman of Irans Trade Promotion Organization Mohammad-Reza Modudi.

He was speaking at a ceremony for awarding exemplary exporters, the Young Journalists Club (YJC) reported.

He added that the US and its allies intend to reduce Irans foreign currency revenues and increase expenditures by applying sanctions.

The US is in an economic war with Iran, he said. In the economic war, the US wants to eliminate Iranian export opportunities.

He noted that Irans position on exports should be reconsidered.

Diversification of export products is necessary, Modudi noted.
Tehran, Iran, Dec.10

Trend:

Finalizing the Caspian Sea safety protocol and using the capacities to promote peace and security are the economic priorities of the region, Trend reports as IRNA cited Nader Pasandeh, Director General of Safety & Marine Environment Protection in Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO).

"The Caspian Sea belongs to five states and the regional countries should use the resources to establish peace and security," he added.

"Representatives of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan seek to finalize the safety protocol during the two-day meeting," he noted.

Meanwhile, Head of Maritime Safety Department at the State Maritime Administration of Azerbaijan Vamik Rahimov stressed on the Caspian Sea environmental issue.

"All the Caspian Sea states should make efforts to preserve the environment," he said.
Human rights activists rounded up from Baluwatar

Police arrested human right activists from Baluwatar on Monday while they were staging a sit-in outside the Prime Minister's official residence, Kathmandu to mark the Human Rights Day.
Tehran, Iran, Dec.10

Trend:

Irans Foreign Ministry has warned the countrys citizens against visiting France and provided travel advice.

Referring to the recent clashes in Paris and some other cities in France, the ministry warned Iranian citizens and families living in France, as well as Iranian tourists who are currently in France or who are going to travel to this country during the coming days to be cautious.

Iranians should take care and avoid places of clashes in France, the ministry said in a statement, Trend reports citing ISNA.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

One Iranian bank has already begun to carry out financial transactions between Iran and China, Trend reports citing www.Banker.ir website.

After China's Bank of Kunlun created problems with financial transactions between Iran and China, Iranian Co-Chair of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce Asadulla Asgar-Ovladi said that new financial channels will be created between the two countries.

He added that as Iran stopped to sell oil to China, Bank of Kunlun stopped to carry out transactions with Iran. But financial transactions have been already resumed. A decision was made to renew financial transactions since December 2.

According to Iranian and Chinese businessmen, this process has started. The name of an Iranian bank has been disclosed for the Chinese side. The businessmen can continue their work by opening an account in the Iranian bank. However, this can also be carried out through other banks. The Iranian side may have additional expenses.

Another official in the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce said that the financial transactions have been already resumed between Iran and China. Of course, the documents are throughly checked by the Chinese authorities due to the US sanctions and money laundering.

This process is slow, but it has not stopped. Bank of Kunlun and other Chinese banks easily carry out financial transactions with Iran, the official said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

During the eight months of this Iranian year, 33 licenses have been issued for the mining sector in Iran's Hormozgan province, Deputy Chairman of the Industry, Mine and Trade Organization of Hormozgan province Ibrahim Saidini said.

Meanwhile, 268 billion rials (about $6.38 million) were invested in the mining sector of the province over eight months, which is 10 percent more over the same period of last Iranian year, Trend reports citing Shata news agency.

Thus, 177 jobs were created within these projects, he said.

Saidini said that presently, five brick factories operate in Hormozgan province.

Bricks are expected to be exported to solve the problems of brick factories, he added.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

More than 100 tons of sulphur are produced at Irans Ilam Gas Processing Company daily, Trend reports.

The company has two sulphur production plants, Executive Director of the company Shahryar Daripour said in an interview with IRNA.

Each plant has four condensers, he added.

Daripour said that sulphur condenser has been repaired by local specialists.

After the repair, a 50 percent reduction in the sulphur production was prevented, he said.

Daripour also added that more than 10 billion rials (about $238,000) were saved as a result of the repair of reboiler.

The repair work at two gas processing plants of the company was carried out during 15 days by local contractors and the companys employees and the plants were commissioned, he said.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Iran said that it had to be wise and better decide for the city of Tehran, in addition to paying attention to the smart economy, Trend reports referring to IRNA.

At the opening of the conference and the International Exhibition of Intelligent Tehran in Milad tower, Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said, 'Tehran municipality has made moves in this direction, which is very good and must appreciate them.

But besides, we have to see what position we are at present and what position we should take; we must first see the information, analyze and decide about them, he added.

The e-government has come to help people in this area,' Azari Jahromi said. Tehran municipality has entered various fields to make them smart. It collects and processes information in a smart form, but requires better decisions. 'We have moved to the smart city management, and we still have a way to get the key figure out.
Presidential elections in Democratic Republic of Congo this month could lead to conflict if they are not free, fair and peaceful, and evidence suggests they will not be, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege said on Monday, Reuters reports.

The Dec. 23 elections are scheduled to mark Congos first democratic transfer of power and end President Joseph Kabilas rule, which began in 2001 after the assassination of his father.

Mukwege was co-recipient of the 2018 prize for his work as a doctor helping victims of sexual violence in the eastern Congo city of Bukavu. He has performed surgery on scores of women and campaigned to highlight their plight after they were raped by armed men.

He shared the prize with Nadia Murad, a Yazidi rights activist and survivor of sexual slavery perpetrated by Islamic State.

What I have seen as I was leaving my country did not reassure me, Mukwege told Reuters before an award ceremony in Oslo.

There is very little electoral preparation and a lot of military preparation. I am very worried that these elections will not be free, fair, credible and peaceful and that if there are massive frauds .... supporters (from losing candidates) will not accept them.

He said election authorities were struggling to meet deadlines ahead of the vote and that violence was worsening in the eastern borderlands with Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.

These ... elements suggest to me that oppression is being prepared, at the very minimum, and it could be that a war against its own people is being prepared, he said.

Kabila was due to step down in 2016 at the end of his constitutional mandate. But the election to replace him was repeatedly delayed, igniting protests in which dozens were killed.

During the ceremony, Mukwege and Murad called for justice for the victims of sexual violence in conflicts.

The perpetrators of sexual violence against Yazidi and other women and girls are yet to be prosecuted for these crimes, said Murad, adding that more than 3,000 Yazidi women and girls were still held captive by Islamic State.

If justice is not done, this genocide will be repeated against us and against other vulnerable communities, she said.

Both Murad and Mukwege received several standing ovations, with many guests wiping away tears.

Mukwege called on a U.N. report into the war crimes committed in Congo to name those it investigated. This investigation explicitly names the victims, the places and the dates, but leaves the perpetrators nameless, he said.

Let us have the courage to reveal the names ... to prevent them from continuing to plague the region.

Kabila told Reuters on Sunday preparations for the election were proceeding smoothly and he wanted it to be as close to perfection as possible.

He also did not rule out running again for president in 2023. Critics say he could rule from behind the scenes if his candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, wins this month.

Mukwege said Kabila had the right to run in 2023 but he hoped voters would remember Kabilas broken promises.

None of the elements needed to install a real democracy have been made during his time in power, he said.

A war in which some 5 million people died ended in 2003, but violence is still a problem and militias target civilians.

Mukwege called for pressure on manufacturers that use cobalt and coltan that Congo produces to control their supply chains to prevent child and slave labor.

He also called for pressure on Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda to pacify armed groups that fight in eastern Congo.

It was not possible to reach a spokesman for the DRC government.
Syrias largest pharmaceutical company with state participation, Dimas Pharmaceutical Industries, is planning to start exporting medicine to Russia and Arab countries by 2020, the companys head informed reporters on Monday, Trend reports referring to TASS.

"We are the main supplier of medicine for the army and the state hospitals. The third direction we want to develop is export of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics and painkillers, starting 2020. We are looking at Russia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan, Mauritania and Yemen as most promising directions," the head of the company said.

According to the companys management, it will open three new workshops in 2019, which would allow it to triple the assortment of pharmaceuticals and increase the output 10 times.
A majority of U.N. states adopted on Monday a non-binding global pact to better handle migrant flows, Moroccos foreign minister said, though fewer governments joined than had previously worked on the proposal, Trend reports referring to Reuters.

Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita announced the decision as host of the U.N. conference in Marrakesh.
US President Donald Trump should not meddle in French affairs, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Sunday after Trump criticized France in two tweets following riots in Paris, Trend reports citing Reuters.

Anti-government protesters faced off with riot police in Paris and other French cities on Saturday, hurling stones, torching cars and vandalizing shops and restaurants in a fourth weekend of unrest that has shaken President Emmanuel Macrons authority.

The Paris Agreement isnt working out so well for Paris. Protests and riots all over France, Trump wrote on his Twitter account on Saturday.

People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third world countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment. Chanting We Want Trump! Love France, Trump wrote.

Le Drian said on LCI television: The yellow vest demonstration was not protesting in English, as far as I know.

He said that images published in the United States with people chanting We want Trump were filmed during a Trump visit to London several months ago.

In a separate tweet, Trump also said: Very sad day & night in Paris. Maybe its time to end the ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement and return money back to the people in the form of lower taxes? The US was way ahead of the curve on that and the only major country where emissions went down last year!

Le Drian said the French government does not comment on American politics and that this should work both ways.

I say to Donald Trump, and the President of the Republic tells him too: we do not take part in American debates, let us live our life in our country, he said.

Le Drian also said that most Americans disagreed with Trump over his decision to walk away from the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

In the past few months, Trump has published a series of tweets criticizing Macrons climate and defense policies, as well as Macrons low approval rating.
On Thursday, Nigeria and Zambia voted against an anti-Hamas resolution at the UN, helping to ensure that it would not be adopted, Trend reports referring to The Jerusalem Post.

On Sunday, their representatives in an organization hoping to improve agriculture production in Africa arrived in Israel for a four-day seminar.

The Ghanaian and Nigerian representatives to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), joined together with representatives from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Burkina Faso for a seminar through the Volcani Center in Beit Dagan, Israels leading agricultural research organization, to explore new technologies regarding food production, increasing crop yields and food safety.

The meeting is a step toward the establishment of an Israeli-Africa Agriculture Innovation Center, and another manifestation of closer ties between Israel and Africa. AGRA is an organization funded heavily by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, and its main goal is to provide food security for Africa.

Israels expertise in agriculture and many of Volcanis innovations can be of great assistance to Africa, said Eli Feinerman, head of the Volcani Center.

Agnes Kalibata, president of AGRA based in Kenya, said an Israel-Africa Agriculture Innovation Center would be a win-win for both Israel and Africa. Africa could benefit from Israels technical expertise in agriculture and at the same time the Innovation Center could create an opportunity for trade and mutual market opportunities between Africa and Israel.

Part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus push over the last few years for improved ties with Africa has been to open up the huge African market to Israeli technology and products, and part has also been an attempt to improve Israels diplomatic position by getting African nations to stop voting reflexively against Israel in international forums.

Last Thursdays vote in the UN on a resolution condemning Hamas that fell nine votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to be adopted had mixed results in Africa.

Only six of Africas 54 countries  Rwanda, South Sudan, Malawi, Liberia, Lesotho and Cabo Verde  voted with Israel and the US in support of the resolution, while 10 abstained and another 10 did not vote. The other 28 African states voted against the measure, including two countries that have representatives on the current trip: Zambia and Nigeria. What is striking is that Nigeria, which voted against a measure that would condemn Hamas terrorism, is itself in a bloody battle against the Boko Haram terrorist organization.

Ten of Africas countries are in the Arab League, which voted as one against condemning Hamas.

Eighty-seven countries voted for the anti-Hamas measure, while 57 voted against and 33 abstained. The necessity for a special two-thirds majority came about because a measure requiring such a special majority passed by a slim three-vote margin, 75-72.

Had some of the countries with whom Israel has close relations in Africa and who have representatives on the current trip to learn about food technology  Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia  voted again the need for a two-thirds majority, then the anti-Hamas resolution would have passed with a simple majority. Kenya abstained, but Uganda and Ethiopia voted in favor of the special majority, a majority US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley denounced as a double standard.

The Volcani Center is coordinating the seminar along with Start-Up Nation Central, the Tony Blair Institute and the Syngenta Foundation.
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.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said, will allow El Al to utilize the country's airspace, shortening flight times to India, Trend reports referring to The Jerusalem Post.

Netanyahu spoke at a conference of diplomats hosted by the Foreign Ministry on Monday.

"Our diplomatic map has changed in dramatic fashion due to the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Israel," Netanyahu said.

The prime minister also said that with El Al's ability to utiliize Egyptian and Chadian airspace, travel times to South America would be reduced.

Netanyahu made a surprise visit to Oman in late October, signaling then Israel would warm ties with Arab countries. The president of Chad, Idriss Deby, made a visit to Israel in November.
A third person has been confirmed dead on Monday, after a shocking vehicle collision on an isolated stretch of road in Western Australia, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

According to a police spokesperson, on Sunday afternoon a utility vehicle crashed into a mini-bus carrying a number of tourists along the Indian Ocean Drive around 30 km north of the township of Lancelin.

The driver of the utility vehicle died at the scene along with another man on board the mini-bus, while the third person succumb to his injuries after being taken to hospital.

With nine people still recovering in hospital, it took emergency responders "some time" to free those trapped from the wreckage before seven ambulances and two helicopters were able to transport the survivors for treatment.

Local media outlet, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, has reported that at least three survivors remain in a serious condition.

Considered to be one of the state's most notorious stretches of road, the Indian Ocean Drive witnessed six people losing their lives on the 60 km route in 2017.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modis party won a landslide in Indias last general election, in 2014, it grabbed almost all the parliamentary seats in the heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Reuters reports.

But his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could be about to lose power in the three states - results of recent state assembly elections will be announced from early on Tuesday - which would raise huge questions over Modis bid for re-election in polls due by May.

Analysts say a big loss for the BJP in the states would indicate rural dismay and could help unite opposition to Modi, whose personal popularity remains high despite criticism he has not been able to keep a promise of creating jobs for young people and improving the lot of farmers.

Indian share markets and the rupee have already turned nervous, falling on Monday, the first trading day since exit polls said the BJP would lose Rajasthan, with the other two going down to the wire.

Equity analysts said the surprise resignation of the Reserve Bank of India governor, Urjit Patel, late on Monday after a long tiff with the government could send the markets crashing.

As the three erstwhile BJP states have a large agrarian population, the BJPs drubbing could be interpreted to mean that farm unrest is real, and the much vaunted increase in farm minimum support prices havent yielded material political dividends, Nomura said in a research note.

A rout of the BJP on its home-ground states should encourage cohesion among the opposition parties to strengthen the non-BJP coalition for the general elections.

The central states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and the western state of Rajasthan, together account for 65 of the 543 seats for the lower house of parliament. Several research firms have said markets could fall sharply if the BJP loses all the three states currently held by them.

Regional parties are likely to retain two other smaller sates, Telangana in the south and Mizoroma in the northeast, that also report results on Tuesday, the polls show.

The main opposition Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, has been trying to form a coalition of various regional groups, some headed by experienced firebrand, ambitious politicians.

Congress has already said it would not name Gandhi, who is seen as lacking experience, as a prime ministerial candidate, keeping in mind the aspirations of other opposition parties.

Leaders of 21 opposition parties, including Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, also of the Congress, met in New Delhi on Monday as they sought to strengthen their stand against Modi.

In a likely boost for the opposition, a federal minister, Upendra Kushwaha, said on Monday he would pull his small party out of the BJP-led coalition.

Media has speculated he would join Modis opponents ahead of the general election.

The BJP says the planned opposition alliance would be fractious, would struggle to find focus and would be riven by competing interests.

The BJP has also cast doubt on the exit surveys, saying they have underestimated its performance in the three states.

While analysts have been warning it would be a mistake to rule out BJP wins in all main Hindi-speaking states, they have also warned that the party has lost the narrative to an extent.

Sriram Karri, a political strategist and author, said the BJP government was losing its sheen because it was afraid to take big bold moves, like including fuel in a unified goods and services tax and cutting income tax.
Advanced shipborne aircraft will arrive for the Russian Navy in 2021-2030, Naval Aviation Chief Major-General Igor Kozhin said in an interview with the Defense Ministrys newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on Monday, Trend reports referring to TASS.

"The naval aviation is due to receive promising shipborne aircraft platforms," the general said, replying to a question about the prospects of the naval aviations rearming.

According to the general, the new aircraft will enter service in 2021-2030.

The Russian naval aviation will be developed in three stages, the general said.

At the first stage (until 2021), there are plans to continue modernizing the operational planes while in 2021-2030 the naval aviation will start to receive the most advanced aircraft. After 2030, the efforts to develop promising aircraft will continue, the general said.

In the period until 2021, the active upgrade of the existing fleet of aircraft will continue, he said.

"This relates to replacing special aviation aircraft with new models and arming the Navy with shipborne fighter jets (MiG-29K/KUB), attack, transport and landing helicopters (Ka-52K) and drones," Kozhin said.

Overall, over a hundred aircraft are expected to join the naval aviation through 2020, he added.

At the Army-2015 military and technical forum in 2015, Russia unveiled the Project of the Shtorm promising heavy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The carriers flight deck equipped with four electromagnetic catapults and two ramps featured, among other hardware, the mockups of Su-57 fighter jets. In the process of its designing, the Su-57 was dubbed the Promising Aviation Complex of Frontline Aviation.
Russia will make an additional contribution of $2 million to the fund of the UN World Food Program to provide food aid for Syria. The corresponding order of the Russian government was published on Monday on the official web portal of legal information, Trend reports referring to TASS.

"To make an additional one-time target contribution of $2 million from the federal budget to the fund of the UN World Food Program to finance costs linked to the provision of food aid to the Syrian Arab Republic," the order says.

According to the document, these funds should be used for purchasing food in Russia and paying its delivery to Syria by Russian organizations.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

A bus, carrying teachers, overturned in Turkey's Diyarbakir province, Trend reports referring to Turkish media.

Thirteen of the passengers got injured.

The bus ran into a flock of sheep and then turned over, according to the Turkish media.

All the wounded were taken to the city hospital.

All the injured were taken to hospital.

Earlier today, a passenger bus collided with a truck in Turkeys Canakkale province and resulted in death of four and injured sixteen.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Travellers from other countries will be allowed to leave the airport and shall self-monitor their health for 14 days.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Henry Li, vice president, marketing and sales, Ford Greater China and president, Ford National Distribution Services Divison (NDSD), chose to leave the company for health and family reasons, effective Dec.31,2018, Ford China said in a statement.

Chen Anning, Ford China President and CEO, failed to persuade Henry to stay, but expressed his understanding and pity. Henry has made significant contributions to Ford and he will be missed.

Henrys successor will be Joseph (Yuehai) Liu, who has been named vice president, Marketing and Sales, Ford China, and acting president, NDSD, effective immediately. Joseph, a veteran in marketing and sales, has mover 30 years of experience in the auto industry.

The NDSD, set up by Ford and its local partner Changan Auto in July, is responsible for the marketing, sales and service of Fords passenger vehicles in China. As an important part of Fords transformation in China, we are fully committed to building a successful sales division in China.

On October 24, Ford Motor Company announced that Ford is reorganizing its Asia Pacific operations in order to speed the companys global transformation and its implementation of Fords In China, For China strategy. Ford China is elevated to a stand-alone business unit, which will report directly to Ford global headquarters. The company named Chen Anning, former CEO of Chery Automobile, as president and CEO of Ford China, effective November 1.

Ford has been building a team streamlined in organization, efficient in decision-making and abundant in experienced talents so as to meet the rapidly changing market and constantly upgraded need. Thus, Chen has established China Operational Committee which includes Joseph, Mao Jingbo, president of Lincoln Asia Pacific and China, as members.




Twist in Nirmala rape & murder case as details of the arrest of two new suspects don't add up

Pradeep Rawal and Bishal Chaudhari, the latest suspects in Nirmala Pant murder mysteryboth of whom have allegedly confessed to the crimehad been arrested in a petty theft case on the day the 13-year-old as murdered after rape.
Vietnamese, Indonesian artists stage multimedia exhibition

VietNamNet Bridge  A multimedia exhibition featuring Vietnamese and Indonesian artists will open on December 14 at The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre in HCM City.

Vicky Do and Julia Sarisetiati are showing multimedia works at the Factory Contemporary Arts Centre in HCM City.  Photo courtesy of the organiser



Each of the works by Vicky Do of Vietnam and Julia Sarisetiati at the event, called Chung Ta O ay Cung Nhau (Were Here Together), show images of modern culture and lifestyles.

The exhibition was created by Indonesian curator Grace Samboth and Vietnamese artist Bill Nguyen.

The show is part of the art programme Pollination, launched by The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre under the support of Galerie Lorong and Cemeti Art House in Indonesia.

The programme aims to offer a place to encourage artists in Southeast Asia to introduce their art.

The event Chung Ta O ay Cung Nhau will also travel to Yogokarta, Indonesia next month after HCM City.

The exhibition will open on December 14 and end in January at the centre, 15 Nguyen U Di Street, in District 2.

Source: VNS
Suspected robber killed in police shootout

A suspected robber died in a shootout with police near the Nepal-India border in Sunsari district on Sunday night.
Ajeeja Limbu is a desk editor for The Posts business desk. Limbu has over 10 years of experience, writing and editing for publications in Singapore before he moved to Kathmandu.
Tribhuvan International Airport runway contract in limbo

Officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal are confused over awarding the contract to lengthen the runway of Tribhuvan International Airport to a Nepali joint venture Kalika-Tundi after one of the partners became engulfed in a corruption case.
CHOP celebrates landmark medical advance: the first gene therapy for a genetic disease approved in both the US and Europe

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) celebrates a pivotal moment in medicine: approval by the European Commission (EC) of LUXTURNA (voretigene neparvovec), the first and only gene therapy for patients with an inherited retinal disease, last month. This also makes LUXTURNA the first gene therapy for a genetic disease that has received regulatory approval in both the U.S. and European Union (EU).

The EC approved LUXTURNA, a one-time gene therapy for the treatment of vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutations, in pediatric and adult patients who have sufficient viable retinal cells. RPE65 -mediated inherited retinal disease is a progressive condition that leads to total blindness in most patients.

The authorization is valid in all 28 member states of the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. In December 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved LUXTURNA for use in patients in the U.S.

"The European Commission's approval of LUXTURNA highlights the vital role of pediatric research in developing breakthrough cures," said Bryan Wolf, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Chair of the Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The research conducted as a collaborative effort between CHOP's Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics (CCMT) and investigators at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania laid the groundwork for this revolutionary gene therapy, which was developed and is now manufactured by Spark Therapeutics. Today, we are thrilled to see LUXTURNA approved as a therapy for children and adults outside the U.S."

CHOP founded Spark Therapeutics in 2013 in an effort to accelerate the timeline for bringing new gene therapies to market. Spark's mission, to create a world where no life is limited by genetic disease, was to build on the foundational research conducted over a multi-year period by the CHOP and Penn Medicine teams.

Beginning in 2000, the initial research for LUXTURNA was conducted by Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, F.M. Kirby professor of Ophthalmology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania's Scheie Eye Institute, and Albert M. Maguire, MD, a professor of Ophthalmology at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine and an attending physician at CHOP. Bennett and Maguire joined forces with then-CHOP researcher Katherine A. High, MD, a gene therapy pioneer who directed the CCMT and who is now Spark's President and head of research and development. Dr. Maguire served as a Principal Investigator of the therapy's clinical trials.

In the U.S., the gene therapy is currently administered at 10 treatment centers by leading retinal surgeons who receive training provided by Spark Therapeutics on the administration procedure.

###

In January 2018, Spark Therapeutics entered into a licensing and supply agreement with Novartis covering development, registration and commercialization rights to LUXTURNA in markets outside the U.S. Upon the transfer of the marketing authorization from Spark Therapeutics to Novartis. Novartis can commercialize LUXTURNA in the EU/EEA. Novartis already has exclusive rights to pursue development, registration and commercialization in all other countries outside the U.S., and Spark Therapeutics will supply the gene therapy to Novartis.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu
The state-run China Daily newspaper says in an editorial that Canada's arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou shows it's bowing to pressure from the United States in a bid to thwart the Chinese company's 5G ambitions.

The U.S. wants Canada to extradite Meng for allegedly violating sanctions imposed on Iran.

Meng's treatment, including being handcuffed, has violated her rights and helped to give off the air of a "show trial," the English-language paper said.

A Chinese state-run newspaper lashed out at Canada on Sunday over the arrest of a top Huawei executive, saying it is bowing to pressure from the United States and likening her treatment to a "show trial" aimed at humiliating China for challenging the U.S. in global technology leadership.

Justice authorities in Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer and daughter of company founder Ren Zhengfei, on Dec. 1 in Vancouver, reportedly over alleged violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Meng faces possible extradition to the U.S.

The detention comes within the broader context of the U.S.-China trade war and just as President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day truce at the G-20 Summit in Buenos Aires.

The English-language China Daily, in an editorial published Sunday on its website, accused Canada of detaining Meng for the sake of its relations with the U.S. The paper stressed that Washington maintains close intelligence ties with Ottawa under the "Five Eyes" sharing arrangement that also includes Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

"The country has surrendered to the United States' ugly politics by detaining Meng Wanzhou," the state-controlled China Daily said.

Reuters reported Sunday that Canadian prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley said at a court hearing on Friday that a warrant for Meng's arrest was issued in New York on Aug. 22.

According to Reuters, Gibb-Carsley also said that Huawei had carried out business in Iran by using a Hong Kong-based company Skycom and Meng misled U.S. banks about the relationship. Meng said that Huawei sold Skycom in 2009.

Story continues

Huawei, in a letter to its suppliers released late Thursday, said that it "strictly complies with all applicable laws and regulations in our global business operations" and added it "is not aware of any wrongdoing" by Meng.

China Daily also accused Canada of mistreating Meng.

"Detaining a Chinese citizen during her change of flight without giving any concrete reason is severely violating her legitimate rights and interests," the editorial said.

'Show trial'

Canada treated her "as a dangerous criminal" and "violent offender" by restraining her with handcuffs and forcing her to wear ankle restraints following her initial bail hearing, the paper said.

"It is hard to escape the conclusion that her treatment is something of a show trial intended to humiliate her and China," it said.

China is regularly accused of violating the human rights of its own citizens who speak out against the government, advocate democracy or question the justice system.

The government has recently drawn widespread international condemnation for detentions of what the United Nations said may be up to one million members of mostly Muslim ethnic groups including Uighurs, who predominantly live in the resource-rich far western region of Xinjiang.

China insists it respects the "rule of law" and has called the mass incarcerations part of a "vocational education and training program" aimed at preventing terrorism.

Huawei Technologies, the world's biggest telecoms equipment provider, has faced suspicions in the United States and other countries over security concerns related to its equipment. Though Huawei is not a state-owned company, its founder Ren, who once served in the People's Liberation Army , is seen as having close ties with the government.

Huawei has consistently rejected such concerns, saying there is no proof its network equipment poses a threat.

The China Daily accused the U.S. of aiming to thwart Huawei's technology ambitions.

Huawei "has been looking to position itself at the forefront of the nascent 5G revolution that is beginning to take shape and the U.S. administration wants to reserve that spot for U.S. companies," the editorial said.





More From CNBC


A court in China has granted Qualcomm QCOM an injunction against Apple AAPL .

The court has banned the import and sale of nearly all iPhone models in China, according to a statement Monday from Qualcomm. Apple is already disputing the scope of the ban, saying it only applies to iPhones that run on an older operating system.

Apple shares lost 2 percent in premarket trading on Monday, while shares of Qualcomm rose 3 percent.

"Qualcomm's effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world," Apple said in a statement. "All iPhone models remain available for our customers in China. Qualcomm is asserting three patents they had never raised before, including one which has already been invalidated. We will pursue all our legal options through the courts."

In a statement, Qualcomm said, "We deeply value our relationships with customers, rarely resorting to the courts for assistance, but we also have an abiding belief in the need to protect intellectual property rights."

The statement, from General Counsel Donald Rosenberg, added, "Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us. These Court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm's vast patent portfolio."

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.





More From CNBC


In this courtroom sketch, Meng Wanzhou, right, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, sits beside a translator during a bail hearing at British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver, on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Meng faces extradition to the U.S. on charges of trying to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran. She appeared in a Vancouver court Friday to seek bail. (Jane Wolsak/The Canadian Press via AP) In this courtroom sketch, Meng Wanzhou, right, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, sits beside a translator during a bail hearing at British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver, on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Meng faces extradition to the U.S. on charges of trying to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran. She appeared in a Vancouver court Friday to seek bail. (Jane Wolsak/The Canadian Press via AP)

(Bloomberg) -- China accused Canada of violating a bilateral agreement by failing to speedily inform its consulate of the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co. Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou -- an accusation the Canadian government denies.

According to the China-Canada consular agreement, if a Chinese citizen is arrested by the Canadian government, the Canadian government should immediately notify the Chinese embassy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing on Monday. But the Canadian government didnt do that.

Despite follow-up questions on when Beijing found out about the detention, Lu declined to provide more details. Canada, however, said it notified Chinese envoys on the day of the arrest.

Chinas consulate general in Vancouver was notified of Ms. Mengs detention on Dec. 1, the same day that the detention took place, Philip Hannan, a spokesman for the countrys foreign ministry, said in a written statement Monday. Consular access was provided later that day. Chinas Ambassador in Ottawa was also in contact with Canadian officials later that same day to discuss the situation.

Strained Relations

Over the weekend, Chinese authorities separately summoned the ambassadors of Canada and the U.S. to protest Mengs arrest on allegations she committed fraud to sidestep sanctions against Iran. The case has become a flash-point in ties between the U.S. and China thats rattled investors and sent stock markets tumbling.

Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng warned Canadas ambassador that his nation could face "severe consequences" if it didnt release Meng immediately. Le said earlier in a separate statement that U.S. actions have violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and are extremely bad in nature, while also pledging further action.

China and the U.S. are grappling with how to react to the incident, which threatens to upend progress in trade talks achieved in Argentina. President Donald Trumps trade team sought to insulate talks with China from the growing dispute on Sunday, while officials in Beijing have debated the pros and cons of retaliation.

Story continues

On Friday, the U.S. began a case against the Chinese telecoms giant in a Vancouver courtroom, alleging Meng had hidden ties between Huawei and a company called Skycom that did business in Iran, a lawyer representing Canada said during the court hearing. Canada is presenting the case on behalf of the U.S., which wants to extradite Meng.

Her lawyers have cited health issues in a bid to free the Huawei finance chief, painting a picture of a cancer survivor whos undergone multiple surgeries and needs daily medication to cope with a plethora of health issues. They also outlined how her entire family has deep roots in Vancouver, where shes being held. Shes also offered to put up a couple of multi-million-dollar homes as collateral.

Equipment Bans

Mengs case has struck a nerve with Chinese officials in part because Huawei, founded by her father Ren Zhengfei, is a national champion at the forefront of President Xi Jinpings efforts for China to be self-sufficient in strategic technologies.

Along with Huaweis growing prominence has come increased scrutiny from the U.S. and its allies over fears its equipment could be used for spying, with Kyodo News reporting that Japan could join Australia and New Zealand in keeping Chinese equipment away from their phone networks. China seeks fair, transparent and non-discriminatory treatment from Japan, Lu said.

Lu also pushed back against comments from those in other nations who allege Huawei may pose a security threat, saying there isnt any evidence of cyber-security problems.

"I want to stress that the Chinese laws and regulations do not authorize any institutions to force any enterprise to install forced backdoors," Lu said. "The Chinese government always encourages its enterprises to abide by international rules and local laws."

(Updates with Canada reaction in third and fourth paragraph.)

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: David Ramli in Beijing at dramli1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Daniel Ten Kate at dtenkate@bloomberg.net, Stephen Wicary, Chris Fournier

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2018 Bloomberg L.P.
Huawei has faced increasing scrutiny over its alleged links to Chinese intelligence services (AFP Photo/WANG ZHAO)

China on Saturday summoned the Canadian ambassador over the "unconscionable and vile" detention of telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Vancouver, state media reported, in Beijing's latest angry response to the hot-button case.

Meng Wanzhou has been held since December 1 in Canada on an American extradition request and faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran.

The 46-year-old executive was arrested in Vancouver while changing planes, ratcheting up tensions between the US and China just as the countries' leaders agreed to a truce in their trade war.

In a statement cited by official news agency Xinhua, China's Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng said Meng's detention was a "severe violation" of her rights and interests as a Chinese citizen.

"Such a move ignores the law and is unreasonable, unconscionable, and vile in nature," the news agency quoted Le as saying in the statement.

Le summoned Canadian ambassador John McCallum in protest and urged Ottawa to release Meng immediately or face "grave consequences that the Canadian side should be held accountable for", Xinhua said.

Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- is set to remain in custody until at least Monday, when a Canadian court is expected to decide on bail.

In a hearing that was adjourned on Friday, Canadian government lawyer John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions."

He said if convicted, she faces more than 30 years in prison.

Meng is specifically accused of lying to a US bank, identified by her lawyer as "Hong Kong Bank", about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions.

- Extradition treaty -

The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case.

Story continues

Canada has a long-standing extradition treaty with the United States, requiring it to cooperate with US Department of Justice requests to hand over suspects.

The offence for which extradition is being sought must also be a crime in Canada, and a Canadian court must decide if there is sufficient evidence to support the extradition.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended Canada's arrest of Meng, saying politics played no part in the decision.

A spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told AFP on Saturday that Ottawa had no further comment on the case.

Huawei said Friday that it would "continue to follow the bail hearing", expressing "every confidence that the Canadian and US legal systems will reach the right conclusion".

Meng's detention in Canada came on the day of a summit between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, at which they agreed to a truce in their tit-for-tat tariff battle.

The world's top two economies have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits.
Huawei has faced increasing scrutiny over its alleged links to Chinese intelligence services (AFP Photo/WANG ZHAO)

Beijing (AFP) - China summoned the US ambassador on Sunday to protest the "extremely bad" arrest of telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada and demand that the United States drop its extradition request.

The arrest of Meng Wanzhou, who faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking dealings with Iran, has infuriated Beijing, threatening to disrupt a trade war truce between China and the United States.

Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- is in custody as she awaits a Canadian court's decision on bail on Monday.

Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned US ambassador Terry Branstad one day after he called in Canadian envoy John McCallum to voice China's displeasure.

"Le Yucheng pointed out that the US side has seriously violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and the nature of the violation is extremely bad," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The Chinese side firmly opposes this and strongly urges the United States to attach great importance to China's solemn and just position," it said.

China also urged the United States to "take immediate measures to correct wrong practices, and revoke the arrest warrant against the Chinese citizen.

The statement warned that Beijing would make an unspecified "further response" in light of the US actions.
By Ben Blanchard and David Ljunggren BEIJING/OTTAWA (Reuters) - China warned Canada on Saturday that there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's [HWT.UL] chief financial officer, calling the case "extremely nasty." Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's global chief financial officer, was arrested in Canada on Dec. 1 and faces extradition to the United States, which alleges that she covered up her company's links to a firm that tried to sell equipment to Iran despite sanctions. The executive is the daughter of the founder of Huawei. If extradited to the United States, Meng would face charges of conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions, a Canadian court heard on Friday, with a maximum sentence of 30 years for each charge. No decision was reached at the extradition hearing after nearly six hours of arguments and counter-arguments, and the hearing was adjourned until Monday. In a short statement, China's Foreign Ministry said that Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng had issued the warning to release Meng to Canada's ambassador in Beijing, summoning him to lodge a "strong protest." Adam Austen, a spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, said Saturday there is "nothing to add beyond what the Minister said yesterday". Freeland told reporters on Friday that relationship with China is important and valued, and Canada's ambassador in Beijing has assured Chinese that consular access will be provided to Meng. When asked about the possible Chinese backlash after the arrest of Huawei's CFO, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday that Canada has a very good relationship with Beijing. Canada's arrest of Meng at the request of the United States while she was changing plane in Vancouver was a serious breach of her lawful rights, Le said. The move "ignored the law, was unreasonable" and was in its very nature "extremely nasty," he added. "China strongly urges the Canadian side to immediately release the detained person, and earnestly protect their lawful, legitimate rights, otherwise Canada must accept full responsibility for the serious consequences caused." The statement did not elaborate. "There will probably be a deep freeze with the Chinese in high-level visits and exchanges," David Mulroney, former Canadian ambassador to China, said on Friday. "The ability to talk about free trade will be put in the ice box for a while. But we're going to have to live with that. That's the price of dealing with a country like China." Meng's arrest was on the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump met in Argentina with China's Xi Jinping to look for ways to resolve an escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies. We are tracking the developments of this case and refer you to the filings in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, said a U.S. State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The news of Meng's arrest has roiled stock markets and drawn condemnation from Chinese authorities, although Trump and his top economic advisers have played down its importance to trade talks after the two leaders agreed to a truce. A Huawei spokesman said on Friday the company has "every confidence that the Canadian and U.S. legal systems will reach the right conclusion." The company has said it complies with all applicable export control and sanctions laws and other regulations. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Alexander Smith and Nick Zieminski)
Anil Giri is a reporter covering diplomacy, international relations and national politics for The Kathmandu Post. Giri has been working as a journalist for a decade-and-a-half, contributing to numerous national and international media outlets.
We start a new week of trading waking up to lower market closes across the Pacific, with Asian indexes like the Nikkei in Japan -2% and Hong Kong -1.2%. This came on the heels of big drops in Chinese imports and exports, which fell precipitously from the month of October to November.

Chinese exports had registered gains of 12.6% in October to just 5.4% last month. Imports saw an even steeper downturn: from 20.3% in October to 3% in November. Clearly, were seeing the initial effects of the U.S.-China trade war making their way to metrics in the worlds second-largest economy.

Overall growth in Chinese industries had been tapering down from high levels in recent years even without the added tariff aggravation; its now fairly obvious President Trumps gambit to tax Chinese goods is having a detrimental effect, which no doubt is music to the ears of the presidents trade advisers Peter Navarro and Robert Lighthizer.

Add to this the strange twist from last week, when Chinese communications equipment major Huawei saw its CFO (and daughter of the companys founder), Meng Wanzhou, arrested in Vancouver, Canada on fraud charges. The executive is being held responsible for allegedly having used a shell company called Skycom to get around U.S. sanctions on Iran. Meng may face extradition to the U.S. on these charges.

Considering the current tense environment between China and the U.S. these days, it stands to reason that this incident is not being exactly taken in stride. China will take further action based on [these] U.S. actions. It would appear Mengs arrest is, at least in some camps, being taken personally by the Chinese government.

Just breaking this morning, we see China granting an injunction against Apple AAPL on behalf of California-based Qualcomm QCOM due to patent issues on Qualcomms intellectual property. The rub is that China is now banning the import and sale of nearly all iPhone models via this injunction. For its part, Apple challenges the models of iPhone this act should entail, calling Qualcomms efforts desperate.

Story continues

That the biggest American company to ever do business in China is now being blocked from selling units in that country does appear tactical. Following proposed tariffs on U.S. soybeans and other huge exports to China that have already hit the bottom lines of farmers in the American heartland, now attacking iPhone sales looks to be another flank in the Chinese offensive.

To quote General Sherman, War is hell. Perhaps this includes trade war, as well. We remain hopeful there will be some resolve that makes good on the promises of the G-20 Summit earlier this month between the two factions; if not, well likely be feeling more pain in the market through the end of calendar 2018 and beyond.



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Ericsson ERIC recently announced that it has clinched a multi-year contract from Millicoms commercial brand  TIGO. Per the deal, Ericsson will work on modernizing TIGOs radio access network deployed across Honduras and Paraguay.

According to the terms of the deal, Ericsson will implement its Ericsson Radio System portfolio into about 1000 TIGO's sites. Notably, the first phase of the implementation will be carried out in Honduras and Paraguay, beginning this year. With the rollout, TIGO will gain full 4x4 MIMO capabilities in these two countries. Also, the rollout supports indoor coverage through the Radio Dot System as well as micro radios for hotspot capacity in Paraguay. As a matter of fact, these implementations will enable TIGO to enhance network quality as well as customer experience.

Ericsson will also be responsible for extending TIGO's existing network apart from modernizing the existing 2G/3G and 4G sites. Notably, these enhancements will enable TIGO to seamlessly migrate to 5G and IoT capabilities.

With the emergence of the smartphone market and subsequent usage of mobile broadband, user demand for coverage speed and quality has increased. Further, to maintain superior performance as traffic increases, there is also a continuous need for network tuning and optimization. Ericsson, being one of the premier telecom services providers, is much in demand among operators to expand network coverage and upgrade networks for higher speed and capacity.

In the past three months, this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) companys shares have gained 1.5% against the industrys decline of 11%.

Moreover, the company is focusing on 5G system development and has undertaken many notable endeavors to position itself for market leadership on 5G. It believes that standardization of 5G is the cornerstone for digitization of industries and broadband. Also, Ericsson expects mainstream 4G offerings to give way to 5G technology in the future. Meanwhile, the impending deployment of 5G networks in 2020 is expected to boost the adoption of IoT devices with technologies like network slicing gaining more prominence.

Story continues

Other Key Picks

Some other top-ranked stocks in the same space are QUALCOMM Incorporated QCOM, Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. UBNT and ATN International, Inc. ATNI. All these three companies carry a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

QUALCOMM surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average positive earnings surprise being 18.47%.

Ubiquiti Networks outpaced estimates thrice in the preceding four quarters, the average earnings surprise being 11.30%.

ATN International exceeded estimates thrice in the preceding four quarters, the average earnings surprise being 138.12%.

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By Gabriela Baczynska and Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The European Union on Monday blacklisted nine people involved in rebel elections in east Ukraine last month but signalled no further punitive measures against Moscow over the latest flare-up of tensions with Kiev in the Azov Sea.

Instead, the EU's foreign ministers meeting in Brussels said they would look at offering more assistance to Ukraine, which had the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea annexed by Russia in 2014 and then saw Moscow back separatists in the industrial east.

The ministers discussed with Ukraine's Pavlo Klimkin "the latest developments in the Azov Sea but also, and mainly, the support of the European Union to Ukraine, to Ukrainian people, to territorial integrity of the country", said the bloc's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini.

The bloc on Monday adopted a decision to add nine people to its blacklist as a follow-up to the separatist vote in eastern Ukraine, diplomatic sources and officials said. Their names were to be released later.

Kiev has called for more Western sanctions against Moscow after Russian patrol boats fired at Ukrainian navy ships in the Azov Sea off Crimea. But the divided bloc is not going to act swiftly, if at all.

The 28 EU national leaders, who meet for a summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, are, however, due to decide to extend the bloc's existing sanctions that target Russia's defence, energy and banking sectors.

Germany's Haiko Maas said the situation in the Azov Sea remained unresolved as Russia was still holding the Ukrainian sailors. Berlin and Paris were seeking to ease tensions between Moscow and Kiev.

Fighting between Ukraine and Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014 and small-scale but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent.

Citing the Russian threat, Ukraine in November introduced martial law and banned Russian men of combat age from entering the country.

Story continues

The EU has since released 500 million euros in financial assistance to Kiev but is split on whether to go ahead with any new economic sanctions, a move that would require unanimity of all 28 member states.

"We don't see yet any decision-making today on the table," Austria's Karin Kneissl said when asked whether the bloc would impose more sanctions over Russia following the sea incident.

On the other side of the spectrum is Lithuania, a leading EU hawk on Russia. Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said the Azov Sea standoff was a "blatant violation of international law" by Russia and could not be left unanswered.

"I don't expect something to be decided today but sanctions relating to this topic must be on the table," he told journalists. (Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska, Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Richard Balmforth)






Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Building. (Photo: John Disney/ALM)

Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Building. (Photo: John Disney/ALM)



The Supreme Court of Georgia on Monday issued the following attorney discipline opinions.



In the Supreme Court of Georgia



Decided: December 10, 2018



S18Y1159. IN THE MATTER OF AMBER CECILE SAUNDERS.



PER CURIAM.



This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the Petition for Voluntary Discipline filed by Amber C. Saunders (State Bar No. 827587), filed in March 2018, before the issuance of a formal complaint. See Bar Rule 4-227 (b) (2).1 Saunders, who was admitted to the Bar in 2013, admits that her conversion of client funds for her own personal use violated Rules 1.15 (I) (c) and 1.15 (II) (b) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct found in Bar Rule 4-102 (d), and agrees to a suspension of up to 12 months. Twelve months is the appropriate sanction in the light of mitigating circumstances.



In her petition, Saunders explains the circumstances leading up to her misuse of the client funds. She explained that her boyfriend, with whom she shared an apartment, had an emotional downward spiral and failed to pay his portion of the expenses. Saunders, who had practiced on her own for less than a year, was unable to meet the couples shared financial obligations, her credit was destroyed, and her car was repossessed. Her boyfriend then became abusive, causing Saunders to leave the apartment with only the clothes on her back and to give up her office space so that he would be unable to find her. Then in 2015, Saunders obtained $26,283.50 in an arbitration proceeding on behalf of an incarcerated client. She used the portion of the funds to which she was entitled as her fee to purchase a car, but the car broke down. Because Saunders was too embarrassed to seek help, she converted the clients funds for her own personal use to recover from the financial challenges brought on by her former relationship.



In mitigation, Saunders states that the client has been repaid in full; she has no prior disciplinary history; she cooperated with the disciplinary process by submitting a detailed letter of her misconduct to the Investigative Panel member assigned to the case; her actions were due to extreme emotional distress stemming from domestic violence; she has undergone counseling to rebuild her self-esteem to avoid similar problems in the future; she otherwise has good character and reputation as shown by letters of support from the legal community; and she is remorseful.



In its response, the State Bar does not dispute the facts presented by Saunders and confirms that the client was repaid, although the State Bar notes that the client had to wait a year for the funds. The State Bar argues that Saunderss conduct would support the aggravating factors of dishonesty and selfish motive, and agrees with the mitigating factors listed by Saunders.2 See ABA Standards for Imposing Lawyer Sanctions  9.22 and 9.23; In the Matter of Morse, 266 Ga. 652, 653 (470 SE2d 232) (1996). The State argues that a suspension of 12 to 18 months would best serve the interests of the public and the Bar, and Saunders replied that she would voluntarily accept up to a 12- month suspension. Having reviewed the filings in this case, we find that a 12-month suspension is appropriate and is consistent with the sanctions imposed in similar cases involving the misuse of client funds. See, e.g., In the Matter of Lang, 292 Ga. 894 (741 SE2d 152) (2013) (accepting petition for voluntary discipline and imposing 12-month suspension where lawyer mishandled client funds); In the Matter of Carragher, 289 Ga. 826 (716 SE2d 216) (2011) (imposing 12-month suspension where lawyer mishandled client funds). Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that Amber Cecile Saunders be suspended from the practice of law in the State of Georgia for a period of 12 months, effective as of the date of this opinion. Saunders is reminded of her duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (b).



Petition for voluntary discipline accepted. Twelve-month suspension. All the Justices concur.



1 On January 12, 2018, this Court entered an order amending Part IV of the Rules and Regulations for the Organization and Government of the State Bar of Georgia (Bar Rules), including Bar Rule 4-102 (d), which contains the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct. The amendments were effective July 1, 2018, with certain exceptions not relevant here. The order also provided that the former rules shall continue to apply to disciplinary proceedings commenced before July 1, 2018such as this proceedingprovided that, after July 1, 2018, the State Disciplinary Board shall perform the functions and exercise the powers of the Investigative Panel under the former rules, and the State Disciplinary Review Board shall perform the functions and exercise the powers of the Review Panel under the former rules.



2 The State Bar also argues that there is an additional mitigating factorSaunderss inexperience in the practice of law. But inexperience in the practice of law is not mitigating; even a first-year law student should understand that conversion of client funds for personal use is impermissible. Cf. In the Matter of Jones, 293 Ga. 264, 267 (2) n.8 (744 SE2d 6) (2013) (Whether a lawyer has been practicing for thirty years, or only for a few days, he ought to know that an attorney should not smuggle contraband to a client in jail. This is not the sort of case in which experience in the practice of law has any relevance to the misconduct.).









In the Supreme Court of Georgia



Decided: December 10, 2018



S19Y0258. IN THE MATTER OF DAVID P. RACHEL.



PER CURIAM.



This disciplinary matter is before the Court on the report of Special Master Daniel S. Reinhardt, who recommends the disbarment of David P.Rachel (State Bar No. 591601), a member of the State Bar since 2003. This matter arose from Rachels conviction, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, for one count of conspiracy and 12 counts of money laundering. In a prior appearance of this matter, this Court accepted Rachels earlier petition for voluntary discipline, suspending him until further order of this Court, pending his appeal of his federal convictions. In the Matter of Rachel, 297 Ga. 279 (773 SE2d 246) (2015). As recounted by the special master, that appeal has now concluded, as Rachels convictions were affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and as his petition for certiorari review was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court. As noted in this Courts prior opinion in this matter, Rachel acknowledged in his petition for voluntary discipline that his convictions constituted a violation of Bar Rule 8.4 (a) (2), the maximum sanction for a violation of which is disbarment.



Following the conclusion of Rachels appellate proceedings, the State Bar moved for the appointment of a special master and for a hearing to be set on the matter. The Bar unsuccessfully attempted personal service on Rachel of a notice regarding the appointment of the special master and the setting of a hearing and then perfected service via publication. Rachel did not appear at the hearing on this matter, but the Bar presented argument and introduced evidence, on the basis of which the special master concluded that, in light of the conclusion of Rachels federal criminal appeal, he stood in violation of Rule 8.4 (a) (2), such that disbarment was appropriate. See In the Matter of Houser, 299 Ga. 284, 285-286 (787 SE2d 689) (2016).



Having reviewed the record, we conclude that disbarment is the appropriate sanction in these matters. Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the name of David P. Rachel be removed from the rolls of persons authorized to practice law in the State of Georgia. Rachel is reminded of his duties pursuant to Bar Rule 4-219 (c).



Disbarred. All the Justices concur.
(Bloomberg) -- GoPro Inc. will move most of its U.S.-bound camera production out of China by next summer, becoming one of the first brand-name electronics makers to take such action to minimize the impact of the escalating trade war.

Todays geopolitical business environment requires agility, GoPro Chief Financial Officer Brian McGee said in a statement Monday. Were proactively addressing tariff concerns. The company is still deciding where to put the manufacturing operation.

The trade war between the worlds two biggest economies has made more than $250 billion of goods from China more expensive for Americans, from component pieces to electric scooters, and U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to place tariffs on all goods coming from China. Trump and Chinas President Xi Jinping agreed in on Dec. 1 to hold off on increasing tariffs for 90 days. But the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co. CFO Meng Wanzhou at the behest of U.S. authorities has stoked renewed fears of a further escalation.

GoPro shares were down 1.3 percent, to $4.91 in New York. They have declined 35 percent so far this year.

This is a sign that those in the technology supply chain arent confident well get a clean resolution soon to the trade war, said Joe Wittine, an analyst at Longbow Research.

The San Mateo, California-based company said it expects shifting U.S. production to come at a "relatively low cost" since the company owns its production equipment. Cameras headed for other countries will continue to be made in China, GoPro said. In the third quarter, more than 40 percent of revenue came from the Americas, while about 25 percent came from Asia and Pacific area countries.

China became the worlds factory as multinational companies took advantage of the lower production costs. Yet the tariffs are hurting already thin margins, causing companies to turn toward countries in Southeast Asia as an alternative base for firms relocating manufacturing away from China. About one-third of more than 430 companies in China are considering sourcing components or assembly outside of the country as a result of tariffs, according to a survey by AmCham China and AmCham Shanghai.

Story continues

"GoPro could provide an early look of the post-"Make America Great" tech supply chain, where your gadget is made in Vietnam or Indonesia, instead of China," Wittine said.

To contact the reporters on this story: Krista Gmelich in New York at kgmelich1@bloomberg.net;Selina Wang in San Francisco at swang533@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Molly Schuetz, Andrew Pollack

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2018 Bloomberg L.P.
Today's news headlines you want to know before you retire for the day

A taskforce comprising federal ministers and chief ministers has been formed to draft a report on issues raised by the chief ministers during the meeting of inter-state council that kicked off in Kathmandu on Sunday.
By Anna Mehler Paperny and Ben Blanchard

TORONTO/BEIJING (Reuters) - The CFO of China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing, citing her longstanding ties to Canada, properties she owns in Vancouver and fears for her health while incarcerated, court documents showed on Sunday.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou is fighting to be released on bail after she was arrested on Dec. 1 in Vancouver at the request of the United States. She is also fighting the extradition request, and China has protested her arrest to U.S. and Canadian officials.

Meng, 46, faces U.S. accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran. This deception put the banks at risk of violating U.S. sanctions and incurring severe penalties, according to court documents seen by Reuters. U.S. officials allege that Huawei was trying to use the banks to move money out of Iran.

China has demanded her immediate release. The arrest has roiled global markets as investors worried it could torpedo attempts to thaw trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

U.S. stock futures fell 0.71 percent in early Asia trading, extending their negative tone from Friday.

In a sworn affidavit, Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, said she is innocent and will contest the allegations at trial in the United States if she is surrendered there.

Meng said she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained. She cited hypertension in a bail application seeking her release pending an extradition hearing. She also noted that she owns two homes in Vancouver worth millions of dollars each.

BACK IN THE COURT

Her family assured the court she would remain in Vancouver if she was granted bail, according to the court documents. Her husband said he plans to bring the couple's daughter to Vancouver to attend school during the proceedings. Meng will be back in the court for a bail hearing on Monday.

Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of telecoms network equipment and second biggest smartphone seller, did not offer an immediate comment on the court documents. The company, a market leader across many countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, previously said it has complied with all applicable rules.

Story continues

Earlier on Sunday, China's foreign ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador to lodge a "strong protest" over the arrest, and said the United States should withdraw its arrest warrant.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng told U.S. ambassador Terry Branstad the United States had made an "unreasonable demand" on Canada to detain Meng while she was passing through Vancouver, China's Foreign Ministry said.

"The actions of the U.S. seriously violated the lawful and legitimate rights of the Chinese citizen, and by their nature were extremely nasty," Le told Branstad.

China urged the United States to withdraw the arrest warrant, Le added. "China will respond further depending on U.S. actions," he said, without elaborating.

On Saturday, Le warned the Canadian ambassador there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Meng. There was no immediate reaction from Canada. On Friday, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters Canada's relationship with China was important, and the country's ambassador in Beijing has assured the Chinese consular access will be provided to Meng.

THE CASE

The United States has been looking since at least 2016 into whether Huawei shipped U.S.-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of U.S. export and sanctions laws, Reuters reported in April.

The U.S. case against Meng involves Skycom Tech Co. Ltd, which Huawei has described as one of its "major local partners in Iran. Huawei used Skycoms Tehran office to provide mobile network equipment to several major telecommunications companies in Iran, people familiar with the companys operations have told Reuters.

In December 2012, Reuters reported that documents showed Skycom had tried to sell embargoed Hewlett-Packard computer equipment in 2010 to Iran's largest mobile-phone operator. Reuters later reported that Skycom had much closer ties to Huawei and Meng than previously known.

In Canadian court papers made public on Friday, an investigation by U.S. authorities found Huawei operated Skycom as an "unofficial subsidiary" to conduct business in Iran.

Huawei said its Iran operations were "in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions" of the United Nations, United States and European Union, according to Canadian court documents released on Sunday.

U.S. officials allege that Meng and other Huawei representatives misled financial institutions about Huawei's control of Skycom, so the Chinese company could gain access to the international banking system. As a result, an unidentified financial institution cleared more than $100 million worth of transactions related to Skycom through the U.S. between 2010 and 2014, the court papers said.

On Thursday, Reuters identified HSBC Holdings Plc as one of the banks involved in the Meng case and, citing sources, reported that the probe included possible bank fraud.

Companies are barred from using the U.S. financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said on Sunday he would "100 percent absolutely" introduce a measure in the new Congress that would ban Chinese telecom companies from doing business in the United States.

"We have to understand Chinese companies are not like American companies. OK. We can't even get Apple to crack an iPhone for us in a terrorist investigation," he told CBS "Face the Nation."

"When the Chinese ask a telecom company, we want you to turn over all the data you've gathered in the country you're operating in, they will do it. No court order. Nothing like that. They will just do it. They have to. We need to understand that."

Rubio was a strong critic of China's ZTE Corp, which pleaded guilty in 2017 to violating U.S. laws that restrict the sale of American-made technology to Iran.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing and Anna Mehler Paperny; Additional reporting by Julie Gordon in Vancouver, Nick Brown in New York, and Doina Chiacu, Chris Sanders and Karen Freifeld in Washington and Steve Stecklow in London; Writing by Denny Thomas; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and David Gregorio)
By Anna Mehler Paperny and Ben Blanchard TORONTO/BEIJING (Reuters) - The CFO of China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing, citing her longstanding ties to Canada, properties she owns in Vancouver and fears for her health while incarcerated, court documents showed on Sunday. Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou is fighting to be released on bail after she was arrested on Dec. 1 in Vancouver at the request of the United States. She is also fighting the extradition request, and China has protested her arrest to U.S. and Canadian officials. Meng, 46, faces U.S. accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran. This deception put the banks at risk of violating U.S. sanctions and incurring severe penalties, according to court documents seen by Reuters. U.S. officials allege that Huawei was trying to use the banks to move money out of Iran. China has demanded her immediate release. The arrest has roiled global markets as investors worried it could torpedo attempts to thaw trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. U.S. stock futures fell 0.71 percent in early Asia trading, extending their negative tone from Friday. In a sworn affidavit, Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, said she is innocent and will contest the allegations at trial in the United States if she is surrendered there. Meng said she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained. She cited hypertension in a bail application seeking her release pending an extradition hearing. She also noted that she owns two homes in Vancouver worth millions of dollars each. BACK IN THE COURT Her family assured the court she would remain in Vancouver if she was granted bail, according to the court documents. Her husband said he plans to bring the couple's daughter to Vancouver to attend school during the proceedings. Meng will be back in the court for a bail hearing on Monday. Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of telecoms network equipment and second biggest smartphone seller, did not offer an immediate comment on the court documents. The company, a market leader across many countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, previously said it has complied with all applicable rules. Earlier on Sunday, China's foreign ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador to lodge a "strong protest" over the arrest, and said the United States should withdraw its arrest warrant. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng told U.S. ambassador Terry Branstad the United States had made an "unreasonable demand" on Canada to detain Meng while she was passing through Vancouver, China's Foreign Ministry said. "The actions of the U.S. seriously violated the lawful and legitimate rights of the Chinese citizen, and by their nature were extremely nasty," Le told Branstad. China urged the United States to withdraw the arrest warrant, Le added. "China will respond further depending on U.S. actions," he said, without elaborating. On Saturday, Le warned the Canadian ambassador there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Meng. There was no immediate reaction from Canada. On Friday, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters Canada's relationship with China was important, and the country's ambassador in Beijing has assured the Chinese consular access will be provided to Meng. THE CASE The United States has been looking since at least 2016 into whether Huawei shipped U.S.-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of U.S. export and sanctions laws, Reuters reported in April. The U.S. case against Meng involves Skycom Tech Co. Ltd, which Huawei has described as one of its "major local partners in Iran. Huawei used Skycoms Tehran office to provide mobile network equipment to several major telecommunications companies in Iran, people familiar with the companys operations have told Reuters. In December 2012, Reuters reported that documents showed Skycom had tried to sell embargoed Hewlett-Packard computer equipment in 2010 to Iran's largest mobile-phone operator. Reuters later reported that Skycom had much closer ties to Huawei and Meng than previously known. In Canadian court papers made public on Friday, an investigation by U.S. authorities found Huawei operated Skycom as an "unofficial subsidiary" to conduct business in Iran. Huawei said its Iran operations were "in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions" of the United Nations, United States and European Union, according to Canadian court documents released on Sunday. U.S. officials allege that Meng and other Huawei representatives misled financial institutions about Huawei's control of Skycom, so the Chinese company could gain access to the international banking system. As a result, an unidentified financial institution cleared more than $100 million worth of transactions related to Skycom through the U.S. between 2010 and 2014, the court papers said. On Thursday, Reuters identified HSBC Holdings Plc as one of the banks involved in the Meng case and, citing sources, reported that the probe included possible bank fraud. Companies are barred from using the U.S. financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said on Sunday he would "100 percent absolutely" introduce a measure in the new Congress that would ban Chinese telecom companies from doing business in the United States. "We have to understand Chinese companies are not like American companies. OK. We can't even get Apple to crack an iPhone for us in a terrorist investigation," he told CBS "Face the Nation." "When the Chinese ask a telecom company, we want you to turn over all the data you've gathered in the country you're operating in, they will do it. No court order. Nothing like that. They will just do it. They have to. We need to understand that." Rubio was a strong critic of China's ZTE Corp, which pleaded guilty in 2017 to violating U.S. laws that restrict the sale of American-made technology to Iran. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing and Anna Mehler Paperny; Additional reporting by Julie Gordon in Vancouver, Nick Brown in New York, and Doina Chiacu, Chris Sanders and Karen Freifeld in Washington and Steve Stecklow in London; Writing by Denny Thomas; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and David Gregorio)
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel's prime minister on Monday announced that Oman will open its airspace to Israel's national airline.

The move appears to have no immediate practical effect because carrier El Al is still barred from flying over Oman's northern neighbor, Saudi Arabia. But it marks another sign of warming ties between Israel and Gulf Arab states, as Israel's behind-the-scenes dealings with its former foes become more public.

Benjamin Netanyahu told a gathering of Israeli ambassadors that Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said granted El Al permission to pass through its airspace during the Israeli leader's surprise visit to the country in October. The two states have no formal diplomatic relations. Israel only has peace agreements with two Arab states  Egypt and Jordan.

El Al said the news of Oman's permission took the airline by surprise, but that it "welcomes the prime minister's political activity to achieve every possible flight shortcut to and from Israel."

Saudi Arabia broke a decades-long ban on the use of its airspace for flights to Israel last spring, when it allowed India's national carrier to cross its skies. The move saved about two hours off of India-Israel flights. But the kingdom's approval did not extend to El Al, which is forced take a circuitous route that bypasses the entire Arabian Peninsula.

The kingdom's decision prompted El Al to sue the Israeli government, contending that Air India's shortcut put it at an unfair advantage. El Al said Monday that its lawsuit has not yet been resolved and stressed that the carrier "always seeks to ensure fair competition and equal opportunities between Israeli airlines and foreign airlines."

Few concrete details have surfaced from Netanyahu's meeting with Sultan Qaboos, the first such visit in over 20 years. But analysts have speculated that Oman's unique regional position could enable it to play a bigger role mediating between Israel and archenemy Iran.

There was no immediate comment from Oman on Monday's announcement.
Ghosn has claimed charges against him were a result of his drive to further integrate Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubushi.

Japanese carmaker Nissan (7201.T-JP) wants to keep former Chairman Carlos Ghosn and his family from going back to their apartment in Copacabana for fear they would destroy evidence against him, The Financial Times reported.

The Times, citing a person with knowledge of the dispute, said Nissan thinks a safe in the apartment contains evidence that the Brazilian-born Ghosn used funds from a Nissan subsidiary called Zi-A Capital to buy the residence.

Nissan told the FT it feared that granting the Ghosn family access to the property could lead to the destruction of evidence. The statement came after a court in Brazil granted the Ghosns access to the apartment. Nissan said it would appeal that ruling to a higher court.

Ghosn was indicted in Tokyo on Monday for allegedly underreporting his compensation from Nissan in the company's financial statements over five years. Nissan was also indicted by Japanese prosecutors.

In a statement overnight, Nissan said: "Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissan's public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret."

The FT said Ghosn's lawyer in Japan did not respond to its request for comment. Ghosn denies he intentionally understated his pay in financial documents, according to Japan broadcaster NHK.

Click here to read the full FT report.

Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.
OPEC has finally put an end to the ongoing speculations regarding oil supply glut and prices with a move to curb output by a total of 1.2 million barrels per day (BPD) from the highs reached in October, essentially for the first half of 2019. While OPEC member countries will reduce output by a total of 800,000 BPD, non-OPEC producers will lower production by 400,000 BPD. The figure is pretty close to the OPEC advisory committees suggestion of 1.3 million BPD output-curb from the production levels of October.

Results of the Meeting

The biggest OPEC producer, Saudi Arabia intends to reduce its record October output of 11.1 million BPD to 10.7 million BPD in December, further coming down to 10.2 million BPD in January. Notably, among the OPEC member countries, only Iran, Venezuela and Libya received an exemption from the latest output cuts. Irans oil industry is presently suffering due to U.S. sanctions. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming days. Political upheavals, economic turbulence and civil conflict are currently affecting Venezuela and Libya.

Russia, which plays a pivotal role among the non-OPEC countries, will reduce its production by around 230,000 BPD from its October high of 11.4 million BPD. OPECs mid-year meeting of 2019 has been rescheduled in April, which is expected to be used for reviewing the state of the oil market and adjust its policies accordingly. It is to be noted that in a similar manner, in early-2017, OPEC and non-OPEC countries capped production to avoid damage due to falling crude prices.

OPEC, together with the non-OPEC nations, controls almost 55% of global supplies and 90% of the proven reserves. Therefore, the outcome of the meeting of the group, informally called OPEC+, is expected to have a significant effect on the market.

Impact on the Market

Oil market investors, who hit the panic mode with prices plunging around 30% in the last two months, can breathe a sigh of relief now. Crude producers around the globe can expect better prices for their product as the output curb is expected to bring down the supply glut in the oil market accompanied by the falling export of Iranian crudes. Producers in the United States, especially those operating in the low-cost shale plays, have enough reasons to be happier now.

Story continues

The output cut is expected to not only halt falling crude prices but also push prices upward. This will, in turn, keep the exploration and production companies profit and cashflow growing. As the supply glut is expected to shrink in the coming days, it will likely provide producers confidence to expand drilling in the coming months. WTI, the American crude benchmark, which touched a low of $50.29 per barrel on Nov 28, is currently trading at $51.76 and is expected to gain in the coming days.

Stocks to Buy

Through screening, we have filtered four stocks for investors, which are poised to reflect the positives from the OPEC meeting outcome. The volume mixes of these companies are biased toward liquids, primarily crude oil, which sets them up for a market beat on an expected gain in crude price.

Oklahoma City, OK-based Chaparral Energy, Inc. CHAP has a significant presence in the state of Oklahoma. Its earnings per share (EPS) for 2019 are expected to grow nearly 50% year over year. The company has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Denver, CO-based QEP Resources, Inc. QEP, with growing focus in the Permian Basin, is expected to record significant profits in 2019. Its EPS for the next year is expected to reflect an increase of more than 700% year over year. Currently it has a Zacks Rank #2.

Another Zacks Rank #2 upstream company, W&T Offshore, Inc. WTI is a leading oil and natural gas explorer with operations primarily focused on resources located off the coast of Gulf of Mexico. Headquartered in Houston, TX, W&T Offshores EPS is expected to grow more than 26% in the first quarter of 2019.

Los Angeles, CA-based California Resources Corporation CRC is one of the largest upstream companies in California. Its EPS for 2019 is expected to grow more than 700% year over year. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

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(Bloomberg) -- Qualcomm Inc. said it won a ruling in China against Apple Inc. that bans the sale of several iPhone models in that country.

The Fuzhou Intermediate Peoples Court ruled that Apple is infringing two Qualcomm patents and issued injunctions against the sale of the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, the San Diego, California-based chipmaker said in a statement Monday. The most recent models introduced in September, the iPhone XS, XR and XS Max, are not covered by the ban.

The ruling could potentially affect iPhone sales in the worlds biggest market for smartphones, where the company generates about a fifth of its revenue, and comes at time when demand for Apples most important product is slowing.

The two U.S. companies are locked in a worldwide dispute over licensing fees that Qualcomm charges for use of technology that the chipmaker says underpins all modern phone systems. Apple has argued that its former supplier unfairly leverages its position as the biggest supplier of chips for smartphones to force payment of the fees. Qualcomm has countered that Apple is using its intellectual property without paying for it and the legal cases are aimed at forcing it to lower licensing charges.

Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us, Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel at Qualcomm, said in a statement. These court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomms vast patent portfolio.

Qualcomms effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world, Apple said in a statement. All iPhone models remain available for our customers in China. Later on Monday, Apple said it filed a request for reconsideration with the court, the first step in appealing the preliminary injunction. The request was previously reported by CNBC.

Story continues

Apple shares rose 0.2 percent in New York, after analysts downplayed the news. Qualcomm gained 2.1 percent.

The patents are related to adjusting and reformatting the size and appearance of photographs and managing applications using a touch screen, Qualcomm said. They are just two of a number of patents Qualcomm is using against Apple in disputes in several countries.

Aaron Rakers, an analyst at Wells Fargo Securities, said he doesnt think Apple will be much affected by the ruling, since it doesnt cover the most recent phones, which come pre-loaded with the current operating system, iOS 12, and that doesnt violate the patents in question. Still, Rakers said Apple faces risks from the developing trade war between the U.S. and China. China accounts for about 18 percent of iPhone shipments, Rakers said, citing data from IDC.

Qualcomm wants to force Apple to the negotiating table in what it says is a commercial dispute. The iPhone maker has stopped paying licensing fees, Qualcomms largest source of profit, and no longer uses Qualcomm chips. Thats cost Qualcomm billions in revenue and the company has reported shrinking sales since 2014.

Apple and one other unnamed company are the only major phone makers that do not pay Qualcomm licensing fees. Qualcomm charges a percentage of the selling price of each handset sold regardless of whether the device is based on its chips or not. Apple contends that Qualcomms fee should be based on the price of the component, not the phone, a difference of hundreds of dollars per phone.

Even amid disputes and non-payments, the fees provided Qualcomm with more than half of its profit last year.

Apple is likely to ask a federal court in California to prevent Qualcomm from enforcing the ban until the overall royalty dispute is resolved. Thats what Samsung Electronics Co. successfully did when Huawei won an order blocking Samsung from making or selling smartphones in China. The U.S. judge in that case said an order in China would render meaningless the contract dispute he is considering.

While a U.S. court has no jurisdiction over a court in China, American judges have issued orders that limited parties from acting on cases in other countries. Usually it comes down to whether a company is willing to defy a judge presiding in the worlds largest economy.

Qualcomm intends to seek enforcement of the Chinese ruling in the court system there, the chipmaker said in a follow-up statement. The injunction orders are in effect now and arent specific to which version of the operating system is installed on the phones.

An appeals court in Washington is considering whether the judge has that type of authority. Arguments were heard Dec. 3 and it could be several months before a decision is announced in that case.

(Updates with details on Apple filing an appeal in sixth paragraph.)

--With assistance from Susan Decker and Mark Gurman.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ian King in San Francisco at ianking@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Tom Giles at tgiles5@bloomberg.net, Molly Schuetz, Giles Turner

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2018 Bloomberg L.P.
Walk the talk

The global community has little faith in the governments ability to fulfil its human rights obligations
The Royal Bank of Scotland RBS is planning to shift assets to the Netherlands in March 2019 in case of a no-deal Brexit. The bank has put forth request for transfer of assets worth about 6 billion and 7 billion of liabilities to its Dutch subsidiary  NatWest Markets N.V.

The move is expected to impact nearly 30% of customers in NatWest markets, who are located in the European Economic Area.

In case a deal is struck between Britain and European Union (EU), the transfer of assets would be a slower process and be subject to further political developments, per the bank.

Notably, RBS has picked Amsterdam as its EU hub. However, it will also attend clients out of Dublin, Frankfurt, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Stockholm.

Similar Moves by Other Banks

Deutsche Bank DB is planning to transfer a large chunk of assets from its London base to Frankfurt headquarters post Brexit. Further, Citigroup C might make 150 new positions in the EU. Also, the bank has plans to convert its existing subsidiary in Frankfurt into an investment firm.

Goldman Sachs GS has begun moving operation from London to Frankfurt and other European cities. UBS Group is yet to finalize plans. However, it expects to move about 250 jobs, down from previous forecast of 1000. Also, the bank is mulling over Frankfurt, Madrid and Amsterdam as its potential EU locations.

Our Take

Royal Bank of Scotlands diversified business model and commitment to improve financials are likely to support its overall growth in the near term. Moreover, resumption of dividend payment and special dividend announcement reflect its improving financial position, and is expected to act as a tailwind. However, its involvement in legal issues remains a concern.

Shares of RBS have declined around 17.1% on the NYSE over the past three months compared with the fall of 4.3% recorded by the industry.

RBS currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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retire in germany

Germany has become a popular destination for American retirees due to its reasonable costs, excellent healthcare system and well-kept infrastructure. The weather may not be on the level of Thailand or Portugal, but if you dont mind some chilly winters, Germany could be the retirement destination youre looking for.

Average Cost to Retire in Germany

As any financial advisor will tell you, one of the most important factors to consider when building a retirement plan is your cost of living. Like any other country, how much money youll need to live in Germany will depend on the city you choose. According to Numbeo, a website that collects pricing data from citizens, the average monthly budget youll need in Germany (excluding rent, but including food, utilities, transportation and recreation) would be the equivalent of around $920. This will be slightly higher in the biggest cities like Munich, Hamburg or Berlin, and it will be lower in smaller cities like Dresden and Hanover. Thats about the same monthly budget youd need to live in a U.S. city like Atlanta, Georgia, and cheaper than a large city like Chicago, Illinois (which would require a monthly budget of around $980).

Rent in Germany is 31.09% lower than in the U.S., according to data from Numbeo. Rent on a one-bedroom apartment in the center of the city can cost you as much as $1260 in a city like Munich and as low as $590 in a city like Leipzig. This wide range in rent prices is similar to the U.S., where a one-bedroom in New York City can easily clear $3,000 a month, and an identical apartment in Albuquerque, New Mexico can go for $830.

Healthcare in Germany

Health insurance is mandatory for all permanent residents of Germany. The majority of residents receive publicly financed insurance from one of 124 Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) insurers, also known as sickness funds. SHI coverage includes preventive services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, mental health care, dental care, optometry, physical therapy, prescription drugs, hospice and palliative care. SHI plans typically have copayments of between $6 and $13 for prescription drugs or medical devices. For an inpatient hospital stay, the copayment is typically around $11.50 per day for the first 28 days.

Story continues

There are more than 100,000 SHI-accredited physicians in Germany working in ambulatory care. Roughly half of these are general practitioners, internists and pediatricians. The other half are specialists. These physicians are typically compensated on a fee-for-service (FFS) basis that follows a uniform fee schedule. Physicians and SHI insurers negotiate to come up with the fee schedule.

Hospitals work slightly differently. Roughly half of hospital beds are in public hospitals; about a third are in private, not-for-profit hospitals; and the rest are in private, for-profit hospitals. The doctors in hospitals are salaried and mostly work only in inpatient care. Unless youre dealing with highly specialized services or an emergency, youll most likely need a referral for inpatient care. For inpatient care, you pay per admission according to a system of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) that are revised each year.

If your income is above $71,564, you have the option to opt out of SHI coverage and purchase private coverage instead. Only 11% of the population in Germany, or one fourth of eligible residents, choose this route.

Visas for Retirees in Germany

As an American, you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa. To stay longer, youll need to apply for a temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) during your initial 90 days. This will more than likely require your passport, proof of German address, proof of health insurance and evidence that you can financially support yourself without working. Temporary residence permits last one year, and theyre fairly easy to renew. Once youve spent five years in Germany, you can receive a more permanent settlement (Niederlassungserlaubnis). Depending on your specific circumstances, this may require you to demonstrate knowledge of the German language and society.

If you prefer, you can also apply for your temporary residence permit through the German consulate while youre still in the U.S. This may be the safer plan; while plenty of Americans obtain permits for retirement, receiving one isnt guaranteed.

retire in germany

Housing in Germany

Even in retirement, home buying isnt as widespread in Germany as it is in the U.S. According to Statista.com, only 51.4% of German residents owned a home in 2017, one of the lowest figures in Europe and well below the U.S. rate of 64.4%. If you are looking to buy a property, youll need a mortgage from a German bank. Youll need to assure the bank that you intend to stay in Germany for the long haul in order to secure approval.

Additionally, you should be ready to pay more than 20% for your down payment, as some banks and sellers view expats as riskier buyers than locals. Youll also need to pay some extra fees including property sale tax, notary fees, registration fees and estate agents fees. All of these can add up to around 10% of your propertys price.

Because of the complications that come with home buying, you may choose to rent a place in Germany. One thing to know about renting in Germany is that many apartments dont come equipped with appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers. Youll likely need to purchase those separately. Air conditioning isnt essential for summers, but youll definitely need heat for the winters. Weather in Germany is similar enough from city to city. You can expect the temperature to peak in the low 70s (Fahrenheit) in the summer and drop to the high 20s in the winter.

Taxes for Retirees in Germany

Exactly how youll be taxed once you retire in Germany will come down to a number of factors that are specific to you. However, there are a few broad guidelines that you can plan ahead for. First, youll have to pay some sort of income tax in Germany. For income above $10,263 but below $62,666, youll be taxed at a rate of 14%. Above $62,666, youll be taxed at a much higher rate of 42%. Any income that surpasses $297,119 will be taxed at a 45% rate. The German tax year is the same as the U.S. tax year: January 1 to December 31. The typical deadline to submit tax returns in Germany is May 31.

Youll still need to file a U.S. tax return as an expat, even if you dont end up having to pay any U.S. taxes. Its unlikely youll have much income originating from outside the U.S. in retirement. If you do, however, you can use a few different provisions to reduce your U.S. taxable income. These include the foreign earned income exclusion, the foreign tax credit and the foreign housing exclusion, among others. Due to Article 19 of the U.S. German Tax Treaty, your U.S. Social Security income will have German taxes levied on it, but not U.S. taxes.

If youd like to forecast your tax burden more specifically, you may want to consult with a tax expert who is familiar with both U.S. and German tax laws.

retire in germany

Bottom Line

If youre looking to spend your third act abroad, Germany has a lot to offer. Youll have access to the resources of a developed country without paying an arm and a leg for it. While it may not be replete with pristine beaches or cloudless skies, Germany could be just the right place for you.

Tips for Saving for Retirement

An essential part of saving for retirement is making sure the money you save remains untouched. Dipping into your savings may seem tempting if youre low on cash, but youll pay for it down the line. Consider creating an emergency fund instead.

There are many different ways to save for retirement. Youll most likely need to supplement the income you receive from Social Security; the most popular vehicles are an IRA or a 401(k) plan. Whatever you do, start early so you can take advantage of compound interest.

While retirement preparation is extremely important, it can also be confusing and overwhelming. If youd rather not go it alone, talking to a financial advisor could be a big help. SmartAssets financial advisor matching tool can pair you with up to three qualified financial advisors in your area. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your financial situation. Then, the tool will do the rest of the work for you so you can get the help you need.

Photo credit: iStock.com/serts, iStock.com/kzenon, iStock.com/LukasBischoff

The post How to Retire in Germany appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.

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Huawei has faced increasing scrutiny over its alleged links to Chinese intelligence services (AFP Photo/WANG ZHAO)

A top executive with Chinese telecom giant Huawei argued in court documents released Sunday that she should be released on bail from her Canadian jail while waiting possible extradition to the United States.

In a sworn affidavit, Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou said that she has been treated in a Canadian hospital for hypertension since she was arrested in Vancouver on December 1 for possible extradition.

Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, faces US fraud charges related to alleged sanctions-breaking dealings with Iran.

She is being held in custody awaiting a Canadian court's decision on bail on Monday.

Her arrest has infuriated Beijing, which demanded Washington drop the extradition request, and has stoked tensions during the trade war truce between China and the United States.

In a 55-page affidavit Meng said that she has suffered from severe hypertension for years. "I continue to feel unwell and I am worried about my health deteriorating while I am incarcerated," the document read.

Meng said that she has had "numerous health problems" during her life, including surgery for thyroid cancer in 2011.

"I wish to remain in Vancouver to contest my extradition and I will contest the allegations at trial in the US if I am ultimately surrendered," she said.

Meng said she has ties to Vancouver that go back 15 years. She and her husband own several properties in the city, and she even had a Canadian permanent residency permit that she has since renounced.

In a bail hearing that was adjourned on Friday, Canadian Crown prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions."

He said if convicted, she faces more than 30 years in prison.

The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said politics played no part in the decision to arrest Meng.
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  December 10, 2018  Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Apple Inc. AAPL, DowDuPont Inc. DWDP, Exxon Mobil Corporation XOM, Johnson & Johnson JNJ and Verizon Communications Inc. VZ.

Here are highlights from Fridays Analyst Blog:

Dow 30 Stock Roundup: AAPL, XOM & More

The Dow traversed a rough holiday-shortened week, marked by the return of trade war fears. Trade tensions dissipated on Monday following the temporary ceasefire between the United States and China. However, trade fears made a comeback on the next day following U.S. President Donald Trumps Tariff Man tweets. A yield curve inversion also weighed on investors, sparking fears of an economic slowdown.

Last Weeks Performance

The index gained 1.1% on Monday following a pause in trade-related hostilities between the United States and China. Following Trump and Jinpings dinner meet, the countries agreed on a 90-day truce to address bilateral trade-related issues.

The index plunged 3.1% on Tuesday, reversing its two-day winning streak. Yields on 2-Year US Treasury Note and 3-Year US Treasury Note surpassed the yield on 5-Year US Treasury Note. For many industry experts, this is a clear signal of an impending economic slowdown.

Moreover, investors become skeptical regarding a permanent solution to the trade conflicts. Such fears heightened after Trump reminded China that tariffs are still a key weapon for him.

Meanwhile, Wall Street was closed on Wednesday to mourn former President George H.W. Bush. The index fell 0.3% on Thursday, shedding 785 points at its session low. News that Huaweis chief financial officer had been arrested for violating Iran sanctions triggered renewed concerns about U.S.-China trade ties.

Story continues

However, markets were able to recoup initial losses somewhat with an afternoon rebound helping the Dow enter the positive zone for the year. The recovery was triggered by a report from the Wall Street Journal per which the Fed may take a break from raising rates after announcing a hike later this month.

Components Moving the Index

Apple Inc.is expected to wait until 2020 to unveil an iPhone with 5G connectivity, per Bloomberg.

The Cupertino-based company, which initially planned to launch a 5G-supported iPhone by 2019, is likely to delay the launch due to unavailability of Intels 5G-enabled chips. Notably, after a legal dispute over royalty payments with Qualcomm, Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) Apple chose Intels 5G chips for its iPhones.

The delay may not bode well for Apple as other major phone providers like Samsung, Oppo and Huawei Technologies are gearing up to launch their 5G versions in 2019. Moreover, in terms of shipment (second-quarter 2018), Apple has lost its position to Huawei, which has become the second-largest smartphone seller after Samsung, per Gartner. (Read: Apple Likely to Delay the Launch of 5G iPhone to 2020)

DowDuPont Inc.s subsidiary, The Dow Chemical Company, has announced that it is making a series of investments in methyl cellulose capacity expansion. The move will help customers of construction dry mix to secure a reliable supply of key additives. These capacity expansions also demonstrate the companys commitment to the dry mix industry. DowDuPont has a Zacks Rank #3.

Dow Chemical will increase methyl cellulose production capacity at its manufacturing facilities in Bomlitz and Bitterfeld, Germany, which will help the company address customer demand for high-quality cellulose ether products. Notably, expansion projects represent a capacity enhancement of 19,000 metric tons for Dow Chemicals Methocel and Walocel cellulose ethers. (Read: DowDuPont's Unit to Boost Methyl Cellulose Capacity)

Exxon Mobil Corporationcontinues to gain from holding some of the most prolific upstream global assets, particularly the Stabroek Block. The assets exploration potential was ascertained with the 10th discovery at the Pluma-1 well, offshore Guyana.

With the recent finding, the combined gross recoverable resources have been increased to more than 5 billion oil-equivalent barrels from the prior projection of more than 4 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

Pluma-1 well is the sixth find on the Stabroek Block in the past year. Located about 17 miles south of the Turbot-1 well, it encountered about 121 feet (37 meters) of superior, hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone reservoir.

The drilling of the well commenced on Nov 1, 2018, wherein the Noble Tom Madden drillship was used to reach a total depth of 16,447 feet (5,013 meters) in 3,340 feet (1,018 meters) of water. Subsequently, the Noble Tom Madden will drill the Tilapia-1 prospect located 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) west of the Longtail-1 well. The stock has a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Johnson & Johnsonpresented positive data from late-stage label expansion studies evaluating its blood cancer drugs, Imbruvica and Darzalex, in previously untreated patients at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) held in San Diego, CA.

New findings from a phase III study showed that its key cancer drug, Imbruvica, as a combination therapy, significantly improved survival compared to standard chemo immunotherapy regimen in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) patients. Zacks Rank #3 J&J markets Imbruvica in partnership with AbbVie (ABBV). (Read: J&J's Blood Cancer Drugs Succeed in Label Expansion Studies)

Verizon Communications Inc.announced plans to launch commercial 5G smartphones in the market in first-half 2019 in collaboration with electronics firm Samsung. This offers a clear-cut edge to Zacks Rank #3 Verizon as one of its closest competitors  Apple  reportedly aims to bring in 5G phones in 2020.

Verizon had launched the worlds first commercial 5G broadband Internet service in select markets on Oct 1, 2018. Dubbed Verizon 5G Home, the service was initially made available in select regions in Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Sacramento.

Verizon 5G Home service is built on the worlds first and only 5G Ultra Wideband Network, offering typical network speeds around 300 Mbps and peak speeds of nearly 1 Gbps with no data caps. (Read: Verizon Seeks First Mover Advantage With Samsung 5G Phones)

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A rosary hangs on the fence surrounding the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church one week after 26 people were killed inside on Nov. 12, 2017. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)
Authorities have identified the man suspected of kidnapping a woman from a Walmart parking lot in Falcon, sexually assaulting her and then com
A 15-year-old boy was arrested Thursday on suspicion of attempted murder in a shooting at a house party that wounded three people, police said Friday. More than 100 people - many of them juveniles or young adults - attended the Halloween party Saturday evening into early Sunday in the 3800 block of Soft Breeze Way, police said. Shortly after midnight, gunfire erupted and three people were wounded: an 18-year-old woman and two males whose ages weren't available. Detectives are asking for photographs, videos and social media posts about the party and its attendees. A boy who had been at the party was killed hours later in a second triple shooting around 3 a.m. in which two other teenagers also were wounded.
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Citing survey data and student conversations show a rise in use of marijuana and vaping by young people, the Woodland Park School District is holding an informational presentation and discussion for adults to better understand its effects on minors and how to help young people navigate tough situations surrounding use of these products.
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Stephanie Earls is a news reporter and columnist at The Gazette. Before moving to Colorado Springs in 2012, she worked for newspapers in upstate NY, WA, OR and at her hometown weekly in Berkeley Springs, WV, where she got her start in journalism.
More than 10,000 Denver convictions for low-level marijuana possession from before the drug was legalized in Colorado are likely to be erased, but Colorado Springs has no plans for a blanket amnesty.

For too long, the lives of low-income residents and those living in our communities of color have been negatively affected by low-level marijuana convictions, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said recently in a statement. This is an injustice that needs to be corrected, and we are going to provide a pathway to move on from an era of marijuana prohibition that has impacted the lives of thousands of people.

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers disagrees that marijuana convictions from the prohibition era should be wiped clean.

Denver is unique because the city and county courts are combined, Suthers said, whereas, locally, the system is split between the municipal court and the 4th Judicial District, which covers El Paso and Teller counties.

I can only speak for myself as mayor, but given my background, I believe people ought to be held accountable for intentional violations of the law, said Suthers, who was Colorado U.S. attorney, state attorney general and 4th Judicial District attorney, all law enforcement positions.

Its unclear whether the 4th Judicial District has jurisdiction to expunge past, low-level marijuana convictions, said spokeswoman Lee Richards.

In any case, low-level marijuana cases were rare in District Court, Richards said. The vast majority went through municipal court while others in District Court were often accompanied by more serious charges like robbery, she said.

Denvers move could affect what the mayors office said are thousands of convictions between 2001 and 2013, when a ballot measure passed by state voters in 2012 legalizing recreational use of marijuana took effect.

Hancocks announcement follows an initiative last month by Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty to vacate convictions and seal court records for defendants charged with possession of small amounts of marijuana that would be legal today.

We are taking this significant step as a matter of fundamental fairness and to relieve eligible offenders of the collateral consequences associated with their conviction, Dougherty said in a statement announcing the Moving On from Marijuana plan.

Our office is committed to pursuing justice in every case and, as such, ensuring that now legal conduct does not continue to have an adverse impact on peoples lives.

Hancocks office said that expunging the criminal convictions is part of a multi-pronged approach to ensuring that communities who have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs can benefit from the legalization of marijuana.

Other steps include using marijuana tax revenue  expected to account this year for 3.6 percent of the citys revenue  to support neighborhoods with low- and moderate-income residents.

We need to better understand the obstacles, business conditions and regulatory hurdles preventing individuals from seeking employment or business ownership in the cannabis industry, Hancock said. We believe in equal opportunity for all, and that includes those working in the cannabis industry.

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann has been working with Hancocks administration to formulate the proposal, DA spokeswoman Maro Casparian said.

Our office has been actively participating with the courts and the working group that is focused on this issue, she said in a statement.

We are supportive of the concept and are currently examining the legal issues and processes required to review cases in which people were convicted of low-level possession of marijuana.

A marijuana industry spokesman lauded the move.

What we are seeing is a trend to expunge low-level marijuana convictions stemming from a failed drug war that disproportionately impacted communities of color and other vulnerable populations, said Peter Marcus, communications director of the Boulder-based Terrapin Care Station.

Mayor Hancock and Boulder County District Attorney Dougherty should be applauded for recognizing that a successful marijuana legalization program must also right the wrongs of a failed prohibitionist era.

After last months elections, recreational marijuana will be legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia, and medical marijuana is legal in 33 states.

conrad.swanson@gazette.com @conrad_swanson
Top leaders at the U.S. Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs were complicit in a yearlong concealment of abuse allegations that led to the sexual assault of dozens of gymnasts, says a scathing internal review released Monday.

Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun and his top deputy for athlete performance were told of the perverted practices of USA Gymnastics team Dr. Larry Nassar more than a year before his attacks on athletes became public, but they didnt prevent him from further attacks.

Inaction and concealment had consequences: dozens of girls and young women were abused during the yearlong period between the summer of 2015 and September 2016, the report found.

The report claims Blackmun deleted email traffic that referenced Nassar and did not tell the Olympic Committees board of directors about the allegations. They found out about the scandal in a newspaper report.

The report, commissioned by the USOC, found it was among several oversight bodies that facilitated thousands of sexual assaults by Nassar on hundreds of victims.

The long-anticipated report says leaders failed to protect athletes and failed to heed athletes calls for help while ignoring red flags that should have led them to take action.

Although Blackmun at first told investigators that, within weeks of learning of the athlete concerns about Nassar, he had initiated an internal review of the allegations to make sure the USOC was doing the right thing, investigators found no documentary evidence showing such steps were taken and no one who could recall such a review.

After the independent investigators notified Mr. Blackmun, through counsel, of the lack of corroborating evidence for the internal review and asked for an explanation, Mr. Blackmun informed the independent investigators, through counsel, that he was mistaken in his recollection about having undertaken such an effort, the report said.

The report concludes that no such conversations were had and no such steps were taken.

Numerous institutions and individuals enabled his (Nassars) abuse and failed to stop him, including coaches at the club and elite level, trainers and medical professionals, administrators and coaches at Michigan State University and officials at both United States of America Gymnastics and the United States Olympic Committee, the report said.

The report had one immediate impact: USOC fired its deputy for athlete performance, Alan Ashley, on Monday after it was revealed that he, along with Blackmun, knew about the Nassar case but failed to act.

Nassar was sentenced in January to up to 175 years behind bars for what was described as a prolific pattern of sexual assaults on athletes. But investigators say much more than a perverted doctor allowed so many attacks to take place.

What happened cannot be explained by Nassar, whose conduct, however reprehensible, was a manifestation of a far broader constellation of factors and conditions in elite gymnastics and Olympic sport that left young athletes vulnerable to abuse and led Olympic organizations astray from the priority of athlete safety, the report said.

Critics of the Olympic Committee hailed the report as a step toward transparency.

Im very heartened at the report, because it isnt a whitewash job at all and actually connects the dots for everybody about the priorities of the Olympic Committee that have kind of gone off the rails, said August Wolf, a track and field athlete who competed in the 1984 Olympics and this year founded Olympians Rising, a nonprofit that advocates for athletes rights and reform at every level of the USOC. Hopefully, the USOC is going to take heart in this, take a real hard look at their priorities and process and adjust things that weve been saying all along need to be adjusted quite aggressively.

The report came as no surprise at USOC headquarters, which has undergone unprecedented turmoil this year with the departure of Blackmun and a shake-up of its board of directors as the nations Olympic sports have been roiled by sexual assault scandals that have spread far beyond gymnastics.

This year, the USOC has already taken important actions to strengthen athlete safeguards and help the USOC be more effective in our mission to empower and support athletes, new CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a statement.

Sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination have no place in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic community, and its on all of us  member organizations, institutions and individuals alike  to foster a healthy culture for competitive excellence. We will use the findings  to do everything possible to prevent something similar from happening in the future.

The USOC board is set to meet Friday in San Francisco, where the Nassar report will top the agenda.

The report claims Blackmun knew of the sexual abuse allegations within gymnastics in 2015 but did nothing more until the doctors actions were made public by an Indiana newspaper a year later.

During that time, Nassar still had free reign over Olympic facilities, and no steps were taken to prevent him from finding more victims, the investigation found.

According to witness interviews, USOC board members remained unaware of the allegations and the potential ongoing threat to athletes until the Indianapolis Star published its account of Nassars abuse in September 2016, the report said.

While Blackmun was told that the Nassar case was reported to the FBI and they were investigating, investigators found he did not follow up with federal agents or other law enforcement.

Nor did Mr. Blackmun initiate any internal review or other assessment to gather facts regarding Nassar, the athlete concerns, the scope of the alleged misconduct or Nassars ability to gain access to athletes at USOC-owned and operated facilities, such as the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the report said.

The report was issued by a law firm hired by the USOC to conduct the investigation.

Investigators from the global law firm Ropes & Gray LLP, led by partners Joan McPhee and James P. Dowden, had complete control over the investigation, the questions asked, the documents reviewed, and the findings made, the law firm said in a statement.

Investigators reviewed more than 1.3 million pages of documents and interviewed more than 100 witnesses.

The investigators concluded that the Olympic Committee leaders were focused more on making money and winning medals than properly supervising the governing bodies it oversees. The USOC controls the charters of more than four dozen Olympic sports, giving it broad power to discipline misconduct. But those powers were not brought to bear, the report found.

As the USOC was adapting its governance model and increasing its focus on generating revenue and medals, the USOC was also adopting a service-oriented approach toward the NGBs that involved providing resources without accompanying oversight, the report found.

The Olympic Committee said Monday that the findings of the report will lead to changes.

The USOC will share information about additional actions it is taking as a result of these findings, the USOC said in an email.

The report also will spur action in Congress, where lawmakers have spent much of the past year studying sexual assault in Olympic sport.

The USOC gets its authority from federal law. The Ted Stevens Sports Act puts the Colorado Springs committee in charge of picking teams and ruling over governing bodies.

The USOC used that authority last month in a move to pull the charter from USA Gymnastics.

The gymnastics organization has pledged to fight the removal of its charter, which would remove its status in Olympic sports.

Gymnastics, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this month, issued a statement praising the report.

We are indebted to the brave women who came forward and have made our sport safer by speaking out against the horrific acts of Larry Nassar, the statement said.

USA Gymnastics is one of the organizations that let them down, and we are working to regain their trust and that of the entire gymnastics community.

Congress has made some changes, including a provision that requires the USOC and its governing bodies to report allegations of sexual assault to police.

Congress also is pushing to allocate more money to the USOCs U.S. Center for Safe Sport, a Denver-based nonprofit charged with investigating alleged sexual assaults, maintaining a roster of those banned from sports for sexual abuse and educating athletes and coaches.

The USOC also awaits a review of its governance and its relationship with the 50 sports governing bodies it sanctions. That wont be ready until 2019.

Still, Susanne Lyons, who will take over as USOC board chairwoman next month, said the review is an important step.

The USOC board commissioned this independent investigation because we knew we had an obligation to find out how this happened and to take important steps to prevent and detect abuse. We now have a much more comprehensive view of individual and institutional failures, Lyons said in a statement. Everyone in the Olympic and Paralympic community, including the USOC, must learn from the report and take appropriate actions to strengthen protections for athletes. We recognize that we must do more, and we will do more.

Contact Tom Roeder: 636-0240 Twitter: @xroederx
UPDATE: Authorities provided additional information about this case Monday afternoon at a press conference in Woodland Park.

Here's the latest information:

---

The search for a young Colorado mother who vanished on Thanksgiving Day is intensifying with Woodland Park police enlisting help from law enforcement nationwide and worried loved ones asking for prayers that she be found safely.

Kelsey Berreth, 29, a pilot and the mother of a 1-year-old girl, was last seen at a Safeway supermarket on Thanksgiving near her home in Woodland Park, police said.

After she disappeared, Berreth's cell phone pinged in Gooding, Idaho, more than 700 miles from where she vanished, Cmdr. Chris Adams of the Woodland Park Police Department told ABC News' "Good Morning America" on Sunday.

More details were expected to be released Monday afternoon at a press conference announced Sunday by Woodland Park police. The press conference, according to multiple reports, is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Monday.

A Facebook page created to aid in the search effort has updates and photos of the missing mother.

Anyone with information about the missing 29-year-old is encouraged to contact Commander Christopher Adams with the Woodland Park Police Department at (719) 687-9262 or via email cadams@city-woodlandpark.org.

Read more at abcnews.com. The Gazette contributed to this report.

RELATED:
TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- China continues to languish near the bottom of the annual Human Freedom Index released today by the Fraser Institute and a network of international public policy think-tanks.



New Zealand is the freest country in the world, followed by Switzerland (2nd).

China ranks 135th in this years index, which uses 79 indicators of personal, civil and economic freedoms to rank 162 countries and jurisdictions worldwide. Hong Kong, once the worlds freest jurisdiction several years running, continues its downward slide and this year ranks 3rd. Australia (4th) and Canada round out the top five.

China is by far the least-free nation in East Asia, creating concerns for neighbouring jurisdictions as it promotes its model of undemocratic governance internationally, said Fred McMahon, Dr. Michael A. Walker Research Chair in Economic Freedom at the Fraser Institute and editor of the report.

Meanwhile, Taiwanwhich remains under constant military threat from Chinanonetheless continues to increase freedom and democracy for its citizens, this year entering the top 10 freest jurisdictions globally, tied with Norway and Finland. Since 2008, Taiwan has moved up from 43rd.

Unfortunately, freedom has declined around the world over the past decade. In fact, of the 142 jurisdictions with data since 2008, 81 have declined in freedom, 58 have increased and three were unchanged.

The United States ranks 17th. Other notable countries include the United Kingdom (8), Germany (13), Japan (31), India (110), Russia (119) and Syria, the least-free country on the index.

Crucially, people in freer countries are more prosperous than those in less-free countries. For example, the average per capita income for the top-quartile countries on the index was US$39,249 compared to US$12,026 for the least-free quartile in 2016, the most recent of available comparable data.

The evidence is clearwhen people are free, they have much greater opportunity to prosper and they lead happier healthier lives, McMahon said.

The complete index, a joint project of the Fraser Institute, Germanys Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the Cato Institute in the U.S., is available as a free PDF download at www.fraserinstitute.org . Its prepared by Ian Vasquez of the Cato Institute and Tanja Porcnik of the Visio Institute in Slovenia.

The 10 freest and the least-free countries in the index

The 10 freest jurisdictions (from top) The 10 least-free countries

1. New Zealand 153. Iran 2. Switzerland 154. Burundi 3. Hong Kong 155. Algeria 4. Australia 156. Egypt 5. Canada 157. Sudan 6. Netherlands 158. Libya 7. Denmark 159. Iraq 8. Ireland 160. Yemen 9. United Kingdom 161. Venezuela 10. Finland 162. Syria 10. Norway 10. Taiwan

MEDIA CONTACT:

Fred McMahon, Dr. Michael A. Walker Research Chair in Economic Freedom

Fraser Institute

To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:

Mark Hasiuk, Senior Communications Specialist, Fraser Institute

(604) 688-0221 Ext. 517

mark.hasiuk@fraserinstitute.org

Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter and Facebook

The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org






Rockville, MD, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robots in the automotive industry has been acclaimed as the impetus behind driving optimization and rethinking of production and process through innovative measures. Prospect of artificial intelligence is promising, with the ability to eliminate various inefficiencies in the automotive manufacturing, ranging from design and planning to maintenance and sales.

Robots have become increasingly palpable in supporting repetitive operations of car manufacturers, with the consensus that the automotive robots process automation (RPA) has translated into a proven technology, providing tangible benefits to automakers who deploy it. As in case of most technologies, with time, expenses linked with implementation and maintenance of RPA have diminished sharply  gaining significance as a manufacturing efficacy and capability enhancing option among small and large businesses alike.

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Automotive paint robots are already a standard practice in the industry, wherein robotic arms spray bodywork  depriving the need for proficient manual painters and providing a more even, faster, and smoother finish. Automotive paint robot sales worldwide are foreseen to bring in revenues nearly US$ 700 Mn in 2018, recording a Y-o-Y growth of approximately 8%. Automotive paint robots have evolved over the years to become faster, lighter, and integrated with several activators and sensors.

Collaborative Robots to Steer Future Trajectory of Automotive Industry

Automotive industry continues to remain one of the largest and quickest adopters of the industrial robots technology. Carmakers have huge plans for next-generation development of their factories, with smarter designs, collaborative robots and artificial intelligence emerging as secret ingredients to the flexible manufacturing  humans. For example  GMs plant in Shanghai will soon produce electric vehicles with the aid of machines that work quietly in self-directed harmony.

Collaborative robots, or cobots, unrestrained by steel cages are being programmed in GMs plant for working abreast humans on production lines  one unusual operation being handling installation of gears in transmissions. Automakers worldwide are embracing industry 4.0 and the concord alludes lesser intervention of humans. Focus is currently on improving efficiency and flexibility between humans and machines, while automakers concentrate on development of multiple models that are powered by electric motors or gas engines or both.

Browse Full Report on Automotive Paint Robots Market with TOC- https://www.factmr.com/report/2232/automotive-paint-robots-market

Approaches toward using collaborative robots and relevant digital tools will determine future layout and size of automotive manufacturing facilities. Ford Motor Co.s future vision for electric vehicle production alludes the requirement for lower investment, fewer workers, and relatively compact floor area. The company has installed few collaborative robots in its recently renovated truck plant at Louisville, Kentucky. Digital tools such as augmented reality and predictive analytics for mapping new assembly lines and scheduling maintenance & repairs prior to machine breakdowns are also being deployed by this leading automaker.

Reluctance to Enormous Infrastructure Investment and Scarce Skillset Undermine Permeation

Most artificial intelligence systems and robots are witnessing slow rate of adoption among leading players. For instance, Ford Motor Co has been reluctant to investing more on dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing unless there is consistent and sufficient demand for justifying the expense. Even Tesla, which long acclaimed implementation of robots to translate into an alien dreadnought, recently concluded at the fact that human intervention is underrated and excessive automation could involve more technical glitches.

Automotive companies are partly cautious in huge infrastructural investment, sensing future production orders might fall in line with new vehicle sales in the next economic downturn. Manufacturers currently favor lower debt loads to rid huge loan payments in case of stagnant revenue generation in the down market.

Scarce skillset is a key challenge being addressed by the automotive industry when it comes to RPA-driven plants. This can be attributed partly to Millennials distaste for manufacturing work as robots steadily replace humans against the backdrop of pressures on automakers to reduce the overall vehicle cost.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velocity Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: VLC) (Velocity or the Company) announces that it has received positive results from detailed soil sampling undertaken at the Rozino gold project (Rozino), located in Bulgaria.



Soil sampling results have defined three new high priority drill targets located adjacent to the pits outlined in the Rozino Preliminary Economic Assessment. Prior to this work, the entire sampled area was only drill tested by a single vertical drill hole completed by the Bulgarian state during the 1980s, stated Keith Henderson, Velocitys President & CEO. This historical drill hole was collared in what we can now see is a geochemically dead zone located between three very compelling soil anomalies.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c593395-159f-4f6c-ab1e-ff956b651d36

Soil Sampling Survey Details

A detailed soil sampling program (25 x 25m offset grid) extended previous detailed sampling (50 x 20m grid) over an historical regional soil anomaly (200 x 200m). The new soil sampling grid covers an area previously mapped as the basement margin adjacent to the Rozino deposit. The soil survey has helped to define the geology where outcrop is poor and more specifically has led to modifications in the basement contact and definition of a felsic bearing unit within the basement. Velocitys drilling has previously returned potentially economic intersects (6.9m @ 1.06g/t gold) from these felsic bearing basement rocks, elsewhere in the Rozino deposit.

The results indicate 3 significant multi-point anomalies greater than 500ppb gold in soils that warrant early drill testing. Targets 1 & 2 are located within the felsic bearing basement with peak gold in soil anomalies up to 1.8g/t. Target 3 is located at the revised basement contact and this contact zone is host to potentially economic intersects within the Rozino deposit.

Next Steps

Velocitys step-out drilling program at Rozino is ongoing with 6 drill holes completed to date. If it is possible to quickly create road access to this new area, the Company intends to complete an initial drill test on at least one of these targets before year-end.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

The work program at Rozino was designed and is supervised by Stuart A. Mills, CGeol, the Company's Vice-President Exploration, who is responsible for all aspects of the work, including the quality control/quality assurance program. On-site personnel at the project rigorously collect and track samples which are then security sealed and shipped to ALS Global laboratory in Romania. A total of 693 sieved samples (>1kg -1mm) were collected for shipment together with 20% blank samples for low temperature drying and sieving to 180, before shipping a 25g split to ALS laboratories in Ireland for Aqua Regia digest and ICP-MS finish to determine gold plus 39 multi-elements.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this release has been approved for disclosure by Stuart A. Mills, BSc, MSc, CGeol, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and the Companys Vice President Exploration. Mr. Mills is not independent of the Company.

About Velocity Minerals Ltd.

Velocity is a gold exploration and development company focused on eastern Europe. The Company envisions staged open pit mining of satellite deposits and processing in a central, currently operating CIL plant. The Companys management and board includes mining industry professionals with combined experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas as employees of major mining companies as well as founders and senior executives of junior to mid-tier public companies. The team's experience includes all aspects of mineral exploration, resource definition, feasibility, finance, mine construction and mine operation as well as a track record in managing publicly listed companies.

About Rozino

The Rozino project is one of seven exploration projects located within an Exploration and Mining Alliance with Bulgarian operating partner Gorubso-Kardzhali AD. Velocity began exploring and drilling at Rozino in August 2017 and completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment in September 2018. The PEA provides a base case assessment of developing Rozino by open pit mining and on-site crushing, milling and simple flotation to produce a 30 g/t gold concentrate. The concentrate would then be trucked 85km on existing roads to the currently operating CIL plant where saleable gold dore would be produced. Mineralization remains open for expansion. Having delivered the PEA, the Company has exercised its option for a 70% interest in the project and will move forward in joint venture with Gorubso-Kardzhali AD.

About Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a member of NATO (2004) and a member of the European Union (2007). The local currency (BGN) has been tied to the Euro since 1999 (1.956 BGN/EUR). The country is served by modern European infrastructure including an extensive network of paved roads. Bulgaria boasts an exceptionally low corporate tax rate of only 10%. The countrys education system is excellent with good availability of experienced mining professionals in a favourable cost environment. Foreign mining companies are successfully operating in Bulgaria. The countrys mining law was established in 1999 and updated in 2011. Mining royalties are low and compare favourably with more established mining countries.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Keith Henderson

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Phone: +1-604-484-1233

E-mail: info@velocityminerals.com

Web: www.velocityminerals.com

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.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: future exploration and testing carried out on the Tintyava property; use of funds; and the future business and operations of Velocity. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can be identified by words such as pro forma, plans, expects, may, should, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes, potential or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. 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 differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities for the Tintyava property, including the geological mapping, prospecting and sampling programs for the projects, the fact that the Companys interests in the Tintyava property is only an option and there is no guarantee that the interest, if earned, will be certain, actual results of exploration activities, including the program, estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, the availability of a sufficient supply of water and other materials, requirements for additional capital to fund the Company's business plan, future prices of precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the TSX Venture Exchange), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, hedging practices, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading. "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual management's discussion and analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.
B.C. trade mission to China suspended due to ongoing Huawei fraud case

The B.C. government is suspending a trade mission to China due to an ongoing court case against a senior Huawei executive arrested earlier this month in Vancouver.

The B.C. government is suspending a trade mission to China due to an ongoing court case against a senior Huawei executive arrested earlier this month in Vancouver.

Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of the China-based Huawei Technologies, was arrested Dec. 1 at Vancouver International Airport while en route to Mexico and is being sought for extradition to the U.S. on allegations of fraud.

Its alleged the Chinese tech giant used a subsidiary named Skycom to conduct business with an Iranian telecommunications company, a violation of U.S. sanctions against trade with Iran. Meng is accused of misrepresenting Huaweis connection with Skycom to several banks involved in the case, leading to one bank clearing more than $100 million dollars worth of transactions.

In a statement shared Sunday, B.C. Minister of Trade Bruce Ralston said a number of upcoming meetings in China would be rescheduled. The meetings were a part of an ongoing trade mission in Asia.

The Province of British Columbia has suspended the China leg of its Asian forestry trade mission due to the international judicial process underway relating to a senior official at Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., read the statement.

British Columbia values its strong trade relationship with China, one based on mutual respect and close economic and cultural ties that have been established over many decades. Our forest products industry remains committed to our relationship with our valued Chinese customers.

The mission was being led by Minister of Forests Doug Donaldson and included a number of industry representatives. The team has already completed a series of meetings in South Korea and will wrap up its schedule meetings in Japan on Tuesday after which the trade delegation will return to Canada.

The cancelled Chinese meetings will be rescheduled at the earliest convenient moment, according to Ralstons statement.

Meng, whose father is the founder of the company, returns to court on Monday to continue seeking bail. She was arrested using a provisional arrest warrant issued by a New York state judge in August.

A federal Justice Department lawyer had argued that Mengs vast resources and lack of meaningful connection to Canada made her a flight risk, while Mengs defence lawyer said she would do no such thing to prevent humiliation to her family.

Some commentators have likened Mengs arrest to the hypothetical detention in China of a Mark Zuckerberg sibling or a cousin of Steve Jobs, with one even describing Meng as being an Ivanka Trump-like figure in her fathers company.

https://vancouversun.com/news/politics/b-c-trade-mission-to-china-suspended-due-to-ongoing-huawei-fraud-case
1. Yes. The new strain spreads quickly; experts are concerned. It might be in our area soon.

2. Yes. The new variant may be vaccine-resistant, which would be a huge threat.

3. No. Health experts have moved quickly to contain it; it may not reach our community.

4. No. Even if the variant arrives in Texas, researchers may have some answers by then.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say until experts have had a chance to monitor it for a while.

Vote

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New York, NY, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On International Human Rights Day, Unchained At Last and Equality Now are launching a National Coalition to End Child Marriage in the United States. The Coalition brings together for the first time organizations and individuals, including survivors of child marriage, working to reform federal law, policies and regulations to end child marriage throughout the country.



Approximately 248,000 children, some as young as 12, were married in the U.S. between 2000 and 2010.



Marriage before 18 is legal in 48 US states, and there is no minimum age for marriage in 18 states.



Married girls are twice as likely to live in poverty and three times more likely than married women to be physically abused by their spouse. Between 70 to 80 percent of child marriages end in divorce.



The mission of the Coalition is to end marriage below age 18, the age of majority, and repeal all loopholes and exemptions in federal law, policies and regulations that enable, and even encourage, child marriage.



The Coalition will pursue various approaches to:



Remove statutory rape exceptions, including by amending 18 U.S.C. Section 2243(c)(2) so that perpetrators of statutory rape of children between 12 and 15 - which is a federal crime - cannot escape punishment by marrying the child.

Ensure no other federal laws, policies or regulations permit, encourage or facilitate child marriage.

Set a federal standard, if not pass a law, which includes specific language defining marriage under 18 as a human-rights abuse.

All organizations, decision makers, activists, advocates, survivors and allies who are committed to ending child marriage in the U.S.A. and who are in agreement with the Coalitions mission are invited to join the National Coalition by visiting www.endchildmarriageus.org

Co-convenors: Unchained at Last and Equality Now

Coalition members include:

1977

AHA Foundation

American Atheists

Angry Black Muslim Woman

Child Labor Coalition

Child Marriage Survivor and Public Advocate

Girls Inc.

Girls Learn International, Feminist Majority Foundation

Girls Rights Project

Global Citizen

Justice of the Peace Association

Naila Amin Foundation

National Consumers League

National Organization for Women

NYAToday

Promundo-US

Rights4Girls

Shadhika

The Hunger Project

The Institute for Full Potential Living

UNICEF USA





Equality Now uses the law to create a more just world for women and girls. They hold governments responsible for ending legal inequality, sex trafficking, sexual violence and harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.

Unchained At Last is the only organization in the U.S. dedicated to ending forced and child marriage across the country through direct services and advocacy. It provides crucial, often life-saving legal and social services to help individuals resist or escape forced marriages. They also lead on awareness raising to push for social, policy and legal change at the state and federal levels.

Attachment
Milwaukee, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the third straight year, Hupy and Abraham has been named to the Milwaukee Business Journals Largest Charitable Contributors in Wisconsin list. The ranking was compiled by 2017 cash contributions that were made throughout Wisconsin. As a feature of the Corporate Citizenship Summit, companies voluntarily submitted their information to be considered for ranking.



One of the initial goals of the Charitable Contributors list was to spark interest and inspire companies to want to expand their philanthropic efforts by both employees and executives. A longtime supporter of hundreds of organizations, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has given more than $500,000 over the last three years and has dedicated many hours volunteering time outside of the office. Hupy and Abraham plans to uphold the promise to give back to the public, and will maintain their efforts at impacting the community for the better.



Hupy and Abraham, S.C.

Founded in 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, personal injury law firm Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has a proven record of success with large settlements in serious cases, collecting over a billion dollars for more than 70,000 satisfied clients. The firm has a long-established reputation of providing sound legal representation to accident victims, securing fair compensation for its clients and giving back to the community.



With 11 offices located in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, the law firm handles personal injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, pharmaceutical and medical device class actions and nursing home neglect and abuse cases.



The firms 26 experienced attorneys are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty for their clients by tirelessly representing them to the best of their ability while being involved in the local community  from raising funds for local charities to participating in safety and accident prevention initiatives. In the past three years, the firm has donated more than $500,000 to more than 250 worthwhile causes.



Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has received top ratings from a number of national professional organizations for many years and was voted Best Personal Injury Lawyers in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm in 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013 and 2012 in another popular poll, and named Best Law Firm in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinels Top Choice Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2015, the firm was named a Webby Award Honoree in the Best Law Website Category and was honored at the Legal Marketing Associations Your Honor Awards for Best Website: Reboot. In 2017 and 2018, the firm was voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm by the Wisconsin Law Journal readership.



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Attachments
movement was launched with Silent Spring

movement launched with Silent Spring

movement launched Silent Spring

all that it has to offer

all that it offers.

man does not fully accept natures beauty and

all that nature has to offer.

and

silent spring

error mentioned above in points 3,4,5 and 6 make this choice incorrect.

(Movement cannot launch itself thereby giving rise to meaning error.

and outlined......... phrase is a misplaced modifier creating a run-on sentence)

both the independent events are separated by a semicolon properly.

Nature essay argued that man..............is perfect and correct.

All errors mentioned above are resolved

movement cannot launch the book silent spring.

Arguing error repeats here.

was launched and arguing errors as above repeat here.

Use of pronoun it and starting the sentence with in it created a confusion to what it refers to and usage of pronoun this is wrong and adds to point of confusion here.

For Ralph Waldo Emerson, transcendentalism was his professed ideal over a century before the contemporary American environmental movement [u]was launched with Rachel Carsons Silent Spring, and he outlined his beliefs in his essay, Nature, arguing that man does not fully accept natures beauty and all that it has to offer.Additional information1. Transcendentalism is an American literary, political, and philosophical movement of the early nineteenth century, centered around Ralph Waldo Emerson.2. Silent Spring is an environmental science book written by Rachel Carson and published in 1962.The book brought environmental concerns to the American public and inspired an environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.The choices are split1.vsvs2.vsPoints to be considered here1. For the person R, his movement was his ideal before some other movement launched.2. this R expressed his beliefs in his essay "Nature" and his beliefs argue that3. both the points 1 and 2, are not related to each other or are Independent events and are not parallel.Therefore they must be joined by a semicolon or a proper conjunction.cannot play the role of conjunction since both the sentences are not parallel.4. Movement was not launched with the bookby someone, the circumstances led to it.5. arguing(Verb+ing modifier) implies as if it is resulting form the other events mentioned in the sentence.6. He did not argue and he just outlined his beliefs in his essay which argued sth.A. was launched with Rachel Carsons Silent Spring, and he outlined his beliefs in his essay, Nature, arguing that man does not fully accept natures beauty and all that it has to offer.B. launched itself with Rachel Carsons Silent Spring, and outlined his beliefs in his essay, Nature, which argued that man does not fully accept natures beauty and all that it offers.C. launched with Rachel Carsons Silent Spring; he outlined his beliefs in his essay, Nature, which argued that man does not fully accept natures beauty and all that it has to offer.D. launched Rachel Carsons Silent Spring; Emerson outlined his beliefs in his essay, Nature, arguing that man does not fully accept natures beauty and all that it has to offer.E. was launched with Rachel Carsons Silent Spring; in it he outlined his beliefs in this essay, Nature, arguing that man does not fully accept natures beauty and all that it offers.I wish someone explains the split choice 2 as well.
nusmavrik wrote:





Now between A and D. The split is - in a period of time / at a time.

(A) In a period of time when women typically have -----> I think this is wordy. The author could have said "in times when"

(D) At a time when women typically



And tense issue :

A) In a period of time when women typically have had ......, Mary Baker Eddy became a distinguished writer

A)- have had means present perfect. I don't see a reason why there should be a switch from present perfect to past. Present perfect may mean "just 2 minutes ago" but in the past nonetheless.



But there is 100% reason to couple "present perfect" with "present" e.g. a situation which started in the past continues in the present. E.g

Geologists believe that the Bering land bridge, over which human beings are thought to have first entered the Americas, disappeared about 14,000 years ago [geologists used to believe, they still believe and probably they will believe in the future - so we say "human beings have entered" present perfect]



But now see this example -

The success of the program to eradicate smallpox has stimulated experts to pursue something they had not previously considered possible-better control, if not eradication, of such infections as measles and yaws.(Source: GMATPrep)



It uses present perfect with the simple past - and the sentence is correct. So it means there can be different "time frames" in the same sentence, leading to different tenses - we just know about simple past + past perfect coupling but there are many more which are valid. Am I correct?? Pls provide your feedback.



Thanks

mavrik



SaraiGMAXonline wrote: A tip on idiomatic usage of the prepositions in, on, and at :



In describing time, we would I was born "In 1980, in the spring, in May, on Tuesday, at 9:00," right?



Did you notice a pattern? As we move from in to on to at , we move from general to specific.



So use at to express specificity.



Other examples:



The unemployment rate is at 5%.



The students met at 252 Park Ave. Hi SaraiNow between A and D. The split is - in a period of time / at a time.(A) In a period of time when women typically have -----> I think this is wordy. The author could have said "in times when"(D) At a time when women typicallyAnd tense issue :A) In a period of time when women typically......, Mary Baker Eddya distinguished writerA)- have had means present perfect. I don't see a reason why there should be a switch from present perfect to past. Present perfect may mean "just 2 minutes ago" but in the past nonetheless.But there is 100% reason to couple "present perfect" with "present" e.g. a situation which started in the past continues in the present. E.gGeologiststhat the Bering land bridge, over which human beings are thought tothe Americas, disappeared about 14,000 years ago [geologists used to believe, they still believe and probably they will believe in the future - so we say "human beings have entered" present perfect]But now see this example -The success of the program to eradicate smallpoxexperts to pursue something theynot previously considered possible-better control, if not eradication, of such infections as measles and yaws.(Source: GMATPrep)It uses present perfect with the simple past - and the sentence is correct. So it means there can be different "time frames" in the same sentence, leading to different tenses - we just know about simple past + past perfect coupling but there are many more which are valid. Am I correct?? Pls provide your feedback.Thanksmavrik

For all of you out there who are encountering difficulties with tenses--

Tenses Tip

Do not focus on the relationship between the verbs in different clauses. Look for the time modifier for each individual verb!!

'time modifiers'

'last', 'ago', 'in', 'on', 'at', 'when', 'until'

('since', 'recently', 'lately', 'already', 'yet', 'always', 'never'

Sarai Yaseen

Need help pulling it all together? email me at saraiyaseen@gmail.com or theverbalcorner@gmail.com !

Want a quick, comprehensive guide to the whole Verbal section? Check out my guide book : https://www.amazon.com/Sarais-GMAT-CAT-Verbal-Book-comprehensive-ebook/dp/B07MFMSZ6M/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sarai+gmat+verbal&qid=1605248699&sr=8-1 Signature Read More

For example: It is perfectly correct to say,1) I danced last night and will read tonight.2) I have danced for the past ten years and read every day.3) I have broken my leg and will not go to work next week....Sentences like these could be created endlessly-- the tenses are entirely independent of one another. They key words/phrases that describe 'when' the action happened "last", "ago", "for ten years"... etc. are what determine the tense of any given verb. (They are called.)Any time modifier that points to a specific point in time in the past () indicates a need for the past simple.Any time modifier that involves the present) indicates a need for the present perfect, which combines the present ('have'/'has') and past (V3)."In a period" and "at a time" are both time modifiers indicating the past simple.Hope that helps!Best,SaraiFor more on tenses, checkout SC Lesson 7 at gmaxonline!_________________
VadimKlimenko wrote:

In an attempt to cut costs a consulting firm is going to eliminate business travel for new business pitches. Instead, all communication with potential new business will be handled and pitched via email, document exchange and telephone calls.



Which of the following, if true, identifies a weakness of the new business model?

A)The firm has many local clients that do not require significant business travel

B)The average trip to pitch new business takes 2 full days when factoring in all travel and requires a 3 person team

C)Many employees of the consulting firm see travel for business pitches as a perk of the job

D)The company wins 65% of the business it pitches in person

E)Non-verbal communication plays an important role in guiding the presenters of a new business pitch to the areas they should focus most on during the presentation.

=========

The premise -> the company plans to make cost cutting.

The conclusion -> the source of cost cutting is replacement of business travel (personal meetings) for non-personal communication (email,phone)

The assumption -> the cost cutting should not negatively affect current sales and business volumes; if it does then there is no economic sense in cost cutting.

The answer should - > assure that whether there will be no significant effect in expenses reduction (if travel costs are not significant in the whole cost structure) or there could be loss of some business.

A) As majority of business comes from local transactions, the elimination of travel will not affect volumes of business but reduce the expenses - it strengthens the plans of management.

B) 3 persons for 2 full days sounds like significant expenses and there is great chance (we don't know it precisely) it constitutes significant part of cost structure, so if the firm replaces it for non-personal communication cost cutting will be good, but we do not know how it will affect business sales in general (how many new contracts are gained by those 3 persons during 2 full days ?) - this statement partially strengthen the conclusion.

C) No information about impact on cost structure and current sales levels - neutral.

D) No information what share of those 65% percents are contributed by traveling. Probably, all those 65% are done locally, and traveling is ineffective in terms of new business creation - neutral.

E) It's said that generally non-verbal communication (i.e. travelling) plays significant role in the service level of the consulting firm as its consultant could not emphasize on crucial areas without non-verbal communication and provide value to their clients. So it's implied that business sales of the firm could be negatively affected without travelling; despite the absence of information about cost structure this statement is the only one which weakens the argument at least partially.

How does non-verbal communication relate to travel? Please explain.....




Grand Old Partisan honors John Kinkead, born in Pennsylvania this day of 1826. Early on, the merchandising entrepreneur worked in several states. Eve of civil war, he settled at Carson City. President Lincoln named him Nevada territorial treasurer.

In 1867, Kinkead journeyed to Alaska for the transfer of ownership from Russia and was appointed postmaster of Sitka. Four years later, he returned to the Silver State. He achieved success in mining and smelting and railroads. In 1878, Republican voters elected him Governor. His four-year term focused on mining and infrastructure improvements.

early Nevada

early Sitka

After the governance of Alaska was changed from military to civilian in 1884, President Chester Arthur named him Governor. Kinkead resigned months into Democrat President Cleveland's first term.

Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N0KQjSk46SM

Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement.

Each day, his Grand Old Partisan blog celebrates more than sixteen decades of Republican heritage. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states so far.

Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision.

Buy the book at Amazon

See www.youtube.com/q?v=IzxKCiXc5Qc for a brief video of a Texas Republican praising Back to Basics for the Republican Party.

"This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!"

"Michael Zak wrote the definitive history of the GOP."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan."

"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before."

and

"one of the best books I ever read"
Greenland has more than two trillion tonnes of water locked up in an enormous blanket of ice that smothers 80% of its land. If it were to disappear, it would cause sea levels around the world to increase by an average of seven metres, leaving many low-lying coastlines and islands submerged.

And as rising temperatures in the Arctic have led to the sea ice that covers much of the region's ocean to retreat even further, scientists have been nervously studying Greenland's melting ice sheet to see how it is being affected.

They fear that without the insulating effect of the sea ice  along with its ability to reflect the summer sunlight  Greenland may suffer accelerated levels of melting in the coming decades. Indeed, with global temperatures currently at their warmest in more than 11,000 years, there are concerns that the world may have already committed itself to the melting in Greenland over the coming decades.

Now, research that uses sophisticated computer models to simulate the relationship between the Arctic and the ice sheet in Greenland is suggesting that this may not be the case.

Researchers working on the Ice2Ice project have shown that changes in the sea ice and on Greenland's ice sheet appear to occur largely independently of each other. Sea ice is prone to temperature changes in the layers of water in the ocean beneath it while most of Greenland responds to atmospheric temperature rises.

A millennium-scale simulation of the Greenland ice sheet and climate change shows that its melting is largely independent of that of sea ice. Video credits - DMI, CSC (J. Hokkanen, visualisation)

The finding indicates that while the Arctic sea ice appears to be diminishing, Greenland's ice sheet could remain for centuries to come. It suggests that efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature increases to below 2C above pre-industrial levels, as set out in the Paris Agreement on climate change, may allow the world to prevent the sort of melting that would lead to catastrophic sea level rises.

'It means we do not need to worry about any secondary effects from the loss of sea ice on ... (surface) melting in Greenland that is occurring due to the greenhouse effect,' explained Professor Jens Hesselbjerg Christensen, a researcher of climate physics at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark and one of the lead coordinators of the Ice2Ice project.

Yet, the loss of sea ice in the Arctic is still alarming because it has a major impact on the ecosystems in the region.

Clues

The Ice2Ice project reconstructed how Arctic sea ice and Greenland's ice sheets have responded to climate changes in the past by analysing ice cores from Greenland and sediment cores from the bottom of the Arctic Ocean. They used this information to build a simulation of what may happen if the world continues to warm.

We ran an experiment where we had 15C of global warming, which is very high, to cause all of the sea ice to disappear, said Prof. Hesselbjerg Christensen. Even so, the response in Greenland only seemed to be driven by the overall enhanced greenhouse effect. It stays steady for hundreds of years and we were not able to see much of an impact from the loss of the sea ice. He said the ice sheet started to change its shape after several hundred years.

While simulating such extreme warming might seem to be unrealistic, some parts of the Arctic are already experiencing abrupt changes in temperature at a local level that could mimic this in the coming decades.

If you look around Svalbard (on the boundary of the Arctic Ocean), we have seen very large temperature changes over the last 40 years  something in the order of 2C per decade, said Prof. Hesselbjerg Christensen. If that goes on for 100 years, then the warming (locally) would be very strong.

While global temperatures are estimated to have increased by around 1C compared to those in pre-industrial times, this is an average increase around the world. Some areas will experience greater warming  like the Arctic  while others will not.

'One of the problems we have is that the Arctic is still not really very well understood.' Professor Garry Peterson, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Sweden

This has led many to consider the Arctic to be a kind of canary in the coalmine for what may lie in store as the world continues to warm up. The Stockholm Resilience Centre in Sweden recently identified 19 regime shifts that it considers to be markers of how climate change is transforming the Arctic.

It found that there is already evidence of 15 of these regime shifts taking place in the Arctic as the warming climate causes irreversible changes in the vegetation on land and ecosystems in the ocean.

The Arctic is the forerunner for climate change around the world as it has, in general, been warming twice as fast as the global average, said Professor Garry Peterson, an environmental scientist at the Stockholm Resilience Centre. There is growing concern about how the loss of sea ice is changing global weather patterns.

Blazes

One recent paper published last year in Nature found evidence that the loss of Arctic sea ice might impact precipitation patterns around the world, driving an increase in droughts and fires in places like California, which this year has seen devastating blazes tear through its towns and countryside.

One of the problems we have is that the Arctic is still not really very well understood, said Prof. Peterson. There is relatively little monitoring going on in the Arctic compared to other parts of the world. So we are likely to see some more surprises as the Arctic continues to change.

Most of our knowledge about the changes currently taking place in the Arctic come from satellite imaging that show reductions in summer sea ice over the past 40 years. Unfortunately, to really understand whether these are due to humanity's influence on the climate or natural variations in the environment needs data that goes back further into the past.

The IceDynamO project is attempting to build up a high-resolution reconstruction of the sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean off the coast of the northeast Greenland ice sheet. Using information stored in the sediment at the bottom of the ocean, researchers on the project are piecing together how the sea ice varied over the last few millennia and how the ocean and atmospheric conditions may have influenced that.

Cores of sediment from the sea bed contain fossil and chemical clues about when the sea was frozen in the past. Image credit - Dr Christof Pearce

If we can see what happened in the last 2,000 years, we can see what the natural variations have been in the sea ice before humans started to influence it, said Dr Teodora Pados, a geoscientist at Aarhus University in Denmark, who is the lead researcher on the project. We need to understand what the natural variation of sea ice has been in the recent past and what caused that.

Although the project only started earlier this year, the results should help to inform scientists' attempts to construct models for how the Arctic is likely to change in the coming years. The fate of the region could have profound implications not just for those living there but elsewhere in the world too.

The (variability in) sea ice influences large-scale climate phenomena that have impacts elsewhere in the world, said Dr Pados. A recent study showed that it can influence the weather in the mid latitudes of Europe, for example, and it is also know to influence the deep water conveyor belt that transports water around the whole world. (The system) is very complex and we still don't know what the full effects will be if we lose the sea ice.

The research in this article was funded by the EU. If you liked this article, please consider sharing it on social media.
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Profile: Vianney Martinez Alcantara and Katrin Erb

Were celebrating Ada Lovelaces birthday with a special edition of our Women in Tech series. Today, wed like you to meet Vianney Martinez Alcantara, Solutions Consultant at Alteryx and Katrin Erb, Finance Automations & Product Manager at Standard Bank Jersey Limited.

Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician, an associate of Charles Babbage, for whose prototype of a digital computer she created a program, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. She is also know as the worlds first computer programmer.

Today is her birthday, so we thought such an important occasion deserves a proper celebration in the form of a Women in Tech special edition! Today, wed like you to meet Vianney Martinez Alcantara, Solutions Consultant at Alteryx and Katrin Erb, Managerin Finance Automations & Product at Standard Bank Jersey Limited.

Vianney Martinez Alcantara, Solutions Consultant at Alteryx

Katrin Erb, Finance Automations & Product Manager at Standard Bank Jersey Limited; Alteryx EMEA Grand Prix Winner 2018

When did you become interested in technology? What got you interested in tech?

Katrin Erb: Growing up I never considered a career in tech or data science. I had the stereotypical view of a man in a hoodie with endless lines of incomprehensible code on several screens. However, as I became exposed to technology in my education and career, this perspective rapidly changed. I was blown away by the power and the sheer limitless options  with code and technology, it seemed as if I could quickly solve any problem. Also, I learned that I no longer wanted to only consume tech, but be a part of creating it.

Today, I could not and would not really work without my tools and software anymore, knowing that they help me to be much better and faster in finding solutions.

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: It was a bit similar to me: If I am honest, I cannot say that I always knew, that I wanted to be part of the data analytics and tech world. I had the fortune to be part of a family that has to date, an amusement attractions park with mechanical games. As a child, I didnt really notice the technology behind these games and of course, I visited the park very often. By the time I was 16, my family acquired a very advanced and sophisticated game, that needed a lot of maintenance. So a real engineer was hired, who did the electronic reparation works at the complex machines. I became very curious and wanted to understand the reasons why it wasnt working sometimes  and later decided to study Electronic Engineering.

I learned that I no longer wanted to only consume tech, but be a part of creating it.

Lets talk about your background. How did you end up in your career path? What obstacles did you have to overcome?

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: When I received my bachelors degree in Electronic Engineering in Mexico, I had decided to focus on the area of telecommunications within my studies. My first job involved a lot of programming and installing servers all over the country, which was an incredible experience. That way, I really put the things I learned to practice and gained a lot of knowledge and experiences. However, security was an issue, especially as a woman traveling in Mexico all the time. So I decided to explore new alternatives but stay in the telco industry.

After I switched jobs and worked for a mobile phone manufacturer, I soon wanted to pursue my Masters in Communication Systems, which I decided to study in Germany. During my studies, I had the chance to work for a network operator, which eventually brought me to work with Big Data and analyze customer behaviour. The insights and learnings I gathered were very enriching. So I dedicated my masters thesis to data analysis and Big Data.

Katrin Erb: I grew up in Namibia and studied in South Africa, to become a Chartered Accountant. This involves a three-year training program post studying, which I completed at Standard Bank. During this time I was constantly seeking out ways that could make my work more efficient. This was partly down to a frustration with routine tasks, but also due to my desire to add more value to my work outcomes. Therefore I tried out a couple of tools and taught myself how to use Excel  my first bits of rudimentary code saw the light of the day.

During my final year, I was moved to Jersey, just off the coast of Great Britain. Here, I was first introduced to more advanced automation software, which eventually led me to make the jump into a more tech-oriented career path. The transition was very natural, I feel. After completing my training, I stayed at Standard Bank until today and get to almost exclusively do what I enjoy most  automate processes and make work more efficient.

Did you receive support from your family and friends? Do you have a role model?

Katrin Erb: My family and friends have always been extremely supportive of my choices, whether it was about my career or my personal matters. This support structure, albeit spread out over the continents, is great to have and gives me the necessary back up in finding my own way. Do I have a specific role model? I think there are many people, who are inspiring to me. What about you Vianney?

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: I always had my familys support as well. But I remember that when I chose my career, many of my relatives and friends questioned my decision. The reason was, that no one from my family had studied an engineering career before. And then, here I come: The first engineer and the first woman to pursue this career path. For me, all the great women throughout the world, those big and small stories function as role models. I would like to show girls and women that they can follow in my footsteps if they desire to do so.

Did someone ever try to stop you from learning and advancing in your professional life?

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: No, I suppose I have always been lucky to be surrounded by people who support my decisions no matter what. Especially my husband and family in Mexico have given me so much and make me the person I am  professionally and personally. Furthermore, I think that today there is nothing that can stop you from advancing in your career. Thanks to technology and the internet, we have an infinite number of sources and are able to learn anything we want.

Katrin Erb: Same goes for me. I was fortunate, that I never experienced blockages or throw-backs. I would, however, add that oftentimes we stand in our own way when it comes to learning, coming up with excuse why now is not the right time. Learning should be a lifelong pursuit, driven by yourself and yourself only.

Could you tell us more about your present job? How does your typical workday look like?

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: It is hard to describe a typical workday because it changes from one day to another. I am a solutions consultant at Alteryx and I support my colleagues in the technical area. There I have the opportunity to talk to customers and prospects and most of the time they expose their challenges with current processes to me. And it is in that moment where I help them to transform those challenges using Alteryx. The results variate of course, but it could be something simple but significant as reducing processing time to obtaining new insights, that makes the customers happy.

This is one of the parts that I enjoy the most. Because I get involved with real use cases across verticals, which allows me to learn and grow myself. Other days I provide enablement sessions to partners and customers or run webinars and onsite events. My tasks are quite diverse.

Katrin Erb: I would say, that this really is true! Im currently employed at Standard Bank Jersey Limited, where I work in the Finance team. My work consists of supporting product control and I spend most of my time automating slow and high-risk processes. The automation involves understanding the current process and translating it into something more efficient and easy to understand.

My background in finance really helps here, as I am able to understand the matter without much explanation and because I see how the automated process should look ideally. I also enjoy helping colleagues who are new to automation software and teach them, what I already know.

Today, there is nothing that can stop you from advancing in your career.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Katrin Erb: That is definitely winning the Alteryx Grand Prix this year. It was the cherry on top of my data science journey with Alteryx software and not at all what I expected 2018 would hold for me.

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: As a solutions consultant I love my job because I know that somehow, I am helping others  either by creating something new or by optimizing existing processes.

Why arent there more women in tech? Whats your take on that?

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: I cant attribute this to only one factor. In my opinion, it is the sum of several factors: We cant expect to see a lot of women working in tech, if we dont support them studying subjects related to it or have them talk to other women in the industry. Engineering is dominated by men and there are still stigmas. Also women are expected to work in other fields  whether that expectation comes from their social surrounding or even themselves. I think everything starts at home and we need to empower girls as well as the young generations, in general, to remove stigmas and get over prejudice that may or may not come with a job. That is nonsense anyway, I think.

Katrin Erb: I completely agree: The lack of role models is a problem. As Vianney already mentioned, women have no peers or other women to turn to, if they wish to follow a tech-oriented career. This often deters women from even considering a job as a developer or in the tech industry. In addition, the lack of awareness of the possibilities is challenging. I must say: If I had known better what a career in tech would involve, look and feel like  I would have chosen it from day one.

Could you name a few challenges (or obstacles) women in tech face?

Katrin Erb: Well, the points I mentioned before are certainly a challenge. Women in tech still face some sort of being the alien in the room, which could result in them not feeling very comfortable in the workplace. To whomever that may apply, I would like to say that someone always has to be the first one. Over time, it will feel less weird to all the female programmers and data scientists in the tech industry, because more women will follow. I must say, that I felt very welcomed and celebrated even, because I am a woman, Hopefully, others experience the same.

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: Yes, I agree: When women enter a male-dominated world, they might feel a bit left out or alone  but some have to make the first steps. At first, it might feel a bit awkward being the only woman at a Business Intelligence summit or being the only female in the analytics team. But a little bit later, there are probably going to be other women as well.

However, I circle back to gender roles, I think many women are struggling with making professional decisions and raising a family. Many, many times they choose one over the other. It is hard to find a balance, but I am positive, that if women talked more with their employers about what they want, they can find solutions.

Would our world be different if more women worked in STEM? What would be the (social, economic and cultural) impact?

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: Oh it would definitely make a difference. We all know this: Two heads think better than only one. I believe that the STEM fields have not been given the necessary importance and attention. People fail to understand that these fields help to innovate and create amazing jobs. If more women joined these fields, we wouldnt be the exception, but just as normal as men. In my opinion, this would also generate a change of mindset not only for women but for everyone. Maybe that would lead to a gender-equal society? Because women offer just as much as men can. We can bring new perspectives to the table and solve problems from another angle. Empowering women to pursue a field within STEM can benefit us as a society.

Breaking barriers and allowing everyone to take part in STEM will benefit our society.

Katrin Erb: Yes, diversity brings different opinions, views and knowledge. The more different people are in regard to social, economic or ethical background, the more we can innovate and achieve down the road. Breaking barriers and allowing everyone to take part in STEM will benefit our society, just like Vianney said.

The discussion about diversity is gaining momentum. How long will it take to see results from the current debate?

Katrin Erb: Oftentimes change takes a long time. First, we must get young girls interested in tech-related subjects, mathematics, physics and so on. That way, they start considering a career in this field.

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: I am a very optimistic person  but I also like to be realistic. I know if I compare my situation to the one that my mother or grandmother lived through, we have definitely moved forward. But we have not achieved equality yet. Some governments and companies have established strategies to achieve specific gender quotas, which I personally dont agree with because this only tackles the tip of the iceberg. We need to work with the current and coming generations and support them in whatever they want to become. We need to give them the same education and tools, enabling boys and girls to compete in any area.

What advice (and tips) would you give to women who want a tech career? What should they know about this industry?

Katrin Erb: Dont be intimidated. A career in tech is for everyone, especially given the way the world is changing. Opportunities in tech are rapidly growing and a wide range of learning resources are available. Learning as much as possible about the industry, software and chosen field is something I would always recommend. Knowledge is a powerful equalizer and Ive found it to be the best way to earn respect, no matter if man or woman. I have often seen people base their career choices on interests, rather than what is in high demand. Given the rapid rise of automation, this is starting to no longer be feasible, I think. Tech is in high demand, integrates really well with other fields and will be there in the future. This can allow unique career paths to be forged. So my advice would always be: Give it a try  whats the worst that could happen?

Vianney Martinez Alcantara: I would say: Dont be afraid to be the first one. I think, that you will not follow a planned out path anyways, but you will be the one building it yourself. Just do it, experiment with all sorts of things and live the experience. I can tell you that you will be surprised about the things that come your way and what you can achieve. What if that doesnt work? some people might wonder. Try again and this time try a different way and try harder. I cant promise that the tech world will be easy but certainly very satisfying. Find a subject that ignites your curiosity, interest and passion and let it take over. Thats when you create magic and the rest will happen on its own. That is what I am sure of.
By Ruth Anderah.

Bank of Uganda security official Beatrice Kyambadde has been granted a cash bail of 500,000 shillings and her sureties bonded 5 Million shillings not cash by City Hall Court grade one magistrate Patrick Talisuna .

The magistrate ruled that the offence of neglect of duty against Kyambadde are bailable, there is no threat that she will interfere with investigations and that she is innocent until proven guilty.

The Magistrate ordered kyambadde to report back to Court on January 14th 2019 to know the stage of investigations into the matter.

Kyambadde , a resident of Makerere Kavule Zone together with Charles Moro who are charged with the duty of manning security at the Central Bank, are accused of neglecting their duties to search people and bags that are coming in and getting out of the Bank hence leading to the disappearance of vital documents regarding the closure of several banks .

The duo were detained by the parliamentary COSASE committee after failing to explain how the said documents relating to the sale and liquidation of several banks including International Credit Bank, Cooperative banks Greenland Bank and Crane Bank went missing from Bank of Uganda custody.

Documents before court shows that Kyambadde committed the offence on February 10th 2015 at Bank of Uganda.

However her-accused Charles Moro is to appear tomorrow December 11th for court also to consider his bail.
The airline's experts are now at the airport and are inspecting the plane.

The Belavia air carrier has commented on a Sunday evening's crash landing of its Boeing 737-500 passenger jet in the Boryspil Airport.

"After landing in adverse weather conditions, the aircraft performing the flight B2 845 on route Minsk  Kyiv on December 9, 2018, hit the ground [outside runway] with its starboard landing gear," the airline's press service told TUT.BY.

The aircraft commander eliminated the sideway dodging effect after which the aircraft continued to move along the runway to its parking spot. The aircraft sustained minor damage. None of the passengers and crew members were injured.

Read alsoBelavia plane reportedly makes crash landing at Boryspil Airport (Photo)

Belavia reports that the causes of the incident are being investigated. The Boeing 737500 aircraft has a damaged fairing. Airline experts are now at the airport, inspecting the plane.

Passengers set to fly from Boryspil to Minsk were rebooked for another flight.

"The airport is operating in normal mode," Boryspil Airport CEO Pavlo Riabikin told the Ukrainian news outlet Vesti late Sunday.

"When taxiing, a Belavia plane hit the lights. We closed the runway for a while in order to clear the scene. The plane drove to its parking spot on its own. The aircraft belongs to Belarus, and they will find out the causes behind what has happened. Its fairing has been scratched. There is no other damage," he said.
BY PAUL TAJUBA.

ptajuba@ug.nationmedia.com

The Democratic Party has confirmed it will attend the Inter- party Organisation for Dialogue (Ipod) summit set for this week.

DP president Nobert Mao told the daily monitor last evening that it was the partys decision to engage in the talks despite being skeptical about whether the resolution that will be agreed upon in the summit will be implemented.

Last week, the party had joined their Opposition counterparts, Forum for Democratic Change party, to reject attending such a meeting where Museveni, the NRM chairman is expected to attend.

Kenneth Kakande, the DP spokesperson, told journalists during a weekly press conference in Kampala last week that they cannot hold talks with NRM because they have lost the moral authority.

Mao said it was time to unite as opposition and defeat what he called a now weakened NRM.
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Christmas is coming, and that means holiday movies are screening everywhere across Los Angeles. If you're ready to leave the Hallmark channel (and your couch) behind, here's where to enjoy some classic cinema -- and some obscure selections -- with other human people out in the probably real world.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

Yes, this will be played for 24 hours straight on TBS and TNT starting on Christmas Eve, but if you just can't wait and want to go out for a screening, we've tracked down some screenings for you. Go watch Ralphie narrowly avoid shooting his eye out with friends!

Dec. 21-22 (Friday & Saturday): New Beverly (with It's A Wonderful Life)

Dec. 23 (Sunday): Radius Church

DIE HARD

Would this be considered a Christmas movie if it weren't for the overwhelming online campaign insisting it is one? We'll never know, but you can watch Bruce Willis stop terrorists at Nakatomi Plaza's holiday party at several locations.

Dec. 14 (Friday): The Montalban Theatre

Dec. 17 (Monday): ArcLight Hollywood

Dec. 21 (Friday): Egyptian Theatre (with Trail of Robin Hood)

Dec. 21 (Friday): Nuart Theatre

Dec. 23-24 (Sunday & Monday): New Beverly (with The Silent Partner)

ELF

Will Ferrell will make you want to believe in Santa all over again, with a little help from Bob Newhart and a blonde who you still can't quite believe is Zooey Deschanel.

Dec. 11 (Tuesday): Melrose Rooftop Theatre

Dec. 21 (Friday): Aero Theatre

Dec. 23 (Sunday): Street Food Cinema

GREMLINS

Didn't get enough of a scare at Halloween? You've got another shot, thanks to these creatures wreaking havoc at Christmastime. Grab snacks for the Vista's midnight screening, 'cause it's fine to feed yourself after midnight.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

These screenings aren't at Tom's house, or Fred's house (well they may be holding screenings too, who knows), but they are all over town. Go see a movie that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas so well that we're still going to see it more than 70 years later.

Dec. 11 (Tuesday): ArcLight Hollywood

Dec. 16 (Sunday): Street Food Cinema

Dec. 20 (Thursday): Ananda Los Angeles

Dec. 21-22 (Friday & Saturday): New Beverly (with A Christmas Story)

Dec. 21 (Friday): Nuart Theatre

Dec. 22 (Saturday): Egyptian Theatre

Dec. 23 (Sunday): Warner Grand Theatre

Dec. 24 (Monday): The Vista

LOVE ACTUALLY

Christmas is all around you, everywhere you go. At least if it's one of these locations. Go see the polarizing holiday favorite for its 15th anniversary and wonder how they got this many amazing actors to be in one big giant romcom.

Dec. 10 (Monday): ArcLight Sherman Oaks

Dec. 14 (Friday): Street Food Cinema

Dec. 23 (Sunday): The Montalban Theatre

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Not watching A Christmas Vacation?! You serious, Clark? Don't make that mistake -- enjoy Chevy Chase showing what made him an '80s movie star, alongside a pre-legal problems Randy Quaid.

Dec. 19-20 (Wednesday & Thursday): New Beverly (with Scrooged)

Dec. 21 (Friday): Street Food Cinema

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

What's this? A Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? In any case, there's magic everywhere, including at these screenings of the Tim Burton classic.

Dec. 15 (Saturday): Cinespia

Dec. 22 (Saturday): Street Food Cinema

Dec. 22 (Saturday): The Montalban Theatre

WHITE CHRISTMAS

Angelenos are left dreaming about a white Christmas most years, but you can make dreams reality by checking out these screenings. The Disney Hall showings are also sing-alongs, so drink some cocoa to relax your vocal cords, then head out for some holiday joy.

Dec. 21 (Friday): The Montalban Theatre

Dec. 23 (Sunday): Walt Disney Concert Hall (this one's a sing-along!)

EVEN MORE!

Bad Santa

Dec. 15 (Saturday): The Montalban Theatre

Batman Returns

Dec. 20 (Thursday): Egyptian Theatre (with Gremlins)

Black Christmas

Dec. 18 (Tuesday): New Beverly (with Silent Night, Deadly Night)

Blood Beat

Dec. 19 (Wednesday): Cinematic Void (with Dial Code Santa Claus)

Christmas Evil

Dec. 15 (Saturday): New Beverly

Dial Code Santa Claus

Dec. 19 (Wednesday): Cinematic Void (with Blood Beat)

Edward Scissorhands

Dec. 14 (Friday): Nuart Theatre

The Holiday

Dec. 16 (Sunday): The Montalban Theatre

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Dec. 21 (Friday): Jeanette Airen - Performing Arts Studio

Jingle All The Way

Dec. 22 (Saturday): New Beverly

March of the Wooden Soldiers

Dec. 25 (Tuesday, Christmas Day): New Beverly (with Horse Feathers)

Miracle on 34th Street

Dec. 16 (Sunday): New Beverly (with Santa Claus: The Movie)

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Dec. 15-16 (Saturday & Sunday): New Beverly

New Year's Evil

Dec. 29 (Friday): New Beverly

Santa Claus: The Movie

Dec. 16 (Sunday): New Beverly (with Miracle on 34th Street)

Scrooged

Dec. 19-20 (Wednesday & Thursday): New Beverly (with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation)

Silent Night, Deadly Night

Dec. 18 (Tuesday): New Beverly (with Black Christmas)

Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 + Bonus Film

Dec. 22 (Saturday): New Beverly

Year Without A Santa Claus & How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Dec. 15 (Saturday): Street Food Cinema

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By Ruth Anderah.

A makerere University Researcher Dr. Stellah Nyanzi accused of attacking the privacy of the President Museveni and his late mother Esteri Kokundeka has been further remanded to Luzira prison.

The case which had come up for hearing today was adjourned by a grade one magistrate at Buganda road Robert Mukanza in behalf of his colleague Gladys Kamasanyu who was reportedly away on official duties.

Now Dr.Nyanzi is to return back to court on December 19th 2018 for the hearing of the case to kick off before a trial magistrate.

Nyanzi charged with 2 counts of cyber harassment and offensive communication.

Prosecution states that Nyanzi between the 16th and 17th September 2018 with an intention of disturbing the peace of the President M7 posted obscene messages on her official face book page(StellahNyanzi) while attacking the privacy of the President and that of his late mother Esteri.
Monday, December 10, 2018

For anyone working in legal fields where adult guardianships may be an option, for anyone teaching elder law, health care law, constitutional law or even landlord-tenant law, a recent New York Times article, "I'm Petitioning . . . for the Return of My Life," is an important read.

On a threshold level, this is a well-told tale of one woman, Ms. Funke, who becomes subject to an intervention under New York adult protective services law, and, eventually, to a full-blown guardianship proceeding. It can be easy to become enraged on behalf of Ms. Funke as you read details about her past life as a freelance journalist and world traveler, and compare it to the limitations placed on her essential existence under a guardianship.

The article is a rather classic example of using one tragic story, a human story, to paint a picture of a government process gone wrong. At several points in the article, the writer, John Leland, offers questions that suggest some conclusions about how unfair the process has been to Ms. Funke. The writer asks, for example,

"If you were Ms. Funke, shouldn't you be allowed to withdraw into the covers [of your bed] if you wanted to? And the clutter in your apartment -- couldn't people understand that a writer needs materials around? Even if she were evicted, she had money to start somewhere else. Courts evict people with lots less [than she appears to have]. "

It's implied that the answers to those questions may outweigh the fact that the protective services intervention prevented the landlord from completing an eviction of Ms. Funke, an eviction that would have forced her out of her apartment of 40+ years.

Other, less dramatic details in the article suggest that for every Ms. Funke, there may be other people -- an unknown number of people in New York -- who are also very alone and who have also lost control over their lives because of physical frailty, mental decline, depression or other facts, and who are rescued with the help of a protective services intervention. Sometimes the intervention interrupts the decline, usually with the help of family member or friend who volunteers to help, sometimes acting with a measure of authority under a power of attorney, making a guardianship unnecessary.

The challenge, of course, is knowing when to help (and how far to go), and when to preserve the individual's right to make choices that appear unsafe. Some of the most complex cases involve people who have spent a lifetime on a unique and often solo path, and now have few family members or friends to help them as that path becomes rockier with age or illness, especially when they have no plan for the future. In the face of such facts, as one person interviewed in the article observes, guardianships are a "blunt instrument."

Something I wrote about last week also figures into the New York situation -- the apparent absence of a guardianship case tracking or monitoring system.

But another issue I'm concerned with is also suggested. At one point, an interview with one of Ms. Funke's guardians, a so-called professional (in other words, not a family member or a public guardian) discloses he does not know how far his authority as guardian extends. For example, would he be allowed to prevent her from marrying? He responded, he did not know.

It would seem that guardians and other agents, alleged incapacitated persons, -- and family members -- could all benefit from greater information, and to ongoing education on their rights, duties and options. That was also a theme emerging from article asking the question "Where's Grandma?" that I linked to last week and that I link to again here.

My thanks to the several folks who suggested this New York Times article for discussion on our Blog, including my Dickinson Law colleague, international human rights expert, Dermot Groome.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/elder_law/2018/12/thinking-about-new-york-times-article-on-guardianships-and-one-woman-personal-story.html
Iraq has celebrated the anniversary of its costly victory over the Islamic State group.

The government declared victory last December after a three-year war that killed tens of thousands of Iraqis and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

The Islamic State has lost nearly all the territory it once held. But its forces continue to carry out attacks on Iraqi targets.

The government declared Monday a national holiday. Security stations in Baghdad, were covered with Iraqi flags and balloons, as security forces walked the streets, playing patriotic music.

As part of the celebrations, the government plans to reopen parts of Baghdads well-guarded Green Zone to the public. Officials hope the move will calm protests against corruption and poor public services. The Green Zone is home to major government offices and foreign embassies.

The celebrations come as political disputes have affected efforts to form a new Iraqi government.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi spoke to a group of military officers about the anniversary. He described Monday as a great day for all of us when our brave country defeated the enemies of life, dignity, freedom and peace.

Abdul-Mahdi congratulated the security forces as well as the countrys top Shiite clergyman, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The clergyman approved a fatwa, or religious order, that brought in volunteers after the Iraqi army seemingly collapsed in June 2014. Tens of thousands of volunteers joined state-supported militias, many of them financed by Iran.

That fatwa laid the foundations of the victory, Abdul-Mahdi said. He called on Iraqis to leave behind their differences and to come together for a better future.

The time has come to leave behind all the past mistakesto open the doors of hope for our children for a better future, he said. He promised to rebuild the destroyed areas and help displaced people return to their homes.

All Iraqis took part in this fight, those who couldnt take up arms fought with words and donations, said Qassim al-Fatlawi, who lives in Baghdad. He helped raise money for the militias.

Songs praising the militias, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, could be heard coming from his small business in the citys Karrada neighborhood. On Monday, the area was filled with Iraqi flags.

That victoryis a golden opportunity for the government to rebuild the country and to meet the needs of its people, said Sameer al-Obaidi. He led a group of people who presented flowers to security forces in Baghdads Azamiyah neighborhood.

It is important to treat all Iraqis equally so that they feel that their sacrifices are appreciated, al-Obaidi added.

The Islamic State (IS) group grew from the violent opposition that followed the United States-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Based in Syria, IS forces crossed in Iraq in the summer of 2014. The Iraqi army collapsed, leaving the group to govern with a crushing form of Islamic rule. Thousands of people were killed. The group also kidnapped thousands of women and girls from the Yazidi religious minority and forced them into sexual slavery.

Iraqi forces aided by a U.S.-led coalition fought to remove the group from all the territory it once held in Iraq. They fought to free Iraqs second-largest city, Mosul. Today, Islamic State controls a small piece of territory in Syria, near the Iraqi border.

Iraq is still badly affected by the violent rule of Islamic State.

More than 1.8 million Iraqis remain displaced across the country. More than 8 million require some form of humanitarian aid. That number comes from the Norwegian Refugee Council. Those with suspected links to IS have been rejected by their communities. Thousands of children fathered by IS militants are still unrecognized by the state.

Nearly two-thirds of displaced people say they are unwilling or unable to return home in the next year. And more than half say their homes were damaged or destroyed, said the aid group.

If this is what victory looks like, then there is little to celebrate said Norwegian Refugee Council Secretary General Jan Egeland. They have largely been forgotten by their own government and the international community.

I'm Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for VOA Learning English. The editor was George Grow.

Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

___________________________________________________

Words in This Story

patriotic  adj. having or showing great love and support for your country

dignity n. a way of appearing or behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control

foundation n. something such as an idea, a principle, or a fact that provides support for something

mobilization n. to make soldiers, or an army, ready for war

opportunity n. a chance; possibility

appreciate v. to admire and value something or someone
A new 2,400 square-meter museum is set to open on New York States Liberty Island next year.

The museum celebrates the world famous Statue of Liberty. The statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States. It officially opened to the public in October 1886.

From 1892 to 1954, more than 12 million immigrants passed by the Statue of Liberty as their ships sailed to nearby Ellis Island. Many immigrants later traveled to Liberty Island and saw the statue up close. At the bottom, are the words of poet Emma Lazarus: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free

Now, a new museum to honor Lady Liberty is on the way.

Nicholas Garrison is a partner with FXCollaborative, a New York-based company that plans and designs buildings. He designed the museum.

"When we first came on the island, we were moved. Wesaw people on their knees, crying, because of what this place meant, and it kind of sunk into us that this is a really special, sacred place."

About 4.5 million tourists visit Liberty Island every year. But only about 20 percent are able to go inside the Statue of Liberty because of limited space. The new museum will permit every visitor to know what the inside is like.

The museum is expected to open in May 2019.

Entering the building, visitors will experience a virtual look inside the head of Lady Liberty. They also have a chance to see a recreation of the work place of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who created the statue.

Museum visitors also will see the 1,600-kilogram torch that lit up New York Harbor for nearly 100 years. It was replaced in 1985.

On top of the Statue of Liberty Museum, visitors can have a good look at New York's Lower Manhattan area. Nicholas Garrison says the museum tries to be inspirational unto itself as its own objectwhile being respectful to the buildings that are here."

Im Jonathan Evans.

Ramon Taylor and Asli Pelit reported this story for VOA News. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

museum  n. a building in which interesting and valuable things are shown to the public

huddled  adj. close together in a group

inspirational  adj. causing people to want to do or create something

sacred  adj. considered very holy

yearning  v. to feel a strong desire or wish for something or to do something

torch  n. a burning stick something providing light or guidance

virtual  adj. existing mainly in computers or on the internet
The month of December usually marks the beginning of tourism season in Sri Lanka. Visitors come to the Indian Ocean island nation to enjoy its beaches, historic places, interesting nature and tasty food.

Tourism represents about 5 percent of the countrys $87-billion economy.

But Sri Lankas current political environment is keeping visitors away. Observers are worried about the possible economic effects.

In late October, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed the countrys prime minister and appointed a new government. The move came as a surprise.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, who replaced Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister, lacks a parliamentary majority. A Sri Lankan court has prevented Rajapaksa from taking power. Violence has broken out in parliament and the 2019 national budget has been delayed.

High season for travelers to Sri Lanka usually runs from December to March. Most visitors come from Europe, India and China. But many trips are being canceled, especially among Europeans. The Reuters news agency received that information from someone at the national Sri Lankan airlines. The person asked not to be identified.

The person told Reuters that, The crisis started just when tourists take a decision where to go...It has discouraged many of them.

Chandra Mohotti is manager of the high-end Galle Face Hotel in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. He said that 20 percent of planned visits to the area have been canceled. He said that normally, the 200-room hotel would be filled at this time of year. But instead, the hotel has been forced to offer low-cost rates to appeal to tourists.

The crisis has also affected business travel. Sanath Ukwatte, president of the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, said some companies have chosen to move their planned events to Singapore, Indonesia and other places in Southeast Asia.

Harith Perera is president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators. He said if the current situation continues, the economic effects will be significant.

More than 2.1 million people visited Sri Lanka in 2017, tourism officials say.

Im Ashley Thompson.

The Reuters news agency reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

tourism - n. the activity of traveling to a place for pleasure

discourage - v. to make (someone) less determined, hopeful, or confident

manager - n. someone who is in charge of a business, department, etc.

significant - adj. large enough to be noticed or have an effect
Dan Katt opened his beer company, Good City Brewing, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2016.

At the time, it was a presidential election year. He did not think about the possibility of a trade dispute between President Donald Trumps administration and China.

I dont think we even contemplated that that administration would exist, he told VOA.

He also did not consider that his decision to put the alcoholic drink in cans instead of bottles would make his business success more difficult.

We always planned to can our products. I dont think we necessarily expected to have probably our single, biggest expense packaging materialsbe directly impacted by tariffs.

Katts cans are made of the metal aluminum. He says much of his supply comes from China which faces a 10 percent tariff on aluminum products.

Katt said his company usually buys 215,000 cans at a time. He said he expects to pay higher prices for cans the next time he has to order them.

The Trump administration placed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to help U.S. producers of those metals and to protect jobs in those industries. The tariffs are starting to effect many parts of the U.S. economy. That includes the growing craft beer industry because it uses aluminum for its cans.

President Trump says the tariffs are working. He has called Chinas trade actions abusive. However, he told a large group of supporters recently that China wants to make a deal.

A U.S. Treasury Department report supports the presidents claims. It shows that government income from tariffs this year has increased 30 percent over last year.

Brian Kuehl is the executive director of Farmers for Free Trade, a group that opposes tariffs. He disagrees with the president.

"Tariffs are taxes on American citizens. When we put tariffs on steel and aluminum, it drives up the cost of steel and aluminum in the United States, he said.

Farmers for Free Trade has its eyes on the future of trade and is not concerned with who the president is, Kuehl said.

The group has launched a nationwide Tariffs Hurt the Heartland campaign. It includes an $800,000 advertising campaign. The group is holding public events across the country to talk about the economic problems caused by tariffs.

At an event in Wisconsin, Dan Katt represented one of several businesses hurt by the tariffs on Chinese products.

We dont think that the current trade war with China is going in the right direction, Kuehl said.

We think it's increasing costs for U.S. manufacturers, its increasing costs for U.S. farmers, and it's decreasing export(s)Were causing long-term damage to American agriculture and our ability to compete in foreign markets, he added.

Good City Brewing is one of about 75 beer-making companies now in Wisconsin, a state with a long history of beer production.

Katt said his company will continue to grow, with or without the tariffs. He hopes the U.S. and China can reach an agreement on trade before he must pass on the increased costs to the buyers of his product.

Im Susan Shand.

VOAs Kane Farabaugh reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor. __________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

beer  n. an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops

contemplate  v. to think deeply or carefully about (something)

expense  n. the cost of something

packaging n. material used to enclose or contain something

tariff  n. a tax on goods coming into or leaving a country

craft  adj. an activity that involves making something in a skillful way by using your hands
The Senate is one of the two parts of the United States Congress, the legislature that makes the countrys laws.

The Congress has two parts because the men who wrote the U.S. Constitution could not agree on details of the new form of government.

Men from states with large populations thought they should be able to send more lawmakers to Congress. After all, their states had more people.

But men from states with smaller populations thought each state should have the same number of lawmakers. After all, people in small states did not want their voices to be lost.

So the Constitution-writers agreed that part of Congress should be based on states populations, and the other part of Congress should have equal representation.

The Senate is the part with equal representation. Each state has two senators, no matter how big or small its population.

Differences between the Senate and House

The Constitution-writers expected members of the Senate  called senators  to help set limits on the office of the president. They gave senators the power to decide whether to try and remove the president and other government officials accused of wrongdoing. Senators also approve or reject the presidents choices for top government positions, including Supreme Court justices. And senators have powers to approve treaties with other countries.

At the same time, the Constitution-writers wanted the Senate to limit what they feared would be the strong emotions of voters. James Madison called it a fence against the passion of the people.

George Washington reportedly said the Senate would cool laws proposed by House members, who were more closely connected with everyday Americans.

Because senators have so much responsibility, the Constitution-writers required them to be a little older than House members  at least 30 years old, compared to 25. And they decided that each senator would serve six years  compared to two for members of the House. A longer time in office would make the Senate stronger and reduce political pressures, they reasoned.

However, not all senators finish their terms at once. Every two years, one-third of senators must leave their office or seek re-election. The other two-thirds remain in place.

Finally, the Constitution-writers decided that state lawmakers would elect the states senators. This situation would permit states some additional power in the federal government. However, in 1913, the Constitution was changed to permit voters to elect senators directly.

The work of the Senate

The Senate does its lawmaking work through 16 regular committees. They study and make decisions on the federal budget, foreign relations, national laws and other issues.

Senators also gather together to talk  a lot  about why they plan to vote a certain way, and why other senators should support them. Unlike in the House of Representatives, the Senate permits senators to debate at length.

Because of all their talk, the Senate has been called the worlds greatest deliberative body.

But others have pointed out that the Senate is a group of very different, independent individuals. Getting a majority to agree can be extremely difficult. One former Senate leader said trying to get them to move together was like herding cats. Another described it as loading frogs into a wheelbarrow.

I'm Kelly Jean Kelly.

Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

no matter - n. to say that something does not, will not, or should not affect something else

regular - adj. normal or usual

certain - adj. used to refer to something or someone that is not named specifically
By Moses Kyeyune.

The Governor Bank of Uganda Prof Emmanuel Mutebile has desisted from making submissions relating to the closure of National Bank of Commerce.

The bank which was largely owned by big shots from Kigezi sub region including former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, businessman Amos Nzeyi and others.

While appearing before the House Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Entities to respond to the inquiry into the closure of the National Bank o commerce, Mutebile says he had a conflict if interest having been a stakeholder in the bank.

Mutebile also says that the process to close the bank was handled by his deputy, Louis Kasekende to have influence peddling.

The committee is probing the manner in which seven commercial banks were closed in what the auditor general highlighted as collusion and a possible conflict of interest.

Related Stories..

Bagyenda stole BoU documents  COSASSE

MPs accuse Mutebile, Kasekende in Mbabazi bank closure

BOU probes termination of 400 former Crane Bank employees
Canadas Telus Corp. and BCE Inc. may face at least $1 billion in costs if the country bans telecommunications equipment made by Chinas Huawei Technologies Co. from their next generation 5G mobile networks, The Globe and Mail reported Saturday, citing unidentified people familiar with the industry.

BCE, Telus and, to a lesser extent, Rogers Communications Inc., all use Huawei equipment in their networks.

The Globe and Mail cites an unidentified telecom executive who places the cost of a Huawei ban at $500 million to $1 billion for Telus, while another unidentified person estimated it would cost BCEs Bell Canada hundreds of millions of dollars. A third senior telecom insider, who has direct knowledge of the issue, said the total estimated cost for BCE and Telus would exceed $1 billion, it reported.

In order to remove Huawei equipment from cellular infrastructure, Bell and Telus would have to rip out and replace tens of thousands of antennas, The Globe and Mail said.

BCE and Telus declined to tell The Globe and Mail whether U.S. national security officials have asked them to avoid Huawei equipment. Rogers said it had not been contacted.

Canada has played a big role in Huaweis research and commercialization efforts for high-speed 5G networks. Bloomberg
Budget airline Cebu Pacific has started to operate flights between Macau and Cebu in the Philippines.

The launch of the third direct route from the airline to and from Macau, after Manila and Clark, happened last Friday, with the flight scheduled to take place four times a week: every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

General Manager of Cebu Pacific (Greater China), Joe Kwok, told MDT that now is an ideal time to open up the Cebu hub to Macau.

We have been [connecting] the city to Clark and to Manila for over 10 years so right now is a good opportunity to open Cebu, which is centrally located in [the] Southern part of the Philippines.

Although the new flight expands the possibilities for the passengers from both ends, Kwok noted that the company is also considering the possibility of attracting other passengers from [the] Pearl River Delta region, he said, noting, Cebu is not just a destination [itself] but is also a gateway [to] the islands of Boracay, Palawan, Suragao and Bohol.

According to the data disclosed by the Cebu Pacific (Greater China) General Manager, since its opening back in 2007, the Manila route has served around 870,000 passengers, while the Clark route counted over 400,000.

The timing chosen by the company to open the new route is because of the festive season of Christmas, New Year and one of the bigger annual events of the city of Cebu, the Sinulog (Santo Nino) Festival  an annual cultural and religious festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City and which, every year, attracts many visitors to the region.
Japanese lawmakers early Saturday approved government-proposed legislation allowing hundreds of thousands of foreign laborers to live and work in a country that has long resisted accepting outsiders.

The contentious legislation passed only months after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposed the plan despite opposition groups demand for more thorough debate to address concerns about a drastic change of policy.

Its seen as an unavoidable step as the countrys population of about 126 million rapidly ages and shrinks. Many short-handed industries, especially in the services sector, already rely heavily on foreign trainees and language students. Japan also selectively grants visas to white-collar professionals, often from the West.

Bringing in foreign laborers is a last resort after Abes deeply conservative government tried to meet labor shortages by encouraging more employment of women and older workers and using more robots and other automation.

Japan has come to a point where we had to face the reality that there is serious depopulation and serious aging, said Toshihiro Menju, an expert on foreign labor and population issues at the Japan Center for International Exchange.

Shortages of workers are so serious  that (allowing) immigrants is the only option the government can take, he said.

Abes latest plan calls for relaxing Japans visa requirements in sectors facing severe labor shortages such as construction, nursing, farming, transport and tourism  new categories of jobs to be added to the current list of highly skilled professionals.

The number of foreign workers in Japan has more than doubled since 2000 to nearly 1.3 million last year, out of a working-age population of 67 million. Workers from developing Asian countries used to stay mostly behind the scenes, but not anymore. Almost all convenience stores are partly staffed by Asian workers and so are many restaurant chains.

The fastest growing group of foreign workers is Vietnamese, many of whom are employed in construction and nursing. Construction workers are particularly in demand as Japan rushes to finish building venues and other infrastructure for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In many cases the workers are subjected to poor working conditions and other abuses.

I had no time for a holiday.  Even if I worked so hard I still had no money, said Eng Pisey, 33, from Cambodia, who came to Japan on a training program in 2016 and worked at a garment factory in Tochigi, north of Tokyo. She said she had to borrow $4,000 to pay a broker to arrange her job, and ended up quitting after becoming ill from overwork.

Under the legislation, two categories of workers will be accepted beginning in April: less-skilled workers and former interns with basic Japanese competency are allowed to stay in the country for only up to five years as visitors and cannot bring in family members. That is meant to encourage them to leave when their visas expire, preventing them from settling in Japan.

The second category, those with higher skills, Japanese language and cultural understanding, would be allowed to bring their families and apply for citizenship after living in Japan for 10 years if they commit no crimes.

Creating new visa statuses to accommodate foreign human resources is our urgent task as we face serious labor shortages, especially at small and medium-size companies, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Friday.

But details including a new immigration agency, competency tests for applicants and ways to eliminate abusive working conditions still need to be decided.

Many Japanese understand the need to solve labor shortages. Industry groups have urged the government to expand the work visa program so they can legally hire more foreign workers.

But Abes traditional political base and opposition groups oppose the change  for different reasons.

Abe has denied that Japan is opening the door to immigrants. His right-wing supporters view Japan as a homogenous society and want to keep out outsiders, especially those from other Asian countries. They cite concerns over risks of more crime.

Human rights activists and lawyers have criticized the legislation, saying it has insufficient protections and support for foreign workers and lacks a vision for how Japan might create a more inclusive society that accepts diversity.

Since 1993, Japans Technical Intern Training Program has provided on-the-job training in the name of international cooperation, mostly to workers from other Asian countries. The trainees often have worked under poor conditions. In 2017 some 7,000 of the 270,000 technical interns fled, citing underpay and mistreatment, according to government statistics.

Shoichi Ibusuki, a lawyer specializing in labor cases who aids victimized foreign students and interns, says the program is a guise for using cheap labor. He says it should be scrapped and replaced.

Ibusuki supports giving unskilled workers official status, but says the legislation fails to provide enough protections for workers. In particular, he is unhappy with the lack of restrictions on recruiting brokers who are cited as a cause of abuse. The program seems to treat foreign workers like goods, not humans, he said.

Huang Shihu, a Chinese intern, said he came to Japan to study the language while working, but suffered a severe hand injury after being employed for about six months at a tin factory in Kobe. He said his employer claimed it could not pay him compensation because it was bankrupt.

With this hand injury I cant work. I dont know what to do, Huang told reporters, showing his still bandaged fingers. I really feel wronged by the company.

Menju said the lack of oversight in the existing trainee program allowed mistreatment to persist, with foreign workers seen as cheap labor willing to tolerate harsh conditions. He hopes the new program will allow a fresh start.

The legislation is not so great, he says, but may mark a turning point. This is the first time people started to discuss the issue of foreign workers, Menju said. Before that it was a taboo. Mari Yamaguchi, Tokyo, AP
By Ritah Kemigisa.

The Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe has expressed fear that Human Rights in Uganda will never be achieved if there is no separation of power.

Matembe argues that unless the executive stops interfering with activities of other arms of government like the Judiciary and the Legislature, violations of human rights will continue and the perpetrators will go unpunished.

She cites an example of the report carried out by the parliaments Human Rights committee which was allegedly watered down by the executive and yet victims especially women are up today still leaving in pain and need financial help.

Matembe now says it is the responsibility of Ugandans to fight for the themselves to have the right Human rights they desire.
New Zealand police said yesterday they found a body they believe to be that of missing 22-year-old British tourist Grace Millane. Police said the body was in a forested area about 10 meters from the side of the road in the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland.

Tourist Grace Millane has been missing since Dec. 1, and failed to contact her family on her birthday Dec. 2. On Saturday, a 26-year-old man was charged with murder in her case after he was detained for questioning. He is due to make his first court appearance today.

Millane was on a planned yearlong trip abroad that began in Peru. She arrived in New Zealand last month and was last seen entering a central Auckland hotel with a man on the evening of Dec. 1.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard told reporters near the crime scene in the Waitakare Ranges that police believe Millanes body was taken to the area in a rental car that was later left in the town of Taupo.

Police spent several hours searching the area, which they cordoned off and where they put up a tent, before making the announcement.

This area was identified late last night as a location of interest as a result of our investigative work, Beard said. I can now advise that a short time ago, we located a body, which we believe to be Grace. A formal identification process will now take place, however, based on the evidence we have gathered over the past few days, we expect that this is Grace.

Millanes father David Millane traveled from Britain to New Zealand last week.

It is an unbearable time for the Millane family, and our hearts go out to them, Beard said.

Before she vanished, Millane had been staying at a backpacker hostel in Auckland, and she left some of her belongings there. Beard said she met a man for a couple of hours on the evening of Dec. 1 before surveillance cameras showed them entering the CityLife hotel at about 9:40 p.m.

Her family was surprised and worried when she didnt contact them on her birthday or get in touch over on the days that followed.

After arriving in New Zealand on Friday, David Millane spoke with media. Grace is a lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, family- oriented daughter, he said, adding that she was usually in touch with her family every day.

She arrived here on the 20th of November, and has been bombarding us with numerous photographs and messages of her adventures, Millane said. We are all extremely upset, and its very difficult at this time to fully describe the range of emotions we are going through. AP
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked Congress to extend martial law in the countrys south by another year amid continuing concerns over possible militant attacks, although democracy advocates fear it could worsen human rights conditions.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Friday that ending martial law could undermine progress by government forces in quelling insurgents and may even strengthen the rebellion and propel it to other parts of the country.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he, along the military and police, backed the extension of martial law in the countrys southern third, because Muslim extremists, including five to 10 foreign fighters, continue to plot bombings and other attacks.

Duterte placed the southern Mindanao region under martial law after hundreds of Islamic State group-linked militants besieged the Islamic city of Marawi on May 23, 2017, in the worst security crisis he has faced.

After five months, Philippine troops quelled the siege, which left more than 1,100 combatants and civilians dead and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

The government has successfully asked Congress twice to allow an extension of martial rule in the south, the homeland of minority Muslims and site of decades-old Muslim separatist insurrections.

The left-wing Karapatan group said a martial law extension would be a human rights nightmare, citing claims of dozens of questionable killings of civilians by troops, displacement of villagers by military bombings and illegal arrests under martial law in the south. The military has denied such claims.

Filipinos remain hypersensitive to threats to democracy and civil liberties after they ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos in a 1986 people power revolt that became a harbinger of change in authoritarian regimes worldwide. Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines in 1972 in a period marked by massive human rights abuses.

Concerns over Dutertes martial law have been sparked in part by his perceived authoritarian bent and the killings of thousands of suspects in a crackdown on illegal drugs that he launched after taking office in 2016 which has alarmed Western governments and human rights groups. AP
Prolific actor, director and producer Nicolas Cage was asked this year to become a talent ambassador for the International Film Festival and Awards  Macau and he graciously accepted.

Its not the first time in Macau for the Hollywood star who won over the hearts of Chinese audiences long before his compatriots were set on cracking the lucrative market. Five years ago Cage was bestowed with the Best Global Actor in Motion Pictures award at Chinas Huading Awards ceremony hosted in Macau.

Speaking at a press conference over the weekend, Cage said he is grateful for the reception hes had in China and says he holds the country, its cinema and its people with the highest of regards.

So much of Hollywood is itching for acceptance in China. But youve already made it. What do you think of your success here?

Nicolas Cage  There is a reason why I keep coming back to this part of the world. I am here to say thank you. I know that the reason I am still blessed in Asian movies is largely because of China and Chinese cinema and investors, [who] have thankfully enjoyed my presentation in different films. Its because of the film industry here that I think Im blessed to continue working.

What are your thoughts on the development of Asian cinema, particularly in China?

NC  I think that Asian cinema is really one of the great presentations of cinema in the history [of this industry]. The amount of style and talent that goes into Chinese movies, Japanese movies, Korean movies is quite remarkable. I have been blessed to work in several Asian productions.

Do you sense a style inherent to Chinese cinema?

NC  There is a style to it and a charisma and energy that borders on musical, operatic, dance and ballet and violence. I find it very powerful and very exciting. I cant say that all Chinese film embraces that style, but I can say that my first-hand experience with Chinese filmmaking has that sense of rhythm. When I did Bangkok Dangerous, I remember [co-director] Danny Pang saying to me: When you fire the gun, I want it to be bam-bam, bam  one-two, three  down to that level of detail! Almost like the gunfire itself was percussion or music. It was that precise that it was almost like dance.

You live in Las Vegas and have made many films there. Do you see Macau as a sister city?

NC  I dont really think that. I think that they are two entirely different cities, with the exception that some of the hotels are similar. With the Portuguese influence and the Chinese cuisine and style, I think Macau stands in its own right as a unique experience.

Then how do you see Macau?

NC  I think this is a place that has a wonderful history. Macau is fascinating to me because of the harmonious cultural interactions between Chinese and Portuguese. When I walk and look around Macau, I enjoy looking at the architecture and seeing the influences. I took a tour once, about two years ago, and the tour guide said something so touching to me. He said that the children, when they go to school, they walk together [] and theyre completely safe. It [Macau] always seemed like a nice place to retire one day.

Any advice for aspiring actors and filmmakers?

NC  My advice is very simple. Do not let others impinge or attack your dreams or your belief in your own abilities. I almost didnt make it as a film actor. I was told I couldnt do it by people very close to me. I was rejected, rejected, rejected: nobody wanted to make a movie with me. [Aspiring filmmakers] need to remember that there will be those who want to kick you off the path and you just have to not give up. DB
The Macao Science Center is holding a series of events that will last until December 22 in order to celebrate its 9th anniversary.

The anniversary event, called Biomimicry  Inspired by Nature, is accompanied by an exhibition inspired by the observation and analysis of the natural environment. It will be exhibited until March 31, 2019.

Biomimetics has several applications: in biology, the science of materials, engineering, medicine, machinery and agriculture.

Thus, the center has also arranged lectures on the application of biomimetic technology.

From December 19, the Planetarium will screen a new dome show, Phantom of the Universe, which will present the public with an adventure relating to dark matter, from the beginning of the Big Bang to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

The show features a scientist named Fritz Zwicky, who observed certain gravitational effects and theorised about the existence of dark matter, as well as describing another scientist, Vera Rubin, who witnessed the orbiting pattern of celestial bodies in the Andromeda Galaxy. The show also guides audience to the deep underground where the worlds most sensitive dark matter detector is located, inside a deserted gold mine, the center noted in a statement.

On December 22, the center will also hold a talk titled Starry Night (December): Our Sky and Beyond: Stars, Galaxies and the Universe, which will be held in English.

Meanwhile, MSC and Macau Digital Photography Association co- organized a photo contest, Our Science Centre, which encourages the public to present, in digital images, the centers scenery and scenes of its educational activities. The activity aims to promote the centre as a great destination for parent-child educational and leisure activities for both citizens and tourists.

The winning works will be displayed at the center until January 2.

Also, the center and the School of Continuing Studies of the Macau University of Science and Technology is co-holding the Cultural and Creative Products of Museums exhibition until January 6, displaying products from different regions, which will feature cultures and museums.

On December 19 and 20 , the facilitys Exhibition Center will offer free admission and the first 30 Macau resident entrants to each dome show for the Planetarium will be admitted free of charge.
The first of the hostages held in the Gulf for four-and-a-half months have arrived in Britain after their release by Saddam Hussein. A total of 100 British hostages were freed and landed at Heathrow airport today with the promise of a further 400 to follow.

The Foreign Office expects all those held since Iraq invaded Kuwait in August to be home by the weekend. Former Prime Minister Edward Heath, who went to Baghdad in October for talks with the Iraqi leader, has been credited with securing the release of the hostages.

There were long queues at Baghdad airport today as Iraqi officials cooperated in validating the passports of the freed men and women.

Many had been warned to expect a wait of up to 10 days. British diplomat Julian Lyons said: We were not sure at the time how long it would take to get the flights together. We thought it was best to give people bad news at the first step.

The long process raised fears among passengers they would not travel after having had their hopes dashed before. Released hostage David Eddy said: We had another day when we came up here when Mr Tony Benn [MP] was scheduled to come in.

He came  he met us  we thought we were on a homeward ticket. As soon as he left the hotel we were shipped out very callously, it was a hard day.

There were reports from the British embassy in Baghdad that increased surveillance by Iraqi authorities was holding up the process of repatriation.

But after an agonizing wait the first group was released and travelled via Frankfurt where travelers celebrated with champagne.

Medical officials and social service personnel were on hand to offer advice and guidance on their return to London  where they landed to cheers and applause.

Foreign nationals in the Gulf were forced into hiding after being caught in Kuwaiti City, the countrys capital, after the Iraqi invasion.

Others were used as so called human shields and were impounded at strategic positions such as power stations and military bases.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

It emerged in 2001 the Attorney General had referred a case to the police about British hostage-taking at the start of the Gulf War.

London-based organisation Indict spent five years compiling evidence of alleged war crimes and brutality by the Iraqi leadership.

A criminal case would focus on the plight of the 4,500 British citizens and thousands of people from other countries who were held hostage in the Gulf at the time.

It could eventually have led to a war crimes indictment against the Iraqi president, Saddam Hussein, and his deputy prime minister, Tariq Aziz.

But it was thought unlikely they would ever have been extradited for a trial before an international court.

Saddam Hussein was toppled from power in April 2003 during the US-led invasion of Iraq. He was subsequently captured after several months in hiding in December 2003. He was tried in an Iraqi court, sentenced to death and executed in December 2006.

I was there

Id been in Iraq as a human shield guest since early September. We were waiting at the Melia Mansour hotel, having been bussed in from the hydroelectric plant the day before. The night before the British liaison team, soldiers that had been in Kuwait pre-invasion, held a small concert in the bar in front of a 50+ crowd of very drunken former guests.

Some of us had hard cash to buy some beers, most made do with a home brewed hooch, some kind of distilled spirit that the army must teach. We went out on 11 December, I think.

I was the first person to step off the Iraqi Airways charter to Gatwick. I couldnt stop myself crying as I reached the bottom of the steps to the aircraft. I was 24, and have since enjoyed the time to build a successful career. Most others were in their 40s and 50s. Many have since been unable to pick up after almost five months, a traumatic time and a nasty recession.

Barry Manners, Dorset
By Damali Mukhaye.

The opposition forum for democratic change have said that president Museveni is not an expert how to fight corruption Im the country since he has failed to minimize the vice in the country.

This followed Museveni announcing to address the national this afternoon on how he plans to end corruption.

Addressing journalists at the party offices in Najjanakumbi, the party deputy secretary General Harold Kaija says that all the major corruption scandals including the Chogm scandal, katosi road and Temagalo among others involve government officials but president Museveni has not done anything.

He says that big people have gone unpunished and the corruption cases are very rampant in the country hence

Museveni has nothing to address the nation since he has failed.
Usually, we see AI algorithms that can detect a brain hemorrhage or a wrist fracture  a very narrow scope for single-use cases, said Matthew Lungren, MD, MPH, assistant professor of radiology. But here were talking about 14 different pathologies analyzed simultaneously, and its all through one algorithm.

The goal, Lungren said, is to eventually leverage these algorithms to reliably and quickly scan a wide range of image-based medical exams for signs of disease without the backup of professional radiologists. And while that may sound disconcerting, the technology could eventually serve as high-quality digital consultations to resource-deprived regions of the world that wouldnt otherwise have access to a radiologists expertise. Likewise, theres an important role for AI in fully developed health care systems too, Lungren added. Algorithms like CheXNeXt could one day expedite care, empowering primary care doctors to make informed decisions about X-ray diagnostics faster, without having to wait for a radiologist.

Were seeking opportunities to get our algorithm trained and validated in a variety of settings to explore both its strengths and blind spots, said graduate student Pranav Rajpurkar. The algorithm has evaluated over 100,000 X-rays so far, but now we want to know how well it would do if we showed it a million X-rays  and not just from one hospital, but from hospitals around the world.

A paper detailing the findings of the study was published online Nov. 20 in PLOS Medicine. Lungren and Andrew Ng, PhD, adjunct professor of computer science at Stanford, share senior authorship. Rajpurkar and fellow graduate student Jeremy Irvin are the lead authors.

Practice makes perfect

Lungren and Ngs diagnostic algorithm has been in development for more than a year. It builds on their work on a previous iteration of the technology that could outperform radiologists when diagnosing pneumonia from a chest X-ray. Now, theyve boosted the abilities of the algorithm to flag 14 ailments, including masses, enlarged hearts and collapsed lungs. For 11 of the 14 pathologies, the algorithm made diagnoses with the accuracy of radiologists or better.

Back in the summer of 2017, the National Institutes of Health released a set of hundreds of thousands of X-rays. Since then, theres been a mad dash for computer scientists and radiologists working in artificial intelligence to deliver the best possible algorithm for chest X-ray diagnostics.

We need to be thinking about how far we can push these AI models to improve the lives of patients anywhere in the world.

The scientists used about 112,000 X-rays to train the algorithm. A panel of three radiologists then reviewed a different set of 420 X-rays, one by one, for the 14 pathologies. Their conclusions served as a ground truth a diagnosis that experts agree is the most accurate assessment  for each scan. This set would eventually be used to test how well the algorithm had learned the telltale signs of disease in an X-ray. It also allowed the team of researchers to see how well the algorithm performed compared to the radiologists.

We treated the algorithm like it was a student; the NIH data set was the material we used to teach the student, and the 420 images were like the final exam, Lungren said. To further evaluate the performance of the algorithm compared with human experts, the scientists asked an additional nine radiologists from multiple institutions to also take the same final exam.

Thats another factor that elevates this research, Lungren said. We werent just comparing this against other algorithms out there; we were comparing this model against practicing radiologists.

Whats more, to read all 420 X-rays, the radiologists took about three hours on average, while the algorithm scanned the X-rays and diagnosed all pathologies in about 90 seconds.

Next stop: the clinic

Now, Lungren said, his team is working on a subsequent version of CheXNeXt that will bring the researchers even closer to in-clinic testing. The algorithm isnt ready for that just yet, but Lungren hopes that it will eventually help expedite the X-ray-reading process for doctors diagnosing urgent care or emergency patients who come in with a cough.

I could see this working in a few ways. The algorithm could triage the X-rays, sorting them into prioritized categories for doctors to review, like normal, abnormal or emergent, Lungren said. Or the algorithm could sit bedside with primary care doctors for on-demand consultation, he said. In this case, Lungren said, the algorithm could step in to help confirm or cast doubt on a diagnosis. For example, if a patients physical exam and lab results were consistent with pneumonia, and the algorithm diagnosed pneumonia on the patients X-ray, then thats a pretty high-confidence diagnosis and the physician could provide care right away for the condition. Importantly, in this scenario, there would be no need to wait for a radiologist. But if the algorithm came up with a different diagnosis, the primary care doctor could take a closer look at the X-ray or consult with a radiologist to make the final call.

We should be building AI algorithms to be as good or better than the gold standard of human, expert physicians. Now, Im not expecting AI to replace radiologists any time soon, but we are not truly pushing the limits of this technology if were just aiming to enhance existing radiologist workflows, Lungren said. Instead, we need to be thinking about how far we can push these AI models to improve the lives of patients anywhere in the world.

Other Stanford authors of the study are biostatistician Robyn Ball, PhD; undergraduate student Kaylie Zhu; former research assistant Brandon Yang; data scientist Hershel Mehta; research assistants Tony Duan and Daisy Ding; former research assistant Aarti Bagul; professor of radiology and of medicine Curtis Langlotz, PhD; assistant professor of radiology Bhavik Patel, MD; associate professor of radiology Kristen Yeom, MD; research associate Katie Shpanskaya; associate professor of radiology Francis Blackenberg, MD; clinical assistant professor of radiology Jayne Seekins, MD; clinical associate professor of radiology Safwan Halabi, MD; and clinical assistant professor of radiology Evan Zucker, MD.

Researchers from Duke University and from the University of Colorado also contributed to the study.

Lungren is a member of Stanford Bio-X, the Stanford Child Health Research Institute and the Stanford Cancer Institute.

Stanfords departments of Radiology and of Computer Science along with the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging supported the work.
The incentivised free-choice task consisted of four consecutive phases: valuation phase 1, decision phase 1, valuation phase 2, decision phase 2. This task was followed by a choice memory task. Credit: Voigt et al., JNeurosci (2018)

The brain updates its preferences in real-time in order to choose between two equally attractive options, reveals a human neuroimaging and eye-tracking study published in JNeurosci. The research shows how we avoid becoming paralyzed by indecision like the starving donkey in a famous thought experiment.

In the 14th century the French philosopher Jean Buridan described a donkey that, unable to choose between two bales of hay, starves to death. Like the fictional donkey, people often must decide between two items of equal value. Previous studies have suggested people update their preferences after the fact in order to feel more confident in their decision.

Stefan Bode, Katharina Voigt, and colleagues tested an alternative hypothesis: difficult decisions actively shape one's preferences. The researchers found when faced with a choice between two desirable snack foods, participants activated a brain network that assigns values to different options during the decision-making process. This neural activityin addition to which snack participants' eyes focused onpredicted how they would later reevaluate the items, valuing the chosen snack more than the unchosen one. These findings challenge traditional views of the relationship between decisions and preferences.

Explore further Where the brain turns quality and quantity into value
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Time spent sitting, sleeping and moving is determined in part by our genes, University of Oxford researchers have shown. In one of the most detailed projects of its kind, the scientists studied the activity of 91,105 UK Biobank participants who had previously worn an activity monitor on their wrist for a week. The scientists taught machines to identify active and sedentary behavior from the huge amounts of activity monitor data.

They then combined this data with UK Biobank genetic information to reveal 14 genetic regions related to activity, seven new to science, they report in Nature Communications today. The work paves the way for better understanding of sleep, physical activity, and their health consequences. Further analysis of the human genetic data showed for the first time that increased physical activity causally lowers blood pressure.

Physical inactivity is a global public health threat and is associated with a range of common diseases including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Changes in sleep duration are linked to heart and metabolic diseases and psychiatric disorders. The genetic analysis also showed overlap with neurodegenerative diseases, mental health wellbeing and brain structure, showing an important role for the central nervous system with respect to physical activity and sleep.

Dr. Aiden Doherty, who led the work and is based at the Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, said: "How and why we move isn't all about genes, but understanding the role genes play will help improve our understanding of the causes and consequences of physical inactivity.

"It is only by being able to study large amounts of data, such as those provided by UK Biobank, that we are able to understand the complex genetic basis of even some of the most basic human functions like moving, resting and sleeping."

The study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, and the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence at Oxford. The study was collaborative, and performed by a multidisciplinary team of scientists from a diverse set of fields, including machine learning, genetics, statistics, and epidemiology.

The use of machine learning in big healthcare datasets is advancing quickly, and having a profound effect on the sorts of studies that can be carried out, Dr. Karl Smith-Byrne, one of the lead analysts of the study said.

"We have carefully developed machine learning models to teach machines how to analyse complex functions like activity," he said. "These models provide exciting new insights into human movement behaviours in large studies such as UK Biobank with its half a million participants."

Professor Michael Holmes, a BHF Intermediate Clinical Research Fellow, said: "This provides scientists with a wonderful opportunity to learn much more about how genes and environment interact in our daily lives, causing us to move as we do, and possibly putting us at increased risk of disease. For instance, it might help us determine whether inactivity is a cause or a consequence of obesity."

To help identify the types of activity recorded on the wrist monitors, the researchers turned to 200 volunteers who wore a special camera that captured their activity every 20 seconds over two days. The images were compared with the activity data captured by the wrist worn monitors, providing a guide to interpreting the data.

Explore further People with more knowledge about benefits of physical activity may also exercise more

More information: Aiden Doherty et al, GWAS identifies 14 loci for device-measured physical activity and sleep duration, Nature Communications (2018). Journal information: Nature Communications Aiden Doherty et al, GWAS identifies 14 loci for device-measured physical activity and sleep duration,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07743-4

Provided by UK Biobank
Credit: Laura Tiitto/public domain

Scientists have discovered eight genes linked to red hair, helping to solve a mystery of how redheads inherit their flaming locks.

The studywhich also sheds light on blondes and brunettesis the largest genetic study of hair colour to date.

It had been thought that red hair is controlled by a single gene, called MC1R. The new research sheds light on other genes that are involved.

Previous studies had shown that redheads inherit two versions of the MC1R gene that leads to red hairone from their mum and one from their dad.

Although almost everyone with red hair has two copies of the red-haired version of MC1R, not everyone carrying two red-haired versions is a redhead. Scientists knew there must be other genes involved but these have mostly remained a mystery until now.

Now researchers at the University of Edinburgh have looked at DNA from almost 350,000 people who had taken part in the UK Biobank study. The study focused on people of European descent because they have greater variation in hair colour.

Comparing redheads to people with brown or black hair, they identified eight previously unknown genetic differences that are associated with red hair.

The team also looked at the functions of the genes they identified and found that some of them work by controlling when MC1R is switched on or off.

In addition to the redhead genes, the researchers uncovered differences in almost 200 genes associated with blondes and brunettes.

Scientists say there is a gradient of colour from black, through dark brown to light brown and blonde, which is caused by increasing number of genetic differences in these 200 genes.

The researchers were surprised to find that many of these 200 genetic differences were associated with hair texture rather than pigmentation. Others are involved in determining how the hair growswhether curly or straight, for example.

The study, published in Nature Communications, was funded by the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

Professor Ian Jackson, of the Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh, said: "We were able to use the power of UK Biobank, a huge and unique genetic study of half a million people in Britain, which allowed us to find these effects."

Professor Albert Tenesa, of the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute, said: "We are very pleased that this work has unravelled most of the genetic variation contributing to differences in hair colour among people."

Melanie Welham, Executive Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, said: "Once again collaborative research is helping to provide answers to some of life's important questions. BBSRC is pleased to have helped support the largest genetic study of human hair colour. It has provided some fascinating insights into what makes us such distinct individuals."

Explore further Study identifies more than a hundred new genes that determine hair color

More information: Michael D. Morgan et al, Genome-wide study of hair colour in UK Biobank explains most of the SNP heritability, Nature Communications (2018). Journal information: Nature Communications Michael D. Morgan et al, Genome-wide study of hair colour in UK Biobank explains most of the SNP heritability,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07691-z
Consumption of alcohol or at least one drug was associated with over half the violent deaths that occurred in Sao Paulo City in the period analyzed. Credit: Marcos Santos/USP Imagens

A group of researchers at the University of Sao Paulo's Medical School (FM-USP) in Brazil recently published the results of a study on the links between alcohol and drug use and the occurrence of violent deaths.

The study supported by Sao Paulo Research FoundationFAPESP quantifies these links for the case of Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city. It shows that the consumption of alcohol or at least one type of drug correlated with more than half (55 percent) the violent deaths that occurred in the city between June 2014 and December 2015.

The study resulted from the postdoctoral research of epidemiologist Gabriel Andreuccetti, supervised by Heraclito Barbosa de Carvalho, a professor in FM-USP's Department of Preventive Medicine, in collaboration with the same university's Department of Legal Medicine and the University of California Berkeley (USA) and with the support of Sao Paulo's Forensics Institute (IML) and funding from FAPESP. The article was published in the journal Injury.

To obtain data for the study, Andreuccetti used a probabilistic sampling method with the city of Sao Paulo as the target population. "We studied fatally injured adult victims who had a sudden, unexpected, violent or otherwise nonnatural cause of death, taking samples from the main forensic medical facilities that serve the city of Sao Paulo and its 96 districts," he told.

Under Brazilian law, the body of anyone who dies suddenly, unexpectedly or violently must be autopsied by a medical examiner. Some 7,000 deaths matching this requirement occur annually in Sao Paulo, mostly homicides (26 percent), traffic-related deaths (20 percent) and suicides (12 percent).

To obtain a representative sample of violent deaths in Sao Paulo, Andreuccetti collected blood from bodies during autopsies at morgues across the city on different weekdays and at different times of day during a 19-month period in 2014-15.

Victims who had received six or more hours of medical treatment for injuries or survived for a similar period before succumbing were excluded from the sample.

"Many seriously injured people die in the hospital and are taken to the morgue," Andreuccetti said. "In many cases, the fatal injury occurred suddenly or violently, and the victim may have been under the effect of drugs at the time of the accident, crime or suicide, but if they're hospitalized for more than six hours, the alcohol and drugs in their bloodstream may have been affected since the traumatic event. These cases were therefore excluded from the study."

The final sample comprised 365 bodies taken to the morgue after violent, sudden or unexpected death due to homicide (104 or 28.5 percent of the total), accident (56 or 15.3 percent), suicide (44 or 12.1 percent), falling (26 or 7.1 percent) or poisoning (21 or 5.8 percent). Violent or sudden death due to other causes accounted for 114 cases (31.2 percent).

"Owing to various government measures implemented at the start of the decade [2010], road traffic mortality in Sao Paulo has fallen considerably, and homicide mortality has fallen since the previous decade. Today, the death rate from homicide is higher than that from traffic mortality.

However, Sao Paulo is an exception. In Brazil overall, these fluctuations have been far smaller, and the death rate from these two causes remains high," Andreuccetti said.

Male and young

Having established the situations in which the deaths occurred, the next step was to identify the victims with alcohol and/or drugs in the bloodstream. This process entailed subjecting blood samples from all victims to comprehensive screening for the use of a range of drugs and alcohol-related compounds.

Blood alcohol concentration was measured by headspace gas chromatography. The presence of other drugs, including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, opioids/opiates (methadone, morphine, and heroin, among others) and phencyclidine (angel dust), was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantified by mass spectrometry.

Of the 365 victims, 55.3 percent (202) had consumed alcohol or drugs before dying: 63 had used only alcohol and 92 only drugs, while 47 had used both. "One in two victims had alcohol and/or drugs in their blood. So half used alcohol or drugs, or both, shortly before they died," Andreuccetti said.

Alcohol was the most prevalent substance found, followed by cocaine, cannabis, and benzodiazepines. More specifically, among the 202 victims with alcohol and/or drugs in their blood, 30.1 percent had used alcohol, 21.9 percent cocaine, 14 percent cannabis and 11.5 percent benzodiazepines, while 16.2 percent had used both alcohol and one of these drugs. "We hadn't expected such a high prevalence of drug use in the sample. For every five victims who used drugs, four used cocaine or cannabis. This is cause for concern," Andreuccetti said.

In the case of traffic-related deaths, 42.9 percent of the victims had used alcohol, while one in five (21.4 percent) had used two or more drugs. "Interpersonal violence tends to be influenced more by drug use, whereas traffic accidents are influenced more by alcohol use," Andreuccetti said.

In the case of homicides, drugs or alcohol were found in no fewer than 59.6 percent of the blood samples analyzed, with 16.3 percent containing both alcohol and cocaine.

Suicides used alcohol less than all other categories: only 9.1 percent of the samples from suicides were found to contain alcohol. On the other hand, benzodiazepine use was among the highest in this group, accounting for 18.2 percent.

Men were far and away the majority among victims who were alcohol and drug users, and a significant proportion were young: nine in ten of the 202 victims in question were male, and roughly one in three were under 30. "This is the age group with the largest proportion of homicide victims in Brazil, and in our study, the use of other drugs, alone or with alcohol, was also most prevalent in this group," Andreuccetti said.

A breakdown by ethnicity shows that half the victims (50.3 percent) were white and the rest (49.7 percent) were brown ("pardo"), black or classed in another ethnic category. The study also found that 60.5 percent of the deaths examined took place between 6 pm and 6 am. More people die violently at night than during the day in Sao Paulo City.

Criminal record

A revealing finding is that 15.9 percent of all the victims sampled had a criminal record. Alcohol and drug use combined was higher among these than it was among victims with no criminal record.

Whenever possible, Andreuccetti noted the city district where the victim's fatal injury occurred. As a result, the study inferred that most violent deaths while the victims were under the influence of drugs occurred in the city center or the outlying suburbs, areas where most commerce establishments and most low-income households are located, respectively.

"This suggests there's a socioeconomic component, but a specific study would be needed to find out more," he said. "On the other hand, alcohol use associated with these deaths appears to be more disseminated throughout Sao Paulo City.

"Knowledge of these statistics is important, he added, to any effort to reduce the number of violent deaths linked to alcohol and drug use in Sao Paulo and other large cities. "All these deaths are extremely harmful to society in terms of the cost of hospital and emergency services, not to mention the suffering they cause families and the significance of losing to violence a person who could have continued working, studying and producing," he said.

Explore further Strong alcohol policies help reduce alcohol-involved homicides

More information: G. Andreuccetti et al, Alcohol in combination with illicit drugs among fatal injuries in Sao Paulo, Brazil: An epidemiological study on the association between acute substance use and injury, Injury (2018). G. Andreuccetti et al, Alcohol in combination with illicit drugs among fatal injuries in Sao Paulo, Brazil: An epidemiological study on the association between acute substance use and injury,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2018.09.035
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The solution to a widespread shortage of certain antibiotics, painkillers and anesthetics is to declare a 'national pharmacopoeia' an issue of national security, says the editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Surgery.

While former Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins is chairing a federal committee looking to implement a national pharmacare program, in a recent editorial in the Canadian Journal of Surgery, one Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor has argued that approach isn't enough to ensure essential medications are both available and affordable.

"What is security? We often think of it in terms of the military and securing our borders, but securing your health is an element of security. If your borders are intact but everyone is sick inside, that's not satisfactory," said Dr. Vivian McAlister, Angus D. McLachlin Professor of Surgery at Schulich and editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Surgery.

"There are lots of people who think this (drug shortage) is critical to many patients. If your life is at risk, it's a matter of personal security, but because it affects all Canadians, I think it's a matter of national security."

It's not that certain medications  such as gentamicin, an effective and affordable antibiotic on the market for more than six decades  have no alternatives if unavailable, McAlister explained.

The problem is drugs in short supply are often replaced by much more expensive medications which can be inaccessible to patients who have no health insurance.

"(The shortage) affects all aspects of medicine, and we find ways around it at the moment, but it is expensive. What I've suggested for the federal government is that they should make having access to medication an issue of national security," he stressed.

As McAlister sees it, a national pharmacare program just won't be enough. And getting to the point where the federal government administers a pharmacare program is a challenge in and of itself; health care is a matter of provincial jurisdiction first.

But because the federal government is responsible for regulating drugs in Canada, McAlister sees an entry point to addressing both pharmacare and establishing a national pharmacopoeia  Canada's own version of the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.

Medications in Canada have come to us by way of the free market for two centuries, McAlister said. The government has never been involved directly in the production or supply of medicine and this has limited Canadians' access to care.

"The free market system has let us down in many ways. One is that there are now shortages of important drugs that we've used for many years, some for 50 years, and now we can't get them anymore.

"One of the reasons is drug companies don't make enough money making them. In the hospitals, we say they're on 'back order' but it's just a euphemism for not being available. I've had drugs on back order now for five years. It's not just that they missed this month's delivery. They're not available  at all," McAlister explained.

"Then, there are drugs that are so expensive, you could say you pay a king's ransom for access. Some are hundreds of times the average Canadian's annual income. This is an extraordinary amount to request to pay for medical care. These drugs are probably innovative but the profits made from them are so high that somebody's got to say something about it."

McAlister's suggestion to solve this complex issue of equal access is for the federal government to develop its own supply instead of regulating the drugs sold in the country. That supply would not necessarily mean drugs stored in a warehouse; the supply is itself the access, he explained.

"First, the government would have to set up an expert advisory committee to say what drugs we need to have in our national pharmacopeia. That would require experts to work together and come up with the reason for each drug involved; it would be a huge process. With the free market we don't care; we just regulate them," McAlister noted.

But establishing a list of medications all Canadians should have access to  and then finding the means to provide that access  is important.

"There are companies making generics in Toronto. Or we could make a deal with a company overseas that makes certain drugs and sells them to Canada. We would have the power of purchasing and the government could make the drugs available to provinces to administer their own pharmacare program. I think that would get us out of this legal bind between the federal and provincial government," he explained.

What's more, the government's involvement would interfere with pharmaceutical companies' ability to hold a patient ransom and make an exorbitant profit off of critical drugs, something McAlister sees as, essentially, 'war profiteering.'

"If we make (access) an issue of national security, the government has the authority to do certain things. We have to find ways to get the drugs  either by having contracts abroad for a supply or making them  but it would also be in legislation to prevent people from profiteering from medication. If it's a matter of security, it's not like selling gold where it's an elective or a choice. If you make it a matter of national security, you can't make a profit off that," McAlister said.

"It definitely takes a national approach. It's provocative to suggest this but it makes people think. This would be government involvement that would have to be done very carefully, but as soon as you start this process for a pharmacare program, all of these questions arise and need to be answered. Processes have to be developed."

Explore further How to pay for national pharmacare

More information: Provincially administered universal pharmacare programs require a secure, affordable drug supply: A matter of national security? Can J Surg. 2018 Aug;61(4):220-221. Provincially administered universal pharmacare programs require a secure, affordable drug supply: A matter of national security?. 2018 Aug;61(4):220-221. canjsurg.ca/wp-content/uploads  2018/08/61-4-220.pdf
Jackson Schaffer and Sarah Nagel, two Ohio State undergraduate psychology students, demonstrate one of the devices used in this study. Credit: Ohio State University

You probably overestimate just how far someone can push you before you reach your tipping point, new research suggests.

No, we're not talking about your emotional tipping point.

A new study examined how far people thought they could lean over backwards before they would actually fall to the ground. When study participants were put into a device that slowly and safely tilted them, most thought they reached their tipping point when they were tilted somewhere near 14 degrees from vertical (straight up and down).

But research suggests the actual tipping point for most people is nearer to 8 or 9 degrees, said Dennis Shaffer, lead author of the study and associate professor of psychology at The Ohio State University, Mansfield.

Study participants were even worse at estimating when they watched models being tilted backwardsin that case, they projected the tipping point would be nearly 45 degrees.

"That's about 35 degrees off from reality," Shaffer said.

As if that weren't bad enough, the study found we can't tell when we are standing straight up. And the miscalculations don't end there.

"This study fits with other research we've done that shows people don't do well estimating other kinds of angles, like the steepness of hills," he said.

The study appears online in the journal Attention, Perception & Psychophysics and will be published in a future print edition.

A person's tipping point can be calculated by knowing his or her height, weight and foot size. For nearly everybody, that point turns out to be less than 10 degrees, said study co-author Kirsten Greer, who works in Shaffer's lab at Ohio State.

In this study, researchers conducted four experiments, each involving 42 to 60 college students, to see how well they could predict their own tipping point. In most cases, the researchers used a device called an inversion table.

Participants stood with their back against a flat board, were strapped in and then slowly tilted backward at their waist.

"They were instructed to tell us to stop when they felt they were at the point where they would no longer be able to stay upright and would fall over backward if they weren't in this device," Greer said.

For the average participant, that was near 14 degrees backward.

But an inversion table may not be the best way to measure our perceived tipping point. That's because in most falls, people start falling from their feet and not their waist. So the researchers developed a different tilting apparatus, based on a hand truck, that would tilt people at their feet.

Even with this device, most people thought their tipping point was near 14 degrees, Greer said.

"Overall, people seem to have far less understanding about their body in space than they believe," she said.

That point was shown again in one of the studies when people, after being tilted backward, were slowly brought back up to a standing position. They were asked to tell the researcher when they were perfectly vertical. Participants were asked to look straight ahead and not glance down during the experiment.

Average participants said they were straight up and down when they were still tilted backward about 6 degrees.

"People were shocked when they found out they weren't standing straight up," Greer said. "We didn't have anyone who got to 0 degrees before telling us they were vertical."

It's not just issues involving the angle of human bodies that seem to perplex us, Shaffer said. In other research, he found that people overestimate the steepness of slopes, including staircases and escalators.

This new work could help inform research on preventing falls, which are a leading cause of injury and death in older Americans.

"It may be that as we age our perceived vertical becomes further away from true vertical, or we can no longer correct for the discrepancy between true vertical and what we perceive as vertical," Shaffer said.

The perception of being vertical while actually tilted slightly backward also has implications for design of furniture and various types of seats, he said.

Explore further Social animals have tipping points, too

More information: Dennis M. Shaffer et al, Pushing people to their tipping point: Phenomenal tipping point is predicted by phenomenal vertical and intuitive beliefs, Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics (2018). Dennis M. Shaffer et al, Pushing people to their tipping point: Phenomenal tipping point is predicted by phenomenal vertical and intuitive beliefs,(2018). DOI: 10.3758/s13414-018-1624-6
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new tool, developed by researchers from the University of Adelaide, will assist clinicians to assess people suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD).

The THINC-integrated tool (THINC-it) digital software tool, developed by researchers from the University of Adelaide's Discipline of Psychiatry, evaluates the cognitive functions of severely depressed people. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry assessed the new tool's effectiveness in checking the cognitive function of 127 life-long sufferers of MDD.

"People suffering from major depressive disorder frequently experience cognitive dysfunction, which reduces their ability to think clearly, concentrate and remember important information," says Matthew Knight, Research Officer from the Discipline of Psychiatry at the University of Adelaide and one of the team who carried out the research.

"Cognitive difficulties associated with MDD can lead to people having problems coping with daily life. This can adversely affect their work life, their personal relationships, and reduce their quality of life in general.

"THINC-it assists clinicians in tailoring plans to treat patients' cognitive deficits and will enhance the precision of treatment for people suffering from severe depression," says Mr Knight.

Major depressive disorder affects 2.1 million people a year in Australia and over 300 million globally. It places a major burden on clinicians and frequently sufferers cope with functional disability for many years.

THINC-it can be downloaded by clinicians who use it to carry out four objective tests on their patients, and one in which the patient measures their own cognitive problems experienced in their daily life. The software is self-instructed, can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes, automatically generates a report of the patient's cognitive function, and identifies any areas where cognitive deficits are present.

"Existing cognitive screening tools are more time consuming and costly than THINC-it and place significant administrative burden on the psychiatrist or interviewer," says Professor Bernard Baune, Head of Psychiatry at the University of Adelaide.

"It is very important to identify cognitive deficits in patients with major depressive disorders so that these patients can receive treatments specifically designed to address their cognitive and functional symptoms.

"Assessing the cognitive impairment of people suffering from MDD is particularly important for individuals whose occupational functioning is being affected.

"Results from this research show that THINC-it swiftly provides an accurate measure of patients' cognitive difficulties and the associated functional impairments," says Professor Baune.

More information: Matthew J. Knight et al. Cognitive Deficits in the THINC-Integrated Tool (THINC-it) Are Associated With Psychosocial Dysfunction in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder, The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2018). Journal information: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry Matthew J. Knight et al. Cognitive Deficits in the THINC-Integrated Tool (THINC-it) Are Associated With Psychosocial Dysfunction in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder,(2018). DOI: 10.4088/JCP.18m12472
Credit: Paul Mayne//Western News

A new report from the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative with Vulnerable Populations (CDHPIVP) is a painful reminder that domestic violence is a major social, criminal and public health issue that affects thousands of Canadians every day.

The report, titled "One is Too Many: Trends and Patterns in Domestic Homicides in Canada 2010-2015," is based on work from a Social Science and Humanities Research Council grant developed jointly by Myrna Dawson, Director of University of Guelph's Centre for the Study of Social and Legal Responses to Violence, and Peter Jaffe, Academic Director of Western University's Centre for Research & Education on Violence against Women & Children (CREVAWC).

It explores hundreds of domestic homicides using public-records information available from court decisions and media reports.

Specifically, the new report focuses on four vulnerable populations at greater risk of domestic homicide due to historical oppression and/or lack of access to resources because of isolation through various factors such as geography, language, culture, age and poverty. They are:

Indigenous populations;

immigrant and refugee populations;

rural, remote, and northern populations; and

children killed in the context of domestic violence.

"Each of these populations experience factors that greatly enhance their vulnerability to domestic violence and homicide and exacerbate the negative mental and physical health consequences of violence," said Dawson, who serves as CDHPIVP Co-Director. "These groups face greater challenges in finding services and safety."

Key statistics and findings from the report include:

Demographics of victims and accused:

From 2010-2015 in Canada, there were 418 cases of domestic homicide involving 476 victims. There were 427 adult victims (90 per cent) and 49 victims aged 17 and younger (10 per cent).

Women comprised 79 percent of the adult victims and men were 21 percent of adult victims. Among child victims, females represented 53 per cent of the victims; males, 47 percent.

The majority of adult victims were 25 to 34 years of age (28 per cent). The average age was 39 years. Among child victims, ages ranged from less than one year to 13 years old, with an average age of six years.

86 per cent of the accused people in domestic homicide were male (86%). Of all the accused, 21 per cent died by suicide and another seven per cent attempted suicide following the homicide.

The majority of the accused were aged 25 to 34 years (25 per cent) with an average age of 40 years.

There were 253 domestic homicide victims (53%) that were identified as belonging to one or more of the four populations being focused on in the CDHPIVP, including Indigenous, immigrant/refugee, and rural, remote and northern populations as well as children killed in the context of domestic violence.

Relationship between victim and accused:

61 per cent of victims were in a current intimate relationship with the accused and 26 per cent were separated or estranged.

Among cases in which victim and accused were in a current relationship, 21 per cent had evidence that separation was imminent or pending.

Thirty-seven children were killed within the context of the domestic homicide; 70 per cent were biological children of the victim and/or accused and 24 percent involved stepchildren.

In the 418 cases, 13 per cent involved the homicide of third parties, such as family members, neighbours, new partners, or other bystanders.

Crimes and charges:

When information was known, most victims died as a result of stabbing (38%), following by shooting (24%), strangulation (11%) or beating (11%).

44 per cent of victims were killed in the home they shared with the accused, 19 per cent in their own home and 10 per cent in the home of the accused

Second-degree murder was the most common initial charge laid (50%) followed by first degree murder charges (37%), manslaughter charges (7%), and other charges related to the homicide (2%; e.g., criminal negligence causing death, accessory after the fact, failure to provide the necessities of life).

Future CDHPIVP reports will help identify and inform priorities for future practice, policy, and research while the overall mission of CDHPIVP is to develop and implement more nuanced and appropriate population-specific, culturally-informed practices and policies.

"Our growing knowledge base needs to be translated into action in the field to support victims and service providers to assess and manage risk as well as promote safety planning," said Jaffe, who also serves as CDHPIVP Co-Director. "The challenge across the country is realizing these goals for vulnerable populations in a manner that addresses existing inequities and increases access to resources and services."

Explore further Stricter gun control could stop violent men killing their partners and themselves

More information: One is Too Many: Trends and Patterns in Domestic Homicides in Canada 2010-2015: One is Too Many: Trends and Patterns in Domestic Homicides in Canada 2010-2015: cdhpi.ca/sites/cdhpi.ca/files/  RTDEC2_DEC_FINAL.pdf
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, sources have told him that the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox are amongst between six-to-eight teams that have expressed interest in righty David Robertson.

Robertson has been a workhorse and strikeout machine over his 11-year big league career. The 33-year old has only landed on the disabled list twice and has pitched 60 or more innings every year but his first two in the league.

The righty began his career with the New York Yankees in 2008. He served as Mariano Riveras set-up man before jumping into the closer role prior to the 2014 season. Robertson recorded 39 saves while posting a 3.08 ERA, a 1.057 WHIP, and averaging 13.4 K/9 over 64 innings that year.

Prior to the 2015 season, Robertson signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox. Over three seasons, he posted a 3.28 ERA with 208 strikeouts, just 56 walks, and averaged 11.8 K/9 over 159 innings.

At the 2017 trading deadline, Robertson was shipped back to New York to help solidify the Yankees bullpen for the playoff push. Over 35 innings, he posted a 1.03 ERA and averaged 13.1 K/9.

Last season he continued his success in pinstripes, as he worked 69 games and registered a 3.23 ERA,1.033 WHIP and 11.8 K/9 out of the Yankees bullpen.

The versatility Robertson has shown, as well as his durability, and the fact that he has successfully pitched in New York before could potentially make him a huge asset for the Mets 2019 bullpen.
Today is the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document in the history of human rights. In honor of the observance, here are five facts you should know about international human rights:

1. Prior to the 1940s there were a number of documents, such as the the British Magna Carta and the U.S. Bill of Rights, that advanced the recognition of human rights. But few documents were recognized internationally as applying to all people at all times in all nations. During World War II the push for universal recognition of inalienable human rights was aided by the Atlantic Charter and by President Franklin D. Roosevelts Four Freedoms speech before the United States Congress in 1941. These ideals were also transmitted in a pamphlet called, The United Nations fight for the Four Freedoms: The Rights of All Men  Everywhere.

2. The atrocities of the Nazis caused the international community to recognize a need for human rights to be established as an international legal status. More than 1,300 American non-governmental organizations joined together in placing newspaper ads calling for human rights to be an integral part of any future international organization, and called for the United Nations Charter to include a clear and substantive commitment to human rights. On April 25, 1945, representatives from forty-six nations gathered in San Francisco to form the United Nations. They responded to the demand by mentioning human rights five times in the UN Charter. The charter also established a commission for the promotion of human rights. This newly created Commission on Human Rights spent three years drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).



3. The Commission on Human Rights was made up of 18 members from various political, cultural and religious backgrounds. Eleanor Roosevelt, the widow of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, served as the chairperson of the UDHR drafting committee. As the UN notes, Their work involved thousands of hours of intensive study, heated debate, and delicate negotiation that centered on innumerable recommendations from many sources, public and private. The men and women of the Commission on Human Rights strove to forge a declaration that might successfully encompass the hopes, beliefs and aspirations of people throughout the world. After the committee completed its work, the document was submitted to the General Assemblys Third Committee, which held a total of 81 meetings and considered 168 formal resolution on the declaration. Forty-eight nations voted for the Declaration, eight countries abstained (the Soviet bloc countries, South Africa and Saudi Arabia) and two countries were absent.

4. According to the UN, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has inspired more than 80 international human rights treaties and declarations, numerous regional human rights conventions, domestic human rights bills, and constitutional provisions, which together constitute a comprehensive legally binding system for the promotion and protection of human rights.

5. Based on the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all humans have the following rights:

To life.

To liberty.

To security of person.

To be free from slavery.

To be free from involuntary servitude.

To be free from torture.

To be free from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

To recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

To equal protection of the law.

To an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

To not be subject to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile.

To a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.

To be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which one has had all the guarantees necessary for ones defense.

To be free from arbitrary interference with ones privacy, family, home, or correspondence.

To be free from attacks upon ones honor and reputation.

To the protection of the law against such interference or attacks upons ones privacy, honor, or reputation.

To freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.

To leave any country, including ones own.

To return to ones country.

To seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.

To a nationality.

To change ones nationality.

To marry.

To found a family.

To free and full consent in choosing ones spouse.

To own property alone as well as in association with others.

To be free from being arbitrarily deprived of ones property.

To freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

To change ones religion or belief.

To manifest, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, ones religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance.

To freedom of opinion and expression.

To seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media.

To freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

To be free of compulsion to belong to an association.

To take part in the government of ones country.

To equal access of public services in ones country.

To a secure society.

To work.

To free choice of employment.

To just and favorable conditions of work.

To protection against unemployment.

To equal pay for equal work.

To just and favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and ones family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.

To form and to join trade unions for the protection of ones interests.

To rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

To a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of ones family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, and necessary social services.

To security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age, or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond ones control.

To free elementary education.

To equal access of higher education based on merit.

To choose the kind of education that shall be given to ones children.

To participate in the cultural life of the community.

To enjoy the arts.

To share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

To the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary, or artistic production of which he is the author.

To a social and international order in which human rights and freedoms can be fully realized.
ARCHIVED - Catalan president advocates the Slovenian path to independence



62 people were killed in the Ten-Day War in Slovenia following the confirmation of independence in 1991

Quim Torra embarks on a 48-hour hunger strike to support political prisoners

Since the new Spanish government took office in early June there have been attempts to relax tensions with the pro-independence regional government of Catalunya, but the attitude and recent statements made by Quim Torra, the Catalan president, appear to have led to the prospect of constructive dialogue receding into the far distance.

At 9.00 on Sunday Sr Torra began a 48-hour hunger strike, during which he will be sleeping at the monastery of Monterrat, to demand the release of those being held in prison for their roles in organizing the outlawed independence referendum on 1st October 2017, a vote which was partially held despite warnings that it was not permitted by the Spanish Constitution. For two days, then, he will be joining former Catalan government ministers Jordi Turull, Josep Rull and Joaquim Forn, who are on hunger strike at the jail of Lledoners, and former activist Jordi Sanchez, who has joined their protest while also behind bars.

But perhaps more worrying than Quim Torras hunger strike gesture are the statements he made on Sunday regarding the future of the Catalan separatist process, when he expressed the opinion that in the absence of any concession from the government in Madrid the only way forward is the Slovenian model. It is hard to know which aspect of Slovenias independence from Yugoslavia he feels ought to be repeated in Catalunya, but it should be remembered that it was achieved after a fully authorized referendum in which 88 per cent of the electorate voted for a sovereign and independent Slovenia, and that two days after independence was made official on 25th June 1991 the Yugoslav People's Army dispatched its forces to prevent further measures for the establishment of a new country, leading to the Ten-Day War in which 62 people were killed.

This attitude is in line with the recent comments made by other Catalan separatists regarding a final battle, but in adopting what he appears to view as a tough stance Quim Torra is even alienating other advocates of independence, including Ada Colau, the Mayoress of Barcelona. For their part, the main parties in Spain are unanimous in their criticism of the president: Ines Arrimadas of Ciudadanos described Sr Torra on Sunday as a danger for democracy who is calling for violence and civil conflict, while Jose Luis Abalos, the mational Minister for Development, accused him of being irresponsible and deluded.

On 9th July of this year Quim Torra met Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, and in theory they are due to meet again face to face in Barcelona on 21st December. At present, though, it is extremely difficult to see how any sensible discussion can take place between the two men, especially given that one of the most important factors behind Sr Sanchezs PSOE party losing control of the regional parliament of Andalucia is the perception that he has been soft in dealing with the separatists. The big winners in the Andalucia election were the far-right Vox party, who propose to deal strictly with the separatists, and the government will no doubt be keen to regain some of the ground lost as a consequence of the Catalan conflict.

Image: Quim Torra (right) at the start of his hunger strike

Follow Murcia Today on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news, events and information in the Region of Murcia and the rest of Spain: https://www.facebook.com/MurciaToday/
The inaugural South African Gaming Awards will be hosted at Comic Con Africa 2019.

These awards have been established to celebrate individuals, teams, developers, streamers, and journalists in the gaming industry.

We came to the realisation that there is no platform of this nature on the African continent where those who are excelling in the gaming industry have an opportunity to be acknowledged, said Carol Weaving, MD of Reed Exhibitions.

Weaving added that the goal was to bring like-minded individuals together to celebrate the gaming industry, while simultaneously building the South African gaming community.

Comic Con Africa 2019 will take place from 21-24 September 2019.
South Africans attempting to renew their drivers licences are encountering a host of problems, with the Department of Transport unable to deliver new cards.

A number of drivers have expressed frustration surrounding the process behind their licence renewal, with delays reportedly lasting months.

The Centurion Rekord recently reported that many motorists are waiting for their licences, and were being told to apply for temporary cards.

These problems started in August 2018, when employees on strike at the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) caused a delay in the printing of new cards.

We had a strike that went on but equally at that time we had an upgrade of the production system, and we had taken about three weeks to do that, DLCA CEO Collins Letsoalo said in an interview.

As a result, we had a backlog of a number of cards.

Radio 702 has also reported that many users were encountering delays with their drivers licence renewals through to October 2018.

More recently, The Mercury reported that drivers in KwaZulu-Natal were worried about driving illegally due to constant delays in the drivers licence renewal process.

As of December 2018, the temporary drivers licences delivered to those waiting for new cards have since expired  leaving drivers without a legal way to drive their vehicles.

Department of Transport

As of 8 December 2018, the Department of Transport has told users still waiting for their new drivers licence cards to apply for temporary cards.

These cards are valid for six months and will ensure that drivers comply with regulations while the delays at the DLCA are resolved.

An outstanding 90,000 drivers licences will be printed within the next three weeks, a spokesperson told the Centurion Rekord.

We are pleased that affected employees have since agreed to resume their duties. Since then, over 800,000 cards were printed with over 500,000 cards dispatched.

Now read: New CSIR board announced
NPP will not shy away from ...
If youre looking to avoid tech this year, you could always go with one of those historic classics that never go out of style  like yo-yos, T
A single-car wreck Friday night north of Calistoga sent the driver to a hospital with what authorities described as major injuries.

At 7 p.m., a 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle was in the northbound lane of Highway 29 north of Livermore Road when it left the roadway, struck a large rock, continued on and then struck a tree, the California Highway Patrol said in a news release.

The driver, 40-year-old Jose S. Vazquez of Calistoga, was injured and taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, CHP reported, adding that he also was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

No injuries were reported to a passenger in the Volkswagen, 27-year-old Maria Veronica Vividor, also of Calistoga.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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A shoplifter swiped clothing and shoes from three stores at the Napa Premium Outlets on Sunday, but was arrested without leaving the premises, according to police.

At 1:13 p.m., officers were sent to the outlet mall at 629 Factory Stores Drive in connection with a shoplifting at the Old Navy store, according to Sgt. Todd Shulman. The store opened Saturday as the shopping center's newest outlet.

Police found Harold Bernard Carter, 51, of Sacramento at another outlet store, detained him and found his car still parked outside, Shulman said.

A vehicle search turned up merchandise taken from Old Navy, Famous Footwear and Gap, according to Shulman, who said the total value exceeded $950, the minimum needed to trigger a felony charge against a suspect.

Carter was booked into the Napa County jail for investigation of felony shoplifting, and also faces a Solano County arrest warrant, Shulman said.

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At 4:56 p.m. Saturday, Napa Police officers were called to a report of threats made at a home in the 1500 block of Ash Street, according to Sgt. Todd Shulman. A woman living at the home told officers that during a Nov. 9 argument with her former boyfriend, the man had struck her in the face and thrown her to the ground, then threw grass on her, struck her on the arm with a large flashlight, kicked her in the leg several times and then threatened to kill her, Shulman said.
This has been the year of the eel-like lamprey in the Napa River.

Researchers each spring do an annual fish count using a floating, 8-foot-diameter rotating funnel as a trap. They usually catch a few dozen lampreys, a fish described by the Center for Biological Diversity as delightfully bizarre.

This year, they hit the lamprey jackpot. They found more than 7,000 Pacific lamprey, too many to count with exactness.

It was pretty shocking, actually, Napa County Resource Conservation District senior biologist Jonathan Koehler said. We have never seen that many lampreys.

The stars of the newly released 2017-18 fish monitoring report are the juvenile lampreys that are 6 to 8 inches long and about as big around as a pencil. They have no scales and sucker-like mouths that can be used to feed on other fish.

It was net after net of writhing lampreys, Koehler said.

These juveniles head off to the estuary and the ocean, then later return to the Napa River to spawn. They grow to be about two feet long with the girth of a banana.

People often mistake lampreys for eels, Koehler said. The Eel River  which runs through Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino and Trinity counties  should more correctly be called the Lamprey River, he added.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife lists the Pacific lampreys as a species of moderate concern not in immediate danger of extinction. Threats include dams and other water barriers, water diversions, agriculture, urbanization and non-native species.

This year, the Napa River is seemingly teeming with these fish that Koehler acknowledges appear creepy to some people. But lampreys arent trying to draw attention.

They blend in, Koehler said. They lurk in the dark corners of the creeks and rivers under rocks and things like that.

Koehler sees timing as a possible reason for the seeming lamprey population explosion. Juvenile lampreys probably go out to the ocean with the first big storms, which usually hit before the fish trap is set up. But last years storms came unusually late in the rainy season.

I think we just caught that big pulse (of lampreys) we would normally miss, Koehler said.

Plus, maybe it was simply a big year for lampreys, he said. Whatever, he was happy to see them.

If we have a healthy population of lamprey, a large native fish, that requires a fairly healthy river, he said.

Besides Pacific lamprey, the Napa River has river lamprey and brook lamprey. The fish count yielded six river lampreys and 63 brook lampreys.

A major goal of the fish count is to gauge the health of steelhead trout and Chinook salmon. Regulatory agencies are trying to create comebacks for these species, leading to laws to reduce how much sediment washes into waterways from local hills and vineyards. Millions of dollars have been spent on river restoration.

The 2018 fish count found 182 steelhead. That compares to 82 in 2017, 78 in 2016 and 69 in 2015. Its the most since the 334 in 2014.

We dont know if thats real, Koehler said. Any one year, we can see a fluctuation.

Chinook salmon totaled 1,922, compared to 2,315 in 2017, 580 in 2016 and zero in 2015 and 2014. The high-water mark in 10 years of sampling was 7,377 in 2011.

Koehler described 2018 as a so-so year.

The fish monitoring doesnt yield population counts, but provides a sample for year-to-year comparisons. Go to https://bit.ly/2E1YJEr to see the 2017-18 fish count.

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She had been strangled to death with a Tesco Bag for Life.

Mitesh Patel told police he had gone out to buy a pizza the night of May 14 when he came home to find his wife, Jessica, lying motionless in the living room. The plastic reusable shopping bag, named for a local grocery store, was deformed and dotted with Jessica's saliva. Duct tape was wrapped around her wrists and ankles and covered her mouth. And at first, Patel told the emergency operator, he didn't know if she was alive or dead.

"Oh hiya," he began on the emergency call, obtained by The Washington Post, from their home in Middlesbrough, in northeast England on the River Tees. "I think we've been burgled and my wife's been attacked."

The house, he said, had been ransacked. Clothes were thrown all over the floor in the couple's bedroom. The contents of every drawer and every shelf - papers, purses, makeup - appeared strewn haphazardly across the room.

But when police and paramedics arrived, the whole scene struck them as bizarre.

They found no evidence of forced entry. Patel's home was equipped with a security camera yet, oddly, they found the hard drive tucked into a suitcase underneath the bed and learned later that the tape had been cut just minutes before they arrived. In Patel's bedroom dresser, they found a single overturned photograph underneath the lining. It was of Patel and another man - who police would soon learn was at the center of everything.

The man in the photograph was an Australian doctor whom Patel met on Grindr, a dating app for gay men. His extramarital affairs with men he met on the app was perhaps his worst-kept secret. At the neighborhood pharmacy that he and his wife owned, coworkers would often find him scrolling through potential hookups behind the counter when she wasn't there. She would find out eventually herself, finding his "love you x" messages to the Australian doctor on his phone.

And police, too, would soon find all of them.

"Like you said, she's a leaseholder," Patel told his boyfriend in one message, comparing his wife to a short-term renter in their relationship, according to live coverage of the trial in the local newspaper Teesside Live. "One day that lease will expire."

On Tuesday, Patel was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 30 years for killing his wife so he could run off to Australia and start a new life with his Grindr lover. Prosecutors say he planned to cash in on $2.27 million (2 million euros) in life insurance policies taken out on his wife, and that he had been plotting her murder for more than five years. He had waited so long, prosecutors contended, because he was hoping in the meantime she would become pregnant and give birth to a baby - whom Patel planned to raise with his boyfriend.

"What are your thoughts if she goes earlier than you think?" Patel asked the boyfriend in text messages cited in court, referring to the hypothetical death of his wife. "Will you love it like your own?"

"I can love it," the doctor responded, "as long as there isn't anyone else involved."

Jessica never got pregnant, but could have. At the time of her death, she had been undergoing in vitrio fertilization treatment. When Patel took the stand, prosecutors suggested that perhaps Patel had thought, "you have the eggs and the embryos, you don't need Jess anymore."

"Did that cross your mind?" one prosecutor asked.

"No, it did not," Patel said.

Patel and Jessica had known each other since childhood, prosecutors detailed during the trial. The two of them grew up in the same Hindu community in West Yorkshire and later reconnected as adults while they were both studying at a university in Leicester. Patel was Jessica's first boyfriend, prosecutors said, and in 2008, Patel asked her father for his permission to marry her. The father said no, then changed his mind.

The couple ran a popular neighborhood pharmacy once profiled in Teesside Live as "giving more than just medication." It was the "heart of the suburb," the paper said.

But eventually, Patel's Grindr use, as well as his long evening phone calls with the Australian boyfriend, became a deep source of tension in their marriage, prosecutors said. In one text-message exchange in July 2017, the couple grappled with whether to go through with Jessica's IVF cycles if Patel was going to continue being dishonest about his Grindr relationships.

"Those texts and images tell me a different story to what you're saying," Jessica told him. "I did say you'll be forgiven. I want to be a mother and always have felt that since I got married. To have my own little family was my dream. I think it would be right to cancel for now."

"I think you're mad," Patel responded. "You can forgive me but I won't forgive you for this."

Patel's search history on his computer, prosecutors said, showed what he had in mind when he told Jessica they would be "parting ways" should she decide not to go through with IVF.

Among his searches: "I need to kill my wife," "plot to kill wife, why do I need co-conspirators," "does life insurance pay if you are murdered," and "Hindu funeral for a married woman." On YouTube, he watched a video titled, "how long does it take for a person to die from strangulation?"

Patel's DNA was found beneath his wife's fingernails. His neck was red with scratches when police arrived on the night of the murder, and no one else's DNA besides hers and her husband's was found on or near her body. Her voicebox had been crushed, her neck bruised just below the ears. Defense counsel suggested that perhaps an intruder was wearing latex gloves, leaving no trace of his attack.

But what Patel couldn't explain was the 42 minutes unaccounted for in his alibi.

That's where his iPhone Health app came in.

Patel claimed he last saw his wife alive before he went for a "long walk," paid a visit to the pharmacy and picked up a pizza. At 7:44 p.m., just before Patel was captured on video leaving his house, Jessica's Health app recorded 14 steps - the last movement it would measure. Once Patel left the home, her iPhone recorded no movement whatsoever.

Patel's Health app, meanwhile, recorded him frantically running up and down the stairs during the time his wife's app was motionless - during what prosecutors believe was Patel's attempt to stage a burglary.

"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," Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Matt Murphy-King of Cleveland Police said in a statement. "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."

Patel took the stand during the trial, admitting to his relationship with the Australian doctor and his use of Grindr, but telling the jury that everything was one horrible coincidence.

Asked to explain why he had watched a video instructing him how to fatally choke a person just before his wife died the same way, Patel said he knew it would look bad. He said he and his wife watched the video together.

"I have sat for the last six-and-a-half months in that prison cell," he said, "and one of the many, many things I have thought is, how ironic is this?"
The messiest bit of unfinished business Gov. Jerry Brown will bequeath to successor Gavin Newsom is one of the outgoing governors pet projects, a north-south bullet train project.

One could even say its a hot mess, given the revelations of a new audit of the multi-billion-dollar projects first phase.

That initial segment  more than 100 miles of track in the mostly flat, sparsely populated San Joaquin Valley, from Chowchilla to an orchard near Shafter, north of Bakersfield  was supposed to be the easiest to design and build.

However, State Auditor Elaine Howle told the Legislature that the High-Speed Rail Authoritys flawed decision making regarding the start of high-speed rail system construction in the Central Valley and its ongoing poor contract management for a wide range of high-value contracts have contributed to billions of dollars in cost overruns for completing the system.

Furthermore, even as costs soared, the state didnt even come close to meeting the initial 2017 deadline for completion of the segment specified in a 2010 federal grant. Howle told legislators it also wont meet a 2022 deadline extension unlessconstruction progresses twice as fast as it has to date, adding, Missing the deadline could expose the state to the risk of having to pay back as much as $3.5 billion in federal funds.

It wasnt the first time that Howle and other independent analysts have criticized not only how the San Joaquin Valley stretch was proceeding, but the projects biggest issue  a lack of financing to extend it north to San Francisco and south to Los Angeles.

Whenever track reaches that orchard near Shafter, the next phase is supposed to be connecting Chowchilla with San Jose by tunneling through the coastal mountains in the neighborhood of the Pacheco Pass.

In theory, getting to San Jose would allow the system to begin carrying paying passengers, because the bullet train would be blended with existing Caltrain service between San Jose and San Francisco thats soon to be electrified.

However, tunneling through the mountains will be expensive and the High-Speed Rail Authority hasnt found a source of financing, even though the system gets 25 percent of the states revenues from auctioning off carbon emission allowances through the cap-and-trade system.

Moreover, blending the bullet train with Caltrain and other commuter rail systems in Southern California would, as Howle points out, inevitably slow high-speed service. That, in turn, would it make it nearly impossible to meet the 160-minute standard for trips between San Francisco and Los Angeles specified in the $9.95 billion state bond issue approved by voters more than a decade ago.

So thats the situation that Newsom will inherit next month. Its more than likely that the 2022 deadline for the San Joaquin segment wont be met either, exposing the state to federal sanctions. But even were it met, it would be a train to nowhere unless some way is found to extend it further, embarrassing every politician involved with it.

We need to make some changes and we need to make them now, Sen. Jim Beall, a San Jose Democrat who chairs the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee, said during a hearing last week on Howles sharply critical findings.

The need for a bullet train has never been adequately proven and its political cheerleaders have low-balled its costs from the onset, as Howles audit demonstrates anew.

Newsom has expressed some skepticism about the projects viability in the past. However, he will own this managerial mess on Jan. 7, and it could easily become a white elephant on his watch.

CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias state Capitol works and why it matters. For more stories by Dan Walters, go to calmatters.org/commentary.
During the past decade, we have witnessed a significant rise in the number of people displaced globally from their homes and homelands.

The Syrian civil war, coupled with the continuing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, have led to massive forced migration. People fleeing harsh conditions in Africa continue to escape to Europe by boat at great personal risk. Rohingya refugees are being forced out of Myanmar fleeing torture, rape and death. And some 2 million Yemenis are living in tent cities.

Today, there are nearly 69 million people worldwide exiled because of war and violence as well as a result of natural (though arguably, often human affected) disasters such as fires and hurricanes. Even the casual follower of the news understands what has been going on. Forced migration has evoked sympathy among many, but for others there is derision, especially in the case of Central Americans seeking refuge in the U.S.

Now add 150,000 more people to that 69 million: The estimate of the number of Californians statewide fleeing the most recent wildfires.

Though the residents of the Chico area are not displaced because of war and violence, they are experiencing much of the same anguish as those seeking safety from south of the U.S. border. They are homeless, traumatized, feeling forgotten, separated from loved ones and living day to day not knowing what the future will hold.

Images of spontaneously established tent cities in Chico look much like those we see as a result of displacement in far flung places. Of course, this is not the first time that Americans have been displaced, and in larger numbers than in California.

We just need to remember hurricanes Maria, Harvey and Katrina, the last of which killed nearly 2,000 individuals and displaced more than 400,000 people in 2005. The number displaced in Puerto Rico after Maria has been difficult to gauge, but some estimate it as high as 1 million.

To use the terminology of the humanitarian community, these Americans are internally displaced persons, commonly called IDPs. Because they have not crossed an international border, they are not refugees. And they are not asylum seekers because they are not escaping threats of persecution that might be violent. But they are helpless, vulnerable and human beings.

It might be difficult for some Americans to recognize we are experiencing some of the same conditions as countries that have been disparaged as poor, violent and worse by President Donald Trump. The pain that these Californians are feeling can in some ways be compared to those making their way to Europe. I would argue, though, that the uncertainty and trauma of those forced to flee to Europe is more extreme and distressing than that in California, but the similarities are still worth considering.

Maybe ironically, this provides for Americans a connection to the larger global community. We are not immune to crises that test the capacity of governmental responses and the need for private assistance. Our generosity in supporting those in need in California will likely be considerable in the end. There might be current images of slow response, but our local and national capacity will meet the needs in one way or another. Still, these individuals and families are suffering and are vulnerable, and this should remind us of the humanity that connects us all.

Helping our own means helping those who share our humanity, not just our citizenship. When the fire season is over in California and affected people are resettled and able to restart their lives, we will still have some 69 million fellow humans fleeing more catastrophic conditions.

What will we do for them?

David J. Smith is the president of the Forage Center for Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Education and teaches at George Mason University. He wrote this for The Baltimore Sun.
Can anyone still doubt that the California Republican Party must reinvent itself? That, otherwise, it hasnt any hope of winning back political influence in this state, and might as well make way for a new political party to serve the role of loyal opposition?

The 2016 election made that clear, if it wasnt before. Afterward, Californias GOP leaders changed nothing much of consequence. As a result, the 2018 election was another predictable disaster for their coalition.

Zero Republicans hold statewide office. Democrats won a supermajority in the California Assembly and the state Senate. In races for the U.S. Senate, Republican candidates cant even make it to the general election, now that the top two vote-getters in primary contests advance regardless of party. And when the House of Representatives reconvenes, the California delegation is most likely to be composed of 46 Democrats and just seven Republicans.

Even some longtime loyalists are calling for the coroner. The Grand Old Party is dead, Kristin Olsen, former vice chair of the California GOP, declared in CalMatters, partly because it has failed to separate itself from todays toxic, national brand of Republican politics.

Republican political consultant Mike Madrid agrees. The party has to die before it can be rebuilt, he told Politico. And by die, I mean, completely decimated. I think Tuesday night was a big step, he said, referring to the midterm election. There is no message. There is no messenger.

The decline and fall may continue so long as President Trump is in office, especially if political rivals beyond Democrats start to exploit the GOPs weaknesses.

In 2018 alone, David Wasserman of Cook Political Report noticed, House Republicans lost six of 10 of their districts with the highest Latino population, and 17 of 25 of their districts with the highest Asian population. Golden State demographics are only getting less white.

In one fell swoop, Trump and Republicans who willingly handcuffed themselves to him have turned Orange County into a GOP wasteland, John Weaver, a strategist who has worked on the presidential campaigns of John McCain and John Kasich, told Politico. You want to see the future? Look no further than the demographic death spiral in the place once considered a cornerstone of the party.

Libertarians could conceivably do better than being shut down in Orange County.

Whats required for political resurrection is straightforward enough. To win, California Republicans must do better among some combination of their worst demographics: Latinos, blacks, Asian Americans, women, millennials and college-educated voters in prosperous suburbs.

So why arent ambitious California Republican office-seekers proclaiming, To hell with Trumps fear-mongering about illegal immigrants; to hell with his weak response to Charlottesville; to hell with his attacks on the rights of legal immigrants, to comments he has made denigrating Mexicans and Muslims, and to his attacks on birthright citizenship?

Why arent they leading a public break from the faction of Republican Party politics preferred by Stephen Bannon and Stephen Miller in favor of the model that more inclusive, anti-racist Republicans have advised the GOP to adopt for almost an entire generation, given that such advice was inspired by a demographic future that has already arrived here?

The GOP base is one answer. As the number of Republicans shrinks, the primary voters who remain are more likely to be extreme partisans.

And because so much of our politics is now nationalized, they watch Fox News and dont feel like political losers in need of a makeover. Their guy is in the White House, ostensibly making America great again. The last person theyll support is a politician who tries to make a mark by denouncing Trumps worst flaw, even if it is the deliberate stoking and exploitation of divisive group bigotries.

Career incentives are another answer. If you are likelier than not to lose a given election regardless, why do it as an outspoken anti-Trump Republican, alienating many longtime allies across the country, when you could lose without being seen as a disloyal apostate and preserve your ability to make a career in national Republican politics, or in what is still called the conservative movement, in spite of its shift toward right-wing populism?

Any answer must account for why an organization ostensibly dedicated to winning elections would lose time and again without appreciably changing its strategy.

The biggest losers here arent the hardest-core GOP partisans, whod rather own the libs than win state elections, or the politicians who lose elections but still make a living in politics.

It is, rather, the Californians who want a viable alternative to the Democratic Party, whether due to substantive disagreements or as a check on corruption.

Instead, they get a California GOP that cant win, shows no sign of making changes that will allow it to win, yet probably retains just enough support to prevent a third party from emerging.

Conor Friedersdorf is a contributing writer to Los Angeles Times Opinion, a staff writer at the Atlantic and founding editor of the Best of Journalism, a newsletter that curates exceptional nonfiction.
Armenia opposition "5165" movement to not work with Liberation Movement anymore, to act alone and meet with forces

Armenian newspaper: Identities of remains of 11 servicemen transferred to Armenia established

South African doctor states unusual symptoms of new Omicron coronavirus variant

Francis Fukuyama: Ukraine's use of Turkish drones could be a complete game-changer

Tehran, Baku sign agreement on natural gas supplies from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan through Iranian territory

Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker, member of ARF-D holds meeting in Hrazdan city of Kotayk Province

Armenia Parliament Speaker touches upon need for Karabakh conflict settlement at IPU Assembly

Iran President: Any change of political geography of the region will incite further tension

Erdogan declares that so-called 'Zangezur corridor' is 'important'

Raisi: Cooperation with countries of Asia and the Caucasus is a priority for Iran

Fire breaks out in kindergarten in Armenia's Kartchevan village

Aliyev believes 'Zangezur transport corridor is becoming a reality'

"Arush Arushanyan" Alliance calls on residents of Armenia's Goris to support arrested mayor

Iran declares need to revive natural gas deal with Turkmenistan

Isn't Moscow concerned about Turkey's attempts for control over natural gas route from Turkmenistan to Europe?

Turkey seeks to enhance relations and increase trade with Turkmenistan up to $5 bln

Two Azerbaijani soldiers blow up on mine in Karabakh's occupied Varanda region

Iran FM welcomes holding of trilateral meeting of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Sochi

Iranian and Turkish presidents discuss regional issues

Members of Armenia's Liberation Movement initiative take pilgrimage to Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

New Zealand MP cycles to hospital to give birth

Russians create rock that can track Russia's enemies

25-year-old citizen's suicide attempt prevented at Yerevan bridge

Iran's Raisi to meet with his Turkmen counterpart

409 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Guterres talks Russian role in continuation of contacts between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Cavusoglu and Bayramov discuss situation in Ashgabat region

More than 30 flights delayed or canceled at Moscow airports

Aliyev told Lukashenko over Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia leaders' meeting

Artsakh citizen returning from Azerbaijan is under medical supervision

World Medical Association boss compares new strain of COVID-19 with Ebola

ECHR rules on application of interim measure in respect of 4 Armenian POWs

Armenia PM participates in Board of Trustees of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund meeting

Gyumri ex-mayor's son found and apprehended

Russia and China call for peaceful coexistence of countries with different ideologies

517 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Armenia per day

Ombudsman rejected after applying to initiate proceedings against Armenia Security Council Secretary

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of one serviceman found in Varanda

Armenia defense minister meets with Karabakh President, situation on Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact discussed

Armenia State Revenue Committee ex-chief appointed Armavir Province governor

Putin to inform Russian Security Council about meeting with Aliyev and Pashinyan

Putin: Russia attaches importance to strategic and allied nature of relations with Armenia

Aliyev: A 'thorough and sincere conversation' was held with Putin and Pashinyan

Pashinyan: I affirm Armenia's and its government's willingness to open an era of peace

Meeting of Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan kicks off

Putin gifts Pashinyan and Aliyev olive branches

Armenia's Pashinyan, Russia's Putin and Azerbaijan's Aliyev adopt joint statement

Putin: There is an agreement to create mechanisms for demarcation and delimitation of Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Putin, Pashinyan and Aliyev making joint statement

Putin-Pashinyan meeting is underway

Meeting of leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia ends in Sochi

Armenia Fund's 24th Telethon helps raise nearly $12,351,000 in donations and pledges

Republican Party of Armenia: Capitulator didn't say a word about Karabakh's independence

Traffic is paralyzed in Verin Khotanan section of "Goris-Kapan" alternative road

Inecobank introduces BNPL, the latest trend in worldwide shopping, to Armenia

Azerbaijani SOCAR sets up petrol station on Armenia's Goris-Kapan motorway

Turkish court refuses to release Osman Kavala again

Erdogan: Armenia needs to appreciate the hand that is extended for peace

Armenia Liberation Movement initiative's rally kicks off at Republic Square in Yerevan

Armenia's newly appointed Deputy PM meets with Karabakh President

Russia's Putin: We are reaching agreement on demarcation and delimitation of Armenian-Azerbaijani border

NEWS am daily digest: 26.11.21

Armenia PM sends condolence telegram to Russia's Putin

Armenia President sends condolence telegram to Russian counterpart

Aliyev: Azerbaijan has offered the Armenian side to start working on peace treaty

Armenia Justice Ministry has new General Secretary

Armenia PM: Many issues can be resolved in the trilateral and even bilateral formats

Armenia Parliament Speaker attends session of Council of CIS Interparliamentary Assembly

Putin: The aim of all our efforts is to create conditions for rebirth of region

Head of Armenia's Tatev village: During meeting with PM, I recommended creating self-defense forces in Syunik Province

CSTO Secretary-General sends congratulatory message to Armenia defense minister

Armenia ex-PM Vazgen Manukyan on Putin-Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting, possible outcomes

Turkologist: Aliyev is declaring Armenia's elimination, while Pashinyan still has doubts about that

Aliyev to Putin: It is important to work on a comprehensive settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations

Putin talks Russian-Azerbaijan strategic partnership development

Karabakh President sends condolence telegram to Russia President

Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker receives China Ambassador

Putin: Russian peacekeepers play a positive role in Nagorno-Karabakh

Peskov: Putin-Aliyev talks underway in Sochi

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia leaders' meeting kicks off in Sochi

Sochi: Moscow expects it will be possible to outline directions to normalize Yerevan-Baku relations

Six people were apprehended during Yerevan protests

Nikol Pashinyan arrives in Sochi

Armenia confirms reports that Azerbaijan transferred 2 POWs

Putin highlights importance of Russia-China cooperation in science

Pashinyan's second negotiator with Azerbaijan was Hrachya Tashchyan

Aliyev arrives to Sochi for talks with Putin and Pashinyan

Azerbaijan informs about transfer of 2 POWs to Armenia

675 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Armenia per day

PM Pashinyan leaves for Russia on a working visit

Zatulin: Last year's war in Karabakh caused tremendous damage to not only Armenia, but also Russia

Alexander Rahr: In regard to Karabakh conflict, West will support territorial integrity

Russian political scientist: Moscow not concerned about Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting in Brussels

Armenia acting commander of battalion arrested under criminal case of regarding Nov. 16 attack

Turkish aggressor declares that Armenia 'needs to assess extended hand for peace as a chance'

Armenian analyst says Iran is not interested in transfer of any sector of Armenia

Armenian official: MFA hasn't raised issue to review CEPA with regard to Karabakh

Deputy mayor of Armenia's Goris: I have deeper concerns after meeting with PM

Matviyenko: Borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan are precise on Soviet maps

Armenian analyst: Part of Armenia's Goris-Kapan motorway does not pass through Azerbaijani territory
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YEREVAN.  We have a law on freedom of assembly in Armenia, so there may be assemblies.

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who also headed the My Step Alliances electoral list in Sundays snap parliamentary election in the country, noted the aforementioned at the election headquarters of this political force. He noted this while reflecting on the statements that rallies shall start as of Tuesday, and for the release of second President Robert Kocharyan, who has been remanded in custody.

As for Kocharyan considering his custody as a political vendetta, Pashinyan said: I dont think that Robert Kocharyan is accused of a conspiracy act. What occurred has occurred before everyones very eyes. Lets conduct a monitoring of what the journalists have written, what politicians have said after 2008, and it will be clear whether or not this is a vendetta. In the ten-year press, perhaps nothing [else] has been discussed as much as [the fact] that the perpetrators of March 1 [2008] shall face accountability, and the names of those perpetrators were clear.

So, if they shoot ten people [dead], its not a vendetta, but if a criminal case is underway for that, the case is being solved, is it already a vendetta?

Armenias second President Robert Kocharyanalong with several other former officialshas been charged within the framework of the criminal case into the tragic events that transpired in capital city Yerevan on March 1 and 2, 2008and under Article 300.1 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code; that is, breaching Armenias constitutional order, in conspiracy with others. Kocharyan has been remanded in custody along the lines of this criminal case.

On March 1 and 2, 2008 the then authorities of Armenia used force against the opposition members who were rallying in downtown Yerevan, and against the results of the then recent presidential election. Eight demonstrators as well as two servicemen of the internal troops were killed in the clashes. But no one had been brought to account for these deaths, to this day.
The early elections to the National Assembly of Armenia were held in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Code of Armenia. The elections were held on a multiparty basis, they were transparent and open, CIS observers said on Monday.

Election commissions of all levels provided conditions for the free expression of the will, the CIS observation mission said.

The mission, which has arrived at the invitation of the President of Armenia, included representatives of 8 CIS countries, the IPA CIS, the PA of the Belarus-Russia Union, the CIS Executive Committee.

The full text of the statement will be posted on the website of the CIS Executive Committee after the announcement of the official voting results by Armenias Central Electoral Commission.

The mission said they were working openly and without interfering with the electoral process and internal affairs of the country. The peculiarity of the current elections was a shortened campaign period. The mission confirms the findings of the 2017 elections and states that the Electoral Code provides for free and democratic elections.

The mission also pointed to an omission, namely that the elections were not continent for the disabled. The observers noted accurate work of the Central Electoral Commission which managed to organize elections in short terms.

The observers followed the election at 10 electoral distracts, and they were provided with an opportunity to study the work of the commission and had an access to the documents.

The Central Electoral Commission and commissions took the necessary measures to prepare and conduct the elections in accordance with the country's legislation and at a high organizational level.

At the same time, minor violations were recorded: some cases of damage to posters, placement of campaign materials in inappropriate places. To study reports of violations in the Prosecutor Generals Office has created a special working group. As of December 7, the group reviewed 59 publications in the media. The police reviewed 64 messages.

On the Election Day technical equipment was used to eliminate repeated voting. Overall, 1,500 precincts were equipped with video surveillance. Representatives of the CIS mission visited 677 precinct in 13 electoral districts. Technical equipment in general worked smoothly.

The observers reported about certain irregularities which could not affect the voting results. A large number of observers from 22 public organizations provided civilian control. CIS observers note that they give an assessment of the elections based on their own observation and analysis of factual material.
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Scammers Pretending To Be University Cops Are Asking Students For Nudes She Man

lop guest

User ID: 453356

12-10-2018 05:51 AM











Post: #1 Scammers Pretending To Be University Cops Are Asking Students For Nudes

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The actual FHSU police posted a statement on Friday from the Ford County Sheriffs Office telling students, obviously, not to give in to the demands of the caller.



The caller says theyre with the Fort Hays Police, and may give the name of Officer Lopez, or may not tell you a name. They ask that you go to a private location so you can have a confidential conversation, then ask that you search for FHSU Police on Google to see that the phone number matches the caller ID, the statement says.



The call appears to come from the actual FHSU police number. The statement continues:



Eventually they tell you that your name has come up in an investigation, and personal information has been comprised, possibly being used fraudulently. They may refer to a drug investigation, and state the origin of the investigation being in the Dominican Republic. They will ask for personal account information. They may ask you to send videos, including one of yourself, in the nude. They state this is so they can verify you dont have any drugs in your room, or on your person.



FHSU police said that if someone starts asking questions, the scam caller becomes agitated, possibly belligerent and may use profanity. The caller then says that if the student goes to the FHSU police station or tells anyone about the phone call, theyll be arrested. University police ask anyone who has been a victim of the scam to contact them.



The Wichita Eagle reports that police also had reports of the scam in Ford County and Dodge City, noting that Hays is in Ellis County.

https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/...23465.html Scammers in Kansas claiming to be Fort Hays State University (FHSU) police are asking students to send them nude videos to prove they dont have drugs on your person.The actual FHSU police posted a statement on Friday from the Ford County Sheriffs Office telling students, obviously, not to give in to the demands of the caller.The caller says theyre with the Fort Hays Police, and may give the name of Officer Lopez, or may not tell you a name. They ask that you go to a private location so you can have a confidential conversation, then ask that you search for FHSU Police on Google to see that the phone number matches the caller ID, the statement says.The call appears to come from the actual FHSU police number. The statement continues:Eventually they tell you that your name has come up in an investigation, and personal information has been comprised, possibly being used fraudulently. They may refer to a drug investigation, and state the origin of the investigation being in the Dominican Republic. They will ask for personal account information. They may ask you to send videos, including one of yourself, in the nude. They state this is so they can verify you dont have any drugs in your room, or on your person.FHSU police said that if someone starts asking questions, the scam caller becomes agitated, possibly belligerent and may use profanity. The caller then says that if the student goes to the FHSU police station or tells anyone about the phone call, theyll be arrested. University police ask anyone who has been a victim of the scam to contact them.The Wichita Eagle reports that police also had reports of the scam in Ford County and Dodge City, noting that Hays is in Ellis County.

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The 9 December early parliamentary elections were held with respect for fundamental freedoms and enjoyed broad public trust that needs to be preserved through further electoral reforms, says the statement on preliminary findings and conclusions published by the international observation mission.

Open political debate, including in the media, contributed to a vibrant campaign, although cases of inflammatory rhetoric online were of concern. The general absence of electoral malfeasance, including of vote- buying and pressure on voters, allowed for genuine competition. The integrity of campaign finance was undermined by a lack of regulation, accountability and transparency. Despite the shortened timeframe, the elections were well administered. Election day proceeded calmly and peacefully with all stages assessed positively by almost all IEOM observers, indicating general adherence to the procedures.

The elections were held following anti-government protests in April 2018, which resulted in the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan as the prime minister and a change of power, with a new government formed in May by Nikol Pashinyan. Draft amendments to significantly change the electoral system and transform it to a fully proportional one were submitted by the new government but ultimately did not receive a required three-fifths majority in parliament three days before the elections were called.

The elections are comprehensively regulated by the Constitution and the 2016 Electoral Code. The latest amendments from May 2018 expanded the list of those prohibited from campaigning, lifted restrictions for media observers and increased sanctions and penalties for electoral offenses, in line with previous ODIHR and Council of Europes Venice Commission recommendations. Criminal liability was introduced for forcing individuals to campaign and for the facilitation of vote-buying. Remaining ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations should be addressed, including those related to campaign finance regulations, limitations on legal standing for submitting electoral complaints, citizenship requirements for candidates and electoral threshold for alliances to enter parliament.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) conducted its work professionally and transparently and met all legal deadlines, despite the shortened timeframe. The CEC and the Territorial Election Commissions (TECs) enjoyed confidence among electoral stakeholders in the run up to the elections and held open sessions. The CEC conducted a comprehensive voter education campaign to encourage voting, explain voting procedures and warn against vote-buying. The Precinct Election Commissions (PECs) were formed and their members trained within deadlines. The trainings were generally assessed positively.

Final voter lists included a total of 2,573,779 voters, including a high number of citizens residing abroad. Most IEOM interlocutors expressed overall confidence in the accuracy of voter lists. The Passport and Visa Department of the Police undertook continuous efforts to update voter data. Those declared incapacitated by a court are not entitled to vote, despite international standards on removing all unreasonable restrictions on political rights of persons with disabilities.

Voters were identified on election day through the use of Voter Authentication Devices (VADs) which contain an electronic copy of the voter lists. Voter IDs were scanned through VADs to control whether voters were registered at the polling station and to prevent multiple voting. As an important measure to address instances of impersonation, and despite data privacy concerns, the CEC has an obligation to scan and publish online the voter lists containing personal data and signatures of voters who voted.

In an inclusive process, the CEC registered candidate lists of all nine political parties and two party alliances that applied. The law provides four seats for each of the largest national minorities, and three parties and one alliance nominated minority candidates for these elections. Existing restrictions on persons with more than one citizenship to stand for elections are at odds with OSCE commitments and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

Contestants were able to conduct their campaigns freely; fundamental freedoms of association, assembly, expression and movement were fully respected during the campaign. The official campaign period was very short, but campaigning started earlier, which is not prohibited by law. Disinformation, as well as inflammatory exchanges between some contestants, on social networks, were noted during

the campaign. To prevent misuse of administrative resources and pressure on public employees, authorities raised awareness about relevant prohibitions among local officials, school principals, health workers and others. Many IEOM interlocutors noted the political will expressed by authorities, electoral contestants and voters themselves to discourage the selling and buying of votes. Positively, electoral stakeholders did not report any systematic efforts of vote-buying and other electoral malfeasance. Several IEOM interlocutors alleged, however, that short-term contracting of a number of campaign workers and citizen observers was done, mainly by one contestant, possibly for the purpose of buying their votes.

All candidate lists met the 25 per cent gender quota requirement and women accounted for 32 per cent of the total of 1,444 candidates. This quota, however, does not ensure the same proportion of representation of women in the parliament, notably as half of the seats are distributed according to preferential votes. Parties rarely featured women candidates in their campaign  women only occasionally campaigned on their own and rarely appeared as speakers in rallies observed. Some women candidates were a target of disparaging rhetoric because of their gender.

Campaign funds may include contributions from voters, candidates and political parties, with limits set for both contributions and expenses. Reporting requirements for contributions received and expenses made before the start of the official campaign are ambiguous. In addition, some candidates confirmed to the ODIHR EOM that they were directly financing their campaigns, which bypasses official party campaign funds in contravention of the law. Contrary to previous ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations, organizational expenses such as for office space, communication, transportation and staff, are not considered as election related and may therefore remain unreported, undermining the transparency of campaign finance.

The media environment is diverse and the freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Constitution, was respected. Television is the primary source of political information, and the use of online media and social networks is significant. The ODIHR EOM media monitoring showed that the broadcasters made a visible effort to cover all electoral contestants, contributing to the diversity of information available for voters to make an informed choice. Many private outlets appear to be strongly associated with political parties, with some demonstrating clear preference. The public television provided a reasonably balanced coverage. Positively, a number of media, including the public television, organized genuine debates, bringing together candidates from all the contestants.

While no concerns about access to the complaint and appeal system were raised, only a limited number of complaints were filed with the election administration and the courts before election day. Contrary to previous ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations and international good practice, the legal standing to file complaints with regards to electoral process is largely limited to party proxies and commission members. The deadlines for submission of complaints are generally reasonable.

The law provides for observation in polling stations by international and citizens observers, media, as well as proxies of contestants. The CEC registered a total of 17,813 citizen observers from 22 organizations. Though there was a general effort by established and experienced civil society organizations to observe these elections, a number of IEOM interlocutors raised concerns about direct, including contractual, connections of some accredited citizen observers to political parties, which could compromise their impartiality. The relatively low number of citizen observers in polling stations, as compared to those accredited, indicated lack of genuine interest or intention by some to observe election-day proceedings.

Election day proceeded calmly, peacefully, free of pressure on or intimidation of voters, and was assessed positively by almost all IEOM observers. The opening of polling stations was assessed positively in all IEOM observations and polls generally opened on time. Voting was assessed positively in 99 per cent of observations reflecting the adherence of the PECs to procedures. The vote count was assessed positively in all but two polling stations observed, indicating that the counting process was conducted without significant procedural violations. Tabulation procedures were assessed positively in almost all TECs observed, despite a few organizational shortcomings.
Armenia is ready to establish diplomatic relations with Turkey but without any preliminary conditions concerning Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenias acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Monday, TASS reported.

"We are ready to establish direct relations with Turkey without any preliminary conditions and hope that Turkey takes the same position," he said.

"However relations with Turkey are linked with the problem of Nagorno-Karabakh, and a third country. I mean Azerbaijan," he noted.

While visiting Baku in September, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that relations with Armenia could not be improved until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was settled. In his words, Armenia should not count on opening the border with Turkey as long as "it is occupying 20% of Azerbaijans territory and is hampering the return of one million Azerbaijanis to their home land."

The conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was mainly populated by Armenians, broke out in the late 1980s.

In 1991-1994, the confrontation spilled over into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and some adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Thousands left their homes on both sides in a conflict that killed 30,000. A truce was called between Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh republic on one side and Azerbaijan on the other in May 1994.

Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been held since 1992 in the format of the so-called OSCE Minsk Group, comprising along with its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States - Belarus, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Finland and Turkey.
Story Highlights Desire to migrate in Northern America up for the first time

U.S. still No. 1 desired destination for potential migrants

18 countries attract two-thirds of all potential migrants worldwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After the migrant crisis swept Europe in 2015, migration emerged as a dominant, divisive issue not only in European politics, where anti-migrant parties gained power, but also in politics elsewhere around the world. This includes the U.S., where President Donald Trump's demand for funding for a border wall with Mexico could lead to a partial government shutdown yet this year.

Instead of any of this acting as a deterrent, Gallup World Poll surveys find people's desire to migrate permanently to another country actually increased between 2015 and 2017. Gallup's surveys throughout this period found 15% of the world's adults -- or more than 750 million people -- saying they would like to move to another country if they had the opportunity. This is up from 14% between 2013 and 2016 and 13% between 2010 and 2012, but still lower than the 16% between 2007 and 2009.

Desire to Migrate Up Worldwide Ideally, if you had the opportunity, would you like to move PERMANENTLY to another country, or would you prefer to continue living in this country? 2010-2012 2013-2016 2015-2017 % % % Sub-Saharan Africa 30 31 33 Latin America and Caribbean 18 23 27 Europe (non-European Union) 21 27 26 Middle East and North Africa 19 22 24 European Union 20 21 21 Commonwealth of Independent States 15 14 15 Northern America 10 10 14 Australia/New Zealand/Oceania 9 10 9 East Asia 8 7 8 South Asia 8 8 8 Southeast Asia 7 7 7 World 13 14 15 Note: Figures represent percentage who would like to move if they could Gallup World Poll

See how your country would change if everyone moved where they wanted, and find out more about how Gallup arrives at these estimates, by visiting the Migration Research Center.

Gallup's latest update on adults' desire to move to another country is based on a rolling average of interviews with 453,122 adults in 152 countries and areas between 2015 and 2017. This analysis period coincided with the migrant crisis that started in Europe in 2015, in which tens of thousands of migrants and refugees have since died trying to reach the continent.

In addition to the political backlash against this wave, the analysis period also overlapped with the subsequent development of the legally nonbinding agreement that many U.N. member states are expected to formally adopt this week that sets objectives to make migration "safe, orderly and regular."

Desire Up in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Middle East and Northern America

While shy of the record-high 16%, the desire to migrate has rebounded since the years after the Great Recession, as conflict, famine and disaster continue to drive people from their homes in some parts of the world. Desire increased most between the 2010-2012 and 2015-2017 periods in a number of regions already known for sending migrants, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa.

But desire is also up significantly in Northern America, where 14% want to migrate after years of remaining flat near 10%. This is almost entirely driven by increases in the U.S. in 2016 and 2017. The one in six Americans (16%) in 2017 who said they would like to move to another country is the highest measure to date.

Yet in other places, desire to migrate has not changed much at all for years. In all regions of Asia, for example, the percentage of adults who would like to move to another country permanently has remained flat. In Europe, while desire to migrate has increased among residents of non-EU member states (which includes the Balkans), desire has remained flat among EU member states overall.

In 13 countries, at least half of the adult population would like to move to another country if they had the chance. These countries represent nearly every region of the world -- except for Northern America and Asia -- and most of them were going through or are still going through some sort of upheaval. Sierra Leone and Liberia, for example, were still in the grips of an Ebola outbreak when Gallup surveyed residents in those countries.

Countries Where at Least Half of Adults Would Like to Move Desire to migrate % Sierra Leone 71 Liberia 66 Haiti 63 Albania 60 El Salvador 52 Congo (Kinshasa) 50 Ghana 49 Dominican Republic 49 Nigeria 48 Armenia 47 Honduras 47 Syria 46 Kosovo 46 Gallup World Poll, 2015-2017

U.S. Still Top Desired Destination for Potential Migrants

The countries where potential migrants say they would like to move -- if they could -- have generally been the same for the past 10 years. In fact, roughly 18 countries attract two-thirds of all potential migrants worldwide.

Although the image of U.S. leadership took a beating between 2016 and 2017, the U.S. continues to be the most desired destination country for potential migrants, as it has since Gallup started tracking these patterns a decade ago.

One in five potential migrants (21%) -- or about 158 million adults worldwide -- name the U.S. as their desired future residence. Canada, Germany, France, Australia and the United Kingdom each appeal to more than 30 million adults.

Top Desired Destinations for Potential Migrants To which country would you like to move? 2010-2012 2015-2017 Estimated number of adults % % (in millions) United States 22 21 158 Canada 6 6 47 Germany 4 6 42 France 5 5 36 Australia 4 5 36 United Kingdom 7 4 34 Saudi Arabia 5 3 24 Spain 4 3 21 Japan 2 2 17 Italy 3 2 15 Switzerland 2 2 14 United Arab Emirates 2 2 12 Singapore 1 1 11 Sweden 1 1 9 China 1 1 9 New Zealand 1 1 9 Russia 1 1 8 Netherlands 1 1 7 South Africa 1 1 7 Brazil 1 1 6 South Korea 1 1 6 Turkey * 1 6 *Less than 0.5% Gallup World Poll, 2015-2017

Implications

While this increase in the desire to migrate may set off alarms among those who would like to see fewer people on the move, Gallup typically finds that the percentage of those who have plans to move is much lower than the percentage who would like to move. Those smaller Gallup figures actually track quite well with the U.N.'s data on migrant flows.

Still, while these dreams will only come true for some people who desire to migrate, who these potential migrants are, where they'd like to leave and where they'd like to go all provide important information for leaders about who they might lose and who they are attracting. And the actions that many U.N. member states take in Morocco this week could help ensure that the journey will be safe, orderly and regular -- if people do decide to move.

For complete methodology and specific survey dates, please review Gallup's Country Data Set details.

Learn more about how the Gallup World Poll works.
Story Highlights In borderless world, Japan would see its total adult population increase by 1%

Brexit vote chills desires of highly educated to move to the U.K.

Canada more likely than U.S. to attract highly educated migrants

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- While many countries are turning migrants away, Japan's demographic woes are forcing it to turn to migrants to help solve the country's labor shortages. Lawmakers there passed a controversial law Saturday that allows more foreign workers to come to the country, starting next year.

Japan may need these migrants to shore up its shrinking, rapidly aging workforce, but Gallup's latest Potential Net Migration Index (PNMI) suggests that the traditionally insular country has a long way to go to make it an attractive destination to them.

If everyone worldwide moved where they wanted, the index shows Japan's population would increase by 1%. And while it could see its population of young people increase by 51%, its highly educated population would fall by 8%. Most of these people would come from Southeast Asia.

Potential Net Migration in Aging Japan Potential Net Migration Index Potential Net Brain Gain Index Potential Net Youth Migration Index % % % Japan 1 -8 51 Based on surveys in 152 countries and areas between 2015 and 2017. Gallup World Poll

These results are based on Gallup surveys of the migration desires of more than 450,000 adults in 152 countries between 2015 and 2017. Gallup created three indexes to gauge the likely changes to a country's population if people who say they would like to migrate permanently actually move where they want.

Gallup's PNMI measures the total potential net change to the adult population. The Potential Net Brain Gain Index measures the potential net change to the population with the equivalent of a bachelor's degree or higher. The Potential Net Youth Migration Index measures the net change to the 15- to 29-year-old population.

See how your country would change if everyone moved where they wanted and find out more about how Gallup arrives at these estimates at its Migration Research Center.

Other Developed Countries Could Share Japan's Demographic Fate

Absent migration, Japan's population expected to shrink by as much as 13% over the next 25 years. But it isn't alone.

Other developed countries -- such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Canada -- are contending with aging, shrinking workforces, labor shortages and low fertility rates, and could eventually share a similar fate. But Gallup's data show that for now, these countries are much more attractive destinations than Japan.

PNMI scores in these four countries are all safely in positive territory, meaning that more adults would like to come to them than leave them. But while each of these populations hypothetically would see their youth populations bloom, based on their Potential Net Youth Migration Index scores, they would not see a similarly large influx of educated workers, based on their Potential Net Brain Gain Index scores.

Potential Net Migration in Rapidly Aging Developed Countries Potential Net Migration Index Potential Net Brain Gain Index Potential Net Youth Migration Index % % % Canada 147 120 343 United States 46 7 112 France 44 27 170 United Kingdom 37 -1 133 Based on surveys conducted in 152 countries between 2015 and 2017 Gallup World Poll

Brexit Chills Desire Among Educated to Move to the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, where official net migration figures have been falling since the referendum vote, stands out among this group because at -1%, it is the only one with a negative Potential Net Brain Gain Index. Before the referendum, between 2010 and 2012, the score was 21%.

The referendum's chilling -- if not freezing -- effect on the most educated potential migrants could have serious implications for universities and other industries that are worried about attracting educated international talent to the United Kingdom.

Canada More Attractive Than U.S. to Educated Potential Migrants

Although the migration debate has roiled Canada and the United States, the status quo remains much the same in these two countries, compared with Gallup's earlier studies. The U.S. continues to be the more popular destination of the two, but Canada continues to be more attractive to more-educated potential migrants than the United States is.

This remains consistent with earlier Gallup research that shows the U.S. appeals more to the youngest and least-educated potential migrants, while those who choose Canada are, on average, slightly older and more educated.

Bottom Line

Gallup's PNMI provides useful information about who these countries are attracting around the world and the areas where they need to work to ensure they retain the talent already at home. This is true particularly for countries with aging, shrinking workforces that may, like Japan, have to make some hard decisions further down the road.

After years of draconian limits on migration, Japan is now reluctantly looking to migrants for rescue. But based on people's desire to move right now, Japan may want migrants more than they want Japan.

Dato Tsabutashvili contributed to this analysis.

For complete methodology and specific survey dates, please review Gallup's Country Data Set details.

Learn more about how the Gallup World Poll works.
Two Roman Catholic nuns have admitted to embezzling $500,000 from a parochial school in Torrance, California, according to news reports. They are believed to have spent some of the money on travel and casino gambling.

It is with much sadness that I am informing families of St. James School that an internal investigation has revealed that, over a period of years, Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper and Sister Lana Chang have been involved in the personal use of a substantial amount of School funds, Monsignor Michael Meyers wrote in a letter dated Nov. 28.

The matter came to the attention of church officials in an audit related to a change in leadership at the school, Meyers said. No other school personnel are believed to be involved in the embezzlement.

Sister Mary Margaret had been principal of the school for 28 years before retiring in June, CNN said. Sister Lana was an eighth grade teacher for 20 years at the K-8 school. She also retired this year.

Sister Mary Margaret and Sister Lana have expressed to me and asked that I convey to you, the deep remorse they each feel for their actions and ask for your forgiveness and prayers, Meyers letter said. They and their Order pray that you have not lost trust or faith in the educators and administrators of the school.

Initially, the church indicated that it would not press charges against the women because they had expressed remorse, the Long Beach Press-Telegram said. But ABC News reported on Sunday that a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said that it will pursue a criminal case because the investigation has deepened.

This story has been updated to specify the location of the school.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
The Chinese foreign ministry on Sunday summoned U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad to protest the detention of a senior tech executive by the Canadian authorities "at the unreasonable behest of the United States."

Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng demanded the release of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, who is accused by U.S. officials of attempting to circumvent U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Meng, 46, was bound for Mexico when she was detained while changing planes in Vancouver, Canada, more than a week ago. Huawei is China's largest manufacturer of telecommunications equipment. Meng is also the daughter of the company's founder.

A Canadian bail hearing for Meng that began last week will continue Monday. Prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley wants her held without bail, saying she faces fraud charges in the U.S. that could result in a prison sentence of 30 years.

Authorities say Huawei did business with Iran through a shell company in Hong Kong. Gibb-Carsley said Meng has been aware of the charges and avoided the U.S. for months  despite allowing her son to attend school in Boston.

"What the United States has done severely violates Chinese citizen's legitimate rights and interests, and is vile in nature," Le said in a statement through the state-run Xinhua news agency. "China will respond further according to the U.S. side's actions."

More: Chinese state media brand U.S. 'despicable rogue' over exec arrest

More: 'Entire world is worried' after rancorous Asia-Pacific trade summit

On Saturday, Canadian Ambassador John McCallum was similarly summoned and chastised. The legal imbroglio has led to some unease among Canadian businesses and political leaders. But Roland Paris, a former foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, took to Twitter to warn that threats from China would be fruitless.

"Perhaps because the Chinese state controls its judicial system, Beijing sometimes has difficulty understanding or believing that courts can be independent in a rule-of-law country," Paris tweeted. "Theres no point in pressuring the Canadian government. Judges will decide."

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Paris also had a suggestion for Chinese business leaders: "If youre a high-profile Chinese tech executive targeted by the US in an escalating hegemonic struggle between the US and China, please do not change planes in Canada. Thank you."

China Daily, an English-language newspaper seen as the government mouthpiece, claimed Meng's arrest proved "the U.S. is trying to do whatever it can to contain Huaweis expansion in the world." The publication was dismissive of what it called a "Cold War mentality" toward China.

The issue surfaces in the midst of a U.S.-China trade war that saw President Donald Trump slap tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods. The administration also has warned that duties on another $267 billion in goods could be coming, which would subject to tariff virtually all Chinese-made products shipped into the U.S.

China retaliated by levying tariffs on $110 billion worth of a wide variety of U.S. products, including farm equipment, soybeans, electric cars, orange juice, whiskey, salmon and cigars.

The trade clash had appeared to be cooling, with the U.S. and China agreeing to suspend additional tariffs for 90 days. Last week, Chinas government said it would promptly carry out a tariff cease-fire with Washington and expressed confidence that a trade agreement can be reached within the three-month timeline.

Trump's response on Twitter was also encouraging: "I agree!"

Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard; Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Angry China summons US ambassador over arrest of tech exec Meng Wanzhou
Police are investigating anti-Semitic pamphlets found in Pittsburgh, including the Squirrel Hill neighborhood where a gunman killed 11 people and injured six others at a synagogue in October.

Such hate-filled material will not be tolerated in Pittsburgh  not by residents, City officials nor Law Enforcement, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police said in a statement Sunday.

We are taking this matter very seriously and will follow every investigative avenue, the statement continued. Pittsburgh is and will remain Stronger than Hate.

Photos circulated online Sunday, the eighth night of Hanukkah, purporting to show the pamphlets in question. A spokesman for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police declined to comment further at this time, citing the ongoing investigation. He declined to confirm the authenticity of the photos.

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh CEO Jeff Finkelstein told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he saw photos of the apparent pamphlets on Facebook and that they appeared to be recruitment information for the Ku Klux Klan.

This is a prime example of how hateful people dont only hate one group of people, Finkelstein told the Post-Gazette. We are committed to the safety and security of the Greater Pittsburgh Jewish community. We have the utmost confidence in our local and national law enforcement as they investigate.

A menorah is installed outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in preparation for a celebration service at sundown on the first night of Hanukkah, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

On the morning of Oct. 27, police say 46-year-old Robert Bowers wielded an assault rifle and carried at least three handguns with him when he opened fire on the Tree of Life Congregation.

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Bowers, who had a history of posting anti-Semitic comments online prior to the attack, has been charged in a 44-count indictment with murder, hate crimes and other offenses that could bring the death penalty. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held in Butler County Prison.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
In this article:

Mesut Ozils back problem could be down to playing Fortnite

Arsenal star Mesut Ozils back problems could be down to playing too much of the video game Fortnite.

Ozil has missed Arsenals past three Premier League games with a back issue, after being benched for the victory at Bournemouth.

And an expert in Germany believes that his obsession with the popular video game is not helping.

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Yes, that can be the cause of Ozils back problems, an anonymous university professor for prevention and rehabilitation in sport told German publication BILD.

A competitive athlete feels the consequences of hours of inactivity much faster than a non-athlete.

This is because Ozils physical structures are highly tuned due to his intense training.

A non-athlete, however, does not notice that.

Lots of Premier League stars play Fortnite and Ozil has created his own Professional Esports team as a result.
The UK can unilaterally revoke its withdrawal from the EU, the European Court of Justice declared today.In a dramatic ruling delivered as Theresa May makes her final push to win over MPs ahead of the crucial vote on her Brexit deal, the court ruled that Britain is free to revoke its notification.

The court found that if the UK does decide to revoke Article 50 and stop the Brexit process it would remain in the EU as a member state and the revocation must be decided following democratic process.

A spokeswoman for the court said: In todays judgment, the Full Court has ruled that, when a Member State has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the European Union, as the UK has done, that Member State is free to revoke unilaterally that notification.

Theresa May leaves church in her Maidenhead constituency on Sunday ahead of a crucial week for Brexit. (PA)

Brexit countdown: What happens from here? (PA)

The prime ministers withdrawal agreement has already been endorsed by the 27 other EU leaders but now it faces its toughest test in parliament.

Remain MPs hailed the judgment as a sign that Mrs Mays Brexit deal is not the only option and that Britain can change course and remain.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, however, insisted the ruling does not alter the Governments intention to leave the EU in March 2019.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: We voted very clearly  17.4 million people sent a clear message that we wanted to leave the European Union and that means also leaving the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

Mr Gove also confirmed that the vote on the Prime Ministers Brexit deal will go ahead on Tuesday.

The judgment added: That possibility exists for as long as a withdrawal agreement concluded between the EU and that Member State has not entered into force or, if no such agreement has been concluded, for as long as the two-year period from the date of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, and any possible extension, has not expired.

The court ruled, contrary to the UK Governments position, that the case is relevant and not hypothetical.

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However, the UK Government has said its policy is not to revoke Article 50.

The case was brought by a cross-party group of Scottish politicians, Labour MEPs Catherine Stihler and David Martin, SNP MP Joanna Cherry and MEP Alyn Smith, and Green MSPs Andy Wightman and Ross Greer, together with lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project.

Tommy Robinson takes part in a Brexit Betrayal march and rally organised by Ukip in central London on Sunday. (PA)

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, pictured last week, said the ruling does not change the referendum vote. (PA)

They argued that unilateral revocation is possible and believe it could pave the way for an alternative option to Brexit, such as a Peoples Vote to enable remaining in the EU.

The Scottish Government said the ruling provided another option apart from the Prime Ministers deal or no deal.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that extending Article 50 to allow for another vote and then revoking it if the outcome was Remain now seemed an option open to the House of Commons.

Lib Dem Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: The ECJ has made clear that the UK can stop Brexit unilaterally. The Government can therefore prevent a chaotic no-deal.

For the sake of peoples livelihoods, the Prime Minister must end the uncertainty and rule out a no-deal.

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It is clear any Brexit will make people poorer and reduce the UKs standing in the world.

MPs should not only vote down Theresa Mays deal, but back a Peoples Vote with the option to remain in the EU.

SNP MEP Alyn Smith, one of a cross-party group of Scottish politicians who brought the case, said it was dynamite.

He said: Bringing the case was a risk but it has worked better than we could have hoped for.



Our case has confirmed, once and for all and from the highest court in the business, that the UK can indeed change its mind on Brexit and revoke Article 50, unilaterally.

The timing is sublime. As colleagues in the House of Commons consider Mrs Mays disastrous deal we now have a roadmap out of this Brexit shambles.

A bright light has switched on above an EXIT sign.




Peter Jacksons adaptation of Mortal Engines is in UK cinemas now, giving fans of the Philip Reeves books their chance to finally see his incredible world brought to life 17 years after it was first published.

The film, directed by first time filmmaker Christian Rivers, is a fairly faithful adaptation of the first instalment in the four-book saga. However, as producer and co-screenwriter Peter Jackson explains, they had to make a big change to one small detail from the book.

Warning: Minor Mortal Engines spoilers incoming

Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar) looks out at the giant mobile city of London where she seeks an audience with the man who killed her mother (Universal)

The film opens with the armoured city of London tracking down a smaller mobile city in the wastelands of the post-apocalyptic future. However, life goes on for the residents of London including apprentice historian Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan) who is going about his daily business working in the citys museum.

One of the museums exhibitions is titled Deities of Lost America, and in the film those deities are represented by large plastic Minions statues which Tom clumsily nearly knocks over. Fans of the book will remember that the animal-headed gods of lost America were actually statues of Disneys Mickey Mouse and Pluto.

Peter Jackson tells Yahoo Movies that they had to change the statues to the Despicable Me spin-off stars for economical  and obviously corporate  reasons.

In the book its Mickey Mouse, Jackson explains in our interview above.

And we couldnt get Mickey Mouse was too expensive. But Universal have the rights other characters and  as it is  I think theyre funnier [to use] than Mickey Mouse, based on the context of how theyre used in the movie.

The joke is that the people in the far-future world of Mortal Engines believe that 21st century America worshipped the Minions as deities, and the Minions are many things, but theyre not godly.

The Minions in Despicable Me 3. (Photo: Illumination/ Everett Collection)

Universal Pictures, the distributor of Mortal Engines, is also the home of the Despicable Me and Minions films so not only is it a funny gag, its also a nice bit of cross-promotion for the animated franchise.

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The Minions recently returned for Yellow Is The New Black a new short film which plays in front of Illumination Studios The Grinch. Theyre set to return in Minions 2, another feature-length adventure hitting cinemas in 2020.

Mortal Engines is in cinemas now. Watch a clip of Robert Sheehan as Tom Natsworthy in the London Museum below.





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Erik Prince, founder and CEO of Blackwater Worldwide, in 2008. (Photo: Gerry Broome/AP)

MIDDLEBURG, Va.  A cheery fire warmed the glass-walled conservatory of the Goodstone Inn in Virginias horse country, as diners sampled the featured wine and meats on the menu of the evenings farm and vine dinner series.

Tender veal-cheek tortellini floated in a delicate consomme flecked with herbs, followed by braised short ribs enshrined in a rosemary demi-glace atop smoked celery root and a potato confit.

Waiters rushed to refill glasses with wine from a local vineyard, and the hotels Belgian chef demonstrated a technique for perfectly removing the top of an egg, which he used as a base for serving an oxtail ragout with truffles.

What made the meal unique was the source of the meat. From veal cheek to oxtail, it was supplied by Blackwater Beef, a company whose name is known around the globe, but for something other than gourmet provisions: as the worlds most famous, and notorious, private security contractor.

The venture is an attempt at brand extension by Erik Prince, the well-connected founder of Blackwater, which began supplying private security services to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan more than a decade ago. The companys initial success with Defense Department and CIA contracts was followed by a series of scandals, including the 2007 Nisour Square massacre in Iraq, in which Blackwater contractors killed more than a dozen civilians. Criminal litigation related to the shooting is still working its way through U.S. courts.

Prince, a former Navy SEAL and the brother of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, was accused of hiring mercenaries, a term he resents. Theyre not mercenaries, he said in an interview last year. He was not charged with a crime in connection with the deaths.

Yet dogged by controversy, he first rebranded Blackwater as Xe Services, and then sold the company to new owners, who sought to distance the business even further from the tainted Blackwater name by christening it with the bland name of Academi.

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Yet Prince never gave up on his core belief that the private sector can take on many of the tasks ordinarily done by uniformed troops. In more recent years, Prince has turned his attention to other ventures, including Frontier Services Group, a Hong Kong-based logistics and aviation company working in Africa.

Photo: Chuck Kennedy/MCT/MCT via Getty Images

Controversy still follows Prince, who has even figured in the Russia investigation headed by special counsel Robert Mueller, who is reportedly looking into a January 2017 meeting in the Seychelles between Prince and Kirill Dmitriev, the head of a Russian investment fund. In congressional testimony, Prince said he was there to talk with UAE officials, and the encounter with Dmitriev, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was more of a last-minute meeting at the bar.

But nothing of that controversy was discussed at the communal dinner table last week in Middleburg, a city just over an hours drive from Washington that advertises itself as the nations horse and hunt capital, where upscale coffee shops and restaurants are decorated in fox-hunting themes and express support for the military. Middleburg is also where Prince owns a lavish estate that is now dedicated to his latest business venture.

Prince is still pursuing his military interests, however. Last year, he wrote a lengthy op-ed in the New York Times, arguing to turn a large part of the war in Afghanistan over to private contractors. He spent the next month running around Washington, PowerPoint briefing in hand, trying to sell his proposal. Yet despite a seemingly sympathetic president in the White House, and his sister in the Cabinet, Princes proposal has so far not gained much traction.

Compared to the public blitz Prince conducted for his Afghanistan plan, his turn to raising Black Angus cattle on his farm here was done with little fanfare. He hasnt kept it a secret  Blackwater beef has a website for direct sales, including a subscription plan, and a Facebook page advertising the schedule of a food truck emblazoned with the Blackwater logo  but neither has he publicly promoted it. A recent cover story in Middleburg Life magazine featured Brett Miller, the head of the ranch. Prince is mentioned only in passing, described by Miller as operating a company in Africa building infrastructure there, trying to get water to communities to better the lives of the human race

Of course, its easy to see why Prince, who was nowhere to be seen that day on the ranch, might want Miller as the public face of his beef business. A soft spoken Wyoming native and a former bodybuilder, Miller cultivates his cowboy image. In an interview at the ranch just before the dinner, he wants to discuss beef, not politics, and he speaks enthusiastically about the cattle hes raising on Princes farm.

Sitting upstairs in a large hall above the office, with a disco ball hanging above (Prince built the space for family gatherings, though its been used most recently for a cattle ranchers event), Miller talks about his vision for the business. The reason I like Black Angus is because of the genetics, he said. They grow fast, theyre efficient cattle, they have smaller frames so your weight isnt all in bone.

Photo: Blackwaterbeef.com

The beef business isnt easy, Miller acknowledges. The margins for selling to restaurants are horrible, he says, and selling direct to individual consumers isnt always practical. So, hes turned in part to a subscription business, where consumers can order home delivery. A Howdy YAll Starter Beef Box goes for $79 plus shipping, or at the high-end, for $1,995, subscribers can get quarterly deliveries of a Rancher  Beef.

Im actually probably selling more than I expected. But selling it in different ways than I expected, Miller says. I thought my subscription leg of business was ingenious and the door would just be knocked down with people wanting to subscribe and that hasnt been the case. Theres a good number, but that hasnt been the case.

What has been a hit, he says, are Blackwater beef sticks and beef jerky. People are insane for that, he says. Another success has been the food truck, which is essentially a mobile marketing platform. People taste the meat and theyre like, Oh, well. Geez. Yeah. I want to get some more. I want to buy some more. And same thing with the beef sticks and jerky. Its like they taste it and theyre like, Well, what else you got? he says.

The companys food truck made its debut earlier this year at a four-day skydiving event at Orange County Airport, according to Emily Miller, Bretts wife, who handles marketing. What that is is basically all the jumpers from the CIA, the FBI, you know, the intelligence agencies, she said.

But the business isnt just focused on customers from the military and intelligence communities. At one point, Blackwater Beef was even advertising a goat yoga event. That was Emilys brainchild, Brett Miller said laughing, noting that he and his colleague were teased about the event (which was ultimately canceled due to cold weather and lack of space.

The dinner at the Goodstone was also Emily Millers idea. There were no signs of Prince at the dinner, though at the center of one of the tables was a nameplate for Stacy Prince, Erik Princes wife and a former Blackwater spokesperson. Her chair remained empty throughout the meal, however.

Prince, who was recently seen in D.C. eating a beet salad, did not respond to request for comment on his new venture.

In some respects, the Blackwater beef venture is a reminder of how deeply divided the country has become. In Middleburg, Prince is a welcome neighbor, not a pariah like he is in some Washington circles. At dinner, Mark Betts, the hotels owner, lavished praise on the Blackwater founder.

Photo: Sharon Weinberger/Yahoo News

Betts, who previously hosted a book party for Prince, calls him a great American and a good businessman.

If Prince is a bogeyman to some, Brett and Emily Miller make for a charming counterpoint. Funny and open, they are aware of, but dont seem bothered by, the politics that swirl around their boss. Talking about a recent trip to Washington, Miller recalled visiting Princes most famous relative.

Well, I think that wherever Eriks sister works, Betsy DeVos, shes the secretary of education, she says she is going to rent the food truck for the day and feed the building, he said. (A spokesperson for the Department of Education told Yahoo News she wasnt aware of any time that a food truck has been or would be invited to the building.)

Miller sees other big things for the business. Blackwater Beef could cater local agricultural events, like the Cattlemens Association, or even weddings. We could do high end. Its not our forte, though. But we could appeal to a much more economic wedding reception with the food truck and the catering.

He also wants to expand the food truck business, both in number and reach, even sending a truck to Washington, D.C. He envisions a restaurant chain called BWB, short for Blackwater Beef, Blackwater Burger.

The ultimate question is whether the Blackwater name can sell beef, or at least not turn people off. Justified or not, Princes business ventures, from armed crop-dusters to a security training school in China, are all scrutinized.

Just how tarnished is the Blackwater name depends on who you ask. At the reception before the dinner, the head of a prominent Washington-based nonprofit who was staying at the hotel for a brief getaway, had signed up for the dinner on a lark. Told that the dinner was featuring Blackwater Beef, his eyes opened wide. You mean, that Blackwater? he asked.

Even Prince has acknowledged the Blackwater name took a beating. The Blackwater name got so tarnished and so blown out by one event in Iraq, he told a UAE newspaper earlier this year. In the Iraq war, the anti-war left went after the contractors.

Yet Prince has also always believed that his ideas  and the Blackwater brand  will ultimately prevail. While the successor to Blackwater fled the name, Prince embraced it, retaining rights to use it. According to friends, he strongly believes it can be resurrected. Another venture Prince launched this year, Blackwater Ammunition, is more in line with his business experience.

Photo: Sharon Weinberger/Yahoo News

Some of his previous attempts to market the Blackwater brand didnt end well, though. The Blackwater Pro shop in North Carolina, which sold Blackwater-themed clothing and gear, closed after less than a year. And the domain for the Blackwaterbrand.com website, which also sold gear emblazoned with the Blackwater logo, is now up for sale.

Would the Blackwater name stop people from buying the beef? Weve had our own debates whether it helps or hurts, Miller said, but I think it helps immensely.

Miller says the Blackwater name ultimately wont harm the company. It doesnt matter what business  my contention has always been I dont care what business youre near. Youre always gonna have haters, Miller said. Theres a certain percentage of the population that doesnt want to do business with you for whatever reason.

There are more than 6 million people in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area, which provides more than enough potential customers, says Miller. Maybe Blackwater Beef is fine with alienating those who dislike what Prince represents, and the vegetarians are already out of the equation.

Yet back in Washington, Prince is still a frequent target. Earlier this month, the Daily Beast reported that Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee want him to come testify again as part of the Russia investigation. And stories on Princes latest security ventures continue to get regular  and typically negative  media coverage.

Miller, however, is unfazed. Erik has his group of people that dont like him, he said. There are liberals that dont like him. But its not to the degree that he thinks it is.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:




Wellington (AFP) - A body, believed to be that of murdered British backpacker Grace Millane, was found Sunday on the outskirts of Auckland, New Zealand police said.

Formal identification would take place Monday, but police were confident the search for Millane had come to an end.

"Based on the evidence we have gathered over the past few days we expect that this is Grace," Detective Inspector Scott Beard said.

"It is an unbearable time for the Millane family and our hearts go out to them."

A 26-year-old man was arrested on Saturday and charged with murder although no body had been found at that stage.

Beard said then that based on evidence uncovered during the investigation, they knew Grace was no longer alive.

Millane, 22, was last seen alive a week ago entering an inner-city hotel in Auckland with the man.

She was on a year-long worldwide holiday after graduating from university and had kept in daily contact with her family until the night before her 22nd birthday last weekend.

Her father David, who reported her as missing, arrived in New Zealand on Friday and issued an emotional appeal for information relating to the disappearance of his "fun-loving, outgoing and family-orientated" daughter.

Police said there was no suggestion Millane previously knew the man she was seen entering the hotel with, but would not speculate on how they met.
Sergeant Ron Helus, who was killed 7 November, 2018, in a deadly shooting at a country music bar in Thousand Oaks, California. Authorities say Helus was shot five times by a gunman who killed 11 others, but struck fatally by a bullet fired by a highway patrolman: AP/Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A police sergeant who died trying to stop a gunman after he opened fire in California bar was killed by a fellow officers bullet.

Sergeant Ron Helus was shot five times by Marine veteran Ian Long after he sprayed bullets into a crowd at a country music night in Thousand Oaks on 7 November, killing 12 people.

But police have revealed none of Long's bullets was responsible for Sgt Helus' death. He was in fact killed by the highway patrolman who had also rushed to help and opened fire on the gunman.

LD Maples, chief of the California Highway Patrol's coastal division said that the patrolman "had no clue" that he had been responsible.

It surprised all of us," he said. "Hes devastated.

The patrolman, who is currently on leave from the force, was only identified as a nine-year veteran of the department.

Were trying to take care of him right now, Chief Maples added.

Police did not give any details on Longs motive or any other update about the investigation

Sgt Helus was wearing a bulletproof vest when he was shot, but officials did not say where the bullet entered his body.

His wounds from Longs handgun were serious, but potentially survivable, including two that hit the edge of his vest, according to the countys chief medical examiner Christopher Young.

People comfort each other as they stand near the scene 8 November, 2018, in Thousand Oaks, California, where a gunman opened fire inside a country dance bar crowded with hundreds of people on

Most body armour worn by police officers in the United States can be pierced by bullets from an assault rifle, Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said.

Stronger armour is available, often at an officers own expense, but many dont like it, he said, as it can be heavy and cause fatigue.

Mr Ayub said the revelation that Sgt Helus was killed by a fellow officer did not diminish the heroism shown by both men, and that no one was to blame but the gunman himself.

He went there with a plan and a purpose and that was to take innocent lives, he said. The burden lies solely with him, not with those who tried to save lives.

A family photo shown during a video montage of Ventura County Sheriff Sgt. Ron Helus with his wife Karen and son Jordan years ago. Sgt. Helus was one of twelve victims of the Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, on 7 November, 2018. (EPA)

Long threw smoke grenades into Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles, at 11.20pm local time on 7 November and began firing into a crowd of about 200 people.

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He used a flashlight with a laser sight attached to his .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol as he fired.

Panicked revellers ran for the doors, dived under tables and piled on top of each other in an effort to dodge the gunfire.

Others ran for their lives through other exits or broke through windows and jumped out, injuring themselves in the flight.

Long, a Marine veteran, took a tactical position and lay in wait for the officers.

Sgt Helus, a 29-year veteran of the department, was close to retirement when he was killed.

He is survived by a wife and son.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
The Prime Minister will travel to Europe to seek reassurances on the backstop from fellow leaders and EU officials. (PA Images)

Theresa May has delayed a vote on her Brexit deal after accepting she was heading for a humiliating loss.

The PM told the Commons she would now try and secure additional reassurance on the Irish backstop from the EU before MPs vote on the deal she has negotiated.

She also told MPs the Government was stepping up its no-deal Brexit planning.

Paedophile Russell Bishop has been found guilty of the Babes in the Wood murder in 1986.

The killer, now 52, walked free after the sexually motivated murders of nine-year-old Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows following a botched police investigation.

Bishop, who is serving a life sentence for the sexual assault and attempted murder of another seven-year-old, was initially charged with in 1987, but was cleared by a jury after a catalogue of forensic mistakes.

RAF Typhoons have been scrambled in response to unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace carrying the latest Meteor air-to-air missile for the first time, the Ministry of Defence said.

The quick reaction alert mission was undertaken as a precautionary measure

No intercept took place and the jets later returned to the base in Moray, northeast Scotland.

The MoD has not confirmed any further details about the unidentified aircraft.

Khai Ho shows his empty kitchen cupboards. (Caters)

A pizza delivery driver has claimed he is a breatharian who doesnt need food to live.

Khai Ho, 38, from Birkenhead, Liverpool, claims he can live on just 100 calories a week and gets his nutrients from the air and the sun.
Washington (AFP) - Retired Marine Corps general John Kelly was brought in as US President Donald Trump's chief of staff to bring order to what was seen as a White House in disarray.

Sixteen months later, Kelly is gone amid reports that his relationship with the volatile Trump had deteriorated to such an extent they were no longer on speaking terms.

On Saturday Trump told reporters that Kelly, 68, would be leaving at the end of the year and "I appreciate his service very much."

Four months earlier, the chief of staff had said he expected to remain in the White House through Trump's 2020 reelection campaign.

Although Kelly is credited with bringing some discipline to the Oval Office, his tenure was hardly smooth.

Kelly was serving as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security when he was brought in on July 31, 2017 to replace Reince Priebus as White House chief of staff.

Kelly took over a White House plagued by political intrigue and allegations of election collusion with Russia.

Priebus, a former chairman of the Republican Party, was ousted just days after Trump ignored his wishes and named Wall Street financier Anthony Scaramucci to be White House communications director.

Kelly was also not enamored with Scaramucci and "The Mooch," as he is known, was shown the door after an ill-advised profane interview with The New Yorker.

Next to go was Steve Bannon, the White House chief strategist who helped get Trump elected but clashed repeatedly with other top aides to the president.

At the same time as he was cleaning house, Kelly also imposed himself as a strict gatekeeper to the Oval Office, reportedly insisting that even Trump's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, both of whom have senior White House roles, go through him.

But Kelly's authority as the White House gatekeeper did not last long as tensions rose with a president who bristles at being controlled.

Rumors of Kelly's imminent departure surfaced repeatedly over the past few months and CNN reported on Friday that he and Trump "have stopped speaking in recent days."

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Kelly's first brush with controversy came in October of last year when he described a congresswoman from Florida as an "empty barrel."

- 'Too lazy' -

Several of Kelly's statements on immigration also raised eyebrows.

In January, he claimed to a group of Democratic members of Congress that Trump's views on building the US-Mexico border wall had "evolved" but the president came out the very next day and said this was not true.

In an interview, Kelly said some young immigrants were "too lazy" to sign up for a program that would shield them from deportation.

Kelly also came in for criticism over his handling of the case of Rob Porter, who worked at Trump's right hand despite accusations of abuse by his two former wives, which ultimately forced Porter's resignation.

Announcing Kelly's appointment, Trump praised the veteran of more than 40 years in the Marine Corps as a "Great American and a Great Leader."

Kelly capped his military career as head of the US Southern Command, an assignment that immersed him in border security issues and counter-drug operations in the Caribbean and Central and South America.

That experience prepared him to take charge of Homeland Security, a sprawling bureaucracy responsible for border protection and internal threats.

At Homeland Security, Kelly was pivotal in the effort to carry out Trump's election promises to build a wall on the Mexican border, deport undocumented immigrants and tighten visa screening for potential extremists.

The blunt-talking Kelly is close to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, also a retired Marine Corps general. Kelly served as Mattis's top aide in the 2003 assault on Baghdad that crushed Saddam Hussein's army.

- Lost own son in Afghanistan -

He is further shaped by the experience of having his own son, also a Marine, die in battle. Lieutenant Robert Michael Kelly was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.

A native of Boston, Kelly enlisted in the Marines when he was 20, spent two years in an infantry company, and then left to go to university.

After graduating he rejoined the Corps and rose steadily through the ranks.

In the late 1990s, he was the Marine Corps commandant's liaison to the House of Representatives, the first of two such stints that exposed him to the political give-and-take between the military and legislators.
China's foreign ministry called in the U.S. ambassador on Sunday to lodge a "strong protest" over the arrest in Canada of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's chief financial officer, and said the United States should withdraw its arrest warrant.

Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's global chief financial officer, was arrested in Canada on Dec. 1 and faces extradition to the United States, which alleges that she covered up her company's links to a firm that tried to sell equipment to Iran despite sanctions.

The executive is also the daughter of the founder of Huawei.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng told U.S. ambassador Terry Branstad that the United States had made an "unreasonable demand" on Canada to detain Meng while she was passing through Vancouver, China's Foreign Ministry said.

"The actions of the U.S. seriously violated the lawful and legitimate rights of the Chinese citizen, and by their nature were extremely nasty," Le told Branstad, comments similar to those he made to Canada's ambassador the night before.

China strongly urges the United States to pay attention to China's solemn and just position and withdraw the arrest warrant on Meng, Le added.

"China will respond further depending on U.S. actions," he said, without elaborating. Le also told the Canadian ambassador on Saturday that there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Meng.

The United States has been looking since at least 2016 into whether Huawei shipped U.S.-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of U.S. export and sanctions laws, Reuters reported in April.

Companies are barred from using the U.S. financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio told CBS "Face the Nation" on Sunday he would "100 percent absolutely" introduce something in the new Congress that would ban Chinese telecom firms from doing business in the United States.

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"We have to understand Chinese companies are not like American companies. OK. We can't even get Apple to crack an iPhone for us in a terrorist investigation," he said.

"When the Chinese ask a telecom company, we want you to turn over all the data you've gathered in the country you're operating in, they will do it. No court order. Nothing like that. They will just do it. They have to. We need to understand that."

RELATED: Facial recognition technology in China



Rubio was a strong critic of China's ZTE Corp, which pleaded guilty in 2017 to violating U.S. laws that restrict the sale of American-made technology to Iran.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington Editing by Keith Weir and Lisa Shumaker)
Demand for office space hit a record 1.5 million square meters this year, as the strong take-up by the online gaming industry offset the slowdown in demand from the business process outsourcing sector, real estate services firm Leechiu Property Consultants said Monday. LPC chief executive David Leechiu said in a news briefing Metro Manila accounted for 74 percent, with demand hitting 1.16 million sqm, up 27 percent from 910,000 sqm in 2017. The figure included pre-commitments by BPO tenants competing for scarce Peza-accredited spaces to be completed in 2019 in the capital. Were seeing continued growth outside Metro Manilawhich is a positive development. At the same time, we are seeing a contraction of BPO demand, which continues to be the largest single industry contributing to demand and a key driver of the economy, Leechiu said. Leechiu said office demand from the BPO industry in Metro Manila declined to 289,819 sqm from 355,000 sqm in 2017. This marked the second straight year that demand from BPO has been on the decline, which Leechiu said was disturbing. LPC said demand for office space from the BPO industry was expected to pick up in 2019 amid the rising labor cost in United States and completion by a number of global companies of their diversification program. Meanwhile, the slack in demand from BPO players was offset by offshore gaming, which accounted for 433,000 sqm. and flexible workspaces and multinationals and local entrepreneurs which accounted for 422,000 sqm of office demand.Outside of Metro Manila, Clark Global City registered the highest office demand at 156,000 sqm, followed by Cebu and Laguna with 133,000 sqm and 46,000 sqm respectively. Davao City took the fourth place with 28,000 sqm. Were seeing continued growth outside Metro Manila  which is a positive development. At the same time, we are seeing a contraction of BPO demand, which continues to be the largest single industry contributing to demand and a key driver of the economy, Leechiu said. Leechiu said it remained optimistic about industry prospects especially in 2021 when he forecasted the rise in land prices in strategic locations in Clark, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. The completion of eight projects totaling 665 km of roadway will make 2021 a milestone year in infrastructure development, he said. New transportation arteries will spur growth in rising regional centers in these key areas. He asked the government to approve Philippine Economic Zone Authority IT park applications to sustained the growth of the office space sector.
Photo credit: STR - Getty Images

From Popular Mechanics

A Chinese Air Force colonel has suggested ramming U.S. ships sent to challenge Beijings control of the South China Sea. Col. Dai Xu made the remarks at an event sponsored by Global Times, published by the Chinese government. Dai also recommended invading Taiwan when the opportunity presented itself, even at the cost of economic growth. The remarks were published in Global Times on December 8, 2018.

During a panel discussion on the South China Sea, (Dai) said he didn't understand why some people were afraid when Chinese warships intercepted US warships. If the US warships break into Chinese waters again, I suggest that two warships should be sent: one to stop it, and another one to ram it. In our territorial waters, we won't allow U.S. warships to create disturbance.

Photo credit: DigitalGlobe/ScapeWare3d - Getty Images

China has claimed roughly ninety percent of the South China Sea, including waters and minor terrain features such as atolls and islets, trampling competing claims by smaller countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia, Taiwan, and others. Beijing has enlarged many of these smaller features by dredging sand from the sea floor, creating larger islands equipped with radars, guns, missiles, ports capable of handling warships, and military-grade airfields. Chinese forces regularly harass ships and aircraft of other countries entering the South China Sea.

U.S. Forces, including P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and guided missile destroyers, have repeatedly ventured near these islands on freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPS. FONOPS are designed to assert the right of the U.S. military-and by implication anyone-to sail in waters the U.S. believes are international waters and not controlled by any particular country. The U.S. doesnt deny that states have control over who enters and leaves their sovereign territory, but it does sometimes have issues with how that territory is defined.

Photo credit: STR - Getty Images

Naturally, U.S. FONOPS in the South China Sea have raised tensions with the Chinese. Chinese military air traffic controllers and warships routinely warn U.S. forces conducting these missions to leave the area immediately. These confrontations on the Chinese end have recently escalated to include laser strikes against U.S. military aircraft and the shadowing of U.S. warships by Chinese warships, including an unsafe incident in which the Chinese warship closed to within 45 yards of an American guided missile destroyer .

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Dai also seemed hawkish on the matter of Taiwan, to the point of slowing Chinas economic progress to achieve forced reunification with Taipei. Though the economy is the most important aspect of overall development and we should definitely focus on saving it, once the opportunity for reunification comes, why not take it? Dai asked. Tensions will accelerate reunification and will only be the beginning of Taiwan's war of liberation. Therefore, we do not have much to fear, so let's just wait and be prepared. Once a strategic opportunity emerges, we should be ready to take over Taiwan.

Photo credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Dobbs

An invasion of Taiwan would almost certainly result in economic sanctions imposed on China by the United States and Europe and, given that Taiwans security is guaranteed by the United States, even the intervention of U.S. forces if Beijing invades. In other words, what Dai envisions as a China-Taiwan war could become a China-United States war-with all the inherent dangers of two nuclear powers slugging it out with one another.

How much credence should the rest of the world put in Dais statements? Dai may be playing to nationalist sentiments at a nationalist publication, but hes also a senior member of the Chinese military. Chinas state media is heavily censored and regulated. Although Dais comments may not be policy, but by allowing them to be published the Chinese government is signalling it doesnt have a problem with them. That these comments are being made in a time of physically dangerous escalation between U.S. and Chinese forces is worrying.

Source: Task & Purpose

('You Might Also Like',)
KINSHASA, Congo (AP)  Congo's President Joseph Kabila is stepping down after this month's election but he doesn't rule out seeking the post again in the future.

In a rare interview with The Associated Press, the Congolese leader, who ended months of speculation earlier this year by announcing he would not run again this time, said he doesn't know what retiring from politics means. He took power in 2001 after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila, and says there is still more to be done in this mineral-rich but "complicated nation."

"Well, I am not going to rule out anything in life," Joseph Kabila, relaxed and smiling, said. "As long as you are alive and you have ideas as strong as you have, a vision, you should never rule out anything."

That kind of talk has worried Congo's opposition, which fears that Kabila will rule from the shadows if his preferred successor, ruling party candidate and former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, wins in the long-delayed Dec. 23 election.

The 47-year-old Kabila dismissed those concerns, saying the constitution makes it clear that such an arrangement is not possible. Yet he now acts as moral authority for a recently created political coalition, the Common Front for Congo, keeping himself close to power.

Kabila is eligible to run again for president in 2023, as Congo's constitution merely rules out three successive mandates. For now, he said he will likely remain in the role of adviser: "If anyone wants advice from me, I hope they come and ask."

Congo now faces what could be its first democratic, peaceful transfer of power since independence from Belgium in 1960, after a troubled history marked by Mobutu Sese Seko's more than three-decade rule. At stake is a vast country blessed with trillions of dollars in natural resources but long destabilized by dozens of rebel groups.

Now an Ebola outbreak, the second-largest in history, poses a new threat to the election, whose delay since late 2016 led to sometimes deadly protests over Kabila's long stay beyond his mandate. The government blamed the delays on difficulties in organizing the vote as a new wave of rebel fighting raged.

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Critics of the delay "should be humble enough to realize that the Congo itself is a challenge and that the electoral process is a much bigger challenge," Kabila said. Any country, be it the United States or France, would prioritize security over elections, he added.

Annoyed by the pressure at home and from abroad  including European Union sanctions on Shadary for obstructing Congo's electoral process and a crackdown against protesters  Kabila and his administration have pushed back at so-called interference in Congo's affairs and vowed to fund this election alone, with no outside money.

Kabila called the sanctions against Shadary "unjust and illegal." EU officials have confirmed the sanctions will be prolonged this week.

Shadary or whoever is elected "will be the president of this country and not the president of Europe. God forbid," Kabila said, laughing. Engagement with Europe will continue regardless, "so that one day they come to see the light because they are in darkness, completely in darkness. Or should I say they're in a state of denial."

In an ambitious but worrying move for many, Congo also is using voting machines for the first time, leading to questions from technical experts, diplomats and rights groups about how this infrastructure-starved country of 40 million voters, many without computer experience, will succeed.

Congo's two leading opposition parties have joined forces after withdrawing from a wider pact to support a single contender. Felix Tshisekedi with the country's most prominent opposition party is representing his party as well as that of Vital Kamerhe. Martin Fayulu Madidi is the other leading opposition candidate.

Many in Congo worry that a divided opposition will hurt the chances of defeating Shadary in a single-round election. Congo has no runoff vote.

Fayulu rejected the idea that the constitution allows for Kabila to run again.

"I have the impression that he does not know the constitution well," he told the AP. "The mandate of the president of the republic is five years, renewable once."

Kabila defended his legacy, pointing to his past election wins, and said he wouldn't miss the office when he leaves. "We've made lots of strides," he said, noting that Congo's budget was $250 million when he first took office and is $5 billion today. He himself has amassed vast wealth while in office.

He said he has done "the best that we definitely could" for Congo's benefit since taking office. The country's long insecurity has hurt efforts to do more, he said: "Peace was elusive until a given period of time."

Kabila sounded pensive about the future, whatever his role. "The work in this country will never be over," he said. "The Congo is a country of a thousand challenges."

___

Associated Press writer Saleh Mwanamilongo in Kinshasa contributed.

___

Follow Carley Petesch at https://twitter.com/carleypetesch and Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa
The Democratic New Jersey senator is in the granite state, pressing flesh and preaching love in divided political times

Cory Booker prepares to take a selfie with a supporter in Manchester. Photograph: Cheryl Senter/AP

On a frigid Saturday morning a full 14 months before the New Hampshire primary, Democrats warmed themselves with coffee as they waited for Cory Booker. The New Jersey senator, a potential candidate for president in 2020, was to appear in the suburban living room of a former state senator.

When he arrived he took time to chat, snap selfies and record video shoutouts. When he finally spoke, he told those gathered of a moral moment requiring love, unity and strength. Rather than alienate supporters of Donald Trump, Booker told the crowd, why not invite them to dinner.



Patriotism is love of country and you cannot love your country unless you love your fellow countrymen, he said. We need to get back to the understanding that you cannot lead the people if you do not love the people.

Later, at a Democratic midterm victory celebration in Manchester, the states largest city, he said: This is not a time to meet hate with hate. It is not a time to meet darkness with darkness. The call of our country has always been love.

Booker has not committed to a run for the White House. But attorney Jim Demers, who co-chaired Barack Obamas campaign in New Hampshire in 2008 and advised Hillary Clinton in 2016, is encouraging the former mayor of Newark. He helped arrange meetings this weekend. Appearances in living rooms and coffee shops  and onstage alongside the states top Democrats  signal a run is being considered.

Its fairly wide open at this point and Booker is in fairly good position in that regard Dante Scala

I think this weekend is going to be a really good experience for him, to get a taste of what campaigning in New Hampshire is really like, Demers said.

Demers sees Booker as a viable candidate to win the White House. But he was more cautious about predicting victory in the New Hampshire primary, particularly if two other senators, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, also enter the race.

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I dont want to underestimate the impact that neighbours of New Hampshire have in the New Hampshire primary, he said. Historically, if theres a neighbour running, they win. But I think [Booker] can be extremely competitive and I think he can certainly be in the top tier.

Defeat in New Hampshire can be weathered: Clinton lost to Sanders in 2016 but secured the nomination. In 2008, Obama lost the primary to Clinton. In an August poll of state Democrats by the University of New Hampshire, Sanders was the top choice of 30%, former vice-president Joe Biden had 19% and Warren had 17%. Booker was the top choice of just 6%.

This early, though, primary watchers say the contest remains in play.

I think its fairly wide open at this point and Booker is in fairly good position in that regard, said Dante Scala, a professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire. I think he does enjoy name recognition: its not up there with Sanders, Biden and Warren, but it stands pretty favourably to the rest of the field.

Christopher Galdieri, associate professor of political science at Saint Anselm College, said he didnt know that [Booker] necessarily needs to win in New Hampshire so much as run well. If he does well enough in Iowa and he does well enough in New Hampshire  I think hes someone who could potentially be a viable nominee.

Hes a real unifier

Sanders, Biden and Warren have not so obviously laid the groundwork in the granite state. But Booker is not alone. Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was in the state last week and in an October visit, the Colorado governor, John Hickenlooper, said he was running  then quickly backtracked. The New Hampshire Young Democrats have invited Texas congressman Beto ORourke and other candidates to visit. ORourke has not yet responded to the overture.

Booker speaks. Photograph: Cheryl Senter/AP

Other potential candidates will soon begin operations in early voting states  and even announce their candidacies. This week, the Associated Press reported that the Democratic party is considering holding a first debate in May, three months earlier than the first debate in the 2016 election cycle.

Bookers message of love and unity  and his professed refusal to hate Trump  may win voters over. Or maybe they will prefer a candidate who wants to go blow-for-blow with the president. Demers thinks the senators approach is one of his best attributes.

When you listen to him speak you realise that hes not always bashing the other side like some politicians do, Demers said. Hes a real unifier and I do believe that more than anything in this country, people want to see Washington function.

Like other prominent Democrats and potential candidates, Booker has faced attacks from the president. Speaking to the New York Post last month, Trump claimed without evidence that Booker did not live in Newark while he was mayor and repeated his charge that Booker ran Newark into the ground. Such attacks will only increase if Booker does decide to run.

Lucas Meyer, president of the New Hampshire Young Democrats, said for any potential candidate, doing well in New Hampshire  usually a stepping stone to the Oval Office  will likely come down to their pitch.

The beautiful thing about the New Hampshire primary and why I think its valuable to the country, is youre going to have to meet people on the street, look them in the eye and convince them, Meyer said.

It doesnt matter about TV ads, it doesnt matter that you have the most money. It matters that when you look into a voters eyes, they believe what youre pushing.
A CVS employees life was spared when a man attempted to rob his place of work, but his job was not.

Zac Phillips was working at a Greenfield, Ind., CVS, where hed been employed for five years, when a man came into the store, allegedly to rob the pharmacy.

He showed my pharmacist a note saying, This is a pharmacy robbery,' Phillips told Indianapolis news station WISH-TV.

Phillips told WISH-TV the pharmacist walked the robber to the front of the store, where he was working.

Then he put his hands on my pharmacist, and I was right there when it happened, Phillips said. I didnt know what was going to happen from that point. But I wasnt going to let him hurt my pharmacist.

In a video of the Nov. 25 event, the man appears to push the pharmacist before trying to run out of the store. Phillips told Indianapolis news station WXIN the suspect was trying to leave the store with oxycodone, but Phillips and the pharmacist tackled him and held him down until police arrived.

Police arrested the 22-year-old suspect, Jagger Maupin. He faces charges including robbery, theft and resisting law enforcement, according to his arrest report. He is in custody in Hancock County Jail.

But Phillips isnt exactly being hailed a hero. A few days after the incident, CVS fired Phillips and the pharmacist, according to WISH-TV.

It all happened so fast for Phillips. You really dont have time to think in these situations. It happened in a flash, he said. People are human. They react at things. Especially when you see someone going after someone you consider a friend, your instinct is to protect them.

But CVS doesnt agree. The safety and well-being of our customers and employees is always our highest priority, the company told Yahoo Lifestyle in a statement. We have stringent security policies and procedures in place to prohibit actions by employees that would jeopardize their safety and the safety of others. The actions of two employees at our Greenfield store during a recent attempted robbery violated those policies and procedures by initiating a physical confrontation, which led to our decision to separate them from the company.

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But Phillips doesnt think anyone would be worried about policy in a moment like that. When you have a half-second to think about it, you dont think about policy, you think about a friends life and who this guy might endanger if he had gotten drugs? he explained to WISH-TV. Were not allowed to fight back; were not allowed to do anything, Philips argued. Were just supposed to let them have these dangerous drugs and be on their way. They dont value anybody; they dont value employees; they dont value customers. They value money, he said of CVS.

On Facebook, Phillips, who is now unemployed, has said he is going to keep sharing the video until something is done about this.

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Ellen Pompeo isnt scared to discuss race  and that made for a very candid conversation on Mondays Red Table Talk. Just weeks after the Greys Anatomy stars call for diversity in Hollywood went viral, she continued to propel the conversation on Jada Pinkett Smiths Facebook show. Pompeo, who has three biracial children with her record producer husband Chris Ivery, talked about her quest to combat racism  and how shes met been with resistance from all sides, but it wont silence her.

First things first: Pompeo is not afraid to talk about race, she told Pinkett Smith and company. A lot of people get nervous when you bring it up and I understand why they do. But Im not afraid.  If youre afraid to talk about it, thats a problem right there and you need to talk about it more. Further, I think a lot of people are uncomfortable with talking about race because theyre not around people of color. They dont spend time. So they get awkward. And everyones awkward.

Pompeo talked about her personal history with race, growing up in an Italian-Irish neighborhood in Boston (It doesnt get more racist than that) and having black friends all her life. The racism is what drew me to black people, to brown people, she said. I was like: What is it? What is all this anger? This name-calling. It made me so curious. Raised by her father (her mom died when she was young), she said as a teen, she pushed her dad to addresses his biases. My father would have liked to think he was racist  tried to be culturally and societally  and I was going to make him examine that every step of the way, she said. My favorite thing to do was to have pool parties and invite all my black friends over and swim in the pool, so he when would come home from work there would be a pool full of black boys. Youre a teenager  you have to rebel a little bit.

Pompeo also talked about Iverys upbringing, also in Boston, but as the biracial son of a single white mom. He had his own experience because he was the only child growing up in the projects with a white mother and no father in his life, Pompeo said. So he was embarrassed. He loved his mother dearly and that was his queen, but she was white. (Pompeo said that her father and Ivery got along very well: My husband ended up being his favorite person in the entire world who he couldnt go a day without calling.)

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Pompeos Net-a-Porter interview last month wasnt the first time she got fired up about race issues. Shes long been making race a topic of conversation, whether it was when she called for a boycott of a TV series on the KKK  or upset people by using black emoji when she was successful. She said along the way shes been criticized by both white people and black people.

Asked what kind of reaction shes gotten specifically from black women, Pompeo replied, If black women have a problem with white women, I completely understand why, she said. If any black person has a problem with any white person, I understand why. If black people have a problem with things that Ive said  I used the term reverse racism that caused a stir  people of color had a huge problem about that. They get a pass. They get to have a problem with whatever I say. All I can do is explain why I say it and what my experience is and if you want to come at me for that, you get that right. You get that pass. Even if youre not individually racist, were responsible for each other. If youre not actively standing up and screaming from the rooftops, you are responsible for it.

Pompeo also addressed the backlash after A&E scrapped the KKK special  and Pompeo used a black fist emoji on Twitter to share the news. Im not appropriating culture, she said of the hullabaloo. Im just joining the fight. If you call me a white b**** then isnt that judging me on the color of my skin? Why cant I help a victory for black people because Im white? She said she still stands by what I did because its a win for people of color. Im here for it. Every day. Just because I use a brown emoji doesnt mean I think Im black.

Pompeo also spoke about the criticism shes gotten from white people. She said she gets attacked for celebrating brown people and made the point, Me sticking up or celebrating brown people does not mean I am anti-white. She said that white people are threatened by my love of people of color or black culture.

Ellen Pompeo with Chris Ivery (Photo: Getty Images)

Pompeo said shes read a lot about the white identity, saying that a section of the white population truly feels like opportunities are going to be taken away from them by people over color and other minorities. There is a real fear of losing their piece of pie, she said. Someone is going to come and take my piece of the pie. She said that, having many black people in her life, she sees why people would be intimated. People of color are magical and mystical and powerful and beautiful and spiritual and strong and excellent at what they do, she said. Theres so much power and talent.

So what does she think will help people come together? One thing I do think that would be productive for everybody to do is just try to make different friends, she said. I have a lot of black friends and I have a lot of white friends, I dont see my white girlfriends have black people in their life, from what I can see. She said to think about whos coming to your house for dinner. Who youre going out with after work. Its not like you have to form these deep friendships, but you should have different people in your circle.

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Tesla would consider buying the factories that General Motors (GM) intends to idle, CEO Elon Musk said in an interview that aired on CBS' "60 Minutes."

"It's possible that we would be interested. If they were going to sell a plant or not use it that we would take it over," he said.

In a wide-ranging interview with Lesley Stahl, Musk made no apologies for his erratic behavior over the summer and reiterated his lack of respect for the Securities and Exchange Commission, which sued him in September for allegedly defrauding investors after tweeting that he wanted to take the company public at $420 a share and had "funding secured." He didn't and pulled back on those plans a few weeks later.

"Nobody's perfect," he said.

Musk acknowledged that he was "somewhat impulsive," adding that he "didn't really want to try to adhere to some CEO template." He stoked controversy all summer with his erratic behavior, taunting the SEC, calling a diver in the Thai cave rescue a "pedo" and capping the summer by appearing to smoke pot on the Joe Rogan podcast.

"I'm just being me. I mean, I was certainly under insane stress and crazy, crazy hours. But the system would have failed if I was truly erratic," Musk said.

The SEC forced Musk to step down as chairman of the board for three years. The company named Robyn Denholm, who was already on the board, as chairwoman.

"I want to be clear: I do not respect the SEC," Musk said. "I do not respect them." But he said he was adhering to the agreement because he respects the U.S. justice system.

He scoffed at the idea that Denholm was put in place to keep him in line. "Yeah. It, it's not realistic in the sense that I am the largest shareholder in the company. And I can just call for a shareholder vote and get anything done that I want," Musk said.

He said he does not want to return to the role of chairman. "I actually just prefer to have no titles at all."

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Tesla has struggled to ramp up production of its much hyped Model 3 midsize sedan. The company resorted to building a second assembly line inside a tent-like structure next to its main assembly plant in Fremont, California. The decision, like many Tesla has made, was ridiculed by some in the industry.

The last-minute push increased production by 50 percent, Musk told CBS.

"Those betting against the company were right by all conventional standards that we would fail," he said, "but they just did not count on this unconventional situation of creating a second assembly in the parking lot in a tent."

Musk said the long-awaited $35,000 version of the Model 3 will "probably" be available in five to six months. That is the price of the vehicle Tesla originally promised would be an electric sedan for the masses when it was first unveiled in March 2016. Since then, however, Tesla has only made higher-priced versions of the car.

Musk admitted he is notorious for missing deadlines.

"Well, I mean punctuality's not my strong suit. I think, uh well, why would people think that if I've been late on all the other models, that'd I'd be suddenly on time with this one," he said.

WATCH: How taxpayers have helped Elon Musk and Tesla

GM's decision to idle plants in Ohio, Michigan, Maryland and Ontario and eliminate 14,000 jobs has caused anger and worry among lawmakers, labor leaders and people in the regions that depend on the factories for work. Some say GM's decision is a necessary step to ensure the company's future as it grapples with changing consumer tastes, new technologies and new potential competitors, including Tesla.

The possible plant closures present an opportunity to Tesla. It wouldn't be the first time Tesla bought a GM plant. The Tesla Factory in Fremont, California is a former GM plant that closed in 2010 but reopened later that year under Musk.

Under the terms of the SEC settlement, Musk had to pay a $20 million fine and step down as chairman for at least three years. Tesla also put in place a system for monitoring Musk's statements to the public about the company, whether on Twitter, blog posts or any other medium.

Musk told CBS the only tweets that need to be approved are ones that can move the stock price. He said he uses Twitter to express himself. "Some people use their hair," he said, "I used Twitter."
A downcast Theresa May arriving at Downing Street (Reuters)

EU leaders will attempt to help Theresa May sell the Brexit deal to sceptical MPs this week after the prime ministers chaotic climbdown over the meaningful vote.

May has postponed the vote on the deal in a bid to seek last minute concessions from the EU when she travels to Brussels for the European Council on Thursday.

Brexit has been formally added to summit agenda at the last minute and European council president Donald Tusk said EU27 leaders will discuss how to facilitate UK ratification of the deal.

That is likely to take the form of a statement reassuring MPs that the backstop will never need to be used.

However, that will not be legally binding and Tusk went on to warn: We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop.

The the EUs two other major institutions also rejected pressure to re-open negotiations despite Mays negotiator, Olly Robbins, being seen in Brussels.

We will not renegotiate the deal that is on the table right now, said a commission spokesperson as news broke that the vote on the deal had been cancelled. That is very clear. This is the deal and the only deal possible.

READ MORE: EU politicians dismiss almost insane idea of renegotiating Brexit deal

And the European parliaments Brexit coordinator, Guy Verhostadt, made a pre-emptive strike on any attempt to tear-up the backstop, saying: We will never let the Irish down. This delay will further aggravate the uncertainty for people and businesses.

I cant follow anymore. After two years of negotiations, the Tory government wants to delay the vote. Just keep in mind that we will never let the Irish down. This delay will further aggravate the uncertainty for people & businesses. Its time they make up their mind! #brexit  Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) December 10, 2018

The blunt dismissals from across the EU came just 24 hours after May spoke by phone to Tusk and commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.

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UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said it was very clear the EU would not open the withdrawal agreement.

Speaking during a visit to Brussels, Hunt said he believed this really was the EUs best and final offer and argued it delivers on the vast majority of what people voted for in the 2016 referendum.

Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier (Reuters)

Hinting that Brexit might not happen if the deal wasnt agreed, he warned: There are real risks if we dont accept this opportunity while we can grab it.

However, in a suggestion that the current deal may not be permanent, the potential Tory leadership contender reached out to Brexit supporters by saying it could act as a stepping stone to deliver on everything people voted for.

The backstop solution to the Irish border, which would see the UK remain in a customs union with the EU if no trade deal is done by the end of the transition period, is the issue which most concerns the deals opponents.

The prime minister is not totally comfortable with the backstop, Hunt said. But Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said emotive and inaccurate comments from Westminster has turned the the backstop into something it is not.

READ MORE: Barnier hits back at claim Brexit deal is a humiliation for the UK

This is simply an insurance mechanism which kicks in if all else fails to protect peace and stable relations on the island of Ireland, he said. That is the way it should be seen.

Coveney, who was in Brussels to attend a meeting of foreign ministers alongside Hunt, said Ireland is watching closely developments in the UK parliament on the Brexit deal.

The Irish view is that we have been in two years of negotiation that has resulted in a withdrawal treaty that involves compromise on both sides, he added.

This was a very hard won compromise  both for the UK and the EU. It enables a managed, sensible exit from the EU of the UK.




Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said the Philippines trade deficit likely widened in October, as elevated imports continued to outpace exports growth. HSBC in a report predicted that the countrys trade shortfall widened to $3.95 billion in October from $3.93 billion in September. We expect the Philippine trade deficit to widen further in October, driven by a continued slowdown in exports alongside elevated imports of capital goods and raw materials, the bank said. It said exports were dragged by softer shipments of light manufactures and machinery this year. HSBC said imports likely grew 15.3 percent in October while exports might have declined 1 percent. Meanwhile, this year and next are likely to be the most import-intensive phases of infrastructure build-out, which means a further increase of the countrys current account deficit, HSBC said. The government is scheduled to release the trade balance data this week.The countrys trade-in-goods deficit ballooned to $3.93 billion in September, on the back of a double-digit growth in imports and 2.6-percent decline in exports, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. Data showed that total imports rose 26.1 percent to $9.75 billion in September 2018 from $7.77 billion in September 2017. Merchandise exports fell 2.6 percent to $5.83 billion in September from $5.99 billion a year ago. Trade in goods deficit hit $29.9 billion in the first nine months, 70.5 percent higher than $17.5 billion in the same period last year. Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the growth in imports of capital goods could indicate that firms were making long-term investments. The import of raw materials and intermediate goods could also indicate the vibrancy of the manufacturing sector as it is expected to sustain its positive growth in the remaining months of the 2018, Pernia said.
With Disney and AT&T both gearing up to join the streaming fray in 2019 alongside Hulu, YouTube and Amazon, its easy to see why Netflix investors might be getting wary of how it will compete in an increasingly crowded space.

But new Netflix (NFLX) streaming numbers from 7Park Data provided exclusively to Yahoo Finance reveals Netflix might be well prepared to weather the looming battle even as Disney and Fox pull their shows and movies from Netflix to feature them on their own respective platforms.

Netflixs viewership, as measured by U.S. stream starts, has increasingly been fueled by its original content over the past two years. Netflix shows like Stranger Things and House of Cards have been able to captivate subscribers even as Fox pulled many of its TV series. Overall, Netflix original content accounted for 37% of streams in October, up from 24% the year prior and 14% in January 2017.

Source: 7Park Data

The viewership decline in Fox content on Netflix over the same time period is largely attributed to Family Guy and How I Met Your Mother being pulled for placement on Hulu instead. Following Disneys acquisition of 21st Century Fox, the media giant is poised to own nearly all of Hulu. Disney is also preparing to pull its own content, including Marvel titles, from Netflix to be featured on its own streaming service called Disney+ when it launches in 2019.

Luckily for Netflix, the platform has seen content leave its platform in the past and has still managed to consistently add subscribers, according to 7Park Data analyst Thomas Craven. Worldwide subscribers has risen for 29 consecutive quarters, including a jump from 130 million to 137 million last quarter.

For people who engage with Netflix content, when that content leaves they generally stick around to see new content, Craven told Yahoo Finance, But that may change when there are six other streaming services.

Heightened competition from Disney and AT&T

Disney has accounted for 8%-12% of Netflixs U.S. streams since the start of 2017, according to 7Park Data. That includes the popular ABC-produced series Greys Anatomy, which ranked among the top six most-viewed Netflix shows every month this year. Notably, the 317-episode series was created by Shona Rhimes, whom Netflix snagged in an exclusive 2017 development deal for a reported $150 million.

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Ahead of Disney pulling its Marvel content, Netflix has also been killing off most of the original series it created featuring minor Marvel characters, including Daredevil, which premiered to immediate success in 2015. Netflix announced it was canceling the show on November 29 just weeks after it also canceled Luke Cage and Iron Fist. Netflix acquired independent comic book publisher Millarworld in 2017, but it remains to be seen if any of the shows it has in production can replace the void left by the Marvel titles.

Following its merger with Time Warner, AT&T is also poised to launch its own streaming service in 2019. That may have played a role in AT&T-owned WarnerMedia pushing for non-exclusivity in negotiations with Netflixs quest to continue airing Friends reruns in 2019 and beyond. Netflix paid a reported $100 million a year to continue licensing the show, according to the New York Times, compared to the $30 million Netflix paid previously.

And while Netflix should take comfort in seeing its originals continue to garner a growing share of viewership, the outrage sparked by rumors Friends would no longer be available certainly provided some humility. After all, during November, Friends was Netflixs third most-viewed show.

Source: 7Park Data

The problem for Netflix is that licensed content constitutes the lions share of viewership hours for Netflix. If the cost to acquire that content rises, the pressure for the companys bets on its more expensive original titles to pay off could be higher stakes. Netflix has increasingly spent on its own shows. The company projected spending $8 billion on original programming this year, and Goldman Sachs projected that number could rise to more than $22 billion by 2022.

The ability for those [Netflix originals] to be hits is really a hit or miss, Craven said. If they get a couple of hits theyll probably be fine.

As of Netflixs last quarter, the company showed signs that its content spend was mounting. Long-term debt grew to $8.3 billion, up from $6.5 billion at the end of 2017.

With increased streaming competition launching in 2019 with Disney+ and AT&Ts new streaming platform, the question might no longer be if Netflix can keep subscribers engaged with content, but rather, how much it will cost the company to do so.

Zack Guzman is a senior writer and on-air reporter covering entrepreneurship, startups, and breaking news at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @zGuz.

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WASHINGTON - Dozens of pages filed in federal court Friday give fresh insight into Michael Cohen's world, both of a powerful attorney fixing the president's problems and of his transition into someone in trouble who became somewhat of an open book for investigators.

The two documents filed ahead of Cohen's sentencing next week in New York reveal a number of bombshells from Cohen's relationship with Moscow to his secret operation to silence women alleging affairs with Donald Trump before the 2016 election.

Related Video: Feds Recommend 'Substantial Prison Term' for Cohen

The 47-pages chronicle both the misdeeds in which Cohen pleaded guilty to in August and last week in a separate case, along with a load of new information he gave to special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating Russian interference in the election and any possible coordination with the Trump campaign.

Cohen is due to be sentenced on Wednesday on eight criminal charges, including violating campaign finance laws. The case has been investigated by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York and isn't directly related to the probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller. The two filings are from prosecutors in New York and with Mueller's team, where Cohen's has a cooperation agreement.

Here are some of the biggest updates from the two filings:

'Substantial' prison sentence recommended

There was a pretty jarring difference between the filings from New York and the special counsel's office.

Prosecutors in New York say Cohen hasn't cooperated in their investigation and argued in the filing that he should receive a "substantial" prison sentence of roughly 42 months in prison for his confessed crimes.

The filing from Mueller's office was more lenient and detailed all the ways Cohen has helped in their investigation, saying he'd met with investigators on seven occasions and this should be recognized when he's sentenced.

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In sum, the nature of Cohens conduct underscores the need for a substantial period of incarceration as a means both to promote respect for the law and to deter future abuses by other individuals seeking improperly to influence the electoral process, evade taxes, or lie to financial institutions.



- Southern District of New York sentencing memo

Both agreed Cohen's cooperation should be considered but prosecutors in New York alleged that Cohen's characterization of himself that he's turned over a new leaf after separating from the Trump administration was nothing more than a farce.

"And for all of Cohens outward rectitude, he has lived a double life, which weighs heavily against a variance," the filing in New York reads. "While Cohen has submitted letters describing his good nature, the evidence collected and witnesses interviewed in this investigation paint a decidedly different picture  a picture of someone who was threatening and abusive when he wanted to get his way."

Moscow Trump Tower and collusion?

Cohen admitted last week to lying in front of Congress about plans for a Trump Tower in Moscow, telling lawmakers the deal ended before the campaign when it actually continued well into 2016.

While Cohen's guilty plea showed that Mueller's team was examining Trump's business interests in Russia, the special counsel filing on Friday showed the significance of the deal to possible collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin.

The defendants false statements obscured the fact that the Moscow Project was a lucrative business opportunity that sought, and likely required, the assistance of the Russian government. If the project was completed, the Company could have received hundreds of millions of dollars from Russian sources in licensing fees and other revenues. The fact that Cohen continued to work on the project and discuss it with Individual 1 well into the campaign was material to the ongoing congressional and SCO investigations, particularly because it occurred at a time of sustained efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the U.S. presidential election. Similarly, it was material that Cohen, during the campaign, had a substantive telephone call about the project with an assistant to the press secretary for the President of Russia.



- Special counsel Robert Mueller's sentencing memo

Mueller's office argues that the Moscow project was "lucrative" and likely required "the assistance of the Russian government."

The filing draws a connection between Cohen continuing to work on the project, and discussing its progress with Trump, and "efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the U.S. presidential election" because both were happening simultaneously.

Russians and Trump in 2015

While telling Mueller's team about his contacts with Russians during the campaign, he told investigators about a previously unknown incident that stemmed back to November 2015, only months after Trump announced he was running for president.

Cohen told Mueller's office that he'd spoken with a Russian national who claimed to be a "trusted person" in the Russia Federation and could offer Trump's campaign "political synergy."

Cohen claimed the individual wanted to set up a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Cohen said the meeting would have been a "phenomenal" opportunity, not only for its political impact but for Trump's businesses because of the Moscow project, which never came to fruition.

Cohen said he didn't end up following up on the meeting because "he was working on the Moscow Project with a different individual who Cohen understood to have his own connections to the Russian government."

That person appears to be Felix Sater, a longtime Donald Trump associate accused of having Russian mafia ties. Text messages have been publicized between the pair discussing plans relating to the deal and possible meetings with Russian officials.

Last week BuzzFeed News also released a report detailing that Sater and Cohen planned to offer a $50 million penthouse suite to Russian President Vladimir Putin amid negotiations over a deal to build Trump Tower in Moscow.

Four topics Cohen informed Mueller about

Mueller's office outlined four key areas where Cohen has been helpful, giving a glance into what the special counsel is examining and asking the former Trump attorney.

The topics veered into those connected to the White House and Trump's business, the Trump Organization, something that's been considered a red line for the president.

Here are the four topics that Mueller's office said Cohen had been helpful with:

Cohen offered Mueller's investigators information on all his contacts with Russian interests during the 2016 campaign and detailed his discussions with others about those contacts. This included the Trump Tower project in Moscow and who was aware of discussions surrounding that project. Mueller's office says Cohen also provided certain Russian-related information that got to the "core" of the special counsel investigation. Mueller's team was fairly vague about what this entailed but added the "discrete" information was obtained by Cohen through his constant contact with the Trump Organization. The president's business has always been known as a red-line in the investigation, something that is sure to anger the president. Cohen also gave "relevant and useful" information about his contacts with those "connected to the White House" from 2017 to 2018. Mueller's investigators say Cohen offered details on how his testimony before Congress came to be, including that his responses to questions were circulated. This points to others possibly being connected, having knowledge or colluding with Cohen to mislead members of Congress in his testimony. Cohen pleaded guilty to lying during his 2017 testimony about a Trump Tower project in Moscow.

Seven interviews and Trump's role in crimes?

Since Cohen struck a cooperation agreement with Mueller's office, he's sat down thus far for seven interviews, "many of them lengthy," prosecutors with the special counsel wrote in their filing.

At the start, the special counsel's office says, Cohen wasn't forthcoming. He lied during his first interview in August but ever since, has been forthcoming with information and details, even correcting former statements in which he was untruthful.

In recent months, however, the defendant has taken significant steps to mitigate his criminal conduct. He chose to accept responsibility for his false statements and admit to his conduct in open court. He also has gone to significant lengths to assist the Special Counsels investigation. He has met with the SCO on seven occasions, voluntarily provided the SCO with information about his own conduct and that of others on core topics under investigation by the SCO, and committed to continuing to assist the SCOs investigation.



- Special counsel Robert Mueller's sentencing memo

Mueller's office said Cohen's lies in the first interview related to his testimony before Congress and the Trump Tower project in Moscow. Cohen later admitted, after pleading guilty, that he had only been untruthful in an effort "not to contradict his congressional testimony."

Information Cohen provided has been "credible" and verified from other information the special counsel has cobbled throughout their investigation, prosecutors said.

New York prosecutors also alleged that Trump had a role in Cohen's crimes, according to the 40-page filing. Cohen, when he pleaded guilty in August, said he paid off two women alleging affairs with Trump at the direction of the president.

Those payments, made just before the 2016 election to porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playmate Karen McDougal, led to Cohen pleading guilty to violating campaign finance laws.

But for the first time, federal prosecutors made the link between the president and Cohen's violations

"In particular, and as Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of [Trump]," the filing reads.

The filing doesn't make any mention of what this revelation could mean for the president.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Five bombshells from the Michael Cohen memos, including information he's given Mueller
By Gabriella Borter

(Reuters) - Five children ranging in age from one to nine have died following an overnight house fire in Youngstown, Ohio, local media reported on Monday.

The local fire department arrived at the scene in Youngstown, about 75 miles southeast of Cleveland, shortly before midnight and found flames had engulfed the front of the house, according to NBC-affiliate WFMJ TV.

Youngstown fire officials were not immediately available for comment on Monday.

Two children died inside the home and three were rescued but died in a nearby hospital, the TV station reported. The children were 9, 3, 2, and two were 1 year old.

A woman, whom the TV station said was the mother of the children, survived. She and at least one firefighter were hospitalized with injuries.

The fire department investigators told local media that they were still looking into the cause on Monday but did not suspect foul play.

(Reporting by Gabriella Borter in New York; Editing by Scott Malone)
Fox News contributor Andrew McCarthy has bad news for President Donald Trump: Get ready to be indicted for violating federal campaign finance laws.

McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor, said on Fox & Friends Sunday that attorneys with the Southern District of New York are clearly going after Trump, given recent revelations about statements by Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer, to the U.S. district court.

They are clearly going after the president on campaign finance violations and I think if you read the sentencing memo the Southern District filed in Cohens case, its clear that Trump is the target and hell be indicted eventually, McCarthy said.

McCarthy served as assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District for 18 years before leaving the Justice Department in 2003.

On Friday, the U.S. attorneys office for the Southern District filed a sentencing memo recommending Cohen receive a 42-month prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to multiple counts of business and tax fraud, making false statements to Congress and violating campaign finance law.

Cohen told the court in August that during the 2016 presidential campaign Trump directed him to make hush money payments to at least two women who say theyve had affairs with him after he married his third wife, Melania. The president has denied the affairs and the hush money allegations.

Prosecutors say the payments violate federal campaign finance laws.

The first payment in question  $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels  violated campaign finance law restrictions against donations of more than $2,700 in a general election, according to federal prosecutors.

The second payment under legal scrutiny is $150,000 made by American Media Inc. to silence Karen McDougal, which prosecutors say constituted an illegal corporate donation to Trumps campaign. The National Enquirers parent company was chaired at the time by Trumps longtime confidante, David Pecker.

The Southern District case involving Cohen stems from special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether Trump obstructed justice.

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Mueller did not take a position on Cohens sentence but the special counsels office wrote in their sentencing memo that Cohen has gone to significant lengths to help in their investigation.

Fox News host Ed Henry on Sunday appeared taken aback by McCarthys prediction.

You think the president of the United States is going to be indicted... I mean that kind of stops me in my tracks, Henry said.

McCarthy said he cant be positive whether the Justice Department would indict a sitting president or wait until Trump is out of office.

I think what can happen is they could indict and he could be tried down the road when hes out of office, McCarthy said. But will [Trump] be charged? Are they setting the stage to file charges against him? If you read that sentencing memo, I cant come to any other conclusion.

Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said on CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that Trump may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time.

Theres a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him, Schiff said.

.@AdamSchiff on the Russia Investigation: My takeaway is there's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office the justice department may indict him. That he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time. pic.twitter.com/3kfwumFkh7  Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 9, 2018

McCarthy delved deeper into the case in an Op-Ed published Sunday on Fox News website.

Campaign finance violations have a high proof threshold for intent, McCarthy wrote. President Trump could argue that because there was no spending limit on his contributions, he did not think about the campaign-finance implications, much less willfully violate them.

The point for this day is that the Cohen case in New York City is not about Cohen, he concluded. The president is in peril of being charged.

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BGR

Divers off the coast of New Zealand came face to face with a giant sea worm that was almost 30-foot long. The creature is called a pyrosome, and while it might look intimidating, its actually perfectly safe to approach. Pyrosomes are part of a family of sea creatures known as tunicates or sea squirts. Theyve  The post Divers discovered a horrifying 26-foot sea worm that only comes out at night appeared first on BGR.
By Alexandra Harney SHANGHAI (Reuters) - The Chinese government on Thursday ordered a temporary halt to research activities for people involved in the editing of human genes, after a Chinese scientist said he had edited the genes of twin babies. Scientist He Jiankui said this week that he used a gene-editing technology known as CRISPR-Cas9 to alter the embryonic genes of the twin girls born this month. He's announcement, which has not been verified, sparked an international outcry about the ethics and safety of such research. "The nature of this incident is extremely nasty, and relevant bodies have been ordered to temporarily halt the scientific research activities of relevant personnel," the state news agency Xinhua said, citing the health ministry, science and technology ministry and China Association for Science and Technology. The organizers of a conference where He claimed to have edited the genes also condemned the work on Thursday, calling it "deeply disturbing" and "irresponsible". "Even if the modifications are verified, the procedure was irresponsible and failed to conform with international norms," the organizing committee of the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, being held in Hong Kong this week, said in a statement. The committee called for an independent assessment of He's claims. He said gene editing would help protect the girls from infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. (GRAPHIC: Gene editing IMG, click https://tmsnrt.rs/2ReKG1R) Chinese scientists have also condemned the work and the Southern University of Science and Technology, where He is on leave from his position as an associate professor, has announced an investigation. The Guangdong province Health Commission said on its website on Wednesday it and Shenzhen city had set up a team to investigate the case. He's filing to a Chinese clinical trials database indicates that a hospital did an ethical review of the project, but the hospital involved denied that its ethics review committee ever met to discuss the work. He said after his presentation on Wednesday he was proud of what he had done. The presidents of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM) also expressed concern about He's work. "The events in Hong Kong this week clearly demonstrate the need for us to develop more specific standards and principles that can be agreed upon by the international scientific community," NAS president Marcia McNutt and NAM president Victor Dzau said in a statement. (This story fixes typo in first paragraph) (Reporting By Alexandra Harney; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Paul Tait, Robert Birsel)
Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Israeli forces entered the Palestinian city of Ramallah on Monday and raided the offices of the official Palestinian news agency, the agency and witnesses said, a day after gunmen wounded several Israelis near a settlement.

Seven people were wounded in the drive-by shooting by Palestinian gunmen at a bus stop near the Ofra settlement in the occupied West Bank late Sunday, with doctors forced to prematurely deliver the baby of one of the wounded, Israeli officials said.

Israeli soldiers entered Ramallah in the morning, with low-level clashes breaking out a few hundred metres (yards) from the house of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, AFP journalists said.

They seized the security camera footage of a nearby building, according to employees.

Two people were hit with live bullets during the clashes, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Later soldiers raided the headquarters of Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency, including the photography and editing offices, a statement from the news agency said.

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat on Twitter denounced the raids as a "deliberate and reckless campaign led by the Israeli government and its army against the people of Palestine".

An army spokeswoman said she could not comment on the Ramallah raid, including whether it was part of the hunt for the gunmen from Sunday night's attack.

Doctors at the Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem earlier delivered the baby of one victim of the shooting who was pregnant via a caesarean section, the hospital said.

The hospital added that the mother, 21, was stable on Monday but the baby had taken a turn for the worse.

"There has unfortunately been a deterioration in the baby's condition. The family is requesting prayers for him," a hospital spokeswoman said.

The others wounded in the attack were not in life-threatening condition.

- Hamas praises shooting -

The army said on Monday morning that the perpetrators had so far not been located.

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"IDF (Israel Defence Forces), border police and security forces commenced extensive searches in the villages in the area as part of the hunt for the terrorists who committed the attack," a statement on Monday said.

"The IDF will continue to operate to apprehend the terrorists and ensure the security of civilians."

The Islamist Hamas movement, which runs the Gaza Strip, praised the attack, saying in a statement that it proved "resistance" was still alive in the West Bank.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis occur sporadically in the West Bank.

On November 26, a Palestinian rammed Israeli soldiers with a car and injured three of them. The assailant in that incident was later killed by Israeli forces.

Sunday's shooting north of Jerusalem was the most serious attack in the West Bank since October 7, when Palestinian Ashraf Naalwa shot two Israelis dead in an industrial zone for a nearby settlement.
James Comey, the former director of the FBI, speculated Sunday that if President Donald Trump werent the leader of the country hed be in serious jeopardy of being charged as part of the governments sweeping indictments of the lawyer Michael Cohen.

During a conversation with MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace at the 92nd Street Y on Sunday evening, Comey spoke about his time in the White House, his newfound status as a perpetual target of Trumps Twitter tirades and his thoughts on special counsel Robert Muellers ongoing investigation into the 2016 presidential election.

Bob Mueller and his team have done this like pros, Comey said, noting that someone once said the special counsel was an olympic swimmer and were dog paddlers.

Theres no doubt that thats true, the former director continued.

The talk began with Comey discussing his thoughts on Cohen, Trumps former lawyer and longtime fixer. Cohen will be sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to breaking campaign finance laws through hush money payments to two women who claim they had affairs with the president, among other crimes. In a memo filed last week, federal prosecutors said Cohen did so in coordination with and at the direction of Trump.

Justice Department policy mandates a sitting president cant be indicted. But during the talk, Wallace asked whether Trump could be considered an unindicted co-conspirator in the case, a term previously used in regards to President Richard Nixon during the Watergate investigation.

I dont know, Comey replied, Not in the formal sense where hes been named in an indictment. But if hes not there, hes certainly close given the language in the filing that the crimes were committed at his direction.

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Wallace then asked hypothetically if Trump wasnt the president and a similar case were before the a judge in the Southern District of New York, where Comey was once the U.S. Attorney, what would happen.

Well that person would be in serious jeopardy of being charged because the government wouldnt make that sponsoring allegation if they werent seriously contemplating going forward with criminal charges, the former FBI director said. Now where it stands here, I cant say.

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Comey, who released a memoir of his time in politics and interactions with the president earlier this year, also spoke about Trumps ongoing use of Twitter to lambast the Mueller investigation and overt attacks and defenses of those cooperating with and opposing the special counsels probe.

If I were a prosecutor and a public figure started attacking the credibility of one of my witnesses in a pending investigation, thats something Id look at very closely, Comey said when pressed on the tweets by Wallace.

The former director has been a common target of the president himself, who just this weekend leveled new attacks, calling him Leakin James Comey and accusing the man of lying to Congress. Comey testified before the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees on Friday after a fierce negotiation with Republicans who wanted to compel him to speak about his leadership at the FBI, including his handling of the Hillary Clinton email scandal. Comey only agreed after lawmakers agreed to make his testimony public within 24 hours.

Leakin James Comey must have set a record for who lied the most to Congress in one day, Trump wrote without basis this weekend. His Friday testimony was so untruthful! This whole deal is a Rigged Fraud headed up by dishonest people who would do anything so that I could not become President. They are now exposed!

On 245 occasions, former FBI Director James Comey told House investigators he didnt know, didnt recall, or couldnt remember things when asked. Opened investigations on 4 Americans (not 2) - didnt know who signed off and didnt know Christopher Steele. All lies!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 9, 2018

Comey said such attacks dont bother or intimidate him, saying hed had enough of this nonsense, but likened voters to a waking giant who must hold Trump accountable.

That giant is awakening because of things like this. And we have to continue to awaken the giant, he said. We must hold him accountable. Its not a Republican thing or a Democratic thing, because this is unacceptable behavior for a leader of the country.

Related...

Trump Says He Is 'Totally' Cleared Following Michael Cohen Sentencing Recommendations

Here Are The Most Interesting Parts Of The Latest Mueller Filings

Michael Cohen Acted 'At The Direction' Of Donald Trump, Federal Prosecutors Say

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Thomas Markle was present at Meghan and Trevor Engelsons wedding in Jamaica in 2011 (Getty/ITV)

Kensington Palace has refused to comment on claims guests at Meghan Markles first wedding were welcomed with a gift bag containing marijuana.

Thomas Markle, the Duchess of Sussexs estranged father, has revealed details about the nuptials in Jamaica in 2011, including claims guests were handed drugs as they arrived at the ceremony.

Mr Markle told the Mail on Sunday: Meghan planned everything down to the tiniest detail. She took control of everything. I was given a white shirt to wear, as were all the male guests. She micro-managed everything.

Guests were reportedly welcomed with a small fabric bag containing a welcome note from Meghan and Trevor along with a small plastic baggy of marijuana, but Mr Markle said he did not use it.

Marijuana use is illegal in Jamaica.

Meghan has reportedly not spoken to her father since her and Prince Harrys wedding day on May 19 (Getty)

The retired lighting director, 74, told The Mail on Sunday: Its no big deal in Jamaica. Its almost customary down there. I dont smoke weed and to the best of my knowledge nor does Meghan.

I dont know what I did with mine. I think I gave it away. I kept the bag and I use it to keep the sea air [at his Mexican beachside home] off one of my Emmys.

Meghan is thought to have started dating Hollywood producer Engelson in 2004. They got married at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The pair separated after two years and their divorce was finalised in August 2013, with the couple citing irreconcilable differences.

Meghan finalised her divorce from Trevor in 2013 (Getty)

Engelson has since married nutritionist Tracey Kurland, the daughter of a multi-millionaire banker.

The Duchess of Sussex has reportedly not spoken to her father since the wedding in May after he was found to have staged paparazzi photos for money. He subsequently pulled out of walking his daughter down the aisle, reportedly due to suffering from heart problems. He also showed The Mail on Sunday medical bills and medication to prove it happened.

Mr Markle has repeatedly said he wants to heal the rift with his daughter, particularly now shes expecting her first child.

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Lucky to be healthy and alive
Davao CityThe government is abandoning the joint venture scheme for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi and will instead go for multiple procurement system to fully comply with Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. This was according to Marcelino Escalada Jr., secretary general of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and general manager of the National Housing Authority on Sunday. No more joint venture because that is not the appropriate modality and it is also not legal to enter into a joint venture, Escalada said in a press briefing with local reporters. Meanwhile, Japan-led Manila-based Asian Development Bank said on Monday it hoped to sign within the year loans and grants worth $408 million to assist the Philippines in the rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City. We are considering the signing as early as possible [of] the Marawi Reconstruction and Recovery Loan of $400 million, and in addition, $8-million grant, ADB president Takehiko Nakao told reporters in a press conference in Manila City. So a total of $408 [million] and we would like to sign within this year, Nakao added. Escalada said the decision was approved by the Council in its meeting last Friday as a complete turnaround of the previous approaches to the rehabilitation, recovery, and reconstruction of Marawi that costs P14- billion spread within the next three years (2019  2021). Escalada said joint venture is a single procurement method that is not only appropriate but would also take time. This was supported by the DOF [Department of Finance], the ADB Asian Development Bank, and the Public-Private Partnership Center, he said, pointing to legal questions involved in joint venture schemes for government transactions. [There is no] sharing of profit and sharing of loss. Who would share profit or loss if we developed Marawi? There is no business to talk about here, he said. Under the multiple procurements, Escalada said government agencies will be engaged or involved in the implementation of various projects. Following the decision, Escalada said the proposed new strategy and action plan for the rehabilitation of the Most Affected Area would now engage the whole Task Force Bangon Marawi and sub-committees in the various components of the Master Development Plan. He said the head of each sub-committee shall package their corresponding rehabilitation component and submit the funding requirement to the chairman of the TFBM through its project management offices for consolidation.The technical secretariat and PMO will then prepare the Project Implementation Plan [PIP] for each component and present to TFBM for approval. Once the PIP and its corresponding budget are approved, each component shall be a farm out or downloaded to the respective sub-committee or department for procurement and implementation pursuant to the approved PIP, he added. Escalada said the Marawi development would be funded in three tranches: P4.5 billion for the first year; P6.5 billion for the second year and P3 billion for the third year. The money will be sourced from available funds from all implementing agencies, he said. Escalada said the project has 21 components. The components under the first year include Debris Management (P2.3 billion); Master Development Plan with Feasibility Study (P20 million); Sewerage Treatment Plant (P650 million); Port Facilities (P119.85 million); Wharves Recovery (P567.36 million); Land Acquisition (P400 million); and Grand Padian Central Market (P443.25 million). The building of a sanitary landfill also falls under the first priority, but no amount of funds is indicated yet. The second year includes road infrastructure with underground facilities at P4.768 billion. The road infrastructure includes a storm drainage system, sewer system, water supply, and telecommunication. Also, under the second priority component are the Agus River and Lake Lanao Promenade (P500 million); Maritime Headquarters (P49.25 million); Halal Slaughterhouse (P47.16 million); Multi-Level Carpark (P208 million); Hospital with Basic Equipment (P813 million); and Protective Facilities (P133.1 million). The third year includes the Barangay Complex with Health Center and Madrasah (P407 million); School building (P1.144 billion); Convention Center (P392.98 million); Peace Memorial Park (P453.1 million); Preservation of Historical Sites (P100 million); Multi-Modal Transport Hub (P48.75 million); and School of Living Tradition (P48.69 million). Escalada said the implementing agencies would start their respective programs of work by January next year.
Paris (France) (AFP) - Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron Monday announced a series of financial measures seeking to defuse the "yellow vest" revolt that has triggered violent protests in cities across the country.

In a 15-minute televised speech from the Elysee Palace, a sombre-looking president told the nation, "I accept my share of responsibility" for the crisis.

The former investment banker struck a more humble tone than usual as he sought to address criticism of his style of leadership.

"I know that I have hurt some of you with my statements," he said.

Macron stressed, however, that the protests by mostly low-income people in small town or rural France were the result of long-term problems.

"Their distress doesn't date from yesterday. We have ended up getting used to it," he said.

"These are forty years of malaise that have come to the surface."

Among the measures Macron announced was a 100 euro ($113) monthly increase in the minimum wage as of next year, for which businesses would not have to foot the bill.

The minimum wage was set at 1,498 euros a month pre-tax in 2018 and 1,185 euros after tax.

Macron's government had previously suggested that any increase in the minimum wage would destroy jobs rather than help create them.

But the protests, which have seen rioting in Paris and other cities and taken a heavy financial toll, are the biggest challenge for Macron since he came to power in May 2017 promising to revitalise the economy.

Since then his popularity has fallen with critics saying he favours the rich and alienates people struggling, especially in provincial France.

- Pensions, overtime -

The 40-year-old centrist also announced he would roll back most of an unpopular increase in taxes on pensioners introduced by his government.

And he called on all businesses "that can afford it" to give employees a one-off "end of year bonus" which would be tax free.

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In another move to appease protesters' anger, Macron said he would do away with all wage taxes on overtime work.

Macron, who has been in power for the past 18 months, on Monday held four hours of crisis talks with government ministers, parliamentary leaders, business and labour representatives and regional officials.

He had previously vowed that unlike his predecessors he would not be swayed by street protests.

But in an initial attempt to quell the revolt now in its fourth week, the government agreed last week to cancel a planned increase in anti-pollution fuel taxes -- the spark behind the "yellow vest" protests in car-dependent rural and suburban France.

But the move was seen as too little, too late by the protesters, who held a fourth round of demonstrations on Saturday to press for further concessions on reducing inequality.

The campaign of nationwide road blockades and weekend protests in Paris and other cities over four consecutive weekends, which degenerated into destruction and looting, have taken a toll on the French economy.

The central bank on Monday halved its fourth-quarter growth forecast to just 0.2 percent from 0.4 percent -- far below the 0.8 percent growth needed to meet the government's full-year target of 1.7 percent.

Nationwide an estimated 136,000 people turned out for the protests last weekend -- the same number as a week earlier.

Since the start of the protests, more than 4,500 people have been detained, police said.

Speaking of the violent actions of some of the protesters, who notably set fire to barricades on the Champs-Elysees and defaced the Arc de Triomphe monument, Macron said his government would show no leniency.

"No anger justifies attacking a policeman (...) When violence breaks out, freedom ceases to be," he said.

- 'Yellow vest' reaction -

Reactions to his speech from the "yellow vests" were hard to judge as the movement is leaderless and has refused to come under the sway of political parties or trade unions.

Some protesters, interviewed on French television, acknowledged that Macron had made some "concessions", but added that these were "insufficient" to call the protests off.

"This time, there really is some progress. My smile got bigger and bigger as he spoke," said Erwan, one of the movement's "spokesmen" in the northwestern town of Rennes.

But, for Pierre-Gael Laveder, in the eastern town of Montceau-les-Mines, "Macron hasn't taken the full measure of what is going on".

"Everyone of his announcements was booed and the first overall reaction was 'he thinks we are fools'," Laveder added.

Right-wing opposition leader Marine Le Pen, Macron's rival in last year's presidential run-off election, welcomed some of the tax measures announced, but accused Macron of being the harbinger of "savage" globalisation.

"He refuses to admit it's the (economic) model which he champions which is itself called into question," she added.

Jean-Luc Melenchon, who heads the left-wing opposition Unbowed France, said Macron was mistaken if he thought "a distribution of money" will calm "the insurrection".

The European Commission, which monitors EU members' finances, said it would study the budgetary impact of Macron's measures which are expected to cost billions of euros.

"We are monitoring the potential new measures announced, but we cannot comment until they are properly announced and detailed," said Valdis Dombrovskis, the commissioner for the euro.
PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron will meet representatives of trade unions, employers' organizations and associations of local elected officials on Monday, an Elysee palace source said on Sunday. The meeting, which will take place at 0900 GMT, follows a fourth weekend of violent "yellow vest" riots in which anti-government protesters threw stones, torched cars and vandalized shops and restaurants across the country. "The president wants to bring together all the political, territorial, economic and social forces at these difficult times for the nation, in order to hear their voices and proposals with a view to mobilize them into action," the source said. (Reporting by Emmanuel Jarry and Jean-Baptiste Vey; Writing by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Los Angeles (AFP) - Care for some maggot cheese, fried tarantula or a bat? Or how about fried locusts, grasshoppers or virgin boy eggs?

These delicacies are among some 80 items featured at the Disgusting Food Museum that opened in Los Angeles On Sunday, aiming to expose visitors to different cultures and foods and what we may all be eating in the future.

Samuel West, the museum's founder, said he came up with the idea for the two-month exhibit -- which first opened in his native Sweden in October -- in light of the ongoing debate about environmentally sustainable sources of protein and food security.

"If we can change people's notions of disgust, maybe we can also open them up to new sustainable proteins," said West, pointing to platefuls of Iru locust beans eaten in Nigeria, mopane worms eaten in South Africa or Nsenene, grasshoppers considered a delicacy in Uganda.

The entrance ticket to the museum in downtown Los Angeles is a vomit bag that visitors can use should any of the items from some 40 different countries be too much to stomach.

Some of the foods on display might be considered revolting because they simply stink. That includes French Epoisses cheese, shark meat from Iceland or surstromming, a Swedish delicacy that is considered one of the most pungent dishes in the world and is usually eaten outdoors.

It consists of fermented Baltic Sea herring and is so smelly that it reportedly got one tenant in Germany kicked out by his landlord in 1981 after he opened a can of surstromming in the apartment building's stairwell.

Other foods in the exhibit could be considered disgusting because of the way they end up on our plate and include Chinese mouse wine, which involves drowning and brewing baby mice in rice wine.

And let's not forget the virgin boy eggs, a traditional dish in China made from boiling eggs in the urine of young boys.

Andreas Ahrens, co-curator of the exhibition, said the foods chosen haven't gone down well with several countries that haven taken offense.

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"The Vegemite from Australia is causing a bit of an international incident," he said, referring to the thick, black food spread. "They have been quite pissed off that we've included it in the exhibit.

"The Americans are upset about the Root Beer and Twinkie... and we've had Peruvians upset that we have included Cuy, or roasted guinea pig, a famous Peruvian dish."

He said focusing on the word "disgusting" misses the point of the exhibit.

"This is aimed at getting people to realize that we shouldn't judge the foods of other cultures as disgusting so quickly," Ahrens said. "But if we would have named this the Museum of Sustainability or the Exhibit of Cultural Differences, no one would come.

"It wouldn't be interesting."
The 22-year-old, from Essex, was found dead on Sunday  more than week after she was last seen alive in Auckland

The man charged with the murder of British backpacker Grace Millane was called a scumbag in court.

Miss Millane, 22, disappeared in Auckland, New Zealand on 1 December.

Kiwi police searched for her until Sunday, when officers discovered a body in the outskirts of the city.

The 26-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was heckled in court  with one person in the public gallery labelling him a scumbag.

Court documents reveal the suspect had been staying at the Citylife Hotel on Queen Street in central Auckland, which is where Miss Millane was last seen before her death.

The judge said the grief felt by Miss Millanes family must be desperate.

Ms Millanes father David, along with other family members, was in court as Judge Thomas addressed them.

He said: Id like to acknowledge the presence of Graces family.

Grace Millane: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern apologises to family of murdered British backpacker

I dont know what we say to you at this time.

Your grief must be desperate.

All of us hope that justice for Grace is fair, swift and ultimately brings you some peace.

That will not be happening today, there will be no judgement today. It is important there is no judgement today.

There will be in all likelihood a number of procedural issues we need to deal with today.

Those are all part and parcel of a process that has judgement as its end goal, not its starting point.

Police suspect the University of Lincoln graduate from Essex was killed between 1 December and 2 December, according to documents supplied to the court.

The body  which is yet to be formally identified but the police believe to be Miss Millanes  was found about 10 metres from Scenic Drive, a countryside road on the outskirts if the city, Det Insp Scott Beard said.

Miss Millane had been travelling in New Zealand for a fortnight, straight after a six-week group trip exploring South America.

Police announced that Miss Millane was no longer alive after reviewing CCTV footage, the forensic examination of CityLife Hotel, and the discovery of a vehicle.

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Her family said they were devastated after being told the missing persons case had become a murder investigation.





While New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there was an overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country.

On behalf on New Zealand, I want to apologise to Graces family, she said. Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasnt, and Im sorry for that.

Graces brother Declan Millane shared a collection of photographs of his sister online, alongside the lyrics to the chorus of the song You Are My Sunshine.

Graces father, David Millane, described his daughter as lovely and family-orientated during a news conference in Auckland on Friday.

The University of Lincoln, from which Miss Millane graduated earlier this year, paid tribute and said its community was deeply saddened.
Judge Evangelos Thomas speaks as a man accused of Grace Millane's murder appears in court in Auckland - Getty Images AsiaPac

The man accused of killing British backpacker Grace Millane was jeered as he appeared in a packed Auckland court on Monday.

Ms Millane, 22, died while travelling in New Zealand and her body was found in bushland on Sunday afternoon, about 30 feet from a highway outside the New Zealand city.

The 26-year-old accused, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared in a blue boiler suit as he attended Auckland's District Court on Monday morning.

Ms Millane, from Essex, was last seen alive entering the CityLife Hotel with the man last Saturday at 9.41pm. The defendant was listed on a charge sheet as residing at the hotel on Queen Street in central Auckland.

In his opening remarks Judge Evangelos Thomas addressed members of Millane's family, some of whom were in attendance. Her father, David Millane, arrived in New Zealand last Friday following his daughter's disappearance.

Your grief must be desperate, Judge Thomas told the family in court, where every seat was taken by the public and the international and local media. All of us hope that justice for Grace is fair and swift and ultimately brings you some peace.

As the defendant was led out of the court, a man at the back of the court yelled out scumbag.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern became became visibly upset as she apologised to Ms Millane's family at her weekly post-cabinet news conference.

"On behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Grace's family," Ms Ardern told a weekly news conference in parliament.

Ms Ardern said she could not imagine the grief that her family would be going through, according to Radio New Zealand.

Your daughter should have been safe here and she wasn't and I'm sorry for that. Ms Ardern told the family through police that the government would offer any assistance it could.

Judge Evangelos Thomas speaks as a man accused of Grace Millane's murder appears in court in Auckland Credit: Getty

Judge Thomas rejected an application from the accused's lawyer for his client's name to be suppressed based on fair trial rights. However, the decision was immediately appealed, meaning the accused's name will not be released for at least 20 working days until the appeal is determined.

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The accused looked at the judge for most of the 90 minutes he was in court, nodding that he understood when spoken to, his eyes only occasionally flicking towards the cameras on the other side of the court.

The defendant's next appearance will be in the High Court on January 23.

Accused 'was estranged from family'

The accused was reportedly estranged from his family after his parents separated, according to his grandfather.

NZ media organisation Stuff reported that the grandfather, who said he'd helped raise him for a period after his parents separated, was struggling to come to terms with what his grandson had been accused of.

He was a nice kid, but he sort of fell out with everybody, which is what happens with broken-up marriages.

He was worried about how the allegations would affect the wider family but declined to comment further.

A female relative of the accused told Stuff he'd spent time living in Australia, where his mother lived, but she was unaware he'd returned.

His paternal grandmother told Stuff that while living in Australia the man fathered a daughter but was no longer in a relationship with the mother.

Stuff said the accused's father hadn't spoken to his son for two years, citing: A difference in opinion on life.

Emotional tributes from family

Police have yet to reveal how the pair met or the possible motive for the alleged murder.

Security footage at the hotel, along with a scene investigation at a room there, confirmed that Ms Millane was dead. Detective Inspector Scott Beard said the body was found near Scenic Drive, which leads through the Waitakere Ranges, a popular parkland west of Auckland.

Grace Millane was on a year-long round-the-world trip

This brings the search for Grace to an end, said Detective Beard, who was visibly emotional delivering the news of the discovery. It is an unbearable time for the Millane family and our hearts go out to them.

Ms Millane's family have described her as lovely, outgoing, fun-loving and family-orientated. Her brother Declan paid public tribute on social media with a series of photographs of Ms Millane smiling, celebrating, graduating and, as a little girl, hugging her sibling.

He also wrote the lyrics to the song "you are my sunshine, my only sunshine" underneath pictures of the pair together.

Ms Millane, who completed a degree in advertising and marketing at Lincoln University, was on a yearlong trip and arrived in New Zealand on November 20 after a four-week group tour to Peru.

Her family raised concerns after she failed to make contact for several days, including on her 22nd birthday last Sunday.

Police received a missing person report on Wednesday and commenced a major search and public campaign that saw dozens of calls made to a helpline.

David Millane, Graces father, arrived in New Zealand on Friday morning and gave a press conference with police, issuing a moving appeal for help.

He was joined on the weekend by another family member.

Tributes to Grace Millane are left at the roundabout in Titirangi, at the start of Scenic Drive in Auckland Credit: Getty

Mr Millane, a property developer, said Ms Millane had typically bombarded the family with messages and photographs during her travels but suddenly went silent after last Saturday.

"Grace is a lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, family-orientated daughter," he said. "Grace has never been out of contact for this amount of time. She's usually in daily contact with either her mother, myself, her two brothers or members of the family on social media.

"We are all extremely upset and it's very difficult at this time to fully describe the range of emotions we are going through."

Police took the 26-year-old man into custody several days ago and have charged him with murder.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard speaks at the scene where the body of British tourist Grace Millane was found Credit: Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Detective Beard said the investigation will continue and searches were still underway at the hotel. He would not comment on whether the pair met on the dating app Tinder.

"The focus now is to piece together exactly what happened to a young woman who came to New Zealand on her [overseas experience]," he said.

Appeal for information

Ms Millanes body was allegedly transported to the parkland in a red Toyota Corolla hatchback that was rented from a central Auckland firm last Sunday.

Police released two photos of the car, which was found in the central North Island town of Taupo, and were appealing for anyone who had seen the vehicle on the morning of Monday, December 3, near the area where the body was found.

Expressing condolences to Mr Millane and the family, Detective Beard said: "Any father in this situation is going to struggle. We are putting a lot of support around him. I feel for him, I have a daughter in her twenties.

A 2016 red Toyota Corolla hire car that police are analysing as part of a probe into the death of Grace Millane Credit: PA

The case has sent shockwaves across New Zealand, where people expressed outrage and some on social media described the case as a national shame.

It has also raised concerns about violence towards women in the country. Justin Lester, the mayor of Wellington, the capital, said the case was a "horrible and tragic nightmare".

"Our girls should be safe to travel and go out and our men should be looking after and protecting them, not causing harm," he said on Twitter.
Meng Wanzhou is the daughter of Huawei's founder and her arrest threatens to reignite US trade war with China: AP

China has summoned the US ambassador to Beijing to demand Washington cancel an arrest warrant for a senior executive of telecoms giant Huawei.

The arrest of chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou on 1 December has threatened to reignite a trade war between the two powers.

Vice foreign minister Le Yucheng lodged solemn representations and strong protests about Ms Meng's detention, according to Chinas Xinhua news agency

Officials reportedly told Ambassador Terry Branstad the detention was extremely egregious and said the US must immediately correct its wrong actions.

Ms Meng was arrested last Saturday while changing planes in Vancouver after the US issued a warrant over allegations she covered up links to a subsidiary doing business with Iran, in breach of US sanctions.

On Friday prosecutors urged a Canadian court to deny her bail, saying she posed a significant flight risk if she was released pending a hearing on her extradition to the US.

Court documents released late on Sunday state Ms Wanzhou had been taken to hospital with high blood pressure in the wake of her arrest, and say she fears for her health if she is incarcerated.

Hearings will continue on Monday but the filings say Ms Wanzhou denies she would attempt to leave, adding that she has longstanding ties and significant property holdings in Vancouver.

The 46-year-old-CFOs husband has even suggested bringing their daughter over to attend school in the city while court proceedings are underway, the documents show.

China urged Canadian officials to immediately release Ms Wanzhou or face severe consequences but experts doubted the tactics would be effective.

Perhaps because the Chinese state controls its judicial system, Beijing sometimes has difficulty understanding or believing that courts can be independent in a rule-of-law country, Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, said on Twitter.

Theres no point in pressuring the Canadian government. Judges will decide.

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Huawei is one of the worlds biggest suppliers of network technology that underpins phone and internet communications, but its close ties to the Chinese government have made it the focus of US security concerns.

As the daughter of the companys founder, Ren Zhengfei, Ms Wanzhous arrest has ratcheted up tensions further, just as the two superpowers try to prevent a trade war boiling over.

Donald Trump agreed to shelve $200bn (157bn) in planned tariffs at a meeting with the Chinese premier Xi Jinping last week.

However the US is alleging that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of US sanctions and then Ms Wanzhou misled American banks about its dealings.

The arrest warrant was initially issued in August and reports suggest she has been avoiding the US for months, despite having a son at school there.

Her surprise arrest this month sent shockwaves through global stock markets hoping for a period of stability in the wake of the escalating trade war.

But US trade representative Robert Lighthizer, speaking on CBS Face the Nation, downplayed the impact of the arrest on trade talks between the two countries aimed at defusing the tensions.

Its my view that it shouldnt really have much of an impact, he said.

Additional reporting by agencies
The Commission on Higher Education has made a commitment to Senator Bam Aquino for a 100 percent compliance to Free College Law. CHED will soon issue a memorandum prohibiting state universities and colleges [SUCs] from charging mandatory fees, said Aquino. Sa batas natin, bawal nang mangolekta ng mandatory fees ang mga SUC. Dapat ituloy ang laban para sa 100 percent compliance ng mga kolehiyo, said Aquino during the CHEDs budget hearing. During interpellation of the CHED budget, Aquino expressed his concern that a few SUCs may still collect miscellaneous and other mandatory fees from students. This is despite the expressed prohibition under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. While going around SUCs, Aquino said they learned that some SUCs are still planning to collect miscellaneous fees, said Aquino, principal sponsor of Republic Act 10931 during his term as chairman of the Committee on Education. This should not happen because there is a law saying that the payment of miscellaneous should be mandatory fee, added Aquino. Sa batas na ito, sinisiguro na ang kapos, makapagtatapos. Aquino insisted that the law should be properly enjoyed by students and their families so they can cope with daily expenses amid the high prices of food and other goods.Halos aabot din sa daan-daang piso ang kinokolektang miscellaneous fees sa mga estudyante, pera na dapat ginagamit nang panggastos ng pamilyang Pilipino na pambili ng pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan, added Aquino. In response, CHED chairman Prospero de Vera agreed to issue a draft memorandum that will clarify and warn SUCs that students should not pay a single centavo to enroll in an SUC, LUC or TESDA-run TVI In addition, Sen. Aquino sought to expand the coverage of the free college law to cover on-the-job training, affiliation fees for nursing students, and other Related Learning Experiences (RLEs). The senator also pushed for better support for SUCs through additional plantilla position for non-teaching personnel, such as security personnel, registrar, guidance counselors, resident ombudsman, among others. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), for its part, committed and allocated money for this endeavor and was simply waiting for the recommendation from CHED. Aquino said once the CHED gave its recommendation, SUCs can start hiring non-teaching personnel next year.
Baghdad (AFP) - Nadia Murad survived the worst of the cruelties and brutality inflicted on her people, the Yazidis of Iraq, by the Islamic State group before becoming a global champion of their cause and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Murad, who was taken hostage by IS in 2014 but escaped, on Monday became the first Iraqi to receive the prestigious award.

The 25-year-old was jointly awarded the Nobel with Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege for their "efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war".

Murad once lived a quiet life in her village in the mountainous Yazidi stronghold of Sinjar in northern Iraq, close to the border with Syria.

"As a young girl, I dreamed of finishing high school," she said in her Nobel acceptance speech.

"It was my dream to have a beauty parlour in our village and to live near my family in Sinjar. But this dream became a nightmare. Unexpected things happened. Genocide took place."

The jihadists stormed across swathes of Iraq and Syria in August 2014.

IS fighters swept into her village, Kojo, killing the men, taking children captive to train them as fighters and condemning thousands of women to a life of forced labour and sexual slavery.

Murad was taken to Mosul, the Iraqi "capital" of the IS's self-declared caliphate, where she was held captive and repeatedly gang-raped, tortured and beaten.

IS fighters wanted "to take our honour, but they lost their honour", Murad has previously said.

- 'Joyful person' -

For the jihadists, with their ultra-strict interpretation of Islam, the Yazidis are seen as heretics.

The Kurdish-speaking community follows an ancient religion, revering a single God and the "leader of the angels", represented by a peacock.

Like thousands of Yazidis, Murad was sold and forcibly married to a jihadist, beaten and -- in contrast to the official wives of IS leaders -- forced to wear makeup and tight clothes, an experience she later related in front of the United Nations Security Council.

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"The first thing they did was they forced us to convert to Islam," Murad told AFP in 2016.

She set about trying to escape, and managed to flee with the help of a Muslim family from Mosul.

Using false identity papers, she crossed the few dozen kilometres (miles) to Iraqi Kurdistan, joining crowds of other displaced Yazidis in camps.

There, she learnt that six of her brothers and her mother had been killed.

With the help of an organisation that assists Yazidis, she was re-united with her sister in Germany, where she lives today.

Even there, she says she is still fearful, for herself and other innocent women.

"I am a joyful person, I am an outgoing person, I don't want to live in fear," she told reporters at a press conference on Sunday.

- 'Our peoples' fight' -

The Yazidis numbered around 550,000 in Iraq before 2014, but some 100,000 have since left the country.

Many others who fled their hometowns to Iraqi Kurdistan remain reluctant to return to their traditional lands.

Murad has dedicated herself to what she calls "our peoples' fight".

She and her friend Lamia Haji Bashar jointly received the EU's 2016 Sakharov human rights prize.

She has called for help for some 3,000 Yazidis who remain missing, presumed still in captivity, as well as for European countries to take in displaced Yazidis.

She has also campaigned for the acts committed by IS to be recognised internationally as genocide.

The Yazidi cause has won a high-profile supporter -- Lebanese-British lawyer and rights activist Amal Clooney, who was at the Nobel ceremony and also penned the foreword to Murad's book, "The Last Girl", published in 2017.

That same year, the UN announced it would begin gathering evidence on IS war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide that would be used to try IS militants in Iraqi courts. The first Iraq field missions are set for 2019.

"So far, the perpetrators of the crimes which led to this genocide have not been brought to justice," Murad said in her Nobel speech.

"I do not seek more sympathy; I want to translate those feelings into actions on the ground."

- Happier times -

Murad was in the United States when she heard about her prize, and said she was "scared" initially.

"The first thing that came to my mind was my mother, I cried a lot," she said on Sunday.

"It was very difficult. I have received the Nobel Peace Prize from the hardship, the difficulties that all these people have been faced with and from all the hard work that we have been doing."

In contrast to all the tragedies that have befallen her, recent pictures on Murad's Twitter feed show happier times.

In August, she announced her engagement to fellow Yazidi activist Abid Shamdeen.

"The struggle of our people brought us together and we will continue this path together," she wrote.

Underneath, a photo showed her next to a young man in a bow tie, her face still framed by her long brown hair, but this time, bearing a broad smile. Her fiance was in Oslo to see her accept the Nobel Peace Prize.
Educators with Acero charter schools strike outside the Veterans Memorial Charter School Campus, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Chicago.

CHICAGO  Teachers and administrators agreed Sunday to suspend the nations first-ever charter school strike, ending a four-day work stoppage at one of the largest charter networks in Chicago. But the fight could portend more to come in the labor movements long-running battle with the alternative schools.

The strike against the Acero charter school network affected only about 7,500 of Chicagos 371,000 public school students. But the impasse over pay, class sizes and other issues was closely followed by labor leaders and charter advocates around the country.

Charters, publicly funded but privately run, have resisted unions out of concern that they could limit their ability to innovate. They have grown in popularity around the country since their inception more than 25 years ago.

Advocates say their relative independence  they face fewer instructional and bureaucratic regulations, and are largely free from collective bargaining  allow educators to innovate.

But in recent years, tensions between unions and charter advocates have grown. Labor leaders slam the charter movement as a failed and damaging experiment. Charter backers warn that labor is trying to co-opt the movement by organizing teachers.

The question now is, What does the (charter school) movement do to maintain autonomous schools? Andrew Broy, president of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, told USA TODAY.

The whole point of this movement is to flexibly innovate and serve students well," he said. "If you start having a collective bargaining agreement that looks like every other CBA in big cities around the country, you simply cant do that anymore, and the purpose of the moment gets subverted that way.

The National Education Association  the umbrella organization for the nations teachers' unions  released a policy statement last year rejecting "unaccountable privately managed charters. The NAACP last year renewed its call for a moratorium on establishment of new charters.

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Advocates, including Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, say charters give parents with children in failing public schools an important alternative.

Nearly 3.2 million students attended nearly 7,000 charter schools nationwide last school year, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Enrollment was up 5 percent from the previous year.

More: We followed 15 of America's teachers on a day of frustrations, pressures and hard-earned victories

More: Teachers in office: Wins by Tony Evers, Jahana Hayes, Okla. teachers show 'new beginning'

More: 'We're just fed up': Teachers running for office in record numbers, motivated by low pay and education cuts

Critics see charters as part of the movement to privatize public education, which they say exacerbates the problems confronting public schools by shifting taxpayer dollars from already cash-strapped systems.

Meanwhile, teachers' unions are making gains in organizing educators at charter networks.

Teachers at two charter schools in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston this year joined the city's teachers union, the first charter staff to do so.

United Teachers Los Angeles made headway in their push to unionize the citys largest charter network  Alliance College-Ready Public Schools  when teachers at three network schools submitted paperwork this spring to form a union and begin bargaining collectively. The Los Angeles union continues its push to organize teachers at all of the Alliances 25 schools.

Chicago could soon see another work stoppage at a different charter network. Staffers at Chicago International Charter School authorized a strike last month if union negotiators arent able to come to terms with the schools operators on a new contract. The network operates four schools in the city.

About 11 percent of the nations 7,000 charter schools are unionized, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Jesse Sharkey, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, said the unease that led the Acero teachers to strike was similar to that expressed by striking teachers in Arizona, Oklahoma, Washington, and West Virginia in recent months.

Across the country, we were told that education is the key to the future, but then we saw political leaders starve our schools, keep resources out of the classroom, Sharkey told USA TODAY. Weve seen taxes cut so wealthy people can have tax breaks, teacher pay stagnate while class sizes skyrocket, classes become bare-bones and not get the resources they need. Weve seen people take to the street across the country to protest against that, and now its coming to the charter industry too. Its about time.

Gary Miron, professor of educational leadership at Western Michigan University, said the charters have long relied on hiring younger educators to keep costs down. At many charter networks, the low pay has meant high turnover. High turnover has helped keep unsatisfied staff from organizing unions.

This strike might be more an overall sign of problems in the sector these days, Miron said. Young people going into teaching profession is way down right now for many reasons. This is one more sign that something has to happen or system is going to break.

The strike came about six months into negotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union and Acero.

Union members approved changes to their constitution and bylaws to merge with a division of unionized charter educators, paving the way for the union to negotiate on the Acero teachers' behalf.

Teachers' complaints centered on salary, class sizes, the length of school day, and a desire for the network to explicitly state that it would limit cooperation with immigration authorities. More than 90 percent of Aceros students are Latino, and many are undocumented or have undocumented parents and family members.

Union negotiators said the charter teachers earn an average salary of $65,000, about $13,000 less than their counterparts at Chicagos traditional public schools.

At the same time, they said, Acero teachers have 30-minute longer school days, and average classroom size hovers around 32 students. Chicago Public Schools sets a goal of 28 students per class in kindergarten through third grade, and fewer than 31 students per class for upper grades.

Union officials contrasted the rank-and-files working conditions to those of Aceros top executive, Rick Rodriguez, who earns a salary of $260,000.

Rodriguezs compensation for running Aceros 15 schools was comparable to Janice Jackson, the chief executive of the Chicago Public Schools system, who oversees over 500 schools.

The tentative agreement calls for staff raises over a four-year contract, a shorter school day more in line with the traditional city public school schedule and the incorporation of a sanctuary schools provision that Acero says meets staff concerns.

Rodriguez said the agreement values teachers and staff for the important work they do, while still maintaining the attributes of our network that help produce strong educational outcomes for our students.

Broy, president of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, said the timing of the strike seemed to be driven by the political calendar. Chicago is less than three months away from electing a new mayor to replace outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Emanuel was criticized for approving the expansion of charter schools in Chicago during his first term after he announced the closure of 49 traditional elementary schools and one high school with low enrollment.

Two days into the strike, the Chicago Teachers Union endorsed mayoral candidate Toni Preckwinkle, a top contender in a field of 21 candidates. Preckwinkle has promised to push for a freeze on new charter schools.

It doesnt take a lot of connecting the dots to see that politics was part of the timing on this, Broy said.

Katie Cannady, a kindergarten teacher at one of Aceros Chicago schools, said city politics didnt factor into her decision to vote to strike.

Why do we think its okay to expect teachers in one part of the city to work for this amount and teachers in another part of the city to work for different amount and then expect us to have the same results under very different working conditions? Cannady asked.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nation's first charter school strike ends, but could portend more battles on choice
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  Documents from the investigation into the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut are shedding light on the gunman's anger, scorn for other people, and deep social isolation in the years leading up to the shooting.

The documents that a court ordered Connecticut State Police to release include several writings by Adam Lanza, who gunned down 20 children and six educators on Dec. 14, 2012. He fatally shot his mother before driving to the school and ultimately killed himself.

Lanza wrote in what appears to be an online communication with a fellow gamer: "I incessantly have nothing other than scorn for humanity," the Hartford Courant reported . "I have been desperate to feel anything positive for someone for my entire life," he wrote.

The criminal investigation ended a year after the massacre without determining a motive. Thousands of pages of documents were released at the time, but in a lawsuit brought by the Courant, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled in October that personal belongings of the shooter that had been withheld, including journals, also had to be made public because they were not exempt from open record laws.

A report by the Connecticut child advocate said Lanza's severe and deteriorating mental health problems, his preoccupation with violence and access to his mother's weapons "proved a recipe for mass murder."

From the 10th grade, Lanza's mother kept him at home, where he was surrounded by an arsenal of firearms and spent long hours playing violent video games. His medical and school records included references to diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

The newly released documents were seized by authorities during a search of Lanza's home. They include writings that had been described or summarized by previous investigative reports such as the "Big Book Of Granny," a book describing violence against children that he wrote with another boy in the fifth grade, and a spreadsheet listing mass killings dating back to 1786.

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On one handwritten list titled "Problems," Lanza details a range of grievances including lights that are too bright and his hair touching his brother's towel.

"I am unable to distinguish between my problems because I have too many," Lanza wrote.

In other writings, he rages against "fat people" doctors who touched him during physical examinations as a child and writes about pedophilia as a form of love.

In the document where he described his scorn for other people, he also indicated a desire for some form of companionship.

"Most of my social contact was through those players," he wrote to the other gamer. "All of them are typical detestable human beings, and it bred an aura of innumerable negative emotions for me. You were a respite from that."
OSLO, Norway (AP)  One of the winners of this year's Nobel Peace Prize says the attention the prize has drawn to sexual violence against women in war zones must be followed by action against the abuses.

Dr. Denis Mukwege spoke Sunday at a news conference with Nadia Murad of Iraq, with whom he shared the 9-million Swedish kronor ($1 million) prize. Mukwege was honored for his work helping sexually abused women at the hospital he founded in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Murad, a Yazidi, won for her advocacy for sex abuse victims after being kidnapped by Islamic State militants.

"What we see during armed conflicts is that women's bodies become battlefields and this cannot be acceptable during our time," Mukwege said, speaking through a translator. "We cannot only denounce it, we now need to act."

Murad, 25, was one of an estimated 3,000 girls and women from Iraq's Yazidi minority group who were kidnapped in 2014 by IS militants and sold into sexual slavery. She was raped, beaten and tortured before managing to escape three months later. After getting treatment in Germany, she chose to speak to the world about the horrors faced by Yazidi women, despite regardless of the heavy stigma in her culture surrounding rape.

She said Sunday it was difficult "for a girl, a woman, to rise up to say that these atrocities have happened."

Mukwege, a 63-year-old surgeon, founded a hospital in the city of Bukavu and over the past 20 years has treated countless women who were raped amid fighting between armed groups seeking to control of some the central African nation's vast mineral wealth.

He expressed concern Sunday that new violence could be coming as Congo holds a general election this month.

"We think the conflict might blow up around this electoral period and women and children are always the first victims of such conflicts," he said.

Along with preventing sexual violence, more effort is needed to attend to victims, Mukwege said.

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"We need to realize that any woman who is a victim of sexual violence within her own country  such women should be allowed treatment and it's not only medical treatment, also psychological treatment, judicial treatment," he said.

Murad said the psychological burden of her ordeal and her subsequent work is heavy.

"I don't want to live in fear. For the last four years I have been in Germany, in a safe place, but yet I'm living frightfully," she said. "I'm scared that these people will not just attack me or have an impact on me, but with anybody else."

Murad and Mukwege will receive their prize Monday at a ceremony in the Norwegian capital. The winners of Nobel prizes for medicine, physics, chemistry and economics will get their prizes Monday in Stockholm.

No Nobel literature winner was named this year due to turmoil in the Swedish Academy, which chooses the literature winners.

___

Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed to this story
WASHINGTON (AP)  North Korea on Friday deported an American citizen it says it detained for illegal entry, a U.S. official said, an apparent concession that came even as the reclusive nation announced the test of a newly developed but unspecified "ultramodern" weapon that will be seen as a pressuring tactic by Washington.

The two whiplash announcements, which seemed aimed at both appeasing and annoying Washington, suggest North Korea wants to keep alive dialogue with the United States, even as it struggles to express its frustration at stalled nuclear diplomacy.

North Korea in the past has held arrested American citizens for an extended period before high-profile U.S. figures travelled to Pyongyang to secure their freedom. Last year, American university student Otto Warmbier died days after he was released in a coma from North Korea after 17 months in captivity.

On Friday, the Korean Central News Agency said American national Bruce Byron Lowrance was detained on Oct. 16 for illegally entering the country from China. It said he told investigators that he was under the "manipulation" of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. It was not clear if the North's spelling of the man's name was correct, and past reports from Pyongyang have contained incorrect spellings.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday expressed appreciation for the cooperation of North Korea and the embassy of Sweden  which handles consular issues for U.S. citizens in North Korea  "in facilitating the release of an American citizen." His brief statement provided no further details.

A U.S. official said the man had left North Korea and was on a flight back to the United States. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. He provided no other details.

The North's decision matches its general push for engagement and diplomacy with the United States this year after a string of weapons tests in 2017, and a furious U.S. response, had some fearing war on the Korean Peninsula.

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In May, North Korea released three American detainees in a goodwill gesture weeks ahead of leader Kim Jong Un's June 12 summit with President Donald Trump in Singapore. The three Americans returned home on a flight with Pompeo.

The United States, South Korea and others have previously accused North Korea of using foreign detainees to wrest diplomatic concessions.

Some foreigners have said after their release that their declarations of guilt had been coerced while in North Korean custody. Warmbier and other previous American detainees in the North were imprisoned over a variety of alleged crimes, including subversion, anti-state activities and spying.

The latest detained American is likely a man that South Korea deported last year, according to South Korean police.

In November 2017, a 58-year-old man from Louisiana was caught in South Korea after spending two nights in the woods in a civilian-restricted area near the border with North Korea. The name written in his passport was Lowrance Bruce Byron, said police officers at Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency.

Before his deportation, the man told interrogators that he "knows lots of people in the Trump administration so that he wants to work as a bridge between the United States and North Korea to help improve their ties worsened by Warmbier's death," said one of the police officers who investigated the man. He requested anonymity, citing department rules.

Earlier Friday, KCNA said Kim observed the successful test of an unspecified "newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon," though it didn't describe what the weapon was.

It didn't appear to be a test of a nuclear device or a long-range missile with the potential to target the United States. A string of such tests last year pushed always uncomfortable ties on the peninsula to unusually high tension before the North turned to engagement and diplomacy.

Still, any mention of weapons testing could influence the direction of stalled diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Washington and aimed at ridding the North of its nuclear weapons.

Experts say the weapon test was likely an expression of anger by North Korea at U.S.-led international sanctions and ongoing small-scale military drills between South Korea and the United States. It's the first publicly known field inspection of a weapons test by Kim since he observed the testing of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November of last year, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry.

"It's North Korea-style coercive diplomacy. North Korea is saying 'If you don't listen to us, you will face political burdens,'" said analyst Shin Beomchul of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

Earlier this month, North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned it could bring back its policy of bolstering its nuclear arsenal if it doesn't receive sanctions relief.

Shin said the weapon North Korea tested could be a missile, artillery, an anti-air gun, a drone or other high-tech conventional weapons systems. Yang Wook, a Seoul-based military expert, said a "tactical weapon" in North Korea refers to "a weapon aimed at striking South Korea including U.S. military bases" there, so the North may have tested a short-range missile or a multiple rocket launch system.

Diplomacy has stalled since the Singapore summit, with Washington pushing for more action on nuclear disarmament and the North insisting the U.S. first approve a peace declaration formally ending the Korean War and lift sanctions.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, attending a Southeast Asian summit in Singapore, cited the "great progress" made on North Korea since the tensions of 2017 but said more had to be done. He stressed that U.N. sanctions had to remain enforced.

The North said the test took place at the Academy of National Defense Science and that Kim couldn't suppress his "passionate joy" at its success. But North Korea's report was noticeably less belligerent than past announcements of weapons tests, and didn't focus on North Korean claims of U.S. and South Korean hostility.

Last year's string of increasingly powerful weapons tests, many experts believe, put the North on the brink of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can target anywhere in the mainland United States.

__

Kim reported from Seoul, South Korea. Associated Press writers Kim Tong-Hyung and Foster Klug in Seoul and Annabelle Liang in Singapore contributed to this report.
It might not be the best idea to wear pyjamas in bed, according to sleep expert Professor Jim Ellis (Picture: Getty)

Do you wear pyjamas to bed? If youre among the 45% Brits who dont, if seems you might have the right idea.

According to sleep expert Professor Jason Ellis, director of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research, pyjamas arent always helpful when it comes to us getting a good nights kip.

Speaking on Yahoo News UK podcast Britain is a Nation of, Prof Ellis said: Our body temperature changes when we sleep, so in the evening we start to cool down and then in the early hours of the morning we heat up again.

And so that can actually be a bit of a problem if youre wearing pyjamas or something else because thats not going to help you regulate you own temperature very well.

Listen to the full episode of Britain is a Nation of below

If you are desperate to wear something in bed, cotton and silk are the best materials to opt for, he said.

These two allow you to breathe and they help regulate your own body temperature, he said, adding: The difficulty comes because as women get to a certain age they are going to have hot flashes in the night and thats going to compound the problem of that temperature regulation.

But if youre addicted to your PJs, dont worry. Prof Ellis has some helpful tips on avoiding overheating in bed.

If ever youre really hot in bed, take your ankles out from under the duvet, he suggests.

Sticking your feet out of the duvet will help cool you down, according to sleep expert Professor Jason Ellis (Picture: Getty)

We lose our heat through our head, our hands and our feet. The hands and the head are already out so theres only one place to lose heat quickly and thats from the ankles.

YouGov omnibus research previously asked Britons whether they wear pyjamas to bed, pyjamas and underwear or no pyjamas.

Its results suggest the older you are, the less likely you are to wear PJs, while women and younger people are slightly more likely to don pyjamas for bedtime.

When when it comes to wearing pyjamas and underwear in bed, its a habit most common in young women.

Another reason to steer clear of pyjamas is the hygiene factor. A 2015 survey by a mattress company revealed that the average length of time people go between washing their pyjamas is two weeks.

To hear more unpacking of statistics about British people, listen to the full episode above, or download it on Apple Podcasts, Acast, or Spotify to listen while on the go.
By Stephen Nellis (Reuters) - Chip supplier Qualcomm Inc said on Monday it had won an order from a Chinese court banning the sale of several older Apple Inc iPhone models in China because of two patent violations, although Apple said its phones remained on sale. The preliminary order from the Fuzhou Intermediate Peoples Court, issued last week, affects the iPhone 6S through the iPhone X that were originally sold with older versions of Apple's iOS operating system. It is not clear what the ruling means for phones with Apple's newer operating system, and Apple said all iPhone models remained for sale in China. The trio of models released in September were not part of the case. China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are Apple's third-largest market, accounting for about one-fifth of Apple's $265.6 billion in sales in its most recent fiscal year. The Chinese case is part of a global patent fight between Apple and Qualcomm that includes dozens of lawsuits. Qualcomm has also asked regulators in the United States to ban the importation of several iPhone models over patent concerns, but U.S. officials have so far declined to do so. Qualcomm, the biggest supplier of chips for mobile phones, filed its case in China in late 2017, arguing that Apple infringed patents on features related to resizing photographs and managing apps on a touch screen. Apple responded that "Qualcomms effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world." COURT BATTLE OVER DETAILS Qualcomm general counsel Don Rosenberg said in a statement the Chinese court orders were in effect now and applied to specific features, rather than to an operating system. Earlier this year, the same court banned the import of some microchips by Micron Technology Inc into China. In the provincial Chinese court, which is separate from China's specialized intellectual property courts in Beijing, one party can request a ban on an opponent's product without the opponent getting a chance to present a defense. Apple said on Monday it had filed a request for reconsideration with the court, the first step in appealing the ban. To enforce the ban, Qualcomm separately will have to file complaints in what is known as an enforcement tribunal, where Apple will also have a chance to appeal. Apple shares rose less than 1 percent to $169.60, recovering from an early drop when it became clear phones were still on sale, and Qualcomm stock rose $2.2 percent to $57.24. Yiqiang Li, a patent lawyer at Faegre Baker Daniels who is not involved in the case, said the Chinese injunction could put pressure on Apple to reach a global settlement with Qualcomm. The specific iPhone models affected by the preliminary ruling in China are the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. Erick Robinson, a patent lawyer in Beijing and former Qualcomm lawyer, said that while Chinese courts had become fairer in recent years, nationalism could sometimes be a factor in rulings. Qualcomm is a key technology vendor to Chinas rising smart phone brands such as Xiaomi Corp, Oppo, Vivo and OnePlus, while Apple competes directly against Hauwei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL], Chinas lone homegrown maker of premium-priced smart phones. There is probably a political play here. Apple is a direct competitor to the biggest companies in China, whereas Qualcomm is a supplier, Robinson said. Qualcomm officials said tensions between the two nations had no bearing on the ruling. The company has had its share of troubles in China, from an unfavorable 2014 antitrust ruling to regulatory limbo that doomed its $44 billion bid for Dutch chipmaker NXP Semiconductors. (Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Jan Wolfe in Washington; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Peter Cooney)
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Sunday bashed President Donald Trumps nomination of William Barr to lead the Justice Department, calling the corporate attorneys views on surveillance very, very troubling.

The Republican lawmaker lambasted Barr, who previously served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993 under President George H.W. Bush, for being in favor of expanding the governments ability to spy on Americans.

Uh-oh is right, Paul told NBCs Meet The Press when asked if he was concerned about Barrs nomination.

Im concerned that hes been a big supporter of the Patriot Act, which lowered the standard for spying on Americans, he continued. And he even went so far as to say, You know, the Patriot Act was pretty good, but we should go much further.

WATCH: Sen. Rand Paul talks William Barr, President Trump's pick for his next Attorney General.@RandPaul: "Uh-oh is right." pic.twitter.com/Fy4SMumdd3  Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) December 9, 2018

Paul said hes also disturbed over Barrs support of civil asset forfeiture, which allows law enforcement officials to seize someones property if they allege it is involved in a crime. The person does not need to be arrested or convicted of wrongdoing.

Im disturbed that hes been a big fan of taking peoples property  civil asset forfeiture  without a conviction, Paul told NBC. Many poor people in our country have cash taken from them and then the government says, Prove to us where you got the cash and then you can get it back. But the burden is on the individual.

Despite his concerns, Paul did not say he would vote against Barrs confirmation.

I havent made a decision yet on him, but I can tell you the first things that Ive learned about him being for more surveillance of Americans is very, very troubling, Paul said.

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Trump announced Friday that he planned to nominate Barr as attorney general after forcing Jeff Sessions out of the role last month. The president had named Sessions chief of staff Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general, though the appointment drew bipartisan backlash given Whitakers previous public remarks criticizing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation.

Aside from Pauls criticism, Barr has come under fire for previously supporting Trumps call to investigate his 2016 rival Hillary Clinton and for questioning the need for Muellers probe.

Its unclear what real effect Pauls critical remarks would have on Barrs confirmation. Paul had also expressed concern over Trumps nominations of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and Mike Pompeo as secretary of state, though ultimately voted to confirm them.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Senator JV Ejercito on Monday said he is very optimistic that President Rodrigo Duterte will sign into law the Universal Health Care measure which was ratified by the Senate Monday afternoon. Today, Dec. 10, 2018, we senators ratified the Universal Health Care [UHC] measure. We are just waiting for the signature of President Duterte. This is very, very near, he said. As the author and sponsor of the measure, Ejercito said he considers this development as a victory for all Filipinos and a sound accomplishment that truly reflects his ginhawa ng bayan commitment to uplift the condition of the people. Ejercito said that once the UHC is enacted into law, it would be much easier for Filipinos to have their medical checkup, laboratory or hospitalization, He said no Filipino will be left out because under the UHC, all Filipinos are covered under the national health insurance program. Bata, matanda, babae, lalaki, miyembro ng LGBT community, PWD, kahit sino basta Pilipino, sa ilalim ng UHC, alalay ang gobyerno sa gastos kapag sila ay nagkasakit, he added. Ejercito thanked all those who were with them in pushing for the UHC like Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, congressman, Health Secretary Francisco Duque and the entire Department of Health and its attached agencies. Of course, I would like to thank the President who certified this measure as urgent and really openly supported us all the way. Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe called on her colleagues to support moves to increase the budget of the First 1,000 Days in its maiden year of implementation next year as an institutionalized health care initiative for mothers and children. Now that the measure has been signed into lawlisted as Republic Act 11148 or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay ActPoe said adequate funding support is needed in addressing malnutrition among mothers and their newborn children in the first 1,000 days. Just like an infant, the future of this new lawwhether or not it fulfills its mandatelies in the first 1,000 days of its implementation., she saidShe said that without sufficient funding the law cannot fulfill the programs objectives of scaling down undernutrition and improving the health of mothers and infants, said Poe, co-author and co-sponsor of the measure in the Senate. Poe likewise thanked the President for his approval and for recognizing the importance of this law. The legislation provides nutritional supplement to women and infants which includes vaccination, deworming, vitamin A drops, iron and food supplement, among others to improve nutrition and prevent and manage malnutrition. Poe estimates that in its first year of implementation next year, at least P6 billion is needed to fulfill the mandates of the program. The National Nutrition Councils (NNC) fund for raising awareness of the programs had suffered fund reduction in the 2019 budget which is pegged at P118 million from P300 million this year. Poe made the call as she lamented the huge budget cuts in the DOH budget, which she said might result in job losses and could have serious effect in delivering vital health services. The DOH budget will be slashed by P35 billion to P74.1 billion in 2019 from P109.8 billion in this years budget. Poe is expected to introduce amendments in the budget of the DOH, specifically on the First 1,000 Days program when the Senate tackles the agencys spending plan. The DOH, National Nutrition Council and the Department of Agriculture in coordination with other state agencies and local government units, are mandated to develop a comprehensive strategy for the first 1,000 days of life.
Sajid Javid arrived at Downing Street for Brexit talks. (PA Images)

Sajid Javid is preparing to launch a leadership bid if Theresa Mays Brexit deal is voted down by MPs.

The Home Secretary has been canvassing for support among fellow ministers for the last two weeks, sources told The Sun.

MPs will vote on the deal the Prime Minister negotiated with the EU on Tuesday, with a humiliating defeat looking likely.

If Mrs May is defeated she could be forced from office by her own party, or could cave into mounting pressure to resign over her botched handling of the Brexit negotiations.

Theresa May is facing a humiliating defeat in the Commons over her Brexit deal

Mr Javid has told colleagues that Mrs Mays deal is s**t and that he is poised to put himself forward as leader as soon as she is forced from office, according to a senior Tory source.

The former banker, who backed Remain in the EU referendum, is thought to be considering an alliance with Brexiteer Andrea Leadsom to improve his standing among Eurosceptics.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson repeatedly failed to rule out a leadership bid during an interview yesterday.

Mr Johnson called rumours he has already started offering ministerial jobs to fellow Tories nonsense, but refused to give a categorical promise he would not run for leader when pushed to do so by the BBCs Andrew Marr.

Laying the foundations for a possible campaign, Mr Johnson outlined a plan to return to Brussels and reopen negotiations  something that the EUs chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has repeatedly said he will not consider.

Michael Gove also stopped short of ruling out a leadership bid in an interview today, saying only it was extremely unlikely he would put himself forward for the top job.

In his latest effort to drum up support for the Prime Ministers deal, he told the Today programme that Mrs May could absolutely win the vote on Tuesday.

This generous assertion is at odds with the predictions for the result of the meaningful vote on the deal, which looks likely to be disastrous for Mrs May.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay quashed rumours the vote would be postponed to avoid a humiliation, saying it was 100% happening.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK
A makeshift memorial with crosses for the victims of

The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter was not only obsessed with mass murder and socially isolated, but he expressed a scorn for humanity.

Those are some of the revelations from the release of more than 1,000 pages of documents seized in the investigation after Adam Lanza massacred 20 children and six educators on Dec. 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut.

Lanza also killed his mother in her sleep before going on his shooting rampage and eventually took his own life.

The documents, unveiled after the Hartford Courant prevailed at the states Supreme Court after a five-year legal battle, paint a more detailed picture of Lanzas disdain for the world and his disturbed state of mind.

They include hundreds of pages of his writings and a spreadsheet with the specifics of 400 incidents of mass violence going back to 1786.

The criminal investigation ended a year after the massacre without determining a motive. Thousands of pages of documents were released at the time, but in a lawsuit brought by the Courant, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled in October that personal belongings of the gunman that had been withheld, including journals, also had to be made public because they were not exempt from open record laws.

The newspaper quotes Lanza as writing, as part of an exchange with a fellow gamer, I incessantly have nothing other than scorn for humanity. I have been desperate to feel anything positive for someone for my entire life.

The writings also disclose Lanzas interest in pedophilia, which he regarded as a form of love, his contempt for overweight people and a long list of grievances that included the feel of a metal door handle, bright lights and his hair touching his older brothers towel.

Records show Lanza became marginalized starting at an early age, when his developmental speech delays led to frustration over his peers not understanding him. He was later diagnosed with sensory disorder, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He also had a phobia about germs.

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More: 311 days, 307 mass shootings in the U.S.

After his parents separated when Lanza was 9, his mother, Nancy, became increasingly protective of him. Starting in the 10th grade, she kept Lanza at home, where he was surrounded by an arsenal of firearms and spent long hours playing violent video games.

Lanza, who was 20 at the time of the attack, had an aversion to being touched, and he likened visits to the doctor to molestation.

Honestly, doctors touching my penis when I was a child was worse than it would be if I consented to an adult in a loving relationship with them, he wrote. I don't see how I and every child was not raped by doctors: We did not consent to it. We only did it because our parents made us.

Mostly, the newly unveiled documents confirm the notion that Lanza was a deeply troubled young man whose detachment from most human contact only increased the rancor that boiled inside him.

Most of my social contact was through those players, he wrote to the other gamer. All of them are typical detestable human beings, and it bred an aura of innumerable negative emotions for me. You were a respite from that.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sandy Hook school shooter had 'scorn for humanity,' according to newly released documents
London (AFP) - A popular London wine merchant became the latest business last month to start stockpiling in case Britain splits from the European Union without a deal in March.

The possibility of Britain breaking off from its main trading partner without any arrangements in place will grow if the UK parliament rejects the draft withdrawal agreement on Tuesday.

Doom-and-gloom predictions about life after a "no-deal" Brexit are plentiful and highly politically charged.

The truth is no one really knows what will happen because Britain is the first to leave the bloc.

But here are some things London is telling Britons to brace for in the first days of a worst-case scenario pullout.

- Rip-off roaming -

We check our mobiles incessantly and this is where people could notice things first.

Free roaming would no longer apply and UK mobile phone operators can start charging extra for subscribers who pop off to "the Continent".

London is also urging people in Northern Ireland to watch out for "inadvertent roaming" when straying too close to the EU border with Ireland.

- Grounded at Heathrow -

Heathrow and other big airports can be a nightmare at the best of times.

But planes getting grounded when Brexit strikes at 2300 GMT on March 29 because airlines lose their licences would create chaos that ripples across the world.

London says it would "envisage" granting European carriers special permission to keep flying -- and that it would "expect" the 27 EU countries to do the same.

- Forms, forms, forms -

Prepare to start signing your name. A lot.

Thousands of companies that do business with Europe would have to fill out reams of customs and duties declarations.

Tourists who want to rent a car may need to get international driving permits because their UK licences become invalid.

And even pets might need to jump through new administrative hoops that require them to have new passports.

People might want to check theirs as well. Those that expire within six months of travel might need to be renewed in advance.

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- Drug dilemma -

Things turn more serious for those who rely on medication.

Officials are talking to drug companies about creating a six-week "buffer stock" on top of the three months they already have in place.

This should help cover any short-term disruptions at the border. Britain will also waive the need for EU firms to re-test their drugs under new rules.

- Shoppers beware -

That one-click purchase at your favourite online store might start looking slightly less tempting.

The government says "increased costs and slower processing times" for payments made in euros are a possibility.

Parcel deliveries could get more expensive because waivers for certain import and sales taxes would expire.

- Flicks and tunes -

Catching up on the latest Netflix releases while coasting on a high-speed Eurostar train may suddenly become a whole lot harder.

Britons could theoretically lose access to streaming services while abroad -- everything from Spotify to Amazon Prime -- because the UK would no longer be in Europe's "digital single market".

And the Eurostar service itself might be in trouble because old licenses of UK train operators in Europe will be invalid.

- Pork pies -

Britons are proud of their Stilton cheese and Scotch whisky.

But the status of everything from Cornish pasties to Melton Mowbray pork pies will be up in the air because they will lose their "geographical indication" status in Europe.

Britain's 86 GI-protected products make up a quarter all its food and drink exports.

- Surprises -

A host of other industries and products could also be affected.

Britain will have to come up with its own warning stickers for packs of cigarettes because the current ones are protected by the EU image library.

Imported sperm donations could face delays or stoppages.

Caviar supplies might start running out because Britain will not be able to trade in goods covered by European endangered species rules.

Also facing possible disruption: breeders of pedigree British horses and sheep.
Forget about the glass ceiling, women should worry about the glass cliff.

Over the last 18 months, Facebooks (FB) Sheryl Sandberg has been at the epicentre of ire for people looking to blame someone for the platforms raft of scandals  from the proliferation of fake news, to the unravelling of Cambridge Analytica that highlighted privacy issues.

Facebook has seen its market value plummet by nearly $200bn (156.8bn). But with Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO and founder, seemingly untouchable and notoriously difficult to get in front of lawmakers, pundits have repeatedly called for Sandberg to step down, even though shes the chief operating officer, not the boss of the entire group.

While theres no doubt that executive culpability in scandals like these will always lead to calls for resignations from the public and government, the focus on Sandberg is part and parcel of a real-world phenomenon called the glass cliff.

The difference between the glass ceiling and the glass cliff

Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Decades ago, the proverbial glass ceiling was seen as one of the biggest issues in the working world for women, and especially those from ethic minorities. It was an unacknowledged barrier for career advancement, resulting in very few women at the top.

While the last 20 years has seen progress towards more women in senior positions, there is still a huge gender pay gap, which will take 217 years to close, according to the World Economic Forum. Global consultancy McKinsey, reports that only 77 women are promoted to managers for every 100 men who move up the career ladder.

All-male company boards are becoming a thing of the past, but women are still in the minority in this essential and lofty group. Women are also more likely to take a senior position only if a woman has held the position before  dubbed the revolving door policy, according to the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.

There is also another factor that makes it even worse for women if they do get that job  the glass cliff.

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The glass cliff, originally recognised by academics Michelle Ryan and Alex Haslam in 2005, makes for depressing reading. It is a phenomenon where women are more likely to become executives or political election candidates during a crisis or a downturn, where the chance of failure is highest.

Why all women should beware of the glass cliff

The glass cliff sets women up for a fail as taking up a role in a time of a crisis is somewhat a poisoned chalice. When women take up these senior roles, they often find themselves in unsustainable leadership positions. While men are sometimes in that position, Ryan and Haslams paper shows that women are overrepresented in this category.

In another report, Yael S. Oelbaum in 2016 found that findings from two studies strongly demonstrate that females are likely to be preferred over males when being promoted to a precarious position as a way for the organisation to signal change.

Furthermore, women in leadership roles were blamed more for the demise of a company, compared to men. A study featured in the Harvard Business Review showed the difference in preference to male and female bosses:

In the first [study out of two] we asked 119 college students to read two newspaper articles about an organic food company. The first article discussed the upcoming retirement of the CEO. We created two versions of the piece; in one the company was currently and historically headed by men, and in the other it was headed by women. We also created two versions of the second article, which dealt with the companys financial status, so that some students read about a company that was growing, others about one that was closing stores and laying people off. We then asked the students to choose between two equally qualified candidates for CEO, one male and one female.

When the company had been led by men and was doing well, 62% of the students who read that scenario chose the male candidate. But when the male-led company was in crisis, 69% chose the female candidate. And when the company had been led by women, there was no difference: The glass cliff disappeared.

So, its hardly surprising that Sandberg is taking the brunt for Facebooks failure, even though Zuckerberg is the CEO.

To understand how to make the workplace better, listen to the full episode above, or download it on Apple Podcasts, ACast, or Google podcasts to listen while on the go.
Prime minister Theresa May leaves church near her Maidenhead constituency on Sunday (Picture: PA)

Theresa May is making a final push to win over MPs ahead of Tuesdays crucial Commons vote on her Brexit deal.

The prime ministers withdrawal agreement has already been endorsed by the 27 other EU leaders but now it faces its toughest test in parliament.

Downing Street has maintained the vote will go ahead on Tuesday, despite weekend newspaper reports claiming it would be delayed.

It comes as the European Court of Justice rules that the UK can unilaterally revoke Article 50 and reverse its decision to leave the EU.

Mrs May plans to hold a number of private meetings with backbench MPs on Monday in a last-ditch effort to gain their support.

She says the UK could face another general election  or possibly no Brexit whatsoever  if her deal is rejected.

However, the government is expected to lose the vote as Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the DUP, the SNP and dozens of Conservative MPs say they will not support the deal.

The backstop to prevent a hard border in Ireland is thought to be the main sticking point among Tory MPs who are against the withdrawal agreement.

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Mrs May spoke to Irish premier Leo Varadkar on the phone on Sunday evening, as well as European Council president Donald Tusk.

But she must sway her own MPs if she is to pull off a political miracle and get her deal through parliament. Should she lose, her own political future will be at stake.

Mrs May warned Tory would-be rebels the country would be in uncharted waters if the deal is rejected.

It would mean grave uncertainty for the nation with a very real risk of no Brexit or leaving the European Union with no deal, she told the Mail on Sunday.

We have a leader of the Opposition who thinks of nothing but attempting to bring about a general election, no matter what the cost to the country.

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As someone who cares passionately about my country and my party, I believe Jeremy Corbyn getting his hands on power is a risk we cannot afford to take.

Mr Corbyn told ITV News the prime ministers Brexit deal was ridiculous adding: Its going to be defeated, I hope, on Tuesday.

At that point theyve got to go back, negotiate something that is acceptable, which does protect rights and conditions, which does give us that trade access, or theyve got to get out of the way, have an election so that it will be a government here that will be serious about those negotiations.

Former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey said she would give the prospect of standing as leader serious concern and suggested that Brexiteers should unite around a single candidate.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson pointedly refused to rule out challenging Mrs May, although he insisted it was nonsense to suggest he was already lining up members of his Cabinet.

Asked to give an absolute, categorical promise that he would not stand against the prime minister, Mr Johnson told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show: I will give you an absolute, categorical promise that I will continue to advocate what I think is the most sensible plan.

Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab told Sky Newss Sophy Ridge On Sunday Ive always said I wouldnt rule it out but it would be very self-indulgent to be engaging in all that speculation when weve got such a big issue up for decision on Tuesday.

MPs will vote on Theresa Mays withdrawal deal on Tuesday (Picture: PA)

Boris Johnson is seen on a screen at BBC Broadcasting House in London during a live appearance on the Andrew Marr show (Picture: PA)

Former attorney general Dominic Grieve suggested that the Tory party could split over Brexit.

Labour is considering its options if Mrs May is defeated and would hold talks with other opposition parties about how to proceed.

The party wants a general election but shadow Cabinet Office minister Jon Trickett said Mr Corbyn would be prepared to lead a minority government this week.

Mr Trickett told Sky: Our preferred option, very, very strongly, is that we refresh the parliament though we are ready to form a minority government should that be necessary  and it could happen on Wednesday morning.
Paris (AFP) - Up to 25,000 people marched through Paris on Saturday urging greater action on climate change, despite fears that their protest would be scuppered by "yellow vest" demonstrations.

Police estimated the number of green activists heading onto the streets at 17,000 while organisers counted 25,000 urging world governments to better protect the environment.

The numbers were similar to previous climate marches in Paris, despite sporadic violence in the city on Saturday among thousands of "yellow vest" demonstrators who want more help for France's poor.

Organisers had to change the route of the climate march, marching instead from Place de la Nation to Place de la Republique, due to the yellow vest demonstrations, but refused a request by Interior Minister Christophe Castaner to postpone it.

"It was unthinkable to cancel this march. It's important to talk about problems related to the end of the world as well as the end of the month," Elodie Nace, a spokeswoman for green NGO Alternatiba, told the crowds.

Thousands also marched in other French cities, including an estimated 10,000 in Marseille, 3,500 in Montpellier and 3,000 in Lille.

The "yellow vest" movement has been spurred by anger in small-town and rural France at rising car fuel taxes which were aimed at helping the country transition to a greener economy, but which protesters say hurts the poor.

But green activists at the climate marches urged people to find solutions for both environmental problems and the financial struggles of France's poorest.

"Yellow vests, green vests -- same anger," they chanted.

Some "yellow vest" activists, clad in their emblematic high-visibility road jackets, joined the Paris march after breaking off from their own demonstration.

Marches had been organised in more than 120 towns across France to mark the COP24 climate talks in Poland.
The final words of journalist Jamal Khashoggi were I cant breathe, according to a translated transcript of an audio recording of his murder inside the Saudi Arabian embassy in Istanbul in October.

A source familiar with the recording revealed the new details of the transcript to CNN over the weekend. According to the source, the sounds of Khashoggi struggling against the alleged Saudi hit squad dispatched to kill him and a saw dismembering his body are audible in the tape. The original tape was obtained by Turkish officials following an investigation into the killing, and also reportedly records a series of phone calls detailing the ongoing events. Turkish officials have said that these phone calls were made to senior figures in Riyadh responsible for ordering the murder.

Khashoggi, a prolific commentator and columnist for the Washington Post, vanished at the consulate in Turkey on Oct. 2, when he was attempting to obtain documents for a marriage license. A Saudi national and U.S. resident, Khashoggi was a frequent and vocal critic of the regime in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and had expressed his fears for his safety at the embassy on the eve of his visit.

U.S. intelligence officials concluded in November that bin Salman ordered the killing; a claim the Saudi government swiftly denied. The murder has prompted international outcry and calls for countries around the world to take a tougher stance on the Gulf state. U.S. senators have called for a firmer response from President Trump, who has not forcefully challenged bin Salman or Saudi Arabia over the killing and appeared to dispute the U.S intelligence report. After a briefing from CIA Director Gina Haspel on the matter last week, senior senators introduced a bipartisan push for a resolution calling bin Salman complicit in Khashoggis killing.
President Rodrigo Duterte has approved a two-months worth of financial support to members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Service, according to a document released by the Palace on Monday. Under Executive Order No. 69, only those appointed members of the CAA who appear in the list maintained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be entitled to the cash grants. Only duly-appointed CAA members appearing in the roster maintained by the AFP shall be entitled to financial support, provided, that those who are in the roster and have been appointed but are still undergoing training shall be entitled to a prorated portion of said financial support upon the satisfactory completion of the prescribed training, the EO read. As a starter, financial assistance amounting to P7,000 awaits members of the military auxiliary forces. The cash grants, which will be sourced from the FY 2018 Contingent Fund, will cover the months of November and December this year.Meanwhile, in succeeding years, the Department of Budget and Management will propose measures and identify funding sources for monthly financial aid for the CAFGU. The President issued the EO as the government enhanced its drive against terrorism and the communist insurgency. Created in 1987 during former President Corazon Aquinos administration, the CAFGU units are operating under the AFP, and deals with insurgency-rich villages in the country.
President Donald Trump had not been informed about the arrest of Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer when he dined with China's Xi Jinping, a top White House official said Sunday.

"He did not know and he had no reaction afterwards," White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on "Fox News Sunday," denying reports Trump was "livid" that the arrest took place while he was at dinner with Xi.

"He didn't know. I will just state that unequivocally," Kudlow repeated. "He learned way later, by the way. Way later."

Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested in Vancouver, Canada at the request of US prosecutors on December 1, the same day Trump dined with Xi on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

She is suspected of having lied to several banks about a Huawei affiliate in order to gain access to the Iranian market between 2009 and 2014 in violation of US sanctions.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton initially told public radio network NPR that the White House had been warned about the arrest but, according to CBS, a spokesman for him later contradicted that assertion.

Meng's arrest infuriated Chinese authorities who have demanded she be released.

The affair could complicate trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing, which were set in motion December 1 after Trump and Xi met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires and agreed to a truce in their trade war.

They have agreed to allow 90 days for negotiations on a deal to resolve their differences.

US officials have said they doubted the Huawei situation would derail the talks.

"It's my view that it shouldn't really have much of an impact," Robert Lighthizer, the US trade representative in charge of the China negotiations, told CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday.

"That is a criminal justice matter. It is totally separate from anything that I work on or anything that trade policy people in the administration work on. So for us it's criminal justice."
Prosecutors may seek to indict Donald Trump as soon as he leaves office over bombshell court filings released on Friday, a senior Democrat has claimed, as the opposition party ramped up plans to assail the president in the second half of his term.

Theres a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him  that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the very real prospect of jail time, California Democratic congressman Adam Schiff, incoming chair of the House Intelligence Committee, said on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday.

With a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, opposition politicians are looking to aggressively investigate possible election interference and fraudulent efforts in obtaining the highest office in the country. Jerrold Nadler, the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said Republicans failed to do so.

The Republican Congress absolutely tried to shield the president, the New York Democrat said on CNNs State of the Union. The new Congress will not try to shield the president. It will try to get to the bottom of this in order to serve the American people and stop this massive fraud on the American people.

In the court filings, prosecutors suggested that Mr Trump ordered Michael Cohen, who was his attorney at the time, to commit two felonies: making illegal payments to women in exchange for silence on their alleged sexual encounters with Mr Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Mr Trump committed impeachable offences if it could be proved that, during his presidential campaign, he ordered Mr Cohen to pay illegal hush money to women to keep mum about alleged sexual encounters, Mr Nadler said.

Whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question, Mr Nadler added. But certainly, theyd be impeachable offences, because even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office.

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What these indictments and filings show is that the president was at the centre of a massive fraud  several massive frauds against the American people, he added.

The Department of Justice has argued that a sitting president cannot be indicted or prosecuted, a position that has been disputed among legal theorists and politicians, but Mr Schiff believes the powerful case prosecutors made for Mr Cohen, Mr Trumps former lawyer, to serve a prison sentence may apply equally to the president.

To have the Justice Department basically say that the president of the United States not only coordinated but directed an illegal campaign scheme that may have had an election-altering impact is pretty breathtaking, he added.

Mr Schiff said that the House Intelligence Committee will look to bring Mr Cohen to testify before Congress. Mr Trumps former personal lawyer has pleaded guilty to lying to Congress in his previous testimony. Mr Schiff said the committee had been in touch with Mr Cohens lawyer.

In the legal filings, the Justice Department stopped short of accusing Mr Trump of directly committing a crime. But it said Mr Trump told Mr Cohen to make illegal payments to porn actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom claimed to have had affairs with Trump more than a decade ago.

In separate filings, Robert Muellers Russia investigation team detailed how Mr Cohen had spoken to a Russian who claimed to be a trusted person in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign political synergy and synergy on a government level.

Mr Cohen said he never followed up on that meeting. Mr Muellers team also said former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to them about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials, including in 2018.

Republican senator Marco Rubio of Florida called the latest filings relevant in judging Mr Trumps fitness for office but said politicians needed more information to render judgment. He also warned the White House about considering a pardon for Manafort, saying such a step could trigger congressional debate about limiting a presidents pardon powers.

Such a move would be a terrible mistake, Mr Rubio said. Pardons should be used judiciously. Theyre used for cases with extraordinary circumstances.

Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine and a member of the Senate intelligence committee, cautioned against a rush to impeachment, which he said citizens could interpret as political revenge and a coup against the president.

The best way to solve a problem like this, to me, is elections, Mr King said. Im a conservative when it comes to impeachment. I think its a last resort and only when the evidence is clear of a really substantial legal violation. We may get there, but were not there now.

Additional reporting by AP
Donald Trump has been warned he faces the "very real prospect" of jail time as the fallout from the bombshell publication of court filings intensifies.

As the probe into Mr Trump's conduct both before and during office escalates, House Democrats are openly raising the prospect of impeachment or prison time for the US president if it is proved he directed illegal hush-money payments to women.

Jerry Nadler, the incoming chairman of the house judiciary committee, described the details in prosecutors' filings in the case of Mr Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as evidence Mr Trump was "at the centre of a massive fraud".

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"They would be impeachable offences," Mr Nadler said.

"There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time," said Adam Schiff, the incoming chairman of the House intelligence committee.

"The bigger pardon question may come down the road as the next president has to determine whether to pardon Donald Trump."

In the filings, prosecutors in New York for the first time link Mr Trump to a federal crime of illegal payments to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign.

When asked what usually happened after such a filing, James Comey, the sacked former FBI director, told MSNBC: That person would be in serious jeopardy of being charged.

Special counsel Robert Mueller's office also laid out previously undisclosed contacts between Trump associates and Russian intermediaries and suggested the Kremlin aimed early on to influence Mr Trump and his Republican campaign by playing to both his political and personal business interests.

Mr Trump has denied wrongdoing and has compared the investigations to a "witch hunt."

Mr Nadler said it was too early to say whether Congress would pursue impeachment proceedings based on the illegal payments alone because lawmakers would need to weigh the gravity of the offence to justify "overturning" the 2016 election.

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Mr Nadler and other lawmakers said on Sunday that they would await additional details from Mr Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign to determine the extent of Mr Trump's misconduct.

Regarding the illegal payments, "whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question, but certainly they'd be impeachable offences because even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office," Mr Nadler said.

Mr Mueller has not said when he will complete a report of any findings, and it isn't clear that any such report would be made available to Congress. That would be up to the attorney general. Mr Trump on Friday said he would nominate former attorney general William Barr to the post to succeed Jeff Sessions.

Mr Nadler indicated that Democrats, who will control the House in January, will step up their own investigations. He said Congress, the Justice Department and the special counsel needed to dig deeper into the allegations, which included questions about whether Mr Trump lied about his business arrangements with Russians and about possible obstruction of justice.

"The new Congress will not try to shield the president," he said. "We will try to get to the bottom of this, in order to serve the American people and to stop this massive conspiracy  this massive fraud on the American people."

Mr Schiff also stressed a need to wait "until we see the full picture." He has previously indicated his panel would seek to look into the Trump family's business ties with Russia.

"I think we also need to see this as a part of a broader pattern of potential misconduct by the president, and it's that broad pattern, I think, that will lead us to a conclusion about whether it rises to the level to warrant removal from office," Mr Schiff said.

In the legal filings, the Justice Department stopped short of accusing Mr Trump of directly committing a crime. But it said Mr Trump told Mr Cohen to make illegal payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom claimed to have had affairs with Mr Trump more than a decade ago.

In separate filings, Mr Mueller's team detail how Mr Cohen spoke to a Russian who "claimed to be a 'trusted person' in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign 'political synergy' and 'synergy on a government level."'

Mr Cohen said he never followed up on that meeting. Mr Mueller's team also said former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to them about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials, including in 2018.

Republican senator Marco Rubio called the latest filings "relevant" in judging Mr Trump's fitness for office but said lawmakers need more information to render judgment. He also warned the White House about considering a pardon for Mr Manafort, saying such a step could trigger congressional debate about limiting a president's pardon powers.

Such a move would be "a terrible mistake," Mr Rubio said. "Pardons should be used judiciously. They're used for cases with extraordinary circumstances."

Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate intelligence committee, cautioned against a rush to impeachment, which he said citizens could interpret as "political revenge and a coup against the president",

"The best way to solve a problem like this, to me, is elections," Mr King said. "I'm a conservative when it comes to impeachment. I think it's a last resort and only when the evidence is clear of a really substantial legal violation. We may get there, but we're not there now."

Democratic senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut urged Mr Mueller to "show his cards soon" so that Congress can make a determination early next year on whether to act on impeachment.

"Let's be clear: We have reached a new level in the investigation," Mr Murphy said. "It's important for Congress to get all of the underlying facts and data and evidence that the special counsel has."

Mr Nadler spoke on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, Mr Rubio was on CNN and ABC's This Week, and Mr Schiff appeared on CBS' Face the Nation. Mr Murphy spoke on ABC, and Mr King was on NBC's Meet the Press.

Additional reporting by AP
In his strongest attack yet on Donald Trump, former FBI Director James Comey said the Democrats must win in 2020 to end his presidency.

All of us should use every breath we have to make sure the lies stop on January 20, 2021, Mr Comey told an audience at a public event in New York City on Sunday night.

The former FBI has become an outspoken critic of Mr Trump since he was fired by the president in May 2017. Although he stopped short of backing impeachment proceedings, Mr Comey said he desperately wanted to see a landslide victory for Mr Trumps opponent at the next presidential election.

I understand the Democrats have important debates now over who their candidate should be, but they have to win. They have to win, he told MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace at the 92nd Street Y discussion.

Mr Comey said voting against Mr Trump at the ballot box would rid ourselves of this attack on our values  Removal by impeachment would muddy that.

The former law enforcement official also claimed the president was certainly close to being named as an unindicted co-conspirator in some of the charges made against Trump associates by special counsel Robert Mueller.

It follows the stunning court filings released on Friday in which federal prosecutors alleged Mr Trump ordered his former attorney Michael Cohen to make illegal payments to two women in exchange for silence on sexual encounters.

When asked what usually happened after such a filing, Mr Comey said: That person would be in serious jeopardy of being charged.

Californias Democratic congressman Adam Schiff, incoming chair of the House Intelligence Committee, said prosecutors may seek to indict Mr Trump on charges related to the alleged illegal payments as soon as he leaves office.

Theres a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him  that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the very real prospect of jail time, Mr Schiff told CBSs Face the Nation.

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Mr Comey testified before the House Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform committee about his own 2016 probe into Russian election meddling on Friday.

On Sunday, Mr Trump accused the former FBI boss of lying to congressional officials. Leakin James Comey must have set a record for who lied the most to Congress in one day. His Friday testimony was so untruthful! Trump tweeted.

At the event on Sunday evening, Mr Comey reminisced about the less chaotic leadership style of former president Barack Obama.

I was struck that Barack Obama is the best listener as a leader I had ever seen and Donald Trump is the worst Ive ever seen, he said.

Obama had the confidence to be quiet and try and get that. Donald Trump is a deeply, deeply insecure person, so I dont see any prospect that he would be able to be quiet for long enough to hear the truth.
By Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected appeals by Louisiana and Kansas seeking to end their public funding to women's healthcare and abortion provider Planned Parenthood through the Medicaid program, with President Donald Trump's appointee Brett Kavanaugh among the justices who rebuffed the states.

The justices left intact lower court rulings that prevented Louisiana and Kansas from stripping government healthcare funding from local Planned Parenthood affiliates. The case was one of a number of disputes working their way up to the Supreme Court over the legality of state-imposed restrictions involving abortion.

Three conservative justices - Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch - dissented from the decision by the nine-member conservative-majority court, saying it should have heard the appeals by the states.

At least four justices must vote to grant review for the court to hear an appeal. Along with the four liberal justices, Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts - the court's two other conservative justices - opposed taking up the matter.

Planned Parenthood's affiliates in Louisiana do not perform abortions, but some in Kansas do. Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for low-income Americans, pays for abortions only in limited circumstances such as when a woman's life is in danger.

It marked the first-known vote by Kavanaugh in a case since he joined the court in October after a fierce confirmation fight in the Senate. Kavanaugh was named by Trump to replace the retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, a conservative who sometimes sided with the court's liberals on social issues like abortion.

Some Kavanaugh opponents feared he would back legal efforts to overturn or further restrict the legal right to abortion.

Thomas suggested the justices who rejected the appeals put politics over the law.

"So what explains the court's refusal to do its job here? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named 'Planned Parenthood,'" Thomas wrote in dissent.

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"Some tenuous connection to a politically fraught issue does not justify abdicating our judicial duty," Thomas added.

Louisiana and Kansas announced Republican-backed plans to terminate funding for Planned Parenthood through Medicaid after an anti-abortion group released videos in 2015 purporting to show Planned Parenthood executives negotiating the for-profit sale of fetal tissue and body parts. Planned Parenthood denied the allegations and called the videos heavily edited and misleading.

The organization's affiliates in each state, as well as several patients, sued in federal court to maintain the funding.

"We regret today's decision from the U.S. Supreme Court announcing that it fell one vote short of taking our case against Planned Parenthood," Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, a Republican, said in a statement.

'FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT'

Leana Wen, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, praised the court's action, saying in a statement: "Every person has a fundamental right to healthcare, no matter who they are, where they live or how much they earn."

Legal battles over other laws from Republican-led states could reach the court in the next year or two. Some seek to ban abortions in early pregnancy, including Iowa's prohibition after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Others impose difficult-to-meet regulations on abortion providers such as having formal ties, called admitting privileges, at a local hospital.

The cases from Kansas and Louisiana did not challenge the constitutionality of abortion itself.

Many social and religious conservatives in the United States have argued against government funding of Planned Parenthood, and Republican politicians have made efforts at the state and federal level to eliminate public funding for abortion services.

The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2016 blocked Louisiana's Medicaid cuts, saying the action would harm patients. The 5th Circuit said no one disputed that Planned Parenthood was actually qualified to provide the medical services it offers and the state was seeking to cut funding "for reasons unrelated to its qualifications."

In February, the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Kansas could not block funding because states "may not terminate providers from their Medicaid program for any reason they see fit."

(Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
A Brexit betrayal march led by controversial activist Tommy Robinson was vastly outnumbered by counter-demonstrators, opposition organisers said.

The English Defence League (EDL) founder turned-Ukip adviser marched with supporters through the streets of London on Sunday before addressing a rally beside Parliament Square.

Amid fears of violence, Scotland Yard placed restrictions on the march as well as on a counter-demonstration organised by Labour supporters and anti-fascists.

Labour grassroots group Momentum said about 15,000 turned up to oppose Mr Robinsons march, claiming opponents vastly outnumbered the Ukip-led demonstrators nearly five to one.

Tommy Robinson (centre, holding mobile phone) arrives to take part in a Brexit Betrayal march and rally organised by Ukip in central London (Picture: PA)

A Ukip spokesman said quite a few thousand had turned up to its rally, which came ahead of MPs voting on a Brexit deal on Tuesday.

Police did not provide estimates on crowd sizes.

Momentum national co-ordinator Laura Parker said: Today is a huge blow for Tommy Robinson and his vile, hate-fuelled politics.

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Even with the Ukip machine in tow he only managed to bring a few thousand supporters out on the streets, while we mobilised nearly 15,000 to march against his racism and bigotry.

Mr Robinsons supporters gathered to call for Brexit, with one brandishing a noose he said was for Prime Minister Theresa May.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell had urged Labour supporters to march against the poison of Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

This march isnt about Brexit, its about far-right extremists dressing up in suits and pretending to be respectable, Mr McDonnell said.

Among those marching with Ukip were those carrying Generation Identity flags, which anti-fascist campaigners Hope Not Hate describe as a far-right and strongly anti-Muslim organisation.

People take part in a Brexit Betrayal march and rally organised by Ukip (Picture: PA)

Ukip leader Gerard Batten (right) looks on as Tommy Robinson (left) addresses a rally after taking part in a Brexit Betrayal march (Picture: PA)

A man was also seen carrying a Jo Cox false flag sign, peddling a conspiracy theory that the Labour MPs murder by a right-wing extremist was a politically-motivated deception.

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Ukip supporters started their procession at the Dorchester Hotel and followed a specified route to the Houses of Parliament.

Outside the luxury establishment stood the man carrying a gallows with a noose hanging down. He gave his name as Laukan Creasey, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

Asked why he was brandishing it, he said: Thats what the traitor May deserves. Thats what treasonous people get.

It was a referendum not a never-endum. And they promised to implement whatever we decided and they havent, so two and a half years down the line this is what you get.

Labour MPs were quick to criticise the noose, with Karen Buck saying it was very, very wrong and Alex Sobel adding: This is what actual fascism looks like.

Rival protesters clash in Trafalgar Square as people take part in an anti-fascist counter-demonstration against a Brexit Betrayal march and rally organised by Ukip (Picture: PA)

Hope Not Hate said the march had been absolutely riven with ugly messages and symbolism.

At the marchs conclusion, the crowd loudly booed when Ukip leader Gerard Batten brought up Remainer Mrs May and they cheered on his reference to a treasonous political class.

He also conjured up a English Civil War metaphor to describe a potential failure to execute Brexit by politicians.

In 1642 the king put himself in opposition to Parliament. Parliament won and the king lost his head, he said, standing alongside Mr Robinson as well as Neil Hamilton, a former Tory politician who leads Ukip Wales.

Mr Robinson asked the crowd to join him in becoming a member of Ukip, as he went through the process on his phone on stage.

People take part in an anti-fascist counter-demonstration against a Brexit Betrayal march (Picture: PA)

He then hinted he could run for Parliament, after referencing disgraceful lies said about him by MPs including Commons Speaker John Bercow, who called him a loathsome, obnoxious, repellent individual in the Commons.

Mr Robinson told supporters it was then for the first time he thought: One day, Ill be sitting in there amongst you.

His rally was separated from counter-demonstrators on Whitehall by police barriers and a vast divide.

The opposition march started outside the BBC building in Portland Place and arrived at its conclusion dancing to Michael Jacksons hit Black Or White and Cha Cha Slide.

Tommy Robinson takes part in a Brexit Betrayal march and rally in London (Picture: PA)

Along the route, they held placards saying, Oppose Tommy Robinson. Dont let the racists divide us, and chanted: There are many many more of us than you.

Nazi scum, off our streets, many added.

Marchers with their faces covered briefly made their way to the front, and at a few points a handful of Robinson supporters were swiftly escorted away by police.

Police were on heightened alert after serious violence broke out at a Robinson rally in London in June, with five officers injured when bottles and barriers were hurled at them.

Scotland Yard said it also imposed the conditions based on the current intelligence picture.

People take part in a Brexit Betrayal march and rally organised by Ukip in Parliament Square, central London (Picture: PA)

Officers said three arrests had been made, all from among the counter-protest group.

The allegations were a public order offence, assaulting a police officer and possessing an offensive weapon.

A Stand Up To Racism representative told the crowd some 15,000 had attended the counter-demonstration.

Co-organiser and the organisations joint convener Weyman Bennett told the Press Association: I believe that the majority of people in this country reject fascism and racism.

Weve had unprecedented unity. All of us have come together from whatever party or faction we represent and have agreed that we have to march together to defend our democratic rights.
Rimbo (Sweden) (AFP) - The United Nations has submitted proposals for de-escalation in the flashpoint Yemeni port city of Hodeida as well as the country's third city of Taiz to warring parties at UN-sponsored talks in Sweden.

The Yemeni government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia and its military allies, has been battling the Iran-backed Huthi rebels for control of Yemen for nearly four years, spawning what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The government and Huthi teams are in Sweden for talks expected to continue until the end of this week, the first since more than three months of negotiations collapsed in 2016.

Under discussion on Monday were the fate of the Hodeida, vital to aid and food imports, and Taiz, the scene of some of the most intense battles in Yemen.

Other issues on the table include humanitarian corridors, the reopening of the defunct international airport in the capital Sanaa and a massive prisoner swap.

The talks mark the first of what UN special envoy Martin Griffiths said he hoped would be multiple rounds, with plans to hold more negotiations in early 2019.

- 'Lift threat of war' -

Delegates on both sides on Monday said the prisoner swap had been largely finalised. Implementation will be overseen by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

UN envoy Griffiths said he hoped the swap "will be very very considerable in terms of the numbers that we hope to get released within a few weeks".

The fight for Taiz and Hodeida, however, shows no sign of waning.

"These are two major population zones in Yemen caught in war," Griffiths told reporters on Monday.

"I'm hopeful that we can reach agreements on the de-escalation to reduce the fighting in both places... We're not there yet."

Initial drafts of the proposals on Hodeida and Taiz, seen by AFP Monday, called for a mutual ceasefire.

The Hodeida draft stipulated that the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Huthis would cease an offensive on the rebel-held city in exchange for a Huthi withdrawal.

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The area would then be put under the control of a joint committee and supervised by the United Nations. The document did not propose the deployment of UN peacekeeping troops.

Griffiths said the UN was working on a "simpler draft" which was still under discussion.

In a rare gesture, Salim al-Moughaless, a Huthi negotiator, and Ahmed Ghaleb, a government official, shook hands for the cameras Monday, following a request by photographers.

- Military operations ongoing -

The Saudi-led coalition said military operations were ongoing in Hodeida, as the Sweden talks marked their fifth day.

"The rebels have fortified their defence lines inside Hodeida city," said coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki. "We are working to create safe humanitarian corridors from Hodeida to Sanaa."

The UN has regularly urged the coalition to suspend operations in the densely-populated city, home to 600,000 people and a traditional conduit for 90 percent of food imports to Yemen.

The Huthis seized the Red Sea city in 2014. The government launched an offensive in June to drive out the rebels.

Aid groups have warned the destruction of Hodeida would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where the UN estimates 14 million people face starvation.

The initial UN draft proposals for the southwestern city of Taiz, under the control of pro-government forces but besieged by the rebels, called for an unconditional ceasefire, a joint working group that includes the UN to monitor it, and the reopening of all roads and Taiz airport for humanitarian operations.

The World Health Organization says nearly 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen since 2015, when Saudi Arabia and its allies joined President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's fight against the Huthis. Other rights groups say the toll could be as high as 50,000.

faw-mou-ny-ach/pma
The US negotiator in charge of trade talks with China said Sunday he considers March 1 to be a "hard deadline" for reaching an agreement that would avert an intensifying trade war.

"As far as I'm concerned it's a hard deadline," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on CBS's "Face the Nation."

"When I talk to the president of the United States, he's not talking about going beyond March 1, he's talking about getting a deal if there is a deal to be gotten in the next 90 days."

Lighthizer also said that he did not expect the arrest in Canada of a top Chinese executive, Meng Wanzhou of telecom giant Huawei, to interfere with the trade talks.

"It shouldn't really have much of an impact," he said. "I can understand from the Chinese perspective how they would see it that way. That is a criminal justice matter. It is totally separate from anything that I work on."

- Clarity on deadline -

China has strongly protested the arrest and the US demand that Meng be extradited over allegations that Huawei has violated US sanctions against Iran.

The arrest shook investors and rattled the markets amid fears it could reignite US-Chinese trade tensions just as a new truce had been declared.

Since taking office, Trump has waged an often-fierce offensive against Chinese trade practices, which he regularly brands as "unfair."

He has particularly denounced the forced transfer of technology to China by foreign firms seeking to do business there, as well as the country's weak protections of intellectual property rights.

At the end of a dinner in Buenos Aires on the margins of the recent G20 summit there, Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping said they had agreed to put on hold the months-long trade war that has resulted in billions of dollars in tariffs being imposed on imported goods.

Washington gave Beijing a deadline of March 1 to achieve concrete results and suspend the imposition of 25 percent customs tariffs -- rather than the current 10 percent -- on $200 billion in imported Chinese products.

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In exchange, the Chinese agreed, somewhat vaguely, to purchase more American products and to work to reduce the enormous trade gap (around $335 billion in China's favor) that so irritates the US president.

It was Lighthizer, a veteran of complex trade negotiations and a hawk on trade issues with China, who was tabbed to lead the American team in the talks.

His remarks Sunday appeared to bring clarity after mixed signals from the administration, including a suggestion from Trump about possibly extending the truce.

"The negotiations with China have already started," Trump said in a Twitter message Tuesday. "Unless extended, they will end 90 days from the date of our wonderful and very warm dinner with President Xi in Argentina."

dt/sl/jm/bbk/jm
In a bid to ensure efficient and effective whole-of-nation approach on achieving peace, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the creation of a national task force seeking to end the local armed conflict with communist rebels, according to a document released by the Palace on Monday. In Executive Order No. 70, the President has directed the government to create a national task force to end local communist armed conflict. It also aims to institutionalize the whole-of-nation approach for an inclusive and sustainable peace and adopt a national peace framework. Based on the order, the national task force shall be formed to ensure the efficient institutionalization of the whole-of-the-nation approach. It will then seek to address the root of the insurgency by prioritizing the delivery of basic services in conflict areas in the country, facilitating societal inclusivity and ensuring active participation of all sectors in the pursuit of the countrys peace agenda. The national framework on peace, which is anchored on the whole-of-nation approach, shall also include a mechanism for local peace engagements and address the root causes of insurgencies, disturbances, and tensions such as poverty, historical injustice, social inequality and lack of inclusivity. The task force will be chaired by the chief executive, while National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon will serve as its vice-chairman. The members of the task force will be composed of the different department heads. It shall formulate and implement within six months from the issuance of the EO the whole-of-nation approach-driven national peace framework. Among its functions include the evaluation, modification, and integration of policies, programs and activities contained in the framework as well as the development of strategic communication, advocacy and peace constituency plans in case of a ceasefire. In November last year, peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels bogged down after the President signed Proclamation 360, putting an end to peace negotiations with the NDFP. Duterte made the decision following frequent attacks by the communist rebels against the governments armed forces and civilians while talks between the government and NDFP panels were ongoing in Oslo, Norway. Last week, the President appeared to be growing impatient of the progress of peace talks with the leftist groups, saying that he was no longer ready to talk to the communists. He also warned Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Ma. Sison not to set foot in the country, threatening to slap the top communist leader should he return to the Philippines.Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Ano said the temporary ceasefire declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) during the holiday season is meaningless and is simply for propaganda purposes. Ito po ay isang malaking kalokohan. Huwag na nilang gamiting dahilan ang Kapaskuhan sa pagkukunwari nila na magtitigil-putukan sila sa panahong iyon gayong alam naman nating magpapalakas lang sila ng puwersa (This is a big fraud. They should not use Christmas season for the supposed ceasefire because we very well know that they use this opportunity to muster their forces,Ano said in a news release Monday. He said like the defense department, the DILG is also not recommending a holiday truce because the CPP-NPA-NDF will only exploit the truce to consolidate its forces to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Taun-taon na lang ay nagdedeklara sila ng tigil-putukan at pinagbibigyan sila ng pamahalaan alang-alang sa diwa ng Kapaskuhan. Sa puntong ito, huwag na nating sakyan ang mga palabas ng grupong ito (Every year they declare a ceasefire and the government agreed in the spirit of Christmas. At this point, let us not be swayed by these groups),Ano, a former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff. We will not allow ourselves to fall into the same trap again. We have seen time and again the insincerity of the Communists and their front organizations, he said. The CPP central committee announced last Friday a temporary ceasefire to take effect 12:01 a.m. of December 24 to 11:59 p.m. of December 26, and at 12:01 a.m. of December 31 to 11:59 of Jan. 1, 2019. Ano said nothing will come out of a truce because the CPP-NPA-NDF has really no intention to stop fighting with government forces during a ceasefire.




Nine years ago, Paula Stanton was cleaning her bathroom when she realized that her ring, a gold band encrusted with diamonds, was missing from her left ring finger.

I was cleaning and knew I must have flushed it down, Stanton, who lives in Somers Point, N.J., told the Press of Atlantic City. It had been a little big on my finger because it was wintertime and my hands were smaller. I felt so bad about it. Sad and embarrassed.

Stantons husband, Michael, had given her the ring to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. Although he replaced it and jokingly told his wife to hold onto this one, Stanton never stopped thinking about the original gift and how much it meant to her.

Six years passed and Stanton believed that her ring was gone for good, but she couldnt help but wonder if it was out there somewhere. So she reached out to Ted Gogol, an acquaintance of her husbands, who works for the Somers Point Public Works Department, three years ago to see if he could help her track down the lost ring.



She had this look on her face while she was telling me about it that said, I cant believe I did this, Gogol told the news outlet. I told her really nicely that the chances of us finding it  well, just in passing, wed keep an eye out for it.

Everyone was out of luck until just last month  nine years after the ring went missing and three years after Gogol first heard the story  when Gogol found himself working not 400 feet away from the Stantons house doing routine maintenance work on a sewer line.

I saw something shiny sitting in the mud and debris, Gogol said. I realized it was a ring, and I remembered the woman who was looking for a ring.

Paula and Michael Stanton, however, were in South Carolina visiting their son and his family for Thanksgiving. So, Gogol left a note on their door, the Press of Atlantic City reported.

Stanton called public works and was informed by Gogol he had a found a ring, but he wasnt sure it was hers. After all, he found it in the mud, near a utility hole, nearly a decade after it had gone missing. However, Gogol was able to see that the couples initials were engraved on the interior of the band. He was convinced it belonged to her.

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He came by after work and dropped it off. Nobody could believe it. Everyone was in a state of shock. I was hugging him and crying, Stanton said. I was calling my kids and telling people about it. My family had a difficult year, and for this to happen

Stanton, on advice from a jeweler, boiled the ring in peroxide and lemon juice a number of times, and she is now wearing her long-lost ring again alongside her replacement ring. She and her husband will celebrate their 38th wedding anniversary on Dec. 27.

Gogol found the lost ring in a sewer system that runs about 40 miles and processes about a million gallons a day. Stanton told Gogol it was her Christmas miracle.

There are honest people in the world, and I was so happy to have been able to help somebody, Gogol told the Press of Atlantic City.

Paula Stanton did not immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyles requests for comment.

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RIMBO, Sweden (AP)  Yemen's warring parties met Sunday for the fourth day of U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Sweden to try to hammer out details of a prisoner exchange, which could eventually include all prisoners held by both sides in the four-year civil war.

The parties focused on the swap amid optimism on first steps toward a political dialogue. Yemen's conflict pits the Iran-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, against the internationally recognized government supported by a U.S.-sponsored Saudi-led coalition.

"We are progressing toward implementation, how to swiftly group together the prisoners," said Askar Zouail, from the government delegation. "The atmosphere is positive. And we are optimistic.

Speaking later at the venue, a castle north of Stockholm, the head of the Houthi delegation said a committee was discussing the swap and that the rebels were ready for the exchange, which would include rebel fighters he said are held at undisclosed locations abroad. After signing the agreement, bodies of the dead should be identified.

"That will solve the problem of the missing," said Mohamed Abdelsalam.

The United Nations has long led a push to resolve the conflict but past attempts at constructive talks have led nowhere and officials have sought to downplay expectations from the current talks, focusing on achieving a framework for future talks toward a political settlement.

The war has killed tens of thousands and made Yemen the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 22 of its 29 million people in need of aid, according to the U.N. The airport in rebel-held capital, Sanaa, has been closed since August 2016 by order of the Saudi-led coalition, leaving the rebel-held north of Yemen heavily relying on the Red Sea port of Hodeida, which is controlled by the Houthis, for delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid and fuel supplies.

At a security forum in Abu Dhabi, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arabian Gulf Affairs Timothy Lenderking said the United States is supportive of the "good spirit of cooperation" observed at this stage in the talks, and hoped for concrete results to help reduce the pain inflicted on civilians.

Story continues

"There's a sense that what's driving this is the concern about civilian casualties. That's a responsibility on both sides in this conflict," he said.

___

Associated Press writers Brian Rohan in Cairo and Aya Batrawy and Fay Abuelgasim in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
The number of new print magazines started in the U.S. fell by more than half in 2020 to 60, compared t
Former President, John Dramani Mahama in his quest for a second term as President of the Republic of Ghana has started his campaign early even though the race for the flagbearership for the National Democratic Congress has not come off.

John Dramani Mahama, during the National Delegates Congress, held at the Trade Fair, La, Accra, some nice 2020 Mahama campaign song were rocking in the Dome and it is sure to get other presidential aspirants complaining. Well, inside the Fantasy Dome, it was all dancing.

The song which is a refix of Gospel artiste, Evangelist IK Anings hit song Borborleborbor throws a direct jab at His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo and his party, NPP for mismanaging the countrys economy and the free SHS brouhaha was played throughout the whole night when counting of votes were underway.
GOING HOME. The three Balangiga bells were reunited in Japan and were put on wooden crates to be transported back to Samar, Philippines on Dec. 15 in time for the traditional Misa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi).

All three Balangiga Bells are now in Japan on the eve of their official return to the Philippines tomorrow, Tuesday, the United States Embassy in Manila said Monday.US Air Force airmen prepared the Balangiga Bells for transport to the Philippines at the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. US Embassy press attache Molly Koscina said the war artifacts return was a clear demonstration of the US commitment to its alliance, partnership and friendship with the Philippines. The return of the bells is the end of many years of efforts by many, many different people to ensure the bells return to the church where they were taken, she said. It required negotiations and lots of efforts and even overcoming legal obstacles to make it happen, and there are many people to thank for the return of the bells, including Secretary [James] Mattis and [Defense] Secretary [Delfin] Lorenzana. The three bells were taken by US soldiers from the San Lorenzo de Martir Church in Balangiga town in Eastern Samar. They took the bells in retaliation for the killing of 48 of their comrades and the wounding of 12 others from the Charlie Company of the 9th Infantry Regiment, which happened following an ambush by Filipino fighters on Sept. 28, 1901 during the Philippine-American war.Then US army commander General Jacob Smith advised his men to turn the Balangiga bells into a howling wilderness, and parallel to the killing of all male Filipinos aged 10 and above. The US soldiers then burned the entire Balangiga town. The US soldiers then took the three bells from Balangiga as war trophies. One of the bells is in Camp Red Cloud, South Korea, while the other two are being kept at the Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The meeting between Mattis and Lorenzana in 2017 was the breakthrough that made the bells return possible, Koscina said. I think the breakthrough was Secretary Mattis and Secretary Lorenzanas meeting last October, she said. Later that same day, Secretary Mattis met with President [Rodrigo] Duterte, and in that meeting Secretary Mattis committed to making it his personal intent to do all he could do to return the bells.
chile bitcoin crypto

On December 6, the Third Chamber of the Chilean Supreme Court officially sided with the state-owned BancoEstado after it banned a local crypto exchange by shutting down its bank account.

Orionx, a digital asset trading platform based in Chile, filed an appeal with the supreme court following an abrupt termination of its account by BancoEstado. Ultimately, the court ruled the case in favor of the bank, reaffirming that the bank cannot obtain sufficient information to monitor transactions and determine the identities of the senders of crypto payments.

The court ruling read:

These characteristics and elements determine, therefore, the current impossibility for the Bank to comply with the aforementioned obligations, since it prevents it from knowing in depth the financial activities related to cryptocurrencies developed by the appellant, the most relevant characteristics of its operations, the foundations on which these are supported and, finally, if their amounts are excessive or not.

Downfall of the Chilean Crypto Market

chile bitcoin crypto

The global crypto exchange market has become highly competitive with key players like Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. dominating the vast majority of digital asset trading volume and activity.

One common element in the cryptocurrency-related policies implemented by the three countries is that banks are permitted and encouraged to provide stable banking services to cryptocurrency exchanges.

In South Korea, for instance, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) recently approved banks to work with cryptocurrency-related business, and the Seoul Central District Court ruled a high profile case between a major commercial bank and a small local cryptocurrency exchange in favor of the exchange, establishing a strong precedent across the industry.

Following the court ruling, attorney Kim Tae-rim, the representative of the exchange, said:

Cryptocurrency exchanges, by default, have the right to freely deposit and withdraw funds to and from major banks in South Korea, and an abrupt termination of partnership and services by the bank [in this case Nonghyup] without sufficient evidence or reasoning falls under the breach of contract, the attorney said.

Story continues

With access to banking services and insurance, cryptocurrency exchanges in Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. have been able to primarily focus on growth and adoption, without being in conflict with regulations and commissions.

As more countries like Singapore, Malta, and the U.K. move towards the implementation of practical and efficient regulatory frameworks surrounding digital assets, regions that deny cryptocurrency businesses the simplest of requirements like a stable banking service could struggle in remaining relevant in the highly competitive global cryptocurrency market.

Throughout the past eleven months, at least three major Chilean banks including Itau Corpbanca, Bank of Nova Scotia, and BancoEstado unilaterally shut down the bank accounts of most of the countrys largest cryptocurrency exchanges.

Some banks like the state-owned BancoEstado even have a strict policy in place that prohibits the establishment of a relationship or a partnership of any sort with a cryptocurrency company.

Isolation

In a period in which the G20, a forum of government officials from 20 of the largest economies in the world, is moving towards regulating the global cryptocurrency market, the inability to read market trends and follow lead of consortia like the G20 could result in isolation that may create a challenging environment for Chiles local cryptocurrency sector to grow in the long run.

Images from Shutterstock



The post Chile Court Says Banks Can Ban Crypto Exchanges: Will Market Survive? appeared first on CCN.


(Bloomberg) -- Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng has summoned the U.S. Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, in a protest over the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co. Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, and said it will take further action if needed.

Meng was arrested in Vancouver on Dec. 1 on the orders of U.S. authorities for allegedly violating American sanctions on selling technology to Iran. Canadas ambassador to China was summoned to the ministry on Saturday.

The minister said U.S. actions have violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and are extremely bad in nature, according to a posting on the ministry website. China will take further action based on the U.S. actions.

The move comes after a week in which both China and the U.S. seemed to struggle with how to react to an arrest with potentially broad reverberations. The two nations are, at the same time, trying to ratchet back a damaging trade dispute.

Its unclear how much the summons, Chinas most public display of anger over the arrest, will mark a heightening of tensions over the arrest and Huawei more generally. China regularly calls in foreign diplomats to register complaints.

Calls for comment to the White House and the State Department were not immediately returned.

Mengs arrest, on allegations that she committed fraud to sidestep sanctions against Iran, has become a flash-point in ties between the U.S. and China thats rattled investors and sent stock markets tumbling.

The U.S. on Friday began a case against the Chinese telecoms giant in a Vancouver courtroom, alleging that Meng had hidden ties between Huawei and a company called Skycom that did business in Iran, said a lawyer representing Canada during the court hearing.

Canadas presenting the case on behalf of the U.S., which wants to extradite Meng.

Meng, 46, daughter of Huaweis founder, is spending the weekend in jail after a decision on whether to grant bail was not reached. The case will continue on Monday.

Story continues

(Updates with request for comments in fifth paragraph.)

--With assistance from Nour Al Ali.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ros Krasny in Washington at rkrasny1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: James Ludden at jludden@bloomberg.net, ;Matthew G. Miller at mmiller144@bloomberg.net, Ian Fisher

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2018 Bloomberg L.P.
lol nah

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I love Plas.



But also.... lmao is this going to be made before or after the Cyborg, Nightwing, Batgirl and Flash movies? hahahaha

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Ben Schwartz or bust.

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His insta was adorable

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His recent miniseries book is so good. I love how Gail Simone captured Plas's voice so much.

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we love a cosmic egg king!!

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Flop written all over.

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I thought Shazam was supposed to be the answer to Deadpool. DC is really just throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks. Just give me Birds of Prey and then hang it up tbh

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DC's movie department is just SO obviously directionless.



Yes WW was a hit and it seems like Aquaman will be too (lol which is unfortunate for me because I find Aquaman to be the most boring of all typical Justice League roster), but.... the universe as a whole is a goddamn mess.

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Yeah ikr all these delays and announcing films they know they're not gonna do, it's all a mess. They really just need to start from scratch but the last thing I want is another reboot already.



lol true, I'm only interested because I enjoy some of Wan's films plus I want to see how they made a live action Aquaman work.

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lol yeah



i guess this will be R-rated and Shazam will be PG

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Should have been made 10 years ago with Johnny Knoxville before he fucked his body completely up.

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I could see Dylan O'Brien as Eel.





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Aquaman and Captain Marvel are comedic foils... So is the Flash, but we know that's never happening.

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Fuck no

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Um ...



I like how rudderless DC/WB is about its properties. Anything goes, because why the hell not. All that matters is that stuff is in development. Whether it gets made is another story.

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why does DC lets these hypothetical movies get out so easily



i would be interested in a Plastic Man movie if there weren't already 69 DC movies in development right now most of which probably won't even happen

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Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

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Speaking of plastic men, apparently there was a study done on microplastics being found in poop

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Yep! Thats why I use glass everything. Eating/drinking out of plastic anything is so bad. Especially when people microwave food in plastic I cringe so hard.

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i'm so excited for this to happen, not because i've been a plastic man stan for a while now, but because if he does end up getting a movie that means dc will have to give him an ongoing solo series!!!!!!!!!!!! and if his movie does well dc will have to shove him down our throats like they did with harley quinn and I AM HERE FOR THAT.

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Fuckin Plastic Man...

Give me the adorable screwball adventures of Ralph Dibny, The Elongated Man and his fabulous wife Sue.

I'm not sure who would be the right person to cast since Danny Kaye is dead. And Danny Kaye is so perfect for Ralph, I can't even. I'm sure it would end up being like, Eddie Redmayne and J.Law. I can't think of other charming Jewish redheads with a gangly yet perfectly controlled body that are still alive. The only modern pair I can think of is like Domhnall Gleason and Constance Wu.



Or the adorable madcap adventures of Booster and Ted, gay space bros who own an Island together and prank everyone else. And no one ever gets shot in the head, ever. And you cast the pilots from Pan Am because they looked exactly like Booster and Ted. Or else it's gotta be like, Nick Kroll for Ted and Channing Tatum or John Cena or any of those vaguely handsome funny, buff guys. Or an incredibly fake blonde Matt Bomer.

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just make a JLI series on netflix tbh. i agree with your casting notes. i also want to see more love for Ralph and Sue (fuck Identity Crisis!!!) and the JLI members such as Mary Marvel, Fire and Ice etc :(

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Out of the JL:Action shorts on youtube, Plastic Man is my favorite (with Booster Gold), so I am excited!*







*If it gets made.

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does anyone want this?

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Oil prices spiked on Friday on news from Vienna.

OPEC+ managed to pull off an eleventh-hour agreement, checking all the boxes after a contentious set of meetings. There were a lot of competing interests at play, but the agreement offers a little bit of everything, enough for all parties to walk away satisfied.

The headliner is the 1.2 million-barrel-per-day (mb/d) cut beginning in January, with a review scheduled for April. OPEC will shoulder 800,000 bpd of the total, and non-OPEC countries will take on the other 400,000 bpd. The baseline used to measure the cuts is October production levels.

The cut is larger than some analysts had expected, especially given the rumors swirling on Thursday about a cut of around 1 mb/d. In fact, one could argue that the group cleverly managed market expectations, lowering them on Thursday only to surprise the market with a larger cut on Friday. Prior to the meeting 1.2 mb/d might have been considered a middle-of-the-road cut, but after the seemingly tumultuous set of meetings on Thursday and early Friday, a 1.2 mb/d cut ends up looking like a highly successful result.

Iran had held up the talks early Friday. Saudi Arabia pushed for them to agree to a symbolic cut, an odd position given that Irans output at this point is far below capacity and far below its prior ceiling. Iran, with good reason, argued that it should not have to sign on to any cuts, especially since sanctions are likely going to curtail output even further in the months ahead.

The rumors on Friday were that the holdup could sink a deal, but that was never going to be the case. Its extremely hard to imagine Saudi Arabia walking away from a deal that included meaningful cuts from other producers just because Iran wouldnt symbolically cut their output. Related: Oil Prices Hold Steady As U.S., Canadian Oil Rig Count Take Steep Dive

Ultimately, the result was a quirky one. All countries appear to be participants in the deal, but there wont be country-specific quotas. Iran did not receive an official exemption, some OPEC officials argued, even as the Iranians claimed they did. Other officials said that there would be special considerations. This point is a matter of splitting hairs  Irans production is likely to fall in the coming months; it doesnt really matter what they call it. Thats also why this issue was not going to be the thing that sunk the entire deal.

Oil prices spiked on the news, with Brent up around 5 percent immediately after the agreement was announced.

Russia, as expected, played a pivotal role in the deal, and its willingness to go along with a larger-than-expected cut was the key factor in the 1.2 mb/d reduction (although Russias precise contribution was not known at the time of this writing).

The deal can be called a success for two reasons. First, it takes 1.2 mb/d off of the market beginning in January, which will go a long way to erasing the surplus. Second, it removes a great deal of uncertainty about what to expect in the near future. Oil prices have been all over the map in the last few months, with Saudi production surging at a time when U.S. shale was also defying expectations. Now, its reasonable to assume that any surplus or deficit wont be so large as to lead to dramatic price swings, at least in the short run. Related: Could Iraq Be The Next OPEC Member To Exit?

However, the one remaining piece of uncertainty is how, or if, the U.S. government will react. President Trump has repeatedly demanded low oil prices, and tweeted as recently as Wednesday to that effect. Typically, OPEC would not be all that sensitive to Trumps demands, but Saudi Arabia is reeling after the international outrage over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. A bipartisan movement in Washington is upping the pressure on Riyadh, and Trump has been one of the few friends Saudi Arabia has left.

If oil prices rise too much, Trump might lash out and dump the Saudis, although what that means in practice is very much unclear. Due to extreme budgetary pressure from low oil prices, Saudi Arabia had no choice but to risk Trumps ire and push for meaningfully supply curbs.

For now, OPEC+ is likely patting themselves on the back. They reached an agreement that is mostly acceptable to everyone, oil prices are up, the surplus will narrow significantly and uncertainty is greatly diminished.

Notably, the agreement calls for a review in April. The timing is not coincidental  U.S. waivers granted to eight countries importing Iranian oil expire in May. By April, everyone will know much more about what direction Washington intends to go in, and how much oil Iran will lose. If Iranian exports are rapidly falling to zero, OPEC+ would have time to unwind the production cuts.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Saudi Arabia could reduce its daily crude oil shipments abroad by as much as 1 million barrels next month, Reuters reports, quoting unnamed sources close to Riyadh. According to them, the move would be motivated by weaker demand due to seasonal patterns in consumption and Saudi Arabias commitment to the new production cut agreed last week in Vienna.

In total, the sources said, Riyadh will likely export an average 7.3 million bpd in January. This compares with less than 8 million bpd this month, also a decline from November, when the Kingdom exported 8.3 million bpd.

Saudi Arabia will once again shoulder the greatest burden of the OPEC-wide cuts, cutting 500,000 bpd from its December production levels, which stand at an average 10.7 million bpd, the same as in October. The cartel and its partners agreed to cut production from October levels, by 2.5 percent for every OPEC member besides Libya, Iran, and Venezuela.

Saudi Arabia pumped a record-high of over 11 million bpd in November, after in June, the Kingdom agreed with Russia and other OPEC members to start increasing production again as Brent soared over US$80 a barrel to the disgruntlement of large importers such as India and the United States.

In exports, Saudi Arabias hit their highest in 20 months in September, according to data by the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (JODI) database, which collects self-reported oil figures from 114 countries. The Kingdoms production in early November probably hit the highest on record, on the back of high customer requests made in early October when the market feared a hefty loss of Iranian supply last month.

Over September, October and November, however, Riyadh gradually cut shipments to the United States in a bid to prop up fast-falling prices. This month the cuts will continue, globally, due to weak seasonal demand.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Chinas oil thirst continues to grow, despite the impact that U.S. tariffs are starting to have on the worlds second largest economy. On Saturday, preliminary data from Chinas General Administration of Customs showed that Chinas crude oil imports rose 15.7 percent year-on-year to record high of 10.48 million b/d in November. A report by commodities data provider S&P Global Platts said it was the first time China's monthly crude imports have totaled more than 10 million b/d. The previous record high was 9.64 million b/d reached in April 2018. On a barrels per-day basis, the report added, the inflow represents a 13.9 percent increase from 9.19 million b/d in October.

To put that number into perspective, China's 10.48 million bpd of oil imports is just slightly under Saudi Arabias record high oil production of 10.72 million b/d in November 2016, just before OPEC and its Russia-led non-OPEC allies started the production cut deal in January 2017.

However, if Beijing and Washington cant agree on a trade deal within the 90-day time frame set last week after President Trump met Chinese President XI Jinping at the G20 summit in Argentina, economic slowdown in China, especially in manufacturing, will ensue, causing a drop in Chinese oil demand, and by extension, global oil demand.

Janet Kong, BPs chief executive of oil trading operations in Asia, told Reuters in late September that ongoing trade tensions between China and the U.S. could slowly hit oil demand in the country. Going into 2019, I worry about the impact of the U.S.-China trade war, manifesting itself slowly, she said. The trade war impact has not really shown up in the data anywhere, but it will show up gradually over time. So the supply shock is very sharp and prompt, while the impact from trade war is boiling over slowly.

Glimmer of hope

Now that there is at least a glimmer of hope that trade tensions can be remedied, and a deal reached that will prevent the U.S. from hiking existing tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 percent to 25 percent, oil demand could remain robust while the country ramps up procurement of both American oil imports and U.S.-sourced LNG. Related: OPEC+ Succeeds, Whats Next For Oil?

The brief respite in the trade war between the two sides has already allowed a window for Chinese oil companies to start importing U.S. oil again. Sources familiar with knowledge of the matter said last week that Chinese oil trader Unipec will start to buy U.S. oil in March, when the 90-day period reached between Trump and Xi ends.

Chinese buyers who want to buy U.S. crude will rush to import the oil during this window, a senior executive from Asias largest refiner Sinopec said, according to a CNBC report, adding that the oil has to arrive in China before March 1. Oil prices are low, so it makes economic sense to store some crude as commercial inventories, said the executive, who asked not to be named.

Worst-case scenario

Going forward, a worst-case scenario for not only China, but for global markets, particularly emerging markets, would be no formal deal reached by March 1, a likely possibility given Trumps hard line over Chinas trade imbalance with the U.S., as well as Beijings inability to concede in key areas that U.S. negotiators demand. Numerous U.S. demands are almost impossible for China to agree too, at least in the short term, since it would force the country to reconfigure how it trades and even how it implements government financial and economic policy. Likewise, too much acquiescence by Xi Jinping would weaken his status in the eyes of the Chinese populace just as he continues to build his leadership and power to levels not seen since the reign of Mao Zedong.

By Tim Daiss for Oilprice.com

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Senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed Monday before a Pasay court P96,000 bail bond for his temporary liberty over a libel case filed by former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte. Trillanes, accompanied by his legal counsel, posted the bail before the sala of Pasay City Judge Rowena Nieves Tan, three days after the Davao City Regional Court Branch 54 issued four warrants for his arrest, P24,000 for each of four counts of libel. Trillanes was scheduled to fly to The Netherlands, Spain and United Kingdom from Dec. 11, 2018 to Jan. 12, 2019, and the US from Jan. 27 to Feb. 10, 2019 to meet different groups and attend various activities as part of his official duties. In a related development, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the Bureau of Immigration to allow Trillanes to leave the country as long as there is no hold departure order issued by any court against him. Guevarra made the statement after the Davao City Regional Trial Court required Trillanes to comment within five days on the motion of Department of Justice to issue an HDO against him for libel. The DOJ sought the issuance of an HDO after the same branch issued four arrest warrants against the senator on December 7 over four counts of libel filed by former Davao City vice mayor and presidential son Paolo Duterte and presidential son-in-law Manases Carpio in September. Trillanes earlier said he was to turn himself in to authorities but decided to post bail on Monday. The senator also argued that under the 1987 Constitution he was immune from arrest for offenses punishable by not more than six years imprisonment while Congress is in session.Trillanes also denounced the warrant of arrest as another attempt to silence him as one of President Rodrigo Dutertes critics. The presidential son filed a libel case against Trillanes after the opposition senator accused him of corruption. Trillanes, in 2017, claimed the younger Duterte and brother-in-law Manases Carpio were involved in a scheme to extort money from ride-hailing firms. In an affidavit, the younger Duterte accused Trillanes of libel after the latter accused him of corruption and extortion involving ride-hailing services, the Road Board and the Department of Public Works and Highways, in a radio interview with dyAB Cebus Leo Lastimosa last Sept. 8, 2017. According to Duterte, it was in September 2017 when Carpio showed to him a video of Trillanes radio interview. Watching it, I was aghast to hear the respondent maliciously accusing me and my brother-in-law, Atty. Manases Carpio, of supposed rampant and widespread corruption and extortion. Admittedly, this based on sheer information fed to him, the identity of whom, however, he did not identify nor disclose, he said in his affidavit.
This week the United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced a groundbreaking oil and gas discovery in West Texas Permian Basin. According to the organizations recent press release, a whopping 46.3 billion barrels of oil, 281 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 20 billion barrels of natural gas liquids are now believed to lie untapped in the Wolfcamp Shale and overlying Bone Spring Formation area of Texas and New Mexicos Permian Basin.

Major players in the energy industry already have a significant presence in Wolfcamp and Bone Spring, including Occidental Petroleum Corp. and Pioneer Natural Resources Co. It was already well known and well documented that these fields were remarkably fertile grounds for oil extraction, but the jaw-dropping extent of the new figures released this week by the USGS has made the massive crude and shale reserves of the Permian Basin freshly headline-worthy. The figures in this weeks press release are in fact, in the case of Wolfcamp Shale, more than double the previous resource assessment.

(Click to enlarge)



Source: USGS

The USGS assessed the area more than two years ago in 2016, and has officially determined that it contained the largest estimated quantity of continuous oil in the entire United States. "Christmas came a few weeks early this year," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke in response to these momentous figures. "American strength flows from American energy, and as it turns out, we have a lot of American energy. Before this assessment came down, I was bullish on oil and gas production in the United States. Now, I know for a fact that American energy dominance is within our grasp as a nation." Related: Is This The Next Big Petrochemical Hub In The U.S.?

The USGS qualifies the figures of their massive discovery as consisting of undiscovered, technically recoverable resources, which they define as, "those [resources] that are estimated to exist based on geologic knowledge and already established production, while technically recoverable resources are those that can be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. Whether or not it is profitable to produce these resources has not been evaluated."

The continued productivity and massive untapped resources present in the Permian Basin are particularly vital to the United States energy industry, in a time that most shale wells are in steep decline after years of record booms and cheap crude-flooded markets. Now, in addition to this stunning discovery from the USGS, there is even further hope that there are still additional technically recoverable resources lying in wait, yet to be discovered.

Dr. Jim Reilly, the Director of USGS, a facet of the U.S. Department of Interior, highlighted how remarkable the discovery was in the larger context of the industry. In the 1980s, during my time in the petroleum industry, the Permian and similar mature basins were not considered viable for producing large new recoverable resources. Today, thanks to advances in technology, the Permian Basin continues to impress in terms of resource potential. The results of this most recent assessment and that of the Wolfcamp Formation in the Midland Basin in 2016 are our largest continuous oil and gas assessments ever released. Reilly stressed, Knowing where these resources are located and how much exists is crucial to ensuring both our energy independence and energy dominance.

Additionally, these discoveries come at a particularly opportune time for West Texas, as a major injection of funding has just been provided toward infrastructure the West Texas area via a federal grant supported by U.S. Senator John Cornyn. The grant, which comes from a program led by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (B.U.I.L.D.) will direct money to infrastructure projects in Winkler, Glasscock and Reagan Counties.

The recent discovery and continued investment in the Permian Basin shows that the industry continues to be bullish in West Texas, and with good reason, despite the volatility of the oil industry as a whole. While other major fields continue to decline in production, the Permian Basin has managed to stay above the fray and certainly shows no sign of slowing.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
OPECs rollercoaster ride in Vienna highlights the growing divide within the oil cartel. Many oil analysts and financial gurus have fallen for the oldest media trick in the world, and a growing rift in the organization shows a new era is coming.

The so-called unexpected production cut, which was presented by OPECs media genius and Saudi Minister of Energy Khalid Al Falih, was not enough to curtail the current uncertainty in oil markets. After first indicating only a 800,000-1 million bpd production cut, which crashed prices straight away, Al Falih, in cooperation with his Russian colleague Novak, surprised the market 24 hours later by reporting a 1.2 million bpd production cut agreement. The reaction of the market, and all its specialists, was predictable. Crude oil prices jumped, reflecting a belief that stability had returned. Without even knowing the real facts of the agreement, oil market sentiment became immediately bullish. According to the statement by OPEC and its non-OPEC partners, the production cut will be based on October 2018 production levels, including some vague commitments of non-OPEC countries. Bullish sentiment seems to have returned, but several key factors remain unclear.

Taking a step back from oil market sentiment and OPEC's media strategies, two real crisis scenarios are already emerging. The first one is a real market fundamentals related one. Looking at the ongoing oil production surge of OPEC countries such as Iraq, and non-OPEC countries, especially U.S. shale but also Brazil, the perceived oil glut still exists. No action has been taken that would suggest OPEC and Russia are able to counter these developments in full force. The picture becomes even more gloomy if the ongoing U.S.-China trade war heats up, and European and Asian economic growth is lower than expected. The impact of a hard Brexit, which seems more likely following the recent political meltdown in the UK, will also cause a negative economic ripple. These macro-economic factors are changing the demand picture in 2019, and could even lead to a rise in crude oil inventories in the next months. Related: Is Gasoline Demand Really Slipping?

NOPECs only solution at present, if the cartel really wanted to change the market and re-establish its dominance, would have been a production cut agreement to the tone of 1.4-1.8 million bpd on the basis of October 2018 output. Some additional analysis shows that September-October 2018 production was already too high as most capable producers, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, increased their production substantially before the meeting. Other OPEC producers, especially Iraq and Libya, came back to the market at the same time. All these factors grossly outweighed the expected impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran. It seems that OPECs December 2018 decision has not done enough to counter the vast range of known threats in 2019.

At the same time, OPECs internal cohesion appears to be vanishing. Since 2017, the cartel has shown that it needs to reassess its internal strategy. The last OPEC meeting in Vienna, which was largely focused on the possible negative effects of U.S. sanctions on Iran, already demonstrated a deep and growing rift between the leading parties inside of the cartel.

The former hardline coalition of Iran, Venezuela and some minors, has been marginalized. Internal Arab regional conflicts have also taken their toll, which became painfully clear at the last meeting meeting when Qatari officials were mostly shunned by their Arab counterparts. The decision of Qatar to leave the oil cartel is not in any way linked to a new LNG/gas strategy of the peninsular state, but totally linked to its continued poor relation with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and some of the other Arab associates. Some even argue that Qatars decision has increased for a very short moment the internal cohesion of the cartel, but on the mid- to long-term the move will likely result in a further rift within the cartel. With Qatar out of the OPEC equation by January 2019, Iran feeling the real effects of U.S. sanctions and Venezuelas political and economic situation deteriorating, a new reality will emerge. OPEC is no longer a coalition of the willing, in which large and smaller oil producers are combining their forces to reap the highest rewards possible.

OPEC in December 2018 has become a Gulf Arab OPEC, made up of two main leaders, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and even Algeria and Libya, are following the pack. Iraq is at present but in the twilight zone, trying to find its position between the Arab Coalition of Saudi Arabia, and its historical and religious compatriot Iran. OPEC is changing, the new road signs have been planted, and while surveyors are putting some of the stakes in the ground, it is likely that the next couple of months will see Saudi Arabia and the UAE set up a strategy to reform OPEC. The new cartel is most likely to become an Arab led coalition which would aim to get Russia and maybe some Central Asian parties on board. Backed by Libya, Algeria and the smaller Gulf Arab states, the Saudi-UAE-Russia Triumvirate will also marginalize possible opposition of other Arab and Latin American OPEC members. The position of Nigeria, still supporting Saudi Arabia, and Angola will be crucial. A new NOPEC structure will put pressure on their respective influence inside of the cartel. Latin American producers, such as Venezuela or Ecuador, currently have very little influence. Related: Geopolitical Stakes Are Huge On This Tiny Island

In the next few months OPECs future will be decided. Looking at the current situation, a new strategy is needed, in which Russia plays a crucial role. Without the support of Moscow, OPEC will struggle to keep its position. Khalid Al Falihs strategic insights and knowledge will be challenged by this new situation. Without Moscow, there can be no stability in the market. On that front, deteriorating relations between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the West can only be good for Saudi-Russo relations. Vladimir Putins High Five with MBS at the G20 summit could very well become the World Press Photo for 2019. The growing friendship and a stronger economic and military alliance between the Arab Gulf States and Moscow is clear, and NOPEC could be the first real sign of a new geopolitical reality.

Most oil ministers continue to claim that OPEC is not a geopolitical alliance, but the reality is clear. Oil and geopolitics are intimately connected and OPEC and Russia are the new global oil power brokers. We dont know the exact form NOPEC will take, but 2019 could be the start of a new era, in which the West and Asia will need to readjust to a new geopolitical force. The current situation within OPEC is unsustainable and the stakes are high. All feel that the market should not be ruled by U.S. Presidential Tweets. Oil price watchers should prepare for extra volatility as Saudi Arabia and its partners continue to surprise the markets.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

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Morgan Stanley has cut its Brent crude price forecast for 2019 by US$10 a barrel to US$68.50 in the latest sign yet that the OPEC+ production cuts announced after a tense series of meetings might fail to impress an already supervolatile market.

The investment bank, Forex Live reports, acknowledged that the OPEC+ agreement to remove 1.2 million bpd from the global oil market beginning in January will have a positive effect in as much as it would calm worry about a looming oversupply, but this upside for prices will be limited. Morgan Stanley warned that the highs Brent and WTI enjoyed in October before they took a nosedive are hardly in the card for the next four quarters.

Even so, Morgan Stanley saw the oil production cut as likely sufficient to balance the market in 1H19 and prevent inventories from building, according to a Reuters report. At the end of June 2019, the investment bank expects Brent to climb to US$67. 50 a barrel, versus an earlier forecast for US$77.50 a barrel.

Bernstein Energy seems to agree with Morgan Stanley. Reuters quoted the brokerage as forecasting the average price per barrel of Brent crude next year to remain about US$70. Our key conclusion is that oil prices will be well supported around the $70 per barrel level for 2019, Bernstein said.

Not everyone is optimistic, however. Reuters also quoted an Emirates NBD bank analyst as saying the cuts would not be enough to offset growing production from non-participants in the cuts. Edward Bell said he expected a market surplus of around 1.2 million bpd in Q1 with the new production levels. With the U.S. producing at a rate of 11. 7 million bpd and most indicators suggesting further increases, the oversupply scenario may well play out, sinking prices even lower.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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In what some saw as a sign of OPECs growing irrelevance in the world of oil, Venezuelas Oil Minister Manuel Quevedo will take the helm of the cartel beginning next month for a year. In an analysis of the situation, the Wall Street Journals Benoit Faucon and Kejal Vyas argued Quevedos appointment could be the spark that starts an explosion in the cartel.

Although Quevedo, a former general, said he will seek stability, a deal that is fair to everyone and comes in response to oil fundamentals rather than politics, expectations are not very high.

There are internal tensions in OPEC that became painfully obvious in the days ahead of the Vienna meeting that took place yesterday. Some OPEC members are angry with the de facto leader of the group, Saudi Arabia, who has been getting cozy with Russia over the last two years, raisin suspicions it is putting its own interests above the cartels.

Whats more, co-members of OPEC believe Riyadh bowed to Washington when it started pumping more in July, after President Trump accused OPEC of artificially keeping prices high. Now, thanks to this record-high production, prices are down once again and OPEC needs to begin cutting again. But not all members can afford it and Venezuela is one of them.

The South American countrys oil production has slumped to 1.2 million barrels daily, down by some 29 percent over the past 12 months, which coincides with Quevedos tenure as minister and stands in contrast to efforts by Caracas to reverse the decline and increase production by 1 million bpd by the end of the year. Since it is already December, the chances of this happening are slim to none.

Related: The Saudi Dilemma: To Cut Or Not To Cut

Quevedos background and the government he represents are seen by some analysts as a problem in their own right, then. Caracas is at odds with Washington, which recently again started talking about sanctioning crude oil exports to the United States. But OPECs leader is cozy with Washington, so there is certainly space to speculate about various national interests clashing within the cartel.

What makes the situation particularly challenging, however, is what looks like a growing feeling that OPEC is becoming irrelevant. Earlier this year the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia all hit new records in production, with the United States emerging as the top producer, at a daily rate of 11.7 million barrels, Russia pumping 11.4 million bpd, and Saudi Arabia producing 11.02 million bpd. These three, in other words, account together for about a third of global oil production, which is this year seen by the EIA at 100.09 million bpd.

Some smaller OPEC members have, unsurprisingly, begun feeling a little left out of the big picture in this situation. Qatars decision to leave the cartel after almost six decades as a member came as a shock at the beginning of this week, despite the fact it is a small oil producer. The countrys finance minister said the decision was motivated by a focus on growing natural gas production, but it did smack of leaving a sinking ship.

Its highly unlikely that any OPEC president could resolve the internal divide in OPEC. With a president who represents one of the more disgruntled members of the cartel at the helm, the future of the group becomes even more uncertain.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Mexico will start accepting bids for the construction of a new refinery, estimated to be worth US$8 billion by March next year, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said, as quoted by Bloomberg.

Raising Mexicos crude oil production and the amount that is refined locally is a top priority of Obradors program that aims to reduce dependence on imported fuels. The plan includes boosting local oil production to 2.4 million bpd by 2024. Mexicos state oil company Pemex said last month it produced an average 1.76 million bpd of crude in October, down 7 percent from October last year. The countrys annual output has been on the decline since 2004, Bloomberg notes, due to field depletion and lack of investment in new production.

But the production boost is only one part of the plan. The other is a substantial increase in local refining capacity: the planned refinery will have a capacity of 340,000 bpd, which will make it the largest in the country. Yet the existing facilities also need attention: they have been operating at lower than average rates in recent months, hitting a record low of 25.7 percent in October on the back of shortages of light crude and technical difficulties at some refineries.

Meanwhile, however, the new government has suspended all oil tenders for at least three years, Bloomberg reported earlier this month, citing Obrador as saying, We cant continue giving oil territory if theres not a more significant investment. What we want is that they [foreign oil companies] demonstrate that they will invest and produce oil from these contracts.

The government last month began a review of existing contracts, signed by Enrique Pena-Nietos government with foreign oil industry players as an essential part of an energy sector overhaul. The Obrador administration review will determine if there were any signs of graft involved in the signing of these contracts.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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MANILA, Philippines  Three men suspected of illegally dealing firearms led police on a deadly chase after authorities tried to arrest them during a buy-bust operation on Monday (December 10) at dawn in Baseco Compound Manila.

All three suspects were killed, among them is the groups leader who went by the alias, Oteb. Police are still looking into the identification of his two accomplices.

Authorities said they received a tip from confidential informant that the suspects were part of a gun running group.

After several days of surveillance and operation by the Manila Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspects finally agreed to sell firearms to operatives posing as buyers.

However, in the middle of the transaction the suspects sensed that they were dealing with cops, so they quickly fired at the poseur buyers and tried to flee the scene on board a motorcycle.

Naka-prepare sana kami ibigay yung buy-bust money para sa kanila, however, hindi na nga umabot sa ganoong punto, MPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Chief Police Inspector Nino Briones said.

The police were able to catch up to the suspects who found themselves on a dead-end road in Baseco Compound where police finally cornered them.

The suspects engaged the operatives in a shootout before succumbing to fatal gunshot wounds. There were no casualties on the side of the government forces.

Based on initial investigation, police recovered from the suspects one .45 caliber handgun, a .38 caliber revolver, a .22 caliber revolver, a 9mm revolver and one MK-2 fragmentation hand grenade.

The criminal group allegedly operated in Metro Manila, particularly in Navotas and Quezon City.

Authorities are still looking into other possible groups the three suspects belonged to in relation to gun running.  Asher Cadapan Jr. | UNTV News & Rescue

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CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma has urged the faithful to pray for the blessings they received in 2018 and for President Rodrigo Duterte.He appealed to the public not to cheer on the chief executives unflattering

THE University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu proposes a win-win solution for the Cebu City Government and the fire victims of Purok 3, Barangay Kamputhaw.

The fire last Dec. 5 damaged 70 houses that were on the estimated three-hectare lot reportedly owned by UP Cebu.

UP Cebu Chancellor Liza Corro said the university acknowledges the residents need to stay where they used to, but the school, on the other hand, needs a place where it can construct its buildings.

Its not a question of whether or not we allow it (the re-blocking and rebuilding of houses by the fire victims), but its a question of how we can all help out each other here. Its a balancing of everything and meeting half-way, said Corro.

Some 194 families who lost their houses to the fire are waiting to be allowed to rebuild their homes on the UP-owned lot.

In an interview on Monday, Dec. 10, Corro said UP Cebu is also being questioned by the Commission on Audit on what it is doing with the Cebu Province-donated property.

Corro proposed an off-hand idea that if the City Government helps the university, a proposal to the Board of Regents to allow a portion of the land for leasing while maintaining a portion of it for UP-intended plans would be a win-win solution.

Under the UP Campus Master Development Plan, the lot is intended for UP Faculty and Staff Housing.

Some proposed ideas we have, which I believe is not new, is that maybe, let them (residents) lease the property so that the stigma of informal settlement is removed, she said.

However, she said that the lease of the land can also just be temporary.

While UP is working on how the educational purpose of the land can be served (funding for construction of the faculty and staff housing), the residents can temporarily use the lot for lease.

UP has a lot of faculty members who also do not own their own houses. I think its fair enough that the UP employees should also be given the opportunity to enjoy those lots, she said.

She clarified that, as of now, they havent received any communication yet from the City Government and the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor since the fire happened.

They havent asked for a meeting at all, as of today, said Corro. (Wenilyn Sabalo, USJ-R intern)
FILE PHOTO: Armed Forces of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines  There is no stopping President Rodrigo Duterte from sending more troops to Jolo, Sulu to put an end to terrorism and rebellion that have claimed the lives of thousands of Philippine soldiers.

Just recently, several soldiers have been killed and others injured after an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Now in a few days, Im transferring one division sa Jolo na nagsawa na ako noong  a fortnight ago. Usap kami ni Del and I communicated to them my dis  parang my disappointment kung bakit ganun na sige na lang tayo namatayan ng apat, nakapatay tayo ng isa, makapatay ng apat. Its an attrition thing and tatapusin na natin yan. President Rodrigo Duterte said in a speech during the closing ceremony of the Motorcycle Riding Course in Davao City.

One division in the Philippine Army is composed of about four to six thousand soldiers, which according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, can still be augmented.

Lorenzana said they intend to regularly strengthen the presence of military troops in Jolo to eliminate all threats to peace and order in the area.

The government aims to yield positive outcome in two years time.

To have a permanent presence there. Ang complaint ng mga LGUs doon tsaka mga tao, they are reluctant to support us 100 percent dahil we come and go, Lorenzana explained.

Three infantry brigades and one marine brigade, that should be enough to pacify this. We will do this one year or two years, the Defense Secretary assured.  Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

The post Duterte orders more troops to Jolo, Sulu appeared first on UNTV News.
Seems like Catriona Gray, the Philippines candidate at the Miss Universe pageant, is making sure that no stone is left unturned in her campaign for the crown.

On Saturday, the Filipino-Australian model posted a video titled This is the Philippines on her social media accounts which shows her featuring some of the best tourist spots in Luzon Island.

Produced by shoe designer Jojo Bragais, the video shows Gray traipsing around Rizal Park and Intramuros in Manila. She also visits a parol factory in Pampanga and talks about how Christmas is such an important celebration in the Philippines.

The video was produced by Grays own team. Unlike other Filipino candidates who are backed by training camps, Gray is competing as an independent and assembled her own team of stylists, makeup artists, and designers. Its a brave move because most pageant fans believe that a candidate needs the help of a camp.

The video has gone viral and has received more than 82,000 views on YouTube and more than 65,000 views on Facebook.

Some fans think its one of a series of videoes and that the next ones will feature the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Another theory is that each video contains a clue as to how her national costume will look like, which will be designed by Jearson Demavivas.

Yes, in the Philippines, pageants are taken so seriously that they spark fan theories.

Watch the video below to see why pageant fans have gone ga-ga over it.

Her fans are naturally proud of the video. One fan who said hes from Vietnam said he loves the Philippines.

Photo: Screenshot from Catriona Grays Facebook account

Another Vietnamese fan wished her good luck.

Photo: Screenshot from Catriona Grays Facebook account

Cire Quinones stated the obvious  Gray appears to be the most gung-ho candidate, even when compared to previous Filipino representatives.

She wrote: Ive never seen a candidate who has made such a huge effort [in winning the crown]. You really deserve the Miss Universe crown.

Photo: Screenshot from Catriona Grays Facebook account

Diana Tacam called her a sure winner.

Story continues

Photo: Screenshot from Catriona Grays Facebook account

Before joining the Miss Universe contest, Gray joined another global contest in 2017, Miss World, where she landed at the top 5.

It was a disappointing finish, as many of her fans expected her to win the title. However, she is considered a front-runner in this years Miss Universe, which will be held in Bangkok on Dec. 17.

This article, Philippines Miss Universe bet shares video showcasing tourist spots in Luzon, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. For more Coconuts stories, you can download our app, sign up for our newsletters, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Under the assumption that a tax on conventional plastics will increase the share of bioplastics relative to total plastic consumption to 5 percent. The darker the coloring, the greater the loss of forest. In the most severely affected areas, up to 1 percent of the forest cover is lost. Credit:  2018 Neus Escobar, Salwa Haddad, Jan Borner und Wolfgang Britz; veroffentlicht durch IOP Publishing Ltd

Bioplastics are often promoted as an environmentally and climate-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. However, a recent study from the University of Bonn suggests that shifting to plant-based plastics could be less positive than expected. Specifically, increased consumption of bioplastics is likely to generate increased greenhouse gas emissions from cropland expansion on a global scale. The study will be soon published in Environmental Research Letters.

Plastics are usually made from petroleum, with the associated impacts of climate change: The carbon embodied in fossil resources is released to the atmosphere by degradation or burning, hence contributing to global warming. This corresponds to about 400 million metric tonnes of CO 2 per year worldwide, almost half of the total greenhouse gases that Germany emitted to the atmosphere in 2017. It is estimated that by 2050, plastics could be responsible for 15 percent of the global CO 2 emissions.

Bioplastics, on the other hand, are in principle climate-neutral since they are based on renewable raw materials such as maize, wheat or sugar cane. These plants get the CO 2 that they need from the air through their leaves. Producing bioplastics therefore consumes CO 2 , which compensates for the amount that is later released at end-of-life. Overall, their net greenhouse gas balance is assumed to be zero. Bioplastics are thus often consumed as an environmentally friendly alternative.

But this issue is probably not as clear as often assumed, at least with the current level of technology. "The production of bioplastics in large amounts would change land use globally," explains Dr. Neus Escobar from the Institute of Food and Resource Economics at the University of Bonn. "This could potentially lead to an increase in the conversion of forest areas to arable land. However, forests absorb considerably more CO 2 than maize or sugar cane annually, if only because of their larger biomass." Experience with biofuels has shown that this effect is not a theoretical speculation. The increasing demand for green energy sources has resulted in massive deforestation to some countries across the tropics.

Dr. Neus Escobar and her colleagues Salwa Haddad, Prof. Dr. Jan Borner and Dr. Wolfgang Britz have simulated the effects of an increased demand for bioplastics in major producing countries. They used and extended a computer model that had already been used to calculate the impacts of biofuel policies. It is based on a database that depicts the entire world economy.

"For our experiment, we assume that the share of bioplastics relative to total plastic consumption increases to 5 percent in Europe, China, Brazil and the USA," she explains. "We run two different scenarios: a tax on conventional plastics compared with a subsidy on bioplastics." The most dramatic effects are found for the tax scenario: As fossil-based plastics consequently become more expensive, demand falls significantly. Worldwide, 0.08 percent fewer greenhouse gases would be released each year. However, part of this decline is due to economic distortions, as the tax also slows economic growth.

More fields, fewer forests

At the same time, the area of land used for agriculture increases in the tax scenario, while the forest area decreases by 0.17 percent. This translates into enormous quantities of CO 2 emitted into the atmosphere. "This is considered to occur as a one-time effect," Escobar explains. "Nevertheless, according to our calculations, it will take more than 20 years for it to be offset by the savings achieved by fossil substitution."

All in all, it takes a lot of time for the switch to bioplastics to pay off. Furthermore, the researchers estimate the societal costs of this policy to decrease one tonne of CO 2 at more than U.S. $2000a high sum compared to biofuel mandates. A subsidy to bioplastics would have very different effects on the global economy. However, both the compensation period and the costs for climate change mitigation would remain almost the same as with the tax.

"Consuming bioplastics from food crops in greater amounts does not seem to be an effective strategy to protect the climate," said the scientist. Especially because this would trigger many other negative effects, such as rising food prices. "But this would probably look different if other biomass resources were used for production, such as crop residues," says Escobar. "We recommend concentrating research efforts on these advanced bioplastics and bring them to market."

The belief that bioplastics will reduce the amount of waste in the oceans may not even come true. Just because plastics are made from plants does not automatically make them easily degradable in marine environments, Escobar says. "Bio-PE and Bio-PET are for example not biodegradable, same as their petroleum-based counterparts." Bioplastics and biomaterials have however one clear advantage: They help to reduce the fossil fuel dependency of highly industrialized regions. The scientists conclude that if governments really want to protect the environment, they should rather pursue a different strategy: It makes more sense to use plastic sparingly and to ensure that it is actually recycled.

More information: Neus Escobar et al, Land use mediated GHG emissions and spillovers from increased consumption of bioplastics, Environmental Research Letters (2018). Journal information: Environmental Research Letters Neus Escobar et al, Land use mediated GHG emissions and spillovers from increased consumption of bioplastics,(2018). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/aaeafb
House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. on Monday slammed Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno for allegedly fooling Congress when he allowed the approval of the supposed annual budget of the Duterte administration without amending the big-ticket itemssuch as the billions in budgets in the congressional districts. They [DBM] are saying that Congress is prohibited from touching the budget but when we talked to the President [Duterte], he said just do what you have to do. So that order was for us not to touch the budget, but in reality we are just being fooled, Andaya, the representative of Camarines Surs first district, said in a privileged speech. This developed as Diokno declined the House leaderships invitation for him to attend Tuesdays Question Hour to explain why the hundreds of billions of underspending for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. Andaya said even before the 2019 budget could be approved, multi-billion flood-control projects in Sorsogon had already been bid out and awarded to a single proprietorship based in Bulacan. Andaya called on Diokno to attend the Question Hour today, Tuesday, to shed light on the documents that showed that more than 80 percent of the flood control projects in Sorsogon were bid out and awarded to CT Leoncio Construction and Trading, a single proprietorship based in Bulacan. While Diokno insisted there was no pork insertions in the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2018, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Monday only those who continued to benefit from the pork barrel system would be happy, but it would be burdensome for the rest of the Filipinos. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo on Monday expressed confidence that Diokno could explain to the public the alleged pork barrel insertions in the proposed 2019 national budget. He made the remark in connection with House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyos large allocation in her district in Pampanga. He said Arroyo sent him a message dismissing the claims that the insertions were pork barrel.She texted that Congressman Maricar Zamora had explained it already. Their explanation is that contrary to the allegations of pork barrel, they said that this time there were items and these items were given by different agencies and it was prior to the approval, they had been there, Panelo said. With 16 votes, no negative votes and abstentions, the Senate on Monday passed on third and final reading a joint resolution extending the validity of the 2018 appropriations for maintenance and other operating expenses and capital outlays until Dec. 31, 2019. In approving Senate Joint Resolution 17, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said they were just extending until the end of 2019 the unused budget this year. Andaya, in his speech, disclosed that while Diokno had prevented congressmen from amending the annual National Expenditure Program budget for 2019, a single contractor had cornered billions of funds from flood-control projects in the second district of Sorsogon and the lone district of Catanduanes without the knowledge of its Reps. Deogracias Ramos and Cesar Sarmiento. It would have been good if the [huge increase in the flood-control] budget [for 2018] went to flood-prone areas but nothing happened. It just went to districts that did not ask for flood-control [programs], Andaya said. The contractor just subcontracts the projects to other [contractors], he said. Its not even a corporation, its a single proprietorship just like a sari-sari store, Andaya said. Under the 2017 national budget for 2017, Andaya said, the budget for flood-control was only P73 billion. However, the amount suddenly shot up to P123 billion under the 2018 national budget. `Andaya also hit Diokno over the latters statement that a reenacted budget would result in an economic slowdown, especially in the first and second quarter of 2019.
Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli . Credit: Janice Haney Carr / USCDC

Min Dong, Ph.D., and his lab are world experts in toxins and how to combat them. They've figured out how Clostridium difficile's most potent toxin gets into cells and zeroed in on the first new botulinum toxin identified since 1969. Now, setting their sights on Shiga and ricin toxins, they've not only identified new potential lines of defense, but also shed new light on a fundamental part of cell biology: glycosylation.

The study, recently published in PLOS Biology, used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to explore what factors in cells are necessary for the toxins to get in. Shiga toxin, a widespread source of food poisoning, is produced by Shigella dysenteriae and some E. coli strains such as O157:H7, which occasionally cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney condition, in children. Ricin is a plant toxin used as a bioterrorism agent.

What do toxins need in a cell receptor?

Shiga and ricin toxins have a similar mechanism of action once inside our tissues, disrupting cells' ability to make proteins. To get in, though, they rely on different entry portals: Shiga toxins use a type of glycolipid (a fatty molecule with an attached sugar) called Gb3 as their receptor, while ricins use a variety of glycans (sugar molecules).

But beyond that, little was known. Dong and first author Songhai Tian, Ph.D., researchers in Boston Children's Hospital's Department of Urology, hoped to complete the picture.

The research team began with Shiga toxins. They used CRISPR/Cas9 to conduct a genome-wide screen. The screen entailed systematically deleting genes one by one in a cell line, to see if the loss of any of them prevented the toxins from entering.

"This was not possible previously, because the receptor for the toxin isn't found in most cell types," says Dong. "Songhai screened many different cell lines without much success, until he talked to our neighbor, Dr. Rosalyn Adam in the Department of Urology, who happens to have a few bladder cancer cell lines. One of these turns out to be super sensitive to Shiga toxins because it has a high level of Gb3. Finding a good cell model was the first breakthrough in the project."

The second screen, in readily available HeLa cell lines, looked for cell factors required for ricin toxicity.

"The screen approach was very powerful," says Tian. "It identified almost all the known factors for both toxins, as well as some novel factors."

New leads on blocking toxicity

When the team compared the results of the Shiga and ricin screens, they found two factors that both toxin classes require to penetrate cells: the transmembrane proteins TMEM165 and TM9SF2. Both are found in the cell's Golgi apparatus, whose job it is to modify and package large molecules made by the cell. When either was deleted, the cells produced reduced amounts of a group of fatty molecules called glycosphingolipids, including Gb3.

TMEM165 and TM9SF2 are too general in their function to serve as safe targets to try to block with drugs, but they could point the way to other inhibitory molecules that could be targeted.

A third protein, LATMP4a, offers more direct promise. It is specifically required for cells to make Gb3, the receptor used by Shiga toxin. "This protein was not known before, and we think it would make a very good therapeutic target for Shiga toxicity," says Dong.

Updating the textbook chapter on glycosylation

Dong is equally excited about what the work has to tell us about glycosylationthe attachment of sugars to large molecules like proteins and lipids. This fundamental biologic process enables our cells to create much more varied molecules with diverse functions, above and beyond what's encoded in our genes, and also has a role in disease.

"We used toxins as a probe to understand a key cellular process," Dong elaborates. "The two new Golgi proteins identified in our screens, TMEM165 and TM9SF2, like regulating the overall environment in the Golgi apparatus. We're now trying to understand what they're regulating specifically."

This isn't the first time one of Dong's toxin investigations has turned up something unexpected: work on C. difficile's toxin B has revealed a potential anti-cancer strategy.

Explore further Study IDs first molecules that protect cells against deadly ricin poison

More information: Songhai Tian et al, Genome-wide CRISPR screens for Shiga toxins and ricin reveal Golgi proteins critical for glycosylation, PLOS Biology (2018). Journal information: PLoS Biology Songhai Tian et al, Genome-wide CRISPR screens for Shiga toxins and ricin reveal Golgi proteins critical for glycosylation,(2018). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006951
The mean spectrum of ES Ceti taken with Magellan on 27-28 Oct. 2002. All lines can be identified with He II, He I or N III. Image credit: Bakowska & Marsh, 2018.

Astronomers have conducted spectroscopic observations of the cataclysmic variable ES Ceti, which resulted in uncovering important insights about gas emission from this object. The new findings, presented in a paper published November 29 on the arXiv pre-print server, suggest the presence of an accretion disk in this system.

Cataclysmic variables (CVs) are binary star systems consisting of a white dwarf and a normal star companion. They irregularly increase in brightness by a large factor, then drop back down to a quiescent state. These binaries have been found in different environments such as the center of the Milky Way galaxy, the solar neighborhood, and within open and globular clusters.

AM CVn star (named after the star AM Canum Venaticorum), is a rare type of CV in which a white dwarf accretes hydrogen-poor matter from a compact companion star. In general, AM CVn stars are helium-rich binaries, not showing traces of hydrogen in their spectra, with orbital periods between five and 65 minutes.

ES Ceti is among AM CVn stars with shortest orbital periods (about 620 seconds). Karolina Bakowska of Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center in Warsaw, Poland and Thomas R. Marsh of University of Warwick in Coventry, U.K., decided to performed spectroscopic observations of this system, hoping that it could improve our understanding of binary star formation process.

The duo used one of the 6.5-meter Magellan Telescopes Las Campanas Observatory in Chile to obtain more than 500 spectra of ES Ceti in late 2002, learning crucial insights about gas emission in the system.

"We present results of our spectroscopic campaign dedicated to the ultracompact binary ES Ceti. On the nights 2002 Oct. 27-28, 528 spectra were taken with the 6.5-meter telescope in Las Campanas Observatory in Chile," the researchers wrote in paper.

According to the study, the averaged spectrum of ES Ceti is dominated by ionized helium emission lines, but lines of neutral helium and nitrogen N III are also present. "The strong emission lines are among of the hallmarks of an accreting binaries," the paper reads.

By analyzing the spectra from Magellan Telescope, the researchers concluded that the accretion process in ES Ceti is via a disk. Hence, they excluded other explanations proposed by previous studies, like the direct-impact scenario.

The astronomers added that in ES Ceti hot gas produces a "disk-like" signature. They noted that this process is similar to the one observed in HM Cnc  an AM CVn star with the shortest known orbital period (324 seconds).

Bakowska and Marsh plan to conduct further studies of ES Ceti. Their aim is to create the equivalent Doppler maps based on the trailed spectra of the system.

"The method of Doppler tomography is a perfect tool which allows to track asymmetric structures in accretion disks and reveals details of the gas flow in a variety of systems," the researchers noted.

Explore further Dust production in evolved exoplanetary systems

More information: K. Bakowska, T.R. Marsh. Spectroscopy of the cataclysmic variable ES Ceti. arXiv:1811.12151 [astro-ph.SR]. Journal information: arXiv K. Bakowska, T.R. Marsh. Spectroscopy of the cataclysmic variable ES Ceti. arXiv:1811.12151 [astro-ph.SR]. arxiv.org/abs/1811.12151

 2018 Science X Network
Ghosn's arrest has sparked some anger in Lebanon

Japanese prosecutors Monday formally charged Carlos Ghosn with financial misconduct for under-reporting his salary and also served him a fresh warrant on separate allegations, meaning the tycoon will likely spend Christmas in a cell.

It represents a stunning turnaround for the 64-year-old Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian executive, a once-revered colossus of the auto sector who won wide acclaim in Japan for saving car giant Nissan.

In a move that sent shockwaves through the business world, the former Nissan chairman was arrested on November 19 on suspicion of under-declaring his income by some five billion yen ($44 million) between 2010 and 2015.

Prosecutors on Monday pressed formal charges on Ghosnand key aide Greg Kellyover this allegation, which both men are said to deny.

The pair were also immediately re-arrested over fresh allegations that they conspired to under-declare Ghosn's income by a further four billion yen over the past three years.

Under Japanese law, suspects can be re-arrested several times for different allegations, allowing prosecutors to question them for prolonged periodsa system that has drawn criticism internationally.

Monday was the final day prosecutors could hold Ghosn and Kelly, 62, before either charging or re-arresting them, and the fresh arrest gives them up to another 22 days of questioning.

In addition to charges against Ghosn and Kelly, prosecutors also indicted Nissan itself, as the company submitted the official documents that under-reported the income.

Nissan shares dropped 2.90 percent to 945 yen in Monday trading and the firm voiced "its deepest regret" over the affair.

The manufacturer said it would "continue its efforts to strengthen its governance and compliance, including making accurate disclosures of corporate information".

The Japanese firms in the three-way alliance with RenaultNissan and Mitsubishi Motorshave both sacked Ghosn as chairman.

Ghosn is likely to be spending Christmas in spartan conditions in the Tokyo detention centre

But amid reports of tension within the tie-up, which outsold all rival groups last year, the three companies last month said they were "fully committed" to the alliance.

'Combative' frame of mind

The millionaire auto sector star, who attracted some criticism for a perceived lavish lifestyle, is now alone in a spartan cell in a Tokyo detention centre, in a tiny room measuring just three tatami matsaround five square metres.

He has reportedly told embassy visitors he is being well treated but has complained of the cold, with Monday's temperature in the Japanese capital hovering around five degrees Celsius.

He spends his time reading books and news reports and is said to be unhappy about the rice-based food.

But he is in a "combative" frame of mind, according to sources at Renault, the company he still formally leadseven if the French car giant has appointed an interim chairman.

According to local news agency Kyodo, he has admitted signing documents to defer part of his salary until after retirement but said this amount did not need to be declared as it has not yet been definitively fixed.

A source close to the investigation has said Ghosn and Kelly allegedly put the system in place after a new law came in obliging the highest-paid members of the firm to declare their salary.

Ghosn is suspected of deferring part of his pay to avoid criticism from staff and shareholders that his salary was too generous.

Nissan is appealing to a court in Rio de Janeiro to block access by Ghosn's representatives to a luxury apartment on Copacabana Beach.

"We are closely watching if he is actually indicted and then found guilty," said Satoru Takada, an analyst at TIW, a Tokyo-based research and consulting firm.

Ghosn is widely credited for turning around Nissan

"If he is exempted from prosecution or found innocent, it is going to create huge confusion in Nissan's management," Takada told AFP.

'Lebanese phoenix'

It is unclear if Ghosn will be bailed before a potential trial.

In Japan, prosecutors and defendants begin a trial at a district court and can appeal to a high court and the Supreme Court. It may take several years before reaching a final judgement.

If found guilty, Ghosn could face a 10-year prison sentence.

Shortly after Ghosn's indictment, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated the need to maintain the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, calling it "a symbol of Japan-France industrial cooperation".

"I expect that the parties involved will hold constructive discussions among them," he said. "I am certain that (Japan-French relations) would not be shaken by incidents such as this one."

The affair represents a staggering fall from grace for a figure celebrated for saving Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy and rebuilding it as a money-making subsidiary of Renault.

Nissan has begun the process of choosing Ghosn's successor, with the final decision expected on December 17.

His arrest has sparked incredulity at Renault, which now owns 43 percent of Nissan and says it has not seen a detailed account of the charges against Ghosn.

It has also fuelled anger in Lebanon, with digital billboards around Beirut proclaiming "We are all Carlos Ghosn" under a picture of the magnate.

"A Lebanese phoenix will not be scorched by a Japanese sun," Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk has declared.

Explore further Japan to indict Nissan as well as Ghosn: report

 2018 AFP
Researchers found that the response of corals to heat stress during the second of two unprecedented back-to-back bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef was markedly different from the first. Credit: Tane Sinclair-Taylor

The future of the world's coral reefs is uncertain, as the impact of global heating continues to escalate. However, according to a study published today in Nature Climate Change, the response of the Great Barrier Reef to extreme temperatures in 2017 was markedly different to one year earlier, following two back-to-back bouts of coral bleaching. Remarkably, corals that bleached and survived 2016 were more resistant in 2017 to a recurrence of hot conditions.

"Dead corals don't bleach for a second time. The north lost millions of heat-sensitive corals in 2016, and most of the survivors were the tougher species. As a result of bleaching, the mix of species is changing very rapidly," said lead author Prof Terry Hughes, Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies (Coral CoE), headquartered at James Cook University.

"We were astonished to find less bleaching in 2017, because the temperatures were even more extreme than the year before," he said.

The new research highlights the extent of damage, or "geographic footprint" of multiple coral bleaching events across the 2,300 km length of the world-heritage listed area.

The back-to-back heatwaves bring the total number of mass bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef to four over the past two decades (in 1998, 2002, 2016 and 2017). The scientists found that only 7% of the Great Barrier Reef escaped bleaching entirely since 1998, and after the 2017 event, 61% of reefs have now been severely bleached at least once.

During an underwater survey, a researcher records the bleaching severity of a massive Porites coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef. Credit: Justin Marshall

"We found, using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) satellite-based coral bleaching tools, that corals in the north of the Great Barrier Reef were exposed to the most heat stress in 2016. A year later, the central region saw the most prolonged heating," said co-author Dr. Mark Eakin, from NOAA's Coral Reef Watch program, in Maryland, USA.

The southern third of the Great Barrier Reef was cooler in both years due to local weather conditions, and escaped with only minor bleaching.

"It's only a matter of time before we see another mass-bleaching event, triggered by the next marine heatwave, driven by global heating," said co-author Dr. Andrew Hoey of Coral CoE at James Cook University. "One of the worst possible scenarios is we'll see these southern corals succumb to bleaching in the near future."

"The outcome in 2017 depended on the conditions experienced by the corals one year earlier. We called that 'ecological memory,' and show that these repeating events are now acting together in ways that we didn't expect," said Prof Hughes.

"We've never seen back-to-back mass coral bleaching before on the Great Barrier Reef, in two consecutive summers. The combined footprint has killed close to half of the corals on two-thirds of the world's largest reef system," said Dr. Hoey.

"We need urgent global action on greenhouse emissions to save the world's coral reefs. Australia should bebut regrettably isn'tat the forefront of tackling global heating," said Prof Hughes.

Explore further Biggest coral reseeding project launches on Great Barrier Reef

More information: Terry P. Hughes et al, Ecological memory modifies the cumulative impact of recurrent climate extremes, Nature Climate Change (2018). Journal information: Nature Climate Change Terry P. Hughes et al, Ecological memory modifies the cumulative impact of recurrent climate extremes,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-018-0351-2
A composite image of the Western hemisphere of the Earth. Credit: NASA

Our future on Earth may also be our past. In a study published Monday (Dec. 10, 2018) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers show that humans are reversing a long-term cooling trend tracing back at least 50 million years. And it's taken just two centuries.

By 2030, Earth's climate is expected to resemble that of the mid-Pliocene, going back more than 3 million years in geologic time. Without reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions, our climates by 2150 could compare to the warm and mostly ice-free Eocene, an epoch that characterized the globe 50 million years ago.

"If we think about the future in terms of the past, where we are going is uncharted territory for human society," says the study's lead author, Kevin Burke, who conducted the work while a graduate student in the lab of paleoecologist John "Jack" Williams, professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "We are moving toward very dramatic changes over an extremely rapid time frame, reversing a planetary cooling trend in a matter of centuries."

All of the species on Earth today had an ancestor that survived the Eocene and the Pliocene, but whether humans and the flora and fauna we are familiar with can adapt to these rapid changes remains to be seen. The accelerated rate of change appears to be faster than anything life on the planet has experienced before.

The new study builds upon work Williams and colleagues first published in 2007, which compared future climate projections to historical climate data from the early 20th century. The new study relies on extensive data about climate conditions to probe much deeper in Earth's geologic past and expand those comparisons.

"We can use the past as a yardstick to understand the future, which is so different from anything we have experienced in our lifetimes," says Williams. "People have a hard time projecting what the world will be like five or 10 years from now. This is a tool for predicting thathow we head down those paths, and using deep geologic analogs from Earth's history to think about changes in time."

During the Eocene, Earth's continents were packed more closely together and global temperatures averaged 23.4 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) warmer than they are today. Dinosaurs had recently gone extinct and the first mammals, like ancestral whales and horses, were spreading across the globe. The Arctic was occupied by swampy forests like those found today in the southern U.S.

In the Pliocene, North and South America joined tectonically, the climate was arid, land bridges allowed animals to spread across continents and the Himalayas formed. Temperatures were between 3.2 and 6.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 to 3.6 degrees Celsius) warmer than they are today.

For the study, Burke and Williamsalong with colleagues at the University of Bristol, Columbia University, University of Leeds, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the National Center for Atmospheric Researchexamined the similarities between future climate projections as set forth by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report and several periods of geologic history.

These included the Early Eocene, the mid-Pliocene, the Last Interglacial (129 to 116 thousand years ago), the mid-Holocene (6,000 years ago), the pre-industrial era (before A.D. 1850) and the early 20th century.

They used Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5), which represents a future climate scenario in which we do not mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and RCP4.5, a scenario in which we moderately reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and climate simulations using three different but well-established models: the Hadley Centre Coupled Model version 3, the Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE2-R and the Community Climate System Model.

While not without their flaws, each of these models represents the best available data and state-of-the-art techniques.

Under both scenarios and across each model, compared to previous eras, the Earth's climate most closely resembled the mid-Pliocene by 2030 (under RCP8.5) or 2040 (under RCP4.5). Under the greenhouse gas stabilization scenario of RCP4.5, the climate then stabilizes at mid-Pliocene-like conditions, but under the higher greenhouse gas emissions of RCP8.5, the climate continues to warm until it begins to resemble the Eocene in 2100, achieving Eocene-like conditions more broadly by 2150.

The models showed these deep-geological climates emerging first from the center of continents and then expanding outward over time. Temperatures rise, precipitation increases, ice caps melt and climates become temperate near the Earth's poles.

"Madison (Wisconsin) warms up more than Seattle (Washington) does, even though they're at the same latitude," Williams explains. "When you read that the world is expected to warm by 3 degrees Celsius this century, in Madison we should expect to roughly double the global average."

The study also showed that under RCP8.5, "novel" climates emerge across nearly 9 percent of the planet. These are conditions that do not have known geologic or historical precedent and they concentrate in eastern and southeastern Asia, northern Australia and the coastal Americas.

"Based on observational data, we are tracking on the high end of the emissions scenarios, but it's too soon to tell," says Burke. "We may be somewhere between RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, though if we increase our climate mitigation effortslike switching to renewable energywe could find ourselves closer to the low end."

About a decade ago, Swedish scientist Johan Rockstrom and colleagues introduced the idea of "safe operating space," referring to the climate conditions under which modern agricultural societies developed. By comparing to the deep past, Williams and Burke say, we are able to better understand the planetary boundaries and thresholds that delineate this space.

"The further we move from the Holocene, the greater the potential that we move out of safe operating space," says Williams, a faculty affiliate with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research. "In the roughly 20 to 25 years I have been working in the field, we have gone from expecting climate change to happen, to detecting the effects, and now, we are seeing that it's causing harm. People are dying, property is being damaged, we're seeing intensified fires and intensified storms that can be attributed to climate change. There is more energy in the climate system, leading to more intense events."

In their paper, the researchers try to strike a balance between alarm and optimism. On the one hand, Earth is headed into the unknown in our children's and grandchildren's lifetimes. On the other, life has long proven to be resilient. And, Williams says, in many places we are moving away from fossil fuels toward more sustainable and carbon-free energy sources. But more needs to be done.

"We've seen big things happen in Earth's historynew species evolved, life persists and species survive. But many species will be lost, and we live on this planet," says Williams. "These are things to be concerned about, so this work points us to how we can use our history and Earth's history to understand changes today and how we can best adapt."

Explore further National parks bear the brunt of climate change
Invasive species like rabbits are the number one problem affecting Australian threatened species, based on the number of species affected. Credit: Hugh McGregor/Arid Recovery

Invasive species and habitat loss are the biggest threats to Australian biodiversity, according to new research by the Threatened Species Recovery Hub in partnership with The University of Queensland.

Lead researcher Stephen Kearney from UQ's School of Earth and Environmental Sciences said Australia was rich in unique biodiversity, but has had a poor track record since European settlement.

"Australia is one of only 17 'megadiverse' countries globally, with more than 12 per cent of the world's vertebrate speciesmore than four out of five of our species are found nowhere else on Earth," Mr Kearney said.

"The country has recorded 90 extinctions since European settlement36 plants, 27 mammals, 22 birds, four frogs and an earthworm, and extinction rates per decade are not improving.

"One of the major causes of Australia's ongoing extinction crisis is our insufficient response to threats to our biodiversity.

"To support improvements in this area we have reviewed the major threats facing over 1500 species listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable under Australian environmental law.

The top factors impacting Australia's threatened species are invasive species, which affect 82 per cent of our threatened species, and changes in habitat, which affect 74 per cent of species.

An example of logging in New South Wales, one of the pressures quickly destroying habitat for Australia's threatened species. Credit: Harley Kingston

"Invasive species include pest animals, plants and diseases, while changes to habitat include things like altered fire patterns and degradation from human activities," Mr Kearney said.

"Around the world the top two impacts on threatened species are habitat loss and change due to agriculture, closely followed by overexploitation activities, such as hunting or timber harvesting.

"Overexploitation threatens around three quarters of imperilled species globally, but only about one quarter of Australian species.

"The large impact of invasive species sets Australia apart from the global trend.

"Globally, invasive species only impact around a third of threatened species, but in Australia they are a threat to 100 per cent of threatened frogs, over 95 per cent of threatened mammals, fish and birds, and to about 80 per cent of threatened plants, insects and reptiles."

Feral donkeys making their home in the Kimberley and putting pressure on their fellow native residents. Credit: Jaana Dielenberg

Chief Executive of the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Andreas Glanznig, said invasive species had pushed native species to a crisis point and without innovation and new management options we would see an ongoing-downward spiral.

"Australia is in the midst of an extinction crisis and invasive species don't stop at state borders, so we need to continue to take landscape-scale and coordinated action against invasive species," Mr Glanznig said.

"It's now an arms race and we need new and innovative ideas, such as biocontrol agents and genetic technologies, so we see invasive species decline and threatened species rise."

Explore further Protected areas alone won't save all threatened species

More information: Stephen G. Kearney et al, The threats to Australia's imperilled species and implications for a national conservation response, Pacific Conservation Biology (2018). Stephen G. Kearney et al, The threats to Australia's imperilled species and implications for a national conservation response,(2018). DOI: 10.1071/PC18024
This illustration shows the position of NASAs Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, outside of the heliosphere, a protective bubble created by the Sun that extends well past the orbit of Pluto. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

For the second time in history, a human-made object has reached the space between the stars. NASA's Voyager 2 probe now has exited the heliosphere  the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields created by the Sun.

Members of NASA's Voyager team will discuss the findings at a news conference at 11 a.m. EST (8 a.m. PST) today at the meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in Washington. The news conference will stream live on the agency's website.

Comparing data from different instruments aboard the trailblazing spacecraft, mission scientists determined the probe crossed the outer edge of the heliosphere on Nov. 5. This boundary, called the heliopause, is where the tenuous, hot solar wind meets the cold, dense interstellar medium. Its twin, Voyager 1, crossed this boundary in 2012, but Voyager 2 carries a working instrument that will provide first-of-its-kind observations of the nature of this gateway into interstellar space.

Voyager 2 now is slightly more than 11 billion miles (18 billion kilometers) from Earth. Mission operators still can communicate with Voyager 2 as it enters this new phase of its journey, but information  moving at the speed of light  takes about 16.5 hours to travel from the spacecraft to Earth. By comparison, light traveling from the Sun takes about eight minutes to reach Earth.

The most compelling evidence of Voyager 2's exit from the heliosphere came from its onboard Plasma Science Experiment (PLS), an instrument that stopped working on Voyager 1 in 1980, long before that probe crossed the heliopause. Until recently, the space surrounding Voyager 2 was filled predominantly with plasma flowing out from our Sun. This outflow, called the solar wind, creates a bubble  the heliosphere  that envelopes the planets in our solar system. The PLS uses the electrical current of the plasma to detect the speed, density, temperature, pressure and flux of the solar wind. The PLS aboard Voyager 2 observed a steep decline in the speed of the solar wind particles on Nov. 5. Since that date, the plasma instrument has observed no solar wind flow in the environment around Voyager 2, which makes mission scientists confident the probe has left the heliosphere.

In addition to the plasma data, Voyager's science team members have seen evidence from three other onboard instruments  the cosmic ray subsystem, the low energy charged particle instrument and the magnetometer  that is consistent with the conclusion that Voyager 2 has crossed the heliopause. Voyager's team members are eager to continue to study the data from these other onboard instruments to get a clearer picture of the environment through which Voyager 2 is traveling.

"There is still a lot to learn about the region of interstellar space immediately beyond the heliopause," said Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist based at Caltech in Pasadena, California.

Together, the two Voyagers provide a detailed glimpse of how our heliosphere interacts with the constant interstellar wind flowing from beyond. Their observations complement data from NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX), a mission that is remotely sensing that boundary. NASA also is preparing an additional mission  the upcoming Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), due to launch in 2024  to capitalize on the Voyagers' observations.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

"Voyager has a very special place for us in our heliophysics fleet," said Nicola Fox, director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. "Our studies start at the Sun and extend out to everything the solar wind touches. To have the Voyagers sending back information about the edge of the Sun's influence gives us an unprecedented glimpse of truly uncharted territory."

While the probes have left the heliosphere, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have not yet left the solar system, and won't be leaving anytime soon. The boundary of the solar system is considered to be beyond the outer edge of the Oort Cloud, a collection of small objects that are still under the influence of the Sun's gravity. The width of the Oort Cloud is not known precisely, but it is estimated to begin at about 1,000 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun and to extend to about 100,000 AU. One AU is the distance from the Sun to Earth. It will take about 300 years for Voyager 2 to reach the inner edge of the Oort Cloud and possibly 30,000 years to fly beyond it.

The Voyager probes are powered using heat from the decay of radioactive material, contained in a device called a radioisotope thermal generator (RTG). The power output of the RTGs diminishes by about four watts per year, which means that various parts of the Voyagers, including the cameras on both spacecraft, have been turned off over time to manage power.

"I think we're all happy and relieved that the Voyager probes have both operated long enough to make it past this milestone," said Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. "This is what we've all been waiting for. Now we're looking forward to what we'll be able to learn from having both probes outside the heliopause."

The set of graphs on the left illustrates the drop in electrical current detected in three directions by Voyager 2's plasma science experiment (PLS) to background levels. They are among the key pieces of data that show that Voyager 2 entered interstellar space in November 2018. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MIT

Voyager 2 launched in 1977, 16 days before Voyager 1, and both have traveled well beyond their original destinations. The spacecraft were built to last five years and conduct close-up studies of Jupiter and Saturn. However, as the mission continued, additional flybys of the two outermost giant planets, Uranus and Neptune, proved possible. As the spacecraft flew across the solar system, remote-control reprogramming was used to endow the Voyagers with greater capabilities than they possessed when they left Earth. Their two-planet mission became a four-planet mission. Their five-year lifespans have stretched to 41 years, making Voyager 2 NASA's longest running mission.

The Voyager story has impacted not only generations of current and future scientists and engineers, but also Earth's culture, including film, art and music. Each spacecraft carries a Golden Record of Earth sounds, pictures and messages. Since the spacecraft could last billions of years, these circular time capsules could one day be the only traces of human civilization.

Voyager's mission controllers communicate with the probes using NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), a global system for communicating with interplanetary spacecraft. The DSN consists of three clusters of antennas in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia.

Explore further NASA Voyager 2 could be nearing interstellar space
CARD-FISH images of UCYN-A haptophyte symbiosis in the Bering Sea. The nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria UCYN-A2 are shown in red and the Haptophyte algae host are shown in blue and green. The bottom row are nanoSIMS results of the cells identified by CARD-FISH. The colors represent the 15N:14N ratio, warmer colors show higher enrichment of 15N, indicating they are fixing 15N2 gas. Credit: Jonathan Zehr

Microbes that provide natural fertilizer to the oceans by "fixing" nitrogen from the atmosphere into a form useable by other organisms were once thought to be limited to warm tropical and subtropical waters. Now, however, researchers have documented nitrogen fixation by an unusual type of cyanobacteria in the cold waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas.

"This goes against all the textbook assumptions about where nitrogen fixation occurs. All the mathematical models for nitrogen input to the oceans are constrained by temperature because of this underlying assumption," said Jonathan Zehr, professor of ocean sciences at UC Santa Cruz and senior author of a paper on the new findings published Monday, December 10, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Katie Harding, a graduate student in Zehr's lab and first author of the paper, explained that in many parts of the oceans, productivity is limited by the availability of nitrogen. "Nitrogen fixation fuels the food chain in some areas, so it's important to understand what all the sources are," she said.

The nitrogen fixation Harding discovered in the Arctic is carried out by an organism called UCYN-A, which was first discovered by Zehr's group in the open ocean near Hawaii. After finding DNA evidence of a previously unknown nitrogen-fixing microbe, Zehr's lab eventually identified it as a type of cyanobacteria oddly lacking the capacity for photosynthesis. Finally, in 2012, they discovered that it lives in a close symbiosis with a type of small, single-celled algae. In this mutually beneficial partnership, UCYN-A provides fixed nitrogen while the haptophyte alga provides fixed carbon through photosynthesis.

CTD being deployed from the R/V Sikuliaq. Credit: Jonathan Zehr

Meanwhile, Zehr and other researchers were finding the newly discovered UCYN-A in increasingly widespread areas of the ocean, first in coastal waters and then in waters as far north as the Danish Straits. UCYN-A cannot be grown in the laboratory, but it can be identified and isolated from water samples using sophisticated cell sorting and gene sequencing techniques.

The new study shows not only that it can exist in the Arctic, but that it is functional and fixing nitrogen in Arctic waters with temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Farhrenheit). "It's not just cells drifting up into the Arctic on ocean currents. It's active, and it's the only real cyanobacterial nitrogen-fixer in the Arctic," Zehr said.

Cyanobacteria (once referred to misleadingly as blue-green algae) are bacteria that can photosynthesize like plants, although UCYN-A seems to have lost this ability. Only some cyanobacteria are able to fix nitrogen, including Trichodesmium, which was once thought to be the main source of nitrogen fixation in the open ocean. Trichodesmium, however, doesn't grow in waters cooler than 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

"It's hard to measure nitrogen fixation rates in water samples and tell which organism does how much, but I suspect that if you were to add up global nitrogen fixation by UCYN-A, it is a substantial and possibly the biggest source of nitrogen in the ocean," Zehr said.

Katie Harding, a UC Santa Cruz graduate student and the paper's first author. Credit: Jonathan Zehr

Although it hasn't been found in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica yet, Zehr said that is probably the next place he'll look for it. When his collaborators at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science first proposed looking in the Arctic, he was hesitant. "I didn't expect to find much nitrogen fixation at all, let alone nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. It just goes to show, you don't know until you look," he said.

"One of the interesting questions from a biological standpoint is how UCYN-A can tolerate such a wide range of temperatures, especially when the temperature range for Trichodesmium is so narrow," Harding said.

On a research cruise out of Nome, Alaska, in September 2016, Harding and other members of the team collected and processed water samples for analysis back in the laboratory. On-ship processing included incubating samples with nitrogen-15 so that any newly fixed nitrogen would be labeled with the heavy isotope. This enabled the researchers to measure nitrogen fixation rates and to show that UCYN-A was actively fixing nitrogen. Back in the lab, they used fluorescent labeling to identify UCYN-A and an advanced mass spectrometry technique to detect nitrogen-15 in the cells of UCYN-A and its algal symbiont.

The nitrogen fixation rates they measured in the Chukchi Sea were relatively low, but rates in the Bering Sea (at 10 degrees Celsius) were similar to those measured in much warmer waters. Nitrogen fixation by UCYN-A accounted for all of the nitrogen fixation measured in the Bering Sea, but only accounted for a fraction of the total in the Chukchi Sea.

"The rates in the Arctic are pretty low, so UCYN-A may not be very important there now. But if Arctic warming continues, it will become more and more important as a source of nitrogen in Arctic ecosystems," Zehr said.

More information: Katie Harding el al., "Symbiotic unicellular cyanobacteria fix nitrogen in the Arctic Ocean," PNAS (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Katie Harding el al., "Symbiotic unicellular cyanobacteria fix nitrogen in the Arctic Ocean,"(2018). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1813658115
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A physicist in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University hopes to improve cancer detection with a new and novel class of nanomaterials.

Liviu Movileanu, professor of physics, creates tiny sensors that detect, characterize and analyze protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in blood serum. Information from PPIs could be a boon to the biomedical industry, as researchers seek to nullify proteins that allow cancer cells to grow and spread.

Movileanu's findings are the subject of a paper in Nature Biotechnology, co-authored by Ph.D. student Avinash Kumar Thakur.

"Detailed knowledge of the human genome has opened up a new frontier for the identification of many functional proteins involved in brief physical associations with other proteins," Movileanu says. "Major perturbations in the strength of these PPIs lead to disease conditions. Because of the transient nature of these interactions, new methods are needed to assess them."

Enter Movileanu's lab, which designs, creates and optimizes a unique class of biophysical tools called nanobiosensors. These highly sensitive, pore-based tools detect mechanistic processes, such as PPIs, at the single-molecule level.

Even though PPIs occur everywhere in the human body, they are hard to detect with existing methods because they (i.e., the PPIs affecting cell signaling and cancer development) last about a millisecond.

Movileanu's response has been to create a hole in the cell membranean aperture known as a nanoporethrough which he shoots an electric current. When proteins go near or through the nanopore, the intensity of the current changes. The changes enable him to determine each protein's properties and ultimately its identity.

The concept is not newit was first articulated in the 1980sbut only recently have scientists begun fabricating and characterizing nanobiosensors on a large scale to detect DNA, sugars, explosives, toxins and other nanoscale materials.

Movileanu hopes his real-time techniques will detect cancers before they spread.

One type of cancer in which he is particularly interested is lymphocytic leukemia, a common and aggressive disease that starts in the bone marrow and spills into the blood. Because leukemia cells do not mature and die properly, they often spiral out of control.

"Leukemia cells build up in the bone marrow and crowd out normal, healthy cells," Movileanu explains. "Unlike other cancers, which usually start in the breasts, colon or lungs [and spread to the bone marrow], lymphocytic leukemia originates in the lymph nodes, hence the name."

Over the summer, he received another four-year grant from NIHhis third million-dollar one to dateto build nanobiosensors. This project involves colleagues at SUNY Upstate Medical University, led by Michael Cosgrove G'93, G'98, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Movileanu's projects are part of a burgeoning field called interactomics, which uses experimental and computational techniques to study interactionsand the consequences of those interactionsbetween proteins.

"The data gleaned from a single protein sample is immense," says Movileanu, a member of the Biophysics and Biomaterials research group in the Department of Physics. "Our nanostructures allow us to observe biochemical events in a sensitive, specific and quantitative manner. Afterward, we can make a solid assessment about a single protein sample."

As for the future, Movileanu wants to study PPIs in more complex biological samples, such as cell lysates (fluid containing "crumbled" cells) and tissue biopsies.

"If we know how individual parts of a cell function, we can figure out why a cell deviates from normal functionality toward a tumor-like state," says Movileanu, who earned a Ph.D. in experimental physics from the University of Bucharest in Romania. "Our little sensors may do big things for biomarker screening, protein profiling and the large-scale study of proteins [known as proteomics]."

Explore further Inconspicuous protein key to deadly blood cancer

More information: Real-time measurement of proteinprotein interactions at single-molecule resolution using a biological nanopore, Nature Biotechnology, DOI: 10.1038/nbt.4316 , www.nature.com/articles/nbt.4316 Journal information: Nature Biotechnology Real-time measurement of proteinprotein interactions at single-molecule resolution using a biological nanopore,
Credit: Jan Kansanen/Mostphotos

It has long been debated whether the seal predation of fish plays a major role in the fish decline in the Baltic Sea compared to human fishing. The debate has escalated worldwide since conservation efforts to protect seals and fish-eating birds resulted in increased populations.

A new study taking into account human pressures on the environment shows that the seals are not the main problem on commercial fish stocks in the open water of the Baltic Sea.

"We currently have 30,000 grey seals in the Baltic Proper, but even 100,000 seals would not affect the amount of cod negatively as much as climate change, nutrient load and fisheries. The Baltic is very sensitive to human impact," says David Costalago, a former postdoctoral researcher at Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University.

The cod population size, for example, decreased more by environmental change and by human fishing than the seals eating the fish. How much fish the seals eat is also affected by the climate and nutrient load.

The scientists made projections by computer simulations that stretch until the year 2098. The scenarios with the highest temperature and nutrient load of the Baltic are damaging to cod but not for herring and sprat. It could lead to worsened effect of hypoxia and as a result less fish. Higher nutrient load together with higher temperatures could also lead to higher toxic cyanobacterial blooms of low food quality  making fish smaller and slender.

"We need to start to focus on the main problem that the Baltic is facing for its fish populations  which is for example climate change and eutrophication. We need to find ways to both secure the revenues of the fishers and guarantee the conservation of the fish stock and good status of the grey seal population," says Monika Winder, professor at Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University.

The study focused on fish living in the open waters. Therefore, nothing could be said about how seals affect salmon, eel, pike or whitefish that live closer to the coast.

"We want our insights to affect management and conservation that considers the whole ecosystem and multiple pressures,not only the direct biological interaction between fisheries and seal. Often debates about the impact of seals arise from poor understanding of the complexity of predator-prey interactions," says Monika Winder.

Explore further Seals, birds and humans compete for fish in the Baltic Sea

More information: David Costalago et al. The necessity of a holistic approach when managing marine mammalfisheries interactions: Environment and fisheries impact are stronger than seal predation, Ambio (2018). Journal information: AMBIO David Costalago et al. The necessity of a holistic approach when managing marine mammalfisheries interactions: Environment and fisheries impact are stronger than seal predation,(2018). DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1131-y
WashingtonJamal Khashoggis final words were I cant breathe, CNN said Sunday, citing a source who has read the transcript of an audio tape of the final moments before the journalists murder. The source told the US network the transcript made clear the killing was premeditated, and suggests several phone calls were made to give briefings on the progress. CNN said Turkish officials believe those calls were made to top officials in Riyadh. Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to The Washington Post, was killed shortly after entering the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The transcript of the gruesome recording includes descriptions of Khashoggi struggling against his murderers, CNN said, and references sounds of the dissident journalists body being dismembered by a saw. The original transcript was prepared by Turkish intelligence services, and CNN said its source read a translation version and was briefed on the probe into the journalists death.Saudi Arabias foreign minister on Sunday meanwhile rejected demands to extradite the suspects connected to the murder of Khashoggi as sought by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan has repeatedly called on Saudi Arabia to hand over suspects in the killing. According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia, however, holds that it was a rogue operation gone wrong -- a claim undercut by the reported transcript. For his part US President Donald Trump has refrained from blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, even though the CIA reportedly concluded that he ordered the assassination. The murder has damaged Riyadhs international reputation and Western countries including the United States, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals.
Credit: University of Oslo From a visitation room in a Norwegian prison. Credit: Scanpix

In reality many of the relatives of prisoners are also subjected to harsh penalties by the State. Innocent people, who do not deserve to be punished, but who nevertheless live in the shadow of a prison. Why have we chosen a penal system which impacts so harshly on families?

Consider the following situation: you are a child and your dad disappears, from one day to the next. The State says he's a criminal, he's locked up, he's a prisoner. You can't think about anything else at school, you forget to do your homework, you get upset, feel angry and you may even feel guilty.

In order to see your dad, you have to book a visit. In order to book a visit, your mum has to fill out a form and be granted a visiting permit. There are also restrictions on where and how visits should take place and how many times you are allowed to meet.

Before visiting, you might have to travel a long way and spend the night at a hotel or stay with family, friends or at a hostel. On the appointed day you will have to pass through gates in the company of adults wearing uniform and go through a metal detector. You will also need to remember to take valid ID and the right papers.

Tough situation

This is the reality for children, and the next of kin, of prisoners in Norwegian prisons. You can read the rules which apply to visiting on Oslo Prison's website:

Kinship is documented in connection with clearance,

We [the Prison] have received signed consent from the child's mother/guardian,

During their first visit children must be accompanied by their mother/guardian. The mother/guardian will need to present his/her ID, but he/she does not need to be present during the actual visit. The same requirements also apply if the child/children is/are accompanied by someone else who is not his/her mother/guardian.

"The fact that the State actually metes out such harsh penalties to the families of prisoners is a big problem," says Professor of Criminology at the University of Oslo Peter Scharff Smith.

Stark figures

There are millions of children around the world who have a mother or father in prison. It is hard to say exactly how many children have parents, or next of kin, who are in prison. That would be more complicated.

For example, the latest figures available in Norway are derived from a 2014 survey of prisoners' living conditions. This survey provides figures showing the percentage of inmates (at a specific time) with children under the age of 18. This provides us with information about the type of relationship or welfare situation concerned, and how often visits and contact occur.

The survey also shows that 41% of inmates have experienced someone in their family being in prison. These figures do not include prisoners who are not resident in Norway and who are regarded as being foreigners. In this context we may be talking about quite specific issues, where prisoners' families are often living far away.

Up until recently prison visiting rooms were not suitable for accommodating children's needs. However, in recent years there have been huge developments in this respect and most prisons in Scandinavia now have "child-friendly visiting rooms".

Surveys conducted in various countries indicate that around one in two prisoners has an average of two children, i.e. approx. one child per prisoner. In Norway it has been estimated that 6,0009,000 children experience having a parent in prison every year. In Denmark, research conducted on national statistical records shows that 5-6% of all children born in the same year experience having a parent in prison during the course of their childhood. There is no systematic data collected on children of prisoners in the UK, but it is estimated that as many as 200,000 might experience parental imprisonment each year.

Children are also just one group of relatives. This group also encompasses girlfriends/boyfriends, partners, spouses, parents, siblings, stepparents and step-siblings. Next of kin and family come in many different guises.

Prison sentences do not just penalise those behind walls

Professor Smith and Associate Professor Rachel Condry say that the experiences of prisoners' children, partners, and parents did not really become properly apparent on the research agenda until the 2000s. It is possible that the impact of prison on families becomes particularly apparent when we look at the conditions which concern visits in Norwegian and foreign prisons. Professor Smith, who has also conducted research on historical developments in prisons, says that although there are considerable global variations in this respect, there have been improvements.

"In the past the ideal situation involved keeping prisoners as isolated as possible. For example, in Denmark in 1919, prisoners were often only allowed to meet their families for 15 minutes, four times per year. Today families can usually visit prisoners for 1 hour or more, once a week," says Professor Smith. However, there are also other "invisible" consequences which probably apply more to the outside world.

"So how do families experience prison sentences?"

"The consequences are many and diverse. Prison sentences can result in financial problems for families, involving not just the loss of income and someone to share the expenses with. Even being able to afford visiting a prison can be a challenge. They may experience feeling stigmatised, children may experience bullying, and many struggle with feelings of shame and mental problems as a result of the burden of having someone they love serving a sentence."

"Why the State wants to continue pursuing a form of punishment which can ruin families is a paradox, "says Professor Smith. "While families are otherwise regarded as being an important part of our "social glue", it is strange that modern society has chosen a punitive form which in many situations undermines family opportunities," he says.

Prison sentences beneficial for families

"It is also important to remember that sometimes prison sentences can also be beneficial for families," says Professor Smith. "For example, in situations where a partner or child has been abused or if drugs and/or alcohol are involved. However, even in such cases prison sentences are not necessarily beneficial."

"They are often simply a temporary solution and, for example, extra resources are not given to children who "lose" a parent or a carer with whom they have a very complicated relationship and who is not necessarily replaced. Prison sentences do not just affect people who have few resources in the first place. This also applies to families, who then have an extra burden to deal with."

That burden can be considerable. Associate Professor Condry says:

"Every aspect of the lives of families of prisoners can be turned upside down. They are seriously affected by the sentence given to their relative, yet they themselves are legally innocent."

Prisons, penalties and families

Professor Smith and Associate Professor Condry from the University of Oxford have spent many years working on prisoners' families research. Theyhave jointly edited an anthology in an attempt to collate knowledge about research in the field, and to uncover shortcomings in previous prison studies which have failed to address the impact of prison sentences on next of kin.

Professor Smith says: "The aim of our anthology has been to discuss questions such as the legitimacy of prison sentences, human rights and social exclusion. We have tried to acquire a wider understanding of the interplay which occurs between prison sentences, prisoners' families and society at large. What should be the meaningand the legitimacyof sentences in democratic societies? How do prison sentences affect prisoners' families? How can this best be understood and achieved in a fair way? What types of differences and exclusion mechanisms do prisoners' families experience? What is considered to be a fair punishment from the point of view of families? What experiences do families have of the criminal system? Do they feel that their needs are met and respected by the authorities?"

"Prison sentences are not just about the rights and obligations of prisoners, but those of their families outside the prison," conclude Professors Smith and Condry.

Explore further Removing Medicare exclusion would improve prisoner health
Ingo Sonder, a research scientist at UB's Center for Geohazards Studies, stirs the molten rock as it melts inside the furnace. Credit: Douglas Levere / University at Buffalo

What happens when lava and water meet? Explosive experiments with manmade lava are helping to answer this important question.

By cooking up 10-gallon batches of molten rock and injecting them with water, scientists are shedding light on the basic physics of lava-water interactions, which are common in nature but poorly understood.

The projecta long-term, ongoing study led by the University at Buffalopublished its first results on Dec. 10 in the Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR): Solid Earth.

The scientists caution that the number of tests so far is small, so the team will need to conduct more experiments to draw firm conclusions.

The research shows that lava-water encounters can sometimes generate spontaneous explosions when there is at least about a foot of molten rock above the mixing point. In prior, smaller-scale studies that used about a coffee cup's worth of lava, scientists in Germany found that they needed to apply an independent stimulusin essence pricking the water within the lavato trigger a blast.

The results reported in JGR: Solid Earth also point to some preliminary trends, showing that in a series of tests, larger, more brilliant reactions tended to occur when water rushed in more quickly and when lava was held in taller containers. (The team ran a total of 12 experiments in which water injection speeds ranged from about 6 to 30 feet per second, and in which lava was held in insulated steel boxes that ranged in height from about 8 to 18 inches.)

An intense reaction occurs after water is injected into molten rock. Credit: Douglas Levere / University at Buffalo

"If you think about a volcanic eruption, there are powerful forces at work, and it's not a gentle thing," says lead investigator Ingo Sonder, Ph.D., research scientist in the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB. "Our experiments are looking at the basic physics of what happens when water gets trapped inside molten rock."

Sonder will discuss the findings in a press conference at the 2018 AGU Fall Meeting today, Monday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time in room Shaw/LeDroit Park on level M3 of the Marriott Marquis hotel, 901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001. This press conference will also be streamed live on the AGU press events webpage and a recording of the press conference will be archived on AGU's YouTube channel. Reporters interested in streaming the press conference and participating remotely should go to the Webstreaming page on the 2018 Fall Meeting Media Center website.

Sonder will also present a poster about this research on Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 1:40-6 p.m. Eastern Time in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall A-C, in session V23J.

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation.

In addition to Sonder, UB co-authors included Andrew G. Harp, Ph.D., who contributed to the project as a UB geology Ph.D. candidate and is now a lecturer in geological and environmental sciences at the California State University, Chico; Alison Graettinger, Ph.D., who contributed to the project as a UB geology postdoctoral researcher and is now an assistant professor of geosciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; Pranabendu Moitra, Ph.D., who contributed to the project as a UB geology postdoctoral researcher and is now a postdoctoral research associate in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona; and Greg Valentine, Ph.D., professor of geology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB. Ralf Buttner, Ph.D., and Bernd Zimanowski, Ph.D., of the Universitat Wurzburg in Germany also contributed.

An intense reaction occurs afterwater is injected into molten rock. Credit: Douglas Levere / University at Buffalo

Understanding lava-water encounters at real volcanoes

In nature, the presence of water can make volcanic activity more dangerous, such as during past eruptions of Hawaii's Kilauea and Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull. But in other cases, the reaction between the two materials is subdued.

Sonder wants to understand why: "Sometimes, when lava encounters water, you see huge, explosive activity. Other times, there is no explosion, and the lava may just cool down and form some interesting shapes. What we are doing is trying to learn about the conditions that cause the most violent reactions."

Eventually, findings from the long-term project could improve scientists' ability to assess the risk that volcanoes near ice, lakes, oceans and underground water sources pose to people who live in surrounding communities.

"The research is still in the very early stages, so we have several years of work ahead of us before we'll able to look at the whole range and combination of factors that influence what happens when lava or magma encounters water," says Valentine, study co-author and director of the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB.

"However, everything we do is with the intention of making a difference in the real world," he says. "Understanding basic processes having to do with volcanoes will ultimately help us make better forecasting calls when it comes to eruptions."

Large-scale volcanic experiments

Lava-water interactions are associated with a phenomenon known as a molten fuel coolant interaction, in which a liquid fuel (a heat source) reacts violently with a liquid coolant. Much of the experimental work in this field has been done in the context of industrial safety, with a focus on understanding potential dangers in nuclear power plants and metal production sites.

The lava-water experiments build on previous research in this area, while focusing on molten rock.

The work takes place at UB's Geohazards Field Station in Ashford, New York, some 40 miles south of Buffalo. Run by the UB Center for Geohazards Studies, the facility gives scientists a place to conduct large-scale experiments simulating volcanic processes and other hazards. In these tests, researchers can control conditions in a way that isn't possible at a real volcano, dictating, for example, the shape of the lava column and the speed at which water shoots into it.

To make lava, scientists dump basaltic rock into a high-powered induction furnace. They heat it up for about 4 hours. When the mixture reaches a red-hot 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit, it's poured into an insulated steel box and injected with two or three jets of water.

Then, a hammer drives a plunger into the mix to help stimulate an explosion. (In some cases, if enough molten rock was present above the injection point, an intense reaction began before the hammer fell).

Credit: University at Buffalo

In addition to identifying some preliminary trends, the published study attests to the wide variety of physical processes that can occur when lava and water meet.

"The system response to water injection varied from mild, evaporation-dominated processes, in which only a little melt was ejected from the container alongside some steam, to stronger reactions with visible steam jets, and with melt domains ejected to several meters height," the scientists wrote in JGR: Solid Earth.

Breaking the vapor film?

The study did not examine why box height and water injection speed corresponded with the biggest explosions. But Sonder, whose has a background in geosciences and physics, offers some thoughts.

He explains that when a blob of water is trapped by a much hotter substance, the outer edges of the water vaporize, forming a protective film that envelops the rest of the water like a bubble, limiting heat transfer into the water and preventing it from boiling. This is called the Leidenfrost effect.

But when water is injected rapidly into a tall column of lava, the waterwhich is about three times lighter than the lavawill speed upward and mix with the molten rock more quickly. This may cause the vapor film to destabilize, Sonder says. In this situation, the unprotected water would expand rapidly in volume as it heated up, imposing high stresses on the lava, he says. The result? A violent explosion.

In contrast, when water is injected slowly into shallower pools of lava, the protective vapor film may hold, or the water may reach the lava's surface or escape as steam before an explosion occurs, Sonder says.

He hopes to explore these theories through future experiments: "Not a lot of work has been done in this field," he says, "so even some of these basic processes are really not well understood."

Explore further Geologists make their own lava to prep for explosive experiments

More information: Ingo Sonder et al, MeterScale Experiments on MagmaWater Interaction, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth (2018). Ingo Sonder et al, MeterScale Experiments on MagmaWater Interaction,(2018). DOI: 10.1029/2018JB015682
Credit: University of Liverpool

The analysis of the world's most complete skeleton of an early human ancestor, conducted by a research collaboration involving the University of Liverpool, offers conclusive evidence that human ancestors became efficient upright walkers while they were still substantially tree dwelling animals.

The first bones of the 3.67 million old skeleton, specimen StW 573 nicknamed 'Little Foot', were 12 foot bones and leg bone fragments identified in boxes in the 1990s. The rest of the skeleton has undergone two decades of painstaking excavation, cleaning, restoring and analysis. It was found in a very deep cavern, with the bone embedded in a concrete-like matrix. The bone is very delicate and in some cases literally paper-thin. However, it has given scientists a far greater understanding of how our species evolved.

Limbs intact

The over 90 percent complete skeleton of an old female, much more than twice as complete as the famous Lucy, and considerably older as well, Little Foot is a member of the genus Australopithecus, a widespread and varied genus of hominins to which Lucy belonged, and which was an early precursor to modern-day Homo sapiens which appeared roughly 300,000 years ago. Little Foot is the first fossil of Australopithecus ever to have been discovered with its limbs intact.

The studies support the argument of her discoverer, Professor Ronald Clarke of the University of the Witwatersrand, that there were two species of Australopithecus living at the same time in South Africa's 'Cradle of Humankind', Australopithecus africanus, which was small, like Lucy, and probably primarily tree-dwelling, and Australopithecus prometheus, which was probably just within the range of modern human stature.

Important finding

As part of the study, which has been reported in Nature Science, Professor Robin Crompton, Honorary University of Liverpool Research Associate in Musculoskeletal Biology, and his colleagues analysed how she would have walked.

Professor Crompton, states: "This hominin, for the first time in the fossil record, had longer lower limbs than upper limbs, like ourselves. This is an important finding, as the slightly older hominin Ardipithecus, which came before Australopithecus, had longer arms than legs  more like other great apes such as the gorilla.

"That means she was being selected for long stride length in bipedalism. Moreover, unlike Lucy, 'Littlefoot' had a hip joint like our own, able to transmit large forces from the trunk to the leg and vice versa. Although Little Foot's legs were longer than her arms, they had not yet achieved the great relative leg length found in humans. Thus, she would not have been as good at carrying objects as we are. However, she would have been much better at climbing trees than modern humans.

"It is most likely that she would have resided in an area that was a mix of tropical rainforest, broken woodland and grassland, through which she would roam around. She would have lived primarily on forest fruits and leaves"

The study involved collaborators from; Aintree University NHS Trust's Department of Rheumatology, University of Brighton's School of Health Sciences, University of Birmingham's School of Biosciences, University of Manchester's School of Earth and Environmental Science, Birmingham-Southern College's Department of Biology (Alabama, U.S.A.) and University of the Witwatersrand's Evolutionary Studies Institute (Johannesburg, South Africa).

The paper is titled "Functional Anatomy, Biomechanical Performance Capabilities and Potential Niche of StW 573: an Australopithecus Skeleton (circa 3.67 Ma) From Sterkfontein Member 2, and its significance for The Last Common Ancestor of the African Apes and for Hominin Origins."

Explore further Cranium of a four-million-year-old hominin shows similarities to that of modern humans

More information: Robin Huw Crompton et al. Functional Anatomy, Biomechanical Performance Capabilities and Potential Niche of StW 573: an Australopithecus Skeleton (circa 3.67 Ma) From Sterkfontein Member 2, and its significance for The Last Common Ancestor of the African Apes and for Hominin Origins, Nature Science (2018). Robin Huw Crompton et al. Functional Anatomy, Biomechanical Performance Capabilities and Potential Niche of StW 573: an Australopithecus Skeleton (circa 3.67 Ma) From Sterkfontein Member 2, and its significance for The Last Common Ancestor of the African Apes and for Hominin Origins,(2018). DOI: 10.1101/481556
Instrumentation at Beamline 10.0.1 at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source was used to grow and study ultrathin samples of an exotic material known as sodium bismuthide. Credit: Marilyn Chung/Berkeley Lab

Billions of tiny transistors supply the processing power in modern smartphones, controlling the flow of electrons with rapid on-and-off switching.

But continual progress in packing more transistors into smaller devices is pushing toward the physical limits of conventional materials. Common inefficiencies in transistor materials cause energy loss that results in heat buildup and shorter battery life, so researchers are in hot pursuit of alternative materials that allow devices to operate more efficiently at lower power.

Now, an experiment conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has demonstrated, for the first time, electronic switching in an exotic, ultrathin material that can carry a charge with nearly zero loss at room temperature. Researchers demonstrated this switching when subjecting the material to a low-current electric field.

The team, which was led by researchers at Monash University in Australia and included Berkeley Lab scientists, grew the material from scratch and studied it with X-rays at the Advanced Light Source (ALS), a facility at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

The material, known as sodium bismuthide (Na3Bi), is one of two materials that is known to be a "topological Dirac semimetal," meaning it has unique electronic properties that can be tuned to behave in different waysin some cases more like a conventional material and in other cases more like a topological material. Its topological properties were first confirmed in earlier experiments at the ALS.

Na3Bi structure shown with sodium atoms white and bismuth atoms blue. Credit: FLEET

Topological materials are considered promising candidates for next-generation transistors, and for other electronics and computing applications, because of their potential to reduce energy loss and power consumption in devices. These properties can exist at room temperaturean important distinction from superconductors that require extreme chillingand can persist even when the materials have structural defects and are subject to stress.

Materials with topological properties are the focus of intense research by the global scientific community (see a related article), and in 2016 the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded for theories related to topological properties in materials.

The ease in switching the material studied at the ALS from an electrically conducting state to an insulating, or non-conducting state, bode well for its future transistor applications, said Sung-Kwan Mo, a staff scientist at the ALS who participated in the latest study. The study is detailed in the Dec. 10 edition of the journal Nature.

From left to right: Shujie Tang, a postdoctoral researcher at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source (ALS); Sung-Kwan Mo, an ALS staff scientist; and James Collins and Mark Edmonds, researchers at Monash University, gather during an experiment at ALS Beamline 10.0.1 in November. Credit: Marilyn Chung/Berkeley Lab

Another key aspect of the latest study is that the team from Monash University found a way to grow it extremely thin, down to a single layer arranged in a honeycomb pattern of sodium and bismuth atoms, and to control the thickness of each layer they create.

"If you want to make a device, you want to make it thin," Mo said. "This study proves that it can be done for Na3Bi, and its electrical properties can easily be controlled with low voltage. We are a step closer to a topological transistor."

Michael Fuhrer, a physicist at Monash University who participated in the study, said, "This discovery is a step in the direction of topological transistors that could transform the world of computation."

He added, "Ultra-low energy topological electronics are a potential answer to the increasing challenge of energy wasted in modern computing. Information and communications technology already consumes 8 percent of global electricity, and that's doubling every decade."

James Collins, a researcher at Monash University in Australia, works on an experiment at Beamline 10.0.1, part of Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source. Credit: Marilyn Chung/Berkeley Lab

In the latest study, researchers grew the material samples, measuring several millimeters on a side, on a silicon wafer under ultrahigh vacuum at the ALS Beamline 10.0.1 using a process known as molecular beam epitaxy. The beamline allows researchers to grow samples and then conduct experiments under the same vacuum conditions in order to prevent contamination.

This beamline is specialized for an X-ray technique known as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, or ARPES, which provide information about how electrons travel in materials. In typical topological materials, electrons flow around the edges of the material, while the rest of the material serves as an insulator that prevents this flow.

Some X-ray experiments on similar samples were also performed at the Australian Synchrotron to demonstrate the ultrathin Na3Bi was free-standing and did not chemically interact with the silicon wafer it was grown on. Researchers had also studied samples with a scanning tunneling microscope at Monash University that helped to confirm other measurements.

"In these edge paths, electrons can only travel in one direction," said Mark Edmonds, a physicist at Monash University who led the study. "And this means there can be no 'back-scattering,' which is what causes electrical resistance in conventional electrical conductors."

In this case, researchers found that the ultrathin material became fully conductive when subjected to the electric field, and could also be switched to become an insulator across the entire material when subjected to a slightly higher electric field.

Mo said that the electrically driven switching is an important step to realizing applications for materialssome other research efforts have pursued mechanisms like chemical doping or mechanical strain that are more challenging to control and to perform the switching operation.

The research team is pursuing other samples that can be switched on and off in a similar way to guide the development of a new generation of ultralow-energy electronics, Edmonds said.

Explore further Switching conduction modea step towards topological transistors

More information: James L. Collins et al, Electric-field-tuned topological phase transition in ultrathin Na3Bi, Nature (2018). Journal information: Nature James L. Collins et al, Electric-field-tuned topological phase transition in ultrathin Na3Bi,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0788-5
The countrys coconut farmers may soon enjoy the fruits of the multibillion-peso coco levy fund, as Congress has moved forward with several measures on its use. The House of Representatives has ratified the bicameral committee report on House Bill 5745 or An Act Establishing the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Trust Fund (CIDTF), Providing for its Management and Utilization. It is one of the priority bills being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte and endorsed by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. On the same day, lawmakers also ratified the bicameral committee report on House Bill 8552 or An Act Further Strengthening the Philippine Coconut Authority. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who was a co-author of HB 5745 as representative of Davao Citys 1st District before the President asked him to join the executive branch, hailed as an historic piece of legislation the measure creating the P100-billion coco levy trust fund The decades-long fight of coconut farmers to directly benefit from their toil and hard work is nearing positive completion, said Nograles, who authored the coco levy bill along with House committee on agriculture and food chairman Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr., Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin, Reps. Angelina Tan, and Feliciano Belmonte, among others. The PCA bill, on the other hand, is authored by Panganiban, Speaker Arroyo, Reps. Ramon Rocamora, Raul del Mar, Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap, and Rep. Edcel Lagman, among others. Congress is now rectifying the mistakes of the past. Were putting into place a comprehensive mechanism that manages the fund and allocates resources to further develop the coconut industry, Nograles said. The Cabinet Secretary said under the measure, a reconstituted and strengthened Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) shall handle the fund, which consists of PHP76 billion in Treasury and escrow accounts and an estimated P30 billion in assets. These shall be used to improve the plight of coconut farmers and to push our coconut industry further forward. The unified Senate and House bills provide for the release of P5 billion annually to the PCA on top of the PHP10 billion provided by the General Appropriations Act, Nograles added. Majority Leader Rolando Andaya, Jr. described the approval of the twin measures as timely and necessary given the continuous decline in the price of copra, a major issue facing the coconut sector for the past years. Copra used to sell over P40 per kilograms a few years back. Now, prices have plummeted to as low as P20 per kilogram. How can coconut farmers live off that? Andaya pointed out. More than ever, now is the time to rush to the aid of this dying industry. The price of copra in the world market is falling to dangerously low levels. The coco levy fund is a lifeline that will not only help our coconut farmers survive; it could make the coconut industry a viable one once more, the majority leader added. The coco levy bill mandates the creation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry and Trust Fund (CITF), which shall be for the ultimate benefit of coconut farmers and the coconut industry. The measure grants a reconstituted Philippine Coconut Authority the powers to supervise and manage the money and the new Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. The board of PCA is now composed of eight government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines. Six farmer representatives will also compose the board, including two each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Another representative from the coconut processing industry sector will also be included, comprising the total of 15 representations in the council. The coco levy funds have been stuck in court disputes until 2012, when the Supreme Court awarded the shares bought with the coco levy funds to the government to be used for coconut farmers and the industry. According to the PCA, there are currently 3.5 million coconut farmers from 68 coconut producing provinces with an average annual income of P15,000, or about P41 a day. It was also reported that the coconut industry is suffering from a decline in production. Coconut lands cover 30% of the countrys total agricultural area. Aside from helping farmers ride out low copra price cycle, the coco levy measure also aims to improve incomes of coconut farmers, who are the among the poorest, and improve productivity of farms, though replanting and intercropping with high yield cash crop.Other salient features of the coco levy bill include:  Removal of the fixed term on the life of the fund, as both the Senate and the House agreed to allow the existence of the bill until the fund runs out.  Setting aside every year P5 billion for the next 25 years or until the fund runs out as the yearly amount to be drawn from the coco levy fund, which will be spent on the following: 30% for shared facilities, 15% for scholarship program, 15% for empowerment of coconut farmer organization and their cooperatives, 30% for farm improvement to encourage self-sufficiency and, 10% for health and medical benefits.  Provision for an automatic appropriation of P10 billion to the annual budget of the PCA from the GAA to augment the coconut farmers and development fund, increase the income, and support PCAs developmental activities. The amount will be allocated as follows: 20% for infrastructure program (farm-to-market roads), 20% for planting, replanting, and establishment of hybrid coconut nurseries, 10% for intercropping, 15% for shared facilities, 10% for research and development, coconut disease prevention, control, and eradication 5% for fertilization, 5% for new products and all derivatives of coconut oil, and marketing, 10% for credit through Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines, and 5% for training of farmers through TESDA.
Now that the Every Student Succeeds Act has been officially in place for a whole school year, states are beginning to release their lists of schools that need extra help. And theres a particular group of schools that experts are watching closely: Additional Targeted Schools.

Thats a wonky term for a particular set of schools that need improvement, but its one to watch: It could end up describing anywhere from 30 to 70 percent of schools, according to preliminary observations by the Center for Assessment, a nonprofit that works with states on testing and accountability. (Although that may be the typical range, many states will be under the 30 percent threshold, the Center said.)

This bears out in individual states, too. In California, at least a quarter of schools would qualify, according to a report compiled by the state board of education earlier this year. (Check out page 429 of this document for more.) And a plurality of those schools would qualify because of struggling performance among students in special education.

Similarly, Louisiana found by using data from 2015 and 2016 that about 42 percent of its schools would fall into the category. Most would be identified because of poor performance of students in special education. (Check out page 66 of the states ESSA plan for more ).

So what exactly are Additional Targeted Schools and whats required of them under ESSA? Under the law, states must flag Title I schools that are in the bottom 5 percent of performers in the state for whats called comprehensive support and improvement. In those schools, the district is required to come up with an evidence-based plan to fix the schools problem, monitored by the state.

Additional targeted support schools are different. These are schools that might look fineeven really goodoverall, but where at least one subgroup of students, such as English- language learners, students in special education, racial minorities, or poor kids, is performing as poorly as the students in the bottom 5 percent of Title I schools.

ESSA requires these schools to put a plan in place to address the issue. And, unlike other schools flagged by the law, the plan must consider types of resources students in the underperforming subgroup are getting. (For example: Do the English-language learners have the newest and least experienced teachers in the school?)

The district is supposed to monitor the plan. If a school doesnt fix the problem after a certain number of years determined by the state, it is supposed to be put into the more intensive comprehensive improvement bucket. (More explanation here ).

Are states and districts really going to have to go through this process with as many as half of their schools? Probably not. Most states havent released their lists of schools flagged under ESSA just yet, but experts say many states are trying to whittle down the number of schools identified for improvement.

Most states found ways to massage the system and make it work for them and their intended goals, said Anne Hyslop, the assistant director for policy development and governmental relations at the Alliance for Excellent Education, a research and advocacy organization.

Flagging 70 percent of schoolsor moreas being in need of improvement may take the significance out of the label, and states might not have the bandwidth to help all of those schools get better, said Chris Domaleski, the associate director at the Center for Assessment.

If everybody is failing, nobody is failing, he said. If number goes too high it loses any meaningfulness, but if states control it too far, were concerned that maybe information isnt as straightforward as it perhaps should be. States are trying to find that sweet spot.

For instance, some states are requiring schools to be part of yet another improvement category for ESSAtargeted improvementbefore joining the more significant additional targeted bucket, Domaleski said. Schools flagged for targeted improvement also need to come up with a plan to fix the problem, monitored by their district.

Want to learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act? Heres some useful information:

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
4 hours ago

Several thousand rally in Belgrade after scuffles day before

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Several thousand people rallied in Belgrade on Sunday in another environmental protest, a day after demonstrators blocked bridges and roads in different parts of Serbia and scuffled with riot police who formed cordons to try to stop them.

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Iranian authorities have arrested 10 people allegedly in connection with Thursday suicide bomb attack on police headquarters in the port city of Chabahar in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan.

In addition to four people arrested on the week-end, the number of suspects arrested in connection with the attack which killed two police officer and wounded over 40 other people, has hit ten, reports say.

A car-laden with explosives was driven into the police headquarters in Chabahar, not far from the Pakistani border.

Iranian authorities and US-based SITE Intelligence Group indicated that Sunni Baluch militant group Ansar al-Furqan had claimed responsibility for the attack. The group according to SITE released a photo of the alleged suicide bomber on Saturday, identified as Abdullah Aziz.

Sistan-Baluchistan province is region of Sunni Iranian minority who have waged insurgency against Teheran.

Following the attack, Teheran blamed its arch regional and global enemy namely Saudi Arabia and the United States for bringing support to the insurgent group.
A charming and captivating 7-year-old reviewing toys has managed to eclipse his rivals to become the top-earning youtuber of the year, according to Forbes, bringing in an estimated $22 million in video advertising profits, merchandise deals and other sources of revenue.

That puts Ryan ToysReview in the top youtuber spot, eclipsing other big earners, including beauty mogul Jeffree Star, a pair of controversial frat-boy-type brothers, a group of trick-shot Millennials and a line-up of video-game commentators, one of them wry, one obnoxiously foul-mouthed and one apparently a racist hailing from Sweden.

Yes, theres a clear pattern that has dominated the multi-million-dollar youtuber earnings club: Theyve mostly been privileged white males with too much time on their hands. There are no women on the Top Ten list this year, and only one made it last year: Comedian Lilly Singh with her inspirational video diaries, who came in last place in 2017 with $10.5 million in earnings.

Forbes Top 10 Youtubers list includes:

#1 Ryan ToysReview, who was number 8 on Forbes list last year with $11 million, but has since doubled his earnings, with his channel getting over 25 billion views since 2015, with 17 million subscribers. All the success has snowballed into his own line of collectibles for sale at Walmart. In the past year, hes made brought in an estimated $22 million.

(Click to enlarge)

#2 Jake Paul: He played Dirk on the Disney Channel series Bizaardvark, and the past year has raked in an estimated $21.5 million with his youtube channel that basically features Paul and his boyfriends doing whatever Millennials do when they are not employed, along with all the melodrama that entails, with a smattering of rap music and pranks. Related: The Midwests Top Talent Is Looking For Greener Pastures

Paul is also the younger brother of a controversial youtuber, Logan Paul, who came in at 10th place, down from first after YouTube docked his ad revenue and brands dropped him as a partner for uploading footage of what appeared to be a dead body in a Japanese suicide forest in January.

Jake Paul lives here 

(Click to enlarge)

And has his own thriving merchandise business.

#3 Dude Perfect: These youtube sensations are a group of 20- and 30-something guys who go down for challenges, such as world record exercise ball surfing and ping pong trick shots. Their antics have won them third place this year, with $20 million in revenues.

(Click to enlarge)

The rest of the Top 10 are gamers, plus one self-proclaimed beauty mogul with his own line of cosmetics now.

#4 DanTDM  US $18.5 million ($25,266,500)

#5 Jeffree Star  US $18 million ($24,583,600)

#6 Markiplier  US $17.5 million ($23,900,700)

#7 Vanoss Gaming  US $17 million ($23,217,900)

#8 Jacksepticeeye  US $16 million ($21,852,100)

#9 PewDiePie  US $15.5 million ($21,169,200)

#10 Logan Paul  US $14.5 million ($19,803,500)

So for all the naysayer Generation-Xers or Baby Boomers who have been telling their children this isnt a career, Forbes Top 10 youtuber list seems a slap in the face.

But not everyones going to get rich on YouTube; in fact, hardly no one will make it anyone near the Top 10 club.

According to new research cited by Fortune from Mathias Bartl, a professor at Offenburg University of Applied Sciences in Offenburg, 96.5 percent of aspiring youtubers wont earn enough advertising money to live above the poverty line in the United States. Even if you make it to the top 3 percent of most-viewed channels, youre only looking at ad revenue of about $16,800 per year, with YouTubes complicated ad rates working out to anywhere from 35 cents to $5 per 1,000 views.

By Michael Scott for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com
 Prison videoconference visitation program expanding in New York | Main | Oh what a higher sentence she received, when found to have pleaded to deceive 

August 29, 2012

"Pricing Amy: Should Those Who Download Child Pornography Pay the Victims?"

Under the Crime Victims Rights Act, the government must notify Amy and other child pornography victims anytime anyone is arrested by federal authorities for possessing their images. Her attorney, James Marsh of New York City, says his office has received at least 1,500 required notices of federal prosecutions for possession of those images. The day after we were retained in 2008, we had someone open up all these notices she received in the calendar years 2006 and 2007, Marsh says. It took two days just to open the envelopes.... The restitution portion of VAWA requires full compensation for victims losses, regardless of the defendants ability to pay. The D.C. Circuit noted this in April 2011 in U.S. v. Monzel, when it remanded a partial restitution order so the trial court could calculate the full amount of the victims losses. However, the full-restitution requirement creates another problem with using VAWA in cases like Amys: how to split the restitution payment among all of the defendants who may be charged with possession of the same images. The act provides for joint and several liability among defendants in the same case, but what about defendants in multiple cases, in numbers nobody can predict? How should responsibility be apportioned between each of them, plus the original maker of the child pornography? And how can the justice system track what the victims actually receive? Legal experts say theres no precedent for these questions under VAWA or anywhere else in criminal law or in tort law. Several appeals courts have dedicated parts of their opinions to the problem, and federal district courts have struggled, with some developing a flat-rate scheme on their own. These include the Eastern District of California, which in three cases awarded $3,000 per victim, extrapolating from a provision in 18 USC  2255 that minor victims of sexual exploitation may be deemed to have suffered civil damages no less than $150,000. In another case, a court in the Western District of Washington awarded $1,000 per image in U.S. v. Kennedy (later reduced to zero by the 9th Circuit at San Francisco). Marsh says its his policy to file for full restitutionthe full amount of Amys lost income, past and future psychiatric treatment, loss of enjoyment of life and attorney feesin nearly every case, regardless of what other orders his client has received and regardless of the defendants means. He says Amy doesnt care where the money comes from as long as she is made completely whole. He and Carol Hepburn of Seattle, Vickys attorney, argue that the system should not put the burden of working out these details on victims. Complicating matters further, Hepburn says, is the problem of collecting. Just because an order is entered doesnt mean one is going to get payment, she points out. In fact, I can remember early on a prosecutor telling me: I got you a $10,000 order, but good luck getting anything because this guys going to get deported after he gets out of jail.  Even without immigration problems, defendants may have no money left after their defense, and no way of earning it while serving the long prison sentences typical in child pornography cases. Hepburn and Marsh say they receive some large checks as well as a few regular payments from prison wages. In some circumstances, particularly when the defendant is indigent, they may also work out arrangements with prosecutors or defense counsel.

The title of this post is the headline of this lengthy and effective new article in the latest issue of the ABA Journal. Here is a small excerpt from a piece that merits a full read for any and everyone concerned with issues surrounding child porn sentencing or restitution punishment:

August 29, 2012 at 08:23 AM | Permalink

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"the government must notify Amy and other child pornography victims anytime anyone is arrested by federal authorities for possessing their images"

There's the problem right there.

Posted by: anon | Aug 29, 2012 11:05:39 AM

"He says Amy doesnt care where the money comes from as long as she is made completely whole"

Should read.... "He said he doesn't care where the money comes from as long as he gets his cut and gets paid"

Posted by: anon | Aug 29, 2012 11:09:20 AM

The circuits have ruled (and the 5th circuit is reconsidering and likely will follow suit) that proximate cause is required. This is as it should be for the reasons those courts of appeals have given. And in any event, as alluded to in the article, determining restitution amounts from so many defendants to so many victims simply is unworkable regardless of causation, at least in strict child porn possession cases (child porn production cases, of course, inherently are different). Rather, if continued psychological harm from the knowledge that third-parties still are trading a victim's images is a major concern, then perhaps congress can create a special fund for offenders to pay into (akin to the nominal special assessment already ordered). that pool of funds could then be allocated to those victims who apply and qualify. much more feasible than seeking same through thousands of resitution orders (which likely will be uncollectable in vast majority of cases anyway as article also alludes).

Posted by: mark | Aug 29, 2012 2:13:51 PM

"if continued psychological harm from the knowledge that third-parties still are trading a victim's images is a major concern, then perhaps congress can create a special fund for offenders to pay into"

Or, Congress could just stop forcing further psychological trauma upon the victims by not requiring notification.

Posted by: anon | Aug 29, 2012 2:38:55 PM

I don't necessarily have a problem with putting judgments on multiple defendants across separate cases to make sure that she gets paid, because a lot of these defendants are going to be judgment-proof so it'll be a bit like squeezing water out of a stone.

What I do take issue with is the whole requirement of proximate causation in that did THIS defendant's actions cause her harm? It seems like, in the vast majority of cases, the answer has to be no. She is harmed by the knowledge that somewhere, out there, someone could possibly be viewing images of her abuse as a child but that the actual act of a defendant viewing those images does not cause her harm. It seems to me that the one she needs to collect from is the man who originally abused her and sent those pictures on to the WWW -- that being her uncle.

Posted by: Guy | Aug 29, 2012 3:24:34 PM

And, also, as anon posted, it seems at least arguable that the act of notification from the government would be at least as if not more traumatic than the act of someone viewing the image. Doesn't the continual re-notification force her to keep reliving that whole period in her life?

Posted by: Guy | Aug 29, 2012 3:33:03 PM

Would be curious to know what percentage of these 'restitutions' actually do eventually end up getting paid off in full or what the non-payment default rate in general is for court ordered restitutions as a whole are after all sentencing conditions have been met including fulfilment of parole conditions if there's still a remaining balance to be paid. Could wage garnishments really be enforced after full release and completion of sentence requirements. I suspect the percentage of 'walk aways' is probably quite high and not something that would be advertised by the DOJ in fear of influencing even more to default.

Posted by: Carl J. | Aug 29, 2012 4:42:24 PM

It seems kind of counterproductive in cases where the pictures were taken in exchange for money to the victim already. e.g. underage prostitution. It might even encourage the victim to distribute photos themselves.

Posted by: Kizzle | Aug 29, 2012 5:47:17 PM

Society here is also a victim of its own extremes. By making it nearly impossible for sex offenders to ever obtain employment, it all but ensures that most of these payments will never be made.

Posted by: Garvey | Aug 29, 2012 6:38:02 PM

After reading this article, my thought was that "Amy" should consider suing the federal government for intentional infliction of emotional distress, as it makes clear that the revelation of the existence of the photos, courtesy of the Rights Act that is mentioned, severely and permanently affected her, not the later disclosure that particular persons had viewed them. This harm is obviously foreseeable, and there's no doubt about proximate cause.

It seems unlikely that she would ever have discovered the images on her own. Worse, the article mentions that due to the internet the images will survive forever, so that the disclosure doesn't really serve any constructive purpose (e.g. it doesn't help in removing the photos). Saying that it provides her with restitution is perverse -- that is like hitting someone in the face and saying you did it for their benefit since you'll pay the full hospital bill and any lost wages.

Posted by: Rog | Aug 30, 2012 12:44:14 AM

...the government must notify Amy and other child pornography victims anytime anyone is arrested by federal authorities for possessing their images. Her attorney, James Marsh of New York City, says his office has received at least 1,500 required notices of federal prosecutions for possession of those images. The day after we were retained in 2008, we had someone open up all these notices she received in the calendar years 2006 and 2007, Marsh says. It took two days just to open the envelopes....

To expand on anon's point, these notifications are foreseeably upsetting. She may have been traumatized by the producer, but once, a while ago. She is being traumatized by the government hundreds of times. The government should be paying her $10,000 per notification.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Aug 30, 2012 8:34:13 AM

Victim notification is mandatory in every case, not just child pornography cases. Notably, however, victims an opt out of the notifications. So if a victim feels like the notifications are harming them in any way, they can opt out.

Posted by: domino | Aug 30, 2012 1:31:26 PM

Forty four United States Attorneys General voiced their support on Wednesday for a Congressional proposal that is aimed at getting financial support for victims of child pornography.

http://www.naag.org/assets/files/pdf/signons/Final%20Amy%20and%20Vicky%20Letter.pdf

What's causing the harm? How does Amy and Vicky know people are looking at their images? Every time someone downloads an image intentionally or not of Amy or Vicky and they are caught with one of those images on their computer the government sends a letter to the girls and their attorneys(why do they have an attorney in the first place; follow the money) that someone has been caught with Amy and Vicky images and they need VICTIMS for a crime. Essentially the government is perpetuating a self fulling prophecy because the all knowing government never gives the poor girls a chance to recover by playing with their angst and antipathy reminding them daily that someone is looking at images of abuse caused by one of their OWN FAMILY members that made it onto the internet. The viewer is looking at a crime scene image that they were not complicit in producing; crime scene images of a crime that has occurred in the past. With consistent notifications the government enables them to stay sick and if anything should happen to the girls the government should be held accountable for driving these poor girls INSANE. Do you really think, deep down these politicians care that much for the plight of Vicky or Amy? They feel badly for them, but not as much as they would like you to believe. What this does is just gives the politicians another platform to pass more laws and say that they are "tough on crime" by ridding the internet of all those "perverts, pedophiles, and predators" on the internet. Politicians never pass up a chance to look good to the general public as it gets them re-elected. So Vicky or Amy gets paid, their lawyers get PAID, the DAs win a conviction, and the politicians keep getting re-elected.

Also There is NO market for child porn(CP) period. If you can find CP so can the police. If you paid for CP on the net it would most likely be in the form of credit card, bitcoin etc. and the police will find that also. My research has discovered from reading the myriad of arrests everyday for CP that 99% is downloaded via person to person (P2P) software which the police can also detect. There is NO charge for downloading it other than your internet access fee. There is NO money to be made from CP, period and as I stated above the only way an alleged victim finds out their photo, video or both was viewed is when the government tells them so creating essentially a self filled prophecy enabling the victims to stay sick. Only the creators should be punished and go to jail but today CP VIEWERS are getting more time in jail and paying more in restitution than the original offender.

A person that GIVES images power to influence or control the behavior of people is called VooDoo; Witchcraft. Unknowingly many use their authority for power perceived as legitimate by the social structure but they are practicing VOO-DOO nevertheless. I can appreciate that the actual creation of CP victimizes children, I cannot agree that looking for, viewing, or collecting CP actually victimizes anyone. If you were to apply the same reasoning to any other crime, than looking at a photo of any crime would be re-victimizing someone. If the simple act of viewing a crime scene image (CP) is harmful perhaps an appropriate punishment would be to simply take a photo of the perpetrator n jail, then set him free, but have some look at the photo that was taken while they he was in jail; same LOGIC. Legislators have drawn upon pre internet pseudo research without any empirical evidence when people actively had to exert effort and seek out the contraband; However with the INTERNET the contraband is but a click away. Today CSA crime scene photos can be found for FREE on the INTERNET using P2P software and Journalist have posited nothing but what they are told by Law Enforcement who create Gothic Melodramas and monster stories of child molesting. I do not see how anyone can justify this punishment with the so called crime; its insanity in an insane nation when you can go to jail because the law practices voodoo.

Posted by: Frank Gillice | Oct 16, 2014 9:27:43 AM

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Kuwait aviation authorities have revoked the operation license of Wataniya Airways which was suspended for three months this year after the carrier left 1,500 passengers stranded in foreign airports following waves of flight cancellations, reports say.

The Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) spokesperson Saad Al Otaibi told local Arabic newspaper that the airlines license has been revoked because the carrier also known as Kuwait National Airways did not improve its operations despite several calls.

In September the DGCA forced the aviation company to halt for three months its operation after leaving 1,500 passengers aboard due to lack of aircraft.

The airline then said three of its four aircraft had gone out service. Ali al Fozan, Chairman of the airline despite the challenges insisted that the carriers financial position was sound and that measures would be taken to enhance operations.

Wataniya Airways returned to business in July 2017 following a six-year hiatus. The firm currently operates four A320 family aircraft on routes that cross the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

In July, it signed, via its exclusive aircraft provider Golden Falcon Aviation, an order of 25 Airbus A320neo jets worth around $2.8bn at list prices.
 Channeling Justice Brennan, new Ohio Supreme Court Justice dissents from order setting execution date | Main | "Anonymous re-hacks US Sentencing site into video game Asteroids" 

January 27, 2013

Fascinating NY Times magazine cover story on child porn victims and restitution

Six months after [the first] sentencing [which included a restitution award in October 2008], [Amy's lawyer James] Marsh went after another child-pornography defendant, Arthur Staples, a 65-year-old sheriffs deputy in Virginia, who had chatted online with an undercover detective and expressed an interest in young children. Staples sent one image of a young girl (not Amy), and he was caught with more than 600 pictures on his computer, including hers. Staples agreed not to appeal any sentence or restitution judgment. The judge sentenced him to 17 years, and made the unusual move of ordering him to pay all of Amys claim. To Marshs surprise, Staples turned out to have $2 million in assets. He has since paid $1.2 million to Amy. (Marsh says the government let Stapless wife keep part of the estate.) While Amy has been turned down for restitution by some courts, which have stated that there was not enough proof that any one man who viewed her pictures was responsible for the harm she has suffered, she has won more than 150 cases, totaling $1.6 million. Most of the amounts arent large: $1,000 or even $100, paid out in checks as small as $7.33. Nicole has also been pursuing restitution. Her lawyer, Carol Hepburn, did her own research and got in touch with Marsh when she learned about the claims he was bringing for Amy. The two lawyers now collaborate on ideas and strategy, though they represent their clients separately. Since receiving her first check for $10,000, Nicole has collected more than $550,000, mostly in small amounts from 204 different men. So far only a few other child-pornography victims have gone to court for restitution. Many may not know there is a legal remedy; others dont know their images have circulated.... Study after study links child sexual abuse to psychological trauma, addiction and violent relationships in adulthood. There is almost no research, however, that deals with the specifics of Amy and Nicoles experiences: What additional harm comes from knowing that pictures of your childhood exploitation are circulating widely? The Supreme Court actually addressed this question in its 1982 decision upholding child-pornography bans. Pornography poses an even greater threat to the child victim than does sexual abuse or prostitution, Justice Byron White wrote, quoting from a book about abused children. Because the childs actions are reduced to a recording, the pornography may haunt him in future years, long after the original misdeed took place. David Finkelhor, a sociologist who directs the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, sees the moral weight of the Supreme Courts proclamation, but not the empirical proof. The evidence doesnt yet tell us to what extent the experience of being a pornography victim aggravates the experience of the sexual abuse itself, he told me. How do you separate it out? Courts have disagreed on this question. In at least a dozen cases, defendants have appealed restitution decisions and mostly won. In five of those cases, federal appeals courts have expressed skepticism that Amy and Nicole should receive more than nominal restitution. Two other appeals courts have allowed the young women to recover from individual defendants as members of the group of viewers but, so far, only for amounts of $10,000 or less. (Amy collected a far greater sum from Arthur Staples because he waived his right to appeal.)

Today's New York Times magazine has this remarkable cover story headlined "The Price of a Stolen Childhood," which provides a fascinating profile of the two young women now at the center of legal disputes in federal courts nationwide over restitution sentences imposed upon defendants who download child pornography. The lengthy article has too many interesting facets to effectively summarize, but here is one snippet telling early parts of the legal aspects of the story:

January 27, 2013 at 10:41 AM | Permalink

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I don't question the need for restitution. I do question how restitution is determined. When a jury hears claims for restitution and makes a determination, I can abide by that, since a jury, in theory hears all the facts. When restitution is determined by some other method, I am not so sure. There is also the issue of when does time run out on restitution? Are the victims and their attorneys going to collect continuously for the rest of their lives. Is restitution like an annuity in this case?

Posted by: Jardinero1 | Jan 27, 2013 1:26:18 PM

Amy has received $1.6 million, so says the article, and Nicole has collected more than $550,000.

I'm guessing that's not the whole story. What's the lawyer's cut from those amounts???

Posted by: Mark | Jan 27, 2013 1:48:35 PM

Joint and several liability will just keep the legal system bound up for eons, keeping lawyers, and judges in a never-ending stream of cash. Requiring someone to pay the full amount and then sue everyone else to help pay for it? Sounds like a lawyer's dream!

A general compensation fund is the way to go. Seems like it would allow the victims to be compensated quicker and stop having to prove over and over again that they are victims.

Perhaps then they could become survivors.

Posted by: Brian G. | Jan 27, 2013 3:42:56 PM

ugh. Doug, you need an "undo" button!!

I meant to omit the "and judges" part in my previous post. I started with one thought then finished with another. Slopping reviewing on my part.

But the overall point still stands. J&S just keeps the legal profession paid up.

Posted by: Brian G. | Jan 27, 2013 3:45:48 PM

"Study after study links child sexual abuse to psychological trauma, addiction and violent relationships in adulthood."

Except, of course, those studies don't exist but so long as we say "study after study" we don't have to look too closely at what those studies say, who their subjects where, or what the results indicated. And "linking" is another great verb. What does it mean to link two things together? Correlation? Causation? The fact that the researcher decided to study them together.

Frankly, it's this type of tripe that is simply a regurgitation of what "everybody knows" that does real harm to children.

Posted by: Daniel | Jan 27, 2013 5:34:39 PM

Daniel, I think you make a very good point. These studies are quite complex, as are there assumptions and limitations. And I find it interesting that conservatives seize these studies, but reject, as liberal psycho-babble, contrary ones (Note: many liberals do these same things, particularly with respect to foreign policy and economics).

I think that the biggest predictor of trauma is how society treats an activity. One posted, I think Anonymous or something like that, argued once on here that circumcision is a good example. It is a violent act, and these poor infants cannot possibly consent, but nobody feels trauma from it, not even when they see pictures of it or know that relatives have such pictures of the ceremony (or, in my case, a video!). The point is that children will be traumatized if they are taught to be.

Of course, these children, or adults now, are traumatized. And that is awful. But I think we are missing the bigger picture. As a society, we get to create our victims. We've created these.

All I can do is thank G-d that I don't live in a society that shuns the violent act of circumcision, or I'd probably need therapy now too.

Posted by: Subethis | Jan 27, 2013 6:55:51 PM

The more that I learn about this topic, the more it sounds like the real harm comes from NOTIFICATION that the photos are being viewed. THE HARM IS IN THE NOTIFICATION. This article confirms that conclusion. These people were undoubtedly victimized by the abuser and producer of child pornography. They deserve abundant restitution from such perpetrators.

But maybe it's time to stop notifying these victims of their repeated re-victimization. We need to honestly ask ourselves the following: What good is done by the notifications? How much better/worse off are these individuals as a result of the notifications?

As demonstrated in this article, the victims are living their lives as best they can until -- BAM -- notifications start appearing in the mail and pile up in a corner of a room. It's at that moment when, after struggling so much to overcome the initial abuse, the abusers must now deal with this new KNOWLEDGE. Why interrupt their lives with the notifications? Why stir up the past? It seems to me any restitution is owed from the notifier.

Posted by: Evan | Jan 27, 2013 7:32:01 PM

Excellent comments today, with which one must agree. No studies showing harm (Daniel). Notification is the proximate cause of any hurt feelings and stress (Evan). Lawyers will take the lion's share and nothing will be left for the victims (Mark). Forced reliving of trauma by the legal system is harmful (Subethis).

Getting back to lawyer praxis. The following should become standard of professional due care, or else the defendant should sue the defense lawyer for malpractice. In their absence, representation has not been adequate, a violation of the Sixth Amendment.

1) Do not waive right to appeal. At this late point, a plea bargain is a contract, and duress should be asserted as a contract defense, making the plea voidable. Both physical and economic duress apply. Under the dual inquiry test of the Supreme Court, a second prosecution may represent prosecutorial vindictiveness and should be dismissed. Naturally, this dual inquiry test justifies and requires total e-discovery of prosecutorial computers. Refer all child porn found to the FBI for investigation.

2) Daubert hearing to address the comment of Dan (absence of scientific evidence of harm). A cross claim against the federal court victim notification service as causing the harm and stress.

3) The benefits of child porn. It decrease the sexual abuse of real children by 40%. A value should be placed on this public benefit, and the value of the trauma prevented by child porn should be deducted from any liability. Because predators have dozens if not hundreds of victims, the prevention of real child sex abuse is of extreme value, except to government workers. They benefit with jobs if children are sexually molested.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Jan 27, 2013 8:21:53 PM

Supremacy Claus, do you have a study or a source cite for the proposition that child porn reduces child sex abuse by 40%?

Posted by: anon | Jan 27, 2013 9:12:28 PM

i found this article that references at least one.

http://phys.org/news/2010-11-legalizing-child-pornography-linked-sex.html

Legalizing child pornography is linked to lower rates of child sex abuse: study November 30, 2010 Could making child pornography legal lead to lower rates of child sex abuse? It could well do, according to a new study by Milton Diamond, from the University of Hawaii, and colleagues. google_protectAndRun("render_ads.js::google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); Results from the Czech Republic showed, as seen everywhere else studied (Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sweden, USA), that rape and other sex crimes have not increased following the legalization and wide availability of pornography. And most significantly, the incidence of child sex abuse has fallen considerably since 1989, when child pornography became readily accessible  a phenomenon also seen in Denmark and Japan. Their findings are published online today in Springer's journal Archives of Sexual Behavior. The findings support the theory that potential sexual offenders use child pornography as a substitute for sex crimes against children. While the authors do not approve of the use of real children in the production or distribution of child pornography, they say that artificially produced materials might serve a purpose. Diamond and team looked at what actually happened to sex-related crimes in the Czech Republic as it transitioned from having a strict ban on sexually explicit materials to a situation where the material was decriminalized. Pornography was strictly prohibited between 1948 and 1989. The ban was lifted with the country's transition to democracy and, by 1990, the availability and ownership of sexually explicit materials rose dramatically. Even the possession of child pornography was not a criminal offense. The researchers monitored the number of sex-related crimes from Ministry of Interior records  rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and child sex abuse in particular  for 15 years during the ban and 18 years after it was lifted. Most significantly, they found that the number of reported cases of child sex abuse dropped markedly immediately after the ban on sexually explicit materials was lifted in 1989. In both Denmark and Japan, the situation is similar: Child sex abuse was much lower than it was when availability of child pornography was restricted. Other results showed that, overall, there was no increase in reported sex-related crimes generally since the legalization of pornography. Interestingly, whereas the number of sex-related crimes fell significantly after 1989, the number of other societal crimes  murder, assault, and robbery  rose significantly. More information: Diamond M et al (2010). Pornography and sex crimes in the Czech Republic. Archives of Sexual Behavior. DOI:10.1007/s10508-010-9696-y Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2010-11-legalizing-child-pornography-linked-sex.html#jCp

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2010-11-legalizing-child-pornography-linked-sex.html#jCp

Posted by: rodsmith | Jan 27, 2013 10:55:10 PM

Rod: The lawyer cannot hear you in the upside down, Twilight Zone world. The feminist witch hunt has a business model. It cannot be derailed by any fact once the lawyer starts the plunder.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Jan 27, 2013 11:02:07 PM

Excuse me, not 40%, 60% during the internet era, and in the USA. Enforcement has almost no effect on crime.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/29/us/rate-of-child-sexual-abuse-on-the-decline.html?_r=0

Many children who are molested, like it, and do it to other children, often dozens or more. A lot of sexual abuse of children by other children may stem from sex education in the most graphic detail, at ever younger ages. This sex education is part of the feminist lawyer assault on the family, promoting sex among children to increase teen pregnancy and government dependency.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Jan 27, 2013 11:25:39 PM

SC --

"Do not waive right to appeal. At this late point, a plea bargain is a contract, and duress should be asserted as a contract defense, making the plea voidable. Both physical and economic duress apply."

It's hard to argue duress when the government has it on the record that the defendant knows he has the unconditional right to go to trial and that he is giving up this right, with the advice and assistance of counsel, in order to obtain what he views as the superior benefits of the government's concessions contained in the plea agreement.

Or, to put it more succinctly, if you don't like the bargain or any of its terms, fine, go to trial.

Then watch what happens when the jury hears the evidence.

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jan 28, 2013 1:48:20 AM

Evan - I agree with you 100%! I have said this for a long time. A victim will always be a victim when they are constantly told someone else has seen the picture. That person can NEVER get to the survivor stage because it is always being forefront in the person's mind and life over and over and over again. These files will be on the internet forever! There should be no notification. The restitution should come from the abuser, just like every other crime.

Posted by: Jill | Jan 28, 2013 7:32:37 AM

I would also like to state that these files were left on Limewire for years after they were found by the FBI. If these children are re-victimized every time a person looks at them, then why didn't the government shut down Limewire before the music industry did? Who is really re-victimizing these kids?

I know there are many different file sharing sites, but why not continue to shut them down every time the FBI finds child porn on them, until those sites figure out a way to keep them from leaving the server to others?

Posted by: Jill | Jan 28, 2013 7:42:06 AM

One of the curious things for some to come out of the innocence movement and the discovery of so many innocent persons that have been sentenced to death or to long prison terms are the seemingly large number who have plead guilty to the crime for which they were innocent. Why would anybody do such a thing, people wonder.

Well, if you are one who so wonders, read Bill Otis's post of 1:48:20 AM and wonder no more. This last line is not coming from left field - it is coming from a person has been on the front lines and who knows very well of what he speaks.

Posted by: C60 | Jan 28, 2013 11:34:56 AM

C60 --

As one who has, as you say, been on the front lines, I can tell you (and anyone else who's interested) why defendants avoid trials and take plea bargains.

The answer is simple. They're guilty and they know the government has the evidence to prove it; that the likelihood of a conviction at trial ranges from large to overwhelming; that the judge is just going to get madder and madder as he hears the witnesses testify about Mr. Nicey did to them; that getting the judge mad is not very useful for when sentencing comes up; and (last but hardly least) that the prosecutor has got too many cases and too little time and is therefore usually willing to give away a whole bunch to save himself the considerable trouble of trial preparation.

As you say, I've been there.

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jan 28, 2013 1:44:10 PM

Bill Otis (Jan 28, 2013 1:44:10 PM):

C60 asked why an innocent person would plead guilty to crime that he/she did not commit. You didn't answer his/her question at all. And I believe he/she is exactly right when he/she says that all a person has to do is look at some comments from people like you and it does help a person understand why.

You know as well as I do that our criminal governments don't always care so much about whether or not a person is innocent or guilty. You also know that people take plea bargains when their chance of winning a trial is 75% or better. There is often just too much at risk. There are lazy lawyers and many people know that juries are FULL of stupid people who wouldn't know the difference between a fact and opinion if their lives depended on it. Going to trial is a dice roll, facts be damned.

So spare us your "government is great and righteous" BS. Most of us know better.

And anyway, you can talk to me until your last day and never convince me. Do you know why? Because I pleaded guilty to a crime that I did not commit. The criminal government, in fact, had NO evidence at all that I had committed that crime (because it didn't happened). But they did have a "victim" who told them huge lies on several different occasions until she finally arrived at the "true" story. They would have been fools if they believed her. But that didn't matter, of course. What did matter is that they could threaten and coerce someone into taking a plea bargain for crimes that they did not commit.

And do you know how they did that, in part? By promising things that they probably knew the judge would reject later. By the time a person gets to that point, he/she has already accepted X punishment, so what is just a little bit more? And who has the fortitude to just reject it all then and start over from the beginning? And give your attorney another $30K while you at it? And at the point, a person has been fighting it forever and just wants it to end.

I was lucky that I had the means to not be in jail during the entire "negotiation", "wrap-up" period. People who are not so lucky would have taken a much worse plea bargain than I did a year earlier than I did.

There are some facts for you.

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Jan 28, 2013 5:30:55 PM

I haven't thought much about this type of restitution (even though I do find it fairly interesting). One thing that I have wondered about is why isn't anyone who views a crime later (pictures, video, etc.), liable for restitution to the victim? Why is child porn unique? Why is it not illegal to watch a video of someone being murdered? That person was surely victimized, why is the viewer not re-victimizing the victim? Doesn't make much sense to me.

What I suspect this is mostly is a grab for money. That is what most people are about. These victims like money, they are angry about people looking at their victimization, and they can take money from them. And for sure, the lawyers love it. And they can all get away with it because it involves sex crimes. We can all get behind twisting/changing laws in order to harm people who commit sex crimes. That's fun.

I was horribly victimized as a child and I did not get a single dollar for it. Makes me kind of mad when I see stuff like this. Why do they get it and I don't? They should have to share.

Also, I think if I believed I was traumatized for life by my childhood and I'm never healed, then perhaps I would have some good excuses for some bad choices that I've made. That would make me feel better. To not be responsible to not be a victim. But alas, I don't believe that. Maybe I need some good lawyers and victim advocates to fix my thinking?

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Jan 28, 2013 5:36:15 PM

FRegistry Terrorists --

Do you even hear yourself?

Here's your story: You pleaded guilty to a crime you didn't commit. The government had NO (your capitalization) evidence against you. The government also promised a sentence but the judge jacked you up (pssst...the government can't promise a sentence. It can only promise a sentencing recommendation). The victim was a complete liar, a fact only you recognized.

Then, in your next post, you tell us that you were "horribly victimized as a child," and that if you'd gotten some money for it, you might have avoided some (conspicuously unidentified) "bad choices" you made later on.

You don't identify yourself and you give not a single detail from which any interested person could check the veracity of your wildly implausible but thoroughly self-serving story.

Do you think this leaves some room for skepticism?

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jan 28, 2013 9:15:39 PM

All crim law I professors must have a disclosure at the beginning of the course.

1) The criminal law is in utter failure. There are 20 million FBI Index felonies and 2 million prosecutions. That means a 90% chance of never being inconvenienced in any way after committing a serious crime. Then when the prosecution has a guy, there is a 20% chance it is the wrong guy;

2)These feminist inquisitors and their male running dogs are very successful at one thing, rent seeking via hyper-proceduralism under the leadership of a treasonous hierarchy in out of control insurrection against the constitution;

3)These traitors have dealt themselves absolute immunity from any accountability to the victims of their carelessness. If torts is a substitute for violent revenge, then its contra-positive must be true, that legal immunity is a justification for violence in formal logic.

In the absence of such initial disclosure,one is misleading and indoctrinating.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Jan 29, 2013 4:18:22 AM

"C60 asked why an innocent person would plead guilty to crime that he/she did not commit. You didn't answer his/her question at all."

I did not ask anybody, this question. I merely stated the fact many convicted people found later to be factually innocent pled guilty to the crime despite that innocence. Many people wonder why a person would do such a thing. I merely pointed out that the identified comment answered that question.

Nobody really questions why factually guilty people plead guilty to crimes they have actually committed. There is no mystery there. Numbers dictate prosecutors in most jurisdiction make deals and guilty defendant often, but not always, know they can do better cutting their own deal than going to a jury.

My comment (not question) addresses what some people, non or casual observers mostly, mistakenly regard as a mind-blowing mystery - that is - why do factually innocent people plead guilty under a plea bargain for crimes they know the did not commit. Bill Otis's referenced post answers that question, which on examination is not really a mystery at all, fully and completely.

Posted by: C60 | Jan 29, 2013 9:11:38 AM

Bill Otis (Jan 28, 2013 9:15:39 PM):

Don't be so pompous to think that I give a squirt whether or not you are skeptical about my facts. I have no need for a "self-serving story". I was simply telling you that it doesn't matter how much BS you throw out, I'm not going to believe you. I didn't have to explain why.

I personally find it impossible to believe that you were around the legal system and don't know what I described is exactly how the system works often enough. If you don't know that, don't know the facts, don't believe me, I don't care. That is your impairment, your loss. Believe a different reality if you want.

Further, simply to illustrate how when you don't know all the details about something, you just fill in whatever you need to fit what you want to believe, I will give you some more facts. The criminal government did not have ANY evidence against me. Do you know why? Because what was said happened didn't happen, therefore, by definition, there was no evidence.

Also, you said "The victim was a complete liar, a fact only you recognized." I didn't say that. In fact, the government was completely aware that the "victim" had told them huge lies on numerous occasions. The first lie that she told them was that there were two people there and that I never touched her. Had the criminal government been able to find the other person, *any person* literally, that they could have charged and convicted, then they would have and that would have been the end of the story. But they couldn't, so they had to force the "victim" to change her story, which she easily did and they eagerly accepted it. The criminal government didn't believe her and they would have been fools if they did. Maybe they were as biased as you and couldn't think straight.

Lastly, you didn't understand my last two paragraphs. Maybe I didn't explain it very well. One of my points was that some people say they are lifelong victims and they use it as an excuse for bad behavior (and to get money). I was saying that I can't buy into that but facetiously that perhaps I should (to justify any of my bad behaviors).

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Jan 29, 2013 10:40:57 AM

C60 (Jan 29, 2013 9:11:38 AM):

Right, I was technically wrong to say you asked a question. But Bill was responding to you and his response read to me like he was dismissing/refuting what you said and saying instead that he was going to tell us why people really take plea bargains. He didn't address what you said. (I know, Bill, you didn't *technically* say that C60 was wrong or misleading, so calm down.)

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Jan 29, 2013 10:43:55 AM

So basically FRT, your defense amounts to your having merely watched some other dude commit the rape and then your having done nothing about it even after being charged with the crime - and then plead guilty.

Lame and extremely incredible. Unless of course your involvement in the rape was much more than you are letting on and that by informing the police who that other dude was you would incriminate yourself.

i do sincerely hope that you are receiving counseling for what you went through as a child and i do deeply sympathize with you and hope that eventually you can find peace in your life and get over your obvious anger issues, but i do have to side with Bill Otis here :)

Posted by: Erika | Jan 29, 2013 11:30:55 AM

Bill: "Then watch what happens when the jury hears the evidence"

me: in these cases, its actually what happens when the jury sees the evidence :)

Once the jury finds out that the defendant was caught with pictures of young children being violently raped on his computer the jury is going to see the defendant as a dangerous icky perv who is likely to rape children and its curtains for the defendant. Good luck trying to argue that the images got on your computer becasue someone else put them there - the jury isn't going to care - all they will care about is stopping the dangerous icky perv before he rapes any more children.

Posted by: Erika | Jan 29, 2013 11:48:37 AM

Erika (Jan 29, 2013 11:30:55 AM):

Wow, I guess I do have to literally tell an entire story to keep Bill and Bill Jr. from jumping to completely wild, baseless conclusions.

No, Erika, the problem for the criminal government was that there was no second person, let alone any rape. No one touched the "victim" in any way. No crime was committed against this "victim". In fact, she saw me for no more than 1 minute, twice. I won't bother to give any further details, let's see what conclusions you people can jump to with that.

The "victim" was a disturbed person. If it had been a male, I would bet the odds were over 90% that the person has since been arrested at least once and probably incarcerated.

I don't need any counseling for what I went through as a child. I am not a victim. I am a very strong, well-adjusted, very successful adult who takes care of many people and things. I am an angry person though and the Registries are continuing to help increase and cultivate that daily. But I fully embrace that because I've gotten great motivational use out of it and I believe I will continue to do so.

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Jan 29, 2013 12:15:21 PM

FRT --

"Wow, I guess I do have to literally tell an entire story to keep Bill and Bill Jr. from jumping to completely wild, baseless conclusions."

Rather than continuing to give selected parts of the story -- a selection in which you have an interest, to say the least -- why not just cite the case so interested readers can look it up for themselves?

Convicted defendants ALL THE TIME tell concocted stories about how The Really Bad Government Set Me Up. There are, to hear them tell it, few if any guilty men in prison.

Maybe you are innocent and were the Victim of a Government Plot. But there is no way to know that simply from the self-interested story of a person who chooses anonymity and declines to provide any more neutral account.

What is the citation to your case?

P.S. Anyone who can read can see that Erika is right about your anger.

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jan 29, 2013 1:48:15 PM

FRT, while i continue to find your story to be inheriently implausible, i believe that your anger is completely misplaced. Quite simply, assuming argumendo that your story that you plead guilty to a sex crime despite your being actually innocent and not having strong evidence against you the only person you have to blame for your predictiment is yourself.

If what you are saying is true that your placement on the sex offender registry is not the fault of the police, prosecutors, politicians, etc. - it is 100% your fault. If you are angry at anyone your anger should be directed at you for not even attempting to fight the great injustice that you claim occurred in your case.

Of course, you do not do that - instead, you rail against society, the police, prosecutors, judges, etc. who you claim were simply out to get you. Of course, most people who claim to be railroaded by the criminal justice system plead not guilty and then are found guilty. When you voluntarily plead guilty against charges that you claim to be extremely weak based upon the testimony of a non-credible witness it makes me believe that you are in fact guilty as can be and are simply minimizing the extent of your criminal activity.

OF course, if you are telling the truth, you really do have nobody to be mad at but yourself - and self anger can destroy a person just as much as anger at another. You really should consider going to counseling for your anger issues - if left as is they will destroy you (and likely hurt others around you) in the end.

And if you think that i am anything like Bill Otis who i almost always disagree with, you are even more delusional than what would be indicated by the fact that you expect us to take your incredible story at face value :)

Posted by: Erika | Jan 29, 2013 3:48:34 PM

Bill Otis (Jan 29, 2013 1:48:15 PM):

I'm not trying to tell my story. I am completely uninterested in trying to convince anyone that what I say is true. If people don't believe me, it's their loss. It's not in my "self interest" to tell my story in any particular way because I absolutely do not care if people believe me or what they think of me. (Do you not realize that Registration cures people of that?)

And let me guess, you believe that if you could read about the case then you would have a clue about what happened? People who believe that literally crack me up. People who read police reports and believe them are insanely naive.

The simple point that I was trying to make is that I know for certain that people plead guilty to crimes they did not commit. I know it, you know it, we all know it. We also know that our criminal governments work to get that done.

I know the "few guilty men in prison" and "everyone minimizes" are both very popular story lines among the people "who understand sex offenders and/or criminals" but I find that to be so lame and boring. I don't know how true those are but I have personally met a lot of people who said they were guilty and were very forthright about what they had done. I'm one of those people. People who automatically assume that a person is not telling the "whole story" are lazy.

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Jan 29, 2013 4:55:12 PM

Erika (Jan 29, 2013 3:48:34 PM):

I don't have the energy to try to explain this all to you in a way that you could understand. Just please try to open your mind. I did not say that I did not commit ANY crime. I said that I pleaded guilty to a crime that I did not commit. The prosecution used what I did do as leverage to pretty much force me to plead to something I didn't do. I pleaded guilty to something much more serious than what I actually did (talking felony versus misdemeanors). The prosecution flat-out told me that if I accepted their deal, I would get penalties X (including 0 days jail time) and if I did not, I would get penalties probably 20X. It's that simple.

And they had no evidence that I had done what I pleaded to (because there was none) but it would not have surprised me at all to have been convicted of it at a trial. Because you don't really need much evidence, you know. It was a risk that no one suggested I take.

I didn't say that the criminal governments, criminal law enforcement, etc., etc., etc. were "out to get me" or whatever. Never said that. I have said that they are immoral criminals.

Putting all that aside, even if a person is 100% guilty of a sex crime, being listed on a Registry is the fault of government. People commit crimes, governments choose how to handle that. Our governments have chosen Registries and they have acted immorally, illegally, un-American, you name it. People listed on the Registries should treat them as enemies.

I am not going to get counseling for my anger. It has served me quite well for the duration that I have been on the Registries. I expect it will continue to do so in the future and I expect the only people it will continue to harm are the people who support the Registries, as it should.

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Jan 29, 2013 5:01:02 PM

FRT, i wrote an earlier response which got zapped somehow, but please seek counseling before your anger destroys you and likely hurts those around you.

And the reason why we do not believe you is that we are almost all attorneys here - we actually know what the law is and know that it is often extremely murky and there are rarely clear situations. The fact that you provide no details of your case - and won't even provide the state statute you were convicted under and what statute you claim you should have been convicted under speaks volumes. And what is says is that your story lacks veracity.

Posted by: Erika | Jan 31, 2013 10:31:18 AM

Erika --

Nailed it.

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jan 31, 2013 1:25:29 PM

Nailed it, huh? That's hilarious.

We know that people plead guilty to things that they didn't do. Bill and Ericka, you two just don't believe that I am one of those people. But the problem is that you have no reason not to believe that. You don't want to and that says something about you two.

What exactly did Ericka "nail" anyway? Saying that I said something that I didn't? Good job.

I didn't say that I would not state any statutes that I was charged with or pleaded to. Please explain exactly what that would show the genius attorneys here anyway. What you would see is nothing but a bunch of charges and that I pleaded guilty to something lesser than all of them. Please explain to all of us stupid non-attorneys exactly how that would tell you what crimes were or were not committed.

I have had great "anger" for almost the entire time that I have been Registered, well more than a decade. It has not harmed me, my family, or people close to me. Quite the contrary, it has made me very successful and harmed people who support the Registries. Those are two very large goals of mine that I work on every day. There are absolutely no reasons to believe that the future is going to occur any differently then the past. Again, quite the contrary, I am only getting more powerful and better at it.

I know, I know, you don't believe me. Good. I've known for quite a while that your grasp on reality is not as good as it should be. You have done me a favor by helping me understand that better.

Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Feb 3, 2013 3:54:46 PM

The notifications are a part of the Crime Victim's Rights Act (2004) passed by George W. Bush (retard). To me I think the whole idea was to get money back into the government. This is what I think. FBI or some federal child protection group sends out the letter (no charge for them), victim receives letter, goes to court, may or may not get restitution, if victim receives restitution in the amount of $100k+ the government will tax that as well as the money the lawyer is going to get from it. So basically the higher the restitution the higher taxes will be for that victim, who will probably spend it on things for themselves instead of getting therapy. So yes the notifications are causing the problem, but I don't think anyone has really questioned it before because law enforcement draws the attention away from that by claiming viewing the pictures of the victim "re-victimizes" them in a never ending cycle. No one has proved that and it sounds like a bunch of balogna to think so. What they are saying is equivalent to saying voodoo is real and no one even has to physically murder anyone they hate anymore..

Posted by: VeryStrange | Mar 21, 2013 11:00:58 AM

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January 20, 2014

Explaining why I am rooting so hard for "Amy" in Paroline

Oral argument in the fascinating Supreme Court case of Paroline v. United States now is just a couple of days away, and this new AP article provides effective background on the case while also helping to spotlight some reasons I am rooting hard for "Amy" and her advocates to prevail:

The case being argued at the Supreme Court on Wednesday involves a Texas man who pleaded guilty to having images of children engaged in sex acts on his computer. Doyle Randall Paroline is appealing an order holding him responsible for the full amount of losses, nearly $3.4 million, suffered by the woman known as Amy. Of the several hundred incriminating images on Paroline's computer, just two were of Amy. Advocates for child pornography victims say that holding defendants liable for the entire amount of losses better reflects the ongoing harm that victims suffer each time someone views the images online. The threat of a large financial judgment, coupled with a prison term, also might deter some people from looking at the images in the first place, the advocates say. Thirty-four states, dozens of victims' rights and child advocacy groups, local prosecutors and members of Congress are urging the court to uphold the ruling against Paroline by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. No one has intervened on Paroline's behalf. But his lawyer, Stanley Schneider of Houston, said in court papers that there is no link between the restitution ordered by the appeals court and Paroline's conduct. "An award of $3.4 million against an individual for possessing two images of child pornography is punitive and grossly disproportionate," Schneider said.... The Obama administration is trying to steer a middle course. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. said the government agrees with Amy that her injury comes from the widespread viewing on the Internet of the assaults by her uncle. "The real question is whether ... a court must impose all of Amy's aggregate losses on each defendant. On that issue, Amy and the government take different views," Verrilli told the court. The administration said the correct answer is greater than zero and less than the entire amount and said trial judges should make the determination.... Regardless of the outcome of the court case, Congress could change the law. The U.S. Sentencing Commission recommended that lawmakers consider doing just that to eliminate confusion among federal judges about the right way to calculate restitution.... Since 2005, there have been about 2,000 prosecutions in federal court that, like Paroline's, included images of the rapes, for which Amy's uncle spent about 10 years in prison and paid a few thousand dollars for counseling sessions for Amy.... Courts so far have awarded restitution in 182 cases and Amy has collected $1.6 million. Of that total, $1.2 million came from one man. Typically, the court-ordered awards and the amounts collected have been much smaller, as little as $50 in one case, according to Justice Department records. Many judges have ordered no payments at all, Marsh said. The restitution law does not allow Amy to receive more than the lifetime estimate of her losses, Marsh said. But until the 5th Circuit ruling, Marsh said, "She has been forced to go around the country endlessly seeking out defendants with assets. It's endless, and it takes a toll on the victim." If upheld, the ruling would change the equation. Courts would not have to determine exactly how much harm any one defendant caused Amy. Instead, all defendants would be liable for the entire outstanding amount, raising the possibility that a few well-heeled people among those convicted might contribute most, if not all, of the remaining restitution. Marsh said such an outcome would be just, and wealthy defendants could fight among themselves about who should pay what. "It's really about shifting the burden from the innocent victim to the people who are responsible," Marsh said.

Long-time readers know that I take a consequentialist view on most sentencing and punishment issues, and I strongly believe better consequences will prevail if all persons convicted of unlawfully downloading Amy's picture are all jointly liable for the full amount of her documented economic losses. As the AP article suggests, if Amy wins then only the richest porn downloaders will end up paying her the most money in restitution. But if DOJ's vague approach prevails, the richest porn downloaders will likely end up spending lots of money on lawyers in order to aggressively argue at sentencing that they should not have to pay much or any restitution to Amy or other victims.

More broadly, I actually think better consequences can and will ultimately prevail for future federal defendants convicted of unlawfully downloading child porn if Amy prevails in this case. This is because I think, in light of the instructions of 18 USC 3553(a), federal judges would in the future be fully justified (and arguably even required) to generally impose a shorter federal prison sentence on a child porn defendant if and whenever that defendant is to be held jointly liable for the full amount of documented economic losses. (Intriguingly, Doyle Randall Paroline himself got sentenced only to two years in prison, while the average downloader of child porn prosecuted in federal court these days gets a prison term of nearly a decade.)

In her reporting and commentary on this issue (noted here and here), Emily Bazelon has rightly suggested that having child porn downloaders pay for their crimes through full restitution award (rather than through very lengthy prison terms) makes for better outcomes not only for victims but also for society. As she has explained:

[J]oint and several liability ... works like this: Other victims following in Amys footsteps would target the rich child-pornography defendants. Then it would be up to those men to find the others who are also legally responsible. This would allow many more victims to recover than the alternative: The victims have to sue the defendants they can find one by one, while courts award restitution in what would probably be relatively small amounts. If the Justice Department is really worried about fairness, it could create a compensation fund defendants could pay into for the benefit of more victims. Money can make a huge difference for victims of sexual abuse. For Amy [and other like victims], it has meant access to counseling and a safety net when they have struggled with school and work, as they both have at times. Restitution makes far more sense than the enormously long prison sentences men often serve for collecting child pornography. Congress was right to see the value of restitution. The Supreme Court should too. And then lawmakers and judges should also recognize that the prison terms for possession of child pornography have become too harsh.

Because DOJ is not completely on Amy's side, and because some of the more conservative Justices have in the past expressed some constitutional concerns about some victims getting big awards in tort suits, I do not think it a certainty that Amy will prevail in this matter. But because this is technically a statutory interpretation case, and because the briefs on Amy's side have done such an effective job highlighting reasons to think Congress would want Amy to prevail in this battle of equities, I think she has a pretty good chance to prevail.

A few (of many) prior posts on Paroline and child porn restitution issues:

January 20, 2014 at 05:40 PM | Permalink

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Comments

Isn't this a change in your position Dough? I recall a lengthy post a while back on this issue in which you argued for expropriate causation in these types of cases. What gives?

Posted by: justme | Jan 20, 2014 7:40:19 PM

The issue in this case, it seems to me, is whether the 8th Amendment imposes any restriction on the common-law joint and several liability.

In this case, it seems to me, liability is clear--he definitely harmed the victim. That fixing of liability was done in a criminal trial or guilty plea. So, the only issue is whether the 8th Amendment imposes a substantive restriction of when seriatim harms can be lumped together.

Posted by: federalist | Jan 20, 2014 8:38:24 PM

The theory sounds good.

But in practice, it looks to me like it'll just pile on bankruptcy and permanent insolvency to everything else thrown at those sorry bastards.

Posted by: Pete | Jan 20, 2014 8:44:34 PM

I have always been iffy about the causal link between the downloading and harm to Amy (e.g., if I were to download the offending pics now, would her harm increase?) But if that link is considered sufficient for any restitution liability under the statute, I think the best "remedy" is full restitution in all cases.

In addition, Pete, I do not think bankruptcy and permanent insolvency is really in play: my understanding is that judges can and will create payment schedules for restitution to prevent offenders with limited means from having to pay every last dollar to restitution.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jan 20, 2014 8:54:06 PM

Doug,

With all due respect, I think it absurd to impose $3.2 million of liability on a single defendant for collecting two images, when if that were the only defendant, we could not possibly say he had cause $3.2 million of harm (because the harm would have been that of a single person seeing two images). This type of joint liability is unlike anything anywhere. To view these crimes as joint is almost as absurd as saying that if a person lives in a bad neighborhood and is robbed a dozen times, each robber should be liable for what the other took. These crimes are disconnected in space and time, and the joint criminals don't know each other.

To me, the push for joint and entire liability is part of the trend to do everything possible to destroy the lives of those convicted of looking at images. It's about bending notions of joint liability (beyond recognition) so as to achieve a desired goal, whatever the cost. It is quixotic of you to suppose that sentences would ever decrease if monetary liability increased. Instead, what will now occur is that these defendants, who can never earn much income anyways, will be guaranteed perpetual penury once they've left decades of prison.

AO

Posted by: AnonymousOne | Jan 20, 2014 9:44:33 PM

Doug:

I hope you are ready to pay billions of dollars in damages to the descendents of slaves based on your reasoning, even if your ancestors came from other countries in the 20th century.

Many defendents claim they did not "knowingly" download CP images when they down-loaded from the internet (say such as a site like SSRN that may have been corrupted).

If they "paid" for CP images, throw the book at them. If there is no evidence that they knowingly did as you suspect, do not throw the book at them. Please explain the reasons for the differences in outcome for receipt, possession and distribution. They are basically prosecutorial "gotchas", and you complain about the uneven, overly powerful distribution of powers given to prosecutors.

AO's position above make 100 times more sense than yours. You are asking the Justice system to be fair, just and have reasonable mercy when the circumstances present themselves and Congress to pass reasonable laws. It is easier to crap gold.

Links can be hijacked, just ask the NSA.

Posted by: albeed | Jan 20, 2014 10:10:30 PM

Doug:

One further comment:

You seem to be against the death penalty. Why don't you just stick a knife in Paroline and end his misery. Any life he has or would possibly have is over.

The DP would be more merciful!

Posted by: albeed | Jan 20, 2014 10:19:11 PM

Could Paroline try an equal protection challenge? He is treated differently under the same statute only because he was previously more successful in terms of income.

The hot and dry climate sizzles with unintended consequences. See for example The First 48 Makes Millions Off Imprisoning Innocents. A little bit reminiscent of its cousin To Catch a Predator that helped fan the flames of extremism. The climate is what makes it relevant. While well intended, this restitution law also burns with unintended consequences. Somebody has to put the put out the fire sometime or trial by media will burn the Bill of Rights.

Posted by: George | Jan 20, 2014 11:34:37 PM

Doug:

Do you make that post to just be controversial? Your essential argument is that its better to be a slave than in prison. It will be the rich who will be able to buy their way out of prison, making my point that once again despite all the feminist claims to the contrary that such restitution laws are merely an approval of child prostitution in disguise. The only debate is whether the prostitute is going to get paid upfront or after the fact. The rich have more money so they can afford to pay while the poor will be cast in the modern mines, which is life-long debt.

This type of "solution" shouldn't be shocking to anyone since it is what we have done with student loans and education. But it reveals not only the financial bankruptcy of this country but its moral bankruptcy as well.

Posted by: Daniel | Jan 21, 2014 12:34:55 AM

Albeed: if the defendant did not know he received or possessed CP, he is not guilty of the federal offense. Prosecutors have to prove BRD knowing possession or receipt, and folks can and have been acquitted when claiming they only accidentally came in to possession of CP. (In addition, if he would rather be dead, he can take his own life. Notably, more than a few CP offenders do this after getting caught.)

AO: I think if the evidence is that only one person saw this, the damages to Amy is much less. This is like industry liability in the tort setting and the amicus briefs all suggest it is not all that unusual at all if the goal of Congress was to ensure full restitution to victims.

Daniel: Paroline and others would not be slaves but indentured servants only until Amy collects full restitution. I do think that is better for Amy and society AND offenders than if Paroline and others have to spend decades in prison. Consider the choice yourself: would you rather have to pay 10% of your earnings for an extra 5 years to Amy or instead have to spend those 5 years in prison? And if all those convicted in federal court of possessing Amy's picture were required to pay, the average actual total payment would end up being only a few thousand dollars. So the question really is would you rather be required to pay Amy $3000 or spend years in prison.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jan 21, 2014 6:48:33 AM

Doug:

"Consider the choice yourself: would you rather have to pay 10% of your earnings for an extra 5 years to Amy or instead have to spend those 5 years in prison?"

Five years in prison would not be so bad considering that 10% of 0 is still 0 and a life-long indebture.

There is something out of whack when you have to throw yourself at the mercy of a federal jury to prove your unknowingness versus having the feds prove your knowingness.

Posted by: albeed | Jan 21, 2014 7:37:14 AM

I find it beyond bizarre that someone who looks at one of these images could be forced to pay millions when the person who actually raped the girl pays nothing. My bet is that on average, the downloaders get more prison time that the men and women who rape these kids. As long as SCOTUS maintains proportionality, these penalties seem disproportionate.

And federalist, you know that the fixing of liability upon a plea is for knowingly downloading, not the liability that downloading caused the mental harm claimed by the victim.

Posted by: 312 | Jan 21, 2014 7:57:17 AM

albeed: the Feds do have to prove your knowingness to a jury BRD, and they typically can and do based on number of images downloaded, web searches for CP and chat room discussions.

312: you raise a good practical point, but SCOTUS has to apply the law and legislatures must deal with these practicalities. If prosecuted in federal court, the abuser would certainly also be fully liable for the full restitution amount. So too would be those who aided the making and distribution of the CP. I think an LWOP prison term would be disproportionate for this offense because contact offenders rarely get LWOP. But federal law clearly requires full restitution awards for contact offenders.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jan 21, 2014 10:16:28 AM

If a federal official downloaded the Amy recording, the government should be held jointly liable.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Jan 21, 2014 11:28:11 AM

shame on you doug!

"Prosecutors have to prove BRD knowing possession or receipt,"

this is a joke considering 90% + of all convictions is via plea bargain.

as for this!

"would you rather have to pay 10% of your earnings for an extra 5 years to Amy or instead have to spend those 5 years in prison? "

No I would sooner put a bullet through the brains of both amy and her con artist lawyer and maybe a few of the judges who are going along with this theft.

Posted by: rodsmith | Jan 21, 2014 1:04:53 PM

Doug:

You can draw a distinction between "slavery" and "indentured servitude" if you would like. I think it is a theoretical distinction without a practical difference in this case. The reality is that convicted pedophiles are (a) de facto employable in nothing more than the most basic occupations and (b) the award amounts are so huge that (c) practically speaking they will have a life-long sentences in indentured servitude. And a life-long sentence in indentured servitude is only slavery under a polite name.



"would you rather have to pay 10% of your earnings for an extra 5 years to Amy or instead have to spend those 5 years in prison? And if all those convicted in federal court of possessing Amy's picture were required to pay"

This is a morally bankrupt question to begin with because it should never by the criminal's place to choose. The people who make the rules should be bearing the cost of enforcing the rules. People seem to be engaged in willful blindness about this truth. If Party A has the the power to both make the rules and then impose the costs of enforcing those rules onto Party B that is slavery. Pure and simple. The fundamental moral objection to slavery isn't that it involves whips and chain to people of color. It's that slavery is an abuse of power. It is despotism.

Any excuse will serve a tyrant. In the 1800s in was blacks. In the 1940s it was Asians. At the turn of the century it is pedophiles. Your essential argument Doug is that if evil can't be fully defeated it should be fully capitulated to. Rubbish.



Posted by: Daniel | Jan 21, 2014 3:39:29 PM

I just ran some calculations.

Assume an award of 3.5 million dollars. Assume the minimum wage of $7.5. Assume a full time job @ 2000 hours. It would require one person 233 years to pay off that award. Now, I do not know exactly how many people have been convinced with this specific person's pictures. My impression from the documents is that it is less a dozen, round it off to ten to make the numbers easier. That means each person convicted would have to work 23 years at minimum wage just to pay their share. To get to anything close to five years of restitution vs five years of prison there would have to be 46 convictions. I do not think that is anywhere close to true.

That's the optimistic solution. Because in truth many of those people are going to come out of prison, go on welfare, and not have any incentive to find work because any free money is going to go to someone else. So the only people who will pay restitution as a practical matter are those who have assets, homes, cars, etc.

I'll stand by my remarks. These laws are just child prostitution aided and abetted by the legal system to make all the parties feel better about the process.

Posted by: Daniel | Jan 21, 2014 3:56:31 PM

From a purely torts perspective, what about intervening causation? Amy and other fellow victims have to choose to be notified by the Department of Justice when images are found on a computer. Some families opt not to know.

Also, restitution under the MVRA is mandatory and imposed regardless of ability to pay. Joint and several restitution with large awards have a real and counterproductive impact on inmates and those on sueprvised release that is counter-productive to prosocial behavior, continued reporting and registration and successful re-integration into society. That being said, victims like Amy deserve all of the counseling and other support they need, so this is a complicated issue for indigent defendants and the courts.

Posted by: defendergirl | Jan 21, 2014 4:48:10 PM

Doug, could you maybe highlight a specific amicus brief or page reference in the gov't briefing that draws out the analogy to what you refer to as above as "industry liability in the tort setting"? If that's a reference to the line of tort cases I'm thinking of (Sindell v. Abbott Labs etc.), it strikes me as a quite weak analogy to the result being sought here, but perhaps I'm just not thinking of the same line of tort cases you are.

Posted by: JWB | Jan 21, 2014 4:51:47 PM

Daniel, did you read about this case as posted above before running your numbers? The article reports that "since 2005, there have been about 2,000 prosecutions in federal court that, like Paroline's, included images of the rapes, for which Amy's uncle spent about 10 years in prison and paid a few thousand dollars for counseling sessions for Amy.... Courts so far have awarded restitution in 182 cases and Amy has collected $1.6 million. Of that total, $1.2 million came from one man."

So, let's do the REAL math here based on real numbers: $3.5million / 2000 = $1750 per offender (OR roughly $30 each month for 5 years). Plus, given restitution already secured, the real number really now for Amy/Paroline is $2million / 2000 = $1000 per offender OR about 50 cents each day. So Paroline has to get a small rather than a large coffee for five years. I do not think this is "slavery" or "indentured servitude" or as bad as spending 5 years in prison.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jan 21, 2014 5:15:42 PM

To answer your inquiry, JWB, I think pp. 19 to 25 of the US brief covers the "aggregate causation" concept effectively and at length.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jan 21, 2014 6:35:49 PM

I may be a knave, but if you take this decision to its logical conclusion, wouldn't EVERY case that involves a victim be subject to this criminal court-sanctioned restitution that civil court would normally entail? A statutory rape victim, for instance, could claim millions of dollars in criminal restitution. Certainly, the nexus of the crime is certainly more direct, and not arbitrarily held to a standard that gives millions of dollars to attorneys rather that actual damage payments.

Well, I'm speaking a bit soon. This process is on the way.



Posted by: Eric Knight | Jan 21, 2014 6:38:30 PM

Culpability should definitely be at the heart of internet downloading of child porn. There are definitely different level of culpability now that the internet is being used for the transport of these files. If you download from a pay site, you know what you are getting when you sign up. If you are using a file share program, especially when Limewire was up, you didn't know for sure what was going to show up on your computer until it was there. I think Todd Stabenow has addressed that issue in regard to child pornography.

As far as restitution how much is for attorneys and how much if really for counseling? I agree that these victims need counseling because of what the abuser did, but the abuser should be paying that, plus plenty of time in prison. But that doesn't work very well either, does it? A prisoner really can't pay much restitution as long as he is incarcerated. I know that the victims have to sign up to be notified, but how do you ever move from victim to survivor if you are constantly reminded that the images are out there. At what point is the notification the re-victimization to the victim, rather than the mere downloading or viewing of the image from 20 years ago that prosecutors try to push?

Posted by: Jill | Jan 21, 2014 6:46:51 PM

The "desired" outcome is a lawyer's wet dream... hold one person fully responsible for the "millions" of dollars in damage, and have him either pay it, or more likely, sue other offenders to help him pay it, thus creating more jobs for the lawyers. I think SC would call this "Rent-seeking." Its a litigious nightmare with no end in sight, that doesn't bring the victims any closer to being whole, or getting money they are due.



I don't argue that defendants shouldn't be held responsible, but there should be some uniformity in who pays what; perhaps make it proportional to the amount of incriminating photos/videos? I don't know. A solution that makes sense, and one I've surely voiced here in one of the very few previous posts is this:

Create a Victim's Fund of some sorts, administrated by ANYONE but Ernie Allen at NCMEC, and as part of the sentence, order the offender to pay "restitution" directly to the fund. The monies would then be disbursed to the victims as needed. They are already forced to prove the monetary damage they have already, or will eventual incur, so this changes nothing on the victim's end instead of constantly fighting day after day in court after court all around the country for what is, I feel, rightfully owed them. And perhaps the pouring of salt into the wounds that is the repeated notifications they get when yet another defendant is found to have their photos, could end as well.

Posted by: Brian G. | Jan 21, 2014 7:16:30 PM

But the gov't (whose brief I have now skimmed) seems to think that its theory on causation (notably long on cites to treatises and short on cites to decided real-world cases) doesn't get you to joint-and-several liability. Maybe this is what you meant by its position being vague? I haven't been following this issue, but the gov't's brief reads like they're engaged in the thankless task of proposing a seemingly moderate/reasonable/avoiding-extremes-at-both-ends application for a poorly-crafted statute.

Posted by: JWB | Jan 21, 2014 7:41:43 PM

I know how to handle this. My kids will be millionaires by being "victims".

On my deathbed, I will post some bathtub photos of them when they were infants on the internet. You might even be able to see a little of their bottoms. Anyone who downloads will have to pay them for "damages".

How can we solve this problem when we cannot even come up with a working definition of CP. Like the judge said, I can't define pornography but I know it when I see it.

To the feds, everything is pornographic, when they want it to be.

Posted by: albeed | Jan 21, 2014 8:17:45 PM

Doug.

You seem to think you are contradicting me when your remarks prove my point. $1.2 million out of 1.6 million /collected/ came from one man. Which means that out of the other 400K on average she collected $20 in total from each offender. But she didn't actually collect $20 in total from each offender. Most offenders paid her nothing at all. Rather it is the offenders with assets she is collecting from, not wages earners. This is why such calculations as $30 a month are ridiculous; such remarks are a good example of using an average without considering the variation. 75% of the money already /collected/ came from one man and yet mystically the rest of the money /collected/ is going to be averaged. That's preposterous. You remain fixated on math that does not reflect reality. That's my point.

BTW, I do not want anyone to misunderstand the nature of my objections. When viewed as payment for services rendered $3.6 million dollars is not outrageously unfair compensation in the present economic situation. Many well-known adult porn stars make in the million of dollars and I fail to see why a (presumably) well-known child porn star should make any less. I say presumably well-known because if they have caught 2000 people with her pictures I would assume there are many more who have not been caught. My objection is the hypocrisy in it all. we should be honest as a culture about what we are doing instead of gussying it up with fancy words like "justice" and "restitution".





Posted by: Doug | Jan 22, 2014 12:52:00 AM

The poster ignores that the government's definition of child porn can include non-nude,non-sex, photos of a 17 year old, such as in a sexting case, a prosecution can convince that the photos or lewd or lascivious. Yes its more like a copyright violation as well as a criminal matter, but a few photos should not render that high, is the victim "profiting" from being a victim or being "compensated", clearly the latter BUT suppose in a sexting case what compensation can render amongst teenagers, similary there was an episode on dr phil where he told a teenager that she could face child porn charges for posting private photos, clearly not her being molested (the victim), but sexual photos in which the victim blamed her lose on a pageant, clearly it should be illegal many would agree.

While viewing and possessing photos should be against the law, a clearer standard needs to be done, in addition, a judgement per photo, raises questions, multiple photos in the same area, vs a 1 hr video, can 3-4 photos and a more brutal 10min video be more damaging.

A blanket definition of children as well as the quantity rather than what's taken place in the photos should not be allowed in assessing damages.

Posted by: Kris | Jan 22, 2014 2:30:23 AM

May I also add if a child or teen is executed,amputated,etc should the photos and videos be illegal? Some may say theres no comparison to sex crimes, but remember the blanket and broad definition of child porn, can include 17 years olds sharing nude photos, as well as child modeling in suggestive poses which some would argue should be illegal to a higher punishment but not as much as an actual molestation.

Posted by: Kris | Jan 22, 2014 2:32:34 AM

Doug who makes point about numbers et al.: I did the average math to highlight that poor offenders will not get stuck with an actual multi-million dollar lifetime liability. Rather, already rich folks will end up paying the bulk of the award. And at issue practically is whether Amy should have to chase down the rich CP downloaders herself OR instead get a full award in each case so that the defendant have an economic reason to point to the rich offenders to pay the bulk of the restitution.

As others here suggest, some kind of statutory fixed $$ punishment that goes into a restitution fund administered by the govt would likely be the best way to handle these competing issue. But until Congress creates such a scheme, I am rooting for Amy to win based on the law and practical consequences now in place.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jan 22, 2014 7:23:04 AM

"But until Congress creates such a scheme, I am rooting for Amy to win based on the law and practical consequences now in place."

That's OK Professor Berman. You are just exhibiting B. Otis syndrome and we all know and understand what that's like. I agree that AMY should be compensated for her abuse and subsequent mental, physical and spiritual disabilities and rehabilitation but the government's methods are unreasonable, irrational and probably violate many forgotten Amendments in the Bill of Rights (excessive fines?), but who really cares about those ANYMORE, only ignorant non-law practitioners?

There are NEVER anything like bad laws or "unfair" established judicial practices, like plea bargaining. You can't polish a t_rd so just take it as it is.

This is American Exceptionalism - deliberate disregard for "just a piece of paper"!

Posted by: albeed | Jan 22, 2014 9:31:49 AM

Doug writes, "I did the average math to highlight that poor offenders will not get stuck with an actual multi-million dollar lifetime liability."

Just because the poor offender doesn't have the assets to shell out $1.2 million doesn't mean that there are no consequences to the restitution order. There are real world consequences to such an order. For one, they serve as a disincentive to work which serves to make reintegration of offenders harder. As I said in one of my posts above, the point about the lack of liability rests of the false premise of conflating "slavery" with whips and chains because t is as much slavery to to be confined to one's public housing unit living off welfare without any hope in the world of being able to improve one's situation. In Doug's would view of noblesse oblige the poor offender is no longer "waiting around to die" in prison the poor offender is now waiting around for a rich person to get caught so the offender can get on with his life. Oy Vey. Remarkably, Doug considers this an improvement in the offender's situation. Maybe he should go to a public housing unit and live off of welfare for awhile. He might find he would prefer prison.

The truth is that behind all of Doug's rambling he simply finds the woman in this situation a sympathetic victim and the pedophile an icky perv.

Posted by: Daniel | Jan 22, 2014 1:17:26 PM

Doug,

I stand by my view that this form of liability is essentially unprecedented. In the context of mass torts committed by numerous companies, the analogy falls apart. Imagine a mom-and-pop store that produced toffee for only a single day, and released about a liter of pollution. Now imagine that store being held jointly liable for a billion dollars of damage caused by massive amounts of pollution by others. That is a proper analogy, and I doubt such liability has ever existed in the mass tort context.

You seem to suggest that it makes sense for the defendant, not Amy, to locate and seek contribution from other wrongdoers. But how? Only Amynot CP defendantsare notified of each new prosecution. And it would be somewhat difficult for CP defendants to spearhead nationwide litigation from jail cells.

To the extent one believes that Amy should recover millions of dollars from those who view images of someone committing a crime against her, the only sensible solution is a government-run restitution fund, with liability capped at some reasonable amount for each offender, representing his true share of liability. This is fairest, and also cuts out rent-seeking middlemen (i.e., plaintiffs attorneys).

AO

Posted by: AnonymousOne | Jan 22, 2014 1:24:29 PM

I stumbled upon this blog. I have so much to catch on. Recently in my State, a young 21 yrs old former college student pleaded guilty of distributing child-porn. ( source: http://nj.gov/oag/newsreleases14/pr20140117b.html) His family has made plea bargain with the State agreed to have him serve 3 years in prison and register with national sex offender registry. Arguably and personally, I don't believe his offense is severe enough to enter his profile permanently into national sex-offender registry according to this published guideline. ( http://www.njsp.org/spoff/so-offense-chart.html). Communal life is always going to be harder for those who neither have money nor have common sense and knowledge to seek protection from the over-reaching righteous party. Compare this young offender with Amy's uncle, justice served whose interest the most. I have to wonder about that.

Posted by: sye | Jan 22, 2014 2:39:56 PM

The principle in tort cited in the US brief is this (emphasis mine): When the conduct of two or more actors is so related to an event that their combined conduct, viewed as a whole, is a but-for cause of the event, and application of the but-for rule to each of them individually would absolve all of them, the conduct of each is a cause in fact of the event. But the italicized passages make it clear why it can't apply: There is no relation to a singular event (the harm is ongoing); and ignoring the aggregate harm rule would not absolve those who commit individual harms.

As for norms of "industry liability," they are, as far as I can tell from the briefing, not on. The case I see cited in one of the amicus briefs is Dobbs, Hall v. E.I. Du Pont

De Nemours & Co., Inc., 345 F. Supp. 353 (E.D.N.Y. 1972). But as noted in the brief, Dobbs concerned industries that were associated through, well, a trade association. Moreover, as a look at the case itself reveals, the harm at issue turned (among other things) on the existence of a "joint control of risk," which involved, at the very least, "adher[ance] to an industry-wide standard or custom." Id. at 37374.

This theory is poorly suited to extracting restitution from unrelated persons who independently engaged in downloads of images. The apt comparison isn't to industry liability. It's to the dude who illegally downloads a copy of a song he really likes, and finds himself liable not just for the copy he downloaded, but for every illegal copy of the song that's ever been downloaded. That is crazy.

Posted by: Michael Drake | Jan 22, 2014 3:59:41 PM

Daniel: I am not asserting that "there are no consequences to the restitution order," rather I am asserting that I think the various consequences of even a big restitution order for the victim, the offender and society are better than the are the various consequences of a decade-long prison sentence.

You are right that I have never had to live in public housing or in prison, and so I have no basis to compare the two. But I do know anyone in public housing who wants to go to prison can simply sell some crack to the "right people" and the feds will pay for all his moving expenses. Also, you sound a bit like Rand Paul when suggesting it is modern day slavery "to be confined to one's public housing unit living off welfare" --- I think Senator Paul claims he wants to end all these government programs because, in his view like yours, they perpetuate a modern form of slavery.

Ultimately, I agree 100% with AO's assertion that the "sensible solution is a government-run restitution fund, with liability capped at some reasonable amount for each offender." But at issue in the current case is how to apply existing law until Congress adopts this solution. Ironically, I think if Paroline or Amy win, Congress may be likely to respond this way. But the government now wants this run via the courts, rather than via congressional creation, and I do not think what Congress has enacted can be fairly read the way the government advocates.

Finally, I think your comparison, Michael Drake, is fitting, though needs to be tweaked to include the reality that the song itself is illegal AND the downloader is facing either being jointly liable for all the downloaded copies OR having to spend a decade in prison for seeking and downloading the song. I think having the downloader spend a decade in prison is even more crazy (and a lot more expensive for the taxpayer and a lot less helpful to the victim) than a big restitution award.

What is most telling about all of this is how when the punishment is liberty deprivation that does nothing for the victim, few seem to get all that worked up about how we punish the perv (e.g., there are folks serving LWOP merely for downloading CP and like possession offenses). But in this case, because the almighty $$ is the topic of discussion, crazy harsh punishments make people ask all these hard questions.

And this is why I am rooting for Amy: only when $$ is involved do people really seem to sit up and take notice of how extreme our modern scales of punishment has become.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jan 22, 2014 5:07:52 PM

"And this is why I am rooting for Amy: only when $$ is involved do people really seem to sit up and take notice of how extreme our modern scales of punishment has become."

Doug, I appreciate this sentiment, and hope you are correct. However, I fear that increases in restitution will not do a thing to decrease punishment.

Posted by: AnonymousOne | Jan 22, 2014 8:16:23 PM

Doug.

Two final thoughts.

(1) I agree with Rand Paul on part of the problem. Where we mostly disagree is on the solution. I think the real problem is not welfare itself but the lack of upward mobility. There is no incentive for people to get off welfare when 48 people own 50% of the wealth in the world.

(2) I understand your attentional point about money. The problem is that this solution creates worse problems that it solves. It turns everything into mercenary behavior. That's part of my objection to Rand Paul and Libertarianism in general. If the law is supposed to have a moral or ethical aspect, then money can never represent that aspect.

Posted by: Daniel | Jan 23, 2014 12:18:15 PM

Doug B., the hypothetical song-downloader is subject to statutory damages that are far, far higher than actual damages. To that extent, at least, his case maps onto both the restitutional and punitive aspects of the CP downloader case.

Posted by: Michael Drake | Jan 24, 2014 9:54:22 AM

Given the unprecedented liability, this will encourage more money laundering, shielding of assets, off the books income, which is never a good thing, also child porn can be of teenagers sexting, and folks neglect other issues.

For instance in Syria, a teenager was executed for making statements against islam, should viewing that video be a crime? What if amy was set on fire, amputated, or tortured but not sexually, folks would get off scott free viewing those videos?

One could argue that people would not like watching those videos as there's nothing sexual about it, but there are folks who may and should a religious muslim be sentenced to prison for possessing a torture video of a child (note in us law a child is under 18)?

Of course "child porn" is not necessarily, and I need to stress and repeat this in the legal sense very broad, including nude photos of teens in poses.

Any thoughts?

Posted by: Kris | Feb 18, 2014 5:01:45 AM

I am completely against this registration scam! Yes, I said scam, perpetrated by attorneys and others who profit from it. The men who have been convicted of possessing Amy's picture never met her, do not know anything about her and, most importantly, did not perpetrate her sexual abuse. Which, by the way, took place decades ago.

Ruling that anyone who is convicted of possessing said photos must be financially responsible for the losses and damages she suffered is akin to ruling that any time someone looks at a person, or a photographic reproduction of that person, who has been terribly disfigured in an accident makes the disfigured person

relive their disfigurement and the pain and humiliation of having others see it, and that person should have to pay for the victims losses! In this case only the person who caused the accident would be financially responsible. It is my belief that the wrong people are paying the bill!



Posted by: Margaret Moon | Apr 26, 2014 3:09:58 PM

Post a comment
 "Not just clemency, but smarter sentencing: Congress must act to make criminal justice more just" | Main | "What botched executions tell us about the death penalty" 

April 26, 2014

Will Congress fix (quickly? ever? wisely?) the "puzzle of paying Amy" after Paroline?

The questions in the title of this post is a by-product my reaction to the Supreme Court's work this week in Paroline (basics here) and draws from the title of this Slate essay by Eric Posner headlined "The Puzzle of Paying Amy: Congress has to fix the problem with restitution for child pornography victims that stumped the Supreme Court." The analysis of the Paroline issues in this article is effective (though I disagree with some of it), and I recommend a full read. Here are brief excerpts to set up the question in the title of this post, with a key issue and concern emphasized at the end:

The Violence Against Women Act provides for restitution for child pornography victims, so Amy sought payment from the people convicted of possessing her images. She proved that she had lost almost $3.4 million in therapy expenses and future income as a result of the abuse and the viewing of the images, but because of the collective nature of the wrongdoing that caused her harm, she could not prove how much of the loss could be attributed to any specific defendant. Doyle Randall Paroline was convicted of possessing two images of Amy. This weeks puzzle for the Supreme Court: How much should he have to pay her? Zero, three of the conservative justices argued in dissent Wednesday. All $3.4 million, argued Justice Sonia Sotomayor, also in dissent. Something, held the majority, in an opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy. The conservatives got the law right, Sotomayor got the morality right, and Kennedy  characteristically trying to have it both ways  created a muddle.... The problems with Kennedys and Sotomayors approaches stem from the same source: When Congress drafted the provision about restitution in the Violence Against Women Act, it thought about traditional types of harms  when one person directly injures another  and not the unusual collective injury in this case. Thats why the justices efforts to twist the statutory language lead to unfair and bizarre outcomes. Congress created this mess, and only Congress can fix it. Every person who is convicted of child pornography should pay a large fine into a government trust. The fine would be tailored to the wealth of the defendant and the magnitude of his wrongdoing. Then this fund would be used to compensate all the identified victims of child pornography, who would share it in proportion to the severity of their injuries. That way, not Kennedys or Sotomayors, lies fairness.

Two quick responses right away, with a lot more to write on this topic in the days and weeks and months ahead:

1. Ironically, the basic substantive proposal for a statutory Paroline fix emphasized above is, in many significant respects, really something of a variation of the new judicial restitution doctrine functionally embraced/created by the Paroline court through Justice Kennedy's majority opinion, though it changes the key sentencing term a fine rather than restitution and would presumably require every CP defendant to pay rather than just the (vast majority of) defendants who have a picture of an identified victim.

Consequentially, I believe DOJ can (and should) on its own operationalize the post-Paroline restitution sentencing process somewhat along the lines Posner suggests: DOJ could (and should) announce formal guidelines concerning the amount of restitution it will request in each CP downloading case involving Amy (or Vicky or other victims) based on the the wealth of the defendant and the magnitude of his wrongdoing (with some reference to factors mentioned by the Paroline majority). With such a restitution schedule created, Amy and other victims can reasonably expect DOJ will be mostly responsible for making sure she and other identified victims collects restitution reasonably efficiently and effectively without actually requiring these victims and their lawyers to be actively involved in every CP case.

2. Though there are lots of good reasons to contend that Congress should try to fix Paroline in some way via statutory reform, the fact that some (many? most?) proposals for such reform may look similar to the new judicial restitution doctrine functionally embraced/created by the Paroline court, I am not at all confident that Congress will get around to enacting a wise statutory fix anytime soon. If the statutory interpretation proposed by CJ Roberts in dissent, which concluded Amy and other victims get nothing based on the existing statute, then I suspect even our divided/dysfunctional Congress would have gotten a lot of pressure from both victims and DOJ to enact a statutory fix. But with the split-the-difference outcome (which was urged by DOJ) now the new post-Paroline status quo, I am not at all confident there will be the same momentum to push Congress to act.

Notably, one of Amy's lawyer, Professor Paul Cassell, has been talking up a legislative fix in posts here and here at The Volokh Conspiracy since Paroline was handed down. In the first of these posts he states that he and "crime victims advocates around the country ... intend to take up with Congress the cause of Amy and the many other child pornography victims who suffer real, quantifiable losses from these serious crimes." Because Paul and other "crime victims groups can be very effective advocates, I certainly believe it may be possible that Congress will respond in some way after Paroline. But if (when?) the Justice Department is disinclined to join the call for statutory reform, I would predict that the post-Paroline status quo is could stay in place for some time.

A few (of many) prior posts on Paroline and child porn restitution issues:

April 26, 2014 at 12:14 PM | Permalink

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Doug.

I agree with point #2. Nevertheless, Congress is political and they may feel the need to be "doing something" to placate their supporters especially in an election year...so who knows...time will tell on that score.

At a philosophical level I have serious disagreements with point #1. Your comments seem to endorse the idea expressed in the article of "collective injury" which is indiscernible from collective guilt. Collective guilt is simply not the way that our justice system has ever worked. It poses significant problems both at the moral and practical level...in fact there is no major religious or moral tradition that endorses collective guilt. I could get long-winded here but I will not--I will simply say that I strongly disagree with the premise.

The second issue I disagree with is the notion that an individual's wealth should make a difference in the fine or punishment they receive. This recent trend started in Finland with speeding tickets and has moved to England now too. In should stay in Europe. In my view it confounds two real and genuine problems that should not be confounded. Income inequality is a problem. Just punishment is a problem. They have nothing to do with each other. Criminal justice should not be a mode of wealth distribution--the long term effects are pernicious, it is easily abused, and it is fundamentally incompatible with any notion of merit. Just punishment begins with the idea that a punishment is in proportion to the /crime/ not the idea that punishment is in proportion to the resources of the /criminal/.

Posted by: Daniel | Apr 26, 2014 12:59:50 PM

Are you against all financial crininal punishments, Daniel, including forfeiture and restitution? Necessarily, these punishments end up having a wealth distribution effect, even if that is neither their goal or how they are designed.

I would especially like to challenge your points even with respect to fines with a focus on another arguably collective crime, namely drunk driving. Would you be comfortable if the punishment for first offense drunk driving was $1000 if nobody was physically harmed and no property damages, $10,000 if any property was damaged, $100,000 if a person was hurt, and $1,000,000 if someone was killed? I am trying to make the fine/punishment proportional to the crime, and I wonder if you think doing it like this does the trick and would be appropriate for a legislature eager to deter DUI and also eager to avoid wasteful incarceration resources on a crime like this.

Posted by: Doug B. | Apr 26, 2014 1:14:55 PM

Daniel effectively brought out points that essentially funnel down to one conclusion: criminal sentencing cannot provide for an efficient mechanism for determining exact compensation. This is what CIVIL courts are for. Such courts are set up to provide damages commensurate with all factors, and include lower jury threshholds of liability than criminal court (typically 3/4 of the jury). Criminal courts determine the punishment and rehabilitation/reintegration components of a sentence.

The only reason the criminal court is involved with restitution with regard to child pornography is that sex offenders represent a different, post-constitutional offender whose punishments can be determined by emotion more than fact. Ironically, registration is a "civil" manner, which should be the court for monetary compensation, but instead is used to mandate a criminally-liable sanction, along with its inevitable residency, technological, and travel restrictions against the offender backed with 3rd-strike-level criminal punishments.

Posted by: Eric Knight | Apr 26, 2014 1:19:20 PM

Doug.

My objection is grounded in a theory of power, not economics. I believe that the only proper way to determine a just punishment for a crime is to evaluate the nature of the crime in isolation from the characteristics of both the defendant and the victim, an inspiration I take from Matthew 6:3. So it follows that I disagree with all pleas for sympathy from both sides that occur at capital trials but I disagree in more mundane areas as well. For example, my state imposes increasing fines from increasing deltas over the speed limit--that makes sense to me because the faster the speeder the more dangerous the speeder is. What disgusts me is that almost every dollar of those fines are pre-allocated: there is an amount set aside for court computers, an amount set aside for blind education, and amount set aside for workers comp fund etc. None of these things have anything to do with the nature of the crime committed (unless the speeder was a blind disabled worker hauling a court computer in their car).

It is not a coincidence that excessive fine clause appears alongside the ban on cruel and unusual punishments. The goal of the 8A is to limit the government's power to punish and the Founders rightly rejected the "well, it's just money" argument. Although Kennedy did not state it openly, my sense from the references to the 8A in the majority opinion is that they felt that the amount of money awarded to Amy was excessive. A concern that is not new to Kennedy as he is the one that struck down the death penalty for child rapists. There is a current majority on the court that is unwilling to buy into the "but..but...but THE CHILDREN" to justify the most extravagant of government abuses. Any excuse will serve a tyrant and "the children" or "sex crimes" is just the latest excuse.

Therefore I am not opposed to forfeiture or fines in the abstract yet it necessarily follows there has to be some theory as to how the government's power to punish is to be limited. My own concern is that considerations of the characteristics of the defendant or the victim are in fact back door efforts to undo the limitations imposed by the 8A. The Founders were so concerned about prior abuses of the government's ability to punish they devoted an entire amendment to it. We shouldn't palter with that legacy.

Posted by: Daniel | Apr 26, 2014 3:26:39 PM

1) I am going to confess to downloading from Youtube, 1) an Al Qaeda clip of killing an American soldier from a distance, with patriotic music; 2) a clip of a knockout game victim; 3) a Mexican gang member beheading a woman accused of stealing with a kitchen knife.

Each depicts a crime. Should I be fined? Should I owe any money to the estates of the victims?

2) The prohibition of child porn downloading is associated with higher rates of real world child sexual abuse, say 30%. Should a victim of child abuse file a Federal Torts Claim against the government for increasing his chance of being victimized?

3) Obviously, Amy may have been traumatized by the violent sexual abuse by her uncle. That real experience may comprise 90% of the cause of any PTSD symptoms. Judge Cassell is now saying, she was also traumatized by the knowledge that someone else got sexual pleasure from viewing that trauma. Compared to the original trauma, how bad was that traumatic knowledge. If she learned about the viewing from the Federal Victim Notification System, how responsible were they for her foreseeable distress from the knowledge? Should Paroline have filed a cross claim against the Notification System for negligent notification? The Victim Notification System is automated, meaning messages are generated by computer and sent out automatically. If the information is traumatizing, is this negligent computerization?

4) Paroline appears to be a witch hunt via a trivial gotcha of the productive male by feminist lawyers, and their male running dogs. You have one picture of child sex abuse, you owe a $million, and the lawyer ends up with the lion's share.

5) Is the compensation like a tort settlement? Did Judge Cassell properly inform Amy she could not deduct his expenses from the taxable portion of her settlement, and that she could potentially end up owing money to the IRS, greater than any she may have collected? If he failed to do so, shouldn't that lawyer deception make him responsible for her excessive tax liability? Example. She collects $million. It is fully taxable, perhaps up to $500,000. Prior to getting her hands on any money, the lawyer has deducted $400,000 in expenses, then a third of the remaining $600,000 for his contingency pay. That leaves the plaintiff with $400,000 in cash but a $500,000 tax debt.

Here is the tax code:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/104

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Apr 26, 2014 5:09:48 PM

Crime victims were being photographed in the very act of their victimization by the Germans at death camps. Other Nazi perps get enjoyment looking at the photos of the starved, gassed, dead bodies. The Holocaust Museum has those same photos. Millions of people around the world have those photos. Are all of the owners of the photos criminals? By the logic of Carolyn or Parolyn or however you spell it, yes.

Posted by: Liberty1st | Apr 26, 2014 8:53:41 PM

personally I think the almost 1,000,000 people on the illegal registry and their 2 or 3 million family should pool their money and create an autopay hit list. "x amount for each confirmed kill of a congress critter and x amount for each confirmed kill of a judge as well as x amount for each confirmed kill of the 1,000's of hatefilled assholes who work for the media."

I'd be willing to bet that once less than 5% of the possible federal lvl targets are down. these laws would be done. as those chicken shits fell over themselves repealing them in the hope the attacks stop.

Posted by: rodsmith | Apr 26, 2014 11:50:57 PM

Doug,

I know you like to have an unmoderated and free-wheeling comments policy. One or more of these comments is treading on dangerous ground. Please start exercising a tiny modicum of managerial discretion. At least as to the potentially criminally actionable garbage passing as opinion.

I'm not even going to bother with my thoughts on the issue raised in this post. You are allowing lunacy to drive away cogent debate.

Posted by: Wayne-O | Apr 27, 2014 12:45:06 AM

The point regarding brutal photos and videos of folks being killed or tortured even if they are teenagers has a point,

By contrast, a non-nude photo of a teenager in a "Suggestive pose" could under certain circumstances be considered child pornography, or "sexting".

While I am not saying that child porn should be legal(note of course "child" can be defined legally in a different way or porn as scalia says he knows it when he sees it), the criminalization of it with its justification and distribution theory that folks who view it or likely to commit the actual offense and need to be locked up for decades and pay lots of money in net worth, while ignoring other violent photos or videos doesn't pass muster.

If there was a video of amy being amputated or held in a nazi torture camp, would advocates want laws treating material like child porn? Obviously one could make the argument that folks won't be sexually attracted to their desires, however there are folks who are masochistic in that sense who could kill children in that fashion, hence the idea that a murder of a child sparks more sex crime laws, and of course islamic jihadist watching a video of a teen getting killed for making of the religion allegedly.

Unfortunately, this debate in unlikely to get much attention in our congress, public, and probably even the courts but it should.

Posted by: alex | Apr 27, 2014 5:28:07 AM

Wayne-O.

The Supreme Court has protected speech that you deplore in Schenk (1919), and clarified their rule in Brandenburg (1969).

Eugene Volokh considered his blog to be private property, like a diner pparty at your home. He reserved the right to expel anyone, to delete any comment. Again, another lawyer fiction. You cannot have a dinner party at your home if a billion internet users are invited, i.e. open to the world, running profitable advertising. One may have a private forum oipen to seleced participants, but his blog was not one of those.

I did not sue Volokh. If I had, I would claim he ran a public accommodation, and the regulation of speech applied accordingly, not like in a private home.

Although your comment was inappropriate, it was still welcome. Laws against downloading child porn may violate the First Amendment, the same as censorship of speech in a public forum. Free speech is a coin with 2 sides. There is a right to produce speech, the one familiar to most. There is a right to receive speech, one less well known. The downloading of depictions of other crimes as described above may be protected by the Free Speech Clause.

Just a little advice from high school debating. Name calling makes you look cheap and frustrated in the traverse. It is a kind of resignation, like knocking over your King in a hopeless chess position. The facts abandoned the Left 100 years ago. All it has is personal attack. But when it comes to personal attacks, the Left dishes it out, and does a cry baby act if it receives any. I blame the lawyers. All PC is case.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Apr 27, 2014 6:08:30 AM

The talk of a hit-list, Wayne-O, does make me very uncomfortable. But I think the expressions of lunacy are a telling indication of the frustration and anger that a lot of criminal laws help produce. That is one, of many, reasons why I do not moderate the comments.

That said, if you believe any comment here or elsewhere is illegal, I will take that comment down immediately. I am not an expert concerning what speech is or is not illegal, so I welcome guidance on this front.

Posted by: Doug B. | Apr 27, 2014 8:02:02 AM

"But I think the expressions of lunacy are a telling indication of the frustration and anger that a lot of criminal laws help produce."

Ironic. Lawyers, after just 1L, a slight amount of pressure and indoctrination, come to believe in mind reading, future forecasting. and that the standard of conduct should be set by a fictitious character. Why fictitious? Because these standards must be objective, of course.

Cuckoo. Cuckoo. Cuckoo. Ding.

This triumvirate of lawyer delusion is just the beginning of a list of hundreds of lawyer fictions, all imposed on the owners of the law, at the point of a gun, devoid of any other outside validation, save threat of government violence. When we say, government, we now mean, a wholly owned subsidiary of the criminal cult enterprise that is the lawyer profession, and that has totally infiltrated the three branches, making 99% of the policy.

One of the biggest fictions is that judges and prosecutors should be immune from tort liability. These incompetents, these careless, tortfeasors allow 90% of serious crime to go unanswered. When they have a guy, there is a high chance they have the wrong guy. Then they induce a false memory in him, and he confesses to a crime he did not do. Idiots.

Tort immunity justifies violence in formal logic if one believes the contra-positive of a true assertion must also be true. (A then B is true. Not B then not A must always be true. Tort liability is a substitute for violence is true. Then it is absolutely true that tort immunity justifies violence.)

Another relevant feminist lawyer fiction is that the downloading of child porn promotes child abuse. The opposite is true. The legalization of child porn has consistently been associated with substantial decreases of actual child sexual abuse, in real life. No mention that the biggest subscriber to child porn, and the biggest sponsor and subsidizer of child porn is, of course, the government itself. Without their vast government subscriptions, child porn production would likely go out of business. No defense lawyer has ever moved for e-discovery of prosecutor computers. As a result of these prosecutions, the number of child porn websites has exploded to 4 million, likely to try to get governments to subscribe.

Ironic. The feminist lawyer and its male running dogs has put the productive male on the hit list, and not a word of questioning from any lawyer. This is the business model of the Inquisition 2.0 being run by the vile feminist lawyer and its male running dogs. The 1.0 version lasted 700 years with its robust business model. It ended when French patriots beheaded or deported 10,000 high church officials during what the lawyer calls The Terror, but was really the ending of the Terror, out of love of their nation and liberty. Now we have courts resembling churches, judges wearing clerical robes, religious oaths, standing up and sitting. All we are missing are white powdered wigs to complete the Halloween party.)

Cuckoo. Cuckoo. Cuckoo. Ding.

Ironic. The purpose of the criminal law is Job One and Job Last for government, safety. Yet, only one lawyer here defended the safety of the public. He is driven out by personal remarks, and the lack of support, and the lack of condemnation of remarks impugning the morality of his family, by frustrated Left wing rent seeking members of the defense bar.

Ironic. It is illegal to threaten specific government officials. Yet, year after dreary year, these government incompetents allow the murder of 15,000. They do nothing about it. This number is dropping because of non legal developments, such as trauma care, dropping blood lead levels, or just neighborhood fashions. The government threatens to put people in a cage if they make a joke in an airport screening line. The government can threaten people. They cannot be threatened. These screenings are the biggest joke, when they miserably fail to detect smuggled weapons in quality testing, but grope buxom blondes in their underwear. They cost us $billions in worthless transfer of tax money to job market rejects.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Apr 27, 2014 9:30:52 AM

Mr. Claus: It is amazing to me to see you resort to the SAME TACTICS as the "feminist lawyer" you so routinely criticize. And I specifically mean citing case law that is not on point. Schenck (that's the correct spelling) was about distribution of leaflets urging young men to resist the draft with no reference, even implicit, to violence. Brandenburg was about a Klansman giving a speech in which, at most, a vague and implied call for violence occurred. Here we have a clear advocacy for the systematic murder of public officials. It's different and I know you know it's different.

Posted by: Wayne-O | Apr 27, 2014 11:37:23 AM

I think Prof. Berman pretty clearly cultivates this blog for purposes of media (and to some extent, judicial/academic) influence. He knows reporters, judges, etc, are not likely to even look at the comments, much less read them, and so doesn't spend much time worrying about them.

Posted by: Jay | Apr 27, 2014 11:49:36 AM

(I suspect also that seeing the non-stop nuttiness in the comment section provides a nice smug feeling of superiority for many readers, and perhaps the operator as well. I'm guessing SC is an attorney by day who finds the trolling a nice way to blow off steam.)

Posted by: Jay | Apr 27, 2014 11:55:26 AM

I actually wish, Jay, that the comments were less crazy and more substantive most of the time. But I am very disinclined to play censor and I do not have time to keep track of all the crazy talk while doing everything else I need to do.

Posted by: Doug B. | Apr 27, 2014 1:14:25 PM

Wayne-O.

This is from real life. I once reported a frustrated defense lawyer who during a trial stood in front of press microphones, and called for a mob to come, and to behead the Federal judge of his case. It was in the papers, across the country.

I know that judges are fair game before and after a trial. What I did not know was that calling for a judge to be killed inside a tribunal was not only not a crime, it was not even a violation of that state's Rules of Conduct. Nothing, zero happened to that lawyer, not even a friendly letter asking for more temperate behavior.

Jay. It is a great source of frustration, embarrassment, and shame. Many people I meet, ask me, are you a lawyer? No one asks me if I am what I really am. I am not a lawyer. I love the lawyer, the rule of law, and I am the savior of the legal profession from the Medieval cult hierarchy now grasping it in its clutches. I am also an owner of the law, as you are. If the public is oppressed, the lawyer is double oppressed, and the regular working judge triply oppressed. You will thank me later when you are making 4 times your current salary, and are held in 10 times the public esteem, because what you do is so productive, beneficial, and plain wonderful.



Getting back to being nuts.

If you can, think about Paroline. A crime is committed, child rape. A depiction of it is sold. Someone buys it years after it took place. Now the buyer must pay the victim. Who is nuts here? The lawyers or the commentators?

OK. I will pay you $10 for pictures if you commit any crime, shoplifting, murder, robbing a liquor store, littering. Could I get you to do it if you did not want to? Now, here is the nutty part, I pay you $millions in government subscriptions to a series of videos depicting crimes. Now could I get you to do it? Say you run out of videos. You know, I will not renew and keep the $millions coming unless fresh ones are produced. Now, could the government get you to commit more crimes to keep the videos and the subscriptions going? Who has the bigger subornation of child sexual abuse, the government officials subscribing or Paroline?

Who is nuts here, the lawyers or the owners of the law commenting?

There is something worse than being nus, believing in supernatural doctrines, and making bone headed decisions. That is called bad faith. The underlying problem of these seemingly nutty decisions is not lawyer insanity. It is lawyer rent seeking. These are designed to make money, and not nutty in any way, once the rent seeking theory is understood. Rent seeking is a synonym for armed robbery, a crime by very slick, intelligent, respectable, seemingly pious middle class people.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Apr 27, 2014 3:20:58 PM

Prof. Berman.

Bill invited me over to Crime and Consequences, to bring news from earth to that blog. Kent said, you must change your tone. I said, I couldn't. He did not track me, read my comments, block me, nor delete comments. I was told I was not welcome, and never returned.

That is all it takes to end the comments. Whatever you decide, you have been hearing things from my high school education that you have never heard from any lawyer and that are appellate plea ready. You must also admit that I have been generous with innovative ideas as often for the defense as for the prosecution. And you must admit that their simplicity usually fully rebuts the standard lawyer points. Example, the exoneration rate. While appalling, the error rate is similar to that of any human enterprise, and compensation should be made available to the victims of lawyer carelessness, especially in the death penalty. (I agree with Bill, no one who has been executed could be shown to have been innocent.) The exoneration rate has no validity as an anti-death penalty argument unless one will abolish transportation, medicine, and all other human activities, each killing innocent people by the thousands.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Apr 27, 2014 3:31:10 PM

Actually Wayne-o we are will within our legal and constitution rights to threaten gov't agents to get their shit together. Hell the 2nd amendment proves it. That's one of the reasons it was placed in the constitution to begin with. This gov't was considered and experiment that had never been tried before and we didn't know if we would have to remove it if necessary.

as for creating a hit list! so what! I'm just following our gov't. They started it. Last time I looked they get their power from US. Therefore if they can make em! so can we. the police shoot 1,000's every year and kill 100's with no possible legal justification and little or no punishment. Our CIA kidnappes people off the street and lock them up for nonths or years even when they KNOW they have the wrong person with no punishment and the courts refuse to correct them. 3/4ths of the American public legally live in a 4th amendment free zone and don't even realize it and you have a problem with me?

and I'm the nut?

Posted by: rodsmith | Apr 27, 2014 4:02:15 PM

I'm sure you don't agree but as far as I'm concered when a senator passes a law and then announces on national ty that it's probably unconstitution but we'll let the courts sort it out.

As far as I'm concerned that gov't fuckup has just announced to the world that I'm just too damn stupid to live and someone should kill me now!

Posted by: rodsmith | Apr 27, 2014 4:04:14 PM

"But I think the expressions of lunacy are a telling indication of the frustration and anger that a lot of criminal laws help produce."

Such lunacy is counterproductive because it switches the debate from substance to form. This thread is a good example--the first handful of comments were substantive and then the thread was knocked off course into a debate about what is proper debate and has not nor ever is going to recover. My own point of view is that actions speak louder than words and the derailing of this thread was an intentional tactic but those who would rather not have a substantive discussion because doing so would reveal that the actually oppose what they fain to support.

Posted by: Daniel | Apr 27, 2014 6:13:01 PM

SC -- What kind of law do you practice IRL? I'm thinking you're probably in the immigration field; they have a keen sense of absurdity.

Posted by: Jay | Apr 27, 2014 6:37:18 PM

I will give you that one Daniel. the problem is that sooner or later those tired of the idiotic and patently illegal rules and laws and court decisions coming out of our useless gov't will eventually decide it's time to give up on the so-called election process and take a more direct hand in cleaning house. 1,000's of years of history prove this. hell the last few years of "arab summer" also prove it.

as for this

"My own point of view is that actions speak louder than words and the derailing of this thread was an intentional tactic but those who would rather not have a substantive discussion because doing so would reveal that the actually oppose what they fain to support."

the 100's if not 1,000's of retarded laws and court decsions and our do-nothing congress pretty much guarantees of substance will come out of them.

1,000's of lawyers have spent a decade or more trying to slow this criminal stupidity and it just get's farther out into the twilight zone with every new years set of illegal laws.

Posted by: rodsmith | Apr 27, 2014 9:23:47 PM

Daniel: In fairness to me, my first comment was completely about the posting, gonzo, and strange, perhaps, but completely relevant, in an appellate creative way. Each point could be the basis of an appellate debate.

Jay: I just love the lawyer and the rule of law. Not a lawyer. I would be personally destroyed by the hierarchy, perhaps even assassinated were I ever to challenge them at this fundamental level. Imagine taking away $trillion a year from a criminal cult enterprise, a Mafia, then excluding them from all policy positions in the government. The assassination would be stealthy, such as during a false resistance of arrest, but I would be gone.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Apr 27, 2014 10:11:16 PM

Wayne-O. The criminal cult enterprise has immunized itself. It is like a Mafia protection racket, with men with guns helping you pay your taxes if your try to refuse.

Is there any moral problem, when the Mafia comes around to local merchants demanding protection money, any moral problem in capturing, torturing, and sending their heads to the Cappo? Is there any room for negotiation for accommodation with the most powerful criminal enterprise in history, now in full control of the three branches of government of our empire class nation, or is there a duty to protect the constitution from their out of control insurrection? Can you think of an alternative to beheadings to end the Inquisition 1.0?

They are the cause of all serious crime, of 9/11, of the destruction of the family, of the siege on all institutions exerting moral authority in competition with the government, of the horrific morbidity of the economy. How much can you take before direct action is needed.

You may reply, elect other officials or run for office. Not a remedy. Officials who are not lawyers have staff who are lawyers and who draft all statutes to the advantage of lawyer rent seeking. There is no legal recourse.

Public pressure about jungle like crime statistics in the 1980's resulted in the mandatory guidelines. They worked, and I have acknowledged them as the greatest lawyer success of the Twentieth Century, a monumental achievement of dropping crime 40% across the board. What happened? Lawyer unemployment. So they had be reversed, with the charge led by ultra-conservative Justice Scalia. There is no difference between the parties when it comes to rent seeking.

No legal recourse, no one to go to, none.

During Stalin's reign, one could make a joke. If you do that in front of a TSA agent, you will get arrested. Not even jokes are allowed.

I have patience. You will let me know when you have had enough.

Naturally, my first comment contained appellate, constitutional problems with Paroline never even broached by the lawyers. You can only call people names in reply, and demand that dissent be silenced as an expression of insanity. I think you can do better.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Apr 27, 2014 10:28:03 PM

@Rodsmith

I agree with your reading of history. The question I ask myself is what am I supposed to do in the meantime? Spit into the wind? It may be that by trying to get the system to behave in a somewhat rational manner I'm only prolonging the death throes of an arteriosclerosic culture. It may be, as Doug B. has asserted, that tampering down the worst of the government's excess only makes it that much less likely that structural reform happens. What I can't forget, however, is that behind every name on a court case is a real human being who suffers and that but for the grace of God go I. So I'm not willing to throw the individual onto the funeral pyre of the collective. I do not simply ask myself what difference it makes to the world whether or not Paroline pays 10K or 50K or 3.4 million--I ask myself what difference it makes to Paroline himself. Justice is not simply an abstract quality--it has a personal dimension and it is this personal dimension that I think many people are all too eager to overlook as they obsess over the big picture.

Posted by: Daniel | Apr 27, 2014 11:29:45 PM

I agree with you Daniel. this is not some time of one mind collection. each and every individual in this country and the world have the same rights and needs. we need to remember that at all times. We have no right to strip anyone else of their rights or needs to boost ours. I agree you can't spit in the wind. you have to do what is right for the client in front of you. But at the same time you can't reward criminal actions on the part of the gov't. If they are cheating call them on it. if they then try and punish your client call them on that as well. we have the same problem with law enforcement today. Thanks for decades of "yes sir master" they pretty much expect it from anyone. Each time some one confronted with law enforcement trying to blow smoke up their ass with some illegal lieing bullshit that just accepts it makes it that much harder for the next person to look them in the face and say "just where did you pull that bit of lieing bullshit from?"

that especially goes for gov't. Sorry it was put here to serve us. Not the other way around. I have to laugh about lawyers and judges and politicians who talk about soverign imunity and state secrets doct. Sorry Your an employee. My employee you don't get immunity from me and you sure as hell don't get the right to keep something done in MY name secret from ME! Plus as my employee I reserve the right to remove you if you fail to do the job I set for you any way I have to. I deal with employes daily. I've had to fire 1,000's over the years. Most of them we have a talk and everything is nice and civilized. Others have had to use security or law enforcement to drag them off the client's property by their hair. needless to say if one was stupid enough to pull a weapon they would have been dropped. Not because I wanted to or liked it. But because they don't have the right to threaten mine or my client's other employees or myself.

Posted by: rodsmith | Apr 28, 2014 2:15:45 AM

While this proposal sounds reasonable, there are numerous problems with a DOJ led fine-based fund:

1. The VAWA law in question was passed in 1994. It wasn't until 2008 that anyone at DOJ or anywhere else bothered to request restitution for victims like Amy. That's why crime victims need representation in these cases. Criminals are guaranteed it, the government has it, while most crime victims do not. In the absence of any push by victims for restitution, the government has no incentive to request restitution, a fine, or anything else. Base on my experience with thousands of child pornography cases, DOJ rarely IF EVER requests even the statutory fine (and even fewer judges award it). This is despite the fact that year after year, the Attorney General's guidelines for federal prosecutors make victim restitution and victim rights a "high" priority for AUSAs in the field. They can request significant fines in every single child pornography case now. The AG wants them to do it. And it simply does not happen. I don't see how a fund or regulations are going to change that.

2. If the fund is such a good idea, why tie it to recoveries in individual cases (see point #1 above). There are a handful of victims now. If we really want to fully support these vulnerable victims, let's do what we do for foster children, the disabled, and the elderly; create a federal fund to support these child victims. If the government wants to recoup the money spent on this "fund," then they will have a good incentive--and probably the only real incentive--to seek fines in the first place. Let them take the "fund" money from the DOJ budget and there will be a clear motivation, without the need for one further directive, to recoup that money by any means possible, no regs required.

3. If a fund is created, victims need the ability to opt-in or opt-out. If they opt-out, then they need a workable system of restitution which only Congress can provide. DOJ had its chance (see #1 above) and they failed for almost 15 years. Democrat or Republican, a big government solution is not always the answer.

4. Finally there are serious constitutional problems with a fund. Given the current issues with restitution which are obvious from the Court's decision in Paroline, what will happen when one defendant is paying for the crimes of another defendant for victims he did not even possess or desire? I foresee years if not decades of further litigation based on Hughey and the Eighth Amendment and Due Process for a fund-based system supported by restitution-like "fines" in wide-ranging cases.

Once again if a fund is such a good idea, let's do what we do for other powerful constituencies. Whether it's corporate tax breaks, Social Security, or the military budget, if it's worth doing let's do it right. Why make child victims get in line behind everyone else for a DOJ dependent handout?

Posted by: JamesMarshLaw | Apr 28, 2014 9:44:01 PM

I am surprised to hear that DOJ had the power all along to request restitution for the victims but did not. Although I assume it was due to a lack of resources, which is understandable given how many of these cases there are, it leaves me skeptical that a government administered fund would work and/or effectively serve the best interests of the victims.

Posted by: Laura Bernstein | Apr 29, 2014 12:26:28 AM

In the first place, many of these defendents or their families will never have the means or resources to pay restitutions in these sorry cases and secondly why should they when they had no direct physical involvement in the attacks. Also take into account that many of these files have been circulating online for decades with no effort by the feds to shut down the websites promoting them or even prosecuting the many foreign and domestic sites involved in the mass distribution of this material. A common belief is that many if not most of these continuing prosecutions entail downloading and viewing offenses. Why is there also the perpetuation of the original crime by repeatedly re-victimizing the victims through the feds continual notification whenever new cases are filed. Why aren't or weren't the original perpetrators being punished monitarily originally? No amount of money will ever erase the mental damages that have been done to these victims while the continual reminders by the feds that yet another individual has downloaded their files continues and little appears to be done to reduce or eliminate access to these files in the first place.

Posted by: Why | Apr 29, 2014 6:14:35 PM

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July 22, 2016

"Possession, Child Pornography and Proportionality: Criminal Liability for Aggregate Harm Offenses"

The title of this post is the headline of this notable new article authored by Anthony Dillof and now available via SSRN. Here is the abstract:

Federal prosecution of individuals for possessing child pornography has risen steadily and dramatically over the last twenty years. As the number of prosecutions has increased, so have the penalties. Today a typical defendant charged with possessing child pornography can expect a seven-year prison sentence. The article considers whether such sentences are just, fair and proportionate. To answer this question, the article adopts a retributivist perspective on punishment. Retributivism, in turn, requires evaluating the wrongfulness of the conduct to be punished. The article argues that while the possession of child pornography by a large group of persons in aggregate creates significant social harm  for example, a robust market for the production of child pornography  individual acts of possession, considered at the margin, have only a trivial impact. This raises a serious problem of disproportionality in punishment for retributivists. The article attempts to solve this problem by developing a theory of aggregate harm offenses. According to this theory, even acts that have little marginal impact may constitute serious moral wrongs insofar as they violate the principle of rule consequentialism. Rule consequentialism requires acting pursuant to a rule with desirable social consequences. The article develops a rationale for rule consequentialism and explores how rule consequentialist norms may be used to justify and explain not only child pornography possession laws, but also a broad group of superficially unrelated criminal offenses.

July 22, 2016 at 09:04 AM | Permalink

Comments

Never mind the seven year sentence, what about the life long shame and punishment on the registry?

By all means, go after the producers of CP, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, they are the cause of the market for CP. But those who unknowingly come across CP on the internet are certainly not as culpable as those who produce or buy it.

Sentences are not just, fair or proportionate and the exsistence of the registry is the most shameful injustice of them all!

Posted by: kat | Jul 22, 2016 10:41:14 AM

Pretty sure it's the consumer who drives the market. Your comments suggest you think that there are producers and unwitting acquirers, but no active seekers. Would you like to know the percentage of child porngraphy defendants who "unknowingly come across" child pornography on the web? It's zero.

The guideline is out of control high for possessors, and should be reformed. Just not for your reasons.

Posted by: USPO | Jul 22, 2016 11:58:47 AM

It's impossible to know, but isn't most of the CP out there quite old stuff, the same "series" recurring in case after case? This isn't the typical market--there are few producers, rarely is anyone paying for the material. There isn't much market in the U.S. for new material, which is traditionally what a market-type justification for punishment is trying to address. There is, instead, re-circulation of the same material. That's the vast majority of cases, at least from the public case materials I've read. I wish that analyses of CP, and justifications for punishment, would be more realistic about how this is, and isn't, like a market. We shouldn't justify punishing possessors so severely on the theory that they fuel a market for new instances of abuse.

And I agree USPO, the guidelines for possessors are insane.

Posted by: jsnsdf | Jul 22, 2016 12:09:08 PM

Like all advances in technology, the internet has brought both good and evil. Easy access to child pornography is certainly one of those evils.

Posted by: Michael R. Levine | Jul 22, 2016 12:36:40 PM

"Pretty sure it's the consumer who drives the market."

Absolutely sure you are wrong about that. There is simply no evidence that most child porn is created for monetary reason anymore. For one, trying to sell child porn is certainly going to lead to an arrest as police follow the financial trail. Second, the modern technology behind child porn distribution doesn't lend itself to commercial transactions. Peer to peer technology such as Limewire or Bittorrent doesn't have ANY commercial component and other means such as Tor (see the Playpen bust) don't lend themselves to commercial transaction readily because the only thing that can be used is Bitcoin.

The idea that there is a significant financial market for child pornography is an FBI fantasy.

Posted by: Daniel | Jul 22, 2016 1:15:52 PM

The paper does a good job of debunking the "market for CP" pseudo-economic analysis.

Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jul 22, 2016 7:51:46 PM

To the extent that my use of the word "market" was taken as pertaining only to financial transactions, I apologize. Demand drives distribution. Sometimes the demand is a government fiction.

On the other hand, there are still paid subscription sites operating on the darkweb, so there is still a traditional "market" element as well.

Posted by: USPO | Jul 22, 2016 9:13:03 PM

Yeah I agree with the people above that there is no economic market, that was 30 years ago not today.

The paper I want to see is the one that compares (1) child porn possession with (2) being a member of a hate group or advocating (although not actually doing) terrorist acts. The main difference between 1 and 2 is that in US society the violent right-wing is not so dangerous. Whereas in Europe, they are not so pampered and there is more of a threat from these disruptive groups so their speech is also banned. This paper is right that the harm is an aggregate harm but I found it odd that it lists four or five analogies for child porn possession and it misses the best one. Does anyone agree/disagree?

Posted by: sexy | Jul 23, 2016 3:39:23 AM

"Would you like to know the number of child pornography defendants who "unknowingly come across" child pornography on the web? It's zero."

Absolutely sure you're wrong about this.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission recently changed their amendment wording to include "unknowingly downloaded" because it does happen, too frequently I might add.

While consumers of CP drive the market, producers of CP create what's in the market.

Posted by: kat | Jul 23, 2016 12:47:31 PM

If theres a "market" for CP then there is also a "market" for terrorist acts driven by supporters of terrorism. But is there?

Posted by: sexy | Jul 23, 2016 12:55:36 PM

The aggregate harm analysis misses the fact that possessors often do not intend harm, are in fact trying to minimize harm by not having contact offenses, and are arguably mentally ill rather than greedy or anti-social.

Posted by: Rory Fleming | Jul 23, 2016 4:19:01 PM

@Rory They are anti-social. Theres no evidence for the kind of substitution effect you describe. They form communities, they advocate evil behavior & its very much like a terrorist cell. If they didnt sympathize with the evil guys, they wouldnt have these images at all.

Posted by: sexy | Jul 23, 2016 4:24:54 PM

Oh my, I guess doctors and people that study the anatomy are criminals - even though they have not done harm to anyone. What about our administration that sits in Congress watching porn on their computers instead of reading laws that they pass?

Posted by: LC in Texas | Jul 23, 2016 5:56:06 PM

@sexy

"Yeah I agree with the people above that there is no economic market, that was 30 years ago not today. "

I don't understand the rest of your comment, then. If there is no significant economic market for child porn then the main premise of the article falls apart. For without an economic market sentencing cannot result in market disruption and without market disruption there is no consequentialist justification for sentencing.

Posted by: Daniel | Jul 23, 2016 6:21:59 PM

@LC What legitimate purpose would be served by collecting hundreds of disgusting CP images?

@Daniel I haven't read this entire article but I didn't think the main point is accurately summarized by saying the harm is from a market. It just says the harm is aggregative and market harms are one kind of aggregative harm, but not the only one. Isn't that right? For example, it also mentions harms from perception.

Posted by: sexy | Jul 23, 2016 7:50:23 PM

And BTW I think harms from perception can be quite real, and the reason we often don't acknowledge them in the US is because we suffer from free-speech extremism. The case of CP is so dangerous that we are forced to do something but it can't be categorized as suppressing speech to avoid offending the civil libertarian zealots

Posted by: sexy | Jul 23, 2016 8:04:33 PM

KAT:

You are confused. The amendment is to address the issue of default SHARING of child porn vis a vis use of P2P networks: http://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/amendment-process/reader-friendly-amendments/20160428_RF.pdf

Posted by: USPO | Jul 23, 2016 8:22:21 PM

USPO

From what I've read, alot of the CP that is "unknowingly" downloaded seems to be by people on free P2P websites like Limewire who either didn't know how or forgot to shut off some sort of "share". These are for the most part knuckleheads that stumbled upon more than what they were looking for and unknowingly got more than they bargained for. None of these folks belong in prison or on a registry as the likely-hood of them repeating the act is zero and they never were a danger to society.

Posted by: kat | Jul 24, 2016 10:36:10 AM

@KAT:

I'm a little confused too. I read your link on the USSC's proposed amendments. Most P2P CP collectors use the open file sharing option. Is that option defined as default sharing?

Posted by: tommyc | Jul 24, 2016 10:47:21 AM

@sexy

The problem doesn't lie with the articles idea of social harms, the problem lies with the difficulty of aggregating them in this context. This is the problem addressed in Paroline (two years?) ago which rejected the theory outlined in this paper. The advantage of talking about economic markets is that it is easy to quantity harms. Once the monetary aspects is removed, upon what basis is there to attribute a certain dollar amount to the criminal either as a civil remedy or as a sentencing enhancement? This is the way that child pornography is distinctly different than drug dealing--with drug dealing one can look to profit as a metric but that doesn't work when there is no economic market.

So that's how the market discussion undermines the premise of the article. Take away markets then aggregating harms become indeterminate.

Posted by: Daniel | Jul 24, 2016 12:33:01 PM

@kat, tommyc

Let me see if I can clarify things. There are two separate crimes in this instance, possession and distribution. The proposed changes only apply to distribution. Whether or not a person "unknowingly" downloaded images is not addressed by the proposed changes, only whether a person unknowingly shared. The reason for this change is because people were claiming that even though they were guilty of downloading images they were not guilty of sharing them. Why? Because the default settings on P2P programs is to share so they never took any affirmative action to share. Some courts accepted this line of argument and other rejected it, claiming that the intention to share could be imputed from the use of the program itself.

My own take on the amendments in this area is to be thoroughly nonplussed. The amendments are word games that frankly are shameful for grown adults to engage in. I can only believe they will be taken by the courts that way who will respond with more words game of their own.

Posted by: Daniel | Jul 24, 2016 12:56:46 PM

Daniel's got it. You can "unknowingly" distribute if there is a default share setting. You cannot, ever, unknowingly download something through these systems. I suppose you could get rooked by choosing to download something that you believed was one thing, and then discovering that it was CP. This would require the uploader to name the file in a misleading way. Then, you would have to keep that file. Then, you would have to unknowingly download more( i.e. keep getting "fooled"). Because no person has ever been prosecuted for one image on their computer.

I stand by my 27 years of experience that nobody has ever been prosecuted for CP possession who, in actual fact, UNKNOWINGLY downloaded and kept it.

Here's a bottom line: At a time when so many of us think the CP guidelines are too high, the net effect of this round of amendments will be slightly lower guidelines for some and higher guidelines for others. So no reform. But also, greater rejection of these guidelines by the Courts.

Posted by: USPO | Jul 24, 2016 3:46:09 PM

@ Daniel & USPO

I only wish that the passing of time would not have to play such a dominate role in adopting reasonableness in our courts sentencing schemes...recognizing that fear has no place in a constitution such as ours.

Posted by: tommyc | Jul 24, 2016 5:29:38 PM

I think the "misleading of file names" is a good point. Can one knowingly download what they think is strictly adult porn only to find that there is CP in the mix?

It is all a word game, the Sentencing Commission takes forever to review and rewrite but in the end, very little changes.

Posted by: kat | Jul 25, 2016 9:59:46 AM

The vast majority of CP arrests have to do with peer to peer (P2P) file-sharing. When someone searches on P2P software for let's say the word "TEEN" s/he is flooded with FREE TEEN images to download; However, a person does not know if the pictures are of what they asked. They could contain unbeknownst to the downloader child rape images. The downloader also doesn't know where the images are coming from; they could be coming from law enforcement or government (Pentagon) computers themselves. For example; all the images people downloaded from the FBI site "playpen" also made it onto P2P software because that's what some people do share their images like trading cards. From what I have read they pose no harm but just enjoy collecting images for whatever reason never having harmed a child.

P2P downloaders do not know what the file they downloaded until the person opens the file and once they do, it is too late. Law enforcement software in real time has already spotted that downloaded CP file masquerading as a TEEN file located on the suspects HIDDEN file on their hard drive(hidden by P2P software design). Law enforcement computer forensic units use the same P2P tools used to distribute this material only modified for law enforcement purpose use in identifying individual files already acknowledged by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to be CP. Law enforcement tracks down which machines are sharing and downloads the files where they are tagged for later retrieval. The data is identified by unique markers called hash values.

The process. Law enforcement spots a known P2P CP file, and they download it onto their computer where it is TAGGED. It is then re-uploaded to the targets computer for retrieval after a search warrant is issued. Law enforcement states they do it to their advantage, and Its not much different than buying controlled drugs where the undercover (agent) will go to someone on the street corner and purchase heroin or marijuana; However there is a big difference because you meet NO one, and you buy NOTHING. No person is meet, no MONEY switches hands when downloading P2P files, and that is a BIG difference.

What the government is doing is comparable to flooding a neighborhood with heroin in the hope of snaring an assortment of low-level drug users. It seems as though it is OK for law enforcement to share CP images because Law enforcement does not desire to eliminate CP. Just as the military does not want to make world peace and the social services do not desire to eradicate poverty. If these agencies were that successful THEY would no longer be needed. In a recent CP operation "playpen" the FBI allowed over NINE THOUSAND images to be shared, and Judges are just now starting to see the real issue, not the one made up by prosecutors to WIN votes.

NCMEC via their re-victimization model has turned a declining social problem and turned it into a national epidemic. Re-victimization is what the CHILD CHARITIES and LAWYERS fabricate when they create a client by saying the person in the image is re-victimized without any research other than what, "everybody knows" each time it is viewed, and that is wrong on so many levels. With the advent of Microsoft Photo DNA, hashtags and hash values, and algorithms CP could be spotted and eliminated but it's not it left to law enforcement for prosecution. I find it incredulous that today with the various techniques for finding this CP material why it is not being used to eliminate it.

Posted by: FrankG | Sep 1, 2016 7:21:09 AM

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December 10, 2018

After Virginia jury convicts James Fields of first-degree murder for killing in Charlottesville, same jury to begin considering sentence

As indicated in this brief AP report headlined "Jury to recommend sentence for white nationalist," a high-profile jury sentencing gets started today:

A man convicted of first-degree murder for driving his car into counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Virginia faces 20 years to life in prison as jurors reconvene to consider his punishment. The panel that convicted James Alex Fields Jr. will hear more evidence Monday before recommending a sentence for Judge Richard Moore. Fields was convicted Friday of killing Heather Heyer during last year's "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, organized to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederal Gen. Robert E. Lee. The 21-year-old Fields, of Maumee, Ohio, also was found guilty of injuring dozens of others by driving into a crowd of people who were marching peacefully after the rally.

I know very little about Virginia's sentencing process, and I am now very curious about what they are allowed to hear at this stage. I do know that Virginia jurors are not told about sentencing guidelines that would be applicable and considered at a judicial sentencing. And I wonder if they can be told about the fact that the defendant here is also facing dozens of federal charges. Here is a little about recent history of jury sentencing from the Virginia Sentencing Commission's 2018 Annual Report (from pages 25-27):

There are three methods by which Virginias criminal cases are adjudicated: guilty pleas, bench trials, and jury trials. Felony cases in circuit courts are overwhelmingly resolved through guilty pleas from defendants, or plea agreements between defendants and the Commonwealth. During the last fiscal year, 91% of guideline cases were sentenced following guilty pleas. Adjudication by a judge in a bench trial accounted for 8% of all felony guidelines cases sentenced. During FY2018 1.2% of cases involved jury trials. In a small number of cases, some of the charges were adjudicated by a judge, while others were adjudicated by a jury, after which the charges were combined into a single sentencing hearing.... In FY2018, the Commission received 270 cases adjudicated by juries. While the concurrence rate for cases adjudicated by a judge or resolved by a guilty plea was at 82% during the fiscal year, sentences handed down by juries concurred with the guidelines only 39% of the time. In fact, jury sentences were more likely to fall above the guidelines than within the recommended range. This pattern of jury sentencing vis-a-vis the guidelines has been consistent since the truth-in-sentencing guidelines became effective in 1995. By law, however, juries are not allowed to receive any information regarding the sentencing guidelines.... In cases of adults adjudicated by a jury, judges are permitted by law to lower a jury sentence. Typically, however, judges have chosen not to amend sanctions imposed by juries. In FY2018, judges modified 16% of jury sentences.

December 10, 2018 at 08:53 AM | Permalink

Comments

Juries will not be told sentencing guidelines, nor would they be told about the Federal charges. They will be told that there is no parole in Virginia, but that's about it. The biggest relevant thing here is that juries do not have the power to suspend time, which makes it particularly problematic given the tendencies not to deviate from the jury recommendation.

I saw the report that the defendant was convicted of 1st Degree Murder, but I haven't seen any reports about a verdict on all remaining charges. Assuming just that conviction, the jury cannot go below 20 years, while a Judge can. If he was convicted on all counts, the jury must recommend a sentence of at least 120 years, if I'm counting correctly (20 years on the murder charge and each Aggravated Malicious Wounding charges, 5 years on each Malicious Wounding charge).

Posted by: Erik M | Dec 10, 2018 5:56:39 PM

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The new Omicron coronavirus variant kept spreading around the world on Sunday, with 13 cases found in the Netherlands and two each in Denmark and Australia.It came even as more countries tried to seal themselves off by imposing travel restrictions.The Dutch health minister said the 13 cases of the variant were found among passengers who were on flights from South Africa that arrived in Amsterdam on Friday. Authorities had tested all of the more than 600 passengers on those two flights and had found 61 coronavirus cases, going on to test those for the new variant.First discovered in South Africa, the variant has now been detected in several countries around the world from Germany to Australia to Israel.Last week Omicron was dubbed a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization.It's sparked worries around the world that it could resist vaccinations and prolong the nearly two-year COVID-19 pandemic.Omicron is potentially more contagious than previous variants, although experts don't know yet if it will cause more or less severe COVID-19 compared to other strains.However, the chair of the South African medical association, Angelique Coetzee (cutziah), said in her experience, its symptoms were mild. (edit 7008)"Currently there is no reason for panicking as we don't see severely ill patients... It might change going forward, but the hype that's being created in the media worldwide does not correlate with the clinical picture."Countries have imposed a wave of travel bans or curbs on southern Africa to try to stem the spread.
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): The installation of a 180-degree, transparent tunnel for the upcoming SEA LIFE Malaysia attraction will be completed in the first half of 2019, according to Legoland Malaysia Resort.

SEA LIFE Malaysia, the worlds largest aquarium brand's attraction will be located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru next year with the aim of engaging and inspiring children to learn, love and care for the ocean.

The double-storey aquarium is located next to Legoland Malaysia Theme Park, Legoland Water Park and Legoland Hotel, occupying 2,123 square metres of land space.

The six-metre long and 2.1-metre wide clear ocean tunnel surrounded by 385,000 litres of water will be set in a replica of the historic shipwreck site.

As visitors walk through the tunnel, they will immerse in the stories of the ships journey and discover lost treasures of the ocean, while being surrounded by a plethora of marine life, including stingrays, zebra sharks, blacktip reef sharks, seahorses and jelly fish.

SEA LIFE Malaysia will have more than 25 display tanks in 11 habitat zones hosting over thousands of sea creatures.

The many interactive elements such as a hands-on experience in the Rock Pool zone pool will fascinate kids and educate them in a fun way.

The first batch of Junior Rangers in Southeast Asia has also been announced, with 20 in total including children aged eight to 12 years from Malaysia, Singapore and expats living in the region. They will become the voice of the marine sanctuary in promoting marine life conservation.

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SINGAPORE (Dec 10): Malaysias ex-prime minister, Najib Razak, has been arrested yet again by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). But this time, over the tampering of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) final audit report.

Najib arrived at the MACC headquarters earlier today at 10.40am, apparently to assist in investigations regarding the above allegations. He was later arrested at about 11.00am.

At around 1.20pm, Najib was released after posting bail.

MACC is believed to charge Najib and former 1MDB president Arul Kanda this Wednesday over the alleged tampering of the audit report.

See: Guan Eng slams Arul Kanda for being 'dishonest and untrustworthy'

The allegations were made following claims from Auditor-General Tan Sri Madinah Mohamad on Nov 25 that parts of the 1MDB final audit report was removed. The removed sections involved the presence of alleged 1MDB mastermind Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, as well as the financial status of 1MDB.

She revealed that the order to make changes to the audit report came from Tan Sri Shukry Salleh, who was then the principal private secretary to Najib when he was prime minister. The changes were made on Feb 26, 2016 on grounds that it was a sensitive issue.

See: You didnt know Jho Low cheated us? I showed you evidence and you showed me the door
Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has won a landslide victory in snap parliamentary elections, results showed Monday, cementing his authority months after sweeping to power in a peaceful revolution. Pashinyan, a 43-year-old former journalist, has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty in the impoverished, landlocked ex-Soviet republic of three million people. With all votes counted, the bloc led by Pashinyan's Civil Contract party had taken 70.43 percent of the vote, the central election commission said. The Prosperous Armenia party led by influential oligarch and former arm wrestler Gagik Tsarukyan came a distant second with 8.27 percent. Pashinyan hailed his victory on Monday morning, thanking the "mighty people" of Armenia. "I am proud of you... Let's be courageous," he wrote on Facebook. He became prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian. But efforts at reform stalled in the face of opposition from Sarkisian's Republican Party, which dominated the National Assembly until Pashinyan resigned last month and triggered the snap vote. - 'Unchallenged rule' - The Republican Party took 4.7 percent in Sunday's elections, failing to clear the five percent threshold needed to make it into parliament. The only other party to clear the threshold was the liberal pro-Western Bright Armenia, which garnered 6.37 percent of the vote. As both Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia are seen as Pashinyan-friendly, the absence of an opposition party in the newly elected parliament will be a trial run for Armenia's nascent democracy, analysts said. "The elections have brought to completion the political change made by Pashinyan's 'velvet revolution.' Only pro-revolution parties made it to parliament," analyst Hakob Badalyan told AFP. "The opposition is extremely weak and from now on public opinion will be the only counterweight to Pashinyan's unchallenged rule." Analyst Gela Vasadze said: "Opposition parties were wiped off Armenia's political landscape and that's a challenge for Armenia's young democracy." - 'Vote for positive change' - Voters had expressed optimism about the political changes promised by Pashinyan. "Thanks to the revolution, we will finally have fair elections," 72-year-old pensioner Parzik Avetisyan told AFP on election day. "I voted for the positive change promised by Nikol," he added. Turnout was 48.63 percent, the election commission said. Previous elections have been marred by accusations of fraud but Pashinyan had last week promised "the best elections Armenia has ever seen". International monitors hailed the elections' democratic conduct, saying the vote "respected fundamental freedoms and enjoyed broad public trust." "The general absence of electoral malfeasance, including of vote buying and pressure on voters, allowed for genuine competition," observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a statement. Parliamentary polls had not been scheduled to be held until 2022. Analysts say Pashinyan sought new elections at the peak of his popularity. In September, his bloc scored a landslide victory in a municipal vote, winning more than 80 percent in the capital Yerevan, where nearly 40 percent of the country lives. While seeking reforms at home, Pashinyan also pursued a balanced foreign policy during his first five months in office. He reassured Russian President Vladimir Putin that Armenia would remain Moscow's loyal ally but at the same time sought to charm Western leaders. During an international summit in the capital Yerevan in October he danced traditional Armenian dances with French President Emmanuel Macron and wore matching socks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Nine political parties and two electoral blocs were competing for mandates in the National Assembly. Despite their poor showings, Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia parties will take up at least 30 percent of parliamentary seats under an electoral law aimed at preventing ruling parties from holding too much power.
When Mariel Chura joined a youth orchestra at age 14, she did not even know what a viola was. Seven years later, she loves the instrument, which has offered her an escape from the hardships of everyday life in Bolivia's biggest coca-producing area. The Chulumani Youth Symphony Orchestra has helped teens avoid the usual pitfalls plaguing the region: drug and alcohol abuse, violence, and family drama, according to the group's director and conductor Erik Castro. Instead, they learn the discipline of classical music, forge lasting friendships and dream of a future career in the arts. Bright-eyed and slender, Chura grew up picking coca leaves on her parents' land in the Cocayapu region, near Chulumani in the Yungas valley, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of the capital La Paz. When she received visitors on a suffocatingly hot and humid day, she took out her instrument and filled the family home with music, as her mother Lidia turned the pages of her sheet music. "I feel calm (playing the viola). It's like you forget everything -- you're focused on playing, you forget your problems," Chura said. A fan of German Baroque composer Georg Philipp Telemann -- but also Vivaldi, Mozart and Bach -- Chura says she dreams of playing in a symphony orchestra like Venezuela's Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, founded in the 1970s by Jose Antonio Abreu, who developed the country's El Sistema music education program. She is not alone -- many of the 80 or so children and young adults in the Chulumani Symphony hope their love of music can turn into a lifelong occupation. Chura's foray into music wasn't easy. She was picked on by classmates. The boys in the group were the targets of homophobic slurs for playing in the orchestra. At age 18, Chura used her income from the coca fields to buy her own her viola for $115 - a significant amount of money for her. Now, she is studying engineering at the Higher University of San Andres in La Paz, where she lives during the week. On weekends, she goes home to teach viola to two little boys and continue rehearsing with her fellow orchestra members. - Orchestra is a 'sanctuary' - The Chulumani Symphony welcomes children from ages four to 22 who are hoping to learn about music and invest in their futures. "The orchestra has become like a sanctuary, where kids come and feel like they're free from those problems" that usually mark adolescence, Castro told AFP. Like other Bolivian kids, these young musicians "have a lot of social problems (around them). These days, it's not just drugs and alcohol; instead, there's violence, the issue of family abandonment, lack of affection," he said. "We've been a kind of prevention program" against drug and alcohol use by default, said Castro, who has become a role model for his music students. The orchestra was founded in 2011 with a combination of support from the city of Chulumani and private organizations. Since then, several students have been awarded scholarships to universities at home and abroad, as well as to conservatories in Peru and Costa Rica, Castro says. The conductor agreed with Chura that they need to combat the stigma about young boys playing in the orchestra, and the bullying they are suffering, as it resulted in fewer young boys wanting to join. - From Tchaikovsky to 'Jaws' - After years of practice, the Chulumani Symphony has begun to collaborate with other Bolivian youth orchestras, as well as ones in Argentina, Chile and Paraguay. In November, the town hosted an "International Youth Summit for Music and Life," in which hundreds of young people from the four countries put on a concert for more than 1,000 spectators. The musicians entertained the crowd with pieces from Strauss, Tchaikovsky and French composer Georges Bizet. They also played bits of movie soundtracks from living US legend John Williams -- including from "Jaws" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." "When music comes into your life, it changes you," said 19-year-old violinist Lourdes Sarabia during a break in the more-than-two-hour program. Younger boys Aldo, 11, and Johsset Salvador, 10, both skilled on the violin, echoed the feelings of their older fellow musicians. "It makes me happy," Aldo said, while Johsset said he too found "lots of joy, lots of happiness, playing with other orchestras." The orchestra is hoping to travel abroad to bring Bolivian music to other countries.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Sunday tossed to the bin the Turkeys demand for the extradition of two top Saudi officials connected to the killing of Saudi dissent journalist Jamal Khashoggi on Oct. 02 after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul that day for some official papers.

Istanbuls chief prosecutor last week demanded the extradition of of Saud al-Qahtani, a top aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Gen. Ahmed al-Asiri, who served as deputy head of foreign intelligence.

Both men have been sacked from their position and arrested in late October after they were found connected to a team of 15 men who killed the 59-year old journalist after he entered the diplomatic compound. 15-man squad was dispatched from Riyadh.

21 people suspected in know of the killing have been arrested.

Turkish officials said the prosecutors office had concluded there was strong suspicion that the two suspects were among the planners of the killing.

On Sunday the Saudi top diplomat said the kingdom will not hand over al-Qahtani and al-Asiri.

We do not extradite our citizens, Adel al-Jubeir said when asked about a Turkish courts arrest order for two Saudi suspects at a news conference at the end of a summit of Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Its interesting to me that a country that would not provide us with information within a legal format would issue arrest warrants, he said.

Turkish President President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly called on Saudi Arabia to reveal and handed over to the Turkish justice the 15-man squad and planners of assassination.

Turkey finger-pointed the high levels of the Saudi leadership for Khashoggis killing but sparred the Saudi monarch, Salman, therefore heaping pressure of the Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia repeatedly denied Khashoggis death but later confessed under international pressure. Riyadh has also rejected any involvement of the Crown Prince despite US Center of Intelligence Agency CIA telling the US senator that the heir of the Saudi throne ordered the killing.

Turkey has shared tapes of assassination with several world powers including the U.S.
Reuters

Southee's was the stand-out performance for the Black Caps as New Zealand bowled India out for 345, with the 32-year-old finishing with five wickets for 69 runs at the end of the first innings. "He just continues to go from strength-to-strength, really, and that's a testament to his fitness, his dedication," said Jurgensen.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern choked back tears Monday while offering a heartfelt apology to the family of murdered British backpacker Grace Millane, as the man accused of killing the young traveller made his first court appearance. Her voice cracking with emotion, Ardern said there was a collective feeling of shame in the South Pacific nation over the fate of Millane, whose body was found Sunday in parkland just outside Auckland. "There is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality, on our manaakitanga," she said, using the Maori word for welcoming others. "So on behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Grace's family -- your daughter should have been safe here and she wasn't, and I'm sorry for that." Ardern told reporters at her weekly media conference that New Zealanders were heartbroken for Millane's family and were feeling her death personally. Millane disappeared on December 1, on the eve of her 22nd birthday, and her family's worst fears were confirmed when her body was found on Sunday. The death has shocked New Zealand, which is usually regarded as a safe place to travel and averages less than 50 homicides a year in a population of 4.8 million. A 26-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced Auckland District Court on Monday charged with her murder. Wearing a blue prison-issue boiler suit, he was not required to enter a plea and was remanded in custody until January 23. Millane was on a year-long worldwide holiday after graduating from university and had been in New Zealand for two weeks after travelling around South America for more than a month. It was her first solo overseas trip and her family became alarmed when she failed to maintain her habit of staying in daily contact. Police had previously said she was last seen alive entering an inner-city hotel in Auckland with a man. Her father David flew to New Zealand after she went missing and issued an emotional appeal for information relating to his "fun-loving, outgoing and family-orientated" daughter. Judge Evangelos Thomas opened Monday's brief court proceedings by addressing the family, Radio New Zealand reported. "I do not know what to say to you, your grief must be desperate," he said. "All of us hope justice is fair and swift and ultimately brings you some peace."
A transport aircraft of Japans Air Self-Defence Forces (ASDF) touched down in the Marshall Islands en route to joint exercises in the US on Friday, delivering wheelchairs, sporting equipment and other aid to the central Pacific nation.

The brief visit to Majuro marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two governments, but was also the first time an ASDF aircraft has stopped on its way to military manoeuvres in the US to carry out cultural exchanges in a third country, a source told the Yomiuri newspaper. Some analysts suggested an ulterior motive.

A single C-130 Hercules transport aircraft has a relatively limited payload, they said, but the visit was clearly part of the new strategic approach put forward by the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to increase engagement with nations in the Asia-Pacific region and limit Chinas efforts to expand its sphere of influence.

It is clear that it will serve to improve Japans image in the Marshalls and provide a degree of counterbalance to Beijings growing presence and influence, said Garren Mulloy, an associate professor of international relations at Daito Bunkyo University, in Saitama Prefecture.

China has tended to go in big, hard and fast and has made huge promises of aid to countries like the Maldives, Vanuatu and Sri Lanka, he said, although those countries are now realising the scale of the debt they owe Beijing and the scale of influence China can exert if they fail to keep up with repayments.

It follows that the strategic approach the Abe administration has put forward will include the continuation of aid but with broader aims, such as upgrading airbases and port facilities, Mulloy said.

The Japanese government is advocating a policy of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, including freedom of navigation, and the Yomiuri reported that ASDF aircraft were expected to follow in the wake of vessels from the Maritime Self-Defence Forces (MSDF) and pay visits to nations in Southeast Asia.

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China has tended to go in big, hard and fast and has made huge promises of aid

Garren Mulloy, Daito Bunkyo University

MSDF vessels and ships from the Japan Coast Guard have already paid port visits to a number of cities in the region this year and Tokyo has provided patrol ships to Indonesia and training aircraft to both the Philippines and Indonesia. Both governments are opposed to Chinas unilateral occupation of reefs and atolls in the South China Sea and the drawing of Beijings maritime boundaries well beyond what Manila and Jakarta deem acceptable.

There have also been reports Japan plans to give a number of its retired PC-3 maritime reconnaissance aircraft to Vietnam and the Philippines.

The ASDF is also scheduled to take part in Operation Christmas Drop later this month, in which transport aircraft airdrop food and other relief goods to remote parts of Micronesia and Palau.

Significantly, Palau and the Marshall Islands have retained diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which some analysts have suggested might offer Beijing leverage if it can offer large amounts of aid and infrastructure assistance.

As a result, Washington will welcome Japan playing a bigger role in the central Pacific, Mulloy said.

The US wants its allies and partners in the region to do more to ensure freedom of navigation and limit Chinese efforts to increase their influence, he said.

This article Japan delivers aid to Marshall Islands, as Pacific engagement builds bulwark against Chinese influence first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.

More from South China Morning Post:
BERLIN/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German rail workers staged a four-hour stoppage on Monday but their union said it would now pursue talks with operator Deutsche Bahn to resolve a dispute over pay.

Long-distance rail traffic came to a standstill and commuter and freight trains were disrupted after the walkout by workers from the EVG union. Deutsche Bahn said train services had started to gradually return to normal after the strike ended at 0800 GMT.

EVG, which represents most railway workers, called the strike after talks with state-owned Deutsche Bahn broke down on Saturday.

It rejected Deutsche Bahn's offer for a 7 percent pay increase over 29 months. EVG wanted the increase over two years instead.

The strike comes at a bad time for Deutsche Bahn, which is under pressure to hire more staff, invest in modern trains and remedy chronic delays.

EVG had initially demanded a 7.5 percent pay increase for some 160,000 Deutsche Bahn employees. The union said a meeting with the rail operator could take place on Tuesday.

The strike reflects rising confidence among workers in Europe's economic powerhouse who want a slice of the economic success that Germany has enjoyed over the last nine years and are aware of labour shortages.

Generous pay increases won by German unions last year marked the end of years of wage restraint in Germany.

This year's negotiations are happening against the backdrop of a cooling trend in Germany, which is in its ninth straight year of growth.

Generous pay increases should sustain private consumption as a key driver of growth as exports weaken.

(Reporting by Markus Wacket, writing by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Keith Weir)
Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita speaks during the Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, in Marrakesh Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita speaks during the Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, in Marrakesh, Morocco December 10, 2018. REUTERS/Abderrahmane Mokhtari

By Ulf Laessing and Andreas Rinke

MARRAKESH, Morocco (Reuters) - U.N. members on Monday adopted a deal aimed at improving the way world copes with rising migration, but almost 30 countries stayed away from the ceremony in Morocco.

The pact, meant to foster cooperation on migration, was agreed in July by all 193 U.N. members except the United States, but only 164 formally signed it at the meeting on Monday.

Ten countries, mostly in formerly Communist Eastern Europe, have pulled out. Six more, among them Israel and Bulgaria, are debating whether to quit, a U.N. spokesman said after the pact was adopted. He did not say whether the rest of the countries absent from the conference in Marrakesh might also pull out.

With a record 21.3 million refugees globally, the United Nations began work on the non-binding pact after more than 1 million people arrived in Europe in 2015, many fleeing civil war in Syria and poverty in Africa.

But President Donald Trump's administration said the global approach to the issue was not compatible with U.S. sovereignty.

Since July, the accord, which addresses issues such as how to protect migrants, integrate them and send them home, has been criticised by mostly right-wing European politicians who say it could increase immigration from African and Arab countries.

Angela Merkel, accused by critics of worsening the refugee crisis by opening Germany's borders in 2015, said cooperation was the only answer to tackle the world's problems.

"The pact is worth fighting for," the German chancellor, one of around a dozen national leaders in Marrakesh, told the forum. "It's about time that we finally tackle migration together."

Without naming Trump or his "America First" stance, she said multilateralism was the way "to make the world a better place".

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said migration needed better management and rich countries would benefit.

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"In the many places where fertility is declining and life expectancy is rising, economies will stagnate and people will suffer without migration," he said in his opening address.

"It is clear that most developed countries need migrants across a broad spectrum of vital roles, from caring for elderly people to preventing the collapse of health services," he said.

On Sunday, Chile withdraw from the pact, while Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel saw the biggest party in his coalition quit in a dispute over the accord.

In November, Austria's right-wing government, which holds the EU presidency, said it would withdraw, saying the pact would blur the line between legal and illegal migration.

Australia said it would not sign up to a deal it said would compromise its hardline immigration policy.

(Reporting by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
The University of Hong Kong has revealed that the professorship of a senior manager was extended twice beyond retirement age for a total of eight years, after complaints from staff about difficulties and a lack of transparency in securing contracts post-60.

HKU told the Post the rare move to prolong the career of interim provost Paul Tam Kwong-hang until 2020 was in the best interests of the university, but academic staff called on the institution to be more forthcoming on the decision-making process for post-retirement appointments.

The university released details of Tams reappointments on Saturday after the Post discovered he was 66 years old and pressed HKU for full disclosure.

I have no idea what criteria have been used in the whole process. The standards applied to different applicants seem different, said Dr William Cheung Sing-wai, the universitys academic staff association chairman.

Cheung said it was very rare for a professor to win approval for full-time work beyond the age of 65.

The policy has been called into question after renowned HKU scholars failed to secure contract renewals or were only given short-term posts. Many eventually joined other universities.

Some critics have even argued that the policy might have been used to silence outspoken academics.

Since 2016 professors have been asked to sign new agreements with updated terms and conditions after the age of 60, instead of extensions to existing contracts. Depending on an individuals performance, HKU can offer up to five years, but periods of one or two years are more common.

These decisions must be approved by the vice chancellor after they are discussed and recommended by the University Selection and Promotion Committee, which is chaired by Tam.

The committee also includes another senior management officer and is split into three panels each with between five and seven full professors nominated by Tam and appointed by the vice chancellor.

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Defending the retirement policy at two HKU forums in the past five months, Tam, a veteran paediatric surgeon, said it was about ensuring the best use of limited resources and balancing the need for fresh blood with existing staff. He urged forum attendees to avoid becoming overly emotional about the issue.

He and the university originally declined to disclose his age or contract renewal details, despite repeated requests from the media and those at the forums.

But the Post was able to confirm that Tam is 66 years old, according to Hong Kongs births and deaths registry. His age indicated he must have secured at least two approvals to stay on beyond retirement as the maximum a professor can obtain with one application is five years under university policy.

In response to the Posts findings, an HKU spokeswoman then confirmed the two reappointments and disclosed more details on Saturday to avoid misunderstanding and unfounded speculation.

It said the university did not normally comment on individual appointments, but Tam had agreed to release details.

The spokeswoman said Tam had been offered two reappointments of five years and three years in 2011 and 2017 respectively as a professor of paediatric surgery, which had been supported by his department, faculty and the promotion committee.

Tam suspended his role on the committee last year until his application was approved by then vice chancellor Peter Mathieson and the Human Resources Policy Committee, a body under the universitys governing council.

A paper submitted by HKU to Hong Kongs legislature last month showed academic staff over 65 require further approval from the HR policy committee, and contracts after that age were for highly meritorious cases only.

HKU did not respond to a separate Post inquiry about the number of reappointments beyond 65. But more than three current and former professors, including a former HR policy committee member, told the Post it was difficult for staff to stay beyond that age.

In one such case made public, renowned liver disease expert Professor Lai Ching-lung was successful.

But Lai, now 70, will only be given a part-time contract when his existing one expires in May next year.

The Post reported earlier that tree expert Professor Jim Chi-yung, former chair professor of geography, did not have his contract renewed beyond 65 after 37 years at the university.

Professor Petula Ho Sik-ying, a leading expert on sexual and gender studies, and Johannes Chan Man-mun, HKUs longest serving law dean and the citys first and only honorary senior counsel, were given two-year contracts when they applied for post-retirement work.

According to internal guidelines, professors are assessed by their department heads using at least six indicators, including their contributions, university needs, their conduct and succession planning, before a decision is made on whether to pass their case to the promotion committee.

But the guidelines do not mention the criteria used by the committee.

Academic staff association chairman Cheung said his application last year to continue as an associate professor after 60 was rejected, despite him being listed among the universitys top 1 per cent of scholars in an annual internal briefing.

Specific standards used to assess whether a professor should get reappointment should be disclosed for transparency, Cheung said, not only for the promotion committee, but every party involved in the whole decision-making process.

This article University of Hong Kong reveals provost won two extensions amid retirement contract controversy first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.
The Global Compact on Migration that was formally adopted Monday by over 160 countries at the intergovernmental conference held in Marrakesh initiates a new course of action, which embraces solidarity-based sovereignty rather than exclusion-centered nationalism, multilateralism rather than ostracism, and shared responsibility rather than institutionalized indifference.

The international community can be proud of the page of history being written in Marrakech today. It is taking us a step closer to a new, more equitable, more humane migration order, said King Mohammed VI in a message to the Conference, opened by UN Secreatry General Antonio Guterres.

Between unacceptable laxity and the intolerable all-about-security approach, there is a course of action which we are initiating today. A course of action, which embraces solidarity-based sovereignty rather than exclusion-centered nationalism, multilateralism rather than ostracism, and shared responsibility rather than institutionalized indifference, the Sovereign pointed out in the message that was read out by Head ofv the Government Saad Eddine El Othmani.

After all, this is what it is all about: putting an end to disorder, while injecting humane values into the order, the Sovereign said.

The challenge for the intergovernmental conference on the global compact for migration is to show that the international community has opted for responsible solidarity, King Mohammed VI said insisting that migration is not a security issue  nor should it become one, and that migrants rights cannot be ignored simply because there are security concerns.

Migrants rights are inalienable. The side of the border on which a migrant stands does not make him or her more or less human, he said, adding that addressing security concerns should go hand in hand with socio-economic development policies which tackle the root causes of risky migration.

Insisting that security concerns should not be invoked to deny mobility, the Sovereign underlined that mobility can actually be turned into a lever of sustainable development, at a time when the international community is seeking to implement the 2030 Agenda.

Alluding to the controversy raised by nationalist and populist movements particularly in Western Europe that argue that the compact could infringe on countries national sovereignty, the King made it clear that the sovereign right of each Member State to determine and apply its own migration policy ought to be fully respected.

This conference should show that multilateralism is not about empty chairs, desertion or indifference. Multilateralism is about synergies and about making commitments in which the right to differ is respected. The challenge for this Conference is therefore to unite, in the face of populism, to bring together, in the face of isolationism, and to come up, through dialogue and international cooperation, with meaningful solutions to one of the major issues of our time.

No single country can, on its own, face up such a challenge. Just as there is no alternative to cooperation, there is no alternative to action, either. The Global Compact is not an end in itself. It will be meaningful only if it is effectively implemented. Viewed from this angle, the Marrakech Conference is, first and foremost, a call to action. And Africa has already responded to this call! It does not intend to be on the sidelines.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said at the opening of the intergovernmental conference on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration that the Pact aims to strengthen cooperation on international migration in all their aspects. The UN Chief underlined the importance of this Compact as a roadmap to prevent suffering and chaos, and to provide cooperation strategies that will benefit all.

Unregulated migration bears a terrible human cost: a cost in lives lost on perilous journeys across deserts, oceans and rivers; and a cost in lives ruined at the hands of smugglers, unscrupulous employers and other predators, Guterres underlined, noting that more than 60,000 migrants have died on the move since the year 2000, which is a source of collective shame.

The opening session was marked by the election of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nasser Bourita, as President of this Conference.

Speaking on this occasion, Bourita highlighted the huge efforts made by Morocco to reach a global consensus on the issue of migration.

This historic conference is the result of a long process that began in 2016 with the adoption by the United Nations of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, he said.
Ex-Russian policeman Mikhail Popkov, found guilty Monday of 56 murders while already in jail for 22, is one of the most prolific serial killers of recent times. Here is a recap of some of the others, starting with two more serial killers from Russia. - 'Chessboard Killer' - Alexander Pichushkin was sentenced to life in prison in Moscow in 2007 for 48 murders, most between 2002 and 2006. Aged 33 at his trial, Pichushkin said he wanted to kill one person for each of the 64 squares on a chessboard, and crossed out a square for every kill, earning him his nickname. His victims were mainly elderly alcoholic men whom he met in a park outside Moscow. - 'Butcher of Rostov' - In 1992 Russian Andrei Chikatilo, 56, was sentenced to death for 52 sexually motivated killings of women, children and young people between 1978 and 1990. The former teacher, known as the "Butcher of Rostov" after the area in southern Russia where he was particularly active, was executed in 1994. - America's worst? - A 78-year-old drifter in prison in Texas confessed in November 2018 to 90 murders and is being investigated as possibly the most prolific serial killer in US history. Samuel Little preyed mainly on drug addicts and prostitutes during a decades-long murder spree, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Law enforcement have so far verified 34 killings. - German nurse - Former hospital nurse Niels Hoegel admitted at his trial in October 2018 to having killed 100 patients on top of six for whose murders he had already been convicted. Hoegel, 41, confessed to giving patients drug overdoses because he enjoyed the thrill of trying to reanimate them at the last moment. Investigators say the final toll could top 200. - US 'Green River killer' - US truck painter Gary Ridgway confessed in 2003 to the murders of 48 prostitutes and runaways from 1982-1984 but he is suspected of around 90 killings. Nicknamed the "Green River Killer" after the Seattle waterway where his first victims were found, he was 54 years old at his conviction and jailing. - England's 'Doctor Death' - Family doctor Harold Shipman was sentenced to life in 2000 after being convicted of killing 15 of his elderly patients by giving them fatal doses of morphine. He hanged himself in prison in 2004, aged 57. An inquiry found that Shipman, nicknamed "Doctor Death", had killed around 250 patients between 1971 and 1998, making him the country's worst-ever serial killer. - Travelling salesman - Luis Alfredo Garavito, a travelling salesman, was jailed for 835 years in 2000 aged 42 for murdering 189 boys over a five-year span until 1996. Known as "The Monster of Genova" after his birthplace in Colombia, Garavito met his victims by posing as a charity worker, salesman, monk or disabled person, among other disguises. - 'Monster of the Andes' - In 1980 Colombian Pedro Lopez Monsalve was arrested at a market in Ecuador after attempting to abduct a young girl. He later confessed to having strangled at least 310 children from poor backgrounds in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. The "Monster of the Andes" was first sentenced to 16 years in prison, the maximum term in Ecuador, and then extradited in 1994 to Colombia where he was interned in a psychiatric hospital. Freed several years later, he disappeared and would today be aged around 70.
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On this day in 1907, a large group of aggrieved medical students took to the streets of London with the aim of tearing down a statue of a little brown dog. The students regarded the memorial, erected by activists who opposed animal experimentation, as an insult to their profession. You may use the comment thread on this page to discuss this and other episodes in the Brown Dog affair, or to pursue other points of off-topic, freewheeling discourse.

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Both Uber and Lyft filed confidential paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission last week, setting each startup in motion for initial public offerings as early as the first quarter of 2019.

That marks the start of a new stage in the ride-hailing wars, with each company poised to raise a ton more money and the business model newly exposed to the scrutiny of public markets for the first time.

Thats theoretically interesting because both Uber and Lyft continue to burn through cash at astounding rates, even as American city-dwellers increasingly take their services for granted. Uber, for example, lost more than a billion dollars in the third quarter of 2018. At the same time, its rival has said (dubiously, in my view) that its service permitted a quarter-million users to give up their personal vehicles. This raises a big question: Is ride-hailings shaky business model going to be reformed to please no-nonsense investors on Wall Street?

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Definitely not. Voting control probably wont be for sale. The business model may not necessarily make sense to me or you, but its already passed muster in the companies private fundraising sessionsessentially, miniature IPOs at which a huge range of investors beyond Silicon Valleys usual suspects have queued up to get their money into ride-hailing. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has said the company needs a few years to get into the black and doesnt see that fact as incompatible with selling $100 billion in stock. (Amazon lost money for years after it went public, too.)

Another aspect of this that seems interesting at first glance but isnt: the sprint to be the first to offer ride-hailing stock. It feels like each company is racing the other as well as uncertainty in the stock market. In reality, theres plenty of room for both, even in a sinking stock market, and whatever hiccups that accompany the timing of the IPOs will disappear once each company has been traded for a while. To U.S. users, Uber and Lyft are synonyms. But the latter company is tightly focused on offering cab rides in North America, while the former has its hands in freight, autonomous vehicles, food delivery, and flying cars.

At the end of the day, Uber will be by far the biggest IPO in history. A spectacle to be sure. But ultimately, the rides will still be cheap, the business will still lose money, and youll forget the race to IPO ever happened.
Andy Serkis just filmed a video portraying Theresa May as Gollum, and you might find it as haunting as (or more than!) the actors original character. The skit, which was posted on YouTube on Sunday, is titled LEAKED: Footage From Inside No. 10 Downing Street! Serkis portrayal of the British prime minister hisses, growls, shakes, and stares, grappling with the desperate desire to pass My Brexit. In this case, the object of obsessively coveted desire is the controversial deal May is seeking to pass through Parliament, which would define the terms of the UKs withdrawal from the EU and keep Britain, at least temporarily, in a customs union. The brutal portrait reflects opposition to Mays plan from both hard-line Brexiters and the oppositional Labour Party. In fact, on Monday morning, May responded to the potential embarrassment of a failed deal by postponing the vote, which had been slated to take place on Tuesday.

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Serkis video ends with written titles spelling first, THE PEOPLES VOTE and then, WE WANTS IT, making the actors political message clear. Many in Britain are calling for a second referendum or peoples vote, arguing that the British people were not well enough informed about the potentially disastrous effects of the original Brexit vote back in 2016. Like Smeagols fight to muster his waning conscience against the warped Gollum he has become, Mays dilemma, as Serkis paints it, is one between what is best for the country and what is best for the politician:

We takes back control. Money, borders, laws, blue passportses! No, it hurts the people. It makes them poorer. But I finds it and negotiates it. We want it. We has to do it.

Theresa May is not likely to get out of this mess soon, so its forward-thinking that Serkis created an entire YouTube channel called, WE WANTS IT, with the profile image showing a blue-suited figure resembling the prime minister. This is also not the first time Serkis has used his iconic role to mock a politicians paranoid greed on a large platformlast time he just had to be prompted by Stephen Colbert.
Better Life Lab is a partnership of Slate and New America.

During her six years in the Army, including a deployment to Iraq and promotion to staff sergeant, Antonieta Rico says she saw survivors of sexual assault and harassment who came forward labeled as troublemakers and leaders who preferred hiding problems to protect reputations rather than confronting them. She recalls being one of a handful of women in an antisexual assault and harassment training when the trainer, a more senior male officer, offered up this scenario:  So, if you saw a naked, drunk girl on the bench outside your barracks, would you hit that? Youre not supposed to. But I probably would,  she recalls him saying. That gets to the root of the problem right there. No one takes it seriously, she says.

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After years of intense scrutiny brought on by the Tailhook scandal of 1991, in which investigators brought more than 140 cases of sexual misconduct against those who assaulted more than 80 women, and after decades of congressionally mandated surveys and annual sexual assault trainings and countless unflattering media accounts, the U.S. militarys problem with sexual misconduct is hardly a secret. One in five active-duty women are sexually harassed every year, as are 7 percent of men. The number of alleged assaults reported militarywide shot up 10 percent in the past year. And while military leaders attributed the jump to more targets being willing to come forward, the 6,769 people who reported being assaulted represent the highest number of reported assaults since the military began tracking them in 2006.

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I dont think its much better than when I joined in 1984. Weve at least acknowledged sexual harassment and assault and are providing support for victims. But we dont know how to stop it.  Retired Col. Ellen Haring

These incidents reflect a workplace environmentthe U.S. military is the largest employer in the worldwhere hostility to the presence of women runs deep. Its not just that women, until recently, have been considered unfit and barred from combat roles. Think of grunts deriding those who fight like a girl, or officers who blithely talk about whether they should open the kimono. Sexism and harassment are so common that they have become expected, says Ellen Haring, a retired Army colonel who now serves as director of programs and research for the Service Womens Action Network, or SWAN, a group working to eradicate sexual assault and harassment from the military. Sexual harassment has become normalized behavior, Haring says. Theres a lot of groupthink in the military, so a lot of behavior we think is unacceptable anywhere else, theyll say, Its to toughen you up. Make you ready for combat.

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I dont think its much better than when I joined in 1984, she adds. Weve at least acknowledged sexual harassment and assault and are providing support for victims. But we dont know how to stop it.

The militarys sexual misconduct problem is also structural: It took until 2013 for Congress to decide that felony sex offenders should no longer receive waivers to join the military. It took two years longer to prohibit using the good soldier defense in sexual assault casesthough its still permissible in domestic abuse cases. Military leaders have repeatedly vowed to changeSecretary James Mattis recently promised to redouble efforts to prevent the destructive cancer of sexual assaultand through the years have tried trainings, reformed the system so victims wouldnt have to report to officers who may have abused them, and even created a hologram project to highlight that men, too, are victims of sexual abuse and harassment.

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Yet, as the numbers show, thats not been enough. And as more women put their lives on the line for their country, theres more urgency than ever for leaders to make good on their promise to root out sexual harassment and assault in this testosterone-fueled culture.

Now the Army is experimenting with something new: sexual assault and harassment training that isnt actually billed as sexual assault and harassment training at all.

We call it leadership development training, says retired Army Master Sgt. Jeff Fenlason, who, along with fellow soldiers, developed the new approach when he saw how the typical Power Pointheavy sexual harassment training was met with eye-rolling, groans, and inaction. They didnt want to hear it anymore. But everyone in the Army wants to go to leadership development training.

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The idea of this new approach is to shift soldiers mindsets from thinking about sexual misconduct as a list of prohibited activities to focusing on the mission of the Army: fighting and winning the nations wars. With that goal in mind, participants are then forced to examine how their own attitudes, behaviors, and beliefsabout women, about who belongs in the military, about how warriors should acteither help or get in the way of accomplishing that mission. The idea is to create cognitive dissonance between the ideal conduct demanded of the mission and the destructive behaviors, like sexual harassment and assault, that impede it, Fenlason says. And, in the process, get soldiers to recognize how sexism has become the social norm in the military and begin to instead build a culture of dignity and respect.

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If you need to field an effective unit to fight wars, a trainer might ask, and an effective unit can only function well when each member can fully trust the others to have their backs, is there room for bullying? For turning a blind eye to excessive drinking or failing to recognize the signs of depression? For tolerating crude or racist jokes, or looking away when a comrade is sexually harassed or sexually assaults another? That way, Fenlason explains, were able to reframe the discussion from Youre a perpetrator, heres how long youre going to jail if we catch you/ Youre a victim, heres the services we provide you, and call people more to the ideal of the profession.

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In a pilot study, more than 900 soldiers at Georgias Fort Stewart participated in this mindset-shifting program, called Minds Eye II, in early 2018, and researchers are tracking a smaller set to see whether the new approach works.

Preliminary results appear promising. After the program, participants are showing higher levels of trust, more knowledge about the severity of the problem, and more willingness to intervene. They also demonstrate more empathy to survivors. We dont consider this conclusive evidence yet, but were very encouraged, says Jessica Marcon Zabecki, a research psychologist studying the pilot for the Armys Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, or SHARP.

Rico, who is now director of communications and policy for SWAN, was initially skeptical that any training or program could change the militarys hostile culture toward women. She had good reason to be. The research is clear: In many male-dominated environments, including the military, sexual harassment and assault are often not about sexual attraction at all, but power. A 2018 Department of Defense report found that the majority of perpetrators are men at the sergeant noncommissioned officer grade, and the majority of victims are lower-ranking service members.

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A lot of the time, when you tell someone theres a sexual harassment training going on, you kind of get defensive and think, Hey, my guys arent going to do this.   Antonieta Rico

The harassing behaviors are used as weapons to show that women and others who dont conform to conventional masculine norms arent welcome, arent fit to do the job, and dont belong. A culture of pervasive sexual harassment drives women out of the service, prevents them from rising to positions of leadership, and keeps them from wanting to join in the first place, all of which serves to entrench the macho status quo.

Then Rico went through an early version of the Minds Eye approach. There was no droning on during a boring Power Point. No dos and donts. Fenlason instead had the group think about what kind of leaders they wanted to be, what standards they expected people to live up to, and what behaviors start to cross that line. Participants spent time, eyes closed, imagining the beginnings of a sexual assault, then had to picture that it was someone they cared most about in the world being assaulted. Fenlason gave the group ideas for how they could intervene, drawn from the research on bystander intervention training, which has shown promising results in military settings. All of a sudden, its personal, Rico says. People were really energized.

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Rico thinks the mindset and leadership training could be part of an effective strategy to change culture. A lot of the time, when you tell someone theres a sexual assault, sexual harassment training going on, you kind of get defensive and think, Hey, my guys arent going to do this,  Rico says. But with this, you feel like its something thats going to help you as a leader, in any situation, to really think about the things you will and will not tolerate.

That is why Fenlason started the program in the first place. When he was deployed to Iraq in 2005, he was asked to take over a troubled platoon. One of his soldiers raped a 14-year-old Iraqi girl then killed her, her parents, and her 6-year-old sister. The crime was covered up inside his platoon for 90 days before the perpetrator was court-martialed and sentenced to life in prisona dark and jarring episode recounted in the book Black Hearts. Once home, Fenlason went into a period of deep introspection. Thinking how his own Army training had failed him as a leader, and what it would take to get leadership right, led him to develop the Minds Eye II program. You have to know when youre going to stand up and say, No,  Fenlason says. And not many people do.

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The Air Forces Jessica Gallus, a psychologist with the Integrated Resilience Office who worked with Fenlason on Minds Eye II, is quick to point out that it isnt just the military that has a problem with sexual harassment and abusea recent report from my team at the Better Life Lab at New America found sexual harassment is pervasive in virtually every industry in every sector. Its a societal issue, Gallus says. The military just happens to track it better than anyone else.

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And while the militarys sexual harassment and assault numbers indeed look bad, the military also has a record of leading the way in dealing with many of the countrys seemingly intractable societal issues. The military desegregated by executive order in 1948 while Jim Crow laws were still alive and well in many parts of the country. Now, racial and ethnic minority groups make up 40 percent of those on active duty. The military adopted drug testing and substance abuse programs at a time when illicit drug use peaked in the 1970s, and when 43 percent of those who served in Vietnam used heroin or opium. Now, rates of illicit drug use in the military have fallen to less than 1 percent. And while the nation still struggles with finding and affording high-quality child care, within a decade in the 1980s, the military began operating one of the best child care systems anywhere in the world.

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So why couldnt the military take the lead on preventing sexual harassment and assault? Even if they call it leadership training. I dont know if we changed the minds of many egotistical or Neanderthalic men about the worth of women. But I think we changed the way they saw things: This is the way its going to be, and if this happens in our unit, then youre not going to survive, says Col. Jeffrey Denius, now with Special Operations Command, who oversaw some early Minds Eye training at Fort Stewart. Then I think we actually did change some hearts and minds.
Few people are as knee-deep in our work-related anxieties and sticky office politics as Alison Green, who has been fielding workplace questions for a decade now on her website Ask a Manager. In Direct Report, she spotlights themes from her inbox that help explain the modern workplace and how we could be navigating it better.

Every December, Im inundated with questions about gift-giving at work: Are you supposed to buy a gift for your boss? What if youd prefer not to but colleagues pressure you to chip in for a group gift? How much are you supposed to spend on coworkers, if anything? Must you pretend to be grateful for a terrible gift from your employer?

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Gifts for bosses cause the most angst by far. Etiquette is actually quite clear on this point: Gifts in a workplace should flow downward, not upward. In other words, its fine for your boss to give you a gift but you shouldnt give gifts to your managers. That rule exists to prevent employees from feeling pressure to purchase gifts for the people who sign their paychecks, and because its unseemly for managers to benefit from employer/employee power dynamics that way.

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Nonetheless, many people do feel obligated to purchase gifts for their managersand some are subjected to weird office pressure to contribute to group gifts even when theyd rather not. This account is pretty typical of what fills up my inbox at this time of year:

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The company I work at has 200 employees. We get a Christmas bonus. Because it is the president who gives the bonus, the executive assistant asks each employee to contribute $10 toward a gift for the president, which is usually toward a trip. I dont believe this is right.

Sometimes those collections become truly inappropriate, such as the low-paid workers who were expected to chip in to send the bosss whole family to a ski resort.

And when group gift-giving to the boss has become a tradition, it can feel awkward to try to stop that tradition:

Every year someone in the department solicits money for gift cards for our boss, as well as her boss and her boss assistant. Weve been asked to contribute $50 every year. I have always hated this tradition but have felt pressured not to make waves.  This tradition has been going on for at least 10 years, and gifts are presented almost ceremonially on a specific day when there is a holiday lunch. This year I am the leader of our group, so I want to use my influence to stop the flow of gifts upward. Im quite sure all the people who typically donate would be fine ending this practice, especially since almost half do not celebrate Christmas. Its the managers who are more likely to be offended by the department suddenly stopping the gift-giving without any discussion. I feel comfortable enough to address this directly with my boss, but how should I handle her boss? I dont feel that Im in a position to talk to her about it, and my boss has a terrible relationship with her own boss.

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The problems dont stop there! When gifts are exchanged at work, it quickly becomes clear that some people are better gift givers than others:

My boss (also the CEO; its a very small company) gives us gift cards to a restaurant as our holiday gift/annual bonus. She is aware Im allergic to tomatoes, but she continues to give me a gift card to an Italian restaurant. This is also her favorite restaurant, and she gets the gift cards because she earns bonus cards that she uses herself. I literally cannot eat anything at the restaurant. Is there a way I can bring this up without sounding tacky? It hurts my feelings and annoys me every year.

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Company-provided gifts dont always fare any better:

When I was starting out my first job when I was an office manager, I had to arrange the delivery at end of all three shifts for frozen turkeys for 200-plus people. Every single person complainedeveryone. And it was a logistical nightmare to time delivery so they werent sitting end of shift. Also, it was the day before Thanksgiving. What the hell is anyone going to do with a 20-pound frozen turkey without time to properly defrost?

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And then theres this mysterious choice:

At my Old Job, my manager decided to give us all presents at Christmas for the first time ever after seeing other managers in our division give their employees small gifts (think gingerbread mix with a gingerbread man cookie cooker or a small cheese/sausage basket). Our gift was a small unbranded cellophane baggie with nine thumbtacks (three each of chartreuse green, bright orange, and fluorescent purple). Huh? Those thumbtacks were the only thing I left on my bulletin board when I departed.

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And while some people love office gifts exchanges (like Secret Santa or Yankee Swap), they can sometimes go awry:

Trying to do Dirty Santa with legit gifts that people will enjoy tends to be disastrousall anyone really wants are the gift cards and booze gifts, and people that put thought into selecting a gift are hurt that no one wanted their gift, and everyone who leaves without one of the most-wanted gifts feels ripped off that they brought a better gift than they received or guilty that theyre about to trash or re-gift whatever they wound up with.

Although nothing really tops this:

Once, during a Secret Santa, I got a (unused, thank God) plastic hospital bedpan.

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Really, we might all be better off if we limited our office holiday gift exchanges to cards and baked goods. But assuming its unrealistic to put a total stop to workplace gift swaps, lets at least agree that gifts shouldnt flow upward and that no workplace should pressure people to contribute to gifts or gift exchanges. If youre facing that pressure yourself, its fine to say, I cant this year, or Thats out of my budget. Its not Scrooge-ish to set limits on what you spend for the holidays, and your co-workers will get by fine without that soap-on-a-rope or scented candle.
It should come as little surprise to see the Democratic Republic of Congo ranked first and Afghanistan second on a list of countries at risk of experiencing mass atrocities in the coming years, according to a new report. But Egypt (No. 3 on the list) and Turkey (No. 8), both countries with relatively stable governments allied with the United States in the fight against terrorism, might be more unexpected.

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The Early Warning Project, which I first wrote about when it was launched in 2014, is an annual report from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and Dartmouth University that seeks to determine which countries are at greatest risk of a mass killing, defined as deliberate actions by armed groups leading to 1,000 civilian casualties or more. Risk factors used to create the list include a history of other mass killings, restrictions on freedom of movement, ethnic fractionalization, and regime type. (Anocraciesgovernments that combine democratic and autocratic featuresare found to create the highest risk of mass atrocities.)

The formula for determining risk has been tweaked over the years, notably to include killings by nonstate actors (think ISIS) as well as governments. This years report also expands the prediction window to two years, meaning the risks measured are for 2018 and 2019. One of the projects notable, though tragic, successes was correctly predicting a mass killing in Myanmar, which was ranked No. 1 in the first two years of the report, shortly before the mass persecution of the Rohingya began in 2016. Its worth noting that the report measures the risk of a new episode of mass killing, so if one is ongoingas is the case in Myanmarit can lower a countrys ranking. (Myanmar is still ranked 22nd this year with a 5.4 percent risk of a new incident.) Congo, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Pakistan are all still in the top five despite ongoing mass atrocities.

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Egypt ranks second on the list with an alarmingly high 24 percent chance thanks to factors including lack of freedom of movement for men, the countrys regime type (anocracy), a large population (the largest of any country in the Middle East), its geographic region, the presence of political killings, a history of mass killing (201314), and a recent coup detat. Egypt has also seen a recent wave of violence targeting Christians as well as ongoing fighting between the government and militants in the Sinai region. And its only been five years since hundreds of protesters were gunned down in what became known as the Rabaa Massacre. Turkey, whose military was accused of killing hundreds of Kurds in the southeastern region, exhibits similar risk factors.

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These countries high rankings ought to be sobering for the U.S. government, which has long embraced the notion that strongman leaders are the best guarantors of stability in the Middle East. Though administrations of both parties have held this belief, it has gone into overdrive under Donald Trump, who has unabashedly embraced leaders like Egypts Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the ruling family of Saudi Arabia.

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Another surprising country on the list is No. 7, Angola, which saw a peaceful transition of power after the 38-year rule of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos in 2017.* In addition to structural factors, the report notes ongoing tension between the government and separatist rebels in the Cabinda region.

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One of the rare bright spots in the report is Ethiopia, which dropped from 12th to 32nd on the list after a year that saw unexpected political liberalization and an improvement in relations with longtime rival Eritrea. (On the other hand, Ethiopia is considered to have been experiencing an ongoing mass killing event since 2015 in the western Oromia region.) Haiti, at 26, is the only country in the Western Hemisphere in the top 30.

Jill Savitt, acting director of the Holocaust Museums Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, told me that part of the goal of the project is to reorient the larger conversation on prevention of mass atrocities rather than responding to them afterward, when its much harder and more complicated to take action. She said, If we can reorient both policymakers and the NGO community to start paying more attention earlier, this kind of tool can help save lives.

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On Monday, the Nobel Peace Prize was jointly awarded to the Iraqi Kurdish former ISIS captive and activist Nadia Murad and the Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege, for their activities to combat and publicize the use of sexual violence in war. In his acceptance speech in Oslo, Mukwege criticized the international community for having turned a blind eye while Congolese civilians were humiliated, abused and massacred for more than two decades in plain sight.

The next time this happens, we cant say we werent warned.
Congress is on the verge of passing a sorely needed criminal justice reform bill with broad bipartisan support, but a handful of holdouts stand in the way. How many times can we watch raw politics get in the way of real progress at the federal level? These holdouts would be wise to take note of what the people they represent want. At the state level, across the country, voters and elected officials are increasingly bridging their differences to embrace criminal justice reform.

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The most prominent recent example of this came last month when Florida voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot initiative to restore voting eligibility to more than 1.4 million Floridians living with a past felony conviction.

In a remarkable display of unity, and during an otherwise highly divided election cycle in that state, Florida voters of all walks of life came together around a basic issue of fairnessthat once a debt has been paid, our loved ones with past convictions should be brought back into society. By demonstrating broad agreement across geographies, ethnic and racial differences, and political affiliations, Florida voters showed what it looks like to stand up for a real second chance and criminal justice reform. Thats an outcome that should bring us all hope and inspirationbut voting-rights restoration should only be a first step to truly repair the road to redemption.

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While being barred from voting for life is an extreme example of the kinds of absurd barriers that people living with past convictions face, it is unfortunately very far from the only one. That is why the Alliance for Safety and Justice, of which I am the co-founder and vice president, recently launched a national public education campaign to raise awareness of the lifetime barriers people with past convictions face. The Time Done campaign dares to ask the question, When will our sentence end?

What many Americans may not realize is that those with past convictions face a lifetime of legal prohibitions, long after their sentences are completed and they are living crime-free, in every area from jobs to housing, education, and more.

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States across the country should take inspiration from the remarkable Amendment 4 campaign in Florida to build a national movement strong enough to end all of the unfair legal prohibitions to stability and basic needs that those with past convictions face. For the sake of public safety, our economy, and the health of our families, its time to be done when time is done.

People living with old convictions across the country face nearly 50,000 legal barriers after completing their sentences.

States across the country should take inspiration from the remarkable Amendment 4 campaign in Florida.

Those barriers include blocking their ability to earn a job, access housing, secure student or housing loans, join professional trade associations, get certified in specialized professions, pursue higher or continuing education, and many more. There are even barriers that can prevent someone from adopting or fostering a family member in need, driving a car, or accessing victims services if they become the victim of a crime. The vast majority of these restrictions have no correlation to the crime committed and apply even after the person has completed all the terms of the sentence imposed.

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In California, for example, people living with a past conviction, regardless of the crime, cant volunteer in a school, even their own childrens schools. In Michigan, licensing agencies can bar those with almost any past criminal record from obtaining professional licenses. This is especially challenging because more than 150 professions in the state require a license, including barbers, dance instructors, and nail technicians.

These barriers do not just affect a small portion of our countrynearly every family and community in the country is impacted. Approximately 1 in 3 Americans are living with a past conviction or record. National research estimates that as many as 36 million children have at least one parent living with a convictionthats nearly half of all children in this country.

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The harm extends from entire families to our economy, with a suggested loss of $78 billion to $87 billion in GDP in 2014 from the employment restrictions on people living with a past conviction, according to a 2016 analysis by the Center for Economic and Policy Research.

A recent California report, Repairing the Road to Redemption in California, included a first-of-its-kind survey of people living with a past conviction. The report revealed 1 in 5 Californians (8 million total) are living with a past conviction or record. Eight in 10 people with an old conviction reported experiencing barriers to success. The report also found that the negative impacts of a felony conviction disproportionately impact people of color, people living in urban areas, people without a college degree, and people who are low income. The largest disparities relate to finding a job or housing. Policy reforms are urgently needed to give people a real chance to earn redemption.

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We are beginning to see momentum around this issue. This year, eight states have passed bills to remove some obstacles to obtaining professional licenses for those with past convictions.

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Pennsylvania recently enacted a clean slate law to provide relief for people living with a conviction. This new law will automatically seal many criminal records after 10 years, allowing people to fill out forms and applications without having to disclose a decades-old past conviction. A diverse group of organizations and philanthropists are also advancing policy solutions to automate clearing old records.

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The success of the Florida effort is a credit to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and the entire Floridians for a Fair Democracy campaign that stayed out of the partisan political arena and brought diverse Floridians into a conversation about why it is in everyones interest to give people a second chance.

The campaign made the case about a bad Florida law, but the bigger issue matters in every state. Allowing people living with past convictions to earn redemption leads to increased stability, lower recidivism rates, and increased contributions to society. Its overwhelmingly the right approach if the health and safety of communities are prioritized.

Nationally, we must continue working together in diverse economic, racial, and political coalitions to build a road to redemption that creates safer communities.
On Friday, House Republicans took a parting shot at Pete Strzok, the former FBI agent who helped lead the two biggest investigations of the past three years: one into Hillary Clintons emails, the other into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Stung by an emphatic rebuke in the 2018 midterms, the Republicans defiantly subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey to testify before a joint session of two House committees.* For six hours, they grilled Comey in an effort to trap him, trash Strzok, and discredit the investigations. They failed.

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Strzok, whose name is pronounced struck, is guilty of two things. One is having an extramarital affair with Lisa Page, a colleague in the investigations. The other is writing text messages to Page in which he expressed contempt for then-candidate Donald Trump. Its wrong to cheat on your spouse, and its reckless to criticize a subject of investigation in ways that cast doubt on the investigations fairness. But Strzok argues that he never allowed his assessment of Trump as a cad and a menacewhich was correctto corrupt the FBI inquiries. And every examination of Strzoks conduct supports that argument.

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In December 2017, when Republicans first learned of Strzoks texts, they pounced on them, seeking to overturn Clintons exoneration and destroy the Russia investigation. But six months later, after a thorough review, the Justice Departments inspector general issued a 500-page report that showed Strzok had argued internally for warrants, subpoenas, and other aggressive steps against Clinton. The report concluded: We found no evidence that the conclusions by Department prosecutors were affected by bias or other improper considerations.

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So Republicans summoned Strzok to a hearing in July, hoping for better material. They staged it like a trial, quoting from his harshest texts about Trump. But when Strzok challenged them to cite an instance in which his personal views had skewed an investigative decision, they couldnt. They accused the FBI of neglecting a trove of classified material, which they claimed could have implicated Clinton. That line of attack backfired when Strzok pointed out that he had advocated searching that material.

In August, under political pressure, the FBI fired Strzok. House Republicans gloated over his demise, but three months later, voters chucked them out of the majority. On their way out, the Republicans subpoenaed Comey, setting up Fridays showdown. Rep. Trey Gowdy, the South Carolina Republican who had spearheaded the attack on Clinton over Benghazi, led the interrogation of Comey. Again and again, Gowdy portrayed Strzok as a villain whose animus against Trump had corrupted the email and Russia investigations. Comey agreed with Gowdy that Strzoks texts created an appearance of bias and warranted discipline by the FBI. But Comey demolished the allegation of biased conduct:

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I never saw any indication at all of bias by Mr. Strzok or Ms. Page. And, in fact, Peter Strzok helped draft my letter to Congress on Oct. 28 [2016] that Hillary Clinton blames for her defeat. So its hard for me to see how he was on Team Clinton secretly at that point in time. And he also was one of the handful of people in the entire world who knew we were investigating four Americans who had some connection to Mr. Trump during the summer of 2016, and he didnt tell a soul. So its hard to reconcile that with his being on Team Clinton.

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Strzok was among the best, Comey told the committee. He was very highly regarded as a counterintelligence professional, and I saw that borne out in the nature and quality of his work with me. At the end of the hearing, when Comey was asked whether he still regarded the Clinton investigation as entirely apolitical and professional  in light of the text messages of Agent Strzok and others, he replied: Yes, very much.

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Instead of discrediting Strzok, the Republicans discredited themselves. Gowdy suggested that Trumps words to Comey last year about former National Security Adviser Michael FlynnI hope you can let this gowerent obstruction of justice, since they failed to stop the FBI from investigating Flynn. Did you act or fail to act in any way in the Flynn matter because of what the president said to you? Gowdy pressed Comey. Did his comments prevent you from following the leads that you thought should have been followed? In Gowdys cynical reckoning, Trump was innocent because his corrupt acts failed, but Strzok was guilty even though he committed no corrupt acts.

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Strzok shouldnt have written those texts. You cant go around calling a dirtbag a dirtbag when part of your job is to investigate, in a publicly credible way, whether the dirtbag was involved in crimes. But its been more than a year since the texts came out. Republicans have had three chancesthe IG report, the July hearing, and Fridays hearingto produce any evidence that Strzoks low opinion of Trump altered the investigations. Three times, theyve swung and missed. Theyve struck out.
A source who has seen the full transcript of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul described several key details to CNN, and theyre just as horrifying as youd expect. Although many details of the transcript had been reported, CNN reveals a full account of what the transcript, which was prepared by Turkish intelligence services, reveals with the help of its source.

The transcript makes clear Khashoggi knew something was amiss as soon as he walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Khashoggi, who was supposed to pick up papers he needed for his wedding, quickly recognizes one of the men who is at the consulate and asks him what he was doing there. You are coming back, the man says. After a short protest from Khashoggi, the transcript says several people approach Khashoggi and soon after the journalist is struggling to breathe. I cant breathe, Khashoggi repeats several times. That seems to dismiss the idea that Khashoggis killing involved an accidental choking considering his claims that he could not breathe were clearly audible.

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The transcript then goes on to note several noises that can be heard, including screams from Khashoggi and the sound of his body being dismembered by a saw. One of the men in the room at one point even gives advice to the others, telling them to put your earphones in, or listen to music like me so they can drown out the horrible noise.

Another key point of the transcript is that one of the men placed at least three phone calls. The transcript suggests the calls are an update on what was going on. Tell yours, the thing is done, its done, the man says at one point. The calls do not seem panicked or worried at all, again throwing cold water on claims that the killing was part of an operation that went wrong. The caller appears simply to be informing someone of what is going on, CNN writes. Hardly, the source says, the actions of a panicked ringleader, but more the description of a situation going entirely according to plan.

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The details of the transcript were revealed shortly after the New York Times published a piece detailing how Jared Kushner gave Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman advice after the killing of Khashoggi. Kushner has offered the crown prince advice about how to weather the storm, urging him to resolve his conflicts around the region and avoid further embarrassments, details the Times. That advice came after a concerted effort by the Saudis to court Kushner and cultivate a relationship with him that has served them well as the presidents son-in-law has become Prince Mohammeds biggest defender in the White House.
Its been a bad week for President Donald Trump. And the weekend didnt stop the bad news as word came on Sunday night that his first choice to replace John Kelly as White House chief of staff wont take the job after all. There were already rumors that maybe Nick Ayers, who is chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, wasnt that interested in the job even though he had repeatedly been described as the frontrunner. Ayers wrote a tweet Sunday that didnt specifically mention the White House chief of staff job but left little room for doubt. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House, he wrote. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause.

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Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause.  #Georgia  Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018

The tweet came after negotiations between Trump and Ayers on the terms of the position collapsed, apparently because the 36-year-old who is father of young triplets didnt want to commit to the two years that the president was demanding. Ayers had reportedly offered to take the position on an interim basis until the spring but Trump was adamant that he wanted someone he could count on being there for the rest of his term.

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In addition to the length of the commitment though, there was also some resistance within senior administration officials to appoint Ayers to the job out of fear that it could push other people to leave the administration.

For now it remains unclear who will take the chief of staff job once Kelly resigns. Others considered to be possible contenders for the job include Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, and United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, according to the New York Times. Axios reports Trump is considering four candidates for the job, including Rep. Mark Meadows from North Carolina.
Penetrating insular, loyalty-based, testosterone-infused groups, like the Hells Angels, Massachusetts now-defunct Metropolitan Police department, the Mafia, and President Donald Trumps network, requires a special kind of prosecutor. Someone who knows how to wield the carrot and stick in fair measure. Someone who hates the crime but not the criminal. Someone smart enough to know he doesnt know it all and needs the help of an insider to unravel complicated and Hydra-headed conspiracies. A prosecutor like Robert Mueller, who has now spent 37 years, or nearly half his life, using the art of the plea deal to successfully crack open these insidious enterprises.

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The court papers filed by the special counsel this week relating to Michael Flynn, Michael Cohen, and Paul Manafort are classic examples of these qualities in action. Mueller rewarded Flynn with the best possible carrot, a recommendation that he not be sent to jail because he provided firsthand knowledge of contacts between the Trump team and the Russians and had had, until he met Trump, an exemplary military and public service career. But the special counsel also pointed out that Flynns lifetime of public service required he be held to a higher standard.

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Mueller was even more deft when dealing with Michael Cohen. While the U.S. Attorney in New York called Cohen greedy and privileged and a wearer of rose-colored glasses in the first few pages of his sentencing memo, he waited until Page 15 to describe Cohens cooperation as forthright and credible, arguably one of the most important things for the sentencing judge to know. Mueller, on the other hand, didnt display a hint of personal animus in his memo, even though Cohen lied the first time he met with him. Instead, Mueller called the information Cohen provided relevant and truthful, and even-handedly recommended that whatever sentence the judge chose to impose for Cohen lying to Congress, it be served concurrently with his sentence on the New York indictment.

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And when wielding the very big stick of revoking Manaforts plea agreement, Mueller reported crisply and conscientiously only the content of Manaforts lies, without even the hint of a sneer.

Was Muellers no-jail sentencing recommendation for Flynn a call to other witnesses to throw their lot in with him, rather than wait for the presidential pardons Trump periodically dangles? Was his swift rebuke to Manafort a warning to other witnesses who attempt to deceive him? Was his praise for Cohens almost-there cooperation an incentive for Cohen to try harder? You betcha.

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Looking back at his career, Mueller appears to have always wielded the power of the plea agreement judiciously. And he appears to have always understood that in order to get substantial cooperation from defendants turned government witnesses, he had to earn their trust and promise them a substantial reward in return.

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According to newspaper reports, as an assistant U.S. attorney in San Francisco in 1980, Mueller retried a gang of Hells Angels charged with narcotics and other serious crimes. Victim-witnesses called to testify at the first trial waffled or failed to appear, for fear they would be killed. Jurors expressed similar concerns. No one was surprised when the first trial jury hung. Mueller streamlined the case by narrowing the indictment, dismissing marginal defendants, and offering plea deals to a handful of defendants, with some agreeing to testify in the second trial. Things went well until a Hells Angel informant, who had been immunized before Mueller became involved, admitted to receiving almost $54,000 from the government before testifying. Defense lawyers moved to dismiss the case for government misconduct. The judge expressed doubts about the witness integrity. Mueller investigated and reported the Drug Enforcement Administration had made these payments over time after the witness entered the Witness Protection Program. The trial continued. Nonetheless, the second jury, upset by the stench created by what looked like tainted testimony, hung again.

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A few years later, at the Boston U.S. attorneys office, Mueller zealously rooted out widespread police corruption in a case known as exam scam. A group of rogue cops within Massachusetts Metropolitan Police, a state agency that functioned in and around Boston, was caught in a $1.5 million bank heist. Initially a state case, the local prosecutor granted one of the burglars, Sgt. Joseph Bangs, immunity in exchange for his testimony against his remaining crew. Bangs told local prosecutors about other thefts, narcotics sales, and other crimes this group had committed. But he also explained they had undermined the integrity of the entire Metropolitan Police department by stealing and selling the civil service exams given to help aspiring cops obtain promotions to supervisory roles within the police department. They charged $3,000 for these exams and answers, but the rogue cops werent doing this entirely for the money. They were blackmailing police brass at the highest levels with their cheating, Mueller argued, to make them ignore the pervasive corruption that was taking hold in the department.

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Mueller didnt have to ratify the immunity given to Bangs by the local DA, but he did and went one step further. He gave the kingpin, Gerald Clemente, what amounted to a no-jail plea deal in exchange for his testimony. Clemente already was serving a 30-year state sentence for the bank burglary, and some argued that the no-jail aspect of the agreement was meaningless. But what counted was that Mueller used Clemente to break the notorious blue line. He convinced a 20-year veteran to testify against his brethren. Literally. Clemente testified against his brother. All but one of the six defendants in the original exam scam trial were convicted. And Clemente was sentenced to 15 years, to be served concurrently with his outstanding sentence.

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Muellers best-known plea bargain was the sweetheart deal given to Sammy the Bull Gravano, the underboss of the Gambino crime family, when Mueller was the chief of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. Gravano, implicated in 19 murders and hundreds of other serious crimes, agreed to testify against his boss, John Gotti, and others, in exchange for pleading guilty to a single count of racketeering, carrying a maximum possible sentence of 20 years. Gravano, labeled by prosecutors as the most significant witness in the history of organized crime in the United States, was ultimately sentenced to five years, which essentially amounted to time served at the time of his sentencing. Prosecutors involved in the Gotti case credited Mueller with having the vision to promote such a controversial plea bargain.

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The trust Mueller engenders makes him a formidable adversary. He goes to the mat for people who put their lives and careers on the line to tell the truth like Michael Flynn has done. He brings the full weight of the government down on double-crossers like Paul Manafort. And he expresses appreciation for truthful information he receives from defendants like Michael Cohen, not quite committed to joining Team America, but willing to help.

Mueller has proved to the people in Trump world who want to put their misdeeds behind them, and make a new Trump-free life, that he offers the only get-out-of-jail-free card that is guaranteed to work.
The Supreme Court declined to hear two Planned Parenthoodrelated cases on Monday, leaving in place two lower court opinions that favor the health care organization. Those opinions held that states violate federal law when they cut Planned Parenthood affiliates out of state Medicaid programs, as many states have tried to do since 2015.

The courts decision to leave those opinions be is a small but significant win for Planned Parenthood, which has been battling right-wing attempts to block low-income patients from accessing cancer screenings, contraception, and STI treatment at Planned Parenthood affiliates. (The Hyde Amendment already prevents federal Medicaid dollars from being used for abortions not sought for reasons of life endangerment, rape, or incest, and most states have also banned state Medicaid dollars from funding abortions outside those parameters.)

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In the two cases the Supreme Court decided not to addressone from Kansas, one from LouisianaMedicaid patients sued when state governments moved to prevent them from getting non-abortion care from the organizations health care providers. They claimed it violated Medicaids free choice of provider provision, which holds that patients on Medicaidwhich is jointly funded by states and the federal governmentmust be allowed to access care at any qualified health care facility that is willing to take them on as patients. In other words, the government cant blacklist health care providers from Medicaid for political reasons unrelated to their ability to provide quality care.

The Supreme Courts non-action on Monday doesnt bear on this provision. The states that appealed the lower court rulings in favor of Planned Parenthood were arguing that individual Medicaid patients dont have the right to sue over which providers theyre allowed to see, not that states have the right to ban specific providers from their Medicaid programs. The federal government can withhold Medicaid dollars if any state contravenes federal law, the states said, but granting every person on Medicaid the standing to sue could overwhelm the courts and a states ability to decide which providers belong in their Medicaid programs. In response, Planned Parenthood asked the Supreme Court to refuse to hear the case, assuring the justices that the appeals court rulings were merely preliminary injunctions, not broad statements on the merits of the suits, and thus didnt necessitate a reply from the high court.

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Four justices would have had to agree to hear the cases to get them in front of the Supreme Court, and only threeClarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Samuel Alitowere willing to do so. Thomas wrote a dissent that the other two joined, arguing that because five appeals courts have ruled that states cant cut Planned Parenthood off the Medicaid rolls and one has ruled that they can, patients in different Stateseven patients with the same providershave different rights to challenge their States provider decisions. Thomas also expressed concern that justices were avoiding the cases because of their association with debates over abortion rights. Some tenuous connection to a politically fraught issue does not justify abdicating our judicial duty, Thomas wrote. If anything, neutrally applying the law is all the more important when political issues are in the background.

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Thomas has a point. Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts, the other two conservatives on the court, would have likely ruled against Planned Parenthood, but they seem to be avoiding hot-button cases at the moment. After the partisan mayhem of Kavanaughs confirmation hearingsmarked by Kavanaughs own vilification of left-wing opposition groups seeking revenge on behalf of the Clintonsit makes sense that he and the chief justice would want to lay low for a bit when it comes to the issues activists care about most. In three of the courts first rulings of Kavanaughs tenure, he has declined to protect the Trump administrations interests. He may be merely waiting for some of the anger around his confirmation to dissipate, or he may be carving out a space for himself as a more moderate justice a la Roberts, who has occasionally sided against his fellow conservatives on the court.

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After Mondays decision, members of the religious right, who have overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in part because of his promises to overturn Roe v. Wade, are worrying over whether their newest guy on the court will be the nail in Roes coffin they expected him to be. Reproductive-rights advocates have been far more reluctant to read any broader meaning into Kavanaugh and Roberts refusal to hear the two Medicaid cases. For one thing, its not an actual ruling. For another, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to allow Arkansas to block Medicaid patients from accessing care at Planned Parenthood still stands. Abortion-rights cases with bigger, broader impact are trickling up the pipeline, and Supreme Court appointments last a lifetime.
The big development over the weekend at the White House was that Nick Ayers, who was previously Mike Pences chief of staff, has declined an offer to take over the same role for President Trump. (John Kelly is leaving the job at the end of the year.) Ayers decision is said to come as a surprise not just to POTUS but to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, key administration players whod been pushing his candidacy internally.

The news that an upwardly mobile 36-year-old like Ayers had passed up a chance to be one of the most powerful people in the United States has, understandably, led to suggestions that Trumps presidencywhich is now threatened not just by Robert Muellers increasingly active prosecution team but by a Democratic House with subpoena poweris having a rats-jumping-off-the-sinking-ship moment. As President Trump heads into the fight of his political life, the man he had hoped would help guide him through it has now turned him down, wrote the Times. An expert source quoted in Politico suggested that candidates for the chief of staff job might be worried that theyd end up in jail. Even writers who generally treat forecasts of the imminent administration meltdown with appropriate skepticism, like FiveThirtyEights Nate Silver and the Atlantics McKay Coppins, are cautiously suggesting the situation right now at the White House might be uniquely precarious:

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I sorta buy the narrative more than usual. Not that the degree of chaos is necessary higher in the past (there have been times when the WH has been juggling more stuff on its short-term agenda) but all of these describe chronic problems that aren't going away any time soon.  Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) December 9, 2018

Yeah I wrote in a follow-up tweet that the Dems taking the House, especially, makes this moment substantively different than all the other precarious moments of the Trump presidency.  McKay Coppins (@mckaycoppins) December 9, 2018

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It may well be true that Trump is in more danger than ever. (Silver and Coppins exchange took place after the Ayers news broke but covered a number of other recent developments as well.) But his inability to find a chief of staff and Ayers rejection of the offer are probably not evidence of that. Thats because becoming chief of staff is the worst possible job for someone who wants to ally him or herself politically with Trump and his brand of aggressive #MAGA ethnic-nationalist Republicanism.

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The position, under Trumps brand of management, has very little actual power. The president makes policy and personnel decisions whimsically, rather than through the CoS-guided process typical of other presidencies, and hes infamous for actively encouraging subordinates to undermine and back-stab each other. By becoming chief of staff, for example, John Kellya hardline true believer who had a large part in creating Trumps border policiesdid not attain much influence over White House strategy but did somehow end up having to defend himself from internal accusations that he was soft on illegal immigration.

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The job is, however, still high-profile enough that Trump will eventually turn you into a fall guy for problems of his own creation, then screw you over on your way out the door. It makes sense that Ayers wouldnt want to sign up for this. But look what hes doing instead (via Politico):

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For now, Ayers is expected to return to America First Action, the pro-Trump super PAC he helped lead before taking the Pence job. The organization is expected to play a major role in the 2020 campaign, and Ayers enjoys close relationships with major GOP donors who are likely to be funding the super PAC.

America Firsts job is to amplify the White Houses message in an electoral context; its so closely allied with Trump that one of its top executives, Brad Parscale, was selected as POTUSs 2020 campaign manager. Ayers is still betting that his political future is best served by working with and for the president; what he seemingly realizes is that becoming chief of staff means an increased risk that youll be cast out of Trumps circle, becoming an enemy to his other advisers and core supporters. Passing up the job but going to work for America First is an acknowledgment on Ayers part that, for all the presidents legal liabilities and role in the partys loss of the House, there is no philosophy besides personality-cult #MAGAism that has currency within todays GOP. (Incoming House Republican leader and California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, for instance, appeared on CNBC Monday to repeat Trumps dismissive talking points about the campaign finance felony hes been implicated in.) Trump may lose a lot of battles by being an erratic dumbass (and his chief of staff is the person whos going to take the blame when that happens). But he hasnt yet lost the war.
Slates expanded voting rights coverage is made possible by the support of Slate Plus members and readers like you.

President Donald Trump may never face a criminal penalty or impeachment proceedings for violating campaign finance laws in alleged conspiracy with his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. But on Monday, he tweeted an apparent legal defense for the apparent criminal violations that is beyond unconvincing. He argued that hidden hush-money payments to his mistresses in the weeks before the 2016 election were merely simple private transaction[s] rather than illegal campaign contributions, or that his problems amount to no more than his lawyer making a paperwork mistake. The president went on to compare Cohens actions to the reporting errors to which the Obama campaign admitted and ultimately dealt with through the payment of civil fines, the apparent point being that even if Trump did anything wrong, he should only be on the hook for civil penalties. In reality, Trumps conduct and applicable campaign finance rules suggest that he would already be in serious legal jeopardy if he were not the sitting president.

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Heres what we know about the circumstances surrounding Cohens sentencing memo, which was submitted last week by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York. Cohen pleaded guilty to arranging payoffs to two women, Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, in exchange for their silence about affairs with Trump in coordination with and at the direction of the then-candidate. In the McDougal case, Cohen arranged for the National Enquirer to catch and kill the story by paying for the exclusive rights to McDougals story and then never running it. Cohen promised an Enquirer editor reimbursement. In the case of Daniels, Cohen avoided making the payment until Daniels lawyer revealed she was going to tell her story publicly to a media outlet. On Oct. 25, 2016, days before the election, Cohen paid Daniels for her silence. He facilitated the payment by tapping a home loan and setting up a limited liability corporation to make the payment. He was then reimbursed by the Trump Organization after submitting false invoices indicating the payments were for lawyer fees and tech services.

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These are serious criminal activities for which others have gone to jail.

As I explained in Slate back in August when Cohens actions first came to light, it looks like Cohen and Trump conspired to violate a number of campaign finance laws involving excessive individual contributions (an individual cannot give more than $2,700 to Trumps campaign), illegal corporate contributions (the Trump Organization and National Enquirer are corporations, as was the LLC Cohen set up to make the Daniels payment), and violating a number of reporting requirements, including the campaigns failure to report Cohens personal loan to the campaign.

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These were not paperwork errors, as both Trump and Rand Paul have spuriously claimed. Campaigns do make paperwork errors all the time, especially large campaigns like Obamas or John McCains, which failed to file some reports within 48 hours of making some campaign expenditures. When campaigns make these minor errors, they promptly file a corrected report with the Federal Election Commission and then pay civil fines if necessary. What they dont do: Deny for more than a year that they made an error, and try to hide campaign payments by funneling money through unreported corporate loans, LLCs, and payoffs falsely described as legal and technical services. These are serious criminal activities for which others have gone to jail, and for which Cohen apparently will spend time behind bars following his guilty plea. Indeed, in recommending a harsh sentence for Cohen last week, SDNY prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the former fixers actions and the particular relevance of campaign finance statutes.

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Cohens commission of two campaign finance crimes on the eve of the 2016 election for President of the United States struck a blow to one of the core goals of the federal campaign finance laws: transparency. While many Americans who desired a particular outcome to the election knocked on doors, toiled at phone banks, or found any number of other legal ways to make their voices heard, Cohen sought to influence the election from the shadows. He did so by orchestrating secret and illegal payments to silence two women who otherwise would have made public their alleged extramarital affairs with [Trump]. In the process, Cohen deceived the voting public by hiding alleged facts that he believed would have had a substantial effect on the election.

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The above logic would obviously also apply to Trump if it could be proven that he directed these crimes, as Cohen and the state have alleged. Indeed, Politico reported on Monday that Florida Rep.-elect Ross Spano could face criminal liability for failing to disclose $180,000 in loans from friends. These are all potentially serious crimes.

Trump is on only slightly stronger ground in claiming that these were simple private transactions, not campaign-related ones. It is true that a campaign need not report a candidates purely personal expenses. So how to draw the line? As I explained in an August column, the question is whether making the payments was motivated by a desire to help the campaign rather than to protect his personal life:

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Two important Republican election lawyers have attempted to set a high bar for how to tell when a payment in this context might be campaign-related rather than personal. Charlie Spies told the [Wall Street] Journal in February that the payment to Daniels was an expense that would exist irrespective of whether Mr. Trump was a candidate and therefore should not be treated as a campaign contribution. And former Federal Election Commission chair Brad Smith wrote in an April op-ed in the Journal that FEC regulations explain that the campaign cannot pay expenses that would exist irrespective of the campaign, even if it might help win election. At the same time, obligations that would not exist but for the campaign must be paid from campaign funds. Even under these tough standards for what counts as campaign-related, the proof of the timing would be damning for Cohen. Why should Cohen not care a whit about protecting Trumps reputation in his wifes eyes in September 2016, but be anxious to close the dealand shut Daniels upright as the campaign faced a crisis involving allegations of Trumps treatment of women? The Daniels payment was not an expense that existed until the campaign needed it. But for the campaign, it seems that Cohen would not have paid.

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Cohens guilty plea alone does not demonstrate that Donald Trump committed a felony. To be criminally liable, it must be proven that he willfully violated campaign finance laws. The timing so close to the election, the structuring of the secret payments, the use of a sham LLC all suggest evidence of guilt. We dont know what evidence federal prosecutors have of Trumps direction and coordination of this activity, but that evidence would likely add to the case of Trumps guilt.

Ultimately it seems to be a political question whether prosecutors might indict Trump after he leaves office or if Democrats might use these campaign finance violations as grounds for impeachment. The political reality is that he may never face a penalty. But it likely wont be because prosecutors could not make their case. From what we can see, Trump looks plenty guilty.
Municipalities recognise there is a lack of outreach on the part of administrators to foreigners, but the problem goes both ways.

Several foreigners attended the latest round table hosted by the Human Rights League. (Source: Courtesy of Human Rights League)

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Bratislava may be small compared to other European capitals, but more and more foreigners are moving to the well-positioned city, transforming it into an international hub with a booming, multicultural population.

However, being a foreigner in Bratislava is not without its challenges.

On December 6, the Human Rights League hosted a round table discussion for foreigners centred around the process of integration and language acquisition in municipalities, two topics listed among the main concerns in a survey it administered to foreigners in Bratislava.

This is the second round table of this nature hosted by the civic association, the first of which focused on the voting rights of foreigners in the recent municipal elections.

Hate speech is one of the concerns

In the survey and subsequent research through the KapaCity project, the Human Rights League found that many foreigners in Bratislava believe the city has huge potential, but there is a greater focus on city development rather than social cohesion in the capital.

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Read Also: We want foreigners to integrate but we do everything to see them fail Read more

"Bratislava authorities have always declared that it is an open city but we see no specific activities to welcome new inhabitants. So, there is a big space for us to improve things," said Elena Gallova Kriglerova, a researcher involved in the KapaCity project.

Other challenges listed include a lack of support for the socially-disadvantaged, a lack of housing and quality healthcare, and a continued language barrier among administrative workers.

Some foreigners also grapple with hate speech in the capital, which the league believes is a point for further discussion.

Interestingly, it also found that municipalities recognise that there is a lack of outreach on the part of administrators to foreigners. However, they believe this problem goes both ways: not enough foreigners are contacting municipal officials directly with their concerns.

Speaking the language helps

Dealing with the administration in Slovakia, including the Foreigners Police, can be a challenge for many foreigners as English is not widely spoken among administrative workers.

However, foreigners wishing to learn the Slovak language have several resources available to them, some of which were presented at the round table discussion. These include Mareena, a civic association that provides intensive, 10-week Slovak courses, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which offers free language classes for non-EU citizens.

In order to improve language acquisition among administrative workers, the Human Rights League has also proposed providing language and intercultural training sessions for city workers who deal directly with foreigners.

Possible solutions

The attendees of the round table also brainstormed several solutions to common problems foreigners and municipalities face.

Ideas for ways foreigners can make themselves visible to the municipality included joining and creating more sports/leisure clubs, volunteering, and contacting media and public resources.

As for language assistance and what services municipalities could provide to lessen the language barrier, foreigners proposed more informal conversation hours, English classes and workshops for administrative workers, and a greater amount of Slovak language courses.

Suggestions for services municipalities could offer foreigners upon arrival included providing a welcome package where important resources are listed in one place, and implementing an English helpline and app, along with a physical resource (such as a social worker) that can help foreigners throughout the entire integration process.

These ideas will be presented to the municipality in the coming months in an effort to improve integration efforts for foreigners in Bratislava.

The Human Rights League, in cooperation with WelcomeToBratislava, will continue to focus on the lives of foreigners in Bratislava on December 12, when it hosts its event Life in Slovakia through the eyes of foreign entrepreneurs, in which several foreign entrepreneurs will talk about their experiences running businesses in Bratislava.
The party still has not revealed the name of its presidential candidate, pointing to potential attacks by the opposition.

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The reintroduction of the right to reply for public officials and the halt to the anonymization of internet discussions in the media are among the priorities adopted by the members of the ruling Smer party at its annual congress held on December 8 in Trencin.

The party also plans to introduce various social measures, such as prolonging maternal benefits to one year, increasing parental benefits and cancelling fees for changing personal documents after marriage. The party reiterated their plans to reduce VAT on basic needs for newborns and the contribution for buying school equipment for first-graders.

In his speech, party chair Robert Fico attacked the media, accusing them of deceiving the public, as well as the president. At the same time, he refused to reveal the name of his party's presidential candidate even though they had originally promised to do so in the autumn, the Sme daily reported.

No presidential candidate yet

Fico said at the beginning of his speech that they would not reveal the name of the presidential candidate at the congress.

Well nominate and support a strong and real candidate, but tactics tell us to be patient because the moment we reveal the name, he/she would become a target of the oppositions lynching, Fico said, as quoted by Sme.

Foreign Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak, who has been a favourite in the polls and was considered to be the partys nominee, has confirmed to Sme that he would not run.

Fico also attacked incumbent President Andrej Kiska in his speech.

We believe that we will choose a better president than we have now; we need a president with his own opinions, Fico added, as quoted by Sme.

Kiska has openly criticised and pointed to several scandals concerning Smer. Ever since, he has been a frequent target of both Fico and ex-interior minister Robert Kalinak, Sme wrote.

Attacks on the media

Fico continued by saying that Smer has been facing media terror and lynching.

This has to end, he said, as quoted by Sme, adding that they will respond to every media attack with legal means.

In this respect, Fico wants to reintroduce the right to reply for public officials. In the past, Smer had approved the legal change, but it was dropped from the law during the rule of Iveta Radicova's government (2010-2012).

His party also wants to stop the anonymization of internet discussions beneath articles. According to their proposal, the publisher will be responsible for the discussions content, Sme wrote.

When describing how the media deceived the public, Fico pointed to the reports about the abduction of Vietnamese citizen Trinh Xuan Thanh and the murder of investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova.

As for the latter, he referred to the fact that the media informed about the connections of former Government Office employees Viliam Jasan and Maria Troskova to the Italian mafia. Fico interpreted this at the congress by saying the media wrote that the government murdered the journalist via the Italian mafia.

No conflicts with Pellegrini

Fico also dispelled the rumours that his relationship with Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini would be tense. Pellegrini was sitting among the other vice-chairs the whole time and Fico sat next to him after his speech.

Pellegrini then told other Smer members that the success of the party depends on how they can communicate the advantages brought by the government to the people. He also mentioned the need to avoid scandal, Sme wrote.
The attacker, Juraj Hossu, could spend 12 years in prison.

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The investigation into the brutal attack on Filipino Henry Acorda, who later succumbed to his injuries, has been closed, the Bratislava police confirmed to the private broadcaster TV Markiza.

The investigation was wrapped up on November 20, while the proposal to bring charges was delivered to the prosecutor in Bratislava, Police Corps spokesperson Michal Szeiff told TV Markiza.

Read also:

Read also: Man charged with killing Filipino in Bratislava remains in custody Read more

Based on this proposal, the prosecutor will charge Juraj Hossu with homicide. He faces a possible sentence of 12 years in prison.

What is the case about?

Hossu, aged 28, from the southern-Slovak district of Dunajska Streda, allegedly attacked the Filipino who tried to prevent him from harassing two women in Obchodna Street in Bratislava early on the morning of May 26. The expat who worked in the capital died of injuries sustained in the attack.

The murder resulted in a protest whose participants were demanding Justice for Henry.

Read also:

Read also: Murdered Filipino taken home by Slovak government plane Read more

Although originally there was also a suspicion that the attack was racially motivated, the investigation did not prove it.

He has been charged only with homicide, the charges have not been re-qualified or extended, Szeiff told TV Markiza.
One of the reasons for preparing the amendment is the massive deforestation in Slovakia.

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Slovakia is to scrap subsidies for burning quality wood in biomass facilities. This stems from the amendment to the law on supporting renewable energy sources, authored by the opposition, which was adopted by parliament on December 6.

Under the new rules, only the combustion of wood from energy covers and waste from wood-processing industries will be subsidised, the SITA newswire reported.

Slovakia is losing trees

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Read also: Trees in the Low Tatras felled without permission Read more

One of the reasons for proposing the change was the more obvious deforestation not only of forests, but also river banks and in alleys, with the aim to draw as many subsidies as possible.

Slovakia has lost 760 square kilometres of forests during the past 18 years, opposition MPs said, as quoted by SITA. Currently nearly 4 million cubic metres of wood are logged for energy purposes, while the sustainable logging of all wood on forest and non-forest land represents 5.8-6 million cubic metres of wood.

The Regulatory Office for Network Industries (URSO) has scrutinised the quality of wood combusted in biomass power plants several times. Although the regulation only permits the combustion of lower-quality wood, they often use more quality wood, the MPs for Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) and the Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OLaNO) claimed.

Based on the URSO data, MPs want to secure the efficient inspection of the quality of combusted wood, SITA wrote.

They also pointed to the fact that generous subsidies increased the prices of wood chips to 58 per tonne.

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Read also: Tree-cutting on the Danubes bank angered nature conservationists Read more

This has made the processing of any type of wood economically unattractive, MPs said, as quoted by SITA. Subsidies thus create conditions resulting in the deformation of the energy market and an increase in electricity prices for consumers.

The Association of Electricity and Heat from Biomass Producers called on MPs to withdraw the amendment from discussion, saying that the arguments are untrue. They also claimed that the changes are at odds with the European renewable energy directive, SITA wrote.
But it is possible the police will not accede to this request.

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The Penta financial group is demanding that investigators destroy the recordings from the Gorilla case, found during the house search of Marian Kocners premises, the Dennik N daily reported.

It has already written to the Special Prosecutors Office, asking the law enforcement bodies not to consider them. The recordings, according to the Gorilla file published on the internet, were taken in a flat on Vazovova Street in Bratislava and capture the meetings of Penta head Jaroslav Hascak with politicians, talking about commissions from trade with the state.

Our motion is based on media accessible information according to which the audio recordings from illegal wiretapping were found, Martin Danko, PR manager of Penta, told Dennik N. If its true, we ask the respective bodies to observe the law and the valid decision of the Constitutional Court from 2012 concerning illegal eavesdropping.

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Read also: Q&A: The Gorilla Case Read more

Penta referred to the court ruling, according to which the wiretapping of the flat on Vazovova Street was illegal. Though the Bratislava Regional Court approved the request of the Slovak Information Service (SIS) intelligence agency, the Constitutional Court claimed that the request was not well-founded.

The police have not yet commented on the recordings, referring to the ongoing investigation. However, it is possible that police will not accept Pentas request and will first scrutinise them, Dennik N wrote.

Disclaimer: Penta financial group has a minority share in Petit Press, the co-owner of The Slovak Spectator.
People still play an important role in logistics.

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Modern technology may replace manpower in many areas. In logistics, this includes activities related to the handling of goods.

Fortunately, people in logistics do not have to worry about losing their jobs, while experts do not expect the full exchange of people for technology. In the coming years, new technology should not affect employment due to the financial difficulty of implementation, according to Aleksander Raczynski, director of the Gefco logistics service provider for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Autonomous technologies can be a response to the shortage of people in the sector, but it is more about the future than the present, Raczynski told The Slovak Spectator.

Automation leads to a demand for new positions closely related to the arrival of Logistics 4.0, which is the concept of interconnection of logistics processes using the internet, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and microchips. This will create jobs for a new generation, Raczynski said.

Automation and digitisation

Logistics companies have already used a wide range of modern technologies which both replace and do not replace human power in their operation.
The 2019-2020 Specialty Coffee Association Board of Directors have been announced. After a month-long voting cycle, the newest six members were announced by the SCA last Friday, December 7th; their terms begin January 1st, 2019.

Over the past year or so, the SCA has drawn criticism over the Board of Directors lack of diverse representation, but with this most recent election, the voters put a mandate on diversity. Starting in 2019, the Board will be majority female and will better reflect not just the countries in which coffee is consumed, but also where it originates. Including not one but two successful petition candidates, the newly elected members represent a wide swath of coffee cultures including: Turkey, Singapore, Mexico, South Korea, and Kenya (two members).

The new members are:

According the announcement, they will be replacing the follow members currently sitting on the Board:

Along with the addition of the new members, already existing Board members will be taking on news roles. Klatchs Heather Perry will take over as president, Julius Meinls Christina Meinl will become vice president, S&D Coffees Tracy Ging becomes the 2nd vice president, and Wave Investments Nils Erichsen moves to treasurer.

For more information on the 2019-2020 Board of Directors, visit the SCAs official website.

Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

Top image via the SCA
It has been announced that perennial western New York driving leader Kevin Cummings will not return to the race bike until 2019.

Cummings absence from the bike is due to an accident that he was involved in late last week at Batavia Downs.

While driving in the first race on Friday night (Dec. 7), Cummings horse made a break, which caused the horse directly behind to collide into him. Cummings was hit on the left side of his back by the horse that was racing at full speed. The two horses became entangled, but were brought to a stop in the clubhouse turn just past the half.

Cummings and the driver of the other horse, Mike Caprio (who also became unseated), were evaluated on site immediately after the track was cleared. Caprio returned to drive the remainder of the night, however Cummings was sent for further medical evaluation.

Examination in the hospital determined that Cummings had sustained three broken ribs, torn cartilage and internal bleeding. He was sent home and is in the process of healing under the care of his personal physician.

Given the severity of his injuries, Cummings has estimated his time away from the sulky to be two to three months.

I always wear my safety vest under my colours. Its paid off in the past and it certainly paid of Friday. If I didnt have that thing on I would have crushed my entire rib cage and had extensive organ damage, said Cummings. I always tell the young guys to make sure they use theirs because you never know when you are going down.

Cummings, who is a four-time dash champion at Batavia Downs, is currently second in the standings this year with 102 wins and had a legitimate shot at taking a fifth title. This season has seen him earn over $1.2 million in purses, which is the tenth straight year he has gone over the million-dollar mark.

For his career, Cummings has won 3,820 races and over $17 million in earnings.

Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing Cummings a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries.

(Batavia Downs)
Attempts to progress the Manbij roadmap, regime officers killed, barley cultivation in Aleppo and US kills civilians in Hajin. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.

1. US Special Envoy for Syria, James Jeffery, said his country is going to take more steps regarding the Manbij roadmap in Syria, and these will be completed by the end of 2018. Anadolu Agency quoted Jeffrey as saying the Manbij roadmap requires a series of steps. The commitment of the United States was from members of the PYD and YPG, who are present in Manbij, to leave and local councils and the local military personnel not to include members of those organizations, Jeffry said. He added, Were going to take a few more steps to ensure that we meet that criteria as soon as possible. And some of them will be completed by the end of December, Jeffrey said. The US and Turkey agreed that the Manbij roadmap should be implemented promptly, while noting the importance of achieving concrete progress by end of the year.

2. On Friday, six regime army officers were killed when a landmine exploded inside their base in southern Daraa province, pro-regime news feeds said. The explosion, according to Zaman Al Wasl, took place in Battalion 210 near the town al-Sanamayn. More than 125,000 pro-regime forces have been killed in seven years of brutal conflict, according to local monitoring groups.

3. The Humanitarian Relief Agency (IYD), a local NGO operating in northern Aleppo province, has launched projects for barley cultivation, Zaman Al Wasl reported. The indoor project consists of five cultivation rooms, two in Jarablus town and three rooms in Kibasin town. All rooms are provided with alternative energy, with a daily capacity of about 400kg of barley. The project, which is part of a drought-fighting project, aims at encouraging livestock breeders and farmers to set up special breeding rooms on their farms, benefiting cattle, improving their health and increasing milk production.

4. Civil sources told SANA that warplanes of the US-led International Coalition attacked several residential houses in Hajin on Friday morning, claiming the lives of eight civilians from one family and injuring others. The sources mentioned that three women and two children were among the martyrs. The strikes destroyed dozens of houses and displaced hundreds of families who fled their homes as a result of the coalitions continued random bombing.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Hammoudeh Sabbagh is hoping to create stronger ties between Syrian and Jordanian trade unions reports SANA.

On Sunday, Speaker of the Peoples Assembly, Hammoudeh Sabbagh, stressed the importance of enhancing relations and exchanging expertise between Syrian and Jordanian trade unions, to serve the common interests of the two countries in a way that lead to a broadening of bilateral cooperation.

Sabbagh was speaking during his meeting with a delegation from the Jordanian Engineers Association.

During the meeting, Sabbagh said the delegations visit to Syria is a true expression of solidarity and support for the Syrian people, highlighting the deep social and kinship relations binding the Syrian and Jordanian peoples.

Chief of the Jordanian Engineers Association, Ahmad al-Zoubi, who headed the delegation, said the association is ready to support the Syrian people during the reconstruction, especially in the fields of electricity and renewable energy.

He voiced appreciation for Syrias stance that promotes openness to Jordan.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Four women from Ghouta were arrested and subjected to torture and rape by members of the Fourth Armored Division reports Zaman Al Wasl.

As the Syrian regime arrests hundreds of young men in the eastern and southern suburbs of Damascus, despite the reconciliation deal reached in April, the intelligence services have been working on another dirty game related to the values of the conservative society in Ghouta.

Regime intelligence has been arresting, torturing and raping the women of Ghouta, with the aim of humiliating them and their families, activists told Zaman al-Wasl.

Osama al-Omari, a Ghouta-based activist, confirmed that members of the Fourth Armored Division, led by Bashar al-Assads brother Maher, had arrested four women from Arbin town in October.

As usual, the women were taken to an unknown destination and detained, and they remained there until this month. They were released without being able to confirm what they were subjected to during their period of detention, because it is a red line for the residents to talk about, so they believe they should be completely silent on the issue. According to their perspective, the ugliness of the crime should not be spoken of with other people.

This silence could not be maintained by one of the women, who due to the terrible pain she suffered in the regimes detention centers had nervous breakdown. This prompted her relatives to seek a consultation with a psychologist, but they realized that the details of her experience are terrifying.

Zaman al-Wasl was able to communicate with the doctor who supervised the treatment of the victim.

The doctor confirmed that this breakdown was as a result of the continuous psychological trauma caused by the multiple rapes as well as the severe beatings and the threats to kill her entire family if she dared to disclose anything concerning the circumstances of her detention.

The horror of the victims words tells only part of the story.

The regime is fully aware of their power. There is a high level of sensitivity around the issue of rape, which leads to a culture of silence. If one of these four women had not had a nervous breakdown, her story would not have been told, and the truth of what happened to her would have accompanied her to her final resting place.

This is a part of the regime and its executioners confidence when they committed sexual crimes against women.

The regime continues to enforce the stigma of rape, by arresting women, fabricating the charges against them and not distinguishing between those who have remained in their areas and those who have returned with some returnees from the north.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
As part of the Manbij roadmap that was agreed between the US and Turkey, the PYD and YPG are obliged to leave Manbij writes Asharq al-Awsat.

US Special Envoy for Syria James Jeffrey said his country would take some steps by the end of this year to ensure criteria for the road map in Manbij as soon as possible.

He pointed out that Washingtons support for the Kurdish warriors is tactical and temporary, stressing the need to collaborate closely with Turkey to reach a final solution in Syria.

We want to have cooperation with Turkey across the board on all Syrian issues, Jeffrey told reporters after the meetings.

We think that there will be no final conclusion of this (Syria) conflict without very close Turkish-American cooperation, and as I said, Manbij is a good model for that cooperation, he said.

The United States has been carrying out a security audit by fulfilling its commitment on the departure of members of Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and Peoples Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij, Jeffrey noted, adding that it is making sure they are not included in local councils and local military personnel in the city.

We are committed to accelerated and concrete progress on the Manbij roadmap by the end of the year, Jeffrey said in his statements following the third meeting of the Turkey-US working group, which was concluded in Ankara on Friday night.

He added that Turkey and the US had agreed to continue to work on joint planning with regard to other areas as mentioned in the roadmap.

Jeffrey also noted that joint group discussed all issues related to Syria, starting from east of the Euphrates River until northwestern province of Idlib.

He explained that other areas, in which a model can be applied, will be addressed during the joint planning phase, which has been launched and includes supporting Turkey in Idlib too.

Notably, US and Turkish foreign ministers signed the Manbij roadmap agreement in Washington on June 4.

It stipulated the withdrawal of Kurdish YPG from the city to the east of the Euphrates and joint supervision to achieve its security and stability until the formation of a local council for its administration in a 90-day timeframe.

However, the implementation of the agreement was delayed, and Ankara held Washington responsible for this delay.

Early November, Turkish and US forces started patrolling in the outskirts of Manbij, but elements of the Kurdish YPG are still inside the city.

Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
As part of the Sochi agreement between Russia and Turkey, the Aleppo-Lattakia highway was supposed to be reopened reports Damas Post.

The al-Nusra Front has taken control of the Aleppo-Lattakia road by seizing the villages of Sahel al-Rawj, Mehbal, Janet al-Qara, Zeizoun, al-Sahan, and al-Laj, after two days of clashes between al-Nusra and its allies against the National Liberation Front backed by Turkey.

Sources on the ground told Damas Post that on Friday, army units had frustrated an attempt by armed militias to slip along the Tel al-Sakhar axis in the northwestern Hama countryside, which had raised the possibility that Damascus will be heading towards military operations on the southern border of Idleb provinces if the violations by militias on the groundprimarily the al-Nusracontinue.

Opening the Aleppo-Latakia road was one of the items agreed upon at the Sochi summit between the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey is continuing to fail to persuade armed organizations to leave their positions inside the area agreed upon as a demilitarized zone, while the Syrian army is continuing operations to strengthen its points along the likely battle lines.

Mobilisation by al-Nusra, with support from the Turkistan Islamic Party, comes after a long period of quiet in Idleb province. Abou Mohamed al-Jolanis organization rejected the implementation of the Idleb deal, which creates a demilitarized zone in the southern outskirts of the province after the withdrawal of armed groups.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Maya Merai and her family were forced to flee after a regime bombardment destroyed their home reports Alsouria Net.

Maya Merai, a Syrian child who is a double amputee, returned to her country after treatment in Turkey, with two artificial legs, which enable her to walk to school.

Eight year old Maya, was sent to Turkey as part of an initiative headed up by Keres Kinik, President of the Turkish Red Crescent. She had been living in terrible conditions in camps for the displaced in northern Syria, and had been using plastic containers to move around. The Syrian child returned to her country after the artificial legs were attached by a specialist at the Red Crescent, Mohamed Zaki Culgu, in a treatment that lasted three months.

Maya and her father Mohamed Ali Merai who also suffers from physical disabilities, were overjoyed when they returned to the border crossing, in the Reyhanli district in Hatay province in southern Turkey.

Turkish Red Crescent coordinator in Syria, Kadir Ak Gunduz, told Anadolu that they had hurried to help Maya after they learned of her condition, adding that Maya had begun to walk on her artificial legs after three months of treatment. He said that the Turkish Red Crescent had given their full support to the Syrian child, who was now able to walk to school.

He said that Maya would remain under observation, because as she got older, her artificial legs would need to be changed, and that the Turkish Red Crescent would take care of that in the future.

Gunduz said that the Turkish Red Crescent had also given Mayas father artificial limbs but that he couldnt currently use them because he suffered from diabetes, but that his situation would be tracked as well.

Mayas father said, When we return, Maya will be able to walk to school. Our mother eagerly awaits us, and we will meet her.

Maya and her family, which is composed of her father, whose legs were also amputated, and her mother and six siblings, were displaced from their home in the southern Aleppo countryside, because of Syrian regime bombardment. They fled to the al-Qunaitarat camp in the Idleb countryside.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Aleppo is in dire need of reconstruction, but the funds that have been allocated to the city are not matching the needs of the residents reports Al-Ayyam.

The head of the Aleppo City Council, Maad al-Mudallja, said that the funds disbursed by the government was not enough to rebuild one percent of Aleppo.

Mudallja told Al-Ayyam that while doing a small calculation it became clear that each hectare would need 150 million Syrian pounds to be rebuilt. If work proceeded with the amount agreed by the government5 billion poundsthen only about 30 hectares could be rebuilt out of the 320,000 hectares that need work in Aleppo province.

Mudallja added that as a result of the inability to rebuild all destroyed areas in Aleppo, due to a lack of financial capabilities, work had to be done on the principle of a chess gamefirst working to open streets, of which about 90 percent have been opened, with the aim of people returning to their homes, and then working to restore limited areas in each street with the aim of encouraging residents to work on repairs, even if at their own expense.

Mudallja said that reconstruction in informal areas often had the aim of quick profits without taking into account the rights of the original residents or the character of the city. He said, If we dont have awareness around the issue, we could see the same type of problems that were the reasons for the war in Syrialack of equality in service levels, the spread of slums in light of the lack of urban plans and the mechanisms to implement them. He said that the new plan, which had been addressed as part of the executive plans, and is expected to see the light in 2021, would only focus on repairing the infrastructure and then property records would be set up. The citizen would have to pay to obtain the rights to a house, even if they owned it before.

According to Mudallja, Old Aleppo is a red line, saying that work had been done to classify the stones in the Old City to reuse them in the reconstruction, and to maintain every stone that had been part of the urban fabric.

The head of the Aleppo City Council revealed that the government had not only hindered residents attempts to be part of the planning to rebuild their destroyed districts, but had kept them out of it entirely, and that this is not the first time that the government had given up districts in Syrian cities on the pretext of reconstruction. The idea of stripping property from its original owners for financial compensation not equating to more than 1 percent of the original value is stripping people of their rights in order to achieve the largest financial bloc to compensate for what the state had lost during the war.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
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The first-ever teachers strike against a charter school operator has ended after four days.

The Chicago Teachers Union announced on Sunday that the bargaining team for the educators at the Acero charter school network reached a tentative deal with management. The deal agrees to raise pay for teachers and paraprofessionals to better align with their peers in Chicago Public Schools, to reduce class sizes, and to provide sanctuary for undocumented students.

The tentative agreement will now be voted on by the 500 union members who work in Acero charter schools. Its expected to passclasses across the 15-school network are expected to resume today.

Thanks to hard work and very long hours from both bargaining teams, we were able to reach an agreement that values teachers and staff for the important work they do, while still maintaining the attributes of our network that help produce strong educational outcomes for our students, Acero Schools CEO Richard L. Rodriguez said in a statement.

The tentative deal also shortens the school year and reduces the teachers work day to more closely align with Chicago Public Schools. Acero changed the way the school day is structured to ensure the same amount of instructional time for students, the statement said.

Union leaders are now heralding the victory as the path forward for educators at charter schools. Just about 11 percent of charter schools across the country are unionized, according to data from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. (In Chicago, about a quarter of the citys charter schools are unionized.)

But teachers unions have become more open to the idea of representing charter teachers in recent years. The Chicago Teachers Union had merged with the Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff, which includes Acero teachers, just this year.

We are now a movement that commands national attention and can stop a city, CTU President Jesse Sharkey said in a statement. The message to educators at charters is that if you want smaller classes, a voice on the job, and higher pay, give the union a call.

In an interview with Education Week last week , Robert Bruno, a professor at the School of Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said a successful strike could have major implications for the unionization movement in charter schools.

This strike is not only on behalf of the current members, its that other contingentthe 75 percent [of Chicago charter schools that are not unionized]who are also watching very closely, Bruno said. "[The CTUs] ability to organize the other networks would be significantly improved if theyre successful in this strike.

Acero was formerly known as UNO Charter Schools Network, which was plagued with scandalsincluding being charged in federal court with defrauding investors . It rebranded to Acero Schools last year.

Image: Caroline Rutherford embraces Andy Crooks during a news conference at the Chicago Teachers Union headquarters that announced the end of the strike on Dec. 9. Colin Boyle/Chicago Sun-Times via AP
Japan's government has decided to revise its procedures for purchasing telecommunications equipment, a move that would effectively exclude Chinese telecom giants.

Officials in charge of cybersecurity in each ministry and agency made the decision at a meeting on Monday to prevent data leaks in cyberattacks.

The government has until now bought telecom equipment based solely on price. But from the fiscal year starting next April, officials are to take into account national security risks, such as whether products are programmed with malicious functions in the development and production process.

Officials plan to see whether equipment already purchased until this fiscal year has such functions.

The government says the revision does not ban specific companies. But sources say it will effectively exclude Chinese makers such as Huawei and ZTE.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters that it is crucial to block equipment that could help hackers steal and destroy data or cripple information systems.

Suga said the measure is not intended to exclude specific firms or equipment.

He added that China contacted Japan through diplomatic channels after the change was reported. He said the government explained the importance of cybersecurity to the Chinese side and told them that measures will be taken in line with international rules.


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Vietnam plays a central and vitally important part in the Indo-Pacific strategy of the U.S. while Hanois success is Washingtons national interest, Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink said at a dialogue in Ho Chi Minh City last week.

President Trump chose the APEC CEO Summit in Da Nang last year to deliver Americas vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific because Vietnam represents one of the United States most important bilateral partnerships, Ambassador Kritenbrink said on Friday.

Vietnam's success is Americas national interest.

Under the Trump administration, Washington favors a free and open Indo-Pacific where the U.S. and its allies will deploy more resources amid Chinas growing dominance.

Vietnam plays a central, vitally important part in this strategy, Kritenbrink told Tuoi Tre News at the Indo-Pacific Dialogue  Vietnam 2018.

He quoted a World Bank report on Vietnam being the worlds second-fastest growing economy for the last two decades. This institution also forecasts Vietnam to be the worlds fastest-growing economy for the next two decades.

It shows how important Vietnam is for the U.S. and for many countries in the world, the diplomat told Tuoi Tre News.

It is up to Vietnam to chart a path that embraces market-oriented reforms and private-sector solutions [which] we believe will help it integrate into the global economy and contribute to its long-term economic security.

Both governments are working with each other to open the markets for U.S. products and services, and level the playing field for foreign investments, he said.

Elaborating on the Indo-Pacific strategy amid doubt over its influence vis-a-vis the Belt and Road Initiative, the ambassador said, We are not going to follow Chinas development model. We are not going to force Vietnam and other countries in the region to take on American debt.

The Belt and Road Initiative is a strategy adopted by the Chinese government to advance infrastructure development and investments in Europe, Asia and Africa.

In his keynote address at the dialogue, Kritenbrink emphasized Washingtons focus on encouraging strategic cooperation with the region.

Total U.S. investment in the Indo-Pacific is now over US$1.4 trillion  more than that of China, Japan, and South Korea combined.

Instead of pouring state-dominated funding into the region, the U.S. prefers to concentrate on high-quality private-sector investment, Kritenbrink said.

The U.S. considers the role of the private sector so pivotal that it will finance the growth and development needs of the rising economies in the Indo-Pacific region.

He explained that countries which rely on state-dominated funding for development will come up short by crowding out the high-quality private-sector investment their economies need most.

The United States government is not going to force countries in the region to take on huge government bad debt. The United States government is not going to pour trillions of dollars into investment, he told Tuoi Tre News.

[Our] private sector investment is already over a trillion dollars, so I wouldnt compare Chinese government funds with American government funds. I would compare the cumulative effect of American investment and economic engagement well over a trillion dollars.

He also expressed his pride in the U.S. private sectors strong track record in the Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. is said to be the largest source of investment in the region, and the cumulative value of its foreign direct investment reached $940 billion last year  more than double that of 2007.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Society

-- Unregulated internal migration has posed challenges to the socio-economic development of provinces in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, where nearly 59,000 households are undocumented migrants from neighboring areas.

-- A torrential rain that hit Da Nang on Sunday, causing citywide inundation, has raised concerns about the central citys drainage capabilities, with experts estimating that the city can only withstand rainfall of up to 100 millimeters before flooding occurs.

-- The Military Hospital 108 in Ho Chi Minh City will become the first hospital in Vietnam to offer uterus transplantation to help women with medical conditions have a chance of bearing their own child, the hospitals director said after announcing a plan to launch the procedure in 2020.

-- Uncontrolled fishing activities at the Ly Son Maritime Reserve in the central province of Quang Ngai are threatening to destroy biodiversity at one of Vietnams most well-preserved coral formations.

Business

-- Inward remittances into Vietnam will top US$15.9 billion in 2018, a growth rate of 6.6 percent from last year, making Vietnam the third-biggest recipient of inward remittances in East Asia and the Pacific behind China and the Philippines, according to a World Bank report.

-- Key tourist destinations in Vietnam are rolling out big promotions to attract travelers during the upcoming Christmas and New Year season, as the number of holidaymakers is expected to fall against 2017 due to a shorter break.

-- Over 2,000 hectares of land in Vietnams key flower-growing regions has been sown with spring crops, as farmers prepare for the 2019 Lunar New Year, which falls on February 5, when flower demand in the country will be at its year-round peak.

-- Free trade agreements of which Vietnam is a signatory have resulted in VND28.5 trillion ($1.3 billion) less in import and excise taxes collected by the countrys customs departments in 2018.

Sports

-- Tickets for the first-leg final match between Vietnam and Malaysia on Tuesday at the 2018 AFF Championship are being heatedly sought after by both Vietnamese and Malaysian fans, as buyers were made to queue for half a day outside ticket booths in Kuala Lumpur without getting their hands on a single ticket.
Many provinces across central Vietnam and the regions hub of Da Nang have been submerged due to heavy downpours caused by an enhanced cold spell over the weekend.

In the north-central province of Thua Thien-Hue, hundreds of students from more than 20 schools in Phu Loc and Long Dien Districts were given a day off on Monday as multiple areas are still inundated following Sundays rain.

Continuous rain on Saturday and Sunday also resulted in severe landslides across nearby Quang Tri Province.

Quang Tri authorities confirmed on Sunday they had found the bodies of two women in a family in the provincial capital of Dong Ha who had been washed away by floodwater on Saturday night.

A dyke in the north-central province of Quang Tri is heavily damaged by prolonged downpours.

Meanwhile, authorities in Tam Ky, the capital of the central province of Quang Nam, had to evacuate children and elderly residents in multiple neighborhoods to higher ground on Sunday night as lashing rain hit the area.

As of 9:00 pm on the same day, such streets as Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chau Trinh, and Hung Vuong in Tam Ky were still heavily flooded, while downpours continued to dampen the locality.

Authorities in An My Ward said on Monday morning they were searching for a 54-year-old man who had gone missing after being swept away on the previous night.

A school in the south-central province of Quang Ngai is flooded.

The Quang Nam steering committee for natural disasters warned that torrential rain would linger until Monday morning.

In the south-central province of Quang Ngai, rainfall of up to 400 millimeters was recorded on Saturday and Sunday.

As water levels in local rivers remained high, local authorities have prepared necessary measures to deal with inundation, flashfloods, and mudslides.

All students across Quang Ngai were allowed to take a day off on Monday for safety reasons, according to the provincial Department of Education and Training.

Heavy rain dampened Tam Ky City on the night of December 9, 2018.

Similarly, more than 12,000 students of kindergartens, elementary schools, and middle schools in several districts in south-central Binh Dinh Province were asked to stay home on the same day.

Heavy rain that started on early Sunday morning in Da Nang also caught many residents off guard as sudden and large-scale flooding gave them no time to react.

In some areas, rainwater was as high as one meter.

The National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting confirmed on Sunday that downpours in central Vietnam were the result of an enhanced cold front.

Many shops were closed due to inundation in Da Nang City on December 9, 2018.

People struggle to travel on a flooded street in south-central Binh Dinh Province.

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That was quick.

10 Boss is no more, already rebranded as 10 Bold after a legal challenge from the Australian Financial Review.

Fairfax Media, now owned by Nine, objected to the logo and trademark use, considered too close to its AFR Boss magazine.

An AFR spokesperson said: We welcome the decision of 10 to rebrand their channel from 10 Boss in recognition of the heritage and value of AFRs BOSS magazine. However, the matter remains before the court.

10 relaunched its ONE multichannel as 10 Boss on October 31st centred around bold, confident characters.

It isnt clear whether The Bold & the Beautiful will now be part of 10 Bold.
US true crime and scripted crime channel Oxygen, will be added to Fetch from January 1 as a virtual channel.

Australia will be the first market outside the US to launch Oxygen, with titles such as Snapped, Notorious: Aileen Wuronos, Killing Versace: The Hunt for a Serial Killer, Dannemora Prison Break, Kemper on Kemper: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer, Killer Couples and The Disappearance of Crystal Rogers. It will also include a selection of scripted procedural crime shows from the NBCUniversal catalogue.

Scott Lorson, CEO of Fetch TV, said: The true crime genre has taken off and audiences just cant get enough. In the US, Oxygen has quickly established itself as the home of true crime, and the international success of its content speaks volumes about the engrossing nature of the channel. We are delighted to expand our partnership with NBCU International Networks to introduce Oxygen to Australian audiences.

The innovative virtual channel concept has been developed by Fetch to provide our subscribers with a richer content discovery experience that adapts to the ever-changing behaviours of Australia audiences and bridges the linear and on-demand worlds. We see great potential to expand the virtual channel offering beyond Oxygen to include other premium branded content for our viewers to enjoy on-demand and ad-free.

Chris Taylor, Managing Director, NBCUniversal International Networks and Television Distribution, ANZ said: Oxygen is known for delivering high-quality investigative docuseries from the best producers and talent in the true crime genre. The channel has seen phenomenal ratings growth in the US and, given the continued rise in popularity of true crime programming in Australia, is set to be a hit with local audiences, too.

We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fetch to bring Oxygen to Australian viewers in a revolutionary channel format that allows for a more flexible user experience to enjoy our content on-demand.

Meanwhile Fetch has confirmed the loss of Disney XD from January 6 and TVH!TS and 111 Funny from December 31.

Fetch confirmed it has been unable to renew its agreement with Foxtel for the supply of TVH!Ts and 111 Funny, but lots of the shows are available to via free-to-air, Netflix and Stan.

Disney XD is ceasing operation in Australia and will be removed from Fetch (and Foxtel) on January 6. Disney has advised that some of the most popular content from Disney XD like Gravity Falls, Spider-Man, Pokemon: Sun & Moon, and Ducktales will be moved across to the Disney Channel instead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzuQjCY2eRA&t=9s

From January 1, Oxygen will join six other NBCUIN channels  Universal TV, E!, Style, SYFY, 13TH STREET and CNBC  on the Fetch platform. Presented ad-free and in high definition (HD), Oxygen will be available in the Fetch Variety Pack of 8 channels for $6 p/m, the Ultimate Pack of 48 Channels for $20 p/m, and the grandfathered Fetch Entertainment Pack.

Fetch will present Oxygen in an innovative new virtual channel format that bridges the linear and on-demand worlds enabling subscribers to access Oxygen content through a branded on-demand area as well as via a scheduled EPG listing.

The scheduled EPG listings will link straight to video-on-demand (VOD) assets enabling viewers to select shows from the EPG and have them play automatically from the start of the episode. Viewers will also be able to move forwards in the EPG allowing those who still prefer the experience of a linear TV Guide to discover on-demand content in the more traditional way.
Amazon is more than buying books, gifts and items for the home. Their streaming platform offers high-quality film content and binge-worthy series on a regular basis. Some of their original films hit the cinemas, while others have had Oscar nominations and series have been Emmy-nominated

The following is a list of Amazon Original movies to stream this weekend. There's a hit man who starts doing good, but things go bad, a romance Film based on a true story, a drunk who ends up in a wheelchair after his friend dozed off at the wheel, a funny series featuring Julia Roberts and an Emmy-award-winning series based in New York in 1958.

1 You Were Never Really Here (2017) The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as a troubled hitman who has a dark past. To make up for his past, the former FBI agent and military man now rescues victims of sex trafficking. A senator recruits him to save his daughter from a high-end brothel, but things go wrong. 2 'The Big Sick' (2017) The Big Sick is a romantic comedy based on a true story about a courtship between Kumail Nanjiani, a Pakistan-born comedian and Emily Gordon, a grad student, who fall in love despite their different cultures. Emily then contracts a mysterious ailment and falls into a coma. Kumail is then forced to face her parents and his true feelings. 3 'Dont Worry, He Wont Get Far On Foot' (2018) 4 'Homecoming' with Julia Roberts 5 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' Season 2

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Armenian acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan casts his ballot during an early parliamentary election in Yerevan, Armenia December 9, 2018. REUTERS/Vahram Baghdasaryan/Photolure

By Margarita Antidze and Hasmik Mkrtchyan

YEREVAN (Reuters) - Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan bolstered his authority in the former Soviet republic as his political bloc won early parliamentary elections which were assessed as democratic.

My Step Alliance, including Pashinyan's Civil Contract Party, won 70.4 percent of Sunday's vote based on results from all polling stations, the Central Election Commission said on its website.

Results showed that two moderate opposition parties - Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia - got enough votes to clear the 5 percent threshold to enter parliament.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said on Monday that the elections respected fundamental freedoms.

"The general absence of electoral malfeasance, including of vote-buying and pressure on voters, allowed for genuine competition," the statement said.

Pashinyan came to power in May after weeks of mass protests against corruption and cronyism. The former newspaper editor, who was jailed for stirring up unrest in 2008, marked a dramatic break from the cadre of rulers who have run Armenia since the late 1990s.

He stepped down in October so parliament could be dissolved ready for the early election but remained as acting prime minister.

"We are not afraid of a challenge of having constitutional majority at the parliament," Pashinyan told a news conference on Monday, adding that his power was restricted by "rule of law and free media".

He said one of the first steps for a new legislature would be making changes to the South Caucasus country's tax code in order to give local entrepreneurs more freedom and attract foreign investment.

The former ruling Republican Party received 4.70 percent of the vote, not enough to enter parliament.

Former high-ranking officials were sacked and some arrested following the change of power. An appeals court ordered the detention of former President Robert Kocharyan on Friday on charges of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order.

Story continues

Kocharyan was Armenia's second president, serving from 1998-2008, when mass protests erupted over a disputed election.

Pashinyan promised there would be no major shifts in Armenian foreign policy and has offered assurances that he will not break with Moscow.

"Our country is not under any influence," he said, adding that Armenia would continue its cooperation with the European Union, although had no plans to join NATO.

Armenia hosts a Russian military base and is a member of Russia-led military and economic alliances.

Pashinyan also suggested he would stick with existing policies on the long-running issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.

A mountainous part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh is run by ethnic Armenians who declared independence from Baku during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union crumbled in 1991.

Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia still regularly accuse each other of conducting attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Azeri-Armenian border.

(Writing by Margarita Antidze,; Editing by Ed Osmond)
US soldiers troops NATO Suwalki Gap Lithuania

REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

There are numerous potential vulnerabilities in NATO territory if the Cold War ever goes live, but three countries are especially scared of an attack to close the Suwalki Gap, a spot where NATO territory is only 60 miles wide with Belarus on one side, Russia's Kaliningrad Enclave on the other, and relatively flat ground with little forest or natural defenses in the middle.

If Russian tanks and other forces quickly span the gap and dig in, they could cut Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia off from the rest of Europe and NATO for easy digestion, leaving the rest of NATO to decide whether it's worth it to risk their troops resecuring them.

These sorts of geographic and political choke points aren't new. Cold War weapons development was heavily influenced by the Fulda Gap, one of Soviet Russia's most likely routes of advance if it invaded western Europe.

And in World War II, France fell so quickly in part because it had counted on holding Germany at the Albert Canal and River Meuse in Belgium, but Germany had gotten Belgium to rescind its alliances with France before the invasion.

Poland Lithuania Belarus Suwalki Gap

Google Maps

But the Suwalki Gap is a particularly vulnerable and important point. Kaliningrad is a Russian enclave that borders the Baltic Sea, and Belarus is a historical ally of Russia. Russia could easily muster troops in both areas for a mad dash across the line, and it could do so quickly and with little warning.

On paper, NATO would be required to respond, but NATO's joint-defense clause has been invoked only one time, and that was when America was attacked on September 11, 2001. That's part of why deploying to Afghanistan usually results in a service member receiving a NATO medal. The whole alliance was party to the invasion because one member of the alliance had been attacked.

But that was NATO allies backing up their most powerful member while invading a relatively weak, authoritarian state. The Taliban had little air force or proper army assets, and it quickly fell.

Story continues

Getting NATO allies to muster in Poland for an attack into Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia would be much more challenging, especially since many countries would be interested in holding back at least some of their military forces to defend their own borders as the situation developed.

U.S. forces convoy during their ride to Suwalki near Augustow, Poland, June 17, 2017. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

Thomson Reuters

Poland might be especially reluctant. The gap shares its name with a Polish city and a Polish county, and Poland shares a much larger border with Kaliningrad and with Belarus. It might legitimately need its troops to hold the line against further Russian attacks.

Meanwhile, remember how Russia is under a lot of pressure to get back in line with that INF Treaty that bans missiles of certain ranges, especially ones that can carry nuclear warheads?

Well, a lot of the Iskander and Iskander-M systems that are most likely in violation of that treaty are kept in Kaliningrad, where they could threaten US and NATO ships in the Baltic Sea and army formations approaching Suwalki from the south.

An Iskander launcher could most likely cover the entire Suwalki Gap from any point in Kaliningrad. Multiple launchers could take turns shooting and then scooting before they could be hunted down. Meanwhile, Russia's invasion force would be north of the gap, conquering the NATO countries and setting up defenses ahead of the NATO counterattack.

U.S. army soldiers take part in Suwalki gap defence exercise in Mikyciai, Lithuania, June 17, 2017. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

Thomson Reuters

The Suwalki Gap is something Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges talked about when he was the commanding general of NATO, saying that an invasion of NATO countries wouldn't make any sense to him, but then neither had the seizure of Crimea or the Russian deployment to Syria.

For comparison, while the Suwalki Gap is 60 miles long, the annexation of Crimea created an approximately 85-mile-long front between Russia and Ukraine, though NATO wasn't obligated to take part in that fight and much of that border is covered in water, making a Ukrainian counterattack much more risky and challenging.

Of course, all of this matters only if Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to do something even crazier than kidnapping an Estonian intelligence officer, annexing Crimea, or invading Georgia or the Donbas. While all of those actions were baffling for international observers, the annexed territory, at least, did have populations sympathetic to Russian rule.

While Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania do have some Russian-speaking populations, the countries as a whole strongly support NATO membership and have even reached agreements to move more US and other NATO troops into the countries or allow more forces to transit through them. So, Russia would most likely find it challenging to actually hold the countries permanently.

NOW WATCH: How Russia's most advanced military equipment stacks up against NATO hardware

See Also:
Protesters gathered outside the Philippine Senate on December 10 after the countrys president asked Congress to extend the declaration of martial law for another year.

Rappler reported that the Senate and the House of Representatives had that day received a letter with the request from President Rodrigo Duterte.

The military and police chiefs said martial law would enable them to move against lawless violence in the countrys south, according to local reports. Duterte first declared martial law for the island of Mindanao, when violence erupted there in the city of Marawi in May 2017. This was subsequently extended by Congress.

This footage, shared on Facebook by Carl Anthony Olalo, shows protesters marching outside the Senate building in Manila, calling on lawmakers not to extend martial law. Credit: Carl Anthony Olalo via Storyful
The schoolgirls were staying in accommodation close to the beach in Accra, Ghana (Picture: PA)

Four British schoolgirls and their teacher have been sexually assaulted at gunpoint in Ghana, it has been reported.

The girls, aged 16 and 17, were attacked at their guesthouses while on a volunteering trip in the capital Accra, according to The Sun.

They were confronted by a man with a rifle who reportedly shot and wounded a security guard at their hostel after he tried to intervene.

The schoolgirls and their teacher flew back to Britain on Sunday morning and were being treated in hospital, The Sun said.

MORE: Woman feeling Claus-trophobic after falling through ceiling getting Christmas decorations

MORE: Shocking images show horrific injuries suffered by woman, 50, robbed in her own home

The Foreign Office is providing support to the group after their ordeal.

The Sun reported that the pupils paid 1,200 each for the trip as part of their schools partnership with a West African charity.

The Foreign Office is assisting the victims (Picture: PA)

Their accommodation was close to the beach and had a caretaker and a security team.

The Foreign Office says 90,000 Britons travel to Ghana each year.

It advises that most visits are trouble-free but warns that violent crime can occur at any time.
Italys Deputy Prime Minister and interior minister Matteo Salvini lauded the eviction on December 10 of at least 35 migrants from an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Rome, and said more evictions were planned for the weeks ahead.

According to Italian media, local residents lambasted Salvini and Italian authorities, saying the evacuation of the former penicillin factory, estimated to have housed up to 600 people at its busiest, came too late, adding that locals had been inhaling asbestos left in the abandoned structures for decades. Other residents accused Salvini of arriving for a photo opportunity, La Repubblica reported.

Doctors Without Borders said they were at the scene helping those evicted.

The eviction coincided with the United Nations Human Rights Day, as many people online who were critical of the intervention pointed out. Credit: Eleanora Camilli via Storyful
RFI

France is willing to discuss autonomy for the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe if it is in the interests of the people who live there, government minister Sebastien Lecornu has said, following days of sometimes violent protests. Guadeloupe and the nearby French island of Martinique have seen several days of protests against Covid-19 measures that have spilled over into violence.Lecornu, the minister for France's overseas territories, said in a YouTube video issued late on Friday that cer
PARIS (Reuters) - A costly British exit from the European Union without a negotiated deal is increasingly likely, France's European affairs minister said on Monday, after British Prime Minister Theresa May postponed a vote on a deal in the face of defeat.

"We must not lose sight of the fact that despite the latest developments, a rejection of the withdrawal agreement is more and more likely," Nathalie Loiseau told lawmakers.

"The risk of a no-deal exit would also be an exit that would be undoubtedly extremely costly for the United Kingdom but which would be damaging for the EU too."

"Some are drawing up other scenarios and the confusion in London remains particularly strong," she added.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau; writing by Michel Rose; editing by John Irish)
Serial killer Mikhail Popkov offered rides to women late at night, sometimes in his police car, while off-duty around his Siberian city of Angarsk near Irkutsk (AFP Photo/Anton KLIMOV)

The Werewolf, a notorious serial killer jailed for like for slaughtering 22 women has been convicted of another 56 murders.

Former Russian policeman Mikhail Popkov, one of the most prolific serial killers alive, was convicted of murdering 56 people between 1992 and 2007, in a court in the Siberian city of Irkutsk.

The Werewolf admitted to 59 murders, though investigators failed to prove three of the crimes took place.

Popkov was found guilty of raping 10 of his victims and was slapped with a second life sentence.

In 2015, he was convicted of killing 22 women.

Popkov has a pathological attraction to killing people, according to prosecutors.

As well as The Werewolf, Russian media nicknamed him the Angarsk maniac.

Mikhail Popkov killed his victims after offering the women rides late at night, sometimes in a police car, while he was off-duty around his hometown of Angarsk close to Irkutsk

Popkov used a hammer or axe to kill his victims, often after offering them rides late at night.

He would occasionally use a police car, while off duty near his home in Angarsk near Irkutsk.

The sick murderer told press that he viewed his extensive killings as a purge, he saw himself as a cleaner ridding his home city of sex workers.

Popkov, preyed on women who knew were intoxicated or that he viewed as immoral.

He claimed to target sex workers and women with substance abuse issues, though most of his victims were women with families.

He was eventually tracked down by officers in 2012.

Police were able to catch him by DNA-testing members of the public who drove cars that matched tyre tracks present at the crime scenes.

Following his arrest, Popkov showed officers where he had disposed of his victims bodies.
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, you can contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800 656 463 or the 1800Respect national sexual assault, domestic and family violence hotline.

A Sydney gamer heard on a livestream allegedly hitting a woman was charged with assault by Australian police Monday, after the incident went viral on social media.

In the wake of the alleged incident, which took place yesterday, the streamer's Twitch and Twitter accounts have been deactivated. The conflict quickly escalates to physical violence off camera, but can clearly be heard as the audio continues to be captured. "No computer, I'm sick of this shit", his wife responds.

"Can you not? I said I'll be out soon", he says. A young child can be also be heard in the background at this point.

"How many times do I have to tell you?"

The 26-year-old man was arrested last night at a home in Oran Park, in Sydney's south west, after a person who witnessed the alleged assault hours earlier reported it to police.

"A man has been charged after the alleged assault of a Camden woman was captured as he livestreamed to an online gaming site", the NSW Police recently confirmed in a Facebook post.

The account which shared the original video of the incident on Twitter claims that MrDeadMoth originally "evaded" authorities, but has now been apprehended.

Police have also served an apprehended violence order on the man.
British national Robert Dawes goes on trial in Paris on Monday along with two other Britons and three Italians, accused of operating a huge drug-running ring that came to light when 1.3 tonnes of ...

Dawes, 46, was arrested in an Interpol operation at his luxury villa in the south of Spain in November 2015.

A year earlier Spain's Guardia Civil tapped a phone conversation in which he allegedly claimed the huge cocaine haul - worth an estimated 50 million euros - belonged to him, a charge he now denies.

In the dock of the special court with him are fellow Britons Nathan Wheat and Kane Price and Italians Marco Panetta, Vincenzo Aprea and Carmine Russo.

Together they are suspected of smuggling large quantities of drugs into Europe.

France's drugs squad started the investigation in September 2013, when they opened 30 suitcases from an Air France Caracas-Paris flight which apparently did not belong to any of the passengers.

There were 1,300 kilos of cocaine inside.

Suspects picked up at German border and in Paris suburbs

The police then started a surveillance and infiltration operation and picked up the five suspects a week later.

Panetta was caught at the border with Germany driving a van reportedly containing 300 bricks of cocaine.

Wheat and Price were picked up while shopping on Paris's Champs Elysees.

Aprea and Russo, who are accused of being leading members of a family of Naples's Camorra gangsters, were arrested at a residence in the Paris suburbs.

Five of the accused face charges of organised crime-linked drug-smuggling and face up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to 7.5 million euros.




PM defers crucial vote after conceding Government wouldve lost by significant margin

May admits Government are stepping up plans for no-deal Brexit

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says Mays Government in disarray

Come up with a better solution, May tells opponents

Theresa May has told rebel MPs who oppose her Brexit deal to come up with a better solution or back her.

The PM was told she must govern or go as she delayed her crucial Brexit vote to avoid a significant defeat.

Mrs May warned warring politicians that all options for dealing with Brexit posed significant risks. She said: If you want a second referendum to overturn the result of the first, be honest that this risks dividing the country again, when as a House we should be striving to bring it back together.

If you want to remain part of the single market and the customs union, be open that this would require free movement, rule-taking across the economy, and ongoing financial contributions  none of which are in my view compatible with the result of the referendum.

If you want to leave without a deal, be upfront that in the short term, this would cause significant economic damage to parts of our country who can least afford to bear the burden.

I do not believe that any of those courses of action command a majority in this House.

The prime minister delivers the news of the Brexit vote delay in the Commons on Monday. (PA/BBC)

Mrs May deferred the meaningful vote on her negotiated deal with the EU, despite Downing Street insisting all morning it would go ahead as planned.

She said that if it had gone ahead, the Government would have been heavily defeated.

The PM during also admitted during a raucous Commons debate that the Government was stepping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

Mrs May said she would now try and secure additional reassurance on the Irish backstop from the EU before MPs vote on the deal she has negotiated.

Mrs May said that if the vote had gone ahead, the government would have been defeated by a significant margin. (PA)

Brexiteer Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said: What has two years of Theresa May doing Brexit amounted to?

An undeliverable deal parliament would roundly reject, if the Prime Minister has the gumption to allow it to go before the House of Commons.

Story continues

This is not governing, it risks putting Jeremy Corbyn into government by failing to deliver Brexit. We cannot continue like this. The Prime Minister must either govern or quit.

The move was seized upon by the Remain camp, who said Mays continued dithering was a sign that second referendum is the only way to solve the impasse.

Labour Remainer Chuka Umunna said: We are already a divided country, and nothing fuels the far right more than a deteriorating economy.

Whatever tweaks are made to the backstop  the PMs plan will still leave the country poorer. We need a Peoples Vote to get the peoples informed consent on what happens next.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said she was trying to buy herself one last chance.

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He said: If the Prime Minister cannot be clear that she can and will renegotiate a deal then she must make way.

Attacking the Prime Minister for excluding her own Brexit secretaries from negotiations and not listening to MPs, Mr Corbyn said Mrs May must listen or go.

He said: Its not only possible but necessary that this House debates the negotiating mandate the PM takes to Brussels  theres no point at all this PM bringing back the same deal again which is clearly not supported by this House.
After being held for three weeks without charges following his shock arrest, Carlos Ghosn was indicted Monday for financial misconduct. But the case has put Japans notoriously opaque criminal justice under the international spotlight.

Prosecutors in Japan on Monday indicted Carlos Ghosn, the former president of Nissan Motors, on charges of under-reporting his pay as head of Nissan by about 40 million over five years, and re-arrested him and his aide, Greg Kelly, for misreporting compensation for three additional years.

The authorities also indicted Nissan Motor Co. for making false statements in its annual reports.

Japanese media have reported that Ghosn signed a secret agreement with Nissan in 2010 to defer payment of half his annual compensation until after his retirement, in an effort to make his salary appear smaller in the eyes of shareholders and employees. Two senior managers at Nissan are said to have provided evidence in a plea bargain with the prosecutors.

Ghosns shock arrest and prolonged detention have already sparked international concern.

FRANCE 24 spoke to Nobuo Gohara, a lawyer and former prosecutor who specialises in corporate governance, about the case.

FRANCE 24: Carlos Ghosn has been indicted for violating Japans Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and lying to financial authorities. But prosecutors didnt pursue criminal charges against former executives of Toshiba over a much larger, 1.2 billion accounting scandal in 2015, in violation of the same law. Whats different in this case?

Nobuo Gohara: Prosecutors may have been keen to pursue a high-profile case to showcase the success of plea bargaining, a new measure introduced to Japans criminal justice system in June. But it was still almost beyond belief to arrest Mr. Ghosn on such a technical violation without damage.

Toshibas case constituted a massive accounting fraud and prosecutors should have made an utmost effort to bring the company to justice. Japans financial watchdog was willing to bring the offenders to trial but the prosecutors office refused to take up the case. I think the reason was that they felt they didnt have the ability to investigate an accounting scandal involving such a big company and did not want to risk ending their probe without an indictment. In comparison, Ghosns case has much fewer things to prove, and therefore much easier for prosecutors to tackle.

Story continues

F24: How long can the trial last?

NG: This is an unprecedented case, and its impossible to guess how long it will take before a verdict is delivered. On top of that, the degree of CEO Hiroto Saikawas involvement in the scandal could become the focus of the investigation. Recent media reports suggest that Saikawa had signed an agreement about Ghosns post-retirement remuneration, which means that he cannot be considered an innocent bystander in the case. Saikawa has been CEO for the past two years and played a central role in filing annual corporate reports.

F24: Japan has a reputation for its draconian criminal justice system, with a chilling 99.9 percent conviction rate. But while the system is skewed towards the prosecution, a number of false convictions have also been made. How could a fair trial be guaranteed?

NG: The extraordinarily high conviction rate indicates that in Japan, whether a suspect is guilty or not is almost solely decided by prosecutors. Even if the prosecutors wrongly indict a suspect, it is extremely difficult to reverse that decision in court. Few judges are willing to deliver an innocent verdict. And this has led to some false convictions.

The biggest problem is the so-called hostage-based criminal justice system. Suspects who insist on their innocence tend to remain in custody for a long time. This is linked to Japans high confession rate, and the assumption that a suspect who denies wrongdoing deserves to suffer disadvantage. It is also easier to prove guilt at a trial if there is a confession. Judges, as well as prosecutors, try to avoid a situation where the accused claims innocence in court.

The presumption of innocence only exists in principle. While ostensibly treating a suspect as not yet guilty, Japanese media are keen to report on details of alleged crimes based on leaked information. Backed by the 99.9 percent conviction rate, the media also assume that an arrest automatically means a guilty verdict.

F24: A 2010 scandal in Osaka involving evidence-tampering by a prosecutor and a cover-up by his bosses shocked the nation and eventually led to some reforms of the criminal justice system. Have there been any real changes?

NG: Not really. If anything, the scandal has made prosecutors employ a more cunning strategy. The authorities treated the evidence-tampering case as a rare crime committed by rogue individuals and did not address the underlying structural problems or carry out drastic reforms. Following the scandal, the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office said that it was important to have the courage to go back on a decision when there are doubts in their investigation, but there has been no backtracking by prosecutors in any major case since then.
[December 10, 2018] Vonage Wins the 2018 Aragon Research Innovation Award for the Communications Platform as a Service Category

HOLMDEL, N.J., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vonage (NYSE: VG), a leading provider of business cloud communications, has been named the winner of the 2018 Aragon Research Innovation Award for the Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) category. The Aragon awards recognize providers leveraging visionary use of technology to not only adapt as markets change, but to actively disrupt and inform how their markets will evolve. The Innovation Award recognizes Vonage's ability to provide fully integrated, powerful programmable communications solutions via Nexmo, the Vonage API Platform, that drive better business outcomes for their customers. Through a unique combination of unified communications, programmable communications and cloud contact center solutions, Vonage is not only considering the needs of employees and ways to improve productivity, but the needs of customers and how they want to interact. Vonage's cloud-based APIs allow organizations to easily embed voice, messaging, video, social media, phone verification and more into their applications, ensuring effective end-to-end communications tailored to their needs and unique specifications. With these tools, enterprises can build intelligent interactions that exceed their customers' expectations. "Programmable, intelligent communications enable enterprises to improve the ways they engage with their customers in real time through their preferred channels - whether that's video, SMS, social chat, or voice," said Omar Javaid, Chief Product Officer, Vonage. "We're honored to receive this award as a reflection of our continued innovation in creating unique and meaningful solutions that are revolutionizing business communications." In addition, Jo Ann Tizzano, VP of Corporate Communications, has won the 2018 Aragon Research Women in Technology Award for PR. This award reflects the achievements of women who have demonstrated outstanding personal and professional growth ad significantly contributed to the technology industry.



"Jo Ann truly embodies our Vonage values of excellence, innovation, and customer centricity," said Rishi Dave, Chief Marketing Officer, Vonage. "She works tirelessly to drive the internal and external communications needed to support a leading global technology company and is a strong, respected leader not only within our company, but within the industry itself." Vonage was formally presented with both awards on December 6th, 2018 at Aragon Transform, the annual Aragon Research awards ceremony.

Vonage is dedicated to improving how businesses communicate with innovative programmable solutions powered by APIs that enable greater flexibility and efficiency in business communications, creating more meaningful customer interactions and increasing customer loyalty. New developments on Nexmo, the Vonage API platform introduced this past year include the Messages and Dispatch APIs , which uniquely enable businesses to create a richer, more engaging customer experience through simple, reliable multi-channel messaging; the launch of the Nexmo Connect Partner Program , the cornerstone for a community-based, collaborative ecosystem of Nexmo partners; and programmable contact center capabilities, including skills-based routing, real-time sentiment analysis, and market leading text-to-speech, that enable rapid, agile innovation in customer engagement and give enterprises the ability to not only combine AI and communications solutions, but to evolve these solutions as technology, customer demands and business needs change. The identification of an Aragon Research award winner is not an endorsement by Aragon Research of any vendor, product, or service. About Vonage Vonage (NYSE:VG) is redefining business communications. True to our roots as a technology disruptor, we've embraced technology to transform how companies communicate to create better business outcomes. Our unique cloud communications platform brings together a robust unified communications solution with the agility of embedded, contextual communications APIs. This powerful combination enables businesses to collaborate more productively and engage their customers more effectively across messaging, chat, social media, video and voice. Nexmo, the Vonage API Platform, provides tools for voice, messaging and verification, allowing developers to easily embed innovative programmable communications into mobile apps, websites and business systems on a global scale. The Company also provides a robust suite of feature-rich residential communication solutions. Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Israel. Vonage is a registered trademark of Vonage Marketing LLC, owned by Vonage America Inc. (vg-a) View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vonage-wins-the-2018-aragon-research-innovation-award-for-the-communications-platform-as-a-service-category-300762543.html SOURCE Vonage

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This is the story of a caravan woman who was pregnant and decided to cross over illegally into the US by scaling the border wall to give birth to her baby. She is a 19-year-old from Honduras and was seven months pregnant when she left her home. Her husband and their three-year-old son were with her and they traveled more than 2,000 miles to arrive at the US-Mexico border in San Diego.

Fox News reports that once the migrants reached the makeshift camp at the border, they decided to scale the wall. They wanted to avoid waiting because the authorities were processing about 100 per day and the queue was long.

Moreover, she was not in a condition to wait. When they finally landed in US territory, Border Patrol agents shifted her to a local hospital in San Diego where her son was born.

Troops will remain at the border

President Donald Trump wants to put a stop to the entry of migrants into the US. In his opinion, a large number of people in the caravan were hardened criminals with evil intentions. Already, 5,600 troops are dispatched to the borders of Texas, Arizona, and California and their mission would have ended on December 15. Defense Secretary James Mattis has now said the troops would remain until early 2019. A section of them is helping the Border Patrol police. They are engaged in reinforcing portions of the wall, which is nearing completion.

Woman in migrant caravan gives birth in U.S. after entering illegally https://t.co/j4QABC9XUF pic.twitter.com/ycVb38MMQI  CBS News (@CBSNews) December 7, 2018

Last month, the US-Mexico Border Wall was embroiled in a controversy, when federal agents fired tear gas on hundreds of migrants. Several high-ranking Democrats had raised the issue and put the blame on the White House.

Discuss this news on Eunomia

However, the Department of Homeland Security came up with data to show that the use of tear gas at the US-Mexico border was not new. There have been such instances in the past under Obama as well.

Migrants at the border

According to Time, the composition of migrants has changed. Earlier, they were predominantly Mexican men who resorted to illegal crossing to evade capture.

However, nowadays, they are mostly from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras and they come with families. They perceive America as a land of plenty and want an opportunity to live in peace.

Incidentally, the number of Border Patrol arrests in November was more when compared to the previous year and a majority of them were families and children. The administration should treat this as a humanitarian issue. Donald Trump had included illegal immigration as a top priority item in his agenda during his election campaign. The intention was to check entry of illegal migrants who were criminals like drug smugglers. However, the scenario appears to have changed and there could be a review of the policy.
The launch of a rocket carrying a lunar probe that blasted off from a satellite launch site in Sichuan Province of China is significant. This is the Chang'e 4 mission and the countrys attempt to pioneer activities on the far side of the moon, which continues to remain an unexplored area. Selecting the far side will open up new windows of opportunities. Its success will provide a boost to the Chinese space program, and it can prove its ability to compete with established names in the field like Russia, the European Union and the US.

New Zealand Herald reports that the Chang'e 4 mission plans to make a soft landing on the moon.

This is the terminology associated with the landing of a spacecraft when there is no serious damage. If China achieves that, it will surely be a plus point.

Chinas space program

China landed its Yutu, or "Jade Rabbit" rover on the moon five years ago. Right now, its Chang'e 4 mission is heading to the moon. This is a lander-rover combination, and the journey will take 27 days. It will land inside a crater at the South Pole and explore both upper and lower surfaces of the moon. The landing site chosen is the oldest impact crater in the entire Solar System, and it is possible that it could reveal traces of useful material.

China plans to send its Chang'e 5 probe next year, and this will bring back rock samples to the Earth.

There is also a manned lunar mission on the anvil. Obviously, the country is serious about these missions. It already has a pair of space stations in orbit and has conducted its first manned space mission. Thus, it became the third country to achieve the distinction after Russia and the US. Incidentally, NASA wants to go to Mars via the moon.

Discuss this news on Eunomia

Robots in Chang'e-4 mission will be busy

According to BBC, Chinas Chang'e-4 mission will land a robotic craft on the far side of the moon. The landing site will be the Von Karman crater. The formation of this crater could be the result of an asteroid impact and analysis of rocks from this region could help to know more about the moon.

During its stay on the moon, Chang'e-4 mission will be busy carrying out preprogrammed tasks. One of these relates to "radio environment" on the far side. This is a preliminary step to install radio astronomy telescopes later. Another of its activities is on potatoes and some plant seeds to study the extent of photosynthesis on the moon. China is proceeding on a specific plan. The first and second Chang'e missions were meant to collect data from orbit, the next two are for surface operations while the last two will be to bring back samples to the Earth for analysis.
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To celebrate our second year in World Architecture Community's Country Editors/Reporters Program, we're thrilled to announce our new Reporters joining our editorial team from across the world. As it is well known, WAC's unique voluntary Community Journalism initiative and one-of-a-kind intellectual act still continues to attract great interest from all over the world, including experienced journalists, architects, architectural students, academicians and new journalist candidates.

Before introducing our new Reporters, it should be reiterated that the WAC's Country Editors/Reporters Program does not set up a well-grounded base of the program only through its network of reporters, where it creates its own representation in different geographies, but also allows new generation journalists and passionate authors to get involved in the program with different experiences to play an active role in the real profession.

WAC's new appointed Reporters

WAC's new 18 Reporters added to the World Architecture Community's Country Editors/Reporters Program

WAC's previous 18 Reporters added to the World Architecture Community's Country Editors/Reporters Program

WAC has a network of 23 different countries with 36 Reporters

Australia: Liz Foo,

Liz Foo, Albania : Eneida Berisha and Jona Osmani,

: Eneida Berisha and Jona Osmani, Bangladesh : Hamidah Ashrafi Fateha,

: Hamidah Ashrafi Fateha, Bosnia and Herzegovina : Emina Camdzic,

: Emina Camdzic, Canada : Popi Bowman and Reza Pourvaziry,

: Popi Bowman and Reza Pourvaziry, China : Sophia Tao,

: Sophia Tao, Czechia : Elis Mutlu,

: Elis Mutlu, France : Angela Lee Ka Ki,

: Angela Lee Ka Ki, Italy : Francesca Cuoghi and Antonello Magliozzi,

: Francesca Cuoghi and Antonello Magliozzi, India : Pappal Suneja, Sarbjit Bahga, Tanya Khanna, Varun Kumar, Tarun Bhasin and Medha Sobti,

: Pappal Suneja, Sarbjit Bahga, Tanya Khanna, Varun Kumar, Tarun Bhasin and Medha Sobti, Iran : Farzam Kharvari, Javad Eiraji, Ali Khiabanian and Sahar Keshmiri,

: Farzam Kharvari, Javad Eiraji, Ali Khiabanian and Sahar Keshmiri, Japan : Mariko Sugita,

: Mariko Sugita, Kenya : Momoh Kakulatombo,

: Momoh Kakulatombo, Lebanon : Irene Suzdaltseva,

: Irene Suzdaltseva, Mexico : Nora Vasconcelos,

: Nora Vasconcelos, Oman : Ashish Batra,

: Ashish Batra, Pakistan : Nadeem ul Hasan and Sanober Khan,

: Nadeem ul Hasan and Sanober Khan, Portugal : Hugo Merino Ferraz,

: Hugo Merino Ferraz, Spain : Jeancyn Alforque,

: Jeancyn Alforque, Sudan : Zainab Gaafar,

: Zainab Gaafar, Tunisia : Asma Haddouk,

: Asma Haddouk, United Kingdom : Hatice Ozhisar,

: Hatice Ozhisar, United States: Elif Merve Unsal and Saakshi Terway,

As we have already mentioned before, WAC's Country Editors/Reporters Program aims to reach remote regions, which are not covered by the mainstream media in general, and to get the correct knowledge and an accurate picture from the locals. For this reason, we also see that in our second year, we have access to different geographies, including, academicians and journalists who are more and more experienced in detailed reporting and managerial content flow.

From left to right: Antonello Magliozzi (Italy Reporter of WAC) Tarun Bhasin (India Reporter of WAC) Liz Foo (Australia Reporter of WAC), Javad Eiraji (Iran Reporter of WAC)

For example, the three-day detailed conference summaries and social media streams of the 2018 Z-Axis Conference of our India Country Reporter Tarun Bhasin can be seen on his WAC page with the #ZAxis2018 hashtag on social media. Tarun Bhasin has been the first Reporter presenting a detailed coverage on-site until now. Furthermore, three of our new Reporters Javad Eiraji from Iran, Antonello Magliozzi from Italy and Liz Foo from Australia, alongside Farzam Kharvari from Iran, have successfully completed their own interviews without getting any help from the WAC's editorial team. Their interviews can be read on WAC's Interviews page.

We still repeat our call: Where is Russia? Where are Argentina, Brasil or Peru? Where are Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan? Where are Finland, Norway or Sweden? Where are Egypt, Senegal or Nigeria? Others? The community wants to hear your news...

On the basis of all this, if any of you who wants to experience the realities of practice of digital journalism, and for those whom still have not studied the details of the program and have not seen how it works, we can urgently recommend you to take a quick look at our previous announcement and apply to the WAC's Country Editors / Reporters Program to get involved in this network.

It should not be forgotten that the WAC's Country Editors / Reporters Program is an ongoing initiative and wants to hear more voices from different parts of the World. Now, after a year later, we are proud and delighted to present our new 18 Country Reporters contributing to architecture and design from their local countries to boost our goal to form a community, as a collective effort. When we look at our statistics, 8 new Countries are added to our previous 15 different countries and these new countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan and Tunisia, which expand our geographical reach on the globe. Those countries can still be seen as generally less covered countries by the mainstream media, except Australia. WAC has a network of 23 different countries with 36 Reporters on the world map in total.

See the list of WAC's new 18 Reporters with their Countries below:

Important Upgrades on Our Previous Reporters

WAC has also announced five of our previous Reporters as Country Editors of WAC, giving them more responsibilities on managerial interface of their own country pages. To name a few, Francesca Cuoghi (Italy), Elif Merve Unsal (USA), Eneida Berisha (Albania), Sarbjit Bahga (India) have been announced as WAC's Country Editors. If our readers want to send a project or news content from their own countries, they will be able to contact with WAC's Country Editors to be evaluated for possible publication.

Last but not least, Varun Kumar from India has been announced as Deputy Chief Editor of WAC, Varun will be closely working with WAC's editor-in-chief Berrin Chatzi Chousein on special coverages. All new Country Editors and Deputy Chief Editor will also be able to continue their Reporting activity in the program.

Scroll down to see Deputy Chief Editor and WAC's Country Editors:

Varun Kumar - India / Deputy Chief Editor on WAC

Varun Kumar was born in India, he studied Architecture at Sathaybama University, Chennai. He has an academic background of opportunities to participate in events, trips and design forums teamed with a pursuit in mainstream subjects. Kumar discovered his passion for Journalism and Curatorship in his current fellowship at a Chennai-based studio by involving research, writing and graphics for its initiatives alongside architecture practice. Read more.









Francesca Cuoghi - Italy / Country Editor on WAC

Francesca is a journalist, communication specialist and writer with a degree in foreign languages. She has created the storytelling travel blog called Ciao Emilia, the region where she was born and raised. Read more.

Elif Merve Unsal - USA / Country Editor on WAC

Elif holds her Bachelor's degree from Middle East Technical University (METU) in Turkey and completed her Master's degree at Columbia University (GSAPP) in the US, she has a great interest in architecture & urban related issues and perspectives of design in various scales. She is always interested in sharing her critical insights on specific fields. Read more.

Eneida Berisha - Albania / Country Editor on WAC

Eneida Berisha is a Junior Architect and art enthusiast based in Tirana, Albania. She holds a Master's degree in Architecture with high honors from Epoka University. Her interests lie in the disciplines of architecture, urban planning and design, landscape architecture and building science. Read more.

Sarbjit Bahga - India / Country Editor on WAC

Sarbjit Singh Bahga is a Chandigarh based architect, urbanist, author, and photo-artist. He has 37 years of practical experience in designing of various types of buildings, complexes and large campuses. Bahga is also a keen researcher, and a prolific architectural writer. He has eight books to his credit. He takes special interest in the overall development of profession of architecture and improvement of built-environment. Read more.

Having said that, as we make this announcement, we can proudly say that new applications from other countries are in the pipeline and are being processed for enrollment. We also accept more than one reporter by country.

In the meantime, if you also want to be part of our volunteer reporters and become "the voice of your country on WAC while being the face of WAC in your country", please send your motivation message and your CV to [email protected].

Top image: WAC's Reporters network on the world map. Image  WAC
by Robert Fay

Near the end of Italys greatest 20th century novel, The Leopard by Giuseppe di Lampedusa, the elderly Prince Salinas is slumped in an armchair on a Sicilian hotel balcony looking at Mounte Pelligrino. The Prince knows hes dying, but even more poignantly, he understands centuries of Salinas aristocratic mores and traditions will soon die with him. It is 1881 and a unified, republican Italy has recently displaced the monarchial customs and feudal relationships of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The Prince has witnessed the complete collapse of his world within two decades. And though he has an heir, his grandson Fabrizietto, the boy is odious and incapable of protecting the sacred Salinas patrimony. He is a product of this new, republican age, with his good-time instincts, with his tendency to middle-class chic.

Lampedusas narrator describes the Princes loss this way: for the significance of a noble family lies entirely in its traditions, that is in its vital memories. And (the Prince) was the last to have any unusual memories, anything different from other families. Fabrizietto would have only banal ones like his schoolfellows, of snacks, of spiteful little jokes against teachers

Trying to elicit sympathy for elites is generally a fools errand, but Lampedusa is such a master, that any unprejudiced reader of The Leopard will surely be moved by the enormous humanity of the Prince. He is undoubtedly a snob, but his snobbery is like the egoism of a fighter pilot or the boastful pride of a mother, which is to say, it is in inseparable from their mission, their vocation. The power of this portrayal undoubtedly stems from the personal pain and loss in Lampedusas own life. He was born in 1896 to an aristocratic family and in 1943 his beloved family estate in Palermothe seat of the Lampedusa family for centurieswas destroyed by U.S. Army Air Corps bombers during World War II. It was a loss that Lampedusa could never reconcile himself to. He had believed hed die in that house, just as all ancestors had.

There is an echo of Lampadusas fate in the life of fellow aristocrat and novelist Vladimir Nabokov, who lost his ancestral estate(s) in Russia to war and politics. The Nabokovs had roots dating back to a 14th Century Tartar prince, but the cadres of the Bolshevik Revolution cut those ties in 1918, seizing the familys properties and forcing them into exile. Nabokov never got over this loss. In a 1964 interview with Playboy he explained why hed never bought a house in America, despite being a resident for 20 years, the background reason, is, I suppose, that nothing short of a replica of my childhood surroundings would have satisfied me. I would never manage to match my memories correctlyso why trouble with hopeless approximations?

*

I was recently in Barcelona, where I walked the streets of the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter, gawking at all the extant medieval architecture, the reminders the early centuries when an independent Catalunya had rivaled Venice in its riches and Mediterranean commercial activity. As I explored the city, I repeatedly spotted Catalan flags and campaign-style placards hung from wrought iron balconies. Catalan citizens were demanding that the federal Spanish authorities (Madrid) release the political leaders that had been jailed after the last years independence referendum in Catalunya.

I had just come from Madrid by train, and it was immediately obvious to me how different Barcelona was from the Castilian interiority of Madrid. Its hard to imagine Frank Gehrys gawdy, gold-metal Fish sculpture in Madrid, and not simply because Madrid is landlocked, but because the city doesnt feel like it has landed entirely sure-footed and settled in the 21st century yet. Its reportedly a progressive city when it comes to sex and gender equality, but somehow its museums and palaces remind one that Spain was more itself during the days of Isabel and Ferdinand, overseas gold, and the swagger and swindle of soldiers and priests.

And then when you come to learn that Gaudi, Dali and Joan Miro were all Catalan, and not Spanish, and that Picasso, though born in Malaga, Spain, moved to Barcelona when he was 14you begin to rethink your whole notion of Spanish art and even Spanish culture at large. How differently would we view the genius of French literature, for example, if Proust, Balzac and Stendhal were in fact Belgian?

Despite Catalunyas political troubles with Madrid, there would appear no danger of Catalan culture and language disappearing any time soon, and it would seem reasonable one day to imagine an independent, E.U.-member Catalunya. Yet one morning as I walked across a street in the trendy Eixample section of the city, I glanced down at a manhole cover and recalled something Id read about the former Prussian city of Konigsberg. It had been the birthplace of Kant and home of Prussian monarchs and Germanic culture for centuries.

It was as German as Seoul is Korean today, yet in 1945 the city, its people, heritage and culture were snuffed out, wiped from the map of history. Today the city is called Kaliningrad and it is a part of Russia and is as Russian as Moscow. Neil MacGregor is his book Germany (2014), writes:

Between 1945 and 1989 the Soviet authorities, in what must be a classic case of Stalinist eradication of memory, demolished most of what had already not been destroyed (during World War II). Every place name and street was changed and the cradle of the Prussian monarchy was transformed into a modern Soviet city. Kants Konigsberg vanished.

The city had been captured by the Red Army as they battled west fighting the Germany Army. In the aftermath, during the Potsdam Conference in 1945, the Allies redrew the map of Europe, instantly turning tens of thousands of German-speaking people into refugees. The city of Konigsberg was now a Soviet city and its German-speaking people were expelled.

MacGregor writes that in Kaliningrad today the only remaining trace of the citys German heritage are the cast-iron manhole covers, which pre-date the war, and where you can still see the word Konigsberg pressed into the iron.

*

But just as some civilizations, and their culture, can be eradicated from the earth through the violence of armies and the power of states, others remain stubbornly unchanged, unprogressive as it were, rooted and gnarled like stubborn olive trees.

Sicily, for one, has endured invasions and occupations over the centuries by the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Spanish and others, and its people have also endured never-ending domestic terror from the Sicilian mafia.

In one of the most memorable scenes in The Leopard, the Prince is visited at his country estate in 1860 by Chevalley, a representative of the new Turin-based republican government, and they have come to recruit Prince Salinas to join them as a Senator of the Kingdom, because of his familys name, his personal prestigious and his liberal attitude during the recent events, which refers to the landing of Garibaldis revolutionary troops in Sicily.

Prince Salinas ultimately refuses the governments invitation, but not before giving the emissary a lecture on the nature of the Sicilian people, which he knows this northern-Italian gentlemen will never entirely grasp. We are old Chevalley, very old, the Prince says. For more than 25 centuries weve been bearing the weight of a superb and heterogenous civilization, all from outside, none made by ourselves, none that we could ever call our ownfor two thousand and five hundred years weve been a colony. I dont say that as a complaint; its our fault. But even so were worn out and exhausted. He later adds, Sleep, my dear Chevalley, sleep, that is what Sicilians want, and they will always hate anyone who tries to wake them.

The Prince also draws his visitors attention to the perfidious influence of the climate. This landscape which knowns no mean between sensuous slackness and hellish drought, the Prince explains. Which is never pretty, never ordinary, never relaxed, as a country made for rational beings to live in should be.

The Leopard is not a political book, but at the end of the novel the dying Prince understands the particular reign of his social class is over, to be replaced by a new elite composed of industrialists and merchants. Yet as much as he recognizes change at the top, he despairingly believes the fatalistic world view of the common people will remain unchanged, for Sicilians suspect there is no real difference between a Bourbon King and a Milan democrat.

When The Leopard was published in Italy in 1958 it caused a great stir, because it seemed to question some of the assumed good of the 19th century Italian unification project. As the country tried to move beyond the trauma of Mussolini and fascism, the book appeared to poke holes in the idea that a liberal democratic Italy was a glorious thing. Its little surprise that Italian Marxists at the time embraced the book, seeing justifications in the text for their own rallying calls.

*

Loss and erasure of memory are some of the unexamined elements causing the societal fissures we see today in the western democracies. The populist, grass-roots rebellion against elites in the United States, France and the U.K. represent many things, but one of them is a nostalgia for the way their parents lived, worked and shopped in the 1950, 60s and 70s, when there were stronger trade unions, higher wages and more pathways to achieve upward mobility.

There are hundreds of factory and mill towns in the U.S. that have had their entire culture destroyed because powerful people made the decision to move manufacturing to Mexico, China and elsewhere. And while the fate of the Germanic-people of Konigsberg was exponentially worse, there are parallels here in terms of powerful leadersin this case Stalin, Churchill and Truman at Potsdammaking decisions that upend the lives of ordinary people, and there is not even the pretense of consultation.

*

In the 1970s my mother and I used to drive in from the suburbs of Massachusetts to visit my grandmother at the Marian Manor nursing home in South Boston. At the time, South Boston or Southie, as it was called, was still a fiercely parochial and insular Irish-American neighborhood of closely-knit blue collar people. It is a peninsula and physically separated from Boston by the expressway. The Irish began arriving in the late 19th century and South Boston slowly evolved its own norms and quirks over the decades, free from the mainstream culture of Yankee Boston.

For most Bostonians, Southie wasnt a place you went to unless you lived thereand this was precisely the way locals liked it. The residents boasted of safe streets and neighborhoods were people looked out for one another, but it also had a well-deserved reputation for racism, and its residents fiercely resisted the racial integration of its schools and public housing projects well in the 1970s.

As a sheltered, suburban kid, Southie scared me. The boys my age looked tough-as-hell and I despaired of all those narrow streets hemmed in by three-deckers and parked cars, not a single tree or patch of grass in sight. The endless corner taverns sans windows and all those barrel-chested men with skally caps and cigarettes jammed in their mouths. In the early 1990s, I rented a room on Silver Street in Boston as a college student and discovered that little had changed. Despite being white and Irish-American, I remained an outsider, and was constantly harassed by the local toughs.

I havent been to Boston in years, but Ive read that South Boston, like former blue-collar neighborhoods everywhere from San Francisco to Brooklyn, has been transformed by gentrification. Southie is now the jewel of the Boston real estate market, where prosperous young couples compete for old homes close to Carson Beach. The predictable menu of gentrification has hit, and blue-collar residents are enduring great strains.

I picture an old man on the top floor of white-clapboard three-decker on Dorchester AvenueDot Ave, in the old patoisslumped in a Lazy Boy recliner. He is in his eighties. His name is something like Daniel Leary or Michael Riordan. His parents, or perhaps his grandparents, were born in County Cork or Galway. He would have worked as an Iron Worker or maybe as a mechanic for the MTA. Hed have likely been to hundreds of masses and baptisms at St. Brigids, though hed tell you didnt like the Church much, and cared for the priests even less. He doesnt understand whats happened to Southie. It just happened. And like Prince Salinas, his sons and daughters live in circumstances beyond his understandingand if hes frank with himselfhe admits their choices and lives have disappointed him.

He finds its all gone now. The world. His world. The world of his childhood, a world that was once so vitala world that whispered and seduced him. A world that said, Im real. Real and eternal. What is, will always be.

And how could it be any different? Is it really possible for a peoplean entire way of lifeto simply vanish without a trace, leaving nothing more than a speck, nothing more than a name on a manhole cover?

Robert Fays essays, reviews and stories have appeared in The Atlantic, The Millions, The Los Angeles Review of Books and The Chicago Quarterly Review, among others. He is co-creator of the Feeling Bookish Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @RobertFay1.
A few years ago, a 90-year-old Philadelphia widow fell behind on a loan that she and her husband had taken out to repair their roof. She was in danger of losing her home until a retired attorney, Don Parman, came to her rescue.

Parman spent 28 years at pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline working on legal details of securities and corporate transactions before retiring a decade ago. Today, as a volunteer for the Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program, he helps low-income clients with housing-related legal problems. In the widows case, he was able to work with the lender to modify the terms. They were able to come up with a payment she could afford, he says. She was able to stay in her home.

Parman is one of a growing number of retired lawyers nationwide who assist people who cant afford legal representation. According to the American Bar Association, at least 43 states now have programs that confer special emeritus status to older attorneys, often giving them a break on licensing fees and continuing-education requirements if they provide services pro bono.

In New York state retired lawyers pledge to donate 30 hours of legal work a year, but some do 1,000 hours, says Cora Vasserman, coordinator for the Attorney Emeritus Program. The program places volunteers with legal aid organizations, which train them to help clients with landlord-tenant problems, consumer concerns, divorces and everyday matters that ex-corporate lawyers might be unfamiliar with. They also may mentor younger staff attorneys.

Its not the same challenge, in terms of legal problem-solving, that I had in my career, Parman says. But its a different sort of satisfaction, because youre helping someone who is sitting there beside you.
Moni's 27 boost Wolves past Presentation, women split weekend games

The Northern State men won 84-70 and the women one 76-63 to pick up nonconference basketball wins Friday night.
NEW YORK  In John Holloways early years as an entrepreneur, saving for his own future wasnt a priority.

I invested a lot of money into one of my first businesses and came out break even at best. I am kicking myself for not setting some of that money aside for retirement, says Holloway, co-owner of NoExam.com, a life insurance brokerage based in Roswell, Georgia.

These days, when his companys cash flow and profits are strong enough, he takes money out of the business and invests in a retirement account.

I am trying to diversify  having all of my eggs in one basket is stressful, Holloway says.

Saving for retirement hasnt been a priority for many small-business owners over the years. Theyve hoped to build their businesses, sell at a huge profit and have a comfortable retirement. While theyve taken profits out for homes and college tuition, it was more important to reinvest earnings into the company rather than save for retirement. But attitudes about saving may be evolving after the financial devastation of the Great Recession, when tens of thousands of businesses failed.

In a survey by insurer Nationwide released in October, 53 percent of younger business owners  those born in the 1980s and 90s  said having a workplace savings plan was important for their retirement. Fewer baby boomers, 39 percent, felt it was important. Older surveys show how boomers favored their companies over saving  the Small Business Administration said in 2006 that only about a third of owners had Individual Retirement Accounts and 18 percent had a 401(k).

When Ron Lieback started his digital marketing business, he began setting aside 10 percent of his own salary. Profits from the company, ContentMender, are reinvested into new technology, but Lieback wants to be personally prepared for the what-ifs.

Something could crash and our business could fail. You always have to have that in the back of your head, so you need that nest egg, says Lieback, whose company is based in Mountain Top, Pa. To help his company be more profitable, and therefore help himself save, Lieback uses freelancers for some of ContentMenders work.

Owners who expect companies to fund their retirement are optimistic but may be overlooking the fact that they and the business are vulnerable to potential calamities, says David OBrien, a financial adviser with Evolution Advisors in Midlothian, Va. For example, an owner whos the companys key employee can be sidelined by a serious illness, hurting the value of the business. Or if patents are infringed and once-exclusive products are now sold by competitors, a companys value can plunge.

Moreover, OBrien says, when its time to sell, buyers might not be willing to pay what the owner hopes for.

You need to shore up your reserves in case you dont get the sales price of your business that you want, he says.

Many owners couldnt get their asking prices during the Great Recession and its aftermath. Sales of companies plunged and didnt recover until 2013. Theyve soared since as owners finally got the deals they wanted.

However, many startups might not exist if owners hadnt plowed every possible cent into the business.

We invested everything we made back into the business to get it past the tipping point of financial stability, says David Gafford, who owns Fusion Creative, a digital marketing firm and a credit card processor, both in Indianapolis. Then we made the turn from putting everything back into the business to focusing on our personal and family goals as well.

But, Gafford warns, saving will affect the business: Youre really dramatically slowing the rate at which youre going to grow.

Financial adviser Nathan Fisher finds owners dont think about retirement savings until theyre prodded by employees; putting money aside suddenly becomes a priority.

Their nest egg is their business, says Fisher, senior executive vice president of Fisher Investments 401(k) Solutions. Then they get employees who say, my old company had a 401(k), why dont we have one?'

But Shamila Nduriri, who studied finance in college, saved aggressively when she worked for a corporation and continues to put money aside now that she owns Dalasini, a jewelry company based in Las Vegas. While she is saving for retirement, real estate investing and contingencies, she also wants the tax savings from contributing to a retirement account.

Its foolish to leave money on the table if theres a tax benefit to it, Nduriri says. She can deduct up to $55,000 a year for money she puts into whats called a Simplified Employee Pension, or SEP, account.

When Nduriri decided what kind of business to start, she chose upscale jewelry because it has higher profit margins, and that makes it easier for her to save.

When your margins are thin, you have to invest every penny, she says.

Some owners, because of the nature of their business, believe its wiser to keep investing in the company. Metropolis Collectibles deals in rare comic books and comic book art, some of which have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Co-owner Stephen Fishler believes comic books are a better bet than stocks, so he focuses on the items in his inventory.

Investing in them, from my perspective, can do significantly better than putting those same funds into more traditional investment vehicles, he says.
TULAROSA  A Tularosa sixth-grader penned a poem so moving that the Tularosa Village Council declared a day in his honor last month.

Tularosa Mayor Margaret Trujillo said during a council meeting that the Village wanted to recognize sixth-grader Hunter Benally for the sense of honor and hope he expressed in his poem Bloodshed.

Benally, a sixth-grader at Tularosa Intermediate School, wrote the poem for last years Tularosa Writing Fair. His poem was written in homage to his uncle Alvin Benally and his service as a medic in the Gulf War.

Its the only poem I wrote, Benally said. It took three days to write it.

The village is proud of Hunter and his understanding of the sacrifice needed for our freedoms, Trujillo said.

I would like to honor Hunter Benally, she said. I think this little boy has done an excellent job with his poem and he has left many of us in tears. I, Margaret Trujillo, Mayor of Tularosa, do hereby proclaim November 21, 2018, as Hunter Benally Day in the Village of Tularosa.

The honor was at the behest of Tularosa resident Jennifer Garza, who was one of the judges of the writing contest. Garza said she was stopped in her tracks when she read Hunters poem.

Garzas father was killed in Vietnam two months before she was born, she explained, and Hunters poem spoke to what it was like to come to terms with the loss and the strength she and her mother and siblings tapped into after he died.

I wanted to share that hope abounds, even in such solemn moments, Garza said. I was almost without words. Hunter understands. His poem is filled with hope. Out of soldiers that don uniforms are made up of all cultures, all ethnicities, and all religions, yet they are united, and they have a job to do, knowing our whole nation and our freedoms are at stake.

Hunters uncle Alvin Benally, the subject of the poem, was at the council meeting when the declaration was made and when the poem was read aloud.

We were out hunting and he said there was going to be a presentation, and that I needed to come hear it. I said, do you have a copy of the poem? He said, no, its at school, Alvin laughed. It was the first time I read it and heard it too. Im very glad they recognized him and Im very humbled. I got kind of emotional. It put a lump in my throat hearing what Mrs. Garza had to say and hearing the poem.

The commissioners presented Hunter a set of pens and notebooks so he can write whenever he has the inspiration. Hunter is focusing on playing the guitar, his father Persy Benally said.

A lot of AC/DC, Angus Young, Persy said. Maybe he can combine (poetry) and playing the guitar, write some lyrics.

Being in front of the crowd was pretty difficult, Hunter said, but he was glad to honor his uncle.

Garza said the poem continues to resonate with her, and that she is indebted to Hunter for the power of his words.

Someone 40 years younger than me who can offer me hope means its a pretty remarkable poem, Garza said.

Bloodshed

United States representing sacred ground,

Name defines an ancestor, Benally.

Comrade within, no lines to bend,

Loved fighting for his country and for that I love him,

Encouraged to represent his tribal heritage,

Involved in the mission against terrorism

Native American blood, but united in the front.

Alvin given the gift of life from his parents and

Raised a new level to become a man.

Medic by trade, many lives to save,

Yet a whole nation at stake.


Angelina Freeman, a junior at Menaul School in Albuquerque, is spending this year in Indonesia on a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad scholarship funded by the U.S. State Department.

The YES Abroad scholarship aims to help American students develop a perspective of a Muslim culture and to create cross-cultural youth ambassadors.

Each year, about 65 American students participate in YES Abroad; 900 students from predominantly Muslim populations participate in YES annually.

Freeman is attending SMA 1 Negeri Malang, a public senior high school in Indonesia. In many ways, she is a typical 16-year-old, but she is atypical in her commitment to international experiences.

Coincidentally, an Indonesian student  Angga Pangestu  is attending Menaul School on a YES scholarship this year, making Angelina and Angga truly exchange students.
Nothing about the night Anthony Samora died made sense.

Not to cousin Leo Samora Jr., anyway.

Others in the family, he knew, had wanted it that way. Better not to open old wounds, pull apart old mysteries.

They were told it was a suicide, which may have accounted for the reticence. But there were other stories about how his death was something more sinister.

I always heard the stories, the whispers, Leo Samora said. I was always told those stories were best kept unsaid.

But it has been 38 years since Anthonys broken body was pried from his truck, dragged and crushed by a Santa Fe freight train near Mountainair.

And now its time to talk.

As my own years continue to pile up on me, Anthonys memory and death have been gnawing at me, Samora said. I consider Anthony more as a brother than a cousin.

He and Anthony had grown up together in Carrizozo, a small, high plains town in the center of New Mexico, built by ranchers and railroads. Both were sons of railroad workers.

We went to school together, played ball, belonged to the Boy Scouts, hunted deer, he said.

They joined the Army together in 1975, were both discharged in 1978, and parted ways  Anthony to Albuquerque to pursue a career as an electrician, Samora to Alamogordo to work for the post office.

But, in 1980, when Anthony, then 23, had a big announcement, Samora was among the first to know.

He told me there was this lady  I assume in Albuquerque  he was going to marry, Samora said. He asked me to be his best man at his upcoming wedding, which he was excited about.

Her name was Kathy Sandoval. She was pretty, he said, with long, dark hair. She had a son named Mark, who may have been about 7 at the time.

In March 1980, Anthony had traveled to Carrizozo to tell his family about his impending marriage, Samora said. He was driving back to Albuquerque  his usual three-hour route taking him west across the lonely expanse of N.M. 380 then north on Interstate 25  in the early morning hours of March 8 when he inexplicably wound up on the train tracks seven miles west of Mountainair.

News accounts at the time said that, around 2 a.m., Anthonys truck was parked or stalled on the tracks more than a quarter-mile from the nearest railroad crossing when it was struck, then dragged a half-mile by a Santa Fe freight train, traveling west at 55 mph. The trains engineer told police that, by the time he saw the truck, it was too late to stop.

It took 45 minutes to free Anthony from the wreckage. He died about three hours later, shortly after arriving by ambulance at an Albuquerque hospital.

A terse, two-page autopsy report by the state Office of the Medical Investigator lists numerous fractures, lacerations and hemorrhaging from his skull to his legs. The OMI classified the manner of death as suicide from collision with train.

There is no indication that the OMI or any other agency attempted to further substantiate the death as a suicide. A formal request to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for all reports on the incident came back empty. No records exist, the department said.

The National Transportation Safety Board also said it had no record of the crash. The Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis reported the crash only as a fatality of a trespasser who was crossing track not at a crossing.

Samora said he has no idea why his cousin ended up near Mountainair, which is 83 miles north of Carrizozo and about 32 miles east of his usual route. Getting onto the track itself would have required traversing a gully, dirt road and a graveled embankment.

If he really wanted to commit suicide, why would he not just park at a crossing? he said. This was an area you had to know, especially in the dark.

His cousin, he thinks, would not kill himself, especially not by a train.

He was happy, he said. He had just announced he was getting married. He was doing well at his job. He was not depressed.

Samora said he had heard whispers about how his cousins death might have something to do with his confronting someone who had been harassing fiancee Kathy. Another rumor involved Anthony being beaten up by someone in Mountainair who then drove him onto the tracks.

But Anthonys parents, both now deceased, did not want Samora snooping into those rumors, he said.

They accepted the death as an accident and refused to pursue any investigation, he said. The tragedy was swept under the rug. They feared the possibility of something more sinister having happened.

Now 38 years later, Samora said he wants to make sense of that night. But with no investigative records available and no one willing so far to come forward, sense may be hard to come by, what happened that night as fleeting and as haunting as a train whistle in the night.

UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Joline at 823-3603, jkrueger@abqjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @jolinegkg.

Deadline approaches

Sunday is the last day to submit nominations to our 10th annual Angels Among Us, which honors those unsung someones who brighten the community with their selfless acts of kindness.
Over the last three years, New Mexico teachers have been provided unprecedented opportunities unique to New Mexico and the nation. The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) introduced and implemented teacher leadership programs at the first New Mexico Teacher Summit in summer 2016, programs like the New Mexico Teacher Leader Network (NMTLN) and the Secretarys Teacher Advisory (STA), which educate educators and provide career growth. Since then the PED has expanded other network programs, the Parent Leader Network and the Student Leader Network, that educate stakeholders in local communities. The initial summit consisted of 300 teachers from around the state, and three years later, 1,300 teachers were in attendance, along with representatives from six other states wanting to learn from New Mexico how these programs are working and how to implement them in those states. Clearly there is teacher demand for this professional development and opportunity.

Teachers from around the state are concerned as to why this growing desire for teacher voice and knowledge are not being promoted by the newly elected administration, and we are disappointed these programs appear to be on the chopping block. If educators, the metaphorical boots on the ground, want transparency and support transparency, shouldnt we receive direct information from PED and be informed about policies that directly affect teacher jobs?

The NMTLN, over three years, has expanded and now is working on having one teacher representative per school for every school in the state  that is over 700 teacher liaisons. The NMTLN initially consisted of 50 teachers from around the state who learned about how principals evaluated teachers using NMTEACH, and as a network we provided tutorials and domain-specific strategies for all teachers in the state to improve their craft. Why is this important? This back-and-forth professional development has helped reshape how New Mexico schools have learned about state programs, and with the assistance of the teacher liaison at NMPED we were provided a contact person at PED to help clear up teacher misunderstandings regarding these policies. As teacher leaders we are often approached by administration to help clarify policies regarding our profession. This is vital for N.M. educators if we are going to continually improve and confidently support education policies.

The STA has been an incredible honor for teachers  we meet quarterly for a face-to-face with the secretary of education and have monthly phone calls to discuss hot topic issues regarding education, such as the rolling out of the science standards, to which we strongly objected to the initial proposals. We advocated for higher standards for Educator Preparatory Programs, higher teacher pay, reworking NMTEACH, and provided feedback regarding the Alternative Display of Competency graduation requirements. We also provide the secretary with concerns that are taking place in the field that the PED may not be aware of from teachers in the classroom, such as the impact of absences (on) the evaluation system. This unique opportunity allows teachers a voice in education issues. Some policy makers find this unsettling as new voices are expecting information, but under the old system of secretary-to-superintendent-to-principal-to-teachers, information was not clearly articulated and often not delivered, causing teacher frustration due to inaccurate information.

We respectfully request the new administration continue these teacher leader programs, including the New Mexico Teacher Leader Network, the Secretary Teachers Advisory, the Parent Leader Network and the Student Leader Network.
Uber and Lyft entered the Albuquerque market in May 2014 charging $1.60 a mile, half that of taxi rates. In October of 2015, they dropped that to 85 cents per mile.

There is no doubt; riders love the deal they are getting.

In May of 2016, Uber finally was operating legally and insured in New Mexico, so I tried driving for them. I quit after a year. Here is why:

Uber and Lyft pay their drivers 63 cents a mile plus HALF the minimum wage. There is also a flat 75 cents per trip. If loaded with paying riders 62 percent of total miles, the pay is more like 35 cents a mile plus one-fourth the minimum wage.

But theres more!

I kept a detailed spreadsheet so all costs could be averaged out monthly over a year. Here they are:

 69 hours per month driving  equivalent to one week of taxi shifts

 $1,153 Uber payments to driver  $16.71 an hour gross income. Tips are about 5 percent; only one in 20 riders tip

 1,810 miles  adjusted from 2,110 miles, 85.30 percent were commercial use

 $288.96 gas  commercial miles only

 $144.16 Geico GAP insurance for rideshare

That first $2.95 Uber collects off the top is for commercial insurance, in this case $485 for insurance from gross fares plus GAP insurance, totaling $629 a month for commercial insurance. Thats more than a 24/7 taxi. A full-time Uber driver will collect double this, or more depending on number of trips!

 $127.70 mileage depreciation at 7 cents a mile, based on Kelly Blue Book values

 $50 for brakes

 $50 for oil

 $50 for tires

NET INCOME: $447.42 a month, $6.48 an hour

2017 1040C ADJUSTED INCOME at 53.5 cents a mile: $175.68, or $2.56 an hour

So, should you tip your Uber driver? If you dont they are only making about half the minimum wage.

And so are taxi rates a rip-off, as so many claim? In order for Uber drivers to make a living wage of $15 to $20 per hour, Uber will have to triple its rates; which is, coincidentally, the same as what taxis charge! And taxi companies do not set those rates; state forensic accountants do.

New Mexico Motor Carrier Act 65-2A-21 E (states) The rules adopted by the commission to implement this section shall allow a carrier to achieve revenue levels that will provide a flow of net income, plus depreciation, adequate to support prudent capital outlays, ensure the repayment of a reasonable level of debt, permit the raising of needed equity capital and attract and retain capital in amounts.

In 2016 the N.M. Legislature passed the Transportation Network Services Act, legalizing Lyft and Uber, codified in the Motor Carrier Act, Chapter 65, NMAC. The act describes the TNC business model as a passenger service using sedans, SUVs and luxury cars. Taxis and limos also carry passengers for hire, same as Lyft and Uber.  However, the rules and regulations for Lyft and Uber are vastly different than for taxis and limos.

Having two passenger services in direct competition but under unequal law is unconstitutional. In 1886, the U.S. Supreme Court held that companies are protected by the equal protection clause, the same as people. That holding is still in force today.
This Human Rights Day, Dec. 10, we call on local governments, school boards and community members to take some concrete steps right here right now to strengthen our commitment to human rights. Its time to #StandUp4HumanRights!

Today is the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). On this date in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly in Paris adopted General Assembly resolution 217 A, setting out for the first time a statement of fundamental human rights possessed by all persons everywhere. Around the world, global citizens, governments and civil society organizations are making the commitment to #StandUp4HumanRights  standup4humanrights.org.

Mayor Tim Keller, citing One Albuquerques commitment to build a diverse and caring community of good neighbors, has proclaimed today Human Rights Day in the city of Albuquerque. Upholding human rights, however, requires more than a day.

The Albuquerque City Charter, Article VIII, requires the city to preserve, protect and promote human rights and human dignity. The Albuquerque Human Rights Ordinance establishes the Human Rights Board and directs the board to:

(E) Use its best efforts to:

(1) Promote mutual trust, understanding and respect among the citizens of the Albuquerque community and between the citizens and their governmental agencies.

The current Albuquerque Human Rights Board has begun exploring the full range of its authority and responsibility under Albuquerque law to endeavor that all citizens may enjoy their rights and pursue their opportunities on an equal basis without discrimination and advise citizens of their existing rights and opportunities and the means by which they may lawfully be attained. (Albuquerque Code of Ordinances, Article 3, Human Rights.).

Public proclamations, charter provisions and ordinances do not, however, guarantee a human-rights-friendly public sphere in this or any other community. Respect for human rights means stepping out of our various comfort zones and learning how our neighbors who are not just like us experience life in our community. Respect for human rights also means creating space for every person to assert their full humanity and dignity without fear or shame.

In recent days and months, we have seen individual acts of disrespect for the human rights of community members and a disturbing pattern globally, nationally and locally of the rise of ethnic nationalism, racism, stereotyped caricatures of racial, ethnic and religious minorities and immigrants and a rise in raw acts of hatred.

The 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a wake-up call to clean up our act as a people and a community. Regardless of divisive rhetoric, even at the highest levels of our national government, the people of Albuquerque have the right, the power and the obligation to listen to the people from all of our communities, to examine all of our institutions and arrangements  governmental, educational, public and private  and to #StandUp4HumanRights.

The Albuquerque Human Rights Board is responsible under the Human Rights Ordinance to conduct programs of research and investigation into the existence, cause, prevention, and remedy of inter-group tensions and hostility, and prejudice and discrimination within the community. The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education has a responsibility under its foundations and basic commitments to work together and in partnership with families and the community and to uphold the rights of students, parents and employees, as set forth in federal and state statutes, for nondiscriminatory treatment according to APS policies.

The Human Rights Board and APS must assure the communities they serve that these commitments will be honored. The people of Albuquerque have a right and a responsibility to #StandUp4HumanRights and to hold their public institutions accountable. On this 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, lets all get to work.
he Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was formally adopted this Monday (Dec.10) at the intergovernmental conference on the global compact for migration held in Marrakech.

This moment is the product of effort, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the opening of the debate. We must not succumb to fear or false narratives about migration, he said, denouncing the many lies spread on this agreement, which must now be the subject of a final vote of ratification, December 19 at the UN General Assembly.

The Pact aims to strengthen cooperation on international migration in all their aspects. The sensitivity of the subject has pushed several countries in the world to deny their commitments in favor of this text yet legally non-binding, he noted.

The UN Chief underlined the importance of this Compact as a roadmap to prevent suffering and chaos, and to provide cooperation strategies that will benefit all.

It is a framework for international cooperation, rooted in an inter-governmental process of negotiation in good faith, that specifically reaffirms the principle of State sovereignty, including the sovereign right of States to determine their national migration policy and their prerogative to govern migration within their jurisdiction, in conformity with international law, he pointed out.

Unregulated migration bears a terrible human cost: a cost in lives lost on perilous journeys across deserts, oceans and rivers; and a cost in lives ruined at the hands of smugglers, unscrupulous employers and other predators, Guterres underlined, noting that more than 60,000 migrants have died on the move since the year 2000, which is a source of collective shame.

The opening session was marked by the election of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nasser Bourita, as President of this Conference.

Speaking on this occasion, Bourita highlighted the huge efforts made by Morocco to reach a global consensus on the issue of migration.

This historic conference is the result of a long process that began in 2016 with the adoption by the United Nations of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, he said.

The pact, which is about 40 pages long, promotes international cooperation on migration between all relevant actors, knowing that no single state can handle the issue of migration alone. It respects the sovereignty of States and the obligations of international law.

Migration undeniably has very different and sometimes unpredictable repercussions on our countries as well as on communities and migrants and their families. Yet, it is crucial that we do not allow ourselves to be divided and that we remain united in the face of the challenges and opportunities of international migration, the document states.

Migration is an integral part of globalization, linking societies from one region to another and from one region to another, making all of us countries of origin, transit and destination, the UN Chief said.

Through this comprehensive approach, we intend to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration, while reducing the incidence and negative impact of irregular migration through international cooperation and the package of measures proposed in this Global Compact.

Migration should never be a desperate act, and when it does, we need to work together to meet the needs of vulnerable migrants and to solve the problems that lie ahead, enabling communities and individuals to live safely and with dignity in their own country, the document outlines.

We will implement the Global Compact by cooperating bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally and by giving a new impetus to the global partnership, in a spirit of solidarity, says the text.

We are building on existing initiatives to create a capacity building mechanism within the UN system whose role will be to support Member States efforts to implement the Global Compact.

Signatories also commit to creating a global platform of knowledge that will serve as a public online source of data on migration, as well as a United Nations network on migration entrusted to the International Organization for Migration.

Some 150 countries are taking part in the two-day intergovernmental Conference.
Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

The Albuquerque Veterans Affairs hospital is working to improve its processes after an October report found that nearly 170 surgeries were delayed or canceled there during a two-and-a-half year period due to unavailable sterile instruments and equipment.

An investigation by the VA Office of Inspector General found that from March 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2017, 169 surgeries were delayed or canceled for that reason.

Those include an instance in which an elderly patient receiving a hearing aid implant was pulled out of general anesthesia because the required surgical instruments were not available. Four hours later, the patient was again placed under anesthesia, and the surgery was completed.

The report found that, while no patients suffered adverse outcomes as a result of those delays and cancellations, three patients, including the patient mentioned above, were exposed to increased risks for adverse clinical outcomes due to the lack of prepared surgical equipment.

Every instrument that is used at the hospital, from tools used in podiatric procedures to scalpels used in heart surgery, must be sterilized by employees with the Sterile Processing Services department  made up of both VA and contracted employees  before they can be reused, said Albuquerque VA Medical Center Director Andrew Welch.

Each tool has a highly specific method for sterilization that can take up to 48 hours in some cases.

The investigation also found a lack of record-keeping concerning the training of SPS employees and low staffing levels.

Welch said he believes the hospital has already taken steps to correct many of the issues raised by the Office of Inspector General.

The SPS department has seen a 22 percent increase in personnel, as well as higher wages.

SPS pay was increased across the board at VAs nationally, Welch said.

A lot of those have been added as support staff for quality and to assure that theres a good underpinning for the daily workings, said Pam Alexander, the chief nurse for Perioperative Services and SPS Operations. I feel like that strengthened our department significantly.

Alexanders position was one of many created to address some of the issues raised in the report.

Also added were a reusable medical equipment educator, two quality assurance technicians and a quality assurance supervisor, among others.

Welch said that, while investigators were unable to locate some training records, he believes the training was completed by SPS employees.

The investigation stemmed from allegations made in May and June 2017, resulting in an unannounced site visit by an Inspector General team in September 2017.

VA Office of Inspector General spokesman Michael Nacincik said the OIG will begin tracking the status of its various recommendations three months after the release of the report.

Welch said that the complex logistics of SPS are a challenge for every health care institution and that the Albuquerque VA will continue to work toward improving its processes.

The improvements in SPS never stop. You can never say were done, because the technology is evolving, the equipment is evolving, because sterile techniques are evolving, because how we do training is evolving. It is an ongoing quality improvement effort, Welch said.
Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexicos incredible surge in revenue may not last  all the more reason to keep stuffing some of the cash into reserves, the state governments top economists said Monday.

But even then, there could be an extra $950 million available to invest in capital projects, such as buying new school buses, repairing state prisons and office buildings, and covering similar one-time expenses, officials said.

The revenue boom  driven by oil production in southeastern New Mexico  is a remarkable turnaround from two years ago, when the state endured damage to its credit rating and nearly depleted its cash reserves.

All told, state economists projected about $1.1 billion in new money  or revenue beyond this years spending levels  for the budget year that will begin July 1.

Nonetheless, the economists urged lawmakers to be cautious about new spending. Mondays forecast, delivered in a meeting of the Legislative Finance Committee, is a little less optimistic than one released in August, when $1.2 billion was projected.

Altogether, about $7.4 billion in recurring revenue is expected for the next fiscal year. The state is on track to spend about $6.3 billion in the current budget year.

But state economists warned of significant risks to the revenue forecast  partly because of New Mexicos dependence on the volatile oil industry. A recession may also be approaching, they said, and there are hundreds of millions of dollars in unresolved tax protests or related litigation.

It makes us pretty apprehensive, state Sen. John Arthur Smith, a Deming Democrat and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said of all the warnings.

The extra money comes as the state faces pressure to sharply increase school funding  in response to a blistering court opinion that found New Mexico is violating the rights of at-risk students by failing to provide a sufficient education.

Smith said its too early to determine how the latest forecast will shape the discussion over school funding and other needs.

But the projections released Monday mean lawmakers and Gov.-elect Michelle Lujan Grisham will have plenty of options when they convene next month for a 60-day legislative session. Itll be the first since Democrats swept every statewide office in the general election and expanded their edge in the state House.

The state is now on track to finish this fiscal year with reserves equal to about 40 percent of spending levels, unless more spending is authorized.

The state Department of Finance and Administration is recommending reserves of at least 25 percent.

That could leave perhaps $950 million in cash that could be applied to capital projects, said Duffy Rodriguez, secretary of the department.

The state has hundreds of millions of dollars in deferred maintenance in state buildings to catch up on, she said, especially in the Corrections Department. Funding for school buses and classrooms for pre-kindergarten students may also be priorities, Rodriguez said.

But she said the full $950 million may not be available, depending on whether legislators authorize more spending on government operations this fiscal year and other factors.

To protect against downturns, legislators on the finance committee have adopted guidelines that suggest the next budget should maintain healthy reserves and dedicate a significant amount of the new money to one-time expenses  such as capital projects  rather than recurring costs, such as government operations.

Legislative economists Jon Clark and Dawn Iglesias have continued to urge restraint as the new money rolls in. They noted in a report released Monday that New Mexico had a similar boom in revenue about a dozen years ago, but it didnt last and the state had to slash the budget later.

Combined with growing concerns about a possible impending recession, the state should proceed with caution in crafting a budget, the economists said in a 26-page report to the LFC.

About 80 percent of this years revenue growth is directly related to the oil and gas industry, according to the report.

Several legislators expressed concern about potential liabilities created by the states complex system of tax breaks.

The state faces pending tax protests of roughly $320 million, and the figure could grow if more companies challenge their tax bills.

Rep. Jason Harper, R-Rio Rancho, said the protests underscore the need to overhaul New Mexicos tax code. He has sought repeatedly to eliminate many of the states tax deductions and credits.

We need to radically update our code, Harper said.

Both Gov.-elect Lujan Grisham and legislators expect to release budget proposals before the Jan. 15 session.

The transition team for Lujan Grisham, a Democratic congresswoman who takes office Jan. 1, said the forecast is a reminder of the need to diversify the state economy.

Governor-elect Lujan Grishams budget will reflect a commitment to ensuring that we lay the groundwork necessary to put early childhood education within reach for every New Mexico family, address the debilitating vacancy rates at departments like CYFD that puts our children at-risk, and give state employees, including educators, the respect they deserve through better wages, Dominic Gabello, director of the transition team, said in a written statement. It will be a fiscally responsible budget that accomplishes these goals while acknowledging the potential economic challenges forecast for future years.
Police have identified the couple who were killed in their Northwest Albuquerque home last week as John and Debra Embry, both 67 years old.

And while no one has been charged yet in the double homicide, Albuquerque Police Department detectives are heading to Oklahoma to interview a suspect in the case.

Richard Allen Ross, 39, was arrested on a probation violation in Haskell County in the eastern part of the state on Sunday. Hes being held without bond until he can be extradited.

Officer Simon Drobik, an APD spokesman, said around 6:45 p.m. Friday police were called to check on the Embrys at their home on the 6200 block of Sweetwater NW, near Montano and Unser NW. When officers arrived they saw the couples pets  two small puglike dogs  in the bedroom and decided to enter the home.

Once officers made entry into the home they located two subjects inside the home, deceased with signs of trauma, Drobik wrote in an email.

Detectives have not released how or when the two were killed.

As detectives began investigating, they identified Ross as one of the last people to see the couple alive, Drobik said. Investigators said Ross was spotted outside a Smiths grocery store in Edgewood in the Embrys Hyundai SUV and officers around the state were told to be on the look out. His relationship to the Embrys is unclear.

In the early morning hours Sunday, deputies found Ross, the Embrys car, and several items relating to the homicide at a residence in a rural part of the county, according to the Haskell County Sheriffs Office.

He is now being held in the Haskell County Criminal Justice Center awaiting extradition.

Ross had been sentenced to probation and ordered to wear a GPS monitor after being found guilty of several charges related to the 2011 beating death of a man in a hotel room. A jury found him not guilty of murder but convicted him of tampering with evidence, stealing a vehicle and stealing credit cards, according to court documents.

On Dec. 2, he cut off his GPS monitor, according to a probation violation report, and dodged repeated calls from his probation officer.

According to the report, an officer talked to Ross friend who said Ross was on his way back from Edgewood, but further attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.

By Monday afternoon the wide streets and landscaped yards of the block where John and Debra Embry had been killed was quiet.

The front door of their two-story stucco house showed signs of where it had been busted open and several notices were tucked into the screen stating their gas and power had been shut off earlier in the week.

A neighbor said the couple had moved to Albuquerque from Kentucky about three years ago and didnt seem to have many visits from family.

She said she had seen the garage door left open on Monday and their car was not inside. Ever since, she said, the house had been dark.

Another neighbor reported seeing a man she later recognized as Ross a handful of times over the past couple of weeks.
King Mohammed VI has laid out Moroccos migration policy which is based on a humane, voluntary, responsible and realistic approach focusing on solidarity and global management.

The interest of Morocco in migration is neither recent nor incidental. Quite the contrary. It reflects a longstanding, voluntary commitment expressed through a policy which is humane in its philosophy, global in its substance, pragmatic in its methodology and responsible in its approach, said the Monarch in a message addressed to the Intergovernmental Conference on the Global Compact for Migration, which opened Monday in Marrakech.

Our Vision consists in anticipating the future to build orderly mobility, said the Monarch in his message that was read out by Head of Govt Saad Eddine El Othmani.

Our approach consists in invariably seeking to strike a beneficial balance between realism and proactive action  between the legitimate interests of States and respect for the human rights of migrants, stressed the King, recalling that given the national success of the Moroccan approach, the African Heads of State entrusted him with the mandate of African Union Leader on the Issue of Migration. This led to the African Agenda on Migration, unanimously adopted by the African Union Conference in January 2018.

Therefore, Our Moroccos domestic and continental vision is fully in line with our international commitment, through the Global Compact. Both reflect a constant pursuit of innovative compromises between border management requirements and the protection of migrants human rights, between migration issues and development needs. Both imply collective responsibility, answerable sovereignty and humane pragmatism, underlined the Monarch.

He went on to say that migration is not a security issue  nor should it become one, affirming that a repressive migration policy will not be a deterrent, while insisting on the respect of migrants human rights.

Addressing security concerns should go hand in hand with socio-economic development policies which tackle the root causes of risky migration and should not be invoked to deny mobility, said the King, noting that migration can be a lever of sustainable development at a time the international community is seeking to implement the 2030 Agenda.

The Marrakech Global Compact remains a promise which history will judge and the challenge for this conference is to show that the international community has opted for responsible solidarity and unity to counter populism, isolationism and to come up, through dialogue and international cooperation, with meaningful solutions to migration issues, explained the Monarch.

No single country can, on its own, face up to such a challenge. Just as there is no alternative to cooperation, there is no alternative to action, either, said the King, noting that the Global Compact is not an end in itself, it needs effective implementation and concrete actions.

After stressing the link between migration and development, the Monarch said the African continent intends to be a key actor in the implementation of this global agreement as the African Agenda on Migration has laid out its roadmap and played a pioneering role in this field.

The African Agenda has dedicated a fully-fledged institution to migratory dynamics, the African Observatory for Migration and Development, which will have its headquarters in Morocco and which is explicitly mentioned in the Compact, an international recognition to the policy adopted by the North African Kingdom.
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - Cal Fire announced that Butte County is officially transitioning out of peak fire season due to favorable weather conditions.

Recent rains and cooler temperatures have lowered the threat of wildfires, which has allowed Cal Fire's Butte County Unit to transition out of peak fire season effective Monday, Dec. 10.

Cal Fire will continue to monitor fire threat due to drought-like conditions that have persisted in California throughout 2018.

Statewide, Cal Fire and firefighters from other local agencies have battled more than 6,200 wildfires that have burned over 876,000 acres. More than 22,700 structures were destroyed, hundreds of thousands of people were displaced and nearly 100 people lost their lives.

"This year we have seen the deadliest, more destructive, the largest wildfire and the most acres burned ever in Butte County," said Butte Unit Chief Darren Road.

During the cooler winter months, Cal Fire will continue to actively focus efforts on fire prevention and fuels treatment activities as guided by the State's Strategic Fire Plan.
COTTONWOOD, Calif. - At 2:55 a.m. Sunday, the driver of a Toyota pick-up was killed by a suspected drunk driver. The crash happened on the off-ramp from I-5 to South Main Street.

The California Highway Patrol says the driver of Mazda was from Fresno, California was under the influence when they hit a truck on the off-ramp killing the driver.

The impact of the crash threw the driver of that pick-up from the vehicle. That driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neither driver has been identified and the suspected drunk driver sustained only minor injuries.

The driver of the Mazda has been booked into the Shasta County Jail.
CHICO, Calif. - The 3rd annual Santa Shuffle took place Saturday at One Mile in Chico's Bidwell Park.

More than 800 runners wore their Santa hats and were in a festive mood to run either a mile or a 5k route.

Each runner donated forty dollars to the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army says it is even more important to donate now since the Camp Fire broke out.

Arwyn Rodriguera is a spokesperson for the Salvation Army. She said, "This past month a lot of us have to just been struggling to survive, and this run goes to support our ongoing work with survivors."

Rodriguera said there is a lot to be joyful about right now, such as the Salvation Army's ongoing Homelessness Prevention Services in Chico.

Action News Now anchor Debbie Cobb handed out medals to runners when they crossed the finish line.

You can help the Salvation Army over the holidays by donating at any store with a barrel and a bellringer.
Some days I wish I could go back in life.

Not to change anything but to feel a few things twice

Poignant words that portray a longing for ones childhood days. Adgully and Discovery Kids speak to some well-known names in the M&E industry to relive their childhood days and share the experiences that have shaped them.

Tarun Nigam holds more than two decades of experience; he started his career with UTV house. After four years he moved to WPP group where he worked on various brands such as Gillette, Hero Honda, LG Electronics among many others for next decade.

Later, he served as Chief Operating Officer for north region until Dec2013 at Vivaki Partnership, part of Publicis Media group before he moved on to serve as an independent consultant.

He is presently serving as Executive Vice President - DDB Mudra. His responsibilities include managing media, brand solutions and digital assignments for north & east region.

A childhood memory which is unforgettable?

Visiting Mumbai for a function at our maternal house for the first time was a memorable experience. For the first time we saw a film shoot happening in our house there and the experience was phenomenal.

A childhood lesson you learnt that still motivates you?

Listening to parents is one thing which we should blindly follow. It seems tough at that age but its the truth that no one advices us better that our parents.

A hobby that you still have?

Spiritual courses were always my pursuit and till date I have mastered several of them.

A person you looked up to or a mentor who shaped you as a person?

My grandmother, father and my school teacher Mam Menezes shaped me for what I am today.

As a child, the one thing you and your friends used to do that children today no longer do?

Quality time with our friends without technology aiding us.

What were the shows that you watched on television as a kid?

As a kid I would love watching Star Trek and Ramayan.

When it comes to kids content, what do you think is the role of the broadcaster?

Content that is safe and aids constructive growth of the kid and also which instils right values

How do you see the evolution of kids content in India?

Kids content has evolved big time from the earlier dubbed versions to original and desi content now.

What are the 3 things from your childhood that you feel should return?

Free mind, shadow of parents and rich learning experiences

How do you see children of today impacting buying decisions of the family?

Kids have become a pivotal point for the family decisions specially for the brands they go for and for others as well.
WARC, the international authority on advertising and media effectiveness, has announced the shortlists of its Media Awards 2018, a comprehensive global competition rewarding communications planning which has made a positive impact on business results.

A total of 79 campaigns from a wide range of markets, categories and brands have been shortlisted across four categories, each judged by its own high-calibre jury. India has bagged 4 shortlists, with Mindshare and MediaCom securing 2 shortlists each.

There are 20 shortlisted entries in each of the Effective Channel Integration, Best Use of Data and Effective Use of Tech categories; and 19 campaigns in the Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category.

Mindshares work done for HULs Lifebuoy brand, titled The Adaptive Data Lighthouse, has been shortlisted in the Best Use of Data category. Mindshare has also secured a shortlist for its work titled The Non-human Data Scientist done for another HUL brand, Vaseline, in the Effective Use of Tech category.

MediaCom has secured a shortlist for its work done for Future Retails Big Bazaar, titled Smart Search in the Best Use of Data category. The agencys second shortlist is for its work titled Bums dont lie done for P&Gs brand Pampers in the Effective Use of Partnerships & Sponsorships category.

As well as regional campaigns for Asia, Europe, Latin America, MENA and North America, there are case studies from 26 different markets shortlisted.

A wide range of categories are represented, including automotive, financial services, food, FMCG, health, retail, telecoms and travel. International brands such as Axe, Gillette, KFC, Pepsi and Volvo sit alongside local brands including Age UK, Bank of New Zealand and Saudi Telecom Company.

The winners of this years WARC Media Awards, which examines the insight, strategy and analytics that power effective media investment will be announced from early January 2019. There is a $40,000 prize fund for the top winning papers of the competition, now in its third year.
Nabankur Gupta, ex Group President of Raymond and once dubbed Marketing Superstar by Advertising Age International, New York in 1995, met his demise on Friday at the age of 70. Popularly known as Nobby Gupta, Gupta experience in the industry spanned three decades where he worked with organisations such as Raymond, Videocon Industries and Philips. He was the acting independent director on the board of several organisations post his retirement. Once he retired, he began a management consultancy called Nobby Brand Architects & Strategic Marketing Consultants.






by John Stone

The term "smart power" was new to me when I encountered it recently in a British Medical Journal blog as part of the new-speak vocabulary of J Stephen Morrison 'senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and director of its Global Health Policy Center". Morrison's article is interesting both because it discloses explicitly how 9/11 was made an opportunity to draw health into the global security agenda of the United States while failing to understand how such a move might result in the shattering of "consensus" and the post war "Western post-war liberal order": "smart power" even if it is smart is not "liberal" and will not lead to consensus. But it also spells out that the global vaccine program has become a covert instrument of US power. If Morrison by any chance laments the passing of the centre-left government in Italy, then perhaps the White House putting Italy and its health minister, Beatrice Lorenzin, in charge of global vaccine strategy was an error.

Morrison thinks it is a paradox but it is scarcely so if a government is seen to pursue coercive health measures over its citizens at the behest of a foreign power - even those who favor vaccination could be concerned at the state's new found powers over their bodies (which might also be indefinitely extended). If that was not so smart a political move perhaps the technology is not so smart either - as I remarked to Steven Salzberg a few years ago: "The unwelcome news is that the cruise missiles and drone helicopters of the war on disease often hit the wrong target, and the more cruise missiles and drone helicopters you unleash the greater the risk".

Frankly, no one knows what they are going to be injected with next. Smart bombs become too easily the agents of international chaos and mistrust: just so the smart bombs of the war on disease, both for what they can do to your body and what they can do the political landscape, including destabilizing friendly governments. Smart power is also duplicitous: Italy is just the surrogate of the US. Why could the citizens of the world not have it directly from the mouth of Obama saying in effect your bodies are not your own and we inject into them what we like?

To make measles a key issue in global security is an unforgivable distortion of policy. It really is not clear why we are at more risk from disease now (apart from by the sinister development of viral technology) than at any time since the end of the Second World War, we are simply being gripped by a new manipulative rhetoric. Nor could we be further from the consensus that gave rise to the Nuremberg Code 70 years ago. Everything we have learnt has been stood on its head.

* * *

Below is a letter I recently wrote to British Medical Journal (unfortunately not so far published):

"Smart power": reasons for disaffection in Italy, and the destruction of the post-war liberal order and consensus

Owen Dyer presents a rather incomplete background to recent political events in Italy [1]. The is is not to say that I have any insight into what Giulia Grillo - the Italian Health Minister - intends, but there are some gaps in the narrative regarding the defeat earlier this year of the governing centre-left coalition, in which Grillo's predecessor - Beatrice Lorenzin - was a key player over several years. This is to say that there are reasons for discontent which apart from anything else fall well short of outright rejection of vaccination.

In the first place we seldom if ever hear mention in mainstream reports of the appointment of Lorenzin, and Italy, to head global vaccine strategy by the Obama administration in September 2014. An Italian government press release states [2]:

"Washington, 29 September 2014 - Italy will lead vaccination strategies and campaigns in the world over the next five years. This was decided by the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) held last Friday at the White House. Our country, represented by the Minister of Health Beatrice Lorenzin, accompanied by the President of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) prof. Sergio Pecorelli, has been commissioned by the Summit of 40 Countries, at which also spoke US President Barack Obama...."

Equally, demonstrators against mandated vaccinations in Summer 2017 will likely have been aware of the statement by GSK's Italian administrator - Daniele Finocchiaro in 2015 [3]:

"Recently I accompanied our global CEO, Andrew Witty, to Matteo Renzi. The premier told us clearly that he considers - and rightly so - the pharmaceutical sector as strategic for Italy. Further, he said that the pharmaceutical is precisely the future of our country ... I then met also Minister Lorenzin and other members of the government who reiterated the sensitivity of the government to those who invest, create jobs and opportunities for young people. So we started on the right foot. To find such sensitivity in Roman palaces is not to be discounted. As for us, Andrew Witty asked few things: certain rules and stability in the face of very strong investments in advanced research and production equipment. We understood each other."

Citizens may also have been sceptical of Lorenzin's claim that 270 children had died in a recent outbreak of measles in London [3,4], and they may have wondered why ten vaccines had to be mandated to protect against one disease.

It is interesting in this light to view the complaint of J Stephen Morrison (senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and director of its Global Health Policy Center) in BMJ Opinion that post-war consensus has broken down [5]:

"Global health is a product of the Western postwar liberal international orderan order that is today besieged, says Stephen Morrison"

"In the past two decades, we have witnessed an expansion of investments into global health that have been rooted in humanitarianism, the rule of law, and democracy. Underlying this action have been the principles of multilateralism, alliances, and partnerships. It has been consistently argued that investments outside home borders will not only save and improve lives but also promote economic growth and the stability of communities.

"In surprising and unforeseen ways, global health also benefited enormously from the post 9/11 counter terror doctrine that came to dominate the security strategies of the major Western powers. That doctrine aggressively advanced the argument that uncontrolled infectious diseases pose major transnational threats. It put a spotlight on smaller countries beset by weaker governance and fragile infrastructure, where grave health challenges can fuel armed, internal violence. Counter terror gave rise to the belief that focused investmentssmart powerwould achieve concrete results in improving lives while also winning hearts and minds in a global struggle."

But there is a paradox here that "smart power" is necessarily what everyone wants, or that the consensus is any longer "liberal". The Italian people were in effect being told that they must cede rights over their bodies and those of their children to the state because of the demands of global security strategy (starting apparently in the White House). Even if they accepted ten vaccines where would this end in principle? Could it be that the global strategists are themselves smashing the consensus, by arrogating extraordinary rights over ordinary people? Morrison assumes this is a benefit of 9/11, but if so it was not one that the citizens of the world were consulted about, it was something which happened within US and global hierarchies and we were all just supposed to do as we were told.

[1] Owen Dyer, 'Italys health minister fires countrys top health board', BMJ 2018; 363 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k5158 (Published 05 December 2018)

[2] John Stone, 'Re: MEPs devise strategy to tackle vaccine hesitancy among public -Echoes of WMD', 26 March 2018, https://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k1378/rr

[3] John Stone, 'Re: Too many vaccine mandates subvert measles vaccine update', 24 August 2018, https://www.bmj.com/content/362/bmj.k3596/rr-6

[4] John Stone, 'Re: Compulsory vaccination and growing measles threat - Prof Melegaro's response', 21 October 2017, https://www.bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j3429/rr-7

[5] J Stephen Morrison, 'Global health disruptors: Decay of the postwar multilateral Western order', BMJ Opinion 29 November 2018, https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2018/11/29/stephen-morrison-decay-of-the-postwar-multilateral-western-order/

John Stone is UK and European editor of Age of Autism
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who took part in the Intergovernmental Conference that adopted Monday in Marrakech the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration welcomed the adoption of the pact, saying that it was high time the international community came to a more realistic understanding over global migration.

Ms. Merkel warned that the go it alone approach will not solve the issue, stressing that multilateralism is the only possible way forward.

She admitted that her country  which has already welcomed more than a million migrants and refugees in recent years from countries such as Syria  will need more skilled labor from outside the European Union and has a vested interested in legal migration.

However, she reaffirmed that Member States must tackle illegal migration and clearly commit to effective border protection to prevent human trafficking, as put forward in the Compact.

States cannot accept that traffickers are the ones deciding who crosses into countries. We must settle such matters among us, Ms. Merkel said.

In his message to the Conference, King Mohammed VI also stressed the need for the international community to pool efforts to take up the migration challenges.

The challenge for this Conference is therefore to unite, in the face of populism, to bring together, in the face of isolationism, and to come up, through dialogue and international cooperation, with meaningful solutions to one of the major issues of our time, he stated.

No single country can, on its own, face up such a challenge. Just as there is no alternative to cooperation, there is no alternative to action, either. The Global Compact is not an end in itself. It will be meaningful only if it is effectively implemented. Viewed from this angle, the Marrakech Conference is, first and foremost, a call to action.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres who opened the intergovernmental session said that the Compact provides a platform for humane, sensible, mutually beneficial action resting on two simple ideas.

Firstly, that migration has always been with us, but should be managed and safe; second, that national policies are far more likely to succeed with international cooperation.

He welcomed the overwhelming global support for the pact, saying that for people on the move, voluntary or forced; and whether or not they have been able to obtain formal authorization for movement, all human beings must have their human rights respected and their dignity upheld.

The adoption of the pact, now known as Marrakech Compact, coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document which is central to the pact. Mr. Guterres said it would be ironic if, on the day we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we would consider that migrants are to be excluded from the scope of the Declaration.

After the adoption, the UN chief told journalists that it was a very emotional moment for him when he saw the members of the conference unanimously in acclamation adopt the Compact.

It was fitting that the conference is taking place in Marrakech, Morocco, a major migration route for centuries.

UN senior migration official Ms. Louise Arbour, tasked with overseeing the process, also applauded the adoption, calling it wonderful occasion, really a historic moment and a really great achievement for multilateralism.

Ms. Arbour, who is the UN Special Representative for International Migration, said the Compact will make an enormous positive impact in the lives of millions of people  migrants themselves, the people they leave behind and the communities that will then host them.

The pact, which is about 40 pages long, must now be the subject of a final vote of ratification, December 19 at the UN General Assembly.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  In cooperation with Gazas maritime police, the Ministry of Agriculture in the Gaza Strip handed over 25 Palestinian fishing boats to their owners Dec. 2. On Nov. 29, Israel had released these boats that had been in its possession for four or five years.

Israel continues to hold 33 Palestinian boats seized in the past five years, under the pretext of breaching the permissible fishing zone, ranging between 3 and 9 nautical miles from the shore. It caused other boats to sink, claiming that they pose a security threat and are being used in the smuggling of banned goods.

This development can only be interpreted in regard to the Egyptian- and Qatari-mediated truce talks between Israel and Gazas factions, and particularly in light of Israel's expectations that the parties make headway in the talks.

Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported Dec. 7 that Ambassador Mohamed al-Emadi, head of Qatar's National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza, arrived in the Gaza Strip Dec. 6 with the second installment of the Qatari grant, noting that sources within Hamas' Ministry of Finance confirmed that the funds had been deposited, upon Israels consent, and that the salaries of the Hamas-appointed government employees would be paid Dec. 7  which in fact have started being paid. In addition, a higher quantity of power supply from Israel to Gaza is anticipated.

Palestinian factions, including Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine threatened Nov. 30 with escalating protests along the Gaza-Israel border, in case Israel continues to defer the application of the truce understandings, which include the transfer of the Qatari grant and additional power supply to the Gaza Strip, the expansion of the fishing zone from 9 to 12 nautical miles and fully opening the Rafah border crossing. Under these understandings, Hamas pledged to shrink the protests in exchange for Israel easing the Gaza siege.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Palestinian Authority (PA) Civil Affairs Ministry spokesman Walid Wahdan indicated that it has been years since multiple Palestinian bodies, such as human rights organizations, have resorted to the Supreme Court of Israel to have fishermen recover their seized fishing boats. In the first week of November, the court allowed the release of seized boats in exchange for a commitment on the part of fishermen that they do not go beyond the permissible fishing zone.

Wahdan said that on Nov. 15 Israel limited fishing in the Gaza sea to an area ranging between 6 and 9 nautical miles, noting that the General Authority of Civil Affairs will carry on with its endeavors to have fishermen recover the remaining 33 fishing boats that Israel continues to hold in the Port of Ashdod.

Israels Haaretz newspaper reported Dec. 1 the Israeli army as saying that the decision to hand over the boats was taken a few months ago and is unrelated to the lawsuits.

Under the 1993 Oslo Accord, Palestinian fishermen are granted access to 20 nautical miles from the shore. Following the 2006 Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip, Israel restricted this zone to 6 miles and then to 3 miles. Following the 2014 cease-fire agreement, Israel expanded the fishing zone to 9 miles only, which is regularly reduced to 3 miles.

Speaking to Al-Monitor, Nizar Ayyash, the chairman of the Gaza Fishermen's Syndicate, said that Israel released 19 canoes, four motor boats without their engines and two large boats. He noted that Israeli naval ships moved the boats from the Port of Ashdod toward the regional waters of the Gaza Strip.

Ayyash emphasized that some of these boats were seized prior to 2014 and indicated that despite their multiple attempts in the past years, the syndicate, human rights organizations and the General Authority of Civil Affairs failed to have the boats returned to the fishermen. He added that Israel, however, released them all at once.

Fishing as a profession involves many risks. Every now and then, the roughly 4,000 fishermen in Gaza experience Israeli attacks, such as shootings, arrests, fishing zone restrictions and confiscation of fishing boats and tools. The Gaza-based Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights reported Oct. 23 that 270 violations against Palestinian fishermen have been recorded since early 2018.

Mefleh Abu Ryalah, a fisherman who recovered his boat three years after it was seized, told Al-Monitor, As a low pressure area developed over Gaza on Nov. 1, 2015, a small fishing boat that one of my brothers owns was taken away by the sea toward the Israeli border in the northern Gaza Strip. Israeli boats encircled us as we were trying to pull it back, using a larger boat my parents own.

He added, The recovered boat has suffered extensive damage as the Israeli naval ships opened fire at us while confiscating the boat. The boats engine broke down after not being used for years.

Fisherman Ghaleb Baker told Al-Monitor, We were shocked when two Israeli naval ships opened fire at us on May 15, 2016, as we were fishing. After encircling us, the Israeli soldiers forced us to swim toward their boat, apprehended all 10 of us and pulled the boat toward Ashdod. After nine of us were freed a few hours later, we returned to the Gaza Strip via the Erez crossing."

He explained that although they were fishing within the permissible fishing zone that was determined at 6 nautical miles back then, the Israeli soldiers confiscated the boat, claiming that they breached this limit in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Baker noted that the fisherman who is still detained was charged with belonging to Islamic Jihad and sentenced to five years in prison.

The legal assistance director at Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, Mervat al-Nahal, told Al-Monitor that dozens of fishermen whose boats were seized gave the center power of attorney to plead on their behalf in the Israeli courts to get their boats back.

She explained that in cooperation with Adalah and Gisha, which operate in Israel, they petitioned the Supreme Court of Israel on Oct. 10 to have a number of Palestinian boats released. A few weeks later, the court decided that the boats in question as well as others would be released.

Nahal explained that the Israeli court imposed many conditions regarding the release of boats in the past, including having fishermen relinquish the right for compensation following years of seizure and having them pay the transportation fees for the boats from the Port of Ashdod to the Gaza Strip, via the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Yet the fishermen and human rights organizations have rejected these conditions, she noted.

The multiple agreements signed between Israel and the Palestinians have not stopped Israel from confiscating and holding Palestinian boats, or from attacking Palestinian fishermen, forcing thousands of fishermen into other jobs.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  When Ghazi Hijazi started to grow flowers nearly three decades ago on two dunams (0.49 acres) of land in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, he thought it was the opportunity of a lifetime and a legacy to leave his eight sons.

The farmer allocated two dunams of his land to flowers in 1991. By 2000, he had begun using 40 dunams (approximately 10 acres) to plant carnations. My father expanded the farm every year. We worked with him, one of his sons, Mohammad Hijazi, told Al-Monitor. We had around 25 workers helping us, and during the harvest season of carnations, which begins in December and ends in June, we would hire more so we could quickly prep the flowers for export.

The boys worked alongside their father and learned the business. We would start working at five in the morning during harvest season and stop after midnight. We used to work a lot. We would have our three meals at the farm and even sleep there, but only for a few hours and then get back to work, said Mohammad, now 35.

Despite the hard work, it was fun planting and harvesting flowers. Being close to them gave us great psychological comfort, he added. The flowers also brought great profits. Particularly when they started exporting flowers in the mid-1980s, the profits grew as well.

Other farmers in the region also started planting flowers. One dunam of flowers would make about $3,000 a year in the 1990s and early 2000s, while one citrus dunam was only good for about $500 in the same period.

But the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip in 2006 changed all of that. We were no longer able to export flowers to European traders on agreed time frames because the crossings were closed. Moreover, [Israeli authorities] would deliberately close them during key seasons and on occasions such as New Years, said Mohammad.

If you could not export the flowers, there was little point in growing them, Mohammad explained. Cut flowers or bouquets are a luxury for cash-strapped Gazans, and if the large number of flowers could neither be sold nor exported, the farmers could only do one thing with them: feed them to the animals.

However, some farmers refused to give up and continued to grow flowers in hopes of exporting them. They contacted the Royal FloraHolland to persuade European traders to continue to import Gaza flowers, but to no avail. Eventually, in 2007, the Dutch government implemented a project to support flower farmers so they could continue their work by covering 60% of production costs.

Flower farms barely stayed afloat for seven years until the Dutch project ended in 2014. After exports stopped, a limited number of farmers insisted on planting flowers but gradually gave up. Only Mohammad remains with 10 dunams  a quarter of what his father used to plant  and he sells his flowers in the local market.

Mohammad explained, My brothers either stuck to planting vegetables instead of flowers or tried to resort to other jobs, although they had difficulty finding opportunities.

His job was no easier. He said, I have only three workers left on the farm, and I have planted new varieties of flowers to sell in the local market. Since my fathers time and until 2014, we would only plant carnations, which could be transferred from one country to another without any damage.

But this year, with the economic crisis in the country deepening, Mohammads farm is practically empty save for a few flowers that give Mohammad a glimmer of hope.

He could end up giving up on flowers if he found a profitable crop, and he will advise his sons to take up a different career option.

Director general of marketing and crossings at the Ministry of Agriculture Tahsin al-Sakka told Al-Monitor that flower cultivation began in the Gaza Strip in the late 1970s and ended almost completely in 2014. It peaked in 2000 with 625 planted dunams all around the Gaza Strip, exporting 62.5 million flowers.

In light of the siege, exports stopped in 2008 for three years. But after Europe pressured the occupation, we were able to export 20 million flowers in the 2011 season. The Dutch governments project strongly contributed to regaining export activity since the project covered 60% of the cost of production, Sakka said.

Farmers continued their work thanks to this project, but they could no longer bear the cost on their own when the project ended in 2014, he added, noting, Planting one dunam of flowers costs $10,000 a year.

Exporting agricultural crops, flowers included, was a mainstay of the Palestinian economy, and in some years our export revenues reached $50 million. This is why the occupation targeted all exports and closed the crossings," Sakka added.
According to the head of the literacy department at the Directorate General of Education in Basra, Karim Handhal Abdul Karim, student participation in literacy centers in Iraq's southern province of Basra has dwindled in 2018 by more than two-thirds compared to 2013.

Abdul Karim told the press Nov. 22, "It is such a big contrast when comparing this years figures to those of 2013. The number of students in Basras 339 literacy centers amounted to over 39,000 in 2013. In 2018, however, only 1,200 students were enrolled in the 21 centers in the province.

He attributed the decline to the fact that students enrolled in literacy centers are no longer paid by the government for taking classes at these centers.

The waves of displacement in the past four years are a reason behind the surge in the illiteracy rate in the country. More than 3.5 million people resided in camps with few or no schools or educational activities. As they returned to their homes in the governorates of Ninevah, Anbar and Salahuddin, they discovered that many of the schools that the Islamic State (IS) had used as a base were destroyed.

The official figures that the Ministry of Planning provided to Al-Monitor show that the illiteracy rate increased to 8.3% among Iraqi youths. The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) estimates the rate to have reached 9%.

According to official figures, the youth population in Iraq represents 10.5% of the countrys total population  which is estimated at 38 million people, former Planning Minister Salman al-Jumaili told Al-Monitor in 2017. This would mean that there are nearly 450,000 illiterate youths in Iraq.

Qusay al-Yasiri, a member of the parliamentary Education Committee, stated Nov. 14 that the illiteracy rate has possibly reached 50% in the country. Commenting on this, Yasiri told Al-Monitor, The illiteracy rate in Iraq ranges between 45% and 50%. Such high figures could generate major problems.

He added, The highest illiteracy rates are found in areas previously held by IS, which witnessed waves of displacement over a period of four years and where poverty rates have increased. This has caused the surge in illiteracy rates in these areas and throughout Iraq as well.

In a Nov. 19 press release, UNICEF wrote, The five governorates with the lowest school enrollment and attendance rates are concentrated in the countrys southern governorates which remain its poorest, and in Anbar and Ninawa.

Rezan Sheikh Dler, a former member of the parliamentary Women and Children's Affairs Committee, told Al-Monitor, Illiteracy is spreading wide in the country  particularly among the post-2003 generation. The waves of displacement since the start of the sectarian problems in the country in 2006 have had a grievous impact. While 10% of the children were not enrolled in schools, many of those who attended [classes] dropped out.

Al-Monitor obtained the IHCHR statistics that indicate a total of 132,000 students across the country dropped out of school.

IHCHR member Anas al-Azzawi told Al-Monitor, The IHCHR pointed at the elevated illiteracy rate in the country  particularly among the youths. Based on that, we started developing a strategy to lessen these rates to be submitted to the government.

He added, There are multiple factors that caused the illiteracy rate to increase, including a shortage in literacy centers and the need for an educational infrastructure. In addition, the security, economic and social crises wreaked havoc in the country and the previous governments failed to assume an efficient role in this regard.

In 1971, Iraq promulgated a law to combat illiteracy, which reduced the illiteracy rate to 20% by 1987, according to UNESCO. UNESCO, however, indicated that the halt of education programs for adults since 1987 had increased the illiteracy rate to nearly 30% in rural areas by 2018. Moreover, as a result of abolishing laws that the Revolutionary Command Council under the former regime had passed, a new law was enacted in 2011.

IHCHR member Faten al-Hilfi said that the law to combat illiteracy fell short. She pointed out that women made up half of the 18% of Iraqis who are illiterate and are unable to read or write.

Between 2012 and 2017, 1.6 million students graduated from literacy centers in Iraq, which indicates the high number of illiterates. It also indicates that those enrolled in literacy centers do not exceed 15% of those who can't read or write.

Experts believe that IS control over large parts of Iraq is a significant reason behind the high illiteracy rate in the country, in addition to a shortage of educational institutions, lack of financial allocations and educational staff.

Illiteracy cannot be eradicated in Iraq as happened in the 1970s or 1980s, or at least reduced, unless the law is activated and target groups are getting paid to enroll. Access to job opportunities and participation in advanced educational programs once students have graduated from literacy centers could be among the incentives.
A survey conducted a few weeks ago by the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion at Beit Sahour, among Palestinians from the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, which has been since quoted in a publication of the Washington Institute, shows that the positions of the Palestinian public are significantly more moderate than those of its leaders; this is the case in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, the Fatah-led West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The survey focused on three main topics: the attitude of those surveyed to the realization of the right of return of 1948 Palestinian refugees to sovereign Israel, their attitude about the definition of Israel as a Jewish state and their position on the Israeli demand that an agreement between the sides be officially determined to be the end of the conflict. On most of these topics the position of the East Jerusalemites proved most dovish; generally in the middle were residents of the Gaza Strip, while residents of the West Bank were generally more hawkish than their brethren. But on all questions, it turned out, the Palestinian public is far from insisting on the positions of its leaders, and would back an American plan that would force the two sides to make significant concessions on what have been previously presented as the Palestinians' red lines.

According to the poll, two-thirds of Gaza residents would accept realization of the right of return only to the West Bank and Gaza, and not to sovereign Israel. Meanwhile, 60% of those surveyed in East Jerusalem are prepared to define Israel as a Jewish state under a peace agreement (compared with 55% in Gaza and 35% in the West Bank). As for determining the end of the conflict, 73% of those surveyed in East Jerusalem support it, compared with 50% in the West Bank (where 37% oppose it) and 47% backing it in the Gaza Strip (where 49% oppose it).

Surveys conducted in recent years in the United States show that the majority of those surveyed accept President Bill Clintons 2000 parameters for the end of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (two states on the basis of the 1967 border with amendments, a symbolic solution for refugees, the evacuation of settlements east of the new border between the states and the division of East Jerusalem between Jewish and Arab neighborhoods and designation of the Palestinian capital there.

In Israel this has been the situation for many years: The majority opinion has been for a two-state solution by means of the annexation of settlement blocs, territorial compensation for this annexation and concession of the Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem.

But the stance of the Palestinian leadership has been more extreme than that of the Palestinian public, the stance of the current Israeli leadership is more extreme than that of the Israeli public and the stance of the Trump administration is very far from the position of the public in the United States.

In conversations conducted by Al-Monitor with American sources the following picture comes into view: the Trump teams plan has been completed. This is not a statement of principles but a detailed plan. While it puts particular emphasis on the economic side, it does not skirt the main diplomatic issues on the agenda. There is no expectation that the two sides would accept it, but rather that they would be prepared to see it as a basis for negotiations. The question is whether this modest request is too much to bear.

The American economic sanctions on the Palestinian side have not changed the position of PLO leadership, and it seems they have even made it harder for the leadership to be flexible amid concerns it might appear to be selling the interests of the Palestinians to end the financial punishment. The financial situation of the Palestinian Authority is terrible. Also, rumors about the shaky health of President Mahmoud Abbas dont stop and the war of succession is continuing in full force. All this would make it difficult for the Palestinian leadership to even examine the American plan  if it is presented soon  much less accept it.

The central question in Israel is when in 2019 the next election will take place. The High Court decided Dec. 2 to grant an extension for legislation of a law regarding the enlistment of yeshiva students until Jan. 15. With a narrow-majority coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu depends politically on the ultra-Orthodox parties, and thus he must find a compromise bill version that they will accept. If no such compromise is reached, and if on Jan. 15 another extension isnt granted, the prime minister wont have a choice but to call an early election for the month of May.

The issue of the draft law aside, the government is a faltering one, struggling to pass laws in the Knesset or to block opposition initiatives. In addition, the interpersonal relationships within the government (especially between Netanyahu and HaBayit HaYehudi Chairman Naftali Bennett) have become nearly untenable. Thus, its difficult to see how the government could continue to function until the middle of 2019, with Netanyahu serving as prime minister, foreign minister, defense minister (and even health minister, religion minister and immigration and absorption minister), with a cloud of police recommendations to indict him on three cases of bribery hanging over his head. Even a brilliant juggler couldnt fulfill his diplomatic and security missions in such a state, and Netanyahu is not a brilliant juggler.

Theres no doubt that Trump wishes Netanyahu well and wont make a move that could damage him politically, according to his understanding (and Netanyahus understanding). If the election is called for May, we can assume that Trump wont put his plan on the table in order to avoid a situation where pro-settler HaBayit HaYehudi would demand its utter repudiation, and Netanyahu, fighting for their common electoral base, wont adopt it (even if he doesnt reject it). If it turns out that the election will take place on schedule in November 2019, Trump could present his plan as soon as possible, in order to coordinate a restrained but not oppositional Israeli response. If the Palestinians then reject it Netanyahu could present himself as a peace seeker once again facing peace refusers, without having to make any concessions. Trump could present himself as someone who offered a new and important plan that wasnt rejected by Israel and that might be accepted by a different Palestinian regime in the future.

As I wrote, Netanyahu is important to Trump, but Trumps main motivation is to win re-election in 2020. He wont want to anger his evangelical voters too close to these elections. Its hard, therefore, to believe that he would be prepared to wait until a new Israeli government is formed in the first months of 2020, if Israeli elections are held as scheduled.

Thus, its likely that the following will occur: The plan will be presented after a new government is formed if the election is held early in May 2019, or it will be presented as soon as possible if the Israeli election appears to be likely only at the end of next year. Palestinian, Israeli and American public opinion would not really impact the political calculations.
The United States has established at least three observation posts along the Turkish-Syrian border in an apparent dismissal of Turkish concerns about their role, an official with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) asserted today. The move highlights the complexities bedeviling the United States efforts to maintain a military presence in Syria with the help of the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), who are the core component of the SDF, while scrambling to appease fellow NATO ally Turkey.

Contacted via telephone in northeast Syria, the SDF official  who spoke on condition that he not be identified by name  said the posts had been established in Kobane, Tell Abyad and Ras al-Ain in US-protected territory along Syrias northeastern border with Turkey.

There is nothing secret about the deconfliction effort. US Secretary of Defense James Mattis announced in late November that he had given orders for the posts to be established. Turkeys pro-government Yeni Safak labeled these posts rogue espionage towers erected in defense of terrorists  all part of a broader scheme in tandem with the United States new partners, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the PKK [Kurdistan Workers Party], to establish a greater Israel.

The reality is rather more prosaic. Col. Sean Ryan, US spokesman for the anti-Islamic State (IS) coalition, declined to divulge details as to the current status or whereabouts of the posts. But in emailed comments to Al-Monitor, Ryan asserted, US forces are examining and securing locations for manned observation posts on the Syrian-Turkish border, and the reason is to support security and stability on the border and improve the coalitions situational awareness to enable the continuing fight against IS. In other words, the posts are being established.

The formal aim is to prevent YPG militants from firing on Turkish forces across the border and avert an escalation of tension that would in turn undermine the ongoing campaign against IS. But in Turkish eyes, the posts are designed to protect the Kurds. Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar renewed Turkish calls for the observation post plan to be scrapped during talks with the United States Syria envoy, Jim Jeffrey, who was in Ankara last week.

Jeffrey, a former ambassador to Ankara who is seen as sympathetic to its concerns, has been working hard to reconcile Turkish and American interests in Syria, but to little avail. This has involved accelerating the implementation of the Manbij roadmap, but progress remains bumpy. On Nov. 1, US and Turkish forces began long-delayed joint patrols around Manbij, a mainly Arab town run by YPG friendly locals whom Turkey wants to be replaced with its own proxies.

Yet even after the patrols began, Turkish-backed Syrian Arab rebels have continued to target coalition forces in Manbij from the Turkish-held Euphrates Shield zone. The sustained harassment of coalition troops is meant to pressure the United States to yield to Turkeys demands for full control over Manbij.

Aaron Stein, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who closely monitors the Syrian conflict, contends that Jeffrey believes he can help split the PKK and the YPG and enlist Turkey in the administrations maximum pressure strategy of sitting and waiting for the regime to decapitate itself while increasing pressure on Iran.

But Stein told Al-Monitor that the YPG and the PKK cannot be split. And without Turkish-PKK agreement, introducing Turkish Armed Forces into YPG areas will be destabilizing.

Turkey insists that the YPG poses an existential threat to its security and continues to pressure Washington to abandon its partnership with the group. This is because of the YPGs organic ties to PKK militants who remain locked in a bloody and seemingly inconclusive war against the Turkish army. Having successfully driven the YPG out of its Afrin stronghold to the west of the Euphrates with Russias help, Turkey is threatening to carry its campaign east of the river to the US-protected zone where the Kurdish militants hold sway. They enjoy the protection of several thousand US Special Operations forces and other military personnel from the US-led coalition.

According to sources with close knowledge of the US administrations thinking, Jeffrey, a veteran diplomat who's served in key positions, now recognizes that any US military presence in Syria needed to defeat IS and contain Iran cannot be sustained without the SDF. There is no policy change with regard to the partnership with either the SDF and the YPG, and no plans to establish an alternative force to them. But once the jihadis are defeated, configurations as to who holds particular areas and ensuring the areas are local in character  Arabs in Arab majority areas and Kurds in Kurdish majority ones  will be assessed. Even the YPG is open to this.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains adamant that his army will boot out the YPG from the stretch of territory running from Manbij to the Iraqi border. Coming in the run-up to critical municipal elections in March, a Turkish attack calculated to garner nationalist votes to detract attention from a weakening economy cannot be ruled out.

Still, the observation posts make it less likely that Turkey will risk confrontation with US forces. The presence of coalition observers also makes it harder for Turkey to claim that the YPG is the aggressor. But they wont necessarily be around forever. Ryan noted, The coalition does not define an observation post as a permanent structure by military means  everything is based on revolving battlefield assessments and can change as the mission dictates. But ultimately, its the commander in chief, US President Donald Trump, who calls the shots.
Many observers describe recent relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Islah Party in Yemen as a temporary marriage, while others believe they are far from that, even temporarily. The UAE and the Islah Party quickly agree with that assessment, only to disagree again even more quickly. They share opportunistic relations marked by distrust on both sides.

The UAE and the Islah Party are united by a common enemy  the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen  but separated by their own interests. Islah is tightly linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, but has had to deny its connections because the UAE considers the Brotherhood a terrorist group. The movement in the UAE was accused of trying to stage a coup, and many members, including Yemenis, were arrested a few years ago.

Despite their sudden meeting Nov. 14, it seems the UAE and Islah have no intention of breaking the ice between them. Islah Party leader Mohammed al-Yadomi and Secretary-General Abdul Wahab al-Anesi traveled to the UAE to meet with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. But the meeting was a tactic by both parties to make some stopgap political gains  which are likely to be followed by mutual attacks.

The two parties had also met a year ago in Riyadh, in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for talks on rapprochement between them under Saudi auspices. But a month later, Islah sided with the internationally recognized Yemeni government against pro-UAE forces represented by the separatist Southern Transitional Council in Aden. This happened when clashes broke out in January between council forces and government fighters affiliated with Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

In other words, they have a rocky history.

And recently, something very ugly came to light. On Oct. 16, the US BuzzFeed News website revealed that Abu Dhabi has been paying mercenaries  former US special forces  to carry out assassinations of Islah Party leaders and cadres.

So, no reconciliation seems imminent. Islah will remain in the circle of UAE targets. Likewise, the UAE will not be spared Islahs distrust and loud media campaigns against Abu Dhabi.

The aim of Islahs recent visit was to ask the UAE to halt support for Islah Party opponents who are targeting its leaders and cadres. The UAEs aim, however, was to pressure the party leaders to offer concessions, such as giving UAE-backed Yemeni forces  represented by the Salafist current  a geographic and political space in Taez, especially after Islah succeeded in kicking Salafists out of Taez.

Rahman Moazab, a Yemeni parliament member representing the General Peoples Congress, believes the Islah-UAE relations are long gone, but potential risks are uniting the two sides, he said, referring to the Houthis.

Moazab told Al-Monitor, The recent visit held a political message from the UAE to the different political parties in Yemen to tell them that there is an alternative, in reference to the Islah Party. The UAE is seeking a strong ally and it might have to settle for Islah temporarily and make deals with it.

In the wake of Yadomi and Anesis visit, two prominent Islah ministers were dismissed from the Yemeni government Nov. 26 based on a presidential decision from Hadi.

This step reflects the meddling of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The two countries worked to ensure Ali Haitham al-Ghareeb, the leader of the Southern Movement, gets a ministerial portfolio in exchange for the movement recognizing new Prime Minister Maeen Abdul Malek Saeed, according to exclusive information from political sources for Al-Monitor.

It seems the Cabinet reshuffle constitutes a political settlement between the Southern Movement and the UAE, after the latter had established the Southern Transitional Council, which conflicts with the Southern Movement. The aim behind this step is to find a good model for peace and coexistence in the areas liberated by the Saudi- and UAE-backed Yemeni government. This model would serve as an assurance to the other Yemeni areas where battles are still raging between the Houthis and government forces, according to the sources.

Ali al-Jaradi, head of Islah's Media Department, told Al-Monitor, Islah Party relations with the UAE are part of the Yemeni legitimate authority's relations with the countries of the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which united to defend regional security facing Iranian expansionism.

Jaradi noted, Islahs relations with the UAE are dictated by the need for joint defense of security, stability and Arab nationalism of the Arabian Peninsula. He considered the visit a door for friendly and positive ties to build on. It promises to dispel doubts from relations and invest in common points, as well as offer a successful model of Arab relations marked by cooperation and complementarity, in light of shared risks, interests and fates.

The Islah Party, facing unlimited UAE support for Salafists in Taez and southern governorates, has to get closer to the UAE and try to prove its good intentions after the recent visit.

In a Dec. 1 Facebook post, Yadomi congratulated the UAE on the occasion of its 47th National Day, and he expressed praise and gratitude for what Abu Dhabi is offering Yemen.

Abdel Bari Taher, former head of the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate, told Al-Monitor, Relations between Islah and the UAE tend to ebb and flow. The tactical meeting only served as appeasement and constituted political work for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, referring to their efforts to stop Islah's media campaigns against them.

Taher told Al-Monitor, The Yemeni Muslim Brotherhood [represented by Islah]  whether it acknowledges or denies its affiliation  is facing tough times. Its members are subject to elimination, arrest and assassination in several Yemeni regions, especially those under UAE control.

He added, Serious and sane relations are not in the cards, because each party has its goals and special interests that diverge shortly after they meet. They have too many differences. Even if they agree on some issues, their rivalry and suspicions cannot be overcome in a fleeting meeting.

Reliable political sources told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Several issues were discussed in the recent visit, including accepting a political settlement that would transfer the powers of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to a deputy [agreed upon] between Saudi Arabia, [the Yemeni parties] and the UAE, and that would oust Vice President Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar  the leader of Islahs military wing and the shield for its activities.

According to the sources, Hadi will remain in his position until a referendum over a new constitution and presidential elections are held.

Any positive relations between the UAE and the Islah Party undoubtedly fall under one goal: defeating the Houthis. But the devil is in the details. The UAE advocates fighting political Islam and considers covert work national treason. Besides, Islah can't remove itself ideologically and politically from its Muslim Brotherhood roots, and still has ties with Qatar and Turkey, both of which the UAE and Saudi Arabia despise.

Domestically, the Nihm Offensive against the Houthis  led by the pro-Islah national army and Islah members who voluntarily joined the army  lasted from December 2015 to March 2018, when it was halted because of the UAE and the coalitions lack of trust in the Islah Party.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Aziz al-Jabari told Yemen Today channel Sept. 22, The coalition doesn't want Islah replacing the Houthis.
The rise of early voting has eroded Election Day, and slow mail-ballot counts have eroded Election Night. Photo: George Frey/Getty Images

Traditionally, for people involved in electoral politics, Election Day is Judgment Day, when all those strenuous efforts to win (or in the case of media and academic folk, to report on or analyze) public office come to an end as the last poll closes. Election Night, accordingly, is in all but a few rare cases the time when the judgment of the people is discerned. Political people are wired from an early age to think of Election Day and Election Night as the key moments of drama in their often tedious profession.

But the old dramatic cycle is making less sense every day. With the advent of early voting, Election Day often stretches over weeks. And with slow counts caused by mail and provisional ballots becoming more prevalent, Election Night isnt always what it used to be, either.

It will be a while before the final numbers are available, but early voting has been regularly increasing in the last 20 years. In 2016, 42 percent of the vote was cast before Election Day, either by mail or in person, and early voting represented over half the vote in 16 states, including such big states as California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. While windows for early voting vary by state and by type of voting, 20 states had opened up early voting by October 15 this year  three weeks before Election Day.

Campaigns, of course, understand this sea change in when ballots are cast, and have adjusted advertising and get-out-the-vote strategies accordingly. And while the news media are attentive  perhaps overattentive  to the possibility that they can divine horse-race odds from early-voting patterns, the more basic and incontrovertible fact that elections are no longer one-day events is often ignored. The old habits are hard to shake: Ive been writing about early voting for years, but still tend to write about Election Day as though its Christmas and New Years Day all wrapped up in one glorious moment.

The mystique of Election Night  which belongs mostly to media rather than campaigns and politicians  is even more deep-seated.

In his classic book The Making of the President 1960, Theodore White supplied a classic take on the rhythms of Election Day and Night, from those first few ballots cast at midnight in an obscure New Hampshire hamlet, to the predictable march of results as voting ends:

If the Democrats are going to win, they must have a healthy margin of several million votes by midnight. After midnight the tide reverses itself as the farm states, the mountain states, the Pacific Coast, all begin to check in with their traditionally Republican tallies. Thus the profile that repeats itself every four years and creates the arbitrary drama of election night: the afternoon and early-evening trickle of Republican votes, the Democratic tide from the big cities between eight and midnight and then, after midnight, the Republican counterassault.

While the map has changed since 1960, the idea that Election Night represents a climactic drama hasnt. Yes, weve learned to be wary of early projections, as illustrated by 2000s reversed calls of Florida and Gores reversed concession; 2004s messed-up exit polls showing a Kerry victory wiped out by a red tide of Bush wins; and most recently, Donald Trumps stunning late-night Rust Belt upsets, and that indelible New York Times dial. But the fact that changes in voting methodologies have guaranteed a much slower and less immediately conclusive count hasnt entirely sunk in.

For one thing, provisional ballots, introduced by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002, take more time to count:

Provisional ballots are usually tallied last, sometimes after the election night count, because they require greater scrutiny. A board has to review each of the provisional ballots and verify whether each individual is a legitimate voter. Provisional ballots can often delay the vote count because that process takes time.

Presumably many of these votes would not have been counted at all before HAVA, but vindicating eligible voters right to participate does slow things down. The same is true to an even greater extent of votes cast by mail, whether they are traditional absentee ballots or, as is increasingly the case, a standard alternative to in-person voting.

When voters show up at the polls in person, they sign in with their signatures verified by poll workers against registration records. The same has to be done with mail ballots in an entirely separate process. In some states (such as the voting-by-mail pioneers of Oregon, who begin counting mail ballots a week before Election Day), that is done quickly, but not so much elsewhere. In Georgia, state law prohibits counting early votes before Election Night. In California, late mail ballots (often those received the weekend before Election Day) are often set aside until after in-person votes are counted. And in California and Washington (and for overseas military ballots, a number of other states) mail ballots postmarked by Election Day still count (though in California they have to be received within the three days after Election Day).

None of this was entirely new in 2018. But then again, states like California werent competitive in the 2016 presidential race, so it drew less attention that the vote count was very slow. That changed this year with Californias assortment of highly competitive House races. And as the Los Angeles Times explains, there was no reason to think Election Night numbers for close races meant a whole lot, appearances notwithstanding:

The morning after the Nov. 6 congressional midterm election in California, state, county and media websites reported that 100% of precincts had turned in their results.

It was highly misleading: The final tally, released Friday [December 7], showed that a staggering 5.2 million of the 12.1 million ballots cast  43%  remained uncounted that morning. Most of the outstanding votes were from mail ballots.

Very high turnout (Californias was an estimated 65 percent, as opposed to 42 percent in the last midterm) contributed to the slow count. But theres really zero evidence to support Republican claims that late returns were cooked to reverse GOP victories. The only norm violated was the archaic expectation that races would be resolved on Election Night.

California was hardly the only state where late mail and provisional ballots kept contests unresolved for days after November 6. Gubernatorial races in Florida and Georgia and House races in multiple states hung fire as the final ballots were counted. And that could create some real issues in 2020. Even if California is again out of reach for Donald Trump, heavy early-voting states like Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and possibly even Texas could be in play. And given Trumps proclivity (echoed by other Republicans this year such as outgoing Speaker Paul Ryan) to identify any adverse results with illegal voting, another Election Night that produces misleading initial results could lead to potentially calamitous disputes over the elections legitimacy.

Trumps going to be Trump, of course. But media can begin right now to prepare each other and voters themselves for the new reality of when votes are cast and when they are counted. Ideally, of course, wed have a national election system where everyone was presumed to have the right to vote and every state operated according to the same procedures, with adequate resources to ensure fairness and efficiency. Until then, lets get over the idea that elections begin on Election Day and end on Election Night.
Birmingham - and Alabama - has the potential to grow more tech success stories like Shipt, provided the states investors are willing to be a little more adventurous.

That sentiment was one of the recurring themes repeated by panelists at todays Investors Roundtable at UABs Collat School of Business. The event was hosted by the Birmingham Business Alliance, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, UABs Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Birmingham Business Journal.

The panelists were Dave Gray, software entrepreneur and investor; Miller Girvin, CEO of the Alabama Capital Network; David Kutcher, managing partner, Torian Capital Partners; Mickey Millsap, principal of Redhawk Advisory and manager of the new Alabama Futures Fund, and Jon Nugent, vice president of innovation and technology with the BBA.

Here were five ideas discussed:

1. Birmingham may have a talent acquisition problem, but so does everyone else.

Millsap said even Silicon Valley has a problem keeping talent - particularly tech engineers. That means startups may have innovative ideas, but are scrounging for the talent to code them all.

That was a problem in Austin when I was there, Millsap said. Google had soaked all the talent up.

2. Startups dont just need money, but mentoring.

Birmingham, panelists said, is still finding its identity as a startup community. Thats good, because that means it doesnt necessarily have to be known as a health/science tech or financial tech center. The rise of Shipt and other breakout firms can have ramifications for the future, not just in terms of money but the culture of successor companies that can follow.

We dont know who we are yet, Millsap said of the Alabama Futures Fund, which means theyre open to a host of possibilities.

But Millsap said as more tech companies hit the big time, they generate people who came up in the organization, made money, and are ambitious and willing to risk. As Gray said, it creates a network of people able to stroke a $50,000 check.

3. If youre a startup, you need more than just big ideas.

Gray said some firms can engender confidence in potential investors by having more than just an innovative concept. Investors want to see a firms grit and focus, and the most important things theyre working on. With some firms, its unclear what theyre doing from day-to-day.

They need to be dreamers, but they need to do something valuable with that money, Gray said. Just throwing stuff against a wall to see what sticks is not the way to inspire confidence. Show youve got a game plan. Show youve got some focus and determination.

4. Alabamas long-time reliance on traditional manufacturing may have engendered a culture of risk aversion.

State political and business leaders understand the optics of a groundbreaking for an auto plant employing 4,000 people. Its a harder sell to understand the economic windfall of a multi-million dollar tech firm with three workers.

Girvin said startups may be able to get the initial funding from friends and family, but they have a problem getting that next step that leads to Series A funding.

And the industries here, such as construction, are ripe for the kind of tech disruption thats happening in other parts of the country.

That culture may change, though. In the next year, Girvin said, companies may see more people leave good paying, stable jobs to chase a dream.

5. Alabamas national reputation may not be as negative as natives and long-time residents may believe.

The biggest hurdle to making national connections, believe it or not, may be the lack of direct flights to Birmingham from the Northeast and West Coast. But once people see the area, Girvin said, the stigma is gone. For one thing, Birmingham could make real inroads billing itself as a potential site for a second corporate location.

You compare it to Silicon Valley, your dollar goes four times farther here, she said.
The Church of the Highlands, Alabamas largest church, has booked more than 30,000 advance reservations for Christmas candlelight services through its web site.

All 13 services at the Grants Mill location, the churchs main campus, are booked.

I know thats created a little frustration for some of you that want to come to Grants Mill, Senior Pastor Chris Hodges said, discussing the ticketing reservation system during his sermon on Sunday. We had 31,000 seats taken in the first 5 minutes that those reservations were online. Some of it just frustrates you a little bit.

Christmas candlelight services at the Church of the Highlands will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 19, and continue through Monday, Dec. 24. There will be services each of those days except Saturday, Dec. 22, when no services are scheduled.

The Church of the Highlands began in February 2001 with Hodges as founding pastor and met in the fine arts auditorium at Mountain Brook High School. In 2007, the church opened its $15 million main campus with a 2,400-seat sanctuary on Grants Mill Road near Interstate 459.

With sermons by Hodges beamed from the main campus via internet to 16 branch locations, the church has attendance of more than 40,000 per week, making it the largest church in Alabama and one of the largest churches in America.

Hodges said efforts will be made to accommodate those who show up for Christmas candlelight services at all locations.

There have only been two services that we havent been able to seat people, Hodges said.

Of the 13 services that well have here at Grants Mill, we have always had seats," he said. "People grab seats and then dont sit in them. People make a decision not to come when there were seats you couldve sat in. Those reservations and tickets are neither reservations nor tickets. It gives people priority seating, but at ten till we are opening the doors to whoever wants to come sit in those seats.

Doors open 30 minutes before the service. Those who have reservations needs to be there at least 10 minutes before the service to guarantee a seat, he said.

We are just trying to spread people out a little bit, Hodges said.

There is still plenty of seating at the branch campuses, Hodges said. Hodges speaks at the Grants Mill location and his message is beamed out by video to the branch locations.

I know it seems attractive to come to this particular location where Im speaking live and you think the experience is so much better, but I want you to know that our team is working harder than ever before to make the Christmas experience great at every location, Hodges said. In fact, were sending some of our best musicians and talent to all the other locations to have great, great Christmas experiences. So, make plans to attend where you regularly worship.
Birmingham needs to find a way to add an extra $12 million each year over the next 30 years into its pension fund for city workers to ensure it will meet its long-term commitment to retirees, said an advisor to Mayor Randall Woodfin.

This unpaid advisor, Daniel Coleman, who now serves as the president of Birmingham-Southern College, discovered the citys nearly $1.4 billion Retirement and Relief Pension System was underfunded by $378 million while serving on Woodfins transition team about a year ago.

Its not the end of the world because we think we can fix it, and make sure it is solid for everyone, he said during a special-called work session before the Pension Board of the City of Birmingham Retirement and Relief System on Nov. 27.

If the city doesnt fix the problem, though, the fund could run out of money in 30 years, according to city officials.

A standing room-only crowd of current and former city workers attended the recent work session to hear about possible changes to their pension.

Many cities are in a similar pension predicament.

According a survey by the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems, the average funding level for public retirement systems in 2017 was 71.3 percent. The survey was based on the responses of 164 public retirement funds.

Birminghams Retirement and Relief Pension System is funded at 73 percent, according to the city.

According to the National League of Cities, 74 percent of cities started pension plan reforms between 2009 and 2016. The most common reform at 33 percent was increasing employee contribution rates.

The majority of cities that responded to a NLC survey, 65 percent, said their pension plans are administered at the state level rather than having their own plan.

Coleman said theres only four ways to fix the issue: cut the costs of running the pension; increase the payments people make into the pension; increase the payments that the city makes into the pension; and decrease the benefits.

Woodfin, though, asked that the cost of employees not be increased, he said.

Coleman said the city could save about $4 million a year by moving the management of the pension plan to the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), the state pension system. Morgan Stanley currently manages the citys pension and charges about $4.6 million a year to do it.

The city also needs to increase its contribution to the system by $4.4 million each year, he said.

Also, to reduce costs, Coleman suggested reducing pension benefits for current city workers under the age of 50 by 7.5 percent. He also suggested benefits for newly hired general employees be decreased by 18 percent. Decreasing benefits for new hires in the police and fire departments by 15 percent was also proposed.

The reduction in benefits would save about $3 million, Coleman said.

If we do these things, working with our actuaries, we believe we can solve this problem, he said.

Coleman said current retires pension is in good shape, and wont be affected by the underfunding or by any possible changes to the pension plan.

Members of the pension board discussed possible solutions to the underfunding during the recent work session. Woodfin said he is wide open for solutions.

Board member Marty Leonard said the citys pension investments are doing better than those in the RSA and didnt know if he would support moving the pension fund to the state system.

He said the solution to the underfunding wont be solved in a day. Leonard said he city could consider some minor taxes, such as increasing lodging taxes, that could go into the pension fund. He also suggested gradually increasing its funding over time.

Board member Dale Wyatt, who is a battalion chief at the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Department, said benefits for current employees shouldnt be changed.

Many of us here have turned down opportunities to leave this place for other departments with less workload and higher pay, because I know at the end of the road, I have this pension coming, he said. To change my benefits midway through the year is unfair.

According to the city of Birmingham, the citys pension was fully funded in 2001. But, that same year, the city decided to increase the pension benefits for city employees.

Two years later, in 2003, the city did not keep up with the contributions necessary to meet the needs of those increased benefits. Losses in investments during the nations financial crisis in 2008 created greater declines in the value of the pension fund.

The pension board will discuss and possibly vote on changes to the pension fund at its next meeting set for 3 p.m. on Dec. 12 at Birmingham City Hall.
The body of a woman found next to a river in Florida Sunday has not yet been formally identified by law enforcement.

WPMI and other news outlets initially reported that a body discovered near to the Escambia river was 74-year-old Eva McBride, who has been missing since Nov. 24. However, Major Heath Jackson of the Escambia Countys Sheriffs Office told AL.com Monday evening that the body has not yet been identified.

McBride is from Pollard, Escambia County, approximately 85 miles east of Mobile. Her family have since said that the body will be identified by autopsy.

On 12/9/18 at approximately 11:00 am, the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office Dispatch Center received a call in reference to an individual who was found deceased along the bank of Escambia River in Jay, said the press release. The location was approximately 1 mile south of Terrell Landing Boat Ramp."

Detectives are actively working this death investigation. The deceased was an adult female.

The investigation had recently been handed over to homicide detectives after searches for McBride were unsuccessful.
The Trump administration has officially rolled back Obama-era regulations that restricted what could be served for school lunches.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the changes were meant to provide schools with additional flexibility in what they serve.

USDA is committed to serving meals to kids that are both nutritious and satisfying, Perdue said in a press release. These common-sense flexibilities provide excellent customer service to our local school nutrition professionals, while giving children the world-class food service they deserve.

Previously, schools were restricted to serving only whole grains. Under the new regulations announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only half the grains served to students will be required to be whole grains. The change clears the way for more biscuits, tortillas and grits to be served as part of a lunch or breakfast.

Also, low-fat chocolate and strawberry milk will be allowed again. Previously, only fat-free milk could be flavored. Changes to allowed sodium levels were also put in place.

The more restrictive lunch rules were put in place in 2010 under the Hunger-Free Kids Act, an initiative championed by former first lady Michelle Obama. The rules led to complaints from students that the meals were inedible and from administrators, who said food was being thrown away uneaten.

Perdue said the loosened regulations are designed to entice children to eat the meals while keeping nutritional standards in place.

We will continue to listen to schools, and make common-sense changes as needed, to ensure they can meet the needs of their students based on their real-world experience in local communities, Perdue said.
This is an opinion column.

Theres a popular misconception that Robert Bentley was forced from office because he had some sort of icky relationship with his senior political advisor, Rebekah Caldwell Mason.

Youve seen it on national news. You saw it online. Heck, Ive written as much, more than once.

But that wasnt everything behind his ouster.

Bentley didnt get pushed out only because of some sort of affair.

Rather, Bentley got pushed out because he tried to raise taxes.

More precisely, he got pushed out because he tried to raise taxes a week after he was re-elected on a no-new-taxes pledge.

Lets rewind the clock four years.

The year Bently ran for reelection, Alabama had a hole in its General Fund budget of somewhere between $150 million and $250 million. I wrote about it. Lawmakers shouted about it. Many others did, too.

The only person who didnt talk about that gap in the summer of 2014 was Bentley.

Instead, he posted billboards up around the state: More jobs. Less government. No new taxes!

Bentley didnt have a primary opponent, and in the general election, he refused to debate his Democratic challenger, Parker Griffith. And since Alabama voters dont mind Republicans campaigning from a bunker, Bentley won. It didnt matter.

That is, until he emerged the week after the election with some hard news. According to Bentley, he consulted with his advisors who told him  surprise, surprise  that there was this hole in our General Fund budget and wed have to raise taxes to fix it.

The backlash was immediate, but because the election was over, the furor had nowhere to go.

Until a year later when the Mason scandal broke.

Like exorcising Legion into a herd of pigs, the outrage against Bentley channeled into the Goat Hill sex scandal, and Bentley was done for.

Which brings us back to today.

Kay Iveys advisors watched Bentleys administration fall apart and took a lesson: Next time, dont say anything at all.

Like Bentley, Ivey refused to debate all her opponents, whether Republican or Democrat. She avoided the press for the duration of her campaign, relying instead on tightly controlled public events and TV ads.

Through it all, she avoided an important question: Would she support a tax increase?

The closest anyone seems to have come to pinning her down on the issue was AL.coms Paul Gattis, who asked Ivey whether she would call a special session to raise the states gas tax. Ivey said she had no such plans.

In the end, it worked. Make no promises and you wont have promises to break.

Now lawmakers are bullish on infrastructure improvements for the 2019 session. A gas tax increase of as much as 12 cents per gallon is on the table and all but certain to be signed by the governor if it passes. Each penny more is expected to bring in as much as $30 million more.

Like so many hidden taxes in Alabama, this is one you will feel but not see. And its a tax that will hit the poor and working class harder than it hits the rich.

Advocates say the states infrastructure is crumbling and a gas tax is an appropriate way to pay for improvements, and that might be a reasonable argument.

But its a debate Ivey owed us before Election Day, not after.

Kyle Whitmire is the state political columnist for the Alabama Media Group.

Want access to the best analysis and in-depth reporting about Alabama each week? Sign up for the weekly Reckon Report newsletter and follow Reckon on Facebook and Twitter.
A Birmingham man vaulted a north Jefferson County store counter and beat the clerk during a weekend holdup, authorities said Monday.

Jefferson County sheriffs officials on Monday announced the arrest of 33-year-old Albert Ward. The robbery happened Saturday evening.

Deputies were dispatched just before 6:30 p.m. to a report of a robbery at a convenience store in the 6700 block of Alabama Highway 79. Chief Deputy Randy Christian said the 73-year-old male clerk told deputies the suspect entered the store and jumped over the counter. Ward then began punching the clerk in the face and told him he was going to shoot him.

The suspect turned from the clerk and snatched the cash drawer from the register before running out of the store.

Deputies were able to view surveillance video from the business and broadcast a description of the suspect and his vehicle to surrounding agencies, Christian said. A short time later, the Blount County Sheriffs Office reported that they had the suspect detained near Locust Fork.

Ward was taken to the Center Point substation and questioned by detectives. Christian said he admitted to committing the robbery and assaulting the clerk. He was taken to the Jefferson County Jail to await formal charges.

Monday morning detectives obtained arrest warrants formally charging Ward with first-degree robbery and second-degree assault. He remains jailed on $75,000 bond.
Be on the lookout for a snowflake or two this morning if you're in north Alabama -- and this afternoon if you're in central Alabama.

The National Weather Service in Huntsville said a wintry mix of light rain and snow will be possible this morning as colder air moves into north Alabama.

It won't last: Forecasters said it will become all rain by later this morning, and no accumulations are expected except for higher elevations.

So far this morning there has been a wintry mix falling over parts of northwest Alabama:

10am: Rain/Snow occurring in NW AL where temps are a little cooler. In NE AL and in TN warmer temps are keeping precip as rain. No accumulations on roads are expected. Send us your reports if you see snow. #HUNWx pic.twitter.com/fLvwQjma5h  NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) December 10, 2018

Parts of north-central Alabama could see some wintry precipitation as well, according to the weather service in Birmingham.

In fact, it is already falling in the northwest part of the region:

9:50am: Light snow is now falling across Marion County and across north Alabama. So far, no problems reported as ground temps remain relatively warm. Elsewhere, light drizzle or rain continues across E Alabama. #alwx pic.twitter.com/Esn1CWwk6h  NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) December 10, 2018

Forecasters there said some snow flurries could mix in with rain across north-central Alabama, and that area could move south and east through the afternoon and into the evening.

"If any accumulation of snow it would be across Blount and Etowah counties with generally a tenth of an inch or less, and that would be on elevated areas such as car tops, decks, etc," the weather service said Monday morning. "We are only talking a hundredth of an inch of precipitation available in these areas, so not much to work with in the first place."

Flurries could make it as far south as the Birmingham area later this afternoon and into the evening, forecasters said.

Ground temperatures are expected to be warm enough to keep anything that falls from sticking.

However, temperatures will fall into the 20s and 30s overnight across north and central Alabama, so any leftover moisture could produce some slick spots on roads.

"So morning commuters will need to cautious Tuesday morning," the weather service said.
Two women were arrested over the weekend in separate incidents at an Alabama prison.

Both arrests happened Sunday at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County. Those taken into custody were Delicia Sweet and Donna Stewart.

Alabama Department of Corrections officials said the 46-year-old Sweet, of Enterprise, was arrested when a correctional officer found in her possession of a package containing marijuana. Sweet was visiting an inmate at the time of her arrest and was charged with promoting prison contraband and possession of marijuana.

Delicia Sweet

Stewart, 51, of Brookwood, was arrested after correctional officers found a package containing a controlled substance in possession of an inmate Stewart was visiting. Stewart admitted to giving the controlled substance to the inmate during the visit and was charged with promoting prison contraband.

Charges against the inmate are pending. Sweet and Stewart were taken to the Elmore County Jail following their arrest.

Prison officials said the public should contact the ADOC Investigations and Intelligences Division at 1-866-293-7799 with information that may lead to the arrest of anyone attempting to introduce illegal contraband into state prisons. The public may also report suspicious activity to law enforcement by going to the ADOC Website at http://www.doc.alabama.gov/investigationrequest.
New York is a busy city. At times it can feel big, overwhelming, and scary. To find comfort in those moments, one must only turn to the citys single-block streets. Tiny, adorable, and packed with history, blocks like Gay Street, College Place, and Hunts Lane are infinitely lovable. Just how long are these precious little alleys? New York took to the streets with a measuring wheel to find out.
A Chinese state-owned company is behind rubber plantations that Cameroon villagers say threaten their livelihoods.

Meyomessala, Cameroon  Meyomessala is a small forest community in Cameroons South Region among several settlements on the edge of a biodiversity-rich UNESCO World Heritage Conservation site, known as the Dja Faunal Reserve.

It is home to endangered species such as western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, leopards, forest elephants, giant pangolins, bongo antelopes and buffalos.

Nkoulou Bedjeme, an elderly woman, is one of 9,500 Bulu people and indigenous Baka pigmies whose ancestors have lived with the wildlife species for more than 100 years.

Two years ago, her husband and brother died, leaving her to take care of 25 children.

We had tried the best we could to protect our land, she tells Al Jazeera. Our only source of livelihood that was being threatened by this Chinese rubber project.

Her livelihood depends on farming, hunting, fishing and gathering forest products.

Like several others, she says, her problems began when the government allocated vast concessions within and around their villages to a Chinese state-owned chemicals company, Sinochem International, about 10 years ago.

In the beginning, they made lofty promises and we didnt think we would find ourselves in the mess we are in today. Who would have thought our farmlands would be taken away? Worse still, some people were given insignificant compensation, others like me, nothing, she claims.

On Sinochems website, the company says: Halcyon Agri (a Sinochem-backed group) is the only rubber producer with 33 processing factories located in most of the major rubber producing countries in the world  Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and China. Halcyon Agris premium brand of natural rubber HEVEAPRO represents our commitment to producing a high-quality product that is sourced ethically and produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

But according to Bedjeme, the companys rubber plantations are encroaching. They were planned to replace forest land six kilometres away from the villagers farmlands but the area was extended up to their backyard.

Two kilometres away from here, you would find the rubber plantation, she says.

She removes from her handbag a copy of a complaint she had written to the government in 2012.

They had to give us 11 million CFA francs ($19,000). Until now, we have received nothing. Our farms and crops were taken.

Civil society organisations, such as the WWF, Green Peace and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), have raised concerns over the social and environmental impacts of rubber projects implemented by Sud-Cameroun Hevea SA (SudCam), a local subsidiary of the Singaporean Halcyon Agri Corporation, of which Chinas Sinochem International Corporation holds majority shares.

Halcyon Agri Corporation is the worlds largest rubber processor and supplies the worlds leading tyre manufacturers, including Bridgestone, Michelin, Pioneer and Goodyear.

Our medicinal trees are gone and we do not have hospitals. They have come up with some make-believe health scheme that is not helpful to any of us. Nanga Armand Marie, traditional ruler of Ekok village

A report by Greenpeace in July said between 2011 and May 2018, the company cleared more than 10,000 hectares of dense rainforest to extend the giant rubber project. In the course of implementation of the project, 45,000 hectares more of forest would be cleared.

Satellite images reveal that from November 2017 to March 2018, about 1,000 new hectares of tree cover were affected, according to Greenpeace, which accuses the Chinese company of a typical example of land grabbing.

Indigenous people who lived in the forest were displaced without compensation or adequate resettlement plan, Greenpeace said, claiming the eviction of forest people violates the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. It also says the Baka pigmies right to consent was violated and that the communitys tombs and sacred sites are being destroyed.

In an email to Al Jazeera, a Halcyon reprepsentative said the company has established a sustainability commission, adding: I trust this shows that we are fully committed to a truly sustainable natural rubber supply. However, Halycons chief executive, Robert Meyer, was unavailble for further comment.

The Bakas have been forced out of their forest homes into our communities. I have 123 of them in my village. Some are scattered in other neighbouring villages. We are obliged to share our already strained resources with them. Everything here seems new to them, they are just lost, Ekotto Joseph, traditional ruler of Kidjom, one of the villages bordering the rubber project area, told Al Jazeera.

Nanga Armand Marie, the traditional ruler of Ekok village, said consultations the company organised with community members were insufficient.

They held a couple of meetings and gave us food, making many promises. But we got nothing from them. Not even indemnities for the destruction of our crops that we planted, he told Al Jazeera. Our medicinal trees are gone and we do not have hospitals. They have come up with some make-believe health scheme that is not helpful to any of us.

He said he would have been satisfied if the company built schools. Because even if they gave compensation as they did in some areas, the money would be spent in a short period and the suffering would continue for a lifetime.

An obligatory sign post at one of the entrances of the Dja Forest, bearing images and categories of protected wildlife species in logging concessions [Mbom Sixtus /Al Jazeera]

A hunter who refused to be named said the felling of trees has sent animals away and brought snakes closer to their homes.

Our fishing areas now belong to them. Our women go to fetch water in the concessions and spend long hours; we dont know what or who keeps them there for that long and for what purpose.

Research by CIFOR in 2017 alleged that the Cameroon government had violated a law that stipulates certain applications for development can only be submitted for areas that are unoccupied or unexploited, by granting two five-year temporary concessions of 45,000 hectares to Sudcam in 2008.

CIFOR suggested this was influenced by a member of Cameroons political elite who owns 20 percent of Sudcams capital.

Sudcam and Louis Paul Motaze, Cameroons former minister of economy, planning and regional development reportedly signed a secret deal in 2011, binding for a period of 50 years, renewable for 25-year periods.

Motaze, who now serves as minister of finance, was unavailable for comment.

Greenpeace claimed the deal allowed Sudcam to develop a large-scale plantation and downstream operation in the protected area included the right to expand its production zone.

In an apparent bid to ease concerns, on November 20, Halcyon Agri launched a sustainable natural rubber supply chain policy for Cameroon.

But for Bedjeme, the widow in Meyomessala, the companys promises offer little hope.

My entire household is left with five hectares of land to live on, she says. Its misery.
Is the international aid community doing enough to protect children in vulnerable communities?

Fears are rising that Nepal has become a target for paedophiles acting under the cover of aid work or philanthropy.

Police in the poverty-stricken nation have arrested five foreigners in the last year for the alleged sexual abuse of children.

This 101 East investigation found many of those arrested had been working for aid organisations or financially supporting poor children and their families.

Many foreigners come here to Nepal. They love Nepal and we really respect them for their dedication and support, Kabit Katawal, deputy superintendent of the Nepal police, told Al Jazeera.

But some of them are masking their social work under the cover of their positions in power. Theyre misusing their power and theyre exploiting our children.

A celebrated Canadian aid worker on trial

In the most high-profile case, Canadian aid worker Peter Dalglish is on trial on charge of sexually abusing two Nepalese boys, which he denies.

Dalglish has spent nearly 20 years working with some of the worlds poorest children in Africa, Afghanistan and Asia. He has been employed by leading aid organisations like the United Nations, set up his own charity, Street Kids International, and won prestigious awards for his work.

But Dalglishs career was brought to an abrupt halt one morning this April, when police burst into the home he built in the foothills of the Himalayas, about two hours from Kathmandu. Police found two boys aged 12 and 14 inside, and took Dalglish into custody.

I will win my freedom. I love this country. I will continue to fight to protect kids. Girls as well as boys. I'm not a paedophile. And I've never abused or touched any child inappropriately. Peter Dalglish, Canadian aid worker accused of sexual abuse

With his trial ongoing, Dalglish is now being held in a prison in a small, dusty town outside of Kathmandu.

In an interview with Al Jazeera from behind bars, he insists he is an innocent man caught up in a police crackdown.

I will win my freedom. I love this country. I will continue to fight to protect kids. Girls as well as boys. Im not a paedophile. And Ive never abused or touched any child inappropriately.

When Al Jazeera travelled to the village near Dalglishs home, local elder, Bikram Tamang, said his arrest had shocked the local community. The United Nations confirmed that Dalglish had previously been employed by the organisation, but said he was not a current staff member or consultant.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said the organisation expects all employees, present and former, to abide by the law.

The United Nations has a zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, and takes seriously any allegations against staff, volunteers, associates and implementing partners, said Haq in a statement to Al Jazeera. As for his case, we have no comments on the specific case, but we expect that justice will follow due process in accordance with the law. And as a matter of principle, the UN cooperates with judicial processes.

A wake-up call for the humanitarian community

Lori Handrahan, a veteran humanitarian worker who focuses on the rights of children and women, has written about the international aid sectors handling of sex abuse allegations within its ranks.

I had said when [Dalglish] was arrested that his arrest should be a wake-up call for the humanitarian community and part of the #Aidtoo movement  but by and large, the story just died, she says.

Allegations about aid workers abusing children and women have also emerged from countries such as Haiti, where Oxfam staff were accused of paying earthquake survivors for sex.

The ease with which individuals known to be predatory and potentially dangerous have been able to move around the aid sector undetected is cause for deep concern and alarm. Report by the House of Commons International Development Committee

A report released in July by British members of parliament found that the aid sector has been aware of sexual exploitation and abuse by its own personnel for years, but that it has failed to adequately address the problem.

The ease with which individuals known to be predatory and potentially dangerous have been able to move around the aid sector undetected is cause for deep concern and alarm, the report said.

The rise of the #AidToo movement, in the wake of the #MeToo campaign, has helped shine a spotlight on sexual abuse in the humanitarian sector, but Handrahan believes the cases that have been publicly reported are just the tip of the iceberg.

The evidence I have seen over three decades suggests the international humanitarian relief sector offers paedophiles the perfect professional position, she says.

Lori Handrahan, a veteran humanitarian worker, says paedophiles tend to target places with poor children because they are seen as disposable. [Al Jazeera]

With humanitarian jobs giving potential perpetrators great power over vulnerable people in poor, developing countries, Handrahan believes NGOs must do more to ensure children are not at risk of abuse.

She says because most paedophiles share images of children online, NGOs need to monitor their employees internet activity and countries like Nepal need more funding to track child abusers online.

The Nepalese police only recently set up a cybercrimes unit.

If you really want to protect children you need to help the cops, the police, the prosecutors, Handrahan says. I do think that Nepal, like any country where there are a lot of very poor children, is a target because paedophiles look for disposable children.

I do think that Nepal, like any country where there are a lot of very poor children, is a target because paedophiles look for disposable children. Lori Handrahan, veteran humanitarian worker

Guests are like God

Saathi, a Nepalese organisation that provides counselling for abuse victims, is now looking after about 100 girls and 80 boys in its shelters. Many of them are street children and orphans, according to Pinky Singh Rana, a human rights activist and Saathi board member.

A lot of foreigners have been found abusing young boys in hotspots such as tourist areas, she says. And more recently, were also finding that they are not only in Kathmandu or in some of the more well-known tourist spots, but moving slowly to some of the remote areas as well.

Rana says it can be extremely difficult for Nepalese children and their families to make a complaint about abuse, because foreigners are held in such high esteem.

There is a Sanskrit saying: Guests are like God. So when foreigners befriend and build up very close relationships with the parents of some of these abused boys, then for them, its even harder to believe, she says.

Pinky Singh Rana, a human rights activist, says foreigners have been found abusing young boys in tourist areas. [Al Jazeera]

Saathi is trying to raise awareness of child sexual abuse by talking to communities in areas where they think children are most at risk.

But Rana says shed also like to see foreigners who have been convicted of child sex abuse in other countries have the crime recorded on their passports.

It would be best if they were not allowed here, she says, adding that child abuse is a crime that affects the entire family.

I think it has a horrific impact on not just the child himself, but his siblings, his parents, and even other family members  They themselves are befriended by the perpetrators  that makes it worse. The amount of trust that they put in the abuser, in the paedophile, I guess that guilt will never go away.
Marc Lamont Hill, a CNN commentator and professor of media studies at Temple University, was fired by the US cable network shortly after delivering a speech at the United Nations on the occasion of its International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

The network did not give a reason for his dismissal, but the move came amid strident criticism of Hills speech by various pro-Israel groups, including the Anti-defamation League (ADL). The groups criticism focused mainly on one specific part of the speech, where Hill advocated for a free Palestine from the river to the sea  a reference to the territory of historical Palestine, situated between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean prior to the creation of Israel in 1948. Zionist groups interpreted these words to mean that Hill advocates the destruction of the state of Israel.

Hill responded by saying that his use of the phrase river to the sea was an invocation of a long history of political actors  liberal and radical, Palestinian and Israeli  who have called for their particular vision of justice in the area from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.

He further explained that he believes justice will come through a single bi-national democratic state that encompasses Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. But Hills words clearly supporting a single bi-national state with equal rights for all was interpreted by Zionist groups as a call for the destruction of Israel.

As many pointed out, this interpretation can only be founded on the notion that the state of Israel must be conceived as an ethno-national state for Jews only.

The debate over whether or not Israel is a democracy or a Jewish state has turned into a vicious battle at educational institutions which were founded on the principles of free speech and academic freedom precisely in order to allow for the energetic sorting-out of truths and untruths.

Conservative forces, especially those backing the state of Israel, have a far more egregious and well-financed programme for making sure that debate on Palestine is not only silenced but punished as well. And they do so with material and other support from Israel.

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This is evident in Hills case. Patrick OConnor, the President of Temples Board of Trustees has asked its legal office about possible punishment. OConnor declared: Im not happy. The boards not happy. The administrations not happy. People wanted to fire him right away  Were going to look at what remedies we have.

In this case as well as many others, university administrators have sided with the Israel lobby. As Mint Press News recently reported, Leonard Barrack, a Temple alum, a trustee and a major donor, who said: [Hill] called for the destruction of the State of Israel in code words, is the president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. The website of the group currently carries a banner denouncing Hill and advertises its connection to AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee).

Another influential Temple alum, Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) President Morton A Klein, also attacked Hill, saying: As a Temple University alumnus from where I received two degrees, I am especially shocked, embarrassed and ashamed that Mr. Lamont Hill teaches at my alma mater and has a named Chair no less. His working at Temple can only hurt fundraising and support for the University. And it is immoral as well. There isnt a safe space large enough to get away from Lamont Hill. Fire Marc Lamont Hill!!

Now it is perfectly fine for both of these individuals to voice their opinions and in fact, it would be unrealistic to imagine that anybody could set aside their political beliefs entirely when acting in another capacity. But when that other capacity is as a member of a board of trustees overseeing a university, and universities are charged with protecting free speech and academic freedom, and when the professor in question is being criticised for utterances he made outside the university, it is clear that several procedural lines have been crossed.

The American Association of University Professors has made it clear that a professor cannot be punished by the university for what they say outside the university.

Marc Lamont Hill joins the ranks of several other professors who have been targeted by Zionist and pro-Israel pressure groups demanding that universities discipline critics of Israel and those who work for Palestinian rights. These include John Cheney-Lippold and Lucy Peterson at the University of Michigan, Rabab Abdulhadi at the San Francisco State University, and Steven Salaita.

As in Professor Abdulhadis case, these organisations often engage in lawfare, bringing frivolous and harassing lawsuits to tie up administrators, faculty, and students. They also engage in  astroturf campaigns on campuses that target pro-Palestinian student groups.

Apart from cracking down on the freedom of expression rights of faculty members, universities have also turned to hate sites such as Canary Mission for information on students, and in some cases have actually passed that information on to the FBI.

All this attention to US universities and colleges should not at all be surprising. Zionist groups see the campus as a battlefield and the faculty and students who refuse to accept Israel as an ethnic Jewish state as their enemy. This escalation is just another sign that they know they are losing the battle.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
I first met Eman Al Nafjan in October 2006, just before she took up blogging and activism. At that time she was still working as an English instructor at the King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Science (KSAU) located within the heavily guarded Saudi Arabian National Guard compound on the outskirts of Riyadh. I was one of her students.

She immediately struck me as a progressive woman with strong opinions who cared about womens rights and did not shy away from stating it publicly. I still remember my first class with her  I thought her approach was highly unusual. She had us engage in an open discussion on debatable topics, encouraged us to write on a daily basis and share ideas on topics of our choice. This was something that was unheard of in Saudi schools, where we were not allowed to have an opinion or even question the teacher on any matter that involved religion, culture or politics. Eman taught us the value of freedom of speech and tolerance, insisting that all of us  whether conservative or liberal  expressed our opinions openly.

Two years later, in 2008, Eman started blogging as saudiwoman.me. At that time, social media networks and blogging websites were quickly becoming popular among Saudis. In a heavily regulated country like Saudi Arabia where the government decides what goes on TV, what news gets covered by the press and what books go on shelves in libraries and bookstores, blogging became a much-needed platform to speak out.

Emans blog quickly gained popularity and international prominence, becoming one of the most-read blogs on Saudi Arabia worldwide. It is safe to say that she was one of the pioneers of online activism in my country. She braved writing about taboo topics that many others were afraid to tackle; she frequently posted on the male guardianship law which she called the abuse system, she called for an end to child marriage and abuses by the religious police and she even exposed how Saudi authorities were spying on Saudi citizens through social media applications.

She provided the English-speaking world with a rare, uncensored, in-depth perspective on current affairs in Saudi Arabia. She built a name for herself in the blogosphere and even had big Western media outlets such as the Guardian, the New York Times and CNN approach her to write for them. And she accomplished all that while also pursuing a PhD and mothering four children.

I must say that Emans class was the eye-opening experience that ultimately sparked my interest in activism and blogging. I started feeling more confident about speaking out in public.

As a student at KSAU, I was sometimes given the task of preparing presentations for foreign staff at the Saudi National Guard Hospital to brief them on local culture. My talks would often go into uncomfortable topics like discrimination against women and religious extremism, provoking heated discussions among some Saudi employees, who considered some of my views offensive. On one occasion, after a professor of religious studies filed a complaint against me, the university administration threatened to punish me by transferring me to Al-Imam Mohammed Bin Saud Islamic University if I didnt tone my talks down. Al-Imam University is well-known as the heart of Wahhabism where strict conservative norms are observed.

That did not dissuade me from speaking out. In 2010, I launched my own blog, where I started writing about religious extremism and womens rights. It wasnt too long before I received my first hate mail and threats. A year later, the Saudi authorities blocked my blog and neither my readers nor I, the writer, could access it any longer.

Eman did not let me despair. When I set up an online campaign to get the blog unblocked, she helped spread the word and I eventually succeeded in regaining access to it. Yet, I felt compelled to tone down my writings, now that I had experienced the heavy hand of government censorship.

As I was making my first steps in blogging and activism and experiencing the oppressive practices of our government, the push against the driving ban on women in Saudi Arabia was picking up steam again. I, like many other Saudis of my generation, was not aware of the original anti-ban protest in 1990 in Riyadh led by 47 fearless women. The Saudi authorities had made sure to bury the story, so it would not encourage other women to rebel.

But they did. In 2007, Wajeha al-Huwaider, a prominent Saudi activist from the Eastern Province, collected and submitted signatures to the Saudi authorities asking for the driving ban to be lifted. Then in 2008, she filmed herself driving a car on International Womens Day and posted the video on Youtube. She was harassed and arrested for her actions.

In 2011, Manal al-Sharif followed in her footsteps and also uploaded a video of herself driving. This time, however, it was during exceptional circumstances  the Arab revolutions had just swept through the region. Hence, her call to defy the driving ban had a bigger impact on Saudi youth.

The Saudi authorities, unaware of the growing number of Saudis supporting the cause, thought that arresting Manal would bring an end to it. But they were wrong. The movement had gained momentum and much attention domestically and internationally and in 2013, Eman and a number of other women and men called for a drive-in protest on October 26.

I, too, joined the effort and supported the campaign, along with other fellow activists. Even though the protest had to be called off under pressure from the authorities, Eman made an extraordinary effort to expand the outreach of the movement by engaging community leaders, religious figures, social media influencers and writers.

Eman also laboured tirelessly whenever one of the other activists was arrested (whether Manal al-Sharif, Loujain Alhathlol, Maysaa Alamoudi or anyone else) to campaign for their release by making sure their cases remained in the media spotlight.

She, along with her fellow activists, pushed the public debate forward and paved the way for the lifting of the driving ban on women in Saudi Arabia.

The arrests of Eman and a dozen other Saudi womens rights activists in May this year and the smear campaign against them created a climate of fear among Saudis. After news came out that the women have faced torture, such as with electrocution, sleep deprivation, sexual molestation and threats of rape and death, many activists within the country decided to go into hibernation.

The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in early October was meant to send a chilling message to all Saudi activists, who had managed to flee abroad. Fear has struck our community but many of us decided to remain vocal and continue campaigning against the barbaric practices of the Saudi government.

We will continue campaigning for the release of Eman despite US President Donald Trump clearly giving Saudi Arabia a pass on human rights violations. The international community must not do the same; it should take urgent action and form an independent committee under the umbrella of the United Nations that is allowed to visit political prisoners and ensure they are not mistreated. The Saudi authorities cannot be trusted with giving political prisoners a fair trial or respecting the rights of detainees.

This is the least the world can do to help Eman and her fellow activists who have fought so fearlessly and selflessly for the rights of Saudi women.

Meanwhile, I and many other Saudi activists abroad, will not stop exposing the savagery of the Saudi government and the crimes it commits on a regular basis against its own people.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Balangiga bells, taken by US troops from burning town after 1901 clash, arrive back in the Philippines on Tuesday.

Manila, Philippines  The whole country was watching as President Rodrigo Duterte decided last year to put Sung Kim, the ambassador of the United States to the Philippines, on the spot.

At this point, allow me to take a step back in time, in 1901, Duterte said, as his televised state of the nation address in July 2017 took a surprise turn towards the US colonisation of the Philippines.

In 1901, there was known as Balangiga, the Philippine president continued  and the audience knew right away where he was heading.

If there is one thing Filipinos know the rural town of Balangiga for, that is the so-called massacre that also involved three church bells ending up in the USs possession.

Give us back those Balangiga bells, Duterte bellowed from the rostrum. They are ours.

The camera zoomed in on Kim, who was listening from the gallery of Congress plenary hall. The US ambassador kept a straight face as the hall burst in applause.

On Tuesday, almost 17 months since that public address and 117 years since US troops took the bells from the belfry of a burning town, the Balangiga bells will arrive back in the Philippines.

Massacre

By Balangiga massacre, the US refers to one incident  the killing of dozens of its soldiers  and the Philippines to another that followed  a violent counterattack by US forces that left at least hundreds dead or starving.

In a clandestine attack on September 28, 1901, about 500 Filipinos armed with machetes swooped down on US soldiers having breakfast at their garrison in Balangiga. The unsuspecting soldiers had left their rifles at the barracks.

The townspeople were angry at the colonisers for arresting their men and forcing them to work at camps.

In August, the US announced it was returning the bells [Courtesy of the US Embassy in Manila]

The massacre of the US soldiers began with the tolling of the towns church bells. Forty-eight of the 78 US soldiers were killed, while those who survived scurried to the coast and boarded boats to safety.

The following day, fresh US troops returned to Balangiga with orders to raze the town. General Jacob Smith told his soldiers it would please him if they killed and burned and took no prisoners, urging them to leave the place a howling wilderness.

The scorched-earth campaign eventually spread to the entire province of Samar, with local men being killed and women and children being starved. Historians have put the Filipino death toll between hundreds to tens of thousands.

Adding to the massacre of the Filipinos, the US soldiers looted the church in Balangiga and carried off its bells as war trophies. Two of the bells wound up in a monument at an air force base in the US state of Wyoming; the third, a smaller one, at a US military facility in South Korea.

After gaining independence from the US in 1946, the Philippines made constant efforts at getting the bells back from the US government, to no avail.

Chapter closed

Duterte is the first Philippine president with outspokenly anti-US sentiments. He has brought up colonial-era atrocities during public speeches on several occasions.

He has also made a policy of distancing the Philippines from the US as he pivots to China for economic and security cooperation.

The US ramped up aid to the Philippines [Courtesy of the US Embassy in Manila]

Many Filipino leaders, past and present, have criticised the US for failing to deliver on expectations as a treaty ally since 1951, especially in the face of Chinas occupation of several reefs within the Philippines exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

But recently, the US has ramped up military, economic and humanitarian aid to the Philippines by several million dollars. And in August, the US government announced it would return the Balangiga bells to the Philippines.

The bells will arrive on Tuesday in the capital, Manila, where they will be officially received by Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana at a military base. On Saturday, Duterte will lead their reinstallation in Balangiga in a ceremony that is expected to reaffirm the two countries ties.

It means a chapter that was a source of irritation has closed, Jose Antonio Custodio, military historian, told Al Jazeera.

The Philippines and the US can both move forward despite Dutertes incoherent theatrics against the Americans.
From campaigns to liberalise abortion laws in Ireland, Argentina and Poland, to the #MeToo movement and the controversy over the confirmation of Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the United States, womens rights issues made headlines around the world in 2018.

But, despite the increasing visibility, gender equality remains elusive for the majority of the worlds women.

As Amnesty International releases on Monday its annual review to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Monday, Al Jazeera speaks to the rights groups recently appointed Secretary-General Kumi Naidoo about a year defined by womens rights activism and what still needs to be done.

Al Jazeera: Why did Amnesty choose to make womens rights the focus of the report this year?

Kumi Naidoo: What weve seen over the last year has been a concerted effort to attack womens rights in many places.

Many so-called tough guy leaders are pushing a sexist, racist and homophobic political agenda.

In Brazil, [President-elect] Jair Bolsonaro has publicly taunted women about rape and laughed in the face of those pushing for equal pay. Weve also seen in places like Poland and Guatemala legislators advocating much stricter abortion laws.

The second reason is that women-led movements have really dominated the public space in the year that has passed. In Latin America, the Ni Una Menos movement galvanised people taking action and fighting back against bigotry.

In India, Spain and South Africa, female activists have organised mass rallies in protest of unjust state laws and sexual abuse, as well as violence against women.

In Saudi Arabia, female activists have protested against the driving ban, and in Iran, women have come out against the wearing of the veil.

Women are showing the kind of resilience that we need moving forward to address human rights in a world which is moving in the wrong direction. Kumi Naidoo, Amnesty International secretary-general

The third reason is that at a time when there is a sense of doom and gloom, because the climate scientists have told us weve got 12 years to turn things around and were fast running out of time, theres deep inequality and fascism is rising  what women have showed is a very high level of resilience to injustice and the ability constantly to fight.

Women are showing the kind of resilience that we need moving forward to address human rights in a world which is moving in the wrong direction.

Al Jazeera: Why do womens rights continue to come under threat despite protection from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as, in many cases, national legislation?

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Naidoo: Firstly, theres a very high lack of compliance with commitments that governments make at various United Nations summits. Governments say things that they know people want to hear, that will make them look good, and hope that by signing such commitments they give an indication that theyre going to address human rights generally and womens rights specifically.

In reality, there has not been the kind of political will to move the womens rights agenda forward. Part of the reason for that is that there is such low levels of female representation in political life as well as in the business community.

Its the 70th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, but sadly, today, if we tried to get the governments of the nations of the General Assembly to agree to the declaration, they wouldnt be able to.

Eleanor Roosevelt, the first US ambassador to the UN, played a big role in drafting the declaration but today [President Donald] Trump would be one of the biggest opposers of that deal.

Al Jazeera: What has been the most pressing womens rights issue this year?

Naidoo: There have been several, but I would say the challenge that refugee women have been experiencing in Europe and the United States. I think one of the most devastating violations of human rights weve seen is the separation of families at the border between the US and Mexico when people have been seeking refuge.

In general, the way countries have been responding to the refugee crisis has been lacking in morality and human compassion.

Thousands of children were separated from their parents at the US-Mexico border after the Trump administration cancelled its family separation policy [Joshua Roberts/Reuters]

Al Jazeera: Where have you seen the most striking developments both positive and negative?

Naidoo: One of the most inspiring developments was Ireland holding the [abortion] referendum. Many people always used to say that because of religion and other political factors, the people of Ireland wont vote for the rights of women to choose and take control of their reproductive rights. So it was a very inspiring victory to see them defy conventional wisdom and, in a significant majority, vote for respecting womens right to choose.

On the negative side, what stands out is that in virtually every struggle that is non-gender or non-women focused, whether you take climate or poverty or [other forms of] inequality, what we have noted is the number of women not yet having actual parity with the men involved in these movements.

However, we have seen women asserting their leadership and increasing their participation and we at Amnesty sincerely want to support this  and that is part of the reason were highlighting amazing women and social justice movements.

Al Jazeera: How would the world benefit from gender equality?

Naidoo: Nelson Mandela used to say white people will never be fully free until black South Africans are free. I would say similarly that men will never be fully free until women enjoy full gender equality.

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To ensure that people are not deprived of basic rights is a critical success factor for any society because if you are marginalising more than half of the population  at least half of the people in the world are women  you are marginalising the talents of more than half the population in all sorts of ways.

In terms of the economy, there is no question that if women are empowered with skills and possibilities to participate, they can make major contributions to building an economy that is more inclusive, more just and more equitable.

Today, if we tried to get the governments of the nations of the General Assembly to agree to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, they wouldn't be able to. Kumi Naidoo

Also, if you empower women to have control over the number of children they have, this means they have more choices in terms of career paths, leisure activities, cultural activities and so on.

For some of the biggest challenges that we face  for example inequality and climate change  I have no doubt that without women actively fighting and participating  and not only participating but taking a leadership role  in these agendas, we will not succeed in addressing the real threat of climate change that threatens the very survival of humanity on this planet.

Al Jazeera: What can be done to target gender inequality?

Naidoo: There are three levels of interventions we can make. At a micro level, ensuring we have the right kinds of projects, programmes and facilities to support women.

At a policy level, its working for much better pro-women policies on everything from domestic violence legislation to ensure female entrepreneurs have equal rights.

At the level of governance, its ensuring that our governance systems are not discriminatory and are encouraging the participation of women in public life. These are the things that we need to be working for.

Editors note: This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity
Photo: Stephen Voss

Settling into a small meeting room in the seventh-floor office he inherited from Barack Obama in 2009, U.S. senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio clasps his hands, creases his brow, and doesnt exactly deny that this is a slightly strange, and very busy, time for him  the unpolished, suddenly great, gritty hope among all the bright, shiny things that make up the overflowing 2020 Democratic presidential field. It is unexpected. I mean, we all go into elections thinking were going to win, he says, and I guess I did. And I thought itd be a nice celebration, then go back to work.

In case you havent noticed: Theres a bit of a messy civil war going on in the Democratic Party, and one of the more boisterous battles is between those who think it should move hard left in 2020, to chase a progressive base, or to the center, to woo the working-class voters whose support Donald Trump rode to the presidency in 2016. This fight, and all of the partys disagreements, have an identity aspect, like everything in American politics: Should Democrats lean further into being the party of women and minorities or focus more on the white voters who turned out last time? But Brown seems, to himself and a growing group of fans, at least, like he could square the circle. Hes the rare surviving old-school midwestern Democrat who thrives among the kinds of workers who voted for Trump, and hes among the most progressive senators  he wins in big cities. He was just reelected again in Ohio, after all, where most Democrats not named Sherrod lost on November 6. That night, he called his campaign a blueprint for America in 2020.

Brown insists he really didnt think of himself as a national contender until literally Election Night. You know  I mean  every politician who can put a complete sentence together, from a big state, somebody has said to them at some point, You oughta think about running. But it never occurred to me to actually do it until  sort of  the response to Election Night, he says, flashing his knowing, just-a-bit-lopsided grin. Connie [Schultz, his wife] and I were pretty overwhelmed by the number of people that called us or emailed us or went online, or whatever.

That morning, less than a month after they started considering it, Schultz  a Pulitzer Prizewinning columnist and a popular voice in Ohio  called Brown to tell him the Toledo Blades new editorial had pushed him for president while dubbing him Mr. Uncharisma. She tweeted that he howled with laughter at the name, but when I bring it up a few hours later, Brown just tilts his head in response. Almost every national article written about Brown describes him as rumpled, which is kind of true, and calls his voice a gravelly rasp (he does sound like hes constantly growling).

Of course, his look is part of his long-cultivated reputation as a populist anti-hero, and, in the 2020 context, its related to his bet that the party may be looking for that kind of not-too-slick, relatable face  a less outsider-y Bernie Sanders and less corporate Joe Biden. Or at least a slightly younger one. Not that Brown is, technically, any kind of outsider: Hes 66, hes been in Washington for 25 years and in elected office for 43. He was an under-the-radar finalist to be Hillary Clintons running mate.

But hes still learning how to float himself for the presidency, and hes still getting used to the attention. I ask him how it feels to have just about every political journalist turn his or her attention his way all of a sudden and he shakes his head slightly, sounding dismayed: Its hardly everyone! he protests.

Brown is relatively unknown nationally, compared with other possible contenders like Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris, but he does check a lot of authenticity boxes. His gray hair is always called messy (it is), and when he got a haircut shortly after we spoke, Schultz explained on Twitter that theyd agreed to cut it shorter but not comb it. His suits really are locally made, its true he named his dog Franklin after FDR, he still despises the term Rust Belt, and he always wears a lapel pin  given to him years ago by a steelworker  depicting a canary (think coal mine) to symbolize workers progress and the work remaining. And he has a long progressive history  as a congressman, he voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 and opposed the Iraq War, though he hasnt always sided with the Democrats leftmost wing. He backs a more incremental health-care plan than Sanderss Medicare for All. Squint and it even looks like he agrees with a small sliver of Trumps agenda, too: He wrote a 2004 book called Myths of Free Trade.

Still, he and the president dont remotely see themselves as any kind of allies. One day earlier, GM announced it would shut down a plant  and with it, 1,400 jobs  and Trump essentially blamed Brown, Ohios only statewide-elected Democrat. The president said that? he asks, momentarily looking variously sad, hurt, angry, and bewildered. He actually said that?! He steadies for half a moment, then revs up. Brown had tried convincing Trump to pressure GM against closing the plant this summer, he tells me, accelerating; plus the president had promised locals that jobs were coming back, plus Trumps tax law had given companies like GM a huge break, plus This phony populism of Trump! He talks a good game and delivers nothing on these jobs! Early in Browns career, he spent a lot of time hanging out at the steelworkers union hall in Mansfield. In 2018, he campaigned on a message about the dignity of work while trying to reclaim the word populist from Trumpists. Lately, hes become a fixture on TV, increasing his national profile while nudging Trump on trade and railing against GM.

Browns pro-worker platform would probably be built on some of the policies he has specifically outlined in the past two years, including raising the federal minimum wage and strengthening labor laws to bolster unions and broaden collective-bargaining rights. Hes also proposed cracking down on corporations whose workers are forced to rely on federal aid programs because of their low pay. When David Brooks wrote in the Times last month, Its not jobs, jobs, jobs anymore. Its relationships, relationships, relationships, Brown replied in a letter to the editor, Actually, its wages, wages, wages. And respecting the dignity of work.

The industrial Midwest will likely be central to the 2020 race, and Brown is waiting to see if anyone else can beat Trump in the region using a message of fighting for workers. When I ask if hes ever heard of any other Democrat doing that satisfactorily, he says quickly, Oh, sure. Yeah. Probably  Harry Truman did  Not to make comparisons. I dont want to go there. He doesnt pause, though he looks pained. I think that  plenty of successful and unsuccessful  I think [Hubert] Humphrey did. No one whos served in the past four decades, in other words.

Brown thinks he can teach his party to do it. You talk to [voters] about the dignity of work: You may disagree with me on guns or disagree with me on marriage equality  and Ive got an F from the NRA and been for marriage equality for 20 years. But you do all this without compromising on civil rights and LGBTQ rights and workers rights and womens rights, and you do it without caving to Wall Street or the drug companies or Trump. However, hes not much sunnier about his partys current standing in Ohio, which Trump won in 2016 after Obama carried it twice. Even Browns own six-point win there last month was smaller than projected. (His rivals went personal, bringing up allegations of physical abuse from his 1986 divorce, though his ex-wife now actively supports him.) Some Democrats are even making noises about abandoning Ohio altogether.

It was pretty disappointing, because I dont like the direction my states going. I mean, from Harrisburg to Des Moines, with the exception of the Columbus and Chicago suburbs, you see the demographics changing; you see my state getting more conservative, getting harder to win, Brown says, standing up to head to the Capitol for a vote. But I still thought that Republican corruption in state government, and the fact that our state is growing so much slower than the national average, and the fact that our infant-mortality rate is so high, opioid-addiction rates are so high, and the scandal in state government  I really thought we were going to win some of these races. He sounds disappointed for the first time all afternoon. His smile disappears. He pauses by a SENATORS ONLY elevator and jams the down button with his thumb, then looks back, slowing down for just a moment to underscore what, exactly, changed.

Election Night was  ummm  All my friends lost.

*This article appears in the December 10, 2018, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!
British PM Theresa Mays widely criticised EU withdrawal deal is expected to be rejected by UKs House of Commons.

British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a parliamentary showdown on Tuesday over her Brexit deal.

The proposal, which she has agreed with European leaders, has little support across the political spectrum and is expected to be rejected by the lower chamber House of Commons in a so-called meaningful vote.

Here is what you need to know:

What is the vote on?

Parliament will be voting on whether to approve the EU withdrawal agreement and a declaration on future relations settled on by May and European leaders following months of back-and-forth negotiations.

The withdrawal plan includes provisions on citizens rights, the transition period and the so-called backstop arrangement concerning the Irish border, among other issues.

The declaration on a framework for future relations, meanwhile, sets out how the UK and EU will work together after Brexit on areas such as trade and security.

When will the vote take place?

The vote is scheduled to take place at around 19:00 GMT. A result will be announced shortly afterwards.

How will the vote work?

It is a simple majority vote.

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All 650 members of parliament (MPs) in the Commons are eligible to vote, with a majority required for approval.

Around 320 votes are needed to guarantee a majority as there are a handful of non-voting members of the house such as the speaker and others who dont take up their seats.

Abstentions or absent MPs could mean the figure required for a majority is lower, however.

The unelected upper chamber House of Lords will not vote on the governments proposed deal.

Why is it unlikely to pass?

Opposition to the deal is fierce. There are two central arguments against it.

The first is that the draft agreement is a watered down, inadequate version of the countrys existing EU membership arrangement.

The second is that the deal fails to deliver on a clean break with the European project.

Scores of Mays ruling Conservative Party MPs are expected to reject her proposal, while several opposition parties including the main opposition Labour Party have also said they will refuse to back it.

If May manages to win, what happens next?

The government will introduce an EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill to parliament for consideration and ratification, most likely in early 2019.

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The bill will be subject to full parliamentary scrutiny, involving several rounds of possible amending and voting.

If passed, the European Parliament and European Council will then each be required to sign off on the withdrawal plan prior to March 29 next year, when the UK is scheduled to depart the EU.

This will be followed by a so-called transition period and negotiations over a possible future trade deal between the two. EU law prevents such talks from taking place while the UK is still a member state.

And if she loses?

Its unclear.

Legally, the government will have 21 days to bring forward a new plan of action to parliament. That could provide May with a window of opportunity to go back to Brussels and push for revised terms of departure from the bloc.

But even if she wins concessions from European leaders, which is not guaranteed, MPs will be able to table amendments on a fresh proposal, potentially forcing the government to alter its Brexit strategy once again.

Alternatively, May might push for a second parliamentary vote on the same withdrawal agreement in the hope the electoral arithmetic is changed by fears that a second rejection would risk a potentially catastrophic no-deal Brexit.

Political events triggered by a parliamentary rejection on Tuesday could derail that entire process and take events out of the prime ministers hand, however.

A leadership challenge, general election, second referendum, substantially renegotiated deal or no-deal Brexit are all possible outcomes.
Slain Jamal Khashoggis fiancee says shell fight to ensure everyone involved in his killing is brought to justice.

The fiancee of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called for the perpetrators of the murder to be identified and put on trial.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera that aired on Monday, Hatice Cengiz said she will keep fighting to ensure everyone responsible for his murder is brought to justice.

I want to expose the details of this horrific crime, identify the perpetrators and put those who carried out the killing on a fair trial, including those who ordered the hit so they get the punishment they deserve, she said.

On behalf of Jamals relatives and loved ones, and I say this as one of them, we need to know the whereabouts of his body. This is a basic human right.

Death trap

Cengiz waited outside the Saudi consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul as Khashoggi entered the building on October 2. His objective was to obtain documents needed for their upcoming marriage  but instead walked into a death trap.

After waiting for three hours, Cengiz asked the consulates staff for his whereabouts. They told her Khashoggi had already left the building via the backdoor.

I was convinced he was still alive, Cengiz told Al Jazeera. I never imagined such a crime could happen in a consulate, and a simple normal person can never imagine what happened in there, she added.

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Jamal never committed any crimes and never did wrong in any way, and all he did was enter a consulate to get hold of legal papers to get married.

A critic of the Saudi government and of the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Khashoggi had resisted pressure from Riyadh for him to return home.

After weeks of repeated denials that it had any involvement with his disappearance, Riyadh eventually acknowledged that Saudi agents had planned and executed the killing. Khashoggis body was dismembered and its whereabouts remain unknown.

Saudi authorities are seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in the case, and have ruled out extraditing Saudi officials, including a top aide to Prince Mohammed, against whom Turkey has issued arrest warrants in connection with the killing.

Words fail me

The kingdom has maintained that MBS had no prior knowledge of the murder.

However, after a closed-door briefing by CIA Director Gina Haspel earlier this week, top senators in the United States have said there was zero chance MBS was not involved in the journalists killing.

Khashoggis murder prompted an international outcry and forced many countries to reassess their ties with the kingdom.

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Cengiz, who rejected an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit the White House in October, said is still living a shock she cannot overcome despite the confirmation of the murder.

We were on the right track, him and I, Cengiz said.

He wanted to build a new life. He was exiled and he was in so much pain over it, she added.

To be honest, I never imagined the day Id be in this position  it still hasnt sunk in, she said.

The words fail me.
China says Canada has violated her human rights by not allowing Meng proper medical care while in detainment.

China has criticised Canada over its treatment of Huawei Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in Canada last week.

The Chinese government said Canada has not allowed Meng proper medical care while in detainment and has called for her immediate release on medical grounds.

We believe this is inhumane and violates her human rights, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kan said ahead of Mondays bail hearing for Meng.

Meng has argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing, citing fears for her health while jailed in Canada, claiming she is not a flight risk because she has several family members in Canada.

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The senior Huawei executive said she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being arrested. She cited hypertension as a factor in a bail application seeking her release pending an extradition hearing.

She also said she has long-standing ties to Vancouver dating back at least 15 years, as well as significant property holdings in the city.

US-China trade war

The 46-year-old faces US accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huaweis control of a company operating in Iran.

This deception put the banks at risk of violating Washingtons sanctions and incurring severe penalties, the court documents said.

The arrest has infuriated Beijing, which demanded Mengs immediate release, and stoked tensions during the trade war truce between the US and China, the worlds two largest economies.

On Sunday, Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned US Ambassador Terry Branstad a day after he called in Canadian envoy John McCallum to voice Chinas displeasure.

Le Yucheng pointed out that the US side has seriously violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and the nature of the violation is extremely bad, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

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The Chinese side firmly opposes this and strongly urges the United States to attach great importance to Chinas solemn and just position, it said.

US sanctions

Companies are barred from using the US financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities such as Iran and North Korea.

In Canadian court documents released on Sunday, Huawei said its Iran operations were in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions of the United Nations, US and the European Union.

In a company presentation from 2013 that was released with the Canadian court documents, Huawei said it communicated with the US government agencies on a day-to-day basis to obtain what it called professional guidance on trade compliance.
COP24: Solar geoengineering may help limit global warming

Scientists suggest there is high agreement that injection of chemicals into the stratosphere could help limit global warming.
The European Unions top court has ruled that Britain may unilaterally reverse its decision to leave the bloc.

In a judgment delivered on Monday, the European Court of Justice said the United Kingdom could revoke Article 50  the exit clause in the EUs constitution  in accordance with its own national constitutional requirements.

That possibility exists for as long as a withdrawal agreement concluded between the EU and that Member State has not entered into force or, if no such agreement has been concluded, for as long as the two-year period from the date of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, and any possible extension, has not expired, it added.

Such a revocation  would have the effect that the United Kingdom remains in the EU under terms that are unchanged as regards its status as a Member State.

The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29 next year, two years after it triggered Article 50 and kick-started negotiations with European leaders over a withdrawal agreement.

The case was brought to the ECJ by a group of Scottish politicians opposed to Brexit.

Alyn Smith, one of those who initiated proceedings, described the courts ruling as better than we could have hoped for.

The timing is sublime. As colleagues in the House of Commons consider Mrs Mays disastrous deal we now have a roadmap out of this Brexit shambles, Smith, who represents the Scottish National Party in the European Parliament, said.

A bright light has switched on above an EXIT sign, he added.

EU lawyers had argued during proceedings that revoking Article 50 required consent from the other 27 members of the EU, while the UK government said the courts views on the matter were irrelevant as Britain would not rescind its triggering of the clause.

Parliament to decide on Brexit plan

The ECJs decision, which the court said would clarify the options open to MPs [members of parliament], comes a day before British parliamentarians are due to vote on Prime Minister Theresa Mays proposed Brexit deal.

The plan has been widely criticised across the political spectrum.

Scores of Mays ruling Conservative Party MPs are expected to reject her proposal, while several opposition parties, including the main opposition Labour Party, have also said they will refuse to back it.

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Unexpected majority support would mean May can introduce a formal EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill to parliament for consideration and ratification in early 2019.

Majority opposition, however, would force the government to put forward a new plan within 21 days.

That could provide May with a window of opportunity to go back to Brussels and push for revised terms of departure from the bloc.

But even if she wins concessions from European leaders, which is not guaranteed, MPs will be able to table amendments on a fresh proposal, potentially forcing the government to alter its Brexit strategy once again.

Alternatively, May might push for a second parliamentary vote on the same withdrawal agreement in the hope the electoral arithmetic is changed by fears that a second rejection would risk a potentially catastrophic no-deal Brexit.

Political events triggered by a parliamentary rejection could derail that entire process, however, and take events out of the prime ministers hands, with a leadership challenge, general election, second referendum, substantially renegotiated deal or no-deal Brexit all possible outcomes.
An Al Jazeera investigation has revealed close ties between a violent far-right group in the French city of Lille and Marine Le Pens National Rally (RN), despite a push by the party to soften its xenophobic and racist image to broaden its appeal with voters.

At least two members of Generation Identity (GI), an anti-Muslim youth movement, held political posts at RN, a new documentary by Al Jazeera titled Generation Hate, revealed on Sunday.

Their enlistment with RN, previously called the National Front, appears to be part of a broader bid by GI to infiltrate Le Pens party and shape its policies.

In secretly-filmed footage, Aurelien Verhassel, the 34-year-old leader of GI Lille, claimed he wrote speeches for leaders of the RN, and was shown to have ties to Le Pens aide, Sebastien Chenu.

Activists also told our undercover reporter that Verhassel, who has a string of criminal convictions for violence, including a five-month prison sentence for an attack on two North African teenagers, helped GI members find jobs at the FN.

Verhassel, who is appealing that prison sentence, was also filmed telling a Canadian journalist that GI, one of Europes fastest growing and most prominent far-right movements, was not interested in winning political office because we see ourselves in [the National Fronts] ideas.





Other far-right activists from Bordeaux, south-western France, also in secretly-filmed conversations, claimed they provided security for RN leaders during the 2017 presidential election, which Le Pen lost to Emmanuel Macron in the runoff, while RN members professed support for a civil war during visits to a private bar run by Verhassel, called the Citadelle.

Responding to Al Jazeera, Le Pen denied links between GI and RN. Verhassel has never worked or written speeches for her party, she added.

We are complementary

The revelations on Sunday were part of a six-month undercover sting that began in September last year at GIs Lille branch. Members of the group were filmed carrying out racist attacks, admitting to a series of assaults on Arabs and Muslims, and making Nazi salutes.

Thats despite GI, a pan-European group estimated to have thousands of activists and an online following of tens of thousands, claiming it is non-violent and non-racist. The group advocates the defence of what it sees as the identity and culture of white Europeans from what it calls the great replacement by mass immigration and Islamisation.

Pierre Larti worked for the RN at Hauts-de-France council for three months in 2017 [Al Jazeera]

Verhassel, one of its most prominent leaders, sees GI as a feeder for FN. Describing GI as a serious political movement that trains young leaders, he told a Canadian journalist visiting the Citadelle that the movement was not interested in winning political office.

For one simple reason  we have the National Front in France, he said in December last year.

We see ourselves in their ideas. Those, who at the appropriate age, would like to join a movement which does electoral politics can go ahead and join the National Front.

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Mathias Destal, a French journalist who has been investigating the countrys far-right, said it appeared GI was undertaking a tactic called entryism  the infiltration of a political party in the aim of subverting its policies or objectives.

We see a political force integrating with the National Front, which has a culture of violence, racism, xenophobia, obsessive Islamophobia, and this will end up in the [partys] programmes, and the speeches of National Front officials, he said.

Indeed, many GI members profess support for the tactic.

In December 2017, Cloe Jelmoni, a GI activist from Paris, told our undercover reporter that the movements goal was to apply political pressure on governments.

Its to propose solutions to governments, not to govern in their place, she said.

Cloe Jelmoni said GIs goal was to be a compass for governments [Photo courtesy of GI Paris]

Jelmoni claimed GI was the first to talk about stripping French citizenship from dual nationals convicted of terrorism  a proposal that gained majority support in the French parliament in 2016 but was later withdrawn by then-President Francois Hollande.

We released books and ideas which have all been taken up by the National Front, she said. The National Front did its work, which was politics. And we did our work, which was the streets.

She added: Without it being official, because necessarily, we were complementary.

De-demonisation strategy

Our undercover reporter also discovered RN members were welcome visitors at the Citadelle. Some also accepted GIs language of a probable civil war between white Europeans and Muslims. Pascal Joye, a card-carrying RN member, said he expected a revolt if Le Pen came to power and began expelling what he called petty criminals.

If there had to be a civil war, and youve got some darkie whos giving you sh*** for something, you shoot randomly from a window, he said.

As part of a push by Le Pen to sanitise the partys image, FN has made efforts in recent years to distance itself from extreme far-right groups.

When the 50-year-old leader took over the party in 2011, she kicked out dozens of people who were accused of racism and violence  including her own father and RNs founder after he made statements minimising the importance of the Holocaust.

Destal, the journalist, said these moves were part of an attempt by Le Pen to de-demonise the party and break its electoral glass ceiling.

They appeared to be working.

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In 2017, Le Pen polled more than seven million votes in the first round of Frances presidential election. In the second round, she was backed by more than 10 million voters but lost to Macron.

Her defeat, coupled with disappointing results in subsequent legislative elections, in which RN won only eight seats, led to bitter recriminations within the party.

Meanwhile, Le Pens right-hand man, Florian Philippot, a reformer who led the de-demonisation strategy, left RN in September last year claiming the party was making an absolutely terrifying return to the dark days of its most hardline past.

Le Pen has rejected the claim. But GI Lilles links to RN suggested otherwise.

Remi Meurin said he joined FN to push GIs policies [Al Jazeera]

Verhassel told our undercover reporter that he wrote speeches and worked on communication for elected officials at RN, and claimed to have held meetings with Chenu, Le Pens aide and a member of the French parliament.

Chenu, according to GI activist Romauld Matsuzak, also helped Verhassel gain entry to an RN campaign rally in April last year after he was initially barred by security guards.

Matsuzak, who also attended the rally, said Verhassel was not allowed to go there  because hes Aurelien and it isnt the best image for the [National] Front. In the end, Matsuzak said, Chenu sent Verhassel a message saying, I invite you, you can come, and the GI leader was allowed in.

In a statement to Al Jazeera, Chenu acknowledged meeting Verhassel but denied having close links with him. And Le Pen, in a statement, said Verhassel was persona non grata to RN and has been struck with a membership ban.

Were the only ones left

Meanwhile, other GI activists, also in secretly filmed conversations, said Verhassel helped GI activists get jobs at the RN.

GI activists Pierre Larti and Remi Meurin worked for RN at the regional council for Hauts-de-France, located in Lille, the capital of the northern district, according to statements they made to our undercover reporter. Both have since left their positions.

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The RNs Hauts-de-France is led by politician Philippe Eymery.

Larti, who called for bullets in the heads of Islamists and their accomplices during a 2016 protest in Paris, said he was RNs chief of staff at the regional council for three months in late 2017.

Formerly the head of human resources at a factory in the Paris region, Larti said he was fired from that job when his employer discovered his connection to GI.

I was fired in half a day, he told our reporter. RN hired him despite his GI links, he said. The Front, they know who I am  the deal is that I dont put myself forward any more with the Identitarians, he said referring to GI.

Meurin, who worked at Hauts-de-France for nearly two years, told our reporter that Verhassel used his network of contacts to get him a job as a political assistant for the RN at the regional council.

He said he joined the party to push GI policies.

I went there thinking we got to push forward our ideas, he said. The situation nowadays is that there is no more [Florian] Philippot. So, weve already won. Were the only ones left.

Eymery, RNs Hauts-de-France leader, declined to comment on the hiring of Larti and Meurin, saying the party recruits workers for the regional council in accordance with the law.

The first part of Generation Hate is available online and can be viewed on Al Jazeera at the following times:

Sunday, December 9 and 16  20:00 GMT

Monday, December 10 and 17  12:00 GMT

Tuesday, December 11 and 18  06:00 GMT

Wednesday, December 12 and 19  06:00 GMT

Thursday, December 13 and 20  20:00 GMT

Friday, December 14 and 21  12:00 GMT

Saturday, December 15 and 22  01:00 GMT

Sunday, December 16 and 23  06:00 GMT

Generation Hate was produced and directed by Lee Sorrell
The GCC summit calls for unity but fails to discuss blockade of Qatar imposed by other Gulf states since 2017.

The 39th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit has come to an end in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, without any major breakthroughs to resolve a diplomatic crisis that continues to grip the region.

The Gulf crisis, being described by observers as the elephant in the room, was not brought up at the annual summit that concluded on Sunday. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt have imposed an air, land and sea blockade on Qatar since June 2017.





The blockading quartet has accused Qatar of supporting terrorism. Qatar has denied the charges and said the boycott aims to impinge on its sovereignty.

While the crisis was not explicitly mentioned during the meeting, a call for unity was issued at the end of the gathering in a joint communique.

A Qatari foreign ministry spokesman blasted the communique on Twitter for not discussing or resolving the blockade.

Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz had invited Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to attend the talks, but the latter stayed away from the annual summit.

Instead, a delegation headed by Qatars Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi represented the country at the summit.

The decision was met with criticism from some of the councils members, but Doha brushed aside the comments.

Qatar can make its own decisions and had attended [last years] Kuwait summit while the leaders of the boycotting countries did not, said Ahmed bin Saeed Al Rumaihi, director of the information office at Qatars foreign ministry.

Continuing cooperation

The GCC, a political and economic alliance of countries in the Arabian Peninsula, was established in 1981 to foster socioeconomic, security, and cultural cooperation.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE gather every year to discuss cooperation and regional affairs.

During a press conference following the summit late on Sunday, Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubair said that cooperation continues between Qatar and other GCC members in the fields of military operations and training, and security and ministerial exchanges.

Members of the council are determined that the crisis with Qatar does not have a negative effect on the council in general and its structure, he said.

In reference to security, things are continuing, military cooperation and training are continuing, and as for the programmes for specific ministries, such as the health ministries and trade ministries, affairs are continuing, al-Jubair continued.

The goal is to preserve all of these important structures, until the crisis ends, hopefully soon.

Given last Decembers summit in Kuwait was cut short, many questioned whether this years gathering would take place altogether. At the time, the UAE announced it had formed an economic and military partnership with Saudi Arabia separate from the GCC.





But in his opening remarks, Saudi king Salman noted that the objective of the gathering is to set up a coordination council and to adopt a strategy for economic, development and military integration.

King Salman accused Saudi archrival Iran of continuing to interfere in the affairs of the countries in the region.

He stressed the importance of the GCC and the need to defend, in collaboration with our partners, security and stability in the Gulf.

Kuwait, a traditional mediator in the region, called for a halt to media campaigns in the Gulf.

This years summit also came amid the diplomatic crisis over Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggis assassination, for which Riyadh has faced global condemnation.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who lived in self-imposed exile in the United States, was killed inside the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul in early October.

The summit expressed support to the Saudi measures in dealing with the Khashoggi case, despite mounting international pressure.

As Saudi Arabias de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in particular, has come under scrutiny over the countrys involvement in the war in Yemen, which has caused thousands of civilian deaths, as well as its intensifying crackdown on public dissent in the kingdom.

The closing declaration announced that the council would continue to support the Palestinian cause and a political solution to the war in Yemen.

It also revealed that member states would work to ensure financial unity until 2025, and work towards establishing a unified military command.
What you need to know about Generation Identity, one of Europes fastest growing and most prominent far-right groups.

An Al Jazeera investigation has revealed members of a French far-right group carrying out attacks on young Arabs, including a teenage girl, and making Nazi salutes in the city of Lille.

Secretly filmed footage from Generation Identitys headquarters in the northern city also expose close ties between the violent youth group and Marine Le Pens National Front despite a push by the party to distance itself from its xenophobic and racist roots.

Heres all you need to know about Generation Identity.

What is Generation Identity?

Generation Identity (GI) is one of Europes fastest growing and most prominent far-right movements. The organisation was set up in France six years ago, and now has branches in many European countries, including Italy, Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The pan-European group, estimated to have thousands of activists and an online following of tens of thousands more, advocates the defence of what it sees as the identity and culture of white Europeans from what it calls the great replacement by immigration and Islamisation.





GI has its roots in the Identitarian movement, which sees Europes identity as white and Christian, that began in France after the second world war and is currently enjoying a resurgence.

GI presents itself as a patriotic movement and claims to be non-violent and non-racist.

It uses a symbol that represents the Spartans shields at the battle of Thermopylae when Europeans resisted a Persian army.

What does it want?

Its key policy is remigration  the removal of non-European immigrants to their countries of origin or those of their ancestors.

This concept is at the core of GIs vision for Frances future and was detailed in a policy document the group released during the 2017 presidential campaign. In a secretly filmed conversation by Al Jazeera, Jean-David Cattin, a GI leader, said France could force former colonies to take back migrants  by conditioning development aid on the return of non-European residents and migrants.

We are France. We have nuclear weapons. We give them hundreds of millions in development aid, he said. Wed say: Listen, wed love to help you out financially, but youve got to take back your guys.'

Mathias Destal, a journalist who has been investigating Frances far right for years, called the concept crazy and likened it to ethnic cleansing.

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It would mean deporting thousands and thousands of people to countries which are supposedly their countries of origin because their ancestors might have lived there or because the colour of their skin or their culture are associated with countries which are not France  so it would practically be ethnic cleansing.

What are its tactics?

Generation Identity first came to prominence in France when it occupied a mosque in Poitiers in the west of the country in 2012. Some 73 protesters occupied the mosque for more than six hours before police ejected them. Days later, they issued a declaration of war on multiculturalism and called for a national referendum on Muslim immigration.

Last year, the group launched a boat mission called Defend Europe seeking to disrupt refugee rescue ships in the Mediterranean Sea. They raised more than 50,000 euros ($57,079) in less than three weeks, but the mission failed when the GIs boat was blocked from refuelling in Greece and Tunisia.

In April, more than 100 activists tried to shut off a snowy mountain pass on the Franco-Italian border used by migrants. After erecting a makeshift barrier there, they unfurled a banner which read: You will not make Europe your home. No way. Back to your homeland.

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Robin DAngelo, a French political analyst, described GIs strategy as one of media guerilla warfare.

For them, the objective is to be talked about as much as possible in order to spread their message throughout society, in political circles and to force certain themes into the debate, he said.

All these actions will have a huge media relay, all these actions will be filmed by their teams and it will snowball on social networks by being relayed, by being retweeted, by being shared, and so the message spreads, DAngelo said, noting the group has sought to cultivate huge followings on social media.

Is GI non-violent and non-racist?

Secretly filmed footage from GIs branch in Lille suggests this is not the case.

Aurelien Verhassel, the leader of GIs Flanders branch based in Lille, is among many members who have convictions for violence.

Verhassel, who was handed a five-month prison sentence that hes appealing for an attack on two North African teenagers, was secretly filmed telling GI members: The advantage is that were in a violent environment and everyone accepts that. Thats a good thing. Thats what I like.

Members of the group were also filmed carrying out racist attacks, admitting to a series of other assaults on Muslims, and making Nazi salutes.
Meng Wanzhou faces US accusations she misled multinational banks about Huaweis control of a company operating in Iran.

Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinas telecom giant Huawei, has argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing, citing fears for her health while jailed in Canada, along with other factors, according to court documents.

The release of the documents on Sunday came as Chinas foreign ministry summoned the United States ambassador to protest Mengs arrest at Washingtons behest. It demanded the cancellation of the arrest order.

The 46-year-old, who is is in custody awaiting a Canadian courts decision on bail on Monday following her arrest on December 1 in Vancouver, faces US accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huaweis control of a company operating in Iran.

This deception put the banks at risk of violating Washingtons sanctions and incurring severe penalties, the court documents said.

The arrest has infuriated Beijing, which demanded Mengs immediate release, and stoked tensions during the trade war truce between the US and China, the worlds two largest economies.

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The arrest has roiled global markets as investors are worried it could torpedo attempts to thaw trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

In a sworn affidavit, Meng, the daughter of Huaweis founding president Ren Zhengfei, said she is innocent and will contest the charges at trial in the US if she is handed over to the country by Canada.

Meng said she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being arrested. She cited hypertension as a factor in a bail application seeking her release pending an extradition hearing. She also said she has long-standing ties to Vancouver dating back at least 15 years, as well as significant property holdings in the city.

Her family also sought leave to remain in Vancouver if she was granted bail, according to the court documents, with her husband saying he plans to bring the couples daughter to Vancouver to attend school during the proceedings.

China hits back

Earlier on Sunday, Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned US Ambassador Terry Branstad a day after he called in Canadian envoy John McCallum to voice Chinas displeasure.

Le Yucheng pointed out that the US side has seriously violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and the nature of the violation is extremely bad, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The Chinese side firmly opposes this and strongly urges the United States to attach great importance to Chinas solemn and just position, it said.

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Beijing also urged Washington to take immediate measures to correct wrong practices, and revoke the arrest warrant against the Chinese citizen, while warning that it would make an unspecified further response in light of the US actions.

Al Jazeeras Adrian Brown, reporting from Beijing, said the summoning of the US and Canada ambassadors was expected, but stressed the muted overall official response by the Chinese leadership.

You would anticipate in these circumstances the ambassadors of the US and Canada to be summoned to the foreign ministry  but we havent really heard anything from Chinas leaders.

On that front, the response so far has been quite muted. I think China is leaving it to its sort of attack dogs in state-controlled media to really do all the talking, said Brown, citing the Global Times newspaper which has called Mengs arrest an act of war.

The language is fast going to turn from purple to crimson in the days, weeks and months ahead if she remains incarcerated, Brown added.

He noted, however, that there was a shift in the online chatter about the case in recent days.

Last week, a lot of the social media posts that we were seeing were very much in favour of Meng, criticising the decision to hold her, said Brown.

But now we see its starting to swing the other way; a lot of people are surprised to learn for instance that she apparently has seven passports  four from mainland China and three from Hong Kong. There are also questions over the enormity of her wealth and fact that she has two luxury properties in Vancouver.

Washington has been looking since at least 2016 into whether Huawei shipped US-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of the countrys export and sanctions laws, the Reuters news agency reported in April.

In the Canadian court documents released on Sunday, Huawei said its Iran operations were in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions of the United Nations, US and the European Union.

In a company presentation from 2013 that was released with the Canadian court documents, Huawei said it communicated with the US government agencies on a day-to-day basis to obtain what it called professional guidance on trade compliance.

Companies are barred from using the US financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

Senator Marco Rubio said on Sunday he would 100 percent absolutely introduce a measure in the new Congress that would ban Chinese telecom companies from doing business in the US.
Iraqs Yazidis forgotten by world since ISIL attacks

Years after the community was decimated, they are still internally displaced and feel abandoned by the world.
Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call,Inc.

Only formalities stand in the way of the Supreme Court, as currently constituted, slashing abortion rights as we know them, which is why the courts punting on two choice-related cases came as something of a relief for progressives on Monday morning. Planned Parenthood is celebrating todays win, which ensures that Medicaid patients can continue to choose its affiliates to get their birth control and their tests for sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer.

Accusing the Court of a refusal to do its job, archconversative Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his dissent from the order: I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named Planned Parenthood. That makes the Courts decision particularly troubling. An order that elicits a dyspeptic dissent from Thomas, co-signed by Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, and accusing his colleagues of cowardice has got to be a good one for liberal policy priorities, right?

Then theres the matter of court math. It takes four votes to take a case, and conservatives John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh both opted to vote with the courts four liberal justices, declining to play on Gee v. Planned Parenthood and Anderson v. Planned Parenthood. Some conservatives are already reading this as pro-abortion apostasy.

But pro-choice advocates are reluctant to read too much into Kavanaughs vote. I dont think this is a harbinger of whats to come, says the ACLUs Brigitte Amiri. To the extent that people are saying that this shows where the Supreme Court, newly configured, is going to be on access to abortion questions, this case does not present that.

Thats because the two cases the court declined to hear involve interpretations of Medicaid law, not the right to access an abortion or how states can regulate it. They involve challenges to moves in Kansas and Louisiana, among many other states, to prevent Medicaid patients from choosing Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services. (Disclosure: I have given paid speeches to Planned Parenthood affiliates about my book, including the Gulf Coast affiliate that is one of the parties in this case.) The challengers argument is that the restrictions violate Medicaids provisions that allow people to freely choose their participating provider. The states in question respond that patients have no such right to sue them.

While it is true that these cases arent technically abortion cases in the jurisprudential sense, Ill give Thomas this: Theyre freighted with abortion politics. These states didnt randomly cut off Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood  they did so to punish the organizations affiliates for refusing to stop performing abortions. Everything else is elaborate pretext, including the state governments disproven claim that Planned Parenthood broke federal law with the illegal sale of fetal organs as Thomas helpfully repeats.

If youre unfamiliar with the intricacies of the abortion wars, that refers to the secret-camera videos made back in 2013 by James OKeefe acolyte David Daleiden. States were defunding Planned Parenthood before the videos, and after them. And even on their own terms, the videos failed to yield any evidence of criminality. In fact, over a dozen states investigated  including Kansas, Missouri, and Louisiana, the litigants in these cases  and have until this day brought no charges. And despite the fondest dreams of their anti-abortion allies and the urging of Republicans in Congress, even Jeff Sessionss Department of Justice has done nothing after looking into it.

In the end, the decision by Kavanaugh  particularly so soon after being the subject of sexual-assault allegations  and Roberts not to wade into this particular muck may mean nothing more than the fact that one or both of them would prefer a different battle. But when it comes to this Supreme Court, even a less-bad day is a good one.
Leaders from 164 countries agree UN migration accord spurned by the United States and several other countries.

Marrakech, Morocco  Leaders from 164 countries have agreed to a global pact that sets in action a plan to prevent suffering and chaos for global migration despite opposition and several withdrawals, including from the United States.

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) was agreed upon on Monday at an intergovernmental conference in Marrakech, Morocco.

A non-binding agreement, the GCM aims to better manage migration at local, national, regional and global levels, including reducing the risks and vulnerabilities the migrants or refugees face at different stages of their journey.

Migration is a natural phenomenon, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said. It happens all the time all over the world. If it happens legally, its a good thing.

The pact had been approved in July by all 193 member nations except the US, which backed out last year.

In addition, Australia, Austria, Latvia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Chile, Dominican Republic, Poland and Slovakia refused to attend the summit and sign the accord.

Meanwhile, Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Israel, Slovenia and Switzerland are still undecided on whether to agree to the new pact.

This moment is the inspiring product of dedicated and painstaking efforts, said Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, at the opening of the conference on Monday.

Migration has always been with us. But in a world where it is ever more inevitable and necessary, it should be well managed and safe, not irregular and dangerous.

National policies are far more likely to succeed with international cooperation.

Increasing migration numbers

There were 258 million international migrants in the world last year, increasing almost 50 percent since 2000, according to the UN.

The number of migrants, representing 3.4 percent of the worlds population, is increasing faster than the global population, driven by economic prosperity, inequality, violence, conflict and climate change.

Around 80 percent of the worlds migrants move between countries in a safe and orderly fashion. But more than 60,000 people have died on the move since the year 2000, according to the UN.

In 2018 alone, more than 3,300 people have died or gone missing in the process of migration towards an international destination, says the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Even in transit countries, or the country of destination, racism, discrimination and human-rights violations are continuously reported.

Anti-migration stance

From the US to Europe and beyond, right-wing leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years.

US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants or refugees at sea.

It is true that some states are not with us today, said Guterres. I can only hope that they will see the GMCs value for their own societies and join us in this common venture.

On Friday, the US took a fresh swipe at the pact, labelling it an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states.

But a host of other nations led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel are in Morocco to endorse the deal and the UN, and rights organisations, remain upbeat that it can help the world better cope with the issue.

Fortunately, not many countries were against the pact but there were some important countries in terms of economic influence, Francesco Rocca, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), told Al Jazeera.

So its a concern they decided not to be present. This is political instrumentalisation. The GCM is very clear as it has no interference in internal policies or laws but only preserving [the] dignity of human beings. Anyone who has good faith should have agreed to this pact.

The UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19 in New York.
Al Jazeera captures the separation of families at the US-Mexico border.

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Carlos Ghosn allegedly under-reported his income for several years by some $44m.

Japanese authorities have charged former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn with financial misconduct, three weeks after the businessman was arrested.

The 64-year old former CEO of carmaker Nissan was also re-arrested on new claims of misreporting his pay, local media reported on Monday.

In November, Ghosn was arrested for allegedly under-reporting his salary between 2010 and 2015 by some five billion yen ($44m).

The details of his re-arrest are still unclear, but local media said it was possibly related to accusations of three additional years of under-reporting his income.

The new allegations will restart the clock on his detention, allowing prosecutors to seek to hold him for another 22 days.

Besides Ghosn, Japanese authorities also indicted Nissan for making false statements in annual reports and former Representative Director Greg Kelly, who allegedly masterminded the misconduct.

Both Ghosn and Kelly were arrested and remain in custody without bail.

Ghosn, who originally hails from Lebanon, was arrested on November 19 and has since denied the allegations made against him.

If found guilty, Ghosn could face a 10-year prison sentence, but it could take years before a verdict is reached because the case might go through several courts before a final judgement is reached.

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A towering figure in the car industry, Ghosn is credited with turning around several major manufacturers. Until his arrest, he led an alliance of Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi.

The two Japanese firms, Nissan and Mitsubishi, both sacked Ghosn as chairman, but he remains the chair of Renault, which has appointed an interim boss.

In a statement released after the arrest, Nissan said it had been investigating Ghosn and Kelly for months, after receiving a report from a whistle-blower.

The investigation showed that over many years both Ghosn and Kelly have been reporting compensation amounts in the Tokyo Stock Exchange securities report that were less than the actual amount, in order to reduce the disclosed amount of Carlos Ghosns compensation, it said.

Also, in regards to Ghosn, numerous other significant acts of misconduct have been uncovered, such as personal use of company assets, and Kellys deep involvement has also been confirmed.

Saviour of Nissan

One of the most highly-paid corporate bosses in Japan, Ghosn began his career at French tyre manufacturer Michelin in 1976, before moving on to Renault in 1996 where his cost-slashing measures earned him the nickname Le Cost Killer.

He was parachuted into Nissan and began a huge corporate overhaul when Renault acquired the then-ailing Japanese manufacturer in 1990.

Credited with saving Nissan from bankruptcy through a series of hardnosed measures, including closing plants and restructuring, Ghosn is a household name in Japan, where he is one of few high-profile foreign executives.

In 2016, he also took charge at Mitsubishi after Nissan threw the car manufacturer a lifeline following a mileage-cheating scandal that hammered sales.

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Ghosn is regarded as the glue which holds the alliance of Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi together and questions have been raised in the past about how his eventual departure might affect the group.

However, he has also faced opposition, including over his pay. Bloomberg reported Ghosn took home some $6.5m from Nissan in the most recent fiscal year, in addition to $8.5m from Renault and about $2m from Mitsubishi.

His compensation package from Renault prompted a spat with shareholders and criticism from President Emmanuel Macron when he served as Frances economy minister.
A Qatari envoy overseeing the Gulf states humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip said on Monday that he had proposed building an airport in the blockaded Palestinian enclave but had received no response from Israel.

In coordination with Israel and the United Nations, Qatar has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various Gaza projects that the partners say are designed to stave off Palestinian poverty and prevent escalations in violence.

They [Israel] said it would be discussed and they procrastinated We will renew our request, Qatari Ambassador Mohammed al-Emadi told the Gaza-based news agency SAWA.

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The Israeli side had security concerns and we told them we can resolve them by having the planes fly to Doha and return to Gaza from there and under Qatari security supervision.

Israel has not responded, al-Emadi said, but proposed that such an airport be built on its side of the border  an idea the diplomat said had been rejected by Qatar.

Cogat, the Israeli government agency that has been coordinating with Qatar on the Gaza aid efforts, declined comment on al-Emadis remarks.

In 1998, the Palestinians got their first international airport as a result of the historic peace treaty with Israel, but Israel destroyed its radar antenna and runway a year after the second Palestinian uprising, known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, began in September 2001.

Israel withdrew its settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005, but it maintains tight control of Gazas land, air and sea borders. Egypt controls access from the south.

Israel says the restrictions are to stop weapons from entering the Strip and to isolate Hamas, which has controlled Gazas two million population since 2007.
Speakers at second Saudi diaspora conference say time to unite is now after murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

London, United Kingdom  Saudi opposition figures from all over the world have called for a coordinated effort to challenge Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans oppressive rule over the kingdom.

Speakers at the second Saudi diaspora conference said after the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October, the time was right for a united front against the princes hardline policies.

Organised by Diwan London, a discussion hub with a focus on the Arabian Peninsula, and Saudi human rights organisation ALQST, the conference on Sunday had the participation of activists from the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Switzerland and other places.

Many activists, including the son of jailed Muslim scholar Salman al-Odah, 61, who is known for his progressive positions on controversial issues, addressed the gathering via video call.

A Saudi prosecutor called for the death penalty for Salman al-Odah in September during a secret trial.

Dozens of Saudi dissidents addressed the second Saudi diaspora conference in London [Nadine Dahan/Al Jazeera]

Due process

Sundays conference was a prelude to ALQSTs second annual summit on the decline of human rights in Saudi Arabia, which was held on Monday.

This opposition calls for rights, democracy, equality and due process. We are all calling for the same thing, said Yahya Assiri, head of ALQST.

None of our opposition is calling for rights of some over others, we only differ over how to get there.

The dissidents said the meetings were a significant and unprecedented step towards a coordinated and united front against the Saudi governments widespread crackdown on critics, which has seen scores imprisoned, tortured and stripped of their assets.

Madawi al-Rasheed, visiting professor at the LSE Middle East Centre, also highlighted the need to unify.

This conference is the start, she said. I get asked why arent Saudi dissidents united? But uniting the opposition doesnt mean all of us agreeing We have different voices and all of them should be heard.

The conference saw prominent opposition figures such as 72-year-old Mohamed al-Massari  an exiled Saudi physicist, political dissident, and chair of the Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights  the first independent human rights organisation in the kingdom. Massari was granted asylum in the United Kingdom in 1994.





Khashoggi killing

Khashoggis murder sent shockwaves throughout the international community. However, the response from governments has not been met with great enthusiasm.

Assiri said while Khashoggis case forced the international community to reconsider its relationship with the Gulf kingdom, the reaction didnt go far enough.

Speaking about the way in which the regime has changed since Prince Mohammed toppled his cousin, Mohammed bin Nayef, in June 2017 to become crown prince in the kingdom, Assiri said: The type of torture has worsened, the regime has changed. The regime has fallen in the eyes of the national community. It has no legitimacy.

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He said Saudi authorities smear their critics as spies, agents of the West, or traitors.

Political prisoners

Many womens rights activists who were some of the first to champion their right to drive in the kingdom also spoke at the conference, calling for the immediate release of those locked up.

Amani al-Ahmadi said: We never expected things to reach this level of monstrosity.





Ahmadi spoke of the reports of sexual harassment being used as punishment against female detainees held after a wave of arrests of womens rights activists earlier this year.

Women have been second-class citizens, she said. Only with the freedom of women can society be free.

While Prince Mohammed has presented himself as a reformist, he has imprisoned activists, religious reformists and academics without charge.

The struggle has reached every home, Assiri said. Everyone is struggling with unemployment, with repression.

But Assiri added he believes things are changing. Opposition to the regime is fashionable now. Lots of the youth define themselves as human rights defenders and feminists, he said.
SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, says she will support Labour effort to pass no-confidence motion on Theresa Mays rule.

The leader of the Scottish National Party Nicola Sturgeon said she will support the opposition Labour party if it lodges a no-confidence motion on British Prime Minister Theresa Mays rule.

May cancelled a parliamentary vote on Monday approving her preferred arrangement for leaving the European Union, which was scheduled for Tuesday, in the face of widespread opposition from within her party and the opposition.

If Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, [the SNP] will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote. This shambles cant go on  so how about it? Sturgeon wrote on her Twitter account.

So @jeremycorbyn  if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, @theSNP will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote. This shambles cant go on  so how about it?  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 10, 2018

More than 100 members of the prime ministers Conservatives were set to vote against the deal, as well as the Labour party.

If the vote had failed, it would almost certainly have ended Mays rule. Instead, she reportedly will head to Brussels in the hope of securing changes to her deal with the EU, which several European states have flat out refused to negotiate.

The leader of Britains pro-EU Liberal Democrats also said his party would support a vote of no confidence if one were called by the Labour Party.

With the fiasco today, the government has really lost all authority. I and my colleagues will fully support the leader of the opposition if he now proceeds to a no-confidence vote as duty surely calls, Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said.

No-confidence motion

A motion of no confidence, if passed, would force a new election unless an alternative government can be formed by the opposition.

Labour currently has 257 MPs and the Scottish nationalists have 35. The combined total does not take into account divisions within the Labour party and falls short of the British parliaments effective working majority of 323.

A no-confidence motion would, therefore, have to rely on the support of rebels within the Conservative party, as well as other smaller parties.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has repeatedly stated he is ready to form a minority government or support a snap general election.

The opposition leader wants to negotiate a new deal with Europe, which he says will protect the rights of Europeans living in the United Kingdom, as well as give the UK access to the European Customs Union and single market, to ease trade.

Labour has sent mixed signals on whether they would support a second referendum on Britains membership of the EU, highlighting its own internal divisions on the issue.

Some in the party fear committing to a second vote will turn away Labour voters who backed Brexit, especially in the northern heartlands, while others believe supporting a new referendum will draw voters who backed the campaign to stay in the EU.
Seventy years on, is the UN human rights declaration effective?

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Tanzania President Magufuli comes under attack over censorship

Even as Tanzania sees a turnaround in many areas, critics express concern over President John Magufulis tactics.
Nick Ayers couldnt reach an agreement with US President Donald Trump over the all-important White House role.

Nick Ayers, currently chief of staff for United States Vice President Mike Pence, has declined an offer by President Donald Trump to become his chief of staff.

The refusal on Sunday comes days after Trump said his current chief of staff, John Kelly, would leave the office in January.

Ayers had allegedly been in talks for months to take the job, but was unable to agree on terms with Trump, according to Reuters news agency.

Instead, Ayers announced on Twitter he would be leaving the White House soon, apparently to return to his home state of Georgia where he would work to advance the cause.

Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause.  #Georgia  Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018

The chief of staff is one of the most important roles in the White House.

Following Ayers announcement, Trump said on Twitter he is in the process of interviewing some really great people for the position and that he will soon make a decision regarding his new chief of staff.

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I am in the process of interviewing some really great people for the position of White House Chief of Staff. Fake News has been saying with certainty it was Nick Ayers, a spectacular person who will always be with our #MAGA agenda. I will be making a decision soon!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2018

It is unclear who has been interviewed by Trump, but sources told Reuters Trump would make an announcement before the end of the year.

Kelly is the latest in a long list of people who have left the White House.

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The former general has been credited with imposing order on a chaotic West Wing after his arrival in June 2017, from his post as homeland security secretary.

But his iron first also alienated some longtime Trump allies, and he grew increasingly isolated, with a gradually diminished role in recent months.

Trump had discussed replacing Kelly on multiple occasions, including following the negative publicity surrounding his handling of domestic violence accusations against then-White House staff secretary Rob Porter.

The constant staff upheaval at all levels has left Trumps White House struggling to advance his policies.
The United States Supreme Court on Monday rejected appeals by Louisiana and Kansas seeking to end their public funding to womens healthcare and abortion provider Planned Parenthood through the Medicaid programme, with President Donald Trumps appointee Brett Kavanaugh among the justices who rebuffed the states.

The justices left intact lower court rulings that prevented the two states from stripping government healthcare funding from local Planned Parenthood affiliates. The case was one of a number of disputes working their way up to the Supreme Court over the legality of state-imposed restrictions involving abortion.

Three conservative justices  Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch  dissented from the decision by the nine-member conservative-majority court, saying it should have heard the appeals by the states.

At least four justices must vote to grant review for the court to hear an appeal. Along with the four liberal justices, Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts  the courts two other conservative justices  opposed taking up the matter.

Planned Parenthoods affiliates in Louisiana do not perform abortions, but some in Kansas do. Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance programme for low-income Americans, pays for abortions only in limited circumstances, such as when a womans life is in danger.

It marked the first-known vote by Kavanaugh in a case since he joined the court in October after a fierce confirmation fight in the Senate. Kavanaugh was named by Trump to replace the retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, a conservative who sometimes sided with the courts liberals on social issues like abortion.

Thomas suggested that the justices who rejected the appeals had put politics over the law.

So what explains the courts refusal to do its job here? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named Planned Parenthood, Thomas wrote in dissent.

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Some tenuous connection to a politically fraught issue does not justify abdicating our judicial duty, Thomas added.

Louisiana and Kansas announced Republican-backed plans to terminate funding for Planned Parenthood through Medicaid after an anti-abortion rights group released videos in 2015 purporting to show Planned Parenthood executives negotiating the for-profit sale of fetal tissue and body parts. Planned Parenthood denied the allegations and said the videos were heavily edited and misleading.

The organisations affiliates in each state, as well as several patients, sued in federal court to maintain the funding.

Fundamental right

Leana Wen, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, praised the courts action, saying in a statement: Every person has a fundamental right to healthcare, no matter who they are, where they live or how much they earn.

Legal battles over other laws from Republican-led states could reach the court in the next year or two. Some seek to ban abortions in early pregnancy, including Iowas prohibition after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Others impose difficult-to-meet regulations on abortion providers such as having formal ties, called admitting privileges, at a local hospital.

Today's #SCOTUS ruling means that Louisianans can continue to access lifesaving health care at Planned Parenthood, which they have relied on for more than thirty years. pic.twitter.com/O7CXIGe8e0  Planned Parenthood (@PPGulfCoast) December 10, 2018

Many social and religious conservatives in the US have argued against government funding of Planned Parenthood, and Republican politicians have made efforts at the state and federal level to eliminate public funding for abortion services.

The New Orleans-based 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals in 2016 blocked Louisianas Medicaid cuts, saying the action would harm patients. The 5th Circuit said no one disputed that Planned Parenthood was actually qualified to provide the medical services it offers and the state was seeking to cut funding for reasons unrelated to its qualifications.

In February, the Denver-based 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Kansas could not block funding because states may not terminate providers from their Medicaid programme for any reason they see fit.

The cases from Kansas and Louisiana did not challenge the constitutionality of abortion itself.
Photo: Susan Watts/NY Daily News via Getty Images

Gavin McInnes, a man you may know for having co-founded Vice magazine, creating the Proud Boys  a far-right hate group who were in attendance at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville  and generally being a type of human so shitty the nation of Australia deemed him unworthy of entry, has been banned from YouTube. According to a report from the Daily Beast, McInnes had over 220,000 followers on the platform before his account was removed for third-party claims of copyright infringement. Earlier this week, McInnes parted ways with Blaze Media, which hosted his talk show, Get Off My Lawn. Blaze Media would not comment on the ousting, saying only, Blaze Media no longer has a relationship with Gavin McInnes.

Earlier this year, McInnes was banned from Twitter in anticipation of a redux of the Unite the Right rally, Unite the Right 2. (Unite the Right 1.0 rally organizer and white nationalist Jason Kessler was previously a Proud Boy, but was later kicked out of the group following the violent outcome of the event.) Twitter said his account violated its policies prohibiting violent extremist groups. Hes also been banned from Amazon, PayPal, Facebook, and Instagram after several members of the Proud Boys attacked Antifa protesters outside of a Republican club in Manhattan where McInnes was speaking. The Southern Poverty Law Center classifies the Proud Boys as an extremist hate group known for being anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic, and anti-woman. But Im glad YouTube has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to copyright infringement  the really important thing here! Its not like a hate-mongering racist  oh wait, thats right, the Proud Boys say they arent racist  should be de-platformed just for being a hate-mongering racist.
Jack Dorsey encouraged his 4 million followers to visit Myanmar even though military is accused of ethnic cleansing.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has been criticised for encouraging his 4.12 million followers to visit Myanmar, without mentioning the widespread allegations of ethnic cleansing of the countrys majority-Muslim Rohingya ethnic group.

In a lengthy thread on Twitter, Dorsey, 42, described in detail his experience on a silent meditation retreat in Pyin Oo Lwin, a town in northern Myanmar, before encouraging his followers to visit the South Asian country.

Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing, he said in the post on Saturday evening.

There was no mention of the plight of the Rohingya in the more than 700-word thread.

Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing. I visited the cities of Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. We visited and meditated at many monasteries around the country. pic.twitter.com/wMp3cmkfwi  jack (@jack) December 9, 2018

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmars Rakhine State in 2017, according to the United Nations, following a sweeping army crackdown in response to Rohingya attacks on security forces.

Rohingya refugees in neighbouring Bangladesh say Myanmar soldiers and Buddhist civilians killed families, burned many villages and carried out gang rape. UN-mandated investigators have accused Myanmars army of genocidal intent.

Myanmar has denied the allegations, saying its forces engaged in a counterinsurgency operation against terrorists.

Dorseys comments provoked a backlash with Twitter users accusing the Silicon Valley boss of being tone-deaf to the plight of the Rohingya and spawning the hashtag #JackIgnoresGenocide.

Im no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention youre in a country where the military has committed mass killings and mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee in one of todays biggest humanitarian disasters? Andrew Stroehlein, the European media director of Human Rights Watch, responded on Twitter.

International lawyer Suchitra Vijayan also weighed in comparing the silence Dorsey sought from his meditation to his tight-lipped approach to the plight of the Rohingya.

There has been another kind of silence and impotence @jack . About the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Rohingyas in Rakhine State ! https://t.co/B9Cf3TRaEv  Suchitra Vijayan (@suchitrav) December 9, 2018

Matthew Smith, CEO of Southeast Asia-based human rights NGO Fortify Rights, told Al Jazeera that Dorsey had at best miscalculated the reaction his post would provoke.

Its important that powerful people know and understand the landscape of abuse in Myanmar and speak openly and publicly about it. Genocide is everyones problem, and while we dont expect everyone to speak about it publicly at every turn, atrocity crimes are the elephant in the room with regard to social media here, Smith said.

Mr Dorseys failure to mention the Rohingya or the Kachin, the Shan, and other [ethnic groups in Myanmar] was a political miscalculation at best. The pope made the same mistake. Its not a good look.

Social media in Myanmar

It was the second time Dorsey kicked up a social media storm within a month. In November, a picture of him with a placard saying smash Brahminical patriarchy, referring to the highest Hindu caste, went viral.

Twitter later apologised for the photo, which was taken during a trip to India and posted by a journalist Dorsey met during his visit.

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Dorsey has not responded publicly to the criticism over his visit to Myanmar, but an individual with knowledge of the trip stressed to Al Jazeera it was a holiday and Dorsey did not hold business meetings while in the country.

Social media companies have drawn criticism for allegedly allowing hate speech to spread at the peak of the military crackdown in Myanmar.

In August 2017, hundreds of new Twitter accounts sprang up in Myanmar, many of which appeared to be attempts to counter sympathetic portrayals of the Rohingya by the Western news media and human rights activists.

They portrayed the ethnic minority as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh, or Bengalis. Rohingya regard themselves as native to Rakhine but the government has denied most of them citizenship.

In November, Facebook admitted it had not done enough to prevent the social network from being used to incite violence, following a report it commissioned on its presence in Myanmar.

Additional reporting by Charlotte Mitchell: @charbrowmitch
Indian Investigators have demanded Vijay Mallya, who defaulted on $1bn in bank loans, be brought back to face charges.

Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya should be extradited from Britain to India to face fraud charges resulting from the collapse of his defunct Kingfisher Airlines, a London court ruled on Monday.

India wants to bring criminal action against Mallya, 62, whose business interests have ranged from aviation to liquor, over $1.4bn in loans Kingfisher took out from Indian banks which the authorities argue he had no intention of repaying.

Mallya, who co-owned the Formula One motor racing team Force India until it went into administration in July, has denied all wrongdoing and argued the case against him was politically motivated.

He left India in March 2016 owing more than $1bn after defaulting on loan payments to state-owned banks and allegedly misusing the funds.

The loans from the state-owned IDBI bank were intended to bail out his failed carrier Kingfisher Airlines.

Mallaya was first arrested by British police on behalf of the Indian authorities in April of last year and has been on bail since.

In July, he made an unconditional offer to an Indian court in a bid to settle the charges, but denies that was an admission of guilt.

Since the extradition treaty between the United Kingdom and India became effective in 1993, several key figures have been sought by the government.

There are currently five extradition requests pending in UK courts involving the following fugitives: Raymond Varley, Tiger Hanis, Nadeem Saifi, Ravi Sankaran, and Lalit Modi.

In the past 26 years, the UK has extradited only one fugitive in 2016, Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, wanted for the 2002 Gujarat riot cases.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has postponed a so-called meaningful vote on her widely unpopular Brexit deal.

May was expected to face a major defeat in the vote, which was scheduled for Tuesday evening in the lower chamber House of Commons.

The move to delay it could provide May with a window of opportunity to go back to Brussels and push for revised terms of departure from the bloc.

But a spokesperson for the European Commission said earlier on Monday the European Union had already offered Britain the best and only possible Brexit deal and would not renegotiate a withdrawal agreement.

Our position has not changed and as far as were concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March, 2019, spokesperson Mina Andreeva said.





Widely unpopular

The vote would have seen parliamentarians decide on the EU withdrawal agreement and a declaration on future relations reached by May and European leaders following months of back-and-forth negotiations.

A simple majority was required for approval.

The withdrawal plan includes provisions on citizens rights, the transition period, and the so-called backstop arrangement concerning the Irish border, among other issues.

The declaration on a framework for future relations, meanwhile, sets out how the United Kingdom and EU will work together after Brexit in areas such as trade and security.

But scores of Mays ruling Conservative Party MPs were expected to reject her proposal, while several opposition parties, including the main opposition Labour Party, also said they would refuse to back it.

Jonathan Lis, deputy director of the think-tank British Influence, told Al Jazeera that May is in an untenable position.

Its a lose-lose situation for the British prime minister because if she does hold the vote then shell lose it catastrophically. And if she doesnt hold it she will have burst all of her authority What were really seeing now is the climax of two years of predictable chaos and ineptitude in parts of the government, said Lis.

Botched Brexit

On Monday, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn accused May of continuing to botch Brexit in the wake of speculation about the vote on her proposed divorce deal being pulled.

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We have known for at least two weeks that Theresa Mays worst of all worlds deal was going to be rejected by Parliament because it is damaging for Britain, Corbyn said in a statement posted on Facebook and Twitter.

Instead, she ploughed ahead when she should have gone back to Brussels to renegotiate or called an election so the public could elect a new government that could do so, he added.

We dont have a functioning government  our public services are at breaking point, and our communities suffer from dire under-investment. Labours alternative plan for a jobs first deal must take centre stage in any future talks with Brussels.

ECJ ruling, plunging pound

Mays scheduled speech to parliament took place after the European Unions top court ruled that Britain may unilaterally reverse its decision to leave the bloc.

The European Court of Justice said the UK could revoke Article 50  the exit clause in the EUs constitution  in accordance with its own national constitutional requirements.

Such a revocation  would have the effect that the United Kingdom remains in the EU under terms that are unchanged as regards its status as a Member State, the court said.

Amid the escalating Brexit drama, the UKs pound sank to its lowest level against the US dollar in 18 months and also fell against the euro.

Market analysts said the plunge was caused by increasing uncertainty and the heightened prospects of a no-deal Brexit.

Theres so much risk right now, we could certainly see further falls depending on what May can do, or if she falls, Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com, told Al Jazeera.

Businesses are very worried, he added.

The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29 next year, two years after it triggered Article 50 and kick-started negotiations with European leaders over a divorce deal.
British Prime Minister Theresa May delayed a vote on a Brexit deal negotiated by her government  a decision that throws her plan to leave the European Union into chaos.

May admitted her agreement would have been defeated by a significant margin at Tuesdays vote, but warned those calling for a second referendum on leaving the EU would risk dividing the country again.

It is clear that while there is broad support for many of the key aspects of the deal, on one issue  the Northern Ireland backstop  there remains widespread and deep concern, May said.

The prime minister said she would first ask the EU for more reassurances over the main bone of contention: a backstop to ensure no hard border on the island of Ireland, which her critics say means Britain could end up indefinitely subject to EU rules after it leaves.





Announcing the delay, May was laughed at by some lawmakers when she said there was broad support for the deal and that she had listened carefully to different views over it  the result of 18 months of tortuous negotiations.

No-deal scenario

Despite postponing the vote, the Conservative leader insisted her deal was the best compromise between continued membership of the European Union and a no-deal Brexit, which would see the UK crash out of the bloc without key agreements on trade and movement in place.

Nevertheless, May said she would meet EU leaders to express concerns shared by opponents of her deal while making preparations for a no-deal scenario. Britain is scheduled to leave the bloc on March 29.

Alan Wager, from the group UK in a Changing Europe, said despite May saying she would go back to Brussels the deal cannot be substantially changed.

I think shes going to buy time and bring back the deal in January with a bit less time from MPs to say weve got a better option. Shes saying to MPs, look its this or nothing, Wager told Al Jazeera.

I think were looking at a period of instability thats going to go on beyond March now.

Mays government and parliament at large are divided along a number of divergent views, ranging from those who feel her deal does not go far enough in separating from the EU and others who feel closer cooperation is possible.

Many others believe the United Kingdom should not leave the EU at all.

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May needs to go

Opposite parliament, a small but raucous crowd of demonstrators spanning both sides of the Brexit divide gathered near Westminsters College Green to make their feelings clear.

Amid competing five-metre high Union Jack and European Union flags, 54-year-old business owner Catherine Ginn said she was disgusted by Mondays events.

I think May has chickened out of this vote because its clear shes not going to get it through. But I dont care about this deal, the only deal I care about is remain, Ginn told Al Jazeera.

Others, meanwhile, said the British prime minister had failed to deliver a definitive enough Brexit.

May needs to go, she is well past her sell-by date and we need a new prime minister, Tony Blighe, a 59-year-old retiree, told Al Jazeera.

We need someone to stand up and say negotiations have failed and we are leaving on March 29 under World Trade Organisation rules, he added.

No-confidence motion

Inside the Commons, May now faces the threat of a no-confidence motion.

If triggered and successful, it would end the rule of her government.

Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn told parliament: The prime minister is trying to buy herself one last chance to save this deal. If she doesnt take on board the fundamental changes required, then she must make way for those who can.

Earlier, the leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon, said she will support Labour if it lodges a no-confidence motion on Mays rule.

The leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, also said his party would support a motion of no-confidence if it is called.

With the fiasco today, the government has really lost all authority. I and my colleagues will fully support the leader of the opposition if he now proceeds to a no-confidence vote as duty surely calls, Cable said.

Prominent Conservative Brexit hardliner, Jacob Rees-Mogg, also called on May to either govern or quit.

Pound plunges

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Monday Brexit would be discussed at the council meeting on Thursday, including how to help the British government ratify the exit process, but that the Withdrawal Agreement was not up for renegotiation.

We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario, Tusk said on Twitter.

The pound, the main gauge of international investors confidence in the countrys economy, fell to a 20-month low of $1.25, down a sharp 1.7 percent on the day.

Investors are worried the political gridlock in Britain over how to leave the EU is increasing the likelihood of the country exiting the bloc without a deal on future relations.

That is a worst-case scenario, the Bank of England says, that could lead to the deepest recession in about a century and a further plunge in the pound.
Ukrainian Navy commander dismisses Russias provocation charge

Talking to Al Jazeera, Admiral Ihor Voronchenko says Russia has no right to put captured sailors on trial.
The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winners urge the international community to do more to end the use of rape as a war weapon.

The world must stop turning a blind eye to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, Congolese gynaecologist Denis Mukwege urged, accepting the Nobel Peace Prize along with a Yazidi human rights activist on Monday.

Mukwege and Nadia Murad, a survivor of sexual enslavement by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group, said at an emotional ceremony in Norways capital Oslo that the international community had to do more to protect women and children in conflict.

If there is a war to be waged, it is the war against the indifference which is eating away at our societies, said Mukwege, whose Panzi hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congos war-torn east has treated tens of thousands of sexual violence victims.

He said the trade in the countrys abundant natural resources helped fuel the violence.

We love nice cars, jewellery and gadgets. I have a smartphone myself. These items contain minerals found in our country. Often mined in inhuman conditions by young children, victims of intimidation and sexual violence, Mukwege said.

Its not just perpetrators of violence who are responsible for their crimes, it is also those who choose to look the other way.

He called for a global fund to provide reparations for victims and economic and political sanctions for those behind the violence.

New roadmap

Murad, who is advocating for the rescue of 3,000 Yazidi women still in captivity and the return of 300,000 Yazidi refugees to their native Sinjar region of Iraq, expressed her hope for a new era.

Today is a very special day for me. It is the day when light is victorious, humanity is victorious, terrorism is defeated. It is the day when women and children are victorious after such a long time of being victims, she said.

I hope that today will represent a new era where peace will be everywhere and the whole world will work to develop a new roadmap to protect women and children and to eradicate sexual abuses.

Murad was taken hostage by ISIL from her village, Kojo, in 2014 [NTB Scanpix/Reuters]

Al Jazeeras Charlie Angela, reporting from Oslo, said Murads speech conveyed a sense of frustration. She gave a very powerful lecture calling on the international community not to give her any more awards, but to do something now for her people.

The half of her share of million-dollar [Nobel] prize money will go to her initiative, Nadias Initiative, which has been instrumental in getting nation-states to recognise the mass killings of Yazidis as genocide. And also for putting pressure on the UN Security Council to open an investigation into the war crimes committed by ISIL against the Yazidis, she said.

According to Murad, more than 6,500 women and girls from Iraqs Yazidi minority have been kidnapped, raped and traded. The 25-year-old herself was taken hostage by ISIL from her village, Kojo, in 2014 but escaped.

Kurdish Iraqi officials said in December 2017 that about half of those kidnapped were still missing and 47 mass graves containing the remains of Yazidis had been found since 2014.

No ISIL fighters have gone on trial for the atrocities.

Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Nobel committee, tried to sum up Murads and Mukweges common struggle in three simple statements.

Rape and other forms of sexual violence are unacceptable weapons in any and all warfare, she said.

Systematic rape as a part of a military strategy in war or conflict is a war crime. Those responsible for war crimes must be punished and the impunity they have enjoyed must end.

Mukwege and Murad on Monday received the Peace Prize gold medals, diplomas and the nine million Swedish Krona ( $1m), which they will share.
Yemeni officials demand Red Sea port be placed under their control, while UN proposes 16-point plan for flashpoint city.

Rimbo, Sweden  Yemens warring sides remain deadlocked over the future of Hodeidah port, a major lifeline for the country, after the Yemeni government reiterated its demand that it should take control of the facility.

Speaking to reporters on day five of UN-sponsored peace talks in Sweden, Ali Ashall, a Yemeni official and member of the governments delegation, said it wants the management of the port to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport.

The police in the city must also be placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior, Ashall said.

We are looking to resume the situation in the city before the Houthi takeover in 2014.

Yemen has been devastated by a multi-sided conflict since 2014 involving local, regional, and international actors.

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The Houthis, a group of Zaydi Shia Muslims who ruled a kingdom in northern Yemen for nearly 1,000 years, exploited widespread anger against President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi in 2014 and toppled his government in early 2015, triggering one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises.

Hodeidah port is a major lifeline for humanitarian supplies entering the country, but restrictions placed by the Saudi-UAE coalition at war with the rebels has exacerbated the countrys humanitarian crisis, with more than 22 million Yemenis needing assistance.

We call on the Houthis to withdraw from Hodeidah and hand over their weapons to the government, Ashall added.

UN proposes ceasefire deal

The Houthis have said they are prepared to hand over the port to the United Nations, but only if the Saudi-UAE coalition stops its air strikes.

Earlier on Monday, a document seen by Al Jazeera proposed that the Houthis withdraw from Hodeidah as part of a ceasefire deal.

Comprising 16 points, the UN-proposed document said that once the Houthis had withdrawn from the city, including the ports of Saleef and Ras Isa, the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Shia movement would cease its military operations.

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It said that the UN would then deploy a number of observers to monitor the facility but security of the port would be limited to Yemeni coast guards.

The Saudi-UAE coalition has accused Iran of smuggling weapons through Hodeidahs port, a charge Tehran and the rebels deny.

The document also said that all revenues gathered from the port would be transferred to Yemens central bank in Hodeidah which would then start paying the salaries of civil servants.

More than 1.2 million civil servants havent received their salaries in more than two years, leaving health, education and sanitation services without the people and resources needed to keep them running.

The Yemeni government, which claims its forces are only 3km from the port, insists that it will only accept that the UNs role be to oversee the harbour.

Yemens Foreign Minister, Khaled al-Yamani, told the Reuters news agency that the city needed to come under the full control of his government.

Houthi representatives were not immediately available for comment.

Hodeidah is a flashpoint, centre of gravity

Yemens opposing sides have been meeting in the Swedish town of Rimbo, some 60km north of the capital Stockholm, since Thursday for talks discussing ways to end the fighting that has killed an estimated 56,000 people.

The UN special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, says the talks are not intended to reach a political solution to the conflict but instead introduce a set of confidence-building measures that could pave the way for more comprehensive peace talks.

Hodeidah is a very difficult issue, its a flashpoint, Griffiths told reporters on Sunday.

I would describe it as the centre of gravity. Its one where the threat of battle, of a campaign to take control of the city, has been present for the last few months.

We in the UN have been trying to prevent that. But its now reached the point where either we can or cant.

Martin Griffiths, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen: I hope we will get an agreement on a whole range of issues, at the peace talks in Sweden. pic.twitter.com/phRRbsMzUh  Faisal |  (@faisaledroos) December 10, 2018

While the opposing sides appeared to have reached a stumbling block over the fate of the port, they appeared to be edging closer to securing a deal on prisoners.

Sources told Al Jazeera the Houthis were expected to release several high-ranking commanders they had captured within the coming days, including the former minister of defence, General Mahmoud al-Subaihi, and relatives of President Hadi.

Abdulaziz Jabari, a senior adviser to Hadi, said on Sunday that after four days of consultations he expected the next two days to be full of positive news.

International pressure to end the war has mounted since the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a leading critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in October by Saudi nationals in their consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.

Western powers have expressed anger over the killing and a group of bipartisan senators in the US have been urging the US Congress to limit Washingtons support for the war Saudi Arabia is embroiled in.

A coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened on March 26, 2015, and has carried out more than 18,000 air raids since, with weddings, medical facilities and funerals not spared from the bombardment.

The talks in Sweden have come at a critical time as about 20 million Yemenis, more than two-thirds of the country, are going hungry and in urgent need of food assistance.

According to recent estimates, as many as 85,000 children may have died from hunger since the beginning of the war.
Gazas Health Ministry has carried out 94 amputations since protests began in March, 82 of those involving lower limbs.

Israeli forces deployed along the fence that separates Israel from the Gaza Strip have fired live rounds at rock-throwing Palestinian protesters ever since demonstrations demanding the right to return began in March.

And for eight months, Israeli snipers have targeted one part of the body more than any other  the legs.

The Israeli army says it is responding to weekly assaults on its frontier by Palestinians armed with stones, grenades and firebombs. It says it opens fire only as a last resort and considers firing at the lower limbs an act of restraint.

Still, 175 Palestinians have been shot dead, according to a count by the Associated Press news agency. And the number of wounded has reached colossal proportions.

Of the 10,511 protesters treated at hospitals and field clinics in Gaza so far, at least 6,392, or roughly 60 percent, have been struck in the lower limbs, according to Gazas Health Ministry. At least 5,884 of those casualties were hit by live ammunition; others have been hit by rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters.

Mahmoud Abu Assi, who was shot in the leg during a demonstration, has his bandage changed in a clinic run by MSF in Gaza City [Associated Press]

The upsurge in violence has left a visible mark on Gaza that will likely remain for decades to come. It is now common to see young men walking through dilapidated streets on crutches. Most have legs bandaged or fitted with a metal frame called a fixator, which uses pins or screws that are inserted into fractured bones to help stabilize them.

The wounded can often be seen gathering at a treatment clinic run by the Paris-based medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Gaza City, where Associated Press photographer Felipe Dana took portraits of some of them.

Some of those he photographed acknowledged throwing stones towards Israeli troops during the demonstrations. One said he had hurled a firebomb. But others said they were unarmed bystanders; one paramedic said he was helping rescue the wounded, while another man said he was waving a Palestinian flag and another said he was selling coffee and tea.

Patients with leg injuries they attained during demonstrations, gather outside a clinic run by MSF in Gaza City in September 2018 [Associated Press]

International human rights groups have said the militarys open-fire rules are unlawful because they allow the use of potentially lethal force in situations where soldiers lives are not in immediate danger.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, rejected international criticism that Israels response has been excessive. Instead, he said that firing at peoples legs was a sign of restraint.

Hamas is responsible for orchestrating violent riots where thousands of Palestinians assault our borders with the goal of breaching our defensive lines and attacking Israeli forces and civilian communities, he said.

Israeli soldiers use live fire only as a last resort, after written and verbal warnings, as well as extensive use of tear gas and other non-lethal means have been exhausted. It is our duty to defend our civilians and sovereignty, and we do it with the minimal use of force possible, he said.

Raed Abu Khader, right, carries his 12-year-old son Mohammed as they return from the hospital in Gaza City [Associated Press]

MSF said this month that the huge number of patients was overwhelming Gazas healthcare system, which has already been severely weakened by a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt that has fueled economic stagnation and rampant unemployment, and devastated water and electricity supplies.

The aid group said the majority of the 3,117 patients it has treated have been shot in the legs, and many will need follow-up surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

These are complex and serious injuries that do not quickly heal, the group said. Their severity and the lack of appropriate treatment in Gazas crippled health system means that infection is a high risk, especially for patients with open fractures.

The consequences of these wounds  will be lifelong disability for many, the aid group said. And if infections are not tackled, then the results could be amputation or even death.

Gazas Health Ministry says it has carried out 94 amputations since the protests began, 82 of them involving lower limbs.
In the normal course of events, one could understand the hundreds of I dont knows and I dont recalls former FBI Director James Comey during Fridays testimony. Most FBI investigations are handled out of the field office in which the illegality allegedly occurred with the FBI Director not privy to all the details. But it was Comey who decided to run the whole Trump collusion and obstruction investigation out of FBI headquarters. He should have known and remembered every detail of his actions and those under him. He did.

Dont count the I cant recalls Just counting the contradictions and the lies would make quite a drinking game, starting the case which started it all -- Lt. Gen. Michael Flynns process lie about his legitimate contacts with his Russian counterparts as a national security adviser designate:

On Friday May 11, 2018, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein stating Comey testified the FBI didnt think General Flynn lied. In a March 2017 briefing then-FBI Director James Comey had with the House Intel Committee, he told members that the FBI agents who interviewed General Flynn saw nothing that indicated to them that [General Flynn] knew he was lying to them.  The unredacted portion of the House Intel report revealed Comey testified to House Intel members the FBI agents who ambushed Flynn did not detect any deception. The report also revealed the illegal leak of Flynns phone call with Kislyak is what allowed the FBI/DOJ to keep a counterintel operation open on General Flynn. The Obama-Comey deep state opened an investigation on Flynn and leaked information on his discussion with his Russian counterpart. This was during the Trump transition period. This was Flynns job. The FBI under Comey opened an investigation on Flynn for DOING HIS JOB! On Friday James Comey testified behind closed doors with Congressional investigators. Comey told Congress on Friday that Flynn did lie.

So which is it, Mr. Comey? Was Flynn lying or not and if you were so far above the fray, how could you know? Or are you the only liar in this scenario? Why was Gen. Flynn punished for making false statements while you are not in the dock for doing so repeatedly? Why is Flynns leaker and those responsible for his politically motivated unmasking not under indictment? Why are you, whose leak of a private conversation in the Oval Office with the President sparked the fraudulent appointment of a special counsel in the absence of a crime, not under indictment?

Comey on Friday asked us all to believe that the man who remembered enough to write a book suddenly had total memory loss, saying I dont know or the equivalent some 245 times. Comey claimed little knowledge of the Steele dossier yet he signed a FISA warrant based on it to spy on candidate and then President Trump all while he knew it was a fraud. His defense in front of Congress on Friday was that he didnt know it was a fraud or he forgot.

Unfortunately, Comey cant hide behind his lies because there is evidence he did know the FISA warrant was a fraud:

Comey told investigators that the anti-Trump dossier authored by longtime British intelligence agent Christopher Steele was largely unverified before and after a FISA warrant was obtained to surveil Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, according to a report. The Hills John Solomon reports: The towering ex-FBI boss confessed that the FBI had not corroborated much of the Steele dossier before it was submitted as evidence to a secret court to support a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant to spy on Trump campaign adviser Carter Page in the final weeks of the election.And Comey admitted much of the dossier remained uncorroborated more than six months later when he was fired by President Trump. The original FISA warrant application submitted in October 2016, along with the three 90-day renewal, were labeled Verified application. The FBI has reviewed this verified application for accuracy in accordance with its April 5, 2001 procedures, which include sending a copy of the draft to the appropriate field office(s), the applications read. Along with being unaware of the dossiers veracity, Comey did not know that Bruce Ohr, the Justice Departments fourth-highest ranking official before his demotion last year, was a go-between for collecting so-called intelligence from Steele after the FBI terminated its relationship with the agent for alleging leaking information to the media. Further, Solomon reports that Comey could not recall that Steeles relationship with the bureau had even been terminated. "His memory was so bad I feared he might not remember how to get out of the room after the interview, an unnamed congressman told Solomon. It was like he suddenly developed dementia or Alzheimers, after conveniently remembering enough facts to sell his book, said another.

Indeed, if the Steele dossier was salacious and unverified when he briefed the new President, it was also salacious and unverified when the FISA warrants he signed off on incorporating it were issued, with Comey an active participant on committing a fraud upon the court.

Perhaps the most interesting dip into disingenuousness was Comeys insistence that the man who made him a multi-millionaire, Robert Mueller, was merely a passing acquaintance:

Are you best friends with Robert Mueller? Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, asked Comey, according to a transcript of the hearing released Saturday by Goodlatte and Oversight Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.). I am not, Comey said. I admire the heck out of the man, but I don't know his phone number, I've never been to his house, I don't know his children's names. Comey added: I think I had a meal once alone with him in a restaurant. I like him. I am not a -- I'm an associate of his who admires him greatly. We're not friends in any social sense.

Again Comey is lying. Their long-standing relationship was confirmed by that Trump-loving vast right-conspiracy rag called the Washington Post:

Theyve been described as law enforcement twins and brothers in arms.

#COMEY & #Mueller were brothers in arms in famous 2004 standoff over domestic surveillance. Cagey choice by DAG Rosenstein. -- Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) May 17, 2017

Once again, James Comey and Robert Mueller -- two respected FBI veterans -- have found themselves sharing the same high-profile headlines.

The two mens working relationship can be traced back to at least December of 2003, when Comey joined Mueller in Washington after he became John Ashcrofts deputy attorney general, according to a 2013 Washingtonian article about the two mens long-standing relationship.

He and Mueller spent many hours together, developing a close partnership -- and watching together the disarray in the government over how to respond to the unfolding war on terror, Washingtonian notes

Perhaps the most interesting -- and lucrative -- aspect of this long-standing relationship between these brothers in arms that Comey now denies, is how then-FBI director Mueller used his position to enrich casual acquaintance Comey. It is worth noting the cozy financial relationship between two former FBI directors, James Comey and Robert Mueller, which goes a long way towards explaining their joint animus to President Trump and their passionate desire to bring down his presidency.

Robert Mueller owes his job as special counsel to long-time friend Comey, who famously leaked government documents written on government computers on government time to the New York Times via a professor friend regarding conversations with President Trump. Comey owes a great deal of his financial wealth to Robert Mueller.

Seamus Bruner, Government Accountability Institute Researcher and author of Compromised: How Money and Politics Drive FBI Corruption, recently explained how former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller leveraged their government contacts to enrich themselves when Comey briefly left government service to work for major government contractor Lockheed Martin:

Bruner noted the growth of Comeys net worth between 2003 and 2009, after Comey left the Department of Justice to join Lockheed Martin as senior vice president and lead counsel. It doesnt really make much sense why [Lockheed Martin] would pay [James Comey] upwards of six million dollars in a single year, assessed Bruner. But one reason -- aside from his security clearance -- is that his buddy Robert Mueller is running the FBI. They begin passing 100-million-dollar-plus contracts to Lockheed Martin. Bruner continued, One of these contracts was actually worth a billion dollars, and it was protested formally by the other bidder: IBM The contracts flowed from Robert Muellers FBI to James Comeys private sector employer, Lockheed Martin, and James Comey made many millions over a short period of time. Bruner described Comey as one of the prime examples of this kind of cashing in on government contacts. We followed the money and realized that James Comey made well over ten million dollars from when he left the public sector in 2005 and by the time he returned to serve as FBI director [in 2009], said Bruner. He even made over six million dollars in a single year at the top government contracting corporation, Lockheed Martin; they get over $50 billion a year in government contracts.

James Comey is a serial liar and arguably a serial felon who supervised and directed Andrew McCabe, Peter Strzok, and Lisa Page in an organized deep state coup to keep Hillary Clinton out of prison and Donald Trump out of the White House. And along the way he picked up a few million bucks thanks to a long-standing friend, colleague and benefactor, Robert Mueller, whom he then rewarded a license to overthrow a sitting President of the United States.

Daniel John Sobieski is a free lance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
Photo: Illustration by Dmitry Maximov

For New York Magazines 14th annual Reasons to Love New York issue, all the reasons are places  some timeless, some odd, some secret, some soothing, some technically illegal to occupy, but each beloved by the people who chose them. With dispatches from Lin-Manuel Miranda on a really weird street around 191st; Jenna Lyons on Battery Park; Padma Lakshmi on Kalustyans; Nick Kroll on the American Museum of Natural History; Jacqueline Woodson on her kitchen; and more.

Every New Yorker has an idiosyncratic map of the city in her head, says New York executive features editor Laurie Abraham of the process of carving out a theme for this years Reasons to Love issue. We figured if we asked as many people as could we about their favorite places, wed end up with something that was both a celebration of our city and full of new ideas people could use to explore it.

The cover image, by Russian artist Dmitry Maximov, attempts to turn a classic movie trope on its head. Inspired by the many movies wherein a monster descends on New York City and attacks it, Maximov decided to take a classic movie monster and infuse it with his own feelings about the city. Thats why he decided to draw King Kong hugging New York, says New York photography director Jody Quon. For his love of New York.
There are numerous reasons we need to get past the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Yes, the murder of Khashoggi was gruesome. It understandably offended Americans. Republican Senators Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio and Todd Young have joined with three Democrat senators to introduce a resolution that would find Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (aka MbS) "complicit" in Khashoggis death.

The Democrats are delighted to use the incident because it puts President Trump in an awkward position they can use to accuse him of being chummy with murderers or endorsing autocratic regimes jailing or killing journalists. (Of course they conveniently ignore the cozy if not supportive relationship former Secretary of State John Kerry and former President Obama had with the murderous mullahs of Iran.) The resolution would require Trump to withdraw troops in or "affecting" Yemen within 30 days unless they are fighting al Qaeda. The resolution also calls on the Saudi government to negotiate with representatives of the Houthi movement and agree to a political resolution to end the country's humanitarian crisis.

Jamal Khashoggi in March 2018 (Photo credit: April Brady)

Its unclear what advantage this provides the United States other than creating the illusion that we did something about the killing.

Meanwhile, there are 10 legitimate reasons to move on and put the incident behind us.

1. The hit on Khashoggi was undeniably a Crown Prince Salman-sanctioned killing. After the CIA briefing on the matter, Graham said, there was a smoking saw, a reference to apparent evidence that Khashoggi was literally carved up in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. For Saudi Arabia, it was the equivalent of a state-sanctioned killing. We have to ask ourselves, whats the difference between a Saudi state sanctioned killing of Khashoggi and our hit on Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks? Countries acting in what they perceive to be their best interests routinely knock off their enemies. Consider the ongoing American drone strikes in the Middle East since 9/11, in which hundreds of individuals have been killed without due process, including some Americans regarded as dangerous enemies.

2. Its important to understand that Khashoggi was not just a mere journalist and writer for the Washington Post. In Riyadh, he was perceived as a threat to the Saudi leadership for damaging their image with Washington. Khashoggis articles eloquently railed against repression by MbS and Saudi leaders. But he was no friend of Western style democracy or the United States. He had his own motives for attacking the Saudi leadership. You see, Khashoggi was an operative of the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Sunni organization considered to be a proponent of a radical and violent version of Islam. One of his closest friends during his life was Osama bin Laden. He dreamed of establishing an Islamic caliphate. MbS labeled him a dangerous Islamist. So its ridiculous and highly misleading to portray Khashoggi as merely a Washington Post Global Opinions columnist. But this conveniently gives the anti-Trump media a hook to keep the story alive to embarrass Trump.

3. Saudi politics are not for the squeamish. As Washington Post writer David Ignatius acknowledged, The Khashoggi killing had roots in a cutthroat Saudi family feud that has all the elements of Games of Thrones. If past recent events had gone another way, it would be Crowd Prince Salman who would be locked up instead of his rival Prince Turki bin Abdullah, an ambitious son of the late king. Its the way the place functions. Over the centuries Saudi leaders have maintained control through violence, intimidation and generous benefits to their allies. America political outrage, Senate resolutions and cancelled deals arent going to change that any time soon. Theres too much money involved. And its in conformance with Sharia law.

4. Muslims have been slaughtering other Muslims since Islam was established almost 1,400 years ago. Theres nothing new about it. The life and death struggle between the Sunnis and the Shias is centuries old and not likely to end soon. The killing of Khashoggi must be viewed in this context.

5. The Saudis operate under their version of Sharia law. The Quran says smite your enemies. Author Abdullah Alaoudh, a senior fellow at Georgetown Universitys Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, says in the Washington Post, If Khashoggi had been abducted alive and tried in the Saudi courts, he would probably have faced the death penalty through a totally controlled attorney general and vastly intimidated and threatened judges. The judges who are supposed to oversee the Khashoggi case are under enormous pressure from the crown prince. Would the US Senate have been so upset if it had turned out that way? Does anyone think there is any realistic way to change all of that?

6. Turns out, MbS has taken some real first steps to reform the kingdom. He has played hardball with the ultra conservative Wahhabis who have guided the clerical establishment in the kingdom from its emergence in the late 1920s. The Wahhabis have had free rein to run the education system, enforce strict social morals and license to export radical Islam throughout the world. MbS jailed 30 Saudi clerics, writers and intellectuals a year go for expressing their opposition to the policies of the Royal Palace. In the meantime reforms have been introduced. The Washington Post recently reported, Saudi youths . . . insist they own the change and are committed to remaking their country. The drive for change in Saudi Arabia is more credible because it is homegrown, not a response to outside pressure. It is being driven by an understanding that Saudi Arabia cannot sustain governance based on the lowest common denominator among all the factions of the royal family, the approval of the Wahhabi clerics, an economy dependent almost exclusively on oil for revenue and 80 percent of Saudi households dependent on the government. MbS and his father, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, are obviously aware and to some degree supportive of this.

7. Even with current reforms, Saudi Arabia is not a comforting place for Western civilization, Jews or Christianity. How bad is it? Robert Spencer reports, The kingdoms new books for the 2018-2019 school year continue to teach hatred or even violence against Jews, Christians, Shiites, women, gay men and anybody who mocks or converts away from Islam. This academic year, once again Saudi Arabias high school monotheism textbooks teach that infidels such as Jews and Christians are the enemies of Islam and its people and that proper observance of Islam requires abhorring the infidels and enmity toward them. These textbooks characterize Shiite Muslims  like those who make up the majority in Iran  as polytheists and declare that Jews, Christians, and polytheists are the most evil of creatures. Saudi Arabias current high school religion textbooks also call for violence against such people." How are any Senate resolutions going to change that?

8. Saudi Arabia is the main counterweight to Iran, the ultimate hard line Muslim country working feverishly, with the help of $150 billon (delivered by former President Obama and former Secretary of State John Kerry) to create nuclear weapons that can be delivered with their growing array of medium and long range rockets. Governed by fanatical Muslim mullahs dedicated to destroying the great Satan, Iran is the leading supporter of international terrorism and the grave threat to world peace. Like it or not, Saudi Arabia, which has many American educated leaders who tend to be pro-American, is critical to US and Israeli interests in dealing with the Iranian theocracy.

9. Cancelling the $350 billion military sales agreement to Saudi Arabia, as some have demanded, would not only cost many thousands of jobs, it would weaken Saudi Arabias ability to counterbalance Iran. Facing what it regards as a mortal threat from Iran, Saudi Arabia would have to turn to Russia for weapons, vastly strengthening Putins hand in the Middle East

10. By American standards, the killing of Khashoggi was a horrific crime. But practically speaking, what really can be done about it other than express outrage? Yes, we can sanction certain Saudi officials or force them to reduce their actions in their proxy war with Iran that has wreaked tragedy and havoc on Yemen. But at the end of the day, it is in Americas strategic interests to have a working relationship with the Saudis regardless of who is in power. Almost certainly, MBS will be the next king. We have no choice but to continue to deal with him. Its the real world out there. Thats why its time to move on. But at least we know what were dealing with.

Frank Hawkins is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer, Associated Press foreign correspondent, international businessman, senior newspaper company executive, founder and owner of several marketing companies and published novelist. He currently lives in retirement in North Carolina.
Since President Calderon put the Mexican Army in the streets in 2007, Mexico has been in an undeclared war with the cartels.

President Calderon and President Bush agreed to The Merida Plan, an effort to provide Mexico with military equipment and technology to track down cartel leaders. The good news is that many cartel leaders were eliminated. The bad news is that Mexico's army was not prepared for sustained combat or guerrilla-type tactics.

According to a journalist friend in Mexico, funerals of Mexican soldiers killed in this war are now common in towns across the nation. He believes that the government keeps the funerals quiet to avoid discussion of the human toll of the conflict. He also told me that the casualties are similar to Afghanistan, but I've never been able to confirm that.

President Pena-Nieto changed in 2013 from a focus on the army and decided to create a better police force. It worked to a point, but the cartels are still around. It takes many years to develop a good police force, especially in a country that never cared a lot about the professionalism of its police officers.

President Lopez-Obrador has changed the strategy again and is going after the cartels' finances, according to news reports:

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is taking aim at the finances of the powerful Jalisco cartel in what a top anti-money laundering official said was an opening salvo in the fight to stop criminal gangs from flourishing with impunity[.]

It's a good idea, but will it really discourage the formation of other cartels?

The U.S. and Mexico need to work together on reducing the consumption of illegal drugs up here. It's in both countries' interest. You can't send billions of dollars south without encouraging more cartels. You kill or destroy this or that group, and then another pops up. Too much money is driving the business south of the border.

Mexico needs to come to terms with the porous nature of the U.S.-Mexico border. Most of us focus on the northbound drug traffic, or the illegal aliens. The real threat to Mexico is the southbound traffic in cash and weapons. These "dolares" and high-powered machine guns are making it difficult for the Mexican army to win this conflict.

We wish the new president well, but sitting down with President Trump about the porous nature of the border should be a priority.

For years, the Mexican political class had the attitude that the cartels are simply feeding our appetite for drugs. That's true, but they are also messing up Mexico's political and legal system, driving up violence to unsustainable rates: homicides up 18% over 2017 by mid-2018.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
In the annals of the idiocy of France's ruling elites, how is this for a doozy?

Via ABC News:

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Monday the government could delay some payroll taxes, but expressed resistance to restoring the wealth tax or lowering taxes for retirees, among protesters' demands. He stressed that the measures should focus on helping the working classes. "We are ready to make any gesture" that works, he said on RTL radio. "What is important now is to put an end to the crisis and find peace and unity in the country again."

Did I just read "gesture"?

Gestures. Seriously, he really said "gestures." Even accounting for nuances of language, he chose to say that, and it most certainly can mean "gesture" as we know it. Like, you know, a Gallic shrug.

Given what is going on in France right now, the remark is so stupidly insulting it's likely to inflame more riots, not fewer. By his remarks, Le Maire comes off as having us think there's no crisis here, and the spot of bother in the streets can be fixed through a few mannerly things, some "gesture" pellets thrown to les deplorables to calm them down.

Listen up, pal: the time for gestures came and went. When you've got 136,000 yellow-vested shopkeepers, truck drivers, housewives, teachers, and farmers rioting across the entire country, wheeling out model guillotines with the president's name on them, singing Le Marseillaise as if it were 1792, and demanding President Macron's resignation, you can pretty well bet that these people aren't looking for "gestures." What this guy needs to be thinking about now is keeping heads on pikes out of the picture.

Cripes, that would drag me to the streets to protest, and I'm not even French.

As if gestures would be enough to stop four weeks of sustained, not-stopping, just-growing riots that have already driven the tourists out, have put France at the center of global headlines and not in a good way, and are expected to shave off 0.1% of GDP.

What it demonstrates is the Mr. Magoo-like opacity of France's ruling classes  and their utter unwillingness to change. This guy should be talking about a serious course change, such as dumping every tax hike permanently, scrapping every bureaucratic regulation, apologizing to the voters, and ending the green regime. Does he really think a few 'gestes' will stop this fiasco? What France needs to be doing right now, what howls for decisive action, is pulling out of the Paris climate accord and following the example of the U.S., which has stepped up oil drilling while simultaneously cutting emissions to green-happy levels, all through the beauty of free markets. No such sign that sort of thing is going to happen so long as the French ruling elites think that all that's needed are gestures.

The French ruling class clearly doesn't have a clue, and like Louis XVI, this sort remark is of the same character as his writing "nothing" in his diary on the day the Bastille was taken.

Get ready for some surprises, pal.
Nick Ayers, chief of staff for Vice President Mike Pence, has declined Donald Trump's offer to succeed John Kelly as White House chief of staff.

Ayers was negotiating with Trump his time of service. He wanted to hold the position only through the spring and then return to Georgia to be with his family. Trump wanted a commitment of at least two years. In the end, Ayers announced he is leaving the White House entirely by year's end.

Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause.  #Georgia  Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018

Fox News:

Trump said Saturday that he expected to announce a replacement for Kelly in a day or two, and it was not immediately clear whether he had a new favorite for the post. Sources told Fox News on Sunday evening there have been "conversations" about Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., becoming chief of staff. Meadows serves as chairman of the influential House Freedom Caucus. Trump reportedly is considering four candidates for the post, including Office of Management and Budget director Mick Mulvaney, The Associated Press added. Sunday night, Trump took a potshot at the media, while also tweeting his next steps: "I am in the process of interviewing some really great people for the position of White House Chief of Staff. Fake News has been saying with certainty it was Nick Ayers, a spectacular person who will always be with our #MAGA agenda. I will be making a decision soon!" Trump had developed confidence in Ayers, in part by watching the effectiveness of Pence's largely independent political operation. Ayers also earned the backing of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the president's daughter and son-in-law and senior advisers, for taking on the new role, White House officials said.

Jared and Ivanka had been whispering in the president's ear for months to get rid of Kelly. That Trump finally pulled the trigger is a sign that the president knew that Kelly's effectiveness was at an end.

It doesn't really matter. Donald Trump has made it clear he would rather be his own chief of staff. He doesn't want to be managed. He doesn't want to be constrained. Trump wants to be Trump, and no chief of staff is going to get in the way of that.

There has been speculation that Ayers didn't want to take on the White House job because of what many see as a turbulent next few months at the White House. Plus Trump is not the easiest boss to work for. But any chief of staff can pretty much write his own ticket after he leaves. I'm sure Ayers would have put up with Trump's quirks and the possibility of legal trouble for the president if it meant being that close to the seat of power in government.

Mulvaney would be a good pick. He's been OMB director since Trump took office and not only is competent, but knows the ins and outs of Washington as well. He is low-key and a loyalist  two attributes that would be useful to the president after all the controversies in the last two years.

Remember the name Nick Ayers. He's only 36 and will almost certainly be back in Washington someday.
Satellite photos reveal disturbing images of Russian tanks massing along the border with Ukraine, and heavy lift cargo planes landing at a military base in Crimea. Taken with the recent closing by the Russian navy of the Kerch Strait, blocking access to Ukrainian ports from the Black Sea and a renewal of fighting in Eastern Ukraine, analysts believe that a Russian invasion is a growing possibility.

News.com:

Reports of four heavy-lifting Il-76 aircraft, used for the rapid deployment of troops and heavy military equipment, flying into Dzhankoi near the Ukraine border from Anapa have added to those fears. The 7th Guards Mountain Air Assault Division, an elite which also took part in the seizure of Crimea, is based at Novorossiysk  close to Anapa. Dzhankoi air base was reinforced last week by a fourth mobile brigade of advanced S-400 'Triumph' surface-to-air missiles. The missiles reportedly have a range of some 400km and can reach 30km high, giving Moscow the ability to deny access to the region by aircraft and cruise missiles. Defence analysts have also scoured photos available on Google Earth to reveal a build-up of 100s of Russian main battle tanks at freshly built or expanded facilities right on the border with Ukraine. Masses of trucks, tanks and stores have been assembled at facilities including Kamensk-Shakhtinsky and Valuyki, Belgorod Oblast. Ukrainian media reports large numbers of Russian armoured infantry vehicles have also been seen crossing Moscow's controversial Kerch Bridge into Crimea.

Russia has unilaterally declared the Kerch Strait its territory in blatant violation of international agreements that say the waters are "shared territorial waters." What makes this so dangerous is that the Ukrainian navy is blocked from returning to its ports from the Black Sea and effectively blocked from leaving its ports. Ukraine announced that it would try to navigate the straits, setting off fears of a naval confrontation.

But it is the military buildup along the border at the same time there is renewed fighting in the eastern Ukraine region of Donbass that worries analysts the most.

In particular, the enemy opened fire from 82mm mortars to attack the positions of the Joint Forces in Luhansk region: near the villages of Novotoshkivske and Khutir Vilny in the Popasna sector," the Joint Forces Operation's press service stated. The crisis flared after Moscow moved suddenly to seal the narrow channel between the Black and Azov Seas. Russian special forces seized three Ukrainian naval vessels attempting to pass through the Kerch Strait international waterway on November 25. Under international law and a 2003 treaty signed by both Russia and Ukraine, the Sea of Azov is designated a 'free navigation zone' and the Kerch Strait is classified as 'shared territorial waters'.

Putin may simply be upping the pressure on Kiev with a display of overwhelming force. But there are currently several U.S. warships in the Black Sea, and if there is any kind of a confrontation, they will become targets.

Or Putin may have determined that with the U.S. distracted by the legal troubles of its president, now is the time to settle the issue of Russian dominance in Eastern Ukraine. If Putin has judged correctly, we will not risk a war with Russia over Ukraine, and scoring a quick victory would be an enormous propaganda triumph for Russia.

But what if Putin has figured incorrectly? What if NATO responds? Putin will invade only if he feels the response will be weak and ineffective. At that, he may be right.
Who is QAnon? The question is posed because the Q phenomenon is nearly impossible to ignore. From his beginning as a fringe internet poster in October 2017, Q has broken out and now not only has a devoted following, but also has grabbed the attention of many mainstream publications like the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Week, the Daily Beast, Time magazine, and others.

In a nutshell, Q claims to be a high-level government insider with a Q security clearance from the U.S. Department of Energy. Q further states that he has been encouraged by other like-minded agents in the government to post intelligence leaks so as to inform the public about President Donald Trump's supposed master plan to stage a counter-coup against members of the corrupt Deep State.

According to Q, there are more good guys within the intelligence community than bad ones. He also distinguishes between the civilian intelligence agencies (CIA, NSA, the FBI) and military intelligence. The former have been corrupted by bad actors at the top (John Brennan, James Clapper, and James Comey, to name just a few), while the military agencies remain loyal.

Q also in his often cryptic postings notes the obvious: that the ongoing unconstitutional coup against the president is a nonpartisan matter. He says there are just as many bad Republicans as there are bad Democrats. (Well, almost as many, in my opinion.) His postings can reach the point of the extreme. Some of them hint at ongoing military tribunals for traitors within the government. He also says the POTUS is secretly working with Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller, a former Marine, to bring down the Deep State.

Because Q's postings are anonymous and untraceable, he could be what he says he is: the real deal. Or, as many others assert, QAnon could be a conspiracy nut, an internet troll, and a huckster.

In his postings, Q acknowledges that his enemies are monitoring his postings. Given the extent of his following, this is certainly true. Therefore, if Q is legit, what he puts out likely contains disinformation mixed with truth. After all, why reveal your entire plan to the enemy? So is Q trying to sow confusion within the Deep State and prompt loyalists within the civilian intelligence agencies to fight the corruption? Is he preparing the public for the storm to come? On the other hand, if Q is bogus, he could be just adding fuel to conspiracy theories and is a guy entertaining himself and his devotees as to what they hope could occur.

To learn more, go to YouTube. It is awash in clips about Q. It is clear that the Q phenomenon has gotten the traction it has because of the animus that many in government have toward the American people, the Constitution, the rule of law, and even basic decency. That the Clintons have gotten away with all their obvious criminality is a prime case in point. That, to me, is the real meaning of QAnon. If there wasn't already this justified distrust and, in some quarters, even a hatred of government, Q would  fairly or unfairly  be grouped in the genre of ancient alien theorists and those talking about secret U.S. bases on the far side of the moon and extraterrestrials walking among us.
Some home health care workers in Illinois are suing the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) for $30 million in forced dues money they feel they are owed. After being denied in federal court, the workers are now looking to take their case to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court ruled in Janus v. AFSCME that forced union dues from government agencies infringe on the First Amendment rights of workers. The Illinois workers were entitled to recoup the money, according to a federal appeals court, but the class action suit they filed was not an appropriate vehicle.

Washington Free Beacon:

"We agreed with the putative class that no one could be compelled to pay fair share fees," the court said in a ruling. "Janus does not require a different result on the narrow question presented in our appeal, namely, whether the class-action device is the proper one for the Assistants to use in seeking refunds of fair-share fees." The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, which successfully argued the Janus case before the Supreme Court and represents the Illinois healthcare workers, said it will ask the justices to review the 7th Circuit decision. The Supreme Court asked the appellate judges to review its previous dismissal of the class action suit following its June decision. Foundation spokesman Patrick Semmens said the court needs to rectify the multi-million dollar fraud. "As part of a backroom deal with disgraced former Illinois governor Blagojevich SEIU bosses seized over $32 millions dollars out of the pockets of tens of thousands of home care providers, and this ruling denies the victims of this scheme long overdue justice," Semmens said. The 7th Circuit did not dispute the Supreme Court's Janus ruling. The three judge panel affirmed a lower court ruling that the workers in the class lacked the similar interests or harm to constitute a class. "The answer to the central question that remains  how much money each individual class member is entitled to recoup  is particularly ill-suited for class treatment, because it depends on a myriad of factors particular to each individual worker," the 7th Circuit ruled.

The windfall given to SEIU by former governor Blagojevich was certainly corrupt. The workers were not members of the union, but because SEIU negotiated on their behalf, they were forced to pay up. The workers never asked for SEIU's assistance, nor did most of them agree with the radical union's politics.

But how else can they recover the money? Suing individually will take years, and SEIU will be sure to draw out the legal proceedings. So the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation will ask the Supreme Court to reverse the appeals court's decision and allow the class action suit to move forward.

Since the Janus decision, public unions have been hurt but, as expected, are doing fine. The scare tactics of those who said the decision would destroy public unions hasn't worked. These home health care workers  among the lowest paid workers in the state  deserve their day in court against the SEIU, and the Supreme Court should give it to them.
Google is now going to be shutting down its Google Plus services and API much sooner than expected, following the discovery of a new bug in the system. The bug affects as many as 52.5 million users and was introduced in an unspecified API in November. Summarily, the bug allowed apps requesting permission to view a users full profile access to aspects of the profile that were not set to public. It also enabled access to data that hadnt been shared publicly but had been shared to a given user by another user on the platform. No financial details, national identification numbers, passwords, or data along those lines was compromised and no third-party developers seem to have misused that information. In fact, many third-party developers appear to have remained unaware of the problem for the entirety of the six days the bug was active. As a result of the new bug, Google has moved the shutdown of Google Plus and its subsequent APIs forward to April of 2019.

Background: The new bug does not appear to be directly related to at least one problem revealed back in October. Simultaneously, it does seem to have leaked exactly the same kinds of information as the prior bug. That was initially spotted in March and went unreported for months out of fear that ongoing scrutiny faced by Facebook would spill over to Googles own social network  in spite of having made users vulnerable since 2015. When the news eventually did break, it was revealed alongside the announcement that Google Plus would be shuttering services permanently. In addition to the matter of security-breaking bugs, Google also stated at the time that 90-percent of users only spent around five seconds on the site per session. Developers, for whatever reason, had also been largely avoiding the platform. That may actually be a positive note with regard to the latest bug since it means that most developers would not have been in a position to take advantage of the glitch.

The initial shutdown deadline for the service had been set to August of next year and a continuation of some features on an enterprise-specific basis is planned. Those plans arent necessarily changing in spite of the most recently spotted bug and Google says it will be putting much more emphasis on security moving forward. In the meantime, the company is currently in the process of reaching out to any customers that might have been affected. The closing of Google Plus isnt necessarily surprising, as its really just one of many services the company is bringing to a close on the consumer end. Hangouts and Allo are among those but the former of those will also continue in a business-focused capacity.

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Impact: With further bugs being found in new releases to the API for Google Plus, it really isnt surprising that theyd move its shutdown forward either. More concerning is that the newer bugs appear to be almost the same as previous bugs with regard to the leaks they can and do cause for users private data. Google has assured users that it will be investing further in security and privacy. Thats in addition to its decision to shut down early in spite of the obvious problems that doing so will likely cause some developers. That gives the appearance that the search giant is putting consumer trust first but wont necessarily convince every end user.
Tensions at Google are rising as the companys hunt for leakers is heating up, The Times reports, citing sources close to the Alphabet-owned company. The company has a zero-tolerance policy on leaks and is terminating anyone proven to have talked to the press on internal affairs. Dr. Jack Poulson, a former Google Senior Research Scientist who left the firm in late summer over the controversial Project Dragonfly initiative which he described as Googles plan to capitulate to China, is now saying the technology juggernauts top priority is stopping leaks by any means necessary, revealing that employees are incentivized to report one another over suspected whistleblowing activities. Mr. Poulson doesnt paint Google as the only non-transparent player in the Silicon Valley and the U.S. tech segment in general thats adamant to sweep its ethically concerning projects under the rug however it can, with the artificial intelligence expert pointing to Amazon and Microsoft as another two firms enforcing similar anti-whistleblower policies instead of reflecting on the causes of employee activism theyve recently been experiencing.

Dissent already worked once for disgruntled Googlers

Still, it was precisely employee activism that convinced Google to let a lucrative contract with the U.S. Military expire this June when the tech giant opted not to renew the agreement regarding Project Maven, a highly controversial initiative as part of which it collaborated with the Pentagon on weaponizing AI and ultimately making the governments drones deadlier through improved imagery. A number of senior employees quit over the matter before Googles management caved in to that internal pressure, though that episode now appears to be an outlier and not the new norm.

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Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai seemed worried about that ordeal and how it made the firms leadership appear weak several months following its conclusion, shortly after the existence of Project Dragonfly became public knowledge. At a San Francisco event held in mid-October, the 46-year-old asserted isnt run through referendums and wont succumb to that management style moving forward. That strong message was followed by less firm comments on Project Dragonfly itself as Mr. Pichait repeatedly described the effort as being highly experimental in nature, stating the company has yet to decide whether to relaunch Google Search in China.

However, more recent reports suggest those comments were plainly false as Google apparently already greenlit Project Dragonfly for commercialization and could launch a censored version of Search in the Far Eastern country as early as spring. Whats more, the same sources claimed the firm engaged in misleading, deceptive, and occasionally outright hostile practices meant to suppress employee concerns surrounding the project. Late last month, insiders claimed Google China chief Scott Beaumont did whatever was in his power to avoid allowing the service to be heavily scrutinized by the tech giants privacy and security teams to the point that he was eventually maintaining an openly adversarial relationship with them. Employee concerns were reportedly swept under the rug as well, though there werent many of them initially, primarily due to the fact the companys leadership disclosed the specifics of the initiative to only several hundred engineers out of the firms global workforce numbering some 88,000 people.

Googles ambitions in China becoming more controversial by the day

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As employee activism proved to be the end of Project Maven, over 130 Google engineers recently opted for a public push against Project Dragonfly as well, delivering it in the form of an open letter meant to pressure the companys leadership to drop the program that has so far been internally described as dangerous and unethical, whereas parties not affiliated with Alphabets subsidiary made an even smaller effort to mince words. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence publicly called for Project Dragonfly to be scrapped several weeks back, criticizing Google for considering catering to a communist regime adamant on aggressive censorship while simultaneously refusing to work with the federal government on crucial efforts such as defense contracts. An almost identical sentiment was reiterated by Marine General and Joint Chiefs Chairman Joseph Dunford who said he was baffled by Googles decision to choose China over the good guys.

But growth remains a top priority

Googles insistence to continue onward with Project Dragonfly is widely understood to be a result of its rising need for finding new growth avenues which are now few and far between. China is essentially the only major hole in the juggernauts global footprint and one that could provide it with access to close to a billion Internet users. The allure of that opportunity appears to be too great for Google to drop its ambitions in the country as quickly as it dropped Project Maven and while the two moves arent directly related, i.e. one doesnt affect the other in a direct manner, the fact that the U.S. government is now relating them is unsurprising, especially given the above-average amount of tensions observed between Google and Washington in recent years. Between its troubled fight against fake news, defending itself against political bias allegations, and its growing interest in China, Americas largest rival on a number of fronts, Google presently isnt exactly in the federal governments good graces and the amount of political capital it can draw from may not be enough for it to commercialize Project Dragonfly without significant consequences.

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While the U.S. and China recently called a 90-day truce in regards to their massive trade war that already burdened tens of billions of dollars worth of goods and technologies, that peace may not last long seeing how the two sides are still at odds in regards to what they consider a fair trade deal. That sensitive geopolitical situation makes this an inopportune time for Google to experiment with Washingtons goodwill and play along with Chinas strict censorship laws which are generally seen as being fundamentally ideologically incompatible with Western values, the very same values Google was citing while announcing its decision to kill the original Search service for China in 2010. Eight years later, the company still has many investors to please with growth figures but is almost out of markets that could allow for such growth to happen.
The Nokia 9 PureView was expected to arrive way back in September this year, though back then, it was known as simply the Nokia 9. Since then, a number of delay reports surfaced, and those delay reports just got confirmed by HMD Globals employee. This information comes from Britta Gerbracht, German marketing head, who admitted that there have been some delays when it comes to the companys upcoming flagship (though he did not confirm its name). He shared this info during the Nokia 8.1 launch, while he also admitted that the delays took place because of the phones camera. Mr. Gerbracht says that the camera quality on the phone did not yet reach the necessary level of quality that HMD Global expects, which is why the phone still did not launch. On top of this, Mr. Gerbracht also confirmed that the Nokia 8 Sirocco sales were not as high as HMD Global had hoped, which is why the company is careful when it comes to releasing high-end devices, and wants to be spot on when dropping the Nokia 9 PureView.

Nokia 9 vs Nokia 9 PureView

The Nokia 9 rumors have been popping up for months now, pretty much since the Mobile World Congress (MWC) ended at the beginning of March. That being said, those rumors were mentioning the Nokia 9 up until the point HMD Global acquired rights to use the PureView brand from Microsoft. Ever since that happened, the Nokia 9 is being referred to as the Nokia 9 PureView, and it seems like that name is what HMD Global will go with. Mr. Gerbrachts camera-related delays confirmation pretty much confirms that the Nokia 9 PureView will have a complicated camera setup, and that definitely screams PureView. The Nokia 9 PureView is rumored to sport five camera modules on the back, on top of PureView branding and technology, so it will definitely take HMD Global some time to not only implement that into the phone, but make it work properly and compete with the best smartphone cameras out there, as PureView tech is different to what other OEMs are offering at the moment, and its a technology that we basically did not see in action since the last Nokia and PureView-branded Lumia smartphone arrived years ago.

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Delays So Far

Several Nokia 9 PureView delay-related reports surfaced thus far, and pretty much all of them stated that the companys Head of Product, Juho Sarvikas, is the main man behind those delays. At first, those reports suggested that Mr. Sarvikas is not happy with the final product, which is why he decided that the phone will not be released back in September, and after that, reports stated that PureView branding and technology may have something to do with the phone being delayed. It seems like those reports were at least somewhat accurate, and those delays managed to anger some of the companys employees. Some reports suggested that HMD Globals employees were not happy with Mr. Sarvikas as they thought that HMD Global is missing an opportunity to compete with other flagships in the market, as they did not release their very own offering, as those employees thought that the Nokia 9 is more than ready to be launched at the time.

Nokia 9 PureView Design & Specifications

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The Nokia 9 PureView is expected to be made out of metal and glass, as CAD-based renders confirmed a while back. The phone will include seven rings on the back, five of which are there to host the devices camera sensors. The device will include some bezel above and below the display, more than todays flagships, but those bezels will not be thick by any stretch of the imagination. The phones back side will be curved, and the remaining two rings on the back are reserved or an LED flash, and some sort of a dual sensor that was mentioned in rumors, were not entirely sure what its for yet, but it could be connected to the PureView tech implementation. The device is expected to sport a rather large display on the front, while it will be fueled by either the Snapdragon 845 or Snapdragon 855, depending on when HMD Global opts to release it. The Nokia 9 PureView will ship with Android 9 Pie, and it will be a part of Googles Android One project. The device will include at least 6GB of RAM on the inside, though an 8GB RAM variant is also a possibility. A rather large battery is also expected to be included on the inside of this phone, though were still not sure what battery exactly.

Snapdragon 845 or Snapdragon 855?

Most rumors thus far suggested that the Nokia 9 PureView will include the Snapdragon 845, and not the recently-launched Snapdragon 855. That may be a mistake for the company at this point, theyve waited this long to announce the phone, so waiting another month or two and including the Snapdragon 855 on the inside may be a better option for HMD Global. The Nokia 8 Sirocco that weve mentioned in the first paragraph was announced during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2018, and it arrived with last years processor, the Snapdragon 835, while the Snapdragon 845 was already available to OEMs. The phone was quite expensive when it was announced, especially considering that it offered a dated flagship processor, so HMD Global should learn from its past mistakes, and find a way to implement the Snapdragon 855 before launching this smartphone, as the Nokia 9 PureView is expected to be, by far the best Nokia-branded Android smartphone to date, which will not only offer great performance and solid design, but an amazing camera performance, and including the very latest flagship processor is a must if the company aims to compete with the likes of the Galaxy S10, LG G8, OnePlus 7 and all the other flagship phones that will arrive in the coming months. It remains to be seen what will HMD Global do, however, as most rumors are pointing towards the Snapdragon 845, but considering we still do not know when will this phone become a reality (though chances are it will arrive in early 2019, perhaps even in January), anything is possible, of course.
A 1970s floor lamp by Danish designer Mads Caprani. Photo: Open Air Modern

Oscar Piccolo had been experimenting with pleated paper lampshades for about a year when the designs went viral on Instagram. From his school in London, the Sicilian design student had regularly posted pictures of his lamps, which closely  and appealingly  resembled overgrown cocktail umbrellas. Someone sent the pictures to someone else, who sent the pictures to Sight Unseen (which dubbed the lamps instantly iconic) and the next thing he knew, Piccolo was featured on Vogues website. For months, eager commenters asked when the lamps would go on sale. Piccolo released a few in September; they sold out instantly and havent yet been restocked. In January, he says, hell likely put up a few more.

Pleated lamps arent new  just the opposite, actually: most Victorian-era lampshades were made of pleated cloth or crepe paper. But now young designers around the world are repurposing the prim, staid style, making pleated shades without ornamental ruching or beading; some look almost cleverly repurposed, as if someone took some run-of-the-mill window blinds and fashioned them into a conical shape.

At New York Design Weeks show at Creatures of Comfort this year, Medellin-based designer Sophie Lou Jacobsen showed a simple, pleated lamp on a steel base. Soon after, Spanish designer Arturo Alvarez released pleated stainless steel mesh lamps, in white, avocado green, and rusty orange. Back in New York, our trend bellwethers (ceramicists), are making pleated shades out of clay. Forrest Lewinger of Brooklyn brand Workaday Handmade, for instance, recently posted a picture of a hand-thrown terra cotta pleated shade on a stoneware base. (Kind of funny looking, she says of the lamp. The way I like it.) A couple of miles south, Natalie Weinberger created four stoneware lamps with pleated ceramic shades; all four colors are sold out. And ahead of all of them, Swiss design duo Jorg Boner and Christian Deuber won an award at imm Cologne in 2010 for their concrete and metal pleated floor lamp. They modeled theirs after lamp shades they saw at a senior citizen home in Untersiggenthal, Switzerland. Few designers would find the  as they dubbed them  old, stuffy, dusty shades romantic, but they did.

Its possible that the resurgence of pleats didnt come from any single lamp designer, but rather from Issey Miyake, whose Pleats Please collection has undergone a renaissance in the last couple of years, with interpretations showing up on runways in 2016, and knockoffs at Zara, Topshop, and H&M. Miyake has even dabbled in pleated homeware: in 2016 his line released pleated placemats, tote bags, and cushion covers with Finnish brand Iittala.

But Weinberger, for her part, thinks the craze comes from a lamp made in the mid-1960s by Danish furniture company Caprani. Piccolos looks the most like this one: its a floor lamp with a pleated linen shade in colors like burnt orange, brown, and white, and, like Piccolos, it has a delicately curved spine. The Caprani has gained a lot of popularity as of late, says Weinberger. Im fairly certain West Elm will have their version any minute now.

Coloured Vaporetto Lamp $228 $228 This lamp is made by designer Inga Sempe out of lacquered metal and silkscreened Tyvek. It can also be seen at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. $228 at Moustache Buy

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UPDATE: Samsung has just confirmed the Galaxy A8s pricing. The 6GB RAM variant with 128GB of storage is priced at 2,999 Yuan ($434) in China, it is available to order, but it will ship on December 31. The Elf Blue and Aurora Black variants will be available starting on January 15.

Samsung has just announced the worlds first smartphone with a display camera hole, and that camera hole is actually quite large. The phone itself actually resembles a number of renders that leaked before it got announced, it is made out of metal and glass, while its back side is curved. The phone features three cameras on the back, which are vertically-aligned, and below those cameras lies an LED flash. A fingerprint scanner can also be found on the back of the phone, along with Samsungs branding. Now, if we flip the phone around, you will notice that the Galaxy A8s has a really thin chin below the display, and that its display camera hole lies in the top-left corner of the display. That camera hole is quite large, truth be said, and the lens is not the only thing that is visible here, black bars around it are also included, which probably explains its size. The power / lock button is included on the right-hand side of the phone, as are the phones volume up and volume down buttons. A dedicated Bixby key sits on the left-hand side of the phone, while the phones earpiece is visible above its display.

In terms of specs, the Galaxy A8s is a mid-range smartphone, no doubt about it. This handset is fueled by the Snapdragon 710 64-bit octa-core processor, while it comes with 6GB / 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage (expandable up to 512GB via a microSD card). The phone features a 6.4-inch fullHD+ (2340 x 1080) display with a curved glass on top of it, while Android 8.1 Oreo comes pre-installed on the phone with Samsungs custom software. This device comes with two SIM card slots, and a 3,400mAh battery which supports adaptive fast charging. 24-megapixel (f/1.7 aperture), 10-megapixel (telephoto, f/2.4), and 5-megapixel (depth sensor, f/2.2) cameras sit on the back of this phone, while a single 24-megapixel camera (f/2.0 aperture) can be found on the phones front side. The device measures 158.4 x 74.9 x 7.4mm, while it weighs 173 grams. The device also comes with Bluetooth 5.0, while it got announced in Blue, Gray, and Green color options. The phone will hit China first, pre-orders will kick off on December 21, while we still do not know how much will it cost. This smartphone will probably make it to other markets in January, but the company did not share any such info just yet.

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Background: The Galaxy A8s is the worlds first smartphone with a display camera hole, even though at least two more such phones will launch before the end of the month. The Huawei Nova 4 will be announced on December 20, and it will sport a display camera hole in the same place as the Galaxy A8s. The Lenovo Z5s, on the other hand, will have a centered display camera hole, below the earpiece, and it will arrive on December 21.

Impact: The Galaxy A8s is the first in line, but many more such smartphones will hit the shelves in 2019. Aside from the Huawei Nova 4 and Lenovo Z5s which will arrive this month, Honor had confirmed that the Honor View 20 will launch on January 22, and also sport a display camera hole. The OPPO R19 leaked with a display camera hole, while the OnePlus 7 will probably sport such design as well. ZTE actually patented a display hole for an earpiece, while LG and Samsung plan to include two cameras in the display. These are only some of the OEMs that are planning to deliver such devices to the market, but many more are coming, as these display holes seem to be new notches for 2019.
Amazon is also discounting a slew of wireless charging products today, in its Gold Box Deal of the Day for its Electronics Day of 12 Days of Deals. So youll be able to save pretty big on some great wireless chargers, wireless charging battery packs and much more. This is a great purchase and stocking stuffer for those that just picked up a new smartphone that has wireless charging built-in.

Essentially, there are two wireless chargers included in this deal, that is the Samsung Fast Charge Convertible Wireless Charging Stand which is now priced at $29.99, which is 57-percent off of its regular price. There is also the iOttie iON Wireless Mini Fast Charger, which is on sale in various colors for $29.95 about 25-percent off. Now Amazon has its AmazonBasics 6-port USB charger included in this Gold Box Deal for some reason, it is discounted but its not a wireless charging charger. It is priced at $17.49 good for around 30-percent off. Not included in this deal, but it was included in the Anker Gold Box Deal we covered, is the Anker Power Wave 7.5 wireless charger. This one is priced at $31.97 and is about 30-percent off of its regular price. All of these can be found on Amazon using the link below.
The already tense relations between the United States and China are now deteriorating even further following the recent arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in Canada based on a request from the stateside Department of Justice. About a week after the original story of the event broke, the communist government summoned U.S. ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, voicing its displeasure over the development and threatening action against Washington. The summon happened on Saturday and was largely a formality, according to recent reports, with the happening not amounting to much in terms of political consequences. China remains adamant that the arrest of Ms. Meng is baseless and an act of bad faith against its people, having already demanded the industry veteran and daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei be released immediately.

All Quiet on the Eastern Front  kind of

Despite the fact that the Chinese governments decision to summon Mr. Branstad to complain about Ms. Mengs arrest is its most high-profile disapproval of the recent events to date, the act itself is standard practice for Beijing when it comes to any kind of international disputes. The U.S. envoy is understood to have largely reiterated Washingtons already outlined comment on the matter during his Saturday meeting with Chinas Foreign Ministry officials, which is that the case itself is an ongoing affair that will be cleared up in the near future. The Justice Department is presently trying to have Ms. Meng extradited in order to hold a trial on U.S. soil but before that can happen, it needs to win a legal battle in Canada, i.e. the Canadian government needs to do so on Washingtons behalf.

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But things are getting heated in the West

Thats exactly what started happening on Friday when a Vancouver court was expected to reach a decision on whether to allow bail for the Huawei CFO, though no such ruling was ultimately made and the 46-year-old spent a weekend in jail, waiting for her trial to resume today. Its currently unclear whether theres a possibility that the bail decision will be further postponed but such a turn of events would out of the ordinary in the context of the Canadian judicial system. Ms. Meng previously won a publication ban, limiting the medias ability to report on the details of the case. Whats currently known based on the Friday hearing is that the U.S. Justice Department believes she established and maintained hidden ties between Huawei and Skycom, a company operating in Iran, with the goal of circumventing stateside trade sanctions imposed on the Middle Eastern country. The episode is said to have involved an illegal banking scheme, among other things.

If proven, such a transgression would constitute a fraud under U.S. law, punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison. The Canadian governments representatives in the case are still pushing against Ms. Mengs bail, claiming Huaweis top executive is a flight risk that has every incentive to flee the country if an opportunity arises, a notion thats already been dismissed by the CFOs legal team last week. Huawei itself condemned the arrest and the secretive manner in which it was conducted on Saturday, December 1, maintaining its not aware of any kind of wrongdoing on the executives part and demanding to see some evidence of the thereof.

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The Chinese media and select government officials already accused the U.S. of foul play in regards to the Vancouver arrest, alleging the move is nothing short of an illegitimate attempt at destabilizing the worlds number one telecom equipment manufacturer and the largest privately owned firm in the Far Eastern country in terms of headcounts. The same argument was previously used by Huawei itself to attack the legitimacy of the U.S. efforts to stifle its stateside ambitions which last materialized in the form of a provision of this years spending bill which specifically forbade the federal government from purchasing or licensing technologies manufactured or otherwise associated with Huawei or ZTE, another Shenzhen-based company, albeit one thats directly controlled by Beijing, being majority-owned by a state-sponsored entity.

What Huawei can deduce from ZTEs 2018 scandal

ZTE itself is no stranger to disputes with the American government in regards to trade sanction violations. It was accused of several such transgressions some two years back, specifically in regards to embargoes imposed on North Korea and Iran, with the manufacturer then breaking its original 2017 settlement which almost pushed it into bankruptcy after the Department of Commerce hit it with a denial order preventing it from acquiring American technologies such as Qualcomms Snapdragon chips and contemporary versions of the Android operating system with Googles apps. That ordeal also caused significant friction between the U.S. and China, especially as it arose amid heightening tensions in regards to trade which resulted in a full-blown trade war involving heavy tariffs on tens of billions of dollars of goods.

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A 90-day truce was agreed at a G20 summit in Argentina just ten days ago which was happening as Ms. Weng was being arrested in Canada on behest of the U.S. The helms of the Trump and Trudeau administrations claimed ignorance in regards to the episode, stating the arrest wasnt politically motivated and was organized by their law enforcement agencies independently based on collected evidence. Regardless, as the case revolves around supposedly broken trade sanctions, the precedent set by the U.S. government with ZTE shows that Huawei cant count on being too big of a fish to get caught in a massive legal storm if the said allegations are proven in the court of law.

How all of that will immediately affect the already heavily deteriorated relations between the U.S. and China remains to be seen but the tensions are unlikely to drop anytime soon seeing how the extradition process the Justice Department is currently trying to see through is expected to last up to several months. In the meantime, Huaweis shares and its suppliers stocks are all down due to the uncertainty introduced by Ms. Mengs arrest, adding yet another chapter to the companys long history of issues with the U.S. government.
Posted on: December 10, 2018 12:20 PM

The President of Malawi, Peter Mutharika, has praised the Anglican Church in the country, commending it for the social services you provide to Malawians. Speaking at celebrations to mark the 120th anniversary of St Martins Anglican hospital in the Mangochi district of southern Malawi, President Mutharika said: You have some of the best secondary schools in this country. And you provide dependable health services to the people. Keep on with your mission. Maintain your prophetic role. . . As Government, we appreciate the role you play in the development of this country.

St Martins was founded in 1898 as a single-nurse facility, providing basic medical care for missionaries and their families. Within five years it had developed and was providing care for 350 patients a month. It has continued to grow, and today, it serves a population of around 40,000 people at its site and through a mobile medical unit. Located on the banks of Lake Malawi, St Martins Hospital provides maternity and paediatric services, and has an operating theatre and orthopaedic facilities. It is part of the health care facilities of the diocese of the Upper Shire, part of the Anglican Church of Central Africa.

As we celebrate St Martin Community Hospital today, let me congratulate the Hospital staff, the Anglican Diocese of Upper Shire and all of the partners that support the Hospital, President Mutharika said. You are doing a very good job. Keep up the work!

As partners, we are making real progress in improving health services in this country. We are reducing the number of deaths of women associated with pregnancy and child birth. We are reducing the number of deaths of children under the age of five years from preventable causes. We are reducing the number of deaths from high burden infectious diseases such as HIV and Aids, malaria and tuberculosis, among others.

Above all, together, we have improved the life expectancy of Malawians from 37 years to 62 years during the time the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] has been in Government from 2004.

This celebration tells us that whatever we see in this country, there is a history behind it. There is a beginning for everything. But very often, we take things for granted because we do not care about where we are coming from. We take what we have for granted. We take what we are for granted. We take everything for granted because we do not often care about those who struggle and suffer for things we have and now enjoy.

He said that the government and church shared one common goal, saying: We both serve Gods people.

The President added: In fact, I personally believe that leading a country is a calling from God. Just as David was called by God, I count my service to my country as my service to God. But every calling by God is a journey of trials. That is why I believe in prayers. I believe in prayers and every morning I pray. And I find it wise to forgive.

He said that the government had improving infrastructure in the Mangochi district, including more piped water, a new technical college and a new road from Liwonde to Mangochi. The government was going to do more, including a new road from Mangochi to Makanjira, a new five-star hotel and an international airport.

I promise what I do. And I do what I promise, he said. Together, let us develop this country! Together, let us love on another!
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The London's Westminster Magistrates Court has ordered the extradition of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India. Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot delivered the verdict on Vijay Mallya's extradition after a year-long trial. The Chief Magistrate found prima facie a case against Vijay Mallya for fraud, conspiracy and money laundering. Now the matter of extradition of Vijay Mallya has been referred to the Secretary of State in United Kingdom. Mallya now has 14 days before he appeals before the higher court in the UK.

After the verdict, Mallya said: "My legal team will review the judgement in detail and consider various options and then I will decide going forward. There is nothing to be shocked about." On asking if he regrets going to the UK, Mallya said: "At the end of the day that's what the courts are for, that's how lawyers thrive. Do I regret being in a situation where I'm reading legal papers and paying legal fees? Yes, I do. I could have done something more productive with my time."

There was "no ground at all" to believe that Vijay Mallya faces any risk in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail which has been recently "redecorated", the UK court said, rejecting the liquor baron's attempts to show Indian prisons in a bad light and ordered his extradition.

The court dismissed the defence's attempts to dispute Indian prison conditions as a bar to his extradition on human rights grounds, saying the video of the Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, where Mallya would be held, "gives accurate portrayal and has been recently redecorated".

"He will have access to personal medical care to manage his diabetes and coronary problems... There was no ground at all to believe that he faces any risk at all (in jail)," the judge ruled. Delivering the verdict, she said that there was "no sign of a false case being mounted against him".

"Having considered evidence as a whole. There is a case to answer," Judge Arbuthnot said as she ruled that Mallya could be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.

Hailing the UK court order, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the offender who benefited during the UPA rule is being brought to the book by the NDA government. BJP chief Amit Shah said the credit of a UK court ordering extradition of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya to India "entirely" goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who ensured that agencies were unrelenting in their pursuit of the man who "bled" banks here.

Earlier, before appearing in the court, Vijay Mallya told reporters he wanted to disprove the narrative that he "stole" the money and had made a settlement offer. On being asked if his settlement offer of 100 per cent principal amount was genuine, Vijay Mallya said: "There is nothing genuine or ingenuine. Please understand that the offer has been made in a court of law. Nobody disrespects a court of law."

Also read: Vijay Mallya extradition hearing today in UK court: All you need to know

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines owner has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April 2017. Following the Chief Magistrate's verdict, the UK Home Office for the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, will announce the final order. Moreover, both the parties will have the right to file for a permission to appeal in the Chief Magistrate's ruling in the UK High Court.

Manoj Sharma with PTI inputs
Board Vice Chair Warren B. Kanders is the owner of the tear gas manufacturer whose products were fired at the asylum seekers on the U.S./Mexico border. The protesters, who filled the lobby, brought banners, drums, and a cowbell, and burned sage, were in solidarity with but separate from the nearly 100 Whitney staff members who signed a letter expressing their dismay at Kanderss presence on the board and requesting a new policy around trustee participation in exhibitions.  Hyperallergic
The Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Elysees was graffitied by rioters; TV footage showed its interior ransacked and a smashed statue of Marianne, symbol of the French republic. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, after returning from a trip to Argentina the day before, in order to inspect the damage.  The Art Newspaper
When refugees flee, or when groups migrate en masse, they (at least try to) take their music with them. But the modern world isnt kind to public performances of music. Some musicians say that music, song and dance are vital areas of empowerment, they are part of the foundation of personhood, and should be included among internationally recognised human rights.  Le Monde
The protest, organized by a group called Decolonize This Place, was to demand the resignation of the museums vice chairman, Warren B. Kanders, 12 days after it was revealed by the website Hyperallergic that he is also the owner, chairman, and CEO of the company Safariland, which manufactures law enforcement gearincluding the tear gas reportedly being used on migrants at the southern border.  The Daily Beast
Do it yourself if you can We accept  in principle  that private equity can deliver (somewhat) excess returns over most other asset classes. But there are a lot of qualifications attached to that, and most of them are very relevant to whether and how pension funds should invest in private equity.
Four people were killed and 11 injured on Monday after a minibus mowed down pedestrians in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said Information Services Department of the HKSAR government.

Photo taken on December 10, 2018 shows the accident scene where a minibus mows down pedestrians in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. [Photo: VCG]

The department said that according to latest information from hospitals, among the 11 injured, four were in critical condition, two in serious condition and five stable.

Police said the accident occurred around 2:00 p.m. local time (0600 GMT) in North Point. The cause of the accident has not been determined yet.

HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam expressed her condolences to the victims of the accident.
Had RBI Governor Urjit Patel made his intention known to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 9 that he doesn't want to continue in office over the mounting differences between the central bank and the government?

There are some who speculate that Governor Patel had made up his mind much earlier, but was persuaded to stay till the assembly elections in five states would be completed. Was today the perfect time to put in his paper? These are all speculations, but there were indeed issues where the government and the RBI were finding it difficult to reconcile. Things were turning more difficult day after day.

The appointment of S Gurumurthy of Swadeshi Jagran Manch to RBI's central board in early August this year added more fuel to the fire. Gurumurthy was more forceful in implementing his agenda. It helped the government nominees as there was support from other directors like Gurumurthy. Governor Patel was not very comfortable when the pressure on the RBI started mounting. The first board meeting on October 23 was stormy and inconclusive. The two critical issues discussed were relaxation in the prompt corrective action (PCA) framework and the transfer of surplus capital of RBI to government. The demands of some of the board members were unreasonable. In fact, the board meeting was inconclusive, though I lasted full nine hours. Just three days later, Viral Acharya, the deputy governor made the scathing public speech on how the government is undermining RBI's authority and independence. Acharya had the blessing of Governor Patel to make the point of RBI's independence. There was a footnote in Viral Acharya's speech which said, "I'm grateful to Governor Urjit Patel for his suggestion to explore this theme for a speech - "On the importance of independent regulatory institutions: The case of the central bank."

Clearly, the speech had the approval of RBI team. Every word of the speech was hard hitting. Acharya even cited Argentine Government's interference with its central bank in 2010 and the eventual impact in its economy and financial market. "The government that does not respect their central bank's independence would sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire and come to rue the day they undermined the regulatory institution," warned Acharya in his speech.

After the speech, some of the board members were baying for Acharya's blood. There was a demand for his resignation also. In fact, Gurumurthy even complained to Governor Patel against Acharya for making the board meetings content public. During the board meeting on November 19, both the government and the RBI agreed to sort out their issues through expert panel and committees, but the issues were still lingering. A call has to be taken for restructuring scheme for MSMEs, liquidity support for NBFCs, relaxation of PCA framework.

The next board meeting on December 14 was supposed to discuss all these issues. The very fact that the RBI board was directing or deciding the matter was something that had never happened in the past. Why do you need a governor when board is to discuss sensitive policy issues and take calls? There was a limit to which RBI could cede its ground. Governor Patel, who was not very comfortable in this new emerging working framework, has finally decided to leave rather than give in.
Everything You Need To Know To Enjoy Mezcal

A Gentleman's Guide to Drinking and Appreciating Mezcal

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Picture yourself walking into the hippest, most secretive, underground speakeasy in a back alley in New York or Los Angeles. You poke your head in and you adjust to the dim lights before you make eye contact with the mustachioed bartender. He's wearing a velvet jacket and his tattoos are creeping up his neck. You look across the bar and wonder: What is everyone drinking?

No, not tequila  this isn't Spring Break. Everyones sipping on mezcal and all you know about mezcal is that it isn't tequila and it comes with a little worm inside it. Well, allow me to fill you in on whats unquestionably the hottest spirit right now.

Related: A Gentleman's Guide To Drinking Rose Like A Boss

Why Mezcal?

Mezcal is artisanal, traditional and the vast majority of it is made by small producers in the Mexican countryside. In other words, it's cool. The buzz hasnt eluded big brands like Diageo, Bacardi and Jose Cuervo whove all scooped in to add mezcal brands to their collections. George Clooney has also jumped on the mezcal trend.

Mezcal's delicious, usually smokey, flavor is nothing new for the Mexicans whove been drinking it for generations. Go to a wedding or a baptism in the southern state of Oaxaca and you'll see the mezcal flow. Some rural towns even invite every guest into their home with a shot glass  yum!

But mezcal should also come with a warning. Due to the high alcohol percentage, a few glasses can turn that classy night at that hip speakeasy into you stumbling into the street belting out Guantanamera at the top of your lungs. In other words, treat mezcal well and it'll do the same.

Stephanie Foden for AskMen

Mezcal Vs. Tequila

Ill tell you what mezcal isnt  it isn't a spirit thatll make you hallucinate, as you might have heard (youll need to pick a different Oaxacan mountain fungus for that). Nor is it that crap in a plastic bottle you took home from Spring Break which has a worm in it, though, the worm, or maguey, isnt necessarily a bad thing. Also, all mezcals aren't tequila, but all tequilas are mezcals. Allow me to explain.

Like tequila, mezcal is a spirit made from the pineapple-like heart, or pina, from the Mexican agave plant. However, tequila only comes from the blue weber strain of espadin agave while mezcal can come from different strains, including tobala and tepeztate, which may take decades to ripen. For tequila, the pina is steamed in an industrial oven, but for artisanal mezcal, producers toss it onto a fire pit with piping hot stones, and ground it with a stone wheel pulled by a donkey, giving it that smokey flavor its known for.

Tequila is restricted to one region, the state of Jalisco and some surrounding towns, but mezcal can technically come from anywhere in Mexico  well, technically speaking. Government regulations dictate that mezcal can only be called mezcal if it comes from nine states, the primary of which is Oaxaca where there are over 3,000 distilleries, or palenques.

Getty Images

Finally, while tequila tends to be distilled by seasoned mass producers, mezcal comes from thousands of different small producers, many of which aren't exported outside of Mexico, so, if you like mezcal you better book your flight to get the real experience.

As a matter of fact, I happen to be in Oaxaca City as Im writing this guide, so I asked a local expert to tell me why its so key to taste mezcal where its produced. You know the story of Mexico when you drink mezcal here. Its more profound, said Edgar Lara, the head bartender at Mezcalogia, one of the most popular mezcal bars in the city. "When people come they have more respect for it."

How To Enjoy Mezcal

Don't shoot it, that's disrespectful. Instead, sip your mezcal like a fine scotch, that's how the locals do it. Besides being the traditional way to do it, sipping mezcal is a damn good idea if you want to fend off that awful headache in the morning  mezcals usually hover around 50% alcohol content and over 75 proof. That means it could get you mighty drunk, mighty fast, so watch out.

Another way to avoid the spins is to chow down with your mezcal. You can drink mezcal at any time (its 5 o'clock somewhere) and with pretty much anything, so why not go with what its been traditionally paired with Oaxacan cuisine? No, that doesnt mean a big fat Chipotle burrito. Oaxacan food is more along the lines of mole, a complex sauce sometimes with over 30 ingredients often including rich chocolate, tlayudas, a sort of Oaxcan-style pizza, or chapulines, crunchy grasshoppers. In Oaxaca, mezcal is usually served with orange slices and sal de gusano, a chile salt with little fried worms in it.

Getty Images

How To Select A Mezcal

Since mezcal is so artisanal, Lara told me that every bottle can taste completely different. Theres also your pallet to factor in, as different flavors might pop for different people. That doesnt make choosing a mezcal so simple. A good way to start is to determine which agave, or maguey, variety you like. Here are some of the most common:

Espadin - The most popular agave, which takes at least six years to ripen before its distilled. Espadin is best for cocktails and is usually smokey.

- The most popular agave, which takes at least six years to ripen before its distilled. Espadin is best for cocktails and is usually smokey. Tobala - This agave can take 12 to 18 years to ripen, so it's rarer and thus tends to cost more. Also, keep in mind that you don't get many bottles per pina, so that adds to the price. Tobala tends to be sweeter and smoother than espadin.

- This agave can take 12 to 18 years to ripen, so it's rarer and thus tends to cost more. Also, keep in mind that you don't get many bottles per pina, so that adds to the price. Tobala tends to be sweeter and smoother than espadin. Tepeztate - Taking at least a quarter century to ripen, don't expect to find this mezcal at a bargain price, which is a shame because it's so damn good.

- Taking at least a quarter century to ripen, don't expect to find this mezcal at a bargain price, which is a shame because it's so damn good. Jabali - One of the most difficult agaves to grow  it has a history of exploding during the process  which takes 10 to 15 years to ripen.

Another thing to consider is how the mezcal was distilled. The traditional way is to distill it in clay pots, which provide an earthier flavor. Copper, on the other hand, leaves a finer finish. Theres also a method of distillation you should know about for your next dinner party and its called pechuga. If the word pechuga sounds familiar from your eighth grade Spanish class (it means chicken breast) then youve nailed it. Pechuga actually involves distilling the mezcal with an actual chicken.

How To Drink: Cocktails

While mezcal is traditionally enjoyed straight, it can add an oomph to your cocktail. The most popular youll see are mezcal margaritas or negronis and those are fine, just so long as you use espadin, according to Alejandro Medina, the head bartender at one of Oaxacas trendiest mezcal bar Sabina Sabe. He said if you mix a cocktail using a tobala or jabari strain of mezcal, youre masking the flavor. "In my opinion, if you add another flavor, its kind of dirty, he said. "You need to have respect for these mezcals.

Stephanie Foden for AskMen

Here are a couple of cocktail options to impress your friends with:

Last Word: Medinas favorite cocktail is usually made with gin, but its even better with mezcal, according to him. To make it, add equal parts green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice. "Gin is drier, but in this cocktail when you change the spirit, the flavor with mezcal  its powerful, Medina says.

Medinas favorite cocktail is usually made with gin, but its even better with mezcal, according to him. To make it, add equal parts green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice. "Gin is drier, but in this cocktail when you change the spirit, the flavor with mezcal  its powerful, Medina says. Naked and Famous: Lara at Mezcalogia loves to make this cocktail, which is made with yellow Chartreuse, Aperol and lime juice. Its a fiesta del sabor, he says.

How To Buy

Mezcal is a ticking time bomb. With the spike in popularity, the delicious spirit will inevitably go the way of tequila and lose its traditional and artisanal process one day. More intimidatingly, since agave takes so long to ripen, experts are worried producers won't be able to catch up, or worse, they'll drain the agave supply entirely. "In five to 10 years if the people dont care about the agave, the mezcal wont exist," Medina says. So, what are you waiting for? Better enjoy that mezcal now before it's too late.

Rey Campero Espadin

Rey Campero makes one of the best artisanal mezcals silvestre, according to Medina. Silvestre, or wild, means the agave seeds are procured in the mountains and brought back to the distillery. Rey Campero is also conscious about sustaining the supply of agave, having planted 8,000 new plants in 2013, according to its website. Medina says he likes their espadin, because its a bit dry, a little bitter and not too smokey.

$52.99 at Drizly.com

Del Maguey VIDA

Del Maguey VIDA is one of the best budget mezcals youll find in the US, which means it's a good place to start. It's organic, twice-distilled and kept in copper casks. Expect it to taste light and fruity with notes of honey and vanilla on your pallet. If you like Del Maguey, Lara says you should try the tobala, which opens up your nasal passage and gives you some nice tongue tingles.

$37.99 at Drizly.com

Real Minero Barril

The Angeles Carreno family who makes this mezcal has been doing it for four generations and they've built up a brand that's considered one of the best mezcals on the market. The pinas from the barril variety of agave are in the shape of a barrel, hence the name, and provide a unique and full-bodied flavor. All Real Minero mezcals are distilled in the traditional way with clay pots, but the best part, for Medina anyway, is the family's pledge to research and conserve agave, something that will hopefully have us enjoying Real Minero mezcal for years to come.

$149.99 at Drizly.com

Nuestra Soledad Santiago Matatlan

This popular mezcal comes from arguably the most notable town in Oaxaca for mezcal, Santiago Matatlan, which is about an hour drive from Oaxaca City. Lara likes the espadin, which has hints of caramel, chocolate and banana. The reason for these unique flavors is because the agave grows in the mountains alongside these trees high, so it adopts their flavors.

$41.59 at Drizly.com

Gem&Bolt

Youll fall in love with this mezcal. Well, thats the idea anyhow. Damiana, a herb found in Oaxaca is considered a love potion and it's infused into Gem&Bolt's mezcal. Medina says Gem&Bolt is a great introduction to mezcal since its middle of the road in terms of intensity  not too strong or smokey  and it tends to be on the sweeter side. It's also extremely popular among LA's hip crowd, so there's that.

$39.99 at Drizly.com

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Colin Biggers & Paisley (CBP) has expanded in Melbourne with the appointment of two senior lawyers.

Katrina Gillies and John McGirr have joined the firms insurance team as special counsel and senior associate, respectively. Nick Crennan, CBP managing partner, said that the firm is nationally and internationally recognised for its strong reputation in insurance and it is proud of the calibre of people it is able to attract.

Our insurance team is undergoing rapid growth, not just in Melbourne but across the eastern seaboard. Katrina and John's experience will complement our insurance team's already impressive skill set and be of great value to our clients, he said.
RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned citing "personal reasons" for stepping down from the position. "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement.

He added: "The support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been the proximate driver of the Bank's considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and Directors of the RBI Central Board, and wish them all the best for the future."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that RBI Governor "leaves behind a great legacy". PM Modi also said Patel "steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline". Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability, said the PM.

Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely. - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley posted a tweet on Patel's resignation saying the government acknowledges Patel's services as the governor of the RBI. "The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service," Jatitley tweeted.

The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2) - Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018

Patel's resignation comes after the central bank's spat with the Finance Ministry over issues related to autonomy and governance of the central bank. In the press conference after last week's monetary policy committee meet, Urjit Patel had refused to comment 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.

Independent Director of the RBI, Satish Marathe, while speaking to India Today TV, said he was both surprised and sad at Patel's resignation. He said he didn't know why Urjit Patel had resigned, and that "things looked settled and were moving smoothly". "Such things are to be taken as concern. The issue of liquidity was addressed... the issue of giving support to SME was addressed (And) to determine economical capital for the Reserve Bank was resolved," said Marathe.

He added these issues were unanimously discussed and resolved during the previous RBI board meetings. Regarding the invoking of section 7 of the RBI Act, Marathe said: "Section 7 was never invoked". He also said things would be clear only after the RBI board meeting on December 14.

Meanwhile, Subramanian Swamy, in an interaction with India Today TV, reacted saying: "Timing of the resignation is wrong. It's wrong for the economy and also for the government. If he (Patel) says he has resigned on personal ground, the PM should persuade him that he can't leave at this time of crises."

Part-time director of the RBI, S Gurumurthy, said he was surprised at the news that RBI governor has resigned. "The previous meeting was held in such cordial atmosphere that it comes as a shock. All directors said media had created a wrong perception while inside it was totally different. That makes it even more surprising".

I enjoyed several hours of personal discussions with him where we found large areas of agreement as well as mutually understandable disagreement. His resignation is indeed set back to the effects of the convergence of views that was taking place. We will miss him. - S Gurumurthy (@sgurumurthy) December 10, 2018

The Opposition parties, including the Congress, have launched an all-out attack on the government, calling it an economic anarchy. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel also said that the manner in which the RBI governor has been forced to quit is a blot on India's monetary & banking system.

Ahmed Patel on Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI Governor: The manner in which RBI governor has been forced to quit is a blot on India's monetary & banking system. BJP Govt has unleashed a defacto financial emergency. The country's reputation&credibility is now at stake.(File pic) pic.twitter.com/jDGI4UAr9b - ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

"Economic anarchy, compromising India's monetary policies & attempting to stifle RBI's independence by Govt appointed puppets is the DNA of BJP!," said RBI Governor Randeep Singh Surjewala.

Integrity of another institution -RBI, stands denigrated by a tyrannical Modi regime as reflected in RBI Governor's unceremonious exit. Economic anarchy, compromising India's monetary policies & attempting to stifle RBI's independence by Govt appointed puppets is the DNA of BJP!

- Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 10, 2018
Keypoint Law has appointed Adeline Schiralli as a consulting principal.

She joined the NewLaw firm in Sydney from Willis & Bowring, where she was a senior associate. With extensive experience in estate planning and elder law, she strengthens the firms estate planning, administration, and litigation team. She also specialises in entry into retirement villages and residential aged-care facilities.

With the appointment, Keypoint said that it has grown its senior ranks by 40% over the past 12 months. It most recently welcomed consulting principals Neil Arora, Douglas Linnette, Warwick Painter, and Phil Jamieson in Sydney.
South Koreas largest law firm was raided by prosecutors last month over the alleged involvement of some of its lawyers in the intentional delay of Supreme Court rulings on forced-labour cases.

Authorities revealed last week that the offices of two Kim & Chang lawyers, Kwak Byung-hun and another surnamed Han, were searched in November, The Korea Times said. The raid was the first time the top firm was raided by prosecutors.

The lawyers are alleged to have coordinated delays in rulings of the Supreme Court of former justice Yang Sung-Tae, during the administration of disgraced former president Park Geun-hye, on cases of South Korean victims of forced labour by Japanese companies during the wartime occupation of the Korean Peninsula.
And most importantly, its not every day we get to see an old woman, a grandmother, get all emotional when setting her eyes on a car of all things.But luckily we have Britain, and we have the Brits, with their unstoppable taste for honoring their past in ways others would never even dream of.Take this story, for instance, coming from Land Rover. As the brand celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, a chance encounter with one of the company's former employees, one that contributed to the rise of the brand following the second world war, turned into one of the most emotional tributes to the past weve seen in recent memory.Dorothy Peters got a job at Rover back in 1946, when she was only 15, to work in the companys service department. At that time, the Rover Company was just beginning work on the first Land Rovers , which would start rolling off assembly lines two years later.It's unclear for how long she worked there, but she seems to have developed a special relationship with the cars she helped build.In 2018, Dorothys destiny took her to Solihull, a place where Land Rover was hosting one of its celebrations for the anniversary. There she met Mike Bishop, a Land Rover engineer with the companys classic car department. A man who, by chance, happens to own an original Land Rover, the 16th ever made and one Dorothy worked on back in the day.In exchange for her memories and some timeless black and white stills of life at Land Rover at the middle of last century, Bishop decided to treat Dorothy with a trip down the companys Solihull jungle track.Thats because despite working for Land Rover, the woman, now 87, had never been in one of the cars she seems to cherish so much.
Footage released by the force shows one trooper walking over to the pickup truck, which was dragging a horse trailer with 2 missing tires, when a leaping lemur took him by surprise. As it turns out, the lemur wasnt the only exotic animal inside: ClickOrlando says police also retrieved a tortoise, a wallaby, a goat, a parrot and a sheep.Prior to the truck pulling over, the footage shows sparks flying from the trailer: it was missing 2 right tires and was going on the exposed rims. At least 3 drivers called 911 to say theyd been hit by the pickup truck and that the driver hadnt stopped, and all of them positively ID-ed Shane Taylor and his pickup after the arrest.A traffic stop was conducted and the trooper immediately noticed that the driver, 27-year-old Shane Taylor, was slurring his speech, had bloodshot eyes and appeared to be disoriented, the publication reports.Taylor was arrested and taken to the hospital, while animal services came to pick up the animals he was traveling with. The sheep had bleeding lacerations and not one of the animals was properly secured  so Taylor is also facing an animal cruelty charge.In the video released by the police, hes shown telling the troopers that they dont know how to handle the lemur and even reproaches them for not knowing what a wallaby looks like. His intoxicated state could account for the extra protectiveness he felt for the animals at the last moment: the report notes that he was so drunk he urinated on himself in the back of the patrol car, on the way to the hospital.He could have done without the animal cruelty charge: according to the same publication, hed already been hit with DUI , leaving the scene of a crash, driving without a license and reckless driving.
Old habits die hard and when retired Air Force Col. Charles McGee took the controls of a HondaJet last week, he banked gently left and right, getting a feel for the ultramodern business jet. It was the day after the former Tuskegee Airmans 99th birthday and the HondaJet ride, arranged by the National Business Aviation Association and Glenn Gonzales, whose company Jet It owns the aircraft, was part of a daylong series of celebrations to mark the milestone and McGees remarkable career. A loop over the Virginia countryside with McGee at the controls of the business jet was a highlight for the veteran of three wars and one of the most experienced combat pilots, and the Washington Post went along for the ride.

McGee earned his wings at the Tuskegee Army Airfield on June 30, 1943, flew P-39s, P-47s and P-51s for the 332nd Fighter Group in Italy in 1944 and flew 137 missions in the Second World War. He stayed in and did a stint as a B-25 instructor back in Tuskegee after the war. He flew 100 missions in a P-51 in Korea and 172 missions in the reconnaissance version of the F-4 in Vietnam, ending his flying career with a total of 409 combat missions. After landing at an executive airport in Hampton Roads in the HondaJet, he met with current military members, including Maj. Paul Lopez, an F-22 demo pilot, and reflected on a life in aviation and service. Folks say, Youre a hero. I dont see it like that, McGee said. I just say lifes been a blessing.
When Argentine President Mauricio Macri hosted Trump at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires last week, Trump said he'd "been friends with Mauricio for a long time, many years."

But as Bloomberg's Tim O'Brien reported, that history wasn't always sunny. Trump met then-teenage Mauricio Macri while wrangling with his father, a top Argentine developer, over a contentious Manhattan real estate partnership.

The Trump-Macri encounter at the G20 reminded some sources of a highly unusual conversation between Macri and then-Secretary of State John Kerry a few months before the 2016 election.

Behind the scenes: Macri hosted Kerry and a number of senior U.S. officials at the presidential mansion, the Casa Rosada, in Buenos Aires. It was August of 2016, shortly after Democratic convention, and Hillary Clinton was soaring in the polls. The people there talked about Trump like he was a comical sideshow.

And Macri told a story everyone in the room found hilarious. Here it is, as recalled by one source in the room and confirmed, in broad detail, by another source in the room and a third source briefed on the conversation:

When Macri was running for president, he got a phone call out of the blue. "This is Donald Trump," Macri told the people in the room, impersonating the future president and pretending to hold a phone to his head. "I've been watching you."

The call amazed Macri, he told listeners. "Trump goes on to say, I remember you fondly and I remember the business deal,'" one participant recalled. "And Macri says, 'Fondly? Fondly, you son of a gun?'"

Trump told Macri he would help him. "Yeah, yeah," Macri replied, as if he didn't think much of it at the time.

Some days after the call, a big FedEx envelope came in the mail with a check from Trump to Macri's campaign. One source thought the check was for $500; another thought $5,000.

Then came the punchline: Macri told the room that when his team went to deposit the check, it bounced.

The response: The White House did not comment. A representative for the Argentine government said, "The Public Communications Secretariat of the Argentine Government denies that this conversation took place."

Postscript: The conversation certainly did take place; it's not conceivable that our three sources could have colluded to make this up.

While Trump didn't break U.S. law by sending a check to Macri, it was illegal for the Argentine politician to accept a foreign contribution.

Yes, but: Mark Jones, a Latin American scholar at the Baker Institute, told Axios it's not so simple. "Traditionally in Argentina, most campaign donations aren't reported," he said. "The laws have been more or less irrelevant because historically most Argentine donations are done under the table with effectively everyone knowing that people cheat."

Go deeper: World leaders turning Trump's tricks against him
Maine voters approved the state's Medicaid expansion in 2017. In early 2019, it'll finally happen.

Why it matters: The successful ballot initiative in Maine inspired three more this year  all of them successful  and advocates are already looking ahead to the states where similar ballot questions could stand a good chance in 2020.

Details: Gov. Paul LePage has refused to implement the expansion, despite voters' approval and legal challenges to his recalcitrance.

The judge handling those challenges issued a procedural ruling yesterday that effectively renders the lawsuits moot and sets a Feb. 1 deadline to begin enrolling people in the program, the Portland Press Herald reports. Benefits will be retroactive to July.

Democratic Gov.-elect Janet Mills also takes office Jan. 2 and has said she would immediately implement the expansion.

The bottom line: Maine's Medicaid program will finally, actually expand within a month of LePage leaving office.
North Carolina GOP candidate Mark Harris said in a video Friday that he would "wholeheartedly" support a new election if evidence of fraud is presented in North Carolina's 9th congressional district race, the Washington Post reports.

Why it matters: This is a sharp turn from Harris' stance yesterday when he demanded that the election results be certified immediately with him as the victor over Democrat Dan McCready, who officially pulled his concession on Thursday. State and national GOP officials were alerted by Harris' Republican primary opponent that there may have been fraud in the primary election, but officials instead focused on Harris' general election campaign against McCready.
The big energy market news over the weekend was OPEC and Russia agreeing in Vienna Friday to curb output by 1.2 million barrels per day compared to October levels.

Why it matters: The decision to curb output starting in January quickly boosted prices a bit, though they remain far below where they were 2 months ago.

The global benchmark Brent crude initially shot up by $3 per barrel Friday before giving back about half that ground.

Prices are heading back down again on Monday morning to roughly $61, and are still far below the $86 reached in early October.

What they're saying: A number of analysts see the cut tightening the market enough to send prices back up next year by roughly $10 per barrel from where they were before the deal.

"We think the OPEC+ deal sets a platform for prices to recover towards USD70/b. While we cant rule out downside from here we think it now looks far less likely, and we would expect continued OPEC intervention if it were the case," HSBC analysts said in a note Monday.

But, but, but: There are all kinds of caveats here. Bloomberg writes this morning, "Oils gains risk being quelled by uncertainty over how the OPEC+ coalition will implement its deal to cut output, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley."

A couple of experts are warning that OPEC and Russia's new deal is simply triage, and that the cartel is facing much larger and existential challenges.

1. Nick Butler of King's College London writes in the Financial Times that Qatar's recent decision to abandon OPEC is a sign of fundamental problems and loss of influence.

"Wisdom begins with a cold-eyed acceptance of reality. Opec is not the power it once was," writes Butler, a former BP executive.

"For Qatar, and several other countries, the implication is that they will have to look after themselves in a world where the old methods of controlling prices by restricting production no longer work," he adds.

2. Council on Foreign Relations' Amy Myers Jaffe has a post that looks at OPEC's position in light of the rise of U.S. shale and the emergence of alternative technologies that have put peak oil demand on the eventual horizon.

Her piece covers a lot of ground, and I won't try to capture it all here. Overall, she argues that "OPECs mission is starting to look increasingly anachronistic."

Go deeper: Russia, OPEC agree to cut oil production
A special envoy from the Israeli Foreign Ministry held a secret meeting in Istanbul with Sudanese officials a year ago as part of an attempt to renew the dialogue between the two countries, a source briefed on the meeting told me.

Why it matters: There has been deep hostility between the two countries over the last several decades, though Sudan is not officially designated in Israel as an enemy state. Israel is the only country in the world that Sudan does not allow its citizens to visit legally. Sudan used to host Hamas' headquarters and was an ally of Iran, but since 2014 it has started to distance itself from Tehran and pivot toward Saudi Arabia. In response, Israel began in 2016 to quietly lobby the U.S. and EU members to boost economic aid to Sudan.

The meeting:

The Israelis gave the Sudan file to a senior diplomat in charge of relations with countries with whom Israel does not have diplomatic relations.

The Sudanese sent to the meeting a senior aide to the then-intelligence chief, Mohamed Atta, who is now serving as Sudan's ambassador to Washington.

The secret meeting took place in the Istanbul office of a Turkish businessman and close confidant of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

The source briefed on the meeting told me the Israelis and Sudanese discussed the warming of relations between the countries and possible Israeli aid to Sudan in the fields of medicine, agriculture and the economy. An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman didn't deny this account and told me: "No comment."

A senior Israeli official tells me Israel was in contact with Sudan for some time in order to see whether it might be possible to renew diplomatic ties with the Arab-Muslim country.

The official said the issue was discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the president of Chad, Idriss Deby, who arrived in Israel this week on a historic visit after five months of secret talks between Israel and Chadian officials. Deby told Netanyahu he is ready to encourage Sudan to warm ties with Israel.

The latest: Today, after another meeting with Deby, Netanyahu issued a statement saying he will travel in a few weeks to Chad in order to give a joint statement with his Chadian counterpart on the resumption of diplomatic relations, which were cut in 1972.
It was in August last year, that the Indian-American economist Arvind Panagariya, who was handpicked by Narendra Modi to lead the NITI Aayog, had quit the job when the economy was in the thick of staging a turnaround. The free-market economist Panagariya has been one of the most vocal supporters of Modi's 'Gujarat model of growth' and was once considered as a successor to Raghuram Rajan at Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Panagariya is said to have written to Modi on the hardships the demonetisation exercise inflicted on the public and was also reportedly unhappy with the pace of reforms in the first two years of the government. The reason for the resignation was that his "leave from Columbia University was ending".

The Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian left the finance ministry in June because of "pressing family commitments", according to the finance minister Arun Jaitely. "His reasons were personal but extremely important for him. He left me with no option but to agree with him," Jaitley wrote in a Facebook post. Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, took charge in October 2014 as CEA, a post that had been lying vacant since September 2013 after Rajan took over as RBI Governor.

Months after quitting the job, Subramanian came out with the book "Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy", in which he called the demonetisation as a draconian move. "Demonetisation was a massive, draconian, monetary shock: In one fell swoop, 86 per cent of the currency in circulation was withdrawn," he said in the book. He recently said that the new gross domestic product (GDP) back-series data, released late last month by the Central Statistics Office and NITI Aayog, hurt the credibility of official data. He questioned the GST design and said the country's economy is in for a slowdown.

Before these two exits, Raghuram Rajan decided to leave RBI in June 2016, as he wanted to go back to his old job in Chicago. During his tenure in office, there was often criticisms on the interest and exchange rate policies adopted by the governor. Though Rajan never gave any explanation for his departure, he called the resignation of his successor Urjit Patel as the "ultimate weapon" to show the "dissent" against the government. Patel was initially perceived as a Modi's man and proved the critics right as he never commented on the serious issues like demonetisation, loan defaults and NPAs in the public. But he later countered the government interventions in the central bank and tried to clear the name before leaving the big post. We have seen similar radical shift in the case of former chief justice Dipak Mishra--during his time four senior judges of the Supreme Court raised their voice against the Chief Justice's decisions, but Justice Misra finally came up with popular verdict like gender equality before his retirement.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher's resignation from Film and Television Institute of India as chairman was another unexpected event. He quit the top job because of the international assignment.
President Trump is expected to appoint State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Bloomberg reports.

The big picture: President Trump accepted Nikki Haleys resignation as UN ambassador in October. She will exit at the end of the year. Nauert served as spokesperson for the State Department since 2017, and became acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs earlier this year.
Last Saturday night, after his dinner with China's President Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires, President Trump rode to the airport in his armored limousine. The first lady, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Press Secretary Sarah Sanders joined the president in "The Beast."

What happened: Inside the car, Trump dictated a statement to Sanders listing the concessions he said China made during the dinner, according to two sources familiar with their private conversation. The statement, which was circulated to principals, was all Trump. Since then, we've seen a mess of competing and confusing statements from the Chinese and American sides, throwing U.S. stock markets into a spiral.

Behind the scenes: On Monday, John Kelly emailed staff saying Robert Lighthizer would head the China talks. Some speculated that hawkish Lighthizer is warring against moderates Larry Kudlow and Mnuchin. The reality, though, is that this is Trumps show.

Sources with direct knowledge told me that even the small, senior group that joined Trump at the Xi dinner didn't know beforehand what Trump would say. One source with direct knowledge called it a "jump ball."

What's next: While the last week of market mayhem might've seemed crazy, we haven't reached peak uncertainty. That could come in February or March when three of Trump's most audacious trade battles simultaneously crescendo.

First: Trump has been threatening to issue a withdrawal notification for NAFTA, which would make Congress choose between backing his new deal with Canada and Mexico  the USMCA  or withdrawing altogether. (Trump has come extremely close to notifying NAFTA withdrawal multiple times over the past year, according to sources with direct knowledge.)

Trump has been threatening to issue a withdrawal notification for NAFTA, which would make Congress choose between backing his new deal with Canada and Mexico  the USMCA  or withdrawing altogether. (Trump has come extremely close to notifying NAFTA withdrawal multiple times over the past year, according to sources with direct knowledge.) Second: In March, Trump may ratchet up tariffs against $200 billion worth of Chinese products if Beijing doesnt keep the promises he claims Xi made, like making serious moves to stop their theft of U.S. intellectual property.

In March, Trump may ratchet up tariffs against $200 billion worth of Chinese products if Beijing doesnt keep the promises he claims Xi made, like making serious moves to stop their theft of U.S. intellectual property. Third: Trump will have to decide whether he follows through on his threat to impose 20% or 25% tariffs on automobile imports. The Commerce Department has until February to deliver Trump its report on auto tariffs, which would force a decision from the president. (Almost everyone on Trump's team, besides his hawkish trade adviser Peter Navarro, thinks car tariffs are a terrible idea. And Congress would likely revolt. But as Trump said, he's a "Tariff Man." He loves them, is furious about foreign treatment of U.S. automakers, and thinks car tariffs, specifically, are his most powerful threat in negotiations with foreign leaders.)

The bottom line: Just one of these trade wars would be enough to consume a normal president. One senior adviser told me he worries Trump has bitten off more than he can chew. Trump's obsession with the stock market makes all this even more fraught. Sources close to Trump tell me he knows these trade conflagrations could make last week's stock market volatility the new normal. We'll soon learn whether this molds any of these high-stakes decisions.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and his allies looked set to gain a two-thirds majority in Armenias new parliament as they cruised to victory in snap general elections held on Sunday.

According to the preliminary election results released by the Central Election Commission (CEC) early on Monday, Pashinians My Step alliance won over 70 percent of the vote.

The strong performance highlighted Pashinians continuing popularity more than seven months after mass protests led by the 43-year-old former journalist toppled the countrys longtime leader, Serzh Sarkisian. The protests were sparked by Sarkisians attempt to extend his decade-long rule.

Businessman Gagik Tsarukians Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) finished a distant second with 8.4 percent of the vote. It was followed by the pro-Western Bright Armenia Party, which got 6.4 percent.

Sarkisians Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) apparently failed to clear a 5 percent legal vote threshold for being represented in the National Assembly. They got 4.6 percent and 3.9 percent of the vote respectively, according to the CEC.

The HHK, which won the last parliamentary elections held as recently as in April 2017, did not immediately say whether it recognizes the percentage of votes attributed to it.

The six other contenders fared even worse .

Pashinian declared his victory in the elections shortly after midnight. It is obvious that we will have an absolute majority in new parliament, which will allow us to implement our reform agenda, he told a news conference held at the My Step headquarters in Yerevan. There is no doubt that our alliance  enjoys the trust of the Armenian people.

Under Armenian law, no single party or bloc can control more than two-thirds of the parliament seats. Such a comfortable majority will be more than enough for Pashinian to retain his post and push government bills through the parliament.

Pashinian said his chief priority will be to bring about an economic revolution that would significantly reduce poverty, create many jobs and thus raise living standards in the country. He repeatedly made such pledges during the election campaign, saying that his governments efforts to combat corruption and improve the business environment will improve the socioeconomic situation.

The CEC put voter turnout at 48.6 percent, down from about 61 percent reported in the last parliamentary elections held in April 2017.

The HHK seized upon this difference to downplay the scale of Pashinians victory. The former ruling partys deputy chairman, Armen Ashotian, claimed that it reflects popular apathy and disappointment with Pashinians government.

This proves that the holding of the pre-term parliamentary elections in December was not a popular demand but the result of Nikol Pashinians personal political calculations and interests, Ashotian wrote on Facebook.

Pashinian appealed to Armenians to turn out in larger numbers a few hours after the opening of the polls. In a live Facebook transmission, he also said that the turnout is lower than in 2017 mostly because voters are no longer bribed by the HHK.

At the late-night news conference, Pashinian also claimed that under the former HHK-led government the number of people participating in elections was routinely inflated as a result of fraud. Besides, he said, said some of his supporters did not bother to vote on Sunday because they were confident about My Steps landslide victory.

Pashinian and the HHK traded bitter recriminations during the two-week election campaign. The premier accused Sarkisians party of corruption and misrule and said the snap polls must lead to its political demise.

For their part, HHK leaders accused Pashinian of endangering Armenias national security and failing to deliver on his promises of rule of law and economic betterment.

By contrast, Tsarukians BHK and Bright Armenia avoided strongly criticizing the government on the campaign trail.

Although the HHK continued to accuse the authorities of intimidating its activists and abusing administrative resources, election contenders, observers and media reported far fewer instances of serious fraud than they had in the past. In particular, there were virtually no reports of vote buying, which was widespread in the previous Armenian elections.

The Armenian police said they recorded 144 reports of various irregularities and will look into them.
Observers representing the leading pan-European organizations on Monday described the weekend parliamentary elections in Armenia as democratic, saying that they witnessed virtually no serious irregularities.

The more than 300 observers mostly deployed by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) gave the most positive assessment ever by a Western-led monitoring mission of major elections held in the South Caucasus nation.

In a joint statement, they said the snap polls won by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians My Step alliances enjoyed broad public trust and were marked by a general absence of electoral malfeasance, including of vote buying and pressure on voters.

Election day proceeded calmly and peacefully with all stages assessed positively by almost all [mission] observers, indicating general adherence to the procedures, read the statement.

The vote count was assessed positively in all but two polling stations observed, indicating that the counting process was conducted without significant procedural violations, it added.

I congratulate the Armenian people, Aleksander Pociej, the head of a delegation of the Council of Europes Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) that was part of the monitoring mission.

[Armenias] 2018 peaceful velvet revolution, in conjunction with the political will of the current authorities, enabled the holding of democratic elections, Pociej told a joint news conference with the other mission chiefs.

Democracy cannot proceed without trust, so I am pleased that broad public trust was the central characteristic of this election, said Peter Osusky, who led 250 or so short-term observers deployed by the OSCE.

Heidi Hautala, a European Parliament member, likewise stated that there were minimum irregularities in Sundays vote, unlike in the previous Armenian parliamentary elections that were held in April 2017 and also monitored by her.

A similar OSCE-led mission cited at the time credible information about vote-buying and pressure on civil servants and employees of private companies. The then ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) was widely accused of resorting to the illegal practices.

Positively, electoral stakeholders did not report any systematic efforts of vote-buying and other electoral malfeasance, the European observers said this time around.

In their preliminary findings, they also praised Armenian media coverage of the parliamentary race. They said local broadcasters, who remain the main source of information for voters, made a visible effort to cover all electoral contestants.

The public television provided a reasonably balanced coverage, said their statement. Positively, a number of media, including the public television, organized genuine debates, bringing together candidates from all the contestants.

The HHK claimed throughout the election campaign that its activists across the country are summoned by police officials and warned against telling people to vote for the former ruling party. Urszula Gacek, the head of the European monitoring mission, said her observers were aware of the alleged harassment but found no evidence of it.
Former President Serzh Sarkisians Republican Party (HHK) and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) essentially accepted on Monday official election results showing that they will no longer have seats in the countrys parliament.

According to the preliminary results released by the Central Election Commission (CEC), the HHK won 4.7 percent of the vote in Sundays general elections, falling short of the 5 percent threshold to enter the National Assembly. Dashnaktsutyun got 3.9 percent and will also not be represented in the parliament.

The setback is particularly severe for the HHK which won the previous parliamentary elections held as recently as in April 2017.

These elections were democratic in form but not in substance, the HHK said in a statement.

The statement accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, whose My Step alliance polled over 70 percent, of abusing his administrative resources and whipping up intolerance towards dissent during the election campaign. It also alleged government harassment of Republican local government officials and other party activists.

Still, the former ruling party indicated that it will not challenge the official vote results in court or otherwise. We wish the forces elected to the parliament and the government to be formed by them success because the security and development prospects of our country depend on that, it said.

The statement also said that the HHK will continue to challenge Pashinians government as an extraparliamentary force. Appealing to party supporters, it added: Rest assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure that the noise of populism does not suppress your voice.

Dashnaktsutyun, which has been represented in the parliament since 1999, also tried to put a brave face on its electoral performance. This is a defeat but not of our voters, it said, describing the latter as principled individuals who voted for a party program, rather than a popular individual.

A much larger number of other voters, a Dashnaktsutyun statement complained, looked for an internal enemy and shockingly ignored grave challenges facing their country.

Dashnaktsutyun, which has influential branches in Armenian communities around the world, had up to three ministerial posts in Sarkisians government from 2008-2009 and 2016-2018. It reached a similar power-sharing deal with Pashinian after he swept to power in May this year. Pashinian fired the Dashnaktsutyun-affiliated ministers in October, accusing their left-wing nationalist party of collaborating with the HHK.

Pashinians bloc will have a two-thirds majority in the new parliament, putting it in a position to not only push through government bills but also amend some articles of the Armenian constitution.

The remaining parliament seats will be divided between the Prosperous Armenia (BHK) and Bright Armenia parties which garnered 8.3 percent and 6.4 percent of the vote respectively. Unlike the HHK and Dashnaktsutyun, both parties refrained from openly criticizing Pashinian during the parliamentary race.
A senior representative of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians My Step alliance made clear on Monday that it will not seek a power-sharing agreement with any other political group after its landslide victory in the weekend parliamentary elections.

We have won a majority in the National Assembly and dont have a desire or see the need to form a coalition government with any other force, Lena Nazarian told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am).

My Step will control just over two-thirds of the seats in the new parliament, more than enough to reappoint Pashinian as prime minister and further his legislative agenda.

Only two other parties, Prosperous Armenia (BHK) and Bright Armenia, will be represented in the parliament. They both avoided criticizing Pashinian during the election campaign.

Bright Armenia, which made up an alliance with Pashinian until recently, said that it will be in opposition to the prime minister. Some observers are skeptical on this score, however, saying that that the partys leader, Edmon Marukian, is unlikely to seriously challenge the government.

The BHKs current status is more ambiguous. Its leader, Gagik Tsarukian, shed no light on the partys plans on Monday in a written statement to supporters. Tsarukian said only that the BHK, which came in a distant second in Sundays elections, will continue to stand with the people.

A senior BHK figure, Naira Zohrabian, said the partys governing board will meet soon to decide whether or not to act like an opposition force.

The BHK received four ministerial posts in the current government immediately after Pashinian swept to power in May. The premier sacked those ministers in October, accusing Tsarukian of collaborating with the former ruling Republican Party (HHK).
By Narmina Mammadova

Russia is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan. Thus, the relations between two countries are developing in all directions, especially in the high technology.

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies reached a preliminary agreement on taking the necessary measures to reduce roaming tariffs between telecom operators of the two countries, the Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass communications Konstantin Noskov told Trend.

Noskov noted, the work in this direction is conducted at the level of bilateral contacts.

"We are working closely with Azerbaijan and set the task for telecom operators to negotiate with each other. During my visit to Baku [to participate at Bakutel 2018], very active negotiations took place on this issue. We agreed with Azerbaijani Minister of Transport of Communications and High Technologies to take the necessary measures to make the operators reduce tariffs for roaming services.

At present, the cost of a minute of outgoing call for subscribers of Azerbaijani operators in Russia ranges from 0.99 to 4.99 manats, depending on the operator and the region of the Russian Federation, and the cost of a minute of incoming call is 0.39-0.99 manats.

In turn, for subscribers of Russian operators located in Azerbaijan, a minute of outgoing call will cost 25 - 85 rubles, depending on the operator, and a minute of an incoming call will cost up to 25 rubles.

In 2017, two countries marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Russias investments in the Azerbaijani economy almost reach $4 billion. Entrepreneurs from Azerbaijan have invested over $1 billion in Russias economy.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia amounted to $1.3 billion in January-July 2018. It increased by almost 17 percent for the year.

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By Leman Mammadova

The favorable geographical location of Azerbaijan ensures its active participation in the realization of global transport projects.

Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will strengthen cooperation in transport sphere between Azerbaijan and Lithuania, Lithuanian Transport and Communications Ministry told Trend.

The Ministry said that Lithuania is currently implementing the Viking project.

"It is a joint project of Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine railways, connecting Baltic and Black sea ports. Additional cargo flows can be attracted by adding Azerbaijan and Georgia to this train route. Therefore, in May 2016, Azerbaijan has signed a protocol on Azerbaijan Railways CJSC's joining the Viking train project. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line will be very useful to strengthen cooperation between two countries in transport field," the message said.

In addition, the ministry said that exchange of experience with the Baku International Sea Trade Port could be effective for both parties.

The Viking project was launched in 2003 with the initiative of Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine. The total length of the Illichiovsk (Ukraine)-Minsk (Belarus)-Draugyste (Lithuania) route is 1,766 kilometers. The route crosses Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania and links the network of sea container and contrailer lines of the Baltic and the Black seas, the Mediterranean and the Caspian seas. The regular runs were launched on February 6, 2003.

According to preliminary calculations, cargo transportation along this corridor in India-North Europe direction will take 20 days, to China - 16-18 days. The delivery time of the alternate routes makes about 35-40 days.

Viking is one of the most successful container train projects of the Lithuania Railways company. Its main benefits are consistency (the train currently runs from Klaipeda port five times a week), speed, work experience (the experience enables to provide the high quality services quickly and reliably), competitive prices (special and uniform transit rates in all participating countries), as well as fast EU-CIS border crossing procedures.

In 2017, the volume of cargo transportation along Viking route amounted to 46,451 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit). The main freight consists of vehicles and its parts, textile products, metal products, products of the chemical industry.

The Viking project covers the transportation of cargo from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. The main purpose of the transport corridor is to connect the Scandinavian countries to the Black Sea via Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine, and to ensure access to Azerbaijan, Iran, Central Asia, the Far East region and India. The trade turnover between Northern Europe (Baltic, Scandinavian and others) with Iran, Pakistan, India and Arab countries will be advantageous for Azerbaijan, as it will be a transit country.

In September 2015, the Ukrainian Railways JSC announced the possibility of cargo transportation via Viking train from China to Europe. The corresponding protocol was signed during the meeting of heads of railways of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Ukraine on the formation of competitive tariff conditions for cargo transportation in Asia-Europe-Asia direction on September 11, 2015 in Odessa.

In February 2016, Ukraine and Lithuania signed a memorandum on the accession of the Viking container train to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route from Europe to China through Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, so-called New Silk Road route.

Due to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Lithuania will be able to carry more cargo from Kazakhstan and China, and also to transport containers from Turkey to Ukrainian ports. The project promises a number of economic prospects to Azerbaijan.

The BTK railway has been constructed on the basis a Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. The project implementation began in 2007 and the construction phase was launched in 2008. The line is intended to transport one million passengers and 6.5 million tons of freight at the first stage. This capacity will then reach 3 million passengers and 17 million tons of cargo.

The opening ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was held on October 30, 2017 at the Baku International Sea Trade Port. The total length of the BTK railway is 846 km, with 504 km running thtough the territory of Azerbaijan, 263 km - Georgia and 79 km - Turkey.

Providing the shortest rail link between Europe and Asia, BTK plays an important role in the implementation of China's "One Belt, One Road" strategy and International North-South Transport Corridor.

At present, the BTK provides transportation from Kazakhstan to Mersin port. Some cargoes are delivered from Russia to Turkey and Europe.

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By Narmina Mammadova

A two-day international forum "AgTech and Green Energy Forum. Innovation for the Green Future", organized by the Ministries of Agriculture and Energy, has kicked off in Baku on December 10.

Speaking at the forum, Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Inam Karimov said that introduction of innovations in the agriculture sphere in Azerbaijan will make it possible to reduce expenditures in the industry by 20-30 percent.

He noted that this will make it possible to increase productivity by approximately the same amount, and it will inevitably lead to reduction in the cost of food products by 45-50 percent.

Today the issue of ensuring food supplies is paramount in the world. Demographic growth, along with the environmental factor, requires providing the population with high-quality food products, and to a certain extent, some difficulties also arise here, the minister stressed.

According to the latest forecast of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), there will be about 9.3 billion people in the world by 2050, Karimov said.

This means that we need to increase food reserves by about 79 percent over the next 30 years. At the same time, there are also global challenges, such as climate change and global warming, drought, which impedes this. In addition, environmental protection, optimal use of water and land, as well as reduction of harm from the use of fertilizers and pesticides remains one of the main problems, he added.

The minister remarked that agriculture sector in Azerbaijan is the leading direction of economic development, and in recent years tangible results have been achieved in this field.

In the first nine months of this year, growth in agricultural production in Azerbaijan amounted to about 4.3 percent. In addition, Azerbaijan has become an exporter of agricultural products. The main task facing the agriculture ministry is to make optimal use of existing resources, increasing productivity and environmental protection. The ministry has identified priority areas of activity. This is, first of all, to support farmers, to build good governance in agriculture sphere, to ensure the application of innovation and modern technology in the industry, Karimov said.

Aerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov speaking at the forum, noted that today the share of alternative energy in Azerbaijan accounts for 18 percent of energy production.

Shahbazov emphasized, the "green economy" is a new and important industry that Azerbaijan wants to develop.

An integral part of this direction is alternative energy and efficient use of energy. Traditional energy is already beginning to give in to green energy thanks to numerous appeals and initiatives, said the minister.

As the minister noted, energy resources are unevenly distributed throughout the world and, unfortunately, are becoming a political weapon.

"Changes in oil prices in recent years have shown that countries with rich energy resources should look for alternative solutions. In addition to energy security, environmental safety is one of the main tasks today. According to forecasts, by 2040 two thirds of investments in electric energy will be investments in renewable energy. Renewable energy will make up 40 percent of the electricity needs," said Shahbazov.

In the coming years, the minister continued, Azerbaijan is planning to launch new facilities operating on energy sources such as the sun and wind.

He added that the work to create favorable conditions for private sector entrepreneurs, whose role in the development of alternative energy is great, is underway.

Working groups are being set up for this purpose, and negotiations are underway with companies such as BP, Total, Siemens and others. At the same time, a pilot project of floating solar panels was launched in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank on Lake Boyukshor, Shahbazov added.

Addressing the event, Assistant to the Azerbaijani President for Agriculture Policy Issues Azer Amiraslanov noted that large-scale activity is being carried out in Azerbaijan for the development of the agriculture sector, however, much work remains to be done, Assistant to the Azerbaijani President for Agriculture Policy Issues Azer Amiraslanov said.

He noted that according to the decree of President Ilham Aliyev, projects are being implemented in the country using innovative technologies in the field of agriculture.

We should apply innovative technologies in villages, he said. One of the main conditions for sustainable development is the development of sources of alternative, renewable energy and bioenergy. Among other things, the main task is to protect the environment and the ecosystem. The agriculture sector is considered one of the important directions in the countrys development, because this sector plays a special role in the diversification of the economy, providing the population with food, the development of districts, reducing poverty, addressing social problems and other issues.

Amiraslanov stressed that considering all this, President Ilham Aliyev pays such attention to the development of the agriculture sector.

Over the past 50 years, the agriculture sector has gone a long way of development. If earlier, this sphere was given special attention by less developed countries, now this sector has become a sector that requires major investments and is based on sophisticated innovative technologies. Now, developed countries are also paying special attention to this area. In the 60s-70s of the 20th century, the term green revolution entered the international lexicon, he said.

Ramin Guluzade, Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan, in his speech underlined that agriculture sector is one of the biggest technology and innovation consumers in the world.

He said that this is proved by the signing of a memorandum in 2017 between the International Telecommunication Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) regarding the application of high technologies and innovations in the field of agriculture.

The government of Azerbaijan also pays special attention to this, he noted. Information resources and systems in the field of agriculture have been created in Azerbaijan, and work in this direction continues. At the same time, high technologies are widely used in agriculture. This sector is receiving even greater development due to the application of drones, internet of things and BigData technologies. Our ministry can assist in the application of these technologies.

An Innovation Agency is being created under the ministry, and this agency will create the possibility of expanding the use of innovations in the agricultural sector, Guluzade said.

The agency can offer the use of data center resources, as well as the resources of the sterilization unit, which has already been built and will be commissioned next year, he noted.

In addition, laboratories for product quality analysis have also been established under the ministry, he said.

Serious steps are being taken to strengthen Azerbaijans export potential, creating favorable investment environment and expanding innovation activity. The strategic road maps adopted in the country create new opportunities for national economy. All this is reflected in international rankings. For example, in the latest WB Doing Business report, Azerbaijan ranked 25th among 190 countries. In addition, our country is included in the list of countries where many reforms are being implemented, the minister noted.

In turn, Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said that Turkey is ready to share its methods and technological innovations in the agriculture sector with Azerbaijan.

He said that the exchange of views on agricultural reforms with Azerbaijan will contribute to the development of cooperation between the countries.

Speaking about global problems, Pakdemirli noted that by 2050, the population in the world will reach almost ten billion people.

On the one hand, demand is growing, on the other hand, environmental problems are also growing, he added. We must do everything possible to solve these problems, and I hope that this forum will help us.

The event was attended by government officials, farm managers, foreign green technology experts, representatives of start-ups, technology companies and the private sector.

The main objectives of the forum are to ensure the innovative development of agriculture and energy in Azerbaijan, strengthen ties between various stakeholders, and develop models and links in the field of sustainable business.

About 700 people, including diplomatic delegations from 20 countries, experts from 16 countries and founders of 15 startups from Israel, the U.S., Estonia and other countries attend the event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy.

The forum is designed to help agriculture and energy sectors to develop a roadmap and create an innovative ecosystem in Azerbaijan that will help introduce modern technologies and new energy sources.

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By Laman Ismayilova

Baku Book Center will host a meeting with the world famous musician Till Lindemann on December 15.

The frontman of the cult German rock band Rammstein will hold an autograph session in honor of the release of his book "On Quiet Nights: Poetry", Trend Life reported.

Fans of the musician will receive a unique opportunity to get signed a copy of the collection of his poems. This book has already become an absolute bestseller. The author of the illustrations is Till Lindemanns friend, the artist Matthias Mattis.

Those who want to take part in the autograph session, should buy the book "On Quiet Nights: Poetry". The event starts at 18:00.

Notably, Till Lindemann had already visited Azerbaijan's capital city last summer.

The musician was the special guest of Zhara Summer Music Festival.

Each summer since 2016, people gather in Sea Breeze Recreation Center, to share a universal love of music at the International Music Festival Zhara.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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A farmer from Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district has sent a money order of Rs 6 to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to mark his protest against crashing prices of onions and paltry returns.

The farmer Shreyas Abhale told PTI Sunday that after selling 2657 kg onions at the rate of Rs 1 per kg at the Sangamner wholesale market in the district and adjusting market expenses, he was left with only Rs 6.

"I earned Rs 2,916 when I brought 2,657 kg of onion to Sangamner wholesale market. After making payment of labour charges and transportation charges at Rs 2,910, I was left with just Rs six," Abhale said.

Abhale said he felt disappointed and decided to send the amount (Rs 6) to the chief minister to draw his attention to his situation.

"I have spent almost Rs two lakh for the onion crop and have earned just Rs six. I do not know how I am going to clear other dues", he said underlining the price crisis.

Abhale said he had sent the money order to the chief minister on December 7, the day he sold his produce.

Bumper production of onions has affected the onion growers in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts adversely.

An onion-grower from Niphad taluka in Nashik district recently sent his earnings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his protest after he was forced to sell his produce for little over Rs 1 per kg.

The farmer, Sanjay Sathe, had donated Rs 1,064 he had received after selling 750 kg of onions to the Disaster Relief Fund of the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) through a money order.

Two onion farmers from Nashik district have allegedly committed suicide in the last two days, apparently due to indebtedness and low rates commanded by the bulb in markets.

Meanwhile, a farmer from Nevasa taluka in Ahmednagar district has distributed 20 quintals of onions for free and put up a flex board in Marathi sarcastically thanking the Union and state governments for "keeping onion prices very low".

The farmer Popatraon Wakchowre, who hails from Punatgaon village, brought the onion to a weekly market Sunday along with the flex board.

"I am deeply hurt because of this government's policies and a little concern it has towards our plight. In the last four years, we hardly got better rates for our produce," Wakchowre said.

"I put up the flex board and sarcastically thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for keeping the prices so low," he said.

Wakchowre, while distributing onions, also placed a donation box requesting people to help him to clear his dues.

"I am stooped to the level of a beggar because of this government. I own some agriculture land, but I have to seek donation to clear my dues. I cannot repay just by selling my produce," the farmer said.
By Trend

During the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, 1,483 Armenian prisoners of war and hostages were released, Eldar Samadov, deputy head of the Working Group of Azerbaijans State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, said.

He was speaking at a conference titled "Criminal acts of Armenians against the Azerbaijani people and their tangible and cultural monuments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict", held in Baku Dec. 10, Trend reports.

Samadov stressed that Armenia is holding three Azerbaijani hostages.

There is also one Armenian hostage on the Azerbaijani side, he said. Azerbaijan continues the necessary measures to release Dilgam Asgarov, Shahbaz Guliyev and Elnur Huseynzade held hostage in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The release of these people is in the center of attention of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Samadov noted that President Ilham Aliyev, who participated in the informal summit of the CIS heads of state in St. Petersburg, during a meeting with Armenian acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the issue of mutual exchange of persons held in Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The main issue is the collection and storage of DNA samples from close relatives of missing persons, Samadov said. A special place has been allocated for storing the samples in Azerbaijans State Security Service (SSS) hospital, and 5,889 samples have been collected so far regarding 1,943 missing persons.

During an operation in July 2014 in the Shaplar village of Azerbaijani Kalbajar district, occupied by Armenia, the Armenian special forces killed an Azerbaijani, Hasan Hasanov, and took hostage two other Azerbaijanis, Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov. A "criminal case" was initiated against them. Afterwards, a "court" sentenced Asgarov to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years in prison.

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.

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By Trend

During intensive military operations, relatives of prisoners of war, as well as hostages and missing persons - a certain part of Azerbaijani citizens, without coordinating their steps with the relevant authorities, headed to Georgia, where they held informal meetings with Armenians, said Eldar Samadov, deputy head of the Working Group of Azerbaijans State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons.

He was speaking at a conference titled "Criminal acts of Armenians against the Azerbaijani people and their tangible and cultural monuments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict" held in Baku Dec. 10, Trend reports.

The result of such steps was tragic, he said, adding that the relatives of the prisoners of war were also taken hostage.

This is very regrettable, he noted. We always warn citizens that they should never take any steps that arent coordinated with state bodies.

During an operation in July 2014 in the Shaplar village of Azerbaijani Kalbajar district, occupied by Armenia, the Armenian special forces killed an Azerbaijani, Hasan Hasanov, and took hostage two other Azerbaijanis, Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov. A "criminal case" was initiated against them. Afterwards, a "court" sentenced Asgarov to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years in prison.

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.

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By Trend

The 4th protocol meeting on Caspian Sea maritime safety has kicked off in Tehran, Trend reports citing Mehr News Agency.

Representatives of Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan are participating in the meeting. The meeting will run until Dec. 11.

The meeting participants will discuss improving safety of vessels in the Caspian Sea, mechanisms in search and rescue operations, oversight and inspection of vessels, as well as protection of the marine environment.

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By Trend

One Iranian bank has already begun to carry out financial transactions between Iran and China, Trend reports citing www.Banker.ir website.

After China's Bank of Kunlun created problems with financial transactions between Iran and China, Iranian Co-Chair of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce Asadulla Asgar-Ovladi said that new financial channels will be created between the two countries.

He added that as Iran stopped to sell oil to China, Bank of Kunlun stopped to carry out transactions with Iran. But financial transactions have been already resumed. A decision was made to renew financial transactions since December 2.

According to Iranian and Chinese businessmen, this process has started. The name of an Iranian bank has been disclosed for the Chinese side. The businessmen can continue their work by opening an account in the Iranian bank. However, this can also be carried out through other banks. The Iranian side may have additional expenses.

Another official in the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce said that the financial transactions have been already resumed between Iran and China. Of course, the documents are throughly checked by the Chinese authorities due to the US sanctions and money laundering.

This process is slow, but it has not stopped. Bank of Kunlun and other Chinese banks easily carry out financial transactions with Iran, the official said.

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By Trend

A meeting with a delegation led by director of the office for promotion of international projects of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Takashi Yoshioka was held in the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, Trend reports citing the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

The sides drew attention to the strategic partnership and expressed interest in its development in the political, trade, economic and cultural spheres. The cooperation in the transport sector was also stressed.

The Turkmen delegation has recently held several business meetings in Tokyo with president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Shinichi Kitaoka. JICA has expressed interest in cooperation on social projects.

The Turkmen side proposed Japan to consider the possibility of participating in the project of modernization of the Turkmen railways.

Turkmenistan intends to purchase modern locomotives.

The Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway, which was commissioned in 2014, may give a powerful impetus to the development of the Caspian region.

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By Abdul Kerimkhanov

The Indian company Rising Hongfa Heavy Machinery is implementing a project to organize the production of modern concrete materials in Uzbekistan.

The project cost will be about $ 3 million. During the first official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to India, Uzstroymaterialy JSC and Rising Hongfa Heavy Machinery signed an agreement on organizing the production of modern concrete materials.

The investment project includes the construction of a modern plant for the production of new types of refractory, waterproof, insulating concrete wall slabs for the needs of the construction industry in 2020.

The preliminary location of modern production is the city of Bekabad.

The delegation of Rising Hongfa Heavy Machinery visited Uzbekistan from December 1 to December 8 to work on issues of the next phase of the project.

Representatives of the Indian company held meetings and negotiations in various departments and organizations.

At the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry, representatives of the delegation expressed their willingness to expand cooperation in this area, including the production of pharmaceuticals in Uzbekistan.

The parties agreed to exchange the necessary information on existing benefits and preferences in the pharmaceutical industry for investment cooperation.

The meeting at the Ministry of Health discussed the organization of training seminars for doctors and retraining of medical personnel in India.

During the meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the State Investment Committee Shamil Burnashev, the parties discussed the details of the implementation of the investment project, including information, consulting and organizational support.

The management of Rising Hongfa Heavy Machinery stressed that it is interested in developing cooperation in other sectors, including the modernization of medical institutions.

There are 145 enterprises with participation of Indian funds, 21 of which are fully Indianc in Uzbekistan. The volume of bilateral trade in 2017 amounted to $326.6 million.

In 2017, Uzbekistan was visited by more than 10,000 tourists from India. For the development of tourism today, the issue of creating two more direct flights from Tashkent to Mumbai and Chennai is being worked out. To date, direct flights from Tashkent to New Delhi and Amritsar have been launched.

Uzbekistan exports to India beans, balsams, raw silk, earth metals, fertilizers and other goods. The main products imported from India are medicines, ferrous metals, various technological equipment, spare parts for cars.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set in motion a road map for gradual reduction in statutory liquidity ratio (SLR), from the existing 19.5 per cent to 18 per cent, in the next six quarters from January next year. The SLR is the portion of deposits that the banks have to keep in highly liquid government securities. This works as a cushion for banks in case of a bank failure or when in need of liquidity and also helps in government borrowing as banks are big investors in government securities market.

Indian banks historically shared the burden of keeping higher G-Sec as the SLR remained very high. It was as high as 35 per cent in the 70s. In fact, the SLR reached an all time high of 38.25 per cent in 1993. Those were the days when the insurance, pension and other institutional framework were not big enough to absorb the government securities. The government also wanted the banks to keep liquid securities so as to protect the interest of depositors. The SLR remained in 30s till 1997, the post liberalisation period.

The big shift came in the last decade. The RBI later started reducing the SLR, but it had no option but to keep at a higher level of 25 per cent plus because of lack of market for its own G-Sec. In the last decade, the decline in SLR has been more frequent. The new road map for SLR creates a room or banks to lend more.

The RBI has also created new differentiated banks like payments banks, whose objective is financial inclusion with a condition that they have to park a minimum 75 per cent of their deposits in the government securities. At some later stage, these payments banks will take the burden off from the shoulders of commercial banks as they are not allowed to lend. But are payments banks on course to shoulder the responsibility in the near future?

Out of the 11 successful candidates in the payments banking space, there are only nine left. In fact, out of nine, only five have started operations. The RBI is unhappy with the aspirants as there were dozens of players who applied for a license and after a rigorous exercise, they selected 11. The universe of payments banks has been reduced. There are some who doubt whether this model will be successful.

The banks are already very big in payments space. They have partnered with fin-tech players to launch new payments products. The launch of UPI has also created a level playing field for banks, fin-techs and payment banks. These developments could halt the payments banks' ride to corner large deposits or make the business model viable.

The existing four payments banks have mobilised less than Rs 600 crore of deposits in the first year. They have a long way to go. As every percentage point reduction in SLR ( of banks) releases over Rs 1,00,000 crore in the financial system, the payments banks currently are nowhere near to absorb such a large release of government securities stock if they were to buy in future.

Some of the payments banks are not very aggressive in offering higher savings deposit rate because their model is such that they cannot make higher returns because they have to park money at around 8 per cent in G-Secs. The large banks are already offering 4 per cent in savings account. There are some who argue that the payments banks will take some time before they can be large players in the deposit marketplace.
A couple is set to be sentenced Thursday after pleading no contest to charges filed in connection with the death of their infant son.
Banker Uday Kotak says demonetisation was poorly executed

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IMF Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld praises GST reform, says India's growth "very solid"



India's growth has been "very solid" over the past four years, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld on Sunday said, praising the fundamental economic reforms like the GST and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code carried out by the government. Summing up his impression of India's economy in the last four-and-a-half years of the Modi government, the top IMF economist said the country's "growth performance has been very solid".



AAI employees to go on hunger strike against proposed privatisation of 6 airports



Hundreds of Airports Authority of India employees will go on a three-day relay hunger strike from Monday to protest against the government's move to privatise six airports, a union representative said. The Airports Authority Employees Union (AAEU) has also warned that staff would go on mass casual leave from December 28. The government last month cleared a proposal to manage six airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the public-private partnership.



Arvind Subramanian says Indian economy is in for a slowdown



Former chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian on Sunday warned the Indian economy was in for a slowdown for some time as agriculture and financial system were under stress. Speaking at the release of his book, Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy, he said both demonetisation and implementation of GST have resulted in moderation of the economy and the budget estimate of revenue collection from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) seems to be unreasonable.



Two years later, Uday Kotak says demonetisation was poorly executed



The outcome of the controversial demonetisation would have been "significantly better" if "simple things" like not cancelling the higher denomination of Rs 2,000 notes, banker Uday Kotak has said. The executive vice chairman and managing director of the fourth largest private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank has also said small businesses are in a difficult situation at present and has welcomed the government focus to revive the sector. On demonetisation, he said the outcomes would have been different if it was planned well.



Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji airport creates record! 1,004 aircraft movements handled in a day



The capacity-constrained Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) Saturday handled a record 1,004 aircraft movements in a day, bettering its earlier record of 1,003 flight movements in 24 hours in June this year. Sources said the feat was achieved in the wake of the pre-wedding bash of Isha Ambani, daughter of industrialist and India's richest person Mukesh Ambani, in Udaipur in Rajasthan.



Soon, Facebook will allow you to shop while watching videos



Facebook is working on a video feature that will allow the merchants to demonstrate and talk about their items to the audience, LIVE! Buyers will be able to take a screenshot of the product they want to purchase and send it to the seller through Facebook's messenger app. The seller can then request payment via the messenger app itself. The merchants can inform the potential buyer via their Facebook Page before the broadcast.



Vijay Mallya extradition case: Westminster court to pass judgement today



Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, is scheduled to return to the Westminster Magistrates' Court today when his extradition trial is listed for a judgment hand-down. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. He has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.



Crashing onion prices: Maharashtra farmer sends earnings of Rs 6 to CM Fadnavis to mark protest



A farmer from Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district has sent a money order of Rs 6 to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to mark his protest against crashing prices of onions and paltry returns. The farmer Shreyas Abhale told PTI Sunday that after selling 2657 kg onions at the rate of Rs 1 per kg at the Sangamner wholesale market in the district and adjusting market expenses, he was left with only Rs 6. Bumper production of onions has affected the onion growers in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts adversely.



Jharkhand government to extend benefits to 67,000 primitive tribal families



Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar on Sunday said his government would extend benefits to 67,000 families belonging to primitive tribals in the next four months. The tribals' villages will have water tanks, drinking water supply through pipelines and solar lights, besides 625 houses under the 'Birsa Awas Yozana', Das was quoted as saying




























Grant Freeman is bringing his childhood dream  a comedy show mixed with a whole lot of magic  back to Beaumont with his R-rated Magic Show on the Jefferson Theatre stage.

The days of magicians wearing top hats and coattails are long gone, but some of the old tricks are still worth doing, Freeman said. In my show, I perform some tricks that are everything from 2,000 years old to completely new. But I make sure that each one is fresh, funny and amazing.

Freeman, a recent Lamar University graduate, said his calling as a magician came when he was just a kid.

Back when I was in elementary school, I saw a magic show, and while all the other kids were having a good time, I was upset because I couldnt figure out how the tricks were done, he said. So I went to my local library and started reading as many of the magic-trick books I could find. I started showing my friends the tricks I had learned, and I saw how much they enjoyed them.

I stuck with it, started doing birthday-party shows, and then it took off from there.

He said his first show, at age 12, didnt go as planned.

It was a birthday-party show for a 6-year-old, he said. The kid was very nice, but he didnt like me very much. Halfway through the show, he ran to his room crying, locked the door, and refused to come out until Id left. It was the best hundred bucks Ive ever made. Ive loved performing since.

More Information R-rated Magic Show Where: Jefferson Theatre When: 8 p.m. Friday Cost: $16 - $32 Tickets: ticketmaster.com See More Collapse

Freeman said his show is an accumulation of all of his work since he began performing all those years ago.

Every trick in the show has been designed to keep the audience on their toes, he said. I make sure the magic is crazy, the comedy is side-splitting, and enough surprising moments to really make an unforgettable experience.

His mix of magic and comedy is Freemans way of connecting with the audience.

Ive performed all over. Houston is where I got most of my performing chops, he said. Along with performing magic shows since I was a teenager, I started doing comedy open-mics, and learned how to get an audience involved, and more importantly, make them laugh. After I graduated from college, I started touring with my show. Weve had fantastic turnouts throughout Texas and Louisiana so far, and were getting ready to start expanding the show nationwide.

A lot of magicians talk about their childhood on stage  their dreams and their wishes. I decided to take that premise and turn it on its head. I dont want to give too much away, but my favorite trick in the show is right before intermission, and its the biggest trick the show.

Freeman said the first act sets the tone.

I tried to create a show that I would want to see, he said. I love watching good magic tricks, so I put together the best tricks I could find. I love watching comedy, so I packed the show with as much of it as I could.

Freeman said his Lamar degree in chemical engineering has helped make his dream a reality. He has been working full-time as a magician since graduating in May.

My studies in chemical engineering at Lamar University, while not completely applicable to being a magician, have helped me a lot, he said. The tricks I do in the show have been engineered to be deceptive.

My scientific background, particularly physics, helped me out with that. My studies in economics and business helped me to take my show and market it so that I can take it from city to city and share it with as many people as I can. And most importantly, the connections and friendships I made at Lamar are so valuable to me.

Sierra Kondos is a freelance writer for Cat5
This week's Newton County Sheriff's Report:

Not too bad around here last week. Let's see what has been going on.

We getting more calls on scams. Call's saying, they are from the Social Security Administration. They wanting your social security number and your banking information. NO WAY JOSE. Be Smart! Tell them to call the Sheriff's office, "they will have my information".

Deputy Chris Berry fell off his deer stand and broke four ribs. He's doing better but he will be off awhile. We will be shorthanded, so please bare with us.

Friday night and early Saturday morning we had lots of rain and flooding. Lots of county road damage. Let's be patient with our road commissioners.

Never seen so many family knock down and drag outs. Come on folks, just leave.

Brother on brother, kids on moms and dads, husband's on wife and it keeps going on. We need some mature adults out there. Sure would help us.

Lots of reports of drunk drivers for some reason. This time of year, drunks are all over the road. Please don't drink and drive. First offense DWI is going to cost you about

$10,000 in fines, lawyer fees, reinstatement fees and so forth.

Gotta Go. Have court this morning. Thought for the week: There are no traffic jams

along the extra mile. Have a good week and if we can help, just holler. God Bless.

Note: This report has been published exactly as received.
HMD Global is all set to unveil Nokia 8.1, the global variant of Nokia X7 in New Delhi, India at 5:30 pm. Nokia X7 was launched in China almost a month ago. The global variant was launched recently in Dubai therefore all the specifications are well known.

Nokia 8.1 features a notched 6.18-inch Full-HD+ PureDisplay with HDR10 support. It is powered by Qualcomm's new octa-core Snapdragon 710 SoC clocked at 2.2GHz, coupled with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and runs on Android Pie. The phone is the successor to the popular Nokia 7 Plus that was launched earlier in 2018.

Nokia 8.1 carries a dual-Sim (nano) slot and is part of the Android One programme and therefore is guaranteed to receive at least two major Android OS updates. As far as display is concerned, the phone's screen has a 18.7:9 aspect ratio, i.e. 81.5% screen-to-body ratio, 500 nits peak brightness, and is capable of a 96% colour gamut.

Introducing the new Nokia 8.1. 2-day battery life, improved ZEISS optics, PureDisplay screen technology, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 processor, the new #Nokia8 gets smarter and better over time. Find out more on https://t.co/BIO5s40xoW#ExpectMorepic.twitter.com/aa5Pic7u2q - Nokia Mobile (@NokiaMobile) December 5, 2018

Coming to the optics, Nokia 8.1 will offer a Zeiss-branded dual cameras on the back with a 12MP + 13MP configuration, and a 20MP front-facing camera. Connectivity options are said to include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, FM, 3G and 4G. Sensors on the phone are rumoured to include Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor, Compass/ Magnetometer, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor and Gyroscope.

Also Read: Indian Android apps seek 45% more user permission than their global counterparts, says study

The Nokia 8.1 will be offered in three colours - Red, Silver and Blue.

In Europe, Nokia 8.1 was launched at 399 Euro. In India, however, HMD could launch the device at a more aggressive price point to take on the competition. The Nokia 8.1 price in India is expected to fall somewhere in between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. To recall, the Nokia 7 Plus was launched in India at Rs 25,999.
Washington, D.C.-based George Washington University suspended negotiations to manage a new hospital, and in response, The Washington Post's editorial board called on GWU officials to consider alternative ways to meet local health needs.

Here are four takeaways:

1. The local government's tentative agreement with GWU Hospital to build a $300 million hospital was "politically driven," the editorial board said. GWU Hospital would manage and own the new hospital, which would replace United Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

2. The D.C. Council imposed new conditions on the partnership that brought GWU Hospital's participation into question. The editorial board said the council's "ignorance  or utter disregard  of the realities of running a business in the city" was a good thing for taxpayers.

3. The Post's editorial board said inpatient facilities are being replaced by outpatient clinics, freestanding emergency rooms and same-day surgery centers across the country.

"Imagine what could be achieved if that $300 million were dedicated to preventive care, enhanced maternity and infant health programs, improved mental-health services and other programs that have shown to be successful elsewhere," the authors said.

4. The board called on the mayor and council "to open their eyes to other  and better  alternatives" to the new hospital.
Hospitals and health systems like St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Bayfront Health are increasingly investing in freestanding emergency departments as an alternative to the traditional hospital emergency room, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

As costs become more important to patients, hospitals and health systems are searching for more affordable alternatives to traditional care. Jay Wolfson, DrPH, a professor at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, told the Tampa Bay Times that millennial patients, especially, are more likely to visit a freestanding ED.

"Larger hospital centers like Adventist or Bayfront Health see [freestanding EDs] as being part of their 'extended tentacles' into the community to provide access," Dr. Wolfson said. "Once you're in the system, and you had a good experience, you'll be more likely to return to that brand."

Michael Schultz, senior executive vice president of Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based Adventist Health System and president and CEO of its west Florida division, told the publication freestanding EDs provide "an opportunity for people to be seen by a doctor quickly. Consumers are utilizing them, which is evidenced by the fact that we've built them, and they've come." He also noted that it is the health system's job "to educate consumers on where they need to go and for the best cost option."

However, some critics of freestanding EDs claim such facilities reduce the quality of care because they shrink the amount of practice local trauma physicians get by treating patients with complicated injuries and add to the skyrocketing price of healthcare.

John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, told the Tampa Bay Times hospitals are responsible for cost transparency, which may not always be the case with a freestanding ED.

"To be part of the solution, we must curb costs and improve access for consumers," he said. "It's time to be transparent about costs. People should be able to see what they're paying for. You can, usually, in an urgent care clinic, but not one of these emergency departments."

To access the full report, click here.
Westerly (R.I.) Hospital, part of L+M Healthcare in New London, Conn., posted an operating loss for the third consecutive year, according to The Sun.

L+M Healthcare network became an affiliate of Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health in 2016. The affiliation has allowed Westerly Hospital to invest in an 18-bed geriatric behavioral health unit and expand its oncology services in 2019, despite persisting financial losses.



"Because the little mini-system is up that allows money to come in specifically to Westerly, whereas if Westerly was down 5 percent on its own and lived on its own there would be no money to reinvest," Michael O'Farrell, L+M Healthcare spokesperson, told The Sun.



In fiscal year 2016, Westerly Hospital reported an operating loss of $5.3 million. The next year, the hospital's operating loss grew to $7.7 million. In fiscal 2018, Westerly Hospital saw a $3.5 million operating loss.



Still, the hospital is growing its cardiac and vascular, neurology and urology services, Patrick L. Green, L+M Healthcare president and CEO, told The Sun.
NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD, spoke out against a Trump administration proposal that would put immigrants' access to healthcare at risk in an op-ed for NY Daily News.

Dr. Katz penned the op-ed with Henry Garrido, executive director of District Council 37, a municipal employee union in New York City that represents some of the health system's employees.

"NYC Health + Hospitals, the nation's largest public hospital system, serving more than 1 million New Yorkers annually, has survived many threats against its mission to care for all regardless of ability to pay or immigration status," Dr. Katz and Mr. Garrido wrote, adding, "Sadly, as New York Citys biggest provider of care to Medicaid recipients and the uninsured, we're under attack yet again."

The proposal seeks to update federal "public charge" rules. If finalized, the change would mean legal immigrants who recently used Medicaid and other government benefits like food assistance would be ineligible to apply for green cards or visa extensions.

For NYC Health + Hospitals alone, the proposal could mean more than 250,000 patients stop seeking care, and up to 350,000 patients change their care plans in some way, Dr. Katz and Mr. Garrido wrote. It would also threaten up to $362 million in annual reimbursements to the health system.

"[L]et there be no doubt: this type of proposal runs counter to the positive financial and patient service improvements that management and labor have worked together to implement in recent years," they wrote.

Read the full op-ed here. Comments on the rule may be submitted through Dec. 10 here.

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Hundreds of Airports Authority of India employees will go on a three-day relay hunger strike from Monday to protest against the government's move to privatise six airports, a union representative said.

The Airports Authority Employees Union (AAEU) has also warned that staff would go on mass casual leave from December 28.

The government last month cleared a proposal to manage six airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the public-private partnership. The aerodromes are Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru.

In a release, the AAEU said it had been compelled to carry out hunger strike and mass casual leave under the banner of the joint forum of union and associations of the AAI.

Employees would go on a relay hunger strike for three days from Monday.

"The relay hunger strike will not impact operations which will continue as we don't want passengers to face any kind of inconvenience," AAEU General Secretary BS Ahlawat told PTI.

The AAEU, which represents 9,000 employees, had staged protests across the country on December 4 also against the government's decision.
Four thousand California mental health clinicians began a five-day strike Dec. 10 to protest what they call understaffing issues that lead to long wait times for therapy appointments.

The strike affects more than 100 Kaiser Permanente clinics and medical facilities, according to the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which represents psychologists, therapists, social workers, addiction medicine specialists and other mental health clinicians.

Affected clinics and facilities include Los Angeles Medical Center, Anaheim Medical Center, Fontana Medical Center, San Diego Medical Center, Fresno Medical Center, Sacramento Medical Center, San Francisco Medical Center and San Jose Medical Center.

"The situation inside Kaiser clinics has become untenable," said Kenneth Rogers, a psychologist for Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser. "We don't have enough hours in the day to see patients and do all the preparation and follow-up work that goes into every appointment. Patients are suffering and unable to access clinically appropriate care."

Union president Sal Rosselli told The Mercury News mental health workers also seek benefits and pensions that are equal to what about 100,000 other Kaiser employees receive.

John Nelson, vice president of communications at Kaiser Permanente, expressed disappointment about the strike.

"We are disappointed the leadership of the National Union of Healthcare Workers would ask our highly valued mental health staff to go out on strike, when we've been in active negotiations since the summer, having met in 16 bargaining sessions over five months, and with two more bargaining sessions scheduled for next week," he told Becker's last month.

"There are no takeaways in our contract proposal," Mr. Nelson said. "We are offering guaranteed wage increases which would keep our expert therapists among the best compensated in their profession and continue to ensure that we attract and retain the most highly skilled professionals."

Kaiser told The Mercury News its medical centers and medical offices are scheduled to remain open during the walkout, although "some nonurgent mental health and other appointments may need to be rescheduled."

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Kaiser mental health clinicians to walk off job Dec. 10
From hospitals suing HHS for finalizing a site-neutral payment policy to a nurse pleading guilty in a telemedicine fraud scheme, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.

1. Hospitals sue HHS over site-neutral payment policy

The American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges and three hospitals sued HHS Dec. 4 for finalizing a policy that will cut Medicare payments for hospital outpatient clinic visits.

2. BCBS of Texas beats physician lawsuit alleging ER underpayments

A lawsuit filed by 49 physician groups against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas was dismissed Dec. 3.

3. Walmart, 3 pharma companies sued over impure drugs

Four companies  Walmart, Aurobindo Pharma, ScieGen Pharmaceuticals and Westminster Pharmaceuticals  were hit with a lawsuit alleging they contributed to the sale and production of impure drugs.

4. Medtronic resolves medical device probes for $50.9M: 5 things to know

Medtronic will pay $50.9 million to resolve three U.S. Justice Department probes. The payments settle allegations that companies it now owns conducted improper medical device marketing, paid illegal kickbacks to hospitals and participated in other physician-engagement practices.

5. Tennessee nurse pleads guilty in $65.7M telemedicine fraud scheme

A nurse practitioner pleaded guilty Nov. 27 to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud for her role in a $65.7 million scheme that involved prescribing expensive compounded medications to Tricare beneficiaries.

6. Indiana medical company hit with first multistate HIPAA lawsuit: 7 things to know

Attorneys general from 12 states united to sue an Indiana medical company over a 2015 data breach.

7. 7 New York hospitals reach settlement, agree to stop improper billing of rape survivors

Seven New York hospitals agreed to pay restitution to rape survivors and revise billing procedures as part of a legal settlement.

8. Chicago physician convicted of billing fraud

A Chicago physician was convicted of billing insurance companies for nonexistent chiropractic manipulations.

9. Bristol-Myers Squibb must answer lawsuit claiming it knowingly underpaid Medicaid

A federal judge in Philadelphia ruled that Bristol-Myers Squibb must face a whistle-blower lawsuit alleging the drugmaker knowingly underpaid rebates it owed to state Medicaid programs.

10. Scientologist physician sues North Dakota hospital over religious discrimination

A former Grand Forks, N.D.-based Altru Health System physician filed a lawsuit against the hospital Nov. 20, claiming the hospital system discriminated against him because he is a Scientologist.

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A grand jury in Michigan returned a 56-count indictment Dec. 4 that charges six physicians in a $464 million healthcare fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.

Rajendra Bothra, MD, owner and operator of a pain clinic in Warren, Mich., and five physicians who worked at the clinic are accused of prescribing patients opioid pain medication to get them to come in for office visits. During the office visits, the physicians allegedly subjected the patients to unnecessary treatment, including facet joint injections. The physicians "sought to bill insurance companies for the maximum number of services and procedures possible with no regard to the patients' needs," the Justice Department said in a press release.

The fraud scheme, which occurred between 2013 and November 2018, allegedly involved more than 13 million unlawfully prescribed opioid prescription drugs.

"The damage that opioid distribution has done to our community and to the United States as a whole has been devastating," said U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider. "Healthcare professionals who prey on patients who are addicted to opioids in order to line their pockets is particularly egregious. We will continue to prosecute such individuals who choose to violate federal law and their ethical oaths."

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Scientists based in California have created a model that uses Google searches to predict where potential heroin overdoses will occur, according to Quartz.

Their research was published in Scientific American Dec. 7, and used data from nine U.S. metropolitan areas where people searched for opioids on Google from 2004 to 2011. By using this Google data paired with heroin-related emergency department visits, the model was able to guess where an overdose might happen.

The digital model searched terms included Avinza, Brown Sugar, China White, Codeine, Kadian, Methadone and Oxymorphone, which explained 72 percent of heroin-related hospital visits. Scientists found a higher number of keyword searches was linked to more overdoses.

The current model needs further developing to distinguish the slang of "brown sugar" for heroin from the common sweetener.

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Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Dec. 6 reported a large spike in Ebola cases in the city of Butembo, a regional trading hub with a population of more than 1 million people, reports The Hill.

Here are three things to know:

1. Congo's health ministry confirmed 25 Ebola cases in the city, up from 11 cases just two weeks prior.

2. Local Butembo residents are hesitant to acknowledge the outbreak's presence, Congo's Health Minister Oly Ilunga Kalenga, MD, PhD, said during a Dec. 6 news conference, according to The Hill. Health workers have faced violence when trying to treat patients or vaccinate known Ebola contacts, and several health centers in the city were also destroyed, Dr. Kalenga said.

3. As of Dec. 8, the World Health Organization reported 494 confirmed and suspected Ebola cases in the Congo, including 283 deaths.

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The adenovirus outbreak in Wanaque (N.J.) Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation has left the facility unable to to accept long-term care patients, according to northjersey.com.

Four things to know:

1. The Wanaque Center's patient ban may be lifted this week if there are no new adenovirus cases. However, the facility does not have enough beds available for long-term care systems for new patients.

"There were, among other things, too few places for folks who have this particular requirement to go," New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told newjersey.com. "We need a full-bore investigation of [the outbreak], and we are pursuing that.

2. Wanaque is one of four New Jersey facilities licensed to care for patients that are ventilator-dependent. Parents of the children at the facility who survived the adenovirus outbreak have tried to move their children elsewhere but face waiting lists with a yearlong wait.

3. It took the Wanaque Center six weeks to separate pediatric patients with adenovirus from asymptomatic residents. During that time, 35 children became ill and 11 died.

4. New Jersey has 283 spots for children needing specialized long-term nursing care in total. The Wanaque Center has 92 beds for children while the Voorhees Township, N.J.-based Voorhees Pediatric Center has 119 beds. Both are not accepting new patients.

More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:

Ebola spreads to 1M-person city in Congo: 3 things to know

Adverse events affect 21% of Medicare long-term hospital patients, OIG finds

Nebraska reports 1st flu deaths
The federal government sued a Kenosha, Wis.-based neurosurgeon to recover a $5 million tax penalty assessed against him in 2013, according to the Journal Sentinel.

Here are four things to know:

1. In 2013, neurosurgeon Arvind Ahuj, MD, was convicted of filing a false tax return and not filing a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Dr. Ahuja was holding as much as $9.2 million in an Indian bank account that went unreported. According to the report, in 2009 he also day-traded nearly $250 million in stock, foreign currencies and futures.

2. At the time of his conviction, Dr. Ahuja was given three years probation and fined $750,000. He was also assessed in excess of $5 million for the failure to submit FBAR report.

3. The federal government filed action against Dr. Ahuj because he hadn't paid the $5 million he owned. The government is seeking a conversion of the $5 million from an assessment into a judgment.

4. Dr. Ahuja has performed around 1,000 cases in his career, according to his website. He focuses on treating brain, spine, arteries and peripheral nerve disorders.
Kern Singh, MD, is co-director of the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute at Rush and a partner at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, both in Chicago. He is an internationally known expert in minimally invasive spine surgery and has earned recognition for his research in less invasive treatments and motion-sparing techniques.

Here, Dr. Singh discusses the biggest business and healthcare trends that will affect his practice next year.

Question: What are the 3 biggest business/healthcare trends you expect to affect your practice in 2019?

Dr. Kern Singh: 1. Market consolidation will happen due to increased external economic forces, such as EMR, Medicare compliance and rising healthcare labor costs. Small groups will continue to combine, [and] if not, they will be acquired by large healthcare systems who are able to provide a steady flow of patients and are able to cover rising malpractice costs.

2. Technology development will continue to slow down as hospitals and insurers are reluctant to pay premium pricing for new technology.

3. Bundled care payments will continue to grow, and those practices that have managed to successfully implement [them] will continue to capture a larger percentage of the market.



For the best insights in the future of spine and practice management from across the nation, register here for the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + The Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference in Chicago, June 13-15, 2019.

To participate in future spine and neurosurgeon leadership Q&As, contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com.
Carol Fitzsimons MBE of Young Enterprise with student Tommy Orr, Rob Smyth from Allstate NI and Cathy Martin, Young Enterprise ambassador

Over 700 students have taken to St George's Market in Belfast to showcase and sell their business ideas as part of a Young Enterprise event.

Aimed at 14-25 year olds, the Young Enterprise Big Market saw students who were enrolled in the Young Enterprise Quick Start and Start Up programmes bring their ideas before the public, business leaders and a panel of judges.

Over 70 businesses attended, selling products including story books, hair accessories, dog products and collapsible coffee mugs among other items.

Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Young Enterprise chief executive, said the event is vital to prepare students for future success.

She said: "Embedding entrepreneurial education into school programmes is one of the most important ways to prepare our children for life beyond the classroom.

"Today, students need much more than a good academic grounding to excel, and learning linked to real-life situations is always more meaningful.

"Throughout the day we watched our young entrepreneurs execute all their learning from the programmes to connect with not just their customers, but also their competitors and team-mates on the day."
India's growth has been "very solid" over the past four years, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld on Sunday said, praising the fundamental economic reforms like the GST and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code carried out by the government.

Obstfeld, 66, -- who is set to retire this month-end -- will be succeeded by Gita Gopinath, the second Indian to be appointed to the position. Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had served as Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund.

"India under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has carried out some really fundamental reforms. These include the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code...A lot of what they have done on financial inclusion has been really important," Obstfeld told a group of journalists here.

Summing up his impression of India's economy in the last four-and-a-half years of the Modi government, the top IMF economist said the country's "growth performance has been very solid".

"I mean, not so much in the third quarter of this year, but generally it has been quite solid," he said.

"There are important vulnerabilities, so it is important for the reform momentum to be maintained even as an election comes up and for the path of fiscal adjustment to be maintained," Obstfeld added.

He said one risk that has become much more evident in the last few years has been non-bank finance, usually called shadow banking.

"There is a big challenge of stricter, oversight," the economist said.

Noting that there has long been a legacy of corporate debt associated with bad infrastructure projects in India, Obstfeld said it has been very concentrated in banking system.

"But as the government is trying to better oversee the banking system, these loans have migrated to shadow banking and that is an area where more needs to be done to contain financial pressures, which we are beginning to see in India," he said.

However, with an upcoming election in the country, there is a reluctance to do anything that would slow the economy, Obstfeld said, observing, "But the lesson of experiences is that financial vulnerabilities can go south very quickly".

Obstfeld, who has served in the post of Chief Economist for more than three years, will return to the Department of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley.
An artists impression of the proposed Kings Hall Health and Wellbeing Park

The new King's Hall Health and Wellbeing Park will boost Northern Ireland's economy by 47m a year and support 640 jobs, according to an economic impact assessment.

The 88.5m health hub proposal is set to get the go-ahead from Belfast City Council tomorrow, promising improved access to services for patients,

The proposed development will see the landmark King's Hall building, vacant since 2013, and surrounding site transformed into the most innovative health and wellbeing hub in the UK.

It will include a primary care complex, residential care, independent living accommodation and a 150-room hotel, and will support a further 320 indirect jobs, according to research on behalf of developers Benmore Octopus.

It's estimated that new residents in the proposed independent living units on the site would contribute 260,000 a year to the local economy, while visitor expenditure from overnight stays in the hotel will generate 2.9m.

Meanwhile, the economy will receive a 60m boost in gross value-added terms during the 10-year construction phase, supporting 60 full-time and a further 30 indirect construction jobs.

Total investment in the refurbishment of the existing building and construction of new properties is expected to reach 88.5m.

Turley Economics calculated the benefits to the economy on the basis of information from the planning submission and models of similar schemes.

The redevelopment and refurbishment of the listed King's Hall will also provide a significant heritage gain for south Belfast.

A GP hub is proposed for the King's Hall where the co-location of up to 32 doctors and other health trust-led primary care services can be accommodated.

Detailed analysis also found the site would offer the most accessible location for the total patient population of Finaghy Health Centre and Dunluce Health Centre, both nearby, combined. A total of 76% of the combined patient population lives within 2.5 miles of the King's Hall compared to 67% for Finaghy Health Centre and 63% at Dunluce Health Centre.

David Burrows, a director at Benmore Octopus, said: "The plans set out a vision for the future of healthcare in Northern Ireland which will significantly improve access to GP and specialist services in new modern facilities.

"The site is designed to allow easy access for patients and co-location of specialist medical services, and will alleviate the pressure on existing GP premises and grow the breadth and quality of services GPs can offer.

"Our plan to deliver GP services, combined with on-site diagnostics, caters perfectly for the requirement of innovative healthcare hubs of this nature across the UK.

"The proposals will also provide a modern environment where other medical service providers can co-locate and offer accommodation which allows the elderly to retain as much of their independence as possible in later life."

He added: "We are delighted that our scheme will protect and enhance the iconic King's Hall building and help rejuvenate health care provision in this part of the city. In addition, the latest research shows the King's Hall Health and Wellbeing Park will offer a significant boost to the economy, both in the surrounding area and further afield, by creating jobs and increasing expenditure in the locality."
A Primark employee hands out bags to an estimated 1,100 people who queued to get into the store

Shoppers queue up for the new Primark store in Belfast

They are self-confessed Primark super-fans.

Co Antrim couple Karen McCausland (35) and Robert Russell (36) more than earned the title after they travelled to Manchester to get their fix as they mourned the store's temporary absence in Belfast.

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And of course they were among the shoppers who came in their hundreds from all over on a retail pilgrimage for the store's hotly-anticipated return in Belfast city centre at the weekend.

The grand unveiling of the new Primark at Commonwealth House on Saturday saw at least 1,100 people queue to be the first through its doors.

More than three months after the firm's flagship store in historic Bank Buildings was left a shell after a catastrophic fire, it was clear from the huge turnout that this was a significant event.

Primark mega-fans Karen and Robert (inset below) made sure they weren't missing the opening and had travelled from Ballyrobert in a taxi booked for 7.30am.

It wasn't a problem, though, they explained, given that they've been travelling over the Irish Sea since the blaze just to get their Primark "fix".

"We love Primark. Even for Christmas we get vouchers for the store," said Karen.

"We went over to England on the plane just to go to the store in Manchester. It has five floors.

"We even told staff there that we were over from Belfast and they said they were aware of the fire."

Both said they missed the flagship local store - the loss of which has been devastating for Belfast - and were delighted it was now back.

"You can't beat it for value for money and the friendliness of staff," said Robert.

Karen agreed, adding that Primark has been part of her life since childhood.

"The prices suit people's pockets who maybe are on tight budgets," she said.

Further along the queue, contained within rows and rows of orange barriers, was 79-year-old Newtownabbey man Will Cochrane.

He was more than happy to navigate the city centre, which has recently seen the erection of a walkway around the damaged Bank Buildings, reconnecting Royal Avenue to Donegall Place.

This has enabled the safety cordon around the premises to be scaled back, enabling McDonald's, Argento jewellers and Skechers to reopen last week.

"I was up at six o'clock to get two buses," he said.

"It's great to see the crowds back again.

"It just shows what a draw Primark has, that it brings everybody in."

There were big cheers and loud applause when the doors were flung open at 9am to let in the first throng of shoppers, who fought off the chilly weather with the free tea and coffee provided inside.

What awaited them were four floors offering the latest fashions for women, men and children as well as accessories and homeware set out over nearly 27,000 sq ft of retail space.

At the time of August's inferno, Primark was extending into Commonwealth House as part of a major expansion of Bank Buildings.

Although smaller than the original store, the new extension boasts 23 cash desks and 25 fitting rooms, all set against interiors designed to celebrate Belfast: an image of the famous Harland & Wolff cranes is the first familiar sight to greet customers.

Among those to walk past the image was west Belfast woman Maggie Murphy (58), who was up at 6.30am to ensure she was at the head of the queue.

"It's just been missed that much," she said.

"You have to support the workers.

"It was absolutely horrible that it was away for so long."

Not far behind her was Paula Totten (37), who said she had switched to the retailer's Abbeycentre branch in the meantime, but was happy the city centre store was now back in operation.

"I just think it's amazing that one shop can create such excitement," she said of the spectacle.

The north Belfast woman, who was accompanied by her mum, Shirley, was there to kick-start her festive shopping.

"It's great getting ready for Christmas," she added.

It came as no surprise that stocking up for Christmas was the top priority for many of the shoppers - with festive pyjamas and jumpers frequently mentioned as "must-buys".

But for south Belfast woman Joan Hanna, the new store signalled the return of a much-missed routine.

"Primark has always been my store, my first stop every morning coming into town," said the 71-year-old.

Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey, who attended the opening, hailed it as a "great day" for the city, particularly for business owners in Castle Street.

Traders there had witnessed an estimated 60% drop in footfall after the fire, causing real concern for their future.

"It shows the city's resilience, we are bouncing back as a city," she said, adding: "There is more work to be done."

With Primark open again, smaller shops along adjacent Castle Street appeared to be benefiting from the surge of shoppers into the area, although Zara and Tesco Metro will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Speaking at Saturday's opening, Ben Mansfield, director of Primark Stores Ltd, said the event marked a "significant milestone for our people, our neighbours and the wider community of Belfast".

"We are confident that our store and the newly-built walkway will help restore footfall in the Castle Street and surrounding area at this critical time, just before Christmas," he commented.

Primark will be hoping for a similar reaction when it opens its second city centre store in the retail space to be vacated by New Look in nearby Donegall Place.
Although up to a quarter of pregnant women in the UK have a caesarean birth, the procedure is still surrounded by questions and myths.

Are women who have an elective C-section really just 'too posh to push', taking the easy way out? Is having a caesarean always traumatic? And does going under the knife to give birth mean you'll have to have a caesarean for every subsequent birth?

After having two caesareans herself, author Clare Goggin felt there was a need to answer such questions and discuss C-sections from a pregnant woman's point of view.

So, after speaking to hundreds of women who'd had a caesarean, plus doctors and midwives, she wrote the book Why Caesarean Matters.

She says: "Caesarean birth is a complex and controversial topic, about which there are so many opinions that are so fiercely held, that pregnant women and new mothers can feel completely at sea.

"I wrote Why Caesarean Matters because I felt we rarely look at caesarean birth through the eyes of the people who actually give birth this way, which can lead us into some very important misunderstandings that simply frustrate and undermine pregnant women and new mothers."

Here, Goggin debunks seven of the most common caesarean myths:

1. Myth: caesarean birth is 'birth gone wrong'

Reality: In recent years, awareness campaigns have tried to increase understanding about how women's bodies work in pregnancy and birth, and on helping birth unfold as straightforwardly as possible, says Goggin.

"However, there's also an increasing recognition that there are many paths to a positive birth, and calls for greater recognition of the importance of women's voices in decision-making. When a woman feels confident caesarean birth is right for her, based on her individual circumstances and/or preferences, it is absolutely birth gone right."

2. Myth: caesarean births are the 'easy way out'

Reality: Goggin says the "sexist nature" of this myth becomes clearer when thinking about what caesarean birth entails - major abdominal surgery, the kind that would ordinarily mean resting for at least six weeks.

"When I speak to women who've given birth by caesarean, they consistently tell me this is the most frustrating and hurtful myth about caesarean birth. It implies birth should be difficult, and that there's some moral benefit to women suffering as they bring new lives into the world," says Goggin.

"We don't tend to call other forms of surgery 'easy'. In reality, caesarean birth is different for everyone - some recover quickly and feel grateful to give birth this way, others find recovery much harder and can struggle with ambivalent or negative emotions about their births."

3. Myth: writing a caesarean birth plan is pointless

Reality: Because caesarean birth is a surgical procedure, many women assume there's little they can do to personalise their experience, explains Goggin.

"Caesarean birth is more often associated with cold, clinical surgical practices than with life-affirming rites of passage," she says. "In reality, there are many possibilities you might wish to discuss with your caregiver."

These might include asking your caregivers to lower the surgical drape so you can watch your baby emerge, or asking your birth partner to video or take photos of the baby being born. You might choose music to be played in theatre, request the lights are dimmed as the baby's born, and/or ask to hold the baby as soon as possible.

"Many women I speak to say writing a caesarean birth plan was one of the best things they did, and this includes women who never needed to use it," says Goggin.

4. Myth: caesarean births are always traumatic

Reality: A planned caesarean birth hasn't been shown to increase the likelihood of postnatal depression or PTSD compared to a planned vaginal birth, stresses Goggin.

"I've met many women who experienced their caesarean births as traumatic, and many who experienced their caesarean births as magical," she says. "The same is true of vaginal births. Often the differentiating factor is the way they're treated by those around them, and the care and compassion they receive if they have a complicated clinical situation."

5. Myth: you can't meet your baby straight away

Reality: Goggin says in many cases not only can you meet your baby immediately, but you can watch their moment of birth.

"An increasing number of healthcare professionals will offer to lower the drape as your baby emerges from the womb, and the operating table will be tilted slightly so you can see," she says. "Many will also offer you the opportunity to hold your baby straight away."

6. Myth: you can't breastfeed if you have a caesarean

Reality: If women get the right support after birth, women who give birth by C-section are just as likely to breastfeed as women who birth vaginally, says Goggin.

"There's an abiding perception that if you've given birth by caesarean, you either can't breastfeed or you shouldn't get your hopes up," she says.

"However, the evidence tells us something different - it says women who give birth by caesarean are less likely to start breastfeeding in the first few hours after the birth, but, when breastfeeding is established, they are as likely to continue as women who have a vaginal birth."

7. Myth: once a caesarean, always a caesarean

Reality: Women who've had a previous caesarean birth have a higher chance of complications in future births, but Goggin says key health organisations such as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence agree that planning a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean can be a safe choice for many women.

The 2017 National Maternity and Perinatal Audit found that across Britain, 41.9% of women plan a vaginal birth after caesarean, of whom 57.7% give birth vaginally. "Whether you prefer a repeat caesarean or a planned vaginal birth, you can expect to have a detailed discussion with your caregivers about the benefits and disadvantages of birth after caesarean," stresses Goggin.
A new Catholic bishop, whose diocese straddles the Irish border, said he is concerned that a hard Brexit will make it more difficult for clergy to visit parishioners in their homes.

Pope Frances announced at the weekend that Monsignor Lawrence Duffy, parish priest of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, will be the new Bishop of Clogher.

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The diocese, which encompasses all of Co Monaghan, most of Co Fermanagh and parts of counties Tyrone, Donegal, Louth and Cavan, has a population of 88,000 Catholics across 37 parishes.

Speaking in Carrickmacross, the Bishop-elect said the possible fallout from Brexit was a worry for him and his flock.

He said that, as a priest, he visited many homes and met people "where they are at".

"You know the struggles they have, the worries they have. The decision on Brexit and how it settles down is a huge issue for people," he said.

Monsignor Duffy said "as a people living on the border" the people of the diocese had always done their best to cope with their circumstances.

"No doubt they will do the same this time - no matter what the result is," he added.

"A hard Brexit is not what people would wish for - that's for sure.

"We would certainly be happy if it was a soft Brexit...We have lived with a border for nearly 100 years.

"We have lived with tension and thank God with peace in recent years."
Boris Johnson has refused to rule out standing against Theresa May for the Tory leadership as he warned that her Brexit deal left the UK open to "blackmail" by Brussels.

The former foreign secretary said it was "nonsense" to suggest he had already begun offering jobs in a future Johnson administration to fellow Tories, but sidestepped the opportunity to promise not to stand against the Prime Minister.

He said her Brexit deal could get through the Commons if it was stripped of the backstop - an insurance policy to prevent a hard border with the Irish Republic - insisting that would be "relatively simple" to achieve.

Another Brexiteer, ex-Cabinet minister Esther McVey, said she would give "serious concern" to standing for the leadership.

Mr Johnson, one of the leading players in the Leave campaign in the referendum, said people should not "underestimate the deep sense of personal responsibility I feel for Brexit".

Mrs May's future hangs in the balance, with a heavy defeat in tomorrow's Commons showdown likely to lead to fresh pressure on her leadership.

Asked to give an "absolute, categorical promise" that he would not stand against the Prime Minister, Mr Johnson said: "I will give you an absolute, categorical promise that I will continue to advocate what I think is the most sensible plan."

Challenged on whether he had already begun speaking to colleagues to offer them roles in his future government, Mr Johnson told BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "I can tell you that's nonsense."

Setting out his Brexit plan, Mr Johnson said resolving the Irish border issue should be postponed so it forms part of the talks on a future trade deal and the UK should withhold a "substantial chunk" of the 39bn divorce bill until that deal is done.

Preparations should also be stepped up for a no-deal Brexit, he said. And he admitted he would feel personally responsible if people lost their jobs in a no-deal departure from the EU.

"Of course I will," he said. "Do not underestimate the deep sense of personal responsibility I feel for Brexit and for everything that has happened.

"Do not underestimate how much I care about this because this is fundamental to our country and it absolutely breaks my heart to think that - after all that we fought for, all that we campaigned for, all that (Brexit Secretary) Steve Barclay campaigned for, everybody believes in - we should consign ourselves to a future in which the EU effectively rules us in many respects and yet we have no say round the table in Brussels."

Asked about her leadership ambitions, Ms McVey told Sky News' Sophy Ridge yesterday: "I've seen the array of people who have come forward at the moment and I think if we can all get behind one - for me the most important thing is not the personalities, it is the deal for our country needs to be better."

She added: "If people asked me, then of course you'd give it serious concern and do it if people asked me but at the moment I'm looking at who's in the papers, who we can get behind but it shouldn't be about the personality, it should be about the country and this deal."
The court has ruled that the UK can cancel Brexit.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) had ruled that the UK can decide to cancel Brexit and remain members of the European Union (EU).

The court ruled that the UK would not need the permission of other EU members to remain.

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Mondays ruling comes less than a week after an ECJ advocate general rejected the contention that Article 50 only allows the possibility of revocation following a unanimous decision of the European Council.

Last week ECJ advocate general Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona said Article 50 allows the unilateral revocation of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, until such time as the Withdrawal Agreement is formally concluded.

The ECJ ruling comes ahead of Tuesdays crunch vote on the Prime Ministers Brexit deal.

The case was brought by a cross-party group of Scottish politicians.

They are Labour MEPs Catherine Stihler and David Martin, Joanna Cherry MP and Alyn Smith MEP of the SNP, and Green MSPs Andy Wightman and Ross Greer, together with lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project.

They argued unilateral revocation is possible and believe it could pave the way for an alternative option to Brexit, such as a Peoples Vote to enable remaining in the EU.

Legal representatives for the UK Government felt the case would be inadmissible as it deals with a hypothetical situation, since the Governments policy is not to revoke Article 50.

Lawyers representing the Council of the European Union and from the European Commission argued that revocation is possible but would require unanimous agreement from all member states.

The case will now be referred back to the Court of Session, where judges are expected to frank the decision and declare the European Courts answer to be the law on the matter.
Prime Minister Theresa May is set to postpone Tuesday's vote on her draft Brexit withdrawal agreement, according to reports.

Government sources have said that the deal will be postponed and Mrs May will make a statement in the House of Commons at 3.30pm. Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leasdom and Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay are also set to make statements.

The Prime Minister held a conference call with her cabinet on Monday ahead of the statement.

Earlier on Monday a spokesperson for Mrs May said that that the vote "is going ahead as planned" and said that the PM is "confident of winning it".

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The vote had been scheduled to take place in the House of Commons at 7pm on Tuesday, following a statement from Environment Secretary Michael Gove.

DUPs deputy leader Nigel Dodds said the vote was pulled because it would be "overwhelmingly defeated".

"Deferring the vote is only of any use if the Government is prepared to go to Brussels and insist on necessary changes to the Withdrawal Agreement," the North Belfast MP said.

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"Few people accepted this was the best deal available and the Prime Ministers actions today prove that.

Just finished a call with the Prime Minister. My message was clear. The backstop must go. Too much time has been wasted. Need a better deal. Disappointed it has taken so long for Prime Minister to listen.  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) December 10, 2018

The leaders of Northern Ireland's four Remain parties (Sinn Fein, SDLP, Green Party and Alliance Party) have issued a statement saying that the backstop must be retained.

"We maintain that there is a pressing need for the backstop as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement to be banked," the statement read.

By contrast, we believe that a no deal situation would be catastrophic for our economy and society.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar ruled out reopening negotiations around the Irish backstop.

The Taoiseach said it was not possible to reopen any aspect of the Withdrawal Agreement without reopening all aspects of it.

He added that the backstop is part of the current agreement because of the red lines laid down by the British Government.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the decision to postpone the vote was a sign of weak leadership from Mrs May.

"The Government has decided Theresa May's Brexit deal is so disastrous that it has taken the desperate step of delaying its own vote at the 11th hour," he said.

"We have known for at least two weeks that Theresa May's worst-of-all-worlds deal was going to be rejected by Parliament because it is damaging for Britain. Instead, she ploughed ahead when she should have gone back to Brussels to renegotiate or called an election so the public could elect a new government that could do so.

"We don't have a functioning government. While Theresa May continues to botch Brexit, our public services are at breaking point and our communities suffer from dire under-investment.

"Labour's alternative plan for a jobs-first deal must take centre stage in any future talks with Brussels."

On Twitter, Nicola Sturgeon challenged Mr Corbyn to work with the SNP to "give people the chance to stop Brexit".

Scotland's First Minister tweeted: "So @jeremycorbyn - if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, @theSNP will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote. This shambles can't go on - so how about it?"

On Monday the European Court of Justice (ECJ) had ruled that the UK can decide to cancel Brexit and remain members of the European Union (EU).

The court ruled that the UK would not need the permission of other EU members to remain.

European Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said the EU would not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement.

"We take note of the Court of Justice judgment today on the irrevocability of Article 50," she said.

"We have an agreement on the table which was endorsed by the European Council in its Article 50 format on the 25th November.

"As President Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible. We will not renegotiate - our position has therefore not changed and as far as we are concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th March 2019."

Mrs May's deal had faced heavy criticism with opposition from the DUP, the Labour Party and a section of MPs within Mrs May's own Conservative Party.

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 Prime Minister has previously said her deal was the only deal on offer.

The deal had been scheduled to be debated in the House of Commons on Monday with particular attention being paid to the potential impact of the deal on relations within the UK.
Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh on Sunday, said nearly Rs 5,000 crore has been saved since the new steel policy with the focus on quality has come into effect.

Singh, who was in the megapolis to attend an industry award function instituted by Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI), told reporters that the government plans to impose the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on all steel products.

"Currently, the BIS is imposed on 86 per cent of products, and we plan to take it to 100 per cent," he said without putting a timeline for implementation.

When asked about the impact of the imposition of the BIS so far, he said, "at present, you may feel there is no impact of this. But within one year since the introduction of the steel policy to encourage domestic steel, we have saved nearly Rs 5,000 crore. With BIS, we have been able to give level playing field to the secondary market," Singh said.

He said that during the last four years, the per capita steel consumption in the country has gone up from 56 kg to 68 kg.

The minister noted that the country's steel production target is 300 million tonnes by 2030 and "we have already reached 84 million tonnes which are 5.5 per cent more in the first nine months".

"The steel policy also encourages innovation. We have welcomed participation from foreign players for the transfer of technology and FDI. But if someone gets technology from outside, it will not help us much, so it is necessary we have innovation domestically," Singh said.

He further said the Steel Research and Technology Mission has been constituted, which has a corpus of Rs 200 crore, to spearhead research and development activities in the industry.

"Initially, innovations were being undertaken in the secondary steel market, but that was in isolation. But with this institute we can integrate the technology and others can also use it," he added.

When asked whether there were plans to impose an anti-dumping duty for steel, he said currently there are no such plans.
European Council president Donald Tusk announced that Brexit has been added to the agenda of the two-day EU summit taking place in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.

But he insisted: "We will not renegotiate the deal."

After discussing the day's developments over the phone, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's office also said there could be no renegotiation and preparations for a no deal would intensify.

Mr Tusk and his fellow European counterparts have ruled out reworking the withdrawal agreement - and the controversial backstop - as chaos descended at Westminster after Prime Minister Theresa May pulled the meaningful vote on the deal in the Commons.

EU officials have stressed any reassurances offered to the UK can not override or contradict the withdrawal agreement or the Irish backstop.

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DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said "tinkering" with the Withdrawal agreement would not get through the House of Commons.

However, Mr Tusk did hint concessions may be accommodated saying they were ready to discuss how to help Theresa May get the home support needed for the deal.

Mr Tusk said in a tweet: "We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario."

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That message was reinforced up by Irish European Affairs minister Helen McEntee.

"EU27 & UK Gov have spent 18 months negotiating a fair deal," she tweeted, "one with compromise on both sides that fulfills all commitments made. It cant be renegotiated."

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The European Parliament's Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt, as it was confirmed the Prime Minister was to defer the meaningful vote, said he "can't follow anymore."

"After two years of negotiations, the Tory government wants to delay the vote," he said on social media.

"Just keep in mind that we will never let the Irish down. This delay will further aggravate the uncertainty for people & businesses. Its time they make up their mind."

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In the House of Commons DUP East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson was scathing of the Prime Minister's negotiation skills.

"The Prime Minister may be prepared to be humiliated by arrogant EU officials and by Irish politicians. But does she not realise every time she comes back here with her tail between her legs, she humiliates the British people," he said.

"When will she stand up to the EU?"

Mrs May said she had stood up to the EU and "stood firm" to ensure there would be no border in the Irish Sea and the UK "would not be split in two".

I have decided to call #EUCO on #Brexit (Art. 50) on Thursday. We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario.  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) December 10, 2018

Just landed in Brussels for GAC tomorrow. Challenging days ahead as vote in Westminster is deferred. EU27 & UK Gov have spent 18 months negotiating a fair deal,one with compromise on both sides that fulfills all commitments made. It cant be renegotiated.  Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) December 10, 2018
Sammy Wilson last night insisted he would be doing business and farming in Northern Ireland "a massive favour" by voting against the Brexit deal tomorrow.

Writing in today's Belfast Telegraph, the East Antrim MP warns that the withdrawal agreement would hamstring the local economy, entrenching EU rules which would hurt businesses.

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"They will be subject to the full range of EU laws and rules as they now exist and are developed in the future," the MP argues.

"This covers over 300 areas of economic, environmental, labour, state aid and agriculture policies. Even if those rules hurt NI businesses they will still automatically apply."

The DUP's outspoken Brexit spokesman had previously caused a rift with business leaders in favour of the withdrawal agreement when he referred to them as NIO "puppets".

He adds: "I will have no difficulty in ignoring the siren voices raised in support of this rotten agreement when the vote is taken in Parliament. In doing so I will be doing the unionist cause and the business community in NI a massive favour."

The DUP is sticking to its pledge to oppose Mrs May's Brexit proposals when it comes to the vote in the House of Commons tomorrow.

The party's position piles more pressure on the Prime Minister to amend or abandon her Brexit deal, which has attracted heavy criticism not only from her political opponents, but also from many within her own party.

Yesterday Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay insisted that the vote would still go ahead tomorrow amid speculation Mrs May might be forced to delay it in a last-ditch effort to avoid a humiliating defeat.

The Prime Minister warned Tory would-be rebels the country would be in "uncharted waters" if the deal was rejected.

"It would mean grave uncertainty for the nation with a very real risk of no Brexit or leaving the European Union with no deal," she told the Mail on Sunday. "We have a leader of the Opposition who thinks of nothing but attempting to bring about a general election, no matter what the cost to the country.

"As someone who cares passionately about my country and my party, I believe Jeremy Corbyn getting his hands on power is a risk we cannot afford to take."

Reports suggested Mrs May could make an emergency trip to Brussels ahead of a planned summit on Thursday in an effort to secure further concessions in a bid to win over critics of her plan.

The Prime Minister spoke to European Council president Donald Tusk yesterday, although Downing Street insisted it was a routine call ahead of the summit.

He said it would be a "an important week for the fate of Brexit".

Tory MP Will Quince quit as a ministerial aide to Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, while the Sunday Telegraph reported that another parliamentary private secretary was on the verge of quitting, and Cabinet Brexiteer Penny Mordaunt was considering whether to back the deal or resign.

She has not backed Mrs May's deal yet, but has said she supports the Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood said he would back the deal - but indicated that unless it was passed quickly he might support a second referendum because the original decision to leave may "no longer represent a reflection of current intent".

Other ministers - including Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd - have suggested that a Norway-plus deal keeping the UK in the single market and a customs union could be a "plausible" alternative if Mrs May's plan is rejected.

Any defeat would lead to fresh questions about Mrs May's political future.

Former Work and Pensions secretary Esther McVey said she would give the prospect of standing as leader serious consideration, and suggested that Brexiteers should unite around a single candidate.

Former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "I've always said I wouldn't rule it out, but it would be very self-indulgent to be engaging in all that speculation when we've got such a big issue up for decision on Tuesday."

Meanwhile, a 'Brexit betrayal' march led by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson was "vastly" outnumbered by counter-demonstrators, opposition organisers said. The English Defence League founder turned-Ukip adviser marched with supporters through London yesterday before addressing a rally beside Parliament Square.

Scotland Yard placed restrictions on the march as well as on a counter-demonstration organised by Labour supporters and anti-fascists. Labour grassroots group Momentum said about 15,000 turned up to oppose the march, claiming opponents "vastly" outnumbered the Ukip-led demonstrators nearly five to one.

Meanwhile, the Ulster Unionist Party executive met in Belfast on Saturday, where it unanimously agreed that the withdrawal agreement should be rejected.

Party leader Robin Swann MLA said: "We want a deal, the country wants a deal, but not a deal where the ransom to pay is the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

"It's time to go back to the negotiating table."
Eighty percent of respondents in a Belfast Telegraph survey who voted for Brexit would do so again - with 15% saying they've changed their mind

Eighty percent of respondents in a Belfast Telegraph survey who voted for Brexit would do so again - with 15% saying they've changed their mind.

Among those who voted Remain, 95% would do so again, with 3% switching sides.

A total of 3,882 people took part in the non-scientific survey which quizzed respondents on their views on Theresa May's Brexit deal, Leo Varadkar's contribution to the debate, and the future of Stormont.

Sixty percent of people questioned believed Brexit has made a united Ireland more likely.

Younger respondents were more likely to feel this was the case, with a third of those aged 18-34 agreeing "definitely" compared to just a fifth of the over 55s.

Nearly three-quarters of those who voted Remain in the 2016 referendum believe Brexit could lead to Irish unity compared to 39% of those who voted Leave.

A majority of those taking part in the survey said there should be a second Brexit referendum - 55% compared to 40% opposing one.

Of the five main parties, DUP supporters were the most against a second Brexit referendum, with 79% opposing it and 19% for it.

Ulster Unionist voters were much more divided on Brexit - 59% were against a second referendum but 35% backed one.

The highest support for a second referendum was amongst SDLP (81%), Alliance (79%) and Sinn Fein (76%) voters.

Respondents were split on whether Theresa May's Brexit deal represented a threat to the Union - 45% believed it didn't but 41% thought it did.

DUP voters were almost twice as likely as UUP ones to strongly agree that the withdrawal agreement was a threat to the Union - 62% to 34%.

A total of 59% of respondents believed the DUP and UUP are wrong to oppose the Prime Minister's deal while a third thought they were right.

Three-quarters of DUP voters believed the unionist parties had adopted the correct stance while a fifth said they hadn't. Again, the UUP was more divided with half of its voters backing unionist opposition to the withdrawal agreement but over 40% against it.

Sinn Fein voters were the most likely to say the unionist parties were wrong (91%) followed by SDLP (85%) and Alliance (79%) supporters. Asked if Mrs May's deal increased the risk of violence in Northern Ireland, a total of 48% of respondents said it didn't with 30% believing it did.

Sixty per cent of respondents said Northern Ireland would benefit from having special status after Brexit, while over a quarter disagreed.

Sinn Fein voters were the most optimistic about special status (86%) followed by SDLP (82%) and Alliance (77%) supporters.

Respondents were evenly split on whether the Prime Minister's deal represented the best possible outcome for Northern Ireland - with 43% agreeing and the same number disagreeing.

Sinn Fein voters were the keenest on the deal by far - 69% were behind it, followed by 58% of SDLP and 50% of Alliance supporters.

Almost 70% of DUP voters did not believe the withdrawal agreement was the best possible outcome for Northern Ireland, although nearly a quarter did.

Again, the UUP was more closely split on the issue - 48% of its voters opposing Mrs May's deal as the best way forward but 38% supporting it.

More than three quarters of respondents were concerned about the impact Brexit would have on Northern Ireland's economy. Just over half of those questioned (54%) believed Brexit would affect their lives while 23% thought it wouldn't. Sinn Fein supporters (74%) were most likely to personally fear Brexit's impact.

The majority of respondents (79%) also said they wanted to see a return to Stormont - but unionists (74%) were slightly less keen than nationalists (80%).
Belfasts Lord Mayor has insisted her advocacy of rights issues at the heart of the Stormont impasse do not undermine her claim to represent all the citys citizens.

Deirdre Hargey said her support for an Irish language act and same-sex marriage legislation were universal rights that broader civic society in Northern Ireland backed.

Belfasts first citizen also defended using her office to promote a pro-choice position.

Endorsement of all three causes were outlined in a document launched by Sinn Feins Ms Hargey on Monday called the Lord Mayors Charter.

The document, published to mark International Human Rights Day, calls for action on a number of social and economic rights issues, some of which are the source of political controversy in Northern Ireland.

These rights are universal rightsDeirdre Hargey

Proposed legislation to protect Irish language speakers and end the ban on same-sex marriage are two of the main disputes at the centre of the political rift between Sinn Fein and the DUP that has seen the region without a properly functioning executive for almost two years.

The regions strict abortion regime also polarises opinion, with vocal advocates on the both sides of the emotive debate.

The charter also calls for the introduction of a wider Bill of Rights  another unresolved peace process wrangle.

The document claims to translate into action the spirit of the wider councils community plan for the city  the Belfast Agenda.

No unionist councillors attended the launch event in City Hall.

Expand Close Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey addresses a rights rally outside Belfast City Hall (David Young/PA) / Facebook

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Ms Hargey, who after the launch addressed a rally attended by rights activists outside City Hall, denied the charter was inconsistent with her stated intent to be a mayor for all.

Definitely not, the contrary, she said. These rights are universal rights.

Other governments  whether it is England, Scotland, Wales or in the south of Ireland  enshrine these rights to all of their citizens within society.

Belfast and the north just need to catch up in that conversation and that debate to ensure we are instilling international human rights, because rights dont impinge on anybody elses right  it actually lifts society as a whole.

And I do feel that broadly civic society are engaged on these issues, I think they are supportive of these issues and the change thats happening and I feel I am giving visibility to that change that is taking place in society.

Belfast is a changing city. It is a city of forward-looking and optimistic people with great ambition for a better future for all its citizens.

We are a city with a shared and complex history, but with ambitions for an inclusive, rights-based future.

The Belfast of today is a multicultural and multi-ethnic city with a rainbow of colours expressing that diversity in language, food, song and dance  and that is something to be embraced and celebrated.

Professor Colin Harvey from Queens University Belfast also spoke at the charter launch.

This is an excellent initiative and comes during challenging and difficult times for human rights, he said.

This document outlines how Belfast can be a leading human rights city  something that is a developing trend, and an example of the contribution cities around the world can make.
The funeral of Jim Donegan, murdered outside a west Belfast school while waiting for his son, is to take place on Thursday.

Mr Donegan's requiem mass will be held at St John the Evangelist Church in Belfast at 10am, followed by a service at Roselawn Crematorium at 1pm.

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The 43-year-old died instantly after a lone gunman approached his Porsche Panamera, which was parked outside St Mary's, and fired eight shots.

Mr Donegan, who was waiting to collect his son, was hit in the chest and head.

The 13-year-old missed the assassination of his father by just a few seconds.

Also known as JD, he lived in the Lisburn area with his family.

CCTV footage, released by police, shows his killer emerge from Clonelly Drive as he walked towards his target at around 3.10pm.

Two men aged 49 and 51 arrested in connection with Mr Donegan's murder were later released unconditionally.
Three men have been sentenced for attempting to purchase various items online, including firearms and drugs.

They were sentenced at Laganside Crown Court on Monday for the offences which took place in February 2017.

The prosecution is a result of an investigation by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF). Police said the charges were linked to the South East Antrim UDA.

The PSNI, HMRC and the National Crime Agency have established the PCTF to tackle criminality linked to paramilitary activity as part of the Executive's action plan on Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality, and Organised Crime.

Darren Bennett (23) from Carrickfergus pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition with intent and was sentenced to four years in prison, 20 months in custody and 28 months on licence.

Mr Bennett also pleaded guilty to attempting to possess class A drugs with intent to supply and was sentenced to a further 30 - 15 in custody and 15 on licence - to run concurrently.

Thomas Morgan (42) from Carrickfergus also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess firearms with intent and was sentenced to four years in prison, 20 months in custody and 28 months on licence.

Scott McMurran (26) from Belfast pleaded guilty to encouraging and assisting the offence of attempting to possess class A drugs with intent to supply and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service over 12 months and 18 months probation.

Detective Inspector Lynne Knox from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force said the cases were linked to the UDA.

Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force arrested these three men in relation to various offences including attempts to purchase firearms, ammunition and drugs online. I welcome todays sentencing which demonstrates our commitment to removing firearms and drugs from our communities," she said.

"We believe these weapons would have ended up under the control of paramilitaries who seek to rule communities with fear. In this case we believe these weapons may have been destined for use by the South East Antrim UDA.

These men were attempting to bring lethal weapons and drugs onto our streets. Guns are used for one purpose only and that is to kill and maim. There is no reason to justify why anyone would want to bring guns into our communities which pose a threat to everyone.

"When a gun is fired there is no guarantee where the bullet could end up or who it could harm. I am confident that the streets are safer now that we have prevented these men getting hold of weapons and ammunition."

A quantity of drugs were also seized as part of the investigation.

In addition, a quantity of class A drugs was seized which I believe Mr Bennett intended to sell. Drugs cause harm and misery to those who take them, as well as to families who watch the effects of these substances on their loved ones," Detective Inspector Knox said.

Individuals involved in this type of criminality destroy lives and have no legitimate place in our society. We are committed to tackling illegal activity linked to drugs and firearms to ensure that communities can thrive and be free from the intimidation and violence."
A Northern Ireland councillor has dramatically intervened in a legal challenge to approval for a 20m hotel and leisure complex by making claims about recorded conversations with officials.

The High Court was also told Padraig McShane has contacted both the Attorney General and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.

The development led to the adjournment of TUV leader Jim Allister's case against Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for giving the green light to the luxury accommodation facilities in Portstewart.

A judge directed that senior officials within the council should be sent Mr McShane's statement and allowed to submit any evidence in response.

Mr Justice McCloskey said: "They are implicated in certain events and conversations that are described in the affidavit of Mr McShane.

"They plainly have sufficient interest in these proceedings to be given notice."

A similar opportunity is to be given to the Council as a corporate body and an unnamed individual described as a "senior planner" in the independent councillor's statement.

Mr McShane was a member of the planning committee who approved the proposed resort at the heart of the North West 200 race route earlier this year.

Plans include a 120-bedroom hotel, spa, holiday cottages, conference facilities and restaurant being built on the Ballyreagh Road.

Permission was first given in June 2017, but withdrawn after Mr Allister initially threatened legal action.

Expand Close Jim Allister / Facebook

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The North Antrim MLA, who has a home overlooking the development site, recommenced proceedings when Council representatives passed the planning application for a second time.

Another local resident in the surrounding area has joined him in seeking a judicial review.

In a challenge involving claims of a flawed environmental screening process and the wrong criteria being applied for the scale of the tourism attraction, Mr McShane's intervention came at a midway point.

The court heard his sworn affidavit was sent to Attorney General's Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman last Friday.

Describing the turn of events as "highly unexpected", Mr Justice McCloskey confirmed the case had to be put on hold.

He said Mr McShane's statement raised a series of questions, and that issues around cross-examination could now feature.

"It's feasible the court may be requested to make an order in respect of certain aspects of the contents of Councillor McShane's affidavit... including references to recorded conversations and references to an unidentified person who is described as the senior planner," the judge pointed out.

He added: "The possibility that other public authorities with their own statutory functions and responsibilities may become involved also clearly exists."

Alan Kane QC, for Mr Allister, welcomed his comments.

"It goes to bring focus to these very serious matters which have arisen and requires investigation ," the barrister said.

Mr McShane attended court but left without making comment.

Later, his solicitor, Michael Brentnall, said: "My client made the Attorney General's Office and the Public Services Ombudsman aware of a number of alleged irregularities which relate to the conduct of parties within the council, connected to a matter presently before the High Court.

"As a result the Attorney General's Office forwarded these allegations to the parties to the proceedings, which subsequently led to the case being adjourned."
The Prime Minister said there was widespread and deep concern about the Irish border backstop as she delayed the House of Commons Brexit vote (Liam McBurney/PA).

The Prime Minister said there was widespread and deep concern about the Irish border backstop as she delayed the House of Commons Brexit vote.

The Democratic Unionists are adamantly opposed to planned concessions aimed at ensuring frictionless trade across the island.

It fears the plan could create new barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The unionist partys 10 MPs are crucial to supporting the minority Conservative government, in exchange for a 1 billion dividend for Northern Ireland, but they have pledged to vote against the draft treaty with Brussels.

Here are a few questions answered.

 What was the plan for the Irish border?

A backstop solution aims to prevent the establishment of a hard border on the island after Brexit.

It would mean some regulations relating to Northern Ireland remain aligned with the rest of the EU.

It is an insurance policy if no answer can be found through a permanent trade deal after a transitional period from next March but unionists fear it could create regulatory disparity between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The backstop has been a focus of discontent with Theresa Mays draft Withdrawal Agreement with Europe.

Following the delay to the Commons vote, its future is uncertain.

 What exactly does the backstop propose?

Once the Brexit transition period ends in December 2020, the EU and the UK have agreed the backstop would apply until such a time as a subsequent agreement is in place.

This would create a single EU-UK customs territory avoiding the need for tariffs, quotas or checks on rules of origin between the EU and the UK.

Northern Irish businesses would not face restrictions when placing products on the EUs Single Market.

 What has been the Irish Governments reaction to the decision to defer a vote?

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it is not possible to renegotiate the backstop without reopening all aspects of the draft withdrawal treaty.

Were asking the question as a Government, how do we respond to all the various outcomes? If youre a business, you should be asking yourself those questions now too.



Tanaiste @simoncoveney opens this mornings discussions at our #BrexitReady roadshow pic.twitter.com/8poFi55gBn  Brexit Ready Ireland (@BrexitReadyIRL) November 30, 2018

Dublin is keen to ensure a free-flowing border to protect the peace process and north-south trade links.

 What has been the DUPs reaction?

Deputy leader Nigel Dodds said the vote delay was a humiliation Mrs May had brought on herself while Arlene Foster said the Prime Minister must get rid of the backstop.

The DUP is concerned remaining aligned to Europe would create a regulatory divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, requiring extra checks on east-west trade and threatening the integrity of the UK as a whole.

Just finished a call with the Prime Minister. My message was clear. The backstop must go. Too much time has been wasted. Need a better deal. Disappointed it has taken so long for Prime Minister to listen.  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) December 10, 2018

 What have Remain voices in Northern Ireland said about the backstop?

Four pro-Remain parties in Northern Ireland including Sinn Fein and the nationalist SDLP have declared it should be banked rather than discarded to protect the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

They said a no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic.

 What happens now?

A meeting of European leaders is planned for later this week and they will be demanding answers from Mrs May, with Europe showing no willingness to reopen months of delicate negotiations.

The Prime Minister said the risk of an accidental no agreement increased the longer it took to pass a deal.
Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockMartina McBride's set to make a recipe from her new cookbook, Martina's Kitchen Mix, Tuesday on Live with Kelly and Ryan. You can catch the syndicated show after Good Morning America on most ABC stations.

Danielle Bradbery's I Don't Believe We've Met (The Vocals) celebrates the one-year anniversary of her full album of the same title. The Vocals features stripped-down versions of three tracks: "Worth It," "Human Diary" and "Potential."

"Need to Breathe" is the new single from platinum-selling duo Love & Theft.

If you missed Aaron Watson and his wife Kim on Hallmark Channel's Home & Family, you can check out their appearance to promote An Aaron Watson Family Christmas on the show's Facebook page.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
There is much ignorance about the state of the constitutional law as it applies to Christmas celebrations in the public schools. To cut to the quickthey are permitted.

A Christmas play by the Minden Junior Service League, performed at Minden High School in Webster Parish, Louisiana, was recently the source of much controversy. Two of the 35 minutes of the play discussed Jesus, and some objected, including the Webster Parish School Board.

The Superintendent Johnny Rowland was sympathetic to those who wanted the play, but insisted that there is a "federal court order [that] clearly spells out what is allowable and what is not." Despite attempts to censor the play, it was performed anyway, and was greeted with a standing ovation.

Officials at Manchester Elementary School, which is part of the Elkhorn Public Schools in Nebraska, got all ginned up over Christmas and decided to ban displays of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Christmas songs, and the colors red and green. Candy canes were also banned. Thanks to Liberty Counsel, the decision was reversed and sanity prevailed.

What is permissible at Christmastime in the public schools?

In 1995, Secretary of Education Richard Riley issued a directive on this subject at the behest of President Bill Clinton. Here is the language of how the operative paragraph begins:

"Official neutrality regarding religious activity. Teachers and administrators, when acting in those capacities, are representatives of the state and are prohibited by the establishment clause from soliciting or encouraging religious activity, and from participating in such activity with students."

This first part makes good sense: it is not the business of school officials to lead students in religious activities. But the second part also makes good sense, yet it is frequently ignored.

"Teachers and administrators are also prohibited from discouraging activity because of its religious content, and from soliciting or encouraging anti-religious activity."

In other words, school officials cannot ban voluntary, student-led religious activity at Christmastime. Students cannot be punished for singing Christmas carols, distributing Christmas cards, wearing red and green, giving Christmas presents, writing Christmas poems, giving speeches paying tribute to Jesus, etc.

No federal court has ever ruled that Christmas must be censored in the public schools. It's about time the superintendents and their lawyers got up to speed and stopped listening to cultural fascists bent on banning Christmas: they know nothing about the First Amendment provisions regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech.


Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar on Sunday said his government would extend benefits to 67,000 families belonging to primitive tribals in the next four months.

"Nobody has bothered about the 67,000 primitive tribal families since Independence. But, our government will now give basic facilities in their villages," an official release said.

The tribals' villages will have water tanks, drinking water supply through pipelines and solar lights, besides 625 houses under the 'Birsa Awas Yozana', Das was quoted as saying in the release.

Das also said the state government would make a separate provision in next year's budget to provide Rs 25 lakh to every tribal village for development.

Urging farmers to adopt organic cultivation, the CM said seven women farmers from Pakur district would comprise the next batch of the team to Israel, to learn modern farming methods in practice in that country.

Two batches of farmers had earlier made the trip to Israel, the release said.

Das informed he would be visiting the United Arab Emirates, where a roadshow would be organised in Dubai on December 16 for employment opportunities for the youth of Jharkhand.

A dialogue with the authorities in Abu Dhabi in this regard is also scheduled on December 17, the release said.

One lakh youths from the state would be given jobs on January 12, Das added.
Leading charities, lobby groups and trade unions have called for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

A letter in today's Belfast Telegraph, signed by 26 groups across the country, marks International Human Rights Day.

It's 70 years since the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) at the United Nations on December 10, 1948

But organisations including Action on Elder Abuse, Disability Action and Unison say the protection of human rights of all in Northern Ireland is far from secure.

In the letter, they state that "the tragedies of the past have left a deep and profoundly regrettable legacy of suffering".

"Twenty years on from the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the vindication and protection of the human rights of all is far from secure.

"Many of the rights contained within the UDHR continue to go unprotected and our system of governance has a clear human rights deficit.

"We have failed to deliver on this core promise of the Agreement.

"It is time to secure our rights - it is time for the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland."

Full text of letter

TODAY, International Human Rights Day, marks 70 years since the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) at the United Nations on December 10, 1948.

The preamble of the UDHR begins by stating that recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

The UDHR was written in the shadow that was cast by the anguish of the Second World War. The drafters laid down this global statement to codify and protect the dignity and equality of every person, to build towards a future where such atrocities would not  and could not  occur again.

It was an extraordinary act of hope and belief that we, as people, as societies and as nations can be better.

We live in a time of great flux. What our future will look like after Brexit remains unclear and we face this future without a functioning Executive and Assembly and in the global context of the rise of ideologies that threaten the safety and security of minorities within our communities.

In this context, it is worth reflecting upon Article 1 of the Declaration: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The ideals and the principles enshrined in the Declaration are no less worthy of our protection 70 years on. Progress has been made to realise these rights (only last month, we celebrated 20 years of the Human Rights Act). But, as we face into this uncertain future together, much more could also be done.

Our own pivotal peace treaty, itself an expression of hope at the end of a period of dark conflict, like the UDHR provided a sense of the centrality that rights should play in our future society:

The tragedies of the past have left a deep and profoundly regrettable legacy of suffering. We must never forget those who have died, or been injured, and their families. But we can best honour them through a fresh start, in which we firmly dedicate ourselves to the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance, and mutual trust, and to the protection and vindication of the human rights of all.

Twenty years on from the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the vindication and protection of the human rights of all is far from secure. Many of the rights contained within the UDHR continue to go unprotected and our system of governance has a clear human rights deficit.

We have failed to deliver on this core promise of the Agreement. It is time to secure our rights  it is time for the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

Human Rights Consortium

Action on Elder Abuse Northern Ireland

Transgender NI

Childrens Law Centre

Early Years  the organisation for young children

Focus: The Identity Trust

The Gender Identity Panel

Irish Council for Civil Liberties

Amnesty International

Disability Action

NUS-USI

Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action

North-West Community Network

Women's Information Northern Ireland

Unite the Union

Committee on the Administration of Justice

Law Centre (NI)

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

Rights Empowerment Action and Lobbying Network

Women And Brexit Collective

Northern Ireland Rural Womens Network

Northwest Forum of People with Disabilities

Public Interest Litigation Support Project

UNISON

The Equality Coalition

Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC)

Northern Ireland Council for Racial Equality
Theresa Mays leadership is under intense pressure as MPs return to Westminster ahead of Tuesdays Brexit showdown.

The Prime Ministers political future appears uncertain if she loses  but her credibility would also suffer a serious blow if she attempts to postpone the Commons vote.

Downing Street insisted the vote would go ahead as planned on Tuesday and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said it was 100% happening.

But rumours continued to swirl at Westminster that Mrs May could decide at the 11th hour to avoid a potentially heavy defeat if Tory whips cannot limit the revolt over her Brexit deal and the controversial Irish backstop arrangement.

Taoiseach @campaignforleo and Prime Minister @Theresa_May May spoke by phone this evening. They discussed the current situation on #Brexit, including the planned vote in Westminster on Tuesday. They also discussed preparation for this week's European Council.  MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) December 9, 2018

Debate on the plan will resume in the Commons on Monday, and Mrs May was warned not to give MPs the impression she lacks appetite for the fight.

Calls to European Council president Donald Tusk and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Sunday prompted speculation that efforts to find a way of reassuring backbenchers over the backstop  contingency measures aimed at preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland  were ongoing.

Mr Tusk said: It will be an important week for the fate of Brexit.

The Irish government said that in the call with Mr Varadkar the two leaders discussed the current situation on Brexit, including the planned vote in Westminster on Tuesday.

I had a phone call with PM @theresa_may. It will be an important week for the fate of #Brexit.  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) December 9, 2018

Downing Street did not publicise either call but insisted the conversation with Mr Tusk was a routine discussion ahead of Thursdays summit of EU leaders in Brussels.

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley issued a plea to move on from the bitter Brexit rows, highlighting the benefits of the peace process as an example of what happens when division can be overcome.

When the dust settles on Brexit, we must move forward in order that we can put some of the division about the nature of our countrys relationship with the European Union behind us, she wrote in the Guardian.

Northern Ireland, in particular, knows the damage that division can do, and the benefits when that division can be overcome.

But the splits in the Tory ranks appeared even deeper after three former ministers publicly failed to rule out leadership bids and serving members of Mrs Mays Cabinet appeared to be jockeying for position to replace her.

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Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson pointedly refused to rule out challenging Mrs May, although he insisted it was nonsense to suggest he was already lining up members of his cabinet.

Asked to give an absolute, categorical promise that he would not stand against the Prime Minister, Mr Johnson told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show: I will give you an absolute, categorical promise that I will continue to advocate what I think is the most sensible plan.

Ex-work and pensions secretary Esther McVey said she would seriously consider a run for the leadership if asked by colleagues to stand, while former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab refused to rule out his own bid for the top job.

The sense of crisis has heightened expectations that the 48 letters required to trigger a confidence vote could be submitted to the Tory backbench 1922 Committee this week.

An unnamed former Cabinet minister told The Times: I would be astonished if we dont get to 48 this week.

The newspaper reported that Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt are sounding out possible supporters.

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Meanwhile International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt is reportedly considering her position over the Brexit plan  she has so far failed to publicly back the Withdrawal Agreement, although she has voiced support for the Prime Minister.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Chief Whip Julian Smith was now among ministers urging Mrs May to postpone the vote  he had previously admitted he faced an uphill challenge to win round potential rebels.

But Tory MP Johnny Mercer, a former soldier, told BBC Radio 4s Westminster Hour: It would be pretty disheartening to see the Government pull this vote on Tuesday because it indicates a lack of appetite for the fight that is needed to gain respect in these situations.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told ITV News that pulling the vote would be a sign of absolute desperation by Mrs May.

The Government has 'lost the confidence of the Commons' and there should be a General Election, Jeremy Corbyn tells ITV News. He adds Labour remains determined to mount a vote of confidence in the Government, whether the Brexit vote is pulled or nothttps://t.co/UbMQdsubaK pic.twitter.com/JYhcAo2GxK  ITV News (@itvnews) December 9, 2018

Labour will discuss how to respond to a defeat for Mrs May with other opposition parties at Westminster.

One option said to be under consideration would be a motion of no confidence in Mrs May personally  something that is thought to be more likely to gain support from Conservative rebels than a motion of no confidence in the government which could bring down the Tory administration.
Prime Minister Theresa May has said that she is "deferring" a vote on her Brexit withdrawal deal in an attempt to resolve concerns surrounding the Irish backstop.

Mrs May accepted that the deal would not have passed had a scheduled vote gone ahead on Tuesday evening as planned.

She said she was committed to looking at "new ways" of giving the House of Commons a say in enforcing the backstop to secure "democratic legitimacy".

The Prime Minister said that she hoped changes to the deal would "reassure members we would never be trapped in the backstop indefinitely".

The DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds, however, said the Prime Minister's reassurance was "simply is not credible" and the government was in "an impossible position" without changes to the backstop.

If the backstop was implemented in the event of a no-deal Brexit Northern Ireland would remain aligned with EU rules and remain part of the single market with checks on some goods coming in from the UK to Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister asked MPs if the House wanted to deliver Brexit, and said it would not happen without compromise.

Does this house want to deliver Brexit? Prime Minister Theresa May

Mrs May also told the Commons that the government was stepping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

She said there was no deal that did not include the backstop, but that she would return to negotiations in an attempt to reassure critics and give the backstop "democratic legitimacy".

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Mrs May accepted that the backstop resulted in "widespread and deep concern" and said she would not "seek to divide the house at this time" with a vote.

The Prime Minister said she would not jeopardise the "hard won peace" in Northern Ireland and said the issue "must not be met with rhetoric, but with real and workable solutions".

She said that people living on the Irish border "don't want their everyday lives to change and don't want a return to a hard border".

"If the house cares about preserving the union they must listen to those people, the union will only endure with their consent," Mrs May said.

If you want a second referendum be honest that this risks dividing the country again. Theresa May

She said that she had no doubt the deal was the "right one" and that she still believed the deal could be supported by the majority if she could secure reassurance on the backstop.

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"The house faces a much more fundamental question, does this house want to deliver Brexit? If the house does, does it want to do so through reaching an agreement with the EU, if the answer is yes and I believe majority do, we all have to ask ourselves if we are prepared to make a compromise," the Prime Minister said.

"Members who continue to disagree need to shoulder the responsibility of alternative solutions that can be delivered without ducking implications.

"If you want second referendum be honest that this risks dividing the country again, be honest this risks dividing country again when as a house we should be striving to bring it back together."

Shouts of "resign" were heard from the Labour benches as Theresa May concluded her statement.

The withdrawal agreement legally binding text is unacceptable to this House. Nigel Dodds

DUP MP Nigel Dodds urged the Prime Minister to seek changes with the EU to the withdrawal agreement.

"The Prime Minister says she is listening but she talks about reassurances and assurances - does she not get it by now that the withdrawal agreement legally binding text is unacceptable to this House?," the North Belfast MP said.

"She cannot pretend going on defending the deal when she knows that if the vote had taken place tomorrow it would have been overwhelmingly defeated.

"So please, Prime Minister, really do start listening and come back with changes to the withdrawal agreement or it will be voted down."

Commons Speaker John Bercow called the government's plan to delay a vote on the Brexit deal "deeply discourteous".

And he urged the Prime Minister to hold a vote on the matter before "unilaterally" deciding to postpone MPs having their say, saying it would be the "courteous, respectful and mature" thing to do.

Mr Bercow interrupted the debate following Mrs May's statement to criticise Number 10 for leaking their plans in advance of telling the House, saying the vote was being delayed at "an inordinately late stage".

He added: "Halting the debate after no fewer than 164 colleagues have taken the trouble to contribute will be thought by many members of this House to be deeply discourteous."

The Government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray. Jeremy Corbyn

"The other option is for the Government to unilaterally to decline to move today's business, which means that the House is not only deprived of its opportunity to vote on the substance of the debate tomorrow, but also that it is given no chance to express its view today on whether the debate should or should not be allowed to continue.

"I politely suggest that in any courteous, respectful and mature environment, allowing the House to have its say on this matter would be the right, and dare I say it obvious course to take.

"Let us see if those who have assured this House and the public over and over and over again, that this supremely important vote is going to take place tomorrow without fail, wish to rise to the occasions."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Parliament was now in a "extremely serious and unprecedented situation".

"The Government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray," he said.

"It's been evident for weeks that the Prime Minister's deal did not have the confidence of this House, yet she ploughed on regardless - reiterating this is the only deal available."

He urged Mrs May to be clear over whether she is seeking changes to the deal or "mere reassurances" and asked if she was "ready to drop further red lines in order to make progress".

"Bringing back the same botched deal either next week or in January - and can she be clear on the timing - will not change its fundamental flaws and deeply held objections right across this House, which go far wider than the backstop alone," Mr Corbyn added

"This is a bad deal for Britain, a bad deal for our economy and a bad deal for our democracy. Our country deserves better than this."
The Department of Justice is being urged to introduce legislation here to end the criminalisation of women and girls seeking an abortion.

The call comes in a new report today by the NI Human Rights Commission that finds the province is failing to keep pace with the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland on key human rights provisions.

One of the report's recommendations is that the Department of Health should act in line with international human rights standards by ensuring that women and girls have access to abortion in at least circumstances of a threat to physical or mental health, serious foetal abnormality, and rape or incest.

Abortion is currently illegal here in all but the most extreme cases, and on average 28 women a week travel to England for terminations.

Campaigns for new legislation to be introduced have ramped up following the successful abortion referendum in the Republic in May.

Meanwhile, last month an amendment to a Bill by two Labour MPs calling on the Secretary of State to issue guidance on abortion law here was passed in the House of Commons.

In the report, the NI Human Rights Commission calls for a review of the current guidance from the Department of Health to ensure it provides sufficient direction for health professionals to offer abortions within the current legal framework.

The Commission recommends that appropriate information is provided to women and girls in respect of their options relating to sexual and reproductive health.

This includes the current pathway available in the rest of the UK to access a lawful termination of pregnancy.

The Executive Office and PSNI are also urged to ensure that women here can access family planning services without intimidation, including imposing a buffer zone outside the relevant clinics.

The Commission assessed developments affecting human rights protections in Northern Ireland throughout 2018.

It sets out 12 'red' issues which may be an ongoing violation or abuse of human rights that require immediate action by the UK Government, the Executive or other relevant public authorities.

Chief human rights commissioner Les Allamby said: "The outstanding issues are profound: including the need to reform the law on access to termination of pregnancy; deal effectively with the past, including outstanding investigations and legacy inquests; tackle child sexual exploitation; address the issues of children going missing from care; and the continued absence of a strategy to reduce poverty, despite this being declared unlawful in the High Court three years ago.

"The stark implications of the (political) impasse are laid bare and throws into sharp relief the need to restore the NI Executive and Assembly as soon as practicable."
Three paramedics were injured by a man high on drugs after responding to an emergency call in Newtownards on Saturday night.

As a result of the attack just one 999 crew was left to cover the north Down area, with the injured staff having to be treated at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

It is the second weekend in a row in which ambulance staff have sustained injuries after responding to callouts.

In Saturday's incident the crew were transporting the patient to the Ulster Hospital.

He assaulted a paramedic in the rear of the ambulance, causing back and shoulder injuries.

On arrival at the hospital another paramedic came to assist colleagues, with two more crew members being injured after the patient kicked out.

He was eventually restrained by six people, including PSNI officers and South Eastern Trust security staff, before being taken to A&E.

Ambulance Service chief executive Michael Bloomfield expressed concern about the damaging effect the attacks were having.

"I am appalled that, for the second consecutive weekend, Ambulance Service staff have been subjected to an attack in the north Down area, leaving them unable to continue with their duties which are so much relied upon by the community," he said.

"The men and women of the Ambulance Service leave their homes and families to go and serve the most vulnerable in our community when they most need it.

"These patients include those who may have suffered cardiac arrest or been involved in serious road traffic collisions, and who have families who need our skills and support.

"We cannot provide our service if staff are taken off shift as a result of injuries sustained from assaults, and once again ambulance services in this area were considerably reduced last night as a result of this attack.

"My immediate concern is for those staff who were the victims of Saturday night's incident."

Mr Bloomfield said that while their injuries were not serious, he was concerned about the long-term emotional impact such incidents were having on staff.

"While we will do all we can as an organisation to support them in their recovery, the solution to this lies within society as a whole," he said.

"These attacks are totally unacceptable.

"And while thankful for their support to date, I would appeal to parents, guardians, community leaders and others with influence to redouble their efforts in helping us protect our staff through engaging others on this issue.

"Once again, I would also reiterate our view that those who commit such attacks should face the full rigour of the law, including custodial sentences."

The Ambulance Service revealed earlier this year that there are more than 400 assaults on staff annually - an average of more than one a day.

Two ambulance staff came under attack in Bangor when they responded to a 999 call on November 30.

The crew also endured verbal abuse from a hostile crowd who criticised them for stepping back from the injured man after he lashed out at them.
Northern Ireland's most senior fireman has been suspended from duty.

In a statement on Monday evening, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said Gary Thompson had been placed on "precautionary suspension".

The service described the move as a "neutral action" but did not state the reasons why.

Mr Thompson was appointed in November 2016 after 22 years with the Fire Service, describing it as an "honour".

He was described as a "committed and dedicated firefighter" bringing a wealth of operational and strategic leadership experience to the role.

In a statement on Monday, the Fire Service said: "Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirms that the Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Mr Gary Thompson, has been placed on precautionary suspension with effect from 10th December 2018. Precautionary suspension is a neutral action in line with NIFRS policies and procedures. NIFRS is not in a position to make any further comment at this time.

"The NIFRS Board, in conjunction with Department of Health, will now consider and put in place interim arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of our service to the public."
Police at the scene of the arson attack in Larne

Police at the scene of the arson attack in Larne

Police at the scene of the arson attack in Larne

A Larne councillor has warned someone could die in ongoing trouble following the latest arson attack in the area.

A man and woman in their 30s escaped injury after the torching of a home in the town's Antiville estate.

The house was destroyed when a wheelie bin was set alight in the living room of the property.

Police were called to the scene shortly before 9.40pm by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

A report had been received of a wheelie bin being placed in the living room of the property at Fairway and ignited.

PSNI Inspector Patrick Mullan said: "Residents from a number of neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and, thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries.

"Considerable damage was caused by the blaze and the NIFRS has declared this fire as deliberate, so we are treating it as arson.

"This was a totally reckless act and we're fortunate not to be dealing with injuries or fatalities."

Condemning the attack, DUP councillor Paul Reid said that there had been similar occurrences in the recent past.

"I thought that Larne had moved beyond that," he added.

"We had a number of incidents where people's houses were petrol-bombed and businesses attacked.

"There is no justification for this - somebody is going to get killed.

"There were people in this house when it was attacked.

"But for the grace of God, they could have been killed last night."

The councillor, who is also a minister, said the attack didn't just affect those targeted, but neighbours as well.

"I am very conscious that I have parishioners there with young families," he added.

"They are very anxious about these type of attacks and arson, that it could easily spread fire to other homes.

"People want to get on with their lives.

"They don't want to put children to bed, and then have to get them up and flee their homes because a house next door has been attacked and their property could go on fire too.

"If anyone has any information, I would plead with them to bring that information either to me or to the PSNI, so we can get these people before the courts."

The PSNI has also appealed for information, either on the non-emergency 101 number or via the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Emergency services at the scene of a serious collision involving a car and a pedestrian on the Andersonstown Road, December 10 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph )

A pedestrian has been killed in a crash in west Belfast.

The Andersonstown Road between Slievegallion Drive and the Kennedy Way roundabout remains closed after the incident at 4.30pm on Monday.

The 48-year-old died after he was hit by a red Toyota Aygo car.

The Ambulance Service sent a number of crews to the scene.

Police said a 19-year-old woman has been arrested and have appealed for information.

There have been reports of severe traffic disruption in the area which has been compounded by an ongoing security alert in the area.

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Bus services have been diverted and police are advising motorists to seek an alternative route.
Floral tributes left at the scene of the murder of Padraig Fox. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Police pictured outside a property on Burrendale Park Road area of Newcastle after a 29-year-old man's body was found on Saturday. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Police pictured outside a property on Burrendale Park Road area of Newcastle after a 29-year-old man's body was found on Saturday. The PSNI have since launched a murder investigation. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Police released an image of Padraig Fox after opening a murder investigation into his death.

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Newcastle, Co Down have been given additional time to question a suspect.

Padraig Fox (29) was found dead in a flat in the Burrendale Park Road area of Newcastle on Saturday. A post mortem confirmed he had been murdered.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of his murder. On Monday evening police confirmed they were granted an additional 36 hours to question the man.

A second man, aged 21, has also been arrested and remains in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter McKenna added: Police received a report at 1.45pm on Saturday December, 8 that the body of a man had been discovered at a flat.

Following a post-mortem examination yesterday, I am now treating this death as murder.

I am appealing to anyone with any information which may assist my investigation to call detectives on 101, quoting reference number 712 of 08/12/18.

Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
A Presbyterian minister who went public to call on the church to do more to help people living with HIV says that he hopes his words will be the catalyst for others to follow.

Rev Jonathan Frazer from Garnerville Presbyterian in east Belfast hopes to help cast aside months of controversy and debate to shine new light on Presbyterianism as a compassionate, welcoming haven for those in need.

The clergyman gave an interview to the BBC after it emerged that over 1,000 people in Northern Ireland were living with HIV, with 84 new cases diagnosed in 2017 - 54% of them being men in same-sex relationships.

There was controversy earlier this year when the Presbyterian General Assembly voted to deny people in same-sex relationships the right to be full members.

The move also meant their children cannot be baptised and while Rev Frazer admitted he chose his words carefully, he maintains it was important to show the church is willing to extend a hand of welcome to people who may be going through troubled times.

He said his call comes from a personal and church relationship between Garnerville and Positive Life, an organisation caring for those living with or affected by HIV.

"There's a family within the church whose daughter is very involved in this work and they approached me because they knew we had supported them already in some very simple, practical ways," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"She asked if I would like to speak out because at some point the practical has to move on to something more and it has to move to the greater, to the spiritual.

"For me, with all that has happened in the Presbyterian Church in recent times, it was something I had to speak out about and be involved in.

"This is a reminder of what we were called to do, a reminder of our Christian mandate to reach out to those who are on the margins of our society.

"Our church has historically been very good at doing that, but that's been overshadowed in recent times."

Rev Fraser said he grew up in the church and is very proud to be a Presbyterian.

He said: "I love it and I don't criticise it, but let's get back to what we do best and that is loving people, not just the good Presbyterians who attend every week, but all of us.

"I think the church can be what the church was meant to be - a place of refuge, a place of hope.

"Living with HIV or being affected by HIV, life is not going to be easy for you, especially in Northern Ireland. If you're not getting any support, if you're struggling, then the church should be there as a place of refuge and hope.

"With HIV there's a nosiness to it. The first thing that people want to know is how you got it and there's a real sense that it's a moral disease, which needs to be taken away, and that stigma and discrimination people feel because of that needs to be taken away.

"The church should be the first people to do that. We need to stand up for those who are marginalised and those who will find no support anywhere else. The local church can provide something that no other organisation can."

While Rev Frazer admitted his words may not sit comfortably with some within the Presbyterian Church, he maintained the time has come to start rebuilding trust. He said: "I know my comments will sound very hollow to some and again that is one of the reasons why I have to speak out.

"I think a lot of trust has been broken. A lot of people will not like the fact that I'm speaking out, both from my own church and wider afield, but if we don't try to reform those bridges then there's no hope.

"What are we being called to do then?

"Until we actually show that in practice that we can be that place of refuge and hope, then we can't do anything.

"It's up to us to take that extra step. I know I can't force people into coming to church. I can't force people into believing anything that I believe, but when we take that step towards each other that's when the trust can be rebuilt."

In the past 42 years, membership of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has fallen by 160,000. The figures, outlined in the 2018 Presbyterian Blue Book, show that in 1975 the Church had 370,000 members. Last year, the total had fallen to 210,000.

Rev Frazer said: "In society there are many myths and misunderstandings that are unfair and unhelpful, but I think our church in a hierarchy sees all with compassion and love and seeks to show that.

"We might get some of the decisions wrong when we look historically at them.

"In hindsight we might not have carried out many things in the proper way, but I think we look at all with compassion and love and empathy and with a sense of belonging. We may not show it very well at times, but we do.

"This year's vote on same-sex relationships was passed by a majority, but not all, of the Presbyterian Church. That's important for people to remember.

"There was a lot of debate, sincere people on both sides who felt they were upholding their biblical principles. But I think you can say we got distracted by our doctrines. We forgot about people. In the church we're not called to think about doctrine, we're called to think about people.

"We have many people in our church who have struggled with that vote, who have contemplated leaving the Presbyterian Church and my church, but Jesus doesn't call the church at large, He calls us as individuals and as individuals we have to ask how can we make someone who's living with HIV feel like they belong?

"This isn't an attempt to kick up a bit of dust and make a point about wider Presbyterianism. It's about keeping a focus on the support the church can be there to offer.

"There is positive support there for people and I want to see that acknowledged. The church seems to have lost that part of its voice.

"There are a lot of issues out there which we as a church can have a positive impact on.

"We need to shine a brighter light on the Presbyterian Church, be the leader of society which we have been in the past and get back to being seen as a place of compassion."
A peace wall at the top of the Crumlin Road in Belfast opposite Holy Cross Church in 2016 being demolished

The lack of devolved government in Northern Ireland is hampering efforts to transform the region's peace walls, according to the chairman of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI).

There are an estimated 116 barriers separating unionist and nationalist communities across Northern Ireland.

They are mostly located in Belfast but are also present in Londonderry and Co Armagh towns Lurgan and Portadown.

A small number have been removed or transformed, including one at a former flashpoint in Ardoyne, north Belfast, in 2016 which is now made of lower, black metal railings following agreement between the local communities.

Dr Adrian Johnston, IFI chairman, said progress on other barriers has slowed significantly in the absence of power-sharing government.

He revealed that at the start of 2018 there were 12 barriers they had hoped to see progress on. As the year went on he said it became clear there could have been movement on seven barriers if an aftercare strategy had been put in place by government to reassure communities who are ready for change.

From 2011, the peace wall gate in Alexandra Park, north Belfast, has been opened regularly. Dr Johnston said residents are now ready to make further progress but can't due to the political stasis.

Dr Johnston said political leadership, a strategy and the guarantee of an aftercare package to reassure communities are needed. He blamed the lack of political leadership for helping paramilitary organisations target young people.

He also said the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit had caused insecurity around political identity among border communities in Ireland.

On Monday, the IFI announced its latest funding package, pledging 2.6m for 17 projects across Ireland which seek to deliver positive change. This includes 652,828 to five projects in the Peace Walls Programme across Belfast and Londonderry.

Dr Johnston warned the fund alone cannot deliver on the scale needed without support.
The backstop agreement on the Irish border should be banked, pro-Remain parties in Northern Ireland said (Niall Carson/PA).

The backstop agreement on the Irish border should be banked, pro-Remain parties in Northern Ireland have said.

The backstop means Northern Ireland would continue to follow some EU rules if no better deal can be found. It was agreed between UK and EU negotiators.

Sinn Fein, the nationalist SDLP, Alliance and Green Party said most people, businesses and members of civic society did not want Brexit.

There can be no renegotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement  @MaryLouMcDonald https://t.co/et0ZBvRvZe pic.twitter.com/8h3sTkie8m  Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) December 7, 2018

In a joint statement they said: We have a shared responsibility to protect jobs, economic stability, the environment and peoples livelihoods.

At the very least, this means avoiding a hard border, protecting the Good Friday Agreement and hard-won peace of the past 20 years, and staying within the single market and a customs union.

Therefore, as a basis for this, we maintain that there is a pressing need for the backstop as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement to be banked.

By contrast, we believe that a no-deal situation would be catastrophic for our economy and society.
Nifty knitters from all over Northern Ireland have been busy creating comforting soft toys for the PSNI to hand out to young or vulnerable bystanders in frightening situations.

The 'Trauma Teddies' are designed to distract little ones or vulnerable adults from crimes or troubling incidents they have witnessed, and will now be riding along with officers in the Mid-Ulster and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon areas.

They'll be springing into action when required to help comfort anyone involved in incidents, from road crashes and domestic violence to getting lost.

Police have received so many of the hand-made teddies that they have decided to donate some to charity. The spare bears will now find a new home when Coalisland woman Yvonne Donnelly takes them with her on an upcoming aid trip to Zambia.

Sergeant JP McCartan of PSNI Cookstown said: "We have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who has given their time to knitting Trauma Teddies.

"You can be assured that your efforts will be put to good use providing comfort to children who need it. Teddies will be kept at police stations and in vehicles and officers will now have the option of giving a child one in the hope that it can provide a little comfort in what would be a difficult or upsetting situation.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported this initiative for your generosity. We are grateful to each and every one of you who has taken the time to knit or crochet a Trauma Teddy."

Councillor Denise Mullen, of Mid Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), added: "People have been incredibly generous. The amount of teddies we have received has far exceeded our expectations. The teddies we have received have been fabulous and will help give comfort in upsetting situations."

Receiving the Trauma Teddies for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District, Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: "I'm delighted that our police officers will now have a Trauma Teddy as part of their vehicle patrol equipment as well as other existing vital kit like defibrillators.

"These teddies, kindly knitted by volunteers, will help us comfort children in distressing situations across our district."

The Trauma Teddies idea originated from British Red Cross volunteer Marion Gibson in 2000 who, while working in Australia, saw firefighters give cuddly toys to children fleeing bush fires. She started making gifts for children caught up in hurricanes, conflicts and other disasters.

The idea has now been adopted by emergency services around the world.
The incident took place around the Wellington Park/Malone Road area.

Police are investigating a report of a 17-year-old girl being assaulted in south Belfast during the early hours of Sunday morning.

Detectives are working to establish the circumstances of the incident and are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Malone Road/Wellington Park during the early hours of Sunday morning and who saw the girl walking in the direction of the City Centre to contact police.

The girl is described as being 54 tall, of slim build with long brown hair past her shoulders.

She was wearing a leopard design body top and leather jacket.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak with a taxi driver who collected the young girl, possibly in the Malone Road/Wellington Park area, around 6am on Sunday morning and took her to an address in Dundonald to get in touch with police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101 quoting reference 422 09/12/18.

Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
The Prime Minister is to hold crisis Brexit talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday.

The move follows a day of high drama at Westminster which saw Theresa May cancel a vote on her Brexit plans because she faced a significant defeat.

Mrs May will also meet Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in The Hague on Tuesday in a bid to gain reassurances on the exit deal from European leaders ahead of a crunch EU summit on Thursday.

The PM was forced to abandon the Commons vote as the scale of opposition to the Brexit deal, especially regarding proposed backstop arrangements for the Irish border, threatened a crushing rejection of her plans.

In a statement to MPs, Mrs May also said the Government was stepping up preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit, despite saying that this would cause significant economic damage to parts of our country.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Government was in disarray and told Mrs May she should step aside if she was unable to deliver the fundamental changes needed to her plans.

More than 50 Labour MPs and peers wrote to Mr Corbyn urging him to call a vote of no confidence in Mrs May as Prime Minister, while Nicola Sturgeon and Sir Vince Cable assured him that the SNP and Liberal Democrats will back him if he does.

But Labour made clear it will hold back on a confidence motion until after Mrs May returns to the Commons with whatever assurances she secures from EU leaders.

We will put down a motion of no confidence when we judge it most likely to be successful, said a Labour spokesman.

If Mrs May brings her plan back to the Commons without significant changes, she will have decisively and unquestionably lost the confidence of Parliament on the most important issue facing the country, and Parliament will be more likely to bring about the general election our country needs to end this damaging deadlock.

Sterling tumbled to a 20-month low following Mrs Mays announcement, hitting its lowest level since April 2017.

Versus the US dollar, the pound was trading at 1.25 in evening trade, a fall of 1.1%. Against the euro, sterling shed 1% to hit 1.10.

European Council president Donald Tusk announced that Brexit has been added to the agenda of a two-day EU summit in Brussels taking place on Thursday and Friday.

Mr Tusk said: We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario.

I have decided to call #EUCO on #Brexit (Art. 50) on Thursday. We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario.  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) December 10, 2018

And a spokeswoman for European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker poured cold water on any prospect of a renegotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Speaking ahead of Mrs Mays statement, the spokeswoman said: This deal is the best and only deal possible. We will not renegotiate.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar ruled out reopening talks around the backstop, saying it was not possible to reopen any aspect of the Withdrawal Agreement without reopening all of it.

Addressing the Commons, the Prime Minister accepted that there was widespread and deep concern among MPs over the backstop arrangement, designed to keep the Irish border open if the EU and UK fail to strike a wider trade deal.

But she insisted that there was no deal available that does not include the backstop.

And she said that none of the alternative outcomes  a second referendum, the so-called Norway-plus membership of the single market and customs union or no-deal Brexit  could command a majority in the House.

Mrs May said she still believed there was a majority to be won in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration on future EU/UK relations agreed with Brussels after more than 18 months of negotiations.

And she said: It is clear that this House faces a much more fundamental question.

Does this House want to deliver Brexit? And if it does, does it want to do so through reaching an agreement with the EU?

If the answer is yes, and I believe that is the answer of the majority of this House, then we all have to ask ourselves whether we are prepared to make a compromise.

Because there will be no enduring and successful Brexit without some compromise on both sides of the debate.

The Government was also looking at new ways of empowering the House of Commons to ensure that any provision for a backstop has democratic legitimacy and to enable the House to place its own obligations on the Government to ensure that the backstop cannot be in place indefinitely, said Mrs May.

The remaining two days of a planned five-day debate on Mrs Mays proposals will be deferred, along with votes on the deal, to a date yet to be fixed.

This was being done by a parliamentary procedure which does not require approval from MPs, despite Speaker John Bercow saying it would be discourteous to do so.

Downing Street was unable to give any indication of when the vote will now be held, saying that this would depend on how quickly Mrs May is able to secure the assurances which will satisfy MPs.

A spokesman said there was no plan to extend the two-year Article 50 process under which the UK will leave the EU on March 29 2019, whether or not there is a withdrawal deal.

So @jeremycorbyn - if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, @theSNP will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote. This shambles cant go on - so how about it?  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 10, 2018

She was briefed on the likely scale of her defeat by chief whip Julian Smith on Monday morning before deciding to consult Cabinet colleagues in a conference call on her decision to defer the vote.

A Downing Street source said that the PM received strong support from Cabinet ministers for the postponement, with none opposing the decision.

To cries of resign directed at the Prime Minister from the Labour backbenches, Mr Corbyn told the Commons that fundamental flaws in Mrs Mays proposals meant she could not simply bring it back next week or in January and hope to win MPs approval.

The Government is in disarray, uncertainty is building for business, people are in despair at the state of these failed negotiations and concerned about what it means for their jobs and communities  and the fault of that lies solely at the door of this shambolic Government, said the Labour leader.

And the Prime Minister was accused by veteran Labour MP Dennis Skinner of being frit and handing over power to the EU.

Conservative Brexiteer Andrew Bridgen was heckled by some colleagues as he said Mrs May had lost the trust and credibility of the Commons, the country and the EU.

The dramatic developments occurred as the European Court of Justice ruled that Britain can unilaterally halt the Brexit process by revoking the Article 50 letter declaring its intention to leave the EU.

The usual Tuesday Cabinet meeting will be held later in the week due to Mrs Mays travel plans, Downing Street said.
Prime Minister Theresa May has dramatically called off a House of Commons vote on her Brexit plan, admitting that she would have lost by a significant margin.

Mrs May will now travel to Europe over the coming days in the hope of securing new reassurances from fellow EU leaders to allay MPs concerns about proposed backstop arrangements for the Irish border.

In a statement to MPs, Mrs May also said the Government was stepping up preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit, despite saying that this would cause significant economic damage to parts of our country.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Government was in disarray and told Mrs May she should step aside if she was unable to deliver the fundamental changes needed to her plans.

More than 50 Labour MPs and peers wrote to Mr Corbyn urging him to call a vote of no confidence in Mrs May as Prime Minister, while Nicola Sturgeon and Sir Vince Cable assured him that the SNP and Liberal Democrats will back him if he does.

But Labour made clear it will hold back on a confidence motion until after Mrs May returns to the Commons with whatever assurances she secures from EU leaders.

We will put down a motion of no confidence when we judge it most likely to be successful, said a Labour spokesman.

If Mrs May brings her plan back to the Commons without significant changes, she will have decisively and unquestionably lost the confidence of Parliament on the most important issue facing the country, and Parliament will be more likely to bring about the general election our country needs to end this damaging deadlock.

Sterling tumbled to an 20-month low following Mrs Mays announcement, hitting its lowest level since April 2017.

Versus the US dollar, the pound was trading at 1.25 in evening trade, a fall of 1.1%. Against the euro, sterling shed 1% to hit 1.10.

European Council president Donald Tusk announced that Brexit has been added to the agenda of a two-day EU summit in Brussels taking place on Thursday and Friday.

Mr Tusk said: We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario.

I have decided to call #EUCO on #Brexit (Art. 50) on Thursday. We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario.  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) December 10, 2018

And a spokeswoman for European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker poured cold water on any prospect of a renegotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Speaking ahead of Mrs Mays statement, the spokeswoman said: This deal is the best and only deal possible. We will not renegotiate.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar ruled out reopening talks around the backstop, saying it was not possible to reopen any aspect of the Withdrawal Agreement without reopening all of it.

Addressing the Commons, the Prime Minister accepted that there was was widespread and deep concern among MPs over the backstop arrangement, designed to keep the Irish border open if the EU and UK fail to strike a wider trade deal.

But she insisted that there was no deal available that does not include the backstop.

And she said that none of the alternative outcomes  a second referendum, the so-called Norway-plus membership of the single market and customs union or no-deal Brexit  could command a majority in the House.

Mrs May said she still believed there was a majority to be won in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration on future EU/UK relations agreed with Brussels after more than 18 months of negotiations.

And she said: It is clear that this House faces a much more fundamental question.

Does this House want to deliver Brexit? And if it does, does it want to do so through reaching an agreement with the EU?

If the answer is yes, and I believe that is the answer of the majority of this House, then we all have to ask ourselves whether we are prepared to make a compromise.

Because there will be no enduring and successful Brexit without some compromise on both sides of the debate.

Expand Close An anti-Brexit campaigner waves at passing vehicles in Old Palace Yard, Westminster. PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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The Government was also looking at new ways of empowering the House of Commons to ensure that any provision for a backstop has democratic legitimacy and to enable the House to place its own obligations on the Government to ensure that the backstop cannot be in place indefinitely, said Mrs May.

The remaining two days of a planned five-day debate on Mrs Mays proposals will be deferred, along with votes on the deal, to a date yet to be fixed. This was being done by a parliamentary procedure which does not require approval from MPs, despite Speaker John Bercow saying it would be discourteous to do so.

Downing Street was unable to give any indication of when the vote will now be held, saying that this would depend on how quickly Mrs May is able to secure the assurances which will satisfy MPs.

A spokesman said there was no plan to extend the two-year Article 50 process under which the UK will leave the EU on March 29 2019, whether or not there is a withdrawal deal.

So @jeremycorbyn - if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, @theSNP will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote. This shambles cant go on - so how about it?  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 10, 2018

Mrs May will meet Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte in The Hague on Tuesday morning and is then expected to travel on to meet other European leaders.

The weekly Tuesday morning meeting of Cabinet in 10 Downing Street has been put off until later in the week.

Mrs May spoke with Mr Tusk, Mr Juncker, Mr Rutte, Mr Varadkar and German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the weekend.

She was briefed on the likely scale of her defeat by chief whip Julian Smith on Monday morning before deciding to consult Cabinet colleagues in a conference call on her decision to defer the vote.

A Downing Street source said that the PM received strong support from Cabinet ministers for the postponement, with none opposing the decision.

To cries of resign directed at the Prime Minister from the Labour backbenches, Mr Corbyn told the Commons that fundamental flaws in Mrs Mays proposals meant she could not simply bring it back next week or in January and hope to win MPs approval.

The Government is in disarray, uncertainty is building for business, people are in despair at the state of these failed negotiations and concerned about what it means for their jobs and communities  and the fault of that lies solely at the door of this shambolic Government, said the Labour leader.

And the Prime Minister was accused by veteran Labour MP Dennis Skinner of being frit and handing over power to the EU.

Conservative Brexiteer Andrew Bridgen was heckled by some colleagues as he said Mrs May had lost the trust and credibility of the Commons, the country and the EU.

Former attorney general Dominic Grieve was among Remain-backing MPs calling for a second referendum, telling the Commons: Surely we should go back to the public and ask them exactly what they want and offer them the alternative of remaining in the EU.

Mrs May warned that a fresh public vote would lead to a significant loss of faith in democracy among voters.

The dramatic developments occurred as the European Court of Justice ruled that Britain can unilaterally halt the Brexit process by revoking the Article 50 letter declaring its intention to leave the EU.
Michael D Higgins delivers a speech to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Michelle Devane/PA)

President Michael D Higgins has said the right to asylum is being put at risk by some political forces openly denying human rights.

Mr Higgins also said creating a popular culture of human rights has never been more urgent than it is today.

He made the comments during a speech to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Mr Higgins said: We are now witnessing political forces who do not even attempt to wear the mask of human rights  there are those who now openly deny rights won through long and difficult struggles and who glory in discrimination, racism and a crude, xenophobic form of nationalism.

He added that the danger was not only in the direct political power they wield but in the poisonous influence that they exert.

That danger is most acute, and most present, in the attacks on Article 14 of the Universal Declaration, the right to seek and enjoy asylum, and on the Refugee Conventions, he said.

Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.

Mr Higgins added that the threats to human rights emanate not only from states, but from unaccountable agglomerations of private power, some of which exercise extreme power, far greater and more extensive than that of the state.

Speaking @CEVMansionHouse this morning President Michael D Higgins said: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed on this day 70 years ago by the United Nations General Assembly is correctly regarded as one of the great moral achievements of the 20th century. pic.twitter.com/7JMKxm4Gxj  Michelle Devane (@michelledevane) December 10, 2018

During the first keynote address of his second term as president, Mr Higgins also raised the issue of climate change.

In the 21st century, the single greatest, overwhelming challenge will be overcoming what threatens to be an ecological collapse and doing so in a manner that can fulfil the needs of all of the people of the planet in a just and sustainable way, he said.

Mr Higgins said three years ago the members of the United Nations met in New York and Paris to conclude what he described as two remarkable demonstrations of global solidarity: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Accord.

They have the potential to be the means by which we organise and measure our success or failure in this century, he said.

He continued that achieving the goals within the accord will be profoundly difficult without a radical change to the manner in which we produce, consume and live.

Raising the issue of homelessness and shelter, Mr Higgins noted that the United Nations declaration affords people a legal right to housing.

He said: In Ireland today, the question of a right to security of shelter and a home is most pressing for those of our people who are left out of the housing system and forced into homelessness.

There is not, as yet, a justiciable right to home or housing in either legislation or our constitution, although the Convention on the Constitution had an important discussion on social and economic rights, which I would hope will be continued. I wish it well.

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration contains such a right.

Mr Higgins added: Vindicating that right will not, and cannot, be a matter solely for courts or lawyers alone, but will fundamentally be a question of how we wish our housing system to be structured. It will be, and we cannot avoid it, a question of politics.

He continued: More fundamentally, we should ask to what degree do we as a society wish to commodify housing and treat the home as an economic good, to be supplied for and by the market.

Mr Higgins described the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as one of the great moral achievements of the 20th century.

But he said that as people reflect, 70 years on, fundamental rights were being denied, ignored and under threat as never before.
Who are the crucial players in the Brexit process over the next week? (Victoria Jones/PA)

These people will be the key players over the next few momentous days as the Prime Minister battles to keep her Brexit agenda, and her premiership, on track.

Theresa May

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The PM backed-off from a crunch Commons vote on the EU Withdrawal Agreement in the face of a significant defeat.

Mrs May is now set to travel to Europe ahead of a pre-arranged EU summit on Thursday and Friday in a bid to get new reassurances over the backstop arrangements for the Irish border.

The PMs future hangs in the balance as she faces rising criticism from both pro-and anti-Brexit wings of the Tory party over her handling of EU withdrawal.

Jeremy Corbyn

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The Labour leader is also under pressure from elements of his own party who want him to move a confidence vote against the Government.

Some 50 Labour MPs and peers have urged him to force the issue, as have the Liberal Democrats and SNP.

However, the Labour leadership has made it clear it wants to strike when it considers Mrs May to be at her weakest, and is, for now, keeping its powder dry until it sees what, if anything, the PM brings back from the EU.

Donald Tusk

I have decided to call #EUCO on #Brexit (Art. 50) on Thursday. We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario.  Charles Michel (@eucopresident) December 10, 2018

The European Council president said that Brexit had now been added to the two-day EU summit taking place this week after the events at Westminster.

However, Mr Tusk signalled the EU intends to stand firm, stating that the EU would not renegotiate the deal, or backstop measures on the Irish border issue, but would only discuss how to facilitate UK ratification.

Mr Tusk has repeatedly expressed sadness at the prospect of Brexit and its impact on both sides.

Jean-Claude Juncker

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The European Commission president has also made clear that negotiations will not be re-opened.

Mr Juncker has made a point of saying the EU will stand firm with the Irish government over backstop arrangements for the Irish border which would see the UK remain subject to the blocs customs rules if no wider trade deal is agreed before the end of a transition period.

Leo Varadkar

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The Taoiseach has taken a much tougher stance on Brexit issues since taking over as Irish leader from Enda Kenny in 2017.

Heading a minority government and facing possible elections within the next few months, Mr Varadkar cannot afford to be seen to give ground to the UK at home.

Citing the need to maintain peace in Northern Ireland, Mr Varadkar has insisted that backstop measures must stay in place after the transition period unless and until a trade agreement is in place.

Arlene Foster

Just finished a call with the Prime Minister. My message was clear. The backstop must go. Too much time has been wasted. Need a better deal. Disappointed it has taken so long for Prime Minister to listen.  Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@ArleneFosterUK) December 10, 2018

The DUP leader has been flexing her partys political muscles over Brexit as Mrs May relies on it for a slender Commons majority.

Mrs Foster has insisted that the backstop measures are unacceptable and the DUP cannot support them.

However, the DUP has said it will back Mrs May if she faces a confidence vote in the Commons, but only if the EU Withdrawal Agreement is voted down or significantly changed.

Angela Merkel

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The German Chancellor will be a major player in any moves on Brexit.

However, she is now a weakened figure after standing down as the leader of her CDU party, but remaining as Chancellor.

Mrs Merkel will be a key voice in any softening of the EU line, especially as French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to maintain a tough position.

Penny Mordaunt

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The International Development Secretary, and prominent Brexiteer has sounded ambivalent about the Brexit deal at times.

At Westminster she is widely seen as the most likely next Cabinet resignation over Brexit.

Other leading Brexiteers, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, have  so far  publicly backed Mrs Mays stand.

Sir Graham Brady

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The chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers is the only person who knows how many MPs have put in letters calling for a vote of confidence in Mrs May.

If the figure reaches 48 Tory MPs then a vote would be automatically triggered.

Sir Graham said he backed the PMs decision to defer the Brexit vote, but added: I think its best to recognise we are in uncertain times. A very difficult point in British politics.

Jacob Rees-Mogg

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The arch-Breexiter believes the chances of a no deal exit from the EU have increased due the Prime Ministers Commons move.

The MP wants a managed no deal and has turned up the heat on Mrs May repeatedly insisting a new PM would be needed for such a course of action.

Mr Rees-Mogg was widely considered to have overplayed his hand recently when leading figures from the European Research Group of Tory MPs he heads called for backbenchers to put in letters into the 1922 Committee calling for a vote of confidence in Mrs May.
El Gato takes pride of place in the festive card (Labour Party/PA)

Jeremy Corbyns cat relaxes in front of a roaring fire on the cover of the Labour leaders official Christmas card.

El Gato  Spanish for the cat  is pictured relaxing on a rug before a decorative, stocking-hung mantelpiece in the opposition leaders festive offering.

The card, which bears the message Merry Christmas on the front and wishes for a happy and peaceful 2019 inside, was released on Monday.

Mr Corbyn said: Christmas is a special time of year to spend with family and friends.

But we also remember those going through difficult times, people experiencing loneliness, poverty, homelessness, or ill health.

Let us commit ourselves this Christmas to do all we can so that next year there is greater peace, fewer people are suffering and more enjoy the warmth and comfort of security and community.

The card is a more homely affair than last years, which was a festive adaptation of the partys 2017 general election manifesto artwork, with people picked out in red and white sporting Santa hats, crowns and reindeer antlers.

Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa Mays 2018 Christmas card, which was drawn by nine-year-old Dexter Van Elkan who attends a school in her Maidenhead and Twyford constituency (David Wilcock/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Last week Theresa May unveiled three different Christmas card designs.

As with previous years they were designed by children from her Maidenhead constituency, who were also invited to Downing Street to help switch on its Christmas lights.
BBC director-general Tony Hall is to receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for his civic contribution in transforming the corporation, along with the promotion of skills, employability and the regeneration of local communities.

Born in Birkenhead, Merseyside, in 1951, he was educated at King Edward's School Birmingham and Birkenhead School, before going to Keble College, Oxford.

In 1973 he joined the BBC as a trainee, initially working in its Belfast newsroom.

In a career spanning 45 years his achievements include the launch of BBC Parliament, Radio 5 Live, BBC News 24 and BBC News Online.

Lord Hall was appointed chief executive of the Royal Opera House in April 2001 and developed initiatives to widen access, including big screen relays to locations across the UK, special matinees and other low-price ticket schemes.

In 2004 he was appointed inaugural chair of the industry-led Creative & Cultural Skills (Sector Skills Councils), a post he held for five years.

At the the request of the Mayor of London and the Government, in 2009 he set up and chaired a board directing the Cultural Olympiad.

He also joined the London organising committee for the Olympic Games Board.

Lord Hall was awarded a CBE in 2006 and created a life peer in 2010. He took his seat in the House of Lords as a crossbench member.

He said: "I'm extremely proud to be awarded this honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from Ulster University. I'm particularly proud because Northern Ireland is where I first started out in journalism as a BBC news trainee, and where I learnt so much that has helped guide me throughout my career. It's a great honour to be able to share this ceremony with the latest generation of talented young graduates as they embark on exciting career journeys of their own."
Govt aim to bringing stability in the market: Imran Khan

KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday said the government had come up with a positive mindset to protect and promote the business and investment besides bringing stability in the market.



In a meeting with a delegation of the office bearers and brokers of Pakistan Stock Exchange headed by Suleman Mehdi, the prime minister said he had arrived here to seek their suggestions for betterment of the national economy. He said the foreign investors were investing their capital in the country because huge potential for investment existed here.



The delegation felicitated the prime minister on assumption of the office and lauded the efforts by governments economic team for economic stability. The delegation apprised the prime minister on various matters regarding the stock market and put forward the proposals for financial stability most of which were accepted by the prime minister. The delegation assured that they would extend all out support to the government vis-a-vis its financial policies.



During the meeting, the two sides agreed to widen the tax base, promote IT in stock market and curb the issue of illegal payments.



The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Planning Minister Khusro Bakhtiar, Water Resources Minister Faisal Vawda, Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi, IT Minister Khalid Maqbol Siddiqui, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, State Minister Hammad Azhar, PMs Adviser Dr Ishrat Hussain and Special Assistants to PM Naeemul Haq and Iftikhar Durrani.



The prime minister also met a delegation from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation comprised prominent businessmen including Siraj Qasim Teli, Tahir Khaliq, Haroon Agar, Shamim Firpo, and Junaid Ismail Makda. According to PTIs official Twitter account, Khan also met officials of the citys traders association, who discussed with him the problems being faced by them.
Theresa May faced shouts of resign as she endured another bruising Commons appearance over Brexit.

Opposition MPs heckled the Prime Minister and urged her to step down after she confirmed a delay to the vote on her Brexit deal.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) also claimed she has lost the trust and credibility of the Commons, the country and the EU.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn warned an extremely serious and unprecedented situation had emerged, adding: The Government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray.

He also said: The Prime Minister is trying to buy herself one last chance to save this deal.

If she doesnt take on board the fundamental changes required then she must make way for those who can.

After Mr Corbyn further criticised Mrs May for her handling of the Brexit process, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable further put the boot in before appealing to the Opposition leader to act.

Sir Vince said: With the fiasco today, the Government has really lost all authority.

Let me just say that I and my colleagues will fully support the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Corbyn) if he now proceeds to a no confidence vote, as duty surely calls.

With the Irish border backstop causing the biggest headache for the PM, Sir Vince added: How many of the heads of government that she telephoned over the weekend have indicated they would consider the Irish backstop dispensable?

Mrs May said her discussions have consistently shown there should be a backstop to ensure there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, noting concerns raised by MPs have been over the permanence of the arrangement.

She said: A number of European leaders who I have spoken to have indicated that they are open to discussions to find a way to find reassurance to members of this House on that point.

Commons Speaker John Bercow earlier dished out a telling off to ministers, saying it was deeply discourteous to delay the planned Brexit deal vote.

He urged the Prime Minister to hold a vote on the matter before unilaterally deciding to postpone MPs having their say, saying it would be the courteous, respectful and mature thing to do.

Mr Bercow intervened following Mrs Mays statement to criticise Number 10 for leaking their plans in advance of telling the House, saying the vote was being delayed at an inordinately late stage.

He added: Halting the debate after no fewer than 164 colleagues have taken the trouble to contribute will be thought by many members of this House to be deeply discourteous.

Mr Bercow said many MPs had complained to him already about the Governments plans in the most forceful terms.

The Prime Minister may be prepared to be humiliated by arrogant EU officials and by Irish politicians, but does she not realise that every time she comes back with her tail between her legs she humiliates the British peopleDUP MP Sammy Wilson

DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds said the Prime Ministers reassurance simply is not credible and the Government was in an impossible position without changes to the backstop.

His DUP colleague Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) said the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Irish premier Leo Varadkar have slapped down the idea of any renegotiation of the deal, adding: The Prime Minister may be prepared to be humiliated by arrogant EU officials and by Irish politicians, but does she not realise that every time she comes back with her tail between her legs she humiliates the British people.

When will she stand up to the EU? And if shes not prepared to stand up to the EU then let her have the vote of this House to tell them what we think of their rotten deal.

Mrs May, in her reply, said we have stood up to the European Union, including on preventing the UK being separated into two customs territories.

DUP MP David Simpson (Upper Bann) also urged Mrs May to admit that Northern Ireland had had to be made the sacrificial lamb to placate the Irish Republic and the EU to ensure her deal got to this stage, something Mrs May denied.

Mrs May sidestepped questions from her own benches about how and when she would be rearranging the so-called meaningful vote.

Tory Remainer and former education secretary Justine Greening asked whether she intended on pushing back the date as far as March 28 next year  the day before Brexit Day.

Mrs May said: I do not believe the scenario she has set out is the correct one I believe it is right we should be recognising the concerns raised in this House and attempting to find a way through those concerns and to resolve those concerns.

SNP MP Peter Grant (Glenrothes) criticised Mrs Mays red lines on Brexit, adding: If the Prime Minister will not accept its time for the red lines to go, surely its time for the Prime Minister to go.
Firefighters will visit vulnerable people over the festive period to check fire safety (Jane Barlow/PA)

Firefighters are urging people to check on vulnerable family members and neighbours over Christmas after figures showed there were more than 500 accidental house fires during last years festive period.

Increased use of heating and electrical appliances, as well as higher alcohol consumption, have been highlighted as contributing factors to 527 house fire calls in Scotland between December 11 last year and January 15.

Among the fires, 17 were found to have been caused by lighting, including Christmas decorations.

Assistant Chief Officer David McGown has launched a winter awareness campaign with a call for people to particularly check fire safety among elderly relatives, neighbours and friends.

He said: Christmas and New Year should be a happy time spent with family and friends. Unfortunately, we often identify an increase in accidental dwelling fires during this period.

This winter, SFRS (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service) will work closely with local communities and partner agencies to keep Scotland safe from fire and other emergencies  but, as always, we need the publics help to reduce the amount of preventable fires we might see in the coming months.

I would directly appeal to people to check if their elderly relatives, neighbours or friends are in need of our support and to contact us directly.

Home fire safety visits are a key pillar of our prevention work that help safeguard the public  especially vulnerable residents but also families and the wider community.

These are free pre-arranged visits where SFRS staff identify signs to protect people and their homes.

SFRS staff can also identify hazards in the home, help plan escape routes and supply and install smoke detectors for free  a vital tool for every home.

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Whatsapp Drivers are also being urged to prepare for the impact of winter weather (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Drivers are also a focus of the awareness campaign.

Mr McGown said: Every year across Scotland, there is a rise in emergency calls to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service due to winter weather.

We urge the public to take action now and be prepared for whatever hazards might come in the next few months.

We saw last year the devastating impact severe winter weather can have.

If you do have to travel during severe winter weather, then it is essential that you ensure that your vehicle is serviced, well maintained and that you have important items with you  including things like a fully charged mobile phone, extra layers of clothing, food and a spade and salt.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has hit out at the delay to the Brexit vote (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Nicola Sturgeon has described the Prime Ministers decision to delay a Commons vote on her Brexit deal as an act of political cowardice.

The First Minister of Scotland said being scared of losing the vote was not a good reason to call it off.

The SNP leader also said it was time for a motion of no confidence in Theresa Mays Government, saying her party would support it.

MPs were due to have their meaningful vote on the PMs Brexit deal on Tuesday, but Mrs May deferred the vote on Monday in the face of what was expected to be a significant defeat at the hands of rebel MPs.

No date has been set for when MPs will get to vote on the deal.

So @jeremycorbyn - if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, @theSNP will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote. This shambles cant go on - so how about it?  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 10, 2018

Ms Sturgeon told the BBC: The decision to delay a vote that the Prime Minister insisted on having is an act of political cowardice and an abdication of responsibility.

Just because she is scared of losing that vote is not a good reason to delay the vote.

This is a shambles and with every day that passes right now the PMs handling of the situation is making it an even greater shambles.

It cant go on like this, time is running out, the clock is ticking and I think it is time for a no-confidence motion in this Government, which the SNP would support, and it is time to give people the opportunity, in another referendum, to call a halt to this whole sorry Brexit fiasco.

The SNP leader also issued a series of strongly worded tweets on Monday in which she described the delay as pathetic cowardice and blasted the UK Governments utter incompetence  and the contempt shown to Scotland throughout this whole sorry process.

In a tweet to the Labour leader, Ms Sturgeon also wrote: So @jeremycorbyn  if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, @theSNP will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote. This shambles cant go on  so how about it?

Following todays farcical events by the Government, I have written with dozens of colleagues to ask Jeremy Corbyn to press a vote of no confidence this week and then go immediately for a @peoplesvote_uk pic.twitter.com/JmBcLRbXDk  Ian Murray MP (@IanMurrayMP) December 10, 2018

Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray was one of a group of Labour politicians who have written to Mr Corbyn, urging him to push for an immediate vote of no confidence and then a fresh Brexit referendum.

He tweeted: Following todays farcical events by the Government, I have written with dozens of colleagues to ask Jeremy Corbyn to press a vote of no confidence this week and then go immediately for a @peoplesvote_uk.
Jake Berry, who said Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson should calm down, calm down (Parliament TV)

A Tory minister has said Liverpools mayor should calm down, calm down over city funding concerns.

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry, in a nod to comedian Harry Enfields famous scousers in the pub sketch, drew scoffs from opposition MPs for the quip.

The comments came in the Commons after shadow devolution minister Jim McMahon asked Mr Berry about Liverpool mayor Joe Andersons resignation from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.

Mr Anderson quit, saying the body was set up by a government which isnt prepared to listen and that he can no longer see the point of being a part of these bodies.

Mr Berry, who is from Liverpool, announced the city would be receiving 34 million in investment from the Local Growth Fund  something which, he said, was real evidence of the Northern Powerhouse in action.

Our 38.4m #LocalGrowthFund investment in #Liverpool is evidence of the #NorthernPowerhouse in action. Our funding will create a stunning new gateway at @NetworkRailLIV while delivering the 21st century transport infrastructure Liverpool deserves. https://t.co/0eLiV5oMsn  Jake Berry MP (@JakeBerry) December 10, 2018

The term northern powerhouse was first used in 2014 by then chancellor George Osborne to encompass economic growth plans for northern England.

The NPP, which has been chaired by George Osborne since 2016, describes itself as an independent body that represents the voice of business and civic leaders in the region.

The Government set out its northern powerhouse strategy in the same year, saying it would invest in better transport and boost business and skills.

Mr McMahon, speaking in housing questions, said: This weekend the mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson resigned from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership because he says he no longer sees the benefit, given it was set up by a Government who just doesnt want to listen to them.

At the same time IPPR North has painted a stark picture where the North gets 2,500 less investment on transport than in London.

The Northern Powerhouse Minister has literally one job to do, whats going on?

Mr Berry responded: As Harry Enfield and his chums would say about anyone from Liverpool including me, calm down, calm down.

I can confirm today that we have announced 34 million for Liverpool.

He added that the IPPR was a left wing think tank and completely refuted their figures.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses delegates during the opening session of a UN Migration Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

Germanys Chancellor Angela Merkel has said a UN accord on migration is about nothing less than the foundation of our international co-operation.

Mrs Merkel, who welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees from places like Syria and Afghanistan to her country, hailed an important day after more than 160 countries approved the first Global Compact for Migration at a United Nations conference in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Expand Close A Honduran migrant girl pushes through fencing after squeezing through a gap in the US border wall with her mother (Rebecca Blackwell/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp A Honduran migrant girl pushes through fencing after squeezing through a gap in the US border wall with her mother (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

She pointed to the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights being celebrated also on Monday, saying human rights apply to every person on our planet.

Mrs Merkel also inveighed against dangers posed by people smugglers, saying they could not be allowed to control borders.

She received a standing ovation after ending her speech by saying the United Nations was founded on the embers of the Second World War, and alluded to the incredible suffering on humankind wrought by the Nazi regime.
Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, another executive and the carmaker itself have been charged by prosecutors in Tokyo with under-reporting income.

The charges imposed on Monday involve allegations Ghosns pay was under-reported by about five billion yen (34 million) over five years.

The prosecutors had said earlier that the allegations were behind Ghosns November 19 arrest.

They added a new set of allegations on Monday against Ghosn and another executive, Greg Kelly, of under-reporting another four billion yen (28 million) for more recent years.

Nissan as a company was not mentioned in the latest allegations.

In Japan, a company can be charged with wrongdoing.

Expand Close Carlos Ghosn was sent to Nissan by its partner Renault SA of France in 1999 (Eugene Hoshiko/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Carlos Ghosn was sent to Nissan by its partner Renault SA of France in 1999 (Eugene Hoshiko/AP)

Some kind of action by the prosecutors had been expected because the detention period allowed for the allegations disclosed earlier was to end on Monday.

Kelly, 62, is suspected of having collaborated with Ghosn.

Kellys lawyer in the US said he is asserting his innocence.

Ghosn has not commented.

He has been ousted as Nissan chairman and Kelly lost his representative director title following their arrests, but they both remain on the board.

Ghosn, 64, was sent to Nissan by its partner Renault SA of France in 1999 and led a dramatic turnaround of the near-bankrupt Japanese carmaker.

But Ghosns star-level pay drew attention since executives in Japan tend to be paid far less than their international counterparts.

Only Ghosns lawyers and embassy officials from Lebanon, France and Brazil, where he has citizenship, have been allowed to visit him.

Nissan said in a statement: Nissan takes this situation extremely seriously. Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissans public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret.

The statement said Nissan would work to improve its corporate governance and compliance, including making accurate disclosures of corporate information.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission said it had filed criminal complaints against Ghosn, Nissan and Kelly.

A commission official said on Monday that Nissan, Ghosn and Kelly were suspected of falsifying reports on millions of dollars worth of Ghosns income.
Jerry Nadler described the details in prosecutors filings as evidence that President Trump was at the centre of a massive fraud (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

The incoming Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee has said it would be an impeachable offence if it was proved that US President Donald Trump had directed illegal hush money payments to women.

Representative Jerry Nadler described the details in prosecutors filings on Friday in the case of Mr Trumps former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as evidence that the president was at the centre of a massive fraud.

Prosecutors for the first time link Mr Trump to a federal crime of illegal payments to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign, and lay out previously undisclosed contacts with Russians during the 2016 election.

Mr Nadler stressed the need for continuing investigations and a deeper look by Congress into the extent of presidential misconduct.

Expand Close The Justice Department said Mr Trump told Cohen, pictured, to make illegal payments to two women (Julie Jacobson/PA) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Justice Department said Mr Trump told Cohen, pictured, to make illegal payments to two women (Julie Jacobson/PA)

They would be impeachable offences, Mr Nadler said of the illegal payments.

Whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question, but certainly theyd be impeachable offences because even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office.

Mr Nadler said it was too early to say whether Congress would pursue impeachment proceedings based on the illegal payments alone.

Lawmakers would need to weigh the gravity of the offence to justify overturning the result of the 2016 election, he said.

We will try to get to the bottom of this, in order to serve the American people and to stop this massive conspiracy - this massive fraud on the American peopleJerry Nadler

He and other lawmakers said they would need to await findings from special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference and possible co-ordination with the Trump campaign.

Mr Mueller has not said when he will complete a report of any findings and it is not clear that any such report would be made available to Congress. That would be up to the attorney general.

Mr Trump said on Friday that he would nominate former attorney general William Barr to the post.

Mr Nadler indicated that Democrats, who will control the House in January, will step up their own investigations into possible collaboration between the Trump campaign and Russia.

He said Congress, the Justice Department and the special counsel needed to dig deeper into the allegations, which included questions about whether Mr Trump lied about his business arrangements with Russians and about possible obstruction of justice.

The new Congress will not try to shield the president, he said.

We will try to get to the bottom of this, in order to serve the American people and to stop this massive conspiracy  this massive fraud on the American people.

Expand Close Jerry Nadler is the incoming chairman of the Judiciary panel (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Jerry Nadler is the incoming chairman of the Judiciary panel (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

In legal filings on Friday, the Justice Department stopped short of accusing Mr Trump of directly committing a crime. But it said Mr Trump told Cohen to make illegal payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom claimed to have had affairs with Mr Trump more than a decade ago and who threatened his White House bid.

Mr Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

In separate filings, Mr Muellers team also laid out evidence of additional contacts between Mr Trumps associates and Russian intermediaries.

They detail how Cohen spoke to a Russian who claimed to be a trusted person in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign political synergy and synergy on a government level'.

Cohen said he never followed up on that meeting.
A tweet last week after I'd had an altercation with James Wilson of the Loyalist Communities Council said: "I must say... you are without doubt the rudest person i've heard on The Nolan Show... shockingly ignorant and rude."

I have to assume that this tweeter hasn't listened to many episodes of The Nolan Show, which is famous for its robustness and for maintaining a free speech policy with which I utterly agree.

My beef was with officials agreeing to listen to the views on Brexit of the UDA, UFF and Red Hand Commando.

I admit that I became a bit testy about Mr Wilson's habit of shouting over me any time I was trying to explain what I actually thought, as opposed to what I was being accused of thinking.

However, as someone who pleads quite often for civility in public discourse, I accept that I shouldn't have told him to shut up.

Mostly, in Ireland, my public differences of opinion are with republicans, who often complain that I'm forever critical of them yet never say a bad word about loyalists.

That's utter rubbish. When it comes to paramilitaries and their apologists I've consistently echoed Shakespeare's Mercutio when he called for "a plague on both your houses".

Indeed, I recall savaging both lots at a conference and having the compliment of having David Ervine muttering "Shut up, Ruth" in the row next to me.

But I accept that I pay far more attention to the misdeeds of republicans than I do to loyalists, which is not surprising since I see Sinn Fein as a virulent cancer that could destabilise the whole island.

I was brought up in a Dublin Catholic nationalist world and became a student and critic of violent Irish republicanism.

I understand it in all its idealogical zealotry, self-delusion, self-righteousness, ruthlessness and its tribal loathing of anyone who doesn't think like it or share its allegiance to a mythical and narrow view of what it means to be Irish.

Like the great Conor Cruise O'Brien, who led the charge against the Provisional IRA, I believe it's one's duty to tell home truths to one's own tribe.

I've been following Northern Ireland politics closely since the 1980s, and have watched as the murder campaign was replaced by the sickening weaponising of culture.

I'm appalled that anyone votes for a party that eulogises terrorism.

How can anyone defend a party that won't condemn the IRA's murder of Edgar Graham on the Queen's campus 35 years ago for the sin of being an intelligent, liberal and honourable man tipped to be leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, and therefore a potential political threat?

Yet many decent people have been brainwashed by their MOPE (Most Oppressed People Ever) propaganda and cynical rewriting of history.

It's because I believe the history of Ireland includes all its inhabitants, that I worked hard to understand unionism, and even wrote a book on the loyal institutions.

But while I came to like, admire and become friends with many, many unionists, I've never been close enough to rank-and-file loyalism to feel that I really understand what is going on.

When I was covering parades and riots in the worst days of Drumcree and exposing the Sinn Fein leadership's monstrous conspiracy to set loyal institutions against the state, I encountered loyalism at its worst in the likes of Billy Wright.

When people asked me if I was afraid of being murdered by the IRA, I used to say sourly that it was far too smart to kill journalists, and it was far more likely that I'd be beaten to death by a gang of drug-crazed loyalists who heard my southern accent.

I've done some research into Mr Wilson, aka 'Bimbo', and I'm not very impressed that he's been trying to legalise the Red Hand Commando and is pals with the UVF, but I also learned that he was badly assaulted by UDA drug dealers who objected to him frequently being on The Nolan Show.

Tell you what, Jim. Let's meet when I'm next in Belfast and try to have a conversation in which we listen to each other.
Indian troops killed three Kashmiri youth

Indian troops killed three Kashmiri youth in the outskirts of occupied Kashmirs main city, ending a nearly 18-hour-long gunbattle, officials said on Sunday.



Indian paramilitary spokesman Sanjay Sharma said the three fighters were killed on Sunday in the outskirts of Srinagar. Two police officials and a soldier were wounded, he said. Sharma said Indian troops had laid a siege around a neighborhood on Saturday on a tip that fighters were hiding there. The fighting sparked anti-India protests and clashes as residents tried to march to the site of the battle in solidarity with the fighters. Indian forces fired warning shots, shotgun pellets and tear gas at the stone-throwing protesters. No one was immediately reported injured. Residents said Indian forces blew up at least five houses with explosives during the fighting, a common tactic employed by Indian troops in occupied Kashmir.
What are we to make of Barry McElduff? We can write him off as beyond consideration simply because he is a member of Sinn Fein, a defender of the good name of the Provisional IRA, a gang of politically motivated murderers who spilt more blood on Irish soil in recent decades than any other band of rogues or state body.

But there is nothing exceptional in that.

Politics works on the understanding that Sinn Fein is a democratically elected party with a right by virtue of numbers to govern this place when it eventually gets round to it.

The question over McElduff is more testing.

Acting the lig in a garage shop one night, he had himself filmed with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head.

This was on the anniversary of one of the dirtiest sectarian attacks in the history of the Troubles, in Kingsmill, an attack so shameful that the IRA still declines to accept responsibility for it.

The country was appalled by the joke. It didn't see anything funny in it.

Barry McElduff said he hadn't been thinking of the massacre at all. It was presumably the farthest thing from his mind. But that excuse was not believed by many, and even among some of those it wasn't much of an excuse anyway.

You'd think that if your political career had been founded on the defence of mass murder you might at least remember the murders themselves and which among them had to be treated with especial care, being those you denied your people having any part in.

My problem is this: if Barry McElduff was consciously sneering at the dead of the Kingsmill Massacre then he is beyond despicable. If he was laughing at the innocent dead - and others have! - then he deserves no credit or consolation, no place in our political environment, not a greeting nodded at him in the street or a breath of compassion or consideration.

Such a black insult against the most vulnerable, most wronged and most aggrieved among us would mark him out as worthless, past bothering with. He would have let himself down so low that he would be out of reach, beyond recovery.

But we have no way of knowing for sure that he offended as badly as that.

His defence is that he wasn't thinking about Kingsmill at all; it was all a horrible and unfortunate coincidence.

And that is possible.

If you believe in human decency, it is even a preferable explanation. Most of us would rather imagine that others do not sneer at the grieving and the dead.

Motivated to think well of our neighbours, we produced a peace process.

Even those who were attacked or had family and friends murdered said, in effect, that we should trust in the possibility of the killers being good and sincere people, even competent and conscientious politicians with the welfare of the whole population at heart.

It may have turned out that Northern Ireland had been so long out of politics that it really did only have a venal generation to pass the job onto, but that's another story; the people had faith that politics was possible even with former killers in office alongside baby barristers and the odd wideboy.

We have among us in our political parties and community groups, and in other circles, men and women who have murdered and justified murder and who still speak in justification and admiration of murderers.

They talk of horrific killings as incidents within an unfortunate conflict for which they had no responsibility, as if cutting innocent people to shreds with bomb blasts or knives was just something that had to happen.

And our experience as journalists or community workers or others who routinely meet former killers is that they are often indeed civil and decent people. Martin McGuinness won the genuine love and admiration of people he worked with, even though he might reasonably have expected to end his life in jail. David Ervine was a bomber and he held fast to the end to the ludicrous proposition that we were all to blame for what he did.

But one absolution for those with blood on their hands - or at least some of them - is that the evil they did was in the distant past, part of something they may have got caught up in.

Those who commemorate and revere the killers are of today and that is bad enough.

But to laugh at the dead, even now, years afterwards, never having accepted any moral responsibility for your defence of the gangs we call paramilitaries, that surely would remove a person from among any who wanted to be taken seriously as committed to change.

The line that McElduff appeared to cross led him into apparently sneering at victims.

The commentator Jude Collins also finds himself alienated after a tweet that distinguished victims who knew the danger they were in from those who didn't.

The example he cited was Patsy Gillespie, the human bomb, sent to be blown up in Coshquin Army base while his family was held hostage.

Jude Collins's insensitivity drew complaints and he now believes that he has been blacklisted by the BBC.

In social media discussion on this over the weekend he got little sympathy.

Patsy Gillespie might have known he was a "legitimate target" in the eyes of the IRA, but that consideration has no moral value at all unless you accord to the IRA the right to kill some people, if not others. If anything, it only attributes courage to Mr Gillespie.

Not knowing for sure whether Barry McElduff's joke was what it appeared to be puts us in a difficult position.

Was it a gauche stumble into concerns he should have thought through, or was it even perhaps a black joke leaking out from his unconscious without the censoring filter of common sense?

We don't know.

And we don't like not knowing, so we either damn him as evil and twisted and want to exile him from political life or we want to allow that he's an affable bloke who meant no harm and give up trying to work it out.

But the calculation a political party will make about a member will be a bit different. It sees that the outrage is coming from people who don't vote for it anyway.

And the endorsement comes from some who like his cheek and who don't agonise about past massacres.

The question there is primarily whether the man is a liability or an asset.

Sinn Fein has decided that Barry McElduff is an asset.
The government says this deal gives certainty, but nothing could be further from the truth.

If ever there was any doubt about that, all that was needed was a superficial reading of the Withdrawal Agreement, a mere glance at the damning opinion of the Attorney General to the Cabinet, and the views expressed by ministers who have sacrificed their careers by resigning from the Cabinet.

The Withdrawal Agreement screams uncertainty about the future.

Our future trading relationship with the EU hasn't even been negotiated yet, but some EU member states have already signalled their intent to use the government's fear of the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement to demand further concessions when it comes to deciding on what access we get to the EU markets in the future.

Let us look first at the uncertainty for businesses in the Withdrawal Agreement.

It is a legally binding document, so the UK cannot ignore or refuse to implement any part of it unless the EU release our country from the obligations within the Agreement.

We are in effect prisoners of the EU. The Attorney General has made that clear.

The result of that fact is devastating for NI. These are the implications for NI businesses.

1. They will be subject to the full range of EU laws and rules as they now exist and are developed in the future.

This covers over 300 areas of economic, environmental, labour, state aid and agriculture policies. Even if those rules hurt NI businesses, they will still automatically apply.

We know because it is spelt out in the Agreement that the EU will be able to cap any support that the UK government gives to farmers in NI.

Our pursuit of selectively abolishing Air Passenger Duty and reducing VAT for the hospitality industry in order to help us compete with the Irish Republic is immediately knocked on the head because we will be subject to EU state aid rules.

2. The Agreement means, in the words of the legal opinion, that "there will be friction and distortions in trade between NI to GB and GB to NI".

In plain terms this means that additional checks, potential delays, restrictions on the goods which will be allowed into NI from GB, and additional taxes on imported goods from GB will apply.

This is in order to keep us in conformity with the EU Customs Union, which we will be a full member of as a requirement of the backstop which the Republic of Ireland demanded and the Prime Minister conceded.

The Prime Minister has argued that the big benefit of being part of the EU Customs Union is that we will have open access to the EU market, but how is this a benefit when it restricts our access to the GB market, into which we sell five times more?

3. Due to the fact that NI will be a full member of the EU customs union and subject to all the rules of the EU single market, we will be excluded from trade deals which the UK does with other countries.

We cannot benefit from the cheaper goods which will be available because of reduced trade tariffs which might be agreed and we will not be able to sell our goods to the countries involved at advantageous terms.

The fact that the countries involved are likely to be faster growing than the EU will be an economic blow to many of our industries which trade worldwide.

How does an agreement like this provide any certainty, especially when it could be topped off with an equally damaging future trading relationship - the details of which we know nothing about yet?

It is amazing that anyone would have the audacity to claim it gives businesses certainty.

On top of this is the constitutional uncertainty, as the UK becomes a "third country" as far as the detached NI is concerned.

We find our laws made outside the UK and there is a massive extension on the cross border arrangements in the Belfast Agreement in order to facilitate our new closer alignment with the Republic of Ireland.

For all these reasons I will have no difficulty in ignoring the siren voices raised in support of this rotten agreement when the vote is taken in Parliament.

In doing so, I will be doing the Unionist cause and the business community in NI a massive favour.

Sammy Wilson MP is the DUP spokesman on Brexit
Most Christians fall into the trap of only thinking they can find God in church. The traces of God can be found in the most unexpected places, even in our secular society. What initially might just be thought to be a fun catchy song might actually have symbolism to Christianity. There are even Christian movie stars and athletes using their platform to praise the Lord. God is widely found in our culture, most just aren't quite sure where to look.

Many Christians have not only missed seeing God in our pop culture, but theyve overlooked opportunities to make Him visible to those most in need of hope. When we find pieces of media that celebrate God, we can use that as a way to connect with other Christians and even non-believers. Here are some places you can unexpectedly find God in our media that you can share with others.
Malaysian police said Monday they had foiled an alleged plot by the Islamic State (IS) terror group to attack places of worship in the capital Kuala Lumpur, by arresting two suspects last month.

The pair were among seven suspected militants taken into custody through a series of raids in launched between Nov. 19 and 28 in Kelantan, Selangor, Sabah and Kedah states that also netted alleged members of the Philippine-based Abu Sayyaf militant group, officials said. In all, police arrested five Malaysians and two Philippine citizens.

Police Inspector-General Mohamad Fuzi Harun said one of the two suspects apprehended in Kelantan had been in contact with Akel Zainal, a Malaysian citizen fighting alongside IS in Syria.

The 28-year-old who worked as a honey seller was arrested in Kelantan on Nov.19. He received instruction from Akel to launch an attack in Malaysia, Fuzi said in a statement released on Monday that did not name the suspects.

Another suspect, a 35-year-old driving school instructor, had also received instructions from Akel, according to Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, the director of the polices counter-terrorist special branch. He said the duo planned to strike early next year.

They were planning to launch attacks at places of worships in Kuala Lumpur and police stations in Kelantan. Their targets were unknown as they were still in planning stages, Ayob told BenarNews.

January is just around the corner. We do not want to take any risks, so we rounded them up as a proactive measure. For us, we should not take any risks, Ayob said.

An initial investigation showed that the two had been communicating with Akel since early this year, according to Ayob.

The delay in tracking them resulted from Akel adopting a method used by Malaysian terrorist Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi to recruit new members before Wanndy was killed in Syria last year. In October, Ayob told reporters that Akel took the lead in efforts to recruit Malaysians to Syria following Wanndys death in Raqqa in April 2017.

Akel adopted Wanndys method of recruiting individuals to serve a specific role and only communicate with the mastermind of an attack, according to investigators.

One person would be tasked to do one thing, the other to work on different things. It was a method to make sure that each has no clue of the other persons identity. It took us some time to connect the dots. It was a method to slow us down, Ayob said.

Wanndy used this method to successfully orchestrate an attack in Malaysia in 2016 where a grenade tossed at a nightclub near Kuala Lumpur injured eight people, the police official said.

Other arrests

Among the latest arrests, a suspect taken into custody on Nov. 20 was identified by police as a 52-year-old Malaysian petroleum engineer who allegedly funneled 14,000 ringgit (U.S. $3,350) to Wanndy between 2016 and 2017 to fund terror activities.

A 26-year-old van driver in Kedah was arrested for allegedly providing funds to a pro-IS terrorist network, Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), which was linked to attacks on police stations in Central Java in April 2017. JAD was also blamed by Indonesian police for suicide bombings in the city of Surabaya in May 2018, where three churches were attacked by a radicalized Muslim family.

Police also arrested an alleged member of Abu Sayyaf on Nov. 21 in the Borneo state of Sabah. Officials identified the 45-year-old farmer as a Philippine citizen.

In addition, on Nov. 28 police arrested a 48-year-old Filipino in Tenom and his Malaysian wife for not disclosing knowledge of the presence of Abu Sayyaf members in the state.

Fuzi said the suspects were being investigated under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act. Since January, police in Malaysia have arrested 452 individuals linked to alleged terror activities.
Thousands of Filipinos rallied on Monday to mark International Human Rights Day as they called on President Rodrigo Dutertes government to end its drug war that has killed thousands of suspects since he took office in mid-2016.



Manila faces a crisis of protecting the lives of ordinary citizens who often are targeted by policemen and unknown vigilantes in anti-narcotics operations, said Etta Rosales, former head of the countrys human rights commission.



Human rights are about human lives. Since the drug campaign against was implemented, thousands of lives were lost, Rosales said.



Different data from human rights groups had placed the number of deaths at 20,000 under Dutertes presidency, she said. The police have acknowledged that 5,000 suspected drug addicts and dealers were killed, alleging they fought with officers while resisting arrest.



Rosales call came as the human rights commission officially implicated two of Dutertes military officers in the murders of seven members of the Tboli tribal community in the province of South Cotabato last year. The military has said that the men were communist rebels.



The military officers were identified as Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc and Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, who both commanded the army infantry battalions in the area where the crime took place.



Both men were liable for human rights violations for their utter failure to exert earnest efforts in distinguishing combatants from non-combatants under the principles of distinction of International Humanitarian Law, said Erlan Deluvio, regional head of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR).



Cabunoc denied the allegations, saying that what happened was a legitimate military operation between his men and communist guerrillas.



I will never falter in performing my constitutional mandate of protecting the people against armed aggression of communist rebels, the senior officer told a local radio program on Sunday.



Marching with us



On Monday, Christina Palabay, secretary general of the Philippine rights group Karapatan, said its supporters and members held simultaneous protests in more than 20 cities in the country, as well cities in Europe, the United States, Canada, Asia, and Australia to mark this years International Human Rights Day.



Regardless of the governments repeated denial of violations, the evidence is overwhelming. Victims and their relatives are marching with us, demanding for justice and accountability, she said.



The Duterte regime has implemented a succession of anti-people policies, and it has claimed the lives of thousands of Filipinos who were stripped of their fundamental rights. This government has blazed down the track of militarism and repression. In effect, there is a growing movement determined to put an end to the attacks and resist tyranny, Palabay said.



Last week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it would continue to assess the alleged crimes against humanity under the Duterte administrations war on drugs.



The president had earlier angrily withdrawn the Philippines from an international treaty that created the court.



Duterte is facing two complaints before the ICC. The first was filed by a former policeman and a self-confessed assassin who alleged that Duterte had ordered the killings of criminals and opponents when he was the longtime mayor of Davao city in the south; and the second, filed by relatives of eight people killed in the drug war.



When he assumed the presidency in 2016, Duterte carried a list containing the names of politicians, judges, police and military officers who were allegedly involved in the drug trade. Several mayors on that list have since been gunned down.



Froilan Gallardo and Richel V. Umel contributed to this report from Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City, Philippines.
Alma Busby-Williams is the new center manager at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest.
Overseas Pakistanis contributed around Rs1 billion

ISLAMABAD: Overseas Pakistanis have so far contributed around Rs1 billion while local individuals as well as institutions have donated Rs7.47bn to the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams fund, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).



Within a span of five months, a total of Rs8.46bn was deposited in The Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund, the SBP data showed.



Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar took the initiative of collecting donations by launching the fund on July 6 that was later joined by Prime Minister Imran Khan, making it a joint venture to overcome the countrys water scarcity.



Till December 6, according to the SBP, the overseas Pakistanis shared 10.6pc of the total contribution for the construction of the dams.



Earlier, the prime minister in his televised address to the nation had appealed to the estimated nine million overseas Pakistanis, particularly those living in European countries and the United States, to contribute at least $1,000 per head to the noble cause, and warned that Pakistan could face famine-like conditions by 2025 if new water reservoirs were not built.



The CJP recently visited the UK for fundraiser to avert the looming threat of drought in Pakistan in coming years.



Around $14bn is required for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha dam.



Within Pakistan, the contributions were made through cheques, cash and mobile phone message service. An amount of Rs125m was received through SMS services of the four cellular phone service companies operating in the country.



Many overseas Pakistanis sent their donations through debit and credit cards, while many others deposited money in the SBP Nostro account and commercial banks overseas.



Most of the foreign donations, around Rs362m, came from the Pakistanis living in the US, followed by around Rs214m from those living in the UK, while those in Canada donated Rs107m.



Other major donations by the overseas Pakistanis came from the United Arab Emirates (Rs65m), Saudi Arabia and Qatar (around Rs40m each), Switzerland (Rs32m) and others.



Generous contributions were also made by the overseas Pakistanis living in Norway, Turkey, Japan, China, Sweden, Russia, Brazil, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Austria, Brunei, Denmark, the Netherland, Belgium, Finland, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, Ireland, South Korea, Thailand, Oman, Jordan, the Maldives, Nigeria, Peru, Tunisia and the Philippines.



When contacted, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari hailed the contribution from Pakistanis working abroad for the noble cause and said they always came forward to support the country in difficult times.



He announced constitution of an overseas Pakistanis associates committee, which would be mandated to raise fund till the completion of dams. He said the confidence of overseas Pakistanis was boosted after PM Khan assured them of maximum facilitation.
Solito has been in many ensembles, including University Band, Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Philharmonia, Pit Orchestra, New Music Ensemble, Jazz Lab One, Jazz Lab Two, Trumpet Ensemble, a few commitments with the Graduate Brass Quintet and student recitals.

In 2015, he auditioned for the International Trumpet Guild Conference Scholarship and was a recipient for three consecutive years. He also served on the volunteer staff at ITG for four years.

In 2016, a few members and myself had the opportunity to travel to Montemorelos, Mexico, for the 2016 International Trumpet Camp, where we toured parts of Mexico and performed, he said. We also had the opportunity for master classes and lessons from the faculty of the camp.

Solito finished up his final semester as a student music teacher at Lake Orion High School in Michigan under the direction of Michael Steele.

Solito says that his hard work at BGSU paid off and made him a better musician.

I was working hard, staying up late, getting into the practice room, surrounded by music and I learned something about myself and the experience every day, he said. Failing the audition the first time ended up being a blessing because I developed a work ethic and drive I didnt think I had.
Yes, asking when Jesus was born is an important objective question. Perhaps, though, it is not so important as the question I will pose at the end of this writing, which is a subjective question. In the meantime, my research around the birth of Jesus has left me with a sense of charm about the questionto get the answer, there is so much flexibility that must be acknowledged. Ive enjoyed learning how hard we humans have tried during many years of time-counting and calendar-creating both to get the answer right about when Jesus was born and to undergird Christian expectation.

Was Jesus Born 0 B.C?

To begin with, Jesus wasnt born during Year Zero. Thats because there wasnt a Year Zero. Logically, there cant be a Year Zero. Consider the month and day you were born. In my case, its October 30. If I were so vastly important that the worlds dating was to hinge on October 30, then the 365 days BEFORE my birth would be termed 1 B.D. (the final year before Dikkon) and the 365 days AFTER my birth would be termed 1 A.D. (the first year after Dikkon). Theres no room for a Year Z.D. (zero Dikkon). And in the era of B.D., we would all count backward; in the era of A.D., we would all count forwards.

Jesus is the Christ, the savior of the world. He is so vastly important that the worlds dating hinges upon his birthin B.C. (before Christ) or in A.D. (anno domini  in the year of our Lord). Establishing the actual year when Jesus was born was difficult to do and even questionable whether to undertake. However, it was considered important because that was the year when the Holy Trinity commenced the final stage of its plan to redeem fallen humans and to restore paradise in the New Jerusalem. Heres the sequence. One year Jesus was born. About three decades after His birth, Hewho is incarnate Godwas sacrificed on the Cross. Three days after that, His Resurrection guaranteed redemption for those who believe in His glory. So the year of Jesus birth is a pivotal year; salvation history turns upon it. Eternal life turns upon it.

But there is another year that is even more ineffably sublime. The year of Jesuss birth merely begins the sequence of events that we term Christs passion and our redemption. Salvation history is climaxed by Christs Resurrection, not by His birth. To early Christians, for the purpose of their worship, the most vital information arising from calendar study was to figure out, each year, on which date they were to celebrate Easter.

When Did Christians Date the Birth of Jesus at Christmas?

In fact, many early Christian fathers objected to the celebration of Christmas at all. The date of Christmas was not determined until what we nowadays call the year 221 A.D. by Sextus Julius Africanus (c. 180 A.D.c. 250). Using the Bible as one of his principle authorities, Sextus wrote a prodigious 5-volume chronology of sacred and secular time running from the worlds creation, which he placed in 5499 B.C., and up to the date of his books publication in 221. In it, he concluded that Jesus was born on December 25th. Many contemporary theologians responded, in effect, so what? Its pagans who celebrate the birth of their heroes. We dont. Christians are concerned not about the births of our saints and especially not about Jesus birth. Were concerned about their deaths. While everyone is born, not everyone is martyredand no one has ever been martyred as the incarnate God was martyred. His martyrdom brought Resurrection and Ascension! It revealed the whole of Gods redemptive planit revealed the empyrean and provided for the salvation of all of believing humankind.

Human life, we Christians believethis is according to many of the church fathersour human life is a transitional period of time before we proceed to our final and eternal home in heaven. We experience trials and hardships during our lives, and we are allowed to know grace. If we are blessed by the opportunity of martyrdom perhaps our death day will be remembered for a long time afterward. Our birth day is of much lesser importance.

Calculating the Year of Jesus' Birth

As a man of our modern technological age, I am accustomed to time being measured by tools which we consider absolutely objectiveby atomic clocks, for example. But that was not the way time was measured back in the day. Back in the day, time was measured by competing calendars, which were each built on observation of the solar and the lunar cycles in the sky, and also on reference to legendary events and to political or religious verities. For example, the city of Rome kept track of years by looking back to its birth in 753 B.C. (on April 1, to be specific), when it was founded by the legendary Romulus and Remus. Roman years (using the abbreviation AUCfrom the founding of Rome, ab urbe condita) were counted from that legendary eventand note that the B.C. I used in this sentence in order to orient us moderns did not exist as a concept then. Next, as of 46 B.C. (or 708 AUC) a new calendar was imposed, the Julian calendar, by edict of Julius Caesar, so then there two dating systems existed. Further, after that same Julius forced Republican Rome to become Imperial, years were also calculated from the date of the accession of absolute power by the then emperor, reporting, for instance, that a certain event happened in the 16th year of the reign of Caesar Augustus.

Three dating systems may have seemed complicated, but then something different happened in 1278 AUC. A mathematically-minded monk and member of the Roman Curia, Dionysius Exiguus, invented the concept of A.D. As indicated above, this mans concern was to make accurate predictions going forward of when Easter should be celebrated annually. To him Im sure, Christian time ought to dominate Romulus-and-Remus time, so he counted backward 525 years from the year he was making his calculation to the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christor to in the year of our Lord, A.D 1. Scholars find it difficult to understand how Dionysius picked 525 years for his calculation (and what Ive read is too long and complicated for our space here to contain)but heres where the charming humanity and the flexibility of the process is discernable. Apparently, Dionysius specified that he avoided any clues he might otherwise have found in some calendars if they mentioned a particular emperor who persecuted Christians and whom Dionysius wanted to be struck from the record. Also, I understand that there are suggestions in his writing that he picked 525 years because, at his own time, general Christian understanding of the date of the End Times was that they would begin 500 years after the birth of Christ. Dionysius may deliberately have placed his own year twenty-five years after the supposed Eschaton. Maybe he did this to avoid public panic. And anyway what he wanted people to pay attention to was Easter.

So Dionysius Exiguus invented A.D., and he placed A.D. 1 where he placed it. Weve been living with that dominant hinge ever since. But notemore flexibilityeven that dominant hinge did not become widely used throughout Europe until 731 A.D. when it was adopted by the Venerable Bede and appeared in his major work The Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

The Conclusion for Answering What Year was Jesus Born

By 731 and after, it was clear that there had existed a year we could call A.D. 1. So thats the answer to our questionits obvious. Jesus was born in A.D. 1the first year of our Lord Jesus Christ. But not so fast.

There is another way to approach the truth. Lets review what the Bible and Roman history tell us. Matthew 2:1 tells us that Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod the Great. At about that same time, the Magi arrived in Jerusalem and reported they had seen the Star in the west and had traveled to worship the boy born to be king. Herod, vicious enough to have murdered two of his wives and three of his sons when he thought they plotted against him, ordered all male children around Bethlehem who are two years old and under (Matthew 2:16) to be murdered. From history, we believe that Herod died in the year 4 B.C. So we might conclude that Jesus must have been born about one or two years before the date of Herods death, in order for the Magi to have had time for their travel and to describe to Herod how old the child born at the time of the star must now be. (Note that all these dates are speculative and have flexibilityincluding Herods death date: did he die in January or December, and into which year were those 12 months placed?) Flexibility again. So maybe Christ was born in 4 or 5 Before Christ.

But theres more. Luke 3:1 locates the preaching of John the Baptist in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius which we know from history would be A.D. 29 (although there is some flexibility there, too, because Roman historians usuallybut probably not alwaysdated the emperors accession to absolute power as of the first January 1 after he gained the power). We know that Jesus began preaching shortly after his baptism by John. But how long after? A month? A year? Later, in Luke 3:23, we are told that Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry. Would that still have been in A.D. 29? And what does about thirty years old actually mean, when our urgency is to count backward toward a birth year date that is firm? So, using the suggestions we have in Luke, arithmetic gets us to this other maybe: maybe Christ was born in any year between about 2 Anno Domini and 3 or 4 Before Christ.

For simplicity and for lack of space, Ive left out others lines of speculation, but the consensus among scholars today (including most church fathers) seems to be an average of about this: Christ was probably born in year 2 or 3 Before Christ.

Note also that current-day custom is to downplay the use of the abbreviations A.D. and B.C. There are scholars from various religious traditions other than Christianityincluding the religion of atheismwho object to worldwide dating being hinged on the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. The current trend is to use, instead, the abbreviations C.E.Common Eraand B.C.E.Before the Common Era. Even with the more generic initials, the hinge time is the samethe birth of Jesus Christ.

We cant answer the objective question. We can get close to a firm answer but not there. Perhaps this is deliberate on the part of God. Perhaps he wants us to pay attention primarily to something else than an exact date. He seeks to redeem our souls. He calls us to Him. He has been calling us to him since Jesus Resurrection. So in what year was Jesus born?

Subjectively, here at the beginning of Advent 2018, while liturgically we awaitI hope with patience and anticipatory joyHis birth on December 25, 2018, we can say He will be born, very soon now, as He has been born, each year, during more than two millennia.

May Heupon His death at Easterredeem us and save us forever. Amen.

Dr. Dikkon Eberhart and his wife Channa live in the Blue Ridge area of SW Virginia. They have four grown children and five grandchildren, who keep them busy. Eberhart is the author of the popular memoir The Time Mom Met Hitler, Frost Came to Dinner, and I Heard the Greatest Story Ever Told (Tyndale House Publishers). Eberhart writes memoirs to assist those who long to be closer to God. Meet him at his blog and website www.dikkoneberhart.com



This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through his son Jesus Christ!

What is Christmas? Understanding History, Origin and Traditions

Where Was Jesus Born? 5 Things to Know about Bethlehem

The Birth of Jesus: Bible Story and Scripture Verses

Why Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Were Given to Baby Jesus

Christmas Bible Verses & Scripture Story

Photo credit: Thinkstock/Kevron2001
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
Joint pain has become a common ailment in India and a major concern of population health.

Old age, past injuries and several other factors often leave us with lifelong sufferings. Arthritis or joint pain is one such nightmare which is too stubborn in so many cases. If a person is suffering from arthritis, it becomes very difficult for him or her to do even simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, lying down, squatting etc. Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of joint condition. It is the condition where the cartilage or the protective tissues covering the ends of the bones breaks down and starts rubbing each other causing severe pains in the joints, stiffness or other symptoms.

Joint pain has become a common ailment in India and a major concern of population health. Earlier elderly people faced this orthopedic problem. Now, even younger generation both men and women are being affected by joint problems due to several reasons including injuries. Orthopedic surgeons recommend hip or knee transplant to overcome the joint pain. However, challenges are many. Right from the identifying the exact need of the patient, selection of right implants to performing high-end surgeries with precision-skill sets, each aspect needs focused attention to make orthopedic surgeries successful.

A total knee replacement surgery is performed on patients with extreme destruction of the knee joints, associated with progressive pain and impaired function. It is a surgical procedure in which the diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material. A total knee replacement surgery has become a commonly used and very successful procedure to treat damaged knees. With the advancement of medical technology and latest innovations almost every day, the success rates and post-operative satisfaction of the patients are only increasing.

Speaking of latest technology in the medical world, total knee replacement surgery technique has crossed another milestone with the inclusion of computer navigation. The evolution of the surgical procedures with the involvement of minimally invasive techniques has made it possible for the surgeons to perform more accurately and with better control. The computer navigation enables the surgeon to locate the problem area more precisely than ever before. Patients also take lesser time post-operatively for rehabilitation after the surgery. The pain is lesser, hospital stay gets shorter and the scars are smaller under this surgery technique.

Computer Navigated Total Knee Replacement Surgery has become one of the most popular treatment procedures for problematic knees around the world. Its an advanced surgical procedure which is among the most recent innovations in the field of advanced medical technologies. The procedure improves both early and long term results.

Greater and more normal range of motion has been achieved with the provision of new implant designs. Improved joint stability has been ensured through this procedure due to better understanding of the role of the ligaments about the knee. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are evolving to speed the rehabilitation process as well. This exciting new technique includes infrared sensing of patients anatomy through which the computer can precisely navigate the surgeon to the exact location where the new knee implants should be positioned.

Patient safety remains a major concern and Computer Navigated Surgery ensures safety. Patients, in need of joint replacement implants, trust surgeons blindly. Hence, it is paramount that the experts should never fail them. Use of advanced computer navigated technology has come as boon for the patient. Obviously, Surgeons are expected to know not only about the implants and its exact surgical procedures but also tell the patients about its efficacy and risks.

Implant selection and adoption of the best procedure such as computer navigated surgery, quality of implant and skill of a surgeon plays key role in making an orthopedic surgery effective.

Although Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, but there are also other forms such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Post-traumatic arthritis etc. At early stages, it can be managed by medications and walking support. But, when even these things are no longer helpful, a total knee replacement is the option to go for. Computer Navigated Total Knee Replacement Surgery has been proving very effective in dealing with the joint problems.

Dr. Bhushan Nariani, Director  Joint Replacement Surgeries, BLK Super Speciality Hospital
The 70th IPC to be inaugurated by the Vice-President of India, Venkaiah Naidu, along with Sun Pharma MD Dilip Shanghvi, and other key members.

Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) is held every year in the country under the aegis of Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA) which is a federation of five professional pharmaceutical bodies, namely,Indian Pharmacy Graduates Association (IPGA) Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI), Indian Hospital Pharmacists Association (IHPA) and All India Drugs Control Officers Confederation (AIDCOC)

This year IPGA, the national body of pharmacy graduates, is set to host the 70th session of the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC), the largest congregation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical professionals.IPGA, founded in 1973, undertakes to improve the professional status of pharmacy graduates and to secure their rightful positions in pharmacy and other allied professions.

The 70th IPC will be inaugurated on December 21st by the Vice-President of India, Venkaiah Naidu, and presided by Dilip Shanghvi, President of 70th IPC and Managing Director of Sun Pharma. The three-day mega annual event is set to be held at Amity University, Noida, Delhi NCR from December 21 to 23, 2018, is set to attract more than 8,000 delegates this year from all the sections of the pharma fraternity.

Dr Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Universities and Institutions . ; along with R.C. Juneja, Chairman, Mankind Pharma Ltd. who are the Chief Patrons of the 70th IPC will be present on the occasion along with Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) B.R. Sikri and Organizing Secretary-LOC AtulNasa.

With the rapid growth of the Indian pharma economy, which is expected to reach US $100 billion by 2025, the 70th edition of IPC selected its theme Pharma Vision 2030: Indian Pharma Industry  A Global Leader".

Commenting on the selection of the theme, DilipShanghvi, MD of Sun Pharma and President of 70th IPC, in a statement, said, There is an urgent need to reinforce and rebuild standards with statutory bodies and to restore the confidence of pharmacy graduates. The quality of education has to be improved by industrial participation so that the stakeholders are accepted in the global pharma industry. The regulatory policies of India are to be harmonized so that India becomes global leader in pharma, including generics, active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical devices and diagnostics.

Currently, the Indian pharmaceutical sector accounts for about 3.1-3.6% of the global pharma industry in value terms and 10% in volume terms. Moreover, the Indian pharma industry is witnessing a market growth of 12.8% due to an increase in consumer spending, rapid urbanization, and increase in healthcare insurance.

Over the years, IPC has evolved as a platform for showcasing the progress made by pharma professionals in India. The unique feature of the IPC is that it has helped create more awareness of the pharmacy profession in the country.

The 70th IPC, with its power-packed scientific programs is set to leave an indelible mark in the minds of pharma professionals, while demonstrating the latest advances in the pharma sector in the areas of drug development, manufacture and regulatory framework.The scientific sessions will delve into new frontiers of drug discovery, drug development, pharmaceutical regulations and other related fields.

The event will see discourses on latest burning topics/challenges being faced by the pharma profession, which include regulatory landscape of the Indian pharma industry; addressing talent gaps in the industry; Indias dependence on cheaper APIs from China; mushrooming of e-pharmacies in the country and its ripple effect on the brick and mortar stores; and prescribing only generic drugs instead of branded generics.

Moreover, the conference will help in disseminating scientific knowledge and facilitate exchange of new ideas among the members of the pharmacy profession. Other focus areas include increasing leadership of the women working within the pharmacy profession, newly designed Job Fair for student delegates, and a road-map for the Indian pharma industry to meet the demands of the most ambitious health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat.

Based on discussions held during the congress and the problems faced by the pharmacy profession, resolutions are passed by the organizing Association and forwarded to the concerned authorities.
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
PR Newswire

RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN and NEWCASTLE, Australia, Dec. 9, 2018

RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN and NEWCASTLE, Australia, Dec. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia's first two locally-based F-35 fighter aircraft arrived on home soil today at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Williamtown, signalling the dawn of a new era for the nation's defence capabilities.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) designed and built Australia's fleet of F-35s and also serves as the global industry lead for F-35 sustainment.

The most advanced fighter jet ever built, the F-35 will be a catalyst for the transformation of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), utilising its sensors and low observability to operate with impunity in contested airspace and fuse a picture of the battlespace for other air, land and sea assets. Along with its advanced weapons capacity and superior range, the 5th Generation F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter in the world.

"The arrival of the first F-35 aircraft to be permanently based in Australia is a historic occasion and we are proud of our role as the 5th Generation design pioneer and F-35 original equipment manufacturer," said Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia, Vince Di Pietro AM, CSC.

"We congratulate the RAAF, the ADF and all of our Australian industry partners who have worked to make this achievement a reality."

Australia Plays Major Role in the F-35 Program

Australian suppliers play a significant role in the F-35 program with more than 50 Australian companies contributing to the global program of record of more than 3,000 aircraft. To date, the F-35 program has secured more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs created and generated more than $1.3 billion AUD in contracts for Australian industry.

"Flown by Australian pilots, maintained by Australian maintenance personnel and containing many best-of-breed advanced components made right here in Australia, all Australians have every reason to be proud of this achievement," Di Pietro said.

"Australia plays a significant role in the program with a suite of local industrial technology and know-how behind the hundreds of F-35s flying today, as well as the thousands of F-35s that will be produced in the future."

Lockheed Martin is the industry lead for F-35 global sustainment and is working in partnership with the Australian Defence Force and local industry to provide sustainment support and realise the full potential of the F-35 as an integrated force multiplier for decades to come.

Australia's has committed to 72 F-35As, which will be flown by Australian pilots, and maintained by a joint team of Australian maintenance personnel and industry partners including Lockheed Martin Australia. Australia has received 10 aircraft to date, the remainder of which are stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona where they are part of the international cooperative F-35 training operations.

F-35 Program Grows Global Impact

Ten nations are currently flying F-35s, and with today's arrival, Australia becomes the 7th nation with F-35 aircraft based locally on their home soil, joining the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Israel and Japan.

Additionally, with the formal stand-up of RAAF Williamtown, F-35s are now operating from 16 bases worldwide. More than 340 F-35s are operating today, more than 700 pilots and 6,500 maintainers have been trained and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 170,000 cumulative flight hours.

For more information about the Lockheed Martin F-35, visit:https://www.f35.com/global/participation/australia

Images: https://images.airforce.gov.au/images/

About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy.

About Lockheed Martin AustraliaHeadquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/australias-first-f-35s-arrive-home-to-raaf-williamtown-heralding-new-era-for-the-australian-defence-force-300762375.html

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
PR Newswire

CHICAGO, December 10, 2018

CHICAGO, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

According to the new market research report "Cotton Processing Market by Product (Lint, Cottonseed), Application (Textiles, Medical & surgical, Feed, Consumer goods), Equipment [Ginning (Saw, Roller), Spinning], Operation (Automatic, Semi-automatic), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market for cotton processing is estimated at USD 59.7 billion in 2018 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2018 to 2023, to reach USD 72.6 billion by 2023. The increase in demand in the textile industry, adoption of cottonseed meal as feed for ruminants, and the rising number of surgeries and operations have been propelling the consumption of cotton, leading to the rising demand for cotton processing globally.

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The lint segment is estimated to account for the largest share in the cotton processing market in 2018.

On the basis of product type, the cotton processing market has been segmented into lint, cottonseed, and others. The lint segment is estimated to account for the largest share in 2018. Cotton lint is widely used for manufacturing different types of surgical bandages, apparels, and household textiles. Over the years, the rise in urbanization and change in the lifestyle of consumers have led to an increase in the demand for textiles, which, in turn, is projected to drive the growth of the lint segment further.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Cotton Processing Market" 84 - Tables 34 - Figures 134 - Pages

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The textile segment is estimated to dominate the cotton processing market, by application, in 2018.

The textile segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the global cotton processing market in 2018. The textile industry witnesses a significant demand for effective cotton processing techniques. Raw cotton is used as a key ingredient in the textile manufacturing applications, and there are no raw materials to substitute it. This leads to an increased demand in the textile industry. With the increasing purchasing power and technological advancements for expanding the production capacity of cotton in improving the fabric quality, the demand for processed cotton is projected to remain high globally.

The spinning segment is estimated to dominate the cotton processing equipment market, by type, in 2018.

The spinning segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the global cotton processing equipment market in 2018. Spinning is considered one of the most important processes in the textile and pharma industries and is used to convert baled cotton into yarn or thread to produce high-strength yarns. With the increasing demand for cotton in textile and medical & surgical applications, the demand for spinning is projected to remain high globally.

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The automatic segment is estimated to dominate the cotton processing ginning equipment market, by type, in 2018.

The automatic segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the global cotton processing ginning equipment market in 2018. Cotton processors are increasingly focusing their attention on achieving low production costs, rapid turnaround time, and higher yields. This is facilitated by incorporating advanced automated technologies. Fully automated processing plants contribute to reduced labor costs and help in achieving operational efficiencies.

Asia Pacific to be the dominant region in the cotton processing market in 2018.

Asia Pacific is estimated to be the dominant region in the cotton processing market in 2018. This is due to wide cotton cultivation in countries such as China, India, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. The countries in the region have favorable climatic conditions for cotton production. This encourages cotton processors to invest in the cotton processing market in this region. Furthermore, growing concerns about hygiene and technological advancements in the healthcare sector in developing countries have led to an increase in the consumption of raw cotton, which, in turn, is expected to increase the demand for cotton processing solutions and equipment.

This report includes a study of marketing and development strategies along with the product portfolios of the leading companies in the cotton processing market. It includes the profiles of leading companies such as Lummus Corp (US), Bajaj Steel Industries Limited (India), Nipha Exports Private Limited (India), Shandong Swan Cotton Industrial Machinery Stock Co., Ltd. (China), Cherokee Fabrication (US), Reiter (Switzerland), and Toyota Industries (Japan).

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Falls in all European stock markets this Monday, especially in the Ibex, which fell 1.76% and fell to annual lows at the close with 8,660 points. These falls come after the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced the postponement of the vote on her Brexit plan, scheduled for this Tuesday. May has announced the decision after verifying that the deal would be voted out in the Commons. As a result, the pound marks minimum of 18 months against the dollar.

"This was the last thing an investor would want to hear. May's decision creates more chaos in the UK than ever. Now we have returned to the starting point and the renegotiation of the current agreement may never happen," says Naeem Aslam, an expert at ThinkMarkets. "The question really is: How can you renegotiate an agreement when, in the first place, you were sure that this was the best you could get? This is ridiculous and bad for the UK economy. Our leaders are playing with fire." , adds sharp Aslam.

In the Ibex 35, Tecnicas Reunidas was the only value that closed in green with a rise of 4.8% and followed, with slight falls Endesa (-0.2%) and Aena (-0.3%). The majors of the selective sector, such as Santander (-2.7%), BBVA (-2.5%), Telefonica (-1.5%) and Inditex (-0.7%), closed with significant losses.

DIA (-7.4%) was once again the worst value in the Ibex and awaits the meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee this afternoon in which the continuity of the supermarket chain in the stock market will be evaluated . The departure of DIA, which may not end up being the only one, would leave a gap that companies such as Gestamp, Ence, Logista, Almirall and Masmovil can fill.

Bad day also for Mediaset, which lost 5.4%, as for Atresmedia, which dropped 5.7% in the Continuous Market, after JP Morgan drastically cut the rating of the two media companies.

Also in the Continuous, OHL staged a new day of heavy losses, closing with a fall of 9.3%, the same day that Kepler has remembered that it is its "least favorite" option in the sector. OHL has fallen 10.5% since it started this month.

"ANY MOVEMENT IS FEASIBLE"

In Europe, all the big exchanges also closed in red, with the French Cac at -1.6%, the German Dax at -1.8% and the FTSE -0.7%. The news about Brexit will continue to mark the future of the markets in the continent.

"At this point any outcome is feasible, from a no-deal Brexit, which would be a 'grave concern' for the United Kingdom and would negatively affect the economy of the rest of Europe, no Brexit at all or a new referendum," say the Experts from Link Securities. "The problem for the stock exchanges is that what investors fear and reject the most is the uncertainty and, three months after the official departure of the United Kingdom from the EU, the high uncertainty generated by the whole process is the only thing that is evident" , add these analysts.

To the doubts surrounding the United Kingdom, there are also trade tensions between the United States and China, which have manifested themselves in weak commercial data (exports and imports) in China, which points to a slower global and national demand and raises the possibility for Beijing to take more measures to boost growth. The Asian stock markets have lived a day dominated by the red numbers, with cuts in the case of the Nikkei above 2%.

The week has also started with the investors pending oil, following the agreement between OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and Russia to cut production. This decision bounced the oil, which at this time of Monday falls back by 1.5%. The Brent barrel is trading at 61.25 dollars and West Texas at 51.90 dollars.

On the other hand, it should be noted that this week the Italian Government is expected to present its new draft Budgets to the European Commission (EC). It has been speculated that it will lower the deficit target to levels close to 2%, although the Italian Executive has already warned that the changes will be minimal. "We will have to be alert to the reaction of the risk premium, which is the main indicator to know how investors react to the presentation of the new Italian budget", analysts from Link Analysis 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!
A Reston farmer spent nearly all of last month in South America, speaking with customers halfway across the world about his experiences farming in Canada.

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This article was published 10/12/2018 (1084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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A Reston farmer spent nearly all of last month in South America, speaking with customers halfway across the world about his experiences farming in Canada.

Fred Greig travelled to Mexico City, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Chile with the Canadian Wheat New Crop missions, giving presentations about the management practices he uses at his farm.

SUBMITTED Farmer Fred Greig from Reston went to South America last month to talk about the practices he uses on his own farm.

"Part of what weve done in Western Canada is weve reduced a lot of tillage or no till, (that) is one of the bigger ways weve reduced soil erosion, weve reduced through water and wind," Greig said. "And, weve increased the organic matter in our soils, which has improved the quality of our soils so were producing more grain on less input."

Greig was given the opportunity to go as a member of the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association through Cereals Canada.

"Theyre always looking for producers to participate in the new crop mission," he said. "So it kind of worked out that I had some time available to go."

Their audience was made up of millers who imported Canadian wheat, he said, as well as some bakers who wanted to get a feel for the supply and the quality.

Around 60 to 70 per cent of the millers and bakers they met already used Canadian wheat exclusively, but they wanted to learn more about their farming practices.

"They were interested in what I had to say about how we produce the wheat sustainably, and what we do to make sure that the quality is as good as we can for them with how we store it (and) how we produce it," he said.

Throughout their presentations, audience members would take photos of the slides for useful information later on, he said, and all the presentations were well attended.

It was an eye opening experience for him.

"We always have heard how good a quality Canadian wheat was and how the world was certainly interested in it, and it was nice to actually hear the end users say that," he said. "That we are on the right track, (and) still trying to produce the high gluten strength, high-protein, high-functionality wheat for them."

Greig said he also learned that millers and bakers were using their quality wheat as a marketing strategy, and they want to start using the sustainable way that wheat and barley are produced in Western Canada with their customers too.

Other farmers should get involved with different associations, so they can have an opportunity to travel and see the larger picture, he said.

"Its quite an amazing educational process to for us all to understand its a little bigger than just us on our farm," he said. "If you want to be on wheat and barley (association) or sunflower growers, anything, you just never know what you might be asked to do."

 mverge@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @Melverge5
Police were dispatched to a business on the 1100 block of 18th Street around 3:20 a.m. Saturday regarding an intoxicated male causing a disturbance.

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This article was published 9/12/2018 (1085 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Police were dispatched to a business on the 1100 block of 18th Street around 3:20 a.m. Saturday regarding an intoxicated male causing a disturbance.

Police located and arrested a 43-year-old man from Birtle.

The man was detained at the Brandon Correctional Centre for the night and will receive a $672 ticket for disorderly conduct in a licensed premises after his release from custody.

 The Brandon Sun
The Brandon Gun and Collectibles Show aims to please, and it was right on target this weekend.

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This article was published 9/12/2018 (1085 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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The Brandon Gun and Collectibles Show aims to please, and it was right on target this weekend.

Thousands of gun enthusiasts packed into the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre Saturday for the first day of the 35th annual show, presented each year by the Brandon Wildlife Association.

BUD ROBERTSON/THE BRANDON SUN A visitor checks out one of the hundreds of guns on display during the first day of the Brandon Gun and Collectibles Show Saturday at the Keystone Centre.

Young, old and in between checked out table after table of guns of every description, knives, collectible toys, ammunition, moccasins and gloves and even handmade toques and scarves on display by the approximately 200 vendors.

Holding a rifle in one hand and his six-year-old son, Henry, in the other, Travis Sleep said he was impressed by the turnout Saturday.

"Its really a nice, big show," said Sleep, who recently moved his family to Manitoba from Saskatchewan.

BUD ROBERTSON/THE BRANDON SUN Guns were far from the only things for sale during the Brandon Gun and Collectibles Show Saturday at the Keystone Centre.

Sleep said he enjoys both hunting and target shooting, and the gun show gives him the opportunity to instil an appreciation for guns in his young son.

"Hes learning," Sleep said. "My daughter, when she was five, I bought her a rifle."

But, he said, even though Henry is older than when she started, he is still a bit too hyper to be handling a loaded gun.

"Were taking it a little bit slower," he said.

Don Teale, president of the Brandon Wildlife Association, said that over the two days of the show, between 2,700 and 2,800 people generally stop in to buy, sell, trade or just admire the merchandise.

"Its the biggest one around," said Teale, who has been involved in the gun show since its inception.

It attracts vendors and shoppers from both sides of the Manitoba border, and thats good for the local economy, he said as visitors stopped by the wildlife associations table to purchase a raffle ticket.

Many of the out-of-town vendors stay at the adjacent Canad Inns Destination Centre Brandon and shop at the local stores, Teale said.

"So its a good support for the local community," he said.

"This is a planned event for a lot of people."

Teale, a retired sergeant-major in the Canadian Forces, said as far as he is concerned, the ever-present controversy surrounding gun ownership is largely unfounded.

"The odd time, a guy goes off his nut," he said. "I always put it in plain language: stupidity and insanity."

After there is a tragedy involving a weapon, there is often an outcry to ban them, he said, but if you count how many people are killed by cars, do you then call for a ban on cars?

 brobertson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @BudRobertson4
BURNABY, B.C. - The Canadian Union of Public Employees has called off a job action by 139 Flair Airlines flight attendants that was set to begin early Tuesday morning.

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This article was published 10/12/2018 (1084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Flair Air logo is seen in this undated handout photo. The Canadian Union of Public Employees has called off a job action by 139 Flair Airlines flight attendants that was set to begin at midnight tonight. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Flair Air

BURNABY, B.C. - The Canadian Union of Public Employees has called off a job action by 139 Flair Airlines flight attendants that was set to begin early Tuesday morning.

The union cited concerns for the job security of members of CUPE Local 4060 for its decision. Flair Airlines issued memos to employees advising that anyone taking part in the job action would not be scheduled for further work, according to CUPE.

In the memos, Flair offered an additional $150 pay per day to anyone crossing the picket line to get to work, the union said in a release.

As with any labour dispute after bargaining has broken down, our intent with the job action was to put pressure on the employer while it continued to operate the airline, said CUPE representative Gary Yee. But Flairs threats of possible illegal actions could jeopardize our members job security, and we cant allow that to happen.

The union said it will challenge Flair's move at the Canada Industrial Relations Board before proceeding with any job action.

Contract negotiations have been ongoing for more than a year, and CUPE issued the strike notice after mediated talks on Wednesday failed to resolve outstanding issues involving wages, pensions, time credits and scheduling.

Flair said in an email it was "pleased at this overnight development" and thanked flight attendants for their commitment.

"Any claims of unfair labour practices are false, and we are confident the Canadian Industrial Relations Board will agree," a spokeswoman said.

Flair Airlines flies out of Vancouver, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto.
HALIFAX - Hollywood actor Ellen Page is doubling down on her criticism of a Nova Scotia pulp mill, rallying her 1.4 million Twitter followers against its plan to build an effluent pipeline into the ocean.

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This article was published 10/12/2018 (1084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ellen Page arrives at the world premiere of "Flatliners" at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on September 27, 2017. A Nova Scotia-born Hollywood actress is doubling down on her criticism of a Nova Scotia pulp mill looking to build an effluent pipeline to the ocean. In a Saturday morning tweet, Ellen Page said the provincial government needs to stop its "corporate welfare" for Northern Pulp, which the actress said is "literally destroying the province." THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Invision - Richard Shotwell

HALIFAX - Hollywood actor Ellen Page is doubling down on her criticism of a Nova Scotia pulp mill, rallying her 1.4 million Twitter followers against its plan to build an effluent pipeline into the ocean.

"Nova Scotia government MUST stop its corporate welfare for company that is literally destroying the province," the Halifax-born movie star tweeted Monday about the Northern Pulp mill.

"Enough is enough."

The plan to dump treated effluent from the company's Abercrombie, N.S., mill into the Northumberland Strait has raised the ire of fishermen, environmentalists and the P.E.I. government.

Page has been waging a Twitter campaign against Northern Pulp for weeks, often retweeting criticism of the mill.

Last month, Page, who starred in "Inception," "Juno," "X-Men" and numerous other films, tweeted in support of author Joan Baxter's book "The Mill: Fifty Years of Pulp and Protest," which traces decades of criticism of the mill's environmental impact.

It also examines the tactics originally used to convince the Pictou Landing First Nation to sign off on the deal allowing pollution to flow to Boat Harbour.

"Did it make me sad and angry? Yes. Did it also inspire me greatly? Yes," Page tweeted of the book.

A Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge ruled last week the province must consult with the Pictou Landing First Nation on any funding of Northern Pulp's effluent treatment facility.

Justice Timothy Gabriel said if the province becomes a financial backer of the treatment plant, that raises questions on whether the level of funding will mean "upgraded safeguards" in light of what the Mi'kmaq community has endured.

He said if the government consults on environmental aspects of the plant's construction, it should take a "holistic" approach and also consult on the financing it is willing to provide.

Premier Stephen McNeil has hinted that his government will appeal the ruling, saying he would "have more to say" on the matter.

Also last week, Northern Pulp said it's taking legal action after fishermen blocked survey boats hired to examine a route for the proposed pipeline.

Kathy Cloutier, a spokeswoman for Northern Pulp's parent company Paper Excellence Canada, said the mill has initiated action seeking an interim injunction to prevent blockades or obstructions of the survey work in the Northumberland Strait.

"Our hope was that the surveying would be allowed to occur without incident or obstruction, however actions indicated that the environmental assessment survey work would not proceed without the company seeking a court injunction," Cloutier said in an email.

But Allan MacCarthy of the Northumberland Fishermen's Association called the legal action "frivolous," saying: "The fishermen have stated all along there will be no pipe in the Northumberland Strait. We are not backing down from that."

The wider Gulf of St. Lawrence fisheries region is home to lobster and crab fisheries that brought in over $1.2 billion worth of catch in 2016.
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This article was published 10/12/2018 (1084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In this courtroom sketch, Meng Wanzhou, left, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, sits beside a translator during a bail hearing at B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver on December 7, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jane Wolsak

Four stories in the news for Monday, Dec. 10



TRADE TRIP TO CHINA CANCELLED OVER MENG DETENTION

The detention of a top Huawei executive in Canada has impacted British Columbia's forestry trade mission to Asia. The delegation has cancelled a stop in China, and will instead end its trip in Japan. It follows the arrest in Vancouver of Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer. The U.S. is seeking Meng's extradition, alleging she tried to evade American trade sanctions on Iran. A bail hearing will resume today, and Beijing has warned that Canada will face "grave consequences" if Meng isn't released.



ONTARIO JOINS CALLS FOR EQUALIZATION OVERHAUL

For the first time in a decade Ontario will not receive an equalization transfer from Ottawa, prompting the province's finance minister to join calls for a program overhaul. Canada's finance ministers are in Ottawa for the second of their two annual meetings. And just before they met at a working dinner last night, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau revealed that only five provinces  Manitoba, Quebec, P.E.I., Nova Scotia and New Brunswick  will qualify for a share of nearly $20 billion in equalization payments in 2019-20.



CANADA POST DELAYS MEAN HOLIDAY HEADACHES

Canada Post says it's dealing with two to three times more parcels than usual this holiday season. It says there's a six-million-package backlog after five weeks of rotating strikes that ended last month. Spokesman Jon Hamilton says the Crown corporation has rented almost two-thousand additional vehicles and hired four-thousand seasonal staff. But he says delivery windows still can't be guaranteed in the lead-up to Christmas. The Canadian Union of Postal Employees disputes that the rotating strikes caused any backlog.



BREAST CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES UPDATED

New guidelines for breast-cancer screening are intended to give women a bigger say in their health-care decisions, considering personal values and preferences over age and risk factors alone. The guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care encourage women aged 40 to 74 to discuss breast cancer screening with their doctors and make a shared decision about whether to get a mammogram based in part on a woman's preferences. The previous guidelines recommended against women aged 40 to 49 having routine mammograms, while those aged 50 to 74 were advised to get the test every two to three years.



ALSO IN THE NEWS:

 The 2018 Nova Scotia Human Rights Awards will be presented in Halifax.

 Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques will be available to speak to media for the first time after spending his first week in orbit.

 Fisheries Minister Jonathan Wilkinson will make announcement to ensure Canada's aquaculture industry is a global leader.

 Business leaders, decision makers, government reps and heads of state in Toronto for International Economic Forum of the Americas

 Calgary Trial for Nelson Tony Lugela, charged in the shooting death of Calgary Stampeder Mylan Hicks.

 Former B.C. Lions player Joshua Boden makes court appearance in Vancouver on charge of second-degree murder.


OTTAWA - For the first time in a decade Ontario will not receive an equalization transfer from Ottawa, prompting the province's finance minister to join calls for the federal government to review how the program is set up.

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This article was published 9/12/2018 (1084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA - For the first time in a decade Ontario will not receive an equalization transfer from Ottawa, prompting the province's finance minister to join calls for the federal government to review how the program is set up.

Canada's finance ministers are in Ottawa for the second of their two yearly meetings, which started with a working dinner at an Ottawa hotel Sunday night.

Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau speaks to the media at the First Ministers conference Friday, December 7, 2018 in Montreal. The finance ministers from Ottawa and the provinces will meet in Ottawa tonight and tomorrow, just two days after a somewhat tense meeting between premiers and the prime minister in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Just ahead of that dinner, federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau released publicly the amount of money Ottawa will transfer to the provinces and territories in 2019-20, including nearly $20 billion in equalization.

It's up almost $880 million from the current year, but that amount will be split among just five provinces  Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. For the first time since the 2008 recession put Ontario on the have-not province list, Ontario is not among them.

Quebec on the other hand is getting more than $13 billion from the program, an increase of nearly $1.4 billion.

Technically Ontario's economic growth was good enough in 2016-17 to push it out of have-not status, when a province's finances are considered lower than average and qualifies them for equalization. However because of the way the program works, Ontario still received $963 million in 2018-19.

The government was well aware it would not be qualifying this year for equalization but Ontario Finance Minister Vic Fedeli said it's further proof of why the equalization program needs an overhaul. He said Ontario will contributed $8 billion into equalization, and won't get anything from it. Overall Ontario will give Ottawa $12.9 billion more in taxes than it will receive from federal spending, he said.

"So we're certainly calling on the feds for a review of their federal transfer payments because we want to make sure that Ontario businesses and families are getting our fair share," said Fedeli.

Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland have also called for changes to the formula.

Morneau said the formula was renewed earlier this year for a five-year period after extensive discussions from his department but he knows the formula will be raised at the table.

"Ontario's moving out of that program is a reflection of sustained positive economic results in Ontario and I expect that is overall positive but it will almost certainly be a discussion," Morneau said.

Morneau added that the program is just one of the ways Ottawa assists provinces with their finances, pointing to a stabilization program that has helped Alberta and Newfoundland through a rough patch in recent years.

He also suggested Ottawa's decision to spend $4.5 billion to buy the Trans Mountain pipeline with a view to ensuring its expansion was another aid program for the province, done to try to help Alberta overcome challenges getting its oil to market. He did not mention the fact the expansion is on hold pending further environment and Indigenous consultations after the Federal Court of Appeal ripped up the original federal approval.

Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard said Quebec has 22 per cent of Canada's population but accounts for 19 per cent of its economy, and that's something his newly elected government wants to change. Girard said the Coalition Avenir Quebec wants to see Quebec's need for equalization go down as it works to improve its economic standing but said that will take some time.

Fedeli also said while carbon taxing wasn't on the agenda he would make sure it was discussed. Ontario and Saskatchewan are both challenging in court Ottawa's plan to impose a carbon tax on their provinces next year.

Fedeli and Saskatchewan Finance Minister Donna Harpauer wrote to Morneau last week asking him to do a thorough economic impact analysis of what the carbon tax will do, particularly when it comes at the same time as businesses are going to paying more for Canada Pension Plan contributions. The long-planned CPP expansion kicks in next month, with contributions from employees and employers rising over the next five years so the program can increase benefit payments.

Morneau said businesses will see a decrease in their employment insurance payments at the same time, and he said because Ottawa is returning revenues from the carbon tax to individuals, there shouldn't be an economic impact.

-with files from Andy Blatchford
The two-day round table on the Sahara conflict, held at the invitation of UN envoy Horst Kohler, ended on Thursday (December 6) in Geneva, on a note of optimism of all the participating parties (Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Polisario).

During a press briefing on Thursday afternoon, the UN Secretary-Generals personal envoy for the Sahara announced that he had invited the four delegations to a second meeting during the first quarter of 2019.

All the parties agreed on the need to find a consensual settlement to the Sahara conflict, he said.

The discussions of this meeting focused on assessment of recent developments in the Sahara, the regional challenges, as well as the next steps in the political settlement process of the territorial conflict around the Moroccan Sahara.

Reading an agreed final communique, Mr. Kohler noted that all delegations recognized that cooperation and regional integration, not confrontation, were the best way to address the many important challenges the region is facing.

However, the positive notes did not prevent the pro-Polisario media from attacking the three elected representatives of the Sahara provinces who were part of the Moroccan delegation. These are Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid, Ynja Khattat, a former Polisario executive who returned to Morocco in the 90s, and Fatima Adli.

The pro-Polisario media went as far as calling the three Sahrawis traitors and qualifying their presence among the Moroccan delegation a betrayal of the Sahrawi cause.

Is it necessary to recall that the so-called Sahrawi republic, self-proclaimed by the Polisario, has never been recognized as a sovereign State by the UN or the European Union? Is it necessary to recall that the European Court of Justice has refused to recognize the Polisario as a legitimate representative of the populations of the Sahara provinces and rejected its claims to defend the economic interests of these populations?

One may, therefore, wonder who is the legitimate representative of the Sahrawis.
VANCOUVER - A Vancouver home that a court heard is owned by a recently arrested Huawei executive and her husband was broken into early Sunday morning.

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VANCOUVER - A Vancouver home that a court heard is owned by a recently arrested Huawei executive and her husband was broken into early Sunday morning.

Vancouver police say the break-in was reported just before 5:30 a.m. at the home on West 28th Avenue and the suspects fled the area after being challenged by someone in the house.

A defence lawyer for Meng Wanzhou told a bail hearing Friday that the Huawei chief financial officer and her husband purchased that home in 2009.

Land title documents show the registered owner is Xiaozong Liu and B.C. Assessment says the property is valued at $5.6 million.

Police say no one was injured and no arrests have been made.

A bail hearing for Meng is scheduled to continue Monday in Vancouver as the United States seeks to have her extradited on fraud allegations.

Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and has been the target of deepening U.S. security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government.

Reached by phone, Liu declined to comment, saying he was 'too busy.'"
VANCOUVER - The United States is showing its hostility toward Chinese tech giant Huawei by speculating one of its senior executives has avoided travelling there to dodge charges, a lawyer arguing for her release on bail said Monday.

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People hold a sign at a B.C. courthouse prior to the bail hearing for Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer on Monday, December 10, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

VANCOUVER - The United States is showing its hostility toward Chinese tech giant Huawei by speculating one of its senior executives has avoided travelling there to dodge charges, a lawyer arguing for her release on bail said Monday.

B.C. Supreme Court has heard Meng Wanzhou, 46, has not visited the U.S. since March 2017, but David Martin dismissed the relevance of that evidence at a bail hearing.

"It would take somebody who's utterly tone deaf to not understand that the United States has a political, legal posture of adversity against both China and its leading company," Martin told a packed courtroom where Meng, dressed in a green track suit, sat in the prisoner's box beside an interpreter.

The hearing was scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

The United States wants Meng, Huawei's chief financial officer, to face allegations of fraud related to the use of its subsidiary Skycom to do business with Iranian telecommunications companies between 2009 and 2014. Justice William Ehrcke said Meng is being held on a provisional warrant and the United States has 60 days to make an extradition request.

Martin told Ehrcke that Meng's husband, Xiaozong Liu, would pledge a total of $15 million  the value of two houses in Vancouver, plus $1 million cash  and live with her to ensure she complies with conditions imposed by the court if she is released on bail.

However, Ehrcke questioned whether Meng's husband can provide a surety because he is visiting Canada on a six-month visa and the form to provide the financial guarantee says it must be provided by a resident of B.C. The judge invited Martin to do more research and give him a "legal foundation" on which to go on.

Martin also proposed surveillance of Meng by former police officers who work for a security company or through an ankle bracelet that has been used by another firm in more than 500 cases. He also suggested his client could be supervised by both companies in what he said would be an unprecedented arrangement, telling the court Meng would pay for it.

He said the evidence in support of the United States' allegations against his client is "far from overwhelming."

"If extradited, she will vigorously contest the charges against her in the United States in order to clear her good name," he said, adding any attempt by Meng to escape would be an embarrassment to China and her family.

"She would never embarrass her father and the enormous company she has worked to build by her father."

Huawei was founded by Meng's father, Ren Zhengfei. The company has projected 2018 sales of more than US$102 billion and has overtaken Apple in smartphone sales.

John Gibb-Carley, a federal prosecutor representing the Attorney General of Canada, urged the judge to deny Mengs request for bail, saying she has the financial means to flee and has no connection to Vancouver, where she spends only two to three weeks a year.

Gibb-Carley said Mengs permanent resident card expired nine years ago, her British Columbia identification card expired 12 years ago and none of her references lives in Canada.

He also said Meng's husband would be an inadequate surety.

"If Ms. Meng was to flee, was to abscond, Mr. Liu would not be left behind here," he said.

Gibb-Carley also proposed $7.5 million in cash as security, along with $7.5 million in property, which Martin said his client could provide.

Scot Filer, a former RCMP officer and head of private security firm Lions Gate Risk Management Group, told the court he is developing a plan to provide security for Meng.

Filer, who was named by Martin as the second surety for Meng, said his company has never monitored anyone on bail but former police officers and a driver would provide around-the clock surveillance and make a citizen's arrest if Meng were to violate any bail conditions. Filer has offered a $1,000 surety.

Under his company's proposal, Meng's travels would be restricted to the city and surrounding area, and she would be monitored using a dedicated encrypted network.

Stephen Tan, a founding partner of Recovery Science Corp., said the company monitors people through an ankle bracelet that sends an alert when someone goes outside an "exclusion zone."

News of Meng's arrest last week shook world stock markets and derailed British Columbia's trade mission to China on the weekend as the Chinese government warned Canada of "grave consequences" if Meng is not released.

Canadian authorities arrested the high-profile technology executive while she was travelling through Vancouver's airport on Dec. 1.

The bail hearing began Friday with Gibb-Carsley outlining the allegations. According to court documents filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Meng faces "multiple criminal charges" in the United States and each charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, if she were convicted.

Gibb-Carsley said Meng is alleged to have said Huawei and Skycom were separate companies in a meeting with an executive of a financial institution, misleading the executive and putting the institution at risk of financial harm and criminal liability.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Gibb-Carsley said Reuters reported in 2013 that Huawei was operating Skycom and had attempted to import U.S.-manufactured computer equipment into Iran in violation of sanctions. The story caused concern among banks that did international business with Huawei, he said.

Executives, including Meng, then made a series of misrepresentations about the relationship between the two companies to the banks, inducing them to carry out transactions linked to Iran they otherwise would not have completed and which violated sanction laws, he alleged.

The company has said it is not aware of any wrongdoing by Meng and Martin said no charge or indictment has been filed against his client, just a warrant.

Martin said Meng's 2013 presentation to an executive at HSBC was prepared by numerous employees at Huawei. The presentation did assert that Huawei operates in Iran in strict compliance with applicable laws and sanctions, he said.

Huawei sold its shares in Skycom before the sanctions became law in the United States under president Barack Obama in 2010, he added.

In a statement last week, Huawei said the company complies with all laws and regulations in the countries where it operates, including applicable export control, sanction laws and regulations of the United Nations, the United States and the European Union.

Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies, and has been the target of deepening U.S. security concerns. The United States has pressured European countries and other allies to limit the use of its technology.

 Follow @CamilleBains1 on Twitter.
OTTAWA - Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says he will examine the transfer of Victoria Stafford's murderer Michael Rafferty from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security facility  a review that will take place just weeks after Rafferty's accomplice Terri-Lynne McClintic went back to a prison from an Indigenous healing lodge.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 10/12/2018 (1083 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Rodney Stafford, father of slain eight-year-old Woodstock girl Victoria Stafford, reads his victim impact statement to the media following Michael Rafferty's sentencing hearing in London Ontario, Tuesday, May 15, 2012. Rodney Stafford says his daughter Victoria's killer Michael Rafferty has been transferred from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security penitentiary. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins

OTTAWA - Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says he will examine the transfer of Victoria Stafford's murderer Michael Rafferty from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security facility  a review that will take place just weeks after Rafferty's accomplice Terri-Lynne McClintic went back to a prison from an Indigenous healing lodge.

"I will examine the facts of this case to ensure that all the proper rules and procedures have been followed and that Canadians are safe," Goodale said in question period Monday in response to Conservative MP Candice Bergen.

Bergen had asked whether Rafferty was behind bars or "in a cushy healing lodge somewhere in the woods."

Rafferty was sentenced to life in prison in 2012 in the kidnapping, sexual assault and first-degree murder of Tori Stafford. He and McClintic abducted her from outside her school in Woodstock, Ont., in 2009, assaulted her, and beat her to death with a hammer.

Rodney Stafford, Tori Stafford's father, wrote in a raging Facebook post that he'd learned Monday of Rafferty's transfer, saying he only received the information because he requested it.

"It has come to my knowledge as of today that Michael Rafferty  the man responsible for all actions the day of April 8th, 2009. The abduction, brutal rape, murder, and concealing of evidence, was transferred from his maximum security facility to a medium security facility in March!" Stafford wrote in the post, mainly in capital letters.

Stafford learned earlier this year that McClintic, who was also sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of the murder, had been transferred to an Indigenous healing lodge.

He urged the Liberal government to reverse her transfer and weeks later, he said he'd been informed that McClintic had been moved out of the Saskatchewan healing lodge and into a medium-security institution for women.

"This means that all this time over the last three months, Corrections Service Canada and our Canadian government have been hiding the fact that not one, but both people responsible for stealing the life of Victoria have been working their way to luxury," Stafford wrote.

He said the Correctional Service of Canada needs an immediate overhaul, adding that throughout all of the rallies fighting to have McClintic's transfer reversed, CSC had withheld information about Rafferty.

"Our children and lost loved ones deserve justice and security (within) our country. I am so ashamed to be Canadian right now."

A medium-security prison is fenced and guarded, though not as intensely as a maximum-security prison. Inmates in medium security are considered less dangerous or less likely to try to escape than offenders in maximum security. Scott Bardsley, a spokesman for the public-safety department, said by email that Rafferty is at La Macaza Institution, a penitentiary in Quebec that specializes in dealing with sex offenders.

"La Macaza's buildings are fully surrounded by a guarded double fence that is 3.6 metres high, equipped with advanced security systems, both physical and electronic," he wrote, and included photos of an austere cellblock and a main gate featuring chainlink fences topped with coils of wire.
TORONTO - Victims of negligent lawyers in Ontario are being cheated out of hundreds of thousands of dollars despite court-ordered awards in their favour because the insurance legal professionals must carry won't cover the losses.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 10/12/2018 (1083 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Nalliah Balachandran sorts through legal documents he has accumulated at his home in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

TORONTO - Victims of negligent lawyers in Ontario are being cheated out of hundreds of thousands of dollars despite court-ordered awards in their favour because the insurance legal professionals must carry won't cover the losses.

Despite judicial criticism of the situation dating back decades, justice has often proven elusive when disbarred lawyers have no assets or hide any they do have, leaving clients high and dry.

"I am going soon bankrupt," said Nalliah Balachandran, 63, who now lives in Calgary. "I'm in the middle and I have lost everything."

For years, Balachandran has been unable to collect on the $188,646 in damages an Ontario Superior Court justice awarded him in 2012 against lawyer Michael (Mike) J. Webster, who was disbarred after an avalanche of complaints. Webster, who now describes himself as a franchise consultant, botched a legal dispute for his client. He did not respond to requests for comment.

Balachandran is not alone.

Other victims whose cases The Canadian Press reviewed lost out on compensation for car-crash injuries or ended up in jail because of lawyers who failed to do their jobs. They have not been able to collect on court-ordered damages awarded despite the legal profession's mandatory insurance.

"It is in the best interests of the proper administration of justice for litigants to expect that lawyers who represent them will be properly insured, thus protecting their interests," Superior Court Justice Kofi Barnes said in one such case in 2016.

The Law Society of Ontario, which governs the province's 50,000 lawyers, set up an insurance company more than two decades ago to defend and cover claims against its members. Lawyers must carry insurance from the Lawyers Professional Indemnity Company  or LawPro as a condition of their licences.

The company sees more than 2,500 new claims a year with annual payouts above $100 million and rising. Lawyers pay up to $5,000 by way of deductibles for LawPro to defend claims against them, and thousands more in higher premiums if a judgment favours the client.

"The coverage that the law society's mandatory insurance program provides is considered to be both in the best interests of the public and in the best interests of Ontario lawyers  in that the public has reasonable assurance that an insurance policy backstops errors committed by lawyers in practice," LawPro said in its 2017 report to the law society.

But if a lawyer fails to report a claim to LawPro or won't co-operate with its investigation, the insurance company  with about $743 million or 83 per cent of the law society's total assets  denies coverage.

Toronto lawyer David Altshuller, who has spent years trying to help Balachandran and another client collect on default judgments LawPro refused to cover, said there needs to be a mechanism to deal with the loophole.

"My clients are out of luck. I'm out of luck," said Altshuller, who estimates he's racked up $6,000 in expenses and about $52,000 more in unbilled time for Balachandran.

"The law society should obviously act with due dispatch to get lawyers who have fallen off the path, stop them from practising law (and), in an ideal world, LawPro would have to respond to every claim."

For Brampton, Ont., lawyer Ava Hillier, the lack of an airtight system is appalling.

"The public would be horrified if they knew that the lawyer that they've hired had no insurance," she said.

Hillier is suing LawPro on behalf of a family that hasn't been able to collect on a court-ordered award from their former  now disbarred  lawyer.

Carolina Caputo and her husband were in a vehicle crash in 2004 that cost him his life and left her with serious injuries. Caputo hired Toronto lawyer Wayne Novak to guide them through the claims process but he failed to open a file.

Left without benefits, the Caputos sued Novak and notified LawPro of the action. In 2014, a judge awarded the couple about $321,500 after a trial that neither Novak nor LawPro defended.

LawPro refused to cover the award, citing Novak's failure to co-operate, although he insists he did try to help.

Hillier said the insurer should not be able to use the "ruse of non-co-operation" to deny coverage.

"It's very unfair and unfortunate  and to my mind shocking in a way," she said. "People need to know that they've got nothing if their lawyer just decides not to pick up the phone."

Even Novak, who said he feels badly for his clients, decries LawPro's approach.

"We pay big insurance premiums, and they should belly up to the bar," Novak said.

In another case, Linofiel Eroma, charged in October 2008 with assault and weapons-related offences, hired Paul Slocombe, a longtime criminal lawyer who ended up being disbarred in 2011.

Despite Eroma's requests to testify in his own defence  an immutable right of an accused  and Slocombe's assurances he would do so, his trial ended in a conviction and intermittent 90-day sentence. Slocombe never called him to the stand.

After 17 weekends in jail, Eroma won bail pending an appeal. When Slocombe failed to file the paperwork required to extend his bail, Eroma was arrested in front of his employees in June 2011 and charged with being unlawfully at large. A new lawyer was able to get the charge withdrawn and succeeded in having the conviction quashed on appeal given Slocombe's conduct. Attempts to reach Slocombe for comment were unsuccessful.

Internal LawPro correspondence seen by The Canadian Press indicates the insurer knew Slocombe would be found liable on the basis of the Appeal Court ruling. They also knew the lawyer would be unable to pay any damages awarded.

"We should deny coverage or attempt to settle," a senior litigator with LawPro said in an internal note in November 2013. The decision was to deny coverage on the basis Slocombe hadn't co-operated.

Eroma won an undefended judgment against Slocombe in March 2015 now worth more than $130,000. He has not seen a penny.

A spokeswoman for LawPro said payments are made to clients of at-fault lawyers in about 14 per cent of its closed files.

"A coverage denial for a lack of co-operation by the insured is an extremely rare happening in my experience  at most, a handful of times in any given year," said Naomi Dummett, LawPro's communications director.

The relative rarity of such cases makes LawPro's hard-nosed position the more baffling, critics say.

Latest figures indicate an average of about 18 lawyers a year are disbarred or allowed to resign to avoid disbarment. Dozens more get reprimands or suspensions.

LawPro's approach is now under attack by way of a novel legal challenge: In mid-December, an Ontario court is scheduled to hear the Caputo case when Hillier will try to force the insurer to cover the judgment against Novak.

The Caputos want the court to find that LawPro owes Novak a debt they can garnish from the insurer  the same way the taxman might collect taxes owing directly from a taxpayer's employer. LawPro is resisting.

Lawyer David Green, acting for Eroma at a similar hearing scheduled for January, said the courts will have to determine LawPro's obligations.

"Allowing LawPro to get off the hook would subvert the policy objective behind mandatory insurance," Green said.

The head of the law society, Malcolm Mercer, said the organization was open to looking at whether people have been denied redress unfairly. After all, he said, the aim is public protection.

"If there are more gaps that ought to be addressed...we will look at those," Mercer said in a recent interview.

The society does run a separate fund that currently reimburses up to $500,000 for losses due to a crooked lawyer  but not where malpractice or negligence is involved.

However, Mercer said the law society adopted a policy in the mid-1990s to treat a lawyer's refusal to co-operate as dishonesty, giving victims access to the fund. While none of the lawyers approached by The Canadian Press said they had heard of the policy, the society said compensation had been paid out 12 times.

"If it turns out there's been problems, either because it's unknown, which may be an issue, or in terms of its application, that's worth looking at," Mercer said.

Days after that interview in late November, the law society updated its website to include reference to the 1997 policy.
Sterling dropped below 90 pence and fears of Irish businesses on both sides of the border soared as Theresa May faces an impasse with her Brexit agreement.

Her decision to pull a vote in the Commons on her withdrawal bill has raised new warnings across Irish business over a hard Brexit.

Sterling fell as analysts said the extreme divisions in British politics which could inadvertently lead to a hard Brexit.

Global shares dropped on trade war fears, and Irish shares fell, led by Ryanair, Irish property firms and banks which are exposed to weak sterling.

"The Brexit fiasco took yet another step into the unknown," said market analyst Joshua Mahony at online broker IG, as the UK leader seeks to get concessions from EU leaders over its exit agreement.

"While Theresa May expects that such an agreement would help win over greater support for her plan, the fact is that behind much of the opposition lies a desire to shift power in a general election or new leadership bid," Mr Mahony said.

The drop below 90 pence against the euro is "a red flag" for Irish businesses, said John Whelan, head of international trade consultancy, the Linkage-Partnership.

Sterling versus dollar after the British PM defers a vote on Brexit deal pic.twitter.com/z8b6XcZpPC  AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 10, 2018

"It makes it very difficult to plan for 2019," Mr Whelan said.

"I was talking to a manufacturer last week. His problem was that he was not in a position to make contracts [in Britain] for 2019. And the same problem for 2019 applies to other manufacturers," he said.

Aidan Flynn, general manager of business group Freight Transport Association Ireland, whose members control 10,000 commercial vehicles, said that the postponed vote and the slump in sterling have ratcheted up the uncertainty.

Speaking from Brussels where he was meeting with EU officials, Mr Flynn said stockpiling had already begun in anticipation of a hard Brexit but there was a shortage of warehousing in Belfast, Dublin, and Cork "and especially for cold and chilled storage" which requires huge levels of investment.

Ann McGregor, head of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, warned: "Members told us that they are already scaling down-freezing growth plans because of Brexit.

Even basic business planning for next year has become difficult, if not impossible, for many firms and their investors.

Austin Hughes, chief economist at KBC Ireland, which compiles regular consumer surveys with the Economic and Social Research Institute, said that the latest Brexit fallout will weigh on Irish shoppers and hit investment decisions by businesses.

It is the area of consumer durables and the housing market where the effects may show, Mr Hughes said.

Consumers may be lured online to tap the benefit of the weakness of sterling, affecting brick-and-mortar stores.

"It does look like a binary choice for the economy: Either see a no change or face a cliff edge, no deal Brexit," he said.

Ryan McGrath, head of fixed income at Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland, said that UK and Irish bonds were little affected by the UK political chaos for the time being.

"She has clearly said she will go back to Brussels and Brussels could deliver tweaks to the deal and she will try to sell the tweaks," Mr McGrath said.
Dublin firm Zulleon could well be about to change the way kids foster a love for books.

Dublin start-up Zulleon has created an interactive story app which allows young children to become the authors of their own personalised books.

Expecting good sales at Christmas, company co-founder and joint CEO Noel Donegan said the OOKS app allows for more personalisation than was previously possible in a book.

Children can create avatars based on their unique personality, create art work and make choices and decisions that shape the story  there are currently 65m variations of OOK avatars, according to Mr Donegan.

He said that the app and the books (which are delivered for 16.99) is just a starting point for the company which plans to develop OOKS as global brand.

We have licenced the IP to a company which is selling OOKS apparel and merchandise online and have also signed a licensing agreement with a company producing OOKS electronic toys and with another producing board games, card games and puzzles.

Toy inventors, who have developed games for license to toy companies for many years, Mr Donegan and his wife Luz decided in 2014 to create a play

experience which would connect the digital and the real worlds.

We saw the switch to digital games and the concern shown by parents about the amount of time children spent playing digital game. We wanted to create a play experience which would engage children but have educational content at its core, said Mr Donegan, stressing that fostering a love of reading is central to the concept.

The idea secured them acceptance on a six-month NDRC accelerator programme which allowed them to work on developing the product idea and exploring the mechanics of building the app and delivering a book.

Because of the high level of personalisation involved, Mr Donegan says this was a challenge.

In 2015 the company secured Angel investment and contracted a UK digital toy company to develop the first version of the interactive storytelling app.

Taking on its first two employees Zulleon began developing the art work, the characters and the animation needed for the app.

Initially they called their product BookyWookies but later changed it to OOKS, books without the b.

At the end of 2017 , the company released the OOKS app with one story adventure called Whats that rumbling, which has eight variations.

There were 80,000 play sessions in the first few weeks after we launched and since then in excess of 200,000 OOK avatars have been created, said Mr Donegan, adding that the app has since had users in 133 countries, although the largest number of them have been in the UK, the US and Ireland.

In 2017, Zulleon secured Enterprise Ireland High Potential Start-Up funding and by this year had raised a total of 2m. This has allowed it to employ

animators, illustrators and developers and grow the team to seven.

Working on new content for the product, Zulleon plans to release a more comprehensive OOKS play experience next July. Mr Donegan expects this to coincide with other developments of licensed products.

We are at contract stage with a company producing a tablet for children, he said, adding that this tablet is set to be launched in April and could give the OOK app 200,000 new users within a short space of time.

By the end of 2019, he expects to be well-advanced in developing the OOKS brand, through the launch of a whole range of licensed products and also by expanding the number of users of the OOKS app.

Planning further fundraising in the new year, he said Zulleon is now recruiting an additional three employees and plans to grow the staff size to 16 by the end of 2019.

The long-term aim is for the brand expansion to include an OOKS TV series and movie and for the storytelling app to have hundreds of thousands of users.
Private homecare services provider Bluebird Care is warning of a nationwide staffing crisis if the Government doesnt move fast on funding solutions, writes Padraig Hoare.

With an ageing population and the emergence of patients with ever more complex needs, managing director of private homecare provider Bluebird Care, Brian MacGoey, is seeing as many challenges as opportunities in the sector.

Limerick-headquartered Bluebird has 26 offices throughout the country providing health and social care services within the home setting and local community. It is a franchise model with every office independently owned and managed.

The firm announced plans to recruit 450 staff in recent months, with around 120 in the Munster region.

All staff are employed directly by Bluebird Care, which deals with the administering of payroll, taxes, PRSI and provides comprehensive public liability and employers liability insurance.

Mr MacGoey said: Were a little bit different from some of our competitors and other organisations in that we are a nurse-led business. We are a franchise operation with 20 franchises. We have 26 offices nationwide. Each one of those offices has a full management structure in place.

From a clinical side, that looks like a clinical nurse manager and office management team in each office. We have a very good clinical governance structure in place nationwide. So we dont just provide that governance from a head office and spread it out to 26 counties. There is a structure in each locality and each county.

Our clinical structure is what makes us different. If you called to the customer today looking for homecare for either a parent or a child, in our organisation the person who visits you would be a registered nurse. The person who would visit you in most other organisations would not be a registered nurse  it could be someone with a commercial background or a social care background.

The community-led aspect is a crucial part of Bluebirds business model, according to Mr MacGoey.

Bluebird Care Ireland managing director Brian MacGoey at the offices in Riverfront, Howleys Quay, Limerick. Picture: Brian Arthur

Were a young company, having started 11 years ago. What I really like is that every single office has a local director, a local owner, and that brings a much more integrated approach in the local community  they are known there, and have a real passion for their business and the quality of care they provide. Were not a soulless corporate entity, were owner and nurse-led. Those are really good ingredients to have for a thriving business.

Homecare is totally transformed from the past two decades, Mr MacGoey said.

If you look at homecare 15 or 20 years ago, it started with home help where someone would come and light the fire or wash the dishes and hang clothes on the line and then leave. Now homecare packages are far more complex because people are living longer and their needs are far more complex.

Traditional home help is becoming a thing of the past. Home care now is generally because people need it, plus you have conditions such as dementia or Alzheimers  those clients require far more competent training and safeguarding, both for the staff and for the clients themselves.

Homecare is becoming more and more vital as the population ages, but it is a sector with huge challenges ahead, Mr MacGoey said.

Anybody in the recruiting space will tell you it is challenging in this sector. But I believe we are a good organisation to work for, that is the first thing. Were trying to build that culture  that we look after our staff and train them. One of the things we hear more and more is that they come to work for us because of our governance structure  they feel they are learning, they feel safe and directed by people with the right skillsets. That traditionally hasnt happened in this particular sector.

We need to make a full-time career for people. Pay is a big part obviously but it is not all about that. Its about training  a huge amount of care staff providing services to the HSE and Bluebird Care only have a certain amount of hours a week to work because of social welfare benefits. Thats an inhibitor to services we can deliver.

There is no joined-up thinking between the likes of Bluebird Care, the HSE and hospitals, and the colleges, according to Mr MacGoey.

The Government has said a Fair Deal scheme for homecare  akin to the Fair Deal scheme where people can make a contribution towards the cost of their care using their assets, and the State pays the balance  in the pipeline but is some years away.

Mr MacGoey said: We are going to have a serious crisis even in another seven or eight years  we are not going to have enough staff in Ireland to deliver the services we are going to need to deliver. The Fair Deal scheme for homecare and giving people an alternative to residential care would be really fantastic.
Unrest in France has shown how far climate change has forced its way up the the political agenda and neglect can no longer be a policy option for the Irish Government, writes Kyran Fitzgerald

FOR the past four weeks, the streets and roads of France have borne witness to a fast spreading insurrection.

The initial spark was provided by the prospect of another hike in carbon taxes, one that has enraged much of the population residing beyond the affluent urban central districts of the country.

It is hard to get a real sense of what is happening, right now, when even the most experienced of commentators and reporters are scratching their heads and looking on in alarm at the course of events.

People  in the political, media and academic establishments  who thought that their finger was close to the pulse have suddenly discovered that they are rather out of touch.

Social media is certainly playing a part, as messages are disseminated on an instantaneous basis. Leaders of standing have yet to emerge. There are dark suggestions that forces of the extreme right and extreme left are helping to steer events.

President Macron has certainly mishandled matters. His withdrawal of the proposed carbon tax measure appears to have come too late as participants in the so-called gilets jaunes or yellow jacket protests have begun to dramatically broaden their list of demands.

As the evidence of the damaging impact of climate change caused by rising global emissions of carbon accumulates on an almost daily basis, the idea that measures to combat the growth of such emissions can somehow be abandoned simply does not stack up.

Governments need to act at regional, national and global level, but they must act in such a way as to ensure that it is the wealthy who are the prime targets.

The yellow jackets may not be the semi-starving peasants and workers of 1789, but they are clearly people on the margins, each often taking home  after tax  less than 1,500 a month. It is worth noting that the French are among the most heavily taxed people in Europe.

President Macron was correct to prioritise the issue of climate change in setting policy, but he has gone about it in the wrong way. His rather pompous leadership style began to grate on his people quite some time ago. The planned energy tax hike has added substance to the charges against him.

Mr Macrons move to cut wealth taxes, early on, may have been designed to boost economic activity, but it has firmly established him in the eyes of most of the public as the president for the rich.

The pity of it is that he has also shown a degree of political courage in seeking to tackle some of Frances deep-seated problems. At best, he may now be forced to retreat from the reformist positions he had adopted by an electorate which is as deeply conservative as it is rebellious.

Mr Macron has been in the vanguard of the move towards EU integration. It remains to be seen whether the integrationist cause has now been seriously set back following his apparent political eclipse. It is certainly a cause that lacks support among the ordinary citizens of the union whatever one may think about the project as a whole.

Economists have long pondered over the question of how best to win the voters round to new, or higher, carbon taxes. In Ireland, the issue is a live one given the likelihood that we could face fines for breach of climate targets at EU level.

Researchers from the Grantham Institute  part of the London School of Economics  have sought to address the issue of how to make carbon taxes more acceptable. They conclude that carbon taxes are vital in promoting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

This is because by putting a price on carbon, heavy emitters are confronted with the environmental cost of their actions.

So far, just 45 countries across the world have introduced carbon pricing, along with a few US states, but not the Federal Government.

Samuela Bassi of the Institute contends that the EU should be focusing on carbon pricing rather than on subsidies to producers of renewables, which should be able to stand on their two feet at this stage. While the EU may be on target to meet its 2020 objective of a 20% cut in carbon emissions on 1990 levels, the 2030 target of a 40% cut will require more radical action.

So, how to sugar the pill? One approach would be to return the funds raised through carbon taxes from the central exchequer in the form of a uniform lump sum dividend to each taxpayer. This would be socially progressive since the wealthy and well-off tend to be much bigger emitters  as owners of larger houses and large cars and as frequent flyers.

The Government could also ramp up dramatically its investment in refits of dated, energy wasteful, housing, not to mention investment in infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Public transport options need to be backed with exchequer financial support. People, if necessary, can be supported in using social media to tap into these services. New media can also be used much more to gauge peoples reactions to those services.

If necessary, funds in the capital plan  currently allocated to motorways or other projects  should be diverted towards investments aimed at permanently curbing carbon emissions.

Of course, prioritising a carbon tax would entail taking on some powerful lobbies such as the motor and airline sectors, not to mention the affluent who are much more inclined to vote on the basis of their pocketbooks.

However, the gilets jaunes phenomenon  coming hot on the heels of the Brexit and Trump victories  serves as a reminder that people from the peripheries are now beginning to make their presence felt.

The State needs to start selling much more vigorously the whole idea of energy taxation rather than seeking to kick the whole concept safely into the long grass ahead of the general election which always appears to be knocking on the door, but never quite arrives.

As the Brexit crisis unfolds, the Government here will, in all likelihood, have to come up with special packages aimed at assisting hauliers, sectors and regions that find themselves at the sharp end.

The gilets jaunes protest serves as a sharp reminder that neglect is not a policy option, but equally, the climate crisis is likely to force its way up the political priority list before long.
A 10-year old boy who has recently had suicidal thoughts is to spend Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning with his mother after a judge stressed that there should be no disturbance to the boys Christmas routine.

At the Family Law Court, Judge Patrick Durcan made his comment after hearing that the boy is currently undergoing counselling after expressing suicide ideation - or suicidal thoughts - a number of weeks ago.

Judge Durcan said: It seems to me the least disturbance the better bearing in mind the boys situation.

Counsel for the boys mother, Rebecca Treacy BL said that the boys parents are separated and the separation of his parents has had an impact on him unfortunately.

Ms Treacy said that after the boy told his mother about his suicide ideation, she became extremely concerned and brought her son to the family GP who referred the boy on for counselling.

Ms Treacy said that the mother has concerns that the boy has always remained home at Christmas and that this would continue this year considering her sons vulnerability at this time.

The boys father had wanted his son to spend Christmas Eve night with him.

The father told the court that the agreement made last year was that the boy would spent alternate Christmas Eve nights at the two houses.

The father said that the boy spent last Christmas Eve night with his mother. The man said: Alternate years is balanced and fair - there is no other agenda here only fairness.

Ms Treacy said that the boy has expressed a wish to spend Christmas Eve night with his mother on a number of occasions.

The boys mother told the court: In the current situation with my son, I do believe that he should spend Christmas at home and wake up at home on Christmas morning. He has expressed that wish to me a few times over the past few weeks."

The mother said that her son is a very intelligent young boy. He is very articulate and since he had his breakdown a few weeks ago, he is starting to open up to me a little more about what he does and he doesnt want.

The mother said that she has no objection to her son spending time with his Dad over Christmas.

The mother said that there is a complete breakdown in her relations with her estranged husband. In reply the man told the court not on my side.

Addressing both parents, Judge Durcan said: There is a little problem you have to deal with your son and I have every reason to believe that he will get over that if ye both handle it well together.

Judge Durcan said: It may very well be the issues affecting your son is destabilisation in his home life and a feeling of a withdrawal of supports he needs.

Judge Durcan said that the boy requires certainty over his Christmas arrangements with his parents. He said: You can then go to him and say this is the plan without blaming each other and there is certainty for him."

Judge Durcan said that he hoped an agreement would involve substantial time with the father and son during Christmas.

Judge Durcan adjourned the matter to allow solicitors for the mother and father to draw up a consent agreement. After receiving the consent agreement after the short adjournment, Judge Durcan said: I want to wish ye both well - there are no winners or losers here. I have made my decision purely on what I feel is the better thing overall."

Judge Durcan said: What is best is that there is certainty and that your son knows very quickly what the plan is at Christmas.
An employee of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is to face a three-day trial accused of breaking the Official Secrets Act in connection with the Peter Butterly murder trial.

Jonathan Lennon, aged 34, from Clonee, Dublin 15 was charged with breaking the Official Secrets Act in relation to criminal proceedings resulting from the murder of Butterly, a dissident republican.

Butterly was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, in 2013.

Mr Lennon faced his third hearing at Blanchardstown District Court today.

Judge Gerard Jones ruled that sensitive prosecution evidence must not be given directly to the accused and he can only look at it in his lawyer's office.

An order for disclosure of prosecution evidence had been made at an earlier stage.

The father-of-three is accused of four offences contrary to Section Four and 13 of the Official Secrets Act 1963, as amended by Section 48 of the Freedom of Information Act 1997.

It is alleged that on Sept. 7, 2017 and the following day, at a place unknown in Dublin, without authorisation, he communicated with another person official information within the possession, custody or control of the DPP, a holder of public office, relating to the prosecution of individuals arising from the murder of Peter Butterly on March 6, 2013.

Judge Jones heard that the prosecution has furnished disclosure to Mr Lennons solicitor.

However, a State solicitor explained, the evidence was to be released to Mr Lennon's lawyer only.

Counsel for Mr Lennon made an application for the material to be released to the accused. The barrister submitted that the defence was unable to take instructions and his client was entitled to view and analyse the evidence by himself.

However, the prosecution objected and said that due to its sensitivity it was released with certain conditions. But it certainly did not prevent the defence from taking instructions from Mr Lennon, it was contended.

The State solicitor said 80 to 90% of the material could be handed to the defendant directly but not the remaining evidence, which was referred to by the judge as "precious".

Judge Jones ruled Mr Lennon can go to his solicitor's office and spend morning till night viewing this material, however, he added that he did not want the evidence out and about.

The court heard it will be a three-day trial and senior counsel are to be retained by both sides.

The case will be listed again for mention in January.

Mr Lennon, dressed in jeans and an anorak, did not address the court.

Peter Butterly, who was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, in 2013.

Earlier the court had heard his solicitor Anne FitzGibbon had said she has received CCTV footage, memos of interviews and telephone records.

The court has heard the case involved alleged communications over two days.

At Mr Lennons previous hearing he had been granted legal aid after the court heard he worked for the DPP but has been suspended from his job and was getting 400 a week.

He had a family and a mortgage, the solicitor submitted.

It is alleged that on Sept. 7, 2017 and the following day, at a place unknown in Dublin, without authorisation, he communicated with another person official information within the possession, custody or control of the DPP, a holder of public office, relating to the prosecution of individuals arising from the murder of Peter Butterly on March 6, 2013.

In July, at the Special Criminal Court, Dean Evans, 27, of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, Dublin, was given a mandatory life sentence for the murder of 35-year-old father of three Peter Butterly who was from Dunleer, Co. Louth.

Evans was extradited from Spain earlier this year after he spent 18 months on the run.

Two other men are already serving life sentences for the murder, after being found guilty in March this year. Edward McGrath, 35, of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield, Tallaght and Sharif Kelly, 47, of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan had both denied the murder.

Two other men are awaiting trial later this year on the same murder charge.
A drink-driver who knocked down three elderly men with his car after a burglary spree has withdrawn an appeal against his eight-year sentence after being told his sentence could also be increased.

Michael Sheehan (29), of Cliona Park, Moyross, in Limerick, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to the gentlemen on their way home from regular pitch and putt in Co Clare on September 25, 2014.

Then 79-year-old former Limerick hurler, Eric Ryan, lost a leg while William Barry, a retired garda, who was also in his 70s, suffered bleeding to the brain. A third man in his 70s, Dermot OBrien, escaped injury and has since passed away.

Sheehan, who had more than 50 previous convictions, also pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary on the same date. He had admitted consuming eight bottles of cider and a naggin of vodka in the hours before the incident.

Judge Tom ODonnell sentenced Sheehan to five years imprisonment at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on October 1, 2015. He also imposed a concurrent 12-month term for the two burglaries.

Judge ODonnell made the five-year term consecutive to a three-year sentence he imposed on Sheehan for another burglary in May 2014.

Sheehan was due to appeal the severity of his sentence today.

However, before the case came on for hearing, President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham reminded Sheehans lawyers that the court had power to increase sentences as well as decrease them.

Mr Justice Birmingham referred to a recent landmark judgment on burglaries of the home as well as burglary sprees. Added to that, the judge said, was Sheehans dangerous driving and the horrendous consequences that were suffered.

After taking instructions, Sheehans barrister, Keith Spencer BL, said his client wished to withdraw his appeal. The court so ordered.
A 40-year-old man has gone on trial, charged with murdering the other man in a Dublin love triangle.

Keith Connorton is accused of stabbing Graham McKeever to death as the 29-year-old came to the aid of Mr Connortons former partner.

Mr Connorton of Deerpark Avenue in Tallaght was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court today, charged with murdering Mr McKeever at an apartment there on 18 February 2017.

Dressed in a checked shirt, he stood and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

A jury of nine men and three women was sworn in to hear the trial and Brendan Grehan SC opened the case on behalf of the prosecution.

He said that there was one other person present, when Mr McKeever met his death - the mother of Mr Connortons child.

The then 28-year-old Claire McGrath had been in a relationship with the accused for three years, and they had been living in that apartment on Deerpark Avenue.

However, it is the prosecutions case that she had effectively broken up with Mr Connorton about six months before this offence. This was because she believed that the accused was unable to kick his drug habit.

She began seeing the deceased.

So you are dealing with somewhat of a love triangle, if I can put it that way, said Mr Grehan.

Mr McKeever was invited to stay over at her apartment on the night, he explained.

He said that the deceased was in bed there when, sometime before 4.30am, Ms McGrath heard a noise.

She got up to investigate and discovered Mr Connorton was in the apartment. It appears he had a key, he continued.

The prosecution case is that Mr Connorton became aware that Mr McKeever was in the apartment and Ms McGrath was, in effect, being threatened by Mr Connorton, who had armed himself with a knife from the kitchen, he said.

When Mr McKeever came to her aid, he ended up getting fatally stabbed in the chest.

The barrister also told the jury that he had been stabbed a number of times, significantly, in the back. Mr Grehan also understood that the accused would be asserting self-defence.

The trial continues tomorrow morning before Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a man in his 20s was injured in a stabbing on Dublin's Essex Quay.

It happened shortly before 5pm yesterday evening.

A man and woman in their 20s were arrested at the scene and taken to Pearse Street Garda Station for questioning.

The injured man was treated by ambulance personnel and taken to St Jamess Hospital.

His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the stabbing incident to contact Pearse Street Garda Station 01-6669000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

- Digital Desk
The Health Minister insists his January timeline for the introduction of abortion services is not a deadline or political project.

Dublin's three maternity hospitals have already said they cannot guarantee terminations will be available from the start of next year.
Ireland has been ranked as the worst performing European country for action on climate change.

Ireland has placed 48th out of the 56 countries ranked on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). It is the second year running that Ireland has been the worst ranked European country.

The CCPI was designed to enhance transparency in international climate politics.

It "evaluates and compares the climate protection performance of 56 countries and the European Union (EU), which are together responsible for more than 90% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions."

The CCPI evaluates countries under four categories which include greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy.

Ireland scored only 40.84 under the criteria with the report saying it remains in the group of very-low-performing countries. Sweden was the highest-ranking country, scoring 76.28.

It says that "existing climate mitigation efforts will not enable Ireland to achieve either its EU 2020 or 2030 targets domestically.

"The long-standing lack of implementation of substantive measures to put the country on a well-below-2C pathway results in a very low rating for Irelands national policy performance."

Ireland was rated as "very low" for performance in the GHG Emissions category and also has a spot "among the low-ranking performers in the Energy Use category."

However, Ireland did get some positive news in the report.

It states that: "National experts commend the Irish Parliament for its leadership in deciding to pass the Fossil Fuel Divestment Bill, which is the first of its kind in the world, and for the innovative Citizens Assembly process which produced far-reaching recommendations for climate action now being considered by a special parliamentary committee working on the development of Irelands National Energy and Climate Plan."

Commenting on the report, Clodagh Daly of Friends of the Irish Environment said: "This report highlights the gap [Environment] Minister [Richard] Bruton has to close between his new rhetoric on climate change and reality of Irelands approach to climate action. His ministerial colleagues dont seem to have got the memo.

"Minister Bruton has successfully raised expectations in recent weeks, but as yet he hasnt taken actions that will actually lower our emissions."

Meanwhile, Jennifer Higgins, Policy and Advocacy Advisor at Christian Aid Ireland, called for action following the report's publication.

"Its time for Government ministers to wake up and listen, not only to the science and to the criticism we continually face at the bottom of the pack, but also to the people, both at home and in countries worst affected by climate change."

Almost half of the G20 countries are in the group of very low performers: Japan (49), Turkey (50), Russian Federation (52), Canada (54), Australia (55), Korea (57) and - at the bottom of the index - USA (59) and Saudi Arabia (60).

You can read the full CCPI report here.
The hunt is on for the best LGBTI+ 'welcome'.

Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has launched a national competition to find a 'symbol' to allow businesses, and youth based clubs, a way to show solidarity with all young people.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a fatal crash in Lucan, Co Dublin today.

Shortly after 10.30am, gardai attended at the scene of a crash between a car and a motorcycle on the N4 inbound at Lucan on the Ballyowen exit.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, was taken by ambulance to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown with serious injuries and was later pronounced dead.

The occupants of the car were not injured.

The road was closed to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators but has since re-opened.

The Coroner has been notified of the death.

Gardai in Lucan are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone who was in the area between 10.15am and 10.45am to contact Lucan Garda Station on 01-6667300 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Digital Desk
St Vincent's Healthcare Group says the Sisters of Charity will have no role in the new National Maternity Hospital when it moves to south Dublin.

A rally was held in Dublin city centre at the weekend calling for the hospital to be fully publicly owned.
A 22-year-old man will be sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of murdering a man by shooting him dead in front of his partner on the driveway of their home.

The jury of six men and six women took six hours and nineteen minutes to reach a majority verdict of 11 to one on the murder charge against Warren Nolan of Rowlagh Park in Clondalkin who shot dead Alan O'Neill (35) at Kiltalown Road, Tallaght on May 27, 2015.

The jury at the Central Criminal Court also found Nolan guilty by unanimous verdict of setting on fire the car used in the "hit" at Belfry Square in Tallaght on the same date. Warren Nolan had denied both charges.

Nolan did not react to the verdict and was quickly brought away to the cell area by prison officers. Mr O'Neill's partner Michelle Usher, who was a key witness for the prosecution and sat through the two-week trial, was comforted by family and friends. Maddie Grant BL for the prosecution said Mr O'Neill's family will make a statement to the court on January 14 when Justice Paul McDermott will sentence Nolan to the mandatory term for murder of life imprisonment.

Justice McDermott thanked the jurors for their service in what he said was a "difficult" trial and exempted them from jury service for 10 years.

The prosecution relied on CCTV evidence and forensics to secure the conviction of the 22-year-old.

'Thought it was a joke'

Michelle Usher gave evidence that she was in her living room when she saw her partner park his car on the driveway at about 10pm on May 27, 2015. When Ms Usher saw a people carrier pull up behind it she leaned closer to the window as she thought it "peculiar". Then a "dark figure" came into the garden. He looked like a "young fella" and so when she heard two "really loud bangs" she thought it was a joke until, as she opened the door, she heard another bang, saw a blue flash and a black gun in the dark figure's hand followed by Mr O'Neill screaming out in pain.

Ms Usher caught hold of Mr O'Neill and brought him in the doorway to the living room while another shot smashed the window of the hall door. She said: "Everything happened so quickly and I just didn't believe what was going on."

She saw the figure with the gun run out of the garden and get back in the people carrier which then "took off". By his posture and movements she thought he was a "young boy" or a "teenager" but she didn't see his face.

Nolan was arrested within minutes of the shooting. The alert had just gone over garda radio when Detective Garda Conor Harrison and a colleague pulled over a car that they believed to be suspicious at nearby Belfry Manor. Det Gda Harrison then heard another car revving hard and coming at speed. When he saw a youth pull up his hoodie and "move with purpose" away from him he decided to take a closer look and around the same time became aware of a car that had been set on fire about 100 metres away. As this was unfolding Nolan arrived "like he had been shot out of a cannon," and almost ran into the detective.

Det Gda Harrison said he immediately formed the suspicion that Nolan had come from the burning car which had come from the shooting in Kiltalown Road. He brought Nolan to the ground and as he did so, he said he noticed a lighter fall from the suspect's gloved hand. The detective later recorded in his notebook that Nolan called out: "I only set the car on fire, I only set the car on fire." Nolan denied using those words in his interviews with gardai over the following days and said the lighter fell from his pocket, not his hand.

Nolan was arrested and taken to Tallaght Garda Station where, during a series of interviews, he denied any knowledge of Mr O'Neill's murder and said he was in Tallaght visiting his aunt and hanging around with friends. He couldn't remember where he had been or where any of his friends lived. He also denied that he was there to meet the driver of the suspicious car - the alleged getaway car - that had been stopped by Det Gda Harrison and his colleague.

State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy told the trial that Mr O'Neill died from a bullet wound that went through his forearm and into his side, damaging the body's main blood vessel and puncturing the liver. Another bullet entered the right thigh but did not damage any major structures. From the trajectory of the wounds she said it is likely that he was already on the ground when he received the wound to his leg.

Firearms residue on gloves

Forensic scientist Dr Tom Hannigan examined gloves that were confiscated from Nolan and found firearms residue on one of them. This, he said, offered "very strong support" for the hypothesis that Nolan was the shooter rather than that he was not. Under cross examination from Michael Bowman SC Dr Hannigan accepted that he did not test any other items of clothing belonging to the accused man. He further accepted that had he tested the sleeves of the top worn by Nolan and been unable to detect firearms residue he would have had to reconsider his findings.

Dr Hannigan told Mr Bowman that firearms residue can be transferred by various means. One possibility is that the person was handed a gun that had been recently fired or that they were handed the gloves worn by the shooter. Mr Bowman, in cross examining the witness and during his closing speech to the jury, suggested that firearms residue could also have transferred to the gloves in the garda patrol car or the garda public office where gardai seized the gloves. Dr Hannigan agreed that such contamination was possible if somebody in those areas had recently fired a gun. Mr Bowman also pointed to inconsistencies in garda statements about how the gloves were seized and stored, telling the jury they were, "handed around Billy to Jack in a way that is extraordinary given how much weight the prosecution places on those gloves".

Dr Barbara Buchanan found evidence of petrol on the t-shirt, runners and tracksuit bottoms worn by Nolan when he was arrested and on the gloves. While the prosecution said this was proof that he had burned out the car moments before being arrested, Mr Bowman argued that there was no evidence as to when the petrol got onto his client's clothing.

Shane Costelloe SC for the prosecution also pointed to CCTV footage tracking three vehicles alleged to be involved in the murder plot, "stalking their prey" in the hours before the shooting. Mr Costelloe said the CCTV showed the shooter emerging from a people carrier at the driveway to Mr O'Neill's home and firing four times at Mr O'Neill before making his escape in the same car, which was driven by an accomplice. That car, Mr Costelloe said, was the same one that was burned out at Belfry Square by Nolan moments before he ran into the "welcoming arms of Detective Harrison."

Mr Costelloe said during his closing speech that Mr Nolan was not the only person involved in the murder of Mr O'Neill. There was the driver of the people carrier and the alleged getaway car and the driver of a third vehicle said to have been "stalking" Mr O'Neill in the lead up to the shooting. No motive was suggested for the murder during the trial.
Latest: Theresa May has confirmed that the vote on Brexit that was scheduled to take place tomorrow will not go ahead.

No date has been given for when the vote will take place.

Announcing the decision to delay the vote on the Brexit deal, Mrs May told the Commons that if it had gone ahead as planned, the Government would have been defeated by a significant margin.

"I have listened very carefully to what has been said in this chamber and out of it by Members from all sides," she said.

From listening to those views it is clear that while there is broad support for key aspects of the deal, on one issue, the Northern Ireland backstop, there remains widespread and deep concern.

"As a result, if we went ahead tomorrow it would be rejected by a significant margin."

Mrs May said she believed there was "a majority to be won" in the Commons on her deal, if she is able to "secure additional reassurance on the backstop".

The PM said the fundamental question for MPs to answer was: "Does this House want to deliver Brexit?"

If so, she said that they needed to ask themselves whether they were willing to make compromises.

Mrs May said it was an "inescapable fact" that the Northern Ireland/Ireland border would become the external EU border on March 30.

She told the Commons: "The challenge this poses must be met, not with rhetoric, but with real and workable solutions.

"Businesses operate across that border, people live their lives crossing and recrossing it every day.

"I have been there and spoken to some of those people, they do not want their every-day lives to change as a result of the decision we have taken. They do not want a return to a hard border.

If this House cares about preserving our Union it must listen to those people because our Union will only endure with their consent.

Mrs May said she would meet her EU counterparts in advance of the European Council this week.

She told MPs: "I am clear from what I have heard in this place and from my own conversations that these elements do not offer a sufficient number of colleagues the reassurance that they need.

I spoke to a number of EU leaders over the weekend and in advance of the European Council I will go to see my counterparts in other member states and the leadership of the Council and the Commission.

"I will discuss with them the clear concerns that this House has expressed."

She said the Government was also looking at "new ways of empowering the House of Commons" to ensure that any provision for a backstop has "democratic legitimacy and to enable the House to place its own obligations on the Government to ensure that the backstop cannot be in place indefinitely".

Referring to the Brexit deal, Mrs May said: "I believe in it as do many members of this House.

"And, I still believe there is a majority to be won in this House in support of it if I can secure additional reassurance on the question of the backstop.

"And that is what my focus will be in the days ahead."

BREAKING: Theresa May has pulled her Brexit vote because she knew it would lose. After two years of negotiations, she has completely failed.



What an absolute shambles. pic.twitter.com/6f049Ex3vc  The Labour Party (@UKLabour) December 10, 2018

Theresa May to hold emergency talks with EU leaders after pulling vote

3.30pm: Addressing Commons this afternoon, Theresa May has confirmed that the vote on Brexit that was scheduled to take place tomorrow will not go ahead.

Mrs May said that if the vote went ahead, it would have been lost by a large margin.

Mrs May told the House of Commons she would meet other European leaders and the leaders of the European Council and Commission ahead of Thursday's summit in Brussels.

She said that the Government was stepping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

News that the crucial "meaningful vote" was being postponed broke just moments after a Downing Street spokeswoman told Westminster reporters at a regular daily briefing that it would go ahead.

Mrs May was engaged in a conference call by telephone with her Cabinet ministers as the story broke.

There was no official confirmation from 10 Downing Street that the vote was being called off.

But a senior source said: "It's being pulled."

Mrs May later spoke by phone to Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, whose MPs prop up the minority Conservative administration but were threatening to vote against her deal.

Mrs Foster said: "My message was clear. The backstop must go. Too much time has been wasted. Need a better deal.

"Disappointed it has taken so long for Prime Minister to listen."

'Pathetic cowardice': Reaction to May's decision to pull Brexit vote

14.55pm: Politicians in both the UK and Ireland have been reacting to news that Theresa May is to pull the Brexit vote that had been scheduled for tomorrow.

The British Prime Minister is due to inform the House of Commons in an oral statement at 3.30pm.

UK government minister Nadhim Zahawi said the Prime Minister "has listened to colleagues and will head to Brussels to push back on the backstop."

Early morning view from Parliament. Big week for my Country. This is the greatest country in the world. Lets come together and deliver Brexit. pic.twitter.com/6887L0tqB2  Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) December 10, 2018

But a spokeswoman for European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker poured cold water on hopes of a renegotiation.

In a press briefing in Brussels, Mina Andreeva said: "As President Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible.

We will not renegotiate - our position has therefore not changed and as far as we are concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on March 29 2019.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar ruled out reopening negotiations around the backstop, which is designed to keep the Irish border open following Brexit.

Mr Varadkar said it was not possible to reopen any aspect of the Withdrawal Agreement without reopening all aspects of it.

"It took over a year and a half to negotiate, it has the support of 28 governments" - Irish PM Leo Varadkar says that #Brexit deal is "the only agreement on the table"



Latest: https://t.co/x9VUoyYdn8 pic.twitter.com/thUR2FEPIS  BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 10, 2018

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused Mrs May of "pathetic cowardice" and urged Labour to table a vote of no confidence in Mrs May, which she said the SNP would support.

In a message directed at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Ms Sturgeon said: "If Labour, as official opposition, lodges a motion of no confidence in this incompetent Government tomorrow, the SNP will support and we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote.

"This shambles can't go on - so how about it?"

So @jeremycorbyn - if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, @theSNP will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote. This shambles cant go on - so how about it?  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 10, 2018

Mr Corbyn said the UK no longer had a "functioning Government" and called on the PM to switch to his party's plans for a "jobs-first deal".

"We have known for at least two weeks that Theresa May's worst-of-all-worlds deal was going to be rejected by Parliament because it is damaging for Britain," said Mr Corbyn.

Instead, she ploughed ahead when she should have gone back to Brussels to renegotiate or called an election so the public could elect a new government that could do so.

Labour MP David Lammy, a supporter of the Best for Britain campaign for a second referendum, said: "This is an unprecedented and historic humiliation for Theresa May. This is recognition of what has been clear for months: there is no majority for her miserable Brexit deal in Parliament.

"It is impossible to deliver on the 2016 referendum result because it was based on false promises and fantasy. No negotiations in Brussels will change this fact.

"Our politics is now well and truly stuck. The way to unblock it is to go back to the public with a people's vote, which will either offer a mandate for a specific form of Brexit, or to remain in the EU."

May to address MPs as historic Brexit vote is called off

12.55pm: Theresa May is calling off the vote on her Brexit deal in the face of what had been expected to be a significant defeat at the hands of rebel MPs.

A Government source confirmed that the vote was being pulled, with the British Prime Minister due to inform the House of Commons in an oral statement at 3.30pm.

News that the crucial "meaningful vote" was being postponed broke just moments after a Downing Street spokeswoman told Westminster reporters at a regular daily briefing that it would go ahead.

The pound fell sharply in response, shedding 0.5% versus the US dollar to stand at 1.26. Against the euro, the pound was 0.8% down at 1.10.

Mrs May was engaged in a conference call by telephone with her Cabinet ministers as the story broke.

There was no official confirmation from 10 Downing Street that the vote was being called off.

But a senior source said: "It's being pulled."

Mrs May's hastily-arranged oral statement is widely expected to confirm that she intends to seek further concessions from Brussels to try to win over rebellious backbenchers.

The statement will be followed by Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom announcing changes to parliamentary business for the days ahead, and Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will then make a statement to MPs on the Article 50 process.

The Government has decided Theresa May's Brexit deal is so disastrous that it has taken the desperate step of delaying its own vote at the eleventh hour. pic.twitter.com/3aO2QsM4W2  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) December 10, 2018

Source confirms May has called off Brexit vote

12.30pm: Theresa May has decided to call off the Commons vote on her Brexit deal scheduled for Tuesday, a source has confirmed.

More to follow.

Three statements in the House of Commons today:

1) Prime Minister @theresa_may - Exiting the EU

2) @CommonsLeader - Business Statement

3) @SteveBarclay - EU Exit: #Article50

No urgent questions. pic.twitter.com/34oa6cbSlF  UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) December 10, 2018

Theresa May to give statement this afternoon amid rumours vote to be delayed

12.20pm: Theresa May is to give an oral statement to the House of Commons on the European Union at 3.30pm today, the Speaker's office has confirmed.

There will be three Government oral statements in the @HouseofCommons today:



1 - Theresa May: Exiting the EU

2 - Andrea Leadsom: Business Statement

3 - Stephen Barclay: EU Exit - Article 50  Leader of the House of Commons (@CommonsLeader) December 10, 2018

Unconfirmed reports have suggested that Theresa May has decided to call off the "meaningful vote" on her Brexit deal scheduled for Tuesday.

Only minutes after a Downing Street spokeswoman insisted that the vote would go ahead, the Bloomberg news agency reported that "a person familiar with the matter" had revealed it was off, while the BBC reported that two Cabinet sources had confirmed it has been pulled.

A senior Downing Street source poured cold water on the reports, telling the Press Association: "I would ignore that. They've no business reporting that."

The developments occurred as Mrs May took part in a conference call with her Cabinet ministers.

Leadsom statement on Commons business expected to follow PM statement this afternoon, which implies they are indeed pulling the vote  Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) December 10, 2018

PA

Downing Steet claim Brexit vote is going ahead as planned

Update 12pm: Downing Street said that Theresa May intended to go ahead with the vote on the Brexit deal on Tuesday as planned.

"The vote is going ahead as planned," a No 10 spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman said Mrs May was updating Cabinet ministers on her weekend calls with EU leaders, including Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker, Leo Varadkar and Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte in a conference call.

Asked if the Prime Minister was confident of winning, the spokeswoman said: "Yes."

The Prime Minister has always said that this is the right deal and the best deal available and MPs should support it.

But rumours continued to swirl at Westminster that Mrs May could decide at the 11th hour to avoid a potentially heavy defeat if Tory whips cannot limit the revolt over her Brexit deal and the controversial Irish backstop arrangement.

Two cabinet sources tell me vote being pulled - not, repeat not, yet officially confirmed  Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) December 10, 2018

British environment secretary Michael Gove has been repeatedly insisting it will go ahead.

Mr Gove warned that while Mrs May could win extra concessions from Brussels, reopening talks risks making it worse.

Mr Gove told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that if there was more that can be secured to provide MPs with "reassurance that this is the right deal" then there was "no-one better placed" than Mrs May to get additional concessions.

"This case is all very well but it doesn't alter the referendum vote" says Environment Secretary @michaelgove on the news that the UK can unilaterally cancel Brexit, according to the European Court of Justice #r4Today https://t.co/gwnaJVD8H5 pic.twitter.com/dPvCw8Q7Hz  BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) December 10, 2018

But he said he was concerned that renegotiating the Withdrawal Agreement could lead to other EU countries changing it "in a way that may not necessarily be to our advantage", adding: "By reopening it, there is a risk that we may not necessarily get everything that we wish for."

As several senior members of the Cabinet were reported to be manoeuvring to replace Mrs May should the vote fail, Mr Gove said it was "extremely unlikely" that he would stand as a future Conservative Party leader.

The Prime Minister's political future appears uncertain if she loses - but her credibility would also suffer a serious blow if she attempts to postpone the Commons vote.

Michael Gove seemed pretty definitive this morning that MPs 'will be voting tomorrow night' on the Withdrawal Agreement ..but is he right? pic.twitter.com/duu6aonpSJ  Libby Wiener (@LibbyWienerITV) December 10, 2018

PA & Digital Desk
The man accused of killing British backpacker Grace Millane was living at the same New Zealand hotel where she was last seen alive, court documents have shown.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was listed on a charge sheet as residing at the Citylife Hotel on Queen Street in central Auckland.

The 26-year-old man appeared at Auckland District Court on Monday charged with murdering the backpacker, from Essex, between December 1 and 2.

The New Zealand Herald reported that Judge Evangelos Thomas told members of the Millane family, who were in court: "Your grief must be desperate.

"All of us hope justice for Grace is fair, swift and ultimately brings you some peace."

The hearing came after Ms Millane's body was found near a beauty spot on the outskirts of Auckland.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard, of Auckland City Police, has said formal identification would take place on Monday, although "based on the evidence we have gathered over the past few days we expect that this is Grace".

Detectives said they had identified a "location of interest" after the investigation led them to a spot on Scenic Drive, a country road about 12 miles west of the city centre, on Saturday night.

Speaking at the scene on Sunday afternoon, Det Insp Beard said investigators had "located a body which we believe to be Grace" about 10 metres from the roadside.

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm on December 1, the day before her birthday, at the Citylife Hotel, when she was seen with a "male companion".

Since arriving in New Zealand from Peru on November 20, she had been in near-daily contact with her family.

Police received a missing person report on Wednesday and began a major search and public campaign that saw dozens of calls made to a helpline.

Ms Millane's father, David Millane, flew to Auckland and made a public appeal for help finding his daughter, who he described as "lovely, outgoing, fun-loving (and) family-orientated".

Her brother, Declan Millane, paid tribute by sharing pictures on social media of him and his sister, adding the lyrics of You Are My Sunshine.

He wrote on Instagram: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."

A stretch of the road was closed on Sunday while forensics officers scoured the area.

Two large blue and white tents had been erected and investigators wearing white overalls were seen nearby.

Scenic Drive snakes through dense rainforest in the Waitakere Ranges, which lie to the west of Auckland.

The spot where police found the body is in the vicinity of the Waitakere Reservoir and dam, a beauty spot with hiking trails.

Mr Beard said investigators were analysing a hire car as part of the probe.

A red Toyota Corolla hatchback was hired from a central Auckland rental firm just before lunchtime on December 2, the day after Ms Millane was last seen alive.

It was later found in Taupo, a town around 170 miles from Auckland.

Police have appealed for sightings of the car in the west Auckland area between 6.30am and 9.30am on Monday.

- Press Association
Shares of wealth manager IOOF Holdings crashed to a fresh six-year low after its managing director Chris Kelaher, and chairman George Venardos, stepped aside on Monday to fight legal action by the prudential regulator to disqualify them from managing superannuation funds.

IOOF, whose shares lost more than a third of their value on Friday following the Australian Prudential and Regulation Authority's announcement, were down more than 7 per cent on Monday morning to a fresh low of $4.26. The stock started the year at more than $11.

Chris Kelaher, CEO of IOOF, has stepped aside to defend the APRA proceedings. Credit:Pat Scala

But analysts are predicting that the trouble is only beginning for the company as they slashed their price targets on the stock to reflect the anticipated upheaval. This is expected to include ANZ cancelling the sale of its financial planning businesses to IOOF which also faces an exodus of advisers and funds under management.

IOOF in October 2017 agreed to buy ANZ's Australian OnePath Life business and some financial planning operations for $975 million, but ANZ said on Friday it was urgently seeking clarification over APRA's intervention.
The exciting new world of wireless connectivity is now rushing towards us, with the major telecommunications players finally getting their hands on the key enabler for 5G services.

The much-anticipated auction of the 3.6 GHz spectrum band has ended with the federal government getting a little less than it might have hoped but achieving the competitive outcomes it sought.

Telstra chief executive Andy Penn. Telstra bought the maximum amount of spectrum allowed in Sydney and Melbourne. Credit:AFR

With Telstra paying $386 million for 143 5MHz lots, the Vodafone/TPG joint venture bidding vehicle $263.3 million for 131 lots, Optus $185 million for 47 lots and the UK-based technology business Dense Air $18.5 million for 29 lots, the government has raised $852 million from the auction.

While the average price of 29 cents per MHz per head of population is up there with the highest prices for 5G spectrum paid anywhere in the world, the total proceeds fell short of the $1 billion-plus once speculated.
Malala Yousafzai on Monday night. Credit:Wolter Peeters "Education is the future for girls, the future of women," she said to the young crowd at the ICC in Sydney. When she met girls in refugee camps, she said, they too had dreams. They knew education could change their lives. Like the many mothers and daughters among the 8000 people who flocked to see the 21-year-old - the first time she has visited Australia - Ms Carter wanted her daughter to hear Malala's "courageous" story. "I want (Sofia) to know that not everyone lives like her, and she needs to stand for something more than just herself," Ms Carter said. Now studying at Oxford University, Ms Yousafzai came to fame when she survived an assassination attempt in Pakistan by the Taliban in retaliation for her blog posts criticising the extremist group for banning girls from going to school.

Despite a shot to the head and extensive surgery, she continued to campaign for girls' education, establishing the Malala Fund with her father. In 2014, when she was 17, she became the youngest person to win the Nobel Prize, splitting the award with another young activist. Since then, she has won nearly every humanitarian prize that exists, from the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, the United Nations International Children's Peace Prize and another named in Mother Teresa's honour. She's also had an asteroid named in her honour, "316201 Malala" . To many young women and girls attending the event, Malala - as they call her - is the girl who wouldn't take "no" for an answer and "didn't care what others thought". Mariama Bah, 13, who is in year 7 at Chester Hill High School in Sydney's west, said her dad first told her about Ms Yousafzai's shooting and didn't think she would survive. "I love that even though they said no and even with the oppression, she kept fighting," Mariama said.

"She still went on, even though she got shot in the head, that's the most inspirational thing, she's amazing."

The school brought about a dozen students from its student representative council to listen to Ms Yousafzai speak. Ms Yousafzai was only 11 when she started blogging about the Taliban, even then realising it would likely trigger an attack on her life. Mariama Bah and Zeenat Razak, both 13, are in year 7 at Chester Hill High School. Credit:Wolter Peeters "I used to think that one day the Taliban would come [for me]," she told Glamour magazine. "And I thought, What would I do? I said to myself, 'Malala, you must be brave. You must not be afraid of anyone. You are only trying to get an educationyou are not committing a crime'. "I would even tell [my attacker], 'I want education for your son and daughter'."

Her fear was grounded. In October 2012, Ms Yousafzai, then 15, was shot in the head by the Taliban - she is now deaf in one ear - on the bus home from school. For Chester Hill High's deputy principal Julia Cremin, it was important for her students to hear about the importance of education. Maryanne Carter with her daughter Sofia before Monday night's talk. Credit:Wolter Peeters "We have about 60 different nationalities represented at our school and a large number of our students have refugee or similar status and we thought it was important for them to hear a girl from a similar region to theirs talk about the importance of education," she said. Ms Yousafzai has been 13-year-old Zeenat Razak's hero since she first heard her story. "She's such an inspiration, fighting against pressure from the Taliban, even though they said no education, she still fought for it," said Zeenat, who is in year 7 at Chester Hill High.

Ms Yousafzai was brought to Australia by The Growth Faculty as part of the Women World Changers series and she will also appear in Melbourne on Tuesday night. She is in Australia to continue her campaign for every child to go to school. As co-founder of the Malala Fund, she is building a global movement of support to ensure girls have access to 12 years education. Ms Yousafzai said the fund now invested in local change makers in dozens of countries. "In some places, girls can only go to school if there are female teachers, in other places it is a need to increase Indigenous education. This is a big, big mission, and I hope everyone will think about it, and think how they can help," she said. "If you give an education to a girl, you are changing their life and the world, too. It is one of the best investments you can make, she said to a round of applause.

On the day before the Taliban's edict took effect, she wrote in her blog nearly 10 years ago that she was discussing homework with a friend "as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened". "Today, I also read the diary written for the BBC (in Urdu) and published in the newspaper. My mother liked my pen name 'Gul Makai' and said to my father 'why not change her name to Gul Makai?' I also like the name because my real name means 'grief stricken'," she wrote then. Asked on Monday night in Sydney how the Taliban changed her life, she said before then, she played mock weddings. "And my brothers and other boys played police-and-thief game. When (the Taliban) came, (that game) converted into the Taliban versus the army," she said. "You lose your childhood because you don't feel safe when you go outside because you are girl, you can't listen to music or watch TV, when all these things are taken, it is a difficult life."
Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby has been touted as a potential replacement to host the Oscars, after the sudden withdrawal of comedian Kevin Hart.

The Motion Picture Academy has been scrambling to find a fill-in for February's ceremony, after Hart, named as host on Wednesday, was forced to quit just 24 hours later following the discovery of his homophobic past tweets.

Gadsby was one of a number of suggestions put forth by Hollywood trade publication Variety, alongside proven veterans like Ellen DeGeneres and Neil Patrick Harris and popular newcomers rapper-turned-actress Awkwafina and Girls Trip actress Tiffany Haddish.

The Tasmanian comedian has proven adept at leading award night dicsussions, stealing the show at September's Emmy Awards.
After less than a minute of tugging, a 75-centimetre dead eel emerged from the seal's nostril. Since then, Littnan said there had been at least three or four reported cases - the most recent occurring this US autumn. In all the cases, the eels were removed successfully and the seals are "doing great", he said. However, none of the eels survived. "We have no idea why this is suddenly happening," Littnan said. "You see some very strange things if you watch nature long enough and this could end up being one of these little oddities and mysteries of our careers that 40 years from now, we'll be retired and still questioning quite how this happened." Researchers have already determined this is not the result of a human with a personal vendetta against seals and eels because all the cases were reported from remote islands that are only frequented by scientists. Littnan said he did have a few theories about how an eel could naturally end up wedged in a seal's nostril. A seal's preferred prey - usually fish, octopuses and, of course, eels - like to hide within coral reefs to avoid being eaten, and since the marine mammals don't have hands, they have to hunt with their faces.

"They like to stick their faces into the coral reef holes and they'll spit water out of their mouths to flush things out and they'll do all sorts of tricks, but they are shoving their faces into holes," Littnan said. Perhaps, he said, a cornered eel decided that the only way to escape or defend itself was to swim up its attacker's nostril and young seals who are "not very adept at getting their food yet" were forced to learn a tough lesson. But Littnan said that theory didn't make much sense. "They're really quite long eels, and their diameter is probably close to what it would be for a nasal passage," he said. He added that a monk seal's nostrils, which reflexively close when they are diving for food, are very muscular and it would be difficult for any animal to push through.

"I struggle to think of an eel really wanting to force its way into a nose," he said. The other way eels might be ending up in nostrils is through throwing up. Similar to how people sometimes end up accidentally spewing food or beverages from their noses, that could also happen to seals, who often regurgitate their meals. Still, Littnan said it didn't seem possible that a "long, fat eel" would end up going through a seal's nose rather than out of its mouth. The "most plausible" theory, he said, is that monk seal teenagers aren't all that different from their human counterparts. Monk seals "seem naturally attracted to getting into troublesome situations", Littnan said. "It almost does feel like one of those teenage trends that happen," he said. "One juvenile seal did this very stupid thing and now the others are trying to mimic it." Though no seals have died or been seriously affected by the eels, having a dead animal up their noses for any extended amount of time poses potentially adverse health impacts, said Simeone, director of Ke Kai Ola, a monk seal hospital in Hawaii run by the Marine Mammal Centre.

With an eel lodged in its nose, a monk seal would not be able to close the blocked nostril when diving, which means water could get into their lungs and cause problems, such as pneumonia, Simeone said. A decomposing eel carcass could also lead to infections, she said. On Facebook, the photo of the seal had more than 1600 reactions as of early Friday morning. The caption read, "Mondays ... it might not have been a good one for you but it had to have been better than an eel in your nose." It also became a trending moment on Twitter. Many expressed sympathy for the seal having to experience what one Twitter user described as "the most uncomfortable thing ever". "RIP eel, but how satisfying must it have been for the seal when it was pulled out?" another person wondered. However, Littnan said the young seal "seemed apparently fairly oblivious to the fact that there was two feet of eel sticking out of its face".
The father of a male passenger killed in a violent car crash earlier this year told a court on Monday that he found the driver's actions reprehensible and her lack of remorse appalling

Jozef Stefaniak, 24, was killed when Angela Lea Smith, 34, rolled and crashed a car on Yarra Glen in Hughes on January 2.

A young Jozef Stefaniak.

Smith, and her then boyfriend, who was a good friend of Jozef's, fled the scene.

Jozef's father, Bill Stefaniak - a long-time Canberra politician and former leader of the Canberra Liberals - and his brother John Lane both spoke at an emotional sentence hearing in the ACT Supreme Court.
We can't see it, but we can certainly feel it.

For the first time, Australian scientists have narrowed in on the culprit behind a common type of food poisoning - a toxin secreted by the bacteria Bacillus cereus.

The battle as a purple immune cell tries to devour an invading stomach bug (the yellow rod-shaped bacteria). Credit:Australian National University

This toxin can cause sickness even when the bacteria is no longer present in our food. Catching it in the act offers the possibility of treating the bug beyond the typical course of antibiotics, as medicine grapples with the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Si Ming Man, who oversaw the research at the Australian National University, said food poisoning affected about four million Australians each year - and still caused millions of deaths globally - but developing new antibiotics was expensive and slow.
A man has been shot in the leg after being involved in a neighbourhood dispute west of Ipswich on Sunday.

Emergency services were called to a property on Albert Street in Rosewood, 20 kilometres west of Ipswich, about 1.30pm.

A dispute between two neighbours has ended in one being shot in the leg in Rosewood, west of Ipswich. Credit:Nine News Queensland - Twitter

They found a 43-year-old man, who lived in the Ipswich suburb of Brassall, with a gunshot wound in the leg.

He was taken to hospital.
A man has been found dead inside a unit north of Brisbane after a suspicious fire engulfed the residence on Tuesday.

Police have declared a crime scene at the Oxley Avenue unit in Woody Point, a suburb in Moreton Bay.

A Woody Point unit has gone up in flames. Credit:NINE

Emergency services were called to the unit just before 6.30am.

Four fire crews were fighting the flames at 7am while police and paramedics were on standby.
A Queensland pilot has been identified as the victim of a plane crash in Tasmanias south-west on the weekend.

Nikita Jo Walker, 30, died when her twin-engine plane crashed into the side of a mountain near Federation Peak about 8.30am on Saturday.

Nikita Walker who lost her life on the weekend during a routine flight over Tasmania. Credit:Facebook

The Par Avion pilot was making a routine flight from Cambridge to Melaleuca, but about 40 minutes after take-off, the aircraft got into trouble over the Arthur Ranges and came down.

Ms Walker lived in the Hobart suburb of Tranmere, but was from Maroochydore on Queensland's Sunshine Coast and moved to Tasmania several years ago to train as a pilot.
Victorias top cop says police on the beat need to be trained to treat all incidents as potential terror attacks with the country's threat level sitting at "probable".

Referencing last month's Bourke Street terror attack, Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the force may also change the way it ends car chases if it becomes clear the driver isnt planning to survive but instead deploy maximum carnage.

Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton speaks at the International Counter Terrorism Forum Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

The events of just a couple of weeks ago when we had a further terrorism attack in Bourke Street ... again highlighted the risk of what one person acting on their own can do, Mr Ashton said.

How do we train our frontline officers to understand when it isn't a case that theyre turning up to assist someone  when theyre turning up to a significant high-risk event where they will be the target.
A driver who died at the scene of a horror car crash that shut down a section of a notorious road north of Perth was treated for a traumatic cardiac arrest, according to St John Ambulance.

The 66-year-old man was driving a Toyota Hilux north on Indian Ocean Drive near Lancelin about 3.20pm on Sunday.

The crash shut down the stretch of road to traffic. Credit:9 News Perth

A Toyota Landcruiser was travelling on the road south, towing a camper trailer.

Police believe the Hilux crossed the centre double white lines onto the wrong side of the road, clipping the camper trailer.
How many Australians know that, 70 years ago this week, Australia's H. V. "Doc" Evatt, was president of the United Nations General Assembly?

Then Australian foreign minister H. V. "Doc" Evatt (right) at a UN executive meeting. Credit:Nine

On Monday, we celebrated a milestone in global human rights that Evatt presided over: the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Trail-blazing Australian feminist lawyer Jessie Street worked with Evatt on both the declaration and the UN charter that preceded it. Street was the only female delegate on the charter. Other Australians also worked tirelessly to bring to light this landmark declaration, and other UN documents, which changed the global face of human rights.

But Australia's record as a global champion of human rights has diminished since. Australia is now the only Western democracy without a national human rights charter.

I recently hosted a YWCA event in Canberra with former Australian Human Rights Commission president Professor Gillian Triggs. She said she was often frustrated in her role by the schism between our professed commitment to human rights internationally and our utter indifference to them at home.
More than 6000 rejected asylum seekers would be given a second chance at claiming refugee status in Australia under a plan being pushed by Labor's Left faction ahead of the party's upcoming national conference.

Labor has committed to abolishing the so-called "fast track" processing scheme created by Scott Morrison as immigration minister, but is divided on what to do with the thousands who were rejected under the "unfair" system.

A cross-factional working group will debate the issue - alongside other refugee matters - this week in an effort to reach a consensus and avoid a nasty fight on the conference floor.

The Left faction wants to create a "review" process for more than 6000 asylum seekers who were rejected since the system commenced in 2015. While some have now left the country, many remain in Australia appealing the decision through the courts.
Industrial Relations Minister Kelly O'Dwyer is under pressure to fix casual worker "double dipping" before Christmas, as lawyers prepare to file a massive class-action suit and employers fear they could be exposed to liabilities of up to $8 billion across the economy.

Ms O'Dwyer is understood to be considering a bold solution to the situation created by the Federal Court when it ruled that Paul Skene, a casual truck driver employed at a Rio Tinto mine through labour hire firm WorkPac, was entitled to annual leave and sick pay.

Industrial Relations Minister Kelly O'Dwyer is understood to be considering a bold solution. Credit:AAP

Under the plan being considered, the minister would use her executive powers to create a regulation to ensure that employers are not hit twice by having to pay entitlements on top of the casual loadings designed to compensate for them.

It comes as class-action law firm Adero prepares to file suits against WorkPac and fellow mining industry labour hire firms Hays recruitment, Programmed and One Key Resources, on behalf of thousands of workers who say they are in the same position as Mr Skene.
The Palestinian representative in Canberra has rejected possible Australian government alternatives to establishing an embassy in Jerusalem, saying Palestinians should not pay the price for some kind of face-saving move" for Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Cabinet is expected to discuss the embassy location on Tuesday after Mr Morrison vowed to review Australias diplomatic stance in October ahead of the crucial Wentworth byelection.

Among the options understood to be on the table are the establishment of a smaller office or consulate in west Jerusalem while keeping the embassy in Tel Aviv, or declaring Australias recognition of west Jerusalem as Israels capital with a broad intention to shift the embassy at some time in the future.

The diplomatic and political blowback from Mr Morrisons announcement of a possible shift - including from Indonesia and Malaysia - mean going ahead with a relocation is considered unlikely. However informed observers say it is also difficult for Mr Morrison to do nothing, given he has announced the review and said the peace process has stalled.
The national curriculum is overcrowded, Education Minister Dan Tehan has said, opening the door to a streamlined program with a heightened emphasis on core subjects like maths and English.

Amid concerns over declining academic results, Mr Tehan will tell an education conference at the Australian National University that the Morrison government wants to revamp the goals of the school system and better support teachers.

Education Minister Dan Tehan says the curriculum is overcrowded. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

In his speech on Monday, Mr Tehan will say education standards are about more than funding levels and he has received a clear message from teachers and parents around the country that the curriculum is overcrowded and that means we are sacrificing quality for quantity.

Teachers tell me that there is too much being taught and we should be concentrating on developing a deeper understanding of essential content, he will say.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has again ruled out pill testing, following the suspected drug overdose death of a 19-year-old man at a Sydney dance music festival on the weekend.

Callum Brosnan, 19, was found at Sydney Olympic Park railway station in the early hours of Sunday morning, but later died at Concord Hospital.

Police said 16 others were hospitalised with suspected drug overdoses and 130 sought treatment following the Knockout Games of Destiny festival run by Harder Styles Unite at the Sydney Showground on Saturday night.

Friends of Callum posted tributes to their "intelligent" friend on Facebook.
Labor strategist and advertising executive Dee Madigan committed a contempt of Queensland Parliament by making fun of LNP member Jarrod Bleijie in a "toddler tantrum" tweet she refused to delete.

In May, Ms Madigan quote tweeted a GIF of Mr Bleijie ripping up a piece of paper in Parliament, adding the comment, "Your taxes at work. A toddler tantrum for @JarrodBleijieMP".

Dee Madigan has been found to have committed a contempt of Parliament over her tweet about LNP member Jarrod Bleijie. Credit:Fairfax Media

Mr Bleijie had ripped up the paper while complaining about a government motion to speed up debate on the vegetation management bill so it could be passed that night, while temporarily scrapping family-friendly hours.

He wrote to Speaker Curtis Pitt to complain about the tweet, with Clerk Neil Laurie writing to Ms Madigan to advise her of the terms of the condition of the use of video from Parliament, and urging her to delete it.
Mirrabooka MP Janine Freeman dropped the 'C-word' at a function held at Parliament House on Friday afternoon.

6PR's Oliver Peterson reported on Perth Live Ms Freeman used the word in reference to a joke by comedian and Malcolm Turnbull impersonator Lawrence Mooney.

Can we forgive an MP who drops the C-bomb these days? Surely everyone does it? Credit:Illustration: John Shakespeare

She was speaking to a Christmas function of Labor staffers.

It is understood from the context of the speech, Ms Freeman did not mean the comment to be offensive and it was intended to be humorous.
The process has been slowed because of the pending criminal case, which itself is lagging because Low, 37, is a fugitive believed to be hiding in China. There are also thorny legal issues because Low and some of the other defendants have denied wrongdoing and are challenging the forfeitures. Several of the items are owned by trusts, and Low "does not consider it proper for any government to seize property belonging to the trusts or himself", said Robin Rathmell, Low's lawyer. The United States took the lead in the investigation because it has been cracking down on the flow of illegal money through the US financial system, and because until a few months ago, Malaysia's own government was being run by the very people accused of ripping it off. The fund at the centre of the investigation, called the 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund or 1MDB, was supposed to benefit ordinary Malaysians. It raised billions of dollars from banks and borrowed from investors, ostensibly to finance projects such as a joint venture with a Saudi oil company and the purchase of power plants. Miranda Kerr has relinquished jewellery that Jho Low gave her and has agreed to give up the piano - if the government even wants it back. Credit:New York Times

But prosecutors say 1MDB became a "massive, brazen and blatant" money-laundering scheme, in which billions were diverted into the bank accounts of senior officials, including former prime minister Najib Razak, his family and associates and Low. The scandal led to the ouster of Najib. It also has ensnarled Goldman Sachs, which helped 1MDB raise money; a Justice Department employee who pleaded guilty to helping Low funnel money into the United States; and Elliott Broidy, a top fundraiser for President Donald Trump who was paid to lobby the administration to stop the investigation. (Broidy is not accused of any crime.) Laundering the money, prosecutors say, involved a complex network of opaque bank accounts and shell companies registered in exotic locations like the British Virgin Islands. Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak walks into a court room at Kuala Lumpur High Court in October. Credit:AP But the idea was simple: Use 1MDB as a vehicle to draw in big money.

And then spend it. Some $US200 million was used to buy artwork. There was a 22-carat pink diamond necklace worth $US27.3 million, said to have been given to Najib's wife. (Her lawyers say that while she saw the necklace, which has gone missing, she never actually received it.) Tens of millions of dollars went toward financing Hollywood films including "The Wolf of Wall Street" and "Daddy's Home" through a production studio called Red Granite Pictures, which was owned by Riza Aziz, Najib's stepson. Red Granite has settled with the government for $60 million without admitting wrongdoing. A quarter billion was spent on a custom-built mega-yacht with a movie theatre, helicopter pad and enough space for dozens of crew members. Indonesian authorities said the boat's transponder was turned off at times, making it difficult for the FBI to track it, but the yacht, called the Equanimity, was finally seized in Bali this year. The United States then staffed it with a crew until it was turned over to Malaysia's custody. Low, who had a self-proclaimed taste for the very finest things, also used some of the money to lavish gifts on celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, prosecutors say.

In 2014, Low bought the clear-acrylic grand piano from Crystal Music Co in the Netherlands and had it delivered to Kerr in Malibu. Peter Tol, the company's founder, declined to discuss the price but said that his custom pieces now cost from $170,000 to upward of $1 million. It has been a centerpiece of Kerr's home. She has been photographed lounging on its lid in a Giorgio Armani gown and has been recorded tapping out a simple song called "The Flea Waltz." An acrylic see-through piano made by Crystal Music and costing anywhere from $US175,000 to $US 1million. Credit:Crystal Music Mark Fabiani, a lawyer for Kerr, said she is happy to relinquish the piano. But it's not clear that it is worth the effort to get it out. "If you move it, you might damage it, and then you have to restore it," said Michael Case, the asset forfeiture coordinator for the U.S. Marshals Service in Manhattan, speaking generally about such operations.

This extraction would be especially complicated. When Tol delivered the piano, he was horrified to learn it would be left on an outdoor deck, protected only by an overhang. "This was hurting my soul very much," he said. "I strongly advised them to close that area." Kerr followed his advice. But those new walls are a problem for the government, which believes it would have to do some demolition to get the piano out, according to two people with knowledge of the investigation who were not authorised to speak publicly. Then a very expensive house would have to be repaired. 'Saint-Georges Majeur' (detail from) by Claude Monet is one of about $US200m worth of artworks Jho Low bought. It is being stored in Switzerland, having been recovered by US authorities.

So for now, the piano stays. Other tokens of Low's esteem have been easier to retrieve. Kerr handed over a substantial amount of jewellery, including a 11.71-carat heart-shaped diamond and a pair of 11-carat diamond earrings. Loading In Malaysia itself, the haul has been immense. Just days after Najib was voted out, police raided six residences connected to him. They seized 35 bags of cash in 26 currencies, and it took 22 officers three days to determine their full value  about $US30 million. There were bags of gold (25), Hermes handbags (272) and watches (423). Everything is being stored in Kuala Lumpur at the Malaysian central bank. "The numbers were just too huge for us to do the accounting on the premises," said Amar Singh, who led the asset seizures for the Royal Malaysian Police. Najib has denied wrongdoing, and Farhan Shafee, a member of his legal team, said, "As far as we can see and as far as the documents provided show, the assets that were seized have nothing to do with the charges that have been brought."
The infamous backstop The Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Ireland in the 1990s was predicated on an open, free border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Thousands travel and trade across it every day without hindrance or customs checks. Pro-Brexit demonstrators outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Credit:AP Both the EU and UK agreed this must continue. The crux of the debate - and Brexits biggest sticking point - has been how this can be done while still ensuring each sides other Brexit 'red lines' are not crossed. The backstop will kick in if the EU-UK future relationship is not settled and in effect by the time the transition period ends.

It will keep Britain effectively inside a customs union with the EU, preventing it from setting its own trade policy. And it will keep Northern Ireland inside the EUs customs union and aligned with single market rules. In effect this will put a trade border between Northern Ireland and Britain. Neither side can end the backstop unilaterally.

However a new trade deal is not the only way out. The two sides could also find some third solution, such as using new technology to keep the border open while still enforcing trade law. The governments own legal advice warns that this backstop may last indefinitely should trade talks stall. This is why it is a sticking point for Brexiters, who say the UK could be stuck in a Brexit limbo, paying money to the EU and losing a say over its own laws while gaining nothing that Brexit was promised to deliver. Prime Minister Theresa May has responded that neither the UK nor the EU wish the backstop to ever come into effect, and both are obliged to use their best efforts to complete a trade deal so that it doesnt. Migration Free movement will end when the transition ends. That means EU citizens will no longer have the right to live and work in the UK without a visa (those already in the UK are a special case), and vice versa.

The UK is yet to outline the migration policy that will replace free movement, but it says it will be skills-based and EU citizens will no longer be allowed to "jump the queue" ahead of migrants from other countries. Loading Expats The deal promises that EU citizens in the UK, and UK citizens in the EU, can keep their current residency and welfare rights. However some issues (such as the recognition of professional qualifications) for such people can only be finally settled in the "future relationship" deal that will be negotiated after Brexit.

Alimony The EU and UK have agreed on calculations for the divorce bill  how much the UK owes on commitments it has made to the EU and is legally obliged to pay. No actual figure is given, because its complicated, but it will be at least 39 billion ($68 billion) and paid over several years rather than in one go. Fishing This was a big issue for Brexiters, and the UK will withdraw from European fishing policy. However it intends to sign a new agreement on mutual access to each others waters.

Laws The UK will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice  after the transition is over - but the ECJ will still have significant indirect influence on interpretation of EU law that is applicable in the UK. Miscellaneous The 599-page withdrawal agreement also governs: The status of Gibraltar and the British military base on Cyprus;

Provisions governing the use and exchange of nuclear material.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
Rimbo, Sweden: Yemen's warring parties have held the first direct talks in UN-led peace efforts to iron out a prisoner swap, one of several confidence-building measures intended to help launch a political process to end nearly four years of conflict.

An exterior view of Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, 50km north of Stockholm, Sweden. Credit:AP

Since talks began on Thursday, UN officials have been shuttling between delegations from the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi which is backed by a Saudi-led military coalition.

The first negotiations in over two years were convened amid pressure from Western nations, some of which supply arms and intelligence to Saudi Arabia and other members of the coalition. The nearly four-year-old war in Yemen has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a major humanitarian disaster.
Washington: As US President Donald Trump heads into the fight of his political life, the man he had hoped would help guide him through it has now turned him down, and he finds himself in the unaccustomed position of having no obvious second option.

Nick Ayers, the main focus of Trump's search to replace John Kelly as chief of staff in recent weeks, said on Sunday that he was leaving the administration at the end of the year. Ayers, 36, chief of staff to Vice-President Mike Pence, is returning to Georgia with his wife and three young children, according to people familiar with his plans.

US President Donald Trump's administration faces more uncertainty as it seeks a new White House chief of staff. Credit:AP

The decision leaves Trump to contend with fresh uncertainty as he enters the 2020 campaign amid growing danger from the Russia investigation and from Democrats who have vowed tougher oversight after they take over the House next month.

As the President restarted the search process, speculation focused on a group that was led by Republican Mark Meadows, who is the hard-edge chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, but also included Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin; Trump's budget director, Mick Mulvaney; and the US trade representative, Robert Lighthizer.
Wellington: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made an emotional apology to the family of British backpacker Grace Millane, saying her nation feels a collective shame over the young woman's death.

Police found Ms Millane's body on Sunday after she went missing in the city on December 1, the day before her 22nd birthday. The body was found in a bush area just a few metres from a scenic drive in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges. Police have not yet formally identified the body, but they believe it to be that of Ms Millane.

Grace Millane's current profile picture on Facebook was uploaded on November 29 - two days before she disappeared. Credit:stuff.co.nz

She was last seen arriving at the central CityLife Hotel with a 26-year-old Auckland man, who has since been charged with her murder and appeared in court on Monday.

The accused man stared at the ground while Judge Evangelos Thomas addressed him during his brief appearance at the Auckland District Court. The man has not yet entered a plea on murder charges and the court has temporarily blocked his name from being published.
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

Following its recent merger with an aggregator, a Western Australian bank has announced record growth across all of its metrics in October.

Goldfields Money Ltd and mortgage aggregator Finsure Group announced the merger had been approved by shareholders in September.

According to Finsures managing director John Kolenda, the aggregators loan book reached a record $34billion, up 26% from the previous corresponding period.

The number of loan writers also increased by 21% to 1531, which is also a new record.

Total aggregation settlements reached $1.15 billion for the month, a rise of 9% over the same period last year.

Kolenda said, We are very pleased to report such strong growth in settlements and brokers.

What makes this result even more encouraging is that this has been achieved against a backdrop of negative system growth and at a time when many of our competitors are finding market conditions very difficult.

In spite of this, we are performing well ahead of system growth and our ASX listed peers, which is testament to the success of our recent merger.

Goldfields Money managing director, Simon Lyons, said the strong growth is a continuation of the positive first quarter FY19 performance.

He said, Not only is the aggregation business performing well, but our managed loan settlements under the Better Choice and Goldfields Money brands reached a combined $58 million for the month, representing a 97% increase on the previous corresponding period.

The combination of Goldfields Money and Finsure is off to a fantastic start with the combined business achieving all-time records across each of its key operating metrics.

We have also successfully increased our deposit base to $211 million, up from $195 million as at June 30, and continue to successfully diversify our funding sources with our call deposits increasing to 21%, up from 18% at the end of June.

The merger has created a new force in digital banking that is delivering great products through a largely branchless distribution network. Our focus on broker distribution is bringing more competition to the market, which can only be good for consumers.

The companys digital banking platform is built on the recently implemented mobile-first core banking system provided by Temenos, and Finsures proprietary mortgage distribution software Loankit.

Lyons added, We have built a cost effective and scalable platform and the distribution capability we now have elevates us in the market place. These results are proof of that and auger well for further growth in the future.

Lyons said the integration of Goldfields Money and Finsure was progressing well and had already delivered a number of synergies and competitive advantages.

Since merger, the company has appointed former CBA senior executive, Jussi Nunes, to the position of group CFO.

Lyons said, Looking ahead, our business targets for the 2019 financial year include full integration of the Better Choice team and a rebrand of the company with the launch of a more consumer-centric brand.
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 Melbourne couple have pleaded guilty for offences including breaching a banning order and providing false documents for home loans.

Shilpa Karandikar and Shrikrishna Karandikar appeared at Moorabbin Magistrates Court following an ASIC investigation.

On 5 December 2018, Mr and Mrs Karandikar separately pleaded guilty to offences against the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (National Credit Act).

Mrs Karandikar was convicted of engaging in credit activities contrary to a four-year ASIC banning order against her, and sentenced to a fine of $5,000, out of a maximum fine of $17,000.

She admitted to having prepared home loan applications to the NAB for three customers between July 2014 and August 2015 through her husbands former mortgage broking business, Siddhi Vinayak Finance Pty Ltd.

The 2014 banning order was based on Mrs Karandikar having submitted false documents to secure a $243,000 home loan for a customer.

In sentencing her, Magistrate Crisp indicated it was a serious matter as Mrs Karandikar was engaging in the exact activities she had been banned from doing.

Mr Karandikar was convicted of giving false documents to NAB, stating he had completed customer identification forms in the presence of the home loan applicants, when he had not.

Mr Karandikar was sentenced to a fine of $5,000, out of a maximum fine of $17,000.

Mr and Mrs Karandikar were permanently banned from engaging in credit activities in December 2017.
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It took a borough  or two  to save this kitty!

Leaders of a local animal-rescue group cheered the efforts of two Southern Brooklynites and another city dweller who saved a stray kitty from life on the streets, recently giving one of the do-gooders an award as part of the organizations ongoing initiative to reduce the number of feral felines citywide.

The Gravesend woman who first discovered the wayward fur ball  and started the chain of events that took the kitty to Bay Ridge, Queens, and ultimately its forever home in Texas  said the whole ordeal started back in 2015, when Babydoll first showed up on her patio looking for a bite to eat.

Im an animal lover and I love feeding these cats, said Fran Coyle.

Following her initial visit, Babydoll regularly returned to Coyles house  often with friends  over the next two years, knowing she could always find a fresh meal, according to the homeowner, who said there were times no less than eight strays swung by looking for grub.

I wake up in the morning and sometimes I dont want to get out of bed, but I do because I know the cats are waiting for me, she said.

But in November 2017, Coyle noticed that Babydoll suddenly stopped eating, and wouldnt leave the makeshift shelter the animal lover set up for the cat in her yard.

Coyle then took Babydoll to a vet in Bay Ridge, who kept her for about a week for treatment after she contracted a serious cold, according to the doctor, who said the kitty was all skin and bones when her care taker dropped her off.

The cat was in a very poor body condition and dehydrated at the time, it had a 106-degree fever and we had to keep her here for a few days, said Dr. Ninette Ibrahim, who nursed Babydoll back to health at the Animal Clinic of Bay Ridge on 86th Street between Seventh Avenue and Dahlgren Place.

Ibrahim on Dec. 4 received the honor from the Mayors Alliance for NYCs Animals  which has no affiliation with the mayors office  for her work to get Babydoll back on her feet last year, but the cats vet-assisted recovery was not the end of her ordeal.

Coyle could not keep Babydoll after her stint at the veterinarian, due to what she said are her severe allergies to cats, so she called around to city rescues until a Manhattan shelter put her in touch with a Queens woman, who said she agreed to foster the ball of fuzz and get her in better shape.

Sickly: Poor little Babydoll had seen the rough life on Gravesends streets for years when Fran Coyle started feeding her and providing her with a makeshift shelter on her patio three years ago. Fran Coyle

She was in a bad condition, really frail, said Clara Collazo.

The foster mom said the kitty arrived at her place with dirty, matted fur  under which, she found something even more grisly.

The day before Thanksgiving we took her to a grooming place in Queens because we wanted her to be clean. They gave her a hair cut, and then we discovered she was covered in fleas, said Collazo. She was infested.

The groomers gave the Babydoll a three-hour cleanse that included a flea bath to get rid of the pests, which made her anemic because they sucked so much of her blood, according to the Queens resident.

Babydoll remained in the care of Collazo  the owner of two other felines  for months, and when the foster mom moved to faraway Texas this past January, she decided to become the kittys real mom, adopting her out of fear the cat would not find another home in New York City.

We werent sure if she was going to get adopted and I figured we had a space, she said.

Babydoll still suffers from an autoimmune disease, however, which Collazo treats by giving her medication and steroids every other day  a regimen she said has already helped the cat develop a fuller, healthier figure.

I call her my loaf of bread because she plumped up a bit, Collazo said.

And although Babydoll learned to co-exist with her owners two tomcats, Thumper and Bravo, the former stray still exhibits traits picked up during her life on the streets, Collazo said.

Shes not the most social cat, shes very shy and needs her space, she said. I call her a true New Yorker, do not get in her space.

Reach reporter Kevin Duggan at (718) 2602511 or by e-mail at kdugg an@cn gloca l.com . Follow him on Twitter @kduggan16.
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Police reportedly arrested the man whom they suspect killed an off-duty Coney Island firefighter during an apparent bout of road rage that turned deadly after his and the victims cars collided on the Belt Parkway on Dec 9.

Authorities with New Yorks Finest and United States Marshalls cuffed the 29-year-old at a New Jersey motel, according to a Tuesday New York Post report citing law-enforcement sources, which a Police Department rep could not immediately confirm.

The crash occurred before sunrise, as the man driving a 2006 Infiniti G35 sedan and the victim merged their vehicles onto the Gravesend-bound side of the Belt Parkway via the on ramp from Fourth Avenue, according to authorities, who later identified the suspect as the Infitinis registered owner, the Post reported.

Both drivers pulled over on the side of the parkway near Exit Four to 14th Avenue-Bay Eighth Street following the collision, which damaged the drivers side of the suspects four-wheeler, cops said.

Officers from the 62nd Precinct responding to a 911 call following the incident arrived at the scene around 4:50 am, and found 33-year-old Ditmas Parker Faizal Coto  a member of New Yorks Bravest with Coney Islands Engine 245  unconscious and unresponsive on the pavement next to his car, cops said.

Paramedics then rushed Coto to Coney Island Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead, police said.

The citys medical examiner determined Coto died from blunt force trauma to the head, according to a spokeswoman, and the suspect reportedly smashed the victim in the skull with an unknown object during the fatal attack, according to CBS News.

But the medical examiners spokeswoman could not confirm whether the suspect hit Coto with an object, and a Police Department spokeswoman could not confirm that the pair got into an argument that resulted in the deadly blow.

Reach reporter Kevin Duggan at (718) 2602511 or by e-mail at kdugg an@cn gloca l.com . Follow him on Twitter @kduggan16.
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Time is quickly melting away for this beloved creamery!

The owners of the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory in Brooklyn Bridge Park must close their store inside the historic fireboat station at Fulton Ferry Landing by the end of the year, after green-space stewards handed the keys to the property to the folks behind another borough scoop shop, Ample Hills Creamery.

They made a choice, I have until the end of this month to vacate, said Mark Thompson, who owns the Dumbo creamery with restaurateur Buzzy OKeefe of the famous River Cafe next door.

News of the Factorys imminent end came as a cold slap in the face to dozens of fans of the creamery at the Dumbo end of the park  which opened in 2001 back when the citys Economic Development Corporation operated the station  many of whom left comments lamenting the change on an Instagram post announcing its closure.

Wait just one minute! I always stop and get ice cream, even got my friends hooked too, Instagram user Cetera D. said You are the main attraction for Pier 1!

The long-time ice-cream vendors exit will make way for the arrival of a larger Brooklyn Bridge Park outpost of the ever-expanding, borough-based Ample Hills, which will ditch the tiny concession stand it currently operates at the other end of the meadow on Pier 5 and set up shop inside the fireboat station.

Green-space leaders chose Ample Hills  which is also in the process of opening a Park Slope outpost, and a massive ice-cream factory in Red Hook  after this summer issuing a request for proposals from vendors interested in moving into the station, according to park bigwig David Lowin. That request came months after city officials handed control of the public space over to meadow keepers last year.

Thompson submitted a proposal to keep his shop operating in the space, but said he was told to make a better offer than what he initially proposed, before ultimately getting the boot.

They asked me if I would be willing to up our offer, we werent really in the ball game, he said. They chose to go in a whole other direction.

Brooklyn Bridge Park head Eric Landau said he and fellow leaders of the semi-private Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, which oversees the lawn, are trying to find another space in the sprawling meadow for Thompson and OKeefes beloved sweet spot, noting that the Pier 5 stand Ample Hills will soon vacate is among the options.

We are in conversations with them about other opportunities in the park, that is certainly one of the other opportunities, said Landau.

But Thompson called that offer a joke, because the booth is roughly a quarter of the size of his current station setup, making it impossible to employ his dozens of employees and churn out the freshly made frozen stuff his creamery is known for.

I said Im not interested. It barely fits two employees and a scooping freezer, said the co-owner, who also runs a Greenpoint location of Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. We made everything on the premises. The thing that bothers me most is that I have 38 employees  all jobs I cant maintain without a place.

Ample Hills will open its creamery in the first floor of the firehouse station, according to park reps, who said the buildings second floor will soon be the new home of a handicapped-accessible Brooklyn Historical Society exhibit that pays homage to the history of the building, and the original Brooklyn Ferry, which first set sail across the East River to Manhattan in 1642.

Park officials also tapped restaurateurs Alex and Miles Pincus, the men behind the floating restaurant Pilot aboard a boat that docks at the parks Pier 6 in the warmer months, to open another seasonal cafe and bar in the outdoor area outside the firehouse station, which will feature additional seating on the deck of another vessel  the restored New York City Fire Department boat, the Governor Alfred E. Smith  that they will dock at the site.

Ample Hills and the Pincus brothers each received 10-year leases with three-year renewal options for their new spaces, according to park reps, who said both operations are set to open by summer 2019.
The choirs of heavenly angels welcomed an exuberant, new voice on December 5, 2018, when Patricia Ashe "Pat" McEntee passed from this life at St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown. Pat was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but as a young child moved with her family to Hyattsville, Maryland. She graduated from McKinley Tech High School in Washington, DC, and later attended the University of Maryland, where she met her husband and the love of her life, John C. "Jack" McEntee.



Pat and Jack raised their family in Cheverly, Maryland, and then Hingham, Massachusetts, where Pat began a highly successful real estate career. Upon returning to Cheverly some years later, Pat and Jack founded McEntee Realtors, specializing in the sale of Cheverly homes. Pat later continued her career at Long and Foster. With her warm, outgoing personality and professionalism, she was a popular broker who helped many clients find their dream homes.



In later years, Pat divided her time between homes in Piney Point, Maryland, and Pinellas Park, Florida. Wherever she lived, she pursued her passion for singing. She performed in choirs, choruses, and musical theater productions. Most recently she was a member of the choir at Holy Face Church in Great Mills, Maryland. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Southern Maryland Community Gospel Choir, recruiting many new members to the group.



Many were touched by Pat's kind and appreciative nature. She was always quick to give praise and ready with a compliment. Those who loved her will miss her smile and trademark laugh. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joys.



Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Thomas J. and Martha R. Ashe; her brother, Thomas J. Ashe Jr.; her sister, Margaret Hankla; her nephew Brent Hammett; and her niece Elizabeth Ashe Hollingsworth. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kathleen Schwab (Lee) of Greenbelt, MD; Michael McEntee (Denise) of Wilton, CT; and Sheila McEntee (partner Daniel Cowan) of Charleston, WV; a niece and two nephews; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; Missy, her devoted canine companion; and many other friends.



Family will receive friends on Friday, December 14, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM (prayers at 7:00 PM) at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 15, at 11:00 AM at Holy Face Church, 20408 Point Lookout Rd., Great Mills, MD. A reception after the Mass in the church hall will be followed by interment at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Face Church (www.holyfacechurch.org) or the St. Mary's Animal Welfare League. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
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The door to the Lean In office in Palo Alto, Calif., has Sheryl Sandbergs name on it. The email addresses for Lean In employees bear her initials. And millions of dollars in funding every year for the womens empowerment organization comes from her. But inside, surrounded by wall art reminding women to be bold, the Lean In staff has a singular message: Ms. Sandberg now has little to do with the group she founded. I dont want to take anything away  how could I?  from Sheryl as the inspiration for the work that we do, said Rachel ...
Tata Motors' group global wholesales in November last year stood at 1,12,473 units. Monday reported 7 per cent decline in group global wholesales, including (JLR), at 1,04,964 units in November 2018.

Global wholesales of all passenger vehicles in November were at 66,429 units, lower by 7 per cent from the year-ago month, said in a statement.

JLR sales were at 49,312 units.

While Jaguar wholesales for the month were 15,114 vehicles, that of Land Rover were at 34,198 units.

The company further said its global wholesales of all commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range stood at 38,535 units last month, down 6 per cent from the same period last year.
An official of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan staged a walkout of a SAARC meeting over the presence of a minister from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at the event, according to a source.

Diplomat Shubham Singh, left the meeting to register India's protest over the presence of PoK minister Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed at the SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry meeting on the SAARC Charter Day in Islamabad on Sunday.

India considers Kashmir as its integral part and does not recognise any minister for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In 2016, India had pulled out of the 19th SAARC summit that was to be held in Islamabad after the deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to attend. No SAARC meeting has happened ever since.

India called off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September after the brutal killing of policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and the release of a postage stamp by Pakistan that glorified Kashmiri militant commander Burhan Wani.
Before we get totally distracted with the assembly election results on December 11, it is imperative to consider the case of Jeetu the Fauji. A soldier on home leave from active duty in Jammu and Kashmir is spotted in the lynch mob in Bulandshahr.

According to the police, video grabs establish that he was not just an innocent by-stander but an active participant in the murderous crowd which went on to take a police inspectors life. The army has handed him over to the Uttar Pradesh police. However, it is yet to be established whether it was Jeetu who fired the fatal shot that ...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, president and senior party leaders will attend a rally in Dharamshala to celebrate the completion of one year of the government in Himachal, Chief Minister said Monday.

Thakur said Modi has accepted a request made by the state government to be the chief guest at the function which will be held in on December 27. The exact venue for the function is yet to be finalised, he added.

The CM, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, visited the probable venues of the rally.

Thousands of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the state government will participate in the rally, he said, adding that an exhibition showcasing achievements of the state government would also be installed on this occasion.
In a bid to make retirement income scheme more attractive for central government employees, the government has agreed to chip in a higher 14 per cent of the basic salary of an individual as its contribution to the National Pension System (NPS), a top source said.

The move would benefit over 36 lakh central government employees.

Also, individual contributions, which will continue to be capped at a maximum of 10 per cent of the basic salary, will be exempt from taxable income.

National Pension System (NPS) is a government-sponsored pension scheme that was launched in January 2004 for government employees. However, in 2009, it was opened to all sections.

The scheme allows subscribers to contribute regularly in a pension account during their working life. On retirement, subscribers can withdraw a part of the corpus in a lump sum and use the remaining corpus to buy an annuity to secure a regular income after retirement.

Currently, the minimum employee contribution in NPS is 10 per cent of basic pay and an equal contribution is made by the government.

The Cabinet at its meeting Thursday cleared raising the government's share to NPS to 14 per cent, the source said.

It also cleared tax incentives under Section 80C of Income Tax Act for employee contribution of up to 10 per cent towards NPS. The tax measures are likely to come into effect from April 1, 2019.

Central government employees had approached the government seeking tweaking of the terms of the current 'contribution' based NPS.

Also, the Cabinet has given more flexibility to the government employees to withdraw the amount from NPS corpus at the time of retirement.

Once the changes are notified, central government employees can commute up to 60 per cent of the NPS fund accumulated, up from 40 per cent at present.

Sources said if an employee decides not to commute any portion of the accumulated fund in NPS at the time of maturity and transfers 100 per cent to annuity scheme, then his pension would be more than 50 per cent of his last drawn pay.

Also, employees will have the option to decide on investing their annuity either in fixed income instruments or equities, sources said.

While the government is yet to decide on the date of notification of the new scheme, sources said many of the changes require amendment to the Income Tax Act and hence will come into effect from April 1, 2019.

This formula for changes in the NPS was worked out by the Finance Ministry based on the recommendation of a government-appointed committee, sources said.
RBI Governor Urjit Patel steps down with immediate effect. Here are the reactions to the development. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley reacts via Twitter to the resignation: "The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr.

Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service." The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the ...
Regulators in India that are not answerable to any appellate authority should involve other stakeholders for better decision-making, the country's finance minister said, according to the Economic Times newspaper. While the markets regulator, the competition watchdog and the insurance regulator all have a tribunal for appeals, some, including the central bank, do not have one. "There would only be some exceptions where the decisions are final and, therefore, it becomes obligatory on such a regulator to be consistently in consultation at a very wide level with ...
Fate of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan's bid for his fourth term in office will be known on Tuesday with counting of votes for the state's 230 assembly seats scheduled to begin at 8 am, while the challenger Congress expects to return to power after a 15-year gap.

Exit polls have predicted a close race between the and the Congress, though leaders from both parties have routinely claimed their respective victories.

While Chouhan has called himself the "biggest surveyor" in claiming a win for the BJP, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath said his party would get at least 140 seats to oust the saffron party and form a majority government.



The state went to polls on November 28 with a voter turnout of about 75 per cent. As many as 2,899 candidates are in fray for 230 seats.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao told reporters that counting would begin at 8 AM with the postal ballots at 51 centres across the state.

"EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) would be taken up for counting at 8.30 AM. Counting of postal ballots would continue simultaneously," he said.



Rao said 15,000 employees have been drafted for the counting process which will be monitored through 1200 CCTV cameras installed at 51 centres across the state.

The CEO said the maximum rounds of counting -- 32 in total -- would take place in the Indore-5 assembly segment due to the highest number of booths there.

The lowest number of counting rounds (15) would be held in Kotma seat in Anuppur district, he added.

Indore-5 seat is currently held by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) while the Congress represents Kotma constituency.

Rao further said the results of every round would be declared separately before the start of the subsequent rounds.

Though all exit polls predicted a slide in the BJP's fortunes, some of them have gone to the extent of giving a clear majority to the Congress.

The Republic TV-Jan Ki Baat poll has predicted will win 108-128 seats and the Congress 95-115. The India Today-Axis poll gave 102-120 seats to the ruling party and 104-122 to the Congress.

Times Now-CNX predicted a majority for the with 126 seats and gave 89 to the Congress.

In contrast, the ABP News poll gave the Congress a decisive win with 126 seats and said the BJP would win 94 Assembly constituencies.

ALSO READ: Satta market speculates a likely win for Congress in Madhya Pradesh polls

In 2013 elections, the BJP had won 165 of total 230 seats, followed by the Congress (58), BSP (4) and Independents 3.

The campaign for the polls was a high-decibel one with star campaigners like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi mounting vitriolic attacks in their respective speeches.

The prime minister had addressed ten public meetings across all regions of the state while BJP president Amit Shah held 26 public meetings and three road shows, said state BJP spokesman Rajnish Agrawal.

Chief Minister Chouhan addressed 158 public meetings between October 31 and November 25.

Before that from July till October, Chouhan travelled to 187 assembly constituencies as part of his public outreach campaign titled "Jan Ashirwad Yatra".

On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi addressed 22 public rallies and took part in about a dozen road shows.

"State unit Congress president Kamal Nath addressed over 60 public meetings during this period", the state Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said.

State Congress Campaign Committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia addressed 110 public meetings and participated in 12 road shows in 15 days preceding polling.

Scindia had earlier also held "Parivartan" rallies across 45 districts.

ALSO READ: Dalit votes could play a decisive role in at least 30 Madhya Pradesh seats

The chief minister, in office since 2005, is himself seeking re-election from Budhni in Sehore district. He is pitted against Congress candidate Arun Yadav, a former minister.

Of the 5.04-crore registered voters, 3.78-crores (75.05 per cent) had exercised their franchise.

The BJP fielded candidates for all 230 seats while the Congress fielded 229 nominees and left one seat (Jatara in Tikamgarh district) for its ally Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) of Sharad Yadav.

Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) fielded 227 candidates, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) contested 51 seats.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also fielded 208 candidates in its maiden elections in Madhya Pradesh.

A total of 1,094 candidates contested as independents.

During campaigning, the Congress, which has been out of power since 2003, tried to build a narrative against the BJP by raising issues like agrarian distress, the Vyapam scam and the anti-incumbency factor.

Rahul Gandhi had announced that Congress would waive crop loans of farmers within ten days of coming to power.

The BJP had ruled out anti-incumbency and mainly banked on the "development works" carried out by the chief minister in the last 15 years.
It is important for the Indian government to heed the RBI's message on financial stability, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said Sunday, amidst reports of friction between the central bank and the Ministry.

Addressing a group of journalists here, he also said the International Monetary Fund does not want politicians "manipulating" central for political ends.

"There is debate over whether it's better for financial stability to be the remit of the central bank or an independent regulator...the UK in 1997, split them, then put them back together again. I'm not going to take a position on that...But I think...the central bank does have to be intimately concerned with financial stability to some degree and with the payment system," he said, responding to a specific question on the recent developments in India regarding the RBI and the government.

"We need to think about what is the best institutional framework in which financial policy can be set with regard to long term stability of the economy, not just to performance over political horizon," Obstfeld said.

"Well, I think they (the RBI and the Indian government) have reached an agreement on how to proceed. I think their (RBI) message that financial stability is important is correct. And it is important for the government to heed that," he added.

Responding to a series of questions on the attempt in certain countries like the US, India, Argentina and Turkey to curb independence of central banks, Obstfeld said central banks' role as a financial regulator is critical.

Central have "much greater power than you thought". They are fundamentally involved in financial stability policy, in fiscal policy, he said.

Obstfeld said if one looks at the record, the decisions taken by central worldwide did stabilise the economy by avoiding much worse losses in output and employment.

However, at the same time, he said, their moves also raised questions of transparency and accountability.

"So, it's not a shock that people raise these questions and it does create a challenge for central banks to be more transparent and to communicate more effectively with a broader public about what they are about and what they are doing," Obstfeld said.

If the central bank cannot communicate more effectively about what it is doing, then there is a possibility of political manipulation where politicians attack the central bank and undermine it, he said.

"Clearly, we don't want politicians manipulating the central bank for political ends," Obstfeld added.

After serving as IMF's Chief Economist for more than three years, 66-year-old Obstfeld is set to retire this month-end and will return to the University of California, Berkley. Gita Gopinath, Indian American economist from the Harvard University, would replace him from the first week of January.
China summoned the US ambassador to on Sunday to protest the detention of a senior executive of Chinese electronics giant in at Washington's behest and demanded the US cancel an order for her arrest.

The official Xinhua News Agency said Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng "lodged solemn representations and strong protests" with Ambassador Terry Branstad against the detention of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou.

Meng, who is reportedly suspected of trying to evade US trade curbs on Iran, was detained on December 1 while changing planes in Vancouver,

The Xinhua report quoted Le as calling Meng's detention "extremely egregious" and demanded the US vacate an order for her arrest.

It quoted Le as calling for the US to "immediately correct its wrong actions" and said it would take further steps based on Washington's response.

The move followed the summoning of Canadian Ambassador John McCallum on Saturday over Meng's detention and a similar warning of "grave consequences" if she is not released.

The Canadian province of British Columbia said in a statement Sunday it cancelled a trade mission to China because of Meng's detention.

The announcement came amid fears China could detail Canadians in retaliation. is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet and has been the target of deepening US security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government.

The US has pressured European countries and other allies to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information.

Meng's arrest has threatened to increase US-China trade tensions and shook stock markets globally last week. But US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation," down played the impact of the arrest on trade talks between the two countries aimed at defusing the tensions.

"It's my view that it shouldn't really have much of an impact," he said. Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, was detained on the same day that President and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, agreed over dinner to a 90-day cease-fire in the trade dispute.

The surprise arrest raises doubts about whether the trade truce will hold and whether the world's two biggest economies can resolve the complicated issues that divide them.

The US alleges that used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of US sanctions. It also says that Meng and Huawei misled American banks about its business dealings in Iran.

Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said Chinese pressure on Canada's government won't work.

"Perhaps because the Chinese state controls its judicial system, sometimes has difficulty understanding or believing that courts can be independent in a rule-of-law country. There's no point in pressuring the Canadian government. Judges will decide," Paris tweeted in response to the comments from

A Canadian prosecutor urged a Vancouver court to deny bail to Meng. Canadian prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley said in a court hearing Friday that a warrant had been issued for Meng's arrest in New York on August 22.

He said Meng, arrested en route to Mexico from Hong Kong, was aware of the investigation and had been avoiding the United States for months, even though her teenage son goes to school in Boston.

Gibb-Carsley alleged that Huawei had done business in Iran through a Hong Kong company called Skycom.

Meng, he said, had misled US banks into thinking that Huawei and Skycom were separate when, in fact, "Skycom was Huawei." Meng has contended that Huawei sold Skycom in 2009.

In urging the court to reject Meng's bail request, Gibb-Carsley said the Huawei executive had vast resources and a strong incentive to bolt: She's facing fraud charges in the United States that could put her in prison for 30 years.

The hearing is to resume Monday.

Huawei, in a brief statement emailed to The Associated Press, said "we have every confidence that the Canadian and U.S. legal systems will reach the right conclusion." Canadian officials have declined to comment on Chinese threats of retaliation over the case, instead emphasising the independence of Canada's judiciary along with the importance of Ottawa's relationship with Beijing.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland said "has assured China that due process is absolutely being followed in Canada, that consular access for China to Ms. Meng will absolutely be provided."



"We are a rule-of-law country and we will be following our laws as we have thus far in this matter and as we will continue to do," Freeland said Friday.

While protesting what it calls Canada's violation of Meng's human rights, China's ruling stands accused of mass incarcerations of its Muslim minority without due process, locking up people exercising their right to free speech and refusing to allow foreign citizens to leave the country in order to bring pressure on their relatives accused of financial crimes.

The party also takes the lead in prosecutions of those accused of corruption or other crimes in a highly opaque process, without supervision from the court system or independent bodies.
Japan's big three telecom operators plan not to use current equipment and upcoming fifth-generation (5G) gear from China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corp, Kyodo News reported on Monday. The news, for which Kyodo did not cite sources, comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of Chinese tech firms by Washington and some prominent allies over ties to the Chinese government, driven by concerns they could be used by Beijing for spying. Last week sources told Reuters that Japan planned to ban government purchases of equipment from Huawei and ZTE to ensure strength ...
These proposals had been deleted from the draft rulebook to the Paris Agreement in the first week of Katowice climate talks without the latters permission. The G77, the Africa Group and the like-minded Developing Countries had reached a compromise in late hours of Saturday to let the draft - without containing some of their proposals - be promoted to the second stage of negotiations despite expressing ...

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(Mirror) For the last 10 years, Steve Glassman was officially retired. Today, hes a Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner. Glassman was always active in civic engagement and community politics. For nearly 20 years, he watched almost every meeting of the planning and zoning committee. But last year, he saw an opportunity.

When my friend Dean Trantalis changed his mind and didnt run for re-election [of District 2] and instead run for Mayor, I thought it left a void, Glassman said of the current Fort Lauderdale Mayor. Trantalis is Fort Lauderdales first openly gay mayor.

Glassman was interested in taking over the position but still did a little homework. He called presidents of neighborhood associations and other community activists to gauge their interest. He had a lot of support to run.

The older I get, the more I appreciate challenges, he said. I said, why not and plunged right in.

Glassman was sworn in as the new District 2 city commissioner in March. Hes 65.

Lifetime of service

After getting a degree in education from State University of New York at Buffalo, Glassman was a teacher. For 18 years, he taught Theatrer Arts and Language Arts at Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts.

Then in 1994, he and his husband, Rande, moved to South Florida. In 1998 he started working for the Broward County Cultural Division. First as an arts education specialist, then to ArtsParks Project Administrator. For the last five years of his work, he was responsible for arts education and community development. He retired in 2008.

Hes a longtime advocate for the arts and historic preservation. During his career and into retirement, he was constantly appointed to boards, committees, and other positions.

Up until I announced [my candidacy] in November, I was serving on the planning and zoning board, Glassman said. I was always very involved and paying attention.

And that attention has paid off. He served on the citys beach redevelopment advisory board for three years and the planning and zoning board for six. His hobbies in retirement were serving on boards and being active in the community.

Plans for the future

Retirement should be a time for relaxing in your golden years. For Glassman, it was just primping him for the next phase of his community service: retention. Hes sad that people are leaving Fort Lauderdale.

I ran because I'm worried about the quality of life, he said. Overdevelopment is an issue and I've heard people leaving for a variety of reasons. We have to have a reason for people to stay here, particularly young people.

Glassman adores the diversity of the city. He wants to see good job opportunities for young people. To have a good quality of life and a good salary. Hes also concerned about environmental threats, like sea level rise, and putting more money towards educational resources.

We've been disconnected from the school board and Fort Lauderdale hasn't gotten its fair share of the county budget, he said. Our schools are older than those out west. It's one big school district and we've made a lot of sacrifices.

Homelessness is also a concern of Glassmans. Under former mayor Jack Seiler, the city passed an ordinance that outlawed feeding the homeless. Trantalis said he wont enforce the ordinance as mayor. Glassman is looking for long-term solutions.

We have to have a humanitarian way to handle [them] but also not impede on residents, he said. I'm not sure if there is one solution since the issue is so complicated. Services can be provided once they get a place to live. Rapid rehousing is a main goal.

Constant communication with citizens

For Glassman  a longtime community volunteer  becoming an elected official didnt seem much different than his previous work. But he doesnt want anyone to expect he isnt putting his all into it.

The position is part-time but anyone who thinks this is part-time is not really paying attention, he said. If you do this part-time, you're not giving it what it should be given.

Glassman said he works a few hours every day. Hes constantly checking email, talking with his assistant, preparing for meetings and chatting with constituents. This is all happening even though official hours are on Thursday.

I pride myself on being prepared for every meeting on every issue, he said. There's always a lot to do.

He still manages to find time to travel. He and his husband took a trip to Alaska this past summer. And he does his best to schedule time for meals with his spouse.

Ive been in my relationship for 45 years, he said. Unless I have meetings downtown that run late, I try to make sure we have time to spend together for dinner.

He has a Facebook page hes constantly updating. Fans of his page dont need to visit City Hall (although they can)  they just need to send him a Facebook message. Hes always available.

I can be working anywhere, he said. I have an iPad and a phone and computer. I never clock it or set time but when I look at my calendar, it definitely is a full-time job.

Now as a city commissioner, Glassman has found himself attending many more local events and programs than he did before he was elected.

As a regular citizen, I was involved, [but] I wasn't always attending events in the city, he said. As an elected official, I push myself more than I did before. I'm truly amazed at the events that go on in our city.

The myriad of events was surprising to Glassman. While aware that the city did quite a bit, he was still amazed at the high level of volunteer work that goes into planning and executing. He tries to recognize community members at meetings.

I try to read proclamations at every meeting that recognize people and events, he said. I try to recognize folks in arts, culture, and historical areas. Recognizing students is important. Those are the kinds of things I care about.

Check out SFGN'S Nov TheMirrorMag
Air travel is growing in popularity across the world, and the global aviation system is undergoing projects big and small to keep up. Were forecasting that traffic will double in the next 17 years, said Angela Gittens, director general for Airports Council International (A.C.I. World). Millions more people will be traveling. And those people, she said, wont just be in places where flying is already popular. An emerging economy now will be an advanced economy later, Ms. Gittens said. New and expanded airports are needed ...
The millions of dots on the map trace highways, side streets and bike trails  each one following the path of an anonymous cellphone user. One path tracks someone from a home outside Newark to a nearby Planned Parenthood, remaining there for more than an hour. Another represents a person who travels with the mayor of New York during the day and returns to Long Island at night. Yet another leaves a house in upstate New York at 7 am and travels to a middle school 14 miles away, staying until late afternoon each school day. Only one person makes that trip: Lisa Magrin, a ...
Leaders from as many as 18 key opposition parties, including two former Prime Ministers and many present and past chief ministers, are taking part in a crucial meeting being held before the starting of Parliament's winter session in Delhi.

The crucial meet also comes a day before the declaration of assembly poll results in the five states.

Former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh (Congress) and HD Deve Gowda (JD-U), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (TMC), Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu (TDP), Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (AAP), former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah (NC), DMK president MK Stalin, RLD chief Ajit Singh and CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury are some of the leaders taking part in this meet.

Also present in the meeting are Tejashwi Yadav (RLD), former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren (JMM), former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi (HAM), Babulal Marandi (JVM), Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) and senior politician Sharad Yadav.

The meeting of opposition parties is taking place at Parliament House Annexe.

The meeting, however, is witnessing no representation from Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP).

Today's meeting in the capital has been called by Chandrababu Naidu aimed at bringing all opposition parties under a single umbrella to take on the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Congress leader Ahmed Patel also remains present at the meeting.

Chandrababu Naidu has recently ended his decades-long rivalry with the Congress.

Ahead of the decisive meeting of the opposition parties, Naidu also met with Conference chairman Farooq Abdullah and Congress leader Ahmed Patel earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, the BJP has maintained confidence by claiming that despite the Opposition meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is again going to retain the post with a clear majority in the upcoming 2019 General elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court on Monday sent Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, to five days CBI custody.

While Michel had filed a fresh bail plea in the court today, the CBI had sought a nine-day remand for the British national, who was extradited to India from the UAE on December 4 after the Dubai Cassation Court approved his extradition on November 19.

The CBI also claimed that Michel was not cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the Rs 3,600 crore chopper deal. "We need to confront him with LR (letters rogatory) that have been received from five countries and Christian Michel didn't co-operate with Italian investigation in the case," the CBI said.

Michel was earlier sent to five-day CBI custody on December 5.

The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government of Manmohan Singh, had got mired in allegations of kickbacks. 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with former Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi, among others.

According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) a 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 VVIP 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.)
(WB) A longtime gay friend of William Barr, President Trumps pick as the next U.S. attorney general, has come to the defense of the nominee amid concerns from LGBT groups hed continue the anti-LGBT legal positions of the Trump Justice Department.

Paul Cappuccio, a former general counsel for Time Warner whos raising children in a same-sex marriage, told the Washington Blade during an interview Friday he worked for Barr when Barr served as attorney general during the George H.W. Bush administration and said theres been no one who has been more supportive of my same-sex family than Bill Barr has, not only with my partner, with my children, for whom hes Uncle Bill. I know several people who are openly gay  who he has mentored  front and center, Cappuccio said. I was not open the entire time I knew him, but I was open a lot of the time I knew him.

Cappuccio, who said hes thrilled Barr may come back as attorney general, said the Trump nominee feels extremely passionate that justice is about fairness for an individual, and people are entitled to be treated as individuals no matter what their political views, their race, their religion, their sexual orientation.

About that, hes always been passionate, and Ive seen it with a first-hand seat, including sitting next to him in the attorney generals office for a couple years, so I feel quite comfortable and happy that Bill could be attorney general again, Cappuccio said.

Cappuccio said Barr is a person who is about enforcing the laws, not undermining them, not trying to remake them and that he accepts precedent, which Cappuccio said bodes well for preserving the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of marriage equality nationwide.

Do I think Bill Bar would have, if he was on the Supreme Court, would have voted to make same-sex marriage a constitutional right? Cappuccio said. I dont know, but I know he would do nothing to undermine the decision, right? And thats what matters because hes going to be our nations chief law enforcement officer.

Cappuccio added Barr is a devout Catholic, but is a person who has never been one to judge anyone, and for whom  and this is how he measures himself  the equal fair treatment of an individual is the ultimate requirement and test and goal.

For what its worth, I have direct experience with him as a person and seen how he has not only treated LGBT people fairly, but mentored them, Cappuccio said. Hes been a huge force in my life. For example, I got to tell you, I wasnt always open, and when he found out, he looked at me and said, You feel like you couldnt tell me? You couldnt tell me you want to marry someone? I cant believe that. And that was one of the sweetest things. I want to meet this guy is what he said.

Despite Cappuccios praise for Barr, who most recently served as a counsel for Kirkland & Ellis LLP, the Trump nominee once made anti-gay comments expressing concerns about greater tolerance for the homosexual movement in the United States than the religious community.

It is no accident that the homosexual movement, at one or two percent of the population, gets treated with such solicitude while the Catholic population, which is over a quarter of the country, is given the back of the hand, Barr once wrote. How has that come to be?

Barr expressed those views in a 1995 article for The Catholic Lawyer, a conservative Catholic publication for St. Johns University School of Law, in an article titled, Legal Issues in a New Political Order.

We live in an increasingly militant, secular age, Barr wrote. We see an emerging philosophy that government is expected to play an ever greater role in addressing social problems in our society. It is also expected to override various private interests as it goes about this work. As part of this philosophy, we see a growing hostility toward religion, particularly Catholicism. This form of bigotry has always been fashionable in the United States.

As evidence of the subordination of religious attitudes to the will of the government, Barr pointed to a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in 1987 requiring Georgetown University to give an LGBT student group equal rights to the organizations on campus despite the schools Catholic views. (Georgetown University has since embraced the schools LGBT student body.)

Another example was the effort to apply District of Columbia law to compel Georgetown University to treat homosexual activist groups like any other student group, Barr wrote. This kind of law dissolves any form of moral consensus in society. There can be no consensus based on moral views in the country, only enforced neutrality.

(Other media outlets have reported the article is dated October 2017, but that publication is a reprint. The website for St. Johns Universitys Law School indicates the article was first published in 1995.)

Barrs views in that 23-year-old article suggest his tenure as attorney general will continue to uphold the precedence of religious freedom over LGBT rights. Prior to his termination, former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued guidance outlining those views in a religious freedom memo as directed by Trump in an executive order last year. The Justice Department also participated in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case before the U.S. Supreme Court on the side of Jack Phillips, the Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple over religious objections.

Jon Davidson, chief counsel for the LGBT group Freedom for All Americans, said he was concerned that Barrs comments in the 1995 article demonstrate hell continue the Justice Department on the same path as Sessions.

While I am not aware of anything William Barr has done recently that explicitly indicates where he stands on discrimination against LGBTQ people, he made a number of disparaging comments in the 1990s about homosexual activist groups and the homosexual movement that are troubling, Davidson said. Those comments suggest that the Department of Justice under his stewardship is unlikely to alter course in any significantly positive way for LGBTQ people, as compared to the anti-LGBTQ positions advanced by the DOJ under Jeff Sessions.

But Cappuccio dismissed concerns over views Barr expressed in the 1995 article, saying the underlying issue is in truth a little more complicated than it gets portrayed, which is the right for religious people to hold their views versus the requirement that you cant let them discriminate against people.

Hes not going to ever let people be discriminated against, OK? Cappuccio said. I think he was making in that article a broader point about that theres a school of thought  and he identified like three schools of thought in that article  that taking a moral view, even by a religious institution, is kind of like illegitimate in a secular society, and he was raising that. I dont think you can read that article and think hes focusing on  I think he gave 100 examples of that issue.

Cappuccio added he doesnt sweat the views expressed in the article because of his long, first-hand friendship with Barr, which includes a close relationship with his family.

When I heard he was thinking of going back to attorney general, my first reaction was Does this mean he cant babysit my daughter Mia anymore? Cappuccio said. But Im telling youand this is important to me, hes a good guy on this issue andthis is not in any way, shape or form anyone you need to be worried about.

Cappuccio said frankly, my constitutional views would probably be theres not a right to same-sex marriage under the U.S. Constitution as decided in the Obergefell decision, even though he thinks its good policy, but added in terms of enforcing the law, including that ruling, Barr will be nothing but a good thing for every individual, including gay individuals.

Subordination of LGBT rights to religious freedom is just one component of the anti-LGBT policy that has come from the Justice Department during the Trump administration. Just two days after Sessions came into the job as attorney general, the Justice Department withdrew its appeal of a court order barring enforcement of Obama-era guidance requiring schools to allow transgender kids to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity. Weeks afterward, Sessions along with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos revoked the guidance altogether.

Under Sessions, the Justice Department similarly withdrew a lawsuit against North Carolinas House Bill 2 when it was replaced with a compromise law signed by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and let stand a court order against protections for transgender patients under Obamacare.

Sessions also issued a memo reversing former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holders position that anti-transgender discrimination in the workforce is unlawful under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars sex discrimination in employment. The Justice Department under Sessions also argued before the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals that Title VII doesnt cover anti-gay discrimination in employment and continues to defend Trumps transgender military ban in court.

Cappuccio said he has no idea whether Barr will continue the Justice Departments position against LGBT inclusion under federal laws barring sex discrimination and defense of the transgender military ban.

Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD, was out of the gate early with a statement objecting to Trumps choice of attorney general, predicting the Trump administrations efforts at erasing LGBT people will continue under Barrs watch.

William Barr, who has wrongfully suggested that LGBTQ people  not Trump and his destructive policies  have harmed the United States, is the latest in a long line of replacements who President Trump has appointed to his Cabinet who are just as anti-LGBTQ as their predecessors, Ellis said. If confirmed, theres little doubt that William Barr would continue the Trump administrations objective of erasing LGBTQ Americans from the fabric of this nation.

During his tenure at the Justice Department under Bush, Barr also acted to keep in place an administrative ban on people with HIV from entering the United States. When the Department of Health & Human Services sought to change the rule, Barr led the Justice Department in blocking the change. According to a 1991 article in the The New York Times, Barr argued it was completely impractical for an immigration examiner to make a sophisticated analysis of an aliens infection and health insurance coverage to determine whether that person might become a public charge in 5 or 10 years. (The HIV travel ban would later be codified in 1993 and not lifted until a bipartisan process spanning the George W. Bush and Obama administrations.)

Additionally, Barr is on record saying he supported the use of Guantanamo Bay to detain people with HIV from entering the United States, including Haitians seeking asylum in the country.

David Stacy, government affairs director of the Human Rights Campaign, referenced Barrs anti-gay views and actions against people with HIV in a statement expressing concerns about the designated nominee.

The Trump-Pence White House and the Justice Department have been pursuing a policy agenda to undermine the legal rights of LGBTQ people since day one, Stacy said. From his views around HIV/AIDS during his tenure as attorney general to his more recent writing promoting extreme views around religious exemptions, William Barr looks ill suited to be our countrys top law enforcement officer. The Senate has a solemn responsibility to advise and consent on this important nomination and his troubling views on LGBTQ equality and the law must be thoroughly vetted.

The Blade reached out to Barr for comment for this article on whether his views on LGBT rights have changed since the 1990s, but he referred Cappuccio to the Blade to speak on his behalf as a member of the LGBT community.

Jerri Ann Henry, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, was vague in response to a request to comment on Barr.

We are pleased to see President Trump take action to ensure the Justice Department has an experienced leader at the helm and we look forward to working with Attorney General nominee Barr in the future, Henry said.
Balochistan government here on Monday said that two projects shared by the province under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar port and Hubco coal-based power plant, were not directly benefitting the people. The projects have been in existence for the past five years.

The Dawn quoted a spokesman for the Balochistan government saying: "Even these two projects did not directly benefit the people of Balochistan."

According to the spokesman, efforts to get a due share for the province in CPEC related projects were being made by Chief Minister Jam Kamal Alyani. He further added that Alyani and federal Minister for Planning and Development Khusro Bakhtiar are expected to attend an important meeting being held by Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of the CPEC in China.

"The Chief Minister has expressed his desire that major share of Balochistan must be ensured in the projects to be approved in the JCC meeting," he said.

The final decision on attending the JCC meeting would be made by the provincial government after receiving the agenda of the meeting and noting the attitude of the Planning Commission, the spokesman added.

The provincial government had put forward concerns about the issue a few days ago at a review meeting chaired by Alyani on the pace of work on the projects in the province.

In November, the Sindhi Congress (WSC) held a protest in London against the construction of large dams on River Indus in Pakistan.

The speakers said that Sindh is already facing huge crises due to current diversion through dams, canals, droughts, unavailability of water for agriculture and drinking. The devastation and destruction of Delta, ecosystems, sea intrusion have resulted in the demolition of hundreds of villages besides displacing communities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Parliamentary party meeting will be held on December 13.

This comes as the winter session of the Parliament is set to kick off tomorrow.

Earlier in the day, the BJP-led Central Government held an all-party meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The all-party meeting took place in the Parliament premises here.

The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and several opposition leaders, including Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja among others.

The meeting was called to ensure a smooth conduct of the Parliament session which is slated to take place from December 11 to January 8.

The session usually starts in November, but due to the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram it was delayed.

The Winter Session also holds significance since it would be the last full-fledged Parliament session before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

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With the growing demand for legislation to construct Ram temple in Ayodhya, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) chief Narendra Giri on Monday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not come to power again the Ram temple is not constructed.

"The BJP will continue to rule the country for 50 years only if it constructs Ram temple. Else it won't come to power again. VHP, RSS, ABAP, and crores of Indians are putting pressure on the Centre government to make legislation for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya," Giri told ANI.

"But whether the pressure has worked or not, will only be known when the construction for Ram temple starts or the legislation is made," he said. "BJP has come to power in the name of Ram temple and Hindutva," he added.

Giri's statement comes a day after senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi accused the BJP of not fulfilling its promise and demanded that legislation should be enacted if the need arises to construct the Ram temple.

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1528 in Ayodhya was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, who claimed that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple.

On October 29, the Supreme Court had adjourned the hearing in Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit till January 2019 to fix the next hearing date in the matter, challenging the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010.

The Allahabad High Court in its 2010 verdict had suggested the division of the disputed land in Ayodhya among the three parties-Nirmohi Akhara, Sunni Waqf Board and Ram Lalla.

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Former chief economic advisor (CEA) opined that the Budget made "unreasonable demands" on the (GST), but the latter was certainly not a failure.

Interacting with audience at the release of his book "Of Counsel: The challenges of Modi-Jaitley Economy" in the national capital on Sunday, said: "The was certainly not a failure, but it could have been more along the lines of what I had initially recommended; maybe some of the challenges might have been marginally diminished. I can say it frankly, the budget has made unreasonable demands on It asked for 16-17 per cent. However, to judge the by what the budget demands of it is unreasonable."

Despite demands being raised of introducing a single slab under the GST rather than four(present number of tax slabs), was of the view that a single tax slab would not be the best way forward.

"The 28 per cent tax slab could have been avoided as states were already promised compensation on account of loss on revenue owing to the transition to GST. I feel there should be no more than three (tax slabs)- one core rate, one for essentials and one for luxury," he explained.

Subramanian, who is currently teaching at the Harvard Kennedy School, further observed that the country should brace itself for an economic slowdown, as financial conditions are "very tight" and not conducive to rapid growth.

Substantiating the possibility of a slump in growth, Subramanian said: "Europe is slowing down, Japan is slowing down, there are political calendars. I think to expect huge reforms that will perk up the economy at this stage would be somewhat ambitious. For the combination of all these reasons I think we should brace ourselves for a period of slowdown. Then we have to see what policy actions are taken, how external environment changes, then we can think about real perk up in the economy."

The recently-released Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data by the NITI Aayog had sparked off numerous debates, with the new data series being debunked by former finance minister P Chidambaram as a "bad joke".

Responding to the same, Subramanian said an explanation on the revised data was necessary, as the data series "raises many questions."

"This particular series raises many questions. If you look at the other indicators during that period (UPA), you see a big difference between those indicators and the recent back-series. It demands an explanation. This is a very technical subject, and we should have more technical experts examining it. It becomes a matter not just of the credibility of this data but the data-generating capacity of the state," he explained.

Earlier this year, Subramanian had stepped down as the chief economic advisor owing to "pressing family commitments."

Last week, the Centre appointed Dr Krishnamurthy Subramanian, an associate professor at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, as the new chief economic advisor for a term of three years.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday approved the British High Commission's request for consular access to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper scandal, who was sent to five days in CBI custody today.

Michel's legal counsel in India, Aljo Joseph, will be allowed to visit twice every day for 30 minutes. The CBI, however, had sought the court's approval for Michel's lawyers to visit once a day.

Joseph had requested the court to approve the visit of Rose Marie Patrici, the lawyer who holds the power of attorney over Michel, as she needs to meet the Briton in order to hand over certain documents. With the CBI opposed to the plea, the court said the matter will be decided when Patrici is present in the court.

The court also directed the Briton's counsel to file a reply within a day regarding the CBI's application seeking a specimen of Michel's handwriting and signature. The court is slated to hear the application tomorrow.

Earlier today, Michel's custody with the CBI was extended by another five days. While Michel had filed a fresh bail plea in the court today, the CBI had sought a nine-day remand for the British national, who was extradited to India from the UAE on December 4 after the Dubai Cassation Court approved his extradition on November 19.

Michel was earlier sent to five-day CBI custody on December 5.

The CBI also claimed that Michel was not cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the Rs 3,600 crore chopper deal. "We need to confront him with LR (letters rogatory) that have been received from five countries and Christian Michel didn't co-operate with Italian investigation in the case," the CBI said.

The Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal, finalised during the government of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was mired in allegations of kickbacks. 54-year-old Michel is an accused in the case along with former Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi, among others.

According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) charge sheet filed in a court here two years ago, Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving a purchase of 12 VVIP 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.)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government held an all-party meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, ahead of the winter session of Parliament beginning tomorrow.

The all-party meeting took place in the Parliament premises in the capital today.

The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and several opposition leaders, including Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja among others.

The meeting was called to ensure a smooth conduct of the Parliament session which is slated to take place from December 11 to January 8.

The session usually starts in November, but due to the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram it was delayed to December.

The Winter Session also holds significance since it would be the last full-fledged Parliament session before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

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Seems like Bollywood actor Vidya Balan is on cloud-nine after meeting former US first lady Hillary Clinton at Isha Ambani's pre-wedding function in Udaipur.

Taking to her Instagram, the 'Kahaani' star shared her 'precious picture' with Clinton, which also featured her husband Siddharth Roy Kapur.

The actor wrote that it was the first time that she asked for being introduced to someone and also thanked Union Minister Smriti Irani for helping the two familiarise with each other.

"The first time in my life that I asked to be introduced to someone. Thank you, Smriti Irani, for the same. I love Hillary Clinton. A woman who has weathered every storm with equanimity and who never gives up. I felt hopeful while she campaigned to be President and felt a certain hopelessness when she didn't make it," read the caption.

The actor heaped praises on Clinton and thanked her for being a 'hero'.

"Thank you, Hillary Clinton, for all that you are and for being a HERO. And, thank you, Siddharth Roy Kapur for being a walking-talking encyclopedia on American politics and for thereby introducing me to her," she added.

Clinton and other Bollywood celebrities arrived in Udaipur on Saturday to attend Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal's pre-wedding celebration. The couple will tie the knot on December 12.

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China's Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng on Sunday lodged a strong protest by summoning the United States' Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, over the arrest of Huawei's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Meng Wanzhou last week.

Meng was arrested on December 1 while transferring planes at Vancouver International Airport en route to Mexico from Hong Kong and has been accused of fraud with a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. She was held by Canadian authorities at an extradition request of the US.

In a statement, Le said that Washington's move "severely violated" the Chinese executive's legitimate rights and interests, and is vile in nature, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Urging the US to withdraw the arrest warrant issued against Meng, the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister said: "China firmly opposes the US' moves and strongly urges the US side to attach great importance to China's solemn stance, and take immediate measures to correct the wrong practices."

Warning of taking firm steps, Le further said that Beijing would accordingly respond to the actions taken by Washington.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng had summoned Canada's ambassador to China John McCallum on Saturday over Meng's arrest. In a strong-worded statement, Beijing urged the Canadian government to release Meng immediately or face severe consequences.

Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, allegedly allowed the company's subsidiary SkyCom to do business in Iran, thereby violating US sanctions against the country. The Chinese tech giant reportedly also received several warnings over violating Washington's sanctions against Tehran.

The US government has long viewed the company and its close ties to the Chinese government as a threat to national security.

Meng may be extradited to the US, subject to approval from a Canadian court.

On Friday, Meng had appeared before a Canadian court over her bail, following which the decision was adjourned.

The hearing is set to resume on Monday on whether bail would be granted to her or not.

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi attacked the government after RBI Governor Urjit Patel quit, saying that there is an assault on institutions like RBI, CBI among others.

Gandhi, flanked by leaders of various opposition parties, was speaking to media here, after a crucial meeting of 18 parties, on the eve of Parliament's winter session.

"The RBI chief has resigned because he could no longer work. There was consensus in the room that we have to stop BJP's assault on institutions be it CBI, RBI, election commission or all different institutions, also assault on the constitution," Rahul said.

He added that there was consensus among the opposition parties that "BJP's corruption on demonetisation, Rafale and other areas are not acceptable and we are going to fight. We are also going to have similar coordination, inside the parliament as well as outside the house."

Earlier in the day RBI's 24 Governor Urjit patel resigned citing personal reasons.

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Two days after United States President Donald Trump criticised the French government over the violent 'yellow vest' protests, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has warned the US President not to meddle in France's internal matters.

On Saturday, Trump had condemned the ongoing fourth weekend of yellow vest protests across France which are being staged against the hike in fuel taxes, linking it to the "ridiculous and extremely expensive" Paris Agreement.

"Very sad day & night in Paris. Maybe it's time to end the ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement and return money back to the people in the form of lower taxes? The US was way ahead of the curve on that and the only major country where emissions went down last year!" he had tweeted.

Responding to the same, Le Drian said: "I am telling Donald Trump, we do not take part in the American debates, let us live our life of a nation. Do not interfere in French politics," according to Anadolu News Agency.

In a strongly worded statement, the French Foreign Minister stressed that France does not interfere in American and the US should reciprocate.

Trump had also criticised the Paris agreement, tweeting: "The Paris Agreement isn't working out so well for Paris. Protests and riots all over France. People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment. Chanting "We Want Trump!" Love France"

In response to this, Le Drian said that most American citizens were unhappy with Trump over his decision to back out from the Paris Agreement.

The yellow vest protests, which initially began as a campaign against skyrocketing fuel prices, has expanded into a huge agitation over discontent on a wide variety of issues against the French government in recent weeks.

The protests on Saturday were the fourth in a series that culminated into the worst rioting in France for decades. Thousands of protesters were seen donning the 'gilets jaunes', the yellow fluorescent vests that have symbolised the movement.

A number of France's monuments, including the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, remained closed as authorities had anticipated a repeat of last week's violence, deploying over 8,000 policemen in the French capital to maintain order.

Earlier this week, the Emmanuel Macron-led French government decided to scrap the hike in fuel taxes amid fears of an outbreak of fresh protests in the country.

While protesters have welcomed the move to drop the tax hike, others said it will not be enough to curb the public outrage.

Macron is set to meet union leaders and address the nation on Monday.

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(WB) The president of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on Dec. 5 reiterated her support of marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Theres only one race in the world and thats the human race, said Margarette May Macaulay during a hearing on marriage rights for same-sex couples in the Americas that took place at the commissions headquarters in D.C. And if theres only one race, the human race, all humans are entitled to the same rights. It is a fundamental, easy, easy thing to accept if one is a thinking human being, but of course common sense is not so common.

You go further, it follows logically that, so therefore, same-sex couples, the LGBTI family are entitled to family which embodies all the rights attached to marriage as an accepted norm, she added.

Macaulay, who is from Jamaica, made her comments after activists from Chile, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and the U.S. spoke during the hearing.
A man arrested in a gangrape case in Goa escaped from police custody in Panaji on Monday when he was taken to a TB hospital for treatment, police said.

Ishwar Makwana, along with two other men, was arrested from Madhya Pradesh by Goa Police, in May for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman in presence of her male friend, at a Betalbatim Beach in South Goa district.

Since then, the accused had been lodged at a jail in Colvale, from where he was taken to the Panaji-based hospital when he fled, police said.

The three men were nabbed seven months ago after the victim filed an FIR, alleging them of rape and extortion.

The accused, according to the complainant, also filmed the act and threatened the woman and her friend of circulating the video on social media if they failed to pay them Rs 1 lakh.

The police first arrested Sanjeev Dhananjay Pal, a teacher by profession, who came to collect extortion money from the victim at Karmali railway station in north Goa. Following the investigation, police arrested the two other accused- Makhwana and Ram Santosh.

According to the police report, the trio have criminal background with several robbery cases registered against them in Indore.

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The Goa Police have arrested a 21-year-old drug-peddler during a narcotics raid at Calangute on the intervening night of Saturday-Sunday.

Furthermore, the police confiscated cannabis worth Rs 60,000 in the international market from the possession of the accused, identified as Elias, a native of Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal.

Jivba Dalvi, Police Inspector (PI) of Calangute Police Station, said that the police had received information through reliable sources that the accused would come to Calangute along with some drugs for delivery to prospective customers.

Subsequently, a team was formed consisting of Police Sub Inspector (PSI) Prajit Mandrekar and other staff to nab the accused. The sleuths were allegedly dressed in plain clothes waiting for Elias, and soon after the latter arrived, he was rounded up and detained.

The accused was brought to the police station and an offence under section 20(b) (ii)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act was registered.

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A new Highway (NH) would be constructed from Kurukshetra district to Mahendragarh district in Haryana at a cost of Rs 5,108 crore. "This NH would be 230-km long and has been named as NH-152D," said an official spokesman of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar led state government on Monday.

The spokesman said that a meeting regarding this highway was held at Jind on Monday and the farmers, whose land has been acquired for this highway, were also present in the meeting. The officers of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and Deputy Commissioner, Jind, Amit Khatri interacted with the farmers and heard their grievances and took their suggestions.

According to officers of NHAI, the NH-152D is a very big development project of the state government and the completion of this project would accelerate the pace of development of the state. Farmers, whose land has been acquired for this project, would be given compensation as per the new land acquisition policy of the state government. Replying to questions of the farmers, the NHAI officials said that if any structure, house, tree, tube-well or any private property gets affected on the acquired land, then the landowner would be compensated for the same.

The spokesperson said that a total of 1,826.05 hectares land have been acquired for this development project and a sum of about Rs 529.29 crore would be given to farmers. He said that this national highway would be 40-km long in Jind district. The national highway would enter Jind at Alanjogi Khera and pass through Ritauli, Kharak Gadian, Jamni, Amrawali Khera, Pillu Khera, Siwaha, Aasan, Bhartana, Chabri, Lalit Khera, Nidana, Bhairon Khera, Dhigana, Nandgarh, Lajwana Khurd, Sirsa Kheri, Fatehgarh, Lajwana Kalan, Budha Khera Lathar, and Kila Zafargarh and enter district Rohtak through Gugaheri village.

The spokesman said that this national highway would pass through Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Jind, Rohtak, Bhiwani, and Charkhi Dadri and then enter Mahendragarh district. The construction work of the project would be completed in about two-and-a-half years and new technique would be adopted for construction of this national highway. In order to facilitate the farmers, 122 bridges and various underpasses would also be constructed. More than 1.36 lakh trees would be planted on both sides of this national highway.

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Absconding Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday, who appeared in a court here in connection with an extradition case, said that he had not stolen anyone's money and his offer to pay back the loan amount of banks was not a bogus one.

"I have not stolen anyone's money. My offer to return the loan amount of banks is not a bogus one," Mallya said while responding to questions from the media persons in the court premises. "Extradition is entirely a different matter," he said.

Mallya said that he has filed comprehensive settlement applications before the Karnataka High Court in the matter related to repaying of loans to the banks. "I have filed comprehensive settlement applications before the Karnataka High Court which coincidently going to be head today," he said.

Mallya, who arrived at the Westminster Magistrate's Court in London to hear the judgment in an extradition case, said that his legal team would review the judgment and take proper steps thereafter. "Whatever the judgment, my legal team will review the judgment and take proper steps thereafter," he said.

"Yes, I have tweeted saying that I want to repay to bankers and others that have nothing to do with this extradition issue. It is a completely separate matter. My settlement matter is not related to the judgment which is going to be delivered today," he added.

The Westminster Magistrates Court in London is expected to pronounce its judgment in the extradition case of Mallya on Monday. The court is hearing the case on India's request.

On December 6, Mallya reiterated his wish to repay banks completely in a bid to end the narrative of him having "stolen" money from various lenders. A day after Mallya requested banks to accept money from him, the 62-year-old, once again, refuted reports of any connection between his proposed settlement offer and the upcoming ruling in a UK court with regard to his request to block his extradition to India.

On Wednesday, the liquor baron, while refuting all allegations levelled against him, had offered to pay back the full amount of the principal loan he owed to multiple banks.

"Respectfully to all commentators, I cannot understand how my extradition decision or the recent extradition from Dubai and my settlement offer are linked in any way. Wherever I am physical, my appeal is "Please take the money." I want to stop the narrative that I stole money," he tweeted.

On Sunday, a joint team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) led by CBI Joint Director A Sai Manohar left for the United Kingdom (UK) for the court proceedings. Earlier, CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana was leading this case.

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the ED on a plea filed by Mallya seeking a stay on the proceedings initiated by the ED to declare him a fugitive economic offender and confiscate his assets.

Mallya is facing money-laundering charges in the United Kingdom after India initiated extradition proceedings against him. Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have filed several cases for alleged loan default against him. Mallya has been residing in the UK for the past two years.

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Indian healthcare crowdfunding platform ImpactGuru.com has raised an investment from Shorooq Investments, the Abu-Dhabi based firm.

Earlier this year, ImpactGuru.com had announced raising USD 2 million Series co-led by by Apollo Hospitals Group, Asia's largest and most trusted healthcare group and Venture Catalysts, an Indian incubator.

Founded in 2014 by Piyush Jain and Khushboo Jain, ImpactGuru.com makes online fund raising easy for the medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. Since launching, ImpactGuru.com has helped over 15,000 patients to crowdfund in last 4 years and mobilized over $20 million across 15 countries.

Recently, DJS Racing, a Formula Student team of Dwarkadas J Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai has started a fundraiser on ImpactGuru.com to design and manufacture two Formula racecar prototypes - Combustion and Electric.

They launched a campaign for an amount of 4.5 lakhs and the money raised now is close to 4 lakhs and is still ongoing. They have already built 4 cars. Their accolades include consecutive design event winners in Formula Bharat 2017 and 2018, is the highest ranked Indian team at Formula Student Germany 2017, winners of cost and skidpad events at FB 2018, and their latest victory was the 1st rank in the cost event at the international stage of Formula Student Austria 2018.

ImpactGuru.com makes money by charging a fee between 5 percent to 12 percent of the total money raised. After raising this investment, ImpactGuru.com now plans to expand into GCC, starting from UAE.

The region hosts 7 million Indian expats and more than 15 percent of donations on ImpactGuru.com that originate from outside of India come from GCC.

The startup is looking to partner with private hospitals, clinics, healthtech startups, and NGOs to accelerate its GCC entry and scale its operations. ImpactGuru.com will ensure full regulatory compliance in each jurisdiction in which it operates, said the statement.

It also notes that out of pocket private healthcare expenses in most of the GCC countries ranges between 50% to 70%. A recent survey by an insurance company, Cigna, had concluded that close to 50% of UAE residents are concerned that they will be unable to pay for their family's or own medical expenses, above their mandatory employee coverage, the statement added.

"Impact Guru is thrilled to receive the backing of Shorooq Investments to scale crowdfunding in GCC and make healthcare affordable for all. The potential to use technology to crowdfund for help is limitless in the face of GCC's accelerating smartphone, internet, and digital payments penetration. We look forward to providing the best and most cost effective patient financing solution in the market today as the first mover in the GCC region," said co-founder and CEO, ImpactGuru.com, Piyush Jain.

"Crowdfunding for medical bills and other personal causes has been one of the most successful and impactful models around the world. Crowdfunding is just a natural progression of how financial technology makes our society more connected, collaborative and efficient," said Founding Managing Partner at Shorooq Investments and Mahmoud Adi, co-founding partner at Shorooq Investments, Shane Shin.

"We are extremely excited about our investment in ImpactGuru.com and are already in advanced discussions to pilot this disruptive across the GCC region," added Shane Shin.

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With a London court ordering the extradition of Vijay Mallya, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday targeted Congress President Rahul Gandhi, saying that he should introspect on "every falsehood" spoken on this subject.

Jaitley while speaking to ANI said it was the Congress which created a system in which people like Mallya can "prosper".

He described Monday's development as a "proud moment" for India and said it is a signal to all others who think that they are powerful and can hide after cheating the country. "Wherever in the world you hide after cheating the country, India will find you out," the Finance Minister said.

Attacking Congress, he said it's "campaign was why you are not able to get him (Mallya) back. They (Congress) were the culprit in getting him loan..."

Congress has been targeting the Government in sustained manner over the Mallya issue and even alleging that he was helped by the government in sneaking out of the country.

"This judgment also should give a lot of room to Congress Party and its president to seriously introspect. He should introspect on every falsehood that he have spoken on this subject," Jaitley said while targeting Gandhi.

His comments came after a London court ordered for the extradition of Mallya who is facing charges of loan default to the tune of Rs. 9,000 crore for his failed Kingfisher Airline.

"These were all loans that were given during UPA period. Though ostensibly only bank gives these loans, but here important institution had intervened to allow a second restructuring to the delinquent borrower," Jaitley said.

"It was as a result of this second restructuring, that he was able to get a lot of money out of the banking system and not pay anybody back. And when finally made accountable he escaped out of the country," he added.

He further said that the judgment of the magisterial court in London, "extraditing to India an accused who has embezzled a lot of bank money and then sought asylum in UK is a great victory for India. It is a victory for ethics and probity."

He added, "It is also a signal to all that nobody can cheat India, its people, its economy and then go hide somewhere in the world. However, powerful and important you are, the law is certainly above you. And wherever in the world you hide after cheating the country, India will find you out.

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Saudi Arabia on Sunday ruled out the possibility of extraditing its nationals to Turkey for their alleged involvement in the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"We don't extradite our citizens," Anadolu News Agency quoted Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir as saying in response to a query over the arrest warrants issued to two of its nationals on the sidelines of the 39th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit here.

The minister added that those who were found guilty in Khashoggi's murder have been referred to the prosecutor's office. He further stressed that Riyadh is open to cooperation and assistance in the investigation pertaining to the case.

The response from the Saudi Foreign Minister came after a court in Istanbul earlier this week issued arrest warrants for two former Saudi officials allegedly involved in Khashoggi's killing.

The decision came after Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office demanded the arrests of Saud al-Qahtani, a top aide to the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Ahmed al-Asiri, a former deputy intelligence chief over their alleged role in the scribe's murder.

On October 2, Khashoggi was reported missing after he stepped into Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to collect paperwork that would allow him to get married to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz, who later said that he never appeared from the building.

After days of denial, Saudi Arabia later confirmed its role in Khashoggi's killing after facing massive pressure from Turkey over their investigations on the issue. But their contradictory statements have led to international uproar led by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has demanded Riyadh to come clean and accept their role in the scribe's death.

In response, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister had admitted that the murder of the scribe was "a mistake and a rogue operation".

Investigations into Khashoggi's killing are still going on in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has refused to sever ties with "key ally" Saudi Arabia over the journalist's demise, despite a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that concluded the Saudi crown prince to be behind Khashoggi's death.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Westminster Magistrates Court in London is expected to pronounce its judgment in the extradition case of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday. The court is hearing the case on India's request.

On Sunday, a joint team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) led by CBI Joint Director A Sai Manohar left for the United Kingdom (UK) for the court proceedings. Earlier, CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana was leading this case.

Reacting on the development, the Congress party termed the proceedings as delayed and said that the authorities have woken up when Mallya is ready to pay all loans.

Congress leader Tom Vaddakan while speaking to ANI said, "The extradition proceedings should have started long back, the authorities have woken up when he (Vijay Mallya) is ready to pay back all the loans. The government had to state a reason about the parallel movement on Christen Michel so this is a countermeasure and the government is trying to say that they are trying this too," Vaddakan added.

The Bhartiya Janata Party and the Janta Dal-United (JD(U)) termed this as a great development and welcomed the move by the investigation agencies.

BJP leader Zafar Islam, while speaking to ANI, said, "The matter is in the court. However, our government has left no stone unturned to extradite Mallya back to India. I hope he is extradited back soon. He will have to go through the trial according to the Indian laws as soon as he is brought back to India."

JD(U) spokesperson KC Tyagi said, "We welcome the investigation and efforts of the agencies (CBI and ED) after which have they have left no other choice for Mallya."

Earlier on Friday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the ED on a plea filed by Mallya seeking a stay on the proceedings initiated by the ED to declare him a fugitive economic offender and confiscate his assets.

Mallya is facing money-laundering charges in the United Kingdom after India initiated extradition proceedings against him. Both ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have filed several cases for alleged loan default against him.

Mallya has been residing in the UK from the past two years. His extradition case is reportedly in its final stage at the UK court.

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Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and International Skills Development Corporation (ISDC, UK) and University of the West of Scotland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at MAHE here on Wednesday to set up a state-of-the-art graduate training center in Manipal.

It is a unique training center that the Manipal College of Nursing has ventured for the first time in India.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Poornima Baliga, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, Dr. Anice George, Dean MCON, Dr. Elsa Sanatombi Devi, professor & Head, Medical-Surgical Nursing department. Dr. Claire Chalmers, Assistant Dean, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland and Mr. Joel Cutinho, Head Project, ISDC were present.

This MoU will enable Indian nursing graduates to be better equipped to clear certifying exams for UK and Scotland and can be globally employed. It is a unique training center that the Manipal College of Nursing has ventured for the first time in India.

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A day ahead of Madhya Pradesh assembly poll results, Congress state unit chief Kamal Nath on Monday expressed confidence over winning more than 140 seats.

When asked about the chief ministerial candidate, Nath brushed it aside. He told ANI: "We will win more than 140 seats. Wait till tomorrow; everything will be clear by then."

However, incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan too had recently expressed confidence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning the election.

In Madhya Pradesh, the majority mark is 116 for the 230-seat Assembly.

According to exit polls, both BJP and Congress are going neck and neck but falling short of a clear majority.

The state went for voting on November 28, and the results will be announced on December 11. As many as 2,899 candidates were in the fray including 250 women and five third gender candidates.

The tenure of the Assembly ends on January 7, 2019. The BJP has been in power in the state since 2003 and is seeking a fourth straight term.

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After watching the trailer for Avengers

On Twitter, NASA offered some advice on finding the lost Avenger. The first thing to do is listen in for a distress call. But if there's no way Tony Stark could communicate, then Marvel should send someone from the Earth to scan the skies.

After the Avengers: Infinity War, there are only a few superheroes left including Captain America, Black Widow, The Hulk, Thor, Nebula, and Ant-Man.

To NASA's tweet, another user posted a zoomed-in look at its photo with a caption reading, 'Finally found the hammer'. To this, NASA responded saying, the THermal Operations and Resource (THOR) officer is one of Mission Control's mightiest heroes who ensures the operation of multiple space station subsystems which collect, distribute & reject heat from critical equipment and payloads for the success of the mission.

Does it mean Thor will be the one bringing back Iron Man? We will have to wait and watch when Avengers: Endgame releases in April 26, 2019.

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South Korea's presidential office has said that no signs of progress have been made as of now, amid rising speculation over North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's maiden visit to the country.

"No headway has been made so far, and there is nothing to announce," Yoon Young-chan, top press secretary of the South Korean presidential office, was quoted by Yonhap News Agency as saying.

The comments came after a couple of media reports surfaced that Kim is likely to undertake a three-day visit to Seoul soon and South Korean officials are making secret preparations.

The South Korean presidential office, has, however, dismissed the reports saying they are keeping all options open and the North Korean leader is welcome to visit South Korea before the end of this year or early next year.

An official said that the North Korean government is yet to make an announcement on Kim's visit, following which the South Korean side would start making preparations.

During his visit to Pyongyang for the inter-Korean summit in September, South Korean President Moon Jae-in had extended an invitation to Kim to pay a return visit to Seoul, in a push to further strengthen inter-Korean relations and achieve peace in the Korean Peninsula.

The North Korean leader, in turn, accepted the invitation and said that he would visit South Korea at the earliest date. If the visit does happen, this would be the first time that a North Korean leader would set foot in South Korea after the 1950-53 Korean War, which resulted in the division of the Koreas.

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Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said on Monday that there is no threat to the structure of Konark Sun in Bhubaneswar and that the 13th-century temple is safe from all aspects.

Sharma cited the report of the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee after a high-level review meeting with senior officers of Odisha government, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other stakeholders in Bhubaneswar. Several other issues including water logging at the temple were discussed at the meeting.

"Several technical aspects were discussed at the meeting and it was ascertained that load-taking capacity of the existing walls of the structure is 2,323 against the required score of 469 which is almost five times higher. Similarly, the safety factor is also almost five times high," said Sharma.

Speaking on the allegations of replacing the carved stones with plain stones, the Union Minister pointed out that since 1997 not a single plain stone has been used in the temple.

Besides, he accepted a proposal for setting up a museum in Konark to showcase the broken pieces of the temple kept in different museums.

Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had written a letter to the Union Minister raising serious concern over the safety of Konark temple. Patnaik, while citing a news report by a vernacular daily, had also sought Centre's clarification on allegations of replacement of artistic stone carvings of the temple with plain stones.

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A notorious criminal, carrying a reward of Rs one lakh, wanted by the Delhi Police and the Haryana Police was arrested on Monday by a team of Crime Investigation Agency (CIA), from near Sisai Bolan in Hansi.

A spokesman of the Haryana Police said that the arrested accused was identified as Jagdeep alias Sonu, a resident of Narnaund, Hisar district. Two pistols and four cartridges were also recovered from him.

The police spokesperson that the arrested criminal was involved in several cases of crime including extortion, attempt to murder and murder. A bounty of Rs 50,000 each had been announced by Hansi and Hisar Police on his arrest.

The CIA Hansi had received a tip-off that Jagdeep alias Sonu carrying illegal arms was roaming in Sisai Bolan area. A police team immediately swung into action and a trap was laid and accused was arrested. During interrogation, it was also revealed that the accused was a member of gangster Vinod Kana gang. Further probe is on.

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India on Monday successfully test-fired nuclear capable long-range surface-to-surface missile Agni-5, marking yet another step towards strengthening deterrence capability.

The indigenously-built inter-continental ballistic missile, with a range of over 5000 kms, was launched from a canister on a road mobile launcher at Dr Abdul Kalam Island, off the Odisha coast, a Defence spokesman said.

The missile has a payload capacity of 1,500 kg of high-explosive warhead and once inducted in the military, India will join an exclusive club of countries like the US, Russia, China, France and Britain which have intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities

The long-range strike capability will enable India to balance out China's military muscle.

"The launch operations were carried out and monitored by the Strategic Forces Command in the presence of scientists from Defence and Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and other associated officials, the spokesman said in a statement.

"All the mission objectives were successfully achieved," the statement said.

The spokesman said Monday's launch came after a series of successful launches of the missile.

"It further strengthens the country's deterrence capability which has been developed indigenously by assiduous efforts of scientists, " the spokesman added.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated the DRDO, armed forces and the defence industry on the successful launch.

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Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said Urjit Patel resigned as Governor of Indian's central bank because he wanted to protect the institution RBI.

"There is an assault from the BJP on the institutions like RBI and CBI among others. RBI Governor is resigning because he is protecting the institution of RBI," said Gandhi.

Flanked by leaders of various opposition parties, Rahul was speaking to media here, after a crucial meeting of 18 parties on the eve of Parliament's Winter Session, beginning Tuesday.

"RBI Governor is resigning because he is protecting the institution. Taking away reserves from the RBI to save your skin is an act against this nation. I am very proud that people from all walks of life and institutions are standing up to it," Gandhi said.

Earlier in the day, RBI's 24th Governor Urjit Patel resigned from the post, citing personal reasons.

Outlining the opposition unity to fight against the BJP's onslaught on institutions like RBI, Rahul further said, "Urjit Patel resigned because he could no longer work with this government. There was a consensus in the room that we have to stop BJP's assault on institutions, be it CBI, RBI, Election Commission and on the Constitution."

Congress president Gandhi also asserted that there was a consensus among the opposition parties that "BJP's corruption on demonetisation, Rafale and other areas is not acceptable and we are going to fight it. We are also going to have similar coordination, inside the Parliament as well as outside the House."

Gandhi also insisted that the goal of the united opposition was to defeat BJP. "This is a process. It is bringing together everybody. I said in the room that voices in this room are voices of the opposition in the country. Our goal is to defeat the BJP, protect India's Constitution and our institutions," he added.

On Monday, leaders from as many as 18 key opposition parties, including two former Prime Ministers-Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda, and many incumbent and former chief ministers, took part in the crucial meeting held before the starting of Parliament's Winter Session from Tuesday.

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In a setback to United States President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence's aide Nick Ayers is out of the running to be the new White House chief of staff, an official said on Sunday.

Ayers, who was widely tipped to replace incumbent White House chief of staff John Kelly, will step down from his current post as Pence's chief of staff at the end of the year and work for the pro-Trump super PAC group, The Hill reported.

Ayers declined the offer from Trump after he could not come to an agreement about the terms of his service, which the US President wanted to be a long-term job.

The official said that the 36-year-old Republican aide wanted an interim role, following which he would return to his family at his home state of Georgia to take care of his wife and three children.

Later, Ayers took to his Twitter handle, saying: "Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honour to serve our Nation at The White House," Ayers wrote. "I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause."

Ending months of speculation, Trump on Saturday said that Kelly will step down from his post at the end of this year. The announcement assumes significance as the duo was reportedly at loggerheads over a number of issues.

With the Democrats set to take over the House of Representatives in January 2019 following the midterm elections last month, Trump is becoming seriously concerned over the same and has privately said that Kelly is not "politically savvy".

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed Urjit Patel for his professional 'integrity' and said the outgoing RBI governor had steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline.

"Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability," Modi tweeted.

"Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely," he added in another tweet.

Patel, the 24th RBI Governor, stepped down abruptly on Monday, weeks after differences between the Central bank and Government came out in the public.

In his comments, the Finance Minister Arun Jaitely also expressed appreciation for his service and wrotes, "The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI."

He went on to add, "It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. I wish Dr. Patel all the very best and many more years of public service."

Patel, 54, cited personal reasons behind stepping down from his current position.

Four days back, on December 5, Patel had 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) in Mumbai.

The speculations of everything not being fine between Centre and RBI started pouring in after Centre had invoked Section 7 of the RBI Act, which allows it to issue directions to the central bank governor on matters of public interest.

On October 31, amid some media reports stating that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel may consider resigning after an alleged rift with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Finance Ministry clarified that the government holds "extensive consultations with the RBI from time to time".

The Finance Ministry, in a statement released during that time, had said that autonomy of the central bank, within the framework of the RBI Act, is an essential and accepted governance requirement. It further asserted that both the government and the central bank, in their functioning, have to be guided by public interest and the requirements of the Indian economy.

The Government in August 2016 had appointed Urjit Patel as the new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. Immediately before his appointment, he was serving as the Deputy RBI chief.

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President Ram Nath Kovind's 5-day long visit to Myanmar continues "India's high-level engagement with Myanmar under the Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy."

President Kovind arrived in Myanmar on Monday along with the First Lady Savita Kovind. They were received at the airport by U Kyaw Tin, Myanmar's Union Minister for International Cooperation and Myo Thein Gyi, Union Minister for Education.

"President Kovind is undertaking the visit to continue India's high-level engagement with Myanmar under the Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy," said India's Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

During his maiden visit to Myanmar, President Kovind will meet with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday. He will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Nay Pyi Taw, which will be followed by delegation-level talks with his Myanmar counterpart Win Myint.

Several agreements are also expected to be signed during President Kovind's two-city visit to Myanmar.

President Kovind and First Lady will then emplane for Yangon on the same day. Upon their arrival, they will lay a wreath at the Martyr's Mausoleum, which is the resting place of General Aung San, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's late father, a statement issued by the MEA mentioned.

On December 13, the President and the First Lady will visit the Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.

President Kovind will then inaugurate 'Enterprise India' exhibition. This is an exhibition being set up by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) of about 50 Indian companies ranging from very large companies to small enterprises to showcase Indian manufacturing capabilities and industrial technology.

After this, the President and the First Lady will visit the Dhamma Joti-Vipassana Meditation Centre. On the morning of December 14, President Kovind and First Lady will depart for New Delhi after completing their engagements in Myanmar.

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President Ram Nath Kovind will depart for a five-day visit to Myanmar on Monday, in an aim to boost bilateral relations.

In his maiden visit to the neighbouring country, President Kovind and First Lady Savita Kovind will arrive in Nay Pyi Taw on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, there will be a ceremonial welcome accorded to the President at Nay Pyi Taw, followed by delegation-level talks with his Myanmar counterpart Win Myint, read a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

President Kovind will also meet with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and witness the signing of agreements and press statements. In the evening, an official dinner will be hosted in honour of President Kovind and the First Lady and will also include a small cultural performance.

On December 12, President Kovind will pay a visit to the Advanced Center for Agricultural Research and Education and the Rice Bio-park. These are both Government of India projects funded by grants. The President will also launch a mobile application for agricultural technology. He will visit some labs at the institution.

President Kovind and First Lady will then emplane for Yangon on the same day. Upon their arrival, they will lay a wreath at the Martyr's Mausoleum, which is the resting place of General Aung San, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's late father, the statement added.

The President and First Lady will also pay a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in the city.

Later that evening, there will be a short meeting and a photo opportunity with veterans of the Indian National Army which will be followed by a community reception in which about 500 people, mostly persons of Indian origin, will be invited.

On December 13, the President and the First Lady will visit the Shri Kali Temple and the Mazaar of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.

President Kovind will then inaugurate 'Enterprise India' exhibition. This is an exhibition being set up by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) of about 45-50 Indian companies ranging from very large Indian companies to small enterprises to showcase Indian manufacturing capabilities and industrial technology.

After this, the President and the First Lady will visit the Dhamma Joti-Vipassana Meditation Centre.

On the morning of December 14, President Kovind and First Lady will depart for New Delhi after completing their engagements in Myanmar.

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Hours after a London Court ordered the extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Monday said that the development is a result of the strong and determined steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

"It's a great success and a lesson for those who misuse the nation's properties. This is a result of the strong and determined steps taken by the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister," said Singh.

In a major victory for the central government, the Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday ordered the extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is facing charges of loan default to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore.

Mallya left India in 2016, following which, the India government initiated extradition proceedings against him. The matter of Mallya's extradition has now been referred to UK's Secretary of State.

Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot dismissing the liquor baron's plea said that there was no "evidence" to suggest that Mallya if extradited to India, was at "real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice".

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Re-polling is underway at booth no.163 in Karanpur assembly constituency of Rajasthan, where the election was held on December 7.

The re-polling at booth number 163 was necessitated after the Election Commission of India (ECI) on December 8 nullified the polling held on December 7 in Karanpur assembly seat over the malfunctioning of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Rajasthan's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anand Kumar, while announcing the re-polling, said that votes would be cast from 8 am to 5 pm. Kumar said that as compared to the previous elections, there has been a considerable decrease in the cases of re-election this time.

In 2013 assembly elections, the re-election took place at eight polling stations in six assembly constituencies. While in 2008, re-polling was held at 130 polling booths of 24 assembly constituencies.

Rajasthan went to polls on Friday and the results will be announced on December 11. The polling was held at 51,687 polling booths out of which 259 were managed exclusively by women officials and security personnel.

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Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) Chief Upendra Kushwaha resigned as a Union Minister on Monday, sources said, amid speculations that the RLSP would split from the Democratic Party.

Earlier in the day, Kushwaha said that he would not attend the meeting of the NDA allies, ahead of the winter session of the Parliament which will begin on December 11.

Kushwaha, in November, had said that he was upset over seat-sharing with BJP in Bihar for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections

Soon after BJP president Amit Shah announced that his party and Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) would fight on an equal number of seats, Kushwaha demanded a larger seat share.

RSLP fought on three seats in 2014 even as Kushwaha demanded more seats for the next year's general elections citing that his party has grown in strength.

On November 17, he had asked the BJP to reach a consensus over a seat-sharing agreement.

A meeting between Tejashwi Yadav and Kushwaha had set political circles abuzz that RLSP and Yadav's RJD might side join hands for Lok Sabha elections. However, Kushwaha later clarified that no political meaning should be derived out of it.

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A Russian delegation led by the Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to discuss monitoring of the 2019 general elections.

Earlier in the day, Volodin also met with Vice President Venkaiah Naidu who welcomed the Russian observation mission to monitor India's Lok Sabha elections.

"In 2019, the parliamentary elections will be held [in India], and we will be glad to welcome observers from Russia," he said.

Naidu also stressed that the Indian leadership was paying significant attention to the development of the Indian-Russian relationship.

The Russian parliamentary delegation is also expected to meet the speaker of the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force said that the Indian and Russian military aircraft is also expected to start the second edition of the joint Aviaindra 2018 exercise in Rajasthan on Monday.

The first phase of the drills was held in the Russian city of Lipetsk on September 17 to 28.

"A variety of missions would be flown in a counter-terrorism scenario during Aviaindra-18. Aim of ex is dual fold: To enhance mutual cooperation and understanding between IAF and RFASF while flying missions in fighter, transport & helicopters of Russian origin," the Indian Air Force said on Twitter.

The first joint Indian-Russian exercises of this type took place in 2014.

The two countries also participated in Indra 2018 drills in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, involving around 500 Indian and Russian troops from November 18 to 28.

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The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by a former BJP MLA of Jammu and Kashmir challenging dismissal of the state Assembly by Governor Satyapal Malik last month.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul, refused to interfere in the matter, observing that there was no merit in the petition filed by Gagan Bhagat who wanted annulment of the Governor's decision and a direction to him to get a floor test conducted.

In his petition, Bhagat had alleged that Malik's decision to dissolve the Assembly on November 21 was "arbitrary, unconstitutional and illegal" and his intentions as "mala fide and biased".

The 87-member Assembly was under suspended animation since June 19 when the PDP-BJP coalition government collapsed and the Governor dissolved the House late on November 21 night.

Malik's action came shortly after competitive claims were presented by PDP leader and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and People's Conference leader Sajad Lone for formation of a government in the state which is under Governor's rule since June.

While on one side, arch-rivals PDP and Conference (NC) joined hands with the Congress to stake claim for government-formation, on other other side, People's Conference also staked the claim, citing support of BJP.

The Governor's action had triggered a major political row but he justified his decision by saying that he apprehended horse-trading for government-formation.

He had said that he did not want the formation of a government by any 'unholy alliance.'

"These are the forces that are against democracy at the grass root level. Once they felt that the situation was slipping out of their hands, they formed an unholy alliance to form the government," Malik told ANI.

Comment on the Governor's action, Bhagat told ANI, "It is the biggest joke in a democracy that you keep the Assembly suspended for five months and when a party stakes claim to form the government you dissolve it. This policy is incorrect and undemocratic.

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The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to five states in a plea challenging the amendments made to the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

The petition has been filed by activist Medha Patkar.

The apex court has issued the notice to the state governments of Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

It is worth mentioning that the Right to Fair Compensation in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, introduced when the Congress party was in power at the Centre, is aimed at ensuring more transparency in the acquisition of land and proper rehabilitation for those losing their land and also for the workers and others whose livelihood is affected.

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Swatch, the Swiss watch brand known for creating the world's most innovative timepieces for over three decades, introduced its 'Fall-Winter' 2018 collection with brand friend and Bollywood actress Yami Gautam at the Comic Con Delhi 2018.

The collections 'Think fun', 'Deep Wonder' and 'Worldhood' fully embraces the DNA of Swatch, where colors, shapes and stripes explode into vibrant designs.

Sporting a watch from the new collection and resonating with the brand's core elements, Yami Gautam stated, "I am honored and extremely excited to associate with Swatch at the showcase of its latest 'Fall-Winter' 2018 collection that is inspired by fun colors and vibrant bold designs, today. Being a watch lover myself I have always looked up to Swatch as an important catalyst in bringing alive the design aesthetics. I feel ecstatic to be a part of the showcase of their new collection."

From fans dressed as their favorite comic and movie characters, to national and international comic artists taking the stage, the Delhi Comic Con in its 8th edition celebrated all things quirky and pop-culture.

Swatch's presence at Comic Con is an expression of its dedication to being present at the right place and the right time to connect with younger millennial audience.

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Hours after reporting that Syrian air defences had repelled an attack near the Damascus International Airport, the country's state media on Sunday took down the reports, claiming that no airstrikes had occurred.

The state-run SANA news agency and state television earlier said that the country's air defences had intercepted enemy aerial targets in the vicinity of Damascus International airport in the southern part of the city, Sputnik reported. However, the report was later withdrawn from Syrian state media without any reason.

A source at the airport said that there was "no attack" and air traffic is operating under "normal routine".

The Syrian President Bashar-al Assad regime has repeatedly accused Israel of conducting airstrikes near the airport.

The Israeli government has been carrying out hundreds of airstrikes, against what it says are Iranian targets in Syria, most of them in the southern part of Damascus city.

Syria also claims that Israel supports the terrorist groups, including the Islamic State since civil war broke out in the war-torn country in 2011.

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Thailand-based low-cost carrier (LCC) NokScoot it all set to make its entry in the Indian aviation market with the launch of its first non-stop flight between New Delhi and Bangkok from December 19, 2018.

NokScoot is a joint venture LCC between Scoot, 100 per cent owned by Singapore Airlines, and Thailand's Nok Air. It announced a special promotional one-way Economy class fare starting from Rs 7,200 (USD 99), inclusive of taxes and surcharges, for its four weekly flights. The special promotional fares will be available from December 7-13, 2018 for travel between December 19, 2018 to March 30, 2019.

The new services will be operated with Boeing 777-200 wide-bodied, twin-aisle jets. "Configured with a total of 415 seats, the Boeing 777 offers an unprecedented LCC level of comfort to its valued customers with 24 seats in ScootBiz Class and 391 seats in Economy," the airlines said in a statement.

While there are already a few airlines operating on the Delhi-Bangkok route, NokScoot projects that the growing demand for leisure and business travel between the two cities, can support the big capacity it is injecting onto the route, the company said. It added that passengers travelling between these two cities will soon be able to experience the deferential hassle-free service and on-time performance of NokScoot.

"We are very proud to announce NokScoot's inaugural service from Delhi to Bangkok on 19thDecember 2018. This route marks our first ever service to South Asia and follows the launch of services to Tokyo Narita in June 2018 and Osaka Kansai in October 2018. NokScoot believes these flights will appeal to both leisure and business travellers travelling between Delhi, the fourth most populous urban area in the world, and Bangkok. Delhi, as the biggest air hub in India, is also very convenient for those making connections to and from most domestic destinations around India. Following the launch of the Delhi service, NokScoot plans to further spread its wings in India with another destination in the first half of 2019," said Giam Ming Toh, Deputy CEO of NokScoot.

The company said that from its Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport base, NokScoot operates regular flights to Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenyang, Tianjin and Xi'an in China, Taipei in Taiwan, as well as Tokyo and Osaka in Japan.

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United States President Donald Trump has criticised the ongoing fourth-weekend of "yellow vest" protests across France which are being staged against the hike in fuel taxes, linking it to the "ridiculous and extremely expensive" Paris Agreement.

"Very sad day & night in Paris. Maybe it's time to end the ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement and return money back to the people in the form of lower taxes? The US was way ahead of the curve on that and the only major country where emissions went down last year!" he tweeted.

The protests on Saturday were the fourth in a series that culminated into the worst rioting in France for decades.

The government expects more protests in the country in the following days, owing to which, around 89,000 security personnel have been deployed across France.

A number of France's monuments, including the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, remained closed as authorities anticipated a repeat of last week's violence, deploying over 8,000 policemen in the French capital to maintain order.

The yellow vest protests, which initially began as a campaign against skyrocketing fuel prices, has expanded into a huge agitation over discontent on a wide variety of issues against the French government in recent weeks.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump showed his solidarity to the people of France where about 200 people were arrested, with the police resorting to firing hundreds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd that gathered in Paris.

"The Paris Agreement isn't working out so well for Paris. Protests and riots all over France. People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment. Chanting "We Want Trump!" Love France," he had tweeted.

Signed in December 2015 by 195 nations, the Paris climate deal sets a target of holding the global average rise in temperature below 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and preferably below 1.5 degree Celsius.

In June this year, Trump had announced that the US, one of the world's largest producers of carbon emissions, would be withdrawing from the deal on climate change. He asserted that the accord would "undermine the US economy and will put the country at a permanent disadvantage" and would "affect American businesses and workers".

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Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




In a major victory for the government, a London court on Monday ordered the extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is facing charges of loan default to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore.

The Westminster Magistrates Court's Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot in London gave the ruling after finding merit in the charges of fraud, conspiracy and money laundering registered against him in India and rejecting Mallya's contention that he ran a "real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice" in India.

The Chief Magistrate went by the Indian government's assurances regarding the living conditions that Mallya would be provided in his jail cell, saying it had no reason to believe that the assurances would be breached. Mallya is slated to be kept in the barrack no. 12 in Mumbai's Arthur Road jail.

Judge Arbuthnot also rejected the defence contention that judges in India are corrupt.

Mallya termed the judgement as "unfortunate" and said he would further explore all legal options to his comfort.

The judgement was hailed by the government, with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley using it to target Congress president Rahul Gandhi and asking him to seriously introspect on "every falsehood" spoken on this subject.

Jaitley, while speaking to ANI, said it was the Congress that had created a system in which people like Mallya can "prosper".

He further stated that the development was a signal to all others who think that they are powerful and can hide after cheating the country. "Wherever in the world you hide after cheating the country, India will find you," the Finance Minister said.

In her ruling, Judge Arbuthnot said "I find that the allegations set out in the Request are extradition offences within the meaning of section 137(3) of the Extradition Act 2003," adding, "I have found a prima facie case in relation to three possible charges".

"Extradition arrangements work on the basis of trust and any failure to abide by the assurances would doubtlessly affect the trust between this court and the GOI. I have no reason at all to think that the GOI would want to breach that trust," she added.

The Chief Magistrate rejected suggestions that CBI courts are "too pliable" while dealing with CBI casesand dismissed the defence's argument that the case was brought to "meet a political objective to quell public anger at the accumulation of bad debts by Indian state-owned banks."

Mallya is facing money-laundering charges to the tune of Rs 9000 crores and left India in 2016, following which, India initiated extradition proceedings against him. The matter of Mallya's extradition has now been referred to UK's Secretary of State.

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The outgoing United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that Washington cannot give "a pass" to Saudi Arabia for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In an exclusive interview to The Atlantic on December 7, Haley told the magazine's interviewer Uri Friedman: "The whole situation with Khashoggi is we can't give them a pass. And the reason is you have Saudi government officials that did this in a Saudi consulate."

Noting that Saudi Arabia is a "complete partner" of the US and has helped in fighting with Iran, Haley pointed out: "I think that the main thing is: No, we don't condone this; no, we're not going to continue to be your partners if you continue to use thuggish behaviour. But you know what? That country is our complete partner when it comes to fighting Iran, and our only real partner when it comes to fighting Iran, so it's a balancing act, but you have to do both," Haley reiterated.

When Freidman asked Haley if the US can speak out and at the same time maintain them as an ally, Haley's response was: "We have to. And they don't expect us to give them a pass, because that's not who America is."

"But if you also look, that's why we sanctioned the dozen or so Saudis, that's why we're asking for accountability, that's why we're going to push back. We need to continue to do it until we get it," she added.

Haley said that the perpetrators of the murder should be held accountable. She also reiterated that the US had sanctioned the perpetrators.

When asked to comment whether the US government should take more steps to hold the Saudi Crown prince accountable, Haley said: "I think all of that, the administration needs to decide. It's his (US President Donald Trump) government. His government did this, and so he technically is responsible."

In November, the US Department of State imposed global magnitsky sanctions on 17 Saudi Arabian individuals for their roles in the killing of the journalist.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist, went missing on October 2 after stepping into Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul to collect documents which would allowed him to marry fiancee Hatice Cengiz. His fiancee, who was waiting outside the consulate, raised an alarm after Khashoggi failed to re-emerge from the Saudi consulate.

Saudi, a few weeks later, accepted the fact that the group of 15 Saudi agents were behind the murder Kashoggi, leading to an international furore and complicating the already delicate relations between Saudi, Turkey and the US.

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Key equity indices trimmed some losses in early afternoon trade. At 12:21 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 539.89 points or 1.51% at 35,133.36. The Nifty 50 index was down 162.55 points or 1.52% at 10,531.15.

Domestic market followed weakness in other Asian shares amid rising tensions between the US and China as well as disappointing Chinese trade data for November. The exit polls on state assembly elections also made investors jittery. Investors are bracing for the state election results that will be out on Tuesday.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was down 1.39%. The BSE Small-Cap index was down 1.49%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On BSE, 514 shares rose and 1751 shares fell. A total of 111 shares were unchanged.

FMCG shares declined across the board. Godrej Consumer Products (down 2.2%), Colgate Palmolive (India) (down 2.05%), Britannia Industries (down 2.02%), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care (down 1.63%), Jyothy Laboratories (down 1.45%), Bajaj Corp (down 1.37%), Dabur India (down 1.19%), Tata Global Beverages (down 1.16%), Hindustan Unilever (down 0.98%), Marico (down 0.76%), Nestle India (down 0.34%) and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (down 0.16%), edged lower.

Most IT shares declined. Oracle Financial Services Software (down 3.5%), MphasiS (down 2.54%), Persistent Systems (down 2.14%), MindTree (down 1.51%), Infosys (down 1.34%), Wipro (down 1.26%), HCL Technologies (down 1.2%) and TCS (down 0.16%), edged lower. Tech Mahindra (up 0.61%) and Hexaware Technologies (up 0.77%), edged higher.

Tata Sponge Iron rose 0.94% after the government gave environmental clearance to increase the production capacity at the company's existing facility located at Village Bileipada, Odisha. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 7 December 2018.

Tata Sponge Iron said that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India (MoEFCC), has considered the company's application and subject to certain conditions, decided to accord environmental clearance for the enhancement of DRI production from 4,25,000 TPA to 4,65,000 TPA in the company's existing facility located at Village Bileipada, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Odisha.

Ashoka Buildcon advanced 7.28% after the company announced receipt of a letter of acceptance for railway project from Rail Vikas Nigam. The announcement was made on Saturday, 8 December 2018.

Ashoka Buildcon said that the company has received Letter of Acceptance by Rail Vikas Nigam, for the project viz. 'construction of roadbed, bridges, supply of ballast, installation of track (excluding supply of rails, and track sleepers), electrical (general electrification), provision of OHE, signaling and telecommunication works in connection with third line from Sonnagar to Garhwa Road in Dhanbad division of East Central Railway,' in the States of Bihar and Jharkhand (Project) in 2 packages (Package 1 & Package 2). The company had bid the Project in Joint Venture with Story Tech Services LLC, wherein the company is a lead member. The aggregate accepted bid value of the project is Rs 794.20 crore.

On the economic front, India's current account deficit (CAD) increased to US$ 19.1 billion (2.9% of GDP) in Q2 of 2018-19 increased from US$ 6.9 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q2 of 2017-18 and US$ 15.9 billion (2.4% of GDP) in the preceding quarter. The widening of the CAD on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis was primarily on account of a higher trade deficit at US$ 50.0 billion as compared with US$ 32.5 billion a year ago.

On the political front, market participants are awaiting poll results of five state elections due on 11 December 2018. The outcomes of the assembly elections will likely set the tone for the general elections next year. Voting in Rajasthan and Telangana took place on 7 December 2018. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram were held on 28 November 2018. The election in Chhattisgarh Assembly was held in two phases on 12 and 20 November 2018. The counting of votes in all the states will be done on 11 December 2018.

Exit polls on Friday reportedly indicated that the Bharatiya Janata Party risks losing control of Rajasthan to the Congress and faces a close fight in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Overseas, Asian shares traded lower Monday following weaker-than-expected Chinese trade data released over the weekend.

China's November exports only rose 5.4% from a year earlier, Chinese customs data showed on Saturday. The customs data showed that annual growth for exports to all of China's major partners slowed significantly. Exports to the United States rose 9.8% in November from a year earlier, compared with 13.2% in October. Import growth was 3%, the slowest since October 2016. Imports of iron ore fell for a second time, reflecting waning restocking demand at steel-mills as profit margins narrow.

Meanwhile, China protested the arrest of a senior executive of Chinese electronics giant Huawei, who is suspected of trying to evade US trade curbs on Iran. US and China recently agreed to hold off on imposing further tariffs for 90 days while they attempt to resolve a range of issues from trade to technology development. The arrest could jeopardize the truce that was just agreed.

US stocks closed sharply lower on Friday as a lack of concrete progress toward reducing US-China trade tensions bolstered risk-off sentiment and overshadowed the November employment report.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 155,000 for the month while the unemployment rate again held at 3.7%, its lowest since 1969, the Labor Department reported Friday.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index came in at 97.5. Further, consumer credit grew at its fastest pace in 11 months in October, the Federal Reserve reported.

Oil producer club OPEC and some non-affiliated producers agreed a supply cut of 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from January. Despite this, the outlook for next year remains muted on the back of an economic slowdown.

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Key benchmark indices were trading lower in early trade due to poor global cues. At 9:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 487.08 points or 1.37% at 35,186.17. The Nifty 50 index was down 158.70 points or 1.48% at 10,535. The Nifty slipped below 10,600 mark.

Among secondary barometers,the BSE Mid-Cap index was down 1.55%. The BSE Small-Cap index was down 1.22%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak . On BSE, 162 shares rose and 949 shares fell. A total of 49 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian shares traded lower Monday following weaker-than-expected Chinese trade data released over the weekend.

China's November exports only rose 5.4% from a year earlier, Chinese customs data showed on Saturday. The customs data showed that annual growth for exports to all of China's major partners slowed significantly. Exports to the United States rose 9.8% in November from a year earlier, compared with 13.2% in October. Import growth was 3%, the slowest since October 2016. Imports of iron ore fell for a second time, reflecting waning restocking demand at steel-mills as profit margins narrow.

US stocks closed sharply lower on Friday as a lack of concrete progress toward reducing US-China trade tensions bolstered risk-off sentiment and overshadowed the November employment report.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 155,000 for the month while the unemployment rate again held at 3.7%, its lowest since 1969, the Labor Department reported Friday.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index came in at 97.5. Further, consumer credit grew at its fastest pace in 11 months in October, the Federal Reserve reported.

Oil producer club OPEC and some non-affiliated producers agreed a supply cut of 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from January. Despite this, the outlook for next year remains muted on the back of an economic slowdown. International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.10 per barrel, up 43 cents.

Back home, Indian Oil Corporation was up 0.96%. The company said that its board will meet on 13 December 2018 to consider and approve buyback of the fully paid-up equity shares of the company. The announcement was made on Saturday, 8 December 2018.

Escorts was down 2.38%. The company has executed the Business Transfer Agreement for transferring the existing RT Crane Business of the company as a going concern on a slump sale basis to the JV for an amount not exceeding Rs 35 crore. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 7 December 2018.

Tata Sponge Iron was up 0.33%. The company said that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India (the MoEFCC), has considered the company's application and subject to certain conditions, decided to accord environmental clearance for the enhancement of DRI production from 4,25,000 TPA to 4,65,000 TPA in the company's existing facility located at Village Bileipada, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Odisha. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 7 December 2018.

Capital India Finance was down 4.98%. The company said that its board has approved the issue of upto 3,45,48,560 equity shares at Rs 72 on rights basis, aggregating up to Rs 248.75 crore. The announcement was made on Sunday, 9 December 2018.

On the economic front, India's current account deficit (CAD) increased to US$ 19.1 billion (2.9% of GDP) in Q2 of 2018-19 increased from US$ 6.9 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q2 of 2017-18 and US$ 15.9 billion (2.4% of GDP) in the preceding quarter. The widening of the CAD on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis was primarily on account of a higher trade deficit at US$ 50.0 billion as compared with US$ 32.5 billion a year ago.

On the political front, market participants are awaiting poll results of five state elections due on 11 December 2018. The outcomes of the assembly elections will likely set the tone for the general elections next year. Voting in Rajasthan and Telangana took place on 7 December 2018. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram were held on 28 November 2018. The election in Chhattisgarh Assembly was held in two phases on 12 and 20 November 2018. The counting of votes in all the states will be done on 11 December 2018.

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Key benchmarks hit fresh intraday low in morning trade as selling pressure intensified amid weak global cues. At 10:22 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 607.54 points or 1.70% at 35,065.71. The Nifty 50 index was down 184.50 points or 1.73% at 10,509.20. The Nifty was trading a tad above 10,500 mark.

Among secondary barometers, the BSE Mid-Cap index was down 1.69%. The BSE Small-Cap index was down 1.81%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was weak. On BSE, 350 shares rose and 1594 shares fell. A total of 79 shares were unchanged.

Metal shares fell across the board. Jindal Steel & Power (down 3.09%), Steel Authority of India (down 2.05%), JSW Steel (down 1.85%), Hindustan Copper (down 1.82%), Vedanta (down 1.63%), National Aluminium Company (down 1.58%), NMDC (down 1.36%), Hindustan Zinc (down 1.27%), Hindalco Industries (down 1.19%) and Tata Steel (down 0.73%), edged lower.

Auto shares declined. Ashok Leyland (down 2%), Tata Motors (down 1.82%), Mahindra & Mahindra (down 1.64%), Eicher Motors (down 1.55%), Hero MotoCorp (down 1.24%), Bajaj Auto (down 1.22%), Maruti Suzuki India (down 0.78%) and TVS Motor Company (down 0.6%), edged lower.

Escorts was down 3.08%. The company has executed the Business Transfer Agreement for transferring the existing RT Crane Business of the company as a going concern on a slump sale basis to the JV for an amount not exceeding Rs 35 crore. The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 7 December 2018.

On the economic front, India's current account deficit (CAD) increased to US$ 19.1 billion (2.9% of GDP) in Q2 of 2018-19 increased from US$ 6.9 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q2 of 2017-18 and US$ 15.9 billion (2.4% of GDP) in the preceding quarter. The widening of the CAD on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis was primarily on account of a higher trade deficit at US$ 50.0 billion as compared with US$ 32.5 billion a year ago.

On the political front, market participants are awaiting poll results of five state elections due on 11 December 2018. The outcomes of the assembly elections will likely set the tone for the general elections next year. Voting in Rajasthan and Telangana took place on 7 December 2018. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram were held on 28 November 2018. The election in Chhattisgarh Assembly was held in two phases on 12 and 20 November 2018. The counting of votes in all the states will be done on 11 December 2018.

Overseas, Asian shares traded lower Monday following weaker-than-expected Chinese trade data released over the weekend.

China's November exports only rose 5.4% from a year earlier, Chinese customs data showed on Saturday. The customs data showed that annual growth for exports to all of China's major partners slowed significantly. Exports to the United States rose 9.8% in November from a year earlier, compared with 13.2% in October. Import growth was 3%, the slowest since October 2016. Imports of iron ore fell for a second time, reflecting waning restocking demand at steel-mills as profit margins narrow.

US stocks closed sharply lower on Friday as a lack of concrete progress toward reducing US-China trade tensions bolstered risk-off sentiment and overshadowed the November employment report.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 155,000 for the month while the unemployment rate again held at 3.7%, its lowest since 1969, the Labor Department reported Friday.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index came in at 97.5. Further, consumer credit grew at its fastest pace in 11 months in October, the Federal Reserve reported.

Oil producer club OPEC and some non-affiliated producers agreed a supply cut of 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from January. Despite this, the outlook for next year remains muted on the back of an economic slowdown. International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.10 per barrel, up 43 cents.

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Tata Sponge Iron rose 0.64% to Rs 757.30 at 09:29 IST on BSE after the government gave environmental clearance to increase the production capacity at the company's existing facility located at Village Bileipada, Odisha.

The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 7 December 2018.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 571.44 points or 1.6% at 35,101.81

On the BSE, 2,564 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 5,783 shares in the past two weeks. The stock hit a high of Rs 762.80 and a low of Rs 750 so far during the day.

Tata Sponge Iron said that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India (MoEFCC), has considered the company's application and subject to certain conditions, decided to accord environmental clearance for the enhancement of DRI production from 4,25,000 TPA to 4,65,000 TPA in the company's existing facility located at Village Bileipada, Tehsil Barbil, District Keonjhar, Odisha.

Tata Sponge Iron is a sponge iron manufacturer. Tata Steel is the promoter of Tata Sponge Iron.

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Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could slump 145.50 points at the opening bell due to poor global cues.

Overseas, Asian shares traded lower Monday following weaker-than-expected Chinese trade data released over the weekend.

China's November exports only rose 5.4% from a year earlier, Chinese customs data showed on Saturday. The customs data showed that annual growth for exports to all of China's major partners slowed significantly. Exports to the United States rose 9.8% in November from a year earlier, compared with 13.2% in October. Import growth was 3%, the slowest since October 2016. Imports of iron ore fell for a second time, reflecting waning restocking demand at steel-mills as profit margins narrow.

US stocks closed sharply lower on Friday as a lack of concrete progress toward reducing US-China trade tensions bolstered risk-off sentiment and overshadowed the November employment report.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 155,000 for the month while the unemployment rate again held at 3.7%, its lowest since 1969, the Labor Department reported Friday.

Meanwhile, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index came in at 97.5. Further, consumer credit grew at its fastest pace in 11 months in October, the Federal Reserve reported.

Oil producer club OPEC and some non-affiliated producers agreed a supply cut of 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from January. Despite this, the outlook for next year remains muted on the back of an economic slowdown. International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.10 per barrel, up 43 cents.

Closer home, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 817.40 crore on 7 December 2018, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 242.56 crore on 7 December 2018, as per provisional data.

On the political front, market participants are awaiting poll results of five state elections due on 11 December 2018. The outcomes of the assembly elections will likely set the tone for the general elections next year. Voting in Rajasthan and Telangana took place on 7 December 2018. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram were held on 28 November 2018. The election in Chhattisgarh Assembly was held in two phases on 12 and 20 November 2018. The counting of votes in all the states will be done on 11 December 2018.

On the economic front, India's current account deficit (CAD) increased to US$ 19.1 billion (2.9% of GDP) in Q2 of 2018-19 increased from US$ 6.9 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q2 of 2017-18 and US$ 15.9 billion (2.4% of GDP) in the preceding quarter. The widening of the CAD on a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis was primarily on account of a higher trade deficit at US$ 50.0 billion as compared with US$ 32.5 billion a year ago.

Local equities logged strong gains on Friday, 7 December 2018, as bargain hunting emerged after three-day slide. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, gained 361.12 points or 1.02% to settle at 35,673.25. The Nifty 50 index gained 92.55 points or 0.87% to settle at 10,693.70.

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The new agriculture export policy will not be of much help to farmers and also to boost exports of fruits and vegetables, unless various departments dealing with such exports become proactive in their operations, exporters has said.

They accused Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (DPPQS) of not taking adequate steps to boost shipments to overseas.

"I do not think that the new agriculture export policy will be of much help to farmers unless organisations such as APEDA and DPPQS take adequate measures to be proactive in their operations and play an honest role in promoting exports, which unfortunately has not been the case so far," West Bengal Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) Exporters Welfare Association's Joint Secretary Ankush Saha said on Monday.

According to them, the European Commission had prohibited the import of certain plants and vegetables from India in 2014 and subsequently, the ban was lifted in September, 2016. An order to resume exports of vegetables was issued.

He alleged two years have been passed since then, but export of some vegetables to the European Union (EU) has not been possible.

"DPPQS is not ready to issue the Phyto-Sanitary Certificate and is even showing unwillingness to inspect the product. APEDA has also not taken adequate steps to facilitate the export of these vegetables," he said.

According to him, nearly 3,000 kg of vegetables including different varieties of spinach, gourd and brinjal were exported from West Bengal to Europe, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and others, every day before the ban was issued in 2014.

This has now down to near zero, even though the ban has been revoked, he said.

The state also used to export Rs 50-60 crore worth of betel leaves to EU.

However, following the issuance of non-compliance by EU against a consignment due to microbiological contamination and APEDA suspending the exporter, exports of betel leaves to the EU from Kolkata has become stagnant since September 2017 since exporters fear suspension.

"I feel the APEDA should do a root cause analysis and deploy two or microbiologists to find out the main cause behind the contamination," he added.

--IANS

bdc/vc

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Election campaigning in Bangladesh began on Monday amid reports of arrests of hundreds of leaders and members of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The country will hold general elections on December 30, pitting the BNP against the ruling Awami League.

"BNP leaders and activists cannot stay in their house, everyday the police is arresting our leaders and party activists. It has become even difficult for us to keep the numbers. Many of our candidates are still in jail," Taiful Islam Tipu, assistant office secretary of BNP, told Efe news.

Tipu said that a fair election was not possible as the Awami League had been campaigning every day despite Monday being the official start of the campaign period.

"They broke all electoral rules but no action was taken against them," he said.

Denying the allegations, Awami League Joint Secretary General Mahbubul Alam Hanif said: "The election environment is good. People are expecting that the election will be held in a festive atmosphere (...) all political parties are contesting."

The BNP and its allies boycotted the 2014 elections after the Awami League abolished the "caretaker government system" which required general elections to be overseen by non-partisan governments.

The Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party will contest under the umbrella of the BNP after a court cancelled its registration.

BNP Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will lead the campaign after Khaleda was sentenced to 17 years in two corruption cases.

The Awami League of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has allied itself with the Jatiya Party, led by former military dictator Hussain Muhammad Ershad.

--IANS

soni/

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Renowned "MasterChef Australia" 2017 Runner up Ben Ungermann, who is in India for the Johnnie Walker Gourmet Experiences that will start from Wednesday, says he is in love with the diverse Indian cuisine and with this association, he is trying to bring European influence to the spice palate of the Indian cuisine.

"I'm trying to bring a European influence to the spice palate of the Indian cuisine. The local chefs have really highlighted the best local produce with their Johnnie Walker inspired drinks and menu," Ungermann, who has created the menu for the event, told IANS in an e-mail interaction, when asked about what all Indian specialties he has put while creating the recipe.

He is bringing a multiple city tour in the country -- Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad -- starting from Wednesday till Decemeber 16.

Ungermann will liaise with one partner outlet per city to inspire a drink-led menu paired with select appetizers.

"For this season of Johnnie Walker Gourmet Experiences, I have created a Toasted Coconut Ice Cream with Raisins to pair with Johnnie Walker Black Label. This has become my favourite ice cream to date. The pairing of an earthy toasted coconut with the depth of flavour in the Johnnie Walker Black Label with soaked raisins, has made a really indulgent ice cream and I can't wait to share it with everyone," he said.

Ungermann's style de cuisine derives inspiration from his Indonesian and Dutch lineage. He was the audience favourite to win "Masterchef..." starting out as an underdog. He went on to the finals of and was crowned the "Ice cream king" when he nailed Heston Bluementals challenge.

Talking about his fondness for Indian food, he said: "I have been to India once before and I love the cuisine and how diverse it is. There are changes to each of the local dishes every 100 kms. I really enjoy how the food has a real depth of spice and also heat."

He also said that while working with the chefs in each city "we made sure we kept the traditional aesthetic in mind while adding in influences from the different countries and making sure we found a balance between the dishes and the curated drinks."

So how is his food experimentation changed over the years while travelling to different countries?

"I began by cooking classical European dishes, and over my world tour, my style has evolved to a more edgy European cuisine fused with many Asian influences, ranging from Indonesia to India.

"With my Dutch and Indonesian heritage it has definitely inspired quite a few of my menus and dishes along my travels and you might also be surprised to know the a lot of the Dutch came from India and the spice blends used originated here," said Ungermann.

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)

--IANS

nv/dc/vm

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A team of international scientists from BAS, University of Iowa and GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences has discovered a new method to explain how radiation belts are formed around the planet Saturn.

Around Saturn, and other planets including the Earth, energetic charged particles are trapped in the magnetic field. Here they form doughnut-shaped zones near the planet, known as radiation belts, such as the Van Allen belts around the Earth where electrons travel close to the speed of light.

Data collected by the NASA Cassini spacecraft, which orbited Saturn for 13 years, combined with a BAS computer model have provided new insights into the behaviour of these rapidly-moving electrons. The discovery overturns the accepted view among space scientists about the mechanisms responsible for accelerating the electrons to such extreme energies in Saturn's radiation belts. The team's results are published in the journal Nature Communications this week (Thursday 29 November).

It has always been assumed that around Saturn, electrons are accelerated to extremely high energies by a process called radial diffusion, where electrons are repeatedly nudged towards the planet, increasing their energy. An alternative way of accelerating electrons is their interaction with plasma waves as happens around the Earth and Jupiter with Chorus waves. Around Saturn, Chorus waves have been dismissed as ineffective; however, the authors discovered that in Saturn's unique environment, it is another form of plasma wave called the Z-mode wave that is critical.

According to lead author, Dr Emma Woodfield from British Antarctic Survey:

"This research is really exciting because the high energy electrons in the radiation belt around Saturn have always been assumed to come from radial diffusion. We've identified a different way to create a radiation belt that no one knew of before.

"This study provides us with a better understanding of how radiation belts work across the Solar system and will help modellers forecast space weather more accurately at the Earth, which in turn will protect both astronauts and satellites from radiation hazards."

Dr Emma Woodfield continues:

"Saturn gave us the opportunity of abundant Z-mode waves, to really test what these waves can do to the electrons on a large scale.

"Some people think that planets are just cold chunks of rock travelling through empty space, but the way each planet interacts with the particles in space is complex, unique and exquisite, and studying them can tell us about our own planet and the rare extreme events that occasionally do occur".

Prof Yuri Shprits from GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences says:

"I think it's most critical to understand the extreme radiation environments of the outer planets. These studies provide us with a unique opportunity to evaluate the potential extremes of terrestrial space weather and to understand what space weather conditions may be around planets beyond our Solar system (exoplanets)".

The team concludes that electron acceleration by Z-mode waves is more rapid at energising electrons in Saturn's radiation belt than radial diffusion and both mechanisms will work together to maintain the radiation belt at Saturn.

Formation of electron radiation belts at Saturn by Z-mode wave acceleration by E.E. Woodfield, R.B.Horne, S.A Glauert, J.D. Menietti, Y.Y. Shprits and W.S. Kurth is published in Nature Communications here



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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday asked former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to prove his allegation or apologise for accusing central agencies of putting pressure on legislators to support Sajad Lone.

BJP state president Ravinder Raina said the statement of Omar Abdullah that some MLAs were being threatened by central investigating agencies was a serious one.

Raina said bringing in the names of premier investigating agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the alleged threatening of MLAs is a serious matter and Omar Abdullah should come out with proof or seek public apology.

"How funny it is that Omar is now shedding crocodile tears for Jammu and the people of this region remained neglected and discriminated against during decades of rule by his party.

"BJP does not need any certificate from the National Conference or its leadership as the people of Jammu are best judges and can differentiate between the pro-Jammu and anti-Jammu political dispensations," Raina asserted.

Omar Abdullah said earlier in the day that some MLAs were threatened by investigating agencies during an unsuccessful attempt by the two-member Peoples Conference (PC) headed by Sajad Lone to form a government in the state.

It must be recalled that after separate claims by both PDP and PC that they had the numbers in the state Assembly to form a stable government in the state, Governor Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the Assembly on November 21.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Main opposition BJP on Monday supported Karnataka farmers' agitation here for meeting their demands by the state government and provide them relief from the fallout of drought in 17 districts across the state.

"We joined hundreds of farmers at the protest rally near the state legislature building (Suvarna Soudha) in support of their demands, including loan waiver, fair price for sugarcane growers and relief aid for them and their families in drought-hit districts," tweeted BJP's state unit president B.S. Yeddyurappa.

The massive protest demonstration amid tight security in the state's northwest city coincided with the opening of the 10-day winter session of the state legislature here, about 500km northwest of Bengaluru.

"Though the JD-S-Congress coalition government announced in July that it would waive farm loans, thousands of farmers are yet to be freed from the debt burden even five months after the decision" said BJP leader and lawmaker R. Ashok on the occasion.

The BJP, which won 104 seats in the May 12 assembly elections, also taunted state Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for assuring the sugarcane growers of compelling the mill owners in setting their arrears and getting fair and remunerative price (Rs 2,750 per quintal or 100kg) as fixed by the central government but betraying them.

"The sugarcane farmers were told on November 21 that their demands would be met by December 4 and hence should call off their agitation. They suspended the agitation in the hope of getting their demands met. Even a week after, no demand was met yet," Yeddyurappa lamented.

The BJP also slammed the government for not providing relief aid to the farmers and the rural people in the 17 districts across the state, reeling under drought though the central government had sanctioned funds.

"We condemn the anti-farmer policies of this fledgling government which is yet to settle down and perform to deliver even six months after coming to power through a post-poll alliance to keep the BJP out of power," said Yeddyruappa in the tweet.

Though the legislature assembly and council began the session, the proceedings were adjourned for the day after the members paid tributes to the three leaders who died last month in Bengaluru as a mark of respect to them./Eom/370 words.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The British High Commission has not got the consular access to its national Chritian James Michel, who was extradited to Indian from the UAE on December 4 in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal case, a source said on Monday.

The British High Commission has not got the consular access of Michel yet, "but we are in close touch with the authorities and we know they are working on the request", the source told IANS.

The remarks came soon after a Delhi Court on Monday again sent Michel to five days' police custody till December 15. He was presented before the court after expiry of his five-day CBI custody.

On December 6, the CBI said that it has received the request from the British High Commission for consular access.

--IANS

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China on Monday strongly defended Huawei after a warning from the EU that the tech giant posed a security risk, amid an ongoing row over the arrest of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Canada at the behest of the US.

In response to accusations by European Commission Vice President Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said the government had never forced Huawei to install a covert access route on mobile phone units to control them.

"I want to emphasize that Chinese laws and regulations don't allow any institution to force any enterprise to install a 'backdoor'. The Chinese government always encourages its companies to abide by local laws and regulations," Lu was quoted as saying by Efe news.

He reiterated Beijing's demand of an immediate release of Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou who was arrested in Vancouver on December 1 after the US accused the tech giant of selling equipment in Iran in violation of American sanctions.

Meng, who is also the daughter of the group's founder and CEO, had a bail request rejected on Friday by a Canadian court.

EU's Ansip said on Friday that the bloc should be "worried" about Huawei and other Chinese companies over the security risks they pose.

Ansip claimed that China was developing mandatory "backdoors" -- malicious software that allows any phone unit to be accessed and controlled without the user's knowledge.

In response, Lu said it was "ridiculous" to undermine the company based on "speculations".

"We have noticed some people from certain countries keep saying that Huawei may threaten their national security. But they did not provide a single evidence," the spokesperson said.

He stressed that the company had "won the trust of its partners" and signed agreements to build 5G networks with more than 20 countries, including Portugal, France and Germany.

The spokesperson also commented on Japan withdrawing Huawei and Chinese telecom giant ZTE from the government procurement list, due to alleged security breaches by the two firms.

"The Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary (Yoshihide Suga) said the relevant regulations don't aim to exclude the relevant enterprises or equipment. I want to stress that Chinese enterprises and cooperation in Japan is for mutual benefit," Lu said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Delhi court on Monday extended by another five days the CBI custody of British national Christian Michel, the middleman accused in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to quiz the middleman till December 15. The CBI had sought nine days custody of Michel.

Special Public Prosecutor D.P. Singh told the court that documents have been received from five countries pursuant to the Letter of Rogatory sent to these countries and there was incriminating material which the CBI needed to confront him with.

The prosecutor added that the agency needed to confront him with some witnesses to identify his accomplices including IAF officers, bureaucrats and politicians.

Michel was presented in the court after a five-day CBI custody. He was extradited to India on December 4 from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Michel's defence counsel Aljo K. Joseph and Vishnu Sankar opposed the CBI plea and said there was no incriminating material against the accused and that the Italian court had found nothing wrong against him.

The counsel also told the court that his lawyer in Italy, Santrolli Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos, wanted to meet him.

Michel's counsel Anjos from Milan in Italy told IANS that the Indian court had said that she would be permitted to meet Michel once she is present in the court on the next date of hearing.

Anjos said that she would be visiting India in the coming days.

The CBI also filed an application seeking direction to Michel for giving his specimen signatures. This will be heard by the court on Tuesday.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A here court on Monday ordered the framing of criminal misconduct charges against former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, his wife and others in a disproportionate assests case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj said that charges will be formally framed against Singh, his wife Pratibha and seven other accused on January 7.

The CBI had alleged that Virbhadra Singh was in possession of assets worth around Rs. 10 crore in his name as well as in those of his family members.

The CBI said that Singh has failed to give a satisfactory answer regarding the assets which did not tally with his known income.

The court has ordered to frame charges under Section 13 (2) read with Section 13 (1) (e) of Prevention of Corruption Act (public servant who commits criminal misconduct and possesses pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his known sources of income) against the former minister.

The court has also ordered framing of charges under Section 465 (forgery), Section 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) and Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The court has ordered to frame charges dealing with abetment and forgery against Life Insurance Corporation agent Anand Chauhan, and former minister's associate Chunni Lal, Joginder Singh Ghalta, Prem Raj, Lawan Kumar Roach, Vakamullah Chandrashekhar and Ram Prakash Bhatia.

During the period from May 28, 2009 to June 26, 2012, Virbhadra Singh, as Union Minister of Steel and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, committed criminal misconduct.

The CBI also alleged that co-accused Pratibha Singh intentionally and actively abated Virbhadra Singh in investing his ill-gotten and unaccounted money in her and their children's names, the court observed.

The CBI has accused the senior Congress leader of trying to justify the income as agricultural.

The other accused allegedly tried to legitimise his disproportionate assets by creating false documents in the shape of a Memorandum of Understanding, sale proceeds and others.

Chauhan was instrumental in depositing the unaccounted money in LIC policies, the agency alleged.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS The Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) on Monday served notice to absconder diamantaire Nirav Modi, his family members and his companies to recover over Rs 7,000 crore owed to the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

The notice by the DRT-1 Registrar, A. Murali, came six months after the beleaguered PNB had moved the tribunal in July to recover around Rs 7,029 crore. This includes the principal component of around Rs.6,800 crore plus interest.

The accused-defendents include seven individuals and nine group companies, and all are barred from disposing off, transferring, or entering into any transactions pertaining to the secured properties, the notice said.

They have been allowed time till January 15, 2019, to reply to the notice, failing which the PNB plea would be decided ex-parte.

Besides Nirav Modi, the notice has been slapped on his wife Ami, their children Rohin, Ananya and Apasha, his brothers Nehal Deepak Modi, Neeshal Deepak Modi, Deepak Keshavlal Modi and sister Purvi Mayank Mehta, at their last-known Mumbai addresses.

In the notice, nine companies, among them Stellar Diamonds, Solar Exports, Diamond RUS, Firestar International Ltd., Firestar Diamond International Pvt. Ltd., ANM Enterprises, NDM Enterprises, all based in Mumbai, besides the branches of some companies in Surat (Gujarat) and Japiur (Rajasthan) have been named.

In February, PNB had admitted to a massive fraud, which later climbed up to around Rs 13,600 crore, shaking the foundations of the Indian banking sector.

It revealed shocking details of how Nirav Modi and his uncle, Mehul Choksi, in connivance with some bank officials had duped the bank by issuing fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) for the huge amount at PNB's flagship Brady House Branch in south Mumbai, since 2011.

The bank's plea before the DRT Mumbai came shortly after the InterPol issued Red Corner Notices (RCNs) against Nirav Modi and other accused in the case.

Later in August, a Special Court under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, issued summons to Nirav Modi and others in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) plea.

The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have already raided 260 premises of the accused and non-bailable warrants of arrest are pending execution.

Barring some bank officials who have been arrested, all the other accused are still at large.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The EU on Monday welcomed Inddia's increasing role and responsibility on the global stage through its "ambitious foreign policy" and fast growing economy.

EU Foreign Ministers released a statement here, saying that the 28-member bloc "supports increased cooperation with India on common security interests such as counter-terrorism, radicalization, cyber security, hybrid threats, maritime security and non-proliferation and disarmament".

"Cooperation on crisis management, including military-to-military relations, should be pursued in order to enhance mutual confidence, joint assessments and responses," it said.

The bloc underlined the importance of the strategic partnership between the EU and India based on shared values of democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, commitment to the rules-based global order, effective multilateralism and sustainable development.

The ministers endorsed the Joint Communication "Elements for a European Union strategy on India" by the High Representative Federica Mogherini and the European Commission, which provides the policy framework for the bloc's deeper and broader engagement with India over the coming years.

Through their strategic partnership, the EU and India aim at jointly promoting peace and security and strengthening the rules-based global order, the statement said.

It added that to promote effective multilateralism, the EU will seek to coordinate positions with India to address common challenges and global issues, particularly at the UN, G20, WTO and other multilateral fora.

The partnership between the EU and India should benefit from an improved business environment in India, enhanced and fair market access, alignment with international standards and practices, enforcement of intellectual property rights and investment protection, the ministers said.

They welcomed enhanced Indian investments in Europe as a source of economic dynamism and invited Mogherini to boost cooperation with India on key foreign policy issues through regular exchanges and coordination, particularly on Iran, Afghanistan, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the protection of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

--IANS

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Beleaguered industrialist Vijay Mallya must be extradited from the UK to India to stand trial on charges of committing huge bank frauds, a London court ruled on Monday, saying there was no evidence that the prosecution was politically motivated.

"The criticism made of the possible effect of the considerable media attention which would attend a prosecution of Mallya is not significant enough for this court to find he would not have" a fair trial, The Westminster Magistrates Court's Emma Arbuthnot said.

"There is insufficient evidence for this court to find that he will not be tried by a competent and fair court," the court said.

The judge also noted that any suggestion that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) courts in India were too "pliable" when it came to CBI cases "is not borne out by reliable evidence".

Arbuthnot, a Senior District Judge, said she accepted the Indian government's contention that because Mallya had such a high profile, his trial would be under great scrutiny.

"I find that Mallya will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity... It will not be a trial by politicians. Courts are used to dealing with high profile cases which are accompanied by often ill-advised political commentary.

"I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do. As I have already said, the court will be under great scrutiny. I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt."

Referring to defence argument that there was abuse of legal process, the London judge said: "There is no evidence that the prosecution is politically motivated... I find no grounds for finding an abuse of process."

The judge said she was sending Mallya's case to the Home Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order his extradition.

The court ruling came six days after British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600 core AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, Christian Michael, was extradited to India after his arrest in Dubai.

Mallya fled from India in March 2016. But he has repeatedly denied fleeing the country and said he was ready to pay back the money he owed to Indian banks.

Earlier, before appearing in the court, Mallya told reporters: "Whatever the judgement, my legal team will review the judgement if required and take appropriate steps thereafter."

He said he offered to repay the public sector banks and employees what he owed.

"But that has nothing to do with this extradition decision, this is a completely separate matter."

Proceedings are on in the Mumbai Special Court against Mallya under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

Late in 2017, India filed extradition proceedings against Mallya which he has contested. He is currently on bail in London.

--IANS

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(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.)
Beleaguered industrialist Vijay Mallya must be extradited from the United Kingdom to India to stand trial on charges of committing huge bank frauds, a London court ruled on Monday, saying there was no evidence that the prosecution was politically motivated.

"The criticism made of the possible effect of the considerable media attention which would attend a prosecution of Mallya is not significant enough for this court to find he would not have a fair trial," Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot said.

"There is insufficient evidence for this court to find that he will not be tried by a competent and fair court," the court said.

The judge also noted that any suggestion that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) courts in India were too "pliable" when it came to CBI cases "is not borne out by reliable evidence".

Arbuthnot, a senior district judge, said she accepted the Indian government's contention that because Mallya had such a high profile, his trial would be under great scrutiny.

"I find that Mallya will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity... It will not be a trial by politicians. Courts are used to dealing with high profile cases which are accompanied by often ill-advised political commentary.

"I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do. As I have already said, the court will be under great scrutiny. I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt."

Referring to defence argument that there was abuse of legal process, the London judge said: "There is no evidence that the prosecution is politically motivated... I find no grounds for finding an abuse of process."

The judge said she was sending Mallya's case to the Home Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order his extradition.

The court ruling came six days after British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, Christian Michael, was extradited to India after his arrest in Dubai.

Mallya fled India in March 2016 but he has repeatedly denied fleeing the country and said he was ready to pay back the money he owed to Indian banks.

Earlier, before appearing in the court, Mallya told reporters: "Whatever the judgement, my legal team will review the judgement if required and take appropriate steps thereafter."

He said he offered to repay the public sector banks and employees what he owed.

"But that has nothing to do with this extradition decision, this is a completely separate matter."

Asked whether his offer of repaying the banks were genuine, he said: "There is nothing genuine or ingenuine. The offer has been made before a court of law, nobody disrespects the court of law by making bogus offers."

He also said that his assets have been attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on their own admission, so they cannot be bogus assets.

"Today, those very same assets are before the court. The ED and the banks are fighting over the same assets. Same assets have a value that is more than enough to pay everybody and that is exactly what I am focusing on," he said.

Welcoming the London court decision, the CBI officials in New Delhi hoped to bring Mallya back to India soon and said that the agency was always strong on facts and legally it was confident while pursuing the extradition process.

Proceedings are on in the Mumbai Special Court against Mallya under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

Kingfisher began defaulting on loans in 2009-10.

Late in 2017, India filed extradition proceedings against Mallya which he has contested. He is currently on bail in London.

On June 22, the ED had moved the Special PMLA Court to declare Mallya a "fugitive economic offender" and confiscate all his properties, estimated at more than Rs 12,000 crore, making it the first such case of its kind under the new FEOA (Fugitive Economic Offender Act) law.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
For the second time in history, a human-made object has reached the space between the stars. NASA's Voyager 2 probe now has exited the heliosphere - the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields created by the Sun.

Members of NASA's Voyager team will discuss the findings at a news conference at 11 a.m. EST (8 a.m. PST) today at the meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in Washington. The news conference will stream live on the agency's website.

Comparing data from different instruments aboard the trailblazing spacecraft, mission scientists determined the probe crossed the outer edge of the heliosphere on Nov. 5. This boundary, called the heliopause, is where the tenuous, hot solar wind meets the cold, dense interstellar medium. Its twin, Voyager 1, crossed this boundary in 2012, but Voyager 2 carries a working instrument that will provide first-of-its-kind observations of the nature of this gateway into interstellar space.

Voyager 2 now is slightly more than 11 billion miles (18 billion kilometers) from Earth. Mission operators still can communicate with Voyager 2 as it enters this new phase of its journey, but information - moving at the speed of light - takes about 16.5 hours to travel from the spacecraft to Earth. By comparison, light traveling from the Sun takes about eight minutes to reach Earth.

The most compelling evidence of Voyager 2's exit from the heliosphere came from its onboard Plasma Science Experiment (PLS), an instrument that stopped working on Voyager 1 in 1980, long before that probe crossed the heliopause. Until recently, the space surrounding Voyager 2 was filled predominantly with plasma flowing out from our Sun. This outflow, called the solar wind, creates a bubble - the heliosphere - that envelopes the planets in our solar system. The PLS uses the electrical current of the plasma to detect the speed, density, temperature, pressure and flux of the solar wind. The PLS aboard Voyager 2 observed a steep decline in the speed of the solar wind particles on Nov. 5. Since that date, the plasma instrument has observed no solar wind flow in the environment around Voyager 2, which makes mission scientists confident the probe has left the heliosphere.

"Working on Voyager makes me feel like an explorer, because everything we're seeing is new," said John Richardson, principal investigator for the PLS instrument and a principal research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. "Even though Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause in 2012, it did so at a different place and a different time, and without the PLS data. So we're still seeing things that no one has seen before."

In addition to the plasma data, Voyager's science team members have seen evidence from three other onboard instruments - the cosmic ray subsystem, the low energy charged particle instrument and the magnetometer - that is consistent with the conclusion that Voyager 2 has crossed the heliopause. Voyager's team members are eager to continue to study the data from these other onboard instruments to get a clearer picture of the environment through which Voyager 2 is traveling.

"There is still a lot to learn about the region of interstellar space immediately beyond the heliopause," said Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist based at Caltech in Pasadena, California.

Together, the two Voyagers provide a detailed glimpse of how our heliosphere interacts with the constant interstellar wind flowing from beyond. Their observations complement data from NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX), a mission that is remotely sensing that boundary. NASA also is preparing an additional mission - the upcoming Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), due to launch in 2024 - to capitalize on the Voyagers' observations.

"Voyager has a very special place for us in our heliophysics fleet," said Nicola Fox, director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. "Our studies start at the Sun and extend out to everything the solar wind touches. To have the Voyagers sending back information about the edge of the Sun's influence gives us an unprecedented glimpse of truly uncharted territory."

While the probes have left the heliosphere, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have not yet left the solar system, and won't be leaving anytime soon. The boundary of the solar system is considered to be beyond the outer edge of the Oort Cloud, a collection of small objects that are still under the influence of the Sun's gravity. The width of the Oort Cloud is not known precisely, but it is estimated to begin at about 1,000 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun and to extend to about 100,000 AU. One AU is the distance from the Sun to Earth. It will take about 300 years for Voyager 2 to reach the inner edge of the Oort Cloud and possibly 30,000 years to fly beyond it.

The Voyager probes are powered using heat from the decay of radioactive material, contained in a device called a radioisotope thermal generator (RTG). The power output of the RTGs diminishes by about four watts per year, which means that various parts of the Voyagers, including the cameras on both spacecraft, have been turned off over time to manage power.

"I think we're all happy and relieved that the Voyager probes have both operated long enough to make it past this milestone," said Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. "This is what we've all been waiting for. Now we're looking forward to what we'll be able to learn from having both probes outside the heliopause."

Voyager 2 launched in 1977, 16 days before Voyager 1, and both have traveled well beyond their original destinations. The spacecraft were built to last five years and conduct close-up studies of Jupiter and Saturn. However, as the mission continued, additional flybys of the two outermost giant planets, Uranus and Neptune, proved possible. As the spacecraft flew across the solar system, remote-control reprogramming was used to endow the Voyagers with greater capabilities than they possessed when they left Earth. Their two-planet mission became a four-planet mission. Their five-year lifespans have stretched to 41 years, making Voyager 2 NASA's longest running mission.

The Voyager story has impacted not only generations of current and future scientists and engineers, but also Earth's culture, including film, art and music. Each spacecraft carries a Golden Record of Earth sounds, pictures and messages. Since the spacecraft could last billions of years, these circular time capsules could one day be the only traces of human civilization.

Voyager's mission controllers communicate with the probes using NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), a global system for communicating with interplanetary spacecraft. The DSN consists of three clusters of antennas in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia.

The Voyager Interstellar Mission is a part of NASA's Heliophysics System Observatory, sponsored by the Heliophysics Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. JPL built and operates the twin Voyager spacecraft. NASA's DSN, managed by JPL, is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. The network also supports selected Earth-orbiting missions. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia's national science agency, operates both the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, part of the DSN, and the Parkes Observatory, which NASA has been using to downlink data from Voyager 2 since Nov. 8.

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Five-time former Meghalaya Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, who had quit the Congress, on Monday joined the ruling National People's Party (NPP) after his appointment as Chief Advisor to the nine-month-old Conrad Sangma-led government.

Lapang joining the tribal-centric NPP was a major blow to the Congress in the northeastern state as it came ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"Lapang joining NPP has added tremendous value to the party. His experience, wisdom and knowledge will guide the party to grow further as we propagate the agenda of raising the concerns of the people of Meghalaya and Northeast," Sangma said.

Accusing the Congress party of neglecting senior party leaders, the Chief Minister said: "It pains me to see that Congress party has adopted a policy of use and throw. I really wonder if they can use and throw Lapang, what they can do to the common citizen of Meghalaya and their party members."

Claiming that people across India are rejecting the Congress for its partisan politics, Sangma, who is also the NPP national president said: "In NPP, we respect our seniors, we respect our elders, and a person of the stature of Lapang will be an inspiration for everyone in NPP."

Lapang had quit the Congress - with which he was associated for over four decades - on September 14, saying it had embarked on a policy of phasing out senior and elderly people.

"I am opening a new chapter in my career. I have been in for 50 long years and have been serving this constituency (Nongpoh) for 40 years and also in different capacities.

"Today, I could see that with changing of time we have to also update ourselves and I find it fit that in my last political journey, I should associate myself with a party that is workable and is acceptable by the people of Meghalaya," he said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former West Bengal minister Abdus Sattar, who severed his long association with the CPI-M last year, on Monday joined the Congress, calling it the only party capable of challenging the communal policies of the BJP.

Sattar, who served as Minister of State for Minorities Development during the Left Front regime, was welcomed into the Congress by state party chief Somen Mitra and in-charge of Bengal Gaurav Gogoi.

"I decided to join the Congress after I became convinced it is the only party that can stand up to the communal onslaught launched by the BJP across the country," Sattar told mediapersons at the state Congress headquarters Bidhan Bhavan.

Sattar had not renewed his membership of the Communist Party of India-Marxist in 2017. Since then, he had not been associated with any party.

--IANS

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The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Centre and the Delhi government to respond to a plea seeking directions to allow the entry of women into the sanctum sanctorum of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.

The court was hearing a plea seeking directions for framing of guidelines to ensure the entry of women and declare the act of prohibiting women to enter as unconstitutional.

A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice Kameswar Rao asked the Ministries of Home Affairs, Law and Justice, the Delhi government, Delhi Police and Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Trust to file the response and listed the matter for further hearing to April 11, 2019.

The plea was filed by Deeba Faryal and other female law students of the Balaji Law College, Pune, who are presently in Delhi for their internship.

The petitioners, in the plea, stated that they had gone to visit the Dargah but they were prohibited from entering the sanctum sanctorum.

"They (law students) found out that women are not allowed inside the main Darghah or the sanctum sanctorum. All the women were allowed to do was to watch from outside how men were praying inside," said the plea filed by advocate Kamlesh Kumar Mishra.

"While the entire nation is professing and advocating the entry of women in all religious institutions without any discrimination and the same having been further allowed and promoted by the Supreme Court in the recent Sabarimala judgement, women in the heart of the country and the centre of the capital are being discriminated. Their entry into the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin is prohibited when it is just 15 minutes away from the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court," read the plea.

The plea has also sought the removal of signs and display boards inside or near the Dargah displaying prohibition of entry of women.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian software major HCL Technologies on Monday said it has got a five-year contract from multinational life insurance, pensions and asset management company Aegon.

Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, Aegon serves nearly 29 million customers and employs over 28,000 people worldwide.

The application services deal will see HCL continue as Aegon's digital transformation partner, helping to accelerate innovation by establishing and managing a new multi-vendor ecosystem, HCL said.

"Our business strategy is centred on digital-first, which is paramount to our ability to drive service innovation, attract new customers and to drive efficiencies," Anke Schlichting, Chief Technology Officer at Aegon, said in a statement.

The software major will also help implement an agile delivery model to reduce Aegon's time to market and introduce greater efficiencies through improved application lifecycle management and automation.

HCL has been a strategic IT services partner to Aegon Netherlands since 2004.

"We're looking forward to continuing our support for Aegon on its successful digital leadership journey," said Sudip Lahiri, Senior Vice President and Head of Financial Services, Europe at HCL Technologies.

"Aegon was one of HCL's first major customers in continental Europe and we are especially proud of what we've accomplished to date," Lahiri said.

HCL said it works with over 100 organisations in the insurance sector globally.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
"I can't breathe," were the last words uttered by Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi before he was killed by a Saudi hit squad at the country's consulate in Istanbul in October, a CNN report said.

An informed source, who has read a translated transcript of an audio recording of the journalist's painful last moments, told CNN on Sunday it was clear that the killing on October 2 was no botched rendition attempt, but the execution of a premeditated plan to murder Khashoggi.

The transcript begins at the moment Khashoggi enters the Saudi consulate in a quiet residential district of Istanbul at lunchtime on October 2.

Khashoggi thought he had made a routine appointment to pick up papers that would allow him to marry his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, but he soon found out that something was wrong when he recognised one of the men who meets him.

According to CNN's source, a voice identified in the transcript as Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, a former Saudi diplomat and intelligence official working for Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and known to Khashoggi from their time together at the Saudi Embassy in London, addresses him.

"You are coming back," the man says.

"You can't do that," Khashoggi replies. "People are waiting outside."

Without any further dialogue, according to the source, the transcript indicates that several people set upon Khashoggi.

Noises follow and very quickly Khashoggi is fighting for air.

"I can't breathe," Khashoggi says. "I can't breathe. I can't breathe."

The transcript notes the sounds of the journalist's body then being dismembered by a saw, as the alleged perpetrators were advised to listen to music to block out the sound.

However, it does not specify the exact moment of Khashoggi's death.

According to the source, the transcript notes that at least three phone calls were placed by Mutreb and according to Turkish officials, the calls were made to senior figures in Riyadh.

The original transcript of the audio was prepared by Turkish intelligence services but they have not revealed how they obtained the audio.

In response to the development, a Saudi official told CNN: "The relevant Saudi security officials have reviewed the transcript and tape materials through Turkish security channels and nowhere in them is there any reference or indication of a call being made.

"If there is additional information Turkish authorities have that we are unaware of, we would welcome it being officially handed over to us for review."

The official did not address the transcript's characterisation of the scene inside the Saudi consulate, nor Khashoggi's last words.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The two-week long India-China military exercise in Chengdu city will have a positive impact on bilateral ties, an official said here on Monday.

The world's largest standing armies, which hurled stones at each other at their disputed border and faced-off for 73 days in Doklam, jointly kicked off a counter-terrorism drill on Monday that will continue till December 23.

"I hope the India-China joint military exercise can have good result," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said here at a press briefing.

"I hope exchanges between the two militaries can achieve positive outcomes, thus injecting impetus to the bilateral ties.

"After the Wuhan meet between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China and India have reached consensus on many issues," Lu said.

"Since the beginning of this year, Xi has met Modi four times. I think the two countries should implement the consensus reached between the two leaders including the contact between the two militaries."

The Indian Army contingent led by Colonel Puneet Tomar arrived in Chengdu for the "Hand-In-Hand" exercise which will be the 7th version of the drill.

The military stand-off between both armies in Doklam plateau severely hit ties and led to the cancellation of the exercise in 2017.

The drills, which aim at enhancing their counter-terrorism capabilities and mutual understanding, will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training.

Chengdu is the capital of China's southwestern province Sichuan which comes under the Western Theatre Command, the newly-formed of the five war zones of the People's Liberation Army.

Tibet also comes under the same command.

India and China have the world's 9th longest border which is largely disputed. The two went to war in 1962 and have had military skirmishes since then.

Their latest and one of the most serious showdowns was last year at Doklam, a contested region between China and Bhutan close to India's arterial highway where the Chinese were building a road.

Both sides are in talks to set up a military hotline to avert a Doklam-like crisis in the future.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Reacting to RBI Governor Urjit Patel's sudden resignation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday appreciated his services to the nation and said it was a pleasure working with him.

"The government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Urjit Patel to this country, both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of the RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship," Jaitley tweeted.

"I wish Patel all the very best and many more years of public service," he said in another tweet.

Patel, who took charge of the central bank on September 4, 2016, resigned from the post of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor with immediate effect on Monday, citing "personal reasons".

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately," he said in a statement released by the RBI.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Software major Adobe on Monday said James McCready who heads the company's Japan business is expanding his role to lead the Asia Pacific (APAC) operations as well.

McCready, who was appointed the President of Adobe Japan in April this year, has extensive experience leading enterprise and commercial businesses in Asia and the US.

Prior to joining Adobe, McCready was Vice President of APAC and Japan at Dell EMC, leading sales strategy and execution, as well as platforms and solutions.

"James brings incredible experience to Adobe and I look forward to seeing him continue to grow Adobe's business across APAC in his expanded role," said Matt Thompson, Adobe Executive Vice President of Worldwide Field Operations.

The announcement follows the appointment of Paul Robson as President of Adobe in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Robson joined Adobe in November 2011 and has held various roles, most recently leading the company's APAC business.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With the Kerala government extending prohibitory orders in Sabarimala until Wednesday, the Congress-led UDF on Monday disrupted Assembly proceedings for the sixth consecutive day.

While Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers took to the streets across the state, the party has called for a Thiruvananthapuram shutdown on Tuesday to protest so-called "police high-handedness".

Both the Congress and the BJP have been protesting against the Kerala government as it has been extending the prohibitory orders in the temple town ever since the Lord Ayyappa shrine opened on November 16.

The protests by three UDF legislators in the foyer of the House entered the eighth day on Monday.

Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala told the media in the Assembly they came in with a lot of expectation on Monday after Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan called them for a meeting.

"We thought we would get good news that the government has decided to lift the prohibitory orders in Sabarimala. But we were told that it was not ready for it. We want the prohibitory orders to go as it will send a message across the country that the temple town is peaceful," he said.

"It has been 23 days since the festival season began and till now only 8.5 million pilgrims have come. Had things been peaceful, the number of pilgrims arriving would have increased like any season in the past."

The average number of pilgrims who normally arrive in the temple town over the past seasons was at least 1 lakh a day.

BJP General Secretary A.N. Radhakrishnan's indefinite fast in front of the state Secretariat entered the eighth day on Monday.

Union IT Minister K.J. Alphonse, after visiting Radhakrishnan, urged the Kerala government to work in a democratic manner.

"We live in a democratic country and those in power should stick to democratic traditions when dealing with issues," said Alphonse.

The Kerala government has promised to implement the apex court's verdict that struck down a hitherto tradition of not allowing girls and women within 10-50 years from visiting the temple.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
RLSP leader Upendra Kushwaha on Monday quit the BJP-led NDA and the Modi government, charging Prime Minister Narendra Modi with betraying Bihar and with pursuing an "opaque style of functioning and non-democratic leadership style".

Kushwaha, who is the second BJP ally to quit the Modi government after the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), said in his resignation to Modi that the Union Cabinet "has been reduced to a mere rubber stamp".

"Constitutional offices are being undermined and virtually every institution in the government has been subjected to political appropriation," he said in the letter, echoing the charges increasingly made by the opposition.

"Ministers and officers posted in ministries have become figureheads as virtually all decisions are taken by you, your office and BJP President (which is anti-Constitutional)."

The Rashtriya Lok Samata Party leader said the government was pursuing "the agenda of RSS" which he said was "anti-Constitutional and neglecting and subverting the agenda of social justice enshrined in the Constitution for which we supported the NDA".

Kushwaha has been at loggerheads with both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) for some time. As meetings he had sought with Modi and BJP President Amit Shah did not materialize, he came for praise from RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.

"Having served in your Council of Ministers for the last 55 months, I stand dejected and betrayed by your leadership," he said in the letter sent to Modi.

"There has been a fundamental conflict in what you have promised to the people before elections and what you have actually delivered after coming to power."

"The promise of providing a special package (to Bihar) has been the biggest 'jumla'," he said in the resignation letter.

"The fact of the matter is that under your leadership grave and unprecedented injustice has been committed upon the people of Bihar, I say with a sense of deep regret and sorrow."

He told the media that the government had been working to the agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) and that many with RSS background had been made Vice Chancellors across the country.

Asked if he would join an opposition alliance or merge his party with Sharad Yadav's Loktantrik Janata Dal or work for a third alternative in Bihar, he said: "All options are open for us. We would be taking a call in the coming days."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Virginia Beach to study reforesting southern parts of city to battle flooding















699 Shares Peter Coutu, peter.coutu@pilotonline.com













699 Shares Peter Coutu Peter Coutu is a reporter on the Virginia Beach team, covering the southern parts of the city, sea level rise, flooding and transportation. He joined the paper in 2018 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. peter.coutu@pilotonline.com

Good action. After attending the 2016 international conference on mangrove trees hosted by UF IFAS and Flagler College, I started talking to local boards about the need to use mangroves as natural shorelines. Here's the news from Virginia Beach, another threatened costal community, about planting trees to prevent flooding. Let's do it here..Virginia Beach to ponder planting trees to prevent floodingBy The Associated PressDecember 7, 2018 1:45 pmVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP)  Virginias largest city will study an idea it hopes will control flooding on its southern side.The Virginian-Pilot reports Virginia Beach Councilwoman Barbara Henley is leading an effort to examine how forests could help prevent flooding and where those trees would provide the most benefits.The study will identify which existing forests are integral to prevent flooding and where strategic reforestation would provide the most benefits. City leaders say more foliage wont eliminate the issue, but it could be part of the solution.Last summer, southern Virginia Beach faced two major flooding events, which longtime residents said was the worst theyd ever seen. Prior to City Council elections, flooding was the major issue.Virginia Techs Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation will conduct the analysis.___Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.comCopyright  2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
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French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday met key trade union leaders, businessmen and senior ministers to address rising discontent in the country amid the violent "yellow vests" protests that have challenged his grip on power.

The emergency meeting took place at the Elysee Palace in the morning and saw Macron, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and trade union leaders to attempt to come up with solutions to growing social unrest.

The General Confederation of Labour's (CGT) Director Phillipe Martinez, who attended the meeting, said in a statement that he would not be used by the government to project an image of dialogue when it wasn't acknowledging the plight of the people, Efe news reported.

The CGT went on to say that it expected a proposal of specific measures that could be put into place immediately, in particular, a 20 per cent rise of the minimum wage bringing it up to 1,800 euros ($2,052) per annum, a hike in pensions and a "social justice" reform to re-establish a wealth tax.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Mair said that the government rejected a 1.8 per cent minimum wage.

The "gilet jaunes" ("yellow vests") demonstrations started as a protest against plans to hike of fuel taxes but grew into broader anti-government protests over time.

Macron put the fuel increases on hold but the protests were not abated. About 1,723 people were taken in for questioning and 1,220 were taken into custody during last weekend, said the Interior Ministry.

Across the country, 135 people were reported injured.

The French President is facing criticism with demonstrators marching against the rise of living costs, the scrapping of the "fortune tax" and accusations that the former banker has done little to address the inequality in French society.

Further pressure grew over the weekend with the police firing rubber bullets and hundreds of canisters of tear gas at the demonstrators, some of whom set vehicles on fire during Saturday's protests.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A man charged with the murder of a British backpacker in New Zealand appeared in a court here on Monday.

Grace Millane disappeared in Auckland on December 1. Police ended their search on Sunday after finding a body on the outskirts of the city, the BBC reported.

According to court documents, the man had been living at the Citylife Hotel on Queen Street in central Auckland, which is where Millane was last seen.

Documents also showed that the police believe the University of Lincoln graduate was killed between December 1 and 2.

Millane had been travelling alone in New Zealand for two weeks, following a six-week group trip through South America.

The announcement on Saturday by police that Millane was "no longer alive" followed a review of CCTV footage, the forensic examination of a hotel where she was last seen, and the discovery of a vehicle.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UK Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed that Tuesday's crucial House of Commons vote on her Brexit deal will be postponed.

Even before May confirmed the decision, the pound fell to an 18-month low, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday.

Just hours after 10 Downing Street insisted the vote would go ahead Tuesday night as planned, May addressed MPs in the House of Commons to tell them of their change of plan.

May told MPs there was opposition to the Irish border issue, the so-called backstop, and if the vote went ahead Tuesday, it would be lost by a large margin.

She said she would now hold emergency talks with EU leaders to discuss possible changes to the backstop. She told MPs no deal with Europe was possible without a backstop clause in the agreement.

May said the challenge of the border issue must be met with real and workable solutions. She will consider ways of how MPs can be given a say over the introduction of a backstop.

A key part of the Brexit negotiations was about the border that separates Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The agreement on the border was contained in the Britain-EU Brexit deal.

Both London and Brussels committed to avoiding the return of a "hard border" -- physical checks or infrastructure -- after Britain leaves the EU in March 2019.

She held a telephone conference with her senior cabinet ministers on Monday when she informed them of her decision.

Despite Downing Street's insistence that the vote would proceed there was a frenzy of claims over the weekend the vote would be called off.

The Guardian newspaper in London said it was a clear admission by the prime minister that she does not believe she can get her unpopular EU withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons.

Political commentators had predicted she would be facing a disastrous three-digit defeat when the vote takes place, with up to 100 of her own Conservative voting with opposition politicians.

In her speech, May added the government will step up its planning for a no-deal Brexit.

With Britain due to leave the EU on March 29 next year, the Brexit bill must meet a January 21 deadline for a vote in parliament.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UK Prime Minister Theresa May is likely to postpone Tuesday's key parliamentary vote on her Brexit plan, the media reported on Monday, amid predictions that she would suffer a "significant" defeat that could threaten to end her premiership and topple the government.

British media reports cited government sources as saying that May would inform MPs in the House of Commons about the delay in a statement later in the day. However, Downing Street insisted that the vote would go ahead.

The pound fell sharply following the reports, shedding 0.5 per cent versus the US dollar to stand at $1.26. Against the euro, the pound was 0.8 per cent down at 1.10 euros, the BBC reported.

May's Commons address will be followed by a statement from the leader of the House, Andrea Leadsom. Later, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will also make a statement on Article 50 -- the legal mechanism taking the UK out of the EU on March 29.

According to the Guardian, a vote could take place next week or even be delayed till early January. The ultimate deadline for the vote is January 21.

The deal has been agreed with the EU, but it needs to be backed by the UK Parliament if it is to become law ahead of the UK's departure.

The news followed the European Court of Justice's ruling earlier in the day that the UK could cancel Brexit without the permission of the other 27 bloc members.

The court in a statement said: "When a member state has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the EU, as the UK has done, that member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification."

"That possibility exists for as long as a withdrawal agreement concluded between the EU and that member state has not entered into force or, if no such agreement has been concluded, for as the two-year period from the date of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, and any possible extension, has not expired," stated the ruling tweeted by the court.

The judges ruled that this could be done without altering the terms of Britain's membership. The court rejected arguments from both the UK government and the European Commission that Article 50, the two-year-long process that triggers a member state's departure from the EU, could not be revoked unilaterally.

The case was brought to the European Court of Justice by a cross-party group of Scottish lawmakers.

The court ruling matched legal advice given to the court last week by its Advocate General Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona, who said as a sovereign country Britain could reverse its decision even at this stage.

This legal decision was significant because it meant Britain can prevent a no-deal Brexit from happening if it wanted, even if May's deal was voted down by MPs.

May, whose Conservative Party executive wields a minority in the Commons, enacted Article 50 on March 29, 2017, meaning the UK is due to withdraw from the EU on March 29, 2019, with or without a deal.

She is due to attend a meeting of European leaders on Saturday, at which the parliamentary impasse over Brexit is likely to be top of the agenda.

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday ruled out the possibility of further negotiations with London, saying that the draft deal has already been unanimously adopted by member states.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Naredndra Modi on Monday appealed to all MPs at an all-party meeting to utilize the winter session of Parliament well as it will be the last full-fledged session before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing an all-party meet at Parliament House a day before the session commences, Modi said the government was ready to discuss all issues as per rules and procedures and was open to the opposition's inputs for better working of Parliament.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar briefed the media on what transpired in the meeting.

"The Prime Minister said that we all need to cooperate with each other on the issues of public interest. He underlined that in a democracy both the government and the opposition share their inputs for efficient governance," Tomar said, quoting the Prime Minister.

"The Prime Minister also said that the government was ready to discuss all issues as per rules and procedures. If anybody wants to bring something to the government's notice inside the House or even outside, we are open to it," he added.

Tomar said that all the political parties present at the meeting have assured full cooperation in the smooth functioning of Parliament.

Asked if the government was ready for a JPC probe in the Rafale fighter jets deal, he said the opposition had several issues including Rafale, farmers' plight and economy "but they would have to prioritise things as the session was only four weeks long.

"These things can be settled in the Business Advisory Meetings," he added.

The Minister said a legislation on Ram Mandir was "not the topic of today's discussion".

"When something to this effect comes up, we will let you know," he said.

He said the government had 46 items on the agenda including three ordinances, Supplementary Budget and government legislations.

The session would have 20 sittings spread over 29 days.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Naredndra Modi on Monday sought cooperation of opposition parties in smooth running of the winter session of Parliament as the Congress sought a JPC probe into Rafale deal, discussion on "misuse" of EVMs and discussion on problems concerning farmers.

Modi, who took part in an all-party meeting convened by the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry ahead of the winter session, said the government is always receptive to issues raised by political parties.

The government agenda for the session, which is the last full session before the Lok Sabha elections next year, has 46 items including 45 bills.

Talking to the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh said Modi underlined that in a democracy both the government and the opposition share their inputs for efficient governance.

"The Prime Minister said that the government was ready to discuss all issues as per rules and procedures. If anybody wants to bring something to the government's notice inside the House or even outside, we are open to it," Tomar said.

Modi urged political parties to create constructive atmosphere during the session and to collectively address issues concerning people. "It is our prime responsibility to contribute to the service of the nation and its people by ensuring smooth functioning of the Parliament," he said.

Tomar said all political parties present at the meeting have assured full cooperation for smooth functioning of Parliament.

Asked if the government was ready for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale fighter jets deal, he said the opposition had several issues including Rafale, farmers' plight and economy "but they would have to prioritise things as the session was only four weeks long. "These things can be settled in the Business Advisory Meetings," he added.

The Minister said a legislation on Ram Mandir was "not the topic of today's discussion".

"When something to this effect comes up, we will let you know," he said.

The government will bring three bills to replace ordinances - Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2018, Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 and the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said the Congress will press for a JPC inquiry into the Rafale deal and raise the issue of alleged misuse of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Azad said the party will also seek discussion on "misuse of investigative agencies" by the government to target political rivals, problems faced by farmers, fall in the value of rupee, rise in prices of petroleum products, security of women and "erosion of RBI autonomy".

"We have been demanding for a long time that there should be a JPC probe into the Rafale scam but the government has failed to take a decision. We have again urged it to form a JPC," he said.

Azad said it is important for democracy that voters have faith on EVMs.

"But unfortunately since the BJP came to power, people have lost faith in EVMs because the ruling party is misusing them. In the recent Assembly polls, this crossed all limits. EVM machines were found in houses, hotels, on roads, they were being taken unprotected in buses and jeeps...," he said.

"There is a big doubt, a question mark whether elections were free and fair or being held under the watch of the government."

The session will have a total of 20 sittings spread over a period of 29 days.

Some important pending legislations expected to be considered and passed during the Session are The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2018, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2018, the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018, and the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017.

Some bills expected to be introduced are The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCIM) Bill, 2018, and the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

The meeting was attended by Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge and Anand Sharma, TMC's Sudeep Bandhopadyay and Derek O'Brien, TDP's C.M. Ramesh, CPI's D.Raja, SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav, AAP's Bhagwant Mann and Sanjay Singh, NC's Farooq Abdullah, RJD's J.P. Yadav, NCP's Majid Memon and RSP's N.K. Premchandran.

Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Arun Jaitley, Vijay Goel, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Anupriya Patel, Shiv Sena's Chandrakant Khaire and LJP's Chirag Paswan were also present at the meeting.

The session, which will be held in the backdrop of results of assembly polls, would have 20 sittings spread over 29 days.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will address a public meeting in Dharamsala town on December 27, the day the state BJP government is completing its one year tenure, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Monday.

The Chief Minister said thousands of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the state government along with the general public would participate in the rally which would be made a historic event.

He said that an exhibition showcasing one-year achievements of the state would also be highlighted during the occasion.

Thakur said Shah along with national BJP leaders and minister would also attend the rally.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) C. Rangarajan on Monday said he was "saddened" and "surprised" at the resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel.

"It is saddening since the resignation of RBI Governor will have its impact on the financial market. The government should act immediately and appoint a new Governor," Rangarajan told IANS.

The former Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Rangarajan said: "Though he (Patel) has cited as personal reasons for quitting, obviously there must have been some reasons for his resignation."

As to the reason for his surprise, Rangarajan, who is also former Chairman of Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council during 2009-2014 said: "I had thought many of the issues (between RBI and the Central government) were resolved in the last board meeting of RBI and the remaining issues would also be sorted out."

According to Rangarajan, it looked as if the issues between RBI and the Centre got resolved, with one or two other things remained to be resolved with the appointment of committees.

Rangarajan said whether the RBI to be board driven or not remained to be resolved.

On Monday, RBI Governor Patel announced his resignation with immediate effect citing "personal reasons".

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately," he said in a brief statement released by the RBI.

"It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the RBI in various capacities over the years. The support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been the proximate driver of the Bank's considerable accomplishments in recent years.

"I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and Directors of the RBI Central Board and wish them all the best for the future," Patel said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Myanmar court will hear later this month the appeal of two Reuters reporters jailed on charges of violating a colonial-era Act while investigating the killing of Rohingyas in the country, one of their lawyers said on Monday.

Lawyer Than Zaw Aung, who is part of the legal team representing journalists Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, told Efe news that the appeal hearing will begin on December 24.

The journalists were arrested on the night of December 12, 2017, in possession of documents which they say had just been handed to them by two police officers.

The reporters were investigating a massacre of Muslim minority Rohingya in Inn Dinn village of Rakhine state, for which seven Myanmar soldiers were later sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour.

Authorities charged the reporters under the Official Secrets Act for obtaining confidential documents about the military operation in Rakhine, which the Army had launched after a series of attacks by an insurgent Rohingya group on border posts on August 25, 2017.

On September 3, a court in Yangon declared the journalists guilty and sentenced them to seven years each in prison.

Around 725,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh following the violent military offensive in which UN investigators found elements of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Tamil Nadu Minister on Monday told the Karnataka government that a discussion on the Mekedatu dam project was not possible as the matter was sub-judice.

C.V. Shanmugam, Minister for Law, Courts and Prisons, in a letter urged the Karnataka government not to proceed with the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Mekedatu, violating the Supreme Court order.

The letter was addressed to D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka's Minister for Water Resources and Medical Education.

Shanmugam was responding to a letter by Shivakumar sent on December 6 seeking an appointment with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami to discuss the project.

"The request of the Karnataka government to discuss about the project with Tamil Nadu is an attempt to impede the proceedings pending on the application filed on November 30 by Tamil Nadu and also the Contempt Proceedings initiated against you and others in the Supreme Court on December 5 and the matter has now become sub-judice," Shanmugam said.

The Minister said that the Karnataka government should not take up any construction activities in the Cauvery Basin without prior consent from Tamil Nadu.

"Any construction or even preparation of a Detailed Project Report for construction of any new reservoir/project is a clear violation of the judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court dated 16.2.2018."

According to Shanmugam, the Karnataka government in violation of the February 16 apex court judgement has obtained permission from the Central Water Commission to go ahead with the preparation of a DPR for the Mekedatu project, without informing and getting the concurrence of Tamil Nadu or of any other co-basin state.

Shanmugam said the Karnataka government has not informed the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), which is an authority established for the implementation of the decision of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal as modified by the Supreme Court.

--IANS

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A mere three weeks away from mandatory retirement, Foiled Again ($2.20) withstood three strong challenges en route to a gritty 1:54.2 win  the 108th of his career  in Sunday's (Dec. 9) $10,000 Foiled Again Farewell Tour Invitational at Harrah's Philadelphia.

The richest pacer of all time and usual driver Yannick Gingras were tested from the outset by Cabbies Delight (driven by George Napolitano Jr.), but held their ground through a :27.4 first-quarter duel. After rating a comfortable :57 half, the 14-year-old son of Dragon Again faced first-over pressure from Machtu N (Brett Miller) up the far side of the course. Machtu N worked to within half a length of the lead past three-quarters in 1:25.4 before Foiled Again dismissed that challenger, only for Cabbies Delight to re-emerge up the open stretch.

Driven out to the winning post, Foiled Again refused to lose, parrying Cabbies Delight's inside challenge by a quarter length for his tenth seasonal score. Hypothetical (Tony Morgan) made late inroads to take third.

"There's tears every time I get to sit behind him, and it gets harder every time," said an emotional Gingras, after the win over the same racetrack Foiled Again made a name for himself in 2008 with ten wins, eight of them against open competition.

"There's no doubt that he's helped me to get to where I'm at."

Trainer Ron Burke expressed similar sentiments of the veteran, whose farewell tour will wrap up on December 31 at The Meadows.

It's really energized us as a barn and made us enjoy everything," Burke said about the tour before reminiscing about his star pacer's legacy.

"Probably at seven, he was better than everyone out there. All of a sudden, there wasn't anyone better, and he went for two or three years where he was the best horse in the country." In his 2011 campaign, Foiled Again won six $100,000 events en route to amassing well over $7.6 million in career earnings.

The Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and JJK Stables own Foiled Again, and have campaigned him since acquiring him in July of 2008.

Live racing resumes at Harrah's Philadelphia on Wednesday (Dec. 12); first post is slated for 12:25 p.m.

(Harrahs Philadelphia)
HMD Global that makes and sells Nokia branded phones on Monday launched Nokia 8.1 in India for Rs 26,999.

It is an Android One smartphone, which means it will have the latest Android version and regular security updates.

The device is essentially the global variant of the Nokia X7 that was launched in China in October and comes with features such as PureDisplay screen technology with HDR 10 support and Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset.

The smartphone runs on Android 9.0 Pie operating system (OS) and has 18W fast charging support coupled with a 3,500mAh battery.

"We've seen great success in the value flagship category with each of our smartphones in this class introducing new premium experiences to our fans. With the Nokia 8.1, we are pushing the boundaries in this segment," Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global, told reporters here.

The device features a 12MP main camera with ZEISS Optics, Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) superfast autofocus.

There's a 20MP front camera for selfies, too.

The Nokia 8.1 is the first Nokia smartphone to launch with Android 9 Pie out of the box.

The phone comes with 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage.

--IANS

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Chinese smartphone maker OPPO said it showcased in China a 5G prototype of its flagship Find X smartphone.

The OPPO Find X 5G prototype, powered by Snapdragon 855 and X50 5G modem, was unveiled at the 2018 China Mobile Global Partners Conference, which was held here from December 6-8.

"We are confident OPPO will be one of the first companies to launch commercial 5G smartphones in 2019," said Brian Shen, OPPO Global Vice President and President of China Business.

OPPO said it would work together with industry partners worldwide to develop a new 5G ecosystem.

At the event, OPPO, chip-making giant Qualcomm and Keysight Technologies Inc., a leading electronic measurement company, demonstrated 5G data connectivity and applications including browsing, online video replay and video call using the Find X 5G prototype, the handset maker said.

The OPPO Find X flagship smartphone was launched earlier this year.

In building a 5G ecosystem, OPPO said it would continue deepening its collaboration with Qualcomm, network infrastructure manufacturers, telecom service providers and other supply chain partners.

In China, OPPO is in a strategic partnership with China Mobile to accelerate the commercialisation of 5G devices and build a new ecosystem for the 5G industry through China Mobile's "5G Device Forerunner Initiative".

OPPO said it was also in talks with telecom service providers in Europe, Australia and other overseas markets, with plans to launch commercial 5G products next year.

--IANS

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A group of parishioners on Monday foiled an attempt by the Kerala Police to take control of their church.

Six women and three men reached the terrace of the St Mary's Syrian Jacobite Church in Piravom, after a strong posse of police officers came to take over the Church on the directive of the Supreme Court and hand it over to the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Piravom is around 25 kms from Kochi.

With hundreds of church faithfuls of the Jacobite faction up in arms and shouting slogans asking the police to withdraw, those at the terrace threatened to jump if the police made any attempt to take over the church.

Trouble has been simmering since 2017 when after decades of trial in the Supreme Court came the final verdict that said there was no ground for Jacobites to claim any of the churches of the Orthodox section.

For the Piravom church, the Supreme court last year, citing the original order of the Supreme Court (2017), granted absolute ownership to Orthodox church over all churches including Piravom church, and since then the Orthodox church has been pressurising the Pinarayi Vijayan government to ensure that the rule of law prevails.

But the government, knowing very well that any attempt to implement the apex court order could lead to a serious law and order issue, had been delaying it.

On Monday, the police force led by Rahul R. Nair, SP-Ernakulam (Rural), who spoke to the Jacobite church leadership, said they have no other go but to implement the court directive and hence all should cooperate.

With this the crowd got jittery and three men ran to the terrace of the church and doused themselves in kerosene and the parishioners started to chime the bell of the church.

Soon a group of six women appeared on the terrace and threatened to jump off the terrace, if the police failed to withdraw.

Sensing trouble, the police soon spread a net so that in case any of the protesters jumping off the terrace would fall in the net.

Top brass of the Jacobite church leadership including its supremo Catholicos Baselios Thomas I, when the action was taking outside, was praying inside the church. He later told the media that they wish Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan takes the lead for a conciliation talk with the other faction.

"He is one who has found solutions for vexed problems in our state and we wish he takes the lead for it and we will cooperate," said the supreme head of the Jacobite church.

Piravom constituency legislator Anup Jacob who belongs to the Jacobite church told the media that he has brought this a few times to the attention of Vijayan and his office.

"He is seized of the issue, but no action has been forthcoming from the state government. I had warned the local district authorities that things would go out of control, if any force is used, as was seen today (Monday)," said Jacob.

However, the Orthodox faction reacted to the media on the developments and said they were told by the police to come once they informed them that they had taken control of the church.

"We are ready and we are waiting for the information from police. The Kerala government does not appear that serious to implement the court verdict," said an Orthodox faction representative.

Incidentally, all the action took place a day ahead of a petition filed by the Orthodox church coming up for hearing in the Kerala High Court on Tuesday.

"All what happened on Monday was stage managed by the Kerala Police to avoid adverse remarks from the high court," said another Orthodox faction representative.

--IANS

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Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel's sudden resignation on Monday sent a shock wave across political and business arena as the country saw it as a mark of dissent and a clear danger to the credibility of the central bank.

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said: "It's probably only the second resignation in its (RBI) history, may be the first explicit resignation and therefore we have to look at the circumstances that have led to it. It's a statement of dissent and therefore the government has to be very careful in dealing with it...so that the autonomy of the institution as well as the credibility is preserved."

Rajan said that the act of resignation is the "ultimate weapon" in a government appointee's portfolio and they do not exercise it lightly. "To that extent we must look at this decision and understand why Dr Patel, who was appointed by this government, essentially exercised this particular option."

Earlier, RBI Governor Patel shocked the country by announcing his resignation from the apex bank with immediate effect citing personal reasons. The resignation has generated apprehensions in the market and a political slugfest with Congress blaming the Modi government for Patel's sudden departure.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said the Modi government has been attacking the autonomy of the central bank which eventually has culminated in Patel's resignation.

"We deprecate the systematic attack by the government on India's economy through a select band of government nominees arbitrarily dictating the monitory policies and compromising RBI's institutional integrity," Gandhi said.

He added that India needs a truthful government that does not propagate falsehoods but steadfastly follows Constitutional values and conventions in letter and spirit and "respects the autonomy of institutions, and that will banish the current all-pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation".

Even former Finance Miniser and Congress leader P. Chidambaram expressed his dismay over Patel's sudden decision to demit office.

"Saddened, not surprised, by Dr Urjit Patel's resignation. No self respecting scholar or academic can work in this government," Chidambaram said in a tweet.

"November 19 was the day of reckoning. Dr Patel should have resigned on that day. Patel may have thought that government would re-trace its steps. I knew it would not. Good, he quit before another humiliating meeting."

Patel's resignation comes in the backdrop of an ongoing tiff between the government and the central bank over liquidity issue, RBI reserves and whether a board should drive RBI which provoked an extraordinary meeting of the RBI board on November 19.

Concerned over the reasons that led Patel to resign and worried about its fallout on the market, former RBI Governor C. Rangarajan said the government should immediately fill the gap.

"It is saddening since the resignation of RBI Governor will have its impact on the financial market. The government should act immediately and appoint a new Governor. Though he (Patel) has cited as personal reasons for quitting, obviously there must have been some reasons for his resignation," Rangarajan told IANS.

As to the reason for his surprise, he said, "I had thought many of the issues (between RBI and the Central government) were resolved in the last board meeting of RBI and the remaining issues would also be sorted out."

RBI board member S. Gurumurthy said Patel's resignation is a setback to the effects of the convergence of views that was taking place.

"Surprised at the news that RBI governor has resigned. The previous meeting was held in such cordial atmosphere that it comes as a shock," he said on twitter.

--IANS

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Expressing sadness over RBI Governor Urjit Patel's resignation, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday said Patel's sudden decision to demit office is a severe blow to the Indian economy.

In a statement, Singh described Patel as an "economist of high repute and also someone who cared deeply about India's financial institutions and economic policy" and wished him success for future endeavours.

"Dr Patel's sudden resignation, at a time when the Indian economy is faced with many headwinds is very unfortunate and is a severe blow to the nation's economy," the statement quoted him as saying.

Earlier in the day, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Patel announcing his resignation from the apex bank with immediate effect citing personal reasons.

Taking a hit at the NDA government, Singh -- a senior Congress leader -- said: "I also sincerely hope that this sudden resignation of the Governor is not a harbinger of the Modi government's attempts to destroy the institutional foundations of India's $3-trillion economy."

"There have been apprehensions expressed earlier by the Deputy Governor of the RBI about the government's intent to raid the capital reserves of the RBI for fiscal purposes. I hope the resignation of the Governor is not a sign that this may soon become a reality," he added.

Patel's resignation comes in the backdrop of the ongoing tiff between the government and the central bank over the liquidity and credit crunch in the economy that provoked an extraordinary meeting of the RBI board on November 19.

--IANS

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Two days after arresting a soldier from Jammu for alleged involvement in the mob violence in Bulandshahr which killed a police officer and a civilian, the Uttar Pradesh Police admitted on Monday that it did not have enough proof against him.

Officials said they did not have conclusive proof so far against Jeetu Fauji to prove he had a hand in the killing of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh.

What had so far been proved is that Jeetu Fauji was at the scene of the crime and no more, police officials admitted.

The accused has also claimed innocence saying he was not involved in the murder of the police official or for that matter in the mob violence.

During his interrogation by the police and Special Task Force (STF), he admitted to be passing by the scene but insisted he was not a party to the violence.

Senior Superintendent of Police in STF, Abhishek Kumar Singh, confirmed to IANS: "At the initial point of arrest there was not much evidence against the soldier."

His family members allege that he was being implicated so that the prime accused, Yogesh Raj of Bajrang Dal, is let off the hook.

Meanwhile, Jeetu Fauji has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate has dismissed his bail application and his family is likely to approach the district judge on Tuesday.

The violence broke out after some cattle carcasses were found in a field and Bajrang Dal activists claimed they were of cows slaughtered by a specific community.

They brought these in tractor trolleys and tried to jam an important road. As a police team led by Subodh Kumar Singh reached there, it was attacked with stones.

Someone in the crowd fired from a .32 bore pistol, killing the officer instantly.

--IANS

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President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday batted for Gorakhpur to be developed as a 'city of knowledge' and urged the people to work in this direction.

Addressing a gathering at the closing ceremony of a week-long founders day celebrations at an educational institution, the President said a lot of development work had been initiated in the city under the watch of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and that he himself was witness to this transition.

"I have been to Gorakhpur earlier too, but this is my maiden visit to the city after assuming charge as President of India and I can certainly feel the change...the development here," he said.

In his address, Govind pointed out how love, compassion and harmony were the basics of and said a good character was the hallmark of a good system. He told the gathering, comprising students, on how Lord Buddha and Kabir were both teachers.

Praising the contribution of the Gorakhnath Peeth in furthering the system and its values, the President said that the two degree colleges and Gorakhpur University were imparting quality education to students in the region.

He added that UP has the largest youth population and by using youth power, not only Poorvanchal and the state of Uttar Pradesh but also the country can march ahead towards development and progress.

The President had earlier visited the Gorakhnath temple to offer prayers. He was accompanied by Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He also visited the 'samaadhi' of the late Mahant Avaidhyanath, the Chief Minister's guru and paid floral tributes.

--IANS

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Over 1,000 protesters marched in the Philippines capital on Monday and burned an effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte on International Human Rights Day.

During the protest, civil society groups demanded an end to Duterte's war on drugs, labour organizations asked for an increase in salaries, indigenous Lumads sought martial law to be lifted in the south and health groups demanded free hospitalization, Efe news reported.

The protesters also called for the release of political prisoners and re-starting of peace talks between the government and rebel groups.

Hundreds more protested during marches in other cities around the country.

Meanwhile, the Duterte administration said it would continue its campaign against crime, corruption, violence and drugs while "advancing human rights".

"To protect the lives of the innocent law-abiding citizens of the country, this administration remains unrelenting in its crusade against criminality, corruption, terrorism, insurgency, and the proliferation of illegal drugs that destroy families and the future of the young," said Human Rights Committee chairman Salvador Medialdea in a statement.

Rights groups have said Duterte's war on drugs has claimed the lives of more than 12,000 people since he took office.

Monday marked the global observance of the 70th year of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

--IANS

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Eminent industrialist Ratan N. Tata was conferred the Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI) Lifetime Achievement Award for his association and contribution to the industry, an official said here on Monday.

The award was bestowed on Tata by Union Minister for Steel Choudhary Birendra Singh and other dignitaries on Sunday night, besides 450 delegates from 10 countries representing the industry attending the 2nd SUFI Steel Awards.

The other prominent awardees included Hall of Fame category's 'Steel CEO of the Year' for Vipul Mathur, CEO, Welspun Corp. Ltd; Tata Steels Ltd. and Maharashtra Seamless Ltd sharing the 'Steel Company of the Year'; and POSCO Maharashtra Steel Pvt. Ltd and Naresh Steel Industries Ltd. jointly bagging the 'Emerging Steel Company of the Year' honours.

In the special category, M. Junction won the 'Digital India Award', JSW Steels Ltd. got the 'Make In India Award' and Metal Street bagged the 'Start-Up India Award'.

Addressing the gathering, Singh said that the steel industry needs in-depth research and motivation to stay ahead of competition globally, and accommodate the 'Make in India' initiative.

"The government is pacing towards boosting and assisting the steel industry towards innovations and technology revolution," said Singh.

SUFI President Nikunj Turakhia said that recognising the disconnect between the industry and government, the organisation has been instrumental in bridging the gap.

"We believe it is imperative that the contribution of those who have made the steel industry reach its heights today is recognized through these awards," Turakhia added.

The SUFI Steel Awards with several categories added this year, were conducted in association with the Steel Group, Steel Scenario and ASSAR.

--IANS

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Road and rail traffic was disrupted in Tripura on Monday as the INPT -- the state's oldest tribal-based party -- blocked the highway and railway line demanding the withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

"The blockade by the INPT (Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura) disrupted both the road and rail traffic since 6 a.m. However, police around noon arrested over a thousand INPT workers and leaders, resulting in the resumption of normal movement of vehicles and trains," a police official said.

Demanding withdrawal of the Bill, over a thousand INPT activists led by party President Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl and General Secretary Jagadhish Debbarma organised a blockade of the state's lone railway line and National Highway-8, the lifeline of Tripura, in four different places in west and north Tripura.

Introduced in the Lok Sabha in 2016, the Bill seeks to enable Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled to India from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh without valid travel documents or those whose valid documents expired in recent years to acquire Indian citizenship through the process of naturalisation.

Many parties in the northeastern region are also opposing the Bill, which is now under the scrutiny of a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

"If the Central government does not withdraw the bill then we will hold a much larger movement to force the Centre to take it away, otherwise it would subvert the domicile characteristics of the indigenous people of northeast India," Debbarma told the media at the blockade site.

According to police, three trains including the Agartala-Silchar (Assam) train could not run in view of the blockade and thousands of passengers were stranded in Agartala, Dharmanagar (along Assam), Silchar and other places.

Over two thousand police personnel and Tripura State Rifles troopers have been deployed to deal with the blockade.

The INPT along with several other tribal-based parties including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's ally Indigenous People's Front of Tripura are also demanding the introduction of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Tripura, introduction of inner-line permit in Tripura, more autonomy to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council and inclusion of the tribals' Kokborok language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

--IANS

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PREMIER Sharlene Cartwright Robinson left the TCI for London on Monday (December 3) for what could be one of the most important trips of her administration.





Cartwright Robinson and several other leaders and premiers of the United Kingdom overseas territories (UKOTs) are set to hold talks with the UK government on long overdue constitutional changes.





Those meetings will take place at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) from December 3 to 7.





The JMC is the highest political forum under the 2012 White Paper which brings together United Kingdom ministers, elected leaders and representatives of the overseas territories with an aim of providing leadership and a shared vision for the territories.





A statement from the Office of the Premier issued on Tuesday (December 4) said: "On Monday, December 3, the premier attended an environment workshop alongside representatives from Her Majestys Government (HMG) and non-government organisations.





Following these discussions, the premier engaged with the UKOTA Political Council which was chaired by the Hon. Alden McLoughlin, premier of the Cayman Islands.





UKOT leaders discussed several priority areas during the JMCs plenary sessions including: "The United Kingdoms exit from the European Union and the impact on the overseas territories, the constitutional relationship between the UK and the overseas territories.





"Safeguarding vulnerable people including children and he mentally ill, financial services,defense, trade and investment and disaster management.





The premier will be accompanied on this trip by the Deputy Premier, Hon. Sean Astwood, Director of the Premiers Office Ronlee James and Executive Assistant to the Deputy Premier Bernadia Smith.





Eighteen constitutional amendments

In an address to the nation on Monday (November 5), Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson outlined 18 constitutional amendments the Government will be lobbying for.





"The removal of the CFO was agreed to be a non-issue, accept the recommendations for reinstatement of trial by jury, she said.





"Reject the continued inclusion of deputy governor as full member of Cabinet and further recommend that the attorney general and the deputy governor be only ex officio members of Cabinet with no voting rights.





Decisions to be made in Cabinet should follow the 2006 Constitution (emphasis on consensus and its meaning and the Governor should be bound to follow Cabinet unless under special circumstances as set out).





Cabinet secretary must revert to its role in 2006 Constitution.





Both governor and premier should be able to summon public officers and should not be limited to the governor or those who act only which includes the deputy governor, the attorney general and the PS finance.





"Where we agree to adopt section 61 of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009 we have added to clause one (a) he or she is a Turks and Caicos Islander otherwise than by adoption, grant or marriage; clause one (c) Be an elector; clause one (d) Be resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands for a period not less than three years preceding the date of nomination. Add (f) to clause (3): Her Majestys Forces.





"Remove the reference to The absence of ministers and notice of leave under the governor and the executive - Disqualification of ministers.





"Under the legislature - on nominating appointed members - Government two, governor one and opposition leader one as opposed to what obtains now where the governor has two appointed members and the Government and opposition, one each.





"Under the judicature - Amend to include language that says high level office which will include Queens Counsels. This is to give a chance for local appointments as oppose to continue with High Legal Office.





"Amend the Boundaries Commission to 2006 Constitution provision that allows the chair to be appointed by the governor, one member by the premier and one by the leader of the opposition as oppose to the governors ability now to appoint two members and a third to be shared by the premier and leader of the opposition.





"Institutions protecting good governance - There are five IPGG and we propose to amend to allow for the submission of annual reports: The Supervisor of Elections, The Director of Public Prosecutions Office, The Human Rights Commission, The National Audit Office and The Complaints Commission.





"The Removal of section 132 from the Constitution and leave all detailed references to the path to TCI status in subsidiary legislation or for local legislation.





"Attorney general - The attorney general should be elected or appointed now that we have a director of public prosecutions that is charged with instituting prosecutions.





"All references relating to the governor in consultation with and which was in accordance with the advice in 2006 Constitution should return in accordance with the 2006 Constitution.





New provisions

The premier said the new provisions being submitted are:

"Allow locally elected Government to be able to have more of a strategic say over the police force through a strengthened National Security Council which is now simply an advisory body.





"Amend Section 49 (1) (a) to ensure that this provision speaks only to those who as an adult applies for citizenship to a foreign power or state.





"Return Crown land under the management of a minister and review the public service management structure with a view to having greater harmony between elected Government and public service officers. (By Olivia Rose)




Strange disease has killed a total of eight elephants in northern Tanzania's district of Ngorongoro, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

Joseph Meng' oro, Deputy Wildlife Officer at the Ngorongoro District Council expressed his worry over the disease, saying, more deaths could be occurring without notice, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The jumbos started to haemorrhage through their trunks then collapse and eventually die in Arash Ward, in the district," Meng' oro was quoted as saying.

Fidelis ole Kashe, an officer with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), said the jumbo was spotted by villagers meandering in the area before it collapsed and died.

The carcasses for the eight elephants that have so far perished, feature bleeding trunks (nose bleeding), strange coloured stools, sudden drunk-like dizziness while moving, before the jumbos collapsed.

Scientists at the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), based in Arusha have taken up the case, saying the unidentified disease as well as its resulting death of large mammals, is the first to be experienced in Tanzania.

Samples of blood from the carcasses found in Loliondo were taken to the Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) center of Arusha, where chemists analysed that there was no disease to be traced.

The TVLA Test Report Number, as approved by Paul Sanka at the Laboratory, indicated that the 'Microscopical Examinations,' samples using Polychrome Methylene Blue Stain were 'negative of anthrax,' it seems many had suspected cases of anthrax.

Some observers however suggest more tests should be done on the elephant remains, as it is possible that poachers could be resulting to use stealth poisonous chemicals to hunt down the jumbos for their ivories.

However, all the eight jumbos found dead, had their tusks intact. Maybe because they were reported in time before some culprits could extract them.

Freddy Manongi, Chief Conservator at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, said the incidences of jumbo death have not yet been experienced in the sanctuary.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The UK can unilaterally cancel its withdrawal from the EU without the permission of the other 27 bloc members, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Monday, a day ahead of a crucial vote in the country's lower house of Parliament on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan.

The ruling is likely to give fresh impulse to calls for a second Brexit referendum before May submits her draft deal to the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The MPs are widely expected to reject her proposal, reports said.

The court in a statement said: "When a member state has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the EU, as the UK has done, that member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification."

"That possibility exists for as long as a withdrawal agreement concluded between the EU and that member state has not entered into force or, if no such agreement has been concluded, for as the two-year period from the date of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, and any possible extension, has not expired," stated the ruling tweeted by the court.

The judges ruled that this could be done without altering the terms of Britain's membership. The court rejected arguments from both the UK government and the European Commission that Article 50, the two-year-long process that triggers a member state's departure from the EU, could not be revoked unilaterally.

The case was brought to the ECJ by a cross-party group of Scottish lawmakers.

The court ruling matched legal advice given to the court last week by its Advocate General Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona, who said as a sovereign country Britain could reverse its decision even at this stage.

This legal decision is significant because it means Britain could prevent a no-deal Brexit from happening if it wanted, even if May's deal is voted down by MPs.

May, whose Conservative Party executive wields a minority in the Commons, enacted Article 50 on March 29, 2017, meaning the UK is due to withdraw from the EU on March 29, 2019, with or without a deal.

Some 52 per cent of the UK electorate voted to leave the EU in a referendum in June 2016, although regions like Scotland and Northern Ireland backed remain.

May lost her majority in snap elections she called in June 2017 in a bid to consolidate her Brexit mandate.

--IANS

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel resigned from his post on Monday with immediate effect, citing "personal reasons", setting of a major crisis in India's politico-economic sphere.

Patel's resignation comes in the backdrop of the ongoing tiff between the government and the central bank over the liquidity and credit crunch in the economy that provoked an extraordinary meeting of the RBI board on November 19.

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately," Patel said in a brief statement released by the RBI.

Patel had taken charge as Governor on September 4, 2016, for a three-year term, following Raghuram Rajan's decision not to seek a second term.

The historic tensions in government-central bank relations were reignited in October when, in a public lecture, RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya talked about the independence of the Reserve Bank, arguing that any compromise could be "potentially catastrophic" for the economy.

The government responded with the Finance Ministry seeking discussions with the central bank under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor, who then summoned a meeting of the bank board.

The government's differences with the RBI centres on four issues - it wanted liquidity support to head off any risk of a credit freeze, a relaxation in capital

requirements for lenders, relaxing the prompt corrective action (PCA) rules for banks struggling with accumulated non-performing assets (NPAs or bad loans) and support for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Central to the liquidity issue was the government's demand that the RBI hand over its surplus reserves by amending its "economic capital framework". Analysts noted that the government's demand came in the face of a huge fiscal deficit and the need to boost the economy in an election year.

The RBI's central board has 18 members, which includes the Governor and his four deputies as full-time official directors, while the rest have been nominated by the government, including the Economic Affairs and Financial Services Secretaries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Patel before the board meeting and what emerged on November 19 was seen as settling the debate on the central bank's autonomy and clearly establishing the government as a stakeholder in policy making.

On the issue of reserves, the RBI board decided to form an expert committee to examine its economic capital framework, which will decide the amount of reserves it can maintain, handing over the balance to the government.

On the matter of relaxing the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) norms for banks with bad loans, it decided that the issue will be examined by the RBI's Board for Financial Supervision.

Eleven of the 21 state-run banks are under the PCA framework, while NPAs accumulated in the Indian banking system have touched a staggering Rs 12 lakh crore.

"The RBI-government fight has been pushed down, abated for now and postponed, but the NPAs issue continues to remain," Sudipto Mundle on the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy had said following the RBI board meeting.

Asked about the government-RBI tiff, former Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) Arvind Subramanian told reporters here on Saturday that the central bank's autonomy must be protected because the country will benefit from strong institutions.

"I have myself advocated that RBI should play a pro-active role, but its surplus funds should not go towards routine financing of spending and deficit financing -- that would amount to raiding the RBI," he added.

On the RBI board, with a majority of government nominees, the former CEA said: "I think that part of maintaining a real autonomy is not to politicise the board. The board should not be politicised. Not only it must not be done, it must not be seen to be done either."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep says people should be "afraid" of US President Donald Trump and his "possibility".

After Streep criticized Trump during her Cecil B. DeMille acceptance speech at the 2017 Golden Globes for seemingly mocking a disabled reporter, the then president-elect fired back by saying Streep is "one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood".

Comedian Stephen Colbert brought up Trump's criticism when he introduced Streep earlier this month at his annual onstage conversation to raise money for Montclair Film, the New Jersey film festival organiser Colbert has long supported.

Calling the president's tweet, "perhaps the greatest honour she has ever been given," the "Late Show..." host read the missive with his Trump impersonation as he brought Streep to the stage.

The moment was far from the only time the pair talked about Trump, with Streep later saying that she thinks "we should be afraid" of "his possibility," reports hollywoodreporter.com.

During the nearly two-hour-long discussion, Streep recalled her early days as an actress and memorable experiences on the stage and screen.

She spoke about her role in the upcoming "Mary Poppins Returns" and shared some of her favourite recent movie releases, raving about "A Star is Born" and other award hopefuls.

Colbert asked her about empathising with the characters she plays. "What's it like for you to see somebody who is the President of the United States who is the top politician who is indifferent to the idea of empathy? I'm not sure he knows what you mean when you say it."

Streep gave a sobering assessment of Trump.

"I'm scared. I'm scared by him, by his possibility," she said.

"And I do empathise with him. I can't imagine what his 3 a.m. is like. There's a gathering storm - everyone feels it, he feels it. His children are in jeopardy, and I feel that.

"I think, 'What if my children were in jeopardy?' I would do anything - anything - to get them out of trouble. So we should be afraid. That's what I think."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday questioned the BJP-led government for terming the ruling of a British court to extradite fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India as a "great day" and said there was no major victory as he had "stolen" Rs 9,000 crore.

"Why is that a major victory, why are they taking it as a major victory? The question here is the following: the farmers of this country are committing suicide daily, they do not have access to the Indian banking system. Vijay Mallya stole Rs 9,000 crore," Gandhi replied to a question when asked that BJP government is claiming victory over the decision of the UK court allowing Mallya's extradition.

He was addressing the media at Parliament House Annexe after an all-party meeting.

"Nirav Modi has stolen Rs 35,000 crore with his friend Mehul Choksi, who are close to the Prime Minister and the list goes on. So, it is not question of Vijay Mallya being extradited, it is the question of the Indian banking system being handed over to Modi's friends...it's called crony capitalism," Gandhi added.

Gandhi's remarks came after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley welcomed the UK court's judgement, calling it a "great day for India".

The Westminster Magistrates' Court in the UK on Monday gave its ruling following a prolonged litigation involving Mallya, who fled India in March 2016, that he must be extradited to India where he is accused of committing bank frauds amounting to Rs 9,000 crore.

The verdict came six days after British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, Christian Michael, was extradited to India from Dubai.

Mallya has, however, repeatedly denied fleeing India and said he was ready to pay back the money he owed to Indian banks.

Proceedings are on before the Mumbai Special Court against Mallya under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

Late in 2017, India filed extradition proceedings against Mallya which he has contested. He is currently on bail in London.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The World Bank on Monday praised India's success in renewable energy auctions that delivered record-setting low prices for solar power and said that the number of countries with strong policy frameworks for sustainable energy more than tripled -- from 17 to 59 -- in the eight years till 2017.

Many of the world's largest energy-consuming countries significantly improved their renewable energy regulations since 2010, said the World Bank's report -- Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) 2018, charting global progress on sustainable energy policies.

The report was released on the sidelines of the 24th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change(COP24).

Progress was even more marked in energy efficiency, with the percentage of countries establishing advanced policy frameworks growing more than 10-fold between 2010 and 2017.

Among countries with large populations living without electricity, 75 per cent had by 2017 put in place the policies and regulations needed to expand energy access.

But there were still significant barriers to global progress on sustainable energy.

While countries continue to be focused on clean energy policies for electricity, policies to decarbonize heating and transportation, which account for 80 per cent of global energy use, continued to be overlooked.

Senior Director for Energy and Extractives at the World Bank Riccardo Puliti said that the report contained a warning that without accelerated adoption of good policies and strong enforcement, the world's climate goals and Sustainable Development Goal 7 were at risk.

This momentum was particularly marked in renewable energy. Among the countries covered by RISE, only 37 per cent had a national renewable energy target in 2010. By 2017, that had grown to 93 per cent, the report said.

By last year, 84 per cent of countries had a legal framework in place to support renewable energy deployment, while 95 per cent allowed the private sector to own and operate renewable energy projects.

Among the four SDG7 target areas -- renewable energy, energy efficiency, electricity access and access to clean cooking -- the last one continued to be the most overlooked and underfunded by policymakers.

There had been a little progress on standard-setting for cookstoves or on consumer and producer incentives to stimulate adoption of clean technologies, the report said.

"How did India structure its renewable energy auctions to deliver record-setting low prices for solar? At the same time, we need urgent action to address critical gaps, such as failing utilities, clean cooking, and the slow progress on decarbonizing heating and transport," said Puliti.

(Vishal Gulati is in Katowice at the invitation of Climate Trends to cover the 24th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP24. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Olivia Rose

CIBC First Caribbean bank officially reopened its Grand Turk branch on November 29.





The bank was forced to temporarily close its doors to facilitate major repairs following hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.





Its official reopening come as a major relief to many Islanders since Scotiabank pulled out of the island earlier this year.





A ribbon-cutting ceremony signified the end of construction and renovation and access to the facility for both patrons and employees.





During the event, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson lauded the bank for its unwavering commitment to the Grand Turk community.





She said the banks reopening demonstrated a "commitment to ensuring ease of access to financial services for residents and visitors throughout the Turks and Caicos, and of course in the nations capital.





The premiers sentiments were echoed by Deputy Governor Anya Williams who thanked the bank for reaffirming its dedication to the development of the island.





She said: "I believe CIBC FirstCaribbeans investment in this branch should send a signal to other businesses, not only in Grand Turk but those outside of Grand Turk.





"The fact that youve seen fit to make this investment demonstrates your commitment, and I hope that others follow suit.





She underscored the importance of stable financial institutions in advancing the community and by extension the territory.





She said: "CIBC FirstCaribbean bank has been a longstanding member of our community and is enshrined in our history.





"We thank them for their commitment to this island, for seeing fit to continue their investment in the branch here, for seeing fit to not use it as an excuse to downsize or exit the island, for looking to this island with optimism and not looking at the current state of affairs at the time but instead seeing the possibility of the future here in Grand Turk.





CIBC FirstCaribbeans country manager Larry Lawrence said the repairs and upgrades to the bank will ensure customers are better served.





He pointed out that the updated in-branch space will allow for better service and a more enjoyable client experience.





He said: "Todays occasion celebrates the people of Grand Turk. CIBC FirstCaribbeans mission is to serve the needs of the individuals, families and businesses in Grand Turk, and certainly, the wider Turks and Caicos community.





"Our new and improved branch will allow us to continue doing just that.





He further revealed that after the storms the bank donated $6,000 to Grant Turk public schools.





At the re-opening ceremony, the bank presented cheques valued at $2,000 to HJ Robinson High School, Ona Glinton Primary School and Eliza Simons Primary School.





Lawrence gave assurance of CIBC FirstCaribbeans continued commitment to the people of the TCI, and also applauded the contribution of employees in the banks success.





"Our success can only be achieved through incredible team work, he said.





"I am honoured to work alongside some of the best in the business, and want to publicly acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our staff.




Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi over RBI Governor Urjit Patel's resignation on Monday, the in Maharashtra said, in a sarcastic tone, that it is time the Reserve Bank headquarter is shifted to Delhi.

Patel, who had a run-in with the government over the autonomy of the central bank, resigned earlier in the day.

"Patel's resignation is a clear indicator of the government's constant interference in the RBI. The prime minister should move the RBI headquarters to Delhi because no RBI governor is being allowed to do his job independently in Mumbai," Maharashtra president Ashok Chavan said.

Describing the RBI as "one of the pillars of India's financial stability", Chavan said it has a huge role to play in steering the country's economy.

In the past the Central bank had remained free of political interference, the former chief minister said.

ALSO READ: Urjit Patel's resignation disturbing, can impact top RBI team

"Any attempts to curtail its independence are unconstitutional and should be condemned," he added.

The leader accused the BJP-led Union government of trying to "raid" the RBIs reserves to fund its "failed" flagship projects.

The country has witnessed "worst possible forms of fiscal mismanagement" in the past four years, he said.

"The BJP is putting RSS workers on RBI board. From education to banking, they have tried to infiltrate all premier institutions. This is why honest, upright officers have been forced to resign," Chavan said.
THE GOVERNMENT will now be managing the solid waste landfills in Providenciales and Grand Turk, following the end of the Turks and Caicos Environmental Managements (TCEM) contract.





According to a statement from TCEM on November 28, the contract came to an end on Sunday, October 28, and the company has already turned the facilities back over to the TCI Environmental Health Department.





"TCEM is proud of the transformation of the facilities from the start of its works 2012 and of its ultimate fulfilment of the contract, including dealing with the massive waste surge resulting from 2017s hurricanes and the string of arsons that impacted the facilities over the course of the last year.





"TCEM wishes to express its gratitude to the faithful employees, vendors and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands that have worked with the company throughout its six plus years of service to the country.





For years residents across the Islands have bemoaned the lack of proper solid waste systems.





Earlier this year, a series of landfill fires which sent plumes of toxic black smoke across nearby communities were reported.





This led to many concerned citizens calling on the Government to implement sustainable measures that would mitigate landfill fires and the noxious smoke that emanates from these sites which puts the health of many at risk.





Now that the Government is back in charge of the landfill sites, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson recently told Magnetic Media that the Government will be working with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to create a sustainable solution for solid waste management across the territory.





She said: "We are doing a comprehensive study. Turks and Caicos cannot continue with a short term fix to dump sites especially after the storms, it should have become more important to the people of the country to understand that we have to have a comprehensive solid waste management system and these talks with CDB believe it or not started about 20 years ago.





She also revealed that bids will soon be tendered for a new company.





"The Government is not going to be in a position to handle this job, the expertise and everything that is required is not within the Government.





"But the Government is maintaining the site and bringing it to a state of readiness and we are going out to tender.





"The Government is going to be maintaining the site for the new bidder; that should be out shortly if it hasnt gone out already under the Ministry of Health, the premier added.





The CDB recently approved a whopping $672,500 loan to help the territory improve its inadequate and antiquated systems.





The loan is aimed at developing a 20-year solid waste plan to address a myriad of waste management issues facing the territory.





The cash will be used to prepare a feasibility study of solid waste management options that are unique to the TCIs problems.





Additionally, it will assist with the costs of consulting services to develop an integrated and multi-faceted solid waste plan for the territory.





The loan will also aid in creating detailed engineering and architectural designs for the preferred infrastructure options and developing a related programme of institutional strengthening and capacity-building.





The scope of work for this project also includes several independent environmental and social impact assessments.





The CDB, in a statement issued on October 30, said: "Solid waste management has become an increasingly critical issue in the tourism dependent territory as rapid growth in the tourism sector, population increase and changing consumption patterns have led to a corresponding increase in solid waste generation.





As a result of these dynamics, inadequate solid waste management has been identified as one of the key environmental threats facing the TCI. (By Olivia Rose)




FOLLOWING the announcement of the dilapidated state of the NJS Francis building in Grand Turk, the Government has emptied the building and relocated the House of Assembly.





Last Friday, November 30, when the members of the House met for a sitting, they did so in the HJ Robinson High Schools auditorium.





Members of the public who tuned in to listen to the live broadcast of the House of Assembly are further advised that Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC) is working through the technical difficulties they experienced during the Fridays sitting of the broadcast, due to the change of venue.





Other offices, such as the premiers and other ministers, have also been cleared out of the building.





Reports out of Grand Turk are that works on the NJS Francis building, which is now closed to the public, have not yet begun.





The Government has also not said when these works will commence, however, last week, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson indicated to the media that the renovation works will cost the Government upwards of $3 million.





The building has been in decline for several years, with little to no repairs being done to the structure since it was purchased from the National Insurance Board several years ago.





The deterioration of the public building dates back over a number of governments.





A decision was finally taken three weeks to close off parts of the damaged building to the public and to warn motorists in the vicinity of Duke Street (Front Street) of falling debris. (Delana Isles)




INTERNATIONAL Anti-Corruption Day 2018 takes place this Sunday (December 9) to raise awareness of corruption and the ways to combat it.





It was designated on October 31, 2003, when the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption.





Members of the TCI Integrity Commission and House of Assembly delivered comments on the global day this week.





Justice Seymour Panton,

Chairman of the TCI Integrity Commission





"The Integrity Commission of the Turks and Caicos Islands joins with the global community in celebrating this important date in the calendar of events of the United Nations.





"On this International Anti-Corruption Day, it would be good for everyone to pause and reflect on the devastating effects of corruption, and to ponder further measures to enhance the fight against that malady.





"Over the past few years, the Integrity Commission has been engaged in communicating with public officials, members of the private sector, schools, and the general public, with a view to increasing awareness in this area of life in these Islands.





"It is the intention of the commission to continue its efforts to the point where each resident, and all who do business with us, whether resident or not, understand the importance of having an attitude of zero tolerance to corruption in all its various forms.





"It is a fight that has to be waged relentlessly as corrupt individuals are always waiting for an opportunity to practice their craft, and to pounce on the unsuspecting.





"Since the beginning of time, mankind has had an acquisitive streak. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with such a characteristic.





"However, we have to ensure that material gain, wealth, and personal standing are achieved by fair means only, and that the law of the land is complied with in such pursuits.





"Public resources are not to be co-mingled with private funds; nor are they to be regarded or treated as being for the benefit of one sector only.





"The economic welfare of the Turks and Caicos Islands will depend not only on the hardworking efforts of the people, but also on the avoidance of corrupt practices.





"Deliberate cost overruns on public projects, misappropriation and general malpractices hurt the country as a whole, in that value is not received for sums expended.





"Corrupt behaviour weakens the fabric of the society, and is a sure recipe for the creation or perpetuation of poverty.





"I take this opportunity on this significant Day to encourage support for all activities aimed at highlighting the need to be constantly guarding against acts that are corrupt, illegal and display moral bankruptcy.





Greg Christie,

Director of the TCI Integrity Commission





"The global community will observe International Anti-Corruption Day on Sunday (December 9) by focusing upon the challenges which continue to plague nation states in their respective fights against the scourge of corruption, and why the battle must be won.





"The United Nations has said that corruption is a global concern, not only because it is found in both rich and poor countries, but because there is abundant evidence that it hurts the developing world disproportionately.





"For developing countries, such as the Turks and Caicos Islands, the magnitude of the potential for the adverse socio-economic consequences that corruption portends can be substantial.





"Indeed, it was Dr Jim Yong Kim, the president of the World Bank, who incisively characterised the gravity of the matter when, on December 19, 2013, he put it this way: Let us not mince words. In the developing world, corruption is Public Enemy #1.





"Insidious in the way that it operates, corruption takes many forms. Bribery, extortion, kickbacks, fraud, embezzlement, nepotism, cronyism, state-capture, links between politicians and criminals, influence peddling, and the abuse of ones public office for personal or political gain, or to pervert the course of justice, are but a few of its direct and indirect manifestations.





"The OECD, the IMF, the World Bank and the OAS have said that corruption is one of the major obstacles to sustainable economic and social development  for developing, emerging and developed economies alike.





"In a joint statement that was published on July 6, 2018, by the Secretary General of the OAS and the vice president of the World Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean, they warned that corruption drives away private investment, so necessary to stimulate economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.





"For all these reasons, they said, corruption is an impediment to development.





"On May 4, 2018, the managing director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, said that new research by the IMF found that corruption does serious damage to economic growth, investment, FDI and tax revenues - and to income distribution and inclusive growth too.





"The cost of corruption, especially in developing economies, is manifested in innumerable ways.





"Corruption erodes the quality of life of the citizenry by diverting public funds away from the provision of critical social necessities, such as healthcare, education, water, roads, electricity and security.





"Corruption also leads to human rights violations, steals political elections, reduces investor confidence, stunts business activity, kills jobs, undermines or destroys confidence in critical public institutions, and enables organised crime, terrorism and other threats to human and national security to flourish.





"In raw monetary terms, the cost of corruption is phenomenal. The World Economic Forum estimates that corruption costs at least US$2.6 trillion annually, or five percent of the worlds GDP.





"Some studies have estimated that the cost of corruption is akin to a ~20 percent regressive tax that foreign investors must face.





"It is for all these reasons, therefore, that the TCI Integrity Commission wishes to use this opportunity to encourage all stakeholders to join hands in the fight against corruption for the ultimate benefit of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people, as we observe International Anti-Corruption Day 2018.





Sharlene Cartwright Robinson,

Premier and Minister of Finance





"As we observe International Anti-Corruption Day, the Turks and Caicos Islands stands in solidarity with the international community in its commitment to fulfilling the mandate of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).





"Governments, institutions and leaders may bear the mantle of responsibility to chart the course of the implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption measures, policies and laws.





"The citizenry however, has an even more critical role to play in boldly and actively ensuring that there is accountability and transparency of the institutions who bear the obligation of providing checks and balances in our society.





"We are all stakeholders charged with safeguarding our beautiful by nature Islands from the destabilising effects of corrupt practices.





"It is imperative that the Turks and Caicos Islands stands resolute in its efforts to eradicate corruption and arrest the ripple effects that can permeate every sphere of our society.





"We must be unwavering advocates of impactful change as it relates to anticorruption measures not only within the borders of our nation but beyond it; as we are a part of a global village.





"In observance of the 15th annual celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day, may the recognition we pay be not only in word, but in deed.





Charles W Missick

Leader of the Opposition





"The observance of the annual International Anti-Corruption Day reinforces the premise that fighting corruption is every bodys business.





"That is the case because of its insidious nature, and pernicious impact on sustainable economic, political and social development.





"Persons in positions of trust who put profits over principles destabilises the democratic process and marginalises the poor and vulnerable in the society: their actions reduce efficiency, increase inequality, and create waste that is unaffordable.





"For all of the reasons above the watch dog and enforcement regime exercised by the Integrity Commission and other public bodies are critical in turning the tables on corruption by making the price of corruption a deterrent to potential offenders through: certainty of detection, severity of punishment and swiftness of sentencing.





"However, the promotion of systemic dysfunctional conformity prevents many senior managers in the public sector from exercising their decision rights for fear of punishment.





"This encourages apathy, hurt inefficiency, delay service delivery to the public and deter the

attraction of talent into high public office.





"It is also important to address the systemic deficiency where innocent persons are often obliged to incur major expenses to defend themselves without recourse.





"However, the Turks and Caicos on balance is a jurisdiction with an effective anti-corruption system with high standards of accountability in public office; and while the system will always need tweaking it is one that we can all be justifiably proud of; for that we are grateful to the men and women whose job it is to fight corruption in everybodys interest.




A Delhi court on Monday ordered framing of charges against former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh for alleged criminal misconduct and amassing disproportionate assets of over Rs 10 crore, saying he intended to cause loss to the tax authorities by presenting unaccounted money as sale proceeds of apples.

Apart from the two offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, Special CBI Judge Arun Bhardwaj said that prima facie charges of alleged forgery and attempt to cheat under the IPC were also made out against the 82-year-old Congress leader and former Union minister.

The court also ordered framing of charges against his wife, Pratibha Singh, and seven others for allegedly abetting in the offences and listed the matter for January 7 when all of them will have to inform the judge whether they plead guilty to the charges or not.

After formal framing of charges, the court commences trial in the case.

The other seven accused are LIC agent Anand Chauhan, Chunni Lal Chauhan, Joginder Singh Ghalta, Prem Raj, Vakamulla Chandrasekhar, Lawan Kumar Roach and Ram Prakash Bhatia.

The court in its 105 page order said that Virbhadra Singh and Anand Chauhan "fraudulently and dishonestly" signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by ante-dating it to give an impression that it was signed on June 15, 2008 by them.

"They knew that MoU was not made, signed or executed by them on June 15, 2008. They prepared and signed this MoU with the intention of causing it to be believed that this MoU was made by them on June 15, 2008..

"The investigation of CBI has shown that this MoU was ante-dated. Therefore, they can be said to have made a false document," the court said.

It added that since the document was made for showing unaccounted money as sale proceeds of apples, they were liable to be charged for the offence of forgery.

"Resultantly, Virbhadra Singh is liable to be charged under section 13 (2) (misconduct) read with Section 13 (1) (e)(amassing disproportionate assets) of PC Act.

"Since an attempt was also made to cheat the Income Tax authorities using a false document i.e. ante-dated MoU to procure favourable Income Tax assessment order, Virbhadra Singh is also liable to be charged under section 511 (attempt) of IPC read with section 420 (cheating) of IPC," the court said.

The punishment for the offences of criminal misconduct and disproportionate assets under the PC Act range between one to seven years jail term, forgery under IPC entails a maximum of two years imprisonment and the offence of cheating could lead to a maximum sentence of seven years.

On the role of his wife, the court said there was "grave suspicion" that she committed the offence of abetment under the IPC.

Advocate Tarannum Cheema, representing Virbhadra Singh, had argued that no prior consent of the Himachal Pradesh government was taken for carrying out investigation in the state.

Dealing with the argument, the court said that the Delhi High Court in October this year had held that for registration of case in a state other than in a Union Territory, the consent of that state government was required.

"No consent is required for investigation in another State, if the case is registered in Delhi," the special court said referring to the high court decision.

CBI had registered the case against Singh and others for allegedly amassing assets worth around Rs 10 crore disproportionate to their known source of income when he was the Union Minister in the UPA government.

A charge sheet running into over 500 pages, filed in the court, claims that Singh had amassed assets worth around Rs 10 crore which were disproportionate by 192 per cent of his total income during his tenure as a Union Minister.

The final report, filed against nine people for alleged offences punishable under section 109 (abetment) and 465 (punishment for forgery) of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act, arrayed around 225 witnesses and 442 documents.

The matter was transferred by the Supreme Court from the Himachal Pradesh High Court to the Delhi High Court, which on April 6, 2016 had asked the CBI not to arrest Singh and had directed him to join the probe.

The CBI had approached the apex court against an order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court barring the agency from arresting Singh.

The apex court had transferred Singh's plea from Himachal Pradesh HC to Delhi HC, saying it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, but "simply" transferring the petition "in interest of justice and to save the institution (judiciary) from any embarrassment".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Ram Nath Kovind said Monday that Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh should be developed as a city of knowledge in the next 15 years as the state has the largest human resource in the country.

Addressing the founder's week celebration of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad, Kovind said Gorakhpur, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's political home turf, should be developed as a knowledge city by 2032 the centenary year of the Parishad, which works in the field of education and capacity building.

He said Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of youths in the country and the new policies of the state government should help them become "job creators".

The president said the objective of education is to develop a good human being, but stressed that quality of education is as important for a country's development.

Recalling the great men from the region such as Paramhans of the Nath sect, Sufi saint Roshan Ali Shah, Baba Raghav Das, Munshi Premchand, Ram Prasad Bismil and Firaq Gorakhpoori, the president asked students to follow the path of Maharana Pratap, a Rajput warrior from the Mewar region of Rajasthan.

He also praised the contribution of saints from the Nath sect in the field of education and contribution towards society and during the freedom struggle.

He said he has visited the Gorakhnath temple several times when Mahant Avaidyanath, the mentor of Adityanath, was its head.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
City police on Monday arrested a 20-year-old man who was allegedly driving the car used in the abduction of slain diamond trader Rajeshwar Udani.

This takes the number of arrests in the case to three, a senior police official said.

Pranit Joma Bhoi, the accused, was allegedly driving the car at the time of the crime.

Sachin Pawar, former personal assistant of a Maharashtra minister, and Dinesh Pawar, a suspended police constable who was earlier arrested in a rape case, were arrested in the case Saturday.

Both have been remanded in police custody till December 14 by a local court.

"We have arrested a third accused. His role in the crime is being ascertained," said Akhilesh Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 8).

Police have formed several teams to work on the case and some persons were being questioned, the DCP added.

Decomposed body of Udani (57), resident of suburban Ghatkopar, was found in Panvel in neighbouring Raigad district Friday.

He had gone missing on November 28. Sachin Pawar had accompanied his family members when they went to the police station to lodge a complaint about Udani's disappearance the next day, a police official said.

Autopsy of Udani's body revealed that he had several fractures, and had been strangulated.

Police suspect that Udani was killed over a monetary dispute. It is also suspected that he was trying to get close to Sachin Pawar's girlfriend, which Pawar did not like.

Actor and model Devoleena Bhattacharjee, known for her role as Gopi Bahu in the popular Hindi serial "Saath Nibhana Sathiya", was questioned in the case Saturday. She was allowed to go later.

All three accused have been arrested under the Indian Penal Code sections 302 (murder), 365 (kidnapping) and 120B (conspiracy).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The DRI on Monday seized 894 kg of ganja worth Rs 90 lakh and arrested three persons from Bihar's Muzaffarpur district for smuggling the contraband, an official release said.

Acting on a tip-off, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) personnel intercepted an empty container truck at a place under the jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station and seized the contraband, the release said, the truck had come to Bihar from Tripura.

Three persons, including the driver and cleaner of the container truck, were arrested under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the release said.

The contraband was hid in a box and kept behind the driver's cabin, it said.

All the three arrested are residents of Sangrur district in Punjab, the DRI release added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SEVERAL agencies joined forces recently to conduct biosecurity trials on Big Ambergris Cay and Little Water Cay.





The Turks and Caicos National Trust, Waterloo Investments Holdings, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Government all collaborated for the activities.





The trials were part of two critical three-year projects led by the trust to safeguard the cultural, historical and natural heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands.





The first project is, Securing pockets of paradise in the Caribbean, embedding capacity for invasive alien species management in UKOT based organisations.





This is funded by the EU-Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories (BEST) project.





And the second is Saving the Iguana Islands of Turks and Caicos project- funded by the UK Government Darwin Plus Initiative.





They both are working towards eradication and control of invasive alien species through public awareness, capacity strengthening in local organisation partners and conservation management.





The most recent project activities took place during mid-October through to November focusing on biosecurity trials.





Monitoring activities were conducted on Big Ambergris Cay and Little Water Cay, with oversight by team specialists.





A statement from the trust said: "The team recognises and appreciates the support of Waterloo Investments Holdings, the company that owns Big Ambergris Cay, which holds the biggest populations of both the endemic rock iguana Cyclura carinata (critically endangered) and the endemic rainbow boa Chilabothrus chrysogatser (not yet assessed).





Little Water Cay staff participated in the biosecurity trials which involved constructing wooden bait stations for rodents.





The stations were placed on location to determine whether rodents prefer wooden bait stations over plastic stations, and ground-based stations over raised stations.





Species activities will be monitored very closely and information fed into the biosecurity plan.





The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is the lead agency in both projects and a long-standing partner to the National Trust.





"The National Trust was also very pleased to assist in coordinating high-level meetings for the RSPB with key partners and with the Minister for Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime and Gaming during this reporting period, the statement said.





"It was indeed gratifying working alongside RSPB representatives on yet another exhilarating phase of the project, and in particular to welcome Mr Charlie Butt, Caribbean territories programme manager to Turks and Caicos on his first visit.





"It was more of a reconnaissance mission for Mr Butt, as he had recently taken up the position at RSPB.





Butt said the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to an extraordinary array of unique and iconic species and natural habitats.





"It is encouraging to see so many important sites - from wetlands to tropical dry forest - and the homes for wildlife they provide intact, thanks to the partnership work and efforts of so many individuals and organisations.





"The RSPB looks forward to deepening its engagement with partners in the Turks and Caicos to ensure these special places are conserved for the wildlife they support and for generations to come.




An elderly couple was robbed of cash and jewellery at gunpoint by two men in west Delhi's Punjabi Bagh area, police said on Monday.

On Sunday, police received a call about the incident at around 8.30 pm, a senior officer said.

The victim, Girdhari Lal (65), told the police that two men allegedly barged into his house and fled with cash, mobile phones and gold jewellery, he said.

Lal, who runs a finance company, alleged that the accused persons came to his house on the pretext of paying an installment for a truck, the officer said.

After entering the house, they took out their pistols and robbed the couple, he said.

Before leaving, the robbers also took away the digital video recorder of the CCTV, he added.

Police have registered a case and an investigation is underway, the officer said.

CCTV footage of surrounding areas is being checked and the workers of Lal's company are also being interrogated, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Enthused by the visit of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at his project site, Meghalaya's first recipient of the "entrepreneur of the month" award, Perastill R Marak, is confident that his food products would soon be available both locally and across the country.

Perastill is into manufacturing of products such as chips, juice and cookies made out of locally available fruits like banana, jackfruit and tapioca.

He received the "Entrepreneur of the Month" award given by the state government recently.

Through the award, the chief minister wants to promote local entrepreneurs with active support and collaboration with the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE).

"I hope in the coming years, people will be able to get my products at a local store and online anytime, not just in Meghalaya but everywhere in the country," Perastill told PTI after the CM's visit on Friday.

Perastill said he was excited to see the chief minister taking time out of his busy schedule to come and visit him.

The "Entrepreneur of the Month" award is the brain child of the chief minister. The programme has been conceptualised with an innovative social media and branding strategy to promote local entrepreneurs and their products wherein he (CM) acts as an ambassador to position their products in the market.

The chief minister has big plans for entrepreneurs.

The government is seeking to create a platform for all the unique products of Meghalaya, and efforts are on to make the online and off line market available to them, officials said.

"We are starting this initiative to connect our entrepreneurs to the global market. I am of the view that marketing and awareness of our value added products will not only boost the image of the state but will unleash the potential of our products, which will enable sustainable livelihood opportunities," Conrad said.

The chief minister said that there are many silent but success stories from the hill state that needs to be shared. A video showing such success stories from the state will be out soon.

Taking into consideration the potential and power of digital media, Conrad said, "I am of the strong conviction that by creating video stories, we will be able to market and popularise such initiatives as well as encourage young and budding entrepreneurs."



Perastill's video story will be put up in social media platform soon that will showcase the chief ministers visit to his manufacturing unit.

A personal appeal from the chief minister and the serious intention of the government to brand, package and position the products in the market will also be included.

Apart from promoting existing entrepreneurs the government will embark on a special initiative to identify talents and hone their skills by promoting startups, business development and marketing strategy.

"We will be organising business idea competition at state and district levels to promote young people to start entrepreneurial activities and support them by sanctioning seed money to start their ventures," he said.

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The president of the European Council on Monday called a meeting of EU leaders to discuss Brexit, but warned they would not renegotiate the withdrawal deal.

After British Prime Minister Theresa May postponed a parliamentary vote to approve the deal, EU chief Donald Tusk said the leaders would meet on Thursday.

"We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification," he wrote.

"As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario." A spokesman for Tusk said the timing of the meeting, which will come on the first day of a planned European Council summit, was still to be determined.

"Based on Prime Minister May's decision to defer the vote, President Tusk has decided to call European Council, Article 50, on Thursday," he said.

"There will be no renegotiation of the November 25 agreement but the EU27 stands ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification," the spokesman said.

"We are in contact with the UK on how it wants to proceed," he said, adding that Tusk is consulting the other 27 leaders of the remaining EU member states.

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Europe's top court ruled Monday that Britain could halt without the approval of fellow EU member states, in a victory for pro-Europeans on the eve of a key House of Commons vote.

"The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU," the European Court of Justice said, in response to a suit from a group of Scottish politicians.

"Such a revocation, decided in accordance with its own national constitutional requirements, would have the effect that the United Kingdom remains in the EU under terms that are unchanged as regards its status as a member State," the court ruled.

Following a 2016 referendum, Britain declared its intention to quit the on March 29 last year, triggering the "Article 50" EU treaty procedure that would see it definitively leave two years later, on the same date next year.



British Prime Minister Theresa May's government insists it has no intention of halting the process and has agreed a draft withdrawal agreement with the 27 remaining member states.

The withdrawal agreement is expected to go before the British parliament for approval on Tuesday.

If, as appears likely, it is rejected it would raise fears that Britain could crash out of the union on March 29 without a deal or that it could revoke or postpone in order to hold another referendum.



The court's ruling will be welcomed by campaigners for a second referendum, but May's government insists it has no intention of reversing course, whatever the court in Luxembourg might say.

"We don't want to stay in the EU. We voted very clearly," Environment Secretary Michael Gove, an influential cabinet Brexiteer, told BBC radio.

"This case is all very well but it doesn't alter either the result of the referendum or the clear intention of the government to leave. It's the intent of the government to honour that referendum mandate," said Gove.
: Japanese auto major Nissan Motors's first Global Digital Hub,the first of its kind in a number of software and IT development centres in Asia, Europe North America and Latin America, was inaugurated at the Technopark here Monday by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"Nissan coming to Thiruvananthapuram marks the beginning of a new era for the Information Technology sector in the state. We will do our best to ensure Kerala proves to be Nissan's second home after Japan", the chief minister said.

These centres will drive digital transformation for Nissan's business by placing digital technology at the heart of key operations and services.

The hub here will allow Nissan to provide application portfolio management, best-in-class user experiences, product development capabilities, data science, cyber security and connectivity as the automotive industry evolves, with growing use of autonomous, connected and electric vehicle technology.

Minister of State for Tourism, K J Alphons stressed the need to support the state's common developmental goals.

"The Government of India is keen and proactive in supporting investments in technology sector and that has contributed to Nissan's decision to set up their first Global Digital Hub in India", he said.

Japanese Ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu said that relations between Japan and India "have never been as strong as they are today, based on the trust between our two Prime Ministers".

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in October, both governments had agreed on Digital Partnership and the cooperation in the field of IT, he said.

Welcoming Nissan's decision to set up the Digital Hub in Kerala, he said it would help to take advantage of India's high-level IT talents and hoped that the partnership helps to "drive forward, the future of innovation, technology collaboration and talent sharing between our two countries".

Shashi Tharoor, MP, congratulated Nissan for setting up the Digital Hub in Thiruvananthapuram.

Tony Thomas, Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Nissan, said the Hub would serve as an important engine to drive Nissan's global digital transformation.

They already had some of the finest technology talent driving outcomes to serve customers around the world better, he said.

Tony said the current employee strength in the facility had touched 350 and would be scaled up to 500 by March 2019.

Their focus areas were Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and data science, he added.

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Five people, including a financier, were arrested early Monday on charges of abducting and holding Tamil film actor Srinivasan and his wife in captivity at a private bungalow here, police said.

The arrests were made following a complaint from the couple's daughter that her parents were taken by the gang to Udhagamandalam to recover Rs one crore which they had reportedly taken as loan from the financier.

As police began searching for Srinivasan, popularly known as 'Power Star', the abductors released him two days ago and kept his wife in their custody, police said.

They released the wife later.

The gang brought the couple here to forcibly take over the bungalow in the wife's name to recover the money, according to police.

However, as the price of the building was very low, they threatened the couple, they said.

The arrested gang members were taken to Chennai for further questioning, police added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Flexible intellectual property and opening up more to foreign investment will help China diffuse its trade tensions and enhance Beijing's economic stability, a top IMF official has said.

China and the US are currently engaged in a trade conflict and have slapped tit-for-tat tariffs of hundreds of billions of dollars on each other's goods.

The hefty tariffs stem from the Trump administration's demands that China make sweeping changes to its intellectual property practices, rein in high-technology industrial subsidies, open its markets to more foreign competition and take steps to cut a USD 375 billion US goods trade surplus.

"One of the big issues in the trade disputes between China and trading partners is this area of intellectual property. And reforming that regime is a big to-do for the global multilateral order," IMF's Chief Economist Maury Obstfeld told a group of journalists here on Sunday.

Noting that China is increasingly a producer of new technologies, he said it is really important that this does not play out in a conflicting way as it will destabilise the entire global economy as well as the global politics.

As such, the IMF's top economist said, it is important "to entice China into a sort of global framework" by entering into multilateral negotiations in which Beijing changes some of its trading practices and there is also accommodation to some of its legitimate economic goals.

"Opening up more to foreign investment could benefit China greatly," he said.

Responding to a question, he said, it was a matter of algebra for China to overtake the US as the largest world economy if it keeps growing at the same rate.

The opening up of the Chinese economy in the late 70s had remarkable positive effects on China's standard of living, Obstfeld said, adding, "there is significant room for China to open up further" and play bigger role in ways that "might enhance not only growth, but also economic stability".

China should also move towards a more flexible currency, he said.

"It will be very important in helping the economy adjust and also to ultimately diffusing some of the trade tensions," he said.

After serving as IMF's Chief Economist for more than three years, 66-year-old Obstfeld is set to retire this month-end.

Gita Gopinath, Indian-American economist from the Harvard University, would replace him from the first week of January.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A flurry of activity was witnessed here on Monday, a day ahead of the counting of votes for the assembly elections, with the BJP hinting at supporting K Chandrasekhar Rao's TRS in forming the government if it fell short of a majority and AIMIM pledging support.

The Congress-led 4-party People's Front, meanwhile met Governor ESL Narasimhan and requested that the alliance be treated as a "single entity" in the event of a hung assembly.

Though most exit polls have forecast an easy win for the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, some predicted a keen contest between it and the Congress-led "Praja Katumi", which also comprises the TDP, CPI and the newly formed Telangaja Jana Samithi.

Counting of votes will be taken up on Tuesday morning to decide the fate of 1,821 candidates trying their luck for 119 assembly seats.

BJP national spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao noted that most exit polls have predicted that the TRS would retain power and they were likely to be on the mark.

When asked about options before the BJP, a marginal player in Telangana, in case of a hung assembly, Rao said it was difficult to comment as one does not know as of now what whould be the shortfall for the TRS.

"The BJP will have nothing to do with the Congress or the AIMIM (led by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi)," Rao told PTI, indicating that the BJP was not be averse to doing business with the TRS to keep the Congress away from power.

"....BJP certainly wants a stable government, and in case of a hung assembly, we will see who seeks our support. Our support will certainly be not available for the Congress or the AIMIM," Rao added.

The BJP had won just five seats in the 2014 assembly polls that were held in undivided Andhra Pradesh. It had contested the poll in alliance with N Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party.

The TDP walked out of the BJP-led NDA a few months ago over the Centre's refusal to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

Rao, however, noted that since the party contested the elections against both the TRS and the People's Front, it would be happy to be in the opposition.

The AIMIM, which Chandrasekhar Rao called a "friendly party" during the election campaign, meanwhile, said it will stand by the TRS leader.

"I will be meeting Telangana's caretaker & next CM of Telangana, KCR sahab @TelanganaCMO at 1:30 PM today. Inshallah he will form government on his own strength, and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards a larger goal of nation building," Owaisi tweeted.

Owaisi later rode a motorcycle to 'Pragati Bhavan', the camp office-cum-residence of Rao, and was with him for about three hours.

"On behalf of my party I met caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. I am pretty sure and confident and KCR 'saab' is (also) confident that people of Telangana would once again bless KCR to the chief minister's post. He will form a new government on his own strength," he told reporters.

AIMIM contested eight seats in the December 7 assembly elections as against the seven in the 2014 polls, and supported the TRS elsewhere.

When asked if AIMIM would back out if the BJP went with TRS, Owaisi, who also addressed campaign rallies in support of TRS candidates, said,"Such a scenario would not be there. BJP, which had five seats....would decrease...you will see tomorrow by noon."



Meanwhile, a People's Front delegation called on the governor and sought to be treated as a single entity should the electorate give a fractured mandate.

"In the event of a situation of the governor having to invite the single largest entity to form the government arises, we said, this is our pre-poll alliance and these are the papers and documents. We submitted them to the governor," state Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy told reporters.

Flanked by leaders of other Front constituents, Reddy said the delegation told Narasimhan about the "sanctity and constitutional validity" of a pre-poll alliance.

Amid fears of horse-trading in the event of a hung assembly, the Congress leader said adequate security should be provided to the winning candidates.

As the official machinery geared itself up for counting, the state's chief electoral officer Rajat Kumar said necessary arrangements have been made for the counting of votes.

He said central paramilitary forces were providing the first cordon of security at the strongrooms where electronic voting machines are kept.

The counting will begin at 8 in the morning.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A day ahead of Parliament's Winter Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday asked the BJP and its allies to make use of the last full session before the Lok Sabha polls, saying their focus should be on making it beneficial for the government, country and people.

Following a meeting of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told reporters that the ruling alliance leaders stressed on the need to make the session constructive and to push the government's legislative agenda.

Asked about what Modi said, he said, "The prime minister said this session will continue into 2019. In a way this is the last session of our (government) five years' term and so this should be used to make it very beneficial for the government, country and people."



Tomar said the NDA wanted to engage with the opposition to ensure that the session was productive.

Asked about the Shiv Sena's demand that the government bring a law for constructing the Ram temple in Ayodhya at the earliest, he said it was not discussed in the meeting but added it this was the sentiment of millions of people in the country.

The minister, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, expressed confidence that the BJP would do well in the elections of five states, whose results would be out Tuesday.

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Dealing a blow to the Congress ahead of the parliamentary and assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, its MLA Swaran Lata Monday joined the National Conference.

Lata was vice-chairperson of social welfare board during the NC-Congress coalition government which ruled the state between 2009 to 2014.

She joined the National Conference (NC) in the presence of party vice-president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah at the party headquarters.

Lata was elected Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) on a Congress ticket in the 1987 state polls, from the reserved Bar Brahamana constituency in Jammu district.

Welcoming the leader into the party fold, Omar said his father and party president Farooq Abdullah was desirous of attending her joining programme, but could not make it as he had to go to Delhi to attend a crucial meeting of opposition parties.

"I welcome her on behalf of the party president, myself and other leaders and workers. When our government was in power, I had got an opportunity to work with her when she was the vice-chairperson and extended her support to serve the people of the state, especially the downtrodden sections," he said.

"When I heard about her plan to join the party, I called her to know the reality as rumours spread thick and fast here," Omar said.

The NC leader said Lata expressed her desire to make a new beginning and carry forward the work from where it was left.

"I welcomed her into the family of NC and our motive is to serve the people of the state. We will work together to take the state to new heights of development," he added.

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By Delana Isles

THE ISSUE of changes to the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution is still being argued on the home front, even as the changes have since been submitted to the United Kingdom.





On Thursday (December 6) PNP Leader Washington Misick responded to recent statements made by the premier regarding the Opposition party pulling out of discussions on the constitution with the Government earlier this year.





The reason for this, as previously stated by Misick, was the PNPs wish to wait for new leadership to be elected to shepherd any future talks on this or any other national issue, as he (Misick) will soon be stepping back from the frontlines.





This week, he referred to the premiers "embroidered statement of her role in various constitutional talks as her trademarked practice of arrogating credit to herself and assigning blame to others instead of taking responsibility for her actions.





He reiterated that is a fact that Her Majestys Government (HMG) has always insisted, as they should, that constitutional talks be a bipartisan effort.





"The PNP will re-engage with the PDM and the UK on the matter early in the New Year as has been indicated in a previous press statement by me.





He added that the fact that the PDM dragged their feet during their first year in office, and now wish to strong arm the PNP into a premature dialogue with HMG, when HMGs parliamentary agenda is focused on Brexit and other domestic issues, is politically motivated as was the rush to pass the service charge bill.





"The results will similarly be stillborn.





Misick added that the premiers assertion that the Government of Michael Misick was able to achieve unilateral constitutional change from the UK is misleading, and he will be surprised if HMG buys this claim.





He advised that the most notable change made to the 2006 constitution on the request of the PNP in 2006 was the change from chief minister to premier.





"This premier is on record in 2016, as leader of the Opposition, as saying that the constitution is not a hindrance to Government, and on occasions when it has been convenient, she claimed to support the Rufus Ewing Government submission to the UK.





"This is typical duplicity by the premier.





He added that the premier - in a recent statement to the press - appeared to take delight that the proposal to the UK Government by then premier Rufus Ewing was fully rejected.





This, he said, was after saying that she supported the submission, and that the current submission is largely the same request.





"What a flip flop.





"We all agree that the 2011 constitution is a step backward from that of 2006, but any pretence by the premier that she is the vanguard to modernise the constitution, and that she will be conducting talks to that effect while in the UK is a gross prevarication.





He stated that all of the constitutions of the overseas territories (OTs) should substantially be the same, and that there will be general discussion on OTs constitutions at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting that is currently taking place in the UK.





Additionally, the premier and her deputy will have the opportunity to raise matters relating to TCIs constitution with Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) ministers in the usual bilateral talks as part of the series of engagements around the JMC, but no negotiations will take place in the absence of the PNP, Misick stated.





"When the Maasai Warriors meet, instead of asking how are you? they ask how are the children?





"The standard response even by those without children is all the children are well.





"All the children are well means that everybody including the young and defenceless are being care for.





He stated that by this same token, politicians of the TCI who have been tasked with looking out for the common good, should strive to be able to say honestly that all the children are well.





To be able to do this, Misick said that political decisions should reflect the level of politicians responsibilities.





"The current Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution does not meet that requirement to the extent that the decision rights of elected Government is overly restricted.





However, he added, leaders with the rights to make decisions must demonstrate authenticity and competency, and the current Government does not inspire confidence and neither has its track record been reflective of competence as may be seen from the ongoing service charge saga.





"The PNP will seek to change this.




Former India captain Sourav Ganguly Monday said Virat Kohli and Co will have to fight hard to win their maiden series in Australia.

India took a 1-0 lead against Australia on their soil for the first time in 70 years after clinching a 31-run win in the opening Test.

Australia's lower order led by Nathan Lyon had sniffed victory before being eventually bowled out for 291 on the final day.

Congratulating Team India, Ganguly said: "It's a great win. This will be a hard-fought and highly competitive series. All the matches will be result-oriented."



India's best finish in Australia has been a 1-1 draw under Ganguly in 2003-04.

The second Test of the four-match Test series will begin at Perth from December 14.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The gems and jewellery exports are likely to grow by up to 5 per cent this financial year, mainly aided by improving demand in the US market during the upcoming Christmas season, an industry body said Monday.

It had declined by 5 per cent to USD 40.97 billion in FY18, from USD 43.16 billion in FY17.

The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) in a statement said India's exports of gems and jewellery products is expected to be encouraging in the US market during the upcoming Christmas time majorly backed by rising GDP growth, employment rate and private consumption expenditure in the country.

"The overall exports in FY19 is expected to be from flat to 5 per cent due to the improving demand in the US. Otherwise the exports would have been in the negative as the Gulf markets are badly affected," GJEPC vice-chairman Colin Shah told PTI.

This would be in line with positive growth in exports of cut and polished diamonds and gold jewellery to the US during April-October, the statement said.

Exports of cut and polished diamonds grew by around 22.10 per cent year-on-year during April-October 2018 to USD 5.43 billion, from USD 4.45 billion in April-October 2017, according to GJEPC.

Exports of gold jewellery to the US market also witnessed a 13.13 per cent growth to USD 981.85 million in April-October 2018, from USD 867.87 million a year ago.

Followed by positive consumer demand for jewellery products, US imports like cut and polished diamonds recorded a jump of 14.13 per cent to USD 18.55 billion in April-October 2018, from USD 16.26 billion in the year-ago period.

Rough diamond imports in FY18 rose to USD 18.9 billion, from USD 17.08 billion in 2016-17, while cut and polished diamond exports grew to USD 23.7 billion, from USD 22.8 billion.

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The Supreme Court on Monday admitted for hearing a Maharashtra government appeal challenging the Bombay High Court order commuting death sentence of Mirza Himayat Baig, the lone convict in the 2010 Pune German Bakery blast, which had claimed over a dozen lives.

The high court had commuted Baig's death sentence to life imprisonment in 2016.

Baig has also moved the apex court against his conviction and sentencing by the trial court and the high court.

A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah admitted the cross appeals and said it will hear them.

On July 22, 2016, the apex court had sought Baig's response on the Maharashtra government's appeal.

The government's plea challenged the March 17, 2016 judgement of the Bombay High Court which also acquitted Baig of serious charges under various sections of the Unlawful Prevention (Activities) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections 302 (murder) read with 120-B (criminal conspiracy).

The high court had convicted 32-year-old Baig for offences under the IPC's section 474 (possessing a document knowing it to be forged with intent to use it as genuine) and under section 5(b) of the Explosive Substances Act, relating to punishment for making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstance.

Baig, who was alleged to be a member of banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen, was arrested in September 2010 from Latur in Maharashtra for his involvement in the blast at German Bakery, a popular eatery in Pune's Koregaon Park area. The blast killed 17 people and injured 58, including some foreigners.

In 2013, he was convicted and awarded death sentence by the trial court.

The state government's plea had claimed that the high court had not relied upon the evidence which showed that Baig had travelled from Latur to Mumbai and stayed at a lodge for the purpose of entering into a conspiracy or "for giving final shape to terrorist act or in furtherance of his terrorist activities".

"Prosecution witness 93 was the autorickshaw driver who saw the respondent (Baig) with the planter of the bomb which proves the last seen theory. In the test identification parade, the autorickshaw driver identified the respondent.

"In spite of that, the high court held that the plea of the prosecution that the respondent was last seen with planter of the bomb does not get credence," the plea said.

The further said, "The high court does not consider that there was a definite connection between the explosive recovered from the possession of the respondent and the explosive used in the bomb."



Besides Baig, Qateel Siddiqui was also arrested in the case. He died in Pune's Yerawada jail in a scuffle with other inmates.

The other wanted accused are Indian Mujahideen operatives -- Mohsin Choudhary, Riyaz Bhatkal, Iqbal Ismail Bhatkal, Fayyaz Kagzi and Sayyad Zabiuddin Ansari.

Yasin Bhatkal, who had allegedly planted the bomb in the eatery, was arrested in August 2013. The case against him is pending before the trial court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Germany was plunged into transport chaos Monday as train services were halted by a railworkers' strike over pay, affecting millions of passengers.

Inter-city and regional services as well as many urban commuter trains were cancelled throughout Europe's biggest economy by the four-hour stoppage that started at 05:00 am (0400 GMT), Deutsche Bahn (DB) said.

Although the walkout ended as planned at 09:00 am, its ripple effects will be felt for the rest of the day, particularly on long-distance lines, rail operator DB warned.

Some 1,400 trains, including cargo services, were affected, DB said, adding that both sides had agreed to return to the negotiation table on Tuesday.

The industrial action came after talks broke down Saturday between the DB and the EVG railworkers' union, which is demanding a 7.5-per cent salary rise for 160,000 employees.

"We believe the warning strike was a total success," said EVG head Torsten Westphal.

"The next move is now up to Deutsche Bahn management." DB had earlier described the strike as a "completely unnecessary escalation" in the tortuous negotiations.

DB has so far offered a pay rise of 5.1 per cent in two phases, with an option for staff to take extra time off instead, and a one-off payment of 500 euros (USD570), DPA national agency reported.

A DB spokeswoman welcomed the decision to resume talks on Tuesday. "We never left the negotiating table," she told AFP. "We have told the union that we are prepared to make another offer."



Major transport hubs like Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich were among those impacted by the walkout.

DB said that purchased tickets would remain valid until next Sunday or could be refunded and urged passengers to delay travel where possible.

In the capital Berlin, where additionally the entire public announcement system broke down, frustrated morning commuters were asked to switch from S-Bahn commuter trains operated by DB to subways, buses or trams.

At Nuremberg station, in the southern state of Bavaria, some 50 rail workers were seen demonstrating in yellow high-visibility vests, similar to the ones donned by anti-government protesters in France.

It is not unusual however for German rail staff to wear hi-vis jackets, and it was not immediately clear if the demonstrators intended to signal a link with the French street protests.

"One for all and all for one" read the signs held aloft by the demonstrators.

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Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Monday requested the farming community not to lose morale, even as he asserted that his coalition government was committed to protecting their interest.

"Kumaraswamy has once again appealed to farmers that his government was committed to solving all the issues concerning them, and they should not lose morale for any reason," the chief minister's office said in a statement.

The chief minister, who met a delegation of farmers led by Kodihalli Chandrashekar at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here, said his government was making honest efforts to get sugarcane farmers' their dues from sugar factories.

Sugarcane farmers in Belgavi have threatened to intensify their protest again demanding clearance of pending arrears by sugar factories for the cane supplied and announcement of purchase price for sugarcane for the current season as had been done in neighboring Maharashtra.

Cane farmers had withdrawn their protest last month following assurances from the government to resolve their issues.

They have now resumed it during the session, alleging that the government had not kept its word.

Farm produce can be stored for longer duration using "vacuum packing", the Chief Minister, who examined vacuum packs, said.

Farmers need not worry about fall in prices from this, he said.

Meanwhile, a committee headed by Manoj Rajan, additional secretary (market reforms), cooperative department, formed to study 'Israel model agriculture', has submitted its report to the Chief Minister.

In the state budget, Kumaraswamy earmarked Rs 150 crore in the first phase for replicating the Israeli model of irrigation facility on 5,000 hectares of dry land in each of the parched districts of Kolar, Chitradurga, Koppal, and Gadag.

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Cracking the whip, the government has barred 156 from receiving foreign funds for six months for defying an order to open accounts in any of the 32 designated banks.

The Home Ministry said about a year ago, it had directed all non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business entities and individuals who receive funds from abroad to open accounts in any of the 32 designated banks for higher level of transparency.

However, the latest order said that it has been observed that the associations have not yet opened their bank accounts in central government's Public Financial Management System (PFMS)-integrated banks and contravened the provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010 by not complying with the December 2017 direction.

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the power conferred by section 13 of the FCRA, 2010, pending consideration of cancellation of their certificates, the central government hereby, suspends the registration under FCRA 2010 of the said associations (including their branches and units) for a period of one hundred and eighty days..," the latest directive said.

Suspension of the FCRA registration means the and entities cannot accept funding from abroad, an official said.

The directive to the NGOs, companies and individuals to open foreign contribution accounts in banks, which are integrated with the central PFMS, was given for a higher level of transparency and hassle-free reporting compliance.

The FCRA 2010 provides for the regulation of acceptance of the foreign funds or foreign hospitality by certain individuals, associations, organisations and companies "to ensure that such contributions or hospitality is not being utilised for the activities detrimental to the national interest", the ministry had said.

The 32 designated banks where individuals, and other entities can open their accounts are Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, ICICI Bank, The Cosmos Co-Operative Bank, Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India, South Indian Bank, IDBI Bank, Central Bank of India, Corporation Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd, The Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd, HDFC Bank, UCO Bank, IndusInd Bank Limited, City Union Bank and Syndicate Bank.

Allahabad Bank, The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd, Punjab National Bank, Allahabad UP Gramin Bank, DCB Bank Ltd, Manipur State Co-op Bank, Vijaya Bank, Bombay Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd, Yes Bank, Oriental Bank Of commerce, Dena Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Andhra Bank and Axis Bank are the others.

The PFMS, which functions under the Controller General of Accounts in the Ministry of Finance, provides a financial management platform for all plan schemes, a database of all recipient agencies, integration with core banking solution of banks handling plan funds, integration with state treasuries and efficient and effective tracking of fund flow to the lowest level of implementation for plan scheme of the government.

It also provides information across all plan schemes or implementation agencies in the country on fund utilisation leading to better monitoring, review and decision support system to enhance public accountability in the implementation of plan schemes.

Introduction of the PFMS resulted in effectiveness and economy in public finance management through better cash management for government transparency in public expenditure and real-time information on resource availability and utilisation across schemes.

It also resulted in improved programme administration and management, reduction of float in the system, direct payment to beneficiaries and greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

The Narendra Modi-led government tightened the rules for NGOs and took action against all such entities for violation of various provisions of the FCRA 2010 which include



non-filing of annual returns as mandated in the law.

Last month, the Home Ministry had served show cause notice to 1,775 entities for their "failure" to submit annual income and expenditure statement on foreign funding for up to six years.
Hailing the UK court order on Vijay Mallya's extradition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday said the offender who benefited during the UPA rule is being brought to the book by the NDA government.

A UK court has ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to India's efforts to bring back the fugitive wanted for loan default worth Rs 9,000 crore.

Delivering the verdict, Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot said that there was "no sign of a false case being mounted against him".

"Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The Judgement of UK's Court is welcome. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book," Jaitley said in a tweet.

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.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Monday inaugurated the honorary consulate office of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Gandhinagar.

At the occasion, the chief minister exuded confidence that opening of the office will further strengthen the bilateral ties between the Central Asian country and India.

Kazakhstan Ambassador to India Bulat Sarsenbayev and newly-appointed honorary consul Dilip Chandan were present at the inauguration office, located in Sector 8 of the state capital, an official release said.

Rupani also invited a Kazakhstan delegation to take part in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit, to be held between January 18 to 20 next year.

The chief minister informed the audience that Kazakhstan is keen to build a jetty on the western cost of India. He also urged Kazakhstan to take advantage of 40 small ports of Gujarat.

Ambassador Bulat said the honorary consulate office will add a new dimension to the holistic growth of his country.

Accepting Rupani's invitation, Bulat said a business delegation from his country will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

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Two more persons have been arrested by Gujarat Police in connection with a leak of the examination for police constable's post.

This takes the number of arrests in the case to 13.

Vineet Kumar was arrested by a team of Gujarat Police in Delhi and brought to Gandhinagar, while Ashok Sahu, resident of Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, was held in Indore and will be brought here by midnight, Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Mayur Chavda said.

Kumar had allegedly made arrangements for the places in Delhi where the candidates were shown the leaked question paper, the SP said.

Sahu, arrested earlier this year for leaking the question paper of a competitive exam in Madhya Pradesh and released on bail later, allegedly met Nilesh Chauhan, Suresh Pandya, Ashwin Parmar and Manish Singh among others at a hotel in Ahmedabad before the December 2 examination.

"They met at a hotel on November 28 and hatched the conspiracy to make money by leaking the paper. Apart from Sahu, other persons who took part in the meeting have been identified but not arrested yet," Chavda said.

"After hatching the conspiracy, they took the candidates to Delhi by road and air, where they were shown the question paper in batches of five or seven and then brought back," the SP said.

Police also took some of the arrested candidates to Delhi to identify the places where they were shown the paper.

Police will soon identify the "channel from which the paper was leaked and processed", Chavda added.

Around 8.75 lakh candidates were to appear for the examination for 9,700 posts of constable across 2,440 centres in the state on December 2. After the leak came to light, it was cancelled.

A fresh examination will be held on January 6, the government announced last week.

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The Madras High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government on a plea seeking special reservation for transgenders in appointments for government jobs.

The notice was issued by Justice S Vimala on a plea moved by a Chennai resident P Sudha, a transsexual.

The petitioner submitted that reservation is provided for upliftment of certain communities and women in some cases as they were oppressed and denied equal opportunities for over several decades.

Though transgenders have been identified as the third gender, no proper welfare measures are being taken by the state for the community's upliftment or empowerment, the petition said.

This community is in a constant battle with oppression and discrimination from all sections of society, it said.

Sudha stated in the petition that providing reservation to the community was the need of the hour.

Noting that such reservation could change the face of the community, the petitioner wanted the court to direct the state government to come up with a policy to provide reservation to the community as a special case in government appointments.

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By Delana Isles

THE HOTLY debated 100 percent service charge payment to hospitality workers has been postponed until February 1, 2019.





Two hours before the Hotel and Restaurant (Service Charge) Ordinance 2018 was to have come into force, Deputy Premier and Minister of Employment Services, Hon. Sean Astwood announced its postponement.





It was also announced that the legislation could be headed back to the House of Assembly for more changes very soon.





The recently passed ordinance now requires employers to pay their hospitality workers all of the service charge they collect from customers.





The minister cited a lack of adequate education and understanding of the ordinance as reasons for the postponement in a press release this past week.





As a result of this, the minister promised further public education and clarity on the legislation will be carried out ahead of its implementation.





The delay will also facilitate readiness for the new regime as well as to make any required legislative clarifications by way of amendments to avoid ambiguity and ensure proper understanding of and compliance with the ordinance, Astwood advised.





"In the meantime, service charge will continue to be collected as currently provided under the existing law, Astwood said.





Under the existing law, workers are paid 60 percent of the service collected by their employers.





Public concerns

Deputy Premier Astwood also responded to the concerns raised by the public and sought to clear up what he termed misconceptions and intentional misleadings by some members of the House of Assembly and the public.





He stated that the decision to delay the service charge ordinances start date was made to safeguard the rights of workers and to achieve a smoother implementation while protecting the objective of the bill.





The objective of which "is to ensure that the largest workforce are greater benefactors of our most lucrative industry.





Astwood said: "We wish to assure all workers in the hospitality industry that this is by no means a denial, but a short delay of this benefit.





He reminded that the legislation has already been passed to achieve the Governments intent.





In addition to the granting workers all of the service charge collected, the minister reminded that the legislation also protects operators from what would have been loss in revenue with the implementation of a facility fee of up to five percent, which is more than the 60/40 percent of the service charge split under the current law.





"We are pleased that even ahead of the official start date, registrations were being received by my ministry which has the responsibility for labour and is properly placed with its management and oversight.





"We are however disappointed by the actions of a number of our people and PNP operatives who continue to try to undermine the implementation of this benefit, and are encouraging operators of restaurants in particular to not cooperate.





The minister said the Government is baffled by actions of these members of the House of Assembly who thought the benefit was too good for the hard workers in the industry, and who continue to fight something that is good for the people, in the most underhanded way.





He noted that the hospitality sector employs the majority of workers in the TCI, is a lucrative sector and those who work hard in the industry must be further incentivised.





"We are not asking operators to, but guests who no doubt believe that workers are already receiving the service charge.





Changes to new service charge ordinance

The minister also implied that the recently passed bill could be headed back to the House of Assembly for some more changes.





"I wish to remind us all, that all laws are always under review and we maintain that the bill is not flawed, but certainly will be improved following the consideration of these final submissions.





"Despite the consultation on this matter beginning in 2015, we have received some late submissions including from the diverse villa rental sector that we believe are worthy of consideration and which will help to tighten the bill to ensure its objective is achieved and there must be further education and clarification on these new proposed inclusions.





Astwood said the Government is committed to allowing all parties involved additional time to complete this process and to include any further ideas that will help to enhance the ordinance.





"We recognise that persons are disappointed with the delay, but also wish to further clarify that there would not have been a major increase seen in payslips in December, if at all, as the





December 1 deadline was in respect of bookings made after this date and TCI has a history of the average bookings being made 30 to 90 days before travel.





He further stated that despite the "rhetoric and attempts to change facts, the record accurately reflects that no amendment was made or suggested on the floor of the House, save for those made by the Government which were furnished to the clerk the day before the debate for circulation.





"During the debate not one member of the Opposition or independent members made any substantive motion to amend and to suggest otherwise is to mislead the people of this country.





He added that the members of the PNP were largely calling for the exclusion of the expatriate workers from the scheme, but that his Government remains opposed to this as it is important to compensate all who work hard in the industry as they are expected to perform at high standards.





"We are committed to the full implementation of the Service Charge (Hotel and Restaurant) Ordinance and its new start date of February 1, 2019, which will allow any proposed amendments to be debated and passed in the House of Assembly.





When the bill was passed in the House on September 24, there were 14 yes votes, three absent members, and one abstention during the vote.





Those voting yes were Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Deputy Premier Sean Astwood, Home Affairs Minister Delroy Williams, Health Minister Edwin Astwood, Housing Minister Goldray Ewing, Education Minister Karen Malcolm, Deputy Speaker of the House Derek Taylor, PDM elected member Douglas Parnell, Government appointed member Maxovonno Thomas, PNP elected member Akierra Missick, PNP elected member Porsha Smith, PNP elected member Ruth Blackman, Opposition appointed member Royal Robinson and Governors appointed member two Temard Butterfield.





Members who did not participate in the vote by absenting themselves during this time were Leader of the Opposition Washington Misick, Grand Turk North PNP elected member George Lightbourne and Governors appointed member one John Phillips.





Minister of Tourism Ralph Higgs declared a conflict of interest to the TCI Integrity Commission and was advised not to participate in the debate and vote on the bill.





Independent member Josephine Connolly abstained from voting on the bill.




Questioning the rationale behind deporting a man to Sri Lanka, the Madras High Court has summoned the regional foreigners registration officer to appear before it and explain the procedure followed in such cases.

The issue pertains to a habeas corpus plea moved by K Sundar Lingam, whose son was deported to Sri Lanka.

A habeas corpus is a petition filed to ensure a person under arrest is brought before a court to determine if the detention is legal.

Lingam submitted that he is a Sri Lankan national who escaped to India in 1987 in view of the then ongoing ethnic crisis in the island nation.

His son, S Anand, was born at Thirumala Devasam Medical College and Hospital, Alappuzha District, Kerala on December 25, 1992.

He completed his school education in a private school in Chennai and in 2013, he went to Australia. He came back to India on October 27, 2018.

The petitioner said that 'to his shock and surprise" his son was detained by Indian immigration authorities on his return and was deported to Sri Lanka, following which he moved the high court.

In response to the plea, the immigration department submitted that Anand entered Australia illegally by boat and sought asylum there. However, the Australian government rejected his plea.

Anand, instead of going back to Sri Lanka, went to the Indian Embassy at Melbourne and fraudulently obtained an Indian Emergency Certificate on September 21, claiming to be an Indian national and arrived from Australia on September 27, the authorities sid.

The Sri Lankan embassy was later duly informed and he he was sent to Sri Lanka, the immigration authorities said.

Recording the submissions, a division bench of Justices N Kirubakaran and Abdul Quddhose wondered how Anand was allowed to move out of the refugee camp in Australia and reach the Indian Embassy



"If the asylum application of Anand was rejected by the Australian government, he would not be allowed to move out of the refugee camp/asylum seekers camp and there is no scope for the asylum seekers to come out of the camp.

"Therefore, prima facie it is doubtful as to whether the asylum application of Anand was rejected, as contended by the authorities," the court said.

If the petitioner's son had fraudulently obtained an Indian Emergency Certificate from the Indian Embassy at Melbourne, claiming to be an Indian national and travelled to India, the usual course should be to send him back to the country from where he has travelled, the bench said.

However, surprisingly, the authorities had sent him to Sri Lanka after informing the Sri Lankan Embassy and obtaining an emergency certificate.

"When the petitioner's son was born and brought up and educated in India and he has got no connection at all with Sri Lanka, it is not known as to how the authorities had deported the petitioner's son to Sri Lanka," the bench added.

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The Bombay High Court Monday



chided the Maharashtra government for issuing an advertisement for job recruitment under the new legislation providing reservation to Maratha community even as petitions challenging the same are pending before the court.

The HC said such "irreverent situations" should be avoided and that the government should give courts some "breathing space" to hear the petitions.

A division bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M S Karnik asked the government why was it in such a rush to fill up the positions when it knew that petitions challenging the Maratha reservation decision were due for hearing on Monday.

The bench was hearing a bunch of petitions on the Maratha quota issue.

While few of the petitions challenged the government's decision to provide 16 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions to the Maratha community, several others were filed in support of it.

Advocate Gunaratan Sadavarte, appearing in a petition challenging the legislation, pointed out to the court an advertisement issued by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission inviting applications for jobs.

"Applications have also been invited under the newly introduced Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) for the Maratha community," Sadavarte told the court.

Senior counsel V A Thorat, appearing for the government, said only applications have been invited and that the final examination for the jobs will be held in July 2019.

"The entire process of filling up the posts will take more than six months," he said.

The court, however, sought to know why the government was in such a rush to issue the advertisement.

"The government knew that the petitions challenging the legislation would be heard today. You (government) could have waited for a few more days to issue the advertisement," Chief Justice Patil said.

He said the government was not technically wrong in doing so, but considering the seriousness of the issue in hand, the government should have waited.

"This is a serious matter affecting millions of people, both for and against the reservation. In such matters such irreverent situations should be avoided. The government should give courts also some breathing space to hear the petitions and pass interim orders," Chief Justice Patil said.

Several people will send their applications for the jobs not knowing that the issue was being challenged, the court noted.

"We do not want youngsters who have sent applications to wait endlessly. There has to be a balanced approach in such matters," the court said.

The bench directed Thorat to take instructions from the government on whether the state would recruit people under the quota pending hearing of the petitions.

The court then posted the petitions for further hearing on December 19.

After the petitions were adjourned, Sadavarte was assaulted and abused by a person shouting "Ek Maratha Lakh Maratha" in support of the quota outside court premises when he was speaking to the media.

While the man was whisked away by police, Sadavarte came back to the bench and informed it about the incident.

He further told the court that in the last one week, he received several threat calls and that he and his family were being followed by two unknown men.

"This morning, I went to the local police and gave a complaint letter," he said.

Chief Justice Patil directed state Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni to look into the issue and give the lawyer police protection if required.

Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao had earlier this month approved and signed the Maratha Reservation Bill after the state Assembly unanimously passed it.

The State Backward Class Commission had last month submitted a report to the government recommending reservation in government jobs and educational institutes to members of the Maratha community.

Advocate Pradeep Sancheti, appearing for petitioner Sanjeet Shukla who has challenged the reservation, told the court on Monday that the decision was violative of the Supreme Court's previous orders mandating that caste and community based reservation in states should not exceed 50 per cent.

"The state government cannot concentrate on one caste alone. The commission should have been asked by the government to look into all castes. Why only the Maratha community?" Sancheti said.

Senior counsel Shrihari Aney, appearing for another petitioner challenging the reservation, said the creation of a separate category for the Maratha community under the name of 'Socially and Educationally Backward Class' was not justified.

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The Madras High Court Monday reserved its verdict on a plea seeking to ban online sale of medicines without a valid licence.

The issue pertains to a petition moved by the Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association against such sales.

Concluding the final hearing, Justice Puspha Sathyanarayana said she was reserving her orders on the petition.

The petitioner wanted the court to direct the state to take action against such unauthorised traders and pull down their websites as illegal.

Online traders opposed the plea, contending that such sale was legal as many of them held valid licences.

Recently, the state informed the court that it did not have the powers to pull down websites providing online sale of medicines in the absence of any Act or regulation prohibiting such sale.

On October 31, the court passed an interim order prohibiting online sale of medicines by unauthorised traders.

It clarified that those with valid licences could continue the trade.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government on Monday to reply to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the extensions granted to state Director General of Police (DGP) Dattatray Padsalgikar.

A bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M S Karnik also directed the government to give its view on whether the PIL, filed by Thane-based lawyer R R Tripathi, was maintainable.

The reply is to be filed within a week.

Padsalgikar was due to retire on August 31 this year but he was granted an extension of three months. On November 30, he again got an extension for three more months.

Government lawyer Abhinandan Vagyani argued that the state government has the power to grant extensions, and the extensions granted to Padsalgikar were approved by the Union government.

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Monday said it hopes for a smooth transition and "an approach acceptable to all" after RBI Governor Urjit Patel's resignation, citing liquidity and credit offtake issues in the financial sector.

Patel, who had a run in with the government over autonomy of the central bank, Monday resigned from his post.

"Any views expressed will be termed political. However, the government has to think about what kind of signals it will send out. If the replacement is by a capable person this will all blow over," PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rajeev Talwar told PTI.

In a brief statement, Patel said he has decided to step down with immediate effect.

Industry body CII said, "The governor has said it is his personal reason. We are looking forward to a smooth transition which leads to good results in terms of an approach that is acceptable to all and good for the economy."



"We do not believe that there has been any sort of interference in the functioning of the RBI. Everyone has a right to give their inputs and it should not be seen as interference."

The chamber said there are at present, issues in the financial sector, liquidity and credit, although the currency seems to be well under control.

"CII is certain that the resignation of the Governor would be well handled and there would be no major disruption owing to the change at the helm of the regulatory institution," the industry body said.

Assocham Secretary General Uday Kumar Verma said it was "inappropriate" to make a comment on the matter, terming it as an issue between the government and the RBI.

Patel was appointed the 24th Governor of the RBI in September 2016 for a three-year term.
Hundreds of people, including prominent activists like Medha Patkar, gathered at Parliament Street in central Delhi to celebrate the International Human Rights Day on December 10 and also mark the culmination of the 65-day Samvidhan Samman Yatra.

The Yatra traversed various states and organised meetings and discussions to support struggles of farmers, labourers and victims of violence and hate. It started on October 2 from Dandi in Gujarat and culminated in a 'Jan Sansad' at Parliament Street in Delhi Monday.

Members of social movements, the civil society, representatives of Narmada Bachao Andolan, tribals from the Nilgiris and several others from different walks of life joined the activists during the gathering. They sang patriotic songs and chanted slogans in support of freedom of speech.

The people also observed Jashn-e-Samvidhan, a celebration of dissent and resistance. It aims to celebrate the spirit of Constitution, the struggles of people and reassert the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, said Patkar of the Andolan.

"This celebration is a message that if our rights are not given then such a protest would be ignited that it would overthrow the government (out)," Patkar told PTI.

Playing on the BJP's campaign slogans before the 2014 general election, she said that neither "acchhe din" happened for the poor nor they received Rs 15 lakh each as promised.

"We want to warn the government whichever is formed next year, that if the poor do not get their demands met we will not hesitate in keeping up our protest," she added.

Activist Shabnam Hashmi said there is a need to celebrate resistance, specially at a time when the voice of the poor and the needy is being curbed.

Addressing the audience later, Patkar said, "We need to unite to stop violence against women and make sure that the party that attacked us in Sabarimala should not be brought back to power."



In Sabarimala in Kerala, devotees are protesting against a Supreme Court order allowing women of menstrual age to the enter the Lord Ayyappa temple, whose deity is celibate.

The BJP and the Congress have tacitly supported the protest and the Left Democratic Front government in the state has said it is ensuring that the judgment is implemented.

Patkar also said that until the women, the farmers and the labourers of the country unite government programmes such as Make in India and Skill Development "hold no meaning" for the poor.

"To protect the rights of women, not only MeToo but 'hum sab' (WeToo) is needed."



Educationist Anil Sadgopal demanded that 14 lakh government schools in the country should be brought to the Kendriya Vidyalaya level.

"We pay tax so that we do not have to pay fees and the education system should be such that the child of the richest industrialist can study with the child of farmers of the country. We want such equality," he said addressing the gathering.

The activists claimed that the government is using the "spectre of nationalism and communal tensions" to divert the attention of the public from these issues.

The celebration saw participation from various parts of the country.

Savitri, who earns her livelihood as a MNREGA labourer, has come to the 'Jan Sansad' with 16 women from Muzaffarpur in Bihar. She says she wants her pay to be increased from the current Rs 1,000 per month.

"We can't support ourselves with this pay. We are tired of begging for our rights," she said.

Jhuriya, another labourer from Varanasi, said she and the 12 women who accompanied her here have not received payment of their dues under MNREGA.

"We worked for 40 days and have not been paid one paisa. How can we live like this?" the 74-year-old labourer asked.

Tribals from Niyamgiri said they are still battling police atrocity because they raised their voice against industries in Odisha.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hundreds of people from across the country, including prominent activists like and Shabnam Hashmi, gathered at Parliament Street in central Delhi to celebrate the International Day on Monday.

Members of social movements, the civil society, representatives of Narmada Bachao Andolan, tribals from the Nilgiris and several others from different areas joined the activists.

The participants sang patriotic songs and chanted slogans in support of the

The people have gathered to observe Jashn-e-Samvidhan, a celebration of dissent and resistance. It aims to celebrate the spirit of Constitution, the struggles of people and reassert the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, said Patkar of the Andolan.

"This celebration is a message that if our rights are not given then such a protest would be ignited that it would overthrow the government (out)," Patkar told PTI.

Hashmi said there is a need to celebrate resistance, especially at a time when the voice of the poor and the needy is being curbed.
chief minister Monday hit out at state BJP chief for his comments against him and said he did not require any certificate from the leader of the opposition.

Yeddyurappa has accused the chief minister of being "arrogant."

The BJP has decided to corner the government on a host of issues, both inside and outside the assembly during the ongoing legislature session.

"His (Yeddyurappa's) comments are not worth replying. I do not need Yeddyurappa's certificate," Kumaraswamy told reporters in response to the remarks of the state BJP chief.

Both Kumaraswamy and Yeddyurappa indulged in a verbal duel, even as the legislative assembly met for a ten-day long winter session in this border city.

The assembly was adjourned for the day after obituary references to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Union Minister Ananth Kumar, senior Congress leader C K Jaffer Sharief, actor Ambareesh and other former MLAs who died recently.

Reacting to the BJP and Yeddyurappa's threat about agitation both inside and outside the House against his government on several issues, including the plight of farmers, the chief minister said, it was their duty.

"I welcome their agitation......we are ready to respond (in the House)," he added.

Earlier in the day, Yeddyurappa accused Kumaraswamy of being "arrogant."

He alleged that the chief minister was speaking lightly about the opposition and the media.

"He (Kumaraswamy) thinks opposition has to work like his slaves....and media to work according to him. This will not happen," Yeddyurappa said.

Yeddyurappa accused Kumaraswamy of neglecting north and lack of clarity on farm loan waiver.

"Your drama will not work.....you do not have moral right to continue in power, quit immediately " Yeddyurappa said.

"Farmers are protesting fed up with your government's failures and BJP will continue its agitation against the government both inside and outside the House, and will continue its agitation throughout the state after the session," he added.

ALSO READ: Kumaraswamy cabinet to be expanded on Dec 22: Karnataka coalition govt

The BJP's core committee that met Monday discussed the strategy to be adopted to corner the coalition government during the winter session.

BJP is likely to move an adjournment motion in the assembly on agrarian crisis in the state, according to party sources.
Hollywood veteran Meryl Streep says that she is scared by the possibility of Donald Trump's return as the US president.

The 69-year-old actor was termed as "one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood" by Trump after she criticised him during her Cecil B DeMille acceptance speech at the 2017 Golden Globes.

In an appearance alongside "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert at annual Montclair Film fundraiser, Streep spoke about her career and life.

Colbert asked the actor about empathising with the characters she plays, saying, "What's it like for you to see somebody who is the President of the United States who is the top politician who is indifferent to the idea of empathy? I'm not sure he knows what you mean when you say it."



To this Streep replied, "I'm scared. I'm scared by him, by his possibility. And I do empathise with him. I can't imagine what his 3am is like. There's a gathering storm everyone feels it, he feels it. His children are in jeopardy, and I feel that.

"I think, 'What if my children were in jeopardy?' I would do anything anything to get them out of trouble. So we should be afraid. That's what I think.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India gave wings to their ferocious ambition of winning a maiden series Down Under, beating Australia by 31 runs in the opening Test with an irresistible fusion of self-belief, hunger and talent here Monday.

Chasing 323, the hosts were bowled out for 291 in 119.5 overs shortly before tea on day five with Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami taking three wickets each for a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

Rishabh Pant finished with 11 catches, and equalled the record for most dismissals in a Test by a wicketkeeper, sharing it with England's Jack Russell and South Africa's AB de Villiers.

Things went too close for comfort for India as Nathan Lyon (38 not out) and Josh Hazlewood (13) put on 42 runs for the last wicket and frustrated the Indian bowling. The sparse crowd at Adelaide Oval cheered every single as the duo edged closer and the odd boundary didn't help matters.

Finally, things came to a close as Ashwin had Hazlewood caught at second slip in the 120th over to register India's sixth Test win on Australian soil.

"It's important to stay calm. The odds were stacked up against them as soon as we got Pat Cummins out. I wouldn't say I was cool as ice but you try not to show it," Kohli said at the end of the match.

Post lunch, India had a big early breakthrough when Australian skipper Tim Paine (41) played an uncharacteristic pull shot off Bumrah and only managed to loop it up for Pant to take an easy catch.

The visitors then were bothered by two lower-order stands. First, Mitchell Starc (28) and Pat Cummins (28) put on 41 runs for the eighth wicket and carried Australia past 200 in the 89th over.

While Shami broke through that partnership, things didn't ease out. Pant could have had 12 dismissals but he dropped Lyon in the 105th over off Bumrah.

Four overs later, Kohli didn't make any mistake at first slip as he helped dismiss Cummins, albeit he was frustrated with his 31-run stand with Lyon.

In the morning session, India removed Travis Head (14) and Shaun Marsh (60) as Australia reached 186 for six at lunch.

Starting from overnight 104 for four, the Head-Marsh partnership lasted only 7.4 overs before India forced a breakthrough with the old Kookaburra ball.

Head was the first to go, with Ishant Sharma (1-48) bowling a sharp bouncer that followed the batsman and left him no room. The ball looped up to gully where Ajinkya Rahane made no mistake.

The duo had added 31 runs with the onus now on Marsh and Paine as the last recognized batting pair.

Marsh shouldered the responsibility and scored his first half-century in the fourth innings of a Test off 146 balls. It was his 10th Test half-century overall.

He had looked comfortable at the crease all morning, but Bumrah removed him after the drinks break. The big moment came as the ball moved away just a tad and Marsh gave the slightest of edges to be caught behind in the 73rd over.

It was Pant's ninth dismissal in the Test, equalling MS Dhoni (9 versus Australia, Melboure in 2014) as the second-best haul by an Indian wicket keeper in overseas Tests. He later equalled and went past Wriddhiman Saha's Indian record for highest dismissals in a Test (10) against South Africa at Cape Town earlier in the year.

Cummins then helped Paine play out 10.5 overs, although he had a couple of hairy moments in the 74th over off Ashwin. India wasted a DRS review when they thought he had edged it.

Four balls later, a loud appeal for caught at short leg was turned down with Cummins reviewing it successfully this time.

India scored 250 in their first innings with Cheteshwar Pujara anchoring with his 16th Test century.

Australia replied with 235 and conceded a 15-run lead. The visitors then finished at 307 in their second innings, including a collapse of five for 25, and set a competitive target on day four.
Manila (CNN Philippines Life)  The bells are back. After more than a century of being displayed as trophies of war in Wyoming, the church bells of Balangiga, Samar, will finally return home. The peal that signals the start of Misa de Gallo should sound sweeter for the towns residents this holiday season, and deservedly so. Yet at the same time, we should also be on guard and make sure the loud chimes do not drown out the history of war crimes that are at the root of this bittersweet homecoming.

The memory of the so-called Balangiga Massacre and its aftermath can be regarded as an aberration in Philippine history. It is one of those episodes that have gained an iconic status in our collective memory. At least two book-length works are available to those interested in the topic, Rolando Borrinagas The Balangiga Conflict Revisited and Bob Coutties Hang the Dogs, both written by respected scholars.

The incident, however, is just a part of the much wider yet oft-forgotten PhilippineAmerican War (18991913). Compared with similar momentous events such as the Philippine revolution against Spain (18961898) and the resistance against the Japanese during the Second World War (19411945), the PhilippineAmerican War seems to be continuously fighting a losing battle just to earn a place within the Filipinos collective consciousness.

A quick look at our calendars reveals this historical twist. While we have the National Heroes' Day and the Araw ng Kagitingan to commemorate the first cry of the 1896 revolution and the fall of Bataan, respectively, theres no counterpart for the decade-long armed struggle against U.S. colonialism. As for our individual heroes who have gifted us with national holidays  Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Benigno Aquino Jr.  none of them were even alive during the PhilippineAmerican War, even if we extend its timeline to 1913, the year which marks the final gasp of organized Moro resistance.

The peculiar nature of the Balangiga conflict also stems from its peripheral location: Samar, despite being the third largest island in the archipelago, is barely a blip on the radar in the traditional, Manila-centric narrative of Philippine history. It seems Samar grabs the headlines (whether in history or in the news) only when it involves disasters, whether natural (like Typhoon Yolanda) or man-made (like the Balangiga conflict).

But to call the Balangiga conflict a man-made disaster is a huge understatement given that it occurred against the backdrop of a brutal occupation that could be declared a crime against humanity. The American began their offensive against the Filipino revolutionaries on Feb. 4,1899, but it dragged on for years as it encountered guerilla resistance especially in the far-flung provinces. The province of Samar was one of these arenas of anticolonial struggle. On Sept. 28, 1901, around 500 men, divided into seven units, launched a surprise attack against Company C of the 9th U.S. Infantry Regiment, which was in charge of the American military occupation in Balangiga.

It is tempting to turn this homecoming story into another mythologized facet of Americas altruism to its former colony. Yet this act of reparation cannot amount to an act of closure for this dark episode in the history of PhilippineAmerican relations.

The Filipino revolutionaries wicked design caught the enemy off-guard. They planned to conduct the assault the day after the town fiesta to ensure that the American soldiers were still hung over from a tuba drinking spree the night before; attackers hid the bolos they would use inside the church to avoid being confiscated; and to top it all, 34 men from Barrio Lawaan cross-dressed as women to disguise themselves. The bells of Balangigas church pealed as the revolutionaries swooped down on the unsuspecting Americans.

In the aftermath, 36 were killed in action, including station commander Capt. Thomas W. Connell. In response, Brig. Gen. Jacob H. Smith, with the aid of a U.S. Marines battalion, waged a kill and burn campaign in Samar from October 1901 to January 1902, leaving thousands of fatalities  many of them innocent civilians  and turning these areas into a howling wilderness. Smiths order: Kill every one over the age of ten.

That the U.S. government is now returning the Balangiga church bells, taken as war booty by American soldiers who executed Smiths murderous wish, compels us 21st century Filipinos to reexamine the traditional narratives of goodwill between the two countries. It is tempting to turn this homecoming story into another mythologized facet of Americas altruism to its former colony. Yet this act of reparation cannot amount to an act of closure for this dark episode in the history of PhilippineAmerican relations. Amid the U.S.s pivot to the Pacific and in light of a new imperial threat to our sovereignty, the impending return of the bells should force us to reflect on our colonial and postcolonial relations with the U.S. and draw relevant lessons. One such lesson from our history is the capacity of Filipinos to fight for their independence despite the odds.

Often lost in the retelling of the Balangiga conflict, and the PhilippineAmerican War in general, is the arduous situation that revolutionaries found themselves in: fighting an upstart imperialist power (U.S.) immediately after defeating its old colonial master (Spain). In the face of two bullies, Filipinos believed in fighting for their freedom despite the odds. It is thus unfortunate to hear some Filipinos opting to side with the U.S. in light of Chinese incursions. To supposedly protect our islands in the extremities of our territorial limits, some of our so-called patriotic leaders have allowed American forces to patrol our seas and use our facilities, including their former bases as well as new ones.

Such is a concrete manifestation of the Filipinos historical amnesia with regard to the brutalities of the PhilippineAmerican War, as well as the implications it had on a global scale. Historian Alfred McCoy, for instance, has pointed out the significance of the American colonial project in the Philippines, which informed the subsequent imperial adventures in places like Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Cloaked in the discursive veneer of bringing modernity and democracy in so-called semi-civilized parts of the globe, U.S. chauvinist and militarist adventurism is far from being a dusty historical relic. The cries and shrieks of murdered Filipinos in Balangiga in 1901, unfortunately, have been echoed in My Lai and Abu Ghraib.

The bells homecoming is thus an opportunity to revisit forgotten places, literal and figurative, in Philippine history. It is high time that the peripheries, such as Samar, be brought front and center in our discussion of historical patrimony. At the same time, forgotten episodes such as the Philippine  American War need to be reanalyzed and reinserted into public discussion. It is noteworthy that the campaign to bring the Balangiga bells back home is complemented by legislative measures like the House Hill 2092, which would enact the declaration of Feb. 4 of every year as PhilippineAmerican War Day.

Slowly but surely, such seemingly small acts of historical remembering can give us fresh perspectives to aid us in our present-day problems.
Citrix has announced the release of research into The State of IT Complexity in India that revealed Indian businesses are struggling with complexity.

Almost all Indian businesses (99%) have started their digital transformation journey, but only 34% have reached maturity. This complexity and confusion about the IT environment, impacts an organizations agility, insights and ability to digitally transform.

The rise in complexity is felt by organizations in India. Thirty-eight percent of respondents from India expressed that their organizations IT environment was more or significantly more complex than two years ago.

The sheer volume of applications and data that need to be maintained and secured has risen in response to employees need to get work done anywhere at any time. This pressure is also fuelling Shadow IT, 98 per cent of the respondents from India, stated that they use non-business approved applications to get work done. Meaning applications are running in the organizations environment unknown and unsecured.

Analytics, and the promise of business improving insights, is also suffering from complexity concerns; 88 percent of Indian respondents believe they are missing out on the true benefits of analytics due to the complex and disperse nature of their data and applications.

Makarand Joshi, Area Vice President & Country Head, India Subcontinent, Citrix said, The study found a strong correlation between the increasing levels of complexity felt within organisations, and the delay of digital transformation maturity.

The future has never looked more complex. IT leaders are being asked not only to deliver IT services, but also to improve business outcomes. Businesses must seek out a solution that allow for a unified, contextual and secure digital workspace that enables employees to securely work how, where and when they need, while simplifying management, said Makarand Joshi, Area Vice President & Country Head, India Subcontinent, Citrix.

Study key findings:

38% of Indian businesses believe their IT environments are more or significantly more complex than two years ago.

98% of employees are using non-business approved applications to get work done.

39% of Indian businesses report using over 100 cloud and on-premise business applications.

99% of Indian businesses have started their digital transformation journey, but only 34% have reached maturity.

88% of Indian businesses believe that their organization is missing out on the full benefits of analytics due to the complex and disperse nature of their data and applications.

92% of Indian businesses are already adopting cloud technology (via SaaS, and other cloud services / technology).

79% of Indian businesses are concerned that they would not be able to respond to a data breach required by law (such as GDPR). Of those concerned, the top reasons include; 48% due to data located in different systems and applications 53% due to time concerns

Although 94% of Indian businesses state they offer flexible working, the reality is that only 32% were offered broadly within the business, while the other 62% is highly restricted; creating flexibility frustration.

95% of Indian businesses agree that employee user experience is linked to productivity.

Makarand Joshi, Area Vice President & Country Head, India Subcontinent, Citrix said, The real strategic value of cloud adoption is as a platform for building your own applications. This will really transform business processes, how businesses do things, new ways of working and new ways of delivering those apps  this is real digital transformation and should be considered part of a broader journey.

The State of IT Complexity in Asia Pacific and Japan study explores business working environments and specifically addresses the IT challenges, security and cloud readiness of businesses within the Asia Pacific region and Japan.

@Technuter.com News Service
India's performance in the renewable energy sector has been hailed in a new global report on climate change but it cautioned against the country's move to build new coal-fired power plants, saying that may pose a risk of offsetting positive developments it has made in the field of green energy.

"With comparably good ratings in emissions and renewables Sweden again leads the ranking (Rank 4), followed by Morocco that significantly increased its share of renewable energy capacity and has an ambitious national climate target," said the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2019, published by Germanwatch and the New Climate Institute along with the Climate Action Network (CAN).

"India moves to rank 11 as a result of an improved performance in renewable energy, comparatively low levels of per capita emissions and a relatively ambitious mitigation target for 2030," it said.

Hailing India's improved ranking in this year's CCPI, improving its standing by three places compared to the previous edition, the report says "most notably India improved its performance in the renewable energy category, joining the group of medium performers".

"However, national experts argue that plans to build new coal-fired power plants may pose a risk of offsetting positive developments in the renewable energy sector. Comparatively low levels of per capita greenhouse gase emissions and a relatively ambitious mitigation target for 2030 give India an overall high rating in the emissions category," it said.

The report, which shows only a few countries have started to implement strategies to limit global warming below 2 or even 1.5 degree Celsius, was published Monday at the UN Climate Conference COP24 in Katowice.

It comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious goal that India must start generating 40 per cent of its total power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, thereby placing India at a premium position on the international renewable energy map.

According to the government, India has undertaken ambitious mitigation and adaptation actions in the field of clean energy, especially renewable energy, enhancement of energy efficiency, development of less carbon-intensive and resilient urban centres, promotion of waste to wealth, safe, smart and sustainable green transportation network, abatement of pollution and efforts to enhance carbon sink through creation of forest and tree cover.

The ambitious goal of generating 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, and initiatives on smart cities, electric vehicles, energy efficiency initiatives and others have now made India one of the global leaders in climate action.

With the achievement of about 72 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2018 out of a targeted 175 GW, India stands at fourth position globally in wind power, sixth in solar power installed capacity, and overall fifth in renewable power.

But the report warned that after three consecutive years of stable CO2 emissions, global emissions are rising again.

While there is a continued growth and competitiveness of renewable energy, especially in countries that had low shares before, the CCPI shows a lack of political will of most governments to phase out fossil fuels with the necessary speed.

"Because of that, in most countries the climate policy evaluation by national experts is significantly lower than in earlier years," it said.

Jan Burck, co-author of the CCPI at Germanwatch, said, "Based on techno-economic developments in the last years, delay in implementation of low-carbon solutions can hardly be justified. While the G20 summit has shown strong support of 19 countries to support the Paris Agreement, the political will of those governments to set the right frameworks and incentives for its national implementation is not yet reflected in these words".

"Before Paris, the world was heading to 4-5 degrees of global warming. Now we are still on a path to more than 3 degrees, still a catastrophic perspective. The costs of electricity from wind and solar have dropped by roughly a third since then, so all countries can increase ambition and pace", said Professor Niklas Hohne, co-author from NewClimate Institute.

In 40 of the 56 analysed countries, the emissions decreased between 2011 and 2016. However, investments in fossil fuel infrastructure led to a high risk of a lock-in into high emissions pathways, it said.

The top three ranks of the CCPI 2019 are still unoccupied, because none of the 56 countries or the EU are clearly on a well below 2-degree pathway in their overall performance. In total, the countries' ambition as well as the level of implementation is not high enough, the report said.

It said China climbed to rank 33, being in the group of medium-performing countries for the first time. China performed relatively well regarding its emissions trend from 2014 to 2016, but emissions started to increase again recently. The overall high rating in the climate policy category reflects its government's progress on regulating industrial emissions and a successful renewable energy support scheme.

"In the group of very low performers we find almost half of the G20 countries - Japan (49), Turkey (50), Russian Federation (52), Canada (54), Australia (55), Korea (57) and - at the bottom of the index - USA (59) and Saudi Arabia (60). The USA again lost several places due to its low to very low-rated performance in the GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy and Energy Use," the report said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India Monday signed an ascension pact to the 30-member Trans Regional Maritime Network that will give it an access to the information on ships passing through the Indian Ocean Region.

India already has bilateral White Shipping Agreements with 36 countries.

"India today signed Ascension Agreement to the Trans Regional Maritime Network (T-RMN). The multilat (sic) construct comprises 30 countries & is steered by Italy. Cmde KM Ramakrishnan signed the agreement at Rome in Italian Naval Hq on behalf of #IndianNavy," the Navy's spokesperson tweeted.

The pact will give India the access to information on ships which pass through the Indian Ocean region that will greatly help the security forces in keeping a tab on any suspicious activity, an official said.

The IOR is India's backyard and first respondent to any crisis situation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Air forces of India and



the United States Monday said the two sides were learning the best practices of each other during the ongoing COPE India 2018 exercise, in which 33 fighter aircraft are taking part.

While 12 F15 fighters of the US Air Force (USAF) are participating in the exercise, 10 Sukhoi 30s, six Jaguars and five Mirage 2000s of the Indian Air Force (IAF) are taking part in the exercise at Kalaikunda Air Force station here, Air Commodore S Antony, Air Officer Commanding here, said.

Apart from these, an AWACS and a refueller plane of the IAF from Agra air force station and two C130 transport aircraft each of the two air forces are also part of the exercise, he said.

The two air forces are performing air defence, air combat and attack drills as part of the exercise, the officer said.

"The joint exercises are held so that we can operate together in times to come. Both the air forces are very good. Technologically, they may be better but both are at par professionally," Antony said.

Stating that such exercises are always good and both learn from each other, the officer said the exercises are aimed at giving operational practice, learning from the best practises of USAF and interoperability.

Col Daryl Insley of USAF said while they learn from the IAF, the Indian force also learns from them.

Commending the IAF's professionalism, he said, "Their capabilities are equal to how we operate".

Lamenting that the exercise was for two weeks only, Lt Col John Delion said he wished it could be of longer duration.

"We need to continue this relationship. We need to do this more often and have more frequent engagements and not every five or 10 years," he said.

The exercise is being held from December 3 to 14.

This is the third COPE India joint exercise between the Indian and US air forces. The first one was held at Gwalior in 2004 and the second exercise was conducted here in 2005.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Israel says it has been accepted as a member in a global money laundering and terrorism financing watchdog group.

The Financial Action Task Force is an intergovernmental group of some 35 countries based in Paris that sets international standards on terror financing and money laundering.

Israel says Monday that its acceptance into the group will allow it to take an active role in global policy-making on the issues.

In a statement, the FATF said Israel's "experience and perspective will make a valuable contribution to our work to prevent the misuse of the financial system."



The group has in the past given Israel's archenemy Iran ultimatums over terrorism funding, warning of deeper economic isolation if it doesn't comply.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Israel on Monday became a full member of the global financial watchdog on money laundering and terror financing, officials said, after having previously been blacklisted by the organisation.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said that membership of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) would make Israel part of the group of countries "leading the global battle against money laundering and terror financing."



Membership of the FATF would also present Israel "as a safe and attractive place for investments" from around the world, Shaked said.

FATF president Marshall Billingslea welcomed Israel on becoming the group's 38th member, noting its "rigorous assessment of its measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing," which enabled its membership.

Israel's "experience and perspective will make a valuable contribution to our work to prevent the misuse of the financial system," Billingslea, who is also the US assistant treasury secretary for terrorist financing, said in a statement.

The organisation had blacklisted Israel in 2000 due to what it described at the time as non-cooperation in the fight against money laundering.

Israel was removed from the list in 2002 and has since taken steps to address the issue.

In a report evaluating the efficacy of Israel's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing system released Monday, the FATF noted the ability to "identify, investigate and disrupt terrorist financing activity at an early stage" and prosecute those involved.

"However, it must improve its coordination on preventing the misuse of non-profit organisations for terrorist financing, in particular by increasing its resources to register and supervise these organisations," the FATF said.

Shlomit Wagman-Ratner, head of Israel's money laundering and terror financing prohibition authority, said "the report reflects the significant advances Israel made over the past two decades".

The FATF has recently warned Iran it would face further isolation from international finance if it did not clamp down on terrorism financing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Israeli forces entered the Palestinian city of Ramallah on Monday and raided the offices of the official Palestinian agency, the agency and witnesses said, a day after gunmen wounded several Israelis near a settlement.

Seven people were wounded in the drive-by shooting by Palestinian gunmen at a bus stop near the Ofra settlement in the occupied West Bank late Sunday, with doctors forced to prematurely deliver the baby of one of the wounded, Israeli officials said.

Israeli soldiers entered Ramallah on Monday morning, with low-level clashes breaking out a few hundred metres from the house of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, AFP journalists said.

They seized the security camera footage of a nearby building, according to employees.

Two people were hit with live bullets during the clashes, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Later soldiers raided the headquarters of Wafa, the official Palestinian agency, including the photography and editing offices, a statement from the agency said.

An army spokeswoman said she could not comment on the Ramallah raid, including whether it was part of the hunt for the gunmen from Sunday night's incident.

Doctors at the Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem earlier delivered the baby of one victim of the shooting who was pregnant via a caesarean section, the hospital said.

The hospital added that the mother, 21, was stable on Monday but the baby had taken a turn for the worse.

"There has unfortunately been a deterioration in the baby's condition. The family is requesting prayers for him," a hospital spokeswoman said.

The others wounded in the attack were not in life-threatening condition.

The army said on Monday morning that the perpetrators had so far not been located.

"IDF (Israel Defence Forces), border police and security forces commenced extensive searches in the villages in the area as part of the hunt for the terrorists who committed the attack," a statement on Monday said.

"The IDF will continue to operate to apprehend the terrorists and ensure the security of civilians." The Islamist Hamas movement, which runs the Gaza Strip, praised the attack, saying in a statement that it proved "resistance" was still alive in the West Bank.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis occur sporadically in the West Bank.

On November 26, a Palestinian rammed Israeli soldiers with a car and injured three of them. The assailant in that incident was later killed by Israeli forces.

Sunday's shooting north of Jerusalem was the most serious attack in the West Bank since October 7, when Palestinian Ashraf Naalwa shot two Israelis dead in an industrial zone for a nearby settlement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Israeli forces Monday searched for Palestinian gunmen who opened fire on several Israelis near a West Bank settlement, as doctors prematurely delivered the baby of one of the wounded.

Seven people were wounded in the drive-by shooting at a bus stop near the Ofra settlement in the occupied West Bank, including a 30-week pregnant woman taken to hospital in serious condition.

Doctors at the Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem delivered the baby via a caesarean section, the hospital said, adding the mother, 21, was stable on Monday but the baby had taken a turn for the worse.

"There has unfortunately been a deterioration in the baby's condition. The family is requesting prayers for him," a hospital spokeswoman said.

The others wounded in the attack were not in life-threatening condition.

The army said the perpetrators had so far not been located.

"IDF (Israel Defence Forces), border police and security forces commenced extensive searches in the villages in the area as part of the hunt for the terrorists who committed the attack," a statement on Monday said.

"The IDF will continue to operate to apprehend the terrorists and ensure the security of civilians." The Islamist Hamas movement, which runs the Gaza Strip, praised the attack, saying in a statement that it proved "resistance" was still alive in the West Bank.

Palestinian attacks against Israelis occur sporadically in the West Bank.

On November 26, a Palestinian rammed Israeli soldiers with a car and injured three of them. The assailant in that incident was later killed by Israeli forces.

Sunday's shooting north of Jerusalem was the most serious attack in the West Bank since October 7, when Palestinian Ashraf Naalwa shot two Israelis dead in an industrial zone for a nearby settlement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Israel's prime minister on Monday announced that Oman will open its airspace to Israel's national airline.

The move appears to have no immediate practical effect because carrier El Al is still barred from flying over Oman's northern neighbour, Saudi Arabia. But it marks another sign of warming ties between Israel and Gulf Arab states, as Israel's behind-the-scenes dealings with its former foes become more public.

Benjamin Netanyahu told a gathering of Israeli ambassadors that Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said granted El Al permission to pass through its airspace during the Israeli leader's surprise visit to the country in October.

The two states have no formal diplomatic relations. Israel only has peace agreements with two Arab states Egypt and Jordan.

El Al said the of Oman's permission took the airline by surprise, but that it "welcomes the prime minister's political activity to achieve every possible flight shortcut to and from Israel."



Saudi Arabia broke a decades-long ban on the use of its airspace for flights to Israel last spring, when it allowed India's national carrier to cross its skies.

The move saved about two hours off of India-Israel flights. But the kingdom's approval did not extend to El Al, which is forced take a circuitous route that bypasses the entire Arabian Peninsula.

The kingdom's decision prompted El Al to sue the Israeli government, contending that Air India's shortcut put it at an unfair advantage.

El Al said Monday that its lawsuit has not yet been resolved and stressed that the carrier "always seeks to ensure fair competition and equal opportunities between Israeli airlines and foreign airlines."



Few concrete details have surfaced from Netanyahu's meeting with Sultan Qaboos, the first such visit in over 20 years.

But analysts have speculated that Oman's unique regional position could enable it to play a bigger role mediating between Israel and archenemy Iran.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
: A cardio thoracic surgeon of Apollo Hospital Monday deposed before a panel probing the death of former Chief Minister late J Jayalalithaa, that she did not have any heart diseases.

The Justice A Arumughaswamy Commission of Inquiry examined Dr L F Sridhar,a cardio thoracic surgeon and was among doctors who attended to Jayalalithaa during her hospitalisation.

The panel has examined several doctors on Jayalalithaa's health issues and complications, the diagnostic tests done and treatment options pursued as part of its fact finding exercise.

N Raja Senthhoor Pandian, counsel for V K Sasikala, confidante of the late Jayalalithaa, told reporters that he asked the surgeon if vegetation in the mitral valve of the late leader was the reason for the cardiac arrest she suffered on December 4, 2016.

"The doctor replied that it was not the reason and he also testified that the late leader did not have any heart diseases and there was no need for any (cardiac) surgery," he said.

To a question on why an angiogram was not done, the counsel quoted the surgeon as telling the panel that she did not need it at any point in time and it was a diagnostic test that had nothing to do with her vegetation.

"The cardiac arrest was only a consequence Jayalalithaa faced in view of a bundle of diseases she had.

The cardiac arrest was not due to either vegetation or (valve) perforation...the doctor told the panel," he said.

Counsel for Apollo Hospital, Maimoona Badsha said the doctor, in his deposition, said septicaemia also caused vegetation, as well as valve perforation and Jayalalithaa was hence given antibiotics.

Even on September 28, 2016 when her infection was high, the perforation was very small.

He concurred that the finding of all the doctors was just the same, which was that Jayalalithaa did not need any invasive surgery.

Even a team of AIIMS doctors from Delhi, who visited Jayalalithaa on December 3, 2016 had opined that there was no need for any cardiac investigation or intervention, he said.

Earlier, a man who wanted to depose as a witness, incoherently claimed that he has "brought in Jayalalithaa with him and that he had talked to her every day" and that the panel had declined to hear him, according to Pandian.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
HMD Global has launched its new smartphone Nokia 8.1 in India. The Nokia 8.1 will be available on sale from 21st December 2018 across top mobile retail outlets in India, on Nokia.com/phones and on Amazon.in at a recommended best buy price of INR 26,999 for the 4GB/64GB variant. The Nokia 8.1 is available in two color combinations in India, Blue/Silver and Iron/Steel and will be available for pre-booking from 10th December 2018 on Nokia.com/phones and across select retail outlets and partners like Croma, Reliance, Sangeetha, Poorvika, Big C and MyG. Consumers can also opt for Notify me on Amazon.in.

Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global, said, Weve seen great success in the value flagship category with each of our smartphones in this class consistently introducing new premium experiences to our fans. With the Nokia 8.1, we are further pushing the boundaries in this segment. We offer accelerated performance with a first-class processor architecture, dual cameras with an industry-leading sensor, OIS and ZEISS Optics for great low light imaging, and our new PureDisplay HDR screen technology.

As well as delivering the meticulous craftsmanship and build quality of the renowned Nokia smartphone design, we have also brought the Android 9 Pie experience to our fans, so they can enjoy the latest Android innovations including new Digital Wellbeing features. Our fans are at the heart of every design and engineering decision. We want to give them premium experiences  we hope they agree that the Nokia 8.1 embodies engineering excellence at great value.

Ajey Mehta, Vice President and Country Head HMD Global said,India is one of the top markets for HMD Global and our fans here are central to our product strategy. We have gained tremendous love from them in the value flagship category and with the premium experiences that that Nokia 8.1 will offer, we hope to further strengthen our relationship with our fans here.

Imaging excellence with flagship calibre imaging technology

The Nokia 8.1s great low light imaging performance comes from a perfect blend of software and hardware. Its 12MP main camera with ZEISS Optics has an industry-leading 1/2.55 super sensitive sensor with large 1.4 micron pixels for precise light capture, delivering exceptionally detailed images. With its combination of Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) technology and superfast autofocus, the Nokia 8.1 doesnt let shaky hands stop you from capturing crisp images and videos. A wide aperture ensures you can capture sharp pictures even in low light conditions, allowing longer exposure times that can be manually controlled with the Pro Camera mode.

The 20MP adaptive front camera lets you capture the ultimate night-time selfie, as it enhances how much light it is able to capture by combining four pixels into one super pixel. You can also shoot movies like a pro with 4K video and relive your memories as if you were still there with high fidelity Nokia spatial audio stereo surround sound recording.

Create studio-style portrait shots with the popular bokeh effect, enhanced with the Nokia 8.1s native shallow depth of field, coupled with its secondary 13MP depth sensor. Unleash your creativity with the Pro Camera UI for the ultimate control over your photos, or take your #Bothie game to the next level with AI-powered 3D personas, masks and fun filters in your photos and videos, all of which you can livestream directly without leaving your camera app.

Accelerated performance and PureDisplay

With smartphones rapidly becoming the default device for watching videos, you need a display tailored to the content youre enjoying in the environment youre in. The Nokia 8.1 is the second Nokia smartphone to come with PureDisplay screen technology for an enhanced viewing experience. Visuals are taken to another level with HDR 10 delivering higher contrast, great clarity, and over a billion individual colours to ensure images remain accurate whether youre in a dark room or bright sunlight. Playing games or watching videos, your display will deliver the best possible experience.

To watch all that vivid content on the go, you need exceptional battery life. The Nokia 8.1 lets you effortlessly enjoy up to two days with one charge. Long-lasting power combined with the Snapdragon 710 Mobile Platform means the Nokia 8.1 can get through any task without breaking a sweat, with 35% faster graphics and 20% higher performance than the previous generation, the Snapdragon 660. It also has twice the AI power, thanks to a multi-core AI Engine which combines a brand-new architecture for efficient performance. Qualcomm aptX audio support also means music lovers can enjoy high-quality sound wirelessly over Bluetooth.

Take the smartphone to a whole new dimension by combining the physical world and digital content with AR core support. Through apps like Human Anatomy, Magic Plan, and Jenga AR, you can visualise and learn about the nervous system in 3D, create a floor plan for your next remodel just by walking around the house, and stack blocks on your dining room table with no need to tidy up after your tower collapses.

Design

Heralding a new era of precision craftsmanship and obsession with detail, the Nokia 8.1 has been designed with less than a hairs width between materials, achieving the build quality and structural integrity expected from a Nokia smartphone, as well as making a true statement of clean, elegant European design.

At its core is the strength of an extruded 6000-series aluminium frame with a diecast centre for efficient use of materials. Exploiting the elegant contrast between the curved glass, polished metal and the sand-blasted finish, the Nokia 8.1s unique two-tone design is augmented with a dual anodising process, building on the finish that fans loved on the Nokia 7 plus. Diamond cut edges deliver a bold statement with the durability to withstand the knocks of everyday life.

The Nokia 8.1s stunning 6.18 Full HD+ edge-to-edge display is housed within a beautifully refined and neat footprint, so you can enjoy your favourite movies and apps on a big screen comfortably on the go, giving you even more screen than the award-winning Nokia 7 plus which as a 6 display.

Pure, secure and up-to-date Android 9 Pie, reinforced with Android One

The Nokia 8.1 is the first Nokia smartphone to launch with Android 9 Pie out of the box. It joins the comprehensive line-up of Nokia smartphones in the Android One family, which means it delivers the best version of Android innovations and software experiences. Nokia smartphones with Android One offer great storage and battery life right out of the box and come with three years of monthly security patches and two major OS updates.

The Nokia 8.1 comes with Android 9 Pie, which includes AI-powered features that make your device smarter and faster while also adapting to your behavior as you use it, so your smartphone gets better with time. The Adaptive Battery feature limits battery usage from apps you dont use often, and App Actions predicts what youre about to do so you can get to your next action quickly. These features further streamline your devices functionality and your overall Android experience. The Nokia 8.1 also combines the capabilities of Google Assistant with Dual-Sight, so you can ask it to take #Bothie pictures and videos, and even command it to livestream to YouTube for a convenient and seamless experience.

The Nokia 8.1 will receive three years of monthly security patches and two major OS updates, as guaranteed in the Android One programme. In addition, Google Play protect scans over 50 billion apps per day to keep your phone safe from malware, making the Nokia 8.1 among the most secure phones on the market. It also comes with easy access to helpful innovative services including the Google Assistant, which helps you get things done throughout the day, as well as Google Photos with free unlimited high-quality photo storage. Nokia 8.1 is part of the Android Enterprise Recommended programme which means it is recommended by Google as best choice for professionals.

Offers

Airtel prepaid customers on Nokia 8.1 can enjoy 1TB of 4G data on eligible plans starting Rs. 199 and Airtel post-paid customers can enjoy additional data of 120GB along with three months of Netflix subscription and one year of Amazon Prime subscription on plans starting Rs. 499. This offer is available at all channels.

Consumers purchasing Nokia 8.1 using HDFC Bank Credit and Debit cards on EMI transactions done through Pinelabs terminals in offline stores will receive a 10% cashback. This offer is available at retail outlets.

Consumers pre-booking on Nokia.com/phones or through retail outlets, or registering for notify-me on Amazon.in, will receive a one-time screen-replacement plan for the first 6 months, offered by our partner Servify, on Nokia 8.1.

@Technuter.com News Service
Shares of Jet Airways Monday dropped nearly 6 per cent after the credit rating agency Icra downgraded the airline's long-term ratings.

After a negative opening on BSE, the scrip further declined 6.04 per cent to hit an intra-day low of Rs 259.50.

The stock was trading at Rs 260.55 apiece, down 5.67 per cent from the previous close.

Similarly, on NSE, the airline's stock tumbled 5.88 per cent to an intra-day low of Rs 260.

Later, at 1259 hrs, the stock was trading 5.50 per cent lower at Rs 261.05.

Jet Airways, in a regulatory filing Friday, said that credit rating agency Icra had downgraded the cash strapped air-carrier's long-term ratings from 'B' to 'C'.

This has been the second such action by the agency since October.

Instruments with 'C' rating are considered to have very high risk of default regarding timely servicing of financial obligations, as per the agency.

The rating downgrade considers delays in the implementation of the proposed liquidity initiatives by the management, further aggravating its liquidity, as reflected in the delays in employee salary payments and lease rental payments to the aircraft lessors, the agency said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Private carrier Monday announced signing of an agreement with Saudi budget airline Flynas to operate codeshare flights in each other's territories.

The codeshare pact is effective December 11, said in a release.

Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence.

As part of the agreement, 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 into Saudi Arabia via one point and depart from another, the release said.

Jet Airways will also be placing its code via Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh to the Saudi Arabian cities of Medina, Gizan, Gassim,and Abha, thus extending our reach into Saudi Arabia, it added.

In turn, Flynas will offer its guests access into 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, the release said.

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, it added.

Bander Al-Mohanna, chief executive officer, Flynas, said this partnership is an important step in-line with the airline's 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," he added.
Shares of Jet Airways Monday cracked over 7 per cent after the credit rating agency Icra downgraded the airline's long-term ratings.

The scrip, on BSE, fell 6.77 per cent to settle at Rs 257.5. Intra-day, it lost 7.67 per cent to Rs 255, its lowest during the day.

Following the downtrend, the stock tumbled 7.15 per cent to close at Rs 256.5 on NSE. It had touched an intra-day low of Rs 255.1, a decline of 7.65 per cent.

On the equity volume front, over 19.5 lakh shares were traded on BSE while over 84 lakh scrips changed hands on NSE.

Jet Airways, in a regulatory filing Friday, said that credit rating agency Icra had downgraded the cash strapped air-carrier's long-term ratings from 'B' to 'C'. This has been the second such action by the agency since October.

Instruments with 'C' rating are considered to have very high risk of default regarding timely servicing of financial obligations, as per the agency.

The rating downgrade considers delays in the implementation of the proposed liquidity initiatives by the management, further aggravating its liquidity, as reflected in the delays in employee salary payments and lease rental payments to the aircraft lessors, the agency said.

The private carrier Monday also announced signing of an agreement with Saudi budget airline Flynas to operate codeshare flights in each other's territories.

Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jordan on Monday arrested a publisher and an editor at a website over an image of Jesus deemed "offensive" to Christians, a judicial source said.

Mohammed al-Wakeel, who runs the Al Wakeel website, was accused along with an editor of inciting sectarian strife, a charge that could land them in jail for between six months and three years.

The website had earlier published a retouched version of Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century mural painting of "The Last Supper" that sparked widespread controversy on social media.

The original painting, which depicts Jesus' final meal with his disciples ahead of his crucifixion, is highly symbolic to Christians.

The altered version shows celebrity Turkish chef Nusret Gokce, who goes by the name Salt Bae, standing behind Jesus and doing his famous salt-sprinkling gesture.

One of the disciples has Jesus's face tattooed on his leg.

Following the outcry online, Wakeel apologised and removed the image, saying it was an unintended "mistake" by a trainee editor.

The publisher, who also hosts several radio talk shows in Jordan, was later summoned for questioning at a cyber-crimes unit.

Christians make up around six per cent of the country's 6.6 million population.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Tamil Nadu government Monday said Karnataka's request for talks on the Mekedatu issue "is an attempt to impede" proceedings in the Supreme Court and asked it not to go ahead with the DPR on the project and also any other construction in the Cauvery river basin without its nod.

Law Minister C Ve Shanmugham was responding to Karnataka Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar, who had last week written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami seeking an appointment with him to discuss the proposed project and reach an amicable solution.

Shivakumar had said the project would help in regulating judicious release of water so that excess water is not allowed to flow from the Mettur dam in Salem in Tamil Nadu into the sea needlessly as has had happened this year.

He had wanted to discuss with Palaniswami, the "misconceptions" over his state's proposal for a dam.

In his letter to Shivakumar on Monday, Shanmugham reiterated Tamil Nadu's stand that any construction or even preparation of a Detailed Project Report for the construction of a new reservoir, project "is a clear violation" of the February 16, 2018 apex court judgement on the Cauvery dispute involving two states.

"The request of the Government of Karnataka to discuss the Mekedatu Project with the Government of Tamil Nadu is an attempt to impede proceedings pending on the application filed on November 30, 2018 by Tamil Nadu and also contempt proceedings initiated against you and others in the Supreme Court on December 5, 2018 and the matter has now become sub-judice," he told Shivakumar.

The apex Court on December 5 admitted Tamil Nadu's plea against the nod granted to Karnataka for preparing a DPR for the proposed balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project at Mekedatu across the Cauvery river.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had allowed the state's plea which had said the permission was in utter disregard of the apex court's February 16 verdict on the Cauvery dispute observing that no state can claim "exclusive ownership" of inter-state river water.

In his letter Monday, Shanmugham said the Karnataka government "in violation" of the February 16 verdict, had obtained permission from the Central Water Commission to go ahead for preparation of a DPR for the Mekedatu project, without informing and getting the concurrence of Tamil Nadu and other co-basin states.

It had not informed the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), he added.

Shanmugham urged Shivakumar not to proceed in any manner with the preparation of a DPR for the Mekedatu project and not to take up any construction activities at any place in the Cauvery Basin of Karnataka without the prior consent of the Tamil Nadu government.

Any construction or even preparation of a DPR is a "clear violation" of the February 16 apex court verdict, he said.

"Hence, I request you to desist from preparation of a Detailed Project Report for Mekedatu project," he said and urged the upper riparian state to comply with the February 16 judgement of the apex court in "letter and spirit."



In its February 16 verdict, the Supreme Court had hiked Karnataka's share of water from Cauvery by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's quantum while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin.

Maintaining that the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a "higher pedestal", the top court enhanced Karnataka's share from 270 tmcft to 284.75 tmcft on account of water for drinking and domestic requirements, while lowering Tamil Nadu's share of water from 419 tmcft to 404.25 tmcft.

Karnataka had recently proposed a reservoir on Cauvery at Mekedatu, which has been steadfastly opposed by the Tamil Nadu government, besides all opposition parties in the state, expressing fear that it would affect farmers dependent on the river for irrigation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
: The Karnataka assembly, which met for the winter session here Monday, was adjourned for the day as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away in August.

The house that met for the 10-day long winter session, also paid rich tributes to Union Minister Ananth Kumar, veteran Congress leader and former Minister Jaffer Sharief and film star and politician M H Ambareesh, among others.

As the House met for the day, the Speaker Ramesh Kumar moved obituary references to the departed leaders, including several former MLAs.

Kumar described Vajpayee as the "tallest statesman" and said he belonged to the whole nation.

In his remarks, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said that Vajpayee was the "Bhishma pitamah" of Indian politics.

"Vajpayee had the heart of a poet. He was a great thinker, orator and administrator.

He was Ajatashatru," he said, while recounting Vajpayee's contributions like the Golden Quadrilateral, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Pokhran nuclear test, among others.

The leader of the opposition in the assembly, B S Yeddyurappa, said he was lucky to have worked and travelled with Vajpayee on various occasions.

"Vajpayee was the Ajatashatru of free India," he said, adding that the former Prime Minister was a "fine human being and a statesman politician."



The Chief Minister, Yeddyurappa and other leaders, including Ministers Krishna Byre Gowda, D K Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar also paid rich tributes to Ananth Kumar, Sharief and Ambareesh by recalling their contributions to the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold a meeting with leaders of the Delhi unit Tuesday, after the results of polls to the five state assemblies are declared, to discuss the strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi convener Gopal Rai Monday said the party would also finalise the second phase of its campaign to reach out to voters in Delhi.

He said all Delhi ministers, party in-charges for Lok Sabha seats, councillors and district presidents would attend the meeting to be held at the CM's residence.

Counting of votes for the five state assemblies Madhya Pradesh, Chattishgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana are scheduled to begin at 8 am on Tuesday.

"After results of five state assembly elections, the AAP will hold a Delhi-level meeting with its several leaders, including cabinet ministers, Lok Sabha in-charges, councillors and MLAs on Tuesday," Rai told reporters.

"An overall strategy such as finalisation of Lok Sabha candidates, formula for party's second-phase campaign will be discussed," he added.

The party has named its in-charges for all the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Delhi. In-charge for the west Delhi seat, Rajpal Solanki, has, however, stepped down.

The in-charges are likely to be official candidates of the party.

In the 2014 general elections, the AAP had fielded candidates on all seven seats in Delhi but none of them could secure a win.

Earlier this month, Rai had said that the AAP is "single-handedly capable" of defeating the BJP in Delhi, dismissing any chance of a pre-poll alliance with the Congress in the national capital.

In the 2015 Assembly polls, the AAP had secured around 54.34 per cent vote share, while the BJP and the Congress had 32.19 per cent and 9.65 per cent votes, respectively.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
/ -- Children in 4-16 age group eligible for competition



The last date for submission of entries is December 31st, 2018



Kerala Tourism has launched an International Children's Online Painting Competition as a part of the effort to commemorate the works and incredible story of Indian child prodigy Edmund Thomas Clint, and to provide a platform for the next generation of maestros hidden among us. Held in honour of a legendary nonpareil of Kerala who produced 25,000 works of art in the mere 7 years he spent on the planet, it is the perfect opportunity for artists from India and around the world to showcase their talent.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/795841/Invis_Pythal_Mala.jpg )



Entries are pouring in from around the globe, with participants vying to assume the mantle left by Clint. The competition has so far received 13,000 registrations from 104 countries, including Ghana, Albania, Sri Lanka, Australia and the United States of America. Children in the age group of 4-16 years are eligible to participate with each participant permitted to submit a maximum of five entries. All above 18 years of age can register as promoters of the competition. The last date for submission of entries is December 31st, 2018, and registrations are absolutely free.

The participants will have to upload their entries online and all entrants will be given a certificate of participation. To register, participants can log on to https://www.keralatourism.org/clint/, managed by Invis Multimedia, and the website is available in 23 languages.

A total of 15 winners will get free five-night family trips to Kerala while ten promoters of the competition will get solo five-night trips to the state. In addition, 20 winners from abroad will be given mementoes. Also, cash prizes worth Rs 10,000 each will be given to 65 winners.

Clint's story is one that has inspired entire generations of artists. Taken away from us a month before his seventh birthday, he was born and raised in Kochi. His eyes were constantly fascinated by any visual they encountered, be it trees, flowers, birds, temples or festivals. He was also renowned for having excellent control over a wide range of tools including pencil, crayons, ball pens and watercolours. He found beauty in every story he heard and every incident he witnessed and left behind an immense volume of work that astounds people to this day.

Interestingly, his last work of art depicted a classic Thira dancer he saw in Kozhikode district in April 1983. A month later, he would leave the world due to kidney failure. But his life and its message of resilience are still remembered by all who get to view his creations. In 2014, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), India's only biennale, showcased his works at their contemporary art event. Clint has also become the subject of seven books and two documentaries.

This competition is a tribute to the indomitable artistic will of a young child. It is sure to light the flame inside the next generation of trendsetters who will shape the world of art in the coming years.

About Kerala Tourism



Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, popularly known as Kerala Tourism is the state government department handling all matters related to tourism development in the state of Kerala. The department is headquartered in Park View, Opp. Museum Buildings, Thiruvananthapuram. The official website of the department is accessible at www.keralatourism.org



About Invis Multimedia



Invis Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. is the ICT solution provider of Kerala Tourism. The company is situated in Thiruvananathapuram. For more information, visit www.invismultimedia.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Agnes Kharshiing, RTI activist and green warrior was on Monday released from the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), a month after she was brutally attacked by the coal mafia in East Jaintia Hills.

We have discharged Agnes at around 4 pm today since her condition has improved significantly, NEIGRIHMS spokesperson Dr K K Pandita said in a statement.

He said home medication and medical advice is recommended and she is asked to attend follow up in OPD of neurosurgery, psychiatry and orthopaedics department of the hospital.

Kharshiing and her aide Amita Sangma were attacked by a group of 30-40 people instigated by coal mafia on November 8 at Shohshrieh area of the district in the East Jaintia Hills district.

She had suffered five wounds in her head, a broken arm and was kept in the critical care unit of the hospital for two weeks.

Pandita said Kharshiings her broken arm was operated on November 28 after which she recovered quickly.

The state government is bearing all the medical expenses of both the activists following a high court order.

The state government has ordered a judicial probe into the attack, while Kharshiingh and her family members had demanded a CBI investigation.

Sagma had been released a fortnight ago.

The opposition Congress citing complete lawlessness in the coal mining belts of the state too demanded that the probe into the matter be handed over to the central investigating agency.

The November 8 attack had sparked controversy on how the state has been handling the ban on coal mining and transportation.

Till date only six persons were arrested in this connection.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Ram Nath Kovind arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit to Myanmar during which he will hold talks with his Myanmarese counterpart U Win Myint and state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit from December 10 to 14.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that President Kovind and First Lady Savita arrived at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport where they were welcomed by U Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for International Cooperation and Myo Thein Gyi, Union Minister for Education.

The president's visit will continue India's high level engagements with Myanmar under the rubric of 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighbourhood First Policy', Kumar said.

President Kovind's Myanmar visit comes amid China's foray into the southeast Asian country with which it has signed a mega port deal.

Kovind will have his first engagement on Tuesday during which he will hold talks with U Win Myint and Suu Kyi, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said in New Delhi last week.

The president will visit the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education and the Rice Bio-park, both of which have been funded with Indian assistance on December 12, Gokhale said.

Kovind and the First Lady will travel to Yangoon and lay wreath at the Martyrs Mausoleum, where Gen Aung San, father of Aung San Suu Kyi rests, on the same day. They will also visit the Shwedagon Pagoda.

The president will also interact with the surviving veterans of the Indian National Army (INA).

On December 13, the president will visit the Shri Kali Temple and also the 'mazhar' (shrine) of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor who was exiled to Myanmar and died in Yangoon.

He will visit the Dhamma Joti Vipassana Meditation Centre and inaugurate the 'Enterprise India' exhibitions in which 45 Indian companies are expected to participate.

The foreign secretary said that Myanmar was a "close neighbour" and served India as a link to Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Myanmar last year, while Suu Kyi visited India in January for the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit.

Late last year, the two countries signed the Rakhine State Development Programme, designed to assist the Myanmarese government in Rakhine to build housing infrastructure for the return of the displaced Rohingyas.

In the first phase, 250 units have been planned and through virtual means, the president will be handing over the first 50 units, Gokhale said.

According to the UNICEF, as of April 2018, an estimated 6,93,000 Rohingyas have been driven into Bangladesh, of which over half of them are children, after the violence in the Rakhine state. India has over 40,000 Rohingyas.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
OPPO, as an important strategic partner of China Mobile  Chinas largest telecom service provider, unveiled its Find X 5G Prototype for the first time at the 2018 China Mobile Global Partners Conference, which was held from December 6th to 8th in Guangzhou. OPPO said it would work together with industry partners worldwide to develop a new 5G ecosystem.

The OPPO Find X flagship smartphone, launched earlier this year, leads the all-screen trend in the smartphone industry. With the Find X, OPPO officially entered the Western European market, enabling the company to reach more consumers in developed countries. The OPPO Find X 5G prototype, with its engineering sample Snapdragon 855 and X50 5G modem, offers outstanding 5G performance, and garnered much attention from visitors to the Global Partners Conference. At the event, OPPO, Qualcomm and Keysight Technologies Inc., a world-leading electronic measurement company, demonstrated 5G data connectivity and applications including browsing, online video replay and video call using the Find X 5G prototype.

Speaking at the conference, Brian Shen, OPPO Global Vice President and President of China Business, said, We are confident OPPO will be one of the first companies to launch commercial 5G smartphones in 2019. As a pioneer in the 5G era, OPPO has been working on 5G standards, product R&D and the exploration of applications since early in 2015 and has made a series of leading achievements. In May 2018, OPPO completed the worlds first 5G 3D video call featuring structured light technology and proposed the concept of Ubiquitous Reality. OPPO then completed one of the worlds first 5G signaling and data connections on a smartphone in August and became the first company to complete a 5G Internet access test on a smartphone in October. In its latest 5G milestone, on November 30th OPPO made the worlds first multiparty video call on a smartphone via 5G network.

Looking forward to the longer term, OPPO has introduced the concept of 5G+, with a belief that the 5G+ era will be an era where everything is connected and experience is king. The smartphone will be at the core of a wide range of smart devices, which will all be connected through the 5G network. To address the areas of smart health and smart home, OPPO has already begun work on several smart devices, exploring the intersection of 5G and cutting-edge technologies, and is collaboratively building a 5G+ innovation ecosystem with the entire industry, said Shen.

Levin Liu, Head of OPPO Research Institute, added that OPPO will drive the advancement of 5G together with AI, Big data and Cloud Computing (5G + ABC), making smartphones and smart devices true intelligent personal assistants. We believe that rich 5G application scenarios and killer 5G applications will emerge in the future, bringing disruptive experiences to users.

In building a 5G ecosystem, OPPO will continue deepening its collaboration with Qualcomm, network infrastructure manufacturers telecom service providers and other supply chain partners. In China, OPPO will work with China Mobile to accelerate the commercialization of 5G devices and build a new ecosystem for the 5G industry through China Mobiles 5G Device Forerunner Initiative. Outside China, OPPO is in talks with telecom service providers in Europe, Australia and other overseas markets, with plans to launch commercial 5G products next year.

@Technuter.com News Service
Showering praise on Verghese Kurien, father of India's 'White Revolution', former chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Amrita Patel said Monday that he taught her how to face adversity with courage.

Kurien, who founded the NDDB which steered India's cooperative dairy movement, had recently come under attack from a former BJP minister for allegedly helping missionaries.

Amrita Patel was speaking at an event organised by Charutar Arogya Mandal (CAM) trust to felicitate her on her 75th birthday at Karamsad in Anand district of Gujarat.

"He (Kurien) taught us that in order to succeed, our integrity must be beyond reproach. For, those who oppose cannot successfully defeat an honest man," said Patel.

"The organisation (NDDB) faced opposition from so many quarters. But it was the quality of leadership that he provided which brought us together as a team....By example he taught us to act with courage in the face of opposition," she said.

Patel, a Padma Bhushan recipient, succeeded Kurien as chairman of the NDDB after he stepped down in 1998. She remained in the position till 2014. Kurien passed away in 2012.

Notably, former BJP minister in Gujarat Dileep Sanghani had alleged recently that Kurien donated money from the profit of dairy brand Amul to Christian missionaries for conversion activities. Kurien's daughter dismissed the claim while asserting that her father was atheist.

Patel, youngest daughter of former Union minister H M Patel, also lauded Infosys co-founder N Narayana Murthy, the chief guest at the event, for his support in running an 800-bed hospital set up by CAM.

At one point, both Patel and Murthy were members of the board of the Reserve Bank of India.

She recalled that Infosys Foundation donated Rs 5 crore to CAM after Patel, as the trust's chairman, asked him if it was possible for corporate houses to donate money to the hospital to bear the cost of treatment of the poor.

"Mr Murthy is one of the few persons I met who know how to give with grace," she said.

In his speech, Murthy said there were many such young Amritas among us.

"We have a large number of young Amritas who have that indomitable courage, that aspiration, that desire, that willingness, that commitment, spirit in service which is required to achieve even greater things than what she has achieved and what our generation has achieved," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
RLSP president Upendra Kushwaha Monday severed his ties with the BJP and resigned from the Union council of ministers, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of reducing Cabinet to a "rubber stamp", "betraying" backward classes and giving Bihar only "jumlas".

Making the announcement a day ahead of Parliament's winter session, the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party leader from Bihar said he is open to joining the opposition alliance, which includes Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress.

He also claimed the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance would not be able to win a single seat in the state.

Kushwaha, whose break-up with the BJP was expected, sharply attacked Modi on a host of issues in his resignation letter, which was also released to the media.

He said he felt "betrayed and dejected" by the prime minister's leadership and alleged that "fixing" political opponents and not working for the poor had become the government's priority.

The former minister of state for HRD also raised the planks of Other Backward Classes and social justice -- used by the opposition to decimate the BJP in the Bihar assembly polls in 2015 -- to target Modi. He alleged that the Modi-led government was implementing the RSS agenda and dubbed it unconstitutional.

The RLSP president has been upset since the BJP made it clear that it will not be given more than two Lok Sabha seats in 2019 against the three it had fought in 2014. The party has two MPs and two MLAs.

BJP president Amit Shah's announcement that his party and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) will contest an equal number of seats also did not go down well with Kushwaha, who has long had a bitter equation with Kumar.

The NDA won 31 of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in 2014 and has now been bolstered by the presence of the JD(U), which had fought against it in the last polls.

Opposition parties believe political winds are no longer as favourable to the BJP as they were in 2014 due to "anti-incumbency" against both Modi and Kumar and are hoping that Kushwaha's exit further weakens the state's ruling alliance.

"It (NDA) won't be able to open its account in the state this time," Kushwaha claimed.

At a press conference, he said people like him were attracted to Modi in 2014 due to his OBC background and hoped that he would deliver on the agenda of social justice.

"People believed 'achchhe din' will come. It did not happen. Bihar remains where it was," he said.

Targeting the Modi government for not releasing the census data of the OBCs, he said there is fear and confusion among the backward classes.

"The government has been toeing the agenda of the RSS which is unconstitutional and is neglecting and subverting the agenda of social justice enshrined in the Constitution for which we have supported the NDA," he said in his resignation letter.

The agenda of the RSS is against social justice, he alleged.

Attacking Modi, he said the Union Cabinet has been reduced to a mere rubber stamp, simply endorsing the prime minister's decision without any deliberation.

"Ministers and officers posted in ministries have become figureheads as virtually all decisions are taken by you, your and the BJP president. Which is unconstitutional," his letter added.

"The promise of providing Bihar with a special package has been the biggest jumla (rhetoric)," Kushwaha said, as he also attacked Kumar for leaving the state's infrastructure in a shambles.

Asked about his future move, he said his party is yet to take a decision.

The Bihar leader said he is open to joining the opposition's camp and also launching a third front.

He was joined by his party MP Ram Kumar Sharma but there are reports that two MLAs of his party have deserted him and may join the NDA.

Kushwaha accused the BJP and the JD(U) of doing everything to weaken his party and alleged that inducements have been used to win over the MLAs.

He also said that he would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Karakat, from where he had won in 2014.

To a question about his stand of Hindutva groups' demand for building a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said construction of a temple, mosque or church should be done lawfully but added that it is not the job of a political party to build religious places.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
RLSP president Upendra Kushwaha Monday severed ties with the BJP and resigned from the Union council of ministers, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of reducing Cabinet to a "rubber stamp", "betraying" backward classes and giving Bihar only "jumlas".

Making the announcement a day ahead of Parliament's winter session, the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party leader from Bihar said he is open to joining the opposition alliance, which includes Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress.

Though the decision was expected, it did not go down well within his own party with both the RLSP MLAs in Bihar saying they would remain in the BJP-led NDA.

The Bihar BJP came out with a point by point rebuttal of the allegations levelled by Kushwaha, the former minister of state for HRD.

Kushwaha sharply attacked Modi on a host of issues in his resignation letter, which was also released to the media.

He said he felt "betrayed and dejected" by the prime minister's leadership and alleged that "fixing" political opponents and not working for the poor had become the government's priority.

"We are aghast over Kushwaha's charge that he was being humiliated by the BJP. The BJP never treated him with disdain even after it had become apparent that he was losing grip over his own small party," BJP Bihar unit vice-president Samrat Chaudhary said in Patna.

"Despite having only three MPs, including himself, he was given a ministerial berth. His party underwent a crisis two years ago when he had to suspend one of his fellow MPs and one of his two MLAs," Chaudhary said.

Kushwaha also raised the planks of Other Backward Classes (OBC) and social justice used by the opposition to decimate the BJP in the Bihar Assembly polls in 2015 to target Modi. He alleged that the Modi-led government was implementing the RSS agenda and dubbed it unconstitutional.

Stating that the charge is "laughable", the BJP said the prime minister belongs to a backward class, President Ram Nath Kovind is a Dalit, while the party's Bihar unit chief is an OBC.

"A postage stamp has also been issued in the name of Jagdeo Prasad, the tallest Kushwaha Bihar has known," said Chaudhary, who himself belongs to the Kushwaha community.

The RLSP president has been upset since the BJP made it clear that it will not be given more than two Lok Sabha seats in 2019 against the three it had fought in 2014. The party has two MPs and two MLAs.

After that announcement, Chaudhury said, Shah had called up Kushwaha, asking him to meet but he did not do it at that time and sought an appointment when the party president was busy with electioneering in five states.

The NDA won 31 of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in 2014 and has now been bolstered by the presence of Nitish Kumar's JD(U), which fought against it in the last polls. Kushwaha has long had a bitter equation with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

In the 2015 assembly polls, he was given 23 seats and "if he returned with a dismal tally of only two, it cannot be blamed on the BJP," Chaudhary said.

Opposition parties believe political winds are no longer as favourable to the BJP as they were in 2014 due to "anti-incumbency" against both Modi and Kumar and are hoping that Kushwaha's exit further weakens the state's ruling alliance.

"It (NDA) won't be able to open its account in the state this time," Kushwaha claimed.

At a press conference, he said people like him were attracted to Modi in 2014 due to his OBC background and hoped that he would deliver on the agenda of social justice.

"People believed 'achchhe din' will come. It did not happen. Bihar remains where it was," he said.

Targeting the Modi government for not releasing the census data of the OBCs, he said there is fear and confusion among the backward classes.

"The government has been toeing the agenda of the RSS which is unconstitutional and is neglecting and subverting the agenda of social justice enshrined in the Constitution for which we have supported the NDA," he said in his resignation letter.

Attacking Modi, he said the Union Cabinet has been reduced to a mere rubber stamp, simply endorsing the prime minister's decision without any deliberation.

"Ministers and officers posted in ministries have become figureheads as virtually all decisions are taken by you, your and the BJP president. Which is unconstitutional," his letter added.

"The promise of providing Bihar with a special package has been the biggest jumla (rhetoric)," Kushwaha said. On his future move, he said he is open to joining the opposition's camp and also launching a third front.

Kushwaha was joined by his party MP Ram Kumar Sharma but his announcement triggered dissent within his own party. Both his MLAs Lalan Paswan and Sudhanshu Shekhar made it clear that they would remain in the NDA and the former even claimed: "We are the real RLSP".

RLSP national vice-president Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha also expressed his disapproval of the decision, saying "Kushwahas have traditionally been voters of the NDA. The decision will not go down well with them."



Kushwaha accused the BJP and the JD(U) of doing everything to weaken his party and alleged that inducements have been used to win over the MLAs. He also said that he would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Karakat, from where he had won in 2014.

On the issue of building a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said it is not the job of a political party to build religious places.

"Kushwahas believe themselves to be of Kush, one of the twin sons of Lord Rama," Chaudhary remarked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
/ -- Labbaik Umrahs is India's well organized and trustworthy travel company that has been providing its services for ten years. In the present scenario, the company has achieved several milestones because of the grace of Allah, Alhamdulillah. Since their main aim was to make the journey of Umrah and Hajj safe, they have crafted packages which are flexible and cater to the customers' need in a proficient manner. They have gained ample amount of positive responses from the customers because of their state-of-the-art services.

Their main aim, since the initiation of the company, was to send as much pilgrims as possible for Umrah and Hajj because they realized the importance of Umrah in every Muslim's life and it is for this reason that they have perfected themselves in their services. They are proud to announce that they have sent 1,700 pilgrims in the month of October, 2018 which was successful in each and every aspect. The pilgrim's review regarding the experience was astounding where they expressed that they had an unforgettable experience.

They are constantly innovating themselves and are at par with technology where they have made ample presence on the social media platforms so that they can increase their customer relation. The packages of Labbaik Umrahs comprise of long-term and short-term packages where their main focus presently is on Ramadan. They also have custom made packages available for 2019.

The CEO of the company Adil Ahmad says, "We aspire to grow even more where we aim to send more than 3,000 pilgrims for Umrah."



About Labbaik Umrahs



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The company also provides franchising opportunities where the business gets the opportunity to initiate with low investment where the franchisee will have the monetary benefit of earning a considerable amount.

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Find out more at http://www.labbaikumrahs.com/



Source: Labbaik Umrahs India Pvt. Ltd.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A lawyer who had filed a PIL in the against the new legislation providing reservation to in Maharashtra was attacked outside the court premises on Monday, a police official said.

The incident took place when the petitioner, Gunratna Sadavarte, was speaking to media outside the high court on the quota issue, he said.

A person, who was in the crowd gathered outside the HC, came forward raising the slogan "Ek Maratha Lakh Maratha" in support of the reservation. He lunged at Sadavarte and hit him, the official said.

Policemen and lawyers present at the spot immediately caught hold of the man, identified as Vaijanath Patil from Jalna district, he said.

Patil was subsequently detained by the Azad Maidan police, the official said, adding that a probe was underway into the incident.

Last week, a bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M S Karnik, which was hearing Sadavarte's Public Interest Litigation (PIL), had agreed to grant a detailed hearing on Monday to all pending petitions on the issue.

Sadavarte in his PIL opposed the Maharashtra government's decision to provide 16 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions to the in the state.

The PIL claimed the new law was in violation of the Supreme Court's previous orders mandating that caste and community based reservation in states should not exceed 50 per cent.

Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao had last week approved and signed the Maratha Reservation Bill after the state Assembly unanimously passed it.
Pressure mounted on French President Emmanuel Macron to announce concrete measures to calm protests marked by violence when he addresses the nation Monday evening, and breaks a long silence widely seen as aggravating a crisis that has shaken the government and the whole country.

The president will consult in the morning with an array of national and local officials as he tries to get a handle on the ballooning and radicalising protest movement triggered by anger at his policies, and a growing sense that they favour the rich.

Macron will speak from the presidential Elysee Palace at 8 pm (1900 GMT), an Elysee official said. The official wasn't authorised to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said earlier on LCI TV station he was "sure (Macron) will know how to find the path to the hearts of the French, speak to their hearts."



But, he added, a "magic wand" won't solve all the problems of the protesters, known as "yellow vests" for the fluorescent safety vests they often wear.

Last week, Macron withdrew a fuel tax hike the issue that kicked off protests in mid-November in an effort to appease the protesters, but the move was seen as too little too late.

For many protesters, Macron himself, widely seen as arrogant and disconnected from rank-and-file French, has become the problem. Calls for him to resign were rampant on Saturday, the fourth weekend of large-scale protests.

"Macron is there for the rich, not for all the French," 68-year-old retiree Jean-Pierre Meunuer said Saturday. Retirees are among the categories to be punished by his policies.

Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud dampened any notion that the minimum wage would be raised, telling LCI that "there will be no boost for the Smic (minimum wage)," because "it destroys jobs."



Paris tourist sites reopened Sunday, while workers cleaned up debris from protests that left widespread damage in the capital and elsewhere. At least 71 were injured in Paris on Saturday.

The economy minister, meanwhile, lamented the damage to the economy.

"This is a catastrophe for commerce, it's a catastrophe for our economy," Bruno Le Maire said Sunday while visiting merchants around the Saint Lazare train station, among areas hit by vandalism as the pre-Christmas shopping season got underway.

After the fourth Saturday of nationwide protests by the grassroots movement with broadening demands, officials said they understood the depth of the crisis. Le Maire said it was a social and democratic crisis as well as a "crisis of the nation" with "territorial fractures." However, the president must also speak to protesters' pocketbooks. Among myriad demands was increased buying power.

French media reported 136,000 protesters nationwide on Saturday, similar to the previous week. However, the number of injured in Paris and nationwide was down. Still, TV footage broadcast around the world of the violence in Paris neighbourhoods popular with tourists has tarnished the country's image.

Several tourists questioned at the Eiffel Tower, which reopened Sunday after closing Saturday, said they were avoiding the Champs-Elysees, Paris' main avenue that is lined with shops and cafes and normally a magnet for foreign visitors.

"Yes, we're very concerned with security ... but we couldn't cancel the trip," Portuguese tourist Elizabet Monteero said. But, she added, "We don't go to dangerous zones like the Champs-Elysees."



Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian politely chastised U.S. President Donald Trump for mocking France in tweets over the 2015 Paris climate accord, which the U.S. is leaving and which Macron has championed worldwide.

"We don't take part in American debates. Let us live our own national life," Le Drian said in an interview on the LCI TV station. He said Macron had told Trump the same thing.

Trump tweeted twice on the issue over the weekend, saying in one that "the Paris agreement isn't working out so well for Paris," referring to Macron's predicament.

Nearly 1,000 people, almost 100 of them minors and most without police records, were being held in custody after the Saturday protests in the French capital, Paris chief prosecutor Remy Heitz said, adding that most of those in custody were men under 40 from various regions who came to Paris to protest. Most were taken in for carrying weapons, like knives, or objects that could be used to cause injury, including petanque balls or tear gas.

Courts were working overtime to process the cases, he said.

France deployed around 89,000 police but still failed to deter the determined protesters. More than 125,000 "yellow vests" took to the streets Saturday around France with a bevy of demands related to high living costs and a sense that Macron favors the elite and is trying to modernize the French economy too fast.

Thierry Paul Valette, who helps coordinate yellow vest protesters who come to Paris, said the president must announce concrete measures to quell the fury.

It won't be enough to announce negotiations, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. People want change and "concrete, immediate, right now" measures.

Even if Macron withdraws his signature slashing of the wealth tax, "half of the yellow vests will go home, the other half will want him to resign and will stay in the streets," Valette predicted. "Because the movement isn't controllable." There was also damage in other cities, notably Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Madras High Court on Monday set aside a lower court order directing Karnataka jail authorities to produce V K Sasikala, who is serving a four-year sentence in a Bengaluru prison, before it in connection with a FERA case.

Allowing a petition by Sasikala, a close aide of former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, Justice N Anand Venkatesh, directed the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (Economic Offences-I) to conduct the proceedings through video conferencing.

In her petition, Sasikala, convicted in a disproportionate asset case, submitted that at the time of framing of charges in the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) case, she was allowed to be examined through video conferencing in view of health reasons cited by her.

Her plea of not guilty was also recorded. Thereafter, prosecution witnesses have been recalled and cross examined.

At this stage, the trial judge claimed to have found that the answer of the petitioner had not been signed by her.

For this purpose, the magistrate had directed the jail authorities to produce her on December 13, the petition stated.

The magistrate failed to see that she had already filed an affidavit stating that she will not claim prejudice on account of video conferencing, Sasikala said in her petition.

No provision required the signature of the accused while reading out the charges, she contended.

Prosecution has been launched against Sasikala, another accused, Bhaskaran, and the now defunct J J TV by the Enforcement Directorate in 1995 and 1996 on charges of FERA violations in transactions, including remittances for a transponder and uplinking charges for the channel.

On February 15, 2017, Sasikala was sent to Parapana Agrahara jail, a day after the Supreme Court restored her conviction in the disproportionate assets case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a comfortable win in the 74-member Dhule Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra Monday while voters gave a fractured mandate in the Ahmednagar corporation.

Elections to the two civic bodies in the state were held Sunday. Counting of votes was completed Monday evening after which the state election commission announced the results.

BJP won 50 out of 74 seats and gained control of the Dhule civic body for the first time, earlier being ruled by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Congress and NCP alliance won 14 seats, Shiv Sena, AIMIM, Samajwadi Party and independents won two seats each, while one seat went to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

A front floated by BJP rebel and local MLA Anil Gote could win only one seat.

The election in Dhule drew more attention because of Gote's allegations against the BJP leadership for giving tickets to several leaders from the Congress and NCP with alleged criminal background.

Reacting after the results, Gote alleged that electronic voting machines (EVMs) were tampered with.

In Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation, the ruling Shiv Sena emerged as the single largest party by winning 24 out of 68 seats, followed by NCP and BJP which won 18 and 14 seats, respectively.

The Congress won only five seats, BSP four, independents two and the SP one.

Police used lathi-charge as workers of different political parties scuffled outside the counting centre in Ahmednagar, an official said.

Fifteen out of 27 municipal corporations in the state are now being controlled by the BJP either on its own or in alliance.

Opposition Congress and NCP questioned the results in Dhule and Ahmednagar, alleging that the BJP, which leads the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, used muscle and money power.

"The victory in Dhule is not of BJP, but of 'saam, daam, dand, bhed' (use of all resources including money and muscle power)," said state Congress chief Ashok Chavan.

He accused the BJP of admitting goons into the party ahead of the polls. "It has perfected a formula to win elections by using immoral ways," Chavan said.

State NCP chief Jayant Patil echoed him, saying that with BJP MLA Anil Gote rebelling against his party, the result in Dhule should have been in favour of Congress-NCP alliance.

"But the expected vote division did not happen. And that is not surprising. It is a matter of research why the results came out the way they came out," Patil said.

NCP workers believed they could win 28 to 30 seats in Ahmednagar given the party's strong presence there, he said.

In both Dhule and Ahmednagar, there were instances where a large number of people voted for certain candidates but somebody else won, Patil said.

BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the allegations of EVM tampering and use of money or muscle power were nothing but excuses to shield the opposition's own failure.

"It shows their political immaturity," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police have arrested two sympathisers of the Khalistan movement, one from Pune and another from Punjab, an official said Monday.

They were in touch with Khalistani separatists in Pakistan and elsewhere, the police official said.

Harpal Singh Nagra (42), a Karnataka resident, was arrested from Chakan in Pune district on December 2 under the Arms Act for illegal possession of a country-made pistol and five live rounds.

His interrogation revealed that he was a supporter of independent Khalistan and was involved in procuring arms through the Internet and radicalisation of the youth through social media, the official said.

Acting on the information provided by Nagra, the ATS arrested another person from Punjab and he will be brought to Mumbai for further investigation, the official said.

The second accused's name was not disclosed by the police.

The ATS has pressed section 20 (being a member of terrorist gang) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against Nagra.

Nagra was produced before a court in Mumbai Monday where he was sent in ATS custody till December 17, the officer said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Beleaguered CBI special director Rakesh Asthana got a reason to cheer as a UK court, while allowing extradition of Vijay Mallya, Monday observed that the Indian official had not acted "corruptly" as alleged by the liquor baron's defence team.

Asthana, a 1984-batch Gujarat cadre officer, had headed the Special Investigation Team of the CBI after Mallya escaped from India in 2016 and keenly pursued his extradition from the United Kingdom.

He was benched by the government along with CBI Director Alok Verma last month after the investigative agency booked him for allegedly taking bribe in a case related to a Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Sana, a matter challenged by him in the Delhi High Court.

Both the officers have levelled allegations of corruption against each other and shielding Sana.

These developments took place after the extradition order was reserved by the Westminster Magistrates' Court in September and were not brought before it.

However, the defence team of Mallya had produced its witness Professor Lawrence Saez who had made serious allegations about the character and professional integrity of Asthana.

During cross questioning, Saez had agreed that he was no longer saying there were issues with Asthana but there were with the independence of the CBI, the Judge has noted.

On Monday, Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot in her order said Asthana was criticised by the defence in its attempt to persuade the court that the prosecution was corrupt and politically led.

The judge said she found no evidence that the prosecution was corrupt or politically led.

"Allegations were made against the professional integrity of Asthana who leads the CBI and is the prosecutor which makes the first two allegations in this extradition Request, a serious allegation to make. I find that there is no evidence that Asthana has acted corruptly," the judge said.

She noted "the Supreme Court cleared Asthana of the allegations made against his integrity and there was no reliable or significant evidence produced by the defence expert Professor Saez which undermined that finding.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ITC Infotech successfully concluded the fourth edition of its flagship annual co-creation and technology innovation platform iTech 2018. As part of iTech 2018, ITC Infotech organized a Startup Showcase and a programing Codeathon on December 8-9, 2018, at its Bangalore headquarters.

The Startup Showcase has been designed with the objective of providing innovative technology startups a platform to present their solutions directly to businesses. Shortlisted startups pitched business solutions powered by new age technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Augment Virtual & Mixed Reality, Blockchain and IoT across three industry verticals  Industry 4.0, HealthTech and FinTech. The potential clients for these startups included C level executives from ITC Infotechs global client base, senior business decision makers, including CIOs from various ITC Ltd., businesses, technology leaders from ITC Infotechs leading ISV and technology platform partners, and leaders from across ITC Infotechs various technology LoBs and industry verticals. Two startups, JioVio and Ethereal Machines won a cash prize of Rs. 2 Lakhs each, and the chance to co-develop their solution with ITC Infotech as a part of its go-to-market strategy. JioVio is a med-tech company focused on providing a positive pregnancy, infant care and parenting experience with its innovation in healthcare technology. Ethereal Machines solves manufacturing problems faced by industries by equipping them with affordable machines. Additionally, this year two startups  Detect Technology and NeoEyed won the special jury award for presenting exemplary solutions.

The iTech programing Codeathon, an open forum for students, professional developers and early stage technology startups, witnessed some of the sharpest technology minds compete and created code for complex business applications. Participants addressed various challenges included applications to enable labor matching for farmers & farm owners, interactive mobile UI component using platform specific SDKs, offline analytics for mobile applications, offline app sync and process automation. The codeathon also had an open innovation category to explore Blockchain solution across Industry 4.0, HealthTech and Fintech. Pulse (formerly known as DocTalk) won the Codeathon challenge and was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 2 Lacs. The first runner-up was a team from Institute of Technical Education & Research Bhubaneshwar who won a cash prize of Rs 1 Lacs and the second runner-up was a team from RR Donnelley who won a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. Team from CMR Institute of Technology and Mangalore Institute of Technology & Engineering won special jury awards. Select codeathon participants were also offered internship opportunities with ITC Infotech.

The iTech 2018 jury panel consisted of business leaders from ITC Infotechs clients and platform & ISV partners, along with senior leaders from various divisions of ITC Ltd.

Commenting on the success of iTech 2018, Sushma Rajagopalan, CEO & MD, ITC Infotech, said, As a technology company in the digital era, it is important for us to create an effective eco-system in order to develop innovative and disruptive solutions. Our objective is to collaborate with our employees, with our clients and ISV partners, and the world of startups, to work at the cutting edge of technology and make innovation a way of life at ITC Infotech. iTech is an extension of our philosophy to foster startups in a non-threating environment through partnership with our clients, and the larger ecosystem. Through iTech, we are also creating a platform to enhance the learning experiences of the next generation of technologists.

The fourth edition of iTech 2018 received over 3500 entries for the Codeathon challenge and 32 teams were shortlisted for the final round of development. For Startup Showcase, 15 shortlisted startups were invited to showcase their solutions at the event as a part of the start-up showcase from the 200+ entries that were received.

@Technuter.com News Service
India Inc Monday said the UK Court's order on Vijay Mallya's extradition reflects the Modi government's resolve, observing that the law will take its own course on the matter and deliver justice.

"It does reinforce the government's resolve. Mallya has also said he is willing to pay back the loan. However, he should have said he is willing to pay back the dues to the (former) employees," PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rajeev Talwar told PTI.

In a major setback to Vijay Mallya, a UK court on Monday ordered his extradition to India, where he is wanted for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

Stressing that it would not like to comment on a particular individual, CII said the UK Court's order is a big signal that India has a very credible position globally and the actions of the Narendra Modi government are being perceived as very decisive, proactive and credible by the world.

"The law will take its own course there will be appropriate action and justice. Anyone who is bound to be shortchanged anywhere should not tolerate it and non compliance should always be dealt with by law," CII said.

Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that Mallya can be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED.

The ruling marked a significant point in the high-profile extradition trial that has lasted over a year.

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Hours after the Westminster Magistrates' Court in United Kingdom ordered the extradition of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, prominent Mumbaikars welcomed the development and said it would send a strong message to economic offenders.

Mallya is wanted for alleged bank fraud amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

On Monday evening, Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot ordered his extradition.

Bureaucrat-turned-lawyer Abha Singh said Mallya's extradition would restore people's faith in Indian laws and also send a message to economic offenders that they couldn't walk away after cheating fellow countrymen.

She said it had made the country more powerful and would also help get other fugitive offenders like diamantaires Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi back to the country.

Nirav Modi and Choksi are accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank to the tune of Rs 13,000 crore.

BJP Lok Sabha MP BJP MP from Mumbai North-East Kirit Somaiya said, "The Modi government has got Vijay Mallya. This is the beginning of action. The Insolvency Code has started showing results. Essar Steel and Bhushan Steel issues have been resolved, and now action begins against ghotalebaj."



Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam, while expressing gratitude to the UK court for Mallya's extradition, said that he stood by his earlier allegations on the businessman's escape from the country.

"We are grateful to the London court. I hope the entire money will be recovered from Mallya and banks get their dues. But I am still firm on (my allegation) why look out notice was removed and he (Mallya) was given green signal to decamp with full load of entire aircraft?" he said.

Social activist Mayank Gandhi lauded the government agencies' efforts in putting up a strong case to get Mallya extradited.

"The agencies (including CBI) put in hectic efforts to present the case strongly in court. Moreover, the government also kept the pressure on," Gandhi said.

Mumbai-based chartered accountant Nagesh Dubey said the common man was feeling satisfied with the of Mallya's extradition and are hopeful that taxpayers' money would be recovered.

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Nadia Murad survived the worst of the cruelties and brutality inflicted on her people, the Yazidis of Iraq, by the Islamic State group before becoming a global champion of their cause and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Murad, who was taken hostage by IS in 2014 but escaped, is the first Iraqi to receive the prestigious award.

The 25-year-old won the Nobel in October alongside Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege for their "efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war".

"For me, justice doesn't mean killing all of the Daesh members who committed these crimes against us," she said shortly after winning, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

"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.

Murad once lived a quiet life in her village in the mountainous Yazidi stronghold of Sinjar in northern Iraq, close to the border with Syria.

But when the jihadists stormed across swathes of the two countries in August 2014, her nightmare began.

IS fighters swept into her village, Kojo, killing the men, taking children captive to train them as fighters and condemning thousands of women to a life of forced labour and sexual slavery.

Murad was taken to Mosul, the Iraqi "capital" of the IS's self-declared caliphate, where she was held captive and repeatedly gang-raped, tortured and beaten.

IS fighters wanted "to take our honour, but they lost their honour", said Murad, now a United Nations goodwill ambassador for survivors of human trafficking.

For the jihadists, with their ultra-strict interpretation of Islam, the Yazidis are seen as heretics.

The Kurdish-speaking community follows an ancient religion, revering a single God and the "leader of the angels", represented by a peacock.

Like thousands of Yazidis, Murad was sold and forcibly married to a jihadist, beaten and -- in contrast to the official wives of IS leaders -- forced to wear makeup and tight clothes, an experience she later related in front of the United Nations Security Council.

"The first thing they did was they forced us to convert to Islam," Murad told AFP in 2016.

She set about trying to escape, and managed to flee with the help of a Muslim family from Mosul.

Using false identity papers, she crossed the few dozen kilometres (miles) to Iraqi Kurdistan, joining crowds of other displaced Yazidis in camps.

There, she learnt that six of her brothers and her mother had been killed. With the help of an organisation that assists Yazidis, she was re-united with her sister in Germany, where she lives today.

Even there, she says she is still fearful, for herself and other innocent women.

"I am a joyful person, I am an outgoing person, I don't want to live in fear," she told reporters at a press conference on Sunday.

The Yazidis numbered around 550,000 in Iraq before 2014, but some 100,000 have since left the country.

Many others who fled their hometowns to Iraqi Kurdistan remain reluctant to return to their traditional lands.

Murad has dedicated herself to what she calls "our peoples' fight".

She and her friend Lamia Haji Bashar, joint recipients of the EU's 2016 Sakharov human rights prize, have advocated to reveal the fate of some 3,000 Yazidis who remain missing, presumed still in captivity.

She has also campaigned for displaced Yazidis to be taken in by European countries and for the acts committed by IS to be recognised internationally as genocide.

The Yazidi cause has won a high-profile supporter -- Lebanese-British lawyer and rights activist Amal Clooney, who also penned the foreword to Murad's book, "The Last Girl", published in 2017.

That same year, the UN announced it would begin gathering evidence on IS war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide that would be used to try IS militants in Iraqi courts.

Announcing the Nobel winners in October, committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said: "A more peaceful world can only be achieved if women and their fundamental rights and security are recognised and protected in war."



Murad was in the United States when she heard about her prize, and said she was "scared" initially.

"The first thing that came to my mind was my mother, I cried a lot," she said on Sunday.

"It was very difficult. I have received the Nobel Peace Prize from the hardship, the difficulties that all these people have been faced with and from all the hard work that we have been doing." In contrast to all the tragedies that have befallen her, recent pictures on Murad's Twitter feed show happier times.

In August, she announced her engagement to fellow Yazidi activist Abid Shamdeen.

"The struggle of our people brought us together & we will continue this path together," she wrote.

Underneath, a photo showed her next to a young man in a bow tie, her face still framed by her long brown hair, but this time, bearing a broad smile.

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Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu Monday met floor leaders of various parties ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament and urged them to 'aid, assist and advise' him for a smooth session.

During the meeting, the ruling and opposition parties assured their cooperation for a productive Winter Session of Rajya Sabha that starts Tuesday and sought equitable allocation of time.

Around 31 leaders, including ministers, attended the meeting convened by Naidu.

The Rajya Sabha would be adjourned for the day on the first day after obituary references for former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

While both the ruling and opposition parties assured the chairman of their full cooperation for a productive session, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Gulam Nabi Azad spoke of their keenness on a "meaningful and productive" session.

Both of them sought equitable allocation of time for the government's legislative proposals and the issues that opposition seeks to raise in the House.

In his opening remarks, Naidu urged the leaders of all sides in the House to ensure a productive Winter Session which would be the last full-fledged one before the general elections next year.

Naidu called upon them to "aid, assist and advise" him in ensuring a smooth session. He noted that both the government and the opposition have the right to pursue respective agendas but that should be done while ensuring effective functioning of the House.

The chairman hailed the high voter turnout in the Assembly polls in five states as yet another indication of the people's faith in parliamentary democracy and a reminder that legislatures need to rise to their expectations.

He complimented the Election Commission, the state governments and the people for the successful conduct of polls.

He informed the leaders that to further the success of e-notice (submission of notices by members online) during last session, it has now been decided that notices of members for submission of Zero Hour notices will now be accepted up to 9.30 am instead of the earlier 10 am on each sitting of the House.

He said this advancement would give him more time to properly prioritise such notices in the available time.

Jaitely said the government was willing to discuss any issue if time was properly allocated for both the government and the opposition, while Azad said the opposition wanted the House to function and bills to be passed.

"The only way we can reach out to the people is by raising the issues of concern to them. The Winter Session is happening a full four months after the last session and the opposition wants all important issues to be discussed," he said.

It was agreed in the meeting that both the sides will address each others' concern while allocating time for the legislative and other business in the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee to be held Wednesday.

It was also agreed that the House would be adjourned for the day tomorrow after making obituary references to Vajpayee.

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Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu Monday met a Russian Parliamentary delegation and held wide-ranging discussions over key issues such as countering terrorism and boosting economic ties.

During the meeting, Chairman of the 'State Duma' of the Russian Parliament Vyacheslav Volodin called for enabling a legislative framework to fully tap the immense potential of bilateral cooperation between India and Russia.

The 30-member high-level Russian Parliamentary delegation, led by Volodin, held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral ties with Naidu.

During the 40 minute-long meeting, both the sides recalled the traditional bonds of friendship between the two counties and underscored the need to further intensify cooperation in the present world order.

Volodin stressed on the need for enhancing parliamentary exchanges between the two countries to enable necessary legislative framework to fully harness the potential of India-Russia ties in various sectors.

He urged the committees of parliaments of both the countries to be more proactive in this regard.

"There is a need to further build upon the traditional friendship between the two countries for mutual advantage in the fields of economy, human development and cultural cooperation," Volodin said.

Referring to the special and privileged strategic partnership in various multilateral forums, Naidu said the 19 annual bilateral summits between their leaders since 2000 and the recent "very productive" meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reflected the solidarity between the countries.

He said the convergence of views between India and Russia on various international and multilateral matters needed to be taken forward through parliamentary exchanges.

Naidu referred to "the menace of terrorism" threatening the socio-economic fabric across the world and called for increased global cooperation against it.

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A 52-year-old villager from Khobramendha village in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district was allegedly killed by naxals on Sunday night, police said Monday.

The deceased, identified as Antaram Pudo, used to collect money from tendu leaf contractors in the area.

"Around 20 to 25 ultras picked up Pudo from his house in the district (around 140 kms from Nagpur) late Sunday night and took him to a nearby forest. His body with his throat slit was found Monday morning", said an official from the office of the Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police.

The provocation behind the killing of the villager was not known immediately as investigation is in progress, police said.

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Russian scientists have identified a new giant herbivorous dinosaur with a long neck and tail, which lived on Earth about 130 million years ago.

Paleontologists from St Petersburg University in Russia have named the new dinosaur as the Volgatitan.

Seven of its vertebrae were found on the banks of the Volga, near Ulyanovsk in Russia, according to the study published in journal Biological Communications.

The Volgatitan belongs to the group of sauropods -- giant herbivorous dinosaurs with a long neck and tail, who lived on Earth about 200 to 65 million years ago.

Weighing around 17 tonnes, the dinosaur was not the largest among its relatives, and was described from seven caudal vertebrae, researchers said.

The bones belonged to an adult dinosaur which is manifested by neural arches -- parts of the vertebrae protecting the nerves and blood vessels -- which completely merged with the bodies of the vertebrae, they said.

Along with the Volgatitan from Russia, 12 valid dinosaur taxa have already been described.

There are only three sauropods among them: Tengrisaurus starkovi, Sibirotitan astrosacralis and Volgatitan simbirskiensis.

"Previously, it was believed that the evolution of titanosaurs took place mainly in South America with some taxa moving into North America, Europe and Asia only in the Late Cretaceous," said Aleksandr Averianov, a professor at St Petersburg University.

"In Asia, representatives of a broader group of titanosauriform, such as the recently described Siberian titanium, dominated in the early Cretaceous," Averianov said.

However, he siad, the recent description of the Tengrisaurus from the Early Cretaceous of Transbaikal Region and the finding of the Volgatitan indicate that titanosaurs in the Early Cretaceous were distributed much more widely.

Important stages of their evolution may have taken place in Eastern Europe and Asia, Averianov said.

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The tax directorate of Niger has ordered closure of offices of Airtel Niger seeking tax dues that have been disputed by the operator, but the company is hopeful of early amicable resolution through a "collaborative dialogue", according to a statement.

"The General Tax Directorate of Niger ordered the closure of the offices of Airtel Niger, seeking tax amounts that have been disputed by Airtel. This follows similar action taken against another global operator last week," Airtel said in a statement.

In response to an email sent to it over reports that Niger directed closure of offices of Airtel for unpaid taxes of USD 107 million, the company said an assessment was made relating to Airtel's taxes in October 2018.

"Based on independent advice, Airtel believes that this was done without appreciation of the facts and law and with undue haste in dismissing the detailed responses submitted by Airtel. This resulted in an astounding demand amounting to approximately 70 per cent of its annual revenues," it said.

Airtel is committed to a collaborative dialogue to resolve the issue, and has requested the authorities to review the issues in depth to reach a mutually acceptable solution, the statement added.

"Airtel Niger remains hopeful of an early amicable resolution to this unfortunate situation in the interest of its over 4.4 million customers, over 500 direct and indirect employees and over 50,000 retail shops and outlets," the statement added.

Airtel, the leading operator in Niger, has invested into the economy and contributed to the development of telecommunications in the West Africa nation. Airtel Niger -- A subsidiary of Airtel Africa -- has also recently upgraded the network to facilitate 3G availability and is the only operator to acquire a 4G license, which it did in April 2018 at a cost of USD 22 million, the statement added.

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There is no threat from any angle to the 13th century Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO world heritage site, Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said Monday.

The minister held a review meeting here during the day. It was attended by officers of the Odisha government, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), experts and other stakeholders.

After the meeting, he told newsmen that he had agreed to the state government's proposal of constituting a committee comprising international experts to look after the conservation and preservation of the temple.

The committee will be set up within a month, Sharma said, adding that it would also examine the alleged safety threats and other conservation issues of the Sun Temple.

Stating that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had written to him to express his concerns over the safety of the Black Pagoda, as Konark is called, Sharma said: "The examination report by technical experts from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) found that the safety standard of Konark Temple is more than five times higher than the minimum level."



"There is no threat to the temple from any angle," Sharma said while rejecting the allegation that stones with carvings were replaced with plain ones by the ASI.

Since 1997, not a single plain stone has been used in the monument, he insisted.

Patnaik had written to him that plain stones were being used to replace those with intricate carvings at the sprawling temple complex which draws a large number of visitors from across the world.

Sharma said a particular guideline is followed for UNESCO heritage sites and the ASI cannot make any change to the original structures.

In regard to water logging in the temple premises during monsoon, the Union minister said powerful pumps would be used to drain the rain water from the complex.

He also said that the recommendations of the CBRI to refill sand in the Jagamohan and on the falling of stones inside the temple will be carried out soon.

The decision to remove the scaffolding from the monuments will be taken after discussion with experts, he added.

On the saline wind impact on the Konark Temple, the Union minister said large scale plantation of casuarina plants could help protect the monuments.

Odisha Culture Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said the state government was happy that Sharma accepted its proposal to set up an international experts committee.

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: Malayalam, the mother tongue of Keralites, is generally considered a hard language to learn, with many tongue twisters.

But this was not a hindrance for Mudad Revathi, a migrant labourer hailing from Odisha,to master this classical language in a short span of time and score the highest mark in a literacy examination here.

An employee of a garment making unit at the IT hub Technopark here, Revathi scored 100 per cent marks in the special examination, conducted by the state-run Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority.

The 100 marks-exam was activity oriented, giving a thrust on reading, writing and arithmetical skills.

Revathi had been learning Malayalam for some time under the state-wide "Changathi" programme, an initiative of the Mission to impart Malayalam and basic education among migrant labourers who arrived in Kerala seeking green pastures.

She, along with several other migrant workers from different states, recently wrote the exam, the results of which was announced Monday.

"I tried to spend at least two hours to learn Malayalam every night after my work," Revathi said.

Besides her, Viki Kumar, a worker from Bihar, also scored 100 per cent marks, a Mission release said here.

Proving that age is no barrier for learning, 90 year-old Mythili, a native of a fishing hamlet in Kozhikode, has secured full marks as part of the "Aksharasagaram", another flagship initiative of the Mission to eradicate illiteracy among fisher folk in the state.

Recently, Karthyayani Amma, a 96 year-old neo-literate had hit the headlines by scoring 98 marks out of 100 under the "Aksharalaksham" project.

Besides "Changathi" and "Aksharasagaram", the Mission has also conducted examinations under the "Navachetana" and "Samagra" programmes, envisaged to educate backward classes and tribals respectively, the release added.

A total of 8,605 neo-literates have won various examinations under different projects, the Mission Director, P S Sreekala said.

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Thieves who broke into a pipeline near Rio de Janeiro to steal oil caused a four-kilometer spill of crude in waterways that is damaging mangroves and wildlife, the company and a Brazilian biologist said Monday.

Transpetro, a pipeline subsidiary of state oil company Petrobras, said it was "a victim of criminal acts through the stealing of oil and derivatives" and was cooperating with authorities in their investigations.

It said 60,000 litres (16,000 gallons) of oil had leaked since Saturday into Estrela River feeding into Rio's Guanabara Bay.

Transpetro said it repaired the pipeline and mobilised 400 people in response, and by early Monday it had cleared 75 per cent of the spill.

Mauro Moscatelli, a biologist who has long pressed authorities to better protect Rio's environment, said that while the scale of the spill was "medium" it would be "very serious" for flora and fauna.

"The big problem is when oil enters into the soil of the mangrove forests which are extremely important for maintaining biodiversity" in the area, he said.

"We'll know in the next two weeks the extent of damage to the trees and the fauna that will die -- especially crustaceans that are in their reproductive season right now." Moscatelli flew over the affected area on Sunday, and said at the time the spill was four kilometers long in the Estrela River.

He also said locals had noticed the spill on Friday, and he questioned why it took Transpetro so long to identify and react to it.

Guanabara Bay, a large bay along which part of Rio de Janeiro is located, has been badly impacted by pollution and urbanization.

It has suffered three major oil spills in the past, the last being in 2000 when 1.3 million litres (340,000 gallons) leaked from an underwater pipeline to a Petrobras refinery, decimating marine life and mangrove swamps.

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NC leader Omar Abdullah Monday ruled out a pre-poll alliance with any party for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, saying his party had joined hands with the PDP and Congress to "save the state".

The PDP had on November 21 staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference (NC) and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 MLAs from other parties.

After these developments, Governor Satyapal Malik abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on the night of November 21.

"We will fight the (assembly) election on our own When we talk about forming the next government on our own, then there is no scope of leaving any seat for any one, even as I know they are eyeing some seats," Abdullah said Monday while addressing a function at party headquarters here.

Defending his party's decision to join hands with the PDP and Congress to stake claim for the formation government, the NC vice president said it was a difficult decision, taken to save the state after fighting as bitter rivals in the 2014 elections.

"We decided to do something to save the state, to strengthen the communal harmony and brotherhood, to restore peace - it was not an easy decision. I was aware that my party will suffer politically due to this decision," he said.

Asserting that he choose the state over his party, as it was for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir and its people, Abdullah said the NC was to extend support to the PDP and Congress from outside and the government was to run for the time being till the situation gets back to normal for holding of fresh elections.

He called for holding of assembly polls in the state along with the general elections next year, and also challenged the BJP to announce its chief ministerial candidate while accusing the saffron party of betraying the people of Jammu region who had given it 26 seats in the last state elections.

The NC vice president said his party is prepared to face the people, unlike the BJP which is "trying to delay the elections on one pretext or the other knowing fully that it will face a drubbing in polls".

"We have started selection of candidates for the state polls. The only condition is, give me a candidate who can win. There may be some seats where we have no chance, but there are seats which we have been winning and the time has come to take these seats back," the former chief minister said.

He said the BJP claimed that the plan to form the government was orchestrated in Dubai and London at the behest of Pakistan.

"We were not the one. But the second letter (from Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone) came from London," Abdullah said.

"When I asked him (Ram Madhav) to prove (the allegation), he took his words back, because he was caught in his own lies," he said.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on November 22 withdrew his words after a furious Omar Abdullah dared him to prove his allegation that his party had tied up with the PDP to form government in Jammu and Kashmir at Pakistan's behest.

Abdullah said the PDP-Congress-NC combine had the numbers and there was no scope for horse-trading or any other malpractice here, unlike the BJP-supported group which had only 28 MLAs together.

The governor claimed that there were horse-trading attempts, he said and asked the BJP where did the other MLAs required to form the government came from.

"I can say with authority that the MLAs got threats from agencies. One MLA was told that either be part of the government for two years or prepare for arrest by NIA.

"Another senior MLA was threatened that a CBI case against him will be opened. This is the problem those who are not able to come from the front door, are trying to grab the power by breaking the back door like a thief," Abdullah said.

"The compulsion when they (BJP) handed over the chief minister post to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is understood as they had 26 MLAs while the PDP had 28. But how they can justify bringing a chief minister from a two-member party," he said.

The NC vice president claimed that the BJP will face drubbing in the next assembly elections given the mood of the people.

"When the bugle for assembly elections is sounded, we will emerge winner.

"Our strategy will be - to highlight the failures of the previous government and to reach out to the people and make them aware about the programmes and planning of the party for different sections of the society, besides focusing on basic amenities like water, power and roads," Abdullah said.

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Top leaders of over a dozen opposition parties including the Congress and the TMC met here Monday as part of attempts to forge an united front to take on the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) skipped the meeting held on the eve of the winter session of Parliament starting tomorrow.

The meeting held in Parliament annexe also comes a day ahead of the results of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls.

The opposition meeting was coordinated by Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and a number of opposition leaders were invited.

It was preceded by parleys among leaders of opposition parties with Naidu meeting West Bengal chief minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and DMK chief M K Stalin holding talks with AAP leader and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Besides Banerjee, Kejriwal and Stalin, the meeting was attended among others by former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda, also a Janata Dal (Secular) leader, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah.

The others who took part were Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI leaders Sudhakar Reddy and D Raja, Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha's (JVM) Babulal Marandi.

Top Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ashok Gehlot were also present.

Sources said the main agenda of the meeting is to chart the future course of action for forging opposition unity and a front of non-BJP parties to take on the BJP.

They said the opposition parties are also expected to chalk out their strategy to corner the government in Parliament tomorrow on issues like the Rafale jet deal, farmers distress and communal polarisation in the wake of growing calls for Ram temple construction.

The BJP dubbed the opposition meet as a "photo opportunity" with its spokesperson Sambit Patra alleging it is a meeting of the "corrupt" to "save themselves".

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya took a dim view of the meeting and said Sunday the opposition parties should first declare a prime ministerial candidate before thinking of ousting the Modi government.

Earlier, the meeting was planned for November 22, but had to be deferred because of the Assembly polls in five states.

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Australian skipper Tim Paine found the 31-run defeat to India "hard to take" but said they will take inspiration from their fighting fifth-day effort in the opening Test and head to Perth with "real belief".

Chasing 323, were bowled out for 291 runs in the second innings with R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah and sharing nine wickets for a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

"It won't be any more difficult than this is. Every Test match is a huge challenge and we've expected this series to be an absolute arm-wrestle from the get go," Paine said at the post-match press conference.

"If you want to be a good team you have got to be hard to beat and today we were hard to beat, we made India work really hard, I think we made them work harder than they thought they were going to have to work.

"We have picked the same team for the first two Tests and we are going there (Perth) with real belief."



batted more overs than India in this Test, yet ended up on the losing side. Paine said this was an area of improvement for the series ahead.

"Sitting back now it is a huge opportunity because we didn't cash in in the first innings and didn't have batters out there today when they were tiring. Had we taken either of those chances, we would have won this Test match, so it's pretty hard to take.

It's a really key element for us, to get lots of overs into them and I am sure India are thinking the same with us. They want to see our fast bowlers bowl a hell of a lot of overs."



Paine underlined that they need to get more runs from the top-order going ahead.

"The batting conditions in first innings were not easy. It was hard to score. India bowled superbly throughout, built a lot of pressure on us and we couldn't quite get through those tough periods," Paine said at the post-match press conference.

"There were a number of reasons why we lost. I thought we could have cleaned them up on day one for 200-210 and we let that slip a little bit."



were bowled out for 235 in their first innings, in reply to India's 250.

"Clearly we would like to score more than 230 in the first innings in Australia and there were other things along the way. We need to tighten up."



Paine was full of praise for the Australian bowling attack, talking up Nathan Lyon who picked eight wickets in the Test.

"You can't question those four guys' commitment they have a red-hot crack every ball. They are some of our more experienced players and the more they do that it is going to rub off on the rest.

"For majority of the Test, Starcy actually bowled really well. I saw a bit of stuff last night that people were pretty critical of him. But I think his economy rate for a lot of the Test was really good."



Talking about the lower order's batting contributions, which almost proved to be the difference between victory and defeat, in both innings, he added, "The lower order gets to face the bowlers when they are a little bit more tired traditionally and that makes a difference.

"If we can get through tougher conditions at the start we want our top six batting. This Test we haven't been able to get a set batter right through or a number of batters right through."



Australia delayed India's march to victory owing to their lower order's resistance.

"I don't think many people thought we'd get as close as we did today. They didn't think we'd win but we have a lot of faith particularly in our lower order. We bat pretty deep and Nathan Lyon is getting better all the time.

"It showed our group that anything is possible if you are prepared to stick it out and face a lot of balls it can change quickly but we couldn't quite get there."



The skipper backed Shaun Marsh after his fighting half-century in the second innings.

"We all know how good he is. He just keeps coming back and turning up, battling as hard as he possibly can and that can be really hard to do when you are always under the pump.

"It just shows how strong a character he is and how good a player he is. He's been in great form the last month or so and I think he is really close to cracking a really big score and winning us some games.
Pakistan on Monday assured China that the multi-billion dollar CPEC was a "national priority" as top diplomats of the two countries agreed to further expand the developmental projects to new areas.

During the first round of political consultations between the two allies here, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua conveyed to visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou that Islamabad was committed to the successful implementation of the ongoing CPEC projects.

The USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Muslim-majority Xinjiang province with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port.

"The two sides also resolved to work together towards completion of the ongoing projects and agreed to expand the CPEC to new areas of cooperation in line with the vision of the leadership of Pakistan," Foreign Office said in a statement.

It said that the Pakistan side conveyed that the CPEC was a national priority for the government and the country would remain committed to successful implementation of the CPEC.

Both sides also held comprehensive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations.

The two sides agreed to build upon the consensus reached between the leadership of two countries during the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China.

"They (two sides) reaffirmed 'All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership' between the two countries and expressed their satisfaction at the strong bilateral ties in political, economic, security, cultural and other spheres," FO said.

Both sides also exchanged views on international political situation with a particular focus on Afghanistan and South Asia.

They also expressed satisfaction at their robust cooperation in multilateral fora and reiterated their resolve to further augment it in the future.

Kong also called on Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who congratulated China on successful conclusion of Pakistan-China bilateral political consultations.

"Pakistan-China friendship has deep cultural, historical and institutional linkages and has become an 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership'," he said.

Recalling Khan's successful visit to China in November, the foreign minister said that it marks a milestone in the history of bilateral relations and has deepened the bond of trust and friendship between two nations.

He highlighted that the CPEC has added yet another dimension to the bilateral ties and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to complete this project as envisaged by the leadership of both the countries.

Qureshi said that he was looking forward to participate in the 2nd meeting of China-Afghanistan-Pakistan foreign ministers' trilateral mechanism to be held in Kabul on December 15.

Kong said that China attaches paramount importance to its relations with Pakistan as he expressed satisfaction at the momentum of bilateral relations.

He also underscored the need to further enhance the ties in political, economic, defense and cultural spheres.

Kong appreciated Pakistan for its efforts to achieve goals of national development and extended China's utmost support.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional situation and multilateral issues of mutual concern and agreed to deepen strategic coordination and communication at all levels.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill American soldiers, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, asserting that Washington should not give Islamabad even a dollar until it addresses the issue.

Haley, the first Indian-American ever appointed to a Cabinet position in any US presidential administration, said the US did not need to give money to countries that wish harm to America, go behind its back and try and "stop us from doing things".

"...I think there should be a strategic view on which countries we partner with, which ones we count on to work with us on certain things, and move forward accordingly. I think we just blindly allow money to keep going without thinking that this is real leverage. We have to use it," Haley told US magazine 'The Atlantic'.

"The one example I'll give you is, look at Pakistan. Giving them over a billion dollars, and they continue to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill our soldiers that's never okay. We shouldn't even give them a dollar until they correct it. Use the billion dollars. That's not a small amount of change," she said.

Haley will step down as the UN envoy at the end of this year. US President Donald Trump last week nominated chief State Department spokeswoman and a former Fox journalist Heather Nauert as Haley's successor.

In October, Haley announced that she was leaving the post by the end of the year. The 46-year-old former South Carolina governor has served nearly two years in the post.

She said Pakistan should be told "you have to do these things before we will even start to help you with your military or start to help you on counterterrorism".

Asked if she does not agree that foreign aid can turn an adversary into an ally, or can make a country more favourable than it would be otherwise, Haley said, "no, I think it absolutely can. I think that you do have to use it as leverage".

"I don't think you should blindly give it and then expect goodwill. You have to ask for goodwill and then give it when you see good things happen," she said.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled USD 300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.

Last month, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying Islamabad does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government helped late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Rawalpindi.

Referring to Laden and his former compound in Abbottabad in Pakistan, Trump told Fox News, "you know, living think of this living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer".

"But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," Trump said.

The US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed Laden in 2011 and demolished the compound.

"We give Pakistan USD 1.3 billion a year... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them USD 1.3 billion a year - which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

Trump began the new year by launching an attack on Islamabad in his first tweet of 2018, accusing it of "lies and deceit".

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools," he wrote.

"They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump added.

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Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday expressed happiness over Congress president Rahul Gandhi's support to 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures.

Gandhi has written to Congress-ruled states' chief ministers to pass resolutions supporting passage of women reservation bill in Parliament.

Patnaik had earlier written to his counterparts in other states seeking their support to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures.

"I am glad, he (Rahul Gandhi) has done that. I hope other parties do this as well," the Odisha chief minister told reporters here.

Patnaik had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4 urging him to initiate steps to ensure reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures.

The Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve 33 per cent of seats for women in Parliament and in all assemblies, was passed in the Rajya Sabha in 2010, but lapsed after the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha in 2014.

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Alleging atrocities on Sikhs in Pakistan, activists of an NGO Monday staged a protests outside the Pakistan High Commission here demanding protection of human rights of Sikhs in that country.

More than 250 volunteers of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal marched towards the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, demanding justice and protection of human rights of Sikhs and other minorities in the neighbouring country, a release stated.

After the demonstration, a five-people delegation of the NGO met officials of the mission and handed over documents related to the alleged atrocities on Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan and demanded protection of their interests.

During the protests, the volunteers carried placards and banners with messages like 'Save Human Rights', 'Stop Forced Conversion', 'Save Sikh Girls', 'Stop Harassing Sikhs in Pakistan', 'Don't Grab Gurudwara Land', 'Stop Distorting Sikh History' and others, the release said.

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/ -- Events include Day-long Workshops, Quilt Show Competition, Vendor Pavilions, Curated Exhibits, Textile journeys across India



Quilt India Foundation (QIF) announced that the first India Quilt Festival (IQF 2019) will be held in Chennai from 25-27 January, 2019.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/795801/India_Quilt_Festival_Logo.jpg )



The festival includes Quilt Show Competition, Workshops where participants can learn from renowned Indian and International faculty, curated quilted exhibits from different parts of the world and private collections. The Quilt show and Special Exhibits can be viewed at Sri Sankara Hall, TTK Road, Chennai. Visitor entry to the festival is free.

Tina Katwal, Director-Shows, says - "We are extremely pleased and excited to hold this festival for the first time in India. The festival has been planned to run on the lines of Quilt shows organized across the world with elements of competition, exhibition, education and a market place. We invite quilters in India and overseas to participate in the competition segment of the Quilt Show." The categories for the competition section of Quilt show include - Traditional, Modern, Art, Novice and Theme Quilts. While the 'Novice' category is aimed at Quilters who have been quilting for 2 years or less, the 'Theme' Quilts will revolve around IQF 2019 theme 'The Dance of the Peacock'. Awards for the Competition quilts will be sponsored by leading Indian and Global brands. In addition to the Competition section, the curated section - 'Quilts Across Time and Nation', will showcase Antique Indian Quilts and Quilts from different regions of India in addition to Quilts from USA, Egypt, South Korea and other countries.

"We are extremely happy to have some of the leading names in the Industry as faculty for the workshops. These workshops are an opportunity for Quilters in India to learn about Quilting techniques - traditional and modern - from world over. QIF also aims to revive traditional Indian Quilting traditions and our workshops reflect that." - Katwal adds. In addition to the full day workshops spread across the 3 days of India Quilt Festival, lectures by eminent Quilters and Authors are also planned. Workshops and lectures will be held at WelcomHotel, Cathedral Road, Chennai.

The festival also has Vendor Booths and a Makers' market for Quilting related machines, fabrics, notions as well as Quilted products. Visitors can also check out product demos of leading sewing machine brands at their pavilions. Textile tours are also planned to coincide with the festival. These experiential tours include trips to Kerala, Pondicherry and Kutch.

More information on the festival can be found at http://www.indiaquiltfestival.com



About Quilt India Foundation



Quilt India Foundation, Chennai is established with the objectives of



Revival of Quilting in India Promoting Quilting as an art form and a commercially viable craft Providing a common platform for Quilters in India Bringing Indian Quilting to the International Scene Bringing suppliers of sewing and quilting related items closer to the buyers Providing a platform for artists and quilters to showcase and sell their products Providing opportunities for Sewing and quilting enthusiasts at all levels of competence to learn new techniques from experts QIF aims to hold Quilting and Textile art related events across India.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/indiaquiltfestival



Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsIaxMU92H8ToaBRBmHmvgg



Instagram: https://www.instagram.

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A 24-year-old man arrested in a gang-rape case in Goa escaped from police custody here Monday when he was brought to a hospital for medical treatment, police said.

Ishwar Makwana, who hails from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, was arrested by the Goa Police along with two other men from MP in May this year for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman at a beach in South Goa district.

He was lodged at the Central Jail at Colvale in North Goa district since then.

On Monday morning, he was taken for some medical treatment to Panaji-based Chest Disease & T B Hospital where he managed to give police the slip, a senior police official said.

"The Goa Police's escort cell, which is in-charge of transportation of inmates from the Central Jail, had brought the under-trial to the hospital but he managed to run away from there," the official said.

A search was on to nab him, he added.

Makwana and the two other accused - Ram Bhariya and Sanjiv Pal - had raped an d robbed the woman in South Goa on May 24.

Makwana had been booked in the past in MP for various offences, including killing a couple in Indore.

He also carried a reward of Rs 20,000 on his head, police said.

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The All India Reserve Bank Employees Association has expressed shocked over resignation of central bank governor Urjit Patel,saying one of the trigger points could be transfer of reserves to the government.

Patel, 55, who took over as the 24th governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on September 5, 2016, resigned Monday citing personal reasons.

"The has come as a shock for us. Patel's resignation cannot be a sudden thing,"the employee union said.

It claimed the recent dispute between RBI and the government on issues such as transfer of surplus funds to the government could have lead to his resignation.

"Transfer of RBI surplus to the government is one of the biggest bone of contention between the two. A committee was to be set up jointly by the RBI and the government to look into transfer of reserves to the government. We think one of the trigger points could be appointment of members of the committee," the union said.

In its November 19 meeting, RBI's board had decided to constitute a committee of experts to examine the economic capital framework (ECF), the membership and terms of reference of which will be jointly determined by the government and RBI.

The committee will determine the appropriate levels of reserves the central bank ought to hold.

It will have minimum of three people, which will include present and past central bankers, and officials from the finance ministry.

As of June 30, RBI's reserves stood at Rs 9.43 lakh crore.

Meanwhile, All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) said Patel's resignation is most unfortunate but in most likelihood has happened in response to the way the government has handled contentious issues such as transfer of reserves and dilution in PCA (prompt corrective action) norms.

"This speaks of government credibility in dealing with economy," the bank union said.

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Opposition parties on Monday attacked the government over RBI Governor Urjit Patel's resignation, alleging that institutions like the central bank were under "assault" and there was a "financial emergency" in the country.

After Patel announced he was stepping down due to personal reasons, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded his contribution and legacy, saying he steered the banking system "from chaos to order" and ensured discipline.

Patel was hand-picked by the BJP-led government after his predecessor Raghuram Rajan was denied a second-term. His resignation came amid widening rift between the government and the RBI on several key issues including the central bank's autonomy. Patel had more than eight months left in his three-year tenure.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, addressing the media after a meeting of top leaders from over a dozen opposition parties, said that in the middle of the meet "we were told that RSS-BJP agenda is progressing further".

The RBI chief has resigned because he can no longer work in this government, Gandhi alleged.

"There was consensus that we have to stop the BJP's assault on Constitution, assault on the institutions like CBI, RBI and Election Commission. We are going to fight it out," he said.

While Modi said Patel leaves behind a great legacy and will be missed immensely, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley appreciated the service rendered by Patel saying it was a pleasure to deal with him and he has benefitted from the economist's scholarship.

The opposition, however, was unsparing in its criticism of the government over the development and alleged interference in the working of all institutions.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram said he was saddened but not surprised by Patel's resignation and claimed no self respecting scholar or academic can work in the NDA government.

In a series of tweets, the senior Congress leader said the last meeting of the Reserve Bank of India Board held on November 19 was the "day of reckoning" and Patel should have resigned on that day.

"Government's immediate agenda is to grab the reserves of the RBI to meet its fiscal deficit target and to get funds for spending in an election year," he alleged.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who attended the opposition meeting, hit out at the Modi government over Patel's resignation, saying it was a matter of "great shock".

"Institutions, from the CBI to the RBI, have become total disasters. This has never happened before. It is a matter of great shock. We must protest," Banerjee said.

The Trinamool Congress chief proposed that the meeting should continue on Tuesday and leaders of opposition parties should also meet President Ram Nath Kovind over Patel's resignation.

Later, in a tweet, Banerjee said: "The RBI is the custodian of public money. The credibility of all institutions is being destroyed. This is a financial and economic emergency".

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, who coordinated the opposition meeting that was held to discuss forging of an anti-BJP front for 2019 polls, alleged that there was "pressure" from the government on RBI to give its surplus.

"He (Patel) tried his best to protect the economy and the nation in the interest of the public. Finally he was unable to bear the pressure and resigned," he said.

Gandhi, in his remarks, alleged that the government was getting "more and more" desperate. Government is taking measures which are "dangerous for the country", he said.

The RBI governor has resigned because he was protecting the institution of RBI and he was not able to function, Gandhi claimed.

The government is trying to take away the reserves from the RBI to save its skin and fix the "mismanagement" it has done, he alleged.

"It is an act that is against the nation. I am very proud that people from all walks of life and institutions are standing up and saying we will not tolerate all this," the Congress president said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that RBI governor Patel was eased out by the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre to bring in a "more pliable" person to fill the post.

Earlier, reacting to Patel's resignation, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged that the NDA government had "denigrated" another institution and that his exit was the result of attempts to stifle the independence of the Reserve Bank of India.

"The manner in which the RBI governor has been forced to quit is a blot on India's monetary and banking system. The BJP government has unleashed a defacto financial emergency. The country's reputation and credibility are now at stake," senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said.

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Former PDP MLA from Tangmarg Mohammad Abbas Wani Monday resigned from the basic membership of the party, a development expected following his support to a rebel group led by former minister Imran Ansari.

In a letter to party president Mehbooba Mufti, Wani informed her about his decision to resign from the basic membership of the party, a close aide of the former MLA said.

Led by Ansari, Wani was among the five MLAs who revolted against Mehbooba's leadership in the wake of the PDP-BJP coalition government falling apart in June.

He is the fourth PDP leader to have announced his resignation from the party.

Besides Wani and Ansari, others who have resigned include his uncle Abid Ansari and former finance minister Haseeb Drabu.

Wani is likely to join the Sajad Gani Lone-led People's Conference. Lone had made an unsuccessful attempt to form a government with the support of the BJP and rebel PDP MLAs last month before Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Assembly.

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Some rights and advocacy groups have opposed President Donald Trump's decision to nominate chief State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as America's next envoy to UN, saying she is unqualified and lacks the foreign policy experience crucial for the post.

Trump on Friday picked Nauert to succeed Indian-American Nikki Haley as US ambassador to the United Nations.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation, called on the Trump administration to withdraw its nomination of Nauert for the position of UN ambassador.

CAIR said Nauert promoted "Islamophobic smears" while employed as a Fox anchor. It said, in 2013 she criticized special swim classes for a group of Somali-American girls, describing the classes as the "minority becoming the majority at one community pool. Sharia law is now changing everything."



The group said other than her current position as State Department spokesperson, Nauert has no apparent diplomatic or government experience or expertise.

"Heather Nauert does not represent our nation's diversity or its commitment to treating all Americans with equality and respect," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

The International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC), which advances the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls worldwide through advocacy and strengthening women's movements, said the nomination of Nauert as US ambassador to the United Nations "signals a continuation of the Trump administration's regressive policies at the UN.

It said Nauert, currently the State Department spokesperson, is a former anchor on Fox and has no prior diplomatic experience.

"Nauert lacks the foreign policy experience and commitment to human rights and multilateralism crucial for this post," IWHC Director of Advocacy and Policy Shannon Kowalski said in a statement.

Critical of US ambassador Haley's record at the UN, IWHC said she "ostracized civil society, removed the US from the Human Rights Council, undermined sexual and reproductive health and rights, and oversaw an overall decline in US leadership at the United Nations.

"Nauert's tenure at the State Department does not indicate that she will take the necessary steps to reengage with civil society and reignite the United States' commitment to human rights globally, rather than on a politicized basis, it said.

Kowalski added that there is nothing in Nauert's record to suggest that she would restrain the administration's efforts to censor language or to undermine and remove UN commitments on gender equality, sexuality education, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

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Nearly 20,000 government staff will be deployed for counting of votes for the Rajasthan Assembly elections tomorrow.

Counting will take place at 35 centres including two centres each in Jaipur and Jodhpur, Rajasthan Chief Election Officer Anand Kumar told reporters Monday.

The Chief Election Office (CEO) has completed all preparations ahead of counting of votes on Tuesday for the polls, he said.



Voting for 199 of the total 200 assembly seats in the state took place on December 7.

Kumar said ample security arrangements have been made at the counting centres and nearby locations, with a three-layered security in place.

He said the counting process will start with postal ballots and then EVMs.

Voting trends and result will be telecast at public places for the first time in the state through 350 LED screens, he added.

ALSO READ: Exit polls give Rajasthan to Congress; photo finish in MP, Chhattisgarh

In 2013 assembly election, BJP had won 163 seats, Congress 21, BSP 3, NPP 4 and independents and others 9 seats.

After bypolls in the state, BJP presently holds 160 seats, Congress 25, BSP 2 and NPP 3 seats.
A Russian priest who flaunted luxury items including Louis Vuitton bags and Gucci shoes on his Instagram account will face a disciplinary committee, an Orthodox Church spokesman said Monday.

Vyacheslav Baskakov deleted the images of himself posing in his frock with the designer goods after they were picked up by Russian media and shared online last week.

"Such actions are not acceptable. The Church requires modesty and temperance of its representatives," Alexander Volkov, spokesman for Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, told AFP.

Volkov said the priest would face a disciplinary committee in the Tver region where he is based, north of the capital.

The spokesman stressed this was not a criminal probe and that the "vast majority of Russian Orthodox Church priests live very modestly". He did not give a date for any hearing nor comment on a likely punishment.

Baskakov is not the first Church representative to find himself in hot water over luxury goods.

Patriarch Kirill caused a stir when he wore what was identified as a Breguet watch that costs around 30,000 euros during a trip to Ukraine in 2009.

The Church on a separate occasion admitted it had doctored a photo of Kirill on its website to erase his watch, after internet users spotted the lavish timepiece was reflected on a polished table but was not present on his wrist.

Bloggers also found the patriarch was the owner of a luxury Moscow flat.

The Church's wealth and political power has grown enormously since Vladimir Putin rose to the presidency, with the Russian government handing back much of the property confiscated during Soviet times.

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Duma, the Lower House of Russian Parliament, Monday announced to hold an event to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan suggested to the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin to hold the function in the Russian Parliament, saying the Mahatma had close contacts with famous Russian author, thinker and philosopher Leo Tolstoy.

Volodin agreed to hold the event in Russian Duma, a statement from the Lok Sabha secretariat said.

The chairman of the State Duma is leading a delegation to participate in the India-Russia Parliamentary Commission meet here.

Mahajan said young parliamentarians have an important role in promoting Indo-Russian relations. She emphasised on public participation in democracy and enhancing the bilateral relations through cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

The Lok Sabha Speaker also suggested to hold a conference of young parliamentarians, including women, so as to develop a better understanding on various dimensions of the India-Russia relationship.

She said one of the most significant steps in deepening of parliamentary cooperation between the two countries would be to ensure that the India-Russia Parliamentary Commission meets annually, on alternate basis, the statement said.

Speaking at the occasion, Volodin called upon the two countries to cooperate more in the fields of digital economy, artificial intelligence and robotic technology.

The Russian official hoped the visit of his delegation would further strengthen the mutual trust and cooperation between Russia and India.

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A three-day long 'Akhand Path' organised by the SAD concluded Monday.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by party patron Parkash Singh Badal, had offered prayers on Saturday at the Akal Takht here, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, to seek atonement for the "mistakes" it committed "inadvertently" in the past.

On being questioned by media for which mistakes they sought forgiveness, Badal said, "I did not submit any list before the guru. I sought pardon as whatever wrong has been done by me or my men in the past".

"I even seek apology from media if I have ever hurt them in the past," he said.

He said, "I will not talk on any other issue except religion or spirituality.Our party had decided earlier to dedicate three days for 'sewa' in the Golden Temple which were solely for guru (Almighty) and not for any kind of political talk".

Badal refused to comment on sacrilege issue.

For the last two days Badal, his son and party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Sukhbir's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Bikram Majithia and other leaders were taking part in 'Ardas' (prayers) at the Akal Takht.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had ridiculed the opposition party for indulging in "political theatrics" in the name of religion with their "farcical" display of regret over the "misdeeds" committed during their 10-years of misrule.

The SAD had faced severe criticism over several incidents pertaining to desecration of Guru Granth Sahib and following police firing incidents in 2015 that had taken place during the SAD-BJP regime.

The party was also eye of storm over the issue of granting pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case, which was later withdrawn by Akal Takht.

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Upholding the acquittal of four accused in the 2001 Kanpur riots case, the Supreme Court on Monday blasted the Uttar Pradesh Police for its shoddy probe into the violence in which a senior officer lost his life and said "lapses" in the investigation have "disabled" the prosecution.

The top court said that the case suffers from multiple investigative laches and flaws which fortified the presumption of innocence in favour of the accused.

A bench of justices N V Ramana and M M Shantangaudar found lapses in the police probe on seven counts including an inordinate delay in conducting Test Identification Parade (TIP), discrepancies related to forensic, post mortem reports and place of occurrence of the incident, recovery of weapon and examination of the material witness.

"Although we acknowledge the gravity of the offence alleged against the accused-respondents and the unfortunate fact of a senior official losing his life in furtherance of his duty, we cannot overlook the fact that the lapses in the investigation have disabled the prosecution to prove the culpability of the accused," the bench said in its order.

The apex court upheld the order of Allahabad High Court which acquitted all the accused, saying "in our opinion, there exists no perversity in the judgment of the High Court".

"The accused cannot be expected to relinquish his innocence at the hands of an inefficacious prosecution, which is ridden with investigative deficiencies. The benefit of doubt arising out of such inefficient investigation must be bestowed upon the accused," the bench said.

The apex court said that the cumulative effect of the investigative lapses has fortified the presumption of innocence in favour of the accused.

"Further, in the absence of compelling reasons, this court is not keen to entertain these appeals challenging the order of acquittal," the bench said.

It said that police have failed to link the chain of circumstances so as to dispel the cloud of doubt about the culpability of the accused.

"It is a well settled principle that a suspicion, however grave it may be, cannot take place of proof, i.e., there is a long distance between 'may be' and 'must be', which must be traversed by the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt," the bench said.

The state government has moved the apex court challenging the order of High Court dated May 29, 2009 by which it had acquitted all the accused.

The high court had reversed the order of trial court dated January 22, 2004, which had convicted four persons in the case.

According to the FIR, on March 16, 2001, around 200-300 rioters allegedly looted and set afire several houses under Moolganj police station in Kanpur district.

To control the situation, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Chandra Prakash Pathak along with a police party rushed to the site.The rioters allegedly fired at the police party in which Pathak sustained bullet injury while his orderly Ram Chandra was grievously injured. Pathak later succumbed to his injury.

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The Supreme Court on Monday ordered that status quo be maintained with regard to a mosque situated in the premises of the Allahabad High Court, which had last year directed that the structure be removed.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta also issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government, Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court and others seeking their responses on a plea filed by the Waqf Board.

The Waqf Board has moved the apex court challenging the November 8, 2017 order of the high court which gave it three months to move the mosque out of the premises.

During the hearing on Monday, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, said the top court had earlier asked Uttar Pradesh government to find out a solution to solve the problem but nothing has been done yet.

He said the mosque has been there since 1950s and it cannot be just asked to move out.

The high court are has expanded due to which they want to remove the mosque, he said.

When the bench said it was issuing notice on the plea, Sibal said the court should also order a status quo as the mosque cannot be demolished like this.

The bench agreed to Sibal's submissions and said that status quo be maintained there.

On May 14, the top court had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to explore the possibility of granting a piece of land to relocate the mosque situated inside the high court complex.

The court had asked the counsel for Uttar Pradesh to obtain instructions on the relocation of the mosque to "solve the problem".

On April 2, the Allahabad High Court had told the apex court that it does not have an alternative plot of land for relocating a mosque situated in the premises and the state may consider shifting it to another land.

It had also said that as far as the high court was concerned, there was no alternative land for relocating the mosque as they already had shortage of space for parking of advocates' vehicles.

The Waqf Board has moved the apex court against the high court verdict by which it had directed removal of the mosque situated in the high court premises.

The apex court had earlier directed the parties to arrive at a consensus on where the mosque should be relocated.

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The Supreme Court Monday sought response from the Centre on a plea that the leader of the single largest opposition party be treated as the Leader of the Opposition and be included in high-level committees involved in the appointment of heads of statutory bodies like CBI, CVC, CIC and Lokpal.

The apex court issued notice to the Centre and the four statutory bodies on the PIL seeking direction that wherever the appointing committee includes the Leader of the Opposition, the same may be read as to mean the leader of the single largest opposition party in that House.

The top court also sought response from the Centre on the plea by 'Youth for Equality' NGO, seeking the quashing of section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act which provides a blanket protection to all public servants regardless of status from enquiry in graft cases.

The NGO contended that the amendment by which section 17A has been incorporated was discriminatory, manifestly arbitrary and ultra vires of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution as it requires sanction for initiating action against the public servants.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and S K Kaul after brief hearing agreed to examine the two issues but declined to entertain the plea that sought decisions on appointment of the Director CBI, the Central Vigilance Commissioner, the Chief Information Commissioner and the Lokpal be taken by unanimous vote of the appointing committee.

Advocate Gopal Shankarnaryan, appearing for the NGO, submitted that unfortunately, four of those statutory bodies -- the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), the Central Information Commission (CIC), and the Lokpal -- have all been limited in their functioning and interfered with by virtue of overwhelming governmental control.

While challenging section 17A, the advocate traced the history of such protection given to the public servants which time and again has been held as unconstitutional by the apex court.

The petition said the attempt by the central government to protect civil servants from so-called vexatious enquiries at the threshold (also known as the "single directive") was first quashed by the apex court in Vineet Narain case in 1997.

The decision related to investigation of allegations of corruption against high-ranking public officials and amendments in the DSPE Act.

The plea said the same was resurrected as Section 6-A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 with effect from September 12, 2003 and once again, the provision was challenged on the ground of violation of Article 14 of the Constitution by making an irrational classification as well as impeding the due process of criminal investigation, the plea said.

It said by way of a unanimous Constitution Bench judgment in 2014 the provision was struck down on the anvil of Article 14.

"Unfortunately, yet again, by way of an amendment, this time to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Section 17-A has come to be inserted," the petition stated.

The issue of treating the leader of the single largest party as the leader of opposition has been raised as where such individual is not explicitly recognized as leader of opposition, he or she would merely be called upon as an "invitee", thereby subverting the statutory intent.

"Lack of notification or invitation to such person must not be allowed to delay key institutional appointments," the petition said, adding that the government must not be allowed to frustrate the selection process for lack of notification of a substitute for the Leader of Opposition if none is automatically forthcoming from election results.

Such a situation is prevailing in the current Lok Sabha wherein the Congress emerged as the single largest opposition party in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections but it did not have the minimum 10 per cent of the total strength of the Lok Sabha, or 55 seats, to be eligible as the Leader of Opposition.

The Centre appoints the CBI director on the recommendation of the committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India or Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him as Members.

The composition of the Selection Committee for the CVC comprises of the Prime Minister as Chairperson and Minister of Home Affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha as members.

CIC is appointed on the recommendation of the Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.

The Lokpal is appointed on the recommendation of the panel consisting of the Prime Minister-Chairperson, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India or a Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him as Member and one eminent jurist, as recommended by the chairperson.

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Hectic political parleys marked the eve of counting of votes for five state assemblies, billed as semi-finals before the 2019 national polls, with the Congress asserting that the mandate from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telengana and Mizoram on Tuesday would send a "clear message" against the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

Rejecting the exit-poll results, most of which have forecast gains for Congress in at least four states including a clear majority in Rajasthan, the BJP leaders said the final results should be awaited even as they sought to de-link the state polls from the next year's Lok Sabha elections.

However, the stock markets reacted negatively with the benchmark Sensex plummeting by over 700 points on Monday, tracking the exit poll results.

On the other hand, opposition parties appeared emboldened with Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party quitting the ruling NDA (National Democratic Alliance) to join their ranks on a day when a number of non-BJP parties came together on a single platform in what was seen as their show of strength.

In Telangana, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi met interim chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao to extend his support and said he was sure about the ruling TRS coming back to power, while the BJP also hinted at its possible support.

The Congress-led alliance, however, appeared upbeat that it would get the mandate to dislodge KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known as, and form the next government. It also told Governor ESL Narasimhan that it should be treated as a single entity in the event of no party getting a clear majority.

For Madhya Pradesh, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath exuded confidence that his party would get at least 140 seats to form a majority government.

Counting of votes for the five state assemblies would begin at 8 am on Tuesday and a clear trend is likely to emerge by afternoon. Exit polls have mostly forecast a tight-race between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Chhattisgarh, while many of them have given a clear majority to the Congress against the ruling BJP in Rajasthan.

For Telangana, exit polls have been divided between the TRS and the Congress-led opposition alliance. Same is the case for Mizoram where the ruling Congress is being challenged by its arch-rival in the state, Mizo National Front, while the BJP is also separately in fray.

Ahead of the results, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said people will give a "clear message" in form of results for the five assemblies and exuded confidence that the BJP would be ousted in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Over 8,500 candidates were in fray in polls for these assemblies and their electoral fate is currently sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs, stored in over 670 strongrooms across the five states.

A total of 678 assembly seats across five states went for polls, after polling was countermanded in one seat in Rajasthan due to death of a candidate.

Tight security arrangements have been made for the counting, especially in Chhattisgarh where at least 12 assembly seats are in Naxal-affected areas. Besides, there have been allegations related to the electronic voting machines.

These assembly elections are being seen as crucial for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections as it is in power in three of these states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The Congress is in power in Mizoram, while the TRS ruled Telangana before the assembly was dissolved there.

The BJP is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and is seeking to retain power in Rajasthan. The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general elections, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states.

The elections are also significant for Congress, which is out to challenge the BJP's rule in three states and protect its last bastion in the North-East, where Mizoram remains the only state under the rule of BJP-led NDA. The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats.

In the multi-phase polling, Chhattisgarh voted on November 12 (18 seats) and November 20 (72 seats); Madhya Pradesh (230 seats) and Mizoram (40 seats) on November 28; and Rajasthan (199 seats) and Telangana (119 seats) on December 7.

In the 2013 elections in Mizoram, the Congress had won 34 seats, while MNF got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat. Since 1987, Mizoram has been ruled by either Congress or the MNF, while the BJP is yet to win an assembly seat there.

in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the BJP has been in power for three consecutive terms, while Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government Rajasthan is seeing to defy a recent trend of the saffron party and the Congress being in power alternately.

KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had formed the first government of the country's youngest state in 2014 after it was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

In the maiden polls for the 119-seat Telangana assembly, 1821 candidates were in fray and a voter turnout of 73.20 per cent was recorded.

Chhattisgarh recorded 76.60 per cent voter turnout, while the same for Madhya Pradesh was 75.05 per cent. Rajasthan recorded over 74 per cent voting, while it was nearly 80 per cent in Mizoram.

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The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) Monday arrested three individuals of Adarsh Group of companies for allegedly siphoning off more than Rs 2 billion, official sources said.

The SFIO, which comes under the Corporate Affairs Ministry, mainly probes white-collar crimes.

The sources said the agency arrested Mukesh Modi, Rahul Modi and Vivek Harivyasi of the Adarsh group of companies for committing alleged fraud by siphoning off more than Rs 2 billion.

These companies and other entities had taken huge loans from the Ahmedabad based Adarsh Credit Cooperative Society Ltd run by Mukesh Modi family, they added.
Shaken by a string of high-profile corruption scandals, Peruvians overwhelmingly approved a government overhaul that among other things sends all members of Congress packing by 2021.

Three of the four constitutional reforms proposed by President Martin Vizcarra were approved by nearly 80 per cent of voters in a Sunday referendum.

Sick of a do-nothing Congress with leading legislators tainted by corruption and scandal, 78 per cent of voters approved a measure banning consecutive re-election, according to official results with more than half of the vote counted.

That means that all 130 members of Peru's single-chamber legislature will be out of a job when their mandates end in July 2021.

Also approved were reforms on the way judges are chosen, and tighter campaign financing laws that include criminal penalties for violators.

However more than 81 per cent of voters opposed a proposal to return Peru to a dual-chamber legislature -- a sign of how disgusted voters are with the current crop of politicians.

Vizcarra initially supported the dual-chamber proposal, but later opposed it because it included limits on presidential authority.

The referendum results "are the start of a change that we are seeking for Peru and all Peruvians," Vizcarra said at a cabinet meeting when the polls closed.

The vote is a powerful show of support for Vizcarra, a quiet and virtually unknown politician swept into office when then-president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was forced to resign in March.

Vizcarra harnessed public outrage to force Congress -- controlled by supporters of Keiko Fujimori, Kuczynski's nemesis -- to allow the referendum.

In late October Fujimori herself was taken into custody after a court ordered she be held in preventive detention for three years pending the outcome of a money laundering probe linked to Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

Peru's last four presidents -- Alejandro Toledo, Alan Garcia, Ollanta Humala and Kuczynski -- have all been linked to illicit Odebrecht payments.

Humala and his wife were briefly jailed, while authorities are seeking the extradition of Toledo, currently living in the United States and formally charged with taking a USD 20 million Odebrecht bribe.

Supporters of Fujimori, a two-time leading presidential candidate and daughter of jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000), opposed the constitutional reform measures, as did supporters of Garcia and his once-powerful APRA party.

Voters jeered when Garcia -- who was forced to abandon Uruguay's embassy one week ago when his political asylum request was rejected -- cast his ballot on Sunday.

The referendum coincided with a runoff vote for governors in 15 of Peru's 25 regions.

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Sri Lanka's current political crisis is a result of a clash between external and local values, defiant President Maithripala Sirisena has said as he accused "foreign forces" of intimidating him.

The island nation has been in a political crisis since October 26 when Sirisena removed Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed ex-strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place.

Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Friday reserved its verdict on a bunch of petitions against Sirisena's controversial decisions.

"When I acted according to the principles of nationalism without giving in to foreign forces and without being intimidated by their threats, foreign forces have become a challenge. The shadows of the old imperialism stand in our way," Sirisena said, without naming any country.

"The current crisis is the result of the concern by the world powers over the affairs of our country due to Sri Lanka's geographical importance or its location in the world map,"Sirisena was quoted by Daily Mirror as saying at a gathering in his home base Polonnaruwa on Sunday.

"This is an issue between those who believe in foreign thinking and those who respect local values", Sirisena said.

Sirisena said that he would accept whatever the Supreme Court's ruling on the petitions filed against the gazette notification issued by him to dissolve Parliament.

"I look forward to the constitutional interpretation of the Supreme Court. Whatever it may be, I will take future political decisions accordingly, to the best interest of our motherland, not to the benefit of any person, group or party," the president tweeted earlier on Sunday.

His remarks were apparently aimed at the United National Party, with whom Sirisena was running the national unity government since 2015.

The partnership ended on October 26 when Sirisena fired Wickremesinghe, who is the leader of UNP, triggering a never-before-seen political stand-off in the island nation.

Since firing Wickremesinghe, Sirisena has highlighted the "shortcomings" of Wickremesinghe in a bid to justify his sacking and dissuade his reinstatement.

The president has already said he has no intention of making Wickremesinghe Prime Minister again no matter what the outcome of the case is.

Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member Parliament.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has officially conveyed that the House does not recognise Rajapaksa as the legal prime minister until he proved his majority in the House.

The United National Front (UNF) coalition led by Wickeremesinghe has moved three motions of no trust against Rajapaksa. However, he refused to step down. Prior to the crisis, Wickramasinghe's party 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.

Sirisena has said due to sharp personal differences with Wickremesinghe, he would not reappoint him as the prime minister.

However, the UNP claims that Sirisena will be left with no other choice as Wickremesinghe would be the man who will command the confidence in the House.

Violent scenes were witnessed in Parliament last month as it went on to approve motions which proved that Rajapaksa lacked majority.

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Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has described the ongoing political crisis in the country as one between foreign and local values.

"This is an issue between those who believe in foreign thinking and those who respect local values", Sirisena said Sunday, addressing a gathering in his home base Polonnaruwa.

The comment was seen as an indirect reference to the United National Party, with whom Sirisena was running the national unity government since 2015.

The partnership ended on October 26 when Sirisena fired his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is the leader of UNP, paving the way for a never-before-seen political stand-off in the island nation.

Since firing Wickremesinghe, Sirisena has highlighted the personal "shortcomings" of the former PM in a bid to justify the sacking and dissuade the reinstatement of the Wickremesinghe.

However, Wickremesinghe holds on to the official residence of the prime minister, claiming his sacking was unconstitutional.

Sirisena later dissolved parliament to call snap elections. Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was appointed by Sirisena to replace Wickremesinghe, has failed to prove his parliamentary majority.

The issue is now in the courts, with both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal set to deliver judgments on the legality of Sirisena's action.

Sirisena said he would decide his next political move depending on the court rulings. He was somewhat critical of the courts' interim rulings which allowed the cases to proceed.

Wickremesinghe's allies say his parliamentary majority has been proved several times and Sirisena must restore him in office. The president refuses to do so.

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Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister promised Monday to bring tens of thousands of supporters to the capital next week for a massive demonstration unless President Maithripala Sirisena reinstated him imminently.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose dismissal in October plunged Sri Lanka into crisis, said he still commanded the support of parliament and Sirisena had until Friday to recognise that.

Sri Lanka has been trapped in a bitter power feud since Sirisena replaced Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapakse, a controversial former strongman leader.

Parliament has twice voted against Rajapakse but Sirisena has refused to reinstate his former ally Wickremesinghe -- even if he has the numbers on the floor.

The country's Supreme Court is ruling this week on whether Sirisena's sacking of parliament in November was unconstitutional.

Wickremesinghe -- who is confident of a ruling against Sirisena -- said tens of thousands of the party faithful would rally in Colombo if the president did not heed the court.

"After the court ruling, we will launch our "People Power' campaign to force the president to end the crisis," he said in a statement.

Wickremesinghe has cobbled together a majority in parliament, which has twice voted against Rajapakse.

A court of appeal last week also stripped Rajapakse and his cabinet of their authority until he could prove his right to hold office.

The war-era strongman, backed by the president, has ignored parliament, and has named a cabinet and assumed the duties of prime minister.

But the 225-member legislature has blocked his office from spending any funds, worsening the acrimony between the factions.

The chamber has witnessed violence in recent weeks as the power struggle dragged on, with brawls between warring sides.

Last week, Wickremesinghe likened Sirisena to Hitler, his strongest comment yet directed at his former ally.

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DMK President M K Stalin Monday met Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, hours before the meeting of opposition parties.

The chief minister is expected to participate in the opposition parties meeting for the first time.

Sources in the AAP said during the 20-minute meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence here, Stalin stressed on the opposition unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president also asked Kejriwal to drop his "resistance" against the Congress and come together to strengthen opposition unity to remove the BJP-led government at the Centre, sources added.

Kejriwal is also expected to meet TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prior to the opposition parties meeting later in the day.

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Union ministers Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala Sitharaman pitched for women empowerment and equality, citing examples of women who have brought laurels to the nation.

At the concluding day of the 'Nari Shakti Kumbh' in Vrindavan on Sunday, Swaraj, the External Affairs minister, said the society needs to change its attitude towards women.

She said, "Women need to take a lead in the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign."



Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said this is the time the society gives equal rights to women as they have excelled in every field.

"Now, women are not limited to four walls of their home, they have brought laurels for the country in different fields," she said.

The two-day event, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, was attended by Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya, UP Governor Ram Naik, state ministers Rita Bahuguna, Shrikant Sharma, among others.

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Syrian state media said Sunday that air defences had opened fire near Damascus airport, before withdrawing the report after what appeared to be a false alarm.

"Our air defences engaged hostile aerial targets in the vicinity of Damascus International Airport," the official SANA agency said, without providing more details. But the report was later withdrawn by both SANA and state television without explanation.

SANA then quoted sources at the airport as saying that "there was no aggression" and that "traffic was normal".

A well-informed source told AFP that "there was evidently a false alarm". The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the sound of explosions rocked an area close to the airport and fire from air defences was also heard.

The latest incident comes just over a week after Syria accused Israel of striking south of the capital.

The Britain-based Observatory said those were the first missiles to hit Syria since an air defence upgrade after the downing of a Russian plane in September.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian targets, many of them in the area south of Damascus.

Iran and Russia are the government's key allies in the civil war that has raged Syria since 2011, and Moscow's intervention in 2015 dramatically turned the tables against the rebels.

The accidental downing of a Russian transport aircraft by Syrian ground batteries during an Israel air strike on September 17 killed 15 service personnel.

Moscow pinned responsibility for the downing on Israel, saying its fighter jet used the larger Russian one for cover, an allegation Israel disputed.

Russia subsequently upgraded Syrian air defences with the delivery of the advanced S-300 system, which Damascus insisted would make Israel "think carefully" before carrying out further air raids.

The move raised fears in Israel that its ability to rein in its arch foe Iran's military presence in Syria would be sharply reduced.

But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Russia that Israel would continue to hit hostile targets, while also maintaining "security coordination" with Moscow.

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Exports of tea to Pakistan during the first 10 months of 2018 rose 22 per cent at 13.07 million kg as compared to 10.65 million kg in the corresponding period of 2017, the Tea Board said on Monday.

Major country-wise exports from January to October stood at 200.38 million kg as against 198.86 million kg a year ago, as per provisional estimates released by the board.

Iran was the highest importer of Indian tea at 23.04 million kg during the reporting period, topping the year-earlier figure of 22.13 million kg.

However, there was a slight fall in exports to CIS nations at 51.07 million kg from 52.72 million kg in the similar period of 2017.

In value terms, India exported tea worth Rs 4,061.81 crore during the first 10 months of the year, compared to Rs 3,911.05 crore in the corresponding period of 2017, according to the Tea Board release.

The unit price per kg during January to October was lower at USD 2.99 as against USD 3.03 a year ago.

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Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Monday said terrorists who kill innocent people do not deserve the "cover or privilege" of human rights.

Addressing the Human Rights Day Function organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), he said advocating the human rights of those who kill innocent people, terrorise them and violate their rights, was not right.

"It is unfortunate that some organisations and people are more interested in raising their voice for the human rights of these terrorists who challenge the national security and kill innocent people.

"Such terrorist organisations and some anti-social elements consider killing of civilians, attacking security forces, spreading terror and conspiring to disturb peace of the world, as their human rights and do not deserve any cover or privilege of human rights," Naqvi said.

The minister said the "social, economic, religious and other human rights" of every community are more safe and secure in India than any other democratic nation of the world.

He added that except for a few isolated incidents in some states, the total number of cases of human rights violations in the country were comparatively less.

Tolerance, communal and social harmony is in the DNA of India. Social and cultural harmony is the source of unity of the country despite the prevalence of various languages, religions and communities, he said.

"We have to remain alert to ensure that no evil forces can weaken our strength of unity," the BJP leader said while lauding the NHRC for its role in the promotion and protection of human rights on the occasion of the Human Rights Day.

Justice H L Dattu, chairperson of NHRC, said the vibrant democracy of India was guided by the principles, rights and obligations enunciated in the Constitution.

Not only has India been unequivocal in its commitment to the preservation and protection of human rights nationally, but also internationally, he said.

Justice Dattu said it was a matter of pride that NHRC, India has been accredited 'A' status NHRI throughout its existence from 1993 onwards by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).

"This indicates that the Commission is fully compliant with the United Nations-mandated Paris Principles. It is also a founding member of the Asia-Pacific Forum of NHRIs (APF), the regional network of GANHRI, thus playing a constructive role in the international sphere," he said.

Giving a brief insight into the various features of the functioning of the NHRC, including handling of a large number of complaints of human rights violations, Justice Dattu said the Commission's constant endeavour over the last 25 years has been to make itself as accessible to the people as possible.

For this, it has developed a wide range of important monitoring mechanisms to oversee the human rights situation in the country, he said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in his message on the Human Rights Day, said, "For 70 years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been a global beacon shining a light for dignity, equality and well-being and bringing hope to dark places. The rights proclaimed in the Declaration apply to everyone -- no matter our race, belief, location or other distinction of any kind".

Marking the Human Rights Day, Naqvi also released two NHRC publications, including journals in Hindi and English. The books carry articles on crucial aspects of human rights by eminent personalities.

The minister also gave away awards to the winners of the NHRC Mahatma Gandhi Biennial Awards for original works of writing in Hindi on various aspects of human rights.

Several dignitaries, including present and former judges of Supreme Court, high courts, UN representatives, diplomats, senior government functionaries, civil society representatives, members of para military forces and NHRC officers attended the function.

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Thailand-based budget carrier NokScoot announced on Monday entry in the Indian market with non-stop flight services to New Delhi from Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport from December 19.

NokScoot, a joint venture between Singapore Airlines-owned Scoot and Thailand's Nok Air, is also looking to launch another destination apart from New Delhi by the first half of the next year, it said in a release.

The services on the new route will be operated by a 415-seater wide-body Boeing 777, with 24 seats in business and 391 in economy class, the airline said in a release.

The carrier also announced a special promotional all inclusive one-way economy class fare starting from Rs 7,200, available from December 7 to December 31 for travel between December 19 and March 30, 2019, the release stated.

NokScoot will be the fifth airline from Thailand to have operations in India after Thai Airways, Thai Smile Airways, Thai Lion Air and ThaiAirAsia.

"We are proud to announce NokScoot's inaugural service from Delhi to Bangkok on December 19. This route marks our first-ever service to South Asia and follows the launch of services to Tokyo Narita and Osaka Kansai earlier this year," said Giam Ming Toh, deputy chief executive officer, NokScoot.

"NokScoot believes these flights will appeal to both leisure and business travellers. Delhi, as the biggest air hub in India, is also very convenient for those making connections to and from most domestic destinations around India," he added.

From its Bangkok Don Muang International Airport base, NokScoot operates regular flights to Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenyang, Tianjin and Xi'an in China, Taipei in Taiwan, as well as Tokyo and Osaka in Japan.

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Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has filed a defamation case against Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad for allegedly making derogatory remarks in connection with his wife, Sunanda Pushkar's death.

Tharoor had earlier sent a legal notice to Prasad, the minister for law Justice and IT, seeking an "unconditional apology" for calling him a "murder accused".

The complaint was filed before the Thiruvananthapuram Chief Judicial Magistrate court.

Tharoor stated in the complaint that the investigation in the Pushkar case had been completed and the Delhi Police had filed a final report before the Additional Metropolitan Magistrate court, in which he was charge sheeted under Sections 308 and 498 A of the Indian Penal Code.

"The final report does not state that the death of the deceased was a murder", Tharoor, who appeared in the court on being summoned and was granted bail, stated.

He alleged that "it was after much pressure from the external power centres" that the Delhi Police charge sheeted him, years after Pushkar's death.

He alleged that it was a "conspiracy to frame him in a false case".

The Thiruvananthapuram MP and former Union minister said that on October 28 around 5.38 am, Prasad had posted a 2 minute 18 seconds video clip of his press conference, along with certain "false, untrue, malicious and highly defamatory statements on Twitter".

Tharoor alleged that the video had been posted to defame him and thereby to "spread an untrue, false and scandalous imputation" against him that he is a "murder case" accused and that he had been charge sheeted.

This was intended to "harm" his reputation and "malign" him before the public "by intentionally giving such false and untrue statements, the colour of his office, he said.

"It is evident that the impugned post/tweet and the contents are solely intended to malign and tarnish the reputation of the complainant", he stated.

Tharoor had sent a lawyer's notice to Prasad, seeking an unconditional apology within 48 hours of the receipt of the notice, for levelling the allegations and to delete and remove the video clip of his press conference, along with defamatory statement on Twitter.

In his reply to the notice, Prasad had defended his tweet, saying it was not defamatory.

According to the complainant, the offence against Prasad constitutes the commission of offence defined under Section 499 of the IPC (defamation), which is punishable Under sections 500 (punishment for defamation).

Tharoor requested that the court summon and proceed against Prasad as per law and award him appropriate punishment.

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The central conflict in season two of "The Marvelous Mrs Maisel" maybe internal but its energy and quirkiness mirrors its star Rachel Brosnahan's outlook, which is about marching through life on a "really high note", says creator Amy Sherman-Palladino.

The show's fast but rhythmic pace is also informed by Sherman-Palladino's past as a dancer and the way she and husband Daniel Palladino, co-showrunner, view New York City: with a lot of affection.

"I was a dancer and I think that my direction style comes from my sense of dance and the energy and motion. I grew up in California, which was a cruel cosmic joke. New York and me, we shouldn't have been paired at all.

"When I went to New York, I live there now, that's what I felt, this rush of energy, motion and movement. I think the show reflects that," Sherman-Palladino told PTI in a telephonic interview from Milan.

She is full of praise for the show's lead, whose personality, she believes, has also impacted their heroine, Mirium 'Midge' Maisel's characterisation.

"We have this unbelievable girl who has this energetic, confident march through life. Midge marches through life the way Rachel marches through life. On a really high note, which is shocking. We are embracing the energy and musicality of the piece," she said.

Daniel said they did not want to create a 1950s New York the way it has been done in many other shows and films, which makes it feel like the city is wrapped in a time capsule. Their version pulsates with life, he added.

"Sometimes when people make shows and movies about past, they sort of give it a look that gives it a distant era look. It is like a time capsule that we are watching from afar.

"We wanted people to feel like they are in New York in 1959 so we tried to make colourful. It is sort of heightened but that's also how Midge's character sees her world. In a way, the visuals in the show reflect the characters' outlook. That's how she sees her world. There is a change when she is in Susie's world, which is a bit darker. It's downtown New York," he said.

The first season of the show, about a 1950s a New York housewife who stumbles into stand-up comedy after learning about her husband's infidelity, became a runaway success when it bowed on Amazon Prime Video last year and went on to win awards at the Golden Globes and Emmys.

The sophomore season has already earned critical acclaim and is on its way to award season triumph with three nominations at Globes 2019.

The showrunners say as flattering as it was to be told that it would be impossible to follow-up the "perfect" first season, they drowned out all the noise and kept their noses to the ground.

"It was flattering for people to say that you can't possibly follow up what you have done earlier. But Amy and I are not new to the business. We have been doing this for a while now. We just keep our noses to the ground. It is up to other people to judge whether it is good, better or not. We just needed to keep going," Palladino said.

Sherman-Palladino, who was also the brain behind the superhit "Gilmore Girls", joked that she has "no other skill" other than working on the show.

"We only do this and as much as we would love to do one season and walk away, there literally would have nothing else to do, so we have to keep going," she said.

Amy, who grew up watching her father perform as a stand-up comic, said she wanted to create something around that world in the 1950s period but with a woman as a protagonist.

"I was enamoured with the idea of setting something in that time period because it is such a fun, fascinating and visual time period. I thought the journey of stand-up comedy would be a little more interesting with a woman than my father... I hope he would be okay with the fact that I turned him into Rachel.

"It is normal for females to be a part of comedy today but comedy in the '50s was really hard. And on top of it, for a woman who was not indoctrinated in that world. She had her world. She was a wife and mother and the queen of six blocks of the Upper West Side," she said.

Alex Borstein, who plays the role of Susie Myerson, Midge's manager, was someone that Sherman-Palladino always wanted to work with, while Brosnahan, who has a number of intense roles to her credit, including her breakout performance in "House of Cards", was a complete surprise.

"Alex was in front of us for a long time. She was my original Sookie in 'Gilmore Girls'. She could not do the show because she had a contract at that time. We just needed to work with her.

"Rachel is this amazing, accomplished young actress, who came in, never having done comedy before, and basically mopped the floor. It was a mic drop when she walked out of the room after the audition. The lucky thing is that when you put them together, there is this instant chemistry and camaraderie. That's the kind of thing that no matter how good the script is, you can't create. We got very, very lucky there," Sherman-Palladino said.

The second season also brings characters such as Midge's father and mother, played by Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle, into the spotlight even as she struggles between new love and old ties as her career as a stand-up comedian starts to pick up.

Sherman-Palladino said Midge will forever be torn about her different identities.

"She would be torn between these worlds for the rest of her life. One was of comfort and ease, complete safety and routine. And then there is something that is more exciting, adventurous and braver but potentially more lonely. You have to give up your old life if you go after something this big," she said.

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The Mumbai crime branch Sunday arrested three members of a gang for allegedly cheating Bajaj Finance Company of Rs 32 lakh by accessing consumer data from the company website, police said Monday.

On a specific tip-off, the property cell of the crime branch raided flats in Worli in Central Mumbai, Kalwa and Badlapur in neighbouring Thane district and arrested Abu Bakar Mohammadsab Shaikh (45), Ramiz Shaikh (27) and Rajesh Wadluri (37), an official said.

According to police, the gang illegally accessed the customer data of the company and used to avail consumer loans for buying high-end mobile phones in the name of customers.

The data provides access to the owners of electronics shops with their user names and passwords for checking authenticity of consumers, he said.

Ramiz Shaikh, who had worked in an electronics showroom, had stolen this user name and password to access the information online, he said.

After obtaining the data, the gang used to submit fake PAN cards and Aadhaar cards to the shop owner concerned and used to purchase mobile phones or other gadgets on EMI, the official said.

The gang has cheated the company of lakhs through this modus operandi, he said, adding that so far, 15 such cases have been identified.

The accused have been arrested in connection with seven such cases in which they have allegedly cheated the company of Rs 32 lakh, he said, adding that this figure may go up in crores.

The racket was committed the crime since 2017 in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Virar and Vasai, he said.

All the accused were produced before court which remanded them in police custody till December 15.

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Titagarh Wagons Ltd Monday announced that it has bagged Rs 1,560.8 crore order from the railway ministry for supply of wagons.

"The company has been awarded a contract for manufacture and supply of 5,058 wagons to Indian Railways, the bidding for which was conducted under the reverse auction method," the company said in a BSE filing.

The wagons are designed to carry coal, steel and stones and the value of the order is Rs 1,560.8 crore, it added.

"As per the contract, one third quantity (1,686 Wagons) is to be supplied within six months and to complete the supply of full quantity of wagons before February 28, 2020," the filing said.

Titagarh stretches its global reach and presence through factories in India, Italy and France with offices also in Singapore and Dubai.

It cater to passenger rolling stock, including double decker and single deck commuter trains, metros and trams.

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Americans will begin feeling the effects next year of a marked slowing in world economic growth but should be spared a new recession, the chief economist of the Monetary Fund said in remarks published Sunday.

"We have long been predicting somewhat lower (US) growth for 2019 than what we are seeing this year," as the effects of the Trump administration's fiscal and budgetary measures begin to fade, IMF chief economist Maurice Obstfeld said.

He was speaking in an interview with the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, just days before he is to retire from the world body.

The slowdown "is going to be sharper probably in 2020 than in 2019, according to the data we are seeing," Obstfeld said.

The IMF has already revised downward its 2019 growth prediction for the US, to 2.5 percent from the 2.8 percent expected for this year.

"For the rest of the world there seems to be some air coming out of the balloon," he said, pointing to weaker than expected third-quarter economic results in Asia and "That will come back and also affect the US."



As he has for months, Obstfeld again deplored the trade frictions -- notably between the United States and China, but also between the US and other trading partners, including -- that threaten global growth.

But he ruled out the possibility that the world might see another Great Depression, as it did in the 1930s, when "trade absolutely collapsed under the pressure of trade restrictions."



"I see the tensions now as being possibly damaging because so much of global investment and production is tied up in trade,' he said, "but not liable to the kind of collapse we saw in the 1930s."Obstfeld will be succeeded at the IMF by Harvard professor Gita Gopinath. In a separate interview with CBS, IMF managing director again deplored the trade tensions that have brought steadily increasing tariffs.

Asked about the recent anti-government protests in France, she said there was "no doubt" they would have an economic impact.

"Those are very sad images," she said of the globally televised pictures of vandalism and violence on the streets of the French capital. "I'm a true Parisian, and to see what's happening in Paris is extremely sad.
: The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) chief K Chandrasekhar Rao would once again reach out to regional parties to forge unity among them and promoting the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front, a key party leader said Monday.

"After formation of the government (in Telangana), the TRS will once again broach the concept of a federal front to all regional parties", the deputy floor leader of the party in the Lok Sabha B Vinod Kumar told PTI.

"There is no need for us regional parties to align either with the Congress or with the BJP...That concept, that idea we will try to sell", added the Karimnagar Lok Sabha member.

He made the comments when asked for TRS view on the opposition meet in Delhi to forge a united front to fight the BJP in the 2019 polls.

"This idea (non-Congress, non-BJP front) we will sell in the coming days to these parties which attended today's meeting also", Vinod Kumar said.

Rao had a few months ago met Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee, DMK President M K Stalin and JDS supremo H D Devegowda to promote the idea, but critics said the caretaker Telangana Chief Minister had not made much headway in his efforts.

"It's very to hard to sell this idea, we know it", Vinod Kumar said and claimed that the TRS convinced Stalin about the concept, while Devegowda was of the same opionion.

He alleged that both the Congress and BJP have a "big brother attitude" and have a feeling that all regional parties would have to "inevitably align" with them.

"All regional political parties should have a system of functioning with the so called national political parties", Vinod Kumar added.

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: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi Monday said TRS will form the next government in Telangana on its own strength and his party will stand by it and its chief K Chandrasekhar Rao.

Owaisi said he will meet KCR (Rao) Monday afternoon adding this is "our first step towards a larger goal of nation building."



"I'll be meeting Telangana's caretaker & next CM of Telangana, KCR sahab @TelanganaCMO at 1:30 PM today. Inshallah hell form government on his own strength, and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards a larger goal of nation building," the Hyderabad MP tweeted.

AIMIM contested eight seats in the December 7 Assembly elections as against the seven in 2014 polls, and supported the TRS.

Owaisi had also canvassed and organised public meetings in support of TRS in the run-up to the December 7 Assembly elections.

Counting of votes will be taken up on Tuesday.

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Police in Nepal detained 25 human rights activists on Monday as they staged a sit-in in front of the Prime Minister's official residence during an event here.

Those arrested include founder president of Nepal Human Rights and Peace Society Krishna Pahadi and president of the Society Uttam Pudasaini.

They were staging a demonstration in front of Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar against the growing incidents of human rights violation including rape and murder of minor girls in the country.

It is shameful for the government as it has failed to arrest those involved in the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl even four months after the incident, the activists said.

They were demanding protection of human rights and press freedom, end to impunity and violence against women, punishment to the guilty and compensation to the victims of rights violation.

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Sloganeering and a



banner protest by the opposition Congress-led UDF legislators over the Sabarimala issue marred proceedings of the Kerala Assembly for the sixth consecutive day Monday.

As opposition members, armed with placards and banner, trooped to the well of the House and continued sloganeering, Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan scrapped the question hour and zero hour and rushed through the listed business of the day before adjourning the House in 32 minutes.

Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran started replying to questions but the UDF MLAs stood in front of the speaker's podium demanding lifting of prohibitory orders in Sabarimala, which was further extended by the government till December 12.

The Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government's alleged lukewarm response towards the 'satyagraha', staged by three UDF MLAs at the portals of the House since last week demanding removal of curbs at the hill shrine, also irked opposition members.

They raised slogans expressing solidarity with fellow lawmakers-V S Sivakumar (Congress), Parakkal Abdullah (Indian Union Muslim League) and N Jayaraj (Kerala Congress-Mani)- who had launched the indefinite 'satyagraha' on December 3.

Some of the opposition members even tried to attract the Speaker's attention by blocking his view by the banner.

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala later told reporters that the CPI(M)-led LDF government was extending prohibitory orders "intentionally" as UDF MLAs were staging protest.

He, however, said the opposition would go ahead with the protest and would not buckle under pressure of the Left government and the chief minister.

As soon as the House proceedings began, the lone BJP MLA O Rajagopal and independent Legislator, P C George staged a walkout.

They said the walkout was a mark of protest against the LDF government's decision to continue prohibitory orders in Sabarimala and to express solidarity with the BJP leader A N Radhakrishnan, who has been on a fast for the last eight days in front of the Secretariat here demanding lifting of curbs at the hill shrine.

The hill shrine had been witnessing protests by devotees and right wing groups against the government's decision to implement the September 28 Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.

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A UK court on Monday ordered Vijay Mallya's extradition after concluding that the "flashy billionaire" does have a case to answer in the Indian courts over substantial "misrepresentations" of his financial dealings, in a major boost to India's efforts to bring back the businessman wanted for alleged bank fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

Delivering the verdict at Westminster Magistrates' Court here, Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot said there is a prima facie case against Mallya and that she is satisfied that his human rights would not be infringed in Barrack 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where he is to be held on being extradited.

"Having considered the evidence as a whole, there is a case to answer There is clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds and I find a prima facie case that Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money," Judge Arbuthnot concluded.

"There was no evidence which allowed me to find that if extradited Mallya was at real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice," she said, adding that she is sending the case to the Home Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order his extradition.

Under India's extradition treaty with the UK, the sign off on the extradition order is made by the UK home secretary, in this case senior British Pakistani minister Sajid Javid, who has two months to formally order the extradition.

Meanwhile, Mallya has the right to lodge an appeal in the UK High Court against the Chief Magistrate's order but that appeal would only be addressed once Javid has made his decision on the extradition order, until which time Mallya remains on the same bail conditions as before.

"I am disappointed that the judge felt I made misrepresentations to IDBI bank and persuaded them to loan money to Kingfisher Airlines. Be that as it may, the judge is perfectly entitled to make whatever judgment she thought fit. I have my rights," Mallya told reporters after the verdict.

He said his team would consider the judgment in detail before deciding the next course of action.

Judge Arbuthnot was very categorical as she summarised her findings in court against 62-year-old Mallya, with the key word of her verdict being "misrepresentation" by him of the state of his company, now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, to acquire loans.

She was equally critical of the Indian banks for not using "common sense" when such loans were sanctioned.

"It is either a case that the various continuing failures were by design and with a motive (possibly financial), which is not clear from the evidence that has been put in front of me, or it is a case of a bank who were in the thrall of this glamorous, flashy, famous, bejewelled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy who charmed and cajoled these bankers into losing their common sense and persuading them to put their own rules and regulations to one side," she noted.

She said Mallya was not above using "round robin" methods to use the funds acquired for purposes other than specified to the banks.

"There is a prima facie case of making false representations to make a gain for himself [Mallya] or a loss to another," she noted.

Further dismissing Mallya's defence claims that the case against him was politically motivated, the court ruled there is "no sign of a false case being mounted against him".

"I find that because both the Congress and the BJP are blaming him and others for the state banks' losses, that does not mean that he is being prosecuted for his political opinions, even in the wide sense of the word," the judge said.

"I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt," she said.

The court accepted the Indian government's contention that because Mallya has such a "high profile", his trial in India will be under great scrutiny and he will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity.

"Any suggestion that CBI courts are too pliable when it comes to CBI cases is not borne out by reliable evidence," the judge said, specifically adding that the defence attacks against former CBI special director, Rakesh Asthana, were unfounded.

Addressing the jail conditions, the judge expressed her satisfaction with the evidence provided by the Indian government, describing the video of Barrack 12 at Arthur Road Jail as an accurate portrayal of the conditions which will apply to Mallya. However, the court made a specific reference to special medical conditions being made available to the businessman, who is described as "far from healthy".

She made it very clear that the assurances provided by the Indian government on prison conditions should not be breached.

In some criticism of the Indian authorities' conduct during the course of the trial, the judge was very critical of the paperwork submitted by the Indian authorities, which she said had "doubled the work of this court".

In New Delhi, CBI spokesperson welcomed the verdict, saying: "We hope to bring him soon and conclude the case."



Earlier, the former Kingfisher Airlines boss sought to disprove the narrative that he has "stolen" money and said his offer to repay the principal amount to the Indian banks was "not bogus".

The verdict marks a significant point in the year-long trial, which commenced on December 4 last year and has undergone a series of hearings over the course of the year.

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In a major setback to Vijay Mallya, a UK court on Monday ordered his extradition to India, where he is wanted for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that Mallya can be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED.

The judge referred the extradition case to Secretary of State.

The ruling marked a significant point in the high-profile extradition trial that has lasted over a year.

Earlier in the day, Mallya sought to disprove the narrative that he has "stolen" money and said his offer to repay the principal amount to the Indian banks was "not bogus".

Mallya made the remarks while talking to reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss was on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.

"My settlement offer is made before the Karnataka High Court. It is not related to this extradition trial. Nobody disrespects a court of law by making a bogus offer. The assets have been attached by the ED so they cannot be bogus assets," he said, asserting that his offer to repay the principal amount was not bogus.

The embattled liquor tycoon said that the value of his assets is more than enough to pay everybody and that is exactly what he was focusing on.

"I want to disprove the narrative that I have stolen (money)," he said.

He said his legal team will review the judgment and take proper steps thereafter.

In reference to settlement offer to Karnataka High Court, Mallya said that he has requested the court that if the settlement is granted then first the employees of Kingfisher be paid.

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on December 4 last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it.

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The UN has proposed Yemen's Huthi rebels withdraw from Hodeida as part of a ceasefire deal placing the flashpoint port city under joint control, according to a document seen by AFP Monday.

The document, verified by two sources in a Yemeni government delegation at UN-brokered talks in Sweden, stipulates that the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Huthis cease all operations in the rebel-held city in exchange for a Huthi withdrawal.

The area would then be put under the control of a joint committee and supervised by the United Nations. The document does not propose the deployment of UN peacekeeping troops.

The government was expected to issue a formal response to the proposal "soon", state representative Hadi Haig told AFP.

"The special envoy's paper is under study. The response will come soon, God willing," Haig said on the sidelines of the talks.

Huthi representative Salim al-Moughaless said the rebels would only consider a withdrawal as part of a full political solution to the conflict.

"The discussion is long and ongoing," Moughaless told AFP.

A UN official in Rimbo was not immediately reachable for comment.

Yemen's Saudi-backed government and the rebels, linked to Riyadh's arch-rival Iran, convened in the rural village of Rimbo, Sweden on Thursday for what is expected to be a week of talks on a war that has killed upwards of 10,000 people in less than four years.

The Hodeida proposal is a significant step closer to the demands of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government was driven out of the capital in a rebel takeover in 2014 that included the seizure of Hodeida -- the most valuable port in a country now on the brink of famine.

The Red Sea city has since June been at the heart of a government offensive to drive the rebels out. The destruction of the port city would worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where the UN estimates 14 million people face starvation.

Shipments to Hodeida, including humanitarian aid, have been severely restricted by the coalition. Huthi fighters are now ensconced in residential neighbourhoods to hold off government forces.

The UN has regularly urged the Saudi-led coalition to suspend operations in the densely-populated city, home to 150,000 people and a vital conduit for aid across Yemen.

The government accuses the rebels of smuggling arms from Iran through Hodeida and has demanded the rebels withdraw unilaterally from the area. The Huthis refuse. Both parties have said they would accept UN supervision of the port if it were under their sole control.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a UN official in Rimbo on Saturday said Hodeida had proved the "most difficult" issue at the meetings, the first since more than three months of talks collapsed in 2016.

Among the other issues under discussion are humanitarian corridors, a prisoner swap and the reopening of the defunct Sanaa international airport.

The Huthi takeover of Hodeida, a traditional conduit for 90 percent of food imports to impoverished Yemen, sparked the intervention of Saudi Arabia and allies on behalf of the government the following year.

The 2015 intervention is widely seen as a turning point in the war, the trigger of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

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Politicians from around the globe will gather Monday in Morocco for a major conference to endorse a United Nations migration pact, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism.

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was finalised at the UN in July after 18 months of talks and is due to be formally adopted with the bang of a gavel at the start of the two-day conference in Marrakesh.

The US government disavowed the negotiations late last year, and since then Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have pulled out of the process.

The US on Friday took a fresh swipe at the pact, labelling it "an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states".

But a host of other nations led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel are in Morocco to endorse the deal and the UN remains upbeat that it can help the world better cope with the hot-button issue.

On the eve of the conference, UN special representative for migration Louise Arbour hit back at the pact's critics, insisting the document is not legally binding.

"It is surprising that there has been so much misinformation about what the compact is and what the text actually says," she told reporters in Marrakesh.

"It creates no right to migrate. It places no imposition on states," she said, adding that 159 member countries are due to attend the conference, including "around 100" represented by heads of state, heads of government or ministers.

But rows over the accord have erupted in several European Union nations, hobbling Belgium's coalition government and pushing Slovakia's foreign minister to tender his resignation.

From the United States to Europe and beyond, right-wing leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years.

US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants at sea.

Beyond Merkel, among European nations the leaders of Spain, Greece, Denmark and Portugal are set to attend, although French President Emmanuel Macron is sending his secretary of state for foreign affairs as he deals with the "yellow vest" protests at home.

Belgium's liberal premier Charles Michel won the support of parliament to head to Morocco and back the accord, but he was left leading a minority government on Sunday after the Flemish nationalist party said it will quit his coalition over the pact.

Belgium is among a group of seven nations described by Arbour as still "engaged in further internal deliberations" over the accord, with Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Israel, Slovenia and Switzerland also falling into this category.

Billed as the first international document on managing migration, the global pact lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million.

But while welcoming the UN's attempts to manage migration, activists argue that the pact does not go far enough to secure migrants' rights.

"Unfortunately, the non-binding nature of the Global Compact on Migration makes its implementation solely based on the goodwill of states supporting it," Amnesty International's senior advocate for the Americas, Perseo Quiroz, said in comments emailed to AFP.

After the Marrakesh conference, the UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19.

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Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Govind Mathur expressed serious concern Monday on keeping three times more prisoners in Uttar Pradesh jails than their capacity.

He advocated for open air camps for prisoners.

Justice Mathur was speaking at a conference on the International Human Rights Day.

He favoured parole for those prisoners who have spent many years in jail.

Former Additional Solicitor General of India K V Vishwanath expressed hope that rule of law will be observed for all citizens.

Judges of the bench, senior advocates, office bearers of bar association were also present on the occasion.

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The Trump administration Monday organised an event to promote coal at the venue of UN Climate Conference here in Poland, drawing flak from civil society organisations which dumped the US action as "disruptive".

Civil society activists raised the flag of protests as the US officials began discussions at the side event promoting the cleaner fossil fuels.

The Trump administration officials held the coal event to talk about how fossil fuels combined with innovation could help address the global temperature rise challenge.

However, within minutes into the event, a large group of civil society members, observers, college students and others protested by chanting slogans 'keep it in the ground', 'shame on you', and 'no more coal'.

At the end of the event, several panellist were asked questions on whether they have done any modelling on what combination of fossil fuel could help reduce emissions, the panellist had no answers.

An observer present at the event said a female activist from india was among the protesters who spoke about Kerala floods and the urgent need to take action.

"All energy sources are important and will be utilised unapologetically," said Wells Griffith, international energy and climate adviser to the Trump administration.

The controversial side event was organised at the conference being held at Katowice, one of the main coal mining areas of Poland, with a message that the countries should reduce the use of fossil fuels like coal and oil to reduce the global warming.

The civil society groups alleged that the US came up with the coal event against the interests of the conference theme.

"In that side event, the US was promoting clean coal. There is nothing called clean coal as far as climate change is concerned. If you burn coal, carbon dioxide gets emitted. Ultimately carbon dioxide is causing climate change", noted Indian climate expert Chandra Bhushan said.

He said the US side event was absolutely in a bad taste.

"What is the role the US is playing at CoP 24 (Conference of the Parties). It is quite clear that the US is playing disruptive role. The US is not agreeing on differentiation, it is not agreeing on finance. The US is now emerging as a big disruptor," said Bhushan, who is also the deputy director general of New Delhi-based advocacy group Centre of Science and (CSE).

Andrzej Chwiluk, a 25-year veteran of Poland's coal pits and former head of Poland's largest federation of mining unions, said the people who work in coal mines and oil fields have an important story to tell.

"In 2010, I led 40,000 people to protest against closing coal mines. And today being aware of the threat I want to do something about climate change! But I had to protest, because the government doesn't care about communities like ours.

"What I find missing in the process is honest dialogue. Even among us Polish people, the environmentalists, the government, and the miners, we all speak a different language. Miners are pragmatic men. We can see that the money for renewable energy won't go towards protecting the jobs of people like us. Let's be honest: without responsible government leadership, that won't happen. A just transition is the only way forward," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The United States said Monday it was imposing sanctions on three senior North Korean officials over human rights abuses, despite President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime into a denuclearization accord.

The Treasury Department said it was taking action against "North Korea's reprehensible treatment" of its citizens in accordance with a 2016 US law that requires sanctions over rights abuses.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A defiant Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 90 billion, on Monday sought to disprove the narrative that he has "stolen" money and said his offer to repay the principal amount to the Indian banks was "not bogus".

Mallya made the remarks while talking to reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court, which is expected to deliver its verdict on his extradition after a year-long trial. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.

Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot is expected to give her verdict on whether Mallya can be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED.

The decision would then go to the UK Home Office for the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, to pass an order based on that verdict. Both sides will have the right to file for a permission to appeal in the Chief Magistrate's ruling in the UK High Court.

"My settlement offer is made before the Karnataka High Court. It is not related to this extradition trial. Nobody disrespects a court of law by making a bogus offer. The assets have been attached by the ED so they cannot be bogus assets," he said, asserting that his offer to repay the principal amount was not bogus.

The embattled liquor tycoon said that the value of his assets is more than enough to pay everybody and that is exactly what he was focusing on.

"I want to disprove the narrative that I have stolen (money)," he said.

He said his legal team will review the judgment and take proper steps thereafter.

Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his most recent Twitter post on the issue.

"I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted earlier.

While dismissing that his intervention had anything to do with the extradition case, it came just days before Judge Emma Arbuthnot is expected to present her ruling in the case.

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on December 4 last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it.

It opened with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) team, led by Mark Summers, laying out the Indian government's prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Mallya.

Summers sought to establish a "blueprint of dishonesty" against the businessman and that there are no bars to his extradition on human rights grounds.

Mallya's defence team, led by Clare Montgomery, deposed a series of experts in an attempt to prove that the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of bank loans was the result of business failure rather than "dishonest" and "fraudulent" activity by its owner.

The court was also told that a consortium of Indian banks, led by State Bank of India (SBI), had rejected an offer by the liquor baron in early 2016 to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principal loan amount owed to them.

While the CPS argued that Mallya never intended to repay the loans he sought in the first place because his airline's demise was inevitable, the defence tried to establish that Kingfisher Airlines was suffering from consequences of a wider global financial crisis around 2009-2010 and that its failure was a result of factors beyond the company's control.

"There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines [in sanctioning some of the loans]," Judge Arbuthnot had noted during the course of the trial.

In relation to the defence's attempts to dispute Indian prison conditions as a bar to Mallya's extradition on human rights grounds, the judge had indicated to the CPS that she did not require any further information in reference to the prison conditions awaiting Mallya at Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail after seeking a video of the cell.

"If the judge is satisfied that all of the procedural requirements are met, and that none of the statutory bars to extradition apply, he or she must send the case to the Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order extradition," explains Pavani Reddy, a UK-based legal expert and Managing Partner of Zaiwalla & Co.

The judge's decision on whether to send Mallya's case to UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid can be appealed with the UK High Court's permission, with the person to be extradited entitled to make an application for permission to appeal to the High Court within 14 days of the date of the Chief Magistrate's ruling.

On the other hand, the Indian government would also have 14 days to file leave to appeal to the High Court, seeking permission to appeal against a decision not to extradite.

"In case the concerned individual does not file an appeal, and Secretary of State agrees with the magistrate's decision, then the individual must be extradited from the UK within 28 days of the Home Secretary's extradition order."

"This will also apply if an appeal lodged by either party in the High Court is unsuccessful, but the 28 days will commence from the date when the appeal hearing was concluded," said Reddy.
Christian Michel James, alleged middleman chargesheeted and arrested in the graft-tainted AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, was allowed by a Delhi court on Monday to be interrogated further by the CBI in its custody for five more days.

57-year-old Michel was produced before Special Judge Arvind Kumar on the expiry of his five-day CBI remand during which he was confronted with various documents relating to the case.

He will be produced again before the court on December 15.

Seeking extension of Michel's police custody by nine days, the agency contended that he was "not cooperating" in the investigation and was giving "evasive" answers and when he finds himself in problem, he gets out of it by denying it.

It contended that Michel was required to be confronted with some witnesses to unearth the deep rooted conspiracy and to identify his accomplices including the IAF officials, bureaucrats and politicians.

Prosecutor D P Singh, appearing for CBI, argued that Michel was being "tutored" by his advocates during their visitations at the agency's office and the court's order allowing the lawyers to meet the accused twice a day was hampering their interrogation.

His counsel denied the allegation and said he was not being tutored.

Advocate Aljo K Joseph, appearing for Michel, said his police custody was not required any further and no incriminating evidence was shown to him during the interrogation.

When the defence counsel alleged that Michel was being "tortured", CBI prosecutor objected to the choice of the word and said the advocate was saying this only to create headlines in the media, and the accused was treated with "utmost respect".

Joseph said he sent a mail to the British High Commission on Saturday regarding an officer of the agency.

He added that nothing wrong has been found on the part of the accused by the Italian court, which was opposed by the prosecutor.

The prosecutor contended that Michel's custody was required as he has to be confronted with incriminating material and other accused in the case.

Singh said documents have been received from five countries pursuant to the Letter of Request sent to these nations.

The judge, while remanding Michel to five-day in CBI custody, said he should be medically examined as per rules.

At the outset, Michel withdrew his earlier bail plea and filed fresh detailed bail application which would be heard later.

Michel, who is a citizen of the United Kingdom, was brought to India on the night of December 4, following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case and the next day, he was produced before the court which had allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI.

On Monday, CBI also sought permission to take specimen signatures of the accused and the court listed it for hearing tomorrow after Michel's counsel said he would file a reply to it.

Michel's counsel submitted that Michel's special power of attorney Santrolli Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos wants to meet her once to provide some documents and she be allowed to do so.

The plea was opposed by the CBI after which the court kept the application pending saying it could be heard only when she is present before it and even her 'vakalatnama' was not on record.

CBI prosecutor said the foreign lawyer was always in for her controversial statements given to Press and otherwise.

During the hearing, CBI counsel said Michel may be allowed legal assistance by lawyer only once a day as it causes disturbance in the interrogation.

His counsel opposed it. The court then allowed the defence counsel to meet Michel for 30 minutes each twice a day at CBI office.

Security was tightened at the Patiala House court complex hours before the production of Michel.

The court had earlier asked the CBI to provide all relevant documents including the charge sheet to Michel.

He had landed in India on the night of December 4 and was arrested by the CBI.

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 notified an Interpol red corner notice (RCN) against him after the court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about 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.

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.

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 among the accused.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh on Monday accused the state government of "trying to delay" a meeting to discuss the party's proposed 'rath yatra' by giving "lame excuses".

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court had on December 7 directed the West Bengal chief secretary, the home secretary and the director general of police to hold a meeting with three representatives of the BJP by December 12, and take a decision on the 'rath yatra' by December 14.

"The state government is deliberately trying to delay the proposed meeting with the government officials on the 'rath yatra' campaign. It is giving lame excuses. We will inform the high court about the development," Ghosh said.

"The TMC government actually wants us to cancel the yatra and that is why they are using delaying tactics," he added.

Ghosh had on Sunday claimed that the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government has not responded to requests by the BJP for the meeting.

He had alleged that a senior police officer had called up party officials on Sunday and said the DGP was "very busy".

BJP national president Amit Shah was to kickstart the campaign titled 'Save Democracy Rally' from Cooch Behar district on Friday, from Kakdwip in South 24 Parganas district on December 9, and from Tarapith temple in Birbhum district on December 14.

The 'rath yatras' were to cover all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal.

The BJP moved the division bench of the Calcutta High Court after a single judge bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty on Thursday refused permission to the party to hold the yatra.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government and the opposition have to cooperate with each other for the smooth functioning of Parliament which is in the public interest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an all-party meet Monday convened ahead of the Winter session.

He also assured the opposition that the government was willing to discuss all issues, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said quoting the prime minister at the meeting.

The government is also learnt to have suggested that both the Houses could work late to transact important legislative business and discuss important issues.

Tomar said the prime minister was of the view that both the government and the opposition have to cooperate in running the House smoothly as it was in the interest of the people.

The minister said Modi also told leaders from various parties that the government is willing to discuss all issues.

The Centre will bring a supplementary demands for grants in the session through which it will seek Parliament nod for more expenditure.

According to leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha , Ghulam Nabi Azad, the opposition made it clear during the meeting that it will press for a joint parliamentary committee to probe the Rafale jet deal and raise several issues, including the "misuse" of probe agencies and autonomy for RBI.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi Monday said the TRS will form the next government in Telangana on its own strength and his party will stand by it and its chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).

After a three-hour long meeting with Rao a day ahead of counting of votes polled in the December 7 assembly elections, he discounted a scenario where his party would back out if BJP goes with TRS and said KCR was also confident of victory.

"On behalf of my party I met caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. I am pretty sure and confident and KCR 'saab' is (also) confident...that people of Telangana would once again bless KCR to the Chief Minister's post and he will form a new government based on his own strength", he told reporters here.

Asked if MIM would back out if BJP goes with TRS, Owaisi said "such a scenario would not be there. BJP had five seats (in the dissolved assembly), it will decrease...you see tomorrow by noon".

His remarks came in the backdrop of BJP hinting that the option of extending support to the TRS in case it falls short of numbers was not closed.

Earlier in the day, replying to a question on options before the BJP in case of a hung assembly, party national spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao told PTI that BJP certainly wanted a stable government.

"...in case of a hung assembly we will see who seeks our support, our support will certainly be not available for the Congress or the MIM," Rao, whose party had contested the polls alone, said.

Owaisi, who rode a motorbike to the "Pragati Bhavan", the camp office-cum-residence of the Chief Minister, said the TRS, which contested the polls on its own, would win a "large number" of seats.

"Tomorrow when the results will be declared K Chandrasekhar Rao will again become Telangana Chief Minister and there is no doubt in this regard and he will form the government without the support of anyone. MIM party stands by KCR and he would not require the support of our party," the Hyderabad MP said.

MIM was standing with KCR not only for a prosperous Telangana but also for nation building, he said adding his party had said before the elections itself that KCR will again become Telangana's CM. "The people of Telangana are with him".

On whether MIM would join the government, Owaisi said "We do not have any desire to be part of the government...we are "fakirs" and we have been working for the people. Our intention is peace should continue to prevail in Telangana and Telangana should progress more."



AIMIM which had won seven assembly seats in the 2014 polls contested eight seats in the current elections and supported the TRS.

Owaisi had also canvassed and organised public meetings in support of TRS in the run-up to the elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 28-year-old woman was shot at allegedly by her estranged husband along with his two friends in southwest Delhi's Mahipalpur on Monday, police said.

Kavita was returning home after dropping her children to school when she was shot in the shoulder by her estranged husband, Hitesh along with two of his friends, Devender Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) said.

She was taken to the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in Vasant Kunj by her brother, Arya said, adding that the woman's condition was stable.

The victim alleged that her husband used to constantly trouble her following which she filed a complaint against him with the Gurugram Police, the police said, adding that her statements were being verified.

Kavita was living with her parents for the last two years. The couple had got married in 2010 and Hitesh (30) lives in Gurugram, the police said.

A case was registered and the matter is being probed, Arya said.

Police are scanning the CCTV footage to ascertain the sequence of events, he said, adding that a manhunt had been lunched to nab the accused.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BJP's ally the Shiv Sena Monday said it would not allow Parliament to function during the winter session, starting Tuesday, if the government does not bring a bill for the construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire said that he made these remarks at the all-party meeting called by the government before the commencement of the winter session.

The meeting was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The Shiv Sena has been demanding that the government brings a bill in Parliament for construction of Ram temple. If the government does not do so in the winter session, starting tomorrow, our party would not allow Parliament to function," Khare said after the meeting.

Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar skirted the questions on whether the government would bring a bill for the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying that was not the agenda of the all-party meet.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, during his visit to Ayodhya last month, had said the BJP government at the Centre "may not last" if the temple was not built in Ayodhya and had demanded that an ordinance be brought for the purpose.

Thackeray had said the BJP manifesto for the 2014 general elections stated that possible solutions to the Ram temple issue would be searched while remaining within the ambit of the constitution.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Henning GloysteinSINGAPORE (Reuters) - Brent crude oil rose on Monday after producer club OPEC and some non-affiliated suppliers last Friday agreed to a supply cut from January.Despite this, the outlook for next year remains muted on the back of an economic slowdown.International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.02 per barrel at 0601 GMT, up 35 cents, or 0.6 percent, from their last close.Prices surged on Friday after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-OPEC producers including heavyweight Russia announced they would cut oil supply by 1.2 million ...
Manila (CNN Philippines Life)  Among the glassy skyscrapers, luxurious stores, and well-paved roads of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig is a makeshift tent of layered tarpaulins and red-inked streamers.

Former employees of the Pacific Plaza Towers  34 of them  went on a hunger strike after 17 contracted workers were terminated without prior notice on July 6. The management of the condominium, one of the high-end residences in the city, says their contract with the agency Polystar General Services, Inc. has ended; the workers believe they have a right to be absorbed as mainstays in the condominium workforce.

However, employment status is just one part of the problem. They also complain of security officers increasing surveillance on them, to the point of escorting them during service hours, and gaining duplicate keys to their lockers. Accusations of laziness are also hurled at them, though the workers say jobs within the scope of their designations have been outsourced.

Topping these problems are empty promises from the Pacific Plaza management.

The strike is led by the workers union Pacific Plaza United Action of Labor (PUNYAL), which includes the 17 contractual workers laid off by the company. Photo by JILSON TIU

Outside the high-rise building of Pacific Plaza Towers in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig is a makeshift tent of layered tarpaulins and red-inked streamers. Photo by JILSON TIU

Three years ago, the regular employees formed a union called Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Pacific Plaza Towers in an effort to safeguard themselves from unfair working conditions, including lack of follow-through on the part of the management on their benefits. A member of the Solidarity of Unions of the Philippines for Employment Reforms, this union made sure that its plight would be heard by the big bosses.

The management was quick to respond when they learned about the unions existence, saying they would give the employees higher pay, security of tenure, and other benefits mandated by the government. All these things, the management said, would be given only if the workers dissolve their union.

That same year, the Nagkakaisang Manggagawa was no more and so was the glittering future that the management claimed they would provide. A few regular employees had a change in position, though, from subordinate to supervisor. But the job description remained the same.

This led to the birth of what is now known as Pacific Plaza United Action of Labor (PUNYAL), which also includes the 17 contractual workers laid off by the company.

PUNYAL went on hunger strike from Oct. 5 and was indefinitely suspended from Oct. 20, hoping that the management will listen to their plea.

CNN Philippines Life talked to some of these workers at the height of the hunger strike. Here are their stories.

Ka Abdul, a plumber, witnessed the development of the condominium since its construction in 1998, making him the oldest employee at the Pacific Plaza Towers. He was the first to volunteer in the hunger strike that began on Oct. 5. Photo by JILSON TIU

Abdulatip Tambungalan

Seven floors pa lang itong building na ito ay nandito na ako, says Abdulatip Tambungalan, who is 58. His voice is authoritative, but his eyes gentle. He had just finished his coffee and now appears to be steady and firm  but he has actually survived two weeks with only water.

The Muslim plumber witnessed the development of the condominium since its construction in 1998, making him the oldest employee at the Pacific Plaza Towers. A veteran in the job, Ka Abdul worked in Saudi Arabia for 15 years as a plumber and a foreman before returning to his hometown Mamasapano in Maguindanao to rest for about a month. Then it was back to Manila to earn a living.

His humble profession went a long way in supporting his wife and six children. Yung kinukuha [ko] sa pinagtatrabahuhan ko rito, yung pinapaaral ko sa mga anak ko, Ka Abdul explains. His eldest, Hamad, is now on his last year of electrical engineering studies at the Technological University of the Philippines-Taguig.

But with the strike in progress, its a rough road between Hamad and his graduation. The future is uncertain for Ka Abduls other kids too, two of whom are supposed to finish senior high school by the end of the school year. Nanganganib lang talaga yung dalawang Grade 12 ko. Nanganganib din silang mahinto dahil wala na akong sahod, he says.

If Ka Abdul did not join the strike, he could have stayed a regular employee, and, in two years, retired with security. However, the unfair treatment he and his co-workers experienced since the management changed in 2014 led him to risk his benefits and his job, altogether. Mapapaiyak ka rin siguro kung nakita mo yung ginawa sa mga kontraktuwal, Ka Abdul says.

He was issued a notice of dismissal on Sept. 28, effectively firing him from the condominium he once helped develop.

Ka Abdul was the first to volunteer in their hunger strike that began on Oct. 5. After 14 days, he shed 12 pounds, but he says he wont back down until he and his co-workers get what they deserve  even if it takes another hunger strike.

Walang taong gustong mamatay pero yung sa akin, bahala na, says Ka Abdul. Total, halos pinapatay din niya yung pamilya ko, e di bahala na ang Diyos maningil sa kanila kung saka-sakaling akoy madisgrasya.

Allan serves as a runner for the protesters. He also helps bring the message of their battle to the youth through room-to-room information campaigns in universities. Photo by JILSON TIU

Allan Cabiguna

Ako yung pasaway, Allan Cabiguna admits. Back in their public school in Iloilo, he and his friends would climb a hollow block wall, and jump over the barbed wires out of the school premises. He did not end up with high grades, either.

Despite his stubbornness, Allan confidently says that he is the one whom his family is most proud of. Kahit akoy barumbado sa eskwelahan, kung sa matulungin lang, ako lahat e, he says.

Allan set foot on the busy streets of the city when his cousin brought him there to find his luck. First, he was a construction worker, then he spent three years in Pangasinan as a skilled painter and a foreman. He returned to Manila and served two hotels as an all-around technician. Then, in 2010, he found himself in the halls of Pacific Plaza Towers.

The civil technician covers carpentry, painting, welding, and masonry, among others. His earnings from work were what he used to provide assistance to his parents, his siblings, and their families. Ngayon, nag-asawa na rin ako. Kahit papaano, nakakatulong pa rin ako, says Allan.

However, not everything in Allans life was to be taken lightly. The job meant late hours and exhaustion. He goes back to 2014, when the drivers lounge of the Pacific Plaza Towers had to be renovated; he logged in at 12 hours regularly, and sometimes worked from 2:00 in the afternoon to 6:00 in the morning.

Pinatrabaho sa akin yon, Allan recalls. Dalawa lang kami. Overtime yon.

Even with the strike in progress, Allan is still on his toes  or motorcycle  as a runner for the group. He also helps bring the message of their battle to the youth through room-to-room information campaigns in universities.

Aside from eating and drinking a lot during break time to regain energy, Allan draws strength from his loved ones. He says, Natuwa ako dahil kahit anong hirap, nandiyan pa rin sila para sa akin. In turn, Allan uses it to liven up the spirits of his colleagues. Pag nakita nila akong mahina, mas lalo silang hihina, he adds.

Allan may be a cheerful jokester, but when it comes to his principles and his values, he takes no nonsense. Hanggat matapos, tapusin namin.

Ultimo yung mga pinagsisigawan namin na managers na yan, bumibili yan sa akin before, says Jovany, a former plumber at the Pacific Plaza Towers, who also used to moonlight as a food vendor in the building. Photo by JILSON TIU

Jovany Nalua

Laing, monggo, adobo  name it, he will cook it. Jovany Nalua is a plumber at the Pacific Plaza Towers, but during his free time, he exchanges his toolbox for kitchenware.

He moonlights as a food vendor: a meat dish costs 30; a vegetable dish, 20; and a single pack of rice, 10. Jovanys offerings are more affordable compared with the usual prices of meals within the vicinity of Pacific Plaza. His customers were employees, tenants, and even big bosses. Ultimo yung mga pinagsisigawan namin na managers na yan, bumibili yan sa akin before, says Jovany.

Like the wide variety of meals he prepares, Jovany holds a diverse set of job experiences under his belt.

Jovany enumerates his former occupations: a magician, sticker contractor, pool attendant, plumber, foreman, even a mami vendor. May restaurant ako before. Nagkaroon lang talaga ng mga problema kasi noong gumaganda na 'yung business ko, he recalls. Biglang napuputol dahil yung aking pwesto, gigibain, kaya hindi tuloy-tuloy ang aking swerte.

When Jovany found work inside Pacific Plaza, he asked permission from his superiors to start a small business that would help him make ends meet. From there, his humble food enterprise augmented his income. Jovany explains, [Ang] sinusuweldo ko tuwing kinsenas [at] katapusan ay bitin na talaga sa pamilya ko dahil nga sa dami ko nang loan diyan sa loob  SSS, PAGIBIG, coop, business loan.

Work life became more uptight for him and his fellow plumbers and technicians with the hiring of a new security manager, who he says increased surveillance on the workers.

Ako lang binabantayan nila. Bakit yung ibang vendor? Driver, asawa ng driver, nagluluto, diyan din kumukuha ng kuryente, says Jovany. Yung electric stove, ginagamit nila diyan [upang] makapagluto ng ulam, lantaran pa; samantala, yung sa akin nga, galing pa sa labas yung niluluto ko.

It has been a while since Jovany last touched his kitchen tools. He wonders when he will cook again. Until the workers and management strike a deal, Jovanys kaldereta, mami, and Bicol express will have to wait.

Kami ang unang nagwelga rito, says Victor, who is also a member of the Pacific Plaza Towers workers' union. Paglaki ng mga anak ko, sasabihin nila, Si Papa! Nandiyan si Papa. Nagwelga sila diyan. Photo by JILSON TIU

Victor Vallega Jr.

Victor Vallega Jr. recalls how, in high school, he and other classmates forgot to wear their IDs. All the others got to enter the classroom  except him.

Bakit pinapasok mo, tapos ako, hindi? Dahil ba akong pinakamaliit, kakayan-kayanin mo lang ako? Victor recalls asking the guard. His question went unanswered and he was sent home. Pagbalik ko, hindi na ako pumasok, he says.

Many years later, as a member of the Pacific Plaza Towers workers union, Victor still sees himself as the quiet one. During meetings, he would sit in his place and try to focus on the matter at hand without saying a word. Nakikinig lang ako, he says. Magbibigay din naman ako ng suggestion 'pag kailangan.

But eventually, Victor realized he needed to channel his inner high school student to forward their cause. Napilitan na akong magsalita dahil siyempre, gusto ko ring ilabas yung saloobin ko, kung bakit kami tinanggal, he says. In their first program in front of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board of the Labor Department, Victor was among those who delivered a speech. He recalls, Putol-putol pa yung [pananalita] ko.

That paved the way for Victor to develop a knack for public speaking. Today, he brings the story of their lives, the union, and the strike to the youth through room-to-room information campaigns in universities. Naa-amaze ako sa kanila kasi kapag ikinuwento na namin yung pinagdaanan namin, naka-focus sila, nakatingin talaga sayo, says Victor.

He is still a man of few words, he admits, but now, he is not one to back down and remain silent. He is no longer the teenager who did not go back to school out of fear and frustration. Kami ang unang nagwelga rito, he says. Paglaki ng mga anak ko, sasabihin nila, Si Papa! Nandiyan si Papa. Nagwelga sila diyan.

Romy, who hails from Mindanao, used to be a pool attendant at the Pacific Plaza Towers. His job included water and filter cleaning, as well as lifeguarding. It was tiring, he says, but for his daughters, he is not stopping. Nagpupursigi kami [mag-asawa] para mapaaral sila nang maayos kasi ayaw kong mangyari yung nadaanan ko sa kanila. Photo by JILSON TIU

Romy Villaries

Romy Villaries stands outside the makeshift tent in front of the condominium, on the lookout for possible guests and members of the media who decide to cover their strike. He gives guests a biscuit box for a chair and tarpaulins for shade against the raging sunlight of midday. At first glance, his actions seem normal for a welcoming committee of the picket, but his story reveals something more profound.

The 41-year-old pool attendant from Parang, Maguindanao backed out of college after one week because of a list of requirements and fees that were too expensive to accomplish. Nakita ko sa magulang ko na parang hindi nila kayang bilhin iyon para sa akin, he says. Kaya, nag-decide na lang ako na huminto na lang ako kaysa makita ko silang nahihirapan.

Romy never expected he would venture far from home, but because of a neighbor who needed a delivery boy for a water business in Quezon City, he left Maguindanao in 1999 and traveled roughly over a thousand kilometers to Manila.

In the months that followed, Romy faced the harsh side of the Metro, receiving low pay for long hours of work, eating unsanitary food, and living alone, missing the company of his family back in Mindanao. He wanted to give up, but with the help of fellow Mindanawons in the city, he plowed through. Eventually, he became a licensed security guard, then a messenger, and finally, a pool attendant. He also met his wife, with whom he now has three daughters.

The hostility of city life never went away. His pool attendant job at the Pacific Plaza Towers included not only water and filter cleaning, but also lifeguarding. It was tiring, he says, but for his daughters, he is not stopping. Nagpupursigi kami [mag-asawa] para mapaaral sila nang maayos kasi ayaw kong mangyari yung nadaanan ko sa kanila.

Naubos na yung takot ko sa Mindanao, says Romy. Isa na lang yung talagang [gusto] ko e  maka-survive, makatapos yung mga anak ko. Wala na, wala na akong hinihiling pang iba.

***

As of writing, the management and the contractual workers are in negotiations for the lifting of the strike. PUNYAL President Cris Rafales says the management is still upholding its hard-line stance against the demands of the picket. Rafales adds the hunger strike may resume if talks remain fruitless.

If both parties reach an agreement, then the hopes of becoming regulars and their union getting legalized might see the light of day. In the meantime, their tents and placards will remain in place, as their voices continue to break through the polished interiors of BGC.

CNN Philippines tried to reach out to Pacific Plaza Towers Condominium Corporation General Manager Minda Barlis and Human Resources Manager Faye Ramos. Both Barlis and Ramos have yet to comment on the issue.
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By Michael HoldenLONDON (Reuters) - Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya should be extradited from Britain to India to face fraud charges resulting from the collapse of his defunct Kingfisher Airlines, a London court ruled on Monday.India wants to bring criminal action against Mallya, 62, whose business interests have ranged from aviation to liquor, over $1.4 billion in loans Kingfisher took out from Indian banks which the authorities argue he had no intention of repaying. Mallya, who co-owned the Formula One motor racing team Force India until it went into administration in July, has denied all ...
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By Michele Sinner and Alastair MacdonaldLUXEMBOURG/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's top court ruled on Monday that the British government may reverse its decision to leave the bloc without consulting other member states, a decision welcomed by those campaigning to stop Brexit.In an emergency judgment delivered just 36 hours before it expected the British parliament to vote on a Brexit deal agreed with the EU by Prime Minister Theresa May, the Court of Justice (ECJ) said: "The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU."May ...
By Marcelo Rochabrun and Ritsuko AndoSAO PAULO/TOKYO (Reuters) - Ousted Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn sought to retrieve "personal belongings, documents, cash, objects and art pieces" from a Rio de Janeiro apartment that the carmaker says could contain evidence of financial misconduct, according to a Brazil court filing by Nissan last week.The previously unreported court papers show the extent of the legal dispute between Ghosn and Nissan over access to the apartment, one of several the former executive had access to around the world. Ghosn is accused of underreporting his income by tens of ...
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(Reuters) - Drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc on Monday named Roche Holding AG's Daniel O'Day as its new chief executive, tapping an industry veteran to fill a management vacuum.O'Day, now head of Roche's pharmaceuticals business, joined the company in 1987 and held various roles in the United States before moving in 1998 to headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.O'Day's hiring comes about four months after Gilead said in July that Chief Executive John Milligan and Chairman John Martin would step down at the end of the year.Jefferies analysts said in a note that O'Day's three decades of oncology and ...
By Anna Mehler Paperny and Ben BlanchardTORONTO/BEIJING (Reuters) - A top executive of China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing, citing fears for her health while incarcerated in Canada along with other factors, court documents showed on Sunday.Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou is fighting to be released on bail after she was arrested on December 1 in Vancouver at the request of the United States.Meng, 46, faces U.S. accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating ...
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Urjit Patel, who abruptly resigned on Monday had steered the banking system from chaos to stability."Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability," Modi said in a tweet. (Reporting by Delhi bureau; Writing by Sanjeev Miglan)(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.)
By Jessica Resnick-AultNEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil fell nearly 2 percent on Monday, echoing the weakness in global stock markets as the focus returned to demand growth concerns and the crude prices erased some of the gains made last week on an OPEC-led decision to cut output.A gauge of global equities stumbled, putting it on track for its fifth straight daily decline, as losses in Europe and Asia extended to Wall Street on new signs the U.S.-China trade spat was impacting world economic growth.The market was also weighed down by confusion stemming from British Prime Minister Theresa May's ...
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NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Reserve Bank of India deputy Viral Acharya has not resigned, a spokesman from the RBI clarified on Monday following speculation that Acharya would also step down following governor Urjit Patel, television channel CNBC TV18 said.Tensions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and the RBI came to the fore in October after a scathing speech by Acharya blew the lid off a fractious dispute between the two on issues ranging from lending curbs, more cash availability to the non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), to who controls the institution's reserves.That speech ...
By Taiga UranakaTOKYO (Reuters) - SoftBank Group Corp is set to raise 2.65 trillion yen ($23.5 billion) in Japan's biggest-ever IPO - a share sale widely regarded as finalising the group's transition from domestic telco to a monolithic global tech investor.Telco unit SoftBank Corp on Monday priced its stock at 1,500 yen apiece, as previously indicated.It also said it will sell all extra shares set aside for excess demand, taking the total just shy of the record $25 billion raised in 2014 by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, a SoftBank Group portfolio company.The group, which ...
By Michael HoldenLONDON (Reuters) - Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya should be extradited from Britain to India to face fraud charges resulting from the collapse of his defunct Kingfisher Airlines, a London court ruled on Monday.India wants to bring criminal action against Mallya, 62, whose business interests have ranged from aviation to liquor, over $1.4 billion in loans Kingfisher took out from Indian banks which the authorities argue he had no intention of repaying. Mallya, who co-owned the Formula One motor racing team Force India which went into administration in July, has denied any ...
The twenty-fourth RBI Governor Urjit Patel was branded as a BJP man when his name was announced as the Central Bank Governor two years ago. Not many Deputy Governors were considered for the top job in the past. It was always a bureaucrat from the government who was parachuted to the Mint Road.

Patel's announcement came as a big surprise as names like former CEA Arvind Subramanian was doing the rounds. As Patel, who was heading the monetary policy as Deputy Governor, got down to work, his moves were closely watched by the market. The first test came when the government suddenly decided to demonetise the high value notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000, which constituted almost 90 per cent of the total currency in circulation.

Patel failed the first test as he agreed without putting up a dissent. He was blamed subsequently for hundreds of circulars that the RBI issued, the ATMs running dry , not enough currency coming out from printing press etc. Patel and his colleagues didn't even hold a single press conference to clear the doubts. Patel was missing in action, while then SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya was seen in various TV studios defending the government decision.

In the months that followed demonetisation, Patel was seen making rounds of parliamentary committee to explain various decisions that the RBI took. Some, however, praised Patel as they say there was little choice for him as the demonetisation was decided by the PM. The objectives were noble, and there was a possibility that the government had done its homework. But that was not to be.

The next big test came when the Nirav Modi-PNB fraud hit the headlines. The RBI was again blamed for laxity. The finance ministry officials blamed the RBI. The finance minister Arun Jaitley said in an interview that 'Unfortunately, in the Indian system, we politicians are accountable, but regulators are not."

The Finance Ministry was referring to the RBI , which has the responsibility of regulating banks. By this time, Patel got wiser. In the next opportunity, Patel struck back by saying that the RBI needs more power to oversee PSBs. "The weak legal framework deter the RBI from exercising better control over PSBs," said Patel in a speech exactly two weeks after FM's remark. Things between the government and the RBI started deteriorating after that.

The next issue was of relaxing the RBI circular of February 14 where the RBI had asked banks to prepare for bankruptcy proceeding against defaulting corporate after a single day default. The government asked for some relaxation for power companies as they were national assets. The lack of PPAs and coal linkages has been forcing many power companies to bankruptcy and eventual liquidation. The RBI shot back by saying that there is no room for sectoral exemptions as other sectors , too, will start asking for such a relief.

In next few days, the government swung into action by creating a committee under the chairmanship of PNB Chairman Sunil Mehta to work out a plan to deal with stressed assets. In matter of days, this committee without any RBI nominees came out with a plan called 'Project Sashakt'. The committee decided to create a AMC -AIF structure to deal with stressed loans for all sectors. While RBI had discontinued all restructuring scheme, the government came out with this new plan without the blessing of RBI. This committee's proposals are still work in progress. This also caused a rift between RBI and the government.

The stress in the system was slowly becoming apparent as large corporate were not borrowing whereas the MSMEs were facing stress issues because of lack of demand post the GST and demonetisation. The PSBs were not able to lend because of the PCA framework where close to a dozen banks were facing restrictive lending. That was when the government became aggressive in demanding RBI to listen and create an environment for banks to lend. The RBI was unmoved. There was no scope for creating a restructuring scheme for MSMEs or allow banks to fund infrastructure projects especially roads as banks were facing asset quality issues.

The rising oil prices internationally and the forced excise cuts on petroleum raised the big government finances as GST's monthly collection of Rs 1 lakh crore were also missing the target. There was a view that the govt could demand surplus capital from RBI to help the government finances. Later, the IL&FS crises also punctured the NBFC story. NBFC sector was the only sector that was helping in consumption. When the charter of demands of government started rising months after month, it was difficult for RBI to manage. The RBI was under tremendous pressure from the government over the last six months. These issues range from relaxation in prompt corrective action, transfer of surplus capital, restructuring scheme for MSMEs, lower capital adequacy ratio for banks, liquidity support to NBFCs and making RBI board more operational and participative in making decisions. It was not easy for Patel to cede the RBI turf as everyone from market participants to foreign investors were watching his every move. Patel seems to have taken the brave decision to resign than give in.
Tomorrow is a big day for the ruling BJP party, as India counts votes from five states that saw assembly polls over the past month. As per exit polls, the party is staring at election losses in big states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - which could pose to be a stumbling block during the general elections next year - but Finance Minister Arun Jaitley believes the Modi regime has made a good case for re-election.

"We have run a decisive and honest government. We have run a government which has brought in a large number of reforms in various sectors. Particularly, we have brought in market-related reforms, which have helped the economy to grow at a reasonable pace," Jaitley told The Economic Express. "We have taken steps to bring in more revenues in the system. We have rendered a huge amount of service to the poor and the under- privileged. Congress only gave slogans to the poor, we have transferred resources."

On the topic of the oft-heard criticism of jobless growth, Jaitley pointed to the absence of widespread social agitations associated with unemployment. "If there was no job creation in the country, why do we not see the kind of social unrest which would have been there?" he posed, adding that in the past four-and-half years that the government has been in power, there has been "no major agitation" in the country.

"Agitations take place only if there is a socioeconomic discontent or if there is an allegation of corruption. The fact that we have not had this itself is an evidence because when the economy grows, various sectors grow and they inherently create jobs," Jaitley told the daily.

According to him, the revival in the construction sector and the recovery that is underway in the textile sector as well signal good news where employment is concerned since they are high job creation sectors. There is good news on the manufacturing front, too. The country's manufacturing sector activity improved in November and touched an 11-month high as new order flows encouraged companies to lift production amid strong demand conditions, the Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index showed earlier this month. This signals the strongest improvement in the health of the sector in almost one year.

"Most importantly, at a decentralised level, because a large part is still an informal economy, schemes like Mudra have helped in generating very large number of employment," added Jaitley.

The Finance Minister does not consider the state assembly elections to be a barometer for the general elections. Given that the BJP has been in power for a long time in two of three states that recently voted - and alternately in power in Rajasthan - the assembly polls focussed on state issues. "The agenda for the Lok Sabha elections is significantly different," Jaitley explained. "As the debate is building up, there will be only two issues. Congress will tom-tom the cause of a wide coalition, which I have referred to as the coalition of rivals. We will say that we have a track record of five years of the government led by Narendra Modi, which is a cohesive government."

In his opinion, the debate will eventually evolve into a choice between "a tried-and-tested and a successful prime minister in Modi" or another experiment with "an unstable incoherent kind of a coalition, which has repeatedly failed".

Edited by Sushmita Agarwal
After a year-long trial, a UK court is expected to decide on fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition case today. The 62-year-old, who has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant last year, is scheduled to appear at the Westminster Magistrates' Court later today.

A team of officials led by the CBI's Joint Director, S. Sai Manohar, along with two officials of the Enforcement Directorate, left for London yesterday to attend this crucial hearing, sources told PTI. Manohar has replaced Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who had been attending the trial till the government sent him on forced leave, divesting him of all powers following his bitter feud with CBI Director Alok Verma.

What is Mallya accused of?

Mallya was the flamboyant promoter of Kingfisher Airlines, which was grounded in 2012. Mallya, his airline and its holding company, United Breweries Holdings, were tagged as wilful defaulters two years later. He is now wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

Mallya managed to escape to the United Kingdom in March 2016, allegedly by taking advantage of the dilution in a CBI lookout notice against him.

Also read: Vijay Mallya says he didn't borrow single rupee, it was Kingfisher Airlines

The lengthy court battle

The trial, which kicked-off on December 4, 2017, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it. It opened with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) team, led by Mark Summers, laying out the Indian government's prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Mallya. Summers sought to establish a "blueprint of dishonesty" against the embattled businessman and that there are "no bars to [his] extradition" on human rights grounds.

The CPS further argued that Mallya never intended to repay the loans he sought in the first place because Kingfisher Airlines' demise was inevitable.

Mallya's defence

The former King of Good Times has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated".

His defence team, led by Clare Montgomery, deposed a series of experts in an attempt to prove that the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of bank loans was the result of business failure rather than "dishonest" and "fraudulent" activity by its owner. She attempted to establish that the airline was suffering from consequences of a wider global financial crisis around 2009-2010 and that its failure was a result of factors beyond the company's control.

The court was also told that a consortium of Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), rejected an offer by the liquor baron in early 2016 to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principal loan amount owed to them.

The defence team, furthermore, had attempted to dispute Indian prison conditions as a bar to Mallya's extradition on human rights grounds, saying Indian jails do not have proper air and light. Although India had adhered to Judge Emma Arbuthnot's request for a video of the cell awaiting Mallya in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail - Barrack 12 to be precise - Prime Minister Narendra Modi had subsequently voiced his displeasure over the request. "We still have the prisons where they [the Britishers] jailed our leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru," Modi told his British counterpart Theresa May, adding that it was not for UK courts to question conditions in Indian jails.

Also read: Vijay Mallya says don't link extradition with settlement offer; repeats 'please take the money'

In June, a week after he became the first person to be tried under India's new Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance, Mallya came out with a five-page letter that he claimed to have sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in April 2016, without receiving any response. In his statement at the time, he said that the letter promised to settle his dues with the Indian banks, and claimed he was ready to pay up the pending salaries of the Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) employees through the use of interest accruing on deposits of Rs 1,280 crore submitted with the Karnataka High Court since 2013.

More recently, Mallya took to Twitter to protest being labelled a wilful defaulter, stating that the loans were taken in a failed attempt to keep the airline afloat. "I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he tweeted last week. "I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," read another tweet.

He has also denied any links between his offer and Judge Arbuthnot's upcoming ruling today, or for that matter Choppergate scandal accused Christian James Michel's recent extradition from Dubai. "Respectfully to all commentators, I cannot understand how my extradition decision or the recent extradition from Dubai and my settlement offer are linked in any way. Wherever I am physically, my appeal is "Please take the money". I want to stop the narrative that I stole money," Mallya further tweeted.

What happens next?

According to barrister-at-law Muthupandi Ganesan, who is an extradition expert, if the Westminster Magistrates Court orders Mallya's extradition today, the matter will first go to the Secretary of State Sajid Javid. The latter will decide to agree or disagree with the verdict.

If Javed agrees with the extradition decision, Mallya can first appeal in the High Court followed by the Supreme Court. India should not get excited about a positive verdict because the above process will take about 18 months or more, explained Ganesan. Similarly, the crown prosecution can appeal to the High Court and later to the Supreme Court if Javed disregards an extradition verdict passed by the court.

"In case the concerned individual does not file an appeal, and Secretary of State agrees with the magistrate's decision, then the individual must be extradited from the UK within 28 days of the Home Secretary's extradition order," said Pavani Reddy, a UK-based legal expert and Managing Partner of Zaiwalla & Co.

However, if Judge Arbuthnot today rules that Mallya is not to be extradited, the crown prosecution on behalf of the Indian government can appeal to the UK High Court straight away. According to Ganesan, they won't have to take the Secretary of State route before appealing against the decision. All eyes are on the UK Court now.

With PTI inputs
Former chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian on Sunday warned the Indian economy was in for a slowdown for some time as agriculture and financial system were under stress.

Speaking at the release of his book, Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy, he said both demonetisation and implementation of GST have resulted in moderation of the economy and the budget estimate of revenue collection from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) seems to be unreasonable.

"To judge the GST by what the budget demands of the GST, is unreasonable. I will say it frankly, the budget has made unreasonable demands on GST. It has asked for 16-17 per cent (increase)," he said.

He also said that GST design could have been much better and there should not be more than three rates going forward.

The current rates are 28 per cent, 18 per cent, 12 per cent and 5 per cent.

With regard to the economy, he said, "we have to brace ourself for a slowdown for some time. I say that for a combination of reasons. First of all, the financial system is under stress, financial conditions are very tight. This is not conducive for rapid growth."

The agriculture sector remains under stress, he said, adding international environment is getting much softer.

"Europe is slowing down, Japan is slowing down...there are political calenders. It is easier to do things at some moments than other moments. I think to expect huge reforms that will perk up the economy at this stage would be somewhat ambitious.

"For the combination of all these reasons I think we should brace ourselves for a period of slowdown. Then we have to see what policy actions are taken, how external environment changes, then we can think about real perk up in the economy," he said.

He also predicted that Universal Basic Income (UBI) would find space in the election manifestos of various parties next year.

"Every major party manifesto will have some kind of universal basic income in it. I think it will happen," he remarked.

Many chief ministers have liked this idea not for populist reasons but for good reasons, he said, adding the UBI will help plug leakages.

He, however, said, "If the Centre wants credit for this and it promises UBI on its own then fiscal space would be a serious issue."

Subramanian said that the autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should not be undermined.

However, he said there were excess reserves with the RBI which can be utilised for the recapitalisation of public sector banks and not for funding the fiscal deficit of the government.

"First, it can only be used for something say recapitalisation of banks and recapitalisation of banks only happen when there are reforms in the banking system in place, which the government should initiate. So it can be a nice cooperative bargain with the RBI.

"Second, it cannot be a unilateral process, the RBI has to be a part of this. The government cannot do it alone. Third, any idea that this could be used to finance regular deficits or other expenditures, I would be totally against it. Because that would amount to a kind of raiding the RBI," he said.

Speaking about the revised GDP data released by Niti Aayog recently, he said the new series has created a lot of questions.

"If you look at the other indicators during that period, you see a big difference between those indicators and the recent back-series. It demands an explanation."
With the opening of Kannur International Airport, the state of Kerala got its fourth airport. Not only that, the new international airport will also make it easier for people from Kerala to fly to destinations such as UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Thousands of citizens from the districts of Kannur and Kasaragod move to countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain annually.

The new international airport that was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu on December 9, will see its first flight today. Air India Express flight is set to take passengers to Abu Dhabi. GoAir will also operate flights from Kannur International Airport to Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai from today. It will eventually operate flights to Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Hubbali, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Solapur and Hindon.

Come February 2019, the Kannur airport will include flights to Delhi-NCR's Hindon airport under the government's UDAN scheme.

Located 30 km from the main town of Kannur and 3 km from Mattanur town, the new airport is spread across 2,330 acres of land. The 95,000 sq m terminal building is the eighth largest in the country and has been equipped with all the state-of-the-art facilities. It will also have a 4,000 m runway - the fourth longest in the country. The other three are in Delhi (4,430 m), Hyderabad (4.260 m) and Bengaluru (4,120 m).

The Kannur airport is expected to serve more than a million passengers annually in the beginning. The number is expected to increase five-fold by 2025.

Owned and operated by a public-private consortium, Kannur International Airport Limited (KIAL), the airport is the fourth in Kerala. The other airports are in Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

The Kannur airport is also the second greenfield airport after Kochi International Airport. Made under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, the Kannur airport received a LEED gold rating for its energy and environment conservation.
It was announced today that Irish Agtech company TERRA NutriTECH will invest 2 towards towards Research and Development, global expansion plans and the doubling of their workforce by 2021.



TERRA NutriTECH is based in Moone, Co. Kildare and specialises in precision liquid supplementation for livestock delivered through water systems on farms, the family run company now have a five percent penetration within the Irish Dairy Mineral Market.

The innovative technologies were developed by brothers Tom and Padraig Hennessy who founded the company in 2012. Farmers are the beneficiaries of their product design with important elements being the accurate delivery of supplements, elimination of waste and labour reduction which leads to improved herd health and higher farm profitability.



The company are currently in negotiations with leading nutrition and supplement companies in USA, South Africa, New Zealand, Germany and France.



Commenting on the expansion, Founder of TERRA NutriTECH, Padraig Hennessey said, "It is fantastic for us to see the opening of our new head office to accommodate our growing team. We now employ 15 staff members, having begun with just four in 2016. We anticipate our team to double by 2021 and look forward to the future and breaking into the global market."

Source: www.businessworld.ie


Dublin has been ranked the number one large city in the world for foreign direct investment (FDI), according to the Global Cities of the Future 2018/2019 report published today.

The report is published by fDi Intelligence, which is part of the Financial Times portfolio and provides industry insight into globalisation and foreign direct investment.



Dublin ranked number one in the world in both the Large City and Economic Potential category. Dublin also claimed second place globally for Business Friendliness and retained its third position as overall Global City of the Future.



Dublin also broke into the top 10 in Large Cities for Human Capital and Lifestyle category.



Commenting on the report, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, Owen Keegan said, "Dublin is well established on a global scale as the home of the European headquarters for many high-tech companies with 9 out of 10 of the global ICT companies calling Dublin home. With a highly educated workforce and highly evolved start-up eco-system, todays results solidify the citys reputation as a global investment hub."

Source: www.businessworld.ie


An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys have today unveiled the 27 innovative projects who are sharing over 75 million in funding out to 2021 under the first tranche of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.



The projects can use the funding to develop and deploy their disruptive innovative technologies on a commercial basis. The Fund is a key part of the Governments Future Jobs initiative, a new whole-of Government plan to secure Irelands economic success, starting in 2019. It is one of the first funds of its type in the world and is aimed at tackling national and global challenges to secure the jobs of the future.



Twenty seven projects from sectors like life sciences, medical devices, ICT, manufacturing, food, agriculture, energy sustainability and the creative industries made successful applications for this first round of funding.

All include collaborations between start-ups, SMEs, multinationals and academic institutions. Every project involves at least one SME and many are led by an SME. Over the next ten years some 500 million will be allocated through the fund, which was announced as part of Project Ireland 2040.



The projects include a scheme to help communities generate their own electricity, new treatments for sepsis, a support system for coastal flooding and advanced 3D printing of medical implants.



Announcing the successful projects at a special event at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin today, the Taoiseach said, "The creation of this fund is particularly timely when we consider the vast and rapid technological advancements that are taking place. Today everything is faster, more efficient, and more easily accessible. We must adapt to a future of greater digitalisation and automation. Todays school children will be employed in jobs and industries that dont exist yet. Technology will eliminate or transform existing occupations."



He added, "The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is central to the Future Jobs Programme. Its our way of stimulating private investment in new technologies and ways of doing business, and building stronger links between higher education, multinationals and Irish SMEs."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
What happens when a group of information design students create stirring visualizations of real world problems? That was Mount Royal University instructor Kelsey McColgans question when she assigned her fourth-year capstone students to create an exhibit surrounding the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals. The goals address global issues, such as poverty, inequality and climate change, with the intent of creating a brighter future.

Instructor Kelsey McColgan on the inspiration behind the Humanly project.

So much of our project involves them observing people being out there in the world, seeing the manifestation of the problem, talking to subject matter experts. And they dont have access to those things in other places nearly as easily, she says.

Decent work and economic growth

Tyson Leaf  Humanly from MRU Journalism on Vimeo.

Mount Royal information design student Tyson Leaf wants to find out more about how people learn. He believes learning styles may differ between professions and wants to know how someone laid off in one field would be able to transfer their learning skills to a potentially different field. He asks attendees to indicate their job and preferred ways of learning by dropping their answers into jars.

Max Pabia  Humanly from MRU Journalism on Vimeo.

Mount Royal information design student Max Pabia wants to find out how workplaces can better accommodate individuals who have autism.

I found that a lot of the solutions are actually mutually beneficial to both neurotypical as well as people on the spectrum, such as noise, [which] can be annoying to neurotypical people as well as those with autism, he says.

Quality education

Elizabeth Griffin  Humanly from MRU Journalism on Vimeo.

Mount Royal information design student Elizabeth Griffin is visualizing the Indigenization of elementary education and what that would look like in a Grade 7 classroom.

We tried to think of things that would be important in general Indigenous culture but especially in Alberta, she says. The display includes painted bison, a medicine wheel, Indigenous books and a beading exercise which viewers are encouraged to try.

Erica Loh  Humanly from MRU Journalism on Vimeo.

Mount Royal information design student Erica Loh and her partner Eman Elkadri looked at the importance of developing soft skills for individuals in the education system. Loh says these soft skills are largely learned during play, something that is mostly lost in higher education.

Elise Martinoski  Humanly from MRU Journalism on Vimeo.

Mount Royal information design student Elise Martinoski believes the school system is leading students to an inability to achieve deep level learning. But getting from a concept to an actual display may be easier said than done.

By using a sketchbook, she and her team figured out how to develop their project by asking questions like, How can we show this? and Whats the best way people are going to understand it?

Reduce inequalities

Katrina Tabuli  Humanly from MRU Journalism on Vimeo.

Mount Royal information design student Katrina Tabuli immigrated from the Philippines with her parents seven years ago and witnessed the challenges of immigration first-hand. Her display, a game, invites participants to turn on all the light bulbs as they learn about different resources available to immigrants.

Zero hunger

Jenny Hagen  Humanly from MRU Journalism on Vimeo.

Mount Royal information design student Jenny Hagen says that you wouldnt expect people living in Calgary to be food insecure but its a reality for many. The phrase food insecurity refers to the state of being unable to access food. A lack of food security can be attributed to cost, proximity and skills or knowledge, says Hagen.

Life on land

Courtney Clarkson  Humanly from MRU Journalism on Vimeo.

Mount Royal information design student Courtney Clarkson is using an app to help educate people about how we can better coexist with wildlife in Calgary.

Theres sort of this understanding that urban and nature are very separate things  which isnt necessarily the case and its definitely not the truth for a lot of our non-human neighbours, she says.

The culmination of an entire semesters work, the event displays visually stimulating exhibits designed to communicate how Calgarians can contribute to these sustainable development goals.

McColgan says it can be tempting to think the goals are only for developing countries and wants the exhibit to stress how they are relevant to Calgarians as well.

As a result, students were required to find a local manifestation of a problem that fit within the United Nations sustainable development goals, she says.

McColgan hopes that the exhibit sparks ideas and conversation about how individuals can make a difference in their own families and workplaces.

Editors: Nathan Kunz & Colin Macgillivray | nkunz@cjournal.ca & cmacgillivray@cjournal.ca
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If the drone delivery scheme for Canberra takes off, there could be 11,000 flights a day, according to a scenario in a report written for the company behind the scheme. The economists at the AlphaBeta consultancy estimate that by 2030 there would be 5.6 million deliveries a year by drone in the ACT. Most of these would be of goods currently delivered by road or picked up by the buyer at the shop - but by 2030, the report says "of existing transactions, drones could replace up to one million deliveries and four million pick-ups". On top of that, the economists think there will be extra deliveries by drones because the cost of delivery will be so much less than using cars, vans or motorbikes. They say that "by 2030, drone related cost saving and range expansion could add 600,000 new transactions". This adds up to 5.6 million drone deliveries a year by Wing and any other operators that come in or 11,000 a day. If each delivery is a flight that means 11,000 round trips, from the seller to the buyer a day. At the moment, Wing is testing drones on a small scale in Bonython in the south of the ACT and it plans a take-off and landing depot in Gunghalin in the north. To give a comparison of the complexity of controlling aircraft, there are on average 1700 flights of commercial passenger planes every day in the whole of Australia but they depend on highly sophisticated flight-control and tracking systems. Computers and people monitor movements to make sure there aren't crashes. For its 11,000 drone flights a day, Wing said it would be using Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management. UTM relies on each drone "knowing" through its computers the shape of the ground, exactly where it is and where the buildings are and where every other aircraft is. It uses Google maps (Wing is part of the Google company). A Wing spokesperson said: "Drawing from the technology on which Google Maps is built, we have been able to create a detailed map of the world that allows our drones to navigate safely. NASA is also involved in developing this UTM technology". Wing says putting deliveries in the air actually increases safety because there's more space up there in contrast to roads where heavy truck and pedestrians are in close proximity. On top of that, it says there are huge environmental benefits because drones emit a tiny fraction of the global warming carbon dioxide which motor vehicles belch out. The figures for the number of flights were only one of a set of figures calculated by AlphaBeta which is widely recognised as a reputable economics consultancy with offices in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. It also thought that Canberrans would get a third of their takeaway meals delivered by drone by 2030. On average, each household in the city would get some sort of delivery by drone once every 10 days. AlphaBeta looked at current spending and delivery habits in the ACT and forecast how the figures will change in the next 20 years. It thinks that deliveries of less than a kilometre will more likely remain by road "due to the ease of customer pick-ups" - in other words, walking or driving to the shop is easier than drone delivery for very short distances. But for one to 10 kilometres between home and shop, there is a "strong role for drones in fulfilling small-size, medium-range deliveries on an instant and same-day basis". Anything over 2.5 kilograms would be too heavy to deliver by drone. Drones would cut road traffic substantially, according to a team of economists. This cut in traffic would result in fewer people being killed and hurt in accidents, according to the research. The researchers calculate how much the number of accidents would fall if motor vehicle use fell. Their report says there are almost 8000 motor vehicle accidents a year on ACT roads. And cutting traffic would, therefore, result in 70 fewer accidents, including a small number that injure or kill native animals. It concedes that only a small proportion result in death (with the country's lowest fatality rate) but "despite this, the potential injuries, time, inconvenience and economic cost of vehicle accidents is significant and should not be neglected." Opponents of the drone seem unlikely to welcome the report. One said that drone use would increase stress as the aircraft whizzed noisily by. Andrea Sheather who is involved with Bonython Against Drones said that "the constant excessive noise of the drones would encourage residents to undertake unlawful behaviours that they would otherwise never commit, such as shooting the drones from the sky and an increase in neighbourhood disputes and complaints to government". The company which commissioned the report welcomed its findings. Wing's chief executive James Burgess said: "Drone delivery is the safest, fastest and most environmentally friendly mode of transport and were incredibly excited about the potential long-term benefits of drone delivery for Canberra in improving road safety and reducing vehicle emissions. He said the next step would be to "listen to the residents of Canberra - particularly those in Franklin, Harrison, Crace, Gungahlin and Palmerston where we hope to be operating - to understand their preferences, questions and concerns.

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news, act-politics

Good morning, Canberra! After last night's surprisingly tame weather, we're in for a top of 28 degrees with just a slight chance of a shower. Here's what's making news this morning in the capital: A shortage of radiology specialists at the Canberra Hospital may have contributed to a baby's death and delayed a cancer patient's urgent diagnosis. Emails obtained by this paper reveal multiple clinical heads at the hospital raised the alarm about the use of off-site reporting of scans. But the hospital has denied the practice is a replacement for staff specialists, saying it's instead the result of unplanned leave and staff absences. Our health reporter Daniella White has been following the troubles at Canberra Hospital closely and has the story here. Before you bite into that reheated pizza from last night (no judgement), have a careful read of this. For the first time, Australian scientists have narrowed in on the culprit behind a common type of food poisoning - a toxin secreted by the bacteria Bacillus cereus. It can stay alive in our food even after the bacteria is gone and unlocking its secrets offers the possibility of treating the bug beyond the typical course of antibiotics, as medicine grapples with the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Read the story (and learn all about my new obsessive pizza re-heating policy) here. These Australians spent more than a month marching from Sydney to Mount Kosciuszko to protest against NSW laws protecting feral horses in the national park. It follows rising tension between scientists speaking out about the damage the brumbies are doing to the landscape and those who want the horses protected as an iconic part of Australia's history. Seeing as my real takeaway is that some poor guy got such bad blisters from the march he had to resort to wearing Crocs, Finbar O'Mallon can explain the story much better here. First there was an exotic snake at a local Macca's drive through. Then, just the other day, at the Canberra Centre. Now these slippery characters have found their way to Old Parliament House. Jasper Lindell caught up with the snake catchers who stopped the serpent infiltrating the old halls of parliament and has the story here. Start planning your next date night now. Our resident foodies Karen Hardy and Kirsten Lawson have tasted and tallied up some of Canberra's finer establishments and have the year's definitive ranking here. Did they get it right?

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There are two big moments in the life of former High Court Justice Michael Kirby. The first was the day seventy years ago when he, no more than 10 years old, held a copy of the new Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This list of basic human rights had just been agreed at the United Nations in 1948 and copies came to Australia. Michael Kirby was moved by it. It changed his life. And the second moment was on the day - February 11, 1969 - when he met his partner, Johan. Exactly fifty years later, they will get married courtesy of the changed law on same-sex marriage for which they both campaigned. In Canberra on Monday, he marked the 70th anniversary of the UN's human rights declaration by calling for an Australian version. "My hope is that before I go to my eternal reward, we'll see it in the national sphere," he said. The belief in a charter of human rights was sparked nearly seventy years ago when he saw the UN document in his public school in the Sydney suburb of Summer Hill. It was introduced to the class by a teacher - Mr Gorringe, as the young Michael Kirby knew him - who had fought in the war which was still fresh in minds. Mr Gorringe was passionate about human rights because he had witnessed war. Mr Kirby said, "Mr Gorringe, having gone through the war as a soldier, was very assiduous to teach the children in his class that unless we could now understand and implement this document, we would just go on killing and it was very much more dangerous now because of the nuclear weapons which had ended the war with Japan." Mr Kirby wants Australia to adopt that kind of formal setting out of rights. With such a declaration, citizens who felt their rights were threatened could go to court and the court make a declaration that basic rights had been flouted. It wouldn't be a ruling that government would be forced to accept but it would have great weight - governments ought to be loathe to flout such a judgement. "Government would be rendered accountable", he said. "It would stimulate the democratic process". Mr Kirby is concerned about what he sees as the threat to human rights in schools, particularly with a review of the law on religious schools being able to turn away gay students and teachers. Mr Kirby cited his old teacher, "Mr Gorringe would say that that's what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was designed to stop - irrational discrimination." He added, "If they take federal gold, they've got to comply with a non-discrimination condition". "I'm in a constant state of disappointment at the way we've handled these issues. The idea that students could be expelled from school is medieval stuff and it's time we got over it." But don't religious schools have rights, too? If their beliefs deem homosexuality as sinful, don't they have a right to a freedom of belief? In response Mr Kirby said that rights are limited by the consequences for others. One person's right isn't unlimited: "The right to swing my arm finishes when I hit another person's chin", as he put it. Mr Kirby who is in his late 70s has had a lifetime fighting for human rights, including in his position as a Justice of the High Court of Australia. He has acted for the United Nations in investigations of abuses in numerous countries, including North Korea. But gay rights is close to home. He said he would get married on February 11 next year, the fiftieth anniversary of meeting his partner. Attitudes have changed slowly, he felt - hence the half century of waiting. He said he was taking advantage of the law change. "In the old days, gay people kept quiet. That's over. "My marriage is still on and now we are going to see a lot of people."

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Severe thunderstorms likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and flash flooding could lash Canberra in the next few hours. On Monday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning for storm clouds over Canberra and its surrounds, including the Snowy Mountains, Braidwood, Cooma and Bredbo. By 7:55pm, the bureau had also warned of heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding in parts of Canberra, Goulburn and Yass. The next warning will be issued at 11pm but if thunderstorms developed in Canberra and Queanbeyan, a more detailed warning would be sent out by the bureau, it said. The State Emergency Service advised people should: After a run of hot days, the bureau is forecasting a wet week for the capital, with showers also likely tomorrow. Another storm might also be on the way for Thursday.

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news, federal-politics

Jakarta: Scott Morrison's cabinet is due to discuss whether Australia's Israeli embassy should move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem at a meeting in Melbourne on Tuesday. The decision on the embassy move is being closely watched by senior figures in the administration of Indonesian president Joko Widodo, who are in regular contact with Australia's ambassador to Indonesia, Gary Quinlan. Last week, Foreign Minister Marise Payne met her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on the sidelines of a conference in Bali to discuss the issue  though both women were tight-lipped about the details of the discussion after the meeting. A member of the Morrison cabinet told the Herald and The Age on Sunday that Tuesday's meeting was likely to be the last full cabinet get together before Christmas and that a discussion  and a decision  was likely. "There needs to be a practical and pragmatic approach to this, we dont want to upset trading partners like Indonesia," the cabinet minister said. "But we also need to not look like we are second-guessing what we announced [a possible move of the embassy] during the Wentworth byelection. Compromise is the best option here." Once a decision is taken by the cabinet a public announcement is expected soon afterwards. That compromise approach could see, for example, the Morrison government establish a consular presence in Jerusalem, or the announcement of an intention to move the embassy once other pre-conditions relating to the Israel-Palestine peace process are met  or even a combination of both of these options. The prospect of a total backdown on the proposal  which would preserve the status quo  is considered unlikely at this stage. Mr Morrison has promised a decision on the move  which has angered majority-Muslim Indonesia, Malaysia and nations in the Middle East, while also causing the the signing of the Indonesia-Australia free trade deal to be delayed  before Christmas. Indonesia's influential Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Luhut Pandjaitan, last week said he was still confident the free trade deal would be signed by the end of this year  despite the diplomatic brouhaha over the embassy issue. Mr Morrison's department, Prime Minister and Cabinet, is leading the review process rather than the Department of Foreign Affairs. However, DFAT, Defence, the Attorney-General's department and security agencies such as the Office of National Assessments and spy agency ASIO are also providing advice to the review. And in a sign of how diplomatically and politically sensitive the issue has become both in Canberra, and among Australia's trading partners such as Indonesia, Mr Morrison has also sought out the advice of "wise elders" including former Defence and DFAT boss Dennis Richardson, and former Australian Defence Force chief Sir Angus Houston. The prospect of the embassy move has triggered small protests outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta, though at least some of those protesters were paid to turn up, didn't know what they were protesting against and were linked to the campaign to re-elect Mr Joko as president in April.

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In October, Gordon de Brouwer, now a member of the public service review panel, reportedly told attendees at an Institute of Public Administration Australia conference that "around Canberra, people talk in abstract terms rather than the direct life experience of people", adding that Canberrans "are thinking nationally and they're thinking in the abstract nationally". During decades of listening to Canberrans talk, the phenomenon Brouwer alleged has not been evident to this correspondent. Indeed, abstract terms of expression are more grandly on show far from Canberra at any time of the day or night in, for example, the front bar of the Bridge Hotel in Smithton (Tasmania) or its counterpart in the Centennial Hotel in the slightly less well-known city of Launceston. Abstract? The habitues of these establishments relegate the likes of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Martin Heidegger and Jacques Derrida to plain-speaking common folk intimately in touch with "the direct life experience of people". So from what do the contentious de Brouwer impressions derive? He's apparently served time in the Treasury, where the habit of economists making assumptions about the "real world" for analytical purposes might not be unknown. But the truly great Treasury officials since 1945  Sir Frederick Wheeler, Sir Roland Wilson, Sir Richard Randall, Sir William Cole, Bernie Fraser and Ted Evans  were immensely practical, plain-speaking officials with abundant knowledge of how people lived. Wilson and Randall, from small towns in Tasmania and Queensland, were makers of high-class furniture. Evans began his public service career as a technician in the Postmaster-General's Department, while Cole, so vague memory suggests, also kicked off his career in that department as a junior postal officer delivering telegrams. The current secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Martin Parkinson, is said to come from Stawell (Victoria). However out of or in touch Canberra officials now are, it's worth remembering that the "life experience" of people throughout Australia is mediated to them through ministers and members of Parliament, as well as the more than 60 per cent of public servants who do not reside in the ACT, not to mention the oodles of consultative "mechanisms" that regularly bring the rest of Australia to Canberra's front door. And it might be argued that there's something to be said for having parts of advice on matters of national public interest crafted at a geographic step removed from special and often self-interests than can be only too active in other places. Thus, de Brouwer's assertion begins to look like a variant on Prime Minister Scott Morrison's "Canberra bubble", an hypothesis, if that's not overgloryifying it, that somehow or other people in the ACT have, among other things, different life experiences from those of other citizens. But that "hypothesis" is such self-serving political bushwah that other influences must be at work on de Brouwer's imagination. Then, on November 7, the possible source of these influences was made clearer in a speech by Australian Public Service review panel chairman David Thodey. Thodey said the review was "focused" on five "themes", being: It doesn't get much more abstract than that. If such a thing as "Canberra-speak" exists, this could line up as an exemplar, it being a kind of prose unfamiliar to personages in the watering holes of the aforementioned Tasmanian hotels or, in all likelihood, in any other locales, or even "precincts", around the country. This correspondent has done time in the bars of the Bridge and Centennial hotels and he's never heard anyone, for all their powers of abstract thought, utter therein the words "dynamic, digital and adaptive systems" or "truly an employer of choice". In explaining these "themes", Thodey lays on further abstractions such as "a state of being", "a whole ecosystem", "entrenches stewardship and drives behaviours", "empowered and courageous leaders", "world class is more than a metric", "compelling employee value proposition", "genuine 2030 partnerships", "a process that shuns status and embraces curiosity" and quoting someone (not Donald Rumsfield) who talks about "social glue between the known and the unknown". Heady stuff from a review most of whose members do not live in Canberra. Still, there's nothing wrong with abstraction and, in many instances, it's unavoidable and helpful. Indeed, some of the thoughts in Thodey's five "themes" may be useful, however they are inadequate and faulty in critical respects. First, they're unclear. What does "a strong Australian Public Service" mean? "Strong" is an awkward word as it has many meanings, some of which may apply in this context. So what is it to be from the dictionary selection: "being able to resist great force", "not easily damaged", "powerful", "able to overcome", "capable of exerting great force", "formidable" or something else? It's foolhardy to try to work with a "theme" that has no clearly defined and comprehensible meaning. This looks like something from a sheet of butcher's paper. Second, they're ambiguous. For example, what does "an employer of choice" imply and mean? It has no generally understood definition. Ask any two people and different answers are likely. Third, they seek to secure what might not be obtainable. If we are to have "a world-class Australian Public Service", that will come with a cost. Yet Thodey warns that the "resources we need are scarcer" and there's little evidence taxpayers are prepared to pay more for platinum-plated service. Further, the terms of reference for this review ask for recommendations that might make the public service "fit for purpose"; whatever that might mean, it does not imply something that is necessarily "world class". That is to say, the "theme" and the terms of reference are out of sync. Fourth, the "themes" are notable for what they don't say. There's nothing in them about such crucial staples as accountability, openness, the equitable provision of services, merit staffing, honesty, integrity and so on. Some of these things might be able to be seen lurking behind the "themes" but that's not good enough. They should not be hidden behind vague and ambiguous abstractions. They warrant front and centre notification in their own right and they should be central to the review's considerations. These "themes" need serious rethinking, clarification and expansion. If Thodey goes ahead and uses, as he puts it, "this framework to consider our recommendations", the review will risk an unhappy ending. It appears it is prepared to take that risk and is sticking with its "themes", for all their manifest shortcomings. Indeed, at the time of writing, 1 of them have been given pride of place on the review's website, which invites readers to vote on what "contributes most to being a trusted partner" out of a selection of "responsiveness", "openness", "reliability" or "integrity", and on what contributes most to being "united in collective endeavour", with a choice between "apolitical", "citizen-focused", "results-driven", "aspirational", "future-focussed", "clear and direct  no jargon", or "reflect the role of serving" governments. No sense of irony is apparent in the inclusion of "clear and direct  no jargon". This is kindergarten stuff. It is miles from the boundaries of satire. And public servants are ignoring it, as they should. Thus, in the couple of weeks (when I viewed it) this childish quiz had been up on the review's website, it has attracted about 50 votes, some of which may be from the public service's 150,000 staff. There's usually little point in getting involved in the farcical. The quiz is yet another example of the flawed methodology the review panel has used from the word go. The time initially allowed for lodging submissions was too short and was extended for too short a period. Government agencies were not asked to lodge submissions and most didn't, including those that should have been in the front row: the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Finance Department and the Public Service Commission. The review has conducted no open hearings at which government agencies and other interested parties could be questioned about their views in a contestable way; the contrast with the financial services royal commission or, more relevantly, the Coombs royal commission could not be starker. And, at the time of writing, the review had published no research or other papers, or draft recommendations and their rationales, as did minister John Dawkins in the course of the major 1983-84 improvements. That is to say, the review has provided no satisfactory basis for substantive and meaningful consultations, among other things. After six months, the review has only produced the five "themes" as reported herein, and Thodey's suggestion that something might be said for an overall "purpose statement" for the public service. It's slim pickings. The review has taken a lot in by way of submissions but given precious little out. It brings to mind the headmaster of a Hobart school in the 1950s who often complained that his charges were doing "the breaststroke inwards". It's all very well for members and staff of the review to sit around in private meeting rooms with sundry invitees, a facilitator or two, and a few sheets of butcher's paper onto which spur-of-the-moment bright ideas are noted. Some of this can be useful. But it is no substitute for what should be the review's real work: the lonely hardscrabble of clearly defining problems, gathering all relevant data, analysing possible solutions, clearly articulating the best ones and justifying them. For the moment, there's no evidence the review has done anywhere near enough of this. If it has, it's hiding its light under a bushel. Thodey reportedly said his report was likely to deliver a few big ideas and that "if we end up with a list of 50 recommendations ... we will have failed". He should study more closely the Commonwealth's history of public service reviews. Those that drifted towards a few big ideas tended to fail while those with lists of specific recommendations about how to achieve desired states, like the Coombs and Reid reports, succeeded. The review panel needs to assess critically the position it's got itself into. It should: As Lleyton Hewitt might say: "Come on!" Paddy Gourley is a former senior public servant. (Editor's note: the APS review team published a research report shortly before this article was published.) pdg@home.netspeed.com.au

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Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

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Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has released an employment notification calling out aspirants to apply for the posts of Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Director, Industry Deputy Director, Tehsildar, Deputy Education Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Room Officer, Assistant Group Development, Industry Officer and Naib Tehsildar.

Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 34,800 per month. The last date to apply for this government job is Dec 31, 2018.

KPSC Recruitment 2018: 381 Vacancies Open In Group A And B Technical

MPSC Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Director, Industry Deputy Director, Tehsildar, Deputy Education Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Room Officer, Assistant Group Development, Industry Officer and Naib Tehsildar Organisation Maharashtra Public Service Commission Educational Qualification Graduate degree in relevant field Experience Freshers can apply Skills Required Technical skills Job Location Maharashtra Salary Scale INR 9,300 to INR 34,800 per month Industry Civil services Application Start Date December 10, 2018 Application End Date December 31, 2018

Age Limit: 19 to 38 years

Also Read: UPSSSC Recruitment 2018 For Various Posts: Apply Before Dec 26

How To Apply For MPSC Recruitment 2018

In order to apply for MPSC Recruitment 2018, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log on to the MPSC official website.

Step 2: On the left-hand side of the home page, click on the button that reads, New User Registration.

Step 3: The registration form will be displayed on the screen. Enter your details in the fields provided.

Step 4: Enter the captcha code.

Step 5: Click Create User and complete the registration process.

Step 6: Go back to the home page, and enter your credentials in the login form.

Step 7: Click Login and follow the subsequent pages to complete the application process.

Follow the link - https://mahampsc.mahaonline.gov.in/MPSC/AdvtList/50-2018.pdf to read the detailed official notification.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org

MONROVIA  The Carter Center today released the final report from its observation mission of Liberias 2017 elections, outlining key findings and offering recommendations for reform to strengthen Liberias electoral process.

The Carter Centers international election observation reflects the Centers long-term commitment to support democratic development and improve health in the country. The Center plans to remain engaged in Liberia, working with the current government, civil society organizations, the Liberian National Police, and community leaders to advance access to justice, access to information, and mental health.

Liberias 2017 presidential and House of Representatives elections were a historic milestone for the country, demonstrating Liberians commitment to peace and democratic development. The first round of elections on Oct. 10 were orderly and transparent, despite long lines in some polling places, particularly in urban areas. The electoral dispute-resolution process that followed the first round of voting posed an important test of Liberias resilience. While the fundamental rights of justice and access to an effective remedy were broadly respected, elements of Liberias electoral dispute-resolution system should be reviewed to avoid the potential for constitutional crises in the future. The presidential run-off election that took place on Dec. 26 was technically sound and demonstrated some improvements over the first round, including identification of voters polling places and a more efficient tabulation process.

In a spirit of respect and support, the Centers observation mission identified several areas where steps can be taken to improve the conduct of future elections in Liberia, including:

Promotion of the Political Rights of Participation of Women, Youth, Persons with Disabilities, LGBTI, and Ethnic and Religious Minorities

Womens political pariticipation. The failure of Liberias legal framework and electoral process to bring womens political participation in line with the countrys international commitments is one of the greatest weaknesses of Liberias democracy. Liberias legislature, eletoral authorities, and other stakeholders should consider a range of steps to increase womens participation in public affairs, including passing legislation to promote womens political participation, increasing the number of women working in the administration of elections, waiving fees for female candidates, granting female candidates access to the media, and continuing to collect data on gender and minority representation (including continued use of the gender data capture sheet).

Political participation of minorities. In light of Liberias commitment under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to ensure that no ethnic or religious groups are excluded from political participation, the Liberian constitution should continue to protect religious freedom and should not be weakened, including by amendments that would identify a preferred faith.

Removal of race-based citizenship. In future efforts on constitutional reform, consideration should be given to removing the race-based citizenship requirements.

Removal of criminalization of homosexuality and LGBTI political participation. In light of Liberias international commitments for non-discrimination, homosexual acts should be decriminalized and legislation should be brought in line with international commitments for equal opportunities.

The right to stand for election: property ownership, residency, and mental health. The qualifications for serving as a candidate that are listed in in Liberias constitution should be reviewed to determine whether they are overly restrictive and inconsistent with the ICCPR, including requirements of property ownership and references to mental health. Limitations on the right to stand for elections based on property ownership particularly impact women, as the legal framework does not guarantee spouses the right to joint ownership of property.

Review candidate registration requirements and fees. Liberia should review candidate registration requirements and fees to ensure that political participation rights are respected, and should remove onerous registration requirements for independent candidates.

Electoral Dispute Resolution: Right to Due Process and a Fair Trial

Review EDR system. Consideration should be given to ways to strengthen electoral dispute resolution in Liberia. The strengths and weakneses of an electoral court system should also be considered.

Review EDR timeframes. Legislative reform of the timeframes for elections is needed to avoid the potential for constitutional crisis that became apparent during the 2017 electoral process. The timeframes for the electoral dispute-resolution process should be well-synched with other areas of law, including the expiration of terms and the swearing-in of newly elected leaders.

Establishment of EDR procedures for pre-election complaints. The dispute-resolution process for pre-election complaints should be clarified, and specific timeframes established. The National Election Commission (NEC) should ensure that all complaints and appeals about candidate registration are adjudicated prior to the start of the campaign period so that the right to due process and appeal does not negatively impact the right to participate in public affairs.

Requirement that disputes regarding election results clearly demonstrate impact on resultsIn line with international best practice, the legal framework for the resolution of election disputes should consistently require that disputes requesting an annulment of election results clearly demonstrate that the alleged improprieties could have changed the outcome of the election. While the current election law (chapter six) does suggest that only complaints that demonstrate a possible effect on election results should be filed, this standard was not consistently implemented and should be strengthened in future legal reform.

Election Administration

Political participation of persons with disabilities. To facilitate participation of persons with disabilities, the NEC should increase access to polling precincts through the use of temporary measures, including ramps and other devices that effectively enable access. In addition, election officials should increase voter awareness of the availability of physical accommodations and the tactile ballot, and train poll workers to proactively offer the tactile ballot to visually impaired voters.

IPCC. The Intra-Party Consultative Committee played a positive role building a relationship between the political parties and the NEC. This forum should be maintained outside the election cycle, and where possible, replicated at the county level through the magistrate offices.

NEC media strategy. To enhance public confidence in the election administration, the NECs communication strategy should include greater efforts to inform citizens of NEC actions. Substantive meetings of the commission should be open to the public and agendas and decisions posted online.

Training. To improve the consistent application of rules and procedures and ensure that all voters are treated equally and all votes counted in a consistent manner, training materials should be developed well in advance of election day and distributed to the magistrates, including for any run-off elections. Magistrates should be trained on all key aspects of the process, including tabulation.

Boundary delimitation and equal suffrage. To ensure respect for the equality of the vote, constituency boundaries should be redrawn to minimize the deviations in constituency size and reflect the current demographics of the country.

Timing of elections. Consideration should be given to moving the election date out of the rainy season, which would require a constitutional amendment. When reviewing the timing of elections, consideration should also be given to the timeframes necessary to complete any dispute resolution processes in time to meet deadlines for the inauguration of newly elected leaders.

Voter Registration

Right to vote for youth, pre-trial detainees, and the hospitalized. Procedures to extend voter registration to persons turning 18 between the end of voter registration period and election day, as well as to pre-trial detainees and the hospitalized, should be established in order to prevent unlawful disenfranchisement of persons eligible to vote.

Extracting the voter registry from a civil registry in future elections. Careful consideration should be given to the pros and cons of linking the voter registry to the civil registry. This should be assessed well in advance of future elections so that alternatives to using the civil registry can be in place, if needed. Regardless of the system, the goals should be to ensure enfranchisement of as much of the voting-age population as possible, to minimize the strain on resources, and to instill greater public confidence in a voter register that can be periodically updated.

Candidate Nomination, Campaign Period, and Campaign Finance

Review National Code of Conduct to ensure compliance with the international obligations. The National Code of Conduct timeframes for public officials to step down from their posts in advance of contesting elections should be carefully reviewed to ensure that they are not overly restrictive on the right of persons to contest as candidates.

Two percent requirement. The requirement for political parties to obtain two percent of the votes in the constituencies where they contest or be prohibited from participating in the next two elections is an undue restriction on the right to participate in public affairs, and is inconsistent with Liberias commitments under the ICCPR.

Strengthen and enforce campaign finance reporting requirements. To foster a level playing field and greater transparency, campaign-finance regulations should be closely monitored and enforced, and NECs capacity to monitor and enforce regulations should be bolstered. Further consideration should be given to requiring campaign-finance reporting before election day, and those reports should be published so that voters can make informed decisions.

Ensuring a level playing field. Measures should be put in place to guarantee that requests for public space and access to roads for campaign purposes are treated on an equal basis.

Equal access to media. In accordance with international standards, all candidates and parties should have equitable access to the media for campaign purposes. Consideration should be given to mandating that state media provide some free airtime for all contesting political parties and candidates.

To address issues that arose on election day and improve the integrity of the process, The Carter Center recommends that officials:

Adjust the structure of the voter list to allow voters to easily identify their polling place and polling officials to quickly find their names on the list, perhaps by making it alphabetical.

Strengthen recruitment and training of queue controllers.

Strengthen ballot-handling procedures.

Improve visibility of party agents and observers.

Strengthen training on counting procedures.

Adjust the record of the count form to capture the number of voters according to the marks on the voter lists as well as on information from the gender data sheet.

Strengthen tabulation procedures and release them earlier.

Read the Report



Final Report: National Elections in Liberia, Fall 2017 (PDF)

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"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Alanna Kelly

A Kelowna store owner is warning other businesses after a man pulled off a bold theft.

The incident happened on Friday at about 8 p.m. at the Knox Mountain Market and was captured on surveillance camera.

Its just really pathetic people stealing from a mom-and-pop store, he said. We struggle to make a living, we work pretty hard and to have something just taken from us is really pathetic.

An employee was assisting a customer and stepped away from the cash for a brief moment when a man dressed in all black leaned over the counter and stole a row of lottery tickets.

He had an accomplice waiting outside in the car, said store owner Brent Smith.

Smith said the value of the lottery tickets is about $300, but he thinks the thieves might have had a different plan.

I dont really know if that was what their intention was, he said. They might have been setting up to rob the place and when there was a steady stream of people in there they may have just chosen to steal the tickets.

Anyone who recognizes the man is being asked to contact RCMP and the footage was handed over to police.

Smith said the quality of images is clear enough he hopes someone recognizes the man and no one else is stolen from.
California Department of Education

News Release

State Superintendent Torlakson Announces California High School Students to the 2019 U.S. Senate Youth Program

SACRAMENTOState Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today named two outstanding high school students to represent California in the 57th annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP), sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

Lauren Kong of Rancho Palos Verdes (Los Angeles County), a senior at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in the Palos Verdes Unified School District, and Cindy Aguilar-Castaneda of Gonzales (Monterey County), a senior at Gonzales High School in the Gonzales Unified School District, were selected for their outstanding leadership qualities, scholastic achievement, and contributions to their schools and communities.

These outstanding students are among the best and brightest leaders in their schools and communities and have a heart for public service, Torlakson said. They are strong advocates who desire to make our world a better place. I am amazed at all they have done in their young lives and look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in their future. I know they will achieve great things due to their commitment and dedication. They make me optimistic for our future.

Torlakson also selected two alternates in the event that one or both of the delegates are unable to attend. The first alternate is Channing Lee of Fullerton (Orange County), a senior at Cornelia Connelly School in Anaheim. The second alternate is Gabriel Drill of La Canada Flintridge (Los Angeles County), a senior at La Canada High School in the La Canada Unified School District.

The delegates and alternates are scheduled to be recognized by the State Board of Education during its January 910, 2019, meeting in Sacramento.

To qualify for the program, high school juniors or seniors must be currently serving in an elected or appointed leadership capacity in a student government, civic or educational organization and express an interest in pursuing a career in public service. They are then nominated by their high school principal.

A selection committee from the California Department of Education (CDE) reviews eligible nominees, and Torlakson selects the awardees based on the quality of the application, demonstrated qualities of leadership, academic achievement, involvement in school and community activities, extracurricular activities, interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of American government and history, and commitment to public service.

The USSYP provides a yearly opportunity for selected students to gain an in-depth view of the Senate and the federal government overall as well as a deeper understanding of the legislative, judicial and executive branches, according to the national website . The program provides a foundation of knowledge and encouragement for those who wish to pursue a career in public service.

Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity each receive a $10,000 scholarship and attend a one-week all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 29, 2019.

For more information, please visit the CDEs United States Senate Youth Program web page.

The following are synopses compiled from their applications:

Lauren Kong  Delegate

Rancho Palos Verdes

Los Angeles County

Lauren Kong is a senior at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in the Palos Verdes Unified School District and currently serves as the Student Member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board of Education. She was also a top 3 finalist for the Student Member position on the California State Board of Education. A certified welder by the American Welding Society, Lauren volunteers for a non-profit that rehabilitates former gang members and inmates in the Los Angeles area. She plans to double major in political science and mechanical engineering in college, and combine her two passions to draft effective and legislation to help utilize technology to revolutionize society and do good.

Cindy Aguilar-Castaneda  Delegate

Gonzales

Monterey County

Cindy Aguilar-Castaneda is a senior at Gonzales High School in the Gonzales Unified School District. She is a Youth Commissioner with the Gonzales Youth Council, the official youth advisory group to the Gonzales City Council and Gonzales Unified School District. She is a founder and mentor of Mentoring in New Dimensions (MIND), a peer-mentoring club that focuses on first-generation college students. She would like to attend Stanford University and major in political science and public policy, ultimately obtaining a Ph.D. As a first-generation college student and the first to graduate high school in her family, Cindy desires to work with state and federal politicians to implement new policies and connect them to members of disadvantaged communities.

Channing Lee  First Alternate

Fullerton

Orange County

Channing Lee is a senior at Cornelia Connelly School in Anaheim and is Associated Student Body President at her school. She is Editor-in-Chief of her school newspaper, involved with the Mock Trial team, and is active in drama, music, and volleyball. An American Protege piano competition winner, she has performed at Carnegie Hall twice. Channing hopes to attend Yale or Georgetown University and major in international relations followed by a law degree to further equip herself with skills necessary for a career in public service. She wants to give back to her community by helping others, whether as a lawyer fighting for justice or as a diplomat striving to improve American interests abroad.

Gabriel Drill  Second Alternate

La Canada Flintridge

Los Angeles County

Gabriel Drill is a senior at La Canada High School in the La Canada Unified School District. He was appointed through a competitive selection process to serve as Chair of the La Canada City Youth Council. He is active in the YMCA Youth and Government Program, serving as Delegation President for the fourth year in a row. He volunteers at a residential shelter for women and children and assembles care packages for veterans and military individuals stationed overseas. Gabriel would like to attend Yale and pursue dual degrees in public policy and business followed by graduate school. His future goals include starting a non-profit to research a cure for diabetes and serving as the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, helping to formulate domestic and international economic policies to better our nation and the world.

# # # #

Tom Torlakson  State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Last Reviewed: Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Karachi builders seek removal of high rise building ban

10 December 2018

The Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) once again called for the removal of ban on the construction of high rise buildings in Karachi city, Sindh province.



The Supreme Court (SC) ruled recently that the ban imposed on construction of high-rise buildings in specific residential and commercial localities will remain in force in the metropolis. The SC banned construction of high-rise buildings in the urban centres citing water shortage.



ABAD has appealed to the President of Pakistan, Dr Arifur Rehman Alvi; the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar; Prime Minster of Pakistan, Imran Khan, and Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, to repeal the 19 month-old ban that is harming the construction industry. More than 500 construction projects have stopped in the past 19 months, leading to the unemployment of nearly 1.5m skilled and unskilled people. More than 100 rolling mills have closed due to the low demand of steel, which has affected the ship breaking industry that's now on the brink of closure.



Furthermore, cement, tile and other 72 allied industries production sales have dropped over 50 per cent, leading to serve recession, affecting her economy of Sindh and increasing the deficit in tax recoveries for the goverrnment which is already facing financial crunch.

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Iranian province records export increase

10 December 2018

Irans southern province of Hormozgan reported a 40 per cent increase in clinker and cement exports to 400,000t during the eight-month period between 21 March-21 November 2018, according to Masoumeh Mousavi of the countrys Mine and Trade Department.

Products from the area were exported to Oman, UAE, Tanzania and South Africa.

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Paraguay's MIC committed to ensuring cement supply

10 December 2018

Paraguay's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) held a press conference with representatives of the cement sector to address the reported scarcity of cement on the market.

Vice President of Commerce, Pedro Mancuello, noted that action will be taken to ensure that there is an adequate amount of cement on the market at a suitable price for the consumer.



"We are making an alliance with the National Cement Industry (INC) with the Secretary of Defense of the Consumer (SEDECO) and the Sub-Secretariat of State Taxation to monitor and warn those companies, those businesses, those traders that want to speculate that we are going to take the measures of the case to guarantee that the provision of the cement in no case lacks and that the price is suitable for the consumer," said Mr Mancuello.



The price of cement has recently increased from PYG45,000n (US$7.6) per bag to PYG60,000 in some regions.

Published under
Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Lee announced four appointments to his cabinet for departments including Commerce and Insurance, Financial Institutions, Safety and Homeland Security, and Tourist Development.

I am pleased these four talented individuals have agreed to join my cabinet and lead these important departments, said Governor-elect Lee. Their experience and institutional knowledge will be invaluable as we build long-term solutions for our state.



The governor-elect named the following appointments:

 Julie McPeak  Department of Commerce and Insurance

 Greg Gonzales  Department of Financial Institutions

 Jeff Long  Department of Safety and Homeland Security

 Mark Ezell  Department of Tourist Development

Julie McPeak currently serves as the commissioner of the Department of Commerce and Insurance and she will continue in this role in the Lee administration. Before leading the department, she practiced as counsel to the Insurance practice group of law firm Burr & Forman LLP. She also served as the executive director of the Kentucky Office of Insurance (KOI). Before her appointment as executive director, Ms. McPeak spent nine years as an attorney for KOI, the final five as general counsel. She also served as general counsel to the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. Ms. McPeak, who brings more than 20 years of legal and administrative experience in state government, is the first woman to serve as chief insurance regulator in more than one state.

Putnam County native Greg Gonzales currently serves as the Commissioner of the Department of Financial Institutions and he will continue on in this role. Mr. Gonzales is a past Chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), which is the professional organization of state banking commissioners in the United States. Commissioner Gonzales, for a number of years, served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Money Transmitter Regulators Association (MTRA), an organization of a majority of the states that regulate funds transfer companies. He serves as Chairman of the State Liaison Committee that incorporates the state supervisory perspective into the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. He served on the U.S. Treasurys Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group. Commissioner Gonzales currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission. He also currently serves on a national task force studying how new technologies are affecting the U.S. payment systems.



Jeff Long will serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. He was elected as the sheriff of Williamson County in 2008. He has served in the criminal justice field for the past 44 years as an assistant district attorney for the 21st Judicial District, special agent in Charge with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Investigator for the 21st Judicial District, arson investigator with the Tennessee Fire Marshalls Office, Captain with the Williamson County Sheriffs Office and Federal Hospital Police Officer with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He is past-president of the Tennessee Sheriffs Association, a current member of the National Sheriffs Association and current member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.



Mark Ezell, a seventh generation Tennessean, will serve as the commissioner of the Department of Tourist Development. Mr. Ezell has worked with Dean Foods since 1998 as a senior executive focused on brand development for Purity Dairies and other southeast dairies. Mr. Ezell spearheaded philanthropic efforts to create the Purity Foundation and other Middle Tennessee efforts like the successful Moosic City Dairy Dash. He is a nationally recognized brand developer who coordinated the creation and implementation of the iconic Milk Mustache  Got Milk? campaign. His 35 years at Purity Dairies, including time as president and general manager, helped the former family-owned company receive recognition as a Brands That Built Nashville winner from the Nashville American Advertising Federation.



On Nov. 7, the transition unveiled a new website - transition.billlee.com. The site includes detailed information about the governor-elects policy priorities, a section where Tennesseans can submit their resumes to potentially join his team, and most importantly, a section where Tennesseans can share their ideas with the governor-elect and his team.


The Rotary Club of Chattanooga Hamilton Place held an annual joint meeting with East Brainerd Kiwanis Club.

Dr. James Marcum with Heartwise Ministries, was the featured speaker.

Dr. Marcum authored the Bible-based health study, Biblical Prescriptions for Life, and was named by USA Today as one of the most influential physicians in his field.

"This seven week life transforming study reveals God's plan for healing and lifelong, whole-life wellness through physical and spiritual truths directly from the Bible, supported by science," officials said.

Dr. Marcum addressed the club with five core "Biblical Prescriptions for Life."






UTC undergraduate Sigma Chis and their Chattanooga alumni counterparts braved the inclement weather Saturday evening to collect toys and clothing items for the East Ridge Needy Child Fund.

In their cooperative effort, members of the UTC Greek sorority community joined hands to contribute to the Christmas drive as well.

Debbie Ray Colburn praised the group on behalf of the fund for having big hearts while Alumni Chapter President Stan Stout expressed pleasure in continuing with the tradition.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  President Rodrigo Duterte could repeatedly ask Congress to extend martial law for as many times as he would deem necessary as there are no limits to its extension, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Monday.

"As long as the grounds exist. The grounds for declaring martial law continue, then you can continue with martial law," Carpio said.

The 1987 Constitution, drafted after the fall of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos who imposed a brutal martial rule, only allows a 60-day period for the imposition of martial law, unless it is extended by Congress.

Duterte first declared martial law in Mindanao in May 2017 and has twice asked the legislature to extend martial law in Mindanao, making it last until the end of this year.

Upon the recommendation of security forces, the President asked Congress anew to extend martial law in the southern Philippines until the end of 2019, with the proposal getting the backing of Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the majority leaders of the House and the Senate.

The imposition of martial law in Mindanao has been taken up by the Supreme Court three times, with the court upholding its continued implementation in all instances.

Carpio had twice rejected the imposition of martial law in Mindanao. In rejecting the extension of martial law until the end of 2018, Carpio said the rebellion in Mindanao has ceased with the death of the Maute group's leader Isnilon Hapilon and the liberation of Marawi City.

READ: Dissenting SC justices: No need for martial law in Mindanao

Article VII, Section 18 of the Constitution states that the president may declare martial law in the Philippines or any part of the country "in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it."

While Duterte declared in October 2017 that Marawi has been liberated, the Defense department said martial law is still needed to quell terrorist activity, especially since they have received reports that terrorists from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Middle East who are experts in bomb making have entered the country's southern region.

Security forces also said that there is a strong clamor from residents and local government officials to continue with the implementation of martial law in Mindanao.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez AFP, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles and Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano were at the Senate this morning to give senators a security briefing.

Before this briefing, senators were divided on extending martial law. Some believe that there is no basis to extend martial law for another year, while others are ready to vote in favor of the proposal if it is necessary in the region.

Congress is expected to convene in a joint session on Wednesday, December 12, where it would decide on whether to grant Duterte's request for another extension of martial law in Mindanao.

The lower house, dominated by Duterte's allies, outnumbers the 23-member Senate and has consistently voted in favor of the President's policies.

CNN Philippines Correspondent Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.
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Attorneys for Greg Vital are asking Federal Judge Sandy Mattice to set aside his earlier order giving TVA right to possess a portion of his Meigs County farm relating to the construction of a high-voltage power line leading to a new $300 million power control center.

Mr. Vital said, TVA continues to trample the rights of individual property owners in Georgetown to its advantage, It has chosen to buy some property and condemn others. They are abusing their power of eminent domain.

The motion by Mr. Vitals lawyers said that TVA went to court for the order of possession before Mr. Vital entered the case and had an opportunity to respond, and they are vague, overbroad, and the order seems to grant to the TVA a property right that is more than what the TVA is presently entitled to and is worth more than $1.00.



The Vital lawyers contend in the motion that the TVA filings are so broad that TVAs careless use of power has in this instance resulted - possibly inadvertently - in an actual taking which the TVAs deposit of $1.00 in nominal compensation is inadequate. Additionally, the motion says that the case has resulted in an actual taking that is far more expansive than simply the right to enter onto private land to perform surveying activities.



The motion says, "Mr. Vital requests that the Court set aside its Order of Possession (Doc. 5) and require the Tennessee Valley Authority to (i) file appropriately-specific documentation to establish a true temporary right to enter Mr. Vitals land, rather than divest him entirely of possession of his property for an indeterminate time and scope, (ii) define the activities the TVA may perform on the property and the times they may perform these activities, and (iii) define the property rights Mr. Vital retains during this temporary taking.

"Alternatively, Mr. Vital asks that the Court set aside the Order of Possession due to the TVAs failure to estimate and deposit just compensation for the actual taking."

Attorneys for Mr. Vital are Crews Townsend, Roger Dickson and Heith Frost.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host a live Nativity on Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. each night at 1160 Ridgeway Ave., Signal Mountain, right across from the Signal Mountain Post Office.All are welcome to come journey to the stable with shepherds and wise men, and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ. The event is free and performances will be every 10 minutes. Part of the Nativity will be outside, with the rest indoors.Individuals from the community as well as choirs from Signal Crest United Methodist Church, St.Timothys Episcopal Church, and more will provide the sounds of Christmas. At 7 p.m. each night, the community will be invited to join in singing a Christmas hymn. Christmas crafts for children and refreshments for all will also be provided.Spanish interpreters will be available. All activities are wheelchair accessible. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside. Come as you are. Bring your family, friends, church groups, etc.
We may no longer get an in-depth look into the Duggar clan through 19 Kids and Counting, but thanks to TLCs revival of the gigantic family with Counting On, fans are more willing than ever to watch the drama and odd family dynamics unfold. Not only do we get to see parents Michelle and Jim Bob continue to raise their youngest kids on the show, but we get a chance to watch the oldest Duggars marry and have families of their own. And one pairing  Jill Duggar and husband Derick Dillard  have caused a stir on the program from the very beginning.

Courtship is a huge part of how the Duggars find eligible partners, but Jill and Dericks courtship struck fans as particularly odd. Heres why viewers are still cringing over how the two met.

They met thanks to Jim Bob, Jills father

When it comes to dating a Duggar daughter, they have to follow strict courting rules set by Jim Bob, their father. During dates, the kids also have to have a chaperone with them at all time  and touching of any kind is strictly forbidden. These rules alone were enough to have fans cringing, but the fact that the ultra-strict Jim Bob set Jill up with her future husband also was tough for many fans to swallow.

As for how the connection came to fruition, Us Weekly reminds us Derick was doing humanitarian work in Nepal back in 2012 when he first got into contact with Jim Bob. I had gotten an email from Derick a few years ago and gave him my phone number so he could share the work he was doing in Nepal, Jim Bob told People. He sounded like an amazing young man. I felt like from the beginning, they had similar personalities and goals. I thought they would hit it off.

By March 2013, Derick and Jill were talking regularly on the phone and Skype. And by summer of 2013, Us Weekly notes Derick said he was praying about Jill and asking God for direction in getting to know Jill better. It seems Dericks prayers were answered, as he continued to keep in touch with Jill regularly while he was in Nepal. And Jill was reciprocating his advances, as she told People, I was in love with someone I had never met in person, but we really knew each other well.

Jim Bob was there when the two finally met in person

Eventually, after months of keeping in touch across countries and Jill falling in love despite never actually meeting Derick, Jill traveled with Jim Bob to Nepal to finally meet her future husband. As Jill told People, I traveled over 36 hours to meet him and we had a film crew filming and jet lag so it is a different dynamic than most people have. But it was really special.

As for how Derick felt about their first meeting, he had a few tricks up his sleeve for courting Jill  and one of them was candy. We have a large pool of chaperones, People notes he said. You have to come in armed with good jokes and I usually have Skittles as well. By the time Derick finally met Jill for the first time, they were officially dating, too.

In Touch Weekly notes plenty of fans were put off by how fast the two entered a relationship after only meeting in person once. As one user wrote on Reddit, I never thought about it this way, but its insane how fast their relationship developed. And another user noted, she was married and pregnant by a man she had known less than a year.

Some fans think Jill was trying to beat Jessa down the aisle

Jill is certainly genuine about her feelings, and were sure she felt a real connection with Derick  but fans seem to think there was something else at play in regards to the couples rushed courtship. It seems Jessa, her younger sister, was also involved in a serious relationship at the same time as Jill. And some fans believe Jill wanted to beat her little sister to marriage.

In Touch Weekly notes some Reddit users posted their theories, and one user said, There was just no way she was going to let her younger sister have a wedding and babies before her, so she married the first guy who showed some genuine interest. The user also added that Jim Bob could have stepped in and slowed down the whole process, but fans suspect he didnt because the multiple courtships and weddings were skyrocketing their TV ratings.

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Advent and the coming of the King Christian Post Contributor | 10 December, 2018 by John Stonestreet And Roberto Rivera

The King has come. He will come again. The meaning of Advent is worthy of our reflection, and here's something to help.

Last Sunday marked the start of the Advent season. No, officially, it's not yet Christmas. It's Advent.

I've talked about Advent a lot on BreakPoint the past few years, not because I'm a Scrooge but because these days of preparation are among the most important days in the Christian calendar, and are a wonderful way to foster a Christian worldview in our hearts and minds.

For nearly two millennia, Advent has called Christians to reflect on life between the two bookends of God's redemptive acts in Christ: His Incarnation and His coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead.

During Advent we recall God's faithfulness to His people: Even though Israel failed to keep the covenant made at Sinai and renewed on several occasions afterwards, God always intended to keep the promise He made to the father Abraham that "through your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." That offspring was, of course, Jesus Christ.

Millennia of reflection on God's faithfulness has produced many great hymns, but none greater than that hymn most identified with Advent, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

Its lyrics are taken from what are called the "O Antiphons." An antiphon is a phrase or short sentence that is recited or sung either before or after a psalm or other passage of scripture.

One thing that sets the "O Antiphons" apart is their antiquity. The Roman philosopher Boethius, who lived in the late fifth and early sixth centuries, alludes to them in his writings. As one scholar put it, "in some fashion the O Antiphons have been part of our liturgical tradition since the very early Church."

Another thing that sets them apart is how the Church has employed them. Since at least the eighth century they have been reserved for the week preceding Christmas Eve, December 17 to 23.

The O Antiphons and the hymn they produced walk us through all of salvation history. Each one includes both a Messianic title that reveals something of Christ's relationship to creation, Israel, or the plan of salvation. And each includes the invitation, come, which reminds us of our helpless state and how we are in need of divine rescue.

Christ is the Wisdom of God, upon whom the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, and knowledge and fear of the Lord rested (Isaiah 11). He is Adonai, the Lord our lawgiver and judge, who will save us (Isaiah 33). He is the root of Jesse's stem, whom the Gentiles will seek out and whose dwelling will be glorious (Isaiah 11). He is the Key of David, who unlocks the doors of our prison. He is the Radiant Dawn, the light that shined upon the people who dwelt in darkness (Isaiah 9).

And of course, he is Emmanuel, God with us (Isaiah 7).

These are not messages we are likely to encounter on the 24-hour Christmas music stations. So appreciating the enormity of the Incarnation requires silence and meditation from us.

Read more about Advent on The Christian Post.
David Limbaugh explains why Christians must learn about Paul, his work and the early church Christian Post Reporter | 10 December, 2018 by Brandon Showalter

The Christian faith cannot be understood apart from the radical obedience and transformation of a persecutor-turned-Apostle, Paul, whose life and words shaped the early church more than any other man.

And author David Limbaugh believes it's vital that Christians understand the importance of Paul's missionary journeys and work as he testified to the miraculous event that was the physical resurrection of Jesus.

While the first believers in the risen Lord were based in Jerusalem, the faith spread remarkably amid persecution and suffering, Limbaugh explains in Jesus Is Risen: Paul and The Early Church. Limbaugh explores the book of Acts and six New Testament epistles, navigating the activities and thinking of the earliest believers, particularly Paul, as they faced intense opposition, violence, and setbacks because of their zeal to advance God's Kingdom.

Written with passion for the furtherance of the Gospel, Limbaugh equips Christians hungry to know more about the roots of their faith, who will no doubt notice his love for Scripture.

The following is The Christian Posts Q&A with David Limbaugh about his book and what Christians can learn from Apostle Paul.

CP: You write extensively about how the Apostle Paul was particularly effective at debating and making good arguments for belief in the resurrected Messiah. What can modern Christians learn from his example?

Limbaugh: Paul was uniquely equipped to evangelize because of his sincerity, his intellect, his passion, his intimate knowledge of the Scriptures, his flexibility, and most of all, his love for Christ and for all those to whom he was delivering His life-giving message.

Paul kept his focus on Christ and on his direct commission from Christ to preach the Gospel. He studiously avoided self-promotion; his singular mission was to be an obedient vehicle for the Holy Spirit, through Him, to win converts for Christ.

So as dogmatic as Paul could be on matters of doctrine, he was quite adaptable in his approach to evangelism. He was adamant that the small issues  those that wouldn't affect one's salvation  not interfere with his presentation of the message. It was critical not to impose any artificial barriers that could impede the message. So he intentionally couched the message in terms that would most likely appeal to his particular audience, but never at the expense of right doctrine and the true Gospel message.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, he wrote: "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Paul knew that not all people are alike  they come from different cultures, different religions, and different worldviews. He was determined to meet them where they were. Ravi Zacharias employs the same technique in his approach to evangelism and apologetics, reminding his students that when someone asks them a question about the faith they must be attuned to the questioner as much as the question he or she is asking. Try to assess what is really troubling the person and then tailor your answer accordingly, being careful always to honor the truth and God's Word.

CP: You note the importance of the book of Romans, which has been called "The Cathedral of the Christian Faith." It's arguably the most substantive theological treatise in all of Scripture. Given its density, it's also a book where its meaning is most vigorously debated among theologians. Though Paul speaks to many things in it, in your study of the book what emerged as its most glorious truth?

Limbaugh: There are so many glorious truths in the book of Romans it is difficult for me to rank them. But I agree with most commentators that the book's theme is summarized in this passage: "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith'" (Romans 1:16-17).

As I explain in the book, in this epistle, Paul masterfully articulates the interrelationship between righteousness and salvation. Eternal salvation is available to all people  Jews and Gentiles  through faith in Jesus Christ, not through one's works. Through faith the sinner is declared righteous  Christ's righteousness is imputed to him in a judicial sense  and he is also empowered by the Holy Spirit to become more righteous in fact. All people are joined as one people in Christ.

Read more about "Jesus Is Risen: Paul and the Early Church" on The Christian Post.
Former demon-possessed gang leader-turned-pastor on when Jesus spoke to him, saved his life Christian Post Contributor | 10 December, 2018 by Leah MarieAnn Klett

A former gang leader-turned-pastor who was once possessed by demons has shared how God spared his life multiple times  and why his mission today is to save others from the life that nearly destroyed him.

Rene Martinez, also known as "Level," was exposed to Satanism at a young age. Raised in a single-parent home in Leisure City, Florida, Martinez remembers his mother sacrificing animals over him as part of her religion.

"It's just demonic," he told Fox News. "I started seeing demons when I was a kid. They haunted me my whole life."

At the age of 12, Martinez turned to a life of crime, which included drug abuse, stealing guns, breaking into homes, and getting involved in drive-by shootings. In 1990, he started the Latin Syndicate, which would later be recognized as one of Miami's most dangerous and powerful gangs. By the time he was 14-years-old, he'd been imprisoned for attempted murder and had endured several near-death experiences.

"I remember the time the gun jammed in my face," he told CBN. "I remember the time the bullet grazed my head. The other time the bullet whistled by my ear. The times I was running through the backyard and they were shooting at me. All the times I got shot at. All the times I was half-dead, but I was still alive."

After becoming a father, Martinez decided to transition from the streets to professional bare-knuckle fighting, eventually signing a pro MMA contract. He soon gained international recognition, defeating three-time world champion, Ricardo Mayorga, in Nicaragua.

Still, he felt something was missing: "I had the money. I had the fame. I was doing the gangster music. But I was empty inside," he said.

In 2013, Martinez had a supernatural experience with God that completely changed his life. He shared how, when he was recording gangster music in his garage, he heard Jesus speak to him, saying: "I spared you for such a time as this."

"I saw my whole life flash before my eyes  when a gun was jammed in my face, when a bullet whistled by my ear  I almost died five or six times  and all my friends that died. God set me free for a reason. I repented right there."

After Martinez was baptized in 2016, he heard God tell him to "gather up the fragments."

"I then realized my purpose and why God spared me so many times," he said. "So, I came back and started preaching to my homies that were still alive. My whole life changed. God really took over."

Today, Martinez visits prisons, juvenile facilities, housing projects, and the streets he once terrorized to share the love of Christ and encourage others that redemption is possible for anyone. He has also baptized former gang members  including those who formerly belonged to the Latin Syndicate.

"God really pulled me out of the pit," he said. "If God did this for me, He can do this for anybody."

The newly released documentary "The Warrior Level" is Martinez's first-hand account of how he went from leading a life of crime to sharing the Gospel.

Read more about "Former demon-possessed gang leader-turned-pastor on when Jesus spoke to him, saved his life" on The Christian Post.
Matt Chandler reveals why 'Christmas blues' present unique evangelism opportunity for Christians Christian Post Contributor | 10 December, 2018 by Leah MarieAnn Klett

Matt Chandler has explained why the "Christmas blues" present a "unique opportunity" for Christians and identified three ways believers can make the most of the holiday season.

In a recent op-ed, Chandler, lead pastor at the Village Church in Texas, said that for many people, Christmas can be a difficult time of year. Some experience the "Christmas blues"  feelings of loneliness and depression, while others may experience the "Christmas hangover," the feeling that "hits after the presents are opened, the stockings are empty, the meal is over and we find ourselves thinking, 'Is that it?'"

Social media, TV commercials and department stores paint an idyllic picture that our loneliness will be turned into joy and that gifts will satisfy, Chandler said, but "these expectations can't possibly be met."

"The Christmas blues and the Christmas hangover come together when unbridled expectations meet realitywhen we build up an expectation for something that it can't possibly meet," Chandler said.

But this time of year and the "sad cycle of Christmas" present a "unique situation" for Christians, the pastor contended.

"Given the reality of the Christmas blues and the fact that people seem more open during this season to spiritual, meaningful things, Christmas affords the opportunity for evangelism," he explained.

"This holiday creates the perfect time and space for us to give people the only thing that will wake them up from their spiritual slumber, to give them the only gift that will bring them true joy and satisfaction."

Chandler encouraged believers to pray for those discouraged this Christmas; make specific plans to see a few of these individuals ahead of Christmas, and to practice sharing the Gospel aloud and writing it out.

"This Christmas, we have the chance to not only overcome the chaos and confusion of the holidays and find the substance underneath the shadows," he said. "We also have the chance to show the world around us what that true substance is."

Read more about "Matt Chandler reveals why 'Christmas blues' present unique evangelism opportunity for Christians" on The Christian Post.
Minister critical of archbishop's support for gay conversion therapy ban says he's now barred from preaching event Christian Post Contributor | 10 December, 2018 by Stoyan Zaimov

An evangelical minister in the U.K. says he's been barred from preaching at an Anglican cathedral due to his criticism of an archbishop who's opposed to allowing people with unwanted same-sex attraction to obtain counseling, or as it's derisively called, "gay conversion therapy."

Derby Cathedral, the institution in question, has denied that it has barred the Rev. Melvin Tinker, positioning that it has simply chosen not to invite him to preach at the Christian Union carol service.

Tinker, who leads St. John Newland Church in Hull, told The Times that he was refused an invitation by Derby Cathedral for his past criticism of Anglican Archbishop John Sentamu.

"The progressives are continuing to gain ground and the biblical tradition is losing ground," Tinker said.

The evangelical minister's church had asked Sentamu to repent for supporting a ban on gay conversion therapy, and for creating church services celebrating the gender transition of those who suffer from gender dysphoria and identify as transgender.

The diocese of Derby responded to Tinker's claims by stating: "The decision whether to invite someone to preach at the cathedral rests entirely with the dean, who prefers to invite preachers who are known to him.

"There is no suggestion that anyone in this case has been banned from preaching at Derby Cathedral, nor is there any suggestion that anyone in either the diocese of York or the Archbishop of York's office urged the dean not to invite Melvin Tinker."

Tinker separately told The Christian Institute that the cathedral is being "disingenuous" in its denial, however.

"When they asked if someone else from St. Johns could speak they were told 'no' because 'what is preached in the cathedral will be taken as being preached by the cathedral'  it's a ban in all but name," he said.

"I think it was pretty mean of them to do this at such short notice to the 40-odd students who simply wanted the Gospel proclaimed at their carol service."

Derby Cathedral meanwhile found itself the subject of criticism by many Christians in August after it decided to screen horror films that showed graphic sex, full female nudity, and human sacrifice.

Read more about "Minister critical of archbishop's support for gay conversion therapy ban says he's now barred from preaching event" on The Christian Post.
New York gives Christian group 'ultimatum': change gay adoption policy or end placement program Christian Post Contributor | 10 December, 2018 by Samuel Smith

The state of New York has given a Syracuse-based Christian adoption agency an ultimatum to either change their adoption policy forbidding placement with same-sex couples or no longer be able to provide adoption services, a new lawsuit details.

New Hope Family Services has filed a federal lawsuit against the acting commissioner of the state's Office of Children and Family Services on the ground that the nonprofit could be forced to phase out its adoption program if it doesn't change its policy that only places children in homes with both a mother and a father.

The organization, which was founded in 1965 and also provides foster services and pregnancy resources, has placed over 1,000 children in adoptive homes throughout the state since its founding.

According to the legal nonprofit representing the organization, Alliance Defending Freedom, New Hope was founded "to be Christ's hands extended to offer hope and help to people with pregnancy, parenting, adoption or post-abortion needs in the Syracuse area and throughout the State of New York."

According to the lawsuit, New Hope does not accept state funding and funds its ministry through churches, donors and private grants.

The lawsuit details that the troubles for New Hope in late October after OFCS reviewed the organization's policy and procedures manual and took issue with the organization's placement policy. The review of the policy came after an agent of the agency did a site visit to New Hope and even took note of the "number of strengths" of New Hope's adoption program.

But after reviewing the New Hope's policies, OFCS labeled New Hope's requirement that children be placed in a home with both a mother and father as "discriminatory and impermissible."

In a letter to New Hope, OFCS said the "agency's policy pertaining to not placing 'children with those who are living together without the benefit of marriage' or 'same sex couples'" violates Title 18 of the New York Code, Rules and Regulations."

"The letter provided an ultimatum that New Hope either 'revise the present policy and continue the existing adoption program' or 'fail to bring the policy into compliance with the regulation,' in which case 'OCFS will be unable to approve continuation of [New Hope's] current adoption program and [New Hope] will be required to submit a close-out plan for the adoption program,'" the lawsuit explains.

The lawsuit argues that the state's ultimatum for New Hope would force the agency "to choose either to violate its faith or cease exercising its religion by closing its adoption ministry."

"New York State has never changed its adoption laws to make it mandatory for adoption providers to place children with couples other than 'an adult husband and his adult wife,'" the lawsuit asserts. "Instead, unelected bureaucrats in the New York Office of Children and Family Services have purported to do so through their adoption, interpretation, and enforcement of a new regulation."

Erik Stanley, director of the ADF Center for Christian Ministries, said in a statement that adoption services exist only to help children not "to affirm the desires of adults."

"There's no reason for the state to single out and punish those who hold the belief that the best home for a child includes a father and a mother," Stanley argued. "Children in Syracuse, throughout the state, and across the country will suffer if this hostility toward faith-based adoption providers becomes the status quo."

Read more about "New York gives Christian group 'ultimatum': change gay adoption policy or end placement program" on The Christian Post.
Pastor John Gray draws flak for gifting wife $200K Lamborghini Urus for anniversary 10 December, 2018 by Leonardo Blair , |

Two weeks after drawing praise for allowing congregants in need to take cash directly from his offering baskets, Pastor John Gray of Relentless Church in Greenville, South Carolina, is drawing flak for gifting his wife a Lamborghini Urus for their eighth wedding anniversary celebration that left her in rapturous screaming on Saturday.

The Urus, with prices starting at about $200,000 in 2017, according to Fortune, has a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that produces 650 horsepower. It also boasts an automatic eight-speed transmission, can travel 0 to 62 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 189 mph.

In a clip of the moment posted on Instagram by Sue Mayweather, Gray is shown leading his wife, Aventer, to the luxury vehicle and once she realizes what the gift is, she breaks out in screams. Her husband is seen holding her hand before declaring to the crowd "Lamborghini Urus." Mayweather noted that Gray's wife also gifted him the "'green box' Rolex," a term used to describe the Rolex Explorer II which comes with a price of approximately $8,000.

Read more about "Pastor John Gray draws flak for gifting wife $200K Lamborghini Urus for anniversary" on The Christian Post.
Supreme Court rejects state attempts to defund Planned Parenthood; Kavanaugh part of majority 10 December, 2018 by Michael Gryboski , |

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed lower court rulings stopping Louisiana and Kansas from defunding Planned Parenthood to stand, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh joining the majority.

In an order released Monday, the high court declined to hear an appeal in the cases of Andersen v. Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri and Gee v. Planned Parenthood of Gulf Coast.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Kavanaugh were part of the six-judge majority. Earlier this year, Kavanaugh weathered a heated confirmation process in which many progressive activists claimed that if he joined the Supreme Court, he would represent a militantly anti-abortion presence.

Justice Clarence Thomas authored a dissent to the decision to not hear either appeal, being joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch.

Justice Thomas argued that the Supreme Court should have heard the appeals since they deal with an "important and recurring" question of "whether Medicaid recipients have a private right of action to challenge a State's determination of 'qualified' Medicaid providers."

"Five Circuits have held that Medicaid recipients have such a right, and one Circuit has held that they do not. The last three Circuits to consider the question have themselves been divided," wrote Justice Thomas. "Because of this Court's inaction, patients in different Stateseven patients with the same providershave different rights to challenge their State's provider decisions."

Thomas also speculated in his dissent that the majority of the high court might have refused to take the cases because they had to do with Planned Parenthood.

"So what explains the Court's refusal to do its job here? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named 'Planned Parenthood,'" continued Thomas, adding that he considered this trouble because the question surrounding the cases technically "has nothing to do with abortion."

"It is true that these particular cases arose after several States alleged that Planned Parenthood affiliates had, among other things, engaged in 'the illegal sale of fetal organs' and 'fraudulent billing practices' ... But these cases are not about abortion rights. They are about private rights of action under the Medicaid Act."

Planned Parenthood of the Gulf Coast posted a celebratory statement on Monday on their Twitter account regarding the Supreme Court's decision to not hear the appeals.

"Today's #SCOTUS ruling means that Louisianans can continue to access lifesaving health care at Planned Parenthood, which they have relied on for more than thirty years," tweeted the Planned Parenthood affiliate.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life SBA List, expressed disappointment, noting that "the pro-life citizens of states like Kansas and Louisiana, through their elected representatives, have clearly expressed their will: they do not want Medicaid tax dollars used to prop up abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood."

Read more about Planned Parenthood on The Christian Post.
Thousands of women burned alive in India, not recognized as humans: Ministry warns Christian Post Contributor | 10 December, 2018 by Stoyan Zaimov

Thousands of brides are being burned alive in India despite the practice being illegal, a Christian ministry has warned.

India Partners, a Christian organization that works alonside indigenous Christian grassroots agencies in India, told Mission Network News on Thursday that there are still as many as 8,000 bride burning cases a year in the Hindu-majority country.

A representative with India Partners, identified only as John, said the low view of women is spread through parts of India's society.

"This is true both of men and women. It's not just of men itself. Most women see the other woman as in an inferior position and not able to recognize her rights as a human being," he said.

The burning attacks, some of which have resulted in deaths, are tied to dowry and marriage disputes in rural districts.

"Horrible things like this happen, and many times they happen because of dowry deaths. Before marriage, the families will agree upon a dowry that the bride's family generally will pay to the groom's family," John explained.

"After marriage, the groom's family sees the leverage of threatening the girl and asking for more money. So they will begin threats, they will begin beatings, and the rule of thumb is something like the more money you want, the more you need to beat her."

Women are often beaten when the groom's family demands more money, which then sometimes escalates in dousing them with flammable liquid and setting them on fire.

John said that bride burning is more common in rural districts like Uttar Pradesh because the perpetrators are less likely to be prosecuted.

"But the harassment happens everywhere. In the harassment of women, your caste doesn't make any difference. How much education you have doesn't make any difference," he added.

Women in India continue to suffer from a widespread rape epidemic, with many stories of extreme violence, sexual assaults, and murder making international news.

Dalits, members of the so-called "untouchables" lowest caste class in India, are also subject to discrimination, especially those who choose to convert to Christianity.

Read more about "Thousands of women burned alive in India, not recognized as humans: Ministry warns" on The Christian Post.
What are the biggest threats facing Christian seminaries? Christian Post Contributor | 10 December, 2018 by Stoyan Zaimov

Presbyterian pastor Ligon Duncan has listed out some of the biggest threats facing Christians seminaries in America, from unbelief to a lack of Biblical understanding in students.

Duncan, who is the chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary in Mississippi, said in a video published on YouTube on Tuesday that one of the main threats facing theological education today is the undergraduate debt crisis.

The scholar warned that the debt is "causing a lot of students to stay away from graduate theological education who would really benefit from it both personally and in their public ministry.

Next, he said that there is a crisis in the devaluation of theological education.

"People don't have a high regard for what graduate theological education can provide people in preparing for the pastoral ministry."

Duncan also warned of what he called the "perennial challenges of unbelief being propagated in theological institutions." He said that such unbelief is not "committed to the inerrancy of Scripture" or to "classic Christian Orthodox theology" and the "Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Reformed Theological Seminary chancellor said that the biggest threat to theological education in North America, however, is people who think that "they can be adequately equipped for a lifetime of gospel ministry without really knowing their Bibles, and without really knowing theology."

"We find today that more seminary students come to do graduate theological education with less knowledge of the Bible and theology than ever before. Fifty years ago, students came, they'd read through the Bible many times, they'd memorized a lot of the Bible, they had done their catechisms, they had been schooled in theology in their home churches."

Today, however, churches are not "equipping people in the same way with a knowledge of the Bible and a theology," he argued.

"So if people who know less Bible and less theology think that knowing more Bible, more theology is irrelevant to ministry, we're in trouble," he warned.

Theology professors have also long been warning that biblical illiteracy in America has reached a "crisis point."

Kenneth Berding, professor of New Testament at Biola's Talbot School of Theology, told The Christian Post back in 2014 that biblical literacy has reached an "all-time low."

"My own experience teaching a class of new college freshman every year for the past 15 years suggests to me that although students 15 years ago knew little about the Bible upon entering my classes, today's students on average know even less about the Bible," Berding said back then.

Read more about Christian seminaries on The Christian Post.
What is God's gender? Christian Post Reporter | 10 December, 2018 by Brandon Showalter

While the book of Genesis explains God made human beings both male and female in His image, throughout the biblical narrative God is revealed as a Father who refers to Himself in male terms.

For many, the default view of God as male is underscored by the fact that He came to earth as a man in Jesus Christ, the "God-man" who was both fully human and fully divine.

Yet several instances appear in the whole of Scripture where the feminine aspect of the divine is highlighted, including in words coming straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ when He was walking the earth and spoke about God and His nature.

Perhaps most famously, when Jesus was weeping over Jerusalem, as recorded in Matthew 23 and Luke 13, He cried out, "you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing."

When Jesus told the parable of the lost coin in Luke 15, it is a woman who is searching for the missing money. God in that parable is represented by a woman.

As the Junia Project noted in a 2016 post, God likens Himself to a mother in Old Testament prophecy, particularly through the prophet Isaiah.

"For a long time I [God] have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant," Isaiah 42:14 reads.

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I [God] comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem," Isaiah 66:13 declares.

Theologian Lynn Japinga observes in her 1999 book Feminism and Christianity: An Essential Guide that language about God "should help us to understand and encounter God, but we should not confuse the reality of God with the limits of our language."

She explains in the book that in the second century church, Clement of Alexandria "mixed his metaphors in his description of Christians nursing at the breast of God the Father."

Similarly, she goes on to say, medieval mystic and German theologian Meister Eckhart described God's activity thus: "What does God do all day long? God gives birth. From all eternity God lies on a maternity bed giving birth.

Nevertheless, even with all the maternal imagery, the God of the Bible is nowhere described as a woman or "Mother" in the entirety of Scripture, nor are any feminine pronouns used in relation to Him.

"This is the way God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. God is never described with sexual characteristics in the Scriptures, but He does consistently describe Himself in the masculine gender," according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

A variety of metaphors are used to describe Him throughout Scripture such as King, Father, Master, Judge, and even Husband.

"For your Maker is your husband  the LORD Almighty is his name  the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth," Isaiah 54:5 reads.

Read more about God's gender on The Christian Post.
Do not fear.

Its a charge that extends back to the earliest parts of Scripture, gets repeated from the lips of Jesus, and resonates the modern world. Its also the message of the most popular Bible verse of 2018 on YouVersion, the worlds most-downloaded Bible app.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, reads the years top verse, Isaiah 41:10. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

That exhortation from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah was shared, bookmarked, and highlighted more than any other passage by hundreds of millions of YouVersion users.

The years top honor at Bible Gateway comes from another Old Testament prophet. The most-read verse on the Bible website was the familiar Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

On the leading Bible website, either Jeremiah 29:11 or John 3:16 have topped the annual list every year. (The oft-quoted line from Jeremiah has come to be considered one of the most frequently misinterpreted Bible verses.)

The rest of Bible Gateways top 10 come from Psalm 23 (verses 1, 4, 6, and 6), Romans (Romans 8:28 and Romans 12:2), and Matthew (6:33).

YouVersions top verse, Isaiah 41:10, ranked thirteenth on Bible Gateway. Bible Gateways top verse, Jeremiah 29:11, also spiked to No. 1 in several countries worldwide, according to the YouVersion data.

The two Bible platforms lists end up being pretty different from one another each year, evidence that users tend to look up different verses online than they highlight or share during their study time on an app.

This year, Bible Gateway ranked popular verses based on 920 million searches across versions of the site. YouVersions picks stem from more than 1.7 billion highlights, bookmarks, and notes on more than 350 million devices.

Previously, YouVersions verse of the year award has gone to Joshua 1:9 (2017), Romans 8:28 (2016), and Proverbs 3:56 (2015). This year marks a shift to a prophet, but continues the theme of biblical reassurance to digital readers.

This years data shows people worldwide are continuing to turn to the Bible in search of comfort, encouragement, and hope, said Bobby Gruenewald, pastor and innovation leader for Life.Church and YouVersion founder.

While Isaiah 41:10 was the apps most popular verse overall in 2018and the top pick in the United States, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spainseveral others were ranked as No. 1 in various countries.

Joshua 1:9, the global favorite in 2017, remained the most popular verse in the Central and South American countries of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. John 3:16 took the lead spot in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Turkey. 1 Peter 5:7 topped the list in Egypt, India, and Iraq, and Matthew 6:33 was most popular in Thailand and Vietnam.

Not only was Jeremiah 29:11 the most popular verse of the year on Bible Gateway, it also claimed the YouVersion top spot in countries in the developed West (Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom) and the Global South (Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates), spanning demographics in a way that other verses didnt.

At Bible Gateway, top searches for passages included Psalm 91, Psalm 23, Genesis 1, Romans 8, and Matthew 6. Its leading keyword searches of the year were love, peace, and faith, respectively (amor, which means love, was the top keyword in Spanish, too). Holy spirit, was the eighth-most searched word, forgive ranked 15th, and truth came in as the 19th most commonly searched term.

And with the help of an emoji-based search on YouVersions Bible App, which allows users to tap images corresponding to various emotions, individuals conducted more than 18 million searches to find what the Bible might say to them in the midst of their emotional highs and lows.

YouVersion celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the app in July. In the decade since it originated as one of the Apple App Stores first 200 applications, the Bible App has grown to include more than 1,800 versions of the Bible in more than 1,250 languages. Across the globe, via the Bible App, 27.2 billion Bible chapters were read in 2018; there were 4.2 billion audio chapter listens; more than 400 million verses were shared; and nearly a billion days of Bible plan readings were completed.

Engagement with Gods Word rose across continents. In Asia, Japan led the way in increased use of the Bible App, doubling over 2017, largely due to the addition of a new Japanese translation of the Bible within the app. Nepal (69%), Indonesia (61%), and Vietnam (59%) also saw big boosts in digital Bible engagement.

European countries like Romania, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Italy amplified their use of the leading Bible application, with increases of 100 percent, 67 percent, 60 percent, 57 percent, and 53 percent, respectively. South American countries also contributed to rising overall engagement, with use in Chile increasing by 79 percent and in Argentina by 60 percent.

Many of us grew up with the ability to read the Bible in our heart language, but countless people around the world dont have that privilege. Thats why were passionate about making the Bible available in more languages through the app, said Gruenewald.

Overall Bible engagement on the YouVersion platform reached a new pinnacle this year, featuring a 27 percent year-over-year increase in daily use from 2017. The groups Bible App for Kids, which launched in 2013 and is now available in 42 languages, saw an increase of 55 percent in installations in the last year, reaching 27 million devices worldwide.

This generation is on pace to become the most Bible-engaged generation ever, and we believe the Church should keep investing in new technologies to help adults and children connect with the Bible, said Gruenewald. Were honored to be a part of how God is reaching people around the globe through his Word, and were eager to see how Bible-engaged people make a difference in this world for decades to come.

Bible Gateway celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. The popular Bible directory is and the Internets most visited Christian website, according to HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Though most of its users continue to access the site via desktop (followed by mobile and table), Bible Gateway launched a new Bible Audio App this year.

The site has become popular among millennials and younger generations, with more users aged 25-34 accessing Bible Gateway than any other age group. The site reports that 44 percent of users come from outside the US, and 2018 saw visitors from over 240 countries and territories.

Top Bible Verses of 2018
Tim Keller concerned about Christians radicalized by both sides of nationalism, xenophobia debate

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The biblical story of Jonah speaks to the nationalism, xenophobia and racism prevalent in America today, and Christians should be uncomfortable identifying with either political party, Tim Keller argued.

During a recent interview with The Gospel Coalition, Keller, author and founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, discussed his new book, The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God's Mercy.

Keller said he has preached on Jonah multiple times over the years, with the application of the message changing from time to time. The first time he preached on Jonah, it was in Virginia during the 1970s where he applied the story to race relations.

The second time he preached on Jonah was in 2001 at the Manhattan-based Redeemer Presbyterian: It was completely different, he said. Here were talking about the danger of turning around saying, Oh, these Muslims are horrible people. It was a different kind of danger; it wasnt white and black, it was America versus these awful terrorists.

It was not easy to preach about that, because what happened in New York was awful ... we had people who were going to our church who were killed, he said.

The book of Jonah speaks to the social climate today because it talks about politics, identity, and treating those who are racially and religiously different with respect, Keller contended.

You could say that Jonah was putting his own national interest, the interest of Israel, over the spiritual good of the people of Ninevah, he explained. He knew that if Ninevah was destroyed by God, then that would make Israel safer...he was putting his nation over the spiritual good of these people.

The book of Jonah clearly reveals that God actually cares about all races and all people, and in the end, His Church will consist of people from every tribe, people, and nation, Keller said. We cant just lift up one nation over other nations.

While some nations are clearly better than other nations, our commitment to Christ relativizes that fact, Keller argued.

Im a Christian first, but Im American second. Im a Christian first, and Im white second. If thats not true, then you need to read the book of Jonah because thats part of what its trying to say, he said, pointing out that every time Jonah is near the pagans, the pagans look better than Jonah does.

Jonah is sneering at these people, but actually, theres a lot of admirable things about these people. You shouldnt be sneering at people of different races and religions, he said.

Keller admitted theres not a whole lot of doubt about the fact that nationalism is on the rise in the United States, and many Christians are stuck a little bit.

Theres nothing wrong with saying, of course, we need to have secure borders, he said. But theres another part of us that says we need to be kind to the alien, the immigrant ... theres got to be a balance here, and I dont see a balance.

The pastor warned that on one hand, some Christians are blind to what could happen if we keep going down this 'anti-immigrant, these are not our people' road. On the other hand, there is a left-wing backlash against nationalism and Donald Trump, and much of it isnt based on biblical principles.

Keller explained that many white Christians who are Republican and black Christians who are Democrat are made to feel uncomfortable and stuck because each party has a package deal that doesnt entirely reflect their views on every issue.

I think its fair to say  and Ive gotten heat on this  I do think most thoughtful, balanced Christians should feel somewhat uncomfortable in either political party, he said, adding he can think of all kinds of reasons Christians should vote either Democrat or Republican.

Christians need to recognize the danger of what they call xenophobia, where youre fearful of people who are different, he said. Im afraid of Christians getting too radicalized on either side. I do see some more liberal Christians who say, you cant be a Christian and vote Republican, and Im seeing plenty of Republican Christians saying the same thing about the Democrats.

During a previous interview with The Christian Post, Keller warned against characterizing worldwide evangelicalism as simply conservative or liberal.

In some ways they're more liberal because there's a lot more poor people, a lot more nonwhite people who care about justice, but at the same time they are very conservative when it comes to sex and gender and things like that, he explained. So they're looking at the American church and they are asking questions. They're saying Why aren't you caring more for the immigrant? Why aren't you caring more for the poor?

The media tends to simplify everything when it comes to the Church  and thats not completely fair, Keller said.

The world and the world church are looking at the evangelical church and thinking right now, the American evangelical church has been caring more about its own political power than it does about the outsider, the marginalized, he said. I don't think that's completely fair, because I think there are plenty of churches that are not like that.

Keller also told CP that the book of Jonah is about hearing and obeying Gods Word  no matter what the cost. He explained that while the main message of the book is about showing mercy and compassion to nonbelievers, many Christians are harsh and condescending when they evangelize.

I have seen it, he said. So I would say, even though Jonah did eventually go to Nineveh, he went to the city to preach there, but he didn't love the city. And he didn't love the people at all, didn't love them or respect them. And clearly, that's one of the messages of the book is that it's not enough just simply to preach at people, you also have to love and respect them, too. So you shouldn't just be preaching at nonbelievers, you should be caring, respecting, and listening to them as well.
Darlene Zschech reflects on new era of worship music: Songs used to be uptight, they're fearless now

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A pioneer of the modern worship era, Darlene Zschech says worship music has changed considerably compared to what it was just 10 years ago.

In some ways it's just gone ahead in such amazing leaps and bounds. I love some of the lyrical content that is around at the moment, Zschech told The Christian Post in an interview about her new book, The Golden Thread, where she talks about God's faithfulness during life's battles, such as her recent journey through cancer.

The acclaimed worship leader and songwriter said she loves how the musical expression of worship has progressed overall. I just love the way they feel it, said Zschech, who described her admiration for how some young worship leaders are able to express themselves in their songs. [But] theres a part of the church that got a bit caught on smoke and lights, she added.

The Holy Spirit is very good at teaching this. I don't think we should walk around as the Jesus police and judge everybodys expression. Really, only God can see the content of the human heart, Zschech continued, noting that she never would've thought to put together lyrics in such ways as some popular Christian artists do now.

In her 20 year career, Zschech penned the groundbreaking 1993 anthem Shout to The Lord, and more than 100 other songs, including Victors Crown, In Jesus Name, Worthy Is The Lamb, and At The Cross. Her music is regularly sung in churches across the world.

Zschech told CP that she's not too concerned about modern day contemporary Christian music straying too far away from God because, she said, the pendulum always swings from one extreme to the other before it finds its way back to the middle.

She went on to say that she also enjoys the acoustic feel of praise music that some groups are using. And said it makes her reflect on how King David must've been when he poured his heart out in worship. I love how people have stripped things back, and have found a way through the mess of lights, camera, action, she said.

I just love it. I think we're being a little bit more fearless, free worship and flowing where even 10 years ago it was a little more uptight. There's a flow happening that I just love.

The Australian native started her music career with Hillsong Church but has since planted her own ministry with her husband, Mark, in New South Wales, called Hope Unlimited Church.

Her new book, The Golden Thread: Experiencing Gods Presence in Every Season of Life, chronicles her battle with cancer in 2013 and how maintaining a posture of worship before the Lord brought her peace in the midst of the storm. It also explores her journey from leaving Hillsong to plant HopeUC.

For more information, visit Zschechs website.
Christian bodies divided on bipartisan prison reform bill

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A Christian rift over the bipartisan prison reform bill  the First Step Act  is forming, with the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA announcing its opposition.

NCC, which is an ecumenical body composed of largely liberal bodies, including various mainline Protestant denominations, explained on Friday that despite its support for reforming America's prison system, it finds the First Step Act to be "sorely lacking" on several fronts.

The United States is home to 5 percent of the worlds population and 25 percent of the worlds prison population. The current mass incarceration crisis was birthed out of racist intentions, and we must be just as intentional about addressing the embedded racism if we are to have any meaningful reform. This bill does not move us any closer to justice on either issue, it stated.

NCC said that while it is encouraged to see both Republicans and Democrats supporting the end of mass incarceration, it is concerned about proposals to heavily use electronic monitoring.

"We must be proactive in ensuring that electronic surveillance does not morph into another form of mass incarceration. We are concerned that not only the privacy of the person wearing the monitor is violated, but that of their family and others in close proximity is as well," it said.

"Electronic monitoring provisions also shift the cost from the government to the directly impacted person which exacerbate economic disparities rooted in race and class. This and other provisions allow the privatization of certain public functions and feed into and build upon the already burgeoning for-profit prison industry."

Evangelical ministries have, meanwhile, come out in support of the bill. While acknowledging that the bill is not perfect, they view it as a solid first step toward prison reform, which includes reducing the federal recidivism rate.

Notable Christian ministries that are backing it include Prison Fellowship, the Christian Community Development Association, the Faith and Freedom Coalition, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.

President Donald Trump announced his support for the evangelical-backed bill, which passed the House earlier in 2018. It is not yet clear whether it will pass the Senate.

Those supporting the 103-page legislation have praised it for pushing forth earned time credit incentives for federal inmates to participate in rehabilitative and vocational training programs, seeking to prepare them for life after prison.

Megachurch pastor Jentezen Franklin of the multi-campus Free Chapel church, wrote in an op-ed in Newsmax on Friday that 80 percent of Americans back the bill, which is rare in this political day and age.

"Also on board with this legislation are 121 former federal prosecutors and senior government law enforcement officials, one former U.S. attorney general, five former U.S. deputy attorneys general, one former FBI director, one former U.S. solicitor general, one former associate U.S. attorney general, two former acting U.S. attorneys general, one former DOJ inspector general, one former U.S. attorneys executive director, 13 former district and appellate judges, along with a number of other U.S. district attorneys," Franklin wrote.

The overwhelming bipartisan support, combined with endorsement from law enforcement officials and federal prosecutors, make this an absolute no-brainer. The job of the legislative branch of government is to represent the wishes and will of the people they were sent to represent, the pastor pointed out.

What were asking is not outlandish. Were simply asking you to represent us and do the right thing now. Peoples lives and the future of thousands of Americans, families of incarcerated men and women, are dependent upon our elected officials to get this right. We have assurance the president will sign this bill, so now is the time to get it done.

Still, others, such as U.S. senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton, warned that there are some big dangers associated with the bill that cannot be ignored, such as cutting the prison time for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.

"What about our opioid crisis suggests that drastically reducing the penalty for trafficking these drugs is a wise idea? Im sure many of you know someone who has been tragically affected by drug addiction or even overdose and death, Cotton wrote in an op-ed for The Christian Post.

Now is not the time to go soft on those who are killing our kids.
Jamal Bryant gets rock star welcome at New Birth, offered full support of county gov't

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Megachurch Pastor Jamal Bryant got a rock stars welcome and an offer of full support from the Dekalb County government as he officially took over as the new senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia on Sunday.

Addressing the churchs packed sanctuary, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said the gathering at the church to welcome Bryant, whom he called an anointed, spirit-filled, young new pastor, showed that the spirit of Bishop Eddie Long was still alive and well.

I offer to you, pastor, the full total support of our county government. New Birth is Dekalb and Dekalb is New Birth. And I commit to you that we will work with the congregation to continue to move forward in the 21st Century, he said to wild applause. For those who may have thought that New Birth may have fallen  the devil is a liar!

Bryant was chosen from a pool of 138 candidates to take the reins of New Birth, which once boasted 25,000 members in its heyday. Membership at the church has since dropped to about 10,000 after Long, the churchs late preacher, was hit in 2010 by a series of sex scandals involving allegations from multiple young men that haunted him until his death in January 2017.

Bishop Stephen A. Davis, who took over leadership of New Birth shortly after Longs death, resigned from the church in June.

Thomas W. Dortch Jr., an Atlanta businessman and chairman of New Births board, said part of the reason Bryant was chosen was because he had a plan to reduce the churchs $31 million debt.

He didnt come in talking off the cuff, Dortch said. This is one guy whos an architect for religion.

On Sunday as he welcomed Bryant, he told the congregation that their new pastor who had been leading the 10,000-member Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, didnt come to New Birth because he needed a job.

In his remarks on Sunday, Bryant took time to honor Longs widow, Vanessa, as the First Lady as well as his children, including Bishop Longs eldest child. Elder Edward Long who publicly declared that Bryant was not his choice.

Im a third generation preachers kid. So I know what its like to live in a fish bowl, to be undervalued and to be underappreciated. But in this place, we honor and respect and we love the children of Bishop Long and thank God for them. Would you join me in thanking God for the Long family? They are our Royal family, Bryant said.

He further noted, New Birth is a resilient people. No matter what pit they try to throw us in, God always throws us a trampoline for us to be able to bounce back.

Just days before he officially took the helm of New Birth, Bryant was forced to dismiss a claim from an Ohio businesswoman that she is pregnant with his child.

Bryant doesnt know who this person is and has no current ties, no past relationship of any sort, nor any form of past history with this person. Regrettably, this is the unstable behavior of a social media stalker, a spokesman for Bryant said in a statement to V-103 Atlanta late Thursday.

The woman, Tenola Oliver, 43, who says she is a domestic abuse survivor, first made the claim in a letter to The Christian Post last month. She repeated the claim on Thursday night in an Instagram post from V-103 Atlanta.

Previously, Bryants former ministry at Empowerment Temple was almost destroyed after he admitted to an extramarital affair while he was married to now ex-wife Gizelle Bryant, who stars on Bravo TVs Real Housewives of Potomac. Since his divorce, he was also alleged to have fathered a child with 34-year-old Latoya Shawntee Odom.

Despite his controversial past, New Birth congregants on Sunday lined up to greet and take pictures with Bryant.

Bryants mother, the Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant, his sister, Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, a tenured professor at Pepperdine University, and several other supporters from Baltimore joined him at New Birth on Sunday for his first sermon as senior pastor at the megachurch.
Jim Caviezel Talks Main Controversy Behind 'Paul, the Apostle of Christ' Film, Dedicated to Martyrs 'Game of Thrones' Actor James Faulkner Explains How Playing Paul in Upcoming Film Changed Him

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Actor Jim Caviezel has opened up about what he considers to be the main controversy in the upcoming "Paul, the Apostle of Christ" film, where he plays Luke.

"The greatest controversy of this film is forgiving at all costs, and that doesn't mean weakness or the acceptance of evil. It means meeting evil face-to-face ... that's the hardest thing," Caviezel told Catholic News Agency.

"Some of the most powerful dialogue centers around what true courage is," he added. "Courage is ardent love. Love creates change by igniting a passion in each one of us. One person at a time."

The movie, which has its premiere on March 23, tells the story of the early persecuted Christians under the Emperor Nero.

Executive Producer Eric Groth said that the film is dedicated to the struggles of persecuted believers.

"We were writing this script through those heavy intense times with ISIS and the problems that are going on in Syria and the Middle East," Groth told CNA.

He said that the experience of the "martyrs of the centuries who have laid down their lives" was also used when making the film.

With Christian persecution increasing around the world, Rome's ancient Colosseum was recently lit in red for believers.

Pope Francis welcomed several persecuted Christians and their families, who shared with him and with reporters the suffering they have been subjected to due to their faith.

James Faulkner, the actor behind Paul in the film, is known for roles in major television hits such as "Game of Thrones" and "Downton Abbey," but said that the experience on his latest film changed him.

While admitting that Caviezel is a "much more devout Christian" than himself, Faulkner said that the role of Paul, including repeatedly rereading his letters, changed him as a person.

"Do I have more humility? Yes. Do I have more love for my fellow man? Yes. Is there a possibility of redemption even for myself? Yes, there is," the actor said.

He also talked about how "Paul, the Apostle of Christ" offered a different set experience than "Game of Thrones."

"Being placed in a much simpler environment, and feeling entirely supported by those around you, and loved by those around you, I found to be an extraordinary experience," Faulkner said.

Back in December, Caviezel explained the significance of Saul's transformation into one of Jesus' apostles while on the set of the film.

"The name Saul means great one," Caviezel said. "And Paul, the name, just by one change of a letter, means little one."

"In order for us to be great in the eyes of God, we have to become very small."
Supreme Court rejects state attempts to defund Planned Parenthood; Kavanaugh part of majority

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The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed lower court rulings stopping Louisiana and Kansas from defunding Planned Parenthood to stand, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh joining the majority.

In an order released Monday, the high court declined to hear an appeal in the cases of Andersen v. Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri and Gee v. Planned Parenthood of Gulf Coast.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Kavanaugh were part of the six-judge majority. Earlier this year, Kavanaugh weathered a heated confirmation process in which many progressive activists claimed that if he joined the Supreme Court, he would represent a militantly anti-abortion presence.

Justice Clarence Thomas authored a dissent to the decision to not hear either appeal, being joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch.

Justice Thomas argued that the Supreme Court should have heard the appeals since they deal with an important and recurring question of whether Medicaid recipients have a private right of action to challenge a States determination of qualified Medicaid providers.

Five Circuits have held that Medicaid recipients have such a right, and one Circuit has held that they do not. The last three Circuits to consider the question have themselves been divided, wrote Justice Thomas. Because of this Courts inaction, patients in different Stateseven patients with the same providershave different rights to challenge their States provider decisions.

Thomas also speculated in his dissent that the majority of the high court might have refused to take the cases because they had to do with Planned Parenthood.

So what explains the Courts refusal to do its job here? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named Planned Parenthood, continued Thomas, adding that he considered this trouble because the question surrounding the cases technically has nothing to do with abortion.

It is true that these particular cases arose after several States alleged that Planned Parenthood affiliates had, among other things, engaged in the illegal sale of fetal organs and fraudulent billing practices  But these cases are not about abortion rights. They are about private rights of action under the Medicaid Act.

Planned Parenthood of the Gulf Coast posted a celebratory statement on Monday on their Twitter account regarding the Supreme Courts decision to not hear the appeals.

Today's #SCOTUS ruling means that Louisianans can continue to access lifesaving health care at Planned Parenthood, which they have relied on for more than thirty years, tweeted the Planned Parenthood affiliate.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life SBA List, expressed disappointment, noting that the pro-life citizens of states like Kansas and Louisiana, through their elected representatives, have clearly expressed their will: they do not want Medicaid tax dollars used to prop up abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood."

"We support their right to redirect taxpayer funds away from entities that destroy innocent lives and instead fund comprehensive community health care alternatives that outnumber Planned Parenthood facilities at least 20 to one nationwide," she added.

The pro-life grassroots will not stop fighting until every single tax dollar is untangled from the abortion industry led by Planned Parenthood. We urge the Trump Administration to quickly finalize the Protect Life Rule, which would prevent taxpayer funding of the abortion industry under Title X, Planned Parenthoods second biggest stream of taxpayer revenue after Medicaid.
'Titanic Baptist figure, Christian crusader': Jess Moody of Palm Beach Atlantic University dies

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Jess C. Moody, the founding president of the interdenominational Palm Beach Atlantic University, has died at age 93.

The university's website reported that Moody died on Friday, with his family preparing funeral arrangements.

As the University celebrates its 50th year, we give thanks for a giant of a Christian crusader, a Bible preacher, a visionary dreamer and our founding president, said President William M. B. Fleming, Jr.

Dr. Moodys mark is on every Palm Beach Atlantic graduate and student. His sweet love and unlimited devotion to young people is legendary. Stories will continue to be written and told about Dr. Jess Moody, a servant for all seasons and all mankind.

Moody started preaching at West Balm Beach in 1961 alongside the late famous evangelist Billy Graham, and became pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, now called Family Church Downtown.

He felt called to pursue a dream of founding a Christian university in Palm Beach, however, and after raising money and getting community support, he helped open Palm Beach Atlantic in 1968, serving as its first president.

Evangelical figures, such as Russell D. Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, hailed his impact.

"Sad to hear of the death of titanic Baptist figure Jess Moody," Moore wrote on Twitter.

Megachurch pastor Dudley Rutherford of Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch, Los Angeles, called him one of the most creative and captivating speakers and a man who built the first building here at Shepherd Church."

He loved life and could find humor in every occasion. Where so many people saw fault, he always saw the good. He was a dreamer. A BIG DREAMER. He loved evangelism. He loved telling stories. He loved building the Church. He loved reaching the lost. He loved preaching about Jesus, Rutherford recalled on Facebook.

He was a bit of a maverick, but in a good way. Shepherd Church would NOT be here without his vision and his perseverance. He found a way to point people to the Lord, no matter what the circumstance. Thought about him every day and the church that he built here in the Northwest corner of the valley. We are all indebted to him. I love you Jess. You will be missed.

Patrick Moody, the son of the Palm Beach Atlantic University founder, meanwhile placed flowers on his father's statue on Saturday morning at the university.

We thanked the Lord for blessing us all for being born into this family and have patriarch who loved us and everyone else and made such a difference in everyones life, Patrick Moody said, according to The Palm Beach Post.

He said that his father had a magnetic nature, encouraging and accepting everyone.

Everyone needs a Jess Moody in their life to lift them up, he said. It was great gift from God.

Besides his work at Palm Beach, Moody also wrote several books, and preached at major locations, from the White House to churches across Europe.

He poured his heart into people. He didnt beat people with the Bible, Patrick Moody said. He loved us like Jesus loves us.

Looking back at his father's vision, Patrick Moody noted that he wanted a college that kept Christ at the center," which would serve as a response to the counterculture happening across college campuses in the 1960s.

God gave Jess Moody the vision and dad wasnt gonna stop until it happened, the son said.
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A test of a worldview is whether it is big enough to weather sickness, disability, and the scorn of a culture.

A week ago Monday, my friend Joni Eareckson Tada had surgery to remove a cancerous nodule. This less than three years after being declared cancer-free. Im thankful to say that the procedure seems to have been a success.

Please pray for Joni, her husband Ken, her family, and the continuing work of her ministry, Joni and Friends.

Soon after she received this new diagnosis, Joni wrote me about what it means to suffer well. And I thought: If theres a category of life more alien to the secular, progressive mind, I dont know what it would be. A dominant message in our culture is that suffering is irredeemable, worthless, and to be avoided at all costseven at the cost of life itself. Thats the thinking behind doctor-assisted suicide for instance, something Joni has fiercely opposed.

Still what continually stuns me, and convicts me, is how Joni understandseven now, even after fifty years in a wheelchair and even in the midst of a second battle with cancerthat her suffering is not about her. It has eternal potential.

She knows (and shes told me herself) that the way she handles whats happening to her right now will send a message: not only that life with disability is worth living, but that God has a special place in His family for those our culture considers inconvenient. She understands that members of Christs body who cant walk, or see, or interact on the same level as others are not only indispensable parts of the Kingdom of God, but are needed by the rest of us for our own edification and sanctification.

Unfortunately, many of us in the church fail to grasp this. In a recent piece in the Washington Post, sociologist Andrew Whitehead described how he and his family have struggled to find a church home. They have two sons on the autism spectrum, and he tells of degrading comments and behaviors by congregants who see these boys as interruptions instead of Image-Bearers.

Whitehead says he and his wife have spent years watching worship and sermons on screens, or just giving up and staying home. Christians have told him his children probably shouldnt attend church, because they cant really get anything out of it.

His experience, sadly, isnt unique. He cites a survey of over 400 parents of children with special needs, which found that a third of them had switched faith communities because their children werent welcome. In his own research, hes found that the odds of children on the autism spectrum never attending religious services at all are nearly double those of children without such a condition.

Church leaders, I get it. Its hard. Dear friends of mine who have children with autismincluding Chuck Colsons daughter, Emilyhave described their daily struggle and exhaustion in a way that leaves me in awe of their strength and faith. For a church to decide to prioritize, love, and serve a family with needs like this takes sacrifice.

But too often, the reason we fail to embrace these children isnt because its too hard. Its because kids with disabilities get in the way of the show on stage or the church brand. This type of Christianity, thats focused on giving us a positive experience and making us feel good, is a small shriveled vision of the Gospel. This kind of Christianity will crumble in the face of true suffering. It wont withstand the assaults of quadriplegia, of terminal illness, or of a child with a severe disability. It certainly wont disciple its people to withstand the social disapproval of an angry culture, or a school full of angry peers. It leaves us poorer and anemic.

We will never be able to weather the ordeals that will come our way, neither as individuals nor as churches, unless we recover a theology, and practice, of suffering in Christ.

This Sunday I watched as a young man with disability served in my church for the first time as an acolyte. He didnt do everything right, but we will all be better at following Jesus because hes with us.

Resources

Kids with disabilities face many challenges. Church shouldnt be one of them. Andrew Whitehead | Washington Post | November 16, 2018

Originally posted at Breakpoint.
Thousands of women burned alive in India, not recognized as humans: Ministry warns

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Thousands of brides are being burned alive in India despite the practice being illegal, a Christian ministry has warned.

India Partners, a Christian organization that works alonside indigenous Christian grassroots agencies in India, told Mission Network News on Thursday that there are still as many as 8,000 bride burning cases a year in the Hindu-majority country.

A representative with India Partners, identified only as John, said the low view of women is spread through parts of India's society.

This is true both of men and women. Its not just of men itself. Most women see the other woman as in an inferior position and not able to recognize her rights as a human being," he said.

The burning attacks, some of which have resulted in deaths, are tied to dowry and marriage disputes in rural districts.

Horrible things like this happen, and many times they happen because of dowry deaths. Before marriage, the families will agree upon a dowry that the brides family generally will pay to the grooms family," John explained.

"After marriage, the grooms family sees the leverage of threatening the girl and asking for more money. So they will begin threats, they will begin beatings, and the rule of thumb is something like the more money you want, the more you need to beat her.

Women are often beaten when the groom's family demands more money, which then sometimes escalates in dousing them with flammable liquid and setting them on fire.

John said that bride burning is more common in rural districts like Uttar Pradesh because the perpetrators are less likely to be prosecuted.

"But the harassment happens everywhere. In the harassment of women, your caste doesnt make any difference. How much education you have doesnt make any difference," he added.

Women in India continue to suffer from a widespread rape epidemic, with many stories of extreme violence, sexual assaults, and murder making international news.

Dalits, members of the so-called "untouchables" lowest caste class in India, are also subject to discrimination, especially those who choose to convert to Christianity.

Earlier this week, some 2,000 Christian Dalits marched in New Delhi, demanding that the government does not stop their social benefits due to their new faith.

The fears are based on government regulations that argue that Dalit Christians and Muslims who leave the Hindu faith can no longer be considered part of the caste, UCA News.com reported.

"Government comes and goes, and we get only false promises. Several protest rallies and marches in the past were useless. Now we play our drums to wake up the sleeping government," said Father A. Arputharaj, a protest organizer in the march.
Bake Off star Martha Collison urges families to #FollowTheStar this Christmas

The UK's recent baking revolution is helping bring families together to share in the joy of Christmas, according to star baker Martha Collison.

The food writer and blogger  the youngest ever contestant on The Great British Bake Off  was joined by a crack team of junior bakers at Hunsdon JMI School in Hertfordshire as she prepared a special star-themed recipe.

Martha, who made headlines by reaching the quarter-final of the hit reality show aged 17, took on her latest baking challenge in support of the Church of England's #FollowTheStar campaign.

They baked a stained-glass star bauble, and encouraged families to follow the recipe and make time to bake together this Christmas.

The #FollowTheStar campaign, which encourages people to reconnect with their local church this Christmas joining a rising number attending each year, will also see churches around the country displaying prominent stars on walls, towers and steeples.

Martha said: 'Christmas is my favourite time of year to bake, as everyone is in high-spirits and there are plenty of people around to share my creations with!

'I start early, baking gingerbread decorations for my tree. My bauble biscuits have star-shaped cut outs where a boiled sweet is melted to create a stained glass window effect.

'Seeing the lights from the tree shining through the stars reminds me of the joy of Christmas and the Magi following the star to the stable to visit Jesus.

'Going to church has always been an important part of my Christmas morning. I love the joyful atmosphere that builds, singing Christmas carols and spending time celebrating and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

'It sets the tone for the rest of the day, focuses my mind and there is plenty of time later in the day for turkey and stuffing!'

Click here for recipe.
Bishop of Oxford warns parliamentarians against 4 Brexit 'temptations'

The Bishop of Oxford has challenged parliamentarians to put aside the 'four temptations' of self-interest, the pursuit of short term power, nostalgia and idealism as they approach tomorrow's crucial Brexit vote.

In an open letter, Rt Rev Steven Croft  who voted Remain in the referendum  said: 'I believe we now need to honour the outcome of the referendum and reunite the country around a fresh vision of our relationship to the European Union.'

Reflecting on TS Eliot's play Murder in the Cathedral about the death of Thomas Becket and the four tempters who visited him before his murder, he said: 'The Brexit debate has been marred from the beginning, it seems, by the narrow calculation of those hoping to gain or retain high office. Nothing has undermined trust in our politics more than the unsavoury smell of this ambition which is apparent to all.'

Second, he said, was the temptation to be 'swayed by narrow party interest and the pursuit (or retention) of power in the short term'.

He warned thirdly of 'nostalgia, a romantic attachment to the past: to imagine that we can reverse one referendum by another; or go back to a time before the Brexit debates when all was well; or go back still further to a different age of independence and imagined glory. We cannot. We must deal with the world as it is, not as we would like it to be and steer our course accordingly.'

The fourth temptation, he said, was to 'idealism: in a world of difficult choices and necessary compromise to hold onto an ideal which is no longer tenable (whether of a particular kind of leaving or remaining).'

Croft said that in the face of huge issues facing the world and the country, 'The nation is looking to its political leaders for a strong and compelling vision of the future which enables us to see beyond these debates in a way which brings unity and common purpose.'

He urged parliamentarians to look to the example of Christ, who came 'not to be served but to serve' and said: 'I hope and pray that you will be able in the midst of these difficult debates to turn aside from these four temptations, to seek meaningful compromise and to act for the common good.'
Catholic Church beatifies 19 Algerian Christian martyrs

The Roman Catholic Church in Algeria has beatified 19 Christians killed in a civil war in the 1990s including seven Trappist monks who were beheaded at their monastery by Islamist militants.

The beatification in the port city of Oran is the first of its kind in a Muslim nation. Algerian officials, delegates of Pope Francis and friends of the victims were among 1,200 people at the ceremony.

'These brothers and sisters died among tens and tens of thousands of Algerian" Muslims,' said Archbishop Paul Desfarges of Algiers at the ceremony, which opened with a minute's silence.

The war started after the military-backed government cancelled legislative elections in 1992 a radical Islamist party was poised to win. 200,000 people died in the conflict and the economy stalled.

Pope Francis said in a message he hoped the beatification would 'heal the wounds of the past and create a new dynamic of meeting and living together'.

Desfarges had written in advance of the ceremony: 'In 2018, we live in a world without belief, where fraternity is threatened, and in particular with our Muslim brothers and sisters. We are able to say that, through this ceremony, it is possible to live relationships of friendship, fraternity and appreciation with Muslims.'

Christians are a tiny minority in the Sunni Muslim nation. Most of the 19 Christians who were killed were French. The Trappists were kidnapped from their monastery east of the capital and then executed.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
De-miners sound all-clear at marooned Jordan River baptism shrines

Israeli and foreign engineers sounded the all-clear on Sunday around three churches on the western bank of the Jordan River, near where Jesus is believed to have been baptised, after mines that had marooned the shrines for decades were cleared.

The river banks were once a war zone between Israel and Jordan, and were littered with thousands of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The two neighbours made peace in 1994 but it took many years before the defusing and clearing began.

Seven churches have lain abandoned for more than 50 years in the area of operations, about a kilometre from the Qasr al-Yahud baptism site in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which is a major draw for Christian pilgrims.

Israel's Defence Ministry said on Sunday that mine-clearing had been completed around three of the shrines  belonging to the Franciscan order and the Greek Orthodox and Ethiopian churches  though they have yet to be formally opened to the clergy or the public.

'The clearing and releasing of this land, and the opportunity to return it to its religious guardians, is a project in which we take great pride,' Marcel Aviv, head of the ministry's de-mining department, said in a statement.

Work around the other four shrines  Syrian Orthodox, Coptic, Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic  would take months to complete, Israel said. Engineers worry that some of them might have been booby-trapped.

The Halo Trust, a Scottish-based charity that has cleared minefields worldwide and was once sponsored by the late Princess Diana, has also been involved in the project near Qasr al-Yahud.

The charity's CEO, James Cowan, said donations had come from Christians, Jews and Muslims worldwide.

'This Christmas/holiday season, the Halo Trust has reached a pivotal point in our work to clear the Baptism Site of landmines and other remnants of war ... which will ultimately benefit all humanity,' he said.
Iran arrests 100 Christians ahead of Christmas

More than 100 Iranian Christians were arrested last week in another sign of increasing pressure on Iran's believers.

According to Open Doors, most were allowed to return home after a few hours but were told to expect a call from the Ministry of Intelligence. All of them had their mobile phones confiscated.

People who were suspected to be the leaders of the groups of Christians were held in detention.

Open Doors UK's head of advocacy, Zoe Smith, said long prison sentences have been given to Christians who refused to leave Iran after their previous arrests. However, long prison terms are now becoming common for Christians who have been arrested for the first time.

;This spike in arrests is highly concerning. It follows an established trend of the Iranian government  as the number of converts to Christianity increase, so the authorities place greater restrictions on churches,' she said. 'The restrictions are worse for churches seen to be attended by Christians who have converted from Islam. Not only that, but the government is asking unreasonably high bail amounts and seeing longer prison terms for Christians.'

House churches for Christians from Muslim backgrounds have been raided and leaders given long prison sentences. Consequently, many converts have fled abroad or practise their faith in isolation. Christians from the government approved historical Armenian and Assyrian churches who reach out to Muslims have reported discrimination, harassment, physical abuse and imprisonment.

Smith continued: 'Some Christians disappear from their communities after serving a sentence; church leaders are put under pressure to leave the country or face an arrest; house churches weaken as their members choose to decrease their meeting hours and minimise their activities; some Christians lose the contact with their churches altogether becoming isolated.'

Iran is number 10 on the Open Doors World Watch List ranking the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.
Monk, hermit and mystic: 7 quotes from Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton died 50 years ago today, on December 10, 1968. A prolific author, his most famous work is his spiritual autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain.

Merton's spirituality drew not just on Christian traditions but on Eastern religions as well, though he was an orthodox Christian.

His mother died when he was six years old and he grew up with his father in the US, France and England. Before attending university at Cambridge he went on a tour of Europe, including Rome, where his attraction to Catholicism first began to grow.

He was received into the Church in 1938 and was received into the Cistercian Order as a novice at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky in 1942.

He taught and wrote widely, preaching peace, racial tolerance, and social equality. However, it is for his deep insight into the human nature and the ways of God that he is remembered.

He died in a bizarre accident, electrocuted in Bangkok by a faulty electrical appliance.

Here are seven quotes from Thomas Merton.

1. Life is this simple: we are living in a world that is absolutely transparent and the divine is shining through it all the time. This is not just a nice story or a fable, it is true.

2. Anxiety is the mark of spiritual insecurity.

3. The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image.

4. The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our minds.

5. If our life is poured out in useless words, we will never hear anything, never become anything, and in the end, because we have said everything before we had anything to say, we shall be left speechless at the moment of our greatest decision.

6. By reading the scriptures I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me. The sky seems to be a pure, a cooler blue, the trees a deeper green. The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet.

7. The real reason why so few men believe in God is that they have ceased to believe that even a God can love them.
'Time has come': Chinese police detain prominent house church leaders

Police have detained dozens of churchgoers and leaders of one of China's most prominent Protestant house churches, congregation members and activists said, in the latest government action against unregistered religious groups.

Teams of police and state security officials in the southwestern city of Chengdu came to the homes of leaders and members of the Early Rain Covenant Church late on Sunday and detained them, according to church announcements sent to members and passed to Reuters by churchgoers and activists.

'The time has come. O, Lord! Did you not establish this church for this very purpose?' the church said in one of its announcements.

'We will wait for Thee, as one keeping vigil waits for daybreak.'

More than 100 people are believed to have been detained, said a church elder, who declined to be identified.

Neither the Chengdu nor national-level Public Security Ministries responded to faxed requests for comment.

China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but since President Xi Jinping took office six years ago, the government has tightened restrictions on religions seen as a challenge to the authority of the ruling Communist Party.

Chinese law requires that all places of worship register and submit to government oversight, but some churches have declined to register, for various reasons.

The Early Rain Church is one of the best known unregistered house churches in China.

Members of the church have been unable to contact pastor Wang Yi, the church's founder, or his wife, and church groups on the instant messaging platform WeChat had also been blocked, the church said in an announcement.

Reuters was unable to reach Wang for comment.

Beijing-based journalist Ian Johnson, who wrote about Wang and his congregation in his 2017 book The Souls of China, said on Twitter that the crackdown was 'really disturbing news'.

'I'm afraid this is part of a bigger crackdown on unregistered Christian churches as the government pushes its efforts to dominate society,' he wrote.

Police told Zhang Xianchi, 84, a well-known author and church member, not to visit the church, because it had been 'outlawed' and that all its top leaders had been detained, according to an account from Zhang shared with Reuters by church members.

A video posted online by activists in China and overseas, which Reuters was unable to independently verify, showed a group of about a dozen plainclothes policemen taking church-goers away from a meeting.

In the footage, police told a woman they were taking a man to the municipal public security bureau to be investigated, while a child cried in the background.

'I'm telling you, we are enforcing the law,' a policeman said to the woman.

Churches across China have more pressure to register since a new set of regulations to govern religious affairs came into effect in February and increased punishments for unofficial churches.
From the worlds first atlas to a Roman guide to horse medicine

Highlights from our Valuable Books & Manuscripts sale in London on 12 December, also including John Clares copy of Keats Endymion, a first edition of Das Kapital inscribed by Karl Marx, and a magical scroll for summoning angels and demons

1

One of two editions of The Wealth of Nations retained by Adam Smith for his own library

The Wealth of Nations cast Adam Smith as an icon of economic liberalism, extolling the necessity of free markets, the division of labour and the mutually beneficial character of exchange. Smith spent two decades working on the book before it was published in 1776. Hailed as excellent and profound, the first edition sold out within six months. Four further editions appeared in Smiths lifetime. The present copy is one of two retained by Adam Smith for his own library and was purchased by Homer B. Vanderblue, the pre-eminent collector of Adam Smith of the first half of the 20th century.

2

A first edition Das Kapital, which Karl Marx presented to his cousin

In the early 1840s, Karl Marx had been consumed with an intensive study of political economy, particularly in relation to the work of Adam Smith and David Ricardo. His movements across Europe in the following years  a constant cycle of exile followed by expulsion  meant he was unable to follow through in his publication of his own book on economics. Often, Marx turned to his maternal family living in Zaltbommel in the Netherlands, for support and comfort. He was particularly close to his first cousin, Nanette Philips (1837-1885), and presented her with this first edition of Das Kapital, his most important work and the book which would tilt countries into revolution.

3

Polar journals from Scott's fateful Antarctic expedition

These two extraordinary journals belonging to Tryggve Gran, a member of the 1910-1913 British Antarctic Expedition, are supremely important pieces of Polar history. WATCH: Tryggve Grans son talk about the extraordinary diaries covering the search for Captain Scott Diverging often from his published memoirs and offering additional material, they cover Grans prescient dream on the night of 14 December 1911 of Amundsens triumph in becoming the first man to reach the South Pole, the search for Captain Scotts party and the tragic discovery of the tent in which his body lay.

4

The most important first edition in Greek Classical literature

This first edition of Homers Opera  hailed as the first perfect poetry of the Western world  was edited by the humanist scholar Demetrius Chalcondylas, and was printed in Florence in December 1488. In preparing his text Chalcondylas consulted Eustathius monumental 12th-century commentary, which enabled him to clarify uncertain readings in The Iliad and The Odyssey, but he warns in his preface that the texts of the Hymns and of The Batrachomyomachia still leave much to be desired. This editio princeps (the first printed edition of the work, which previously had existed only in manuscripts) is, nevertheless, the most ambitious Greek production until the Aldine Aristotle.

5

The worlds first atlas

Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) masterstroke with the Theatrum was to provide, in a single volume, accurate modern maps in a uniform, regularised format, together with explanatory text. The worlds first atlas was the most expensive book of its day, and yet also one of the bestsellers, going into 37 editions and seven languages. This finely coloured copy, profusely highlighted in gold, is the third edition with the text in Latin.

6

One of only eight copies of Chinas famous Blue Map of the world

This extremely rare example of the famous Blue Map of the world is uniquely printed in yin (relief) and yang (intaglio) woodblock engraving. It was deliberately printed in deep blue and green colours to recall the antique culture of the venerable blue-and-green style of painting popularised at the imperial court of the Tang dynasty (618-907). The title of the map is as much a political statement as it is a geographical record, showing China at the height of the Qing empire. The map had a utilitarian purpose to aid in the administration of the empire, while also confirming the Qing/Chinese notion of the Central Kingdom with all foreign entities inhabiting the fringes of the empire. Only seven other copies can be traced in institutions.

7

A unique survival by an early advocate of veterinary medicine

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus (circa 383-450 AD) is the author of two major works: the first, the Epitoma Rei Militaris, is one of the most influential military treatises in the Western world; the second, the Mulomedicina, is a work in three books entirely devoted to equine veterinary medicine. This unrecorded illuminated manuscript of Mulomedicina  commissioned for the Ferrillo family of Naples, and still preserved in its contemporary binding  reveals the Roman preoccupation with farm management and the declining state of equine and bovine veterinary medicine. Throughout, Vegetius emerges as someone anxious to justify veterinary medicine as a discipline as worthy of study as human medicine.

8

An exceptional rediscovery of a long-lost text from the early 16th century

This unique eyewitness account of the Spanish conquest of Tripoli in 1510 was produced as a deluxe presentation manuscript for Count Gerolamo Adorno (1483-1523). The text is a vivid  and often gruesome  account of the departure of the Spanish fleets from the island of Favignana near Sicily; their arrival in Libya and capture of Tripoli; the slaughter or imprisonment of much of the population; the subsequent disastrous attempt to capture Djerba and the final withdrawal back to Sicily and Naples.

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Battistinos account, told from a first-person perspective, is peppered with arresting detail  he talks about the main protagonists of the campaign, the military strategy and about the numbers of dead. Particularly brutal is a description of the Spanish armies slaughtering old and young in a mosque.

9

A copy of John Keats Endymion owned by another of the great 19th-century English poets

When it was first published in 1818, John Keats poem Endymion was received very badly by contemporary reviewers. It was even believed at the time that this criticism brought about Keats ill health and premature death at age 25; Lord Byron quipped that Keats had been snuffd out by an article. Today, however, the poem is celebrated for its moments of genius, in particular its famous opening lines: A thing of beauty is a joy forever: / Its loveliness increases; it will never / Pass into nothingness. This copy is particularly special because it belonged to John Clare, another of the great 19th-century English poets. On the half-title of this copy, Clare writes John Clare / Helpstone / 1821, perhaps inspired by the news he received in March of that year of Keats untimely death in Rome.

10

A magical scroll designed to invoke powerful spiritual and angelic protection
Summit Midstream Partners LP

A Houston-area pipeline and storage terminal company with operations in six states will be starting the New Year with members of its management team stepping into new roles.

Summit Midstream Partners LP announced on Monday that its longtime executive vice president and CFO Matthew Harrison will be leaving the company on Jan. 4 to pursue other interests.
UPDATE: The King of Sweden Monday presented Houston immunologist Jim Allison with the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine, the first ever to an MD Anderson Cancer Center scientist.

Jim Allison, the Houston scientist whose breakthrough discovery in immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, will receive his 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine from the King of Sweden Monday morning.

The awards ceremony in Stockholm, livestreamed at the Nobel Prize website at 9:30 a.m. CST, follows a series of meetings, receptions, dinners and other activities in recent days. The first was a visit Thursday to the Nobel Museum, where Allison signed the bottom of a chair at Bistro Nobel, a tradition among Nobel recipients.

Allison, chairman of immunology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, said at a news conference later Thursday that he expects substantial advances toward treating cancer in the next several decades, but acknowledged it is unlikely the disease will be eradicated.

"Soon we'll get close with some cancers," the Associated Press quoted Allison as saying. But "the world will never be cancer-free."

WINNER: Houston scientist Jim Allison wins Nobel

AP also reported that Allison said he intends to donate post-taxes prize money -- he and fellow recipient Tasuku Honjo will split 9 million-kronor, which amounts to $999,000 -- to support others working in the field and to a charity that supports schools for women.

On Friday, Allison gave a lecture, viewable here, about his discovery that a protein known as CTLA-4 acts as a brake to rein in the immune system. Allison went on to develop a drug, Yervoy, to unleash the brake to destroy cancer cells, the first of what is now a class of drugs that release such brakes. Honjo identified the second such brake, known as PD-1.

Drugs that remove such brakes, known as checkpoint inhibitors, realized the tantalizing promise of immunotherapy, which is now taking its place alongside surgery, radiation and chemotherapy as a pillar of cancer treatment.

Checkpoint inhibitors don't work in all cancers and patients, but in those they do, it produces lasting benefits not seen with chemotherapy and radiation. Particularly effective in lung cancer and the skin cancer melanoma, both brutal diseases, it is currently the subject of thousands of clinical trials, typically in combination with other therapies, to attempt to extend its benefits to more people.

BREAKTHROUGH: Allison's Nobel beckons new era of immunotherapy

In keeping with tradition, Allison donated the following artifacts to the Nobel Museum:

-- A vial representing the mouse-model monoclonal antibody developed in his lab in 1995 to block CTLA-4.

-- A vial of Yervoy.

-- The first page of a 1996 article in the journal Science that reported the success of anti-CTLA-4 treatment in freeing T cells to attack cancer in mice.

-- The first page of a 2015 review in the journal Cell co-authored by Padmanee Sharma, an MD Anderson professor who is Allison's longtime research collaborator and spouse.

-- A portrait of Allison and Sharma taken by a Dallas photographer.

The activities -- including a royal dinner, the official portrait of Nobel winners and a late-night party with local students, known as the Nobel NightCap -- will continue through Wednesday.

Todd Ackerman covers medicine for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at todd.ackerman@chron.com or twitter.com/ChronMed.
According to a Rice Kinder Houston Area survey in 2018, more than one in four Houston residents said that stray animals in their neighborhood were a very serious problem.

Houston PetSet wants to bring awareness to this issue, with hopes to control pet over-population through education. Houston PetSet is an organization dedicated to animal welfare by providing grants to animal welfare-related nonprofits in the greater Houston area.

Houston PetSet was founded in 2004 with a mission to end homelessness and suffering of companion animals and elevate their status in society.

Twin sisters Tama and Tena Lundquist Faust are the co-presidents of Houston PetSet.

We joined in 2007 because we believed in helping those rescues on the front line, Lundquist said. We have always had a deep love of animals. We cant not do this.

In 2015 the co-presidents decided that HoustonPetSet needed to study the issues, and to have a strategic plan.

When we became co-presidents we realized we werent getting ahead of the problem. We didnt just want to put a band aid on a broken arm, Lundquist Faust said.

We want to kick off this new phase of Houston PetSet by solving the problem through collaboration, Lundquist said.

Houston PetSet focuses on six impact areas: spay and neuter, transport and rescue, community service and education, cruelty prevent, research and advocacy.

They commissioned a study in 2017 through Rice Universitys Houston Action Research Team to assess the state of animal welfare in Houston and Harris County. The study found that approximately 84,512 animals went through the Houston shelter system in 2016 and this cost the five largest shelters a total of $36,323,500.

Other studies, such as a 2010 UTHealth survey, identified that stray dogs and cats were the number one issue impacting quality of life for people in Houston, over crime, air pollution, traffic and other issues.

This was in 2010, and we know its gotten worse since then, Lundquist said.

Houston PetSet raises funds through events such as the Annual Fierce & Fabulous Soiree held each September. To date, Houston PetSet has gifted more than $2.5 million to dozens of charitable organizations.

Houston PetSet recently held their 8th Annual Gifting Event on Nov. 28, where the money raised from the Soiree was granted to almost 70 local organizations. The full list can be read online on Houston PetSets website at www.houstonpetset.org/grant.

We insist on reading every single name at the Gifting Event. It builds support and collaboration between the groups. We want to get them all together. Our mission and our goal is more similar than it is different, Lundquist Faust said.

Aside from the Soiree and the Gifting Event, the board of Houston PetSet meets with different task force groups, fields and directs phone calls about animals, and they are always looking at more data.

We have traveled to other cities to see what they are doing in order to refine what we are doing. We have been told that what we are doing is different than anyone else because it covers all aspects, Lundquist Faust said.

The co-presidents note that there are lots of ways that people can help animals, such as fostering, spaying and neutering and donations.

Rescue groups are always looking for more foster homes. When people foster, it makes room for one more animal coming into the shelter. It also socializes the animal and makes it more adoptable, Lundquist Faust said.

Donations and funding are always needed. Charitable contributions are a fraction of what nonprofits receive. Even $10 helps because we can microchip an animal for that cost; $75 will cover the cost of a spay or neuter, Lundquist said.

The co-presidents also urge pet owners to take their pets inside during Houstons extreme summer temperatures, as well as on the days it gets cold too.

Growing up in northern Minnesota, we never saw strays, Lundquist said. Moving to Houston, I was shocked. Once you get a grasp on the problem, it is hard to look away. We feel like we have an ability to help solve the problem.

We know that only 13 percent of animals are getting care. We are only touching the tip of the iceberg. Collaboration is important to the solution, Lundquist Faust said.

For more information, visit www.houstonpetset.org.

rebecca.hazen@chron.com
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.
Nov. 30

At 1:01 p.m., a Police Officer was dispatched to 8300 Mykawa to pick up a prisoner, who had warrants out of the City of West University Place. The prisoner (Eric Gamble) was placed in custody and booked into the West University Place jail.

Dec. 1

At 9:59 a.m., a police officer was dispatched to the 2500 block of Southwest Freeway to meet with a city of Houston police officer, who had in his custody an individual with warrants out of the city of West University Place. The individual was placed in custody and was transported to the West University Place jail.

Dec. 2

At 12:05 p.m., a police officer was dispatched to the 4100 block of Amherst, in reference to an Identity Theft call, which had already occurred.

An Officer was dispatched to the 2700 block of Robinhood in regards of a Burglary of Habitation that had already occurred.

Dec. 3

An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby to speak with a person about harassment.

An officer observed a traffic violation in the 4100 block of Bissonnet. The driver was subsequently arrested for Driving while license invalid.

An officer observed a vehicle traveling northbound in the 6400 block of Weslayan with cancelled plates. A traffic stop was conducted and after further investigation, the driver (Alejandro Iglesias) was arrested for Tampering with Governmental Record and an outstanding probation violation warrant.

Dec. 4

At 6:23 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in reference to a case of found property.

An officer observed a vehicle traveling northbound in the 6600 block of Weslayan with expired registration. A traffic stop was conducted and after further investigation, the driver (Cain Pacheco) was arrested for Driving While License Invalid.

An officer observed a vehicle traveling eastbound in the 4100 block of Bissonnet with expired registration and defective brake lights. A traffic stop was conducted and after further investigation the driver (Josephine Galvan) and passenger (Deshandra Hall) were arrested for Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information.

At 11:56 p.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling westbound in the 4100 block of Bissonnet with a defective license plate light. A traffic stop was conducted after further investigation, the driver (David Perkins) was arrested for the offense of Driving While License Invalid.

Dec. 5

At 7:48 a.m., a police officer was dispatched to the 2600 block of Nottingham, in regards to a Theft, which had already occurred.

Dec. 6

Officers stopped and detained a vehicle in regards to having a defective drivers side headlight while traveling north bound in the 5500 block of Buffalo Speedway. A probable cause search was conducted and illegal contraband was discovered in the vehicle. The vehicles occupants were subsequently arrested and charges were filed. The investigation also revealed the two subjects had outstanding felony warrants with Harris County. All the occupants were taken in to custody.

At 7:51 a.m., a police officer was dispatched to the 3700 block of University, in reference to a failing to stop and give insurance information call, which had already occurred.

Officers responded to a welfare check of a man lying in the 6500 block of Buffalo Speedway. During that investigation, officers detained the subject under an emergency detention order and transported him to the Neural Processing Center.
There may be one less master limited partnership trading on the New York Stock Exchange by this time next week.

Shareholders of Enbridge Energy Partners and Enbridge Energy Management will meet at the Hilton Houston Post Oak on Dec. 17 to vote on a proposed merger between the two companies.

Announced in September, the proposed merger between Enbridge Energy Partners and Enbridge Energy Management was designed to simplify corporate and capital structures as well as improve returns for investors.

Calgary-based pipeline and storage terminal company Enbridge and its subsidiary Enbridge Energy Management own a combined 51.75 percent of Enbridge Energy Partners. The remaining 48.25 percent of the company is traded publicly.

The three companies are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under different stock tickers. Enbridge is traded under ENB, while Enbridge Energy Partners is traded under EEP, and Enbridge Energy Management is traded under EEQ.

Under a proposed plan released in September, Enbridge Energy Partners shareholders will receive 0.335 shares ENB stock for each share of EEP stock. Enbridge Energy Partners would then cease to be its own company and its stock would no longer be traded.

The boards of directors overseeing Enbridge Energy Partners and Enbridge Energy Management are recommending that shareholders vote in favor of the merger. The vote comes less than a year after Enbridge merged with Houston-based pipeline and storage company Spectra Energy, creating one of the largest pipeline companies in North America.

Founded in 1991, Enbridge Energy Partners was set up as a special category of companies known as master limited partnerships, or MLPs, which hold assets and provide tax benefits to the parent company.

Federal tax reform and shifting preferences among investors have led many companies in the midstream sector to move their master limited partnerships back into their parent companies. More than a dozen MLPs specializing in pipelines and storage terminals for the oil and natural gas industry have been folded back into their parent companies over the past two years.
Mexico plans to start awarding the construction of its seventh refinery as soon as March 2019, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said at an event at the Dos Bocas port, in Tabasco, even as the nations refining system is operating at its lowest levels in three decades.

Unveiling a plan for the nations refining system, Lopez Obrador said Mexico will invest $8 billion in the new processing facility at Dos Bocas. "We are going to start the bidding process for the refinery by March at latest," he said to a cheering crowd in the sun-drenched town in the Gulf of Mexico, reiterating his intentions to boost fuel self-sufficiency and end long-term declines in oil output. Mexicos oil production, on track for its 14th consecutive yearly decline, will rise "realistically" to 2.4 million barrels per day by 2024, he said.

Lopez Obrador said a lot of 566 hectares of federal land is ready for the new plant, which will have crude processing capacity of 340,000 daily barrels, making it Mexicos biggest refinery. It will include 17 processing plants, and 93 storage tanks or facilities, and link up to the Dos Bocas maritime terminal. A pipeline will be built connecting the refinery to the port.

From HoustonChronicle.com: Mexico's AMLO takes office with attack on energy overhaul

Companies such as Ica Fluor, a joint venture between Mexicos Empresas ICA SAB and Fluor Corp. in the U.S., and U.S.-based Bechtel, have previously expressed interest in participating in the public tender for the refinery project. Lopez Obrador didnt said if the state-owned oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, will operate the new facility.

"In three years we will be producing the gasoline that we consume in the country, so that now we can lower the prices of the fuel," he said.

Lopez Obrador also said the government will increase Pemexs budget by 75 billion pesos for 2019 so the company will be able to invest in a series of new projects to improve its operations. He reiterated his government will submit the 2019 budget to the Congress on December 15 and said the nation wont use the oil contingency fund to finance the new oil policy.

THEFT: President says fuel theft costs Mexico up to $3.5B yearly

Refineries works

Lopez Obrador said Pemex will conduct overhaul works on its six refineries and bring gasoline production up to 600,000 barrels a day by mid-2020, according to an emailed statement from the energy ministry. In October, Pemex produced 171,700 daily barrels of gasoline.

The Salamanca refinery will undergo works to bring capacity to 75 percent by the end of next year. Pemex will replace an FCC unit and rehabilitate Mina 1 unit at the Minatitlan refinery to increase capacity by mid-2019. The Madero plant, which has undergone an intensive maintenance cycle this year, will start operating again in January. Cadereyta and Salina Cruz will require extensive maintenance, with the latter expected to reach 70 percent of capacity in December next year. At Tula, where a joint-venture for a coker unit has yet to be finalized, the government will restart the H-Oil unit.

2018 Bloomberg L.P.
Randalls is shuttering its seventh local store this year as the longtime Houston grocery chain continues to struggle in the city's hyper-competitive market.

The Randalls at North Fry and Morton roads in Katy will close and be sold to El Rancho Supermercado, a fast-growing Hispanic grocery chain that entered the Houston market earlier this year.

RELATED: Randalls continues retreat from competitive grocery market

Randalls, locally based but now a subsidiary of national supermarket company Albertsons, will have just one store in Katy after closing its 1525 South Mason location in 2017 and its 3050 North Fry location this year. The chain will continue to operate its Katy location at 525 South Fry.

The decision to close its North Fry location came after an extensive analysis of the Randalls store portfolio, spokeswoman Connie Yates said.

"There are no additional store closings at this time," Yates said in an email.

RELATED: Randalls to close third store since April

Randalls, once one of the top grocery chains in Houston, has been steadily retreating from the city's competitive market. The company this year closed its Garden Oaks, Stafford, Cypress, Montrose, The Woodlands and Sugar Land stores, bringing the chain's local footprint to 22 from 51 locations in 2005.

Randalls today has less than 4 percent of the Houston grocery market share while H-E-B, Kroger and Walmart each have about a quarter, according to the Shelby Report, a grocery industry research firm.

Albertsons, the parent company of Randalls, is a major stakeholder in El Rancho, a Garland, Texas-based grocery chain catering to the state's growing Hispanic population. El Rancho replaced two other former Randalls stores locally: Garden Oaks and Stafford.

Check back later at HoustonChronicle.com for more on this developing story.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  When Daphne Maxwell Reid filmed a scene that required her to dash through woods and across streams, the younger actors scrambling alongside her were surprised.

Youre keeping up with us? was the sentiment, said Reid, 70, who played Aunt Vivian opposite Will Smith on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and starred with her husband, Tim Reid, in Franks Place.

I stay ready in this business, said the actress, who taped the action scene for an upcoming film. Shes currently on the small screen in Jacqueline and Jilly, as grandmother to a young woman struggling with a prescription drug addiction. The miniseries is streaming through Jan. 10 on UMC, the Urban Movie Channel .

Reid has shown before shes capable of meeting challenges. As a model, she was one of the first African-American women featured on the cover of Glamour (preceded by Katiti Kironde, winner of the magazines best-dressed college girl contest) and was the first elected as homecoming queen at Northwestern University.

The magazine coup was a breeze for Reid, who dabbled in modeling in college after impressing powerhouse agency head Eileen Ford. But even Reid was surprised when a brief photo session resulted in a shot of the smiling, fresh-faced beauty on Glamours cover in October 1969.

Her experience at her alma mater was less comfortable. She entered the Northwestern contest as a lark only to encounter a stinging backlash.

After she won, she said, the school just ignored me. They didnt put it in the yearbook, it wasnt that important, although the year before the girl had gotten a three-page spread. In response, she cut ties with Northwestern after graduating until, decades later, she got an apology and an invitation to crown the new queen.

For Fresh Prince, she had to persuade viewers to accept her as Vivian after replacing original cast member Janet Hubert in the role.

Jacqueline and Jilly Streaming on the Urban Movie Channel See More Collapse

Reid, whos settled with her filmmaker-actor husband in his native Virginia, had the luxury of staying close to home when Jacqueline and Jilly shot in the state. The miniseries, starring Nikko Austen Smith (Queen Sugar), was written and directed by Victoria Rowell (The Young and the Restless), whos also in the cast.

Reid doesnt rely on acting as her only creative outlet. After a lifetime of taking photos, including on her travels, friends encouraged her to consider a gallery showing.

I thought you have to be an artist to do that, she replied. They said, Why dont you be an artist? 

On her 60th birthday, she decided to take them up on the suggestion.

I had to figure out what that encompasses, and the journey was the joy, said Reid, who had produced books, calendars and more with her photos, with distinctive doors her favorite subject. I think its a metaphor for life for me.  Every decision you make is basically opening a new door.

An avid cook, Reid has published Grace + Soul & Motherwit , which combines her favorite recipes along with stories from her life and trips. A skilled seamstress who made many of her own costumes as an actress, Reid has a clothing line of silk brocade jackets intended as wearable works of art.

Tim Reid said hes pleased when his wife is recognized for the many talents and creative skills that she has possessed since the day that I met her. She exemplifies the definition of a Renaissance woman.

Shes also good at advice, such as how she and Reid, 73, have sustained their marriage of more than three decades: The secret of staying together is respect, and knowing that somethings got to give and you cant always win.  Youve got to learn how to put your ego away.

When it comes to the chances the couple may have missed as young African-Americans in a narrow-minded Hollywood, Reids frustration is mostly for her husband. He was a rare black producer working in TV in the 1980s when he made Franks Place and Snoops and continues to make films and documentaries, as well as train young filmmakers, but hes best known for his on-screen work in series including WKRP in Cincinnati, Simon & Simon and Treme.

Hes very good at directing and hes got great stories to tell, his wife said. She agrees that if he were introducing the critically acclaimed but short-lived Franks Place today, when so many platforms are content-hungry and open to diversity, its fate would have been different.

But we wouldnt have had that wonderful cast, she said, including Tony Burton, the corner man in six Rocky films. Its a timing issue.
David J. Phillip, STF / AP

The city of Friendswood is hosting an informational meeting for those who still need recovery assistance related to Hurricane Harvey.

The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m., Mon. Dec. 17 at Friendswood City Hall, 910 S. Friendswood Drive, according to a statement from the city.
Missouri City voters Saturday elected Yolanda Ford as their next mayor, the first woman and African American ever selected for the city's highest office.

Ford narrowly defeated incumbent Allen Owen, who has been Missouri City's mayor for nearly a quarter of a century. Ford captured about 52 percent of the vote to Owen's 48 percent in Saturday's run-off election.

"I am so proud that the residents of Missouri City have elected me as their mayor," Ford said in a statement. "After having served on the city council for the past five years, and as a lifelong resident, I am deeply invested in the well-being and growth of Missouri City, and I look forward to working with citizens, the city council and others toward its betterment."

Ford, an urban planning manager, will take the oath of office Dec. 17.

CANDIDATES: How Missouri City's contenders stack up

Also Saturday, Missouri City voters re-elected Chris Preston as at-large position 2 council member. He beat challenger Susan Soto by a 64 percent to 36 percent margin in a runoff election.

Ford has served as a Missouri City District A council member since 2013. A Missouri City native with a master's degree in architecture, she has 20 years of professional land and community development experience.

During the campaign, Ford said, "there's a need for a new vision and direction for our city." She said Missouri City's immediate needs are to increase revenue, repair infrastructure, address public safety and redevelop major corridors and added that "I want to implement a comprehensive plan that addresses our challenges, start to assume our utilities and improve the aesthetics of the major corridors."

Ford and Owen qualified for the runoff after a similarly tight Nov. 6 election. Ford received 35.6 percent of that vote and Owen, mayor since 1994, received 34.96 percent. Fred Taylor, the third candidate, received 29.39 percent.

Owen, who has lived in Missouri City for nearly four decades, served as a planning and zoning commissioner for five years and as a council member for eight years prior to becoming mayor. He is a retired bank executive.

Today is the deadline for nominations to fill the District A council member slot vacated by Ford. The appointee will serve until the next regular city election in November 2019.
Katy ISD has done it again, as 11 of its schools are named the best in a 2019 ranking released by Niche, a public data analysis site.

Four high schools and seven junior high schools made the list in separate categories in the the Top 25 2019 Best Public High Schools and Junior High Schools in the Houston Metropolitan Area.
A critical illness is never anything someone wants. Enduring the treatments and diagnoses during the holiday season can oftentimes make it that much more worse.

Thanks to Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana and the 11th annual Macys Believe campaign, benefiting Make-A-Wish, it proved to be a welcome escape for one local teen on Friday.

Claire Sonne received a makeover and a show at Macys Memorial City Mall. She got a complete makeover at Macys for a show made for her thanks to a special performance of The Phantom of the Opera by visiting vocalists Le Sorelle, who performed songs from the musical. Her ultimate wish is to go to Paris to see the famous opera house live and in person.

Claires Phantom of the Opera-themed wish enhancement experience included a glam makeover, a surprise photo opportunity in a room decorated like the Paris Opera House made famous in Phantom of the Opera and the Le Sorelle performance.

It was a perfect show for Claire, who has malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage, as she is a big fan of musical theatre, especially Phantom of the Opera.

KATY: Special needs chihuahua with 'big personality, little body' warms hearts

The scene was set as a visit to the Paris Opera House following her makeover.

Friday was National Believe Day and Claire was the recipient of one of 25 special Wishes Across America Macys in cities across the country. Macys and Make-A-Wish have been conducting the Believe campaign for 11 years. The campaign helps Make-A-Wish grant wishes to children with critical illnesses.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was begun in 1980 when 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius, who was being treated for leukemia, was befriended by U.S. Customs Office Tommy Austin. Greicius aspired to be a police officer and Austin worked with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to spend a day as a police officer.

Greicius died on May 3, 1980, but his experience inspired the formation of the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Macys Believe campaign invites Believers of all ages to send their letters to Santa at a Believe station at their local Macys store or online. For every letter received now through Dec. 24, Macys will donate $1, up to $1 million, to Make-A-Wish.

Macys has donated more than $112 million to Make-A-Wish since 2003, including more than $17 million through its annual Believe campaign. This funding has helped grant thousands of wishes. The wishes bring unmatched joy and hope to children and families across the country, impacting entire communities across the country.

For more information about Macys Believe campaign, visit the Macy's website.
The Conroe City Council will consider amending its tree ordinance this month that would ease restrictions on developers that could result in clear cutting.

The council will meet for at 2 p.m. Wednesday for its regular workshop meeting in the council chambers, 300 W. Davis.

Its been five years since the council took action to strengthen the ordinance following concerns of clear cutting by developers. At the request of then council members Toby Powell, Guy Martin and Marsha Porter, the city staff updated the ordinance to create preservation zones, create canopy requirements and prohibit the removal of all protected trees, which are defined as healthy trees with a diameter of six or more inches.

According to information from the city, some of the changes the council will consider include eliminating the Urban Forester and tree survey requirement, eliminating some of the preservation zones and increasing the size of protected trees from six inches to 12 inches. Additionally, the amendments to the ordinance will allow for the removal of all underbrush.

I am aware that the Council will discuss changes to the current tree ordinance  , said Director of Community Development Nancy Mikeska. The Developers Committee has recommended changes that reduce developers cost of complying with the ordinance and the time it takes to prepare for development. The tree ordinance has always been a topic of great interest in Conroe. Folks are very passionate on both sides of the issue.

Everyone loves trees, but it can be very expensive to protect them.

In other business:

Sexually oriented business: The council will discuss amending its ordinance regarding sexually oriented businesses to strengthen regulations on sexbot brothels. Currently, city officials consider a business that allows the rental of sex dolls a sexual encounter which is prohibit under the current ordinance.

In these types of enterprises, typically, a person goes to the business and rents a robot that performs a sex act with them, Mikeska said. The place of business is for the purpose of the sexual encounter and currently we consider that prohibited, whether it is a robot or otherwise.

Gym flooring: The council will discuss bids for gymnasium flooring at the C.K. Ray Recreation Center.

Fishing tournament: Council members will consider a request of $20,000 for the Conroe Convention and Visitors Bureau to host and market a Bass Pro Tour Major League Fishing Tournament on Lake Conroe in February.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
Montgomery County commissioners will again consider reversing the court's 2015 action that gave County Judge Craig Doyal ultimate control over each county department.

The commissioners will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday on the fourth floor of the Alan B. Sadler Commissioners Court Building, located at 501 N. Thompson.

This will be the third time the court has addressed the issue.

According to Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack, his office requested the issue be placed on the courts first January meeting after the new court members, including new County Judge Mark Keough, are sworn in. However, Doyals office put the item on the December agenda.

Doyal lost his bid as the Republican party pick for county judge in the March primary against Keough. Keough went on to defeat Democrat Jay Stittleburg in the November general election.

The decision was made by this court to consolidate the power under the county judge and it should be this court that returns it to the court  where it belongs, Noack said. I not only voted against this initially, Ive asked the court to take this action at least three times.

During a Jan. 26, 2015, meeting, the same month Doyal was sworn in as county judge, the court voted 4-1 to restructure county employees, giving Doyal ultimate control over each county department. Noack was the lone nay vote.

The 2015 action by the court gave Doyal sole discretion to reorganize departments, including creation or deletion of departments, transfer of personnel from one department to another, terminations, layoffs, appointments, new hires, demotions and promotions.

Those departments include collections, county engineer, infrastructure, consultants, administrative, risk management, mental health, forensics services, emergency management, elections, information technology, fire marshal, library, veterans, human resources, parks, environmental health, airport maintenance, building maintenance, community development, custodial, civic center, purchasing and the animal shelter.

In a Jan. 26, 2015, Courier article, Doyal defended the move, taken after only his second meeting as county judge, was the first step in eliminating positions that no longer serve a vital function or are duplicated by other county services or offices. That day, as part of the restructuring, Doyal terminated Director of Infrastructure Mark Bosma, who had worked for the county for 23 years and had opposed Doyal in the contentious March 2014 primary election for county judge, which went to a runoff between the two.

The plan, Doyal said, saved the county $500,000 in salaries and benefits.

However, during a Feb. 14, 2017 meeting, Noack, along with Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark, moved to have that motion reversed but the motion failed 3-2.

Noack again revisited the issue during the courts March 27, 2018 meeting but again was defeated. That vote was 3-2 against his motion to give that authority back to Commissioners Court, with Clark flipping his vote from three years ago and siding with Noack.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
With growth comes change, which is something those in the Conroe Independent School District know well.

While it already serve about 63,000 students, the district is projected to add about 1,500 new students per year. In order to accommodate for that, new campuses are a necessity.

The David and Sheree Suchma Elementary School in the Oak Ridge feeder zone is a new K-6 facility east of Interstate 45 along Texas 242. While its set to open August 2019, the district must first determine who will populate the classrooms.

Theyve created the Attendance Boundary Committee of administration members, impacted campus principals and parent representatives to address this.

The committee has drafted a few different scenarios of rezoning, which would shuffle students around in select elementary or intermediate schools to provide overcrowding relief and reallocate students for the new campus.

While the Suchma campus will have a 1,000 student capacity, the district would like to begin by populating the school with between 750 and 850 students.

The district held three zoning process information meetings in October and three community feedback meetings in November while they continue to accept feedback online.

They plan to publicly present the proposed zoning recommendations at three meetings Jan. 8-9 at Irons and Knox junior high schools, and then later at the districts board of trustees meeting.

Want to more details? Visit http://www.conroeisd.net/about/attendance-boundary-process/ to learn more about the process, see the rezoning maps and community meeting times and give feedback. See More Collapse

Chris Hines is the districts deputy superintendent. He said the community has been engaged in the process.

People are excited about the new school opening. Changing where families attend school has a huge impact on them. It can disrupt schedules, day care arrangements, and transportation patterns, to mention only a few areas, Hines said.

This process was a point of discussion at last weeks board of directors meeting at The Woodlands Township.

At the meeting, Director Gordy Bunch said that Harpers Landing residents emailed the township board under the impression that their students would be rezoned from The Woodlands College Park feeder zone to the Oak Ridge Feeder Zone.

They petitioned the township board to address this by sending a letter to CISDs attendance boundary committee in support of keeping their students in The Woodlands College Park feeder zone.

It seems that with both rezoning scenarios, though, Harpers Landing students would stay in the feeder zone theyre currently in.

Its a pure residential request (due to) the fear factor for the folks in Harpers Landing. It was a concern conveyed to me that they already dont feel connected (to The Woodlands) and they would be further impaired (if rezoned), Bunch said.

Ted Stanley, president of the College Park Village Association that represents the Harpers Landing neighborhood, said the rezoning has been a concern as the area is the only non-contiguous neighborhood of The Woodlands.

Theres a physical divide of I-45 and Texas 242, which sometimes gives the perception that theres a divide in the community, but that has never been the case, Stanley said.

To address residents concerns, though, Stanley said he is trying to get a district representative to attend an upcoming village association meeting.

Nevertheless, the township directors debated and ultimately approved sending a letter to the district pledging their support for keeping The Woodlands residents in The Woodlands feeder zones.

jane.stueckemann@chron.com
The second-to-last surviving 'Texas 7' escapee now has a date with death.

Patrick Murphy, who was convicted under the controversial law of parties after playing lookout during a deadly store robbery, is scheduled for execution March 28, according to Texas prison spokesman Jeremy Desel.

News of the grim date comes less than a week after the Lone Star State put to death Joseph Garcia, another member of the break-out crew.

After months of planning, on Dec. 13, 2000, the seven men banded together to pull off the biggest prison escape in Texas history.

READ MORE: Texas 7 escapee fights death sentence as Dec. 4 execution nears

George Rivas, a charismatic thief already serving 17 life sentences, was the ringleader who plotted the break-out from the unit just 60 miles south of San Antonio.

Together, they overpowered a maintenance supervisor and tied up civilian workers as hostages. Two of the gang dressed up as prison workers to sneak into the armory where they took down another employee and seized control of the guard tower.

Then, they loaded up with weapons and supplies and drove out the gate of the Connally Unit in a stolen prison truck.

After orchestrating two robberies in Houston, they headed up to the Dallas area.

There, on Christmas Eve, the men held up an Oshman's sporting goods store in Irving and made off with $70,000 and 44 guns. But before they left, they ran into a cop.

In a chaotic scene, five of the men started firing. When it was over, Officer Aubrey Hawkins lay dead in the Oshman's parking lot, shot 11 times and dragged 10 feet by an SUV as the panicked prisoners fled.

Rivas later admitted to shooting the officer. But Murphy was on the other side of the building as the lookout and, while he warned the others when Hawkins arrived, there was no indication he ever fired a shot.

After a six-figure reward and a spot on "America's Most Wanted," the wanted men were finally captured in Colorado more than a month later, living in a trailer park and posing as Christian pilgrims.

One of the escapees - Larry Harper - killed himself before police could get him. The rest were sent to death row, where four have since been executed.

Only Randy Halprin is still alive on death row with Murphy, who was serving a 50-year-sentence for aggravated sexual assault at the time of the break-out.

In the years since his conviction, Murphy has lobbed appeals raising claims of sub-par lawyering and challenging his conviction under the law of parties, which can hold non-shooters as responsible as the triggerman.

The Lone Star State has executed 12 men this year, and one more - Alvin Braziel - is scheduled to die Tuesday. Including Murphy's death date, there are six executions scheduled so far for 2019.
During America's Jim Crow era, the "Negro Motorist Green Book" was a travel guide for African-Americans traveling across the country.

The publication helped them navigate places that they might not be familiar with, namely businesses that were friendly and safe for African-Americans during that era. The restriction of mobility was a key enterprise of white supremacists in the United States and the book sought to sidestep this.

FILM REVIEW: 'Green Book' is sure to put a smile on your face

"Green Book" is a movie starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali that sheds light on the book for audiences that were probably too young to know about the guide or haven't been told about it by older family members. Directed by Peter Farrelly, it won multiple Oscars, including one for Best Picture.

The first "Negro Motorist Green Book" was published in 1936. The author of the travel guide, Harlem's Victor H. Green, wanted to help others sidestep uncomfortable and embarrassing situations while going about everyday activities that at the time could be be less than accommodating for African-Americans.

Hotels, motels, restaurants, and other services were listed in each city. The guides ranged in price from a quarter to a dollar and some were sold at Esso gas stations.

SAD CHAPTER IN HISTORY: Historic photos show segregated life in Jim Crow Texas

So-called "sundown towns" were to be avoided as they were dangerous people of color. In some instances it was a necessity to pack extra food, water, and gasoline while "traveling while black" in America. Tips on car care ("Bad driving equals bad mileage") were also given. Eventually new editions of the books would grow to cover international destinations.

The last guide was published in 1966 as the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act meant that the book wouldn't be needed, although the worries associated with the book's inception took a while to subside in many areas.

HOUSTON'S FIRSTS: The first time everything happened in Houston, from hurricanes to highways

Houston husband and wife team Toya and Reuben Levi recently created a website named The Green Book Project to document some of the stories around the book, which some called the "Black Bible" built via word of mouth. The books faded from memory after the mid-'60s but there are still lessons to be learned.

"A lot of younger people have never heard of the Green Book, so when we mention to them what it was used for they become interested," Toya Levi said this week. "It helped with the safety of a lot of people. Some people feel like we should bring it back and have an updated Green Book."

Here in Houston a handful of places that were listed in the guide are still standing. According to Toya Levi there are about five buildings still standing, although many hardly look as they did during the Jim Crow era.

HOUSTON SMARTS: Wanna learn about Houston history from an expert? There's a class for that

One of them is the Eldorado Ballroom ("Home of Happy Feet") along Elgin Street in the Third Ward which was called Houston's "Black Downtown" in some circles. The ballroom is still the site of cultural events and concerts.

Another is the Fabulous Mingo Hotel at 4749 Reed Road in Sunnyside which is now known as the Best Reed Motel. Kirk's Court off Kirk Street in the Fifth Ward was a popular lodging destination as well.

BEFORE RIVER OAKS: Inside Quality Hill, Houston's first affluent neighborhood

According to Levi the old Ralston Drug Store at 3318 Lyons Avenue was also listed in a Green Book but now it is does time as a liquor store.

The 1959 edition of the Green Book lists places like the long-gone Crystal Hotel and La Jayo hotels along Lyons Avenue, the Ajapa and New Day off Dowling (now known as Emancipation), and the Cooper Hotel on Dart which are all by and large now just empty lots or completely new structures.

ISLAND LIFE: Vintage pictures of Galveston, Texas' underrated jewel

The Oleander Hotel (now an antique store) was located at 423 25th Street in Galveston. According to Levi this is the last place left standing on Galveston Island that was noted in the Green Book.

Direct connections to those who depended on the book are dwindling with every year, making their stories even more important to record for posterity.

"We have spoken with several older people that are always willing to share their stories about travel during this era," Levis said. "Many of them can recall their parents using The Green Book or just "word of mouth."

THEY REALLY SAID THAT?: The best and weirdest quotes about Houston collected

Cars meant freedom, , just as they do today, but sadly during Jim Crow that dream was not as attainable to everyone. The Green Book was a guide to new world for some.

"Being able to travel to new locations, resorts, and to see family was freedom. Many African-Americans considered their newly purchased vehicles as "Freedom Machines" so to have access to a guide that would help you in these new found territories was amazing."

Copies of the Green Book are available for sale online and original versions go for thousands of dollars at times on the collectors market. The New York Public Library's website has a collection of the books available to peruse online for those that cannot find a physical copy.

The information and history held in its pages are priceless.

Craig Hlavaty covers Houston history and pop-culture. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | craig.hlavaty@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message...
A Pasadena park is the place to catch trout this winter after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has begun stocking fish there through its Neighborhood Fishin program.

Burke Crenshaw Parks pond is one of two new locations in Houston to be stocked through the program, which provides fish to urban lakes and ponds year-round to encourage outdoor activities.

The John D. Parker East Texas State Fish Hatchery will release 2,400 rainbow trout through the winter and into the spring at the pond in the park, 4950 Burke Road, a Texas Parks and Wildlife press release stated.

The Neighborhood Fishin' Program stocks ponds and lakes every two weeks throughout the year with catchable-sized fish  rainbow trout in the winter and channel catfish in the summer, Texas Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Stephanie Salinas Garcia said.

The Burke Crenshaw pond has been stocked in the past, but this is the first time it will be part of the Neighborhood Fishin year-round program, she said.

Salinas Garcia said the city of Pasadena approached her department to create the program at Burke Crenshaw.

PWD was very interested in bringing this opportunity to the public on the east & southeast sides and Burke-Crenshaw was the perfect opportunity, Pasadena Parks and Recreation director Jed L. Aplaca said in a written statement.

They look for sites that are large enough, have good fishing access and will be well-maintained. This fit the mold perfectly and so we have been working since earlier this year to make this happen, he wrote.

Aplaca sees outdoor activities for individuals and families as providing physical and mental health benefits. By stocking the pond more often, people will have more successful fishing trips, he wrote.

More Information For tips on getting started at Neighborhood Fishin' lakes, and fishing license information, visit neighborhoodfishing.org In Texas, kids under age 17 fish free, but a fishing license is required for adults. Fishing licenses cost $11 for one-day, all-water access and are available for purchase at local retailers or at tpwd.texas.gov/buy. See More Collapse

Speaking for myself, I grew up spending time fishing with my dad and those are memories I will never forget. I hope that some of those experiences of being outside and fishing will also be lasting memories for my own children, he wrote.

The lake was stocked once in November and was scheduled to be restocked with trout on Dec. 14 and 28, Jan. 11 and 25, Feb. 8 and 22 and March 8, according to Neighborhood Fishin program website.

The fish were chosen because are easy to catch and an appropriate size to cook easily at home.

Another new Neighborhood Fishin lake is in north Houston at Herman Little Park. Both Herman Little Park and Burke Crenshaw lakes feature small fishing piers and paved or natural shoreline trails for bank fishing access.

The two new lakes bring the total number of Neighborhood Fishin lakes in the Houston area to four, including Community Park Lake located southwest of Houston in Missouri City and Mary Jo Peckham Park in Katy.

Neighborhood Fishin lakes are in parks with parking, restrooms, lighting and recreational amenities.

People can catch up to five rainbow trout per day with no length limits. All revenue goes toward keeping local bodies of water healthy, read the statement.

The program is supported by donations and local partners including the Timber Lane Utility District, Pasadena Parks and Recreation and Harris County Precinct 3.

Our own Parks and Recreation Department offices often get a barrage of phone calls asking when the pond will be stocked. I know both the City of Pasadena and TPWD are very excited, Aplaca said.

jaimy.jones@chron.com
Now that demolition of the old Central Unit prison in Sugar Land is almost complete, city officials recently approved spending approximately $900,000 for drainage work, road schematics and environmental remediation needed for construction of a 121-acre business park.

Situated near the intersection of Texas 6 and U.S. 90A the old prison once housed more than 1,000 inmates for almost 10 years before it was closed by state officials in 2011. Sugar Land city officials purchased the 258-acre prison property for roughly $6 million in 2016 with 3-part plan to build the business park, construct a 22-acre public safety training center and use 95 acres to build road infrastructure to allow side access to the city airport (which abuts the site).
A 7-foot, 200-pound alligator removed from a Kansas City home this week during an eviction has not quite adapted to his new accommodations.

Katfish the gator is living in a heated enclosure at Monkey Island Animal Rescue in Greenwood, Missouri, after Kansas City Animal Control officers and Monkey Islands owner Dana Savorelli wrangled him Wednesday from a custom-built tub inside a home.

When you take him out of the environment, and put him in a whole different world, that hes never been in before, you do see things radically change, Savorelli said.

STUCK IN A CAR: Alligator breaks windows of trapper's vehicle

Thursday, Katfish cornered a worker during feeding time, until Savorelli came to distract the gator.

No one was hurt, Savorelli said.

Just like I am, hes been uprooted from everything he knows, said Katfishs owner Sean Casey, who was evicted from his home Wednesday.

Casey said hes owned Katfish for four years and would let the gator roam free inside his house.

He would feed it chicken nuggets, steak, fish and rodents, he said.

Hopefully, I can get him back. Ive got to go through all the right avenues to see, Casey said.

Casey is facing a citation for keeping an exotic pet inside city limits. His friends have set up a GoFundMe page for him.
left:Anthony Astaphan, S.C., Legal Counsel for the Respondents, says his side is not to be blamed for dragging out the matter of Election Petitions filed by two candidates for the NDP. Right:Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the NDP, laments the fact that after three years, the country doesnt know whether it has a legitimate government.





We are not to be blamed for "dragging on the petitions filed by New Democratic Party (NDP) candidates Benjamin Exeter and Lauren Baptiste in the 2015 General Election.





So says Anthony Astaphan, S.C., Legal Counsel for the Respondents in the matter, while speaking on Boom FMs OMG morning show on Monday.





He was speaking on the issue as it related to an application submitted days before by the Respondents, for an adjournment of the hearing down to commence Dec 03, on the grounds of the medical condition of Graham Bollers, Lead Counsel for the Respondents.





Despite objections from Legal Counsel for the Petitioners, Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, Justice Henry upheld the application and ordered that Straker and Daniel seek a new Counsel to replace Bollers.

A status hearing was set for January 24, 2019, with the petition hearing set to begin on February 11.





The matter came in for possible further delay when on last Tuesday, Dec. 04, Justice Henry recused from hearing the matter after she discovered that other matters had been set for hearing during the period Dec 4  7.

A new judge will have to be appointed, making a further postponement of the (new) date set by Justice Henry a real possibility.





Respondents side ready

But Astaphan said that the Legal Counsel for the Respondents were ready to go to trial, "so it is not that we were not ready.





He said that the non-Vincentian members of the respondents legal team had already booked flights and rooms.

Arrangements were made to meet with their clients, "Why would we go through all of this? For a show? he conjectured.





"They will have to blame themselves for the dragging of the case, Astaphan said.

According to the legal counsel, after Justice Brian Cottle had to deal with the issue of security and preparations were ongoing for the hearing, the petitioners made an application for disclosure.





This was denied, then there was a second application for disclosure, this time under Justice Henry.

"We had to reschedule so that all of us could prepare for it; we got a date and the judge gave a ruling, he said.

There was another instance where witness statements were filed by the petitioners, but because they went "beyond the boundaries of the pleaded case, Astaphan said that the counsel for the respondents had no choice but to challenge this, to which the judge agreed.





Then there was a third request for the inspection of ballots and boxes.

"During all this time, while we are moving forward, we are all making arrangements to come to get ready for the trial on the week of December 3, Astaphan said.





"So if you are getting frustrated, you must get frustrated with both sides. Following the decision on the security, we were not the ones who filed applications in the court, he continued.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday said at a press briefing on Wednesday, that he and the entire NDP were disappointed with the turn of events.





Citing that it had been three years since the last General Elections, and since the petitions had been filed, he declared, "We deplore the fact that after three years, the people of this country still do not know whether the government was duly elected and is legitimate. How can this be?





According to Friday, this was unacceptable especially for a modern democratic society.

"The petitions could have been decided long ago if the parties on the other side had shown willingness in having them decided by the court once and for all.





"Instead, they have sought to delay and drag the cases out as long as possible, he said.

Counsel and Senator Bacchus-Baptiste said that the matters involving the petitions were the most important ones before the High Court for trial, not only in SVG but the entire Eastern Caribbean.

She noted that the most recent development, that of Justice Henry recusing herself also had consequences.

"The impact on the trial is not known yet because the Chief Justice will now have to clear his or her calendar to come to St Vincent to hear the petitions, she said.





A status hearing has been set for January, but realistically, Bacchus-Baptiste said that it was not certain if the new judge will be ready by then.





She said even the issue as it related to Bollers was questionable.

Bacchus-Baptiste explained that she was not questioning her colleagues health, but said that she questioned the medical certificate he produced to the court which indicated that he had been placed on 30 days sick leave and effective the end of November.





She said that Bollers had been seen in Kingstown during the week and that she had received communication via Whatsapp early Monday morning on a court matter that they are both involved in.

"I think this is an issue that should be taken up in the region. We have an order saying that the matter ought to be heard expeditiously, and we have what I can only say is an attempt by the other side to frustrate our effort to have our petition heard.





"It is a fair comment based on the history, and I have been intimately involved in these cases, and this is how I feel. An orchestrated effort to frustrate this matter ever coming to justice, Bacchus-Baptiste said.




Several men evaded police after uprooting an ATM in Oak Forest Monday morning.

The thieves pulled the ATM out of its base at the Chase Bank on 43rd and Ella around 3:30 a.m., according to Metro Video.

They attached a chain to the ATM and yanked it out using a stolen pickup truck, Metro Video reported.

Its unclear whether they got any money out of the ATM before they fled.
Child Protective Services has filed an appeal to avoid paying a Harris County judges $127,000 sanction after finding that the agency wrongfully removed a Tomball couples children earlier this year and then allegedly lied in court.

Though CPS is fighting the payments  the first of which would have been due Tuesday the state has agreed to move ahead with court-ordered employee training, which Judge Mike Schneider said must be completed by the end of the month.

No matter the outcome, we want to do what it takes to improve the system, ensuring child safety while also maintaining respect for families, said CPS spokeswoman Tiffani Butler. Since the November sanctions  which may be the largest-ever leveled against the agency  CPS has maintained its handling of the Bright familys case was appropriate, even though Schneider found that the agency abused the legal process and purposely filed misstatements of fact.

The appeal, filed last week, is just the latest twist in the drawn-out case where, at one point, a caseworker shocked the courtroom by pleading the Fifth repeatedly during a removal hearing and the judge ordered CPS to stay away from two children.

For Melissa and Dillon Bright, the appeal just prolongs a legal battle that started in July, when the couples 5-month-old son Mason fell out of a lawn chair in front of the family home.

An MRI revealed two fractures and bleeding in the babys brain  and the hospitals child abuse team decided that could mean the injuries were signs of abuse. A CPS supervisor stepped in and decided the kids needed to go live with Dillon's mother in Baytown, more than an hour away.

But caring for a baby with serious medical needs became too much for Dillons mother. So, armed with evidence that their babys excessive bleeding was possibly the result of a blood disorder and not abuse, the Brights tried to get their children placed with family closer to home.

Despite admitting they didnt have grounds to take the kids, according to court records, the agency never approved the switch. So on Aug. 28, Dillon told caseworker Lavar Jones that they were bringing the baby home.

No one from CPS contacted the family until three weeks later, when Jones texted Melissa on Sept. 18 to ask how the baby was. She replied, sending along happy photos and a health update.

The next day, the state  without notifying the Brights  got emergency custody of the children after failing to tell a judge the kids had been safe at home for 22 days. That evening, Jones showed up at the Brights home and took the children to foster care.

Then, in early October, the court held a three-day hearing to figure out whether the state had enough cause to keep the kids. When questioned about conflicting earlier claims he'd made, Jones pleaded the Fifth.

It can be inferred from the context of Mr. Joness other testimony, Schneider later wrote, that he invoked his Fifth Amendment at the adversary hearing to avoid admitting to prior perjury.

The Tomball family got back their kids and, last month, the parties reconvened for a five-day sanctions hearing. Part of the sanctions included regional training for workers, though the judge later agreed to narrow it to Harris County-based workers.

After rejecting the agencys first training proposal because it didnt include training on family law or perjury, Schneider accepted a second proposal last week. But the agency filed to appeal the rest of the sanctions, including the $127,000 that would have helped covered the Brights legal fees.

Still, family attorney Stephanie Proffitt  who is handling the case along with Dennis Slate  said an unsuccessful appeal could ultimately net a better outcome for the Brights and other families like them.

If it becomes case law across the state and people can refer to the Bright case over and over again when theyre telling CPS, You cant take my kids when its not justified, she said, then the case has done what it needed to do.
On the eighth day of Hanukkah in a land touted for openheartedness and cultural diversity, a few hundred souls bundled in coats gathered at Levy Park Sunday to nosh on brisket, thump on drums, play gaga  a twist on dodgeball thought to have originated in Israel  and schmooze at Houstons second annual Jewish Culture Fest.

The Jewish festival of lights recalls the story of rebellious Maccabee army who found just one days worth of oil to light in the holy temple theyd recaptured from the ancient Greeks. But the oil miraculously lasted for eight days and nights, according to the Talmud.

The Houston fest  the largest one-day public event organized the local Jewish community  rekindled giddiness and good cheer among participants from many backgrounds, including some who spontaneously stumbled upon the stage and circle of booths.

And so, as the eight-day celebration drew to a close on a chilly Texas day, festivalgoers and their companions shared what Hanukkah means to them in the sometimes miraculous, often turbulent world of 2018.

To 88-year-old Barbara Mishael, the holiday has always been about coming together with loved ones and across cultures.

The takeaway for her is, that people of all creeds and devotions should be able to live together.

Mishael left Florida in June to relocate to a Jewish retirement community near her family in southwest Houston. Debi Mishael, her daughter-in-law, said she taught her children that the Christmas-adjacent holiday is about not assimilating, and that its OK to be proud of who you are and stand up for what you believe in.

The daughter-in-law said the festival also offered them the added benefit of kosher brisket, which she had ordered in advance from a food truck scheduled to be at the event.

The miracle of the barbecued brisket was courtesy of Austin-based and Houston-bred pit master Joel Davis, who planned to donate a portion of his proceeds to help rebuild Congregation Torah Vachesed in southwest Houston, which was damaged by a fire in late November.

Davis, who works in advertising for his day job, named his mobile barbecue catering business JoeBobs BBQ, in honor of the nickname his grandmother used for him, he said as he served up a plate of beef sausage.

Davis said he sees the holiday as an opportunity to teach his 9- and 11-year-old children about their Jewish heritage and to be good people. Erwin Goldstein, the mashgiach, or hired kosher supervisor from Houston Kashruth Association overseeing Davis kitchen for the day, added that Hanukkah to him is about honoring the Jewish people amid elements that threaten their survival.

What theyre trying to do is destroy the Jews, he said. Hitler tried. We are still here. Youre just not going to do it.

The festival gave 8-year-old Sadie Schwartz the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to debut her slime business, which drew a swarm of tiny customers, pulling grown ups behind them. At the youngsters request, Schwartzs grandparents had agreed  as her Hanukkah gift  to foot the bill for her a booth to sell the mix-it-yourself creation.

Its satisfying, you can poke it and stretch it and make bubbles with it . Its stress relieving, the young entrepreneur explained. What could be so stressful to the third grader? Homework, she said.

Guillermo Garduno, 54, of Huffman, who was raised Catholic in Mexico, sat beside his daughter Karina cradling drums in his their laps provided by the stage performer. Karina had learned about the festival on Facebook and knew her dad would love it.

I love the Jewish culture and tradition, said the father. I try to follow Jewish festivals.

Hadas Levy, 28, who recently moved to Houston from Israel, staffed a beanbag toss painted in the shape of Israel, with holes for several key locales along with her fiance, 29-year-old Gil Brav, a trained tour guide who explained all the intricacies of the sites on the map.

Levy said the point of Hanukkah is increasing the light and spreading the light you have inside with the world, regardless of your background.

And finally, a few hours before the eighth candle was lit, Rabbi Samantha Safran, shared her insights.

Safran, who organized the event on behalf the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, said in this time and always the holiday offers a moment for collective healing.

Bringing light means bringing hope, Safran said. When we light the menorah, it reminds us to bring light into the world no matter how dark it may seem.

gabrielle.banks@chron.com
About five dozen people in Houston  including husbands, mothers and strangers  are facing murder charges so far in 2018.

Some of the most recent arrests for murder include a mother who allegedly drowned her 5-year-old son, and a band of would-be robbers who allegedly gunned down a convenience store owner on his last day of work.
WASHINGTON - The former president of a Houston-based nonprofit pleaded guilty Monday to lying to Congress about a 2013 trip to Azerbaijan by 10 U.S. lawmakers, including four House members from Texas, whose expenses were secretly funded by the Azerbaijan governments oil company.

Kemal Oksuz, aka "Kevin Oksuz," 49, pleaded guilty to one count of devising a scheme to conceal material facts from the U.S. House Ethics Committee investigating questions that had been raised in a Houston Chronicle account of the lavish, all-expenses-paid trip to Baku, the Caspian Sea capital of Azerbaijan.

The House panel eventually exonerated all 10 U.S. lawmakers who took the trip, saying they had been misled about its true sponsors and that they didn't "knowingly" break any law or House rules.

For subscribers at HoustonChronicle.com: Lawmakers trips to Baku conference raise ethics questions

Among those Oksuz allegedly misled about the trip were Houston Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee and Ruben Hinojosa, a border district Democrat who has since retired from Congress.

Two Houston-area Republicans also made the government-funded trip: U.S. Rep. Ted Poe, who is retiring next month, and former Congressman Steve Stockman, who was sentenced last month to a 10-year prison term in an unrelated fraud case.

All but Stockman, who could not be reached for comment, told the Chronicle in 2015 that they had no advance knowledge that the state oil company had funded the conference. Poes office maintained that he contacted the House Ethics Committee to self-report the allegations initially raised in a Chronicle investigation.

While the lawmakers denied prior knowledge of the state oil companys involvement, investigators said there were ample signs of the conferences true underwriter, including banners and placards with the firms logo. Photos and programs pointed to its involvement.

About three dozen congressional staffers also attended the conference, which attracted widespread attention because of the involvement of top Obama administration officials and Azerbaijans interest in winning congressional support to avoid U.S. sanctions aimed at Iran, its partner in a multibillion dollar Caspian Sea national gas project.

Oksuz acknowledged in his guilty plea Monday that he lied on disclosure forms filed with the Ethics Committee in advance of what had been represented as a privately sponsored congressional trip to an energy conference in Azerbaijan.

According to federal prosecutors, Oksuz falsely represented that the trip would be underwritten by the Turquoise Council of Americans and Eurasians (TCAE), the Houston nonprofit which he led as president.

The Turquoise Council ostensibly paid airfare and hotel bills for Poe, Jackson Lee, Stockman and Hinojosa and his wife. Those trips cost from $10,500 to $19,961, according to disclosures the four lawmakers filed with the House Ethics Committee.

Oksuz has since admitted that he orchestrated a scheme to funnel money for the trip from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), the wholly state-owned national oil and gas company of Azerbaijan.

Members of Congress are generally barred by House travel regulations from accepting gifts and travel from foreign governments.

A spokesman for SOCAR disputed that it had secretly played a role in the May 2013 conference in Baku. At no time did SOCAR hide from the attendees of the conference our involvement, the firm said during the 2015 probe. SOCARs logo and name was presented prominently in Baku at multiple events. SOCAR has never been under investigation in this matter because the responsibility for disclosing SOCARs financial support for the conference fell to those who were the trips sponsors.

While House investigators closed the Azerbaijan investigation in 2015, they said they were referring the allegations to the Justice Department to determine whether "third parties" involved in arranging the lawmakers' travel engaged in a "criminal conspiracy to lie to Congress."

One of the key figures in the House probe was Oksuz, who invoked his Fifth Amendment right to refuse to testify in the House probe.

After a three-year investigation, prosecutors filed a five-count indictment earlier this year in the District of Columbia naming Oksuz, who had long since disappeared from Houston and was believed to be residing abroad. The charges were unsealed in September.

Oksuz was recently extradited from Armenia where he was detained by authorities, pursuant to a warrant that was issued for his arrest.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by the Public Integrity Section of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, along with the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

The Office of International Affairs, along with the U.S. Department of State and cooperating Armenian authorities provided substantial assistance with the extradition, according to a statement by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division.

Oksuz will be sentenced on Feb. 11.
Kevin Patrick, whose death is the subject of an ongoing investigation by police here, fought against the odds to build something for himself and his family.





This was the view of Ashley John, CEO of Constructive Solutions Inc and lecturer at the Barrouallie Technical Institute, where he was Patricks Personal Development teacher.





John described his former student as having a "quiet personality, who wanted to be a businessman and take care of his family.





"He had a dream for him family; he was working towards it .. Im just broken, said John.

John was "broken after learning that Patrick was found dead on his farm on Saturday 24th November, in an area known as First Land Mountain in Layou.





Police are treating Patricks death as a homicide, and while the person(s) responsible for his death is(are) still at large, they (police) assured that their investigations into the young mans death are ongoing and vigorous.

John, meanwhile, said that he recalled Patrick saying he was lost and wanted to find his way.

"I recalled Kevin saying to me that he was lost and just wanted to find his way back, and we worked tirelessly with him, said John.





He said that every week, Patrick would find him and give him an update on how things were working out for him. He worked with Patrick to ensure that he (Patrick) would use entrepreneurial skill to keep away from a life of crime and poverty.





"Kevin took those sessions very serious, John said.

"The very last time we met in Kingstown, he came to me with all grins, saying, Mr John, all the things I learn from your class Im putting into practice, and soon I will own my own business. It hard but Im going to fight, John recollected, not knowing that this would be the last conversation the two would have.

"This one truly hits home because this young man had to fight off so many odds that I cannot even mention to the public, but he was determined. His race is now over, sadly, in a horrible manner, but he died doing what he loved and believed in, being a young male "Agripreneur, John concluded.





Patricks death brings to 33 the number of homicides in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this year.

Police are soliciting the assistance of members of the public in the investigation and prosecution of this case. Persons with information that might be of assistance, are asked to contact the ACP in-charge Crimes at 1-784-456-1339 or the officer in charge of CID at 1-784-457-1211 or 1-784-456-1810.




Travel operator TUI UK has apologized to and refunded a British couple after hotel staff at a resort in Jamaica attempted to create an effigy of their now-deceased son.

Karen Baker, a friend of the couple, told the BBC that her friends, Andrew and Faye Stephens, have made a tradition of celebrating their deceased son's birthday every year since he died in 2014. The Evening Standard reported that Alex Stephens died after falling from a balcony while on vacation in Spain.

Baker, who traveled to Jamaica with the Stephens family, asked the hotel staff at the Royalton Jamaica Resort to put balloons and cake in the room to honor Alex.

Instead, Baker found a dummy of Alex that left her "horrified."

"When I walked into the bedroom, all I can describe is a dummy body on the bed," she said. "Staff had gone through my friend's wardrobe and stuffed the clothes with towels to make it look like a body on the bed. They even put tears down the face and a can of lager in his hand."

Baker removed the dummy before Faye and Andrew Stephens could see it.

"I was absolutely horrified, as you can imagine I was sweating and shaking," she said. "We just didn't want our friends to see it."

TUI UK refunded the group 1,300 per person (approximately $1,479 in US dollars) and apologized for the incident.

"We offer our sincere apologies to the Baker party for their holiday experience in Jamaica," a company spokesperson said. "We're following up with the hotel and believe it was a misunderstanding with no intention to cause upset."

TUI UK also told The Guardian they are in touch with the resort, and the "group" responsible for the dummy will apologize and "offer a gesture of goodwill."

Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email him at eting@sfchronicle.com and follow him on Twitter

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One hundred years ago this month, Emma Goldman was sitting in a prison in Missouri after being convicted of impeding the military draft. Goldmans conviction largely silenced her incendiary publication, Mother Earth, as well as her fiery No-Conscription League speeches, in which she had mercilessly attacked the draft as anti-democratic as the US government sought to garner popular support for its entry into World War I. Just before Christmas 1919, after completing her two-year sentence, Goldman was taken to Ellis Island, where she was placed on a ship with other dissidents and then sent away.

US newspapers, which had mocked Red Emma for her ideas and degraded her speeches, carried gleeful reports of Goldmans deportation. The Colorado Springs Gazette reported her deportation had come not a whit too soon. America, it seemed, was finished with Goldman.

A century of hindsight should tell us otherwise. Goldman, long known as an anarchist and feminist, deserves credit for her work as a free-press trailblazer, whose legal ordealsa 1917 trial for impeding the draft, a 1918 Supreme Court decision to uphold her conviction, and her efforts to avoid deportation in 1919were forerunners for critical First Amendment precedents. Goldmans appeal to the court marks the final time justices encountered a clear First Amendment question and ignored it, instead deciding the case on different legal grounds.

Related: Can the First Amendment save us?

On the day law enforcement arrested Goldman in her Mother Earth offices in New York, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Espionage Act into law. The act, an attempt to safeguard the war effort, created a national standard for limitations on free press and speech; federal officials used it to halt the delivery of countless newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials. When justices defined the scope of the First Amendment for the first timein Schenck v. United States in 1919, a case that upheld the convictions of two socialists arrested for mailing anti-draft pamphletsthey cited Goldman v. United States.

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Emma Goldman, in a photograph taken circa 1915. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-B2-3748-10The Court acknowledged in Schenck that it had not referred to the First Amendment in Goldman, indicating that the free expression implications of Goldmans case were not lost on the justices. After recognizing the absence of First Amendment guidance in Goldman, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes explained that the Court would devote a few words to it in Schenck. Thus, as Goldman was serving the final six months of her two-year term, the Court included her case in its justification for squarely addressing the First Amendment for the first time.

Schenk was one of three Espionage Actrelated cases decided by the Court in the spring of 1919. In each, justices upheld the Espionage Act. By the fall, however, things had begun to change. In Abrams v. United States, the Court upheld the conviction of anarchist Jacob Abrams, who with others had printed thousands of leaflets that criticized President Wilson and the governments relationship with Russia. Holmes dissented; according to Holmes, the arguments on the leaflets contributed to the marketplace of ideas, which was the theory of our Constitution.

How else is the world to take America seriously, when democracy at home is daily being outraged, free speech suppressed, peaceable assemblies broken up by overbearing and brutal gangsters in uniform?

The courts had been less welcoming to First Amendment ideas just two years earlier, during Goldmans federal trial. A judge told the jury that Goldmans charges were not a First Amendment issue. He explained the trial was not a question of free speech No American worthy of the name believes in anything else than free speech, but free speech means not license, not counseling disobedience of the law.

Goldman believed differently. She argued her case was about free press and free speech, since it was her publication and her speeches that had been halted. How else is the world to take America seriously, when democracy at home is daily being outraged, free speech suppressed, peaceable assemblies broken up by overbearing and brutal gangsters in uniform? Goldman asked jurors. When free press is curtailed and every independent opinion gagged?

Goldman was well-known to Americans by her 1917 trial; she had been arrested as a conspirator in the 1901 assassination of President William McKinley and ultimately released. Newspapers around the country steadily covered her 1917 trial, though coverage often ignored Goldmans arguments in favor of spectacle. During jury selection, the judge ordered Goldmans partner Alexander Berkman, also on trial, to stop asking potential jurors off-topic questions. When Goldman asked to respond, the judge ordered her to sit down and not speak. That exchange led the Associated Presss report; other newspapers ran headlines such as Emma Goldman Obeys, and Tells Emma to Sit Down, and She Does.

Both Goldman and the judge made statements about free expression on the final day of the trial, but only the judges comments appeared in wire reports. Jurors found Goldman guilty. Six months later, she was out of prison and fighting the governments deportation effort when the Court heard Abramss appeal. Goldmans lawyer, Harry Weinberger, also represented Abrams. In October 1919, he split his time between arguing for Abrams before the Court and fighting Goldmans deportation. He lost both battles.

If Goldman was not entirely successful in making the courtroom a forum for her ideas, her trial still raised a national discussion about freedom of expression. Newspapers ran dozens of editorials and letters to the editor that focused on these topicsif not on Goldmans argumentduring her trial. A Dallas Morning News editorial argued for Goldmans imprisonment; she was a nuisance before the war, the editorial contended, but the country can not well afford to be distracted and annoyed by them now. A letter in the Salt Lake Telegram recognized the value of free speech, but argued it should be limited during wartime. Similarly, an editorial in the Belleville Democrat contended Goldman could not claim a right to free speech because speaking against the government in wartime is treason. Many of the pieces mirrored Holmess reasoning in Schenck, which found that the press and speakers could be limited.

The Court, and Holmes himself, did not hold to that interpretation for long. Two weeks before Goldmans deportation, Holmes changed course by dissenting in Abrams. Twelve years later, Holmes was part of a 5-4 majority that struck down a Minnesota law that allowed the government to restrain nuisance newspapers from publication. The case marked the first time the Court overturned a law based on its interpretation of the speech and press clauses.

By then, Goldman was living in France, finishing her biography, Living My Life, in which she documented her fight for the freedom to publish and to speak while in the U.S. She died in 1940 and was buried near Chicago, near the graves of anarchists who died in the Haymarket Riot of 1886.

For nearly a century, legal scholars have marked the Supreme Courts decision in Schenck as the starting point for First Amendment precedentthe beginnings of the First Amendment as we have come to know it. Abrams, later that year, provided us our first theory of the First Amendment. But until we credit Goldman with blazing a trail for the first precedent-setting decisions and encouraging a national discussion, via newspapers, about the meaning of free expression, our understanding of this crucial period in American history is incomplete.

ICYMI: The battle for the soul of the First Amendment

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Jared Schroeder is an assistant professor of journalism at Southern Methodist University, where he specializes in First Amendment law. He is the author of The Press Clause and Digital Technologys Fourth Wave.
Lizzie Johnson, a reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle, drove into Paradise, California, early in the afternoon of November 8. The Camp Fire had spread to the area a few hours earlier. At the southwest edge of town, where the main road to Paradise turns into a four-lane road, she encountered a police officer manning a roadblock at that spot.

He told me, This is an evacuation area. If you go back there, its not our responsibility to save you, Johnson says.

California law doesnt allow authorities to keep journalists out of disaster areas, so all the officer could do was warn her. Johnson drove on, over skittering power lines and past trees smoking from their roots. The sky was red, and the smoke was so thick her headlights didnt do much good. It was, she, says, otherworldlylike driving into the apocalypse.

Johnson had doubted the early reports of the fires devastation. How could an entire town burn? But as soon as she passed that roadblock, it was clear that Paradise was all but gone.

A former San Francisco City Hall reporter, Johnson has written about little but wildfires since she moved to the metro desk in 2017, though that wasnt anyones plan when she joined the desk. She now identifies herself (at least in her Twitter bio) as The Fire Girl, and she keeps a stack of books on fire behavior at her bedside.

Its a beat that didnt exist at the Chronicle before she had it. Until recently, the Chronicle would throw everyone they had at a big wildfire, and then forget about fires until the next one started. Now, the paper covers the subject year-round, with breaking-news coverage, investigative reporting about fire preparation and response, and in-depth pieces like Johnsons December 5 report on the hellish fire tornado that cut through Redding on July 26.

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Wildfires in the West have become more deadly and destructive over the past decade, and covering them has grown more demanding, more dangerous, and more expensive. I talked to seven editors and news directors from small and large newspapers and a big-market local television station. All of them say the lethal fires of the past two years have made them reevaluate their fire coverage and the steps they take to keep their reporters and photographers safe. Many have invested in new equipment and training.

No journalist in memory has been seriously hurt covering a fire; Scott McLean, the deputy chief for communications for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, says its very rare that one has to be rescued, though reporters vehicles and television news vans have burned in California in recent years.

Television reporters and photographers frequently find themselves in situations more dangerous than anything they would have encountered five years ago, says Matthew Groeteke, the news operations manager at KTLA in Los Angeles. The big reason is technology: reporters dont need a live truck to do a live broadcast anymore. With cellular network bondinga technology that combines several modems for a stronger and more reliable connectiona station can broadcast live with a backpacks worth of equipment.

You can now walk right up into a fire, and people will do it, because theres nothing tethering them back to the live truck, Groeteke says. You get caught up in that exhilarating rush to cover the moment, and youve got everybody back at the station saying, Oh my God, these are amazing pictures, and as a manager, thats very dangerous. I think well see more accidents in the future, because of this technology.

You get caught up in that exhilarating rush to cover the moment, and youve got everybody back at the station saying, Oh my God, these are amazing pictures, and as a manager, thats very dangerous.

From 2005 to 2010, I was a reporter at the Ventura County Star, a mid-sized daily in suburban southern California. In those five years I covered perhaps a dozen wildfires that between them burned more than 800 square miles of forest and brush. Only three of those fires destroyed more than a handful of homes, and the residents always made it out alive. A wildfire was an excuse to get out of the office all day, not a brush with death.

That changed in 2017. The big wake-up call came in October, when a series of wildfires in Northern Californias wine country destroyed more than 5,000 homes and killed 44 people. Then in December, the Thomas fire in Southern California destroyed 777 homes, most of them in Ventura.

Ten years ago, there was no way that if one home burned we would not be there, says Audrey Cooper, the Chronicles editor in chief. Now you have to decide, how many is enough? One home? Five homes? A subdivision? A whole city?

In 2018, the Carr fire claimed more than 1,000 homes and eight lives in far Northern California; the Ranch fire, the biggest in Californias history, burned more than 400,000 acres in the same region; the Camp fire destroyed 14,000 homes and killed at least 85 people in and around Paradise; and the Woolsey fire burned more than 1,000 homes in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Weve always had destructive fires. . . but the scale of the destruction the last two years [has] been off the charts, says Shelby Grad, the Los Angeles Timess assistant managing editor for California and metro coverage. Youre talking about 30,000 homes, close to 200 people dead. It changes the way you look at them and the way you cover them.

The Times now does much more investigative work around wildfires than ever before, Grad says, and it has run multiple stories that attempt to explain how climate change has contributed to the recent wave of deadly fires.

Most newspapers and television stations in wildfire country now hold regular training sessions with state or local firefighting agencies. McLean says the demand for media training grew by leaps and bounds this year.

A training session lasts two or three hours and covers the basics of fire behavior and how to stay alive on the front lines. The best advice, Johnson says, is to watch the professionals: If the firefighters are panicking, then its absolutely a sign that youre in a spot where you shouldnt be.

Cal Fire training also teaches journalists how to use safety gear, though its up to news organizations to buy their ownand it isnt cheap. Standard gear includes pants, shirts, jackets and gloves made from fire-resistant Nomex, helmets, boots, goggles, masks, two-way radios, and pop-up shelters that can save lives as a last resort. Cooper tweeted last month that the Chronicle recently ordered $24,000 worth of new gear, enough for nine journalists.

We dont get our new equipment until January, so Im still wearing a fire suit thats built for a medium-sized man, and Im a very small woman, Johnson says. I look ridiculous, and I hope I dont have to run, because Id trip on the pant legs.

The LA Times has at least 20 full sets of fire gear, Grad said. Television stations in LA have even more: Matthew Groeteke, the news operations manager at KTLA, says his station has about 75 Nomex suitsone for each photographer, reporter, and anchor.

Many of the communities threatened by wildfires are small towns, with small news outlets. The Acorn, a chain of weekly newspapers in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, started sending reporters out to fires five years ago, Kyle Jorrey, the editor of the Thousand Oaks Acorn, says. The five-newspaper chain has 10 reporters and two photographers. The photographers have their own sets of fire gear, and the rest of the staff shares three sets.

It was enough when the Woolsey fire hit Thousand Oaks last month, but if there were ever more than one major fire to cover, or a fire that affected the entire coverage area, the Acorn might need all of its reporters in the field. There wouldnt be enough gear to go around.

I know our staff, and theyd all want to get out there, but I would never want to see them put themselves in danger, Jorrey says.

Darrin Peschka, the news director of the Ventura County Star, runs a Gannett newsroom thats better equipped than the Acorn, but she says it could still use new equipment. A philanthropist or nonprofit organization that wants to help journalists could help by buying fire gear for smaller newsrooms, Peschka says.

Whenever were covering a story like this, I worry about my staff, she says. I think what these fires have shown us that you can prepared and still be in trouble.  Weve taken some steps as far as training and equipment, but the fires weve seen lately have been very erratic and very large.

I feel like most people dont have those moments in their lives, where theyre like, I might die if I go past this checkpoint. Johnson says. As scary as it is, thats our job. We are the eyes for all these people who cant be back there. That entire town is in evacuation shelters or on the couches of their friends and family, and they dont know whats happening to their homes. Its our responsibility to be there for them, and you cant do that unless you go back there.

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Tony Biasotti is a freelance writer in Ventura, California. Find him on Twitter @tonybiasotti.
Jurors have awarded a New York medical student $3 million after she suffered a gruesome toe injury while riding an escalator at an Arkansas mall.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that a Pulaski County jury ruled this week that 27-year-old Aisha Siddiqui should be granted the compensation after her foot was crushed at Park Plaza Mall in Little Rock in December 2013.

Siddiquis attorney, Denise Hoggard, told jurors that the aspiring surgeons right big toe was ripped off when her foot was pulled into a moving escalator staircase. Siddiquis foot was caught in escalator teeth in a gap caused by a break in the device.

Shes disfigured and its going to get worse, Hoggard said. It will affect every step she takes. Her pain wont lessen until the day she dies.

Rescue efforts were prolonged because firefighters hoped to save the toe so it could be reattached, so they couldnt administer pain-killing drugs until she was freed, leaving her to writhe in agony, Hoggard told jurors.

Siddiqui filed a lawsuit 11 months after the incident.

The mall and escalator manufacturer Kone Inc. acknowledged fault for Siddiquis injury ahead of trial. But the companies attorneys suggested $500,000 would be fair and reasonable compensation.

Hoggard told jurors that the companies wanted to pay only a bargain basement price and were trying to reduce what happened to Siddiqui.

This case isnt about a toe. Its about Ms. Siddiquis foundation, she said. Its her structural integrity. Its her stamina. Its her ability to go forward.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A 56-year-old chiropractor has pleaded guilty for his role in a massive workers compensation insurance fraud and conspiracy scheme, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office announced today.

Paul Turley, of Granada Hills, Calif., made a factual basis plea on Monday to one count each of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, mayhem, insurance fraud and unlawful patient referral. As part of the written plea agreement filed with the court, Turley detailed his involvement in the scheme.

He faces up to eight years in state prison. Sentencing is set for June 14.

Deputy District Attorneys Dayan Mathai, Catherine Chon, Karen Nishita and Kennes Ma are prosecuting the case.

Turley is among a dozen defendants who were indicted by a grand jury in 2015 for fraudulently billing tens of millions of dollars to insurance companies for fraudulent surgeries, prescription medications, fake MRIs, falsifying medical reports and office visits.

Prosecutors later divided the larger case into three smaller ones in an effort to streamline the complex litigation and refile several counts that previously had been dismissed. However, indictments remain against orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Munir Uwaydah, and his office manager, Wendee Luke, both of whom are fugitives.

The conspiracy allegedly included paying lawyers and marketers as much as $10,000 a month for illegal patient referrals, known as capping.

Nearly two dozen patients allegedly were deceived into having surgeries they thought would be performed by Uwaydah. Instead, a physicians assistant who never attended medical school, carried out invasive and sometimes unnecessary surgeries. Uwaydah was not present in the operating room for all surgeries, prosecutors said.

In addition, nearly two dozen patients have lasting physical scars and many needed additional surgeries to repair the original injury. Last year, co-defendant Marissa Nelson pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and admitted a special allegation of taking property of a value exceeding $3.2 million. She faces up to nine years in state prison when she is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 25.

The other 10 defendants are awaiting trial. Among the charges they each face are conspiracy, money laundering and unlawful patient referral. Some of the defendants also face aggravated mayhem charges.

The cases were investigated by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Bureau of Investigation and the Organized Crime Division.

Source: Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office
CLEVELAND, Ohio  A Cleveland man was robbed at gunpoint while using drugs with a woman who bragged about her criminal history when they met earlier in the day a bus station, according to police reports.

Two armed robbers took approximately $1,100 in cash and a cellphone from the man late Saturday outside a home on East 75th Street near Chester Avenue, police reports say.

The 41-year-old man told police officers he may have been set up by the unknown woman, who told him shed just been released from the Ohio Reformatory for Women, police reports say.

The man said he met the woman about 9:30 p.m. when she was involved in a fight at the Greyhound bus station on Chester Avenue near East 13th Street.

He pulled her aside and chatted with her. She told him she just got out of Marysville and started to brag about all the crimes shed committed, police reports say. The pair then decided to go to the home on East 75th Street near Chester Avenue to use drugs.

They were in the backyard outside the home when two robbers ran up to the man and aimed handguns at him. The man tried to fight off the robbers, but they took his money and his cellphone, police reports say.

The man hurt his knee as he ran away from the robbers. He went to Cleveland Clinic for treatment.

The man spoke to police officers at the hospital and told them to check for security video of the woman at the Greyhound bus station.

No arrests have been made in the case, police said.

To comment on this story, visit Mondays crime and courts comments page.
Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves encouraged citizens not to be to be unduly unsettled by changes in the banking sector.

Managing Director Caribbean East Scotiabank, David Parks has given Vincentian customers the assurance that all is well with the financial institution, even though a decision is yet to be finalised about the banks future.





The outcome of a deal will be known today Friday December 7 when Finance Ministers of the Eastern Caribbean Bank meet.





According to Finance Minister here Camillo Gonsalves, a teleconference involving Finance Ministers of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States who are members of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is expected to provide answers on matters as they affect Scotiabanks announcement of its intention to vacate nine Caribbean markets.

Scotiabank has 35 employees here.





The Finance Ministry has requested information about the workers, but Gonsalves considered it discourteous that the sale was arranged without prior knowledge of any local bodies.

Gonsalves is concerned about the effect on customers here and the banking sector. He acknowledged that there is need in the banking circles for "consolidation and amalgamation. But he is worried that Scotiabank "should undertake this sort of activity without any consultation.





The banking sector with the ECCU has been skilfully regulated, and Gonsalves noted stability over the years. He agreed that Eastern Caribbean has more banks than capital and that a merger "does not weaken the sector.

He pondered whether this move is the "tip of the iceberg.

The Finance Minister warned citizens to become "more accustomed to changes in the banking sector, a point borne out by the ECCB on the new development. They pointed out that "changes in ownership and banks are not uncommon and that the proposed transaction is the latest in a series of consolidation moves by Canadian banks.





Scotia bank has been operating in the Caribbean for 120 years, with its first branch in Jamaica.

They began doing business here 1977. There are 35 employees and three Automated Teller Machines.

The ECCB announced that it received an application from Republic Financial Holdings Limited November 27, "seeking regulatory approval to acquire the Bank of Nova Scotias operations and business in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.

(See story on page 5) (WKA)
CLEVELAND, Ohio  An Ohio man was arrested on Friday after federal authorities said he planned to carryout a mass shooting at a Toledo-area Jewish synagogue in the name of ISIS.

Damon Joseph, 21, of Holland, Ohio pledged allegiance to the terrorist group after consuming the terrorists organization online propaganda, and radicalized over a period of months to wanting to carry out a mass-killing, FBI Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fortunato said.

FBI agents and federal prosecutors announced Josephs arrest at a Monday news conference in Toledo. Joseph was scheduled to appear before a judge there Monday afternoon.

They refused to name the synagogue that Joseph expressed interest in attacking.

Officials stopped short of saying that Joseph was motivated by Octobers deadly attack at a Pittsburgh synagogue or planned to carryout a copy-cat style attack. Joseph praised the shooter in that attack, but he also expressed hatred for gays, Catholics and Christians, Fortunato said.

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said Josephs planned attack, which came during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, represented an assault on the countrys shared values of freedom to worship freely, and to choose who to love, without fear of intimidation.

Josephs arrest ensures that those values are protected, and they will endure," Herdman said.

The Anti-Defamation League, a national nonprofit devoted to fighting anti-Semitism, praised Josephs arrest in a statement issued Monday afternoon.

We are tremendously grateful to federal and local law enforcement for apprehending the suspect, and for working so diligently to prevent our community from experiencing another horrific terrorist attack, the Regional Director of the organizations Cleveland branch, Jeremy Pappas, said. The Jewish community is still grieving following the October attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and its shocking to hear another attack was being planned.

Joseph converted to Islam and went by the name Abdullah Ali Yusef, according to officials. He began sharing photographs of guns and knives on social media, as well as videos produced by the media arm of the terrorist organization, according to an affidavit filed in federal court in Toledo.

Undercover agents reached out to Joseph after his postings, the affidavit says. He told them that he supported ISIS and in September, Joesph sent the agents videos that he made and hoped would be used to recruit new members to ISIS, the affidavit says.

The videos included statements such as would you die for your religion and your lord, and blood has to be spilled for progress to be made, according to the affidavit.

Days after the Oct. 27 shooting in Pittsburgh which killed 11 worshipers at Tree of Life, Joseph told the undercover agents that he admired the shooter and said he could see himself carrying out a similar attack, because authorities in Northwest Ohio wouldnt even expect an attack, the affidavit says.

Joseph said he planned to escape after the attack, not die in martyrdom. He narrowed the target of his attack down to two area synagogues and said he would choose based on the number of worshippers, the affidavit said.

Go big or go home, Joseph said, according to the affidavit.

The undercover agent met with Joseph last week, the affidavit said. Joseph, who officials said had no weapons, requested rifles including an AR-15 and AK-47, as well as pistols and ammunition, the affidavit said.

Joseph wrote on Thursday that he picked a synagogue and researched the Jewish sabbath to find when the most people would be at the temple, the affidavit said.

He also looked at photographs of the inside of the synagogue and said he planned to begin his attack inside the sanctuary, the affidavit said.

The agent and Joseph agreed to meet on Friday and, when Joseph showed up with a large duffel bag to conceal the rifles, authorities arrested him.

Federal officials at Mondays news conference also announced the Saturday arrest of Elizabeth Lecron, a 23-year-old Toledo woman who is accused of purchasing gun powder to use in a domestic terror attack. Investigators said Lecron, a self-avowed anarchist who idolized several mass murderers, believed the gunpowder would be used in pipe bombs to blow up a pipeline in Georgia, Fortunato said at the news conference.

Both of Ohios U.S. Senators -- Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman -- as well as U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, released statements praising law enforcement agencies following the announcement of the arrests Monday.

After the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh and other recent anti-Semitic actions, we understand the pain and worry that many in this community are feeling, Latta said in his statement. "Anti-Semitism has no place in our country, and we will stand firm in our resolve to prevent hateful attacks. We must stay vigilant.

Portman called said the thwarted plots were attacks on the countrys values.

As Ive said many times, there is no place for hatred, antisemitism, bigotry, threats, or attacks of any kind on our fellow citizens, and we must all work together to live up to our values of tolerance and respect for others, Portman said.

Brown said he was proud of the work law enforcement did to thwart these terrible tragedies.

We join the Jewish community, and all of northwest Ohio today in standing together against hate and violence of any kind, Brown said.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Toledo woman who idolized South Carolina mass killer Dylann Roof and the men who carried out the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School has been arrested on domestic terrorism charges.

Elizabeth Lecron, who authorities said is a self-identified anarchist, is accused of buying gunpowder that she believed would be used in a domestic attack on a pipeline in Georgia, according to officials.

Lecron also stated that she wanted to carryout an upscale mass murder" at a second-floor bar in Toledo.

Federal prosecutors and FBI agents announced Lecrons Saturday arrest at a news conference in Toledo on Monday. They also announced the arrest of Damon Joseph, who is accused of plotting to attack a Toledo-area synagogue in the name of ISIS.

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said the First Amendments guarantees free speech, even vile and disgusting speech, but Lecrons and Josephs words went too far.

"When those words turn into action, when they involve plans to harm someone or some place, law enforcement will be there to arrest them. We do not have to, and we will not wait, for someone to shoot up innocent worshippers at a synagogue or for someone to detonate a bomb.

Lecron first attracted attention of law enforcement in June, when a member of the public called in a tip to Toledo police that Lecron had was interested in carrying out a violent attack and had several weapons, including the beginning elements to make a pipe bomb, according to an affidavit. The caller said that someone they knew had noticeably changed after moving in with Lecron. That person, who is not identified, started wearing black shirts and camouflage pants, going to a gun range in nearby Oregon, Ohio, and expressing anarchistic ideas, the affidavit said.

The caller also said that Lecron posted about mass murder on the website Tumblr, and that she and her boyfriend had written about conducting attacks in a diary.

Lecrons username on Tumblr was ligaturemarkings, investigators said. In several posts, she expressed adulation for Roof, the Columbine mass killers and other mass murderers. She wrote about that she was excited to go to Littleton, Colorado, where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 13 of their classmates at Columbine.

She and her boyfriend made the the trip in August, and officials said a security officer at the school questioned her for stepping onto school property, the affidavit says. She posted a photograph of her boyfriend at the memorial at the school and said their next trip was to the church where Roof killed nine worshipers.

In an undated post, a Tumblr user wrote to Lecron and accused her and her boyfriend of being the next mass shooters if someone doesnt stop them, the affidavit says.

Lecron responded by saying they caught us."

Tumblr eventually shut down ligaturemarkings, and she created a new page titled CharlestonChurchMiracle, an apparent tribute to Roof, the affidavit said.

Investigators obtained a warrant to search Lecrons apartment on Aug. 18. The next day, officials found an AK-47, a shotgun, several pistols and a large quantity of ammunition, the affidavit said. They also found a shopping bag with several end caps, which the affidavit said is often used to build pipe bombs.

They also discovered diaries kept by Lecron and her boyfriend, the affidavit said. In a June 8 entry, Lecrons boyfriend wrote that he bought caps from a local hardware store for bombs -- pipe bombs to be exact. Soon we will bring destruction on society," the affidavit says.

I have a vision, the boyfriend wrote in another entry that same day, the affidavit says. A vision to kill. To hunt the unwilling. These peasants to society. The hatred towards the human race is bewildering. It makes me feel so good to know I will end it all. Very soon. I am buying a knife this weekend to slay my pray. To shake things up in this world. Get away from society but also get away with it. Nobody will know.

Lecron wrote to Roof in July when he was imprisoned on death row in a federal prison in Indiana and asked him for reading suggestions, the affidavit said. Roof replied to the letter, making Lecron one of just four people that Roof responded to while in prison, the affidavit says. Roof asked Lecron to mail him books about civil uprisings and Nazis, and she sent him a copy of a memoir written by a Belgian soldier who fought for the Nazis in World War II, the affidavit said.

Lecron also said in an accompanying letter that she would send Roof books every two weeks, told him to stay strong," and said there are a lot of people who care for you beyond those walls, the affidavit said.

Agents with the Joint Terrorism Task Force in August deployed a confidential human source to begin communicating with Lecron on Tumblr, the affidavit said. Lecron invited the source to meet in person and then spoke about the plans to carryout the bar shooting.

Lecron said the attack was briefly put on hold when someone else found her diary and confronted her about the plan, the affidavit said. She also told the source that she wanted to get together with other anarchists to forge a team, and attack a slaughterhouse and liberate the livestock, the affidavit said.

The source connected Lecron with a group of undercover agents posing as anarchists at a Toledo restaurant, the affidavit says. Lecron again talked about attacking a slaughterhouse, and also said she would consider attacking the automotive manufacturing plant in Bowling Green where she works, because she believed the plant was polluting a nearby river, the affidavit said.

The undercover agents then asked Lecron on Tuesday to buy gunpowder to help build pipe bombs to blow up a pipeline in Georgia, the affidavit said.

Lecron said that she couldnt wait to see the explosion on the news, the affidavit said.

She went to a retailer in Rossford on Saturday and bought two pounds of muzzleloading propellant, then went to another store in Perrysburg and bought about 665 screws, the affidavit said. Authorities arrested her after she gave the items back to the human source.

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Correction: An earlier version of this article misattributed diary entries to Lecron. The diary entries were written by Lecrons boyfriend, identified in the affidavit as Subject-1.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  A driver fleeing a traffic stop lost control of his car and crashed into a home early Sunday morning, killing the driver and his sister and seriously injuring two child passengers, according to reports.

The Franklin County Sheriffs Office identified the two people killed as Tavaughn Collins, 27, and Olivia Collins, 25, both of Columbus, the Columbus Dispatch reports. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The two children, ages 1 and 2, are in stable condition at Nationwide Childrens Hospital.

The incident occurred at about 1:25 a.m. Sunday in east Columbus, WCMH Channel 4 reports. Deputies pulled over a 2006 BMW, but it then sped off.

The BMW was traveling at a high rate of speed when it lost control and went through several yards before it flipped and crashed into a home, ejecting both Tavaughn and Olivia Collins.

Tavaughn Collins had an outstanding warrant for driving under suspension, the Dispatch reports. He did not have a valid drivers license.

The Dispatch reports the sheriffs office is conducting a review of the chase. WCMH reports alcohol and drugs are not considered factors in the crash.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio  Community activists plan to protest inhumane conditions at the Cuyahoga County Jail ahead of Tuesdays Cuyahoga County Council meeting.

The Cleveland branch of the NAACP is encouraging people to attend the protest that is sponsored by Puncture the Silence-Stop Mass Incarceration, Black Lives Matter Cleveland, the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus and several other groups.

They plan to gather at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday outside the Cuyahoga County administration building at East 9th Street and Prospect Avenue in downtown Cleveland, according to a news release. The group will then go inside the building to attend the council meeting at 5 p.m.

The demonstration comes about three weeks after the release of a U.S. Marshals Service report that identified inhumane conditions at the county jail that included depriving inmates of food as punishment, a lack of access to toilets and running water and routine violations of inmates constitutional rights to due process.

We feel like its important to do this because every day [cleveland.com] writes something, and its obvious the county is not responding in a way that is commensurate with the problems at the jail, said organizer Carol Steiner, who is with Puncture the Silence-Stop Mass Incarceration.

Organizers say the demonstration is aimed at protesting against the inhumanity at the county jail as well as demanding more urgent change from the administration of County Executive Armond Budish. Protesters also want the county to provide to the public regular progress reports about the changes it is making at the jail to improve conditions.

Other groups that are sponsoring the protest are Black on Black Crime Inc., Ohio Student Association, Showing Up for Racial Justice, Ohio Organizing Collaborative and Cleveland Lead Safe Network.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Three men are charged in connection with the slaying of a California drug dealer found buried under 20 pounds of concrete in the backyard of a vacant home.

Walter Watkins, 22, Nicho Fulton, 26, both of Euclid, and David Dillworth, 23, of Akron, are all charged with aggravated murder in the Nov. 20, 2015 killing of Nicholas Rowe.

None of the three are in police custody and warrants were issued Saturday for their arrests. A fourth person, Andrew Watkins, 23, was charged with aggravated murder in the case March and was arrested in Atlanta. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting a trial date.

Walter Watkins is accused of fatally shooting Rowe in the back of the head as the two sat in Rowes car, according to court records. Fulton and Dillworth are accused of helping planning the slaying and burying Rowes body, court records say.

Rowe, also known as Joshua Luckey, 41, of Chula Vista, California, was found buried Nov. 20, 2015 with several gunshot wounds to the head and back in a shallow grave in the backyard of the home in the 11000 block of Iowa Avenue, according to police and the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner.

Someone had poured 20 pounds of concrete over Rowe while burying him about three feet under ground, according to court records. An account of the aftermath of the shooting was included in an Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals case regarding $20,000 that Cleveland police seized from an associate of Rowe.

The associate knew Rowe, who frequently flew to Cleveland to conduct drug deals with him, according to the appeals decision. The associate owed Rowe $8,500, according to court records.

The associate met with Rowe and paid him. A day or two later, Rowe's family and friends told him that Rowe's whereabouts were unknown. He used a GPS tracking device on Rowe's phone and found Rowe's car on Iowa Avenue with the windows broken out and blood in the car, according to court records.

The associate called police on Nov. 19 then returned home. It is unknown what police did on the day before Rowe's body was found.

The associate worried about Rowe's death and returned home, gathered up his valuables, including the $20,000, according to the appeals court records.

The man returned to the scene the next day and spoke with a woman he saw the day before, according to court records. While they were talking, they noticed a gun in the backyard, court records say.

The associate again called police. This time, an officer noticed a portion of the backyard had recently been disturbed, as if someone dug a hole, according to Cleveland police's account of the incident.

The officer called for a police cadaver dog which uncovered Rowe's body. Police also found a handgun in the backyard, according to police.

Officers also searched the associate's car with his consent and seized the cash. He also voluntarily provided a DNA sample for the homicide investigation. He was never charged with a crime in connection with the case.

County prosecutors argued the cash was drug money because the associate admitted to conducting drug transactions with Rowe.

The man sued to get his money back, and won. The appeals court confirmed the decision.

Fulton is on probation for illegally possessing a gun in Euclid in 2017. Dillworth was sentenced in 2017 to one year on probation for an attempted breaking and entering at the Extended Place Motel in Orange Village.

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CHARLESTON, West Virginia  A teacher who was once a Miss Kentucky has been suspended after authorities say she sent nude photos to a 15-year-old former student, authorities say.

Ramsey BethAnn Bearse, 28, of Charleston, has been released on a $10,000 bond after being charged with four counts of distributing obscene materials to a minor, a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriffs Department says.

Bearse is a science teacher at Andrew Jackson Middle School near Charleston.

According to wvmetronews.com, Bearse admitted using Snapchat to send at least four photos to the boy earlier this year. The boys mother discovered the photos, which showed Bearses nude breast/chest area, on his phone and notified authorities.

If Bearse is convicted of the charges, she faces 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.

Bearse won the Miss Kentucky beauty queen title in 2014. She competed in the Miss America Pageant in 2015.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cleveland man was shot three times during a fight Saturday outside a convenience store in the citys Cudell neighborhood.

The 30-year-old man was shot in the left shoulder, left side and left buttocks about 12:45 p.m. near a bus stop on West 89th Street near Detroit Avenue, according to a police report.

A witness told police officers that three men were fighting in the parking lot outside Dairy Mart. One of the men started to run away, and another man shot him, the witness said.

The witness heard approximately five gunshots, police reports say.

Officers spoke to the 30-year-old man at MetroHealth. He said he and his girlfriend were walking to the convenience store when they saw a fight. He said he walked over because they were being noisy, police reports say.

The man told the officers that he tried to run away when he heard someone yell he has a gun, and saw a man holding a silver revolver.

MetroHealth staff found approximately $500 and suspected crack-cocaine in the 30-year-old mans pockets, police reports say.

The man said he could not provide a description of the other two men involved in the fight. He was uncooperative when a detective arrived to interview him, police reports say.

The shooting remains under investigation.

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COLUMBUS, OhioOutgoing Gov. John Kasich on Monday mulled openly about the future of Ohios economy, saying that the states K-12 education system needs a fundamental restructuring that involves more direct involvement by the business community.

Kasich, speaking to the board of JobsOhio, the states non-profit economic development corporation, said Ohio children need to learn skills that businesses need so they can get good-paying jobs as adults.

And who can do that better than business? Who can explain this to kids better? Kasich asked.

The governor lamented that two of his proposals in recent years to directly involve businesspeople in K-12 education were shot down. One was to put two non-elected businesspeople on every school board in the state so they could offer guidance on school curricula. The other sought to require Ohio teachers to shadow a local businessperson before they could renew their teaching licenses.

Kasich, whos term-limited, is set to leave office next month, leaving him little time to do more about the issue besides use the bully pulpit of his office.

Theres two institutions that Ive dealt with in my career that are the two most difficult to reform, said Kasich, a former congressman. One is the Pentagon. The other is the education system.

The governor said such reforms are especially needed as the income gap between rich and poor Americans continues to grow.

With the digital revolution thats already upon us, if you dont have the skills, you will not work, he said. And if you dont work, you dont have income. If you dont have income, youre angry. This is not complicated.

Kasich pointed to General Motors recent decision to close its Lordstown assembly plant as an example of how Ohios economy is changing.

I look at Lordstown, and I see the edge of the tsunami of change, the governor said.

Kasich said that Wall Street bond rating agencies have expressed worries to him that Ohios economy will be hurt by the states slow population growth rate.

If Ohio schools can teach students high-tech skills that will be in demand in the future, he said, Ohio will be able to thrive even if we dont have the biggest population.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Its been 10 years since sun-starved Clevelanders could fly directly to Sarasota, on Floridas west coast.

Suddenly, Northeast Ohio travelers have two airlines offering nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, which is enjoying a major resurgence this year.

The first flight launched Monday afternoon on Frontier Airlines, which will fly twice a week to Sarasota, a waterfront town of about 60,000 known for its big-city culture and spectacular beaches.

In April, Allegiant Air will start its Cleveland-to-Sarasota route, also flying twice a week.

I think theyll do well, said Rick J. Piccolo, president and CEO of Sarasota-Bradenton airport. The Midwest market has always been very robust. Ohio on the whole has been very good.

Piccolo credits the recent resurgence at the airport to Allegiants entry into the market early this year. In April, the low-cost carrier launched service to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.

It did tremendously well  and that started to get other airlines interested, said Piccolo.

Frontier hopped on the Sarasota bandwagon in August, announcing nonstop service between Sarasota and Cleveland, then adding routes to Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Sarasota is Frontiers third destination from Cleveland on Floridas west coast, joining Fort Myers, 75 miles south of Sarasota, and Tampa, 60 miles to the north.

Among those grateful for the new destination: Julie Maglich, who was flying home to Sarasota Monday after bringing her 6-month-old son to visit his grandparents in Cleveland. It takes an hour to get to Tampa, she said. This is much better.

Karen Salamone of Willoughby, en route to see her mother in Sarasota, also lauded the new route. This is wonderful, said Salamone, who previously traveled to Sarasota via Atlanta, on Delta Air Lines.

Jonathan Freed, director of corporate communications for Frontier, said the airline will gradually, over the coming years, take possession of 200 new Airbus planes. Were looking for places for those planes to go, he said. We do very well in Florida  and we do well from Florida.

Last month, Frontier added nonstop service between Cleveland and West Palm Beach, Florida, and next month will add new flights to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

These new flights bring to 17 the total destinations offered by Frontier, the most of any airline operating in Cleveland. United Airlines has 16 destinations, and will drop nonstop service to Boston in March. United, however, still serves the largest number of Cleveland travelers.

Continental Airlines, which merged with United in 2010, previously flew between Cleveland and Sarasota, a route that was discontinued in 2008.

Sarasotas passenger traffic took a substantial hit in 2012, when AirTran Airways, newly acquired by Southwest Airlines, pulled out of the airport.

Sarasota has slowly come back, with the addition of Allegiant and Frontier this year speeding up the recovery.

The airport, too, has hastened the comeback, offering financial incentives to entice new routes and new carriers.

New airlines, as well as existing airlines launching new routes, dont have to pay operating fees at the airport for two years. In addition, the airlines are given marketing money to help build support for the new flights, according to Piccolo.

He anticipates Sarasota passenger traffic will grow by about 15 percent this year, and another 20 percent next year. Last year, the airport welcomed 1.1 million passengers.

New Frontier flights

Cleveland to Sarasota, Mondays and Fridays: Departing Cleveland at 12:59 p.m., arriving in Sarasota at 3:24 p.m.; departing Sarasota at 4:35 p.m., arriving in Cleveland at 7:06 p.m.

Cleveland to West Palm Beach, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays: Departing CLE for West Palm Beach at 7:15 a.m., arriving at 9:52 a.m.; leaving West Palm Beach at 10:54 a.m., arriving in Cleveland at 1:34 p.m.

Cleveland to Punta Canta, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, starting Jan. 6: Departing Cleveland for Punta Cana at 11:51 a.m., arriving at 5 p.m.; departing Punta Cana at 2:08 p.m., arriving in Cleveland at 5:41 p.m.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  A cooperation for the exploration of oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea through service contractors with China would make it concede that the Philippines has sovereign rights over the disputed area, paving the way for the resolution of the longstanding sea row, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Monday.

If China cooperates with us through a service contractor, like Forum Energy  then, in effect, China will be conceding that we have sovereign rights over Reed Bank, Carpio told CNN Philippines The Source.

Forum Energy Plc. is a London-listed company which has obtained a contract from the government to drill in Reed Bank, a sea feature within the Philippines 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Businessman Manny Pangilinan's PXP Energy Corp. has controlling interest in the company.

Carpio said if Chinas state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) would buy into Forum Energy, it would fall under the same service contract which allowed drilling in Reed Bank and would be admitting that the Philippines has sovereign rights over the area.

Beijing inked a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on oil and gas development with Manila during Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to the Philippines in November, which proponents said would set the stage for future talks on oil and gas exploration.

Highlights

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said China would be recognizing the Philippines' sovereign rights if it enters into a cooperation for oil and gas exploration through a service contract.

Carpio said Chinese state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation could buy in stakes of Forum Energy Plc. a London-listed company which has obtained a contract from the government to drill in a feature of the West Philippine Sea.

While Carpio said the memorandum of understanding inked by Manila and Beijing during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit here in November, he said a joint oil exploration would be unconstitutional.

The top magistrate also underscored the importance of filing diplomatic protests against China, noting that the Philippines would have lost in the Hague to the Asian giant if it did not lodge diplomatic protests.

He had been snubbed for the chief justice post for the third time, but Carpio said the West Philippine Sea is more important than getting the chance to lead the judiciary.

In the deal, China appointed CNOOC as its representative in all working groups which would determine what areas would be the subject of exploration and how the profits from the exploration would be split.

Critics, like former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay who was involved in the Philippine case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, said the deal compromises the countrys sovereignty and throws away Manilas historic victory in the tribunal.

But Carpio said the Philippine draft of the deal, which Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddyboy Locsin said was signed by the Philippines and China, is perfect.

However, he said that China should not be allowed to propose a joint exploration.

The moment they say joint exploration, we cannot do that because the Constitution says we need to have full control, Carpio said.

Article XII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution states that the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State.

The same constitutional provision also says that the President may enter into agreements with foreign-owned corporations involving either technical or financial assistance for large-scale exploration, development and utilization of minerals, petroleum, and other mineral oils.

Philippine authorities want profits from the oil deal to be split 60-40, with China getting the smaller chunk. But Carpio said profits could even be split exactly in half as nothing in the Constitution prohibits this.

The 60-40 is by law. Thats a presidential decree, that can be changed by law to 50-50, he said.

The PCA ruled in 2016 that the Philippines has sovereign rights over sea features within its exclusive economic zone and voided Chinas sweeping claims over virtually the entire South China Sea.

China did not participate in the proceedings and refuses to recognize the historic ruling.

Despite a recent survey showing that a majority of Filipinos are dissatisfied with how the Duterte administration is handling the maritime row with China, the government is not bent on insisting on the arbitral ruling.

But Carpio said the talks for the cooperation with China through service contracts would bring it away from claiming almost the entire South China Sea and towards agreeing to getting half of the income from the oil exploration, without insisting on obtaining sovereign rights over the area.

File diplomatic protests

The Senior Associate Justice also underscored the importance of filing diplomatic protests for every infraction China committed, saying the Philippines would have lost in the historic tribunal ruling against the Asian giant if it did not file protests against it.

We also showed to the tribunal that every time China drove away our survey ship, every time they drove away our fishermen, we protested. And we showed that we never accepted Chinas claim because we protest, Carpio said.

If you dont protest, you accept, you give up your rights  and we dont wanna do that, he said.

While the Foreign Affairs department had claimed that it has filed hundreds of diplomatic protests, its current chief, Locsin, said the Philippines is only sending diplomatic protests at a brick wall whenever it protests Chinas militarization of the West Philippine Sea.

But Carpio said the Philippines should continue filing diplomatic protests.

Otherwise, when we bring this up to another tribunal, we will be able to show that we never consented impliedly, he said.

West PH Sea more important than chief justiceship

The Senior Associate Justice had long been an outspoken advocate for the Philippines sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea and was among the key figures in the arbitration case against China.

On several occasions, Carpio had called on the government to lodge protests against Chinas militarization of the West Philippine Sea, including the presence of bomber planes, the deployment of Chinese ships to Sandy Cay and Pag-asa Island.

He even said that the Philippines should file another case against China over its coast guards alleged harassment of Chinese fishermen.

Carpio was nominated for the third time to become chief justice, but was yet again snubbed amid his critiques against the administrations dealings with China.

In explaining why he chose not to appoint Carpio, despite being the most senior justice in the Supreme Court, President Rodrigo Duterte said in a speech that the former was hankering him to attack.

But Carpio said he has accepted his fate, adding that advocating for the Philippines sovereign rights is more important than the chief justiceship.

Ive always said that the President has the prerogative under the Constitution to appoint anyone from the shortlist by the [Judicial and Bar Council,] he said.

Carpio would be retiring from the judiciary in October 2019. He said he would be concentrating on his advocacy on the West Philippine Sea once he steps down.
The guns, ammunition and other items discovered in the police raid last Wednesday.

Five persons, ages ranging from 20 to 40 years, were said to be in police custody following an operation which turned up five firearms and several rounds of ammunition.





Deputy Commissioner of Police, Frankie Joseph said on Thursday that the police conducted an "intelligence driven operation in the Diamond area on Wednesday, when the items were discovered.





Among the weapons were two 12-gauge shotguns, one MK1 rifle, one 357 Magnum and a Glock pistol.

The other items found include 56 rounds of 5.56 ammunition; eight rounds of Glock ammunition; six rounds of shotgun ammunition; a white mask and several packages.





It was explained to members of the media on Thursday, that the packages were first thought to contain currency (money), however upon opening them it was determined that they were stuffed with pieces of paper resembling currency.





"Getting five firearms off the street, especially the type/caliber, it has to be a big bust because these are five firearms less on the streets to threaten, maim or kill someone, DCP Joseph said.





"We want the criminals out there to know that we are going to be relentless in this fight because the citizens of the country must be able to travel throughout the country without having to look over their shoulders, he continued.

According to the DCP, officers attached to the operational divisions within the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force had received threats from criminals.





He further stated that there were 39 murders committed in 2017 with 27 involving firearms; the figure stands at 33 so far for 2018 with 21 being gun related.





DCP Joseph said that the police were working very hard to ensure that the number remains where it is, but cautioned that fighting crime was the responsibility of the police and civilians alike.

"The police cannot do it alone, we must have the support of the general public and we have been getting that.
By Trend





During the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, 1,483 Armenian prisoners of war and hostages were released, Eldar Samadov, deputy head of the Working Group of Azerbaijans State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, said.

He was speaking at a conference titled "Criminal acts of Armenians against the Azerbaijani people and their tangible and cultural monuments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict", held in Baku Dec. 10, Trend reports.

Samadov stressed that Armenia is holding three Azerbaijani hostages.

There is also one Armenian hostage on the Azerbaijani side, he said. Azerbaijan continues the necessary measures to release Dilgam Asgarov, Shahbaz Guliyev and Elnur Huseynzade held hostage in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The release of these people is in the center of attention of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Samadov noted that President Ilham Aliyev, who participated in the informal summit of the CIS heads of state in St. Petersburg, during a meeting with Armenian acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the issue of mutual exchange of persons held in Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The main issue is the collection and storage of DNA samples from close relatives of missing persons, Samadov said. A special place has been allocated for storing the samples in Azerbaijans State Security Service (SSS) hospital, and 5,889 samples have been collected so far regarding 1,943 missing persons.

During an operation in July 2014 in the Shaplar village of Azerbaijani Kalbajar district, occupied by Armenia, the Armenian special forces killed an Azerbaijani, Hasan Hasanov, and took hostage two other Azerbaijanis, Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov. A "criminal case" was initiated against them. Afterwards, a "court" sentenced Asgarov to life imprisonment and Guliyev to 22 years in prison.

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.
Alleged Russian agent Maria Butina wants to change her not guilty plea in a pending criminal case, setting the stage for her to plead guilty Wednesday, a new court filing hows.

Butina, who is charged with conspiracy and failing to register as a foreign agent, and federal prosecutors on Monday filed a joint motion in U.S. District Court in Washington to ask a judge to set a date for a change-of-plea hearing as soon as possible.

"The parties have resolved this matter," that motion says.

Hours after that filing, the hearing was scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Wednesday.

It is not clear if Butina, 30, who has denied being a Russian agent, has reached a cooperation agreement with prosecutors from the District of Columbia. But plea negotiations in the case have been going on since at least last month.

Gun activist Butina, who remains in custody, was arrested in July. She is a accused of plotting with her former boss to infiltrate American political organizations, including the National Rifle Association, to promote Russia's agenda.

Butina, who came to the United States in the summer of 2016 on a student visa, had lived with a man identified as Paul Erickson, a Republican activist and NRA member. Earlier this year, the McClatchy news service reported that the FBI was investigating whether the NRA received Russia money to help promote President Donald Trump's campaign.

Last week, the Daily Beast reported that a lawyer for Erickson was sent a so-called target letter informing him that prosecutors were considering charging Erickson with secretly acting as an agent for a foreign government. The letter, the news site said, also said prosecutors were weighing whether to charge him with conspiracy.

The New York Times has reported that Erickson wrote an email to Trump's campaign in May 2016 offering to arrange a meeting between Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"Putin is deadly serious about building a good relationship with Mr. Trump," Erickson wrote, according to the Times. "He wants to extend an invitation to Mr. Trump to visit him in the Kremlin before the election."

Butina's move toward an expected guilty plea comes as the organization she is accused of trying to infiltrate has seen a decrease in its income.

Last month, the NRA said it had taken in $55 million less in income in 2017 than in the year before, when it was spending a lot of money to help Trump get elected. And the gun rights group spent significantly less money to support candidates in the recent midterm congressional elections.

During a bail hearing last summer, prosecutors said Butina has a "history of deceptive conduct," and "extensive foreign connections."

The FBI, in a court document, said that Butina had connections to an unidentified "high-level official in the Russian government," and that she had acted at the behest of that official.

NBC News has reported that Butina served as a special assistant to a Kremlin crony whose description in court papers matches that of Alexander Torshin.

Torshin is a former Russian senator and deputy head of Russia's central bank. He also is close to Putin.

The New Yorker last July, in an article about Butina, said that she "will go down in history as perhaps the first person to publicly ask" Trump "what his policy toward Russian sanctions would be if he were President." That question was posed to Trump at a public event in 2015.

"We get along with Putin," Trump answered. "I don't think you'd need the sanctions."
More than four hundred investors have urged governments to act on climate change or risk the stability of their financial systems.

Lobby group The Investor Agenda (IA) issued a statement on Monday on behalf of 415 global investors, who collectively manage $32 trillion.

The statement called on world governments to step up their efforts on achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and commit to improve climate-related financial reporting. The IA also urged leaders to drive investment into low-carbon energy by taking action such as phasing out coal worldwide.

The Paris Agreement was drafted in 2015 and set out targets to help international economies work towards reducing carbon emissions.

Signatories of Monday's statement agreed that lawmakers needed to address climate change "with urgency," and warned that failing to act would create significant risks for the global economy, financial system and society.

"It is vital for our long-term planning and asset allocation decisions that governments work closely with investors to incorporate Paris-aligned climate scenarios into their policy frameworks," the cohort said.

"The countries and companies that lead in implementing the Paris Agreement and enacting strong climate policies will see significant economic benefits and attract increased investment that will create jobs in industries of the future."

The investors behind the statement include some of the world's biggest insurers, pension funds and asset managers. A statement was originally drawn up in July but was reissued this week with backing from a record number of signatories, in conjunction with the COP24 summit on climate change in Katowice, Poland.

The Investor Group on Climate Change, whose members manage around $2 trillion in Australia and New Zealand, was one of the organisations driving support for the statement. CEO Emma Herd said in a statement in July that Group of 20 (G-20) leaders needed to set policies that provided investors with certainty to fund a secure and affordable low-emissions energy system.
The CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports said that the company remains "good allies of all countries" as it embarks on an agreement that will see its flagship port become a hub in China's wide-reaching "belt and road" initiative. Mohamed Al Shamisi told CNBC's Dan Murphy over the weekend that his business was "not at all" affected by the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China. He said he expects the tie-up with China's largest shipping group to provide boon to global trade. "We are good allies of all of the countries," said Al Shamisi, who added that he sees a "huge" import and export potential for the region.

Abu Dhabi Terminals branding is seen on the side of an office atop a ship-to-shore gantry crane at Khalifa Port, operated by Abu Dhabi Ports Co. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Monday marks the inauguration of a 35-year concession agreement between Abu Dhabi Ports and China Ocean Shipping Company (Cosco) Shipping Ports. The deal will allow Cosco to operate and develop a new container terminal in Khalifa Port to support trade flows expected from China's 60-country-wide infrastructure project. The belt and road initiative is a vast project designed to link China with much of Asia, Europe the Middle East and Africa, and to increase Beijing's political and trade influence globally. The port, which is situated halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, now serves over 25 shipping lines and has links to 70 international destinations. Al Shamisi said that makes it a "strategic location" for trade, not only within the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East, but the wider ecosystem. "It's huge  We are not serving the Middle East per se, but we are serving the North Africa Indian subcontinent and we are transitioning point to all of these destinations," said Al Shamisi. "Having such infrastructure where the biggest ships can enter and use Khalifa Port as a hub, it will serve the one belt one road, and it's actually the heart of the one belt one road," he added.

Cosco expects 'long-term growth base'

The agreement comes at a time when commentators, not least U.S. President Donald Trump, have questioned China's growing influence over other countries. Al Shamisi said the deal will help bolster Abu Dhabi Port's ambitions to increase its capacity, but he said it would also create opportunities from foreign direct investment from other nations. "We see big potential of foreign direct investment especially having Cosco by our side, which will connect all of these industries to the world," he said.
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U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to tell parliament that she is to postpone a vote on her draft deal to exit the EU.

Britain and Northern Ireland is due to leave the EU in march next year but the terms of the deal must be approved by U.K. lawmakers.

A vote scheduled for Tuesday looks set to be delayed to avoid a probable government defeat.
A court in China has granted Qualcomm an injunction against Apple.

The court has banned the import and sale of nearly all iPhone models in China, according to a statement Monday from Qualcomm. Apple is already disputing the scope of the ban, saying it only applies to iPhones that run on an older operating system.

Apple shares lost 2 percent on Monday morning but later turned positive, while shares of Qualcomm rose 3 percent. Apple's stock turned negative for 2018 on Friday and is already down 26 percent this quarter.

"Qualcomm's effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world," Apple said in a statement. "All iPhone models remain available for our customers in China. Qualcomm is asserting three patents they had never raised before, including one which has already been invalidated. We will pursue all our legal options through the courts."

The patents in question only affect iOS 11, the operating system for iPhones and iPads that launched in 2017, Apple says. iPhones sold today run iOS 12, the new version of the software that launched in September.

The Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court in China granted the two preliminary injunctions against four Apple subsidiaries in China. It relates to two Qualcomm patents that enable users to adjust and reformat the size and appearance of photos and to manage applications using a touch screen when viewing and navigating apps on their phones. iPhones are currently sold with the operating system iOS 12, which Apple says does not violate the patents in question.

In a statement, Qualcomm said, "We deeply value our relationships with customers, rarely resorting to the courts for assistance, but we also have an abiding belief in the need to protect intellectual property rights."

The statement, from General Counsel Donald Rosenberg, added, "Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us. These Court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomm's vast patent portfolio."
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested on an extradition warrant, appears at her B.C. Supreme Court bail hearing along with a translator, in a drawing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada December 7, 2018. Jane Wolsak | Reuters

A Chinese state-run newspaper lashed out at Canada on Sunday over the arrest of a top Huawei executive, saying it is bowing to pressure from the United States and likening her treatment to a "show trial" aimed at humiliating China for challenging the U.S. in global technology leadership. Justice authorities in Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer and daughter of company founder Ren Zhengfei, on Dec. 1 in Vancouver, reportedly over alleged violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Meng faces possible extradition to the U.S. The detention comes within the broader context of the U.S.-China trade war and just as President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day truce at the G-20 Summit in Buenos Aires. The English-language China Daily, in an editorial published Sunday on its website, accused Canada of detaining Meng for the sake of its relations with the U.S. The paper stressed that Washington maintains close intelligence ties with Ottawa under the "Five Eyes" sharing arrangement that also includes Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

"The country has surrendered to the United States' ugly politics by detaining Meng Wanzhou," the state-controlled China Daily said. Reuters reported Sunday that Canadian prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley said at a court hearing on Friday that a warrant for Meng's arrest was issued in New York on Aug. 22. According to Reuters, Gibb-Carsley also said that Huawei had carried out business in Iran by using a Hong Kong-based company Skycom and Meng misled U.S. banks about the relationship. Meng said that Huawei sold Skycom in 2009. Huawei, in a letter to its suppliers released late Thursday, said that it "strictly complies with all applicable laws and regulations in our global business operations" and added it "is not aware of any wrongdoing" by Meng. China Daily also accused Canada of mistreating Meng. "Detaining a Chinese citizen during her change of flight without giving any concrete reason is severely violating her legitimate rights and interests," the editorial said.
Citi slashed its Apple price target to $200 a share on Monday, saying "trade wars are bad for tech stocks." The stock fell into the red for 2018 on Friday and is down 25 percent this quarter.

"While we do not expect Apple to miss its sales guidance we do expect consensus to come lower closer to our lowered estimates in the weeks ahead," Citi analysts said in a note to investors. "We do not expect China to ban or impose additional tariffs on Apple."

"However, we note that should this occur Apple has material exposure to China," representing 18 percent of the company's total sales, Citi added.

KeyBanc, in a note published on Sunday, said soft demand for the iPhone XR "suggests Apple is hitting the limits of pricing power for a large portion of its user base."

Apple shares opened trading at $165 a share, down 1.9 percent. But the stock recovered in midday and closed up 0.7 percent.

The stock had deepened premarket losses during when CNBC reported that a court in China has granted Qualcomm an injunction against Apple. While Qualcomm says the court's ruling bans the import and sale of nearly all iPhone models in China, Apple is already disputing the scope of the ban. The tech giant says the court ban only applies to iPhones that run on an older operating system.

Citi lowered its Apple price target to $200 a share from $240 a share.

The firm does not expect Apple to miss its own expectations for December sales but said it sees the company reporting "towards the lower end" of $89 billion sales.

"We have found the legacy iPhones are doing better than expected due to the price reductions which makes the legacy iPhones more affordable in developing countries," Citi said.

Citi posed the question "how low can Apple go?" In the firm's new bear case, Citi sees the stock falling as far as $125 a share if Apple's revenue growth slows to 2 percent to 3 percent a year and gross margins are much weaker than expected.

"In order for the stock to move higher we believe investors will await for consensus estimates to move lower," Citi added.

Citi joins a number of Wall Street firms cutting expectations for Apple's stock: Morgan Stanley (on the weak market in China for iPhones), Goldman Sachs (on the lackluster international reception of the iPhone XR), Guggenheim Partners (on declining iPhone unit sales next year), UBS (on warnings from suppliers and weak overseas sales), HSBC (on over-dependence of a single product) and Rosenblatt Securites (on a lowered iPhone shipment estimates).
WHEN: Today, Monday, December 10, 2018

WHERE: CNBC's "Squawk Box"

The following is the unofficial transcript of a CNBC interview with Paul Tudor Jones and CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin on CNBC's "Squawk Box" (M-F 6AM  9AM) today, Monday, December 10th. The following is a link to video of the interview on CNBC.com: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/12/10/watch-cnbcs-full-interview-with-paul-tudor-jones.html.

All references must be sourced to CNBC.

JOE KERNEN: Let's get over to Andrew now. He's at the offices of Tudor Investment. He's joined by a special guest. Andrew.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Thank you, Joe. We are at the offices of Paul Tudor Jones, legendary investor. Of course he's looking at me -- he hates when I say legendary. But the legendary investor is here he founded Robin Hood, he founded Just Capital. We have a lot to talk to you about this morning. Including these new rankings from Just Capital. I want to get to that. We are going to do a two part interview. Effectively we want to talk about just capital the other about the markets and where things are at. I know you have a bold call on what the fed is maybe going to do we'll get to that in just a bit. But first, give me a taste in the past couple weeks the volatility has been enormous what are you doing with your money? What are you thinking about these markets?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: I think we're going to see a lot of more of what we just saw which is a lot more volatility. It's really easy to say I'm really bullish, or I'm really bearish I see a two-sided market. I think in the next year we'll be from where we are today ten down and ten up.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Ten down and ten up.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Both sides of it. At least 10% either way. Maybe 15% either way from where we are right now.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: We'll put a pin in that for a second and talk about it in a moment i want to understand how you position yourself for that if that is the case but I want to talk about just capital this morning you're releasing new rankings for 2018. This is your effort effectively to rank companies based on the way the public perceives these businesses and you have an ETF out that you launched. You talked about it last time in the spring. We should say that ETF I think is down about 5%, pretty much matching where the S&P was since that began.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: That's about right. It's outperformed the S&P and the Russell 1000 for seven straight quarters though. So it outperformed the Russell 1000 and I think the S&P for seven straight quarters.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Let's talk about, though, this ranking. Top of the list is Microsoft and it's a very tech heavy list at the top this year. What was the big surprise and difference when you made the rankings this year?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Oh, there weren't that many changes. We had 33 new companies move into the just 100. In the top 5, we had Alphabet move into the top 5. It is tech heavy because tech does such a great job on worker pay. That's our number one metric. The American public said the most important thing for just for a company 25% worker pay, 18% customers, 15% products. So, and what's so interesting about that, is that 25% for workers and 18% for customers is so different when you think about what the public's telling us. It's about people. Right? It's about workers and customers and it's about people. Yet on Wall Street, companies always manage for profit. There's a big difference there.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: here's the thing I don't understand. If Jeff Bezos was making this list I assume he would put product at the top he'd either put product or customer at the top before you get to worker at some point you'd want leadership and shareholders. And I am not discounting the environment or communities or jobs or all of these other issues but clearly if you don't have the product and the customer part right you probably don't have a business.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Right. And if you don't have really well incentivized, smart, engaged workers, you're not going to have a product and you're not going to have customers. None of this is black or white. It's all shades of gray. It all works into this wonderful thing called capitalism. And of course the reason we started Just Capital was because we want to make capitalism work for all. We're trying through the private sector which you know $18 trillion four times the size of the public sector. 40 times the size of philanthropy. We're trying to change the most important thing in our lives which is our work in a way that's going to give us a society that's more sustainable. Here's something that is a little scary there was a poll recently conducted 51% of millennials between 18 and 29 are opposed to capitalism. You're going to be 20 years from now doing this from Havana unless we change the way that capitalism works right now. Because we're leaving too many behind. Right? In the past 40 years, we've had an 80% increase in worker productivity but they've only shared in 10% of that. So we have to change, we have to modernize. Or this great system that we have is not going to continue as we know it now.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Okay, so explain this though: number three on the list you mentioned earlier is Alphabet. Alphabet's also come in the news because of data protection issues and other things. How does that then rank in this?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Right so remember something like data privacy is going to be a component of probably -- we collect over 80 different subsets of components that go into our overall ranking. And I forgot how many hundreds of thousands different data streams. So it's just one small part. They do a great job on worker pay and treatment, pay equity. They do a great job on the customer experience and customer satisfaction. So you can't look at any one thing in isolation  you have look at the whole --

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: I mentioned Jeff Bezos before he comes in, Amazon's only number 30. And they're the top retailer in your group what happened there?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: So they'll probably move up again next year. Remember our rankings are in may 31 when they went to the $15 minimum wage, that was after that fact and that'll be definitely a real positive for them next year. Retail I'm excited about because you've had Target, you've had Walmart, you've had Amazon all increase their basic minimum wages that they're paying across the board. And see, that's what's so great. I think about these rankings. These really are a competition for goodness. I'll give you a great example. Microsoft, why is Microsoft number one? They have 100% compliance on pay equity. Meaning they go through and do a survey and they make sure their women are paid just as much as their men are. It's funny I have a small business. Has cnbc ever conducted a pay equity survey?

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: I don't know the answer to that.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Okay, so 39 out of the top 100 just companies have conducted a pay equity survey. and it's interesting because until I got into this, I am a small business I never would have thought about it.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Do you do a pay equity here?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: I just got finished asking our HR. She said, "We've been doing this for 4 years but we've never actually conducted a formal survey." I said, "Well, maybe we should." She goes, "Well, we're not like a large corporation that probably has tens of thousands of employees. We've got 380. I think we're covered." But the point is the reason this is so much more important and you talking about damn earnings all the time, is these best practices are what everyone whether you're a public company or private company needs to do so we have a just workplace.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Let me throw another name at you. General Motors I'm surprised came in at 14. This is above Amazon, above Facebook and these other bigger companies we often talk about.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Great job on worker pay and treatment. Great customer experience.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: They just laid off 14,000 people.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: That again, happened after May 31. That will have an impact in next year's rankings. Right? So these are as of May 31. So the only thing I would say is what we're trying to do here is to take the message that's really to me most important, which is: it's about the human side of what companies do. And we've got to make sure that in businesses as well as when we're investing that we don't look at companies just as these lifeless entities that do nothing but make profits. Because we're not going to have a sustainable social structure. Capitalism will not survive unless we change.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Let me ask you about two other ones. One is Tesla, we talk about automakers, in the bottom 10% on this list. Basically doesn't make the list.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Yeah. You know the way I look at that look at the room for improvement he has next year. Right? They don't do a great job on worker pay and treatment. If I was on the board of Tesla or if I was Elon Musk, that would really bother me. That would really bother me. And so hopefully I'd be focused on that and I'd say, "I don't want to be there. I want to be"

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: He's trying to avoid the unions right now he's saying -- he's actually saying he does pay his people well because he pays them in stock. He'll tell you people on the floor get a lot of money  could potentially make a lot of money given the stock. But how much of this is deals with governance? I ask only because I don't know if you saw "60 Minutes" last night he said he doesn't respect the S.E.C.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: So that particular bucket is about 7% or 8%. Again, remember there's so many different issues that go into it. It's not just one thing that makes or breaks or disqualifies you. It's the whole range of things.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: How much do you want CEOs to look at this list, call you up, say, "How can I get higher on the list?" And say, "What do I have to do to move  How do I have to reposition myself?" Then the question is 

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Hold on. They're not calling me. We poll the American public.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: I know. But I assume they call you and say, okay, I need to understand the metrics with which you're using because I want to figure out how I can do better. But if the focus is on worker pay, for example, over making a killer product or delighting the consumer 

PAUL TUDOR JONES: It's not black or white. Remember, it's all shades of gray. So it's about worker pay and treatment. It's about having a great customer experience. It's about having a socially beneficial product at a reasonable cost of great quality. It's about, "How do I treat my communities?" It's about, "Am I creating domestic jobs for American workers?" And we were.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: But interestingly, we all want domestic jobs for American workers. We all want higher wages. By the way, you care about macroeconomics more than anybody else. Look at what the Fed is thinking about the fact that wages getting where they're getting. Think how the market is reacting to that. I mean, you look at this list and then you think about the reaction, and you think what?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: You mean with regard to the Fed?

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: With regard to the Fed. But even just more broadly, with regard to the way the stock market reacts when wages go higher. You think that actually they would  that companies or shareholders would effectively give you kudos for this. But they do the opposite. For obvious reasons, by the way. For obvious reasons.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: It's really interesting, right? Jeff Bezos was probably the only CEO that could come in and say, "I'm going to have a $15 minimum for every one of my employees." He's probably the only guy. Because any person that was kind of a hired contractor CEO is going to have a board and shareholders that are going to absolutely eviscerate that person. But Jeff Bezos, you know, he is Amazon. So he and his regal God-like way could do the right thing, the beneficial thing. I guess, you know, the thing that I look at -- when I look at the wealth disparity in this country, which I think is the single biggest single threat we have. Because it's a threat to our entire -- the capitalist way of life, which is the best form of economic governance. We've got too many Americans left behind. And so, I look at this almost like climate change. We know climate change is bringing impending doom and disaster, but it's happening incrementally so we don't do anything about it. When I think about worker pay and going to 15 bucks, okay so maybe it's going to cost a little bit in terms of R.O.E. But in the long run, if we don't do this, we're going to lose our whole form of capitalism. And so, I we've got to -- I think as Americans, as shareholders, as any stake holder, we've got to realize there has to be a better balance. There has to be a better balance than the way we divide corporate revenue between shareholders, as well as workers, customers, communities, and the planet. It's out of whack and we've got to change it.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Okay. I'm going to press pause for a moment. We're going to take a quick commercial break. When we come back though, we're going to continue our conversation with Paul Tudor Jones. This time we're going to talk about a bold market call he's got We'll talk about the Fed, China, tariffs, and so much more. Paul Tudor Jones when we return.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Okay.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Welcome back to "Squawk Box." We are on the trading floor of Paul Tudor Jones' firm continuing our conversation with him. Just finished up talking about Just Capital but --

PAUL TUDOR JONES: A day of celebration for great companies doing just things.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: I also want to talk to you about what I think is a relatively bold call that you have about what the Fed may or may not do when it comes to hikes. What do you think is going to happen?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Well, Central Banks always, generally speaking, manage by looking in the rearview mirror. So they're always looking at data that's old. The whole four guidance thing locks them into these intractable paths that's difficult for them to deviate from. And that's probably not the best way to manage an economy, but it's -- when you're driving that many different stake holders and you have so much momentum, it's very hard for them to change. What's different this time is that I started out as a cotton trader. So commodities, I was trading. That was the first thing there were no financial futures or certainly no stock index futures when I first started. And all the financial futures had just begun. My point being, I always look at commodities because they're a great leading indicator for the economy. So right now we have the Goldman Sachs commodity index down about 15% over the past 40 days. Never in the history of the Fed have we had that kind of a deflationary impulse eight days before a hike. So just within the last two months, we've got this incoming data. And we had this -- what I think is the bellwether of the economy telling us 

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: There's a problem here.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: There's potentially a problem, right? And real question, is it supply driven or demand driven? It's demand driven. Oh, my god. It's funny, if you just kind of go query up 'Goldman Sachs commodity index down 15% over the past 40 days,' and you go look at those times through history, you find it typically is happening during cutting cycles, not hiking cycles. So this is different this time. We are hiking with this really contemporaneous set of very important data telling you 'Watch it because you could be hiking at exactly the time you should be cutting.' So, and if I just -- the only other times we've even been close to this was '74. I think the GSEN was down 11% in '97. And then December of 2015. And so in '74, that was the -- they hiked us right into a recession. And '97, that was one hike before we ended up getting into '98 and all the problems associated with that. And then in 2015, that was the first hike when we went to 150 basis points and we were on pause for years. So the one thing that I would say is there's a high probability that this hike will be -- assuming they hike  will be the last one for a long time.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: So you don't think they're going to hike in 2019?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: No, no, no. I don't think they're going to hike in 2019.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Really? I mean, by the way, the market still expects them to hike in 2019.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: There's 20 basis points  there's not that much priced in. But I don't think they're going to hike. No.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: And what do you think the chances that they don't hike in a week?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: I think they'll probably hike. Again, there is so much momentum and Central Bankers by definition are so conservative and for them to change that quickly would require this unbelievable change. The mindset -- and look, you know, so on the one hand we've got this fact set that we have never seen before hiking into clear deflationary singles coming from the commodity complex. So let's say, okay, I don't think they're going to hike in 2019. So now let's look and say what happens if this is the last hike? What happens--

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Are we off to the races?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Well so we've got three episodes to look at. We've got the end -- when I say episodes, long hiking cycles so I will throw out '97 long hiking cycles followed by termination points. So that gives us '95, that gives us 2000, and 2006. So those are the last three modern days of hiking cycles. And when they ened, they were generally speaking great times about the stock market. Within a month or so, the stock market was off the races. So, we've got -- if you just thought okay this is going to be like last time. You'd want to be thinking about in this turbulent period, buying stocks because history would say '95, we exploded. 2000, we at least went back and retested the highs. It kind of -- I think they stopped in May or June and we were back retesting the highs in October. And then in 2006, we went on for another 20% or 25%. We went all the way up to October 2007. So modern day history would say if this is the end, we've got to get ready for a big rally next year.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: So your gang, that's behind me and around us, are they positioning themselves  are you guys buying right now amidst all this?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Well, and again, on the other side, all of a sudden we got them hiking into this deflationary impulse which if you remember in December 2015, we had that horrific January 2016 and '74 we got annihilated. Even '97 after the hike we went down. So you've got kind of two -- if I am just looking for historic analogs, I've got --

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Which one are you betting on though?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Well that's why I said I think 10 up, 10 down. We're going to be both sides. Because I don't necessarily know just yet.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: But then what do you do about it, if you are going to be ten up or ten down?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Well, I am going to 

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: You just play the volatility.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: I'm going to buy the hell of a ten lower for sure. To me that's an absolute lay-up. The difference between now and say December 2015 is the market has deleveraged so much, we probably -- if you think of all the buy backs which we are going to have all of next year, I can't imagine sometimes next year we won't be up 10% or 15% next year. I can't imagine because we still have the same buy backs we had this past year. The difference is we are walking into next year completely, totally deleveraged. And so, if we're being honest, the markets, a lot of time, is just about herding cattle back and forth.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: But you've also talked about the whole system being overleveraged, talk about deleveraged.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Yes.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: How much do you worry about that?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: So  so -- again, and again that's why I think we can be both sides. We probably are sitting on a big global credit bubble. And I hope I am not underestimating the potential negative impact that popping that bubble. What's interesting about this hike is that this one, you're seeing that the problems coming from it, or the consequences of it, you're seeing it  where the bubbles are greatest, you're seeing it in China domestically on the private side, you're seeing it in Italy who has a credit bubble in terms of their public deficits, or excuse me, their public debt. So we are seeing this hike playing out in the areas of the greatest credit vulnerability, the biggest bubbles.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: We've got to run but to hit two things. Real quick, China, China trade, how much do you think that's impacting the market?

PAUL TUDOR JONES: I'd say  I'd say there is an emotional aspect of it that had a huge impact. No doubt about it. And clearly it's had an impact domestically in China and popping their credit bubble which is having ramifications. So yes, it is a big deal. I would say 50 China and 50 the Fed.

ANDREW ROSS SORKIN: Okay. We're going to leave the conversation there. Paul Tudor Jones, thank you. Congratulations on the Just Capital rankings today.

PAUL TUDOR JONES: Day of celebration. Let's talk about all these great things they're doing.

For more information contact:

Jennifer Dauble

CNBC

t: 201.735.4721

m: 201.615.2787

e: jennifer.dauble@nbcuni.com

Emma Martin

CNBC

t: 201.735.4713

m: 551.275.6221

e: emma.martin@nbcuni.com
White House Communications Director Bill Shine walks out after President Donald Trump to board the Marine One helicopter with him for travel to Mississippi from the White House in Washington, November 26, 2018.

Shine left Fox News after being embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal involving late Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes. While Shine was never accused of harassing women at the network, he was named in numerous lawsuits claiming he covered up Ailes' misconduct. Shine has denied wrongdoing. He joined President Donald Trump's administration as deputy chief of staff for communications in July.

Shine resigned from Fox in May 2017. The disclosure form shows he is due bonuses of about $3.5 million in 2018 and 2019. He also received $8.4 million in severance pay when he left the company.

In a letter obtained by CNBC, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse and Edward Markey addressed what they say could be a breach of federal ethics laws after a new financial disclosure report showed Shine getting guaranteed bonuses from 21st Century Fox totaling approximately $7 million over this year and next.

Four Democratic senators are requesting the White House counsel's office to provide documents and answer detailed questions about whether Trump aide and former Fox News executive Bill Shine is breaking conflict of interest laws as he continues to get paid by 21st Century Fox.

Trump and Fox News have had a close relationship for several years. He was a regular guest on the network's morning show "Fox & Friends" and is friends with some on-air talent, including prime-time host Sean Hannity. Meanwhile, former top Trump aide Hope Hicks landed an executive spot at the company that will remain after the bulk of 21st Century Fox is merged into Disney next year.

The senators' letter is addressed to acting White House counsel Emmet Flood. In it, the lawmakers argue that the payments Shine received when he departed the network and the millions he continues to rake in may be in breach of ethic laws.

"21st Century's Fox's previous and ongoing payments to Mr. Shine of millions of dollars in severance payments raise questions about his compliance with federal conflict of interest statutes and regulations," they wrote.

The senators then asked questions that they described as a way to verify if he followed the regulations.

"Did you or other ethics officials at the White House provide Mr. Shine with any authorizations or ethics waivers regarding his participation in meetings or communications related to particular matters that affect 21st Century Fox, Fox News Channel, and its affiliates other than those identified in this letter," they asked.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Shine did not return a request for comment.

Read the letter to the White House.

The move to initiate an investigation comes as ethics experts publicly question whether Shine broke any laws after CNBC first reported last month on his continuing payments from Fox.

Walter Shaub, former director of the Office of Government Ethics, tweeted in November that Shine may have broken the "extraordinary payment regulation" which disallows federal employees to be paid in excess of $10,000 by a former employer, particularly if that company discovered an employee was being considered for a government position prior to their departure.

In their letter, the senators ask the White House whether Shine ever received the appropriate ethics waivers for not only these types of payments, but also his participation in meetings as it pertained to Fox News and 21st Century Fox.

The move to go after Shine also comes in the midst of Warren contemplating a run for president in 2020 and some within the Democratic Party questioning her decision to take a DNA test proving she had some form of Native American family origin. Warren took the test after Trump repeatedly mocked her as "Pocahontas" and questioned whether she had a Native American family background.

Jim Margolis, an advisor to former President Barack Obama during his 2008 and 2012 campaigns for president, told CNBC in an interview that he believes the timing of the test was ill advised because it coincided with the congressional midterm elections.

"I think her timing of doing it was really unfortunate," Margolis said. "I thought it would come post 2018 and I don't think it was helpful before the election. My guess is because it got so enmeshed in 2018 that she's going to probably need to come back around to it," he added.
By Trend

Iran has arrested four suspects linked to the recent deadly attack in the country's southeastern port city of Chabahar, an Iranian judiciary official said Saturday, Xinhua reported.

Ali Movahhedi Rad, prosecutor general of Zahedan city in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, said further investigations are underway to identify the major elements behind the terrorist attack, Tasnim news agency reported.

At least three people, including the attacker, were killed and 48 others injured in the suicide bomb attack on the police headquarters in Chabahar in Sistan and Baluchestan Province on Thursday morning.

Iranian officials accused foreigners of being behind the deadly attack.
Elon Musk says he has put in ultra-long hours over the last year to keep his electric car-company, Tesla, alive. He had to push himself that hard if he was going to push his team that hard, he said.

"I think there was like literally one week where I actually worked 120 hours and just didn't leave the factory. I didn't even go outside," Musk told Leslie Stahl on Sunday's "60 Minutes" on CBS.

"I wanted to make it clear to the team. They needed to see that however hard it was for them, I would make it worse for me," the 47-year-old entrepreneur told Stahl.

Musk said he worked on the floor fixing problems and slowdowns in the assembly line as Tesla struggled to ramp up production of its Model 3 car. The delays in production pushed the car-maker to the brink, according to Musk: "It was life or death. We were losing $50 [million], sometimes $100 million a week. Running out of money.

"Yeah. That's scary," Musk added.

To help speed up production, Tesla built an extra assembly line under a tent in the parking lot at its Fremont, California factory.

It was "a pretty miraculous effort by the team to create a general assembly line out of nothing in three weeks," Musk said. "So those, you know, betting against the company were right by all conventional standards that we would fail. But they just did not count on this unconventional situation of creating an assembly line in a parking lot in a tent."

Asked if he wants to buy plants that might be idled by GM, Musk nods: "It's possible that we would be interested if they were closing a plant or not use itthat we would take it over."

The production line in the tent increased Tesla's output by 50 percent, Musk told Stahl. In October, Tesla announced it had swung to profitability.

The combined efforts of Tesla employees to keep the company alive is worthy of praise the company doesn't get, Musk said.

"There's been relentless criticism, relentless and outrageous and unfair. Because what actually happened here was an incredible American success story," Musk said to Stahl. "All these people work their ass off day and night to make it happen. And they believe in the dream. And that's the story that really should be told."

It's not the first time Musk has talked about his leadership strategy.

Musk told "CBS This Morning" host Gayle King in April that he sometimes sleeps at the Tesla factory to show his team that he does't ask them to do anything he won't do himself.

"Yeah, I'm sleeping on the factory floor, not because I think that's a fun place to sleep. You know. Terrible," Musk told King. "I don't believe like people should be experiencing hardship while the CEO is, like, off on vacation."

Musk hosted the November 2017 Tesla earnings call from the Gigafactory, Tesla's battery production facility in Nevada, because that's where he was working, correcting production delays, he said.

"I move myself to wherever the biggest problem is in Tesla," said Musk. "I really believe that one should lead from the front lines and that's why I'm here."

At the time, Musk talked of his hands-on work at the factory. "I am personally on that line, in that machine, trying to solve problems personally where I can," Musk said. "We are working seven days a week to do it. And I have personally been here on zone 2 module line at 2:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning, helping diagnose robot calibration issues. So I'm doing everything I can."

Not everyone agrees with Musk's methods.

Thrive Global founder, author and sleep advocate Arianna Huffington said Musk's extreme working hours were irresponsible and counterproductive.

"Working 120-hour weeks doesn't leverage your unique qualities, it wastes them. You can't simply power through  that's just not how our bodies and our brains work," Huffington wrote in an open letter to Musk. "Nobody knows better than you that we can't get to Mars by ignoring the laws of physics. Nor can we get where we want to go by ignoring scientific laws in our daily lives."

And there have been claims that the working conditions at Tesla are dangerous and extreme. However, the CEO dismissed the allegations. "I don't think that's correct," Musk told Stahl, after she mentioned reports of toxic fumes, stress injuries and ambulance calls at Tesla. "I was literally living in the factory. If these  if there's, like, toxic fumes, I'm breathing them. Okay?"

Musk seems to wear the long hours, at least, as badge of honor. As he said on Twitter recently, 40 hour work weeks weren't sufficient for anyone with grand ambitions.

There are way easier places to work, but nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week

See also:

Elon Musk is stressed, says he's sleeping on Tesla factory floor and has no time to go home and shower

Elon Musk: Up all night, at times depressed, taking the blame for Tesla production delays

Elon Musk: 'Twitter's a war zone,' so 'let's go!'
Billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk defended his sometimes aggressive and controversial use of Twitter on Sunday's "60 Minutes" on CBS.

"Twitter's a war zone. If somebody's gonna jump in the war zone, it's, like, 'Okay, you're in the arena. Let's go!'" Musk told Leslie Stahl.

Stahl had specifically pointed out Musk's tendency to engage with reporters: "You kind of have little wars with the press," she said, referring to the fact that he has been dismissive of news outlets, as well as specific reporters on the platform.

Musk told Stahl that he uses Twitter as a way to share his feelings with his nearly 24 million followers.

"I use my tweets to express myself," Musk said. "Some people use their hair. I use Twitter."

One of the 47-year-old CEO's tweets has gotten Musk in real trouble. In August, he tweeted that he was considering taking Tesla private at $420 a share and that he had "funding secured." The next month, the Securities and Exchange Commission sued Musk for fraud based on the tweet. Musk settled with the SEC; he agreed to pay a $20 million fine (which is basically like paying a traffic ticket for the average American) and gave up his role as chairman of Tesla for at least three years.

Asked if he wants to buy plants that might be idled by GM, Musk nods: "It's possible that we would be interested if they were closing a plant or not use itthat we would take it over."

Musk told Stahl his tweets are not reviewed by Tesla before they are published.

"The only tweets that would have to be, say, reviewed would be if a tweet had a probability of causing a movement in the stock," Musk told Stahl.

"I mean otherwise it's, 'Hello, First Amendment.' Like freedom of speech is fundamental," the CEO said. (The First Amendment only applies to the government censoring or punishing free speech, not a private entity.)

Musk admits the system is not foolproof: "Well, I guess we might make some mistakes. Who knows?" he told Stahl. "Nobody's perfect."

Musk has also often used Twitter to respond to Tesla customers' questions and complaints.

For example, one potential Tesla customer took to Twitter to complain about a pushy sales representative at a Tesla store. Musk responded to say he had addressed the complaint. "Just sent a reminder to Tesla stores that we just want people to look forward to their next visit. That's what really matters," Musk said.

Def not ok. Just sent a reminder to Tesla stores that we just want people to look forward to their next visit. That's what really matters.

See also:

Elon Musk says Tesla would consider buying idled GM plants, takes another swing at the SEC on '60 Minutes'

Elon Musk: Facebook 'gives me the willies'

Elon Musk may actually be making a website to rate journalists for credibility and 'core truth'
Vestager, who has earned a reputation for taking a tough line against companies that breach EU rules and can impose fines of up to 10 percent of a company's global turnover, said she did a preliminary review some time back.

Critics say that an NFC chip embedded in the Apple iPhone means that Apple Pay is automatically selected when an iPhone user pays for goods and services, barring rival payment methods. The Danish Competition Authority is investigating the issue, which was brought to its attention by the Danish Consumer Council.

Google has been fined a total of 6.8 billion euros ($7.7 billion) in the last 18 months for breaching EU rules.

In an interview with Reuters, European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager also signalled that Google and Amazon would remain very much on her radar until the end of her mandate late next year.

EU regulators looked into Apple's mobile payment service and found it was not market dominant but they could review it again if they receive formal complaints, Europe's antitrust chief said on Monday.

"When we were looking at it ... (at) first glance, we couldn't see Apple being dominant. That doesn't exclude in the future that we will have a second look. But when we looked some time ago, we didn't find ... the necessary (evidence) to start a case," she said.

"Obviously if we had official complaints, we would take that seriously because the entire payment market is a very important payment market."

A spokeswoman for Apple declined to comment.

Separately Vestager is reviewing whether Amazon is using merchants' data illegally to make its own brand products similar to retailers'. She said she has been inundated with data, key to building a case against the U.S. online retailer.

"Now we have received not piles, but mountains of data and for us it is a priority to go through that, both from Amazon themselves but also coming in from some of the businesses that they actually host," she said.

"For us, of course it is important to get the starting point right because, if we open a case, in order to be able to proceed with some speed, well then of course we need to get some of the basics right and we are in the process of doing that."

Vestager recently asked Google's rivals if the internet search engine unfairly demotes local search competitors, raising the possibility of a fourth antitrust case against the company.

"Now we ask questions when it comes to local search. This means a lot to many people because you use your phone or your table, you are looking for a place to eat, opening hours, where to go, museums, doctors, all kinds of stuff, and therefore of course it is a very important area, a very important service," she said.

"It could be (a fourth case against Google) but of course we start asking questions without prejudice."
Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., November 30, 2018.

The market is paying far more attention to the negatives than the positives. On Monday, it was Brexit, technical breakdowns, and perhaps more worry over the Mueller investigation.

"I think that Santa's making his own list and traders are making a list that has more than a few negatives on it," UBS Art Cashin quipped to CNBC.

In theory, there were several positives that should have helped the markets last week: Fed officials signaled fewer rate hikes down the road, and that was a huge positive. Also positive was the announcement of a U.S.-China tariff 'truce" (despite the confusion around it), not to mention an OPEC production agreement.

In normal markets, that would have been enough to move stocks up, but this is not a normal market.

On Monday, the opened up, then drifted lower and moved into negative territory less than 20 minutes later. That fits with the recent pattern. Whether the market opens up or down, selling begins soon after the open.

Stocks took another leg down at two points Monday: first, when Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May announced to Parliament she would delay a vote on the U.K.'s plan to leave the European Union, and then just before 11 a.m. ET, when the S&P broke below its recent October 29 low of 2,603 and quickly dropped another 20 points in the next five minutes.

Why is Brexit an issue for stocks? Because it greatly complicates the plans for U.S. multinationals and their businesses in Europe. Most corporations have been quiet in reporting on Brexit's effect because they don't know what is going to happen. Today's action only complicates the outcome.

The market also did not get any help on the two biggest issues it faces: trade and tariffs and global economic slowdown. Over the weekend, U. S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer reiterated that if there was no progress on tariffs and trade in the next 90 days, more tariffs were coming. Japan's third quarter GDP was revised to a greater than expected fall of 2.5 percent, and Chinese trade for November (both imports and exports) was lighter than expected, all of which reinforces the "global slowing" theme.

Finally, there is Robert Mueller's investigation, which is heating up. I was asked several times over the weekend to what extent it was affecting the markets. To the extent that President Trump could be in greater legal and political risk, it is certainly an issue, but it's difficult to quantify what percentage of the market's decline is due to this concern.

I believe it's a partial factor for a simple reason: I'm getting asked a lot about it by traders. One of Pisani's Laws of Broadcast Journalism holds that "You know you're in trouble when your best sources call YOU and ask YOU what's going on." This inverts the normal interview process, where I ask the questions. When traders are confused and not sure what's going on, the natural response is, "I'm not sure, Bob, what do you think?"

A lot of people are asking what I think these days.

But the biggest problem of all is the market action itself. Cashin noted  as have others - that buying an oversold bounce has not been rewarded recently. "Every rally has failed and we're back down to the lows. So people are going to say, whoa, how often am I going to try and buy the dip and trade the turn when all other rallies keep failing?," Cashin asked.
French President Emmanuel Macron is due to address the country Monday evening amid ongoing violent protests that hit Paris and other French cities again at the weekend. Macron's presidency is in crisis following weeks over high-profile and dramatic demonstrations by "yellow-vest" protesters that have caused havoc across France. The protests started as a demonstration against Macron's carbon tax policy and planned fuel tax increases but they have morphed into wider anti-government protests and discontent at Macron's leadership, rising living costs, his economic reforms and what many protesters say is Macron's neglect of the working and middle-classes. The president is expected to make an announcement on Monday evening (at 19:00 London time) regarding the government's response to the protests, with expectations that he could announce new economic measures aimed at addressing negative public sentiment towards his reforms. But beyond that there is no indication what the statement will contain or whether it will be enough to placate demonstrators.

A protester waves a French flag during clashes with police at a demonstration by the "yellow vests" movement in Paris, France, December 8, 2018. Benoit Tessier | Reuters

One coordinator of the "yellow vest" protests, Thierry Paul Valette, told reporters on Saturday that Macron's announcement would be too little, too late. "(Macron) must provide answers. They are late, unfortunately, they are late and the reality is that when he presents these measures some yellow vests will go home as they will be satisfied, but right now there are a lot of people who simply want the president to resign. It's too late, the game is set and those people will stay on the streets." The government had already said that it would delay planned fuel tax increases for six months but then later went further by dropping them from the 2019 budget altogether. Still, that has failed to halt protests. In the fourth weekend of demonstrations on Saturday, around 125,000 were estimated to have protested around France. In Paris, 10,000 demonstrators were believed to have taken to the streets with some throwing stones, torching cars and vandalizing shops and restaurants. Over 1,000 people were taken into custody and 264 were injured (including 39 police officers), the Interior Ministry said in a tweet on Saturday. Tweet: Analysts predict that Macron will have to change political tack in order to address voter concerns. "The question is how much, in the way of concessions, is Macron going to have to give to calm the protests down," Constantine Fraser, European political analyst at TS Lombard, told CNBC Monday. "I wouldn't be surprised if over the next few years we see a lot more of a consumer-faced Macron, a Macron who focuses much more on standards of living and on disposable income issues," he told CNBC's Street Signs.

Economic catastrophe

The government has warned of slower economic growth as a result of the protests and Bruno Le Maire, the country's finance minister, said the protests were an "economic catastrophe" for the euro zone's second largest economy. "It's a catastrophe for business, it's a catastrophe for our economy," he said Sunday as he visited shops that had been damaged in Paris. He said the state would show the "greatest firmness" towards vandals and looters.
Traders work at the Goldman Sachs booth on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Fed is likely to "respond to the economic implications of material and sustained changes in financial conditions by adjusting the funds rate path. We don't know yet whether the recent change will be sustained, but it is material," Hatzius wrote.

In a note this weekend, Goldman chief economist Jan Hatzius conceded that while the central bank is still likely to increase its benchmark short-term rate in December, another move in March seems unlikely.

The bank's economists still think the market has it wrong on Fed policy, and they see three increases in 2019.

Tightening financial conditions and intensified skittishness over trade will cause the Federal Reserve to follow a less aggressive path when it comes to hiking rates, according to Goldman Sachs.

"December is still very likely (in our view 90%). However, we think the probability of a move in March has now fallen to slightly below 50%," he added.

Until the change, Hatzius had the most aggressive Fed call on Wall Street, with four quarter-point increases likely in 2019. That was even more hawkish than the current forecast of three hikes from officials on the Federal Open Market Committee, which sets rates for the central bank and announces its next decision on Dec. 19.

Markets, though, have slashed their expectations following the stock market turmoil over the past two months that has coupled with an intensified trade skirmish between the U.S. and China and expectations that global growth will slow in the year ahead.

The market now is pricing a 73 percent chance of a December hike, but only a 48 percent probability that the Fed hikes rates at all in 2019, according to the CME's tracker. Looking further out, futures contracts indicate a growing possibility of a rate cut heading into late 2020 and early 2021. The fed funds rate is currently in a range of 2 percent to 2.25 percent.

Goldman thinks investors are overly concerned about how tight financial conditions will get.

"In our forecast, the economy continues to grow above trend for most of the year, the unemployment rate falls further below the Fed's estimate of its longer-term level, wage and price inflation gradually move higher, and we see a return to quarterly hikes in June that last through the end of 2019," Hatzius said.

He discounts the likelihood of a recession anytime soon, saying financial imbalances and economic overheating do not appear present. The employment picture remains strong and inflation is likely to pick up, he said.

"We therefore think that the storm will pass and this will keep Fed officials on a normalization path, albeit a more tortuous one than up to now," Hatzius wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and members of their delegation hold a dinner meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi and Chinese government representatives at the end of a G-20 summit in Buenos Aires, on Dec. 01, 2018. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images

For more than two decades, the U.S. government has been strongly asserting the Chinese military colludes with Chinese corporations to steal intellectual property, spy on U.S. companies, conduct lucrative business with sanctioned entities and actively hack American organizations. Now, the U.S. government has its first tangible crack at one of those corporations, Huawei, after years of making these types of claims. The stakes couldn't be higher for the Justice Department to prove them. On Dec. 1, the U.S. essentially left one of its closest allies  Canada  no choice but to arrest the chief financial officer of one of China's largest hardware companies, an enterprise that ships more mobile phones than Apple. That CFO, Meng Wanzhou, is the daughter of the company's founder, injecting a level of interpersonal drama on top of the geopolitics, trade tensions and long-standing allegations against the firm.

As a strictly legal matter, the Huawei case is narrowly focused on payments Iran allegedly made to Huawei in violation of international sanctions, possibly through a third-party intermediary in Hong Kong. But the case has much broader implications. That's because the U.S. government has rarely had a chance to make any cybertheft or money-laundering allegations in court against a Chinese executive, particularly an official with the stature of Meng. Government officials have complained about unfair practices by Chinese corporations mostly before sympathetic congressional committees, in a friendly conference of like-minded former government officials or as anonymous media sources. The Department of Justice has indicted several Chinese citizens under a range of cyber and IP theft allegations, but very few of those have been extradited. The Huawei case will change that in a huge way. Losing it could mean losing credibility here and abroad on a far wider range of security issues involving China.
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested on an extradition warrant, appears at her B.C. Supreme Court bail hearing along with a translator, in a drawing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada December 7, 2018.

Meng said she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained. She cited hypertension in a bail application seeking her release pending an extradition hearing. She also noted that she owns two homes in Vancouver worth millions of dollars each.

In a sworn affidavit, Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, said she is innocent and will contest the allegations at trial in the United States if she is surrendered there.

China has demanded her immediate release. The arrest has roiled global markets as investors worried it could torpedo attempts to thaw trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Meng, 46, faces U.S. accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran. This deception put the banks at risk of violating U.S. sanctions and incurring severe penalties, according to court documents seen by Reuters. U.S. officials allege that Huawei was trying to use the banks to move money out of Iran.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou is fighting to be released on bail after she was arrested on Dec. 1 in Vancouver at the request of the United States. She is also fighting the extradition request, and China has protested her arrest to U.S. and Canadian officials.

The CFO of China's Huawei Technologies argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing, citing her longstanding ties to Canada , properties she owns in Vancouver and fears for her health while incarcerated, court documents showed on Sunday.

The logo of Huawei is seen on a smartphone.

Her family assured the court she would remain in Vancouver if she was granted bail, according to the court documents. Her husband said he plans to bring the couple's daughter to Vancouver to attend school during the proceedings. Meng will be back in the court for a bail hearing on Monday.

Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of telecoms network equipment and second biggest smartphone seller, did not offer an immediate comment on the court documents. The company, a market leader across many countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, previously said it has complied with all applicable rules.

Earlier on Sunday, China's foreign ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador to lodge a "strong protest" over the arrest, and said the United States should withdraw its arrest warrant.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng told U.S. ambassador Terry Branstad the United States had made an "unreasonable demand" on Canada to detain Meng while she was passing through Vancouver, China's Foreign Ministry said.

"The actions of the U.S. seriously violated the lawful and legitimate rights of the Chinese citizen, and by their nature were extremely nasty," Le told Branstad.

China urged the United States to withdraw the arrest warrant, Le added. "China will respond further depending on U.S. actions," he said, without elaborating.

On Saturday, Le warned the Canadian ambassador there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Meng.

There was no immediate reaction from Canada. On Friday, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters Canada's relationship with China was important, and the country's ambassador in Beijing has assured the Chinese consular access will be provided to Meng.

The United States has been looking since at least 2016 into whether Huawei shipped U.S.-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of U.S. export and sanctions laws, Reuters reported in April.

The U.S. case against Meng involves Skycom Tech, which Huawei has described as one of its "major local partners" in Iran. Huawei used Skycom's Tehran office to provide mobile network equipment to several major telecommunications companies in Iran, people familiar with the company's operations have told Reuters.

In December 2012, Reuters reported that documents showed Skycom had tried to sell embargoed Hewlett-Packard computer equipment in 2010 to Iran's largest mobile-phone operator.

Reuters later reported that Skycom had much closer ties to Huawei and Meng than previously known.

In Canadian court papers made public on Friday, an investigation by U.S. authorities found Huawei operated Skycom as an "unofficial subsidiary" to conduct business in Iran.

Huawei said its Iran operations were "in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions" of the United Nations, United States and European Union, according to Canadian court documents released on Sunday.

U.S. officials allege that Meng and other Huawei representatives misled financial institutions about Huawei's control of Skycom, so the Chinese company could gain access to the international banking system. As a result, an unidentified financial institution cleared more than $100 million worth of transactions related to Skycom through the U.S. between 2010 and 2014, the court papers said.

On Thursday, Reuters identified HSBC Holdings as one of the banks involved in the Meng case and, citing sources, reported that the probe included possible bank fraud.

Companies are barred from using the U.S. financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said on Sunday he would "100 percent absolutely" introduce a measure in the new Congress that would ban Chinese telecom companies from doing business in the United States.

"We have to understand Chinese companies are not like American companies. OK. We can't even get Apple to crack an iPhone for us in a terrorist investigation," he told CBS "Face the Nation."

"When the Chinese ask a telecom company, we want you to turn over all the data you've gathered in the country you're operating in, they will do it. No court order. Nothing like that. They will just do it. They have to. We need to understand that."

Rubio was a strong critic of China's ZTE Corp, which pleaded guilty in 2017 to violating U.S. laws that restrict the sale of American-made technology to Iran.
An Indian woman casts her vote at a local polling station for state elections in the village of Raisar in Rajasthan on Dec 7, 2018. Vishal Bhatnagar / NurPhoto / Getty Images

Farmer discontent and weak job growth could hurt the performance of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in state elections. That offers a crucial opportunity for the main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, to shine. Five states recently went to the polls to elect representatives to their respective assemblies. Votes will be counted on Tuesday, with special attention on the regions of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The three Hindi-speaking areas boast a combined state domestic product of roughly $305 billion and are among the country's easiest places to do business, according to the World Bank. Analysts anticipate the outcome in the three states could serve as a preview for the country's general election in 2019. "The results of these elections, while not conclusive, may serve as bellwethers for whether the nearly 65 parliamentary seats from the electorally important states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh will ultimately go to the opposition Indian National Congress party or to the BJP in 2019," said Kartikeya Singh, deputy director of the Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India policy studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in a note.

Concern over farm distress will matter the most. Radhika Rao economist at DBS Bank

The three states are traditionally BJP strongholds but that's set to change. According to exit polls by Indian news channel NDTV released on Saturday, Congress is expected to easily win Rajasthan and narrowly emerge victorious in Chhattisgarh. Madhya Pradesh, meanwhile, is seen headed for a hung verdict. If the right-wing BJP loses two out of the three, it could have a weaker mandate ahead of the all-important 2019 vote. Not having the support of cooperative state governments, those ruled by BJP or an allied party, can diminish the central government's development priorities and reform agenda, according to Singh. For Congress, gaining heavyweight states such as Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh could embolden its leader Rahul Gandhi,  the son of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi  to form a coalition with other opposition groups for the 2019 polls. Congress "needs to demonstrate that it is still a relevant major party in the lead up to the national elections  something within its grasp with these state elections," Singh said.

The issues at stake

Tougher economic conditions as a result of higher oil prices and a depreciating rupee are set to work against the BJP. India is a heavy energy importer so the combination of a weaker currency and spiking crude prices will be a drag on growth. But it's rural policies that will be influencing votes in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, which are all agrarian economies. Spiking fertilizer costs, declining agricultural commodity prices and weak incomes have sparked a raft of farmer demonstrations and suicides in recent months. In late November, tens of thousands of rural workers marched to parliament in New Delhi in protest against escalating operating costs, dwindling produce prices and insufficient agriculture infrastructure investment. "Concern over farm distress will matter the most," said Radhika Rao, economist at DBS, Southeast Asia's largest bank. "Social issues like the level of employment, welfare schemes, and caste-based identity politics are also likely to play a hand in swaying the final vote."

The BJP hasn't ignored rural issues. Since coming to power in 2014, Modi's government has launched initiatives to improve irrigation and crop insurance. It's also made campaign promises for farm loan waivers and other welfare handouts but such measures could pressure India's fiscal situation, Rao warned. "High state fiscal deficits will keep India's general government deficit levels elevated at above 6 percent of GDP this year and FY20 as well," she said.

Looking ahead to 2019
Workers assemble semi trailer components on the factory floor at the Wabash National manufacturing facility in Lafayette, Indiana.

There were 1 million more jobs than unemployed workers in the most recent government count of job openings, according to a Labor Department release Monday.

Total available jobs stood at 7.08 million for October, the second-highest level surpassed only by the 7.3 million in August, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey showed. By comparison, there were just 6.08 million Americans classified as unemployed for the month.

The survey shows a tightening jobs market at a time when questions are arising over the broader economy's strength. Most economists are expecting a global slowdown that could infect the U.S., which is coming off its strongest year since the Great Recession ended in mid-2009.

JOLTS data showed a mostly strong picture for the employment situation.

The amount of openings was more than 1 million higher than the same period a year ago, a 16.8 percent increase. The labor pool, though, continues to shrink, with the current unemployed level down 449,000 from October 2017, a 6.9 percent decline. November saw another decline, to 5.98 million; JOLTS numbers only extend through October.

The number of hires also was robust at just shy of 6 million, coming within 14,000 of the series high set in August. Hires rose 3.4 percent over the previous month and 5.2 percent from the same month a year ago.

Another key indicator, the quits level, declined some in October.

Those voluntarily leaving jobs  a key indicator of worker confidence  declined by 50,000 to 3.51 million. The quits rate as a percentage of the workforce nudged lower from 2.3 percent, but it was still higher than the 2.2 percent of a year ago.

Most other indicators were little changed.

Nonfarm payrolls rose by 237,000 in October and 155,000 in November. The unemployment rate remains at 3.7 percent.

WATCH: Forget 9-to-5. Four hour workdays are the future, says Jack Ma
By Trend

The number of those detained by police during Yellow Vests protests in France on Saturday has risen to over 1,700, Trend reports citing Sputnik.

According to the BFMTV broadcaster, a total of 1,723 people were detained during the protests, with 1,220 of them taken into custody. As many as 1,082 protesters were detained in the French capital alone.

On Saturday, French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced that around 125,000 people participated in the protests nationwide, while the number of those detained has reached 1,385.

France has been facing a wave of mass protests since mid-November, when the so-called yellow vest protesters  named after the obligatory attribute of French drivers  took to the streets to rally against rising fuel prices and a planned hike in tax on diesel and carbon fuels. On Tuesday, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced that the fuel tax hike would be suspended for six months, which, however, failed to appease the protesters.

The yellow vest rallies have been marked by violent clashes with police officers, who have used tear gas and rubber bullets against the protesters.
Japanese carmaker Nissan wants to keep former Chairman Carlos Ghosn and his family from going back to their apartment in Copacabana for fear they would destroy evidence against him, The Financial Times reported.

The Times, citing a person with knowledge of the dispute, said Nissan thinks a safe in the apartment contains evidence that the Brazilian-born Ghosn used funds from a Nissan subsidiary called Zi-A Capital to buy the residence.

Nissan told the FT it feared that granting the Ghosn family access to the property could lead to the destruction of evidence. The statement came after a court in Brazil granted the Ghosns access to the apartment. Nissan said it would appeal that ruling to a higher court.
Passersby are silhouetted as a huge street monitor broadcasts news reporting ousted Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn's indictment and re-arrest in Tokyo, Japan December 10, 2018.

Both Nissan and its former chairman Carlos Ghosn have been charged by Japanese prosecutors over financial misconduct, according to a statement from Nissan.

Ghosn was arrested in November for under-reporting his compensation in the company's financial statements over a period of five years. The auto giant said in a statement in November that "over many years" Ghosn and board director, Greg Kelly, had been under-reporting compensation amounts to the Tokyo Stock Exchange securities report.

Nissan added that, in regards to Ghosn, "numerous other significant acts of misconduct have been uncovered, such as personal use of company assets." The company said Ghosn had also made inappropriate investments.

On Monday, Nissan confirmed that both Ghosn and Kelly had been indicted for "violating the Japan Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, namely making false disclosures in annual securities report."

Prosecutors have also charged Nissan as a legal entity for the same violation, the company confirmed.

"Nissan takes this situation extremely seriously. Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissan's public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret," Nissan said in a statement.

Ghosn, who headed the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, has previously denied the accusations.
Jerome Corsi, right wing commentator, speaks during an interview in New York, November 27, 2018.

Jerome Corsi, a conspiracy theorist and Roger Stone associate, has filed a federal lawsuit accusing special counsel Robert Mueller of illegally searching his phone records and leaking grand jury information.

Corsi, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, recently claimed he faces indictment by Mueller.

Attorneys for Corsi, 72, filed the lawsuit Sunday night in U.S. District Court in Washington. In addition to Mueller, it targets the Justice Department, the National Security Agency, the FBI and the CIA. The attorneys are demanding $100 million in "general and compensatory damages" and $250 million in "punitive damages" from the agencies.

In the complaint, Corsi's lawyers argue that their client's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable or unwarranted government searches and seizures was violated when "each and every one" of the defendants looked through his digital records without a warrant and probable cause.

The complaint also accuses Mueller of directing his staff to leak information from his grand jury about Corsi to the media. Special counsel spokesman Peter Carr declined CNBC's request for comment on the court filing.

Mueller's team has reportedly investigated for months whether Corsi learned in advance that WikiLeaks had received Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's emails, which U.S. intelligence services have concluded were stolen by Russian intelligence officers. WikiLeaks published troves of Democratic National Committee emails in 2016 during the presidential campaign.

A draft court filing, which was reportedly prepared by Mueller's team before plea deal negotiations with Corsi were scrapped, showed emails sent by Corsi to longtime Trump confidant and Infowars colleague Roger Stone about WikiLeaks.

Corsi, a former Infowars employee who pushed the "birther" conspiracy questioning Barack Obama's citizenship, has denied that he knew ahead of time about the hacking and release of Podesta's emails.

A lawyer for Corsi did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the filing.

The filing outlines a view of Mueller's ongoing probe of Russian election interference that mirrors Trump's denunciations of the special counsel.

Like Trump, Corsi claims in the document that the special counsel "and his leftist and Democrat partisan" prosecutors are compromised by political bias and other conflicts. The president has repeatedly railed against what he calls Mueller's team of "Angry Dems" on Twitter.

Corsi also accuses the special counsel of trying to make him lie under oath that he was a liaison between Stone and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in the publication of stolen Democrats' emails.

Trump has made similar claims. He accused the special counsel in mid-November of "threatening" witnesses "to come up with the answers they want" without regard for "how many lives [they] ruin." He later called Mueller "a conflicted prosecutor gone rogue."

TWEET The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts. They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want. They are a disgrace to our Nation and don't...

TWEET ....care how many lives the ruin. These are Angry People, including the highly conflicted Bob Mueller, who worked for Obama for 8 years. They won't even look at all of the bad acts and crimes on the other side. A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY!

Corsi and Stone have emerged as central witnesses in the Mueller probe, which is also looking at potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Days before the lawsuit, Corsi filed a complaint against Mueller with the Justice Department, addressed to acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker. Legal experts told NBC that the complaint was meritless.
Prime Minister Theresa May leaving 10 Downing Street, London, ahead of Prime Minister's Questions. Victoria Jones - PA Images | PA Images | Getty Images

Sterling slumped to a 21-month low as British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed that the government would delay a Brexit vote in the parliament, that had earlier been scheduled for Tuesday. Earlier on Monday, the pound fell to $1.266, a level not seen since April 2017, following several media reports that May had gathered senior aides at a Monday morning meeting in 10 Downing Street to discuss pulling the vote. It further fell to $1.2616 after PM May addressed the parliament, bringing the losses to nearly 1.7 percent against the dollar on the day. The pound also extended losses versus the euro, trading down by 0.7 percent to 90.18 pence. May claimed that while there was broad support for her deal, the issue of the Northern Irish backstop remained a concern and she would return to European counterparts to renegotiate the deal. "A worrying tone is emanating from the debate in the House. We already knew that delaying the vote to avoid a catastrophic loss for the government would have opened the door to an internal Conservative party leadership challenge," Stephen Gallo, European head of FX strategy at BMO Capital Markets told CNBC via email on Monday. "Now, however, many MPs appear to be using their rhetoric to pave the way for a parliamentary no confidence vote in the PM and her government. So that door is still open. We knew this too, but the FX market appears to be reacting to the realization of it, Gallo added."

Sterling to remain volatile

Sterling is down more than 7 percent since the start of the year. Currency analysts have predicted that the currency could remain volatile in the next few months due to the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit vote. "The market might not like this increased uncertainty, (GBP making new lows) and we will have to wait to see if whatever her plan is now is any more liable to succeed," Jordan Rochester, forex strategist at Nomura said in a note before May's address to the Parliament. "But this has to be the reasoning. As we said last week, procrastination risks are on the rise once again," Rochester added. The process to leave the bloc has proven long and rich in technical details. The departure date has been scheduled for March 29 next year  meaning that negotiators have just under four months to conclude negotiations on aspects such as the movement of people and goods across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Meanwhile, sterling has seen a lot of volatility since the U.K. voted to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016. While the initial moves on the day were dramatic, plunging from the highs of $1.50 to a 31-year low of $1.32, the currency is down nearly 13 percent since the Brexit vote.

What is the Meaningful Vote?
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell:

Nutrisystem  The weight loss program company agreed to be bought by Tivity Health for $1.3 billion in cash and stock. Tivity, a provider of fitness and health improvement programs, will pay $38.76 per share in cash and a little over a fifth of a Tivity share for each share of Nutrisystem, giving the deal an implied value of $47 per share. Nutrisystem closed Friday at $34.20.

Travelport  The provider of travel commerce platforms agreed to be acquired by affiliates of Siris Capital Group and Evergreen Coast Capital for $15.75 per share in cash, or about $4.4 billion. Travelport had closed Friday at $15.40, but the stock had jumped five percent last Thursday after reports that the deal was close.

FedEx  Bank of America/Merrill Lynch downgraded FedEx to "neutral" from "buy", and cut its price target to $220 per share from $304. B of A/Merrill said the "surprise" change in management at the company's Express division may signal a reduction or delay achieving in its profit improvement target.

Facebook  Facebook increased its stock buyback authorization by $9 billion, on top of a previously authorized $15 billion.

Gilead Sciences  Gilead named Roche executive Daniel O'Day as its new chief executive officer as of March 1, 2019. Chief patent officer Gregg Alton will serve as interim CEO from January 1 until O'Day's start date. The drug maker had said in July that CEO John Milligan would step down at the end of this year.

Deutsche Bank - A potential merger between Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank would have the approval of Germany's finance ministry, according to a Bloomberg report.

Visteon  Visteon was downgraded to "sell" from "neutral" at Goldman Sachs, which expects an upcoming business update from the auto parts maker to be a negative catalyst for the stock.

WageWorks  WageWorks was upgraded to "market outperform" from "market perform" at JMP Securities, which cites a number of positive factors for the benefits administrator including valuation.

Yelp - Yelp is under fire from longtime shareholder SQN Investors. The Wall Street Journal reports that SQN is planning to send a letter to the online review company's board pushing it to add new members and to consider all options to get Yelp back on track, including a sale. Yelp issued a statement noting that SQN had provided the letter to the media before sending it to Yelp, but said it is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with SQN and other shareholders, and that it regularly evaluates opportunities to unlock its full business potential.

Papa John's  Papa John's founder John Schnatter has engaged a financial adviser to help him review alternative for increasing shareholder value, according to an SEC filing.

Tesla  CEO Elon Musk told "60 Minutes" he does not respect the SEC, and that as largest shareholder in the automaker he can do anything he wants even if a new chairman is brought in.

Universal Display  The provider of organic light emitting diode technology sees its stock join the S&P MidCap 400 as of today. It replaces restaurant operator Sonic, which has been acquired by Inspire Brands.
A demonstrator opposed to the Senate Republican health-care holds a sign that reads "I Stand With Planned Parenthood' while marching near the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The Supreme Court announced Monday that it would not hear two cases brought by states seeking to bar Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funding, as Republican-appointed justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh sided with their liberal colleagues. The court rejected appeals from Kansas and Louisiana, which sought to overturn federal appeals court rulings barring them from cutting off the medical provider's funding. The court's order announcing its decision not to hear the cases does not list how each of the justices voted. But Justice Clarence Thomas dissented from the decision. He was joined by fellow conservatives Justices Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito. Four justices must agree to take up a case in order for the court to hear it. The court would have taken up the case had either Kavanaugh or Roberts, the chief justice, wanted to do so. Kavanaugh's decision is particularly notable. Anti-abortion groups celebrated his confirmation in October and many assumed his ascension to the bench would solidify a conservative majority that would take on abortion rights. The cases the court declined to hear Monday did not directly concern the legality of abortion, though Planned Parenthood is a frequent target of lawmakers who oppose it. In his dissent, Thomas said his colleagues' decision was rooted in the abortion issue though the cases themselves were not.

The cases stemmed from controversial videos released in 2015 by the anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress. The videos purported to reveal that Planned Parenthood was trafficking tissue from aborted fetuses, though investigations by Congress later cleared the group. Planned Parenthood has said that the videos were heavily edited and misleading. Those videos prompted a number of governors, including former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, to block Medicaid funding for the group. Congress has prohibited the use of federal funds to pay for abortion, though Planned Parenthood receives government funding, largely through Medicaid, for other services it provides, such as cancer screenings and birth control. In February, the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Kansas, reasoned that states cannot cut off a provider's funding for reasons "unrelated to the provider's competence and the quality of the health care it provides." A panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Louisiana, reached a similar conclusion last year, and a later hearing by the full appeals court reached a 7-7 tie on the matter. Following Monday's announcement from the Supreme Court, both circuits' restrictions on a state's ability to limit Medicaid funding will stand. In his dissent, Thomas wrote that the question before the court "has nothing to do with abortion." He said he would have taken up the case in order to resolve a circuit split over whether Medicaid recipients have the right to challenge a state's determination of what makes a medical provider "qualified." "Some tenuous connection to a politically fraught issue does not justify abdicating our judicial duty," he wrote.
Wall Street's top marijuana analyst likes Marlboro maker Altria's $1.8 billion investment in Canadian pot company Cronos Group, telling clients the move represents a "unique entry into cannabis."

Cronos' emphasis on rare cannabinoids will likely prove valuable for Altria as it looks to diversify from tobacco and into up-and-coming markets like e-cigarettes and marijuana, Cowen analyst Vivien Azer told clients. She has an outperform rating on Altria shares and sees the stock rallying to $74 in the next year. The stock was trading above $53 a share Monday, down less than 1 percent.

"While the potential uses of cannabinoids are vast, Cronos believes the key to successfully bringing cannabinoid-based products to market is in creating reliable, consistent and scalable production of a full spectrum of the roughly 100 cannabinoids, not just THC and CBD," Azer said in a note Monday. "Together, Cronos can leverage Altria's operational capabilities and expertise in order create value-added form factors while focusing on ingredient composition without reliance on a massive cultivation (farming) infrastructure."

Cronos and Altria announced last week that the cigarette giant has agreed to acquire newly issued shares in the cannabis producer valued at $1.8 billion. The transaction represents a 45 percent stake in Cronos at a price of CA$16.25 per share.

The move comes as the long downtrend of U.S. cigarette sales snowballs, forcing big tobacco companies to venture into an area rife with regulatory hurdles but healthier long-term outlook.

"Investing in Cronos Group as our exclusive partner in the emerging global cannabis category represents an exciting new growth opportunity for Altria," said Altria CEO Howard Willard. "We believe that Cronos Group's excellent management team has built capabilities necessary to compete globally, and we look forward to helping Cronos Group realize its significant growth potential."

For Altria, the U.S. cigarette market leader, a stake in the fourth most valuable publicly listed marijuana company may seem necessary and prudent. But for Cronos, a check from one of the world's largest tobacco companies is a welcome influx of capital for a handful of companies whose success will likely be defined by their ability to raise cash and scale production.

Canada on Oct. 17 became the first Group of Seven country to allow adult recreational use of pot.

Cronos Group generated $3.8 million in sales in the last quarter driven by medical cannabis sales in Canada and international medical cannabis exports. Though the company boasts the second-highest gross margin of the many young cannabis companies in the last 12 months, Cronos has taken a more modest approach to overseas expansion compared with rivals likes Canopy.

Azer expects that Cronos' international presence is expected to ramp under Altria's guidance, including years of regulatory expertise as well as global business management.

"The proceeds from Altria's investment will enable us to more quickly expand our global infrastructure and distribution footprint, while also increasing investments in R&D and brands that resonate with our consumers," said Cronos Group CEO Mike Gorenstein. "Altria has decades of experience in regulatory, government affairs, compliance, product development and brand management that we expect to leverage, particularly as new markets for cannabis open around the world."

While cannabis in the U.S. remains federally illegal, the U.S. market opportunity is quite sizable, according to Azer, with the current illicit market valued at around $40 billion to $50 billion. Sixty-six percent of survey respondents now support legalizing marijuana, according to the latest Gallup poll. That's a record high and was the third consecutive year that support for legalization has increased to record levels.

In the 2018 midterm elections, Michiganders chose to authorize the legalization of possession, use and cultivation of marijuana products by those who are at least 21 years old. Ten states and the District of Columbia have now approved recreational use of pot.
Ken Duberstein, former Chief of Staff to US President Ronald Reagan, speaks on NBC's 'Meet the Press' during a taping at the NBC studios June 6, 2004 in Washington, DC.

After a year and a half of tumult during John Kelly's tenure as chief of staff, it will be crucial for President Donald Trump to signal certainty to markets and government with his pick for Kelly's successor, according to a former chief of staff for President Ronald Reagan.

"Investors like certainty," said Kenneth Duberstein, who was chief of staff during Reagan's final months in the presidency. "Any perceived foreign or domestic uncertainty creates problems for the markets. The president needs to define the role of chief of staff in the next several weeks as he heads into the next two years of his term."

Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would leave his position at the end of the year, triggering a D.C. guessing game about who would be next to take the highest staff position in the White House. It is not yet clear who will fill the role, although several possible contenders have been mentioned in various media reports, such as GOP Rep. Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Trump's top choice for the position, Nick Ayers, took himself out of the running when the two failed to reach an agreement over the weekend. Ayers, who works as chief of staff for Vice President Mike Pence, will leave the administration at the end of the year, as well.

The headwinds facing the next chief of staff will be stiff. Trump and his next top aide will have to contend with a divided Congress, the Mueller investigation, the trade fight with China and other battles over tariffs.

While Kelly is on his way out and a successor is not yet named, Trump would do well to lean on experienced hands in his administration, according to Duberstein. "I would expect Mick Mulvaney to be a congressional negotiator while a chief of staff is chosen," he said, referring to the White House budget chief and former congressman.

Duberstein stressed that the role of chief of staff is pivotal to the foundation of stability and certainty in an administration. The president traditionally relies on the chief of staff for their judgement and expertise.

Duberstein was Reagan's chief of staff from July 1988 until Jan. 20, 1989, when George H.W. Bush took over as president.

"My role then as chief of staff was to make sure there can be no hiccups. It had to be smooth and sure," said Duberstein, who was also Reagan's deputy chief of staff during the Washington summit with Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

"We're in a different political world now," Duberstein said. "Under Reagan, the White House was run with a high level of decorum, honor and respect."
Paul Tudor Jones said Monday that a new exchange-traded fund using JUST Capital's Ranking of companies doing right by the American people is tracking the performance of the S&P 500 since its launch in June.

Tudor Jones said in an interview with CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin that the companies are sorted based on several factors, including worker pay disparity, customer relations and whether the firm produces socially beneficial products. Historical analysis over the last two years through June 1 shows the fund would have outperformed the Russell 1000.

The billionaire investor said that Microsoft topped the most recent ranking thanks to its attention to the pay gap between its male and female workers. The software giant has 100 percent compliance on pay equity, Tudor Jones said, meaning that the company conducts surveys to ensure that women are paid just as much as men are.

"There was a poll recently conducted: 51 percent of millennials between 18 and 29 [years of age] are opposed to capitalism. You're going to be, 20 years from now, doing this from Havana unless we change the way that capitalism works right now because we're leaving too many behind," Tudor Jones told Sorkin. "In the past 40 years we've had an 80 percent increase in worker productivity, but they've only shared in 10 percent of that."

The JUST fund seeks to track the JUST U.S. Large Cap Diversified Index (JULCD), constructed and managed by JUST Capital, a nonprofit co-founded in 2013 by Tudor Jones.

The famed hedge fund investor also said a number of new companies have made their way into the JUST Capital Rankings, which tracks a selection of Russell 1000 companies based on how just each performs on the priorities of the American public.

"If you don't have really well incentivized, smart, engaged workers, you're not going to have a product and you're not going to have customers," Tudor Jones said Monday on "Squawk Box." "The reason we started Just Capital was because we want to make capitalism work for all. We're trying, through the private sector ... to change the most important thing in all of our lives  which is our work  in a way that's going to give us a society that's more sustainable."

The Goldman Sachs JUST fund is down about 5 percent since it launched in June. FactSet data show down 5.1 percent since June 13, while the JUST fund is down 5.6 percent.

Jones, who rarely talks to the press, has a net worth of $4.5 billion, according to Forbes. Tudor Jones in 1988 founded the Robin Hood Foundation, a charity that counts many Wall Street leaders as board members and is focused on fighting poverty in New York City.
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested on an extradition warrant, appears at her B.C. Supreme Court bail hearing along with a translator, in a drawing in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada December 7, 2018.

British banks Standard Chartered and HSBC were reportedly among financial institutions misled by Chinese technology giant Huawei into funneling illicit payments from Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

According to the Journal, Huawei allegedly used a third-party intermediary  a small Hong Kong-based technology firm called Skycom  to channel payments between the company and Iran. The Journal reported that a spokesman for Huawei declined to comment.

Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested during a layover in Vancouver, Canada on Dec. 1 at the request of U.S. authorities. Beijing has threatened unspecified "severe consequences" if Canadian courts don't release Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei. Meng returns to court for a bail hearing Monday.

Both HSBC and Standard Chartered are based in the U.K., and both have been under scrutiny from global regulators for past money-laundering violations. The two banks also have had federal monitors in place to watch for the types of transactions described in the Huawei filings  but neither bank has been accused of any wrongdoing as part of this case.

Responding to CNBC, Standard Chartered declined to comment but clarified that the bank was not a target of investigations related to Huawei. HSBC also declined to comment on the WSJ story.

"The US Department of Justice has confirmed that HSBC is not under investigation in this case," said Stuart Levey, Chief Legal Officer at HSBC in a response to an email from CNBC.

Huawei has also been under U.S. government scrutiny since 2012 for a wide range of purported issues, such as alleged government-supported cyber espionage, intellectual property theft and violations of sanctions, including those related to Iran.

According to the court case outlined on Friday, Huawei executives allegedly knew of an investigation into sanctions violations as early as 2017, and had been "altering their travel patterns to avoid any travel to or through the United States." Meng's attorney has countered that trade-war tensions were responsible for the travel changes.
By Trend

Kuwaits aviation regulator has cancelled the operating licence of troubled Wataniya Airways, Trend reports citing Gulf Business.

Arabic newspaper Al-Jarida cited a Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) spokesperson as confirming the move, which comes roughly 18 months after the airline resumed operations

Wataniya had its licence suspended in early September following a series of flight cancellations that left more than 2,200 passengers stranded at destinations including Istanbul, Trabzon, Beirut, Malaga, Athens, Baku, Sarajevo and Tblisi at the end of August.

The airline blamed a plane shortage for the issues, with officials saying three of its jets went out of service and it was unable to find appropriate replacements.

A DGCA spokesperson told Al-Jarida on Saturday that the airline had failed to take advantage of the suspension to overhaul its services or introduce immediate reforms to its operations.

Saad Al-Otaibi said the decision came in the interest of Kuwaits image abroad and passenger safety.

The airline now faces an uncertain future having only resumed operations in July 2017 after a six-year absence blamed on financial difficulties and political instability in the Middle East.

An order for 25 Airbus A320neo jets made for Wataniya by aircraft provider Golden Falcon Aviation also now appears in peril.
If you ponied up for a nanny in 2018, you just might be eligible for a tax credit next year  as long as you aren't paying him or her under the table.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act overhauled tax planning for many filers, including families: The standard deduction went up to $12,000 for singles ($24,000 for married couples), personal and dependent exemptions disappeared and certain itemized deductions have been limited.

Working parents should know that the child and dependent care tax credit remains: This is a tax break you can grab if you paid for day care, summer camp or a sitter.

You may qualify for a credit of up to $1,050 for a child under age 13 ($2,100 for two or more kids).

The catch: If you're hoping to grab this break, you can't be paying your nanny off the books. You're supposed to pay your care provider legally and remit the appropriate employment taxes.

"In general, the nanny tax is paid as part of your tax return," said Tim Steffen, director of advanced planning at Robert W. Baird, a wealth management firm.

"The IRS may not know that you have a nanny at this point until you file your return in April," he said.

Here's how to clean up your act and get that credit.
Bazaar Corporate Radar | Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 AM IST

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Joey Bunch: "Time and again, what survivors are left with is nothing: an emptiness that will never fill and the question marks of a lifetime never lived. You have to let it go."
By Trend

On Dec. 8, the Special Forces contingent of the People's Liberation Army of China has arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Pakistan-China joint military exercise "Warrior VI 2018", Pakistan's Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency reported

Special Forces troops of both armies will participate in three weeks long exercise.

The joint exercise is aimed at sharing experience in counterterrorism operations.

This is the sixth joint exercise of the series as part of bilateral military cooperation between the two countries.
The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form
Corbyn by Christmas  the latest warning deployed to win support for Mays deal

Tory MPs have been warned the could get Jeremy Corbyn for Christmas unless they get behind Theresa Mays Brexit plan. The Labour leader could win power by default if the government collapses in the wake of a hefty Commons defeat on TuesdayOne Cabinet minister said: Some of my fellow Tory MPs are busy writing their fantasy Christmas lists topped with Super Canada and a brand new party leader. But the grim truth is if they reject the gift the PM is offering they dont get that shiny new train set, they get a dirty great lump of coal in the form of a Corbyn government propped up by Nicola Sturgeons separatists.  The Sun

Opinion

>Today:

>Yesterday:

Chief Whip reportedly urges the Prime Minister to delay the vote

With time rapidly running out, Mrs May phoned Donald Tusk, the European Council president, to explain that MPs would kill off the deal  and possibly her premiership  unless Brussels could throw her a lifeline. Mrs May also called Leo Varadkar, the Irish Taoiseach, to discuss the vote and Thursdays summit in BrusselsEven her closest allies were still unsure on Sunday whether she would postpone the vote in the hope of winning fresh concessions from EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, or press ahead and use her expected defeat to prove to the EU that the deal is deadone senior minister said Mrs May did not have a clear plan, likening her strategy to Wilkins Micawber, the Dickens character who forever insists that something will turn upStephen Barclay, the Brexit Secretary, insisted the vote would 100 per cent go ahead on Tuesday, but senior government sources said nothing was set in stone. Julian Smith, the Chief Whip, is understood to be among those now urging Mrs May to put the vote back until at least next week, if not the new year, to buy time to break the deadlock.  Daily Telegraph

>Today: Chris White on Comment: A guide to what could happen in the Commons this week as tomorrows vote on Mays deal looms

Would-be leaders jockey, as Downing Street braces for the possibility of letters going in

Theresa May is facing the prospect of a leadership battle with the 48 letters from MPs that would trigger a contest likely to be submitted this week, The Times has been told. Tory challengers broke cover to set out their leadership pitches yesterday before the most difficult week of Mrs Mays troubled premiership. Boris Johnson tried to put himself at the head of a jockeying pack by outlining plans for another negotiation with Brussels. Other former ministers refused to rule themselves out of a contest. Some cabinet ministers were clinging to a fast-fading hope that the prime minster would postpone tomorrows so-called meaningful vote on her Brexit deal as whips calculated that she was heading for a three-figure defeat. However, Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, said that the Commons vote was 100 per cent happening and that Mrs May would continue in office even after a heavy defeat.  The Times

>Yesterday:

Foges: My grudging admiration for Theresa the unkillable Tardigrade

Say what you like about May, believe her to be completely misguided, but you cannot deny she is an old-fashioned public servant. Ego and greed arent her motivators. In years to come she wont be at society dinners toying with a glass of port while bragging about the time she had Jean-Claude Juncker in a metaphorical headlock. She wont be on the circuit of lucrative directorships and speeches. She will most likely retire to the country, satisfied that she has done her best. All this is not an apology for the premiership of May; far from it (how I wish that from the beginning of her time in No 10 the tone had been softer, the overtures to Brussels more emollient). This is simply a suggestion that we remember the woman at the centre of this drama; her steadfastness and determination in the service of what she believes to be the national interest.  Clare Foges, The Times

Channel 4 debate audience member accuses her of treason  The Sun

Merkels likely successor will woo voters with immigration pledges  The Times Leader

Belgian coalition demolished by UN migration pact controversy  The Times

What the world needs is more EU  The Guardian Leader

Heathrow to help its foreign employees apply for right to remain  FT

>Yesterday:

Yet another Crossrail bailout is expected this week

Under Khan, the average TfL salary has reached 83,000  Daily Mail

Dispute over TransPennine upgrade  The Guardian

Employer will not hire anyone reliant on Scotrail for their commute  The Scotsman

Labour would restore right to strike in sympathy with workers abroad  The Guardian

MoD announces frigate design shortlist  FT

Hundreds of sub-par teachers confuse children by making basic errors

Ministers are poised to announce a fresh bailout for Crossrail as early as Monday as fears grow that the start date for the flagship London project will be pushed back even further. Officials from the Department for Transport and Transport for London, who have been locked in emergency talks for months, were holding further negotiations on Sunday ahead of an imminent public announcement. People close to the project believe the latest rescue plan  the third this year  will involve around 1bn of new funding. Work is continuing between the government, mayor and TfL on finalising a financing package, said a TFL spokesperson. Former Labour MP Nick Raynsford is also expected to be appointed as Crossrails deputy chairman. Later this week Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, is expected to set out various cuts to projects in the city to help fill the financial black hole left by Crossrails woes.  FT

Hundreds of teachers are struggling with spelling, numeracy and the basics of their subjects, reports by school inspectors suggest. Analysis of Ofsted ratings shows many make mistakes during lessons or when marking work, leaving children confused. In some examples uncovered by the Mail, teachers were actually inserting errors into pupils workThe findings show most mistakes are taking place at primaries, when children are learning the basics of core subjects such as English, maths and science. Campaigners say it suggests some teachers themselves are so poorly educated they are passing on their mistakes to youngsters. The findings come from analysis of 280 schools inspected by Ofsted over the past few years and graded inadequate for teaching. At least 22 were identified as having teachers who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, or knowledge of the curriculum.  Daily Mail

Waiting list target requires the NHS carry out an additional 10,000 operations a week

Hancock must introduce long-overdue reform  The Sun Says

High earners in council houses, like infamous Labour MP, could be made to pay more rent

The NHS needs to perform an extra 10,000 operations a week to meet its target of stabilising waiting lists, a healthcare industry analysis says. The target was described as unrealistic, as hospitals prepared for what is likely to be a challenging few weeks. Last winter non-urgent operations were cancelled for weeks to free up theatre time for emergency cases. Hospital trusts have been told that their waiting lists for non-urgent treatment such as hip operations should be no longer next March than they were a year earlier, but that ambition looks unlikely to be met. In March this year there were 3.8 million patients on the list; in September there were 4.1 million. The guidance from NHS bosses, issued in February, also committed the NHS to halving the number of patients waiting more than a year for care. Between March and September, however, the figure rose from 2,755 to 3,156.  The Times

High earners who live in social housing, such as the Labour MP Kate Osamor, could have to pay more rent under pay to stay proposals being considered in Whitehall. In 2016 ministers abandoned plans to make wealthier tenants pay more after opposition from the housing sector. Last night a government source said that options around this remain under consideration. The issue has returned to the table after it emerged that Ms Osamor, 50, who earns more than 77,000 a year as an MP, lived in a housing association property in north London. She lives there with her son Ishmael, 29, who had been working in her parliamentary office, for which he is thought to have been paid 49,000.  The Times

If you want to help open up the housing market, scrap stamp duty for older buyers  Daily Telegraph

Man told to wait ten months to receive Universal Credit  The Sun

Children of diplomats are sent to top public schools  The Sun

The White House is readying itself for Muellers conclusions

The net closes  The Guardian Leader

Police report record levels of drug-driving

Donald Trump is poised to announce his replacement for John Kelly as White House chief of staff as he prepares for the conclusion of the Russia investigation led by special prosecutor Robert Mueller. Mr Trump at the weekend said Mr Kelly was a great guy but that the retired general would leave the position this month. John Kelly will be leaving toward the end of the year, said Mr Trump, who added that he would announce his replacement over the next few days. Mr Kellys departure  the latest from an administration in which there has been heavy turnover  comes as Mr Trump faces mounting scrutiny over his ties to Russia and possible campaign finance violations during the 2016 campaign. On Friday, Manhattan prosecutors said Michael Cohen, a one-time lawyer for Mr Trump, took actions during the 2016 race ordered by Mr Trump that were aimed at influencing the outcome of the election.  FT

Drug-driving has reached a record level, with an average of 37 motorists a day failing tests for illegal substances, figures show. More than half of drivers stopped by police tested positive, and accidents involving people who had taken banned substances increased by more than 50 per cent compared with last year. During a month-long operation by 38 police forces, 1,962 motorists were stopped for driving erratically or being involved in an accident. Of those, 1,108 (57 per cent) failed a drug test. Last year 1,084 motorists tested positive out of a total of 2,022, which equates to 53 per cent.  The Times

News in Brief
Judy Terry is a marketing professional and a former local councillor in Suffolk.

Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is officially the worst mental health provider in the country. It was placed in special measures for the third time in its short history (from 2012), following the latest excoriating report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), published at the end of November.

What an achievement, when revenue income is reportedly 227 million a year

Ive been following the trusts progress since a young neighbour took his own life whilst in its care some years ago. His parents were rebuffed when requesting an investigation, as was I when I took up the case as a local councillor.

Shockingly, little has changed since CQCs 2017 report, when it noted that leadership and services were inadequate, with the board failing to address all the previous concerns reported to them since rated inadequate in 2014, with breaches of regulations that had not been resolved. Despite praise for the staffs caring culture, the trust was not safe, effective or responsive in all services, and leadership did not demonstrate a safety narrative running through the organisation. Training was also inadequate.

Between 1st April 2016 and 31st March 2017, trust data showed 242 incidents requiring further investigation, including 184 unexplained or avoidable deaths.

A further 27 deaths, reported to the CQC during their inspection, occurred between 1st April 2017 and 31st May 2017.

Immediately prior to that reports official publication, the then-Chief Executive took early retirement, and two other directors also resigned in order to work their contracted six months notice periods in the wider NHS.

Following the publication of the 2017 CQC report, in an article for Conservative Home, I questioned the purpose of the Health & Wellbeing Boards. It consists of Norfolk County Council has a membership of 32, and Suffolk has 21. These also include representatives from Healthwatch and the Clinical Commissioning Groups, as well as councillors and officers from local authorities. Although both meet four times a year, there was no evidence that members had monitored the trust or examined its progress since the 2014 and 2016 reports. I was surprised that no councillors were on the trust board, reporting to Health & Wellbeing, and both Full Councils.

I suggested that the two county councils hold a joint emergency meeting to review the 2017 report, establish a small joint panel, agree on a strategic plan to monitor progress towards compliance with CQCs recommendations, and liaise with NHS Improvement and its Improvement Director appointed to support the trust, whilst regularly updating Full Council.

This would have provided an opportunity to respectfully listen to campaigners who understand the issues from their own personal experiences, allowing them to share their ideas and knowledge. Too few public bodies, including national and local politicians, communicate with those of us they like to brand ordinary people  instead, they choose to ignore and patronise, especially when someone challenges them. The trust was guilty of taking this approach.

Unsurprisingly, my proposal wasnt pursued, so the latest CQC report, released this year, has been greeted with surprise, shock and outrage  by Healthwatch, the Clinical Commissioning Groups, councillors, and a (now former) trust governor, who calls for the trust to be broken up. How long would that take, and how much would it cost, whilst vulnerable people continue to suffer? It would simply mean the creation of yet more unaccountable bureaucracies doing their own thing.

So, where are we now?

This time, the Chair, whod been in place since 2013, jumped ship, resigning with immediate effect, along with three senior executives (moving elsewhere in the NHS), prior to publication of the report, amid speculation that it would be less than flattering. Meanwhile, Healthwatch and the CCGs, no doubt also expecting a poor outcome, belatedly combined to produce a fresh approach: Mental Healthcare and Emotional Wellbeing 2019-29. Conveniently published in draft a few days prior to the CQCs latest report (released to the media on 27th November,but embargoed until the 28th), leaving cynics to wonder why the plans to join things up couldnt have been developed earlier, in co-operation with the trust, following the 2014, 2016 or 2017 inspections.

Also conveniently timed, attendees at the trusts AGM received a full colour glossy magazine (goodness knows how much that cost) and various presentations designed to convince us that services were improving.

Sadly, that was not the case. The latest report, following the CQCs September inspection, states the trust had failed to make significant improvements, leaving it in special measures amid significant concerns.

According to the CQCs Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals who leads on mental health, Dr. Paul Lelliott, at our inspection of 2017, we raised concerns about safety, culture and leadership and told the trust it must take urgent action to put things right. Some of these issues we first raised in 2014 and are very disappointed to find that they have still not yet been fully addressed:

The trust leadership has not taken action at the pace required to bring about sustained improvement and to resolve failings in safety. The people who depend on this trust for care and support deserve better.

Lelliot went on to identify specific failings, all of which had been raised previously:

Some of the buildings in which wards and community teams are based did not provide a safe environment for patient care and staff did not assess and manage the risks they pose to patients in a consistent way;

Key risks considered closed or mitigated were not fully addressed; in some cases, works had created new risks, including ligature points;

Fire safety (patients smoking on wards) inadequately monitored, whilst there were significant issues with resuscitation equipment;

Staff did not manage medicines and equipment safely;

They did not undertake proper reviews of patients who were in seclusion; and

There was insufficient staff to meet patients needs in some community services.

There had also been further deaths since June 2018, and 2400 patients did not have a care coordinator;

There were breaches of 61 legal requirements.

Dr. Lelliott added, we were particularly concerned about the safety of patients waiting for assessment or treatment by the community mental health teams. Not all services were meeting their targets for assessment and the trust did not respond appropriately to emergency or urgent referrals. Inspectors found that staff were sometimes downgrading referrals from urgent to routine without ensuring that it was safe to do so. There were instances of people who had significant needs being denied a service and records showed some patients harmed themselves while waiting for contact from clinical staff.

Managers did not learn and share lessons when things went wrong, to reduce repeats.

Once again, the trusts leadership was called into question, with demands for robust action to ensure that improvements are made. CQC emphasised the strong link between quality of overall management and quality of services, calling upon NHS Improvement to offer support to the Trust to make the immediate changes necessary to keep patients safe.

However, staff were caring, but many are suffering low morale because of the poor management culture and, in many cases, inadequate resources to make patients lives better.

In response to the report, the new Chief Executive, who inherited what can only be called a poisoned chalice when appointed to his unenviable role earlier this year, stated:

We are obviously disappointed with the CQCs findings, but fully accept their report and its recommendations. Although we have been working hard to make improvements, we recognise that the actions we have taken so far have not resulted in the rapid progress which both the CQC and our trust had hoped for.

We have been taking action to address the immediate concerns and listening to our staff and service users to make sure we fully understand the deeper challenges faced by the trust. This will allow our new senior management team to make long term, sustainable, changes, based on their knowledge and experience, and draw on best practice from across the wider NHS.

We are determined to get things right.

Amen to that. It was clear from seeing him at the AGM that he is truly committed, and has already made welcome changes to the trusts culture and deserves support. It would now be appropriate for two senior councillors, one each from Norfolk and Suffolk to join the board as Non-Executive directors, and for the two Health & Wellbeing boards to establish a specialist panel to work with  and challenge  the trust and its CEO. But I shant hold my breath.

In the meantime, Matthew Hancock, the Health Secretary and a Suffolk MP, promises to get to the bottom of the problems facing the trust:

We have to take more radical action, he said, whilst not ruling out intervention via a special administration arrangement.

Most important, he questions why mental health services are run completely separately from community services, hospitals and the rest of the NHS. That is the best argument to emerge  if the system were cohesive, outcomes for everyone would be vastly improved. As I said in my last piece for Conservative Home, Suffolk Community Foundation has already identified the necessity for a more joined-up approach and is working with local organisations, including the CCGs, to pilot change.
Chris White: A guide to what could happen in the Commons this week as tomorrows vote on Mays deal looms

Chris White was Special Adviser to Patrick McLoughlin, when the latter served as Chief Whip, as well as to Andrew Lansley and William Hague when each served as Leader of the House. He is now Managing Director of Newington Communications.

On Tuesday, the Government will face its toughest test  trying to get its Withdrawal Agreement through Parliament. Eight hours of debate will be followed by a series of votes that will decide the future of the UK, as well as the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party. The stakes could not be higher.

Over 100 Conservative MPs have publicly declared they will vote against the Theresa Mays deal. Yet it is important to remember that there might not even be a vote on the deal. Equally, an amendment could pass which if won, would mean no vote on the Governments Withdrawal Agreement. Below I set out what could happen, as well as translate what the motions actually mean.

The Government caves in and changes the Parliamentary business, or fails to move the vote, because it knows it is going to lose

The numbers look terrible for the Government, and there have been no MPs who have publicly swapped sides to endorse the Prime Ministers deal. The reality of the situation is that the Government knows that it is going to lose, and so could decide to pull the vote and seek state that it accepts it wont get it through Parliament. Graham Brady, Chair of the 1922 Committee, took the highly unusual step of recommending this in the media. This would be highly embarrassing, but would avoid a humiliating defeat, with the Prime Minister forced to go back to Brussels to renegotiate. There are two ways of doing this, though it is inconceivable that the latter would be pursued due to the uproar in the Commons, and the possibility that the Speaker might interpret the rules of the Commons in a way that forces a vote.

Emergency Business Statement : The Leader of the Commons, Andrea Leadsom, either on Monday or Tuesday at the start of Parliamentary business, makes a statement changing the business for the day, pulling the last day of debate and the votes.

: The Leader of the Commons, Andrea Leadsom, either on Monday or Tuesday at the start of Parliamentary business, makes a statement changing the business for the day, pulling the last day of debate and the votes. The Government Minister winding up the debate talks out the votes : It is arguable that the business motion for the debate has been drafted in such a way that would allow a Minister to talk out their own debate. Under section 10 (c), only a Minister may move a closure, which basically means if they are still standing and speaking at the end of the debate, the votes wont be moved.

An amendment to the Government motion is passed, politically changing the deal

In the table below Ive listed the 13 amendments tabled so far by MPs. Of these, six will be selected by the Speaker  its not certain which he will select, but some have more chance than others  my current thinking is amendments (a) (b) (i) (k) (l) and (m). Its unlikely that the official Labour one would succeed  amendment (a)  as Tory MPs and the DUP wont support it, and of the others:

Hilary Benn  amendment (i) explicitly rejects the UK leaving on no deal, and demands the Government move straight to the final Parliamentary debate under the terms of the EU Withdrawal Act. This is the one which the Government lost a vote on last week, which basically means that Parliament is able to direct Government politically which course of action it should pursue. Whilst this isnt binding under legislation, and the Government could still theoretically leave under no deal terms, it would be politically challenging to do so.

Backbench Conservative  there are three motions which seek to do similar things (b) (e) and (f)  force the Government to place a time limit on the NI backstop, or to reject the backstop. Even if this passed, the UK Government would have to seek agreement from the EU.

Liberal Democrat  amendment (l) calls on the UK Government to hold a second referendum. This would require primary legislation, and even if passed swiftly, such a referendum could not be held within the next 5 months because of the time needed to organise.

No amendments are passed, but the main Government motion fails as well

In this scenario, all votes fail, and the Commons fails to both pass the Withdrawal Agreement, and direct the Government what to do next. This would be hugely damaging to the Prime Minister. Under the EU Withdrawal Act the Government has 21 days to make a statement to the Commons setting out what it plans to do next, and within seven days of that statement the Government must bring forward a motion for the House to consider. This motion can now be amended following the Governments defeat next week, and the Commons would be able to express a view on what to do next, though this would not be binding on the Government.

What could happen next?

If the Government motion fails, and all amendments fail, then there are several things that might happen:

May could face a vote of no confidence in the Commons . Kier Starmer has said that Labour would table a vote, but with the DUP stating that they would support the Conservatives in such a vote, this is unlikely to succeed. If the Government did fall, there would be 14 days for another Government to win a vote of confidence in the Commons, or the country will have a General Election.

. Kier Starmer has said that Labour would table a vote, but with the DUP stating that they would support the Conservatives in such a vote, this is unlikely to succeed. If the Government did fall, there would be 14 days for another Government to win a vote of confidence in the Commons, or the country will have a General Election. Conservative MPs put in 48 letters, and the party has to have a confidence vote in the Prime Minister . Conservative MPs put in 48 letters, and the party has to have a confidence vote in the PM. If 48 letters go in, this would require a swift vote of confidence, where the PM must win more than 50 per cent of the votes of the 315 Conservative MPs. If the Prime Minister lost, the party then has to elect a new leader. ConservativeHome has called for MPs to take this option, but the reality of doing so in such a short timescale is incredibly fraught given we are just over three months from leaving the EU on no deal terms. Even under an accelerated timescale for the party to elect a leader, this would mean almost no time for the new Prime Minister to renegotiate with the EU unless Article 50 was extended.

. Conservative MPs put in 48 letters, and the party has to have a confidence vote in the PM. If 48 letters go in, this would require a swift vote of confidence, where the PM must win more than 50 per cent of the votes of the 315 Conservative MPs. If the Prime Minister lost, the party then has to elect a new leader. ConservativeHome has called for MPs to take this option, but the reality of doing so in such a short timescale is incredibly fraught given we are just over three months from leaving the EU on no deal terms. Even under an accelerated timescale for the party to elect a leader, this would mean almost no time for the new Prime Minister to renegotiate with the EU unless Article 50 was extended. Labour tries to table a censure motion about May  this is effectively a personal vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, which is what happened recently to Chris Grayling. This would potentially allow Tory MPs to vote against the May without bringing down the Government. However the Government is under no obligation to provide time for an Opposition Day before Christmas, so this is unlikely to happen.

 this is effectively a personal vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, which is what happened recently to Chris Grayling. This would potentially allow Tory MPs to vote against the May without bringing down the Government. However the Government is under no obligation to provide time for an Opposition Day before Christmas, so this is unlikely to happen. The Prime Minister goes to negotiate with Brussels and brings back an amended deal . This would then require the Government to win a vote on its renegotiated deal, using the procedure outlined above.

If no negotiated deal can pass through the Commons the UK will leave the EU without a deal.

My best guess is that the Government will pull the vote on Tuesday, thus avoiding a humiliating defeat, and kick the can down the road once again. However this will open up the chances of a challenge to the PM herself, particularly if the EU does not look like changing the Withdrawal Agreement.

If the Prime Minister doesnt pull the vote, then I think it likely that none of the amendments or the main motion will pass, with a significant defeat by between 100 and 200 votes on the Governments deal. She will then be forced to return to Brussels and try and renegotiate, whilst facing the possibility of no-confidence motions in the Government or in herself as Leader of the Conservative Party. Such a renegotiation would only satisfy Conservative MPs if the Prime Minister can remove either the backstop, or insert a time limit on it.

Whatever happens over the next few days, these are high stakes indeed for the future of the PM, the Conservative Party and the United Kingdom.

List of amendments before the House  Green means likely to be selected by the Speaker for voting, yellow means a reasonable chance of being selected.
Chloe Westley is the Campaign Manager of the TaxPayers Alliance.

Last week, 25 Conservative MPs voted to give themselves and others the power to stop Brexit. After first voting to hold a referendum, and then standing on an election manifesto to deliver on the result of that referendum, these MPs have concluded that their collective wisdom is far superior than that of the 17.4 million who voted leave, or the 13 million who voted for the Conservative Party on the understanding that Brexit would be delivered. Labour MPs who voted for the same motion have also reneged on their manifesto pledge to take Britain out of the EU.

They truly believe, that of the millions of people living and working in Britain, it is only they  the few hundred who sit in Parliament  who are of sound mind and judgement to decide what happens in this country.

The motion in question about a meaningful vote  which seeks to give MPs the ability to stop or delay the Brexit process if May loses the vote on her deal next week  isnt legally binding. But it would be politically difficult for the government to ignore. It also provides the rest of us with a list of MPs who is trying to stop Brexit.

Since the election last year, MPs have been sheltered in Westminster, surrounded by friendly Remain-supporting Londoners, comforted by the pro-Remain bias in the media, all patting themselves on the back about just how much smarter they are than all those deplorable Leave voters. Theyve convinced themselves that, even after a majority voted leave in 2016 and for pro-Brexit parties in 2017, it didnt really mean to.

The establishment view, as it stands, is that the majority of the population are too stupid or uneducated to stake a claim in Britains future. They are there to work hard and provide tax and wealth to the state  but their opinions must not be heard. This view was characterised best in this interview with Guardian writer Howard Jacobson. You cant trust the peopleyou can be certain the people will get it wrong he says, before expressing his profound horror that the people (have been) given this new confidence in their own opinions.

Whilst MPs who voted for Grieves amendment would never admit to being that arrogant, I am sure that some would find themselves nodding along in agreement. In order to justify ignoring the expressed will of the British people, anti-Brexit MPs express profound concern for their wellbeing and proclaim to be their saviours.

If Theresa Mays deal is voted down this week, politicians have threatened to seize control of the process and, if needs be, postpone Britains exit from the EU. Democracy hangs on a knife edge. What is decided this week could determine whether Britains proud democratic tradition is restored or destroyed.

Vote Leave was successful because it mobilised a desire for change that has been brewing in this country for decades. We were outspent by millions of pounds, we were up against the UK Government and entire civil service, the OECD, the IMF, the EU-funded CBI, the Treasury, the Bank of England, the cultural elite, Barack Obama  and yet the majority of voters heard our call to take back control.

Vote Leaves vision was global, practical, positive. Taking back control of law-making powers, a skills-based immigration system, trade deals around the world, taxpayers money spent on the things that matter. This vision was popular and the country voted for it. It was a blueprint for change.

We proposed that the UK Government should not commit to the Article 50 process, which was designed to stop countries leaving the EU and that triggering Article 50 before having a plan and before making preparations would be like putting a gun in your mouth and pulling the trigger (read Dominic Cummings, Vote Leaves campaign director, on this matter here).

The Remain-voting Prime Minister and Chancellor did the exact opposite of all of these three things  and now they tell us weve got no choice but to surrender because they totally failed to prepare to leave without a deal. A second referendum would not be about Britains membership of the EU, or about the final deal. It will be about Westminster.

Anti-Brexit politicians seem to think theyll be able to persuade the public that Westminsters failure was inevitable because Brexit is impossible. These politicians have no idea about the wave of contempt that will smash them when they make this argument, just as they didnt understand England outside the M25 in 2016.

Make no mistake  Vote Leave Two would be every Remain politicians worst nightmare. Our argument is made stronger by every vote against democracy, and every MP proclaiming that people didnt know what they were voting for. You are confirming Leave voters worst fears.

Its not just the European Union that makes a mockery of democracy: its British politicians. Vote Leave Two would be career-ending for those who promised to respect the referendum, promised 2016 was a choice for a generation, stood on manifestoes to leave the Single Market and Customs Union  then completely betrayed all of these promises.
The laughter began as the Prime Minister got half-way through her third sentence. Ive listened very carefully to what has been said in this Chamber, she said, and a roar of derision went up from the Opposition benches.

It was the sort of applause some ridiculous figure in a pantomime might receive. And the unhappy fact was that the Prime Minister did look ridiculous.

Having led the way forward to the meaningful vote wlth every appearance of confidence, and sent her ministers out this morning to assure the world that the Government was still marching forwards, here she was announcing that she was instead leading the way back to Brussels, in search of further assurances.

Sir Oliver Letwin (Con, West Dorset) praised the dignity and perseverance she has shown, and many sympathetic looks were directed at her amid the mockery she endured.

But the truth was that her position was utterly undignified, for she had realised at the eleventh hour that she could not persevere, because the Commons will not accept her deal.

So she had to exercise that most difficult and inadvisable manoeuvre, a retreat in full view of the enemy, with a hail of misslles raining down on her from every direction.

She tried one of her favourite double negatives, to which she has so often resorted in recent weeks: There is no deal available that does not include the backstop. And she insisted the challenge of the Northern Ireland border must be met not with rhetoric  a plain hit at the more flowery speakers among the Eurosceptics on her own benches  but with real and workable solutions.

But her own solution has just been shown to be unworkable. Theresa May did not have a leg to stand on, and the House could see she did not have a leg to stand on, and the more she tried to insist she did have a leg to stand on, the more she sounded like a straight actor who is currently appearing in a Christmas pantomime, in order to become the butt of everyone elses jokes.

The Chief Whip, Julian Smith, entered the Chamber a few minutes late, looking like a mourner at a funeral who has encountered unexpected delays on the way to the church.

There was a tremor in the Prime Ministers voice as she spoke one of her favourite cliches, I am clear, but she kept bravely on. One suspects it is kindness, as shown by that very perfect gentle knight Sir Oliver, which would come closest to reducing her to tears.

Bravely but unconvincingly she insisted that hers is the very best deal that is actually negotiable with the EU  the quintessence of the Establishment view, but the Establishment is losing control.

Does the House want to deliver Brexit? she demanded. No! the Scots Nats shouted.

And quite a lot of MPs on both sides of the House agree with the Nats. Numerous pleas were made for a second referendum as a means of wriggling out of Brexit.

Jeremy Corbyn said the Government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray. Things have come to a pretty pass when one finds oneself agreeing with him.

He told her that if she is just going to bring back the same botched deal then she must give way.

The Speaker, John Bercow, inflicted the torment on her of a lecture about manners. He said that to kill off the debate after no fewer than 164 MPs had spoken was deeply discourteous, and lectured her about how she should proceed.

The Prime Minister looked like a deeply upset yet inwardly recalcitrant schoolgirl, who feels herself unjustly accused of breaking the school rules. The Chief Whip lent over and said something to her. It appeared he was rejecting the Speakers advice.

Vince Cable, for the Liberal Democrats, said that after the fiasco today the Government has really lost all authority, and his party would support a No Confidence motion.

Nigel Dodds, parliamentary leader of the Democratic Unionists, looking white with anger, observed that this is an impossible position, and asked: Does she not get it by now?

There was altogether a feeling, even among MPs less averse to compromise than Dodds, that May has exhausted everyones patience.

The veteran Labour Eurosceptic Dennis Skinner (Lab, Bolsover), traditionally known as the Beast of Bolsover, pointed out with a snarl that Brussels will see she is very weak and will humiliate her, in order to set a terrifying example to other countries which might feel tempted to leave the EU.

David Davis, the former Brexit Secretary, asked whether she was going to get legally enforceable guarantees about the backstop. He did not get a reply, for legally enforceable guarantees are virtually impossible to obtain from the EU.

Jess Phillips (Lab, Birmingham Yardley) mocked Conservative Eurosceptics who like to go around calling themselves Aslan, and contended that whatever May might obtain in Brussels will make absolutely no difference to these people. And on that, one suspects, Phillips is right. It is hard to see how May can now satisfy anyone.
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and General Holding Corporation, Senaat, yesterday (December 9) rang the market opening bell to celebrate the listing of the first tranche of Senaat sukuk.



Valued at $300 million (Dh1.1 billion), it is the first of its kind dual listing between the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and London Stock Exchange, reported Emirates news agency Wam.



The sukuk was raised at a profit rate of 4.76 per cent with a seven-year tenure, backed by an Obligor Rating of A3 (stable) by Moodys and A (stable) by Fitch issued last week. The issuance, listed on ADX under the code XSSenaat1225, witnessed exceptional demand from over 180 local and global investors, exceeding the coverage ratio by almost 10 folds.



Khaleefa Al Mansouri, acting chief executive of ADX, Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, CEO of Senaat, alongside senior management of the corporation attended the bell ringing ceremony of the dual listing with London Stock Exchange.



Al Mansouri said: "This listing reaffirms ADXs position as a leading market in the region and as a preferred destination for listings, thanks to the confidence it provides. The market is capable of listing fixed-income securities and adopts an advanced system of settlement and clearing. ADX also has an outstanding infrastructure for listing diversified securities, giving investors the opportunity to invest their savings in a legal environment that adheres to global best practices in disclosure, transparency and provides a stable economic and regulatory environment."



Al Dhaheri added: "The listing of the Sukuk on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is an important milestone in the company's history. This is the first time the company has entered the public markets to issue Sukuk that can be traded in one of the world's leading financial markets.



This is a confirmation of the strong performance and progress achieved by the company, which is in line with our goals and future strategies. As one of the largest holding companies in the field of industrial investment in the UAE, we have a strong financial position that enhances our self-sufficiency and strengthens the confidence of lenders in supporting our development plans. The exceptional demand by the broad investor base, supported by high obligor ratings from Moody's and Fitch, reflects our strength and competitiveness, as well as the low risk of the new Sukuk."



This listing is the third of its kind this year on ADX. In October, Aldar Investment Properties LLC Sukuk was listed jointly with the Irish Stock Exchange. While in May of this year, ADX listed sovereign bonds issued by the Ministry of Finance and The Maldives Ministry of Finance and Treasury on behalf of the Government of Maldives for the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the first of its kind in the UAE and the region.




Its time to study the map that leads from Norway to Canada, we wrote in October  having already given the proposal conceived by George Yarrow, written by Rupert Darwall, produced by George Trefgarne and now choreographed by Nick Boles a fair wind last summer. This site trawled through the pluses and minuses of the proposal as best it could, urging Downing Street to drop its defunct Chequers Plan and study Norway-to-Canada as an alternative.

The scheme has since run on to the rocks (and this Norwegian group has consequently divided) for three main reasons. First, most Brexiteer MPs have been cool about the scheme at best and cold at worst. Second, the Government set out to strangle it at birth: it is unlikely that Erna Solberg will have consistently poured icy water on the plan without Downing Streets approval. Finally, and more significantly still, the EU has discouraged it, since its preferred models are either Norway-plus-the-backstop or Canada-plus-the-backstop.

Rather than drop the scheme, Boles has taken the only practicable route now available to him  namely, making a virtue of necessity, and swallowing Norway-plus-the-backstop, teaming up recently with Stephen Kinnock to promote it. While we can see a case for Norway to Canada (or Norway for Now, as its supporters then called it) and some pluses from permanent EEA membership, we cant see an upside from Norway-plus-the-backstop (or Norway Plus, as its backers now label it, though Norway Minus would be a better label, since the possibility of a permanent customs union arrangement is a negative, not a positive).

Its supporters sometimes argue that the backstop may fall away in time. But since it therefore may not, the plan is left in the same condition as Theresa Mays proposed deal in this regard. In other crucial respects, it is inferior to it, since the Prime Ministers scheme would end freedom of movement and payments to EU budgets. Norway Plus would deliver the latter  though some money would pass from the UK to the EU27  but not the former.

On borders, the EEA Agreement allows for safeguard measures  the so-called emergency brake  and limitations justified on grounds of public policy. We are not in a position to apply the former, given the fall in EU migration, and it would be a stretch to work the latter, which could be used to limit work permits, into fully-fledged control of borders. On money, wed presumably have to pay EFTA grants to the poorer EU states. That might well cost less than payments into the EU budget, but these would still be payments none the less.

Debating these points leads inevitably to a bigger one. Supporters of all the Norway variants tend to argue that the UK is leaving the EU, not the EEA  and that we can therefore simply take up our EEA rights. Legally, they may be correct. But we suspect that the determinant of whether we could take up the Norwegian plans in any form would be politics, not law. And our columnist Henry Newman has a point when he suggests that the EEA states, whether EU members or not, believe that the UK is too big to be treated like Norway.

The long and short of it is that we would probably, under any kind of EEA and EFTA arrangement, have to draw up our own special deal  a separate UK pillar. Negotiating it would throw up distinct problems. Henry writes that the EU wont want us to have Norway services deal, and that others dont want us out of the Fisheries Policy & CAP, nor under the EFTA Court & Surveillance Authority (rather than the European Court of Justice). While they are at it we will probably end up asked to pay more money. Add these together and they could quickly take away any advantages of Norway Plus and move it towards non-voting EU membership in all but name.

To be clear: on paper, pure EEA membership has some positives. We would be outside the EUs jurisdiction on fisheries, farming, criminal justice, foreign affairs, defence and immigration. We would have greater freedom on trade deals. The scale of the EU acquis would be smaller. Our role in shaping it wouldnt end: while it is true that we would technically become a rule-taker, is an exaggeration to claim that, in practical terms, we would end up as a vassal state.

But Norway Plus is not undistilled EEA membership. And the latter is unlikely to be on offer in any event. None the less, the Boles proposal has one big advantage over that other option currently being pushed in the Commons  postponing and then reversing Brexit via a second referendum. Norway in any form equals leaving the EU  technically, anyway. It could not truthfully be claimed that Norway Plus would dishonour the referendum instruction, though it can certainly be argued that while it sticks to the letter it is wide of the spirit.

That may matter if  or perhaps we should say when  Mays deal goes down. Remove from its opponents the minority of MPs who would tolerate or welcome no deal, and what remains looks like a potential majority for either a second referendum or for Norway Plus. Given a choice between the two, we would plump for the latter. But we firmly believe the Government can avoid having to make it, by opting instead for the managed no deal that a mass of Cabinet Ministers and leadership candidates are now preparing to push for.
Adding calorie counts to menus has been a popular point of discussion recently. While some believe its key to pushing consumers to make healthier food choices, others are convinced the act is pointless.

Though researchers have spoken out on both sides of the argument, a group of researchers from Dartmouth College recently found that restaurants that have both pictures of food and calorie counts are more likely to sway consumers ordering habits.

Our findings suggest that calorie-labeling may alter responses in the brains reward system when considering food options, said researcher Andrea Courtney. Moreover, we believe that nutritional interventions are likely to be more successful if they take into account the motivation of the consumer, including whether or not they diet.

The brains role

The researchers had 42 undergraduates participate in the study, with students looking at nearly 200 images of food both with calorie counts and without.

The group was split almost evenly between those who dieted and those who didnt, as the researchers believed the two groups would make different food choices. Everyone was shown the same images, and most of them included fast food items.

While hooked up to an fMRI machine, the participants were asked to rate how much they wanted to eat the food on a scale from one to four, and then how likely theyd be to choose the food items in the dining hall on the same scale.

The researchers found that both dieters and non-dieters were affected by the combination of food pictures and calorie counts. After seeing both, the participants were less likely to choose the unhealthy items.

However, when the calorie counts came off the food pictures, the results were a bit different. Those who dieted regularly were more likely to continue to avoid fattier foods, whereas the non-dieters didnt have the same response.

The researchers saw these results as positive, as they further prove that consumers who are looking for healthier options will continue to seek them out when calorie counts arent available. However, when calorie counts are present, they help guide consumers choices.

In order to motivate people to make healthier food choices, policy changes are needed that incorporate not only nutritional information, including calorie content, but also a public education component, which reinforces the long-term benefits of a healthy diet, said researcher Kristina Rapuano.

Posting calorie counts

Earlier this year, chain restaurants with at least 20 stores were required to start providing customers with calorie information as part of the Affordable Care Act.

Though experts went back and forth on the pros and cons of this venture, the goal was to have consumers making healthier choices when they eat out.

Later in the year, researchers explored the effects of having calorie counts on menus and found that consumers were more likely to order something with fewer calories when the calorie information was in a prominent place.

What this paper shows is that a trivially simple intervention could increase the power of calorie information on menus, said researcher Steven Dallas. The calorie labeling policy should not necessarily be deemed a failure, and could in fact become a powerful tool in combating the obesity epidemic.
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Dragon City, the largest wholesale and retail trading centre in Bahrain, said it has signed a corporate agreement with Vega Intertrade and Exhibitions, one of the most sought-after exhibition and event organizers specialized in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, to lease and operate ThaiMart, a Thai-themed retail development in the master-planned project.



Set in the southwest corner of Diyar Al Muharraq on a 6,000 sq-m area next to Dragon City, ThaiMart is a first-of-its-kind shopping centre which will offer both local consumers and tourists products that are exclusively imported directly from Thailand.

The project design is infused with Thai architectural and cultural aspects, in a layout which will incorporate approximately 150 individual retail store spaces, with a spacious car parking lot for customers vehicles.



With the soft opening of the Mart expected to take place in the first half of 2019, it is set to revolutionize the oriental goods industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain with the vast array of retail opportunities it will provide, said Dr Maher Al Shaer, the managing director of Dragon City, after signing the deal with Akavut Tangsilikusonwong, the managing director of Vega Intertrade and Exhibitions, at the Diyar Al Muharraq Headquarters at the Bahrain World Trade Centre.



The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Thanis Na Songkhla, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Bahrain, in the presence of members of the executive management of Dragon City.



Dr Al Shaer said: "It brings me immense honor to thank His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for issuing an edict entitling holders of Thai passports to engage in retail commercial activities with 100 per cent ownership rights."



"At this juncture, I would also like to announce the agreement we have come to with Vega Intertrade and Exhibitions for the complete operations of what is set to be one of the flagship projects within our city, ThaiMart," he stated.



"With ThaiMart expected to further enhance the landscape of the retail industry in Bahrain with the unique offerings that it provides, the project will also significantly fulfill and augment the role that the city holds as a vital player in the economy of the Kingdom," he added.

Dr Al Shaer pointed out that the concept of a Thai-themed shopping centre also serves to strengthen bilateral relations between Bahrain and Thailand, and the success it is envisioned to reap will reiterate the importance of supporting and enhancing the development of economic and investment cooperation between the two friendly countries.

"Therefore, we look forward to working with Vega Intertrade and Exhibitions for the manifestation of this promising development, he added.



ThaiMart will offer a variety of Thai products such as food items, beauty products, garments, perfumes, handcrafts, home decorations and leather goods made available for purchase to the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain, thereby setting it up to draw in a multitude of visitors on a regular basis.



Dragon City is a first of its kind development that encompasses over 787 commercial units, making it the largest wholesale and retail trading centre in Bahrain.-TradeArabia News Service
Leading UAE developer Falconcity of Wonders showcased its newest luxury hotel serviced and furnished apartments project, Saam Vega at this years Dubai Property Show held in the Indian city of Mumbai.



Subsequent to its participation at this years Shanghai and London editions, Falconcity of Wonders, the developer of a multipurpose mega project being built in Dubai, made its presence felt at the events Indian edition.



Unveiling the project, Falconcity said three pyramid structures will be developed by the company at the heart of Dubai and of this the small and medium pyramid will be under the management of Oakwood hotels international hoteliers.



Saam Vega, the small pyramid and Saam Polaris, the medium pyramid, are both a lucrative investment opportunity for the discerning investors who see a high tourist influx due to Expo2020 being just around the corner.



The three megastructures will include a total of 4,651 Luxury Hotel Serviced Apartments that will be available for sale to individual buyers with an option to either occupy or rent the unit into a voluntary rental pool that will also be managed by the world-renowned managing partner, Oakwood.



It is expected that the majority of investors will acquire the asset with the intention to take part in the dynamic Dubai real estate landscape as it tends to yield a high ROI income.



All Pyramids have been designed to a luxury serviced apartment standard which is the highest design standards under DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing).



Together the three Pyramids will have a total of 2,185 studio apartments, 1,855 one-, 608 two- and 3 three-bedroom apartments.



The participation came in line with Falconcitys strategy to strengthen its current market position by expanding global footprint, and to capitalise on the promising opportunities presented by the growing interest of Indian investors in Dubai realty, said the developer.



Being home to 2.6 million-strong Indian diaspora, the UAE is also the top-ranking destination for Indians who seek promising long-term real estate investment opportunities.



Indian nationals accounted for more than 4,600 transactions worth Dh8.6 billion in the first nine months of this year to become the largest property investment segment in the UAE, according to the figures released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).



Confirming these statistics, Indians continue to remain among FCWs top foreign investor groups and have been consistently showing great interest in the developments unique The World in a City theme.



Responding to this growing demand from Indian buyers and investors, Falconcity showcased its luxury project, Saam Vega at the show.



Salem Almoosa, the chairman and general manager, Falconcity of Wonders, said: "Indians have never shied away from investing in the emirates real estate sector, thanks to its strategic location, high investment and rental yields, capital appreciation and regulations, which are factors that make it an attractive proposition."



"This year, the Saam Vega project was the highlight of our participation, which generated a lot of enquiries. We are glad to interact with and strengthen our relations with Indian buyers, further boosting their investment aspirations in the emirate of Dubai," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
The Port of Amsterdam is trialing a new monitoring system to explore Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (i.e. drones) usage in its airspace, according to a press release.

The port has launched a four-week test period of M.A.D.S (Marine Anti Drone Systems).

The focus of the trial for the port is to build understanding of how, where and why drones are flying over the Port of Amsterdam, according to a statement.

The port has identified the potential of drones for numerous use applications across its, and its customers operations. This trial will monitor their use. Many port customers are preparing to use drones for infrastructure inspection and measurement of environmental parameters.

"This trial is an important part of our innovation strategy. The M.A.D.S system gives us a first opportunity to get a feeling for the technology that will help us understand drone usage and make a first assessment on unwanted drone flights in a part of our port," said Joost Zuidema, project manager, innovation, for the port.

The M.A.D.S system will support the port by monitoring legal and illegal flying across its land. The system solves this problem by detecting and identifying drones within a 5km range, providing GPS positioning of both drone and pilot together with the drones speed and heading.
MJM Group has established a presence in Poland with the opening of an office in Gdanski, according to a press release.

Based in Pruszcz Gdanski, the office will be primarily a design and administrative hub which will support key activities and projects at the companys headquarters in Northern Ireland for the cruise ship interior outfitter.

Speaking at the official opening of the office, Gary Annett, MJM Group CEO, commented: MJM Group has a long and proud association with Poland. Many of our employees in Northern Ireland are originally from Poland and we have very strong Polish supply chain. We are delighted to open an office here in Pruszcz Gdanski and cement our relationship with Poland.

MJM Group has recorded significant growth over recent years which has seen our workforce and our global reach strengthen, adds Mr Annett. In 2018, we have expanded our workforce in Northern Ireland and we have opened an office in Southampton, England. Opening a branch in Poland is part of our global expansion plans and a reflection of our commitment to attracting a talented pool of people and a robust supply chain from Poland and other EU countries. As the UK continues to navigate its way through the Brexit negotiations it is prudent for MJM Group to expand our global reach to ensure we have the resources to continue to grow as a leader in the global marine outfitting market.

Annett was accompanied by the Mayor of Pruszcz Gdanski, Janusz Wrobel who welcomed MJM Groups expansion plans.

We are pleased that MJM Group, a company which has been linked to the Pomeranian region for more than 10 years through its support of our local supply chain, has now decided to establish a permanent office in our city. Pruszcz Gdanski, which is within the Baltic Investment Zone, has become one of the most important locations for foreign investments in the region thanks to our infrastructure  we are at the intersection of the A1 motorway and close to an international airport which makes us a very attractive location for leading global companies to invest. We wish MJM Group every success here in Poland and in their global operations.
Kaspersky Lab researchers revealed that cyber-crooks stole tens of millions of dollars by hacking Eastern European banks through direct connections to local networks. At least eight banks, dubbed collectively as DarkVishnya, were targeted.

Cyber-criminals pulled off the heists by first entering banks under the guise of couriers, job seekers, or something similar and left behind hidden devices, such as Bash Bunny, Raspberry Pi, inexpensive laptops, or netbooks.

The second stage of the attack involved attackers remotely connecting to the rogue device left behind via a built-in or USB-connected GPRS/3G/LTE modem to scan the local network, harvest information, and brute-force login data. They got around firewalls by planting shellcodes with local TCP servers.

The final stage involved fileless attacks. Kaspersky Lab said that thanks to the use of fileless attacks and PowerShell, the crooks were able to avoid whitelisting tech and domain policies.

Other cybersecurity news:

Sextortion scams with a side of ransomware

Proopoint researchers warned that cyber jerks have a new sextortion scam that persuades victims to download a video of whatever compromising activities they allegedly did. And instead of getting a video, they get a zipped file that contains malware that ultimately leads to the victim being infected with GandCrab ransomware.

Linux.org hijacked, 21 new Linux malware families discovered

Linux.org was hijacked by Twitter user @kitlol5. Administrator Mike McLagan said the linux.org DNS was pointed at the attackers Cloudlare account, but the servers were untouched and no data was leaked. He promised to add multifactor authentication.

Speaking of Linux, the security firm ESET released a report detailing 21 new Linux malware families (pdf).

DEA audio and video surveillance to be hidden in Shop-Vac

The DEA has a new form of surveillance, having awarded a $42,595 contract to Special Services Group for spycams to be put in Shop-Vacs. While it is unclear if the heavy-duty vacuums in question are actual Shop-Vacs or another brand, the type of camera hoovering audio and video surveillance for the DEA is a Canon VB-M50B.

Australia passed a highly controversial anti-encryption law

Australia apparently also has no love for privacy. (Why invade the privacy of few when you can spy on everyone?) The country passed a highly controversial anti-encryption law. The Assistance and Access Act will require tech companies to provide Johnny Lawman and security agencies with access to encrypted communications.

U.S. Energy and Commerce Committee released cybersecurity strategy report

Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released a cybersecurity strategy report (pdf), which laid out six priorities:

The widespread adoption of coordinated disclosure programs, to ultimately lead to better cybersecurity The implementation of software bills of materials across connected technologies The support and stability of the open-source software ecosystem The health of the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program The implementation of supported lifetimes strategies for technologies The strengthening of the public-private partnership model

NHS banned from buying fax machines

Meanwhile in the U.K., the NHS was told to kick the archaic fax machines on which it still relies to the curb. In July, it was determined that the NHS uses 9,000 fax machines across England. The agency will be banned from buying fax machines starting next month. All of those government fax machines are to be phased out by March 31, 2020.

Feds looking into the millions of anti-net neutrality comments posted on FCCs site

The Justice Department via the FBI is reportedly investigating the millions of anti-net neutrality comments posted on the FCCs website. The feds are trying to determine if crimes were committed when potentially millions of peoples identities were posted to the FCCs website without their permission.

This news came to light after the FCC ruled not to release records requested via Freedom of Information requests. After the decision, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel asked (pdf) what the FCC was hiding as instead of providing news organizations with the information requested, in this decision the FCC decides to hide behind Freedom of Information Act exemptions and thwart investigative journalism.

Microsoft issues call to action to governments over facial recognition tech

Microsoft President Brad Smith urged governments across the globe in 2019 to start adopting laws to regulate facial recognition technology. The three biggest problems needing addressed, according to Smith, are making sure facial recognition tech isnt biased and violating laws prohibiting discrimination, that the use of this tech doesnt lead to new intrusions into peoples privacy, and that the tech isnt used by governments for mass surveillance that would encroach on democratic freedoms.

24 Amazon warehouse workers hospitalized after robot tears open bear repellent spray

Twenty-four Amazon workers in New Jersey were hospitalized after a robot damaged a 9-ounce aerosol can of bear repellent spray in a warehouse. The main ingredient is pepper spray. The 24 hospitalized workers were treated at five local hospitals and were expected to be released within 24 hours.
MIDDLETOWN  City Hall Council Chambers was packed as the community, co-workers, a full representation of the police force and officials turned out to watch the formal promotion of four men in blue.

Together, newly minted Middletown police Sgts. Dale Rowland, Michael Inglis and Derek Puorro, and Lt. David Godwin have more than 85 years experience of law enforcement in the Tree City. They may have been solemn in appearance, waiting patiently Friday as dozens of individuals filed in to witness the proceedings, but each mans pride and joy of achievement was evident as each was introduced by Police Chief William McKenna and Deputy Chief Michael Timbro.

Born and raised in Middletown, Godwin, a 25-year officer, was a police explorer as a teen, and later became an auxiliary officer, at the same time volunteering his time as a South Fire District firefighter. For 15 years, he was on the marine and dive unit, and spent 12 years in patrol, the chief said. He was the first officer in the state to receive full accreditation as a traffic accident reconstructionist, and is now among only three in Connecticut, McKenna said.

Godwin, a five-year sergeant who earned the 2012 Mothers Against Drunk Driving award, was pinned by his mother.

Some of the officers who are on the job today werent even born when I started, which makes me one of the older ones  but Im not one of the oldest, he said, indicating Puorro beside him, as those in the audience laughed heartily.

Watch out, one woman said. Youre his supervisor now, she quipped.

Middletown native Puorro, a 1991 graduate of Xavier High School and U.S. Army veteran, spent six years on active duty, including a tour in Bosnia. He later became an East Lyme police officer and was hired by Middletown in February 2001. Hes been assigned to the patrol division, detective bureau, was a school resource officer, and is now part of the special investigations unit, according to Timbro.

Puorro, who spent 11 years on the SWAT team and a decade as a DARE instructor, has held several elected positions in the police union. He now coordinates the departments DARE program. He holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Charter Oak College in Hartford and will earn his bachelors degree in the spring. He was pinned by his cousin, Middletown police Sgt. Nick Puorro.

I want to especially thank my family for supporting me in this career, and the hours we deal with, and all the crazy stuff that goes on, Puorro said. Pointing to his cousin, he added, Its really great to be able to work with family. Hes my best friend, beside my cousin. Its so good to have a partner like that there.

I was made active sergeant seven months ago, so weve been working together on the midnight shift. Its a great shift, people on that shift are great, but the hours stink, so having him there makes it a little more bearable, Puorro said.

Since I was a little kid, I always wanted to be a police officer ... As soon as Middletown opened up, I jumped on that. Its great coming back to town and working where you grew up, Puorro said.

Inglis, a 1992 grad of the Police Officer Standards and Training Council who was hired that same year, became a field training officer in 1994, where he trained several members of our department, some of whom are members of our command staff, some of whom are speaking into the microphone right now, McKenna said.

In 1994, Inglis was among the MPDs first certified mountain biking officers. Two years later, he joined the major investigations unit and spent a year in the detective bureau and five in the narcotics unit.

In 2002, Inglis joined the SWAT team and became certified by the FBI and the Center Mass Law Enforcement Training Institute as a police sniper. He went on to become a sniper instructor and eventually team leader at MPD.

Inglis is now a supervisor on the patrol team. Its been a hell of a career. Im on the midnight shift now, so, if I look a little pale, its because I worked last night, he said.

Sgt. Dale Rowland, a 1992 graduate of Rocky Hill High School, earned an associates degree in criminal justice from Manchester Community College. He was a correction officer at the Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers, and was hired by MPD in September 1997. Rowland spent 11 years as a patrol officer in the North End, and was the police liaison to the North End Action Team, Timbro said.

Rowland has been a detective for 10 years, two of those in the special investigations unit, where he investigated sexual assaults and child-related cases, Timbro said. He has also been a part of the major investigations unit for the last eight years. Hes investigated very serious cases, including murders, assaults, burglaries and robberies, Timbro said, and earned an award for his work on the Kleen Energy blast investigation.

He was pinned by his wife Julie.

Those of you who know me know Im not a man of many words. As Sgt. Puorro said, its tough on the families sometimes. As a detective, Ive gained a lot of experience working with great people, and Im highly motivated to teach what Ive learned to the younger officers so they can excel and achieve during their career, Rowland said.

As the ceremony wrapped up, the chief spoke to Godwin.

The lieutenant promotion, Dave, is very important. Youre going from working with the guys on an everyday basis. Youre entering the mid-level to upper management of the organization, the chief said. Now its your turn to make future leaders of the organization at your rank.

Unfortunately, youll be in a lot of boring meetings with us, but theyre pretty important, the chief said to laughter.

He then turned serious.

Youre going from being a peer to having your peers look up to you for guidance, decision making. The friendship is still there, but now theres a fine line between ensuring the people under you are held accountable, holding yourself accountable, the chief said.

The four of you were pulled up and selected for a reason: because we know you can do the job, McKenna concluded.
NEW HAVEN  Battalion Chief Frank Ricci is taking up another term representing the firefighters union.

Ricci was re-elected as Fire Union Local 825 president for his advocacy around union members rights and interests.

Its an honor to be trusted by New Haven firefighters to represent them, Ricci said. We represent their pension staffing and staffing directly relates to firefighter and community safety...I love New Haven and I love the firefighters that I have the opportunity to represent.

Ricci will have completed 21 years with the New Haven Fire Department Monday. He was first elected as union president in 2015 after serving as vice president and being a career-long union member.

Were really proud of our accomplishments in our first term and the thing that lets New Haven firefighters stand out is we returned the power to the executive board so things are more transparent, theres more accountability and the members feel better represented than in the past, he said.

As president, Ricci works closely with Fire Chief John Alston, Labor Relations Director Thomas McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer Sean Matteson, the mayors office and the 302 members of Local 825.

As a new chief and an outside chief, theres always going to be a process of establishing rapport, communication and mutual respect, Alston said of working with Ricci. We have gotten to that state where we communicate well and we have mutual respect. What happens in many organizations, especially public safety and service, many times the relationship between labor and management can become contentious  ours is not. Our goal is to serve the citizens and visitors of New Haven professionally and keep the health and safety of our workforce at the forefront.

Ricci credits the good relationships the union has with city officials to the members willingness to work with the city.

Sometimes, I dont always have the luxury of being a nice guy in the media or the news because I take things head on, but its also one of the sources Im so effective, Ricci said. At the end of the day, I have great relationships, our (executive) board has great relationships and City Hall knows if were working in the interest of firefighters and the public, well be there right at the front supporting them.

Additionally, 50 members ran for the nine executive board positions, more than any have run in the unions history, Ricci said. We take that as a sign the our members want to be involved and we encourage that, he said. He congratulated Vice President Patrick Cannon, Sergeant at Arms Dan Coughlin and all executive board members on their elections.

Riccis platform centered around the current labor contract negotiations and the unions vote to leave the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, a union which represents the states fire departments.

We want to take the job that a lot of our firefighters have and turn it back into a profession. Our newer members, which is over 50 percent of our department, benefits were slashed in that contract and were working to get back those benefits.

What happens with management is they want more work at a lower cost and labor wants more benefits and salary for reduced working condition and they are both wrong, Alston said. What must happen is what weve attempted to bring to New Haven, which is effective dialogue, communication from both parties to ensure our ultimate mission which is to ensure the health and safety with our workforce. With his re-election I believe that will happen.

Ricci said he and Alston are working to get a budget amendment passed that would restore the four officer positions for Engine Company 8 because its artificially inflating the departments overtime reports. It appears in the budget that theyre paying overtime to staff that company when really that company is within our minimum staffing, Ricci said.

The union is also suing the UPFFA for allegedly misappropriating funds and collecting membership dues after Local 825 ended its membership January 2016.

The Local 825 executive board voted to end its legislative only membership with UPFFA because they felt we need to get fiscal house in order and we could do an equal if not better job at the state capital for our members, Ricci said. The the lawsuit alleges UPFFA continued billing Local 825 monthly for membership dues backed dated to January 2016. Local 825 filed a lawsuit for a judgment that they dont owe backdated dues and theyre seeking the return of at least $96,000 in dues they believe were misappropriated, Ricci said. The case is being heard in Hartford Superior Court.

Ricci is one of 20 firefighters who sued former Mayor John DeStefano Jr. and other city officials in 2004 after the city threw out results of two promotional exams because few blacks firefighters earned high enough scores to make promotion. In 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the city violated the plaintiff firefighters civil rights by not promoting based on race. The city paid about $3 million to the 19 white and one Hispanic firefighters and to an attorney as part of a 2011 settlement.

In February, the Yale Repertory Theatre will show a play based on the landmark labor case of Ricci v. DeStefano titled Good Faith: Four Chats about Race and the New Haven Fire Department. The play is described as an imaginative response to transcripts, interviews, and the many histories of New Haven.

mdignan@hearstmediact.com
Schneider Electric is strengthening its commitments to become carbon neutral by 2030 using solutions that will help accelerate the transition towards a low carbon economy, to mark the occasion of COP24 in Katowice, Poland.



COP24 will bring together around 20,000 participants (political leaders and representatives from NGOs, business and science and research) from more than 190 countries, all working to accelerate the implementation of solutions by 2020. Schneider Electrics experts and executives will participate in a series of events and round tables. The event which kicked off on December 3, will run until December 14, said a statement.



At a time when the latest IPCC report calls for urgent action to fight climate change , Schneider Electric , the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, is accelerating its contribution to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it said.



Gilles Vermot Desroches, sustainability senior vice president at Schneider Electric, said: The climate emergency is growing, and new players are emerging to tackle the issue.



The Paris Agreement signed three years ago provides us with a much clearer understanding of what is at stake. Were now at a tipping point in limiting global warming to less than 2C above pre-industrial levels to avoid a major ecological disaster, he said.



In November 2015, on the eve of COP21, Schneider Electric announced its plan to become carbon neutral by 2030. To mark the occasion of COP24, Schneider Electric is stepping up its ambition and strengthening its commitments to fighting climate change, based on three complementary initiatives:



1. Before 2020: meet the 21 new commitments of the 2018-2020 Schneider Sustainability Impact barometer, outline a specific trajectory based on the assumption that Earth will breach the 2C warming limit by 2050 and validate it through the Science Based Targets initiative , signed by the Group in 2016.

2. Achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 at its plants and sites, in a cohesive industry ecosystem encompassing both suppliers and clients. To that aim, the group will:

 quantify carbon emissions saved by its customers thanks to its EcoStruxure offers;

 switch to 100 per cent renewable electricity, use 100 per cent recyclable or reusable packaging, and recover 100 per cent of its industrial waste;

 and double its energy productivity against a 2005 baseline.

3. Starting today and by 2050: cut its scope 1 and scope 2 carbon emissions by more than 50 per cent vs. 2015, in line with the guiding principles of the Science Based Targets initiative.



Desroches said: The decisions we make today are critical to ensuring a safe and sustainable world for everyone, both now and in the future.



At Schneider Electric, we believe that sustainability and innovation is technologically possible today. COP24, in Poland this year, is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our contribution through solutions that are a genuine remedy for climate change and to show how we can help meet the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Desroches added.



What is good for the climate is good for the economy. Schneider Electrics solutions help accelerate the transition towards a low carbon economy offering numerous opportunities, from sustainable growth to job creation, improved public health and more.



A number of Schneider Electric projects in Poland demonstrate this:

 Schneider Electric completed an electrical distribution modernization of the Saint Gobain glass factory in Dabrowa Gornicza in 2017. The replacement and optimization of transformers, thanks to EcoSruxure Power Consulting Services, led to a 16 per cent drop in energy losses (OPEX) in 2018 as well as a 30 per cent drop in capital expenditure.

 Schneider Electric has also equipped the International Conference Center of Katowice, where COP24 will take place, and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra Hall, location of the opening concert, with building energy management systems that significantly reduce their energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort.



Addressing energy poverty and the climate emergency

Access to energy is a fundamental human right. The fight against climate change will not be effective without taking into account the needs of the 2.3 billion people with poor access to energy. Thats why Schneider Electric is actively promoting sustainable energy access everywhere. In developed countries, it means fighting fuel poverty, the state when a person cant heat his or her home at an acceptable cost.



At COP 24, the Schneider Electric Foundation, under the aegis of Foundation de France, together with social entrepreneurship organisation Ashoka, will pursue this commitment to tackling fuel poverty in Europe by launching a new call for projects for 2019.



Climate change is another key issue, as many people have already been forced to leave their homes due to extreme natural disasters.



Those situations call for mobile, clean, reliable and affordable energy access solutions. At COP24, Schneider Electric will launch its Villaya Emergency solution for easier access to energy in emergency situations. This solar microgrid solution is ready to use in any situation thanks to a system combining Schneider Electric technologies and the expertise of innovative start-ups.



The entire solution is fitted into a standard shipping container for fast, easy transportation or relocation to anywhere worldwide.  TradeArabia News Service
HARTFORD  Theres an Amber Alert system for children, a Silver Alert for senior citizens over the age of 65, but theres an egregious gap for missing adults ages 18 to 64.

Stamford state Rep. Pat Billie Miller has been working with her family to change that.

Ashanti Billie, Millers second cousin, was abducted in Virginia in 2017. She was 19 years old at the time and missing for 11 days before her body was discovered in North Carolina.

At the time of her abduction, she was too old for an Amber Alert and too young for a Silver Alert.

We have no way of knowing for sure whether Ashanti Billie would be alive today with this kind of alert system in place, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Monday at a Legislative Office Building press conference. But we know it can help save lives.

Miller thanked Blumenthal for helping to spearhead legislation in Congress.

This alert would not let her death be in vain, Miller said.

Legislation creating an Ashanti Alert system for adults ages 18 to 64 passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate, and advocates are hoping a companion bill passing on consent the the U.S. House before a new Congress convenes.

We know we can save lives by alerting the public about missing people, Blumenthal said.

Miller who spoke with her cousin, Ashantis father, Monday morning said he wanted people to know that the reason they did this was so that no other parent will feel the pain that we felt.

Miller said the legislation is a legacy to Ashanti who was known for helping people.

She said if the legislation doesnt pass Congress before the end of the year she will introduce legislation in Connecticut that mirrors the federal legislation.

Ashanti Bille, who was from Maryland, was going to culinary school in Virginia when she was abducted and that state has already passed legislation creating an alert system for missing adults.

The alert system allows law enforcement to use billboards, cellphones, TV and radio to alert the public a person is missing.

Time is essential, Blumenthal said.

He said the technology is now so readily available that the expense is negligible.
Somerset area merchants expect good things on Small Business Saturday

Small businesses across Somerset County are hosting events and specials for the annual crowds of Christmas shoppers.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  Many were puzzled after the Sandiganbayan acquitted former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. of plunder but supposedly ordered him, along with his co-accused, to return 124.5 million to the government.

Law experts explain one may be found not guilty of a criminal charge but still be held civilly liable.

"Conviction on the criminal charge requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, while a judgment of liability on the civil charge requires only a preponderance of evidence," said Abdiel Fajardo, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), the national organization of lawyers, in a statement on Monday.

He said that in the case of Revilla, the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt, but the court seemed convinced that there was a lot of evidence against Revilla, that he "must be held as equally accountable to the People of the Philippines with respect to the return of the money lost by virtue of the PDAF scam." The Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)  also known as pork barrel or funds set aside for lawmakers' projects  was declared unconstitutional by the High Court in 2013 following the expose on its misuse.

Constitutional expert Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, dean of San Beda's Graduate School of Law, shares the same view as Fajardo.

In a public Facebook post on December 7, the day the Sandiganbayan handed down its not-guilty verdict on Revilla, Aquino explained the difference between preponderance of evidence, which means "the proof of guilt is greater than the proof of non-guilt," and proof beyond reasonable doubt wherein the court, "by the strength of the evidence presented, has no more reasonable questions left to ask about the culpability of the accused."

"In this case, there may be preponderance of evidence sufficient to establish your civil liability, that does not however rise to the level of proof beyond reasonable doubt to secure your conviction," Aquino said.

Aquino also cited an example when an accused may commit a mistake without any criminal intent - and thus be only civilly liable.

"If you bring home your officemate's wallet, thinking in all good faith that it is yours, and your officemate later on charges you with theft, you will, in all probability be acquitted absent any proof that you intended to defraud your colleague, but you will still be ordered to return the wallet and its contents for the simple reason that it is not yours," he said.

Revilla won't pay

The Revilla camp maintains only those convicted of plunder  businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles and Revilla's staff Richard Cambe  should pay the 124.5 million as civil liability.

"Since he (Revilla) is not criminal liable, there is no basis for civil liability," Revilla's lawyer, Reody Anothony Balisi stressed on Monday.

Revilla likewise said the court already upheld his innocence.

"Iyan ang napatunayan ng hukuman, na wala akong ninakaw kahit sentimo mula sa taumbayan (That was proven by the court, that I did not steal any centavo from the people)," Revilla said in a speech at the flag raising ceremony of Bacoor City, Cavite, which is led by his wife, Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla.

Fajardo said the Sandiganbayan's decision is to blame for the confusion over whether or not Revilla has to pay.

"The confusion of the public is most likely because the civil aspect of the judgment was not discussed with more detail in the majority decision," Fajardo said.

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Maria Theresa Gomez-Estoesta, who dissented from the majority decision, found it "odd" that the court did not exempt Revilla from civil liability when it refused to conclude that the 87.26 million in bank deposits made by the former senator and his immediately family were "the very same money from Napoles."

"It only goes to say therefore, that since all three accused were made to answer for the same civil liability, the source of the accumulation of wealth as found in the criminal liability should only be the same," she said.

She and another dissenting judge, Associate Justice Efren Dela Cruz, questioned why the Sandiganbayan decision "disparaged as not conclusive" a report by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), that showed the multi-million peso bank transactions from 2006 to 2010, which were made within 30 days from the dates mentioned by whistle blower Benhur Luy when Revilla supposedly received rebates through Cambe.

READ: Napoles, Revilla staff can't plunder alone  dissenting justices

Dela Cruz, who initially penned a decision convicting all three accused, was dissented to by Associate Justices Geraldine Econg and Edgardo Caldona, resulting in a 2-2 vote. This forced the anti-graft court's first division to create a special division of five justices to break the impasse. Econg penned the final decision.

Malacanang reiterated on Monday that it is bowing to the decision of the Sandiganbayan and stressed that it does not interfere with the judiciary.

"Dissenting opinion will always be there but our rule is that majority prevails," Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said.

Revilla's case is the first to be resolved among dozens of cases involving lawmakers' PDAF. Former Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile are also facing plunder and graft charges in relation to the scam wherein Napoles allegedly funneled 10 billion of lawmakers' funds into bogus non-government organizations. Revilla, Estrada and Enrile are all out on bail and seeking a Senate comeback in the 2019 elections.

READ: Jinggoy Estrada hopes for acquittal by February 2019
UAE-based Goldilocks Investment Company said it has reached an agreement with Gulf Navigation Holding, a leading maritime and shipping company based in Dubai, to acquire a 18.32 per cent stake in the company.



This includes 4.68 per cent held through a share finance facility, said a statement from the company.



Launched in 2015, Goldilocks is an investment fund with a mandate to invest in listed equities by taking a constructive activist role to unlock value. The fund is managed by ADCM Altus Investment Management Limited, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Financial Group.



As per the agreement, Goldilocks will be actively collaborating with the management and the board of Gulf Navigation in order to drive an enhanced business performance.



It will also support nomination of new members to the board, said the company statement.-TradeArabia News Service
Recent revelations about billionaire sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins sweetheart deal with government prosecutors  thanks to a cadre of all-star defense attorneys who basically treated underage accusers like throwaways  are the tip of the iceberg in a scandal of money, power, sex, corruption and boys club criminality.

The story has all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster but for the sexual abuse of girls as young as 14  and a decade-long process in which lawyers allegedly violated the victims rights under federal law.

It all begins in 2005 when Epstein was accused of sexually assaulting a teenaged girl at his Palm Beach home. Law enforcement expanded the investigation to other alleged assaults, including at his private isle in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which, as has been exhaustively reported, was frequented by celebrities.

Epsteins attorneys, including Alan Dershowitz and former Whitewater prosecutor Ken Starr, negotiated a non-prosecution agreement that ultimately afforded Epstein an absurdly lenient sentence: Just over a year in the county jail, sort of. Epstein was allowed to stay in a vacant wing of the jail and spend up to 12 hours a day in his office, six days a week. The agreement called for him to plead guilty to two state charges of soliciting prostitution, to pay restitution to some of the alleged victims, and to register as a sex offender.

To say the least, this coup of disgrace was shamefully misleading, since under Florida law, someone under 18 cant consent to sex and, therefore, cant technically be a prostitute. It is otherwise ridiculous given the credible allegations in a 53-page, federal draft indictment, effectively dropped, which could have put him away for life.

When the Miami Herald re-examined the case and published its deeply investigative story last month, the focus was largely on the role played by then-U.S. attorney and current U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta. Many have called for Acostas resignation, and Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., has requested a Justice Department probe into the cases epic miscarriage of justice.

Epsteins attorneys and their investigators conducted in-depth, intimate interviews with some of the girls  doubtlessly aimed at discrediting the girls. Police reports reviewed by the Miami Herald show that the private investigators tried posing as police officers to conduct interviews  and picked through the Palm Beach police chiefs trash as U.S. Attorney Barry Krischer was trying to convince him to reduce the charges against Epstein to a misdemeanor.

Ten years ago, many of the alleged victims were children and likely unaware of their rights. Now fully informed adults, many of the women  perhaps energized by the #MeToo movement  are seeking to set aside the non-prosecution agreement so that their voices can be heard.

Theres no doubt that Epsteins accusers were denied their rights under the 2004 federal Crime Victims Rights Act. Among other things, the law asserts that accusers are to be notified of any legal proceedings, including plea deals; and they or their attorneys are to be present at such proceedings, if so desired.

None of this happened.

Indeed, one of Epsteins lawyers wrote a letter to Acosta on Oct. 23, 2007, that read in part: I also want to thank you for the commitment you made to me during our October 12 meeting in which you  assured me that your Office would not  contact any of the identified individuals, potential witnesses, or potential civil claimants and their respective counsel in this matter.

For his part, Acosta has said that his judgment at the time was that a jury trial might not be the best route and a plea deal guaranteed jail time. Whether this is a valid perspective can be argued, but it seems in the context of victims legal rights a quite-charitable view.

The sealed, non-prosecution agreement not only granted federal immunity to Epstein and four named accomplices but also to any [unnamed] potential co-conspirators. Wouldnt we like to know those names? Some accusers have named other men with whom they allegedly had sex, but in the absence of evidence or an indictment, the accusations remain just that.

Rest assured, the case is far from over. While Epstein is the locus of whats being told primarily as a political tale via Acosta, the more-important story is about how power and money colluded to let a sex-obsessed monster get away with serial rape, underage sex trafficking, and conspiracy to violate federal law  and the big-league lawyers who allegedly helped him do it.

Kathleen Parkers email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com.

(c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group
Who does not know the Monty Python dead parrot sketch? For the few of you who don't: it involved the efforts of a pet shop owner to persuade a furious purchaser of a defunct 'Norwegian Blue' that the dead bird was actually in fine fettle, and that its rigor mortis was merely a case of it 'pining for the fjords'.

Senior politicians are now attempting to bamboozle their 'customers'  us, the voters  with a no less outrageous sales patter involving the blameless nation of Norway.

Specifically, there is a concerted move to sell the virtues of the relationship Norway has with the EU as the best option if, tomorrow  or later  Parliament rejects the Brexit deal agreed between Theresa May and the European Commission.

At the weekend, Amber Rudd, just weeks after she returned to the Cabinet, declared that being a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) but not in the EU  Norway's arrangement 'seems plausible not just in terms of the country but in terms of where MPs are'.

Pictured: John Cleese and Michael Palin in Monty Python's famous dead parrot sketch

Ridiculed

Although Ms Rudd, who was an ardent campaigner for Remain, is supporting Mrs May's deal along with the rest of the Cabinet, this was a not-so-subtle hint of what she would actually prefer.

Then, yesterday, Nick Boles, the Tory MP who supported Remain but ran Michael Gove's ill-fated campaign for the party's leadership, and the Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, published a joint article in the Sunday Times lauding the merits of the 'Norway' model  which they have both been pushing to members of their respective parties for many months.

They claim this would be a 'fair compromise' between Leave and Remain voters (as if the referendum had been a dead heat).

But among its parliamentary advocates, there is not one, as far as I am aware, who campaigned for Leave in the referendum.

There is a reason for that. Norway, like its fellow EEA members not in the EU (Liechtenstein and Iceland), is a full member of the EU's Single Market. As a result, it must accept the directives of the Single Market.

These rules are decided upon by representatives of the EU member states in Brussels, having been set in train by the legislative machine of the European Commission.

But, being outside the EU, Norway has no say in them and no vote.

This point was made most forcibly by the former Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg as a Remain campaigner in the 2016 referendum. He ridiculed the so-called 'Norway' option as 'fax democracy'.

Norway, he explained, is part of the Single Market 'but they have to wait by the fax machine for Brussels to send them the rules  we would be left powerless and voiceless, waiting, like the Norwegians, by the fax machine'.

That seems rather an insulting thing to say about the great nation of Norway, but it's not something its own administration would deny.

As a Norwegian government official wrote ahead of the UK referendum: 'During the past 20 years, we have incorporated more than 10,000 EU rules into the EEA agreement.

We have had little direct influence over these rules. The EU is under no obligation to listen to us. I have a hard time seeing the UK, with its global ambition, being comfortable with such an arrangement.'

Most significantly, in the context of why the British people, by a majority of almost 1.3 million, voted Leave, the EEA countries are bound by the Single Market's guarantee of free movement of people.

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) court, the little miss echo of the European Court of Justice and to which Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland are subject, could not be clearer.

The very first sentence of the court website states: 'The aim of the EEA agreement is to guarantee the free movement of persons  in all 31 EEA states.'

The advocates of the 'Norway' model like to point out that there is provision for an 'emergency brake' to suspend freedom of movement (and thus assert some control over immigration).

They always cite Liechtenstein. One of the most articulate proponents of the 'Norway' model, George Trefgarne, wrote on the ConservativeHome website that Liechtenstein had 'successfully' invoked a brake on freedom of movement 'and restricts annual immigration from the European Union to between 2 and 3 per cent of its population'.

Amber Rudd, just weeks after she returned to the Cabinet, declared that being a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) but not in the EU  Norway's arrangement 'seems plausible not just in terms of the country but in terms of where MPs are'

Cuckoo

But when this exception was agreed, the EEA insisted it was in special recognition of Liechtenstein's 'specific geographical situation' as a tiny, largely rural, statelet of just 38,000 souls, surrounded by EU nations. No similar argument could be put on the UK's behalf, let alone accepted by the EEA.

Moreover, the 2-3 per cent annual immigration rate that Liechtenstein negotiated equates to between 1.3 and 2 million if applied to the UK.

I don't see that being regarded as a triumph of immigration control by anyone in this country, whether they voted Leave or Remain.

Immigration aside, EEA membership would also fail to meet the other objective which led British voters to cast their ballots for Leave: to end the vast sums paid into the coffers of the European Commission.

Although Norway is outside the EU's Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies (as the UK would be if it followed the same approach), its annual per capita contributions (according to the House of Commons Library) are only 17 per cent less than that currently paid by British citizens as full members.

And as Jean-Claude Piris, the former director-general of the EU's legal services, wrote in a devastating recent assessment of what might happen if the UK went for the Norway option: 'The EU would certainly refuse any British request to contribute less, proportionately, than the current financial contribution of Norway. On the contrary  the EU would probably ask for more.'

They would certainly be supported in that by the EEA trio of smaller states, who have no particular desire to be joined by the UK: they see us as a potential cuckoo in their nest.

Only last week, senior Norwegian politicians and business figures made clear how little enthusiasm they have for the obstreperous and massively bigger British nation joining them.

Trapped

'Norway Plus', as an answer to our political crisis, is as defunct as Monty Python's Norwegian Blue

Heidi Nordby Lunde, an MP in Norway's governing party, was blunt: 'I am surprised that after all these years it is still part of grown-up debate in the UK.

'You just expect us to give you an invitation rather than consider whether Norway would want to give you such an invitation. It would not be in our interest.'

She added: 'If, as I understand, UK politicians do not want to be ruled by regulations coming from other countries, why would they accept a country with 38,000 citizens, like Liechtenstein, being able to veto regulations that the UK wants?'

The one thing that the EEA states do have going for themselves, which the UK doesn't, as things stand, is that they are outside the EU customs union, and have therefore been able to strike independent trade deals.

But wait: those such as Nick Boles and Stephen Kinnock are actually proposing something called 'Norway Plus', in which we would also remain in the EU customs union: 'The nature of the Irish border means that the UK would need to join a customs union with the EU.'

Hilariously, they conclude that 'Norway Plus gives the British people much more control than they have now'.

I won't accuse them of lying, only of asserting the opposite of the truth.

That is actually the worst thing about Mrs May's agreement, under the terms of the 'backstop' she agreed with the EU: we could be trapped indefinitely in a customs union over which we would have no say, let alone control.

But other aspects of the almost universally criticised backstop do preserve the commitments Theresa May made to the country: we would stop paying vast fees to Brussels, we would not be bound by freedom of movement, we would regain control of our fishing waters and we would not be required to mimic all future EU legislation.

Whatever the shortcomings of Mrs May's backstop arrangement, it is infinitely closer to honouring the result of the referendum than 'Norway Plus'.

'Norway Plus', as an answer to our political crisis, is as defunct as Monty Python's Norwegian Blue.
Home is where the heart is, as the old saying goes - but there are some design details that Brits just can't seem to warm to.

A new study has revealed the nation's least favourite interiors trends and it's bad news if you've got woodchip walls.

The retro wallpaper style has officially been voted as the most hated interior design feature, with some 30 per cent of Brits admitting they dislike it.

Woodchip is closely followed by artex walls and ceilings as the biggest interior design fail, voted down by almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents.

Does your wallpaper look like this? Woodchip has emerged as the most hated design feature in a wide-ranging survey of 1,000 people looking at Brits' attitudes to property (file photo)

Most hated features Woodchip (30%)

Artex Walls/ ceilings (24%)

Carpeted bathrooms (23%)

Statement walls (15%)

Quote decals (8%) Advertisement

The survey, conducted by Terry's Fabrics, also found that carpeted bathrooms and 'statement walls' are among the most hated interiors features.

The company spoke to 1,000 people in a bid to find out how satisfied people in the UK are with their homes - covering everything from structural stress to furniture fall-outs.

They found that more than a third of Brits aren't happy with their homes - and less than a quarter admitted they weren't satisfied with their property when they first moved in.

Meanwhile, over one in four people surveyed felt that they should have spent more time deciding on their property before moving in.

A new survey, conducted by Terry's Fabrics, found that carpeted bathrooms and 'statement walls' (file photo pictured) are among the most hated interiors features among Brits

Does your ceiling look like this? Artex walls and ceilings are among the top five most hated design features in British homes, a new survey has found. Meanwhile, over one in four people surveyed felt they should have spent more time deciding on their property before moving in

A carpeted bathroom, pictured, is among the biggest interior fails according to the new survey by Terry's Fabrics, which also found 10 per cent of UK homeowners claimed it would be impossible to turn their house into an ideal home

Quote decals, pictured, were also among the most hated interiors fail according to the new study by Terry's Fabrics

Some 26 per cent of respondents felt that it would cost over 20,000 to turn their house into an ideal home, whilst 40 per cent per cent thought that it would take upwards of 10,000.

But proving that money isnt the only obstacle to happiness, 10 per cent of UK homeowners claimed it would be impossible to turn their house into an ideal home.

Researchers also found that more than a third (35 per cent) of Brits encounter more issues than they expected when moving into a new home.

Over 50 per cent of respondents admitted they hadnt paid for an independent survey report before buying their home  due to feeling that they arent worth the money - and also that the basic mortgage survey had enough information.
Jet Aviation has announced that Boeing Business Jets is unveiling its new BBJ 777X at the Mebaa Show in Dubai with a VIP cabin concept, designed by Jet Aviation.

The Jet Aviation design dubbed Shaheen, meaning Royal White Falcon, elegantly blends modern and classic elements.

The Jet Aviation Design Studio in Basel partnered with Boeing Business Jets to support the unveiling of the new globe-spanning wide-body BBJ 777X. Renderings of Jet Aviations stunning VIP cabin design are on display at the Boeing Business Jet MEBAA chalet. The interior is designed to accommodate 43 passengers plus a crew of 11. It features forward-thinking technologies grounded in Jet Aviations MRO and Completions Center capabilities and expertise, said Jet Aviation.

The interior concept takes advantage of the BBJ 777Xs size; featuring lounges, a game and cinema area, a stately office, private workspaces, three guest bedrooms and a master suite that includes its own lounge, luxurious bedroom, spacious dressing/bathroom area and a very large shower and hammam.

Like many contemporary homes, our design incorporates modern and traditional elements that are contrasted through the use of colours, materials and the general design intent, explains Director of Design at the Jet Aviation Basel Completions Center, Elisabeth Harvey.

This is intensified with extremely detailed, very light ceilings and sidewall treatments with patterns and traditional panelling structures, opposing the darker wood floor which replicates the ceiling pattern with fine marquetry inlays. Light sidewall and bulkhead treatments are balanced by minimalistic but colourful furniture with delicate detailing, such as engraving inlays and floral fabric inserts.

Artwork, such as the balloon rabbit by Jeff Koons in the forward dining lounge column display and the deconstructed mirror by Matthias Kiss in the forward master lounge add to a playfulness throughout the interior. The result is a carefully orchestrated, playful and holistic combination of shapes, patterns and colours that bring our unique interior concept to life.

Head of Boeing Business Jets Greg Laxton expressed appreciation for Jet Aviations commitment to the highest design and completion standards: Jet Aviation Basel is a very well-known and highly regarded completions center. Their interior concept for our new BBJ 777X is a compelling combination of a beautiful design and the latest technologies.

In addition to features such as weight and space optimization through fiber optics and technology-integrated furniture, we incorporated forward-thinking concepts such as intelligent, digital LED lighting throughout the cabin, as well as OLED and Smart Glass technology on all the window panels, which allows the windows to be dimmed and virtual curtains or window shades to be displayed, says Matt Woollaston, VP Completions Sales.

We envision these and many other advances to functionality will be seen in cabins of the future, including gesture- or voice-controlled features to offer an enhanced customer experience. -TradeArabia News Service
Bristol Palin has revealed that she is officially a real estate agent as she proudly debuts her new @bristolpalinrealtor Instagram account.

The 28-year-old Teen Mom OG star took to Instagram on Thursday to share her happy news along with a link to her new professional page, explaining that she is 'super excited' to let everyone know what she has been working on for the past year.

In the photo, Bristol is flashing her new pearly white veneers while posing in front of a white brick wall.

Surprise! Bristol Palin took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal that she is officially a real estate agent as she debuted her new @bristolpalinrealtor Instagram account

New job: The 28-year-old Teen Mom OG star signed on with the Ben Kinny Team at Keller Williams Realty

Her long highlighted brown hair is loose around her shoulders, and she is wearing a maroon blouse that is left casually unbuttoned at the collar.

'I signed on with the Ben Kinny Team (the #1 team) at Keller Williams Realty!!' she revealed in the caption.

Bristol went on to say owning a home has always been important to her, noting that it has given her financial security during both of her divorces.

'The value and security of homeownership has been so near and dear to my own heart for the past decade,' she explained.

'Homeownership, and the investment of owning a home, have been my biggest financial security blankets as a single mother.

Candid: The single mom said owning a home has always been important to her, noting that it has given her financial security during both of her divorces

New digs: Bristol recently dropped more than $400,000 on a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Spicewood, Texas

New beginnings: The reality star bought the new pad in the summer after transferring her old family home to her ex-husband Dakota Meyer, 30, as part of their divorce settlement

Over the past eight years, Bristol has owned a condo in Anchorage, Alaska; a five-bedroom home in Phoenix, Arizona; and two homes in the suburbs of Austin.

'I purchased my first home  a foreclosed condo  nearly a decade ago, and have been buying and selling ever since,' she said.

'I cannot wait to help others in their journey of buying and selling real estate here in Austin, TX!!'

The Teen Mom OG star also shared the post on her new professional Instagram page. In the bio, she wrote: 'Bristol Palin, REALTOR.'

The mother-of-three has been embroiled in a bitter, and very public, war of words with her ex-husband Dakota Meyer, 30, over the breakdown of their relationship, which is currently being documented on the latest season of Teen Mom OG.

Family: Bristol lives in her new home with their daughters, Sailor Grace, two, and Atlee Bay, one, as well as her nine-year-old son Tripp, her only child with her former fiance Levi Johnston

Quick turnaround: Dakota and Bristol spent more than $500,000 on the five-bedroom, five-bathroom family home last year

Struggles: The mother-of-three has been embroiled in a bitter, and very public, war of words with her ex over the breakdown of their relationship

Bristol recently dropped more than $400,000 on a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Spicewood, Texas, following their split.

She bought the new pad in the summer after transferring her old home to Dakota as part of their divorce settlement, according to court documents obtained by The Blast.

Dakota and Bristol spent more than $500,000 on the five-bedroom, five-bathroom family home last year.

The reality star lives in her new home with their daughters, Sailor Grace, two, and Atlee Bay, one, as well as her nine-year-old son Tripp, her only child with her former fiance Levi Johnston.

Interestingly enough, Levi's wife, Sunny Johnston, 26, is also a realtor. Last month, she announced on her @sunnyjohnston_realtor Instagram page that they are expecting their third child together, Levi's fourth.

Dakota revealed that Bristol was studying to be a real estate agent in May, before their divorce was finalized.

Back when he was 'proud': Dakota revealed that Bristol was studying to be a real estate agent in May, before their divorce was finalized

Sharing a career: Interestingly enough, her former fiance Levi's wife, Sunny Johnston, 26, is also a realtor. She announced last month that she is pregnant again

Before and after: A few months ago, Bristol got porcelain veneers and a gum lift. It's unclear if her new career had anything to do with her new look

While sharing a photo of his then-wife posed on the back patio of their Texas home, he wrote: 'Couldnt be prouder of @bsmp2 for passing her real estate exam today!'

A few months ago, Bristol got porcelain veneers and a gum lift during her 'smile makeover' with Dr. Bret Davis, a cosmetic dentist at Smile Texas in Houston.

It's unclear if her new career had anything to do with her new look, but after her second appointment, she shared photos with her Instagram followers while she gushed about how thrilled she is with her updated smile.

In the 'before' shot, her teeth look straight and white, what many people would hope to achieve in their 'after' photo.

But Bristol believed she needed work done. In the after shot, her teeth are just a bit whiter, but also noticeably bigger  which is how she wanted them.

'I have been tremendously self conscious of my smaller teeth for YEARS,' she wrote. 'I wanted my smile to match how I genuinely feel on the inside.

Happy as can be: Dr. Bret Davis, a cosmetic dentist at Smile Texas in Houston, gave Bristol her 'smile makeover'

Second life: Being a realtor is a second career for Bristol, who used to work as an esthetician in her home state of Alaska

'I am so thankful I was able to take the time to invest in myself  truly pour into my own cup - and do this!! It was the easiest experience of my life.

'I felt zero pain  not even an ounce of discomfort  no down time, and the best part of this all  it only took TWO APPOINTMENTS!!'

Being a realtor is a second career for Bristol, who used to work as an esthetician in her home state of Alaska.

In addition to her reality show and appearances on Dancing with the Stars, she worked at Dr. Michael L. Cusack's office at Alaska Dermatology Laser and Skin Cancer Center in Anchorage.

Bristol's mother, Sarah Palin, revealed that she worked at the office in 2014 in a Facebook post celebrating her graduation from Penrose Academy's esthetics program in Arizona.

'Were happy for her to have finished this challenging, rewarding academy; and now shes ready to be licensed in "all things skin," which is what shes always wanted to do,' the proud mom wrote.

While working at the dermatologist's office, Bristol filmed her 2012 reality series Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp and competed on ABC's Dancing with the Stars in 2010 and during the 'all-star' season in 2012.
A savvy midwife rakes in an extra $15,000 per year by selling homemade placenta products.

For the past two years, Ciara Noble has been collecting fresh placentas from new mothers and at their request, transforming them into capsules, essences, face creams, creative keepsakes and even raw smoothies.

The 23-year-old from Melbourne, Australia, became a certified Placenta Remedies Specialist two years ago after researching the benefits new mothers may experience from consuming their placenta.

'Some people might be turned off by it, but it's such a natural and beautiful thing,' she said.

'I've provided my services to over 100 women so far and have had nothing but positive feedback. It's an amazing to feeling to know I've helped in some little way.'

For the past two years, Ciara Noble has been collecting fresh placentas from new mothers and at their request, transforming them into a variety of different products

Ms Noble launched the business Kindred Postnatal Products in January 2017 and said she's sold her placenta products to hundreds of different women.

The young woman, who works full time as a midwife, runs her business on the side  with the extra income even helping her fund a dream holiday to New York City earlier this year.

'I first heard about the possible benefits of placenta encapsulation which turns the placenta into pills to swallow after I graduated from university,' she said.

Ms Noble has chosen to work with placenta because she said it's 'so important' and 'so special' as it keeps a baby alive for nine months.

She has turned the placenta into products such as capsules essences, face creams, creative keepsakes (pictured) and even raw smoothies

Ms Noble launched the business Kindred Postnatal Products in January 2017 and said she's sold her placenta products to hundreds of different women

'There are so many women that just don't want to see it or know about it and just throw it away. But why wouldn't you want that back inside you,' she said.

'There is this constant pressure for women to be flawless mothers and bounce back straight after birth, which just isn't realistic, and this can cause lots of stress for new mums.

'My role as a midwife is to make women's transition into motherhood as smooth as possible. This is my passion, and so my decision to launch my business came naturally to me.'

The young woman, who works full time as a midwife, runs her business on the side  with the extra income even helping her fund a dream holiday to New York City earlier this year

Ciara says her most popular service is placenta encapsulation  which is believed to help with energy levels, hormone imbalances, reducing post-natal bleeding and increasing milk production.

Although less common, another method of placenta consumption which the midwife offers is to whip up a smoothie made from fruit, coconut water and fresh raw slices of placenta  which is said to provide an 'instant' energy hit.

'Once I get the placenta I cut it into thin slices, and I pop it into the dehydrator for 15 hours, the same as if you were making beef jerky or dried fruits,' she said.

'Then I'll put all the slices in a blender and whizz it up into a powder. I have a pill making machine that makes it all into little capsules.'

Ms Noble has chosen to work with placenta because she said it's 'so important' and 'so special' as it keeps a baby alive for nine months

Ciara says her most popular service is placenta encapsulation  which is believed to help with energy levels, hormone imbalances, reducing post-natal bleeding and increasing milk production

Ms Noble said some women are concerned about an after taste, so she can add flavours such as bubblegum, lime or strawberry to help mask it.

The 23-year-old will either go to the hospital or their homes and make it for them within 12 hours of labour.

'The placenta smoothies are meant to be very potent and full of nutrients, as it's done raw. You don't kill any of it from the dehydration, and you're putting back what you just birthed,' she added.

'I'll put fresh frozen oranges, bananas, strawberries, coconut water and a walnut-sized piece of placenta. It is just like a regular smoothie, but of course it's red due to the placenta blood.'

Ciara also exerts her creativity in making artistic placenta keepsakes such as placenta-blood prints and little ornaments made from the umbilical cord which she fashions into different shapes.

She has a no-waste policy as she doesn't want to throw anything in the bin, she wants to give it all back to the mothers.

'I absolutely love doing the little keepsakes an extra thing. I don't charge for them, I just think it's really nice to give it to the new mothers as an extra surprise,' she said.

'The very first thing I do when I get the placenta is make the prints. You just need to lay a piece of paper on top of it and press it down, and it creates these beautiful paintings.'

'The very first thing I do when I get the placenta is make the prints. You just need to lay a piece of paper on top of it and press it down, and it creates these beautiful paintings,' she said

She explained that most of them are natural prints, which is made just with the blood of the placenta, but if she's feeling creative she will try and do rainbow ones too.

She has a no-waste policy as she doesn't want to throw anything in the bin, she wants to give it all back to the mothers

'I also love the little keepsake ornaments. The umbilical cord is so beautiful. You can see the veins, and those are the lifelines that keep your baby alive,' she said.

'It depends how long the cord is as to what I can make. If a cord is only short I'll just do a love heart, but if it's longer I can make words like "love". But not many people get that.'

Ciara said she never actually meets the mothers who buy her products, but rather simply collects the placenta from the hospital and then returns within 48 hours with the finished goods.

And despite having no children herself yet, Ciara said she would 'definitely' get the whole works done with her placenta when she becomes a mother one day.

'I really love what I do and it means the world to me to know I'm making some small different in these women's lives,' she said.

'Even if it's just in a little way, if I can aid just one person through their postnatal recovery, it's all worth it and I'll know I've done my job.'
A mother has revealed how a $10 cream cleared up her toddler son's crippling eczema almost overnight.

Bea Joseph, 31, from Perth, was at her wits' end from using steroid creams and moisturising little Javi's skin up to 20 times a day to no avail, when a British friend recommended the $10 baby moisturiser from Childs Farm.

After using the product just once before bed, the 14-month-old's skin was instantly less red, smoother and not as painful.

'Even the next morning his skin was improved,' Bea recalled to FEMAIL. 'The texture was different and he no longer tried to scratch against my clothes.'

Bea Joseph, 31, from Perth, was at her wits' end from using steroid creams and moisturising little Javi's skin (left, before, and right, after) up to 20 times a day to no avail, when a British friend recommended Childs Farm moisturiser

'Even the next morning his skin was improved,' Bea (oictured with Javi) recalled to FEMAIL. 'The texture was different and he no longer tried to scratch against my clothes'

Childs Farm products (pictured) have proven to be hits with both mothers and babies

The 31-year-old mum-of-one said Javi has struggled with eczema since birth.

'At the beginning we were told to use steroid creams by the doctors, but I wasn't keen on using them on Javi because he was so young,' Bea recalled.

'Instead, I bought various different types of moisturisers and moisturised his skin 20 times a day, with varying degrees of success.'

But, she said, it was 'so difficult' because 'nothing worked for very long'.

'His skin would bleed from scratching his face against the walls and our clothes, even though both myself and my husband wore silk pajamas to keep him from being able to scratch,' she said.

The 31-year-old mum-of-one said Javi (pictured left during a flare up, and right: while trying Childs Farm) has struggled with eczema since birth - he was prescribed steroid creams

Within 12 hours, the 14-month-old's skin was noticeably less red, irritated and bumpy - and Bea said she was 'so impressed that we finished the bottle within weeks'

It was only by chance that Bea spoke to a friend from the UK, who recommended the Childs Farm $10 moisturiser, after she found success with it.

'I ordered it right away and coated Javi in it so he looked like a little geisha before bed,' she said.

Within 12 hours, the 14-month-old's skin was noticeably less red, irritated and bumpy.

'I was so impressed that we finished the bottle within weeks and ordered several more, and other products from the range,' Bea added.

They later ordered other products from the range, including the 3-in-1 swim (left), which has helped little Javi, as well as the shampoo and body wash (right)

Since that point, Javi's skin has improved tenfold - to such an extent that Bea no longer needs to use steroid creams and he is much happier as a toddler (pictured: their family)

Since that point, Javi's skin has improved tenfold - to such an extent that Bea no longer needs to use steroid creams and he is much happier as a toddler.

'He knows the routine now,' Bea said. 'Javi even claps when he sees the moisturiser come out as he realises how much it helps him. These days, we use the moisturiser, the hair and body wash and the 3-in-1 product for swimming - which has been great as he loves swimming.'

Javi even claps when he sees the moisturiser come out as he realises how much it helps him

Doctors and dermatologists have been similarly impressed with the toddler's transformation.

'Before, we would have to go to the doctor at least once a week because Javi's skin was so bumpy,' Bea explained.

'His skin would often get so red it would get near his eye and that was worrying.

'But now, he hardly ever flares up - and if he does, then I know we have the Childs Farm at hand.

'The quality of his skin is much better and he is in a much happier place.'

Bea said she and her husband even use the Childs Farm products, they are that obsessed with them (pictured: Javi before, and Javi in the bath after)

Bea said she and her husband even use the Childs Farm products, they are that obsessed.

'After we found success with it, I rang my other mother friends and they are now all using it too,' she said.

'I don't know if it will work for Javi forever, but it's working now and I can't rave about the product enough.'

Bea isn't the only mother who has found success with Childs Farm products.

In March, Facebook user Laura Gray shared her awe of the product on social media - leaving her with 64k shares and 18k reactions.

She stated: 'Needed to share this with you all. I suffer from psoriasis, have done for years.

'I get it all up my arms, neck and chest and up until yesterday only hydrocortisone cream would get rid of it, but it's really harsh and only pharmacists can give it you.

'Yesterday my Mam told me [to] try this baby moisturiser, I'm not joking 24 hours later my psoriasis is gone! Anyone suffering with psoriasis or eczema you need to try this.'

The product has been feted as a wonder product that clears up eczema and other skin conditions for babies, including little Kelisha (pictured before), whose mother said the product has made her baby a 'different' child

Meanwhile, another user from New Zealand, Catherine, said on the reviews section of the Childs Farm website:

'Wow this product healed my painful weeping eczema on my hands.

'I had tried so many products including prescription products and this fixed it. I need to use it at least twice a day and use gloves for cleaning etc to prevent the eczema coming back.'

'Her face was full of patches as if she'd had boiling water poured over her. It was just a big scab. She was always scratching and uncomfortable,' Kelisha's (pictured) mum, Joanne, recalled

Paige Sweeney also posted on the Childs Farm Facebook page about how it helped her daughter:

'Anybody that knows me and my daughter will know the trouble we have had with her eczema and allergies... We have tried every single steroid cream and moisturiser, but nothing works,' she wrote.

'We see the dermatologist every eight weeks for two and a half years and still no improvement! [I] was in Boots and came across this cream and bath range. I thought I would give it a go and look at the improvement in her skin in a week!'.

'Within four weeks Kelisha was like a different baby,' she said. 'She was more settled and happy because she wasn't as itchy and agitated,' Joanne said of Kelisha (pictured now)

CHILDS FARM SUCCESS STORIES Paige Sweeney, 23, spent more than two years with dermatologists trying to find a cure for the eczema afflicting her daughter Evie-Rae, now three, but nothing worked. The toddler would wake up every night, scratching herself until she bled, Paige said. Then, as a last resort, the Nottingham-based mother spotted the $8 Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser on the shelves at her local Boots and decided to give it a go - to her amazement Evie's eczema quickly vanished. Describing it as a 'miracle cream', Paige said: 'Within a matter of days I could see her skin starting to clear up. I couldn't believe it.' Paige Sweeney, 23, from Nottingham spent more than two years with dermatologists trying to find a cure for her daughter Evie-Rae's eczema (left). After using Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser the condition started to clear within days (right) Nicole O'Dwyer, 21, from Tipperary, Ireland, suffered from chronic eczema on her hands since birth and tried countless products on prescription including steroid cream and emollient moisturisers. Frequently having her hands in water and using hair products made her condition even worse, and she was in constant agony. But in July Nicole's dad Kieran suggested she should try $8 Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser, after he read about the product online. Hairdresser Nicola O'Dwyer, 21, from Tipperary, Ireland was advised to give up her job because her eczema was so bad (left). But after two weeks of using Childs Farm she was able to carry on without any problems (right) Nicole started applying the cream regularly, and within two weeks her eczema had disappeared, leaving her able to carry out her job without any problems. Psoriasis sufferer Damien Broderick, 26, had to fetch a vacuum cleaner every time he removed an item of clothing in order to clean up flakes of skin that would fall off his body. Damien from Dublin, previously used a steroid cream to treat the condition, however when the disease returned his GP advised him to look into alternative therapy, as another course of steroids may not have the same effect and could potentially do more harm than good. Desperately looking for a solution, he looked into everything from Chinese medicine to acupuncture, but was advised to try Childs Farm products by a colleague. Damien bought the brand's Baby Moisturiser and Hair and Body Wash, and within days he started to see a visible difference in his skin. Damien Broderick from Dublin had such bad psoriasis he would have to vacuum up the flakes of skin (left) but within days of using Childs Farm he could see a visible difference in his skin (right) Advertisement

Boasting a 'mild fragrance, gorgeous shea and cocoa butter and some of nature's finest ingredients', the cult product sells a bottle every single minute around the world

Another mum, Joanne Nevin, 28, from Ballynahinch, Ireland, also shared how the cream cleared up her baby's eczema that was so severe it looked as if she'd been burned the condition in just four weeks.

'Within four weeks Kelisha was like a different baby,' she said. 'She was more settled and happy because she wasn't as itchy and agitated.'

Kelisha's eczema hasn't returned since and Joanne continues to use the Childs Farm moisturiser as well as the brand's bubble bath.

Speaking about her daughter's condition, Joanne recalled: 'Her face was full of patches as if she'd had boiling water poured over her. It was just a big scab. She was always scratching and uncomfortable'.

'Kelisha's skin is completely clear now,' she said. 'I am just over the moon to have such a happy baby back again.

According to the Victorian Government's Better Health Channel, eczema is 'an inherited, chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually appears in early childhood. Patches of skin become red, scaly and itchy. Sometimes, tiny blisters containing clear fluid can form and the affected areas of skin can weep'.

Experts recommend 'using moisturisers and cortisone-based ointments to help ease the symptoms.

'It is also important to avoid skin irritants, such as soap, hot water and synthetic fabrics,' the site reads.

Boasting a 'mild fragrance, gorgeous shea and cocoa butter and some of nature's finest ingredients', the cult product sells a bottle every single minute around the world.

To find out more about Childs Farm, you can follow them on Instagram here and it can be purchased here.
As summer gets under way, swimwear designers are coming up with innovative ways for women to show off their curves in and out of the water.

But it would seem sometimes the best creatives are the bikini shoppers themselves, with models and customers alike buying regular triangle tops and giving them a modern update - no sewing machine required.

Australian label Heartland & Baulch shared an image of a model on Instagram wearing her swimsuit sideways - and it's becoming a regular fixture on Instagram feeds.

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Australian label Heartland & Baulch shared an image of a model (left) on Instagram and American model Sierra Skye (right) has also worn the look online

Fellow American models Sofia Jamora and Sierra Skye, as well as UK influencer Hollie Parsons, have also been spotted rocking the trend in eye catching colourways, but some of their followers were confused by the look.

'Where did you buy this top from? It's so unique,' someone wrote underneath a sultry photo of Sierra in a black top.

One very clued-up fan answered: 'It's a regular black top, love. The neck strings are just tied behind her back.'

Fellow American models Sofia Jamora and Sierra Skye, as well as UK influencer Hollie Parsons (pictured), have also been spotted rocking the trend in eye catching colourways

You can even try the look with a one piece bikini (pictured on Sofia Jamora)

The trend of wearing an 'upside down' bikini took hold earlier in the year after Australian brand Cantik shared a cleavage-filled image online.

Unlike the traditional triangle bikini top the suit leaves a gaping hole in the middle of your chest - highlighting cleavage more than ever before.

The trick? You can create an 'upside down' bikini with any of the tops already in your wardrobe.

Australian swimwear label Cantik posted an image of a model wearing an 'upside down' bikini on Thursday (pictured)

Believed to be invented by Italian model Valentina Fradegrada the wearer simply ties a knot at the top of their chest with the halter straps and separates the 'triangle' portion of the material more than usual.

The only issue is that the bust is the only thing holding the bikini together - it isn't supported by the straps.

So one rogue wave in the ocean would be enough to dislodge that tiny thread of fabric.

The trick? You can create an 'upside down' bikini with any of the tops already in your wardrobe

The only issue is that your chest is the only thing holding the bikini together - it isn't held up by your neck or by straps over your shoulder

Some people were astounded by how enhanced it made their chest look, calling it an 'instant boob job.'

But others were less convinced by it and said the style could only suit people with 'specific breasts.'

'My boobs would fall into the hole,' one woman remarked.

Some people were astounded by how enhanced it made their chest look, calling it an 'instant boob job'

So far the girls involved all appear to be from Europe, and specifically, Italy

'Possibly the stupidest thing I've seen all day,' another said, adding 'it's absolutely ridiculous.'

Valentina, the self-dubbed creator, has started an Instagram titled 'Upside Down bikini' to showcase other wearers of the fashion.

So far the girls involved all appear to be from Europe, and specifically, Italy.
A Labour MP has divided opinion on Twitter after she posted about her work keeping her away from her family.

Jess Phillips, 37, who represents the constituency of Birmingham Yardley, took to social media on Sunday to share her young son's response to Brexit keeping her away for a week.

She wrote: 'Kissing my son good night and telling him I'll not be back until Friday evening this week, his response, "I hate bloody Brexit".'

The tweet garnered plenty of attention from fellow parents, with some expressing sympathy or joking that her young son was 'speaking on behalf of the nation', while others said she should 'stop complaining and get on with it'.

Labour MP Jess Philips (pictured) has divided opinion on Twitter after saying that Brexit is keeping her away from her family

She revealed that her son had said he 'hates bloody Brexit' when she told him she would be away until Friday evening

Chair of Romford Constituency Labour Party, Angelina Leatherbarrow said: 'My daughter wanted to ban the Labour Party after the last elections because she hardly saw me.'

One father added: 'My two kids have definitely been affected by my talking about Brexit too. It's clearly on their minds.

'My 8 year old even told a teacher at school he's really worried about it. I need to be more careful about being optimistic at home.'

However, several other parents were less sympathetic, arguing that working away from home 'is part of the job.'

Some parents admitted that they had been through similar situations with their own children

Responding one father wrote: 'Sorry but I've seen plenty of posts like this by politicians - this is undeniably the job YOU chose.

'YOU chose to represent your constituents. You are all paid very well for the job you chose to do - my daughter misses me too when I'm away with the job I chose to do.'

Equally unimpressed another added: 'Try doing 40 hours plus on mininmum wage and having to spend 2 hours per day commuting meaning you don't see the kids all week like millions do.'

However, others argued that working away from home was all 'part of the job' and that Phillips shouldn't complain

Meanwhile many of Phillips' 95,000 strong following argued that her son, who is believed to be nine, was 'speaking on behalf of the nation.'

Phillips' tweet comes as Theresa May holds crisis talks with the Cabinet today as she faces a potentially terminal defeat on her Brexit deal ahead of tomorrow's Commons showdown.

Ministers have been put on standby for an emergency conference call as the PM tries to pick a way through the mounting chaos.

Jess Phillips (pictured in April) represents the constituency of Brimingham Yardly and has two young sons

Other more sympathetic followers said that her son was 'speaking on behalf of the nation'

May has been locked in intense talks with allies and aides as they try to find a way through the situation.

Some 110 Tory MPs are pledged to oppose the plan, making victory all-but impossible as they line up with Labour, the SNP, and the Lib Dems.

But a spokeswoman for the PM said today: 'The vote is going ahead as planned.

'The PM spoke to numerous leaders over the weekend - she spoke to Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker, Leo Varadkar, Angela Merkel and Mark Rutte.

'It is usual for her to do that ahead of a European Council.

'She has updated her Cabinet all the way along.

'She will have a call with the Cabinet shortly. She will be updating then on what was discussed with EU leaders.'
A group of cheeky student vets stripped naked for a playful charity calendar.

The final-year students from the Royal Veterinary College, London, ditched their scrubs and bared all for the daring photo shoot.

Rather fittingly, the trainee vets used cleverly placed animals to their modesty - with chickens, sheep and dogs all featured in the images.

Stripping off! The final-year students from the Royal Veterinary College, London, ditched their scrubs and bared all for the daring charity calendar photo shoot

Time for a check up! Trainee vets don scarves and wellington boots to examine a cow in a field

Cute co-stars! Fittingly, the vets used well-placed dogs to help keep themselves covered

Funds raised from the 10 charity calendar, available to buy on eBay, go towards putting on their graduation ball as well as the industry counselling charity, Vetlife.

The calendar was organised by 24-year-old Ben Smith, of Effingham, Surrey, who said it had long been a tradition for students of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).

He said: 'There was a lot of enthusiasm for it. People were very keen to leave their mark on the RVC.

'Once the camera was out people were a bit more nervous, however we soon warmed up and it was a very relaxed environment.'

Horsing around: Three of the group head out to the paddock to pose with three horses

They're not baa-shful! Two well-behaved sheep are used to keep these confident men covered

Dare to bare: Two dogs are placed on the desk as they're examined by three female students

One of the images shows three of the trainee vets standing in a field with horses - their bare bottoms faced towards the camera.

Another captures a group sitting around a desk in the office as they examine a small dog while naked.

Mr Smith also highlighted the importance of Vetlife's work.

Veterinary surgeons are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than the average Briton, he explained.

Feathered friends: One of the shots shows the men using chickens to protect their privates

Leading the way: Striding out into the field, some of the trainee vets involved in the calendar

He said: 'Vetlife is there for the hardest hit veterinary professionals that are really struggling or those that have simply had a bad day and need to talk to someone.

'On the phone at Vetlife are real-life vets, nurses and others involved in the profession who have had counselling training, so they really know what they are talking about.'

The RVC is based in London and has a campus near Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.
A British 'Shirley Valentine' has admitted 'you do silly things when you're in love' - and says she's been left with nothing after giving 100K to her Sri Lankan toyboy husband.

Diane Peebles, 60, originally from Edinburgh, fell in love and married hotel worker Priyanjana De Zoysa, 26, after meeting him while on holiday in Sri Lanka seven years ago.

However, their romance turned into a nightmare after she discovered her new husband had another wife, who was just 18.

Priyanjana was shot dead last year by men Diane believes were trying to extort him for cash, after becoming jealous of the money she had given him.

Diane said she has now been left with 'nothing', after only being able to return to Britain last month, 18 months after Priyanjana was murdered.

Diane Peebles, 60, originally from Edinburgh, has admitted 'you do silly things when you're in love', after marrying a Sri Lankan toyboy husband

Diane fell in love and married hotel worker Priyanjana De Zoysa, 26, (pictured together in Sri Lanka) after meeting him during a holiday in Sri Lanka seven years ago

She described how her husband's family refused to let her leave the house following Priyanjana's death, and continued asking her for money.

Speaking on This Morning, Diane admitted she did feel like a 'mug' when she discovered her husband had another - much younger - wife, who she previously met when she came round for tea.

'All my friends and family told me not to go over [to live with Priyanjana in Sri Lanka],' she said.

'But I thought he loved me, and I loved him. You do silly things when you're in love.'

Former council worked Diane explained how she gave 100K in total to her Sri Lankan toyboy husband, towards their house and a minibus for him to work as a taxi driver

Priyanjana (pictured with Diane) was shot dead last year, by men Diane believes were trying to extort him for cash, after becoming jealous of the money she had given him

TIMELINE OF DIANE'S MARRIAGE TO PRIYANJANA November 2011 - Diane meets Priyajana while on holiday in Sri Lanka June 2012 - She returns to the country tand ends up marrying Priyajana November 2012 - Diane returns to see her new husband again, and they have official wedding pictures taken December 2012 - February 2015 - Diane regularly flies between her home in Scotland and Sri Lanka February 2015 - The former council worker sells her home in Edinburgh and moves to Sri Lanka June 2015 - Diane returns to Scotland briefly, after Priyajana gets a job in a different city in Sri Lanka September 2015 - She flies back out to Sri Lanka May 2017 - Priyajana is shot dead, allegedly by men trying to extort him for money June 2018 - Diane unable to return to the UK because of the debt she is in November 2018 - Diane returns to UK Advertisement

The former council worker explained how she had given her husband 100,000 in total, for their house in Sri Lanka and to buy him a minibus - so that he could set himself up as a taxi driver.

Diane said: 'I've got nothing. I've got a very small pension from my old work, that's what I'm living on.

'I've still got the house, even though it's not in my name. I'll need to go back to see if they'll let me sell that.'

Diane also described how she has been stranded in Sri Lanka for the past year, as she didn't have any money for the plane ticket home - during which time, her late husband's family would not let her leave the house and asked her for more money.

'They wouldn't let me go anywhere,' she said. '[They] said it's too dangerous to go out'.

She was only able to return to the UK last month, after her friend sent her the money to buy a plane ticket home.

During the interview on This Morning, Diane also warned others about getting themselves into a similar situation.

'Don't get involved with the locals, because they're all very poor,' she said.

'A lot of them are looking to marry European women, because they think we're all very rich. I wasn't very rich - but in their eyes, I was rich.'

This Morning airs on ITV on weekdays from 10.30am.

Diane (pictured in Sri Lanka) described how her husband's family refused to let her leave the house following her Priyanjana's death, and continued asking her for money
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, 47, stunned in a chic blue outfit as she joined husband King Willem-Alexander in officially welcoming the President of Cape Verde, Jorge Carlos Fonseca and his wife Ligia Fonseca on Dam Square in Amsterdam, earlier today.

Typical of her signature statement style, the Dutch royal wore a coordinated coat and hat, complete with a contrasting bright green round-neck top - and not forgetting those impressive skyscraper heels.

She had her blonde hair neatly swept back behind her ears and to add that extra bit of dazzle, Maxima accessorised with emerald green diamond earrings which dangled just above her shoulders.

Rosy cheeked: Queen Maxima, 47, joined her husband in welcoming Cape Verde's President Fonseca and his wife Ligia Fonseca on Dam Square in Amsterdam, earlier today. She wore a striking blue outfit during the wreath-laying ceremony

The mum-of-three was all smiles as she walked alongside the First Lady of Cape Verde, Ligia Fonseca. They complimented the flag with their alternate blue and red elegant outfits

Present Fonseca is currently making a State visit to the Netherlands today and tomorrow, upon the invitation of King Willem-Alexander.

Following the inspection of the guard of honour, a reception will take place in the Royal Palace in Amsterdam for the Dutch and Cabo Verdean officials.

After the wreath-laying ceremony at the National Monument on Dam Square, President Fonseca and his wife will visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Later this afternoon, the President will visit the University of Amsterdam, where he will give a lecture for international and Dutch students on economic development in Cabo Verde.

President Fonseca and the King are then due to attend a Blue Economy meeting at the National Maritime Museum, where the Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Sigrid Kaag will give a speech.

This event will allow Dutch and Cabo Verdean knowledge institutes and businesses to exchange ideas on maritime development, wind energy and sustainable tourism.

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, Jorge Carlos Fonseca and Ligia Dias Fonseca all look on during the inspection of the guard of honour

Argentian-born Maxima and the First Lady of Cape Verde give each other a smile from afar. Following this, a reception was held at Amsterdam Royal Palace for the Dutch and Cabo Verdean officials taking part in the visit

The stylish royal accessorised with emerald green diamond earrings which dangled just above her shoulders

The first day of the state visit will conclude with a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.

The visit follows a week of celebrations for Maxima, who recently released a new portrait of her eldest daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia, to mark her 15th birthday.

Catharina-Amalia, who is the future Queen of the Netherlands, looked chic in a purple shift dress featuring a high neck as she posed for the photograph against a marble backdrop and wore her long blonde hair loose.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands posed for a set of fun family photos with husband King Willem-Alexander and daughters Princess Catharina-Amalia, 14, Princess Alexia, 13, and Princess Ariane, 11

After the picture was shared on Instagram by the Dutch Royal Palace, fans were quick to post their birthday wishes to the princess, whose official title is Princess of Orange.

Prior to this, Queen Maxima opened the Charity Lotteries new office in Amsterdam. There, she added a touch of sparkle in a quirky gold and blue skirt and coordinating hat.

Queen Maxima looked glamorous as she opened the new office building of the Charity Lotteries on 6th December

The Dutch royal smiled as she made her way into the building to take part in the opening ceremony last Thursday evening

The royal took part in the ceremony, pouring a watering can full of glitter into a wooden bowl as part of a dance performance

The Dutch royals also visited the Queen on their first state visit to the UK back in October, where they visited the grave of the only Dutch King of England. They were given a grand ceremonial welcome and were treated to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. It was the first UK state visit by Dutch monarchy for almost forty years.
Holly Willoughby has caused a sensation with her I'm A Celebrity... wardrobe - but its not just her must-have dresses and stylish separates that have had fans talking.

Much has also been made of the presenter's extraordinary collection of boots - with Holly donning a pair for every day in the jungle.

This choice of no-nonsense footwear brought a tough, jungle-ready edginess to the TV queen's signature flirty frocks, floaty tops and figure-flattering skirts.

Stepping out of her comfort zone: Holly wore a feminine printed mini dress by cult label De La Vali on day six, which she paired with 460 Marlyn western leather boots by Ganni

Speaking to FEMAIL, celebrity stylist Rochelle White said the jungle looks marked a significant departure for Holly - but they proved no less popular than her This Morning ensembles.

'It is nice to see Holly take a little step away from her comfort zone and take a risk in her fashion choices for I'm A Celebrity...,' Rochelle said. We tend to see her in more girly looking outfits and heels.

'This has been a welcome change and a side to her that we aren't used to. Her look has been very popular and many of the styles that she was wearing sold out.

'That shows that her style is highly watched and her influence is strong.'

Holly wore a number of heavy leather combat and hiking-style boots with thick laces and chunky heels - perfect for keeping her footing on uneven jungle terrain.

Cool girl style: Holly paired the 255 Grenson Nanette hiker boots - a go-to shoe for the series - with a pretty floral dress on day 11 in the jungle

Action woman: The TV queen wore a number of combat boots, including this pair from upmarket brand Maje. The boots gave a jungle twist to Holly's signature feminine looks

She also tried out on-trend cowboy boots and pair from trendy label Maje with big silver buckles.

Among the biggest hits were Holly's two pairs of 255 Nanette hiking boots from British brand Grenson, which have sold out in both colours.

The 295 Heidi Boots by Camilla Elphick have also been snapped up in all sizes.

Rochelle noted that the styles are often being created around the boots, allowing them to be the main focal point of the outfit.

While Holly is certainly leading the way with the dress and boots combinations at the moment, she is not the first star to have tried out the look.

Biker chic: 420 Maje ankle boots with chunky silver buckles were brought out on day 16

Hard and soft: Holly wore a pretty white frock by Spell & The Gypsy Collective on day 21, which she teamed with her Maje leather boots

'We have seen this fashion trend - usually common around festivals - where women wear summer dressers or outfits with heavy duty edgy boots,' Rochelle continued.

'Walking boots and Dr Martins for example have seen a resurgence within fashion.'

Although Holly turns to stylist to the stars Angie Smith to pull together her looks, it is one that is surprisingly easy to try at home.

Rochelle explained: 'There are various ways to create and wear this look. The best way is to know what looks good on you first and foremost and then pick items that represent that. For example, a fitted Tee with a well fitting skirt.

'One of my other favourite looks would be T-shirt or jumper dressers with a belt - depending the fit - around the middle and a fitted flowing maxi dresses teamed with a belt and boots.

'All these looks can be either casual or dressy but can be tailored to what makes you look and feel good.'
A Texas mother learned the hard way that traveling alone with two young sons was too tough a task  but she was overwhelmed with gratitude when three different strangers came to her rescue.

Becca Kinsey, 31, from Dallas said she was 'on the verge of tears' at various stages of her trip last week, as she tried her best to wrangle her two-year-old son Wyatt and five-year-old son James through airport security and onto a plane.

But every time she was about to break, a kind stranger would step up to help her, either letting her cut in line, carrying her bags, or even cuddling her youngest son to get him through the flight.

Mom duty: Becca Kinsey from Dallas, Texas thought she'd be OK flying alone with five-year-old James and two-year-old Wyatt  but they were fussy and she struggled every step of the way

Becca posted about her journey on Facebook on December 7, and her story has already been shared over 115,000 times.

Recounting her trip, the mother-of-two said she thought she'd be OK taking her kids on a plane without her husband Blake, but was unprepared for how fussy they'd be.

'We were standing in line in security, [and I was] on the verge of tears because Wyatt was screaming and James was exhausted,' she wrote.

'Out of the blue, one mom stops the line for security and says, "Here, jump in front of me! I know how it is!"

While Becca was touched by the act of kindness, it wasn't the last she encountered that day.

After some crying and screaming, 'Wyatt fell asleep and I was trying to carry everyones carry-on when another mom jumps out of her place in line and says, "Hand me everything, Ive got it."

Heartwarming: On Facebook, she wrote about how three different women, all strangers, stepped in to help her when they saw her struggling

Blessing! She called out this woman who offered to hold her two-year-old to give her a break after he screamed through takeoff

'When I said thank you to both of them they said, "Dont you worry, were going to make sure you get on that flight."

That second woman didn't just help her get her kids and bags through the security checkpoint, either.

Lesson learned! Becca was traveling without her husband, Blake  though she probably won't do that again for a while

'The second woman takes evvvverything and helps me get it through security and, on top of all that, she grabs all of it and walks us to the gate to make sure we get on the flight,' Becca went on.

Finally on the flight, Becca had everything in one place  but the drama didn't stop. Clearly spooked or confused by the plane taking off, her youngest started screaming again as they rose into the air.

'Wyatt starts to scream at takeoff before he finally falls back to sleep,' Becca wrote.

'After about 45 min, this angel [pointing finger emojis] comes to the back and says, 'You look like you need a break" and holds Wyatt for the rest of the flight AND walks him all the way to baggage claim, hands him to Blake, hugs me and says "Merry Christmas!!"

Becca also included a photo of the woman, sitting across the aisle, snuggling her youngest in her lap  and the little one looks quite content.

Since her post went viral, Becca has began encouraging people to pay it forward by donating to Kidd's Kids, a program for families of children with life-threatening and life-altering conditions.
Following its successful launch in Bahrain last week, the Zayed Sustainability Prizes "Guiding Light" campaign has arrived in Bolivia, and will ultimately result in the donation of 2,000 solar lanterns to off-grid communities, in the Municipality of San Juan.



The 20x20 metre light installation, revealing the Zayed Sustainability Prize logo, was lit up at the Unidad Educativa Sagrado Corazon 4, in San Juan; the 2017 Global High Schools category Prize Winner, reported state news agency Wam.



Guiding Light is a global campaign running from December 5 to January 9 covering Bangladesh (December 18); Kenya (January 6) and, finally, the UAE (January 9).



Commenting on the Guiding Light campaigns Bolivian event, Dr Lamya Fawwaz, the director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said: "Following the successful launch event, in Bahrain, we have been extremely encouraged by the effect of the Guiding Lights global campaign. Within just 24 hours of the light installation event, in Bolivia, 2,000 solar-powered lanterns were distributed to households and communities across the Municipality, creating an immediate impact on thousands of lives."



"The campaign is inspired by and is a reflection of Sheikh Zayeds vision for global sustainability and humanitarianism and the Zayed Sustainability Prize is proud to be continuing his legacy by reaching out to new communities and impacting lives all over the world," he noted.



School Director for Unidad Educativa Sagrado Corazon 4, Mercedes Almendras said: "The campaign and distribution of the solar lanterns will create greater awareness of the importance of the use of renewable resources and raise the quality of life for many families."
An eight-year-old has caught the eye of former First Lady Michelle Obama after dressing up as her hero for school.

For Cultural Hero's Day at her school, Ella-Lorraine Brown from Los Angeles, California, found inspiration in Michelle Obama's days as an underclassmen at Princeton University in New Jersey.

Ella-Lorraine donned a jean jacket with braids in her hair for the school presentation to match an iconic picture of Michelle, 54, on the Ivy League campus her freshman year.

Amazing: Ella-Lorraine Brown from Los Angeles, California, attended Cultural Hero's Day at her school where she dressed as Michelle Obama from her days at Princeton University

Inspired: The young girl's presentation focused on what Michelle, 54, accomplished during her time in academia

Family: The young girl's mom, Karlyn Johnson Brown (right), shared the picture of her daughter, seen with her family, on Facebook, and it has since been noticed by Michelle

Shout out: The former first lady retweeted a story about the young girl's impressive costume to her 11.6 million Instagram followers

The photo, posted on Nov. 1 by Ella-Lorraine's mom, Karlyn Johnson Brown, gained notoriety on social media as people complimented the young girl's outfit and her ability to nail Michelle's pose.

In an interview with Makers, Karlyn said how she thought the choice for Ella-Lorraine to represent Michelle before she became the first lady was important.

'She was really in awe of the idea that with hard work you could become anything,' said Karlyn, who is also a Princeton alum.

'I loved it because by choosing to portray her hero as a college student, the focus was on Michelle's accomplishments as an individual, not just as an attachment,' she added.

Since Karlyn shared the pictures of her daughter on Facebook, it has been liked more than a 1,000 times with people complimenting the girl on her choice of hero.

The post even gained the attention of Michelle on her Twitter page as she shared the story of Ella-Lorraine with her 11.6 million followers.

Incredible: The parents revealed how Ella-Lorraine (right) often depicts strong women for school projects, including pilot Bessie Collman (left)

Important: Her dad, Eugenie Brown, said: 'We try to surround Ella-Lorraine with women who are go-getters like Michelle, women who are independent and smart, level-headed and loving'

Cutie: Besides dressing up as Bessie and Michelle, Ella-Lorraine has also gone as Ruby Bridges, the first African-American child to desegregate an all-white elementary school in Louisiana

Karlyn revealed to Makers that she and her husband proudly encourage their daughter to seek inspiration from strong females like Michelle.

'Ella-Lorraine has never known a time when Black women weren't publicly honored and "Black girl magic" wasn't a highly celebrated thing. That's awesome,' Karlyn said.

Ella-Lorraine's dad, Eugenie Brown, added: 'We try to surround Ella-Lorraine with women who are go-getters like Michelle, women who are independent and smart, level-headed and loving.'

For other school projects, Ella-Lorraine has previously dressed up as pilot Bessie Collman, who was the first person of African-American and Native American parentage to have a pilots license.

She also previously went as Ruby Bridges, who was the first African-American child to help desegregate an all-white elementary school in Louisiana.

The parents said they hope their daughter will continue to embrace history and learn how to use her voice like the strong women who have inspired her.
Nadia Murad survived the worst of the cruelties and brutality inflicted on her people, the Yazidis of Iraq, by the Islamic State group before becoming a global champion of their cause and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Murad, who was taken hostage by IS in 2014 but escaped, on Monday became the first Iraqi to receive the prestigious award.

The 25-year-old was jointly awarded the Nobel with Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege for their 'efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war'.

Murad once lived a quiet life in her village in the mountainous Yazidi stronghold of Sinjar in northern Iraq, close to the border with Syria.

'As a young girl, I dreamed of finishing high school,' she said in her Nobel acceptance speech.

'It was my dream to have a beauty parlour in our village and to live near my family in Sinjar. But this dream became a nightmare. Unexpected things happened. Genocide took place.'

The jihadists stormed across swathes of Iraq and Syria in August 2014.

Former ISIS sex slave Nadia Murad on stage after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize 2018 at Oslo City Town Hall on Monday

IS fighters swept into her village, Kojo, killing the men, taking children captive to train them as fighters and condemning thousands of women to a life of forced labour and sexual slavery.

Murad was taken to Mosul, the Iraqi 'capital' of the IS's self-declared caliphate, where she was held captive and repeatedly gang-raped, tortured and beaten.

IS fighters wanted 'to take our honour, but they lost their honour', Murad has previously said.

For the jihadists, with their ultra-strict interpretation of Islam, the Yazidis are seen as heretics.

The Kurdish-speaking community follows an ancient religion, revering a single God and the 'leader of the angels', represented by a peacock.

Like thousands of Yazidis, Murad was sold and forcibly married to a jihadist, beaten and - in contrast to the official wives of IS leaders - forced to wear makeup and tight clothes, an experience she later related in front of the United Nations Security Council.

'The first thing they did was they forced us to convert to Islam,' Murad said in 2016.

She set about trying to escape, and managed to flee with the help of a Muslim family from Mosul.

Using false identity papers, she crossed the few dozen kilometres (miles) to Iraqi Kurdistan, joining crowds of other displaced Yazidis in camps.

There, she learnt that six of her brothers and her mother had been killed.

With the help of an organisation that assists Yazidis, she was re-united with her sister in Germany, where she lives today.

Even there, she says she is still fearful, for herself and other innocent women.

'I am a joyful person, I am an outgoing person, I don't want to live in fear,' she told reporters at a press conference on Sunday.

The Yazidis numbered around 550,000 in Iraq before 2014, but some 100,000 have since left the country.

Many others who fled their hometowns to Iraqi Kurdistan remain reluctant to return to their traditional lands.

Murad has dedicated herself to what she calls 'our peoples' fight'.

She and her friend Lamia Haji Bashar jointly received the EU's 2016 Sakharov human rights prize.

She has called for help for some 3,000 Yazidis who remain missing, presumed still in captivity, as well as for European countries to take in displaced Yazidis.

She has also campaigned for the acts committed by IS to be recognised internationally as genocide.

The Yazidi cause has won a high-profile supporter - Lebanese-British lawyer and rights activist Amal Clooney, who was at the Nobel ceremony and also penned the foreword to Murad's book, 'The Last Girl', published in 2017.

That same year, the UN announced it would begin gathering evidence on IS war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide that would be used to try IS militants in Iraqi courts. The first Iraq field missions are set for 2019.

'So far, the perpetrators of the crimes which led to this genocide have not been brought to justice,' Murad said in her Nobel speech.

'I do not seek more sympathy; I want to translate those feelings into actions on the ground.'

Murad was in the United States when she heard about her prize, and said she was 'scared' initially.

'The first thing that came to my mind was my mother, I cried a lot,' she said on Sunday.

'It was very difficult. I have received the Nobel Peace Prize from the hardship, the difficulties that all these people have been faced with and from all the hard work that we have been doing.'

In contrast to all the tragedies that have befallen her, recent pictures on Murad's Twitter feed show happier times.

In August, she announced her engagement to fellow Yazidi activist Abid Shamdeen.

'The struggle of our people brought us together and we will continue this path together,' she wrote.

Underneath, a photo showed her next to a young man in a bow tie, her face still framed by her long brown hair, but this time, bearing a broad smile. Her fiance was in Oslo to see her accept the Nobel Peace Prize.

Source: AFP
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Sweden's Victoria looked every inch the princess at the Nobel Prize ceremony on Monday evening.

The Crown Princess, 41, wore a spectacular tiara with her ballgown and ceremonial sash at the event in Stockholm, which was also attended by her brother Prince Carl-Philip and his wife, Princess Sofia, 34.

Sofia too pulled out all the stops, choosing a floor-length red gown for the ceremony, set off by a pearl choker and a dazzling tiara of her own.

The future queen Victoria was seen joining in with the Swedish national anthem ahead of the ceremony, held at the Concert Hall in Stockholm on Monday.

Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria wore a pink and grey ballgown, along with a ceremonial sash, and a spectacular tiara for the ceremony in Stockholm - where she joined in with a rendition of the national anthem

Her sister-in-law Princess Sofia - equally regal in a floor-length red gown, sash and tiara, also attended with her husband Prince Carl-Philip

Sweden's future queen has undertaken a number of engagements as part of the annual Nobel Week dialogue in Stockholm

The 2018 laureates in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, and economic sciences collected their Nobel Prizes in Stockholm today.

Meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize winners attended a ceremony in Oslo with Norawy's King Harald V, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Prince Mette-Marit.

Earlier this week, Crown Princess Victoria had donned a stylish forest green two-piece as she brought a touch of style to a conference in the rainy Swedish capital.

Part of the annual Nobel Week Dialogue, the talk on Sunday focused on solutions to the global water crisis and was held at the Stockholm City Conference Centre in Barnhusgatan.

And Victoria, 41, looked like she meant business in the eye-catching green number which she paired with a ruffled shirt and pointed ankle boots.

The mother-of-two, whose full title is Crown Princess Victoria, Duchess of Vastergotland, completed her look with a stylish chain bag, tying her hair back into her signature bun.

Victoria turned plenty of heads when she entered into the lecture theatre this morning alongside Nobel Foundation chairman Carl-Henrik Heldin.

The royal's dazzling tiara was set off by diamond drop earrings, a bracelet, and a spangly clutch bag which she held in her lap during the ceremony

Prince Carl-Philip arrives at the Concert Hall in Stockholm on Monday evening, with his wife Princess Sofia in tow

The royal couple beamed as they arrived in all their finery at Stockholm's Concert Hall for the prestigious ceremony on Monday

And Victoria, 41, looked like she meant business in the eye-catching green number which she paired with a ruffled shirt and pointed ankle boots.

The mother-of-two, whose full title is Crown Princess Victoria, Duchess of Vastergotland, completed her look with a stylish chain bag, tying her hair back into her signature bun.

Victoria turned plenty of heads when she entered into the lecture theatre this morning alongside Nobel Foundation chairman Carl-Henrik Heldin.

According to the event website, yesterday's talk looked at causes and possible solutions for the global water crisis.

The annual series of talks is organised to 'stimulate discussion at the highest level on a topical science-related theme'.

The daughter of Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia is married to Prince Daniel, a former personal trainer and gym owner. Together the couple share Princess Estelle, six and Prince Oscar, two.
The number of old people being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections is at an all-time high, figures have revealed.

Over-65s in England were diagnosed with 14 per cent more STIs in 2017 than in 2016.

Even people over the age of 90 are being treated for the illnesses, with dating apps, better health and drugs such as Viagra keeping them sexually active for longer.

Figures from Public Health England showed the number of over-65s who caught common STIs rose from 1,411 in 2016 to 1,608 in 2017.

The number of over-65s diagnosed with syphilis (pictured: a 3D illustration of syphilis bacteria) is on the rise as the number of overall STI cases in that age group has reached a record high

Syphillis, one of the less common infections, was three times as common among over-65s last year as in the year before, the Express reported.

Meanwhile the number of people in the same age group contracting gonorrhoea more than doubled and chlamydia cases increased by 49 per cent.

Other infections included in the figures were genital herpes, which increased by 36 per cent, and genital warts.

'While the majority of the patients we see in clinic are younger, it's not uncommon to see people in their 60s or 70s,' Dr Mark Lawton, a sexual health consultant and member of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, told the Express.

ENGLISHMAN CURED OF DRUG-RESISTANT GONORRHOEA An Englishman who caught the 'world's worst' case of super-gonorrhoea was cured in April 2018 with a last-ditch antibiotic. In the first recorded case worldwide, the unidentified man caught a version of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) that was resistant to two crucial drugs. Health officials revealed he caught it from a one-night stand with a woman during his travels to south east Asia earlier this year  despite having a girlfriend in the UK. Public Health England (PHE) issued a warning over the the STI, which is resistant to ceftriaxone and azithromycin - the two drugs recommended for gonorrhoea. But the Government agency revealed the man was cured with the antibiotic ertapenem and said he had not spread it in the UK. World Health Organization (WHO) experts raised fears two years ago the STI, once known as the 'clap', could become immune to antibiotics in a 'matter of years'. Advertisement

'In fact, the oldest patient I've seen was 91 and he was still enjoying a healthy sex life.

'It's important to remember that age doesn't make you immune to STIs so using condoms and getting tested are still important.'

The figures come after an expert warned in October that more people are getting STIs because of a rise in the use of online dating apps.

Apps such as Tinder and Grindr are accused of making it easier for people to have casual sex and switch quickly between partners.

Dr Lawton has in the past said this is not something confined to only young people.

He told the Sun in 2016: 'People who may have lost a partner may be going out and getting in new relationships after perhaps 30 or 40 years. This phenomenon is no doubt being accelerated by easy access to dating apps.'

Dr Olwen Williams, president of the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV, said figures showed a 'genuine rise' in STIs - rather than just more people getting tested.

He told the BBC: 'The frequency of app hook-ups and dating apps used as a sort of medium to access sexual activity seems to have increased significantly.

'What we can say about sexual mixing and sexual networking is that things have changed considerably.

'Certainly in my career I've never seen so much gonorrhoea or syphilis in my area, ever.'

Being able to switch sexual partners quickly and meet strangers on the internet means people are more likely to spread infections before they get diagnosed, expert said.

And it can also make it more difficult to get in touch with past partners to warn them when people get diagnosed.
A heartbroken mother has revealed her newborn daughter died after contracting the herpes simplex virus through a kiss.

Kelly Ineson, 30, and her fiance Thomas Cummins, 26, of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, said they were 'always so careful', asking people who were ill to not kiss their baby, Kiara Cummins.

However, at 10 days old, Kiara was rushed back to the same hospital when her weight had suddenly dropped.

Doctors failed to diagnose the infection for four days, as Kiara's kidneys shut down, she developed sepsis and was put in an induced coma.

After a diagnosis of neonatal herpes, Kiara's parents were told there was nothing they could do. One by one, the machines keeping her alive were turned off.

Neonatal herpes, herpes in a newborn, is caused by the highly contagious herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores and genital ulcers in adults.

Kelly Ineson, 30, and her fiance Thomas Cummins, 26, of of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire said they were 'always so careful', asking people who were ill to not kiss their baby, Kiara Cummins. She died at 14 days old after contracting herpes simplex virus, most likely from a kiss. Pictured, the parents with Kiara (blurred) after she passed away

In hospital, Kiara's oxygen levels dropped, her kidneys began to shut down and she developed sepsis. She was on life support for four days as doctors tried to diagnose the infection

'I never in my worst nightmares imagined a kiss could kill my baby': Miss Ineson and Mr Cummins say there is not enough awareness about herpes simplex virus

Neonatal herpes affects 1.65 babies per 100,000 born in the UK, compared to 33 per 100,000 in the US.

Ms Ineson, who is a mother-of-three from a previous relationship, is issuing a stark warning not to kiss other people's babies.

She said: 'Doctors have told us that Kiara most likely contracted the virus through someone kissing her.

'We were always so careful, not letting anyone near her if they seemed poorly, or hadn't washed their hands.

'We've been asked if we remember anyone with a cold sore kissing her, but we don't, and would never have let that happen.

'I've been going over every little detail of what happened in my mind, desperate to find an answer as to exactly what happened, but I don't think I'll ever get one  and that's what's killing me.

'I never in my worst nightmares imagined a kiss could kill my baby, and I don't want any other parents to go through this.'

Kiara was born on July 30, but a routine midwife check at ten days old found that Kiara's weight had suddenly dropped from 6lb 11oz to below her 6lb 5oz birth weight.

Worried, Ms Ineson and Mr Cummins raced their daughter to hospital, where doctors concluded that she had an infection  although they were not sure exactly what kind.

Kiara was transferred to a more specialist hospital, where, for the next four days, her condition rapidly declined.

Her oxygen levels continued to drop and the infection began to shut down her kidneys. She needed urgent dialysis to remove waste products.

'It was horrendous. I couldn't help but think of the worst case scenario,' Ms Ineson said. 'Every time we got a little bit of hope, something else would happen.

'I remember once popping out of the ward to get a cup of tea and some fresh air, and Kiara's oxygen levels dropped while I was gone.

'I came back to see all these doctors running to her bedside and I just crumbled. I think, deep down, I knew then that she wouldn't survive.

'Even though doctors stabilised her, I couldn't help but look at her hooked up to all those machines, with an oxygen mask on, and wonder how she was going to pull through.'

One by one, the machines keeping Kiara alive were turned off as her parents were told there was nothing they could do after a diagnosis of herpes simplex virus. Pictured, Miss Ineson with her daughter after death

Kiara, pictured with her mother after she was born, was rushed to hospital when her weight suddenly dropped when she was ten days old

In time, medics discovered that Kiara had contracted neonatal herpes from a strain of the herpes simplex virus. The virus can prove fatal to a baby because their immune system has not yet fully developed.

Tragically, at 13 days old, Kiara's developed deadly sepsis  where the body attacks itself in response to an infection.

Kiara was placed in an induced coma to give her a chance to fight it off. But her parents were told even if she pulled through, she would have probably been severely brain damaged.

'We begged doctors to do what they could, but it was no use,' said Ms Ineson. 'We were essentially told that we'd be waiting for her to die.

'I couldn't hear any more. I just broke down, running down the corridor screaming until I collapsed.

'I knew Thomas and I had a horrendous decision to make. It was incredibly hard, but in the end, we agreed with the doctors to let her go with peace and dignity, rather than prolong her suffering.

'Our family all came to say goodbye, then left us two with her while, one by one, all the machines keeping her alive were removed. She passed away at 6:32pm on August 13  the worst moment of my life.'

Ms Ineson is now desperate to raise awareness of the herpes simplex virus that took her daughters' life.

According to The Herpes Viruses Association, many people will be unaware that they carry the virus, with only one in three exhibiting symptoms that lead to a diagnosis.

With newborns, the virus can be passed on either by a kiss, or by the mother if she has had genital herpes for the first time within the last six weeks of pregnancy.

The risk is significantly reduced if she has had it prior to pregnancy, as she will have passed on the antibodies needed to fight it.

Ms Ineson said: 'Before this, like most people, I thought of herpes as an STI. But it's actually a virus that many people may not realise they carry.

'There's nowhere near enough information about herpes out there. Even those in the medical profession need to be much more aware of it, and the damage it can cause.'

Miss Ineson's son's from a previous relationship, Brandon, 11, and Harry, eight, holding Kiara

Medics discovered that Kiara had contracted a strain of the herpes simplex virus, which is fatal to babies. The virus can be passed on either by a kiss, or by the mother if she has had genital herpes for the first time within the last six weeks of pregnancy

Stay-at-home mother Ms Ineson, who has three other children, Brandon, 11, Jamielea, ten, and Harry, eight, recalled her elation when she discovered she was pregnant in November 2017.

Ms Ineson said the father-to-be, Mr Cummins, a warehouse worker, 'literally leapt with joy' at the happy news.

'When I told my other children, they couldn't wait,' she recalled. 'Jamielea was hysterical, she was that excited, and the boys were thrilled to have another sister on the way.'

But, Ms Ineson's pregnancy was not an easy one. A routine screening test offered to all pregnant women between ten and 14 weeks revealed that her baby had a five per cent chance of having Down's syndrome.

She said: 'I met with a specialist and they talked about termination, but that simply wasn't an option.

'The way I saw it was if she had Down's syndrome, she had Down's syndrome. I knew whatever happened, I'd deal with it and love her just the same.'

Then Ms Ineson's labour came with an onslaught of difficulties. After experiencing cramps and an alarming 'gushing' sensation, she phoned the hospital.

She said: 'At first, they said the contractions were too far apart, but asked me to keep timing them and call them back.

'Eventually, they got closer and closer together, and it was time to go in.

'When I got to A&E, a nurse asked me for a urine sample  but it came out completely green, almost like mint sauce.

After laying Kiara to rest, Miss Ineson vowed to do all she could to raise awareness of the herpes simplex virus, which she say's not enough people are aware of, even medics

'I was really panicking then, especially when they told me it was because Kiara had pooed in the womb. I knew that could be really dangerous.'

With both Ms Ineson and Kiara becoming distressed, doctors decided the safest course of action was to perform an emergency caesarean.

Ms Ineson said: 'I was on gas and air, so things are a little hazy, but I remember them getting Kiara out and hearing nothing  no crying.

'I just lay there feeling helpless, as doctors rushed around. I got a two second glance as they whisked her out, then couldn't see her again for hours.'

To stabilise Kiara, doctors put her in an incubated hospital for 48 hours, hooked onto antibiotics.

She had struggled to breathe when she was first born, and doctors wanted to ensure she was healthy incase she had not swallowed any of her faeces during labour.

The next day, she and Ms Ineson were well enough to go home.

Ms Ineson said: 'I was really happy with Kiara's progress, as were the doctors. Things seemed absolutely fine.

'She had lovely rosy pink cheeks and was healthily gaining weight. She settled in right away at home.'

Ms Ineson never believed that only a few days older, she would have to say goodbye to her daughter in a tragic turn of events.

After laying Kiara to rest in a poignant butterfly-themed service on August 29  before bringing her ashes home to be by her bedside  Ms Ineson vowed to do all she could to raise awareness of the herpes simplex virus.

With the support of the Herpes Viruses Association, she is speaking out for the first time, urging other parents to realise the dangers of letting people kiss their newborn babies.

She said: 'Breaking the news to my other children was one of the hardest parts of this.

'They understand Kiara isn't coming back, but they never saw her in hospital, so I'm glad their memories of her will always be of her at home healthy.

'All I want now is for parents and doctors alike to educate themselves on the herpes simplex virus and how devastating it can be. It's not something you ever dream of looking out for, but it can destroy lives.

'It's very hard for us thinking about Kiara and what she'd be doing if she was here. She should be getting ready for her first Christmas, but instead we have to struggle with all these unanswered questions. All we can do is take it one day at a time.'

Marian Nicholson, director of the Herpes Viruses Association says: 'Please don't kiss other people's babies.

'You might be one of the people who has cold sores that are so mild you haven't noticed them - yet your mild infection could be transferred to a new baby.

'Catching cold sores before the baby is six to nine months old can be serious, as their immune systems aren't well developed.

'Mothers with cold sores should not worry about kissing their own babies, because during the last months of pregnancy, a mother who has had cold sores passes protective antibodies for this virus to her baby through the placenta.

'And if mum has not had cold sores herself, then a dad with a cold sore should not kiss his baby.

'Also, dads need to be careful not to pass on cold sore virus to mums in the last stages of pregnancy because by then it may be too late for her to develop the antibodies her baby needs. Then the new baby will have no protection when it is born.'
Around two million boys in the UK will miss out on the HPV vaccine because of the Government's refusal to offer them a catch-up.

Ministers announced in the summer that the life-saving jabs, which have been given to teenage girls since 2008, would also be offered to boys.

When the roll-out was announced for girls a decade ago, officials offered a catch-up programme to those aged between 13 and 18.

But this same 13-to-18 add-on will not be offered to boys who, it is hoped, will be able to get the vaccine between the ages of 12 and 13 from 2019.

Critics fear this could mean a generation of boys too old to qualify for the vaccine won't be protected from the virus, which can cause cancer of the penis and anus.

The HPV vaccine will be offered to boys soon  public health minister Steve Brine hopes from 2019  but the Government has said there won't be a catch-up programme to offer the jab to schoolboys who are over the age of 13 and missed out on the cancer-preventing jab

Sharon Hodgson MP, Labour's shadow public health minister, criticised the Government's public health minister, Steve Brine, for saying boys would get 'herd protection'.

On this basis, young men would be protected because so many women are immune to the virus, but this leaves gay men exposed, Ms Hodgson argued.

'This means that there will be yet another cohort of boys who have failed to be protected from the HPV virus,' Ms Hodgson said.

'The notion of herd immunity is not good enough, especially for men who have sex with men and have not been vaccinated.'

Experts have also warned men will be put at risk when they have sex with women who come from countries without a vaccination programme, The Guardian reported.

'I am calling on the government to begin the vaccination programme for boys as soon as possible,' Ms Hodgson added.

'And introduce a catch-up programme for boys, like they did for girls, so that they can be protected from the virus.'

In a letter to Ms Hodgson, Mr Brine said a male catch-up programme would add extra pressure on the NHS and could disrupt the routine vaccinations, confirming one would not take place.

This could mean that boys who are currently the right age for the vaccine will never get it.

When the jab is introduced it will be given to 12 and 13-year-old boys  spread over two doses in years eight and nine, the same way it is given to girls.

A vaccine for HPV  human papillomavirus  began to be given to girls after it became clear the virus was linked to almost all cervical cancer cases.

WHAT IS HPV? THE INFECTION LINKED TO 99% OF CERVICAL CANCER AND 91% OF ANAL CANCER CASES Up to eight out of 10 people will be infected with HPV in their lives Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that affect your skin and the moist membranes lining your body. Spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex and skin-to-skin contact between genitals, it is extremely common. Up to eight out of 10 people will be infected with the virus at some point in their lives. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Around 30 of which can affect the genital area. Genital HPV infections are common and highly contagious. Many people never show symptoms, as they can arise years after infection, and the majority of cases go away without treatment. It can lead to genital warts, and is also known to cause cervical cancer by creating an abnormal tissue growth. Annually, an average of 38,000 cases of HPV-related cancers are diagnosed in the US, 3,100 cases of cervical cancer in the UK and around 2,000 other cancers in men. HPV can also cause cancers of the throat, neck, tongue, tonsils, vulva, vagina, penis or anus. It can take years for cancer to develop. Advertisement

But the virus, of which there are more than 100 types, can also cause genital warts and cancers of the vagina, penis and anus.

In Australia, where the vaccine is also given routinely and has been given to boys for five years already, the Government offered a catch-up programme for young men.

'We think boys in the UK deserve the same,' Peter Baker, campaign director for HPV Action told the Guardian.

'We would like HPV vaccination to be available to all boys who are still at school so that as many as possible are protected from this cancer-causing virus,' he added.

In his letter, health minister Mr Brine said gay and bisexual men would be protected by another HPV vaccination programme offering it to under-45s.

This programme is being phased in after being announced earlier this year  the NHS in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already offers the jab to men who have sex with men.

Following a trial in England in 2016, the vaccinations are being rolled out in sexual health clinics to protect men who don't benefit from female herd immunity.

Mr Brine said: 'This programme will continue after the adolescent HPV programme is extended to boys, and will therefore provide protection to those older boys who are not eligible for, or indirectly protected by, the adolescent programme.'

The Government first confirmed it would start giving the jab in July this year, after 10 years of refusing to administer it to boys as well as girls.

The move was a u-turn for the Government, which had since 2008 prioritised girls because HPV is known to cause cervical cancer, which kills 1,000 women a year.

The Government's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation had previously concluded it was 'overwhelmingly' unlikely that vaccinating boys would be cost-effective.

Its conclusions were based, in part, on a flawed computer model that wrongly assumed HPV caused relatively few cancers in men.

But it is now known to cause some 2,000 male cancers annually, resulting in the deaths of about 650 men a year, mainly from mouth and throat forms of the disease.

Charities hailed the 'huge triumph' in July and begged the Department of Health and Social Care to start the jabs immediately.

The move brings the UK in line with 15 other countries, including Australia and the US, who gave the green light to boys getting the HPV jab nearly a decade ago.

HPV Action campaign director Peter Baker said: The JCVIs advice that boys should be vaccinated is very welcome news for boys and their parents.

'It will also benefit those girls who for whatever reason have not been vaccinated against HPV.

'We have waited a very long time for this announcement and it is now imperative that ministers accept the JCVIs advice without delay so that no more boys left at risk.'
A baby boy who was given no chance of survival after being declared brain dead miraculously survived after his life support was switched off.

Kaleb Crook, now 15 months old, astounded doctors when he continued to breathe on his own and squeezed his mother's finger.

His parents, Becki and Phil Crook, had said their final goodbyes to their ten-day-old son, who was brain damaged due to oxygen deprivation.

But Kaleb defied all odds, and, despite having complex needs due to his severe brain damage, will now have his first Christmas at home in Ratby, Leicestershire.

Kaleb Crook, 15 months old, pictured with his mother, Becki Crook, 30, was declared brain dead but miraculously survived after his life support was switched off by doctors

Kaleb Brook suffered oxygen deprivation either in the womb or at birth, giving him severe brain damage. At ten days old, doctors decided to withdraw all care

Kaleb's parents were devastated to be told their son had a zero per cent chance of survival

Kaleb will be spending Christmas at home with his family, including sister Eden, four (right)

Mrs Crook, 30, said: 'Kaleb gave my finger the faintest of squeezes and looked up at me, as if to say "it's going to be okay, Mummy!"

'And now, despite Kaleb's complex needs and severe brain injury, he loves to smile, especially when he hears his sister's voice.'

Why do babies have oxygen deprivation? Oxygen deprivation, also known as asphyxia, is a significant risk for babies during the labor and delivery process. It can be caused by several factors, or a combination of unfortunate circumstances. The most common problems leading to oxygen deprivation include trauma to the infant in utero, problems with the placenta or a prolapsed umbilical cord. Lack of oxygen at birth can result in long-term effects that affect the entire family. Infants suffering from oxygen deprivation often develop disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seizures, and behavioral problems. The consequences of oxygen deprivation most often last for a lifetime. Source: Birth Injury Guide Advertisement

Mr Crook, 33, and his wife were told their baby would have extensive brain damage after being deprived of oxygen at some point in the womb or during birth.

Figures show that three in 1,000 babies in Britain either die or become severely brain-damaged due to a lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain around the time of birth.

Mother-of-two Mrs Crook - who had an accidental home birth following a rapid labour - still has no idea why her son suffered from the severe starvation of oxygen.

She said: 'Kaleb was delivered, but we quickly saw that he was pale, floppy and not breathing.

'He was put onto life support as soon as he arrived at the hospital, and doctors told me that there was minimal brain activity and that there was no hope for his future.'

Doctors decided to withdraw all care, and the family were transferred to a specialised children's hospice for end of life treatment.

Mrs Crook said: 'There was nothing we could do for him. I couldn't believe what had happened to our perfect pregnancy.

'We had to prepare for end of life care at Rainbows Hospice after doctors told us that Kaleb had catastrophic brain damage and that he would most likely die imminently.

'We were told he would only live for a few minutes so I held him so tightly in my arms.

'But then he gave us a ray of hope.'

Kaleb Crook reportedly smiles every time he hears his sister, Eden's, voice

Against all odds, and a Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Grade 3 diagnosis - severe, irreversible brain damage - Kaleb survived.

His prognosis is still unclear, but his family have moved on and couldn't be prouder of him.

Mrs Crook said: 'This is our new normal. This Christmas is a Christmas we never expected to have.

'Kaleb can now be with us, experiencing the joy of life, against the odds.

'Our hope is that Kaleb will experience happiness and peace, in whatever capacity he is capable of. We want him to know how loved he is.'

This Christmas, Kaleb is able to enjoy being at home with his parents and older sister, Eden, now four.

'He is a true and living miracle, defying all of the doctor's expectations', said Mrs Crook about Kaleb, who she had with her husband, Phil Crook

Mrs Crook, a midwife, added: 'No one knows what the future holds for Kaleb but at the moment he's choosing "life" every day and defying the odds.

'We had no idea we'd still have him with us today, he has astounded everyone he's met.

'He is a true and living miracle, defying all of the doctor's expectations.'

The family continue to rely on Rainbow Hospice for care and respite, and are are fundraising for the organisation. Click here to donate.
The fear of being stung by a wasp is a phobia for many.

But scientists have discovered the stripey pests may help combat the antibiotic resistance crisis - and not just a pose a threat to your picnic.

Researchers adapted the properties of wasp venom in the lab and tested its effect on the deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Wasp venom is known to wipe out dangerous bacteria but can also be extremely painful (stock)

The team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found the venom completely wiped out the bacteria within four days - and caused no pain.

The study comes amid growing fears of antibiotic resistance, driven by the unnecessary doling out of the drugs, which has turned once harmless bacteria into superbugs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. In the US alone, around 2million become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria every year, resulting in at least 23,000 deaths.

Pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and salmonellosis are among the growing number of infections that are becoming harder to treat.

The research was led by the microbiologist and immunologist Dr Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez and published in the journal Communications Biology.

'We've repurposed a toxic molecule into one that is a viable molecule to treat infections,' he said.

'By systematically analysing the structure and function of these peptides, we've been able to tune their properties and activity.'

Peptides are the building blocks of proteins, with virtually all creatures on the planet producing ones that kill microbes by breaking down their cell structure.

WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE? Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by GPs and hospital staff for decades, fueling once harmless bacteria to become superbugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. It claimed common infections, such as chlamydia, will become killers without immediate solutions to the growing crisis. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics or if they are given out unnecessarily. Former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies claimed in 2016 that the threat of antibiotic resistance is as severe as terrorism. Figures estimate that superbugs will kill 10 million people each year by 2050, with patients succumbing to once harmless bugs. Around 700,000 people already die yearly due to drug-resistant infections including tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria across the world. Concerns have repeatedly been raised that medicine will be taken back to the 'dark ages' if antibiotics are rendered ineffective in the coming years. In addition to existing drugs becoming less effective, there have only been one or two new antibiotics developed in the last 30 years. In September, the WHO warned antibiotics are 'running out' as a report found a 'serious lack' of new drugs in the development pipeline. Without antibiotics, C-sections, cancer treatments and hip replacements will become incredibly 'risky', it was said at the time. Advertisement

The researchers identified one particular peptide in the venom of a South American wasp species, called Polybia paulista, which was previously investigated as a cancer treatment.

This peptide is only made up of 12 amino acids - the building blocks of peptides - which makes it easy to manipulate.

'It's a small enough peptide that you can try to mutate as many amino acid residues as possible to try to figure out how each building block is contributing to antimicrobial activity and toxicity,' Dr de la Fuente said.

The researchers developed a few dozen variations of the peptide, which they tested against seven species of bacteria and two of fungi to see how well they broke the pathogens down.

This enabled the scientists to discover the specific structures and properties of the peptide that were most effective against the microbes, which could then be refined.

The refined peptides were then tested for toxicity on lab-grown human kidney cells before they were given to mice infected with P. aeruginosa.

This bacteria can cause pneumonia and urinary tract infections in people with weak immune systems, such as those with cystic fibrosis.

Several of the peptides reduced the level of infection but one completely eradicated it.

'After four days, that compound can completely clear the infection, and that was quite surprising and exciting', Dr de la Fuente said.

'We don't typically see that with other experimental antimicrobials or other antibiotics that we've tested in the past with this particular mouse model.'

Antibiotics start working immediately after being taken, but most people do not feel better for two-to-three days.

The drugs usually need to be taken for one or two weeks, however, this varies depending on the type of treatment and infection.

The researchers are investigating if the same level of effectiveness can be achieved with a lower, and therefore likely safer, amount of venom.

A number of drugs are already in development to assess the potential of antimicrobial peptides in treating resistant infections, however, many medications fail to pass clinical trials.

However, even if wasp venom ends up being a dead end, the researchers believe their findings can be applied to other antimicrobial proteins to search for a wider range of solutions.
A donor has been found to help save the life of a two-year-old girl with one of the rarest blood types in the world.

Zainab Mughal, from South Florida, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - an aggressive cancer in the nerve cells - and needs life-saving blood transfusions as she undergoes chemotherapy.

However, Zainab is missing a common antigen most people carry in their blood, dropping the amount of compatible donors down to less than four percent.

Following a global search, a British Indian mother-of-two was found to be a match.

A donor has been found to help save the life of Zainab Mughal, two (left and right), from South Florida, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a cancer of the nerve cells. In addition to chemotherapy, she needs blood transfusions to restore blood cells destroyed from treatment

Zainab's red blood cells are missing a common antigen, which causes the immune system to produce antibodies, called Indian B. Pictured: Zainab

To be a donor, a person must have blood type A or O and they must be missing the same antigen - otherwise her body will reject the blood. Pictured: Zainab with her parents and the OneBlood lab team

The 50-year-old from Nottingham, who has decided to remain anonymous, says she feels 'privileged' that her donation is being used to help Zainab.

'I didn't know who the recipient was when I donated but I do know now, having read the coverage,' she told the Press Association.

'I am very humbled that I have played a small part in aiding someone's recovery from illness.

'I do hope the publicity encourages more people to donate, especially from the Asian community, as even a single donation can make a massive difference to someone who needs it.'

Two other donors from the US have been found, but doctors estimate they will need between seven and 10 people to contribute throughout the course of Zainab's treatment.

WHAT IS NEUROBLASTOMA? Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialized nerve cells in the nervous system and other tissues. Around 800 children in the US are diagnosed each year with the disease and most are diagnosed when they are younger than five. It is the second most common solid tumor in childhood, and it makes up seven to 10 percent of the total number of children's cancers. Neuroblastoma commonly occurs in either one of the two adrenal glands in a child's tummy or in nerve tissue that runs alongside the spinal cord, in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis. The cancer can spread to tissues beyond the original site, including bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, liver and skin. As with most cancers the cause of neuroblastoma is unknown. The symptoms vary depending on where a child's tumor is. Treatment depends on the age of the child, as well as the size and position of the tumor and whether the disease has spread. Source: St Jude Children's Research Hospital Advertisement

Zainab's tumor was found in her stomach two months ago, but doctors believe it may have been growing undetected for almost ten months.

'We were all crying,' said Zainab's father Raheel Mughal in an interview with OneBlood. 'This was the worst thing we were expecting.'

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops in the very early forms of nerve cells.

It is most common in infants and children under age five, rarely occurring in older children.

Neuroblastoma is most commonly found in the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys and are responsible for producing hormones that help regulate the metabolism, immune system and other essential functions.

However, it can also begin in or spread to other areas including the abdomen, chest, and spine, where groups of nerve cells exist.

According to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, neuroblastoma accounts for seven to 10 percent of childhood cancers. Around 800 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year.

Along with chemotherapy, children receive blood transfusions to restore blood cells destroyed from the treatment.

Doctors soon learned that Zainab's red blood cells are missing a common antigen, which causes the immune system to produce antibodies, called Indian B.

Both of Zainab's parents and several relatives were tested, but no one was a match.

Florida-based OneBlood, a nonprofit blood center, has been conducting an international search to find compatible blood donors.

To be a donor, a person must have blood type A or O and they must be missing the same antigen - otherwise Zainab's body will reject the blood.

Donors need to be exclusively of Pakistani, Indian or Iranian descent, meaning both parents must be 100 percent of one of these ethnicities.

Even within these ethnic groups, fewer than four percent of people have the genetic variation.

Donors must be exclusively of Pakistani, Indian or Iranian descent and fewer than four percent of people in these groups have the genetic variation. Pictured: Zainab

The 50-year-old British Indian mother, from Nottingham, says she is 'privileged' that her donation is being used to help Zainab (left and right). Doctors estimate they will need between seven and 10 people to contribute throughout the course of Zainab's treatment

OneBlood says chemotherapy is reducing the size of Zainab's tumor, but she will eventually need two bone marrow transplants.

'We need to find more...It's a humble request, and I request it from my heart,' said Raheel Mughal said in the video.

'My daughter's life very much depends on the blood. So, please, donate the blood for my daughter.'

OneBlood is coordinating compatibility testing and asks that prospective donors specify that they are looking to donate for Zainab, so the blood can be tagged for testing.
Twin baby girls are getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas after surviving a life-threatening operation when they were still in the womb.

Lauren Jennions, 25, was 18 weeks pregnant with her husband, Phillip Jennions, 26, when they were told their babies were suffering with a rare condition, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

The twins, Poppy and Jessica, were at risk of cardiac arrest before they were even born, as they received uneven supplies of blood, putting pressure on their hearts.

Mr and Mrs Jennions, of Havant, Portsmouth, had to wait an excruciating week before finding out if their babies had survived surgery to fix the abnormal blood vessels in the twins.

Miraculously, they had, and despite being born ten weeks prematurely, are about to celebrate their first Christmas.

Twin baby girls, Poppy (left) and Jessica (right) are to celebrate their first Christmas after surviving an operation when they were still in the womb

Mother Lauren Jennions, 25, was 18 weeks pregnant with her partner, Phillip Jennions, 26, when she was told her babies were suffering with a rare condition that threatened their lives

The babies had twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which mean that Jessica was receiving a larger share of the blood supply and nutrients, while Poppy was being starved of blood

Mrs Jennions, a nursery worker, said: 'There were so many times Philip and I thought we'd lose our daughters.

'This is the dream family Christmas we feared we might not see.'

The married couple were delighted when, at their first scan, they discovered they were having identical twins.

But, at an 18 week scan, they were given the news their babies were suffering with twin-to-twin syndrome (TTS).

Around 300 twins die from TTS every year in the UK, and 6,000 babies are affected annually in the US.

Mrs Jennions said: 'I'd never heard of this syndrome. But I was worried when at an 18 week scan I was told there was a slight difference in the amniotic sacs and I would be monitored for it.

'Four days later I knew it was serious when my tummy suddenly grew and I put on two kilos overnight.'

Mrs Jennions was urgently referred to London's St George's Hospital where doctors said they needed to operate immediately to break shared blood vessels.

Jessica was receiving a larger share of the blood supply and nutrients, while Poppy was being starved of blood. Both had a strain on their hearts due to the unbalance.

Mrs Jennions said: 'Devastatingly, surgery could kill them. But without it both babies would die.

Mr and Mrs Jennions had never heard of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Four days after the discovery, the condition became serious when Mrs Jennions put on two kilos overnight

Mr and Mrs Jennions' babies survived the delicate laser surgery. However, they were born ten weeks prematurely and needed support breathing

'Poppy had no visible bladder and barely any fluid around her whereas Jessica had too much fluid causing her heartbeat to overwork.'

Doctors conducted delicate laser surgery to seal off the defective blood vessels, which involved inserting a camera and laser directly into her uterus.

'At one point the camera went through Jessica's sac to drain the fluid and she lifted a tiny hand in a wave', Mrs Jennions said. 'Poignantly it made me realise how bonded I was to them.'

The next 16 hours were crucial, as during this time the mother could miscarry.

Shockingly, the parents would have to wait a whole week to find out - because that was when the next scan was available.

Mrs Jennions said: 'The first 16 hours were critical as there is a high risk of losing both or one of the twins during this time.

'But then we had to endure a week's wait to see if the operation had worked. It was a terrible time.'

Thankfully, the scan a week later showed the girls were thriving. To the relief of their parents, the delicate and risky laser surgery saved both babies' lives.

The couple looked forward to enjoying the rest of the pregnancy, unaware of what was to come next.

Mrs Jennions said: 'At 29 weeks and six days weeks I was having a meal to celebrate going on maternity leave when my waters broke in the restaurant.'

Mr Jennions, a factory worker, rushed his wife to hospital where she was expected to give birth to her baby girls ten weeks prematurely.

An hour after arriving at hospital, she gave birth to Poppy, weighing 2Ib 13oz. Four minutes later Jessica, 3lb 1oz, arrived.

Mr and Mrs Jennions were able to take their twin girls to their home in Portsmouth after seven weeks, but 'needed to carry portable oxygen tanks for a while'

'They are the best Christmas presents', Mrs Jennions said. The family will spend their first Christmas together, which will fall on the girls' four-month birthday

The girls were immediately taken to specialist neonatal units at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

'I only saw the tops of their hats as they were wheeled out,' Mrs Jennions said.

'It was five hours before we saw them properly and a week before we could hold them.'

The girls battled to breathe on the own for the next seven weeks. But eventually, they were sent home. Since then, they have tripled their birth weights.

'Finally bringing them home was amazing, even if we did have to carry portable oxygen tanks with us for a while,' Mrs Jennions said.

The family are now looking forward to their first Christmas together, which will fall on the girls' four-month birthday.

Mrs Jennions said: 'It's going to be extra special. For a long time we couldn't think as far ahead as Christmas. We were just grateful for every day they survived.

'Having Poppy and Jessica are the best Christmas presents. We're so lucky to have them.

'After everything they've been through Poppy and Jessica are just little miracles.'

Mr Jennions said: 'They are such stubborn little fighters. Jessica is smiling and they often reach out to touch one another and hold hands.'

The Jennions are raising money for the neonatal care units at QA Portsmouth and St Richards Chichester hospitals for premature and sick babies. To donate, click here.
As many as 37 entrepreneurs from Bahrain participated in a two-day workshop titled The Falak Unreasonable Weekend, which aimed to give entrepreneurs access to valuable knowledge sharing and experience that are not within their reach.

The event, an extensive, extreme leaning entrepreneurship workshop, was held as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) activities. It was organised in collaboration between the Labour Fund Tamkeen and Falak Consulting at the Novotel resort.

The two-day workshop also aimed to further allow the entrepreneurs to get their ideas validated and gain insight into real-world issues and how to overcome them.

Falak Consulting founder and CEO and main speaker Suhail Algosaibi said: As an entrepreneur who knows what its like to succeed and fail, I fully understand the struggle most entrepreneurs face during the different stages of their venture and the value of sharing experiences and learning from others who already walked the line.

He added: Bahrains Economic Vision 2030 aims to foster entrepreneurship as a key factor in achieving economic growth and sustainable development, and it is our duty to support them and guide them as they debut their journey as key contributors to the kingdoms economy.

Tamkeen chief executive Dr Ebrahim Janahi said: Entrepreneurs are always thought of as a national asset that significantly contributes to the growth and prosperity of our countrys economy.

He added: Our support for this event comes as part of Tamkeens celebration of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), an event celebrated by more than 170 countries around the world. Our celebration of this international event comes in line with our commitment to play our role in realising and achieving Bahrains Economic Vision 2030, and inspiring and influencing a young generation of Bahrainis to become successful entrepreneurs is one of our key objectives.

The Falak Unreasonable Weekend featured an array of speakers including:

 Suhail Algosaibi, an award-winning Bahraini serial entrepreneur, consultant, startup investor/mentor, innovation authority, TEDx speaker, and activist. Suhail has worked and consulted in several industries including petrochemicals, banking, health, fitness, martial arts, real estate and intellectual property.

 Maniza Dewan, a veteran consultant with in-depth experience in the areas of strategy and operations, who has been part of several global engagements across North America, Western Europe and Asia.

 Jitender Shekhawat who has an extensive experience in developing strategies related to growth, market entry, and overall corporate operations as well as building governance frameworks to prepare organizations for growth.

Falak Consulting, in collaboration with Tamkeen, had hosted the second edition of Falak Unreasonable Thinking Summit earlier this year. A two-day forum on innovation, disruption and out-of-the-box thinking, the summit aims to educate and inspire Bahrains business community, especially startups and entrepreneurs, and to show Bahrain in a positive light and help position it as a centre for creativity, innovation and excellence.  TradeArabia News Service
The day before we meet, Mark Williams was on a platform at Clapham Junction station. When a train arrived, he found himself standing alongside the drivers cab. As it moved away, the driver leaned out, tapped his nose and, apeing the catchphrase of the shifty geezer Williams played in The Fast Show, said in a West Midlands drawl: You aint seen me, roight?

That really made me chuckle, Williams says. In truth he should be used to such interventions. Every day someone will shout at him that Fast Show staple: Suits you, sir! Or children will ask him to reprise one of Arthur Weasleys bons mots from the Harry Potter movies. Or, increasingly, fans will proffer a line from Father Brown. Hes very popular, Williams says of the sleuthing priest. Chinese people come up to me. Italians, Scandinavians

The Pushmi-Pullyu in the new production of Dr Dolittle. Rex Harrison was the same age as I am now when he did the film, says the 59-year-old Mark Williams

And it is likely that a new cry will soon be directed at Williams: that he can talk to the animals. Fifty years on from the release of the film starring Rex Harrison, he is playing the title character in a new stage version of Dr Dolittle. Rex Harrison was the same age as I am now when he did the film, says the 59-year-old  not that hes studied the Oscar-winning movie. I never watch how others do a part  I dont think its useful.

As he speaks, the sound of rehearsal drifts in. The finishing touches are being put to the all-singing, all-dancing musical, starring Williams, Brian Capron and Vicky Entwistle. Not that its star dances or does much in the way of singing. If you remember the film, songs such as Talk To The Animals are written to be spoken, not sung. As for the dancing  no, not me.

Mark Williams as Dr Dolittle and (right) Brian Capron

Williamss trademark laconic delivery is misleading: this is someone enthused by his craft. He has been like that, he says, since the first time he trod the boards, as a teenager in Bromsgrove. I got the bug when I did a school play called The Dyspeptic Ogre. None of us knew what dyspeptic meant, but I loved it. I remember thinking: I can do this.

IT'S A FACT The 1967 film was beset with disasters, including a giraffe that stepped on Rex Harrisons groin and a parrot that yelled Cut! Advertisement

After school he headed to Oxford, where he embraced every acting opportunity, including starring in a film alongside fellow students Hugh Grant and Imogen Stubbs. After graduating, he decided to make a go of the thespian lark. It wasnt easy.

When I started out, to get a job you had to have an Equity card and in order to get a card you had to get a job with a company that had a card to give. I got one with a company touring on a narrowboat.

Williamss big break came when he was cast in The Fast Show, 25 years ago. I got co-opted when Paul [Whitehouse] said, Williams, we need an ack-tor. And that was the concern he had about The Fast Shows runaway success: Williams saw himself as an actor, not a comedian. He neednt have worried: from Harry Potter to Father Brown, hes demonstrated his versatility.

Doesnt his geniality restrict him to always playing good guys? After Harry Potter I had a run of villains  Ive been over to the dark side and enjoyed every minute. Just dont tell those Father Brown fans in China  they wont know what to shout at him.

Dr Dolittle tours from Dec 11 to Nov 2, 2019. doctor dolittlemusical.com
True West Vaudeville Theatre, London Until Feb 23, 2 hrs

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Kit Harington and Johnny Flynn are the big young British names in this 1980 classic set in California. But it is its author, Sam Shepard, who is the real star of the show.

Shepard died last year aged 73, a superb writer and actor best known for playing Chuck Yeager, the test pilot in the 1983 film The Right Stuff. His plays are weird, modern westerns featuring motels, the desert, cactuses and Chevrolets. Theyve got the look and feel of an Eagles album cover.

Kit Harington (above) plays Austin, a nerdy aspiring film writer who lives at home with his mother in suburban California

This, arguably his best play, is about two angry brothers reunited. Harington plays nerdy Austin, an aspiring film writer holed up in his mothers suburban Californian kitchen. Up crops Lee (Johnny Flynn), whos been years drifting in the Mojave desert. He plans to do some light burglary and torments Austin as he types up his screenplay. Disaster strikes when a Hollywood producer visits, dumping Austins screenplay in favour of a dumb cowboy plot that Lee cooks up.

Above: Johnny Flynn as the rugged drifter Lee who returns home to torment his brother as he tries to type his screenplay

The result is an orgy of fratricidal violence unleashed by bourbon and pent-up resentment. The denim-clad Flynn has the rugged American accent nailed and swaggers with loutish menace. The handsome Harington is almost unrecognisable, hiding nervously behind specs and a huge moustache that make him look like a seedy hack.

Past actors have chewed up these roles, among them Mark Rylance, Tommy Lee Jones and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Here its the writing you notice. Especially joyous is a speech about the boys alcoholic dad  never seen  who once left his false teeth in a bag of chop suey in a Mexican bar.

Madeleine Potter (above) plays the boys' mother and surveys the havoc they wreak on the set with scary detachment

The show never quite hits the top note of anarchy. But the destruction of the set is spectacular. Madeleine Potter, as their mother, surveys the wreckage with scary detachment. Donald Sage Mackay is pleasingly genial as the faithless producer.

I adored Flynn and Joe Zeitlins score of drums and coyotes, evoking the mythic landscape finally revealed in the last scene. Matthew Dunsters production is a powerful, punchy evening that honours a truly original writer.





The Producers

Royal Exchange, Manchester Until Jan 26, 2hrs 45mins

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Mel Brookss musical is a great show about a really lousy show. Broke producer Max Bialystock needs a spectacular, guaranteed flop for accounting purposes, staged with money hes wheedled out of randy old grannies. He comes up with the idea for a really kitsch musical about Adolf and Eva with a goose-stepping chorus line. And of course it turns out to be a huge success.

Julius DSilva lends a sly, easy charm  and a good voice  to this old showbiz scammer. Stuart Neal is his nerdy accountant and partner in crime, Leo, whose burgeoning friendship with Max forms a sweet basis to this scattergun satire on Broadway.

Too many key parts are over the top, yet oddly underpowered. Above: Charles Brunton as Roger De Bris and Hammed Animashaun as Carmen Ghia

The 2001 show was never quite as sublime in London as it was in New York. But to quote Mel Brooks, it rose below vulgarity in its great showstopper, Springtime For Hitler, a riot of sequined SS campery, cleverly rechoreographed here by Alistair David for this in-the-round staging.

But too many key parts  Franz the mad Nazi author (Dale Meeks), gay director Roger De Bris (Charles Brunton), his camp assistant Carmen Ghia (Hammed Animashaun), and Ulla the Swedish bombshell (Emily-Mae)  are over the top yet oddly underpowered.

The diversity aware casting of Raz Shaws production feels at odds with Brookss defiant spirit of political incorrectness. In short, this show looks great, but its not funny enough.

Guys and Dolls

The Mill at Sonning, Reading Until Feb 23, 2hrs 35mins

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This may be a trim version of the classic musical, with its daffy plot mixing up gamblers, show girls and Christian missionaries in Thirties New York, but it delivers the goods.

The male chorus of gangsters is larger than life and funny. Above: Stephane Annelli as Nathan Detroit

Joseph Pitcher directs with zing, and his choreography is tight and nifty on a smallish stage. Charles Ingless arrangements keep Frank Loessers music  including Sit Down, Youre Rockin The Boat  sounding peppy and vibrant.

The male chorus of gangsters is larger than life and funny; less effective are the rather shrill dolls, led by Adelaide. Natalie Hope plays her as simply dim and ditzy. Victoria Serra, as Sarah the mission sergeant, is prim and pious, with a rich voice. Richard Carson, as her gangster love interest, is a bit too decent.

Holly Williams

The Model Apartment

Ustinov Studio, Bath Until Dec 22, 1hr 20mins

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Meet Lola and Max from New York. Theyve just arrived at their luxury new dream apartment in Florida.

Diana Quick and Ian Gelder, are terrific as this veteran Jewish couple  still bickering, still in love  in Donald Marguliess psychological play about a pair of Holocaust survivors.

Hell soon arrives in the vast form of their very damaged, grossly fat daughter Debby  the excellent Emily Bruni in a padded suit. She has tracked them down in their attempt to flee (fleeing is their life story) her taunting, her abusiveness and her guzzling.

Diana Quick and Ian Gelder (above) are terrific as the veteran Jewish couple - still bickering, still in love

The couples Nazi-victim past is clearly a legacy that has left Debby deeply disturbed. The arrival of her homeless boyfriend (Enyi Okoronkwo) makes things worse.

Max and Lola break into furtive Yiddish, Debby becomes madder and the dialogue weirder.

Id say 80 minutes is about enough, but Laurence Boswells production is expertly acted, and its amazing how the play compresses the horrors of the past century into a condo with its sunny poolside vista.
Charleston Redevelopment East Sussex

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The farmhouse at Charleston remains as artfully cluttered as ever. Its kept in a state as close as possible to how it was when the artist-couple Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant resided here, from 1916 till the formers death in 1961.

Bell was the sister of author Virginia Woolf, and Charleston  in the Sussex Downs  became the rural hangout of the free-thinking, free-loving intellectual set from London, the Bloomsbury Group. (John Maynard Keynes wrote The Economic Consequences Of The Peace in an upstairs bedroom.)

The low-ceilinged house was the residence of artist-couple Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant from 1916 until 1961. Above: Grant's studio

Since 1986, Charleston has been open to the public, and each summer 27,000 visitors enjoy a look around the low-ceilinged house, packed with Bell and Grants paintings, ceramics, textiles and furniture  many of which they themselves designed for Bloomsbury pal Roger Frys firm, Omega Workshops.

Following an 8 million redevelopment, the area immediately surrounding the farmhouse has been transformed. Two flint-walled barns, which were damaged by fire in the Eighties, have been converted into an events space and restaurant respectively.

Nearby, the architects Jamie Fobert  responsible for last years first-rate extension of Tate St Ives  have constructed a 200 square metre exhibition space, with a suite of airy galleries. It has opened with three small shows (until January 6), the most noteworthy of which is inspired by Virginia Woolfs gender-bending novel, Orlando, marking the 90th anniversary of its publication.

The architects Jamie Fobert  responsible for last years first-rate extension of Tate St Ives  have constructed a 200 square metre exhibition space, with a suite of airy galleries (above)

In truth, none of the three shows takes the breath away, but the potential is there to stage a cracking, single exhibition in the future.

The architects deserve credit, too, for building a structure that, despite its size, is cleverly tucked away: from whichever direction you approach Charleston, it remains hidden out of view.

The redevelopment has undoubtedly upgraded this as a visitor attraction  yet still we can keep the illusion that, at any moment, Bell and Grant might pop out of the farmhouse to greet us.

Sir Richard Wallace: The Collector

The Wallace Collection, London Until Jan 6

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Above: Sir Richard Wallace was the rumoured illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess of Hertford and contributed sizeably to the family art collection

His collection contains masterpieces by Titian, Van Dyck, Canaletto, Rubens, Rembrandt and Velazquez  works that can be seen at his former home in London, free, any day of the week. But still little is known about Victorian art collector Sir Richard Wallace. Rumour has it he was the illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess of Hertford, one of the greatest art collectors of the Victorian era. At an early age Wallace was taken on as an assistant by the marquess, who lived in Paris, and they added sizeably to the family collection that the 1st Marquess had started in the 18th century. Now Sir Richard is the focus of his own exhibition, as 20 objects he personally added to the collection are displayed in a new space for temporary exhibitions at the Marylebone gallery.

In the exhibition there are items such as a silver ostrich statuette from the Bavaria of around 1600 and imperial ceremonial wine cups from China (above)

Marking the 200th anniversary of his birth, the exhibition shows Wallaces eclectic tastes  after the 4th Marquess died and the collection was bequeathed to him, Sir Richard continued contributing to it, with, in particular, medieval and Renaissance objects, and arms and armour. So in the exhibition there are items such as a silver ostrich statuette from the Bavaria of around 1600 and imperial ceremonial wine cups from China.

Sir Richard's collection is now housed in Hertford House, Manchester Square, which was his main London townhouse. Above: a gold trophy head

As well as looking beyond Europe for the collection, Sir Richard was keen for a wide range of people to see it and, after the marquess died, he moved the collection to Britain from France and displayed it in east Londons Bethnal Green for two years, where it attracted five million visitors. And he instructed his wife to donate it to the nation on his death, so it is now housed in Hertford House in Manchester Square, which was the couples main London townhouse.

Marking the 200th anniversary of his birth, the exhibition shows Wallaces eclectic tastes. Above: part of a suit of Italian parade armour, one of his passions

Paintings, objects and furniture from France feature significantly in the collection, as does 17th-century Dutch painting  one of the highlights is Frans Halss Laughing Cavalier. Hertford Houses exquisite rooms show off such works beautifully, and the new exhibition space and its diverse works only add to a collection described by Wallace Collection director Xavier Bray, with some justification, as the greatest gift ever made to the nation.

Dominic Connolly
Death And Nightingales

Wednesday, BBC2

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Dynasties

Sunday, BBC1

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Secret Life Of Farm Animals

Thursday, BBC4

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A little quiz for you. So what do the current mainstream dramas Mrs Wilson, My Brilliant Friend, Death And Nightingales and The Little Drummer Girl, which concluded this week, have in common? Is it:

A) Labourers in 19th-century Ireland distracting you with their beautifully laundered crisp white shirts as worn in the field?

B) Major characters talking the plot points out loud?

Ann Skelly and Jamie Dornan in Death And Nightingales. It kicked off last week with an underwhelming first episode

C) They are all about women as victims of men? The answer is C, as A and B afflict Death And Nightingales solely. Mrs Wilson discovers she has married a bigamist. Elena and Lila in My Brilliant Friend must fight off dominating suitors, fathers, brothers (I am your big brother. Do what I say. I could punch your head in.) and Don Sarratore, who reads his own poetry aloud, which would be insanely terrible enough, but he also sexually assaults Elena. (That single tear running down her expressionless face) With The Little Drummer Girl, Charlie was manipulated by Gloomy Gadi and the other Israeli spies to the extent of having to have sex with Khalil. But you may well have been spared this as I think it was only me and the dog watching the series by the end. (I liked it, says the dog. I couldnt tell you what it was about, but still I liked it. It was stylish.)

Hard to say if this is the way the world is  as Mrs Wilson is based on a true story, you could think that  or whether theres some truth to it, but not to the extent it appears to have become such a go-to TV trope. Either way, the cumulative effect is wearying. What woman shall we watch being done over by men this week? You could argue, I suppose, that Beth in Death And Nightingales is trying to take matters into her own hands, but its men who have brought about the situation she finds herself in.

This is the three-part adaptation of Eugene McCabes novel featuring young Beth Winters (Ann Skelly), who dreams of poisoning her stepfather, Billy (Mathew Rhys), as he touches her in ways that are not fatherly, and running off with local labourer Liam Ward (Jamie Dornan), who is always attired in A. It kicked off last week with an underwhelming first episode that lacked momentum and relied too excessively on B. I love it and hate it like no place on Earth. Tomorrow, I leave it forever, stated Beth, out loud, looking out to sea. That said, at least I could hear that. Did you find this very mumbly in places? I kept having to pause and rewind to catch what was being said, and even then it was sometimes impossible. (Alas, preview episodes dont come with subtitles.)

However, this weeks episode was substantially more compelling. We still had A, and we still had B, and we still had to pause and rewind, but Rhyss performance is fantastic. Billy could easily be a straight-up-and-down villain but Rhyss portrayal is so wonderfully nuanced he brings us a complex man who wants to love but just doesnt know how. He was last seen stumbling up to bed having taken a bite of a bromide-laced ham-and-mustard sandwich. It will end badly, we know, but strangely hes the one Im hoping will survive.

This weeks Dynasties, about the wild dogs of Zimbabwe, was undoubtedly the best of the series so far, and get this: they live in matriarchal societies. No being pushed around by men, although they do have other troubles. The crew followed two packs, one led by Tait, and one led by Blacktip, the daughter who now leads a pack of her own and was after Taits territory. It was bloody and brutal. It was dog eat dog. And also it was hyena eats dog and lion eats dog and crocodile lunges from the water and eats dog (FFS) while dog eats baboon. (I think I will hear the screams of that baboon to my dying day.) In one extraordinary sequence a lion tried to eat a dog but a buffalo weirdly intercepted. So it was lion eats buffalo. These dogs arent fluffy or adorable but they did grow on you. (Hey hyena, leave that cub alone!) And it was fascinating TV, unlike, for instance, Secret Life Of Farm Animals.

An unfair comparison, you might say, but domesticated animals are as worthy of study as any, and perhaps even more so as they live alongside us? So I was up for it, but midway through I had to check this wasnt aimed at children as the narration was so juvenile. It was the farm in spring so it was spring pun after spring pun (sigh), and while there were interesting facts  pigs play, chicks dream, sheep have incredible eyes  the narration made it intolerable. When it comes to beating snowdrifts, we were told, sheep are unbeatable. All right, if we must unbleatable. All right, if we must unbleatable. Who said we must? Not I, I can assure you.

Parents wrangling with the post-internet attention spans of todays children might be sceptical, but Jackanory hooked kids via the simple premise of a grown-up sitting in an armchair and reading aloud. Cap-o-Rushes was the first story, read by Lee Montague, while other narrators included Kenneth Williams, Alan Bennett, Victoria Wood and Bernard Cribbins (below), who read a record 111 tales. It wasnt all cosy chronicles around the fire: Rik Mayalls gleeful rendition of a lads attempt to poison his nan in Georges Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl unleashed a torrent of complaints, but its now remembered as a TV gem. Gwen Smith
Nine Pints

Rose George

Portobello Books 14.99

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Weve all got nine pints of sticky red stuff pulsing around our bodies yet we never give it a second thought, at least until something goes wrong. We cut our finger cooking or were told by the GP that our tiredness is down to anaemia or we get knocked off our bike by a lorry and suddenly the only thing that matters are the 30 trillion red cells making their way through our veins and arteries. More than the major organs  heart, lungs or liver  it is our blood that holds us together and keeps us going.

Weve all got nine pints of sticky red stuff pulsing around our bodies yet we never give it a second thought, at least until something goes wrong

Rose George starts her fascinating mysterious, miraculous journey in Horrible History mode by telling us about leeches. For centuries these suckers were used as a bloodletting tool to cure anything from headaches to piles. It sounds barbaric, so how extraordinary to learn that leeches, with their ten stomachs, 32 brains, nine pairs of testicles and several hundred teeth, are still a highly valued part of the modern medical armoury. When the leech bites into human flesh, it releases an anti-clotting agent. Its this that surgeons find so useful when theyre doing fiddly work such as reattaching amputated ears or performing breast reconstructions.

Having put blood under the microscope, George then zooms out to give us the bigger picture. She hails the pioneering work of Dame Janet Vaughan, a cousin of Virginia Woolf, who set up the first national blood banks in 1938. But George also tells terrible stories of what happens when things go wrong: in the Seventies and Eighties the NHS unwittingly gave thousands of haemophiliac patients tainted blood. As a result, many people have died of hepatitis C and Aids and the battle for compensation continues to this day. The source of the problem has been traced to supplies imported from the US, where drug addicts and prison inmates were routinely paid to give blood and, inevitably, hid their medical histories from the authorities.

IT'S A FACT Count Dracula is often portrayed as stickthin, but he shouldnt be: there are twice as many calories in human blood as in beer. Advertisement

In fact, where blood is concerned you really cant get away from geopolitics. In a particularly powerful section, George travels to Nepal to show us the appalling stigma still attached to menstrual blood. Any woman who is having a period is looked upon as untouchable: if she strokes an animal, it will die, if she brushes past a man he will sicken, if she goes into the kitchen, the pickles will be poisoned. The only solution is chaupadi, the requirement that she hides herself away in shame in a menstrual hut. Nor is this simply old-fashioned village politics. Every year the Nepalese government declares a public holiday during which all women must atone for any accidental touching that they may have committed during their periods over the previous year.

But before we feel too horrified, George warns us not to be too smug about our own attitudes. In her breezy but always thoughtful and authoritative prose, she explains that until the Seventies, American women were advised not to camp in national parks if they were menstruating in case they attracted ravenous grizzly bears. Even today, apparently, there are plenty of otherwise sensible people who warn women, quite seriously, that diving while you are on your period is a sure way of getting gobbled up by a shark.
While its seen as a rite of passage for students to enjoy a left-wing phase, being a Tory under 25 is considered weird. Katy Balls finds out what makes the new wave of bloody difficult women tick

Deep in Birminghams International Convention Centre, students dressed beyond their years in blouses and blazers are comparing tales of the night before at the Brexit means Brexit debate. Theres an air of anticipation: Boris Johnson is due to speak in two hours and they need to get in the queue.

As they head off, one girl, sporting a What does the Conservative party do for women? We make them Prime Minister tote bag, refuses to budge. Im not going after what he did to Theresa, she complains. One of the boys  wearing a leave means leave sticker  rolls his eyes and sighs: Typical remainer.

Theresa May obliges young fans with a selfie opportunity during the 2017 General Election campaign

The pair will have a chance to make up at tonights Aint no party like a Tory party social. But when the 1,000 young attendees at Octobers Conservative Party Conference leave for the day, theyre given a reality check when they are reminded to remove their passes. Should members of the public see their blue lanyards, theres a risk they could be the subject of verbal or physical abuse.

These are the young Conservatives, oft-mocked political anomalies. The words young and Tory have a special place in the public consciousness  whether its William Hagues schoolboy Conservative conference speech in 1977 or the Tory toffs of university dining societies  but not in a good way.

Currently the Tories have fewer than 10,000 members under the age of 30 out of a total of 124,000. In a sign of just how bad things have become, the party received more money last year from the dead (in bequests and legacies) than from living members.

Theyre not doing much better with votes. In the 2017 general election, the Tories fell behind Labour in every age group under 40  of those aged 20 to 24, just over a quarter voted blue. As a political journalist who has spent the bulk of my 20s following the Tories, Im often asked why a young woman would consider voting for a party thats seen as so pale, male, middle-aged and stale.

At times, its been difficult to come up with an answer. Whether the issue is the EU referendum (forced by a Conservative government), student loans (costs of which have tripled under the Tories) or the sight of Theresa May holding hands with Donald Trump, most of my peers  Im 29  would rather walk across broken glass than pay a visit to the partys conference  yet many regard Jeremy Corbyn speaking at Glastonbury as the height of cool.

What drives a 20-something to risk social ostracism in the name of low tax?

Saher Murtaza (left) and Chloe Schendel Wilson (right)

Ellie Varley (left) and Aine Lagan (right) with Theresa May

Young Tories might be an enigma to most, but these activists arent such a strange sight to me. Having observed them first-hand, I know what makes the Mayllennials stand out from their predecessors. For all the Bullingdon Club stereotypes  the infamous all-male dining club attended by David Cameron and Boris Johnson  young Conservatives are more likely to be found debating the merits of social mobility policy over coffee than popping champagne on nights out.

There are a few people in every party who are a bit weird, but most of us arent like that, insists Ellie Varley, a 21-year-old politics student at Canterbury Christ Church University who joined the party in 2016. What are the Tory weirdos like? They have a Barbour jacket and wear Hunter wellies. And the normal ones? Were gin drinkers who enjoy the pub, but also like Theresa May.

Ellie is president of her universitys Conservative Society. For the terms first social they went to a cocktail bar. Too many of us turned up so we had to go to Wetherspoons, she says. They ended the night in a club  why not, were students  and only one of the 30 gathered was wearing a Margaret Thatcher T-shirt.

Not all young Tory socials are so tame. The party has a chequered history when it comes to activists doing and saying stupid things. Its youth wing Conservative Future was shut down in 2015 after one member took his own life amid bullying claims.

The party is getting on board with the slogan tote-bag trend (from Women2Win bags). Currently the Tories have fewer than 10,000 members under the age of 30 out of a total of 124,000. In a sign of just how bad things have become, the party received more money last year from the dead (in bequests and legacies) than from living members

Last year, a member of Cambridge Universitys Conservative Association burned a 20 note in front of a homeless man. And this autumn the University of Plymouths Conservative Society decorated T-shirts with graffiti including F*** the NHS for a group night out. Working in Westminster, there are plenty of occasions when Ive witnessed a young Tory being obnoxious  for example, the time one MPs 20-something staffer referred to an SNP MP as a chav behind their back.

The image of Tories behaving badly is so toxic that the Oxford University Conservatives Association, in order to rebrand, has attempted to get the Bullingdon Club named as a banned organisation.

Ellie is one of a group of young Tories who see themselves as breaking the mould. In the past, Tories were seen as a rich peoples party, so if you voted for them it was for self-preservation, she says. We dont really fit the stereotype.

What makes Ellie so different? For one, she is a woman. In recent years, the party has had a particular problem when it comes to attracting females; research this year found that young women in Western Europe tend to be more left-wing than their male counterparts. Just 18 per cent of 18- to 24-year-old women voted Tory in the 2017 general election.

Most people say that if youre female and Conservative youre letting women down, and its not the case, she says.

Aine Lagan, a 21-year-old Conservative activist from Northern Ireland, goes further: The party does empower women because its entire philosophy is that it will help you go as far as your God-given potential. This message has yet to reach the mainstream.

For Saher Murtaza, a 20-year-old student at Kings College London, the idea of joining the Tories was so alien that it was only when her sixth form was given a survey on party policies that she entertained the idea. I was surprised my results said I was 70 per cent Conservative  I thought the Conservative Party was outdated and not for young, progressive women, she admits. But it makes sense; I do think having a strong economy is what underlies everything.

Predictably, there are strong feelings on Brexit, but they are hopeful for a future outside the EU. Saher is an ardent Brexiteer (its a shame that if you voted Leave you get bracketed with Nigel Farage, which isnt me). Of recent negotiations, Aine thinks its the only deal on the table and its a good one. Ellie, who voted Remain but admits she doesnt trust the EU, is not 100 per cent. I dont feel its what she promised to deliver.

University friends deleted me from Facebook. On a night out people said, 'I hear youre a Tory now'

What policies are the two major parties hoping will win over the younger generation? In the 2017 election, Labours manifesto promise to abolish tuition fees was credited with the partys surge in support among 18- to 24-year-olds. In university towns such as Canterbury (where Ellie studies) the Labour vote swelled. Other pro-youth policies helping Jeremy Corbyn gain support include the promise of affordable homes and a proposal to cap rents for tenants.

In contrast, the Tories attempts to win over the young include a millennial railcard and extending the partys housing scheme for first-time buyers Help to Buy. Not that this necessarily translates to results. Ask a young Tory why they have chosen the party and the economy repeatedly comes up, along with talk of providing opportunities.

Saher is pro LGBT+, but at the same time pro low tax. Ellie says history shows that the Tories always have to clear up Labours mess. Aine says the party unlocks potential. All three proudly point to the fact it has produced two female prime ministers as proof. The Labour party dont own me just because Im a woman, says Ellie.

If there are so many reasons to turn blue, why arent more Tory women speaking out? Ellie says there are more young Conservatives than you think  theyre just unlikely to admit it. Most shy Tories [people who vote Conservative despite saying they wont] are probably female because they dont want to deal with the aggro of admitting they are a Conservative.

That hostility can be considerable. Admit you are a Conservative in your 20s and you risk becoming a social outcast  or worse. Chloe Schendel Wilson, 26, grew up in Surrey where her mother was on benefits. She joined the Tories in the aftermath of the 2017 election (she sees the party as empowering), but was shocked by the negative response she received.

Friends from university deleted me from Facebook. They assumed Id change. I went on a night out and people were saying, I hear that youre a Tory now. My impression has been that a lot of people in the Conservative party dont care if you are from another party but sometimes on the Left if youre a Tory, youre the enemy.

For Saher, the problems started at school in Kingston upon Thames  where being right-wing was stigmatised  but continued at home. My dad is a Labour supporter. When he moved to the UK in the 70s [from Pakistan] it was the time of Enoch Powell, and there was an anti-immigration mood. I think thats what hardened him against Conservatism.

When Saher became a Tory, her father asked her why she thought the party represented her. He said minority communities were being affected by their policies and they were harsh on the poor, but I said he was analysing matters through a very narrow lens. We tend to clash a lot over politics.

Theres the cliche that if youre not a liberal at 25, you have no heart; if youre not a Conservative at 35, you have no brain. Do these young women see why their politics are often depicted as heartless? I think the perception is that the Conservative party are the nasty party because historically they have been anti-gay and racist, says Ellie  referring to the partys imperialist past and the fact that Margaret Thatcher introduced Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, which banned the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities and schools  whereas the Left are seen as kind people who work for the poor.

Is there some truth, then, in the Tories bad rep? As the Conservative Party is one of the oldest in the world, there is a lot of history behind our policies. I think the party has changed; its just that not enough people recognise it, says Ellie. Nowhere is the partys toxic image felt more strongly than on campus, which can be a lonely place for a young Tory. University can be such a bubble, and sometimes on the Left theres a rhetoric that theyre the only people who care, says Chloe.

When she was at uni in Bournemouth she didnt see herself as party political, but was reminded that her peers did when she applied to a Parliamentary internship scheme. Chloe was the only applicant who said she was happy to be paired with a Tory MP. All the other young people said, Im not going with the Conservatives. Theres definitely a left-wing bias at uni. I even notice it among my lecturers on issues such as Brexit, says Ellie. While she may be able to summon 30 students to a society meet-up, being politically active on campus can be difficult. I occasionally get called things like Tory scum when they cant think of anything else to say. But it just shows they cant bash my argument.

Aines problems are online, where she posts about politics on Twitter. With a profile picture alongside Theresa May, she is an easy target for trolls who have told her they hope that she is infertile or suggested that she looks like Margaret Thatcher with a stroke. It does get me down sometimes, and on a few occasions its made me have second thoughts about being so involved  particularly if my family is being dragged into it, she says. But Im aware that Ive got a unique voice and I dont think online abuse should deter me. I use filters to limit how much abuse I see.

Its little wonder that when these activists do get together, its often for mutual support. Having first met on Twitter, Aine and Ellie are members of a WhatsApp group jokingly titled Tory Scum, while theres another group called Theresa Mays Baes for more upbeat conversations. Its good to have each other to turn to, admits Ellie.

I ask Ellie whether being a young Conservative is worth all the hassle: Im proud that I am one, she says. If younger me saw a woman like myself in politics, being active and open, she would have felt like its OK. If I have to be the voice that gets other women involved, Ill happily take the flak.

There are a few people in every party who are a bit weird, but most of us dont fit the stereotype

As we go to press, the Brexit outcome is uncertain. Theresa Mays position is precarious  and divisive. According to Aine, No one could have done this better. She was left to pick up the reins when there was no contingency planning put in place for a Leave vote. Ellie fears that she lives up to her bloody difficult woman title. Failing to listen to those closest to her will be her downfall. I would like to see her go after 29 March.

Both agree that her departure would be a sad one. We wouldnt have the Conservative Party of today without her, says Aine, and I wouldnt be the person I am today without her as a role model.

So, are these young Tories about to start a trend? Chloe doesnt hold out hope. Even though people are starting to go off Corbyn, theyre not coming over to the Conservatives.

I suspect its likely theyll remain an anomaly; only the most dedicated supporters will stick their heads above the parapet. But one thing is certain: todays Mayllennials wont be turning the volume down. Theyve come too far to turn back now.
Their parents are already hiding their booze, fags and food packaging from their judgmental offspring. But what will happen when the most politically correct youngsters in history take charge of our country? Chris Harvey shares his tongue-in-cheek vision of our future

Imagine a scene in the not-too-distant future. Its 2040 and Brexit and Breturn are just faint memories. Generation Z  those born after 1994  now hold all positions of influence in every institution in the land. The last off-licences have been closed, meat-eating has been outlawed and work placements on avocado farms are compulsory.

The literature curriculum in schools has been suspended since the final ruling on the banning of Jane Austen  meaning no existing works by human authors now pass official standards on being inoffensive. The artificial intelligence-generated replacement 19th-century literature hasnt yet been optimised for eight-second teaching modules.

The last few undestroyed Picassos are being hunted down and the term Pre-Raphaelite has been removed from the dictionary. There are no more murals or statues (the monuments to male political and military heroes were the first to be torn down). Mr Kipling cakes have been renamed.

Who is responsible for creating this puritanical perdition? Look no further than the movements leaders, the first digital generation, who seem to be channelling the Taliban.

Its a terrifying vision of what could happen when a cohort with such moral certainty that it tolerates no dissent takes charge. And the thing is, its all our fault.

Generation Z, who are today aged under 24, grew up with parents who responded to their every need. They were driven to school, taken to clubs and classes, endless parties and playdates. They missed rationing, power cuts, shellsuits and Rubiks Cube rage. They werent left alone for hours to create their own games from an empty cardboard box. We hovered over them and protected them at every turn, assuring them that everything they did was amazing and brilliant.

This generation may be the first to be able to express themselves without being disapproved of. They were played with, taught, nurtured, encouraged and listened to. They havent been told to shut up and do as theyre told. As children they were seen and heard. And how do they repay us? They want us to do as were told and shut up. Lizzie, a writer in her 50s, recalls this telling exchange with her 16-year-old child:

Husband: Is it too early?

Me: Probably. Its only 11am.

Husband: Please. Its the weekend. Shall we?

Me: Oh, go on then.

Daughter: You are alcoholics. You need help.

Husband: I was asking if we should put the central heating on.

Daughter: Whatever. You still disgust me.

Generation Zs hardline approach to everything doesnt just mean that theyve learnt the lessons theyve been taught  theyve been making anti-smoking posters since they were in infants school, after all  but theyve applied those imperatives to everything. They smoke less than the generations that came before, but theyre now so dogmatic that their parents darent smoke in front of them, booze or express non-vegan beliefs. Leather shoes? Murder. The Police record you tried to play in the car? Culturally appropriated white reggae. That boxset of Sex and the City? Too rich, too straight and a betrayal of women. Chips? Made from potatoes brought back by Spanish colonialists and Sir Walter Raleigh  the 16th-century embodiment of white male privilege, however gender fluid his fur-trimmed cloak, hose and garters appeared.

Their standards are much higher than ours. Theyre very vocal and we get it in the neck, says Michael, an academic researcher with teenage children. They disapprove of smoking and drinking  but also theyve read about child labour and decided they dont want new clothes. My partner loves fashion and often shops online, but when the boxes arrive our daughter will question her about it: More new clothes!? My partner gets such a hard time over it that shes become secretive about her buying.

Theyre also news savvy and theyll tell me off about all the plastic packaging on food. They read all the ingredients in the supermarket  the youngest wont eat custard because its got palm oil in it which is affecting orangutans. He wont have Tunnocks caramel wafers, which I love, because theyve also got palm oil in them.

How Clean is Your House star Aggie MacKenzie, 63, was banned from buying a pumpkin this Halloween by her 23-year-old son Ewan as it would be left outside to rot. He told me that an estimated eight million of them would be binned after Halloween, she says. Yes, I was pumpkin-shamed.

Generation Z want to challenge and overturn everything that went before and replace it with a rigid new set of rules which they enforce at every turn. If you dont agree with them, youre creating a hostile environment for others. Kate, 51, a publishing executive from London, says her daughter always supports the underdog. Shes a fully paid up feminist, hates racism, sexism, Donald Trump and discrimination in any form.

All the things we want are becoming prohibited by our children, so we have to hide, says Michael. I imagine theres going to be an alliance of parents meeting behind the bike sheds, smoking cigarettes, drinking gin and eating Tunnocks wafers because their kids wont let them.

Where did these youngsters get their conviction from? Well, they are the first truly connected generation who dont remember a time before the internet. They didnt stomp off to their bedrooms and sulk when they thought something wasnt fair; they stomped off and plugged into a hive mind of millions who decided that nothing is fair. They entered a cycle of social-media evolution, where existing beliefs are challenged and new certainties emerge as debate is shut down. Its also where new words describing Generation Zs reality pop up with bewildering speed, such as pansexual which refers to attraction to other people regardless of their gender or sexuality.

What you believed yesterday, Generation Z know today to be wrong  you just dont understand the terms theyre using to tell you how wrong you are.

Kates teenage daughter wont allow any comment that she considers to be non-PC. When I talked about a friend of hers being mixed race, I was given a lecture about how I shouldnt use that term any more as its racist  I should call her dual heritage, she says. Sexuality is not up for discussion; most of her friends are bisexual, gay and gender fluid. When I asked if any of them were heterosexual, I was told it was overrated.

Theyre also the first On Demand generation, who grew up in houses with a choice of screens. They havent been sitting watching the same TV as their parents, which perhaps further explains their one view perspective; they havent been exposed to things with opposing viewpoints and swapped opinions about them. Theyve been immersed in their own brave new world ever since they could choose what they consumed, and they dont have much time for your old one.

Some conversations with Generation Z do have a familiar ring to them, though, according to Lizzie, who quotes one: How can you live in such squalor? Your room is a mess. Except, this is my 16-year-old scolding me for being a slob. She clearly has no idea what I do all day (work). Shes too busy living her best life. Whatever that means. (See page 37 to read what that means.)

Lots of Generation Z kids grew up with divorced parents or in blended families with the children of their new step-parents, so theyre less tolerant of flawed relationships. Their parents switched things up  leaving marriages if they werent happy and going on to meet new partners; their mothers hoping to have it all, including a fulfilling love life.

So for Generation Z, its the new normal: if it doesnt work, start afresh. A recent survey suggested that up to a quarter of 18- to-24-year-olds think marriage should be a temporary arrangement similar to a mobile-phone contract. But as Aggie MacKenzie discovered, her love life also needed to meet her sons approval. Shed downloaded dating app Tinder when she took part in the ITV reality show about midlife singletons, Our Shirley Valentine Summer, and forgot all about it. One evening Ewan heard Tinders notification and he dived across the room to my phone, grabbed it and said to me, What are you doing on Tinder? Its not for the likes of you! You need to stick with Guardian Soulmates [an online dating site popular with older singles], Mum. Delete it NOW! He stood there until he saw that I had actually deleted it.

Like most revolutionary generations, such as in the 60s, with their ideology of nonviolent resistance, spiritual searching and sexual liberation, Generation Z are bringing new ideas into the mainstream. They really do care. Theyre already forcing society to rethink its attitudes to women, race, gender and language. But, as in most revolutions, their fervour risks being succeeded by a reign of terror.

As Lizzies daughter put it, Dont tell me what to do. Your generation destroyed the planet.
Across the river from tourist-packed Manhattan sits Brooklyn, its cooler younger sister if you will. In recent years, many of the cities cool creative types have found themselves disillusioned with the bustling borough (and not to mention priced out) and have been packing their bags and making the move. In Brooklyn a vibrant community of taste-makers is thriving, indeed many attribute Brooklyn as the birthplace of hipster-ism but please dont hold that against it. Think artisan coffee shops on every corner, independent eateries without the pretence, gallery worthy graffiti on street corners and everyone owns a dog. Brooklyn is pretty much a utopia in my books.

With this influx of new residents and visitors there has been a surge in development as investors scrabble to secure the hipster dollar. Unsurprisingly as Brooklyn becomes steadily buzzier, it takes something special to get these nonchalant kids excited and it takes something spectacular to lure the tourists outside a 3-block radius of Times Square. Which is why 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge really is something to shout about as it has rather effortlessly achieved both. As the third instalment to the luxury lifestyle hotel brand, and importantly their first ground-up development which can be felt seamlessly throughout its design-led architecture and interiors, has been attracting the right crowd from far and wide.

Industrial design features greet you on arrival at the lobby of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Sitting at Pier 1 just south of its namesake, the imposing industrial structure sees graphic metals and glass softened by natural woods and flashes of fresh greenery. Not content with just looking good, of which there is no doubt, the new generation of luxury visitors also expect their hotels to do good. And 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge does just that, the building itself is both ecologically responsible and sustainable and this consciousness has been carried through to all cause orientated partnerships and suppliers. In a luxury market where guests can be sceptical of eco credentials, care has really been taken to make sure no (reclaimed) stone is left unturned.

The 1 Rooftop Bar includes a 3 foot plunge pool and impressive skyline views

In a city synonymous with its skyline roof top venues are in high demand with no hotel complete without one. The 1 Rooftop Bar is a spectacular example of these spaces used so right, a mighty 4,000 square foot urban retreat which offers unrivalled views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Manhattan Skyline. Since its opening in 2017, it took no time to secure itself as Brooklyns most in demand day-life hotspot for residents. During the summer season the pool opens from midday and the full bar and fire pits keep make it impossible to leave before sunset. After which you can move downstairs to the Brooklyn Heights Social Club (bhsocialclub.com) to sample their truly inspired cocktail list and party the night away.

Spaces to relax and enjoy

Less you forget your prime locations, the iconic views are incorporated into all 194 guest rooms via the floor to ceiling windows. Should you be travelling in larger groups you can choose from one of their 29 suites, which range from 2 to 6 bedrooms in size. The interior tones respectfully reflect the palette of the citys skyline, a striking mix of neutral tones and traditionally industrial materials with artisan flourishes and natural wood highlights to ensure a luxurious welcoming space. Not content with their eco build ethos, 1Hotel makes it as easy as possible for you to live responsibly, including in room triple clear filtered water taps (cutting down on those nasty single use plastics), hemp blend mattresses (dont be alarmed, so comfy) and marble rain showers with hour glass timers (to keep an eye on your water consumption). For the best spot in the house, go for a Skyline or Riverhouse suite  in which you also have the added treat of a hammock in the corner window, perfect for watching the world go by.

The best view in the house in the Skyline Suite

This tasteful aesthetic is continued through the hotels communal spaces, special mention goes to the tremendous height of the lobbys ceilings which gives polished warehouse vibe. This space proves to be a mecca for guests and visitors alike, indeed during my stay I never once saw the space anywhere near empty. The earthy textures of the numerous sofas draw you in and you dont want to leave, and thats before you even see the impressive cocktail service.

The Osprey, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridges more formal restaurant offers sophisticated American comfort food in the equally comforting serene setting of reclaimed woods and sweeping ivy. Well worth a visit during your stay. Or should you be in a more causal mood there is Neighbours a picnic fare cafe which specialises in seasonal, fresh items from local Brooklyn purveyors. Abundant with lesser known gems, curated for you so there is no need to pound the neighbourhood streets tracking them down if you are on a flying visit.

If the seal of approval from the taste making locals isnt enough, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge with its look good do good approach, has easily lured me out of manic Manhattan for an altogether more wholesome (whilst still decidedly instagrammable) New York experience. I wholeheartedly encourage you to do the same.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, from $350 for a Dumbo king, 1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge
Jo and Sarah answer real questions from readers: to put your query, go to beautybible.com

Q. I have a frown furrow down the centre of my (middle-aged) forehead and wonder if botox would help smooth it out? If so, how do I find a safe practitioner?

A. Consultant dermatologist Dr Nicholas Lowe of the Cranley Clinic, London, who is also Clinical Professor Dermatology at UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles, was a pioneer in botulinum toxin (Botox) research and when we spoke to him recently in the USA for this column was speaking at a conference on this topic.

For more information follow Beauty Bible online here or on Facebook and Twitter

His response is that botox could indeed improve your forehead furrow but, depending on the depth, you may need more than one treatment. Assuming you have not had botox before, he suggests going back after ten days for an assessment of how much improvement there has been.

If the clinician recommends another treatment in four to five months, a small particle hyaluronic acid filler (Dr Lowe likes to use Volite) would help plump out the furrow temporarily.

Now to your second question: a recent review of complaints by Save Face, a national register of practitioners accredited by the professional standards authority, recorded 224 complaints related to botulinum toxin (saveface.co.uk). The most common problem was bruising and swelling, followed by asymmetrical results, drooping of eyebrow/eyelid or, for a small number, a frozen look. Four complainants suffered blurred vision and 38 saw no result.

Worryingly, 76 per cent of people who complained didn't know botox is a prescription only medicine, 68 per cent didn't have a face to face consultation with a prescriber, 37 per cent didn't know the qualifications of their practitioner and 11 per cent of treatments took place at a botox party.

Those statistics give you a pretty good idea of how important it is to check out a practitioner before you put your face in their hands. In this country alone, there is little regulation of practitioners. There are several ways of finding a reputable, qualified and experienced practitioner. Talk to friends who have had botox about their practitioners and then double check them. Ideally, go to a clinic led by a consultant or doctor who has registered a cosmetic dermatology or plastic surgery speciality with the General Medical Council. They will often be members of the British Association of Dermatologists (bad.org.uk), or the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (bcam.ac.uk). Some nurses are also well qualified and experienced; they should be members of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses.

Dr Lowe (drnicklowe.com) feels that botox treatment has increasingly been over simplified. He stresses the importance of assessing the right dose for the individual patient. Problems include giving too small a dose, which can cause the furrow to reappear faster and deeper leading to more frequent and higher doses of botox. Injecting into the centre of the forehead can also affect the muscles that control your eyebrows; as he says, you want to avoid the Dr Spock look

Lastly, Dr Lowe stresses the importance that anyone proposing to have botox should be in good general health. You shouldn't have Botox if you have a risk of some muscular weakness, for instance myasthenia gravis. Also, some antibiotics and other drugs can affect the strength of Botox and increase or decrease its effect, he adds.

Beauty Bible loves

001 Skincare CRYOpress, 75.

We love a gadget for smoothing out the face. Rollers, jade stones, you name it. Way more effective than fingers.

Beyond that, we love a COLD gadget which works just so well to give skin a glow and dispel fluid build-up. Which means were really feeling the love for the 001 CRYOpress: a facial roller which you put in the freezer to chill right down, and then work across your skin following specific massage techniques documented on the packaging.

Were really feeling the love for the 001 CRYOpress: a facial roller which you put in the freezer to chill right down, and then work across your skin

It has an accompanying Alpha-Glow Flash Facial. Well be honest: this went AWOL at around the first time we tried the CRYOpress, but we got amazing results with our existing skincare products. Firmer contours. Gorgeous glow. Reduced facial tension, as it just smooths that clenched jaw away, giving the face a wonderful workout.

They promise other benefits, though we cant personally attest to these: that it may improve stress-related skin conditions like rosacea and acne, regenerate tissue and minimise pore size.

We've also a suggestion for an alternative use for this  which is that if youre having hot flushes, you could pretty much roll it all over your body, for relief!

We are truly impressed, looking in the mirror, and now do this regularly. But perhaps the thing we love the most: the way the cooling action also seems to work on a frazzled brain.

Definitely a bonus, at this time of year!
Rocker Neil Young accused Barclays of being a 'fossil fuel funding entity'

Barclays has upset been-there-done-that rocker Neil Young who's furious to discover its sponsoring a Hyde Park concert he's headlining next year with Bob Dylan.

Young, a passionate environmentalist, accuses the bank of being a 'fossil fuel funding entity' and is demanding organisers find a replacement sponsor.

Pity poor John McFarlane, 71, Barclays' guitar-strumming chairman. He'll have been dying for the chance to drool over the two decrepit old crooners.

Droopy-eyed Standard Life Aberdeen chairman Sir Gerry Grimstone, 69, a genial ex-Whitehall mandardin who masterminded Lady Thatcher's privatisation plans, is proud he was made an honorary captain in the RAF reserves last year.

A friend whispers: 'Gerry got so overexcited he's had his tailor measure him up for an RAF uniform. Given his wobbly piloting of Standard Life, let's hope he doesn't plan on actually flying anything.'

City workers breathed a sigh of relief at yesterday's decision to delay the Brexit vote. Many were preparing to pull an all-nighter this evening to see how sterling fared on the overnight markets.

Bankers Nomura had block-booked hotel rooms throughout the Square Mile to allow staff to power nap.

Traders Samuel & Co, clearly not as flush as the Japanese, simply asked workers to bring in their own sleeping bags into the office.

Credit Suisse boss Tidjane Thiam's turnaround plans, which have resulted in 10,000 jobs being axed, are zapping staff morale, according to Bloomberg.

But he's expected to remain safely in post to see the project through for at least another two years.

His longevity is attributed to a supportive board, six of whom he nominated himself upon joining the bank in 2015. Shrewd Tidjane, 56, is talked up as a future president of his native Ivory Coast.

The ludicrously self-important World Economic Forum has awarded naturalist Sir David Attenborough its 2019 Crystal Award, which celebrates 'cultural figures whose leadership inspires inclusive and sustainable change'.

Recent recipients include Sir Elton John and snake-hipped pop star Shakira.

I trust crotchety national treasure Sir David, 92, is suitably humbled to follow in such distinguished company.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), a leading energy and petrochemicals group, has announced its successful collaboration with IBM, piloting a blockchain-based automated system to integrate oil and gas production across the full value chain.



A leading energy and petrochemicals group, Adnoc said its groundbreaking system provides a secure platform for the tracking, validating and execution of transactions at every stage, from production well to the end customer.



Blockchain is a shared ledger that can record transactions amongst a network efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way. Information is stored in blocks and once recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without alteration of all subsequent blocks, which requires consensus of the network majority. This allows the participants to verify and audit transactions independently and relatively inexpensively.



Using blockchain technology will reduce the time it takes to execute transactions between Adnocs operating companies and significantly increase operational efficiencies across its full value chain.



It will also improve the reliability of production data by enabling greater transparency in transactions, said the statement from the company.



The industry-leading project was announced by Abdul Nasser Al Mughairbi, Adnoc Digital Unit Manager, at the recent World Energy Capital Assembly, in London.



At the event, Adnoc shared its ambitions and early successes in embedding blockchain and other advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, across its business to enhance operational efficiency, drive profitability and unlock new value from oil and gas resources to seize the opportunities created by Oil and Gas 4.0.



On the deal, Al Mughairbi said: "We believe this could be the first application of blockchain in oil and gas production accounting anywhere in the world."



"It demonstrates how Adnoc is leveraging innovative partnerships to unleash the power of technology and creative thinking to enhance efficiencies and deliver greater performance," said the top official.



"Blockchain is a game-changer. It will substantially reduce our operating costs by eliminating time-consuming and labor-intensive processes, strengthen the marketing and trading of our products, and create long-term sustainable value that will ensure that Adnoc delivers on its 2030 smart growth strategy," he added.



Adnocs blockchain pilot has provided a single platform that tracks the quantities and financial values of each bilateral transaction between Adnocs operating companies, automating the accounting process.



"For example, as crude oil makes its way from the production well to the refinery, or the export terminal, all quantities are accounted for on a daily basis along with the associated monetary values," he noted.



"Other products included in the Blockchain application are gas, condensates, Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) and Sulphur. These products are exchanged between Adnoc operating companies and exported to customers overseas," he added.



Zahid Habib, IBM's Chemicals and Petroleum Solutions VP, said: "With this pilot, Adnoc takes a massive leap forward in asset provenance and asset financials, which, in its simplest terms, enables the ability to track irrefutably, every molecule of oil, and its value, from well to customer."



"This unlocks the potential to digitally reinvent Adnoc's hydrocarbon value chain, adds a unique dimension to their data visualisation in their Panorama Digital Command Center, and accelerates ADNOC towards their 2030 Vision," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
One might think that the worlds of agricultural feed blocks and nuclear engineering make very unlikely bedfellows, but Carr's Group seems to prove that the two can sit comfortably together in a business that looks to be growing well.

Carr's traces its roots back 150 years to a bakery business that diversified into flour milling and animal feed manufacture and, as a result, grew to include an engineering side to service its mills and a transport side to deal with distribution.

The bakery business provides a lasting legacy through the Carr's Water Biscuits name, savoury crackers of note, although the company disposed of that business in 1964 and all of its remaining food operations in 2016, having dropped the Carr's Milling name a year earlier.

The company's revenues are dominated by the agricultural business

Since that time, the group, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1972, has made a number of key acquisitions to build both sides of its remaining operations into a global business straddling both agriculture and engineering.

The company's revenues are dominated by the agricultural business, reflecting high volumes in feed and fuel, and it currently gets around 75 per cent of its profits from that side, while engineering contributes about 25 per cent, although both businesses are equally important to the whole.

Carr's chief executive officer, Tim Davies points out that there are two parts to the agricultural division with a big traditional UK business involved in manufacturing feed, providing farm machinery and fuel, as well as owning 43 retail outlets throughout the country.

The other side is the feedblocks business which is the main focus for international growth, with the market in the United States especially offering huge prospects.

Davies stresses that the feed blocks the company manufactures are nothing like the cattle 'licks' they get taken for, being a technology product especially designed to help livestock digest forage more efficiently thereby maximising the feed levels for a farmer and helping cattle and sheep grow more quickly.

The chief executive said: 'Grass is always the cheapest form of food on a farm, as you can image, and so the more you can get out of the grass the more effective it is for a farmer.

'If you improve digestion of grass by 20 per cent it is going to be a very cost-effective process, so if a farmer invests a pound in our products he probably gets two or three pounds back.'

Globally Carr's saw its feed block sales rise by 15 per cent over the past year, with sales volumes per tonnes sold increasing by 17.7 per cent in the US, while in the UK they were up 8.9 per cent.

Carr's made its first acquisition in the US in 1997, with the purchase of Animal Feed Supplement of Oklahoma which started the expansion of its feed block business, and the group now has five factories producing blocks across all the cattle producing regions of the US.

The firm also has operations in Germany and is developing a plant in New Zealand  seen as a major market for feed block, being potentially twice the size of the UK market.

Davies noted that the firm is also looking to move into South America, with new-build operations planned in Uruguay and southern Brazil.

Complementary to the feed block business, back in September, Carr's expanded its animal health products business with the acquisition of Animax Limited, and related business Clinimax Limited, for a total cash consideration of up to 8.5million.

Suffolk-based Animax, which was established in 1982, is at the forefront of innovation in the field of livestock trace element supplements delivered via patent-protected bolus.

Carr's chief executive said the Animax buy is 'quite an important strategic acquisition' for the group, allowing it to cross-sell the product with feed blocks and introducing the product into its international markets.

'So,' Davies said, 'the whole thread really comes back to what we are trying to do, is to buy high value businesses that can be grown on a global basis.'

Turning to the engineering business, Carr's group finance director Neil Austin takes up the cudgels to explain where this diversification has come from.

Similarly to the agricultural business expansion, the engineering push started in the mid-1990's with the acquisition of Bendalls, a specialist fabrication business based in Carlisle operating in the nuclear, oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

The engineering push started in the mid-1990's with the acquisition of Bendalls, a specialist fabrication business based in Carlisle, which is close to the Sellafield nuclear plant

The Cumbrian town's position close to the then main UK nuclear plant at Sellafield drove an increase in the business for pressure vessels and robotic arms and led to expansion, notably into Germany in 2009 with the acquisition of Hans Walischmiller GmbH.

Last year, that expansion took the engineering business into the US with the purchase of NuVision Engineering, a technology and applications engineering company focused on providing value in commercial nuclear and power plant facilities, government waste remediation facilities and waste clean-up.

Austin pointed out that the NuVision purchase has bought 'a real collection of tech knowledge, patents and intellectual property' into the engineering division that can now be applied globally.

Like the feed blocks side, growing the business globally has been the main ambition, with the US acquisition providing a cross-selling outlet for the group's German business focused on robotic handling, while the engineering side is also making big sales into China.

The group sees significant opportunities in the US nuclear market, but has strong order books across most of the engineering division.

Austin noted that: 'When the nuclear side is not busy, then the oil & gas side tends to compensate for any drop-off in demand.'

So, two into one looks to be working well for Carr's with the firm recently delivering a strong set of 2016/17 results to resume an impressive growth curve following the previous year's wobble.

Carr's reported pre-tax profits of 16.6million for the full-year to 30 September 2017, up 45.2 per cent on the previous year, while revenues climbed 16.5 per cent to 403.2million.

The jump in earnings was attributed to a strong performance in the group's agricultural segment, with US feed block sales 'significantly ahead of expectations' with an increase of 17.7 per cent as US cattle prices recovered.

Carr's also reported a strong performance in its UK agriculture arm, with growth across all areas, and revenues up 14 per cent at 359.6million, reflecting improved farm incomes.

In its engineering segment, the group's revenues climbed 43.6 per cent to 43.6million, with adjusted operating profit surging 534 per cent to 4.1million following a major US contract delay the previous year and a fall in cattle prices.

The group saw an impressive 15 per cent jump in its share price on results day, and although it settled back a bit afterwards the stock is still up by around 25 per cent in the year-to-date at 152.50p.

'House' broker Investec Securities has a 206p per share price target on Carr's Group, and is forecasting adjusted pre-tax profit to rise to 17.4million in the current financial year.

Carr's CEO Davies said the group highlighted last year's performance 'as a bump in the road' and this year's performance has proved that to be the case.

Davies concluded that 'it is pretty clear what is the group's ambition, which is to be recognised as a truly international business at the forefront of technology and innovation across agriculture and engineering.'

He pointed out that the group is very focused on growing both businesses, seeing 'real value in the engineering business if we get it right' which they want to make sure happens so the group gets value for its shareholders.
Would you buy a share in a classic car? Getting onto the classic car ladder isn't easy, given that the best investments are already immensely expensive. So would shared ownership work instead?
Court ruling: Vijay Mallya will be flown to India to answer criminal charges linked to the collapse of Mumbai-based Kingfisher Airlines

A party-loving Indian tycoon known as the 'king of good times' can be extradited to India to face a fraud trial, a British court has ruled.

Vijay Mallya will be flown to his home country to answer criminal charges linked to the collapse of Mumbai-based Kingfisher Airlines, following a ruling by Westminster's chief magistrate, although he can appeal the decision.

The 62-year-old, who made his fortune in the drinks industry, was once one of India's most powerful tycoons with an unrivalled reputation for extravagance.

He owned two superyachts and 26 properties around the world, including a New York penthouse in Trump Plaza, a Scottish castle and a villa in Goa, India, that is a mile long.

But Mallya  who claims he is the victim of a witch hunt  moved to Britain after the failure of Kingfisher amid claims he owed banks 900million.

 India's central bank governor Urjit Patel has resigned 'for personal reasons' after a row with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the institution's independence.
Nissan's ousted boss has been charged with financial misconduct after allegedly hiding up to 65million of earnings to dodge tax.

Carlos Ghosn could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of 4.9million if found guilty.

The 64-year-old was also arrested again on further charges of misreporting his pay at the car maker, meaning he can be kept in custody for more questioning and now faces Christmas in a Tokyo jail.

Nissan's ousted boss Carlos Ghosn could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of 4.9m if found guilty

Ghosn's lawyers claim the charges are invalid because they do not relate to his salary, but future payments coming his way after retirement.

It is a steep fall from grace for the Brazilian-French-Lebanese tycoon, who took Nissan from near-bankruptcy to one of the world's most powerful car makers after merging it with French rival Renault.

Row over Rio pad A Brazilian apartment stuffed with artwork, cash and furniture is at the centre of a legal battle between Nissan and former boss Carlos Ghosn. The Nissan-owned Rio de Janeiro pad contains Ghosn's personal belongings, which he wants back. But Nissan is seeking to block the tycoon's access on the grounds he could remove evidence of crime. Court papers filed in Brazil where Ghosn was born show he wants to retrieve personal belongings, documents, cash, objects and art from the beach front property in the Copacabana neighbourhood.

The businessman  nicknamed Le Cost Killer in France for his aggressive cutbacks  won the hearts of the Japanese public and even had a comic book written about him.

He was forced to quit as Nissan chief executive when the accusations were first made last month and was also kicked off the board of its partner Mitsubishi Motors, but is still chief executive of Renault.

Rumours are rife in Tokyo that Ghosn's sacking followed a boardroom bust-up about plans to tie Nissan even more closely to Renault, with which it has a partnership agreement and already shares many operations.

He was arrested alongside fellow board member Greg Kelly over claims they conspired to hide how much the chief executive was earning for the five years to 2015.

This led to charges yesterday against the pair. They have also both been re-arrested as police investigate whether they sought to hide Ghosn's pay for the three years from 2015 to 2018.
Jailed: Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou is accused of breaching US curbs on selling goods to Iran

BAIL BID Chinese technology group Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, 46, is pleading to be bailed from a Canadian prison over fears for her health.

She was arrested by Canadian authorities at the request of the US on December 1 after being accused of breaching US curbs on selling goods to Iran.

FINE FALL A total of 27.6million in fines has been paid to the Financial Conduct Authority this year, down 88 per cent from the 229.5million it raked in during the previous 12 months, as the legacy of the financial crisis fades.

SUPPLY BLOW Energy group One Select has become the latest small energy supplier to cease trading this year amid continued turmoil in the sector.

Regulator Ofgem will choose a supplier to take on its 36,000 customers 'as quickly as possible'.

TOP LIST The London Stock Exchange has held on to the title of Europe's top exchange in 2018 in terms of initial public offerings with 75 companies choosing to list in London this year with a combined value of 9.7billion.

FARM ROBOTS The John Lewis Partnership has signed a three-year deal with the agri-tech firm Small Robot Company to use its robots at Waitrose's farm in Hampshire.

DISCOUNT DROP Profits at discounter Poundstretcher fell 24.2 per cent to 2.1million in the year to March 31, with sales also dipping to 387million, 2.5 per cent lower than a year earlier.

FIRM RULES The Wates Principles, guidelines, developed by the Financial Reporting Council and construction group boss James Wates, mean privately-owned companies will be expected to do more to prove their governance is up to scratch.

DEFENCE DEAL Radiation detector maker Kromek Group has landed a 1.6million contract with a US Department of Defence agency to develop an initial product for a biological threat-detection system.
Lloyds Banking Groups chairman has been dragged into the crisis at Interserve, having led the ailing outsourcer for a decade.

With fears mounting that the service support and construction group could follow Carillion into oblivion, the spotlight has turned on the companys former and current decision-makers  including Lord Blackwell.

Analysts said the seeds of the crisis were sown years ago when bosses embarked on a dangerous expansion plan.

Lloyds Banking Groups chairman Lord Blackwell has been dragged into the crisis at Interserve, having led the ailing outsourcer for a decade

The aggressive push for growth  and a disastrous move into the energy-from-waste sector  was spearheaded by then chairman Blackwell, chairman of Lloyds, and chief executive Adrian Ringrose.

Having made millions during their time at Interserve, Blackwell left in 2016 and Ringrose in 2017 following a collapse in the share price.

Shares have continued their slide under the new management led by chairman Glyn Barker and chief executive Debbie White.

The stock fell another 75 per cent in early trading yesterday before closing down 53.1 per cent, or 13p, at 11.5p.

Interserve has lost 98 per cent of its value in less than five years and is valued at 17million, just a fraction of its more than 600million crippling debt pile.

Union chiefs at Unite warned that Interserve could become Carillion mark two following the collapse of its rival earlier this year.

Ex chief exec Adrian Ringrose, left, was ousted in 2017. Shares have continued their slide under current chief executive Debbie White, centre, and chairman Glyn Barker, right

Russ Mould, investment director at online stockbroker AJ Bell, said: The 2010 plan to try and double earnings within five years was a big contributing factor to Interserves current woes.

Any company that focuses just on growth is potentially going to be taking risks, especially if it uses debt, acquisitions and diversification to get there.

The new management team has inherited a weak position, boxed in by debt and the problematic energy-from-waste contract, although the share price would suggest that investors had not received as much reassurance on cash flow and debt as they would have liked.

David Madden, analyst at City trading firm CMC Markets, said: Interserve has been struggling for a number of years, but it couldnt manage to turn itself around. Firms only seek a rescue plan when they are circling the drain, and given the similarity with Carillion, investor confidence has been shattered.

Blackwell, 66, made more than 1.3million during his time as chairman of Interserve from 2006 to 2016, but from April 2014 he juggled his time at the company with the role of chairman at Lloyds.

Directors are not encouraged to take on too many high-level board roles as it may make them lose focus.

Blackwell joined Lloyds at a time when the bank was returning to health following the financial crisis. He was also chairman of Scottish Widows from 2012 to 2014, a non-executive director at Standard Life from 2003 to 2012 and tech group Halma from 2010 to 2014.

Ringrose, 51, became chief executive in 2003 and was paid at least 15million between 2004 and 2017.

He announced his resignation in November 2016 after the company released a series of profit warnings. The company was struggling with rising debt, internal restructurings and a slowdown in the outsourcing sector.

Julie Palmer, a partner at restructuring consultant Begbies Traynor, said: Hindsight shows [the energy-from-waste expansion] was wrong way to go, but I dont think Interserve is a Carillion. I think its better managed. There is a stronger team now and they are managing the crisis the best they can.
Fears are growing for the global economy after a slump in Japan, riots in France and a trade war.

The Japanese economy shrank by 2.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2018 after a series of natural disasters  its worst contraction for four years.

A slowdown has also taken hold in the eurozone, with gloomy business figures in Germany, Italy and France.

Paris has suffered its worst riots in 50 years amid burning anger at high taxes under unpopular President Emmanuel Macron

Paris has suffered its worst riots in 50 years amid burning anger at high taxes under the unpopular President Macron, with key shopping districts shut in what should be the busiest time of the year.

Frances central bank warned growth will be just 0.2 per cent in the final three months of 2018 because of the violence.

Finance minister Bruno Le Maire said: Its a catastrophe for business, its a catastrophe for our economy.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development has warned that growth will slow in the UK, Canada and the eurozone.

The economic group added that signs of a slowdown are also emerging in the US.

It follows a vicious trade war between America and China which has triggered knock-on effects across Asia.

In the US, meanwhile, movements in the Government debt markets suggest that the country could be heading for a recession.
A woman has been indicted in the death of her six-month-old son, whose body was found last summer in an Alabama motel room freezer.

The Dothan Eagle reported Friday that 36-year-old Amanda Gail Oakes is charged with manslaughter and abuse of a corpse.

A man who had been traveling with Oakes, 28-year-old Carlton James Mathis of Gainesville, Georgia, was arrested on a murder warrant June after the baby's body was found.

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Amanda Gail Oakes, 36, was charged after her infant son died and she placed his body in a freezer at an Alabama motel

Carlton 'CJ' Mathis, 28 (pictured with 'Pale Face' tattoo), and Oakes (right), 36, of Georgia, were arrested earlier this year

The baby, Curtis James Oakes, died while being cared for by Mathis, the newspaper reported. The mother said they placed her son's body in the freezer of a Dothan motel room when the smell became unbearable.

Investigators determined that Oakes and Mathis had left Georgia with the infant after authorities there attempted to arrest Mathis on burglary and parole violation charges, the newspaper reported.

The couple checked into the Dothan motel and Oakes briefly returned to Georgia, where she picked up her teenage daughter. The infant was left in the care of Mathis and he later told Oakes the baby died.

The woman and her daughter returned to the motel and she spent the night with the infant's corpse. Oakes told investigators that the infant's body was placed in the freezer when the smell became unbearable. Oakes also confirmed to investigators that she and Mathis were under the influence of illegal drugs.

Shocking find: Police recovered the body of six-month-old Carlton Oakes inside a freezer at In Town Suites hotel in Dothan, Alabama (pictured)

Mathis and Oakes were apprehended in Bronson, Florida, in June

A SWAT officer shot Mathis four times, injuring him, after the man allegedly put a gun to the head of the driver of this red SUV

After investigators from Georgia contacted Dothan police in reference to a possible infant death, authorities learned Oakes and Mathis had fled to central Florida.

Law enforcement officers converged on them as they tried to leave an apartment complex in Bronson, Florida in June. Officials said Mathis was shot after he brandished a handgun and held it to the head of a driver of a vehicle. The couple was together when Mathis was captured.

Not until after the couple was arrested did investigators find the little boy's body in the hotel freezer. Police believe it had been there for five or six days.

Mathis remains jailed on numerous charges. Oakes' arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 8. It's unclear if Oakes' lawyer gave the newspaper a comment on the accusations.
Japan's Crown Princess has confessed to feeling 'insecure' about becoming empress in April when the current emperor abdicates and passes the crown to her husband.

Princess Masako, 55, questioned 'how helpful I will be' when she takes over the role in just a few months, but vowed to devote herself 'to the happiness of the people'.

Masako, a Harvard and Oxford-educated former diplomat, has struggled with the pressures of royal life and suffers from a stress-induced condition described by doctors as an 'adjustment disorder'.

Princess Masako, 55, is due to become Japan's empress consort in April when the current emperor abdicates and passes the throne to her husband

Masako (pictured with husband, Crown Prince Naruhito) has admitted she is 'insecure' about taking on the role in a note released to mark her birthday this year

Masako has struggled to adjust to life as a royal, including criticism for failing to produce a male heir (pictured with daughter Aiko). She suffers what doctors call 'adjustment disorder'

She has faced pressure to provide an heir to the throne. She has a daughter with her husband - Crown Prince- Naruhito, but under Japanese law only a male can inherit.

In a statement to mark her 55th birthday on Sunday, Princess Masako said: 'Even though I feel insecure about how helpful I will be when I think about the days ahead... I want to devote myself to the happiness of the people so I will make an effort to that end.'

Referencing her illness, Masako said: 'I am delighted at the fact that I can perform more duties than before as I have tried to improve my physical condition.'

Masako was born the daughter of a diplomat and was schooled at Harvard and Oxford, before starting a career as a diplomat herself

But her doctors warned in a separate statement that it is important for the crown princess to continue treatment as she remains vulnerable to fatigue, especially after a large ceremony or successive duties.

She has made few public appearances since 2003.

Masako was born in Japan in 1963 as the eldest daughter of a diplomat father, and spent much of her early life living abroad - first in Russia, then America.

She studied at Harvard before returning to Japan, where she met her future husband at a diplomatic event in 1986.

Masako soon left the country again, going to England to study for her masters at Oxford, but never finished her thesis and returned to her country of birth in 1990.

Despite her time living abroad, Naruhito kept up his interest in her, and she was twice forced to turn down his marriage proposals to pursue her career.

But she eventually relented after he said becoming a princess would allow her to stay involved in diplomacy, and accepted the third proposal on her birthday in 1992.

She rejected two proposals from Prince Naruhito before eventually accepting his third offer on her birthday in 1992 when he persuaded her that becoming a princess was another form of diplomacy (pictured meeting Jordan's King Abdullah in 2018)

Emperor Akihito (far left) will become the first Japanese ruler to abdicate in 200 years when he hands the throne over to Prince Naruhito (second right) on May 1 next year

The pair married the following year. They have one daughter, named Aiko, who was born in 2001.

For a time she faced pressure to produce a male heir, but that eased in 2006 when her sister-in-law gave birth to Prince Hisahito, now 12.

Emperor Akihito, Naruhito's father, will become the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in 200 years when he steps down from the throne on 30 April, 2019.

Akihito's elder son Crown Prince Naruhito, 57, will ascend the throne a day later.

Akihito, 84, has been on the throne since 1989 but expressed his wish to step down in 2016, citing his age and health.

However post-war legislation had not allowed for abdication, so a one-off law was adopted in June to accommodate the emperor's wishes.

Emperor Akihito (second row down, far left) will abdicate on April 30 next year before Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako assume the throne the following day

He added: 'I feel deeply moved that the decision was made by the Imperial Household Agency making a major step toward an imperial succession.'

The last Japanese emperor to step down was Kokaku, who did so in favour of his son Ninko in 1817.

Akihito's desire to leave the throne has revived a debate about the country's 2,000-year-old monarchy, one of the world's oldest, and has fuelled discussion about improving the status of female members of the shrinking royal population.

The current male-only succession rules prohibit women from succeeding to the throne and female members lose their royal status when they marry a commoner.

It means that, as it stands, Naruhito's only child Princess Aiko will not be able to inherit the throne after her father.

Instead, Naruhito's younger brother Prince Fumihito will become crown prince following Akihito's abdication with his son, Prince Hisahito then in line to succeed.
A prominent Brazilian spiritual leader, who has been interviewed by Oprah and has treated Bill Clinton, has been accused of sexually abusing at least 12 women at his psychic healing clinic.

Joao Teixeira de Faria, also known as John of God, came under fire on Saturday when 10 women in Brazil came forward to accuse the 76-year-old medium of sexually abusing them while they sought healing at his clinic Casa de Dom Inacio de Loyola in Abadiania, Brazil.

They announced their bombshell accusations on Saturday night on Brazil's Globo TV network.

Two more women then reported they were also abused to Brazilian newspaper O Globo afterwards.

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Twelve women have accused Brazilian spiritual healer Joao Teixeira de Faria, 76, of sexually abusing them while he treated them at his clinic Casa de Dom Inacio de Loyola in Abadiania

Dutch choreographer Zahira Lieneke Mous (left) and nine other anonymous women made the accusations on Saturday on late-night talk show Conversa com Bial. American tour guide Amy Biank (right) claims she witnessed the abuse

Victims said they were told they had a special energy or required a special cleansing and were given a private consultation with Faria. Mous claims he forced her to have anal sex during her treatment

Assista nesta sexta-feira, 7/12, depois do Jornal da Globo. #ConversaComBial Posted by Conversa com Bial on Friday, December 7, 2018

In a statement to Globo, Faria's office denied the allegations.

'John of God vehemently denies having committed any inappropriate behavior during his treatments,' the office said.

It's not immediately clear if Faria is being in investigated by prosecutors.

Dutch choreographer Zahira Lieneke Mous accused the medium of manipulating her into performing sex acts then raping her during a visit to his clinic, she revealed on late-night talk show Conversa com Bial.

American tour guide Amy Biank also appeared on the show claiming she witnessed Faria carry out his abuses.

Nine other Brazilian women, who all chose to remain anonymous, also told the Brazilian TV network they were abused too on the premise of transferring his 'cleansing' energy, according to BBC.

Some said they were seeking a cure for their depression and sexual assault trauma when the alleged abuse took place.

Mous said she went to the Abadiania center in 2014 seeking healing from the trauma of her previous sexual abuses. During her second visit she was told she was chosen to have a private consultation with Faria.

She recounted that she was told 'You feel special', according to Folha de Sao Paulo.

In that horrific second session she claims Faria came close to her, smelled her skin and asked her to stand with her back facing him and led her to a bathroom.

Once there he allegedly touched her genitals and forced her to have anal sex. She said didn't run away because she wanted to be trained as a medium at the center.

She overcame her self-denial four years later.

'I was terrified of them sending bad spirits in my direction, wrecking my life; that I would not be able to sleep,' she said on Globo TV Saturday night.

Faria is known as John of God and runs a clinic in Goais, Brazil that has attracted millions of people seeking healing. He credits his healing power to God and the saints

His miraculous healings caught the attention of Oprah and he was interviewed by the host on the grounds of his clinic in 2013 (Faria pictured above with Oprah)

Other victims said they were also abused after they were chosen for private consultations that made them feel special. They all said Faria offered them crystals and gemstones after the abuse.

One victim said she was taken advantage of when she visited the clinic following a breast cancer treatment in 2017. She said that he touched her all over her body and laid his penis against her buttocks to help completely cure her of her cancer.

'He said that he was doing everything in his powers to help my family and me, but I was uncooperative. Also, that the disease would be coming back,' she said.

Yet another woman saw the psychic for the first time in 2009 for a cure for her son's sight problem. She continued to return to the clinic and 2013 sought help after divorcing her husband.

She was told she needed a special energy cleanse in Faria's private room. He allegedly took her to the bathroom and placed her with her back facing him and touched her genitals. On another occasion he allegedly requested oral sex from her as he was sitting in a chair.

Another victim went to the clinic for help with her depression, visiting in 2014 and 2015. The second time she said she noticed Faria staring at her while she was in line for treatment. He invited her to the 'special room' and told the victim he had dreamed of her.

Thousands gather at his clinic daily for the chance to be healed by Faria

A woman pictured praying at his clinic in 2012. Faria has denied the sexual abuse allegations

He allegedly locked the door and placed her hands on his penis. The victim said that he invited her to lunch and other abuses took place afterwards that he claimed were treatments to clean her chakras. He said the spirits requested secrecy about the cleansing.

Faria is not a medical doctor and grew up as a farmer in Brazil. The 'psychic surgeon' runs his clinic in Abadiania, Brazil where he has been visited by millions of people seeking healing.

He claims that his healing power comes from God, the saints, and spirits.

His faith-based healing skills gained international recognition when he appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show and sat face to face with the famed host at his clinic in 2013. She witnessed him performing psychic surgeries.

According to his website he's treated up to 15 million people over the past 40 years including high-profile patients like former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Brazil's ex-President Luiz Inacio da Silva.
Retail sales across four Gulf countries are projected to increase by more than $24 billion over the next five years, with the UAE expected to lead this trend with an estimated growth rate of 16 per cent, according to new research from Euromonitor International.



The report reveals that Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are all set to capitalise on the rise of consumerism thanks to favourable demographics, a rise in population and a strong growth trajectory in tourism and per capita income.



The figures have been released ahead of The Retail Summit, set to take place on February 13 and 14, at the Atlantis Hotel, in Dubai, UAE, gathering 800 of the worlds most prominent retail leaders, industry stakeholders and experts.



The two-day summit, to be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has received prestigious endorsement with the support of Meydan One, which joins Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as an event partner.



The research indicates that the retail industry in the UAE is currently worth $55 billion and is forecast to steadily rise to $63.8 billion by 2023.



Store-based retailing will continue to dominate, accounting for $52.7 billion of the overall market in the UAE, however, non-store retailing, which includes online shopping, direct selling, mobile internet, social media and home shopping, will grow by 78 per cent from 2018 to 2023.



The value of non-store retailing is also forecast to increase across all four Gulf markets between 2018 and 2023, with Saudi Arabia expected to account for the biggest growth of 93.5 per cent, followed by Oman (68 per cent) and Kuwait (48 per cent).



Fahad Kazim, vice president, Meydan Malls, said: As the Euromonitor report suggests, the retail sector is bound to grow in the coming years, despite the recent slowdown. The long-term outlook of the sector remains strong and is expected to welcome a steady growth through to 2023.



A strong contributor to the growth of the sector is proactive initiatives taken by the government in streamlining the retail infrastructure and strengthening the investments and tourism landscape of the region, he said.



Kazim continued: The traditional retail environment in the region is evolving and as it continues to grow, it is gradually moving towards a phy-gital experience. The e-commerce market, which is gaining momentum, will be a huge contributor to the growth of the retail sector in the coming years.



Keeping up with this trend, the brick-and-mortar retailers are expected to gradually adopt the omni-channel business model to establish an intuitive and smart communication with consumers across online and offline platforms, he added.



The needs of consumers have changed and todays shoppers desire an engaging, personalised and streamlined experience. This is what we bring to the market, delivered through careful learning to tailor-make what the consumers, the international retail community and all involved stakeholders want, he concluded.



The summit will bring together a new generation of retailers who are delivering a winning combination of outstanding service and ground-breaking use of technology to deliver memorable shopping experiences.



More than 800 attendees are anticipated and the event has been designed for global CEOs and senior teams, bringing together the retail communitys brightest minds to examine the latest thinking of how to win in todays hyper-volatile landscape.



Headline speakers attending the summit include billionaire entrepreneur and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, Hamad Buamim, president and CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and beauty powerhouse Huda Kattan, founder and CEO of Huda Beauty, one of the most successful and fastest growing new brands to be launched this decade, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Racists have distributed anti-Semitic KKK pamphlets in the Pittsburgh neighbourhood where 11 Jews were killed in a mass shooting at a synagogue.

Police and the city department of public safety 'are taking this matter very seriously and will follow every investigative avenue,' a spokesman said.

The material was found on Sunday in neighbourhoods including Squirrel Hill, where a gunman entered the Tree of Life synagogue on and killed 11 people in the deadliest attack on Jews in US history on 27 October.

Rabbi Yosef Schtroks, the Director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Olympia, lights a 9 ft Hanukkah menorah in Sylvester Park Sunday in Olympia, Washington, to signify the first night of the eight-day holiday

A man named Robert Bowers, who police said raged against Jews during and after the shooting, has pleaded not guilty to numerous murder and hate crime charges.

Police said 'such hate-filled material' will not be tolerated in the city by residents, city officials or law enforcement.

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh CEO Jeff Finkelstein said he saw the flyers pictured on Facebook. He said they were 'recruitment information for the Ku Klux Klan.'

'This is a prime example of how hateful people don't only hate one group of people,' Finkelstein said.

Last week public lighting of a Menorah outside the synagogue was an opportunity to honor the dead, mark Hanukkah's theme of survival and allow the community to reinforce its solidarity.

Supporters hold candles and watch as the menorah is lit in Pittsburgh on Sunday

Before the ceremony, the menorah was tested to make sure all of the lights were working. A makeshift memorial is seen at the foot of the menorah honoring the victims of the shooting

'To me, it's a simple message: The light is the message,' Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said, pointing to the Menorah standing at the corner where a makeshift memorial for the 11 victims once stood and was visited by thousands paying their respects.

Five weeks after the massacre - believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in the U.S. - about 500 people gathered outside Tree of Life to pray, sing songs and witness the lighting of the menorah.

'We are practicing our Jewish faith publicly and proudly,' said Stephen Cohen, co-president of New Light, whose congregation, along with congregants from Dor Hadash and Tree of Life, had gathered at the synagogue when the shooting occurred October 27.

The fact that hundreds of people showed up for the ceremony came as no surprise to officials of the three congregations.

'I don't think there are enough adjectives to describe the community support,' said Myers, who was leading Shabbat services at Tree of Life synagogue when the shooting occurred.

'We're such a tight-knit community,' said Ilana Kohanbash, who attended the Menorah lighting with her husband, Jason.

'It's also a wake-up call for what we need to do to keep our faith, and (that) we need to take precautions. It could happen to anybody.'

Bowers remains jailed without bail.
Dozens of people bearing flowers or stuffed animals attended a funeral for a newborn girl found dead last summer along a Southern California highway.

Authorities in Riverside County continue to investigate the death of the baby whose identity remains a mystery.

The service on Thursday was organized in part by police officers and firefighters, the Press-Enterprise reported.

Jon Castillo, a Corona police chaplain, led the about 70 people in prayer near the tiny, flower-draped casket.

'Every person who walks the planet is born in God's image, and she had inherent value and worth,' Castillo said.

Monica Montejano says The Lords Prayer over the small casket containing the remains of Baby Jane Doe at Sunnyslope Cemetery in Corona, California on Thursday

The girl known as 'Baby Jane Doe' was discovered on July 27 in a cardboard box near Interstate 15 in Corona, east of Los Angeles.

She was wrapped in a t-shirt with stripes and a floral pattern.

Monica Montejano was among those who said they felt compelled to show respect for the child.

'I would have held her,' Montejano told the newspaper. 'I would have loved her.'

Lorena Palacios placed a pair of miniature Christmas trees by the casket.

She bought one at a grocery store and the other was purchased by a store employee who wanted to contribute.

Montejano is seen above placing stuffed animals atop the grave of Baby Jane Doe on Thursday

'It's December, it's Christmas. I have three kids. Every kid wants a tree,' Palacios said.

The coroner has been unable to identify potential family members through DNA.

Officials said detectives are asking for the public's help during the ongoing investigation.

Authorities also emphasized that Corona offers several sites - including police stations, fire stations and hospitals - where parents can give up an infant within 72 hours of birth with no questions asked.
Australia is often criticised for some of its crazy bans  bad music, tackling pigeons and practicing psychics to name just a few  but one in particular might come as a surprise.

Watching internet porn is illegal according to the Broadcasting Service Act 1992.

The naughty deed likely everybody does, but few would admit to, is actually a fine-able offence across the country.

The one thing likely everybody does, but few would admit to, is actually a fine-able offence across the country

All films and computer games in Australia require classification from the Classification board.

'It doesn't matter if you are selling, hiring, lending or giving the film or game away, they still need to be classified,' government legislation states.

Classifications range from G for general viewing, PG for parental guidance for children under the age of 15, right up to X18+.

Films classed as X18+ are those that 'contain real depictions of actual sexual activity between consenting adults'.

These X18+ films are only available to watch and buy in Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

In all other states and territories, both buyers and sellers of X18+ material risk a substantial fine.

The Broadcasting Service Act 1992 lists X18+ films as 'prohibited content' for access via the internet, mobile phones and convergent devices

Furthermore, these X18+ films are listed as 'prohibited content' for access via the internet, mobile phones and convergent devices across Australia.

Australia has a tumultuous relationship with pornography, and a number of towns and cities have attempted to implement a ban in recent years.

Letitia Shelton (pictured) from Toowoomba's anti-porn campaign City Women said there is an 'avalanche' of information proving the dangers pornography poses to communities

Toowoomba in south-eastern Queensland held its third annual rally to become 'porn free' in October this year, and saw men pledge not to watch explicit material.

Letitia Shelton from the city's anti-porn campaign City Women told Daily Mail Australia there is an 'avalanche' of information proving the dangers pornography poses to communities.

The Toowoomba rally prompted similar events up and down the country, with the Gold Coast, Kingaroy, Illawarra and even Melbourne expressing an interest.

And even former French president Francois Hollande has allegedly been in touch with Ms Shelton to find out more about the campaign.

'I think the president was just fed up with the destruction that porn is doing and saw there was a mayor in another city doing something,' she said.
refugee applicants have quadrupled in one year

Bridging visas for refugee applicants have quadrupled in one year

Most applicants enter the country on student and tourist visas

New figures show the number of Chinese nationals applying for refuge in Australia has tripled in just a year.

The Department of Home Affairs has released data showing 9315 residents from the People's Republic of China relocated to Australia in 2017-18.

That represented a 311 per cent increase on 2016-17, when that figure had been 2269.

The applications cited a variety of reasons for refugee status, with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) seeing cases of people claiming to be members of persecuted groups, having a love child in Australia, or identifying as LGBT.

Recent figures have shown the number of Chinese nationals applying for refuge in Australia has tripled in just a year (stock image)

A big reason for the spike in Chinese nationals is the international student industry in Australia, believed to be worth close to $32billion (stock image)

Joyce Chia, the Refugee Council of Australia director of policy, said many of those applying for refugee status had successfully arrived in Australia on student and tourist visas.

She pointed particularly to the lucrative international student industry in Australia, believed to be worth close to $32billion.

'Chinese people have increasing access [to Australia] is also a large factor,' she told the ABC.

Australia has rubber stamped an estimated 652,000 international student visas in that 12 month period  including almost 200,000 from China.

'Once you are in the country, either as a tourist or a student, if you then apply for a protection visa, you are eligible for a bridging visa,' Mary Anne Kenny, an Associate professor of law at Murdoch University, said.

'Depending on the type, [it] may give you the right to work and can take some time [to process] depending on how long it takes the department to process the application.'

As of August this year, there were 176,000 people on bridging visas in Australia  a massive spike from roughly 40,000 people in August 2017.

A spokesman from the Department of Home Affairs said 'Australia takes its international obligations seriously.'

'An assessment of whether an asylum seeker engages Australia's protection obligations is based on the individual merits of each case,' the spokesman said.
Pill testing at music festivals is still being resisted by the New South Wales Premier despite the death of a young man on the weekend following a rave that left several others in a critical condition.

The testing allows those who have illicit drugs to have them examined to see what the tablets contain and whether they were potentially unsafe.

Advocates of testing say it would save the lives of people like Callum Brosnan, the 19-year-old Sydney man who died on Sunday, hours after being found in a distressed state at a railway station from an apparent overdose.

He had attended The Knockout Games of Destiny Rave, which was held at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday and hosted 18,000 people.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said testing could lull people into thinking the drugs were safe to consume even though it could not account for people's different physiology.

Critics of testing said it also legitimised use of illicit substances.

Callum Brosnan, from Baulkham Hills, was found in a 'distressed state' at a train station near the event, and rushed to hospital just before 1.30am

The Knockout Games of Destiny Rave was held at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday and hosted 18,000 people

Poll Should the government introduce pill testing at festivals? Yes No Unsure Should the government introduce pill testing at festivals? Yes 38 votes

No 23 votes

Unsure 0 votes Now share your opinion





Mr Brosnan died at Concord Hospital, at 4.30am on Sunday, about three hours after being found at the train station.

His family and friends have pleaded with Premier Berejiklian to 'stop the drugs,' Seven News reported.

Two women, aged 19 and 25, and a man were also taken to Westmead Hospital following suspected drug overdoses. They remained in critical but stable conditions on Monday.

An additional 13 people were taken to hospital and a further 130 people sought medical treatment during the event.

Two women, aged 19 and 25, and a man were also taken to Westmead Hospital following suspected drug overdoses. They all remain in critical but stable conditions

Ms Berejiklian sent her regards to Mr Brosnan's family and has brought in harsher penalties for people supplying drugs

The latest incident came after two people died after overdosing at Sydney music festival Defqon.1 earlier this year, prompting the creation of an expert panel to advise the NSW government on drug-related deaths at festivals.

Speaking to the Today Show on Monday, Ms Berejiklian sent her sympathies to Mr Brosnan's family and refuted suggestions it was time to introduce pill testing.

'If we thought it would save a single life of course we would go down that path,' she said.

'Unfortunately what pill testing doesn't do is really take into account people's different physical attributes.

'What is safe for one person isn't safe for another. What is a safe dose for one person isn't a safe dose for another.

Ms Berejiklian said stronger penalties would be more effective.

'I would hate to think that that culture of taking illegal drugs is one which is normalised and one which where pill testing is seen to be the absolute end to fixing this problem.

Host Deborah Knight asked the premier whether or not she would introduce pill testing based on the fact that it's 'successful in other countries'

'If we thought it was going to make a difference we would go down that path. We don't think it will.

'The strongest thing we can do is send a message to young people please don't take any illegal substance.'

'If we thought it would save a single life of course we would go down that path,' Ms Berejiklian said about drug testing

Ms Berejiklian said the government doesn't want to stop young people from have fun and that safety always comes first (pictured Callum Brosnan who died of a suspected overdose)

With three more music festivals set to be held before Australia Day, two of which were organised by Harder Styles United, which organised The Knockout Games of Destiny Rave.

'You have to shut them down. How can they be allowed to operate if they cannot keep people safe?,' Today host Deborah Knight asked the premier.

Ms Berejiklian said the government doesn't want to stop young people from have fun and that safety always comes first.

'We also want to stop the tragedy that's unfolding. One death is too many,' she explained.

'The strongest message we need to send to young people is you don't need to take illegal drugs to have fun. Please go to the concerts and enjoy yourself.

'Don't take the illegal substances. The more we educate the more we get the message out hopefully people will start listening.'

Daily Mail Australia contacted Harder Styles United for comment.
Jack Dorsey is facing a social media firestorm over his 'disappointingly clueless' promotion of Myanmar - a country that has been accused of mass genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

In a series of tweets, Twitter's CEO encouraged his followers to visit the 'beautiful country'.

'The people are full of joy and the food is amazing. I visited the cities of Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. We visited and meditated at many monasteries around the country,' Dorsey wrote in a tweet that included a photo of himself in Myanmar.

Dorsey is seen dressed in all black while visiting the country and participating in a '10-day silent vipassana meditation'.

Scroll down for video

Jack Dorsey (right, in Myanmar) has kicked up a social media storm over his 'tone-deaf' promotion of Myanmar, a country that has been accused of mass genocide of Rohingya Muslims

In a series of tweets, Twitter's CEO encouraged his followers to visit the 'beautiful country'

'And if you're willing to travel a bit, go to Myanmar,' Dorsey said

He said he was visiting Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar, for his birthday on November 19.

'I woke up at 4 am every day, and we meditated until 9 pm. There were breaks for breakfast, lunch, and walking. No dinner,' he tweeted.

Dorsey, 42, also shared a video of his favorite moment from the trip.

'The highlight of my trip was serving monks and nuns food, and donating sandals and umbrellas. This group of young nuns in Mandalay and their chanting was breathtaking and chilling.'

In the video, Dorsey is seen sitting in a circle with the nuns as they chant.

'Vipassana is not for everyone, but if any of this resonates with you even in the slightest, I'd encourage you to give it a try. If in the US, this center in Texas is a great start: https://siri.dhamma.org/,' he tweeted.

'And if you're willing to travel a bit, go to Myanmar,' Dorsey added.

It didn't take long for Twitter users to call Dorsey out for his promotion of a country that has been accused of decades-long persecution of Rohingya Muslims.

'Jack, you are so disappointingly clueless. With everything going on in Myanmar right now, this is so out of touch. Next up: sightseeing in Yemen I guess [sic],' one Twitter user wrote.

It didn't take long for Twitter users to call Dorsey out for his promotion of a country that has been accused of decades-long persecution of Rohingya Muslims

One user posed the question: 'Who will go for a tour where daily people are killed in genocide?? You are misleading people'

Another said: 'A country ravaged by civil war, where a genocidal campaign of ethnic cleansing recently saw tens of thousands of innocent men, women and children die, and a million more driven out into Bangladesh, one of the poorest nations on earth? I dunno.'

One user posed the question: 'Who will go for a tour where daily people are killed in genocide?? You are misleading people.'

In October, UN investigators said that genocide is still taking place against Rohingya Muslims remaining in Myanmar and the government is increasingly demonstrating it has no interest in establishing a fully functioning democracy.

Marzuki Darusman, chair of the UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar, said thousands of Rohingya are still fleeing to Bangladesh.

Darusman said the estimated 250,000 to 400,000 who have stayed following last year's brutal military campaign in the Buddhist-majority country 'continue to suffer the most severe' restrictions and repression.

In October, UN investigators said that genocide is still taking place against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and the government is demonstrating it has no interest in establishing a fully functioning democracy. Rohingya refugees are seen last month during a protest

'MASS GENOCIDE' IN MYANMAR Over the past year thousands of Rohingya Muslims have been driven from their homes following a campaign of violence. Hundreds have been killed, with some being beheaded or even burned alive in bamboo cages by security services. There are many reported cases of gang-rape, normally carried out by soldiers from the country's powerful, self-ruling army in their easily recognizable green uniforms. More than 700,000 have fled to neighboring Bangladesh. In October, the United Nations released a report that says genocide is still taking place against the Rohingya Muslims who remained in Myanmar. Over the past year thousands of Rohingya Muslims (file image) have been driven from their homes following a campaign of violence. More than 700,000 have fled to neighboring Bangladesh The report revealed that the country's government is increasingly demonstrating it has no interest in establishing a fully functioning democracy. Marzuki Darusman, chair of the UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar, said thousands of Rohingya are still fleeing to Bangladesh, and the estimated 250,000 to 400,000 who have stayed following last year's brutal military campaign in the Buddhist-majority country 'continue to suffer the most severe' restrictions and repression. 'It is an ongoing genocide that is taking place at the moment,' he said in October. Darusman said the requirements for genocide, except perhaps for killings, 'continue to hold' for Rohingya still in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state. These include causing serious bodily harm, inflicting conditions designed to destroy the Rohingya, and imposing measures to prevent births, he said. Myanmar's UN ambassador, Hau Do Suan, called the fact-finding mission 'flawed, biased and politically motivated' and said the government 'categorically rejects' its inference of 'genocidal intent'. Yanghee Lee, the UN special investigator on human rights in Myanmar, said she and many others in the international community hoped the situation under Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi 'would be vastly different from the past - but it is really not that much different from the past'. Lee added later that she thinks Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former political prisoner who now leads Myanmar's civilian government, 'is in total denial' about accusations that the military in Myanmar raped, murdered and tortured Rohingya and burned their villages, sending over 700,000 fleeing to Bangladesh since August 2017. Advertisement

Last month, Dorsey came under fire after a picture of him holding a poster saying 'smash Brahminical patriarchy', referring to the highest Hindu caste, went viral.

Twitter apologized and expressed regret over the incident, which some Indians have called 'hate-mongering'.

The picture, which was shared on Twitter by a journalist who was part of group of women journalists, activists and writers whom Dorsey met during a visit to India, had him clutching a poster of a woman holding up a banner with the line that offended many Indians.

'The sentiments expressed on the poster do not reflect the views of Twitter as a company or Jack as the CEO, and we regret that this picture has detracted from an otherwise insightful trip to India,' a Twitter spokeswoman said at the time.

Last month, Dorsey (pictured in India in November) came under fire after a picture of him holding a poster saying 'smash Brahminical patriarchy', referring to the highest Hindu caste, went viral

The picture (above), which was shared on Twitter by a journalist who was part of group of women journalists, activists and writers whom Dorsey met during a visit to India, had him clutching a poster of a woman holding up a banner with the line that offended many Indians

She said Twitter had hosted a closed-door discussion and one of the participants had shared her experience as a low-caste Dalit woman. At the conclusion of the session she gifted the poster to the Twitter CEO.

Several prominent Indians, including T.V. Mohandas Pai, a former finance chief of software exporter Infosys, accused Dorsey of 'hate-mongering' against Brahmins.

'Tomorrow if @jack is given a poster with anti Semitic messages in a meeting, will his team allow him to hold it up?,' Pai tweeted.

'Why is that any different? Inciting hate against any community is wrong.'

Twitter India said at the time that the poster had been handed to Dorsey by a Dalit activist when it hosted the discussion with a group of women to know more about their experience using Twitter.

It added the poster was a 'tangible reflection of our company's efforts to see, hear, and understand all sides of important public conversations that happen on our service around the world'.
A relaxing holiday between three friends turned into a terrifying getaway when the lift they were in plunged more than 40 floors.

The heart-stopping moment occurred after Reece Lardner, James Slater and Thomas Hall walked into the lift on the 47th floor of Circle on Cavill in Queensland's Surfers Paradise.

Two years on from the horrific incident, the three friends claim they're still traumatised by the event, allegedly suffering from both mental and physical trauma.

Talking to the Gold Coast Bulletin, Mr Lardner, a Canberra public servant, said they heard loud crashing noises seconds after getting on the lift on October 2, 2016.

The heart-stopping moment occurred when Reece Lardner, James Slater and Thomas Hall walked into the lift on the 47th floor of Circle on Cavill in Queensland's Surfers Paradise (pictured)

They were then tossed in the air as the lift suddenly plunged toward the ground.

'It felt like a rollercoaster ride, the lift was falling quicker than we were. It was like an anti-gravity ride,' Mr Lardner said.

After free-falling four times, the elevator paused seven floors from the ground - but the men worried it was going to plummet again.

The fall caused the ceiling of the lift to crack, scattering debris throughout the cabin.

Mr Lardner and his friends allege the lift fell so rapidly because maintenance didn't take into account the hoist ropes in a lift 'stretch' and need to be adjusted.

The trio called the front desk from inside the lift, but staff at the hotel allegedly didn't believe it happened, so they called for emergency services instead.

'I called my family and told them I loved them because I didn't know what would happen,' Mr Lardner said.

The friends were trapped for more than an hour as crews tried to get them out.

Two years on from the horrific incident, the three friends claim they're still traumatised by the event, allegedly suffering from both mental and physical trauma (stock)

Mr Lardner said once the doors opened it was like a scene from a movie, with just one metre between the floor at level eight and the top of the lift.

The trio were told to climb through the gap, but were worried the elevator would fall on them as they did so.

Emergency crews had to coerce the men into climbing out before taking them to hospital for treatment.

Two years on from the horrific incident, Mr Lardner claimed he suffers from nightmares, as well as spinal and back issues.

The friends allege the lift fell so rapidly because maintenance didn't take into account the hoist ropes in a lift 'stretch' and need to be adjusted (stock image)

Mr Lardner, Mr Hall and Mr Slater are suing elevator maintenance company Kone Elevators to court, each claiming more than $200,000 in damages.

Solicitor Tina Ibraheem said the three men were injured due to the fall and their trauma shouldn't be underestimated.

'What's worse is they were then trapped in the lift, distressed, claustrophobic and in significant pain for an hour before they could be released,' she said.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Kone Australia for comment.
A female journalist has suggested that having dedicated 'women-only seating sections on planes' could be a way to make flying safer.

Kate Whitehead, a columnist for the South China Morning Post suggested that the way many men appear to hog the armrest is the equivalent to 'manspreading'.

She suggests in her article that many women do not feel as though they are able to push back against a man's encroaching arm and instead have to put up with less seat space.

The article is headlined: 'Manspreading on a plane: In the age of #MeToo, even the armrest is a gender politics issue.'

She notes that sexual assault is on the rise in the increasingly unfriendly skies.

Kate Whitehead, a columnist for the South China Morning Post has suggested airlines introduce women-only rows to avoid having to battle men for the armrest

The FBI noted earlier this year that the number of sexual assaults on planes is rising. Figures have almost doubled from 38 cases in 2014 to 63 in 2017

'I dream of a future in which there are women-only seating sections on planes. Most women intuitively understand that the armrest is 'neutral territory' and leave it as a slim buffer between them and their neighbor,' Whitehead writes. 'I'd be prepared to campaign vocally for 'pink rows', but I suspect airlines wouldn't be in favor because that would mean other rows full only of men  and that wouldn't work.'

Whitehead surmisesa battle for the armrest usually results in the woman losing and enduring about 12 per cent loss of seat space

'Men  and airlines  depend on encroachment onto women's seats for comfortable travel,' she continues. 'I hope that in the wake of the #MeToo movement, people will come to realise that the airline armrest is a gender political issue. The first airline to establish 'pink rows' will have my custom.'

'Nine times out of 10  based on my extensive experience flying 'cattle class'  if a man is seated beside a woman he will claim the armrest,' Whitehead claims. 'With the average seat width being 17.2 inches, this means you have effectively lost about 12 per cent. If you are unfortunate enough to be in the middle of a row and have a man on either side, you have lost nearly a quarter of your seat. And yet you are paying the same price as those space-invading men.'

Some airlines have in fact decided to introduce gender-specific seating.

In 2017, Air India, India's national carrier, introduced women-only rows on planes after there were two reported incidents of assault.

Another Indian carrier called Vistara started a 'Woman Flyer' service, which gave priority seating to women traveling alone.

A couple of airlines in India have introduced 'pink rows' for women-only travelers

Many people commenting on Whitehead's story were less supportive.

'Grow up ladies, the world doesn't revolve around you,' one person said.

'How ridiculous is this! Next it's women only planes, then pilots and cabin crew,' another chimed in.

However, Whitehead's observation that instances of women being sexually assaulted on planes being on the rise, is correct.

This summer the FBI issued a statement which, according to the bureau's findings, revealed 2017 had 63 reported cases of in-flight sexual assault, while 2014 had seen 38.

The Trump administration recently announced the creation of a new task force dedicated to investigating sexual misconduct and assault crimes in the skies.

The National In-Flight Sexual Misconduct Task Force will be a subcommittee of the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee and will have their very first meeting in Washington, D.C. in January.
Using the pronouns 'he' and 'she' could land Australians before the courts under Tasmania's controversial transgender rights reforms, legal experts have warned.

Landmark reforms - put forward by the Labor opposition, the Greens and slammed by Scott Morrison as 'ridiculous' - could include a provision that would make it illegal for people to refuse to name others by their preferred pronoun.

The proposed laws would allow parents in Tasmania to decide whether their child's gender is recorded on birth certificates - and enable people aged 16 or older to legally change their gender.

The bill passed Tasmania's lower house last month and must now pass the state's 15-member upper house - nine of whom are independents - to become law.

Dr Greg Walsh from the University of Notre Dame Australia said the reforms were largely 'admirable', but condemned dictating how people use pronouns as 'completely unacceptable'.

Using the pronouns 'he' and 'she' could land Australians before the courts under Tasmania's controversial transgender rights reforms, legal experts have warned (stock)

'The Tasmanian parliament's proposed changes to its anti-discrimination legislation could make it illegal for a person to not accept a transgender person's gender identity,' Dr Walsh told The Australian.

'Although it is admirable that parliamentarians want to ensure those who are transgender are respected, the attempt to use state power to force individuals to use language that contradicts their deeply held beliefs is completely unacceptable.'

Conservative activist group Advance Australia described the proposed changes as a 'slippery slope', 'compelled speech', and asked: 'What's next?'

'If a trans person said to me, ''I would prefer it if you called me or address me by X'', out of respect, you would do it. But the government has no place telling you that you must say that,' the organisation's national director, Gerard Benedet, told the paper.

Dr Greg Walsh from the University of Notre Dame Australia condemned dictating the way people use pronouns as 'completely unacceptable'

The changes were last month passed by the casting vote of Tasmania's Liberal Speaker Sue Hickey, who voted against her party and with Labor and the Greens.

Liberal Attorney-General Elise Archer believes the amendments are deeply flawed.

'This amended bill contains legally untested, unconsulted and highly problematic changes that we could not support,' she said in a statement last month.

Transforming Tasmania, a transgender and gender-diverse rights group, has lauded the proposed changes, as have Labor and the Greens.

'These changes will make people, who we should all care about, feel happier, safer and more included,' state Greens leader Cassy O'Connor told parliament.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison previously criticised the debate over the removal of gender markers from passports and birth certificates.

'A Liberal national government will never remove gender from birth certificates, licenses and passports - who are Labor kidding? Get real,' Morrison wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison previoulsy criticised the debate over the removal of gender markers from passports and birth certificates

'This is the problem with Labor, obsessed with nonsense like removing gender from birth certificates rather than lower electricity prices, reducing tax for hard-working families and small businesses.'

Campaigners condemned Morrison's remarks as an 'outdated' and a 'totally inappropriate' attack against the LGBT+ community.

'Yet again, we see a destructive statement from someone in a position of prominence and influence,' Sally Goldner, a spokeswoman for Transgender Victoria, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

'To attempt to link the words transgender and nonsense is vilification and totally inappropriate.'

In September, the prime minister drew widespread criticism after commenting on social media that schools do not need 'gender whisperers' in response to a report that teachers are being trained to identify transgender children.
The Trump administration is considering an application fee of $50 for any migrant who seeks asylum in the United States, it has been reported.

Immigration advocates are outraged at the proposal, which would apply to any migrant living in the U.S.

Anyone seeking asylum by claiming a fear of persecution at ports of entry would be exempt from the payment, according to BuzzFeed News.

If the proposal is implemented as policy, migrants who cannot afford to pay the $50 fee would not be able to apply for asylum.

The federal agency charged with handling asylum applications - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - is currently dealing with a backlog of 300,000 pending cases.

Last year, more than 100,000 people applied for asylum with USCIS, BuzzFeed News reported.

President Donald Trump's (seen above at the White House on Saturday) administration is considering a proposal that would require any migrant living in the United States and seeking asylum to pay a $50 application fee

USCIS is funded primarily from application fees paid by immigrants who file paperwork seeking green cards, work permits, or legal documents for family members from abroad.

Those who seek legal status in America by claiming they were victims of human trafficking or other humanitarian cases are not charged an application fee.

Juan Camilo Mendez Guzman, an immigration lawyer based in San Francisco, said the proposed application fee for asylum seekers is crazy.

The reason we dont charge for asylum applications is intuitive, said Guzman.

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.

An application fee, if approved, would be just the latest measure that the Trump administration has adopted in order to make it more difficult for migrants to apply for asylum.

Last month, Trump issued a proclamation that barred anyone who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border between official ports of entry from seeking asylum.

Trump issued the proclamation in response to caravans of migrants approaching the border.

A lower court judge temporarily blocked the ban and later refused to immediately reinstate it.

The administration appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for an immediate stay of Judge Jon Tigars Nov. 19 temporary restraining order.

Anyone seeking asylum by claiming a fear of persecution at ports of entry would be exempt from the payment, according to the proposal. The image above shows Central American migrants scaling a border fence at Tijuana, Mexico and illegally crossing into the U.S. last week

The 9th Circuit ruled in a 2-1 decision last week that the ban is inconsistent with an existing U.S. law and an attempted end-run around Congress.

In his Nov, 19 ruling, Tigar sided with legal groups who argued that federal law is clear that immigrants in the U.S. can request asylum regardless of whether they entered legally.

The president may not rewrite the immigration laws to impose a condition that Congress has expressly forbidden, the judge said in his order.

The ruling led to an unusual public dispute between Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts after Trump dismissed Tigar - an appointee of Trumps predecessor - as an Obama judge.

Roberts responded with a statement that the federal judiciary doesnt have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges.
Bringing a unique combination of Belgian chocolate and Danish liquorice, Lakrids by Johan Bulow has unveiled its first flagship boutique at The Dubai Mall, the worlds largest shopping mall in the UAE.



With this move, Lakrids aims to introduce the region to the succulent world of liquorice, a luxury hand-crafted liquorice brand that uses only premium raw materials with no additives and is completely gluten-free.



While the brand already enjoys several pop-up spaces across Dubai and over 25 shops across Europe, this is the first stand-alone Lakrids boutique outside of Europe, whose interiors have been specifically designed to cater to the international audience.



Located in the Fashion Avenue at the lower ground level, the interiors showcase the story of Founder, Johan Bulow and his deep-rooted passion for liquorice.



The cosy and inviting walls are built from natural stones found in Palermo, Italy to make the guests feel at home, and combined with the warm and dim lighting lend the space a very welcoming and elegant touch, said a company spokesman.



The highlight of this boutique remains the liquorice library (which also happens to be the worlds largest liquorice library) where you can learn more about the story behind the brand and its various flavours, while experiencing a taste of its delectableness, he stated.



"This storytelling station will also educate patrons on how the liquorice roots are harvested and the origin of the cocoa bean, as well as the production and maintenance process behind each of the delicious flavours to how they are paired and coated with a complimentary chocolate taste," said the spokesman.



With a mission to make the world fall in love with liquorice, this one-of-a-kind boutique has all the mouth-watering flavours one cant resist some of which include Salty Caramel, Rose, Mint Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Chocolate, Blueberry Chocolate, Dark and Sea Salt, Passion Fruit, and Coffee, he stated.



Inspired by his mother and love for liquorice, Johan Bulow created Lakrids on a small Danish island to introduce the world to a gourmet liquorice experience.



Over a decade ago, Johan Bulow decided to throw his passion into liquorice  a Scandinavian favourite that he felt was underappreciated and deserved to be taken seriously.



After putting several hours into the craft and perfecting it, he opened his first shop with the idea of cooking liquorice in the shop, so that customers could smell it in a radius of 100 meters. His idea not just worked, but also led him to install a liquorice machine to meet with demands.



Bulow further developed his best-selling idea by coating the liquorice with layers of Belgian chocolate, which in turn blended with a variety of ingredients from blueberries to sea salt to passion fruit. The resulting balls are known today as Lakrids.



All these products are made from natural ingredients, with rice flour and are gluten-free. Lakrids also produces sweet and salty liquorice syrup and liquorice powder.



With a vision to spread the love for liquorice around the globe, Bulow fulfilled his dream of proving that an entire new world of pleasure lay hidden in the raw liquorice root through Lakrids, said the spokesman.



Today, Lakrids employs 300 people and owns more than 25 shops across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Finland and The UAE and numerous shop-in-shops, he added.



At the Dubai outlet, there is also a private lounge section for customers to sit back and discover the world of Lakrids and see the different gifting options available for special occasions, as well as a very instagrammable corner with a Heart made out of Lakrids very own jars.



Lakrids promises to make its unique and varied flavours of chocolate covered liquorice the latest acquired taste across the region, said the spokesman.



"This confectionary brand has also unveiled an exclusive UAE collection for the region, which adheres to the metallic tones inspired by Dubais architecture and the iconic Burj Khalifa colours at sunset including Silver, Bronze, a fiery Gold and a beautiful Rose," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Tributes are pouring in for a young man who was crushed to death under a pile of bricks while relaxing in a hammock with his girlfriend.

Jake East, 22, was lying in the hammock with Carley Kempton, also 22, at a house party in the backyard of a ground floor unit in the Perth suburb of Subiaco early Sunday morning when the brick pillar it was tied to collapsed.

Mr East, a physiotherapy student at Notre Dame University, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries, where he later died.

Ms Kempton was also taken to hospital by St John Ambulance with minor injuries but is in a stable condition, Perth Now reported.

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Jake East (right), 22, was reportedly lying in the hammock with Carley Kempton (left), also 22, at a house party in the backyard of a ground floor unit in the Perth suburb of Subiaco early Sunday morning when the brick pillar it was tied to collapsed

Jake East was killed after the hammock (pictured) he was lying in with his girlfriend gave way when the brick pillar it was attached to collapsed

Jake's uncle, Chad East, took to Facebook to leave a heartfelt tribute for his nephew.

'This was the most tragic accident one could imagine, no violence, no stupidity or drunken antics that quite often end this way. No one to blame, just a tragic circumstance,' he wrote.

'For those of you that didn't have the pleasure of Jake brightening your world, he was the epitome of the perfect young man. From Dux of school, numerous citizenship awards, volunteering his time to help the homeless, welcoming and inducting new kids to his university, especially those that had come from country towns as he did, he was the best oldest cousin to many that cherished his arrival at any gathering,'

'Jake you are a bloody legend and if my kids or any kids grow up with even half of your qualities then I and any parent would be proud. Love you mate.'

Lara Mass, East's aunt also used Facebook to pay tribute to her nephew.

'You had the whole world at your feet and it was so tragically taken away,'

'Your family are in a world of pain and we will never be the same,' she wrote.

Lara Mass, East's aunt took to Facebook on Sunday to also pay tribute to her nephew (pictured as child) 'You had the whole world at your feet and it was so tragically taken away,' she wrote

The collapsed pillar was one of several holding up a pergola at the ground floor unit in Robinson Street.

Ben Reynolds, neighbour, told Perth Now he heard a loud bang at about 12.30am.

Reynolds went outside and noticed the music from the unit had just stopped but didn't hear any commotion.

The collapsed pillar was one of several holding up a pergola at the ground floor unit in Robinson Street

He was unaware of what had happened until later in the day.

A Western Australia Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia he was unable to provide further details, except that a report will be prepared for the coroner.

The hammock was taken away on Sunday for examination by forensic officers.
Australia's competition watchdog is calling for a regulatory body to be given far-reaching powers to investigate and monitor powerful tech giants including Google and Facebook.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) call was among 11 recommendations in its preliminary report on a world-first inquiry into the impact digital platforms are having locally.

Among its key concerns were the algorithms used by Facebook and Google to rank display advertisements and news content, along with the huge amounts of personal information they collect from consumers using their digital platforms.

The ACCC found given the 'substantial market power' enjoyed by Facebook and Google in Australia, a new or existing regulatory authority should be given powers to investigate, monitor and report on how they and other large digital platforms rank and display advertisements and news content.

Australia's competition watchdog has proposed a new regulatory body to investigate and monitor the power of Facebook and Google (stock image)

ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the report was important to understand how digital platforms continue to transform society.

'Digital platforms have significantly transformed our lives, the way we communicate with each other and access news and information,' ACCC Chair Rod Sims said on Monday.

'We appreciate that many of these changes have been positive for consumers in relation to the way they access news and information and how they interact with each other and with businesses.

'But digital platforms are also unavoidable business partners for many Australian businesses,' he said referring to the platforms' ability to rank content based on algorithms.

The report also found that Google and Facebook have impacted traditional journalism with media outlets increasingly shifting to online markets.

According to the regulator, this has threatened the ability to monetise the industry, leading a number of jobs being cut.

Australian advertising expenditure by media format and digital platform (pictured)

'This has implications across society because of the important role the media plays in exposing corruption and holding governments, companies, powerful individuals and institutions to account.'

The ACCC also raised concerns about data collected by platforms such as Google and Facebook.

Research commissioned by the inquiry revealed consumers were also worried about their data.

'Organisations like Google and Facebook are more than mere distributors or pure intermediaries in the supply of news in Australia; they increasingly perform similar functions as media businesses like selecting, curating and ranking content,' Mr Sims said.

'Yet, digital platforms face less regulation than many media businesses.

'The ACCC considers that the strong market position of digital platforms like Google and Facebook justifies a greater level of regulatory oversight.'

The ACCC raises concerns about Google's market power in online search, search advertising and news referral and Facebook's social media, display advertising and online news referral dominance

The report researched the daily use of digital platforms in 2018 (pictured)

The government tasked the ACCC to undertake the public inquiry into the impact of digital platforms in December 2017.

The ACCC proposes changes to the Privacy Act for greater consumer control over the collection of their personal information.

Digital platforms would face external audits to ensure their compliance with the laws.

They are also considering a plan to stop Google's search engine and Chrome, its browser, from being installed as a default.

The final report is due to government by June 3 2019.
There has been a surge in underage rape cases, with almost 20 per cent of victims last year under the age of 17.

According to the Crime Statistics agency, 462 girls from Victoria aged 17 and younger reported they had been raped between July 2017 and June 2018.

Comparatively, 2098 adults reported cases of rape for the same time frame.

According to the Crime Statistics agency, 462 girls under 17-years-old reported they had been raped between July 2017 and June 2018

Many of the underage cases allegedly involved teenage girls and their older boyfriends, The Australian reports.

For the 2016-2017 period, 380 girls under the age of 17 reported cases of rape, with the remaining 1856 cases coming from adults.

These figures have been steadily rising since 2013, and the 2017 Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse highlighted the growing prevalence of the issue.

Child protection organisation Bravehearts is led by Hetty Johnston, who said the problem is 'spiralling out of control'.

Bravehhearts' Hetty Johnston (pictured) said the problem is 'spiralling out of control', adding that most offenders are known to - or 'often loved' by - the victim

Last year, nearly three times as many offenders were jailed for sexual penetration offences against a child, compared to rape offences against an adult

'The research is clear, most child sexual assault occurs in and around the home and is committed by someone known and trusted  often loved,' she said.

'Young people just don't know what's normal anymore.'

Last year, nearly three times as many offenders were jailed for sexual penetration offences against a child, compared to rape offences against an adult.

The average sentence for rape was 78 months, while the average sentence for sexual penetration of a child was 57 months.

Sentencing Advisory Council chair Arie Freiberg said the discourse around child sex offences has changed dramatically.

'I think there's now an acceptance of the seriousness of the long-term consequences and the nature of the harm,' she said.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable has said it is 'more likely Brexit won't happen than it will', as Theresa May risks losing her crunch deal in Parliament this week.

The former coalition business secretary warned there would be a 'hell of a backlash' from Remainers if the Prime Minister's 'economically damaging' deal goes through the House of Commons.

Sir Vince said without a second referendum there will be chaos and the Tory Party risks being split in half.

Asked if Brexit would happen, Sir Vince said: 'I think increasingly I doubt it.

'I think it more likely that it won't happen the possibility of crashing out has been I think almost completely taken now off the table, reduces the risk of a Brexit and the increased probability of a People's Vote also makes it likely that the remain option can prevail.

'I'm not taking it for granted, even if we won a referendum, we'd have to win it and it would be very competitive, but I think it can be done with better campaigning than last time.'

Sir Vince Cable (pictured at a People's Vote rally in London yesterday) has said he thinks it is more likely Brexit won't happen than Theresa May getting her deal through the House of Commons

He said the country is 'already divided', adding: 'If we don't have it and a Brexit is imposed without a People's Vote, this anger and division will continue and it will probably grow because young people who are quite highly motivated to remain are going to feel very let down, particularly if the economic consequences are serious.'

He said Parliament 'reasserted control' after this week's historic triple defeat in the Commons exposed a 'minority Government without authority'.

On Labour's stance, Sir Vince added: 'We do agree that if there is a call for a general election, we will support it, but I think it's unlikely,' arguing his party had 'absolutely no intention of getting into a coalition with (Jeremy) Corbyn's Labour Party'.

Meanwhile, he said moderates in the Conservative Party are 'fighting back', but the Norwegian option that is being talked about 'has all kind of problems with it'.

He said: 'It's possible that the Tory Party could split in the way that they did over the Corn Laws.'

He added Labour's 'claim that they're gagging for a general election just isn't believable'.

The Liberal Democrats have launched a bid to force a second Brexit referendum by tabling an amendment to Tuesday's crucial House of Commons vote.

But the move has exposed divisions among supporters of a fresh poll, with the People's Vote campaign denouncing it as 'deeply unhelpful' and accusing the Lib Dems of 'political point-scoring'.

Liberal Democrats Leader Sir Vince Cable said he was leading his party `full throttle

Sir Vince, MP for Twickenham, suggested the 'massive fog of uncertainty' over Brexit might have implications for his own party leadership tenure.

He joked: 'Well it may leave me here indefinitely until I'm over a hundred or something, I think that's rather improbable, but it doesn't look as if it's going to be a done deal very soon.'

He added: 'If the next general election is three-and-a-half, four years away, I've made it very clear that I think the next generation should be leading us into that, but how precisely, when and where precisely we do this, given the general uncertainty, it's very difficult to name a day and I'm not trying to, but I'm leading the party full throttle in the meantime.

'I would be leading us into election if there were one soon.'

Asked about Tory former prime minister and coalition partner David Cameron's decision to hold the EU poll, he said: 'I think he himself realises that he has committed the mother of all disasters and this is going to go down in history as a disastrous political decision to hold a referendum and then to lose it.'
An audio recording has revealed the harrowing last words of journalist Jamal Khahsoggi as he was brutally killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

A source, who read a translated transcript of the recording, said that the journalist repeated several times 'I can't breathe' moments before his death.

The recording also captured the horrific sounds of Khashoggi's body being dismembered with a saw - while his alleged killers were told to listen to music to block out the noise.

The shocking recording has thrown even more doubt on Saudi claims that the killing was a botched rendition attempt and not an execution.

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi repeatedly told his captors he couldn't breathe as he was killed in October

Khashoggi can be heard struggling against his captors - who make a series of phone calls during his torture.

The calls suggest that the killers were keeping higher-ups updated with their butchering of the journalist.

Turkish officials claim the calls were made to senior figures in Riyadh.

The transcript, shared by CNN, tracks the moment Khashoggi first entered the consulate to pick up papers that would let him marry his Turkish finacee, Hatice Cengiz, who was waiting for him outside.

It was supposed to be a routine appointment, but the journalist was then confronted by a man he recognised and did not expect to be at the consulate.

Khashoggi can be heard asking the man what he is doing there.

According to CNN, the man is Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, a former Saudi diplomat and intelligence official working for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and known to Khashoggi from their time together at the Saudi Embassy in London.

He can be heard telling Khashoggi: 'You are coming back'.

The recording also captured the horrific sounds of Khashoggi's body being dismembered with a saw at the consulate

The journalist can be heard arguing back and saying that there are people waiting for him outside.

He is believed to have told his waiting fiancee to call associates if he didn't return.

Khashoggi is then set on by a several people, according to the transcript.

Despite Saudi officials suggesting he was accidentally choked to death, the journalist can be heard repeating: 'I can't breathe.'

The transcript notes that Khashoggi screams and gasps before dying and his body is then sawed.

The only other person named in the transcript is Dr Salah Muhammad al-Tubaiqi, the head of forensic medicine at Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry

Tubaiqi can be heard advising people to listen to music as they dismember the dead journalist.

Mutreb, who is updating someone throughout, then says: 'Tell yours, the thing is done, it's done.'

According to CNN, the transcript has been circulated to Turkish and Saudi allies, including those in Europe, but only the United States and Saudi Arabia have received the recording itself.

The office of one US senator, who has received a briefing on the investigation by CIA Director Gina Haspel, told CNN that the source's recollections of the transcript are 'consistent' with that briefing.
Dominic Raab accused Amber Rudd of sexism yesterday after she said that men at Westminster 'seem to flounce out quite a lot'.

The former Brexit secretary, who quit last month over Theresa May's deal, said the comments from the Work and Pensions Secretary sounded a 'bit sexist' to him.

When pressed about Miss Rudd's 'flounce' phrase, Mr Raab replied: 'Amber does this every now and again.

Dominic Raab (pictured left) has accused Amber Rudd (right) of sexism when she claimed men in Westminster 'flounce out quite a lot'

'She did it during the referendum when she personalised an attack on Boris Johnson. I'm not sure if that's aimed at me. It sounded frankly a bit sexist to me. The reality is, I stood up and tried to make it work.

'But I couldn't in good conscience go to Brussels and sign a deal with Michel Barnier that I feel would be so damaging to the British economy and devastating to our democracy.'

Speaking to Sophy Ridge On Sunday on Sky News, Mr Raab also accused UK officials of not doing enough to prevent the inclusion of the Irish backstop in the deal.

He said he suspected the deal will be voted down but could still be 'remedied' if the EU was willing to look again at the backstop.

After saying there were moments the UK could have 'pressed harder' on the backstop during the talks, Mr Raab said: 'You could see this backstop issue coming down the line. It was obvious. It wasn't a shock or a surprise.'

In an interview with Sophie Ridge On Sunday on Sky News Mr Raab also said he suspected the deal will be voted down but could be 'remedied'

He continued: 'What I am suggesting is that there is probably more flexibility than is being suggested and actually we should have taken a robust line back then and we certainly should be taking one now.'

Asked about Mrs May's future, he said: 'I think she could still, even in the event of a big loss on the vote  which we expect  I think she could still turn it round. But we need a change of approach.

'She needs to go back with a, if you like, a best final offer to the EU.'

Mr Raab also said he would not rule himself out of running for leader but stressed he would not 'get sucked into that debate'.
A Muslim preacher claims women are too 'sensitive and delicate' to remember things properly because they can't handle stress and pressure.

The niqab-wearing former Christian, Um Jamaal ud-Din, told her 27,000 Facebook followers why Islamic law regarded a woman's testimony as being worth half that of a man.

The hardline, female Muslim teacher from western Sydney, previously known as Mouna Parkin, claimed women were unreliable witnesses.

Muslim preacher Umm Jamaal ud-Din (pictured) claims women are too 'sensitive and delicate' to remember things properly because they can't handle stress and pressure

The Sunni religious instructor cited a verse in the Hadith, chronicling the actions of the Prophet Mohammad, which described women as being 'deficient in reasoning'.

'Due to a woman being more sensitive and delicate in her nature, her ability to accurately recall information may be affected in situations where she's required to bear witness for cases involving conflicting parties, since such situations usually involve fairly high levels of stress and pressure,' she said on Friday.

The Quran, in verse 2:282, states that a woman's word is worth half that of a man's in a legal court.

'If there are not two men, then a man and two women from those whom you accept as witnesses - so that if one of the women errs, then the other can remind her,' it says.

Former Christian Um Jamaal ud-Din (pictured) told her 27,000 Facebook followers why Islamic law regarded a woman's testimony as being worth half that of a man

Umm Jamaal ud-Din, a female fundamentalist Sunni preacher, said she wasn't arguing that women had an impaired intelligence or memory, when referring to the Hadith.

'The deficiency in reasoning is in reference ... to do with a woman's accuracy,' she said later in a Facebook comment clarifying her position.

In her initial social media post, she claimed menstruating women were unable to fast or pray and needed to make up her 'deficiency' by doing 'righteous deeds'.

The Muslim teacher, previously described by the ABC as an 'Islamic scholar', has previously told her followers it was a sin for women to pluck their eyebrows and that Valentine's Day was immoral because it originated as a Christian festival.

In October, she slammed Muslim women for wearing rainbow hijabs as a 'sexualised' fashion statement.

The hardline, female Muslim teacher from western Sydney, previously known as Mouna Parkin, claimed women were unreliable witnesses
Police are searching for a Colorado flight instructor who disappeared from a grocery store on Thanksgiving.

Mom-of-one Kelsey Berreth, 29, was last seen at a grocery store in Woodland Park on November 22. Three days later, Berreths mother called police.

Officers who were sent to conduct a welfare check in her home did not find her, according to EastIdahoNews.com.

It's unclear who was looking after her child.

Police in Woodland Park said that Berreths phone pinged near Gooding, Idaho sometime on November 25.

'It could just be a false ping, or it could be the actual last location for the activity of that phone,' Woodland Park police Commander Chris Adams told KEPR-TV.

Kelsey Berreth, 29, was last seen at a grocery store in Woodland Park on November 22

Berreth was last seen in Woodland Park, Colorado on Thanksgiving Day, but her cell phone sent a signal that was traced to an area 800 miles away in southern Idaho

Berreth, mother to a one-year-old child, is described as 5ft3in tall and weighing 110 pounds.

She was last seen wearing a white shirt, gray sweater, blue pants, and white shoes while carrying a brown purse.

Her family posted a notice on Facebook saying that the purse was the only thing missing from her home.

Berreths makeup kit, suitcases, and car are still at home.

Berreth, mother to a one-year-old child, is described as 5ft3in tall and weighing 110 pounds

Berreth is the mother to a one-year-old child (pictured last year with her child and an unidentified man)

Idaho authorities said that they have been notified Berreth could be in the state.

Berreth's brother, Clint, says that his sister is a flight instructor.

'We really have no idea, we dont have any more information on it,' Clint, a resident of Tacoma, Washington, told Q13 News.

'She's a flight instructor ... never done anything like this.'

JoDee Garretson, a cousin of Berreth who lives in Pasco, Washington, said it's unlike her to suddenly disappear.

'They're a very close-knit family. That's why I don't believe she'd just...' Garretson the stops mid-sentence to wipe away tears.

'She's got to see people are looking for her. She wouldn't put them through that.'

Garretson added: 'She's such a good person, a loving person.

'She's grounded and responsible. She has a one year old child, she wouldn't just leave her.'

If you have any information on Berreths whereabouts, contact the Woodland Park Police Department at (719)-687-9262.
An off-duty New York City firefighter was killed in a suspected road-rage incident following an early morning collision on a Brooklyn highway.

Police say officers responding to the Belt Parkway crash found 33-year-old Faizal Coto lying next to his damaged 2008 Ford Mustang with head trauma around 4.45am Sunday.

Coto was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Off-duty New York City firefighter, Faizal Coto (left and right), 33, was killed in a suspected road-rage incident following an early morning collision on a Brooklyn highway

Police say officers responding to the Belt Parkway crash (pictured) found Coto lying next to his damaged 2008 Ford Mustang with head trauma around 4.45am Sunday

The suspect fled the scene in a 2006 Infiniti G35 (pictured), gray or silver in color, with damage to the driver's side

The other driver involved in the collision fled the scene before officers arrived.

Police told the New York Post that surveillance video along the Verrazano Bridge shows Cotos car and another vehicle traveling side-by-side before they bump into each other.

They then pulled over and a physical altercation ensued.

Coto was then struck in the head with an unknown object.

According to police, the suspect fled the scene in a gray or silver 2006 Infiniti G35 with damage to the driver's side of the vehicle. The car has the New York State license plate JEA 2402.

Coto, who was with the fire department for three years, was assigned to a Coney Island engine company.

Coto (right), who was with the fire department for three years, was assigned to a Coney Island engine company

Coto (left) was also an aspiring rapper and hip hop artist performing under the name FAIYA. He recently posted on Facebook that he was getting back into his music and he thanked his fans for their support

He was also an aspiring rapper and hip hop artist performing under the name FAIYA.

Coto recently posted on Facebook that he was getting back into his music and he thanked his fans for their support.

Several family members and friends shared tributes on Coto's Facebook page.

Some described him as a 'great man' and others said 'this earth just loss an Angel'.

Police are asking for anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Crime Stoppers tip line at 800-577-TIPS.


A chauffeur to the Queen sexually abused a boy in his Buckingham Palace quarters and another young boy at a relatives home, but died before he could be charged.

Alwyn Stockdale, 81, admitted attacking a ten-year-old boy and a boy aged under 14 in the 1970s.

Stockdale, who was retired, died of natural causes in hospital last week, but was due to be charged with indecently assaulting one of the boys and with three offences of gross indecency on the second youngster, according to The Sun.

Alwyn Stockdale, 81, was a driver for the Queen and sexually abused a boy in his Buckingham Palace quarters

The newspaper says prosecutors had told police to charge Stockdale with the offences.

The alleged victim, a man now in his 50s, told police he had been assaulted when he was ten, with detectives allegedly taking 19 months to track Stockdale down.

Stockdale is said to have lived in Royal Household quarters at Buckingham Palace Mews at the time and later lived in a cottage on the Windsor estate.

He attacked one of the boys at the West Yorkshire home of a relative, who was also a royal servant, but who was unaware of the alleged crime.

A source said: The victims are understandably upset that Stockdale will not face justice. Theyve lived with what he did all their adult lives.

There are questions over why it took so long for police to identify and get round to questioning Stockdale.

Stockdale is believed to have lived in Royal Household quarters at Buckingham Palace Mews while serving as a chauffeur to the Queen

Given his age, it was a race against time to bring him to justice.

But like Jimmy Savile and the MP Cyril Smith, he died before that could happen.

The Metropolitan Police said it is aware of the report, but was unable to comment at that time.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
Boeing Business Jets said it is launching the BBJ 777X, a new Boeing Business Jet model that can fly more than half way around the world without stopping, farther than any business jet ever built.



Our most exclusive customers want to travel with the best space and comfort and fly directly to their destination. The new BBJ 777X will be able to do this like no other airplane before it, redefining ultra-long range VIP travel, said Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets, at the bi-annual Middle East Business Aviation Association Show (MEBAA).



Customers can choose between two models: the BBJ 777-8 and BBJ 777-9. The BBJ 777-8 offers the longest range of 11,645 nautical miles (21,570 km) and a spacious 3,256 sq ft (302.5 sq m) cabin.



The BBJ 777-9 provides an even larger cabin measuring 3,689 sq. ft. (342.7sqm), while still offering ultra-long range of 11,000 nautical miles (20,370 km). This model opens up almost unlimited interior design options to ensure ultimate comfort for long distance travel.



To demonstrate the versatility of the airplanes spacious cabin, BBJ unveiled interior concepts from three leading design firms: Greenpoint Technologies, Jet Aviation, and Unique Aircraft Design. Each concept shows how the BBJ 777X can be transformed to suit the tastes of any VIP customer.



The strength of the BBJ fleet of airplanes was highlighted at the air show as Boeing announced it recently booked another order for its BBJ MAX family. The order from an unidentified customer brings total orders for the BBJ MAX to 21.



Based on Boeings best-selling 737 MAX airplane, the BBJ MAX offers more than three times the cabin space as most of its competitors, a lower cabin altitude, and the ability to fly 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km).



Boeing Business Jets offers a portfolio of ultra-large-cabin, long-range airplanes that are perfectly suited for business and private, charter, corporate and head-of-state operations. The product line includes the BBJ MAX family and high performance versions of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, 777X, and 747-8. Since its launch in 1996, Boeing Business Jets has delivered 234 jets on 261orders.  TradeArabia News Service
Michael Gove has pledged to introduce a new legal obligation on ministers to win a better deal for UK fishermen after Brexit.

The Environment Secretary announced an amendment to the Fisheries Bill to give them a fairer share of fishing rights.

It would legally oblige the secretary of state to secure more when negotiating a future fishing deal than the UK receives now under the Common Fisheries Policy.

On average, between 2012 and 2016, other EU member states' vessels landed about 760,000 tonnes of fish (540million revenue) annually caught in UK waters.

Michael Gove has pledged to introduce a new legal obligation on ministers to win a better deal for UK fishermen after Brexit

While UK vessels landed about 90,000 tonnes of fish (110million revenue) from other member states' waters.

Mr Gove also announced 37.2million of extra funding to boost the UK fishing industry during the transition period.

This would pay for better technology to improve safety and reduce environmental impact, and better port infrastructure. It will also be spent on boosting coastal communities and helping the sector adjust to the post-Brexit world.

This is in addition to the current European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) contribution, which is roughly 32million a year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said.

The Government has already committed to match EMFF funding with about 60million  so the extra funding will support more projects and the sector will benefit by a total of 320m, Defra said.

Mr Gove said: 'We will secure a fairer share of fishing opportunities for the whole of the UK fishing industry as we leave the EU. The amendment will give legal weight to this commitment.'
Hundreds of teachers are struggling with spelling, numeracy and the basics of their subjects, reports by school inspectors suggest.

Analysis of Ofsted ratings shows many make mistakes during lessons or when marking work, leaving children confused.

In some examples uncovered by the Mail, teachers were actually inserting errors into pupils' work.

Analysis of Ofsted ratings shows teachers make many mistakes during lessons. Stock picture shows a teacher pointing at a blackboard

Other cases involved teachers displaying 'weak subject knowledge' and offering 'muddled and confusing explanations'.

The findings show most mistakes are taking place at primaries, when children are learning the basics of core subjects such as English, maths and science.

Campaigners say it suggests some teachers themselves are so poorly educated they are passing on their mistakes to youngsters.

The findings come from analysis of 280 schools inspected by Ofsted over the past few years and graded 'inadequate' for teaching.

At least 22 were identified as having teachers who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, or knowledge of the curriculum.

In one example from last year, inspectors at Dines Green Primary in Worcester found that 'teachers make mistakes when teaching English and mathematics which leads to pupils becoming confused'.

In some examples uncovered by the Mail, teachers were actually inserting errors into pupils' work. Stock picture shows school children and a teacher sitting cross legged

At Wilkes Green Infant School in Handsworth, Birmingham, a teacher 'used incorrect grammar in their written feedback to pupils about their work' in 2016.

This year at Dormers Wells Infants in Southall, west London, teachers had 'weak subject knowledge' which led to 'misconceptions in pupils'.

Last year at Central CE Academy in Chichester, West Sussex, inspectors noted 'sometimes adults unintentionally introduce errors into pupils' work, including spelling'.

And also last year at Edenbridge Primary in Kent, Ofsted said: 'Some teachers' subject knowledge is poor. At times, they offer pupils muddled and confusing explanations of concepts in mathematics and English grammar'.

Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said: 'Many teachers too were failed by their schooling. They are incapable of providing the next generation with basic skills and core knowledge.

'We are the only country in the developed world where grandparents out-perform their grandchild.'

When approached for comment, many of the schools said they now have new leadership teams which have made improvements since the inspections were carried out.

School standards minister Nick Gibb said: 'We are confident in the quality of our teachers and their teaching. As part of initial teacher training, all teachers must pass tests in numeracy and literacy to achieve qualified teacher status.'

Children who have books at home are three times as likely to have good reading skills than those who don't, a study found.

The National Literacy Trust found reading for pleasure at home, particularly at pre-school age, gives children a head start, with 12 per cent who had books at home reading above their age level, compared with just 4 per cent who had none.

Clare Butcher, head of Edenbridge Primary, said that since the inspection the school had acquired a new sponsor and a significant focus has been placed upon the curriculum.

She added: A thorough training programme for all staff on specific curriculum areas has also been implemented since the inspection.

Princethorpe Junior School has also had new leaders appointed and Ofsted have said they are happy with the measures being taken to make improvements, including substantial teacher training.

A spokesman for Central CE Academy said it had made significant improvements since the inspection and Ofsted recently praised strengths in teachers subject knowledge when they revisited the school.

A spokesman for Dormers Wells said: Since the inspection, a number of teachers have left, and the school has made significant improvements in teaching and learning.

Meanwhile, Wilkes Green has had a new head teacher, Mangal Singh, since the school received the critical inspection report.

He said yesterday: There have been substantial changes to staffing since the inspection.

In the most recent Ofsted inspection in November 2018, inspectors praised the new senior leadership team for the marked improvement in the quality of teaching and confirmed that they are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures.

A spokesman for Dines Green said the school came out of special measures last month and a newer report has since been published which indicates improvement in the quality of teaching.
A female officer who appears to have taken her own life inside the Australian Federal Police's headquarters has been lovingly remembered as a 'kind' with a 'heart of gold'.

Sergeant Samantha Baglin, 44, was found dead in the organisation's Edmund Barton Building in Canberra on Sunday.

She had won medals for her outstanding work with the police, and counselled Australian family members of passengers who died on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 which was shot down by a Russian missile in 2014.

A close friend of Sgt Baglin, Katie Tonacia, said she was 'devastated' and called for a Royal Commission into the spate of suicide deaths by Federal Police officers.

Another friend said Sgt Baglin - who married only a year ago - was a 'big-hearted and sensitive person' who 'loved being a cop and loved helping people'.

Sergeant Samantha Baglin, 44, was found dead in the organisation's Edmund Barton Building in Canberra on Sunday.

She had won medals for her outstanding work with the police, and counselled Australian family members of passengers who died on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 which was shot down by a Russian missile in 2014

Sgt Baglin's death comes only six weeks after another senior officer took his own life inside the headquarters, which is the fourth suicide in less than two years.

Ms Tonacia - a former AFP agent and a finalist for Australian of the Year - told news.com.au her friend was upset with the working environment in the AFP.

'(She was) desperate to see change within the organisation and wanted to see mental health education implemented,' Ms Tonacia said.

'If she'd identified as mentally unwell to the AFP it would have gone against her in her career and she loved her career.'

The pair met through a group formed to support officers struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ms Tonacia's husband David - who is medically retired from the AFP - claimed the organisation failed to properly support officers with mental health issues.

Sgt Baglin worked as a family liaison officer in Perth with the Maslin family, who lost three children and a grandfather on flight MH17, which was shot down in 2014.

Sgt Baglin's death comes only six weeks after another senior officer took his own life inside the headquarters, which is the fourth suicide in less than two years

A spokesperson for the AFP confirmed that a female officer 'appears to have taken her own life', with a report for the Coroner currently being compiled.

She was an experienced member of the AFP, The Canberra Times reported.

A source from within the AFP told news.com.au she had been seeking professional help but was 'let down by the organisation', while another said: 'It's happened again.'

Another source told the publication the officer was 'only young as well'.

Her death comes exactly six weeks after Superintendent Richard Roberts went to work in the Edmund Barton Building and was found dead inside. His death was treated as suicide.

At the time, Commissioner Andrew Colvin sent a nation-wide email and video memo to Supt. Roberts' colleagues, informing them of his death.

He is expected to have to repeat the process in the next day.

A further two members took their own lives at the Melbourne office in 2017.

Lifeline - 13 11 14
he company is worth about 37million and employs 45,000 in the UK

One of the Government's largest contractors is seeking a rescue deal as it struggles with debts of over 600million.

Interserve, which works with the NHS, schools and prisons, has asked lenders for a bailout for the second time in a year ahead of repayments that are due in early 2019.

The company is worth about 37million and employs 45,000 in the UK.

But it is on course to have a debt mountain of at least 625million by the end of this year, sparking fears of a Carillion-style collapse.

Interserve has seen its shares plunge by more than 75 per cent this year as investors fret over the outsourcing industry, where major Government projects have wafer-thin profit margins [File photo]

The growing debt has seen Interserve hit by rising interest payments while it is also facing problems with one of its large contracts.

The mounting pressure on Interserve follows the demise of Carillion, which went bust in January owing nearly 7billion. That threw hundreds of projects into turmoil and jeopardised thousands of jobs.

Interserve's projects include improving a junction of the M5, managing services at King George Hospital in east London, and upgrading sewers for Northumbrian Water.

It is also the largest provider of probation services, supervising about 40,000 offenders.

The company received a bailout in March but it now finds itself asking creditors, including HSBC and RBS, for more help after its debts grew faster than expected.

Creditors have been asked to lighten the firm's debts in exchange for shares.

The collapse of Carillion threw hundreds of projects into turmoil and jeopardised thousands of jobs [File photo]

Chief executive Debbie White said: 'Our discussions with our lenders are a positive step in the process that was agreed in April. The fundamentals of our business remain strong.'

A source close to Interserve's lenders said talks so far had been 'supportive'.

The mounting pressure on Interserve follows the demise of Carillion, which went bust in January owing nearly 7billion [File photo]

Interserve has seen its shares plunge by more than 75 per cent this year as investors fret over the outsourcing industry, where major Government projects have wafer-thin profit margins.

This means they can quickly turn into expensive failures if something goes wrong.

Interserve recently warned that a project in Derby to create a plant that turns rubbish into energy was behind schedule.

Along with other outsourcers, Interserve has been asked by the Government to draw up a 'living will' to prevent public services being plunged into chaos if it collapses.

Labour yesterday called for Interserve to be banned from bidding for public contracts.

Jon Trickett, shadow minister for the Cabinet Office, said: 'The Government must ensure they are prevented from bidding for public sector contracts until they have proved they are financially stable and there is no risk to the taxpayer.'

Last night a Government spokesman said: 'The company successfully raised new debt facilities earlier this year, and we fully support them in their long-term recovery plan.'
Tesla CEO Elon Musk dismissed the idea that the company's new chairwoman can exert control over his behavior during a wide ranging interview on Sunday where he lamented his 'terrible, violent' childhood and laughed off the idea that he was erratic.

Speaking with CBS's 60 Minutes, Musk played down the power that Robyn Denholm, Tesla's new chairwoman, has over him.

'It's not realistic in the sense that I am the largest shareholder in the company. I can just call for a shareholder vote and get anything done that I want,' he said.

Musk appointed Denholm himself earlier this year as part of a deal with the SEC which mandated that he step down as chairman for three years.

The deal was his punishment for tweeting that he was taking Tesla private for $420-a-share, a move which made the markets jump and which SEC regulators ruled was fraudulent.

The 47-year-old was allowed to stay on as CEO but was also required to pay a $20million fine.

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Elon Musk played down Tesla chairwoman Robyn Denholm's power in an interview on Sunday by saying he could still get 'anything' he wanted done because he was the company's largest individual shareholder with a 20 percent stake

In his interview on Sunday, he said he would not be interested in resuming his chairman role after three years, saying: 'I actually prefer to have no titles at all.'

He also suggested that he may try to scoop up some of the General Motors plants when they close next year, saying coyly: 'It's possible that we would be interested, [that] if they were going to sell a plant or not use it, that we would take it over.'

He also laughed off his erratic tweets by saying they are how he 'expresses' himself and telling interviewer Lesley Stahl: 'I am just being me.'

Despite the SEC ruling that his tweets have to now be monitored, Musk said none had been checked and that if it gets to the stage where all of them are, it would be an infringement on his First Amendment right.

'The only tweets that would have to be reviewed would be if a tweet had a probability in causing a movement in the stock.

'Otherwise it's hello first amendment. Freedom of speech is fundamental.'

He described Twitter as a 'war zone', adding: 'If somebody is going to jump into the war zone it's like, "You're in the arena. Let's go."'

He also said that many of his erratic tweets during the summer when he called a diver trying to rescue trapped Thai boys a 'pedo' came at a time when he was under 'insane' stress.

'I am somewhat impulsive and I don't really want to try to adhere to some CEO template. I am just being me.

'I am somewhat impulsive and I don't really want to try to adhere to some CEO template. I am just being me.

'Under insane stress and crazy hours but the system would have failed if I was truly erratic,' he said.

Asked how Tesla would stop his tweets from swaying the market again if none of them were being checked, he laughed: 'I guess we might make some mistakes.

'Who knows. Nobody's perfect.'

Musk, who owns about 20 percent of Tesla, said that while he agreed to adhere to the SEC's punishment, he did not respect the organization.

'I want to be clear. I do not respect the SEC. I do not respect them,' he said firmly.

He also spoke frankly about his 'terrible' childhood in Pretoria, South Africa, and described leaving home 'aged 17 with a backpack of clothes and a suitcase of books.'

Asked by Stahl if he had had a happy childhood, he said: 'No, it was terrible,' adding: 'It was very violent. It was not a happy childhood.'

She then remarked that she had heard him speak in the past about being bullied, to which he replied: 'I was almost beaten to death if you call that bullied.'

He added of his father, Errol: 'My father has serious issues.'

Musk has spoken in the past about his father and how he abused him as a child. DailyMail.com previously revealed that Errol, 72, had fathered a baby with his 30-year-old stepdaughter.

Musk was jovial in other parts of the interview where he dismissed any suggestion he smoked marijuana habitually or that Tesla could not survive with him at the helm, an idea he said was 'hilarious'

Elsewhere in the interview, Musk lamented the 'unfair' and 'outrageous' criticism he received earlier in the year from naysayers who did not think he would meet production targets.

He had set himself a goal to produce 5,000 new cars per week, a tall order which required him setting up a third, makeshift production line in the parking lot of the Tesla factory in Fremont, California, to meet.

If he had not introduced the third production line, the company would have folded, he said.

'There has been relentless criticism - relentless, outrageous and unfair. What actually happened here was an incredible American success story.

'All these people work their ass off day and night to make it happen and they believe in the dream.

'That's the story that really should be told,' he said.

'If you're trying to step up to something which is 1000% more than any other program you have ever done, you have to bet the company. There is no option.

'It was life or death. We were losing $50, sometimes $100million a week. We were running out of money. That's scary,' he added.

Praising his team, he continued: 'This whole thing that you see here was a pretty miraculous effort from the whole team to create a general assembly line out of nothing in 3 weeks.

'Those betting against the company by conventional standards were right that we would fail but they just did not count on the situation nor creating an assembly line in a parking lot in a tent.

'It increased our output by 50 percent.'

Denholm has been on Tesla's board for five years.

She is the chief financial officer and strategy head at Telstra Corp. Ltd., Australia's largest telecommunications company, but will step down from that company after a six-month notice period and work at Tesla full-time.

Elsewhere in the interview, Musk played down a video of him smoking marijuana earlier in the year which spiked investor and consumer fears in the company.

He said it proved he did not know how to smoke cannabis or any other type of drug.
The first class passenger who gave up his seat to a Florida mother who was traveling with her sick baby to Phildelphia Children's hospital has spoken out about his kind deed.

DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal that the generous man in seat 2D on American Airlines flight 588 from Orlando to Philadelphia last week is 46-year-old Jason Kunselman, an industrial engineer from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Jason had been flying back to his home state after working on a project in Florida when he saw Kelsey Zwick, with her 11-month-old baby daughter Lucy, waiting to board the plane to Philadelphia.

Jason Kunselman, 41, has been identified as the man in seat 2D who gave up his seat for a mother with a chronically ill 11-month-old baby daughter

Zwick said she and Lucy, one of two premature twins, had boarded American Airlines flight 588 when a flight attendant approached them and informed them a passenger in first class wanted to switch seats

Kelsey Rae Zwick was traveling from Orlando to Philly with her 11-month-old daughter, Lucy, for treatment at the Children's Hospital when a complete stranger made a touching gesture

'She had an oxygen machine for her daughter. It couldn't be put over her head and , she had to have it with her the whole time. It was so touching seeing the little girl with her oxygen. I was tearing up as I saw her,' Kunselman told DailyMail.com.

'Kelsey was pre-boarding and I saw the young mother traveling with a child that needed oxygen. She was so tiny.'

Kelsey was taking the infant to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia because her baby suffers from severe chronic lung disease as a result of a complication during the pregnancy.

Upon seeing how small baby Lucy was and the fact she needed to travel with specialist medical equipment, the American Airlines Executive Platinum frequent flier thought nothing of the gesture he was about to make and offered her his comfy spacious seat at the front of the plane.

Jason said that he was also tearing up as he switched seats seeing how tiny the baby girl was

The touching gesture, which Ms Zwick said she 'can't wait to tell Lucy someday', brought her to tears. Kelsey has since been in touch with Jason. She said, 'the world clearly needed kindness'

'I expected to see her in the front since she had the oxygen machine with her but when I boarded she was in the back. So I asked the flight attendant if she thought the young lady with the baby would be more comfortable in my seat.

He approached a flight attendant and asked if the mother and baby he had seen might be more comfortable sitting in first class.

As the pair switched seats, Jason could see that Kelsey was crying with gratitude. But the emotion also got to Jason too, who began to tear up at what he had just witnessed.

'I just hoped that she had a better flight with more room,' he said.

His act of kindness saw him occupying Kelsey's previous seat at the back of the plane. He jokes that being so far back almost caused him to miss his connection to Harrisburg.

Lucy, a twin born 11 weeks early, stayed in the NICU for 100 days after she was born. Her sister stayed 86 days

The past two years have been quite a journey for Kelsey Zwick, her husband, and their twin daughters, Lucy and Eva. The girls were born at 29 weeks weighing just over 2lbs each

After the flight was over, lots of passengers on board the plane thanked him for his gesture.

Meanwhile, Jason, who flies around four times a week for work and has American Airlines' top frequent flier level of status, thought nothing more of his good deed until Kelsey wrote about her experience on Facebook.

'To the man in 2D. Today you were traveling from Orlando to Philly. I don't know you, but I imagine you saw us somewhere. I was pushing a stroller, had a diaper bag on my arm and also lugging an oxygen machine for my daughter.

Jason was told that his good deed had gone viral after wife, Kristy, saw the story online

'We had smiles on our faces as we were headed to see her 'friends' at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)', Zwick began in her much-talked-about Facebook post.

'We pre-boarded the plane, got cozy in our window seat and made jokes to those around us about having to sit by my yelling-but-happy baby. The flight attendant came over and told me you were waiting to switch seats. You were giving up your comfortable, first class seat to us.

Kelsey said that the good deed offered by the fellow passenger reminded her how 'blessed' she and her husband, Yuri, are.

'Not able to hold back tears, I cried my way up the aisle while my daughter Lucy laughed!

'She felt it in her bones too... real, pure, goodness. I smiled and thanked you as we switched but didn't get to thank you properly.

'Sooo... thank you. Not just for the seat itself but for noticing.

'For seeing us and realizing that maybe things are not always easy. For deciding you wanted to show a random act of kindness to US. It reminded me how much good there is in this world. I can't wait to tell Lucy someday. In the meantime... we will pay it forward. AA 588 passenger in seat 2D, we truly feel inspired by your generosity.'

Her posting subsequently went viral with more than 600,000 likes and 400,000 shares.

American AIrlines have also responded to the story: 'We truly appreciate the kindness of the gentleman in 2D. We were able to connect the two of them together, and our team is reaching out to him as well to extend our thanks for the kind gesture. In the words of Kelsey, we also want to pay it forward with our thanks and appreciation,' a spokesperson said.

It doesn't appear Ms Zwick has found the mystery man yet but in the meantime she said she promises to 'pay it forward'

Ms Zwick shared the story on Facebook in hopes to find the man. It quickly went viral and had many people were left in tears after reading her tale

Kelsey says she hopes others are inspired to go out and do good for others after hearing their story.

'You never know what people are going through. So many people helped us along the way. One small act of kindness is a ripple effect!' she said. 'And when you get to the other side of your struggle  whatever that looks like  pay it forward!'

'Thank you to the man in 2D! The world is hungry for kindness... and I hope this expands far beyond what happened to us yesterday,' she concluded.

Jason's wife, Kristy, noticed that the story was spreading across the internet over the weekend and American Airlines have since put Jason and Kelsey in touch with one another.

'Thank you doesn't cover it,' Kelsey wrote to him in a private message. 'The world clearly needed your kindness.'
Commuters suffered 'carnage' today as the first UK train timetable change since the chaotic introduction of new schedules in May was put to the test.

Frustrated passengers faced fresh disruption on Thameslink services in South East England this morning despite network bosses planning fewer changes this time.

The travellers sarcastically labelled it a 'stunning' and 'excellent' start as their trains were cancelled, while one said it was an 'absolute s*** show as per usual'.

It comes after industry body the Rail Delivery Group had warned there may be 'some impact on punctuality as the new timetable beds in' after its introduction.

Similar remarks were made by the RDG before the last major changes in May, when commuters were left stranded by thousands of delayed or cancelled services.

Richard Barrett tweeted: 'I see the new timetable hasn't improved your performance! Stuck outside St Albans waiting for.. guess what... one of your late trains to move!'

Matthew Moriarty added: 'Great start to the new timetable. Cancelling the two key 'get to the office for 9am' services is a fine start.'

And Lee James said: 'Stunning start to the new timetable, Thameslink. Waited for two different trains, both of which have been cancelled.'

In May, worst-hit were 8,000 Thameslink and Great Northern services - run by Govia Thameslink Railway - and 5,000 run by Northern, which were cancelled or severely delayed.

Both companies could face fines in the New Year following an investigation into whether they breached their operating licences.

The fiasco led to the introduction of emergency timetable services in which trains were cancelled or replaced by buses for weeks on end.

In one case, trains were delayed by a lack of drivers qualified to take them through a newly-built tunnel in North London.

The winter timetable was officially launched yesterday without incident but today is the first weekday the revamped service will be used by millions of commuters.

And a Govia Thameslink Railway spokesman told MailOnline this morning: 'The new Thameslink and Great Northern timetable has been running to plan with any disruption the result of normal day-to-day issues, such as a signal failure in south London and a person taken ill on a train.

'We would like to thank passengers for their patience and our staff for their hard work in introducing these improvements.'

As for Northern Rail, which was also badly hit in May, a handful of commuters complained about delays on Twitter this morning. But the new timetable's introduction appeared to be going mostly to plan.

What are the changes to Thameslink and Great Northern trains? From today, 200 additional weekday services are being introduced on Thameslink and Great Northern routes. Some 30 additional services will operate during the morning and evening peak and 170 services off-peak. There will be 32 additional peak and 170 off peak trains, with most current services already in the timetable staying unchanged. This takes the total number of daily services across the Govia Thameslink Railway network to 3,600 from 3,400 in July. Extra peak services will operate across the network from Cambridge, Peterborough, Brighton, St Albans, Horsham, Rainham, Luton, Orpington, East Grinstead, Bedford and on the Wimbledon loop. Most Southern and Gatwick Express services will remain unchanged and there will be no change to weekend services. As part of the introduction, 12 night services will be introduced from January 7. The additional 32 peak services will create an increase from two trains per hour (tph) to 4tph throughout the day on the Catford Loop in South East London; from 3tph to 4tph on the Great Northern metro route to and from Welwyn Garden City and Hertford North, and from 1tph to 2tph on the Rainham line in north Kent, plus many gaps filled. Advertisement

Yesterday, Anthony Smith, from passenger watchdog Transport Focus, said: 'This time around passengers expect the rail industry to drive a smooth set of timetable improvements.

'Passengers paid a hefty price for the catalogue of over optimism, missed deadlines and blurred accountability that led to a summer of timetable crisis and ensuing chaos. To regain their trust, passengers need to see that lessons have been learned.

'Looking forward, someone must be placed clearly in charge of major timetable changes in future, to ensure robust oversight and with the power to hit the stop button when something is not going to work.'

The RDG, which represents train operating companies, said changes for the winter timetable have been 'smaller than those seen earlier this year' to minimise the risk of problems.

Improvements include the introduction of 200 additional weekday services on Thameslink and Great Northern.

But Northern, which has had up to 10 per cent of its trains out of action due to wheel damage caused by leaves on the line, admitted its service would still not be up to scratch.

Hundreds of the company's trains have had fewer carriages than usual, causing sometimes severe overcrowding, and it said the problems could 'last until at least next May'.

In the month to November 11, 1,162 of Northern's trains lacked the normal number of carriages and some were axed altogether.

Later last month, services on the Preston to Ormskirk line in Lancashire were cancelled for an entire week.

Raj Chandarana, stakeholder manager for Northern, told a public meeting in Manchester that May's timetable crisis had led to a 'horrendous' shortage of trains - worsened by the wheel damage issue.

He said: 'We are doing what we can but in reality until the infrastructure improvements happen we are not able to use the trains that are fit for purpose on electrified tracks and it won't be until May next year at the earliest that we'll be in a position to say at peak there won't be short-formed trains.'

When timetable changes came in in May the worst-hit were 8,000 Thameslink (pictured) and Great Northern services - run by Govia Thameslink Railway - and 5,000 run by Northern, which were cancelled or severely delayed

Northern blamed Network Rail for delays on electrification projects on major lines, which meant diesel trains on those routes could still not be released for use elsewhere.

Mr Chandarana said: 'We've tried to plug the gap with existing stock and by borrowing trains from other operators.'

'The situation we face is one that is hugely regrettable.' Greater Manchester authorities estimate a 5 per cent rise in traffic coming into the city has been generated by the rail disruption, which also includes Northern guards striking every Saturday.

Robert Nisbet, regional director of the RDG, admitted there could be 'some pockets of disruption' on the network today and urged passengers to check the new timetables before they travel.

It comes after a report into May's timetable chaos by Professor Stephen Glaister, chairman of watchdog body the Office for Rail and Road, warned train companies had a battle to restore 'trust and confidence'.

Mr Nisbet said: 'Over the next few years, we are committed to delivering a step change in the quality and reliability of rail services through huge investment in infrastructure so that thousands of extra services can run.

'We know that people in some areas might be concerned about another timetable change but as the Glaister Review acknowledges the rail industry has worked together to start learning the lessons from May.

'As with the introduction of any new timetable, there may be some pockets of disruption as people get used to new journeys and train times, so we advise people to check before travelling.'

He added that improvements over the next three years would include introduction of 7,000 new carriages and hundreds of fully refurbished trains, supporting 6,400 extra services a week by 2021.

Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, said: 'The railway industry (took) a long hard look at its plans for the timetable change in December and, taking into account recent painful lessons, the industry has scaled back its ambition and tempered it with a more cautious, phased approach.

'The railway is too vital for the health and wealth of our country to risk a repeat of the mistakes of May and this more balanced approach of ambition and caution is absolutely the right thing to do for the millions who rely on our railway every day.'
Dubai South, the rebranded Dubai World Central, has unveiled its flagship commercial property, Aviation One, on the sidelines of Mebaa 2018, a leading business aviation exhibition in the Middle East region.



The three-day event kicked off today (December 10) at the DWC, Airshow Site.



An upcoming 145-sq-km urban city development, Dubai South boasts a world-class, integrated aviation and aerospace ecosystem that is designed to serve the needs of all related sectors.



Unveiling the modern business address in the heart of the new aviation capital of the world, was one of many activities Aviation District, Dubai South had during Mebaa show 2018.



Other activities included hosting VIP guests to introduce them to the facilities of the VIP terminal, as well as signings with other aviation partners.



Speaking at the launch, Tahnoon Saif, the CEO of Aviation District at Dubai South, said: "The Aviation one is a premium and one-stop shop business facility. A unique commercial complex in new Aviation District at Dubai South, Aviation One is located next to the VIP Terminal the heart of the General Aviation District at Dubai South."



Tahnoon Saif stressed the full support of Aviation District to Mebaa Show.



He emphasized the importance of Mebaa in promoting market through highlighting matters of interest to the aviation business and community.-TradeArabia News Service
A long-term Sydney drug user says there are dodgy MDMA pills being sold in Sydney, and just half of one left her unable to move and hallucinating

A long-term Sydney drug user says dodgy MDMA pills are being sold around the city, and just half of one tablet left her hallucinating and unable to move.

Emma, 37, has been using drugs recreationally since 1996. She says she had used a dealer she knew and trusted, and believed she was taking MDMA.

The woman told Daily Mail Australia she had started off by halving one of the pills with a friend to get a feel for the drug, and says she feels lucky she didn't take a full one.

'We could barely move, we couldn't even get down the stairs,' she said. 'We only had half a pill each - I know heaps of people who double dunk [take two pills at once], and I thought: 'If we'd done that...', it was so scary.'

Emma said the pill 'messed with her central nervous system', and left her feeling wet all over and hallucinating.

After researching the pill, and hearing a smaller dose could produce a less frightening high, she tried the drug again a week later, with a different friend.

'I was more sober, but it meant I was more aware of what was going wrong,' she said, noting the friend also suffered a bad reaction.

'You couldn't make sense of the world around you.'

Emma says being unable to test her pills meant she was only able to rely on the trust she had in her drug dealer - and claims thousands of drug users are in the same boat.

'People walk into raves and take two or three at the same time,' she said. 'If you're getting them from the same person, you think it's going to be the same [as what you've had before].'

The woman, aged in her late 30's, says she bought light blue/grey pills with a Mercedes logo on them from a trusted dealer, believing they were MDMA, but quickly discovered something was very wrong (similar pictured)

Callum Brosnan, from Baulkham Hills, was found in a 'distressed state' at a train station near the event, and rushed to hospital just before 1.30am, before dying of a suspected overdose after attending a dance festival in Sydney

The Knockout Games of Destiny Rave was held at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday and hosted 18,000 people. Three others aside from Mr Brosnan were left fighting for their lives after also suffering suspected overdoses

The argument for pill testing has been headline news twice in the past three months, with young people dying from overdoses, or becoming critically ill as a result, at two high profile dance festivals; Defqon and Knockout.

Experts and some politicians have thrown their support behind the idea, as have drug users, who are becoming afraid of what they could be taking.

The World Drug Report 2017 says between 2009 and 2016, 106 countries and territories reported 739 new psychoactive substances to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Paul Dillon, the founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, told Daily Mail Australia these substances were often sold as MDMA or ecstasy and were designed to mimic the effects.

'It's always been dangerous [to take drugs], but the issue is now that there are far more substances around,' he said.

Paul Dillon, the founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, said many new substances being created in labs were designed to act like ecstasy, but had unknown dangers

Poll Would pill testing save lives? Yes No Unsure Would pill testing save lives? Yes 129 votes

No 48 votes

Unsure 12 votes Now share your opinion





Emma says while she and others are more afraid than they were previously, bad experiences would not be enough to stop illicit drug use.

'There's nothing that's going to stop people taking drugs,' she said, claiming pill testing over an increased police presence would at least make the experience more safe.

'When we first started attending festivals, it was pretty easy to just pop it in a sandwich, there were no drug dogs, but now you see people just chuck a handful in their guts [to avoid police detection], and everyone is carrying them in their bum or their vagina,' she said.

'The more you push it, the more underground it goes.'

Emma said a zero tolerance policy from police did nothing but make it harder to ask for help if something went wrong.

'I know kids who are scared to tell ambos what they've taken, because they're scared they'll be charged,' she said.

'[When we had the dodgy pill], my friend and I were thinking about handing them in at a police station, but we realised we would probably be charged.'

Emma said being able to hand in bad pills could help to get them off the street, or to give emergency services a heads up on what to watch out for - both things that could save lives.

Mr Dillon said pill testing was proven to have reduced harm at festivals in the United Kingdom, but nothing would ever be able to completely exterminate the risk of an overdose or adverse reaction death.

'The problem is, all the signs things could be going wrong when you take a drug like ecstasy are also the signs the drug is working,' he said.

'One of the major signs something is going wrong with ecstasy is you start to overheat. Another one is sweating, disorientation... in some cases, you get things like seizures.'

62 people were found in possession of drugs at the festival, including an 18-year-old woman who was allegedly carrying 390 MDMA pills inside a condom hidden in her body

The drug expert said in his experience working with medical teams at dance festivals, one person could be in serious trouble, but everyone around them will have taken the same thing and not suffered at all.

'I think what people tend to forget about drugs, is individual difference,' he said. 'Everyone who takes a drug will have a different response, and that could change every time you take it.

'You don't know what you're taking, or what effect it will have on you.'

The drug researcher said heavier policing is a common government response to public outrage over drug deaths, but it has not done much to solve the problem.

'Drug use has not reduced at festivals or night clubs - people just take their drugs in a different way, or choose things not easily identified by drug dogs,' he said.

Mr Dillon said this use of 'visual' action, which he believes is used because it can be seen by the public, and often provides a polling boost to governments, has damaged the police's relationship with the public, especially at festivals.

'Police have always been an incredibly important part of dance events,' he said. 'It makes everyone smarten their act up, and people feel safe having police around.

'But now, the relationship with police has really been damaged. Which is really sad. Police are an incredibly important part of events, but [need to be] used in an appropriate way.'

On Sunday morning, 19-year-old Callum Brosnan died of a suspected drug overdose after attending the Knockout Games of Destiny Rave at Sydney Olympic Park the night before.

He was found 'having a fit' at the nearby train station, and was rushed to Concord Hospital about 1.30am, but died just hours later.

Three others, two women aged 19 and 25, and a 24-year-old man, were left fighting for their lives after suspected overdoses.

The tragic night comes just three months after 23-year-old Joseph Pham died at Defqon 1 of a heart attack caused by a suspected drug overdose.

Emma and Mr Dillon have both called for pill testing to be made available at events, but NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said the government will not introduce the service (pictured: Callum Brosnan who died of a suspected overdose early on Sunday morning)

On Monday, drug law reform campaign Take Control called for pill testing at festivals but NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian rejected this, saying the government would not endorse anything that normalises illegal drug taking.

'If we thought it would save a single life, of course, we would go down that path,' she said.

'Unfortunately what pill testing doesn't do is really take into account people's different physical attributes. What is safe for one person isn't safe for another.'

Police officers at the Knockout festival issued 69 banning notices and conducted more than 200 searches, with 62 people found in possession of drugs including an 18-year-old woman who was found with nearly 400 tablets internally concealed.

A 25-year-old man who was allegedly found with 145 MDMA capsules in his possession was also charged.

NSW Labor has promised to hold a drug summit in 2019 if the party is elected to government at the state election on March 23.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid has told allies he will launch a leadership challenge this week if the Brexit deal collapses and Theresa May is ousted as Prime Minister.

Mr Javid has reportedly begun to build a team of ministers to support his bid to become the first non-white Prime Minister, ahead of Tuesday's crunch Brexit deal vote in Parliament.

The Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt are both said to be sounding out potential supporters.

Boris Johnson, meanwhile, also hinted at a possible leadership bid after outlining his plans for another negotiation with the EU.

With Prime Minister Theresa May facing a crunch Parliament vote on Brexit in Parliament on Tuesday, several minister are said to be recruiting for leadership bids

Mr Javid has also reportedly made it clear that he would be able to support and manage a no-deal Brexit, an idea backed by the leader of the Commons, Andrea Leadsom.

And sources say that the 48 letters from MPs needed to trigger a leadership battle are likely to be submitted next week.

One Cabinet minister told The Sun: 'Sajid is tapping us up. He is very direct, but he's not offering jobs yet, which wouldn't be a good look'.

'He told me that Theresa's Brexit deal is s***, she'll be forced out when it falls, and he is then going to declare immediately', another senior Tory said.

It comes just days after Liz Truss, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, was said to have been overheard in a London restaurant talking up the prospects of the Home Secretary by a political activist.

She is said to have told her companion Zack Polanski: 'Sajid needs to be really ready to deal with that. It's going to be Sajid or Jeremy for leader. The only one who could beat them with members is Boris'.

One Cabinet minister revealed that Home Secretary Sajid Javid was tapping up potential allies in a bid to become the first non-white Prime Minister

The former banker's Commons aide Tory MP Simon Hoare and Treasury minister John Glen have allegedly spent two weeks recruiting Cabinet ministers.

Mr Glen told The Sun last night that he has talked up Mr Javid as a potential leader of the future to fellow Tory MPs, but also insisted: 'I fully support the PM and the efforts she has been making. No vacancy exists at the current time'.

The news of leadership challenges come after the Prime Minister was reported as deciding against postponing Tuesday's Brexit vote.

Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay insisted the vote will go ahead, despite fears that the government will suffer a heavy defeat.

Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, is also said to be sounding out potential supporters ahead of a leadership election

He also said that Mrs May would continue in office even if the government lost heavily.

This has led to fears among Brexiteers that Mrs May would then be unable to stop Parliament moving to a softer deal or even a second referendum.

They believe the defeat will propel a deluge of no confidence letters to Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers.

A former cabinet minister told the Times: 'I would be astonished if we don't get to 48 this week.'

Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the House of Commons, and the Home Secretary have both made it clear that he would be able to support a no-deal Brexit

Boris Johnson had earlier predicted that Mrs May will lose her crunch vote by a huge margin this week, as he told of the deep 'personal responsibility' he feels towards Brexit.

The former foreign secretary was among potential Brexiteer candidates on the fringes of the grassroots National Conservative Convention in Solihull at the weekend, an event that many saw as an early campaign opportunity.

Yesterday, Theresa May held a call with Donald Tusk as she considered delaying the crunch Brexit vote to squeeze more concessions out of the EU.

The PM spoke with the EU Council President just 48 hours before the Commons is due to decide the fate of her Brexit deal - and with it her probably her premiership too.

Earlier, Boris Johnson had also hinted at a possible leadership bid after outlining his plans for another negotiation with the EU

Number Ten remained tight-lipped about the deal, but Mr Tusk revealed it as he tweeted that it 'will be an important week for the fate of Brexit'.

Amid growing signs she is set to suffer a massive and humiliating defeat in the Commons, Mrs May could kick the vote back and return to Brussels insetad.

She is is being urged to emulate Margaret Thatcher and have a 'handbag moment' to force the EU to ditch the hated backstop plan.

It comes as she warned her warring party to back her Brexit deal or risk handing the keys to No10 to Jeremy Corbyn and leaving the UK in the EU permanently.

The Prime Minister mounted the last-ditch bid to win over her mutinous backbenchers after over 100 Tories threatened to rebel in the crunch vote.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says President Donald Trump is not totally clear until Special Counsel Robert Mueller shuts down his office and hands in the keys.

Christie said that Trump remains in legal jeopardy, though to what extent depends on what evidence Mueller and federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York have.

My view would be that you're not totally clear, nor is anyone, until Bob Mueller shuts down his office and hands in the keys, the former presidential candidate told ABC News.

While Trump still has reason to worry about Muellers probe, which is looking into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 elections, Christie says that the Michael Cohen situation was much more perilous for the White House than was Bob Mueller.

Former Gov. Chris Christie on President Trump tweeting that he's totally clear in the Russia probe: "You're not totally cleared nor is anyone until Bob Mueller shuts down his office and hands in the keys" https://t.co/tFeQIr8VeY #ThisWeek pic.twitter.com/bX4vjmtw38  This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 9, 2018

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says President Donald Trump is not totally clear until Special Counsel Robert Mueller shuts down his office and hands in the keys

Christie was reacting to Trump's tweet from Friday in which he declared he was 'totally cleared' even though it was learned he was implicated in a felony by his former fixer, Michael Cohen

Cohen, Trumps former lawyer and fixer, has given sworn statements to federal prosecutors implicating Trump in felony campaign finance violations.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Friday asked a judge to sentence Cohen to a substantial term of imprisonment for paying Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, $130,000 in hush money on Trumps behalf and evading taxes.

Cohen, who has been cooperating with Muellers probe into possible collusion between Russia and Trumps 2016 election campaign, pleaded guilty to the charges in August.

Cohen pleaded guilty last week to a separate charge by Muellers office that he lied to Congress about discussions over the construction of a proposed Trump Organization skyscraper in Moscow.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Friday asked a judge to sentence Cohen to a substantial term of imprisonment for paying Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, $130,000 in hush money on Trumps behalf and evading taxes. Trump is seen above in Philadelphia on Saturday

After the sentencing memo in Cohens case was filed on Friday, Trump tweeted: Totally clears the President. Thank you!

But many, including Christie, said the tweet by Trump was incorrect and counterproductive.

There's no way you can make this shorter but theres lots of ways you can make it longer, and one of the ways to do that is to say youre in the clear when the prosecutor still has subpoena authority, Christie said.

Christie has a lengthy history with Trump.

After Trump defeated Christie in a bruising Republican primary battle, the former Governor was the first contender to endorse the former reality television star.

In April 2016, Christie was named head of Trumps transition team - even though it seemed a longshot that he would defeat Hillary Clinton in the general election.

But Christie lasted just six months. He was reportedly pushed out at the behest of Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to The Guardian.

Kushner is said to hold a grudge against Christie, who was the federal prosecutor in New Jersey who sent his father away to prison for tax fraud.

In 2004, Charles Kushner, the real estate mogul, was indicted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Jersey - which was headed by Christie.

Christie says that the Michael Cohen situation was much more perilous for the White House than was Bob Mueller. Mueller is seen above in Washington, DC last year

Christies investigation revealed that Charles Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, whom he suspected was cooperating with Christie.

The plan was to videotape the sexual encounter and then send the tape of Kushners sister.

Christie was also rumored to be Trumps top choice for Vice President, but that was reportedly vetoed by then-campaign manager Paul Manafort.

As Trumps cabinet has been in chaos, Christie was also rumored to be a candidate for the Attorney Generals position, particularly after Jeff Sessions dismissal.
A talented 19-year-old musician who died from a suspected drug overdose at a rave was filmed happily partying with friends in the hours before his death.

Callum Brosnan, from Baulkham Hills in Sydney's north-west, died in hospital at about 4.30am on Sunday morning after he was found in a 'distressed state' at a train station near the event three hours earlier.

Mr Brosnan had attended the Knockout Games of Destiny Dance Party in the Sydney Olympic Park and was admitted into hospital after the suspected overdose.

Friend Bianca Douglas, who said Mr Brosnan had a 'heart of gold' and thanked him for sharing with her his 'wise words', shared the short clip of him enjoying herself at the dance party earlier in the night.

Ms Douglas appeared to be holding the camera to record herself and the 19-year-old while they danced along with other revellers.

Posting some of the last moments of Mr Brosnan's life online, Ms Douglas added: 'Im honestly broken. I never dreamed that last night would be the last time Id ever see you or hear your voice again.

Friend Bianca Douglas (left) appeared to be holding the camera to record herself and the 19-year-old (centre wearing white) while they danced along with other revellers

'You were my best friend for a long time, I told everyone you were my brother.'

He was later identified by family and friends, who have pleaded with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to 'stop the drugs'.

Mr Brosnan had recently been accepted into Sydney's prestigious Conservatorium of Music.

Callum Brosnan, from Baulkham Hills, (pictured) was found in a 'distressed state' at a train station, and rushed to hospital just before 1.30am. He died at around 4.30am

Ms Douglas (left) changed her profile picture on Facebook to one of her joking alongside Mr Brosnan (right) to pay tribute to her friend

A woman named Hayley Sheers, understood to be Mr Brosnan's girlfriend, posted a photo of the pair online and a heartbreaking tribute after his death.

'Rest easy my beautiful man. You were definitely taken to soon. I love you, I will always love you,' she wrote.

Mr Brosnan's relative told 7 News the family were struggling to cope with the news.

'I've just suggested they all have a Panadol, put their heads down, they've been up since whenever and I think it's the shock setting in,' she said.

'Stop the drugs,' she said, begging NSW Premer Gladys Berejiklian to take action after a spate of overdose deaths at Sydney music festivals in recent years.

Mr Brosnan had attended the controversial Defqon 1 festival in September.

He had also expressed interest in a number of other hardstyle music events across the state in recent months, and was a regular contributor to an Aussie hip-hop fans page on Facebook.

Mr Brosnan had recently been accepted into Sydney's prestigious Conservatorium of Music

Ms Berejiklian was mocked on social media after she announced harsher penalties for drug supply following the deaths of two people at Defqon.

Mr Brosnan had even expressed interest in attending a party dedicated to 'removing' the premier.

The 'Gladys Removal Day' event was created on social media and scheduled for March 2019.

Mr Brosnan was one of 12,000 people who had expressed interest in attending the 'Huge FREE party that will rage all night and all weekend'.

Five were arrested and charged with drug offences, including an 18-year-old woman who was allegedly found carrying 390 MDMA capsules, and a 25-year-old man, who was allegedly found with 145. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting those pictured at the event above are in any way related to the supply

Two women, 19 and 25, and another man, who has not been identified, were taken to Westmead Hospital and are also believed to have overdosed.

All three are in critical but stable conditions.

A further 13 people were hospitalised following the event, while 130 people had to seek medical treatment during the event.

The event was marketed as the 'biggest indoor festival in the southern hemisphere', and was attended by 18,000 people.

A statement from NSW Police said 62 people were found in possession of drugs at the event, including an 18-year-old girl who allegedly had 390 MDMA capsules 'internally concealed' inside her body.

The teenage girl was charged with supply prohibited drug and will appear at Burwood Local Court on January 10.

The party, attended by 18,000 on Saturday, ended in tragedy, with a 19-year-old man dying of a suspected overdose and three others, including two women aged 19 and 25, left in a critical condition for the same reason

A 25-year-old man was allegedly found carrying 145 MDMA capsules, and was also charged with supply prohibited drug and possess prohibited drug. He will face court on Sunday.

Three others were also charged with drug offences.

South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell said the devastating impact of drugs was acutely felt on Saturday night, with one dead and three others fighting to stay alive.

'Police and emergency services continue to send warning messages about illegal drugs, and many festival-goers are choosing to ignore them,' he said.

Police have said the devastating end to the party is a glaring reminder of the dangers of drugs

'There is no acceptable use for drugs  the message is clear. We will continue to have a strong presence at festivals and dance parties with the wellbeing and safety of attendees our number one priority'.

Police are asking anyone with information about Mr Brosnan's death to come forward.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting those pictured at the event above are in any way related to the supply.
Shoppers have been captured on video rushing in and out of Australia's leading supermarkets to defy the nationwide baby formula limit - with some even leaving their children outside to guard their stockpile.

At least three customers could be seen purchasing two tins - Woolworths' limit - at its Doncaster store in Melbourne's north-east over the weekend.

They were filmed placing the cans in a large pile of shopping near the supermarket entrance before immediately walking back inside to purchase two more.

'Most Woolworths and Coles have a policy that you can only purchase two tins in one transaction. There was about four or five of them doing it,' the woman who filmed the incident told 3AW.

'What's the point in having a policy that cannot be policed?'

Shoppers have been flimed rushing in and out of supermarkets to defy the nationwide baby formula limit - with some even leaving their children outside to guard their stockpile

About half and hour drive away in Keysborough, a Coles customer said she witnessed the same thing.

'Yesterday, I witnessed children left alone to guard their trolley, loads of it, while their guardian kept going back in for more,' the woman told the station.

Yet another customer described the 'chaos' that ensued when a staff member at Woolworths' Box Hill store dumped boxes of formula in the aisle and 'let customers help themselves'.

'They cleared everything in a few minutes and when I asked the staff member if I could get a tin he told me there was none left,' he said.

Some were filmed placing the cans in a large pile of shopping near the supermarket entrance before immediately walking back inside to purchase two more

A Woolworths spokesman told Daily Mail Australia baby formula stock availability had not been affected by the incident in Doncaster.

'We have a two tin transaction limit on baby formula in place and our store teams work hard to ensure customers have access to stock when they need it,' the said.

'Baby formula stock was readily available to customers at our Doncaster East store throughout Sunday and remains so today.'

'We encourage any parents who find their chosen baby formula is unavailable on the shelves to speak with their Store Manager, so we can help get them stock as quickly as possible.'

Another customer described the 'chaos' that ensued when a staff member at Woolworths' Box Hill store dumped boxes of formula in the aisle and 'let customers help themselves'

A Coles spokeswoman said the supermarket was committed to ensuring shoppers had access to infant formula.

'As a result we are limiting sales quantities to two units per customer. We are working with our suppliers on solutions to improve availability for customers,' they said.

'Where formula is unavailable, we encourage customers to speak with their local store manager.'

Demand for Australian brand formula has surged amid a massive growth in daigou shopping - a method where people buy products and re-sell them for an inflated price overseas.
A 102-year-old Australian great-grandmother has become the oldest skydiver in the world.

Adelaide woman Irene O'Shea jumped into the record books after she plunged from the sky in Langhorne Creek, in South Australia, on Sunday afternoon at 220km/h.

The jump was the daredevil's third overall, having first skydived on her 100th birthday in 2016 at an impressive 14,000 feet and again the following year.

Born on May 30, 1916, the mother-of-two said she had no fear heading into her third attempt.

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102-year-old Australian great-grandmother Irene O'Shea (pictured) has become the oldest skydiver in the world

'I felt normal, about the same (as previous jumps),' she said.

The grandmother who still drives, lives by herself and doesn't wear glasses took the title from Kenneth Meyer of New Jersey, who is 21 days younger than Ms O'Shea and completed his jump last year.

Ms O'Shea said this won't be her final jump.

'Possibly I will jump next year and if I live long enough I'll jump at 105,' she said.

Ms O'Shea said her jump wasn't to beat a record, but to raise funds for research into Motor Neuron Disease after her daughter Shelagh died at the age of 67.

'I lost my daughter to that terrible disease 10 years ago and I miss her,' she said.

Ms O'Shea has set up a gofundme page for donations and aims to raise $10,000 this year.

She has raised $12,000 previously.

This is the daredevil's third jump after she first skydived at age 100 in 2016

The 102-year-old from Athelstone completed her landing in front of 50 family and friends, who have been inspired by her achievement.

'I felt inspired by her - the attitude and courage and fearlessness is amazing,' Shelagh's husband, Mike Fitzhenry, about his mother-in-law.

'If I walk up three stairs and then walk back down I get nervous. I would never jump out of a plane.'

South Australia Skydiving has congratulated the great-grandmother after she jumped in tandem with instructor Jed Smith.

'An incredible woman, achieving incredible things,' said Mr Smith.
A young female pilot has been tragically killed after the light aircraft she was piloting crashed in hostile terrain as she flew to pick up a group of tourists.

Nikita Jo Walker, 30, was flying to the Southwest National Park, west of Hobart, in Tasmania on Saturday when her twin-engine Britten-Norman Islander aircraft crashed in bad weather.

The Courier Mail reported Walker was on route to collect five tourists from the national park when her aircraft crashed in dense and mountainous terrain.

Young pilot Nikita Jo Walker, 30, (pictured) was tragically killed on Saturday after the light aircraft crashed in hostile terrain on route to picking up a group of tourists

She was on route to the Southwest National Park, west of Hobart, in Tasmania when her twin-engine Britten-Norman Islander aircraft crashed in bad weather on Saturday

The plane was located by the Westpac Rescue helicopter at West Portal, near the Western Arthur Ranges about 7.10pm on Saturday night.

Ms Walker was found dead by a rescue team that had to be winched down to the crash site.

The highly experienced search and rescue officers on board the helicopter said the pilot could not have survived the crash.

A Tasmania Police statement said Ms Walker was the only occupant of the plane when it went down.

Ms Walker had relocated from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to Tasmania in 2016 to fly with airline company Par Avion

The plane was located by the Westpac Rescue helicopter at West Portal, near the Western Arthur Ranges about 7.10pm on Saturday night

A Tasmanian Police statement said Ms Walker was the only occupant of the plane when it went down

'Sadly, police confirm that the pilot died in a light airplane crash near the Western Arthur Ranges in the states Southwest National Park,' the statement read.

'We will work closely with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to prepare a report for the Coroner. Our thoughts are with he pilots family at this time.'

When reports first came in that a plane had gone down, Tasmania Police deployed a four-person ground crew into the Southwest National Park as part of the search for Miss Walker.

Tasmanian Police Inspector David Wiss said they have remained in contact with Ms Walker's family.

When reports first came in that a plane had gone down Tasmania Police deployed a four-person ground crew into the Southwest National Park as part of the search for Ms Walker (pictured)

Forensic and investigative officers were also winched down from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to examine the crash scene

Tasmanian Police said they are in constant contact with Ms Walker's family during this difficult time

'Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. We remain in contact and we will continue to provide them with the information we currently know to assist them in coming to terms with this terrible accident,' he said.

'We intend to helicopter an investigation team to the site today.'

'The terrain is steep and dangerous and we will be only using investigators and forensic officers with Search and Rescue training.'

Ms Walker had relocated from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to Tasmania in 2016 to fly with airline company Par Avion.

The matter is now before the Coroner and Tasmania Police will work closely with the national transport safety investigator the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Parenting experts believe an Ohio father 'publicly humiliated' his 10-year-old daughter by forcing her to walk five miles to school after she was kicked off a bus for bullying.

Matt Cox, 39, of Swanton said in a Facebook post that his daughter, Kirsten, was suspended from the school bus.

That was the second time his daughter had gotten in trouble for namecalling and blocking another student from getting off the bus, Cox told DailyMail.com.

'Today, my beautiful daughter is going to walk 5 miles to school in 36-degree weather,' Matt Cox, says from behind the camera. 'I know a lot of you parents are not going to agree with this, but that is all right. Because I am doing what I feel is right to teach my daughter a lesson and stop her from bullying.'

From inside his car, Cox says she told him he would have to take her to school while she is suspended from the bus. 'As you see this morning,' he adds, 'she is learning otherwise'.

And since the video emerged, parenting experts have weighed in on Cox's punishment.

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Parenting experts believe Matt Cox (left) 'publicly humiliated' his 10-year-old daughter by forcing her to walk five miles to school after she was kicked off a bus for bullying

Parenting advocate, Sue Scheff, called the punishment 'public humiliation'.

Scheff told ABC News: 'The internet can be so unforgiving, and your child will watch it over and over again online.

'It's like salt in an emotional wound, and the sting can take a long time to heal -- especially when it's a parent that did the shaming.'

Dr Krystine Batcho, a professor of psychology at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, also shared the same sentiments.

But Cox believes that parents should hold their children accountable for their actions.

In a Facebook post shared on Saturday, Cox wrote: 'Am I a bully for making my daughter walk to school? No me holding my child accountable for her own actions and giving her a punishment does not mean I am a bully.

'It means I am a being a parent, a father trying to teach his daughter that life has consequences for our actions and that we have to be accountable for them.

'Im a dad trying to teacher his daughter it's not ok to be mean to others because words and actions can have life long effects and sometimes life-ending effects on others.

'Lastly im a father trying to teach his daughter not everything is just a right there are a lot of privileges in life and that we need to be grateful for them. None of that makes me a bully,' he added.

And if he had to do it all over again Cox says he 'wouldn't do one thing differently'.

Matt said that his daughter was suspended from the bus, and it was the second time that she had gotten into trouble for bullying

Batcho told ABC that 'shaming that is done by a parent or some other adult who is loved by and admired by a child, is, in a way, even worse than shaming by other children or someone a child doesn't care about'.

'When a parent shames a child, that has a much more powerful emotional impact, and it's very often remembered for life,' she added.

Some parents also agree that Cox went too far with his punishment.

'Matt, do yourself and your daughter a big favor, seek counseling from a qualified family psychologist/psychiatrist who understands bullying as well as the adverse impact/implications when one goes "public" on social media in a big way about their child,' one Facebook user wrote.

Another wrote: 'That Dad is a true example of a bully!!! Children learn behaviors from home!!!'

Matt initially admitted to knowing that a lot of parents weren't going to agree with him, but he said felt that he was 'doing what I think is right to teach my daughter a lesson to stop her from bullying'.

Some parents also agree that Cox went too far with his punishment

In the video, Kirsten is seen trudging along a road as her dad follows closely behind her in his vehicle.

At the time, the weather was around 36 degrees. Cox shared the video on Facebook under the caption 'Life lessons'.

When the video went viral, Cox took the opportunity to read the comments to Kirsten and his 14- and 12-year-old children to explain to them that just because you don't immediately see how the way you treat someone makes them feel, doesn't mean it doesn't affect them.

He said he hopes other parents will do the same, even though the video going viral was never his intent, he said.

Parenting advocate, Sue Scheff, called the punishment 'public humiliation'. Scheff said the 'internet can be so unforgiving, and your child will watch it over and over again online'

'I really had no idea it would take off like that but it has the entire nation talking so not only is it bringing awareness to bullying, which the more awareness that's brought to the bullying epidemic the better in my opinion, but it is also bringing awareness that we as parents need to stand up and hold our younger generation accountable if we want to make a change in this country,' Cox told DailyMail.com

Aside from the bullying issue, Cox also realized his daughter was acting with a sense of entitlement.

'I realized she viewed the privilege of riding the bus and or car rides to and from school as a right and not a privilege,' Cox previously told WEWS-TV.

The video shows Cox talking to his daughter about how her actions led to her being punished.

His daughter understood that her bullying was the reason she was forced to walk, Cox said.

Since the punishment, Kirsten now picks up on bad behavior she sees on TV and tells her dad, 'That's bullying that's going to hurt somebody's feelings,' Cox said.

Kirsten has also apologized to the other student involved.
A mom-to-be ended up cancelling her unborn son's baby shower after people began to ridicule the name she had picked for her child.

The unidentified expectant mother suddenly became the butt of jokes and mockery after revealing she was going to name her son Squire Sebastian Senator.

The fed-up woman posted on Facebook that she was scrapping the party because of the reaction from her 'fake a** family'.

A woman has gone viral online for allegedly canceling her baby shower because her family and friends were unsupportive of her choice of baby name: Squire Sebastian Senator

'Ya'll have been talking sh*t about my unborn baby. AN UNBORN CHILD,' she wrote. 'How can you judge an unborn child?? What is wrong with you??

'I never knew my family could be so judgmental.

'They've spread rumors and lies about my child,' she wrote. 'No, I am not crazy. No, I am not mentally unstable. No, I was not drunk when I named my child.'

The post was published on Reddit on Saturday, where users continued to mock the baby's name.

'No one's talking s*** about your unborn baby. They're talking s*** about your poor naming choices,' one person commented.

'This could be the first ever child to run away from home before he's born,' another quipped.

The unidentified woman goes on to explain her decision, stating her friends have been spreading 'rumors and lies' hence her deciding to cancel the baby shower (file photo)

'I'll say the same thing I tell any friend who gets pregnant: before you settle on a name, imagine growing up with it yourself,' a Redditor wrote.

'Why name your child something boring' Because I'd like to not damn my unborn kid to school bullying and his job applications going right into the trash,' another said, referencing the woman's note.

According to the New York Post she assured her relatives that no matter what kind of abuse she received, there was no way she was going to budge on her son's future name.

'This is the name I was meant to give him,' she wrote. 'This is how it will be. He will not be allowed to have a nickname, he is to be called by his full and complete first name.

'This name conveys power. It conveys wealth. It conveys success,' she added, explaining that she'd chosen the moniker because it hinted at the family's ties to senators and squires.

'My baby's name WILL be a revolution,' she continued. 'It will push people to question everything.'

The steadfast mother said that she was planning on having a smaller 'more inclusive' baby shower where she wouldn't be judged.

'F*** you all. Fake a** family,' she wrote. 'You won't get to be a part of my baby's life and it's all because you had to judge him.'

This womans unique choice of name would not be the first mocked online. Last month, a mom claimed her daughter, Abcde, was made fun of by a Southwest Airlines gate agent after seeing her ticket.
A court has granted police the power to raid the Gypsy Jokers bikie clubhouse in western Sydney, where it is alleged members sexually abused an alpaca.

A judge ruled on Monday the clubhouse be declared a 'restricted premises', giving officers the right to search the property for drugs and weapons without a warrant.

Club members had allegedly sexually abused a stolen brown alpaca called Cleo before the animal, which was kept in a paddock at the rear of the property, was rescued by detectives in June 2014 following a tip off.

Police have been given power to raid the Gypsy Jokers bikie clubhouse in western Sydney, where it is alleged members sexually abused an alpaca

An RSPCA spokesperson said at the time Cleo was in a 'pretty good condition' and had 'no broken bones'.

Justice Julia Loneragan said there was no information on whether the animal had been checked for evidence of sexual activity, according to The Daily Telegraph.

'The presence of an alpaca on the premises and the uninvestigated rumour regarding sexual activity does not of itself provide reasonable grounds for suspicion that indecent conduct was taking place in relation to that alpaca,' she said.

'It is nothing more than rumour and innuendo.'

A judge has ruled the clubhouse be declared a 'restricted premises', giving officers the right to search the property for drugs and weapons without a warrant

Police also held concerns over a stripper pole in the clubhouse, as well as suspicions they were supplying alcohol without a licence

Police also held concerns over a stripper pole in the clubhouse, as well as suspicions they were supplying alcohol without a licence.

Justice Loneragan dismissed the stripper pole, claiming that in the current climate, it is often used 'as dance and fitness class equipment for young corporate women interested in core strength and fitness'.

However, she still awarded police the power to search the property  registered at Horsley Park Social Club  on the grounds that 'reputed criminals' are likely to have attended the clubhouse or will do in future.

In September this year, Cheyane Lubec (left and right), then 22, claimed she was kidnapped and assaulted by her bikie ex-boyfriend before being held hostage at the clubhouse

She also said there were reasonable grounds to suggest liquor was unlawfully sold on the premises.

In September, Cheyane Lubec, then 22, claimed she was kidnapped by her bikie ex-boyfriend and held hostage at the clubhouse.

During the alleged two-day ordeal, she claimed she was stripped naked, tied to a pole and had half of her hair shaved off.

A 29-year-old man was taken into custody and is due to face multiple charges in Penrith Local Court on December 14.
The Saudi Aviation Club has announced a strategic partnership with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for the first Saudi International Airshow, to be held in Riyadh from March 12 to 14, 2019.

The Saudi Aviation Club revealed that the exhibition is the first of its kind in the field of aviation and aerospace in the kingdom, highlighting its importance in supporting the civil aviation industry.

In a press release issued today, the club said GACA will play an important role in the Saudi International Airshow as a strategic partner.

The TRA has formed a supervisory committee to welcome more than 100 aircraft from abroad to be showcased at the event and to apply the relevant rules, regulations and procedures to ensure air transport safety and security during the airshow.

Saudi International Airshow will welcome exhibitors and delegates from across the world. Thumamah Airport will be dedicated solely to the exhibition.

Saudi International Airshow will host a mix of business and commercial aviation and aerospace exhibitors on a 100,000 sq m static area which will accommodate more than 100 aircraft ranging in size from single-engine and executive jets to commercial wide-body aircraft.

The show will offer chalets located next to the runway to enable manufacturers to present their entire range of aircraft and to facilitate demonstration flights. In addition, three exhibition halls will host more than 500 booths and international pavilions where exhibitors will showcase a full range of aviation and aerospace services and products.

Director general of the Saudi Aviation Club, Captain Ayyar bin Odeeb Al Qassimi, thanked His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Salman for his support to the club and his efforts to increase interest in this growing and vital sector.

He also thanked GACA president for supporting the event as a strategic partner and platinum sponsor.

The Saudi Air Show will be one of the most important new aviation events as the kingdom is one of the leading countries in the region in the aviation industry and has the largest market for aircraft parts in the Middle East.  TradeArabia News Service
This is the terrifying moment a lightning bolt strikes a parked car on a suburban street.

As a storm rolled through Victoria on Sunday night, 18-year-old Hayden Thirlway pulled out his phone and began filming.

Within seconds, a large lightning bolt shot down from the sky and struck a black Toyota sedan that had been parked near a Jackass Flat home, in Bendigo, north of Melbourne.

The shocking moment left Mr Thirlway's girlfriend 'freaked', and she can be heard screaming in the video.

'It was a huge bang,' Mr Thirlway told the Herald Sun.

'Then you could hear it sizzling, you could feel like, I don't know how to explain it, like the fibres in the air. Like when you rub static electricity.'

Once the stormed had calmed, Mr Thirlway went to inspect the damage to the vehicle and was stunned to discover there wasn't a scratch.

A friend who lives in the home near where the lightening hit said their entire house shook from the impact.

'I spoke to the homeowners, they were shocked. They couldn't believe it, they didn't know what to think,' Mr Thirway said.
Kimberly Younger (pictued), 52, who allegedly claimed to be a member of the 'carnival mafia' has been charged in the murders of a Kansas couple

A Texas woman who allegedly claimed to be a member of the 'carnival mafia' has been charged in the murders of a Kansas couple.

Authorities said that Kimberly Younger, 52, ordered the deaths of Barton County Fair vendors, Alfred Carpenter, 78, and 79-year-old Pauline Carpenter.

She was charged in the couple's deaths alongside Michael Fowler and Rusty Frasier.

According to Arkansas Online, Fowler claims that younger was posing as a carnival mafia member named Frank Zaitchik in text messages when she ordered him and Fraiser to kill the couple on July 14.

Fowler reportedly told authorities that he was ordered to kill the couple as part of an initiation ritual.

Detectives discovered Younger had a Facebook page in the name of Frank Zaitchik while examining her phone, according to police reports.

Police said Fowler told investigators that Frasier stabbed Alfred Carpenter before Fowler shot him.

Younger allegedly ordered the deaths of Barton County Fair vendors, Alfred Carpenter, 78, and 79-year-old Pauline Carpenter (both pictured)

Fowler then went into the couple's camper and shot Pauline Carpenter, according to police reports.

Asked whether there was even such a thing as a carnival mafia, Van Buren police spokesman Jonathan Wear said in an email that was something the woman 'definitely made up'.

Zaitchik also told texted others to clean the inside of the camper and to dispose of the bodies, Fowler allegedly told investigators.

The four suspects loaded the couple's bodies into the camper and dumped them in a creek bed north of Cedarville, Arkansas, according to police reports.

Authorities found the suspects at an apartment complex.

Younger, Fowler and Frasier are being held on $1million bond. All have pleaded not guilty.
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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern held back tears as she apologised on behalf of her country to the family of murdered British tourist Grace Millane.

In her emotional apology, Ms Ardern said her nation feels a collective shame over the young woman's death.

Ms Millane's body was found by police on the outskirts of Auckland on Sunday after she went missing in the city on December 1, the day before her 22nd birthday.

Ms Ardern held back tears on Monday as she opened a press conference with an apology.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern held back tears as she apologised on behalf of her country to the family of murdered British tourist Grace Millane

'From the Kiwis I have spoken to there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality ... especially to those who are visiting our shores,' she said.

'On behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Grace's family. Your daughter should have been safe here and she wasn't and I'm sorry for that.'

The government had offered its support to the Millane family, Ms Ardern said.

'I cannot imagine the grief of her family and what they will be experiencing.'

Her sentiment echoed widespread shock among much of the public in New Zealand, where killings by strangers are uncommon and the yearly number of homicides has been fewer than 50 since 2010.

Ms Ardern's voice broke as she said Miss Millane 'should have been safe here and she wasn't and I'm sorry for that'

Ms Millane was last seen arriving at the central CityLife Hotel with a 26-year-old Auckland man, who has since been charged with her murder and appeared in court on Monday.

Candlelight vigils are being planned around the country and the operators of the Sky Tower - the most distinctive building in Auckland's skyline - said it would display white lights until Thursday night as a tribute.

Tourism New Zealand, which described the death as 'unimaginable', said travellers will now be concerned about visiting what is usually considered a safe destination.

Ms Millane, from Essex, was on the second leg of a year-long world tour following her university graduation.

After visiting Peru, she arrived alone in New Zealand last month and had been in touch with family and friends nearly daily until her disappearance.

The 26-year-old suspect (right) rides alongside a policeman on his way to court on Monday

The body of Grace Millane, 22, (right) was discovered on Sunday as police earlier arrested a 26-ear-old suspect over the crime

The man accused of murdering Miss Millane was called a 'scumbag' from the public gallery as he appeared in court charged with her murder on Monday.

The suspect sat just yards away from Grace's father and uncle as they attended the first day of his trial in Auckland.

Judge Evangelos Thomas told Millane's family members in court on Monday: 'I don't know what to say to you at this time, but your grief must be desperate.'

'We all hope justice will be fair and swift and ultimately brings you some peace.'

The suspect, who was charged earlier this week with the 22-year-old's murder, was said to have looked gloomy as he sat in the dock, having been led in wearing blue police overalls.

After 90 minutes standing in the courtroom, he was led back to the cells by prison officers.

Flowers left at the crime scene by members of the public paying their respects where her body was discovered on Sunday morning

Grace Millane (left) with her mother Gillian. Grace's family appeared in court on Monday alongside her suspected killer

Court documents seen by Sky News showed the suspect had been living at the same hotel she disappeared from last Saturday.

Grace, 22, from Essex, was last seen with the man at the CityLife hotel in Auckland at about 9.40pm on December 1 - where they were both staying, police said.

How the pair met or what the possible motive for the killing might be remains unclear.

The suspect cannot currently be named in New Zealand or on social media due to a court order.

Grace's body was discovered by New Zealand police on Sunday morning after a nationwide search and international outcry over her disappearance.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said her body was found near Scenic Drive, which leads through the Waitakere Ranges, a popular parkland west of Auckland.

He said her remains were 10 yards from the side of the road, hidden in bushland. Police believe she was taken to the area in a rental car, which was recently found nearly 300 kilometres (186 miles) away in Taupo.

The scene where the body of British tourist Grace Millane was found by New Zealand police in the Waitakere Ranges outside Auckland

Friends and relatives, including Grace's brother Declan (pictured here with his sister), shared heartwarming tributes as news broke that her body had been discovered

British backpacker Grace Millane (pictured), had been travelling New Zealand when she disappeared on December 1. Her body was found more than a week later, on Sunday morning

Since early Sunday morning a scene examination has been underway in a section of bush on Scenic Drive in the Waitakere Ranges. Police need to hear from anyone who saw this Toyota Corolla hatchback rental car

TIMELINE OF MISSING BACKPACKER MURDER PROBE November 20: Grace Millane arrives in New Zealand from Peru. She had been in nearly daily contact with her family. November 30: Ms Millane posts her last tweet saying 'I think travelling has changed me I just brought some blue jeans.' December 1: Ms Millane is seen at the CityLife Hotel, in Auckland, with a 'male companion' December 2: The 22-year-old's birthday. Her family do not hear anything from her, which is unusual behaviour. Just before noon: A red Toyota Corolla hatchback is hired from a central Auckland rental firm December 5: Her worried family file a missing persons report and pictured of Ms Millane are shared extensively online December 6: Police release an image of Grace Millane leaving the hostel at 7.15pm on December 1 December 7: Police said they had received dozens of calls to a hotline and more than 25 staff were working on the case, trawling through hours of CCTV footage to trace her movements After arriving in Auckland her father, David Millane, makes an emotional plea for help finding his daughter. Police reveal they have spoken to the male companion and he is a person of interest. The man was not taken into custody and police said there was no evidence of foul play December 8: A 26-year-old man is taken into custody at a central Auckland address by police December 9: Police announce they are searching an area on Scenic Drive, near the Waitakere Reservoir shortly after 4pm: Police find a body they believe to be Ms Millane in vegetation around 10m from the road A 26-year-old man is charged with her murder. He will appear in court tomorrow morning Advertisement

A body was found about 10m from the road in bushland, and police believe it is Ms Millane's body. Pictured: A forensics officer poring over the crime scene on Sunday

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said despite the fact formal identification hasn't yet taken place they believe it is the body of Grace

Pictured: Police standing guard on a section of Scenic Drive in the Waitakere Ranges as forensics teams investigated the crime scene

The scene where the body of British tourist Grace Millane has been found by New Zealand police in the Waitakere Ranges

The 22-year-old, originally from Essex in south-east England, travelled to Auckland three weeks ago
Texas police arrested three Sonic Drive-In employees on Thursday after an ecstasy pill was found in a child's meal.

Taylor police said Tanisha Dancer, 30, Jonathan Roberson, 35, and Jose Molina, 22, were arrested after a four-year-old boy's 11-year-old sister unwrapped a hamburger from a kids meal and found the pill inside.

The little boy did not ingest the drug. The family have not been named.

Taylor police said Tanisha Dancer (left), 30, Jonathan Roberson (center), 35, and Jose Molina (right), 22, were arrested after a four-year-old boy's older sister unwrapped a hamburger from a kids meal and found the ecstasy pill inside

The child's parents took the burger to the police station, where the pill tested positive for ecstasy (file image)

According to Fox 7, the child's parents took the burger to the police station, where the pill tested positive for ecstasy.

Police said Dancer, who worked as a manager at the fast-food restaurant, had three ecstasy pills with her at the time of her arrest.

Dancer was taken into custody on her outstanding warrant for a parole violation.

She now faces charges of possessing a controlled substance, according to the station.

Roberson was also arrested on outstanding warrants in Travis County, which include theft by check, driving while license invalid, and failure to appear in court.

Molina was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.
An island said to be off the north-east coast of Australia has mysteriously vanished from maps worldwide, leaving geographical experts scratching their heads.

Sandy Island, a supposed 120 square kilometre stretch of land, was charted as a 'phantom island' in the Pacific Ocean by Captain James Cook in 1774.

But it has recently been faded off of satellite maps after scientists failed to find any proof of land in the area, with geologists questioning what the famed explorer could have seen all those years ago.

A mapped island off the north-east coast of Australia has mysteriously been faded from maps

Sandy Island was first charted as 'Sandy I' in the eastern coral sea by Captain Cook during an expedition on September 15 1774.

Within two years, its existence was published in Cook's Chart of Discoveries made in the South Pacific Oceans.

Exactly a century later, a whaling ship called Velocity also reported the presence of Sandy Island.

The size of the island, which was reported as 24 kilometres wide and five kilometres long, was noted on several maps from Britain and Germany throughout the 1800s.

Sandy Island, first known as 'Sandy I' was first recorded by Captain James Cook in 1774

But years of documented beliefs the island was real were quashed by a number of unsuccessful expeditions to the area.

As a result, the internationally recognised abbreviation 'ED' (existence doubtful) was placed next to the island on charts worldwide.

The French Hydrographic Service removed the island from its nautical charts in 1979.

But its true 'undiscovery' came in 2012, when Australian scientists went out to find the land mass to no avail.

After the failed expedition, the presence of the island changed on online maps as well.

While most bodies of land appear on Google Maps in shades of green and white, Sandy Island is simply a dark blue outline, blending in with the ocean.

The introduction of the faint outline coincided with a slight rise in the sea level was noticed on the satellite view.

Now, the only remnants of Sandy Island on Google Maps is this faint blue outline (pictured)

Whether Captain Cook really saw anything in the water 250 years ago is still a mystery, with experts speculating what could have been there then that isn't today.

Renowned as the most likely theory is that the island was a cluster of pumice sea rafts, the result of seismic activity.

Groupings of those rafts can sometimes travel for thousands of miles, depending on sea conditions.

Many believe that Captain Cook and the Velocity saw different pumice rafts slowly travelling across the Pacific Ocean.
Police have detained dozens of churchgoers and leaders of one of China's most prominent Protestant 'house' churches, congregation members and activists said, in the latest government action against unregistered religious groups.

Teams of police and state security officials in the south-west city of Chengdu, Sichuan came to the homes of leaders and members of the Early Rain Covenant Church late on Sunday and detained them, according to church announcements sent to members and passed to Reuters by churchgoers and activists.

More than 100 people are believed to have been detained, said a church elder, who declined to be identified.

Teams of police and state security officials in Chengdu city came to the homes of leaders and members of the Early Rain Covenant Church late on on Sunday and detained them

Members of the Early Rain Church have been unable to contact pastor Wang Yi, the church's founder, or his wife (both pictured) after the incident on Sunday

'The time has come. O, Lord! Did you not establish this church for this very purpose?' the church said in one of its announcements.

'We will wait for Thee, as one keeping vigil waits for daybreak.'

Neither the Chengdu nor national-level Public Security Ministries responded to faxed requests for comment by Reuters.

China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but since President Xi Jinping took office six years ago, the government has tightened restrictions on religions seen as a challenge to the authority of the ruling Communist Party.

Chinese law requires that all places of worship register and submit to government oversight, but some churches have declined to register, for various reasons.

The Early Rain Church is one of the best known unregistered 'house' churches in China.

China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, but since President Xi Jinping took office six years ago, the government has tightened restrictions on religions seen as a challenge to the authority of the ruling Communist Party

A demolished house church in the city of Zhengzhou in central China's Henan province in June

The Chengdu-based church has chosen not to register officially with the government because they want freedom of religion, a church member told AFP.

'Early on, we were prepared for this,' he said, referring to suppression from authorities.

The churchgoer added: 'Following the touch of the Holy Spirit, and relying on faith and guidance from the Bible, we will move forward, one step at a time.'

Members of the church have been unable to contact pastor Wang Yi, the church's founder, or his wife, and church groups on the instant messaging platform WeChat had also been blocked, the church said in an announcement.

Reuters was unable to reach Wang for comment.

Beijing-based journalist Ian Johnson, who wrote about Wang and his congregation in his 2017 book The Souls of China, said on Twitter that the crackdown was 'really disturbing news'.

'I'm afraid this is part of a bigger crackdown on unregistered Christian churches as the government pushes its efforts to dominate society,' he wrote.

Police told Zhang Xianchi, 84, a well-known author and church member, not to visit the church, because it had been 'outlawed' and that all its top leaders had been detained, according to an account from Zhang shared with Reuters by church members.

A video posted online by activists in China and overseas, which Reuters was unable to independently verify, showed a group of about a dozen plainclothes policemen taking churchgoers away from a meeting.

In the footage, police told a woman they were taking a man to the municipal public security bureau to be investigated, while a child cried in the background.

'I'm telling you, we are enforcing the law,' a policeman said to the woman.

Churches across China have more pressure to register since a new set of regulations to govern religious affairs came into effect in February and increased punishments for unofficial churches.

Underground churches, especially larger establishments like the Early Rain Covenant, which has at least 500 church members, have faced increasing pressure.

In September, Beijing officials shut down Zion Church, one of China's largest unofficial Protestant churches, for operating without a licence - before ordering it to pay back 1.2 million yuan (137,000) in rent and removal costs.

In November, a bishop in eastern China belonging to the Vatican-aligned unofficial church went missing, despite a historic accord on the appointment of bishops reached in September between Beijing and the Holy See, which broke off diplomatic ties in 1951.
Charmaine Parkin claims Universal Credit discriminates against self-employed people

A mother-of-two has launched a High Court battle against Universal Credit after claiming she was left with less than 9 for a month.

Charmaine Parkin, 34, of Hove, East Sussex, has alleged the six-in-one benefit system discriminates against self-employed people.

The actress, who was forced to go to food banks to feed her children who are 11 and 8, had found it difficult to find work after moving to Hove.

But her financial situation became worse when she split from her partner in October 2017 - which prompted a Universal Credit claim.

Miss Parkin faced the Minimum Income Floor, a measure ensuring those who are self-employed cannot get more benefits than if they were on minimum wage.

This would have left her 393 a month up if she took the equivalent of jobseekers' allowance and stopped her career, according to her lawyers Leigh Day.

Miss Parkin, of Hove, East Sussex, was forced to go to food banks to feed her children

It meant she would have been 393 a month better off if she quit her career and moved onto the equivalent of jobseekers' allowance, her lawyers say.

Miss Parkin also claimed that she would have been left with 8.98 for a month's food, travel and bills if she had paid her landlord last November.

What is the Minimum Income Floor? Official guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions: 'Universal Credit includes a 'Minimum Income Floor' (MIF) if you are gainfully self-employed, and your business has been running for more than 12 months. 'The MIF is an assumed level of earnings. This is based on what we would expect an employed person to receive in similar circumstances. 'It's calculated using the National Minimum Wage for your age group, multiplied by the number of hours you are expected to look for and be available for work. 'It also includes a notional deduction for tax and National Insurance. 'If your self-employed earnings are below the MIF we have calculated for you, we will use the MIF to work out your Universal Credit award instead of your actual earnings.' Advertisement

She said: 'Working in the theatre has always been my passion and it is what I am trained to do but the nature of the work means that my earnings can vary a lot from month to month.

'I thought the Universal Credit system would help with this and allow me to top-up my income in the months where my earnings were lower, especially after I moved to a new town. I thought Universal Credit could give me financial stability, help me to budget and settle in.

'I was very wrong, the Universal Credit system has left me worse off than if I was unemployed, has caused me a great deal of stress and anxiety and has left me seriously considering giving up my work in the theatre.

'It has made me feel like I have to choose between being a good mother and pursuing my chosen career path because it is no longer possible to support my family by continuing the type of self-employed work that I need to do as a theatre practitioner.'

Leigh Day claim the Minimum Income Floor is 'unjustified discrimination' and 'irrational'  and are now are applying to bring a judicial review against it.

Tessa Gregory, a solicitor at the firm, added: 'According to the government Universal Credit is supposed to 'make work pay'.

The Minimum Income Floor ensures those who are self-employed cannot get more benefits than if they were on minimum wage. Pictured: A file image of a Jobcentre in London

'However, the MIF system for the self-employed has left my client feeling like there is no other option but to give up work in order to ensure she has enough money to support her family.

What is Universal Credit? Universal Credit (UC) replaces six existing benefits  Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit  with a single payment. When was it introduced? It has been rolled out gradually across the country after starting in pilot areas in 2013. New benefit claimants have been put onto the system, but from July 2019, around 2million people receiving the old benefits will be moved onto UC, which is due for completion in 2023. Who will be affected? Among those being moved to UC will be about 1 million working families and 745,000 people unable to work because of long-term illness or disability. Former Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey said that when UC is fully rolled out, it will deliver 8 billion of benefits to the UK economy per year. Will there be a wait for payments? UC is paid in arrears, and the first payment is not made until at least five weeks after a claim is lodged. Claimants can apply for advance payments to avoid hardship while they wait. Advertisement

'This is another flaw in the Universal Credit system which is leaving people across the country worse off and turning to charities and food banks just to make ends meet.

'My client is one of the many self-employed people suffering because of the MIF and the effect is particularly harsh on those who work in industries like the entertainment industry and farming where fluctuations in income are very common.'

A spokesman for trade union Equity added: 'Prior to UC, UK social security law ensured accuracy in self-employment income assessments, taking into account any changes and fluctuations in the business and awarding support where the self-employment was assessed as 'gainful'.

'This realistic approach has been replaced with what is effectively a sanction for self-employed people, who are the fastest growing part of the UK workforce.

'Entertainers form a key part of this - creative industries alone currently contribute more than 92 billion to the UK economy.

'Those who are not self-employed are not subject to the MIF in UC and we argue this is disproportionate. Charmaine's example is by no means the worst - other self-employed people may suffer even greater losses with the full MIF applied.'

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: 'We are unable to comment on an ongoing legal case.

'Universal Credit strikes the balance between supporting entrepreneurship and being fair to the taxpayer by helping self-employed people during the first year while they establish their business.'
A dyslexic former soldier was bullied to the brink of suicide in a regiment where comrades laughed as they pointed their loaded rifles at his head.

Former Military Provost Guard Service member Mark Holder, 36, from Colchester, was called a 'thick c***' and a 'retard' during a three year campaign of abuse.

At the height of the bullying he was pictured smiling broadly as he posed with other soldiers - unaware that seven of them were pointing their guns at him.

Former soldier Mark Holder, 36, from Colchester, was called a 'thick c***' and a 'retard' because of his dyslexia and says it made him consider taking his own life

Mr Holder quit the Army in 2013 and spent four years in a legal battle with his former bosses.

In 2017 he won 5,000 in compensation after it was admitted he was a victim of bullying and harassment.

The married father-of-two, who now works in Uganda, says that much of the abuse he faced was because of his learning difficulties.

Mr Holder took legal action against the Army and last year won a 5,000 compensation payout

He told The Sun: 'I had to endure a nightmare  my regiment pointed loaded guns at my head. I was being bullied on a daily basis. The people in charge encouraged it. They were bullies.

'People need to be aware how the British Army treats people with dyslexia, they discriminate against you, they call you thick, that you're stupid, that you shouldn't be in the Army.

He added: 'I near enough took my own life'.

Mr Holder served in Iraq in 2005 as a chef in the Royal Logistic Corps.

In 2010 he moved over to the Military Provost Guard Service - where professional soldiers guard Royal Navy, Army, RAF and other Ministry of Defence bases - and said the bullying started there.

After three years he resigned and last year won a legal claim after it was found that fellow soldiers had gone too far and crossed the line 'between banter and bullying'.

An Army spokesman said: 'Bullying and harassment have no place in the Armed Forces and will not be tolerated, all allegations are taken very seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.'
Two women who were found with nine kilograms of meth hidden inside their luggage after flying from Sierra Leone to Australia have been jailed for at least five years.

Matafa Fofana, 21, and Rosaline Koroma, 29, were found with the low-grade meth concealed in the lining of their suitcases when they arrived in Perth in May last year.

The District Court of WA heard the pure drugs weighed 4.83kg and were valued at between $673,000 and $6.28 million, depending on how they were sold.

Matafa Fofana, 21, and Rosaline Koroma, 29, were found with the low-grade meth concealed in the lining of their suitcases when they arrived in Perth in May last year

The District Court of WA heard the pure drugs weighed 4.83kg and were valued at between $673,000 and $6.28 million, depending on how they were sold

The dual citizens, who lived in Melbourne, claimed they coincidentally bumped into a woman who had arranged their flights at a market in Sierra Leone's capital Freetown and she selected the luggage, which they left at the stall while they did more shopping.

They claimed they didn't know the drugs were hidden inside and told the court that they had trusted the wrong people.

But Justice Michael Corboy said that was implausible, especially considering the reasons for their travel were largely unexplained.

Justice Corboy said the young women had strong prospects for rehabilitation and had used their time in jail so far constructively.

The luggage that was used to smuggled the meth into Australia via Qatar

They had overcome significant difficulties in life, he said, noting Koroma had spent three years in a Guinea refugee camp after her mother was killed in civil war-torn Sierra Leone.

The pair will be eligible for parole after serving five years and nine months.

Border Force agents x-rayed their bags in May last year when they arrived in Perth and allegedly discovered anomalies in the lining of both their suitcases, which tested positive for meth.

'We continue to see criminals attempt to import illicit drugs into our community,' AFP manger of crime operations, Acting Commander Paul Hopkins, said at the time.

'This result is evidence that the strong partnerships between the AFP and its law enforcement and border protection partners are successful in detecting and disrupting criminal activity in the aviation environment.'

The lining that was used to hide the drugs after it was removed by border agents
The neighbours of an Indian nurse who is reportedly a person of interest in the murder investigation of a 24-year-old woman refuse to believe he is capable of killing.

Toyah Cordingley's body was found by her distraught father in the sand dunes of Wagnetti Beach in far-north Queensland nearly two months ago.

Rajwinder Singh reportedly left behind his wife and three children when he flew to India the day her body was found, his father Amar Singh following him to their homeland to search for his son.

But the neighbours of Mr Singh have joined his family in saying the father-of-three is not a murderer, describing the hospital worker as a quiet family man.

Rajwinder Singh, who reportedly left behind his wife and three young children, is said to be a person of interest in Toyah Cordingley's death

'I still can't believe it, until he is actually charged, I cannot believe it because to me he was just a normal bloke,' neighbour Bill Liddell told Nine News.

Kathleen Liddell said the whole family were sociable.

'They're always out the front and waving to us and asking how we are, they're really friendly,' she said.

'It's awful and I feel sorry for the family.'

Mr Singh's neighbours Kathleen and Bill Liddell (pictured) say he had always been friendly

Child's play equipment is visible on the back veranda of the family's home (pictured)

Mr Singh's brother-in-law Harpreet Singh is adamant his relative is incapable of murder.

Harpreet said 'Raj is too quiet (and) too afraid' to commit murder, but admitted he struggled to deal with dying elderly patients under his care in the hospital.

'He would get mentally upset and want to get away,' Harpreet said of Rajwinder's trips to beaches north of Cairns.

Mr Singh said his brother-in-law would go days at a time without making contact with his family, and had stopped speaking altogether as he became more and more isolated.



Other witnesses in the neighbourhood said they saw a man they believed to be Mr Singh driving erratically on the day Ms Cordingley was found.

Mr Singh's brother-in-law Harpeet (pictured) says his relative is not 'capable of murder'

New details have emerged in the investigation of the Queensland beach murder of Toyah Cordingley (pictured) The 24-year-old was found dead in the dunes of an isolated beach

Police are said to be investigating mobile phone records and have information about a car at the beach at the time of the murder.

Mr Singh's Innisfail home was raided four weeks ago, with police reportedly confiscating a number of personal items.

He had been working as a nurse at Innisfail hospital for seven years and had a wife and three young children, including a baby, when he boarded a flight for his hometown of Amritsar in Punjab, India.

His father soon after followed him and is now searching for him, reporting back to Harpreet that he believed his son was in a 'Sikh temple somewhere'.

The tickets were purchased on the day of Miss Cordingley's death and he flew out less than 24 hours later, The Courier Mail reported.

Mr Singh was initially listed as a missing person, but police now have reason to believe he is in a remote village near the border of Pakistan and India.

Mr Singh (pictured) was initially listed as a missing person, but police now have reason to believe he is in a remote village near the border of Pakistan and India

A person of interest in the young woman's (pictured) murder has been reportedly said to have left the country on the day her body was discovered

Miss Cordingley (pictured) was found on Wangetti Beach by father Troy the morning after she died

In the days following the discovery of Miss Cordingley's body on October 22, colleagues noticed Mr Singh disappeared from work without an explanation.

'We can confirm the person is no longer an employee of Queensland Health,' a statement provided to The Courier Mail read.

'This matter is under police investigation and therefore we will not be making any comment.'

Staff working in the same hospital as Mr Singh have reportedly provided statements to police about his behaviour, professional record, personal details and family history.

Queensland Police have also maintained silence for the ongoing investigation, a spokesperson telling Daily Mail Australia: 'The Queensland Police Service will not be providing anything further other than the investigation is continuing'.

'Speculation surrounding elements of the investigation are not helpful and have the potential to jeopardise it.'

Police are hoping to link the Indian man's DNA to the beach where she was killed on Wangetti Beach (pictured)

The community have rallied around Miss Cordingley's family, making more than 100 reports to Crime Stoppers while also distributing these bumper stickers to raise awareness

Miss Cordingley, who was described as a 'beautiful soul' by those close to her, was murdered on October 21 in broad daylight.

The pharmacy assistant was walking her dog along the secluded beach when she was attacked. Her body was found the next morning by her father Troy almost one kilometre from where her car was parked.

Her dog was found alive and tightly bound to a nearby tree.

The far-north Queensland community rallied around her family, making more than 100 separate reports to Crime Stoppers, who continue to appeal for information.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  President Rodrigo Duterte gave a stern warning to uniformed ranks Monday: don't participate in partisan politics.

The President made the statement at a ceremony awarding 500 housing units to members of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) in Bulacan.

He said, "I would like to remind everybody in government, lalo na ang [especially the] Armed Forces pati [and the] police, do not take sides either for or against my party, huwag kayong makialam [do not interfere]. Huwag kayong magkampanya [Do not campaign for] and do not favor any candidate whatsoever. That is the mandate of the Constitution and we will stick by it."

The President gave candidates  allies or otherwise  an equal warning.

"I would like just to inform, sabihin ko lang sa mga kandidato  and that goes for the entire Philippines  during my watch, sa panahon ko hindi talaga ako papayag. Ke kasama kita sa gobyerno, kasama kita sa partido o kalaban kita sa pulitika, do not terrorize, do not intimidate, do not create fear in the workers."

Duterte said should anyone do this, he himself would find the candidate and arrest him or her.

"Ako mismo ang maghila sa iyo. Talian kita sa leeg doon sa gulong, plaiparin ko yung eroplano. T*** i** mo. Huwag kayong mag-ano kasi ayaw ko. Huwag sa panahon ko," he said.

[Translation: I will drag you, tie a rope around your neck, tie it to the wheel, and have the plane take off. B******s. Don't do it because I don't like it. Not on my watch.]

He warned against terrorizing Filipino workers, and instead told them to let people choose who they wanted to vote for.

"Kahit piliin yung parang aso ang ugali, e pasensiya tayo. That's the will of the people and the will of God... You might not like him, but if it's free will, if it's the choice of the people, do not mess it up," he added.

[Translation: Even f they choose someone who acts like a dog, let it be. That's the will of the people and the will of God... You might not like him, but if it's free will, if it's the choice of the people, do not mess it up.]

The President said he has heard stories of candidates trying to influence how people vote.

The President then referred to the Alunan doctrine which limits the number of armed guards to two per politician. Any more than that would be considered a private army.

READ: Duterte to invoke Alunan doctrine on private armies in upcoming elections

"Three is a private army. So pag dumaan yan sa...wherever, sitahin niyo. Pagka more than three, kunin mo yung baril, arestuhin mo, dalhin mo sa istasyon," he said,

[Translation: Three is a private army. If they pass by...wherever, call their attention. If there's more than three, get the gun, arrest them, and bring them to the station.]

"Kung takot kang mamatay, huwag kang tumakbo. Huwag kang pumunta ng bukid. Kung kalaban mo ang NPA (New Peoples Army), fight kayo. Kung kasama ka sa NPA, e di patayin ka pagbaba mo," Duterte added.

[Translation: Don't run if you're afraid to die. Don't go to faraway farms, If you're against the NPA, you're going to fight them. If you're with the NPA, you'll get killed when you come back.]
Duping in the name of Halal investments is an issue that has left thousands of Indian Muslims confused, scared and angry. Muslims in two cities -Hyderabad and Bangalore are especially at the receiving end, yet there is every chance that unless you are from that region and following local media, you may have no clue that thousands of Muslims have been duped over just the past year in the name of Halal investments.

In these Halal offers, even more attractive than the Halal factor was the ridiculously-high returns they promised to their investors. This, coupled with religious scholars who were too happy to promote such companies, meant that Muslim investors came in hundreds. Such smart marketing embedded with lies and deceit meant that these companies were easily able to fool people.

In this five-part series, TwoCircles.net will look at how companies like Heera Gold, now at the centre of a confirmed Ponzi scheme, used a combination of religious symbolism, Ulemas, fake propaganda and political tools to attract investors in Hyderabad.

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In the last of the five-part series, certified Islamic Finance expert Syed Mohammed Abud Asif explains why it is easy for Muslims to fall for such fraudulent companies and how the Indian government passively encourages such companies by not providing adequate Shariah-compliant banking avenues for the countrys Muslims. He also lists the basic mandatory checks that Muslim investors must make before investing in any company that claims to be Shariah compliant.

Read Part One here Haram in the name of Halal: How Heera Gold promised Acche Din and delivered the opposite

Read Part Two here Confused, hopeful, angry, worried: The many emotions being felt by Heera Gold investors right now

Read Part Three here Everything but Halal: How Bangalore Muslims fell prey to high returns in the name of Islam

Read Part Four here Why Halal investments in Kerala do not make news for the wrong reasons

I have watched in part amazement and part despair as over the past year, thousands of Muslims have lost their hard-earned money at the hands of fraudulent companies who promise ridiculously high returns in the name of Halal investments. I sometimes wonder why people would willingly walk into such traps without double-checking on the companies, their Halal label, their books and accounts etc. But then I also realise that the answer is right in front of me.

Take, for example, a student who gets recruited to, say, a software company through campus recruitment and is able to save Rs 25,000 per month. A year later, he/she is able to save Rs 3 lakh per year. At different stages, all his classmates manage to get started with business or secure a decent job and continues to invest in some form or the other through mainstream banking routes. Meanwhile, the Muslim student remains confused because as a pious Muslim, he is not encouraged to invest and/or earn interest. When he/she thinks of an investment options, depositing with the conventional bank or insurance with insurers would not be an option.

It is also important to point out that over the past few years, a certain image of Shariah-related investment has developed which makes it sound like Shariah is anti-profit. However, this is an utter myth. A huge number of companies in India are Shariah-compliant and equity is the preferred mode of investment in Shariah. Hence, stocks should wide acceptance among Muslim investors as long as these stocks follow Shariah rules. In fact, even the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange have a Shariah index which allows you to keep track of investments and companies that follow Shariah principles. The moot point, however, is this: how do you encourage a population that is economically and socially backward to invest in something as technical as equity investing? Plus, talks of stock investments ring premature when seen in context of the large-scale marginalisation of Muslims when it comes to having access to Shariah-compliant banking.

The only option left, then, is to either to start new business with the help of relative or friend or invest in real estate. And we know that starting a business is neither possible for everyone nor ideal. In the case of real estate, the investment amount is high and it is illiquid (cannot be converted into cash immediately).

Where then, does the money saved by Muslims go? Either it lies unattended in banks (which banks use to further the loan-anti Shariah business) or the money lies at home losing value). Who is to be blamed for this? Our savings are not used by ours and not used for our cause  either business, education, insurance or any needs. And despite several proposals, suggestions and ideas, the Reserve Bank of India and the Government are not in favor to allow full-fledged interest free banks and Takaful (insurance) companies to operate. And when even the pro-Muslim Congress/UPA government did not allow it, do we honestly expect this NDA government to do so?

As a result, India finds itself in a rather unenviable position. The worlds third-largest Muslim population has less than 3% representation in financial system. This is even less than their representation in the Indian bureaucracy (4.7%) which itself is hardly a number to feel good about.

No wonder then, that the cases of Bangalore and Hyderabad have become common these days. Companies which claim to do business in terms of Islamic rules of transactions have failed miserably in terms of performance and hence couldnt sustain over period of time. They pool investment from small savers, business organization and retired individuals and promise an expected return which they cant provide for. The Ponzi schemes played the same game, only adding to the image that interest-free financial institutions are not to be trusted. What we need is a an interest free financial model which is legally sound, financially robust, commercially viable, socially inclusive and shariah compliant. It is true that many companies have tried to do that due to many internal and external factors. Mismanagement of funds, Excessive exposure to real estate and dubious financing practice are just a few of the problems. The massive rise and the subsequent fall of ponzi companies have once again necessitated the task of reformation of real alternative. In this context, companies like Rehbar, Mount Judi, Secura, Cheraman and TASIS (shariah indexes) are some of the ground breaking efforts furthering the alternative option.

In the cooperative societies level, there are institutions like Janaseva, Sanghamaum, Al khair, Bait un Nas, Sahulat Microfinance and Islamic Welfare Society which have earmarked trust in the public in terms of their performance and sustainability. On the stock exchange, there are Tata Ethical Fund and Taurus Ethical Fund which will appeal to the faith-based investor. There are no capital market instruments (stock and bonds, debentures, treasury bills, fixed deposits) available so far that claim to be Shariah-compliant. Any business/finance or investment in accordance with Islamic Principles is called Shariah-compliant. There are research reports, books and many speeches available on the issue, but essentially there are four principal rules/criteria to check the Shariah permissibility: The first and foremost is the business activity screening. Before investing, make sure that the company doesnt violate any shariah prohibition. Accordingly, any involvement or investment in business of alcohol, pork, gambling, tobacco, and any interest-bearing transaction and all those that are prohibited under Islamic law are to be avoided. Second, all the business undertaking or investment commitment needs to be thoroughly written down between the parties and the witnesses are sought to form a contract. While contracting, all terms and condition should be in clear guideline so that no disputes arise in the future. Any uncertainty as to the subject matter, price, delivery date etc shouldnt jeopardize the true and actual performance of the contract. Third, any partnership or co-venture between parties must have equal chances of profit or loss. Any investments that claims to make a fixed sum of money as returns are void under Islamic law. As with any investment, there is a chance of making losses the same applies to Shariah-compliant business/ investments as well. Reporting losses doesnt mean non compliance with Shariah. Fourth, any investment that doesnt disclose their business in terms of nature and accordingly their accounting fails the test of compliance. This demands the accounting and auditing of the whole business. These are the prerequisite notes that can be controlled if external body legitimately have supervision both from commercial and legal (including Shariah) point of view. And this is where the fraudulent companies were able to get away. Insurance companies have the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI); the stock market has the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI); banks have the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Halal-compliant companies? There is Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Registrar of Companies but that is for all registered companies. However, there is no single body or authority that investors who have lost money in these companies can approach. This was most visible when complaints against Heera Gold surfaced; it was between the Crime Branch, the Economic Offences Wing, the Enforcement Directorate and the Serious Frauds Office of India to decide. No wonder then, that the people who have lost money have little hope of ever getting their money back. The most fundamental yardsticks to consider is the shariah-compliant actual business performance, growth and development and its impact in the economy and its future course of business. It is becoming increasingly clear that in the absence of a regulatory authority and any offering of an alternative from the government regarding investments and banking, Muslims are caught between the devil and the deep sea. And these fraudulent companies are making millions by acting like saviours. (The author is a Certified Islamic Finance professional based out of Bhatkal, Karnataka)
Tokyo prosecutors have accused Nissan's former chairman Carlos Ghosn, another executive and the automaker itself of underreporting income.

Ghosn, who was arrested on November 19, was charged on Monday with underreporting his income by 5billion yen ($44million) over the course of five years.

Later the same day charges were added against Ghosn and Greg Kelly, the other executive, of underreporting another 4billion yen ($36million) in more recent years.

Ghosn is facing up to 10 years in jail if convicted.

It comes as it emerged that a Rio de Janeiro apartment containing cash, art works and personal belongings of Ghosn has become the latest battleground between the indicted former Nissan Motor Co Ltd chairman and the automaker.

Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman of Nissan, has been charged with underreporting his income by at least $44million over five years

Ghosn is seeking to retrieve 'personal belongings, documents, cash, objects and art pieces' from the beachfront apartment, which Nissan says it owns. The home could contain evidence of financial misconduct, according to a filing by Nissan in a Brazilian court filings last week.

The previously unreported court papers show the extent of the legal dispute between Ghosn and Nissan over access to the apartment, one of several he has had access to around the world.

The Rio apartment contains three safes that Nissan has yet to open, according to the filings. The carmaker found them when it did an audit of the apartment following Ghosn's firing, the company said. The apartment also has 'designer furniture, artwork and decorative objects,' it added.

The Rio apartment was purchased by a Nissan subsidiary in late 2011 following the carmaker's launch of a factory in the nearby city of Resende.

Greg Kelly, another Nissan executive, is accused of helping Ghosn underreport another $36million in more recent years

Nissan bought the apartment expecting that Ghosn's trips to Brazil, where he was born and maintains citizenship, would 'become more constant' after the factory opened, Nissan said in the filings.

The apartment is located in the Copacabana neighborhood, on a road directly facing Rio's famous beaches. An apartment in the same building was listed online for 12 million reais (2.43 million).

The court proceedings started on November 29 when a lawyer for Ghosn asked a judge to grant him access to the apartment.

Nissan says allowing him access would 'represent an incalculable risk of destruction of potential evidence of crimes allegedly committed.' So far he has been denied access by Brazil's courts.

A lawyer for Ghosn, Jose Roberto de Castro Neves, told Reuters he was unaware of the existence of three different safes and that it was 'absurd speculation' that they may contain evidence of wrongdoing.

'He's a very smart guy,' de Castro Neves said in a brief phone interview. 'If he had done something wrong, he would never leave it in the apartment.'

Nissan as a company was not mentioned in the latest allegations. In Japan, a company can be charged with wrongdoing.

Moves by prosecutors to formally charge Ghosn came on the day that his detention period was set to end following his arrest.

Nissan itself has also been accused as part of the case because under Japanese law companies can be charged with wrongdoing

Kelly, 62, is suspected of having collaborated with Ghosn. Kelly's attorney in the U.S. says he is asserting his innocence.

Ghosn has not commented.

Ghosn has been ousted as Nissan chairman and Kelly lost his representative director title, following their arrests, but they both remain on the board.

Ghosn, 64, was sent to Nissan by its partner Renault SA of France in 1999. He led a dramatic turnaround of the near-bankrupt Japanese automaker.

But Ghosn's star-level pay drew attention since executives in Japan tend to be paid far less than their international counterparts.

Only Ghosn's attorneys and embassy officials from Lebanon, France and Brazil, where he has citizenship, have been allowed to visit him.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission said it had filed criminal complaints against Ghosn, Nissan and Kelly.

A commission official said Monday that Nissan, Ghosn and Kelly were suspected of falsifying reports on millions of dollars' worth of Ghosn's income.
The 28-year-old told reporters outside of court he felt 'fantastic'

An innocent outing to have pizza with his uncle ended up with the son of Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim being accused of illegally handling $2.25 million.

But at Sydney's Central Local Court on Monday, Daniel Taylor was cleared of involvement in an alleged illegal tobacco smuggling ring connected to the cash.

The 28-year-old had been accused of knowing the money was in a bag and suitcase in the boot of the car that he travelled in, from his eastern suburbs home to Rozelle, to meet his uncle Michael Ibrahim on July 24, 2017.

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An innocent outing to have pizza with his uncle ended up with the son of Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim being accused of illegally handling $2.25 million (pictured: John Ibrahim leaving court)

The prosecution alleges the money, then handed to an undercover police officer in the Sackville Hotel car park, was payment or part-payment for the illegal importation of cigarettes.

The court was played CCTV footage of the exchange, which magistrate Beverley Schurr said was 'not clear' as to whether Taylor handled the luggage although he 'probably assisted with the second bag being unloaded'.

She discharged Taylor on the charge of dealing with an instrument of crime greater than $1 million.

The 28-year-old told reporters outside of court he felt 'fantastic' after being cleared of involvement in the alleged ring.

But at Sydney's Central Local Court on Monday, Daniel Taylor was cleared of involvement in an illegal tobacco smuggling ring connected to the cash

Lawyer Michael Gatenby had argued Ibrahim was 'just some uncle taking his nephew out for pizza' that day and Taylor was 'nothing more than a rear passenger'.

He rejected the suggestion it was 'some clandestine meeting' and said there was no evidence of Taylor being entrusted with the money.

'It was no more than an instant that he helped an older uncle with a bag. Incredible that it got to this, very disappointing,' Mr Gatenby told reporters outside court, adding that the dismissal was of 'massive relief' to Taylor.

'He'd been contacted that morning. His uncle said 'let's go for a pizza' and they went and had a pizza.'

Crown prosecutor Georgina Wright had submitted that two conversations intercepted by police after the event indicated admissions by Taylor.

They included him saying 'I helped to get it out of the car, big f***ing deal' and 'I'd be copping it on the chin if I was making money out of it but I didn't make anything, f*** all'.

Ms Wright said Taylor's involvement included possession of the money from the time it left his house in the car.

But the magistrate did not accept these arguments.

The 28-year-old told reporters outside of court he felt 'fantastic' after being cleared of involvement in the alleged ring

She said there is 'certainly circumstantial evidence' Taylor and Ibrahim were together before the handover, but there was no evidence as to how and when the luggage was put in the car or where the bags were beforehand.

Taylor is now on unconditional bail and due before Downing Centre Local Court on December 18 on his remaining charge of possessing a prohibited steroid.

His uncle, Fadi Ibrahim, and co-accused Abraham Sayour and Hasan Sayour, have been committed to stand trial in NSW's District Court on January 18 over their alleged links to the smuggling ring.

At least eight other men, including Michael Ibrahim, are also before the courts.
Four British schoolgirls and their teacher were held at gunpoint as they were sexually assaulted, with their assailant shooting their security in Ghana.

The victims - aged 16 and 17 - were staying at walled guesthouses as part of a group of ten on a charity mission to the capital, Accra.

The attacker used his rifle to shoot and wound the security guard at the hostel after he tried to intervene.

Hundreds of corrugated iron roofed huts can be seen lining the shore in the heart of Accra, Ghana; the schoolgirls and their teacher were flown home from the city after the attack on Saturday

According to the Sun, the teens and their school teacher were flown home on Sunday and were treated at a British hospital after the ordeal on Saturday night.

The pupils were paying 1,200 each to take part in their school's partnership with a West African charity.

They had travelled there to have an 'opportunity to experience life in a developing country,' the newspaper said.

A view of the cityscape of Accra, Ghana, where the schoolchildren were visiting; the Foreign Office advises there is a risk of violence and terrorism in the country

The accommodation was close to the beach and the teens were staying in rooms of up to six at the site, where there was also a caretaker and security team.

The Foreign Office confirmed the 'incident' in the greater Accra area and said it was working with local authorities, The Sun reported.

Around 90,000 Britons travel to Ghana every year and the Foreign Office advises that violent crime is a possibility, particularity at Christmas time.

Civil unrest can breakout at any moment and there is a constant terror threat.
European Court of Justice judge Carl Gustav Fernlund read out the ruling on Article 50 at the court in Luxembourg today (pictured)

EU judges delivered a boost for Remainer rebels today by ruling that Britain can unilaterally cancel Brexit.

The European Court of Justice decided that Article 50 can be withdrawn by the UK without permission from other member states.

Britain would keep its current terms of membership if it quit the process - meaning keeping the rebate, the opt out from the Euro and exemptions from the Schengen passport-free zone.

Meanwhile, Theresa May has cancelled tomorrow's crunch vote on Brexit in the Commons to avoid a massive and humiliating defeat.

In a chaotic morning, No10 sources revealed the sudden U-turn just minutes after the PM's spokeswoman had been sent out to insist the vote would be going ahead.

The PM caved to demands to kick the vote back after more than 100 Tory rebels indicated they would not back her deal - putting her on course for what may have been one of the biggest parliamentary defeats ever.

It means she will head back to Brussels on Thursday where she will try to squeeze more concessions - particularly on the hated Irish backstop - out of EU leaders.

She has been urged to emulate Margaret Thatcher and have a 'handbag moment' to press for changes.

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn swooped on the chaos and branded the Government 'desperate'.

Today's ruling will encourage hopes from pro-EU MPs that a second referendum can be held to stop the UK from leaving the bloc altogether.

But Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the ruling was 'irrelevant' as it was 'certainly not the intention of the government' to delay Brexit.

The case was brought by a cross-party group of Scottish politicians together with lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project.

The ruling will fuel tensions ahead of the crunch vote on Theresa May's (pictured today at Downing Street) Brexit deal tomorrow as Remain supporter hopes of stopping Brexit rise

SNP MP Joanna Cherry, who helped brig the case, said: 'I'm delighted that we now know definitively that there is an option to stay in the EU.

'The UK government has ignored Scotland's vote to remain and all compromises suggested by the Scottish Government.

'They also fought us every inch of the way in this case, so it's a particularly sweet irony that Scottish parliamentarians and the Scottish courts have provided this lifeline to the UK parliament at this moment of crisis.'

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'Important judgment from ECJ - Article 50 can be unilaterally revoked by UK.'

She added: 'So an extension of Article 50 to allow time for another vote, followed by revocation of Article 50 if the outcome is Remain seems to be an option that is now open to the House of Commons.'

People's Vote campaigner and Labour MP Dame Margaret Beckett said: 'This is confirmation that it is still up to us to decide whether we want to keep the existing deal we've got in the EU rather than accept a bad deal negotiated by the Government.

'What has happened in the last week is that any prospect of no deal has been removed by amendments allowing Parliament to take control, while we now all know beyond any doubt that we can stay in the EU - it's not too late.'

Liberal Democrat Tom Brake said: 'The ECJ has made clear that the UK can stop Brexit unilaterally. The Government can therefore prevent a chaotic no-deal.

'For the sake of people's livelihoods, the Prime Minister must end the uncertainty and rule out a no-deal.'

Nicola Sturgeon said it was an 'important judgement' that could pave the way for a second referendum on EU membership

Best for Britain chief Eloise Todd said the court ruling meant 'our future is in our hands'.

She said: 'As the Prime Minister tries every desperate measure to get her deal through the Parliament, MPs need to recognise that when her deal is defeated they should move as quickly as possible to give the people of this country the final say on whether to stay in or leave the EU.'

Environment Secretary Michael Gove told BBC Radio 4's Today programme there was no change to the Government's plan to leave the EU.

He said: 'We voted very clearly - 17.4 million people sent a clear message that we wanted to leave the European Union and that means also leaving the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

'So, this case is all very well but it doesn't alter either the referendum vote or the clear intention of the Government to make sure that we leave on March 29.'

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured today in Brussels) said the ruling was 'irrelevant' as it was 'certainly not the intention of the government' to delay Brexit

The winners argued in court that unilateral revocation was possible. They believe it could pave the way for an alternative option to Brexit, such as a People's Vote to enable remaining in the EU.

However, legal representatives for the UK Government claimed the case is inadmissible as it deals with a hypothetical situation, since the Government's policy is not to revoke Article 50.

Lawyers representing the Council of the European Union and from the European Commission meanwhile argued that revocation is possible but would require unanimous agreement from all member states.

Last week the court's Advocate General rejected the idea that approval is needed from the European Council.

Instead, Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona said Article 50 allows the 'unilateral revocation of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, until such time as the Withdrawal Agreement is formally concluded'.

The case was originally heard by the Court of Session in Edinburgh and two attempts by the UK Government to appeal against the referral to the European court were rejected.

Once the ECJ has delivered its ruling the case will be referred back to the Court of Session, where judges are expected to 'frank' the decision and declare the European Court's answer to be the law on the matter.
Two teenage mates were partying and laughing together just days before the pair were killed in a horror Outback car crash.

In a photo uploaded to Facebook just four days before the fatal crash, Kevin 'Kev' Walsh, 18, and Lyall Kennedy, 16, were pictured enjoying life.

But at about 6.30pm on December 2, tragedy struck when the pair were travelling with four other friends down the Castlereagh Highway at Gulargambone, in northern New South Wales.

Mr Welsh was driving a Ford Mondeo, allegedly stolen a week before, when he hit a patch of gravel at a dangerous bend in the road and lost control of the car.

The car skidded before flipping onto its side and rolling several times onto the side of the road.

The last photo of Kevin 'Kev' Welsh (left) and Lyall Kennedy (right) partying four days before they were killed in a horror crash

Orana Mid-Western Police District Inspector Keith Ridley said Mr Welsh was killed instantly as he was thrown out of the vehicle due to impact.

Mr Kennedy, who was the front sitting passenger, initially survived the crash and suffered critical head injuries, reports The Daily Telegraph.

The 16-year-old was flown to Westmead Hospital but died surrounded by his family on December 7.

Tributes flowed from the family and friends of the two Indigenous boys.

Lyall Kennedy's older sister Tessa Kennedy was in disbelief she had lost her baby brother.

Both boys were driving an allegedly stolen vehicle

'Knowing I'll never get to see you again shatters me I still can't believe your [sic] gone,' she wrote in an online tribute.

'You were the only one I look up to, the most big hearted person I've known our entire life, our home feels so empty without you nothing is the same no more,

'I am going to miss your bright face especially that little cheeky smile & definitely won't forget the bond you & I both had, your [sic] but forever in our heart best mate,

'But like they say God only takes the best I miss you & I love you so much, may you rest in paradise Lyall my baby brother until we meet again.'

Lyall Kennedy's older sister Tessa Kennedy was in disbelief she had lost her baby brother

One friend of the teenagers Lezley Mackay posted a tribute to both.

'Kevin my big brother it hurts knowing I won't kick it with you again we had rough times with each other but I still loved you cause you was my big brother,' she wrote.

'Lyall we had some good memories ... nothing but love for you my cuz and I'll cherish it all I love my brother.'

Police are still investigating the circumstances behind the incident including why six people were travelling in a car with five seats.

Inspector Ridley said alcohol may have been involved in the crash.

Police may ask for further witness statements and evidence from the hospital.
Canadian police are investigating a break in at the C$5.6million mansion of a Huawei technology heiress who was arrested on fraud allegations over a week ago.

Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested at Vancouver airport on Saturday December 1 for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Early on Sunday morning officers were called to West 28th Avenue in the Dunbar neighbourhood after reports of a home invasion, reports the Vancouver Sun.

Vancouver police are investigating a break in at the home (pictured) of a senior Huawei executive who is accused of violating U.S. sanctions against Iran

Police spokesman Jason Doucette said: 'No one was injured and no arrests have been made. The suspects fled the area after being challenged by someone in the house.'

Meng's husband, Xiaozong Liu, is listed as the owner of the six-bedroom house and police were said to still be collecting evidence from the home on Sunday afternoon.

The couple are also linked to a second home in Vancouver on Matthews Avenue in Shaughnessy, which is also registered to Xiaozong Liu.

Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei's founder Ren Zhengfei, 74, was in custody at the time of the break in while a judge considered her bail conditions over the weekend.

The heiress appeared in court on Friday at a hearing which lasted nearly six hours but a Canadian prosecutor asked for her bail request to be rejected.

Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested at Vancouver airport on Saturday December 1

She is being held on an extradition warrant at the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women (pictured) while a judge considers her bail conditions over the weekend

The 46-year-old, who is also Huawei's Chief Financial Officer, was arrested by Canadian authorities at the request of the United States.

She faces U.S. accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran.

What is Huawei? Huawei, a privately held company, based in southern China's tech hub of Shenzhen near Hong Kong, is the world's largest supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies. It also recently surpassed Apple as the second biggest maker of cellphones after South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. The company, founded in 1987 by a former military engineer, Ren Zhengfei, who is Meng's father, has 170,000 employees worldwide and says it has business in more than 170 countries. Advertisement

This deception put the banks at risk of violating U.S. sanctions and incurring severe penalties, court documents said.

U.S. officials allege that Huawei was trying to use the banks to move money out of Iran.

On Saturday US prosecutors charging Meng with fraud said she had used at least seven passports, from China and Hong Kong, in 11 years, according to Sky.

Meng argued that she should be released on bail in Canada while awaiting an extradition hearing due to severe hypertension and fears for her health.

In a sworn affidavit, Meng said she is innocent of the allegations and will contest them at trial in the United States if she is surrendered there.

She also said in her affidavit that she tries to spend at least two weeks in Vancouver every year, reports the Straits Times.

She has been held in custody since her arrest. Her lawyer argues that this situation is untenable due to her health.

Meng (shown in a court sketch) appeared at the British Columbia Supreme Court on Friday and argued that she should be released on bail due to severe hypertension

The 46-year-old is the daughter of Huawei's founder Ren Zhengfei and chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei

Meng said in the affidavit she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained.

Meng also has sleep apnea and was treated for a carcinoma, lawyer David Martin told the court on Friday.

China has protested Canada's 'inhumane' treatment of Meng citing reports she was not getting sufficient medical care.

The state-run Global Times newspaper reported that 'it seems that the Canadian detention facility is not offering her the necessary health care.'

Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing: 'We believe this is inhumane and violates her human rights.'

Huawei, which recently overtook Apple to become the world's second-largest technology firm behind Samsung

Court documents also show the family has ties to Vancouver and her husband said he will bring their daughter to Canada to attend school during the legal proceedings, reports the Vancouver Sun.

Meng is being held under a provisional arrest warrant issued under the Extradition Act, though little else is known about the case after a judge granted Meng a on order banning details from being made public.

Lawyer Gary Botting, who has experience with extradition cases and spoke to the Guardian on Friday, said that if Meng is granted bail, she will likely have to post a surety amounting to 'several million' dollars.

She would also have to give up her passport, may be forced to wear an electronic tag, and could even be assigned guards until her extradition hearing.

Billed as a 'Red Princess', Meng is widely assumed to be the heiress of her former Communist soldier father, who founded the world's current second largest smartphone seller at the age of 43 with just 21,000 yuan (2,388).

Meng, who is also the Vice-Chairman of Huawei, is ranked No. 12 by Forbes on the list of China's most outstanding businesswomen this year.

Meng, whose given name means 'late boat' in Chinese, gave her first ever public interview aged 41 in 2013 - two decades after she started working for her father. She had been appointed as the company's CFO two years earlier.

The firstborn of Mr Ren, Meng has previously been known as Cathy Meng or Sabrina Meng. She graduated from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in central China's Wuhan city.

She has been billed as a 'Red Princess' due to the alleged strong connection between her grandfather and the officials of the Communist party.

Over the years, Meng worked as the director of the international accounting department, CFO of Huawei's Hong Kong branch office and president of the accounts management department.

She is said to be known within her company as the 'Huawei Princess'
A hospital boss has apologised after an 18-year-old student died shortly after doctors dismissed his severe pain as a 'panic attack.

Ben Glean suffered a fatal cardiac arrest last year due to undiagnosed type one diabetes just two days after being sent home from Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.

Medics failed to carry out a simple blood test which may have saved his life by identifying his condition.

After he was rushed back to hospital, doctors unaware of the diabetes then gave him fluids which can cause brain swelling in those with diabetes.

Ben Glean, pictured, 18, died of a cardiac arrest caused by type one diabetes days after being sent home from hospital when he had severe pain

His mother Karen, pictured with Ben's brother Michael Nwosu, left, and partner Jaime Lidgard, right, previously criticised doctors for dismissing his condition as a 'panic attack'

Dr Peter Reading, chief executive of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, has now apologised for 'failing' Mr Glean.

Speaking at a memorial service one year on from the death, Dr Reading, who had been in the job for four months when Mr Glean died, said: 'I approach this with very mixed emotions - immense sadness, and for me humility.

'Our hospital, when Ben needed us most, made some mistakes. I have formally apologised to his family.

'We feel a sense of shame about that. I would like to repeat that apology today.'

Mr Glean went to A&E at the hospital in Grimsby complaining of severe stomach pains, sickness and constipation on December 3, 2017, only to be told to go home.

After his death, he was found be suffering from a deadly condition linked to type 1 diabetes called ketoacidosis - an illness which causes a build up of acidity in the blood.

An inquest into the circumstances of his death is still to conclude.

After his death Mr Glean, pictured with his partner, was found to be suffering from type one diabetes but doctors never diagnosed him

But his mother Karen has claimed the hospital failed her son.

Speaking to The Sun earlier this year, she said: 'Ben started complaining about sickness so the doctors did an ECG, which found his heartbeat was erratic.

'The doctors said they wanted to do a blood test but they never gave him one.

What is type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where your blood glucose level is too high because the body cannot make a hormone called insulin. It has nothing to do with lifestyle and the exact cause is still unknown. Without insulin, the body cannot properly process glucose and allow it to get into cells, causing a build-up in the bloodstream. It can cause extreme tiredness, thirst and potentially fatal organ damage. With insulin injection treatment, the condition can be managed to allow sufferers to live normal lives. Source: diabetes.org.uk Advertisement

'At this point he couldn't even lie down because he was in so much pain but the doctors just told him he was having a panic attack and advised we see the GP the next day to get some anxiety medication.'

On December 5 he went into cardiac arrest and was taken back to hospital.

Mrs Glean then had to make the agonising decision to donate his organs and switch his life support machine off.

Mr Glean, who was studying at A-levels at Franklin College and hoped of becoming a police officer, died on December 8.

Dr Reading told his family and friends the Trust had learnt lessons from his death and changed a number of practices relating to type 1 diabetes that would hopefully 'benefit patients for years to come'.

The memorial for Mr Glean was also attended by his brother Michael, aunt Andrea, partner Jaime, his school teachers and a legion of friends for a special service in the hospital chapel on Friday.

His mother used the meeting to thank Dr Reading and NHS trust chair Anne Shaw for their cooperation and support after Ben's death.

It was revealed at the service that Make That Change, a trust set up in Ben's memory, has so far distributed 60,000 symptom posters across the country and his website has been shared 100,000 times.
This is the astonishing moment a group of African migrants sprinted up a Spanish beach after jumping out of a rickety wooden boat, leaving locals stunned.

Around 30 people, including three children, were filmed diving out of the boat on the shoreline before running up the sand and disappearing up the beach in broad daylight.

Many of the group wore thick coats and clutched belongings or carried rucksacks.

The surreal scene, a replay of incidents in summer when African migrants tore past tourists as they topped up their tans, happened at Santa Maria del Mar Beach in Cadiz in the south-west of the country.

The small wooden boat was first spotted as it came towards the beach, clearly packed with people

Locals filmed the occupants of the boat, known in Spanish as a patera, with one giving a running commentary as he watched the arrival with a Sunday morning surfer and said: 'This is live. Look, how amazing! It's just arrived. At Santa Maria del Mar.

'Now we've got another 30 or 40 here in Cadiz.'

Eighteen of the migrants, including three children, were intercepted by police in the streets of Cadiz.

One was a five-year-old who had travelled with his mother. Officers said all those caught were Moroccan.

The whereabouts of the rest were unclear this morning, although police sources said that because they were also thought to be from Morocco, they may have had relatives living in Cadiz who were waiting for them to arrive and had arranged to pick them up.

As the boat came towards Santa Maria del Mar beach its occupants prepared to dive out and run towards the centre of Cadiz

Men, women and children jumped from the vessel and began to trudge their way up the sand

One of the surfers who witnessed the boat arriving handed police a GPS device he found in the abandoned vessel.

Sunday morning's incident coincided with the release of Spanish Ministry of Interior figures showing 48,376 irregular migrants reached southern Spain by sea and mostly in pateras to December 3 of this year, nearly triple the figure for the whole of 2017.

Most - 21.4 per cent - were Moroccans followed by Guineans and Malians.

Last Sunday, the far-right VOX party, which opposes illegal immigration and abortion, won a historic 12 seats in regional elections in southern Spain.

France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen and white supremacist David Duke, a former leader of the Ku Klux Klan, were among those who tweeted their congratulations after the VOX triumph.

Some took off at lightning speed while others were slow to get out of the tilting boat

The boat was abandoned on the shoreline after the group of 30 made their way for the town

Locals were stunned as they filmed the large group making their way up the sand. Recently, scenes like this have become more frequent in Spanish coastal towns

In August holidaymakers watched on as a group of African migrants reached a packed tourist beach on Spain's Costa de la Luz.

The semi-inflatable zodiac carrying nearly 50 Moroccans including around ten children reached Barrosa Beach, considered to be one of the best beaches on Spain's southern coast and near a purpose-built residential and tourist resort called Sancti Petri.

The group made their way across the wet sand and up towards the town as they clutched their belongings

The group can be seen carrying bags and rucksacks as they attempt to start a new life in Spain

Police found the boat completely empty when they arrived at the scene although more than half of the group were later caught by officers

One of the beachgoers filming the surreal scene could be heard saying in Spanish as the migrants leapt from their boat: 'Look how they're running towards the Sancti Petri Melia Hotel.

'They're heading for the all-inclusive Melia Sancti Petri. Look, look, look.'

In July around 50 migrants were filmed landing on a packed beach and sprinting up the sand at a beach in Zahora a half-hour drive away and close to the headland of Cape Trafalgar near where Horatio Nelson defeated Napoleon's combined Spanish and French fleet.
Terror groups prefer to use women to groom potential new members on social media because of their 'empathy and soft approach', researchers found.

Both Islamist organisations such as ISIS, and far-right terrorists, use women to target vulnerable individuals on social media, radicalise them and persuade them to join their 'cause'.

Research carried out on behalf of Facebook found that ISIS in particular had successfully used this tactic.

British 'ISIS wife' Aqsa Mahmood, from Glasgow, is one such woman recruiter, who is known to have urged British Muslims to join the terror organisation in Syria on social media platforms

'They [women terrorists] put in the hours... That's when radicalisation works best,' Erin Saltman, lead manager of counterterrorism policy at Facebook, said according to The Times.

'They're very good at recruitment because it's a very human process - they're playing on grievances with world problems and offer membership to an extremist group as the solution.

'That's what is being sold and women are very good at those dialogues.'

Several British women who are known to have left the country to join ISIS in Syria in recent years have been actively trying to recruit others using social media.

Aqsa Mahmood, from Glasgow, Scotland, went to Syria to marry an ISIS fighter aged 20 in 2014, having been radicalised online.

Propaganda: This photo was posted by Mahmood from ISIS's so-called caliphate in Syria as part of her online recruitment campaign

Terror twins: Zahra and Salma Halane, from Manchester, left the UK shortly after finishing sixth form in 2014, and became ISIS wives in Syria

Once in Syria, Mahmood began tweeting jihadist propaganda in a bid to lure other young British Muslims to join the brutal regime.

Calling herself Umm Layth, Mahmood would post pictures of herself and other foreign ISIS-wives, covered in black from head to toe, and write about their 'happy' lives in the so-called caliphate.

Salma and Zahra Halane, known as the 'terror twins', left Manchester in June 2014 to join ISIS, and are then said to have been painting a romanticised image of life in Syria on social media.

They are said to have been radicalised over the internet themselves.

In October 2015 it emerged that they had been trying to encourage others to join ISIS.

One message, sent by Zahra to encourage her two younger brothers to sign up as future mujaheddin, read: We might seem evil to you, but we will all be happy in jannah [the afterlife].

Are you coming to Dawlah [ISIS]? They will train you up. You will meet boys from England, China, Ireland, Sweden, FROM EVERYWHERE. Want to see my Kalash [Kalashnikov]?? Ha ha ha.
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The death of distinguished historian, Professor Mushirul Hasan (1949-2018), today, has saddened the entire fraternity of the Aligarh Muslim University. He was an alumnus of the University whose academic accomplishments made AMU proud of. He did his schooling from the AMUs STS High School (Minto Circle); obtained BA (History Honours) and MA from the Department of History, AMU. Having taught history in a college in Delhi, he left for the Cambridge and earned his PhD from there. His PhD thesis on nationalism and communal politics in India during 1885-1930 broke a ground, when it was published, and ran into many editions. Later, his meticulously well-researched works on Indias partition got wide scale citations by the scholars across the globe.

Expressing his profound grief on the loss of an illustrious alumnus, Prof Tariq Mansoor, the AMU Vice Chancellor, said that his death has created a great void in the world of scholarship on Modern and contemporary Indian History.

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Most distinguished of Mushirul Hasans long research essays were on: Muslim Mass Contact Campaign of the 1930s; Nationalist Trends in Aligarh; his book (1997) on Indias Muslims since Independence, and on, Pluralism in Awadh, got wider appreciation.

The video of Peace March at Jamia Millia Islamia in which prof Mushirul Hassan participated:
The grandmother of a teenage man who died of a suspected overdose after attending a rave has lashed out at those who supplied her loved one with drugs, calling them 'worse than terrorists'.

Callum Brosnan, aged 19 and from Baulkham Hills in Sydney's northwest, was found in a 'distressed state' at a train station near a weekend rave, and rushed to hospital just before 1.30am on Sunday.

Mr Brosnan had attended the Knockout Games of Destiny Dance Party in Homebush and was admitted into hospital after a suspected overdose, dying after three hours of treatment, leaving behind a devastated family.

Among them is his heartbroken grandmother Bev Munnik, who says more needs to be done to prevent the flow of drugs at music festivals.

19-year-old Callum Brosnan died from a suspected drug overdose at a rave on the weekend

'They are worse than terrorists because they are undermining our youth. They actually murder them,' a tearful Ms Munnik told 9News.

'I woke up this morning and thought it had all been a terrible dream. It's a tragedy.'

Another of Mr Brosnon's relatives, who requested to remain anonymous, told 7 News the family were struggling to cope with the news.

'I've just suggested they all have a Panadol, put their heads down, they've been up since whenever and I think it's the shock setting in,' she said.

Mr Brosnan's grandmother Bev Munnik (pictured) tearfully called for harsher punishments for drug suppliers

'Stop the drugs,' the relative said, begging NSW Premer Gladys Berejiklian to take action after a spate of overdose deaths at Sydney music festivals in recent years.

The state government did introduce new laws in November, which could see drug dealers who supply to someone who dies jailed for a maximum of 25 years after three people overdosed at the Defqon.1 festival.

Mr Brosnon himself had attended the festival, making a picture of the stage his cover photo on Facebook.

Callum Brosnan, from Baulkham Hills, was found in a 'distressed state' at a train station near the event, and rushed to hospital just before 1.30am

Mr Brosnan had recently been accepted into Sydney's prestigious Conservatorium of Music

A talented musician, Mr Brosnan had recently been accepted into Sydney's prestigious Conservatorium of Music.

A woman named Hayley Sheers, understood to be Mr Brosnan's girlfriend, posted a photo of the pair online and a heartbreaking tribute after his death.

'Rest easy my beautiful man. You were definitely taken to soon. I love you, I will always love you,' she wrote.

Three others remain in hospital following the music festival, with one in an induced coma.

More than 18,000 people in total attended the event, with police searching more than 200 of them at the entrance.
A hunting dog was hit and killed by a car while allegedly chasing a fox next to a busy dual carriageway.

The hound was struck on the A14 near Thrapston in Northamptonshire during a Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt on Saturday.

A video showing the dog lying in the road and two members of the hunt carrying the body off the carriageway was shared by the North Cambridgeshire Hunt Saboteurs.

According to the saboteurs, the Fitzwilliam pack chased a fox along the hedgerow adjacent to the A14, which forced the animal closer to the road.

A video showing two members of the hunt carrying the body off the carriageway was shared by the North Cambridgeshire Hunt Saboteurs

They said: 'Hounds ran alongside the road at this point. A sab who arrived on the scene at that point slowed the traffic on the eastbound carriageway.

'One hound ran across all four lanes to the westbound carriageway, before turning around back to the huntsman.

'The poor young hound was struck by two vehicles and was catapulted along the road. The dog died shortly afterwards, lying in the road.'

Pictures of the accident were posted to Facebook along with the caption: 'The Fitzwilliam Hunt today showed an absolute disregard for not just wildlife, but the lives of their very own hounds and the safety of the general public.'

Meanwhile the hunt released a statement adding: 'We can confirm that today one hound went onto the A14 and was killed in a collision with a car.

'The hound was killed outright, the driver was not injured and we thank her for her sympathy and understanding after this most unfortunate accident.

According to the saboteurs, the Fitzwilliam pack chased a fox along the hedgerow adjacent to the A14, which forced the animal closer to the road where it was hit

'The Hunt was pursuing legal activities near Thrapston.

'Two Hunt staff were deliberately impeded by five or more hunt saboteurs, with one member of hunt staff almost being pulled from his horse by a saboteur grabbing his whip.

'The Police have been informed and attended the scene.'

On the North Cambs Hunt Saboteurs' Facebook post, they questioned the legality of the use of a pack of hounds to chase a fox.

They said: 'We note that the Fitzwilliam Hunt, in their statement, have described what they were doing as "legal hunting activities".

'It must have escaped their attention that chasing a fox with a pack of hounds is not legal.'

Fox hunting was banned in 2005, but it is still legal to use dogs to simulate hunting, for example in 'drag' or 'trail' hunting.

You can also use up to two dogs to chase, flush or stalk foxes out of hiding if the fox is causing damage to your property or the environment.

The two hunt members carry the dog's body away from the carriageway and into a wooded area nearby

The North Cambs Hunt Saboteurs have asked Facebook users to donate to an animal rescue centre in memory of the hound who was killed.

Three groups of hunt saboteurs have joined together to raise money on gofundme which will pay for the legal fees to defend an injunction brought against them by the Fitzwilliam Hunt.

So far the campaign has raised 2,291 of their 2,500 goal.

Earlier this year, a High Court judge barred opponents of the Fitzwilliam hunt from trespassing on land they use.

Mr Justice Freedman slapped the ban on anti hunt groups after the hunt, which has stables in Peterborough, took legal action.

The hound was struck on the A14 near Thrapston in Northamptonshire during a Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt on Saturday

The enforcement of the ban follows several violent clashes between them and saboteurs.

A Fitzwilliam huntsman was found guilty of illegally killing a fox at Peterborough Magistrates' Court in April.

On Saturday's incident, Inspector Alex Wood-Davis from Cambridgeshire Police said: 'We have been made aware though social media of an incident involving a hound belonging to a local hunt being injured or killed on the A14.

'I understand this has caused some concern on social media.

'However, we have not received any calls or complaints concerning this and are not sure that this is within our police area or Northants.

'We have requested through social media for any witnesses to call in on 101 should they have further detail.'
A brave four-year-old boy who was battling cancer and underwent two bone marrow transplants over four years has been told he is cancer-free and will be back home for Christmas.

Ned Isham, from Tasmania, was diagnosed with leukaemia four years ago.

In 2014, The Ishams were heartbroken when they were first told the grim prognosis.

'At multiple times we were offered palliative care and it was looking like that would be the only solution,' Ned's mother Emily Isham told Yahoo 7.

Ned Isham, four, was battling cancer and underwent two bone marrow transplants over four years

'The fact that he's got out of ICU and he's made a recovery and he's out of hospital without any serious organ damage is just a miracle,' Ms Isham said.

But on Monday Ned (picture) was told he was cancer-free and can return home after 18 months in Melbourne hospital

With the support of family and friends, the Ishams raised $600,000 so their son could receive specialised treatment in the United States.

Fortunately, Ned's treatment of CAR-T cell therapy was a success.

CAR-T cell therapy is a cancer treatment which refers to a certain immune system cell being medically altered so they can attack cancer cells.

On Monday, Ned left the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne for the first time in 18 months and visited the zoo with his family.

Now, Ned can't wait to go back home for Christmas and live his post-cancer life.

'I'm looking forward to going back to Tasmania and opening the presents,' Ned told Yahoo 7.
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More than 100 firefighters battled a devastating blaze at one of New York's last Gilded Age mansions that's currently on sale for $50 million.

Flames burst out of the windows of the townhouse at 854 Fifth Avenue  which is home to the Serbian Mission to the United States  after a fire broke out on the third floor at around 8.40pm on Sunday.

The two-alarm fire was declared under control shortly before 10pm, CBS New York reported. Three firefighters and a civilian were injured in the blaze, the FDNY said.

The Beaux Arts mansion  which has 32 rooms, eight bathrooms and two elevators - on Manhattan's Upper East Side is listed for sale with an asking price of $50 million.

Built in 1905, it was designed by the same firm who worked on the iconic Grand Central Terminal. It has a storied history, and its residences include members of the Vanderbilt family and Soviet allies during the Cold War.

Twitter / NYRRT

More than 100 firefighters battled a devastating fire at one of New York's last Gilded Age mansions on Sunday night

Flames burst out of the windows of the townhouse at 854 Fifth Avenue after a fire broke out on the third floor at around 8.40pm on Sunday

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

It has remained virtually untouched as it passed through the hands of the Vanderbilt family until it was bought by Yugoslavia in the wake of the Second World War.

The 20,000 square foot mansion was then fortified with bulletproof windows facing Central Park and the top floors became a Faraday Cage so Cold War meetings could be held without being wire tapped.

During the Cold War, Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito hid out after an assassination attempt on him at the Waldorf Astoria in 1963.

It was originally built in 1905 for New York stockbroker Robert Livingston Beeckman, who later became the governor of Rhode Island, for $60,000.

He installed white marble balustrades, oversized murals and decorative wood paneling looted from French chateaux, according to Avenue magazine.

Emily Thorn Vanderbilt Sloane White, granddaughter of railroad baron Cornelius Vanderbilt, and her husband Henry White moved to the mansion after buying it for $450,000 in 1925.

She put her stamp on it with even more ostentatious details, including unique cherubs covered in gold leaf in the ceiling moldings of the dining room and frescoes depicting angels on ceilings in parlor rooms.

The two-alarm fire at the townhouse on Fifth Avenue was declared under control shortly before 10pm

Three firefighters and a civilian were injured in the blaze at the property, which is home to the Serbian Mission to the US

The last of the Gilded Age mansions (pictured left, in the early 20th century and right, today) and remained largely unchanged until it was devastated

Fire crews work at the site of a blaze at the Serbian Mission on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue

The property, which is owned by the successor states to the former Yugoslavia, is currently on sale for $50 million

But after her death in July 1946, the Republic of Yugoslavia snapped up the property for a mere $300,000, thanks to the post-war depressed real estate market, and used it as their mission.

In 1961, Tito hosted the leaders of Egypt, Ghana, India and Indonesia to draft plans for the creation of the Non-Aligned Movement in one of the mansion's front parlor rooms, according to Avenue.

In 1975, a bomb was set off in a basement stairwell, damaging the first floor and shattering windows, in another assassination attempt.

People watch from a neighboring building as fire crews work at the site of a fire on Sunday

A firefighter is seen by one of the building's windows after the fire was declared under control

Photos taken on Monday morning after the fire show the burned out windows on the third floor of the lavish property

The cause of the blaze, that is believed to have destroyed large parts of the property, is still under investigation

The stone facade surrounding the windows, which are more than 100 years old, were badly damaged during the inferno

Three armed Croatian nationalists stormed the property two years later and shot one man in the stomach.

Today, the property is still owned by the nation's five successor states. Their ownership stakes were decided by the United Nations.

Serbia owns the biggest amount and bases its Permanent Mission to the United Nations there.

Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia have a portfolio of 50 properties across the world that are in the process of being sold off.

The 20,000 sq ft home on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue with a very storied past - is on sale for $50million. Pictured, the townhouse's upper landing to parlor floor

The townhouse at 854 Fifth Avenue (left, today and right, in the early 20th century) on Manhattan's Upper East Side was built in 1905 and has remained virtually untouched since then, retaining many of the original features

Beeckman installed decorative wood paneling looted from French chateaux as well as white marble balustrades and oversized murals. Pictured, the ballroom at 854 Fifth Avenue which is now used as a dining room

It was originally built in 1905 for New York stockbroker Robert Livingston Beeckman, who later became the governor of Rhode Island, for $60,000. Pictured, the property's main dining room

Emily Thorn Vanderbilt Sloane White, granddaughter of railroad baron Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Henry White moved to the mansion after buying it for $450,000. Pictured, the petit salon on the main floor which faces Fifth Avenue

Unique cherubs covered in gold leaf were added to the ceiling moldings of the dining room after the Vanderbilt family bought the mansion

It has remained virtually untouched as it passed through the hands of the Vanderbilt family until it was bought by Yugoslavia in the wake of the Second World War. During the Cold War, Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito (pictured) hid out after an assassination attempt on him at the Waldorf Astora

The era of American opulence known as the Gilded Age often saw mansions spring up to resemble the chateaux of France. Pictured, an antique French tapestry on the mansion's Upper Landing

The Republic of Yugoslavia snapped up the property for a mere $300,000, thanks to the post-war depressed real estate market, in 1946. Serbia has its Permanent Mission to the United Nations based there
French president Emmanuel Macron tonight announced a range of dramatic Socialist-style financial concessions to struggling workers so as to end an 'economic and social state of emergency'.

In a TV address lasting 12 minutes, he said a month of rioting and blockades justified a 100 (90) per month increase in the minimum wage, taking it to 1498 (1360).

This will not 'cost anything to the employer', said Mr Macron, and will be accompanied by all taxes and other charges on overtimes being scrapped.

There were also be an end-of-year bonus that employers can pay without being charged by the government, while taxes on those earning less than 2000 (1800) will also end on January 1.

Mr Macron also ruled out any return of the Solidarity Wealth Tax, saying that he wanted to stop rich entrepreneurs 'moving abroad', so preventing 'job creation'.

The extraordinarily generous package of measures represents a massive U-turn by Mr Macron who originally said he would not yield to rioting as he tried to liberalise the sluggish France economy.

Addressing the French people President Emmanuel Macron declared a 'social and ecomonic state of emergency' following weeks of violence across the country

State of Emergency: French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a social and economic state of emergency in response to violent protests by members of the Yellow Vest movement in recent weeks. Pictured: A fire breaks out during a protest in Toulouse

A historic moment in our country's history: Macron took his share of responsibility for the violence that has swept Paris and number of other French towns and cities

So-called Yellow Vest fuel protestors first took to the streets on November 17, and this led to the president scrapping green charges on petrol and diesel.

'I heard the anger was first of all against the tax, but it's deeper than that, and this anger could be our chance,' said Mr Macron.

'I heard the despair of the forgotten people. There are couples who struggle to make ends meet, brave single mothers or widows who can't afford child care, and poor pensioners who often have to help children and grandchildren, as well as people with disabilities.'

Mr Macron said this 'Forgotten France' has existed for at least 40 years, and that everything had to be done to held them.

Referring to rioting which has seen 4523 arrests across France since November 17, Mr Macron said: 'I will not compromise on violence. When violence unfolds, freedom ends.'

Mr Macron, who served in Francois Hollande's Socialist government before becoming President himself in 2017, particularly accused 'opportunists' including looters of 'taking advantage of sincere anger.'

Yellow vested 'Gilet jaune' protesters block the A9 highway toll near Le Boulou, southern France on Monday night

Rioting has seen 4523 arrests across France since November 17. Pictured yellow vest protesters at a toll on the A9 highway

Protestors take note as they watch French President Emmanuel Macron's speech on TV last night

The extraordinarily generous package of measures represents a massive U-turn by Mr Macron

Yellow Vest protesters watch Mr Macron's TV address in their high visibility jackets in a house in Gaillon, northern France this evening

He added: 'No anger justifies attacking a policeman, degrading shop and public buildings. From now on it is the peace and the Republican order which must reign.'

Cities including Paris and Bordeaux exploded into violence on Saturday, during the fourth weekend of demonstrations by the Yellow Vests, who are named after their high visibility jackets.

Mr Macron remained holed-up in the Elysee Palace as buildings were set on fire, shops were looted, and police were attacked.

Armoured cars, water canon and thousands of rounds of tear gas were in turn used against the trouble makers.

They have been joined by agitators from the Left and Right, as well as criminal groups determined to cause mayhem.

Thousands chanted 'Macron Resign' and 'Police Everywhere  Justice Nowhere' as they rampaged throughout the centre of the French capital.

Mr Macron (pictured at the Elysee Palace in Paris this evening) also promised a long anticipated debate on immigration and vowed to cut state bureaucracy, which he said had been 'too centralised' for over a decade

The independent Mr Macron, leader of the Republic On The Move party, won the French presidential election with a landslide in May last year, but polls now show his popularity rating as just 18 per cent.

His address comes after the French Foreign Ministry were alerted to fake images of protesters, and potentially false Twitter accounts tweeting support for the Gilets Jaunes - or Yellow Vests.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said security services have been alerted to the accounts and are investigating. The pattern follows similar trends to those seen around the Brexit vote and US presidential election.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov strongly denied the allegation, saying the riots were a matter of 'the domestic affairs of France', adding: 'We have not interfered and we don't plan to interfere in the domestic affairs of any country including France.'

The French presidential election was also targeted in the same way, but Macron managed to avoid the smears by planting false information which was then shared by the accounts.

The shell of a Smart car burns on the streets of Paris, as the warped sign of store nearby is melted by the flames; despite authorities being on high alert the chaos has continued

A smashed up Starbucks with the words 'pay your taxis' sprayed on the window is pictured in central Paris after violent protests in the city

It comes after the deputy mayor of Paris, which has been the focal point of the clashes, said the bill for just one weekend of rioting last month was 1.1million.

The yellow vest movement - named after high-visibility vests worn by demonstrators - began online earlier this year, before spreading to the streets in November.

What started as opposition to a proposed fuel tax rise by Macron has since snowballed into a anger about a lack of concern for the poor and working class.

They see Macron as a 'leader for the rich' and are demanding - among other things - a reintroduction of taxes on the rich, a rise in minimum wage, and for Macron to go.

But on Monday Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire categorically ruled out a wealth tax as a route out of the crisis, saying there would be no return to Socialist-style purges on the rich.

'Our country is deeply divided between those who see that globalisation has benefitted them and others who can't make ends meet and who see globalisation not as an opportunity but as a threat,' said Mr Le Maire.

However he stressed the Solidarity Tax on Wealth, or the ISF as it is known in France, that his government scrapped in September 2017 would not be reinstated.

It levied a direct wealth tax on all those with assets of more than the equivalent of 1.1million  the current price of a two bedroom flat in Paris.

What began as a protest over a proposed rise in fuel tax has spiralled into demonstrations against Macron's pro-business agenda, with calls for him to leave office

Graffiti in Paris calling for Macron, far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Leftist figurehead Jean-Luc Melenchon to leave politics

A highly offensive graffiti slogan denounces Emmanuel Macron and his policies in Paris

Ending ISF earned Mr Macron the nickname 'President of the Rich', but Mr Le Maire told RTL radio: 'Does the ISF help reduce poverty, reduce our debts, reduce public spending?

'No, if you want to hunt for money, go knocking on the doors of the digital tech companies.'

France will unilaterally tax online giants from 2019 if the EU cannot reach an agreement on the issue, said Mr Le Maire, who added: 'It's time they paid a fair level of tax.'

Mr Le Maire said it was the 'president's role to unify the country,' especially as the country was an 'economic catastrophe' that was costing the economy billions.

Cities including Paris and Bordeaux were wracked with violence on Saturday, during the fourth weekend of demonstrations.

Mr Macron remained holed-up in the Elysee Palace as buildings were set on fire, shops were looted, and police were attacked.

Smoke from grenades billows into the night sky as the Yellow Vests surround the Place de la Republique in Paris and a helicopter circles overhead this week

Armoured cars, water canon and thousands of rounds of tear gas were used against the Yellow Vests, who are named after the high visibility jackets all motorists carry in France.

They have been joined by agitators from the Left and Right, as well as criminal groups determined to cause mayhem.

There were more than 1,000 arrests in Paris alone on Saturday, while the national figure was 1,723.

Thousands chanted 'Macron Resign' and 'Police Everywhere  Justice Nowhere' as they rampaged throughout the centre of the French capital.

The independent Mr Macron, leader of the Republic On The Move party, won the French presidential election with a landslide in 2017, but polls now show his popularity rating as just 18 per cent.
British trawlermen have threatened to start 'stoning' French crews after the 'biggest ever invasion' of trawlers in British waters.

The conflict was sparked when around 16 French fishing crews brazenly swept in to catch sea bass just metres from the UK shore over the weekend.

But the aggressive angling has led to further Anglo-French water tensions which could lead to a repeat of scenes earlier this year.

Local fisherman Derek Meredith, 50, said his crews were ready to defend the British coastline and would start 'stoning' French crews.

The RNLI were sent to help a French fishing boat which had broken down at 1am in rough seas two miles south west of Gibbin Head west of Fowey during the clash

Derek, of Brixham, Devon, owns two boats damaged in the scallop wars attack by the French in August.

He said: 'We're going to start stoning them in a minute, why should we allow them in our waters if they don't let us in theirs?

'Kick them out to their side of the channel, we can have our side and they can have theirs.'

The scallop wars saw violent clashes which led to flares and rocks being thrown on board trawlers earlier this year.

UK fisherman say the latest attacking move off Cornwall was made while British boats were moored up due to the bad weather.

Ian Lott, from Maritime Media Services, was watching a boat tracking app when he saw the flock of boats entering UK fishing space and said he believes the French are 'rubbing our noses in it.'

To make matters worse, one of the French boats broke down off the coast and had to be rescued in gale force winds by the RNLI and towed back to Fowey, Cornwall.

Fishing wars have erupted off the coast of Cornwall following the 'biggest ever invasion' of French trawlers in British waters

Ian, 55, from Plymouth, Devon, said: 'There will be a conflict. This is now becoming a joke. Rubbing our noses in it. I can see this turning into a conflict - the French fishing fleet has invaded our shorelines and British waters.

'The AIS satellite monitoring system has picked up more French boats than I've ever seen in Cornish waters.

'I woke up on Sunday morning, turned on my computer and couldn't believe what I was seeing - all these French vessels have taken advantage of the bad weather overnight.

The conflict was sparked when around 16 French fishing crews brazenly swept in to catch sea bass just metres from the UK shore over the weekend

'They've been able to see that our fleet in Fowey, Falmouth, Mevagissey and Plymouth are moored up because of high winds.'

Ian said this was the worst 'invasion' he'd ever seen by what he thinks are bass fishermen.

He continued: 'They knew there wouldn't be any of our boats out there and so there wouldn't be any confrontation.

'One or two tend to 'run the line' - slip in and out of our waters - but this is a nightmare situation.

'We're worried about our jobs now and the uncertainties around fishing in Brexit don't help.'

The aggressive angling has led to further Anglo-French water tensions which could lead to a repeat of scenes (pictured) earlier this year. That clash saw violent clashes which led to flares and rocks being thrown on board trawlers

Ian tweeted a map showing eight French trawlers in Cornish waters and said there were a similar number approaching.

He added that he was 'livid' at the flagrant disregard for the law.

The French fleet remained in the area well into the night and one boat, the FV Stradale, broke down and had to be rescued by the RNLI.

Two trawlers had tried in vain to tow the stricken boat to safety, but the RNLI were called when weather conditions worsened.

Fowey RNLI stated: 'RNLI sent to French fishing boat broken down at 1am in rough seas two miles south west of Gibbin Head west of Fowey.

'Volunteer crew members took the all-weather Trent class RNLI lifeboat Maurice and Joyce Hardy into the south westerly force 8 gale.

'The casualty had broken down and was being towed by another fishing boat into the lee of the land near Mevagissey when they realised they needed assistance.'

The conflict was sparked when around 16 French fishing crews brazenly swept in to catch sea bass just metres from the UK shore over the weekend

'The seven RNLI volunteers arrived on scene at 1.40am with the wind gusting to 55 knots.

'FV Stradale was being towed by FV Maranello and the lifeboat escorted them safely into Fowey harbour, helping to moor the 19 metre FV Stradale to a harbour buoy using the inflatable XP boat.'

Post-Brexit, the British will have exclusive rights to a 12 mile patch around the coastline, in an effort made by the government to control the fishing policy.

Fishing in UK waters Currently the UK is part of the London Fisheries Convention, which was signed in 1964. It allows vessels from five European countries (France, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands) to fish within six miles (12 nautical miles) of the UK's coastline. The agreement sits alongside the EU Common Fisheries Policy, allowing European vessels access between 12 and 200 nautical miles of the UK. In July last year, Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced the UK will leave the London Fisheries Convention. As part of the EU withdrawal the UK will also no longer have to abide by the Common Fisheries Policy. As has already been announced, new rules on fishing will come via a Fisheries Bill to control access to UK waters and set quotas. Michael Gove previously said: 'Leaving the London Fisheries Convention is an important moment as we take back control of our fishing policy. It means for the first time in more than 50 years we will be able to decide who can access our waters. 'This is an historic first step towards building a new domestic fishing policy as we leave the European Union - one which leads to a more competitive, profitable and sustainable industry for the whole of the UK.' Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said: 'This is welcome news and an important part of establishing the UK as an independent coastal state with sovereignty over its own exclusive economic zone.' Advertisement

This means that five EU nations, including France, which currently has permission to fish up to six miles from UK shores, will be banned from fishing in the area.

But Derek said he was concerned the French wouldn't stick to the rules.

He added: 'They're allowed to fish there, we've got to stay 12 miles off their coast. When we were 12 miles off they threw stones at us and petrol bombs.

'The trouble is they land juvenile fish, I've been there and seen it, that's why they're fishing our side because they've annihilated their side.

'They don't believe in conservation, they don't know what the word means. I don't know if Brexit will fix it, I don't think it will.'

Andy Wheeler, from The Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said the French invasion this weekend was a result of their bigger boats being able to withstand the weather conditions.

He said: 'I can understand why people are getting a bit riled about it.

'The French are in bigger boats so they can withstand the weather conditions, they come in next to the coast to shelter from the wind and they fish at the same time.

'All boats of a certain size have a transponder which shows their location, so everyone can see where they are.

'It has always happened - it's just now people know they are there. It's always been a contentious issue.

'Now the winds have eased the British boats have gone out and the French have moved on.

'The majority of fishermen hope that when Brexit is delivered we'll be in a position to renegotiate access rights.'

Tensions have been building between British and French fishermen for several months, sparked by the 'scallop wars' in the summer.

The French trawlers tried to stop British boats reaching the scallop beds.

Boats were rammed and flares, stones and insults were thrown at the British crews.

In September French trawlers were accused of fueling a sudden rise in hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage to Cornish fishing gear.

It is claimed the number of times French boats have towed straight through Cornish nets and pot lines, destroying the gear, has spiked in the last six months.

Cornish fishing leaders met in Plymouth with French skippers after the spate of incidents.

It is thought frustrations over Brexit and the rights of who can fish in which area are be to blame.
The US Marine Corps has confirmed that a mysterious jet spotted at one of its airbases is a replica of a cutting edge Chinese stealth fighter.

The aircraft, that is virtually identical to the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, was pictured at Savannah-Hilton Head Airport, Georgia, last Wednesday.

The photograph was shared online sparking speculation that a Chinese pilot had defected with the jet or that it was a prop for the latest Top Gun movie.

Now, however, the United States Marine Corps has told the Aviationist that it is a full scale mock used for training.

The full scale replica jet (pictured) was spotted at Savannah-Hilton Head Airport last week

Col. Emmanuel Haldopoulos, Commander of the Savannah Air Dominance Center, told the website: 'It is a full scale replica and remained at the Air Dominance Center for a short period during the week of 4-6 Dec.

'The USMC is funding and directing the training objectives of this device.'

Although confirming the full scale replica is for training purposes it is unclear whether the jet can actually fly.

Dozens of people on Twitter replied to the Aviationist's tweet of the plane and suggested reasons for it being at the airport.

WHAT IS CHINA'S J-20 STEALTH FIGHTER? China's new war plane made its first flyby in November 2016. The fighter jet is swift, stealthy, and armed with long-range missiles. Its design is similar to US fighter jets, stoking concerns that the Chinese military used 'stolen' plans obtained by hackers to develop the stealth plane and further drive its military ambitions. Experts have said that the plane represents a leap forward in China's ability to project power in Asia, and will compete with US military technology. China is set to overtake the US as the world's top aviation market in the next decade. China currently has around 20 J-20 jets but they have older Russian Salyut AL-31FN or WS-10B engines. Advertisement

Some suggested it could be linked to a Viktor Belenko or Kenneth Rowe style defection.

Viktor Belenko, a former Soviet pilot, defected in 1976 while flying his MiG-25 'Foxbat' jet fighter and landed in Hakodate, Japan.

Kenneth H. Rowe, a Korean American engineer and aviator, defected to south Korea in 1953 in a MiG aircraft and was given political asylum by the US.

One person asked if the jet spotted in Georgia could be 'another adversary for Top Gun 2?' and another agreed suggesting it could be 'Maverick's new ride.'

However most of the filming for Tom Cruise's sequel so far has been filmed in Nevada and California.

In September Cruise was spotted in a fighter jet with an F-18 pilot, acting as his body double, from an airbase in northern California.

The two were snapped at an airbase after making an unscheduled landing when the jet saw a 'flap caution' mid-air, reports the Express.

In October the 56-year-old movie star was pictured filming scenes on a a limited edition Kawasaki Ninja H2 Carbon motorcycle in San Diego, California.

Its a 1000cc four-cylinder supercharged superbike with 200bhp and a top speed of 209mph, making it one of the fastest road legal bikes on the planet.

The training jet was in Georgia for a few days and is a replica of a Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon (pictured)

An expert analysed the photograph and pointed out differences between the real and model jets including different landing gear and the wrong jet nozzles (pictured is the replica)

Others questioned whether the stealth jet was a fake from the beginning and tweeted 'looks like a mock up, not the real thing.'

The Aviationist said they were sent the photograph on Wednesday December 5 and were told it was taken from a public parking area.

They checked satellite images and matched the design of the airport to the colour of the roof shown in the background of the picture.

However while trying to get to the bottom of the unusual spot, Chinese Defense expert Andreas Rupprecht, noticed 'that the exhaust nozzles looked inaccurate and the landing gear was different from a real Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon.'

The Savannah Air National Guard base is located at Savannah-Hilton Head airport and it is home to the 165th Airlift Wing which currently flies the C-130H cargo aircraft.

The 165th Airlift Wing's website explains how the Air Dominance Centre at the Airport is a training facility for the Air National Guard, Active Duty Air Force and the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

The Savannah Air National Guard base is located at Savannah-Hilton Head airport. Pictured are F22 and F16 aircraft at the base

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Saxon, Chief Enlisted Manager of the ADC, said: 'We usually have airlift aircraft arrive for exercises along with the fighter jets.

'The 165th Airlift Wing has a ramp that is painted for C-130 Hercules parking. The ADC on the other hand, has a ramp painted for fighter jets.'

The center also hosts training exercise the Sentry Savannah where more than 1,000 airmen from across the U.S. take part in training battles.

According to the Georgia Air National Guard, the 400 miles around Savannah have the greatest density of fighter squadrons in the country.

Because of it being close to bases in Florida, the Carolinas and Virginia, the Center can host half of the fifth generation fighter aircraft, including f22s, for exercises, reports Savannahnow.

The J-20, which is also called the Mighty Dragon, was first shown to the public in 2016 at the Zhuhai Air Show.

At the time there were claims that it had been built in part from plans of U.S. warplanes, particularly the F-22 Raptor, obtained by Chinese hackers jailed in the same year.

AMERICA'S F-22 Top speed: 1,498 mph Range: 1,839 mi Length: 62 Wingspan: 44 0 Weight: 43,430 lbs Engine type: Pratt & Whitney F119 Cost: $130m Manufacturers: Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Advertisement

CHINA'S J-20 Top speed: 1,305 mph Range: 2,113 mi Length: 67 Wingspan: 42 0 Weight: 43,000 lbs Engine Type: Xian WS-15 turbofan engines Cost: $110m Manufacturer: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group Advertisement

Beijing firmly denied the theory as it insists that J-20 had been developed and built solely with the Chinese technology.

In November two J-20 fighter jets opened their cargo bay doors and revealed four missiles in its fuselage and one on either side of the aircraft during the grand finale of the Zhuhai Air Show.

Top Chinese officials, according to the Global Times, said the demonstration displayed the J-20's superiority to the top US fighter jets, the F-22 and F-35

According to footage released by China Central Television Station, the J-20 is equipped with four PL-15 mid-range air-to-air missiles and one PL-10 short-range 'combat' missile on either side.

Chinese news site Sohu previously claimed PL-15 was a wing-less missile and 5.7 metres (18.7 feet) long. It was said to boast an impressive range of 400 kilometres (249 miles) and could help PL-15 out-perform F-22.
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These fascinating photos show how British servicemen passed the time in a World War Two prisoner of war camp as they tried to remain optimistic in the squalid conditions.

Unearthed after more than 70 years, the album contains shots of Allied PoWs during their time at Stalag XVIII-A in Austria.

One photo shows a group wearing only their underpants doing muscular poses while others depict the men in tug-of-war competitions and other funfair games.

The collection of 200 photographs shows British servicemen passing the time by performing poses that show off their muscles after stripping down to their underwear. The fascinating pictures show how soldiers distracted themselves from boredom and the daily gruel of the Austrian prison camp after they were captured alongside Russian, Polish and French fighters during World War Two

The soldiers would perform plays at Stalag XVIIIA in Austria as a way of curing the boredom felt by many in the camp. For their performances, the prisoners of war would build their own set and craft their own costumes - with some appearing in drag - in order to entertain their captured comrades

This postcard shows soldiers laughing as three servicemen parade in a chariot. It seems to be their take on Rameses the Great, the third pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, who was so legendary that after his death he became known as the Great Ancestor in his country

Soldiers pose as nuns inside the camp, where tailors would create costumes and carpenters would build sets for performances to keep the captured comrades entertained. Snaps show the military men dressed in drag as they perform in front of inmates as some built a map of the London underground network

With an array of tailors and carpenters among them, they made costumes, props and sets for theatre productions that wouldn't have looked out of place in the West End.

There are black and white snaps of the men dressed in drag for some of the productions and others of them as nuns and Roman centurions.

Other photos show how men distracted themselves from the boredom by building a map of the London underground network.

Pictured: Soldiers parade in drag as they put on sketches for their fellow prisoners in fascinating pictures taken from a collection of 200 photographs that were unearthed nearly 70 years after they were taken at the camp in Austria, which contained not only British, but Soviet, French and Polish soldiers

This shot shows that it wasn't just plays the servicemen put on the pass the time, as prisoners gather round a group of musicians apparently putting on a small concert at Stalag XVIIIA in Austria during World War Two

The prisoners of war took part in a tug-of-war at the prison camp as they try to pass the time at Stalag XVIIIA. The collection dates back to 1941 and shows how servicemen got together to distract themselves from the bitter conditions, which were worst for the Russians

The album was compiled by British prisoner Private James Mulhern, of the Royal Army Medical Corps and contains 200 photographic postcards providing unprecedented insight into the camp which could hold almost 40,000 prisoners.

About a quarter were British or from the Commonwealth, with other inmates from Poland, Belgium, France and Russia.

The Americans mistakenly bombed the camp in December 1944 in an incident which led to the death of 46 prisoners. Russian inmates had it particularly hard as they were kept in separate, squalid quarters.

Many of them died when a typhus epidemic broke out in 1942, forcing the camp to be quarantined. The album has been consigned for sale by Private Mulhern's daughter with auctioneer Tennants of Leyburn, north Yorkshire. It is tipped to sell for 150 on Wednesday.

It wasn't all fun and games at the prison camp, which was mistakenly bombed by the Americans in 1944, causing the death of 46 prisoners. But an album consigned for sale by Private Mulhern's daughter with auctioneer Tennants of Leyburn, north Yorkshire, shows how the servicemen kept their spirits up while being kept at the camp

British soldiers created a map of the London Underground network to remind them of home during their internment at the prisoner of war camp in Austria. The collection was compiled by inmate Private James Mulhern, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, and shows life inside the compound from 1941 onward

Oonagh Drage, specialist at Tennants, said: 'They all look to be having a jolly time, and obviously have had to use their imagination to keep themselves entertained and to stop themselves getting depressed. But there are also sombre images in the album of funerals and cemetery graves.'

The camp, located south of Wolfsberg, in modern day Austria, opened at the site of a former parade ground in October 1939 after Germany invaded Poland.

Some soldiers kept pets to provide a sense of comfort in the otherwise harsh conditions of the camp. These servicemen are shown with their very own guinea pigs at Stalag XVIIIA

Prisoners of war kept their spirits up at the Austrian camp despite facing threat of bombs dropped by Americans and a typhus outbreak in Stalag XVIIIA

Even fairground games were on offer at the camp as soldiers tried to distract themselves from the everyday woes of living in Stalag XVIIIA in Austria

Polish officers were its first inmates, with Belgian and French officers captured in the Battle of France joining them from May 1940.

The first British and Commonwealth prisoners arrived in July 1941 from a transit camp in Thessaloniki, Greece, having been captured during the battles of Greece and Crete, with the Soviets arriving in October to be housed in a separate enclosure.

Prisoners seized control of the camp on May 8, 1945, the day of German surrender. French and British prisoners disarmed their guards and took control of the camp armoury, the local post office, railway station and police station. They pre-empted the British Army which arrived at the camp three days later, on May 11.
A man accused of fraud over the Grenfell Tower blaze was actually 12 miles away on the day of the fire, a court has heard

A property consultant who falsely claimed 32,000 as a Grenfell Tower victim was in fact 12 miles away at the time of the fire, a court heard.

Nigerian father-of-five Abolaji Onafuye claimed he was living in flat 84 and that victim Zainab Deen, 32, and her two-year-old son Jeremiah - who both died in the blaze - were his sister and nephew.

Onafuye, 54, is said to have dishonestly pocketed 32,000 in donations and housing support after the inferno in west London on June 14 last year.

Prosecutors said he told authorities he had been through 'terrible suffering' had 'lost his family and had nowhere to go'.

He claimed he was entitled to compensation because of the psychological trauma he suffered after watching the event in the area.

But cell site evidence showed his phone was used at least 12 miles away from the tower that day, a court heard.

Jurors heard local taxpayers in Kensington and Chelsea footed the 23,500 bill for Onafuye's stay at the Grosvenor Hotel - and another 13,000 in living costs after he was rehoused.

Onafuye said in his police interview: 'I was temporarily insane because I was fasting when I was arrested.

'When I was saying I lived in Grenfell Tower in my police interview I was not in the right frame of mind. It was a hallucination.'

He claimed Zainab Deen and her son Jeremiah, who died in the fire, were his sister and nephew

The court heard Onafuye attended the Westway support centre and spoke to a volunteer there, Riaz Somir, on June 21 last year.

He told Mr Somir that he was staying in Flat 84 of Grenfell Tower but was not there on the night of the fire.

But suspicion was later aroused and Onafuye was questioned.

After his arrest, he was adamant to police that he was a resident of 84 Grenfell Tower.

He wept in interview when he described the layout of the now destroyed flat and claimed a 'Mr Martin' was his flatmate.

But he later claimed he had been fasting at the time and wasn't in the right mind.

He claimed: 'When I was saying I lived in Grenfell Tower in my police interview I was not in the right frame of mind. It was a hallucination.'

The fire in the west London tower block claimed the lives of 82 people

In court, Onafuye said: 'I suffered mental trauma. I suffered. Why do you think that I hadn't finished my university course. I suffered a depressive collapse.'

Asked whether he had seen a doctor about this, Onafuye replied 'no.'

The court also heard how Onafuye had registered his NatWest bank account to the address.

But he blamed a mistake by the bank because 'there was no motive, nor rationale to do this.'

Onafuye, of Hammersmith, denies two counts of fraud by false representation between 21 June last year and 7 June this year. The trial continues.
A British fancy dress shop has removed a Nazi costume from its website after the Auschwitz museum branded it 'disrespectful on so many levels'.

London-based Escapade, which has a store in Camden, faced criticism after the official Twitter account for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum asked: 'Do you really think that selling a Gestapo officer costume is ok and fun?'

They decided not to stock the costume anymore despite what they call 'a British tradition of mocking dictators'.

The original tweet divided opinion on social media, with some saying the 38 costume was 'disgraceful' and 'disgusting', and others calling it historically relevant.

The tweet from the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum and memorial called for removal of costume

The Gestapo officer costume being sold on Escapade which has faced calls to remove it

The tweet from the former concentration camp where over one million Jews were exterminated has called for the costume, included in the website's 'hot promo range', to be discontinued.

The costume, being sold for 38.05, is included in the website's 'hot promo range'

It read: 'Dear @Escapade_UK. Do you really think that selling a Gestapo officer costume is ok and fun? Read more about an organization that symbolizes the organized terror of the Nazi state.'

The message included a link to further reading about the Gestapo before adding: 'Please remove the item. It's disrespectful on so many levels.'

Reacting to the tweet, most people agreed with the museum in Poland.

Shona Bennet said: 'Disgusting. What type of person wants to profit from selling Gestapo uniforms? It's shameful.'

Matt Holub said: 'Please do the right thing and take it down.'

The Gestapo were the official secret police of Nazi Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe who played a key role in the extermination of Jews.

Below the costume on the Escapade UK website, a 'complete the look' option offers a 'Chaplin Moustache + Eyebrows' for 1.49, alongside a toy gun.

Some people leapt to the defence of the costume shop, highlighting the subject of the costume's historical importance and use in TV.

Daniel Gamble said: 'There are legitimate reasons for a costume such as this. Reinactments, plays, films, etc... sometimes you have to visualize the hateful to expose it for what it is. By hiding it, we hide the lesson as well.'

Most people seemed to think the costume is distasteful with Matt Holub calling for its removal

'They are used in movies, plays, etc. for drama & satire. E.g. 'The Producers' or Sarah Silverman on TV as Hitler. If the costumes should not be available then should the skits, movies, & plays w the costumes be banned or impossible?' pointed out a user called Tinny Ray.

A review of the costume on the Escapade website said it 'looked good' and was 'easy to wear as long as you can take the stick.'

In the listing for the costume, Escapade make reference to the Gestapo's brutality and say the uniform is 'one of the most recognizable anywhere in the world.'

The costume is made by Northern Ireland-based Palmer Agency who have been contacted for comment.

Escapade said they will no longer stock the item. Their full statement read: 'In Britain we have a history of mocking dictators and through humour not forgetting the past or holding a grudge.

Escapade fancy dress and party store in Camden, London. They are selling the costume online

'This can be observed through Freddie Starr portrait of Adolf Hitler or John Cleese (don't mention the war) goose step.

'Escapade's fancy dress shop is in North London where we are proud to serve a large Jewish community.

'During Purim a Jewish holiday which commemorate's the saving of Jewish people from Haman, some

'Jewish customers request this outfit reminding us that this sensibility is not lost.

'Remembrance of Historical atrocities of the past is essential to ensure such ideologies fuelled by extreme nationalist views are not repeated in the future.

'The design of this costume was mindful to not including Nazi symbolism, but rather to serve as a mockery.

'However context is very important when wearing such items and what is non offensive to one person can be highly offensive to another, as such we will no longer stock this item and deeply apologise to everyone who took offence.

Daniel Gamble and Tinny Ray pointed oit the use of the costumes in TV and stage dramas
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has warned of a 'deluge' of drugs, refugees and attacks on the West as he lashed out at 'unjust and illegal' US sanctions.

Rouhani threatened on live state television: 'I warn those who impose sanctions that if Iran's ability to fight drugs and terrorism are affected ... you will not be safe from a deluge of drugs, asylum seekers, bombs and terrorism.'

President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of a multilateral nuclear deal with Iran in May and reimposed sanctions on Iran's vital oil industry last month.

Rouhani is providing military support - including funding proxy terrorist groups - and sending oil to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in his vicious civil war.

The Iranian President lashed out at US sanctions which he says will only come back to wreak havoc on Western countries

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said: 'You will not be safe from a deluge of drugs, asylum seekers, bombs and terrorism'

Drug trafficking is a serious challenge for Iran which borders Afghanistan - the world's largest opium producer - and Pakistan, a major transit route for drugs.

'We spend $800 million a year to fight drugs which ensures the health of nations stretching from Eastern Europe to the American West and North Africa to West Asia. Imagine what a disaster there would be if there is a breach in the dam,' Rouhani said.

In 2012, Iran accounted for two thirds of the world's opium seizures and one fourth of heroin and morphine seizures, a U.N. report published in 2014 showed.

'We have been just as determined in the fight against terrorism ... sacrificing hundreds of valuable troops and spending millions of dollars annually,' Rouhani said.

'We don't expect the West to pay their share, but they should know that sanctions hurt Iran's capacity to fight drugs and terrorism,' Rouhani added.

Rouhani: 'Imagine what a disaster there would be if there is a breach in the dam'

At a meeting of heads of parliaments of China, Russia, and four other countries, Rouhani said on Saturday: 'Economic terrorism means creating horror in a country and create fear in other countries that intend to invest (there). America's withdrawal from the (nuclear accord) is undoubtedly a clear example of economic terrorism.'

More than 700,000 undocumented Afghans have returned from Iran this year as the Iranian economy tightens, according to data from the U.N's migration agency, and Iranian media said some Afghans were seeking to enter Turkey to reach Europe.

Iran's huge landmass is the bridge to Europe for many migrants and drug traffickers, who move in from Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east and cross from the western border of Iran into Turkey and the Caucasus.

Separately, Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was quoted as saying that the United States is selling more arms into the Middle East than the region needs, making it a 'tinderbox'.

Zarif warned about the dangers of large U.S. arms sales in the Middle East, where Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia is a major buyer of Western weapons.

'The Americans have turned the region into a tinderbox. The level of arms sales by the Americans is unbelievable and much beyond regional needs and this points to the very dangerous policies followed by the Americans,' IRNA reported Zarif as saying.
An orphan girl became a teenage sniper in the bloody conflict in eastern Ukraine - before winning a beauty contest.

Olga Shishkina, 21, volunteered to fight for pro-Putin forces and says she had to battle for acceptance after initially being suspected as a Ukrainian spy.

But she became one of the rebels' deadliest killers, once picking off a target from almost 4,000ft away.

Olga Shishkina, 21, was just 17 and living in an orphanage when fighting broke out between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists near where she lived

At age 18 Olga left the orphanage and volunteered to fight for the rebels, but was initially suspected of being a pro-Kiev spy and was dismissed as 'just a girl'

Talking for the first time about being a markswoman on the front line in the civil war that scarred eastern Europe, she said: 'I didn't kill people, it is not correct to word it this way.

'For us, snipers, they are not people. They are targets. I shoot living targets and quite often, these are enemies. I don't think about those who I shoot.

'I don't think that they might have children, a mother, family. This is war. This way it is easier for me to live.'

Shishknina said: 'I am not ashamed of myself and I don't feel sorry for them. I didn't kill civilians.'

She was fighting for the so-called People's Republic of Donetsk, a breakaway region of Ukraine supported by Putin.

However, she fast became one of the rebels' deadliest sharpshooters, once killing a target from almost 4,000ft (1,200m)

Speaking about her time in battle, Olga said she didn't think of herself as killing people, only 'targets' and said she didn't feel sorry for them

After leaving the military Olga decided to take part in a beauty contest and was awarded the Lady Transformation prize, for her drastic change of image

Two years ago she transferred to a unit in Donetsk city as 'continued fighting', reported Komsomolskaya Pravda (KP).

More recently she entered a beauty contest - called 'Lady of the Republic'.

'I passed the castings,' she said. 'I became more confident, met many people and realised that there is life apart from army.'

She won the title Lady Transformation - for her switch from sniper to beauty queen, winning an expensive laptop as her prize.

She has used it to help start a new venture as a cafe owner in Donetsk, and has - for now - put away her sniper's rifle. She also plans to wed in the near future.

Reflecting on her extraordinary life, she said she was one of 14 children her mother gave birth to - all of them given up to an orphanage.

Her father later collected her but died when she was five, so she went back into state care.

With her orphanage in a target zone as fighting broke out in 2014, she decided to volunteer but at 17 she was dismissed as too young 'and a girl'.

Then her city was taken by Ukrainian forces.

Olga was detained for a month after trying to join the rebels, before being given rudimentary training and deployed on the front lines as a sniper

She has now retired from the military to open a cafe in Donetsk and is planning to marry someone that she met on the battlefield

'Those who were against Kiev regime were detained,' she said. 'There was a wave of repressions and I realised I couldn't live like that.

'As soon as I turned 18, I took my passport from the orphanage's director, packed some basic clothes and secretly went to Horlivka' - a city under rebel control.

'Local commanders were suspicious of the girl who came from the city occupied by Ukraine, and Olga was detained,' reported KP.

'They thought I was a saboteur,' she said. 'I was kept under surveillance for a month.

'It was all civilised and now I understand that their actions were justified.'

Later she was given rudimentary training and thrust into the frontline as a sniper.

She is planning to marry a man with whom she served on the frontline but meanwhile has found an investor for her cafe and is renovating the building.

'I tried to get married before,' she said. 'I was proposed to three times and in each case preparations were full-on but we broke up.

'But this time my boyfriend knows what I am like and I think there is nothing that can tear us apart.'
Craig Regan (pictured) could be jailed for less than five years after he was convicted for shaking a baby to the point of permanent disability

A man who shook a baby so violently he will be permanently disabled could be freed from jail in less than five years, despite not showing any remorse for his actions.

Craig Regan was 25 years old when he shook a 13-month-old so vigorously that he sent him into cardiac arrest inside a Quakers Hill home, in Sydney's west, in 2015.

The boy, now aged five, will require constant care for the rest of his life after sustaining severe brain and spinal injuries, as well as being permanently blinded.

But the child's attacker, who was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail, could be released in only four years and ten months.

Regan pleaded guilty to attacking the child and inflicting grievous bodily harm, but Penrith District Court heard on Monday he showed no remorse, 9 News reported.

Despite this, the magistrate took into consideration that Regan had been targeted by other inmates in the time he had been remanded in custody when sentencing the 28-year-old.

The court heard that Regan had been stabbed multiple times while behind bars.

The child was only 13 months old when the attack happened, parents told he'd never walk again

A court heard that Regan (right) had been stabbed multiple times in his stint behind bars

Regardless, a seven year and six month sentence was given to the attacker, with a non-parole period of four years and ten months.

Outside of court, the boy's biological father said he was relieved to put the case behind him, saying he and his son can get on with their lives 'without the stress'.

'We've got closure,' he told 9 News.

His five-year-old son, who was told he would never walk again, is forced to wear nappies and to drink from a sippy cup.

He had only learned to walk two weeks before the incident.

The boy's mother defended Regan after the first court hearing in 2015, saying he had 'performed CPR' on the child and claimed a paramedic credited him with 'saving the little boys (sic) life'.

The child was placed into foster care for about a month before being re-united with his biological father, who is now his full-time carer.

The boy's mother defended Regan (pictured), saying he had 'performed CPR' on the child
Two nuns have become #ChurchToo activists after their supervisor was allowed to return to his Brooklyn church despite admitting to 'inappropriate' interactions with women.

The Greek Orthodox nuns, who have not been named, began their social media campaign in October when Rev. Gerasimos Makris was reinstated at Holy Cross Church in Bay Ridge, the New York Post reports.

Makris admitted to 'inappropriate interactions' with two women and was allowed to return to his post despite a 'spiritual court' recommending he be banned, according to the newspaper.

Two nuns have become #ChurchToo activists after their supervisor was allowed to return to his Brooklyn church despite admitting to 'inappropriate' interactions with women

They began their social media campaign in October when Rev. Gerasimos Makris (left) was reinstated at Holy Cross Church in Bay Ridge

On October 10, as Makris was returning, the two nuns began their social media campaign.

Wearing their habits, they posted pictures of themselves on Instagram holding signs saying #ChurchToo, #silenceisntspiritual and #endrapeculture among others.

The most recent post, shared on Sunday, showed one of the nuns holding a sign saying #challengethestatusquo.

'It's time for us all to challenge the corruption that has become status quo in our country, local communities [and] especially our faith communities,' the caption added.

'Many will try to silence those of us who rightfully stand up for truth, who stand for [and] with the abused, exploited, neglected ones, but we will never stop!'

In a post shared in November, the two nuns are seen holding up a sign saying #ChurchToo.

'Fact: sexual abuse is real,' the post's caption said.

The most recent post, shared on Sunday, showed one of the nuns holding a sign saying #challengethestatusquo

'It happens in our families, our local communities [and] even our faith communities, in every Christian denomination including the Orthodox Church.

'You don't believe it? Then open your eyes, ears, heart [and] if you're brave enough, stand up [and] open your mouth!'

The posts were shared on the Instagram page for White Field Farm Soap Co.  an enterprise where the nuns work to train and provide employment to female survivors of human trafficking.

The allegations against 51-year-old Makris, who insists on his parishioners kissing his hand - surfaced in 2017.

A woman said she felt 'unnecessarily uncomfortable' with her interactions with the priest because of 'hugs lasting too long etc. but nothing overtly sexual,' Bishop Andonios Parapoulos, the chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Church, told the Post.

Wearing their habits, they posted pictures of themselves on Instagram holding signs saying #metoo, #silenceisntspiritual and #endrapeculture among others.

The bishop added that Makris was ordered to have no further contact with the woman.

But then, in a meeting, Makris revealed he had 'inappropriate' interactions with two other women and was immediately suspended.

Parapoulos said he told the Holy Cross community that Makris wouldn't return after admitting to 'inappropriate relations' with two women. He didn't mention the third woman, according to the Post.

But the bishop claimed Makris was reinstated because the parishioners demanded his return.

'I would not have returned a clergyman to his former parish after what transpired but out of pastoral sensitivity to the desires of the overwhelming numbers of parishioners who sought his return,' he said.

The bishop also claimed he had not seen the nuns' social media campaign.

And it's not the first scandal to hit the Holy Cross Church.

The church's former leader, the Rev. George Passias, was defrocked after his affair with a married school principal he impregnated was revealed by the Post.

The #ChurchToo hashtag is an offshoot to the #MeToo movement, a global reckoning of alleged sexual misconduct by powerful men against women.
Mark Jordon (pictured outside court) denied GBH and assault by beating this morning

Emmerdale's Mark Jordon will face trial after he today denied assaulting a pensioner and his girlfriend.

The 53-year-old actor, who plays Daz Spencer in the ITV soap, was charged with grievous bodily harm upon 68-year old Andrew Potts and assault by beating upon Rosalind O'Neill.

Mr Potts suffered injuries including a bite in the incident on July 1 which began in a pub in Oldham.

Mr Jordon, from Oldham, pleaded not guilty to both charges at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, and was told he would go on trial on July 29, 2019.

He was granted unconditional bail. Judge Mark Savill told the actor: 'You have been given unconditional bail and I know there's no suggestion of any trouble, but it would be very foolish indeed to go anywhere near these complainants.

'You are now on bail and your obligated to appear here on July 29, and you will be brought into custody if you do not attend. You must stay in touch with your solicitor. Do you understand what I have told you?'

Jordon replied simply: 'Yes.'

He was arrested earlier in the summer after police were called to reports of an assault on Shaw Hall Bank Road, Oldham, on July 1. A 67-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries to his face.

The actor (pictured in his role on Emmerdale) has denied assaulting the pensioner and the 68-year-old's girlfriend

Andrew Potts (pictured) was left with a bite mark following the incident in Oldham

A spokesman for GMP said in a statement: 'A man has been charged in connection with an assault in Oldham.

'Mark Jordon, 53, of Tamewater Court, Oldham, has been charged with GBH and section 39 common assault.

'Shortly before 9.30pm on July 1, police were called to reports of an assault on Shaw Hall Bank Road in Oldham.

'A 67-year-old man was taken to hospital with facial injuries.'

Mr Jordon, who grew up in Oldham, has previously starred as Pc Phil Bellamy in Heartbeat from 1994 to 2007, and had small roles in Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

Mr Jordon appeared at court wearing a grey blazer jacket and trousers with a red t-shirt underneath.
A Mississippi high school has banned students from wearing their senior shirt that includes the names of three students who died this year and the phrase 'Bye, Felicia'.

Parents and students of Pascagoula High School began receiving the T-shirts on Thursday, that immediately sparked backlash with the student body.

The senior class shirts included the names of deceased seniors Blayze M. Broadus and Jonathan McCommon, who both passed away in a car accident in June, and Matthew Russell Parker.

Pascagoula High School in Mississippi has banned the senior class' graduating T-shirt that has the phrase 'Bye, Felicia' juxtaposed to the names of three deceased students

Students and parents started to receive the shirt on Thursday and were outraged to find the shirt listed the names of three deceased seniors with the phrase, known as a cold way to say goodbye

Despite the efforts to commemorate their peers, students and parents were outraged that the shirt included the phrase 'Bye, Felicia' - coined by Ice Cube in the 1999 film Friday as a cold way to say goodbye.

In the movie, a woman named Felicia asks Ice Cube's character if she can borrow his car. He dismisses her with a wave and the famous phrase.

Since then 'Bye Felicia' became the slang way to bid goodbye to a person you don't care about.

'Im just crushed by this. What else could they do? What other pain does a parent have to go through?' Blayze's grandmother and caregiver Vicki Broadus said to the Sun Herald.

'You just begin to stop crying every day and then some idiot comes up with something like this. I dont get it. I just dont get it. This is just disgraceful,' she added.

The shirt was designed by some Pascagoula High administrators and students.

Seniors Matthew Russell Parker, left, Blayze M. Broadus, center, Jonathan McCommon, right died this school year. Broadus and McCommon passed away in a car accident in June

Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and the school district banned the shirts from being worn on school property of school functions on Friday. The school district will order and pay for new ones for the seniors

By mid-morning on Friday Pascagoula School Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich and the school district banned the shirts from being worn on school property of school functions.

'The names on the back of the shirts, I believe, were well-intentioned. I think that was a way to honor those students but when you look at the front of the shirt and the back of the shirt, it was not appropriate,' Rodolfich said to the local paper.

Rodolfich said that the names of the three students were not included in the original approved shirt design.

'It was added outside of the protocol of the school district. The school district is going to let the students get new senior shirts that are in good taste. The school district is going to pay for it,' he added.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos earns more in 28 seconds than the average Briton is paid in an entire year and today you can see how your pay packet compares to the world's richest billionaires.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg needs just a minute to take home the 28,600 average UK salary while Bet365 mogul Denise Coates must only wait 20 minutes to bank the five-figure sum.

British inventor James Dyson, who is worth 8.5billion, earns 77 per second and secures the typical UK annual wage in less than six minutes.

The growing gap between the world's richest people and workers is revealed in new research published today.

And ABC Finance's 'you versus the mega-rich' infographic reveals exactly how much you earn compared to billionaires in America and Britain.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos earns more in 28 seconds than the average Briton is paid in an entire year. Here you can see how your pay packet compares to the world's richest billionaires

MailOnline readers can work out how much they earn compared to the world's wealthiest people using the interactive module above

There are 2,000 billionaires across the world with a combined wealth of almost 7trillion.

Amazon's Jeff Bezos tops the list with a mind-boggling 620,000 ($785,000) earned every week.

Mark Zuckerberg needs a minute to earn 28,600 ($36,000) while Bill Gates requires just four minutes to earn that amount.

There are now 54 UK-based billionaires with an astonishing combined wealth of more than 123 billion ($156bn).

James Dyson, who is worth 8.5billion, earns 77 per second and pockets the average UK wage in six minutes.

Bet365 mogul Denise Coates, who is worth 3billion alone, and she, her father Peter and brother John needed 20 minutes to bank 28,600 because they were paid 754million last year.

Virgin boss Richard Branson, who is worth more than 4billion, takes only 25 minutes to earn the UK average wage.

'As recent studies have shown, the richest 1 per cent now own half of the worlds total wealth  allowing them to maintain lifestyles most of us can only dream of', according to infographic and in-depth feature from the ABC blog.

A spokesman added: 'We love to compare ourselves to others, and this is especially true when those other happen to be ludicrously rich'.

Their research also reveals which continents have the most billionaires.

Asia has the highest number with 719 mega-rich followed by North America which is home to 631 billionaires.

Europe is home to 554 billionaires where as Africa is home to just 25.

The amount of time billionaire Britons and Americans take to earn the 28,600 average UK salary has been calculated

There are now more than 2,000 billionaires in the world with Asia having the highest concentration

Earlier this year it was revealed the number of billionaires in the world has soared to a record high - and they are richer than ever before.

The wealth of the world's billionaires increased by 24 per cent from 2016 - to $9.2 trillion (6.83 trillion) - and there are now 2,754 of them around the world.

The number of female billionaires also increased, rising by 18 per cent year on year, according to the annual Wealth-X Billionaire Census.

Wealth-X credited the steep rise in the number of billionaires to 'a vibrant technology sector, as well as dynamic growth in the number of ultra-wealthy individuals in Asia'.

Most of the world's billionaires are from the US, with the North American nation accounting for 25 per cent of the global total.

The U.S. is also home to seven of the ten richest men in the world - Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Microsoft's Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

Jeff Bezos earns more in 30 seconds than the average British person earns in an entire year

James Dyson (pictured) earns more than 46,500 ($59,000) every week while Richard Branson earns 12,500 ($16,000) over seven days

Mrs Coates, pictured with her father Peter, who is also a director of her betting company. The family made more than 700million from Bet365 last year

In 2017, the U.S. added 60 new billionaires, taking the total number to 680, with a combined wealth of $3.2 trillion (2.37 trillion).

The U.S. is followed by the Communist People's Republic of China with 338 billionaires, and Germany with 152 billionaires.

India comes in fourth with 104, and Switzerland in fifth with 99 billionaires.

The United Kingdom is eight, home to 90 billionaires with a combined total wealth of $251 billion (186 billion).

Gary Hemming of ABC Finance Ltd said: 'While many people are aware of the vast wealth that the big names in Silicon Valley have accumulated, whats truly shocking is how this compares to an average wage.

'Its definitely a sobering thought that Jeff Bezos earns the average annual UK salary in 30 seconds.'

'We set out to see how the UKs mega-rich compare to their counterparts across the pond and as has been widely reported  especially in the case of Bet365s Denise Coates  theres still a huge disparity between these CEOs and the man on the street.

'For perspective, it takes Coates around 20 minutes to earn the average annual UK salary through her family-run business including the online gambling giant and Stoke City FC.'
The EU says anti-Semitism has remained 'incurable' after the largest study of its kind finds the scourge is on the rise across the continent.

Some 90 per cent of those surveyed reported anti-Semitism is rising in their country while almost a third had experienced harassment and 38 per cent considered emigrating.

Many of the Jews said they would not report hate-crimes because they felt nothing would be done.

Speaking at a news conference, European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said Europe had had many diseases in the 20th century but the only one that has 'remained incurable is anti-Semitism.'



Members of Hungary's Jewish community celebrate Hannukah in Budapest; 31 per cent of respondents in Hungary said anti-Semitism had increased 'a lot' in the past five years

Franz Timmermans tells European leaders: 'Whenever communities are set up one against the other, whenever identity politics comes into the game again, then the first victims are always the Jews'

This graph sets out respondents' perceived changes to levels of anti-Semitism which the FRA has concluded is on the rise across the continent

This graph from the FRA's report shows the change in anti-Semitism being broadcast over the internet since the 2012 study

'Whenever communities are set up one against the other, whenever identity politics comes into the game again, then the first victims are always the Jews,' Timmermans, the former Dutch foreign minister continued.

'You need to know that anti-Semitism is like the canary in the coal mine.'

He was particularly critical of Hungarian President Viktor Orban for using 'dog-whistle words' to stir up hatred.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) - an EU backed think-tank - followed up their 2012 study and found that respondents were experiencing an increase in hate.

The results were taken from 16,395 Jews in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

These twelve EU states have the highest Jewish populations, accounting for 96 per cent of continent's Jews.

FRA Director Michael O'Flaherty said: 'Decades after the Holocaust, shocking and mounting levels of antisemitism continue to plague the EU.

'Member States must take note and step up their efforts to prevent and combat antisemitism.

'Jewish people have a right to live freely, without hate and without fear for their safety.'

Many Jews reported not feeling safe and deliberately avoiding Jewish areas of worship.

Almost half of those surveyed said they worried about being abused for their faith in the next year.

The news comes just weeks after the massacre of 11 people in a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by a neo-Nazi.

Another graph shows how frequently Jews experience disgusting anti-Semitic statements

Donald Trump commemorates victims with First Lady Melania Trump; he spoke out after a massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania saying: 'We must stamp out this vile hatred from the world'

How safe do Jews feel? Forty-seven per cent of respondents worry about receiving an antisemitic verbal insult or being harassed in the next 12 months.

Forty per cent worry about being physically attacked in that same period.

Thirty-four per cent avoid visiting Jewish events or sites because they do not feel safe.

Thirty-eight per cent have considered emigrating because they did not feel safe.

Seventy per cent believe that their national governments efforts to combat antisemitism are ineffective. Advertisement

President Donald Trump condemned the murderer at a Menorah lighting afterwards, saying: 'In the aftermath of that wicked assault, we reaffirmed our solemn duty to confront anti-Semitism everywhere it occurs.'

He declared: 'We must stamp out this vile hatred from the world.'

Meanwhile in France - which has the highest population of Jews on the continent - Prime Minister Edouard Philippe recently warned against his country's own Kristallnacht: 'Each attack against one of our compatriots because he or she is Jewish resonates like new broken glass.'

Philippe announced on his Facebook page that there had been a 69 percent rise in the number of anti-Semitic acts reported to police in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the same period last year.

Angela Merkel attended a synagogue on November 9 to commemorate Kristallnacht on its 80th anniversary, saying: 'We are also witnessing a worrying anti-Semitism that threatens Jewish life in our country'

How common is anti-Semitic hate crime? Twenty-eight per cent of respondents have been harassed at least once in the past year.

Seventy-nine per cent who were harassed did not report the most serious incident to the police or to any other organisation.

Three per cent were physically attacked because they are Jewish in the five years before the survey. Advertisement

In Germany Angela Merkel echoed those sentiments at a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht on the weekend; she said that 'Jewish life is blossoming again in Germany' but warned, 'We are also witnessing a worrying anti-Semitism that threatens Jewish life in our country.'

Meanwhile in the UK, the opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn - who looks increasingly likely to become Prime Minister - has been mired in an anti-Semitism scandal, with British police investigating the Labour party.

Last week London's Metropolitan Police chief Cressida Dick confirmed her officers were investigating a package of documents alleging anti-Semitism in the Labour party.

The FRA said that EU countries should work together to combat the problem and advised focusing up Holocaust education.
Vincent Martinod jumps into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland in a wingsuit

This is the astonishing moment a wingsuit daredevil jumps blindly into thick fog over a Swiss mountain valley.

Vincent Martinod, 24, takes the death-defying jump from a metal bridge above the village of Lauterbrunnen with only a parachute in tow.

He tumbles through a dense bank of fog for a few moments before the settlement appears gradually below him.

Vincent Martinod, prepares to jump from a metal bridge above the village of Lauterbrunnen with only a parachute in tow

Mr Martinod flies alongside the rocky cliff edge, even skimming the surface of a waterfall before opening his parachute and beginning his final descent.

The daredevil, who is whooping in delight, then slowly makes his way back to the ground through the beautiful valley.

A river, sparse woodland, and a scattering of houses can be seen below him as he drifts.

The clip, which was filmed in January but recently re-emerged online, then shows the Frenchman fly above a small road before firmly planting his feet in the grass beside it.

He plummets through the fog and flies beside a rocky cliff face as he makes his way through the Swiss valley

A few moments later, the wingsuit jumper opens his parachute and begins his final descent

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is a popular spot for base jumpers with dozens of take-off points throughout the cliff face.

Jumpers are said to reach speeds of up to 120mph before they open their parachutes - and there have been a number of deaths in the Lauterbrunnen area over the years.

Vincent Martinod (pictured during a previous stunt) has been jumping for three years and regularly shares his adventures on YouTube

Two British base jumpers died in the space of a month this year when jumping in the valley.

In August, a 44-year-old died after crashing into a cliff face and becoming stuck on a rock ledge near to the village of Murren in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland region.

The man, who was not identified at the time, had jumped from the Nose 3 take-off point in Lauterbrunnen moments earlier.

Berne Police sent a helicopter to the scene but 'nothing could be done'.

A second thrillseeker fell to his death after jumping 1,600 feet from the popular La Mousse take-off point in July.

The 38-year-old died almost instantly and it is not known whether he was wearing a wingsuit or parachute when he fell.

Base jumping is one of the most dangerous recreational activities in the world, with a fatality and injury rate 43 times higher than parachuting from a plane.

But this risky wingsuit dive was not the first time Mr Martinod has taken part in such a daring stunt.

A river, sparse woodland, and a scattering of houses can be seen below him as Mr Martinod drifts to the ground

He previously cycled off a 1,150-foot cliff before discarding the bike and parachuting his way down to the Alpine village of Magland.

Mr Martinod, who has been jumping for three years and shares his adventures on YouTube, said in October: 'I was very scared, but mentally I was ready and I have done a lot of jumps, so it wasn't really dangerous.

'The cliff was 350-metres high, but I don't like to call this an extreme sport - it's a serious sport.'
A refugee lawyer has expressed her frustration at the lack of government action on refugee children living in detention centres on the island of Nauru.

Nyadol Nyuon made the comments in a powerful moment during ABC's Q&A program on Monday evening.

Her outburst was sparked after a viewer asked why the government was 'creating an issue' about 'less than ten children' on Nauru.

Scroll down for video

A refugee lawyer expressed her frustration at the lack of government action on refugee children on the island of Nauru (pictured: Nyadol Nyuon)

Her outburst was sparked after a viewer asked why the government was 'creating an issue' about 'less than ten children' on Nauru

'Why are Labor and the Greens creating such an issue over the children in Nauru?' the viewer asked.

'There are less than ten there at the moment.'

Ms Nyuon, who was born in a refugee camp in Ethiopia before fleeing to Australia as a teenager, replied that each of those children had 'goals, dreams and ambitions'.

'We can't just dismiss it and say because there are four or five children it somehow doesn't matter,' she continued.

'One life is significant enough to me.'

She added the majority of refugees on Nauru and Manus Island had been found to be genuine refugees, who should not be punished on the basis of deterring others.

Some took to Twitter to agree with Ms Nyoun, with one person writing: 'The man saying "you're making a fuss over 10 children" is a great example of what's wrong with society.

'Why do those 10 children matter less than if there were 100? I don't think having any child in detention is good. Why is having any innocent child in detention OK?'

The Australian government is pushing to remove all children being held in offshore immigration detention centres on Nauru and relocate them to Australia by the end of the year.

Some of the children have been detained on the island nation for five or six years and had developed acute mental health issues, in particular depression.
President Donald Trump on Monday defended hush money payments to two women during his 2016 campaign as 'a simple private transaction' that would be his 'lawyer's liability.'

The president took to twitter to defend the payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal and argue they were 'wrongly' called a campaign contribution by prosecutors in the Michael Cohen case.

'There was NO COLLUSION. So now the Dems go to a simple private transaction, wrongly call it a campaign contribution,' the president wrote.

President Donald Trump on Monday defended hush money payments to two women during his 2016 campaign as 'a simple private transaction'

Trump claimed his former attorney was trying to get a lighter sentence

He went on to say any liability would be the lawyer's and that Cohen, his former personal attorney, was trying to get his sentence reduced.

'....which it was not (but even if it was, it is only a CIVIL CASE, like Obama's - but it was done correctly by a lawyer and there would not even be a fine. Lawyer's liability if he made a mistake, not me). Cohen just trying to get his sentence reduced. WITCH HUNT!,' he tweeted.

On Friday, prosecutors recommended Cohen should spend between 51 and 63 months in prison for a range of federal crimes including tax evasion and violating campaign finance laws.

It's unclear what the president meant by 'lawyer's liability' and a 'civil case, like Obama's.'

Former President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign was found in violation of Federal Election Commission regulations and paid a fine after the campaign failed to provide a 48-hour notice for contributions that totaled more than $1.8 million.

Federal law requires notices to be filed on contributions of $1,000 or more that are received within 20 days of Election Day.

Obama's campaign paid $230,000 of the $375,000 fine with the Democratic National Committee paying the rest of the amount.

Cohen pled guilty in August to breaking campaign finance laws and other crimes. He will be sentenced on Wednesday.

And Trump's early morning defense comes after Democrats took to the Sunday public affairs shows to warn him that impeachment could be on the agenda after Friday's revelation by prosecutors that Cohen worked 'in coordination with and at the direction of' Donald Trump  by his own admission  to arrange for the National Enquirer to buy the rights to the two women's stories and 'kill' them, preventing media exposure of their claims.

Trump has been on a twitter tear since Friday's sentencing memos detailing the case against Cohen.

On Sunday evening he took to Twitter to tout his administration's accomplishments and he's used the social media website to slam special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation and declare his innocence.

His latest round of defense comes as he searches for a chief of staff to lead his West Wing in the next two years while he runs for reelection and Democrats investigate his administration.

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said on Sunday the public facts out of Mueller's investigation show that Trump is 'beyond the stage' that led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.

'You are beyond the stage that led to impeachment proceedings against President Clinton, whether or not you think that was worthy of impeachment or not,' he said Sunday on ABC's 'This Week.'

He also warned Trump he has stepped into the same territory that ultimately led to President Richard Nixon's resignation.

'The president has now stepped into the same territory that ultimately led to President Nixon resigning the office. President Nixon was an unindicted co-conspirator - certainly a different set of facts. But this investigation is now starting to put the president in serious legal crosshairs, and he should be worried and the whole country should be worried,' he said.

'Listen, nobody's rooting for the president to go down in this manner. This isn't good for democracy but this investigation may ultimately lead to Congress taking action,' he added.

Murphy wasn't the only lawmaker sounding the alarm.

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff said there is a 'very real prospect' that President Donald Trump will be indicted on the day he leaves office

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy said the public facts out of Robert Mueller's probe show that Trump is 'beyond the stage' that led to Clinton's impeachment

Former Playboy model Karen McDougal (left) and porn actress Stormy Daniels (right) both claimed to have slept with Donald Trump in the past, but the government says Cohen coordinated with Trump to make sure the women were paid for their silence  in effect a pair of massive campaign contributions designed to save the election for Trump

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff said there is a 'very real prospect' that the president will be indicted on the day he leaves office and there is a 'real prospect' he will face jail time.

'There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office the Justice Department may indict him. That he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time,' Schiff said Sunday on CBS' 'Face the Nation.'

'We have been discussing the issue of pardons that the president may offer to people or dangle in front of people, the bigger pardon question may come down the road as the next president has to determine whether to pardon Donald Trump,' he added.

Sentencing memos out on Friday about the Cohen case led to questions about the role Trump himself played.

Cohen 'coordinated his actions with one or more members of the campaign,' according to one of the sentencing memo, 'including through meetings and phone calls, about the fact, nature, and timing of the payments.'

And as a result, 'neither woman spoke to the press prior to the election.'

The payments were made to porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal, both of whom claimed to have affairs with Trump, which he has denied.

Cohen directly paid Daniels to deny she had an affair with Trump.

McDougal was paid by American Media Inc., the owner of the National Enquirer, for her story which it then did not publish in an operation known as 'catch and kill.'

David Pecker, a longtime Trump friend who was CEO of the National Enquirer's parent company, got an immunity deal from Mueller to divulge his part in the plot.

Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler warned that it would be an 'impeachable offense' if President Trump directed the payments to Daniels and McDougal.

'Certainly they're impeachable offenses. Even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office,' he said on CNN's 'State of the Union.'

Cohen arranged for a $130,000 payment to Daniels, which prosecutors say violated campaign finance law prohibitions against donations of more than $2,700 in a general election.

Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler warned that it would be an 'impeachable offense' if President Trump directed the payments to two women during his campaign

Prosecutors said Trump's former personal attorney Michale Cohen coordinated with 'Individual-1,' which is how Trump is referred to in filings

A $150,000 payment by American Media Inc. to silence McDougal was an illegal corporate donation to the Trump's campaign, prosecutors claim.

Both women claim affairs with Trump, which he has denied.

Prosecutors noted Cohen had implicated the president in the payments.

'Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of Individual-1,' the prosecutors wrote.

'Individual-1' refers to Trump.

Trump claimed the filings out on Friday vindicate him.

'Totally clears the President. Thank you!,' he tweeted.
The forest where a murdered British backpacker's corpse was found has a dark history.

The body of 22-year-old Grace Millane was found by police in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, south-west of Auckland, on Sunday afternoon.

Her body was found shrouded in bushes and shrubs about ten metres from the road.

But in an eerie coincidence, it's the same stretch of road where an unsolved murder took place more than 40 years ago.

The Waitakere Ranges (pictured) have a grim past when it comes to murderers hiding corpses

British backpacker Grace Millane (pictured) was found dead in the shrubbery on Sunday

Auckland teenager Tracey Ann Patient died in 1976.

Ms Patient, a 13-year-old at the time of her death, was found strangled with her own stockings.

She was last seen on the evening of January 29, when she said goodbye to her sister Debbie on her way to a friend's house.

She never made it.

'When she said "bye" - she was just walking up the road just slightly behind me, and I never turned around, I just went "oh, ok bye, see you later" and went off,' Debbie said in a video released by police to signify the 40 year anniversary of the murder in 2016.

The next morning, her father broke the news to Debbie and her younger sister Denise.

'Denise was on my lap and Dad came home. You could see he was really upset and Denise said: "When's Tracey coming home?" and my dad said: "She's not".'

Four decades earlier, 13-year-old Tracey Ann Patient (pictured) was killed metres from where Ms Millane was found

The ranges (pictured) are 30km from where Ms Millane was last seen alive

More recently, the mutilated body of single mother Karen Stanley-Hunt was found in the bushland of Waitakere Ranges in 1998.

Her killer had battered her over the head with a crowbar six times, before bundling her in a carpet and dumping her corpse.

Her murderer was found guilty two years after the killing, turning out to be close friend Dean Wilson Phillips.

It took the jury in the High Court at Auckland only eight hours to deliberate on a guilty verdict when Phillips was sentenced to life behind bars in 2000.

Crown prosecutor Aaron Perkins told the jury Phillips had played a 'cruel and callous deceit' on Ms Stanley-Hunt's family, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Single mother Karen Stanley-Hunt went missing and was discovered in the ranges. Pictured is her father Nelson and stepmother Lyn at a press conference after she went missing in 1998

The road Ms Millane's body was found has been ordained with flowers and a banner (pictured)

Two decades later, another death has been uncovered in the Waitakere Ranges, with police finding the remains of Ms Millane.

As police set up makeshift headquarters only metres from where the grim discovery was made, well-wishers laid wreaths of flowers on the ground.

A banner with a bright, red heart flaps in the wind, emblazoned with the words: 'Rest in peace, Grace.'

Locals are still shocked a day on from the finding, her body dumped more than 30km from where she was last seen alive.

Even still, the nature reserve is more than 10km from the nearest town. But the few who call the ranges their home took time out of the last two days to pay their respects.

A 26-year-old man appeared in court on Monday charged with Millane's murder. He was granted interim name suppression at the Auckland District Court.

TIMELINE OF MISSING BACKPACKER MURDER PROBE November 20: Grace Millane arrives in New Zealand from Peru. She had been in nearly daily contact with her family. November 30: Ms Millane posts her last tweet saying 'I think travelling has changed me I just brought some blue jeans.' December 1: Ms Millane is seen at the CityLife Hotel, in Auckland, with a 'male companion' December 2: The 22-year-old's birthday. Her family do not hear anything from her, which is unusual behaviour. Just before noon: A red Toyota Corolla hatchback is hired from a central Auckland rental firm December 5: Her worried family file a missing persons report and pictured of Ms Millane are shared extensively online December 6: Police release an image of Grace Millane leaving the hostel at 7.15pm on December 1 December 7: Police said they had received dozens of calls to a hotline and more than 25 staff were working on the case, trawling through hours of CCTV footage to trace her movements After arriving in Auckland her father, David Millane, makes an emotional plea for help finding his daughter. Police reveal they have spoken to the male companion and he is a person of interest. The man was not taken into custody and police said there was no evidence of foul play December 8: A 26-year-old man is taken into custody at a central Auckland address by police December 9: Police announce they are searching an area on Scenic Drive, near the Waitakere Reservoir shortly after 4pm: Police find a body they believe to be Ms Millane in vegetation around 10m from the road December 10: A 26-year-old man is charged with her murder and is granted an interim name suppression order Advertisement

Ms Millane was backpacking through New Zealand before she went missing on December 1
A student branded a rental company sexist after its leaflet advertised rooms with a half-naked woman alongside the caption: 'Why not take a peek...?'

Outraged Helen Hill posted a video of the flyer created by firm Clever Student Lets to Facebook after she found it in a library at the University of Plymouth.

The advert shows a topless woman next to the inviting caption but, when the leaflet unfolds, the question concludes: 'at our clever student properties?'

And an arrow points to the woman's breasts with the caption: 'The biggest in Plymouth.' Underneath it says: 'With over 3,000 rooms who says size doesn't matter?'

The leaflet (pictured) shows a topless woman and it outraged student Helen Hill. The company has pointed out that it has a male version too

The 25-year-old student posted a video of herself opening the leaflet and branded the leaflet 'thoughtless, unimaginative' and 'absolutely disgusting'.

In an apparent reference to a 2011 University of Buffalo study, she wrote: 'Highly sexualised images of people have far-reaching damaging consequences for ALL genders and in the 2000s hyper-sexualised images of women were 10 times more likely than of men.

'This is a perfect example of a woman being depicted as a passive object for someone else's sexual pleasure.'

She said that students would no longer accept such adverts because 'this sort of media drives the opinion that sex is something 'purely physical', based on female exhibitionism'.

The Environmental Science student said she came across the leaflet after attending a chat on sexual assault.

When you open the leaflet it shows views of apartments as opposed to the naked woman that it appears to promise

The student, who is from Cambridge, believes that the leaflet leads to over-sexualising women which can lead to sexual assault.

She said: 'I can understand why it may not offend everyone as it may not be automatic to link with these hyper-sexualised images with the many other issues that face our society, but studies have told us that it is images like this in the media that can exacerbate the sexual objectifying of people, leading to sexual assault etc.

'Additionally, this rise in sexual images has detrimental effects on the younger generation and general public well-being.'

One woman posted a response from Clever Student Lets in the comments of the post.

The company faced further criticism when it pointed out that a leaflet showing a topless male had also been produced

This woman wrote on Facebook that the company is 'appalling' and slammed the male version too

The comment pointed out that they also have a male version of the leaflet and that they do not believe the advert supports sex attacks.

'The campaign is one with both a male and female audience and has not been done with specific gender roles in mind as we do not campaign with any targets like that,' it said. 'Apologies you have read it this way.'

In a statement the comapny said: 'Clever Student Lets marketing messages is always in the eye of the beholder.

'However, it has given CSL an opportunity in evolving our marketing messaging to better suit our student customers in the future.'

The Facebook post has caused a heated debate online with some people saying that it is just marketing while others agree with Helen.

Chelsea Douglas said: 'Sexual objectification is not okay no matter what gender you are.'

Cathy Whithfield said: 'Even if they have a male version, it's still ridiculous. I'd have little respect for a company who advertises like this and (as I've heard) is an appalling company anyway.'

Jack Curly Henderson said: 'Sex sells, quit complaining.' Lee Griffin said: 'Who gives a f***!!! Get a life. It is clever marketing and funny.'

Clever Student Lets is a student accommodation provider in Plymouth. They provide thousands of rooms for the town's student population. The University of Plymouth has been contacted for comment.
An alleged terrorist who attacked police officers with a samurai sword outside Buckingham Palace left a suicide note which read: 'The Queen will be in hellfire'.

Mohiussunnath Chowdhury drove his Toyota Prius through traffic cones at a marked police van and reached for the blade on August 25 last year, the Old Bailey heard.

The Uber driver was sprayed with CS gas and arrested after shouting 'Allahu Akbar' during a scuffle with two officers outside the royal residence, jurors were told.

Chowdhury, 27, drove with a coal black samurai sword and a knife sharpener from his home in Luton, to the road opposite Buckingham Palace.

He then allegedly swerved in front of a police van and the two officers inside had to be taken to hospital after the struggle at 8.30pm.

Mohiussunnath Chowdhury drove his Toyota Prius through traffic cones at a marked police van and reached for this blade (pictured) on August 25 last year, the Old Bailey heard

The terror suspect drew 'posters' in prison of an officer being shot by a man shouting 'Allahu Akbar', the jury heard.

Chowdhury also sketched a picture of a plane hitting the Twin Towers, the Old Bailey was told.

He then pinned the posters up on his cell wall after he was remanded in custody ahead of his terror trial, it was said.

Chowdhury was born in London in May 1991 and later moved to Luton, working as a self-employed Uber driver.

Prosecutor Timothy Cray told the jury that Chowdhury planned to die as a martyr, fighting in the name of Allah.

In his 'suicide note' which he left on his sister's laptop on the night, Chowdhury wrote: 'Tell everyone I love them and that they should struggle against the enemies of Allah with their lives and their property.

'The Queen and her soldiers will all be in hellfire. They go to war with Muslims around the world and kill them without any mercy. They are the enemies Allah tells us to fight.'

The Uber driver, from Luton, accepts he drove his car to the palace then brandished a samurai sword on August 25, 2017.

The Uber driver was sprayed with CS gas and arrested after shouting 'Allahu Akbar' during a scuffle with two officers outside the royal residence, jurors were told

The Old Bailey heard he now claims he was trying to trigger a 'death by cop suicide' and not a terror attack.

But an imitation gun was also found at his flat which prosecutors say could have been used to fool cops instead of the 'deadly' sword.

Prosecutor Timothy Cray showed the jury the drawings found inside his cell at Belmarsh Prison on September 27.

One image, scribbled using different colour pens, included a speech bubble from a terrorist with the words 'Allahu Akbar', alongside a police officer riddled with bullet holes.

How Chowdhury 'admitted' to being radicalised in texts about School of Rock When one of his friends complained that Chowdhury was sending him a documentary about ISIS taking sex slaves, Chowdhury allegedly admitted that he had been radicalised. Moynoor, the friend, wrote to him on August 19, six days before the attack: 'Why did u send me that? And what's your obsession about ISIS and sex slaves?' Chowdhury replied: 'I don't know why I send you these things man' and Moynoor asked him: 'Can you stop sending me stuff like that then?' 'Alright. It's just information that I wanted to share. Nomsayin [know what I'm saying],' Chowdhury insisted. 'Nah. I don't nomsayyin,' Moynoor hit back. 'All this ISIS stuff you message me about. Not cool yaar. I get worried about you. Being radicalised.' 'Brah [brother] I'm already radicalised,' Chowdhury replied. In another online conversation with a friend about the film School of Rock, Chowdhury spoke of his admiration for an al-Qaeda preacher. Reyan Ali messaged on July 25, four weeks before the attack: 'U reckon we classify as Muslims? We're freaks. I plead allegiance to the band of Mr Sneeably [sic, the teacher in School of Rock]. I don't bow to no man, or dog. I will not fight Mr Sneably for creative control of the band.' But Chowdhury sent him a video by the al-Qaeda preacher Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in a US drone attack, prompting Ali to ask if his friend had joined the missionary group Tablighi Jamaat. 'I don't do Tobleek stuff,' Chowdhury replied. 'This man died for Islam. His words are true. The true Islam.' When Ali questioned why Chowdhury was using the black flag of ISIS as a display picture on Whatsapp, Chowdhury told him: 'It is a flag that will unite this ummah [Muslim nation].' Advertisement

He also referenced part '9:111' of the Quran, writing in capital letters: 'Allah has bought the lives of the believers in exchange for paradise.'

Mr Cray said: 'These two pieces of paper he pinned up on the wall of his cell, almost like posters.

'The first headed 'the exchange or bargain'.

'It states, with reference to verses from the Holy Quran, which the defendant interprets is an exchange or a bargain - we're taking it from his point of view.

'It seems that martyrdom, the exchange for that, an act of martyrdom, is paradise - that's the interpretation.

'He has illustrated the exchange or bargain by someone, a masked fighter, shouting Allahu Akbar, firing a gun into the chest of an unarmed, uniformed police officer - it seems outside number 10 Downing Street.

'The defendant accepts that he drew this.'

A search of his prison cell was then carried after the discovery, which revealed a piece of paper headed 'TAGHUT', a term for worship other than of Allah.

The paper, also written mainly in capital letters, included a list of 14 'Allies of Satan'.

The top three were 'USA and all allies', 'UK/Canada/Australia' and EU nations.

Mr Cray then showed jurors the 'realistic looking', chrome imitation BB pistol discovered in Chowdhury's bedroom.

He said: 'We say that if the defendant really is [saying], 'all I wanted to do is get myself killed by the confronting armed police', waving this around outside Buckingham Palace shouting 'Allahu Akbar' would do the job pretty well.

'If you didn't want to do anybody else any harm, why take the deadly weapon, the sharpened sword, when you could take something you know is perfectly harmless?

'Any armed police officer seeing you with that, pointing it, is going to shoot you dead.'

The jury was told during his police interview after the attack, Choudhury described it as 'surreal'.

Mr Cray said: 'He said that he was unhappy about the way things were, that our Queen is the root of the problems and he mentioned the corruption and the fact that life, society here was messed up, in his words.

'He said that due to the fact that police worked for the Queen, he planned to confront the police.

'He said he didn't think he would be able to go through with it, he said he just wanted to stand up against the atrocities that were going on in the world.'

The trial continues.
The stars were out in full force to celebrate CNN's Heroes Gala, but it was George H.W. Bush's service dog that truly stole the spotlight.

Sully was on hand at the American Museum of Natural History in New York for a tribute to the late president, and everyone wanted to pose for photos with him.

The adorable pup has captured America's heart since a picture showing him laying by Bush's casket - with the caption 'Mission Complete' - was released last week.

And Sunday night was no different as Sully walked the red carpet, posing with the likes of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly and reuniting with Bush's granddaughter Lauren Bush Lauren.

The stars were out in full force to celebrate CNN's hero awards, but it was George H.W. Bush's service dog Sully (pictured with John C. Reilly) that truly stole the spotlight

The stars lined up to take pictures with Sully, who is seen here with Will Ferrell, Kelly Ripa, Anderson Cooper, and Brad Hibbard, Valerie Cramer, and John Miller of America's Vetdogs

'I got to be reunited with this furry hero @sullyhwbush,' Lauren wrote on Instagram, tagging the precious pup.

Lauren also shared an adorable photo of Sully nuzzling with another dog named Tom, who was brought by CNN hero Chris Stout, founder of the Veterans Community Project.

'Honored to give a much deserved #cnnheroes award to Chris Stout,' Lauren wrote on her Instagram story.

'All in all...an inspiring night honoring amazing everyday heroes who are making our world a much better place!'

Anderson Cooper brought Sully on stage during the gala, calling him Bush's 'faithful companion to the end'.

Sully walked the red carpet and was reunited with Bush's granddaughter Lauren Bush Lauren

Lauren also shared an adorable photo of Sully nuzzling with another dog named Tom, who was brought by CNN hero Chris Stout (pictured), founder of the Veterans Community Project

Lauren shared a sweet photo of the two pups nuzzling each other on the red carpet on Sunday

'It's a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes - and some have tails,' Cooper continued.

'Sully is a service dog from America's VetDogs, and I'm very pleased that Sully is here tonight with trainer Valerie Cramer'.

Cramer, the service dog program manager at America's VetDogs, then brought Sully out on stage to roaring applause.

Cooper told the audience that Sully was next headed to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington DC.

Anderson Cooper brought Sully on stage, calling him Bush's 'faithful companion to the end'

Cooper then told the audience that Sully was next headed to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington DC to continue helping veterans

Even CNN anchor John Berman made sure to snap a selfie with Sully at the star-studded event

'His service is going to continue helping more veterans,' Cooper added. 'He's two-and-a-half years old so he's got a lot of contributions to make in the future.'

A picture of Sully on the red carpet was later posted to his Instagram page with the caption: 'A pawsitively inspiring evening at @cnnheroes honoring my best friend'.

America's VetDogs also shared a sweet photo of Sully on its Instagram page, calling the ceremony 'truly a night to remember'.

'Oh what a night surrounded by inspiring individuals who do extraordinary acts! Thank you @cnn for honoring our sweet Sully and President Bush,' the caption read.

Sully is seen here giving a friendly lick to Mark Doctrow, a producer of CNN's Heroes tribute

A picture of Sully on the red carpet was later posted to his Instagram page with the caption: 'A pawsitively inspiring evening at @cnnheroes honoring my best friend'

And Sully was a natural when it came to posing for pictures and selfies on the red carpet

Even CNN anchor John Berman made sure to snap a selfie with Sully at the star-studded event, which featured appearances by Ferrell, Reilly, Bryan Cranston, Danai Gurira, Lenny Kravitz, and Ted Danson.

Ferrell also posed for a sweet snap with Sully, Cooper, Kelly Ripa, and America's VetDogs CEO John Miller on the red carpet.

'Thank you #cnnheroes for recognizing @sullyhwbush and @americasvetdogs! What an honor! Thanks Kelly, Anderson, and Will!' Miller wrote in the Instagram caption.

Stout, a former US Army corporal, was among the night's 10 honorees for his work in helping homeless veterans find housing and other essential services.

CNN awarded its 2018 Hero of the Year award to Dr Ricardo Pun-Chong, who provides free housing, meals, and support for sick children and their families while they undergo treatment in Lima, Peru.

Sully accompanied Bush's casket aboard the presidential plane to Washington DC last week and visited the Capitol Rotunda, where his body was lying in state.
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It started the first night Joe Booth was placed with his new cellmate at the Richard Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.

'He grabbed my ankle and pulled me off the bed  He had a weapon that was manufactured out of a piece of metal that he had gotten,' Booth told DailyMail.com. 'I had struggled, but when he put that next to my throat  that was the end of my fight.'

He was repeatedly and violently raped over four days by his cellmate, who was serving a 72-year sentence for raping, sodomizing and transmitting HIV or AIDS to a teenage girl. According to a federal lawsuit he filed against the prison warden, Booth sought help from seven different staff members, including a counselor.

None intervened on his behalf.

'They literally said, "We are not marriage counselors, you two work it out,"' Booth said.

It was 2009  six years after the passage of the Prison Rape Elimination Act and three years before the new guidelines under that law would be published and mandated in prisons, jails and juvenile facilities across the country.

Joe Booth (left) poses for a photograph in Los Angeles in December, 2018 with his skateboard. Booth, who contracted HIV in the early 2000s, said his health deteriorated and the disease progressed to full-blown AIDS after being sexually assaulted in prison. Jan Lastocy (right) is a survivor of prison rape. She was assaulted by a prison guard several times a week for seven months during her incarceration in 1998

On a weekly basis, Booth, now 50, said he still thinks about the torture he endured at the hands of another inmate. At his darkest moments in the prison he thought of suicide.

'I was seriously trying to figure out some kind of way that I could just end it all,' he said. 'I just didn't want to hurt anymore. I just didn't want to be alive.'

If I tell, who's going to believe me? I'm just a prisoner. -Jan Lastocy, survivor of prison rape

While Booth had HIV before the sexual assault, he said the physical and emotional trauma of the experience ravaged his health, causing the disease to progress to full-blown AIDS.

A spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provided a statement confirming that the agency reached a $30,000 settlement with Booth for his ordeal, but declined to make officials available for an interview with DailyMail.com.

While Booth asked for help and repeatedly tried to report his sexual assault, many more victims are too afraid to report their rapes.

Jan Lastocy, 57, told DailyMail.com that she didn't think anyone would believe that she had been raped by a Michigan prison guard in 1998 and, at the time, feared prison staff would retaliate against her if she spoke out.

'Part of the problem is that when we were transferred in, the warden came out and gave her little speech and she said if it ever came down to the word of the guard verses the word of an inmate she would always go with the guard,' Lastocy said. 'So there was that in the back of my mind: 'If I tell, who's going to believe me? I'm just a prisoner.'

This map illustrates the 10 worst prisons and jails in America for sexual assault committed by inmates (in green) and by facility staff (in red). The data is from a 2013 report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics using data from 2011-2012

Richard Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, the prison where Joe Booth was raped by his cellmate over the course of four days in 2009

Broad changes were introduced to protect prisoners under the Prison Rape Elimination Act

Changes that later took place under PREA  signed into law 15 years ago by former President George W. Bush  could have prevented or limited the abuse that Booth and Lastocy endured.

The law has provisions that would have required Booth  an openly gay inmate  to be housed safely and not with a convicted rapist who prison officials knew had just attacked a former cellmate seven days prior to the two men being locked in a room together.

Joe Booth in 2012 in front of the headquarters for Just Detention International in Los Angeles

It also would have required training that would have instructed prison guards to take complaints of sexual assault seriously and to act immediately upon receiving a report of rape, said Brenda V. Smith, a law professor at American University in Washington D.C. and one of nine members on the federal commission that wrote the language in PREA. California prison officials did not say whether staff were trained on handling sexual assault prior to PREA's implementation.

'Someone should not have to be raped in custody in order for an agency to get what they are supposed to do,' Smith told DailyMail.com.

Even in the era of 'me too' accountability on sexual assault, rape in prison remains a joke in America and something that many people assume is an inevitable part of prison life, she said.

'I think that people don't care about people being raped (in prison) because they can't see themselves as a prisoner,' Smith said. 'As long as it doesn't affect us, or we think it doesn't affect us, then it's just not something that we have to care about.'

'I think it says that we're not very brave,' she added. 'I think it says that there is a part of us as people that really races to judgment and to vengeance.'

The new standards under PREA mandated that data on rapes in America's prisons and jails must be tracked and reported to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. It also requires inmate education, medical and mental health care for victims, and investigations of each allegation  all of which experts say may have encouraged victims and increased their willingness to report sexual abuse.

Experts say persuading prisoners to come forward is a huge obstacle to ending prison rape, whether the perpetrator was a fellow inmate or an employee of the jail or prison.

The challenge of measuring how often people are raped in America's prison system

American prisons and jails were the site of 24,661 formal allegations of sexual assault in 2015, the most recent period for which data is available through the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics.

That number represents the most accurate measure of official prison rape and assault claims ever recorded in the U.S., and was reached after new national standards were put in place under PREA to better prevent, detect and respond to such attacks.

It's also nearly triple the 8,768 allegations reported nationwide in 2011.

'More people felt comfortable coming forward, which means correctional institutions are doing a better job of making people feel safe,' said Jesse Lerner-Kinglake, a spokesman for Just Detention International, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that seeks to end prison rape worldwide.

'They're beginning to have faith in the system and the reporting mechanisms that are available to them,' he told DailyMail.com. 'And this is the first measure of that after the release of the PREA standards, which mandate safer ways for prisoners to report.'

In 2015, a total of 1,473 allegations were formally substantiated through completed investigations, while 2,733 remained under investigation. Additionally, 10,142 were determined to be unfounded, while 10,313 were unsubstantiated (cases with insufficient evidence to prove either way).

More than half (58 percent) of the allegations in 2015 were claims that prison staff victimized inmates, while 42 percent were incidences where accusations were leveled against fellow inmates.

Prisoner advocates say the actual proportion of legitimate claims is likely much higher than the 8 percent that were substantiated  which by themselves represent a 63 percent increase compared to the 902 recorded in 2011.

'The vast majority of people who are assaulted do not report because retaliation is rampant and there is shame involved  people are afraid for their lives,' Lerner-Kinglake said.

The reasons prison rape survivors are afraid to report sexual assault to the authorities

Prisoners who report rape can be branded as 'snitches' by other inmates and then singled out for violence. It can also make a prisoner more sexually vulnerable for others to know that he or she was raped.

By numbers: Prison Rape in America -24,661: The number of formal allegations of sexual assault at U.S. jails and prisons in 2015, the most recent period for which data is available through the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics -1,473: The number of allegations that were substantiated in 2015 -2,733: The number of allegations that remained under investigation -10,142: The number of allegations determined to be unfounded -10,313: The number of cases in which there was insufficient evidence to prove either way Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics Advertisement

'When someone has been sexually assaulted they have often been labeled as fair game' Lerner-Kinglake said. 'We know that most people who are sexually abused in detention are abused again and again and again. It is often hopeless.'

In addition, many prisoners who have been raped or are deemed vulnerable to sexual assault are placed in solitary confinement for their own safety. In many cases, this means giving up the few privileges that prisoners have access to, including visits from family and time outside of their cell.

For all those reasons, experts argue that a separate set of data provides a more accurate measure of rape in U.S. prisons  a survey of inmates as they leave the prison allows them to anonymously provide the government with details on any assaults they have experienced.

The most recent survey was published in 2013 using data from 2011 and 2012. According to that data, an estimated 80,600 prison and jail inmates were sexually victimized.

Still, experts argue those numbers still reflect under-reporting, as they represent just 4 percent of all prison inmates and 3.2 percent of all jail inmates in America.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics used the survey data to rank the prisons, jails and juvenile facilities that have the highest incidence of sexual assault in the country.

When it comes to inmate-on-inmate rape, the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, a female facility in McCloud, Oklahoma, was the worst in the nation, with a rate of 15.3 percent.

For staff-on-inmate assault, Denver Women's Correctional Facility in Colorado was the worst with a rate of 10.7 percent.

This map illustrates the ten juvenile detention facilities that had the highest incidence of sexual assault in America. The data was published in 2013 by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, and three of the facilities have since closed permanently

The most vulnerable inmates - and what they do to avoid getting raped in prison

In male prisons, young, slight men are considered the most vulnerable, as are people identifying as LGBTQ or those suffering from mental illness, said Deborah LaBelle, an Ann Arbor-based attorney. LaBelle is leading a class action lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Corrections on behalf of more than 900 inmates age 13-18 who were sexually assaulted by other prisoners and staff while in detention.

'Youth are 5-8 times more likely to be raped than adults,' she told DailyMail.com.

Before PREA, many youthful offenders were housed with adult inmates, putting them at greater risk for abuse. In 2013 (following PREA's mandate) the Michigan agency changed its policy to start segregating teens from adult prisoners.

Nationwide, roughly 10 percent report of youth housed in juvenile facilities report being sexually victimized by either fellow inmates or staff, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Meanwhile, in female prisons, anyone can be vulnerable when it comes to staff-on-inmate assault.

Lastocy, of Belmont, Michigan, learned that first hand when she spent nine months in prison in 1998 for attempting to embezzle $200 from her employer.

For seven of those months she was raped several times a week by a prison guard who kept her silent by threatening to write her up  known as 'catching a ticket'  which could have extended her time in prison.

Jan Lastocy, of Belmont, Michigan, is a survivor of prison rape. She was assaulted by a prison guard several times a week for seven months during her incarceration in 1998

'He liked to take out his pen and click it and talk about the amount of power he had in that pen,' Lastocy told DailyMail.com.

Her rapist knew that and exploited her fear.

'When I said something about, "You know this is rape, you know this is wrong," he said, "Who do you think theyre going to believe, you or me?"' Lastocy said. 'If I hesitated, he would get his pen out and I knew he was going to write me a ticket and getting a ticket was going to stop me from going home ... I realized, if I had to do whatever he wanted for those seven months thats what I had to do. And so thats what I did.'

Her rapist was later held accountable after another inmate was able to preserve DNA evidence of a sexual assault. Lastocy was already out of prison by the time officials started asking other former and current inmates if they had also been victimized.

He 'ruined five women's lives but only did four years,' Lastocy said.

Booth and Lastocy said the hardest part was not being believed.

'If I had been raped on the outside, there would have been services available to me, there would have been no doubt that it had happened to me,' Lastocy said. 'I would have been the victim. Instead when it happens to you as a prisoner you're treated totally different.'

While many prisoners accept that they have no recourse to avoid or stop sexual assault in prison, many others join gangs or engage in a sexual relationship with one inmate in order to gain protection from being raped by many inmates, Lerner-Kinglake said.

'We have heard from prisoners who are forced to pair up with another prisoner for protection,' he said. 'This is something that corrections staff have historically not been good at identifying, the relationships that appear consensual but actually are not. A vulnerable prisoner will enter into partnerships because he felt he had no other choice.'

Problems with sexual assault persist in U.S. prisons 15 years after PREA was signed into law

Despite the strides made under PREA, much remains to be done to end rape in prison.

As evidence, Smith points to the seven employees at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey who have been accused of sexually assaulting prisoners since 2015  after PREA was implemented. One pleaded guilty to sexual assault and several other charges, while three others pleaded guilty to official misconduct related to sexual contact with inmates. Additional charges are still pending against three men, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office.

Recent incidences of staff-on-inmate rape in American prisons -Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women: Seven employees at this New Jersey facility have been charged with sexually assaulting prisoners since 2015. Of those, three are still awaiting trial; one pleaded guilty to sexual assault and other charges, and; three pleaded guilty to official misconduct related to sexual contact with inmates. -Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn: In January, a former corrections officer at the facility was sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of sexual abuse and deprivation of an inmate's civil rights, among other charges. -Montana Women's Prison: Last month, a corrections officer at the facility sued his supervisor for retaliation after the officer attempted to report the supervisor's alleged sexual misconduct with inmates. -Penobscot County Jail: Multiple female prisoners at the facility in Bangor, Maine have accused a prison guard of sexual harassment, including showing them naked pictures of himself and forcing them to touch his genitals. In one case, a former inmate claims the unwanted sexual attention continued after she was released. -Chillicothe Correctional Center: A former prisoner at the Missouri facility has claimed that a prison guard raped her more than 20 times  and that when she confided in a mental health counselor for help he responded by sexually assaulting her, too, according to a federal lawsuit the woman filed earlier this year. Two other women have since filed similar lawsuits against the same guard. Advertisement

The issue came before the New Jersey state Legislature, where prison employees testified that they were given minimal training on PREA.

Since then, major reforms have been proposed, with five bills passing the New Jersey state Senate and awaiting a vote in the Assembly. The measures would lead to a number of changes, including: mandated staff training on sexual abuse; banning of cross-gender inmate searches; and new oversight by the State Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy to ensure the rights of inmates who are victimized.

Overall, the persistence of prison rape points to a fundamental issue with the culture in prisons and among employees, Lerner-Kinglake said. While PREA has brought some change, it will take longer for the institutions that house inmates to shift that culture in a meaningful way.

'For so long, the toxic culture of prisons and jails has really allowed sexual violence to flourish,' Lerner-Kinglake said. 'And (it can't be fixed) until that is part of any PREA implementation; what we're talking about is the deep cultural change.'

The problem of post-PREA sexual assault is not unique to Edna Mahan.

In January, a former corrections officer at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn was sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of sexual abuse and deprivation of an inmate's civil rights, among other charges.

Last month, a corrections officer at the Montana Women's Prison sued his supervisor in federal court for retaliation after the officer attempted to report the supervisor's alleged sexual misconduct with inmates.

Multiple female prisoners at Penobscot County Jail in Bangor, Maine have accused a prison guard of sexual harassment, including showing them naked pictures of himself and forcing them to touch his genitals, according to the Bangor Daily News. In one case, a former inmate claims the unwanted sexual attention continued after she was released.

A former prisoner at Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri has claimed that a prison guard raped her more than 20 times  and that when she confided in a mental health counselor for help he responded by sexually assaulting her, too, according to a federal lawsuit the woman filed earlier this year. Two other women have since filed similar lawsuits against the same guard.

What can be done to enhance PREA and better protect inmates from sexual assault

'PREA standards are minimum standards,' Smith said in testimony before the New Jersey Legislature earlier this year. 'In other words, they are the floor not the ceiling. States can and should do what is necessary to provide a safe environment where people in custody are not at risk for sexual victimization by staff, other prisoners, volunteers or the public.'

There has to be a significant cultural shift in terms of how people who are incarcerated are perceived. These are human beings. -Deborah LaBelle, attorney

Smith told DailyMail.com that there is more that can be done to strengthen the standards that PREA has established. For instance, she would like to see more policies addressing sexual health issues like HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

In addition, Smith said legislation could be crafted to better protect immigrants being held in detention from sexual assault, as well as inmates who have been released but are under the supervision of parole or probation officers.

LaBelle said she would like to see PREA have some 'teeth' added - in other words, consequences (for example, a reduction in federal funding) for facilities and states that are found to be non-compliant.

'There's not a lot of oversight. If there's no penalty and no oversight, it's hard to keep the spirit and intent of (PREA) going,' she said. 'Part of the problem is that there has to be a significant cultural shift in terms of how people who are incarcerated are perceived. These are human beings.'
Ammon Bundy is taking a step back from the right-wing movement he helped to establish after clashing with Donald Trump over his treatment of migrants.

Bundy said he is quitting social media due to a backlash he received for criticizing POTUS over his treatment of migrants from Central America who are travelling to the border seeking political refuge in the US.

Bundy was the rancher at the center of a 2016 standoff with the government at an Oregon wildlife preserve.

Ammon Bundy (pictured) is taking a step back from the right-wing group he helped create after clashing with Donald Trump over his treatment of migrants

He had a similar standoff with federal agents in 2014 over the rights to graze cattle on federal land near his fathers ranch in Nevada.

Bundy became the face of a militia movement whose members hold a mix of right-wing and anti-government views and rely on social media to bolster support.

Buzzfeed reported that he was quitting the group, but he later said that he was quitting Facebook after becoming frustrated with elements of the group he helped to create.

He told The Washington Post: 'I never joined a movement. We were a ranching family. We were ranching and the government came to take our livelihood away and we said no. It was no more than that'.

Regarding his views on the migrant caravan he said: 'I was asked multiple times from different various individuals what I thought about these caravans, and I didnt know, to be honest with you, I didnt know the facts.

'So I began to research and try to determine the facts'.

Bundy, seen here with Harney County Sheriff David Ward, occupied the headquarters of the US wildlife refuge in rural southeastern Oregon in 2016

Ammon Bundy meets with supporters and the media at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

In the run up to the midterm elections, Trump repeatedly described the caravan as an 'invasion,' that required the emergency deployment of thousands of military troops.

Bundy added: 'He has basically called them all criminals. What about the fathers, the mothers, the children, who have come here and are willing to go through the process to apply for asylum so they can come into this country and benefit from not having to be oppressed continually by criminals?'

Some former supporters who traveled to his fathers ranch in 2014 during an armed standoff with federal agents expressed regret at his support for migrants, according to BuzzFeed.

Other people accused Bundy of being paid by 'globalists' and his page was flooded with negative remarks.

Bundy has upset followers by disagreeing with Donald Trump over his treatment of migrants

Bundy has defended migrants from Central America who are seeking help and only want to support their families

'The facts were rejected,' Bundy told The Post. 'I could only see that 99 percent of it was that same Trump rhetoric of calling all these people terrorists'.

'And theyd pick out an isolated issue, and go oh look 40 of them are charging the border so all 5,000 of them are bad. . . . These refugees are not all the same.

'They didnt come from the same places. They didnt even come from the same country'.

Donald Trump has repeatedly described the caravan as an 'invasion'

In his interview with The Post, Bundy claimed that he felt smeared by 'liberals' in a way similar to what the migrants experienced.

'Theyve lumped all the hatred and militia groups - they basically said that anyone thats come and helped the Bundys are anti-government, violent militias,' he said.

'Were all individuals. We all make different choices. We all have agency'.

During the Bundys two high-profile standoffs with the government, members from an assortment of groups - militias, sovereign citizens, anti-Muslim activists - united with the family.

The support came from proponents who wanted to push back against what they all agreed was overreach by the federal government.

In recent months, Bundy expressed hesitancy about his role as a symbol for these groups in recent months.

He told the Associated Press in October that he was hoping to spend more time with his wife and six children.

'Ill always get someone that calls me. Life has never, ever been the same - in a good and a hard way. I think itll take years and years to kind of dissolve'.

Cliven Bundy (pictured) is Ammon's father and was involved in a standoff with government over their rights to graze cattle on federal land near his ranch

He also said that his social media shutdown will not stop him from being vocal on what he believes. He will continue to do public speaking events on issues including gun rights and the environment.

He added: 'In free governments, the people own the land and the resources. That is the battle.

'I have every intention of running the BLM and the Forest Service and Fish & Wildlife right out of the west so the people can be free. Dont think well lighten up on that'.
Jerry Oppenheimer is a New York Times best-selling author who has written biographies of such American political icons including the Kennedys and Clintons.

White House chief of staff John F. Kelly's exit is weeks away, but already book publishers are clambering to sign the four-star general to an exclusive tell-all book deal, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

In anticipation of the high demand for an inside look into Trump's White House, publishers said they are ready to fork over as much as a $15 million advance - which would make the deal one of the biggest in book publishing history.

A power publisher told DailyMail.com a Kelly memoir revealing 'Oval Office secrets to which only he has the true, untold story could be the most shocking expose about Trump ever.'

Executives are expecting a candid memoir to sell 'tons more copies' than the million copies sold of A Higher Loyalty, the bestseller by fired controversial FBI Director James Comey, for which he received a reported $2 million advance against sales.

But in order to secure a top deal, Kelly will be expected to deliver bombshell revelations about President Trump and the inner workings of the White House, including the truth about son-in-law Jarded Kushner's ties to Saudi Arabia.

He will also be expected to share the backstories of White House dramas including the firing of Omarosa Manigault Newman and Rob Porter.

Publishers are leaping at the chance to sign Trump's former Chief of Staff General John F. Kelly to a book deal about his time in the White House, claiming he could get one of the biggest advances in book publishing history at $15 million

On Saturday, after months of speculation, Trump announced that Kelly would leave his job at year's end, as part of another staff shake-up, and with impeachment threats by Democrats who have taken control of the House of Representatives.

Trump said: 'John Kelly will be leaving  I don't know if I can say ''retiring.'' But, he's a great guy. John Kelly will be leaving toward the end of the year, at the end of the year.'

There's been nonstop speculation about Kelly's future, and now it appears that he may follow in the literary footsteps of other defrocked Trump aides and pen a blockbuster tell-all, according to publishing sources interviewed exclusively by DailyMail.com.

And the race is already on to sign the controversial ex-Marine who was brought into the West Wing by the president in 2017 to bring calm to what was a stormy and dysfunctional White House, but who instead got caught up in the middle of some of the administration's headline-making scandals and controversies in the first two years of Trump's administration.

A highly respected, politically liberal editor at a major publishing house told DailyMail.com: 'A candid book by General Kelly could easily garner as much as a $10 million to $15 million advance, maybe more.

'We'd kill to get it, and we'd pay that much, and we're hoping to see a proposal come in soon and have a meeting with General Kelly once he's out of the White House.

'We're ready to pay one of the biggest advances in book publishing history, maybe even more than $15 million for his story,' says the editor who asked that his name not be used because he's already reached out to Kelly.

'Look, Kelly's 68 years old and soon to be out of work. He possesses the goods for a great White House tale as the top aide to one of the most controversial presidents we've ever had. We're praying we can make a deal. We were even unofficially in touch BEFORE the announcement was formally made by the president that Kelly was soon to be out the door.'

A power publisher in the mostly liberal book world told DailyMail.com: 'Oval Office secrets to which only he has the true, untold story could be the most shocking expose about Trump ever, and get one of publishing biggest advances'

Kelly isn't leaving until right after the end of the year, but already one creative literary agent known for handling blockbuster nonfiction authors and hoping to get Kelly as a client told DailyMail.com that he even has a title for Kelly's hoped for forthcoming tome.

'I'm calling it ''I'M OUTTA HERE,'' which were Kelly's words to West Wing colleagues after another bruising day in the trenches with the commander in chief. From what I understand, Kelly's about to sign with one of several agents he's considering to represent him in negotiations with publishers. I'm hoping I'm in the running. Now the time has come.'

Despite all of the euphoria, Kelly will have to describe in detail and with exclusive new revelations about the many dramas, scandals and battles he figured in during his tumultuous White House tenure in order for him to secure a blockbuster book deal, publishing executives told DailyMail.com.

One of the first controversies that entangled Kelly after he was named chief of staff was with the African-American, democratic congresswoman from Florida Frederica Wilson.

He asserted during a White House press briefing that she had falsely claimed in a speech in 2015 that she was 'instrumental' in getting funding for an FBI office building in Miami.

Wilson subsequently tweeted that Kelly had lied, and an apology was due the nation. 'When he lied about me, he lied to the American public,' she declared in November 2017.

Taped secretly by Omarosa as she was being fired in the White House Situation Room in December 2017, Kelly told the Trump advisor she was facing 'pretty significant legal issues' over her alleged use of a government car, which she denied misusing.

Kelly will be expected to detail his relationship with Omarosa Manigault and to respond to veiled assertions whether he knew if Trump ever said the N-word. Omarosa has claimed that he used the racial slur off-camera when he was on 'The Apprentice'

Her taping was a breach of White House security protocols. But she claimed she made the recording of Kelly and conversations with Trump because 'this is a White House where everybody lies.' She went on to say to The New York Times: 'I think its incredibly important in Trump world that you protect yourself because everyone constructs their own reality.'

Omarosa herself has sold about 85,000 copies of her aggressively promoted Trump White House tell-all 'Unhinged' since it was published last August. The former contestant on Trump's reality show 'The Apprentice' is said to have received a seven-figure advance for spilling the beans.

Kelly will be expected to detail his true relationship with her, and to respond to veiled assertions whether he knew of any racial epithets voiced by the president. Omarosa has claimed that he used a racial slur off-camera when he was on 'The Apprentice.' But no such tapes have ever surfaced.

In early 2018, when DailyMail.com first revealed that ex-wives of Trump's White House staff secretary Rob Porter had allegedly been abused, he was immediately defended by West Wing colleagues, chief among them Kelly to whom Porter was said to be close.

But it soon was revealed that senior White House officials knew for months of the Porter allegations, according to press accounts. Moreover, a year into the Trump administration, Porter still did not hold a security clearance, which Kelly should have known about.

DailyMail.com had reported at the time that Porter had been having a clandestine affair with the beautiful White House communications director Hope Hicks. When the abuse allegations surfaced, it was Hicks and Kelly who drafted a statement in Kelly's name in support of Porter who Kelly called, 'a man of true honor and I can't say enough good things about him. He is a friend, a confidante and a trusted professional. I am proud to serve alongside him.'

In early 2018, when DailyMail.com first revealed that ex-wives of Trump's White House staff secretary Rob Porter had allegedly been abused, he was immediately defended by West Wing colleagues, chief among them Kelly to whom Porter was said to be close. Pictured: Kelly with Porter in November 2017

Porter, who denied the abuse allegations, and Hicks subsequently left their White House jobs, and Kelly soon ordered changes to the security clearance process at the White House after facing pressure from democrats. Porter had access to highly secret information despite holding only an interim clearance. This despite the FBI knowing about his alleged domestic abuse.

'General Kelly's going to have to tell what he knew and when he knew it and why he didn't do anything about the Porter matter in a timely fashion  that's going to be essential for any book he writes, and that goes for all the other issues he was involved in,' a publishing executive told DailyMail.com.

'The Porter scandal and Kelley's involvement is going to be just one of the points any book he does will need to be covered.'

Prior to Hicks, the communications director post was held by Trump's longtime friend, the outspoken and brash New Yorker Anthony Scaramucci. Ten days after his appointment he was ousted by Kelly  soon after Kelly was named chief of staff, moving over from his post as Homeland Security secretary. Kelly had replaced Reince Priebus, with Trump tweeting: 'No WH chaos!'

Soon after that kerfuffle, Sean Spicer, who would go on to write his own book  'The Briefing: Politics, The Press and The President,'  a minor bestseller -- resigned as White House press secretary. He was replaced by the current press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who declared: 'General Kelly has the full authority to operate within the White House and all staff will report to him.'

Scaramucci later made claims that Kelly threw 'hissy fits' and 'hurt the morale inside the place (the West Wing) and he's hurt the president.' He criticized the manner in which Kelly fired him  giving him his walking papers following his use of profanities about some of his White House colleagues.

The Mooch, as he's known, made his charges against Kelly during an appearance last October on NBC's 'Meet The Press,' where he was promoting his recently published, 'Trump: The Blue-Collar President,' which hasn't sold well, according to Amazon ratings.

Trump's presidency has been a boon to publishing, and the fastest selling tomes with some of the biggest advances have been highly negative about him -- as the book world is mostly liberal.

One former high-ranking New York publishing executive turned literary agent who is hoping to snag Kelly as a client, but only if his book is negative and critical, who was interviewed for this story, openly called President Trump 'our grifter-in-chief. We are in a very distinct, even unique, period that has captured the nation's attention with a stranglehold slowly gripping tighter and tighter. The damage will take years to overcome.'

He called the Trump presidency 'a national emergency.'
Aaron Urbanski, 31, was arrested after he and two others protested a Breakfast with Santa event at a church

Fanatical Jesus loving protester, Aaron Urbanski, was arrested for trespassing at a church in Cleburne, Texas on Saturday after shouting at parents and their children that Santa is not real.

Police say the 31-year-old protester was arrested at the St. Mark United Methodist Church of Cleburne during their 'Breakfast with Santa' event on Saturday.

There were three people demonstrating outside the church, two of the protesters dispersed after being asked to leave, however Urbanksi refused and continued to cause a disturbance.

He was charged with criminal trespass, has been booked into the Johnson County Law Enforcement Center.

Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain weighed in on Facebook, saying 'Don't Mess With Santa!'

The protesters told parents and children Santa isn't real while shouting about the importance of Jesus at this Breakfast with Santa event (pictured) held at St. Mark United Methodist Church

Naughty protester: The mayor of Cleburne, Scott Cain, said protesting is allowed but when you are asked to leave and refuse- you will get arrested... and you'll get coal from Santa

'While I understand folks right to protest, Cleburne loves Santa and those protesters who were naughty and broke the law when they trespassed were arrested promptly.'

Cain cheekily added: 'Guess they wanted coal in their stockings to go with a court appearance.'

Mom of four young children, Heather Johnson told NBC5 that the protesters asked her in front of her children: 'Do you let your kids believe in a fake Santa or do they know who Jesus is?'

'When I told them not to ruin Santa and Christmas for my kids they started to shout out that Santa was not real and that I was wrong for teaching them that,' she said. 'I got really verbal with them over it.'

Cain says he increased the security for their scheduled Christmas parade on Sunday as a precaution.
Elizabeth Warren's political operation has been quietly hunting for a campaign headquarters, should she decide to challenge Donald Trump.

Politico reports that Warren's aides have been prospecting sites in Boston on behalf of the Massachusetts senator's nascent presidential campaign.

Warren has not said she is running in 2020  she last declared that she was taking a hard look at it  having just won reelection to the U.S. Senate a month ago.

She has begun taking steps necessary to launch a bid, however, laying out her foreign policy views in a benchmark speech and addressing her controversial claim that she is of Native American heritage.

A DNA test revealed that Native American blood does run through her veins, but her ancestry is not nearly as prominent as she and a previous employer once portrayed it.

Elizabeth Warren's political operation has been quietly hunting for a campaign headquarters, should she decide to challenge Donald Trump

Advisers to Warren have been counseling her to issue a forceful apology for releasing the results of the DNA test that revealed a sliver of American Indian blood in her family tree, a report said just as Warren's hometown paper released an editorial urging her not to run for higher office.

'Warren missed her moment in 2016, and theres reason to be skeptical of her prospective candidacy in 2020,' the Boston Globe op-ed said.

The Globe pointed out that Charlie Baker, the state's incumbent Republican governor, performed better than she did in November's election.

Massachusetts is a fairly reliable blue state, although it has produced several Republican governors, including Baker and incoming Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.

Even Democrats blasted Warren, a progressive senator who launched the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for Barack Obama's administration and taught at Harvard, in October for drawing attention to her biggest political liability in the middle of a tense midterm election cycle.

Warren's DNA analysis, conducted by a privately hired scientist who is an expert on Native American genomics, showed that her Native American ancestry was between 0.09 percent and 1.5 percent.

The low end of that scale equates to 1/1,024th.

A landmark study published in 2014 in the American Journal of Human Genetics found that, on average, European-Americans have 0.18 per cent Native American blood  twice as much.

She has begun taking steps necessary to launch a bid, however, laying out her foreign policy views in a benchmark speech and addressing her controversial claim that she is of Native American heritage

President Donald Trump has long mocked Warren's claim of being part Cherokee, calling her 'Pocahontas' and licking his chops at the prospect of facing her in 2020

Pocahontas was an Algonqiuan Indian princess who lived from 1595 to 1617

The New York Times reported Thursday that Warren is concerned she damaged her standing with Native American groups and other liberal blocs, especially minority constituencies, by willingly releasing her DNA results.

An announcement about her presidential ambitions could come in a matter of weeks. So far, Warren doesn't appear worried.

'There have been a lot of thoughtful conversations about this, and I appreciate that,' she told the Times. 'I believe for everyone in public life that transparency is crucial.'

'I put it out there. Its on the internet for anybody to see,' she said of her DNA test findings. 'People can make of it what they will.'

Warren, 69, is a leader on the Democratic Party's left-wing faction and a fierce critic of Wall Street whose potential as a Trump-spearing 2020 White House contender forced the long-simmering issue of her family history to the surface.

Warren (top right) is part of a growing field of potential Democratic presidential nominees that also includes (from top left) former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Kamala Harris; and (from bottom left) Senator Sherrod Brown, Senator Bernie Sanders, Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

President Trump has made hay of the controversy, calling Warren 'Pocahontas' when she was a surrogate for his presidential rival Hillary Clinton.

'Goofy Elizabeth Warren, sometimes referred to as Pocahontas because she faked the fact she is native American, is a lowlife!' he tweeted as the Republican primary season wrapped up in May 2016.

Her ultimate response in October 2018 as Trump continued to taunt her during public rallies made some Democrats raise questions about her political agility.

Critics say Warren used a hint of Indian background to justify classifying herself as a minority during her law school teaching career, in order to gain preferential hiring treatment.

Law schools at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania have disputed that claim.

Warren did, however, listed herself for 10 years as a minority in directories maintained by the Association of American Law Schools, beginning in 1986. That period of time stretched from the year before Penn hired her to the year after Harvard Law School lured her away.

Trump said of Warren (left) during an October campaign rally in Montana: 'She has so little Indian blood  well, she has none  that I cannot call her Pocahontas anymore'

She told reporters during her first Senate campaign in 2012 that, 'I listed myself in the directory in the hopes that might mean that I would be invited to a luncheon, a group, something that might happen with people who are like I am.'

Still, Trump has mocked her for years, calling her 'Pocahontas' and a 'fake Indian.'

He offered her a $1 million reward if she took a DNA test and it proved she was an American Indian. After taking the test, she told Trump in a tweet that he could write it to the National Indigenous Womens Resource Center.

'I didnt say that,' Trump told reporters asking about the charity donation he promised in October. 'Nah, youd better read it again.'

He later said he would make the payment only 'if I can test her personally' and quipped 'that will not be something I enjoy doing either.'

Warren had de-emphasized her Cherokee lineage since winning her Senate seat in 2012, but the president's use of the issue to marginalize her was always expected to become a flashpoint if the two were to go head-to-head in 2020.

While Trump's rally crowds eagerly lap up his snarks about 'Pocahontas,' Trump has used the polarizing nickname in at least one cringe-worthy moment at the White House.

In November 2017 he slipped it into a speech during an event honoring Navajo 'Code Talkers' who had used their native language as an unbreakable secret code to protect American military communications during World War II.

Asked minutes later during a press briefing why the president would use 'offensive' language at such an event, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders shot back: 'I think what most people find offensive is Senator Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career.'
American chip supplier Qualcomm Inc on Monday said it had won a preliminary order from a Chinese court to ban the import and sale of several Apple Inc iPhone models in China due to patent violations.

The preliminary order affects all of the iPhone models from the iPhone 6S to the iPhone X which are sold with older versions of Apple's iOS operating system.

In a statement, Apple said its iPhones would remain on sale in the country, with newer software.

Chinese customers pictured trying out iPhone XRs. A Chinese court has banned the import and sale of several iPhone models, according to American telecom company Qualcomm

Qualcomm said today that the court found Apple had violated two of their software patents

California-based Qualcomm, the world's biggest supplier of chips for mobile phones, initially filed its case in China in late 2017.

The ruling came from the Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court in China, the same court that earlier this year banned the import of some of memory chip maker Micron Technology Inc's chips into China.

The court found Apple had violated two of Qualcomm's software patents around resizing photographs and managing applications on a touch screen.

'Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us,' Don Rosenberg, general counsel of Qualcomm, said in a statement.

Apple shares fell 2 per cent in pre-market trading.

People are pictured handling the new Apple iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max at an Apple office in Shanghai. The preliminary court order affects models from the iPhone 6S to the iPhone X

Because the patents concern software, Apple could make changes to its software to avoid the patents and still be able to sell its phones.

In a statement, Apple said that all iPhone models would remain available for its customers in China. New iPhones use Apple's latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 12.

'Qualcomm's effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world,' Apple said in its statement.

The patents in the suit, which Qualcomm said on Monday had been upheld by the Chinese patent office, are separate from those being contested in other cases in its wide-ranging legal dispute with Apple.

Qualcomm has also asked regulators in the United States to ban the import of several iPhone models over patent concerns, but U.S. officials have so far declined to do so.

The specific iPhone models affected by the preliminary ruling in China are the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.
Police have revealed that a missing Colorado mother texted her employer to say she wouldn't be at work for the week on the same day that she was reported missing by her mother.

The last known sighting of 29-year-old Kelsey Berreth was at a Safeway grocery store near her home in Woodland Park, Colorado, on Thanksgiving when she was seen shopping with her one-year-old daughter.

Her fiance Patrick has told authorities that he saw Kelsey that day when she gave him back their baby daughter.

Woodland Park Police Chief Miles De Young confirmed at a news conference on Monday that the couple have never lived together.

The last known sighting of 29-year-old Kelsey Berreth was at a Safeway grocery store near her home in Woodland Park, Colorado, on Thanksgiving when she was seen shopping with her one-year-old daughter

De Young said Patrick hadn't seen Kelsey since Thanksgiving and had not heard from her since she last texted on November 25.

Authorities said Kelsey, who is a flight instructor, also texted her employer on November 25 to say that she would not be in to work for the rest of the week.

Kelsey's phone pinged near Gooding, Idaho some time on November 25 - roughly 700 miles away from where she was last seen.

Her mother reported her missing on November 25 and asked police to carry out a welfare check.

The police chief said he was not sure why Patrick had not reported his fiance missing but did say he was cooperating with the investigation.

He also could not provide details on any custody arrangements between the pair or the current status of their relationship.

Her fiance Patrick has told authorities that he saw Kelsey that day when she gave him back their baby daughter. Police have confirmed that the couple have never lived together

Police said Kelsey's phone pinged near Gooding, Idaho some time on November 25 - roughly 700 miles away from where she was last seen

De Young did say, however, that they do not have any suspects at this stage and are treating it as a missing person's case.

Investigators have released very few details about the case.

Her mother Cheryl spoke at the press conference to say her daughter's disappearance was out of character.

'She's not the kind that runs of. This is completely out of character. She's reliable, considerate and honest,' Cheryl said.

'She doesn't run off and someone knows where she's at. Kelsey we just want you home. Call us if you can and we won't quit looking.'

Cheryl confirmed that she lives in Idaho - the same state where Kelsey's phone was last tracked to.

Kelsey's brother Clint Berreth had earlier revealed he went to her home shortly after realizing she was missing and is adamant she didn't pack to go anywhere.

He said the only thing missing from the home was her purse. Her luggage and makeup remained untouched, and her two vehicles were still at her home.

Kelsey's mother called police three days later and asked them to carry out a welfare check. She was officially reported missing soon after when police found she wasn't at her home

Berreth, mother to a one-year-old child, is described as 5ft3in tall and weighing 110 pounds

Clint said his sister had made cinnamon rolls for Thanksgiving breakfast and the remainder were still on top of her stove days after she vanished.

'They're a very close-knit family. That's why I don't believe she'd just... She wouldn't put them through that,' her cousin JoDee Garretson told KEPR-TV.

'She's such a good person, a loving person. She's grounded and responsible. She has a one year old child, she wouldn't just leave her.

'There's no reason to think she intentionally is gone.'

Kelsey is described as 5ft3in tall and weighing 110 pounds.

She was last seen wearing a white shirt, gray sweater, blue pants, and white shoes while carrying a brown purse.

If you have any information on Kelsey Berreth's whereabouts, contact the Woodland Park Police Department at (719)-687-9262.
Jeremy Corbyn last night stood accused of shying away from his threats to bring down the Government after he ignored calls from his own MPs to table a vote of no confidence in Theresa May.

After the Prime Minister confirmed she was pulling the vote on her deal, dozens of Labour MPs and peers signed a letter to demand Mr Corbyn try to force an election.

The leaders of the Lib Dems and the Scottish and Welsh nationalists also urged him to do his 'duty'.

Nicola Sturgeon (pictured left) today seized on the Brexit disarray to issue a direct appeal to Jeremy Corbyn (pictured right) to try to topple the Government

A motion of no confidence was last successful in 1979 when Margaret Thatcher forced the end of Jim Callaghan's Labour administration.

Labour MP Ian Murray said the letter to Mr Corbyn had been written 'following today's farcical events by the Government'.

Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said: 'I and my colleagues will fully support the Leader of the Opposition if he now proceeds to a no confidence vote, as duty surely calls.' SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon offered to support the Labour leader in a no-confidence motion, adding: 'This shambles can't go on'.

Liz Saville Roberts, the Westminster leader of Plaid Cymru, also backed the calls. But last night a Labour Party spokesman rejected them.

'We will put down a motion of no confidence when we judge it most likely to be successful,' he said.

But scores of Labour MPs disagree and went public with a revolt tonight, led by Ian Murray writing a letter to Jeremy Corbyn (pictured)

When Mrs May returns with 'the same deal' after further talks with Brussels, 'she will have decisively and unquestionably lost the confidence of Parliament,' he added. Mrs May's leadership was described as a 'shambles' by her Democratic Unionist Party allies last night, raising fears for the partnership.

'If anyone needs any further lesson on how not to negotiate, look at the shambles today of the Government having to pull a vote on something that they said was the only way forward,' DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds told the BBC.

Meanwhile, party leader Arlene Foster reiterated that the PM must get rid of the backstop  an insurance policy to prevent a hard border with Ireland. Mrs May relies on the DUP for a working majority in Parliament to pass legislation.

The Labour MPs' letter, drafted by Mr Murray, said: 'With the Government now clearly unable to command a majority in the House of Commons for the Prime Minister's Brexit plan - which is at the heart of the Government's entire agenda - it is imperative to take action this week under the terms of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act to table a vote of no confidence in HM Government.

'If this fails we must commit to a public vote with an option to stay in the EU straight away.'

Most of the Labour MPs involved support a new referendum on the EU. Labour policy is only to switch to this if it cannot secure a new election - a hope that would fade if Mrs May won a confidence vote in the Commons.

Ms Sturgeon said: 'So it is confirmed - pathetic cowardice it is from PM. Yet again the interests of the Tory party are a higher priority for her than anything else. This can't go on.'

In a direct Twitter appeal to Labour, she added: 'So Jeremy Corbyn - if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote.

EU court rules Britain CAN just cancel the Article 50 Brexit process European Court of Justice judge Carl Gustav Fernlund read out the ruling on Article 50 at the court in Luxembourg today (pictured) EU judges delivered a boost for Remainer rebels today by ruling that Britain can unilaterally cancel Brexit. The European Court of Justice decided that Article 50 can be withdrawn by the UK without permission from other member states. Britain would keep its current terms of membership if it quit the process - meaning keeping the rebate, the opt out from the Euro and exemptions from the Schengen passport-free zone. Today's ruling will encourage hopes from pro-EU MPs that a second referendum can be held to stop the UK from leaving the bloc altogether. But Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the ruling was 'irrelevant' as it was 'certainly not the intention of the government' to delay Brexit. The case was brought by a cross-party group of Scottish politicians together with lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project. Advertisement

'This shambles can't go on - so how about it?'

A Labour spokesman said the party would only move a motion of no confidence when it thought it would be a success.

The spokesman said: 'It is clear to us that Theresa May will not renegotiate the deal when she goes to Brussels, and will only be asking for reassurances from EU leaders.

'When she brings the same deal back to the House of Commons without significant changes, others across the House will be faced with that reality.

'At that point, she will have decisively and unquestionably lost the confidence of Parliament on the most important issue facing the country, and Parliament will be more likely to bring about the general election our country needs to end this damaging deadlock.'

Mr Corbyn is facing a growing clamour to table the no confidence vote, with Labour backbencher Ben Bradshaw urging him to 'show leadership' in this 'time of crisis'.

But the Labour leadership are reluctant to call the vote - fearing it could backfire and rally Tory rebels to support the PM just when her premiership hangs by a thread.

It comes on a day of high political drama in Westminster after Mrs May dramatically U-turned and decided to pull the vote on her deal.

A staggering 110 Tory MPs had indicated they would refuse to back her deal - setting her on course to suffer one of the biggest parliamentary defeats ever.

Staring down the barrel of this overwhelming defeat, Mrs May has finally caved to the pleas from her MPs and Cabinet ministers to delay the vote.

She is set go to Brussels for the EU summit on Thursday where she will plead with leaders for ore concessions to help her sell her deal back home.

The PM is under huge pressure to scrap or make major changes to the hated Irish backstop, to ensure Britain can pull out of it without needing the permission of the EU.

In a chaotic morning in Westminster, a series of Cabinet ministers and a spokeswoman for the PM all publicly insisted this morning that the vote was 'going ahead as planned'.

But within an hour, three senior sources told MailOnline they are certain that the Commons showdown will be put off. The Pound slid sharply on the news.

The decision - expected to be formally confirmed shortly - drew derision from critics, including Tories.

Using Mrs May's election campaign phrase against her, Conservative MP Nick Boles jibed: 'Nothing has changed, right?'

The SNP leader accused Theresa May of 'pathetic cowardice' for pulling the crunch vote on her Brexit deal at the eleventh hour

The SNP leader said that now is the time for opposition parties to rise up and work together to try to force the PM out of office, and trigger another referendum

Mr Corbyn said: 'The Government has decided Theresa May's Brexit deal is so disastrous that it has taken the desperate step of delaying its own vote at the eleventh hour.'

He added: 'We have known for at least two weeks that Theresa May's worst of all worlds deal was going to be rejected by Parliament because it is damaging for Britain.

'Instead, she ploughed ahead when she should have gone back to Brussels to renegotiate or called an election so the public could elect a new government that could do so.

'We don't have a functioning government. While Theresa May continues to botch Brexit, our public services are at breaking point and our communities suffer from dire under-investment.

'Labour's alternative plan for a jobs first deal must take centre stage in any future talks with Brussels.'
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Residents in a city in south-east China found a way to warm themselves up in the biting cold over the weekend.

While temperatures in Yichun city, Jiangxi province dropped to 2C on Sunday, locals and tourists took part in a hot and fiery chilli-eating contest, where participants devour as many of the fiery fruit as possible within a time limit.

Yichun native Yi Huan took home a bar of gold and was crowned 'Chilli Queen' after downing 20 peppers in one minute.

This girl is on fire: A woman takes part in the chilli-eating contest at a scenic spot in Yichun city, Jiangxi province on Sunday

Yichun native Yi Huan took home a bar of gold and was crowned 'Chilli Queen' after downing 20 chillies in one minute

Hot tub: Sweaty men sitting in the shallow hot springs filled with water and tonnes of bobbing chillies during the contest

Competitors gathered in a chilli hot spring in a bid to eat the most of the fiery fruit in 60 seconds to be crowned the champion

Video and images of the scenic spot show sweaty men and women wading into the shallow hot springs filled with water and tonnes of bobbing chillies.

Excited contestants are seen clutching a plate heaped with dozens of Tabasco chilli peppers and racing to be the first to finish them off while struggling to maintain their composure.

The brave participants are from various spice-loving provinces including Hunan and Sichuan, according to China News.

A man tries his best to maintain his composure after devouring the Tabasco chilli peppers in a bid to win the competition

The contestants' faces went through a range of emotions as they face the extreme sensations during the competition

Yichun native Yi Huan took home a bar of gold and was crowned 'Chilli Queen' (on sign) after eating 20 chillies in one minute

Despite regularly dining on a cuisine of hot food, the challengers' faces went through a range of expressions as they forced the chillies down in the name of competition.

Hunan cuisine is marked by its spicy peppers and richly coloured dishes, and is considered among China's eight great food traditions, along with Sichuanese, Cantonese and other regional cuisines.

Earlier in July, a theme park in Hunan province held a similar competition where the winner, Tang Shuaihui, managed to finish 50 chillies in one minute.

The challengers' faces went through a range of expressions as they forced the chillies down in the name of competition

Brave participants munch their way through dozens of the spicy fruit during the contest
Dead-eyed and smoking a cigarette, this is Russell Bishop hours after he strangled two schoolgirls in a case that became known as the Babes in the Wood murders.

Bishop evaded justice for killing Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway for 32 years but was finally found guilty today following a month-long trial.

A remarkable picture from the day after the girls disappeared shows Bishop sitting in Wild Park near Brighton, where the girls' bodies were later found. The two young friends had been sexually assaulted and strangled.

Russell Bishop was pictured in 1986, staring into space, as he took part in the search for Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway, just hours after he murdered them

Russell Bishop, pictured (left) in prison and (right) around the time of the murders in 1986, was convicted today, 32 years after the girls were found dead

Bishop walked free from a court when he was cleared of the murders in a 'shambles' first trial - and went on to attack another young girl, who miraculously survived his onslaught.

In an extremely rare move, appeal judges allowed him to be retried for the murders of Nicola and Karen, after advances in DNA science meant a jumper he left at the scene 'gave up it's secrets', in the words of the prosecutor.

The morning after the girls went missing, Bishop told police he had seen the girls playing around a tree and talking to the park keeper on his way home.

Bishop later took his dog 'Misty' out to join the search for the missing schoolgirls,

His move was branded a 'cynical and deliberate attempt to divert attention away from himself' by prosecutors at his latest trial.

Nicola Fellows (left) and Karen Hadaway (right) were found dead in woodland in 1986

His presence at the search became part of his undoing however, when he gave inconsistent accounts of having seen and touched the girls' bodies.

He told police he had helped discover the bodies in the den and described their positions, with Karen lying at right angles to Nicola and her head resting in Nicola's lap.

Bishop also told his friend Geoff Caswell he had gone up to the bodies and tried for a pulse on the necks of both girls before realising they were dead.

Years later, former detective Phil Swan, who had interviewed Bishop on his arrest, said: 'I think he was scared he had left finger prints on them.'

The girls were found dead in this 'den' in undergrowth in Wild Park in Brighton (pictured in an undated handout photo from Sussex Police) after the going missing the previous night

Bishop also told officers he had noticed a bloody foam around Nicola's mouth at the same time.

But in a second interview the following Wednesday police put it to him that Kevin Rowland and Matthew Marchant, who were the first to find the bodies, said they prevented Bishop from going closer than 15 feet from the bodies - a distance from which he would not have been able to make out that detail.

Confronted with this, Bishop later changed his story saying he had lied about what position the girls were lying in and the detail about bloody foam around Nicola's mouth because he wanted to impress people.

However, his descriptions were completely accurate. Bishop also admitted he had gone home and washed his clothes because he had fallen in some dog mess.
Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of a World War Two hero from Salford who died at the age of 97 and had no living family to mourn him.

Flying Officer Walter Bentley flew in the RAF during the Second World War.

He was forced to crash land after his first flight was shot in September 1944, while bringing food and ammunition to Allied troops fighting at Arnhem Bridge in Holland.

In the crash, he managed to land safely and save the lives of his five crew members.

Hundreds of people showed their recognition to Mr Bentley during his funeral in Salford today

Mourners attended the funeral of the World War Two hero at Agecroft Cemetery

Mr Bentley left detailed notes about his funeral cortege, asking it to move quickly as he was a very fast driver and he couldn't stand going slowly behind a funeral procession

Mr Bentley, who later worked as a bus driver, was brought up in Lower Broughton, Salford, and married his wife Gladys in 1955.

The couple did not have any children and Gladys died in 2007.

The war hero's funeral took place today at Agecroft Cemetery in Salford.

A veterans network had launched an appeal urging people to attend his funeral.

Flying Officer Walter Bentley managed to land safely when his first flight in September 1944 was shot. He managed to save the lives of five of his crew members

Local charity Salford Veterans Network urged people around the area to take part in the funeral to show the hero their respect and 'recognition of all he's done for us'

Owen Hammond from Salford Veterans Network, told the BBC: 'As many Salford people to come out as possible if it's a nice day and wish him on his way, I think it'll be a great show of strength for poor old Walter and a recognition of all he's done for us.'

Mr Hammond added the war hero left detailed notes about his funeral cortege, asking it to move fast: 'He left detailed instructions for the executor and that was one of the instructions.

'He was a very fast driver, he was a great character and he couldn't stand going slowly behind a funeral cortege.'

After the service, people had a chance to make a charitable donation in memory of Walter outside the crematorium chapel.

Local residents paid tribute to the war hero, who was brought up in Lower Broughton, Salford

The long procession was attended by hundreds of people who were not his blood relatives
Viktorija Sokolova was allegedly murdered before her body was left on a park bench

A youth accused of the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl has opted not to give evidence in his defence.

The 16-year-old defendant, who denies killing Viktorija Sokolova, has been advised that the Wolverhampton Crown Court jury may draw 'such inferences as appear proper' from his failure to testify.

Prosecutors allege that the teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, used 'horrific' levels of violence to murder Viktorija before leaving her partially clothed body on a park bench.

In the third week of his trial, defence QC Adam Kane said some formal evidence would be presented to the court tomorrow on the defendant's behalf.

After Mr Kane told Mr Justice Jeremy Baker the defendant would not be called into the witness box, the trial judge asked: 'Have you advised him that the stage has now been reached at which he may give evidence, and if he chooses not to do so the jury may draw such inferences as appear proper from his failure to do so?'

Viktorija's mother Karolina and stepfather Saidas at Wolverhampton Crown Court last week

Mr Kane replied: 'Yes I have, my lord.'

Jurors were then sent away until tomorrow, when they are expected to hear closing speeches in the case, before being sent out to consider verdicts later this week.

Prosecutors allege the youth, who denies murder, rape and sexual penetration of a corpse, killed Viktorija in West Park, Wolverhampton, where her body was found by a dog walker on April 12.

Last week, the court heard that Viktorija - who was originally from Lithuania - had been in contact with the accused via Facebook before her death.

Prosecutors allege the youth killed Viktorija in West Park (pictured) in Wolverhampton in April

But she had allegedly promised her parents she was not going to converse with 'stupid' people while she was living in Ireland two months before her death.

The court heard she had been battered to the head, knocking out three teeth, and her clothes were bloodsoaked when they were found in the park by police officers.

A post-mortem examination concluded that Viktorija died from a blunt force trauma to the head - after allegedly being hit with a hammer-like weapon so hard that some of her teeth fell out,

Items recovered from the park by police included a tooth from Viktorija found under a bench, a piece of broken tooth from the floor of the pavilion and another tooth found under a bench at the back of the pavilion, the court heard last week.
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He was already a famous fashion photographer. They were on the cusp of causing international frenzied fandom.

On September 12, 1963, Norman Parkinson photographed the Fab Four as they recorded songs at Abbey Road Studios. The photos show a young John, Paul, George and Ringo singing, playing guitar and the harmonica, taking a tea break, and joking around. Initially published that year, his photos are now part of new book, The Beatles: London, 1963.

The bands debut single Love Me Do, was released in the United Kingdom in October 1962 and hit number 17 on the charts. It started to turn the virtual unknowns outside their native Liverpool - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - into pop stars, Pat Gilbert, a journalist and author, explained in the book.

Their debut album, Please Please Me, was released in March 1963 and while The Beatles were on tour that year, there were inklings of the hysterical screaming that would characterize the forthcoming Beatlemania, Gilbert wrote.

The bands boys-next-door charm and bright, upbeat harmony pop seemed to touch a nerve in a country (England) emerging from years of grey, post-war austerity  as did the novel appeal of their strange mop-top haircuts and odd-shaped instruments, he wrote.

'By the end of the tour, groups of teenage girls were besieging stage doors, demanding autographs and kisses from the band.'

George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lennon released their debut album, Please Please Me, in March 1963, and are pictured here later that year, in September, at the President Hotel in London. These photos, which were published in a magazine called 'Queen' in 1963, are now part of a new book, The Beatles: London, 1963'

Despite the fact that The Beatles had notched their first number 1 single with From Me To You in May, and their album Please Please Me was doing well on the charts, the band members still shared rooms when they stayed at the President Hotel, where this photo was taken in 1963

We would book two twin-bedded rooms for the group, Tony Bramwell, a touring aide, recounted in a new book, The Beatles: London, 1963.' John-Paul and George-Ringo were the usual pairings. They liked staying at the President because there were Turkish baths in Russell Square (in London). That kind of thing was still new and entertaining for them

British photographer Norman Parkinson took this image while the band was on a tea break from recording songs at Abbey Road Studios in London on September 12, 1963. From left, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Martin, who produced many of the band's records and has been referred to as the 'fifth Beatle,' Paul McCartney and George Harrison

Parkinson, who died in 1990, was a well-known fashion and portrait photographer when he snapped these images of The Beatles in September 1963. He left 'Vogue' in 1959 and joined Queen, a society magazine that had been recently relaunched. In the above photo Parkinson took Paul McCartney, right, is with his bandmate George Harrison, left, on a break from recording

British fashion and portrait photographer Norman Parkinson had spent decades shooting models and the Hollywood glitterati of the time, including Audrey Hepburn, Montgomery Clift, Ava Gardner, and Katharine Hepburn. Parkinson left Vogue in 1959 to join Queen, which Jocelyn Stevens had recently bought and relaunched.

The society magazine was perfectly poised for the advent of the 60s, Gilbert wrote. An associate editor at Queen had set up the assignment for Parkinson, who planned to shoot the band at a hotel and then while they worked at Abbey Road Studios, according to the book.

Despite the fact that The Beatles had notched their first number 1 single with From Me To You on May 4, and their album Please Please Me was doing well on the charts, the members still shared rooms at the President Hotel the night before.

We would book two twin-bedded rooms for the group, Tony Bramwell, a touring aide, recounted in the book. John-Paul and George-Ringo were the usual pairings. They liked staying at the President because there were Turkish baths in Russell Square. That kind of thing was still new and entertaining for them.

Parkinson photographed the group at the hotel and then at the studio. Fans were waiting for The Beatles at Abbey Road.

After recording messages for radio, the band started working on McCartneys song, Hold Me Tight, which they had attempted before at a session earlier that year. After 10 takes, the group had what they needed to make a final version, which would appear on the groups second album, With The Beatles, Gilbert explained in the book.

Parkinson arrived at the studio while the group were taking a tea break at around 6:30pm, and only had black-and-white film with him as the shops had closed for the day, according to the recently released book, published by ACC Art Books.

Parkinson photographed The Beatles at their hotel and then at Abbey Road Studios. The band was working on songs for their second album, 'With The Beatles.' Above, George Martin, left, who was the producer on many of the bands records, talks with George Harrison, center, with John Lennon, right

John Lennon, pictured here, plays the harmonica, left, and, right, is at Abbey Road Studios in London on September 12, 1963. The band were working on songs, such as Dont Bother Me' and Hold Me Tight, which were part of their second album, 'With The Beatles'

John Lennon, pictured, plays harmonica at the studio while famous fashion photographer Norman Parkinson snapped the band in 1963 - the year they had released their debut album, 'Please Please Me.' Parkinson was on assignment for a magazine called 'Queen,' which published the images that year. The photos are now part of a new book, The Beatles: London, 1963

Ringo Starr, pictured, is belting out a song at Abbey Road Studios on September 12, 1963 while the group was recording songs for their second album 'With The Beatles'

After getting back to work, the group started recording takes of Harrisons song Dont Bother Me, while Parkinson snapped them. Parkinson used the light that was available in the studio from its ceilings and lamps, and only specially lit shots of The Beatles reading the Financial Times, Gilbert wrote.

The band did 10 takes of Dont Bother Me, and for an overdub of the song, Harrison sang a second vocal and the rest of The Beatles added percussion on instruments from the studios store, McCartney playing a shaker, Starr an Arabian bongo and Lennon a tambourine, he wrote.

Parkinson was known for wearing a Kashmiri wedding cap, and there are images where Lennon and McCartney sport it jokingly. The photographer invited his son, Simon, then aged 18, to the studio to meet The Beatles, according to the book.

The atmosphere there was laid back: just four young phenomenally talented lads from Liverpool having a lot of fun. But, and this is a big but, they were under the watchful care of that supreme Svengali, George Martin, Simon Parkinson recounted in the book. He seemed to be everywhere.

George Martin was the producer on many of the bands records, and has been referred to as the fifth Beatle.

After Dont Bother Me, Parkinson photographed the band with Martin at the basement canteen at Abbey Road. After the break for the tea, the band was at it again, finishing I Wanna Be Your Man, and the recording session ended up at around 11pm, according to the book.

My father really enjoyed working with The Beatles, (recognizing) their enormous talent, Simon Parkinson said in the book. Norman Parkinson died in 1990.

The photos he took that September day first appeared in Queen, the magazine, and then for The Beatles Book, a 40-page glossy magazine published in early 1964. Journalist Maureen Cleave provided the text for the glossy, and in 1966 she would interview Lennon when he said the group was more popular than Jesus now.

Not long after that September photo shoot, The Beatles earned their second number 1 hit with Love Me Do, and Beatlemania was born. The group headed to America in February 1964, and 'I want hold your hand' was a hit.



The band took 10 takes of George Harrisons song Dont Bother Me' while at Abbey Road Studios on September 12, 1963. Harrison is pictured here playing guitar

Paul McCartney, pictured here, plays guitar, left, and, right, is at Abbey Road Studios in London on September 12, 1963. The Beatles were recording songs for their second album and famous fashion photographer Norman Parkinson was on hand, snapping images
Satellite images appearing to show hundreds of Russian tanks just 11 miles from the Ukrainian border have emerged ten days after President Petro Poroshenko warned that Moscow is scrambling its army on his doorstep.

The images were reportedly taken by Google Earth satellites last month, and shows the Russian military base in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, near Ukraine's eastern border.

Last month, President Poroshenko showed satellite images of the same base, which indicated that more tanks had arrived in recent months.

'Proof: Satellite imagery from Google Maps reportedly taken in November appears to show a heavy build up of Russian tanks 11 miles from the Ukrainian border

The photos of the Russian military base show the many tanks, bottom right, as well as thousands of other military vehicles and equipment

The new satellite images show around 250 T-62 battle tanks and around one thousand military trucks, artillery systems and tankers at the base, according to the Defence Blog.

'This is 18km from my border, this is the same warehouse where they have their ammunition, the same where they have multi-rocket launch systems, we should be prepared to protect my country,' Poroshenko told Sky News.

He added: 'If the whole world has no reason to trust Putin, Ukraine definitely doesn't have a reason to go with him.'

Poroshenko has previously accused the Russian President of wanting to 'annex' all of the Ukraine.

This comes as the EU's foreign ministers meeting said they would look at offering more assistance to Ukraine as they meet in Brussels this week.

Prepared: The Russian military base is well-stocked with various vehicles and equipment

Warning: President Petro Poroshenko shows photos of Russian tanks at the military base during a TV interview last month

Build-up: Poroshenko's photos appear to indicate that Russia has been transferring battle tanks to their military base near the Ukrainian border

The ministers discussed with Ukraine's Pavlo Klimkin 'the latest developments in the Azov Sea but also, and mainly, the support of the European Union to Ukraine, to Ukrainian people, to territorial integrity of the country', said the bloc's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini.

The bloc later added nine rebel politicians from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of east Ukraine to its blacklist as a follow-up to the separatist vote there, bringing the total number of people barred from the EU over turmoil in Ukraine to 164.

'Through their actions, they further undermined the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine,' the bloc said. 'The EU considers these 'elections' illegal and illegitimate and does not recognise them.'

Those blacklisted include Leonid Pasechnik, named mid-November as the rebel head in Luhansk. His Donetsk counterpart, Denis Pushilin, was blacklisted in 2014 as one of the initial leaders of the Russia-backed revolt.

Any assets they have in the bloc are also frozen, as are those of a further 44 entities.

Poroshenko has previously accused Russian President Vladimir Putin, pictured today, of wanting to 'annex' all of the Ukraine

Kiev has called for more Western sanctions against Moscow after Russian patrol boats fired at Ukrainian navy ships in the Azov Sea off Crimea. But the divided bloc is not going to act swiftly, if at all.

The 28 EU national leaders, who meet for a summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, are, however, due to decide to extend the bloc's existing sanctions that target Russia's defence, energy and banking sectors.

Germany's Haiko Maas said the situation in the Azov Sea remained unresolved as Russia was still holding the Ukrainian sailors. Berlin and Paris were seeking to ease tensions between Moscow and Kiev.

Fighting between Ukraine and Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014 and small-scale but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent.

Citing the Russian threat, Ukraine in November introduced martial law and banned Russian men of combat age from entering the country.

The EU has since released 500 million euros in financial assistance to Kiev but is split on whether to go ahead with any new economic sanctions, a move that would require unanimity of all 28 member states.

'We don't see yet any decision-making today on the table,' Austria's Karin Kneissl said when asked about more sanctions against Moscow following the sea incident.

On the other side of the spectrum is Lithuania, a leading EU hawk on Russia. Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said the Azov Sea standoff was a 'blatant violation of international law' by Russia and could not be left unanswered.

'I don't expect something to be decided today but sanctions relating to this topic must be on the table,' he told journalists.
Portuguese police have arrested two British OAPs on board a cruise liner after a 2million worth of cocaine was found inside their luggage in a search of their cabin.

The pair, aged 70 and 72, were held after their ship docked at Lisbon Port's cruise terminal after returning from the Caribbean.

Officers from Portugal's Policia Judiciaria (PJ) are believed to have seized 9kg of the class A drug, with a street value of 2million, after receiving a tip-off from the UK's National Crime Agency.

The unnamed OAPs are being held in prison after appearing before a judge in a closed court hearing.

A cruise ship at Lisbon Port's cruise terminal (stock image); the elderly pair were jailed after police seized four suitcases full of cocaine from their cabin aboard the ship which sailed from the Caribbean

The Portuguese authorities described them as a 'foreign couple' in a statement and local media reported they were British.

The statement said: 'The Policia Judiciaria's National Drugs Trafficking Unit has identified and arrested a foreign couple who were travelling on a cruise line doing a circuit which took in the Caribbean and Europe.

'They were arrested on suspicion of international drugs trafficking.

'The operation, which took place with the support of the Maritime Police, was the result of the permanent exchange of information and cooperation that exists between the PJ and the British forces of law and order, specifically the National Crime Agency.

'The arrests occurred after the ship had reached Lisbon Port's cruise terminal and after a search of the cabin the suspects were using, where four suitcases with a high amount of cocaine hidden inside was seized.

'The suspects, who are aged 70 and 72, were questioned as suspects or arguidos before being remanded in prison.

'The investigation by the PJ and UK authorities is ongoing.'

Portuguese police did not specify how much cocaine had been seized and when the arrests took place, or which firm operated the transatlantic cruise liner.

The Caribbean is a hot-spot for high potency cocaine and is often the first port of call from South America, before the drug is trafficked towards Europe.

Vitor Ananais, who led the operation for the Policia Judiciaria, said: 'The man and the woman are English although they don't live in England but in another European country.

'I can't say which country at the moment because the investigation is ongoing and I don't want to compromise what we are doing.

'The arrests took place on December 4. We knew who were looking for and boarded the cruise ship with a search warrant.

'The drugs were hidden in false bottoms in the suitcases and were distributed evenly among the four cases in the cabin.

'There were nine kilos seized in total.'
This is the shocking moment a motorcyclist slowed down and smacked two cops on their helmets before speeding off.

The biker reduces his speed slightly as he approaches the police motor, then leans over and slaps the pair on the head in the Mexico City neighborhood of Venustiano Carranza.

He manages to speed off with his female accomplice beside him before the police officers can react.

The biker extends his left arm to smack the back of the cop's helmet on a Mexico City road

A woman riding on the back seat of the motorcycle captured the dangerous prank on her cell phone video before the footage went viral on social media.

None of the names have been revealed for either of the suspects although pictures of their social media accounts did surface on videos that have been shared by Mexican media outlets on Sunday.

The main suspect zoomed ahead on the right lane of the road and immediately sticks out his left hand and delivers a hard smack to the the first cop, making his head wobble back and force.

Traveling a reduced pace, the motorcyclist catches up to the assaulted police patrolman's partner and grazes the left side of the cop's helmet.

His female companion turns the mobile phone's camera at herself as the motorcyclist zoomed away from what could have turned into a near-fatal accident.

No arrests have been announced.

The assaulted cop bobbed his head back and forth after he was assaulted by a biker
The Supreme Court on Monday avoided a high-profile case by rejecting appeals from Kansas and Louisiana in their effort to strip Medicaid money from Planned Parenthood, over the dissenting votes of three justices.

The court's order reflected a split among its conservative justices and an accusation from Justice Clarence Thomas that his colleagues seemed to be ducking the case for political reasons.

New Justice Brett Kavanaugh was among the justices who opted not to hear the case.

The case was one of a number of disputes working their way up to the Supreme Court over the legality of state-imposed restrictions involving abortion.

The two states were appealing lower court rulings that had blocked them from withholding money that is used for health services for low-income women. The money is not used for abortions.

Key vote: Brett Kavanaugh (top right) declined to join three other conservative justices - Clarence Thomas (front, second from left), Samuel Alito (front, right) and Neil Gorsuch (top left) in voting to hear a case about defunding Planned Parenthood of Medicaid cash

Different sides: Brett Kavanaugh did no vote with the conservative justices, led by Clarence Thomas, to hear the case on whether states can stop giving Medicaid to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services

Abortion opponents have said Planned Parenthood should not receive any government money because of heavily edited videos that claimed to show the nation's largest abortion provider profiting from sales of fetal tissue for medical research.

Investigations sparked by the videos in several states didn't result in criminal charges.

The dispute at the high court has nothing to do with abortion, as Thomas pointed out in a dissent that was joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch.

Kavanaugh's decision not to join the three justices was his first discernible vote on the court.

Had he or Chief Justice John Roberts voted to hear the case, there would have been the four votes necessary to set the case for arguments.

'So what explains the court's refusal to do its job here?' Thomas wrote.

'I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named "Planned Parenthood."

'That makes the Court's decision particularly troubling, as the question presented has nothing to do with abortion.'

The issue is who has the right to challenge a state's Medicaid funding decisions, private individuals or only the federal government.

Louisiana and Kansas announced Republican-backed plans to terminate funding for Planned Parenthood through Medicaid after an anti-abortion group released videos in 2015 purporting to show Planned Parenthood executives negotiating the for-profit sale of fetal tissue and body parts.

Planned Parenthood denied the allegations and called the videos heavily edited and misleading.

The organization's affiliates in each state, as well as several patients, sued in federal court to maintain the funding.

The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2016 blocked Louisiana's Medicaid cuts, saying the action would harm patients. The 5th Circuit said no one disputed that Planned Parenthood was actually qualified to provide the medical services it offers and the state was seeking to cut funding 'for reasons unrelated to its qualifications.'

In February, the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Kansas could not block funding because states 'may not terminate providers from their Medicaid program for any reason they see fit.'

Many social and religious conservatives in the United States have argued against government funding of Planned Parenthood, and Republican politicians have made efforts at the state and federal level to eliminate public funding for abortion services.

Leana Wen, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, praised the court's action, saying in a statement: 'Every person has a fundamental right to healthcare, no matter who they are, where they live or how much they earn.'

Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, a Republican, said in a statement: 'We regret today's decision from the U.S. Supreme Court announcing that it fell one vote short of taking our case against Planned Parenthood.'

Catherine Glenn Foster, president and CEO of the anti-abortion Americans United for Life, said the court should have heard the case.

'But the good news is that there are other similar cases pending in lower courts, which may give the Supreme Court another opportunity to decide this important issue. In the meantime, AUL will continue to fight to protect states from being forced to use their limited public funds to subsidize abortion businesses,' Foster said.

Legal battles over other laws from Republican-led states could reach the court in the next year or two.

Some seek to ban abortions in early pregnancy, including Iowa's prohibition after a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Others impose difficult-to-meet regulations on abortion providers such as having formal ties, called admitting privileges, at a local hospital.

The cases from Kansas and Louisiana did not challenge the constitutionality of abortion itself.
State Trooper Alaa Hamed found the woman and moved the SUV to free her before performing CPR on her

An Indiana state trooper saved a woman's life after she became pinned between her vehicle and a toll booth and had to be resuscitated.

Witnesses told Indiana State Police the 40-year-old woman had stepped from the SUV Saturday night to retrieve a debit card she had dropped when the vehicle lurched forward, pinning her against the toll booth.

State Trooper Alaa Hamed found the woman and moved the SUV to free her with the help of a toll attendant and bystander.

The defibrillator Hamed carries in his car found no pulse, so Hamed began CPR until medics arrived. They used the defibrillator and it revived her.

The 40-year-old-woman from Otsego, Michigan, was airlifted to a Chicago hospital with serious injuries.

Hamed told the Northwest Indiana Times: 'In these situations, seconds matter. Everything is moving at a million miles a minute, and as law enforcement, we fall back on our training and experience.

'It's about slowing down and assessing the scene and figuring out what we need to do. I know she needed to be removed from where she was pinned'.

Hamed said he asked a bystander and toll attendant to hold onto the woman while he moved her vehicle.

The woman was then placed on her back and Hamed reassessed her vitals and found she had no pulse, state police said.

Hamed said he applied his portable AED (Automated External Defibrillator ) kit to her body, which indicated it could not locate a pulse and prompted him to start CPR.

While issuing CPR, Hammond paramedics arrived on scene, he said.

While the woman was still hooked up to the AED and on the EMS stretcher, the AED activated twice and resuscitated her, according to an Indiana State Police news release.

The incident happened on the Indiana Toll Road west bound at the 1 mile marker, about one mile east of the Illinois - Indiana border

She was taken to Franciscan Hospital in Hammond and later airlifted to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

A witness said they saw the woman before the crash open her door to retrieve her debit card that had fallen to the ground while paying for a toll.

Police said: 'As the woman began searching for the debit card, she put her leg out between her car and the toll booth, and the Buick lurched forward.

'The woman became wedged between the open car door and the yellow waist-high toll box the toll gate is mounted to.

'A witness pushed the help button at the toll gate and tried to open the passenger door, but it was locked.

Hamed retrieved a defibrillator from his car and used it and CPR to resuscitate her

'The woman at this time was awake and speaking, but the car moved forward two more times, each time wedging her further into the box,' the release stated.

The witness and another male were able to get the passenger window down and place the Buick in park, when shortly thereafter Hamed and a toll attendant arrived.

The police statement added: 'An AED is a portable Automated External Defibrillator used to start someones heart in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

'Most victims need an electronic shock called defibrillation to restore the heart to a regular rhythm.

'By placing these devices in the hands of first responders and trained individuals in public locations we increase their chance of survival'.
A group of British ex-pats who want to halt Brexit have failed in a High Court bid to have the EU referendum result declared void.

The UK in EU Challenge group argued at a hearing on Friday that breaches of spending limits by pro-Leave organisations meant the 2016 referendum was not a 'free and fair vote'.

Their lawyers argued that the vote was 'not democratic' and asked Mr Justice Ouseley for the issues to be considered at a full judicial review.

But, announcing his decision at the outset of a ruling on Monday, the judge refused permission for a further hearing.

Vote Leave was fined 61,000 and referred to the police, while Leave.EU was fined 70,000 following investigations by the Electoral Commission.

A group of British ex-pats who want to halt Brexit have failed in a High Court bid to have the EU referendum result declared void over Vote Leave spending in the referendum

The UK in EU Challenge group had argued that these electoral offences rendered both the result of the referendum, and the notification to leave the EU under Article 50, void.

Their lawyers previously told the court that the case, brought against Prime Minister Theresa May, was one of 'grave constitutional importance'.

But Mr Justice Ouseley said he was refusing permission on the grounds of delay and lack of merit.

This afternoon's result is the second major court finding on Brexit today.

Earlier, EU judges delivered a boost for Remainer rebels by ruling that Britain can unilaterally cancel Brexit.

European Court of Justice judge Carl Gustav Fernlund read out the ruling on Article 50 at the court in Luxembourg today (pictured)

The European Court of Justice decided that Article 50 can be withdrawn by the UK without permission from other member states.

Britain would keep its current terms of membership if it quit the process - meaning keeping the rebate, the opt out from the Euro and exemptions from the Schengen passport-free zone.

Meanwhile, Theresa May has cancelled tomorrow's crunch vote on Brexit in the Commons to avoid a massive and humiliating defeat.

In a chaotic morning, No10 sources revealed the sudden U-turn just minutes after the PM's spokeswoman had been sent out to insist the vote would be going ahead.

The PM caved to demands to kick the vote back after more than 100 Tory rebels indicated they would not back her deal - putting her on course for what may have been one of the biggest parliamentary defeats ever.
A 73-year-old Iowa man boasting an eye-catching Salvador Dali-inspired mustache has been charged with molesting a three-year-old girl.

Police in Des Moines on Friday arrested Larry Wayne Grafton on a charge of lascivious acts with a child.

According to the Polk County Jail's arrests database, Grafton was booked shortly before 11am Friday and released the following evening after posting $50,000 cash bond.

Twisted: Larry Grafton, 73, of Iowa, has been charged with lascivious acts with a child for allegedly fondling a three-year-old girl while the child was sitting on his lap

Grafton is seen in his mugshot with his meticulously pomaded and curled silver mustache on full display.

A criminal complaint filed in the case, and cited by Des Moines Register, states that Grafton was caught on surveillance video fondling the toddler victim's vaginal area last Tuesday.

The girl's father reviewed the footage and allegedly saw Grafton sitting on a couch with his daughter on his lap.

The divorcee was busted after the victim's father allegedly caught him touching his daughter on surveillance video

According to the filing, before sexually touching the toddler, the suspect looked down the hallway and around the room to make sure no one was looking.

When the girl's mother entered the living room, Grafton abruptly stood up from the couch, according to the document.

The complaint does not say what is Grafton's relationship to the child and her parents.

Grafton was barred from contacting the victim and he is due back in court on December 18.

According to his social media accounts, the 73-year-old is divorced and at one time worked as a glazier.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos earns more in 35 seconds than what the average American is paid in an entire year and today you can see how your pay packet compares to the world's richest billionaires.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg needs just a minute and a half to take home the $44,000 average US salary, while Microsoft genius Bill Gates takes around five minutes.

The growing gap between the world's richest people and workers is revealed in new research published today.

And ABC Finance's 'you versus the mega-rich' infographic reveals exactly how much you earn compared to billionaires in America and Britain.

MailOnline readers can work out how much they earn compared to the world's wealthiest people using the interactive module above

The amount of time billionaire Britons and Americans take to earn the 28,600 average UK salary has been calculated

There are 2,000 billionaires across the world with a combined wealth of almost 9trillion.

Amazon's Jeff Bezos tops the list with a mind-boggling $785,000 earned every week.

Mark Zuckerberg needs a minute to earn $36,000 while Bill Gates requires just four minutes to earn that amount.

'As recent studies have shown, the richest 1 per cent now own half of the worlds total wealth  allowing them to maintain lifestyles most of us can only dream of', according to infographic and in-depth feature from the ABC blog.

A spokesman added: 'We love to compare ourselves to others, and this is especially true when those other happen to be ludicrously rich'.

Their research also reveals which continents have the most billionaires.

Asia has the highest number with 719 mega-rich followed by North America which is home to 631 billionaires.

Europe is home to 554 billionaires where as Africa is home to just 25.

There are now more than 2,000 billionaires in the world with Asia having the highest concentration

Earlier this year it was revealed the number of billionaires in the world has soared to a record high - and they are richer than ever before.

The wealth of the world's billionaires increased by 24 per cent from 2016 - to $9.2 trillion (6.83 trillion) - and there are now 2,754 of them around the world.

The number of female billionaires also increased, rising by 18 per cent year on year, according to the annual Wealth-X Billionaire Census.

Wealth-X credited the steep rise in the number of billionaires to 'a vibrant technology sector, as well as dynamic growth in the number of ultra-wealthy individuals in Asia'.

Most of the world's billionaires are from the US, with the North American nation accounting for 25 per cent of the global total.

The U.S. is also home to seven of the ten richest men in the world - Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Microsoft's Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

Jeff Bezos earns more in 30 seconds than the average British person earns in an entire year

In 2017, the U.S. added 60 new billionaires, taking the total number to 680, with a combined wealth of $3.2 trillion (2.37 trillion).

The U.S. is followed by the Communist People's Republic of China with 338 billionaires, and Germany with 152 billionaires.

India comes in fourth with 104, and Switzerland in fifth with 99 billionaires.

The United Kingdom is eight, home to 90 billionaires with a combined total wealth of $251 billion (186 billion).
A school's trusted IT technician was today jailed for five years for grooming a 15-year-old girl for sex and controlling her by smacking her face and pulling her hair.

Alex Barnes, 22, from Bridgend, south Wales, admitted nine sexual offences after abusing his position of trust to to sexually abuse a child.

Cardiff Crown Court heard he groomed the teenager while employed as a high school ICT technician.

The court heard Barnes used violence to control the victim by smacking her to the face and pulling her hair to demand sexual acts for gratification.

Prosecutor Lawrence Jones said Barnes had sexual preferences for bondage and sadomasochism (BDSM) and he persuaded the girl it was what constituted a normal relationship.

Alex Barnes, 22, from Bridgend, south Wales, admitted nine sexual offences after abusing his position of trust to to sexually abuse a child

He sexually abused her in a classroom and toilet at the school, a court heard.

The relationship - which was discovered after schoolmates of Barnes' victim became suspicious - started after he became Facebook friends with the pupil and began volunteering for a club she attended.

School staff became concerned about the relationship between Barnes and the girl, who can't be named for legal reasons, after she confided in friends on a foreign trip.

Despite being suspended from the school after an investigation was launched and being interviewed by police Barnes continued abusing the girl and coerced her into performing a sex act on him.

The defendant took the girl for lifts in his car and would engage in sexual activity which involved slapping her face.

He also communicated with the girl over webcam and made her perform sexual acts at his direction.

While the pupil attended a school trip overseas there was regular contact between her and Barnes and her roommates became suspicious she was in a relationship with the defendant, the court heard.

An investigation was launched by the school in February 2018 and Barnes was suspended. He was also interviewed by police but this did not stop his contact with the pupil.

During a police interview in March Barnes accepted having a friendship with the pupil and admitted had engaged in 'kissing and cuddling' with her but he denied a sexual relationship.

His phone was seized and analysed.

Many of the messages between Barnes and the pupil had been deleted but a substantial amount were recovered.

Subsequent meetings between Barnes and the pupil took place in which the defendant coerced the girl to perform a sex act on him in his car and at his home.

Cardiff Crown Court (pictured) heard he groomed the teenager while employed as a high school ICT technician.

In another police interview in May Barnes admitted to having a preference for BDSM but denied having full sex or slapping the girl's face, saying the the relationship was 'romantic' rather than sexual.

A week before his scheduled trial Barnes pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child and three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Daniel Williams sentenced Barnes to five years behind bars.

He said: 'This sort of offending strikes horror into the minds of those who entrust others to look after their children at school.'

Barnes was also ordered to sign the sex offender register and made him the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Phil Colston, the officer in the case, said: 'Barnes was in a position of trust and abused that position to prey on a young girl.

'He now has to pay the price for his actions.

'The defendant was persistent and determined in his offending.

'This has been a very concerning investigation due to the speed of the grooming and controlled coercive behaviour.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child.

Det Con Colston added: 'Today's result is a testament to the bravery of the victim who has not only shown considerable strength and courage to talk about the abuse she suffered, but also throughout the lengthy and complex investigation and court process.

'I hope today's sentencing gives her some comfort as she comes to terms with the abuse she suffered and attempts to rebuild her life.'

'I also hope that it sends a message to anyone else who has suffered, or is currently suffering abuse, that they can come forward and any allegations will be taken seriously.'
Tracy Cashman, 38, had taken her Goldendoodle Lola for a walk near her home in Wyoming, Michigan on Saturday night when she fell through a frozen pond and drowned

A mother-of-three has drowned after falling through a frozen pond while trying to rescue her dog.

Tracy Cashman, 38, had taken her Goldendoodle Lola for a walk near her home in Wyoming, Michigan on Saturday night.

Cashman, who regularly walked her beloved dog at Battjes Park, failed to return home.

The wet dog made her way back home alone at about 9pm.

Cashman's family said they thought she must have been out looking for the dog and went to the park to look for her themselves, ABC13 reports.

They called police at midnight to report her missing after they found it difficult to search for her in the dark.

Police said rescue crews immediately went to the park and found Cashman's body in the frozen pond.

First responders rescued her from under the ice but she had already died.

Cashman's family became concerned when Lola, a Goldendoodle, made her way back home alone after the walk

Police believe Cashman fell through the ice as she tried to rescue her dog. First responders rescued the mother from under the ice but she had already died

They believe she fell through the ice as she tried to rescue her dog.

'The dog came back and she didn't and I figured she was just looking for the dog so I waited and I guess I waited too long,' her longtime boyfriend Jerome See said.

Her mother Rhonda Moore said it was no surprise to hear she was heroically trying to save her dog given she had a heart of gold.

'She wasn't foolish. You know what? She acted on instinct because she had such a big heart,' says Moore.

'That dog... any dog, any cat would be just like another kid to her.'

Cashman leaves behind a 19-year-old son and two daughters aged 18 and 12.

Her family have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the funeral costs.
This is the shocking moment a motorist speeds off with a cop clinging to his car after claiming the officer pointed a gun at him.

The footage, captured by CCTV and a camera inside the car, shows police officer Torres Malpica as he attempts to remove a car's licence plate in Atizapan, Mexico.

But the motorist, Ricardo, suddenly drives forward during the process - forcing the officer onto his bonnet.

The footage captures police officer Torres Malpica desperately grab hold of a vehicle's bonnet in Atizapan, Mexico

Mr Malpica is then seen desperately grabbing hold of the vehicle as Ricardo drives along a motorway.

The officer continues to cling to the top of the car's bonnet for several miles as the motorist travels through red lights.

At one point, Mr Malpica, whose face is near the windscreen, speaks to the driver through the glass as his girlfriend Mary films him from the passenger seat.

Ricardo then calls the officer out for 'nearly shooting' him as he drives, local media reported.

The officer was also seen from CCTV camera holding on to the bonnet on a busy road as the motorist, Ricardo, drove away

Ricardo (pictured) can be seen being led to a police vehicle in handcuffs towards the end of the clip

Police sirens can then be heard approaching the car and a few seconds later the motorist appears to be led to a police vehicle in handcuffs.

Ricardo was reportedly told to pull over at a police stop because he was speaking on the phone and wasn't wearing a seat belt.

But the motorist refused to leave his car and claims Mr Malpica then pulled out a gun and pointed it at him.

Mr Malpica was sent to hospital where he was treated for injuries to his hands and shoulder.
A Honduran man who is in the US illegally is in custody after seriously injuring a teenage girl in an alleged hit-and-run, police say.

David Hernandez, 33, was arrested shortly after the accident in Pass Christian, Mississippi, on Friday night, WLOX reports.

The girl was struck just before 6pm while crossing US 90 to get to Pass Christian Harbor during the citys annual Christmas in the Pass celebration.

David Hernandez (pictured) was arrested shortly after the accident in Mississippi on Friday

Pass Christian Police Chief Tim Hendricks said it occurred at the Davis Avenue intersection where the festival was in full swing.

She was taken to Memorial Hospital in Gulfport but later taken to a hospital in Mobile, Alabama, in a critical condition.

Her current condition was not immediately known.

Witnesses at the scene provided authorities with details of the suspects car, the Gazebo Gazette reports.

The girl was struck just before 6pm while crossing US 90 to get to Pass Christian Harbor (file photo of the town)

Hernandez was stopped just miles from the scene by a Harrison County sheriffs deputy not long after the hit-and-run.

He has been charged with one felony count of leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury.

His bail was set at $200,000.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement have placed a hold on Hernandez, according to The Sun Herald.
A Jack Sparrow impersonator who married the 300-year-old ghost of a Hatian pirate has called an end to their union citing concerns over spirits.

Amanda 'Sparrow' Large, 46, married the ghost who is also named Jack in January but has called it off, saying 'My marriage is over.'

The unlikely pair were wedded in international waters in a boat that sailed from Ireland so the marriage would be legal.

But according to the Mirror, Amanda wrote on social media: 'I will explain all in due course but for now all I want to say is be VERY careful when dabbling in spirituality, its not something to mess with.'

Amanda Large, a Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator, getting married last year to the 18th century ghost of a Haitian pirate named Jack

'He is my soulmate': The couple were married in international waters so that it could be legal - it is not known how legal the divorce is

The 46-year-old believed her husband looked like Captain Jack Sparrow, based on what he (the ghost) had told her

During the ceremony last year a psychic said 'I do' for her 18th century ghost groom.

She claimed sex with a spirit was as fulfilling as sex with a physical human.

She said: 'It is well known that people often feel a spirit touch their hands, their face or their hair.

'The only difference with having a sexual relationship with a spirit is obviously that sense of touch goes a lot deeper.

'You can feel the weight of the spirit, their touch, the pressure.

'You can literally feel the physical act of what the spirit is doing to you, and the spirit can feel it too.'

But she has recently spoken to the Rainbow Project of her asexuality, saying that she 'grew up in a small village in Ireland and sexuality was totally taboo.'

The couple's romance started in 2014 when Amanda felt his presence, and eventually the pair began talking and got to know each other, it is not known what led to the change in their relationship but Amanda warned others to be careful with spirits

Amanda, who has five children, claimed she had never felt a connection as strong with a living person as she did with her pirate husband, Jack

The couple bought a home together after the wedding, and Jack could not pay anything towards it - this ought to have made divorce proceedings much easier

The mother-of-five, who was married previously, said she had never felt a connection to anyone like the one she had with the ghost, who was left at the altar in his earlier life.

The Haitian pirate was put to death in his previous life.

Their doomed romance began in 2014, when she felt his presence, and eventually the pair began talking and got to know each other.

She explained, 'The more I learned about him, the more I liked him.'

The Jack Sparrow impersonator, from County Louth, Ireland, said last year, 'It is the perfect kind of relationship for me'

In 2015, Amanda legally changed her name to Amanda Sparrow and spent over 4,000 turning herself into Captain Jack Sparrow, from the film Pirates of the Caribbean.

She made the transformation after watching the film franchise for the first time - when her 13-year-old daughter said that she was just like Johnny Depp's distinctive character.

Amanda has even got tattoos like the drunken sailor, and got pirate-style dreadlocks and gold-plated teeth in a bid to mimic the character. She set up her impersonator business off the back of the look.

Last year Amanda said she wanted to get the word out there about spiritual relationships, but is now divorced from the ghost and says she is asexual

Amanda, said: 'My daughter Carla Rose screamed in front of the TV 'Mum you are so much like Jack Sparrow!' and I was like - 'who is Jack Sparrow?'

'I settled down to watch 15 minutes with her because it was on Sky and I was instantly hooked.

'The way he gets on with life, his freedom and his walk is so much like me in personality - I'm quite masculine and have that sense.

'The way he deals with things is identical to me. I just really related to him.'

Her social media accounts refer to spirituality and to the LGBT community; to causes she is passionate about.
Commons Speaker John Bercow today furiously blasted Theresa May's 'deeply discourteous' decision to pull the crunch Brexit vote at the eleventh hour.

In an extraordinary ticking off, he warned the PM that MPs across the political divide are furious at the decision, which comes after ministers spent days insisting the vote was on.

In a stern rebuke delivered in the packed Commons chamber, he urged ministers to put the decision to delay it to a vote of MPs tonight.

But No10 snubbed the plea and a spokesman for the PM confirmed that no vote will be held.

The dressing down is a fresh blow for the PM whose authority has been left in tatters after she announced the humiliating U-turn to the Commons today.

Mrs May said she had decided to pull the vote because she would have lost if it had gone ahead tomorrow night.

Speaking from the Commons chair today, Mr Bercow said: 'Halting the debate after no fewer than 164 colleagues have taken the trouble to contribute will be thought by many members of this House to be deeply discourteous.'

Commons Speaker John Bercow (pictured in the Commons today) furiously blasted Theresa May's 'deeply discourteous' decision to pull the crunch Brexit vote at the eleventh hour

He added: 'Indeed in the hours since news of this intention emerged, many colleagues across the house have registered that view to me in the most forceful terms.'

He revealed that ministers can go ahead and pull tomorrow's vote without having to formally consult MPs.

But he urged them to put the decision to a vote tonight so that MPs can have their say.

He said that 'in democratic terms' this would be 'infinitely preferable way' to proceed as 'this would give the House the opportunity to express its view in a vote - whether or not it wishes the debate to be brought to a premature and inconclusive end'.

The Prime Minister (pictured returning to Downing Street today) is battling for her political life amid a huge rebellion over her Brexit deal

He admitted that there is a second option, for the government to 'unilaterally decline to move today's business'.

He said this would mean the Commons would be 'deprived' on voting on the Brexit deal and whether or not a vote on the deal should be held.

EU court rules Britain CAN just cancel the Article 50 Brexit process European Court of Justice judge Carl Gustav Fernlund read out the ruling on Article 50 at the court in Luxembourg today (pictured) EU judges delivered a boost for Remainer rebels today by ruling that Britain can unilaterally cancel Brexit. The European Court of Justice decided that Article 50 can be withdrawn by the UK without permission from other member states. Britain would keep its current terms of membership if it quit the process - meaning keeping the rebate, the opt out from the Euro and exemptions from the Schengen passport-free zone. Today's ruling will encourage hopes from pro-EU MPs that a second referendum can be held to stop the UK from leaving the bloc altogether. But Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the ruling was 'irrelevant' as it was 'certainly not the intention of the government' to delay Brexit. The case was brought by a cross-party group of Scottish politicians together with lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project. Advertisement

Mr Bercow added: 'I politely suggest that in any courteous respectful and mature environment allowing the house to have a say  its say  on this matter would be the right and dare I say it the obvious course to take.

'Let us see if those who have assured this House, and the public, over and over and over again that this supremely important vote is going to take place tomorrow without fail, which to rise to the occasion.'

His highly unusual dressing down of the PM came on another day of high political drama in Westminster.

The morning kicked off to a shambolic start for Number Ten as they sent ministers out to insist that the crunch vote would go ahead tomorrow night.

But within an hour the Government had issued an about turn, with news leaking out that the vote would be delayed so the PM could avoid what looked set to be a massive and humiliating defeat.

And she faced ridicule of MPs as she went to the Commons this afternoon to confirm the U-turn.

She vowed to improve her Brexit deal and said she will tour European capitals and then go back to Brussels to try to secure sweeteners that might buy off huge opposition to the package.

She insisted her blueprint was still the 'best deal negotiable', and said she still planned to put it to a vote once 'reassurances' had been secured on the Irish border backstop - but implied that might not happen until well into the New Year.

In words that raise doubts about whether the tweaks will be enough, Mrs May made clear she is not demanding the EU drops the backstop.

Amid a cacophony of taunts and barracking from MPs in the chamber, Mrs May said: While there is broad support for many of the key aspects of the deal on one issue  the Northern Ireland backstop  there remains widespread and deep concern.

As a result, if we went ahead and held that vote that deal would be rejected by a significant margin.

We will therefore defer the vote scheduled for tomorrow, and not proceed to divide the House at this time.'
A British man accused of being one of Europe's biggest drug traffickers went on trial on Monday accused of smuggling 1.3 tons of cocaine into France.

The drugs, stuffed in 30 unregistered suitcases, were discovered in 2013 after an Air France plane arrived at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport from Caracas.

Robert Dawes, now 46, was arrested in November 2015 at his luxury resort in Benalmadena, southern Spain, after police intercepted a conversation in which he reportedly claimed ownership of the cocaine, worth an estimated 216million at today's prices.

Robert Dawes, now 46, was arrested in Spain in 2015 (pictured) before being extradited to France where he is now on trial for smuggling 1.3tons of cocaine

Extradited to France shortly after his arrest, Dawes is now on trial alongside two other Britons - Nathan Wheat, 35 and Kane Price, 31 and three Italians with links to the Camorra crime syndicate.

The group risk up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to 6.8million each. Dawes denies the charges against him.

At the time of his arrest, Spanish police accused Dawes of 'heading up the biggest criminal organisation in Britain and Europe devoted to drug trafficking, money laundering and murder.'

The investigation linked him to the Italian mafia, South American cartels, and a murder spree that included killings in Holland and the UK.

From his base in Andalucia, he is suspected of importing 'furniture from China and fruit containers from South America which he would fill with cocaine'.

His cartel also shipped heroin from Turkey and Afghanistan to Britain, police said.

Dawes mainly used shipping containers to move the drugs around, but also lesiure boats and commercial flights such as the Air France one, they added.

He would allegedly meet regularly with representatives of South American crime empires, including the notorious Medellin cartel, at hotels in Madrid.

Dawes is accused of being one of the biggest drug dealers in Europe, running an empire that stretched across eight countries and dealt in cocaine, heroin, money laundering and murder

He is also accused of buying large amounts of drugs from Italy's secretive 'Ndrangheta mafia, which is thought to run much of Europe's cocaine trade from Calabria.

Dawes's alleged criminal empire stretched from Portugal, France and Belgium to Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Venezuela and Mexico.

His suspected right-hand man, Dutch citizen Emiel Brummer, was arrested in April 2016 on Spain's Costa del Sol and extradited to the Netherlands.

Dawes's trial is set to run until December 21.

Father-of-three Dawes, who has associated with some of the UK's most notorious crime syndicates including the London-based Adams family, is set to be in court until December 21.

Dawes grew up on the Leamington estate in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, and is thought to have begun his criminal career in the 1990s working as an enforcer.

He was described as a 'highly significant international criminal wanted for murder in Holland and drug importation in the UK' in documents written by the Serious Organised Crime Agency, which later became the UK's National Crime Agency.

Dawes left Nottinghamshire for the Costa del Sol around nine years ago, moving to a villa in the resort of Benalmadena.

He later relocated to Dubai where he was arrested in 2008 for money laundering.

After serving his sentence, he was rearrested on an international warrant in April 2011 over the seizure of nearly 200kg of cocaine - then worth around 14 million - near Madrid in 2007 and extradited to Spain the following month.

Police in Madrid accused Dawes of using Spain as a 'trampoline for trafficking drugs to several European countries', mostly Britain, in a statement released at the time.
A journalist has been detained in Jordan over an altered image of The Last Supper - with celebrity chef Salt Bae seasoning the food.

Mohammed al-Wakeel, who runs the Al Wakeel News website, was accused along with an editor of inciting sectarian strife, a charge that could land them in jail for between six months and three years.

Al Wakeel News published the retouched version of 'The Last Supper' that sparked widespread controversy on social media.

The image, branded offensive to Christians shows the internet sensation Turkish chef in Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century mural painting.

The image of Turkish chef Nusret Gokce - also know as Salt Bae - at The Last Supper caused outrage

Flamboyant chef Salt Bae is known for his unique way of cutting and flavouring meat. He became an internet sensation and is now a celebrity favourite

Turkish celebrity chef Nusret Gokce (pictured) owns a chain of restaurants and is known as Salt Bae for his theatrical style of sprinkling salt on his steaks

Turkish celebrity chef Nusret Gokce, who owns a chain of restaurants and is known as Salt Bae for his theatrical style of sprinkling salt on his steaks, posted videos and photos on his Instagram and Twitter pages showing Maduro and his wife, Cilia, dining. The chef is shown preparing steak at Maduro's table

The original painting, which depicts Jesus' final meal with his disciples ahead of his crucifixion, is highly symbolic to Christians.

The altered version shows Salt Bae - Nusret Gokce - standing behind Jesus and doing his famous salt-sprinkling gesture.

One of the disciples has Jesus's face tattooed on his leg.

Following the outcry online, Wakeel apologised and removed the image, saying it was an unintended 'mistake' by a trainee editor.

The publisher, who also hosts several radio talk shows in Jordan, was later summoned for questioning at a cyber-crimes unit.

Christians make up around six percent of the country's 6.6 million population.

Salt Bae was also at the centre of outcry when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was seen eating gourmet lunch at his restaurant in Istanbul.

Gokce, who owns a chain of restaurants posted videos and photos on his Instagram and Twitter pages showing Maduro and his wife, Cilia, dining.

But it sparked anger in Venezuela where millions struggle to get enough to eat and red meat is a rare luxury.
Two nuns stole $500,000 from a school where they worked and used some of the money to fund gambling trips to Las Vegas.

Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper, the former principal of St. James School in Redondo Beach in California and former teacher Sister Lana Chang embezzled funds for their own personal use.

The nuns, who are from the order of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, allegedly embezzled as much as $500,000 in tuition, fees and donations.

School officials recently told parents that the nuns, who were best friends, used some of the money for trips and casino visits to Las Vegas, according to The Beach Reporter.

St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach says it conducted an internal investigation which found that the former principal of St. James School, Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper (left), and former teacher Sister Lana Chang (right) embezzled funds for their own personal use

The figure represents what auditors have been able to trace in six years of bank records and may not include other cash transactions, officials from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles told parents at a meeting at St. James Catholic Church.

Marge Graf, an attorney representing St. James, told the meeting: 'We do know that they had a pattern of going on trips, we do know they had a pattern of going to casinos, and the reality is, they used the account as their personal account'.

Kreuper spent almost 29 years as principal at St. James School. She retired at the end of the 2017-18 school year as did Chang, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said.

The nuns were 'involved in the personal use of a substantial amount of school funds', the church said last month.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles indicated last month that it will not pursue criminal charges against the nuns. Instead, it prefers to handle the matter internally.

Michael Meyers, the churchs monsignor, told the meeting that the school launched an internal investigation earlier this year after they performed a standard audit of procedures ahead of Kreupers retirement.

He said that a family requested a copy of a check made out to the school and the staff noticed it had been deposited in a bank account other than the schools.

Kreuper became 'very nervous and very anxious' about the upcoming financial review and requested that the staff alter records, the monsignor said.

Kreuper spent almost 29 years as principal at St. James School. Chang taught eighth grade for almost 20 years

Meyers said he alerted after an archdiocese internal auditor performing the review that 'something was off' and that the auditor confirmed his suspicions, according to The Beach Reporter.

Chang taught eighth grade for almost 20 years. She was promoted to vice principal, a job she held for several years before she also retired after last school year.

The sisters order will reimburse the school. It also said it will mete out appropriate penalties to the nuns.

The improper use of the funds had been going on for at least 10 years, Meyers said. The parish and the school have always run in the black, so it appears no one had suspicions.

'The systems that were set up were dividing people, so nobody knew what was happening,' Meyers said.

A retired FBI agent hired by the archdiocese interviewed school staffers and the nuns.

'When he was talking to Sister Mary Margaret, she did acknowledge that she had been taking all the money, so thats not a question,' Meyers said.

Kreuper allegedly took trips to Las Vegas because she visited a friend from a Catholic school where she used to teach

He said no other staff members are suspected of wrongdoing. However a bookkeeper who was unaware of the long-running scheme has voluntarily taken a leave of absence to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Kreuper allegedly handled all checks made out to the school for tuition and fees before handing them over to bookkeeping staff for processing.

It is understood the principal withheld some of the checks and deposited them into the other account, endorsing the back with a stamp that read: 'St. James Convent" instead of 'St. James School'.

The sisters used a majority of the money for 'personal gain', officials said. However some of the money was 'recycled' back to the school.

In a letter last month, Meyers said that the school has put in place new procedural and oversight mechanisms to ensure that similar instances wont happen again.

'I want to assure you that the investigation has disclosed that, notwithstanding this misappropriation, no student or program at St. James has suffered any loss of educational resources, opportunities, or innovations', he wrote.
Lawyers for alleged Russian spy Maria Butina have filed court papers indicating they have reached a deal with prosecutors and that she plans to change her plea to guilty.

Butina, who is alleged to have used her cover as a student to infiltrate the politically-powerful National Rifle Association, filed a joint motion to 'set a change of plea hearing' as early as Tuesday.

The former American University student, 30, has pleaded not guilty and previously has denied charges that she relied on contacts to infiltrate the NRA.

Butina was arrested in July. A source told ABC News that she was now co-operating and had agreed to do so with federal, state and local authorities.

During the campaign, she met Donald Trump Jr. at a May 2016 NRA event. She also had social contacts with Trump foreign policy advisor J.D. Gordon, and questioned then-candidate Donald Trump in 2015 during the run-up to the campaign at an event termed 'Freedom Fest' held in Las Vegas.

Maria Butina, leader of a pro-gun organization in Russia, speaks to a crowd during a rally in support of legalizing the possession of handguns in Moscow, Russia. Prosecutors say they have "resolved" a case against Butina, who is accused of being a secret agent for the Russian government, a sign that she likely has taken a plea deal

'The parties have resolved this matter, and the Defendant Mariia Butina remains in custody,' according to the letter from her lawyers.

Butina is accused of being a secret agent for the Russian government, and has likely taken a plea deal.

Late in the 2016 campaign, she socialized with Trump foreign policy aide J.D. Gordon, attending his birthday party. At one point, he invited her to attend a Styx concert.

The two met at a party at the Swiss ambassador's residence. Gordon has said, and emails show, that they met on the introduction of GOP operative Paul Erickson. Butina and Erikson were in a romantic relationship.

Maria Butina was able to infiltrate the National Rifle Association, prosecutors say

In this file photo dated Sunday, April 22, 2012, Maria Butina, a gun-rights activist poses for a photo at a shooting range in Moscow, Russia. Russian woman Maria Butina has been jailed in the U.S. on charges that she tried to infiltrate U.S. political organizations as a covert Russian agent

Alleged Russian agent Maria Butina appears in an undated photo from her Twitter account obtained July 19, 2018

Butina intends to change her plea, her lawyers wrote in a filing

ON SECOND THOUGHT: The filing says Butina and prosecutors 'have resolved on this matter.' It was not immediately clear on what charge she would plead guilty

News of the change of plea comes after a pair of filings on Friday dealing with former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort and former lawyer Michael Cohen shed new light on the number of Trump circle Russia contacts during the 2016 campaign.

That number has now climbed to 14.

According to emails obtained by the Washington Post, Erikson described Butina as a 'special friend' of the NRA. The information was included in a filing in the case against Maria Butina.

Maria Butina in booking photo

Her lawyers and federal prosecutors have asked for a hearing as soon as Tuesday morning.

Prosecutors say her contacts were directed by Russian banker Alexander Torshin.

At the 2015 event where she asked Trump a question, she inquired about his position on Russia and on U.S.-imposed sanctions  which have been a major concern for the Kremlin.

'I know Putin, and I'll tell you what, we get along with Putin,' Trump responded. 'Putin has no respect for President Obama. Big problem  I believe I would get along very nicely with Putin, okay?And I mean where we have the strength. I don't think you'd need the sanctions,' Trump responded.

Prosecutors have alleged Butina, 30, gathered intelligence on American officials and political organizations and worked to develop relationships with American politicians through her contacts with the National Rifle Association.

They have charged that her work was directed by a former Russian lawmaker who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for his alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Butina, who was arrested in July, was charged with conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Russia. Her lawyer has argued that Butina is a student interested in American politics and better U.S.-Russian relations.

The documents did not provide details about the resolution. However, for several weeks, prosecutors and Butina's lawyer have indicated in court papers that they were negotiating and may have been nearing a plea deal.

The charges against Butina were brought by federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., and her case is unrelated to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
TIME has narrowed its list of finalists for the magazine's 2018 Person of the Year to 10.

The year's shortlist, which was released Monday, includes Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, after she married Prince Harry in May.

The American actress caught the attention of the world after finding her way into British royalty and is now due with Harry's first child. She has some stiff competition for the cover.

President Donald Trump, who made the cover in 2016 after shocking the world with his win has made the list yet again, as has the man who has already rocked his presidency- special counsel Robert Mueller.

Mueller's probe has yielded cooperation in the form of plea deals from various Trump campaign aides, consultants and advisers.

American actress Meghan Markle landed on the 2018 shortlist after marrying Prince Harry in May. She is now due with his first child

Political: Who or what lands the cover reflects the biggest news maker of the year, and this year's list reflects the heightened political climate that has overtaken America in 2018. Both President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have made the shortlist

Special counsel Robert Mueller, who has been tasked with investigating Russia's interference in the US presidential election and potential collusion with the Trump campaign - has also landed on TIME's shortlist

Top 10 TIME Person of the Year's shortlist Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle

President Donald Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Special counsel Robert Mueller

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi

March for Our Lives activists

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford

Separated migrant families

Director Ryan Coogler

South Korean President Moon Jae-in Advertisement

In 2017 Trump said he was 'offered' the cover again, and declined it. Something TIME said was untrue.

This year has been chock-full of political hot button issues, which the list starkly reflects.

Being on the magazine's cover isn't always necessarily an honor, it means that the person, idea or group has influenced the news cycle, for better or for worse.

Depending on who, or what idea, lands the cover- it could be a dubious distinction.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made the list, which fits with Trump and Mueller being listed considering the Russian collusion probe Mueller has been working tirelessly on.

Putin was featured on the 2007 cover for his leadership of Russia, however this year his presence on the cover would most certainly be in part in light of his government's alleged attempts at interfering with the U.S. presidential election.

Separated migrant families also landed on the list after America was confronted with the faces of sobbing children being torn apart from distressed parents on television news and newspapers across the country.

At the height of the issue, more than 2,500 children were removed from their parents who had been caught illegally crossing the US- Mexico border.

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in his country's Turkish consulate could be on the cover following world wide outrage over his murder. Speculation abounds as to who orchestrated the killing, while investigations play out- many in the international community are pointing blame at Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman

Parkland school shooting survivors, who started the March for Our Lives group, lobbying for gun control- and against the NRA- have also landed on the shortlist for 2018

Migrant families separated: Americans were inundated with images of sobbing children and desperate parents who were separated after illegally breaching the US-Mexico border

The president's zero-tolerance policy was met with global outrage, with his own daughter, Ivanka condemning the practice.

Meanwhile an executive order in June was supposed to have the practice stop and get the children re-united with their families- however a recent report by the Associated Press found that the government continued beyond the deadline to separate children from their parents.

The Parkland school shooting survivors also made the list with their March for Our Lives movement- tirelessly fighting for gun control after watching 17 students and faculty killed at their school on Valentine's Day this year.

Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who was killed in his country's consulate in Turkey, has made the list as speculation continues on if his murder was orchestrated by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

President Trump's apparent backing of the Saudi government has been met with outrage, as investigations continue into who is responsible for Khashoggi's murder.

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who accused a not-yet-seated Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were both teens growing up in Maryland, also made the list.

Ford's powerful, unwavering Senate testimony about Kavanaugh, who vehemently denied the allegations she made against him, sparked a greater conversation about women who never go public about their sexual assaults and the reasons behind staying silent.

Her testimony sparked the hashtag 'Why I didn't report' with women sharing their own reasoning behind remaining silent. Kavanaugh was ultimately confirmed to the Supreme Court.

Voted into office last year, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in has top-spot, after he negotiated a historic summit with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong Un on their shared border.

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who took the stand against a not-yet-nominated Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh also found her place on the top 10 list for TIME's Person of the Year

South Korean President Moon Jae-in also took a top spot after negotiating a historic summit with his North counterpart Kim Jong-un. And in another look at 2018 historical moments Black Panther director Ryan Coogler made the top 10 list. The movie was a global blockbuster featuring the first predominantly black cast for a Marvel film with awards being anticipated

TIME will unveil who made the cover Tuesday morning on the Today Show

The two leaders have since met at two other summits in efforts to establish peace on the Korean peninsula.

It was the first time that a North Korean leader had stepped into South Korea since the end of the war between the two nations. The two leaders have since met at two other summits, looking to establish peace on the Korean peninsula.

Black Panther director and screenwriter Ryan Coogler rounds out the top 10 list after the historic blockbuster success of the Marvel film which introduced 'Wakanda forever!' into the pop- culture lexicon.

It was the first Marvel comic with a predominantly black cast and was just nominated last week for a Golden Globe.

The entertainment industry expects an Oscar nomination will also come into play next month.

The finalist for the TIME cover will be announced on Tuesday on the Today Show.
James 'Whitey' Bulger's attorney has said that he plans on suing the government over wrongful death and negligence claims on behalf of Bulger's estate

A lawyer for James 'Whitey' Bulger says he plans to sue the government over the notorious gangster's prison killing.

Attorney Hank Brennan told The Wall Street Journal that he will bring wrongful death and negligence claims on behalf of Bulger's estate in an effort to discover exactly why Bulger was sent to West Virginia's US Penitentiary Hazelton.

'Its important for the family and the public to know why the prisons decided to wheel an 89-year-old man with a history of heart attacks into one of the most dangerous prisons in the country,' Brennan said.

Bulger, a former mob boss, 89, was wheelchair-bound but prison officials claimed that his health had improved, prompting his transfer to Hazelton on October 30. Just hours after his arrival, he was bludgeoned to death with a padlock in a sock while in his unlocked cell and his eyes were gouged out.

Before his fateful transfer to Hazelton, Bulger had been serving relatively comfortable time at USP Coleman II in Florida since 2014, following his conviction for involvement in 11 murders while he ruled the South Boston underworld with an iron fist in the 1970s and 80s.

Bulger (in 1959) was serving a life sentence in a Florida prison when he was transferred to West Virginia's US Penitentiary Hazelton on October 30

Bulger (in 2011) was found dead in his unlocked cell after having been beaten to death with a lock in a sock just hours after he hand been transferred to Hazelton

Attorney Hank Brennan called Hazelton 'one of the most dangerous prisons in the country'

Bulger was serving a life sentence for the murders and other crimes at Coleman, which is known to be a so-called 'special needs' facility, designed to keep ex-cops, informants and gang defectors safe from inmate retaliation.

Authorities have said two Massachusetts mobsters are under suspicion in the 89-year-old's killing. No charges have been filed.

Sean McKinnon, 32, of Vermont and Felix Wilson, 26, of upstate New York were among the four inmates immediately placed in solitary confinement at Hazelton after Bulger's October 30 murder there, the New York Times reported in November.

Attorney Hank Brennan (left) had been Bulger's (in undated photo) long-time attorney

Bulger was laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston on November 8 in a private ceremony attended by about a dozen people

The other two inmates placed in solitary were previously identified suspects Paul J. DeCologero and Fotios 'Freddy' Geas, who both have mafia ties. But in a cryptic statement, the FBI indicated its main suspects were not from Massachusetts, as DeCologero and Geas both are.

The Bureau of Prisons declined to comment Monday.

Bulger was laid to rest at a funeral service in Boston, in the very neighborhood where he ran his ruthless mob for years, on November 8. The simple and private service at the St. Monica - St. Augustine Church in South Boston was attended by a dozen mourners.

Among those paying their respects were Bulger's brother, former state Senate President William 'Billy' Bulger, Margaret McCusker, the twin sister of Bulger's jailed longtime girlfriend Catherine Greig, and Brennan.
Lawmakers are calling for the death penalty to be restored in New Jersey after the horrific murder of a family whose bodies were found inside their burning mansion.

Keith Caneiro, his wife Jennifer and their two young children, Jesse and Sophia, were found dead at their sleek $1.5 million mansion in Colts Neck on November 20.

Caneiro's older brother, Paul, is charged with the killings and has pleaded not guilty.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni called it the 'most brutal' crime he had experienced since he took his job in 2012 and told NJ.com that he would seek the death penalty if he could.

Now, some lawmakers are calling for the death penalty to be reinstated for certain crimes in the state. New Jersey banned capital punishment in 2007.

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Lawmakers are calling for the death penalty to be restored in New Jersey after the horrific murder of Jeith Caneiro and his family. Caneiro's older brother Paul (pictured) is charged with the killings and has pleaded not guilty

The state's current governor, Democrat Phil Murphy, is opposed to the death penalty, the New Jersey Globe reports.

But the slaying of the Caneiro family has spurred some lawmakers to say it shows the state needs to reinstate it.

'The Colts Neck murderer deserves nothing less than the death penalty,' Republican State Senator Steven Oroho said in a statement on Wednesday.

'We can no longer ignore the public calls for action in gruesome cases like these.'

He added: 'Eliminating capital punishment has placed countless residents at risk.

'The horrible truth is that unless killers know the death penalty is on the table, there are monsters out there that will kill.

Keith Caneiro (pictured with his wife), his wife Jennifer and their two young children were found dead at their sleek $1.5 million mansion in Colts Neck on November 20

Authorities said Paul Caneiro shot his brother, shot and stabbed his sister-in-law, and stabbed their children Jesse and Sophia before dawn, then set the mansion on fire

In order to keep the public safe, we must reinstate the death penalty.'

Oroho had co-sponsored a bill to reinstate capital punishment in the state with GOP Assemblymen Parker Space and Harold Wirths before the murders occurred, but failed to move it forward.

Space added: 'President Abraham Lincoln once said that 'those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.'

Paul Caneiro has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges and to arson counts stemming from both fires

'Monsters, including Paul Caneiro if convicted, need to know that the punishment for committing such a malicious, immoral act will be that they will meet the same fate as the one they forced on their innocent victims.

'The death penalty is the most effective deterrent out there. We must reinstate it immediately.'

But State Senator Dick Codey, who was New Jersey's acting governor in 2006 when the original moratorium on capital punishment was signed, says even when the state had the death penalty, it hadn't executed anyone since 1963.

'When we had it, it was never utilized. Appeals went on forever and they (death row inmates) were in a nursing home or on a ventilator,' he told News 12 New Jersey.

Earlier this month, hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of the slain family.

Their relatives issued a statement Sunday saying they were 'grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received' from friends and the community.

'The passing of these four beautiful people was tragic, sudden and incomprehensible and, like you, we are heartbroken. May we all take comfort in the wonderful memories and incredible moments of joy they gave to all of us,' the statement read.

Authorities have said Paul Caneiro shot his brother, shot and stabbed his sister-in-law, and stabbed the children before dawn, then set the mansion on fire and returned to his Ocean Township home.

He is accused of setting fire to that residence as his wife and two adult daughters slept upstairs. All three safely escaped from the home.

Mourners embrace as they leave funeral services for Keith Caneiro, his wife Jennifer Caneiro and their children at the Holmdel Funeral home in Holmdel, New Jersey, on December 2

He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges and to arson counts stemming from both fires.

Monmouth County prosecutors have called the motive for the slayings 'financial' and said Paul Caneiro set the fire at his home to destroy evidence and to make it appear someone was targeting his extended family.

However, defense lawyers say they haven't seen any evidence their client was financially strapped and had no reason to kill his brother's family.

The 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.

The killings stunned the affluent community of Colts Neck, home to Bruce Springsteen and where former 'Daily Show' host Jon Stewart and his wife run an animal sanctuary.
Erin Johnson, 32, of Youngstown, Ohio, has been charged with child endangerment after she allegedly threw her baby onto the couch

An Ohio woman threw her baby repeatedly during an argument with her sister about Amazon shopping purchases.

Erin Johnson, 32, was holding her baby on Saturday as she was fighting with her sister and allegedly threw the child on the couch in her rage.

Youngstown Police were called to the scene following reports of a fight around 9am.

Upon arriving at the Youngstown home, officers said they found a woman holding her grandchild.

Cops say an argument transpired between the grandmother's two adult children and that Johnson became frustrated and threw her child onto the couch.

On Saturday she was arrested after she allegedly threw her infant twice during an argument. According to her social media Johnson is a mother-of-two and gave birth to her second child, a baby girl, on Thanksgiving

Then she picked up the baby and threw it a second time, according to WKBN.

Johnson rambled to officers that she's blamed for everything.

She also told them that she suffers from postpartum depression and needs to 'see someone'.

She was so emotional she couldn't hold a conversation with the officers.

According to her social media Johnson is a mother-of-two and gave birth to her second child, a baby girl, on Thanksgiving.

Johnson has been charged with child endangering and the infant was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

It's not clear if the baby suffered any injuries in the incident.
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.
President Donald Trump is heading into a meeting this week with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer with an open mind about a must-pass spending bill.

He has restrained himself from drawing a red line on border security spending in advance of the meeting at the White House with the top-ranking Democrats after suggesting in the fall that that he intended to go to the mat over it.

The president is asking for the $5 billion he says it will take to complete his border wall but has not said he'll veto the legislation to keep the government from shutting down if the bill does not include the entire appropriation.

Democrats are skeptical, despite an olive branch from the president, that a Tuesday tete-a-tete with Schumer and Pelosi will result an arrangement that both parties view as acceptable. Even if it does, they worry the president will renege on anything he might agree to.

'Weve had limited success in dealing with this president,' Sen. Dick Durbin told Politico. 'His word isnt good. Within 48 hours he reverses himself. Its very difficult to enter into a long-term agreement.'

President Donald Trump is heading into a meeting this week with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer with an open mind about a must-pass spending bill

The White House had not taken an official stance on a long-term bill after approving a short-term agreement on Friday that delayed a decision to Dec. 21. A partial government shutdown will go into effect at midnight the next morning if the two sides cannot come to agreement.

That gives lawmakers fewer than two weeks to arrive at a deal with Trump or see federal workers furloughed the week of Christmas and their won holidays ruined by a government shut down.

Democrats have signaled that they are willing to give Trump a third of the money he has laid out as necessary for his wall but have stipulated that it can only be used for fencing.

They appear to be at an impasse with the president who has said he is 'totally willing' to force a government shutdown until they approve his proposed border wall spending.

It was unclear on Monday what the president would be willing to offer Democrats in return for their support on his desired border wall spending. Pelosi has said she won't trade the money for a permanent legislative fix to a program that addressed the plight of illegal immigrant children.

Trump said early in the year that he wouldn't accept an immigration deal that doesn't include a total overhaul of the system. Immigration subsequently became a wedge issue in the election, with Democrats ultimately winning their battle to control a majority of seats in the House and Republicans maintaining their advantage in the Senate.

By meeting with Democratic leaders this week, Trump is effectively conceding that the fate of his most vaunted campaign promise lies at the feet of the opposing party.

Riding high from their November victory, Democrats seem equally prepared to hold the line on border wall spending.

They'll meet with Trump at 11:30 am on Tuesday, a source familiar with the talks said.

Legislators in the House and the Senate passed a short-term bill to keep the engines running beyond this past Friday, when federal funding for some agencies was scheduled to run out. Trump agreed to the delay out of respect for the family of the late President Bush, whose funeral was held last Wednesday in Washington at the National Cathedral.

The meeting with Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrats in their respective chambers, delayed from this week after the passing of George H.W. Bush

Trump has signaled that he'll go to great lengths to get the funding he desires for his border wall, having repeatedly threatened to close the nation's southern border.

Schumer and Pelosi are refusing to wrangle votes for any agreement that provides funding for Trump's border wall, however. The best that Trump can hope for, Schumer says, is $1.6 billion in spending that he could put toward fencing and could not be used for any other type of border barrier.

He says Trump could otherwise accept a continuing resolution that appropriates $1.3 billion toward border security spending for the current fiscal year. If he doesn't want a shutdown, those are his only options.

Trump claimed Friday that the wall would pay for itself in a single month.

'We're talking about a wall for 20 billion, 15 billion. I could even do it cheaper if I have to, and it'll be better than anybody's ever seen a wall,' Trump claimed in a Kansas City speech to law enforcement. 'Think of that. You're talking about hundreds of billions of dollars, and you're talking about a fraction. You'd make it up in a month  a month!  by having a proper wall.'

The president declared illegal immigration 'a threat' to every American community that is 'overwhelming public resources and draining the federal treasury.

'Congress must fully fund border security in the year-ending funding bill. We have to get this done. They're playing games. They're playing political games,' he proclaimed. 'I actually think the politics of what they're doing is very bad for them, but we're going to very soon find out.'

Trump boasted to his audience: 'Maybe I'm not right. But usually I'm right. Like, I said, "I'm going to win for president." And some people said that won't happen, and guess what? Look who's up here now, folks?'

The president has said he's more than willing to let funding for his cabinet agencies expire, calling it a political winner for the GOP.

'We need border security in this country, and if that means a shutdown I would totally be willing to shut it down,' he said last month. 'And I think it's a really bad issue for the Democrats.'

Trump told Democrats they could fund his wall or grapple with a shut down of the border last Monday morning as he picked a immigration fight.

He took another swat at the opposing party on Tuesday in a tweet that claimed $25 billion in border security spending could be erased if they would only spend $5 billion on completing his border structure.

GOP leaders will not attend the negotiating session with Trump at the White House, leaving the president to do his own bidding.

A House Republican source told DailyMail.com that the caucus would support the measure that is already a part of the lower chamber's Homeland Security appropriations bill.

'How members in the Senate vote is entirely up to them,' the person said.

Trump pressured Democrats to fund his wall or grapple with a shut down of the border on Monday morning as he revived his immigration demands, despite the former president's passing

As Bush's body was headed to Washington to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol, the sitting president whacked Democrats and put new pressure on legislators to give him the $5 billion he needs to complete the structure

Pelosi forcefully slapped down a proposal on Thursday to bring more of her members into the fold by trading the border wall for illegal immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.

'They're two different subjects,' she said. 'I think what we can do, that makes sense, is to pass six bills where the members of the Appropriations Committee have come to terms. You heard me say it over and over, left to their own devices, the appropriators can come to a good conclusion, and then have a [continuing resolution] only for Homeland Security as we go forward. And that's pretty much what our position is now.'

Trump last year formally invalidated the Obama-era program that spared that large group of non-citizens from deportation, but court rulings have tied his hands and the temporary amnesty has continued.

Republicans fear being blamed for a future shutdown, and they are feeling pressure to finalize a budget agreement before Christmas.

The next Congress will likely convene at noon on January 3, at which point Democrats will have more negotiating power.

In the Senate, the president currently needs nine Democrats to cross party lines, assuming every Republican lends their support to his border wall demand, in order to overcome a filibuster.

His antics have not spooked Schumer, who last week said that Trump was free to throw a 'temper tantrum' and force a shut down if he wants, although he would advise against it.

Many federal agencies will run out of money on Dec. 21 unless Congress and the White House agree on a path forward.
This is the shocking moment an angry driver rips of another motorist's side mirror, throws it onto the road and walks off.

Ymani Breedlove filmed the incident which happened in October as she was driving in Richmond, Virginia, with her 18-month-old daughter and sister.

At the start of the footage a woman, who is on the phone and wearing black, can be seen walking towards the camera.

The angry woman walks over to the car (left) on her phone , grabs the side mirror and begins to pull (right) on it during the incident in Richmond, Virginia

She tries to open the car door but it is locked so she hits the side mirror instead. She then grabs the mirror with both hands and starts to pull.

When the mirror comes off the car the woman throws it into the road and it breaks as it hits the tarmac.

The women inside the car can be heard saying 'oh my gosh' but staying calm as the irate woman walks back towards her own white vehicle.

One woman says: 'She took the whole thing off my car. Oh my gosh, she really just did that to my car.'

The woman then drives away as the camera is still recording and the other women are left in shock.

She then throws the mirror onto the road (left) and walks back to her own (left) vehicle

Ms Breedlove told nbc12: 'As a mom, I was freaking out. She literally took it out and you can see theres wires in it.'

She said the incident started when the woman was dodging potholes and came into the lane they were in.

She said: 'We proceeded to pull over and that's when the chaos started. I did not have any contact with this woman or speak with her, I immediately called the police.

'The result of me not getting out of the car was that she proceeded to rip the left side mirror off of the car and threw it in the middle of the road with ongoing traffic.'
Jacob Rees-Mogg today ramped up his bid to oust Theresa May as leader - branding her Brexit U-turn a 'humiliation' which has left her deal 'defeated'.

The Tory MP and leading Brexiteer said Conservatives are fed up at the feeling of 'drift' and total lack of direction coming from No10.

He branded the Government a 'mess' and said the PM's decision to pull the crunch vote on her Brexit deal has increased the likelihood the UK will crash out of Brussels with no deal.

And he laid the blame squarely at Mrs May's feet - saying the Brexit deal was her policy and she must take responsibility for it.

Emerging from a meeting of the powerful Brexit-backing European Research Group in parliament tonight, he said: 'This deal has been defeated hasnt it? The Prime Minister said she was pulling it saying the vote couldnt be won.

He stepped up his attack as Mrs May scrambled to try to keep her grip on power as after humiliatingly pulling the vote on her deal.

Tory Eurosceptic Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) stepped up condemnation of the PM as she scrambles to keep her grip on power

Mr Rees-Mogg added: 'I think the likelihood of leaving without a Withdrawal Agreement has gone up.

'But I think we should aim for a managed no deal, and I have made clear and will happily reiterate  we need a new Prime Minister to do that.

If you look at today, this is the failure of the Prime Ministers policy. The Withdrawal Agreement was her policy, two Dexeu secretaries resigned because they could not support her policy.

It is personally identified with her.

EU court rules Britain CAN just cancel the Article 50 Brexit process European Court of Justice judge Carl Gustav Fernlund read out the ruling on Article 50 at the court in Luxembourg today (pictured) EU judges delivered a boost for Remainer rebels today by ruling that Britain can unilaterally cancel Brexit. The European Court of Justice decided that Article 50 can be withdrawn by the UK without permission from other member states. Britain would keep its current terms of membership if it quit the process - meaning keeping the rebate, the opt out from the Euro and exemptions from the Schengen passport-free zone. Today's ruling will encourage hopes from pro-EU MPs that a second referendum can be held to stop the UK from leaving the bloc altogether. But Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the ruling was 'irrelevant' as it was 'certainly not the intention of the government' to delay Brexit. The case was brought by a cross-party group of Scottish politicians together with lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project. Advertisement

'She is the one who has led the government to this defeat, she is the one who ought to take responsibility for it.'

While he said that even if Mrs May goes back to Brussels and gets them to tear up the hated Irish backstop she will not have solved al her problems - urging her to also hold back some of the 39billion divorce bill until a free trade deal is struck.

He also said that the PM's authority has been dealt a hammer blow by the vote on her deal being pulled so late in the day.

He said: I thought it was as humiliating for the government to pull the vote as to lose by 100  if you were to weight it up. They must have thought they were going to lose it by more, to make it worth pulling.

Earlier he had demanded Mrs May 'governs or quits' today as he warned her Brexit deal is 'undeliverable'.

And asked to sum up the feeling of Tory MPs on his wing of the party, he said ' Its the feeling of drift and an inability to find any direction or to command Parliament that I think makes people feel that the whole approach isnt working.

'And I think this is a rotten day for the Government, and its a humiliating day.

The MP for North East Somerset added: I think the feeling is sad that the government is in such a mess, like all good Tories we want the government to be doing well and succeeding.

Concern about the Brexit process and the failure of the government to deliver on its promises. The feeling that we have been told things that do not then turn out to be true.

Mrs May faced a barrage of attacks in the Commons today as MP after MP from across parties lined up to slam Mrs May's plans in the Commons this afternoon.

The DUP complained that the PM does not 'get it' and her Withdrawal Agreement will 'never' be acceptable to Parliament.

Jeremy Corbyn insisted the government is in 'disarray' and she must 'make way' for Labour to take power, while the Pound plunged further against the US dollar.

The premier was also given an extraordinary dressing down by Speaker John Bercow who accused her of 'discourtesy' for abandoning the vote after four days of debate - urging her to show 'maturity' by giving MPs their say.

But some of the most stinging criticism came from Mr Rees-Mogg, the chair of the Conservative ERG bloc.

The MP, who is among the Tories who have put in no-confidence letters in the PM, said in a statement: What has two years of Theresa May doing Brexit amounted to?

'An undeliverable deal parliament would roundly reject, if the Prime Minister has the gumption to allow it to go before the House of Commons.'

MP after MP from across parties lined up to slam Mrs May's plans in the Commons this afternoon (pictured)

This is not governing, it risks putting Jeremy Corbyn into government by failing to deliver Brexit. We cannot continue like this. The Prime Minister must either govern or quit.

The PM faced MPs after finally bowing to massive pressure to delay the crunch vote which had been due tomorrow.

Instead said she will tour European capitals and then go back to Brussels to try to secure sweeteners that might buy off huge opposition to the package.

She insisted her blueprint was still the 'best deal negotiable', and said she still planned to put it to a vote once 'reassurances' had been secured on the Irish border backstop - but implied that might not happen before January 21.

In words that raise doubts about whether the tweaks will be enough, Mrs May made clear she is not demanding the EU drops the backstop.


A Kansas boy living in a group home found himself in trouble when he tried to shoplift a pair of boots from Walmart so that he could get a job.

But instead of taking him into custody, the two police officers who arrived on the scene listened to his story - and then bought him the very boots he had tried to steal.

Now Roeland Park Police Department Officers Braden Suffield and Shanan Snepp are being hailed for their compassion on the job.

The two officers received a call last Thursday about a juvenile who was in custody at the Walmart.

Roeland Park Police Department Officers Braden Suffield and Shanan Snepp (pictured) bought a boy a pair of boots he tried to steal from Walmart so that he could get a job

Chief John Morris shared the sweet story on Facebook, saying it made him 'so proud' of his officers and that it 'almost made me cry'

It was revealed that the boy was a 'displaced juvenile within the State of Kansas justice system' and that he was 'trying to steal some work boots so he could get a job', according to a post on the Roleland Park Police Department Facebook page.

Suffield and Snepp listened to the boy's story and were 'compelled to help'.

They decided to buy him the pair of boots after offering him 'some words of encouragement to find a job, finish school, and stay out of trouble'.

When the the group home supervisor arrived to pick the boy up, the youngster had tears in his eyes.

Chief John Morris said the story made him 'so proud' of his officers and that the story 'almost made me cry too'.

Suffield and Snepp listened to the boy's story at Walmart (pictured) and were 'compelled to help', offering him 'words of encouragement to find a job, finish school, stay out of trouble'

'Congrats to Officer Suffield and Officer Snepp for making another difference in RP and for a job well done,' he added, sharing a picture of the pair in the post.

'I'm proud to call these two my colleagues.'

The officers were resoundingly praised by community members on Facebook, who credited them with making a big difference in the young man's life.

'A life changed. Great job Officer. I'm not crying, you're crying!' one man wrote.

'I'm sure you officers have made a big impact on that young man's life! Thank you!' one woman commented.

'Thank you both for your compassionate act and in doing so, representing the Blue honorably!' another woman added. 'Stay safe out there. God bless.'
Former FBI Director James Comey said if Donald Trump wasn't the president he would be in 'serious jeopardy of being charged' in the government's case against Michael Cohen.

Comey made the observation when he was asked what would be the status of person named as 'Individual-1' by prosecutors in the Cohen sentencing memo if that person wasn't the commander-in-chief.

'That person would be in serious jeopardy of being charged because the government wouldnt make that sponsoring allegation if they werent seriously contemplating going forward with criminal charges,' Comey said during a conversation with Nicolle Wallace at the 92nd Street Y on Sunday evening.

Former FBI Director James Comey said if Donald Trump wasn't the president he would be in 'serious jeopardy of being charged' in the government's case against Michael Cohen

President Trump was named as 'Individual-1' by prosecutors in the Michael Cohen sentencing memo

But the former FBI director, who was fired by Trump in May 2017, said the president is not yet an unindicted co-conspirator, which was the status of President Richard Nixon when he resigned before Congress could impeach him.

'Not in the formal sense that he's actually been named in an indictment where you can actually say this defendant named others or others by pseudonym conspired together and thats how you formally name someone as an unindicted co-conspirator,' Comey, a former prosecutor, said.

'But if hes not there hes certainly close given the language in the indictment  in the filing that crimes were committed at his direction,' Comey added.

The former FBI director made his observations based on his experience as a prosecutor and on his one-on-one interactions with the president.

But despite his belief Trump could be prosecuted if he weren't in the Oval Office, Comey said he doesn't want to see the president impeached as this would 'let the country off the hook'.

Former FBI director James Comey spoke with MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen should spend between 51 and 63 months in federal prison, according to a prosecutor's memo

'In a way I hope Donald Trump is not removed from office by impeachment because it would let the country off the hook and it would drive into the fabric of our nation,' he said.

'A third of the people believing there was a coup and we need a moment of inflection where we all get off the couch and say that is not who we are. And, in a landslide, rid ourselves of this attack on our values,' he added, suggesting the 2020 presidential election was the best way for people to make their feelings known.

But he clarified: 'That said if the facts are there and the legislative branch two houses of Congress think it's appropriate that's fine.'

Comey made it clear how he thought the upcoming election should go.

'All of us should use every breath we have to make sure the lying stops on January 20, 2021,' he said.

He also said 'no' he would never run for public office.

Asked if he's ever thought about it, he responded: 'I've thought about it enough to know I'm never going to run for public office.'

The conversation was Comey's first public appearance since prosecutors in New York and on special counsel Robert Muellers team filed sentencing memos on Cohen, which revealed the greatest insight yet into their investigations.

In Friday's memos, prosecutors claimed that Cohen worked 'in coordination with and at the direction of' Donald Trump  by his own admission  to arrange for the National Enquirer to buy the rights to the two women's stories and 'kill' them, preventing media exposure of their claims.

Cohen 'coordinated his actions with one or more members of the campaign,' according to one of the sentencing memos, 'including through meetings and phone calls, about the fact, nature, and timing of the payments.'

And as a result, 'neither woman spoke to the press prior to the election.'

The payments were made to porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal, both of whom claimed to have affairs with Trump, which he has denied.

Cohen directly paid Daniels to deny she had an affair with Trump.

McDougal was paid by American Media Inc., the owner of the National Enquirer, for her story which it then did not publish in an operation known as 'catch and kill.'

David Pecker, a longtime Trump friend who was CEO of the National Enquirer's parent company, got an immunity deal from Mueller to divulge his part in the plot.

Cohen arranged for a $130,000 payment to Daniels, which prosecutors say violated campaign finance law prohibitions against donations of more than $2,700 in a general election.

Prosecutors said a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels violated campaign finance law

Prosecutors also said a $150,000 payment by American Media Inc. to silence former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal was an illegal corporate donation to the Trump campaign

A $150,000 payment by American Media Inc. to silence McDougal was an illegal corporate donation to the Trump campaign, prosecutors claim.

Both women claim affairs with Trump, which he has denied.

Prosecutors noted Cohen had implicated the president in the payments.

'Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of Individual-1,' the prosecutors wrote.

'Individual-1' refers to Trump.

Trump claimed the filings out on Friday vindicate him.

'Totally clears the President. Thank you!,' he tweeted.
The gender nonconforming star of Billons, Asia Kate Dillon, has been nominated for a Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the second time.

Dillon, 34, plays Taylor Mason, a gender non-binary intern turned prodigy on the Showtime show.

Dillon was born female but, after years of struggling with gender identity, removed all references to sex or gender from Twitter in 2015.

Asia Kate Dillon has been nominated for the Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Dillon plays the gender nonconforming character of Taylor Mason in Billions (right in character) and is non-binary in real life

Now, Dillon identifies as a female, non-gender conforming and pansexual, meaning attracted to people regardless of their sex or gender.

Dillon was nominated in the same category last year but lost out to David Harbour of the Netflix series Stranger Things.

Laverne Cox, a transsexual actress who starred with Dillon on Orange Is The New Black, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2013 and was twice nominated for an Emmy.

Dillon was submitted by Showtime for an Emmy earlier this year and wrote a letter to the television academy asking it to reconsider its categories - male and female - for non-binary actors.

Dillon did not receive a nomination in the end but the letter prompted MTV to merge its male and female categories in awards shows.

A spokesman for the Critics Choice Awards told DailyMail.com on Monday that it did not consider doing the same.

'There has been no formal consideration of merging female and male acting categories,' they said.

Dillon was assigned female at birth and always had gender identity issues but described reading the script for Billions and understanding their character as a 'lightbulb moment'. They are shown as a child, left, and earlier in their career

Dillon's Twitter bio includes their pronouns

In that letter Dillion said they would rather be considered an actor rather than an actress.

That preference is believed to have prompted the Emmy nomination category Dillion is now nominated for.

Dillon is yet to react to the news publicly.

In previous interviews, they have explained having a 'lightbulb moment' when they read the script for Billions and specifically how Taylor identified.

'When I got to the script for 'Billions' and the character breakdown for Taylor Mason, the character that I play, said female and non-binary, a little light bulb went off in my head.

'I did a little bit of research and discovered that female is an assigned sex and non-binary is in reference to gender identity and those are two different things.

'It finally helped me put language to a feeling that I'd had my entire life,' they said.

They now promote the saying 'sex is between the legs, gender is between the ears' to help others understand the difference.
They were all convicted of intentional disruption of services at an aerodrome

The protesters targeted a Boeing 767 plane being chartered by the Home Office

Protesters who chained themselves to a plane at Stansted Airport found guilty

Fifteen protesters who cut through Stansted Airport's perimeter fence and locked themselves together around a chartered deportation plane have been found guilty of an aviation security offence following a nine-week trial.

Prosecutor Tony Badenoch QC earlier told Chelmsford Crown Court that the group 'placed the safety of the airport in a likelihood of danger' through their actions.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said on Monday that all defendants had been convicted of intentional disruption of services at an aerodrome, contrary to section 1 (2) (b) of the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990.

Fifteen protesters who cut through Stansted Airport's perimeter fence and locked themselves together around a chartered deportation plane have been found guilty of an aviation security offence

The Boeing 767 jet targeted by the group, operated by Titan Airways, was chartered by the Home Office to transport people from UK detention centres for repatriation to Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone and the offence took place on March 28 2017.

Judith Reed, of the CPS, said after guilty verdicts were returned in the trial: 'Through their actions, these defendants intentionally grounded a Boeing 767 and caused significant disruption at Stansted Airport.

'Fifteen protesters used equipment such as industrial bolt cutters, chains, expanding foam, scaffolding poles and lock box devices to prevent the take-off of a plane.

The Boeing 767 jet targeted by the group was chartered by the Home Office to transport people from UK detention centres for repatriation to Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone on March 28 2017. The defendants will be sentenced on February 4

'These people placed themselves, the flight crew, airport personnel and police at serious risk of injury or even death due to their actions on the airfield.

'The CPS worked with the police to build a strong case which reflected the criminality of the defendants' actions, regardless of their motivation.'

In a statement issued by campaign group End Deportations, the so-called Stansted 15 said: 'We are guilty of nothing more than intervening to prevent harm.

'The real crime is the Government's cowardly, inhumane and barely legal deportation flights and the unprecedented use of terror law to crack down on peaceful protest.

'We must challenge this shocking use of draconian legislation, and continue to demand an immediate end to these secretive deportation charter flights and a full independent public inquiry into the Government's 'hostile environment'.

'Justice will not be done until we are exonerated and the Home Office is held to account for the danger it puts people in every single day.'

End Deportations said that a man who was set to be deported on the flight has since been granted a right to remain in the UK.

Raj Chada, partner from Hodge Jones & Allen who represented all 15 of the defendants, said: 'We are deeply disappointed by today's verdicts.

'In our view it is inconceivable that our clients were charged under counter-terrorism legislation for what was a just protest against deporting asylum seekers.'

Judith Reed, of the CPS, said after guilty verdicts were returned in the trial: 'Through their actions, these defendants intentionally grounded a Boeing 767 and caused significant disruption at Stansted Airport' [File photo]

The defendants, aged between 27 and 44, will be sentenced on February 4 at Chelmsford Crown Court.

They are: Helen Brewer, 28; Lyndsay Burtonshaw, 28; Nathan Clack, 30; Laura Clayson, 28; Melanie Evans, 35; Joseph McGahan, 35; Benjamin Smoke, 27; Jyotsna Ram, 33; Nicholas Sigsworth, 29; Melanie Strickland, 35; Alistair Tamlit, 30; Edward Thacker, 29; Emma Hughes, 38; May McKeith, 33 and 44-year-old Ruth Potts.

Twelve of the defendants' given addresses are in north London, Burtonshaw's is in Brighton, Potts's is in Bristol and McGahan's is in Reading.
Vijay Mallya, 62, outside Westminster Magistrates Court

A controversial tycoon known as the 'King of the Good Times' was ordered to be extradited back to India today on corruption charges.

The former chairman of the makers of Kingfisher beer Vijay Mallya, 62, has been embroiled in financial scandals since his airliner Kingfisher Airlines was wound up in 2012.

He is accused of fraudulently funnelling government loans given to the airline into 'vanity projects' including co-founding now defunct Formula One racing team Sahara Force India.

A group of Indian banks are seeking to recover more than 1bn in loans granted to the defunct airliner - which became India's second largest domestic carrier after launching in 2005.

District Judge Emma Arbuthnot today said the former Indian politician should be extradited, and referred her decision to Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary.

Her decision comes as India's fraud office probes claims he funnelled loans to the struggling airliner via other firms and hid personal assets.

Mallya, who was dressed in a dark suit, red tie and glasses has denied allegations of money laundering and fraud and branded them a 'witch-hunt'.

Diabetic Mallya, who also has heart problems, told of his 'disappointment' at today's ruling, saying he feared he would be denied medical treatment in India.

He added his legal teams were considering appealing the extradition ruling.

Speaking before leaving Westminster Magistrates' Court, he said: 'No reaction, disappointing that the judge found there's a Prima Facie case.'

District Judge Emma Arbuthnot today said the former Indian politician should be extradited, and referred her decision to Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary

Asked if he was 'hopeful' about future legal proceedings, he said: 'Let me not predict, there's no point predicting - as the judge observed herself, I've a good legal team and really, it's their job to figure out the next steps.

'I know the truth - that will come out in what we have to say. She talked about Formula One team sponsorship - what she missed was when 15m was sent back to the KPA when they needed it, when they were in difficulty.'

He added: 'India has damn good doctors, probably amongst the best in the world but whether I've access to them or not is a debatable conversation.'

Arguing he had cases to answer over conspiracy to defraud the Indian state-owned bank IDBI, Judge Arbuthnot said: 'I'm ordering an extradition, or rather I should say, I'm referring this matter to the Secretary of State.

'There's a misrepresentation that Kingfishers Airlines (KFA) was confident of meeting the short term challenges. Judging by the emails in 2009 KFA was not confident at all.

'If the background checks were applied the loans should not have been granted. I find a Prima Facie [at first glance] case to answer for a conspiracy to defraud which involves not just the KFA executives but also the named bankers in IDBI.

'I find there was misrepresentation about what the loans would be used for.

'These payments included what some might say were vanity projects.'

The judge's decision comes as India's fraud office probes claims the tycoon funnelled loans to the struggling airliner via other firms and hid personal assets

She said there was evidence loan payments were 'used to clear bills' and for 'sponsor payments' to his motor racing team in 2010.

'Essentially it appears that KFA was funding Dr Mallya's team,' she said. 'In 2011 they voluntarily refunded the KFA.

'It's either the case that the various continuing failures were by design and with a motive... or it is a case of a bank who were enthralled with a glamorous, body-guarded, flamboyant man who charmed and cajoled bankers to lose their common sense'.

There were laughs in the court as she rejected his human rights would be breached if he were placed in prison in India following his extradition.

The court was told that the prison he would go to, known as Barracks 12 in Mumbai is known a s a 'celebrity' prison.

It is described as having natural light, with at least a three metre square floor space recently refurbished with an ensuite bathroom.

Judge Arbuthnot added: 'A spell in custody will help him manage his intake of alcohol.'

Referring to divestments Mallya made in 2015, she said: 'I find the Prima Facie case that Dr Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money.'

He smiled as the judge warned him not to break his bail conditions as she released him from the dock.

She said: 'Of course if you don't turn up at a future hearing we will take your money away from you. So I wouldn't do that.'

Mark Summers, representing the Indian government, said he would apply for 260,334 in costs once the extradition was authorised.
Kevin Esterly, 45, was sentenced to 2.5 to 5 years in prison Monday after pleading guilty to misdemeanor corruption of a minor

A Pennsylvania man who frequently checked a teenager out of school without her mother's knowledge and fled to Mexico with her has been sentenced to two and a half to five years in prison.

Forty-five-year-old Kevin Esterly, a married father of four, was sentenced at an emotional hearing Monday after pleading guilty last month to misdemeanor corruption of a minor.

Two felony charges were dropped as part of the plea deal.

Esterly and the then 16-year-old teenager were found in Mexico on March 17, about two weeks after they disappeared from Allentown, Pennsylvania, where they lived.

The girl's family said the two met at church years ago, and the teenager was friends with one of Esterly's children.

Esterly apologized during his plea hearing but said the relationship was innocent. The teenager testified Monday on Esterly's behalf, saying they had no sexual contact.

Prosecutors have said she said it was her desire to flee the country, and after she told Esterly, he decided to join her.

Esterly was arrested in March after authorities tracked him and the girl, 16, down in a Mexican resort town two weeks after they disappeared from their Pennsylvania hometown

Esterly (pictured in March) pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor corruption of a minor charge in exchange for having his two felony charges dropped

'He said if I was going, he would have to go,' the teen said in court Monday, noting that Esterly was the closest thing she had to a father, according to The (Allentown) Morning Call.

'I realize Kevin made a horrible mistake and should have physically stopped me.'

The teen said that they had flown to Mexico on one-way tickets that she had purchased with her own money. Federal agents and Mexican authorities tracked them down in the Mexican resort town Playa del Carmen two weeks after they disappeared.

Lehigh County Court Judge Maria Dantos told Esterly he had ruined two families.

Esterly's estranged wife, Stacy, who filed for divorce shortly after the two were returned, testified tearfully Monday that she is struggling as a single mother, The (Allentown) Morning Call reported.

Esterly is a father of four. The teen girl he ran away with was one of his childrens' friends. The teen spoke in his support his sentencing, calling the the closest thing to a father she had

The teen said that she and Esterly (with his estranged wife Stacy and children) did not have any sexual contact and that she was intent on leaving the country and he decided to follow her

'My 11-year-old got approached on the school bus by an 8th-grader who asked if she was going to be a child molester like her father,' Stacy Esterly said.

The judge also expressed doubt about the contention that the relationship was never physical, telling Esterly that he had asked her to make 'some unreasonable leaps' about the relationship 'that I'm not willing to make.'

Prior to their disappearance, Esterly and the teen had gotten so close she often went on his family's vacations and the older man had often come to her home for meals, her mother said.

The teen had gone so far as to change school documents, listing Esterly as her step-father, enabling him to sign her out of school 10 times between November 13, 2017 and February 9, 2018, police said at the time they disappeared.

The teen's mother discovered the deception when she came to get the girl from school on February 9 and found that Esterly had already signed her out. The furious mom warned him to stay away from the teen.

Before fleeing town with the girl, Esterly withdrew $4,000 from his joint bank accounts with wife. The teen took her jewelry, passport and cash with her.
A white Columbia University student has enraged the campus after he was filmed launching a white superiority tirade at a group of students of color, shouting 'white people are the best thing that happened to the world' with a smile on his face.

Sophomore Julian von Abele's seemingly drunk and impassioned racist spiel was caught on video outside of Butler Library around 4am on Sunday.

'We built the modern world. Europeans built the modern world. We invented the science industry and you want to tell us to stop because Oh My God we're so bad. We invented the modern world!' the physics major student said in his bizarre and disturbed speech.

Columbia University student Julian von Abele was caught on video launching a white superiority tirade at a group of students of color on campus on Sunday at 4am

Von Abele seemed drunk as he launched his very passionate speech shouting 'Europeans built the modern world' to a group of students of color. A black student in the group retorted 'the modern world was built on slavery'

He smiled and jumped around as he yelled 'white people are the best thing that happened to the world!'

'We saved billions of people from starvation. We built modern civilizations. White people are the best thing that ever happened to the world!' he added.

Outraged students whipped out their phones to film von Abele as he slightly slurred his words and gained momentum in his harangue.

'Are you European?' one student asks.

'The modern world is built off of slavery, but go off sis,' a black girl says sarcastically.

By the end of the disturbing clip von Abele's jumping and shouting with glee.

'We are so amazing! I love myself and I love white people! F*** yeah white people! F*** yea white men! We made everything! I don't hate other people! I just love white men!'

'You f***ing degenerate,' a boy responds to his rant.

By the end the students are heard reeling from his speech, screaming 'Oh God' and 'No, no, no'. A black student is seen flipping her middle finger at the jumping and smiling student.

Von Abele is a second year student at the New York Ivy League school and according to his Twitter page he's an author, physicist, and ran in the 2016 presidential election as an Independent candidate.

The single tweet on his account from October 6, 2016 says: 'Let's end our corrupt, two-party system. Vote Julian in 2016.'

Amazon sells a 218-page book he published in 2015 called Physics Reforged:The New Theory of Parallel Universes, Hidden Dimensions, and the Fringes of Reality.

He also has several videos on YouTube explaining physics theories.

'We are so amazing! I love myself and I love white people! F*** yeah white people!' he shouted at the end of his disturbing speech. A girl in the group he was speaking to pictured above flipping him off

Von Abele is a second year student at the Ivy League school and according to his Twitter page he's an author, physicist, and ran in the 2016 presidential election as an Independent candidate

His racist rant was filmed outside of Butler Library (above) on Columbia University's campus on Sunday at 4am

The offensive clip was posted on Twitter by Columbia student Aala Nasir with the caption: 'Disappointed, but not surprised. Twitter do your thing #ColumbiaWhiteExcellence.' It's already racked up 1.35million views.

Von Abele hasn't responded to inquiries by the campus newspaper about his viral speech.

Columbia University released a statement saying the institution does not tolerate his message of white superiority.

'Statements of white racial superiority conflict with the Universitys core value of inclusivity as well as the educational work and research that take place on our campuses,' the university said.

'Although we cannot comment on the proceedings, this incident is already under investigation by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and we want to assure you that it will be investigated thoroughly, beginning with interviews of witnesses,' the statement added.

The Black Students' Organization at Columbia released a statement saying that von Abele also physically grabbed one of the people in the group and asked if black women like to date white men.

Now students are demanding he be expelled from the esteemed school for his harmful comments.

Freshman Kwolanne Felix, who was a part of the group harassed by von Abele, hopes the university will take serious actions.

'I really hope that Columbia takes further action. They should definitely try to talk to the students that were affected by that and ensure everyones okay because thats really hard to internalize,' she said to school paper The Columbia Spectator.

Von Abele is a sophomore at the Ivy League school majoring in physics. It's not yet clear what punishment the racist student will receive, if any

Columbia University released a statement on Monday saying that von Abele's white superiority speech conflicts with the University's core values. The university is yet to announce any penalty for his actions

School officials released this message after hearing of the racist incident

People on campus are now demanding his expulsion.

'There is only one socially acceptable outcome and that is to expel Julian von Abele from Columbia university. You have to show there are serious consequences for his type of racist behaviour,' Twitter user Jay Smith said.

'This is disgusting. You need to expel this student as he doesnt deserve to be affiliated with this university. He is a white supremacist,' one Twitter user wrote.

'As an alumna, I am infuriated by this. Please do the right thing and expel this student. Dont enable white supremacy,' a Columbia alumna said.

Julian von Abele's white superiority rant 'We built the modern world. Europeans built the modern world. We invented the science industry and you want to tell us to stop because Oh My God we're so bad. We invented the modern world! 'We saved billions of people from starvation. We built modern civilizations. White people are the best thing that ever happened to the world! 'We are so amazing! I love myself and I love white people! F*** yeah white people! F*** yea white men! We made everything! I don't hate other people! I just love white men!' Advertisement

Some users were quick to correct von Abele's claims that Europeans founded mathematics and science, stating they appeared in early cultures in the Middle East, northern Africa, Greece, India and China before Western Europe.

'While Europeans were pouring out sh*t into the street and dying of the black plague, Muslims in Africa invented algebra,' one Twitter user wrote.

'Privileged white dude says white people invented math. Nope. Just Nope. Maybe @Columbia can teach him something about the Persians, or Egyptians, or Chinese, or Mayan, or Greeks. Eurocentric education doesnt tell the whole story,' another added.

'The way he phrased his view. "White people are the best thing that happened to the world"... According to Native Americans? Africans? According to whom? White people. Europeans slaughtered, pillaged and raped their way to modernity,' one Twitter user said.

It's still not clear if any disciplinary measures will be taken against von Abele.

The racist video is just one of a slew of hate crimes targeting students of color at universities across the nation.

Last year a black student at Cornell was viciously physically beaten by other students in a racially motivated attack.

In 2016 Harvard students received a shocking email with the subject line 'Fight white genocide - vote Trump', according to the Harvard Crimson.

Just last month swastikas were found spray painted in a Jewish Columbia University professor's office.
Theresa May won her Tory confidence vote after promising not to lead the party into the 2022 general election.

These are some of the leading contenders to replace her:

Boris Johnson - 7/2

How did they vote on Brexit?

Led the Vote Leave campaign alongside Michael Gove.

What is their view now?

Hard line Brexiteer demanding a clean break from Brussels. The former foreign secretary is violently opposed to Theresa May's Chequers plan and a leading voice demanding a Canada-style trade deal.

What are their chances?

Mr Johnson's biggest challenge could be navigating the Tory leadership rules.

He may be confident of winning a run-off among Tory members but must first be selected as one of the top two candidates by Conservative MPs.

Now rated as favourite by the bookies, Boris Johnson's (pictured leaving parliament last night) biggest challenge will be navigating the Tory leadership rules

Dominic Raab - 9/2

How did they vote on Brexit?

Leave, with a second tier role campaigning for Vote Leave.

What is their view now?

Mr Raab was installed as Brexit Secretary to deliver the Chequers plan but sensationally resigned last month saying the deal was not good enough.

What are their chances?

His resignation from the Cabinet put rocket boosters under Mr Raab's chances, fuelling his popularity among the hardline Brexiteers. May struggle to overcome bigger beasts and better known figures.

Newly installed as Brexit Secretary, Dominic Raab (pictured on Tuesday) is trying to negotiate Theresa May's Brexit deal

Sajid Javid - 5/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Remain but kept a low profile in the referendum.

What is their view now?

Pro delivering Brexit and sceptical of the soft Brexit options.

What are their chances?

Probably the leading candidate from inside the Cabinet after his dramatic promotion to Home Secretary. Mr Javid has set himself apart from Mrs May on a series of policies, notably immigration.

Sajid Javid (pictured leaving the Houses of Parliament this evening) is probably the leading candidate from inside the Cabinet after his dramatic promotion to Home Secretary

Michael Gove - 7/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Leave

What is their view now?

He has said Theresa May's Chequers blueprint for Brexit is the 'right one for now'. But he recently suggested a future prime minister could alter the UK-EU relationship if they desired.

What are their chances?

He came third in the first round of voting in 2016, trailing behind ultimate winner Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom. Mr Gove has said it is 'extremely unlikely' that he would stand again. But he popular in the party and is seen as an ideas man and a reformer by many, and he could change his mind if Theresa May is shown the door.

Michael Gove appeared to rule himself out of the race in recent days, but he ran last time and is popular among many in the party. He is pictured outside the Houses of Parliament today

Jeremy Hunt - 7/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Remain.

What is their view now?

The Foreign Secretary claims the EU Commission's 'arrogance' has made him a Brexiteer.

What are their chances?

Another top contender inside Cabinet, Mr Hunt's stock rose during his record-breaking stint at the Department of Health and won a major promotion to the Foreign Office after Mr Johnson's resignation. Widely seen as a safe pair of hands which could be an advantage if the contest comes suddenly.

Jeremy Hunt's stock rose during his record-breaking stint at the Department of Health and won a major promotion to the Foreign Office after Mr Johnson's resignation

David Davis - 10/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Leave.

What is their view now?

Leave and a supporter of scrapping Mrs May's plan and pursuing a Canada-style trade deal with the EU.

What are their chances?

The favoured choice of many hard Brexiteers. Seen as a safer pair of hands than Mr Johnson and across the detail of the current negotiation after two years as Brexit Secretary. He could be promoted a caretaker to see through Brexit before standing down.

Unlikely to be the choice of Remain supporters inside the Tory Party - and has been rejected by the Tory membership before, in the 2005 race against David Cameron.

David Davis (pictured outside the Houses of Parliament today) is seen as a safer pair of hands than Mr Johnson and across the detail of the current negotiation after two years as Brexit Secretary

Amber Rudd - 14/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Remain. Represented Britain Stronger in Europe in the TV debates.

What is their view now?

Strongly remain and supportive of a second referendum - particularly given a choice between that and no deal.

What are their chances?

Popular among Conservative MPs as the voice of Cameron-style Toryism, Ms Rudd is still seen as a contender despite resigning amid the Windrush scandal - and she was boosted further by her return to Cabinet as Work and Pensions Secretary on Friday night. She is badly hampered by having a tiny majority in her Hastings constituency and would not be able to unite the Tory party in a sudden contest over the Brexit negotiation.

Popular among Conservative MPs as the voice of Cameron-style Toryism, Amber Rudd (pictured leaving parliament this evening) is still seen as a contender despite resigning amid the Windrush scandal

Jacob Rees-Mogg - 14/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Leave.

What is their view now?

Leave and recently branded Theresa May's Brexit U-turn a 'humiliation' which has left her deal 'defeated'.

What are their chances?

As chair of the European Research Group (ERG) bloc of Tory Eurosceptics he has been urging MPs to replace Mrs May for weeks.

Pro-Brexit supporter, Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, walks through members of the media and anit-brexit demonstrators as he walks near to the Houses of Parliament in London yesterday

Penny Mordaunt - 14/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Leave.

What is their view now?

Leave and subject of persistent rumour she could be the next to quit Cabinet over Mrs May's Brexit deal.

What are their chances?

Possible dark horse in the contest, Ms Mordaunt is not well known to the public but is seen as a contender in Westminster. Known to harbour deep concerns about Mrs May's Brexit deal, but has stopped short of resigning from Cabinet.

Possible dark horse in the contest, Penny Mordaunt (pictured in Downing Street) is not well known to the public but is seen as a contender in Westminster

Andrea Leadsom - 16/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Leave.

What is their view now?

Ms Leadsom said in late November that she was backing the withdrawal agreement struck with Brussels because it 'delivered' on the referendum result.

What are their chances?

Leader of the Commons since June, Andrea Leadsom found herself at the centre of controversy in the 2016 leadership campaign when comments she made were interpreted as a claim that she would be a better PM than Mrs May because she was a mother. Asked recently whether Mrs May was the right person to be leading the country, she said she is 'at the moment'.

Andrea Leadsom, Leader of the House of Commons, arrives at Downing Street on Thursday last week

Gavin Williamson - 33/1

How did they vote on Brexit?

Remain.

What is their view now?

Mr Williamson tweeted today: 'The Prime Minister has my full support. She works relentlessly hard for our country and is the best person to make sure we leave the EU on 29 March and continue to deliver our domestic agenda.'

What are their chances?

He backed Remain in the referendum and pledged his support for Mrs May in the 2016 leadership contest but has since been mentioned as a potential future Tory leader.
A Texas judge on Monday accepted a controversial plea deal sparing a former Baylor University fraternity president accused of rape any jail time, prompting outrage from the victim and her parents.

Judge Ralph Strother signed off on the plea agreement for 24-year-old Jacob Walter Anderson, who was indicted on sexual assault charges and pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of unlawful restraint.

A no contest plea means a defendant does not admit guilt, but will offer no defense.

Former Baylor University fraternity president Jacob Anderson, 24, walks out of the courtroom Monday after a judge accepted a plea deal sparing the accused rapist jail time

Anderson (pictured in court Monday, left), was given three years of deferred probation, ordered to seek counseling and pay a $400 fine

The deal from prosecutors allowed Anderson to receive three years of deferred probation. The ex-Phi Delta Theta president agrees to seek counseling and pay a $400 fine.

He will not be forced to register as a sex offender.

The unnamed former Baylor student who accused Anderson of violently and repeatedly raping her at a party in 2015 said she was 'devastated' by the judge's decision and described the county's justice system as 'severely broken.'

An online petition had been created to oppose the plea bargain, which the woman said more than 85,000 people have signed.

According to court records, Anderson's accuser said she was at the Phi Delta Theta party on February 20, 2015, in South Waco when someone handed her a glass of punch and told her to drink it.

She said she soon became disoriented and that Anderson took her outside to a secluded area in the backyard so she could get some air, at which point he sexually assaulted her, according to police reports.

The woman lost consciousness and woke up alone in the same area, lying face down in her own vomit, reports indicate.

A friend later took her to the hospital for a sexual assault examination.

Anderson was expelled from Baylor following the private Christian university's investigation.

In her searing victim impact statement on Monday, Anderson's accuser, known only as Donna Doe, described her alleged rape at the hands of the fraternity president in graphic detail, saying that he repeatedly orally and vaginally penetrated her.

The then-19-year-old Baylor freshman said she was a virgin saving herself for marriage until that night, reported KVUE.

The victim, known as Donna Doe, read her impassioned impact statement in court, condemning Anderson and the county's justice system

'I had no control over my body and no way to stop him,' the woman said of Anderson. 'When I collapsed on the ground he pulled down his pants and shoved his penis in my mouth and down my throat gagging me.

'When he forcefully picked me up and shoved me into a wall to rape me vaginally from behind he calmly and coldly said Its fine. Youre fine.'

The woman told the court that after she lost consciousness, Anderson left her for dead in the dirt.

'He had taken what he wanted, had proven his power over my body. He then walked home and went to bed without a second thought to the ravaged, half dead woman he had left behind.

The victim went on to say she believes that Anderson will go on to rape again, and slammed Assistant District Attorney Hillary LaBorde and McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna for letting a rapist run free in society without any warning to future victims.

His victim said Anderson (left and right) repeatedly orally and vaginally raped her, gagged her with his penis and left her for dead in the dirt at a party in 2015

Reyna, who was not present at Monday's hearing, later issued a statement defending the plea agreement.

The McLennan County District Attorneys office is known throughout the state for our aggressive prosecution of sexual assault cases, to say otherwise is simply absurd, he said.

Let us remind everyone that our oath is to seek justice. In pursuit of that ideal, we must evaluate each case alone on its own merit. Early in this case, law enforcement believed that the victim may have been drugged and this belief has been widely disseminated in the media; however, the evidence did not support that theory.

This office stands by the plea offered and believes we have achieved the best result possible with the evidence at hand.

KWTX reported that the victim and her family learned of the plea deal from an email sent by LaBorde, who explained her decision not to try the case against Anderson to trial by pointing to what she described as a very similar case that she only recently lost at trial.

In light of the similarities between the cases, its my opinion it would be worse to try Anderson and lose and have the entire matter wiped from his criminal history than to accept this plea offer, LaBorde argued.
Gun violence has cut the average life expectancy of African Americans by four years  roughly twice the loss of years that white Americans are experiencing, according to a new study.

Overall, gun violence has shortened the life expectancy of Americans by 2.5 years, according to a new study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.

Researchers, led by a professor at Boston University School of Medicine, reviewed federal gun violence data for the period of 200-2016, finding that the life expectancy for black Americans has declined by 4.14 years, while white Americans lost 2.23 years.

This chart compares the days of life expectancy lost to gun violence among white Americans and African Americans. The life expectancy of African Americans was significantly more impacted by gun violence

Among black Americans, gun violence tended to take lives earlier and at the hands of other people, while white Americans were much more likely to die of suicide by gun, the study found.

Researchers did not measure how gun violence affects Hispanic Americans and other ethnic groups, citing limitations in how federal data is reported.

From 2015-2016, 27,394 people were killed with a gun, according to the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An additional 44,955 died of firearm suicides.

Federal data shows the average American's life expectancy in 2017 declined slightly to 78.6 years of age, however death rates varied widely depending on the demographic.

For example, black men died at a rate of 1,083 deaths per 100,000 people, while the rate for white men was 885. Among black women it was 728 per 100,000, compared to 642 among white women.

This chart compares the days of life expectancy lost to suicide by gun among white Americans and African Americans. The life expectancy of white Americans was significantly more impacted by suicide by gun

The CDC's most recent estimates for race-specific life expectancies (published in 2015) places white Americans at 78.9 years, while black Americans were expected to live until age 75.5.

Researchers said the discrepancy is 'driven by substantially higher homicide rates among blacks up to age 20.'

The amount of life expectancy lost to gun violence totals 3.41 years among African Americans and 0.51 among white Americans.

However white Americans lost more years due to firearm-related suicide  1.62 years compared to 0.6 years among African Americans.

Researchers said the discrepancy in life expectancy was exacerbated by the fact that black Americans tend to be killed with a firearm when they are still young, while white Americans tend to commit suicide by gun at a much later stage in life.
It was the place where Sean Penn punched someone over Madonna. Where Jack Nicholson partied with Meryl Streep. Where Prince wooed women with his hit 'Kiss'.

This wasn't the glitzy Studio 54 in Manhattan, or Hollywood's scandal-ridden Viper Room. This was Helena's, where photos weren't allowed and celebrities went wild.

At the helm was Helena Kallianiotes, who escaped from Greece in a refugee boat after World War II and went on to open the premier A-listers spot in Los Angeles.

Now Kallianiotes and her star-studded guest list are talking about the club for the first time since its heyday more than 30 years ago.

Helena Kallianiotes (pictured in 2011) has opened up for the first time about her famous 1980s Los Angeles nightclub Helena's - which attracted Hollywood's A-listers

Kallianiotes (pictured in 2016) opened Helena's in Los Angeles' gang-ridden Eastside neighborhood in 1985

'It was so much fun because that was the thing: to dance, hang out at Helena's and do drugs,' Melanie Griffith told The Hollywood Reporter.

'Everybody was coked out and getting laid,' added Rita Wilson.

Kallianiotes, who worked throughout the 1970s as an actress and belly dancer, opened Helena's in Los Angeles' gang-ridden Eastside neighborhood in 1985.

By that point Kallianiotes, now 80, had tired of acting and decided to convert the studio where she had previously taught folk and belly dancing.

And it wasn't long before Helena's became an instant hit with Hollywood elite, banning all press, agents, lawyers, and - of course - paparazzi.

Soon the membership waiting list filled with names like Barbara Streisand, Michael Douglas, Joni Mitchell, Kathryn Bigelow, and Gus Van Sant.

There were rock stars like Elton John and Rod Stewart on the dance floor and George Michael spinning records in the DJ booth.

Ellen Barkin once lost a diamond bracelet in Helena's toilet and Justin Bateman would attend poetry nights with Robert Downey Jr.

Kallianiotes had previously worked as an actress and belly dancer in Hollywood. She was especially known for her role in Five Easy Pieces (pictured) in 1970

'Prince on the dance floor, Paul Getty in his wheelchair doing circles, Sean Penn punching someone over Madonna,' Anjelica Huston recalled.

'People being themselves - it just happened a bunch were really famous.'

That included flirting with each other, with Prince once putting the moves on Rosanna Arquette at Helena's.

Prince on the dance floor, Paul Getty in his wheelchair doing circles, Sean Penn punching someone over Madonna

'Prince's bodyguard told me, "Prince wants to dance with you". I told him, "Tell him to ask me himself,"' she recalled. 'He did. He put on Kiss.'

Kallianiotes charged anywhere from $500 to $3,000 for annual membership, and counted Huston, Penn, Madonna, and Marlon Brando among her charter members.

'They poured in and it was like sardines on the dance floor,' Kallianiotes recalled of her opening night.

'Ever since then, I had to work the door. I started to make it membership.'

Nicholson, a close friend of Kallianiotes who went on to platonically share a house with her for 27 years, was an early investor at Helena's and at the club every Friday.

It was he who told her to stop giving bottled water for free, yelling to her one night: 'Helena, charge them for the water! They can afford it!'

Jack Nicholson, a close friend of Kallianiotes, was an early investor in Helena's. It is also where he met Rebecca Broussard (pictured together in 1990). She went on to have two of his kids

Nicholson met Rebecca Broussard, the future mother to two of his children, while she worked as a waitress at the club.

'I was about ready to move back to Kentucky when Helena called me and said "Becks, I want you to come work for me,'" Broussard recalled.

Helena's was also where Nicholson once threw a birthday party for Huston, who he dated on and off for 17 years, and even rented a baby elephant. The baby elephant urinated for five minutes on the dance floor.

'Working at Helena's was such a grand experience. Helena really took care of her clientele, which included more celebrities than any awards show you'd ever go to.'

'She made them feel safe, and it was almost a family atmosphere. In retrospect, Helena's had an innocence. You can't even imagine innocence at a club in the '80s, but it was innocent.'

Helena's was also where Nicholson once threw a birthday party for Huston, who he dated on and off for 17 years, and even rented a baby elephant.

The baby elephant urinated for five minutes on the dance floor.

While Kallianiotes said Helena's wasn't like Studio 54 'where you have to have good shoes', there was still a list and bodyguards at the front door.

'Helena would pick who came in,' Virginia Madsen recalled. 'Somehow she would know if a person just wanted to meet a famous guy, and they weren't allowed in.'

'Not that there wasn't networking. I think somebody once said, "Helena's: Where every dance is a career move.'"

Kallianiotes would also often encourage certain people to sit together, sometimes even mending those embroiled in the middle of lawsuits with each other.

Sean Penn and Madonna (pictured together in 1986) were frequent guests at Helena's. Penn once even punched a man over Madonna at the club

'It was a subdued intimate dinner club for the Hollywood elite,' said celebrity manager Loree Rodkin.

'You'd say hello to all your friends at one table, then go on to the next. It was a movable dining experience.'

Helena's was more than just a nightclub. The two-floor space, painted white and drenched in pink lights, also included a 20-table dining room.

On the menu were oysters, flourless chocolate cake, and a Greek garlic pasta.

'I remember Madonna coming up to me, saying "Helena, how can people dance when you have garlic here?"' Kallianiotes recalled.

Kallianiotes hired Marlon Brando's son Christian to do construction on the place before she opened, thus attracting the legendary actor as well.

'Marlon would come there every night to see his son's work,' she said. 'He was there all the time.'

Kallianiotes was happy to turn people away, including arms dealer Adan Khashoggi - despite his $10,000 bribe - and once accidentally said no to Prince.

'I said I despise royalty, no way can they get in ahead of everybody else,' she said.

After realizing her mistake, Kallianiotes gave Prince a table at Helena's every Friday.

'He used to bring his father in,' she said. 'He was as short as Prince.'

And while Kallianiotes was serious about her ban against cameras, that doesn't mean some still didn't try.

Paparrazi photographer Ron Galella once tried to take a picture of the clubgoers through a window at Helena's - only to get electrocuted.

Kallianiotes decided to open Helena's after giving up acting in the early 1980s. She is pictured here alongside Raquel Welch in the film Kansas City Bomber in 1972

And one vengeful waiter who had been fired tried to take pictures of the stars, before Penn chased him down the street and pulled the film out of the camera.

But it wasn't just the privacy that drew people to Helena's. It was Kallianiotes as well.

Huston, who met Kallianiotes at Nicholson's in the early 70's, was struck by the 'amazing-looking woman'.

'She had a tattoo on her upper arm that was a crucifix that said Mom,' Huston said.

'She was fascinating and scary. I soon learned that Helena has the gentlest of hearts.'

Kallianotes shut Helena's in 1991 after she was injured in a car accident.

'I came there for the Academy Awards in a huge cast on my leg,' she recalled. 'Everybody was sitting there: Meryl Streep, Jack, Sam Shepard.'

'Sam signed my cast, and I never went back.'

Kallianotes left Los Angeles for good in 2006 after she got caught up in a Colombian scam while trying to launch a spa franchise.

'I thought, I want to protect Jack's children, because I didn't know what I was involved in,' she said.

'It looked like I was involved with a guy in the cartel.'

Kallianiotes has spent the last decade in Puerto Vallarta, where she has been building an artist's retreat.

And while Helena's will never be immortalized in pictures, the haven that Kallianiotes created will be remembered for decades to come.
A Tennessee black nurse has accused a sheriff's deputy of being racist after she was questioned during a home visit with a white patient when somebody reported a suspicious person in the neighborhood.

Stephanie Dash, who works as a home health nurse in Nashville, was visiting an elderly patient last Wednesday when she claims she was racially profiled by the Williamson County Sheriff's deputy.

'I would like to give a special acknowledgement to Williamson County TN Deputy Rhonda Casillas for abusing her power as a officer and being rude along with treating me like a criminal in front of one of my patients yesterday,' Dash said in a fiery Facebook post.

'I've been doing home health for a year and a half and I've been a nurse for three years. Never have I ever experience something like this in my nursing career.'

Stephanie Dash, who works as a home health nurse in Nashville, was visiting a patient last Wednesday when she claims she was racially profiled by a Williamson County Sheriff's deputy

Dash claims she saw the deputy peering through her patient's window before knocking on the front door while she was treating the woman.

The sheriff's office said they were responding to reports of a suspicious person in the neighborhood who had been going door to door.

The home health nurse accused Rhonda Casillas of abusing her power and racially profiling after she was questioned last Wednesday

Dash, who continued to treat the woman, said the deputy proceeded to ask her patient who her nurse was and if she was meant to be there.

'The (patient) informed her that I was her home health nurse. Then she says 'well we got a call saying someone looked suspicious in the neighborhood and wasn't suppose to be here',' Dash wrote on Facebook.

'My patient again confirmed that I was suppose to be there. I had nursing equipment my work bag with my company logo on it, I had on scrubs and (a) stethoscope hanging from my neck.

'She still was not convinced.'

Dash said she went to her car to retrieve her identification to prove she was the woman's nurse.

'She continues to question me to the point where I said okay I'm calling my company. Immediately I request my boss. With the phone on speaker, my boss immediately asked are y'all saying she looked suspicious because she's black. The sheriff says no,' she said.

Dash said the deputy kept questioning the patient to see if the nurse was meant to be there, asking: 'If she's not suppose to be here just say it' and 'Are you sure you know her?'.

Dash claims multiple sheriff's deputies responded to her patient's home while she was being questioned following reports of a suspicious person in the neighborhood

Frustrated, Dash said she packed up her medical equipment and tried to leave but was held for five minutes because two additional law enforcement vehicles had responded to the home.

"The treatment you gave was uncalled for. The way you handled the situation was unprofessional, your attitude was disrespectful,' Dash said of the deputy.

'You are a racist, treating innocent people like they don't have the right to be in certain areas. I honestly don't feel like you deserve a badge.'

The sheriff's department said they are investigating the incident and looking for any audio or footage of the exchange.

Dash's company, Amedisys Home Health Nashville, has filed an official complaint with the sheriff's office about the nurse's treatment.
Nebraska man John Dalton Jr, 47, has been handed three life sentences and an additional 197 to 230 in prison on Monday in Douglas County court

A Nebraska man was given three life sentences plus a maximum of 230 years in prison for the grisly triple murder of his parents and his niece.

On Monday John Dalton Jr, 47, was handed the severe sentence for shooting dead his father John Dalton Sr, 70; his mother Jean Dalton, 65; and niece Leonna Dalton-Phillip, 18; on December 26, 2017.

However some heartbroken family members still feel uneasy as Dalton Jr failed to give a motive for the slayings.

On Monday he pleaded guilty to seven charges - three counts of first-degree murder and four gun-related counts, without offering any further explanation, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

'Theyre looking for answers  and theyre asking lots of questions  but sometimes there are none. Its just pure evil,' chief deputy Douglas County attorney Brenda Beadle said at the court hearing.

'If ever there was a case that warranted the maximum sentence, this is it,' she added.

He pleaded guilty to killing his parents John Dalton Sr, 70, and Jean Dalton, 65, and his niece on December 26, 2017 but failed to offer a motive on Monday at his sentencing hearing

He also pleaded guilty to killing his 18-year-old niece Leonna Dalton-Phillip

He was identified as the gunman in the killing that took place just after Christmas day by a six-year-old niece who hid under the couch of the home, police say.

Dalton Jr was later captured and arrested in Tennessee.

Autopsies revealed that Dalton Sr was shot five times, Jean four times, and Leonna twice, according to WOWT.

Douglas County District Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf handed down his three life sentences plus 197 to 230 in prison.

But this isn't the first time he's committed murder.

Dalton Jr was convicted of manslaughter after he pleaded guilty to shooting his then 22-year-old wife Shannon Dalton in the head in their home in 1998.

Police were summoned to a home in North Omaha on December 26, 2017 and declared Dalton Sr, his wife, and 18-year-old Leonna dead at the scene

Autopsies revealed that Dalton Sr was shot five times, Jean four times, and Leonna twice

He served more than 11 years in prison for his crime and was paroled in 2010.

He killed her while their three young daughters were in the home.

Dalton's youngest daughter Alicia spoke at his sentencing hearing.

She said when she heard of a shooting at her grandparents' home, her heart stopped.

By the day of the funeral her 'heart was buried'.

'In a matter of seconds everything I had was lost,' she said.
Nick Ayers, who walked away from one of the nation's most powerful posts and leaves President Donald Trump without a chief of staff next month, was set to receive a second-look at the fortune he amassed as a consultant of up to $54 million.

Ayers' decision to return to Georgia and tend to his three young children has disrupted Trump's effort to find a savvy new official to pilot his disorganized White House as he faces reelection and fends off the Russia probe and congressional Democrats.

Facing a tumultuous period, Ayers told Trump he would only accept the position on an interim basis, something the president did not want, the New York Times reported.

IN THE MONEY: Chief of Staff to Vice President Pence Nick Ayers, left, who took a pass on being President Trump's chief of staff, amassed a fortune of up to $54 million before joining the administration

However, Ayers' finances were also set to receive additional scrutiny were he to ascend to the post.

He was able to build a fortune valued at between $12 million and $54 million, according to his financial disclosure, though consulting arrangements that sometimes allowed him to profit off of ad-buys.

According to the disclosure, Ayers, just 36, valued his consulting business as valued at between $5 million and $25 million. He disclosed ownership of Holmstead LLC worth up to $5 million, and forestry and pecan land holdings in Georgia worth a up to $11 million.

He had two separate money market accounts worth between $1 million and $5 million each.

He listed no liabilities for him and his wife.

According to the Times, one of the factors weighing on him was the potential for 'newfound scrutiny' of his finances.

An administration official told DailMail.com that Ayers' finances 'were absolutely zero factor in him not serving as Chief of Staff.'

As chief of staff to Pence and an assistant to the president, 'he's filed a publicly available financial disclosure of all of his resources, as well as divested from business interests as necessary at the guidance of Office of Government Ethics. His finances have always been in the public domain,' according to the official.

Ayers amassed Georgia land holdings in pecans and forestry worth up to $11 million

FULL-TIME JOB: Ayers reportedly only wanted to run Trump's tumultuous White House on a short-term basis. Here Ayers is being sworn-in by Vice President Mike Pence (L), as his Chief of Staff with his wife Jamie Floyd and children in attendance, in this social media photo released by Vice President's office in Washington, DC, U.S., on July 28, 2017

Ayers, here being sworn-in by Vice President Mike Pence (L), has three triplets of school age. He plans to return to Georgia with wife Jamie Floyd

NOT PEANUTS: Ayers' Georgia land holdings, including pecan farms, are worth up to $11 million

The liberal watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed a complaint in November 'against 'Nick Ayers-linked dark money group' Freedom Frontier, a 501(c)4 tax exempt organization.

The group, which does not disclose it's donors, contributed more than $4 million to PACs in 2016. According to the complaint, most of the money went to the Missouri Senate race of Eric Greitens, attacking his opponents.

Ayers' disclosures show that he consulted both for Greitens and for Freedom Frontier. The group filed its tax returns more than a year late, and revealed that Clark Fork Group, LLC was its top independent contractor. That LLC also paid Ayers.

CNN reported that Ayers built up his fortune as a principal in Target Enterprises, an ad-buying firm where Ayers served as the media buyer for 'nearly every' race he worked since 2011.

This allowed Ayers to both bank a salary as a consultant and benefit from ad buys that flooded the airwaves. Although it is uncommon some consultants consider such arrangements to be unethical and some watchdogs have called it a potential conflict of interest.

'A source familiar with the matter insisted all of the candidates Ayers has serviced were aware of the financial arrangement behind his consulting,' according to the network.

Ayers started the firm Advance Media Capital in 2015 and was a partner at ad-buying firm Target Enterprises. His more recent political consulting was through C5 Creative Consulting.

Clients have included Pence's gubernatorial campaign, Eric Greitens' Missouri governor's race, and the campaign of Pence's successor, Eric Holcomb.

Ayers tweeted support for Trump over the weekend, after Kelly's departure was announced.

'Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause,' wrote.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ayers only wanted to accept the job on an interim basis, and Trump wanted him to agree to take it for two years. After his name had been floated prominently for weeks, he elected to return to his home state where he will help raise his school-age triplets.

Ayers ran Tim Pawlenty's 2012 campaign for president, which collapsed despite early buzz. Ayers got his start in politics working for Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue and ran Perdue's reelection campaign in 2006.
The chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei asked a Canadian court to grant her bail in exchange for collateral totaling more than $11million in real estate while promising to fund her own private security detail that would monitor her movements.

Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Huawei and daughter of its founder, was detained at the request of the U.S. during a layover at the Vancouver airport on Dec. 1 - the same day that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping of China agreed to a 90-day cease-fire in a trade dispute that threatens to disrupt global commerce.

The U.S. has accused Huawei of using a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

It also says that Meng and Huawei misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran.

In response to the arrest, China raised the pressure on the United States and Canada, where the arrest has roiled financial markets.

Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Huawei and daughter of its founder, was detained at the request of the U.S. during a layover at the Vancouver airport on Dec. 1. The sketch above shows her with her attorney at British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver on Monday

The U.S. has accused Huawei of using a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. Meng has argued that she should be allowed bail while vowing she would pay for her private security detail which would enforce the terms of her bail

Called by the defense, Scott Filer (left) of Lions Gate Risk Management group said his company would make a citizen's arrest if she breaches bail conditions. Stephen Tan (right), another defense witness, is the co-founder of electronic monitoring firm Recovery Science. If she is granted bail, he has also offered to help monitor Meng

The arrest of Meng Wanzhou (seen in the above handout photo), 46, has fueled U.S.-China trade tensions at a time when the two countries are seeking to resolve a dispute over Beijing's technology and industrial strategy

Her arrest has fueled U.S.-China trade tensions at a time when the two countries are seeking to resolve a dispute over Beijing's technology and industrial strategy.

Both sides have sought to keep the issues separate, at least so far, but the arrest has roiled markets, with stock markets worldwide down again Monday.

China formally protested to the ambassadors of both Canada and the United States over the weekend.

In urging the court to reject Meng's bail request, a prosecutor said Friday the Huawei executive had vast resources and a strong incentive to bolt: She's facing fraud charges in the United States that could put her in prison for 30 years.

On Monday, David Martin, Meng's lawyer, reiterated that Meng was willing to pay for a surveillance company to monitor her and wear an ankle monitor.

Called by the defense, Scott Filer of Lions Gate Risk Management group said his company would make a citizen's arrest if she breaches bail conditions.

Under the defense proposal, Meng's travels would be restricted to Vancouver and surrounding municipalities.

Stephen Tan, another defense witness, is the co-founder of electronic monitoring firm Recovery Science.

If she is granted bail, he has also offered to help monitor Meng, according to the South China Morning Post.

Protesters were seen outside the Vancouver, British Columbia courthouse before Meng's bail hearing on Monday

Martin said Meng's husband would put up both of their Vancouver homes plus $1million Canadian ($750,000 U.S.) for a total value of $15million Canadian ($11.2 million U.S.) as collateral.

The hearing has sparked widespread interest, and the courtroom was packed again Monday with media and spectators, including some who came to support Meng.

One man in the courtroom gallery brought binoculars to have a closer look at Meng, her lawyers and the prosecution team.

Outside court a man and woman held a sign that read 'Free Ms. Meng.'

Over the weekend, China's Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned Canadian Ambassador John McCallum and U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad.

Le warned both countries that Beijing would take steps based on their response.

Asked Monday what those steps might be, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said only that 'it totally depends on the Canadian side itself.'

The Canadian province of British Columbia has already canceled a trade mission to China amid fears China could detain Canadians in retaliation for Meng's detention.

Stocks around the world fell Monday over investor concerns about the continuing U.S.-China trade dispute, as well as the cloud hanging over Brexit negotiations after Britain's prime minister postponed a vote on her deal for Britain to exit the European Union.

In the U.S., stocks were volatile, tumbling in the morning and then recovering ground in the afternoon.

The Huawei case complicates efforts to resolve a U.S.-China trade dispute.

The United States has slapped tariffs on $250billion in Chinese imports, charging that China steals American technology and forces U.S. companies to turn over trade secrets.

Tariffs on $200billion of those imports were scheduled to rise from 10 percent to 25 percent on Jan. 1.

But over dinner Dec. 1 with Xi in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Trump agreed to delay the tariff increase for 90 days, buying time for more negotiations.

President Trump (far right) and President XI (far left) agreed to call a truce in their long-running trade dispute at the G20 last Saturday, the same day that Meng was arrested

Bill Perry, a trade lawyer with Harris Bricken in Seattle, said China's decelerating economy is putting pressure on Xi to make concessions before U.S. tariffs go up.

'They need a trade deal. They don't want the tariffs to go up to 25' percent, said Perry, who publishes the 'US China Trade War' blog.

'This is Damocles' sword hanging over the Chinese government.'

Huawei, the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies, has become the target of U.S. security concerns because of its ties to the Chinese government.

The U.S. has pressured other countries to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information.

Lu, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, accused unnamed countries of hyping the 'so-called' threat.

'I must tell you that not a single piece of evidence have they ever presented to back their allegation,' he said.

'To create obstacles for companies' normal operations based on speculation is quite absurd.'

Canadian officials have declined to comment on Chinese threats of retaliation, instead emphasizing the independence of Canada's judiciary and the importance of Ottawa's relationship with Beijing.
Theresa May's Commons Brexit showdown took a bizarre turn tonight - as she declared that she is 'not capable of a parliamentary ejaculation'.

She hit back after a Labour MP accused her of 'premature parliamentary ejaculation' after she pulled the crunch vote on her Brexit deal at the eleventh hour.

Getting to her feet during the tense Commons showdown, Labour MP Rupa Huq accused Mrs May of 'premature Parliamentary ejaculation'.

Dr Huq said: 'Nine times the Prime Minister assured us there would be no early General Election, yet still it happened.

'As recently as this morning her hapless ever-changing band of ministers were out on the airwaves assuring us there would be a meaningful vote tomorrow, before this latest twist - this sort of premature Parliamentary ejaculation - that has put the lie to the claim she sticks to her guns.

Getting to her feet during the tense Commons showdown, Labour MP Rupa Huq (pictured in the Commons today) accused Mrs May of 'premature Parliamentary ejaculation'

'When she won't even tell us when the vote is deferred to, it would appear the lady is for turning.

'How can we ever trust anything she ever says again?'

But the bizarre phrase was met with laughter in the Commons, and one MP could be heard loudly muttering 'wow, wow that's strong'.

Mrs May - Britain's second ever female PM - shot back: 'If she looks carefully, she will see I am not capable of a parliamentary ejaculation.'

The exchange happened after the PM humiliatingly told MPs that she was delayed the Commons vote on her Brexit deal to avoid a catastrophic defeat.

She has pledged to return to Brussels to push for concessions after swathes of Tories signalled they will not support the current package.

And she will kick off her European tour tomorrow morning by holding a meeting with the Dutch PM Mark Rutte in The Hague.

Mrs May faced an historic defeat by up to 200 votes in tomorrow's vote and must now come up with something to change the tide.

Taking to her feet in the packed Commons Chamber tonight to confirm the U-turn, she hinted that her Brexit deal could be delayed for six weeks.

The PM (pictured in the Commons today) hit back at the awkward comment, saying 'If she looks carefully, she will see I am not capable of a parliamentary ejaculation'

Mrs May said she would hold talks with EU counterparts over the coming days before heading for Brussels summit on Thursday.

'I will discuss with them the clear concerns that this House has expressed,' she said.

'We are also looking closely at new ways of empowering the House of Commons to ensure that any provision for a backstop has democratic legitimacy and to enable the House to place its own obligations on the government to ensure that the backstop cannot be in place indefinitely.

'Having spent the best part of two years poring over the details of Brexit.I am in absolutely no doubt that this deal is the right one.'
Producer and actor 50 Cent shared a post on Facebook giving prayers and condolences to his family

The production was halted following the crew members death whose been working on the show since it started filming in 2014

The driver remained on scene and Jimenez died at Brooklyn Hospital

Jimenez was setting up cones on a Brooklyn street when he was hit by a car

The Starz series Power has shut down production after one of their crew members, Pedro Jimenez, was killed in an on-set accident early Monday morning in New York City.

Production assistant Jimenez, 63, was setting up cones in Brooklyn at about 4.20am when he was hit by a 2006 Ford Explorer. The driver remained on the scene.

Jimenez was transported to Brooklyn Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Executive producer and actor, 50 Cent, released a statement following the news of Jimenez's passing.

'I just learned we lost Pedro Jimenez, a member of the Power production team early this morning. My prayers and condolences are with the entire Jimenez family,' the rapper and producer wrote in the post.

Production assistant Jimenez, 63 (not pictured) was setting up for a shoot in Brooklyn when he was hit by a car while setting up cones. Executive producer and actor 50 Cent (pictured left) paid tribute to him on Facebook. The production was halted for the day following the tragedy

50 Cent, who is an executive producer and actor on the show shared his condolences to the family on Facebook

'We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of the members of our Power family,' a Starz spokesperson said in a statement, according to Variety.

'Our thoughts are with Mr. Jimenez' family as we work to fully understand what has happened.'

Jimenez has been working with Power family since they began filming in 2014.

The NYPD's Highway Collision Investigation Squad is investigating.

Power is one of Starz's most popular programs and is going into its sixth season. Production goes on hiatus for the holiday season, it is unclear if they will restart again before the holidays.

The show was created by Courtney A. Kemp. Kemp also executive produces along with Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, Randall Emmett, Mark Canton and Gary Lennon.
Three teenage boys have been injured in a knife attack outside a school in Birmingham.

Following the attack, outside the University of Birmingham School, all three were rushed to hospital but none of the injuries is believed to be life threatening.

A doctor rode alongside one of the boys on the way to Birmingham Children's Hospital, from the the junction of Bristol Road and Weoley Park Road in the Selley Oak area of the city, where a fight was reported at around 4.20pm today.

Police and ambulances rushed to the scene outside the University of Birmingham School in Selley Oak earlier today

Five police cars, an armed police unit and two ambulances were at the scene earlier today following reports of a fight, the Birmingham Mail reported.

A spokesman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'Three youths have been taken to hospital after reports of an assault.

'West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the University of Birmingham in Weoley Park Road in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham at just before 4.25pm on Monday afternoon

The fight took place outside the University of Birmingham School in Selley Oak in Birmingham

'Three ambulances, a paramedic officer and the West Midlands Care Team with a doctor on board were sent to the scene.

'On arrival, ambulance staff treated three male youths. All three were taken to hospital, the doctor travelling with one of them. The injuries are not believed to be life threatening.'

West Midlands Police have been contacted for comment.
A teacher was criticized for circulating a letter warning students against having 'large Afros or other outlandish' hairstyles for an upcoming music performance.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Monday that vocal music teacher Steven Reeves' letter provoked fury on social media, with commentators saying the letter was targeting black students.

Reeves, who is black, was hired in August and his listed educational background said he had a masters degree and five years of experience.

Reeves sent a letter home to parents of his students (above) saying 'large afros or any other outlandish hairstyles' would not be acceptable on the night of an upcoming concert

Marlicia Robinson, whose daughter is in the choir, expressed disappointment about the letter

The letter instructed boys that they should 'receive appropriate barber attention' the evening before the concert.

'Mohawks, barber designs and large afros are unacceptable,' the letter said.

'Men with long hair (i.e. Dreadlocks or Braids) should devote the necessary attention to make sure that hair is neat and pulled behind the neck in a conservative ponytail style'.

In the letter which was given to parents, girls were 'strongly encouraged to visit the cosmetologist' the evening before the concert.

It added: 'Hair must be styled in a manner that will not draw any specific attention to an individual performer on stage.

'Therefore bright colors such as pink or red are not permissible'.

Pleasant Run Middle School apologized in a tweet on Saturday and said the letter wasn't approved by its administration department

Marlicia Robinson, whose daughter is in the choir, expressed disappointment about the letter, which was posted hundreds of times on Facebook and other social media channels over the weekend.

She told Local12: 'Them sending home something like this is sending a message that it's not okay to show up in our natural state.

'My daughter wears an afro to school on a regular basis. That's her regular hair style, she has a lot of hair.

'It's going to be large. That's just what her hair does, that's what our hair does as black people'.

The school apologized as the letter provoked fury from the school community on social media

He also wanted students to wear white shirts or blouses with black pants.

Students were warned they could be sent home and that their grades would be affected, if they didnt follow the guidelines he laid out.

'I think that it's his first year, he's a black teacher and I just think he didn't want to rock the boat,' Robinson added.

Pleasant Run Middle School apologized in a tweet on Saturday, saying the letter wasn't approved by its administration and 'does not reflect our views at all'.

It added that guidelines for the concert 'will be in alignment with prior years'.

In a post on the Northwest School District Facebook page, Reeves apologized for the letter and promised a new set of guidelines would be sent out on Monday.

He said: 'I wanted to send a note of apology for any negative feelings that were created due to the previous dress guideline communication.

'The wording and expectations were insensitive and were a mistake. My hope in the foreseeable future is to mend relationships that have been broken with students, parents, and the Pleasant Run Middle School community.

He added: 'If you would like to meet with me to discuss concerns going forward, please do not hesitate to reach out to get something scheduled'.

Northwest Local School District also apologized for the frustration the original language caused or breakdown in relationship that resulted from the original set of guidelines.

It added: 'The original student presentation guidelines were not approved and not reflective of how we feel in any way'.
A Toyah Cordingley supporters group has warned against vigilante threats aimed at a male nurse who flew to India after she was found dead on a Queensland beach.

Married father-of-three Rajwinder Singh, who has been named as a person of interest, boarded a plane just hours after Ms Cordingley's body was discovered by her father at Wangetti Beach on October 22.

The Honour Toyah Facebook page has urged its 10,500 members 'not compromise the investigation' and refrain from 'abuse, accusations or threats towards' Singh.

'Police are still pleading for information via Crimestoppers - obviously evidence is needed. Let's keep our focus on that,' a recent post reads.

A Toyah Cordingley (left and right) supporters group has warned against threats aimed at a male nurse who flew to India after her body was found on a Queensland beach

Married father-of-three Rajwinder Singh boarded a plane hours after Ms Cordingley was found dead at Wangetti Beach on October 22

The Honour Toyah Facebook page has urged its 10,500 members 'not compromise the investigation'

'Let's be aware this will be an immensely challenging time for Toyah's family and friends, many of whom are members of this page.'

Singh reportedly left behind his wife and three children when he flew to India the day Ms Cordingley's body was found, with his father Amar following him to their homeland to search for his son.

But neighbours of Singh have joined his family in saying the father-of-three is not a murderer, describing the hospital worker as a quiet family man.

'I still can't believe it, until he is actually charged, I cannot believe it because to me he was just a normal bloke,' neighbour Bill Liddell told Nine News.

'The community will never give up': The Honour Toyah Facebook group is fighting for #justicefortoyah

Miss Cordingley, who was described as a 'beautiful soul' by those close to her, was murdered on October 21

Kathleen Liddell said the whole family were sociable.

'They're always out the front and waving to us and asking how we are, they're really friendly,' she said. 'It's awful and I feel sorry for the family.'

Mr Singh's home in Innisfail, Far North Queensland was raided four weeks ago, with police reportedly confiscating a number of personal items.

He had been working as a nurse at Innisfail hospital for seven years and had a wife and three young children, including a baby, when he boarded a flight for his hometown of Amritsar in Punjab, India.

The body Ms Cordingley (left and right) nearby her dog, which was found alive and tightly bound to a tree

The tickets were purchased on the day of Ms Cordingley's death and he flew out less than 24 hours later, The Courier Mail reported.

Queensland Police said speculation surrounding the case was unhelpful.

'The Queensland Police Service will not be providing anything further other than the investigation is continuing,' a spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

'Speculation surrounding elements of the investigation are not helpful and have the potential to jeopardise it.'

A person of interest in the young woman's (pictured) murder left the country on the day her body was discovered

Ms Cordingley's body was found by her father Troy on Wangetti Beach (pictured)

Miss Cordingley, who was described as a 'beautiful soul' by those close to her, was murdered on October 21.

The pharmacy assistant was walking her dog along the secluded beach when she was attacked.

Her body was found the next morning by her father Troy almost one kilometre from where her car was parked.

Her dog was found alive and tightly bound to a nearby tree.

The far-north Queensland community rallied around her family, making hundreds of separate reports to Crime Stoppers, who continue to appeal for information.
Two people have been arrested in Ohio for plotting separate terror attacks that were allegedly inspired in part by Dylann Roof, Columbine and the recent mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

Elizabeth Lecron, 23, was arrested in Toledo, Ohio, for allegedly plotting a bomb attack on a bar which she believed was putting animals at risk by 'polluting' a river which ran behind it.

Prosecutors say she purchased explosives which she planned to use to make a pipe bomb and blow the property up.

Before her arrest, she communicated with Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof and made glorifying social media posts about Columbine.

Elizabeth Lecron, 23, was arrested in Toledo, Ohio, for allegedly plotting a bomb attack on a bar which she believed was putting animals at risk by 'polluting' a river which ran behind it

One of her Tumblr accounts was so offensive it was disabled. In its place, she made another one about Roof's massacre and called it the Charleston Church Miracle.

Separately, Damon Joseph, 21, was arrested in Holland, Ohio, for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a local synagogue.

Federal prosecutors say he Joseph, a Muslim convert who allegedly supports ISIS, was inspired by the recent massacre of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue in October.

It is unclear if Lecron and Joseph know each other or if they spoke about their separate alleged plots.

Lecron came to authorities' attention earlier this year after she spoke with an associate about plotting an attack in August.

She allegedly described it as an 'upscale mass murder' at a Toledo bar. It is unclear which bar she intended to target but she was known to recently work at Frickers in Maumee.

An undercover FBI agent then made contact with her to discuss her plans.

The agent learned that she glorified Dylann Roof and idolized the Columbine shooters.

She was one of four people to have contact with Roof, who remains behind bars awaiting execution, and tried to send him Nazi propaganda.

Lecron had written to Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof and, according to prosecutors, tried to send him Nazi materials in prison

Lecron had a Tumblr account titled 'CharlestonChurchMiracle' where she glorified Dylann Roof and other mass shooters including Chardon school shooter TJ Lane

In other posts, Lecron shared Parkland shooter Nicholas Cruz's Facebook profile picture

Lecron and a friend even traveled to Columbine in Corolado to visit the high school where Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold shot dead 13 then killed themselves in 1999.

On social media, Lecon described them as 'God like'.

Between August and December, she discussed arranging other anarchists in Toledo and allegedly discussed plotting to attack a live stock farm in order to set the animals free.

She dropped those plans when she could not find a suitable target, according to prosecutors, and moved forward with her plans for the bar, telling one FBI agent in September that she 'definitely want(ed) to make a statement up here.'

On December 4, she purchased two pounds of Hodgson Triple Seven Muzzleloading Propellan gunpowder and 665 screws of various sizes, some as large as three inches.

Afterwards, she told the informant: 'So I guess Ill talk to you when the deed is done?'

Until recently, she was working at Frickers bar in Maumee, Ohio. It is unclear if this was the bar she was plotting to attack but it is near a river. Prosecutors say she was angry because she believed the bar was polluting a nearby river and putting animals at risk

'Im very excited...stick it to him manbe safe.'

She is now in custody on one count of transportation of explosives and explosive material for the purposes of harming others and property.

Joseph was arrested in Holland, Ohio, which is 10 miles from Toledo.

He was allegedly plotting an attack on a synagogue in Toledo and was doing so out of his support of ISIS.

FBI agents were alerted to his profile at the start of 2018 when he began posting images promoting ISIS and displaying weapons.

Undercover agents began conversing with him and he shared materials with them which promoted ISIS recruitment, according to the US Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Ohio.

In October, he made statements in support of 'martyrdom operations' and stated: 'what must be done, must be done'.

Damon Joseph, a 21-year-old Muslim convert from Holland, Ohio, was arrested on separate charges for allegedly plotting an attack on a synagogue

Joseph is pictured on Monday being transported out of custody to court. He wanted to attack a synagogue with AR-15s and AK-47s

In another post, he said: 'There will always be casualties of war.'

After the October 27 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, he told the agent: 'I admire what the guy did with the shooting actually.

'I can see myself carrying out this type of operation inshallah. They wouldnt even expect [an attack] in my area...'

His plans intensified in December. On December 2, he said he had chosen the name Abdullah Ali Yusuf to use. Two days later, he told the agent that he was deciding between two synagogues and that he wanted to strike whichever one had more people there, allegedly saying: 'Go big or go home.'

He specifically said that he wanted to kill a rabbi and that he wanted to use AK-47s and AR-15s to carry out the attack.

After choosing the synagogue he wanted to attack, he told the agent 'he had conducted research to determine when the Jewish sabbath was so that more people would be present,' according to prosecutors.

'Joseph pulled up photographs of the inside of the synagogue and said he wanted the attack to begin in the sanctuary.

'Joseph told the undercover agent that he would hide two semi-automatic rifles at his house once the undercover purchased them,' a statement issued on Monday by the US Attorney in Northern Ohio said.

On December 7, he was arrested after accepting two rifles which had been rendered inoperable by FBI agents.

He remains in custody on charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham.
Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said Monday that the internet giant steers clear of 'political bias,' arguing that this is a core principle of its business to maintain trust of users.

Pichai also said privacy and security are essential parts of Google's mission, and that the company is committed to working with the US government 'to keep our country safe and secure.'

The prepared remarks released Monday, a day ahead of Pichai's appearance at the House Judiciary Committee, come with Google under fire on several fronts, on issues around political bias, data security and its domination of internet search.

Pichai strongly denied claims made by by President Donald Trump and his backers earlier this year that Google operates with a political agenda that suppresses conservative voices.

'Users also look to us to provide accurate, trusted information,' he said. 'We work hard to ensure the integrity of our products, and we've put a number of checks and balances in place to ensure they continue to live up to our standards.'

Pichai said Google strives to offer 'platforms for diverse perspectives and opinions' without promoting its own agenda.

'I lead this company without political bias and work to ensure that our products continue to operate that way. To do otherwise would go against our core principles and our business interests,' he said.

Pichai said that Google -- which earlier Monday speeded up the shutdown of its Google+ social network after a second data security bug was discovered -- supports federal privacy legislation, without offering specifics.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai will testify before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday in his first formal appearance before lawmakers

Both Democrats and Republicans on the committee are promising tough questions at Tuesday's hearing, which begins at 10 am ET

'Protecting the privacy and security of our users has long been an essential part of our mission,' he said.

The tech CEO also sought to allay concerns that Google was snubbing American values by its decision this year to drop out of the bidding for a major Pentagon cloud computing project.

'Even as we expand into new markets we never forget our American roots,' he said.

'It's no coincidence that a company dedicated to the free flow of information was founded right here in the US. As an American company, we cherish the values and freedoms that have allowed us to grow and serve so many users.'

Topics are expected to include Google's handling and protection of user data, privacy practices, disinformation campaigns, and its plans for China, including the development of a search engine that will comply with Beijing's censorship rules.

Republicans are expected to ask about concerns that conservative voices are being stifled online and in search results.

And Pichai could get asked about the company's sexual harassment policy.

Last month, more than 20,000 Google employees around the world walked out in protest of the company's handling of sexual harassment and discrimination claims.

But the appearance will also test Pichai's ability to be the public face of the search engine giant.

'It remains to be seen whether he can step up and be the kind of diplomat and statesman Google requires him to be,' Arun Sundararajan, a business professor at New York University, told The Wall Street Journal. 'He has, for most of his career, been a product guy.'

Pichai was the White House on Thursday for a meeting between White House officials and tech execs, including representatives from Microsoft, Oracle, IBM and Qualcomm.

President Donald Trump stopped by but it was Ivanka Trump who took the lead.

The use of artificial intelligence was the main item on the agenda.

Pichai is dipping his toe in the political well in the wake of waves caused by his predecessor Eric Schmidt, who had powerful political allies in both parties and counted former President Barack Obama as a friend.

Google had some of its political peaks in the Obama years when it beat an antitrust probe and secured favorable policies on net neutrality, online liability and copyright issues.

But the political winds have shifted since then for online companies.

Lawmakers are examining the need for stronger federal protections governing the collection of online data and some Republicans complain there is a suppression of conservative speech.

President Trump has tweeted his complaints about the company, charging Google's search results are rigged.

Both Democrats and Republicans on the committee have made clear that they don't plan to go easy on Google in the hearing and Pichai could face the same anger Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg saw when he sat before Congress in April.

'Americans put their trust in big tech companies to honor freedom of speech and champion open dialogue, and it is Congress' responsibility to the American people to make sure these tech giants are transparent and accountable in their practices,' said Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) in a statement to Axios.

Democratic Rep. David Cicilline, who sits on the committee, told The New York Times: 'We need to restore competition and protect our rights online.' He added: 'The promise of an open internet is fundamentally threatened by the ability of a few powerful gatekeepers to bully competitors, cripple innovation and exploit consumers. This must be a top priority going forward.'

Pichai's predecessor Eric Schmidt was close with President Barack Obama

Lawmakers left an empty chair in September when Google skipped a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing

Pichai has kept a low profile since becoming Google's chief in 2015.

A native of Chennai, India, he worked his way up the ranks at the company, starting as an engineer.

He has already made overtures.

The company angered lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in September, when it failed to send top leaders to appear at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing along Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey. Lawmakers left an empty chair at the witness table to symbolize Google's absence.

Pichai flew to Washington D.C. around that time for individual meetings with lawmakers - and agreed to Tuesday's committee hearing.
Amazon delivery driver, Perez Johnson, 29, was arrested for stealing a package on a porch where he had delivered to before

An Amazon delivery driver has been arrested after he took the bait and stole packages fitted with GPS devices.

Perez Johnson was taken into custody after he snagged the tagged boxes from an unattended from a home in Aloha, Oregon - a property he had already delivered to.

The incident happened in the area of Aloha around 6.40pm Sunday.

The Washington County Sheriff's office also tagged the package with an alarm that alerted deputies as soon as it was snatched off the porch.

While some thieves follow behind delivery trucks, the 29-year-old Amazon delivery driver, Johnson, admitted to taking the bait package after leaving a legitimate delivery at the same address, according to Oregon Live.

When deputies tracked the GPS'd bait package they found it in Johnson's black Nissan Altima.

They also found 18 other Amazon packages that never made it to their destination.

Police had outfitted a bait package with a GPS tracker and an alarm to let them know when the package was taken. When they tracked it they found 18 other packages (pictured) inside Johnson's personal vehicle. Everything was returned to the rightful addressees

Video courtesy of KOIN.

The sheriff's deputies took the packages and 'personally delivered the remaining packages that had been found inside the suspect's vehicle to their addresses to avoid any delay in receipt.'

Johnson was arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail on charges of second-degree theft.

This is the fourth year the sheriff's office has implemented the theft protection program that uses GPS tracking to find packages stolen from people's porches.

The Washington County Sheriff's office says it has doubled its bait packages to be left on doorsteps as the program has become more successful.
A traveling businessman from Oregon has been charged with sexually assaulting and battering a 27-year-old woman he met in a hotel bar in Minnesota last month.

Jimmy Jay Hortiz, 42, was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on December 1 on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct causing injury and third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm.

According to a criminal complaint, on November 30, officers with the Bloomington Police Department responded to the Fairview Southdale Emergency Room for a report of a sexual assault.

Jimmy Hortiz (left and right), 42, of Oregon, was arrested in Minnesota on December 1 on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and third-degree assault

Hortiz is accused of hitting, choking and sexually assaulting a woman he met on November 30 in a bar at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington after a night of drinking

A woman being treated at the ER told police that earlier in the evening, she had been drinking with some people in the Double Tree Hotel bar and became intoxicated to the point of having lapses in her memory.

The victim said at some point during the night, she found herself in Jimmy Hortiz's hotel room.

The woman insisted that she did not give her consent to have sex with the 42-year-old, whom she described as 'old and gross.'

According to the compliant cited by Minneapolis Star Tribune, Hortiz flew into a rage and began choking the woman 'to the point that she believed she would die.'

The victim claimed that Hortiz punched her, dragged her by the hair and drove her head into a dresser.

The document states that the woman was left with a black eye, bruises, apparent ligature marks on her neck and injuries to her genitals.

The woman eventually fled the room and ran to the hotel lobby, where she suffered a panic attack. She was found by staff wearing an oversize man's T-shirt and mismatched socks.

When police responded to the hotel and went to interview Hortiz, the 42-year-old initially denied having anyone in his room, but claimed that he heard a woman's screams earlier and was concerned.

Hortiz, who has a girlfriend, initially denied having anyone in his room. After police found evidence to the contrary, he said he had no sexual contact with the victim

However, a search of the room uncovered long strands of hair, bloodied sheets and the victim's torn bra and other items of clothing stashed in the drop ceiling.

Hortiz then changed his story, telling police that the woman was in his room but denying that they had any sexual contact, according to the complaint.

The Oregon man, who according to his Facebook page has been in a relationship with his girlfriend since 2016, claimed that he hid the accuser's clothes because he did not want to get in trouble at work.

Hortiz is being held on $500,000 bail pending his next court appearance scheduled for January 3, 2019. The charges did not reveal what business he is in or who his employer is.
The shopping trolley Ken Pidcock can manage. He says he likes to lean on it, using it as a sort of walking frame.

The giant toyshop, though, with shelves groaning to the ceiling, is just too much.

As he wanders from aisle to aisle, confusion is writ large on his face. Charged with finding a present for a four-year-old girl and her friends, the 87-year-old widower realises he has no idea what to do.

For their entire life together, his wife Barbara  or 'Barbie' and 'my beloved wife', as he calls her  did all the family's present shopping.

She also did all the preparations on Christmas Day, scooped up all the wrapping paper when the opening frenzy was over, and even found time to play with the dog.

But when Barbara died five years ago, Christmas died too for Ken.

There is a particular sort of loneliness experienced by the bereaved at Christmas, and Ken, who met his wife at a whist drive when he was 13, knows what it feels like: 'You just feel so terribly sad because you remember all the wonderful family Christmases you had.'

Those treasured days  and many more  are captured on a videotape entitled MEMORIES that Ken regularly views.

'I could watch Barbara all day,' he says as his wife comes alive again on his TV screen.

The date on the home movie reel is 1964. There are Ken's two daughters in pigtails, unwrapping presents and skipping around in fairy costumes. In one shot it's Ken, in his paper hat, in the picture rather than Barbara.

'We took turns with the cine camera,' he says. 'That year was the first at our new home in Africa. We'd moved to Uganda because I got a job there.

We didn't even have a camera before we left  not many people had in those days  but we bought a stills camera and a cine one because we knew we were embarking on a big adventure.'

The adventure ended just after the last Christmas the devoted pair spent together. 'Barbie had just been told she was terminal.

We didn't believe it, of course, and she was so good on that day, we thought maybe they had got it wrong and a miracle was happening. But it wasn't. She died soon afterwards.

'I never wanted to celebrate Christmas after that. I became a bit of a hermit, I suppose.

'I didn't want to see anyone  she did all the organising of our social life anyway. I realised that afterwards; funny I never had before. But it was even worse at Christmas.'

Now the cameras have returned for a Christmas special, which sees Ken Pidock (pictured with Lily Bobtail) despatched to a toyshop to buy presents not just for Lily but for all the children

Of course, he still had his daughters (and adored grandchildren) by then, but it wasn't the same.

'It became a time when I just wanted to be on my own. I didn't want to spoil it for anyone.'

This Christmas might also have been one to be endured rather than enjoyed for Ken, had it not been for the arrival of another lady in his life.

No, he hasn't found love again. Or at least, not that sort of love. But Ken was one of the stars of this year's heartwarming TV series Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds, the Channel 4 programme that ships a busload of excitable youngsters into a retirement home, and tests what happens next.

In Ken's case, what happened was something he was wholly unprepared for: life becoming fun again.

The hermit widower, who had resigned himself to a solitary existence, was paired up with a little girl called Lily (or Lily Bobtail, as she insisted on being called).

Lily may have seemed rather a bossy little madam  her opening gambit, over lunch, was to ask whether Ken would like to swap his chips for her vegetables  but the pair quickly became inseparable.

Pauleen Davies, who was a magistrate for 25 years, formed a special bond with Ismail during the popular show on Channel 4

Now the cameras have returned for a Christmas special, which sees Ken despatched to a toyshop to buy presents not just for Lily but for all the children in the experiment.

'Even with our own grandchildren, my wife did it all, and when they got that little bit older we gave them cheques so they could buy what they liked.

When they asked me to go to the toyshop I thought, 'hang on, but there are nine ladies here'. I realised very quickly what they were doing.'

How did the gruff pensioner ('I don't like shopping,' he complains at the start) react to being practically frogmarched to the toyshop?

Well, he thoroughly enjoyed it, even when he found himself playing a game called Pie Face that involved him having whipped cream splattered on his nose.

He and another retirement-home pal turned into big kids themselves as they tried on giant- sized panda and bear heads.

'Well, it was the most fun I'd had in ages,' he admits. 'Even if they forced me into it.'

The enchanting Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds has now helped two sets of pensioners in different retirement homes.

The heartwarming social experiment allowed pensioners and four-year-old's to spend time together

When the programme was conceived, Channel 4 went to great lengths to present it as a bona fide social experiment.

An army of experts was enlisted to run a series of tests on the pensioners involved, to see if daily contact with children made them more physically active, alert and, well, alive.

Studies in other countries, particularly ones where there is a policy of combining nursery schools and retirement homes on one site, have suggested the interaction is beneficial to all.

Much of the programme is involved with setting the participants tasks, then, at various points, assessing how agile they are and how depressed they feel.

But in truth you don't need people with clipboards to convince you this experiment works. You just need to talk to the elderly people themselves  and the parents of the children, for that matter.

That the residents of Lark Hill retirement village in Nottingham stayed in touch with their respective charges even after the cameras stopped rolling tells its own story.

A more powerful one is told with Ken's wide smile as he explains how contact has been maintained.

'We go to see them and they come to us,' he says of the children. 'Last Saturday they all came over with their parents and had lunch.

I think there were 40 of us in total. It's like acquiring a whole load of new great-grandchildren. When we see them it makes the whole week brighter.'

Experts ran a series of tests on the pensioners to see if daily contact with the children made them more physically active, alert and, well, alive

Lily Bobtail may still be his No 1 friend, but Ken confides that he has also become close to another family who took part in the show.

Scarlett Pollard's father Tim had allowed her to take part, but with some trepidation. Scarlett had lost her mum Sally to cancer just months before filming started.

The scenes where Scarlett told her new friend Beryl, 84, that her mum was dead left viewers in bits. 'I have a heartache,' she explained.

It seems that ever since, Scarlett and her dad have been scooped up by the residents of Lark Hill  something Tim describes as 'completely unexpected'.

'They've become friends  family really,' he says. 'I had no idea of the impact doing this would have on our lives.

'I agreed to do it in the first place because, like most parents, I wanted to see what Scarlett was like when I wasn't around.

'Because we had just lost Sal, I was worried about her. But to see her not only making friends but friends she could open up to about what she was feeling was incredible.'

How did he feel, though, when he watched his daughter explain for the first time that her mum was dead?

'It was a punch in the gut,' he admits. 'But there was also relief that she could say it, that she had found someone like Beryl who she was comfortable enough with to say it.

I always remember the words she used: 'My mum died.' The voiceover came in at this point and said 'Sally passed away'. I thought that was striking. It's the adults who try to sugarcoat it with the language they use.'

Scarlett is again a standout star in the Christmas special, which involves the children laying on a festive show and inviting other elderly people in the neighbourhood to come along.

When the programme was conceived, Channel 4 went to great lengths to present it as a bona fide social experiment

She is the one who asks the residents to help her with something she doesn't understand.

'Why doesn't he have claws when he's called Santa Claus?' she asks, as any hint of morose mood evaporates.

Yet her dad says the residents of Lark Hill  all of whom have had their own heartbreaks  have become unofficial grief counsellors for his daughter.

'They have all experienced loss, so I think it has normalised it for Scarlett. 'She knows there are other people who have lost mummies and daddies, and husbands and wives.'

He has benefited from that wealth of experience too.

Tim says he sat next to Ken at a special screening of the Christmas show, and the tears flowed at the part where Ken was watching his wife Barbara walking across the screen.

'I put my arm around him, hoping he wouldn't mind,' says Tim.

'We've actually become very close, which I didn't expect. Ken knows what it is to lose his wife. He has gone through a lot of the things I've been through.'

Tim is definitely a convert to the idea that retirement homes and nursery facilities should be combined. 'It's a no-brainer because it's the way it used to be. I think it should be rolled out in every town. It's a win-win for everyone.'

That is a sentiment shared by retired teacher and magistrate Pauleen Davies, who is 92.

Pauleen is a no-nonsense type who thinks she was chosen to appear in the show because she was 'a bit bossy and an antidote to the sad souls'.

She challenges the idea that all elderly people in residential homes are lonely or worn down by life. She kicks off our chat in sparky fashion by pointing out that it's the male residents of Lark Hill who tend to have turned their faces to the wall and lost the will to live.

'Think about it,' she says. 'There were nine women in the show and three men. Who was doing the moping?'

Isn't it often the case that men are hit harder by the loss of a partner, though?

'I think that's true. The women do the organising, so when they die the men are lost. I mean, I miss my husband terribly. When he first died, I used to look at the empty armchair and think 'how could you do this to me? How could you leave me?' but you have to go on. Life has to go on.'

Pauleen moved to Lark Hill nine years ago, after a fall on some ice made her realise she had to 'start planning for my future, so as not to be a burden on my children'.

Her two sons live nearby, but Lark Hill has been the perfect solution for her.

She says she has hopefully made a friend for life in young Ismail, the little boy she was paired with.

His family, too, have come to visit. 'We have a shindig about once a month,' she says.

She has watched, incredulous, as the more troubled souls around her have been transformed by the children's presence.

'It has made the world of difference to Ken. People like Ken keep themselves to themselves and don't feel the need to integrate, but now he wants to.'

Ken becomes quite emotional when I ask what his beloved Barbie would make of his new friends and the joy they have given him.

'Oh, she would be thrilled,' he says. 'She loved children. I used to call her the Pied Piper because they always flocked to her. She'd love this, I think. I know she'd want me to be happy. And I am.'

Old People's Home For 4 Year Olds at Christmas is on Channel 4 tomorrow at 9pm.
After a punishing day in the office, Theresa May likes to relax with a glass of Welsh whisky.

After yesterday  after her very public and painful decision to postpone her Brexit vote  the Prime Minister could be forgiven for pouring herself a double.

At breakfast yesterday, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said he was '100 per cent' sure the vote was still on.

By 11:30am Mrs May had calmly told a Cabinet conference call she was slamming on the brakes.

'After a punishing day in the office, Theresa May likes to relax with a glass of Welsh whisky. After yesterday  after her very public and painful decision to postpone her Brexit vote  the Prime Minister could be forgiven for pouring herself a double' writes JACK DOYLE

The reason? The knotty issue of the Northern Ireland backstop and fears of a defeat on a scale of anything up to 150 votes.

Last night her supporters laid at least part of the blame squarely on embattled French President Emmanuel Macron.

Two weeks ago, on the Sunday of the EU Summit in Brussels when Mrs May's deal was signed, No10 officials were cautiously optimistic.

'We had a mountain to climb, but we thought we had some momentum and could get away from the backstop to start selling the deal on its merits  control of borders and protecting jobs,' says one aide.

But then came the Macron hand grenade. The French President  desperate to focus attention away from the riots at home  broke ranks.

The UK would still have to give way on the hugely sensitive area of fishing, he warned, or facing being stuck in the Northern Ireland backstop in perpetuity.

'It was backstop blackmail, and we never recovered,' a source admits. The next day, Mrs May faced question after question on the backstop.

Then Donald Trump  in typical style  declared this was 'a great deal for the EU'.

No10's strategy to pressure MPs by building support among voters and business became irrelevant. 'They were just talking to each other about how much they didn't like the backstop', a source sighs.

On November 30, a little-known Remain-supporting minister, Sam Gyimah, quit, and called for a second referendum.

Meanwhile, the informal Twitter count of Tory MPs opposed to the deal crept higher and higher.

The other name Downing Street officials spit with fury is that of Speaker Bercow. By selecting MP after MP opposed to the deal every time Mrs May appeared before them, he too created the impression the agreement was friendless.

Controversially, he selected an amendment proposed by arch-Remainer Dominic Grieve designed to hand Parliament power over what happens if the deal fell. It was, Tory sources say, a highly contentious move.

In a single calamitous day, last Tuesday, the Government lost that vote and two others.

It forced the publication of the Attorney General's legal advice, a letter which made clear the risk of being stuck inside the backstop. Passages pointing to reasons why the EU hated the backstop were largely ignored.

Now several Cabinet ministers and backbenchers were hammering away trying to convince No10 to pull the vote. Chief among them was Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson who, as a former chief whip, knew the grim reality of the numbers.

'At breakfast yesterday, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said he was '100 per cent' sure the vote was still on'

But the message wasn't getting through. Sir Graham Brady, the 'shop steward' of backbench Tories, begged the PM to delay. He went public last Thursday, saying Mrs May risked losing her job if she went ahead.

Among some May loyalists, considerable ire is also reserved for the Chief Whip, Julian Smith and what one minister called a 'shambolic' whipping operation.

Incredibly, last week he even allowed a TV crew to film him trying to convince the hardest of hardline Tory Eurosceptics, Philip Davis, to back the deal  an attempt which, predictably, failed. One senior Tory told the Mail it was '******* mad'.

At yesterday's Cabinet call International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt raised eyebrows among her fellow ministers by praising Mr Smith's efforts to win the vote  despite his utter failure.

Yesterday Mrs May was told the likely scale of defeat  as many as 150 votes.

The argument that it was better to suffer a defeat and take it to Brussels to show how much help was needed, rapidly fell away.

A defeat of such magnitude would leave Mrs May's very future in No10 in grave peril and the country in chaos.

'For her, it's duty, duty. duty,' said one aide last night  seeking to explain why she doesn't simply throw in the towel.

What happens next? Mrs May has pledged to 'go boldly' back to the European Union.

The question is whether there is anything the EU is prepared to offer which will buy off enough Tory MPs, or if pulling the vote has simply delayed the inevitable. She needs, as one former Cabinet minister told the Mail yesterday, to pull a 'very large rabbit out of the hat'.

Mrs May has been written off before  again and again  and yet survived. But if she is to defy her critics again she will need every bit of luck she can muster.
ON she staggered, bruised and beggarly, dragging the rest of us along her personal Via Dolorosa.

Theresa May stepped to the despatch box at the precise moment the Commons digital clock clicked 3.33.33  thirty-three seconds past three thirty-three in the afternoon, yet still an age before voters can be sure their decision to leave the EU will be honoured by a wriggling Parliament.

If there was something Harry Potterish about the hour, there was something weirdly timeless about watching such epic inertia unfold.

Has indecision ever been so dramatic? 'I have listened very carefully,' Mrs May told a packed, quivering Chamber. This won her ripe mockery. She said she had finally decided to 'defer the vote'.

Theresa May is pictured making her announcement on the delay of her Brexit deal vote in the House of Commons today

She meant she was not going to risk putting her deal to the Commons last night, or possibly any time before the new year.

Opposition MPs gave satirical cheers and shouts of 'chaos' and 'resign!' Jeremy Corbyn, carrying his own benches with him as he has not done for many a day, spoke of 'a Government in disarray'.

On the Tory benches, which had greeted her arrival with sparse enthusiasm, Mrs May was heard with crossed arms and a nonchalant curiosity.

MPs were there as rubberneckers, gawping at her calamity rather as wildlife-programme viewers will watch the slow demise of a baby hippo.

Not that she accepted her predicament.

The woman is a complete professional when it comes to blanking reality.

She said she was going to return to Brussels and jolly well tell those Eurocrats of 'the clear concerns this House has expressed'.

(We should hold open the possibility this was the plan of Mrs May and Mr Tusk all along.)

She would seek 'additional reassurance' from the EU about the Irish backstop.

But Lee Rowley (Con, NE Derbys) politely but firmly asked if she could explain how political reassurances could ever trump the legal cold print of a treaty.

Boris Johnson, in the back row next to Priti Patel, blew out his cheeks. There was no gloating from Boris or the Brexiteers yesterday.

They watched in sorrow.

Jeremy Corbyn, carrying his own benches with him as he has not done for many a day, spoke of 'a Government in disarray', writes QUENTIN LETTS

The ones doing the cackling were the ruddy Remainers  the Grieves and Wollastons of this world. Kenneth Clarke (Con, Rushcliffe) insisted the EU would not budge on the backstop. He was delighted by this. It was sad to watch old Clarke, now ghostly pale.

He muttered ruderies at Tory colleagues.

He talked to himself. Anna Soubry (Con, Broxtowe) was twitching like a Tyburn corpse.

Arch Remainer Soubry was given the bird when she claimed that the electorate had changed its mind on the EU.

Sensing disagreement from colleagues, she said 'oh yes it has!' Back came the roar: 'OH NO IT HASN'T!' Soubry scowled darkly.

Stricken Mrs May won marginally more support from her own benches than she had received on recent outings. Maybe that was because her tone, at least, leaned more to the Eurosceptics, writes QUENTIN LETTS

She does not much like being laughed at. She went trotting up to have a word with Speaker Bercow. He, by the way, again tried to make life difficult for the Government.

He interrupted the PM's statement to say that it would be a 'discourtesy' to the House to postpone the vote. Might it not be a 'discourtesy' to the voters to try to block Brexit?

Stricken Mrs May won marginally more support from her own benches than she had received on recent outings. Maybe that was because her tone, at least, leaned more to the Eurosceptics.

If only she had leaned that way at Chequers in the summer.

Dennis Skinner (Lab, Bolsover) used an expression from his old enemy, Margaret Thatcher, to accuse Mrs May of being 'frit'. Cheryl Gillan (Con, Chesham & Amersham) claimed that she had in fact shown 'great courage'.

Fortitude might be more accurate. Masochism, even. But courage means putting your own survival on the line and yesterday Mrs May avoided doing that.

Pet owners know, to their regret, that there eventually comes the day that Tiddles must be taken to the vet and put out of her misery.

That moment could have happened to Mrs May yesterday. Postponing the vote may simply 'defer' the inevitable.
FIU(MIAMI) -- A South Florida college student who became confined to a wheelchair after suffering a debilitating spinal injury was able to walk during his graduation ceremony.



Venezuela native Aldo Amenta broke his neck when he dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool in 2015, he said in a video released by Florida International University. Doctors declared him a quadriplegic after the accident, he added.



Amenta's life "changed completely" after he was paralyzed, he said.



"Now, I depend on a lot of people to help me do my daily activities," he said. "So, that's become a huge challenge in just my everyday life."



The challenges were so difficult that Amenta considered dropping out of school, he said. But, with the help of his loved ones and a scholarship from the Miami-based university, Amenta was able to focus on his studies and eventually graduate, he said.



On Sunday, Amenta, who has since regained some movement in his limbs, needed only a hoist out of his chair before he was able to take the steps on his own -- with the help of an exoskeleton on his legs and torso-- to retrieve his diploma.



Amenta had to practice with the exoskeleton for several hours before he was able to perform the walk, ABC Miami affiliate WPLG-TV reported. He graduate with a degree in electrical engineering, according to WPLG.



Applause from the audience rang out as Amenta took each determined step across the stage, shaking hands with school administrators along the path, video shows.



Amenta described the moment as "amazing," saying that the walk symbolized his ability to continue fulfilling his dreams despite the accident that changed the course of his life.



The college graduate emphasized how perseverance allowed him to stay on track in achieving his goals.



"It doesn't matter how hard you think things are going to be," he said. "Maybe you feel that it is impossible for you to make it, but you'll find people that are willing to help you...that motivated me. That gave me the strength to be able to continue to push myself through and stay positive."



Next on Amenta's to-do list is to pursue a master's degree and to "keep on working on my rehabilitation, working for my dream to get back on my feet," he said.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  The Duterte administration, highly criticized for its alleged human rights violations in its anti-drug operations, said the fight against illegal drugs will remain steadfast to protect innocent Filipinos.

The government released a statement on Monday, the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said every administration has its own approach to upholding human rights.

"To protect the lives of the innocent law-abiding citizens of the country, this administration remains unrelenting in its crusade against criminality, corruption, terrorism, insurgency, and the proliferation of illegal drugs that destroy families and the future of the young," he said in a statement.

He added, "In all these, the rule of law is upheld as the guilty are brought before the bar of justice."

Senator Risa Hontiveros said this is the opposite, with Duterte being the biggest threat to the country's human rights.

"The President has singlehandedly rolled back human rights safeguards and made the country a haven for human rights violators. By unleashing a bloody and abusive war on drugs, he has set into motion the killing of thousands, most of whom are poor people... Under the Duterte administration, the rule of law is grossly distorted in favor of the corrupt, political cronies and plunderers," she said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war has left more than 4,900 killed in various police operations. Human rights advocates peg the number to go way beyond 12,000. In November, the administration was handed its first conviction under the drug war. Three police officers were found guilty of murdering Kian delos Santos  who the court said couldn't retaliate  during an anti-drug operation in 2017.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has said the preliminary examination into the alleged crimes against humanity committed during the Duterte administration's drug war would continue despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Related: ICC: Probe on PH drug war continues

On December 6, the Philippine Ambassador to Netherlands Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda said the Duterte administration's decision to withdraw is the government's principled stand against those who "politicize human rights."

"In view of our withdrawal, the Philippines disengages itself from the deliberations on the Omnibus Resolution and from any consensus that may be reached on the course of this Assembly," he said during the assembly of state parties to the Rome Statute at The Hague.

He added that the country has an independent and fully-functional judicial system, as proven by the recent conviction of three police officers.

"We affirm our commitment to fight against impunity for atrocity crimes, notwithstanding our withdrawal from the Rome Statute, especially since the Philippines has national legislation punishing such crimes," he said.
A Labour MP was suspended from the Commons after he picked up the ceremonial mace in protest at the Brexit vote being deferred.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle reacted furiously after the Government whip formally postponed the vote - because Theresa May was facing a humiliating defeat.

The mace is the symbol of the authority of the House and during sittings is placed on the table next to the despatch box in front of the Speaker.

In scenes of uproar, the backbencher - who represents Brighton Kemptown - strode forward and grabbed the mace before trying to carry it out of the Chamber.

Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, the member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown, grabbed the ceremonial mace on Monday night before being thrown out of the house

Mr Russell-Moyle, who won his seat at last year's general election, was stopped by two female Serjeant at Arms staff. He put up no resistance and handed over the ornament.

He remained in the chamber looking at the Speaker and said nothing as MPs gasped. Tory MPs screamed 'expel him' as Speaker John Bercow rose to his feet.

Immediately after the incident, Russell-Moyle tweeted: 'Thankfully they havent locked me in the Tower of London but if they had Id expect May to be in the cell next to me for her treatment of Parliament today.

'Im allowed back tomorrow after my symbolic protest against this government, wish May wasnt allowed back.'

Citing historic Commons rules, Mr Bercow booted the MP out of the Commons for the rest of the day's sitting - less than two hours.

Russell-Moyle was roundly jeered by MPs as he performed his stunt as Bercow shouted: 'Order! Order! Put it back!'

Mr Russell-Moyle initially refused the order and remained in the House before Mr Bercow said: 'He must leave or be escorted', at which point he left.

In 2009, Labour's John McDonnell - now the Shadow Chancellor was suspended from the Commons for five days after he picked up the mace during heated exchanges on the Government's decision to go ahead with a third runway at Heathrow.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle (pictured) was roundly jeered as he swiped the mace from its position in the center of the house

He marched from the back benches down the steps before picking up the mace and placing it on an empty Labour front bench.

And as a young MP, Lord Heseltine, grabbed the Commons mace in 1976 in fury at the then Labour government's decision to breach a pairing convention to force through a measure by one vote.

Under the convention, opposing whips agree deals to pair off MPs who are unable to make a vote.

The mace is employed to represent the Queen's authority within Parliament, and was made in London in 1667.

Parliament cannot lawfully meet without the Mace, representing the monarch's authority, being present in the chambers.

The maces are carried into, and out of, the two chambers in procession at the beginning and end of each day.

Mr Russell-Moyle tweeted soon after the incident that he 'hadn't been locked in the Tower of London

Last month, Russell-Moyle revealed he is HIV positive in an emotional speech in the Commons - telling how he has been on a decade-long journey from 'fear to advocacy'.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, 32, told how he decided to speak out and tell his story in a debate to mark World Aids Day because he 'could not keep quiet anymore'.

Mr Russell-Moyle, who is gay, told how it 'hit him like a wall' when, as a 22 year-old student, he was told he had the virus while sat in an NHS clinic a decade ago.

Wearing the red Aids ribbon, the MP for Brighton Kemptown, said: 'In that NHS room, with those cream carpets and plastic seating which we all know, they tell you.

'And it hits you like a wall. And although you have prepared yourself for it, in your mind nothing quite prepares you for when they say those words.

'And I remember looking up at that ceiling - those false ceilings that you get - and wishing one of those tiles would whip away and it would suck you up and you would wake up and it would all be a dream and it would all be over.'

He was given a rare standing ovation by MPs after he gave his moving speech - becoming the first MP ever to reveal his status in the Commons Chamber.
A father of twins has been charged with kidnapping a seven-year-old girl from a Kmart store before sexually assaulting her in bushes nearby.

The man appeared in court on Tuesday charged with taking the girl from a Westfield shopping centre in North Lakes, north of Brisbane.

The alleged abduction was mentioned in a mother's Facebook post which warned parents to keep a close eye on their children during the frantic Christmas shopping season.

The alleged abduction was mentioned in a mother's Facebook post which warned parents to keep a close eye on their children during the frantic Christmas shopping season

The 26-year-old man allegedly lured the girl from her mother when she was out of sight at a Kmart store (stock image)

The 26-year-old man allegedly lured the girl from her mother when she was out of sight at a Kmart store on Saturday.

He then allegedly drove her to bushland in Pumicestone Passage before sexually assaulting her.

After the assault, the girl was driven back to the shopping centre and left there.

The man was arrested on Monday night and has been charged with taking a child for immoral purposes, deprivation of liberty and indecent treatment of a child under 12.

The charges were mentioned at Pine Rivers Magistrate Court on Tuesday but the hearing was closed to the media.

The case was adjourned until Wednesday morning.

In the Facebook post which went viral, a mother shared her account of the alleged abduction.

'A young girl was abducted from the shop and her mum was right there. The mum was looking at something and the child was bringing toys to her mum to show her which ones she wanted for Christmas,' the post read.

'Then all of a sudden she stopped coming back so mum looked and she was gone. They searched and called police. She was gone for 1.5 hours before she was returned.

'The police searched video footage and saw a man take her and return her 1.5 hours later. She was dazed and appeared drugged.

A man has been charged with kidnapping a seven-year-old girl from a Kmart store before sexually assaulting her in bushes nearby (stock image)

'Please please please do not leave children even for a second... This is way too close to home for me. I am always out with the two kids and would be a perfect target when I get distracted by one child and the other doesn't have my attention.' Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming said staff at Westfield North Lakes assisted police in their investigation.

'Crimes in circumstances such as these are not common, but it is a timely reminder that a very small number of people could take advantage of an opportunity to harm a child,' he said.

'Children should be free to enjoy themselves, but it is important that we maintain appropriate vigilance of them and our surrounds.'

A Kmart spokesman said they were aware of the incident.

'We are unable to comment further as it as an ongoing police investigation.' the spokesman said.

A Westfield spokeswoman said they have been assisting Queensland Police with their inquiries.

'The safety and wellbeing of our customers and community is always our priority,' the spokeswoman said.
Democratic senators warned the president's Pentagon chief on Monday that a plan to use defense funds build border barriers in Arizona would be controversial if carried out and unauthorized.

Sens. Jack Reed, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, Patrick Leahy, the vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Dick Durbin and Brian Schatz told Defense Secretary James Mattis in a letter that the Navy did not provide a compelling argument for studies on 31 miles of barriers along a bombing range near Yuma.

The project would divert as much as $450 million in funds that were intended for military readiness activities, they insisted.

'We believe the Department of Defense lacks any authorization or appropriations needed to move this project into any stage of construction during fiscal year 2019,' the senators said.

Democratic senators warned the president's Pentagon chief on Monday that a plan to use defense funds build border barriers in Arizona would be controversial if carried out and unauthorized

They told Defense Secretary James Mattis in a letter that the Navy did not provide a compelling argument for studies on 31 miles of barriers along a bombing range near Yuma. Existing fencing is seen here in Nogales, Arizona

If Mattis wanted to use the money to build border barriers, he should have done so during the appropriations process, instead of trying to short-circuit Congress, they said.

They gave him a slap on the wrist for spending millions on site surveys for the project that did not receive any congressional input at all.

In their letter, the senators told Mattis that he should not attempt to circumvent the legislative body by making use of a code that authorizes the military to provide a support role in counternarcotics operations along the border.

'We urge you in the strongest possible fashion to refrain from considering using this authority or 10 U.S.C. 284 for this potential $450 million border wall project,' they wrote.

Mattis has been considering the project at the Barry M. Goldwater Range at the request of Department of Homeland Security.

President Trump has identified Arizona as an area where border barriers are needed the most.

He said claimed on Twitter last Thursday that Arizona 'is bracing for a massive surge' of immigrants along a portion of the US southern border that does not have a protective fence.

He reiterated his call for Democrats to back funding for his proposed border wall.

'Arizona, together with our Military and Border Patrol, is bracing for a massive surge at a NON-WALLED area. WE WILL NOT LET THEM THROUGH,' Trump wrote in a post that maintained pressure on lawmakers seeking to approve legislation to keep the government open through to September 30 next year.

Donald Trump said without evidence on Thursday that Arizona 'is bracing for a massive surge' of immigrants along a portion of the US southern border that does not have a protective fence

Trump reiterated his call for Democrats to back funding for his proposed border wall with a tweet Thursday night

Congress approved a stopgap two-week spending bill on Thursday but lawmakers still need to agree on a longer-term funding measure to fund government agencies until the end of the fiscal year in September.

Trump, who has made the construction of the wall a foundation of his presidency, has demanded $5 billion for the boundary and has threatened to shut down the government if lawmakers do not accede.

Democrats have argued the wall would be ineffective at ending illegal migration and stemming the flow of illicit drugs across the border.

U.S. Border Patrol arrests on the Mexican border jumped 78 per cent in November from a year earlier to the highest level in Trump's presidency, with families and children accounting for a majority for a third straight month.

The numbers are the latest sign that people who cross the border illegally are increasingly families and children traveling alone, a trend that began several years ago but has accelerated since summer.

The Border Patrol made 25,172 arrests of people who came as families in November, nearly four times the same period last year, parent agency Customs and Border Protection said.

There were 5,283 arrests of unaccompanied children, up 33 per cent from a year earlier.

The Border Patrol made 25,172 arrests of people who came as families in November, nearly four times the same period last year, parent agency Customs and Border Protection said

Central American migrants (pictured in October) bound for the US border wade together across the Suchiate River, which connects Guatemala and Mexico, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala

Overall, the Border Patrol made 51,856 arrests on the Mexican border last month, up from 51,001, or 1 percent, in October and up from 29,085 in the same period of 2017. It was the fourth straight month-to-month increase.

Many families and children, predominantly from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, turn themselves in to agents and seek asylum or some other form of protection, a dramatic change from several years ago when people who crossed illegally were largely Mexican men who tried to elude capture.

Central American asylum seekers have low approval rates. But many stay in the US while their cases wind through backlogged immigration courts, which can take several years.

Katie Waldman, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, said the November arrests 'are the predictable result of a broken immigration system - including flawed judicial rulings - that usurps the will of the American people who have repeatedly demanded secure borders'.

She singled out a November 19 ruling by a federal judge in San Francisco to halt a new policy to deny asylum to people who enter the country illegally.

Overall, the Border Patrol made 51,856 arrests on the Mexican border last month, up from 51,001, or 1 percent, in October and up from 29,085 in the same period of 2017. It was the fourth straight month-to-month increase. The US-Mexico border fence in Nogales, Arizona

There were 5,283 arrests of unaccompanied children, up 33 per cent from a year earlier. The US-Mexico border is seen near Lukeville, Pima County, Arizona

The ruling infuriated Trump, who made illegal immigration a top priority during his 2016 campaign and in the White House.

'Our country cannot afford unchecked, undemocratic mass migration policies written by activist judges,' Waldman said.

'We will continue to push Congress to step up and address these legal failures.'

The Border Patrol operates between ports of entry. When adding 10,600 who were stopped at official crossings in November, there were 62,456 detained for entering the country without authorization.

That's the highest level since June 2014, during the middle of President Barack Obama's second term and at the peak of an earlier influx of Central Americans families and children.

Trump, who has made border wall construction a top funding priority, dispatched 5,600 active-duty troops to the Mexican border in November as a large caravan of Central American migrants moved through Mexico to the northern border city of Tijuana, across from San Diego.
yesterday said it was seeking a deal with its lenders to reduce debt

Fears grew for one of the Governments largest contractors yesterday after its shares fell in value by up to 75 per cent.

Interserve, which works in schools, the NHS, prisons and other state sectors, is struggling with massive debts.

Union bosses last night warned that it could become Carillion mark two and follow in the footsteps of its rival which went under earlier this year with nearly 7billion of debt.

Interserve, which works in schools, the NHS, prisons and other state sectors, is struggling with massive debts [File photo]

On another bleak day for Britains outsourcing industry, Interserve shares fell as low as 6p, losing nearly 75 per cent of their value in a day, before recovering slightly to close down 53 per cent at 11.5p.

Less than five years ago, the stock was trading at 745p, valuing the company at 1.1billion. But its value has fallen by more than 98 per cent since then to 17million.

Russ Mould of online stockbroker AJ Bell, said: Almost a year since Carillions problems became apparent, its peer Interserve appears to be losing the confidence of investors.

He said a huge business now had the type of valuation typically reserved for smaller businesses which are not yet making any money.

Interserve yesterday said it was seeking a deal with its lenders to reduce its crippling 650million debt burden.

It also revealed it has won a contract to help redevelop the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr in Wales.

The 25million deal is worth more than the entire company but just a fraction of the debt.

Interserve employs more than 70,000 worldwide  including around 45,000 in the UK. Around 70 per cent of its turnover comes from UK Government contracts.

Union Unite, which represents 1,200 Interserve staff, called on ministers to reveal their contingency plans in case the firm goes under.

Union bosses last night warned that it could become Carillion mark two and follow in the footsteps of its rival which went under earlier this year with nearly 7billion of debt [File photo]

Gail Cartmail of Unite said: The mistakes made before the collapse of Carillion in January 2018 appear in danger of being repeated.

The GMB union demanded Government assurance for Interserve workers, while the RMT rail union called for Interserve rail contracts to be brought in-house to avoid chaos.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: Interserve hold a number of contracts in our industry, including major stations facilities management work.

The deal being discussed with its lenders  a so-called debt for equity swap  would see a substantial proportion of its borrowing converted into shares in the company.

Interserve said a final deal would be announced early next year, and insisted the Cabinet Office has expressed full support for its recovery plan.
Hospital worker Koffi Kouakou has become the 11th person jailed after Grenfell.

He swindled 24,572 worth of handouts when he was put up in a hotel for three months.

He told the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea that he had been living in flat 115 with Zainab Deen, which officers soon discovered was a lie.

Bangladeshi Mohammed Syed Rinku claimed he was in a gay relationship with a resident of the 20th floor of the west London block and his boyfriend had died in the blaze.

But when he was asked about his affair by the police, it became clear he had researched who had died in the fire. Officers then found heterosexual porn and dating apps on his phone.

The 46-year-old was jailed for 18 months for the fraud.

Anh Nhu Nguyen pretended his wife and 12-year-old son were killed in the blaze so he could claim charity handouts.

He pocketed 11,270 as he was put up in hotels and given clothing, laptops and cash.

But police discovered the 53-year-old had 28 convictions for 56 offences spanning more than 30 years, including theft, dishonesty offences, arson and grievous bodily harm.

Nguyen, who was born in Vietnam, even tried to apply for a passport by claiming his had been incinerated. He was jailed for 21 months in February.

Another fraudster, Anh Nhu Nguyen, met Prince Charles during his time posing as a victim

Elaine Douglas and Tommy Brooks falsely claimed they lived in Grenfell Tower to claim more than 120,000.

The illegal immigrants spent eight months living in a four-star hotel, with taxpayers footing the 400-a-night bill.

They also spent more than 20,000 on meals and clothing on pre-paid credit cards which were given to them by Kensington and Chelsea council.

The pair entered Britain illegally from Jamaica 16 years ago on separate flights and were ordered to leave by immigration officials only to vanish  reappearing in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy last year.

Douglas, 51, was jailed for a total of three years while Brooks, 52, received a sentence of three years and three months.

Joyce Msokeri falsely claimed to have lost her husband in the blaze so that she could claim thousands of pounds.

The conwoman travelled 14 miles from her own flat to the tower block and convinced charity workers she had survived the inferno.

She feigned trauma to obtain handouts of 19,000 in cash, food, clothing, three mobile phones and free stays at a Hilton hotel. The 47-year-old would have received 203,000 in handouts if she had not been caught.

When Msokeri, from Zimbabwe, kept giving them different numbers for her flat in the tower block, her apparent forgetfulness was put down to trauma. She was jailed for four-and-a-half years in April.

Mohammad Gamoota is pictured

Mohammad Gamoota trawled a list of the dead then told officials his father was Abdeslam Sebbar, who had died after becoming trapped in his flat.

The 31-year-old said he had survived only because he was attending midnight prayers at his mosque when the inferno took hold.

In reality, he was not related to Mr Sebbar, 77, and did not live in Grenfell Tower, but took the details from a newspaper.

Two days later, Gamoota presented himself as a bereaved relative. He was given 500 and booked into a Holiday Inn hotel where he racked up a 374 room service bill.

He tried to claim a further 5,000  but a technical issue with his bank account prevented the money being paid in. He was jailed for 18 months.

Yonatan Eyob falsely claimed 81,000 in cash and free hotel stays, as well as 11,000 towards a new permanent home.

Eyob claimed he had lived alone in a flat that actually contained a family of five who perished in Britain's worst fire for a generation.

Neighbours said he didn't and CCTV proved he had never been there.

He was later charged with dishonestly making a false representation for accommodation and subsistence between June 2017 and June 2018.

The 26-year-old pleaded guilty and was jailed for more than six years.

Council worker Jenny McDonagh blew money for victims on holidays and meals out

Jenny McDonagh stole pre-paid cash cards while working as manager of the Grenfell Fire fund at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

In total she took about 62,000 from pre-paid cash cards meant for several survivors, including Fadumo Ahmed, Sacha Salaabi and Christos Fairbairn, the court heard.

The money was spent on online gambling and foreign holidays.

She was jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Antonio Gouveia, 33, lied about escaping the inferno.

The fraudster claimed to be the flatmate of 80-year-old Hermine Harris who was living in the block of flats on the night of the tragedy which left 72 people dead in June 2017.

He has been jailed for three years.

Abdelkarim Rekaya, 28, took advantage of the governments policy of providing amnesty for illegal immigrants living in the gutted tower block in June last year.

He had been in the country since 2009 and by 2010 he had been cautioned by police for trying to steal bicycle.

Rekaya first claimed he was living in flat four when the inferno claimed the lives of 72 residents.

He later changed his story to say he was homeless and sleeping in the stairwell of the 11th and 12th floor.

Shortly after the blaze he was put up in a luxury Chelsea hotel at a cost of 60,000 for just under a year.

Judge Robin Jonathan warned him he faced a substantial custodial sentence.
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The Duggar family began a new Christmas tradition this year, hosting their first ever ugly sweater party.

Members of the clan posted images from the big event on social media, including Anna Duggar who attended with her children and sex-pest husband Josh.

'Looks like a new tradition has been born at the Duggar home! We had the first annual dUGgarLY (ugly) sweater party!' wrote Anna.

'Lots lots laughter, enjoying the beauty of family, fun and maybe a little too much dessert! We closed out the evening with a time of prayer for the family and friends as they minister in Central America this Christmas season.'

Sweating it: The Duggar family hosted an ugly sweater party as part of a new Christmas tradition (Josh and Anna Duggar with their five children and Josh's grandmother)

Gang's all here: Anna Duggar posted photos of the party, showing the her husband and sex pest Josh was in attendance

Family: We closed out the evening with a time of prayer for the family and friends as they minister in Central America this Christmas season' (John David and wife Abbie with her parents)

Jessie Seewald with her husband Ben and their two sons

Joseph Duggar and wife Kendra

Josiah Duggar and wife Lauren, who were declared the winners of the ugly sweater party

Joy-Anna and her husband Austin

Anna also shared photos of daughter Mackynzie and her cousin Emily baking a cake with 12 peanut butter reindeer, a gingerbread sleigh and cake ball ornaments.

She was not the only member of the family to post images from the party.

Jessa, who attended with husband Ben and their two sons, also posted images.

She noted that Derrick, her sister Jill's husband, could not make it because he was studying for exams while Jinger was at her home in Texas with her husband Jeremy.

'We ate way too much Italian dinner, then dove into desserts that were part of a baking competition,' she wrote on Instagram.

The event will no doubt be featured on the family's TLC reality show, though with Josh edited out of the episode.

Jessa and Jill

Jill and her son Samuel

John-David and

Jessa's son Henry

Jessa's son Spurgeon

Jessa and Ben with their son

John-David and Abbie with one of Josh's children

Mackynzie Duggar with her cousin

There was a time however when it seemed like the Duggars reality days might be done for good when it was revealed that Josh had molested five minor females including four of his siblings when he was a teenager.

He later confessed to having affairs and a porn addiction when it was alleged he had accounts on the infamous affair site Ashley Madison. Two women later came forward to claim he had paid them for sex.

At the time, Anna had just given birth to her fourth child, daughter Meredith Grace. She and Josh also have a daughter Mackynzie and three sons, Michael, Marcus and Mason.

Josh flew off to the faith-based rehab facility in September of 2015 and stayed there until April of the following year, and in the two years since his return to Arkansas has managed to avoid any major scandals.
Over the past year thousands of Rohingya Muslims have been driven from their homes following a campaign of violence.

Hundreds have been killed, with some being beheaded or even burned alive in bamboo cages by security services.

There are many reported cases of gang-rape, normally carried out by soldiers from the country's powerful, self-ruling army in their easily recognizable green uniforms.

More than 700,000 have fled to neighboring Bangladesh.

In October, the United Nations released a report that says genocide is still taking place against the Rohingya Muslims who remained in Myanmar.

Over the past year thousands of Rohingya Muslims (file image) have been driven from their homes following a campaign of violence. More than 700,000 have fled to neighboring Bangladesh

The report revealed that the country's government is increasingly demonstrating it has no interest in establishing a fully functioning democracy.

Marzuki Darusman, chair of the UN fact-finding mission on Myanmar, said thousands of Rohingya are still fleeing to Bangladesh, and the estimated 250,000 to 400,000 who have stayed following last year's brutal military campaign in the Buddhist-majority country 'continue to suffer the most severe' restrictions and repression.

'It is an ongoing genocide that is taking place at the moment,' he said in October.

Darusman said the requirements for genocide, except perhaps for killings, 'continue to hold' for Rohingya still in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state.

These include causing serious bodily harm, inflicting conditions designed to destroy the Rohingya, and imposing measures to prevent births, he said.

Myanmar's UN ambassador, Hau Do Suan, called the fact-finding mission 'flawed, biased and politically motivated' and said the government 'categorically rejects' its inference of 'genocidal intent'.

Yanghee Lee, the UN special investigator on human rights in Myanmar, said she and many others in the international community hoped the situation under Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi 'would be vastly different from the past - but it is really not that much different from the past'.

Lee added later that she thinks Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former political prisoner who now leads Myanmar's civilian government, 'is in total denial' about accusations that the military in Myanmar raped, murdered and tortured Rohingya and burned their villages, sending over 700,000 fleeing to Bangladesh since August 2017.
The so-called Irish border backstop is one of the most controversial parts of the PM's Brexit deal. This is what it means:

What is the backstop?

The backstop was invented to meet promises to keep open the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland even if there is no comprehensive UK-EU trade deal.

The divorce deal says it will kick in automatically at the end of the Brexit transition if that deal is not in place.

If effectively keeps the UK in a customs union with the EU and Northern Ireland in both the customs union and single market.

This means many EU laws will keep being imposed on the UK and there can be no new trade deals. It also means regulatory checks on some goods crossing the Irish Sea.

Why have Ireland and the EU demanded it?

Because Britain demanded to leave the EU customs union and single market, the EU said it needed guarantees people and goods circulating inside met EU rules.

This is covered by the Brexit transition, which effectively maintains current rules, and can in theory be done in the comprehensive EU-UK trade deal.

But the EU said there had to be a backstop to cover what happens in any gap between transition and final deal.

Why do critics hate it?

Because Britain cannot decide when to leave the backstop.

Getting out - even if there is a trade deal - can only happen if both sides agree people and goods can freely cross the border.

Brexiteers fear the EU will unreasonably demand the backstop continues so EU law continues to apply in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland MPs also hate the regulatory border in the Irish Sea, insisting it unreasonably carves up the United Kingdom.

What concessions did Britain get in negotiating it?

During the negotiations, Britain persuaded Brussels the backstop should apply to the whole UK and not just Northern Ireland. Importantly, this prevents a customs border down the Irish Sea - even if some goods still need to be checked.

The Government said this means Britain gets many of the benefits of EU membership after transition without all of the commitments - meaning Brussels will be eager to end the backstop.

It also got promises the EU will act in 'good faith' during the future trade talks and use its 'best endeavours' to finalise a deal - promises it says can be enforced in court.

What did the legal advice say about it?

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said even with the EU promises, if a trade deal cannot be reached the backstop could last forever.

This would leave Britain stuck in a Brexit limbo, living under EU rules it had no say in writing and no way to unilaterally end it.
Employees may soon be forced to wear headsets that track thoughts and monitor productivity, engagement and even when staff want to complain to their boss.

A mind-reading device known as an electroencephalogram (EEG) can be fitted to a person's scalp to track electrical signals produced by the brain.

Some companies have started forcing workers to wear them and combining the readings with artificial intelligence to dissect their thoughts.

Nita Farahany, a professor of law and philosophy at Duke University, gave a TedTalk on the topic and revealed she was concerned that this may cost people their jobs.

The headsets are already being used to track alertness, productivity and mental states in China.

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Nita Farahany (pictured), a professor of law and philosophy at Duke University, gave a TedTalk on the topic and revealed she was concerned that this may cost people their jobs. She said: ''I worry that people... will lose their jobs because of their waning attention or emotional instability'

Artificial intelligence is being used in the workplace more often in software and as part of computer models but the latest application has raised ethical concerns.

Train drivers on the Beijing to Shanghai high-speed rail wear the tech and if levels of low concentration are detected they can be sent home from work.

Professor Farahany said at the TedTalk event: 'In a world of total brain transparency, who would dare have a political dissident or creative thought?

'I worry that people will self-censor in fear of being ostracised by society, or that people will lose their jobs because of their waning attention or emotional instability, or because they're contemplating collective action against their employers.

WHAT IS AN EEG AND HOW DOES IT WORK? An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of brain activity which was originally developed for clinical use. During the test, small sensors are attached to the scalp to pick up the electrical signals produced when brain cells send messages to each other. In the medical field, EEGs are typically carried out by a highly trained specialist known as a clinical neurophysiologist. These signals are recorded by a machine and are analysed by a medical professional to determine whether they're unusual. An EEG can be used to help diagnose and monitor a number of conditions that affect the brain. It may help identify the cause of certain symptoms, such as seizures or memory problems. More recently, technology companies have used the technique to create brain-computer interfaces, sometimes referred to as 'mind-reading' devices. This has led to the creation and design of a number of futuristic sounding gadgets. These have ranged from a machine that can decipher words from brainwaves without them being spoken to a headband design that would let computer users open apps using the power of thought. Advertisement

'That coming out will no longer be an option, because people's brains will long ago have revealed their sexual orientation, their political ideology or their religious preferences, well before they were ready to consciously share that information with other people.

'I worry about the ability of our laws to keep up with technological change. Take the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects freedom of speech. Does it also protect freedom of thought?'

Professor Farahany was inspired to pursue the field of law and philosophy after the 2009 elections in Iran and the fear factor about even speaking about the outcome for fear of reprisal from the authorities.

A mind-reading device known as an electroencephalogram (EEG) can be fitted to a persons scalp and tracks the electrical signals produced by the brain. Some companies have started forcing workers to wear them to track alertness, productivity and mental state in China (stock)
Bird ancestors first evolved a shiny plumage around 150 million years ago when feathered dinosaurs started going up into trees, according to new research.

This meant they were safe from predators and could prioritise growing iridescent plumage to attract one another, scientists believe.

Iridescence, which refers to colour changes when an object is viewed from different angles, is responsible for some of the most striking visual displays in the animal kingdom.

Researchers looked at the feathers from almost 100 modern bird species and compared them to fossilised species to work out how this colour diversity evolved.

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Bird ancestors first evolved shiny feathers around 150 million years ago when certain dinosaurs started going up into trees, according to new research. Pictured is a Masked Trogon in Ecuador

WHAT DID RESEARCHERS DO? University of Bristol researchers used scanning electron microscopy to quantify melanosome extracts from the feathers of 97 species of modern birds with iridescent plumage. Melanosomes are animal cell structures responsible for trapping, storing and moving the light-absorbing pigment melanin. They are also responsible for colour and protection from sunlight. The feathers were taken from the collections of the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen. The study showed that iridescent feathers contain the most varied melanosome shapes of all types of bird coloration sampled to date. Unlike black, grey and brown feathers that always contain solid melanosomes, iridescent feathers can contain melanosomes that are hollow and/or flattened. By looking at fossilised melanosomes, researchers found that dinosaurs started getting shiny feathers around 150 million years ago. Scientists say they can use the finding to work out what the plumage of avian ancestors would have looked like. Advertisement

Melanosomes are animal cell structures responsible for trapping, storing and moving the light-absorbing pigment melanin.

They are also responsible for colour and protection from sunlight.

'Many birds have iridescence - such as the hummingbird or magpie - and we have been studying how iridescence is created', Dr Jakob Vinther, co-author of the study and a leading researcher in the field of paleocolour at Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, told MailOnline.

By looking at fossilised melanosomes, researchers found that dinosaurs started getting shiny feathers around 150 million years ago.

'There is a massive expansion of melanosome shapes that make all these remarkable colours.

Dr Vinther believes they were probably not as shiny as they are today but they were still iridescent.

'I think it probably evolved because dinosaurs started to go up into the trees, which made them more safe from predators', Dr Vinther said.

'This meant their feathers could become more colourful to attract mates.

'The ones on the ground would have had typical brown colours.

'The more exposed you are the more vulnerable you are. The first dinosaurs couldn't fly so they would have had a bad chance of survival if their feathers were iridescent.'

University of Bristol researchers used scanning electron microscopy to quantify melanosome extracts from the feathers of 97 species of modern birds with iridescent plumage, according to the research published in Evolution.

Pictured is a Glossy Swiftlet in Malaysia. Iridescence, which refers to colour changes when an object is viewed from different angles, is responsible for some of the most striking visual displays in the animal kingdom

Researchers sampled Scania Cypselus (left), related to modern tree swifts, and Primotrogon (right), ancestor to modern trogons

The feathers were taken from the collections of the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen.

The study showed that iridescent feathers contain the most varied melanosome shapes of all types of bird coloration sampled to date.

'There has been an expansion to become more colourful up until today', Dr Vinther said.

'Perhaps 100,000 years or one million years from now birds will have even more beautiful feathers', he said.

Unlike black, grey and brown feathers that always contain solid melanosomes, iridescent feathers can contain melanosomes that are hollow and/or flattened.

Pictured is a photo of a Scania cypselus fossil. Researchers looked at the feathers from almost 100 modern bird species to uncover how this colour diversity evolved

Lead author Klara Norden, who conducted the study during her undergraduate years at Bristol's School of Earth Sciences, said: 'It is already known that structural coloration is responsible for 70 per cent of the colour variability in birds.

'These two facts might be coupled - birds evolved varied forms of melanosomes to achieve ever greater diversity in colour.

Ms Norden wanted to find out if it was possible to predict what the plumage of fossilised avian ancestors would have looked like based on the shape of the their melanosomes.

Dr Vinther had already collected the perfect fossil samples to test the new model on.

He said: 'We had sampled Scania Cypselus, related to modern tree swifts, and Primotrogon, ancestor to modern trogons.

'These groups are iridescent today and have flat and hollow melanosomes. Did their 48-million-year-old ancestors from Germany also have iridescent plumage?'

The model predicted that Primotrogon probably was iridescent, but it used solid rather than hollow melanosomes, unlike its modern descendants, meaning it would not have been as shiny.

'This demonstrates how we now have the tools to map out the evolution of iridescence in fossil lineages,' said Ms Norden.

'It opens the door to many new discoveries of dazzling displays in fossil birds and other dinosaurs.'
Scientists said the discovery of new lower back fossils belonging to Australopithecus sediba (pictured main) had settled a decades old debate about how early hominins moved. The 'missing link' revealed a curved spine (inset), suggesting the species spent a lot of time walking on two legs, as well as using their upper limbs to climb like apes. An international team of researchers, led by New York University and the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, used bones found in lumps of rock from a South African cave to reconstruct one of the most complete back fossils of any hominin. Australopithecus sediba was first described in 2010 by Lee Berger and his team at the University of the Witwatersrand.
A square jaw, strong brow, thin lips and a broader nose are seen as signs of talent and competence, a new study has found.

The features, associated with increased levels of the male hormone testosterone, are seen as assertive and markers of virility indicative of professional prowess.

Members of the public were asked to rate images on a range of criteria, with men scoring more highly for competence than women.

Experts say their study highlights the prejudice ingrained in society that women face on a daily basis.

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Increased levels of testosterone - the male hormone - creates a square jaw, strong brow, thin lips and a broader nose. All of these features are seen as assertive and markers of virility

First author Dr DongWon Oh, from Princeton University, said: 'Our research sheds light on the pernicious gender bias in how we perceive others.

'We judge masculine looking people as competent - a judgement that can affect our leadership choices.'

High levels of testosterone lead to the ultra-masculine look of George Clooney or Idris Elba, whereas less of the hormone produces the softer features of Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt.

Increased testosterone levels was found to be directly correlated with perceived competence in men.

However, the same trait in women created a view that they were 'inefficient'.

Dr Oh said this is important as it affects who we choose to lead us and how we see them.

For example, previous studies have shown individuals with rugged jawlines are more likely to become high-ranking politicians or heads of large companies.

But Dr Oh said: 'Problematically, how competent someone appears does not guarantee their actual competence.

'Needless to say these gender biases pose a threat to social justice - creating unfair environments for everyone.'

Members of the general public were asked to rate images of people based on competence and found that people rated someone as more competent if they were male and less competent ones as female

WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE? Testosterone is the male sex hormone and is mostly made in the testicles, but also in adrenal glands, which are near the kidneys. It causes the voice to deepen, body hair to grow and the genitals to become larger during puberty. As well as affecting sex drive and sperm production, it also plays a role in developing strong bones and muscles, and how the body distributes fat. Women also create small amounts of the hormone in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and it affects their fertility and bones and muscles. Testosterone levels which are too high or too low can cause various problems. Low testosterone in men can cause erection problems, low sex drive, infertility, weakened muscles and bones, body fat gain and hair loss. Too much testosterone, however, can trigger puberty in boys under the age of nine, is linked to aggression, and can increase the risk of prostate problems, including cancer. Male testosterone levels tend to be highest when he is around 20 years old, and decline naturally with age. Source: Medical News Today Advertisement

Dr Oh and colleagues assessed the 'visual ingredients' that influence how people view another person's talent level on appearance alone.

Participants in a study were asked to rate a variety of different faces on how competent they thought the person was based on appearance alone.

By collecting and breaking down all the data they were then able to identify the features which were most heavily associated with competence.

They then built a computer model that allowed them to digitally alter faces based on these specific guidelines.

One experiment involving 33 participants found faces designed to look more efficient were rated as such - and as more attractive.

Dr Oh, of Princeton University in New Jersey, said: 'Using the computational methods we developed for visualising appearance stereotypes, we can literally remove the attractiveness of the competent-looking faces.

'We can then test whether 'competent' faces still appear competent and inspect what visual properties other than attractiveness drive the competence impressions.'

Scientists have found that first impressions can have a profound impact on how we see someone as masculine faces are viewed as more competent. Researchers say the study also highlights the prejudice ingrained in society that women face on a daily basis

High levels of testosterone lead to the ultra-masculine look of George Clooney or Idris Elba (pictured) and less produces the softer look of Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt

Another online test revealed a clear gender bias. When asked to identify the gender of faces participants tended to rate more competent looking ones as male.

Finally the researchers manipulated 'photo-realistic' images of male and female faces so they varied in masculinity and got 250 participants to rate their competence online.

Again, the data suggested a gender bias in first impressions. As male faces increased in masculinity, so did their perceived competence.

For female faces this relationship only held up to a point - after which more masculine female faces were actually perceived as less competent.

Dr Oh and colleagues hope to expand on the study published in Psychological Science by exploring the origins of this gender bias and how it could be combated.

They are also investigating whether there are systematic differences in the impressions we have of male and female faces.
Global warming is causing more snow to fall over Antarctica and it is stunting the surge of rising sea levels.

Scientists have discovered that the increased amount of snow on Antarctica has helped offset rates of twentieth-century global sea-level rise by up to a third.

Since the start of the 20th century the snow on the frozen continent and the Antarctic ice Sheet have played a pivotal role in governing sea level change.

The delicate balance between ice sheets melting and increased snowfall has a major part to play on sea levels around the world.

The authors of the research caution that this phenomenon is merely slowing sea level rise - not negating it completely.

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Since the start of the 20th century the snow on the frozen continent and the Antarctic ice Sheet have played a pivotal role in governing sea level change. The increasing global temperature has also caused more snow to fall on Antarctica (stock)

The findings have been published in the journal Nature Climate Change and emphasise the role of the ice sheet on global sea levels, the researchers claim.

Global sea levels are rising as a result of warmer sea waters.

Sea levels vary dramatically around the world due to the distribution of warm water around the world.

As warm water expands to fill more space than cold water it has a dramatic effect on sea level rise in some areas based on currents and wind.

Uneven sea level rise is also influenced by ice sheets, which lose mass as they melt.

However, sea level is also affected by changes in snowfall, which impacts the volume of frozen water that is 'stored' in glaciated regions such as Antarctica.

SEA LEVELS COULD RISE BY UP TO 4 FEET BY THE YEAR 2300 Global sea levels could rise as much as 1.2 metres (4 feet) by 2300 even if we meet the 2015 Paris climate goals, scientists have warned. The long-term change will be driven by a thaw of ice from Greenland to Antarctica that is set to re-draw global coastlines. Sea level rise threatens cities from Shanghai to London, to low-lying swathes of Florida or Bangladesh, and to entire nations such as the Maldives. It is vital that we curb emissions as soon as possible to avoid an even greater rise, a German-led team of researchers said in a new report. By 2300, the report projected that sea levels would gain by 0.7-1.2 metres, even if almost 200 nations fully meet goals under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Targets set by the accords include cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero in the second half of this century. Ocean levels will rise inexorably because heat-trapping industrial gases already emitted will linger in the atmosphere, melting more ice, it said. In addition, water naturally expands as it warms above four degrees Celsius (39.2F). Every five years of delay beyond 2020 in peaking global emissions would mean an extra 20 centimetres (8 inches) of sea level rise by 2300. 'Sea level is often communicated as a really slow process that you can't do much about ... but the next 30 years really matter,' said lead author Dr Matthias Mengel, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, in Potsdam, Germany. None of the nearly 200 governments to sign the Paris Accords are on track to meet its pledges. Advertisement

Brooke Medley and Elizabeth Thomas from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, used ice-core records to determine snow accumulation across Antarctica from 19012000.

They found an overall increase in sea level rise and say it is as a direct result of warming temperatures that allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture.

The authors suggest that this increase in snow has offset approximately 10 mm of global sea-level rise since 1901.

Previous research has found that climate change is causing sea levels to rise unevenly around the world.

They also revealed the encroaching sea levels of the last 25 years are 'human-caused' and will be devastating if they continue to rise.

Experts predict that regions with rapidly rising sea levels, including the Eastern Seaboard of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico, can expect the trend to continue as the climate warms.

Scientists have discovered that the increased amount of snow on Antarctica has helped offset rates of twentieth-century global sea-level rise by a third (file photo)

'By knowing that climate change is playing a role in creating these regional patterns, we can be more confident that these same patterns may linger or even intensify in the future if climate change continues unabated,' Dr Fasullo at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) said.

'With sea levels projected to rise a couple of feet or more this century on average, information about expected regional differences could be critical for coastal communities as they prepare.'

Dr Fasullo and Dr Steve Nerem at the University of Colorado Boulder, both members of the NASA Sea Level Change Team, analysed satellite data which measured sea surface heights stretching back to 1993.

Areas near Antarctica and the West Coast of the US have lower-than-average sea level rise but some, including the US's East Coast and the Philippines and Indonesia, are suffering more.

Sea level varies according to region due to the thermodynamics of the water in the oceans.
A vast and intertwined network of micro-organisms twice the size of the world's oceans has been discovered under the Earth's surface.

Scientists drilled holes a mile and a half (2.5 kilometres) below the seabed and found underground forests of 'deep life' that have likely existed for millions of years.

The hardy creatures are subjected to astounding temperatures, zero sunlight and minimal nutrition and survive in a 'zombie-like' state.

Scientists believe it holds around 15 to 23 billion tonnes of carbon - up to 385 times more than the combines mass of every human on the planet.

Researchers from around the world collaborated on the ten-year project and found 70 per cent of the Earth's bacteria live underground.

They have since labelled the untouched frontier of science the 'Galapagos of the deep' due to the striking resemblance to the Pacific archipelago.

Unlike the islands famed for their wildlife and the adventured of Charles Darwin on the HMS Beagle, scientists point out this new world remains pristine and free of human destruction.

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'Zombie' bacteria and other forms of life constitute an immense amount of carbon deep within Earth's subsurface. Pictured is a eukarya that lives 0.8 miles (1.4km) below the surface

The findings were made by scientists nearing the end of a 10-year international collaboration to work out the total amount of life that exists below the ground.

On the eve of the American Geophysical Union's annual meeting in Washington, scientists working with the Deep Carbon Observatory revealed how much life they estimated to be in the deep subsurface of Earth.

'Exploring the deep subsurface is akin to exploring the Amazon rainforest', said Mitch Sogin from the Marine Biological Laboratory Woods Hole.

'There is life everywhere, and everywhere there's an awe-inspiring abundance of unexpected and unusual organisms.'

Scientists sampled microbes from continental mines and boreholes more than 3 miles (5km) deep, scientists created a model of the hidden ecosystem.

The record depth at which life has been found on land is approximately 3 miles (5km) while the record in a marine environment is 6.5 miles (10.5km) from the ocean surface.

They believe the deep biosphere is around 0.5 to 0.6 billion cubic miles (2 to 2.3 billion cubic km) big, which is almost twice the volume of all oceans.

This 'subterranean Galapagos' includes members of all three domains of life - archaea, bacteria and eukarya.

Experts have revealed the newly-discovered world contains at least 7.5 tonnes of carbon per cubic km.

Archaea - microbes with no membrane-bound nucleus - occupy their own unique section in evolutionary history and are bvelieved to exist in this labyrinth alongside bacterium.

Some primitive eukarya (microbes or multicellular organisms with cells that contain a nucleus as well as membrane-bound organelles) are also believed to exist in the subterranean hive of life.

Bacteria and archaea dominate Deep Earth and they form what is known as Earth's microbial 'dark matter'.

Scientists on the international project claim the discovery has the potential to dramatically alter our perspective on the tree of life.

Pictured are a species of bacteria that survives on hydrogen. Scientists found it living within a fluid and gas-filled fracture 1.7 miles (2.8km) beneath Earth's surface at a mine near Johannesburg, South Africa

They believe the genetic diversity of life below the surface may exceed the living world found above the surface.

Scientists have long believed there to be an absolute limit to how much life can exist on Earth, but this has yet to be found as research continues to uncover more ecosystems.

The theory claims the combination of temperature, pressure, and energy availability will one day result in an amount of life which can not be exceeded.

A front-runner for Earth's hottest organism in the natural world is Geogemma barossii, a single-celled organism that thrives in hydrothermal vents on the seafloor.

It has microscopic sphere-shaped cells which thrive at temperatures up to 121C.

By comparison, the record-holding hottest place on Earth's surface, in an uninhabited Iranian desert, is about 71 degrees Celsius - the temperature of well-done steak.

Scientists drilled holes a mile and a half (2.5 kilometres) below the seabed and found underground forests of 'deep life' that have likely existed for millions of years

WHAT IS THE VAST UNDERGROUND NETWORK OF 'ZOMBIE' BACTERIA? Scientists believe there is around 15 to 23 billion tons of carbon within the Earth's subsurface - up to 385 times more than what is in every human on the planet put together. They found 70 per cent of the Earth's bacteria live underground, with researchers calling this under-studied area the 'Galapagos of the deep'. Drilling 1.5 miles (2.5km) into the seafloor, and sampling microbes from continental mines and boreholes more than 3 miles (5km) deep, scientists have used the results to construct models of the ecosystem deep within the planet. Scientists say about 70 per cent of Earth's bacteria and archaea live in the subsurface. They believe the genetic diversity of life below the surface is comparable to or exceeds that above the surface. The record depth at which life has been found in the continental subsurface is approximately 3 miles (5km) while the record in marine waters is 6.5 miles (10.5km) from the ocean surface. Advertisement

The record depth at which life has been found in the continental subsurface is approximately 3 miles (5km) while the record in marine waters is 6.5 miles (10.5km) from the ocean surface.

'Deep life probably has an important impact on global biogeochemical cycles, and thus on the surface world', said Kai-Uwe Hinrichs from the MARUM University of Bremen, Germany.

However, we are still far from quantifying this impact.

'Even in dark and energetically challenging conditions, intraterrestrial ecosystems have uniquely evolved and persisted over millions of years', said Fumio Inagaki, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.

'Expanding our knowledge of deep life will inspire new insights into planetary habitability, leading us to understand why life emerged on our planet and whether life persists in the Martian subsurface and other celestial bodies.'

This is a species of Methanobacterium, which produces methane. Found in samples from a buried coal bed 1.2 miles (2km) below the Pacific Ocean floor off the coast of Japan

Scientists were able to make the findings thanks to the declining cost of DNA sequencing and breakthroughs in deep ocean drilling technologies.

'Ten years ago, we knew far less about the physiologies of the bacteria and microbes that dominate the subsurface biosphere,' said Karen Lloyd, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, US.

'Today, we know that, in many places, they invest most of their energy to simply maintaining their existence and little into growth, which is a fascinating way to live.

'Today too, we know that subsurface life is common. Ten years ago, we had sampled only a few sites - the kinds of places we'd expect to find life.

'Now, thanks to ultra-deep sampling, we know we can find them pretty much everywhere, albeit the sampling has obviously reached only an infinitesimally tiny part of the deep biosphere.'
The first flight of a SpaceX rocket tailored to fly astronauts to the International Space Station has been delayed by NASA.

The Demo-1 flight test is a crucial milestone in the space agency's Commercial Crew Program, which aims to launch humans to space from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly a decade.

The first, uncrewed, test of the craft was due for liftoff from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 7, NASA - but this has now been pushed back until January 17th to allows the return of the Dragon spacecraft from the company's 16th commercial resupply services mission.

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The first flight of a SpaceX rocket tailored to fly astronauts to the International Space Station is set for liftoff from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Jan. 7, NASA said on Wednesday

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE CAPSULES? After the uncrewed flight tests, both companies will carry out spacecraft abort tests to demonstrate their crew escape capability during an actual on-pad, or ascent emergency. The final test flights for each company will be crew flight tests to the space station prior to being certified by NASA for crew rotation missions. Advertisement

NASA and SpaceX have agreed to move the target launch date of the uncrewed to the International Space Station. SpaceX coordinated with the Eastern Range for a launch on Thursday, Jan 17.

This adjustment allows the return of the Dragon spacecraft from the company's 16th commercial resupply services mission.

SpaceX's Demo-1 will provide key data associated with the ground, integrated rocket and spacecraft, and autonomous docking systems, and the landing profile ahead of the company's flight test with astronauts, known as Demo-2.

'We still have more work to do as the certification process, hardware development and readiness reviews continue,' said Kathy Lueders, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

'The key readiness reviews along with NASA's continued analysis of hardware and software testing and certification data must be closed out prior to launch.

The upcoming steps before the test missions are critical, and their importance can't be understated.

'We are not driven by dates, but by data. Ultimately, we'll fly SpaceX Demo-1 at the right time, so we get the right data back to support the in-flight abort test and the next test flight when our astronauts are aboard.

NASA said SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft - which will shuttle three astronauts to space from the same launch pad that sent Apollo 11's three-man crew to the moon in 1969 - will make its debut flight atop SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket on Jan. 7

'However, the fact we're coordinating target dates with the Eastern Range is a great example of the real progress we're making with commercial crew and how close we are to actually flying American spacecraft and rockets from American soil again.'

While NASA did not detail the flight path, it said the test would provide data on the performance of the Falcon 9, Crew Dragon capsule, and ground systems, as well as on-orbit, docking and landing operations.

SpaceX and Boeing Co are the two main contractors selected under NASA's Commercial Crew Program to send astronauts to space as soon as 2019, using their Crew Dragon and CST-100 Starliner spacecraft respectively.

Since the U.S. space shuttle program was shut down in 2011, NASA has had to rely on Russia to fly astronauts to the space station, a $100 billion orbital research laboratory that flies about 250 miles (402 km) above Earth.

The Demo-1 launch is the latest test in a rigorous certification timeline imposed under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

While SpaceX is targeting early January, NASA spokeswoman Marie Lewis said the demo mission could be pushed back because 'flying safely has always taken precedence over schedule.'

WHAT IS SPACEX' CREW DRAGON? The capsule measures about 20 feet tall by 12 feet in diameter, and will carry up to 7 astronauts at a time. The Crew Dragon features an advanced emergency escape system (which was tested earlier this year) to swiftly carry astronauts to safety if something were to go wrong, experiencing about the same G-forces as a ride at Disneyland. SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule measures 20 feet tall by 12 feet in diameter, and will carry up to 7 astronauts at a time. However, the manned flight will have four astronauts on board It also has an Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) that provides a comfortable and safe environment for crew members. Crew Dragon's displays will provide real-time information on the state of the spacecraft's capabilities, showing everything from Dragon's position in space, to possible destinations, to the environment on board. Those CRS-2 Dragon missions will use 'propulsive' landings, where the capsule lands on a landing pad using its SuperDraco thrusters rather than splashing down in the ocean. That will allow NASA faster access to the cargo returned by those spacecraft, and also build up experience for propulsive landings of crewed Dragon spacecraft.

Pictured is the Crew Dragon spacecraft simulator. The Crew Dragon features an advanced emergency escape system to swiftly carry astronauts to safety if something were to go wrong Advertisement

Founded by Tesla Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk, SpaceX said if the Jan. 7 test is successful, it plans to launch its first crewed mission in June 2019, but the timeline may shift.

Boeing plans a similar test launch of the Starliner spacecraft atop its Atlas 5 rocket as soon as March, with a crewed mission following in August.

The Jan. 7 launch date announcement comes a day after NASA said it would conduct a 'cultural assessment study' of the companies, 'including the adherence to a drug-free environment,' prior to crew test flights.
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Shocking new maps of East Antarctica's coast have revealed huge swathes of glaciers thought to be stable are 'waking up'.

The detailed NASA maps of ice velocity and elevation show that a group of glaciers spanning one-eighth of East Antarctica's coast have begun to lose ice over the past decade.

It raises major fears of widespread changes in the ocean.

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A group of four glaciers in an area of East Antarctica called Vincennes Bay, west of the massive Totten Glacier, have lowered their surface height by about 9 feet since 2008, hinting at widespread changes in the ocean.

THE NEW MAPS The team used new maps of ice velocity and surface height elevation that are being created as part of a new NASA project called Inter-mission Time Series of Land Ice Velocity and Elevation, or ITS_LIVE. Researchers with ITS_LIVE will be launching a new initiative in early 2019 to track the movement of the world's ice, which includes the creation of a 30-year record of satellite observations of changes in the surface elevation of glaciers, ice sheets and ice shelves, and a detailed record of variations in ice velocity starting in 2013. Advertisement

Researchers have previously warned that Totten Glacier, a behemoth that contains enough ice to raise sea levels by at least 11 feet, appears to be retreating because of warming ocean waters.

Now, researchers have found that a group of four glaciers sitting to the west of Totten, plus a handful of smaller glaciers farther east, are also losing ice.

'Totten is the biggest glacier in East Antarctica, so it attracts most of the research focus,' said Catherine Walker, a glaciologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who presented her findings at at the American Geophysical Union meeting in Washington.

'But once you start asking what else is happening in this region, it turns out that other nearby glaciers are responding in a similar way to Totten.'

Walker found that four glaciers west of Totten, in an area called Vincennes Bay, have lowered their surface height by about 9 feet since 2008  before that year, there had been no measured change in elevation for these glaciers.

Farther east, a collection of glaciers along the Wilkes Land coast have approximately doubled their rate of lowering since around 2009, and their surface is now going down by about 0.8 feet every year.

These levels of ice loss are small when compared to those of glaciers in West Antarctica.

But still, they could be a sign of nascent and widespread change in East Antarctica.

This map shows the flow of the Antarctic ice sheet as measured from the tracking of subtle surface features across millions of Landsat repeat image pairs. The "donut hole" marks the maximum latitude visible by the Landsat satellites. The data used for this map is an early version of the NASA MEaSUREs ITS_LIVE project and was produced by Alex Gardner, NASA-JPL.

'The change doesn't seem random; it looks systematic,' said Alex Gardner, a glaciologist with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, lead of ITS_LIVE and a participant in the press conference.

'And that systematic nature hints at underlying ocean influences that have been incredibly strong in West Antarctica.

'Now we might be finding clear links of the ocean starting to influence East Antarctica.'

Walker used simulations of ocean temperature from a model and compared them to actual measurements from sensor-tagged marine mammals.

She found that recent changes in winds and sea ice have resulted in an increase to the heat delivered by the ocean waters to the glaciers in Wilkes Land and Vincennes Bay.

'Those two groups of glaciers drain the two largest subglacial basins in East Antarctica, and both basins are grounded below sea level,' Walker said.

'If warm water can get far enough back, it can progressively reach deeper and deeper ice.

Glaciers in East Antarctica: Walker found that four glaciers west of Totten, in an area called Vincennes Bay, have lowered their surface height by about 9 feet since 2008  before that year, there had been no measured change in elevation for these glaciers.

'This would likely speed up glacier melt and acceleration, but we don't know yet how fast that would happen.

'Still, that's why people are looking at these glaciers, because if you start to see them picking up speed, that suggests that things are destabilizing.'

'Heightened attention needs to be given to these glaciers: We need to better map the topography and we need to better map the bathymetry,' Gardner said.

'Only then can we be more conclusive in determining whether, if the ocean warms, these glaciers will enter a phase of rapid retreat or stabilize on upstream topographic features.'
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NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has found water locked deep inside the asteroid it hopes to bring a sample from back to Earth.

The craft finally arrived at asteroid Bennu last week, more than two years after blasting off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Now, NASA says it 'made the right decision' choosing its target.

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The animation above shows our closest look yet at the space rock, showing Bennu in one full rotation from about distance 50 miles away (80 km). It was captured over the course of four hours and 18 minutes

WHAT DID NASA FIND? Data obtained from the spacecraft's two spectrometers, the OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (OVIRS) and the OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES), reveal the presence of molecules that contain oxygen and hydrogen atoms bonded together, known as 'hydroxyls.' The team suspects that these hydroxyl groups exist globally across the asteroid in water-bearing clay minerals, meaning that at some point, Bennu's rocky material interacted with water. While Bennu itself is too small to have ever hosted liquid water, the finding does indicate that liquid water was present at some time on Bennu's parent body, a much larger asteroid. Advertisement

'Recently analyzed data from NASA's Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission has revealed water locked inside the clays that make up its scientific target, the asteroid Bennu,' NASA said.

'The presence of hydrated minerals across the asteroid confirms that Bennu, a remnant from early in the formation of the solar system, is an excellent specimen for the OSIRIS-REx mission to study the composition of primitive volatiles and organics,' said Amy Simon, OVIRS deputy instrument scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

'When samples of this material are returned by the mission to Earth in 2023, scientists will receive a treasure trove of new information about the history and evolution of our solar system.

While Bennu itself is too small to have ever hosted liquid water, the finding does indicate that liquid water was present at some time on Bennu's parent body, a much larger asteroid.

During the mission's approach phase, between mid-August and early December, the spacecraft traveled 1.4 million miles (2.2 million km) on its journey from Earth to arrive at a location 12 miles (19 km) from Bennu on Dec. 3.

During this time, the science team on Earth aimed three of the spacecraft's instruments towards Bennu and began making the mission's first scientific observations of the asteroid.

OSIRIS-REx is NASA's first asteroid sample return mission.

Data obtained from the spacecraft's two spectrometers, the OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (OVIRS) and the OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES), reveal the presence of molecules that contain oxygen and hydrogen atoms bonded together, known as 'hydroxyls.'

The team suspects that these hydroxyl groups exist globally across the asteroid in water-bearing clay minerals, meaning that at some point, Bennu's rocky material interacted with water.

NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has finally arrived at asteroid Bennu more than two years after blasting off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.The animation above shows the craft's approach to the object, beginning August 17 when it was over 1,300,000 miles from Bennu, to November 27, when it was just 40 miles away

While Bennu itself is too small to have ever hosted liquid water, the finding does indicate that liquid water was present at some time on Bennu's parent body, a much larger asteroid.

One outlier from the predicted shape model is the size of the large boulder near Bennu's south pole.

The ground-based shape model calculated this boulder to be at least 33 feet (10 meters) in height.

Preliminary calculations from OCAMS observations show that the boulder is closer to 164 feet (50 meters) in height, with a width of approximately 180 feet (55 meters).

Bennu's surface material is a mix of very rocky, boulder-filled regions and a few relatively smooth regions that lack boulders.

However, the quantity of boulders on the surface is higher than expected.

OSIRIS-REx will spend the next year in orbit around its target before dropping down briefly so it can get close enough to scoop up a sample of dirt and rock from the surface.

'Our initial data show that the team picked the right asteroid as the target of the OSIRIS-REx mission. We have not discovered any insurmountable issues at Bennu so far,' said Dante Lauretta, OSIRIS-REx principal investigator at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

'The spacecraft is healthy and the science instruments are working better than required. It is time now for our adventure to begin.'

'We have arrived,' technicians announced, spurring high-fives and clapping around the control room.

Just days ago, Osiris-Rex flexed its mechanical arm through a full range of motion for the first time in space ahead of reaching Bennu; eventually, this instrument will be used to pluck a regolith sample from the surface to bring back home.

The craft has now traveled more than a billion miles since launching in September 2016.

Osiris-Rex' ultimate goal is to bring back a regolith sample of at least 2.1 ounces. It will first survey the asteroid's surface for a year, before selecting a safe and 'scientifically interesting' location to scoop up some rocks.

If all goes well, the craft will bring the sample back to Earth in September 2023.

Osiris-Rex has been sending back photos throughout the course of its journey, revealing glimpses at its then-faraway target and even our own planet from millions of miles way.

In August, the craft snapped its first image of asteroid Bennu.

While the blurry snapshot might not look like much, its first look was the closest we've come to the space rock yet, at 1.4 million miles away.

The craft also captured a look at Earth and moon in their 'orbital dance' back in January.

Asteroid Bennu, which Osiris-Rex will spend the next few years studying, is said to be a carbon-rich hunk of rock that might contain organic materials or molecular precursors to life.

NASA aired live coverage of its arrival starting at 11:45 a.m. ET, shortly before the spacecraft began the 20-second burn that put it on the right trajectory around the asteroid. Artist's impression

Osiris-Rex captured a 'super-resolution' view (left) of asteroid Bennu on October 29, 2018. The photo was created using eight images obtained by the spacecraft from a distance of about 205 miles (330 kilometers)

'Analyzing a sample from Bennu will help planetary scientists better understand the role asteroids may have played in delivering life-forming compounds to Earth,' NASA explains.

'We know from having studied Bennu through Earth- and space-based telescopes that it is a carbonaceous, or carbon-rich, asteroid. Carbon is the hinge upon which organic molecules hang.

'Bennu is likely rich in organic molecules, which are made of chains of carbon bonded with atoms of oxygen, hydrogen, and other elements in a chemical recipe that makes all known living things.

'Besides carbon, Bennu also might have another component important to life: water, which is trapped in the minerals that make up the asteroid.'

The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory located on Mount Graham in Arizona spotted Osiris-Rex (red) in September 2017, roughly a year after it launched

This September 11, 2016 photo shows a Centaur upper stage lifted at Space Launch Complex 41 on Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station where it was attached to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket first stage booster, carrying OSIRIS-REx

Once Osiris is ready to collect a sample, it will drop down closer to Bennu and hover over the surface like a hummingbird, with only its mechanical arm getting close enough to touch the asteroid.

The Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) will suck up the regolith, kicked up by its nitrogen gas thrusters, and hopefully collect enough to study back at home.

Scientists estimate the asteroid formed roughly 4.5 billion years ago.

'Bennu is a leftover fragment from the tumultuous formation of the solar system,' NASA says.

'Some of the mineral fragments inside Bennu could be older than the solar system. These microscopic grains of dust could be the same ones that spewed from dying stars and eventually coalesced to make the Sun and its planets nearly 4.6 billion years ago.'
Soon, sending a message on Instagram will be as easy as pushing a button.

The social media platform is set to launch a new voice chat feature on the app that lets users record a message and send it to a friend, according to TechCrunch.

Instagram users can send voice chats back and forth in their direct messages.

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Soon, sending a message on Instagram will be as easy as pushing a button. The social media app is set to launch a voice chat feature that lets users record a message and send it to a friend

Now, in the Instagram app, users can navigate to a private chat with a friend and hold down the microphone button in the message box.

Similar to Apple's iMessage, the recorded message will appear as an audio wave form that recipients can listen to.

Users can record messages that are up to one-minute long.

They also have no expiration date, so recipients can listen to them however many times they want to.

After users stop holding down on the microphone button, the recording will send immediately.

However, users can either hit the trash can button to delete it, or use Instagram's Unsend feature to remove a message after it's been sent to another user.

To send a voice chat, users navigate to a private chat and hold down the microphone button in the message box. Users can record messages that are up to one-minute long

Similar to Apple's iMessage, the recorded message will appear as an audio wave form that recipients can listen to. Once users stop recording, the message will send immediately

Instagram's voice messaging feature is available globally for Android and iOS users starting today.

The feature takes a page from WhatsApp, Voxer and even Instagram's parent company, Facebook, which began letting users send voice chats on Messenger several years ago.

It arrives as more and more people are relying on Instagram as their main social media and messaging app.

Many users who are fans of WeChat and WhatsApp use voice messages as their main form of communication, so bringing the feature to Instagram should be a welcome addition for those users.

What's more, it'll be particularly helpful for users whose languages aren't very compatible with smartphone keyboards, TechCrunch noted.
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A stunning new image captured by NASAs Juno spacecraft has revealed a fresh look at the whirlpool of clouds high above Jupiter.

The spacecraft completed its 16th close flyby of the giant planet this past October, revealing some of our best glimpses yet at its fascinating atmospheric processes.

According to the space agency, the latest photo was captured during its closest approach of the flyby, at about 2,100 miles (3,400 kilometers) above the cloud tops of Jupiters North Equatorial Belt.

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A stunning new image captured by NASAs Juno spacecraft has revealed a fresh look at the whirlpool of clouds high above Jupiter. The spacecraft completed its 16th close flyby of the giant planet this past October, revealing some of our best glimpses yet at its fascinating atmospheric processes

The image was taken just after 5:00 p.m. EDT on October 29th, during Junos 16th flyby.

At the time, NASA says Juno was about as close to Jupiter as San Francisco is to Chicago. This, the agency notes, is quite close when racing over a planet that's 11 times wider than Earth.

The image was processed by citizen scientist Bjorn Jonsson, who used data from the crafts JunoCam to create the captivating color-enhanced view of the clouds.

Last week, NASA shared a look at another stunning feature spotted during Juno's 16th flyby - a huge cloud that takes on the appearance of a dolphin.

The cloud was spotted amid bands of clouds spanning the planets southern hemisphere back in October, when Juno came about 11,400 to 31,700 miles (18,400 to 51,000 kilometers) from the planet's cloud tops.

According to NASA, the images were taken between 5:26 p.m. and 5:46 p.m. ET on October 29.

They were later processed by citizen scientists Brian Swift and Sean Doran.

The image shows the 'changing cloud formations across Jupiter's southern hemisphere,' NASA explains.

A breathtaking new image series captured by NASAs Juno spacecraft has revealed a look at a dolphin-shaped cloud that appears to be jumping through Jupiters atmosphere. It can be seen in the image above, just to the right of center

How NASA's Juno probe to Jupiter will reveal the secrets of the solar system's biggest planet The Juno probe reached Jupiter in 2016 after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile journey from Earth The Juno probe reached Jupiter on July 4, 2016, after a five-year, 1.8 billion-mile (2.8bn km) journey from Earth. Following a successful braking manoeuvre, it entered into a long polar orbit flying to within 3,100 miles (5,000 km) of the planet's swirling cloud tops. The probe skimmed to within just 2,600 miles (4,200 km) of the planet's clouds once a fortnight - too close to provide global coverage in a single image. No previous spacecraft has orbited so close to Jupiter, although two others have been sent plunging to their destruction through its atmosphere. To complete its risky mission Juno survived a circuit-frying radiation storm generated by Jupiter's powerful magnetic field. The maelstrom of high energy particles travelling at nearly the speed of light is the harshest radiation environment in the Solar System. To cope with the conditions, the spacecraft was protected with special radiation-hardened wiring and sensor shielding. Its all-important 'brain' - the spacecraft's flight computer - was housed in an armoured vault made of titanium and weighing almost 400 pounds (172kg). The craft is expected to study the composition of the planet's atmosphere until 2025. Advertisement

'A cloud in the shape of a dolphin appears to be swimming through the cloud bands along the South Temperate Belt.'

The Juno mission has been churning out stunning photos of the gas giant planet ever since it arrived to its orbit in 2016.

Last month, NASA shared another look at its swirling clouds, which take on dream-like appearance of an oil painting. The photo showed storms in Jupiter's dynamic North North Temperate Belt.

'Appearing in the scene are several bright-white 'pop-up' clouds as well as an anticyclonic storm, known as a white oval,' NASA said.

'A multitude of magnificent, swirling clouds in Jupiter's dynamic North North Temperate Belt are captured.'

It captures the intensity of the jets and vortices in Jupiter's North North Temperate Belt. The clouds are likely made of ammonia-ice crystals, or possibly a combination of ammonia ice and water, NASA says.
Google has admitted to a second massive bug in its Google+ social media service.

It affected 52.5 million Google+ accounts, including those of some business customers, for six days after it was introduced last month, Google said.

However, Google said in a blog post that it found no evidence that any other apps had accessed the data, such as name, email, gender and age, using the latest bug.

It says that in light of the latest flaw, it will shut down its Google+ social media service in April, four months ahead of schedule.

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A report claims Google exposed the private data of hundreds of thousands of users of its Google+ social network and opted not to disclose the issue due to fears of regulatory scrutiny

THE LATEST BUG A new bug introduced via a software update in November was discovered during routine testing and fixed, according to the company. Google determined that the vulnerability affected approximately 52.5 million users, allowing applications to see profile information such as name, occupation, age and email address even if access was set to private. Advertisement

'We have begun the process of notifying consumer users and enterprise customers that were impacted by this bug,' the firm added.

The internet giant will now focus on operating a version tailored for businesses, according to G Suite product management vice president David Thacker.

Application programming interface programs (APIs) used by developers to access Google+ data will be shut down within 90 days, according to Thacker.

'With the discovery of this new bug, we have decided to expedite the shut-down of all Google+ APIs,' Thacker said in a blog post.

'While we recognize there are implications for developers, we want to ensure the protection of our users.'

A new bug introduced via a software update in November was discovered during routine testing and fixed, according to the company.

Google determined that the vulnerability affected approximately 52.5 million users, allowing applications to see profile information such as name, occupation, age and email address even if access was set to private.

'No third party compromised our systems, and we have no evidence that the app developers that inadvertently had this access for six days were aware of it or misused it in any way,' Thacker said.

The disclosure comes a day before Chief Executive Sundar Pichai is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee of the U.S. Congress about Google's data collection practices.

Some U.S. lawmakers from both major political parties have called for new privacy rules to better control Google, Facebook Inc and other large technology companies.

In October, the company said it would shut down the consumer version Google+ in August 2019 because it would be too challenging to maintain the unpopular service.

At the time, it said profile data from up to 500,000 users might have been exposed to partner apps by a bug that was present for more than two years.

Apps that pull data from Google+ to personalize their own services with user authorization will lose access in 90 days, the company said.

The disclosure comes a day before Chief Executive Sundar Pichai is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee of the U.S. Congress about Google's data collection practices.

Developing Google+ for business customers would remain a focus, it added.

Google first announced it is to shut down its Google+ social network after the data of 500,000 users was leaked and nobody was told in October

The tech giant has also revealed that 438 third-party apps may have had access to this data due to a 'bug' - in a case being compared to the Cambridge Analytica scandal that engulfed Facebook in March.

Google revealed the data breach in a statement about shutting down Google+ for consumers, seven years after its launch, citing the incident as part of the cause.

The personal information of 500,000 people using the site between 2015 and March 2018 was compromised, according to the Wall Street Journal.

What is Google+? Google+ launched in 2011 as the advertising giant grew more concerned about competition from Facebook, which could pinpoint ads to users based on data they had shared about their friends, likes and online activity. Google+ copied Facebook with status updates and news feeds and let people organize their groups of friends into what it calls 'circles.' But Google+ and the company's other experiments with social media struggled to win over users because of complicated features and privacy mishaps. Facebook introduced a feature that allowed users to connect their accounts with their profiles on dating, music and other apps. Google followed suit, letting outside developers access some Google+ data with users' permission. The bug disclosed yesterday, introduced in a software update, exposed private data including name, email address, occupation, gender and age, Google said. It could not definitely say how many users were affected because it said it keeps only two weeks of such records. Google+ will remain an internal networking option for organizations that buy Google's G Suite, a bundle of apps for creating documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Google's plan to withdraw the free version of Google+, scheduled for August 2019, could help strengthen its case to US policymakers and regulators that it is different from Facebook, which has faced political heat over allegations that data belonging to 87 million of its users was improperly shared with political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. Advertisement

But managers at the company chose not to go public with the bug because they worried that it would invite scrutiny from regulators, particularly in the wake of Facebook's recent security bungle.

Shortly after the report was published, Google announced that it would be shutting Google+.

In the announcement, Google also announced raft of new security features for Android, Gmail and other Google platforms that it has taken as a result of the bug.

Google said it discovered the bug as part of an internal audit called Project Strobe, which was initiated earlier this year.

'The review did highlight the significant challenges in creating and maintaining a successful Google+ that meets consumers' expectations,' Ben Smith, Google's vice president of engineering, wrote in a blog post.

'Given these challenges and the very low usage of the consumer version of Google+, we decided to sunset the consumer version of Google+.'

As a result of the breach, 496,951 users' names, email addresses, birth dates, gender, profile photos, occupation, places they lived and relationship status were potentially exposed.

'It does not include any other data you may have posted or connected to Google+ or any other service, like Google+ posts, messages, Google account data, phone numbers or G suite content,' Smith explained.

As many as 438 applications had access to the unauthorized Google+ data, according to the Journal.

Security and privacy experts and financial analysts questioned the decision.

'Users have the right to be notified if their information could have been compromised,' said Jacob Lehmann, managing director at legal firm Friedman CyZen.

'This is a direct result of the scrutiny that Facebook dealt with regarding the Cambridge Analytica scandal.'

A Google spokesman said: 'Every year, we send millions of notifications to users about privacy and security bugs and issues.

'Whenever user data may have been affected, we go beyond our legal requirements and apply several criteria focused on our users in determining whether to provide notice.

'Our Privacy and Data Protection Office reviewed this issue, looking at the type of data involved, whether we could accurately identify the users to inform, whether there was any evidence of misuse, and whether there were any actions a developer or user could take in response. None of these thresholds were met here.

'The review did highlight the significant challenges in creating and maintaining a successful Google+ that meets consumers' expectations. Given these challenges and the very low usage of the consumer version of Google+, we decided to sunset the consumer version of Google+.'

Google admitted in the blog post disclosing the bug that usage of Google+ has dropped off in recent years.

The consumer version was found to have low usage and engagement, with 90 percent of Google+ user sessions lasting fewer than five seconds, according to the firm.

'This review crystallized what we've known for a while: that while our engineering teams have put a lot of effort and dedication into building Google+ over the years, it has not achieved broad consumer or developer adoption, and has seen limited user interaction with apps,' Smith said.

Google will continue to operate Google+ as an enterprise product for companies.

It plans to shutdown Google+ for consumers over the course of the next 10 months, with the platform officially retiring in August 2019.

The announcement comes as public scrutiny has intensified around Silicon Valley tech giants' management of user data, among other issues.

Google has thus far been able to defer much of the criticism to Facebook and Twitter, but the Google+ bug may thrust it further into the spotlight.

Several policies Google introduced yesterday are designed to curb the data accessible to developers offering mobile apps on the Google Play store or add-on apps for sending and organizing Gmail messages.

This is a direct result of the scrutiny that Facebook dealt with regarding the Cambridge Analytica scandal Jacob Lehmann, managing director at legal firm Friedman CyZen

Play Store apps will no longer be allowed to access text message and call logs unless they are the default calling or texting app on a user's device or have an exception from Google.

Gmail add-ons available to consumers starting next year will be barred from selling user data and be subject to a third-party security assessment that will cost them about $15,000 (11,460) to $75,000 (57,320), Google said.

Such moves could strengthen Google by making it harder for competing services to grow off its data, said Chris Messina, a designer who worked on Google+ before leaving in 2013.

'In 2011, you wanted casual, scrappy developers creating apps, and now it is going to require a professional class that is serious. The walls are going up.'
Theres a type of magic one craves at Christmas: twinkles, a dusting of snow, mulled wine, animated children.

This is what inspired me whisking my partner and two young children off to Efteling, in Kaatsheuvel, southern Holland, a theme park built in 1952 peddling nostalgia, myths and fairy tales, which this year celebrates the 20th anniversary of its seasonal offering  Winter Efteling.

For 11 weeks, from November 12 to January 31, the park is cloaked in frozen enchantment, furnished with hundreds of snow-covered Christmas trees and lit up by bonfires and thousands of fairy lights.

Magical: The CARO show is the main draw this season, writes the Daily Mail's Emily Payne

Record numbers of Britons visited Efteling throughout this year, possibly due to the new direct Eurostar service from London to Rotterdam  or maybe theyre getting wind of the parks singular charm.

At five and two, my children, Walter and Malin, are not yet drawn to the roar of the rollercoaster  much to my relief  but there is still plenty to do.

We bypass the Python, a scream-inducing loop-the-loop ride, and head to the Fairytale Forest, the parks original attraction. It covers almost a quarter of the site and could be a day out in itself.

Between the trees are 29 animated tableaux from popular stories by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Charles Perrault.

We trundle past musical toadstools merrily blaring out Bachs Minuet In G Major, and spy Pinocchio trapped inside a sea monster. Hansel and Gretels house even seems to waft out the scent of gingerbread. My son beams at a sinister-looking Big Bad Wolf wearing Grandmas frilly nightie.

Having promised my daughter fairies, we make a beeline for Droomvlucht, a dark ride billed as a dream flight through a world of fairytales.

Our carriage whizzes up and around cliff-top castles and past trolls, sprites, and fairies on swings. The children squeak with laughter at a bare-bottomed goblin bathing in a swamp.

The elaborate scenery and creaky animatronics are what sets Efteling apart; its vintage charm is everywhere, from the carousel dating back to 1895, to the steam train that hurtles around morning until night.

The place has all of Disneys magic, with none of its hackneyed jollity. Even the bins have been made into talking characters.

Winter Efteling runs from November 12 to January 31 (stock image of children at the festival)

The main draw this season is a new theatre show, CARO, directed by Dutch actor and director Stanley Burleson and inspired by Eftelings 100 year-old steam carousel.

Bundling in out of the cold, we find our seats. The fact everything is in Dutch creates more mystery, but the show intentionally lacks dialogue in order to appeal to international visitors.

Its a riot of tomfoolery, outstanding choreography and a tear-jerking, but triumphant, story. In one scene involving fire, water and trapeze artists, my son whispers to his sister: This is cool, isnt it? High praise indeed for someone who reserves enthusiasm for spies and peregrine falcons.

We stay at the Loonsche Land holiday village, comprising a central hotel and woodland huts, and only a short walk from the park entrance. Our family room has two mezzanine bunk-beds with curtains  perfect for playing dens.

Overnight guests can enter the park half-an-hour before day visitors and access its newest and most popular family ride, Symbolica, via a secret entrance. We make our way through grand castle gates, complete with dry ice and creeping ivy. Inside, a jester welcomes us and the staircase magically splits in two.

What follows is a swirling tour around the castles secret rooms, with feasting kings, overspilling jellies, tiered cakes, a treasure boudoir and a grand planetarium. Costing 35 million, it is the most expensive project ever at Efteling  and it shows.

We end with Aquanura, a water show featuring 200 fountains, fire and giant spitting frogs. Its the perfect finale to this festive family treat.
One of the biggest stars of ITVs charming Sunday night drama The Durrells is Corfu itself. With its sparkling cobalt-blue sea and beautiful mountainous interior, it is easy to see why the famous naturalist and author Gerald Durrell instantly fell in love with the sun-drenched Greek island when his family moved there in 1935.

Fans of the TV series will be delighted to know that Keeley Hawes and the rest of the cast will be back next year  ITV has just announced that a fourth series will soon begin filming.

And what better way to celebrate than by joining our exclusive Corfu trip with the naturalist, author and broadcaster Lee Durrell? During this magical holiday, you will visit memorable filming locations from the TV series and many of the places that Lees late husband Gerald immortalised in his wonderful childhood memoir My Family And Other Animals.

Mouse Island in Corfu (above) is one of the places you will visit on this magical holiday

You can enjoy expertly guided excursions to some of the young Durrells haunts, including Mouse Island and the Lake of Lilies, and visit the charming home of his literary elder brother, Lawrence.

And you will take a boat trip to Corfus intriguing neighbour, Albania, and, back on Corfu, enjoy lunch at the renowned Taverna O Foros, which has been featured by TV chef Rick Stein.

Lee will share family stories as she introduces you to the Durrells favourite spots. She says: The magic of Geralds childhood can still be experienced, and it will be a privilege for me to watch as the sun, sea and flower-filled olive groves that so beguiled the young Gerry once again weave their spell.

REASONS TO BOOK

Meet Lee Durrell

Naturalist Lee Durrell will give her personal insights into the life of her late husband and their work together. As well as retracing the young Gerrys footsteps, Lee will give two exclusive talks reflecting on his lifelong love of Corfu and his legacy. You will also receive a complimentary copy of My Family And Other Animals, which Lee will be happy to sign.

MEET OUR EXPERT You will be joined by Lee Durrell (above) Naturalist, writer and broadcaster Lee Durrell, left, is honorary director of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which aims to save endangered species. The author of three books, including A Practical Guide For The Amateur Naturalist, Lee co-presented several television series with Gerald and advised on the ITV drama The Durrells  an adaptation of her husbands books about his childhood, including My Family And Other Animals. Advertisement

See their favourite places

Anyone who enjoyed reading My Family And Other Animals as a child will have dreamt of spending an afternoon on Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island. Gerald and his sister Margo spent many happy hours on this tiny islet, which is a short scenic boat ride from Corfu Town. Another highlight will be a trip to Kalami Bay accompanied by Lee.

Poet and author Lawrence lived here with his wife Nancy in the White House, an elegant villa on a tranquil beach. You will also see the location of the original Strawberry-Pink Villa and the Durrells picnic spot, Lake Antiniotissa.

Your five-star hotel

You will stay at the luxurious Corfu Palace, a five-star hotel with superb sea views, pool, spa and beauty salon, and only a few steps from the historic centre of Corfu Town.

Your guided walking tour of the towns cobbled streets will take in elegant Spianada Square and the 16th Century St Spyridon Church.

Another must is the Achilleion Palace and museum, a 100-year-old villa once owned by Empress Elisabeth of Austria and, later, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.

A taste of Albania

Only a sliver of sea separates Corfu from the Albanian coast, where you will enjoy a private guided tour of Albanias most impressive archaeological site, Butrint  the atmospheric ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman city.
Disneyland Paris has released a brand new image shedding light on what fans can expect at the new Marvel-themed area coming to the Walt Disney Studios Park.

The resort, to the east of the French capital, is bringing the comic book superheroes to life with a roller coaster and a live stage production.

And the new artist's impression of the attraction shows a Spider-Man figure crouching on the top of a building and young visitors meeting caped superheroes.

The brand new artist's impression showing the new Marvel-themed area coming to the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris

Disney says the new area will allow guests to encounter the heroes in new and exciting ways, from the 'mystic arts of Doctor Strange to the gravity defying feats of Spider-Man'.

Guests will also experience the latest in Pym Technology with Ant-Man and Wasp and be wowed as Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Captain America and more leap into action.

A new ride will see the current Rock 'n' Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith completely re-imagined into a new attraction where riders will team up with Iron Man and their favourite Avengers on a 'high-speed, hyper-kinetic adventure'.

Meanwhile, from next summer, the Marvel Summer of Super Heroes will return, bringing guests face-to-face with Captain America, Spider-Man, Star-Lord and Black Widow again.

Disney had previously released this artist's impression of the Marvel attraction, which will feature a roller coaster and a live stage production

However, it is not just the theme parks that are being given a comic book-style makeover.

As previously reported, Disney's Hotel New York in Paris will soon be rebranded as Disney's Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel and will showcase the world of the Avengers.

It will feature exclusive artwork and a new design.

Earlier this year Disney announced that it is making a $2billion (1.75million) investment in its Paris resort.

Disney's Hotel New York in Paris will soon be rebranded as Disney's Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel, pictured, and will showcase the world of the Avengers

The Walt Disney Company took full control of the French tourist hotspot business last year and it is the most visited theme park in Europe.

The new development will see three new areas - Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars - at the Walt Disney Studios Park, which will be rolled out in phases, starting in 2021.

Disneyland Paris sits on a 2,230-hectare site about 20 miles east of the French capital, though only half of the site has been developed so far, according to the company's 2016 annual report.

Last week, meanwhile, we reported how Disney gave fans a sneak peek of a new Beauty And The Beast attraction that has incredible animatronic characters that look, almost freakishly, like living cartoon people.

The ride, called the Enchanted Tale, is set to open at Disney's Tokyo park in spring 2020 and the firm has released incredible video footage of what guests can expect.

It shows how Belle and the Beast will come to life thanks to hi-tech animatronics, leaving guests feeling like they have stepped into the movie.
They're set to tie the knot on December 8, in what has been dubbed the Australian wedding of the year.

And now surprising new details have emerged about Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough's nuptials.

In a surprise twist, it's been revealed that Karl's mother Jenny is set to walk the Today show host down the aisle.

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Inside the wedding of the year: Karl Stefanovic's marriage to Jasmine Yarbrough will be a family affair with mother Jenny set walk the Today host down the aisle before sister Elisa marries the pair at a sunset ceremony (Pictured: Jasmine with father Bob welcome drinks)

Karl's sister Elisa will be the officiant at the ceremony, which will be held at the chapel of the One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The exchange of vows will take place at sunset, it's also been disclosed, with the stunning backdrop of the Los Cabos skyline.

According to the The Daily Telegraph, there will be 'a special Bundaberg Rum bar stocked with limited edition mix' available for guests to enjoy during the occasion.

Before the nuptials take place, Jasmine will get ready for the big day with her bridesmaids, largely comprising of her high school friends.

So happy! In an unusual move, it's been revealed that Karl's mother Jenny (pictured) is set to walk the Today show host down the aisle. Pictured: Karl and Jenny at a welcome drinks in Mexico held prior to the wedding

That list includes Sarah Johnson, Sophie Pentland, Jimilla Houghton, Stoj Bulic, and Georgie Fleming.

Also in the wedding party will be Jasmine's sister Jade Yarbrough and her business partner Tamie Ingham.

Karl will be getting ready with his groomsmen, including brothers Tom and Pete Stefanovic, as well as Josh Yarbrough, his close friends Ben Tilley, Mick Doohan, Steve Marshall and school friend Alan Rogina.

Important role to play! Jenny (pictured) is in Mexico for the couple's wedding

And as they geared up for their star-studded nuptials in Mexico, Karl and Jasmine were the picture of bliss at a pre-wedding celebration.





Joined by their parents, the couple could not hide their jubilation as they embraced their loved ones during welcome drinks.

The sunset celebration was held at the One & Only Palmilla resort in Cabo at the resort's Agua by Larbi Mexican restaurant on Thursday night.

Close! His sister Elisa will be marrying the pair at ceremony held December 8 (pictured: L-R Karl's sister Elisa, Jamsine and Sylvia Jeffreys)

'The welcome drinks held tonight were a fun, vibrant informal celebration for the couple and their guests and a chance for them to all let their hair down on arrival,' a source told Daily Mail Australia.

'Guests included Karl's brothers Pete and Tom, Sylvia Jeffries, Richard and Christian Wilkins, Tim Gilbert.

'Mostly very close friends family tonight and very close friends who have flown in a bit earlier for the wedding,' they said.

So fond! And as they geared up for their star-studded nuptials in Mexico, Karl and Jasmine hosted a pre-wedding celebration

At the event, Jasmine was absolutely glowing in a white slip dress which looked quite bridal ahead of their nuptials on December 8.

With a peek-a-boo slit down the side, the frock clung to her slender form and featured a modest v-neck and spaghetti straps.

She showed of her flawless complexion, wearing minimal makeup, leaving her blonde tresses in loose waves.

Here we go! Karl and Jasmine's lavish wedding nuptials will be taking place at the luxurious One&Only Palmilla resort in Cabo this weekend (pictured is the chapel they will marry at)

With an arm around her father, gentle gold accessories on her neck and wrist, the shoe designer couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

Karl was in a rapture of happiness, literally sweeping his mother Jenny off her feet, giving her an emotional hug outside the luxurious venue.

The Today co-host looked dapper in a tan suit which he paired with a crisp white shirt and black casual shoes.

Going off! The wedding will be a three-day affair, with the couple sparing no expense

Karl and Jasmine's lavish wedding nuptials will be taking place at the luxurious One&Only Palmilla resort in Cabo this weekend.

Guests include Karl's brother Peter Stefanovic and Peter's wife Sylvia Jeffreys, as well as Richard Wilkins and his son Christian, Karl's best friend Steve Marshall and his manager, Sharon Finnigan.

The wedding will be a three-day affair, with the couple - who are already legally married - sparing no expense.
The British TV presenter celebrated her birthday earlier this week in Los Angeles with the bride and groom.

And on Thursday night in Cabo, Mexico, Louise Roe stunned as she stepped out at Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough's pre-wedding welcome drinks.

The fashion journalist, 37, looked gorgeous in a plunging bright pink silk dress, which featured a daring thigh-split.

Pretty in pink! Louise Roe (pictured) stuns in a plunging thigh-split silk dress and cosies up to husband Mackenzie Hunkin at Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough's pre-wedding welcome drinks in Cabo

Showing off a soft golden glow, the new mother put her stunning figure on display.

Louise teamed the frock with black accessories, including low black heels and a material bag.

She finished her look with her short dark locks out in loose curls and an application of natural-looking makeup.

Date night! Her husband Mackenzie Hunkin (pictured) looked smart in white trousers and a blue shirt, with a beige jumper over his shoulders

Wedding bells! Jasmine Yarbrough and Karl Stefanovic (pictured) are tying the knot in Cabo on December 8

Happy: Jasmine is pictured with father Bob Yarbrough and Karl during their wedding pre-drinks on Thursday

Her husband Mackenzie Hunkin looked smart in white trousers and a blue shirt, with a beige jumper over his shoulders.

'Wedding time in Cabo!' Louise wrote alongside a snap of herself on Instagram from the night.

She added the hashtag: 'Lets get fizzy Karl.'

Close: Louise celebrated her birthday earlier this week in Los Angeles with the bride and groom (pictured)

The Daily Telegraph claims that Jasmine's nickname is Jassy Fizzle, which friends gave her when she lived in LA and would explain the wedding hashtag.

Karl and Jasmine will marry in the chapel of the One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos on December 8, where they are also staying.

At their pre-wedding drinks held at the luxurious resort on Thursday, Jasmine stunned in a white spaghetti strap dress, while Karl looked smart in a beige suit.

Gorgeous: Karl and Jasmine will marry in the chapel of the One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos on December 8, where they are also staying (pictured)

'The welcome drinks held tonight were a fun, vibrant informal celebration for the couple and their guests and a chance for them to all let their hair down on arrival,' a source said.

'Guests included Karl's brothers Pete and Tom, Sylvia Jeffries, Richard and Christian Wilkins, Tim Gilbert.

'Mostly very close friends family tonight and very close friends who have flown in a bit earlier for the wedding,' they said.
Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough's big day has been dubbed the wedding of the year by fans.

And as the couple prepare to marry on December 8 at the luxurious One&Only Palmilla resort in Mexico, it seems the resort is in complete 'lockdown' security-wise.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal a paparazzi was kicked out of the Los Cabos hotel by staff on Thursday, while some photographers appear to have hired boats in a bid to get images of the nuptials from the water.

Well it is the wedding of the year! Paparazzi are kicked out of the lavish Cabo resort where Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough are marrying as photographers hire yachts in a bid to get around the security 'lockdown'

'A paparazzi tried to get into the hotel last night but they kicked him out,' a source said on Friday.

'There's a boat with a paparazzi sailing up and down looking into the resort but Karl knows about it.'

They added: 'They won't get anything.'

Going to great lengths: 'There's a boat with a paparazzi sailing up and down looking into the resort but Karl knows about it,' a source said

Stunning! Karl and Jasmine will tie the knot in a picturesque chapel at the One&Only Palmilla Resort on December 8 (pictured)

It comes after The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Karl, 44, and Jasmine, 34, were going to extraordinary lengths to keep their big day under wraps.

The publication claimed the resort will be in 'lockdown' and anyone with a camera will be booted off the premises.

'The resort will be in lockdown and if anyone who has reserved a room at the venue is seen with a camera in their hand, they will be booted out,' a source from 'Stefanovic's camp' told the publication.

Their big day: It comes after The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Karl, 44, and Jasmine, 34, were going to extraordinary lengths to keep their big day under wraps

'Mexican security guards have been briefed.'

A source told Daily Mail Australia: 'The resort will be off-limits to media due to the fact that it's a family and friends only affair, for the comfort and privacy of guests at the resort.'

Karl and Jasmine will tie the knot in a picturesque chapel at the One&Only Palmilla Resort on December 8.

Let the celebrations begin! On Thursday night at the resort, the pair had pre-wedding drinks with their family and friends, with Jasmine stunning in a white gown (pictured with her father Bob Yarbrough at the drinks)

On Thursday night at the resort, the pair had pre-wedding drinks with their family and friends, with Jasmine stunning in a white gown.

'The welcome drinks held tonight were a fun, vibrant informal celebration for the couple and their guests and a chance for them to all let their hair down on arrival,' a source told Daily Mail Australia.

'Guests included Karl's brothers Pete and Tom, Sylvia Jeffries, Richard and Christian Wilkins, Tim Gilbert.

'Mostly very close friends family tonight and very close friends who have flown in a bit earlier for the wedding,' they said.
Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough are set to tie the knot in Cabo, Mexico, on December 8.

And guests who have arrived at the luxury resort have shared their excitement at seeing the pair finally say 'I do'.

Under the wedding's dedicated hashtag, one of Jasmine's friends shared kind words for the fashion designer.

'She's marrying the man of her dreams': Guests of Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough gush over their excitement to watch the smitten couple tie the knot

The female wedding guest was standing on a balcony and holding binoculars as she surveyed the resort.

'Greetings from Baja,' the social media post caption began.

'We're excited to be celebrating our little Jasy mole @jasyarby marrying the man of her dreams.

'We're excited to be celebrating our little Jasy mole': Taking to Instagram and sharing under the wedding's assigned hashtag, one of Jasmine's friends uploaded a picture overlooking the resort city

'This place is next level, and we're trying every single Mexican sauce there is.'

On Friday, the couple had a beautiful pre-wedding drinks with all their nearest and dearest.

And during the pre-wedding festivities, Jasmine's secret nickname was revealed by her close girlfriends.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the 34-year-old's pals gave her the title 'Jassy Fizzle' while she was living in Los Angeles as she and Tamara Ignham ran their successful footwear brand Mara & Mine.

The nickname has been incorporated into the official wedding hashtag, #letsgetfizzykarl, which guests are encouraged to use on social media.

The smitten pair are set to wed in style at the One&Only Palmilla chapel in Los Cabos.
It appears that James 'Arg' Argent's talents know no bounds as the TOWIE favourite stepped into character for his Christmas pantomime.

The 30-year-old put on a very enthusiastic display as the stage production's villain, Abanazar, in Aladdin at the Middleton Arena in Manchester, during the play's opening night.

Clad in a fittingly evil-looking ensemble when in character, James sported a long leather coat, with a shimmering bronze waistcoat underneath.

Looking good: It appears that James 'Arg' Argent's talents know no bounds as the TOWIE favourite stepped into character for his Christmas pantomime

Finishing off his look, the reality TV star donned a lace cravat with ruffled details and tailored black trousers.

The TV personality complemented his ensemble with a pair of leather boots while his trademark locks were styled in light waves.

James put on an animated display while singing and dancing along with his co-stars during the show.

Getting into character: The 30-year-old put on a enthusiastic display as the stage production's villain, Abanazar, in Aladdin at the Middleton Arena in Manchester

On point: Clad in a fittingly evil-looking ensemble when in character, James sported a long leather coat, with a shimmering bronze waistcoat underneath

Style: Finishing off his look, the reality TV star donned a lace cravat with ruffled details and tailored black trousers

All in the details: The TV personality complemented his ensemble with a pair of leather boots while his trademark locks were styled in light waves

And while the star might be performing for the festive season, his mind is seemingly jumping ahead to next year, as he revealed in a new interview with OK! Magazine that he'll propose to girlfriend Gemma Collins within the next year.

The TOWIE couple gush about their longterm plans in the candid interview, with Gemma teasing they plan to have five wedding days as they can't decide on where to wed.

Arg revealed to the magazine of his proposal plans: Ive got a few ideas up my sleeve! I cant tell you when but Im definitely asking Gemma to be my wife next year.'

On stage: James put on an animated display while singing and dancing along with his co-stars during the show

Meanwhile: James revealed in a new interview with OK! Magazine that he'll propose to girlfriend Gemma Collins within the next year

Loved up: The TOWIE couple gush about their longterm plans in the candid interview, with Gemma teasing they plan to have five wedding days as they can't decide on where to wed

Arg revealed to the magazine of his proposal plans: Ive got a few ideas up my sleeve! I cant tell you when but Im definitely asking Gemma to be my wife next year.'

Calling her husband-to-be a 'romantic', Gemma revealed that they hope to marry in 2020 if the proposal does happen soon.

James added though that it could take some planning as they haven't decided on where the nuptials should take place.

'We love the idea of getting married in Essex or Brighton as theyre both special places to us, or we might go abroad and do it in Italy or Spain,' he mused.

'The first time we made love was in Marbella, so it would be nice to get married there. Its going to be hard choosing just one place  well probably end up having five wedding days.'
Christian Wilkins is known for his show-stopping, fashion-forward style.

And clearly the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as his father Richard donned a floral crown at Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough's pre-wedding welcome dinner in Los Cabos on Saturday.

Taking to Instagram, Christian, 23 shared a clip which saw the Today Show star looking pleased with himself while wearing the flowery adornment.

Flower power! Richard Wilkins dons a fetching floral crown as he joins son Christian at pre-wedding festivities for Karl Stefanovic's Mexican nuptials Richard is pictured with Christian

Wearing a black shirt, he teamed the interesting look with an eye-catching gold cross necklace.

Sitting with girlfriend Virginia Burmeister, the TV personality became coy, giving a nervous side glance the longer the camera remained on him.

The glamorous display comes shortly after Christian nearly stole focus from the bride-to-be at Karl and Jasmine 's pre-wedding welcome dinner on Friday night.

Smile! Sitting with girlfriend Virginia Burmeister, the TV personality became coy, giving a nervous side glance the longer the camera remained on him

Stepping out at the One and Only Palmilla resort, the socialite wore a off-white transparent two-piece by Sydney designer YOUKHANA.

The socialite paired the look with white underwear that could be seen through the sheer cotton.

Christian arrived in Mexico ahead of the nuptials with his father Richard Virginia though it appears the model's partner Andrew Kelly didn't accompany the trio.

Upstaging the bride! Christian flaunted his figure in white transparent two-piece at Karl and Jasmine's luxury wedding welcome dinner

While Richard shares a close relationship with co-host Karl, Christian is also quite close friends with Jasmine, 34.

The wedding will be a three-day affair, with the couple sparing no expense.

It is believed they have booked two villas, one which costs approximately $11,600 per night, and another priced at around $15,000 per night
The Bachelorette's Ali Oetjen is facing mounting public scrutiny amid speculation that she and winning suitor Taite Radley are 'faking' their romance.

But the 32-year-old tried to put the rumours behind her on Friday as she visited Wombat Forest in Victoria with her boyfriend.

Ali embraced her inner child and climbed a large tree before stretching out along one of it's branches.

So where's Tarzan? Ali Oetjen, 32, relaxed in a tree after being accused of 'faking' her romance with Taite Radley

The account manager wore a light blue two-piece and had her blonde tresses pulled back in a pony tale.

'I feel like a kid again, I love the feeling & the freedom. It's like flying,' she captioned a picture posted to Instagram.

Ali and Tate, 28, are currently holidaying in Mount Franklin while speculation that they are 'faking' their picture perfect romance intensifies.

Just for show? Ali and Tate, 28, are currently holidaying in Mount Franklin while speculation that they are 'faking' their picture perfect romance intensifies

A body language expert suggested earlier this week that the couple were simply 'keeping up appearances'.

Louise Mahler told New Idea that footage of Ali and Taite arriving at Adelaide Airport recently was evidence they 'have a deal'.

'Overall this behaviour says, 'This is a couple that know each other, have a deal, and know they are being watched,' Louise claimed.

Everything okay? A body language expert suggested earlier this week that the couple were simply 'keeping up appearances'

'They do not necessarily look at each other mutually and when they do meet eyes there is no spontaneous reaction - no smile.'

Meanwhile, Woman's Day claimed last month that Ali and Taite were only staying together 'for the sake of the [Bachelorette] franchise'.

For her part, Ali insists that her relationship is completely authentic.
She's a veteran journalist who has been with Channel Seven for close to 20 years.

And after leaving the network in 2014, Chris Bath, 51, has secured a regular role as a weekend television anchor.

The beloved personality will now host 10 News First every Saturday and Sunday.

'I am just lucky the timing is right on a number of levels': Chris Bath lands a regular spot on 10 News First

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, she wrote: 'Thrilled to be joining the vibrant team at the Ten Network in 2019 to read their national weekend news @channel10au & mess with @shortblack_ 's stash of maroon clothes come State of Origin time instead of mere social media posts.

'It's a best of all worlds year for me ahead, working with two great teams of people.

'My ABC radio Evenings legends and now the crew I've met as a visitor to Channel Ten these past few years. 2019 is The Year of multi-media, manchild gap year (school's out 4 ever ) birdnerding, vegie farming & beekeeping. And I really need a haircut. Somehow I'll fit it all in.'

Host extraordinaire! Since leaving Seven News in January 2014, the 51-year-old has had roles with ABC Sydney and hosted the Invictus Games. Pictured while hosting the Invictus Games

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Network Ten for comment.

Chris will be replacing Natarsha Belling, who has taken a spot on the network's morning program Studio 10.

Along with this, she will regularly appear on The Project and Studio 10.

She will also contribute to Ten Daily, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

Since leaving Seven News in January 2014, the 51-year-old has had roles with ABC Sydney and hosted the Invictus Games.

Throwback: Chris worked at just under 20 years before becoming a freelancer in 2014

She told the publication that she was excited about her new role, citing that hosting the Invictus Games made her realise how much she loved working in live television.

'But secondly, this is the right opportunity for me and the right time and right place,' she said.

Now her son is 18 and will be 'off doing his own thing' she felt as though everything fell into place.

'I am just lucky the timing is right on a number of levels. I am ready for it. Ten is the right place for me to be,' she said.

'I was lucky to work in a number of different places after I left Seven and the thing that always struck me about Ten whenever I walked in there was the vibe.'

The role will be in addition to her work with ABC Sydney, including hosting Evenings with Chris Bath.
In the last six months, Ollie Locke has been cast in the latest Michael Winterbottom movie, completed and published his first novel, announced he is to quit reality TV and said 'yes' to boyfriend Gareth's marriage proposal.

And as 2018 draws to a close, the now-former-Made In Chelsea star has looked back on the whirlwind, in a candid chat with MailOnline.

'I would never ever slag off anything about the last 10 years,' the 31-year-old said. 'But the last few months - and the year going forward - is about wiping the slate clean and starting anew for me.

Looking forward: In the last six months, Ollie Locke has been cast in the latest Michael Winterbottom movie, completed and published his first novel, announced he is to quit reality TV and said 'yes' to boyfriend Gareth's marriage proposal

'I am finally going into acting, I'm settling down [with Gareth] and I'm finally releasing the book I've dreamt about releasing. It's the conclusion to the craziest year of change.'

Indeed, Ollie's authorial fiction debut, The Islands Of Fandye, is a story he concocted as a child, and began penning a decade ago.

'A lot of people don't know that when I was a kid and my mum didn't have a lot of money my summers were spent in a caravan in Cornwall, in the middle of a field, seagulls on the roof, looking out onto the horizon,' he said. 'It was heaven.'

Publishing the book - which is part one of a trilogy - makes up only half of Ollie's latest professional shift; having always wanted to act, he has appeared in ITV2 comedy series Plebs and shot scenes for Greed - a movie in which he appears alongside Steve Coogan, Isla Fisher, David Mitchell, Shanina Shaik and Stephen Fry, set for a 2019 release.

All change: 'I am finally going into acting, I'm settling down [with Gareth] and I'm finally releasing the book I've dreamt about releasing. It's the conclusion to the craziest year of change,' Ollie said

'I actually trained to be an actor,' Ollie explained. 'But then [Made In] Chelsea came knocking. I did it because it was a good opportunity and I wasn't really getting acting jobs because of my long hair.

'I was told that I would just be seen as a poor mans Orlando Bloom, and was made to feel that there were people out there who were better looking and better at acting.

'So when Chelsea came along I sort of went into it as a bit of a character. It was me but not really the real me. I made myself more eccentric and was wearing union jacks everywhere.

'I became this version of Ollie Locke. I was just not my true self. I became this sort of sexless character, everyones best friend. So I decided to kill that character. I left the show but came back later on with a different mindset and wardrobe.

Hammy: 'I became this version of Ollie Locke. I was just not my true self at all. I became this sort of sexless character, everyones best friend. So I decided to kill that character. I left the show but came back later on with a different mindset and wardrobe,' he admitted

'Suddenly people were like, "why arent you wearing a union jack jacket?". I had two wardrobes, one for me, one for that Ollie persona. So eventually all those clothes went to a charity shop. There will be quite a few people bizarrely dressed walking around Chelsea.'

Perhaps this was, in fact, a great exercise in finessing his own skill set as an actor.

'I got Plebs and I was on the set of it earlier in the year and then I started hanging around with actors more and more. And I started to miss them, and the work and the challenge. I then knew that I never wanted to do reality again,' he said.

Between Plebs and Greed, Ollie worked on The Islands Of Fandye - a fantasy novel, aimed at both adults and children alike.

Happy: Ollie and fiance Gareth will tie the knot after knowing each other for years and years

In fact, Metro has hailed it 'the new Harry Potter'.

'Its certainly overwhelming and unbelievable to be compared to J K Rowling,' Ollie said. 'But my mentality is a bit like her's - it's a book for children that adults can also fall in love with. I wanted to create it for everyone.

'Its wonderful to have spent so long writing a piece of literature that can take anyone into a world, out of the everyday, into a magical fantasy.'

A long time coming: Ollie's authorial fiction debut, The Islands Of Fandye, is a story he concocted as a child, and began penning a decade ago

Ollie's time in Cornwall allowed his mind to create stories and characters inspired by the local lore: trolls, The Beast Of Bodmin and the like.

'This is a story of Cornwall that has yet to be told,' said Ollie.

It follows a little girl who travels across the horizon, where she unearths a series of islands inhabited by creatures and characters she had never imagined existed.

And this Alice In Wonderland-esque feel brings with it it's own Queen Of Hearts: Sorlax. Although perhaps he is more of a Voldemort for the next generation, given the Potter Parallels that have been drawn.

Once an evil human man who died and became a beast, Sorlax is stuck beyond the horizon with his army who feast off childrens wishes. And so, there's a darkness that runs through the story. It's not all raindrops on roses.

'When I started to properly write it the story changed quite a lot,' Ollie recalled. 'I created four new characters, for example. I had never imagined them but found they were imperative to the story.'

Ollie's use of the horizon as a plot device has been crucial to the writing process, he explained.

Inspiration: Ollie's use of the horizon as a plot device has been crucial to the writing process, he explained

'I did a lot of it in Cornwall - because it had to be there. That's where all the smells of salt and the squawks from the seagulls are. But I finished a lot of it filming in Myknonos, again, looking out at the sea. And then again in Croatia.'

The latter two locations were where he shot Greed and Made In Chelsea over the summer, taking his work with him.

He then returned in the autumn to film the 16th season of MIC, in London, where he announced he was leaving on his last day of shooting.

Creative: Between Plebs and Greed, Ollie worked on The Islands Of Fandye - a fantasy novel, aimed at both adults and children alike

'Yes, it's scary,' he said of exiting the show that made him famous. 'But I want to now tackle stuff that youd never imagine me doing, through writing and acting. I'd rather be earning 80 a week touring the country doing rep theatre.

'I want to do scary roles and comedy. I would love the challenge of shaving my head and becoming someone else.'

It seems, therefore, that the days of 'Long-Haired Ollie Locke' are indeed gone for good.

The Islands Of Fandye is out now, and available exclusively at Amazon.
She traveled to Mexico with her brothers, Jackson, 19 and River, 12, to watch her father wed the love of his life, Jasmine Yarbrough over the weekend.

And just days before the lavish nuptials, Karl Stefanovic's daughter Ava showed her support for her new stepmother.

Taking to Instagram, the 13-year-old shared a selfie of herself wearing a bag from Jasmine's label, Mara & Mine.

She approves! Karl Stefanovic's daughter Ava supports her new stepmother Jasmine Yarbrough by wearing her label Mara & Mine

The black pouch bag features a skeleton design in gold, is unique to Mara & Mine, and worth approximately $700 Australian dollars.

Jasmine co-founded the shoe label with Tamie Ingham.

'Ava looks up to Jasmine and loves that she has access to unlimited bags and shoes,' a source told New Idea on Monday.

It appears that Ava has embraced her father's new marriage to Jasmine, attending their wedding in Mexico on Saturday night.

'Ava looks up to Jasmine and loves that she has access to unlimited bags and shoes,' a source told New Idea on Monday

Family: It appears that Ava and her brothers Jackson, 19 and River, 12, have embraced their father's new marriage to Jasmine, attending their wedding on Saturday night

Karl, 44, and Jasmine, 34, exchanged vows outside the hilltop chapel at the five-star One&Only Palmilla resort on Saturday evening.

The newlyweds initially began dating in late 2016, just months after the Today host separated from Cassandra.

During the star-studded nuptials, Ava's mother Cassandra spent a relaxed Sunday reading The Handmaid's Tale.

Nuptials: Karl, 44, and Jasmine, 34, exchanged vows at the hilltop chapel at the five-star One&Only Palmilla resort on Saturday evening

She shared a photo of the book cover to Instagram and described the novel as 'an emotional roller-coaster', seemingly taking a thinly veiled swipe at her ex.

'A good book for my journey. An excellent tv series that is an emotional roller coaster for women. Well worth watching!' she captioned the snap.

Cassandra and Karl split in 2016 after 21 years of marriage. They share custody of Jackson, River and Ava.

'A good book for my journey': During the star-studded nuptials, Ava's mother Cassandra spent a relaxed Sunday reading The Handmaid's Tale
Cash Me Ousside girl Danielle Bregoli, 15, has escalated her feud with Iggy Azalea, 28, weeks after throwing a drink in her face during an ugly nightclub showdown.

The teenage rapper, also known as Bhad Bhabie, took a swipe at Iggy while on tour in Sydney on Saturday, telling fans that the Fancy star simply isn't famous anymore.

When asked by a member of the audience to name her least favourite celebrity, Danielle responded: 'Oh, right now?'

'She's not really even a celebrity!' Cash Me Ousside girl Danielle Bregoli (left) has escalated her feud with Iggy Azalea (right) weeks after throwing a drink in her face during a nightclub clash

Before she could answer, the crowd began chanting Iggy's name.

'That's not really even a celebrity!' she replied mischievously, before adding; 'Right now, I don't know who would take that place.'

The on-stage diss comes several weeks after Danielle and Iggy clashed at Cardi B's Fashion Nova party in Los Angeles.

Burn! The teenage rapper, also known as Bhad Bhabie, took a swipe at Iggy while on tour in Sydney on Saturday, telling fans that the Fancy star simply isn't famous anymore

Ouch! When asked by a member of the audience to name her least favourite celebrity, Danielle responded: 'Oh, right now?' Before she could answer, the crowd began chanting Iggy's name and she then replied: 'That's not really even a celebrity!'

In footage from the event, Danielle was seen throwing a full glass of water at Iggy.

Both rappers' entourages then appeared to clash during the ugly scene.

Danielle was then held back by security as she screamed incoherently at her rival.

It's war! The on-stage diss comes several weeks after Danielle and Iggy (right) clashed at Cardi B's Fashion Nova party in Los Angeles

Unrepentant: Danielle was apparently escorted out of the venue by security after throwing a glass of water at Iggy

Oh, dear! In this video posted to Iggy's Instagram after the incident, the Kream rapper's long, straight wig appeared to still be wet

Meanwhile, Iggy appeared entirely unfazed by the incident, watching on blankly while Danielle ranted at her.

In a video posted to Iggy's Instagram after the incident, the Kream rapper's long, straight wig appeared to still be wet.

Both women eventually addressed the altercation on social media, with Danielle claiming she attacked Iggy because the she had talked 'all sorts of s**t on the Internet' about her.

Please explain! Iggy seemed confused by the incident, later writing on Twitter: 'So the Dr Phil girl is really upset about me apparently and thought I'd fight a child?!'

Iggy, meanwhile, simply seemed confused by the incident.

'So the Dr Phil girl is really upset about me apparently and thought I'd fight a child?!' she wrote on Twitter.

Danielle rose to fame in 2016 after appearing on Dr. Phil during a 'tearaway teens' segment involving her mother.

In a now-infamous viral moment, she challenged the audience to a fight by saying: 'Catch me outside, how about that?'
Karl Stefanovic said in his wedding speech on Saturday that his new wife Jasmine Yarbrough made him a 'better person' and a 'better dad'.

And on Monday, it was reported that the Mara & Mine co-founder was instrumental in healing Karl's troubled relationship with his 19-year-old son, Jackson.

According to Woman's Day, she helped her husband become 'closer' to his eldest son after they grew apart following his divorce from his first wife, Cassandra Thorburn.

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'It was her priority that they all find some common ground': How Jasmine Yarbrough healed Karl Stefanovic's troubled relationship with 19-year-old son Jackson. Pictured (left to right): Jasmine, Karl and Jackson at Los Angeles International Airport en route to Mexico last Sunday

'Jasmine has a really strong bond with her own family, so it was her priority that they all find some common ground,' a source told the magazine.

Jasmine's grandmother Belle also reportedly told her it's crucial that she has a good relationship with Karl's three children for their marriage to work.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jasmine's representatives for comment.

Healer: According to Woman's Day, Jasmine helped her husband become 'closer' to his eldest son after they grew apart following his divorce from his first wife, Cassandra Thorburn

Family first: 'Jasmine has a really strong bond with her own family, so it was her priority that they all find some common ground,' a source told the magazine

Karl shares three children with ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn: sons Jackson and River, 12, and daughter Ava, 13.

Earlier this year, it was widely reported that Karl was 'estranged' from Jackson.

In March, Woman's Day claimed Jackson had been 'shunned' from Karl and Jasmine's commitment ceremony at Sydney's Palm Beach earlier that month.

Sage advice: Jasmine's grandmother Belle also reportedly told her it's crucial that she has a good relationship with Karl's three children for their marriage to work. Pictured at LAX

And in April, the teenager changed his Instagram handle from Jackson Stefanovic to Jackson Thorburn, taking his mother's surname.

But whatever problems they experienced in the past, Karl and Jackson appear to be on good terms today.

The younger Stefanovic watched his father marry Jasmine at the One&Only Palmilla resort in Cabo, Mexico on Saturday.

He will also reportedly be joining the newlyweds on their honeymoon in Aspen later this week, alongside his younger siblings.

Newlyweds: Karl married Jasmine at the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico on Saturday

According to Private Sydney, Karl described Jasmine, 34, as his 'rock' during his speech at the couple's wedding reception.

Interestingly, he claimed his new wife had helped him to become a 'better dad'.

'I'm a better person because of you, a better friend, a better dad  tonight I celebrate and toast you Jasmine my wife,' he said.
They went public with their romance less than one month ago.

But Bachelorette couple Ali Oetjen and Taite Radley could already be heading for a split, according to New Idea on Monday.

An insider claimed that while the couple are still sharing loved-up Instagram photos, things are very different behind the scenes as Taite feels 'trapped and miserable' and 'wants out' of the relationship.

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'There is constant drama and blazing rows': Ali Oetjen and Taite Radley are reportedly 'heading for a split' amid claims their romance has become toxic. Pictured at Melbourne Airport on Sunday

'He has quickly realised how demanding Ali is when it comes to managing the public's perception of her and of course that now includes their relationship too,' the source claimed.

'Taite is at his wits' end and just wants out... He was more than happy to get the freebies and enjoy [it] for the ride.

'But it has become toxic and he knows he looks like a fool.'

Real life? An insider told New Idea that while the couple are still sharing loved-up Instagram photos, things are very different behind the scenes as Taite feels 'trapped and miserable' and 'wants out' of the relationship. Pictured in an Instagram photo last month

New Idea claims that 'blazing rows' are the main reason for the couple's problems.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ali Oetjen and Taite Radley for comment.

It comes after a body language expert suggested the reality TV couple were simply 'keeping up appearances'.

'They have a deal': It comes after a body language expert suggested the reality TV couple were simply 'keeping up appearances'

Louise Mahler told New Idea last week that footage of the pair arriving at Adelaide Airport several days earlier could be proof they 'have a deal'.

'Overall this behaviour says, "This is a couple that know each other, have a deal, and know they are being watched",' Louise claimed.

She added: 'They do not necessarily look at each other mutually and when they do meet eyes there is no spontaneous reaction - no smile.'

Showmance? Meanwhile, Woman's Day recently claimed that the pair are only staying together 'for the sake of the franchise'. Pictured: Ali on The Bachelorette

Meanwhile, Woman's Day recently claimed that the pair are only staying together 'for the sake of the franchise'.

An anonymous Bachelorette producer also previously alleged the couple will be over 'in less than six months' because Taite is only looking for fame.

'Mark my words, [the split] will be framed in such a way that Ali ended it and that [Taite] is the one who is devastated so he can still try to win public support and get The Bachelor gig,' the source told Who magazine.
David Bowie and Mick Jagger famously took to the sidewalks to film the music video for their 1985 hit, Dancing In The Street.

And actress Anne Hathaway has been doing a lot of that for Amazon's anthology series Modern Love.

The 36-year-old beauty was spotted strutting her stuff once more in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood in New York City on Sunday.

She's got the moves: Anne Hathaway took to the streets of Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood in New York City on Sunday to film a dance scene for Amazon's anthology series Modern Love

With her brunette hair dyed flame red, she was colorfully dressed in a pink coat with a purple fur neckline and a pleated orange skirt that allowed her to jump around freely as she danced energetically.

Her gold sequin top caught the light on the grey day as she cavorted around in black ankle boots with gold detailing.

The only time Anne stopped dancing was when she was spotted walking and talking with her British co-star Gary Carr, 31.

Strutting her stuff: The 36-year-old beauty was spotted wearing a pink overcoat with a matching faux fur neckline

Going wild: Stylists teamed her coat with a pleated, mustard yellow skirt and gold sequin top

Anne's storyline appears to be set in the 1960s and '70s if her retro costume is anything to go by.

The romantic comedy series is based on a New York Times column and will explore 'love in all of its complicated and beautiful forms.'

Tina Fey, Dev Patel, John Slattery, Catherine Keener and Andy Garcia have also signed on to star in episodes.

Throwback look: Anne's storyline appears to be set in the 1970s if her retro outfit is anything to go by

Keeping warm: Anne wore a black quilted coat over her outfit during a break in filming on the chilly day

Sharon Horgan, of Catastrophe fame, is set to write and direct one of the episodes, which will star Tina and John.

Emmy Rossum, meanwhile, who directed two episodes of her hit HBO show Shameless, has also been tapped to call the shots for an episode.

Amazon has yet to reveal when the anthology will debut.

So excited: The only time the star stopped dancing was when she was spotted walking and talking with her British co-star Gary Carr, 31
She recently hit back at fans who criticised her nose job.

But Kendall Rae Knight looked to be putting her worries behind her as she partied with fellow Love Island star Ellie Brown, 20, at the Peter Street Kitchen in Manchester, on Sunday

The 26-year-old commanded attention in a plunging mini laced-up dress, showcasing her ample assets with the deep V-neck cut.

Girl power! Kendall Rae Knight looked to be putting her worries behind her as she partied with fellow Love Island stars Ellie Brown and Stephanie Lam in Manchester

Giving an extra boost to her slender frame, the brunette beauty donned elegant black heels to highlight her bronzed pins.

Kendall complemented her white and black frock with a matching pearl shoulder bag as she posed up a storm with her girls.

Opting for an attention-grabbing smokey eye and brown lips, the reality star styled her luscious locks into loose waves, which cascaded down her right shoulder.

Looking good: The 26-year-old commanded attention in a plunging mini laced-up dress, showcasing her ample assets with the deep V-neck cut

All in the details: Giving an extra boost to her slender frame, the brunette beauty donned elegant black heels to highlight her bronzed pins

Looking equally glamorous, Ellie left little to the imagination as she showcased her bountiful cleavage with a daring V-cut dress.

Daring to impress, the reality star's gown featured transparent sides, allowing her shimmering undergarments to be noticed.

The blonde beauty finished her look with some silver barely-there heels and a chunky black bag.

While adding a touch of class with a fur garment, Ellie wore her light tresses straight with slightly curled ends.

Stylish: Kendall complemented her white and black frock with a matching pearl shoulder bag as she posed up a storm with her girls

Kendall's outing comes after she hit back at judgemental fans following her revelation she had a nose job because she couldn't breathe through her left nostril.

Often taking to Instagram to promote clothes, the Love Island bombshell didn't mention the surgery until Sunday.

She penned in the post: 'Your damned if you do, your damned if you don't... so do what makes you content in life because at the end of the day, your inner happiness is all that matters. (sic)'

The reality star, who had her procedure done at the Elite Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey, insisted she'd been planning the surgery since she was 16.

Star-studded: Darby Ward was also in attendance at the glittering event

She elaborated: 'So last week it came out that I had a bump removed from my nose a few months ago (not a couple of weeks ago). I've never denied this or done this in secret as all my close friends and family had known I was planning on doing this for years and they saw me through it all.

'I have had so many questions about it so thought I would answer these and put up a few stories about my little nose journey and why I wanted it doing.'

The reality star, who rose to fame on this year's Love Island, added that she had a nose job due to 'personal reasons'.

Before and after: The Love Island star's outing comes after she hit back at fans following her revelation she had a nose job because she couldn't breathe through her left nostril

She added: 'I would like to say I did this for personal reasons only as I haven't been happy with my nose for many years now, along with the fact I struggled to breath through my left nostril so decided to go ahead with the procedure.

'This is not a decision I made lightly or quickly and want to stress I'm not trying to glamourise cosmetic surgery as I have never had any form of surgery before!!!'

Kendall added: 'Before you tell me "you've ruined your face" etc...which is the kinder of the comments haha...think about the words you're about to use.'
Earlier this year, Channel 10 announced the return of Dancing with the Stars.

And producers are reportedly trying to convince convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby to sign on for next year's season.

'Schapelle would be great,' a TV insider allegedly told New Idea on Monday.

Blame it on the boogie (board)! Convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby will reportedly 'make her reality TV debut on Dancing with the Stars'. Pictured on trial in Bali on April 7, 2005

History: Based on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing series, Dancing with the Stars (logo pictured) ran for 15 seasons on the Seven Network from 2004 to 2015

The source claimed that Channel 10 is willing to pay the 41-year-old a considerable amount of money for her appearance on the show.

They explained: 'If she agreed to do the show there's no doubt they'd throw big bucks at her because they know it would be a ratings hit.'

Back in October, host Grant Denyer hinted that Schapelle was in talks to appear on the program, which last aired on Channel Seven in 2015.

'It would be a ratings hit': Producers are reportedly trying to convince Schapelle to sign on for next year's season, which will air on Channel 10

'These shows are perfect for redemption,' he told TV Week at the time.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel 10 and Schapelle's sister Mercedes Corby for comment.

Schapelle served almost a decade behind bars and three years on parole for smuggling drugs into Indonesia.

She was arrested at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport in October 2004 after customs officers discovered 4.1kg of marijuana wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag.

'These shows are perfect for redemption': Back in October, host Grant Denyer (left) hinted that Schapelle was in talks to appear on the program, which last aired on Channel Seven in 2015

Schapelle was finally deported back to Australia in May 2017 after being released from Kerobokan Prison in February 2014.

In 2019, Grant will be teaming up with Amanda Keller, 56 to co-host the latest incarnation of Dancing With The Stars.

The show previously ran for 15 seasons on the Seven Network from 2004 to 2015.
Despite federal authorities submitting multiple images and videos to a judge, Tekashi 6ix9ine's lawyers are still not rolling over.

The images and videos were submitted so the 22-year-old rapper will remain behind bars until his trial starts in February, but his lawyer has no intention of copping a plea deal, according to TMZ.

'A plea deal is simply off the table, even if the feds offer one,' said Tekashi 6ix9ine's lawyer Lance Lazarro, who added they are prepared to go to trial.

No deal: Tekashi 6ix9ine's lawyer claims they won't accept a plea deal, even though there is mounting evidence linking him to several robberies in New York

Federal prosecutors say they have more than a dozen pictures and videos proving that Tekashi 6ix9ine and his entourage committed multiple crimes, including armed robbery and shooting.

The Brooklyn-born rapper, whose legal name is Daniel Hernandez, was arrested last month in connection with accusations of racketeering linked to drugs, shootings and armed robberies.

He faces life in prison for allegedly running a trafficking operation.

Going to trial: The images and videos were submitted so the 22-year-old rapper will remain behind bars until his trial starts in February, but his lawyer has no intention of copping a plea deal, according to TMZ

Last month, he was indicted in Manhattan federal court, where prosecutors alleged that he was part of a violent gang known as Nine Trey Gangstas Bloods, according to NPR.

Prosecutors claim they have video proof of the 22-year-old-rapper being involved in some of the crimes.

Filed documents allegedly contain images of Tekashi, his ex-manager Kifano 'Shotti' Jordan (aka Tr3way) and 'other crew members' pulling armed robberies and shootings, according to TMZ.

Proof: Prosecutors claim they have video proof of Tekashi 6ix9ine being involved in shootings and robberies

Police reportedly obtained videos from phones belonging to the rising star and matched them with surveillance videos of an April 3 armed robbery in Times Square.

The documents allegedly prove Shotti caused the robbery, and 'cops believe Tekashi watched from the street and recorded video' according to the website.

Another incident listed in the indictment took place on April 21, when Fuguan Lovick, an associated of Tekashi, allegedly shot at a rival inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. No one was injured in the shooting.

Arriving: The rapper arrived at the Harris County Courthouse in Houston, Texas for his arraignment on assault charges

While none of the images or videos reportedly show the rapper actually committing any crime, TMZ reports federal prosecutors claim he masterminded the robbers.

Tekashi's lawyer has denied the claims.

'(Tekashi 6ix9ine) was never part of a conspiracy, plain and simple,' Lazarro said. 'Nor did he ever participate in any incidents that the government has alleged.'

The attorney also said that his client is not interested in 'cooperating' with prosecutors, meaning he won't snitch out his crew.

While none of the images or videos reportedly show the rapper actually committing any crime, TMZ reports federal prosecutors claim he masterminded the robbers

Prosecutors also allege that on July 16, an innocent bystander was shot when one of Tekashi's associates aimed at an individual alleged to have been disrespectful to Nine Trey.

Prosecutors filed the documents in order for Tekashi to be held without bail.

Tekashi pleaded not guilty to federal racketeering and firearms charges in New York in November.

Claims: Filed documents contain images of 'Tekashi, his ex-manager Kifano 'Shotti' Jordan (aka Tr3way) and other crew members pulling armed robberies and shootings'

A pre-trial conference is set for January 22 and the trial is scheduled for September.

Tekashi 6ix9ine has had several recent run-ins with the law.

In late October, he was sentenced to four years' probation and 1,000 hours of community service after he admitted to participating in the creation and dissemination of a sex tape involving an underage teen.

Prosecutors initially agreed to a plea deal in which Tekashi was given probation, but he then violated the terms of his probation by getting arrested twice.

Tekashi was arrested in Houston and charged with misdemeanor assault earlier this year after he allegedly grabbed a teenager by the neck and demanded that he erase a video he had recorded with a cell phone, according to The New York Times.

In May, he was arrested in Brooklyn for allegedly driving with a suspended license.

Both of those cases are pending.

The judge declined to sentence Tekashi to prison.

Meanwhile, inmates at the prison facility where Tekashi 6ix9ine is housed are complaining the rapper is receiving special treatment, according to a new report.

According to TMZ, several inmates have been screaming their displeasure after observing how the facility had been treating Tekashi.

Upon the rapper's arrival, the dormitory he was set to be staying out reportedly removed all inmates with gang affiliations.

Not happy: Inmates at the prison facility Tekashi 6ix9ine is housed at are complaining the rapper is receiving special treatment, according to a new report

The dormitory ordinarily houses high-profile inmates, dirty cops, and child predators, but now Tekashi, age 22, shares the room with 11 other inmates who have been described as 'docile', according to TMZ.

Tekashi was also reportedly 'clowned' by an inmate by his dorm, who sang a song about a child predator.

The rapper pleaded guilty to one felony count of using a child in a sexual performance in 2015.

Lance Lazzaro, Tekashi's lawyer, told the website he doubts the rapper has been receiving any special treatment.

On Wednesday, defense attorney Lance Lazzaro said in a statement that his client was 'completely innocent of all charges.'

'An entertainer who portrays a "gangster image" to promote his music does not make him a member of an enterprise,' said Lazzaro.

'Mr. Hernandez became a victim of this enterprise and later took steps by firing employees and publicly denounced this enterprise through a morning show. Threats were then made against his life which resulted in this case being brought immediately.'

At Monday's hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Longyear pointed out that the rapper did not renounce his membership in the gang while appearing on a radio show last week.

He said Hernandez would have been arrested this week anyway, but the timetable was speeded up when authorities learned that he planned to go to a Connecticut casino where it would be harder to protect him from the threats.

Longyear said the threats were overheard on phone calls intercepted Saturday by investigators, including one in which an individual was heard saying that gang members wanted to 'super violate him.'

Upon the rapper's arrival, the dormitory he was set to be staying out reportedly removed all inmates with gang affiliations

The prosecutor noted that violence seemed to surround the entertainer. He said 10 shots were fired into a Beverly Hills, California, home where he was filming a music video a week ago.

Hernandez had previously been kidnapped outside his Brooklyn residence as well in a bizarre incident this past July in which three men alleged robbed and beat him before making off with $750,000 worth of jewelry and $35,000 in cash.

His ex-manager Kifano Jordan, aka Shotti,Faheem Walter, aka Crippy, Jamel Jones, aka Mel Murda, Jensel Butler, aka Ish, and Fuguan Lovick, aka Fu Banga, were also indicted.

Prosecutors described Nine Trey as a 'criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn'.

Records show that Tekashi 6ix9ine was discharged from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday, just days after a grand jury indicted him and five other members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods on racketeering charges

'Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang's narcotics business,' the press release continues.

The group 'enriched themselves by committing robberies and selling drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, furanly fentanyl, MDMA, dibutylone, and marijuana.'

Nine Trey was established in the early 90s at Rikers and operates in other areas of the country, including California.

DailyMail.com reached out to Hernandez's lawyer Lance Lazzaro over the holiday, who did not respond to a request for comment

In 2015, Hernandez pleaded guilty to one felony count of using a child in a sexual performance.

Authorities said the rapper had sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl when he was 18 and distributed videos of the incident online.

Hernandez recently pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in Brooklyn Criminal Court in connection with a May traffic stop.

Last month the rapper revealed in an Instagram clip that he had dismissed his entire staff, including his manager and booker

Last month the rapper revealed in an Instagram clip that he had dismissed his entire staff, including his manager and booker.

'I fired everybody on my team,' the Gummo artist said in the clip, imploring his fans that he was not going to be performing live in the near future, even in cases where he might be advertised.

'I don't got no manager, I got no booking agent, no PR, no publicist, I don't got nobody on my team - it's just me.'
Angelina Jolie brought three of her six children to get a little shopping done on Sunday in Los Angeles.

The family was spotted enjoying the festive scene at The Grove, which is all decked out for the holidays.

Their outing comes a week after the Oscar winner finally settled her custody battle with ex-husband Brad Pitt.

Holiday cheer! Angelina Jolie and kids Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox enjoyed a Sunday afternoon together shopping at The Grove in Los Angeles

The 43-year-old seemed full of holiday cheer as she smiled while talking with her children at the outdoor shopping mall.

Angelina was dressed in a chic look of all-black wearing slacks, a top and a woolen coat in the monochromatic tone.

She also donned a simple and sophisticated pair of black flats.

Her chestnut hair was pulled back in a sleek low bun, she rocked a large pair of sunglasses and a pop of color with a soft pink lipstick.

Keeping it casual: The Jolie-Pitt children were dressed comfortably in jeans, T-shirts and sweats

Staying safe: While the family shopped, security guards kept a careful eye on the famous faces

Matching in a decidedly more dressed down all-black look was 12-year-old Shiloh in baggy black shorts and a black hoodie.

Meanwhile, twins Vivienne and Knox, 10, sported some more color with purple and blue ensembles.

Angelina and Brad's three older children, Maddox, 17, Pax, 15 and Zahara, 13, were not spotted with their siblings. However, Angie and the kids were spotted being flanked by security guards.

Mommy and daughter: Angelina and Vivienne held hands as they strolled through the stores

Moving forward: Jolie and ex-husband Brad Pitt recently settled their custody agreement over their six shared children

The quad dipped in and out of stores during their day out and were spotted carrying bags of goodies from Crate and Barrel.

After a hard fought battle, Angelina and Brad finally settled their custody agreement. A source told Us Weekly that Brad, 54, reportedly 'got what he wanted' in the deal.

Originally, The Lara Croft star wanted full legal and physical custody of their six children while her ex wanted to share.

Sharing: A source said 'Angelina agreed to a deal that gives Brad joint physical and legal custody of the children'

'Angelina agreed to a deal that gives Brad joint physical and legal custody of the children,' the source told Us.

He will also be able to 'regularly have his children overnight at his house for the first time since the divorce proceedings began.'

And after years of relying on lawyers to deliver messages the former couple are now reportedly using the app, Our Family Wizard, to coordinate the kids' schedule.

Power couple: Angelina and Brad split after a decade together and two years of marriage

The agreement still has to be finalized but Brad is apparently keen to take on dad duty once again.

An insider told Us: 'It was a long and difficult road but he never gave up.'

Brad and Angie, once one of Hollywood's most glamorous couples, separated in September 2016 after a more than 10-year romance and two-year marriage.
Charlize Theron channeled Megyn Kelly as she continued production on the upcoming film about the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News, Fair And Balanced.

The actress was seen holding a paper cup on the set in between takes on the set in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday.

She was also spotted with an unrecognizable John Lithgow, who plays late Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, spotted using a walker.

Charlize as Megyn: Charlize Theron was spotted on the set of the upcoming movie about the Fox News/Roger Ailes scandal, Fair and Balanced, where she's playing Megyn Kelly

John as Roger: She was also spotted with an unrecognizable John Lithgow, who plays late Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, spotted using a walker

The 43-year-old South Africa native was spotted wearing a knee-length red dress, with tan heels and gold hoop earrings.

She was also spotted carrying her cell phone and a bag in another photo.

Production started in late October on Fair and Balanced, which features an all-star cast.

On set: The 43-year-old South Africa native was spotted wearing a knee-length red dress, with tan heels and gold hoop earrings

The film centers on the numerous women who came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, which led to his resignation in 2016.

Nicole Kidman stars as former Fox & Friends host Gretchen Carlson, with Alice Eve playing Ainsley Earhardt, one of the current Fox & Friends hosts.

Connie Britton also stars as Beth Ailes, the wife of Roger Ailes, with Margot Robbie playing Kayla Popisil, a composite character based on several real-life people.

True story film: The film centers on the numerous women who came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, which lead to him resigning in 2016.

The cast is rounded out by Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Ashley Greene, Elizabeth Rohm and Madeline Zima.

Malcolm McDowell also stars as former 21st Century Fox CEO Rupert Murdoch, who took over as Fox News CEO when Ailes resigned.

Jay Roach (Trumbo) directs Fair and Balanced from a screenplay by Charles Randolph (The Big Short), with Lionsgate eyeing a 2019 release.

Casual chic: Theron (seen at the IndieWire Honors in November) is coming off the critically-acclaimed indie drama Tully and the outlandish action-comedy Gringo, which were both released this year

Theron is coming off the critically-acclaimed indie drama Tully and the outlandish action-comedy Gringo, which were both released this year.

Next year, she stars alongside Seth Rogen and Alexander Skasgard in the comedy Flarsky, in theaters June 7, 2019, and she also voices Morticia Addams in an animated feature version of The Addams Family, in theaters October 18, 2019.

She is slated to return as Lorraine Broughton in a sequel to last year's action-thriller Atomic Blonde.
She exiled herself from social media following the fallout over a GoFundMe campaign for her cousin's funeral.

But Sarah Hyland made an appearance on Instagram on Sunday, in a throwback posted by boyfriend Wells Adams, as he offered her a touching message of support.

'This beautiful specimen has had a tough couple of weeks,' he captioned a photo of him staring down her throat in a fun bar room pic.

'I'll be home soon': Sarah Hyland made an appearance on Instagram on Sunday, in a throwback posted by boyfriend Wells Adams, as he offered her a touching message of support

'I'm here to remind you @sarahhyland that there is light amongst all the darkness. If you ever doubt that, just look at this picture and remember how awesome we are.

'Throw on some sweats, order some Postmates and put on Home Alone. I'll be home soon.'

The 28-year-old Modern Family star hasn't been seen on social media since December 3, when she announced she was taking an indefinite break after receiving criticism for asking followers to donate to her cousin's funeral despite her considerable wealth.

The actress's 14-year-old cousin Trevor Canaday was killed last week in Omaha, Nebraska and his father seriously injured when a suspected drunk driver smashed into their car.

RIP: The actress's 14-year-old cousin Trevor Canaday was killed last week in Omaha, Nebraska and his father seriously injured when a suspected drunk driver smashed into their car

Done: The 28-year-old Modern Family star hasn't been seen on social media since December 3, when she announced she was taking an indefinite break after receiving criticism for asking followers to donate to her cousin's funeral despite her considerable wealth

The Canadays set up a GoFundMe page for funeral and medical expenses, and Hyland  who earns an estimated $2.5m per season  donated $1,000 to the page, and shared a link to it.

But a number of critics slammed her for asking fans to donate to the cause, citing her personal wealth, which caused Sarah to post a series of tweets expressing her outrage over the negativity.

'I'd like to ask those who have negative thoughts or opinions about the tragedy that happened to my family, to keep them to themselves,' Hyland, who plays Haley Dunphy on the ABC series, wrote Monday. 'You don't know all the details. And how dare you attack when a beautiful life has been lost.'

Then in a separate post, she wrote: 'You guys finally did it,' she wrote. 'Your horrible negative ignorant words have broken me. Happy? Staying offline for a while. I have a special announcement and video releasing on Wednesday I believe. So. There's that.'

On Sunday Wells  who has only been dating Hyland since summer of last year  also shared a link to an article by wedding planning site The Knot with the headline: Millennials Are Way More Likely Than Other Generations to Delay Marriage  Here's Why.'

The head image for the piece was a picture of the couple.

'Why are we the poster children for this?!?!' Wells asked.
Camille Grammer's Malibu mansion was destroyed during the California wildfires back in November.

And on Saturday, the 50-year-old reality star wandered through the destruction in an attempt to salvage a few memories.

'It has been an emotional and stressful couple of weeks,' she wrote on Instagram. 'I have been going through the items I retrieved from what is left of my home. The pictures of my children put a smile on my face.'

Tough times: Camille Grammer's Malibu mansion was destroyed during the California wildfires

Camille originally bought the 6,000-square-foot, gated community property in April 2015 following her 2011 divorce from Kelsey Grammer.

Prior to being evacuated, the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star managed to grab all her 'jewelry, documents, birth certificates, and passports.'

'I also took some photographs that meant something to me,' she told PEOPLE. 'We packed as much as we could into three cars.'

Ground zero: On Saturday, the 50-year-old reality star wandered through the destruction in an attempt to salvage a few memories

Memories destroyed: Camille originally bought the 6,000-square-foot, gated community property in April 2015 following her 2011 divorce from Kelsey Grammer

LAFD reportedly retrieved some of Grammer's priceless artwork, collected over 20 years, as well as two Ferraris in the garage.

'They were so brave to do that. They did whatever they could. They are incredible,' she said. 'It's a total loss. Most everything is gone. We'll see if there is anything to salvage.'

According to CBS Los Angeles, more than 3,000 firefighters were dispatched to tame the flames.

'It has been an emotional and stressful couple of weeks,' she wrote on Instagram. 'I have been going through the items I retrieved from what is left of my home. The pictures of my children put a smile on my face'

Natural disaster: Camille shared a photo of her house being consumed by the flames back in November. 'Sadly my house couldn't be saved,' she wrote

It's been less than a month since Camille married attorney David C. Meyer on Hawaii's Big Island.

'I went from one of the best days of my life, to such a tragedy. It's so sad,' Grammer told the magazine.

The Woolsey Fire burned more than 93,000 acres of land and destroyed more than 400 structures.
The Walking Dead's Danai Gurira were among the celebrities glamming up for the 12th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, which took place Sunday at Manhattan's American Museum of Natural History.

The Tony-nominated playwright easily defied her 40 years in an off-the-shoulder pink ruched cocktail dress and silver stilettos selected by stylist Thomas Carter Phillips.

Hairstylist Vernon Francois coiffed the Iowa-born, Zimbabwe-raised actress' sideswept twists.

Rosy: The Walking Dead's Danai Gurira were among the celebrities glamming up for the 12th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, which took place Sunday at Manhattan's American Museum of Natural History

And make-up artist Tym Buacharern made sure Danai's complexion was glowing for her presenting duties.

Gurira will next resume her role as katana-wielding warrior Michonne on the 16-episode ninth season of The Walking Dead, which resumes February 10 on AMC.

'The Whisperers are a little harder to see coming,' the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador told Us Weekly Friday of the zombie face-wearing villains.

'They're a very new type of threat, and they bring a whole new type of issue to the floor that weve definitely never dealt with before...It's a very different experience we're engaged in.'

Back it up! The Tony-nominated playwright easily defied her 40 years in an off-the-shoulder pink ruched cocktail dress and silver stilettos selected by stylist Thomas Carter Phillips

Quadrilingual NYU grad: Hairstylist Vernon Francois coiffed the Iowa-born, Zimbabwe-raised actress' sideswept twists

Avengers action star: Make-up artist Tym Buacharern made sure Danai's complexion was glowing for her presenting duties

Live! with Kelly and Ryan host Kelly Ripa slipped her slim 5ft3in figure in a black bedazzled pencil dress and matching pumps selected by stylist Faith Cromas.

The 48-year-old Daytime Emmy winner teamed up with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper to host the live special - airing Sunday at 8PM - which crowns the 2018 CNN Hero of the Year.

Once onstage, the perky presenter and the 51-year-old son of Gloria Vanderbilt were hilariously interrupted by two-time Golden Globe-nominated funnyman, Will Ferrell.

Queen! Gurira will next resume her role as katana-wielding warrior Michonne on the 16-episode ninth season of The Walking Dead, which resumes February 10 on AMC

The UN Women Goodwill Ambassador told Us Weekly of the zombie face-wearing villains: 'The Whisperers are a little harder to see coming. They're a very new type of threat, and they bring a whole new type of issue to the floor that weve definitely never dealt with before'

Ripa was supported in the audience by her black-clad husband of 22 years, Riverdale star Mark Consuelos, with whom she has three children - Michael, 21; Joaquin, 15; and Lola, 17.

The longtime acting pair first met in 1995 while playing onscreen lovers Hayley and Mateo on the ABC soap opera All My Children.

The Possession of Hannah Grace actress Shay Mitchell gleamed in a glittery emerald puff-sleeved dress and black pumps selected by stylist Monica Rose.

Hairstylist Danielle Priano slicked back the Canadian 31-year-old's long ponytail and make-up artist Patrick Ta applied her contoured complexion.

Blonde ambition: Live! with Kelly and Ryan host Kelly Ripa slipped her slim 5ft3in figure in a black bedazzled pencil dress and matching pumps selected by stylist Faith Cromas

Airing Sunday at 8PM! The 48-year-old Daytime Emmy winner teamed up with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper to host the live special, which crowns the 2018 CNN Hero of the Year

Join Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa as they announce the CNN 2018 Hero of the Year. #CNNHeroes starts now on CNN https://t.co/XbCa1nrSZS pic.twitter.com/ADfCPchE5K  CNN Heroes (@CNNHeroes) December 10, 2018

Onstage prank: The perky presenter and the 51-year-old son of Gloria Vanderbilt were hilariously interrupted by two-time Golden Globe-nominated funnyman, Will Ferrell (M)

Riverdale star: Ripa was supported in the audience by her black-clad husband of 22 years Mark Consuelos, with whom she has three children - Michael, 21; Joaquin, 15; and Lola, 17

Four-time Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz turned up in a black leather jacket and faded black jeans to perform his brand new song Here To Love at the event.

Ralph Breaks the Internet star John C. Reilly got down on one knee to pose with President George H.W. Bush's service dog Sully.

The famous yellow Labrador retriever will reportedly be reassigned after the holidays to help patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.

Speaking of which, the late Texas politician's granddaughter Lauren Bush represented her company by toting a FEED Projects bag with her white collared black dress.

Thigh-high slit: The Possession of Hannah Grace actress Shay Mitchell gleamed in a glittery emerald puff-sleeved dress and black pumps selected by stylist Monica Rose

Pretty Little Liars alum: Hairstylist Danielle Priano slicked back the Canadian 31-year-old's long ponytail and make-up artist Patrick Ta applied her contoured complexion

Rocker: Four-time Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz turned up in a black leather jacket and faded black jeans to perform his brand new song Here To Love at the event

Puppy love! Ralph Breaks the Internet star John C. Reilly got down on one knee to pose with President George H.W. Bush's service dog Sully

In the spotlight: The famous yellow Labrador retriever will reportedly be reassigned after the holidays to help patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland

Representing: Speaking of which, the late Texas politician's granddaughter Lauren Bush represented her company by toting a FEED Projects bag with her white collared black dress

CNN Heroes was date night for the Good Place star Ted Danson with his third wife, Book Club star Mary Steenburgen, wearing a perforated gold gown and carrying a Tadashi Shoji clutch.

The 65-year-old Oscar winner and the 70-year-old Golden Globe winner - who met on the set of Pontiac Moon in 1994 - celebrated 23 years of marriage on October 7.

Ted and Mary bumped into fellow presenter, Oscar nominee Bryan Cranston, while backstage at the museum.

Widows actress Cynthia Erivo flashed her lacy lingerie beneath a Thom Browne dress and Malone Souliers Mary Jane mules selected by stylist Sarah Slutsky, adding some bling to the look courtesy of her Hearts On Fire jewelry.

Still going strong! CNN Heroes was date night for the Good Place star Ted Danson with his third wife, Book Club star Mary Steenburgen, wearing a perforated gold gown

'So honored to present!' The 65-year-old Oscar winner (L) and the 70-year-old Golden Globe winner (R) - who met on the set of Pontiac Moon in 1994 - celebrated 23 years of marriage on October 7

Catching up: Ted and Mary bumped into fellow presenter, Oscar nominee Bryan Cranston (R), while backstage at the museum

Tony winner: Widows actress Cynthia Erivo flashed her lacy lingerie beneath a Thom Browne dress and Malone Souliers Mary Jane mules selected by stylist Sarah Slutsky

'Crazy Eyes': Also celebrating real-life heroes was Orange Is the New Black's Uzo Aduba, who's concluding her role as Suzanne Warren in the seventh and final season next year

LBD: The 37-year-old Golden Globe nominee flashed her bra beneath an ultra-sheer off-the-shoulder black pencil dress and stilettos selected by stylist Cristina Ehrlich

Also celebrating real-life heroes was Orange Is the New Black's Uzo Aduba, who's concluding her role as Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren in the seventh and final season next year.

The 37-year-old Golden Globe nominee flashed her bra beneath an ultra-sheer off-the-shoulder black pencil dress and stilettos selected by stylist Cristina Ehrlich.

Ripa and Cooper made sure to pose with CNN's 2018 young heroes - Sonika Menon, Melati Wijsen, Isabel Wijsen, Liam Hannon, and Max Bobholz.

The children are our future: Ripa and Cooper made sure to pose with CNN's 2018 young heroes - Sonika Menon, Melati Wijsen, Isabel Wijsen, Liam Hannon, and Max Bobholz

Colleagues: CNN's Chief Business Correspondent Christine Romans (L) donned black opera gloves as CNN At This Hour anchor Kate Bolduan (R) wore festive red floral

Black-clad duo: US Army veteran and DWTS 13 champ J.R. Martinez (L) shared a laugh with One Dollar actress Margot Bingham (R) on the red carpet

Widow: Jennie Taylor - whose mayor husband Brent Taylor died serving in Afghanistan on November 3 - brought all seven of their children to the event honoring him and others

CNN's Chief Business Correspondent Christine Romans donned black opera gloves as she hung out with CNN At This Hour anchor Kate Bolduan wearing festive red floral.

US Army veteran and DWTS 13 champ J.R. Martinez shared a laugh with One Dollar actress Margot Bingham on the red carpet.

Jennie Taylor - whose mayor husband Brent Taylor died serving in Afghanistan on November 3 - brought all seven of their children to the event honoring him and others.

Honored: The stars honored Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong with the 2018 CNN Hero Of The Year
She was reportedly upset by the 'co-parenting' snaps Kourtney Kardashian has posted recently.

But Sofia Richie has accepted she is the 'outsider' when it comes to boyfriend Scott Disick and his family.

'There has been and will continue to be things with Scott's family life that bother Sofia, but she is trying to just deal without causing drama,' a source told People on Sunday. 'She loves Scott and wants to be with him.'

Third wheel: Sofia Richie 'knows she will always be the outsider' as boyfriend Scott Disick co-parents with ex Kourtney Kardashian

The insider continued that Sofia is aware she will 'always be kind of an outsider', yet still 'loves' spending time with Scott and his three children.

The star has also been 'getting better' at approaching Scott's family situations in a more 'mature' fashion, the insider said.

Kourtney Kardashian has been sharing photos of Scott and their kids to Instagram, leaving Sofia feeling 'uncomfortable', according to US Weekly.

'But she has been trying not to let it get to her,' added the source.

What I wear to co-parent: Kourtney Kardashian has been sharing photos of Scott and their kids to Instagram , leaving Sofia was feeling 'uncomfortable'

The picture featured Kourtney, 39, and Scott, 35, standing next to their three kids Mason, eight, Penelope, six, and Reign, three.

The reality star said she was 'beyond grateful' waking up in same bed as kids and same house as their father for the holiday.

In another snap, Kourtney rocks a scintillating outfit as she lays on the bed with Scott mentoring Penelope.

Closed unit: The reality star said she was 'beyond grateful' waking up in same bed as kids and same house as their father for the holiday

All the attention Kourtney is showering on family could be creating a rift for Sofia and Scott.

'Sofia is beginning to fight feelings of jealousy as Scott and Kourtney continue to spend more time together,' a source told Hollywood Life.

'Sofia did her best to be cool with Scott's relationship with Kourtney for a while She wanted to be the cool girlfriend, which was easier to do when Kourt had a boyfriend,' the insider added.

'But now that Kourtney is single and dating again, Sofia struggles with the time Kourtney spends alone with Scott and the kids.'

'Scott is looking really good lately and it stings when Sofia wants to see her sexy man him but can't because he is busy with Kourtney,' the source dished.

Dealing with it: 'There has been and will continue to be things with Scott's family life that bother Sofia, but she is trying to just deal without causing drama,' a source told People on Sunday. 'She loves Scott and wants to be with him.'

'Sofia supports Scott being a great dad, she just wishes Kourtney wasn't around him as often,' the Hollywood Life insider added.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Scott and Kourtney want to do things as a 'family unit' for the sake of their children.

The former couple recently went to New York on a mini family vacation, and even though they're not a couple, they're keen to do things as a family for the benefit of their children.

A source told E! News: 'When things are going well between Scott and Kourtney, they like to do things together as a family unit for the sake of the kids.

'The kids love when they all get to be together and Kourtney and Scott have been great at co-parenting lately. Everyone is really happy.'
Karl Stefanovic's manager Sharon Finnegan is believed to be behind the 'media lockdown' at his Mexican wedding to Jasmine Yarbrough on Saturday.

And the celebrity agent congratulated herself on a job well done on Sunday, taking to Instagram to share a photo of herself relaxing at the One&Only Palmilla resort.

She captioned a photo of herself with Karl's brother Peter Stefanovic, sister-in-law Sylvia Jeffreys and two other guests: 'Fun times with this crew'.

It all worked out in the end! Karl Stefanovic's manager Sharon Finnegan (second from left, below Peter) has boasted of 'fun times' after orchestrating the media lockdown in Mexico

A handful of other celebrity guests shared morning-after photos on Sunday, including Karl's longtime friend Tim Blackwell.

The Nova FM radio presenter shared a selfie of himself with the newlyweds, which he captioned: 'We had the best time at your party. The wife and I thank you very much.'

Karl, 44, and Jasmine, 34, exchanged vows outside the hilltop chapel at the five-star One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo on Saturday evening.

'We had the best time at your party': A handful of other celebrity guests shared morning-after photos on Sunday, including Karl's longtime friend Tim Blackwell (right). Pictured with Karl Stefanovic (left) and Jasmine Yarbrough (centre)

Karl and Jasmine first began dating in late 2016 - just months after the Today host separated from his first wife, Cassandra Thorburn.

They had already been legally married in Australia for several months after signing the required documents in front of a Justice of the Peace.

Celebrity guests at Saturday's ceremony included politician Julie Bishop, model Montana Cox and a host of Channel Nine stars.

Yeah the boys: Tim and Karl have been friends for many years, with the Nova FM star previously attending the groom's bucks party

On her wedding day, the Mara & Mine co-founder wore a short-hemmed bespoke gown featuring a long detachable skirt.

While her choice of wedding dress attracted praise from leading figures in the fashion world, some members of the public have claimed it looked 'awkward'.

After a recovery party scheduled for Sunday, the newlyweds will fly to Aspen for a 'buddymoon' with friends and family, including Karl's three children.
Sally Dynevor has admitted Coronation Street saved her life from her breast cancer diagnosis while her on-screen character Sally Webster also battled the disease.

In this week's OK! magazine, the actress, 55, described the disease as a 'blip' she had a cancerous tumour in 2009, similar to her storyline on the show at the time.

Mother-of-three Sally cosied up to her daughter Hattie, 15, as she spoke about her recent stint on the series, insisting that her teen child finds it 'too upsetting' seeing her in prison.

Grateful: Sally Dynevor has admitted Coronation Street saved her life from her breast cancer diagnosis while her on-screen character Sally Webster also battled the disease (pictured with daughter Hattie, 15, in this week's OK! magazine)

The Lancashire native discovered she had a cancerous tumour in 2009 after the storyline she was depicting inspired her to have a lump she had found on holiday checked.

After operations and chemotherapy, she has been cancer-free for eight years, just like her character on the show.

Reflecting on the difficult time, Sally shared: 'It was unbelievable. Its a period in my life that I cant quite believe happened. We always say that life mirrors art on Corrie but it was really strange. I just refer to it as a blip. We have to move on.'

I was 46 and I always thought breast cancer happened to much older women. If it wasnt for Coronation Street I never would have gone to the doctors. I was in total denial. I remember saying: "Im sure its nothing, Im sure Im wasting your time."'

Honest: The mother-of-three spoke about her recent stint on the series, insisting that her teen child finds it 'too upsetting' seeing her in prison

Recovered: The Lancashire native discovered she had a cancerous tumour in 2009, but after operations and chemotherapy, she has been cancer-free for eight years

Speaking of her supportive husband Tim, a scriptwriter on rival soap Emmerdale, she gushed over their 23-year marriage.

Sally enthused: 'Hes my best friend, I tell him everything. Being open, honest and forgiving is important and not finding an argument in anything. Because we talk we dont find anything to argue about.'

Meanwhile on the screen, her character was sentenced to four years in prison for fraud, money laundering and bribery.

'My best friend': Speaking of her supportive husband Tim, a scriptwriter on rival soap Emmerdale, she gushed over their 23-year marriage

Supportive: The blonde, who is also mother to Phoebe, now 23, Sam, 21, revealed the scenes are too intense for her youngest child Hattie, who won't watch it again until the storyline is finished

In a recent tense double-bill, Sally was brought before the judge once again to hear her sentence, after being found guilty of fraud, money laundering and bribery.

She broke down in hysterical tears when she was sent down before she was comforted by her cellmate Abi.

The blonde, who is also mother to Phoebe, now 23, Sam, 21, revealed the scenes are too intense for her youngest child Hattie, who won't watch it again until the storyline is finished.

She went on to admit she's been 'overwhelmed' by the support of her keen fans after 32 years in the ITV soap.

Trouble: Meanwhile on the screen, her character was sentenced to four years in prison for fraud, money laundering and bribery

'We have a Corrie girls WhatsApp group and one of them sent me a story about a man who has had "Save Our Sally" tattooed on his leg. I was thinking of his poor wife. Its the craziest thing Ive ever seen! Its very nice, though. Thank you to the man who did it!', she explained.

However, in a plot twist, her character will not be spending 2019 behind bars, as she is reportedly set to be released in the New Year after conman Duncan is finally exposed.

According to The Sun, the former mayor will be freed after Christmas as it is revealed that sinister Duncan's wife is actually alive and well, in a storyline that will be eerily similar to the real-life crimes of 'canoe man' John Darwin.

Out now: Read the full story in this week's OK! magazine - out today

The publication explains that Sally's name will be cleared when husband Tim finds out that Duncan's wife has been secretly living in Costa Rica, and the 40,000 Sally took from the council as she was conned, had actually been sent to the country.

It seems to have taken inspiration from real-life fraudster Darwin, who faked his own death in a canoeing accident in 2002, only to be found alive in Panama with his wife.

The source said: 'Corrie writers seem to have read up on John Darwin and written a similar story for the soap.

'Just like John's fake death and eventual appearance in Panama, Duncan's wife May ends up in somewhat similar circumstances.

'Tim rumbles Duncan's plan and manages to clear Sally's name.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Coronation Street for comment.

The full interview is available to read in the current issue of OK! Magazine, out today.
Happy couple Kate Mara and Jamie Bell spent their Sunday morning going for a walk in Silver Lake with Jamie's five-year-old son.

Mara and Bell looked happy as they chatted, watching Bell's son as he walked on a raised concrete barrier.

The couple, who met while filming the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, kept things casual while slightly bundling up for their walk.

Happy couple: Kate Mara and husband Jamie Bell spent their Sunday morning going on a walk with Jamie's five year old son in Silver Lake

Mara, 35, was wearing a black hoodie under a black coat along with some grey sweatpants with grey slip-on shoes and a black purse slung over her shoulder.

Bell, 32, was wearing a white Adidas shirt under a puffy black coat, with black pants, black shoes and an olive-green hat.

Bell's son was wearing a red and black flannel shirt with black pants and shoes during the walk.

Out for a walk: Mara, 35, was wearing a black hoodie under a black coat along with some grey sweatpants with grey slip-on shoes and a black purse slung over her shoulder

Mara, the great grand-daughter of New York Giants founder Tim Mara and Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr., married Bell in July 2017.

Bell had his son with ex-wife Evan Rachel Wood, who he was married to from 2012 to 2014.

Both Mara and Bell started acting in their teens, with Bell making his feature film debut as the title character in 2000's Billy Elliot and Mara's in 1999's Joe the King.

On the red carpet: Both Mara and Bell started acting in their teens, with Bell making his feature film debut as the title character in 2000's Billy Elliot and Mara's in 1999's Joe the King

Bell went on to work regularly after his feature debut, starring in indie films such as Undertow and Dear Wendy, and big budget tentpoles like King Kong and Jumper.

Mara had a number of guest starring TV roles before breaking out with 2006's We Are Marshall with Matthew McConaughey and 2007's Shooter with Mark Wahlberg.

She gained even more prominence in 2013 when she starred as Zoe Barnes on the hit Netflix series House of Cards, before the Fantastic Four reboot in 2015.

Busy couple: Bell went on to work regularly after his feature debut, starring in indie films such as Undertow and Dear Wendy, and big budget tentpoles like King Kong and Jumper.

Mara returned to television this year, portraying Patty Bowes in the hit FX series Pose, and she also portrayed Mary Jo Kopechne in the big screen drama Chappaquiddick.

Bell starred as Abraham Woodhull in AMC's Turn: Washington's Spies from 2014 to 2017, and he also starred in two indie films this year, Skin and Donnybrook.

Bell will next be seen in the Elton John biopic Rocketman, playing the music legend's longtime co-writer Bernie Taupin while Mara next stars in Inheritance with Connie Nielsen and Simon Pegg.
The film has been struggling to get a cast together for more than eight years.

But the first trailer for Netflix's Triple Frontier unveiled on Sunday night made it look worth the wait.

The tense clip sees Ben Affleck's Tom 'Redfly' Davis lead a group of ex military buddies on a daring heist against a South American drug lord.

Tense: Ben Affleck leads a stellar cast on mission to rob a drug lord in the tense first trailer for Netflix's Triple Frontier released on Sunday

'It is one of the largest cash seizures ever attempted. It will cripple the world's most violent cartel,' the intertitle reads. 'But this is not a military operation. This is a robbery.'

The gang of five, which also includes Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Game Of Thrones star Pedro Pascal and Mudbound's Garrett Hedlund, cram into a shipping container as Affleck spells out the mission

'First things first: any man wants to walk away can do so knowing they are the best of us... but it's got to be now,' he says.

Leader: The clip sees Affleck's Tom 'Redfly' Davis lead a group of ex military buddies on the daring heist

Plot: The gang of five cram into a shipping container as Affleck spells out the mission

Target: 'It is one of the largest cash seizures ever attempted. It will cripple the world's most violent cartel,' the intertitle reads. 'But this is not a military operation. This is a robbery.'

'There is no ground support. Injuries we sustain, we're walking out with.

'Make no mistake about it; you guys need to own the fact that we do not have the flag on our shoulders,' he adds. 'You cannot go back to your normal life after tonight.'

The crew can be seen stealthily approaching a compound, where a prize of $75million in cash awaits.

Star Wars star: Oscar Isaac plays Santiago 'Pope' Garcia

King Arthur: Charlie Hunnam stars as William 'Ironhead' Miller

Game of Thrones alum: Pedro Pascal plays Franscisco 'Catfish' Morales

Mudbound: Garrett Hedlund plays Ben Miller

'Everything we've done for the last 17 years, and nothing to show for it,' Pascal's character lectures. 'You've been shot five times for your country, and you can't even afford to send your kids to college.

'If we'd accomplished half the things we've accomplished in any other profession, we'd be set for life. The question is do we finally get to use our skills for our own benefit.'

Fortnite's Adria Arjona, who plays a character called Yovanna, warns Affleck: 'If you're not gone forever after you make your move, we are dead.'

Bonus: The crew can be seen stealthily approaching a compound, where a prize of $75million in cash awaits

Choice: 'First things first: any man wants to walk away can do so knowing they are the best of us... but it's got to be now,' Affleck says

On their own: 'There is no ground support. Injuries we sustain, we're walking out with'

Reality: 'You've been shot five times for your country, and you can't even afford to send your kids to college,' Affleck is told

The film has been in the works since October of 2010, and has gone through very different cast line-ups, titles, directors and even studios.

Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Channing Tatum, Tom Hardy, Mark Wahlberg, Mahershala Ali and Casey Affleck were all attached at one point or another.

Ben himself had walked away from the project in July 2017 due to 'personal reasons'  two months after Netflix had picked it up  before rejoining in March of this year.
While Los Angeles has no shortage of stars, don't expect to find Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth among them.

In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday, Elsa, 42, said she has no plans to return to Los Angeles after calling Byron Bay home for the last few years.

'I'll never live in LA again,' she told the newspaper.

'I'll never live in LA again': Elsa Pataky reveals she has no regrets about leaving Hollywood for a quiet life in Byron Bay with Chris Hemsworth and their children

'We will travel back there for work when we need to, but I can't see myself living in a city again.'

Elsa revealed she has always dreamed of living somewhere surrounded by nature, and Byron Bay certainly fits the bill.

'It is my dream, I always wanted to be in a place like [Byron Bay],' she said.

'Growing up I was very happy in nature, with animals, and I dreamed of living in a place where my kids can run around with no shoes on, surrounded by all kinds of animals - dangerous and not dangerous.'

Home sweet home: In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday, Elsa said she has no plans to return to Los Angeles after calling Byron Bay home for the last few years

Fly-in visit: 'We will travel back there for work when we need to, but I can't see myself living in a city again,' she said of LA

Nature lover: Elsa said she'd always dreamed of living somewhere surrounded by nature, and Byron Bay, on the far north New South Wales coast, certainly fits the bill

Elsa has been married to Chris, 35, for eight years, and the couple have three children together, daughter India Rose, six, and twin sons Tristan and Sasha, four.

The family is often seen enjoying all the tranquil coastal town has to offer, regularly spending time on the beach.

In an interview with News.com.au in April last year, Elsa said the constant presence of the paparazzi in LA was behind the family's move to Australia.

'We couldn't take it anymore,' she told the publication.

Married life: Elsa has been married to Chris for eight years, and the couple have three children together, daughter India Rose, six, and twin sons Tristan and Sasha, four

Life's a beach: The family is often seen enjoying all the tranquil coastal town has to offer, regularly spending time on the beach

More privacy: Elsa said the constant presence of the paparazzi in LA was behind the family's move to Australia

'In LA, my kids had a camera in front of them all the time and it made my daughter [India] become very scared of photos.

'She didn't want pictures taken and didn't want to be in photos.'

Elsa said Bryon Bay is more in-line with the lifestyle they want to cultivate.

'Byron is more relaxed than in LA for us,' she added.
Stranger Things fans got a little nibble of excitement as the year winds down.

Netflix on Sunday released a short teaser for their upcoming third year, revealing the titles to eight of the shows in the coming season.

The titles presented, in sequence, included: Suzie, Do You Copy?, The Mallrats, The Case of the Missing Lifeguard,The Sauna Test, The Source, The Birthday, The Bite, The Battle of Starcourt.

Soaking in the applause: (L-R) Stranger Things stars Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink and Noah Schnapp were snapped at Argentina Comic Con in Buenos Aires, Argentina Saturday, as the show unveiled eight titles for the episodes in the upcoming third season

The tease continued, 'In the summer of 1985, the adventure continues '

The trailer was a sequence of titles, not including shots of the cast, which includes Winona Ryder, Millie Bobbie Brown, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matazarro, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink and Caleb McLaughlin, among others.

The new teaser was revealed as cast members Schnapp, Sink and McLaughlin promoted the show in South America, at the Argentina Comic Con Saturday in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Saturday, and in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Sunday.

The trio appeared Saturday at the Costa Salguero, where they participated in a panel, signed autographs and posed for selfies at the venue, where the G20 conference was held a week ago.

The show is expected to begin streaming again this upcoming summer.

More fun to come: The tease read, 'In the summer of 1985, the adventure continues '

Episode: Titles of each episode, such as Suzie Do You Copy?, were shown in the clip

Smash hit: The program has been popular with fans and a star-making vehicle for cast such as Millie Bobby Brown

Happy: The three stars also appeared Sunday in San Paulo, Brazil at the CCXP 2018 Sao Paulo event

Surging: McLaughlin, Schnapp and Sink play Lucas Sinclair, Will Byers and Max Mayfield, respectively, on the series

Netflix programming exec Cindy Holland said during a Television Critics Association event in July that the show's creators, brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, and director Shawn Levy were working on a spectacular season with more special effects than usual.

'Its a handcrafted show ... they understand the stakes are high,' Holland said. 'They want to deliver something bigger and better than last year. I think its going to be a fantastic season. It will be worth the wait.

'Its a really exciting season, just takes a little more time.'

Fun times: The young stars posed together at the event in Argentina

Popular: The trio was hailed by scores of fans as they made their way in at the Argentina event
Keeping Up with the Kardashians' Kourtney Kardashian and her babydaddy Scott Disick paid for their family to have the VIP treatment at Universal Studios Hollywood on Sunday.

While the 39-year-old reality star enjoyed Grinchmas, the four-time rehabbed 35-year-old escorted six-year-old daughter Penelope and five-year-old 'niece' North West to Transformers: The Ride-3D.

The Calabasas socialite - who boasts 109.2M social media followers - shared several snaps of their three children enjoying Who-ville with their cousins and pals.

'He asked @thegrinch, "Why did you steal Christmas?"' Keeping Up with the Kardashians' Kourtney Kardashian (M) and her babydaddy Scott Disick paid for their family to have the VIP treatment at Universal Studios Hollywood on Sunday

'My girls': While the 39-year-old reality star enjoyed Grinchmas, the four-time rehabbed 35-year-old (L) escorted six-year-old daughter Penelope (M) and five-year-old 'niece' North West (R) to Transformers: The Ride-3D

Next Friday, the amicable exes will likely reunite yet again to celebrate the 4th birthday of their youngest son Reign and the 9th birthday of their eldest son Mason.

Disick called the occasion 'date day' in a backseat car snap with his privileged princess.

Kourtney famously ended her on/off nine-year relationship in 2015 after Scott was pictured canoodling with stylist Chloe Bartoli in France.

The University of Arizona grad moved on with 21-year-old creative entrepreneur Luka Sabbat in September, and the Ross School drop-out has been dating 20-year-old Select Model Sofia Richie since May 2017.

Seven little ones! The Calabasas socialite - who boasts 109.2M social media followers - shared several snaps of their three children enjoying Who-ville with their cousins and pals

'There's no one cooler than them!' Next Friday, the amicable exes will likely reunite to celebrate the 4th birthday of their son Reign (2-L) and the 9th birthday of their son Mason (R)

Father-daughter bond: Disick called the occasion 'date day' in a backseat car snap with his privileged princess

'Coparenting': Kourtney famously ended her on/off nine-year relationship in 2015 after Scott was pictured canoodling with stylist Chloe Bartoli in France (pictured Wednesday)

'She knows that Kourtney isn't her biggest fan,' an insider told People Sunday of Lionel Richie's daughter.

'She knows she will always be kind of the outsider, but she loves being around Scott and his kids, and she's getting better at handling Scott's family situations in a mature way...Sofia is hoping that her relationship with Scott lasts.'

Kardashian spent Sunday evening live-tweeting 16th season finale of E! series KUWTK - titled 'Break Free' - with her younger sister Khloe.

Barely legal partners: The University of Arizona grad moved on with 21-year-old creative entrepreneur Luka Sabbat (L) in September, and the Ross School drop-out has been dating 20-year-old Select Model Sofia Richie (R) since May 2017

An insider told People of Lionel Richie's daughter: 'She knows she will always be kind of the outsider, but she loves being around Scott and his kids, and she's getting better at handling Scott's family situations in a mature way'
She's the Victoria's Secret model known for her striking looks and lithe physique.

And on Saturday, Shanina Shaik, looked simply sensational as she slipped her incredible figure into a striking black gown.

The 27-year-old showed off her washboard abs in the daring dress, which featured a keyhole cutout, while attending a bash in Miami.

A bombshell in black! Victoria's Secret model Shanina Shaik flaunts her washboard abs in a daring maxi-dress

Featuring a key-hole opening at her waist, the stunning dress cascaded down to Shanina's ankles.

Cinching at the waist, the maxi silhouette was adorned with a bow tie at the bust.

The brunette beauty teamed up the sizzling ensemble with a pair of towering black heels.

Busy: The event comes after Shanina announced on Monday that she will be returning home to Los Angeles after travelling abroad for Victoria's Secret

Her raven-haired locks were styled silky straight and swept to one side of Shanina's face.

Tucking a few strands behind her ear, Shanina revealed a pair of dainty silver earrings.

The event comes after Shanina announced on Monday that she will be returning home to Los Angeles after travelling for Victoria's Secret.

'So excited to sleep in my bed tonight and see my baby,' she gushed in a post to social media. Pictured in New York attending the Victoria's Secret Viewing Party in December

'I'm out Toronto,' she wrote beside a selfie posted to her Instagram Stories.

Shanina gushed over seeing her husband, DJ Ruckus.

'So excited to sleep in my bed tonight and see my baby,' she added.

In November, the Australian-born stunner strutted her stuff at the Victoria's Secret annual Fashion Show in New York City.

She was joined by the likes of Kendall Jenner, Gigi and Bella Hadid and Winnie Harlow on the star-studded runway.
Vinny Guadagnino says he and the rest of the Jersey Shore cast are standing behind Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino during his troubled time.

'We all love [Mike], I love him, we're all thinking about him,' Guadagnino, 31, told Us on Friday about his castmate, who is soon slated to begin his eight-month prison sentence over his tax evasion conviction.

Authorities have mandated the 36-year-old reality star - best known for flashing his abs on the MTV hit - turn himself in to the Bureau of Prisons around January 15, 2019.

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Good friends: Vinny Guadagnino (L) says he and the rest of the Jersey Shore cast are standing behind Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino during his troubled time

Sorrentino about two months ago was sentenced, as well as receiving two additional years of supervised probation, following his guilty plea to tax evasion this past January.

The Staten Island, New York native, who got married last month to fiancee Lauren Pesce, faced up to five years in custody following his guilty plea.

Sorrentino's brother, Marc Sorrentino, received a two-year prison sentence in connection with aiding in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return, officials with the United States Department of Justice said.

'The Sorrentino brothers chose to use Michaels fame to benefit themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer, and with the help of our federal partners, they were held accountable,' Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman said in a statement following the October 5 sentencing at Newark, New Jersey's federal courthouse.

Out and about: Jersey Shore's Angelina Pivarnick, Jenni 'J-Woww' Farley, Deena Cortese, Paul 'Pauly D' DelVecchio and Guadagnino were snapped at the Jingle Ball in NYC Friday

Standing with The Situation: Vinny said the cast is 'all thinking about' Sorrentino during their tough times. The cast was snapped in their native New Jersey this past August

'Lying to and defrauding the federal government is a very serious crime, regardless of a defendants celebrity status,' Zuckerman said following the latest chapter in the case, which began when the brothers were indicted in September 2014.

Guadagnino was in attendance as Mike tied the knot with Pesce November 1 in Pompton Plains, New Jersey at The Legacy Castle.

Also present were Jersey Shore's Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi, 31, Jenni 'JWoww' Farley, 32, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, 33, Deena Cortese, 31, Angela Pivarnick, 32 and Paul 'Pauly D' DelVecchio, 38.
She's a stripper turned Grammy nominated artist.

And over the weekend, Cardi B talked candidly about her days as an exotic dancer with CBS Sunday Morning's Maurice DuBois.

'I'm glad for this chapter in my life,' the 26-year-old rapper said. 'A lot of people always want to make fun of me. I don't ever regret it. I learned a lot. I feel like it matured me.'

Open book: Over the weekend, Cardi B talked candidly about her days as an exotic dancer with CBS Sunday Morning's Maurice DuBois

At the age of 18, Cardi, a rebellious teenager, went to work under the name the of Camilla at Satin Dollsa gentlemen's club in NYC.

'A lot of women here, they taught me to be more powerful,' she explained. 'I did gain a passion and love to performing. It made me feel pretty.'

She went on to talk about her infamous feud with Nicki Minaj that resulted in a physical altercation during New York Fashion Week in September.

'I'm glad for this chapter in my life,' the 26-year-old rapper said. 'A lot of people always want to make fun of me. I don't ever regret it. I learned a lot. I feel like it matured me'

Past life: At the ripe age of 18, Cardi, a rebellious teenager, went to work under the name the of Camilla at Satin Dollsa gentlemen's club in NYC

'It's unnecessary [to be involved in that kind of stuff],' she told Maurice. 'But am I ever embarrassed about anything that I do? No.'

Cardi then admitted that it was more or less 'bad for business.'

'You know a lot of people like to say, any publicity is good publicity, to me it's not because that takes away from people paying attention to your craft,' she said. 'It makes people not even care about your craft, they just wanna see drama.'

Drama: Cardi went on to talk about her infamous feud with Nicki Minaj, that resulted in a physical altercation during New York Fashion Week in September

'It's unnecessary [to be involved in that kind of stuff],' she told Maurice. 'But am I ever embarrassed about anything that I do? No'

The Bodak Yellow star also addressed her haters.

'When I was like a nothing, everybody was rooting,' she said. 'And now that I'm finally here, people have a problem for it. I work so hard, why do people feel like I don't deserve it?'

But Cardi made it clear that she isn't the least bit worried about fading from the limelight.

'I get up every single time, hunny,' she declared. 'Even before this fame stuffI always get up. All the time. I show people that over and over again.'

No regrets: Cardi then admitted that it was more or less 'bad for business.' You know a lot of people like to say, any publicity is good publicity, to me it's not because that takes away from people paying attention to your craft,' she said. 'It makes people not even care about your craft, they just wanna see drama'

Following the CBS interview, the I Like It songstress, who landed five Grammy nominations on Friday, took to Instagram to promote her upcoming music videos.

'Guys, the Money video will be dropping very soon and the Twerk video will be dropping very soon,' she said. 'In the meantime, I want you to download it, enjoy it, and suck it.'

Cardi, who was topless, showed off her ample cleavage in the brief yet extremely provocative clip.

In the nude: Following the CBS interview, the I Like It songstress took to Instagram to promote her upcoming music videos. 'Guys, the money video will be dropping very soon and the Twerk video will be dropping very soon,' she said. 'In the meantime, I want you to download it, enjoy it, and suck it'
Convicted drug trafficker Schapelle Corby has undergone a dramatic transformation since being released on parole in February 2014.

However, sister Mercedes Corby insists that the former jailbird, now 41, has not had any surgical intervention to achieve her youthful appearance.

'She's not had cheek implants, a nose job, lifts or implants. Those reports are false,' Mercedes told New Idea on Monday.

'She has always been attractive and looks after herself': Mercedes Corby denied on Monday that her convicted drug smuggler sister Schapelle (pictured) has undergone cosmetic surgery

Instead, Mercedes claims quitting smoking, using lip liner and drinking more water has helped improve Schapelle's appearance after she spent nine years behind bars.

'Schapelle has always been attractive and she looks after herself,' Mercedes added.

She did acknowledge, however, that her younger sibling has undergone lip injections and microdermabrasion treatments.

'Schapelle stopped smoking cigarettes after her return to Australia and so she has had injections to smooth out the lines on the top of her lip,' Mercedes said.

The former drug mule has also had her once over-plucked brows 'professionally sculptured' which has given her face a 'lift'.

Setting the record straight: Mercedes (pictured in Denpasar in February 2014) says the former jailbird, now 41, has not had any surgical intervention to achieve her youthful appearance

She's all natural! Mercedes claims quitting smoking, using lip liner and drinking more water has helped improve Schapelle's appearance after she spent nine years behind bars. Schapelle is pictured left in 2008, and right in 2018

Nothing to see here! 'She's not had cheek implants, a nose job, lifts or implants,' Mercedes told New Idea magazine on Monday. Pictured: Schapelle Corby in a Balinese court in August 2006

Back in June, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Randal Haworth told Daily Mail Australia that he believed Schapelle may have invested in some 'non-invasive work' to achieve her youthful looks.

'It is not hard to imagine that a stint in an Indonesian prison would be a less than welcome holiday, so it is understandable that anyone would want a fresh start after that,' he said. 'It seems as if Ms Corby is no exception to that rule.'

Dr. Haworth added that he was of the opinion Schapelle has 'undergone subtle facial rejuvenation'.

'I don't believe she underwent any plastic surgery per se,' he claimed. 'But she most likely had non-invasive work to achieve her current look.'

Transformation: Back in June, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Randal Haworth told Daily Mail Australia that he believed Schapelle may have invested in some 'non-invasive work' to achieve her youthful looks. Pictured left: in April 2005, and right: earlier this year

'The most obvious changes are to her lips and cheeks,' Dr. Haworth observed, adding that he believes 'both have been well augmented, most likely with injectable fillers such as Juvederm or equivalent.'

After studying before-and-after photos of Schapelle, the surgeon claimed he had a 'sneaking suspicion' that she may have had 'muscle paralysing injections such as Botox to smooth out the lines and wrinkles around her eyes'.

'With the additional aid of Snapchat filters, her appearance is certainly one for the better,' he concluded.

Age-defying: After studying before-and-after photos of Schapelle, Dr. Haworth claimed he had a 'sneaking suspicion' that she may have had 'muscle paralysing injections such as Botox to smooth out the lines and wrinkles around her eyes'. Pictured left: in 2006 and right: in 2018

Earlier this year, Schapelle denied having Botox injections or fillers.

She told Woman's Day in March: 'No fillers, no Botox. I just use Snapchat and Instagram filters! I look at a photo of me and think, "Gee, that's ugly," and then I put a filter on it and think, "Actually, it's pretty good!"

'I do get a lot of people commenting saying things like, "Oh, you've had Botox," and I say to myself, "Oh, shut up. You're young, you know how it works, you know that's just all the good filters!"

'I don't think young people should get Botox or fillers.'

'No fillers, no Botox. I just use Snapchat and Instagram filters!' Earlier this year, Schapelle denied having Botox injections or fillers. Pictured with her dog Lucille

Schapelle served almost a decade behind bars and three years on parole for smuggling drugs into Indonesia.

She was arrested at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport in October 2004 after customs officers discovered 4.1kg of marijuana wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag.

Schapelle was finally deported back to Australia in May 2017 after being released from Kerobokan Prison in February 2014.
Hugh Jackman has been slammed by fans for charging up to $600 (AUD) for a single ticket to his world tour in 2019.

Both the European and American legs of Hugh's one-man show went on sale on Friday, with Australian dates expected to be announced imminently.

'How could a normal person on a normal wage afford it?' one fan pleaded with Hugh, 50, on Twitter last week as tickets for his show at London's O2 Arena were released.

'How could a normal person on a normal wage afford it?': Hugh Jackman slammed by fans for $600 tickets to huge world tour performing songs from The Greatest Showman

Tickets for Hugh's British shows on his The Man. The Music. The Show. tour range from 39 GBP ($70 AUD) to 341 GBP ($600 AUD).

However, the cheaper priced tickets, situated mostly in each of the venues' upper tiers, were snapped up in seconds.

This means fans were forced to shell out for 'prime view' seats from one of the four VIP packages on offer in order to attend.

'Seriously who is buying these?' Many fans have hit out at Hugh's pricing on Twitter, directly tagging the actor in the hope of a response

Expensive: Tickets for Hugh's British shows on his The Man. The Music. The Show. tour range from 39 GBP ($70 AUD) to 341 GBP ($600 AUD) - but the cheaper priced tickets, situated mostly in each of the venues' upper tiers, were snapped up in seconds

The pricing of the 'prime' seats has not sat well with some fans on Twitter.

'I was really excited to see a live tour but I must admit I almost fainted at these prices,' one follower of Hugh's wrote online.

Another claimed the prices had made her 'cry' upon seeing them.

Many other fans claimed it is not financially viable to attend as a family with multiple children, writing: 'Seriously who is buying these?'

The majority of disappointed Twitter users tagged the Hugh's page in their posts, hoping for a direct response from the star.

However, the hefty pricetags didn't dissuade all punters, with one fan writing: 'If you know me , you know I absolutely LOVE The Greatest Showman and Im about to buy myself tickets to see him during his tour.'

Not a laughing matter: Another fan claimed the pricing was 'in favour of the fortune' while having to choose between tickets in one of Hugh's four VIP packages available

'How is this acceptable?' Fans across Europe and America have expressed their dismay, with Australian dates for the world tour expected to be announced imminently

Hugh's most pricey package is his 'Diamond VIP' one.

For approximately 341 GBP ($600 AUD) from Ticketmaster's Platinum Tickets, this guarantees a seat in the first five rows on the floor.

The buyer also gets a signed print, an unspecified gift and VIP laminate among other bits of tour memorabilia.

Hugh will be performing songs from The Greatest Showman and Les Miserables, as well as other stage classics, during his stage show.

The tour currently has 44 dates listed on Hugh's official website, with most sold out.

Worth the money? Hugh's most pricey package is his 'Diamond VIP' one, which consists of one seat in the first five rows, signed print and VIP lanyard for for approximately 341 GBP ($600 AUD) from Ticketmaster's Platinum Tickets

Bringing the movies to life! Hugh will be performing songs from The Greatest Showman and Les Miserables, as well as other stage classics, on the tour

Discussing the tour on America's Today show last week, Hugh described it as a 'dream come true' and something to tick off his bucket-list.

'I'm going to cities all over America, we're going to Europe, we're going to the UK, we're going back to Australia', he said.

'I'm singing, I'm dancing, I'm telling stories.'

The star then gave audiences a taste of things to come with an electrifying performance at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

He displayed incredible confidence on stage as he belted out The Greatest Show, from The Greatest Showman soundtrack.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Hugh Jackman for comment.
She made her jungle debut for this year's series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

And Holly Willoughby, 37, seemed delighted as she wrapped up the 2018 season with a sweet family photo as she gushed 'Thank you for having us...'

Amid claims show bosses want her to return next year, Holly uploaded a snap on Monday posing inside the jungle camp alongside her three children: Harry, nine, Belle, seven, and four-year-old Chester.

Family fun: Holly uploaded a snap on Monday posing inside the jungle camp alongside her three children: Harry, nine, Belle, seven, and four-year-old Chester

The presenter also shared a snap with the new King Of The Jungle, Harry Redknapp and her co-host Declan Donnelly as she revealed hosting the show had 'been a dream'.

She wrote: 'Yaaaaaas! So wonderful to be able to crown the man that melted our hearts for the last 3 weeks! Congratulations King Harry...

'@imacelebrity it's been the most wonderful adventure... it's been a dream... thank you for having me... Jam roly poly's all round!!!!'

Dream come true: The presenter also shared a snap with the new King Of The Jungle, Harry Redknapp and her co-host Declan Donnelly as she revealed hosting the show had 'been a dream'

Holly stepped in to co-host the show with Dec this year, after Ant McPartlin stepped away from the limelight to focus on his drink and drug addiction.

Yet ITV bosses reportedly want Holly to make a return to the Australian jungle next year, joining co-hosts Dec and Ant on the series.

According to Daily Star, executives are keen to have the This Morning presenter back on screens after the show received its highest ever viewing figures, with a whopping 12.6 million tuning in to watch the star's first week.

Making a comeback? ITV bosses reportedly want Holly to make a return to the Australian jungle next year, joining co-hosts Declan Donnelly and Ant on the competition series

A source told the publication: 'The original plan was for Holly to stand in while Ant was off and then hand the baton back. But shes been such a success that producers are now keen to keep her whatever happens.

'Many presenters would have crumbled under the pressure of joining such a big show, but Holly stepped up to the plate. The top people at ITV are now really keen to get her back next year.

'It now depends on whether or not she wants to do another series. Being in Australia for five weeks is a big commitment. She has her family to think about. And she also has her commitments at This Morning to think about', they added.

Impressive: According to Daily Star , executives are keen to have the This Morning presenter, 37, back on screens after the show received its highest ever viewing figures

A friend indeed: Ant, 43, revealed in August that he would be taking a break from presenting duties for the rest of 2018, with Holly standing in for the star (pictured June 2016)

The insider also shared that bosses are set to present an offer to Holly by March next year.

Representatives for Holly and ITV declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.

Earlier this week, Holly's This Morning co-host, Phillip Schofield gushed over his telly wife's appearance on the show, but dismissed claims of a return to the Australian jungle next year.

Fan favourite: The insider also shared that bosses are set to present an offer to Holly by March next year

Incredible: So far the mum-of-three has been received warmly by viewers, with the launch show even drawing in a record-breaking 14 million fans

He went on to brand her stand-in role as a 'caretaker' stint, before quipping: 'Don't get too attached.'

Phil also revealed that Rochelle Humes was his 'first choice' to stand-in for Holly during her absence - but that doesn't mean he isn't missing his long-time co-host.

He revealed the group are set to go out for a drink to make up for lost time following I'm A Celebrity.

Ant, 43, revealed in August that he would be taking a break from presenting duties for the rest of 2018, following his drink-drive arrest in March, his acrimonious divorce from wife Lisa Armstrong and his stint in rehab.

'It's very much a caretaker role': Phillip Schofield warned fans not to get 'too attached' to his 'telly wife' Holly's stint on I'm a Celebrity as he ruled out her return to the show next year

Pleased: Phil, 56, enthused he'd had 'great fun' with Holly's stand-in Rochelle Humes and admitted she was his 'first choice' replacement

Breaking tradition: While the ITV series has been running for 16 years with Ant and Dec, 43, viewers appeared to have been pulled in by the new format

It was later announced that Holly would be replacing Dec's long-time co-host who has presented the show for the last 16 years.

So far the mum-of-three has been received warmly by viewers, with the launch show even drawing in a record-breaking 14 million fans.

While the ITV series has been running for 16 years with Ant and Dec, 43, viewers appeared to have been pulled in by the new format, with the show managing a 47% share of viewing - the highest consolidated average ever for the series.

More than 1.8 million extra viewers have tuned in in comparison to last year's series, whilst factoring online catch up brings the series average to 13.1 million viewers.
Kevin Hart's Irresponsible Tour has touched down in Auckland, New Zealand, where he will play his first ever shows in the country.

The comedian appears to be riding a new high following his flurry of monumental shows Down Under.

'I'm in the record books baby. I am officially the Highest Grossing Comedian of all time in Australia,' he proudly declared on his Instagram and Twitter.

Of course, this all comes just days after he stepped the down as host of the 2019 Oscars amid backlash over seven-year old homophobic tweets that recently surfaced.

Welcome: Kevin Hart touched down in New Zealand for the first time on Sunday

Jetting off: The comedian was pictured jetting off from Brisbane, Australia

Being the consummate promoter, Hart gave his 66.1million Instagram followers a glimpse at his first hours in New Zealand on his Instagram story.

'First time in New Zealand, excited as hell to perform,' he shared in one video clip that showed him and his crew getting their luggage sorted out.

And then about an hour later he and his mates headed to a restaurant for some cocktails.

'We here in New Zealand kicking it off with a bang man,' the 39-year old said in a selfie video which showed them all with what appears to some sort of local alcohol treat.

Casual cool: The actor sported a white sweatshirt and colorful trainers as he landed in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday

High spirits: The comedian appeared in good spirits as he chatted with pals on the tarmac

Ready to rock: The comedian brought his Irresponsible Tour to Auckland

Down Under: The 39-year old just wrapped up a hugely successful leg of his tour in Australia

Monumental: 'I'm in the record books baby. I am officially the Highest Grossing Comedian of all time in Australia,' he proudly declared on his Instagram and Twitter

Kevin appeared to be in great spirits in all of the Insta-Story clips.

That enthusiasm was more than apparent when he shared a post on social media before leaving Australia.

'Last Nights show in Brisbane Australia was the last show for the Australian Leg of my Irresponsible Tour....Thank you SYDNEY, Perth, Melbourne & Brisbane for the love!!!!'

Hart stepped down as host of the 2019 Oscar's on Thursday, just two days after he was confirmed to have gotten the gig.

His offensive tweets were posted nearly a decade ago and were well known, but current backlash mounted fast and furious.

Controversy: Hart stepped down as the 2019 Oscars host on Thursday amid amid backlash over seven-year old homophobic tweets that recently surfaced

Words of wisdom: Hart offered a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

'I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscars,' he tweeted on December 6.

'This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.'

The following day Hart offered some words of wisdom of the controversy by quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in a tweet.

'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he strands at times of challenge and controversy.'
Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, 62, has hit the DJ decks while celebrating the wedding of Today show host Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough.

The polished former cabinet minister was pictured enjoying herself in a series of posts emerging on Instagram.

Standing with the DJ at the Cabo Studio 54-themed recovery party, the politician's set appeared to please the star-studded crowd.

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Minister of music? Julie Bishop, 62, takes to the DJ decks at the reception for Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough's wedding in Mexico

"Julie Bishop DJ set was tight AF," the snaps was captioned.

In an accompanying video, the Honourable Member for Curtain can be seen showing off a series of choice moves at the DJ booth.

As the DJ spins Pump Up The Jam, Julie does a series of hip sways and shoulder shimmies at the DJ booth.

Order in the house! Julie, the Honourable Member for Curtain, looked every inch the disco queen as she danced with celebrity DJ Sloane Angel, who is the resident at Soho House

The Australian politician was clad in a glamorous sparkling dress, which complemented the disco streamers behind her.

Meanwhile, on the decks was Jasmine and Karl's friend, celebrity DJ Sloane Angel, a resident DJ for Soho House in the US.

He appeared to be lapping up Julie's moves. as she spun around the dance floor looking every inch the disco queen.

Up close and personal: Julie was clearly holding her own at the DJ Booth, with celebrity DJ Sloane Angel getting very close to her as they danced the night away

The polished politician has proven herself a star guest at Karl and Jasmine's ritzy nuptials in the Mexican resort town of Los Cabos.

Julie looked resplendent in a sparkling off-the-shoulder evening dress, when she attended the beach-side nuptials.

The politician even decided to go barefoot at the wedding.

All style! Julie stunned in a sparkling silver dress while going barefoot at Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic's beach wedding on Saturday

She was accompanied at the five-star One&Only Palmilla Resort by her longtime boyfriend, property developer and winemaker David Panton.

In the first photo to emerge of the politician and her partner at the event, the couple are seen chatting to another male guest on the beach.

The picture was seemingly taken several hours after Karl, 44, and Jasmine, 34, exchanged vows as it appeared to be nighttime.

Relaxing: A number of candid shots have emerged of Julie relaxing with other celebrity guests. Pictured with Today show reporter Richard Wilkins (L) and son Christian (R)

Before the wedding, Julie and David were seen lounging by the resort pool with the Today show's Sylvia Jeffreys and Peter Stefanovic.

Her inclusion came as a surprise to many, as the former Liberal Party deputy leader has engaged in several fiery on-air exchanges with Karl in recent months.

The marquee guest was supposed to be billionaire James Packer, a longtime friend of Karl's, but he pulled out at the last minute.

There have been conflicting reports as to why the 51-year-old businessman decided to skip the ceremony.

Some sources have claimed he was celebrating his mother Roslyn's birthday instead, while others insist he wanted to avoid the 'media circus' surrounding Karl's nuptials.
Lisa Wilkinson was left red-faced during The Project on Monday when her co-hosts playfully mocked her 'snub' from Karl Stefanovic's wedding.

The awkward moment occurred during an interview with an Antarctic electrician, also named Lisa Wilkinson, as panellist Peter Helliar took the chat in a personal direction.

'You didn't happen to receive an invite for Karl Stefanovic's wedding, did you?' Peter asked the guest as she appeared via satellite.

'It got lost in the mail': The Project's Lisa Wilkinson left red-faced as she awkwardly turns away from cameras as co-stars mock her 'snub' from Karl Stefanovic's Mexican wedding

The camera then cut to a very surprised Lisa, 58, as she sat on the panel.

'One got lost in the mail and we're trying to work out where it has gone to,' Peter continued to tease in front of his co-host.

Lisa then physically turned in her chair to hide her animated facial expression from the studio cameras during the broadcast.

'You didn't happen to receive an invite for Karl Stefanovic's wedding, did you?': The awkward moment occurred during an interview with an antarctic electrician, also named Lisa Wilkinson, as Peter Helliar took the chat in a personal direction

'One got lost in the mail': The camera then cut to a very surprised Lisa, 58, sat on the panel

The guest then revealed this isn't the first time she has found herself in the middle of Lisa and Karl's drama due to her celebrity name.

'You think there's trouble now, at the time of the Lisa Wilkinson stuff I was getting [stuff in] my inbox every day,' the guest then responded.

It is believed she was referencing when Lisa sensationally quit Nine's Today show in 2017, after years working alongside Karl.

Surprised! Lisa then physically turned in her chair to hide her animated facial expression from the studio cameras during the broadcast

Share the gossip! The guest then revealed this isn't the first time she has found herself in the middle of Lisa and Karl drama due to her name, as Waleed Aly probed for more information

Waleed Aly then probed: 'We've got some time, what exactly were you receiving?'

Attempting to end the exchange, TV host Lisa laughed while concluding: 'My apologies, Lisa. We need to swap e-mail addresses I think. We definitely need to talk.'

It was revealed earlier this year that Lisa had been snubbed from Karl's guest list as he married Jasmine Yarbrough at the One&Only Palmilla resort in Mexico.

According to a report in New Idea Karl 'knew The Project star wouldn't show up', even if she was invited.

Not invited! It was revealed earlier this year that Lisa had been snubbed from Karl's guest list as he married Jasmine Yarbrough at the One&Only Palmilla resort in Mexico on Saturday

Lisa confirmed to Confidential that she had not been invited earlier this month.

There have long been reports that Karl and Lisa had a purely professional relationship, despite sharing a news desk for over a decade.

Discussing the wedding on The Sunday Project, Lisa said: 'I think theyve had a couple rough years. And itll be nice to get on with the rest of their lives. Together.'
She ended her debut I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here hosting stint on Sunday night as Harry Redknapp was crowned King of the Jungle.

And Holly Willoughby was keen to celebrate as she make a drunken appearance on her show This Morning on Monday.

The presenter appeared live via video link from the show's wrap party with a drink in hand, sending viewers, and her regular This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield wild.

Party time! I'm A Celebrity host Holly Willoughby was keen to celebrate the final in style as she make a drunken appearance on her show This Morning on Monday

Clutching a Margarita, Holly told Phil and Rochelle Humes that she was enjoying being up late in Australia, after having a strict 5:30pm bedtime during filming because of her early starts.

'This is the latest I have been up!' she exclaimed. 'I usually go to bed at 5:30PM. Get up at 2AM. I've never see night-time out here!'

She added that she had 'walked out of the wrap party with a Margarita' to chat with Phil and Rochelle, quipping: 'I look like Ive fallen out with my boyfriend and loitering on the streets.'

Cheers! With a Margarita in hand, Holly told Phil and Rochelle Humes that she was enjoying being up late in Australia, after having a strict 5:30pm bedtime during filming

Fans were in hysterics at Holly's antics, with one tweeting: 'drunk holly is the best I'll take a glass of what ever she is having.'

As she headed to the ITV series' wrap party, Holly was dressed to impress in some fun 'jungle massive' hair slides and clutching a glass of wine in a snap shared to her Instagram page.

The presenter, who has won rave reviews for her hosting stint with Declan Donnelly, looked teary-eyed as she posed on a rooftop in the Instagram pic.

She had nearly made it through her drink in the snap, captioned 'party time', taken hours after she had viewers in hysterics by enjoying a glass of champagne live on air.

Hilarious: Fans were in hysterics at Holly's antics, with one tweeting: 'drunk holly is the best I'll take a glass of what ever she is having.'

Dressed to impress: Things started off tame enough for Holly as she shared a fun Instagram snap as she headed to the wrap party

Holly and Dec appeared on spin off show Extra Camp after wrapping the main show, where they were greeted with glasses of bubbly, 12 hours before her interview on This Morning.

Fans laughed as they pointed out Holly barely put her glass down as she chatted to Scarlett Moffatt, Joe Swash and Joel Dommett.

While she has raved about her time Down Under, Holly spilled to Phil and Rochelle on Monday that she actually cried during one Bushtucker Trial, in a moment that was cut from the show.

Celebrating: Viewers were in hysterics on Sunday night as Holly tucked into a glass of champagne live on Extra Camp despite it being just 9am in Australia

The presenter, who has a self confessed huge fear of creepy crawlys, confessed:

'During the colosseum task with Fleur and Sair, this didnt make the cut, but I actually ran out  one green ant bit me and I burst into tears and I ran out as I was so embarrassed.'

'They were covered in them in the task... I was laughing and crying, so embarrassed, after that I thought you have to pull yourself together now, stay there and see it through to the end.'

Holly seemed delighted as she wrapped up the 2018 season with a sweet family photo on Monday, gushing 'Thank you for having us...'

We are family: Holly seemed delighted as she wrapped up the 2018 season with a sweet family photo alongside her three children on Monday, gushing 'Thank you for having us...'

Praise: Viewers have been raving about Holly's three weeks in the jungle, tweeting congratulatory messages on Monday

Amid claims show bosses want her to return next year, Holly uploaded a snap on Monday posing inside the jungle camp alongside her three children: Harry, nine, Belle, seven, and four-year-old Chester.

The presenter also shared a snap with the new King Of The Jungle, Harry Redknapp and her co-host Dec as she revealed hosting the show had 'been a dream'.

She wrote: 'Yaaaaaas! So wonderful to be able to crown the man that melted our hearts for the last 3 weeks! Congratulations King Harry...

Dream job: The presenter also shared a snap with the new King Of The Jungle, Harry Redknapp and her co-host Dec as she revealed hosting the show had 'been a dream'

'@imacelebrity it's been the most wonderful adventure... it's been a dream... thank you for having me... Jam roly poly's all round!!!!'

Holly stepped in to co-host the show with Dec this year, after Ant McPartlin stepped away from the limelight to focus on his drink and drug addiction.

Yet ITV bosses reportedly want Holly to make a return to the Australian jungle next year, joining co-hosts Dec and Ant on the series.

Rave reviews: Holly stepped in to co-host the show with Dec this year, after Ant McPartlin stepped away from the limelight to focus on his drink and drug addiction

According to Daily Star, executives are keen to have the This Morning presenter back on screens after the show received its highest ever viewing figures, with a whopping 12.6 million tuning in to watch the star's first week.

A source told the publication: 'The original plan was for Holly to stand in while Ant was off and then hand the baton back. But shes been such a success that producers are now keen to keep her whatever happens.

'Many presenters would have crumbled under the pressure of joining such a big show, but Holly stepped up to the plate. The top people at ITV are now really keen to get her back next year.

Three's a crowd? ITV bosses reportedly want Holly to make a return to the Australian jungle next year, joining co-hosts Dec and Ant on the series

'It now depends on whether or not she wants to do another series. Being in Australia for five weeks is a big commitment. She has her family to think about. And she also has her commitments at This Morning to think about', they added.

The insider also shared that bosses are set to present an offer to Holly by March next year.

Representatives for Holly and ITV declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
She is currently holed up in a juice retreat to help move on from her cheating fiance John Noble.

And it seems the getaway is doing Vicky Pattison wonders so far - taking to Instagram to upload positive images of her posing in bikinis, as well as life-affirming mantras and slogans.

The former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! champion - who was left devastated last month when her husband-to-be was filmed in a nightclub slouched over another woman - put on a busty display in a plunging black two-piece, adorned with bright tropical colours, a frill finish and ties at the hips.

Retreating: Vicky Pattison took to Instagram to upload positive images of her posing in bikinis, as well as life-affirming mantras and slogans on Sunday

She also posted a sun-kissed selfie, smiling, next to which she penned: 'A few bad chapters doesn't mean your story is over. Keep smiling, keep strong and trust in the universe. It has big plans for you darling.'

She then went on to apologise in advance for the 'self-gratifying bikini selfies', the 'envy-inducing scenery stills' and the 'sickeningly motivational quotes and tidbits of positivity'.

When checking into the spa a couple of days prior to this, the reality star admitted she was 'completely done both physically and mentally', saying: 'I've put my all into keeping going these last few weeks and now I need to accept that I need to go somewhere that is good for my soul and rest.

'As they say at @juicemasterretreats, "sometimes the only way to move forward is to retreat." 'So off I go for some down time and self-care. Sending you all loads of love and thanks for all your continued kindness.'

The message was posted alongside text that read: 'She is strong but she is tired.'

Svelte: The former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! champion put on a busty display in a plunging black two-piece, adorned with bright tropical colours, a frill finish and ties at the hips

Keeping busy: Vicky was left devastated last month when her husband-to-be was filmed in a nightclub slouched over another woman and has taken herself off to get some perspective

Su-kissed: She also posted a selfie, smiling, next to which she penned 'A few bad chapters doesn't mean your story is over. Keep smiling, keep strong and trust in the universe. It has big plans for you darling'

Although she did not specify which retreat she was travelling to, Juice Master Retreats is active in both Portugal and Turkey.

Set up by author and motivational speaker Jason Vale, the retreat focuses on juice, yoga and fitness.

The reality TV star announced her split from John in November, following two years of dating.

It came after he was said to have been seen kissing two women while on holiday in Dubai.

Cheat: Vicky admitted she is 'completely done both physically and mentally' after the betrayal

Post: 'I've put my all into keeping going these last few weeks and now I need to accept that I need to go somewhere that is good for my soul and rest,' she wrote

Parting ways: The reality TV star announced her split from John in November, following two years of dating

The former flames were reported had been filming a reality show based on their upcoming wedding at the time of the split.

The fly-on-the-wall style show was said to be planning on covering all aspects of their nuptials, from food tasting to dress shopping and what would have been their stag and hen parties.

A source told the Daily Mail: 'She was excited to be starting wedding planning and looking at venues, but life has changed now.'

It hasn't been all bad for Vicky however as she was spotted out and about in Mayfair last Wednesday where she appeared to be in high spirits as she hit the town with a group of friends.
She's spent the past week soaking up the sun on a magical Maldives break.

And Chloe Lewis was lamenting her 'last day in paradise' as she shared more stunning snaps from her tropical holiday with boyfriend Danny Flasher on Monday.

The TOWIE star, 27, left her Instagram followers green with envy as she slipped into a simple black bikini, ornate headband and matching earrings while posing in a private infinity pool at the Kandima Maldives resort.

Paradise: Chloe Lewis was lamenting her 'last day in paradise' as she shared more stunning snaps from her tropical holiday with boyfriend Danny Flasher at Kandima Maldives on Monday

In another shot, the reality TV personality wrapped her arms around her banker beau alongside the sweet caption: 'Love in my arms & the sun in my eyes.'

Chloe and Danny, who went public with their romance in early 2017, enjoyed a final beach stroll on Monday morning, grinning from ear-to-ear as they wandered along the shoreline holding hands.

The brunette beauty wore a white bikini with drawstring detailing, teamed with delicate gold jewellery.

Danny went shirtless to show off his holiday tan, while wearing a pair of charcoal grey swim shorts.

Cute couple: The TOWIE star, 27, wrapped her arms around her banker beau as he placed a kiss on her cheek in another shot posted to her Instagram account

Life's a beach: The couple enjoyed a final stroll on Monday morning, grinning from ear-to-ear as they wandered along the shoreline holding hands

Island retreat: Chloe's final post on Instagram stories saw her tell her followers it was the couple's 'last day in paradise' while thanking the resort for an 'amazing week'

Chloe's final post on Instagram stories saw her tell her followers it was the couple's 'last day in paradise' while thanking the resort for an 'amazing week'.

Wearing a white strapless bikini top and striped shorts, the reality star carried a straw beach bag in her hands while looking decidedly glum at the prospect of flying back home to freezing England.

Chloe shared a number of snaps from the couple's trip last week, showing her followers around the stunning resort and declaring she will 'never get bored' of the views offered in the island paradise.

Before heading to the Maldives for their relaxing break, Chloe and Danny enjoyed a few days in Dubai.

Homeward bound: Wearing a white strapless bikini top and striped shorts, the reality star looked decidedly glum at the prospect of flying back home to freezing England (right)

Fun in the sun: Chloe shared a series of snaps from her idyllic holiday with stockbroker boyfriend Danny last week

The brunette beauty posted more holiday snaps from Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa as the couple unwound on the first leg of their winter trip.

Chloe and Danny went public with their romance in early 2017, and moved in together in April.

The reality star has previously admitted her boyfriend has turned down a role on the ITVBe show that propelled her to fame.

Speaking on This Morning in August, she said: 'The show have asked me about him coming on, it's his choice. He's got a good job.'

Chloe told Fabulous Magazine in April: 'I'm gonna keep him separate! I'm going to keep him all to myself! I couldn't do a relationship on the show again.

Taking a dip: The TOWIE star looked incredible as she slipped into a leopard print bikini while cooling off with a dip in the ocean

Heavenly: Chloe shared numerous Instagram stories as she showed her followers around the stunning resort, declaring she will 'never get bored' of the views offered in the island paradise

Wild thing: The brunette beauty seemed to have a penchant for animal print during her stay in the Maldives, posing up a storm in a leopard mini-dress and heels before heading out to dinner

Wow! The TV personality and her banker boyfriend appeared to be staying in an envy-inducing water villa during their Maldives break

'I would never say never, because I don't know what the future holds - but no, for now, definitely not.

'But, Danny is all for TOWIE for me, he's like "I want you to do well, I want you to stay on it".

'He loves all the goss and everything, but for him he's got a good job up the city and he does really well so it's not something I think is for him!'

Chloe dated former TOWIE co-star Jake Hall, 25, for seven years, but their relationship endured a very public breakdown on the show in 2016.

Jake is now a father to daughter River, 13 months, with fiancee, Swedish Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Misse Beqiri, 32, who he has been dating since shortly after his split from Chloe.

Winter sun: Before heading to the Maldives for their relaxing break, Chloe and Danny enjoyed a few days in Dubai
Elsa Pataky was dressed to impress at the Sydney premiere of her new Netflix show, Tidelands, on Monday night.

The actress put on an eye-catching display in a stunning pearl embellished dress at the Sydney Opera House.

The 42-year-old's avant-garde frock, which featured a high neck, also had sheer panels that showed off her bust.

She's a gem! Elsa Pataky shows off her incredible figure in a sheer, pearl-embellished frock at the Tidelands premiere at the Sydney Opera House

The shape of the dress gave it a futuristic silhouette, and it gathered at the thigh in gentle layers.

Very short in length, the frock showed off the star's slim, toned pins, which she encased in silver sequined heels.

Fitted and sheer throughout, the frock also gave the actress an opportunity to flaunt her toned back.

Elsa Pataky was dressed to impress at the Sydney premiere of her new Netflix show, Tidelands, on Monday night

What a figure! Fitted and sheer throughout, the frock also gave the actress an opportunity to show off her toned back

Stunner: The 42-year-old's avant-garde frock, which featured a high neck, also had sheer panels that showed off her bust

Hey there! Very short in length, the frock showed off the star's slim, toned pins

Elsa opted to let the dress sing by not wearing many accessories but donned a deep purple nail polish on her nails.

The Spanish-born star wore her hair gently back, with some loose strands around her face.

A neutral-toned makeup palette consisting of pale pink eye shadow and matching lipstick complemented her bronzed skin.

Breezy: Elsa opted to let the dress sing by not wearing many accessories but donned a deep purple nail polish on her nails

Pretty look: The Spanish-born star wore her hair gently back, with some loose strands around her face

Subtle: A neutral-toned makeup palette consisting of pale pink eye shadow and matching lipstick complemented her bronzed skin

Elsa's co-star Charlotte Best also looked stunning in a sequinned dress that reached the floor.

The gorgeous actress showed off her slim figure in the frock, which featured metallic tones.

She opted for pink lipstick and a trendy rust-toned eye shadow, her hair worn in loose curls around her shoulders.

Dramatic! Elsa's co-star Charlotte Best also looked stunning in a sequinned dress that reached the floor

Cast mates: The actress posed with the co-stars of her anticipated new show

Also at the premiere was Alex Dimitriades, who cut a hipster silhouette in skinny jeans worn up around his calves.

He wore a pair of vintage-looking brown boots and seemed to go without socks.

The actor paired the look with a fitted white shirt and a beige, suede jacket in a retro cut.

Trendy: Also at the premiere was Alex Dimitriades, who cut a hipster silhouette in skinny jeans worn up around his calves

Cool dude: The actor paired the look with a fitted white shirt and a beige, suede jacket in a retro cut

Edgy: He wore a pair of vintage-looking brown boots and seemed to go without socks

Elsa took time to sign autographs with her fans outside the iconic venue.

Smiling as she penned her signature, the blonde beauty was a picture of A-list cool despite the excited throng around her.

She also stopped to graciously take selfies with fans.

Gracious: Elsa took time to sign autographs with her fans outside the iconic venue

Calm: Smiling as she penned her signature, the blonde beauty was a picture of A-list cool despite the excited throng around her

Say cheese! She also stopped to graciously take selfies with fans

Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, Elsa's co-star Madeleine Madden, 21, hailed the sci-fi series, which premieres on December 14, as 'empowering' and 'liberating'.

Explaining her racy scenes alongside Elsa, Maureen said it was never a problem filming for the two women.

She told the paper: 'If we had to do things a bit naked or an intimate scene it was good, because it was very much the women are in control.'
Teresa Palmer is back in Australia to enjoy Christmas with her family.

And the 32-year old has revealed why she loves being home so much, especially during the silly season.

Speaking to The Advertiser, the actress revealed she will spend Christmas in her native Scott Creek, Adelaide.

'It's why I love coming back': Pregnant Teresa Palmer reveals her very Australian Christmas plans ...and why she will be dressing her daughter in pink despite her earlier reservations

'It's very nostalgic. We will be spending a lot of time outdoors and it's how I remember Christmas,' she told the paper.

The mother-of-two added: 'Being in nature, which is why I love coming back to Adelaide so much'.

The Hacksaw Ridge star also revealed that her two sons recently met Santa at the mall and did not know what to make of him.

Her youngest, Sage, two, called the bearded fellow 'Merry Christmas' instead of Father Christmas.

Shopping for a little lady! On Monday, the pregnant star, who is expecting a daughter, revealed that she will dress her little one in pink despite her earlier reservations. Taking to Instagram, Teresa shared a photo in which she is holding up handfuls of baby clothes

No idea! The Hacksaw Ridge star also revealed that her two sons recently met Santa at the mall and did not know what to make of him

On Monday, the pregnant star, who is expecting a daughter, revealed that she will dress her little one in pink despite her earlier reservations.

Taking to Instagram, Teresa shared a photo in which she is holding up handfuls of baby clothes.

She captioned the cheerful photo: '"My daughter won't be dressed in pink" said the mother of 3 sons'.

She added the hashtag: #allthepink indicating that she'd certainly buying her little girl, who is due in a few months, gendered clothing.

Growing family! Mark (far left) and Teresa (far right), who have been married since 2013, are already parents to two sons, Bodhi (centre left) and Forest (centre right)

The Discovery of Witches actress also recalled her reaction upon finding out that she and husband Mark Webber will be having a baby girl.

Speaking to TV Week, the actress revealed: 'I almost fell out of my chair when the doctors told me [it was a girl]. I thought, ''What? We don't have girls,'' she reflected, adding that Mark 'burst into tears' of joy.

The couple, who have been married since 2013, are already parents to two sons, Bodhi and Forest, as well as another boy, Isaac, from Mark's previous relationship with actress Frankie Shaw.
She works tirelessly as a barrister specialising in international law and human rights.

So Amal Clooney was surrounded by peers and those of a similar mindset as she attended the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony 2018 at the City Hall in Oslo, Norway on Monday.

Settling in to watch the presentation, the 40-year-old barrister seemed in good spirits at the prestigious event.

Flanked: Amal Clooney was surrounded by peers and those of a similar mindset as she attended the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony 2018 at the City Hall in Oslo, Norway on Monday

Amal stood out from the crowd at the presentation as she dazzled in a vibrant scarlet midi dress with a peplum hem.

Keeping her accessories simple so as not to detract from the colourful dress, Amal - who is married to George Clooney - donned taupe court heels, whilst diamond studs injected some glitz.

The mother-of-two completed the look with a slick of glossy scarlet lipstick, whilst she styled her chestnut tresses in loose waves.

Chirpy: Settling in to watch the presentation, the 40-year-old barrister seemed in good spirits at the prestigious event

Denis Mukwege, a doctor who helps victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nadia Murad, a Yazidi rights activist and survivor of sexual slavery by Islamic State, jointly received the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.

Mukwege heads the Panzi Hospital in the eastern Congo city of Bukavu. The clinic receives thousands of women each year, many of them requiring surgery from sexual violence.

Murad is an advocate for the Yazidi minority in Iraq and for refugee and womens rights in general. She was enslaved and raped by Islamic State fighters in Mosul, Iraq, in 2014.

Serene in scarlet: Amal stood out from the crowd at the presentation as she dazzled in a vibrant scarlet midi dress with a peplum hem

Last week, Amal was honoured as 2018's Global Citizen of the Year at the United Nations Correspondents Association Awards in New York City.

The annual UN Correspondents Awards, which is in its 70th year, honours the 'best media coverage of the United Nations and UN agencies.'

Amal was appointed to her first UN commission in 2013 and has taken on a number of high profile international cases in her career as a civil rights lawyer, activist and humanitarian.

Amal spoke at the event about Jamal Khashoggi, 59, the journalist murdered in Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.
Angie's Harmon's little girls look like they are growing up fast.

The Rizzoli And Isles actress shared a cute Christmas themed photo of the children to Instagram on Sunday where they all looked like teenagers.

The 46-year-old brunette bombshell has three daughters - Finley, 14, Avery, 13, and Emery, nine - with ex-husband Jason Sehorn.

A good trio: Angie's Harmon's little girls look like they are growing up fast. The Rizzoli And Isles actress shared a cute Christmas-themed photo of the children to Instagram on Sunday

Daddy: The 46-year-old brunette bombshell has three daughters - Finley, 14, Avery, 13, and Emery, nine - with ex-husband Jason Sehorn. Seen in 2011

The three girls looked like Christmas presents as they wore red-and-green onesies with gold bows over them.

They appeared to have makeup on and looked a bit pouty as if they were exhausted from Christmas cheer.

Angie and Jason wed in 2001 and split in 2014. Their divorce was finalized in 2016. She is now dating Days of Our Lives star Greg Vaughan.

In August they took a bikini vacation together.

Single mama: Here the star is seen with all three daughters in 2015

The actress celebrated her 46th birthday, and she looked absolutely amazing in a snap posted to her Instagram.

Kicking back and relaxing on the shore, Harmon was certain to drop jaws as she laid out on the shore.

Aside from her sizzling beach photos, she also posted a series of fun family snaps over the week.

New man in her life: She is now dating Days of Our Lives star Greg Vaughan

'Well THAT was FUN!!' she captioned one group shot. 'Love yall so very much & thank you for an AWESOME BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!! #blessed #grateful #moderndaybradybunch.

The actress was joined by her kids as well as her boyfriend Vaughan, and his three sons Jathan, 11, Cavan, eight, and Landan, six  hence the Brady Bunch nickname.

Harmon showed off her jaw-dropping body in another bikini shot, shamelessly tagging @marvel @marvelstudios and even @therealstanlee.

Greg himself shared another series of besotted snaps with the birthday girl.

Vaughn shares his three boys with Dutch actress Touriya Haoud, to whom he was married from 2006 to 2014.
It seems he still feels the need for speed.

Tom Cruise was spotted in South Lake Tahoe, northern California, where he's filming action scenes for the long awaited Top Gun sequel.

The 56-year-old star will be in the area for two weeks working on Top Gun: Maverick, production sources told TMZ on Monday.

Action man: CaliTom Cruise was seen shooting scenes for Top Gun: Maverick in his flight suit near a Highway Cafe in Santa Clarita, California, last month. Now he's moved to Lake Tahoe in the north of the state

Some 32 years after the 1986 blockbuster, Tom is reprising his role as Lt. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell.

But now he's a captain and a flight instructor, rather than a fighter pilot.

At the moment Tom appears to be shooting scenes running through the forest.

He's also filmed some dialogue in the mountains looking down at the local airport south of the lake where military aircraft have been landing for the shoot.

Taking a hike: Some 32 years after the 1986 blockbuster, Tom is reprising his role as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell who is now a captain and a flight instructor, rather than a fighter pilot

Any bets he's going to 'borrow' one of those?

Not much is known about the plot as Paramount's been keeping specifics of the sequel under wraps but Tom has also been seen filming in San Diego and Nevada

Val Kilmer will also reprise his role as Maverick's rival and frenemy Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky, once a Lieutenant, now a Commander.

High flyer: Tom stole hearts as Maverick in Top Gun in 1986, kicking off his career as an action hero

Meanwhile, Miles Teller joins the cast as pilot trainee Bradley Bradshaw, son of Maverick's late partner Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, played in the original by ER's Anthony Edwards.

Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris and Jay Ellis also co-star.

The movie is directed by Joseph Kosinski (Oblivion, TRON: Legacy). Tony Scott, who directed the original, was going to helm the sequel but he committed suicide in 2012 just as production talks were beginning.

Top Gun Maverick is slated for release on June 26, 2020, having been pushed back from next July.
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are very good looking celebrities.

So it's no wonder the power duo - who have been wed since 1996 after meeting on a soap opera - have some attractive children.

And on Sunday evening while at the 12th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute in NYC, the 48-year-old talk show goddess showed off her daughter Lola Grace, aged 17.

Her pride and joy: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are very good looking celebrities. So it's no wonder the power duo - who have been wed since 1996 after meeting on a soap opera - have some attractive children

Pals in the city: And on Sunday evening while at the 12th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute in NYC, the 48-year-old talk show goddess showed off her daughter Lola Grace, aged 17. Seen with Anderson Cooper of CNN

The event took place at Manhattan's American Museum of Natural History.

The teenager looked happy to be with her mom at the event as she wore a green dress with black heels and an anklet.

Kelly was a proud mom as she wore black and smiled for the camera.

Also with them on the carpet was Kelly's longtime friend Anderson Cooper of CNN.

Kelly and Mark also have sons Michael, aged 21, and Joaquin, aged 15.

The longtime acting pair first met in 1995 while playing onscreen lovers Hayley and Mateo on the ABC soap opera All My Children.

Flashback family photo: Kelly and Mark also have sons Michael, aged 21, and Joaquin, aged 15

Also at the event was The Walking Dead's Danai Gurira.

The Tony-nominated playwright easily defied her 40 years in an off-the-shoulder pink ruched cocktail dress and silver stilettos selected by stylist Thomas Carter Phillips.

Hairstylist Vernon Francois coiffed the Iowa-born, Zimbabwe-raised actress' sideswept twists.

Rosy: The Walking Dead's Danai Gurira were among the celebrities glamming up for the 12th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute

And make-up artist Tym Buacharern made sure Danai's complexion was glowing for her presenting duties.

Gurira will next resume her role as katana-wielding warrior Michonne on the 16-episode ninth season of The Walking Dead, which resumes February 10 on AMC.

'The Whisperers are a little harder to see coming,' the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador told Us Weekly Friday of the zombie face-wearing villains.

'They're a very new type of threat, and they bring a whole new type of issue to the floor that weve definitely never dealt with before...It's a very different experience we're engaged in.'

Back it up! The Tony-nominated playwright easily defied her 40 years in an off-the-shoulder pink ruched cocktail dress and silver stilettos selected by stylist Thomas Carter Phillips

Quadrilingual NYU grad: Hairstylist Vernon Francois coiffed the Iowa-born, Zimbabwe-raised actress' sideswept twists

Avengers action star: Make-up artist Tym Buacharern made sure Danai's complexion was glowing for her presenting duties

Live! with Kelly and Ryan host Kelly Ripa slipped her slim 5ft3in figure in a black bedazzled pencil dress and matching pumps selected by stylist Faith Cromas.

The 48-year-old Daytime Emmy winner teamed up with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper to host the live special - airing Sunday at 8PM - which crowns the 2018 CNN Hero of the Year.

Once onstage, the perky presenter and the 51-year-old son of Gloria Vanderbilt were hilariously interrupted by two-time Golden Globe-nominated funnyman, Will Ferrell.

Queen! Gurira will next resume her role as katana-wielding warrior Michonne on the 16-episode ninth season of The Walking Dead, which resumes February 10 on AMC

The UN Women Goodwill Ambassador told Us Weekly of the zombie face-wearing villains: 'The Whisperers are a little harder to see coming. They're a very new type of threat, and they bring a whole new type of issue to the floor that weve definitely never dealt with before'

Join Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa as they announce the CNN 2018 Hero of the Year. #CNNHeroes starts now on CNN https://t.co/XbCa1nrSZS pic.twitter.com/ADfCPchE5K  CNN Heroes (@CNNHeroes) December 10, 2018

Onstage prank: The perky presenter and the 51-year-old son of Gloria Vanderbilt were hilariously interrupted by two-time Golden Globe-nominated funnyman, Will Ferrell (M)

Riverdale star: Ripa was supported in the audience by her black-clad husband of 22 years Mark Consuelos, with whom she has three children - Michael, 21; Joaquin, 15; and Lola, 17

Four-time Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz turned up in a black leather jacket and faded black jeans to perform his brand new song Here To Love at the event.

Ralph Breaks the Internet star John C. Reilly got down on one knee to pose with President George H.W. Bush's service dog Sully.

The famous yellow Labrador retriever will reportedly be reassigned after the holidays to help patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland.

Speaking of which, the late Texas politician's granddaughter Lauren Bush represented her company by toting a FEED Projects bag with her white collared black dress.

Thigh-high slit: The Possession of Hannah Grace actress Shay Mitchell gleamed in a glittery emerald puff-sleeved dress and black pumps selected by stylist Monica Rose

Pretty Little Liars alum: Hairstylist Danielle Priano slicked back the Canadian 31-year-old's long ponytail and make-up artist Patrick Ta applied her contoured complexion

Rocker: Four-time Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz turned up in a black leather jacket and faded black jeans to perform his brand new song Here To Love at the event

Puppy love! Ralph Breaks the Internet star John C. Reilly got down on one knee to pose with President George H.W. Bush's service dog Sully

In the spotlight: The famous yellow Labrador retriever will reportedly be reassigned after the holidays to help patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland

Representing: Speaking of which, the late Texas politician's granddaughter Lauren Bush represented her company by toting a FEED Projects bag with her white collared black dress

CNN Heroes was date night for the Good Place star Ted Danson with his third wife, Book Club star Mary Steenburgen, wearing a perforated gold gown.

The 65-year-old Oscar winner and the 70-year-old Golden Globe winner - who met on the set of Pontiac Moon in 1994 - celebrated 23 years of marriage on October 7.

Ted and Mary bumped into fellow presenter, Oscar nominee Bryan Cranston, while backstage at the museum.

Widows actress Cynthia Erivo flashed her lacy lingerie beneath a Thom Browne dress and Malone Souliers Mary Jane mules selected by stylist Sarah Slutsky.

Still going strong! CNN Heroes was date night for the Good Place star Ted Danson with his third wife, Book Club star Mary Steenburgen, wearing a perforated gold gown

'So honored to present!' The 65-year-old Oscar winner (L) and the 70-year-old Golden Globe winner (R) - who met on the set of Pontiac Moon in 1994 - celebrated 23 years of marriage on October 7

Catching up: Ted and Mary bumped into fellow presenter, Oscar nominee Bryan Cranston (R), while backstage at the museum

Tony winner: Widows actress Cynthia Erivo flashed her lacy lingerie beneath a Thom Browne dress and Malone Souliers Mary Jane mules selected by stylist Sarah Slutsky

'Crazy Eyes': Also celebrating real-life heroes was Orange Is the New Black's Uzo Aduba, who's concluding her role as Suzanne Warren in the seventh and final season next year

LBD: The 37-year-old Golden Globe nominee flashed her bra beneath an ultra-sheer off-the-shoulder black pencil dress and stilettos selected by stylist Cristina Ehrlich

Also celebrating real-life heroes was Orange Is the New Black's Uzo Aduba, who's concluding her role as Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren in the seventh and final season next year.

The 37-year-old Golden Globe nominee flashed her bra beneath an ultra-sheer off-the-shoulder black pencil dress and stilettos selected by stylist Cristina Ehrlich.

Ripa and Cooper made sure to pose with CNN's 2018 young heroes - Sonika Menon, Melati Wijsen, Isabel Wijsen, Liam Hannon, and Max Bobholz.

The children are our future: Ripa and Cooper made sure to pose with CNN's 2018 young heroes - Sonika Menon, Melati Wijsen, Isabel Wijsen, Liam Hannon, and Max Bobholz

Colleagues: CNN's Chief Business Correspondent Christine Romans (L) donned black opera gloves as CNN At This Hour anchor Kate Bolduan (R) wore festive red floral

Black-clad duo: US Army veteran and DWTS 13 champ J.R. Martinez (L) shared a laugh with One Dollar actress Margot Bingham (R) on the red carpet

Widow: Jennie Taylor - whose mayor husband Brent Taylor died serving in Afghanistan on November 3 - brought all seven of their children to the event honoring him and others

CNN's Chief Business Correspondent Christine Romans donned black opera gloves as she hung out with CNN At This Hour anchor Kate Bolduan wearing festive red floral.

US Army veteran and DWTS 13 champ J.R. Martinez shared a laugh with One Dollar actress Margot Bingham on the red carpet.

Jennie Taylor - whose mayor husband Brent Taylor died serving in Afghanistan on November 3 - brought all seven of their children to the event honoring him and others.

Honored: The stars honored Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong with the 2018 CNN Hero Of The Year
Oscar winner Sandra Bullock flashed her Hollywood smile as she emerged from her Sao Paulo hotel wearing fall-style floral for Comic Con Experience (CCXP) on Monday.

The Ocean's Eight actress easily defied her 54 years in the frilly-collared cream and maroon frock and black stilettos selected by stylist Elizabeth Stewart.

The Virginia-born beauty attended a Netflix promotional event at the Four Seasons Hotel with her Bird Box producer Dylan Clark and her castmate Trevante Rhodes (who plays Tom).

Wave: Oscar winner Sandra Bullock flashed her Hollywood smile as she emerged from her Sao Paulo hotel wearing fall-style floral for Comic Con Experience (CCXP) on Monday

Autumnal: The Ocean's Eight actress easily defied her 54 years in the frilly-collared cream and maroon frock and black stilettos selected by stylist Elizabeth Stewart

Hairstylist Lona Vigi blew out Sandra's signature straight brunette mane, allowing just a peek of her Djula earrings to show through, and make-up artist Sabrina Bedrani made sure she was ready for her Brazilian fans' cell phone cameras.

Bullock plays Malorie Shannon in Susanne Bier's sci-fi dystopian drama, which hits select US theaters this Thursday and then streams on Netflix starting December 21.

Bird Box - based on Josh Malerman's 2014 novel - also features Sarah Paulson, John Malkovich, Jacki Weaver, Lil Rel Howery, and BD Wong.

The East Carolina University grad last made headlines crashing her Miss Congeniality 2 castmate Dolly Parton's Access Hollywood interview on Wednesday with Jennifer Aniston.

Evergreen! Hairstylist Lona Vigi blew out Sandra's signature straight brunette mane and make-up artist Sabrina Bedrani made sure she was ready for her Brazilian fans' cell phone cameras

Ola! The Virginia-born beauty attended a Netflix promotional event at the Four Seasons Hotel with her Bird Box producer Dylan Clark (L) and her castmate Trevante Rhodes (R)

Protective mother: Bullock plays Malorie Shannon in Susanne Bier's sci-fi dystopian drama, which hits select US theaters this Thursday and then streams on Netflix starting December 21

Based on Josh Malerman's 2014 novel: Bird Box also features Sarah Paulson, John Malkovich, Jacki Weaver, Lil Rel Howery, and BD Wong

The Golden Globe winner delivered a tray of tequila shots, limes, and chasers to the Dumplin' stars.

'Are you for real?' the 49-year-old Friends alum gasped. 'I can't do this! Delicious!'

The 72-year-old country legend then remarked: 'I feel like Kathie Lee and Hoda!'

'Are you for real?' The East Carolina University grad last made headlines crashing her Miss Congeniality 2 castmate Dolly Parton's (L) Access Hollywood interview on Wednesday with Jennifer Aniston (2-L)

'I feel like Kathie Lee and Hoda!' The Golden Globe winner delivered a tray of tequila shots, limes, and chasers to the Dumplin' stars

At home, Sandra is the mother of son Louis Bardo - turning 9 next month - and six-year-old daughter Laila, whom she adopted in 2010 and 2015.

Bullock reportedly first met her photographer boyfriend Bryan Randall back in 2015 after hiring him to shoot her son's 5th birthday bash.

The 52-year-old ex-con already raised his college-aged daughter Skylar with deceased ex Janine.
She's no stranger to turning heads with her bikini clad photoshoots on the beach.

And Iskra Lawrence, 28, looked like she was in fighting form as she went for an early morning walk in Miami on Monday, displaying her toned physique.

The model had a bright smile on her face as she made her way through the city.

Out and about: Iskra Lawrence, 28, looked like she was in fighting form as she went for an early morning walk in Miami on Monday, displaying her toned physique

The beauty looked sensational as she went for a stroll, donning a blue halter top with red straps and matching gym leggings.

She added to her casual ensemble with blue and purple trainers and carried a black and red handbag for a style finish.

Appearing fresh faced as she soaked up the Florida sun, Iskra wore her golden locks hanging loose, displaying her sun-kissed glow.

Last month, Iskra offered her opinion on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which has come under fire for not featuring plus-size models.

Style: The beauty looked sensational as she went for a stroll, donning a blue halter top with red straps and matching gym leggings

An executive for the lingerie brand said plus-size models had not been cast because the brand was selling 'a fantasy'.

Taking to Instagram, Iskra insisted everyone has the right to feel confident in their looks.

She wrote: 'Didn't wanna cause a distraction yesterday so I'll just post the real show right now.

'Because that celluLIT, those rolls are cute, that jiggle is sexy and everyBODY deserves to feel confident in the skin they're in.'

Fashion: She added to her casual ensemble with blue and purple trainers and carried a black and red handbag for a style finish

Speaking out: Last month, Iskra offered her opinion on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which has come under fire for not featuring plus-size models

'I won't be told what a fantasy is I'll just be it,' the Aerie spokeswoman added.

'Who we are is what makes us beautiful not just a beauty ideal... Proud to be imperfectly perfect and ofc #AerieReal forever.'

Ed Razek, who also said the show would not include transgender models, later apologised for his comments in a statement released to Victoria's Secret's Twitter account.
Marsupial mother Kate Hudson carried her two-month-old daughter Rani Rose as she strolled in Los Angeles on Sunday with her musician babydaddy Danny Fujikawa.

The 39-year-old Oscar nominee - who's rumored to be engaged to the 32-year-old Lightwave Records founder - wore a curious silver ring on her left hand during the family outing.

The Fabletics co-founder originally met the the NYU drop-out in 2002 through his stepsisters Erin & Sara Foster.

Marsupial mother! Kate Hudson carried her two-month-old daughter Rani Rose as she strolled in Los Angeles on Sunday with her musician babydaddy Danny Fujikawa

Motorcycle helmet? The 39-year-old Oscar nominee - who's rumored to be engaged to the 32-year-old Lightwave Records founder - wore a curious silver ring on her left hand

Kate's street sighting came two days after she shared a video of herself doing lunges with her BFF/trainer Nicole Stuart.

'I am on a mission right now to get back to my fighting weight,' Hudson - who boasts 9.8M Instagram/Facebook followers - wrote on November 29.

'I will be shooting a film in the spring and I'm looking to shed 25lbs. I'd like to try new workouts and eat as healthy as I can. I wanna do all this and keep up milk production, raise my kids, work everyday, make time for my man, have girlfriend time and stay sane!

'I know that this sounds more like a new year resolution but after Thanksgiving and everyone thanking their health, I feel motivated to keep that up. Much love and hope everyone's Having an amazing start to the holidays!'

Post-baby workout: The Fabletics co-founder's street sighting came two days after she shared a video of herself doing lunges with her BFF/trainer Nicole Stuart (L)

Hudson wrote on November 29: 'I am on a mission right now to get back to my fighting weight. I will be shooting a film in the spring and I'm looking to shed 25lbs'

Last Thursday, the nepotistically-privileged LA native shared a sweet candid snap of her mother Goldie Hawn and stepfather Kurt Russell cradling their precious granddaughter.

The Pretty Fun author also has a 14-year-old son Ryder with her ex-husband, Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson; as well as a seven-year-old son Bingham with ex-fiance, Muse frontman Matt Bellamy.

Kate famously shaved her head last year to play a sober drug dealer taking care of her autistic sister (Maddie Ziegler) in Sia Furler's 2019 directorial debut, Music.

'Grandma and Grandpa duty!' Last Thursday, Kate shared a sweet candid snap of her mother Goldie Hawn and stepfather Kurt Russell cradling their precious granddaughter

Mother-of-three: Hudson also has a 14-year-old son Ryder (pictured November 23) with her ex-husband, Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson; as well as a seven-year-old son Bingham with ex-fiance, Muse frontman Matt Bellamy

'I think it might be good,' the Australian 42-year-old told Rolling Stone in August.

'It's not exceptional yet...I'm a little bit ashamed I couldn't make it exceptional. That was my dream, to make the first movie an exceptional work. But what are you gonna do? I'm only human.'

The nine-time Grammy nominee's upcoming big-screen musical co-written by Dallas Clayton also features Leslie Odom, Jr., Hector Elizondo, and Tig Notaro.

Big-screen musical: The LA native famously shaved her head last year to play a sober drug dealer taking care of her autistic sister (L, Maddie Ziegler) in Sia Furler's 2019 directorial debut, Music (pictured in 2017)
Nicki Minaj just made things 'Instagram official' with her new flame Kenneth 'Zoo' Petty, confirming rumors of a romance with a flirtatious social media post Sunday.

But while some fans were happy about the rapper's new boo, others expressed their disapproval when Petty's status as a registered sex offender in New York came to light.

Nicki wasn't listening to critics, however, later doubling down on the backlash by posting a saucy, near-naked bedroom Instagram of the couple which she captioned with a feisty: 'They wanna talk? Lets givem smthn to talk about. *Shania voice*'

Giving them something to talk about! Nicki Minaj shared a saucy bedroom Instagram of her and new boo Kenneth Petty less than a day after the couple made things 'Instagram official' with another post

Mugshot: Almost as soon as the Pink Print rapper shared her first photo, reports of Petty's sex offender status came to light

The photos confirmed rumors of the relationship which were sparked after Petty first appeared on Nicki's Snapchat and Instagram Story around a week ago.

While things looked like they were approaching X-rated in the latest pic, where Nicki flashed her full bottom in just a thong, their Instagram debut was a bit more demure.

In the first photo Nicki appears fully enamored with Mr. Petty, who works in the music industry, as she wraps her leg around him.

The Barbie Dreamz rapper made a show of her backside in semi-sheer white pants and a Balmain crop top.

It was captioned with Adele lyrics, which read: 'Did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happens?... its no secret... that the both of us... are running out of time.'

She also shared a picture of her supposed new flame solo.

Almost as soon as the Pink Print rapper shared the photo, reports of his sex offender status came to light.

Petty was convicted if first degree attempted rape in 1995, after a 1994 incident with a 16-year-old girl, according to public records from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Instagram official! Nicki Minaj appeared to announce her new relationship with registered sex offender Kenneth Petty via Instagram on Sunday

Confirmation: The photo confirmed rumors of the relationship which were sparked after Petty first appeared on Nicki's Snapchat and Instagram Story, above

Record: Petty, above with Nicki on earlier social media, was convicted if first degree attempted rape in 1995, after a 1994 incident with a 16-year-old girl, according to public records from the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services unearthed by Radar

According to records, Petty used a 'knife/cutting instrument' during the attempted assault.

He was sentenced to 18 to 54 months in state prison, but the records did not contain any information about how much time he served.

Kenneth's trouble with the law returned once again in 2006, when he was convicted of manslaughter for killing a man named Lamont Robinson.

According to documents obtained by The Blast, Petty shot Robinson 'with a loaded handgun multiple times, thereby causing his death.'

He served seven years in jail, released in 2013.

Fawning over him: She also shared a picture of her supposed new flame solo.

Nicki disabled comments on the photo after fans expressed their concern for the rapper.

Minaj has a history with less-than law abiding citizens. Brother Jelani Maraj was found guilty of repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl in November 2017.

She's also defended rapper/collaborator Tekashi 6ix9ine, who was convicted on a felony count for the 'use of a child in a sexual performance' in 2015 for appearing in a sexually explicit video with a 13-year-old girl.

In the past Minaj has dated rappers Meek Mill, Safaree Samuels, and Nas.
She recently snubbed a sun-soaked winter holiday in favour of a Scottish break.

And after returning from her outdoorsy trip, Lady Amelia Windsor swapped her hiking gear for a glamorous gown as she attended the British Fashion Awards.

The model, 23, looked incredible as she posed on the red carpet wearing a shocking pink tulle dress with detailed embellishments, as she arrived at the event held at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday evening.

Lady Amelia Windsor, 23, looked incredible as she posed on the red carpet wearing a shocking pink tulle dress

Proving her model credentials, Amelia, who is signed with Storm Models, stunned in the floor-length number which boasted a risque sheer basque.

The dress fanned out into a show-stopping skirt, which was adorned with a sequined floral pattern all over.

She teamed her frock with a statement gold necklace, but otherwise kept her ensemble accessory free.

Glam: Amelia swapped her hiking gear for a glamorous gown as she attended the British Fashion Awards

Amelia opted for a Carolina Herrera design, and proved her loyalty to the brand by arriving at the awards on the arm of their creative director Wes Gordon, who looked dashing in a deep green velvet suit.

Despite most of the royals keeping their private life off social media, Amelia is a big fan of Instagram and regularly shares glimpses at her glamorous life with her followers.

She previously told Vogue UK about Instagram: 'It allows anyone to be creative and imaginative. I also love that we can share all the beautiful and meaningful things we see and hear in the world. I find it so inspiring and uplifting.'

The society beauty, who is 36th in line to the British throne, was also named among Vanity Fair's 2017 Best Dressed List.

Despite often rubbing shoulders with A-listers, Amelia was not on the invite list for the royal wedding in May.

She is the daughter of George Windsor, Earl of St Andrews, and his wife, Sylvana Tomaselli, the granddaughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince Harry's third cousin.

Fashion pack: Amelia opted for a Carolina Herrera design, and proved her loyalty to the brand by arriving at the awards on the arm of their creative director Wes Gordon, who looked dashing in a deep green velvet suit
Lucy Hale works out nearly every day in a gym and the results are obvious.

Over the weekend, the Pretty Little Liars actress, 29, flashed her belly in a bra top as she headed to a workout with some friends in Los Angeles.

The brunette beauty also shared an image to Instagram where she wore no top or bra under a white blazer.

Trim and toned: Lucy Hale flashed her taut tummy in a bra top when she left the gym in Los Angeles over the weekend

Casual lady: The top was black and flashed a hint of her tattoo on her ribs. She added leggings and a long light blue coat. Lace-free sneakers added a Yeezy vibe

The top was black and flashed a hint of her tattoo on her ribs. She added leggings and a long light blue coat.

Lace-free sneakers added a Yeezy vibe.

The 5ft2in actress from Memphis wore her hair down and she had on round sunglasses with layers of necklaces.

And the Truth Or Dare star held on to her cell phone.

Trio: The Hollywood favorite was with her friends who were just as casual as they strolled by her side

Details: One had long blonde hair with a long light grey coat and a matching purse; she added a black shirt and jeans. Her other pal had dark hair pulled back with an army green parka over a yellow top and black leggings

The Hollywood favorite was with her friends who were just as casual as they strolled by her side.

One had long blonde hair with a long light grey coat and a matching purse; she added a black shirt and jeans.

Her other pal had dark hair pulled back with an army green parka over a yellow top and black leggings.

Surprise: The Instagram photo was meant to shock her 22.5m followers. Hale wore her cream-colored double-breasted blazer open with no top, no bra, only a tattoo peeking out

The Instagram photo was meant to shock her 22.5m followers.

Hale wore her cream-colored double-breasted blazer open with no top, no bra, only a tattoo peeking out. High-waisted slacks added a sophisticated look.

She was taking the selfie in a mirror.

She earns that body: Before that she was seen working out in an Instagram Stories image taken inside her gym. Lucy was working hard on her lunges as she wore all black

Before that she was seen working out in an Instagram Stories image taken inside her gym.

Lucy was working hard on her lunges as she wore all black.

The caption read, 'I drank a bang energy drink during this workout and I'm concerned I'll be up all night.'

Earlier this month the TV vet showed off her fitness-honed abs while at the dog park with her beloved malti-poo Elvis and a friend.

The was casual chic in a white baby tee and mid-rise blue jeans.

A good weekend look: Hale is seen here carrying her little dog named Elvis earlier this month

She layered the look with a dove-grey bomber, while accessorizing with laid-back sneakers and a delicate necklace.

The Life Sentence actress topped her honey blonde bob with a knit hat.

Retro shades with a blue tint rounded out her look. She had her arms full, carrying Elvis and two icy drinks.

Since finishing her role as Aria on Pretty Little Liars, Lucy has gone on to star in a number of movies and make cameo appearances in a host of US television shows.

This year alone she starred in Unicorn, Truth Or Dare and Alone and will next take to the big screen in A Nice Girl Like You.

The romantic comedy follows an Oxford graduation's explorations of her sexual fears after being labelled as 'sexophobic' by her significant other.
She's never been shy and retiring when it comes to her fashion sense.

And Rita Ora made a very bold statement when rocking the red carpet at the star-studded Fashion Awards 2018 in Partnership with Swarovski on Monday night.

The 28-year-old singing sensation was difficult to miss in her questionable ensemble when at the historic Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, London.

Turning heads: Rita Ora made a very bold statement when rocking the red carpet at the star-studded Fashion Awards 2018 in Partnership with Swarovski on Monday night

The Let You Love Me hitmaker turned heads in a bizarrely patterned suit, which featured a vibrant blazer and matching shorts.

And her bold fashion choices didn't stop there, as the beauty accessorised her look with statement black stockings, tied with a pair of high heels and a demure red clutch bag.

Adding some glitz to her glamorous attire, the I Will Never Let You Down songstress swept her blonde locks back with a diamante encrusted headband while donning a dazzling pair of drop earrings.

Making a statement: The 28-year-old singing sensation was difficult to miss in her questionable ensemble when at the historic Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, London

Wow! The Let You Love Me hitmaker turned heads in a bizarrely patterned suit, which featured a vibrant blazer and matching shorts

Rita was joined by the great and the good of the showbiz world at the fashion spectacle including Cindy Crawford, Yasmin Le Bon and Ellie Goulding.

In association with The British Fashion Council (BFC), The Fashion Awards celebrates individuals and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the fashion industry over the last year.

It is also a fundraiser for the BFC's charities and aims to support future talented individuals with their creative fashion skills.

Dazzling: Adding some glitz to her glamorous attire, the I Will Never Let You Down songstress swept her blonde locks back with a diamante encrusted headband

All in the details: And her bold fashion choices didn't stop there, as the beauty accessorised her look with statement black stockings, tied with a pair of high heels and a red clutch bag

Rita's outing in the UK comes days after she was seen with her ex Andrew Watt as she arrived back to her hotel in West Hollywood last Wednesday night.

Days beforehand, it had been reported that Rita had embarked on a romantic relationship with 35-year-old actor Andrew Garfield.

A source recently told The Sun: 'Rita let slip to pals about her brewing romance about a month ago.

'But in recent days things have started to heat up and she says what they have is the real deal.

Star-studded: Rita was joined by the great and the good of the showbiz world at the fashion spectacle including Cindy Crawford, Yasmin Le Bon and Ellie Goulding

Party time: The Fashion Awards celebrates individuals and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the fashion industry over the last year

Helping hand: It is also a fundraiser for the BFC's charities and aims to support future talented individuals with their creative fashion skills

'It is still very early days but they like each other and are seeing what happens. Their schedules make things difficult but they have a real connection.'

Rita recently revealed she's split from her boyfriend Andrew Watt during an appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show.

The pair were first romantically linked when they were spotted enjoying a romantic getaway to Rome in 2016.

Relationship: Rita's outing came less than a week after she was spotted in Los Angeles with her ex-boyfriend Andrew Watt. Pictured together in February 2018

New romance? Their sighting together came days after it was reported that Rita had embarked on a romantic relationship with actor Andrew Garfield. Pictured in November 2018
She set the catwalk alight during her years as a Victoria's Secret Angel before retiring her wings in 2016.

And while Doutzen Kroes may have bid adieu to her VS past she still knows how to set pulses racing as she arrived to the Fashion Awards 2018 in Partnership with Swarovski alongside current Angels Josephine Skriver and Sara Sampaio.

The 33-year-old supermodel stunned on the red carpet on Monday in her spaghetti strapped black dress, which featured daring sheer mesh polka dot detail around the midriff and thighs.

Pulses racing: Doutzen Kroes set pulses racing as she arrived to the Fashion Awards 2018 in Partnership with Swarovski alongside current Angels Josephine Skriver and Sara Sampaio

The Dutch beauty's figure-flaunting look boasted voluminous ruffle detail around the waist, hip and around the hem.

Keeping her accessories to a minimum, she let her David Koma dress do the talking while she slipped on a pair of black strappy Sergio Rossi sandals.

Doutzen perfectly offset her plunging look with a glamorous beauty look and worked her honey-hued tresses into a sultry tousled style.

Making sure to turn heads, Josephine, 25, slipped into a strapless white lace mini dress with floral detailing.

Fashion forward: Josephine Skriver, 25, slipped into a strapless white lace mini dress with floral detailing

Picture perfect: Portuguese model Sara, 27, looked sophisticated in a one-shouldered jumpsuit with a sheer striped bodice that flashed her torso

The Danish model teamed her thigh-grazing look with a pair of matching over-the-knee boots and draped a dramatic powder blue ruffled cape over her shoulders.

The cover star kept her beauty look fresh and worked her glossy locks into a messy chignon, with loose strands framing her face.

Portuguese model Sara, 27, looked sophisticated in a one-shouldered jumpsuit by designer David Koma with a sheer striped bodice that flashed her torso.

For the frill of it: The Dutch beauty's figure-flaunting look boasted voluminous ruffle detail around the waist, hip and around the hem

Spot the difference: She kept her accessories to a minimum

Walk this way: She let her dress do the talking while she slipped on a pair of black strappy sandals

Glamorous: Doutzen perfectly offset her plunging look with a glamorous beauty look

Mane attraction: She worked her honey-hued tresses into a sultry tousled style

Adding inches to her statuesque frame, she donned a pair of pointed stilettos as she worked the camera.

The catwalk star, who has been an Angel since 2015, worked her raven-coloured hair into a sleek style behind her ears, which highlighted her dazzling earrings.

During the Summer, Doutzen told FASHION magazine she was 'very lucky' to be born with such an incredible figure as she discussed her success in the modelling world.

She also acknowledged that the fashion world is completely different to when she first started, and that younger models are now at an advantage.

Drama: The Danish model teamed her thigh-grazing look with a pair of matching over-the-knee boots and draped a dramatic powder blue ruffled cape over her shoulders

Sheer bliss: Portuguese model Sara, 27, looked sophisticated in a one-shouldered jumpsuit with a sheer striped bodice that flashed her torso

Red carpet ready: Adding inches to her statuesque frame, she donned a pair of pointed stilettos as she worked the camera

Figure-hugging: Her striking look hugged her narrow waist with a thick waist band

Dazzling: The catwalk star, who has been an Angel since 2015, worked her raven-coloured hair into a sleek style behind her ears, which highlighted her dazzling earring

'When I started out, the [fashion] industry was more playful and not as calculated,' she explained.

'Now, because of social media, everyone knows everything - there's all these 15-year-old girls who know all the big photographers and fashion designers.'

Doutzen first rose to prominence in 2005 after being chosen as Vogue.com's 'Model Of The Year', she went on to be named a Victoria Secret's Angel in 2008.

Daring: Kendall, who has walked in the Victoria's Secret Show, bared all and went braless to show off her every inch of her cleavage in a sheer gold beaded dress with a daring slit on the left leg

Skin-flashing: Kendall sported sleek hair and glowing make-up for the evening

Skin-flashing: Her ensemble left little to the imagination

Feather feeling: Fellow model Winnie Harlow, who walked in this year's VS show in New York, commanded attention in her beaded feathered Atelier Versace gown

Head-turning: She accessorised the look with a feathered hair-piece

Meanwhile, the models were joined by the great and the good of the showbiz world at the fashion spectacle including Cindy Crawford, Rita Ora and Victoria Beckham.

In association with The British Fashion Council (BFC), The Fashion Awards celebrates individuals and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the fashion industry over the last year.

It is also a fundraiser for the BFC's charities and aims to support future talented individuals with their creative fashion skills.
Nicole Kidman transforms into former Fox & Friends host Gretchen Carlson for the upcoming Roger Ailes biopic Fair and Balanced.

The 51-year-old actress wore a short blonde wig and pencil dress as she was spotted on set in downtown Los Angeles on Monday.



The movie will document the sexual harassment scandal that unfolded at Fox News in 2016.

Political drama: Nicole Kidman is pictured on the set of Fair and Balanced as TV commentator Gretchen Carlson

The official logline reads: 'The film will tell the story of the ensemble of women who took on the toxic male culture of Fox News and helped depose its chief architect.'

Production started in late October on Fair and Balanced, which features an all-star cast.

The film centers on the numerous women who came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, which led to his resignation in 2016.

Carlson accused Ailes of sexual harassment in 2016 and was integral to the investigation and his eventual resignation from the network weeks later.

John Lithgow will be taking on the role of late businessman who passed away in May 2017 nearly a year after his resignation.

Carlson is a former host of Fox & Friends who accused Fox News CEO Roger Ailes of sexual harassment in 2016 and was integral to the investigation and his eventual resignation from the network

Alice Eve is playing Ainsley Earhardt, one of the current Fox & Friends hosts.

Connie Britton also stars as Beth Ailes, the wife of Roger Ailes and Margot Robbie plays Kayla Popisil, a composite character based on several real-life people.

The cast is rounded out by Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Ashley Greene, Elizabeth Rohm and Madeline Zima.

Malcolm McDowell also stars as former 21st Century Fox CEO Rupert Murdoch, who took over as Fox News CEO when Ailes resigned.

Biopic: The 51-year-old star donned a blonde wig and hot pink pencil dress for the day of filming in Downtown Los Angeles

Warm welcome: The Aussie actress hugged a crew member in-between scenes

Scandal: Ailes, pictured here in 2015, died last year nearly a year after resigning from Fox in July 2016

Jay Roach (Trumbo) directs Fair and Balanced from a screenplay by Charles Randolph (The Big Short), with Lionsgate eyeing a 2019 release.

Meanwhile Nicole has earned herself a Golden Globe nomination for best performance by an actress for her role in Destroyer.

The 51-year-old actress responded to the nomination saying in a statement: 'I'm so, so happy for this film. This crazy, female-driven film with this dangerous, complicated woman at the center of it,'

'It was such a risk, so to be acknowledged  the Hollywood Foreign Press is so good at that because they acknowledge these small films that would really struggle if they didnt get this kind of celebration.'
Paris is like a city under siege. All important objects of the French capital are heavily guarded. Police armored vehicles are deployed on the streets. The gendarmerie is conducting raids. Passers' documentation and bags are checked. The majority of citizens do not express discontent, being understanding about the current situation: and it is serious, to the extent that the Elysee Palace is afraid that a coup is possible. President Emmanuel Macron and his inner circle brainstorm constantly: what to do next?

Saturday clashes were tough. Fortunately, there were no casualties. According to official data, at least 1,500 people were detained. The "rioters" claim that the number is even higher. The experts take note of some signs of panic in the French leadership. As well as a misunderstanding between the president and the prime minister. The PM's decision to postpone the increase in taxes and gasoline prices was replaced with their abolition by the president. At one point, they even discussed the resignation of the head of government, but Emmanuel Macron decided not to sacrifice Edouard Philippe. As they say, because of fears that key ministers will resign in solidarity with Philip. According to another version - Philippe's resignation would have changed nothing.

Perhaps some confusion at the highest level forced ordinary French citizens to take their own measures for self-defense. Most cafes, restaurants are not just closed, but barricaded. A photograph of a beer restaurant in central Paris is very popular on social media, which owner erected a very tall black wall around his restaurant within hours to protect it from the rebellion.

Additional concern for both ordinary Parisians and security officials is the fact that the protesters are armed. Such probability is extremely high - one of the metropolitan police stations was recently attacked, the raiders took possession of a number of weapons and ammunition (not specified) . However, they say that this is just gossip, in fact, the gendarmeries car was robbed, but the weapons were indeed taken away from this car.

The Liberation newspaper writes: the government, by instilling fear, is trying to dissuade the protesters to take to the streets, while recognizing that the concession to the "yellow vests" in the form of the abolition of increased fuel taxes did not satisfy the protesters - the calls are radicalized, they demand to dissolve parliament and even to seize Elysee Palace: "Decisive days have come for Emmanuel Macron - his future presidential career will be directly affected by possible looting, causalities."

Naturally, external support for "yellow vests" is being discussed. So far, of rhetorical nature, and, as understandable, with the mention of Russia in this context. Le Figaro made a curious classification of rebels. The newspaper writes that the disorder was arranged not by a "homogeneous environment." Three groups are easily distinguished among the insurgents: ultras, without special meaning - left or right; young people from dysfunctional Parisian suburbs, inspired by the opportunity to loot and rob stores; and, finally, the active petty bourgeoisie from the provinces, which teamed up with the so-called provincial proletariat.

According to French security officials, up to 80 thousand people participated in recent addresses and riots. Supposedly just as many people can take part in the "new attack". It's not the limit - the number of "rebels" increases. They are deaf to the calls of the authorities to return to ordinary life and resolve issues in a civilized manner. As a precautionary measure, Paris museums do not work, as well as most restaurants, cafes, and shops in the central part. The tourism industry is suffering great losses.

It is happening not in Africa, or some former Soviet Union country, which has not become stable over the years of independence, but in France - the richest country in the world! However, this richest country in the world has a great revolutionary experience. And it's not just about the series of uprisings and reactions of the 18th century or the 1830-1870 events. It is appropriate to recall the not so old student riots of 1968, or even the very recent 2005 pogroms. The French are easy-going.

Ordinary people have their own opinion about what happens. Valery Khebrelashvili, an entrepreneur in the tourism industry, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, said that, in his opinion, current events are generated by the staggering foundations of French society, the changes not pleasant or understandable to everyone. "I dreamed all my life about Paris. Why? I dont even know. About 10 years ago I bought a tiny apartment in the center of the French capital. Since then, my wife and I always dreamed of vacation or holidays to live in our beloved city. But we have become less interested in Paris for some time. When we go to France, we have a day or two in Paris, but mostly travel around the country. I have never been a nationalist, a racist, etc. - I was born, grew up and spent half his life in Tbilisi. Who knows what Tbilisi is, he will understand what I mean. For those who dont know - Tbilisi is a boiler with mixed nationalities, languages, customs, and where, at least at the household level, when I lived there, nationality did not play any role in the urban community. One can live all his life with a neighbor side by side, not knowing that he was Greek or Kurd. And why should it matter if people lived respecting each other, avoiding contradictions, taking into account mutual opinions and moods. But something went wrong in Paris, in my opinion. From a certain moment the emigrants ceased to assimilate, they no longer get used to French society. Or the city and society could not swallow such a number of foreigners who continued to live according to the laws and customs of their native places after moving to Paris. Polyphony did not work out, they have cacophony instead. I (and there are a lot of people like me - Russians linked to Paris for various reasons, and we communicate with each other) feel uncomfortable in this city, which attracted me since childhood. And others changed their attitude as well. I talked with the indigenous Parisians. They told me the same thing. Many, very many people do not like the invasion from the African continent and from the East. The long-term way of life is falling apart, due to which people have to give up their habits, their way of life. I know cases when Parisians left for a province not yet reached by the migratory wave. It seems to me that it can be one of the reasons caused the outbreak of aggression. Gasoline is gasoline, taxes are taxes, but it has coincided with the discontent boiling inside the society, which resulted in such an emission with pogroms, arsons and looting. "

Hebrelashvili's story is confirmed by the story of another man. Henri Mauchamp, an ethnic Armenian who lived his entire adult life in Paris, a man with a small but stable income, moved his whole family to their historic home a few years ago, where he opened a simple French-style cafe: "It has become impossible here. I I simply could not live like a normal person. It was not the same Paris. I was afraid of letting my daughters go outside even though we didnt live in the emigre quarter. I was shaking until my son returned home from school or a party. I may not provide for a family as before, and have a smaller income, my family still does not quite understand and accept the local way of life, but I can definitely say - we feel more secure here. "
She recently revealed she's happier than ever as a month to her one-year-old son Jack.

And Rosie Huntington-Whiteley put on a typically radiant display as she attended the star-studded British Fashion Awards 2018 in Partnership with Swarovski at the historic Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, London, on Monday evening.

The model, 31, took the plunge in a deeply plunging black gown, embellished with pink and purple feather details throughout.

Va-va-voom! Rosie Huntington-Whiteley put on a typically radiant display at the British Fashion Awards 2018 in Partnership with Swarovski at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Monday

Looking every inch the siren, the catwalk queen complemented her appearance with a structured maxi coat, which she draped over her shoulders.

The yummy mummy nailed edgy chic in the accessory department as she was decked out in a pair of silver cuff earrings.

Framing her visage with poker straight tresses, Rosie complemented her out-of-this-world beauty with heavy strokes of make-up, consisting of rose-tinted blush, light pink gloss and winged eyeliner.

Striking: The model, 31, took the plunge in a deeply plunging black gown, embellished with pink and purple feather details throughout

Style maven: Looking every inch the siren, the catwalk queen complemented her appearance with a structured maxi coat, which she draped over her shoulders

In association with The British Fashion Council (BFC), The Fashion Awards celebrates individuals and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the fashion industry over the last year.

It is also a fundraiser for the BFC's charities and aims to support future talented individuals with their creative fashion skills.

Rosie's display comes after she revealed she's happier than ever as a mother - welcoming her first child Jack with fiance Jason Statham in June last year.

Wow-factor! The yummy mummy nailed edgy chic in the accessory department as she was decked out in a pair of silver cuff earrings

Star-studded: The star cosied up to actress Rosamund Pike on the red carpet

Speaking at ELLE Weekender earlier this month, she touched on her life as a mother, her beauty business and suffering from adult acne.

On entering her thirties, the catwalk queen shared: 'Every year I get older I feel so much more empowered in myself and I feel so much more confident.

'Turning 30 and becoming a mum has just been so empowering for me. I feel, really clear with what I want out of life.

'I feel happier than ever. I feel like you cut away the things that dont make you happy and your priorities just shift massively.'

Stunning: Rosie complemented her out-of-this-world beauty with heavy strokes of make-up, consisting of rose-tinted blush, light pink gloss and winged eyeliner

Sleek: The bombshell framed her stunning features with poker straight tresses

Radiant: The star beamed with delight as she grinned from ear-to-ear on the glitzy appearance

Happy family: The statuesque beauty welcomed her first child Jack with fiance Jason Statham in June last year

As well as raising son Jason, Rosie and her partner Jason, 51, also offer each other tips on their work.

The M&S lingerie model told the crowd: 'We talk a lot about work. Hes very entrepreneurial as well and we love to talk about things. I run everything past him, every make-up product.'

While Rosie has previously opened up about her adult acne battle, the bombshell stressed the importance of skincare:

'I think investing in a great skincare regime is really important. For me skin comes first as I Ive struggled with acne, in and out of it, throughout my adult life really, and so Im always striving for the best skin I can. Its the canvas of everything I do.'
She's been quite the busy bee following her recent appearance on BBC's The Cry.

And Jenna Coleman enjoyed a night off of work duties as she attended the British Fashion Awards 2018 in Partnership with Swarovski at the historic Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, London, on Monday evening.

Looking every inch the English rose, the Victoria star, 32, adhered to her signature elegant fashion sense as she slipped into a turtleneck white gown.

A vision: Jenna Coleman enjoyed a night off of work duties as she attended the British Fashion Awards 2018 in Partnership with Swarovski at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Monday

Garnering attention from her stunning display, the actress' ensemble featured ruffled details and intricate floral embroidery throughout.

The Waterloo Road star nailed vampy chic in the accessory department as she wore ruby red dangle earrings with black nail polish.

Jenna borrowed style tips from the 50s as she oozed old Hollywood glamour with her glossy pin-up curls.

Stunning: Looking every inch the English rose, the Victoria star, 32, adhered to her signature elegant fashion sense as she slipped into a turtleneck white gown

Look at her glow: Garnering attention from her stunning display, the actress' ensemble featured ruffled details and intricate floral embroidery throughout

She's got it! The Waterloo Road star nailed vampy chic in the accessory department as she wore ruby red dangle earrings with black nail polish

Taking her look up a notch, the star enhanced her beauty with blood red lipstick, blush-swept cheeks and winged eyeliner.

In association with The British Fashion Council (BFC), The Fashion Awards celebrates individuals and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the fashion industry over the last year.

It is also a fundraiser for the BFC's charities and aims to support future talented individuals with their creative fashion skills.

Back in time: Jenna borrowed style tips from the 50s as she oozed old Hollywood glamour with her glossy pin-up curls

Enviable appearance: Taking her look up a notch, the star enhanced her beauty with blood red lipstick, blush-swept cheeks and winged eyeliner

Glitzy event: In association with The British Fashion Council (BFC), The Fashion Awards celebrates individuals and businesses that have made a significant contribution to the fashion industry over the last year

Impressive: It is also a fundraiser for the BFC's charities and aims to support future talented individuals with their creative fashion skills

Meanwhile, Jenna recently starred in BBC One mystery drama The Cry - adapted from the novel of the same name, written by Helen FitzGerald.

In the series, Joanna (Jenna), who is married to Alistair, travels from Scotland to a town in Australia, to fight for custody of Alistair's daughter, Chloe, against his ex-wife, Alexandra.

As they drive from Melbourne to Geelong, their baby son Noah goes missing suddenly from the side of the road.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, under public scrutiny, their marriage collapses and Joanna's psychology disintegrates.
Emily Ratajkowski looked like the girl next door when she walked down a Manhattan street on Sunday.

The 27-year-old DKNY model had on skinny jeans and work boots along with a black jacket as she ran errands.

This comes just after she posted a new image of herself in a strappy white bikini. The brand is her own: Inamorataswim.

Stroll: Emily Ratajkowski looked like the girl next door when she walked down a Manhattan street on Sunday

Sporty: The 27-year-old DKNY model had on skinny jeans and work boots along with a black jacket as she ran errands

Ratajkowski - who has worked on the films Gone Girl and I Feel Pretty - looked unexpectedly tomboyish in her daytime chic look.

She doesn't often wear a beanie - which was in her hand - and high top sneakers, but she did so this weekend. And her cute red socks stood out.

A cross-body purse and sunglasses rounded out her urban look.

The cover girl was coming back from a coffee run.

Java for one! She held a single cup of coffee in her hand as she also held on to her beanie hat

As far as her bikini shot, it's another new one in a series of photos she has been sharing for weeks,

The beauty looked flawless as she modeled the suit in a profile shot.

A similar photo was shared the day before only in that one she was laying down on a lounger.

A 10: This comes just after she posted a new image of herself in a strappy white bikini. The brand is her own: Inamorataswim

White hot: The day before she posted this shot of the very small garment

Quickly garnering over a million likes, Emily captioned the image: 'Weekend Dreamz'.

She appeared to have a glass of rose to hand, as she lazed on the comfortable-looking lounger.

Emily was recently presented with GQ's International Woman Of The Year award in Sydney and roused the audience with a stirring speech as she accepted the gong.

'I think Woman of the Year is a pretty crazy title. But what I think about what's important in 2018 for both men and women, it's about defying stereotypes. It's about being multi-faceted,' she said.

Stunning! Last week Emily dropped her latest swimsuit design and modeled the sizzling look on social media

'It's about wearing a string bikini on the beach, and at a protest.'

She's been travelling a lot recently and also shared images of her adventures with her new husband Sebastian Bear-McClard with her followers.

The newlyweds took in the sights during a vacation in Morocco and did some shopping for things like handmade rugs in the country's famous shopping bazaars.

In February, Ratajkowski announced on Instagram that she had married her actor and producer boyfriend after only dating for a few weeks.

The couple tied the knot in a surprise New York City courthouse wedding.
A long time romance in Hollywood is nothing short of a miracle and Harry Hamlin knows it.

The handsome 67-year-old sat down with LaPalme Magazine for their men's Winter Issue at the swanky Los Angeles hotspot, Norah.

During the interview, Hamlin opened up about how he and wife Lisa Rinna have made it work for over 20 years of marriage, two daughters and two successful careers.

Handsome Harry: Actor Harry Hamlin sat down with LaPalme Magazine for their men's Winter Issue and opened up about his long marriage, career and the Real Housewives

'Just miraculous,' Hamlin said of his romance with Lisa.

'We're still firing on all cylinders after 26 or 27 years. It simply comes down to: we really like each other and - we're complete opposites.'

The LA Law star added that he and his lippy wife 'never get tired of each other's stories.'

Harry and Lisa tied the knot in 1997 and have two daughters, Delilah, 20, and Amelia, 17 together. Harry also has son Dimitri, 38, from a previous relationship.

A miracle! 'We're still firing on all cylinders after 26 or 27 years. It simply comes down to: we really like each other and- we're complete opposites.'

The secret: Harry and Lisa credit a lot of time in therapy and talking for their impossibly long romance

'Listen, we put a lot of time in therapy and talking and reading books and trying to figure out how to create a foundation for a family,' the star explained.

Harry's family has been put on display since his wife joined the cast of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

The Mad Men star opened up of one of Lisa's most jaw-dropping moments on the show.

'I was very proud of her:' Hamlin said of Lisa Rinna's explosive defense of him on RHOBH

Defensive: Lisa was defensive after Kim Richards suggested that Harry had 'done something' outside of the marriage

After Kim Richards made an off-hand comment suggesting that Hamlin stepped out Lisa during a dinner with the cast, Rinna flew off the handle and even shattered a wine glass in a fit of rage.

'I think [Kim] implied that I'd done something out of the marriage, Lisa went ballistic over that. I was very proud of her,' Hamlin admitted.

Adding: 'I wonder what I'd do in that same position.'

'What can you say about Harry?' Asked LaPalme creative director Derek Warbuton. 'Complicated, solid, debonair & and always up for an adventure.'

Cover girl: Madchen Amik graced the women's cover of the Winter Issue for LaPalme

The nineties heartthrob added that he didn't think that the explosive scene 'was a set-up' and he'd never seen the producers push the cast to ramp up the drama.

'There's just something about Harry,' said LaPalme's creative director Derek Warburton. 'What can you say about Harry? Complicated, solid, debonair & and always up for an adventure.'

Harry's newest adventure is off-screen in the realm of clean energy with his company TriAlpha Energy.

His and hers: LaPalme has dueling covers for it's Winter Issue with a men's and women's version both directed by Derek Warburton

Mommy dearest: The 47-year-old plays Betty Cooper's mom on the hit CW show Riverdale

LaPalme has dueling covers for it's Winter Issue with Riverdale star Madchen Amik gracing the other cover.

The CW star shot on location at The Chamberlain Hotel in West Hollywood in a series of high fashion ensembles, very much at odds with her television character.

She plays Betty Cooper's uptight mom with a few dirty little secrets on the hit show Riverdale.

Beautiful! Madchen donned a series of high fashion looks for a shoot at The Chamberlain Hotel in West Hollywood

High compliments: Warburton described the star as 'fun, inclusive, an artist, sexy, mysterious'

Rock n roll: Amick said her personal style is nothing like her character's prim and proper look

'Wow, I love Madchen Amick,' Warburton said. 'She's fun, inclusive, an artist, sexy, mysterious. I love women with great range and she seems to make choices that are bad a**.'

The American actress has a German name which he said is notoriously hard to pronounce for others. It means maiden.

'It's MADE-chen AYmick,' laughed the 47-year-old actress. 'Both have long 'A's.'

Say what? The beauty's German name means maiden and she admits that no one can ever pronounce it

Tough call: The actress wasn't sure if taking on the role of Alice Cooper was right for her

'Let's make her someone you hate to love and love to hate,' she thought once it clicked

The actress, who rose to fame with the success of Riverdale said she had a hard time relating to the role.

'I really could not relate to playing the mom on a CW show,' she admitted.

It wasn't until the showrunner compared her to Annette Bening's character in American Beauty that it clicked.

'And I immediately thought: "That's it, I'm DOWN. Let's make her someone you hate to love and love to hate."'
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has accused the Labor party of supporting a policy that will end offshore detention of asylum seekers and restart the boats.

Mr Dutton has hit out at the opposition's support of a bill to urgently transfer sick asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru to Australia, saying border protection would "collapse" under Labor and "the boats will restart".

"What Labor is proposing here is a back doorway to end regional processing. That is one of the three limbs that has stopped the boats," Mr Dutton told reporters in Brisbane on Saturday.

The comments come after Labor offered conditional support for crossbencher Kerryn Phelps's bill earlier this week, before the legislation was delayed by the government in a bid to duck a historic loss in the House of Representatives.

The proposed laws, being driven by Sydney MP Dr Phelps, would allow critically ill refugees to be flown to Australia for medical treatment on the advice of two doctors.

Labor's finance spokesman Jim Chalmers hit back at Mr Dutton, saying the Liberals were making up "desperate lies".

"The fact is, Labor will never let the people smugglers back into business," he told reporters on Saturday.

"The urgent medical transfer amendments that passed the Senate this week are about making sure sick children and adults get the medical care they need."

The home affairs minister still has "ultimate discretion" over transfers, Mr Chalmers said.

"The legislation enshrines the minister's discretion to reject transfers - currently the government makes ad hoc decisions often rejecting medical advice," he said.
Questioned over his tactics and under pressure to deliver, Nathan Lyon responded emphatically by claiming the key wicket of Virat Kohli in the first Test against India.

Lyon made the much-needed breakthrough in the fourth-last over of play on Saturday before India went to stumps at 3-151, leading Australia by 166 runs.

India's skipper looked well set before being caught on 34 by Aaron Finch at short leg off a superb dipping delivery by Lyon.

It was a bright ending to a frustrating day for Lyon in which he was foiled by the Decision Review System (DRS) and criticised by spin king Shane Warne.

First-innings centurion Cheteshwar Pujara was twice given out to Lyon but had both dismissals overturned on review and survived to be unbeaten on 40 at stumps.

Pujara was given out caught behind on eight but the Hot Spot technology showed no contact with bat or gloves.

He then had another reprieve on 17 when given out lbw after failing to offer a shot to a ball which turned into the right-hander.

The DRS confirmed the delivery was tracking over the bails.

Pujara's frequent padding away of Lyon's deliveries left Warne bemused about the offspinner's lack of a close-in fielder on the off side.

"I think he's got his tactics wrong and not had a bat-pad on the off side, especially to Pujara," Warne said while commentating on Fox Sports.

"He's just bowling the odd one too straight, letting the batsmen off the hook.

"I thought (Indian offspinner Ravichandran) Ashwin created more confusion and more headaches because of the line he bowled ... he encouraged the drive.

"I think when Nathan Lyon doesn't bowl at his best, he generally bowls a bit too straight. That's his weakness ... (his) fear of being driven through the covers."

Lyon was briefly taken out of the attack in favour of part-time spinner Travis Head, who went for 13 off his two overs.

But it wasn't long before Lyon returned and struck for Australia, continuing his love affair with what has been one of his happiest hunting grounds.
A recruitment drive to get African-Australians joining the Victorian police force has been announced in a bid to increase diversity.

A 15-week course is being offered for two years by Victoria University Polytechnic to help eligible applicants build their skills prior to applying to join Victoria Police.

Victoria Police's Stephen Mutton says the program would help African-Australians succeed in becoming police and protective service officers.

"We're proud of our vibrant, diverse, multi-faith and multicultural community, and this program ensures our next generation of police officers will continue to reflect the community we serve," the Community Engagement Inspector said on Saturday.

While graduates of the course are not guaranteed a place at the Police Academy, it is hoped that they will be well equipped to successfully apply.

The course offers support designed to mirror Victoria Police's recruitment process and if it is deemed a success, it could be expanded to other cultural communities.

The recruitment drive follows months of tension and a political war of words over Melbourne gang violence and its links to the Australian-African community.

The issue of crime among African youths in Victoria first came to notice in 2012 when the Apex gang emerged, but debate intensified following a breakout of violence at Melbourne's Moomba festival in 2016.

The new program was developed by Victoria Police, Jesuit Social Services, Jobs Victoria, the African-Australian Multicultural Employment and Youth Service, Victoria University Polytechnic, AMES Australia, Matchworks and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

Anyone interested has been asked to contact Jesuit Social Services via their website.
Ellyse Perry has continued her rare form with the bat to help the Sydney Sixers to an emphatic 36-run derby win over Sydney Thunder at North Sydney Oval.

Perry followed up her unbeaten century the previous evening with a confident and measured innings of 74 not out off 66 balls in Saturday night's clash to help the Sixers post an intimidating 4-168.

The allrounder then chipped in with the key wickets of captain Alex Blackwell (6) and West Indies star Stafanie Taylor (13) to help restrict Thunder to 7-132, returning 2-11 from three overs.

Thunder were never in the hunt after slipping to 4-35 and Lauren Cheatle (2-15) helped turn the screws when she dismissed their top-scorer Harmanpreet Kaur for 45.

Rene Farrell chipped in with a quickfire 33 not out down the order but the contest was long over by then.

It was far from a perfect start to the match for the Sixers who, after winning the toss and electing to bat, lost key batters Alyssa Healy (15) and then Ash Gardner, who fell for a golden duck.

But Erin Burns (44 off 22 balls) and Perry steadied the ship with a match-defining 66-run partnership for the third wicket.

The second win of the campaign leaves the Sixes with share of top spot alongside the Melbourne Stars, while Thunder have one win from their two matches.
Protesters who took to the streets in their thousands to protest Adani's plans to dig a new coal mine in Queensland have vowed there will be more student strikes against climate change inaction.

Rallies were staged in in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns on Saturday, just a week after upwards of 15,000 school students demonstrated against government inaction on climate change.

It comes after Adani announced it would self-fund the controversial project and downsize it from a 60-million-tonnes a year, $16.5 billion mega-mine to a more manageable 10-to-15 million tonnes a year mine costing around $2 billion.

"When our future is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back," Thomas Cullen told protesters gathered in Brisbane on Saturday.

"We came and we showed our government what we have at stake."

The 17-year-old was one of thousands of students criticised by Prime Minister Scott Morrison for skipping school to stage national strikes calling for immediate action on climate change just over a week ago.

He travelled to Canberra this week for a sit-in on the marble floors of parliament to confront Mr Morrison over the issue.

"We showed our government that we will not stand for their inaction and we will not give up until we have a sound climate policy which starts with saying no to Adani," Mr Cullen said.

He confirmed preparations were underway for another strike in March.

Adani Mining said the company recognised there are varied opinions about the Carmichael project and encouraged everyone to voice them safely and respectfully.
Tasmanian police are expected to charge a man following a dramatic siege at a Launceston home in which up to 40 shots were fired, but miraculously no one was injured.

A man, 24, and a woman, 40, were taken into custody on Saturday morning after barricading themselves inside the Trevallyn home with a gun.

Commander Brett Smith said what started as a siege escalated into a hostage situation during negotiations with the pair.

"The dialogue was such that we strongly believed that woman's life was in imminent danger," he told reporters in Launceston.

Any one of the police officers on scene could have been shot and it was miraculous no one was injured, Cmdr Smith said.

"Police risked their lives to save the life of another person and they should be commended for their bravery," he said.
An accidental discovery in the Georgian city of Kutaisi has unveiled a cave that could date as far back as 50 thousand years.

The cave was discovered by Vakhtang Sikharulidze, a local psychiatrist, during a stroll with his dog earlier in the week.

"[To relieve stress from my work] I discharged a gun [in a remote location] and heard a strange echo of the shot. Following the sound, I came across an entrance to the cave. Realising I had found something special, I came back the next day with a friend and a photo camera," Agenda.ge cited him as saying.

"[Coming back with speleologists,] we found a fifteen-metre-deep well leading down into the lower level of the cave that has a space similar to the upper level," Sikharulidze added.

"The cave could be of the Lower Cretaceous Period, thirty to fifty thousand years ago, the speleologists Valeri Barbakadze and Gigo Oniani told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

The professionals are checking historical data on the cave in attempts to confirm their finding as the first discovery of the spot.
A woman is set to be charged after she allegedly left her two children inside a hot car while she went to the shops in Sydney's southwest.

Police allege the 36-year-old woman went shopping and left her boys, aged five and eight, inside the car at a Liverpool carpark about 12.45pm on Saturday.

About an hour later, people passing by discovered the children and contacted police, who found them to be dehydrated.

The woman was spoken to at the scene once she returned to the vehicle and will be issued with a future court attendance notice for leaving the children in a motor vehicle.

A court date is yet to be determined.

Police say the incident is a reminder of the dangers of leaving children and pets alone in cars.

"On a typical summer day, the temperature inside a car (even with the windows rolled down a little) can quickly rise above 50 to 60 degrees," police said.

Children are at great risk for heat stroke, which can lead to a high fever, dehydration, seizures, stroke and death.
NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham is expected to announce whether he will resign or not, after he was formally asked to step down following a vote by the party on the weekend.

The NSW Greens passed by consensus a request that Mr Buckingham vacate his position and ticket during a meeting on Saturday, weeks after he was accused of sexual misconduct.

It was agreed his presence would stop the party from campaigning effectively ahead of next year's election, a statement said.

The MP has been the subject of a 2011 sexual harassment allegation made under parliamentary privilege by factional rival Jenny Leong, although an independent investigation recommended no adverse findings against him.

In a statement lashing out at his party, Mr Buckingham said the Greens had thrown "justice under the bus".

"While ... I have poured my heart and soul into the Greens for nearly 16 years, the fact is that the NSW Greens as an organisation is corrupt and rotten," he said following Saturday's vote.

"It's a sad and disappointing day for the NSW Greens."

Mr Buckingham, who has been under sustained pressure to resign despite denying the allegations, said the party had rewarded the bullies and lynch mob.

But the MP stopped short of commenting on whether he would resign, saying he would hold a media conference in Sydney on Sunday to provide further information.

He said the proposal to request his resignation was factional warfare and it abandoned grassroots democracy by overturning a democratic preselection result.
Australia's bowlers face a crucial morning session on Sunday as they look to prevent India building an unassailable lead in the first Test at Adelaide Oval.

India will resume on day four at 3-151, leading by 166 runs as they hunt a 1-0 series lead and maiden Test series win in Australia.

The tourists lost a key wicket late on Saturday when offspinner Nathan Lyon had Virat Kohli caught at bat-pad.

First-innings centurion Cheteshwar Pujara, who twice successfully used the Decision Review System (DRS) to overturn dismissals to Lyon, remained unbeaten on 40.

The average fourth-innings score in Adelaide Tests is 213 and the pitch is likely to give Indian offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin plenty to work with.

Hometown hero Travis Head, who top-scored for Australia with 72, noted however that Western Australia successfully chased 313 at the ground in their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia three weeks ago.

"This year especially, bigger scores have been made and teams have batted out draws which just hasn't been happening in the past," Head said.

"The wicket has probably got better (over time). It's more of a new-ball wicket at the minute ... it's vital to win those moments when that new ball comes around again.

"I think if we can get wickets in the morning and put them under real pressure with the new ball, anything's gettable."

Australia can take the new ball late in Sunday's morning session, due to commence half an hour early at 10am local time (10.30am AEDT) to make up for the previous day's rain disruptions.

Head backed Lyon to make further breakthroughs after claiming the key scalp of Kohli.

"I think if he can get in a rhythm now we've broken that partnership, in the morning I think he's going to be key going into the new ball," he said.
A paraglider is missing after taking off for a flight from an airstrip in northwest NSW.

French national Pierre Naville was last seen launching from Emmdale airstrip, 100km east of Wilcannia, with seven other paragliders on Saturday afternoon.

The other pilots landed safely on the Cobb Highway, south of Ivanhoe and have been reunited with their ground crew.

But police are appealing for public help to locate 67-year-old Mr Naville, with concerns over his welfare due to hot weather conditions.

Officers from Barrier Police District have started an investigation.
A $1 million reward is being offered for information on the 1988 murder of a man found to have been killed in a gay hate crime in Sydney.

Scott Johnson, a US national who was based in Sydney, was discovered at the bottom of Blue Fish Point near Manly's North Head in December 1988.

A 2017 inquest found the 27-year-old was the victim of a gay hate crime, after an earlier inquest ruled his death a suicide.

NSW Police said Mr Johnson's case was referred to a special team in September, and a $100,000 reward for information has been increased to $1 million.
Police divers have found the body of a man who became distressed and disappeared under the water while swimming in the Hawkesbury River.

The body of the 45-year-old was found about 11.30pm on Saturday, almost five hours after he vanished while swimming across the river northwest of Sydney.

NSW Police chief inspector Garry Sims has urged swimmers to "assess the environment and know the limits of their ability".

"It is a tragedy for this to occur at this time of year and at the start of the summer season," he said.
A male nurse who left for India suddenly after Toyah Cordingley's body was found on a beach near Cairns has reportedly been identified as a suspect in her murder.

Queensland Police are liaising with Interpol and Indian authorities in the investigation of the man who packed up and left shortly after Ms Cordingley's body was found, News Corp reports.

Police won't comment but investigations are continuing into the murder of the 24-year-old whose body was found by her father and other searchers at isolated Wangetti Beach on October 22.
Senior Labor MP Tony Burke has shut down a push from within the party to adopt radical changes to its asylum seeker policy.

Some refugee advocates within Labor are calling for an end to offshore processing and boat turnbacks ahead of the party's national conference.

"Every national conference there are some delegates who push for this and every national conference there has been a determination that we don't adopt any policy that would start the drownings again," Mr Burke told Sky News on Sunday.
The federal government needs to open its $3 billion "locked box" of cash flagged for a dumped road project, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says.

Mr Andrews told reporters on Sunday that the money set aside for the East West Link should "not be burning a hole in Prime Minister Scott Morrison's pocket".

"There is $3 billion of what Mr Morrison thinks is his money in a Liberal Party locked box. Well Mr Morrison it is not your money, the money belongs to Victorians," he said ahead of this week's Council of Australian Governments meeting on population growth.
US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, pictured in Beijing in 2017, agreed to a tariff truce in order to find a permanent solution to their costly trade dispute

Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran, a Canadian court heard Friday, a week after she was detained on an American extradition request.

Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested in Canada's Pacific coast city of Vancouver on December 1 while changing planes during a trip from Hong Kong to Mexico -- ratcheting up tensions between the United States and China just as the countries' leaders agreed to a truce in their trade war.

A day-long hearing was adjourned until Monday, when the judge is expected to render a decision on bail. Until then, she will remain in custody.

Canadian government lawyer John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions" and if convicted faces more than 30 years in prison.

She is specifically accused of lying to a US bank, identified by her lawyer as "Hong Kong Bank," about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions.

Meng had personally denied to bankers any direct connections between Huawei and the subsidiary, SkyCom, when in fact "SkyCom is Huawei," Gibb-Carsley said, putting the bank in jeopardy of violating sanctions. SkyCom's alleged sanctions breaches occurred from 2009 to 2014, while Meng's alleged fraudulent misrepresentations were in 2013.

Meng had been a member of SkyCom's board a decade ago, but the company was later sold, said her lawyer David Martin.

US authorities, however, claim Huawei continued to control the company, with Gibb-Carsley noting that SkyCom employees continued to carry Huawei identification and use its email.

He suggested that Meng has also shown a pattern of avoiding the United States over the past year since becoming aware of the investigation into the matter, arguing that she has no ties to Canada and has access to vast wealth and political connections -- and thus poses a flight risk.

Huawei said in a Friday statement that it "will continue to follow the bail hearing" next week, expressing "every confidence that the Canadian and US legal systems will reach the right conclusion."

US Senator Ben Sasse has linked Meng Wanzhou's arrest to US sanctions on Iran

Meng's detention in Canada came on the day of a summit at which US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in the escalating trade dispute between the two economic powerhouses.

China says Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- has violated no laws in Canada or the United States and has demanded her release.

Washington and Beijing have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits.

Trump tweeted Friday that negotiations to defuse the high-stakes dispute were "going very well," but the messages since Meng's arrest have been mixed, roiling global stock markets.

Her appearance at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver is a prelude to an extradition process that could take months.

- 'Princess' of Huawei -

Huawei under pressure

CNN, quoting an unnamed official, said the United States saw the arrest as providing leverage in US-China trade talks -- although White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has denied any link to the dialogue.

Chinese state-run media said the arrest was part of US efforts to curtail China's tech industry.

"The Chinese government should seriously mull over the US tendency to abuse legal procedures to suppress China's high-tech enterprises," said the nationalist tabloid Global Times in an editorial.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pictured in 2016, said politics played no part in Meng's arrest

"Obviously, Washington is resorting to a despicable rogue's approach as it cannot stop Huawei's 5G advance in the market," it went on.

Meng spent most of the past week at a women's detention facility in a suburb of Vancouver.

If she is released on bail, she has agreed to surrender her passports and submit to electronic monitoring until she is discharged or surrendered for trial to the United States. All security costs would be borne by her.

The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case. The court heard Meng's husband Xiaozong Liu owns two mansions in the city.

- Repeated setbacks -

Canada has a longstanding extradition treaty with the United States, requiring it to cooperate with US Department of Justice requests to hand over suspects.

The offense for which extradition is being sought must also be a crime in Canada.

A Canadian court must decide if there is sufficient evidence to support the extradition, but then it is left to Canada's justice minister to sign the order.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended Canada's arrest of Meng, saying politics played no part in the decision.

"I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal.

Huawei faces being shut out of Australia, New Zealand and US 5G rollouts

Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns.

Canadian officials have said Ottawa was continuing to review Huawei's technology for use in upcoming fifth-generation networks.

The company faces being shut out of Australia, New Zealand and US 5G rollouts, and British telecom group BT revealed on Wednesday it was removing Huawei equipment from its core cellular network.

The five nations together form the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  President Rodrigo Duterte is calling on Congress to enable the government to sustain the gains it has achieved in fighting rebels and terrorists by extending martial law in Mindanao until end of 2019.

In his letter to Congress dated December 6, Duterte cited a joint security assessment report of the police and military showing "significant progress in putting the rebellion under control." A copy of the document was obtained by CNN Philippines on Monday.

Citing government data, Duterte said military rule in Mindanao has resulted in the "neutralization" of 685 members of "local terrorist groups" and 1,073 members of the "communist terrorist group." It was not clear whether that means arrest, surrender, or death.

"We cannot afford to give the rebels any further breathing room to regroup and strengthen their forces," Duterte said.

He also reported a 19 percent reduction in attacks made by communist rebels this year compared to last year, while atrocities committed by terrorists dropped by 29 percent. The government's bid to tag as a terrorist group the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing New People's Army is still pending before the court.

The number of crimes also decreased this year, but Duterte's letter only mentioned a 51 percent reduction in Cotabato City and 38 percent in Maguindanao.

Continuing rebellion

Despite these gains, Duterte said a third martial law extension  until December 31, 2019  is still needed as "rebellion still persists in Mindanao."

READ: Justice Carpio: No limits to extending martial law

He mentioned several attacks made by local terrorist groups including the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and the Daulah Islamiyah (DI) or the ISIS-linked Maute group which attacked Marawi City in Lanao del Sur in May 2017, sparking a deadly five-month war and prompting Duterte to declare martial law in the entire region of Mindanao.

"The DI forces continue to pursue rebellion against the government by furthering the conduct of their radicalization activities, and continuing to recruit new members, especially in vulnerable Muslim communities," Duterte said.

He mentioned at least four bombings perpetrated by terrorist groups in 2018, including the explosion in Lamitan City in Basilan, which left 11 dead in July. That is the deadliest among the incidents cited in the letter.

Duterte on December 6 appointed retired Col. Yusop Jimlani as Presidential Adviser on Local Extremist Groups Concerns, with the rank of undersecretary under the Office of the President.

Meanwhile, Duterte said communist rebels killed 87 military personnel and wounded 408 others in 2018. Government records show at least 342 "violent incidents" from January to November this year, including arson attacks that destroyed an estimated P156 million worth of properties in Mindanao.

Duterte signed Executive Order No. 70 on December 4, forming a national task force against local communist armed conflict  which he will head. Communist rebels have waged a five-decade insurgency, the longest-running in Asia.

He said the Abu Sayyaf group, notorious for kidnapping and beheadings, continues to pursue its kidnap for ransom activities. The letter said as of last count, the group continues to hold eight hostages including a Dutch, a Vietnamese, two Indonesians, and four Filipinos.

"Public safety indubitably requires such further extension to avoid the further loss of lives and physical harm, not only for our soldiers and the police, but also to our civilians. Such extension will also enable the government and the people of Mindanao to sustain the gains we have achieved thus far," Duterte said.

Joint session

Congress is expected to hold a joint session on December 12 to deliberate and vote on the President's request for another martial law extension.

The Constitution allows the President to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of the habeas corpus, allowing warrantless arrests, "in case of invasion or rebellion (or) when the public safety requires it" for a period of 60 days  but Congress has allowed an extension of the military rule twice due to continuing rebellion.

Senators are so far divided on whether a third extension is necessary.

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto said he sees "very compelling reason" to do so due to "actual rebellion."

Meanwhile, Senator Bam Aquino said the minority bloc will oppose the extension of martial law, saying it is no longer needed. "Many of us feel that now is the time for rehabilitation, governance, peace and order," he said.

House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has said she would recommend the approval of Duterte's request to the lower chamber.

CNN Philippines' Joyce Ilas contributed to this report.
Turkey is ready to take the case regarding the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to an international court if necessary, Turkeys Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gul said.

"Weve conducted technical and legal measures. Hence, should the relevant decision be made, the case will be passed to an international court," the Haberturk TV channel cited him as saying.

The minister noted that it is a brutal murder that needs to be solved, with no efforts to hush up the case. Gul added that Riyadh "should act constructively, but Ankara does not see such behavior on its part."

Khashoggi, known for his criticism of Saudi Arabia's policies, left his home country and moved to the United States in 2017. He worked for The Washington Post, analyzing the situation in Saudi Arabia and the countrys foreign policy. On October 20, Saudi authorities announced that the journalist died in a fight in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the murder had been carefully planned. The international community condemned Khashoggis murder and called for a transparent investigation.
Russians reached out to Donald Trump's then-personal lawyer Michael Cohen in November 2015 seeking to establish cooperation with his election campaign, Special Counsel Robert Mueller said

US prosecutors have revealed that a Russian offered cooperation to Donald Trump's campaign as early as 2015, declaring that the president's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen had provided "relevant" and "substantial" help to the Russia investigation.

In a separate case, federal prosecutors Friday demanded "substantial" jail time of between 51 to 63 months -- four to five years -- for Cohen for bank fraud and campaign finance violations to which he plead guilty in August.

US Attorney Robert Khuzami accused the 52-year-old, who once vowed to take a bullet for the president, of being motivated by "personal greed" and of "repeatedly" using his power and influence for "deceptive ends."

"Totally clears the President. Thank you!" Trump tweeted cryptically as television networks were consumed by the Cohen documents -- which the White House dismissed as revealing "nothing of value."

The campaign finance violations to which Cohen plead guilty -- unrelated to the Russia investigation -- concerned hush payments he made on Trump's behalf to alleged former lovers of the president, including porn star Stormy Daniels.

In the 40-page document Khuzami drew a direct link between Cohen's illegal behavior and Trump.

"In particular, and as Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of Individual-1," the document reads, referring to Trump.

Robert Mueller, the special counsel heading up the probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 vote, followed up with a separate filing saying Cohen had made "substantial and significant efforts to remediate his misconduct, accept responsibility for his actions, and assist" the special investigation, a thorn in Trump's side.

Cohen continued to provide "relevant and truthful information" to assist the probe, holding seven sessions with investigators, "many of them lengthy, and continues to make himself available to investigators," it said.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller (L) is conducting a "total witch hunt," said US President Donald Trump

He had provided information about contacts with Russian interests during the campaign, attempts by Russians to reach the campaign and about contacts with "persons connected to the White House" in 2017-2018, the filing added.

Around November 2015, some five months after Trump launched his bid for the presidency and well before previously reported contacts, Cohen spoke to a purported "trusted person" in the Russian Federation who offered the campaign "political synergy" and "synergy on a government level."

Cohen said the unidentified person "repeatedly proposed" a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming it could have a "phenomenal" impact "not only in political but in a business dimension as well."

"Cohen, however, did not follow up on this invitation," the filing added.

- Trump claims 'cleared' -

The former fixer last week pleaded guilty to lying to Congress in connection with a Moscow real estate deal, which was being pursued as late as one month before Trump officially became the Republican nominee for president.

Due to his help, Mueller declined to recommend additional jail time for Cohen for lying to Congress.

Recent filings in the Mueller probe have suggested the White House knew that Cohen planned to lie to lawmakers about his contacts with Russians.

They also suggest Trump and his family were in the loop on discussions with Russians on a Moscow project, even after the real estate tycoon secured the Republican nomination in mid-2016.

Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders dismissed the latest filings in Cohen's case, saying they "tell us nothing of value that wasn't already known."

"Mr Cohen has repeatedly lied and as the prosecution has pointed out to the court, Mr Cohen is no hero," she said.

But Mueller has been inching ever closer to the White House, and early on Friday Trump fired off a feverish volley of tweets against a probe he dubs a "witch hunt," accusing Mueller of "big time conflicts of interest" and alleging the prosecutor coerced false testimony from witnesses.

The commander-in-chief vowed his lawyers would produce a "major Counter Report" to rebut Mueller's findings, as and when he delivers them.

For House Democrat John Garamendi, these may be "the opening days of an impeachment."

Trump is a president "that clearly has surrounded himself with criminals," he told CNN.

"During the campaign, laws were broken... And now we have the president implicated in that," he said.

- Attorney general switch -

Trump on Friday announced his intention to nominate William Barr as his new attorney general -- succeeding Jeff Sessions, whom he sacked last month.

Sessions had angered the president by recusing himself from overseeing the Mueller probe because of his own contacts with Russian officials.

Paul Manafort, Donald Trump's former campaign manager seen here in July 2016, has been convicted mostly on charges related to his work for pro-Moscow politicians in Ukraine between 2004 and 2014

Barr -- a former attorney general under the late George H.W. Bush -- is considered something of a consensus candidate for the sensitive post.

He has a record of endorsing strong executive powers, which could come into play if Mueller sought to compel Trump to testify.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned Barr must commit, under oath, that the Russia investigation "will proceed unimpeded" and that the final report will be made available to Congress and the public "immediately."

In Washington, Mueller also detailed multiple "lies" that former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort, 69, told investigators, leading to a termination of his cooperation deal and the likelihood of a stiff prison sentence.

A heavily redacted court filing said that Manafort's "lies" included untruths about his dealings with Konstantin Kilimnik, a business associate who US officials suspect is a Russian intelligence operative, and about his contacts with Trump administration officials after striking a plea agreement.

The White House similarly dismissed that filing, arguing it "says absolutely nothing about the President."

"Once again the media is trying to create a story where there isn't one," said Sanders.
The blast-off marked the start of a long journey to the far side of the moon for the Chang'e-4 mission, expected to land around the New Year

China launched a rover early Saturday destined to land on the far side of the moon, a global first that would boost Beijing's ambitions to become a space superpower, state media said.

The Chang'e-4 lunar probe mission -- named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology -- launched on a Long March 3B rocket from the southwestern Xichang launch centre at 2:23 am (1823 GMT), according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The blast-off marked the start of a long journey to the far side of the moon for the Chang'e-4 mission, expected to land around the New Year to carry out experiments and survey the untrodden terrain.

"Chang'e-4 is humanity's first probe to land on and explore the far side of the moon," said the mission's chief commander He Rongwei of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the main state-owned space contractor.

"This mission is also the most meaningful deep space exploration research project in the world in 2018," He said, according to state-run Global Times.

The Chang'e-4 lunar probe mission, named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology, launched on a Long March 3B rocket from the southwestern Xichang launch centre

Unlike the near side of the moon that is "tidally locked" and always faces the earth, and offers many flat areas to touch down on, the far side is mountainous and rugged.

It was not until 1959 that the Soviet Union captured the first images of the heavily cratered surface, uncloaking some of the mystery of the moon's "dark side".

No lander or rover has ever touched the surface there, positioning China as the first nation to explore the area.

"China over the past 10 or 20 years has been systematically ticking off the various firsts that America and the Soviet Union did in the 1960s and 1970s in space exploration," said Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

"This is one of the first times they've done something that no one else has done before."

- Next up: humans -

It is no easy technological feat -- China has been preparing for this moment for years.

A major challenge for such a mission is communicating with the robotic lander: as the far side of the moon always points away from earth, there is no direct "line of sight" for signals.

As a solution, China in May blasted the Queqiao ("Magpie Bridge") satellite into the moon's orbit, positioning it so that it can relay data and commands between the lander and earth.

Chang'e-4 is being sent to the Aitken Basin in the lunar south pole region -- known for its craggy and complex terrain

Adding to the difficulties, Chang'e-4 is being sent to the Aitken Basin in the lunar south pole region -- known for its craggy and complex terrain -- state media has said.

The probe is carrying six experiments from China and four from abroad.

They include low-frequency radio astronomical studies -- aiming to take advantage of the lack of interference on the far side -- as well as mineral and radiation tests, Xinhua cited the China National Space Administration as saying.

The experiments also involve planting potato and other seeds, according to Chinese media reports.

Beijing is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022, and of eventually sending humans to the moon.

The Chang'e 4 mission is a step in that direction, significant for the engineering expertise needed to explore and settle the moon, McDowell said.

"The main thing about this mission is not science, this is a technology mission," he said.

- 'National pride' -

Chang'e-4 will be the second Chinese probe to land on the moon, following the Yutu ("Jade Rabbit") rover mission in 2013.

Once on the moon's surface, the rover faces an array of extreme challenges.

During the lunar night -- which lasts 14 earth days -- temperatures will drop as low as minus 173 degrees Celsius (minus 279 Fahrenheit). During the lunar day, also lasting 14 earth days, temperatures soar as high as 127 C (261 F).

The rover's instruments must withstand those fluctuations and it must generate enough energy to sustain it during the long night.

Yutu conquered those challenges and, after initial setbacks, ultimately surveyed the moon's surface for 31 months. Its success provided a major boost to China's space programme.

Beijing is planning to send another lunar lander, Chang'e-5, next year to collect samples and bring them back to earth.

It is among a slew of ambitious Chinese targets, which include a reusable launcher by 2021, a super-powerful rocket capable of delivering payloads heavier than those NASA and private rocket firm SpaceX can handle, a moon base, a permanently crewed space station, and a Mars rover.

"Our country's successful lunar exploration project not only vaults us to the top of the world's space power ranks, it also allows the exploration of the far side of the moon," said Niu Min, an expert on China's space programme.

The project, he said in an interview with local website Netease, "greatly inspires everyone's national pride and self-confidence".
James Alex Fields, Jr. plowed a car into a crowd when a white nationalist rally erupted into deadly violence on August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia

An American neo-Nazi was found guilty of murder on Friday for killing a woman when ramming his car into counter-protesters at a 2017 white supremacist rally that made Charlottesville a byword for racial violence under President Donald Trump.

In addition to first-degree murder, which carries a possible life sentence, James Alex Fields Jr, 21, was found guilty of five counts of aggravated malicious wounding, three of malicious wounding, and one hit-and-run count.

A jury of seven women and five men reached their verdict near the end of the first day of deliberations of a trial that lasted a little under two weeks.

The August 12, 2017 violence, which claimed the life of 32-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer and injured dozens more, turned the bucolic university city in Virginia into a symbol of the growing audacity of the far right under Trump.

This August 12, 2017 picture shows James Alex Fields Jr.'s Dodge Challenger moments after driving the vehicle into a crowd of counter-protesters on Water Street in Charlottesville, Virginia

The president drew broad criticism in the aftermath when he spoke of "blame on both sides," appearing to establish a moral equivalence between the white supremacists who came to protest the removal of a Confederate statue, and those who opposed them.

Some relatives of the victims, who had taken their seats behind the prosecution on the right hand side of the Charlottesville Circuit Court throughout the trial, sobbed quietly as the verdict was read out.

"I am feeling the best I have felt in almost a year and a half," Wednesday "Al" Bowie, one of the survivors of the attack whose pelvis was shattered in six places, told AFP.

"This trial has been a healing process. It's also been tearing open some old wounds."

Sentencing will begin from Monday, with jurors given the option to recommend between 20 years and life for the murder conviction.

While the fact that Fields had struck the protesters in his Dodge Challenger was not contested, his lawyers and prosecutors had offered contrasting narratives over his state of mind and intentions on that day.

The defense said in their opening statements Fields had been "scared for his life" -- hoping, according to observers, if not for an outright acquittal, that the jury might find him guilty of a lesser charge such as second-degree murder.

- Life altering-injuries -

On the first anniversary of the death of Heather Heyer, her mother Susan Bro layed flowers at the spot of her daughter's killing in Charlottesville in memory of the Virginia state troopers who died during the unrest

Fields had driven overnight from his hometown Maumee, Ohio, to support the "Unite the Right" rally to protest the removal of a statue of Robert E Lee, the top general of the pro-slavery Confederacy during the 1861-1865 American Civil War.

Dressed in a white polo shirt and khaki pants, the uniform of the white supremacists, he took part in racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic chants, according to footage played in the courtroom.

The prosecution played videos that showed Fields stop his car and reverse up a hill before commencing his deadly assault on a crowd of counter-protesters who were singing and celebrating after city officials had ordered the far right to leave.

Jeanne "Star" Peterson told the court she used to be fast on her feet until her right leg was shattered by Fields' car, and only recently learned to walk again unassisted.

"I just heard three bumps," Peterson said -- realizing only later that two were his vehicle running over her right leg, and one reversing back over it.

"I saw Heather Heyer up in the air and remember thinking to myself, 'That's what someone's eyes look like when they are dead.'"

In order to build their case of a pre-meditated attack, prosecutors presented a text Fields sent to his mother before departing for the rally after she had asked him to be careful

"We're not the one (sic) who need to be careful," he replied, alongside a photo of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, whom he has long admired.

They also showed the jury two Instagram posts Fields uploaded in May last year that depicted a car ramming into a group of protesters, arguing that he ultimately chose to live out that fantasy when the opportunity arose three months later.

- 'Are they OK?' -

The street in Charlottesville, Virginia where Heather Heyer was killed in August 2017 was renamed in her honor

The defense for its part described a chaotic day in which several "Unite the Right" members and their opponents, some from the far left Antifa, had come armed with guns.

Among the witnesses they called was Dwayne Dixon, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor.

According to a report in local media, Dixon admitted to writing a now-deleted Facebook post in January saying he "shooed" away Fields while holding a rifle sometime before the fatal car ramming.

They presented one of their most prized pieces of evidence on Tuesday: a videotape of Fields sobbing and breaking down to a police officer shortly after his arrest, as he asked: "Are they OK?"

But prosecutor Nina Antony countered that taped phone calls from jail showed that Fields lacked empathy with his victims, calling Heyer's mother Susan Bro an "anti-white communist."
Russians reached out to President Donald Trump's then-personal lawyer Michael Cohen in November 2015 seeking to establish cooperation with the Trump's election campaign, Special Counsel Robert Mueller said

A high-placed Russian offered Donald Trump's presidential campaign "synergy on a government level" in November 2015, well before previous reported contacts between the two sides, Special Counsel Robert Mueller said in a court filing Friday.

The unidentified Russian made the offer to Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen, proposing a meeting between then-Republican candidate Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the Mueller filing said.

"The person told Cohen that such a meeting could have a 'phenomenal' impact 'not only in political but in a business dimension as well,'" the filing said.

There is "no bigger warranty in any project than consent of (the president of Russia)," the person told Cohen.

It said Cohen did not follow up on the offer in part because he was already working with another ostensibly well-connected person on advancing the "Moscow Project," an effort to build a possibly 100-story Trump Tower on prime land in the Russian capital.

The explosive revelation came a week after Mueller said that Cohen had detailed to the Russia collusion investigation ongoing contacts with a top aide to Putin on the real estate deal throughout the first half of 2016, even after Trump had secured the Republican presidential nomination.

Prosecutors said Cohen had informed Trump and members of his family several times during that period about the project, despite Trump's repeated claims that he was not doing business with Russia after 2015.

The November 2015 offer of a "political synergy" between Russia and the Trump campaign, and a Putin-Trump meeting, was months earlier than what has so far been revealed in the sprawling Mueller investigation.

In another ominous sign for the president, the filing Friday also said that Cohen had told the investigation about "certain discrete Russia-related matters core to its investigation" that Cohen knew of because of his regular contact with executives in the Trump Organization during the 2016 campaign.

The evidence of Cohen's cooperation with Mueller was submitted as mitigating information in advance of his expected sentencing in the coming days on charges of tax fraud, lying, and campaign finance fraud related to hush payments he made to Trump's alleged former lovers before the election to protect Trump's reputation.
British yachtswoman Susie Goodall was winched aboard the Hong Kong-flagged vessel Tian Fu on December 7, 2018

British Golden Globe Race sailor Susie Goodall was plucked from a stormy Southern Ocean by a Chinese ship on Friday, a day after her yacht was dismasted, rescuers told AFP.

Goodall "was rescued at 1500 GMT and is already on the ship heading to Punta Arenas," in southern Chile, the country's Maritime Rescue Services said.

A photo tweeted by rescuers showed Goodall, her head wrapped in a bandana, being winched above the waves and aboard the Hong Kong-flagged vessel Tian Fu.

"Susie is on the ship!!!! Wowowow! Message just received from Susie Goodall," the Golden Globe Race organizers announced on their website.

"This is fantastic news indeed... well done Susie too," they said.

The 44,000-ton (40,000-tonne) Tian Fu was expected to dock in Punta Arenas on December 12.

The youngest competitor in the race and the only woman, 29-year-old Goodall was briefly knocked unconscious when mountainous seas upended her yacht DHL Starlight early Thursday, tearing off its mast and trashing much of her equipment.

Goodall had managed to get her engine running but it failed after just 20 minutes, complicating rescue efforts as Chilean authorities diverted the Tian Fu to the area.

As the nearest vessel to Goodall's stricken 36-foot (11-meter) Rustler-model yacht, it was called on by the maritime authorities to assist the solo sailor once the gravity of her situation became clear.

-'Real fighter'-

British yachtswoman Susie Goodall used a sea anchor to slow her yacht, which was being driven by strong currents

The race organizers said Goodall had managed to use a sea anchor to slow her yacht -- which was being driven by heavy seas -- to make a rescue attempt less dangerous.

"She's a real fighter," said a Golden Globe Race spokesman on Facebook before Goodall was winched off her boat.

"She didn't want to get rid of the boat. She didn't want to abandon it. And we had to make her realize that the situation might be a little bit more serious than that."

Goodall was attempting to navigate the southern Pacific's notorious Roaring Forties when she lost her mast.

The young Briton sent a series of frantic text messages to race organizers throughout her ordeal.

"Taking a hammering! Wondering what on Earth I'm doing out here," she texted as the storm hit.

When concerned organizers finally managed to contact her by satellite phone several hours later -- after she had activated a distress beacon -- she confirmed her boat had been dismasted but said the hull had not been breached.

"The boat is destroyed. I can't make up a jury rig. The only thing left is the hull and deck which remain intact," she said.

"We were pitchpoled (rolled end over end) and I was thrown across the cabin and knocked out for a while."

Goodall's yacht was surging through one of the planet's most remote stretches of ocean when disaster struck, some 1,900 nautical miles southwest of Raper Lighthouse, in Aysen, on the Chilean coast.

While "beaten up and badly bruised," she was safe and had managed to bring flooding under control and get her engine going, giving her some maneuverability when the rescue ship arrived, race organizers said.

In text updates, Goodall said she endured "a looong night."

"In need of a good cuppa tea! But sadly no cooker," she messaged.

- Lonely waters -

The Golden Globe Race involves a grueling 30,000-mile (48,000-kilometer) solo circumnavigation of the globe in yachts similar to those used in the first race 50 years ago, with no modern technology allowed except the communications equipment.

The fleet set off in July from Les Sables-d'Olonne on the west coast of France.

The route takes competitors south through the Atlantic and eastward -- passing South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, Australia's Cape Leeuwin and Chile's Cape Horn -- before heading back up through the Atlantic to France.

The first boats are expected back in April next year.

burs-db/ft
Belgium's Africa Museum, pictured in 2013 before its five-year restoration that curators hope will bury its reputation as a colonialist holdover

Belgium's notorious Africa Museum reopens on Saturday after a five-year restoration that curators hope will bury its reputation as a colonialist holdover.

Treasures looted from the continent have been repackaged in the hope of contributing to a more healthy debate about Belgium's brutal past and multicultural future.

But there is an elephant in the room -- and not just the giant taxidermic pachyderm looming over visitors to the remodelled Landscapes and Biodiversity gallery.

The former Royal Museum for Central Africa is reopening in the Tervuren Palace outside Brussels amid a renewed European debate about returning stolen artefacts.

The museum's research team insists the exhibits will now take a much more critical approach to the depredations of King Leopold II and his agents in Congo.

But should Belgium still be holding its African prizes at all and can it better integrate its growing African minority without first coming to terms with its past?

Several former imperial powers are confronting the issue, and last month French President Emmanuel Macron admitted that in principle Africa's treasures should return.

But Belgium stands out from its neighbours, in part because institutions like the Tervuren Museum have been relatively slow to adapt to the post-colonial era.

"The permanent exhibition had barely changed since 1958, two years before Congo became independent," says the collection's curator and anthropologist Bambi Ceuppens.

Before it closed for refurbishment in 2013, visitors were greeted by a statue uncritically depicting white European missionaries "bringing civilisation to Congo."

But now, in Ceuppens' words, the permanent collection is no longer "an exhibition of dead objects in an Africa without history and without human beings."

- Claims for restitution -

Instead, with the help of multimedia displays and detailed captions, visitors will be encouraged to take a critical view and to see colonialism through African eyes.

The museum's academic experts say there is no attempt to cover up the past, but rather to use the collection of 125,000 ethnographic objects more educationally.

You can still see a witch doctor in a leopard-skin cowl that resembles the villain in another notorious Belgian colonial artefact, the comic book "Tintin in the Congo".

But the caricature is now in an underground side-gallery of statues arranged to demonstrate how colonialist art exploited and fetishised African subjects.

The former Royal Museum for Central Africa is reopening amid a renewed European debate about returning stolen artefacts

Above, however, main halls of the palace are lined with African objects that were in many cases plundered by military exhibitions or collected by curious missionaries.

The director of the museum and the research institute it houses, Guido Gryseels, says he respects calls for these items to be returned to their African homelands.

"I agree with President Macron when he says it's not normal that 80 percent of African art objects are in Europe," he told reporters this week.

"Obviously it's their history, it's their culture, it's their identity. We're willing to consider claims for restitution, but obviously there's a lot more discussion to be done."

- Proper memorial -

The Belgian colonies, run as a private royal estate by Leopold II, covered lands now included in independent Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These countries had a turbulent modern history and for European experts, in DR Congo's case at least, lack premises to properly house a national history collection.

Activists plan to protest at the museum's reopening, demanding a proper memorial to seven Congolese who died in 1897 after being brought to Belgium as living exhibits.

Paula Polanco told AFP that her group, Intal-Congo, would come to their graves near the Tervuren estate on Saturday to demand they be recognised as "victims of a colonialist crime."

Meanwhile, DR Congo's President Joseph Kabila has now said he plans to formally request the return of art and records before his country's own museum opens next year.

- National conversation -

The activists doubt the museum's sincerity and have urged it, in Polanco's words, to form a committee to "objectively and materially" determine the origin of the works.

So divisive is the debate that Belgium's current king, Philippe, has declined an invitation to the weekend's ceremony.

For Gryseels, the political backdrop is part of a broader Belgian conversation about race that goes beyond the rights and wrongs of the ownership of his museum's exhibits.

"It's not only our museum. It's the overall Belgian society which is still very much a white society," Gryseels said, insisting that everyone wants to see a more racially integrated future.

While France, Britain and the Netherlands, he said, saw large-scale arrivals from former colonies earlier, Belgium's 250,000-strong African population came in the last 20 years.

And although the museum has been redesigned, statues and street names still honour Leopold, who personally enriched himself through the forced labour of the Congolese during a period in which an estimated half of the local population -- up to 10 million people -- were wiped out by overwork, violence and disease.

"Personally speaking, I think that indeed someone who is responsible for mass murder is not to be put literally upon a pedestal," Ceuppens said.

Other statues should not be hidden, she argues, but used by the museum and educationalists as they explain Belgium and Congo's intertwined histories.

And, by better understanding the past, Belgium may be better able to integrate Belgian-born Africans into a more diverse future.

"As recently as two months ago our prime minister gave a presentation here for all the top CEOs of Belgium and all the top ministers," Gryseels said.

"And the whole audience here was full: 220 white people... Ten years from now the situation will be very different."
Australia's Travis Head (L) made 72 before nicking a Mohammed Shami delivery to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant

Travis Head matched his highest Test score but missed out on a century as Australia moved to within 15 runs of India after the first innings, leaving the opening Test in Adelaide on a knife-edge Saturday.

Batting on his home ground, Head made 72 before nicking a Mohammed Shami delivery to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant after adding 11 to his overnight 61.

It signalled a quick end to the Australian innings, with the last wicket rapidly following and lunch called as rain came down before India's batsmen could get to the crease.

Australia made 235, in reply to India's 250. They started the day at 191-7.

After two days of stifling hot conditions, a change rolled in Saturday and play began 45 minutes late in gloomy conditions, with the ground's lights on.

It only lasted 3.4 overs before the drizzle began again and the umpires called the players off after Mitchell Starc was caught behind by Pant, getting a thin edge to a Jasprit Bumrah delivery.

He added seven runs to his overnight eight.

Play resumed after an hour with Nathan Lyon accompanying Head, who looked on track to better his previous best Test score against Pakistan in October.

But he was enticed into prodding at a Shami ball and was out to deny him the chance of a maiden ton in his third Test.

Josh Hazlewood came to the crease but was gone first ball, again to the Shami-Pant combination, leaving Nathan Lyon unbeaten after a quick-fire 24, including a six.

For India, Ravichandran Ashwin finished with 3-57 and Jasprit Bumrah had 3-47.
China's overall trade, what it buys and sells with all countries,logged a $44.7 billion surplus in November, up from $35 billion the previous month

China's export growth slowed last month weighed down by trade tensions with the United States, official data released Saturday showed.

Exports rose 5.4 percent for November on-year, short of the 9.4 percent forecast by Bloomberg News, while imports rose 3.0 percent on-year, also below the forecast, according to customs administration data.

China's overall trade -- what it buys and sells with all countries -- logged a $44.7 billion surplus in November, up from $35 billion the previous month, the data showed.

The sagging export growth is another bad sign for China's economy, which grew at its slowest pace for nine years in the third quarter, expanding 6.5 percent on-year for July-September.

Last week as part of a trade war truce, US President Donald Trump agreed to hold off on plans to raise tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 percent beginning January 1, leaving them at the current 10 percent rate.

But unease over the agreement has dented stocks this week with major US indices falling more than two percent to close the market's worst week since March and one that left both the Dow and S&P 500 in negative territory for the year.

China reacted furiously after a top executive and daughter of the founder of Chinese telecom giant Huawei was arrested in Canada this week following a US extradition request.

The arrest threatens to rattle the trade war truce with the United States, analysts say.
In November thousands of Australian students skipped school to demand the government take action on climate change

Australian school children led thousands of demonstrators nationwide Saturday calling for a halt on plans for Indian mining firm Adani to construct a controversial coal mine in the country's northeast.

The rallies across major cities followed a protest last month that saw thousands of Australian students defy Prime Minister Scott Morrison and skip school to demand the government take action on climate change.

School children invited adults along to Saturday's event, helping to boost numbers.

"We are taking a stand that our leaders are far too afraid to take themselves," 14-year-old student Jean Hinchcliffe told demonstrators.

"We are the people that have been fighting and will keep fighting for a brighter future -- not just for ourselves, but for our children and our children's children's children, and all future generations," she added to a rapturous applause.

Indian mining firm Adani vowed last month to press ahead with the construction of a controversial coal mine in Queensland state, although the project will be dramatically scaled back from earlier plans.

Work on the Carmichael mine could get underway within weeks.

Protestors called on both the government and the opposition to put a halt to the project.

"The leaders of Australia need to start acting," 12-year-old Sammy Lightfoot told AFP.

The prime minister last month said "kids should go to school" when asked about children missing a day in the classroom to protest.

Students on Saturday creatively rebuked the prime minister, who goes by the nickname ScoMo, taking selfies with a giant ScoMo puppet, carrying a school grade card for climate science labelled "FAIL" in red writing.

"Schoolkids are the next generation of Australia," Lightfoot added.

"They are potentially the future leaders, so I think they should have the biggest voice and the biggest say in what their country does."
After two days of stifling hot weather, play was delayed by rain on the third day of the first Australia-India Test

India built a 166-run lead over Australia on the third day of an absorbing opening Test in Adelaide on Saturday with dangerman Cheteshwar Pujara not out 40, although the late wicket of master batsman Virat Kohli gave the home team a glimmer of hope.

At stumps, the visitors were 151-3, adding to their first innings total of 250. Ajinkya Rahane was not out one, alongside Pujara who scored a gritty first innings century.

It was looking ominous for Australia with Kohli and Pujara compiling a 71-run third-wicket partnership, but spinner Nathan Lyon got a massive breakthrough when he snared the Indian skipper for 34 near the close of play.

Australia were dismissed for 235 just before lunch, with Travis Head top scoring on 72 on a day hit by rain delays, leaving them 15 runs adrift.

India got off to a solid start, with KL Rahul and Murali Vijay enjoying a 63-run partnership. Both failed to fire in the first innings and are battling for one opener's spot once the injured Prithvi Shaw is fit again.

On a difficult batting track, Josh Hazlewood bowled four straight maidens to keep them contained before they began finding their range.

Rahul hit a big six off Pat Cummins as the pair grew in confidence and they were racing along before Mitchell Starc got enticed Vijay into nicking an attempted drive to Peter Handscomb in the slips and he was out for 18.

Rahul played some audacious strokes, including a reverse sweep, before a loose shot to a Josh Hazlewood ball found a big edge and he was caught behind for 44 by Tim Paine.

The unflappable Pujara crucially survived two decisions by the umpire giving him out, with both reversed on review in a cruel blow to Australia.

In the first, he was initially dismissed caught behind off Lyon on eight, and in the second was adjudged out lbw, also to Lyon, on 17.

Master-blaster Kohli, who emerged to boos from a section of the crowd, shunned his trademark flamboyance to grind out runs before jabbing at a short ball from Lyon and Aaron Finch took an easy catch.

On the way, he reached another milestone, joining a select few Indians -- including Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid -- to score 1,000 Test runs in Australia.

Earlier, Australia added just 44 runs to their overnight 191-7.

Batting on his home ground, Head matched his highest Test score but missed out on a century, adding just 11 to his overnight 61.

It signalled a quick end for Australia, with the final wicket falling next ball.

After two days of stifling hot weather, play began 45 minutes late in gloomy conditions, with the Adelaide Oval lights on.

It only lasted 3.4 overs before the drizzle began again and the umpires called them off after Starc was caught behind for 15 by Rishabh Pant, getting an edge to a Jasprit Bumrah delivery.

Play resumed after an hour with Lyon accompanying Head, who looked on track to better his previous best Test score against Pakistan in October before prodding at a Mohammed Shami ball.

Hazlewood padded up but was gone for a golden duck, again to the Shami-Pant combination, leaving Lyon unbeaten after a quick-fire 24.

For India, Ravichandran Ashwin finished with 3-57 and Bumrah had 3-47.
Russian-Azerbaijani relations are a factor for peace in not only the Caucasus, but also in the wider region, Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency Director General, director general of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, popular TV host Dmitry Kiselyov said, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza on the sidelines of the presentation of his book titled 'Kiselev vs Zlobin. Fight for deeply personal things,' co-authored with president of the Center on Global Interests Nikolai Zlobin.

"Russian-Azerbaijani relations are a factor for peace in the Caucasus, and not only in the Caucasus, but also in the wider region. For example, Azerbaijan quite successfully acts as some kind of mediator between Russia and Iran, even a partner in our tripartite projects," he said.

Dmitry Kiselev noted that an important contribution to the formation of modern mutually beneficial and constructive strategic relations between Russia and Azerbaijan was made by national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev. "It seems to me that he laid a foundation. Aliyevs idea was to build a triangle relationship of Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran, and this triangle turned out to be fairly balanced, making Russian-Azerbaijani relations a factor in the settlement of the Caspian Sea," the Rossiya Segodnya general director explained.

"President Ilham Aliyev continues his fathers policy in this sense. Azerbaijan's development is fairly fast, its position on the international stage is confident, and a stable and balanced society lives there. I think it is a great merit of the current political dynasty," Dmitry Kiselev stressed.

Speaking about the Caucasus as a whole, a popular TV host said that the region should remain self-sufficient and peaceful. "I think the Caucasus should manage its own destiny, it does not need to be led by someone. Let Azerbaijan be Azerbaijan, Armenia be Armenia, and Georgia be Georgia. Our North Caucasus is also many-sided, multifaceted and colorful, everything should be balanced. The Russian concept, which implies a multipolarity, is harmonious enough for the Caucasus," he concluded.
Fighting in Myanmar's Kachin state surged dramatically this year, displacing thousands

A court in Myanmar's restive Kachin state has jailed three activists for defaming the military, their lawyer said Saturday, as campaigners slammed the "chilling warning" the verdict sends critical voices in the country.

Lum Zawng, Nang Pu and Zau Jet had helped organise an anti-war demonstration in April in the state capital Myitkyina to highlight the plight of thousands displaced by fighting between the military and ethnic Kachin insurgents.

The youth leaders were sentenced on Friday to six months in prison and fined about $320 each.

Kachin is in the grip of one of the world's longest-running civil wars, as rebels have clashed with the powerful military for six decades over autonomy, ethnic identity, drugs, jade and other natural resources in the northeast.

Fighting surged dramatically this year, forcing thousands to flee to camps in remote parts of the state with inadequate access to aid.

In late April, amid public anger over the fresh violence, the three youth leaders organised a peaceful protest demanding help for the people taking refuge in camps.

It also sparked protests in Yangon and Mandalay in a rare show of solidarity.

The defence told the court that the leaders had "no intention" of defaming the Tatmadaw, as the military is called in Myanmar, and were more concerned with the fate of the displaced people, lawyer Doi Bu told AFP.

"But the court viewed them as harming the Tatmadaw," she said, adding that they plan to appeal on Monday.

The European Union said it "deeply regrets" the court's decision and called for the sentences to be reviewed.

Three other activists protested the verdict by marching in front of the court, prompting police to charge them for "protesting without permission".

They were bailed and will face trial at a later date.

"These jail sentences reflect a pattern of continued attacks" against civil society speaking out against the military, said Amnesty International's Tirana Hassan.

"It sends a chilling warning to (anyone) who wants to tell the truth about the Myanmar military's brutality in Kachin and northern Shan states."

Rights groups estimate more than 106,000 people languish in displacement camps across conflict-torn Kachin and Shan states.

Ethnic Kachin are mainly Christians in a nation that is overwhelmingly Buddhist.

While international focus has been on the Rohingya crisis in Rakhine state, an army unit accused of atrocities against the Muslim minority group has been redeployed to Kachin -- which experts say is an ominous sign for civilians.
Wa Lone (shown here) and Kyaw Soe Oo were found guilty under a state secrets act after exposing the extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya men

A Myanmar court will hear the appeal later this month of two Reuters journalists jailed for their reporting on the Rohingya crisis, a lawyer said Saturday.

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty under a state secrets act in September after exposing the extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya men during a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar's western Rakhine state last year.

The pair -- who have been held behind bars for nearly a year since their arrest last December -- were sentenced to seven years in jail, a verdict that drew widespread condemnation, including from US Vice President Mike Pence.

Lawyer Than Zaw Aung told AFP the date for the appeal hearing has been set for December 24 at the Yangon regional court.

"It is difficult to say how long the appeal can take," he said, estimating that it would run for "at least two weeks", but could stretch to months.

"We are hoping for their unconditional release."

The reporters will remain in prison during the appeal process.

The pair were investigating the massacre of 10 Rohingya men by security forces in Inn Din village, an atrocity that the military later admitted in a rare acknowledgement of wrongdoing.

And as the much-criticised trial was being held, one whistleblowing police officer told the court how a superior had ordered his men to set up a sting to entrap the reporters -- testimony the judge chose to ignore.

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has remained defiant in the face of criticism and insisted the case upheld the rule of law -- further tarnishing her image as a democracy icon after her silence over the military's actions against the Rohingya Muslims.

UN investigators have called for senior military generals to be prosecuted for genocide over their handling of the Rohingya crisis, in which more than 720,000 people were forcibly expelled to neighbouring Bangladesh's refugee camps.
Thousands of Muslims rallied in Malaysia's capital demanding protection of their rights, at a time of growing racial tensions

Tens of thousands of banner-waving Muslims rallied in the Malaysian capital Saturday to defend their long-cherished privileges, at a time of growing racial tensions in the multi-ethnic country.

About 55,000 people dressed in white flooded a historic square in downtown Kuala Lumpur, according to police, chanting "God is great" and brandishing banners that read "Long live the Malays".

Large numbers of police were on the streets and major roads were closed for the event, which was the first major rally since Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad won a shock election victory in May and toppled the scandal-mired old regime.

Race and religion are sensitive in Malaysia, which is home to sizeable ethnic Chinese and Indian communities, and the Muslim Malay majority appears to be feeling increasingly insecure under a new government that is more representative of minorities.

The rally was originally intended as a protest against a plan by the government to ratify a UN convention which aims to eliminate racial discrimination.

Muslims appear to be feeling increasingly insecure under a new Malaysian government that is more representative of minorities

Authorities abandoned the plan after opposition from conservative politicians and Malays, who feared the treaty could erode their privileged position in society.

But Muslim groups pushed ahead with Saturday's demonstration, which -- alongside the convention -- became about the bigger issue of defending Islam and decades-old affirmative action policies that benefit Malays.

"If Islam is disturbed, is race is disturbed, if our rights are disturbed, then we will rise," opposition leader Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, whose United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) party was ousted at this year's election, told the gathering.

Participant Arif Hashim, 26, told AFP that other races must not "challenge the rights of the Malays. As a Muslim, I want Islam to be the first (priority) in Malaysia."

- Ousted party in crisis -

Among those attending was disgraced ex-premier Najib Razak, who has been arrested and charged over the scandal surrounding state fund 1MDB since losing power in May.

Disgraced former prime minister Najib Razak (centre R) and his wife Rosmah Mansor (centre L) also attended the rally

Police said the gathering passed off peacefully and the crowds dispersed in the late afternoon.

Malays -- who make up some 60 percent of the country's 32 million people -- have for decades enjoyed substantial state benefits, such as financial handouts and help getting government jobs.

Critics argue the system has been abused by a corrupt elite and is in urgent need of reform, although there is no indication Mahathir's administration is about to make major changes in such a sensitive area.

Race and religion are sensitive in Malaysia and the Muslim Malay majority appears to be feeling increasingly insecure under a new government that is more representative of minorities

UMNO -- which ruled Malaysia at the head of a coalition for six decades until its election defeat -- was a major backer of the rally, with analysts saying it was using the event to divert attention from its troubles.

The party, long a champion of the Malays, has been engulfed in scandal and infighting since being ousted.

As well as Najib, new leader Ahmad Zahid has been charged with corruption.

Policies favouring Malays were introduced after riots between members of the Malay and Chinese communities in 1969 that left nearly 200 people dead.
Some 16 employees of a state-owned contractor were murdered by separatist rebels at a remote camp in Papua

The recent massacre of civilian workers by separatist rebels in Indonesia's restive Papua province has cast a spotlight on one of the world's longest-running insurgencies, with no end to the bloody conflict in sight.

The killings are a marked escalation from decades of mostly sporadic skirmishes between poorly armed and disorganised guerrillas and a powerful Indonesian military accused of gross human rights abuses against civilians.

Some 16 employees of a state-owned contractor were murdered at a remote jungle work camp on Sunday with at least three more workers still missing.

They were building bridges and roads in a major infrastructure push for Indonesia's most impoverished region, but rebels claimed they were legitimate targets, raising concerns that the independence struggle has taken a dangerous new turn.

"There has never been an attack of this type of scale by separatist guerrillas," said Damien Kingsbury, professor of international politics at Australias Deakin University.

"The outbreaks of mass violence to date have been perpetrated by the Indonesian military."

- 'Act of Free Choice' -

The conflict in mineral-rich Papua traces its roots to Dutch de-colonisation in the early 1960s, with more recent grievances fanned by marginalisation of the ethnic Melanesian population and widespread rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings.

Most victims of the weekend massacre had their hands tied together with some suffering gunshot or knife wounds and blunt-force injuries

Papua, which shares a border with island nation Papua New Guinea, just north of Australia, remained a Dutch colony for more than a decade after the Netherlands relinquished its former East Indies territories to a newly independent Indonesia in 1949.

Despite laying the groundwork for Papuan self-government, the Netherlands came under pressure from a White House fearful about communism spreading across Southeast Asia.

So it agreed in 1962 to place Papua under temporary UN administration before it was ceded to Indonesia a year later, on the condition it hold an independence referendum.

The vote -- called the Act of Free Choice -- is widely viewed as a sham. About 1,000 handpicked Papuans unanimously chose to remain part of Indonesia, allegedly under the threat of violence.

Jakarta cites the referendum as proof its control is legitimate.

But for some Papuans, who are ethnically different and share almost no cultural ties with the rest of the sprawling archipelago, it was the start of another colonial occupation that has seen them dispossessed of land where their ancestors lived for centuries.

Much of the insurgency has centred around a huge gold and copper mine operated by US-based firm Freeport McMoRan, seen locally as a symbol of environmental devastation and exploitation of Papua's enormous mineral wealth.

Since his 2014 election, President Joko Widodo has overseen an unprecedented development push, including the ambitious 4,300-kilometre (2,700-mile) Trans-Papua highway.

But analysts say it may be too little, too late.

"If Papua is part of Indonesia, it should've been built up in the same way as other regions," said Adriana Elisabeth, a Papua expert at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences.

The depth of discontent was underscored last year when 1.8 million Papuans signed a ultimately unsuccessful petition asking the UN to recognise a self-determination vote.

- 'Invested too much' -

Most victims of the weekend massacre had their hands tied together with some suffering gunshot or knife wounds and blunt-force injuries, authorities said. One worker was almost decapitated

The Papua conflict traces its roots to Dutch de-colonisation in the early 1960s

The faction of the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB), which claimed responsibility, is one of the independence movement's most militant groups and its actions could spark copycat attacks, along with a deadly military response, according to the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict.

While the brazen attack may signal an emboldened rebel strategy, the actions taken by a local faction on its own highlight an armed struggle beset by clan rivalries, competing interests and with no formal command structure, analysts said.

Regardless, the killings may hurt an independence movement that has struggled to capture the attention of the international community, Deakin University's Kingsbury said.

The Free West Papua Organisation (OPM), which includes armed and political pro-independence groups, has little international backing outside a small number of Pacific island nations.

It does not receive significant funding or arms from abroad, the group and analysts say.

"Independence has not received much support because Indonesia is a significant international actor with many differing friends," Kingsbury said.

The rag-tag armed movement poses little threat to a country of some 260 million people, but Jakarta has had little success stamping out the insurgency.

The rebels say they remain committed to fighting for independence, while Indonesia has shown no interest in coming to the bargaining table.

"If you tell the government it should hold talks about Papua's independence, they don't want do that," Elisabeth of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences told AFP.

"They have invested too much in Papua."
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, seen here waiting to address the UN General Assembly in September, has told visiting officials US sanctions constitute "economic terrorism"

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said US sanctions were "economic terrorism", as he sought to foster a united front from visiting regional officials on Saturday.

Addressing parliament speakers from Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Russia and Turkey, Rouhani said they had all suffered economic pressure from the US.

"We are facing an all-out assault which is not only threatening our independence and identity but also is bent on breaking our longstanding ties," he said.

Washington has reimposed an oil embargo and other damaging sanctions on Iran since withdrawing in May from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers.

"America's unjust and illegal sanctions against the honourable nation of Iran have targeted our nation in a clear instance of terrorism," Rouhani said.

"Economic terrorism is designed to create panic in the economy of a country and fear in other countries in order to prevent investment."

The conference in Tehran was a second annual meeting of parliament speakers focused on terrorism and regional cooperation. The first was held last December in Islamabad.

Most participating countries have faced harsh sanctions and other economic pressure as part of the Trump administration's use of trade as a diplomatic weapon.

A brief truce in Trump's trade war with China was again in doubt this week after the arrest of Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer, who was detained in Canada to face fraud charges in the US.

Washington has continued to pile fresh sanctions on Russia that began over its military intervention in Ukraine, while Turkey also faced penalties this year over the detention of an American pastor.

- 'We are all punished' -

Trump has also cancelled hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to Pakistan, accusing it of failing to crack down on militancy.

"When they put pressure on China's trade, we are all harmed... By punishing Turkey, we are all punished. Any time they threaten Russia, we too consider our security to be endangered," Rouhani said.

"When they impose sanctions on Iran, they deprive all of us of the benefits of international trade, energy security and sustainable development. And in fact, they impose sanctions on everyone.

"We are here to say that we don't intend to tolerate such insolence."

Rouhani warned Europe -- which has strongly objected to the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal -- that much is at stake in its efforts to bypass US sanctions and maintain trade with Iran.

"They should know that by sanctioning Iran, they would harm our ability to fight drugs and terrorism," Rouhani said, referring to Iran's efforts to combat smuggling, particularly from Afghanistan.

The European Union is working on a payment system, known as the "special purpose vehicle", to keep money flowing into Iran, but has struggled to find a host since many countries fear repercussions from the Trump administration.
Mourners embrace next to a makeshift memorial to Heather Heyer in Charlottesville, Virginia, on the one year anniversary of her death at the hands of a white supremacist in a speeding car

As the jury delivered its guilty verdict against a neo-Nazi accused of murder for ramming his car into a group of counter-protesters at a white supremacist rally last year, Wednesday "Al" Bowie burst into tears of joy.

"I'm feeling the best I've felt in almost a year and a half," said Bowie, 28, whose pelvis was shattered into six pieces when James Alex Fields Jr plowed his gray Dodge Challenger into the crowd protesting the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12, 2017.

Despite her relief, she believes that the conviction of 21 year-old Fields represents a "baby step" in the long fight against bigotry -- which has only grown under President Donald Trump.

Fields was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder for killing Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal, in his vehicle rampage. He was also convicted of five counts of aggravated malicious wounding, three of malicious wounding, and one of hit-and-run.

James Alex Fields Jr was found guilty of first-degree murder, as well as five counts of aggravated malicious wounding, three of malicious wounding, and one of hit-and-run

"This was white supremacy in one of its worst forms," Bowie told AFP. "We need to be addressing even the more innocuous forms that we see in our daily lives."

Bowie rushed to help people hit by Fields' car -- a decision that backfired when she was struck as the vehicle reversed.

Her words echoed those of many activists in the bucolic college town, who believe that Fields' assault was only a symptom of institutional racism rooted in the city's history.

The rally was called by alt-right supremo Richard Spencer to protest a planned removal of a statute of Robert E. Lee, the top general of the pro-slavery Confederacy in the 1861-65 Civil War.

Anti-racism protesters from the city and elsewhere amassed to counter the far right, leading to confrontations that culminated in the car attack.

The city council had voted to remove the 94-year-old statue, but its fate is now in the hands of a court after lawsuits were filed -- including by the Sons of Confederate Veterans -- to reverse the decision.

- Legacy of Slavery -

Virginia State Police guard the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville on the one year anniversary of deadly protests

Charlottesville, located 100 miles (160 kilometers) southwest of Washington, was home to two presidents including Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

The city, home to the prestigious University of Virginia, has a reputation as a wealthy, liberal enclave known for its historic architecture and boutique shopping.

But that exterior belies the many race issues that Charlottesville still faces more than 150 years after the end of the Civil War and some 60 years after the civil rights movement.

"Essentially Charlottesville developed out of several large plantations," said Andrea Douglas, executive director of the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.

Notable among these plantations was Monticello, owned by Jefferson, himself a slave owner.

Charlottesville's black population -- which has fallen to 19 percent of the city's 46,000-- have been largely left out of the city's success due to years of exclusionary policies linked to education, housing and employment, Douglas said.

These include the demolition in the early 1960s of Vinegar Hill, a historically black neighborhood. This effectively wiped out a generation of black wealth in a downtown area now known for sky-high commercial properties.

For Tanesha Hudson, 39, the presence of Confederate statues in her hometown is an ever present reminder of that racist legacy.

"It's a level of disrespect to any person of color whose ancestors picked cotton, or were slaves. Or were hung, or killed or raped," she said.

- Stepping up -

Fighting broke out during the August 2017 "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville between neo-Nazi supporters and counterprotesters, including anti-fascists from the Antifa group

The events of August 2017 inspired many residents -- including 34-year-old social worker Matthew Christensen -- to step up their anti-racism activism and get more involved in city politics.

Last month Christensen started an online petition urging the removal of another Confederate statue, this one in front of a downtown courthouse that falls under the jurisdiction of the Albemarle County, which surrounds Charlottesville.

The 2017 unrest "was a catalyst for a lot of people," said Molly Conger, a 29-year-old blogger.

Conger started covering the city's affairs following the attack, and live-tweeted the Fields trial.

Conger has faced threats for her newfound activism: at a separate trial of a white supremacist the suspect yelled out her address on the steps of the courthouse.

A composite photo of her decapitated head and of her two dogs' heads on sticks was posted online, as well as pictures of her sister and the hospital where her mother works.

"It upsets them when women talk," said Conger, who is undeterred by the threats. "I have laughed at them, and that's what hurts them the most."

Like Bowie, Jeanne "Star" Peterson, a pink-haired woman in her late 30s, survived Fields' attack with extensive injuries, including a right leg held together by a metal plate.

A memorial is scrawled on a wall at the site where 32-year-old Heather Heyer was killed by avowed neo-Nazi James Fields in August 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia

Peterson adopted Charlottesville as her hometown after falling in love with the city as a student at the University of Virginia, where she graduated from in 2002.

"James Fields is just the tip of the iceberg," she told AFP, saying removing the statues remains a priority.

"The fight won't be over for a long time. But this is certainly a step in the right direction."
French Catholic monk Brother Jean-Pierre Schumacher (L) greets a man ahead of the beatification ceremony for 19 Catholic clergy in Agleria's northwestern city of Oran on Saturday

The Catholic Church beatified in the city of Oran on Saturday seven French monks and 12 other clergy killed during Algeria's civil war, the first ceremony of its kind in a Muslim nation.

May "Monsignor Pierre Claverie... and his 18 companions, faithful messengers of the Gospel, humble artisans of peace... from now on be called blessed," said papal envoy Cardinal Angelo Becciu, reading the decree of beatification, the first step on the path to Roman Catholic sainthood.

Claverie, 58, was killed with his driver on August 1, 1996 when a remote-controlled bomb exploded at his residence in Oran.

He was among 19 clergy to be beatified, after their murders in a series of grisly atrocities between 1994 and 1996.

The ceremony was held under tight security at the esplanade of the Chapel of our Lady of Santa Cruz overlooking the Mediterranean city.

Some 1,200 people attended the ceremony, including pilgrims, relatives and friends of the beatified, many of whom came from abroad.

Opening the ceremony, Archbishop Paul Desfarges of Algiers paid tribute to "the thousands and thousands of victims of the Algerian civil war", describing them as anonymous heroes.

A minute of silence was then observed.

Algeria's 1991-2002 war between government forces and Islamists left up to 200,000 people dead.

Jean-Paul Vesco, the French Dominican Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oran, speaks during a spiritual vigil ahead of the beatification of seven French monks and 12 other clergymen killed during the Algerian civil war

In a message read during the ceremony by Becciu, Pope Francis spoke of his hope that "this celebration helps to heal the wounds of the past and create a new dynamic of meeting and living together".

The 19 clergy were declared martyrs by the Vatican in January 2018, since they were slain "in odium fidei", or out of hatred for the faith.

Pope Francis himself spoke of the beatification in prayers at Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican on Saturday.

"May this beatification be an incentive for all to build a world of fraternity and solidarity together", the pope said.
The airport in Aden will become Yemen's main airport, the country's foreign minister has said.

Yemen's foreign minister on Saturday said the government-controlled city of Aden could be home to the country's main airport, amid talks to reopen the rebel-held international airport in the capital Sanaa.

"We are ready to reopen Sanaa international airport today... but we have a vision that Aden will be the sovereign airport of Yemen," Khaled al-Yamani told AFP.

"If the other side accepts ... flights could land in Aden and leave to Sanaa, Hodeida, other airports."

Yamani spoke on the sidelines of UN-brokered talks in the rural village of Rimbo, where warring Yemeni parties are gathered under the auspices of the UN.

Government representatives, rebel spokesmen and UN Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths have all said the talks are not intended to reach a political solution to the conflict, which gained renewed attention in the uproar over the killing of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The murder of Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul sparked international criticism over Saudi Arabia's policies in Yemen, where it leads a pro-government military coalition.

- Key issues -

Among the issues under discussion in Sweden are potential humanitarian corridors, a prisoner swap, the reopening of the defunct Sanaa international airport, and Hodeida, the rebel-held port city at the heart of a government offensive.

The Sweden sessions mark the first meeting between the two sides in two years since the last round of talks in 2016 broke down after three months.

While the days leading up to the gathering saw the government and rebels agree on a prisoner swap and the evacuation of wounded insurgents, both parties have publicly traded threats and accusations in Sweden.

After Saturday's third day of talks, the delegations have yet to meet face to face.

A UN official, however, said, there was a "difference between private and public discourse". In a statement to the press Saturday, Griffiths said talks had been "serious and constructive".

- Sanaa vs Aden airport -

Yemen's capital has been held by Huthi rebels since 2014, when the insurgents drove the government out and seized a string of ports.

The government of Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has since been based in the southern port city of Aden and has fought to drive back the Iran-backed rebels, supported since 2015 by the military coalition led by Riyadh -- Tehran's regional arch-rival.

The coalition accuses the Huthis of smuggling arms from Iran through Sanaa as well as Hodeida, the rebel-held Red Sea city and Yemen's most valuable port. Iran denies the charge.

At peace talks in Sweden, representatives of the Huthi rebels said the delegation would propose a "comprehensive vision for the opening of Sanaa airport"

Shipments to Hodeida, including humanitarian aid, have been severely restricted by the coalition. Huthi fighters are now embedded in residential neighbourhoods to fight off government forces.

The Huthi delegation held firm to its demand that the rebel-held Sanaa airport be reopened, as airport employees rallied in the Yemeni capital in support.

Huthi representative Abdulmalik al-Hajri told reporters his delegation would propose a "comprehensive vision for the opening of Sanaa airport" on Sunday.

Sanaa international has been out of operation for years, severely damaged in air raids by the coalition, which controls Yemeni airspace.

A government proposal to allow flights to and from Sanaa was categorically rejected by the rebels Friday.

Among the conditions set by the government are mandatory transit points in Aden and Sayoun, another government-held city, for aircraft inspections.

- Hodeida and its revenues -

Foreign Minister Yamani said a government demand for a full rebel withdrawal from Hodeida city and port were non-negotiable.

Revenues from the once-lucrative port should go to the Hadi government, he said.

"As concerns the port... We accept that it works under the administration that ran the port in 2014, and we are ready to coordinate with the UN on supervision and the reinforcement of port operations," said Yamani.

"But the port must remain sovereign, part of the work of the Yemeni transport ministry which is in charge of Yemeni borders and ports."

The conflict has triggered what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 14 million people now on the brink of famine. Nearly 10,000 people have been killed in under four years, according to conservative estimates.
Jean-Paul Vesco, the French Dominican Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oran, speaks during a spiritual vigil ahead of the beatification of seven French monks and 12 other clergymen killed during the Algerian civil war

The Catholic Church on Saturday beatified in Algeria seven French monks and 12 other clergy killed during the country's civil war, the first ceremony of its kind in a Muslim nation.

Papal envoy Cardinal Angelo Becciu read the official decree stating that the 19 men and women would "from now on be called blessed" at an event in the coastal city of Oran.

Some 1,200 people, including pilgrims, relatives and friends of the beatified, filled the Chapel of our Lady of Santa Cruz as the service was held under tight security.

The 19 Roman Catholic clergy were killed between 1994 and 1996 as Algeria was in the grips of a decade-long civil war between government forces and Islamists that left up to 200,000 people dead.

Those beatified included seven French Trappist monks, who were murdered after being kidnapped by gunmen from the Notre Dame de l'Atlas monastery in Tibhirine in 1996.

The Armed Islamic Group of Algeria claimed at the time that it had slit their throats, but responsibility for the murders has never been conclusively established.

Only the heads of the men, aged between 45 and 82, were ever found.

Also beatified was former Bishop of Oran Pierre Claverie, who was killed with his driver on August 1, 1996 when a remote-controlled bomb exploded at his residence.

The five other religious men and six women honoured, including citizens of France, Spain, Belgium and Malta, were gunned down in 1994 and 1995.

Opening the ceremony, Archbishop Paul Desfarges of Algiers paid tribute to "the thousands and thousands of victims of the Algerian civil war" from 1991-2002, describing them as anonymous heroes.

Youths sing in Algeria's northwestern city of Oran on December 7, 2018, ahead of the beatification of seven French monks and 12 other clergymen killed during the Algerian civil war

"We did not want a beatification between Christians, because these brothers and sisters died among tens and tens of thousands of Algerian" Muslims, Desfarges said.

A minute of silence was then observed.

In a message read during the ceremony by Becciu, Pope Francis spoke of his hope that "this celebration helps to heal the wounds of the past and create a new dynamic of meeting and living together".

Beatification is the first step on the path to Roman Catholic sainthood.

The 19 clergy were declared martyrs by the Vatican in January 2018, since they were slain "in odium fidei", or out of hatred for the faith.

- 'Determined to spread peace' -

Pope Francis himself spoke of the beatification in prayers at Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican on Saturday.

Sister Anne-Marie (C), a nun who was wounded during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s, gives her testimony during a spiritual vigil at the cathedral in the northwestern city of Oran

"May this beatification be an incentive for all to build a world of fraternity and solidarity together", the pope said.

Priest of Oran Father Thierry Becker said a prayer in Arabic for the Virgin Mary during the beatification ceremony in Algeria.

Local Muslim dignitaries received the families of the 19 beatified clergy at the Ibn Badis Grand Mosque, in the presence of Cardinal Becciu and Algeria's minister of religious affairs.

"We Muslims associate this event with much joy," Imam Mostapha Jaber said at the mosque.

"These Christian martyrs killed during this national tragedy ... had a good mission -- (they were) determined to spread peace."

The murders of the clergy garnered widespread attention both in Algeria and abroad.

The deaths of the Trappist monks inspired a 2010 French film, "Des Hommes et des Dieux", (Of Gods and Men) starring Lambert Wilson and Michael Lonsdale that won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

French Catholic monk Brother Jean-Pierre Schumacher (L) greets a man ahead of the beatification ceremony for 19 Catholic clergy in Agleria's northwestern city of Oran on Saturday

"The brothers and sisters who gave their lives did so in a conscious manner for the Algerian people," said Sister Benedicte of the Cross, who arrived from France for the ceremony.

"Through them, we think of all those who lost their lives" during Algeria's civil war, she added.
US President Donald Trump started his day with more criticism of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election

US President Donald Trump on Saturday again denied that his campaign colluded with Russian operatives, but made no comment on claims that he directly organized hush payments to ward off a possible sex scandal during his White House run.

Trump took to Twitter, his favorite means of communication, to address the multiple court filings that dropped on Friday in connection with special counsel Robert Mueller's sweeping investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

"AFTER TWO YEARS AND MILLIONS OF PAGES OF DOCUMENTS (and a cost of over $30,000,000), NO COLLUSION!" the president said.

Later, he told reporters: "We are happy with what we are reading. There was no collusion whatsoever. There never has been. The last thing I want is help from Russia on a campaign."

While the filings indeed did not appear to reveal evidence of collusion, they did offer a wealth of new information about what Mueller's team is looking into, along with other federal prosecutors in New York.

Prosecutors directly implicated Trump in efforts to buy the silence of two women who claimed they had affairs with him, saying he directed his then-attorney Michael Cohen to offer them hush money.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller (L) is conducting a "total witch hunt," said US President Donald Trump

"With respect to both payments, Cohen acted with the intent to influence the 2016 presidential election," the New York prosecutors said.

"In particular, and as Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of Individual-1," they added, referring to Trump.

The payments are technically unrelated to the Russia probe, but prosecutors painted a damning picture of the "extensive, deliberate, and serious criminal conduct" of Cohen -- once a member of Trump's inner circle of trusted aides.

In August, the 52-year-old Cohen pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance law in connection with the payments.

"Cohen deceived the voting public by hiding alleged facts that he believed would have had a substantial effect on the election," prosecutors said.

- 'Synergy on a government level' -

Russians reached out to Donald Trump's then-personal lawyer Michael Cohen in November 2015 seeking to establish cooperation with his election campaign, Special Counsel Robert Mueller said

In a separate sentencing memo, Mueller said that Cohen was in contact with a Russian national as far back as November 2015 who offered "synergy on a government level." That was months before Trump formally won the presidential nomination and well before previously reported contacts.

The Russian national claimed to have ties to the Kremlin and repeatedly proposed a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The individual said the meeting could have a "phenomenal" impact "not only in political but in a business dimension as well," but Cohen never followed up, Mueller said.

That combination of political and business interests could spell trouble for Trump, whose real estate empire was seeking to build a signature tower in Moscow as late as mid-2016 in the midst of his White House bid.

Last week, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about the Moscow real estate project.

Recent filings in the Mueller probe have suggested the White House knew that Cohen planned to lie to lawmakers about his contacts with Russians.

Due to his "relevant" and "substantial" help, Mueller declined to recommend additional jail time, but Cohen is still expected to face four to five years behind bars.

- Multiple 'lies' -

Paul Manafort, Donald Trump's former campaign manager seen here in July 2016, has been convicted mostly on charges related to his work for pro-Moscow politicians in Ukraine between 2004 and 2014

Also on Friday, new twists and turns emerged in the case against Trump's onetime campaign manager Paul Manafort, who was convicted in August of financial fraud and witness tampering charges and pleaded guilty to a second set of charges a month later.

Prosecutors accused Manafort of multiple "lies" to investigators: about his contacts with administration officials even after striking a plea deal; about a debt payment; and about his interaction with a suspected Russian intelligence officer.

The breach of the plea deal could lead to a stiffer jail sentence than the 10 years originally envisaged for the 69-year-old veteran Republican consultant.

Manafort has been convicted mostly on charges related to his work for pro-Moscow politicians in Ukraine between 2004 and 2014.

But he has also been investigated for his possible role in alleged campaign collusion with Russia.

Mueller has been inching ever closer to the White House, and on Friday, Trump fired off a volley of tweets against a probe he dubs a "witch hunt," accusing Mueller of "big time conflicts of interest" and alleging he coerced false testimony from witnesses.

For Senate Democrat Richard Blumenthal, a former federal prosecutor, Trump is in legal jeopardy.

"The pieces of the mosaic or the puzzle are coming into place, and the walls are closing in on Donald Trump, and his inner circle, including his family," Blumenthal said.

"I believe he could be indicted and the trial could be postponed until after he finishes service."
Iranian police have detained ten people suspected of links to a suicide car bomb attack in the port city of Chabahar, police chief Hossein Ashtari said.

"Good clues have been obtained and hopefully with the publics cooperation ... we will get to the main leads," IRNA cited Ashtari as saying.

He added that more suspects have been identified and are being sought.

At least 48 people were also injured in Thursdays suicide car bomb attack by a Sunni militant group on a police headquarters in the port city of Chabahar in southeast Iran, according to state media.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election -- and possible collusion with Trump campaign officials -- a "witch hunt"

New filings by federal prosecutors have brought major revelations about Russian efforts to forge links to US President Donald Trump before the 2016 election and about illegal payments he allegedly ordered to bury potential sex scandals.

Here are some of the key points contained in the filings Friday by special counsel Robert Mueller, as he investigates the Russian links, and by federal prosecutors in New York:

- Earlier approach from Russia -

The filings reinforce a narrative about repeated Russian attempts to curry favor with Trump.

No specific claim of collusion has yet been made -- as Trump underscored in a tweet Saturday -- but one filing revealed a contact with Trump's then lawyer Michael Cohen as early as November 2015 by a Russian man claiming to offer "synergy on a government level" with Moscow.

- Trump 'ordered' illegal hush payments -

Trump, referred to in the documents as "Individual-1," was directly implicated in ordering Cohen to make illegal payments to two women -- Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal -- to ensure their silence about alleged sexual affairs.

There is no question that Trump is "Individual-1," as prosecutors note: "On approximately June 16, 2015, Individual-1, for whom Cohen worked at the time, began an ultimately successful campaign for President of the United States."

- Manafort told 'multiple lies' -

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort is said to have told prosecutors "multiple discernible lies" about matters including his contacts with a reputed Russian intelligence agent and with the Trump administration, thereby breaching the terms of an earlier guilty plea.

Manafort was convicted in August of several counts of financial fraud and witness tampering, pleaded guilty to a second set of charges in September, and is currently in jail.

- 'Substantial' jail time sought for Cohen -

Prosecutors sought "substantial" jail time for Cohen, citing a "pattern of deception" and saying "his offenses strike at several pillars of our society and system of government: the payment of taxes, transparent and fair elections; and truthfulness before government and in business."

He is to be sentenced Wednesday on charges filed earlier.

- What next? -

Mueller has yet to complete his investigation and issue his report. Democrats are demanding that it be made public, although that has yet to be decided.

For all of Trump's denials of colluding with Russia, Mueller has yet to publicly address that fundamental question.

But Trump has now been named as having directed someone -- Cohen -- to commit a crime. Pressure on the president can only increase in coming days and weeks.

There is a general consensus in the legal community that Trump cannot be charged while serving as president. But once he leaves office, his legal future could change.

Democrats could also launch the process of impeachment in the US House of Representatives when they take control in January, but with Republicans controlling the Senate, that would be unlikely to move forward.
Israeli soldiers sit in a humvee at a security checkpoint along a road near the northern Israeli town of Metula near the border with Lebanon on December 5, 2018

Israel's army said Saturday it had located another tunnel crossing into its territory from Lebanon, the second such find since launching an operation to expose and destroy alleged Hezbollah "attack tunnels".

"The IDF has located an additional Hezbollah cross-border attack tunnel," spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said, refusing to give details on its precise location or dimensions.

"The tunnel crosses into Israel, like the first tunnel it is not yet operational and does not pose an imminent threat to Israeli communities," he said in a briefing with journalists.

On Tuesday, the army launched an operation dubbed "Northern Shield" to destroy tunnels it said were dug under the border by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, sharing images of one found near the Israeli town of Metula.

Conricus said Saturday that the army had placed explosives in the newly exposed tunnel to prevent its use as a means to infiltrate Israel, but had not yet destroyed it.

He said the Israeli military had issued warnings in Arabic to residents of southern Lebanon to stay away.

Following the army's announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the operation to track the tunnels "is in its beginning".

"We'll continue to act till its completion," he said in a statement.

Conricus said the military was aware of a third tunnel leading from south Lebanon into Israel.

Despite not having its exact location, he said Israel asked UNIFIL, the UN mission monitoring the border region, to "take action and block the tunnel on the Lebanese side".

The announcement of the new find came after Israeli soldiers on Saturday opened fire at what they perceived to be three "Hezbollah activists" approaching the border near Yiftah, south of Metula, where the army was carrying out engineering work.

Conricus said the army believed the three individuals intended to take sensors the Israeli soldiers had placed in the ground as part of their efforts to uncover tunnels.

Lebanon's official NNA news agency said Israeli forces fired shots in the air east of the village of Mays Al-Jabal after they had been surprised because of heavy fog by a routine Lebanese army patrol.

Also Saturday, the Kremlin said Netanyahu called Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces are fighting on the same side as Hezbollah in Syria, to tell him about the tunnel operation.

Putin "stressed the need to ensure stability along the line separating Israel and Lebanon", the Russian embassy in Israel said.

Netanyahu's office said he reiterated in the call "Israel's policy to prevent the establishment of an Iranian presence in Syria and to act against Iranian and Hezbollah aggression".

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and deliveries of advanced arms to Hezbollah.

However, a friendly fire incident in Syria in September that led to the downing of a Russian plane by Syrian air defences during an Israeli strike has complicated Israeli operations.

Iran-backed Hezbollah is the only group in Lebanon not to have disarmed after the country's 1975-1990 civil war.

Israel fought a war against Hezbollah in 2006 that was halted by a UN-brokered truce.
Meng Wanzhou is the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army

China on Saturday summoned the Canadian ambassador over the "unconscionable and vile" detention of telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Vancouver, state media reported, in Beijing's latest angry response to the hot-button case.

Meng Wanzhou has been held since December 1 in Canada on an American extradition request and faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran.

The 46-year-old executive was arrested in Vancouver while changing planes, ratcheting up tensions between the US and China just as the countries' leaders agreed to a truce in their trade war.

In a statement cited by official news agency Xinhua, China's Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng said Meng's detention was a "severe violation" of her rights and interests as a Chinese citizen.

"Such a move ignores the law and is unreasonable, unconscionable, and vile in nature," the news agency quoted Le as saying in the statement.

Le summoned Canadian ambassador John McCallum in protest and urged Ottawa to release Meng immediately or face "grave consequences that the Canadian side should be held accountable for", Xinhua said.

Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- is set to remain in custody until at least Monday, when a Canadian court is expected to decide on bail.

In a hearing that was adjourned on Friday, Canadian government lawyer John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions."

He said if convicted, she faces more than 30 years in prison.

Meng is specifically accused of lying to a US bank, identified by her lawyer as "Hong Kong Bank", about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions.

- Extradition treaty -

The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case.

Canada has a long-standing extradition treaty with the United States, requiring it to cooperate with US Department of Justice requests to hand over suspects.

The offence for which extradition is being sought must also be a crime in Canada, and a Canadian court must decide if there is sufficient evidence to support the extradition.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended Canada's arrest of Meng, saying politics played no part in the decision.

A spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told AFP on Saturday that Ottawa had no further comment on the case.

Huawei said Friday that it would "continue to follow the bail hearing", expressing "every confidence that the Canadian and US legal systems will reach the right conclusion".

Meng's detention in Canada came on the day of a summit between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, at which they agreed to a truce in their tit-for-tat tariff battle.

The world's top two economies have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits.
A picture taken on October 4, 2017, shows seized drugs and weapons on display at the Central office of Criminal investigation in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh

Moroccan authorities said Saturday they had seized more than a tonne of cocaine and detained seven people suspected of smuggling the narcotic from South America to Europe.

The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation said the cocaine was found in a truck along with two dinghies near the port city of El Jadida, according to a statement carried by the official MAP news agency.

Seven Moroccan citizens were arrested "for their alleged links to a transnational criminal network involved in the international trafficking of cocaine between Morocco, Latin America and Europe".

The authorities said initial information suggested the drugs had been shipped over from South America on a commercial vessel before being transferred onto a smaller fishing boat and brought ashore in Morocco.

Cocaine traffickers have developed new routes to Europe over the past decade.

The drug is mostly sent from Central America via West African countries and more recently through North Africa, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

In recent years, the Moroccan authorities have reported increasing cocaine seizures, including a record 2.5-tonne haul in October last year.
A car burns on Paris's famous Champs-Elysees avenue as the French capital is hit by another round of "yellow vest" protests on Saturday

French "yellow vest" demonstrators clashed with riot police in Paris on Saturday in the latest round of protests against President Emmanuel Macron, but the city appeared to have escaped the large-scale destruction of a week earlier due to heavy security.

Protesters nonetheless set fire to cars, burned barricades and smashed windows in pockets of violence across the city centre, clad in their emblematic luminous safety jackets, as armoured vehicles rolled through the streets.

"Dozens of shopkeepers have fallen victim to hooligans," Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo tweeted. "Once again, this is deplorable."

Clashes also broke out at protests in other cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse, during a fourth weekend of nationwide protests against rising living costs and Macron in general.

In Paris, shouts of "Macron, resign" mingled with tear gas as thousands massed on the Champs-Elysees avenue.

Thick plumes of black smoke from fires rose high into the sky. Numerous shops and a Starbucks cafe were ransacked.

"The weather is crap and so is this government," a handful of protesters chanted as light rain began to fall. It turned to downpours by mid-evening, scattering many of the remaining demonstrators.

The outbreaks of violence were on a smaller scale than the destruction and looting of a week earlier, when some 200 cars were torched in the worst rioting in Paris in decades.

Shouts of "Macron, resign" mingled with the tear gas near the Champs-Elysees avenue

The government had vowed "zero tolerance" for anarchist, far-right or other trouble-makers seeking to wreak further havoc at protests that have sparked the deepest crisis of Macron's presidency.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe congratulated police for the operation, and promised Macron would address the protesters' concerns.

"The dialogue has begun and it must continue," Philippe said. "The president will speak, and will propose measures that will feed this dialogue."

Police reinforcements were boosted to 8,000 across the city, with armoured vehicles deployed in Paris for the first time.

More than 650 protesters were detained in the capital, many of them stopped as they arrived at train stations or meeting points carrying hammers, petanque balls and other potential missiles.

Shops along the Champs-Elysees and central department stores stayed shut with their windows boarded up to avoid looting.

The Eiffel Tower, major museums and many metro stations were also closed as parts of Paris went on effective lockdown.

- Protests beyond France -

Protesters tip over a car in demonstrations that have swollen into a broad movement against President Macron

"I have two children. I'm fighting for them and just to be able to live a decent life," said Tony Vella, a 32-year-old builder from the Paris suburbs.

Officials estimated that a total 125,000 "yellow vests" turned out nationwide throughout the day, down from 136,000 last week.

In Paris, health authorities said 126 people had been admitted to hospital, mostly with minor injuries. Among the police, 17 were hurt, Castaner said.

The movement has spread beyond France's borders, with around 400 arrested at a "yellow vest" protest in Brussels on Saturday and peaceful demonstrations taking place in Dutch towns.

Security measures in Paris for the "yellow vests" protests

The French protests also attracted the attention of US President Donald Trump.

"Very sad day & night in Paris. Maybe it's time to end the ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement and return money back to the people in the form of lower taxes?" he tweeted.

The demonstrations are not directly linked to the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which Trump has abandoned to the dismay of Macron and other Western leaders.

People began blockading French roads on November 17 over rising fuel prices -- partly due to taxes aimed at helping the country transition to a lower-carbon economy.

The "yellow vests", some of whom who have become increasingly radicalised, are holding out for more concessions from the government

But the demonstrations have since swollen into a broad movement against ex-banker Macron, whom the protesters accuse of favouring the rich.

Nationwide, 89,000 police officers were on duty in towns, cities and on numerous motorways which caused havoc on France's road network, including a blockade of a border crossing with Spain.

Nearly 1,400 people were detained across France, according to Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.

- Macron's U-turn -

"Yellow vest" protesters in front of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Macron this week gave in to some of the protesters' demands for measures to help the poor and struggling middle classes, including scrapping a planned increase in fuel taxes.

That climbdown marked a major departure for a president who had vowed, unlike predecessors, not to be swayed by mass protests.

But many of the "yellow vests" are holding out for more.

Protestors kneel in a street near the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris during the protest

A popular demand is a reversal of his decision to slash taxes on France's wealthiest in a bid to boost investment and create jobs -- something he has so far ruled out.

The policy, along with hikes on pensioners' taxes, cuts in housing allowances and a string of comments deemed insensitive to ordinary workers, has led critics to label Macron a "president of the rich".

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen -- who is backed by some protesters from "forgotten" provincial France, but by no means all -- called for Macron to "recognise society's suffering and deliver immediate, very strong responses".

Protests at dozens of schools over university reforms, and a call by farmers for demonstrations next week, have added to a sense of general revolt in France.

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The Jaber-Nassib border crossing between Jordan and Syria reopened on October 15, 2018

The United Nations said Sunday it began delivering aid to hundreds of thousands of Syrians through the Jaber-Nassib border crossing with Jordan, which reopened two months ago.

In total, "369 trucks carrying 11,200 metric tons of... assistance for over 650,000 people" will be involved in the four-week operation, the UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said.

The "exceptional" delivery, which amounts to one-month's worth of aid, would be carried out by six UN agencies and one international NGO, it added.

"This is a major logistical operation in an effort to mitigate the suffering of the Syrian people," said Anders Pedersen, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Jordan.

Among the immediate needs of Syrians were food, shelter, water and medical care, according to OCHA.

"We are working closely with our UN partners inside Syria to ensure this assistance reaches those who need it most," Pedersen added.

Syrian regime forces retook control of the border crossing from rebels in July.

Known as Jaber on the Jordanian side and Nassib in Syria, the crossing is a key Middle East trade route and its reopening in October after a three-year closure was seen as a boon for the economies of both countries.

Syria's civil war has killed more than 360,000 people since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011.

More than half the country's 23 million people have fled, with 6.6 million of those internally displaced and more than 5.6 million going abroad, according to UN figures.
Iraqi Yazidi activist Nadia Murad (L) and Congolese gynecologist Denis Mukwege (R) called on the world to do more to help victims

Nobel laureates Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad called on the world to protect victims of wartime sexual violence in their Peace Prize acceptance speeches on Monday, slamming indifference to the plight of women and children in conflict.

Congolese gynaecologist Mukwege, whose work has made him a global expert on rape in conflict, and Yazidi activist Murad, a survivor of IS sexual slavery, both said victims were sometimes valued less than commercial interests.

In an emotional ceremony in Oslo, which saw the laureates cheered and given standing ovations, Mukwege and Murad called on the world to do more.

"If there is a war to be waged, it is the war against the indifference which is eating away at our societies," Mukwege said.

His Panzi hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo's war-torn east has treated the wounds of tens of thousands of women and children after sexual assaults that have become a "new reality" in the country.

The 63-year-old said the violence "shames our common humanity".

Mukwege and Murad received their Nobel Peace Prizes at an emotional ceremony

In her speech, Murad, 25, implored the global community to help free hundreds of women and girls still held by jihadists, saying the world must protect her people and other vulnerable communities.

"It is my view that all victims deserve a safe haven until justice is done for them," she said.

Nobel committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said the pair had received the Peace Prize "for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict".

She described them as "two of the strongest voices in the world today".

They received the Peace Prize gold medals, diplomas and nine million Swedish Krona (880,000 euros, a million dollars), which they will share.

- Women, children and babies -

Mukwege lay much of the blame for the horrific violence unleashed on civilians on those in power in his troubled country.

"For twenty years now, day after day, at Panzi hospital, I have seen the harrowing consequences of the country's gross mismanagement," said the doctor, a critic of DR Congo President Joseph Kabila, who is set to be replaced in elections this month.

Mukwege said the violence "shames our common humanity"

"Babies, girls, young women, mothers, grandmothers, and also men and boys, cruelly raped, often publicly and collectively, by inserting burning plastic or sharp objects in their genitals."

Mukwege said the trade in the country's abundant natural resources helped fuel the violence while profits "end up in the pockets of a predatory oligarchy".

"We love nice cars, jewellery and gadgets. I have a smartphone myself. These items contain minerals found in our country. Often mined in inhuman conditions by young children, victims of intimidation and sexual violence," he said.

"It's not just perpetrators of violence who are responsible for their crimes, it is also those who choose to look the other way," Mukwege added, calling for a global fund to provide reparation for victims and economic and political sanctions for those behind the violence.

- 'Inconceivable' not to act -

Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad

Murad survived the horrors of captivity under the Islamic State group, which targeted her Kurdish-speaking community as it seized parts of Iraq and Syria.

Older women and men faced summary execution during the IS assault, which the United Nations has described as a possible genocide.

Captured in 2014, Murad suffered beatings and gang-rape before she was able to escape.

In her Nobel acceptance address Monday, Murad said more than 6,500 women and girls from her community had been kidnapped, raped and traded "in the 21st century, in the age of globalisation and human rights".

In her speech Murad implored the global community to help free hundreds of women and girls still held by jihadists

The fate of some 3,000 women and girls is still unknown.

"Young girls at the prime of life are sold, bought, held captive and raped every day. It is inconceivable that the conscience of the leaders of 195 countries around the world is not mobilised to liberate these girls," she said.

Murad and Mukwege were given several standing ovations during the ceremony

"What if they were a commercial deal, an oil field or a shipment of weapons? Most certainly, no efforts would be spared to liberate them."

Murad, whose mother and six of her brothers were killed, said on Sunday that "steps towards justice" had given her some hope.

A UN team authorised to investigate the massacre of the Yazidi minority is due to finally start fieldwork in Iraq next year.

Murad has been supported in her campaign for justice for Yazidis by Lebanese-British lawyer and rights activist Amal Clooney, who was in the audience in Oslo.

No jihadist has yet faced trial over the atrocities against the Yazidis.

Murad is the first Iraqi to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

She said she was thankful for the honour, but added: "The fact remains that the only prize in the world that can restore our dignity is justice and the prosecution of criminals."
HONOLULU (AP) - Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long was alone on an anchored military seaplane in the middle of a bay across the island from Pearl Harbor when Japanese warplanes started striking Hawaii on December 7, 1941, watching from afar as the attack that killed and wounded thousands unfolded.

The Japanese planes reached his base on Kaneohe Bay soon after Pearl Harbor was hit, and the young sailor saw buildings and planes explode all around him.

When the gunfire finally reached him, setting the aircraft ablaze, he jumped into the water and swam through the flames to safety.

Now 97, Long marked the 77th anniversary from his home in Napa, California on Friday.

He shared some of his memories with The Associated Press:

___

Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long holds up a replica of the military seaplane he was standing watch on when Japanese warplanes attacked Hawaii 77 years ago, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 at his home in Napa, California. Long was alone on the anchored plane in the middle of Kaneohe Bay, across the island from Pearl Harbor, when the attack happened, watching from afar as the bombs and bullets killed and wounded thousands. When the gunfire finally reached his plane, setting the aircraft ablaze, he jumped into the water and found himself swimming through fire to safety. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

DECADES OF ANNIVERSARIES

Long was fresh out of boot camp when he arrived in Hawaii in 1941.

"I got off that ship with my sea bag over my shoulder and we threw it on a truck and they carted me over to Kaneohe from Pearl Harbor where we had landed," Long recalled.

It was a different experience when he was flown to Hawaii for the 75th anniversary in 2016.

"We came in on a first class United chartered jet . all the girls with the leis were there with the Hawaiian music," he remembered. "We ended up not in a bunk in the barracks, but in a very nice ocean room."

He attended a dinner where survivors were seated with dignitaries. At his table were Japan's Honolulu-based consul general and his wife.

"He and his wife were there in full regalia," Long said. He asked if they might be able to help him identify the pilot who attacked his plane.

"They did some searching I guess, or told somebody to do it, but within a month or so I got a message from them and the proof is not positive but they sent the information on three Japanese pilots. It was probably one of those three," Long said.

Long no longer harbors ill will against Japan or its people.

"I don't know when that feeling left me. But as you are probably well aware, we were taught to hate those people with all our hearts, and when you're looking at one down a gun sight, you can't really feel much love for anyone - that's for darn sure," he said.

"That has long since changed."

Long has not always marked the anniversary like he does now.

"For about 50, 60 years or so, it was a day that rang a little bell to me, but I did not do much," he said. "In the past 20 or so (years), I take part in some kind of activity that I'll say is appropriate for the day."

This year, Long was visiting school children before attending a Pearl Harbor ceremony atop Mount Diablo in Concord, California.

On Friday morning at about the time of the attack, Long spoke with the AP at his home as he prepared for the day: "I recall the day very, very distinctly," he said, remembering "the day that started the war for our country that caused so, so much havoc. And I do recall the friends who never came back with, oh, much sadness."

In his office are about 25 photos of old planes on the wall including one of the type of aircraft he was aboard that day. There is also a photo of a Japanese plane similar to the one he believes attacked him.

He keeps about a half dozen medals, including his Purple Heart. On his dresser is a photo of himself as a pilot in 1943. He also keeps one of his wife, who died 10 years ago.

His 1999 Volkswagen camper van has two magnetic signs - one with a photo of him and another reading "Remember Pearl Harbor." A special license plate notes he is a Pearl Harbor survivor.

___

A ROUTINE WEEKEND

Long remembers that weekend of the attack as routine, "or so it started out," he wrote in a 1992 essay that he provided to The Associated Press.

The 20-year-old from Minnesota enrolled in boot camp in March 1941, a "snotty nose kid, fresh off the farm." That Sunday morning was his first day of operational duty with the squadron he had been assigned to about a month earlier.

He took a small boat toward the awaiting Catalina flying boat, cruising across the turquoise waters of windward Oahu with Hawaii's 73-degree air splashing across his face.

"I recall it was a beautiful sunny day in Hawaii that morning," Long said.

He began preparing for a solitary day of signal drills and regular maintenance checks. He settled into the pilot's compartment to wait for contact from the beach signaling station to begin his drills.

A few minutes later, he heard the roar of airplanes overhead. In the distance, Long saw planes flying over hangars and buildings exploding. Another plane that was anchored nearby was hit and burst into flames.

Seconds later, a Japanese plane made a run toward his position. "The sequence of events during the next few minutes is not entirely clear," he recalled.

Long jumped from the pilot's seat and started looking for a life jacket, but bullets were immediately producing fountains of seawater inside the cabin. The fuel tanks in the wings were hit, and he was surrounded by flames.

He made a run for the rear exit. Gasoline was ablaze on the water, so he jumped into the bay and swam beneath the fire to get away from the sinking plane. He came to the surface and through the flames three times for air.

His military-issued high-top work shoes were bogging him down, so he dove underwater and removed them. Still far from shore, Long found a wooden channel marker and swam to it, ducking beneath the waves to hide every time a Japanese plane made a pass.

Once the Japanese were gone, Long spotted a boat that was searching for survivors and flagged them down.

Long burned his head, face and arms making his escape, but he considered himself in good health compared to the wounded and dead around him.

"Shipmates on the shore greeted me with comments like 'we never expected to see you again,'" Long recalled. "I was told I looked pretty bad."

"The attack was over, but much turmoil remained," he wrote. "That's it - the start of the first day of a long war."

___

Follow Associated Press Hawaii correspondent Caleb Jones on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebAP

___

Associated Press photographer Eric Risberg contributed to this report from Napa, California.

Don Long gets dressed at his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif., before driving to attend a number of Pearl Harbor remembrances. At right on his dresser is a photograph of him as a pilot in 1943. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Don Long puts on a number of leis while getting dressed at his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif., before driving to attend a number of Pearl Harbor remembrances. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Don Long recalls the 1941 Japanese attack on Hawaii at the same time it took place 77 years ago while sitting in his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died.(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

A picture of a Japanese Zero plane that attacked Don Long in 1941 is displayed with other mementos on a wall at his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Don Long pulls out his Purple Heart and other medals at his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif., before driving to attend a number of Pearl Harbor remembrances. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Don Long walks out the front door of his home to his camper van Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif., before driving to attend a number of Pearl Harbor remembrances. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Don Long poses by his camper van outside his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif., before driving to attend a number of Pearl Harbor remembrances. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Don Long puts metallic signs on the side of his camper van at his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif., before driving to attend a number of Pearl Harbor remembrances. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Don Long walks out to his camper van at his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif., before driving to attend a number of Pearl Harbor remembrances. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

FILE - In this Dec. 7, 1941 file photo provided by the U.S. Navy, a patrol bomber burns at a military installation on Oahu's Kaneohe Bay during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese warplanes bombed Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941 - he was on the opposite side of Oahu aboard an anchored seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the Japanese strike reached his installation soon after Pearl Harbor, and the young sailor watched from afar as explosions and gunfire consumed him and his comrades. Now, 77 years later, Long will remember that day from even farther away - across the Pacific near his home in Napa, Calif. (U.S. Navy via AP, File)

This photo provided by retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long shows Long in his Navy uniform in 1941. Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese warplanes bombed Hawaii on December 7, 1941 - he was on the opposite side of Oahu aboard an anchored seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the Japanese strike reached his installation soon after Pearl Harbor, and the young sailor watched from afar as explosions and gunfire consumed him and his comrades. Now, 77 years later, Long will remember that day from even farther away - across the Pacific at his home in Northern California. (Don Long via AP)

This photo provided by retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long shows Long in his Navy uniform in 1943. Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese warplanes bombed Hawaii on December 7, 1941 - he was on the opposite side of Oahu aboard an anchored seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the Japanese strike reached his installation soon after Pearl Harbor, and the young sailor watched from afar as explosions and gunfire consumed him and his comrades. Now, 77 years later, Long will remember that day from even farther away - across the Pacific at his home in Northern California. (Don Long via AP)

Pearl Harbor attack survivor Don Long holds a model of the PBY-5 Catalina seaplane he once guarded at his home Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Napa, Calif. Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Don Long wasn't at Pearl Harbor when Japanese war planes started bombing Hawaii on December 7, 1941, he was on the opposite side of Oahu standing watch aboard an anchored military seaplane in Kaneohe Bay. But the wave of bombs and bullets reached his military installation soon after Pearl Harbor was struck, and the young sailor watched from afar as buildings and planes started to explode all around him. On the 77th anniversary of the attack, Long will remember from his home where the 97-year-old survivor will reflect and honor those who died. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
PHOENIX (AP) - Dozens of mourners on Friday bid farewell to Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, the former U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, who was remembered as a devoted public servant and doting family man in a ceremony that filled a large Phoenix church with laughter and sometimes tears.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi remembered Pastor on Friday as a lawmaker whose humor united people from both sides of the political aisle.

"Everything he did, he was always making it more wonderful," said Pelosi, a Democrat from California.

The service at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Phoenix began with a mariachi group singing "De Colores," a popular Spanish-language folk anthem.

Republican Sen. Jon Kyl, who served alongside Pastor as a member of Senate, said the Democrat was humble but enormously effective.

"Let's face it: It was hard to turn Ed down." Kyl said. "Ed was always a champion for those who needed the representation the most."

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2013, file photo, U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor of Arizona is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. Former U.S. Rep. Pastor, Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, will be laid to rest Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Pastor, a liberal Democrat known for his bipartisanship, died at age 75 after suffering a heart attack last week. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Pastor was remembered especially for his hard work bringing light rail service to Phoenix, which he believed would help low-income people in the southern part of the city he represented.

"For him, the light rail represented the opening of a new world to those who had no access," said his daughter Laura Pastor, who followed him into politics to become a member of the Phoenix City Council.

"That was my dad at his best - a roll-up-your-sleeve kind of guy who was patient, understated and always himself," she said.

The liberal Democrat known for his bipartisanship died last week after a heart attack. He was 75.

His body lied in state at the Arizona State Capitol Sunday. Another viewing that drew thousands of mourners was held Thursday evening at church.

Mourners at the service on Friday included Cindy McCain, the widow of Republican Sen. John McCain, Arizona's congressional delegation, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey and retired Sen. Jeff Flake.

Pastor was born in Claypool, Arizona, a small mining town about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of Phoenix. His father worked in the copper mines, and Pastor was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor's degree in chemistry at Arizona State University.

Pastor taught high school chemistry in Phoenix and later earned a law degree at ASU.

He joined the staff of former Gov. Raul Castro in the 1970s and made his first foray into elected office when he successfully ran for Maricopa County supervisor in 1976, where he was the lone Democrat for 14 years, Laura Pastor said.

Pastor was elected to Congress in 1991 and retired in 2014.

Pastor was also survived by his wife, Verma, his other daughter Yvonne, four grandchildren and a sister.

Pastor and his wife would have celebrated 53 years of marriage later this month.

"Little did I know that when I said, 'I do,' a lifetime of adventure was about to begin," Verma Pastor said.

Pallbearers carry the casket of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor into St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for his funeral Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Phoenix. Pastor was Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, spending 23 years in Congress before retiring in 2014. He passed away last week at the age of 75. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., middle, and former Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., left, shake hands with another person as they arrive for the funeral of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Phoenix. Pastor was Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, spending 23 years in Congress before retiring in 2014. Pastor passed away last week at the age of 75. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Verma Pastor, middle, wife of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, wipes away tears outside of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church after a funeral for her husband Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Phoenix. Rep. Pastor was Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, spending 23 years in Congress before retiring in 2014. Rep. Pastor passed away last week at the age of 75. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Verma Pastor, wife of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, waits outside of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church after a funeral for her husband Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Phoenix. Rep. Pastor was Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, spending 23 years in Congress before retiring in 2014. Pastor passed away last week at the age of 75. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, right, is joined by his wife Angela as they arrive for the funeral of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Phoenix. Pastor was Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, spending 23 years in Congress before retiring in 2014. Pastor passed away last week at the age of 75. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Pall bearers take the casket of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor back to the hearse after a funeral Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Phoenix. Pastor was Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, spending 23 years in Congress before retiring in 2014. Pastor passed away last week at the age of 75. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Pall bearers take the casket of former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor back to the hearse after a funeral Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Phoenix. Pastor was Arizona's first Hispanic member of Congress, spending 23 years in Congress before retiring in 2014. Pastor passed away last week at the age of 75. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Former FBI Director James Comey spoke to House investigators behind closed doors for almost seven hours Friday, begrudgingly answering questions about the Justice Department's decisions during the 2016 presidential election.

Comey, who appeared under subpoena, announced after the meeting that he would return for more questioning Dec. 17. Appearing annoyed, he said "we're talking about Hillary Clinton's emails, for heaven's sake, so I'm not sure we needed to do this at all."

A transcript of the interview, expected to be released shortly, "will bore you," Comey said.

Two GOP-led committees brought Comey in as they sought to wrap up a yearlong investigation into the department's decisions in 2016. Republicans argue that department officials were biased against Donald Trump as they started an investigation into his campaign's ties to Russia and cleared Democrat Hillary Clinton in the probe into her email use. Comey was in charge of both investigations.

Democrats have said the investigations by the House Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform committees are merely a way to distract from and undermine special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe. Mueller took over the department's investigation when he was appointed in May 2017.

After the questioning was underway, some Republicans signaled they were unhappy with Comey's level of cooperation. California Rep. Darrell Issa said Comey had two lawyers in the room, his personal lawyer and a lawyer from the Justice Department. He said the department lawyer repeatedly instructed Comey not to answer "a great many questions that are clearly items at the core of our investigation."

Former FBI Director James Comey is followed by reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, following his appearance before a closed-door hearing with the House Judiciary and House Oversight committees. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Democrats disagreed.

"He answered the questions he had to answer," said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois. But he added that he was left with the impression that "we got nowhere today."

Florida Rep. Ted Deutsch said the Republican majority "wishes to only ask questions still about Hillary Clinton's emails, all to distract from the big news today, which is what's happening in court."

As the interview with Comey ended, Mueller revealed new details about his Russia investigation in court on Friday in the cases of Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and former personal lawyer Michael Cohen.

It was unclear if Comey is returning the week after next because Republicans felt he was being uncooperative, or if it was an issue with timing. While such closed-door interviews often extend late into the night, lawmakers said Friday that the interview would end in the afternoon because of scheduling issues.

Just as the meeting ended, President Trump tweeted that "it is being reported that Leakin' James Comey was told by Department of Justice attorneys not to answer the most important questions. Total bias and corruption at the highest levels of previous Administration. Force him to answer the questions under oath!"

While it was uncertain if Comey spoke under oath Friday, lying to Congress is a crime under any circumstance.

Over the past year, Republicans on the two committees have called in a series of officials and suggested after the closed-door meetings that there is evidence of bias at the Justice Department. The investigation's most public day was a 10-hour hearing in which former FBI special agent Peter Strzok defended anti-Trump texts he sent to a colleague as he helped lead both investigations. Strzok fought with Republican lawmakers in a riveting hearing that featured Strzok reading aloud from his sometimes-lewd texts, and Democrats and Republicans openly yelling at each other.

New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the top Democrat on the Judiciary panel, vowed to end the investigation when Democrats take the House majority in January.

"This is a waste of time to start with," Nadler said. "The entire purpose of this investigation is to cast aspersions on the real investigation, which is Mueller. There is no evidence whatsoever of bias at the FBI or any of this other nonsense."

Nadler and the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, said in a statement after the meeting that Comey's testimony yielded few new details.

"As the special counsel's investigation appears to be closing in on the president and his associates, our Republican colleagues seem intent on spending their final days in power attempting to provide cover to President Trump and attempting to re-litigate the Department of Justice's decision not to prosecute Secretary Clinton," the Democrats said.

Comey, who has testified publicly on Capitol Hill about both the Clinton and Russia investigations, appeared for the interview after unsuccessfully fighting the subpoena in court. It was the first time he answered lawmakers' questions since an explosive June 2017 hearing in which he asserted that Trump fired him to interfere with his FBI investigation of alleged Russia ties to the Trump campaign.

His lawyers said he would prefer to testify publicly and said the committees were prone to selectively reveal information for political purposes.

"Don't do it in a dark corner and don't do it in a way where all you do is leak information," said Comey's attorney, David Kelley.

Under the deal struck with the Judiciary Committee, Comey was to be free to speak about Friday's questioning and a transcript was to be released soon afterward.

A report released this June from the Justice Department's internal watchdog said Comey was "insubordinate" in his handling of the Clinton email investigation in the final months of the 2016 campaign. But it also found there was no evidence that Comey's or the department's final conclusions were motivated by political bias toward either candidate.

The report said the former FBI director, who announced in July 2016 that Clinton had been "extremely careless" with classified material but would not be charged with any crime, repeatedly departed from normal Justice Department protocol. Yet it did not second-guess his conclusion that Clinton should not have been prosecuted, despite assertions by Trump and his supporters that anyone less politically connected would have been charged.

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Associated Press writers Padmananda Rama and Matthew Daly contributed to this report.

Former FBI Director James Comey, with his attorney, David Kelley, left, arrive to testify under subpoena behind closed doors before the House Judiciary and Oversight Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., speaks to reporters as he leaves a House Judiciary and Oversight Committee closed-door interview with former FBI Director James Comey on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Former FBI Director James Comey, with his attorney, David Kelley, left, arrive to testify under subpoena behind closed doors before the House Judiciary and Oversight Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. . (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Turkish police are conducting an operation against drug traffickers in Istanbul's Pendik district.

Five people suspected of drug trafficking have been detained as part of the operation, Turkish media reported.

The operation to detain drug traffickers will be conducted in other areas of Istanbul as well.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on the arrest of an executive of Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies (all times local):

11:45 p.m.

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei says it has "every confidence that the Canadian and U.S. legal systems will reach the right conclusion" over the arrest of one of its top executives in Canada.

Huawei released a brief statement Saturday in China following a bail hearing in Vancouver for Meng Wanzou, its chief financial officer and the daughter of its founder.

She faces possible extradition to the U.S, where officials allege that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

Meng will spend the weekend in jail after a Canadian judge said Friday that he needs to weigh her proposed bail conditions. The bail hearing continues Monday.

People walk past a Huawei retail shop in Beijing Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. China on Thursday demanded Canada release a Huawei Technologies executive who was arrested in a case that adds to technology tensions with Washington and threatens to complicate trade talks. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

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7:20 p.m.

A Chinese executive will spend the weekend in jail after a Canadian judge said he needs to weigh her proposed bail conditions.

Meng Wanzhou's lawyer also says he will continue his arguments for her bail on Monday.

Meng is the chief financial officer of telecommunications giant Huawei and daughter of its founder.

She is facing possible extradition to the U.S, where officials allege that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

The U.S. also says that Meng and Huawei misled American banks about its business dealings in Iran.

Meng was detained at the request of the U.S. during a layover at the Vancouver airport last Saturday - the same day that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping of China agreed over dinner to a 90-day cease-fire in a trade dispute that threatens to disrupt global commerce.

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3:30 p.m.

The lawyer for the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei says the fact that a person has extraordinary resources cannot be a factor that would exclude them from bail.

Meng Wanzhou's lawyer David Martin said at her bail hearing that her own dignity would not allow her to go against a court order. He also said Meng would not embarrass her father by breaching a court order.

The prosecutor earlier argued that Meng has vast resources and would be motivated to flee Canada and return home to China. Prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley says the charges Meng is facing in the U.S. have to do with Huawei using a sham subsidiary to access the Iran market in dealings that would contravene U.S. sanctions.

Meng is accused of fraud. Gibb-Carsley says she assured U.S. banks that Huawei and Skycom were separate companies but he says Skycom is Huawei

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2:30 p.m.

A prosecutor for the Canadian government says the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei has incentive to flee Canada because she faces charges in the U.S. of up to 30 years in prison.

The prosecutor said at the bail hearing for Meng Wanzhou that she has vast resources and would be motivated to flee Canada and return home to China.

He says the charges Meng is facing in the U.S. have to do with Huawei using an unofficial subsidiary to access the Iran market in dealings that would contravene U.S. sanctions.

Meng is accused of fraud. The prosecutor says she assured banks that Huawei and Skycom were separate companies but he says the U.S. contends that Skycom is Huawei.

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2:15 p.m.

A prosecutor for the Canadian government says the charges that the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei is facing in the U.S. have to do with Huawei using a unofficial subsidiary to access the Iran market in dealings that would contravene U.S. sanctions.

The prosecutor said at the bail hearing for Meng Wanzhou that is she is accused of fraud. He says she assured banks that Huawei and Skycom were separate companies but he says the U.S. contends that Skycom is Huawei.

The prosecutor is saying she is a flight risk and should not be granted bail. He says the arrest warrant was issued in New York on Aug. 22.

Meng's arrest came as a jarring surprise after Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade truce last weekend in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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1:40 p.m.

The chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei is appearing in a Canadian court as she seeks bail while awaiting possible extradition to the United States.

Sporting a green sweater, Meng Wanzhou, smiled and spoke to her lawyer as she waited for the judge to arrive.

Meng's arrest came as a jarring surprise after Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade truce last weekend in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Friday on Fox Business Network's "Varney & Co" that Huawei had violated U.S sanctions on Iran.

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12:40 p.m.

Huawei has denied that it poses a security threat, after an EU commissioner raised concerns.

The Chinese telecom giant said Friday it has never been asked by any government to build "back doors" to its systems or "interrupt any networks."

"We would never tolerate such behavior by any of our staff," it said.

The statement was in response to comments by EU tech commissioner Andrus Ansip, who said that after the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer, "we have to be worried" about the company.

Ansip cited concerns Beijing could require Chinese tech companies to cooperate with intelligence services or add "back doors," when asked about Huawei's role in European 5G and driverless car projects.

Huawei said, "We categorically reject any allegation that we might pose a security threat."

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10:10 a.m.

Russia's top diplomat has criticized the arrest of a Chinese telecommunications company executive as an example of heavy-handed policies of the U.S.

The chief financial officer of Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies, was arrested in Canada Saturday and faces extradition to the U.S. on charges of trying to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Speaking during a meeting in Rome, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday the executive's arrest shows how the U.S. is pushing to implement its laws beyond its borders, which he called "a very arrogant position."

Lavrov said "that is not even being supported by anyone, even the closest allies of the U.S.," adding that "we need to put a stop to that."

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8:05 a.m.

The European Union's technology commissioner says the bloc should be worried about possible security risks from telecom giant Huawei and other Chinese companies.

EU Digital Market Commissioner Andrus Ansip said there's reason for concern following the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer reportedly on suspicion of involvement in sanctions evasions.

"The next question is, do we have to be worried about Huawei or other Chinese companies? Yes I think we have to be worried," Ansip said at a press briefing.

Ansip said there are fears about Beijing requiring the country's tech companies to cooperate with its intelligence services or add "back doors" to their systems.

Huawei is the world's biggest supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies but the arrest has intensified concerns that its dominance threatens the national security of Western allies.

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6:00 a.m.

China has expressed serious concern about media reports that Japan might exclude Chinese telecom equipment makers Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp. from government purchases.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said Friday that both companies have been operating legally in Japan for a long time and that China hopes Japan "will provide a level playing field for Chinese companies .... and avoid doing anything that would undermine mutual trust and cooperation."

The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri reported that Tokyo might take the step because of security concerns, as the United States and some other countries have done.

A Japanese official said though that no decision has been made.

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3:30 a.m.

A Japanese official has cast doubt over reports that Japan plans to exclude Chinese telecoms equipment makers Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp. from government purchases due to security concerns.

The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri reported Friday that Tokyo might take the action following the lead of the U.S. and some other countries.

The report, citing unnamed sources, said government officials planned to meet to discuss such a move.

A senior official at the government office in charge of cybersecurity said Japan has not made such a decision. He said some new policy may be announced next week but it would likely not be what was being reported.

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12:48 a.m.

The dramatic arrest of a Chinese telecommunications executive has driven home why it will be so hard for the Trump administration to resolve its deepening conflict with China.

The Huawei Technologies executive, Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, faces extradition to the United States. A bail hearing was set for Friday.

In the short run, her arrest heightens skepticism about the trade truce that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping reached last weekend in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Share markets were rattled by fears that the 90-day cease-fire won't last.

Huawei has been a subject of U.S. national security concerns that extend well beyond tariffs or market access. Washington and Beijing are locked in a clash between the world's two largest economies for economic and political dominance for decades to come.
TOKYO (AP) - Japanese lawmakers early Saturday approved government-proposed legislation allowing hundreds of thousands of foreign laborers to live and work in a country that has long resisted accepting outsiders.

The contentious legislation passed only months after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposed the plan despite opposition groups' demand for more thorough debate to address concerns about a drastic change of policy.

It's seen as an unavoidable step as the country's population of about 126 million rapidly ages and shrinks. Many short-handed industries, especially in the services sector, already rely heavily on foreign "trainees" and language students. Japan also selectively grants visas to white-collar professionals, often from the West.

Bringing in foreign laborers is a last resort after Abe's deeply conservative government tried to meet labor shortages by encouraging more employment of women and older workers and using more robots and other automation.

"Japan has come to a point where we had to face the reality that there is serious depopulation and serious aging," said Toshihiro Menju, an expert on foreign labor and population issues at the Japan Center for International Exchange.

"Shortages of workers are so serious ... that (allowing) immigrants is the only option the government can take," he said.

Japan's ruling parties and opposition parties' members scramble for a microphone as opposition parties try to stop Judicial Affairs Committee Chairman Shinichi Yokoyama, bottom center, from moving to hold a vote for a bill to revise an immigration control law, at upper house committee in Tokyo early Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Japan is preparing to officially open the door to foreign workers to do unskilled jobs and possibly eventually become citizens. (Toshiyuki Matsumoto/Kyodo News via AP)

Abe's latest plan calls for relaxing Japan's visa requirements in sectors facing severe labor shortages such as construction, nursing, farming, transport and tourism - new categories of jobs to be added to the current list of highly skilled professionals.

The number of foreign workers in Japan has more than doubled since 2000 to nearly 1.3 million last year, out of a working-age population of 67 million. Workers from developing Asian countries used to stay mostly behind the scenes, but not anymore. Almost all convenience stores are partly staffed by Asian workers and so are many restaurant chains.

The fastest growing group of foreign workers is Vietnamese, many of whom are employed in construction and nursing. Construction workers are particularly in demand as Japan rushes to finish building venues and other infrastructure for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

In many cases the workers are subjected to poor working conditions and other abuses.

"I had no time for a holiday. ... Even if I worked so hard I still had no money," said Eng Pisey, 33, from Cambodia, who came to Japan on a training program in 2016 and worked at a garment factory in Tochigi, north of Tokyo. She said she had to borrow $4,000 to pay a broker to arrange her job, and ended up quitting after becoming ill from overwork.

Under the legislation, two categories of workers will be accepted beginning in April: less-skilled workers and former interns with basic Japanese competency are allowed to stay in the country for only up to five years as visitors and cannot bring in family members. That is meant to encourage them to leave when their visas expire, preventing them from settling in Japan.

The second category, those with higher skills, Japanese language and cultural understanding, would be allowed to bring their families and apply for citizenship after living in Japan for 10 years if they commit no crimes.

"Creating new visa statuses to accommodate foreign human resources is our urgent task as we face serious labor shortages, especially at small and medium-size companies," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Friday.

But details including a new immigration agency, competency tests for applicants and ways to eliminate abusive working conditions still need to be decided.

Many Japanese understand the need to solve labor shortages. Industry groups have urged the government to expand the work visa program so they can legally hire more foreign workers.

But Abe's traditional political base and opposition groups oppose the change - for different reasons.

Abe has denied that Japan is opening the door to immigrants. His right-wing supporters view Japan as a homogenous society and want to keep out outsiders, especially those from other Asian countries. They cite concerns over risks of more crime.

Human rights activists and lawyers have criticized the legislation, saying it has insufficient protections and support for foreign workers and lacks a vision for how Japan might create a more inclusive society that accepts diversity.

Since 1993, Japan's Technical Intern Training Program has provided on-the-job training in the name of international cooperation, mostly to workers from other Asian countries. The trainees often have worked under poor conditions. In 2017 some 7,000 of the 270,000 technical interns fled, citing underpay and mistreatment, according to government statistics.

Shoichi Ibusuki, a lawyer specializing in labor cases who aids victimized foreign students and interns, says the program is a guise for using cheap labor. He says it should be scrapped and replaced.

Ibusuki supports giving unskilled workers official status, but says the legislation fails to provide enough protections for workers. In particular, he is unhappy with the lack of restrictions on recruiting brokers who are cited as a cause of abuse. "The program seems to treat foreign workers like goods, not humans," he said.

Huang Shihu, a Chinese intern, said he came to Japan to study the language while working, but suffered a severe hand injury after being employed for about six months at a tin factory in Kobe. He said his employer claimed it could not pay him compensation because it was bankrupt.

"With this hand injury I can't work. I don't know what to do," Huang told reporters, showing his still bandaged fingers. "I really feel wronged by the company."

Menju said the lack of oversight in the existing trainee program allowed mistreatment to persist, with foreign workers seen as cheap labor willing to tolerate harsh conditions. He hopes the new program will allow a fresh start.

The legislation is not so great, he says, but may mark a turning point. "This is the first time people started to discuss the issue of foreign workers," Menju said. "Before that it was a taboo."

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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

Japan's opposition parties' members try to stop Judicial Affairs Committee Chairman Shinichi Yokoyama, bottom center, from moving to hold a vote for a bill to revise an immigration control law, at upper house committee in Tokyo early Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Japan is preparing to officially open the door to foreign workers to do unskilled jobs and possibly eventually become citizens. (Yoshitaka Sugawara/Kyodo News via AP)

In this Nov. 28, 2018, photo, lawyer Shoichi Ibusuki, center, speaks during a press conference in Tokyo, on the problems in Japan's technical intern program, with Eng Pisey, right, Cambodian technical trainee and Huang Shihu, left, Chinese technical trainee in Tokyo. Ibusuki, lawyer specializing in labor cases and supporting victimized foreign students and interns, called the internship program as a disguise to use trainees as mere cheap labor and should be scrapped and replaced with the new program underway. Japan is set to approve legislation that would officially open the door to foreign workers to do unskilled jobs and possibly eventually become citizens. Lawmakers were due to vote Friday, Dec. 7, on a government proposal to allow hundreds of thousands of foreign laborers to live and work in a country that has long resisted accepting outsiders. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

In this Nov. 28, 2018, photo, lawyer Shoichi Ibusuki, center, attends a press conference on the problems in Japan's technical intern program, with Eng Pisey, right, Cambodian technical intern and Huang Shihu, left, Chinese technical intern in Tokyo. Ibusuki, lawyer specializing in labor cases and supporting victimized foreign students and interns, called the internship program as a disguise to use trainees as mere cheap labor and should be scrapped and replaced with the new program underway. Japan is set to approve legislation that would officially open the door to foreign workers to do unskilled jobs and possibly eventually become citizens. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Rebels in Indonesia's Papua province demanded that the government hold negotiations on their territory's self-determination and warned of more attacks following a raid on a construction site that left at least 16 dead.

An insurgency has simmered in Papua since the early 1960s, when Indonesia annexed the region that was a former Dutch colony. It was formally incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a U.N.-sponsored ballot that was seen as a sham by many.

Sebby Sambom, spokesman for the West Papua National Liberation Army, the military wing of the Free Papua Movement, said in a telephone interview Friday that they attacked a government construction site last weekend because they believe the project is conducted by the military.

Security forces have retrieved the bodies of 16 workers hired to build bridges on a section of the trans-Papua road, Papua police spokesman Suryadi Diaz said.

Authorities believe the armed group killed 19 workers, based on the accounts of survivors. They have rescued 24, including seven workers, and are searching for two missing as well as the bodies of three others. A soldier at a military post near the site was also killed.

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has ordered the military and police to arrest the perpetrators of the worst separatist attack during his administration and said he will not tolerate "armed criminals" in Papua or the rest of the country.

Indonesian soldiers and police officers carry a body bag containing the body of a victim of separatist attack in Nduga district upon its arrival at Moses Kilangin Airport in Timika, Papua province, Indonesia, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Army helicopters on Friday transported bodies of the victims who were killed in one of the bloodiest separatist attacks in Indonesia's restive Papua province. (AP Photo/Mujiono)

He said the attack will not dissuade his government from continuing to develop Papua, including the 4,600-kilometer (2,875-mile) trans-Papua road, which his administration has claimed is widely supported by local people.

The road, which will stretch from Sorong in West Papua province to Merauke in Papua province, is expected to be completed next year and help boost economic development in both provinces.

"Trans-Papua road projects are being carried out by Indonesian military and that is a risk they must bear," Sambom said. "We want them to know that we don't need development, what we want is independence."

Indonesia's government, which for decades had a policy of sending Javanese and other Indonesians to settle in Papua to dilute the number of indigenous people, is now trying to spur economic development to dampen the separatist movement.

"Our leaders have declared a war zone since last year and warned that the trans-Papua road construction should be stopped, but Indonesia has ignored it," Sambom said.

He called for the government to agree to peace talks similar to ones that led to another province, Aceh, becoming semiautonomous, or a "real referendum" on independence as occurred in the former Indonesian territory of East Timor.

"If Aceh and East Timor can get that opportunity, why don't we?" said Sambom, who said he was speaking from an area near the border with neighboring Papua New Guinea.

National police chief Tito Karnavian estimated the strength of the armed group at not more than 50 people with about 20 weapons, and said more than 150 police and soldiers had been sent to restore security in Nduga district, a stronghold of the separatists.

Sambom, however, claimed the rebels have 29 operational area commands in Papua, each with 2,500 members.

"We vow to intensify our fight for independence with guerrilla hit-and-run attacks," he said.

Indonesian soldiers carry a body bag containing the body of a victim of separatist attack in Nduga district upon its arrival at Moses Kilangin Airport in Timika, Papua province, Indonesia, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Army helicopters on Friday transported bodies of the victims who were killed in one of the bloodiest separatist attacks in Indonesia's restive Papua province. (AP Photo/Mujiono)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is inching closer to his long-teased major White House shake-up, gearing up for the twin challenges of battling for re-election and dealing with the Democrats' investigations once they take control of the House.

The biggest piece of the shifting picture: Chief of Staff John Kelly's departure now appears certain.

Trump announced Friday he was picking a new U.S. attorney general and a new ambassador to the U.N. , and at the same time two senior aides departed the White House to beef up his 2020 campaign. But the largest changes were still to come. Kelly's replacement in the coming weeks is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the administration.

According to nearly a dozen current and former administration officials and outside confidants, Trump is nearly ready to replace Kelly and has even begun telling people to contact the man long viewed as his likely successor.

"Give Nick a call," Trump has instructed people, referring to Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Nick Ayers, according to one person familiar with the discussions.

Like all of those interviewed, the person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters.

President Donald Trump announces that he is nominating William Barr, attorney general under President George H.W. Bush, as his Attorney General, on the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump has hardly been shy about his dissatisfaction with the team he had chosen and has been weighing all sorts of changes over the past several months. He delayed some of the biggest shifts until after the November elections at the urging of aides who worried that adding to his already-record turnover just before the voting would harm his party's electoral chances.

Now, nearly a month after those midterms, in which his party surrendered control of the House to Democrats but expanded its slim majority in the Senate, Trump is starting to make moves.

He announced Friday that he'll nominate William Barr, who served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush, to the same role in his administration. If confirmed, Barr will fill the slot vacated by Jeff Sessions, who was unceremoniously jettisoned by Trump last month over lingering resentment for recusing himself from overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller's Trump-Russia investigation.

Sessions was exiled less than 24 hours after polls closed. But Trump's broader efforts to reshape his inner circle have been on hold, leading to a sense of near-paralysis in the building, with people unsure of what to do.

Trump also announced that State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert is his pick to replace Nikki Haley as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and he said he'd have another announcement Saturday about the military's top brass.

All this came the same day that Trump's re-election campaign announced that two veterans of the president's 2016 campaign, White House political director Bill Stepien and Justin Clark, the director of the office of public liaison, were leaving the administration to work on Trump's re-election campaign.

"Now is the best opportunity to be laser-focused on further building out the political infrastructure that will support victory for President Trump and the GOP in 2020," campaign manager Brad Parscale said in a statement.

The moves had long been planned, and will give Kelly's eventual successor room to build a new White House political team.

Kelly was not at the White House on Friday, but was expected to attend an East Room dinner with the president and senior staff.

Ayers, who is a seasoned campaign veteran despite his relative youth - he's just 36 - has the backing of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the president's daughter and son-in-law and senior advisers, for the new role, according to White House officials. But Ayers has also faced some resistance. During Trump's flight home from a recent trip to Paris, some aides aboard Air Force One tried to convince the president that Ayers was the wrong person for the job, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Trump and Kelly's relationship has been strained for months - with Kelly on the verge of resignation and Trump nearly firing him several times. But each time the two have decided to make amends, even as Kelly's influence has waned.

Kelly, a retired Marine Corps four-star general, was tapped by Trump in August 2017 to try to normalize a White House that had been riven by infighting. And he had early successes, including ending an open-door Oval Office policy that had been compared to New York's Grand Central Station and instituting a more rigorous policy process to try to prevent staffers from going directly to Trump.

But those efforts also miffed the president and some of his most influential outside allies, who had grown accustomed to unimpeded access. And his handling of domestic violence accusations against the former White House staff secretary also caused consternation, especially among lower-level White House staffers, who believed Kelly had lied to them about when he found out about the allegations.

Kelly, too, has made no secret of the trials of his job and has often joked about how working for Trump was harder than anything he'd done before, including on the battlefield.

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Associated Press writer Catherine Lucey contributed to this report.

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On Twitter follow Miller at https://twitter.com/ZekeJMiller and Colvin at https://twitter.com/colvinj

Former CIA Director John Brennan, left, shakes hands with President Donald Trump's Chief of Staff John Kelly, right, before a State Funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)

FILE - In this Aug. 9, 2017, file photo, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert speaks during a briefing at the State Department in Washington. President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trump's plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning, Dec. 7, 2018. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

This undated photo provided by Time Warner shows William Barr. President Donald Trump says he will nominate William Barr, former President George H.W. Bush's attorney general, to serve in the same role. Trump made the announcement while departing the White House for a trip to Missouri Friday. (Time Warner via AP)

FILE - In this June 9, 2014 file photo Bill Stepien, , leaves the New Jersey State House. White House political director Bill Stepien and Justin Clark, the director of the office of public liaison, are leaving the administration to work on President Donald Trump's re-election campaign. Both are veterans of Trump's 2016 operation. (AP Photo/The Record of Bergen County, Amy Newman)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on the special counsel's Russia investigation (all times local):

7:20 p.m.

The White House says new court filings about President Donald Trump's former lawyer and campaign chairman offer nothing new or damaging about Trump.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says government filings about former Trump attorney and personal "fixer" Michael Cohen "tell us nothing of value that wasn't already known."

That's despite the fact that the federal special counsel said in one of the documents that Cohen was in touch as far back as 2015 with a Russian who offered "political synergy" with the Trump election campaign.

Sanders also says the filing pertaining to former campaign chair Paul Manafort "says absolutely nothing about the President" and is blaming the media for "trying to create a story where there isn't one."

FILE - In this June 21, 2017, file photo, special counsel Robert Mueller departs after a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mueller is set to reveal more details about his Russia investigation as he faces court deadlines in the cases of two men who worked closely with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Prosecutors say Manafort lied to them about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials.

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6:30 p.m.

Court documents say former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort testified before a grand jury on two occasions as part of his plea deal.

Prosecutors from special counsel Robert Mueller's office have accused Manafort of violating the agreement by lying to investigators.

They say Manafort was called to testify before a grand jury on Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. The documents do not provide any additional details about the grand jury, or what it is probing.

Manafort cut the deal in September and agreed to plead guilty to two felonies. It headed off a second trial for Manafort related to his Ukrainian political consulting and unregistered foreign lobbying.

Prosecutors say Manafort met with investigators from Mueller's office and the FBI on 12 separate occasions. They allege he told "multiple discernible lies."

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6:10 p.m.

Prosecutors say former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials.

The disclosures were made in a court filing Friday evening.

Prosecutors say Manafort violated his plea deal by telling "multiple discernible lies."

They say Manafort told investigators that he spoke with officials before and after they left the Trump administration. But they say a review of his electronic documents shows he had "additional contacts" with the officials.

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6 p.m.

President Donald Trump's former legal fixer was fielding outreach from Russians seeking to reach the Trump campaign as far back as 2015.

That's according to a new court filing from special counsel Robert Mueller's office in the case of Michael Cohen.

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5:45 p.m.

An attorney for Michael Cohen is declining to comment on the recommendation by federal prosecutors that Cohen serve a "significant" prison term.

Attorney Lanny Davis declined to comment Friday after prosecutors said in court filings that Cohen has overstated his assistance to law enforcement.

Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced next week for tax evasion, orchestrating hush-money payments and lying to Congress.

Special counsel Robert Mueller credited Cohen for meeting seven times with his prosecutors investigating Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

Federal prosecutors in New York say sentencing guidelines call for Cohen to serve about four years behind bars. They say Cohen declined to cooperate in all aspects of their investigation and shouldn't receive full credit for cooperating because he wasn't forthcoming.

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5:35 p.m.

President Donald Trump's longtime legal fixer has been providing "relevant and useful" information to the special counsel in the Russia probe about his recent contacts with people in the White House.

That's according to a new court filing from special counsel Robert Mueller's office in Michael Cohen's case.

Mueller's prosecutors say the information from Cohen pertained to his contacts with people "connected" to the Trump White House during 2017 and 2018. The contacts are being disclosed as Mueller investigates not only Russian election interference but whether Trump tried to obstruct the investigation.

The filing comes about a week before Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced after he pleaded guilty to a raft of felonies, including lying to Congress about a proposed Trump business deal in Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign.

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5:20 p.m.

Prosecutors say President Donald Trump's former lawyer gave investigators information about attempts by Russians to reach Trump's campaign.

The information was disclosed in a sentencing memo filed Friday by special counsel Robert Mueller in Michael Cohen's case.

Court papers say Cohen described speaking to a Russian national who claimed to be a "trusted person" in the Russian Federation and proposed a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The person offered Trump's campaign "political synergy" and "synergy on a government level." The person wasn't identified by name in the court documents.

Cohen has pleaded guilty to federal charges, including lying to Congress about negotiations he had on Trump's behalf for a real estate deal in Moscow.

Mueller's prosecutors say Cohen went to "significant lengths" to assist their investigation.

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5:12 p.m.

Special counsel Robert Mueller says President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer went to "significant lengths" to assist Mueller's probe, though he initially lied.

Mueller and his team filed papers Friday with a judge scheduled to sentence attorney Michael Cohen next week in New York.

Cohen has pleaded guilty to federal charges and cooperated in multiple probes over several months, including having seven meetings with Mueller's team.

Mueller says Cohen lied when he first met his team in August. Prosecutors say that after Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance fraud and bank fraud in August, he met again with Mueller's team in September and admitted his comments about a real estate venture in Moscow were deliberately false and misleading.

Cohen's lawyers did not immediately comment Friday

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4:49 p.m.

Prosecutors say Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, should serve a substantial prison term with a modest amount of credit for his cooperation.

Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced next Wednesday in New York federal court. He pleaded guilty to federal charges and cooperated in multiple state and federal probes over several months, including having seven meetings with special counsel Robert Mueller's team.

Cohen's lawyers, in their own filing last week, said he should be spared any prison time.

Last week, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to Congress. In August, he admitted to campaign finance fraud and bank frauds, among other charges.

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12:40 p.m.

George Papadopoulos, the first person sent to prison in the Russia investigation, has been released.

That's according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser was sentenced to 14 days in prison this year after he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian intermediaries. Special counsel Robert Mueller's team recommended incarceration for Papadopoulos because they said he begrudged his cooperation and his lies harmed the probe.

Papadopoulos took a remorseful tone during his sentencing hearing, but he has since attacked Mueller's investigation as corrupt.

Declassified documents show that Papadopoulos' foreign contacts during the presidential campaign prompted the FBI in July 2016 to open a counterintelligence investigation. That investigation was later taken over by Mueller.

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10 a.m.

Former FBI Director James Comey has arrived on Capitol Hill for a closed-door interview with two House committees.

House Republicans are questioning Comey on decisions made by the Justice Department during the 2016 presidential election. Democrats will also attend the interview.

Republicans argue that department officials were biased against President Donald Trump as they started an investigation into his campaign's ties with Russia and cleared Democrat Hillary Clinton in a separate probe into her email use.

Comey was asked on his way into the meeting room about Trump's assertion that he is best friends with special counsel Robert Mueller, who is overseeing the Russia probe. Comey said: "Note that I smiled."

Comey said he might answer questions after the interview, which is expected to last much of the day.

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9:25 a.m.

President Donald Trump says his legal team has already drafted a rebuttal to any report issued by the special counsel in the Russia investigation.

Trump took to Twitter on Friday to say his legal team is preparing to counter special counsel Robert Mueller's (MUHL'-urz) findings on whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russian election interference.

The Republican president says his team's report is 87 pages so far. But he says it won't be complete until Mueller issues his report.

Trump's comments come as Mueller is facing court deadlines to detail the cooperation of Trump's longtime legal fixer Michael Cohen. The special counsel also will detail the lies prosecutors say former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort told that led to his plea deal falling apart.

Manafort has said he believes he provided "truthful information."

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7:45 a.m.

President Donald Trump is marking what's expected to be a busy day for special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation by launching a Twitter broadside against the prosecutor and his team.

Mueller faces court deadlines in two pivotal cases Friday, and ex-FBI Director James Comey is set to appear before lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Trump has made little secret of his frustration with the swirling probe into Russian election interference and potential misdeeds committed by those in his orbit and is seeking to undermine the legitimacy of Mueller's investigation.

Trump tweets: "Robert Mueller and Leakin' Lyin' James Comey are Best Friends, just one of many Mueller Conflicts of Interest."

Mueller's investigation has produced dozens of criminal charges and four guilty pleas from Trump associates.

Trump also argues his deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein (ROH'-zen-styn), is "totally conflicted." Rosenstein oversaw the probe until last month.

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1:10 a.m.

Robert Mueller is set to reveal more details about his Russia investigation as he faces court deadlines in the cases of two men who worked closely with President Donald Trump.

The special counsel and federal prosecutors in New York will have to file memos in court on Friday detailing the cooperation of longtime Trump legal fixer Michael Cohen. And Mueller's team will also be disclosing what they say former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied about when his plea deal fell apart last month.

Cohen and Manafort are among five former Trump associates who prosecutors have accused of lying either to federal investigators or to Congress.

The court filings will close out a busy week for Mueller as the president has heightened his attacks on the investigation.

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. In the latest filings Friday, prosecutors will weigh in on whether Cohen deserves prison time and, if so, how much. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) - About 20 survivors gathered at Pearl Harbor on Friday to pay tribute to the thousands of men lost in the Japanese attack 77 years ago.

They joined dignitaries, active duty troops and members of the public in observing a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the time the bombing began on Dec. 7, 1941.

John Mathrusse was an 18-year-old seaman second class walking out of the chow hall on Ford Island to see a friend on the USS West Virginia when the bombing began.

"The guys were getting hurt, bombs and shells going off in the water. I helped the ones that couldn't swim, who were too badly injured or whatever and helped them to shore," said Mathrusse, now 95.

Mathrusse, who traveled to Hawaii for the event from Mountain View, California, remembers carrying injured people to the mess hall and setting them on mattresses grabbed from the barracks above.

Robert Fernandez, who was assigned to the USS Curtiss, recalls being petrified.

Everett Hyland, seated, who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor as a crew member of the USS Pennsylvania, salutes along with his granddaughter Navy Cmdr. Anna-Marie Fine on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 as the USS Michael Murphy passes in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii during a ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of the Japanese attack. The Navy and National Park Service jointly hosted the remembrance ceremony at a grassy site overlooking the water and the USS Arizona Memorial. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

"I was kind of nervous too. I was scared. I was 17. I went to go see the world. What did I get into? A war," he said.

The 94-year-old from Stockton, California returns for the annual remembrance each year because he's now alone after his wife died four years ago.

Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, said the nation can never forget the heavy price paid on that day. He cited 21 vessels damaged or sunk, 170 planes destroyed, more than 2,400 people dead, including servicemen and civilians.

"Despite these losses, it did not break the American spirit. In fact, it charged it," he said in a keynote address.

The survivors are declining in number as they push well into their 90s, and are increasingly treated as celebrities. They say people ask for their autographs and request to take photos and selfies with them.

"I am given a lot of attention and honor. I shake hands continuously," said Tom Berg, who lives in Port Townsend, Washington. Berg, who is 96, served on the USS Tennessee.

This year, no survivor from the USS Arizona attended the ceremony as none of the men were able to make the trip to Hawaii.

The Arizona sank after two bombs hit the ship, triggering tremendous explosions. The Arizona lost 1,177 sailors and Marines, the greatest number of casualties from any ship. Most remain entombed in the sunken hull of the battleship at the bottom of the harbor.

Dozens of those killed in the attack have been recently identified and reburied in cemeteries across the country after the military launched a new effort to analyze bones and DNA of hundreds long classified as "unknowns."

In 2015, 388 sets of remains were exhumed from the USS Oklahoma and buried in a national cemetery in Honolulu. The Oklahoma had the second-highest number of dead after the Arizona at 429, though only 35 were identified in the immediate years after the attack.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has identified 168 sailors and Marines from the Oklahoma since the exhumations three years ago. It has said it expects to identify about 80 percent of the 388 by 2020.

Several families were scheduled to rebury their newly identified loved ones on Friday, including Navy Seaman 1st Class William Bruesewitz of Appleton, Wisconsin.

His remains were buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

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This story corrects the spelling of John Mathrusse's last name.

The USS Michael Murphy passes by the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 during a ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of the Japanese attack. The Navy and National Park Service jointly hosted the remembrance ceremony at a grassy site overlooking the water and the USS Arizona Memorial. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

Pearl Harbor survivor David Russell, 98, stands for "Taps" during a memorial service at the American Legion Post 10 in Albany, Ore., Friday Dec. 7, 2018. Russell survived the attack by jumping from the stricken USS Oklahoma onto the USS Maryland during the attack in Hawaii. (Mark Ylen/Albany Democrat-Herald via AP)

Pearl Harbor survivors salute during the National Anthem at a ceremony in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 marking the 77th anniversary of the Japanese attack. The Navy and National Park Service jointly hosted the remembrance ceremony at a grassy site overlooking the water and the USS Arizona Memorial. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

A Navy team holds the U.S. flag over the casket of U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class William G. Bruesewitz to the burial site at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. More than 75 years after nearly 2,400 members of the U.S. military were killed in the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, some who died on Dec. 7, 1941, are finally being laid to rest in cemeteries across the United States, including Bruesewitz. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

A Navy team holds the U.S. flag over the casket of U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class William G. Bruesewitz at the burial site at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. More than 75 years after nearly 2,400 members of the U.S. military were killed in the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, some who died on Dec. 7, 1941, are finally being laid to rest in cemeteries across the United States, including Bruesewitz. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

A Navy team carries the casket of U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class William G. Bruesewitz to the burial site at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. More than 75 years after nearly 2,400 members of the U.S. military were killed in the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, some who died on Dec. 7, 1941, are finally being laid to rest in cemeteries across the United States, including Bruesewitz. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

A caisson carries the casket of U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class William G. Bruesewitz of Appleton, Wisconsin, to the burial site at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. More than 75 years after nearly 2,400 members of the U.S. military were killed in the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, some who died on Dec. 7, 1941, are finally being laid to rest in cemeteries across the United States, including Bruesewitz. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

A Navy team folds the U.S.flag over the casket of U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class William G. Bruesewitz to the burial site at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. More than 75 years after nearly 2,400 members of the U.S. military were killed in the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, some who died on Dec. 7, 1941, are finally being laid to rest in cemeteries across the United States, including Bruesewitz. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
BOSTON (AP) - A federal judge on Friday dismissed a lawsuit challenging the winner-take-all system Massachusetts uses to assign its Electoral College presidential votes, rejecting the argument that it violates the principle of "one person, one vote."

The case is one of several spearheaded by the onetime lawyer for former Vice President Al Gore that is targeting the winner-take-all system used in 48 states, which critics ultimately hope to get before the U.S. Supreme Court.

They argue the practice of assigning all of a state's Electoral College votes to the winner of a state's popular vote disenfranchises those who voted for the losing candidate and puts too much weight in the votes of those who live in a few key battleground states.

But Chief U.S. District Judge Patti Saris said the system is constitutional because it doesn't treat any set of voters differently from another.

"In short, this system complies with equal protection because it does not inherently favor or disfavor a particular group of voters," Saris wrote.

The lawyers behind the case, which include former Gore attorney David Boies, filed similar lawsuits in California, Texas and South Carolina.

The California case was dismissed in September, and lawyers have appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The cases in Texas and South Carolina are still pending.

The lawyers say they deliberately chose two Democratic-leaning states and two Republican-leaning states to argue the winner-take-all system harms voters of both parties.

The general counsel for the League of United Latin American Citizens, which is leading the effort, said the hope is that they win in at least one appellate court so it can be elevated to the Supreme Court and transform the system nationwide.

"Ultimately I know we're going to win. Every intellectual agrees that the Electoral College is wrong," Luis Vera said.

The Massachusetts lawsuit was filed in February against Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Democratic Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin on behalf of two Republicans and William Weld, a former Republican governor and Libertarian Party vice presidential candidate.

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Follow Alanna Durkin Richer on Twitter at http://twitter.com/aedurkinricher
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) - As terrified people scrambled out of broken windows, screaming and bleeding and fleeing a mass shooting inside a California bar, Sgt. Ron Helus and a highway patrolman decided to try to stop the gunman, running in together with assault-style rifles to what turned out to be an ambush.

Almost immediately inside the dark and smoky bar, the gunman fired on the officers, hitting Helus five times. They retreated and returned fire.

What happened next is every officer's worst nightmare: One of the patrolman's bullets hit his fellow policeman, piercing his heart and killing him.

That Helus was killed by friendly fire emerged for the first time at a somber news conference Friday, exactly one month since 28-year-old Ian David Long attacked country-music lovers at the Borderline Bar and Grill in the Los Angeles suburb of Thousand Oaks, killing 12 and wounding 22 others.

Long, who wasn't hit by either officer's gunfire, fatally shot himself after the firefight.

Officials didn't have much else to update about the investigation Friday, nothing more on the motive or the exact timeline of events - just the news that broke all their hearts, most of all that of the patrolman, who learned of the terrible mistake for the first time Thursday.

FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2018 file photo the flag draped casket of Ventura County Sheriff Sgt. Ron Helus arrives on stage for a memorial service for Helus at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, Calif. Helus who died in a mass shooting at a California bar was shot five times by a gunman who massacred 11 others, but the officer was killed by friendly fire, authorities said Friday, Dec. 7. (Al Seib /Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool,File)

"I delivered the message to him ... He had no clue it was coming," said L.D. Maples, chief of the California Highway Patrol's coastal division. "It surprised all of us. He's devastated."

The patrolman was only identified as a nine-year veteran of the department. He is on leave.

"We're trying to take care of him right now," Maples said.

Helus was wearing a bulletproof vest when he was shot, but officials did not say where the bullet entered his body. His wounds from Long's handgun were serious, but potentially survivable, including two that hit Helus on the edge of his vest, said Christopher Young, the county's chief medical examiner.

Most body armor worn by police officers in the United States can be pierced by bullets from an assault rifle, Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said.

Stronger armor is available, often at an officer's own expense, but many don't like it, he said, as it can be heavy and cause fatigue.

The finding that Helus was killed by another lawman did not diminish the heroism shown by both men, and no one is to blame but the gunman himself, Ayub said.

"He went there with a plan and a purpose and that was to take innocent lives," Ayub said. "The burden lies solely with him, not with those who tried to save lives."

He called the situation unavoidable.

"This was a dynamic, chaotic event that led to a very brief but furious gunbattle between the killer and the lawmen," he said. "Sgt. Helus and the CHP officer both knowingly and willingly went into what can only be described as a combat situation, risking their own lives to save others ... They were ambushed almost immediately."

Long threw smoke grenades into the bar, obstructing what employees and patrons could see before he opened fire. He used a flashlight with a laser sight attached to his .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol as he fired.

Panicked revelers ran for the doors, dived under tables and piled on top of each other in an effort to dodge the gunfire. Others ran for their lives through other exits or broke through windows and jumped out, injuring themselves in the flight.

Long, a Marine veteran, took a tactical position and lay in wait for the officers.

Helus, a 29-year veteran of the department, was close to retirement when he was killed. He is survived by a wife and son.

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Associated Press writers Brian Melley and John Rogers in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

FILE - This undated photo provided by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department shows Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, who was killed Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in a deadly shooting at a country music bar in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Authorities say Helus killed in a mass shooting at the Southern California bar was shot five times by a gunman who killed 11 others, but struck fatally by a bullet fired by a highway patrolman. (Ventura County Sheriff's Department via AP, File)

Ventura County sheriff's Capt. Garo Kuredjian speaks at news conference in Thousand Oaks, Calif., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, as authorities announce what they call a "significant development" in their investigation of last month's shooting that killed 12 people at a popular Southern California country music bar. (AP Photo/Amanda Lee Myers)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's reluctance to hold a vote on a popular criminal justice bill has angered top Republican senators and created an unusual rift with a longtime GOP ally, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa. And on Friday, it also brought on a tweet from President Donald Trump.

"Hopefully Mitch McConnell will ask for a VOTE on Criminal Justice Reform," Trump tweeted. "It is extremely popular and has strong bipartisan support. It will also help a lot of people, save taxpayer dollars, and keep our communities safe. Go for it Mitch!"

Minutes later Grassley tweeted that he and the president had spoken about "the growing support" for the legislation.

"Pres Trump told me he wants it done THIS CONGRESS," Grassley tweeted.

Grassley has spent years working to build a coalition around the bill and is pushing for a year-end vote. Grassley says more than two-thirds of the Senate supports it. But McConnell is refusing to bring the legislation forward in a standoff that's dividing the Republican majority and putting President Donald Trump on the spot.

"We've done what needs to be done," Grassley said about the overwhelming support for the bill. "So what's holding it up?"

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2018 file photo, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., finishes speaking to reporters at the Capitol in Washington. McConnell's blockade of a popular criminal justice reform package has angered top senators. And it's created an unusual rift with a longtime Republican ally, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

For the 85-year-old chairman of the Judiciary Committee, this is not the way the Senate is supposed to operate. Grassley was expecting some deference from McConnell after delivering on Trump's judicial nominees - including two now on the Supreme Court. Despite Trump's support for the measure, McConnell says it's divisive. His reluctance to take up Grassley's priority shows the limits of the Senate's old-fashioned customs in an era of heightened partisan politics.

"What's so irritating about this is, first of all, he and I have been hand-in-glove working to get the judiciary vacancies filled," Grassley told Iowa reporters.

"I think I ought to have some consideration for delivering on tough Supreme Court nominees, and a lot of tough circuit court nominees and maybe even once in a while you get a tough district court nominee," Grassley went on.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., intervened Friday, talking directly to Trump about attaching the criminal justice legislation to the must-pass year-end spending bill, which is already tangled in a separate fight over funds for the border wall with Mexico.

"Just talked with President," Graham tweeted. "He strongly believes criminal justice reform bill must pass now. He also indicated he supports putting criminal justice reform bill on year-end spending bill which must include MORE wall funding."

Trump has called senators about the bill and spoke briefly about it Friday at an event on safe neighborhoods in Kansas City.

The bill is a project of Trump's son-in-law, White House adviser Jared Kushner, and would be the biggest sentencing overhaul in decades. It would reduce mandatory prison terms for certain drug crimes and give judges in some cases more discretion on punishments. It would allow about 2,600 federal prisoners sentenced for crack cocaine offenses before August 2010 the opportunity to petition for a reduced penalty. It also includes provisions to encourage education and workforce training in prisons.

Roughly 90 percent of prison inmates are held in state facilities and would not be affected by the legislation.

While Kushner has been meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Trump is also hearing from allies who are against the legislation. Chief among them is Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who is warning senators that Republicans will be blamed if criminals are released and commit new crimes.

"Only thing worse than early release from prison of thousands of serious, violent, & repeat felons is to do that in a spending bill with no debate or amendments, forcing senators to either shut down government or let felons out of prison," Cotton tweeted Friday. The spending bill will need approval by Dec. 21 to avoid a funding lapse days before Christmas.

Cotton and others, including Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, No. 2 Senate Republican, insist there is not as much support for the bill as Grassley claims. Cotton says senators may tell the chairman they're in favor of it when actually they're not.

The bill has support from several conservative and liberal advocacy groups, uniting such disparate partners as the influential Koch network and the American Civil Liberties Union, but it splits law enforcement groups. It is backed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police but opposed by the National Sheriff's Association.

Amid this divide, McConnell has been choosing caution, saying there's just not enough time to push the bill forward in the remaining days of the Congress.

"The question is, can you shoe-horn something that's extremely controversial into the remaining time?" he said Monday in an interview at a Wall Street Journal forum.

Criminal justice reform has traditionally been a Democratic priority, as Republicans prefer a more tough-on-crime approach. And McConnell acknowledges it's "extremely divisive" among Senate Republicans. Leaders tend to protect senators from taking tough votes that could have political blowback.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said Thursday that bill backers are making a last-push to attach it to the spending measure and picking up new supporters. But he acknowledged the package's chances are slipping with each passing day. "We're still lobbying Sen. McConnell - he has all the power to allow it or not allow it," said Paul.

McConnell and Grassley have worked side by side for decades. When then-President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court in early 2016, Grassley stood by McConnell's decision to keep the seat open during the election year for the new president to decide. He's ushered in 84 Trump judicial nominees, including a record number of circuit court judges.

But their split over criminal justice reform is testing not just their partnership but also the longstanding norms of the Senate.

"What's holding it up is our leader, the majority leader," Grassley said. "There's no reason it shouldn't come up."

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Associated Press writer David Pitt in Iowa contributed to this report.

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On Twitter follow Lisa Mascaro at https://twitter.com/lisamascaro and Kevin Freking at https://twitter.com/kfreking

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This story corrects name of civil rights group to American Civil Liberties Union.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump, never known for taking criticism lying down, responded to unkind words from his former secretary of state Rex Tillerson on Friday by calling Tillerson "dumb as a rock" and "lazy as hell."

During a rare public appearance in Houston on Thursday evening, Tillerson, the former Exxon Mobil CEO, discussed his difficult tenure working for Trump. He called the president "undisciplined" and said the president "doesn't like to read, doesn't read briefing reports, doesn't like to get into the details of a lot of things."

Tillerson also said Trump frequently asked him to do things that he had to explain were illegal or otherwise ill-advised.

It was an extraordinary rebuke from a man Trump once said would be "a star!" at the State Department.

And it was met with an even more biting response Friday from Trump, who lavished praise on Tillerson's replacement while demeaning the man he chose as his first secretary of state but later fired.

"Mike Pompeo is doing a great job, I am very proud of him. His predecessor, Rex Tillerson, didn't have the mental capacity needed," Trump wrote.

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, to travel to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., after speaking at the 2018 Project Safe Neighborhoods National Conference. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

"He was dumb as a rock and I couldn't get rid of him fast enough. He was lazy as hell. Now it is a whole new ballgame, great spirit at State!"

Last year, Trump apparently had a higher opinion of Tillerson's abilities, calling him "our wonderful secretary of state" and declaring that "we work well together."
The main achievement of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea was that all the five Caspian states have clearly confirmed their responsibility for everything taking place on the sea, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"The Caspian Summit held in Aktau has completed the more than 20 years of work on the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea. It was necessary to do this primarily so as to make the best possible use of the benefits of the Caspian Sea, that is, its energy and biological resources as well as transport routes,"the diplomat said in the interview with Khabar Agency.

Lavrov explained that states that are not parties to this convention are invited to cooperate with the five littoral states on the conditions coordinated in the convention.

The top Russian foreign minister also noted that the five states have coordinated the criteria for discussing the subjects related to the delineation of their sovereign and fishing zones, which is a very "important achievement".

Lavrov added that the parties have also mapped out their activities in the area of ecology and conservation, plus the conditions of economic operation that will be beneficial and environmentally safe.

"I believe that this convention will give a powerful boost to the development of cooperation between the Caspian states in the economy, the ecology and the conservation of the seas biological resources for the future generations. In other words, the signing of the convention was a major success of the summit," the Russian Foreign minister stressed.
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) - A 78-year-old man who relies on medical marijuana for back pain finds himself homeless after being evicted from federally subsidized housing in a case complicated by conflicting state and federal marijuana rules.

John Flickner was staying at a Niagara Falls shelter Thursday, after an hourslong eviction ordeal Tuesday that ended with him steering his electric wheelchair in freezing temperatures to a center about a half mile away.

"Cold, wet, windy," Flickner recalled of the trip, which was photographed by The Buffalo News .

"All I wanted to do was get out of the wind," Flickner told The Associated Press on Thursday inside Community Missions, the facility he transferred to the next day.

Niagara Towers, where Flickner lived for two years, is subsidized by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Although New York state has legalized medical marijuana, HUD says it gives landlords discretion on whether to evict residents for using it. Marijuana use remains illegal under federal law.

Flickner's problems with his landlord started in June, when inspectors found marijuana in his apartment and called police. Responding officers declined to charge Flickner - who said he got the marijuana from a doctor in Canada - but advised him that he needed a prescription to possess it.

John Flickner, 78, holds his medical marijuana vaporizer inside a Niagara Falls, N.Y., homeless shelter, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Although he has a prescription, the wheelchair-bound Flickner was evicted from a federally subsidized housing facility that has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs, highlighting the conflict between state and federal marijuana rules. (AP Photo/Carolyn Thompson)

Flickner said he had no trouble quickly getting a doctor's prescription and had it long before this week's eviction.

"I didn't know about getting the card. I just knew it was legal," he said. "I wasn't hiding anything."

Still, the Tennessee company that owns the complex, LHP Capital, moved forward with ending his lease.

"The basis of the eviction was they have a zero-tolerance (policy) and he had marijuana in his apartment and at that time he did not have medical marijuana," said Niagara Falls attorney Jason Cafarella, who represented LHP at a November hearing in Niagara Falls City Court. "It was a lease violation and the tenant had known what the rules of the property were, had known the rules of the lease and violated those rules."

A judge issued a Nov. 29 eviction order.

"What really swayed the judge, the be-all, end-all factor, was a regulation which basically gives management the ability to impose this zero-tolerance rule regardless of medical marijuana or otherwise," said attorney Kevin Quinn of the Center for Elder Law and Justice, who represented Flickner. "If it's being used, they have that ability to terminate a lease."

It's not unusual for people to be evicted from federally subsidized housing for medical marijuana use, though few are as old as Flickner, said David Mangone of Americans for Safe Access, a medical marijuana advocacy group.

"It's really a clear evidence of discrimination, and medical marijuana should be treated like any other medication when it comes to living in subsidized housing," said Mangone, the Washington-based group's director of government affairs.

HUD responded to a request for comment by forwarding the agency's 2014 guidance giving landlords discretion on whether to evict current residents for the use medical marijuana. The memo said landlords are supposed to deny new applicants for subsidized housing if they use medical marijuana.

There was no immediate comment from HUD specifically on Flickner's eviction.

LHP did not respond to two telephone messages seeking comment. The company has 55 properties in eight states, according to its website.

Flickner on Thursday was waiting for a friend to help him make arrangements for a new place to live.

In the meantime, Community Missions spokesman Christian Hoffman said the facility wouldn't stop him from using the odorless, pen-like vaporizer that delivers his medicine. Flickner, a former tool-and-dye worker, said he injured his back in a skydiving mishap 50 years ago. Medical marijuana relaxes his muscles better and more safely, he said, than addictive opioids.

"We're going along with state guidelines," Hoffman said.

Although Flickner is the first client to arrive at the shelter under these circumstances, Hoffman said he wouldn't be surprised if others followed.

"Hopefully, everyone is able to get on the same page, whatever that looks like," he said. "But until then, places like ours are going to be picking up some of the pieces."

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Associated Press writer Michael Hill contributed from Albany.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Last week's magnitude 7.0 earthquake near Anchorage caused multiple problems at the sprawling Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, including damage to steel frameworks, ceilings, and sprinkler and heating systems, military officials said Friday.

But as with the rest of the earthquake zone, there were no deaths, serious injuries or widespread catastrophic damage.

In fact, Air Force Lt. Col. Jacob Leck, who is originally from Idaho, expected far worse in his first-ever earthquake, he said Friday during a news briefing on the impact of the Nov. 30 quake that struck 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Anchorage. Such was the force felt during the quake, which has been followed by thousands of aftershocks.

"I thought for sure that we had significant damage and that it was going to be a catastrophic loss of some facilities," said Leck, commander of the 773D Civil Engineer Squadron and director of the base emergency operations center. "And to this date, we have not found anything of the magnitude that I ever expected."

The base was quickly ready to receive aircraft, with three C-130s landing within an hour after the quake, according to officials.

The base is home to two F-22 Raptor fighter squadrons. None of the more than 40 F-22s on base was damaged in earthquake, JBER spokeswoman Erin Eaton said.

Air Force Col. Michael Staples shows damage from the powerful Nov. 30 earthquake, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Anchorage, Alaska. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake caused multiple problems around the base, including damage to steel frameworks, ceilings, and sprinkler and heating systems, but no catastrophic damage. (AP Photo/Rachel D'Oro)

Damages at the base are still being assessed, with a subsurface assessment planned by an airfield pavement evaluation team heading to Alaska from Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, officials said.

Base officials unveiled damage to a swimming pool room in a base fitness building during Friday's briefing. Ceiling panels were still missing, and the floor near the empty pool was littered with debris. The building is among several that remain closed at the base.

The 123-square-mile (319-square kilometer) base, located on Anchorage's north side, is home to about 1,000 buildings, plus another 3,200 housing units. Only one household was displaced, and that was because of a water outage.

None of the seven bridges on base was damaged.

The base has provided emotional support to those who need it, said Col. Michael Staples, commander of the 673D Civil Engineering Group. "The chaplain has been very busy," he said.

The main earthquake damaged structures over a wide swath of the temblor's impact zone area in Anchorage and beyond, disrupting power and cracking roads.

As of early Friday afternoon, there had been more than 3,100 aftershocks, including 15 with a magnitude of 4.5 and above, said seismologist Natalia Ruppert with the Alaska Earthquake Center.

Anchorage police warned Friday that rockfalls were still occurring along a 6-mile stretch of the cliff-lined Seward Highway.

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This story has been corrected to say that Tyndall Air Force Base is in Florida.

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Follow Rachel D'Oro at https://twitter.com/rdoro
KATOWICE, Poland (AP) - Environmental groups said Friday that at least 13 activists traveling to Poland to take part in the U.N. climate summit have been deported or denied entry by authorities.

The Climate Action Network, an umbrella group of hundreds of organizations from around the world, criticized the actions of Polish police, calling them "extremely worrying."

It named one of those denied entry as Belgium-based activist Zanna Vanrenterghem. It said she had been traveling by train when she was stopped by police at Poland's border with the Czech Republic.

"It was said that she was a threat to Polish security," said Wendel Trio, the director of CAN's European office.

He said Vanrenterghem, who spoke during a large protest in Brussels last weekend, was taken to a police station in the town of Bielsko Biala, where she was interrogated and then told she would be deported on a train back to Vienna overnight.

"She seems to have been on a blacklist," said Trio, adding that attempts by Belgian diplomats to intervene were unsuccessful.

A Polish border guards' spokeswoman said she had no information about the matter.

Environmental group 350.org said the other activists affected include six from Ukraine, two each the United State and Germany, and one each from Kyrgyzstan and Georgia.

The two-week climate meeting in Poland's southern city of Katowice brings together officials from almost 200 countries, campaign groups, scientists and businesses to discuss efforts to tackle global warming.

Climate activists are planning to march through Katowice on Saturday to press for more action from governments against climate change.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - A man who drove his car into counterprotesters at a 2017 white nationalist rally in Virginia was convicted Friday of first-degree murder, a verdict that local civil rights activists hope will help heal a community still scarred by the violence and the racial tensions it inflamed nationwide.

A state jury rejected defense arguments that James Alex Fields Jr. acted in self-defense during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017. Jurors also convicted Fields of eight other charges, including aggravated malicious wounding and hit and run.

Fields, 21, drove to Virginia from his home in Maumee, Ohio, to support the white nationalists. As a large group of counterprotesters marched through Charlottesville singing and laughing, he stopped his car, backed up, then sped into the crowd, according to testimony from witnesses and video surveillance shown to jurors.

Prosecutors told the jury that Fields was angry after witnessing violent clashes between the two sides earlier in the day. The violence prompted police to shut down the rally before it even officially began.

Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal and civil rights activist, was killed, and nearly three dozen others were injured. The trial featured emotional testimony from survivors who described devastating injuries and long, complicated recoveries.

After the verdict was read in court, some of those who were injured embraced Heyer's mother, Susan Bro. She left the courthouse without commenting. Fields' mother, Samantha Bloom, who is disabled, left the courthouse in a wheelchair without commenting.

Susan Bro, left, mother of Heather Heyer is hugged by a supporter on the steps of the courthouse after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Charlottesville General district court in Charlottesville, Va. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

A group of about a dozen local civil rights activists stood in front of the courthouse after the verdict with their right arms raised in the air.

"They will not replace us! They will not replace us!" they yelled, in a response to the chants heard during the 2017 rally, when some white nationalists shouted: "You will not replace us! and "Jews will not replace us."

Charlottesville City Councilor Wes Bellamy said he hopes the verdict "allows our community to take another step toward healing and moving forward."

Charlottesville civil rights activist Tanesha Hudson said she sees the guilty verdict as the city's way of saying, "We will not tolerate this in our city."

"We don't stand for this type of hate. We just don't," she said.

White nationalist Richard Spencer, who had been scheduled to speak at the Unite the Right rally, described the verdict as a "miscarriage of justice."

"I am sadly not shocked, but I am appalled by this," he told The Associated Press. "He was treated as a terrorist from the get-go."

Spencer had questioned whether Fields could get a fair trial since the case was "so emotional."

"There does not seem to be any reasonable evidence put forward that he engaged in murderous intent," Spencer said.

Spencer popularized the term "alt-right" to describe a fringe movement loosely mixing white nationalism, anti-Semitism and other far-right extremist views. He said he doesn't feel any personal responsibility for the violence that erupted in Charlottesville.

"Absolutely not," he said. "As a citizen, I have a right to protest. I have a right to speak. That is what I came to Charlottesville to do."

The far-right rally in August 2017 had been organized in part to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Hundreds of Ku Klux Klan members, neo-Nazis and other white nationalists - emboldened by the election of President Donald Trump - streamed into the college town for one of the largest gatherings of white supremacists in a decade. Some dressed in battle gear.

Afterward, Trump inflamed tensions even further when he said "both sides" were to blame, a comment some saw as a refusal to condemn racism.

According to one of his former teachers, Fields was known in high school for being fascinated with Nazism and idolizing Adolf Hitler. Jurors were shown a text message he sent to his mother days before the rally that included an image of the notorious German dictator. When his mother pleaded with him to be careful, he replied: "we're not the one (sic) who need to be careful."

During one of two recorded phone calls Fields made to his mother from jail in the months after he was arrested, he told her he had been mobbed "by a violent group of terrorists" at the rally. In another, Fields referred to the mother of the woman who was killed as a "communist" and "one of those anti-white supremacists."

Prosecutors also showed jurors a meme Fields posted on Instagram three months before the rally in which bodies are shown being thrown into the air after a car hits a crowd of people identified as protesters. He posted the meme publicly to his Instagram page and sent a similar image as a private message to a friend in May 2017.

But Fields' lawyers told the jury that he drove into the crowd on the day of the rally because he feared for his life and was "scared to death" by earlier violence he had witnessed. A video of Fields being interrogated after the crash showed him sobbing and hyperventilating after he was told a woman had died and others were seriously injured.

Wednesday Bowie, who was struck by Fields' car and suffered a broken pelvis and other injuries, said she felt gratified by the guilty verdict.

"This is the best I've been in a year and a half," Bowie said.

The jury will reconvene Monday to recommend a sentence. Under Virginia law, jurors can recommend from 20 years to life in prison on the first-degree murder charge.

Fields is eligible for the death penalty if convicted of separate federal hate crime charges. No trial has been scheduled yet.

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail shows James Alex Fields Jr. Jurors in the trial of the man accused of killing a woman and injuring dozens at a white nationalist rally are expected to hear closing arguments in the case after testimony from final defense witnesses. Fields is charged with first-degree murder and other counts for driving his car into a crowd of counterprotesters in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017. (Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail via AP, File)

Local activists raise their fists outside Charlottesville General District Court after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Susan Bro, center, mother of Heather Heyer, is escorted down the steps of the courthouse after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Charlottesville General district court in Charlottesville, Va. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
VISALIA, Calif. (AP) - A California high school teacher pleaded not guilty to several charges of child cruelty and battery after she allegedly forced a haircut on one of her students, authorities said.

Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward said in a news release Friday that Margaret Gieszinger, 52, faces up to 3 years and 6 months in jail if convicted of all six counts.

Gieszinger pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released, said Stuart F. Anderson, a spokesman for the district attorney's office.

The science and chemistry teacher was arrested Wednesday after video posted to social media showed a student at University Preparatory High School in Visalia sitting in a chair as she cuts his hair.

In a video obtained by KFSN-TV, she is heard belting the "Star Spangled Banner" while cutting the boy's hair and tossing chunks behind her. After cutting the boy's hair, Gieszinger grabs at a girl's long hair before the students make a run for it out of the classroom, the video shows.

Anderson did not know the name of Gieszinger's attorney and it was not listed in electronic court records. The county public defender's office did not return an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

This Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, photo released by Tulare County Sheriff's Office shows Margaret Gieszinger, a high school teacher in central California who was arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment,after forcibly cutting the hair of one of her students while singing the National Anthem, authorities said. Gieszinger was arrested Wednesday, after videos posted to social media showed a student at University Preparatory High School in the city Visalia sitting in a chair at the front of the classroom as Gieszinger cuts his hair. Gieszinger is being held on $100,000 bail. It was not immediately known if she has an attorney. (Tulare County Sheriff's Office via AP)

She is due back in court later this month.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - The latest on the first-degree-murder conviction of a man who drove his car into a group of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally (all times local):

7:45 p.m.

Charlottesville City Councilor Wes Bellamy says he hopes the guilty verdict in the trial of a man who drove his car into counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally will allow the city to move forward.

Thirty-two-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer was killed, and dozens of people were injured on Aug. 12, 2017, when James Alex Fields Jr. plowed into the group.

Bellamy said Friday that the psychological damage caused by the event cannot be undone, nor can the fact that Heyer was killed. But he said that the justice system has shown that it can do the right thing.

The 21-year-old Fields was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder in an attack that inflamed long-simmering racial and political tensions across the country.

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail shows James Alex Fields Jr. Jurors in the trial of the man accused of killing a woman and injuring dozens at a white nationalist rally are expected to hear closing arguments in the case after testimony from final defense witnesses. Fields is charged with first-degree murder and other counts for driving his car into a crowd of counterprotesters in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017. (Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail via AP, File)

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6:30 p.m.

A woman who was injured when a man drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Virginia is celebrating his first-degree murder conviction.

Wednesday Bowie was struck by the car which killed 32-year-old Heather Heyer after the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017. She suffered severe injuries, including a broken pelvis.

The car was driven by James Alex Fields Jr., who was convicted late Friday afternoon on the murder charge and eight other charges.

Bowie told reporters after the jury delivered its verdict that "this is the best I've been in a year-and-a-half."

After the verdict was read, some of those who were injured embraced Heyer's mother, Susan Bro. She left the courthouse without commenting.

Fields' mother, Samantha Bloom, also left the courthouse without commenting.

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6:30 p.m.

About a dozen civil rights activists who were outside the courthouse awaiting a verdict in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr. are celebrating his first-degree-murder conviction.

With right arms raised in a fist, they chanted in unison after the Friday afternoon verdict that white nationalists "will not replace us."

It was a revised version of slurs shouted by white-supremacist-rally participants in 2017 who yelled "Jews will not replace us."

Charlottesville civil rights activist Tanesha Hudson said she attended the rally and saw the violence that day. She said she sees the guilty verdict as the city's way of saying, "We will not tolerate this in our city."

She says Charlottesville residents "don't stand for this type of hate."

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6:30 p.m.

A community activist believes justice was served with the first-degree-murder conviction of a man who drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Virginia in 2017.

University of Virginia professor Walt Heinecke organized permitted counterprotests for the same day as the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville.

He said Friday that he had closely followed coverage of James Fields' trial and believes the Ohio man's self-defense arguments were "ludicrous." He pointed to testimony that three months before the rally, Fields had posted a meme on Instagram depicting a car hitting people.

On the eve of the rally violence, Heinecke had tried to intervene and protect students who were attacked by torch-carrying white nationalists at a statue of Thomas Jefferson on the university's campus.

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6:30 p.m.

White nationalist Richard Spencer says the first-degree-murder conviction of the man who drove his car into counterprotesters after a white nationalist rally in August 2017 is a "miscarriage of justice."

Spencer told The Associated Press that he was not "shocked" but was "appalled" by the verdict the jury delivered against James Alex Fields Jr. late Friday afternoon.

Spencer says James "was treated as a terrorist from the get-go."

Spencer questioned whether Fields could get a fair trial since the case was "so emotional."

He says that from his perspective "there does not seem to be any reasonable evidence put forward that he engaged in murderous intent."

Spencer popularized the term "alt-right" to describe a fringe movement loosely mixing white nationalism, anti-Semitism and other far-right extremist views. He said he doesn't feel any personal responsibility for the violence that erupted in Charlottesville.

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5:25 p.m.

The man who drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Virginia last year showed no emotion when a jury declared him guilty of first-degree murder.

James Alex Fields Jr. appeared stoic as the verdict was read in a courtroom late Friday afternoon. Jurors delivered their decision after deliberating for about seven hours.

Judge Richard Moore told jurors they would reconvene Monday for a sentencing hearing. The jury will hear evidence and then will recommend a sentence to the judge. The hearing could take two days.

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1 a.m.

A jury is set to begin deliberating in the murder trial of an Ohio man accused of intentionally driving his car into a crowd of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally, killing one woman and injuring dozens.

A prosecutor told jurors in closing arguments Thursday that 21-year-old James Alex Fields Jr. had hate and violence on his mind when he plunged the car into the crowd. Defense attorneys argued Fields had plowed into the crowd out of fear.

Jurors are scheduled to get the case Friday morning.

Fields is charged with first-degree murder and other felonies for the August 2017 crash that killed 32-year-old Heather Heyer. Her death came after police forced a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville to disband after participants had clashed with counterdemonstrators earlier.

Local activists raise their fists outside Charlottesville General District Court after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Susan Bro, left, mother of Heather Heyer is hugged by a supporter on the steps of the courthouse after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Charlottesville General district court in Charlottesville, Va. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Susan Bro, center, mother of Heather Heyer, is escorted down the steps of the courthouse after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Charlottesville General district court in Charlottesville, Va. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
BEIJING (AP) - China launched a ground-breaking mission Saturday to land a spacecraft on the largely unexplored far side of the moon, demonstrating its growing ambitions as a space power to rival Russia, the European Union and the U.S.

A Long March 3B rocket carrying a lunar probe blasted off at 2:23 a.m. from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province in southwestern China, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

With its Chang'e 4 mission, China hopes to be the first country to make a soft landing, which is a landing of a spacecraft during which no serious damage is incurred. The moon's far side is also known as the dark side because it faces away from Earth and remains comparatively unknown. It has a different composition than sites on the near side, where previous missions have landed.

If successful, the mission would propel the Chinese space program to a leading position in one of the most important areas of lunar exploration.

China landed its Yutu, or "Jade Rabbit," rover on the moon five years ago and plans to send its Chang'e 5 probe there next year and have it return to Earth with samples - the first time that will have been done since 1976. A crewed lunar mission is also under consideration.

Chang'e 4 is also a lander-rover combination and will explore both above and below the lunar surface after arriving at the South Pole-Aitken basin's Von Karman crater following a 27-day journey.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the Chang'e 4 lunar probe launches from the the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. China launched a ground-breaking mission Saturday to soft-land a spacecraft on the largely unexplored far side of the moon, demonstrating its growing ambitions as a space power to rival Russia, the European Union and U.S. (Jiang Hongjing/Xinhua via AP)

It will also perform radio-astronomical studies that, because the far side always faces away from Earth, will be "free from interference from our planet's ionosphere, human-made radio frequencies and auroral radiation noise," space industry expert Leonard David wrote on the website Space.com.

It may also carry plant seeds and silkworm eggs, according to Xinhua.

Chang'e is the goddess of the moon in Chinese mythology.

China conducted its first crewed space mission in 2003, making it only the third country after Russia and the U.S. to do so. It has put a pair of space stations into orbit, one of which is still operating as a precursor to a more than 60-ton station that is due to come online in 2022. The launch of a Mars rover is planned for the mid-2020s.

To facilitate communication between controllers on Earth and the Chang'e 4 mission, China in May launched a relay satellite named Queqiao, or "Magpie Bridge," after an ancient Chinese folk tale.

China's space program has benefited from cooperation with Russia and European nations, although it was excluded from the 420-ton International Space Station, mainly due to U.S. legislation barring such cooperation amid concerns over its strong military connections. Its program also suffered a rare setback last year with the failed launch of its Long March 5 rocket.

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the Chang'e 4 lunar probe launches from the the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. China launched a ground-breaking mission Saturday to soft-land a spacecraft on the largely unexplored far side of the moon, demonstrating its growing ambitions as a space power to rival Russia, the European Union and U.S. (Jiang Hongjing/Xinhua via AP)
SEATTLE (AP) - A bill that would make it easier to kill sea lions that feast on imperiled salmon in the Columbia River has cleared the U.S. Senate.

State wildlife managers say rebounding numbers of sea lions are eating more salmon than ever and their appetites are undermining billions of dollars of investments to restore endangered fish runs.

Senate Bill 3119, which passed Thursday by unanimous consent, would streamline the process for Washington, Idaho, Oregon and several Pacific Northwest Native American tribes to capture and euthanize potentially hundreds of sea lions found in the river east of Portland, Oregon.

Sen. Jim Risch, an Idaho Republican who co-sponsored the bill with senators from all three states, said the legislation would help ensure healthy populations of salmon for years to come.

"As endangered salmon face extinction, we must take steps to protect them," Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, said in a statement.

The Senate bill is similar to one passed by the U.S. House in June and sponsored by Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Washington Republican, Kurt Schrader, an Oregon Democrat, and others.

FILE - In this March 14, 2018 file photo, a California sea lion designated #U253 heads towards the Pacific Ocean after being released in Newport, Ore. A bill making it easier to kill sea lions that feast on imperiled salmon in the Columbia River has cleared the U.S. Senate. The measure would allow a more streamlined process for Washington, Idaho, Oregon and several Pacific Northwest tribes to capture and euthanize sea lions. The bill sponsored by Idaho Sen. Jim Risch and Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell cleared the Senate Thursday, Dec. 6. It's similar to legislation that the U.S. House passed in June. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)

The House will have to consider the Senate's bill, or vice versa, before it heads to President Donald Trump for consideration. "We have reason to believe they will by the end of the year," said Kaylin Minton, communications director for Risch.

Supporters, including the governors of Oregon, Washington and Idaho, fishing groups and tribes, say the bill will give wildlife managers greater flexibility in controlling California sea lions that dramatically increased from about 30,000 in the 1960s to about 300,000 under the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Critics called it ill-conceived and say it won't solve the problem of declining salmon, which also face other problems such as habitat loss and dams.

"This bill changes the core protective nature of the Marine Mammal Protection Act by allowing for the indiscriminate killing of sea lions throughout the Columbia River and its tributaries," Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist for Animal Welfare Institute, said in a statement.

Washington, Idaho and Oregon wildlife managers currently have federal authorization to kill problem sea lions that eat salmon in the Columbia River near Bonneville Dam east of Portland.

But they must first go through a lengthy process to identify and document specific sea lions that cause problems, including observing them eating a salmon and using non-lethal hazing measures on them.

Both the House and Senate bills would remove those requirements, so states and several Native American tribes could get a federal permit to remove any sea lion east of the Interstate 205 bridge that connects Vancouver with Portland, as well as in tributaries of the Columbia River where there are federally protected fish.

Several Native American tribes, including the Yakama Nation, Warm Springs, Umatilla and Nez Perce tribes, also would be granted authority to manage sea lions.

Under both bills, the total number of sea lions removed cannot exceed 10 percent of a specified level, called the potential biological removal. For California sea lions, for example, that limit would be no more than 920 animals.

Nate Pamplin, policy director of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said the actual number of animals removed would be much lower because there aren't that many eligible to be removed.

While there are several thousand California sea lions in the Columbia River estuary, only about 200 to 300 swim more than 100 miles upriver from the Pacific Ocean and would be eligible for removal, state wildlife officials say.

An orca task force convened by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee also backed the legislation to boost the fish for the struggling population of southern resident killer whales.

FILE - In this March 14, 2018 file photo, workers with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission work together to load a trapped California sea lion onto a truck after it was captured in the Willamette River near Oregon City, Ore. A bill making it easier to kill sea lions that feast on imperiled salmon in the Columbia River has cleared the U.S. Senate. The measure would allow a more streamlined process for Washington, Idaho, Oregon and several Pacific Northwest tribes to capture and euthanize sea lions. The bill sponsored by Idaho Sen. Jim Risch and Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell cleared the Senate Thursday, Dec. 6. It's similar to legislation that the U.S. House passed in June. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus, File)
DOVER, Del. (AP) - Former governors, lawmakers, business and community leaders, and a former Philadelphia Phillies owner are among scores of Delawareans vouching for a disgraced bank president facing years in prison for fraud.

Former Wilmington Trust president Robert Harra Jr. and three other bank officials face sentencing this month after being convicted of misleading regulators and investors about the bank's troubled condition before it was hastily sold in 2011. The century-old bank imploded despite receiving $330 million from the federal Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Attorneys for all four defendants filed lengthy sentencing memoranda this week seeking leniency for their clients.

A court filing Friday shows that those vouching for Harra include former Democratic Gov. Jack Markell, former Republican governor and congressman Mike Castle, and former Phillies owner Ruly Carpenter III.

Also seeking leniency for Harra are former Delaware Chief Justice E. Norman Veasey, former Delaware National Guard commander Gen. Frank Vavala, and former state economic development director Alan Levin.

Many of the character reference letters cite Harra's years of service for local charities and community groups such as the United Way, Salvation Army and Ronald McDonald House.

"I believe that justice will best be served by allowing Mr. Harra to continue his distinctive record of public service," Markell wrote.

Rick Jensen, a conservative radio talk show host in Wilmington, urged not just leniency for Harra, but "freedom."

"If he tells me he had no knowledge of any wrongdoings, I will go to my grave believing him. ... He and his family have suffered enough through this agony; an agony he and his family do not deserve," Jensen wrote.

Harra and former Wilmington Trust chief financial officer David Gibson are to be sentenced on Dec. 17. Former chief credit officer William North and former controller Kevyn Rakowski will be sentenced two days later.

A federal jury convicted the four former executives on all charges in May after a six-week trial. Prosecutors alleged that in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the defendants misled regulators and investors about Wilmington Trust's massive amount of past-due commercial real estate loans, which left it teetering on the edge of collapse.

The bank itself was the only financial institution to be criminally charged in connection with the federal bank bailout program. It reached a $60 million settlement with prosecutors in 2017 on the eve of a scheduled trial. The agreement included a civil forfeiture of $44 million and $16 million previously paid by Wilmington Trust to the Securities and Exchange Commission in a related lawsuit.

Meanwhile, court filings indicate that Harra and Gibson face nine to 11 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, while North and Rakowski face seven to nine years. It was unclear whether they would receive any prison time, however. Defense attorneys are seeking probation for their clients. They also are asking that they be allowed to remain free pending resolution of their appeals, a process that could take a year or more.

Prosecutors oppose allowing the defendants to remain free on bail pending appeal. The judge on Friday ordered attorneys to submit written filings on the issue pending a possible court hearing in late January.

Even if they are sentenced to prison, the defendants will be allowed at least two months, possibly more, before they have to report to prison, according to a court filing.
EASTON, Pa. (AP) - A jury has convicted a Pennsylvania man of serial rape and human trafficking charges that could put him in prison for life.

Prosecutors say 31-year-old Seth Mull assaulted four women in the Bethlehem area and Philadelphia in a two-month span last year. The accusers say Mull claimed them as his property, using violence and drugs to exert control. In some cases, prosecutors say Mull sold them to other men. Police found Mull in possession of a written "sex slave contract."

The defense claims Mull had consensual sex with the women.

A jury on Friday convicted Mull on 30 of the 36 charges he faced. The judge says that Mull faces a sentence of hundreds of years.

Law enforcement agencies from New Jersey to Hawaii have also been investigating Mull.
The AgTech and Green Energy international forum on agrarian technologies and green energy has opened in Azerbaijan for the first time.

Co-Organized by the ministries of Agriculture and Energy of Azerbaijan, the forum is hosted at ADA University in Baku.

The forum is attended by vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Leyla Aliyeva, high-ranking officials from a number of ministries, government agencies, heads of farms, foreign experts in the field of green technologies, representatives of start-ups and technology companies and the private sector.

The forum, held under the slogan 'Innovations for a green future,' aims at ensuring innovative development of the agricultural and energy sectors in Azerbaijan as well as strengthening links between various stakeholders and establishing models and links in the field of sustainable business, AzerTAc reported.

The forum brings together 35 experts from 15 countries and will feature panel discussion such as 'Future of energy and agrarian technologies', 'Technology for agrarian and green energy', 'Academy of Agrarian and Energy Technologies', 'Policy Impact', 'New Innovative Ecosystems', 'Farmers' Sector', 'Agricultural and Energy Sector: AgTech session', 'Business for agricultural and energy sector: Green Energy session', 'Workshop on Startup and innovation ecosystem'.
TOKYO (AP) - The U.S. Marines have identified a fighter pilot who died after his jet collided with a refueling aircraft during training off Japan's coast, leaving five other Marines missing and one rescued.

Two pilots were flying an F/A-18 Hornet that collided with a KC-130 Hercules about 2 a.m. Thursday. The other pilot was rescued and the crew of the refueling plane is missing.

The Marine Corps identified the dead crew member as Capt. Jahmar Resilard, 28, of Miramar, Florida. He served with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi, Japan.

"The Bats are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Jahmar Resilard. He was an effective and dedicated leader who cared for his Marines and fellow fighter pilots with passion," Lt. Col. James Compton, commanding officer of the squadron, said in a statement.

"His warm and charismatic nature bound us together and we will miss him terribly," he added.

The Marines said that the two planes were involved in routine training, including aerial refueling, but that it was still investigating what caused the crash.

This undated photo made available by the U.S. Marine Corps shows Capt. Jahmar F. Resilard. On Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, officials said he was killed in a plane crash off the coast of Japan. (U.S. Marine Corps via AP)

President Donald Trump tweeted that his thoughts and prayers were with the Marine Corps crew members involved in the collision. He thanked U.S. Forces in Japan for their "immediate response and rescue efforts" and said "Whatever you need, we are here for you."

The crash is the latest in recent series of accidents involving the U.S. military deployed to and near Japan.

Last month, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan crashed into the sea southwest of Japan's southern island of Okinawa, though its two pilots were rescued safely. In mid-October, a MH-60 Seahawk also belonging to the Ronald Reagan crashed off the Philippine Sea shortly after takeoff, causing non-fatal injuries to a dozen sailors.

More than 50,000 U.S. troops are based in Japan under a bilateral security pact.

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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

In this Dec. 6, 2018, aerial photo, Japan's Coast Guard ship, top, and U.S. military plane are seen at sea off Kochi, southwestern Japan, during the search and rescue operation for missing crew members of the U.S. Marine refueling plane and fighter jet. One of two crew members recovered after two U.S. warplanes collided and crashed off Japan's coast early Thursday is dead and five others remain missing, the U.S. military said. (Kyodo News via AP)

In this aerial photo, Japan's Coast Guard ship is seen at sea during a search operation for U.S. Marine refueling plane and fighter jet off Muroto, Kochi prefecture, southwestern Japan, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. A Marine refueling plane and a fighter jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Japan's southwestern coast after a midair collision early Thursday, and rescuers found one of the seven crew members in stable condition while searching for the others, officials said. The U.S. Marine Corps said that the 2 a.m. crash involved an F/A-18 fighter jet and a KC-130 refueling aircraft during regular training after the planes took off from their base in Iwakuni, near Hiroshima in western Japan. (Kyodo News via AP)

In this Oct. 13, 2016, photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps, two F/A-18D Hornets with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 approach a KC-130J with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 during a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Central Command aerial refueling exercise in undisclosed location. On Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, two American warplanes crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Japan's southwestern coast after a midair collision, and rescuers found one of the seven crew members in stable condition while searching for the others, officials said. The U.S. Marine Corps said that the crash involved an F/A-18 fighter jet and a KC-130 refueling aircraft during regular training after the planes took off from their base in Iwakuni, near Hiroshima in western Japan. (Cpl. Trever Statz/U.S. Marine Corps via AP)
Former Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen faces sentencing next week on campaign finance violations, tax evasion and other charges. Excerpts from the sentencing recommendation filed in New York Friday by federal prosecutors, in which they recommend a "substantial" sentence despite his cooperation:

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"After cheating the IRS for years, lying to banks and to Congress, and seeking to criminally influence the Presidential election, Cohen's decision to plead guilty - rather than seek a pardon for his manifold crimes - does not make him a hero."

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"Cohen, an attorney and businessman, committed four distinct federal crimes over a period of several years. He was motivated to do so by personal greed, and repeatedly used his power and influence for deceptive ends. Now he seeks extraordinary leniency - a sentence of no jail time - based principally on his rose-colored view of the seriousness of the crimes. ... The crimes committed by Cohen were more serious than his submission allows and were marked by a pattern of deception that permeated his professional life (and was evidently hidden from the friends and family members who wrote on his behalf)."

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"Cohen's commission of two campaign finance crimes on the eve of the 2016 election for President of the United States struck a blow to one of the core goals of the federal campaign finance laws: transparency. While many Americans who desired a particular outcome to the election knocked on doors, toiled at phone banks, or found any number of other legal ways to make their voices heard, Cohen sought to influence the election from the shadows."

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"Cohen first reached out to meet with the (special counsel) at a time when he knew he was under imminent threat of indictment in this District. As such, any suggestion by Cohen that his meetings with law enforcement reflect a selfless and unprompted about-face are overstated."

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"Cohen did provide information to law enforcement, including information that assisted the Special Counsel's Office (SCO) in ongoing matters. ... But Cohen's description of those efforts is overstated in some respects and incomplete in others."

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"At the time that Cohen met twice with this Office, through his attorneys, he had expressed that he was considering - but not committing to - full cooperation. Cohen subsequently determined not to fully cooperate."

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"On balance, like most others who stand before this Court for sentence, Cohen is neither all good nor all bad. His personal interactions in private life should not be this Court's principal consideration. Rather, it is Cohen's serious crimes that should be the Court's lodestar."
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, was in touch as far back as 2015 with a Russian who offered "political synergy" with the Trump election campaign and proposed a meeting between the candidate and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the special counsel said Friday.

Court filings from prosecutors in New York and special counsel Robert Mueller's office lay out previously undisclosed contacts between Trump associates and Russian intermediaries and suggest the Kremlin aimed early on to influence Trump and his campaign by playing to both his political aspirations and his personal business interests.

The filings, in cases involving Cohen and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, cap a dramatic week of revelations in Mueller's ongoing investigation into potential coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin.

They make clear how witnesses previously close to Trump - Cohen once declared he'd "take a bullet" for the president - have since provided damaging information about him in efforts to come clean to the government and in some cases get lighter prison sentences. One witness, former national security adviser Michael Flynn, provided so much information to prosecutors that Mueller this week said he shouldn't serve any prison time.

The interviews with prosecutors have yielded intimate information about episodes under close examination, including possible Russian collusion and hush money payments during the campaign to a porn star and Playboy model who say they had sex with Trump a decade earlier.

In one of the filings, Mueller details how Cohen spoke to a Russian who "claimed to be a 'trusted person' in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign 'political synergy' and 'synergy on a government level.'" The person repeatedly dangled a meeting between Trump and Putin, saying such a meeting could have a "phenomenal" impact "not only in political but in a business dimension as well."

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. In the latest filings Friday, prosecutors will weigh in on whether Cohen deserves prison time and, if so, how much. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

That was a reference to a proposed Moscow real estate deal that prosecutors say could have netted Trump's business hundreds of millions of dollars. Cohen admitted last week to lying to Congress by saying discussions about a Trump Tower in Moscow ended in January 2016 when in fact they stretched into that June, well into the U.S. campaign.

Cohen told prosecutors he never followed up, though the offer bore echoes of a proposal presented by Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos, who raised the idea to other advisers of leveraging his connections to set up a Putin encounter.

In an additional filing Friday evening, prosecutors said Manafort lied to them about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials, including in 2018.

The court papers say that Manafort initially told prosecutors he didn't have any contact with anyone while they were in the Trump administration. But prosecutors say they recovered "electronic documents" showing his contacts with multiple administration officials. The officials are not identified in the court filings.

Manafort, who has pleaded guilty to several counts, violated his plea agreement by then telling "multiple discernible lies" to prosecutors, they said.

Prosecutors in Cohen's case said that even though he cooperated in their investigation into the hush money payments to women he nonetheless deserved to spend time in prison.

"Cohen did provide information to law enforcement, including information that assisted the Special Counsel's Office," they said. "But Cohen's description of those efforts is overstated in some respects and incomplete in others."

Cohen, dubbed Trump's "legal fixer" in the past, also described his work in conjunction with Trump in orchestrating hush money payments to two women -adult actress Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal- who said they had sex with Trump.

Prosecutors in New York, where Cohen pleaded guilty in August in connection with those payments, said the lawyer "acted in coordination and at the direction" of Trump, suggesting they had implicated him in Cohen's crime.

Despite such specific allegations of Trump's actions, the president quickly tweeted after news of the filings: "Totally clears the President. Thank you!"

In addition, the filings reveal that Cohen told prosecutors he and Trump discussed a potential meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in 2015, shortly after Trump announced his candidacy for president.

In a footnote, special counsel Robert Mueller's team writes that Cohen conferred with Trump "about contacting the Russia government before reaching out to gauge Russia's interest in such a meeting," though it never took place.

In meetings with Mueller's team, Cohen "provided information about his own contacts with Russian interests during the campaign and discussions with others in the course of making those contacts," the court documents said.

Cohen provided prosecutors with a "detailed account" of his involvement, along with the involvement of others, in efforts during the 2016 presidential campaign to complete a deal to build a Trump Tower Moscow, the documents said. He also provided information about attempts by Russian nationals to reach Trump's campaign, they said.

However, in the crimes to which he pleaded guilty in August, he was motivated "by personal greed and repeatedly used his power and influence for deceptive ends."

Prosecutors said the court's Probation Department estimated that federal sentencing guidelines call for Cohen to serve at least four years in prison. They said that "reflects Cohen's extensive, deliberate and serious criminal conduct."

Prosecutors say Cohen "already enjoyed a privileged life," and that "his desire for even greater wealth and influence precipitated an extensive course of criminal conduct."

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Associated Press writers Larry Neumeister in New York and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report.

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A portion of a court filing by prosecutors from the special counsel's office released Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, laid out for the first time details of Cohen's cooperation with investigators and took positions on the punishment he should face. (AP Photo/Wayne Partlow)

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. In the latest filings Friday, prosecutors will weigh in on whether Cohen deserves prison time and, if so, how much. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

FILE - In this June 21, 2017, file photo, special counsel Robert Mueller departs after a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mueller is set to reveal more details about his Russia investigation as he faces court deadlines in the cases of two men who worked closely with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. In the latest filings Friday, prosecutors will weigh in on whether Cohen deserves prison time and, if so, how much. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. In the latest filings Friday, prosecutors will weigh in on whether Cohen deserves prison time and, if so, how much. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
DETROIT (AP) - A 12-year-old Michigan boy is working odd jobs to raise money for a special Christmas gift: a gravestone for his best friend.

Kaleb Klakulak and Kenneth "K.J." Gross had been friends since second grade before K.J. died in May of congestive heart failure after years of chemotherapy to fight leukemia, The Detroit News reported .

K.J. was buried in a family plot at Detroit's Elmwood Cemetery. But K.J.'s mom couldn't afford a grave marker, so Kaleb has been raking leaves, collecting bottles and soliciting PayPal donations on social media to help raise $2,500. He's raised $900 so far and given the money to K.J.'s mother, LaSondra "San" Singleton.

"I love Ms. San," Kaleb said. "I was sad she couldn't afford it. I wanted people to be able to find (K.J.'s grave) when they went to see him."

Kaleb's mom, Kristy Hall, helped him get started with the fundraising effort.

"I really think this is a great thing for Kaleb to focus on and help him with his healing as well as K.J.'s mom, who misses her baby and has to visit an unmarked grave," Hall wrote in a Facebook post about Kaleb's goal.

In this Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 photo, Kaleb Klakulak rakes leaves in Rochester Hills, Mich., as he raises money for a headstone for his best friend Kenneth "K.J." Gross, who died of cancer last year. (Max Ortiz/Detroit News via AP)

Singleton said she's overwhelmed by Kaleb's actions and love for her son, even after his death. She said the boys "were kindred spirits; they were like brothers."

"It just speaks volumes to the type of people that they are, and it speaks to the type of person that K.J. was - he impacted people to where they want to do this for him," Singleton said.

In this Dec. 3, 2018 photo, LaSondra Singleton wipes tears from her eyes as she talks about her son Kenneth Gross Jr. in her Warren, Mich., home. Kenneth died at age 12 waiting for a donor heart that failed due to complications from cancer. (David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP)

In this Dec. 3, 2018 photo, LaSondra Singleton holds a photo of her son Kenneth Gross Jr. while standing in front of a tree that was decorated in her son's honor at her Warren, Mich., home. Kenneth died at age 12 waiting for a donor heart that failed due to complications from cancer. (David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP)

In this Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 photo, Kaleb Klakulak takes a break from raking leaves outside the home a home in Rochester Hills, Mich., as he raises money for a headstone for his best friend Kenneth "K.J." Gross, who died of cancer last year. (Max Ortiz/Detroit News via AP)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A divided U.S. appeals court late Friday refused to immediately allow the Trump administration to enforce a ban on asylum for any immigrants who illegally cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

The ban is inconsistent with an existing U.S. law and an attempted end-run around Congress, a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in a 2-1 decision.

"Just as we may not, as we are often reminded, 'legislate from the bench,' neither may the Executive legislate from the Oval Office," 9th Circuit Judge Jay Bybee, a nominee of Republican President George W. Bush, wrote for the majority.

A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice, Steven Stafford, did not have comment. But he referred to an earlier statement that called the asylum system broken and said the department looked forward to "continuing to defend the Executive Branch's legitimate and well-reasoned exercise of its authority to address the crisis at our southern border."

At issue is President Donald Trump's Nov. 9 proclamation that barred anyone who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border between official ports of entry from seeking asylum. Trump issued the proclamation in response to caravans of migrants approaching the border.

A lower court judge temporarily blocked the ban and later refused to immediately reinstate it. The administration appealed to the 9th Circuit for an immediate stay of Judge Jon Tigar's Nov. 19 temporary restraining order.

In a dissenting opinion Friday, 9th Circuit Judge Edward Leavy said the administration "adopted legal methods to cope with the current problems rampant at the southern border." Nothing in the law the majority cited prevented a rule categorically barring eligibility for asylum on the basis of how a person entered the country, Leavy, a nominee of Republican President Ronald Reagan, said.

In his Nov, 19 ruling, Tigar sided with legal groups who argued that federal law is clear that immigrants in the U.S. can request asylum regardless of whether they entered legally.

The president "may not rewrite the immigration laws to impose a condition that Congress has expressly forbidden," the judge said in his order.

The ruling led to an unusual public dispute between Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts after Trump dismissed Tigar - an appointee of Trump's predecessor - as an "Obama judge."

Roberts responded with a statement that the federal judiciary doesn't have "Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges."
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department says that President Donald Trump directed illegal payments to buy the silence of two women whose claims of extramarital affairs threatened his presidential campaign, the first time prosecutors have connected Trump to a federal crime.

In a court filing , prosecutors said former Trump lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen arranged the secret payments at the height of the 2016 campaign "in coordination with and at the direction of" Trump. Cohen has previously said Trump was involved in the hush-money scheme, but court documents filed ahead of Cohen's sentencing made clear prosecutors believe Cohen's claim.

The filing stopped short of accusing the president of committing a crime. Whether a president can be prosecuted while in office remains a matter of legal dispute.

But there's no ambiguity in Friday's filing that prosecutors believe Cohen's act was criminal and Trump was directly involved, a remarkable disclosure with potential political and legal ramifications for a president dogged by investigations. The payments are likely to become a target for House Democrats gearing up to investigate the president next year. It's unclear whether Trump faces legal jeopardy over his role.

Federal law requires that any payments made "for the purposes of influencing" an election must be reported in campaign finance disclosures. The court filing Friday makes clear that the payments were made to benefit Trump politically.

In August, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight criminal charges, including campaign finance violations, and detailed an illegal operation to stifle sex stories and distribute hush money to buy the silence of porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who had both claimed they had affairs with Trump. Trump has denied having an affair.

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. In the latest filings Friday, prosecutors will weigh in on whether Cohen deserves prison time and, if so, how much. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was paid $130,000 as part of a nondisclosure agreement signed days before the 2016 election and is currently suing to dissolve that contract.

Trump denied in April that he knew anything about Cohen's payments to Daniels, though the explanations from the president and his attorney, Rudy Giuliani, have shifted multiple times since then.

Another attorney for the president, Jay Sekulow, did not immediately return a call for comment.

Trump, in a Saturday morning tweet, said: "AFTER TWO YEARS AND MILLIONS OF PAGES OF DOCUMENTS (and a cost of over $30,000,000), NO COLLUSION!

In August 2016, the National Enquirer's parent company reached a $150,000 deal to pay McDougal for her story of a 2006 affair, which it never published, a tabloid practice known as catch and kill. In 2015, the company's chairman met with Cohen and Trump and "offered help with negative stories" about Trump's relationships with women by buying the rights to the stories, prosecutors said.

After McDougal contacted the Enquirer, the chairman of its parent company, American Media Inc., contacted Cohen about the story. After Cohen promised the company would be reimbursed, the Enquirer paid McDougal $150,000, according to court documents.

An audio recording released by Cohen in July appeared to capture Trump and Cohen discussing buying the rights to McDougal's story from the Enquirer's parent company. Trump's lawyers have said the payments were never made.

Legal experts have said the issue of whether Trump violated the law would come down to whether Trump tried to influence the election and whether he knew it was legally improper.

Former Sen. John Edwards, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008, was indicted in 2011 in connection with payments made on his behalf by a wealthy campaign donor to keep Edwards' mistress quiet, which prosecutors argued amounted to illegal campaign contributions.

Edwards argued the payments were meant to keep his wife from learning about the affair - not to protect his campaign - and were therefore not political donations.

A jury acquitted the North Carolina Democrat of one charge and deadlocked on the rest in 2012. The Justice Department did not retry the case.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has suspended a unit that stopped thousands of innocent Latinos on a freeway to search for drugs.

A spokeswoman tells the Los Angeles Times Friday that the Domestic Highway Enforcement Team was suspended last month and its deputies reassigned while operations are under review.

Newly elected Sheriff Alex Villanueva says he supports the move.

The county's inspector general is investigating whether the program racially profiled drivers. He's already told the Civilian Oversight Commission that drivers' constitutional rights were violated.

The investigation began after a Times report that said Latinos comprised 69 percent of drivers stopped on Interstate 5 under the program between 2012 and 2017. The paper also said Latino drivers had their cars searched at a far higher rate than other racial groups.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, was in touch as far back as 2015 with a Russian who offered "political synergy" with the Trump election campaign and proposed a meeting between the candidate and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the federal special counsel said.

Court filings from prosecutors in New York and special counsel Robert Mueller's office Friday laid out previously undisclosed contacts between Trump associates and Russian intermediaries and suggested the Kremlin aimed early on to influence Trump and his campaign by playing to both his political aspirations and his personal business interests.

The filings, in cases involving Cohen and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort , capped a dramatic week of revelations in Mueller's probe into possible coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. They bring the legal peril from multiple investigations closer than ever to Trump, tying him to an illegal hush money payment scheme and contradicting his claims that he had nothing to do with Russia.

Trump was undeterred, tweeting early Saturday: "AFTER TWO YEARS AND MILLIONS OF PAGES OF DOCUMENTS (and a cost of over $30,000,000), NO COLLUSION!"

Just before leaving Washington on Saturday afternoon for the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia, Trump told reporters "we're very happy with what we are reading because there was no collusion whatsoever. There never has been. The last thing I want is help from Russia on a campaign."

Trump described the investigation as a "very one-sided situation, but I think it's all turning around very nicely. As far as the reports that we see, according to everybody I've spoken to, I have not read it, there's absolutely no collusion, which is very excellent."

A portion of a court filing by prosecutors from the special counsel's office released Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, laid out for the first time details of Cohen's cooperation with investigators and took positions on the punishment he should face. (AP Photo/Wayne Partlow)

The court documents make clear how witnesses previously close to Trump - Cohen once declared he'd "take a bullet" for the president - have since provided damaging information about him in efforts to come clean to the government and in some cases get lighter prison sentences.

One defendant, former national security adviser Michael Flynn, provided so much information to prosecutors that Mueller this week said he shouldn't serve any prison time.

In hours of interviews with prosecutors, witnesses have offered up information about pivotal episodes under examination, including possible collusion with Russia and payments during the campaign to silence a porn star and Playboy model who said they had sex with Trump a decade earlier.

In one of the filings, Mueller details how Cohen spoke to a Russian who "claimed to be a 'trusted person' in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign 'political synergy' and 'synergy on a government level.'"

The person repeatedly dangled a meeting between Trump and Putin, saying such a meeting could have a "phenomenal" impact "not only in political but in a business dimension as well."

That was a reference to a proposed Moscow real estate deal that prosecutors say could have netted Trump's business hundreds of millions of dollars. Cohen admitted last week to lying to Congress by saying discussions about a Trump Tower in Moscow ended in January 2016 when in fact they stretched into that June, well into the U.S. campaign.

Cohen told prosecutors he never followed up on the Putin invitation, though the offer bore echoes of a March 2016 proposal presented by Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos, who broached to other advisers the idea of a Putin encounter.

Prosecutors said probation officials recommended a sentence for Cohen of three-and-a-half years in prison. His lawyers want the 52-year-old attorney to avoid prison time altogether.

In an additional filing Friday evening, prosecutors said Manafort lied about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials, including in 2018.

The court papers say Manafort initially told prosecutors he didn't have contact with any people while they were in the Trump administration. But prosecutors say they recovered "electronic documents" showing contacts with multiple administration officials not identified in the filings.

Manafort, who has pleaded guilty to several counts, violated his plea agreement by telling "multiple discernible lies" to prosecutors, they said.

Manafort resigned from his job on the Trump campaign as questions swirled about his lobbying work for a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine.

Prosecutors in Cohen's case said that even though he cooperated in their investigation into potential campaign finance violations, he nonetheless deserved prison time. Though he has portrayed himself as cooperative, "his description of those efforts is overstated in some respects and incomplete in others," prosecutors said.

"After cheating the IRS for years, lying to banks and to Congress, and seeking to criminally influence the Presidential election, Cohen's decision to plead guilty - rather than seek a pardon for his manifold crimes - does not make him a hero," they wrote.

Cohen, dubbed Trump's "legal fixer" in the past, also described his work in conjunction with Trump in orchestrating hush money payments to two women - adult actress Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal - who said they had sex with Trump.

Prosecutors in New York, where Cohen pleaded guilty in August to campaign finance crimes in connection with those payments, said the lawyer "acted in coordination and at the direction" of Trump. Though Cohen had previously implicated Trump in the payments, the prosecutors now are linking Trump to the scheme and backing up Cohen's allegations.

Federal law requires that any payments made "for the purposes of influencing" an election must be reported in campaign finance disclosures. The court filing Friday makes clear that the payments were made to benefit Trump politically.

A court filing also reveals that Cohen told prosecutors he and Trump discussed a potential meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in 2015, shortly after Trump announced his candidacy for president. In a footnote Mueller's team writes that Cohen conferred with Trump "about contacting the Russia government before reaching out to gauge Russia's interest in such a meeting." It never took place.

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Associated Press writers Larry Neumeister in New York and Michael Balsamo in Washington contributed to this report

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. In the latest filings Friday, prosecutors will weigh in on whether Cohen deserves prison time and, if so, how much. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

FILE - In this June 21, 2017, file photo, special counsel Robert Mueller departs after a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mueller is set to reveal more details about his Russia investigation as he faces court deadlines in the cases of two men who worked closely with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
REDLANDS, Calif. (AP) - A Southern California school district has agreed to pay $8.5 million to four students who allege they were sexually abused by a former teacher.

The San Bernardino Sun says the settlement was announced Friday by the youngsters' attorney.

The Redlands Unified School District agreed to settle a claim alleging the children were molested by Joel Koonce, a former Redlands High School drama teacher who's pleaded not guilty to 15 felony charges.

Over the past seven years, the district has paid more than $30 million to students who alleged they were molested by teachers or staff members. In August alone, the district agreed to pay $15.7 million to settle lawsuits by eight former students.

Spokeswoman MaryRone Shell says the district has toughened its policies for reporting suspected child abuse.
The recent decision of the OPEC+ to limit oil outputs would balance supply and demand in the global oil market, Austria's OMV energy group CEO Rayner Zele said.

Zele noted that he welcomes the decision. "It will stabilize markets. We are not interested in disbalance on the global oil markets. This decision will lead to stabilizing the supply and demand and eliminating surplus," Sputnik cited the OMV CEO as saying.

On December 7, the cartel and non-OPEC producers decided to jointly reduce output by 1.2 million barrels per day starting January 2019.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Key pieces of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation appear to be falling into place.

In three court filings Friday, prosecutors for the first time connected President Donald Trump to a crime involving hush money payments to a porn actress. They revealed new details about outreach from Russia early in Trump's presidential campaign. They detailed how they say two central figures, lawyer Michael Cohen and onetime campaign chairman Paul Manafort , were continually tripped up by lies.

Some takeaways from the latest round of court documents from Mueller's investigation:

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EARLY RUSSIAN OUTREACH

Trump announced his presidential candidacy in June 2015. By that November, the Russians were reaching out about "political synergy."

President Donald Trump exits the Marine One helicopter as he returns to the White House, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, in Washington, after speaking at the 2018 Project Safe Neighborhoods National Conference. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

The court papers provide new details about one of the earliest known contacts between Russia and a Trump campaign associate. In fall 2015, Cohen was months into his work on a proposed Trump Tower in Moscow when an unidentified Russian national proposed a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This person, prosecutors say, claimed to be a "trusted person" in Russia who could offer the Trump campaign "political synergy" and "synergy on a government level."

This person sought to connect the Trump business project with the campaign, saying the meeting could have a "phenomenal" impact on the proposed tower in Moscow. There is "no bigger warranty in any project than the consent of" Putin, the person told Cohen.

Prosecutors say Cohen didn't follow up and that the meeting never occurred.

The outreach is more evidence that Russia was eager to build relationships with the campaign and tried to use Trump's business as an opening.

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TRUMP DIRECTED COHEN'S CRIME

Prosecutors didn't mince words: The campaign finance violations Cohen committed came "in coordination with and at the direction of" Trump, according to the new filings.

Those violations stemmed from payments Cohen made to buy the silence of porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Both women alleged they had affairs with Trump, which the White House denies. Daniels was paid $130,000 as part of a nondisclosure agreement signed days before the 2016 election.

Trump has denied knowing anything about the Daniels payment. But the filing directly contradicts that claim. It also, for the first time, directly ties Trump to a federal crime. Campaign finance law requires candidates to report any payments made to influence the election. The Trump campaign failed to report the payment at the time.

Prosecutors don't say Trump broke the law and the Justice Department has maintained that a sitting president cannot be indicted.

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PUBLIC STATEMENTS MATTER TO MUELLER

At least such statements did matter to Mueller when Cohen lied to Congress, and that could have implications for other episodes under investigation in the Russia investigation.

Cohen has admitted lying to Congress about how long he worked on the Trump Tower Moscow project and repeating the falsehoods to the media. But Mueller's team doesn't just consider this self-protection. It was a "deliberate effort" to publicly present a "false narrative" in the hopes of limiting the scope of the various Russia investigations, prosecutors say in the court papers.

Mueller's focus on public assertions and their impact on witnesses, lawmakers and ongoing investigations could serve as a warning to Trump.

The president also has spread falsehoods about his campaign's ties to Russia. The special counsel has questioned witnesses about a statement Trump dictated on Air Force One last year that omitted several details about a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting with a Russian attorney.

The filing suggests Mueller intends to hold witnesses accountable for the statements made privately and publicly. If the lies are meant to influence the investigation, they may factor into Mueller's investigation into whether Trump has tried to obstruct the probe.

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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CONTACTS

Despite their criminal cases, the Trump administration just can't leave Manafort or Cohen behind, according to prosecutors.

In Cohen's case, Mueller's team said he has provided "relevant and useful" information about his contacts with people connected to the Trump White House in 2017 and 2018. With Manafort, prosecutors say he also had several recent administration contacts and lied about them.

After Manafort pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with the government, prosecutors say he told them he had "no direct or indirect" contact with people in the administration. But that was a lie, they say.

Instead, they found evidence, including electronic documents, showing contacts with multiple administration officials. That included communication with a "senior administration official" through February 2018. Manafort also directed a person to speak with an administration official on his "behalf" on May 26.

Neither Cohen's nor Manafort's filings detail the content of the conversations or identify the officials. Manafort has contended he was truthful with Mueller's team.

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NOT JUST COHEN'S WORD

Since his guilty plea, Trump has attacked Cohen as a liar who is telling "stories" to get a reduced prison sentence. But prosecutors revealed Friday that they're not just taking Cohen's word for it.

The information Cohen told prosecutors in seven separate interviews "has been credible and consistent with other evidence obtained" in Mueller's investigation, they note in the sentencing recommendation.

Some of that information from Cohen, prosecutors say, concerns "certain discrete Russia-related matters" at the "core" of Mueller's investigation, particularly those involving his contact with Trump Organization executives.

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'LUCRATIVE' MOSCOW DEAL

Trump and his lawyers have played down the Trump Tower Moscow proposal. The president has said he never put any money into it and ultimately decided not to do it. But Mueller's team reveals that if he did, they believe they know the windfall.

According to Cohen's filing, the deal could have yielded "hundreds of millions of dollars from Russian sources in licensing fees and other revenues."

They also note that the project's success likely hinged on Russian government approval, which Cohen sought.

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Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.
NEW YORK (AP) - For weeks, Michael Cohen sought to portray himself as a man who'd found his "true north" after years of shady business dealings and pit-bull loyalty to President Donald Trump.

Prosecutors offered a vastly different assessment Friday of the president's former fixer, dismissing him as a duplicitous figure who badly misplayed his hand.

In a court filing ahead of Cohen's sentencing next week, they assailed him as a greedy opportunist who rode Trump's coattails to wealth and is now exaggerating his level of cooperation with investigators.

They said the "pattern of deception that permeated his professional life" was hidden from three dozen friends and relatives who wrote letters to the court hailing Cohen as "the true meaning of a 'mensch," a "consummate patriarch" and a selfless servant "whose manner and bearing is reminiscent of a more gracious era."

"After cheating the IRS for years, lying to banks and to Congress, and seeking to criminally influence the Presidential election, Cohen's decision to plead guilty - rather than seek a pardon for his manifold crimes - does not make him a hero," they wrote.

Cohen, 52, is facing the possibility of roughly four years in prison at a sentencing Dec. 12 for crimes that include tax evasion and helping to coordinate hush money payments to two women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump.

Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. In the latest filings Friday, prosecutors will weigh in on whether Cohen deserves prison time and, if so, how much. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

His lawyers said Cohen decided to plead guilty, cooperate with the special inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 elections and get sentenced quickly so he can put the case behind him and return to being a breadwinner for his wife of 24 years and their two college-age children.

Their campaign to portray him as a good person included collecting letters from longtime acquaintances telling how a teenage Cohen happened upon a misplaced wallet stuffed with over $1,000 and spent an hour searching for its rightful owner. Or the day Cohen chauffeured a church choir to a cemetery. And when he paid for the surgery of a housekeeper's child who couldn't afford it.

"This is the true Michael," wrote Randall D. Satin, a friend of Cohen's for four decades.

Prosecutors told the judge they aren't buying it.

"Now he seeks extraordinary leniency - a sentence of no jail time - based principally on his rose-colored view of the seriousness of the crimes; his claims to a sympathetic personal history; and his provision of certain information to law enforcement," they wrote.

Cohen was a workaday attorney specializing in negligence and malpractice with a $75,000 salary in 2007 who caught Trump's eye when he successfully fought the board of directors at a building where he lived when they sought to remove Trump's name from it, prosecutors said.

Soon afterward, he was hired at the Trump Organization as a special counsel to Trump, earning $500,000 annually.

Reporters came to know him as an arm-twisting advocate for Trump.

"If somebody does something Mr. Trump doesn't like, I do everything in my power to resolve it to Mr. Trump's benefit," Cohen once told ABC News. "If you do something wrong, I'm going to come at you, grab you by the neck and I'm not going to let you go until I'm finished."

Prosecutors, in their sentencing papers, cited one snarling exchange with a Daily Beast reporter.

"I will make sure that you and I meet one day while we're in the courthouse. And I will take you for every penny you still don't have. And I will come after your (employer) and everybody else that you possibly know," Cohen said.

On the side, Cohen invested in New York City's taxi industry and in real estate and made high-interest loans to people in the cab business.

He has pleaded guilty to failing to report $4 million in income to the IRS from those businesses.

During the presidential campaign, Cohen worked with executives at the company that owns the National Enquirer to pay the former Playboy model, Karen McDougal, and the adult film actress Stormy Daniels not to talk to reporters about alleged sexual encounters with Trump, who says the affairs never happened.

Cohen told prosecutors Trump directed him to make the payments.

After Trump's election, Cohen left the Trump Organization and tried to cash in on his connections.

Big companies hired him to offer "insight and access" to the administration. Those companies included AT&T, which paid Cohen $50,000 a month and the pharmaceutical giant Novartis, which paid Cohen $1.2 million.

Prosecutors haven't charged Cohen with doing anything criminal in connection with those deals, but they singled out the work as "hollow," saying he did minimal work.

After federal authorities raided his office earlier this year, Cohen's loyalty to Trump faded. He told ABC News that his family and country came first.

In a court filing last week, Cohen's lawyers said he had decided to "re-point his internal compass true north toward a productive, ethical and thoroughly law abiding life."

"He could have fought the government and continued to hold to the party line, positioning himself perhaps for a pardon or clemency, but, instead - for himself, his family, and his country - he took personal responsibility for his own wrongdoing and contributed, and is prepared to continue to contribute, to an investigation that he views as thoroughly legitimate and vital," they wrote.

In their filing Friday, prosecutors said Cohen acted out of self-interest.

"Any suggestion by Cohen that his meetings with law enforcement reflect a selfless and unprompted about-face are overstated," the wrote.

In a separate court filing, special counsel Robert Mueller's office had a more kind view of Cohen's cooperation, saying he had provided useful information about attempts by Russian intermediaries to influence Trump, as well as other matters.

New York prosecutors said that while Cohen was helpful, he had declined to sign a formal cooperation agreement, which would have required him to confess any other crimes he might have committed. Cohen, they wrote, wasn't willing to do so. They suggested only a slight reduction in his sentence for his cooperation.

David S. Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor, said Cohen appears to have overplayed his hand, leading prosecutors to attack the "bastion of humanity" portrait offered by the defense.

"It does create a sort of Jekyll-and-Hyde portrayal," Weinstein said.

A portion of a court filing by prosecutors from the special counsel's office released Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, laid out for the first time details of Cohen's cooperation with investigators and took positions on the punishment he should face. (AP Photo/Wayne Partlow)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Civil rights activists in this Virginia city say they hope the first-degree-murder conviction of a man who drove into a group of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in 2017 will help with healing their violence-scarred community.

In convicting James Alex Fields Jr. of first-degree murder, a state jury on Friday rejected defense arguments that the 21-year-old defendant had acted in self-defense during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017. Jurors also convicted Fields of eight other charges, including aggravated malicious wounding and hit and run.

The jury will reconvene Monday to recommend a sentence. Under Virginia law, jurors can recommend from 20 years to life in prison on the first-degree murder charge.

Fields is eligible for the death penalty if convicted of separate federal hate crime charges. No trial has been scheduled yet.

During trial, jurors heard that Fields drove to Virginia from his home in Maumee, Ohio, to support the white nationalists. As a large group of counterprotesters marched through Charlottesville singing and laughing, he stopped his car, backed up, then sped into the crowd, according to testimony from witnesses and video surveillance shown to jurors.

Prosecutors said Fields was angry after witnessing violent clashes between the two sides earlier in the day. The violence prompted police to shut down the rally before it even officially began.

Local activists raise their fists outside Charlottesville General District Court after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal, was killed, and nearly three dozen others were injured. The trial featured emotional testimony from survivors who described devastating injuries and long, complicated recoveries.

After the verdict was read, some of those who had been injured embraced Heyer's mother, Susan Bro. She left the courthouse without commenting.

Charlottesville City Councilor Wes Bellamy said he hopes the verdict "allows our community to take another step toward healing and moving forward."

Charlottesville civil rights activist Tanesha Hudson said she sees the guilty verdict as the city's way of saying, "We will not tolerate this in our city."

"We don't stand for this type of hate," she said.

White nationalist Richard Spencer, who had been scheduled to speak at the Unite the Right rally, described the verdict as a "miscarriage of justice."

"I am sadly not shocked, but I am appalled by this," he told The Associated Press of Field's conviction. "He was treated as a terrorist from the get-go."

Spencer popularized the term "alt-right" to describe a fringe movement loosely mixing white nationalism, anti-Semitism and other far-right extremist views. He said he doesn't feel any personal responsibility for the violence.

"Absolutely not," he said. "As a citizen, I have a right to protest. I have a right to speak. That is what I came to Charlottesville to do."

The far-right rally had been organized in part to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Hundreds of Ku Klux Klan members, neo-Nazis and other white nationalists - emboldened by the election of President Donald Trump - streamed into the college town for one of the largest gatherings of white supremacists in a decade.

According to one of his former teachers, Fields was known in high school for being fascinated with Nazism and idolizing Adolf Hitler. Jurors were shown a text message he sent to his mother days before the rally that included an image of the notorious German dictator.

During one of two recorded phone calls Fields made to his mother from jail in the months after he was arrested, he told her he had been mobbed "by a violent group of terrorists" at the rally. In another, Fields referred to the mother of the woman who was killed as a "communist" and "one of those anti-white supremacists."

Prosecutors also showed jurors a meme Fields posted on Instagram three months before the rally in which bodies are shown being thrown into the air after a car hits a crowd of people identified as protesters. He posted the meme publicly to his Instagram page.

But Fields' lawyers told the jury that he drove into the crowd on the day of the rally because he feared for his life and was "scared to death" by earlier violence he had witnessed. A video of Fields being interrogated after the crash showed him sobbing and hyperventilating after he was told a woman had died and others were seriously injured.

Wednesday Bowie, who was struck by Fields' car and suffered a broken pelvis and other injuries, said she was gratified by the guilty verdict.

"This is the best I've been in a year and a half," Bowie said.

___

Associated Press writers Mike Kunzelman in College Park, Maryland, and Tom Foreman Jr. in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report.

Susan Bro, left, mother of Heather Heyer is hugged by a supporter on the steps of the courthouse after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Charlottesville General district court in Charlottesville, Va. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail shows James Alex Fields Jr. Jurors in the trial of the man accused of killing a woman and injuring dozens at a white nationalist rally are expected to hear closing arguments in the case after testimony from final defense witnesses. Fields is charged with first-degree murder and other counts for driving his car into a crowd of counterprotesters in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017. (Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail via AP, File)

Local activists raise their fists outside Charlottesville General District Court after a guilty verdict was reached in the trial of James Alex Fields Jr., in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Fields was convicted of first degree murder in the death of Heather Heyer as well as nine other counts during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville . (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
RIMBO, Sweden (AP) - Yemeni rebel delegates at talks underway in Sweden to try end their country's ruinous civil war reported progress on Saturday on the key issues of reopening the airport at the capital, Sanaa, and the implementation of an agreement reached earlier this week on the exchange of prisoners.

U.N. special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, struck a positive note, saying in a brief statement read to reporters that the two sides were demonstrating a "positive spirit" in the talks, held at a castle in the town of Rimbo, north of Stockholm.

Yemen's four-year conflict, which has pushed the country to the brink of famine, pits the country's Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, against Yemen's internationally recognized government supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The United Nations has long led a push to resolve the conflict but past attempts at constructive talks have led nowhere.

"The two parties are engaged in a serious and constructive way in discussing the details of confidence-building measures," Griffiths said. "We hope we will achieve progress during this round of consultations."

Also speaking on Saturday, the third day of the talks, rebel delegate Abdul-Malik Al-Hajri said enough progress has been made on the airport issue that some "positive results" could be announced as early as Sunday.

"There was a wide-ranging discussion yesterday and today on the re-opening of Sanaa airport and, God willing, there will be some positive results tomorrow on a comprehensive scenario for the reopening of Sanaa airport," he told a news conference.

Rana Ghanem, member of a Yemeni government delegation, speaks to journalists during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Yemen's warring parties are meeting for a third day of talks in Sweden aimed at halting the country's catastrophic 4-year-old war. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP)

He gave no details except that one proposal made by the rebels was for Sanaa-bound aircraft to stop at another city in the region for inspection before they proceed to the Yemeni capital. He suggested Amman, Jordan's capital, as a candidate for an inspection stopover.

The Houthis captured Sanaa in 2014, forcing the government into exile and plunging the impoverished Arab nation into civil war. With the Houthis in control of most of the country, a Saudi-led, U.S.-backed coalition entered the war in March 2015 on the side President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi's government. The Houthis now control the north of the country while the government side controls the south.

The war has killed tens of thousands and made Yemen the world's worst humanitarian crisis with 22 of its 29 million people in need of aid, according to the U.N. The airport in rebel-held Sanaa has been closed since August 2016 by order of the Saudi-led coalition, leaving the rebel-held north of Yemen heavily relying on the Red Sea port of Hodeida, which is controlled by the Houthis, for delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid and fuel supplies.

The two sides have for months been locked at a stalemated fight over Hodeida.

On the issue of the prisoner exchange, al-Hajri said the rebels were prepared to release all of those they hold, provided the other side reciprocates. The two sides, however, agreed on incremental releases, with 200 prisoners from each side being simultaneously released. He did not say when that would start.

U.N. officials have sought to downplay expectations from the talks in Sweden, saying they don't foresee rapid progress toward a political settlement but hope for at least minor steps that would help to address Yemen's worsening humanitarian crisis and prepare a framework for further negotiations.

Abdul-Majid al-Hanash, another Houthi delegate, emphasized the importance of arriving at such a framework.

"In reality, what we came here for is to discuss the most important topics and that means agreeing on a framework for the political and security files," he told Saturday's news conference. "If put on the table, discussing these files will mean that we expect the battle and the war to end. This is the main objective."

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Hendawi reported from Cairo.

Abdul Malik al-Hajry and Abdul Majid Hanash, representatives for the Huthi rebel delegation, speaks at a press briefing during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Yemen's warring parties are meeting for a third day of talks in Sweden aimed at halting the country's catastrophic 4-year-old war. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP)

Yemen's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Othman Hussein Faid Mujali, right, speaks to journalists during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. The United Nations' refugee agency said Friday that there have been nearly 1,500 civilian casualties in Yemen from August through October, the latest grim tally to emerge from a 4-year civil war as opposing parties meet for talks in Sweden. (Janerik Henriksson/TT via AP)

Abdulaziz Jabari, member of a Yemeni government delegation, speaks to journalists during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Yemen's warring parties are meeting for a third day of talks in Sweden aimed at halting the country's catastrophic 4-year-old war. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP)

Rana Ghanem, member of a Yemeni government delegation, speaks to journalists during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Yemen's warring parties are meeting for a third day of talks in Sweden aimed at halting the country's catastrophic 4-year-old war. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP)

Abdulaziz Jabari, member of a Yemeni government delegation, speaks to journalists during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Yemen's warring parties are meeting for a third day of talks in Sweden aimed at halting the country's catastrophic 4-year-old war. (Henrik Montgomery/TT News Agency via AP)

Yemen's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Othman Hussein Faid Mujali, right, speaks to journalists during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. The United Nations' refugee agency said Friday that there have been nearly 1,500 civilian casualties in Yemen from August through October, the latest grim tally to emerge from a 4-year civil war as opposing parties meet for talks in Sweden. (Janerik Henriksson/TT via AP)

Yemen's Minister of Culture Marwan Dammaj speaks to journalists during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. The United Nations' refugee agency said Friday that there have been nearly 1,500 civilian casualties in Yemen from August through October, the latest grim tally to emerge from a 4-year civil war as opposing parties meet for talks in Sweden. (Janerik Henriksson/TT via AP)

Yemen's Minister of Culture Marwan Dammaj speaks to journalists during the ongoing peace talks on Yemen held at Johannesberg Castle, in Rimbo, Sweden, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. The United Nations' refugee agency said Friday that there have been nearly 1,500 civilian casualties in Yemen from August through October, the latest grim tally to emerge from a 4-year civil war as opposing parties meet for talks in Sweden. (Janerik Henriksson/TT via AP)
BEIJING (AP) - China's export growth sank in November as global demand weakened, adding to pressure on Beijing ahead of trade talks with Washington.

Exports rose 5.4 percent over a year ago to $227.4 billion, a marked decline from the previous month's 12.6 percent increase, customs data showed Saturday. Imports rose 3 percent to $182.7 billion, a sharp reversal from October's 20.3 percent surge.

That adds to signs a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy is deepening as Chinese leaders prepare for negotiations with President Donald Trump over Beijing's technology policy and other irritants.

Chinese exports to the United States rose by a relatively robust 12.9 percent over a year ago to $46.2 billion. Shipments to the U.S. market have held up as exporters rush to fill orders before additional duty increases, but forecasters say that effect will fade in early 2019.

Imports of American goods rose 5 percent to $10.7 billion, down from the previous month's 8.5 percent growth. China's politically volatile trade surplus with the United States widened to a record $35.5 billion.

Trump agreed during a Dec. 1 meeting with this Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to postpone tariff hikes by 90 days while the two sides negotiate. But penalties of up to 25 percent imposed earlier by both sides on billions of dollars of each other's goods still are in effect.

FILE - In this March 29, 2018, file photo, a cargo truck drives amid stacked shipping containers at the Yangshan port in Shanghai. China's export growth sank in November, 2018, as global demand weakened, adding to pressure on Beijing ahead of trade talks with Washington. (AP Photo/File)

Companies and investors worry the battle between the two biggest economies will chill global economic growth.

The Chinese economy grew by a relatively strong 6.5 percent over a year earlier in the quarter ending in September. But that was boosted by government spending on public works construction that helped to mask a slowdown in other parts of the economy.

An official measure of manufacturing activity fell to its lowest level in two years in November. Auto sales have shrunk for the past three months and real estate sales are weak.

Chinese leaders have responded by easing lending controls, boosting spending on construction and promising more help to entrepreneurs who generate the state-dominated economy's new jobs and wealth. But they have moved gradually to avoid reigniting a rise in corporate and local government debt that already is considered to be dangerously high.

The Trump administration imposed 25 percent duties on $50 billion of Chinese goods in July in response to complaints that Beijing steals or pressures companies to hand over technology. Washington also imposed a 10 percent charge on $200 billion of Chinese goods. That was due to rise to 25 percent in January but Trump postponed it.

Beijing responded with tariff hikes on $110 billion of American goods. Trump has threatened to expand U.S. penalties to all goods from China.

Washington, Europe and other trading partners complain plans such as "Made in China 2025," which calls for creating Chinese global champions in artificial intelligence, robotics and other fields, violate Beijing's market-opening obligations.

Trump said Beijing committed to buy American farm goods and cut auto import tariffs as part of the tariff cease-fire. Chinese officials have yet to confirm details of the agreement.

China's Commerce Ministry expressed confidence the two sides can reach a deal during the 90-day delay. That indicates Beijing sees resolving the conflict as too important to allow it to be disrupted by last week's dramatic arrest in Canada of an executive of Huawei Technologies Ltd., one of China's most prominent companies, on accusations of violating trade sanctions on Iran.

Private sector analysts say that is little time to resolve sprawling conflicts that have bedeviled U.S.-Chinese trade for years. That suggests Beijing will need to find ways to persuade Trump to extend his deadline.

The weakness in November's Chinese imports came despite tariff cuts on imports from other markets as part of official efforts to generate consumer-driven economic growth. The ruling Communist Party wants to reduce reliance on trade and investment.

Xi presided over the opening of an import fair in Shanghai in November that was meant to rebrand China as a welcoming import market. Some 3,600 companies from 152 countries took part in the five-day event.

The president promised to open Chinese markets wider, cut costs for importers and increase consumer spending power. But he gave no response to foreign complaints about technology policy and investment barriers.

Also in November, China's exports to the 28-nation European Union rose 11.4 percent over a year earlier to $35.9 billion, down from October's 12 percent growth. Imports rose 13.2 percent to $24.4 billion.

China's trade surplus with the EU, its biggest foreign market, widened by 6.4 percent over a year earlier to $11.5 billion.

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Online:

General Administration of Customs of China: www.customs.gov.cn
BAGHDAD (AP) - A year after it was routed from Iraq in a devastating war that left entire neighborhoods and towns in ruins, the Islamic State group is fighting to hang on to its last enclave in eastern Syria, engaging in deadly battles with U.S.-backed forces.

Cornered in the desert near the Iraqi border with nowhere to run, the militants are putting up a fierce fight, inflicting hundreds of casualties among their opponents and releasing a stream of beheading videos reminiscent of the extremist group's terrifying propaganda at the height of its power.

In Syria, the battle for the area of Hajin has dragged on for three months, highlighting the difficulty of eradicating an extremist group determined to survive. Across the border, in Iraq, there is rising concern that the group may stage a comeback. IS sleeper cells have recently launched deadly attacks against security forces and abducted and killed civilians, mostly in four northern and central provinces that were once part of the group's self-declared caliphate.

"There is still major danger for Iraq and Syria especially in areas close to the border when it comes to Daesh," a senior Iraqi intelligence official said, using an Arabic acronym to refer to the extremists. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media about security matters.

He said IS lost most of the income it once made from oil and taxes imposed in areas it controlled. The group now relies on selling gold and other reserves that they had accumulated after declaring their caliphate in June 2014. He said the money is being used to buy weapons and finance attacks in Iraq and Syria.

Another Iraqi intelligence official said IS has begun restructuring its command, relying more on non-Iraqi commanders after most of its leaders were killed in coalition strikes.

FILE - In this July 17, 2017 file photo, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters use their video camera through a hole as they film a street controlled by Islamic State militants, on the front line on the western side of Raqqa, northeast Syria. A year after it was routed from Iraq following a three-year devastating war that left Iraqi cities in ruin, the Islamic State group is fighting to hang on to its last enclave in Syria, engaging in deadly battles with U.S.-backed forces in the country's east near the Iraqi border. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

The Islamic State group once held an area the size of Britain across vast territories straddling parts of Iraq and Syria, running a so-called caliphate and planning international attacks from its headquarters in the Syrian city of Raqqa. Tens of thousands were killed in both countries as an array of local forces, some backed by a U.S.-led coalition, eventually drove the extremists out of virtually all the lands they once held.

Iraq's then-Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared final victory over the group on Dec. 9, 2017. Two months earlier, the coalition, working with Kurdish-dominated fighters known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, liberated Raqqa after a bombing campaign that decimated much of the city.

The area that IS still holds in Syria represents less than 1 percent of the territory it controlled at its height. The pocket is home to some 15,000 people, including IS fighters and their families. The U.S. military estimates there are about 2,000 remaining IS fighters there.

The SDF launched their offensive to retake Hajin on Sept. 10. It has been a grueling campaign, with sand storms and fog at times grounding coalition aircraft, allowing the militants to launch counteroffensives that have killed hundreds of SDF fighters. IS has also taken scores of prisoners and hundreds of civilians hostage.

"It is very difficult because we are in the last stages, where almost every ISIS fighter is a suicide belt," Brett McGurk, the White House envoy for the war against IS, said at a security conference held recently in the Gulf nation of Bahrain.

The extremists, besieged near the border, have no place to go. They are surrounded from the east and north by SDF fighters while from the south and west, Syrian government forces and their allies have closed roads to the surrounding desert.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says since the fighting began nearly three months ago, 1,616 people have been killed, mostly fighters from both sides. It said the dead include 827 IS gunmen, 481 SDF fighters and 308 civilians.

The fighting is now believed to be in its final stages, with SDF fighters said to have broken IS defenses and taken the fight inside the town.

The fall of Hajin will end the group's hold over any significant territory in Iraq or Syria, but sleeper cells in both countries will continue to stage attacks amid attempts to regroup. IS affiliates in Libya, Afghanistan and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula continue to stage regular attacks.

The group's savage legacy, meanwhile, will stay on for years to come.

Huge parts of Iraq and Syria are still in ruins, with little cash and - in Syria's case - little international political will to rebuild.

Emerging from the more than three years of war, Iraq estimates that $88.2 billion is needed to rebuild the country. An international donors' summit held early this year in Kuwait gathered pledges of $30 billion that mainly came in the form of loans, but no progress has been made to fulfil the pledges.

"The biggest problem we have is the lack of funds," said Mustafa al-Hiti, the head of a government-run reconstruction fund.

"What we spent till now is about 1.5 percent of what we need and that came as loans and donations," al-Hiti added.

Another challenge is the unexploded ordnance, mainly in the northern city of Mosul, where the climactic battle occurred. He estimated that 4 million unexploded bombs are still littered around Mosul, the largest city IS once held, with only 6 percent cleared so far.

Nuri Mehmud, an SDF spokesman speaking by telephone from Syria, said all of IS' experienced fighters are now in the besieged area of Hajin.

"It is a difficult battle but in the end we will wipe out Daesh," he said.

_____

Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press writer Sinan Salaheddin in Baghdad contributed to this report.

FILE - In this July 22, 2017 file photo, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters, prepare to move for a battle against the Islamic state militants, in Raqqa, northeast Syria. A year after it was routed from Iraq following a three-year devastating war that left Iraqi cities in ruin, the Islamic State group is fighting to hang on to its last enclave in Syria, engaging in deadly battles with U.S.-backed forces in the country's east near the Iraqi border. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

FILE - In this July 22, 2017 file photo, an Arab fighter, left, and Kurdish fighter, right, who fight together with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), hold their weapons as they prepare to move to the front line to battle against the Islamic State militants, in Raqqa, northeast Syria. A year after it was routed from Iraq following a three-year devastating war that left Iraqi cities in ruin, the Islamic State group is fighting to hang on to its last enclave in Syria, engaging in deadly battles with U.S.-backed forces in the country's east near the Iraqi border. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

FILE - In this frame grab from video released In this Oct. 15, 2017 file photo and provided by Furat FM, a Syrian Kurdish activist-run media group, shows Syrian Islamic State group fighters who have surrendered, at a base of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in Raqqa, Syria. A year after it was routed from Iraq following a three-year devastating war that left Iraqi cities in ruin, the Islamic State group is fighting to hang on to its last enclave in Syria, engaging in deadly battles with U.S.-backed forces in the country's east near the Iraqi border. (Furat FM, via AP, File)

FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2017 file photo, A member of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces SDF throws a bomb to check for more explosives as they clear the syadium that was the site of Islamic State fighters' last stand in the city of Raqqa, Syria. A year after it was routed from Iraq following a three-year devastating war that left Iraqi cities in ruin, the Islamic State group is fighting to hang on to its last enclave in Syria, engaging in deadly battles with U.S.-backed forces in the country's east near the Iraqi border. (AP Photo/Asmaa Waguih, File)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday warned Western countries that they will face a massive influx of drugs if Iran becomes weakened by U.S. sanctions.

Rouhani spoke in Tehran at a six-nation conference on fighting terrorism attended by parliament speakers of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, China and Russia.

In remarks broadcast on state TV, Rouhani said a weakened Iran would be less able to fight drug trafficking.

"Weakening Iran by sanctions, many will not be safe," he said. "Those who do not believe us, it is good to look at the map."

Iran lies on a major drug route between Afghanistan and Europe and the Persian Gulf states. Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of opium with its Helmand Province being the biggest opium-producing region. Opium is the raw material for heroin and Afghan farmers harvest about 80 percent of the world's supply, according to U.N. reports.

Iran's economy is reeling after the U.S. re-imposed sanctions lifted under Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers. President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal and began restoring sanctions. Rouhani called the U.S. sanctions as "economic terrorism".

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2018, file photo, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during a news conference in New York. President Rouhani is warning Western countries that they will face a massive influx of drugs if Iran becomes weakened by U.S. sanctions. Rouhani spoke in Tehran on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at a six-nation conference on fighting terrorism attended by parliament speakers of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, China and Russia. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

Iran pays a heavy price to fight drug trafficking, with a number of border guards killed in fighting drug smugglers every year. Every year, the country burns about 100 tons of seized narcotics as a symbol of its determination.

Iran has also complained about accusations that it violates human rights by executing convicted drug smugglers, who make up 73 percent of executions in Iran.

In 2013 alone, Iran spent more than $26 million to dig canals, erect walls and embankments, create new outposts and set up barbed wire along its 2,000-kilometer (1240-mile) border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to government statistics.

Until 2016, Iran annually spent some $2.5 billion to fight drug trafficking, officials say.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - New Zealand police said Saturday that they believe a 22-year-old British tourist who has been missing for a week was murdered, and they will lay charges against a man they detained earlier in the day for questioning.

Grace Millane was on a planned yearlong trip abroad that began in Peru. She arrived in New Zealand last month and was last seen on the night of Dec. 1 entering a central Auckland hotel with a 26-year-old man.

Police said they brought that man into the central Auckland police station on Saturday afternoon for questioning. Later in the day, police said they planned to charge the man with Millane's murder and he would be held in custody until his first court appearance on Monday.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said he told Millane's devastated father, David Millane, on Saturday that they believe Millane was killed. The father had traveled from Britain to New Zealand earlier in the week.

Beard said they don't know where Millane's body is located but they're determined to find it and return it to her family.

"I know that the thoughts of all New Zealanders will be with Grace's family tonight," Beard said.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard addresses a press conference announcing the search for missing English backpacker Grace Millane is now a homicide investigation in Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The 22-year-old British tourist has been missing in New Zealand for seven days and police say they believe she has been murdered - although no body has been found. (Doug Sherring/NZ Herald via AP)

Police have been conducting a scene examination at a unit in the hotel. Beard said they're also examining a vehicle and want to figure out where it has been driven over the past week.

Millane had been staying at a backpacker hostel in Auckland and left some of her belongings there. Beard said she met a man for a couple of hours on Saturday evening before surveillance cameras showed them entering the CityLife hotel at about 9:40 p.m.

Her birthday was on Sunday, but she didn't contact her family.

Five days later, on Friday, David Millane arrived in New Zealand and spoke with media.

"Grace is a lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, family-oriented daughter," he said, adding that she was usually in touch with her family every day.

"She arrived here on the 20th of November, and has been bombarding us with numerous photographs and messages of her adventures," Millane said. "We are all extremely upset, and it's very difficult at this time to fully describe the range of emotions we are going through."

FILE - This Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, CCTV file image released by New Zealand Police shows 22-year-old English tourist Grace Millane in central Auckland, New Zealand. New Zealand police said Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018 that they believe the 22-year-old British tourist who has been missing for a week was murdered, and they will lay charges against a man they detained earlier in the day for questioning. The image was captured on Saturday night, about 7:15 p.m. and is the last known sighting of Millane, whose 22nd birthday was the next day. (NZ Police via AP, File)

David Millane, father of missing English backpacker Grace Millane speaks at a press conference in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. The father of a 22-year-old British tourist who has been missing in New Zealand for six days made a tearful plea for help in the case, but police say they now hold "grave fears" for her safety. (Doug Sherring/NZ Herald via AP)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Tens of thousands of Malaysian Muslims rallied Saturday in Kuala Lumpur against any attempt to strip the ethnic Malay majority of its privileges, in the first massive street gathering since Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's alliance won a historic vote in May.

The rally, backed by the country's two largest opposition Malay parties, was initially aimed at protesting a government plan to ratify a U.N. treaty against racial discrimination. Critics allege that ratifying the treaty would end Malay privileges under a decades-old affirmative action policy. The plan to ratify was eventually abandoned, but organizers decided to proceed with what they called a "thanksgiving" rally.

Racial clashes have been rare in multiracial Malaysia since deadly riots in 1969. A year later, Malaysia instituted a preferential program that gives Malays privileges in jobs, education, contracts and housing to help narrow a wealth gap with the minority Chinese. Ethnic Malays account for nearly two-thirds of the country's 32 million people, with large Chinese and Indian minorities.

Saturday's rally came less than two weeks after more than 80 people were arrested in a riot at an Indian temple in a suburb outside Kuala Lumpur. The government was quick to stress that the violence was due to a land dispute and was not a racial riot. Still, the government warned Saturday's rally-goers not to make any provocative statements that could fan racial tensions.

Mahathir said the government allowed the rally as part of democracy, but warned against any chaos. The rally was held under tight police security, but ended peacefully after rain started to fall.

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has been charged with multiple counts of corruption, was among opposition lawmakers at the rally.

A protester covering his face takes a part in a rally to celebrate the government's move to withdraw plans to ratify a U.N. anti-discrimination convention called ICERD, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The rally, organized by opposition Malay parties and nongovernment groups, was initially aimed at protesting a government plan to ratify a U.N. treaty against racial discrimination that critics allege will end Malay privileges under a decades-old affirmative action policy. The plan was eventually abandoned, but organizers decided to proceed with what they called a "thanksgiving" rally. ICERD stands for International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Police said there were at least 55,000 people on the streets. Many wore white T-shirts and headbands with the words "Reject ICERD," referring to the U.N. treaty - the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The protesters gathered at three locations before marching to a nearby historic square, chanting "Long live the Malays" and "Crush ICERD."

"Yes, we did not ratify ICERD, but we are still here to say that we are still against it," said shopkeeper Rosli Ikhsan. "Even if the government has said they won't endorse it, we are still protesting with all our might from all of Malaysia."

Mahathir's new government won a stunning victory in a May 9 general election amid anger over a massive corruption scandal involving Najib and his government, but many Malays still support Najib's party, the United Malays National Organization, and the Malaysian Islamic Party, which controls two of the country's 13 states.

Some analysts say Najib and his party were using the rally to shift attention away from corruption charges against Najib, his wife, his party's president and former government officials.

"For me, ICERD is bad," university student Nurul Qamariah said at the rally. "It's bad because it will erode the position of Malays. This is a country for Malays. We want Malays to be superiors, but why do these people want to make Malays the same level as Chinese and Indians?"

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Associated Press video journalist Syawalludin Zain contributed to this report.

Protesters gather for a rally near a mosque to celebrate the government's move to withdraw plans to ratify a U.N. anti-discrimination convention, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Thousands of Malaysian Muslims are rallying in Kuala Lumpur against any attempt to strip ethnic Malay majority of their privileges, in the first massive street gathering since Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's alliance won a historic vote in May.(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Protesters attend a rally to celebrate the government's move to withdraw plans to ratify a U.N. anti-discrimination convention at Independent Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Thousands of Malaysian Muslims are rallying in Kuala Lumpur against any attempt to strip ethnic Malay majority of their privileges, in the first massive street gathering since Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's alliance won a historic vote in May. (AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak arrives for a rally to celebrate the government's move to withdraw plans to ratify a U.N. anti-discrimination convention called ICERD at Independent Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The rally, organized by opposition Malay parties and nongovernment groups, was initially aimed at protesting a government plan to ratify a U.N. treaty against racial discrimination that critics allege will end Malay privileges under a decades-old affirmative action policy. The plan was eventually abandoned, but organizers decided to proceed with what they called a "thanksgiving" rally.(AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Former Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak departs with protesters to attend a rally to celebrate the government's move to withdraw plans to ratify a U.N. anti-discrimination convention at Independent Squarein Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Thousands of Malaysian Muslims are rallying in Kuala Lumpur against any attempt to strip ethnic Malay majority of their privileges, in the first massive street gathering since Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's alliance won a historic vote in May.(AP Photo/Yam G-Jun)
KATOWICE, Poland (AP) - Thousands of people from around the world marched Saturday through the southern Polish city that's hosting this year's U.N. climate talks, demanding that their governments take tougher action to curb global warming.

Protesters included farmers from Latin America, environmentalists from Asia, students from the United States and families from Europe, many of whom said climate change is already affecting their lives.

"Climate change is the thing that frightens me the most," said Michal Dabrowski from Warsaw, who brought his young daughter to the march. "I'm a father and it's kind of crucial that she will have a decent life."

Marchers gathered in one of Katowice's main squares before setting off for the conference center where delegates from almost 200 countries are haggling over the fine print of the 2015 Paris accord to fight climate change.

Some protesters were dressed as endangered orangutans while others wore breathing masks to highlight the air pollution in Katowice, which lies at the heart of Poland's coal mining region of Silesia.

A group wearing polar bear costumes was expelled from the march after suggesting that fossil fuels should be replaced by nuclear power, a technology that many environmentalists object to.

A climate activists with a colorful mask attends the March for Climate in a protest against global warming in Katowice, Poland, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, as the COP24 UN Climate Change Conference takes place in the city. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Chanting "Wake up! It's time to save our home!" and holding banners including one reading "Make the planet great again," protesters marched through Katowice accompanied by a heavy police presence that included officers on horseback.

The "March for Climate" passed largely peacefully, though three people were detained after a small scuffle with police, a Katowice police spokeswoman said.

Earlier Saturday, environmental groups had complained that some of their activists were being turned back at the Polish border or deported. One Belgian activist was allowed to enter the country after her country's ambassador intervened with Polish authorities.

Poland has introduced temporary random identity checks ahead of the U.N. climate conference, arguing they were needed for security.

Inside the U.N. meeting, negotiators were concluding the first week of talks, which are focused on finalizing the Paris rulebook that determines how signatories to the 2015 deal record and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

In a recent report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said drastic action would be needed to achieve the Paris accord's most ambitious target of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

Illustrating the sensitivity of this message for some governments, major oil exporting countries including Saudi Arabia and Russia objected to "welcoming" the IPCC's report. The issue is now one of several that will be left to government ministers, who begin arriving in Katowice on Monday to try to break remaining deadlocks.

Environmental groups want countries to send a strong signal that they're ready for more ambitious action in the years ahead, but some protesters Saturday felt that governments alone would not do enough to fight climate change.

"I've had enough of just sitting and looking at politicians deciding things for us. It's time for us to tell them what we want and to start a grassroots revolution," said Anna Zalikowska.

Similar marches for the environment took place in France on Saturday, but those were overshadowed by a larger "yellow vest" protest in Paris staged by people angry over fuel tax increases.

The tax rise, now put on hold, was aimed at encouraging drivers to reduce their use of fossil fuels, a measure experts say is necessary to nudge consumers toward cleaner alternatives.

Resistance to the fuel tax is a blow to French President Emmanuel Macron, who sees himself as the guarantor of the Paris accord.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has announced he's pulling the United States out of the agreement, claimed Saturday that "people do not want to pay large sums of money ... in order to maybe protect the environment."

Economists say the price of curbing climate change is actually far lower than the eventual cost of coping with the catastrophic famines, storms and sea level rises that will happen with a warming climate.

The Climate Action Network, an umbrella group for environmental organizations, on Saturday gave its Fossil of the Day award to the United States after Washington's diplomats objected to linking human rights to climate change.

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Follow Frank Jordans on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/wirereporter

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Read more stories on climate issues by The Associated Press at https://www.apnews.com/Climate

Climate activists shout slogans as they stop in front of the COP24 UN Climate Change Conference venue during the March for Climate in a protest against global warming in Katowice, Poland, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Environmental activists from 10 Asian countries pose with their banners ahead of a march in Katowice, Poland, calling for action to curb climate change on Saturday, Dec 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Jordans)

Climate activists stop in front of the COP24 UN Climate Change Conference venue during the March for Climate in a protest against global warming in Katowice, Poland, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Activist dressed in polar bear costumes call for nuclear energy to replace fossile fuels on the sidelines of a climate march in Katowice, Poland, on Saturday, Dec 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Jordans)

Polish police on horseback watch as environmental activists gather in Katowice, Poland, for the start of a march demanding action to curb climate on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Jordans)

Fog and clouds blanket seen over Belgrade, Serbia, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. The two-week U.N. climate meeting COP24 in Poland is intended to finalize details of the 2015 Paris accord on keeping average global temperature increases well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit). (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

In this photo taken Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, a man who scavenges for pieces of plastic for a living walks across a mountain of garbage at the dump in the Dandora slum of Nairobi, Kenya. As the world meets again to tackle the growing threat of climate change, how the continent tackles the growing solid waste produced by its more than 1.2 billion residents, many of them eager consumers in growing economies, is a major question in the fight against climate change. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

In this photo taken Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, a woman who scavenges recyclable materials from garbage for a living is seen through a cloud of smoke from burning trash, surrounded by Marabou storks who feed on the garbage, at the dump in the Dandora slum of Nairobi, Kenya. As the world meets again to tackle the growing threat of climate change, how the continent tackles the growing solid waste produced by its more than 1.2 billion residents, many of them eager consumers in growing economies, is a major question in the fight against climate change. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)ea

In this photo taken Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, a young boy who scavenges for recyclable materials for a living throws a rock in the air to pass the time as he takes a break while sitting on top of a mountain of garbage at the dump in the Dandora slum of Nairobi, Kenya. As the world meets again to tackle the growing threat of climate change, how the continent tackles the growing solid waste produced by its more than 1.2 billion residents, many of them eager consumers in growing economies, is a major question in the fight against climate change. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Climate activists attend the March for Climate in a protest against global warming in Katowice, Poland, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, as the COP24 UN Climate Change Conference takes place in the city. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Climate activists attend the March for Climate in a protest against global warming in Katowice, Poland, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, as the COP24 UN Climate Change Conference takes place in the city. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Michal Dabrowski, left, Anna Zalikowska attend their daughter attend a climate march in Katowice, Poland, on Saturday, Dec 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Jordans)

A woman holds a poster when participating in a march calling for an end to fossil fuel use during the two-week COP24 global climate talks in Katowice, Poland, on Saturday, Dec.8, 2018. (AP Photos/Frank Jordans)
Baku Book Center will host a meeting with Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann on December 15.

The frontman of the German rock band Rammstein will hold an autograph session in honor of the release of his book 'On Quiet Nights: Poetry'.

Fans of the musician will receive a unique opportunity to get signed a copy of the collection of his poems. This book has already become an absolute bestseller. The author of the illustrations is Till Lindemanns friend, the artist Matthias Mattis.

Those who want to take part in the autograph session, should buy the book. The event starts at 18:00.

Till Lindemann visited Baku last summer, he was the special guest of Zhara Summer Music Festival.
BERLIN (AP) - Chancellor Angela Merkel's successor at the helm of Germany's main center-right party sought to consolidate her power on Saturday after a narrow victory, installing a young conservative in a key leadership post in an effort to build bridges with her rivals.

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, a Merkel ally close to her centrist stance, was elected as chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union on Friday.

She narrowly defeated Friedrich Merz, a one-time Merkel rival representing a more traditionally conservative approach and a clearer break from the longtime chancellor's era. Another sometime Merkel critic, Health Minister Jens Spahn, was eliminated in earlier voting.

Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, showed Saturday that she is keen to prevent lasting divisions and give conservatives and younger members a strong voice.

She nominated Paul Ziemiak, the 33-year-old leader of the party's youth wing, to serve as her general secretary - the official in charge of day-to-day political strategy and the job she held herself until she was elected leader.

"This party is not split - we all have the task of working on the unity of this party," she told a party congress in Hamburg.

New elected Christian Democratic Union party chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer attend a party convention of the Christian Democratic Party CDU in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Ziemiak, who ran unopposed, won the support of 62.8 percent of delegates, a result suggesting Kramp-Karrenbauer still has plenty of work to do.

Ziemiak is further to the right than Kramp-Karrenbauer, is considered a friend of Spahn and comes from the same region as Merz.

Kramp-Karrenbauer, a Catholic who is herself a shade more conservative than Merkel on social and security issues, faces pressure to improve the CDU's electoral fortunes after a dismal year in which Merkel's uneasy governing coalition with the center-left Social Democrats lurched from one crisis to the next.

Four state elections loom next year, including three in the ex-communist east, where the anti-migration Alternative for Germany is strongest. That party's co-leader, Alice Weidel, described Kramp-Karrenbauer as "Merkel 2.0" and said that "the last conservative Christian Democrats have lost their battle."

Kramp-Karrenbauer will need to prove her wrong. She says she plans to review her party's migration and security policies early next year. And she faces a first nationwide vote in May's election for the European Parliament, often a painful experience for governing parties.

Kramp-Karrenbauer served for years as the governor of Saarland state, a western border region with strong ties to neighboring France, Germany's traditional partner in leading European integration.

Setting out her pitch on Friday, she called for "a strong Europe that completes Schengen," Europe's border-free travel area, and advocated for a European army, something France's president has called for.

"There must be no doubt that we are the party that really stands for Europe," she said on the campaign trail last month.

Kramp-Karrenbauer is promising to give her party the first say in discussing policies, rather than digesting decisions already made by the government. It's unclear how much friction that could cause with Merkel.

Merkel plans to continue as chancellor for the rest of this parliamentary term. The next election isn't due until 2021, but it's uncertain whether her governing coalition will last that long.

Kramp-Karrenbauer is the favorite to run for chancellor in the next election, though that isn't automatic.

CDU party chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, left, congratulates the newly elected party's general secretary Paul Ziemiak, right, during a party convention of the Christian Democratic Party CDU in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Newly elected party chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer waves after the election at the party convention of the Christian Democratic Democratic Union CDU in Hamburg, northern Germany, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Newly elected CDU chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, left, waves during the party convention of the Christian Democratic Party CDU in Hamburg, Germany, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, after German Chancellor Angela Merkel didn't run again for party chairmanship after more than 18 years at the helm of the party. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Newly elected CDU chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, left, is flanked by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, as she waves during the party convention of the Christian Democratic Party CDU in Hamburg, Germany, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, after German Chancellor Angela Merkel didn't run again for party chairmanship after more than 18 years at the helm of the party. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Newly elected CDU chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer blows a kiss at the party convention of the Christian Democratic Party CDU in Hamburg, Germany, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, after German Chancellor Angela Merkel didn't run again for party chairmanship after more than 18 years at the helm of the party. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, applauds newly elected party chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer after the election at the party convention of the Christian Democratic Democratic Union CDU in Hamburg, northern Germany, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A civilian vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb Saturday, killing three civilians in western Herat province, a provincial official said.

Gelani Farhad, the provincial governor's spokesman, said the three - who were from the same family - were killed in the Guzra district. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Farhad blamed Taliban insurgents who are active in the area.

In eastern Nangarhar province, three members of the Islamic State group were arrested during a military operation in Bahsud district, said Attahullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor.

Khogyani said one of three is a member of the group's press department who had responsibility for the propaganda of the IS in Nangarhar.

Both Taliban and Islamic State militants are active in eastern Afghanistan, especially in Nangarhar province.

There was no immediate statement from the Islamic State group.

In northern Kunduz province, at least four Taliban insurgents were killed by their own bomb, according to a statement released by the Afghan army Saturday. The blast took place in Qala-e Zal district as they tried to plant it and it detonated.

Taliban insurgents are active in a few districts in Kunduz and often launch attacks against Afghan security forces.

The army statement also said that in northern Jawzjan province a local Taliban leader was killed in an airstrike conducted by the Afghan air force.
LONDON (AP) - Britain could consider a "Norway-plus" deal with the European Union if British Prime Minister Theresa May fails to win lawmakers' approval next week for her unpopular Brexit deal, a senior minister said Saturday.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd was the first minister to publicly discuss a "Plan B" should May's Brexit divorce deal with the EU be defeated in a parliamentary vote on Tuesday.

Rudd, who backs May's Brexit deal, said "anything could happen" - including a second referendum on whether Britain should leave the bloc. She warned of a chaotic period for the country if the government is defeated in Parliament on Brexit.

She told the Times on Saturday that none of the possible alternatives is better than the current Brexit deal. But she acknowledged that if the deal doesn't pass, she would prefer a model similar to that of Norway, which is not an EU member but is part of the European Economic Area.

That would mean Britain stays part of the EU's vast single market, with goods, services and people continuing to move within the bloc in the same way as before, limiting potential disruptions to the British economy.

Such an alternative "seems plausible, not just in terms of the country but in terms of where the MPs (lawmakers) are," she added, although "nobody knows if it can be done."

Protestors demonstrate opposite Parliament against Britain's Brexit split from Europe, in London, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May's effort to win support for her Brexit agreement comes amid reports in British newspapers Thursday, predicting that Parliament could reject the deal by more than 100 votes. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

The divorce agreement that May struck with the EU is widely opposed by British lawmakers across the political spectrum, and her Conservative government must convince skeptical lawmakers the deal is a good one ahead of Tuesday's vote.

A heavy defeat would sink the agreement, leaving the U.K. facing a messy "no-deal" Brexit when it leaves the bloc on March 29, and could topple May and her government.

Pro-Brexit lawmakers say May's deal keeps Britain bound too closely to the EU, while pro-EU politicians say it erects barriers between the U.K. and its biggest trading partner and leaves many details of the future relationship undecided.

Both sides also strongly object to a "backstop" provision in the Brexit agreement that would keep Britain in a customs union with the EU in order to guarantee an open border between EU member Ireland and the U.K.'s Northern Ireland.

Although the backstop is intended as a temporary measure, pro-Brexit lawmakers say it could leave Britain tied to the EU indefinitely and unable to strike new trade deals around the world.

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's minority government, rejects the measure because it would treat Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the U.K.

An analysis by Britain's Press Association showed that just 27 of the 163 British lawmakers who have spoken out indicated they would back May's deal, compared with 122 - including 29 from May's own Conservative Party - who say they will vote against it.

Pressure is mounting on May to delay the vote and ask for more concessions from the EU at a Brussels summit at the end of next week.

EU officials, however, have insisted that May's Brexit deal is the best and only one on offer and said they will not renegotiate.

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See the all Brexit coverage from The Associated Press at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit
MULTAN, Pakistan (AP) - Pakistani counter-terrorism police say they have arrested five "terrorists" who were planning attacks on security agencies and seized explosive vests and weapons in the country's east.

Senior officer Rai Tahir says Saturday that a group of five men belonging to the banned militant organization Tehreek-e-Taliban had planned to attack intelligence agency offices in the city of Bahawalpur.

Tahir said teams of counter-terrorism police raided the men's hideout. He said suicide jackets, hand grenades, lethal weapons, ammunition and money to finance their operations were seized.

Tahir said an initial investigation revealed that Tehreek-e-Taliban was coordinating with al-Qaeda for attacks on security agencies in Punjab province.

Militants in Pakistan have carried out numerous attacks, mainly targeting security forces. Most in recent years have been linked to the Pakistani Taliban.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - A SpaceX delivery full of Christmas goodies arrived at the International Space Station on Saturday, following a slight delay caused by a communication drop-out.

The Dragon capsule pulled up at the orbiting lab three days after launching from Cape Canaveral. Commander Alexander Gerst used the space station's big robotic arm to grab the cargo carrier, as the two craft soared 250 miles above the Pacific.

It took two tries to get the Dragon close enough for capture.

NASA called off the Dragon's first approach because of trouble with the communication network that serves the space station. Equipment failure in New Mexico for NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system resulted in a temporary loss of communication with the station. For safety, Mission Control ordered the Dragon to back up.

It was a successful take two - just an hour-and-a-half late - after NASA switched to another TDRS satellite.

The bolted-down Dragon holds everything the station astronauts need for Christmas dinner, as well as mice and worms for science experiments, and more than 5,000 pounds (2,270 kilograms) of station equipment.

In this image taken from NASA Television, the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft is captured by a robotic arm for docking to the International Space Station, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. A SpaceX delivery full of Christmas goodies has arrived at the International Space Station. The Dragon capsule pulled up at the orbiting lab Saturday, three days after launching from Florida. (NASA TV via AP)

The holiday food includes smoked turkey, green bean casserole, candied yams, cranberry sauce and fruitcake. There also are shortbread and butter cookies, with tubes of icing for decorating.

Three of the space station residents will be on board for Christmas; the other three will return to Earth on Dec. 20. Until then, the station is home to two Americans, two Russians, one Canadian and Gerst, who is German.

It is the second space station visit for this recycled Dragon; it was there last year, too.

The first-stage booster used in Wednesday's launch is back at port, after landing at sea instead of Cape Canaveral. SpaceX towed the booster to shore for possible future reuse, as well as for an investigation into what went wrong.

SpaceX has been making station shipments for NASA since 2012. This is its 16th delivery under contract.

Two other supply ships are attached to the space station: One Russian and the other sent by NASA's other commercial shipper, Northrop Grumman.

In this image taken from NASA Television, the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft approaches robotic arm for docking to the International Space Station, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. A SpaceX delivery full of Christmas goodies has arrived at the International Space Station. The Dragon capsule pulled up at the orbiting lab Saturday, three days after launching from Florida. (NASA TV via AP)

In this image taken from NASA Television, the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft approaches the robotic arm for docking to the International Space Station, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. SpaceX delivery full of Christmas goodies has arrived at the International Space Station. The Dragon capsule pulled up at the orbiting lab Saturday, three days after launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It took two tries to get the Dragon close enough to be captured by the space station's robot arm. The hour-and-a-half delay was caused by trouble with the communication network that serves the space station.(NASA TV via AP)

In this image taken from NASA Television, the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft approaches the robotic arm for docking to the International Space Station, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. A communication drop-out has delayed a Christmas delivery at the International Space Station. (NASA TV via AP)
ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) - A cardinal dispatched by the Vatican to Algeria held an unusual beatification ceremony on Saturday for 19 monks, nuns and other Catholics who were killed during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s.

It was the first such ceremony in the Muslim world, according to Algeria's religious affairs minister. It came after Pope Francis recognized all 19 as martyrs in January, paving the way for Saturday's ceremony in the western Algerian city of Oran. Beatification is a step in the process of being declared a saint.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, celebrated Saturday's Mass at the Notre Dame de Santa Cruz basilica as the pope's special envoy.

Those honored included seven French Trappist monks who were abducted from the monastery of Tibhirine, south of Algiers, in 1996. Soon afterward, their skulls were discovered nearby; their bodies were never found. A radical group was blamed for their beheadings, but some observers have suggested Algeria's military was responsible.

The Algerian president agreed to allow and co-organize the beatification events in Algeria, despite some lingering tensions over the deaths. Algeria's religious affairs minister, ambassadors from several countries and other foreign dignitaries attended the event.

A moment of silence was held for all the victims of what Algerians call the "black decade," when some 250,000 people were killed as the army fought an Islamist insurgency. The ceremony also honored 99 imams killed in the fighting.

Officials, dignitaries and religious leaders attend Saturday's Mass at the Notre Dame de Santa Cruz basilica as part of a beatification ceremony, in Oran, northwestern Algeria, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. A cardinal dispatched by the Vatican is holding a beatification ceremony for 19 monks, nuns and other Catholics who were killed during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s.(AP Photo/Anis Belghoul)

The bishop of Oran, Jean-Pierre Vesco, also took a moment to honor the Algerian driver of a bishop who was killed in an attack in Oran in the 1990s.

Pope Francis invited a crowd of about 30,000 faithful in St. Peter's Square Saturday to give a round of applause to the newly beatified in Algeria.

"These martyrs of our times were faithful announcers of the Gospel, humble builders of peace and heroic witnesses to Christian charity," the pope said. He added that their "courageous witness is a source of hope for the Algerian Catholic community and a seed of dialogue for the entire society."

Francis added his hope that the beatifications would be "a stimulus to build together a world of brotherhood and solidarity."

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Associated Press writers Frances D'Emilio and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed to this report.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, in red garment, upper right, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, celebrates Saturday's Mass at the Notre Dame de Santa Cruz basilica as the pope's special envoy, as part of a beatification ceremony, in Oran, northwestern Algeria, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. A cardinal dispatched by the Vatican is holding a beatification ceremony for 19 monks, nuns and other Catholics who were killed during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s.(AP Photo/Anis Belghoul)

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 4th left, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, celebrates Saturday's Mass at the Notre Dame de Santa Cruz basilica as the pope's special envoy, as part of a beatification ceremony, in Oran, northwestern Algeria, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. A cardinal dispatched by the Vatican is holding a beatification ceremony for 19 monks, nuns and other Catholics who were killed during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s.(AP Photo/Anis Belghoul)

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, arrives to celebrate Saturday's Mass at the Notre Dame de Santa Cruz basilica as the pope's special envoy, as part of a beatification ceremony, in Oran, northwestern Algeria, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. A cardinal dispatched by the Vatican is holding a beatification ceremony for 19 monks, nuns and other Catholics who were killed during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s.(AP Photo/Anis Belghoul)

French Catholic monk Brother Jean-Pierre Schumacher, the last survivor of the hostage taking of the seven monks of Tibhirine, arrives to attend a beatification ceremony at the the Notre Dame de Santa Cruz basilica in Oran, northwestern Algeria, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. A cardinal dispatched by the Vatican is holding a beatification ceremony for 19 monks, nuns and other Catholics who were killed during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s.(AP Photo/Anis Belghoul)

In this picture dated Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, French Dominican bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese of Oran, northwestern Algeria, Jean-Paul Vesco, conducts a spiritual vigil at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary ahead of the monks' and 12 other clergymen's beatification in the first ceremony of its kind in a Muslim nation. Seven French monks were kidnapped and killed by a radical group at the height of the insurgency in 1996. (AP Photo/Anis Belghoul)

In this picture dated Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, worshipers sing during a spiritual vigil at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Mary, n Oran, northwestern Algeria, ahead of the monks' and 12 other clergymen's beatification in the first ceremony of its kind in a Muslim nation. Seven French monks were kidnapped and killed by a radical group at the height of the insurgency in 1996. (AP Photo/Anis Belghoul)
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) - Hungarian trade unions on Saturday protested a government plan to raise workers' allowable overtime from 250 to 400 hours a year and the relaxing of other labor rules meant to offset Hungary's growing labor shortage.

The government says labor flexibility is needed to satisfy investors' needs - like those of the German car companies whose factories help drive Hungary's economic growth - and to allow workers looking to earn more to work longer hours.

Union leaders said that what they call the "slave law" proposals reflect the intention of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government to boost companies' profits at workers' expense.

Laszlo Kordas, head of the Hungarian Trade Union Confederation, told several thousand protesters that Hungarians were working "at Europe's lowest wages."

Beside the increase in allowable overtime hours, which is the equivalent of adding a full day to the working week, unions are also the objecting to the extension to three years from one year of the period employers get to settle the payment of accrued overtime.

Also controversial is a proposal allowing employers to agree overtime arrangements directly with individual workers - thereby bypassing the unions and the collective bargaining agreements.

Participants march on the Szent Istvan Boulevard during the demonstration of the Hungarian Trade Union Confederation in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The protest was held against planned 50 days overwork in a year and for freedom of scientific research and the freedom of education. (Zsolt Szigetvary/MTI via AP)

"This process is only about the suppression of employee interests and the prioritization of the interests of employers and the powers that be," said Jozsef Szilagyi, co-chair of the Democratic League of Independent Trade Unions. "Those exercising political and economic power should understand that we are not robots."

The draft law was submitted to parliament by lawmakers from Orban's governing Fidesz party, allowing the government to avoid preliminary talks with unions and other interested parties. These would have been mandatory if the amendments to the labor code had been submitted by the government.

Reasons for the labor shortage include an aging population, higher wages elsewhere in the European Union, workers' low mobility within Hungary and the government's fierce resistance to immigration.

Parliament is expected to vote on the amendments on Wednesday, when unions may hold another protest.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's semi-official Fars news agency is reporting that the country's authorities have arrested four suspects in a suicide car bombing attack this week in southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan province.

The Saturday report quotes Ali Movahedirad, provincial prosecutor, as saying four suspects were arrested in various cities in the province in connection with Thursday's attack in the city of Chabahar.

Movahedirad says: "Investigations will continue into the role of the suspects in the terrorist operations and the identification of the main agents of the incident."

On Thursday morning, a suicide car bomber struck a police headquarters in the port city of Chabahar, killing at least two policemen and wounding 42 people.

The Sunni jihadist group Ansar al-Furqan claimed responsibility for the attack.
BRUSSELS (AP) - Belgian police fired tear gas and water cannons at yellow-vested protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Charles Michel after they tried to breach a riot barricade, as the movement that started in France made its mark Saturday in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Protesters in Brussels threw paving stones, road signs, fireworks, flares and other objects at police blocking their entry to an area where Michel's offices, other government buildings and the parliament are located.

Brussels police spokeswoman Ilse Van de Keere said that around 400 protesters were gathered in the area.

About 100 were detained, many for carrying dangerous objects like fireworks or clothing that could be used as protection in clashes with police.

The reasons for the protests are not entirely clear. Neither Belgium nor the Netherlands has proposed a hike in fuel tax - the catalyst for the massive and destructive demonstrations in France in recent weeks.

Instead, protesters appeared to hail at least in part from a populist movement that is angry at government policy in general and what it sees as the widening gulf between mainstream politicians and the voters who put them in power. Some in Belgium appeared intent only on confronting police.

A protestor in a yellow vest stands above police during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

Earlier in Brussels, police used pepper spray and scuffled with a small group of protesters who tried to break through a barricade blocking access to the European Parliament and the European Union's other main institutions.

The rallies, which started at different locations around the city and converged on the European quarter, disrupted road and rail traffic on one of the busiest Christmas shopping days of the year.

Walking behind a banner reading "social winter is coming," the protesters chanted "(French President Emmanuel) Macron, Michel resign."

Dozens of people were searched as they arrived, and police warned people to stay away from the area.

Several hundred police officers were mobilized. Last week, yellow vest protesters clashed with police and torched two police vehicles in the same area. More than 70 people were detained.

In the Dutch city of Rotterdam, a few hundred protesters in the high-visibility vests that have become a symbol of the movement walked peacefully across the downtown Erasmus Bridge singing a song about the Netherlands and handing flowers to passers-by.

Sisters Beb and Ieneke Lambermont, aged 76 and 67 respectively, were among them.

"Our children are hard-working people but they have to pay taxes everywhere. You can't get housing anymore. It is not going well in Dutch society," Ieneke said. "The social welfare net we grew up with is gone," she said.

"The government is not there for the people. It is there to protect its own interests," she said.

About 100 protesters gathered in a peaceful demonstration outside the Dutch parliament in The Hague. At least two protesters were detained by police in central Amsterdam.

Jan Dijkgraaf, the editor of a Dutch "resistance newspaper" had called for peaceful protests in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Dijkgraaf said people are yearning for a past, more socially equitable, era of Dutch history, describing it as "a feeling of unity, but also looking after asylum-seekers well, taking good care of one another."

Other protesters appear more extreme - at a small and non-violent rally last week in The Hague one protester waved a historic Dutch flag that has become an emblem for the far right - and Dijkgraaf said some demonstrators are unhappy at his moderate plans.

But he said violence like that seen last week in France and to a lesser extent Belgium does not work in the Netherlands.

"The Netherlands is not like France - you light 100 cars on fire and you get what you want," he said in a phone interview this week. "If you torch 100 cars here you are never allowed to demonstrate again and nothing more happens."

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Corder reported from Rotterdam. Mark Carlson in Brussels and Peter Dejong in Amsterdam contributed.

Protestors hold a banner which reads 'social winter is coming' during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A protestor is sprayed with pepper spray by police during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Police spray protestors with pepper spray during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A police officer holds a shield covered with yellow paint during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Police detain a protestor in the European Quarter during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

A woman in a yellow vest is detained by police during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

A police stands by as protestors are detained during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

Police detain protestors in the European Quarter during a demonstration in Brussels, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Hundreds of police officers are being mobilized in Brussels Saturday, where yellow vest protesters last week clashed with police and torched two police vehicles. More than 70 people were detained. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

Several hundred demonstrators in yellow vests march during a peaceful demonstration in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The French yellow vest protest movement is crossing borders, with demonstrations planned in neighboring Belgium and in the Netherlands. Neither country has proposed a hike in fuel tax, the catalyst for the massive and destructive demonstrations in France in recent weeks. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Several hundred demonstrators in yellow vests march during a peaceful demonstration in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The French yellow vest protest movement is crossing borders, with demonstrations planned in neighboring Belgium and in the Netherlands. Neither country has proposed a hike in fuel tax, the catalyst for the massive and destructive demonstrations in France in recent weeks. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Dutch police keeps a distance as several hundred demonstrators in yellow vests march during a peaceful demonstration in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. The French yellow vest protest movement is crossing borders, with demonstrations planned in neighboring Belgium and in the Netherlands. Neither country has proposed a hike in fuel tax, the catalyst for the massive and destructive demonstrations in France in recent weeks. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - Sen. Cory Booker, returning to the first-in-the-nation primary state Saturday for a two-day trip that could turn out to be a tuneup for the New Jersey Democrat's potential presidential campaign, said the visit leaves him "a lot more confident in making decisions going forward."

Booker headlined the New Hampshire Democratic Party's post-midterm victory celebration in Manchester. The event at the New Hampshire Institute of Art was jam-packed, with fire marshals directing latecomers to a separate overflow room.

Booker, who headlined two rallies in the state a week before the midterm election and who contributed more money to the New Hampshire Democratic Party and various candidates than any other potential White House hopeful during the 2018 cycle, was described by state party chairman Ray Buckley as a "best friend" to New Hampshire Democrats.

Booker didn't discuss any 2020 ambitions in his speech, which some in the crowd described as a sermon.

He spotlighted the importance of love and emphasized that "this country has enough hate, enough bigotry, enough anti-Semitism. What we need now are courageous actors who call to the conscience of our country. A higher moral imagination, who call for a revival of civic grace."

The likely presidential contender was also the main attraction at a gathering with activists in Nashua, at the home of longtime former state Sen. Bette Lasky. He'll also be the guest of honor at house gatherings in Concord on Saturday night and Sunday in Keene.

CORRECTS TO SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY-U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., speaks at a post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester, N.H., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)

Booker, who's said in recent weeks that he'll take the holiday season to assess whether to run for the White House in 2020, told The Associated Press that the trip is "really helpful to me in understanding what a potential presidential campaign would be about."

He added that coming to New Hampshire makes "me feel a lot more centered, a lot more grounded, and a lot more confident in making decisions going forward."

Booker said he had "no specific timeline" to make a presidential campaign announcement. He said he first wants to get through the lame duck congressional session, in which he's one of the leaders trying to pass bipartisan justice reform legislation.

After that, he said, "I really need to sit down, take a deep breath, and really focus on my sense of purpose."

Booker spoke with the AP at the Riverwalk Cafe in Nashua, his first stop in New Hampshire this weekend. He huddled for nearly an hour with two top local Democrats - longtime Mayor Jim Donchess and state Sen.-elect Cindy Rosenwald.

"I was impressed by how much he knew about New Hampshire, some of our situations like our mental health crisis, the drug crisis. As a former mayor, he really understands these issues," Rosenwald said.

Also accompanying Booker at the cafe and throughout the weekend is Jim Demers, a leading New Hampshire-based Democratic strategist who's backing the senator if he runs and who helped plan the trip's itinerary. Demers was co-chair of then-Sen. Barack Obama's 2008 campaign in New Hampshire, guiding the future president through the state.

Booker also mingled with the breakfast crowd at the cafe, speaking with customers at every table and taking selfies with patrons.

CORRECTS TO SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY-U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., pauses while sharing a personal story while speaking at a post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester, N.H., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)

CORRECTS TO SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY-U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., prepares to take a selfie with a supporter at a post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester, N.H., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)

CORRECTS TO SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY-U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., speaks at a post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester, N.H., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)

CORRECTS TO SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY-Attendees wait for the start of a post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester, N.H., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)

CORRECTS TO SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY-U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., claps on the sidelines as he waits for his turn to speak at a post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester, N.H., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/ Cheryl Senter)
Delegates at the forum__Photo: VNA

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Chairwoman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Speaker of the Republic of Koreas National Assembly Moon Hee-sang have pledged to facilitate trade and investment cooperation between the two countries as they attended the Vietnam-RoK trade and investment forum in Seoul.The event on December 7 was jointly held by Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment, the RoK Embassy in Vietnam, and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Speaker Moon Hee-sang highlighted the fact that Vietnam is a leading cooperation partner of the RoK in numerous fields. The bilateral relations have seen remarkable strides across all aspects, from politics, economy, and culture to development cooperation, labor, and people-to-people exchanges.In particular, Vietnam is a top partner in the New Southern Policy of the RoKs Government, he stressed.The Speaker called on Vietnamese and Korean businesses to promote their partnership to contribute to the prosperity in the two countries and the Asian region as a whole.He noted that about half of the RoK businesses investing in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are operating in Vietnam.For her part, Chairwoman Ngan said after more than 30 years of reforms, Vietnam has become an average income country in 2018 with a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 240 billion and total trade value of USD 475 billion.The middle class in Vietnam is expanding, which is expected to make up about 50 percent of the population by 2030. This will make Vietnam an attractive consumer market and help provide high quality labor for the economy.The investment environment in Vietnam has been constantly improved with competitive investment costs and improved transport infrastructure, Ngan said.She added that Vietnam is a responsible member of 10 valid free trade agreements (FTA). The National Assembly of Vietnam has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which will come into force in early 2019. The NA will soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in the coming time. The FTAs will broaden Vietnams free trade relations and allow it to enjoy high preferential treatment from large markets of nearly 40 developed countries.Vietnam aims to achieve an annual average economic growth of 6.5 - 7 percent through 2020, a GDP of USD 320 - 350 billion, and trade size of about USD 600 billion, striving to turn itself into an advanced industrial country, she added.The top legislator said RoK firms are playing an important role in several key economic fields of Vietnam, such as electronics, energy, automobile, garment-textile and construction.Currently, the RoK is the biggest FDI partner of Vietnam, contributing significantly to the shift of economic structure, job generation, trade balance, and promotion of social welfares in Vietnam. RoK businesses are economic diplomats who contribute to developing the two nations cooperation in a pragmatic and effective manner, Ngan noted.The trade scale of the two countries has also increased steadily, especially after the FTA between Vietnam and the RoK took effect. Trade growth increased by nearly 130 times to reach USD 64 billion in 2017.On the occasion of the official visit to the RoK of the Vietnamese NA high-level delegation, the two countries on December 6 signed a memorandum of understanding on an action program to increase two-way trade to USD 100 billion by 2020 towards balanced trade.The top legislator said Vietnam is stepping up activities to encourage investment from the RoK and is willing to import commodities and spare parts that are strengths of the East Asian country.At the same time, Vietnam hopes the RoK will continue creating more favorable conditions for Vietnams exports of tropical agricultural products, garment-textile, timber products, rubber, and electronics.We are committed to building a friendly business environment for businesses according to international standards, Ngan said.The National Assembly of Vietnam will timely revise, supplement and build appropriate policies and work with the Government to create the optimal conditions for foreign investors in general and RoK businesses in particular to operate successfully in Vietnam.We hope the two countries business community will optimize their advantages and become nuclear in economic connectivity and cooperation, contributing to deepening the sound friendship between Vietnam and the RoK, Ngan said.At the forum, businesses from the two countries discussed cooperation opportunities in the areas of trade-services, agriculture-food processing, manufacturing industry, construction, infrastructure and finance.On the occasion, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Speaker Moon Hee-sang witnessed the commercial launch of an air route connecting Vietnams Phu Quoc island and the RoKs Seoul capital operated by the budget carrier Vietjet Air.-
MADRID (AP) - Spanish authorities say they have rescued 33 migrants crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, including a pregnant woman on a small boat and four people paddling two kayaks across the busy shipping lane.

The country's Maritime Rescue Service said on its Twitter account Saturday that it was informed about the migrants trying to reach Europe from North Africa by a ferry and a coast guard airplane.

The distance across the Strait is less than 9 miles (14 kilometers) from Morocco to Spain's southern beach town of Tarifa.

The International Organization for Migration said last week that more than 60,000 migrants have reached Spain so far this year, almost all of them by sea. It said total migrant arrivals in Europe stand at just over 134,000 in 2018.
DETROIT (AP) - General Motors' planned shutdown of its Detroit-Hamtramck plant would leave only one auto assembly factory in the city known for "putting America on wheels," but the closure and job losses are not expected to stall-out Detroit's comeback since its 2014 bankruptcy exit.

Experts say a more tech-driven and medical industry economy is moving Detroit further from a reliance on manufacturing and that GM's downsizing in the name of cost-cutting and investment in autonomous and electric vehicles won't hurt as much as past mass layoffs and plant closings.

Detroit once was home to about a dozen massive assembly plants. A Fiat-Chrysler facility on the east side would be the last if GM closes its Detroit-Hamtramck plant. About 1,500 people work at the GM plant while Fiat-Chrysler's Jefferson Avenue plant employs about 5,000. Fiat-Chrysler reportedly plans to reopen a former engine plant on the city's east side to make Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs with three rows of seats starting with the 2021 model year.

"Manufacturing is now a tech industry - you don't have to hire as many people to make as much stuff," said Ned Staebler, president and chief executive of the small business incubator TechTown Detroit. "It's not just General Motors. Every major OEM (original equipment manufacturer), major manufacturer is going through similar processes. It's a trend that is going to continue."

GM wants to close four facilities in the United States and one in Canada. Nearly all of the 8,000 white-collar jobs GM expects to cut company-wide would be at the automaker's technical center just north of Detroit in Macomb County's Warren.

Some of the 3,300 global blue-collar job losses would come from the Detroit-Hamtramck plant and a transmission facility in Warren.

In a Dec. 7, 2009 file photo, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm drives a pre-production Chevrolet Volt at the Hamtramck Assembly plant in Hamtramck, Mich. GMs' planned shutdown of its Detroit-Hamtramck plant would leave only one auto assembly factory in the city known for "putting America on wheels," but the closure and job losses are not expected to stall-out Detroit's remarkable comeback following its 2014 bankruptcy exit. GM wants to close four facilities in the United States and one in Canada. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

The jobs account for only .2 percent of local county employment "muting the immediate effect of the plant closures," Moody's Investors Service said in a report.

That means there is less reliance on those jobs and plants to supply tax dollars needed to help pay for city services and fill out Detroit's operating budget.

But, Moody's wrote, the impact could grow "as GM reduces salaried employees, if reduced production hurts ancillary suppliers or if there is a broader slowdown in the industry."

Detroit will experience some loss of tax revenue from the plant and people working there, said law professor Anthony Sabino of the Tobin College of Business at St. Johns University in New York.

Owners of shops and restaurants that catered to those workers will be impacted, too.

"This will not derail the (city's) 21st century renaissance. They are working from a solid foundation. If this had happened prior to the city's reorganization it could have been far more harmful," Sabino said.

Detroit was about $12 billion in debt before filing for bankruptcy in 2013. Much of that was erased or restructured allowing the city to improve services, like police and fire, and invest in neighborhoods.

Detroit's general fund balance was about $595 million at the end of the 2017 fiscal year, compared to a deficit of about $73 million that the city faced at the end of the 2013 fiscal year following years of a plummeting population and tax base.

A $36 million operating surplus was expected for the fiscal year 2018.

A 30-year jobs forecast by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments forecasts manufacturing jobs in Detroit falling from 23,000 three years ago to 16,000 by 2045. Over that same time, professional and technical services, corporate headquarters, administrative, support, waste services and health care jobs are expected to rise.

Preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics pegged unemployment in Detroit in September at 7.9 percent. While this is still well above the U.S. rate of 3.7 percent, Detroit's unemployment has been dropping since January 2014 when it was nearly 18 percent. Detroit's unemployment rate was 28.9 percent in June 2009.

Preparing Detroit's workforce for non-manufacturing jobs is one of the next hurdles.

Mayor Mike Duggan has said more residents are enrolling in Detroit At Work free training programs. The programs offer training and certifications for jobs that include information technology, truck driving, health careers, computer networking and culinary arts.

But many people in the city are not prepared for tech-related jobs that are in Detroit or on the way, said Ida Byrd-Hill, president of Detroit-based Uplift Inc. which provides computer programming language training.

"A lot of the training programs have not really reached out to women or people of color," said Byrd-Hill, who added that funding has been limited for local tech-training providers.

Companies are looking for more educated and tech savvy workers, especially those with critical thinking, communications, collaborating and team building skills - someone who is "able to think critically about when to use the appropriate piece of technology," said TechTown's Staebler.

With Ford also considering thousands of white-collar cuts, Detroit-area auto industry workers may find it difficult to find new jobs or match their salaries if they go to other industries, said David Kudla, CEO of Mainstay Capital Management in Grand Blanc, Michigan, which advises many auto industry employees. "You're going to be going out in a marketplace where everybody is cutting back," he said.

Those with skills in developing autonomous or electric vehicles will have an easier time finding work, Kudla said.

He suggests that workers cut expenses and build savings to be ready in case of layoff.

Still, there's a human element to a possible Detroit-Hamtramck closure, assembly line worker Dnitra Landon told the Detroit Free Press.

"I know you're a big business, but what about the people who make you a big business?" Landon, 55, said of GM. "Everybody in here is a survivor and we're going to survive no matter what happens."

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Associated Press writers Jeff Karoub and Tom Krisher, both in Detroit, contributed to this report.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra speaks to reporters after a meeting with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, to discuss GM's announcement it would stop making the Chevy Cruze at its Lordstown, Ohio, plant, part of a massive restructuring for the Detroit-based automaker, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

General Motors CEO Mary Barra speaks to reporters after a meeting with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, to discuss GM's announcement it would stop making the Chevy Cruze at its Lordstown, Ohio, plant, part of a massive restructuring for the Detroit-based automaker, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
LUMBERTON, N.C. (AP) - Police have arrested and charged a man with killing a 13-year-old girl who was kidnapped last month from a North Carolina mobile home park.

The FBI said early Saturday that Michael Ray McLellan has been charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Hania Noelia Aguilar. The announcement comes the same day that a memorial service for Aguilar is set to take place at a local high school.

The 34-year-old McLellan faces first-degree murder, rape and eight other felony charges. He'd been released from prison in June and was still on parole from a 2017 felony breaking and entering conviction, according to the News & Observer of Raleigh.

He was previously convicted in 2007 of assault with a deadly weapon and was released on parole in 2016, the newspaper reported.

He is being held without bond in the Robeson County Detention Center. He will appear in court at the Robeson County Courthouse on Monday.

McLellan was in custody at the time of his arrest on charges unrelated to the Aguilar case, police said.

This undated photo provided by Robeson County Sheriff's Office shows Michael Ray McLellan. A statement issued by the FBI says McLellan has been charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 13-year-old Hania Noelia Aguilar. The 34-year-old McLellan faces first degree murder and other charges. He is being held without bond in the Robeson County Detention Center. He will appear in court at the Robeson County Courthouse on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. (Robeson County Sheriff's Office via AP)

On Nov. 5, police said Aguilar went outside to start a relative's SUV to prepare to leave for the bus stop when a man forced her into the vehicle and fled.

Her disappearance sparked an intensive search. Drones, dogs, and scores of searchers on foot spent the following weeks combing the area. Police found her body several weeks later in a body of water about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of the mobile home park where she was kidnapped.

"This is the outcome that we all feared," Lumberton Police Chief Michael McNeill told reporters after the body was found. "We did not want to hear this. We wanted to bring Hania back home and bring her back home alive to our community. It hurts."

Police said they followed more than 850 leads and conducted nearly 500 interviews. The FBI's lab at Quantico, Virginia did a forensic exam on the stolen SUV, which was recovered a few days after Aguilar's initial disappearance. The North Carolina State Crime Lab provided test results on Aguilar's body. Police said the exams helped result in the charges against McLellan.

A large turnout is expected at Aguilar's funeral Saturday at Lumberton High School. Her father, who lives in Guatemala, was denied an expedited visa to attend his daughter's funeral.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be filed.
TIRANA, Albania (AP) - Albanian police say a Greek policeman has been arrested after he was found with a pistol.

A statement Saturday said that 98 other Greeks were denied entry to the country due to a lack of documentation or being on a list of banned persons.

All, including the 35-year-old policeman from the northern city of Igoumenitsa who was identified only by the initials M.G, were heading to the village of Bularat, in southern Albania, to take part in a family ceremony for an Albanian-Greek citizen who was killed in a gunbattle with police in October.

Konstantinos Kacifa died Oct. 28 during an event to celebrate Greece's entry into World War II against Italy.

The incident has heightened tensions between Greece and Albania.
VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Vatican has an unusual dilemma on its hands after nearly all the nuns in a tiny French religious order threatened to renounce their vows rather than accept the Holy See's decision to remove their superior.

The sisters argue that the Vatican commissioners sent to replace their superior general, who is also the niece of the order's founder, have no understanding of their way of life or spirituality. The church's conclusion - contained in a summary of its investigation provided this week to The Associated Press - is that the Little Sisters of Marie, Mother of the Redeemer are living "under the tight grip" of an "authoritarian" superior and feel a "serious conflict of loyalty" toward her.

The standoff marks an extraordinary battle of wills between the Vatican hierarchy and the group of 39 nuns, most in their 60s and 70s, who run homes for the aged in rural western and southern France. Their threat to leave comes at a time when the Catholic Church can hardly spare them, with the number of sisters plummeting in Europe and the Americas.

The unlikely revolt had been brewing for years but erupted in 2017, when the Vatican suspended the Little Sisters' government and ordered the superior, Mother Marie de Saint Michel, removed. The Vatican says it took action after local church investigations in 2010 and 2016 found an excessive authoritarianism in her rule and serious problems of governance.

Details of her alleged abuses of authority haven't been revealed. But within two years of her election as superior in 2000, six sisters had left, church officials say.

"The grave acts posed by Mother Marie de Saint Michel are denounced and the sisters are called to religious and responsible behavior," the prefect of the Vatican's congregation for religious, Cardinal Joao Braz di Aviz, wrote the nuns in July.

FILE - In this Sunday, April 1, 2018 file photo, nuns are silhouetted in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. The Vatican is facing a dilemma after nearly all the nuns in a tiny French religious order threatened to renounce their vows rather than accept the removal of their superior. The standoff marks an extraordinary battle of wills between the Vatican and the group of 39 nuns who run homes for the aged in rural France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

By then, Braz had already appointed a commissioner and two deputies to run the order. But the Little Sisters refused to accept them and kept Saint Michel in place in the mother house.

As the standoff escalated, 34 of the 39 nuns issued an extraordinary public declaration last month saying they had no other choice but to ask to be relieved of their religious vows.

"We are not making this sacrifice lightly," they wrote. "We wish to remain in total communion with the church but we cannot signify more clearly, or more painfully either, our incapacity in conscience to obey what we are commanded to do."

Their plight has garnered sympathy. A French support group, the Support Association of the Little Sisters of Marie, claims to have gotten 3,900 signatures for an online petition demanding the immediate restoration of the central government of the order and removal of the commissioners.

"We are in a situation of blockage," said Marcel Mignot, president of the support association.

The sisters downplay problems with their superior and say the real dispute is over their local bishop's decision to split up management of their elder-care homes that had been merged in recent years. They say the bishop used his authority to impose an unjust decision on them without taking their views or the financial implications into account.

"This is about power," Mignot said, referring to the bishop's authority over diocesan orders.

The sisters have appealed his decision to the Vatican's high court "so that the truth can be re-established, but Roman justice takes its time," the sisters wrote their supporters earlier this year.

Their cherished community was founded in 1954 in Toulouse by Marie Nault, a woman who, according to legend, stopped her formal education at age 11 to work on the family farm but possessed such spirituality that she developed the stigmata - the bleeding wounds that imitate those of Christ on the cross.

Nault took the name Mere Marie de la Croix - Mother Mary of the Cross - and opened four communities in western and southern France which, in 1989, won approval from the bishop to become a diocesan institute of consecrated life.

Born in 1901, Mother Marie died in 1999 and her niece, the current ousted superior, took over a year later. She remains at the mother house in Saint-Aignan sur Roe, in western France. She had been due to step down after her term was up and a new superior was elected, but plans for the election are now in limbo, Mignot said.

The standoff with the Little Sisters comes amid a continuing free-fall in the number of nuns around the world, as elderly sisters die and fewer young ones take their place. The most recent Vatican statistics from 2016 show the number of sisters was down 10,885 from the previous year to 659,445 globally. Ten years prior, there were 753,400 nuns around the world, meaning the Catholic Church shed nearly 100,000 sisters in the span of a decade.

European nuns regularly fare the worst, seeing a decline of 8,370 sisters in 2016 on top of the previous year's decline of 8,394, according to Vatican statistics.

The Vatican, in its conclusions about the case, said it believed that the majority of the Little Sisters "truly want to follow the Lord in a life of prayer and sacrifice."

While lamenting the "tight grip" that the superior has over them, the Vatican's congregation for religious orders told AP that most sisters had been kept in the dark about the management dispute over the elder-care homes - details that even the Vatican commissioners haven't fully ascertained since they haven't been able to access the institutes' finances, the Vatican summary said.

In the past, the Vatican has not been afraid to impose martial law on religious orders, male or female, when they run into trouble, either for financial, disciplinary or other reasons.

St. John Paul II famously appointed his own superiors to run the Jesuits in 1981, some 200 years after Pope Clement XIV suppressed the order altogether. Pope Benedict XVI imposed a years-long process of reform on the Legion of Christ order and its lay branches after its founder was determined to be a pedophile. More recently, the Vatican named a commissioner to take over a traditionalist order of priests and nuns, the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate.

Nevertheless, the standoff with the Little Sisters is unusual, said Gabriella Zarri, retired professor of history and expert in women's religious orders at the University of Florence.

"It's serious, but it's also serious that these nuns would do such a violent act as to threaten to leave religious life," she said. "It's difficult to understand, other than perhaps because of their attachment to the charism of the founder" and her niece.

Sabina Pavone, a professor of modern history at the University of Macerata, said Catholic archives - especially from Inquisition trials - are full of cases of the Vatican taking action when religious superiors assume "tyrannical" powers over their devoted followers.

While many of the cases date to the period of tremendous growth of religious orders for women in the 1800s, she added, "we shouldn't be surprised that you find them today" as well.

FILE - In this Tuesday, June 26, 2018 file photo, a ray of sun sheds light on nun sitting inside the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. The Vatican is facing a dilemma after nearly all the nuns in a tiny French religious order threatened to renounce their vows rather than accept the removal of their superior. The standoff marks an extraordinary battle of wills between the Vatican and the group of 39 nuns who run homes for the aged in rural France. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File )
HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - What exactly happened inside Alabama's largest shopping mall on Thanksgiving night when police shot and killed a black man, sparking weeks of protests? That question remains unanswered more than two weeks later.

The name of Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr. has become a rallying point for demonstrators angered by his death, and a suspect is in jail on charges of shooting another man who was wounded amid a flurry of gunfire in a shopping center decorated for the holidays. While authorities have promised transparency, the Rev. Jesse Jackson has claimed police are covering up details of the slaying.

Here are a few of the lingering questions surrounding Bradford's death:

WHAT STARTED IT ALL?

A confrontation occurred among an as-yet undetermined number of young men who were at least acquainted with each other - an attorney for the shooting suspect, Erron Brown, referred to it has an "ongoing thing" and not a random dispute. The lawyer, Charles Salvagio, also disputed reports and rumors that it was a disagreement over shoes.

But neither witnesses nor authorities have said who was first to pull out a weapon, or precisely why. Police have said an on-duty officer saw Bradford with a gun after an initial burst of gunfire, prompting the officer to shoot Bradford.

Before arresting Brown, police recanted their initial claim that Bradford was the gunman who shot two people who were wounded. Mall policy prohibits any weapons.

HOW MANY SHOTS WERE FIRED, AND BY WHOM?

At least five shots rang out inside the Riverchase Galleria mall in suburban Hoover based on accounts by authorities and a forensic examination released by Bradford's family, which says Bradford had a permit to carry a weapon.

Three bullets struck Bradford and at least two fired moments before hit Brian Xavier Wilson, 18, of Birmingham.

Beyond that, it's difficult to say how many shots were fired, sending panicked shoppers running for mall exits, or who fired them.

Police charged Brown with shooting Wilson but not a 12-year-old girl who also was wounded; authorities haven't said who shot her. Bullets that passed through Bradford and Wilson could have struck someone else.

WHO SHOT WHOM?

Police have said an officer shot Bradford, but it's unclear whether police fired all three shots that hit him. Authorities also have charged Brown with shooting Wilson.

The 12-year-old girl was an innocent bystander by all counts.

The child's mother has written on social media that the slug remained lodged in the child's back after the shooting, and that doctors decided against removing it. If so, that would make a ballistics comparison impossible and reduce the chances of determining who is to blame for her injuries.

DOES VIDEO SHOW WHAT HAPPENED?

Video exists, but the public doesn't know what it shows because it hasn't been released.

Police in Hoover said they can't release video or other evidence because the case is being investigating by state police at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. State officials have refused to release any information, saying that to do so could harm the continuing probe.

A judge has ordered authorities to release video evidence to Brown's attorney, but it is unclear whether that will ever lead to images of the violence becoming public. Lawyers for Bradford's family said they have seen some of the video, but state officials and the attorneys have not commented.

Video posted on social media showed the chaos that followed the gunfire, with shoppers screaming and fleeing and a man lying in blood on the floor. But definitive images of the shooting itself have yet to surface.
TIRANA, Albania (AP) - Public university students protesting in the Albanian capital have turned down offers to negotiate with the government, saying their demands must be met first.

Students on Saturday defied the rain and increased their demands, also turning down support from the political opposition. They have blocked a main street in front of the Education Ministry and some parents have joined them.

The protesters declined to meet with Education Minister Lindita Nikolla, who noted that the government cannot solve all of their demands since tuition fees are set by the universities themselves.

The student's main demand is to cut tuition fees in half. The cost to take bachelor courses in Albania now ranges from 20,000 to 45,000 leks ($180-$410) per year.

On a student Twitter page, the protester urged Nikolla and Prime Minister Edi Rama "to choose wisely" and accept their requests. Some people brought food and water to the students in a show of support.

Dec. 8 is considered a national holiday in Albania, marking the date in 1990 when a student protest brought down the communist regime.

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Follow Llazar Semini on twitter: https://twitter.com/lsemini
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - In some versions of a Dec. 8 story about wreaths being sent to Arlington National Cemetery, The Associated Press incorrectly reported the name of the program, as well as the number of wreaths being shipped to the cemetery. The name is Wreaths Across America, not Wreaths Across American, and the number of wreaths is a quarter of a million, not a million.

A corrected version of the story is below:

About 250,000 wreaths to be distributed at Arlington National Cemetery

A quarter of a million balsam wreaths are on their way to the nation's most hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty U.S. service members, veterans and their families. The wreaths were made in Maine.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - A quarter of a million balsam wreaths are on their way to the nation's most hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty U.S. service members, veterans and their families.

The "Wreaths Across America" convoy departed Saturday from Columbia Falls, Maine, where the wreaths are made, and will stop at schools, memorials and veteran group gatherings along the 740-mile journey to Arlington, Virginia.

The tradition began when Maine wreath maker Morrill Worcester donated 5,000 wreaths to Arlington Cemetery. Since then, it's grown each year.

The wreaths are set to arrive on Dec. 15 at the national cemetery, where volunteers will place the greenery on headstones.
CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago charter school network is seeking help in halting a teachers' strike for much of the past week.

The Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times report Acero filed complaints Friday with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board and National Labor Relations Board against the Chicago Teachers Union. The complaint filed in Cook County argues the strike is illegal because teachers didn't follow mediation or notice requirements.

Teachers went on strike Tuesday and classes were canceled for Acero's 15 schools and 7,500 predominantly Latino students. They are demanding smaller classes, more special education staff, salary increases and protections for students and families living in the country illegally.

Union officials say the walkout isn't illegal. They say it's the first strike at any of the privately run, taxpayer-funded schools in the U.S

Educators with Acero charter schools strike outside the Veterans Memorial Charter School Campus, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Chicago. Hundreds of teachers have gone on strike at the Chicago charter school network, leading to canceled classes for thousands of students. (Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

Educators with Acero charter schools strike outside the Veterans Memorial Charter School Campus, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Chicago. Hundreds of teachers have gone on strike at the Chicago charter school network, leading to canceled classes for thousands of students. (Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

Educators with Acero charter schools strike outside Veterans Memorial Charter School Campus, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Chicago. Hundreds of teachers have gone on strike at the Chicago charter school network, leading to canceled classes for thousands of students. (Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

From left to right, Kathryn Schoedel, a teacher at Ziumbo Elementary School, Lindsay Anderson, a teacher at Torres Elementary school and Vanessa Cerf-Nikolakakis, a teacher at Torres Elementary School with their signs as they prepare to walk the picket line outside of Acero's Zizumbo Elementary charter school on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Chicago. Hundreds of teachers have gone on strike at the Chicago charter school network, leading to canceled classes for thousands of students. (Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune via AP)

Charter school teachers including Vanessa Cerf-Nikolakakis, center, of Torres Elementary School, and other supporters walk the picket line outside the Acero's Zizumbo Elementary Charter school, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Chicago. Hundreds of teachers have gone on strike at the Chicago charter school network, leading to canceled classes for thousands of students. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP)

Educators with Acero charter schools strike outside the Veterans Memorial Charter School Campus, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Chicago. Hundreds of teachers have gone on strike at the Chicago charter school network, leading to canceled classes for thousands of students. (Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

Educators with Acero charter schools strike outside the Veterans Memorial Charter School Campus, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Chicago. Hundreds of teachers have gone on strike at the Chicago charter school network, leading to canceled classes for thousands of students. (Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) - An organization formed by the parents of children killed in the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School is coming out with a public service announcement designed to help identify individuals planning mass shootings.

Officials with Sandy Hook Promise say many such shootings followed warning signs that were either ignored or misunderstood.

The PSA was shot by some big-name Hollywood filmmakers, including director Rupert Sanders.

The group says the short piece will "bring to life the mind of a school shooter as he plans an attack."

Its release is scheduled to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, which took the lives of 20 children and six educators.

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This story has been corrected to remove reference to cinematographer, who the organization says is no longer with the project.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Authorities said Saturday two more people have died after bank robbers attempted to carry out heists in northeastern Brazil, bringing the death toll to 14.

Brazil's military police said that the heavily armed group of assailants took hostages who were traveling on federal highway BR-116 around 2 a.m. on Friday. The highway leads to Milagres, a city of 30,000 inhabitants in the state of Ceara.

Military police said the criminals were planning to take the hostages to two banks when they came under police fire and a shootout ensued.

They said eight suspected robbers and six hostages between the ages of 13 and 60 were killed.

Lielson Macedo Landim, the mayor of Milagres, told the G1 news portal Friday that the hostages were executed by the criminal group and not killed by police fire. He said that two children were among the dead.

His account could not be verified.

Forensic officers load the body of a victim killed in an attempted bank robbery, at an entrance of a municipal hospital in Milagres, in Brazil's state of Ceara, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Brazilian authorities say that at least 12 people have been killed in two attempted bank robberies in Milagres downtown area. (Antonio Rodrigues/Diario do Nordeste via AP)

Military police said Saturday that five of the criminals died during the shootout. Two others died a few hours later in a hospital and an eighth suspect was killed in a separate clash with police on the outskirts of Milagres.

Police said three others were arrested and explosives, firearms, and three vehicles were seized.

Public Security Minister Raul Jungmann called the episode a "tragedy."

"Ceara is reducing the rates of violence, but unfortunately there are tragedies like this," the minister said Friday.

In a press release, military police said that security forces managed to thwart the assaults due to the "exchange of intelligence information."

Ceara is one of the most violent states in Brazil, with 59 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Eager for a historic trade agreement, President Donald Trump is claiming done deals with China that aren't measuring up to the hype.

He describes last week's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as "extraordinary" and a "big leap forward." China, however, has provided few details and little confirmation about what it actually agreed to do in regard to buying more American products and addressing the Trump administration's assertions that Beijing steals American technology.

Trump claimed that China had agreed to reduce or eliminate its 40 percent tariffs on cars imported from the U.S. His top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, acknowledged no deal had been "signed and sealed and delivered yet."

The statements marked a week when Trump also claimed without evidence for a second time that Paris protesters were chanting support for him, grossly overstated the costs of illegal immigration and derided U.S. weapons spending as crazy, despite earlier boasts about increasing the military budget.

Meanwhile, Democratic Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ignored reality when she suggested the Pentagon has a hidden pot of $21 trillion that could help pay for "Medicare for All." The total defense budget during the period in question only totaled $9 trillion.

A look at the claims and the facts:

A demonstrator stands on a stepladder during clashes Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018 in Paris. Crowds of yellow-vested protesters angry at President Emmanuel Macron and France's high taxes tried to converge on the presidential palace Saturday, some scuffling with police firing tear gas, amid exceptional security measures aimed at preventing a repeat of last week's rioting. (AP Photo/Rafael Yaghobzadeh)

PARIS

TRUMP: "The Paris Agreement isn't working out so well for Paris. Protests and riots all over France. People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third world countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment. Chanting "We Want Trump!" Love France." - tweet Saturday.

THE FACTS: Neither Associated Press journalists covering protests in the city nor any French television networks have shown evidence that supporters were chanting any slogans in support of Trump. The protests that began as a revolt against a gas tax increase have turned increasingly violent and France imposed exceptional security measures Saturday to prevent a repeat of rioting a week ago.

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JERUSALEM

TRUMP: "We quickly moved the American embassy to Jerusalem and we got it built."- remarks Thursday at Hanukkah event.

THE FACTS: Nothing's been built yet. The Trump administration designated an existing U.S. consular facility in Jerusalem for the U.S. Embassy, retrofitting some offices and holding a big dedication ceremony in May. The U.S. has yet to identify a permanent site for the new embassy, a process that is expected to take years. The State Department has estimated that constructing a new embassy would cost more than $500 million.

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TARIFFS

TRUMP: "China has agreed to reduce and remove tariffs on cars coming into China from the U.S. Currently the tariff is 40%." - tweet Sunday.

THE FACTS: Nearly a week later, it's still not clear if this will happen. When asked about the matter, Kudlow would only say that he hoped China would remove its tariffs on U.S. autos. "We don't yet have a specific agreement on that, but I will just tell you, as an involved participant, we expect those tariffs to go to zero," he told reporters on Monday. Pressed again Tuesday, Kudlow told "Fox and Friends" that he expected China to move quickly on removing the tariffs "if they're serious about this."

"I think it's coming, OK?" he said. "It hasn't been signed and sealed and delivered yet."

The White House's confusing and conflicting words have left Wall Street skeptical.

"It doesn't seem like anything was actually agreed to at the dinner and White House officials are contorting themselves into pretzels to reconcile Trump's tweets (which seem if not completely fabricated then grossly exaggerated) with reality," JPMorgan told investors in a trading note.

On Thursday, a Chinese official said that China will "immediately implement the consensus reached by the two sides on farm products, cars and energy," but did not address the auto tariffs specifically or provide any additional details.

Trump has cast doubt on whether a firm agreement had been reached, tweeting Tuesday that his administration will determine "whether or not a REAL deal with China is actually possible."

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TRUMP: "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." - tweet Tuesday.

THE FACTS: Trump seems to be claiming that tariffs are some kind of a membership fee for foreign companies to trade in the U.S. economy.

They're not. Tariffs are a tax, per Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

The costs of this tax are borne by U.S. consumers and businesses, often in the form of higher prices. Foreign companies may end up selling fewer goods and services if the United States imposes high tariffs. So they pay a price, too.

In some cases, the tariffs exist to protect industries that are vital for national security. Or, the tariffs exist to retaliate against the trade practices of other countries. Or, they might protect politically connected companies.

In the past, White House aides have insisted that Trump's tariffs are a negotiating ploy. Yet the president offered no such qualifications on Tuesday.

Tariffs are not seen as some easy way of generating massive wealth for an economically developed nation. After Trump announced steel and aluminum tariffs earlier this year, the University of Chicago asked leading academic economists in March whether Americans would be better off because of import taxes. Not a single economist surveyed said the country would be wealthier.

Nor do the budget numbers suggest they can come anywhere close to covering the costs of the federal government.

Trump is correct that tariffs did generate $41.3 billion in tax revenues last budget year, according to the Treasury Department. But to put that in perspective, the federal budget exceeds $4.1 trillion.

The taxes collected on imports were equal to about 1 percent of all federal spending.

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MEDICARE

OCASIO-CORTEZ: "$21 TRILLION of Pentagon financial transactions 'could not be traced, documented, or explained.' $21T in Pentagon accounting errors. Medicare for All costs (tilde)$32T. That means 66% of Medicare for All could have been funded already by the Pentagon. And that's before our premiums." - tweet Sunday.

THE FACTS: Ocasio-Cortez is generally correct to suggest that one way of paying for the huge cost of "Medicare for All" would be to cut spending elsewhere. But she is wrong to suggest that there's pot of misspent defense dollars that could cover the new health care expenses. The New York Democrat also misrepresents the findings of an academic study that found the $21 trillion in Pentagon errors to be accounting "adjustments," not a tally of actual money wasted.

The study by Mark Skidmore, an economist at Michigan State University and Catherine Austin Fitts, a former assistant secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, did find $21 trillion in Pentagon transactions from 1998 to 2015 that could not be verified. Their study is a cited in a Nation article retweeted in part by Ocasio-Cortez, even though that article makes clear that not "all of this $21 trillion was secret or misused funding ... the plugs are found on both the positive and the negative sides of the ledger, thus potentially netting each other out."

Total defense spending from 1998 to 2015 was $9 trillion. That means defunding the military entirely would only cover a small portion of the estimated $32 trillion cost over 10 years for the "Medicare for All" legislation by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Ocasio-Cortez wrongly suggests that fixing Pentagon accounting errors would net 66 percent of costs.

"What she was referencing was the total number of transactions that happened with DoD - there's a lot of double and triple counting as money gets moved around in the department," said Todd Harrison, director of defense budget analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "All of that basically means is that those transactions don't have a full trail," akin to an employee who submits an expense report without providing all the receipts.

"Just because you don't have the proper audit trail for transactions doesn't mean that those transactions are fraudulent," Harrison said.

David Norquist, the Pentagon's comptroller, has attributed the accounting errors to the department's older bookkeeping "systems that do not automatically pass data from one to the other." He said in testimony to the House Armed Services Committee in January that the errors do not amount to a pot of lost money. "I wouldn't want the taxpayer to confuse that with the loss of something like a trillion dollars, it's not. That wouldn't be accurate," Norquist said.

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MILITARY SPENDING

TRUMP: "I am certain that, at some time in the future, President Xi and I, together with President Putin of Russia, will start talking about a meaningful halt to what has become a major and uncontrollable Arms Race. The U.S. spent 716 Billion Dollars this year. Crazy!" - tweet Monday.

THE FACTS: His criticism of U.S. weapons spending as "crazy" vastly overstates the amount spent on the arms race. It also is a sudden change of tone from his previous boasts about increased military spending.

Trump's statement appeared to confuse the total Defense Department budget with America's investment in the missile defense systems and strategic nuclear weapons usually associated with the arms race. The Pentagon's budget for 2019 totals about $716 billion, but that includes everything from health care and pay for service members to the costs of the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The arms race is just a fraction of that amount, totaling about $10 billion this year for a wide range of missile defense and nuclear weapons programs.

Until recently, Trump has bragged about his increase in military spending, railing about what he claims is previous administrations' neglect of America's armed forces. He said his administration is "rebuilding our military." He has occasionally complained about specific programs such as Air Force One and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but his criticism was leveled at the defense contractors and focused on demanding savings.

He has been far more supportive of the broader defense increases, and specifically has endorsed hikes for missile defense in line with a U.S. defense strategy that targets China and Russia as key adversaries.

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IMMIGRATION

TRUMP: "Could somebody please explain to the Democrats (we need their votes) that our Country losses (sic) 250 Billion Dollars a year on illegal immigration, not including the terrible drug flow. Top Border Security, including a Wall, is $25 Billion. Pays for itself in two months. Get it done!" - tweet Tuesday.

THE FACTS: He's inflating the cost of illegal immigration. Trump's numbers left even those sympathetic to the president's position scratching their heads.

"I'm not sure where the president got his numbers," said Dave Ray, a spokesman for the nonprofit group FAIR, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which advocates for lower immigration numbers.

Neither the White House nor the Department of Homeland Security responded to questions about where the $250 billion estimate had come from.

The Heritage Foundation, for instance, estimated in 2013 that households headed by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally impose a net fiscal burden of around $54.5 billion per year.

Even Trump himself has contradicted the figure. During his 2016 campaign, Trump claimed that illegal immigration cost the country more than $113 billion a year - less than half the number he tweeted Tuesday.

That estimate appeared based on a paper by FAIR, which released an updated report in 2017 that claimed taxpayers "shell out approximately $134.9 billion to cover the costs incurred by the presence of more than 12.5 million illegal aliens, and about 4.2 million citizen children of illegal aliens" at the federal, state and local levels, with "a tax burden of approximately $8,075 per illegal alien family member and a total of $115,894,597,664."

The $116 million figure included services such as health care and education, as well as spending on agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, minus the $19 billon the group concluded those who are living in the country illegally pay in taxes. But it also included costs associated with the children of those immigrants in its tally, even when they are U.S. citizens. The estimate was criticized for making broad generalizations and other major methodological flaws.

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FENTANYL

TRUMP, about his meeting with Xi at the gathering of leading rich and developing nations: "What he will be doing to fentanyl could be a game changer for the United States - and what fentanyl is doing to our country in terms of killing people. Because he's agreed to put it at the highest level of crime in his country." - aboard Air Force One on Dec. 1.

TRUMP: "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.'" - tweet Wednesday.

THE FACTS: That's a misreading of what China agreed to do, at least as far as Chinese authorities are concerned.

Fentanyl has been a controlled substance in China for years, according to Chinese regulators. All told, China has already put 25 variants of fentanyl, plus two precursors - chemicals used to make the drug - on its list of controlled substances, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said last week.

Now, "China has decided to list all the fentanyl-like substances as controlled substances and start working to adjust related regulations," says China's foreign ministry.

Doing so could help block China's opioid merchants from skirting the law by inventing new chemical variants of fentanyl faster than regulators can declare them illegal.

The standard approach of regulating drugs one by one has failed to control the proliferation of new and deadly synthetic opioids in the United States.

In February, the U.S. said that for at least the next two years, all new chemical versions of fentanyl that weren't already regulated would be classified as illegal controlled substances. U.S. officials had been urging China to do something similar.

But China hasn't always followed through on its promises. "Similar suggestions have failed to gain approval from Chinese regulators in the past," the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission said in a report last week that criticized China for "slow and ineffective" regulation of fentanyl.

In 2016, U.S. negotiators thought they had secured an agreement with Beijing that China would target U.S.-bound exports of substances that were illegal in the United States, even if they weren't illegal in China, but Beijing never implemented the policy, according to the commission, a group formed by the U.S. Congress to monitor economic relations with China.

China's new approach could indeed be game changing, as Trump said. But so far there's no timeline for implementation of the policy.

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Associated Press writers Lori Hinnant in Paris, Josh Boak, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Jill Colvin and Lolita Baldor in Washington and Erika Kinetz in Shanghai contributed to this report.

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Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd

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In this Dec. 1, 2018, photo, President Donald Trump, second from right, meets with China's President Xi Jinping, second from left, during their bilateral meeting at the G20 Summit, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. China promised Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, to carry out a tariff cease-fire with Washington but gave no details that might help dispel confusion about what Presidents Xi and Trump agreed to in Argentina.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
BLISSFIELD, Mich. (AP) - Three Michigan volunteer firefighters have been injured when they responded to a fire at their own station.

Two Blissfield firefighters have been treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation and another has minor burns on his arm from battling the blaze Saturday morning.

Someone walking by the unoccupied station saw smoke and reported it.

Officials say two ambulances are a total loss and the fire house will be out of commission for a while. They will be working with other departments nearby and don't anticipate any issues responding to fire or medical emergencies.

They don't know what started the fire.

Blissfield has a population of about 3,300 located 78 miles (126 kilometers) southwest of Detroit.

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Information from: WWJ-AM, http://www.wwj.com
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Federal officials will shut down an Idaho nuclear waste treatment project after determining it would not be economically feasible to bring in radioactive waste from other states.

The U.S. Department of Energy in documents made public this week said the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project that employs 650 workers will end next year.

Officials said workers are wrapping up processing 85,000 cubic yards (65,000 cubic meters) of radioactive waste at the department's 890-square-mile (2,300-square-kilometer) site that includes the Idaho National Laboratory.

A $500 million treatment plant handles transuranic waste that includes work clothing, rags, machine parts and tools that have been contaminated with plutonium and other radioactive elements. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says transuranic wastes take much longer to decay and are the most radioactive hazard in high-level waste after 1,000 years.

The Energy Department said that before the cleanup began, Idaho had the largest stockpile of transuranic waste of any of the agency's facilities. Court battles between Idaho and the federal government culminated with a 1995 agreement requiring the Energy Department to clean up the Idaho site.

The Idaho treatment plant compacts the transuranic waste, making it easier to ship and put into long-term storage at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico.

FILE - In this May 11, 2015 file photo, nuclear waste is stored in underground containers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls, Idaho. Federal officials will shut down a nuclear waste treatment project at the site after determining it would not be economically feasible to bring in radioactive waste from other states. The U.S. Department of Energy in documents made public this week says the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project that employs 650 workers will end next year. Officials say workers are wrapping up processing radioactive waste at the department's 890-square-mile (2,300-square-kilometer) site that includes the Idaho National Laboratory. (AP Photo/Keith Ridler, File)

Federal officials earlier this year floated the idea of keeping the $500 million treatment plant running in Idaho with waste from other states. The bulk of that would have been 8,000 cubic yards (6,100 cubic meters) of radioactive waste from a former nuclear weapons production area in Hanford in eastern Washington.

Local officials and politicians generally supported the idea because of the good-paying jobs. The Snake River Alliance, an Idaho-based nuclear watchdog group, said it had concerns the nuclear waste brought to Idaho would never leave.

A 38-page economic analysis the Department of Energy completed in August and released this week found "it does not appear to be cost effective due to packaging and transportation challenges in shipping waste" to Idaho.

"As work at the facility will continue into 2019, no immediate workforce impacts are anticipated," the agency said in an email to The Associated Press on Friday. The Energy Department "recognizes the contribution of this facility and its employees to DOE's cleanup mission and looks forward to applying the knowledge gained and experience of the workforce to other key activities at the Idaho site."

The agency said it would also consider voluntary separation incentives for workers.

With the Idaho treatment plant scheduled to shut down, it's not clear how the transuranic waste at Hanford and other sites will be dealt with.

The Energy Department "will continue to work to ensure a path forward for packaging and certification of TRU (transuranic) waste at Hanford and other sites," the agency said in the email to the AP.

The Post Register first reported the closure.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli forces said Saturday they uncovered another Hezbollah tunnel dug from Lebanon, an announcement that came shortly after troops fired at suspected members of the Lebanese militant group who approached the site of Israeli army engineering working to thwart tunnels.

The find makes this at least the second cross-border tunnel discovered since Israel began an operation this week to detect and "neutralize" attack passageways dug by the Iranian-backed group into northern Israel.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli army spokesman, told reporters the new tunnel runs into Israel but "does not pose an imminent threat to Israeli communities."

He said explosives were placed in the tunnel to prevent infiltration into Israel, adding that Israel holds the Lebanese government responsible "for the activities and all Hezbollah violations."

Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli military fired at three Hezbollah suspects who approached the border where the army was working.

Conricus said Israeli troops crossed the fence into Lebanon but did not exceed the U.N.-established demarcation line. He says Israeli forces also installed technological sensors to control a tunnel.

According to Conricus, Hezbollah activists made use of bad weather in an attempt "to probably take the sensors" but fled after Israeli forces opened fire at them.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Israel's intention to "foil the tunnels' threat," according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.

Netanyahu vowed to continue efforts "to prevent the establishment of an Iranian presence in Syria and to act against Iranian and Hezbollah aggression," the statement added.

It also said that Netanyahu and Putin agreed that mutual security teams will meet to discuss the threats and Israel's "Operation Northern Shield," as the operation to eradicate the tunnels is called.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Yale University police have arrested 48 people who were protesting the Ivy League school's investments in fossil fuel companies and its Puerto Rico debt holdings.

The arrests came during a sit-in demonstration Friday inside Yale's investment office as more than 300 students and community members rallied outside the building.

Protesters demanded Yale divest endowment funds from fossil fuel companies because of concerns about climate change. They also said they wanted Yale to cancel its holdings in a fund that holds some of Puerto Rico's massive debt and is suing the U.S. territory to be paid while the island still struggles to recover from hurricane damage.

Yale officials say a school committee has previously addressed concerns about fossil fuel investments and Puerto Rican debt, but that they support student freedom of expression.
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - Thousands of people have marched in Serbia against the autocratic rule of President Aleksandar Vucic and his government.

An opposition alliance called Saturday's protest after assailants recently beat up and seriously injured a leftist party leader and his associates in a southern Serbian city.

The opposition parties have blamed the incident on what they describe as an atmosphere of violence and intimidation imposed by Vucic's populist ruling coalition.

Vucic is a former extreme nationalist who now says he wants Serbia to reform and join the European Union. But critics at home say Vucic has restricted democratic and media freedoms in the Balkan country.

The demonstration in Belgrade was dubbed "Stop to bloody shirts," a reference to the recent beating of Borko Stefanovic, the leader of the Serbia's Left party.

People march during a protest in front of the Serbian Parliament building in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Thousands of people are marching in Serbia against the hardline rule of President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People hold a banner that reads: ''Stop to bloody shirts'' during a protest in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. Thousands of people marched in Serbia against the autocratic rule of President Aleksandar Vucic and his government. An opposition alliance called the protest on Saturday after assailants recently beat up and seriously injured a leftist party leader and his associates in a southern Serbian city. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Authorities have identified the dismembered remains of a woman found by police in western Michigan.

Grand Rapids police said Saturday that DNA testing revealed the remains were that of Ashley Regina-Marie Young. The 31-year-old woman from Kalamazoo County's Oshtemo Township had been traveling to Grand Rapids and was last seen on Nov. 29.

Young's body parts were found last Sunday outside Jared Chance's apartment and in the basement of a building. Blood also was found inside his home.

Chance has been charged with mutilating a dead body and concealing a death but has not been charged in Young's death. It's not clear if he has a lawyer to comment on the charges.
MOSCOW (AP) - Lyudmila Alexeyeva, a human rights pioneer and dissident who challenged the Soviet and Russian regimes for decades, demanding that they free political prisoners and establish democratic rights, died Saturday in a Moscow hospital, a Russian official said. She was 91.

"She remained a human rights activist to the very end," said Mikhail Fedotov, head of Russia's Human Rights Council. "This is a loss for the entire human rights movement in Russia."

The gentle but courageous activist was born under dictator Josef Stalin's regime. She risked her own freedom to protest the plight of political prisoners in the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s and co-founded the Moscow Helsinki Group, Russia's oldest human rights organization, in 1976.

Alexeyeva faced death threats throughout her career and was forced into exile by Soviet authorities in 1977.

She returned to Russia in 1993 after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union and continued her work energetically, but suspicion of non-governmental organizations under President Vladimir Putin's rule increasingly impeded her activities.

In 2014, she announced that the Moscow Helsinki Group had laid off most of its staff and cut pay for the remainder. The move followed declining foreign donations in the wake of legislation requiring groups receiving such funding to register as "foreign agents."

FILE In this file photo taken on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, congratulates the Moscow Helsinki Group Chair and human rights activist Lyudmila Alexeyeva, during a ceremony to present the 2017 State Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Human Rights and and Charity Work in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia . Alexeyeva, who was forced into exile by Soviet authorities after founding Russia's oldest human rights organization in 1976, passed away in a Moscow hospital Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 at age 91. (Yuri Kochetkov/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Alexeyeva relentlessly pressed Soviet authorities to improve human rights, through times of crushing repression and those of relative tolerance, a job that required enormous patience.

"In Soviet times, we couldn't do anything to defend human rights," she told The Associated Press in a 2009 interview. "We couldn't even defend ourselves. Our activity was confined to proclaiming that the state should respect human rights and defend them."

After the Soviet collapse, she turned into a respectful but insistent voice urging that Russia's newly elected leadership live up to its rhetoric about democracy and the rule of law.

Despite Putin's early patronage, including his naming her to an advisory council, Alexeyeva was a leading critic of Russia's second war in Chechnya, launched in 1999 during Putin's first term as prime minister, and of Putin's weakening of Russia's democratic institutions.

Government officials later accused nongovernment organizations like the Moscow Helsinki Group of spying on Russia for the West, and Alexeyeva became the target of death threats by nationalist groups. Still, she remained determined and optimistic, maintaining her ties to the Kremlin.

"I don't accuse, I explain," she said. "I say, 'You don't agree? We will speak some more.'"

While she was certain that Russia would one day embrace Western-style democracy, she did not expect that it would happen soon.

"I won't live to see Russia become a democratic state with the rule of law," she told the AP.

Still, Putin made a house call to Alexeyeva on her 90th birthday last year, complete with a champagne toast.

In the early 2000s, Alexeyeva privately urged Putin to halt plans to expel thousands of Chechen refugees from camps in the neighboring region of Ingushetia and force them to return to their war-ravaged homeland.

"He agreed, the camps existed for two years after that and the people lived in camps rather than under bombs," she said.

In December 2008, Putin proposed legislation that would have significantly broadened the definition of treason. Rights activists said the law would make anyone critical of the government liable to prosecution as an enemy of the state. After an outcry by Alexeyeva and others, the proposal was withdrawn.

But Alexeyeva and her allies lost at least as many battles as they won.

After the December 2003 parliamentary election - a watershed vote that saw most of Russia's liberal opposition leadership driven from parliament - Alexeyeva recalled bluntly telling Putin: "We don't have elections anymore, because the results are decided by the bosses and not the people."

Born in Crimea on July 20, 1927, Alexeyeva studied archaeology at Moscow State University. She was drawn into the dissident movement during the Khrushchev thaw, the period of relaxed censorship under Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in the 1950s and early 1960s.

She was part of the small but determined circle of Moscow dissidents that included Sergei Kovalyov, a biologist who survived a gulag labor camp, and physicist Andrei Sakharov, who won the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize. The dissidents often met but seldom talked about their illegal political activities, working in secret cells to deter arrests.

In the early 1970s, Alexeyeva worked on the Chronicle of Current Events, the most important of the dissident underground journals typed up on onionskin sheets backed by carbon copy paper and circulated hand-to-hand.

One night Alexeyeva grew worried as she waited in a friend's apartment for a courier to deliver the latest edition of the Chronicle for retyping. When a knock came at the door, she hid, certain it was the KGB, before hearing the voice of fellow dissident Kovalyov. Until that moment, she said, she didn't know he was one of the journal's editors.

Kovalyov later spent seven years in a Soviet labor camp for his role in the publication.

Like other dissidents, including author Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Alexeyeva was threatened with arrest unless she left the Soviet Union. The mother of two fled with her younger son, Mikhail, in 1977, eventually settling in the United States. There, she co-wrote about her life in "The Thaw Generation: Coming of Age in the Post-Stalin Era" and also wrote a book called "Soviet Dissent."

In the 2009 interview, Alexeyeva recalled how Russia had changed since her dissident days. One major watershed, she said, was the 1976 Helsinki agreement, which introduced the concept of human rights to the world.

"Now every policeman knows what human rights means," Alexeyeva said. "He doesn't enforce them, but he knows. That is why I think that today is much easier for us than in the Soviet times."

Many liberal Russian have blamed the country's leaders for steering Russia toward authoritarianism. But Alexeyeva said Russia's problem wasn't its leaders, it was its weak society, which she said was incapable of holding leaders to account.

"I don't think the leaders of Western democracies are really such strong democrats," she said, but added that Western leaders have to support human rights and the rule of law or risk being voted out.

Alexeyeva said she often received death threats - and sometimes wondered if she dismissed them too lightly.

She recalled having tea in her kitchen in 2008 with Stanislav Markelov, a lawyer who represented Chechen families with grievances against the government. Markelov said someone was threatening his life, but Alexeyeva tried to be reassuring.

"I told him we all get them," she said, her eyes misting.

Markelov, however, was shot and killed on a snowy Moscow street in January 2009 along with Anastasia Baburova, a young journalist.

Still, Alexeyeva said neither she nor her colleagues would give up their human rights cause.

"I don't know of a single person who works with me who would stop doing what they are doing because of threats," she said. "If I stopped what I am doing now, life wouldn't be interesting to me."

She is survived by her two sons, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

FILE - In this file photo taken on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, congratulates the Moscow Helsinki Group Chair and human rights activist Lyudmila Alexeyeva, during a ceremony to present the 2017 State Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Human Rights and and Charity Work at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. Alexeyeva, who was forced into exile by Soviet authorities after founding Russia's oldest human rights organization in 1976, passed away in a Moscow hospital Friday, Dec. 7, 2018 at age 91. (Yuri Kochetkov/Pool Photo via AP, File)
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Brazilian President Michel Temer has announced a federal intervention in a northern state which has received an influx of Venezuelan refugees and been wracked by a security crisis.

Temer did not say what the "negotiated" intervention in Roraima state would entail.

The state has been the scene of an intense battle between criminal organizations for territory and influence. It has also been the major entry point into Brazil for Venezuelans fleeing political and economic turmoil in their homeland.

Earlier in the week, state police and prison officers protested a two-month delay in salary payments.

Temer said the government wants to pacify Roraima.

He said: "I spoke with the governor and the only hypothesis to solve the salary problem would be to decree the intervention until the new governor assumes office."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  The House Committee on Legislative Franchises said it wants officials of a losing third telco bidder to explain its deal with Mislatel amid claims of a breach of an exclusive contract.

The panel invited officials of DigiPhil Technology to appear at a hearing scheduled on Tuesday to explain its contract with Mislatel. DigiPhil is a subsidiary of Chavit Singson-led TierOne that formed SEAR Telecommunications consortium with foreign companies for the third telco bidding in November.

SEAR, which was disqualified from the bidding for lack of a "participation security" worth 700 million, accused Mislatel of breaching its existing contract with DigiPhil.

READ: Mislatel refutes SEAR Telecoms claims, defends franchise

But Mislatel said it already terminated its contract with Digiphil before the bidding for the third telco happened in November.

Surigao del Sur Representative Prospero Pichay, however, claimed the contract between two companies remains in place since there's no court order yet on its termination.

"An agreement, only the court can terminate an agreement except when there is a mutual agreement," Pichay said.

"There are certain provisions that Mislatel didn't follow. Mislatel disregarded this agreement and under the Constitution, prior rights has to be respected. Digiphil has already acquired prior rights by this agreement, so this committee cannot approve a transfer of acquisition because there is a pending legal obstacle," the lawmaker added.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission said it is still checking the nationalities of the members of the consortium to which Mislatel is selling its franchise.

Mislatel formed a consortium with businessman Dennis Uy's Chelsea Logistics and Udenna Holdings Corporation, and China Telecom to participate in the bidding for the third telco.

Mislatel was declared as the provisional winner of the bidding on November 7 and was confirmed as the country's third telco player on November 19. The following day, the group signed an agreement with the government.

Mislatel said it planned to operate by late 2019 or early 2020 and vowed to provide 27 megabits per second of internet speed in its first year.
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Author Jon Krakauer has filed suit over a musical adaptation of his 1996 book "Into the Wild."

The Boulder Daily Camera reported Friday Krakauer originally agreed to let playwrights Nikos Tsakalakos and Janet Allard use his name and the book title but changed his mind because he objected to their script.

The lawsuit asks a judge to stop the playwrights from using his name and the title. His attorneys say the agreement allows him to withdraw permission.

The lawsuit was filed Nov. 30 in state court in Boulder, where Krakauer lives.

The newspaper says the playwrights didn't respond to requests for comment.

"Into the Wild" recounts Christopher McCandless' death in the Alaska wilderness. Krakauer's lawsuit also names the Christopher Johnson McCandless Memorial Foundation, which had also agreed to the adaptation.

FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2014 file photo, Colorado-based author Jon Krakauer gestures during an interview in Denver. Krakauer has filed suit over a musical adaptation of his 1996 book "Into the Wild." The Boulder Daily Camera reported Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Krakauer originally agreed to let playwrights Nikos Tsakalakos and Janet Allard use his name and the book title but changed his mind because he objected to their script. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

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Information from: Daily Camera, http://www.dailycamera.com/
NEW YORK (AP) - Police say a 22-year-old software engineer was found dead at the company's New York City headquarters.

Scott Krulcik was found unconscious on the sixth floor of the company's offices in Chelsea at about 9 p.m. Friday. He was pronounced dead by Emergency Medical Service workers.

Police say there were no signs of trauma and the death does not appear to be suspicious. The city medical examiner's office will determine the cause of death.

Krulcik's Linkedin page says he began working at Google in August after serving as an intern in the summer of 2017.

He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University last spring with a degree in computer science.

Google representatives did not immediately return emails seeking comment.
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - The Latest on Sen. Cory Booker's visit to New Hampshire (all times local):

5:40 p.m.

Sen. Cory Booker didn't discuss any 2020 ambitions in his speech at the New Hampshire Democratic Party's post-midterm victory celebration.

Booker is headlining the event Saturday in Manchester, saying the country needs "courageous actors who call to the conscience of our country."

The jam-packed two-day trip is thought by some to be a tune up for the New Jersey Democrat's potential presidential campaign.

The likely presidential contender is also set to speak at activists' gatherings in Nashua, Concord and Keene.

CORRECTS TO SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY-U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., speaks at a post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester, N.H., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)

Booker kicked off his trip at a Nashua cafe, greeting and taking selfies with breakfast customers.

Booker, who says he'll assess over the holidays whether or not he launches a White House campaign, tells the Associated Press that the trip is "really helpful to me in understanding what a potential presidential campaign would be about."

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5:05 p.m.

Sen. Cory Booker says the country needs "courageous actors who call to the conscience of our country."

Booker is headlining the New Hampshire Democratic Party's post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester. The jam-packed two-day trip is thought by some to be a tune up for the New Jersey Democrat's potential presidential campaign.

The likely presidential contender is also set to speak at activists' gatherings in Nashua, Concord and Keene.

Booker kicked off his trip at a Nashua cafe, greeting and taking selfies with breakfast customers.

Booker, who says he'll assess over the holidays whether or not he launches a White House campaign, tells the Associated Press that the trip is "really helpful to me in understanding what a potential presidential campaign would be about."

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11:50 a.m.

Sen. Cory Booker's back in New Hampshire this weekend for a jam-packed two-day trip that could turn out to be a tune up for the New Jersey Democrat's potential presidential campaign.

Booker's headlining the New Hampshire Democratic Party's post-midterm election victory celebration in Manchester. But the possible presidential contender is also the main attraction Saturday at house parties with activists in Nashua, Concord, and Keene.

He kicked off his trip by huddling with leading local Democrats at cafe in Nashua, greeting the breakfast crowd and taking selfies with customers.

Booker, who says he'll take the holiday season to assess whether to run in 2020, tells The Associated Press that the trip is "really helpful to me in understanding what a potential presidential campaign would be about."

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7:45 a.m.

Cory Booker is returning to the first-in-the-nation primary state for a trip that could turn out to be a tuneup for the New Jersey senator's potential Democratic presidential campaign.

Booker's been invited by the New Hampshire Democratic Party to headline their post-midterm election victory celebration Saturday in Manchester. He'll also be the main attraction at house parties in Concord, Nashua, and Keene.

Booker's said repeatedly in recent weeks that he'll take the holiday season to assess whether he launches a White House campaign.

The visit is Booker's second to New Hampshire in two months. He campaigned with now-Congressman-elect Chris Pappas and gubernatorial nominee Molly Kelly at a rally at the University of New Hampshire, and with Congresswoman Annie Kuster at Dartmouth College in late October, shortly before the midterm elections.
BRUSSELS (AP) - Prime Minister Charles Michel reshuffled his government after the leading coalition party said it could not accept Belgium backing a U.N. migration pact due to be endorsed early next week.

After days of teetering on the brink of collapse, the center-right government decided to continue without the N-VA party, whose party leader Bart De Wever said that "we cannot agree with this pact."

Michel had already said at the United Nations in September that he would endorse the pact at the U.N. meeting in Marrakech, Morocco next Monday. And late Saturday he said that "I stand by my word, I will leave for Marrakech."

The departure of the right-wing N-VA leaves Michel with a coalition of Liberals and Christian Democrats, a minority government which will make governing difficult.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Reggae star Buju Banton is free after serving seven years in federal prison on drug charges.

Banton was convicted in a federal courtroom in Florida in 2011. Prison officials told the Tampa Bay Times that Banton was freed Friday from Georgia's private McMcRae Correctional Institute.

The 45-year-old music star was expected to return to his native Jamaica.

At trial in Tampa in 2011, federal prosecutors showed the jury audio and video recordings of Banton that they said proved he was involved in a deal to buy 11 pounds (nearly 5 kilograms) of cocaine for $135,000.

Born Mark Myrie, he was reared in Kingston and rose to prominence as a reggae and dancehall artist in the 1990s.

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Information from: The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune, http://www.tampatrib.com
Pep Guardiola is confident Manchester City will not be banned from the Champions League.

Reports this week claimed City could face such a punishment if European governing body UEFA decides to take action over alleged attempts to circumvent Financial Fair Play rules.

City were the subject of a series of reports based on leaked emails in German magazine Der Spiegel last month which claimed to highlight accounting irregularities.

UEFA, who fined City almost 50million and imposed further squad and spending limits on the club for breaching FFP in 2014, has since been considering its options in light of these fresh allegations, which City have consistently denied.

Pep Guardiola is not worried (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin this week confirmed an independent body is assessing the situation and formal investigation could follow.

Yet even if it does, Guardiola does not expect the matter to lead to a ban from Europes elite competition.

The City manager said: We will not be banned, no. Thats what I think because I trust in my chairman, with my CEO and what they have explained to me. I trust in them.

If it happens, because UEFA decide that, we will accept it and move forward.

Manchester City are top of the Premier League (Nick Potts/PA)

City, the Premier League leaders and champions, travel to Chelsea on Saturday looking to secure another notable away win over a potential title rival.

Guardiolas side have already won at Arsenal and Tottenham this season and drawn at Liverpool.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: We play against five hypothetical strong teams in the Premier League and tomorrow is the last one away, apart from Manchester United, who we have played at home.

Our behaviour was good. At home we have been solid, scoring a lot of goals, creating a lot of chances, and away  maybe Tottenham was not our best performance and Liverpool neither  but we have competed like a solid team and that is a good thing.

In these sort of games of course we want to win but Im more focused on our behaviour. How we are as a team on those sort of stages. Thats what I want to see from my team.

City claimed what Guardiola felt was a psychologically important victory at Chelsea early in last seasons title-winning campaign.

Guardiola confirms neither Aguero nor De Bruyne will be fit to face Chelsea #MCFC pic.twitter.com/gu6Mbczwc2  Andy Hampson (@andyhampson) December 7, 2018

He said: Last season winning there was more than three points. It showed we could do it. It was an important step for last season, the first important game away against the last champion.

In that moment, it was important to say we can go anywhere and deliver a good performance  winning and with a good performance.

And since we have continued in that vein and the target is to try to do it again.

City are again without record scorer Sergio Aguero while Kevin De Bruyne, who scored the winner at Stamford Bridge last year, is also not ready to return.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has penned an open letter seeking to assure citizens that the draft Brexit deal is not a threat to rights or the Union.

Karen Bradley published the letter on Saturday, stating that Theresa Mays deal protects the Belfast agreement, and that any backstop arrangement would be temporary.

As the day of the meaningful vote in Parliament approaches, I wanted to emphasise what the deal means specifically for the people of Northern Ireland, she said.

The Secretary of State spent the day speaking to media and businesses in Belfast city centre following 2m investment in the Budget. See her explain on @bbctheview tonight why MPs should #BackTheBrexitDeal pic.twitter.com/TNNdfDUNpC  Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) December 6, 2018

The Northern Ireland Protocol has some important guarantees for the people in Northern Ireland.

It guarantees that even in the unlikely event that the UKs future relationship with the EU is not in place by the end of the implementation period in December 2020, there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.

At the same time the protocol also contains legally binding commitments that both the UK and EU will take the necessary steps to ensure the backstop is temporary.

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley has penned an open letter to the people of Northern Ireland (Rebecca Black/ PA)

Importantly, the agreement upholds the Belfast Agreement in all its parts, including the consent principle over Northern Irelands place within our Union. It ensures people and businesses that rely on an open border between Northern Ireland and Ireland can continue living their lives and operating as they do now. It is not a threat to the integrity of the Union, or a threat to the rights people enjoy today.

In short, we have secured an outcome for Northern Ireland that avoids a hard border on the island of Ireland and a customs border down the Irish Sea.

The deal avoids Northern Ireland being in a separate customs territory to the rest of the UK, something that the EU had originally sought to impose. Instead, it achieves the maintenance of a single UK customs territory.

In line with the clear commitments we made in the December Joint Report, the UK would ensure unfettered access for NI businesses to the whole UK internal market.

The deal protects all the things we value. For all the people in Northern Ireland, this means continuing the progress over the past two decades under the Belfast Agreement, supporting our business community to thrive, ensuring a good deal for our agricultural and fishing industries and providing a safe, secure and prosperous society for future generations.

Now is the time to come together to build a brighter future for Northern Ireland.

The letter comes just one day after Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington visited North Belfast to sell the Prime Ministers Brexit deal.

The parliamentary arithmetic is still against the Government ahead of next weeks withdrawal treaty vote.
President Donald Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen, was in touch as far back as 2015 with a Russian who offered political synergy with the Trump election campaign and proposed a meeting between the candidate and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the special counsel has said.

Court filings from prosecutors in New York and special counsel Robert Muellers office lay out previously undisclosed contacts between Trump associates and Russian intermediaries and suggest the Kremlin aimed early on to influence Mr Trump and his campaign by playing to both his political aspirations and his personal business interests.

The filings, in cases involving Cohen and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, cap a dramatic week of revelations in Mr Muellers ongoing investigation into potential coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin.

They make clear how witnesses previously close to Trump  Cohen once declared he would take a bullet for the president  have since provided damaging information about him in efforts to come clean to the government and in some cases get lighter prison sentences.

One witness, former national security adviser Michael Flynn, provided so much information to prosecutors that Mr Mueller this week said he should not serve any prison time.

Michael Cohen will be sentenced next week (Julie Jacobson/AP)

The interviews with prosecutors have yielded intimate information about episodes under close examination, including possible Russian collusion and hush money payments during the campaign to a porn star and Playboy model who say they had sex with Trump a decade earlier.

In one of the filings, Mr Mueller details how Cohen spoke to a Russian who claimed to be a trusted person in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign political synergy and synergy on a government level.

The person repeatedly dangled a meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Putin, saying such a meeting could have a phenomenal impact not only in political but in a business dimension as well.

That was a reference to a proposed Moscow real estate deal that prosecutors say could have netted Mr Trumps business hundreds of millions of dollars.

Cohen admitted last week to lying to Congress by saying discussions about a Trump Tower in Moscow ended in January 2016 when in fact they stretched into that June, well into the US campaign.

Cohen told prosecutors he never followed up, though the offer bore echoes of a proposal presented by Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos, who raised the idea to other advisers of leveraging his connections to set up a Putin encounter.

In an additional filing on Friday evening, prosecutors said Manafort lied to them about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials, including in 2018.

The court papers say that Manafort initially told prosecutors he did not have any contact with anyone while they were in the Trump administration.

But prosecutors say they recovered electronic documents showing his contacts with multiple administration officials. The officials are not identified in the court filings.

Manafort, who has pleaded guilty to several counts, violated his plea agreement by then telling multiple discernible lies to prosecutors, they said.

Prosecutors in Cohens case said that even though he cooperated in their investigation into the hush money payments to women he nonetheless deserved to spend time in prison.

Cohen did provide information to law enforcement, including information that assisted the Special Counsels Office, they said. But Cohens description of those efforts is overstated in some respects and incomplete in others.

Paul Manafort, President Donald Trumps former campaign chairman (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Cohen, dubbed Mr Trumps legal fixer in the past, also described his work in conjunction with Mr Trump in orchestrating hush money payments to two women  adult actress Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal  who said they had sex with Mr Trump.

Prosecutors in New York, where Cohen pleaded guilty in August in connection with those payments, said the lawyer acted in coordination and at the direction of Mr Trump, suggesting they had implicated him in Cohens crime.

Despite such specific allegations of Mr Trumps actions, the president quickly tweeted after news of the filings: Totally clears the President. Thank you!

Later, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in two statements that the Manafort filing says absolutely nothing about the President and the Cohen filings tell us nothing of value that wasnt already known.

In addition, the filings reveal that Cohen told prosecutors he and Mr Trump discussed a potential meeting with Mr Putin on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in 2015, shortly after Trump announced his candidacy for president.

The White House said the filings offer nothing new (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

In a footnote, special counsel Robert Muellers team writes that Cohen conferred with Mr Trump about contacting the Russia government before reaching out to gauge Russias interest in such a meeting, though it never took place.

In meetings with Mr Muellers team, Cohen provided information about his own contacts with Russian interests during the campaign and discussions with others in the course of making those contacts, the court documents said.

Cohen provided prosecutors with a detailed account of his involvement, along with the involvement of others, in efforts during the 2016 presidential campaign to complete a deal to build a Trump Tower Moscow, the documents said.

He also provided information about attempts by Russian nationals to reach Mr Trumps campaign, they said.

However, in the crimes to which he pleaded guilty in August, he was motivated by personal greed and repeatedly used his power and influence for deceptive ends.

Prosecutors said the courts Probation Department estimated that federal sentencing guidelines call for Cohen to serve at least four years in prison.

They said that reflects Cohens extensive, deliberate and serious criminal conduct.

Prosecutors say Cohen already enjoyed a privileged life, and that his desire for even greater wealth and influence precipitated an extensive course of criminal conduct.
Detectives searching for British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand say several of her possessions, including her passport, are also missing.

Investigators have said they hold grave fears for the safety of the 22-year-old, who was last seen at an Auckland hotel nearly a week ago.

Despite a major police search and public campaign for information, no further sightings of the backpacker have been confirmed.

In a tearful press conference on Friday Ms Millanes father, who has travelled to Auckland, said the fun-loving graduates family are extremely concerned for her welfare.

Investigators have been examining a scene at the hotel complex where Ms Millane, who turned 22 on Sunday, was last seen with a male companion on December 1.

Searches have also been carried out at the backpackers accommodation where she was staying.

On Saturday police released images of her necklace and watch and urged anyone who recognised the items to come forward.

Ms Millane was seen on CCTV at the hotel complex on Saturday (PA/Auckland City Police)

Auckland City Police Detective Inspector Scott Beard said: Detectives have assessed Graces belongings that were found at the backpackers where she was staying.

Several of her belongings, including her passport, are missing and police believe it is likely that Grace has these items with her.

Ms Millane, from Essex, graduated from the University of Lincoln in September and had embarked on a year-long worldwide trip.

After visiting Peru she arrived in New Zealand on November 20 and had been bombarding her family with photos as she kept in near-daily contact with her parents and brothers via social media.

I think travelling has changed me I just brought some blue jeans  MillaneGrace (@MillaneGrace) November 30, 2018

Her father, David Millane, said they last had contact on the day she vanished.

As a family we have been extremely concerned for her welfare, he said.

Grace is a lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, family-orientated daughter. Grace has never been out of contact for this amount of time.

Auckland City Police said it received a missing persons report on Wednesday.

Investigators established the last known sighting of Ms Millane was as she entered the Citylife Hotel in the city centre at 9.41pm on December 1 with a male companion.

Police have asked the public if they recognise a necklace belonging to Ms Millane (PA/Auckland City Police)

DI Beard said the person of interest had been spoken to by investigators, although he was not being held in custody and detectives still have no evidence of foul play.

He said: At this point our inquiries have not led us to any further confirmed sightings of Grace, and the last known sighting is of her entering the Citylife Hotel.

Mr Millane said her family are all extremely upset and appealed for the publics help in finding his daughter.

I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anybody who has seen, spoken to, come into contact with Grace over the last few days and come forward with any detail, no matter how small, he said.

Police said they had received dozens of calls to a hotline and more than 25 staff were working on the case, trawling through hours of CCTV footage to trace her movements.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: We are providing consular support to the family in the UK, and working with the New Zealand Police in relation to reports of a missing British national in New Zealand.
A Canadian prosecutor has urged a Vancouver court to deny bail to a Chinese executive at the heart of a case that is shaking up US-China relations.

Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of telecommunications giant Huawei and daughter of its founder, was detained at the request of the US during a layover at Vancouver airport last Saturday.

It was the same day that presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed over dinner to a 90-day ceasefire in a trade dispute that threatens to disrupt global commerce.

The US alleges that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of US sanctions.

It also says that Meng and Huawei misled American banks about its business dealings in Iran.

The surprise arrest, already denounced by Beijing, raises doubts about whether the trade truce will hold and whether the worlds two biggest economies can resolve the complicated issues that divide them.

Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei and daughter of its founder (Ng Han Guan/AP)

I think it will have a distinctively negative effect on the US-China talks, said Philip Levy, senior fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and an economic adviser in President George W Bushs White House.

Theres the humiliating way this happened right before the dinner, with Xi unaware. Very hard to save face on this one. And we may see (Chinese retaliation), which will embitter relations.

Canadian prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley said in a court hearing that a warrant had been issued for Mengs arrest in New York on August 22.

He said Meng, arrested en route to Mexico from Hong Kong, was aware of the investigation and had been avoiding the United States for months, even though her teenage son goes to school in Boston.

Mr Gibb-Carsley alleged that Huawei had done business in Iran through a Hong Kong company called Skycom.

Meng, he said, had misled US banks into thinking that Huawei and Skycom were separate when, in fact, Skycom was Huawei.

Meng has contended that Huawei sold Skycom in 2009.

Meng Wanzhous bail hearing will resume on Monday (Jane Wolsak/The Canadian Press via AP)

In urging the court to reject Mengs bail request, Mr Gibb-Carsley said the Huawei executive had vast resources and a strong incentive to bolt: she is facing fraud charges in the United States that could put her in prison for 30 years.

Mengs lawyer, David Martin, argued that it would be unfair to deny her bail just because she has worked hard and has extraordinary resources.

He told the court that her personal integrity and respect for her father, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, would prevent her violating a court order.

Meng, who owns two homes in Vancouver, was willing to wear an ankle bracelet and put the houses up as collateral, he said.

There was no bail decision by the judge on Friday so Meng will spend the weekend in jail and the hearing will resume on Monday.

Justice William Ehrcke said he would think about proposed bail conditions over the weekend.

Huawei, in a brief statement emailed to the AP, said that we have every confidence that the Canadian and US legal systems will reach the right conclusion.

Whats getting lost in the initial frenzy here is that Huawei has been in the crosshairs of US regulators for some time, said Gregory Jaeger, special counsel at the Stroock law firm and a former Justice Department trial lawyer.

This is the culmination of what is likely to be a fairly lengthy investigation.

Mengs arrest came as a jarring surprise after the Trump-Xi trade ceasefire in Argentina.

Exact details of the agreement are elusive but the White House said Mr Trump suspended for 90 days an import tax hike on 200 billion dollars in Chinese goods that was set to take effect on January 1.

Members of the media outside the bail hearing in Vancouver for Huaweis Meng Wanzhou (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)

In return, the White House said, the Chinese agreed to buy a very substantial amount of agricultural, energy, industrial and other products from the United States.

The delay was meant to buy time for the two countries to resolve a trade conflict that has been raging for months.

The US claims that China is using predatory tactics in its drive to overtake Americas dominance in technology and global economic leadership.

These allegedly include forcing American and other foreign companies to hand over trade secrets in exchange for access to the Chinese market and engaging in cyber theft.

Washington also regards Beijings ambitious long-term development plan, Made in China 2025, as a scheme to dominate such fields as robotics and electric vehicles by unfairly subsidising Chinese companies and discriminating against foreign competitors.

The United States has imposed tariffs on 250 billion dollars in Chinese goods to pressure Beijing to change its ways.

Mr Trump has threatened to expand the tariffs to include just about everything China ships to the United States.

Beijing has hit back with tariffs on about 110 billion dollars in American exports.
Bids to topple Theresa May as Prime Minister, Cheryl and LOreal parting ways and Tommy Robinsons international support network make headlines on Saturday.

The Times says a cross-party plot is brewing to unseat Mr May if her Brexit deal is rejected in the Commons, with MPs from Labour looking to recruit Tory rebels and the DUP.

Tomorrow's front page :



'MPs hatch cross-party alliance to dump May'



Read more here : https://t.co/HQJ5YN7s2v#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/55LbgX5DTo  The Times Pictures (@TimesPictures) December 7, 2018

The Daily Telegraph reports the PM has been warned by Cabinet ministers she will have to step down if her deal is rejected by MPs when they vote on Tuesday.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'May told to quit if she loses vote' #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/X5n0G8a0CT  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 7, 2018

Ministers have also warned that a no-deal Brexit could spell six months of chaos at Britains ports, The Independent reports.

The Sun says hair and beauty giant LOreal is parting company with spokesmodel Cheryl.

Tomorrow's front page: Cheryl axed by LOreal because new boss 'favours classier celebs' https://t.co/6NazEh3tRj pic.twitter.com/dqhzNNawm1  The Sun (@TheSun) December 7, 2018

The Daily Mail leads with the first picture of a baby girl born after her mother underwent a pioneering womb transplant.

What the papers say - December 8 (PA)

Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson is receiving financial, political and moral support from an array of non-British groups, The Guardian reports.

The Daily Mirror says a BBC boss has angered viewers by saying television-watchers love repeats at Christmas.

Taking statins in higher doses could prevent thousands of heart attacks and strikes a year, the Daily Express reports.

Rescue talks are under way in a bid to prevent outsourcing giant Interserve collapsing like Carillion, the Financial Times reports.
The disappearance of British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand is being treated as a suspected murder, police said.

A 26-year-old man is being questioned by detectives after he was located at an address in central Auckland on Saturday afternoon.

Police said they are still looking for Ms Millane, 22, who was last seen in the city on December 1, although evidence suggested she had been killed.

British backpacker Grace Millane, 22 (Lucie Blackman Trust/PA)

Her family have been left devastated by the development, Auckland City Police Detective Inspector Scott Beard said.

The evidence we have located so far, our scene examination, some of the CCTV footage we have, and our investigation, has determined that Grace is no longer alive and that this is a murder investigation, he told a press conference.

Graces family have been advised of this development and they are devastated.

Det Insp Beard added: We still do not know where Grace is. We are determined to find her and return her to her family.

(PA Graphics)

Ms Millane, from Essex, was described as a lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, family-orientated daughter by her father, David Millane.

She graduated from the University of Lincoln in September and had embarked on a year-long worldwide trip.

After visiting Peru she arrived in New Zealand on November 20 and had been near-daily contact with her family until December 1  the day before her 22nd birthday.

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm the same day at the Citylife Hotel in central Auckland, when she was seen with a male companion.

Police later said they had spoken to the man and that he was a person of interest, although he was not held in custody.

Det Insp Beard confirmed that the man being questioned by police on Saturday was the same individual.

We know that he was with her on the Saturday evening and went to a number of places before going to the Citylife Hotel, he told reporters.

Police have not uncovered any evidence the pair had met before. Asked if they had met on the Tinder dating app, the detective said: Im not going to speculate on how they met. The issue here is Grace is still missing and we want to find her.

Detectives seized a vehicle of interest on Saturday and inquiries were under way to establish where it had been.

Police have asked the public if they recognise a necklace belonging to Ms Millane (PA/Auckland City Police)

Earlier searches of Ms Millanes accommodation at a backpackers hostel found several items, including her passport, were missing.

On Saturday police released images of a pink watch and a necklace belonging to her and asked for the publics help in finding them.

The major police search and public campaign for information led to dozens of calls being made to a hotline.

I know that the thoughts of all New Zealanders will be with Graces family tonight, Det Insp Beard said.

I want to reassure everyone, both here and abroad, that New Zealand Police are determined to do everything we can to find her.
A man will be charged with the murder of British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand.

The 26-year-old man has been speaking with police in Auckland in relation to her disappearance, officers said.

Ms Millane, 22, went missing from a hostel in Auckland on December 1.

New Zealand Police said the man will remain in custody until Monday morning, when he will appear in the Auckland District Court.

Ms Millane, from Essex, was described as a lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, family-orientated daughter by her father, David Millane.

Grace Millane went missing on December 1 (Auckland City Police/PA)

She graduated from the University of Lincoln in September and had embarked on a year-long worldwide trip.

After visiting Peru, she arrived in New Zealand on November 20 and had been in near-daily contact with her family until December 1  the day before her 22nd birthday.

(PA Graphics)

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm the same day at the Citylife Hotel in central Auckland, when she was seen with a male companion.
Amber Rudd warned Tories not to oust Theresa May if her Brexit plan is rejected by MPs and suggested a Norway-style arrangement was a plausible alternative to the Prime Ministers deal.

The Work and Pensions Secretary became the first Cabinet minister to publicly discuss the merits of a Plan B if Mrs May crashes to defeat in Tuesdays crunch Commons vote.

She also suggested a second referendum was another potential outcome that might be sought by MPs if the deal is thrown out.

Ms Rudd told The Times that, should the deal be voted down, she would prefer a so-called Norway-plus model for Brexit that would involve staying part of the European Economic Area.

The former home secretary said the alternative seems plausible not just in terms of the country but in terms of where the MPs are, but conceded that nobody knows if it can be done.

Ms Rudd predicted a chaotic period if the Government is defeated.

Amber Rudd is hoping the Government will `hold stable (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

If it doesnt get through, anything could happen  Peoples Vote, Norway-plus, any of these options could come forward and none of them are as good as the current arrangement we have got with the Withdrawal Agreement to vote on on Tuesday.

Her comments could be viewed as an attempt to win over Brexiteers who might prefer Mrs Mays deal, even with its controversial Northern Irish backstop, to a Norway-plus future inside both the single market and customs union or the possibility of another referendum reversing the 2016 vote.

A lot of people have a perfect vision of what they think Brexit should look like, and that perfect is not available, she told BBC Radio 4s Today.

What we need is a compromise deal, thats what the Prime Minister has proposed and I would urge my colleagues to think about, first of all, why people voted to leave the European Union, what their interpretation is of that; and secondly, what the alternatives are.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd says "anything could happen", if Theresa May's deal is voted down, including a Norway Plus option or a "People's Vote". pic.twitter.com/Q7ggTqwTO6  BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) December 8, 2018

This is why I think it is important for people not just to think why they dont particularly like the Withdrawal Agreement but what they would like better that is available and would get through the House of Commons.

Mrs May was warned by critics that she could be forced to stand down as Prime Minister if her Brexit deal is defeated in the Commons next week.

Eurosceptic former party leader Iain Duncan Smith cautioned against the PM and her Cabinet deciding to brazen it out, saying such an approach would be a disaster.

How the PM responds after the vote matters more than anything else she has done, he told the Daily Telegraph.

I believe that if the response is, weve lost but we will do this all over again, it will become a leadership issue.

Another former leader Lord Howard said Mrs May would have difficult decisions to make about her future and about the future of our country if she loses on December 11.

What the Brexit Deal means for you  explained in 60 seconds #BacktheBrexitDeal pic.twitter.com/yfoHsWn5Jx  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 8, 2018

Ms Rudd said she hoped the Government would regroup and hold stable, hold firm in the aftermath of a defeat.

What would be a complete mistake would be to allow what is already an unstable period to descend into further instability with talk of a leadership change, she said.

The Cabinet minister also appeared to endorse an amendment to the Governments motion for the vote on Tuesday tabled by former Northern Ireland minister Sir Hugo Swire in an attempt to win over wavering Eurosceptics.

The alteration would mean Parliament would have to approve a decision to trigger the backstop arrangement, put a one-year time limit on it and seek assurances from the EU that the backstop would be temporary.

Ms Rudd told Today: Hugo Swire has put an amendment down which I hope will give some of my colleagues reassurance over the so-called backstop.

Former Conservative leader Michael Howard, who opposes Theresa May's deal, says the UK should plan more for Brexit without a full withdrawal agreement. He says there could be ad hoc measures to minimise disruption while a free trade agreement is negotiated. #r4Today pic.twitter.com/fkATQXapGi  BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) December 8, 2018

Lord Howard suggested that talks with Brussels should be intensified to prepare for a Brexit with no formal deal.

We should seek to put in place some ad hoc, temporary arrangements with the agreement of the European Union which would minimise and, indeed, perhaps even eliminate any disruption at the border on March 30 next year, he told Today.

We should also undertake that we would unilaterally, for the period of 12 months after March 29, allow any goods and services in from the European Union without any tariffs or tariff barriers or obstacles in any way  hope that they will reciprocate but do it even if they dont  and use that 12-month period to negotiate a free-trade agreement along the style of Canada-plus.

It is a common cliche of political speeches that we stand at a turning point in history. For once, however, it is true. The decisions taken in the next few months will dictate our nation's future for a generation.  David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) December 8, 2018

The Conservative Party has a key role in this. That role is not to attempt to bully MPs into support for a failed strategy. Our role is to come together to find a joint approach that supports the decision of the referendum and promotes the national interest.  David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) December 8, 2018

Former Brexit secretary David Davis warned the Tory leadership not to attempt to bully MPs into supporting a failed strategy.

Our role is to come together to find a joint approach that supports the decision of the referendum and promotes the national interest, he said.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would consider delaying Britains exit from the EU to negotiate a better deal if his party came to power.

If we go into government straight away we would start negotiating straight away. If it meant holding things a bit longer to do it, of course, he told Sky News.

Mr Corbyn said his party was ready to step in and negotiate with the EU and would form a minority government if that is what is on offer.

Ahead of the Commons showdown, controversial activist Tommy Robinson will lead a pro-Brexit march in London on Sunday  with a rival counter-demonstration set to oppose it.

Elsewhere in the capital, the pro-EU Best for Britain and second referendum campaign Peoples Vote will hold a rally featuring politicians including Lord Heseltine and celebrities such as actors Charles Dance and Jason Isaacs.
Labour would scrap trade union laws barring workers in the UK from taking industrial action in solidarity with their counterparts in other countries, the shadow chancellor has announced.

John McDonnell pledged when the party is returned to government laws introduced by Margaret Thatcher to restrict the rights of unions would be repealed.

The legislation undermines the ability of workers to take collective action and acts of solidarity, he said.

Abolishing it would mean workers can revive the spirit of the Rolls-Royce workers in East Kilbride who struck a blow against the brutal Pinochet dictatorship in Chile in the 1970s.

Mr McDonnell pledged: When we go back into government we will restore trade union rights, and that will enable workers to take similar sympathy action on the basis of supporting fellow workers internationally.

The shadow chancellor made the commitment during a visit to Scotland, where he hailed the momentous action taken by workers at the Rolls Royce plant.

John McDonnell said Labour will scrap `restrictive anti-union laws (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The Hunter Hawker planes the Chilean airforce used were powered by engines built at the South Lanarkshire factory, but workers there refused to repair them.

The action, which has been recently commemorated in the film Nae Pasaran, was a fantastic example of the operation of trade union rights, Mr McDonnell said.

He added: It was an effective blow against the Pinochet regime and its brutality against its own people.

Mr McDonnell praised the East Kilbride workers for carrying out a courageous and humane act against the horrors of the Pinochet years.

He said: The action taken by the Rolls Royce workers at East Kilbride was a momentous act of solidarity by Scottish workers in the aftermath of Chilean juntas overthrow of a democratically-elected government and the torturing and killing of civilians and those who opposed it.

Such collective action and acts of solidarity have been attacked and undermined by restrictive anti-union laws started in the 1980s under Thatchers Tory government.

The next Labour government will ensure workers can revive the spirit of the Rolls-Royce workers in East Kilbride, when they struck a blow against the brutal Pinochet dictatorship.

In this way, we will open the next chapter of democratic society by enhancing democracy at work.

Mr McDonnell continued: Our programme of workplace reform will restore the balance between employer and worker, and it will do so by installing basic trade union rights in law again.

A Labour government will transform the world of work, providing security, decent pay and equal rights for people from day one, including sick pay, holiday pay and protection against unfair dismissal.

We will introduce a new Ministry of Labour to give workers a voice in parliament, sectoral collective bargaining to raise wages and conditions, and repeal dangerous anti-trade union legislation.
Amber Rudds suggestion that Norway-plus could be an alternative if Theresa Mays Brexit deal is rejected has added momentum to the campaign.

But what is Norway-plus, would MPs back it and would it truly deliver on the promises made in the Brexit referendum?

Norway Plus is a compromise that has broad appeal to the pragmatic middle. It delivers a softish Brexit with a deal that preserves membership of the Single Market and keeps the union of the UK intact. 6/  Nick Boles (@NickBoles) December 7, 2018

 Why is it called Norway-plus?

The idea is based on Norways relationship with the European Union as a member of the European Free Trade Association (Efta) and European Economic Area (EEA).

Being in the EEA after Brexit would keep the UK in the single market, meaning goods, services and people could continue to move within the bloc in the same way as before, therefore limiting the potential disruption to the economy.

On top of that, the plus bit of Norway-plus would involve a customs union with the EU, which, combined with the single market elements, would avoid a hard border with Ireland.

Norway-plus has been suggested as an alternative if Theresa Mays Brexit deal is rejected (Victoria Jones/PA)

 Who backs it?

A cross-party group of MPs including Tory Nick Boles and Labours Stephen Kinnock have pushed the idea as a way of delivering Brexit  the UK will leave the European Union  while maintaining the closest possible relationship with Brussels.

The instruction given by 52:48 referendum vote is clear: move house, but stay in same neighbourhood. To leave EU's political project, but to retain full access to a market of 500m consumers. #NorwayPlus meets those aims, introduces a safeguard on FoM & solves Irish border issue pic.twitter.com/EuKHwpsNkj  Stephen Kinnock (@SKinnock) December 6, 2018

Mr Kinnock has claimed that at least 10 Cabinet ministers would back it if Mrs Mays deal is thrown out by MPs on December 11.

 Who opposes it?

Leave supporters view Norway-plus as Brexit in name only because it keeps the UK tied to Brussels rules, a customs union would restrict Britains ability to strike trade deals around the world and there would be no end to the free movement of EU migrants to the UK.

EEA is a terrible idea for us:



Far from being a compromise, the EEA option even without the Customs Union attachment (the plus of Norway plus) is even more restrictive for the UK than the PMs deal.



And whats the precedent for being in _both_ the EEA and CU? EU membership... https://t.co/JN8EzGX13V  Steve Baker MP FRSA (@SteveBakerHW) December 8, 2018

Remainers who want a second referendum have also hit out at the option because they think a so-called Peoples Vote is the best way forward if the Prime Ministers plan fails.

 Could it happen?

Amber Rudd said it seems plausible not just in terms of the country but in terms of where the MPs are.

The current make-up of the House of Commons means that Mrs Mays deal looks set to be rejected and MPs are also expected to block a no-deal exit, leaving Norway-plus and the second referendum as two of the possible options on the way forward.

Brexiteers will continue to push for a looser free-trade arrangement but that could still leave issues around avoiding a hard border with Ireland.

It is unclear which, if any, option could secure a majority in the House.
A robber who attacked a pregnant woman before making off with her handbag has been branded cowardly and contemptible by police.

The man struck as the woman was walking on Crow Road, Glasgow, near to Morrisons, on Friday night.

He followed the 27-year-old woman and then struck her on the head, causing her to fall to the ground.

While another man came to her aid, the robber ran off with her mustard-coloured handbag.

The emergency services were called and the woman was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University hospital to be checked by medics. Police Scotland said she was left badly shaken by the incident.

Officers are working to find the attacker, who is described as white, in his 30s, about 5ft 7ins and of average build. He was wearing a black hooded jacket and black trousers.

Police Scotland described the attacker as `cowardly and contemptible (Joe Giddens/PA)

Police have been gathering CCTV footage from the area and Detective Sergeant Robert Bowie said: Enquiries carried out so far show the suspect was loitering in Crow Road near to the bollards at Foulis Lane.

He has then followed the woman and struck her on the back of the head. His actions are cowardly and contemptible, and its imperative we trace him.

I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to consider if you noticed this man, perhaps he caught your eye when he was loitering near the bollards.

The stolen bag is a mustard-coloured handbag, which the suspect may have discarded. If anyone finds the bag, I would ask them to hand it into police as we can examine it for forensic opportunities. If anyone has any information or knowledge regarding the incident or the suspect, then please do get in touch.
Mohamed Salahs imperious hat-trick helped Liverpool equal their club-record run of 17 unbeaten Premier League matches with a 4-0 win at Bournemouth.

Liverpools supporters hailed their Egyptian king for taking his personal tally to 10 league goals as Jurgen Klopps men matched that record run of the class of 2008.

Salahs second goal proved a study in perseverance over play-acting, the 26-year-old refusing to go down under a naughty challenge from Steve Cook  before drilling home in style.

The beaten Cook stepped his studs on Salahs Achilles in a clear act of desperation, but not even that foul could deny the Liverpool hitman.

Cooks day turned from bad to worse when he turned Andrew Robertsons low cross into his own net, before being bamboozled by Salah as the rampant forward completed his treble.

Liverpools Premier League run without defeat includes the 4-0 home win over Brighton that concluded last season.

Mohamed Salah turned on the style against Bournemouth (Mark Pain/PA)

Klopps 2018 Reds could now set an outright Premier League club-record run should they avoid defeat against bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield on December 16.

James Milner toasted his 500th Premier League appearance in helping Liverpool secure their seventh away win of the campaign.

The Anfield men tiptoed back to the top of the table, temporarily at least, with Manchester City facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Saturdays evening kick-off.

Liverpool punished Bournemouths early sluggishness when Salah tucked home from Roberto Firminos spilled shot, but replays confirmed the Egypt hitman was offside.

The goal stood, much to Bournemouths chagrin, and some of that ire perhaps accounted for the home sides upswing in composure and performance up until the break.

A startled Nathan Ake should have buried a fine chance when a looping corner dropped to him at point-blank range at the far post.

Instead the Dutch defender connected only with fresh air, and the ball bobbled to safety.

Junior Stanislas hands raced immediately to his head when he overhit a return pass that should have set Joshua King clear, but instead rolled harmlessly out wide.

16 - Alisson has become the first @LFC player to remain unbeaten in his opening 16 @premierleague appearances for the club, overtaking Javier Mascherano's previous record of 15. Solid. pic.twitter.com/ooWW9qTcwP  OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 8, 2018

Alisson Becker then escaped without punishment for upending King in the area when climbing high but failing to reach a hoisted ball into his box.

King stayed down under the heavy clattering, leaving referee Roger East to halt play so the Norway striker could receive treatment.

Bournemouth could be forgiven for feeling aggrieved at not being allowed a pot-shot at Alissons unguarded net. Instead play restarted with Robertson booting a drop-ball all the way back to Asmir Begovic.

Liverpool killed any hope of a home recovery straight after the break though, the ruthless Salah shaking off that crude challenge from Cook before angling home in style.

Bournemouths hefty loss deepened when Cook lost his bearings and unwittingly flicked into his own net on the turn. Such a finish would have been toasted at the other end; instead it merely encapsulated a tough afternoon for both defender and hosts.

Salah then sealed his fine hat-trick, Cook slipping in confusion with the Egypt striker turning Begovic inside and out before tapping home.
Holders Leinster gained a priceless away victory and severely dented Baths Heineken Champions Cup hopes by claiming an intense 17-10 victory at the Recreation Ground.

Wing Jordan Larmours interception try early in the second half meant Leinster shaded a tight Pool One encounter.

Bath delivered arguably their most impressive display of a disappointing season so far, but they were undone after taking the lead through prop Henry Thomas 22nd-minute try that James Wilson converted, with Wilson adding a late penalty to secure a losing bonus point.

Leinsters James Ryan is tackled by Baths Will Chudley (David Davies/PA)

Hooker Sean Cronin hauled Leinster level just before the interval, and with world player of the year Johnny Sexton converting both tries and Ross Byrne kicking a late penalty, Leinster went top of their group.

Bath, though, are drifting towards an early exit, having failed to win any of their first three European games and facing a testing return encounter against Leinster in Dublin next weekend.

Wet and windy conditions dictated an attritional affair, rather than an open, expansive game, and Leinster showcased all their experience to steer themselves home.

Bath were without injured fly-halves Freddie Burns and Rhys Priestland, so Wilson wore the number 10 shirt in a side captained by lock Charlie Ewels, while Francois Louw switched from flanker to number eight.

A battling victory away from home for @leinsterrugby as @bathrugby fall just short...



Who stood out for you? #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/7D9oie3R3K  Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 8, 2018

Leinster welcomed back a number of Ireland internationals, including Sexton, full-back Rob Kearney, centre Garry Ringrose and prop Tadhg Furlong as they looked to make further progress towards another appearance in the Champions Cup knockout phase.

Bath dominated early possession in wet and windy conditions, using powerful centre Jamie Roberts to carry the ball strongly, although Leinster had the first clear-cut scoring chance, but Sextons 10th-minute penalty hit a post.

And Bath retained their appetite to boss the close-quarter exchanges, with England flanker Sam Underhill prominent, and they deservedly went ahead midway through the half.

Leinster number eight Dan Leavy picked up from a scrum deep inside his own half, but Baths Will Chudley tackled him, the home side turned possession over and then went for broke as Thomas crashed over to score.

Wilson added the conversion, yet it took Leinster just seven minutes to strike an equalising blow.

Baths England wing Joe Cokanasiga failed to release possession after chasing a Leinster kick, and the visitors kicked to touch before prospering from flanker Rhys Ruddocks lineout take when Cronin applied a finishing touch by touching down.

Sexton kicked the conversion to level things up, and the opening 40 minutes ended all-square after Bath went toe to toe with their opponents, inspired by Louws towering defensive display.

But Leinster went ahead against the run of play nine minutes after half-time  and they owed it to Wilsons poor judgement.

Full-time | @bathrugby 10-17 @leinsterrugby - thank you for your support and safe journey home to the travelling support.  Bath Rugby (@BathRugby) December 8, 2018

Bath snaffled lineout possession just inside the Leinster half, and Wilson sensed an opportunity, yet his overly ambitious long pass was caught by Larmour, who sprinted 50 metres unopposed for a try that Sexton converted.

It was a hammer blow for Bath, and they needed to regroup quickly as Leinster moved in front for the first time.

Cokanasiga was then penalised for a high challenge on Leinster scrum-half Luke McGrath, but although referee Mathieu Raynal awarded only a penalty, it might yet attract closer scrutiny from the match citing commissioner.

And Byrne then gave Leinster breathing space by kicking a penalty seven minutes from time, leaving battling Bath down and out, while Cokanasiga limped off during the dying seconds.
The rumble of armoured police vans and the hiss of tear gas filled central Paris as French riot police fought to contain thousands of yellow-vested protesters.

Demonstrators vented their anger against the government on Saturday in a movement that has grown more violent by the week.

A ring of steel surrounded the presidents Elysee Palace  a key destination for the protesters  as police stationed vans and reinforced metal barriers throughout the area.

Groups of vandals tore steadily through some of the citys wealthiest neighbourhoods, smashing and burning items.

Police and protesters also clashed in the southern French cities of Marseille and Toulouse.

The governments plan was to prevent a repeat of the rioting on December 2 that damaged the Arc de Triomphe and injured 130 people.

Although Saturdays protest in the French capital started out quietly, by early evening nearly 1,000 people had been taken into custody and 135 people had been injured.

A demonstrator plays a drum in Paris (Rafael Yaghobzadeh/AP)

Some stores along the Champs-Elysees boarded up their windows as though bracing for a hurricane but the storm struck anyway, this time at the height of the holiday shopping season.

Protesters ripped off the plywood protecting the windows and threw flares and other projectiles as they were repeatedly repelled by tear gas and water cannon.

All of the citys top tourist attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum, shut down for the day, fearing the kind of damage that had hit the Arc de Triomphe.

Underground stations in the city centre also closed and the US embassy warned its citizens to avoid all protest areas.

Frances President Emmanuel Macron (Gustavo Garello/AP)

Amid the melee, President Emmanuel Macron remained silent, as he has for the four weeks of a movement.

It started as a protest against a fuel tax hike and metamorphosed into a rebellion against high taxes, eroding living standards and what many see as his inability to address the concerns of Frances regions and ordinary people.

Before the clashes, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner had urged calm.

I ask the yellow vests that want to bring about a peaceful message to not go with the hooligans, he said.

We know that the hooligans are only strong because they hide behind the yellow vests, which hampers the security forces.

An even larger environmental march moved peacefully Saturday toward the citys distant Republique Plaza.

One sign read: No climate justice without fiscal and social justice.

The march came in support of UN climate talks taking place in Poland.

National police estimated the number of protesters in Paris at 8,000, although the yellow vests said their numbers were far higher.

Associated Press reporters saw city streets densely crowded with thousands of people.

French authorities deployed 8,000 security officers in the capital alone, among the 89,000 who fanned out around the country.

Riot police officers stand in front a burning bin during clashes in Marseille (Claude Paris/AP)

Frances yellow vest protesters include people with views that range from the far right to the far left.

The leaderless group is united primarily in its sense that Mr Macron and his government are out of touch.

We are here to tell (Macron) our discontent, said protester Myriam Diaz.

Me, Im not here to break things because I have four children so I am going to try to be safe for them, because they are afraid.

But I still want to be here to say stop, thats enough, this has to stop.

Cyril, a 25-year-old bin lorry driver, came from Normandy with three other demonstrators to Paris.

He said he earns 1,430 euros (1,280) a month despite working 45 hours a week and has decided not to have children because doesnt feel he can earn enough to raise them.

This was his third weekend of protesting in Paris.

Ive come to defend myself, he said, adding Mr Macrons mistake was trying to reform the French economy too quickly.

Hes done more in 18 months than the others in 30 years.

Protesters also blocked roads, roundabouts and tollbooths elsewhere in France and offshoot movements have emerged in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Belgian police fired tear gas and water cannon Saturday at yellow-vested protesters calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Charles Michel after they tried to breach a riot barricade.

The protesters in Brussels threw paving stones, road signs, fireworks, flares and other objects at police and about 100 were detained, many for carrying dangerous objects.

In the Dutch city of Rotterdam, a few hundred protesters in the high-visibility vests walked peacefully across the Erasmus Bridge singing and handing flowers to passers-by.
Amber Rudd has suggested a Norway-style arrangement was a plausible alternative to Theresa Mays Brexit plan as pressure mounted on the Prime Minister.

The Work and Pensions Secretary became the first Cabinet minister to publicly discuss the merits of a Plan B if Mrs May crashes to defeat in Tuesdays crunch Commons vote.

In the latest sign of the unrest within the Tory ranks, an aide to Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson quit in protest at the Prime Ministers deal.

Colchester MP Will Quince hit out at the backstop plan to avoid a hard border with Ireland, saying it could result in the UK being tied to the negotiating table for years, until we agree to anything in desperation to get out of the situation.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Quince said: I do not want to be explaining to my constituents why Brexit is still not over and we are still obeying EU rules in the early 2020s or beyond.

Unless and until this is amended, the Withdrawal Agreement cannot receive my support.

Tory MP Will Quince has quit as a ministerial aide over Theresa Mays Brexit plan (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament/(Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)/PA)

The Prime Minister faces widespread opposition to her plan across the Commons, including both Remain and Leave-supporting wings of her own party.

Ms Rudd insisted the deal thrashed out by Mrs May with Brussels remained the best way of delivering Brexit.

She predicted a chaotic period if the Government is defeated.

If it doesnt get through, anything could happen  Peoples Vote, Norway-plus, any of these options could come forward and none of them are as good as the current arrangement we have got with the Withdrawal Agreement to vote on on Tuesday.

Her comments could be viewed as an attempt to win over Brexiteers who might prefer Mrs Mays deal, even with its controversial Northern Irish backstop, to a Norway-plus future inside both the single market and customs union or the possibility of another referendum reversing the 2016 vote.

A lot of people have a perfect vision of what they think Brexit should look like, and that perfect is not available, she told BBC Radio 4s Today.

What we need is a compromise deal, thats what the Prime Minister has proposed and I would urge my colleagues to think about, first of all, why people voted to leave the European Union, what their interpretation is of that; and secondly, what the alternatives are.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd says "anything could happen", if Theresa May's deal is voted down, including a Norway Plus option or a "People's Vote". pic.twitter.com/Q7ggTqwTO6  BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) December 8, 2018

This is why I think it is important for people not just to think why they dont particularly like the Withdrawal Agreement but what they would like better that is available and would get through the House of Commons.

Mrs May was warned by critics that she could be forced to stand down as Prime Minister if her Brexit deal is defeated in the Commons next week.

Eurosceptic former party leader Iain Duncan Smith cautioned against the PM and her Cabinet deciding to brazen it out, saying such an approach would be a disaster.

He told the Daily Telegraph: I believe that if the response is, weve lost but we will do this all over again, it will become a leadership issue.

Another former leader Lord Howard said Mrs May would have difficult decisions to make about her future and about the future of our country if she loses on December 11.

What the Brexit Deal means for you  explained in 60 seconds #BacktheBrexitDeal pic.twitter.com/yfoHsWn5Jx  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 8, 2018

Ms Rudd said she hoped the Government would regroup and hold stable, hold firm in the aftermath of a defeat.

What would be a complete mistake would be to allow what is already an unstable period to descend into further instability with talk of a leadership change, she said.

The Cabinet minister also appeared to endorse an amendment to the Governments motion for the vote on Tuesday tabled by former Northern Ireland minister Sir Hugo Swire in an attempt to win over wavering Eurosceptics.

The alteration would mean Parliament would have to approve a decision to trigger the backstop arrangement, put a one-year time limit on it and seek assurances from the EU that the backstop would be temporary.

Ms Rudd told Today: Hugo Swire has put an amendment down which I hope will give some of my colleagues reassurance over the so-called backstop.

Former Conservative leader Michael Howard, who opposes Theresa May's deal, says the UK should plan more for Brexit without a full withdrawal agreement. He says there could be ad hoc measures to minimise disruption while a free trade agreement is negotiated. #r4Today pic.twitter.com/fkATQXapGi  BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) December 8, 2018

Former Brexit secretary David Davis warned the Tory leadership not to attempt to bully MPs into supporting a failed strategy.

We will be judged in the future as to whether we flinched in the face of unfounded threats and panic, or stood up for our national interest and took our proper place in the world.  David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) December 8, 2018

The Conservative Party has a key role in this. That role is not to attempt to bully MPs into support for a failed strategy. Our role is to come together to find a joint approach that supports the decision of the referendum and promotes the national interest.  David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) December 8, 2018

Our role is to come together to find a joint approach that supports the decision of the referendum and promotes the national interest, he said.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would consider delaying Britains exit from the EU to negotiate a better deal if his party came to power.

If we go into government straight away we would start negotiating straight away. If it meant holding things a bit longer to do it, of course, he told Sky News.

Mr Corbyn said his party was ready to step in and negotiate with the EU and would form a minority government if that is what is on offer.

Ahead of the Commons showdown, controversial activist Tommy Robinson will lead a pro-Brexit march in London on Sunday  with a rival counter-demonstration set to oppose it.

Elsewhere in the capital, the pro-EU Best for Britain and second referendum campaign the Peoples Vote will hold a rally featuring politicians including Lord Heseltine and celebrities such as actors Charles Dance and Jason Isaacs.
Theresa May has warned Tory MPs they risk handing Jeremy Corbyn the keys to Number 10 unless they back her Brexit deal.

With a looming Commons vote, the Prime Minister is fighting to save both her Brexit plan and her premiership in the face of a mounting Tory revolt.

Downing Street insisted that the vote would still go ahead on Tuesday amid speculation she might be forced to delay the showdown.

Mrs May warned Tory would-be rebels the country would be in uncharted waters if the deal is rejected.

Theresa May warned Tories that Jeremy Corbyn could end up in Downing Street if her Brexit deal is defeated (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

It would mean grave uncertainty for the nation with a very real risk of no Brexit or leaving the European Union with no deal, she told the Mail on Sunday.

We have a leader of the Opposition who thinks of nothing but attempting to bring about a general election, no matter what the cost to the country.

As someone who cares passionately about my country and my party, I believe Jeremy Corbyn getting his hands on power is a risk we cannot afford to take.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd who has voiced support for a Norway-style model as an alternative to the Prime Ministers Brexit deal (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Reports suggested Mrs May could make an emergency trip to Brussels ahead of a planned summit on Thursday in an effort to secure further concessions in an effort to win over critics of her plan.

The Prime Ministers comments came as her Government was hit by another resignation over the Brexit plan.

Will Quince, a ministerial aide to Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, hit out at the backstop plan to avoid a hard border with Ireland, saying it could result in the UK being tied to the negotiating table for years, until we agree to anything in desperation to get out of the situation.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Quince said: I do not want to be explaining to my constituents why Brexit is still not over and we are still obeying EU rules in the early 2020s or beyond.

The same newspaper reported that another parliamentary private secretary was on the verge of quitting, and said Cabinet Brexiteer Penny Mordaunt was considering whether to back the deal or resign.

Tory MP Will Quince has quit as a ministerial aide over Theresa Mays Brexit plan (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament/(Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)/PA)

But Mrs May insisted her deal was the best way for Brexiteers to get the UK out of the European Union.

With the vote expected to result in a Government defeat, some Cabinet ministers have urged her to delay while others have already begun promoting the idea of alternatives.

Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd suggested a Norway-plus model, remaining in both the single market and customs union, as a plausible option that could get through the House of Commons.

But Brexiteers would loathe an arrangement that keeps the UK aligned to EU rules without a seat at the table in Brussels and does little, if anything, to tackle free movement.

A rejection for Mrs Mays deal could also boost the cause of campaigners calling for a second referendum.

If you want Brexit, make sure you get it, and thats about this deal, Mrs May said.

Theresa May said she hoped the deal would be `wrapped up by Christmas (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

The Prime Minister insisted she still believed she was the best leader for the Tory party and spoke of her hope that the Brexit deal would be secured by Christmas.

I think most people want us to do this, to get it done and get it all wrapped up by Christmas and actually focus on the future, she said.

But her position appears precarious, with potential rivals on manoeuvres in case she is ousted or quits.

Brexiteers Boris Johnson, David Davis and Priti Patel all addressed grassroots Conservative activists on Saturday at the National Conservative Convention, fuelling speculation about their ambitions.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt have also been touted as a potential joint ticket.

We will be judged in the future as to whether we flinched in the face of unfounded threats and panic, or stood up for our national interest and took our proper place in the world.  David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) December 8, 2018

The Conservative Party has a key role in this. That role is not to attempt to bully MPs into support for a failed strategy. Our role is to come together to find a joint approach that supports the decision of the referendum and promotes the national interest.  David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) December 8, 2018

Former Brexit secretary Mr Davis warned the Tory leadership not to attempt to bully MPs into supporting a failed strategy.

Ahead of the Commons showdown, controversial activist Tommy Robinson will lead a pro-Brexit march in London on Sunday  with a rival counter-demonstration set to oppose it.

Elsewhere in the capital, a rally will be held by the pro-EU Best for Britain and the second referendum campaign the Peoples Vote, featuring politicians including Lord Heseltine and celebrities such as actors Charles Dance and Jason Isaacs.

Lord Heseltine will warn politicians that Britains youth will never forgive us unless they are given the chance to reverse Brexit.
More than 2 billion of annual Scottish exports to the Netherlands are under threat because of Brexit, External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop has warned.

Ahead of her visit to Amsterdam and The Hague on Monday, Ms Hyslop said the draft Withdrawal Agreement between the EU and the UK would cause barriers to trade.

She will tell Dutch ministers Scotland remains open for business despite Brexit.

Ms Hyslop said: Scotland has close cultural links with the people of the Netherlands.

And with annual exports worth 2 billion every year, which make the Netherlands our second main international export destination, our economic ties are also very deep.

My engagements in the Netherlands are an opportunity to reiterate the message that, despite Brexit, Scotland is  and will continue to be  open for business.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop has warned of the risk to Scottish exports to the Netherlands caused by Brexit (Scottish Government/PA)

However, our current trade and cultural relations are under threat due to continued uncertainties over Brexit.

Remaining in the EU continues to be Scotlands strong preference.

Failing that, continued membership of the Single Market and Customs Union is the only viable way to protect important trade and cultural links, such as those we have with the Netherlands.

In addition to meetings with Dutch government ministers and the Netherlands-British Chamber of Commerce, Ms Hyslop is due speak with hotel group CityHub to discuss their expansion plans in Edinburgh.
Formal budget talks between Finance Secretary Derek Mackay and the Scottish Greens have not yet taken place  with the smaller party insisting its preconditions for supporting the SNP have not been met.

While Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said he would be ready to talk ahead of Wednesdays Scottish Budget, he stressed the Scottish Government needed to do more on the key issue of local tax reform.

A lack of meaningful progress on this has been cited by the Greens  whose six MSPs have supported the minority SNP administrations budget for the last two years  as the reason why there have been no formal budget talks between the parties.

Mr Mackay is due to unveil his tax and spending plans for 2019-20 in a statement to MSPs at Holyrood on December 12.

Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay (David Cheksin/PA)

But with the SNP no longer having a majority in the Scottish Parliament, he needs the support of at least one other party if his financial package is to be approved.

Previous finance secretary John Swinney saw his spending plans suffer a shock defeat in 2009, after he failed to win the support of the Greens  although he managed to get his budget passed at the second attempt.

Mr Harvie said by backing the budget for the last two years the Greens had delivered over 300 million extra for frontline services such as schools and social care.

But he added: Given the pressure from a decade-long squeeze on funds and growing demand for services, we need wider reform.

As MSPs we have been given a clear instruction from our party members that we can only enter formal budget negotiations if there is meaningful progress on local tax reform to make a fairer system that protects services and cuts inequality.

Replacing Council Tax with a fairer alternative cant happen overnight, but the work must begin now. Three years ago this week the SNP agreed with the Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems that the present system of Council Tax must end.

If they are unwilling to recommit to that policy and start working on making that pledge a reality, then they will be choosing to close off any chance of reaching a budget agreement with the Greens.

Scottish Green co-convener Patrick Harvie. (Jane Barlow/PA)

Mr Harvie said: If the Government is ready to change its position, well still be ready to talk. But in the absence of that, budget negotiations would be a breach of trust with the democratic decision of our party, and therefore they cannot yet take place.

He spoke as Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie announced his party had pulled out of Budget talks with the Government, citing the the SNPs insistence that their damaging and costly plan for an independence referendum had to stay on the table as the reason.

Areas of common interest were discussed over two meetings between the Government and the Lib Dems, Mr Rennie said, with his party wanting more cash for mental health services, local councils and teachers pay.

The Lib Dem said it was disappointing that the SNP administration had been unable to set aside their independence plans.

Mr Rennie said: I met with Derek Mackay and Kate Forbes on two occasions to explore what could be done but the talks ended when they could not agree to even a short cessation in their independence campaign.

This means the Scottish Government are stuck with the Greens and are at their mercy.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie. (Jane Barlow/PA)

Labour wants the Budget to include a rail fares freeze for ScotRail travellers and a 5 a week rise in child benefit, which it said would lift 30,000 youngsters out of poverty.

The Tories want the SNP to commit to no new tax rises in 2019-20, after Mr Mackay made a number of changes to income tax in Scotland this year, leaving some higher earners paying more than their counterparts south of the border.

Conservative finance spokesman Murdo Fraser said: The SNP must give taxpayers a fair deal on taxation, invest in public services and no new tax rises.

But SNP MSP Angela Constance said: If the Tories want to promise high earners a handout, they have to explain what public service theyd cut to fund it  otherwise nobody will take them seriously.

People know that public services need investment, and think its fair that higher earners pay their fair share to fund our schools and hospitals.
Japanese prosecutors Monday formally charged Carlos Ghosn with financial misconduct for under-reporting his salary and also served him a fresh warrant on separate allegations, meaning the tycoon will likely spend Christmas in a cell.

It represents a stunning turnaround for the 64-year-old Franco-Lebanese-Brazilian executive, a once-revered colossus of the auto sector who won wide acclaim in Japan for saving car giant Nissan. In a move that sent shockwaves through the business world, the former Nissan chairman was arrested on November 19 on suspicion of under-declaring his income by some five billion yen ($44 million) between 2010 and 2015.

Prosecutors on Monday pressed formal charges on Ghosn  and key aide Greg Kelly  over this allegation, which both men are said to deny.

The pair were also immediately re-arrested over fresh allegations that they conspired to under-declare Ghosns income by a further four billion yen over the past three years.

Under Japanese law, suspects can be re-arrested several times for different allegations, allowing prosecutors to question them for prolonged periods  a system that has drawn criticism internationally. Monday was the final day prosecutors could hold Ghosn and Kelly, 62, before either charging or re-arresting them, and the fresh arrest gives them up to another 22 days of questioning.

In addition to charges against Ghosn and Kelly, prosecutors also indicted Nissan itself, as the company submitted the official documents that under-reported the income. Nissan shares dropped 2.90 percent to 945 yen in Monday trading and the firm voiced its deepest regret over the affair. The manufacturer said it would continue its efforts to strengthen its governance and compliance, including making accurate disclosures of corporate information. The Japanese firms in the three-way alliance with Renault  Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors  have both sacked Ghosn as chairman.
Governor Satya Pal Malik has taken some tough measures that bode well for residents. He must continue to remove regional disparity and not be intimidated by parties

Having boldly dissolved the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly to prevent horse-trading, and repealed the Roshni Act, it is hoped that Governor Satya Pal Malik will continue with bold reforms and not be intimidated by political parties. The decision to make the largely State-owned Jammu & Kashmir Bank a public sector enterprise was welcome, as was the reported plan to review the issue of Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC). Sadly, political outcry forced a re-think on both issues, to the detriment of citizens of the State.

The Governor reportedly asked the State Administrative Council to examine changes in the law for granting Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC) to remove impediments observed by the Revenue Department. The PRC is issued to domicile citizens of Jammu & Kashmir and Maharaja Hari Singh, who created the concept of State Subjects, provided that those domiciled in the State for at least 10 years could become subjects. However, Article 35A, added to the Constitution of India by a presidential oder in 1954, empowers the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly to define permanent residents, which has made the PRC acquisition problematic.

Refugees who fled West Pakistan in 1947 are denied their legitimate citizenship rights. While Article 370 gives special status to Jammu & Kashmir, it also gives wide powers to the Governor. Unfortunately, the December 1, 2018, move to review the process of granting PRCs was fiercely opposed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Conference and even the Peoples Conference of Sajjad Lone, with whom the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has aligned for the next Assembly election. As the Supreme Court reviews the legality of Article 35A, the BJP should ponder the terms of its collaboration with Sajjad Lone so that it does not compromise (read sacrifice) its constituency again, as happened under PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. It is well-known that Rohingya illegal infiltrators secured PRCs in Muftis regime.

Governor Maliks decision to repeal the Jammu & Kashmir State Lands (Vesting of ownership to the occupants) Act, 2001, (Roshni Act) is a desirable step. The legislation was originally mooted to help farmers, who were farming on State lands, to legally acquire title to the same, but was grossly abused by the elite to grab large tracts of State lands. The State lost around Rs 25,000 crore that was to fund electricity generation schemes (hence the name Roshni). In February 2018, the PDP tried to unilaterally allow Gujjar-Bakarwal squatters on forest land to become de facto owners and ignored opposition from the BJP.

It would be appropriate for the Governor to consider fresh delimitation of constituencies and appoint a Delimitation Commission to remove the regional disparity long suffered by Jammu province, and also provide representation to all reserved categories in the State Assembly. It is pertinent to note here that the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir, enacted in 1957, was based on the Maharajas Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir of 1939, which was still in force. After accession to India, the State Constituent Assembly was constituted under the 1939 Constitution, but Sheikh Abdullahs administration arbitrarily carved out 30 seats for Jammu region and 43 seats for Kashmir region and two seats for Ladakh region. This regional disparity became entrenched thereafter: Kashmir (46), Jammu (37) and Ladakh (four).

The last delimitation exercise in the State took place under challenging circumstances and was finally accomplished by the Justice (retd) KK Gupta Commission in 1995, when the State was under Presidents rule. As the Constitution provides for delimitation every 10 years, the next delimitation of Assembly constituencies should have taken place in 2005. However, in 2002, the National Conference Government froze delimitation until 2026 by amending the Jammu & Kashmir Representation of the People Act 1957 and Section 47(3) of the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir. The amended Section 47(3) provided that until the relevant figures for the first census taken after the year 2026 have been published, it shall not be necessary to readjust the total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State and the division of the State into territorial constituencies under this sub-section.

This means the next delimitation can only take place after Census 2031, unless the Governor intervenes and rectifies this irregularity. The BJP, Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party, Jammu State Morcha and even the Congress have demanded the constitution of a Delimitation Commission to ensure a just number of seats to each region. It is pertinent that owing to the disturbed conditions in the Kashmir region from 1990 onwards, there has been a huge migration towards Jammu province, an exodus not limited to the Kashmiri Pandits. The concomitant rise in the population of Jammu does not reflect in Census 2011, which lacks credibility among large sections of the people.

The Panthers Party approached the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, urging that stoppage of readjustment of the extent and boundaries of electoral constituencies adversely impacts democracy, as enshrined in the Constitution. On dismissal, senior advocate Bhim Singh approached the Supreme Court, which also dismissed the appeal, stating that Article 327 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to make laws regarding delimitation of constituencies, and Article 329A states that any law relating to delimitation of constituencies or allotment of seats to such constituencies shall not be called in question in any Court. The Court said identical provisions have been made in Section 142 of the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir.

This failed to tackle the core issue of arbitrary deferment of delimitation. As a result, persisting problems call for fresh application of mind. As delimitation follows a census, which records demographic changes, it ensures that the numbers reflect in the composition of constituencies. Deferment has created an imbalance in the composition of various constituencies.

Moreover, the State Constitution, under Section 48, reserves 24 seats in the 111-member Assembly for the area under Pakistani occupation (since 1947-48). Members of the diaspora of Occupied Jammu & Kashmir have been urging the Centre to fill these seats by nomination; West Pakistan refugee families could also be accommodated this way. With Pakistan trying to incorporate Gilgit Baltistan as a province to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, India must assert its claim to the region more forcefully before the international community.

Finally, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes enjoy reserved seats in Jammu province, where rotation is overdue, but are unrepresented in the Kashmir valley. The backward Gujjar-Bakarwals received Scheduled Tribe status in 1991, but have not received their share of Assembly seats. These knotty problems are best resolved under Governors rule.

(The writer is Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library; the views expressed are personal)
Most children, who are still outside the ambit of schooling, are victims of child labour, migration of parents, trafficking, acute poverty and other such issues. We need to bring them into the system

The Right to Education has now been accepted globally. Sustained efforts are being made nationally and internationally to bring every child within the fold of universal education. The global literacy rate of 86.2 per cent bodes well. But this great achievement also exposes the challenge of educating 57 million primary children who remain out of school. In actual practice, this number could indeed be higher. The task ahead  to bring these children to school  is really tough and has also been articulated among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals identified by the UN General Assembly in 2015, to be achieved by 2030.

Education is included as the SDG-4. The global promise is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all. Considerable success has been made in bringing children under the fold of universal education. Making provisions for schooling is necessary but that alone is not sufficient. The Sustainable Development Goals Report of 2018 indicated that more than half of children and adolescents in schools worldwide are not meeting minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. It also indicated that re-focussed efforts are needed to improve the quality of education. Disparities in education along the lines of gender, urban-rural location and other dimensions still run deep. More investments in education infrastructure are required in less developed countries:

At the global level, participation rate in early childhood and primary education was 70 per cent in 2016, up from 63 per cent in 2010. Lowest rates were found in sub-Saharan Africa (41 per cent) and Northern Africa and Western Asia (52 per cent). An estimated 617 million children and adolescents of primary and lower secondary school age worldwide  58 per cent of that age group  are not achieving minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics. In 2016, an estimated 85 per cent of primary school teachers world-wide were trained; the proportion was only 71 per cent for Southern Asia and 61 per cent for sub-Saharan Africa. In the same year, only 34 per cent of primary schools in LDCs had electricity and less than 40 per cent were equipped with basic hand-washing facilities.

At present, sincere efforts are being made by practically every nation to reach the target of ensuring elementary education to every child and provide equality of opportunity of access and success to each one of them. It is a tough task for countries that are facing acute economic crisis and are facing severe deficiencies in infrastructure and competent human resources. UNESCO, too, is making significant efforts to assist, through international collaboration, exchange of experiences and making human expertise available wherever required. Challenges confront the policy-makers at the national level, as also the agencies that coordinate and monitor educational developments globally in context of the right to education.

The nature of challenge, to bring the remaining children within the fold of education, changes as countries move ahead on the ladder to total literacy. In India, in spite of all the problems, the constitutional directive to provide free and compulsory education to all children till they attain 14 years of age was indeed a very bold step. This set the tone. During the initial stages, the priority task was to convince parents how essential education was to the future of their children, particularly girls. Issues like gender bias, segregation prevalent on caste lines, social hierarchies and traditional practices had to be confronted with considerable poise and sensitivity. Slowly, every group of the populace realised the advantages of sending their wards to schools.

Consequently, a stage has been reached wherein the system no more needs convincing the parents  all of them not only want their children to get educated but education of good quality in good schools. There are certain other factors that still make things tough in dealing with the enrolment of children in the bracket above 90 per cent enrolment. As India marched ahead from a literacy rate of about 20 to the present of over 75, it has realised that it requires far greater efforts to bring the remaining children within the fold of education than was necessary in earlier years. In fact, in this bracket, parents have little role as external and undesirable factors have taken over the fate of their children.

Most children, who are still outside the ambit of schooling, are victims of child labour, migration of parents, child trafficking, acute poverty and other such issues. Considerable attention is being given to liberate children from the clutches of circumstances that force them to become victims of unsocial and nefarious practices. While estimates differ, globally, over 200 million children are engaged in child labour. In India, estimates vary from 12 to 60 million. Even in the most posh areas of New Delhi, one could see children selling small items, obviously being managed and monitored by certain unscrupulous elements. The same is witnessed at railway stations. It is a well-known fact that forced to work in dirty, dangerous and unhealthy conditions, making match sticks, tobacco products and fire-crackers, children are invariably exposed to health hazards that could even be fatal. Many suffer on many counts, including emotional deprivation and malnutrition.

Further, deficient nutrition is a major concern in India. Around 3,000 children die every day due to malnutrition. Globally, three million children die of malnutrition every year. Overall, India suffers from serious levels of hunger and is ranked 103 amongst 119 countries on the Global Hunger Index. Obviously this is a very challenging situation, implications of which are most significant for children and their proper growth and right to education.

Considerable concern is being expressed globally for migrant children who are forced to leave their ancestral lands. A majority of them are forced to leave their home and hearth because of hunger, poverty, ethnic cleansing, racial discrimination, fundamentalism, insecurity and violence, among other problems.

Recently, UNESCOs Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report brought to fore details of the conditions that children face in their new circumstance. It states: The right of these children to quality education, even if increasingly recognised on paper, is challenged daily in classrooms and school yards, and denied outright by a few GovernmentsIn the two years since the landmark New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, refugees have missed 1.5 billion days of school. The issue is indeed alarming. Hence, the 2019 report focusses on migrant, displacement and education and as expected, highlights the need for additional resources to countries that host most migrants and their children. Problems are well-known as they invariably arise in multi-cultural classroom everywhere. Most important is the right of the child to education in his own mother tongue. He/she also needs familiarity with his/her own culture, heritage and history. Even under tough conditions, initiatives must not get dampened. Every effort must be made by all concerned to put their best foot forward to support requirements of these groups of children.

It is in this light that the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, said: Everyone loses when the education of migrants and refugees is ignored... increased classroom diversity, while challenging for teachers, can also enhance respect for diversity and an opportunity to learn from others. A huge amount of Government resources as also from donors will be necessary as trends in immigrants show increase in activity in the near future.

Now lets revert back to the national scene. Migrant children can be mapped in practically every major city of our country. Very often, one learns about migrants from one State being vandalised by elements of the host province, resulting in avoidable misery. One must remember how Maharashtra for Maharashtrians kept the migrants from south India on their toes. Similarly, the Hindi-speaking population in Mumbai from north India frequently become the target of parochial pride, resulting in loss of personal and public property, unnecessary disruption of professional pursuits and negative impact on the education of children.

Just a couple of months ago, a criminal incident that was highly deplorable led to attacks on the migrant population in Gujarat. There are several other encouraging signs as well. Kailash Satyarthi shared the Nobel Peace prize for his work on liberating lakhs of children from bonded labour. There have been numerous local-level initiatives that have been bringing excellent results in their respective areas. Sandip Singh runs a voluntary organisation in Gurugram. Singh began this initiative based upon his sensitive observation of children from Rajasthan who were loitering around.

After a decade, Singh has successfully changed the lives of several thousands of children by providing them education. He was quietly working on his own when others came to help him voluntarily. Today, his organisation  School Aapke Dwaar  is one major attraction for children in slum areas as also for their parents. One could find several such initiatives at individual and social levels. All they need is encouragement and support from the people. But India needs an effective organisation to deal with the issues of children suffering on several counts, some of which have been mentioned in this article. The efficacy, or otherwise of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, needs a thorough independent scrutiny.

(The writer is the Indian Representative on the Executive Board of UNESCO)
Muhammad bin Salman has many options at hand to save himself. He is likely to stay in power, perhaps to the ultimate ruin of the country he rules

Now is the moment of maximum danger for Saudi Arabias de facto ruler, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MbS). He has weathered the immediate storm over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi two months ago. He even went to the G20 summit in Buenos Aires a week ago and persuaded several other national leaders to stand beside him for photographs. But the real threat to his power (and maybe his life) is at home.

Its not the Saudi public he must fear. Hes quite popular with young Saudis, who are a large majority of the population. Hes relatively young himself (33). He has loosened some of the tight social and religious controls (women can drive now, and you can even go to see a movie). And most of them dont even believe that he is responsible for the killing.

MbSs problem is his family, who know perfectly well that he ordered the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and understand what that crime means for the kingdoms standing in the world. They also realise that his foreign policy has been an unmitigated disaster, from the futile war in Yemen to the blockade of Qatar, and that his economic policy hasnt been much better.

Many prominent Saudis also have personal reasons to hate him. Some were pushed roughly aside in order to facilitate his rapid rise to supreme power. Others were kidnapped, jailed and even tortured in order to extort billions of dollars from them, on the often shaky pretext that their money was the fruit of corruption. If you held a secret ballot among the 10,000 most influential Saudis, MbS would be gone in a flash.

It doesnt work like that, of course. This is still an absolute monarchy, and so long as MbS has the support of his elderly father, King Salman, he has absolute power  in theory. In practice, he must also have at least the grudging support of the royal family, which sees the Saudi state as a family business in which they all have a stake. It is a remarkable family, if only for its sheer size: An estimated 15,000 members, many of whom are direct descendants of the Kingdoms founder, King Abdul-Aziz Ibn Saud. When he died in 1953, he left 36 sons, and there are literally hundreds of grandsons. All these men, their spouses and their children and grandchildren are supported (quite lavishly) by the family business, but there are only a few hundred people who really matter. They matter a great deal, however, and by now they would be close to unanimous in seeing Mohammad Bin Salman as a wrecker who is endangering their own futures.

So how to get rid of him? In the past, the familys rule has survived the abrupt removal of kings: One king was forced to abdicate in 1964, another was assassinated by his own nephew in 1975. The Princes closed ranks, and the dynasty carried on with a new King. In theory, it should be even easier when you are only trying to remove the crown prince. Why not just work through his father, King Salman? After all, the King has already appointed and then dismissed two other Crown Princes; maybe he could be persuaded to do it again. The problem with this approach is that MbS zealously controls access to the 82-year-old King, who is believed to be suffering from mild dementia (Alzheimers). An alternative would be for the Allegiance Committee, a family-run institution created in 2006 which adjudicates on succession issues, to declare King Salman incompetent because of illness, dismiss the Crown Prince, and appoint someone else as his successor. In the absence of more formal rules, any Prince descended from Abdul-Aziz would be eligible.

Plotters hoping to use this device would be risking their lives, of course, for MbS is a ruthless man who would strike first if he got wind of the plan. However, they may be emboldened by the fact that he has now arrested his own chief enforcers in an attempt to shift the blame for Khashoggis murder. This betrayal will certainly have shaken the loyalty of their colleagues who still serve the crown prince. But there is one further consideration that is bound to give even the boldest plotters pause. If MbS concludes that he has decisively lost the support of the royal family, he still has a last card to play: War with Iran.

Its what he wants in the long term anyway, but his preferred option has been to get the US and Israel to do the actual fighting for him. If he had no other way of heading off a family-backed coup against him, however, he might take Saudi Arabia into such a war unilaterally, counting on the US and/or Israel to bail the country out. In the midst of a war, nobody at home would dare attack him. So on balance, MbS is likely to stay in power, perhaps to the ultimate ruin of the country he rules.

(The writer is an independent journalist)
Top leaders of Opposition parties on Monday decided to come together to prevent the BJP from coming back to power in the next years Lok Sabhs polls.

In a meeting of Opposition parties attended by leaders and representatives of 21 political parties, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, former Union Ministers Sharad Pawar, Sharad Yadav, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, it was resolved to take every possible step to defeat the BJP and protect the important institutions in the country.

However, two major political parties of Uttar Pradesh arch rivals Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party were conspicuous by their absence. Both the parties in recent times have fought together in some of the important by-elections.

Briefing the media about the meeting, while Rahul said there was consensus that all parties will work together to defeat BJP/RSS, Mamata said the Opposition leaders will soon meet the President of India over misuse of agencies and Government institutions and accused the Modi Government of behaving like a dictatorial regime.

Rahul said there is consensus among Opposition parties to work together to defeat the BJP and protect Indias institutions. The meeting was coordinated by TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu.

The Congress president said India needs a Government that does not put a conspiratorial lid over multiple corruption scams like Rafale nor becomes an abettor to the escape of bank defaulters. India needs a Government where economic growth focuses on addressing the concerns of small traders, shopkeepers and micro, small and medium enterprises that have been devastated by demonetisation and the ill-planned implementation of GST, said Rahul.

We need a Government where harassment of businessmen and industrialists would end and the spirit of enterprise must be allowed full freedom, Rahul said.

Mamata hit out at the Modi Government over Urjit Patels resignation, saying it is a matter of great shock. Institutions, from the CBI to the RBI, have become total disasters. This has never happened before. It is a matter of great shock. We must protest, Banerjee said.

She proposed that the meeting should continue on Tuesday and leaders of Opposition parties should also meet President Ram Nath Kovind over Patels resignation. The BJP is behaving like a dictator. There should be a campaign against this rule. Everybody has agreed to that, she said. Financial stability is not there... Financial emergency has started, she alleged.

The meeting, held in Parliament annexe, came a day ahead of the results of the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls as well as the Winter Session of Parliament.

Former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda, also a Janata Dal (Secular) leader, Sonia Gandhi, DMK chief M K Stalin and National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah were also present. Top Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ashok Gehlot were also present.

The others who took part were Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI leaders Sudhakar Reddy and D Raja, Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav and Jharkhand Vikas Morchas (JVM) Babulal Marandi. All the leaders issued a joint statement accusing Modi and the current dispensation of attacking the democratic system of the country during the last 55 months.
The 8th Triennial General Council Meeting of State Bank of India Staff Association, Chandigarh Circle was held here which was attended by over 6000 employees from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and U.T. Chandigarh.

Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Chief General Manager, SBI, Chandigarh Circle inaugurated the Conference which was attended by V.V.S.R. Sarma-President-All India SBI Staff Federation, S.C.Balaji-President-National Confederation of Bank Employees along with other leaders.

The meeting was also attended by General Managers, Dy. General Managers, Asstt.General Managers and other officials from the Management side of State Bank of India.

In the results of the elections held unanimously, team led by Shyam Lal Hans was elected as President and Sanjeev Kumar Bandlish as General Secretary for the next term.
Alleging atrocities on Sikhs in Pakistan, activists of a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) on Monday staged a protests outside the Pakistan High Commission here demanding protection of human rights of Sikhs in that country.

More than 250 volunteers of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal marched towards the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, demanding justice and protection of human rights of Sikhs and other minorities in the neighbouring country, a release stated.

After the demonstration, a five-people delegation of the NGO met officials of the mission and handed over documents related to the alleged atrocities on Sikhs and other minorities in Pakistan and demanded protection of their interests.

During the protests, the volunteers carried placards and banners with messages like 'Save Human Rights', 'Stop Forced Conversion', 'Save Sikh Girls', 'Stop Harassing Sikhs in Pakistan', 'Don't Grab Gurudwara Land', 'Stop Distorting Sikh History' and others, the release said.
State BJP Spokesman Pratul Shahdev today slammed the Opposition parties saying that the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, RJD and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha are standing against each other in the Kolebira bypoll and the leaders of the same parties are holding each others arms in the grand coalition meeting in Delhi today. Shahdeo said that it clearly shows that these political parties have no political character. He said that in Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and RJD are supporting Jharkhand party candidate Memon Ekka in Kolebira, while the JVM is supporting the Congress candidate there. And, the most ridiculous thing is that the leaders of these parties are undergoing photo sessions in the name of unity in Delhi today.

Shahdev said that JPCC president Dr. Ajay Kumar has said that it wa sonly because of the request of Shibu Soren JMM supported Menon Ekka. Who can understand nepotism and individualist politics better than Congress where one family has been at the top of the party for the last 60 years, he said.

Shahdeo said that the alliance made without any policy and principle finally faces defeat. He termed Dr Ajay's statement was ridiculous where the latter had said that BJP is working as a Jharkhand Partys B team. He said that Congress did not even deserve to be the B team in Jharkhand. The Congress had 14 seats in 2009, which became half marginally in 2014. In the 2019 elections, Congress will be out of the State, he said.
To discuss the strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhis Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called a meeting with leaders of the Delhi unit on Tuesday.

AAP Delhi convener Gopal Rai Monday said after results of five State Assembly elections, the AAP will hold a Delhi-level meeting with its several leaders, including cabinet ministers, Lok Sabha in-charges, councillors and MLAs on Tuesday.

The party would also finalise the second phase of its campaign to reach out to voters in Delhi. All Delhi Ministers, party in-charges for Lok Sabha seats, councillors and district presidents would attend the meeting to be held at the CMs residence, said Rai.

Counting of votes for the five State Assemblies - Madhya Pradesh, Chattishgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana  are scheduled to begin at 8 am on Tuesday.

An overall strategy such as finalisation of Lok Sabha candidates, formula for partys second-phase campaign will be discussed, said Rai.

The party has named its in-charges for all the seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Delhi. In-charge for the west Delhi seat, Rajpal Solanki, has, however, stepped down.

The in-charges are likely to be official candidates of the party. In the 2014 general elections, the AAP had fielded candidates on all seven seats in Delhi but none of them could secure a win.

Earlier this month, Rai had said that the AAP is single-handedly capable of defeating the BJP in Delhi, dismissing any chance of a pre-poll alliance with the Congress in the national Capital.

In the 2015 Assembly polls, the AAP had secured around 54.34 per cent vote share, while the BJP and the Congress had 32.19 per cent and 9.65 per cent votes, respectively.
The all important meeting of the anti-BJP political outfits in Delhi saw hard bargain put forth by the Congress allies in Jharkhand. The meeting is being considered crucial to arrive at an acceptable seat sharing formula for 2019 Lok Sabha battle.

Sources in the Jharkhand Vikas Morhca (JVM) and the Congress confirming the reports about seat sharing and said that only final nod was required in the meeting on Monday. JVM is seeking three Lok Sabha seats namely Chatra, Koderma and Godda. As per the agreement we had arrived at here before going to the meeting in Delhi, the JMM would be getting four seats, said a senior functionary of the JVM. Inputs coming in from the Congress suggest that the party was looking for one more seat than being talked about. As per now Congress has been left with six seats but it is expected that one more seat would come to our kitty. JVM may finally settle with two- Koderma and Chatra, four would go to the JMM and one to the RJD, said a Pradesh Congress Committee member.

Top leadership of the constituents including JMM executive president and Leader of Opposition Hemant Soren and JVM supremo Babulal Marandi along with PCC president in the State Ajoy Kumar participated in the united Opposition huddle and later sat separately with top Congress leadership including national president Rahul Gandhi to finalise the deal.

Out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in the State, the BJP riding on the juggernaut of Narendra Modi in 2014 had gone on pocketing 12 leaving just two to the JMM and that also confined to Santhal Pargana. Things have changed since then. The wave is receding. We have stalked claims over Lok Sabha seats of Santhal region. Our formula is based on the fact that the seats should go to the party having best chances to defeat the BJP with the unified support, said JMM general secretary Suprio Bhattacharya.

However it is not going to be smooth sailing for the partners into the Opposition camp in the State. First it was JMM that chose Jharkhand Partys candidate Menon Ekka over Congress Naman Bixal Kongari for the Kolebira bypoll and now another partner RJD also toed the JMMs line leaving Congress in a lurch.

The RJD has decided to back Jharkhand Partys Menon Ekka as far as Kolebira elections are concerned. She has good support base there and we all should back her, said RJD Jharkhand president Annapurna Devi on Monday. The declaration is nothing less than a jolt for the Congress that had went on the record labeling Jharkhand Party as B team of the BJP and alleged the ruling party in the State for providing jailed leader Enos Ekka full patronage.

A delegation of the Congress on Monday also called on Chief Electoral Officer of the State L Khiyangte and lodged a formal complained about the role of Enos Ekka, husband of Menon Ekka, in influencing the electorates of the constituency.

Enos Ekka is behind the bars in a murder case after being convicted. But he is sending threats to our party workers and common voters of Kolebira over phone to vote for his wife and Jharkhand Party candidate Menon Ekka. We have complained to the Election Commission here and if nothing happens we would also knock doors of the Commission in Delhi, said former Congress MP Subodh Kant Sahay after handing over the letter.
Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Bhupesh Baghel reiterated on Monday that Congress would be returning to power after a gap of 15 years because of blessings of youth, farmers and poor people.

People have overwhelmingly supported the Congress during the voting in two-phased polls on November 12 and 20, to get rid of the corrupt BJP rule, Baghel told reporters.

Baghel is the front runner for the chief ministerial post if his party gets majority. He stated that Congress would cross at least 55 seats in a 90-member state legislative assembly.
District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) Ranchi has decided to spread awareness on human rights along with providing legal aid to people across the district.

The announcement in this regard was made at a function held to mark Human Right Day on Monday.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion chief judicial magistrate (CJM) Shree Swyambhu opined that DLSA should work for protection of human rights of people adding the para-legal volunteers working in the field must be made aware about it. President of Ranchi District Bar Association Sambhu Prasad said humanity means paying respect to each other. Secretary of the association Sanjay Vidrohi stated that everyone, irrespective of his religion, language and complexion could claim for their human rights. He added that lawyers fraternity would work for securing the basic rights of common people.

Secretary of DLSA Fahim Kirmani stated that DLSA was ready and eager to provide legal aid for human right protection. Additional CJM Vijay Kumar Srivastava, civil court registrar Abhishek Prasad, panel lawyers of DLSA, expert mediators, lawyers and para-legal volunteers were present on the occasion.
The State Government will send an application to the NITI Aayog for making Balganga area of Tehri district a development block. Further, the organisation of the historical Guru Kailapeer Devta Bagwal Balraj Mela would be taken over by the Government, announced Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. He was speaking at the concluding day of this folk fair at Budha Kedar area of Tehri district on Sunday.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced construction of Sangam Astha Path at a cost of Rs 1.32 crore, operation of roadways buses in the area, survey of Bhatwari- Budha Kedar road and taking over of Balganga college by the state government .

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Rawat said that the State Government is making special efforts for the development of the far off places and a plan for the development of Budha Kedar area will also be formulated. He said that investors from India and abroad had pledged to invest Rs 1,25,000 crore in Uttarakhand during the Investors Summit held at Dehradun earlier in October. Out of this sum, about Rs 23,000 crore will be invested in the mountainous regions.

He said that several agreements have been done to promote tourism activities at Tehri reservoir and some more are in the pipeline. He said that if some big institutions come forward to invest near Tehri reservoir then the possibilities of home stay facilities in the area will also increase.

Giving information about possibilities of employment opportunities from pine needles, Rawat said that with commercial use of pine trees, bio-diesel, turpentine oil, tar coal and power generation from its residue will be done. He said that such experiments are being carried out in Pithoragarh. The Chief Minister said that since there is lot of Pirul (dry pine needle) in Tehri, the women can organise themselves in to self-help groups and can become in income generation related activities based on the pine needles for which the Government could provide training to them.

He said that the State Government is formulating a scheme to purchase Pirul and leaves of Devdar trees. Apart from gas, the leaves could be used as a fuel. He said that 150 MW of power could be generated from Pirul in the state. He also encouraged farmers to breed trouts and cultivate Damask rose. The Tehri MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah also expressed her views on the occasion. Local public representatives and members of the public were also among those present on the occasion.
Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of state universities Ram Naik said that under his tenure the performance of universities had improved with regularisation of session, cheating-free examinations and holding of convocations as per schedule.

The Governor said that he also discontinued the colonial relic of hat and gown worn by students during the convocation.

Addressing media persons at Raj Bhawan in Lucknow on Monday, Naik claimed that during the past one year, there was an increase of 5 per cent (51-56 per cent) in the number of women students being awarded degrees by 26 universities.

Besides receiving medals, the girls outnumbered the boys by bagging 66 per cent medals, he said.

Naik said that when he took over as Governor in 2014, he was Chancellor of 25 state universities and their number rose to 29 in 2018 .

The Governor also refuted the contention of promoters of private universities that the state government was attempting to undermine their autonomy by bringing a new UP Private University Act.

The discussion on the new bill on private universities is underway but nothing has been finalised. The bill has provisions for introducing more transparency in functioning of private universities and checking irregularities in the award of honorary degrees and other irregularities, he said.

Naik clarified that after reaching a consensus on the bill , it would be sent to him for approval by the state government and if he found any flaw in it, he would refer it back to the state government.

The Governor said that the state government had assured him that the bill would be introduced in Assembly only after a consensus was reached with different stake holders.

Naik also lauded the role of Deputy Chief Minister and Dinesh Sharma, who holds the Higher Education portfolio, for his effort to improve higher education in the state.

Naik said that use of CCTV cameras in all state universities during examinations had ended the menace of copying and contributed in improving the quality of education.

This along with other measures introduced by state universities for checking cheating led to fall in number of students appearing for examinations, he said.

The Governor said that for the first time, convocations in all 26 state universities were completed and the last one was held at Allahabad State University on December 8.
High Court of Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur, had dismissed the plea of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary, Girish Dewangan on Monday demanding counting through Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) slips.

In the plea Dewangan demanded counting of assembly polls 2018 through VVPATs slips instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as there was possibility of its tampering and that the machine was not completely hacking proof.

In the order, the court of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra had said In exercise of jurisdiction under article 226, the court could not prescribe new counting norms which are not notified or adhered to the constitutional functionary.

Election Commission has been vested the powers under Article 324 of Constitution the works of superintendence, direction and control of elections and the court would not venture to prescribe any set of new counting norms, the court said.
The Uttarakhand High Court (HC) has directed the Union Government, the State Government and National Institute of Technology (NIT) to file replies in two weeks on shifting of the NIT Srinagar campus.

The bench of the HC comprising the chief justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice Lokpal Singh delivered the order on Monday while accepting the application of the villagers of Sumadi and Niyal to allow the court to be a party in the case.

In their application, the villagers said that a land of 120 hectare had been donated by them to house NIT Srinagar in the hope that it would usher in development of the area and check migration. The State Government had provided a sum of Rs 9 crore to the forest department in lieu of transfer of land in the year 2009 while a sum of Rs 4 crore had been spent by the Government on constructing a boundary on the land.

In their application before the court, the villagers said that a geological survey had also been conducted by IIT Roorkee of the land earmarked for the institute but a report was awaited. The villagers also told the court that the institute is now being shifted to a place located in the plain area.

The court has been hearing a petition of a former student of the institute Jasbir Singh who said that a permanent campus was still eluding the institute even after nine years of its establishment.

He said that the students have been demanding a permanent campus for many years but their demand is being ignored by the Government. The petitioner added that the building from which the NIT is presently operating has become dilapidated prone to disaster. He said that the one girl student of the institute had lost her life while another was very critical as they met with an accident while crossing the road on way to the institute. Taking a stern view of the failure of the Union and State Governments as well as NIT to file a reply on the serious matter, the bench ordered that they should do so within two weeks.

It is worth mentioning here that on demand of shifting the institute, the students took the extreme step of leaving the institute en masse on October 22. Heeding to the demands of the students, the Union Human Resource Development Ministry ( HRD) set up a transit campus for the students at NIT Jaipur. The decision of the HRD Ministry is being viewed a setback to the State as both the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and the Minister of State for Higher Education Dhan Singh Rawat have been consistently affirming that the premier institute would not be allowed to be shifted out of the hills of the State.

Set up in the year 2010 in Srinagar Garhwal, NIT has been functioning from a temporary campus. The administrative block and the labs are housed in the old ITI campus while the students have to go to the Poly-technique College campus for classes.
workshop held on Flat Bed Composting

Indore : A one day workshop of first year BSc (Agriculture) students was successfully conducted on Flat Bed Composting: An Advanced Technique for Organic Farming. Expert Dinesh Gurnani (Organic Consultant and CEO of Krishi Vatika) explained the basic concepts and the benefits of organic farming and flat bed composting.Students of BSc (Agriculture) have got the practical experience of flat bed composting with proper steps on agriculture field under the guidance of Gurnani.

Winter Nature Camp starts from dec 26

Bhopal: Regional Museum of Natural History, Paryavaran Parisar, E-5, Arera Colony, Bhopal in collaboration with Satpura Tiger Reserve, Hoshangabad (MP) has planned to organize Winter Nature Camp for the students of class 8th to 10th from December 26 to 28, 2018 at Matkuli. As many as 50 participants will be selected on First come  First serve basis. Interested students may send their name along with photographs of their identity card and contact number on or before December 21, 2018 through email on rmnhbpl@gmail.com.The selected first 50 participants will be informed about the confirmation of their participation on December 23, 2018. There is no any registration fee. For more information, students may contact to Manoj Kumar Sharma, Scientist-in-Charge through phone No- 0755-2467551.

Sagar Public School holds painting contest

Bhopal: Sagar Public School Ratibad conducted drawing and painting competition in association with New Dimension School at Gulmohar. The competition was in form of fun and encouragement activities at the school with Sameer Ismail gracing the occasion as Chief Guest. Students created paintings using their creativity with flow of crayons and paint brushes spreading the social message of Swach Bharat, Save Environment, Save Water, Drive Safely etc. A counseling session for teachers and parents of school was also conducted by counselor Smitha.Speaking on the occasion, Rashmi Seth, Headmistress, Sagar Public School Ratibad said, At Sagar Public School, we aim for overall development of child by creating a positive environment. Ismat Ismail, Principal, New Dimension School said that children have created masterpieces with out-of-the box thinking showcasing their talent.
As the International Anti-Corruption Day was observed this Sunday, experts stressed on the need for speaking up against corruption.

The observance of International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9 is to raise awareness among people across the globe on a corruption free society being possible if one resolves not to pay any bribe and have courage to speak up against corruption rather than becoming silent prey to its effects. To break the corruption chain, consistent efforts are needed.

High Court advocate Lalit Miglani said, So much of money is lost due to corruption which could have been used in the development of the nation and it is a serious crime that undermines social and economic development. The effects of corruption are long lasting as generations after generations face poverty, deprivation, unemployment and illiteracy and problems galore. Increasing corruption is showing policy failure of the government. Corruption is not only about giving and taking bribe but influencing electoral process, disturbing law and order, human or drug trafficking, giving unjust favors when at influential position and influencing the judicial process are also considered as crimes. So educate the public about the governments responsibility to be corruption free. It also helps to effectively fight against corruption, added Miglani.

Peeyush Garg, member of Permanent Lok Adalat, Haridwar and director of Nagendra Singh Library said, Corruption is a menace not only in India, but the entire world.

We cannot remove it but we can control it by honest efforts. We can also control scams by men like Nirav Modi who allegedly is involved in `13,500 crore scam as such scams are dangerous for Indian economy.

India has been ranked 81st in the global corruption perception index in 2017 among 180 countries at the index scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.

S K Batra, the principal of post graduate degree college said, Effective law enforcement is essential to ensure that the corrupt are duly punished. Reforms focussing on improving financial management and strengthening the role of social auditing agencies have in many countries achieved greater impact than public sector reforms on curbing corruption. The same is being gradually implemented in India.

Social audits can help to build mutual trust between public and government.

It should be mentioned here that the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) is a treaty between UN member states, signed on December 9, 2003 and implemented since December 2005.

It mandates the member states to take measures towards reducing and preventing corruption and enforcing law and order. Even provision for asset recovery and its return to the country of origin have been made under this treaty.

Counted as the most potent threat to the United Nations sustainable development goals of 2030, every year efforts are made to counter corruption.

An estimate study by the United Nations states that 3.6 trillion dollars are paid in bribe and stolen globally through corruption which equals to more than 5 per cent of global GDP.
Taurian World School has been ranked No.1 in Jharkhand and Ranchi and Ranked amongst Top 20 Day cum Boarding Schools in India during the India's School Merit Awards 2018 organized by Education Today in Bangalore, a press release said.

Dr Subhash Kumar, Principal of Taurian World School was present on the occasion as a member in the Panel Discussion at the National Conference where more than 600 Principals, Directors and Decision Makers from different parts of the country were present.

All the schools were assessed on many parameters which included academic reputation, competence of faculty, life skills, co-curricular education, safety, hygiene, infrastructure and community service & sports.
Rajat Kumar Ghoshs terracotta work stands as a symbol of what a quintessential sculpture should be. By Uma Nair

Along with the historic Chehre exhibition, NGMAs Roopantar has plenty to explore and ponder over. Director General Adwaita Gadanayak, who completed two years of his tenure at the NGMA, has amply proved that it is important to have exhibitions that showcase the archival strength of the repository of the NGMA collection.

If six exhibitions in an entire year areanything to go by, it is indeed a testimony to the insight and intensity of a vision that wants to keep an eye on the past as well bring forward the merit and vitality of Indias sculptural sensibilities. Gadanayak, an eminent sculptor who recently designed the National Police Memorial, has a significant standing in the contemporary arts. The reserve collection of the NGMA, Roopantar, is a revelation. Gadayanak believes that sculpture has not received enough due and wants to correct that.

Hidden treasures

The sculptures represented here is a step further to showcase the hidden treasures of our reserve collection. It all began with the exhibition titled, Itihaas, which was NGMAs celebration of its 63 years. The first exhibition that happened after I took charge as DG, NGMA. My quest has always been to reflect the treasure trove of the NGMAs repertoire. This creative and wonderful journey of representing the treasures has continued with several such exhibitions and Roopantar is one such which I believe will take this journey to greater heights. I present this exhibition as a tribute to our modern masters and firmly believe that this would generate greater interest among people towards the legacy of sculpture as a creative medium, mentions Gadanayak.

Transformed terracotta

The exhibition has a lot of work to see but it is the inclusion of a set of terracotta sculptures that invites scrutiny and gaze. The primary focus of figuratives in the show merits an important observation related to the origins of sculpture in the Indian subcontinent. It brings back the spotlight on plastic art. This first emphasis on vitality of the whole figure is important, because it characterises almost all the later art, recalling the ancient terracotta figures of the hump bull exuding a forceful expression in the Indus Valley civilisation.

Unabashed and unapologetic

While small and quaint, it is the veteran sculptor Rajat Kumar Ghoshs terracotta work that stands as a symbol of sculptonic identity and intensity. The beauty of terracotta is its tactile qualities. Its textural nuances that come to the fore. In one image, the jewelled woman has in her hand a little rabbit and at once it is a statement of harmony and the beauty of sensitivity in the telling of tale.

Ghosh, a sculptor, a National Award winner of the year 1984 has once been famous. His unapologetic installation of the Dalit king commissioned by the Bihar government as part of its centennial celebrations in 2013 was proof of his mettle as an artist, whose work was about the forgotten heroes of history like the story of Hirni Birni. His most famous work, Raja Shailesh, the king of Dusadh community in ancient Mithila, would greet visitors at Eco Park.

Ghosh, a 1978 alumnus of Patna College of Arts and Crafts made the statue of the Dalit king in 2012. It was on display during the Bihar Divas celebrations. It was an ode to a Dalit king  raw and unabashed  it wasnt polite art.

Ghosh always maintained that Indian cultural heritage was succinct in the narratives presented by sculptures. In an interview he once said, Earlier, those at the helm of affairs better understood art in terms of utility as well, since the sculptures can preserve and propagate the history and cultural traditions of a particular era, highlighting the significance of visual art in life, society and the nation. Sadly, authorities in many states lack appreciation for artworks. My own creations installed at public venues in Bihar are now in a dilapidated condition.

Woman with rabbit

Ghoshs portrait of a woman with a rabbit unveils the communication of the process of knowing that realistic narratives inform and educate the creation in the hands of a sculptor, it also seems to offer a deeper experience to the onlooker, because the creation of the expression and the gesture of love both call upon all the faculties in us to be alive to the processes in which the artist is engaged. Ghoshs single sculpted work talks to us about the aesthetic of creative sculpture which opens up new areas of awareness to the sensibility, as well as a deepening of an inner life, thus drawing attention to the intensity of an artists consciousness, enriching emotions, and the refinement of understanding the integration of the human figure as an enduring image.

There are other terracotta works too like Seasonal Beggar by Panwar Govardhan Singh and sculptor Shyamals evocative Untitled woman seated on a chair. Spanning across diverse mediums and time frames, the works Horse Head by Ram Kinkar Baij, Frustration by M Dharmani, Chakraa by Balbir Singh Katt, Seed by Nagji Patel, Figure Lifting Foot by Leela Mukherjee and Putna Wadha by Ishwar Chandra Gouta are some of the key works on view and are cast in different materials.
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This morning Sveta and I got up early and went to the doctor. If you follow this blog then you know that I have a dozen articles and I think the healthcare in Russia is fantastic. Well once again I had to go in and see a therapist. That is what Russians call a MD and I have been to specialists, but did not have a MD to keep an eye on my health

So Sveta and I once again walked to the medical office and I got to be looked over by another Russian woman doctor. As I have said many times, women are the doctors in Russia and to prove my point. I counted the doctors located on one floor of the three story building that we were in. Twenty Five doctors and two of them were men. The other floors are the same ratio

Then to boot, I saw that they had a therapist who is on vacation and she is a cardiac specialist. Looks like I may have found a cardiologist close to home. That is going to be a wonderful thing and she uses the same office that my new therapist uses. They are partners in crime so to speak 

So I have to have a ton of blood/other lab work done, x-rays of my lungs and a sonogram of my kidneys/liver. My last blood tests that came back are showing liver issues and that is not good. I think it is the ton of medicine that I take and it is a side effect of that

Oh the x-rays of my lungs are a real precaution thing that Russians do. TB has been an issue really bad in the past and Russians believe in x-rays to try to catch the TB as early as possible. They have x-rays of the lungs done about every two years. Just kinda a informational thing for everyone to know

I feel that I am having good care in Russia and the visit today cost 900 rubles for about an hour of the doctors time. That is about $25 dollars an hour total and that is regular price, not insurance discounted, not government assisted, but the cost that any Russian would pay out of pocket. I do not have healthcare in Russia as I am not a citizen and not able to have assisted healthcare. I wish and I would use it, as I have been many times to the free healthcare places and paid the fee to have service. But $25 dollars is not going to break me. Then I have learned that doctors make so little in Russia that when Sveta says we will take a box of candy or another treat for the doctor (Kinda like taking an apple to the teacher!), we do just that. These doctors do not make a huge salary and that $25 dollars per hour goes to the medical complex and the doctors are paid a hourly wage. So I will most likely see Sveta suggest taking a box of sweets to this doctor, Sveta liked her and thought she was great

Yes if you picked up that what I think does not really matter, then you picked it up correctly. Besides I am just a grouchy old bear anyway 

I still chuckle as I see that all doctors are basically women and I always wonder how that would go over in America? You know! Men doctors and women nurses. Law of the west

Such a different world this is, than the one I left behind in America. Different in many good ways

The few women doctors in America that I met were almost the death of me: Example  One woman doctor at a Saint Marys hospital, asked me if something else was not normal about me, that drove me in to see the doctor for chest pains. I replied that my left arm was weak. I had no strength in it. She grabbed my arm and said, Try to lift your arm! I lifted it and said, it hurts and is weak

She laughed at me and said there is nothing wrong with you. You almost picked me up off the ground. Ha Ha Ha Ha. Then she sent me home, after laughing at me. Two days later I was in surgery at a Saint Lukes for a heart attack. I have talked about things like this before and that is what makes me very upset with the American way

In 7 years in Russia, I have never been treated that way and never laughed at. They take their jobs seriously and that I appreciate

Besides: Sveta would kick their butt if they laughed at me and that is just right

Have a nice day

Posted by Kyle Keeton

Windows to Russia
Bank of Georgia Group PLC, through its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services in Georgia. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and BNB. The Retail Banking segment offers consumer loans, mortgage loans, overdrafts, credit cards, and other credit facilities; funds transfer and settlement services; and customers' deposits for individuals and legal entities under the Express, Bank of Georgia, MSME, and SOLO brands. It primarily serves retail, and mass retail and affluent segments, as well as small and medium enterprises, and micro businesses. The Corporate Investment Banking segment offers loans and other credit facilities, funds transfers and settlement services, trade finance services, and documentary operations support services; and handles saving and term deposits for corporate and institutional customers, as well as provides private banking services to high net worth clients. The BNB segment offers retail and corporate banking services to clients in Belarus. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 206 retail branches, 960 automated teller machines, and 3,020 Express Pay terminals. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services primarily in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, cash management, US dollar, and chequing accounts, as well as organization, strata solution/condo, general trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, and equipment financing and leasing products; loans and mortgages; secured and unsecured lines of credit; registered retirement savings plan; consolidation, vehicle, and recreation vehicle loans; and credit cards. In addition, the company offers cash management services; life and disability insurance products; and ATM, mobile, and online banking services, as well cheque order services. Further, it provides investment products comprising guaranteed investment certificates, registered retirement income funds, tax-free savings accounts, registered education savings plans, and mutual funds, as well as personal and business planning services. Canadian Western Bank has a strategic partnership with Temenos AG to support small and medium sized enterprises with financial decision-making and enhancing their businesses. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada.

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5 hours ago

Several thousand rally in Belgrade after scuffles day before

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Several thousand people rallied in Belgrade on Sunday in another environmental protest, a day after demonstrators blocked bridges and roads in different parts of Serbia and scuffled with riot police who formed cordons to try to stop them.

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Wells Fargo & Co. is a diversified, community-based financial services company. It is engaged in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance. It firm operates through the following segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, Wealth & Investment Management, and Other. The Community Banking segment offers complete line of diversified financial products and services for consumers and small businesses including checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, and automobile, student, and small business lending. The Wholesale Banking segment provides financial solutions to businesses across the United States and globally. The Wealth and Investment Management segment includes personalized wealth management, investment and retirement products and services to clients across U.S. based businesses. The Other segment refers to the products of WIM customers served through community banking distribution channels. The company was founded by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo on March 18, 1852 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Hyatt Hotels: CHANCELLOR STREET CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION INC., GLENDALE HOTEL PROPERTIES L.L.C., HT-SEATTLE HOLDINGS LLC, 1379919 ALBERTA INC., 319168 ONTARIO LIMITED, 3385434 CANADA INC., ADMINISTRACION DE PERSONAL ANDARES S. DE R.L. DE C.V., AIC HOLDING CO., AIRPORT PLAZA ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, AIRPORT PLAZA HOTEL LLC, AIRPORT PLAZA OFFICE BUILDING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, AMERISUITES FRANCHISING L.L.C., ARANCIA LIMITED, ARUBA BEACHFRONT RESORTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, ARUBA BEACHFRONT RESORTS N.V., ASIA HOSPITALITY INC., ASIA HOSPITALITY INVESTORS B.V., ASIAN HOTEL N.V., ATRIUM HOTEL L.L.C., AUSTIN RESORT BEVERAGE LLC, AmeriSuites Hotel, BAKU HOTEL COMPANY - AZERI, BAKU HOTEL COMPANY - CAYMAN, BASTROP MARKETING L.L.C., BAY II INVESTOR INC., BELLEVUE ASSOCIATES, BH PLAZA LLC, BRE/AMERISUITES PROPERTIES L.L.C., BRE/AMERISUITES TXNC GP L.L.C., BRE/AMERISUITES TXNC PROPERTIES L.P., BURVAN HOTEL ASSOCIATES, CAL-HARBOR SO. 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DE C.V., HRHC LLC, HT- WAILEA LLC, HT-AVENDRA GROUP HOLDINGS L.L.C., HT-AVENDRA L.L.C., HT-CHESAPEAKE COMMUNITIES INC., HT-CHESAPEAKE RESORT INC., HT-HOTEL EQUITIES INC., HT-HUNTINGTON BEACH INC., HT-JERSEY PIER INC., HT-JERSEY PIER L.P., HT-JERSEY PIER LLC, HT-LONG BEACH L.L.C., HT-MIAMI BEACH L.L.C., HT-PARK 57 INC., HT-SEATTLE LLC, HT-SIERRA L.L.C., HT-VANCOUVER INC., HTLB L.L.C., HTS - NS L.L.C., HTS - NY L.L.C., HTS-ASPEN L.L.C., HTS-BC INC., HTS-INVESTMENT L L.C., HTSF L.L.C., HTW BEVERAGE LLC, HY LONG BEACH HOTEL LLC, HYATT (BARBADOS) CORPORATION, HYATT (JAPAN) CO. LTD., HYATT (THAILAND) LIMITED, HYATT ARUBA N.V., HYATT ASIA PACIFIC HOLDINGS LIMITED, HYATT AUSTRALIA HOTEL MANAGEMENT PTY LIMITED, HYATT AUSTRIA GMBH, HYATT BEACH FRONT N.V., HYATT BORNEO MANAGEMENT SERVICES LIMITED, HYATT BRITANNIA CORPORATION LTD., HYATT CC OFFICE CORP., HYATT CHAIN SERVICES LIMITED, HYATT CRYSTAL CITY LLC., HYATT CURACAO N.V., HYATT DISASTER RELIEF FUND, HYATT DO BRASIL PARTICIPACOES LTDA, HYATT EQUITIES L.L.C., HYATT FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES INC., HYATT FRANCHISING CANADA CORP., HYATT FRANCHISING L.L.C., HYATT FRANCHISING LATIN AMERICA L.L.C., HYATT FULFILLMENT OF MARYLAND INC., HYATT GLOBAL SERVICES INC., HYATT GTLD L.L.C., HYATT HOC INC., HYATT HOLDINGS (UK) LIMITED, HYATT HOSPITALITY SERVICES L.L.C., HYATT HOTEL MANAGEMENT LIMITED, HYATT HOTELS CONSULTANCY SERVICES ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED, HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION OF KANSAS, HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION OF MARYLAND, HYATT HOTELS FOUNDATION, HYATT HOTELS MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, HYATT HOTELS OF CANADA INC., HYATT HOTELS OF FLORIDA INC., HYATT HOTELS OF PUERTO RICO INC., HYATT HOUSE CANADA INC., HYATT HOUSE FRANCHISING L.L.C., HYATT HOUSE HOTEL HOLDING COMPANY L.L.C., HYATT INDIA CONSULTANCY PRIVATE LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL (ASIA) LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL (EUROPE AFRICA MIDDLE EAST) LLC, HYATT INTERNATIONAL - JAPAN LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL - SOUTHWEST ASIA LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL -ASIA PACIFIC LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL -SEA (PTE) LIMITED, HYATT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, HYATT INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS CO., HYATT INTERNATIONAL HOTEL MANAGEMENT (BEIJING) CO. LTD., HYATT INTERNATIONAL MILAN L.L.C., HYATT INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (BEIJING) CO. LTD., HYATT INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL SERVICES INC., HYATT JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., HYATT LACSA SERVICES INC., HYATT LOUISIANA L.L.C., HYATT MAINZ GMBH, HYATT MARKETING SERVICES INC., HYATT MARKETING SERVICES NIGERIA COMPANY LIMITED, HYATT MINNEAPOLIS LLC, HYATT MINORITY INVESTMENTS INC., HYATT MSS L.L.C., HYATT NORTH AMERICA MANAGEMENT SERVICES INC., HYATT OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED, HYATT OF BAJA S. DE R.L. DE C.V., HYATT OF CHINA LIMITED, HYATT OF FRANCE S.A.R.L., HYATT OF GUAM LIMITED, HYATT OF ITALY S.R.L., HYATT OF LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN L.L.C., HYATT OF LATIN AMERICA S.A. DE C.V., HYATT OF MACAU LIMITED, HYATT OF MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., HYATT OF PHILIPPINES LIMITED, HYATT PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS L.L.C., HYATT PLACE ANNE ARUNDEL BEVERAGE INC., HYATT PLACE CANADA CORPORATION, HYATT PLACE FRANCHISING L.L.C., HYATT PLACE OF MARYLAND INC., HYATT REGENCY COLOGNE GMBH, HYATT REGENCY CORPORATION PTY. LIMITED, HYATT SERVICES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED, HYATT SERVICES CANADA INC., HYATT SERVICES CARIBBEAN L.L.C., HYATT SERVICES GMBH, HYATT SERVICES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, HYATT SHARED SERVICE CENTER L.L.C., HYATT TRINIDAD LIMITED, HYCANADA INC., HYCARD INC., HYSTAR L.L.C., Hyatt Corporation, INFORMATION SERVICES LIMITED, INTERNATIONAL RESERVATIONS LIMITED, JOINT VENTURE ITALKYR CLOSED JOINT STOCK COMPANY, JUNIPER HOTELS PRIVATE LIMITED, KSA MANAGEMENT INC., KYOTO HOLDING CO., LHR-PARTNERS LTD., LORING PARK ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, LOST PINES BEVERAGE LLC, MACAE PARTNERS S.A.R.L., MAHIMA HOLDINGS PRIVATE LIMITED, MARION RESERVATION CENTER L.L.C., MEXICO CITY HOTEL INVESTMENTS B.V., MILAN HOTEL INVESTMENTS B.V., MIRAVAL ARIZONA GUARANTOR LLC, MIRAVAL GROUP LLC, MIRAVAL RESORT ARIZONA HOLDINGS LLC, MIRAVAL RESORT ARIZONA LLC, MIRAVAL RESORT ARIZONA OPERATING CO. INC., MIRAVAL RESORT TUCSON LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS I LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS II LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS III LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS LLC, MONROE MR HOLDINGS TRUST, MRG ATX BEVERAGE HOLDINGS LLC, MRG ATX HOLDINGS II LLC, MRG ATX HOLDINGS LLC, MRG ATX INVESTMENT LLC, MRG ATX MANAGEMENT I LLC, MRG ATX MANAGEMENT II LLC, MRG ATX OPERATIONS LLC, MRG CRW HOLDINGS LLC, MRG CRW MANAGEMENT I LLC, MRG CRW MANAGEMENT II LLC, MRG CRW OPERATIONS LLC, MUNICH OPCO GMBH, Miraval Resort, OASIS LUXURY RENTALS INCORPORATED, PARIS HOTEL COMPANY B.V., PARK HYATT HAMBURG GMBH, PARK HYATT HOTEL GMBH, PARK HYATT WATER TOWER ASSOCIATES L.L.C., PH NEW YORK L.L.C., PHMC RESIDENCIAS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., POLK SMITH REGENCY LLC, PT HYATT INDONESIA, PVD INVESTMENT COMPANY S.A.R.L., Peabody Hotels & Resort, RCG PROPERTIES LLC, REGENCY BEVERAGE COMPANY LLC, REGENCY RIVERWALK BEVERAGE LLC, RESERVATIONS CENTER L.L.C., RIO JV PARTNERS PARTICIPACOES LTDA., RIO PRETO PARTNERS HOTEIS LTDA., RIO PRETO PARTNERS S.A.R.L., ROSEMONT PROJECT MANAGEMENT L.L.C., ROUTE 46 MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES CORP., RUNWAY HOLDING L.L.C., RUNWAY L.L.C., SAO PAULO INVESTMENT COMPANY INC., SAO PAULO INVESTORS LIMITED, SASIH, SDI EQUITIES INVESTOR L.L.C., SDI INC., SDI SECURITIES 11 LLC, SDI SECURITIES 6 LLC, SELECT HOTELS GROUP L.L.C., SELECT JV HOLDINGS L.L.C., SEOUL MIRAMAR CORPORATION, SERVICIOS DE HOTELERIA SAN JOSE S. DE R.L. DE C.V., SERVICIOS HOTELEROS LA PAZ S. DE R.L. DE C.V., SETTLEMENT INVESTORS INC., SHG PUERTO RICO INC., SIERRA HEALTHSTYLES LLC, SJC DESARROLLOS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., SKS CORP. N.V., SMC HOTELS B.V., SOROCABA PARTNERS HOTEIS LTDA, SOROCABA PARTNERS S.A.R.L., STANHOPE L.L.C., STARHILL LORING PARK L.L.C., SUGAR LAND/HP LLC, THE GREAT EASTERN HOTEL COMPANY LIMITED, THE GREAT EASTERN HOTEL HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, TIJUANA PARTNERS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., TR MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT LLC, TUCSON VILLAS HOLDINGS LLC, TUCSON VILLAS LLC, TWO SEAS HOLDINGS LIMITED, Two Roads Hospitality, WAILEA HOTEL & BEACH RESORT L.L.C., WAILEA HOTEL HOLDINGS L.L.C., WAILEA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION L.L.C., WAILEA RESORT VILLAS HOLDINGS L.L.C., WAILEA RESORT VILLAS L.L.C., WEST END RESIDENCES L.L.C., XENIA ASSURANCE COMPANY INC., XENIA ASSURANCE COMPANY OF ILLINOIS, ZURICH ESCHERWIESE HOTEL GMBH, and ZURICH HOTEL INVESTMENTS B.V..
Novan, Inc., a clinical development-stage biotechnology company, provides nitric oxide-based therapies to treat dermatological and oncovirus-mediated diseases. Its clinical stage dermatology drug candidates include SB204, a topical monotherapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris; SB206, a topical anti-viral gel for the treatment of viral skin infections; SB208, a topical broad-spectrum anti-fungal gel for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and nails, including athlete's foot and fungal nail infections; and SB414, a topical cream-based gel product candidate for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The company also develops SB207, an anti-viral product candidate for the treatment of external genital warts; WH602, a nitric oxide-containing intravaginal gel to treat high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV); WH504, a non-gel formulation product candidate to treat high-risk HPV; and SB019 for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Novan, Inc. has a license agreement with Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; and a strategic alliance with Orion Corporation. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina.

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Roots Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories under the Roots brand in Canada and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Direct-To-Consumer, and Partners and Other. The Direct-to-Consumer segment sells products through the company's corporate retail stores and e-commerce. The Partners and Other segment primarily engages in the wholesale of Roots branded products to the company's international operating partners. This segment is also involved in licensing Roots brand to manufacturing partners; and wholesaling Roots branded products to retail partners. As of January 30, 2021, it operated 111 corporate retail stores in Canada, two corporate retail stores in the United States, 117 partner-operated stores in Taiwan, 26 partner-operated stores in China, and two partner-operated stores in Hong Kong, as well as an eCommerce platform and partner-operated eCommerce channels in Taiwan and mainland China. W. Roots Corporation was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Tesco: Adminstore Limited, Adsega Limited, Alfred Preedy & Sons (Trustees) Limited, Alfred Preedy & Sons Limited, Anthony Heagney Limited, Arena (Jersey) Management Limited, Armitage Finance Unlimited, Armitage Luxembourg s.? r.l., BLT Holdings 2010 Limited, Bath Upper Bristol Road Management, Bedminster Estates Limited, Beehythe Estates limited, Berry Lane Management Company Limited, Blinkbox Books Limited, BlinxBox, Booker Group, Brian Fords Discount Store Limited, Broadfields Management Limited, Brookmaker (GP) Limited, Broughton Retail Park Nominee 1 Limited, Broughton Retail Park Nominee 2 Limited, Broughton Retail Park Nominee 3 Limited, Broughton Retail Park Nominee 4 Limited, Buckingham Road (Bletchley) Management Company Limited, Bugden Ltd, Buttoncable Limited, Buttoncase Limited, Canterbury Road Management Limited, Cardiff Cathays Terrace Management Company Limited, Careneed News Limited, Cheshunt Finance Unlimited, Cheshunt Holdings Guernsey Limited, Cheshunt Hungary Servicing Limited Liability Company, Cheshunt Luxembourg S.? r.l., Cheshunt Overseas LLP, China Property Holdings (HK) Limited, Chirac Limited, Cirrus Finance (2009) Limited, Cirrus Finance Limited, Cirrus Luxembourg s.? r.l., Clarepharm Limited, Clondalkin Properties Limited, Comar Limited, Commercial Investments Limited, Crazy Prices, Crest Ostrava a.s, Cullens Holdings Limited, Cullens Stores Limited, Daily Wrap Produce Limited, Day And Nite Stores Limited, Delamare Cards Holdco Limited, Delamare Cards MTN Issuer plc, Delamare Finance PLC, Delamare Group Holdings Limited, Delamare Holdings BV Netherlands, Delamare Luxembourg s.? r.l. Luxembourg, Delamare One Limited, Dunnhumby Ventures LLC, ELH Insurance Limited, Edinburgh Butterfly Farm Limited, Edson Investments Limited, Edson Properties Limited, Ek-Chai Distribution System Co. Ltd., Euphorium (London) Limited, Euphorium (North London) Limited, Euphorium Group Limited, Euphorium IP Limited, Europa Foods Limited, Faraday Properties Limited, Flitwick Pharmacies Limited, Food & Wine Lovers Limited, Forum Liberec s.r.o, Freds Food Construction Limited, Freehold and Leasehold Property Fund, Gain Land Limited, Genesis sp. z o.o., Gibbs News Limited, Gibbs Newsagents Limited, Gida Sanayi A.S., Giraffe, Giraffe Cafe Limited, Giraffe Concepts Limited, Golden Island Management Services Limited, HIT hypermarket Sp. z o. o., Halesworth SPV Limited, Harris and Hoole Holdings Limited, Harris and Hoole Limited, Harris and Hoole Nominees Limited, Homeplus, Hymall Co. Ltd., J E Properties Holdings Limited, Jasper Sp. z o. o. Poland, KSS Retail Limited, Kabaty Investments Tesco (Polska) Sp. z o. o. Sp.k, Kingsway Fresh Foods Ltd, Koxka Hungary Refrigeration LLC, Launchgrain Limited, Launchtable Limited, Laws Stores Limited, Lazada Group S.A., Lee (Southern) Limited, Lek?ren? Tesco Bansk? Bystrica k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Dunajsk? Streda k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Ko?ice k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Lama k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Nitra k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Petr?alka k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Pie?tany k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Pre?ov Vukov k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Senec k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Spi?sk? Nov? Ves k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Trenc??n s.r.o. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Zlat? Piesky k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Lek?ren? Tesco Zvolen k.s. Slovakia Limited Partnership, Linebush III Holdings Limited, Linebush III Limited, Linebush IV Limited, Linebush Limited, Linebush V Limited, London and Home Counties Superstores Limited, Lowfoods Limited, M & W Limited, Merrion Shopping Centre Ltd, Mills (East Midlands) Limited, Mills (West Midlands) Limited, Mills Group Holdings Limited, Mills Group Limited, Mobcast Services, Monread Developments Limited, Morgam Holdings Limited, Morgam News Limited, Motorcause Limited, NPL (Hardgate) Limited, Nabola Development Limited, NutriCentre Limited, OC FORUM Liberec Ltd., Oakwood Distribution Limited, Obchodn? dom Bratislava s.ro, Obchodn? dom Ko?ice s.ro., Obchodn? dom Nitra s.ro., Obchodn? dom Pre?ov s.ro., Old FEHC Inc., Old FEPC LLC, One Stop Community Stores Ltd, One Stop Convenience Stores Limited, One Stop Stores Limited, One Stop Stores Trustee Services Limited, Orpingford, Orpington (Station Road) Limited, Oxford Fox and Hounds Management Company Limited, PEJ Property Developments Limited, Paper Chain (East Anglia) Limited, Pharaway Properties Limited, Power Supermarkets Limited, Premier Garage (Worthing) Limited, Pulford Foods Limited, R.J.D. Holdings, Retail Property Co. Ltd, S Bottomley & Bros Limited, Sanders Supermarkets Limited, Sandtable Limited, Sarcon (No. 239) Limited, Seacroft Green Nominee 1 Limited, Seacroft Green Nominee 2 Limited, Shire Park Limited, Shuke Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Snowman Retail 1 Limited, Snowman Retail 2 Limited, Sociomantic AB, Sociomantic Labs B.V, Sociomantic Labs Inc, Sociomantic Labs Internet Hizmetleri Limited ?ireketi, Sociomantic Labs LLC, Sociomantic Labs Limited, Sociomantic Labs Private Limited, Sociomantic Labs Pte Ltd, Sociomantic Labs S.r.l, Sociomantic Labs SARL, Sociomantic Labs Servicos Web Ltda, Sociomantic Labs Sp.z.o.o., Sociomantic Labs s.r.o., Sociomantic S.L.U., Sociomantic labs GmbH, Spen Hill Developments (Holdings) Ltd, Spen Hill Developments (Portishead) Ltd, Spen Hill Developments (Tonbridge) Limited, Spen Hill Developments Limited, Spen Hill Management Limited, Spen Hill Properties (Holdings) plc, Spen Hill Properties (Southend) Limited, Spen Hill Regeneration Limited, Spen Hill Residential No 1 Limited, Spen Hill Residential No 2 Limited, Station House Welling Management Limited, Statusfloat Limited, Stewarts Supermarkets Limited, Streatham Management Company Limited, T & S Management Services Limited, T & S Properties Limited, T & S Stores Limited, TESCO (POLSKA) sp. z o.o., TESCO Akad?mia K?pz?si ?s Fejleszt?si Kor?tolt Felelss?g T?rsas?g, TESCO MOBILE POLSKA SP. Z O.O., TESCO STORES SR a.s., Tapesilver Limited, Teesport (GP) Limited, Teesport (Nominee) Limited, Telegraph Properties (Kirkby) Limited, Tesco (Foxtrot 1) Limited, Tesco (Foxtrot 2) Limited, Tesco (Fujian) Industry Limited, Tesco (Jersey) Limited, Tesco (Overseas) Ltd, Tesco (Yorkshire) Limited, Tesco Aqua (1LP) Limited, Tesco Aqua (3LP) Limited, Tesco Aqua (FinCo1) Limited, Tesco Aqua (FinCo2) Limited, Tesco Aqua (GP) Limited, Tesco Aqua (Nominee 1) Limited, Tesco Aqua (Nominee 2) Limited, Tesco Aqua (Nominee Holdco) Limited, Tesco Atrato (1LP) Limited, Tesco Atrato (GP) Limited, Tesco Barbers Wood Limited, Tesco Bengaluru Private Limited, Tesco Blue (1LP) Limited, Tesco Blue (FinCo2) Limited, Tesco Blue (GP) Limited, Tesco Blue (Nominee 1) Limited, Tesco Blue (Nominee 2) Limited, Tesco Blue (Nominee Holdco) Limited, Tesco Capital No. 1 Limited, Tesco Capital No. 2 Limited, Tesco Card Services Limited, Tesco Card Services Limited, Tesco Card Services Ltd., Tesco Chile Sourcing Limitada, Tesco Coral (GP) Limited, Tesco Corporate Treasury Services PLC, Tesco Depot Propco Limited, Tesco Distribution Holdings Limited, Tesco Distribution Limited, Tesco Dorney (1LP) Limited, Tesco Dorney (GP) Limited, Tesco Dystrybucja Sp. z.o.o., Tesco EU IT Services s.r.o., Tesco Employees Share Scheme Trustees Limited, Tesco Estates Limited, Tesco Europe B.V. Netherlands, Tesco Family Dining Limited, Tesco Food Sourcing Brazil Representa??o De Servi?os Ltda., Tesco Food Sourcing Limited, Tesco Foundation (Nadacia Tesco), Tesco Freetime Limited, Tesco Fuchsia (1LP) Limited, Tesco Fuel Limited, Tesco Global Employment Company Limited, Tesco Guangdong (HK) Co. Limited, Tesco High Beech Limited, Tesco Holdings BV, Tesco Holdings Limited, Tesco Home Shopping Limited, Tesco Hungary (Holdings) Limited, Tesco International Franchising s.r.o., Tesco International Internet Retailing Limited, Tesco International Services Limited, Tesco International Sourcing Limited, Tesco Ireland Holdings Limited, Tesco Ireland Limited, Tesco Ireland Pension Trustees Limited, Tesco Jade (GP) Limited, Tesco Joint Buying Service (Shanghai) Co Limited, Tesco Kipa Kitle Pazarlama Ticaret Lojistik ve, Tesco Kirkby (General Partner) Limited, Tesco Kirkby (LP) Limited, Tesco Kirkby (Nominee 1) Limited, Tesco Kirkby (Nominee 2) Limited, Tesco Kirkby (Nominee Holdco) Limited, Tesco Kirkby (Unitholder 1) Limited, Tesco Kirkby (Unitholder2) Limited, Tesco Lagoon GP Limited, Tesco Licences Limited, Tesco Lotus Retail Growth, Tesco Lotus Retail Growth Freehold and Leasehold Property Fund, Tesco Maintenance Limited, Tesco Mauritius Holdings Limited, Tesco Mobile (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Tesco Mobile CR s.r.o., Tesco Mobile Communications Limited, Tesco Mobile Ireland Limited, Tesco Mobile Ireland Limited, Tesco Mobile Limited, Tesco Mobile Services Limited, Tesco Mobile Slovakia s.r.o, Tesco Mobile Slovakia s.r.o., Tesco Mobile CR, Tesco Nanjing Zhongshan, Tesco Nanjing Zhongshan (HK) Co. Limited, Tesco Navona (1LP) Limited, Tesco Navona (GP) Limited, Tesco Navona (Nominee 1) Limited, Tesco Navona (Nominee 2) Limited, Tesco Navona (Nominee Holdco) Limited, Tesco Navona PL Propco Limited, Tesco Opticians Limited, Tesco Overseas (Holdings) Limited, Tesco Overseas Investments Limited, Tesco Overseas ULC, Tesco Passaic (1LP) Limited, Tesco Passaic (GP) Limited, Tesco Passaic (Nominee 1) Limited, Tesco Passaic (Nominee 2) Limited, Tesco Passaic (Nominee Holdco) Limited, Tesco Passaic PL Propco Limited, Tesco Pension (Jade) Limited, Tesco Pension Investment Limited, Tesco Pension Trustees Limited, Tesco Personal Finance, Tesco Personal Finance Compare Limited, Tesco Personal Finance Group Limited, Tesco Property (No.1) Limited, Tesco Property (Nominees) (No.1) Limited, Tesco Property (Nominees) (No.2) Limited, Tesco Property (Nominees) Limited, Tesco Property A.S., Tesco Property Finance 1 Holdco Limited, Tesco Property Finance 1 PLC, Tesco Property Holdings (No. 2) Limited, Tesco Property Holdings Limited, Tesco Property Limited, Tesco Property Nominees (No.5) Limited, Tesco Property Nominees (No.6) Limited, Tesco Property Partner (GP No.2) Limited, Tesco Property Partner (GP) Limited, Tesco Property Partner (No.1) Limited, Tesco Property Partner (No.2) Limited, Tesco Red (1LP) Limited, Tesco Red (GP) Limited, Tesco Red (Nominee 2) Limited, Tesco Red (Nominee Holdco) Limited, Tesco Sarum (1LP) Limited, Tesco Sarum (GP) Limited, Tesco Seacroft Limited, Tesco Secretaries Limited, Tesco Services Limited, Tesco Sourcing India Private Limited, Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Tesco Stores (Thailand) Ltd, Tesco Stores CR a.s., Tesco Stores Limited, Tesco Technology Services HK Limited, Tesco Treasury Services PLC, Tesco Trustee Company of Ireland Limited, Tesco Underwriting Limited, Tesco Vin Plus SA, Tesco Worldwide Limited, Tesco for Thais Foundation, Tesco-Global Stores Privately Held Co. Ltd, Tesco.Com Limited, The Brookmaker Limited Partnership, The Teesport Limited Partnership Limited Partnership, The Tesco Aqua Limited Partnership Limited Partnership, The Tesco Atrato Limited Partnership, The Tesco Blue Limited Partnership Limited Partnership, The Tesco Coral Limited Partnership, The Tesco Dorney Limited Partnership, The Tesco Kirkby Limited Partnership Limited Partnership, The Tesco Navona Limited Partnership Limited Partnership, The Tesco Passaic Limited Partnership Limited Partnership, The Tesco Property (No.2) Limited Partnership, The Tesco Red Limited Partnership, The Tesco Sarum Limited Partnership, Trent Hypermarket Private Limited, Trigger Retail Ltd, Valiant Insurance Company DAC, Value House Properties Limited, Variable Preference, Ventnor High Street Management Company Limited, Verulam Properties (2001) Limited, Verulam Properties Limited, Victoria BB Sp z.o.o., WE7, WSC Properties Limited, Wanze Properties (Dundalk) Limited, Weymouth Avenue (Dorchester) Limited, Whitecastle Properties Limited, Wm. Low Supermarkets Limited, Woolwich Central Residents Management Company Limited, Worple Road Plc, Xiamen Firste Property Limited, Xiamen Firste Property Limited, aAcklam Management Company Limited, dunnhumby (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, dunnhumby (Thailand) Limited, dunnhumby Canada Limited, dunnhumby Consulting Services India Private Limited, dunnhumby Czech s.r.o., dunnhumby Employment Company Limited, dunnhumby Holding Limited, dunnhumby Hungary Kft, dunnhumby IT Services India Private Limited, dunnhumby Inc, dunnhumby International Limited, dunnhumby Ireland Limited, dunnhumby Italia Srl., dunnhumby Limited, dunnhumby Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., dunnhumby Netherlands B.V., dunnhumby Norge A.S., dunnhumby Overseas Limited, dunnhumby Poland Sp z.o.o, dunnhumby Slovakia s.r.o., dunnhumby South Africa (Pty) Ltd, dunnhumby Trustees Limited, and dunnuhumby.
Valley National Bancorp is a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of retail and commercial banking services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Lending; Commercial Lending; Investment Management; and Corporate and Other Adjustments. The Consumer Lending segment consists of residential mortgage loans, automobile loans and home equity loans, as well as wealth management and insurance services. The Commercial Lending segment includes the floating rate and adjustable rate commercial and industrial loans as well as fixed rate owner occupied and commercial real estate loans. The Investment Management segment refers to investments in various types of securities and interest-bearing deposits with other banks. The Corporate and Other Adjustments segment represents the income and expense items not directly attributable to a specific segment. The company was founded on November 12, 1982 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

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Dec 10, 2018 | By Cameron

Eventually, astronauts will travel to Mars and beyond. When that time comes, their health will depend on what they take with them, including medical supplies and expertise. For the short round trip to the moon, astronauts needed only a few bandages and antibiotics for emergencies, but when theyre months away from home theyll need to be able to patch up more than abrasions and bruises. To address these medical issues of the future, experts from throughout Europe working in the fields of 3D printing, regenerative medicine, and space travel came together in Noordwijk, the Netherlands at ESAs (European Space Agency) ESTEC centre for a two-day workshop on 3D bioprinting skin, bone, and organs to treat wounded and sick astronauts while in space.

Tommaso Ghidini, head of ESAs Structures, Mechanisms, and Materials Division said, For the first time in Europe, all the relevant experts have come together to discuss applying 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine for space. Were asking what astronauts would need in the short, medium and long term, and what steps are needed to mature 3D bioprinting to a level where it can be useful in space. The further and longer astronauts are away from Earth, the greater their medical needs become, and attendees of the workshop have tasked themselves with determining the degree to which those needs can be met with 3D bioprinting.

Compared to todays low-Earth-orbiting crews, long distance missions to far away destinations will face very different challenges, commented Sandra Podhajsky of OHB Systems Life Sciences Group, manager of the project. In the event of a medical emergency a rapid return home will not be feasible. Instead, patients will have to be treated on the spot. Thus we are evaluating the feasibility and added value of implementing different 3D printing technologies and bioprinted tissues into future exploration missions.

In extreme but plausible cases, colonizers of the moon and Mars will be there for years at a time. When one of them inevitably gets badly burned, the go-to practice of taking a skin-graft from another part of their body would be inadvisable because wounds heal more slowly in space, so creating a second wound would be too great a risk. But a 3D bioprinter could produce a skin graft from the persons own DNA that would heal just like skin. The same idea could be applied to bone, and eventually, to organs. But producing the bones and organs is only half the battle as they still have to be surgically put into the astronauts, and function correctly of course.

Another unknown is how bioprinted constructs will mature after printing and how their implementation in the human body will be affected by the altered conditions of space, said Professor Michael Gelinsky, head of the Center for Translational Bone, Joint, and Soft Tissue Research at the University Hospital of Dresden Technical University. The surgery required to transplant printed tissues also requires a rethink. The sterile environment, equipment and trained personnel of a terrestrial operating theatre may not be available, as well as the single-use surgical items employed casually on the ground.

It may be more feasible, in the future, to use AI-assisted surgical robots for space surgery than it will be to send dedicated surgeons. The communications delay caused by great distance would make telemedicine impossible, so whatever the astronauts solutions are, theyll have to be self-sufficient. And when it comes open, flexible, and custom solutions, theres no better technology to rely on than 3D printing.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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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

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The following companies are subsidiares of TransDigm Group: 1711 Waterview Pkwy LLC, ARA Deutschland GmbH, ARA Holding GmbH, Acme Aerospace, Adams Rite Aerospace GmbH, Adams Rite Aerospace Inc., Advanced Inflatable Products Limited, Aero-Instruments, AeroControlex Group Inc., Aerosonic, Aerosonic LLC, Air-Sea Survival Equipment Trustee Limited, Airborne Acquisition Inc., Airborne Global Inc., Airborne Holdings Inc., Airborne Systems, Airborne Systems Canada Ltd., Airborne Systems Group Limited, Airborne Systems Holdings Limited, Airborne Systems Limited, Airborne Systems NA Inc., Airborne Systems North America Inc., Airborne Systems North America of CA Inc., Airborne Systems North America of NJ Inc., Airborne Systems Pension Trust Limited, Airborne UK Acquisition Limited, Airborne UK Parent Limited, Aircraft Materials Limited, AmSafe, AmSafe Aviation (Chongqing) Ltd., AmSafe Bridport (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., AmSafe Bridport (Private) Ltd., AmSafe Bridport Ltd., AmSafe Global Holdings Inc., AmSafe Global Services (Private) Limited, AmSafe Inc., Angus Electronics Co., Arkwin Industries, Arkwin Industries Inc., Auxitrol SAS, Auxitrol Weston Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Auxitrol Weston Singapore Pte. Ltd., Auxitrol Weston USA Inc., Aviation Technologies, Aviation Technologies Inc., Avionic Instruments LLC, Avionics Instruments, Avionics Specialties Inc., AvtechTyee Inc., Beta Transformer Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Beta Transformer Technology Corporation, Beta Transformer Technology LLC, Breeze-Eastern Corporation, Breeze-Eastern LLC, Bridport Erie Aviation Inc., Bridport Holdings Inc., Bridport Ltd., Bridport-Air Carrier Inc., Bruce Aerospace Inc., Bruce Industries, CDA InterCorp LLC, CEF Industries LLC, CMC Electronics Inc., CMC Electronics ME Inc., Champion Aerospace LLC, Cobham, DDC Electronics K.K., DDC Electronics Ltd., DDC Electronics Private Limited, DDC Electronique S.A.R.L., DDC Elektronik GmbH, Darchem Engineering Limited, Darchem Holdings Limited, Data Device Corp., Data Device Corporation, Dukes Aerospace Inc., EST Defence Company UK Limited, Edlaw Limited, Electromech Technologies LLC, Elektro-Metall Export GmbH, Elektro-Metall Paks KFT, Esterline, Esterline Acquisition Ltd, Esterline Europe Company LLC, Esterline Foreign Sales Corporation, Esterline International Company, Esterline Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Esterline Services China Ltd., Esterline Technologies Acquisition Ltd, Esterline Technologies Corporation, Esterline Technologies Europe Limited, Esterline Technologies France Holding SAS, Esterline Technologies French Acquisition Limited, Esterline Technologies Global Limited, Esterline Technologies Holdings Limited, Esterline Technologies Management France SAS, Esterline Technologies SGIP LLC, Esterline Technologies Unlimited, Esterline do Brasil Assessoria e Intermediacao Ltda, Extant Components Group Holdings Inc., Extant Components Group Intermediate Inc., GQ Parachutes Limited, Guizhou Leach-Tianyi Aviation Electrical Company Ltd, Harco, HarcoSemco LLC, Hartwell Corporation, ILC Holdings Inc., Irvin Aerospace Limited, IrvinGQ France SAS, IrvinGQ Limited, Janco Corporation, Johnson Liverpool LLC, Jupiter SAS, Kirkhill Elastomers, Kirkhill Inc., Kunshan Shield Restraint Systems Ltd., Leach Holding Corporation, Leach International Asia-Pacific Ltd, Leach International Europe S.A.S., Leach International Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., Leach International UK Ltd, Leach Technology Group Inc., MarathonNorco Aerospace Inc., McKechnie Aerospace, McKechnie Aerospace (Europe) Ltd., McKechnie Aerospace DE Inc., McKechnie Aerospace DE LP, McKechnie Aerospace Holdings Inc., McKechnie Aerospace US LLC, Mecanismos de Matamoros S.A. de C.V., Militair Aviation Ltd., Norco, Nordisk Asia Pacific Limited, Nordisk Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Nordisk Aviation Products (Kunshan) Ltd., Nordisk Aviation Products AS, North Hills Signal Processing Corp., North Hills Signal Processing Overseas Corp., Norwich Aero Products Inc., Pascall Electronics Limited, Pexco Aerospace, Pexco Aerospace Inc., PneuDraulics, PneuDraulics Inc., Pressure Systems International Ltd, Racal Acoustics Inc., Racal Acoustics Limited, Rancho TransTechnology Corporation, Retainers Inc., SSP Industries, Schneller, Schneller Asia Pte. Ltd., Schneller LLC, Schneller S.A.R.L., Schroth Safety Products, ScioTeq LLC, ScioTeq Ltd., ScioTeq Pte. Ltd., ScioTeq SAS, ScioTeq bvba, Semco Instruments, Semco Instruments Inc., Shield Restraint Systems Inc., Shield Restraint Systems Ltd., Signal Processing Matamoros S.A. de C.V., Skandia, Skandia Inc., Skurka Aerospace, Skurka Aerospace Inc., Symetrics Industries, Symetrics Industries LLC, Symetrics Technology Group LLC, TA Mfg Limited, TDG ESL Holdings Inc., TDG France Ultimate Parent SAS, TDG Germany GmbH, TEAC Aerospace Holdings Inc., TEAC Aerospace Technologies Inc., TREALITY SVS LLC, TTERUSA Inc., Tactair Fluid Controls Inc., Takata Protection Systems, Technical Airborne Components Industries SPRL, Telair International, Telair International AB, Telair International GmbH, Telair International LLC, Telair International Services PTE Ltd, Telair US LLC, Texas Rotronics Inc., TransDigm (Barbados) SRL, TransDigm Canada ULC, TransDigm European Holdings Limited, TransDigm Ireland Ltd., TransDigm Receivables LLC, TransDigm UK Holdings plc, Transicoil (Malaysia) Sendirian Berhad, Transicoil LLC, Wallop Industries Limited, Weston Aerospace Ltd, Whippany Actuation Systems, Whippany Actuation Systems LLC, XCEL Power Systems Ltd., Young & Franklin, and Young & Franklin Inc..
Feini fein! Danganronpa V3 ist eins meiner absoluten Lieblingsspiele!!! (Kann man aber auch drauf kommen, wenn man mein Profilbild sieht, hoho). Empfehle ich definitiv jedem, der auf tolle Charaktere, sympathische Bosewichte und philosophisch angehauchte Geschichten steht. Und Zeit braucht man. Viel Zeit.Und naturlich gehort es in jedes Regal. Allein aus optischen Grunden.
Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc. engages in the production and sale of cellulose products, which is a natural polymer commonly used in the production of cell phone and computer screens, filters, and pharmaceuticals. It operates through the following segments: High Purity Cellulose, Forest Products, Paperboard, Pulp and Newsprint, and Corporate. The High Purity Cellulose segment manufacture and market high purity cellulose, which is sold as either cellulose specialties or commodity products in U.S., Canda, and France. The Forest Products segment manufacture and market construction-grade lumber in North America through seven sawmills located in Canada. The Paperboard segment comprises paperboard products. The Pulp and Newsprint segment involves in the production of pulp and newsprint in Canada. The Corporate segment consists senior management, accounting, information systems, human resources, treasury, tax, and legal administrative functions that provide support services to the operating business units. The company was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, FL.

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Key Operating Metrics - October 2018

Perth, Dec 10, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Goldfields Money Limited ( ASX:GMY ) ("Goldfields Money" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following trading update and key operating metrics for the month ended 31 October 2018.Trading Update October 2018 The month of October 2018 continued the strong performances for both Goldfields Money and Finsure, with increases across all key operating metrics, including managed loans settlements, aggregation settlements and the recruitment of loan writers.The Company reported another particularly strong performance in the higher-margin Managed Loan Settlements division, as a result of the successful consolidation of four mortgage managers into the business over the past 24 months.Importantly, managed loan settlements, aggregation settlements and the recruitment of loan writers are key operating metrics that drive both transactional and recurring revenue streams. Recurring revenues consist of interest, trailing commissions, management fees, transactional fees on trailing commissions, platform fees, compliance fees and software as a service subscription fees.Managing Director, Simon Lyons, commented: "The strong performance of the business during October further demonstrates the strategic rationale for merging Goldfields Money and Finsure, creating a company with increased distribution and more diversified revenue streams.""The businesses reached another milestone in October with book growth in managed loans to $2.533 million and an aggregation book of approximately $34 billion. Goldfields Money's banking business also contributed $6.3 million in managed loans on balance sheet over the month.""Since the completion of the merger on 17 September 2018, the pipeline of applications has also grown significantly, which is especially encouraging. Furthermore, we continue to win market share and outperform our listed peers against a backdrop of negative credit growth.""We have also successfully increased our deposit base to $211m, up from $195m as at June 30, and continue to successfully diversify our funding sources with our call deposits increasing to 21% up from 18% at the end of June.""The post-merger integration is going to plan and we expect to derive more revenue synergies in the months ahead. We continue to invest in the business, particularly in building out our digital strategy and growing our own technology development team. We aim to make a senior appointment to oversee this in the months ahead." Mr Lyons concluded.Due to the aggregation of data the timing of each monthly report will be approximately five weeks from month end i.e. November 2018 metrics will be released around the end of the first week of January 2019. The Company intends to provide this information on a monthly basis for the first half of FY19.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Goldfields Money Ltd

Goldfields Money (ASX:GMY) is Australia's new revolutionary digital bank, distributing first class products through a largely branchless distribution network. A bank without the bank. This digital banking platform is built on the recently implemented mobile first, world class core banking system provided by Temenos and our proprietary mortgage distribution software "Loankit".

Goldfields is ASX listed (ASX:GMY) with two key divisions:

Banking (operates under "Goldfields Money" and "Better Choice" brands) - an APRA regulated bank that offers deposit and loan products that are funded either on-balance sheet or off-balance sheet through a range of third party lenders. Our deposits are all guaranteed by the Australian Government Deposit Guarantee for up to $250,000 per customer. We are the new approach to banking in Australia, we're honest, with transparent bank practices and a straightforward approach to you and your money. It's all yours, honestly.

Mortgage Aggregation (operates under "Finsure" and "Loankit" brands) - an ASIC regulated mortgage aggregation and software technology platform with over 1,475 loan writers as of 31 August 2018. Finsure puts brokers first and is a leader in the market in offering a diverse lending panel, flexible commission models, training, lead generation, proprietary SaaS and mortgage broker support services. Finsure was also recently named Aggregator of the Year for 2017 at the Australian Mortgage Awards.

You can read more about us at www.goldfieldsmoney.com.au and www.finsure.com.au.
SunTrust Banks, Inc. operates as the holding company for SunTrust Bank that provides various financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit entities in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Wholesale. The Consumer segment provides deposits and payments; home equity and personal credit lines; auto, student, and other lending products; credit cards; discount/online and full-service brokerage products; professional investment advisory products and services; and trust services, as well as family office solutions. This segment also offers residential mortgage products in the secondary market. The Wholesale segment provides capital markets solutions, including advisory, capital raising, and financial risk management; asset-based financing solutions, such as securitizations, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and structured real estate arrangements; cash management services and auto dealer financing solutions; investment banking solutions; and credit and deposit, fee-based product offering, multi-family agency lending, advisory, commercial mortgage brokerage, and tailored financing and equity investment solutions. This segment also offers treasury and payment solutions, such as operating various electronic and paper payment types, which comprise card, wire transfer, automated clearing house, check, and cash; and provides services clients to manage their accounts online. The company offers its products and services through a network of traditional and in-store branches, automated teller machines, Internet, mobile, and telephone banking channels. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 1,218 full-service banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. SunTrust Banks, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Elementis plc operates as a specialty chemical company in North America, Europe, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Personal Care, Coatings, Talc, Chromium, and Energy. The Personal Care segment produces and sells rheological modifiers and compounded products for antiperspirants/deodorants, bath and soap, color cosmetics, and hair and skin care products. The Coatings segment produces and sells rheological modifiers and additives for industrial finishes, architectural coatings, construction, adhesives and sealants, inks, colorant dispersions, and specialty applications. The Talc segment produces and supplies talc for use in plastics, paints and coatings, food and pharmaceuticals, ceramics, polyester putties, paper, and pulp sectors. The Chromium segment produces chromium chemicals, such as chromic oxide, chromic acid, chrome sulfate, sodium dichromate, and sodium sulfate for use in pigments, cosmetics, refractories, chrome metal production, metal and plastic finishing, wood treatment, leather tanning, trivalent metal finishing, coatings, and metal passivation, as well as for making detergents, glasses, papers, and starches. The Energy segment produces and sells rheological modifiers and additives for oil and gas drilling, lubrication, and stimulation activities. It also offers personal care products, waxes, additives and resins, organoclays, colourants, and other specialty additives. Elementis plc was founded in 1844 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  Local human rights watchdog Karapatan countered the government and national police's statements that there have not been any human rights violations in Mindanao, where a martial law is currently in effect.

The human rights group said the current situation in Mindanao has been a factor in the cases of human rights violations in the country.

"We are still a long way para mapanagot hindi lang 'yung direct perpetrators kundi sa mga government officials na nag-order directly, nag-encourage at nanulsol sa mga pulisya para pumatay ng walang habas," Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said.

[Translation: We are still a long way to make accountable not only the direct perpetrators, but also the government officials who directly ordered, encouraged, and paid police to kill.]

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday penned a request for Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao for one more year until the end of 2019. The country's chief executive cited the ongoing threats of terrorism and rebellion as reason for extension.

Extending martial law will likewise help the government sustain gains it achieved in the past year, he added.

READ: Duterte to Congress: Don't give rebels a chance to strengthen forces

Karapatan condemned Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde's claim that no human rights violations occurred during the Mindanao martial law implementation. Albayalde earlier said the police haven't heard of a single case in the area.

"We condemn the statements of Malacanang that there is no human rights violation in Mindanao because there [were] no cases filed. We beg to disagree," Palabay said.

"Mas marami pang violation na maaaring di nare-report o napa-file sa korte dahil namamayani ang impunity sa mga komunidad," she added.

[Translation: There are a lot of violations that are not reported or filed before the courts because of the impunity in the area.]

In celebration of the International Human Rights Day, several human rights groups and activists staged protests and activities on Monday. Protesters said the human rights abuses cannot be buried underneath a mountain of pressing issues confronting the country.

They said these violations must be brought forth since the human rights situation mirrors the true state of democracy in a country.

Gov't drug war: Protects or abuses?

In a statement Monday, the government said the fight against illegal drugs will remain steadfast "to protect innocent Filipinos."

But Karapatan remained clear on its stand that the administration's unrelenting drug war is among the reasons why human rights abuses prevail in the country.

In a media briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo maintained the President still advocates human rights-- despite the backlash.

"Of course (the President respects human rights," Panelo said. "We have been saying so and we have shown it. We prosecute people who violate human rights."

"Human rights as depicted by the critics as well as those critics from abroad do not reflect what is happening on the ground. When they keep on saying that many have been killed, they make it appear as if the killings are state-initiated," the spokesman added.

Panelo also mentioned the fact that policemen are killed during operations is a rebuttal to theories that these killings have been state-initiated.

"Killings only come in connection with police operations when the suspects resist violently and endanger the lives of those in the operation."

The Duterte administration's war on drugs, which left almost 5,000 people dead as of October 2018, has been heavily criticized by local and international human rights organizations and defenders.

This month, the International Criminal Court said a preliminary investigation on the government's drug war will continue despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

CNN Philippines Correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report.


Announces CFIUS Approval for Globecomm

Sydney, Dec 10, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Speedcast International Limited ( ASX:SDA ) ( FRA:7SC ) ( OTCMKTS:SPPDF ) the world's most trusted provider of remote communication and IT solutions, announced today that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has completed its review of the company's previously announced transaction with Globecomm Systems Inc.Based upon its review, CFIUS has determined that there are no unresolved national security concerns with respect to the acquisition.Speedcast expects to complete the transaction in December 2018, subject to customary closing conditions.Speedcast will issue a further announcement when completion of the acquisition and associated financing occurs.About Speedcast International Ltd

Speedcast International Ltd (ASX:SDA) is the world's most trusted communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications solutions to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. With more satellite capacity than any other provider, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company also integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com.
Thomson Reuters Corporation provides business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. The Corporates segment provides a suite of content-enabled technology solutions for legal, tax, regulatory, compliance, and IT professionals. The Tax & Accounting Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on tax offerings and automating tax workflows to tax, accounting, and audit professionals in accounting firms. The Reuters News segment provides business, financial, national, and international news to professionals through desktop terminals, media organizations, and industry events, as well as directly to consumers. The Global Print segment offers legal and tax information primarily in print format to legal and tax professionals, governments, law schools, and corporations. The company was formerly known as The Thomson Corporation and changed its name to Thomson Reuters Corporation in April 2008. The company was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Thomson Reuters Corporation is a subsidiary of The Woodbridge Company Limited.

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The "Mandela Effect" is a subject area that I have sought to avoid writing about ever since I first heard my them room mate refer to it a few years ago [please see above video].

It is my professional opinion that the "Mandela Effect" is a plot by demonic controlled "AI people" who have weaponized alien technology to scramble human dimensions. These same "AI people" having spread the term "Mandela Effect" can then use their operatives in the mass media and elsewhere to blame subsequent real human experiences of alternative realities as simply "false memories" strategically linked to the so-called popular "false memory" of Mandela dying in prison. More specifically, the Mandela Effect has been linked to hideous experiments by CERN in this video and this other video.

One scientist in this video who is a self-described clone indicated that humans were not supposed to become aware of the Mandela Effect. This self-described clone alleges that real Earth was destroyed in 2012 as a result of AI directed experiments and that these aliens had sought to create a "Veil" to prevent humans they consider to be "their property" from experiencing discrepant dimensions. However, according to this video a different scientist who disagreed with the veil sought to disrupt it so that humans would notice their experience of a former reality and Earth that us humans know to be our own native space-time.

Official history states that Nelson Mandela died in 2013, right? I call the "Nelson Mandela" who became President of South Africa and who died in 2013 "plastic Mandela" for reasons that I will further elaborate.

Indeed, African Zulu Elder provided detailed information on ancient African tribal knowledge of human-appearing manipulative alien operatives who would from time to time be discovered by African tribal governments.

When I began to investigate the so-called "Mandela Effect" I was rather shocked to learn how so many people including myself apparently had not only a different recollection of history that was stated in "official sources" but brand names of products which remain in popular usage.

However, I have noticed that since I first learned about the so-called "Mandela Effect" it seems to be spreading in alarming ways. This includes the apparent alteration of historical events. For example, Mandela Effect researchers now so six people instead of four people in JFK's motorcade just before he was assassinated. Here's further evidence on the original four seat car. Another apparent example of alternative reality shifting also apparent includes such features as the "Great Wall of India" as becoming second in size only to the "Great Wall of China".

It was also brought to my attention a hideous looking species of goat appearing out of nowhere which looks like a creature that I might expect to be from another reality.

One of the most shocking examples of apparent "reality shifting" that has been brought to my attention though has been "Frogner Park" in Norway which features apparent reptillian aliens overshadowing and eating humans. Based upon Dr Michael Salla's assertion that manipulative aliens "hide truth in plain sight" a casual search links the term Fogner to "reptillians disguised as human salespersons".

According to "expert" testimony published in the mainstream media, the Mandela Effect is apparently attributed to millions upon millions of us humans apparently having a "false memory" about actual fact. But such a conclusion is completely absurd. It is apparent that the Mandela Effect relates to humans have REAL experiences of an alternative reality.

The cynics who support the Establishment view that the Mandela Effect relates to just how terrible our memories can be as humans will immediately seek to discredit the alternative reality hypothesis by pointing to the "fact" that it has been well documented that Nelson Mandela had died in 2013, and not in prison as many people recall. However, here is where intrigue begins.

I remember the fact that during the apartheid era into the 1980's, South African authorities had wanted to release Mandela on conditions that he would not agree to. Mandela had reportedly indicated that we would rather die in prison that to agree to conditions which the authorities imposed against him on his release, and he continued to be adamant even though his health had declined after so many years of being kept in the oppressive conditions of prison life. Mandela was like a South African version of Malcolm X during America's Civil Rights struggles of the 1960's.

Some say that eyes are "windows to one's soul".

tend to agree with this view. Nelson Mandela's eyes had once betrayed an unswerving commitment to "the struggle" and his presence was an inspiration to every human who he met and he stood out as being against the forces of oppression. And I recall that as a result of his unswerving commitments that he perished in prison under a shroud of cover-ups. In my the eyes of the "resurrected, plastic" Mandela was nothing like the eyes of the Mandela who had refused to give-in.

"Plastic Mandela's" eyes reminds me of some kind of doped-up mind controlled "zombie" in a state of perpetuated bliss. When plastic Mandela would talk of a professed commitment to human rights his eyes in my view betrayed the deception of a mechanical intelligence.

I call the Nelson Mandela "caricature" who became President of South Africa as "plastic Mandela". And it is this "plastic Mandela" which was used to convince us as humans as having such a poor memory that our minds would "trick" us into believing that we actually had not only heard Mandela had died but also had watched his funeral procession on TV.

By scrambling our human experiences of reality and our trust of our own memories associated with those experiences, it is apparent that manipulative aliens are seeking to annihilate our vital human consciousness. The goal of this annihilation appears to be to expedite mass alien abductions through a weakened collective consciousness.

As the manipulative aliens alter history and the reality around us they can begin a process of writing themselves into history as the true rulers of humanity which the humans will accept as always being the case at the conscious-level, while also seeking to use subliminal messages to control humans at the subconscious levels.

It was the 80's movie They Live which conveyed the kind of control through subliminal messages that these manipulative aliens apparently now seek. One apparent example of this is how an apparent recent new alternative reality has shifted with 'Starbucks' now becoming a rather long "Starbucks Coffee" with a logo which seems to be modified somehow in a manner which seems to be conveying a rather disturbing message. Do you remember that huge star on top of the Starbucks logo like that?

One owner of Starbucks noticed the overnight change of his store's signage and was so disturbed by the new sign that on his own he changed back the sign to its original state.



I had noticed for a week that the "Starbucks Coffee" signage seemed out of place but at first I dismissed it as some new "corporate makeover". However, when I noticed that the signs all seemed to be "aged" to match the original ages of the Starbucks at various locations, it seemed evident that this indeed was another "Mandela Effect".



How many people do you know ever said "Let's meet at 'Starbucks Coffee'". In the reality where we only knew of Starbucks, the idea of a labelling this trendy chain "Starbucks Coffee" would be ludicrous. The name has become so ludicrously long that the Starbucks logo which used to fit snuggily beside 'Starbucks' has been placed in all sorts of seemingly awkward positions on its own by itself, like an after-thought.



But much more disturbing is the report that I received that just after many humans experience the initial shock of hearing evidence about the Mandela Effect that they have been observed to be acting as if information was being "downloaded" into their minds to create an actual false memory that a certain reality anomaly "always existed".



The apparent "plastic Mandela" who became South Africa President acted in a manner completely against all that the Mandela in prison had sought to defend.

It is my opinion that "plastic Mandela's" eyes can be described as being similar to a zombie and that was manifested in that plastic Mandela willfully being a complete operative of crony capitalism in the name of "Reconciliation".



"Plastic Mandela" the overwhelming majority of black South African in an utter state of social economic turmoil under the same kind of corrupt black leaders that the Mandela in prison was determined not to support and I was part of a movement that was on the cusp of South Africa becoming a "black Sweden".

The entities responsible for the on-going oppression of black Africans were determined with their apartheid allies for that not to happen.

When I speak to black South Africans, most say that they indeed became economically became worse off when "plastic Mandela" became President. This would have never been the legacy of the Mandela who refused to give in to white pressure for so-called compromise.

Would Mandela all of a sudden become a sell-out when he was released?

I was part of a well-organized group who had sought to assist Mandela and his progressive supporters in making South Africa an African version of Sweden that would become a source of inspiration for not only the whole of Africa but for members of the African diaspora everywhere.

There have been more and more reports of families having experienced a different reality with each other. In published reports when such representations have surfaced, they have all been attributed to so-called "false memories" linked to the publicly presented example of the alleged false memory of Mandela perishing in prison.



At one of my favourite restaurants I have always seen three prominent chefs in their open kitchen. I like to sit at the bar and watch them as I dine. Well two weeks ago when I went there, all of a sudden I see a fourth chef who I never seen before who says to me "Welcome back!" Then I think to myself, "Welcome back?!" I had never seem this chef ever before and I sometimes go to this restaurant three or four times in one week. Is this another "Mandela Effect" example of altered dimensional experiences?

Recently, just a few days ago, I ran out of a cereal I like and went right to the bottom where only fine crumbs were left. Next day I decided to get more of that cereal. When I returned to place the new box into the only small cupboard that I keep cereal, right in front was a box of the same cereal about 25% full.



Last week I saw a whole building complex not there anymore. I heard an older couple who was passing it the same time as me say, "funny, I don't even remember what building was there before."



It appears that the manipulative alien technology that was used to replace the Mandela who refused to surrender to authority with "plastic Mandela" may have been harnessed. The apparent result of this harnessing may be attempts to weaken the fabric of reality as part of an effort to expedite an alien controlled "New World Order".
The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen Coding GmbH, Allen France SAS, Alpine Automation Limited, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Holdings Inc., Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Arylux Hungary Elektromechanikus Alkatreszgyarto Kft, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix (Suzhou) Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Holdings Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel (Ireland) Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Buell Industries Inc., CAPMAX Logistica S.A. de C.V., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS (Australia) Pty Limited, CS (Finance) Europe S.a.r.l., CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, CSMTS LLC, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures (Australasia) S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur (Shanghai) Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Dorbyl U.K. (Holdings) Limited, Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO (Holding) AG, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elga Skandinavian AS, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, FEG Investments L.L.C., Fasver, Filtertek, Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech (Taicang) Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart (Japan) K.K., Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart Foster Belgium, Hobart International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW (China) Investment Company Limited, ITW (Deutschland) GmbH, ITW (EU) Holdings Ltd., ITW (European) Finance Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW (Ningbo) Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Alpha Sarl, ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components (Langfang) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium, ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS (UK) Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Contamination Control (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Delta Sarl, ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.A., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Finance Designated Activity Company, ITW Finance Europe S.A., ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW France Finance Alpha S.A.S., ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments II Inc., ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics (Thailand) Ltd., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Italy S.R.L. in liquidazione, ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings UK, ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW Hungary Finance Beta Kft, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Finance Srl, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lombard Holdings Inc., ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW M FILMS II LLC, ITW MH LLC, ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology (China) Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Plastic (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Philippines Holdings LLC, ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Spraytec, ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Ideal Molding Technologies LLC, Illinois Tool Works (Chile) Limitada, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Norway AS, Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron (Shanghai) Ltd., Instron (Thailand) Limited, Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Holdings Limited, Instron International Limited, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, International Leasing Company LLC, International Truss Systems Proprietary Limited, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kester Components (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems (Canada) Inc., Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MOA Enterprises Inc, Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, Norden Olje AB, North Star Imaging Europe, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited (Enping), Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Penta Dnepr LLC, Penta Sever OOO, Penta Volga OOO, Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., Ramset Fasteners (Hong Kong) Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco (Nederland) B.V., Simco Japan Inc., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Taiwan) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes BVBA, Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek (China) Limited, Teknek (Japan) Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V.B.A., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta (Guangzhou) Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Vesta Global Limited, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, ZF TRW (Engineered Fasteners and Components), and Zip-Pak International B.V..
Village Farms International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, and distributes greenhouse-grown tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers in North America. It operates through three segments: Produce Business, Energy Business, and Cannabis and Hemp Business. The company also owns and operates a 7.0 megawatt power plant that generates and sells electricity to British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority; and produces and supplies cannabis products. It markets and distributes its products under the Village Farms brand name to retail supermarkets and fresh food distribution companies, as well as products produced under exclusive arrangements with other greenhouse producers. The company was formerly known as Village Farms Canada Inc. and changed its name to Village Farms International, Inc. in December 2009. Village Farms International, Inc. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Delta, Canada.

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Intu owns and manages some of the best shopping centres, in some of the strongest locations, in the UK and Spain. Our UK portfolio is made up of 17 centres, including eight of the top-20, and in Spain we own three of the country's top-10 centres, with advanced plans to build a fourth. We are passionate about creating compelling experiences, in centre and online, that make our customers smile and help our retailers flourish. We attract around 400 million customer visits and 26 million website visits a year offering a multichannel approach that truly supports retail strategies. Our strategic focus on prime, high-footfall flagship destinations, combined with the strength and popularity of our brand, means that intu offers enhanced footfall, dwell time and loyalty. This helps our tenants flourish, driving occupancy and income growth. We are committed to our local communities, with our centres supporting nearly 130,000 jobs (representing about 3 per cent of the total UK retail workforce), and to operating with environmental responsibility. We have already met or exceeded a significant number of our 2020 environmental targets.

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KBR, Inc. engages in the provision of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program life-cycle within the government services and hydrocarbons industries. It operates through the following segments: Government Solutions, Technology Solutions, Energy Solutions, Non-strategic Business, and Other. The Government Solutions segment provides full life-cycle support solutions to defense, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies. The Technology Solutions segment combines KBR's proprietary technologies, equipment, and catalyst supply and associated knowledge-based services into a global business for refining, petrochemicals, inorganic, and specialty chemicals as well as gasification, syngas, ammonia, nitric acid, and fertilizers. The Energy Solutions segment provides full life-cycle support solutions across the upstream, midstream and downstream hydrocarbons markets. The Non-strategic Business segment represents the operations or activities which the company intends to exit upon completion of existing contracts. The Other segment includes corporate expenses and general and administrative expenses not all

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Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. engages in the mining of copper, gold and molybdenum. It operates through the following segments: North America Copper Mines, South America Mining; Indonesia Mining, Molybdenum Mines, Rod and Refining, Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining and Corporate, Other and Eliminations. The North America Copper Mines segment operates open-pit copper mines in Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita and Miami in Arizona and Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico. The South America Mining segment includes Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. The Indonesia Mining segment handles the operations of Grasberg minerals district that produces copper concentrate that contains significant quantities of gold and silver. The Molybdenum Mines segment includes the Henderson underground mine and Climax open-pit mine, both in Colorado. The Rod and Refining segment consists of copper conversion facilities located in North America and includes a refinery, rod mills, and a specialty copper products facility. The Atlantic Copper Smelting and Refining segment smelts and refines copper concentrate and markets refined copper and precious metals in slimes. The Corporate, Other and Eliminations segment

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There is not enough analysis data for MGT Capital Investments.

4.5 Community Rank

Outperform Votes MGT Capital Investments has received 149 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.)

Underperform Votes MGT Capital Investments has received 67 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.)

Community Sentiment MGT Capital Investments has received 68.98% outperform votes from our community.

MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about MGT Capital Investments and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe MGTI will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe MGTI will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days.

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Conagra Brands, Inc. engages in the manufacture and sale of processed and packaged foods. It operates through the following segments: Grocery and Snacks; Refrigerated and Frozen; International; and Foodservice. The Grocery and Snacks segment includes branded, shelf stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States. The Refrigerated and Frozen segment comprises branded, temperature controlled food products sold in various retail channels in the United States. The International segment consists branded food products, in various temperature states, sold in various retail and foodservice channels outside of the United States. The Foodservice segment focuses in the branded and customized food products, including meals, entrees, sauces, and a variety of custom-manufactured culinary products packaged for sale to restaurants and other foodservice establishments in the United States. The company was founded by Alva Kinney and Frank Little in 1919 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

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There is not enough analysis data for Chinook Energy.

4.8 Community Rank

Outperform Votes Chinook Energy has received 294 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.)

Underperform Votes Chinook Energy has received 118 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.)

Community Sentiment Chinook Energy has received 71.36% outperform votes from our community.

MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Chinook Energy and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe CKE will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe CKE will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days.

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Northern Investors Company PLC is an investment company. The Company is a private equity investment trust managed by NVM Private Equity LLP. The Company's investment objective is to conduct an orderly realization of its portfolio with a view to returning capital to shareholders. The majority of the Company's investments are in small and medium-sized unquoted companies. The Company invests in a range of industry sectors, such as technology, media and telecommunications, business services, healthcare, oil and gas, industrials, leisure and consumer. The Company is a member of The Association of Investment Companies (AIC). NVM Private Equity (NVM) is an investment advisor and manager of the Company.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Lithia Motors: 797 Valley Street LLC, Albany CJD Fiat, Baierl Auto Group, Baierl Auto Parts LLC, Baierl Automotive Corporation, Baierl Chevrolet Inc., Baierl Holding LLC, Broadway Ford, Buhler Ford Inc, Cadillac of Portland Lloyd Center LLC, Camp Automotive Inc., Carbone Auto Body LLC, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Morgantown, Cranberry Automotive Inc., Crater Lake Ford Lincoln, Crater Lake Mazda, DCH (Oxnard) Inc., DCH Auto Group, DCH Bloomfield LLC, DCH CA LLC, DCH Calabasas-A LLC, DCH California Investments LLC, DCH California Motors Inc., DCH DMS NJ LLC, DCH Del Norte Inc., DCH Essex Inc., DCH Financial NJ LLC, DCH Freehold - V LLC, DCH Freehold LLC, DCH Holdings LLC, DCH Investments Inc. (New Jersey), DCH Investments Inc. (New York), DCH Korean Imports LLC, DCH Mamaroneck LLC, DCH Mission Valley LLC, DCH Monmouth LLC, DCH Montclair LLC, DCH Motors LLC, DCH NY Motors LLC, DCH Nanuet LLC, DCH North America Inc., DCH Oxnard 1521 Imports Inc., DCH Riverside-S Inc., DCH Simi Valley Inc., DCH Support Services LLC, DCH TL Holdings LLC, DCH TL NY Holdings LLC, DCH Temecula Imports LLC, DCH Temecula Motors LLC, DCH Thousand Oaks-F Inc., DCH Torrance Imports Inc., Dah Chong Hong CA Trading LLC, Dah Chong Hong Trading Corporation, Daron Motors LLC, Day Auto Group, Downtown LA, Driveway Motors LLC, Elizabeth Collision LLC, Florida SS LLC, Ford Lincoln of Morgantown, Freehold Nissan LLC, Fuse Auto Sales LLC, Hamilton Honda, Hazleton Honda, Hutchins Eugene Nissan Inc., Hutchins Imported Motors Inc., Jaguar Landrover Mission Viejo, LA Motors Holding LLC, LAD Advertising Inc., LAD Carson-N LLC, LAD Mission Viejo-JLR Inc., LAD Mobu Inc., LAD-AU LLC, LAD-MB LLC, LAD-N LLC, LAD-P LLC, LAD-T LLC, LAD-V LLC, LBMP LLC, LFKF LLC, LGPAC Inc., LLL Sales Co LLC, LMBB LLC, LMBP LLC, LMOP LLC, LSTAR LLC, Lithia AcDM Inc., Lithia Aircraft Inc., Lithia Anchorage-C LLC, Lithia Anchorage-H LLC, Lithia Armory Garage LLC, Lithia Auction & Recon LLC, Lithia Auto Services Inc., Lithia Automotive Inc., Lithia BA Holding Inc., Lithia BNM Inc. (nonoperating), Lithia Baierl-S LLC, Lithia Bryan Texas Inc., Lithia Buffalo-A LLC, Lithia CCTF Inc., Lithia CDH Inc., Lithia CIMR Inc., Lithia CJDO Inc., Lithia CJDSA Inc., Lithia CJDSF Inc., Lithia CM Inc., Lithia CO Inc., Lithia CSA Inc., Lithia Community Development Company Inc., Lithia Crater Lake-F Inc., Lithia Crater Lake-M Inc., Lithia DE Inc., Lithia DM Inc., Lithia DMID Inc., Lithia Des Moines-VW LLC, Lithia Dodge of Tri-Cities Inc., Lithia Eatontown-F LLC, Lithia FLCC LLC, Lithia FMF Inc., Lithia Financial Corporation (previously Lithia Leasing Inc. and Lithia Credit Inc.), Lithia Florida Holding Inc., Lithia Ford of Boise Inc., Lithia Fresno Inc., Lithia HDM Inc., Lithia HGF Inc., Lithia HMID Inc., Lithia HPI Inc. (nonoperating), Lithia Hamilton-H LLC, Lithia Hazleton-H LLC, Lithia Idaho Falls-F Inc., Lithia Imports of Anchorage Inc., Lithia JEF Inc., Lithia Klamath Inc., Lithia Klamath-T Inc., Lithia LBGGF Inc., Lithia LHGF Inc., Lithia LSGF Inc., Lithia MBDM Inc., Lithia MMF Inc., Lithia MTLM Inc., Lithia McMurray-C LLC, Lithia Medford HON Inc., Lithia Middletown-L LLC, Lithia Monroeville-A LLC, Lithia Monroeville-C LLC, Lithia Monroeville-F LLC, Lithia Monroeville-V LLC, Lithia Moon-S LLC, Lithia Moon-V LLC, Lithia Morgantown-CJD LLC, Lithia Morgantown-F LLC, Lithia Morgantown-S LLC, Lithia Motors Support Services Inc., Lithia NA Inc., Lithia NC Inc., Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #1, Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #3, Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #4, Lithia NDM Inc., Lithia NF Inc., Lithia NSA Inc., Lithia Northeast Real Estate LLC, Lithia Orchard Park-H LLC, Lithia Paramus-M LLC, Lithia Pittsburgh-S LLC, Lithia Ramsey-B LLC, Lithia Ramsey-L LLC, Lithia Ramsey-M LLC, Lithia Ramsey-T LLC, Lithia Real Estate Inc., Lithia Reno Sub-HYUN Inc., Lithia Reno-CJ LLC, Lithia Reno-VW LLC, Lithia Rose-FT Inc., Lithia SOC Inc., Lithia SSP LLC, Lithia Salmir Inc., Lithia Sea P Inc., Lithia Seaside Inc., Lithia Spokane-B LLC, Lithia Spokane-S LLC, Lithia TA Inc., Lithia TO Inc., Lithia TR Inc., Lithia Uniontown-C LLC, Lithia VAuDM Inc., Lithia VF Inc., Lithia Wexford-H LLC, Lithia of Abilene Inc., Lithia of Anchorage Inc., Lithia of Bend #1 LLC, Lithia of Bend #2 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 1 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 2 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 3 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 4 LLC, Lithia of Billings II LLC, Lithia of Billings Inc., Lithia of Casper LLC, Lithia of Clear Lake LLC, Lithia of Concord I Inc., Lithia of Concord II Inc., Lithia of Corpus Christi Inc., Lithia of Des Moines Inc., Lithia of Eureka Inc., Lithia of Fairbanks Inc., Lithia of Great Falls Inc., Lithia of Helena Inc., Lithia of Honolulu-A Inc., Lithia of Honolulu-BGMCC LLC, Lithia of Honolulu-F LLC, Lithia of Honolulu-V LLC, Lithia of Killeen LLC, Lithia of Lodi Inc., Lithia of Maui-H LLC, Lithia of Missoula II LLC, Lithia of Missoula III Inc., Lithia of Missoula Inc., Lithia of Pocatello Inc., Lithia of Portland I LLC, Lithia of Portland LLC, Lithia of Robstown LLC, Lithia of Roseburg Inc., Lithia of Santa Rosa Inc., Lithia of Seattle Inc., Lithia of South Central AK Inc., Lithia of Spokane II Inc., Lithia of Spokane Inc., Lithia of Stockton Inc., Lithia of Stockton-V Inc., Lithia of TF Inc., Lithia of Troy LLC, Lithia of Utica - 1 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 2 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 3 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 4 LLC, Lithia of Walnut Creek Inc., Lithia of Wasilla LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 1 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 2 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 3 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 4 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 5 LLC, Medford Insurance LLC, Milford DCH Inc., Northland Ford Inc., PA Real Estate LLC, PA Support Services LLC, Paramus Collision LLC, Paramus World Motors LLC, Personalized Marketing LLC, Prestige Auto Group, RFA Holdings LLC, Ray Laks Acura, Ray Laks Honda, Sacramento-L Inc., Salem-B LLC, Salem-H LLC, Salem-V LLC, Sharlene Realty LLC, Shift Portland LLC, Southern Cascades Finance Corporation, Subaru of Morgantown, Tampa-H LLC, Tustin Motors Inc., Wesley Chapel-H LLC, Wesley Chapel-T LLC, Zelienople Real Estate I L.P., and Zelienople Real Estate L.L.C..
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The following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE).
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.
Stage Stores, Inc. operates specialty department stores primarily in small and mid-sized towns and communities in the United States. Its merchandise portfolio comprises moderately priced and brand name apparel, accessories, cosmetics, footwear, and home goods. The company also offers merchandise direct-to-consumer through its e-commerce Website, and private label credit card and loyalty programs. As of August 23, 2018, it operated 764 department stores in 42 states under the BEALLS, GOODY'S, PALAIS ROYAL, PEEBLES, and STAGE names; 63 GORDMANS off-price stores; and stage.com, an e-commerce Website. The company was founded in 1988 and is based in Houston, Texas.

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TelefAnica Brasil S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides mobile and fixed telecommunications services to residential and corporate customers in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, and 4.5G, as well as mobile value-added services and wireless roaming services. The company also offers data services, including broadband and mobile data services. In addition, it provides pay TV services through direct to home satellite technology, IPTV, and cable, as well as pay-per-view and video on demand services; network services, such as rental of facilities; other services comprising internet access, private network connectivity, computer equipment leasing, extended service, caller identification, voice mail, cellular blocker, and others; wholesale services, including interconnection services to users of other network providers; and digital services, such as entertainment, cloud, and security and financial services, as well as sells wireless devices and accessories. Further, the company offers multimedia communication services, which include audio, data, voice and other sounds, images, texts, and other information, as well as sells devices, such as smartphones, broadband USB modems, and other devices. Additionally, it provides telecommunications solutions and IT support to various industries, such as retail, manufacturing, services, financial institutions, government, etc. It markets and sells its solutions through own stores, dealers, retail and distribution channels, door-to-door sales, and telesales. The company was formerly known as TelecomunicaAAes de SAo Paulo S.A. - TELESP and changed its name to TelefAnica Brasil S.A. in October 2011. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in SAo Paulo, Brazil.

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Bridgepoint Education, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides postsecondary education services in the United States. Its academic institutions, Ashford University and University of the Rockies, offer associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences, and health sciences. The company offers its programs primarily through online; and at its campuses. As of December 31, 2017, its institutions offered approximately 1,200 courses and 80 degree programs; and had 45,730 students enrolled. The company was formerly known as TeleUniversity, Inc. and changed its name to Bridgepoint Education, Inc. in February 2004. Bridgepoint Education, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

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iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF's stock was trading at $158.09 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IWF stock has increased by 89.1% and is now trading at $298.91.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Dominion Energy: 96WI 8me LLC, Alamo Solar LLC, Align RNG Arizona LLC, Align RNG Arizona-Snowflake LLC, Align RNG California LLC, Align RNG California-Corcoran LLC, Align RNG Grady Road LLC, Align RNG LLC, Align RNG Magnolia LLC, Align RNG North Carolina LLC, Align RNG North Carolina-Bowdens LLC, Align RNG Utah LLC, Align RNG Utah-Milford LLC, Align RNG Virginia LLC, Align RNG Virginia-Waverly LLC, Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Azalea Solar LLC, BOE Holdings Inc., Blackville Solar Farm LLC, Blue Ocean Energy Marine LLC, BrightSuite Home LLC, BrightSuite Inc., BrightSuite Solar CT Inc., BrightSuite Solar SC Inc., BrightSuite Solar VA Inc., Buckingham Solar I LLC, CEA Americus LLC, CEA CO-Fort Morgan LLC, CEA Clovis LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Colorado LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Georgia LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Idaho LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Nevada LLC, CEA Dairy RNG New Mexico LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Texas LLC, CEA Greely LLC, CEA Mason LLC, CEA TX-Dimmitt LLC, CID Solar LLC, CNG Coal Company, CNG Power Services Corporation, Carolina Gas Transmission Corporation, Catalina Solar 2 LLC, Clean Energy Asset USA LLC, Clean Energy Enterprises Inc., Clipperton Holdings LLC, Consolidated Natural Gas Company, Correctional Solar LLC, Cottonwood Solar LLC, Cove Point LNG LP, Cove Point LNG Limited, DE Arlington Solar LLC, DE Fluvanna Solar LLC, DE Hanover Solar LLC, DE Henrico Solar LLC, DE King William Solar LLC, DE Louisa Solar LLC, DE Newport News Solar LLC, DE Powhatan Solar LLC, DE Virginia Beach Solar LLC, DECP Holdings Inc., Dairy RNG Holdings LLC, Dairy RNG NY LLC, Dairy RNG NY-Curtin LLC, Dairy RNG OH LLC, Denmark Solar LLC, Dominion ACP Holding Inc., Dominion Alternative Energy Holdings Inc., Dominion Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Dominion Capital Inc., Dominion Cogen WV Inc., Dominion Energy Fuel Services Inc., Dominion Energy Gas Distribution LLC, Dominion Energy Generation Marketing Inc., Dominion Energy Inc., Dominion Energy Kewaunee Inc., Dominion Energy Marketplace LLC, Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut Inc., Dominion Energy Overthrust Pipeline LLC, Dominion Energy Payroll Company Inc., Dominion Energy Questar Corporation, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline LLC, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline Services Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings II Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings Inc., Dominion Energy Services Inc., Dominion Energy Solar CA LLC, Dominion Energy Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc., Dominion Energy Southeast Services Inc., Dominion Energy Technical Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies II Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies Inc., Dominion Energy Terminal Company Inc., Dominion Energy Wexpro Services Company, Dominion Equipment III Inc., Dominion Equipment Inc., Dominion Fairless Hills Inc., Dominion Fowler Ridge Wind LLC, Dominion Gas Projects Company LLC, Dominion Generation Inc., Dominion Greenbrier Inc., Dominion High Voltage Holdings Inc., Dominion High Voltage MidAtlantic Inc., Dominion Investments Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline Holdings Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline LLC, Dominion MLP Holding Company III Inc., Dominion Mt. Storm Wind LLC, Dominion Nuclear Projects Inc., Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration & Production Inc., Dominion Person Inc., Dominion Privatization Florida LLC, Dominion Privatization Georgia LLC, Dominion Privatization Holdings Inc., Dominion Privatization Kentucky LLC, Dominion Privatization Maryland LLC, Dominion Privatization Pennsylvania LLC, Dominion Privatization South Carolina LLC, Dominion Privatization Texas LLC, Dominion Privatization Virginia LLC, Dominion Products and Services Inc., Dominion Projects Services Inc., Dominion Resources Capital Trust III, Dominion Retail Gas Holdings Inc., Dominion Solar Construction and Maintenance LLC, Dominion Solar Gen-Tie LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings I LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings II LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings III LLC, Dominion Solar Holdings IV LLC, Dominion Solar Projects A Inc., Dominion Solar Projects B Inc., Dominion Solar Projects C Inc., Dominion Solar Projects D Inc., Dominion Solar Projects I Inc., Dominion Solar Projects II Inc., Dominion Solar Projects III Inc., Dominion Solar Projects IV Inc., Dominion Solar Projects V Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VI Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VII Inc., Dominion Solar Services Inc., Dominion State Line LLC, Dominion Voltage Inc., Dominion Wholesale Inc., Dominion Wind Development LLC, Dominion Wind Projects Inc., ESCT-SA-Suffield LLC, Eagle Holdco Solar LLC, Eagle Solar LLC, Eastern Shore Solar LLC, Enterprise Solar LLC, Escalante Solar I LLC, Escalante Solar II LLC, Escalante Solar III LLC, Four Brothers Solar LLC, Fremont Farm LLC, Granite Mountain Holdings LLC, Granite Mountain Solar East LLC, Granite Mountain Solar West LLC, Greenbrier Marketing Company LLC, Greenbrier Pipeline Company LLC, Greensville County Solar Project LLC, Hardin Solar Energy LLC, Hecate Energy Cherrydale LLC, Hecate Energy Clarke County LLC, Hope Gas Inc., Imperial Valley Solar Company (IVSC) 2 LLC, Indy Solar Development LLC, Indy Solar I LLC, Indy Solar II LLC, Indy Solar III LLC, Innovative Solar 37 LLC, Iron Springs Holdings LLC, Iron Springs Solar LLC, Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas, Maricopa West Solar PV LLC, Moffett Solar 1 LLC, Moorings Farm 2 LLC, Mulberry Farm LLC, Mustang Solar LLC, PSNC Blue Ridge Corporation, PSNC Cardinal Pipeline Company, Pavant Solar LLC, Phone House, Pikeville Farm LLC, Prairie Fork Wind Farm LLC, Public Service Company of North Carolina Incorporated, QPC Holding Company LLC, Questar Corporation, Questar Energy Services Inc., Questar Field Services LLC, Questar Gas Company, Questar InfoComm Inc., Questar Southern Trails Pipeline Company, Questar White River Hub LLC, RE Adams East LLC, RE Camelot LLC, RE Columbia Two LLC, RE Kansas LLC, RE Kent South LLC, RE Old River One LLC, Richland Solar Center LLC, Ridgeland Solar Farm I LLC, SBL Holdco LLC, SCANA, SCANA Communications Holdings Inc., SCANA Corporate Security Services Inc., SCANA Energy Marketing LLC, SCANA Pharmacy LLC, SRFI LLC, Scana Corporation, Scott-II Solar LLC, Seabrook Solar LLC, Selmer Farm LLC, Siler Solar LLC, Sol Madison Solar LLC, Somers Solar Center LLC, South Carolina Fuel Company Inc., South Carolina Generating Company Inc., Southampton Solar LLC, Summit Farms Solar LLC, Sussex Drive Solar Project LLC, TA - Acacia LLC, TWE Myrtle Solar Project LLC, The East Ohio Gas Company, Trask East Solar LLC, Tredegar Solar Fund I LLC, VP Property Inc., Virginia Electric And Power Company, Virginia Power Fuel Corporation, Virginia Power Nuclear Services Company, Virginia Power Services Energy Corp. Inc., Virginia Power Services LLC, Virginia Solar 201 Projects LLC, Wakefield Solar LLC, Wexpro Company, Wexpro Development Company, Wexpro II Company, Wilkinson Solar LLC, Wrangler Retail Gas Holdings LLC, and Yemassee Solar LLC.
Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Europe, South America, and the Mediterranean Basin. The company operates through Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations segments. It offers fixed and mobile voice and Internet, and public telephony services, as well as products managed and developed for individuals and families; and voice, data, and Internet services and products, and information and communications technology solutions for small and medium-size enterprises, small offices/home offices, the public sector, large accounts, and enterprises in the fixed and mobile telecommunications markets. The company also manages and develops a portfolio of regulated and unregulated wholesale services for fixed and mobile telecommunications operators; provision of infrastructure for housing radio transmission equipment of mobile telephone networks; and development, engineering, building, and operation of network infrastructures, information technology (IT), real estate properties, and plant engineering. In addition, it engages in customer care, operating credit support, loyalty, and retention activities; and staff functions and other support activities. Further, the company offers office products and services for IT sector. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  Businesswoman and alleged pork scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles has asked the Sandiganbayan to defer her transfer to the women's correctional for security and humanitarian reasons.

The anti-graft court's First Division ordered Napoles' transfer to the Correctional Institution for Women on December 7 after it found her guilty of plunder over an alleged pork barrel scam.

Napoles, in trying to defer her transfer back to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong, cited threats to her life. She said the developments in her cases greatly affect her security, considering they involve high-ranking officials.

"It must be stressed that during accused's previous detention at the Correctional Institute for Women, she had already experienced these threats to her life and security," the motion read.

Napoles is detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan.

She was previously detained at the women's correctional from April 2015 to May 2017 after a regional trial court in Makati City found her guilty of illegally detaining pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy.

That ruling was overturned by the Court of Appeals which resulted in Napoles's transfer back to Camp Bagong Diwa.

Napoles also intends to appeal her conviction. Since her conviction is not yet final, she said she should be allowed to stay in Camp Bagong Diwa.

"The judgment may still be modified as there are still remedies which the accused may exhaust and the period to do so has not yet lapsed," Napoles said in her motion filed on December 7, 2018, just hours after her plunder conviction was handed down.

Napoles was found guilty in the plunder case filed against former senator Bong Revilla, who was acquitted. The court ruled Napoles conspired with Revilla's former staff Richard Cambe, but state prosecutors failed to prove Revilla's involvement in the crime.

Napoles is facing other plunder and graft cases at the Sandiganbayan for allegedly working with lawmakers in diverting their pork barrel to fake nongovernmental organizations in exchange for kickbacks.
Boeing has been awarded a $158 million contract to produce a second KC-46A aircraft for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), the US Department of Defense said on December 6, 2018.

Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker and transport aircraft

(Credit: Boeing)

This modification provides for the exercise of an option for an additional quantity of one aircraft being produced under the basic contract. Work will be performed in Seattle and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2021.



On December 2017, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $279 million contract for the JASDFs first KC-46 tanker and logistics support, marking the aircrafts first international sale.



Japan chose Boeings KC-46 tanker over competitors following its KC-X aerial refueling competition. The KC-46 adds to the JASDFs current fleet of four KC-767J tankers.



The KC-46 is a multirole tanker designed to refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.



Boeing began developing the KC-46A Pegasus tanker for the U.S. Air Force in 2011 and is assembling the 767-derivative aircraft at its Everett, Wash., facility.



First flight of the fully-provisioned KC-46 tanker took place in September 2015. Six test aircraft have now completed more than 2,200 flight hours and conducted refueling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10 and KC-46 aircraft.



In addition to refueling, the KC-46 features a main deck cargo door and strengthened cargo deck. The floor includes seat tracks and a cargo handling system, allowing for a variety of mission configurations. The system enables KC-46 to simultaneously carry palletized cargo, personnel and aeromedical equipment in a variety of combinations. The highly reliable 767 derivative will also deliver tremendous savings through lower lifecycle costs compared to other larger or used aircraft.



Sixteen percent of the 767 airplane, on which the KC-46 tanker is based, is made with Japan. The Boeing-Japan relationship grows and expands with partnership opportunities in the space, commercial and defense businesses, continuing a legacy that spans more than 60 years. Boqseing currently spends more than $5 billion annually in Japan, making the country the largest supply base for Boeing outside the United States. Boeing opened its first office in Japan in 1953 and now has approximately 200 employees at more than 20 major sites across the country.
The Tata Harrier, which is set to go on sale in January 2019, will initially be offered with a diesel-manual FWD combo

A Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque convertor unit will be offered at a later date

Currently, only the Hexa offers a conventional automatic gearbox; the rest of Tatas lineup get AMTs instead

The Harrier is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 13 lakh - Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom)

Tatas upcoming flagship SUV, the Harrier, is set to launch in January 2019 with a single powertrain option - a 2.0-litre Fiat-sourced diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels. However, Tata Motors has now confirmed that the Harrier will get an automatic gearbox by mid-2019.

The transmission in question is a 6-speed torque converter which will be sourced from South Korean major, Hyundai. This transmission can currently be found on the Tucson, which is one of the Harriers primary rivals. Like the Harriers Fiat-sourced 6-speed manual box, the automatic too will drive the front wheels as Tata Motors is not keen on bringing an AWD variant anytime soon due to miniscule demand for 4X4 SUVs.

Currently, the Hexa is the only vehicle in Tatas lineup to offer a conventional automatic transmission - a 6-speed torque converter. Tata Motors sources the Hexas 6L50 6-speed AT from Punch Powerglide Strasbourg (PPS) France, a former General Motors company.

It must be noted that the Harrier features a transverse engine configuration while the Hexa gets a longitudinally-mounted unit. This means that the Hexas 6L50 gearbox does not fit the Harriers Fiat-sourced motor. The placement of the 2.0-litre engine also limits the number of gearbox options for the Harrier. While Tata Motors could have gone with a 9-speed automatic from ZF, this would have put the Harrier at a severe disadvantage in terms of cost. Coincidentally, the Harriers biggest rival, the Jeep Compass, is available with the same 2.0-litre engine and 9-speed ZF automatic in international markets.

As far as the Rs 15 lakh to Rs 21 lakh diesel SUV segment is concerned, only the Hyundai Tucson and the Mahindra XUV 500 are available with a diesel-auto combo. Jeep is set to join the ranks with the launch of the Compass Trailhawk equipped with the above mentioned 9-speed automatic early next year. Expect automatic variants of the Tata Harrier to retail somewhere in between Rs 19 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom).

Check out: India-spec Jeep Compass Trailhawk Production Begins

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.
I think the central bank does have to be intimately concerned with financial stability to some degree and with the payment system, the IMF chief economist added.

New Delhi: In the backdrop of RBI Governor Urjit Patels resignation, Moodys Inves-tors Service on Monday said that the independence of a countrys central bank is an important consideration while asses-sing a countrys institutional strength and any attempt by the government to curtail it would be credit negative.

Dr Patel on Monday resigned from the post citing personal reasons. Patel, whose three-year term was to end in September 2019, is the first governor since 1990 to step down before his term ended.

To a query on the sovereign rating impact of the developments around the RBI, Moodys said, While the motivation for the RBI governors resignation is unclear, the independence of a countrys central bank is an important consideration in our assessment of a sovereigns institutional strength.

It said that Moodys assumes that the RBI will continue to pursue price and financial stability and implement policies towards these goals. We would consider signs that the government attempts to curtail the central banks independence to be credit negative. That said, our assessment of institutional strength ultimately focuses on the quality and policy outcomes of the institutions themselves, not on the individuals leading them, Moodys Investors Service said.

On Sunday, IMFs chief economist Maurice Obstfeld said the Indian government must heed the RBIs message on financial stability.

Addressing a group of journalists, he also said the IMF does not want politicians manipulating central banks for political ends.

I think the central bank does have to be intimately concerned with financial stability to some degree and with the payment system, the IMF chief economist added.
Mumbai/New Delhi: RBI governor Urjit Patel on Monday resigned from his post, belying suggestions of an uncomfortable truce between the RBI and the Narendra Modi government over a host of issues.

On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years, Mr Patel said in his statement.

Though Dr Patel cited personal reasons for his sudden departure from Mint Road, analysts feel the resignation was caused due to the RBI losing its autonomy under an assertive Central government.

After the economic slowdown caused by demonetisation and GST rollout, the analysts claim the government has been trying to repair the economy by supporting MSMEs and bleeding banks.

Since its finances were strained, the government sought the RBIs support by easing lending regulations and transferring over Rs 3 lakh crore capital. However, the RBI refused to play ball, forcing the government to enforce its will on the RBI through its members on the central banks board.

While there was a strong speculation about Dr Patels resignation on the eve of RBIs board meeting on November 19, the event went off without any fireworks. Both the sides had suggested that the meeting was cordial, and the decisions were taken on merit and not forced by the government.

Ten days later, however, finance minister Arun Jaitley went public on November 30 stating that the government had indeed invoked the never-used-before provision under Section 7 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, ending any pretensions about the central banks autonomy.

Another 10 days later, Dr Patel decided to quit his post, triggering speculation about the reasons behind this decision.

Some analysts claim that the timing of the resignation looks odd as it comes days after high-octane elections in five states  billed as the semi-finals to the general elections next year  were over. They claim that it could be because he does not want his resignation to become political.

Another verison is that the government had sounded out Dr Patel about its decision to sack him after the elections and he might have decided to opt for an honourable option of resignation.

The lack of warmth between Dr Patel and the government is evident in his statement. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and directors of the RBI Central Board, and wish them all the best for the future, Dr Patel wrote without any reference to the finance ministry with which the central bank works so closely.

RBI director and Swadeshi ideologue S. Gurumurthy expressed surprise over Dr Patels decision. The previous meeting was held in such cordial atmosphere that it comes as a shock. All directors said the media had created a wrong perception while inside it was totally different. That makes it even more surprising, he said.

Dr Raghuram Rajan was scathing in his criticism. Calling the RBI governors resignation as a note of protest, Dr Rajan said all Indians should be concerned as strength of institutions is important for growth and development.

There were others who were criticial about Dr Patels decision to hang up his boots. According to Ajay Bodke, CEO, PMS, None of the issues that caused a rift were insurmountable if the governor had an inclination to engage in a reasoned debate and dialogue.

T.C.A. Srinivas Raghavan, who authored books on RBIs history, felt Dr Patel should not have quit. The position is extremely important. And whatever differences you mightve had with the government, you dont quit. Because it impacts the country, the economy, the image of the country, the image of the government.

PM Narendra Modi spoke highly of Dr Patels credentials as an economist and RBI governor. FM Arun Jaitley said the government appreciates the services rendered by Dr Patel, and that it was a pleasure for him to deal with him.
New Delhi: Ex-RBI governor Raghuram Rajan on Monday said that resignation of Mr Patel as RBI governor should be seen as a statement of protest.

The act of resignation by a government servant or regulator is a note of protest. It is saying that the person can not stay on, given the kind of policies that are being thrust upon him, said Rajan.

He said that resignation is the only act that they have in their reservoir when faced with circumstances they cant deal with. So in that sense it should be seen as a statement of protest and given that Dr Patel is an honourable civil servant and a regulator I think we need to understand what prompted this act and I dont think Dr Patel is given to act lightly, said Dr Rajan. He said that the government should take due note of it.

Dr Rajan said that all Indians should be concerned as strength of institutions is important for growth and development. We should go into the details as to why there was impasse, which forced this ultimate decision, he noted.

I think, this is something that all Indians should be concerned about because strength of our institutions is really important for our growth, sustainable growth and equity in the economy, said Dr Rajan.

With regard to powers of the RBI Board, Dr Rajan said there is an extreme change in the nature of the governance of the RBI for the board to become an operational board, that is to make operational decisions.
Mumbai: After making critically acclaimed films like Nil Battey Sannata and Bareilly Ki Barfi, Director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari started her third directorial venture Panga shoot in Bhopal in November. Panga is a story revolving around Kabaddi and also highlights the importance of family values, relationships, and challenging oneself to put their best foot forward.

They have wrapped the first schedule of Panga shoot in Bhopal on December 6th 2018. Now the entire team will be taking a break of one and a half month for giving the actors including Kangana Ranaut and Richa Chadha time to train for the sport.

It was important for us to finish this schedule before we start shooting for the Kabaddi sequences. A month and a half I feel is too short a time to learn a game like Kabaddi, but we are going to give it our all. National level players like Gauri Wadekar, Vishwas More and Tarak Raul will train the actors. Kangana has been training physically, now she will begin full-fledged prep, informed Ashwiny who along with some of her crew members will also undergo training to understand the sport better.

Ashwiny also added, Kangana pushed me to start training again. Ive hired a trainer to go running with in Chembur. The director says that almost everyone has played kabaddi at some point in their life, but its very pivotal to be technically correct. We are showcasing international Kabaddi too and we want to get the moves right and at same time make it look natural on screen, hence the extra effort. We wont be using any doubles, said the director further adding that they would be training for two to three hours depending on everyones schedule for Fox Star Studios film. Its a group sport so the entire team will need to train together. Kangana has played Kabaddi in the past and enjoys it. She is also vocal in her support for the sport, she added.
Mumbai: Actor Sidharth Malhotra stars in the brands unique and disruptive marketing campaign strategy, where a male celebrity is the face of a makeup campaign - for the first time ever. Drawing attention to the cruelty-free philosophy of MyGlamm, Sidharth Malhotra being the sport that he is, said he liked the tongue-in-cheek approach of the #TestedOnSid campaign, which highlights the 'Guilt-free Glamour' aspect of the brand.

This is one of my favourite collaborations over the years! And my love for animals has given me a new job with #MyGlamm 

Testing products on animals is cruel & together we are proud of remaining #CrueltyFree!

Head to @MyGlamm @Flipkart to see the new collection! #TestedOnSid pic.twitter.com/Qxd4vsRglH  Sidharth Malhotra (@SidMalhotra) December 5, 2018

Talking about the same, Sidharth said, "I first thought I had heard wrong when a makeup brand wanted to feature me in their campaign. I mean, its one thing to be a metrosexual man, but makeup? Really? Then I saw the premise, which is #TestedOnSID, and signed up as a willing guinea pig because Id any day sign up for a product that is not tested on animals. I think the colours represent todays young ladies: confident, strong, self-assured, and unafraid to express themselves. I hope their men clear the test with flying colours.

On the work front, Sidharth has started shooting for 'Marjaavan'. The action-romance drama is slated to release on October 2, 2019. The actor will also be seen in 'Jabariya Jodi' opposite Parineeti Chopra.
In Iranian film Tale of the Sea, a character asks another what the date was to which the other one responds, Whats the difference. Bahman Farmanara, the director who also played the lead in the film, says the dialogue there, before censorship, was the date when a young Iranian poet was shot dead during election protests. The latest dialogue he replaced the date with is a satirical statement, too.

Honestly, what difference does it make, asks Farmanara, whose film features in the international competition section of the ongoing 23rd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).

A filmmaker who has always fought with the system and dictatorship back in his country, Farmanara, in Tale of the Sea, acts as a writer who, after witnessing a gruesome murder, suffers an emotional breakdown and gets admitted to a mental asylum. The movie shows the writers depression, hallucinations and deteriorating relation with his wife. The film is a tribute to the lost generation of poets, musicians, artists, writers and filmmakers. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, we are facing an end of cultural renaissance; none of the lost talents have been replaced, he says.

Stills from the movie Tale of the Sea

But Iranian films have a great reputation among international audience. Great movies come out from a nation that faces endless political crises, clampdown on democracy and silencing of voices of protest. Farmanara says that is because there are two types of filmmakers. Directors like Majid Majidi who make films for the government, who belong to the system, and people like me who are not favourites of the government, both before and after the revolution, he says.

Iran is known for its strict rules regarding character portrayals in films, especially of women. One of Faramanas recent films is I Want to Dance, which is about a lonely author who fights writers block and finds happiness in dance, much to the wrath of his family and authorities who think that he is crazy.

Pointing out the irony, he says, The idea is to celebrate happiness, but they dont want you to celebrate and you land in a mental institution. The same goes with portrayal of women. You do not show on screen women without headscarf, couples who touch or hug or kiss. But the Iranian population, which stood at 27 million before the revolution, magically touched 80 million, without people even let to hold hands!

Faramana has always been a revolutionary. His films have been about corrupt regime, intellectual pretentions and restrictions on creativity. He had to pay the price, too  his passport was withdrawn for years and his films were banned. I am not a favourite of the government. Filmmaking had been tough before the revolution and is even tougher after it. My films are statements of sorrow; my job is to criticise and not to please. Like any government, authoritarian system or dictatorship, they too dont like criticisms; it weakens them, he says.

His first film after a 20-year ban was the semi autobiographical Smell of Camphor, Fragrance of Jasmine (2000), in which he filmed his own funeral. And he says, When a filmmaker doesn't make films, that is death. In 2009, Faramana wrote an open letter which read: It is no longer important whether I will ever make another movie. But it is important that I do not dance to the official tune, for it is not honorable of me to do so at the age of 68. I am neither a hero, nor do I want to be one. I also do not know how long my feeble and worn-out body can endure jail, before I sign anything I am dictated to.

At 76, Farmanara still stands with his statement, I dont fear to speak, even if I am alone and unprotected. All that matters is the work you have done. Never ever would I compromise.
Director S.S. Rajamouli was recently the chief guest for the pre-release event of KGF, the Kannada film starring Yash, that is scheduled for a multiple language release soon. Four years ago I was chatting about the Kannada film industry with producer Korrapati Sai garu and casually asked him who was the top actor there. He replied that a new boy called Yash had arrived on the scene and was delivering multiple hits, says Rajamouli.

Upon further asking him about this new actor, Sai said that Yashs father was a bus driver. I felt great to hear that, and today I want to say that the great thing about Yashs father is that he continues to be a bus driver even after his son has became a superstar.

Rajamouli says. I feel that the father is more superstar than his son, says the director. He reveals that when he went to Bengaluru for the discussion of his film, RRR, Yash met him. He showed a few visuals of the KGF and they are amazing. You cant make a pan-Indian film by just putting a lot of money. You have to back it up with the right content and effort. I was blown away after seeing the visuals and called Anil Tandon in Mumbai, requesting him to support the film as much as he can, says Rajamouli.

The director appreciated the Telugu audience. If the film is good, our audience encourages it, whatever language it is in. The film is a period drama with Yash playing the lead, while Neil is the director. The film releases on December 21.
You can be the biggest star of them all but you can still end up on the wrong side of your fans if you cant be compassionate and empathetic. A video of superstar Rajinikanth, wife Latha and friends enjoying a private screening of his new movie, while the familys domestic help stood watching it on her feet, throughout the screening, has left his fans irate.

The stars family had booked Satyam theatre in Chennai to catch the evening show of the film but despite the fact that most of the seats were empty, the young girl was seen watching the movie while standing in the background.

Says a young star of Tamil cinema, She could have sat anywhere in the theatre, a little away from family, if they did not want her near them. To make her stand and watch the film for a couple of hours was cruel. But the fact of the matter also is that domestic help in Tamil Nadu and, probably, in the rest of the country, are treated in this shoddy manner all the time. Employers believe that they have to be shown their place because, if are treated as equals, they will get swollen heads and be disrespectful. In many star homes in Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai, the domestic help is made to sleep on the floor, given food that is different from what the family eats and are treated like slaves. Rajini sir probably doesnt think hes doing anything shocking. If he had asked her to sit with them and enjoy 2.0, she would probably have fainted of shock.

I do not know about the particular case so I wont comment on that. However, It is vital to treat people who belong to a lower class and who are dependent on you for their survival, nicely. Its highly important in a democracy to treat everybody equally. People try to exploit others because they have a class privilege and they think that they can get away with anything because they are able to wield a lot of economic and social power.

 Aparna Rayaprol, Professor, department of Sociology, University of Hyderabad

The picture showing Rajinis domestic help standing as his family enjoys 2.0.

A Mumbai colleague of Rajinikanth admits there is widespread discrimination against the household staff in the film fraternity.

It happens in every section of Indian society. It is the woman of the house who decides the treatment to be meted out to the staff. And often times this is guided by class distinction.

Domestic workers often face abuse and exploitation from their employers especially in India where a feudal attitude towards them prevails. Its wrong to try and explain such abuse in terms of psychiatry and human nature  it isnt human nature but class hierarchy thats in play here.

 Kavita Krishnan, Secretary of the All India Progressive Womens Association

Not just rajini

1. Some time back, the CEO of BookMyBai.com, an online platform where you can post a requirement for domestic workers for various purposes, had put out a blanket ban on providing helpers to all Bollywood celebrities.

According to a blog post on the website, out of the 10,000 homes that BookMyBai has provided its services to, the only cases of harassment or exploitation they have come across are from Bollywood celebrities.

The writer claimed that he provided the platforms service to at least 20 Bollywood stars, and that he wrote the blog to warn similar start-ups.

Narrating one horrific incident, they wrote, The helper was from Bihar and he wanted to go back to Bihar to perform the last rituals. He promised to be back after 15 days since he wanted the money to support his family. The celebrity called us and told us that she wont let the person go till the time we send in a replacement. This was at 5.45 pm on a Saturday evening. Our office is shut on Sundays. We promised to send a replacement on Monday and requested her to release the helper since he has to go for his mothers last ritual. Guess what! She did not. She could not care less (sic).

According to the blog owner, the celebrity in question wanted to hire a house help for Rs 4,000 a month, but finally agreed on Rs 10,000 after a lot of negotiations. This celebrity also made her house help clean the four-BHK six times a day.

2. Congress member Renuka Chowdhury became the subject of netizens wrath after a Twitter user uploaded a photo of her dining while her domestic help was standing. The tweet went viral and was retweeted 1,700 times in a single day after criticism against the former Union Minister of Women and Child Developments insensitive behaviour started pouring in.
Bengaluru: Two days after posting a photo of himself eating beef in Goa, historian and author Ramachandra Guha Sunday deleted the tweet, saying "it was in poor taste".

A known critic of the BJP, Mr Guha said the controversial tweet was aimed at "flaying" the saffron party's "hypocrisy" on beef.

Mr Guha also claimed that he had received threat calls. After Mr Guha spoke to City Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar, Halsuru police deployed security at his house. The police said that Guhas are not in town.

"I do wish, however, to again highlight the absolute hypocrisy of the BJP in the matter of beef," he said, adding that humans must have

Mr Guha also replied to those who mocked him for eating beef despite being a Gandhian. "Putting myself in the centre of the frame was exhibitionist and in poor taste. I could have made the same points in words, as I have done now," he said. Earlier in the day, Mr Guha had tweeted that he and his wife had received phone calls threatening them. "I have received threatening calls from a man calling himself Sanjay from Delhi. His number is +91-98351-38678. He threatened my wife as well as me. This is for the record," he said in his first tweet. Couple of minutes later, he posted another tweet levelling allegations against R.K. Yadav. "This threatening tweet below is from a former official of the Research and Analysis Wing. I would like to place it on record, and will do with every subsequent threat received," Guha said replying to Yadav's post. Yadav had tweeted, "If a Hindu eating beef & publicise it he is stigma on this religion. One Ramchandra Guha is doing so. He is trying to tease whole of Hindus by this das

tardly action of such publicity. Shd be given befitting reply."

Despite repeated attempts, Mr Guha could not be reached for his reaction.

 PTI
AgustaWestland chopper deal 'middleman' Christian Michel was produced before a Special CBI court after the expiry of his five-day CBI remand. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The CBI on Monday said that AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel was not cooperating with the investigation and has been evasive in giving answers.

Michel was produced before a Special CBI court after the expiry of his five-day CBI remand. The investigating agency sought another 9 days remand of Micheal for custodial interrogation from the court. The court however, granted 5-day Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody of Michel.

The CBI told the court, We need to confront him with LR (letters rogatory) that have been received from five countries.

Michel withdrew his earlier bail plea and filed fresh detailed bail application.

Meanwhile, the CBI agreed to give British High Commission access to Michel. We have already been approached by British counselors. We have allowed their plea of keeping their own counsel, the CBI said.

On CBI application for seeking specimen of handwriting and signature, the Special CBI Court asked Michel's counsel to file a reply and said it will hear the application on Tuesday.
Noting that there has long been a legacy of corporate debt associated with bad infrastructure projects in India, Obstfeld said it has been very concentrated in banking system. (Photo: File)

New Delhi/Washington: India's growth has been "very solid" over the past four years, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld on Sunday said, praising the fundamental economic reforms like the GST and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code carried out by the government.

Maurice Obstfeld, 66, -- who is set to retire this month-end -- will be succeeded by Gita Gopinath, the second Indian to be appointed to the position. Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had served as Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund.

"India under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has carried out some really fundamental reforms. These include the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code...A lot of what they have done on financial inclusion has been really important," Obstfeld told a group of journalists here.

Summing up his impression of India's economy in the last four-and-a-half years of the Modi government, the top IMF economist said the country's "growth performance has been very solid".

"I mean, not so much in the third quarter of this year, but generally it has been quite solid," he said.

"There are important vulnerabilities, so it is important for the reform momentum to be maintained even as an election comes up and for the path of fiscal adjustment to be maintained," Obstfeld added.

He said one risk that has become much more evident in the last few years has been non-bank finance, usually called shadow banking.

"There is a big challenge of stricter, oversight," the economist said.

Noting that there has long been a legacy of corporate debt associated with bad infrastructure projects in India, Obstfeld said it has been very concentrated in banking system.

"But as the government is trying to better oversee the banking system, these loans have migrated to shadow banking and that is an area where more needs to be done to contain financial pressures, which we are beginning to see in India," he said.

However, with an upcoming election in the country, there is a reluctance to do anything that would slow the economy, Obstfeld said, observing, "But the lesson of experiences is that financial vulnerabilities can go south very quickly".

Maurice Obstfeld, who has served in the post of Chief Economist for more than three years, will return to the Department of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley.
In 2016, India had pulled out of the 19th SAARC summit that was to be held in Islamabad after the deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri. (Representational Image)

New Delhi/Islamabad: An official of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan staged a walkout of a SAARC meeting over the presence of a minister from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at the event, according to source here.

Diplomat Shubham Singh, left the meeting to register India's protest over the presence of PoK minister Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed at the SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry meeting on the SAARC Charter Day in Islamabad on Sunday.

India considers Kashmir as its integral part and does not recognise any minister for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In 2016, India had pulled out of the 19th SAARC summit that was to be held in Islamabad after the deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri.

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to attend. No SAARC meeting has happened ever since.

India called off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September after the brutal killing of policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and the release of a postage stamp by Pakistan that glorified Kashmiri militant commander Burhan Wani.
'The Modi government has destroyed various institutions of the country. But the biggest casualty is the Union Cabinet,' the former Union minister alleged. (Photo: File)

Kolkata: Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of destroying various institutions in the country, including the Union Cabinet.

Speaking at a talk show, 'Idea of Bengal', organised by the ruling Trinamool Congress, Sinha accused the prime minister of trying to "undermine" the Rajya Sabha during the passage of key bills. At the event, he also said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had all the traits to become a good Prime Minister.

"The Modi government has destroyed various institutions of the country. But the biggest casualty is the Union Cabinet," the former Union minister alleged.

"I am saying this because several important decisions are being taken without informing the Cabinet, be it the Rafale jet deal or demonetisation," added Sinha, who held the finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Parliament was the "second casualty" as the Modi government has "tried to undermine" the Rajya Sabha, during the passage of several important bills, Sinha said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not enjoy majority in the Upper House of Parliament.

Calling demonetisation a "disaster", Sinha said the government was trying to "dress up" the figures of economic growth to hide the "failures" of its economic policies.

"First they changed the methods by which GDP is calculated. Next when it came out that the UPA government performed better that the present regime, they withdrew the data from the website. Then the government fudged figures to put up a healthy picture of the economy," he said.

The Modi government has a "habit" of blaming the previous governments for all the wrong things that had "either happened or are happening" in the country, he added.

"In 2014, the government had given specific figures of the amount of NPAs, now again in 2018 they have come up with a new figure of NPAs till 2014. The idea is to put all the blame on the previous regimes," he said further.

Sinha stressed that West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee had "all traits" to make a good prime minister.

He said he hoped that West Bengal and TMC would play a major role in defeating PM Modi in the 2019 general elections.
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be going to New Delhi on Monday to take part in a meeting of non-BJP parties, which is seen as a precursor to stitching a grand alliance at the national level against the ruling party.

Monday's meeting comes a day before the results in the five states will be announced. It is being viewed as a high stakes battle fought by the BJP and the Congress in the Hindi heartland. Tuesday's results will also indicate whether the efforts of Mr Naidu to stitch together an anti-BJP front along with the Congress, with which it is in alliance for the elections in Telangana, are likely to be successful.

The fly in the ointment could be Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had objected to the Congress being part of the non-BJP alliance. Bahujan Samajwadi Party chief Mayawati is also opposed to the Congress.

Mr Naidu may host a breakfast meeting with the representatives of non-BJP political parties on Tues-day. The Chief Ministers of at least seven states and leaders of 10 national and regional parties will attend the meeting on Monday. This gives a push to our party chief's efforts to stitch a grand alliance at the national level against the BJP, said a senior TD leader.

Originally the meeting was to be held on Nov.22, got postponed due to polls.
'We are not inclined to interfere (with the decision of the Governor),' a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul said. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL challenging the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly by Governor Satya Pal Malik.

"We are not inclined to interfere (with the decision of the Governor)," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul said.

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by BJP leader Gagan Bhagat, who was an MLA before the Assembly was dissolved. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which was in suspended animation, was abruptly dissolved by the governor on November 21, hours after the People's Democratic Party (PDP) staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress.

This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference, which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti wrote to governor that her party, which has 29 MLAs, was backed by the National Conference and the Congress with 15 and 12 legislators, respectively.

The dissolution was announced by Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan. The six-month tenure of governor's rule ends on December 18. This will be followed by president's rule.

The state assembly's tenure was till October 2020. Governor's rule was clamped in the state on June 19 for a six-month period following the collapse of the Mehbooba Mufti-headed PDP-BJP coalition government after the saffron party withdrew support. The state assembly was kept in suspended animation so political parties could explore the possibility of forming a new government.
The meeting has been called by Chandrababu Naidu, who has taken a task of bringing the opposition parties under a single umbrella to take on BJP in 2019. (Photo: PTI | File)

New Delhi: A day before the assembly election results are declared, the opposition is holding a meeting to discuss a grand alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The meeting has been called by Chandrababu Naidu, who has taken a task of bringing the opposition parties under a single umbrella to take on BJP in 2019.

According to the source, Mayawati who has a large following among the Scheduled Castes in Uttar Pradesh is likely to give the meeting a miss. However, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has agreed to attend the meet.

It is not known yet whether all regional leaders are on board with the idea of a common front with the Congress in it.

Naidu has already met a string of opposition leaders including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Mayawati, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal over the last few weeks.
RLSP president Upendra Kushwaha said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to meet the expectations of the people of Bihar. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) president Upendra Kushwaha on Monday resigned from the Union council of ministers.

Kushwaha's resignation as Minister of State for Human Resource Development comes a day ahead of Parliaments Winter Session.

Earlier on Monday, the RLSP chief had said that he would not attend the meeting of ruling BJP and its allies in Delhi.

I have left NDA, other options are open, Kushwaha told the media after sending his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kushwahas resignation letter was sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he was quitting the BJP-led NDA alliance.

In his resignation letter to the PM, Kushwaha said: I stand dejected, betrayed by your leadership.

Unfortunate that government's priority is not to work for poor but to fix political opponents, the letter mentioned.

Addressing a press conference where Kushwaha announced that he has quit the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he said, I had a bitter experience. I had attempted to put forth my words strongly while in NDA so that the people of Bihar get justice. But even after all these efforts, BJP stood with Bihar Chief Minister. Nitish ji has done injustice to people on all fronts.

Kushwaha said that PM Modi failed to meet the expectations of the people of Bihar. Narendra Modi ji couldn't meet expectations of the people of Bihar. Nothing was done for special status. Bihar is still where it was earlier. Education and health system is non-existent, the RSLP chief said.

Further lambasting at the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, Kushwaha said: The state government has failed. Nitish ji's agenda is to destroy me and my party. This was started by BJP. In Bihar election, seats of all allies were increased. But injustice was done to RLSP.

"After observing everything I feel, I shouldn't have stayed in the cabinet even for a minute to implement RSS agenda. So I tendered my resignation as the Union Minister and I have also decided that Rashtriya Lok Samta Party will no longer be a part of NDA," Kushwaha added.

The RLSP chief is likely to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi later on Monday.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav welcomed Kushwaha's resignation.

Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav said Kushwaha has taken the right decision which is in favour of democracy and now he should decide his future course of action to remove the BJP from power.

The RLSP chief has been targeting the BJP and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, a key ally of the ruling party, for weeks.

He has been upset with the BJP after it asserted that the RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, even as it went out of way to accommodate Nitish Kumar by agreeing that the saffron party and the JD(U) would fight equal number of seats.

Bihar sends 40 MPs to Lok Sabha.
Venugopal said from the very beginning, there has been conflict a between Parliament and the executive on one hand, and judiciary on the other, and it was not proper for the court to believe that unless they interfere, the country is doomed. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Attorney General K K Venugopal on Saturday expressed concern over the Supreme Court relying on the concept of constitutional morality after it gave a 4:1 verdict in the Sabarimala case and said it might be used now for the purpose of testing laws.

On September 28, a five-judge Constitution bench, headed by the then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, in a 4:1 verdict, had paved the way for entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple in Kerala, saying the ban amounted to gender discrimination.

While speaking at the Second J Dadachanji memorial debate, Venugopal hailed as "enlightened" the dissenting judgment given by top court judge Justice Indu Malhotra in the Sabarimala case.

"I am saying all this because of a fear that this new concept of constitutional morality may now be used for the purpose of testing laws," he said.

"In the Sabarimala case, the dissenting judge, Justice Indu Malhotra, relied upon constitutional morality and said that constitutional morality will require that every single individual would have the right to his own faith and nobody can interfere with it, the courts cannot interfere with what is the matter of faith," Venugopal said.

Referring to the majority judgement by four judges in the Sabarimala case, he said they had elaborately stressed on constitutional morality and said that constitutional morality was "equality and equality before the law means you cannot discriminate against a class of women".

"If a bench of the Supreme Court speak in two different voices, one says permit and other says no, then this is dangerous," he said, adding, that "no one knows where this fight will go and therefore, I am hoping that constitutional morality will die".

Venugopal said from the very beginning, there has been conflict a between Parliament and the executive on one hand, and judiciary on the other, and it was not proper for the court to believe that unless they interfere, the country is doomed.

"The Supreme Court has not been given the powers of legislation. If the Supreme Court tries to assert legislative powers, it would not be supremacy of the constitution, but supremacy of the Supreme Court of India which is wholly impermissible," said Venugopal.

He also referred to Article 142 of the Constitution, which deals with enforcement of decrees and orders of the top court.
According to reports, some private schools were also shut down due to the spread of swine flu in the region. (Representational photo)

Vijayawada: In a strange incident, local people have started socially boycotting any village which has reported the outbreak of swine flu, fearing that the disease would spread to other villages.

For some time now, villagers have been biased towards Chinthakolla, a hamlet of Mandapaka Village in Kodur Mandala of Krishna District and have banned them from all daily activities, including restraining those villagers from using public transport like autorikshaws or buses, due to the fear of swine flu.

The surrounding villagers are avoiding talking to villagers from Chinthakolla. The milk sellers are also not entering the village. According to reports, some private schools were also shut down due to the spread of swine flu in the region. Other villagers believe that the infectious disease could spread if students from the affected village attended school.

Meanwhile, health officials announced that no cases of fever had been registered in the village after proper health check-ups were conducted in Chithakolla village. They also assured that there was no need to worry. A person named Pere Nancharaia died due to swine flu on December 5. Due to the incident, the other villagers thought that the flu may spread across the village and started avoiding them. Later, some schools announced holidays one after another in the mandal headquarters.

In some villages, they announced through a public address system to keep a distance from the Chinthakolla villagers and stopped them from entering eateries also.

Speaking to this newspaper, the District Medical and Health Officer, Dr N Sastry stated that there was no swine flu case or fever case registered from Chintakolla or nearby villages. Dr Sastry further said that they had sufficient Tamiflu tablets and were organising a mega medical camp and supplying Homeopathy pills for the prevention of swine flu. He informed that they were creating awareness among the surrounding villagers.

Speaking to DC, District Collector B Lakshmikantham said, Villagers boycotting the people of that village is a rumour. He said that about 35 district level officers were in the Chinthakolla hamlet to sort out all the issues and he also said that the person who died had low swine flu and had died due to a cardiac arrest.
Asaduddin Owaisi has previously organised public meetings in support of TRS in the run-up to the December 7 Assembly elections. (Photo: File)

Hyderabad: AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said the TRS will form the next government in Telangana on its own strength and his party will stand by it and its chief K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).

After a three-hour long meeting with Rao a day ahead of counting of votes polled in the December 7 Assembly elections, he discounted a scenario where his party would back out if BJP goes with TRS and said KCR was also confident of victory.

"On behalf of my party I met caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. I am pretty sure and confident and KCR 'saab' is (also) confident...that people of Telangana would once again bless KCR to the Chief Minister's post and he will form a new government based on his own strength", he told reporters in Hyderabad.

Asked if MIM would back out if BJP goes with TRS, Owaisi said "such a scenario would not be there. BJP had five seats (in the dissolved assembly), it will decrease...you see tomorrow by noon".

His remarks came in the backdrop of BJP hinting that the option of extending support to the TRS in case it falls short of numbers was not closed.

Earlier in the day, replying to a question on options before the BJP in case of a hung assembly, party national spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao told PTI that BJP certainly wanted a stable government.

"...in case of a hung assembly we will see who seeks our support, our support will certainly be not available for the Congress or the MIM," Rao, whose party had contested the polls alone, said.

Owaisi, who rode a motorbike to the "Pragati Bhavan", the camp office-cum-residence of the Chief Minister, said the TRS, which contested the polls on its own, would win a "large number" of seats.

"Tomorrow when the results will be declared K Chandrasekhar Rao will again become Telangana Chief Minister and there is no doubt in this regard and he will form the government without the support of anyone. MIM party stands by KCR and he would not require the support of our party," the Hyderabad MP said.

MIM was standing with KCR not only for a prosperous Telangana but also for nation building, he said adding his party had said before the elections itself that KCR will again become Telangana's CM. "The people of Telangana are with him".

On whether MIM would join the government, Owaisi said "We do not have any desire to be part of the government...we are "fakirs" and we have been working for the people. Our intention is peace should continue to prevail in Telangana and Telangana should progress more."

AIMIM which had won seven assembly seats in the 2014 polls contested eight seats in the current elections and supported the TRS.

Owaisi had also canvassed and organised public meetings in support of TRS in the run-up to the elections.
In a big boost to Indias nuclear energy programme the Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) - 1 of the Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) on Monday morning broke the world record by achieving 941 days of continuous operation, said the Department of Atomic Energy(DAE).

Bengaluru: In a big boost to Indias nuclear energy programme the Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) - 1 of the Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) on Monday morning broke the world record by achieving 941 days of continuous operation, said the Department of Atomic Energy(DAE).

The Kaiga Unit 1 has been operating uninterrupted since May 13, 2016. KAPS is an indigenously built nuclear power plant situated in the coastal district of Karwar in North Karnataka. KGS -1 had earlier created a world record in October this year for working non stop for 894 days among Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR).

At 0920 hours on December 10, 2018, Unit-1 of KGS achieved a world record feat in continuous operation of nuclear power reactors by clocking 941 days of non-stop run establishing India as the frontrunner in continuous operation among all types of nuclear power reactors. In the course of the record breaking run, Unit-1 of KGS plant operated with a capacity factor of 99.4%, the DAE stated.

KGS has four units producing 880 megawatt electricity. The first and second reactors started commercial operation in 2000 followed by the third and fourth reactors in 2007 and 2011. All the units of KGS are operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), which works under the the DAE.

India has 22 nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 6780 mw. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the Minister in-charge of Atomic Energy, has given its approval for construction of 10 units each of 700 MW of PHWR in fleet mode.

There are 21 reactors under different stage of construction, which includes four units at Kudankulam with Russian collaboration and one fast breeder reactor augmenting the total installed capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. The Union Cabinet has accorded in-principle approval for collaboration with international partners towards constructing more nuclear power plants to increase its share of clean energy.
Hyderabad: Only hours before the counting of votes begins in the Telangana Assembly elections, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has alleged that the Congress has started to lure TRS candidates to its side. TRS leaders have alleged that Congress MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, who crossed over to the Congress from the TRS, is calling up TRS candidates and requesting them support the Congress.

Mr Konda Reddy has accepted that he made the calls but said there was no talk of supporting the Congress. He showed his mobile WhatsApp call logs to the media which showed he had received a call back from a TRS candidate.

Both TRS and Congress leaders have exposed their private chat and call logs.

After caretaker minister K.T. Rama Rao and former MP Lagadapati Rajagopal released their alleged private conversations, on the issue of the survey reports last week, this is the second incident in these elections where the leaders have not hesitated to show their private chats or call logs to the public in order to blame each other.

Addressing media persons at Telangana Bhavan, caretaker minister C. Laxma Reddy said, The Congress is following corrupt methods to win the elections against the TRS. The leaders of the Congress are trying to lure our candidates. As part of this, Congress leaders have called our Nagarkurnool candidate Marri Janardhan Reddy and requested him to support them in forming the government.

Mr Reddy revealed that Mr Vishweshwar Reddy had called him requesting his support in forming the Congress government in the state. He has also shown the WhatsApp conversation and the call log.

Mr Janardhan Reddy said, Chevella MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy has called me and requested me to join Congress. I replied saying that Im in KCRs (caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao) army, which is going to win 80 to 90 seats. I also told him that this is not the correct way to do politics. The Congress is doing all this on the direction of Mr Chandrababu Naidu. But, they should remember that no leader in the TRS will join Congress.
Cochin Smart Mission Ltd CEO A.P.M. Muhammad Haneesh, Mayor Soumini Jain, German Ambassador to India Dr Martin Ney and additional chief secretary (local self-government) T.K. Jose at the inauguration of Smart City Innovation Lab in Kochi on Monday. (ARUN CHANDRABOSE)

Kochi: Germany will provide technical support for conceptualising and implementing projects in five sectors under Smart City Mission. Fraunhofer IAO, an autonomous agency under the German federal government, has signed an agreement with Cochin Smart Mission Limited for supporting them.

During a function held here on Monday, German Ambassador to India Dr Martin Ney launched the Smart City Innovation Lab, the intellectual platform for technology sharing. Fraunhofer Institute has been providing technical, financial and social support to smart cities across the globe through project details preparation and studies.

In India, the institute is already supporting Coimbatore, another smart city, in preparing project proposals and funding. The German institute will prepare project reports in five sectors - housing, environmental conservation, energy efficiency, disaster management and electric mobility.

The Fraunhofer Institute has a panel of more than 100 experts from various countries who will prepare financially viable, climate-friendly project proposals. The German institute will use Indian agencies including academic institutions for data collection to prepare project proposals. The institute will also facilitate funding from German agencies and MNCs, said A.P.M. Mohammed Haneesh, CEO of Cochin Smart Mission Limited.

With this, Smart City programmes in Kochi will get world-class technological support.

Since funding for Smart City programmes will end by 2020 March-end, the projects have to be taken up on a fast track. The German institute will prepare project details by March 2019, and the works will begin by January end and February, he said.

Meanwhile, tenders have already been invited for projects worth `650 to `700 crore under Smart City Mission.

Addressing the function, Dr Ney said that Germany would maintain and increase partnership with Kochi, which he called as tomorrows city. He expressed satisfaction over the progress of Water Metro, for which German funding agency KfW is giving financial assistance.

Damian Wagner, senior project manager, Smart Cities, Fraunhofer IAO, T.K. Jose, additional chief secretary, local self-government department, K.V. Thomas MP and mayor Soumini Jain were also present.

Water Metro first boat by December 2019

The first boat service of the much- awaited Water Metro will be launched by December 2019, said Mr A.P.M. Muhammad Haneesh, managing director, Kochi Metro Rail Limited.

The battery-driven boats will be operated in the most innovative and environment- friendly method available.

The German funding agency, KfW, is providing Rs 582 crore as soft loan for the project, which is the biggest- ever foreign funding for a scheme in Kerala.

German ambassador to India Dr. Martin Ney expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Water Metro. Tenders for the construction of boat terminals will be awarded on December 23 and that for procurement of boats in January 2019," said Mr. Haneesh.

The tendering process for floating jetties is on and land acquisition is fast progressing. We are focussing on the development of roads leading to the jetties. At present, most of the roads adjacent to the boat jetties are small and in dilapidated condition. We are planning to promote the livelihood of inhabitants of the islands by helping them set up kiosks, or shops, he said.

There will be two types of boats, one with a 50-seat capacity and another with a 100-seat capacity. There will be 78 boats operating in 15 different routes covering 76 km.

Four companies, Cochin Shipyard, L&T, UAE-based Grand Weld and Netherlands-based Damen, have been shortlisted for boat construction. The tenders will be awarded within two months, he added.
Just like the exit polls, punters too have given equal weightage to both Congress and BJP in Madhya Pradesh where BJPs Shivraj Singh Chauhan is eyeing a straight fourth term.

Mumbai: The satta bazaar on Monday was accepting bets on the chances of an early election if the BJP lost in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, according to a news website.

A day before the results are announced, the bets placed on BJP victory in the Hindi heartland too have changed drastically. The market was offering Rs 1.35 for the BJP winning 45 seats in Chhattisgarh which has gone up to Rs 2.80. For 50 seats, the bet has gone up to Rs 6.50 against the earlier Rs 2.50.

The rates for the Congress have improved; Rs 4.50 to romp home with 50 seats. The fate of 1,079 contestants, including Chief Minister Raman Singh, his 11 ministers and state presidents of the BJP and the Congress will be decided on Tuesday.

Just like the exit polls, punters too have given equal weightage to both Congress and BJP in Madhya Pradesh where BJPs Shivraj Singh Chauhan is eyeing a straight fourth term.

While earlier the punters believed that no party would win more than 120 seats, the number has come down to 110. The punters are offering Rs 2 for the BJP and Rs 1.75 for the Congress.

On Monday, the bookies again revised the maximum number of seats to be won by any party. Accordingly, Rs 1 was offered for the Congress winning 110 and Rs 1.15 for the BJP.

In Rajasthan, punters believe BJP will only 60 seats and hence the bet has been changed to Rs 2. Rs 1 is being offered for Congress winning 115 seats while Rs 1.80 is being offered for BJP winning 65 seats.

Voting for 199 (out of 200) assembly seats in the state took place on December 7.
The officials said that sanction has been received for installing close circuit television surveillance cameras in the region to spot the movement of any animal.

KOZHIKODE: Panic gripped Peruvannamuzhi dam and its nearby areas in Kozhikode district after a tiger was reportedly sighted neat the rehabilitation colony. Pet dogs had gone missing in the area in the past three week, said the local people.

The forest department officials are patrolling in the area and are planning to set up a trap. The officials said that sanction has been received for installing close circuit television surveillance cameras in the region to spot the movement of any animal.

They also said that the department has deployed a team of forest officials in the area to monitor the movement of the tiger and a cage will also be set up to trap the tiger, in case one is roaming around the region.

The local people here said that, parents are scared to send their children school and hence all those who used to walk to their respective schools had started taking the resort of school vans and auto rickshaws.

In addition to this people going for daily wage works have also stopped doing various jobs in fear of the attack of the elusive tiger.
The commission asked all returning officers to pick up one VVPAT in a lottery system in each constituency and count the voters in the VVPAT box. Those votes will be compared with the votes of the related EVM.

Khammam: To allay fears of some political parties, the Election Commission will count the votes in a VVPAT machine in each Assembly constituency on Tuesday. The counting will be done after completion of the votes that were polled through EVMs.

The commission asked all returning officers to pick up one VVPAT in a lottery system in each constituency and count the voters in the VVPAT box. Those votes will be compared with the votes of the related EVM.

If there is any discrepancy between the VVPAT and EVM count, the VVPAT numbers will be taken for counting. The election result will be declared only after the process completed.

The results will be declared one hour later as compared to the previous elections. The representatives of the political parties should endorse the result of every round of counting. The result will be declared only after that.
Hyderabad: In just a few hours it will be known which party is going to rule Telangana state for the next five years. The counting of votes will start at 8 am on Tuesday. There are in all 119 Assembly constituencies. An early indication of the results will emerge by 11 am.

There was a massive turnout in rural areas and both the TRS and the Congress are claiming that this is in their favour. The TRS says its several welfare schemes will win it the rural vote. The Congress claims the high voter turnout indicates that people are against the TRS government and have voted in favour of their coalition.

Poll experts said that polling will naturally be high when there is a close fight between two contenders.

According reports from the districts, the Muslim minority has not voted for any one particular political party. Where BJP candidates are strong, they have chosen to vote for whoever has a wining chance against the BJP.

Whichever party wins, the new government is most likely to be formed on Wednesday, December 12. According to astrologers, Wednesday is panchami tithi, which is an auspicious day. Since there are apparently no other auspicious days in the near future, TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has repeatedly said that if the Peoples Front is voted to power the new government must be formed on December 12. Since TRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao is equally a believer in astral signs, he too has said the new government must be formed on December 12.
Bengaluru: In an effort to play down the absence of Congress Legislature Party(CLP) leader Siddaramaiah for a week from the winter session in Belagavi, KPCC president, Dinesh Gundurao on Sunday asserted that Mr Siddaramaiah's programme was decided earlier and had nothing to do with the political scenario in the state.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr Rao said, "We (Congress) are well equipped to handle the opposition party (BJP) on the floor of both Houses. We have enough leaders to handle them. Mr Siddaramaiah is back in India on December 17 and he will be attending the Legislature Session from December 18 onwards. Seemingly irked over persistent questions on political instability, Mr Rao shot back, People have given a mandate to both coalition partners for a full five years. Both parties have chalked out their floor strategies adequately. What is there to fear?

He reiterated that the much awaited cabinet expansion will take place on December 22 and hoped that party legislators would understand this. I do not know if anyone is skipping the Session for this reason, he said.
Hyderabad: In response to a challenge by caretaker minister K.T. Rama Rao, TPCC working president A. Revanth Reddy said he would quit politics if he lost in his Kodangal Assembly constituency.

I will quit politics if I lose in Kodangal as stated by Rama Rao. He should also stick to his word and quit politics after my win is declared, the Congress leader said.

The cash-for-vote scam, Mr Revanth Reddys high decibel entry into the Congress and attacks on the TRS leadership have pushed him and the constituency into the limelight. The tax raids and his midnight arrest ahead of the polls, which attracted national attention, focused much attention on him, so much so that Kodangal was one of the constituencies where the outcome is the subject of much betting. The TRS has worked hard to defeat the Congress leader.

Speaking to mediapersons on Sunday, Mr Revanth Reddy said the Peoples Front would win the elections. The victory of the Peoples Front will be presented to Sonia Gandhi as her birthday gift, he said.

Mr Revanth Reddy also attacked the Election Commission, asking how was caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raos name listed in two polling stations. He said, The name of the Chief Minister was mentioned in the voters list at Chintamadaka in Siddipet constituency, where he voted, and at Yerrapally in Gajwel constituency. How can the Chief Minister register his vote in two places?

He will be jailed for a year for this. We are demanding action against Mr Chandrasekhar Rao. Many votes in the state were missed. The voters were removed suspecting that they would vote against the TRS. Though the Congress alerted the EC, it did not take any action, he added.
Hyderabad: Prajakutami leaders met Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan on Monday and submitted a representation officially stating that their pre-poll alliance should be considered as a single block.

This was to preclude the Governor from inviting the TRS and creating a Goa-like situation where the single largest party was not invited to form the government.

TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said when there is hung Assembly, the single largest party should be called to form government. Many judgements of the Supreme Court also say the same thing. According to this, the pre-poll alliance of the Congress, TD, TJS and CPI should be considered as a single entity and the Governor should invite us if the Praja-kutami emerges as the single largest.

He said the Prajaku-tami leaders had submitted to the Governor, copies of the documents that were given to the Election Commission and the Common Minimum Programme released by the alliance before the polls.

This is just a precautionary measure in case of a hung scenario. We are confident of winning the election. But, if this situation arises tomorrow (Tuesday), it will be late to meet the Governor. So, we have decided to meet him today (Monday), Mr Reddy said.

TJS president Prof. M. Kodandaram said, If the Prajakutami parties together get a majority, the Governor should know that all the parties are in alliance. So we made a representation to the Governor.
Hyderabad: Ahead of counting of votes in Telangana Assembly elections, TPCC president and possible Chief Minister candidate of the People's Front N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi and returned to Hyderabad.

The high command has directed the TPCC to hold Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting at 5 pm on Tuesday to elect its new leader. For this, the high command is sending AICC observers. AICC general secretary and Telangana Congress affairs in-charge R.C. Khuntia reached Hyderabad on Monday evening.

Former Union ministers and AICC leaders Gulam Nabi Azad and Jai Ram Ramesh and Karnataka minister and trouble shooter in the Congress party Mr D.L. Sivakumar are expected to arrive in Hyderabad on Tuesday morning.

The TPCC has directed all new MLAs of the party and its Peoples Fron allies to rush to Hyderabad immediately after the results are declared. The TPCC has made arrangements for their stay at a star hotel in Hyderabad.

If the People's Front comes to power, Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy is likely to be the Chief Minister. Congress president Rahul Gandhi is also of the same opinion, said a senior Congress leader.

In the event of a hung Assembly, the party high command has directed the TPCC to keep all new MLAs of the Front together in Hyderabad to prevent the TRS from indulging in horse-trading.

Telangana Congress leaders are also in touch with the independent candidates who have winning prospects. Sources said some of the Congress rebels have also promised support the party in the People's Front wins.
Haley will step down as the UN envoy at the end of this year. (Photo: File)

New York: Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill American soldiers, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, asserting that Washington should not give Islamabad even a dollar until it addresses the issue.

Haley, the first Indian-American ever appointed to a Cabinet position in any US presidential administration, said the US did not need to give money to countries that wish harm to America, go behind its back and try and "stop us from doing things".

"...I think there should be a strategic view on which countries we partner with, which ones we count on to work with us on certain things, and move forward accordingly. I think we just blindly allow money to keep going without thinking that this is real leverage. We have to use it," Haley told US magazine 'The Atlantic'.

"The one example I'll give you is, look at Pakistan. Giving them over a billion dollars, and they continue to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill our soldiers that's never okay. We shouldn't even give them a dollar until they correct it. Use the billion dollars. That's not a small amount of change," she said. Haley will step down as the UN envoy at the end of this year. US President Donald Trump last week nominated chief State Department spokeswoman and a former Fox News journalist Heather Nauert as Haley's successor.

In October, Haley announced that she was leaving the post by the end of the year. The 46-year-old former South Carolina governor has served nearly two years in the post. She said Pakistan should be told "you have to do these things before we will even start to help you with your military or start to help you on counterterrorism".

Asked if she does not agree that foreign aid can turn an adversary into an ally, or can make a country more favourable than it would be otherwise, Haley said, "no, I think it absolutely can. I think that you do have to use it as leverage".

"I don't think you should blindly give it and then expect goodwill. You have to ask for goodwill and then give it when you see good things happen," she said.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled USD 300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.

Last month, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying Islamabad does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government helped late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Rawalpindi.

Referring to Laden and his former compound in Abbottabad in Pakistan, Trump told Fox News, "you know, living  think of this  living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer". "But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," Trump said.

The US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed Laden in 2011 and demolished the compound.

"We give Pakistan USD 1.3 billion a year... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them USD 1.3 billion a year - which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

Trump began the new year by launching an attack on Islamabad in his first tweet of 2018, accusing it of "lies and deceit".

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools," he wrote. "They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump added.
Top Opposition leaders will hold a meeting in New Delhi on Monday.

This comes a day before Parliament convenes for the Winter Session and counting of votes for Assembly elections to five states, to discuss future strategy to counter the Narendra Modi-led BJP.

Though it is not clear whether BSP chief Mayawati or her representative would attend, the meeting assumes significance as for the first time DMK chief M K Stalin, AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will be attending a joint Opposition meeting.

Chandrababu had planned to hold a meeting of Opposition parties on November 22 but it was postponed as several parties were not comfortable with a meeting in the midst of election campaigning for five states.

Sources said that both the Congress and Chandrababu have invited parties for the meeting.

Stalin, whose DMK was represented in earlier meetings by senior MP Kanimozhi, will be participating in such a meeting for the first time.

On Sunday, Stalin, Kanimozhi and other senior leaders visited UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to wish her on her birthday and invite her to the unveiling of M Karunanidhis statue in Chennai on December 16.

Opposition leaders who wished her include West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bihar Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav.

After Chandrababu invited him, Kejriwal also expressed his readiness to attend the meeting.

Otherwise, Kejriwal and AAP were keeping away from joint Opposition meetings as the Congress had reservations about AAPs presence owing to its political rivalry in the national capital.

Mamata will also be attending the meeting.

Sources said there is no specific agenda for the meeting though it is likely to discuss the current political situation in the country and initiate talking points about an electoral strategy.

They will also discuss a Parliament strategy. The Opposition is likely to corner the Modi government over a various of issues, including the dissolution of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, agrarian distress, price rise and unemployment among others.

On Monday, the government has also called the customary all-party meeting ahead of the Parliament Session.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu have also called meetings of party leaders.
SPRINGFIELD  The school boards reorganization meeting resulted in President Jennifer Lofland and Vice President Bruce Lord switching posts. Unanimous votes were cast for Lord to take the helm for 2019.

Although in past years one board member would move into the vice presidents post, Lofland remained in a leadership role. She and Lord have a solid working relationship and bring a variety of skills to the table.

Ive been on the board for five years and seen many changes. I want to thank Jen for her leadership and know how much effort goes into the work, Lord said. I appreciate the opportunity, and feel really fortunate with this board. Im excited about the coming year.

Lofland thanked the board for her nomination, and recognized Superintendent Tony Barber and Executive Don Mooney for their patience in working on issues. Its a lot of hard work and a lot of fun.

The next two years are unquestionably critical as the board and administration move forward with construction of the new high school. While committee assignments will not be announced until January, it is expected Kevin Keenan will remain head of the facilities committee and Frank Agovino will chair the finance committee. Both are equally essential to the master plan process.

Mark Sereni continues his long service as board solicitor, saying he and his colleagues appreciate confidence the district has shown in his professional position.

Mooney provided updates on the Turkey Fund, now in its fourth decade. The district is poised to distribute 110 food boxes to community members with the organized chaos of packing day planned for Dec. 20.

Throughout the year, the Turkey Fund also assists families with gift cards and financial resources for essentials such as utility bills.

This year we have a new cancer relief initiative and are helping nine families with various needs, said Mooney.

In regular business, the board approved $1.5 million in contracts for summer work which will replace classroom heating systems at Scenic Hills Elementary School.

The board also officially thanked those involved with a successful launch this fall of the Gold Pass Academy, a new program for district senior citizens. Teacher/Administrator on Assignment Lori Schmidt, was the director for this initiative which had 85 participants after interest from more than 100 Springfield and Morton residents. The district is already planning spring sessions and will be posting information on courses and registration as early as January.
By Juliet Eilperin

16 January 2018

(The Washington Post)  Three-quarters of the members of a federally chartered board advising the National Park Service abruptly quit Monday night out of frustration that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke had refused to meet with them or convene a single meeting last year.The resignation of nine out of 12 National Park System Advisory Board members leaves the federal government without a functioning body to designate national historic or natural landmarks. It also underscores the extent to which federal advisory bodies have become marginalized under the Trump administration. In May 2017, Zinke suspended all outside committees while his staff reviewed their composition and work.In a letter to the secretary, departing board chairman Tony Knowles, a former Alaska governor, wrote that he and eight other members have stood by waiting for the chance to meet and continue the partnership  as prescribed by law. All of the signatories had terms set to expire in May.We understand the complexity of transition but our requests to engage have been ignored and the matters on which we wanted to brief the new Department team are clearly not part of its agenda, Knowles wrote. I wish the National Park System and Service well and will always be dedicated to their success.In an email earlier this month inquiring about the status of the more than 200 boards that had come under review, Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift said, Boards have restarted. She did not provide any further details and did not respond to an inquiry Tuesday. []Its concerning that our advisory council has been unable to meet for over a year, said Scott Braden, a member of the Rocky Mountain RAC who is a wilderness and public lands advocate at Conservation Colorado. Secretary Zinke has said that local input is important for BLM to consider, and yet these councils, which provide just such input, have been sidelined. []The National Park System Advisory Board, which was established in 1935, has typically included social and natural science academics as well as former elected officials from both parties. In recent years, it has advised Interior on how to address climate change, among other issues, and how to encourage younger visitors to frequent the parks. [more]
SALT LAKE CITY  A Utah man who once was persuaded by federal agents to undergo fake torture  and even his own fake death  is finally telling his amazing story.

It's a made-for-the-movies drama of how he became entangled with a notorious website called Silk Road run by a mysterious figure who called himself "Dread Pirate Roberts."

"I feel terrible," said Utah County resident Curtis Green. "There's terrible guilt. I really wish I hadn't gone to the Silk Road."

Once called "the Amazon of illegal drugs," Silk Road was among the first and certainly the best-known of the so-called darknet drug-dealing sites. Green's personal involvement led to a nightmarish set of events that is so bizarre and dramatic that he was able to sell his movie rights years ago.

In fact, the Silk Road saga has already been turned into a screenplay by the movie-making Coen Brothers.

Green's exclusive movie contract silenced him for years, but he's free to talk now in conjunction with the publication of his new book, "Silk Road Takedown." In a blurb on the back cover, the book is billed as the story of a "Mormon grandfather," in this case a grandfather who stumbled down an electronic pathway into a criminal empire that was all but invisible to most people.

Green is not proud of what happened.

"The embarrassment that I brought to my family," Green said in an interview. "It was a terrible ordeal that I don't wish upon anybody."

His involvement began in 2011 as an offshoot of his interest in a new digital currency called bitcoin. With sophisticated computer gear in his Utah County home, Green began generating bitcoins through a process called "bitcoin mining." That eventually led him to Silk Road, a website that was something like Amazon.com except that buyers and sellers could remain anonymous and use supposedly untraceable bitcoins instead of money.

"I really didn't know what I was getting myself into," Green said recently.

Some items offered for sale on Silk Road were legal, some were definitely not. It became a perfect business address in the so-called darknet for drug dealers.

"The things that were illegal on the site were actually a minority," Green said. But some Silk Road customers were not only buying and selling illegal drugs and weapons, some were even offering themselves as "hit men" willing to kill for bitcoins.

Green claims he started innocently in Silk Road chat forums, helping with technical and drug-related medical questions. Later, because of his computer expertise, he was actually hired as a salaried Silk Road administrator. He managed password accounts for customers, even some who were buying and selling drugs.

"The way I rationalized it is that I wasn't dealing in that," Green said. "I wasn't selling or receiving those items."

The anonymous founder of Silk Road  later revealed to be Texas college grad Ross Ulbricht  called himself Dread Pirate Roberts or D.P.R. after a character in the movie "The Princess Bride." He was pocketing millions of dollars while portraying Silk Road as a model of libertarian ideals.

Green knew his boss only by exchanging texts with him on the computer. "The D.P.R. that I knew was a benevolent, intelligent, smart human being," Green said.

When publicity about Silk Road generated heat in Congress, several federal agencies launched investigations, trying to figure out who Dread Pirate Roberts actually was. In January of 2013, the investigation landed almost literally on Green's doorstep.

It happened because Dread Pirate Roberts fell into a trap set by a federal undercover agent posing as a drug dealer on Silk Road. After D.P.R. revealed Green's address in Utah County to the undercover agent, investigators arranged to deliver a kilo of cocaine to Green's house. Green claims he was not knowingly involved in a drug transaction and never knew the cocaine was coming. But he took the package inside his house.

"Well as I opened it, it plumed out," dusting his face with cocaine, Green said. "And I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, what the heck is this?' and literally within three seconds I heard banging and whatnot."

The banging was the SWAT team breaking through his front door. Green was arrested and briefly held in the Utah County Jail. During the investigation, he said he told federal agents everything he knew about Silk Road and gave them all of his usernames and passwords. A few days later, someone using those passwords logged into Silk Road and stole bitcoins from buyers and sellers.

"Roughly a half million dollars in bitcoins,"Green said. "Using my credentials. And so it made it, he physically made it look like I did it."

Dread Pirate Roberts was angry about the theft. He sent word to the undercover federal agent that he wanted Green "beat up" for stealing. So the federal agents played along. At the Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek hotel, federal agents faked Green's torture and took photos for Dread Pirate Roberts.

"They decided to waterboard me, fake waterboarding, " Green recalled. "Dunk me in the water and kind of look like I was beat up. And it was very realistic. It was a little too realistic."

But that wasn't the end of it. Dread Pirate Roberts apparently wasn't satisfied, according to the agents.

"The next day they said, 'Oh, by the way, the order changed from "beat up" to "kill."'"

The agents told Green and his wife to fake a death picture. They did it in their own home, producing a photo that shows a seemingly lifeless Green lying on the floor with what appeared to be vomit on his face. Green and his wife simulated the effect by splattering his face with Campbell's soup.

After the agents sent the gruesome photo to Dread Pirate Roberts, they told Green to stay hidden in his home while the investigation continued. He did so for nearly a year, he said, "having to crawl on my knees from my bedroom to the kitchen so nobody would spot me. I was supposed to be dead."

Eventually, the feds tracked down Dread Pirate Roberts  Ross Ulbricht  and spotted him using his laptop computer at a public library in San Francisco. The situation led to another movie-worthy twist.

The agents feared that if Ulbricht closed his laptop during the arrest, it would encrypt all of his data forever behind unbreakable passwords. So they improvised a novel plan of action for the arrest.

Undercover agents in the library staged a fight behind Ulbricht's back to distract him. When he looked away from his laptop, another undercover agent snatched it away, with a connection still open to the Silk Road website.

Ulbricht is now serving two life sentences plus 40 years.

And the truth finally came out.

Additional investigation revealed that two federal agents had themselves been corrupted by the lure of bitcoins. The two agents were the ones who had used Green's credentials to rip off Silk Road.

"Two people that are deceitful criminals," Green said, "and here they were part of the government."

Carl Force, an agent for the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, and Shaun Bridges, of the U.S. Secret Service, are now serving several years in prison.

Green himself pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving the package of cocaine as part of a drug deal. But he claims it wasn't true and that he actually didn't know the cocaine was coming; he said he pleaded guilty only because he wanted to bring his nightmare to an end.

Federal officials went easy on him in the end. Green was allowed to go free without a prison sentence because he cooperated with the investigation and because he was the victim of two rogue federal agents who horribly mistreated him.

"The bad agents were my get-out-of-jail card, to be honest," Green said. "They put me through a year's worth of  'hell' is not even a term befitting what they did."

For Green, his wife and the grandchild they're raising, life goes on after an all-too-close brush with death, on a back alley, off the information highway.

"I can't go back and change it," he said. "You know, if I could I would. All I can do is apologize, make sure I don't make the same mistakes twice, and move forward."
SALT LAKE CITY  Eric Barnhart says he just kind of "fell" into his career.

"I was a lifeguard and had long hair and an earring, when a Marine recruiter showed up at my door," said the special agent-in-charge for the FBI's Salt Lake office, which oversees three Western states.

Because of that visit, Barnhart ended up getting an ROTC scholarship and, even though he didn't come from a military or law enforcement family, spent over five years in the U.S. Marines followed by a two-decade career with the FBI. Barnhart calls them the only two "adult jobs" he's had in his lifetime.

Now, after 22 years with the FBI  the past 3 1/2 as head of Salt Lake office  Barnhart is retiring and going into the private sector.

"It was probably one of the hardest decisions I've made. These last 3 1/2 years have been the best job I've ever had my life, bar none," Barnhart said.

Barnhart turned 50 in June and became eligible for retirement. His official last day on the job will be Dec. 31, though he is expected to use vacation and other acquired time off leading up to the end of the month.

"An opportunity came up. It was quicker than I thought it would be," he said.

Barnhart has accepted a position with Caterpillar Inc. to become the equipment manufacturing company's executive director of global investigations. He and his family will be moving to Illinois.

For the Wisconsin born-and-raised Barnhart (who also graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in political science), it's a chance for him to return to the Midwest. But Barnhart will leave with fond memories from his time in the western United States where he has spent the majority of his career.

After the Marines, Barnhart started his FBI career in Portland, Oregon. He moved his way up into the organized crime and drug squad, and after responding one day to a double homicide on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, he received a promotion and transfer to Bend, Oregon. Barnhart has also worked in the FBI's office in Billings, Montana.

For three months he worked for former FBI director Robert Mueller, a man Barnhart called "an American hero" who has spent a lifetime dedicated to public service.

"I couldn't have higher regard for him," he said.

Barnhart worked as part of the transition team between Mueller and incoming FBI director James Comey, who took over in 2013. He then worked in Comey's office for a little under two years when the opportunity to move to Utah came up.

Salt Lake was the No. 1 choice for the next step in his career, Barnhart said.

Over the years, he said there isn't one particular case that stands out. Rather, it's the unique relationship and cooperation between his office and state and local law enforcement agencies that Barnhart will remember most.

"Folks here have never failed to answer the bell, regardless of time day, and always exceed my expectations," he said. "I've been a lot of places in this career, and it's not always so. We don't have the turf battles and the pettiness."

Nationally, Barnhart recognizes that the FBI is going through challenging times and has faced recent criticism. But he said the office has been around for more than 100 years and will weather its current storm  and "come out better than before, just like we always have."

"We have the toughest cases. We're in the spotlight. We're in the arena. And naturally, criticism comes with it. Look, there's some very legitimate criticisms of the organization and a very few number of individuals. It hurts when it happens," he said.

Barnhart said the FBI will never win any popularity contests. But he believes by owning up to mistakes and giving the public a broader perspective of what the FBI does, the organization will win people over one at a time.

Locally, Barnhart said he leaves with cases that are still being worked on, which he expects he will end up reading about in the newspaper in the future once they are concluded and become public.

"There's no perfect time to go. You're always going to feel like there's unfinished business," he said. "You almost can't dwell on what you didn't get to. A lot of stuff that I wanted to see happen, has happened in 3 1/2 years. But there's no perfect time. There's no time where you're like, 'got everything done. Projects are all done. I can go.' That time never exists."
SALT LAKE CITY  Hang in there, Utahns. The nasty inversion is leveling off and relief  in the form of a winter storm and cleaner air  is on the way.

Air quality in northern Utah is expected to remain unhealthy for sensitive groups through Monday, according to the KSL Air Quality Network. However, moderate air quality is expected by Tuesday, when a midweek storm will bring snow and cleaner air.

"It won't be a big snow producer at all. It does look it will break the inversion and we should see some cleaner air by Tuesday afternoon, Tuesday evening. Whatever's left as far as pollution on Tuesday evening will be cleared out by a stronger storm on Wednesday," said KSL-TV meteorologist Brett Benson.

The storm could potentially complicate Wednesday morning's commute, "but it's a fast mover so it won't be a big producer in the valleys," but possibly 6 to 8 inches in the mountains, Benson said.

Air quality on Sunday in northern Utah was unhealthy for sensitive groups, which is expected to continue through Monday.

"What that means is, people who tend to be sensitive are younger, older or anyone with compromised respiratory systems. They tend to feel it more severely than those who are relatively healthy," said Donna Kemp Spangler, communication director for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

To keep apprised of current conditions, Spangler recommends checking the department's website, which has a three-day forecast.

Utah remains under "no burn" conditions, meaning the use of wood-burning stoves or fireplaces is prohibited under current conditions, she said.

Carpooling, taking public transportation and telecommuting also help to reduce vehicle emissions by taking cars off the road, Spangler said.

If you must drive, try to avoid rush-hour traffic because stop-and-go driving emits much more pollution than an unfettered drive, she said.

"If you were to drive at 65 mph, there's not a lot coming out of your tailpipe," Spangler said.

According to UCAIR, Utah Clean Air partnership, small changes in behavior can help improve air quality.

Its website encourages Utahns to drive less by carpooling, taking public transportation and telecommuting, driving smarter and planning travel to reduce trips.

UCAIR encourages Utahns to drive their newest, greenest car or purchase a fuel-efficient or alternative fuel technology vehicle.

If the purchase of a new car isn't in your future plans, take care of the one you have, UCAIR advises.

"A well-maintained vehicle with 50,000 miles on it pollutes only 40 percent as much as the same vehicle that is poorly maintained," the website states.

Reducing idling helps with cutting vehicle emissions, too.

"Ten seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off your engine and restarting it," according to UCAIR.

Here's three other tips:

 Accelerate gradually

 Obey the speed limit

 Use cruise control on the highway
SOUTH JORDAN  Tyler Horton lived seven months after he was diagnosed with a genetic brain disorder.

"We were told to take him home and enjoy him," said the then-7-year-old's mother, Wendy Horton. "There was nothing they could do for him."

Tyler is the oldest of four. All of them, but specifically his two brothers, needed to be tested to be sure they didn't face the same journey that adrenoleukodystrophy handed him. The condition affects mostly boys, but girls can be carriers and pass it to their own children.

"Any parent would like to know if their child was afflicted with a disease that could be treated," Horton, of South Jordan, said. "It's not anything any parent wants to go through."

Tyler died on Dec. 20 almost 18 years ago, but a simple blood test that will identify patients with the genetic mutation is now making its way into the mainstream. Parents of babies born in Utah will soon know  with help from the Newborn Screening Program  whether their child has the propensity for the debilitating and deadly condition, among 41 other treatable disorders.

"If we would have known, we might have our oldest son here still," Horton said.

Adrenoleukodystrophy  in which the myelin or white matter of the brain disappears and leads to scrambled nerve messages and ultimate whole-body dysfunction  affects boys' brains at a young age. They're out of the woods if regularly scheduled brain MRIs don't reveal problems before age 14, but patients almost always end up needing medication for the rest of their lives to deal with potential off-and-on neurological symptoms.

Thing is, treatment is only viable before the de-myelinization occurs, which is before symptoms manifest, said Dr. Josh Bonkowsky, chief of pediatric neurology at Primary Children's Hospital.

"Once that window of time passes, the treatment no longer works," he said.

That treatment  the only option currently available for patients  isn't a piece of cake, either.

Bone marrow transplants are risky for even healthy individuals, Bonkowsky said, but the chance to save a child's life is worth it.

"It's become clear in the past six or so years that a bone marrow transplant can stop the disease and the kids who get that survive and do well," the specialty doctor said.

He estimates the prevalence of the condition is one in 10,000 births, which means that roughly five Utah kids are born each year with adrenoleukodystrophy. His clinic, the only one of its kind in the local region, gets just one referral a year, which makes Bonkowsky think kids are slipping through the cracks.

"It's a little bit concerning that we're missing people we should be trying to help," he said.

Adding adrenoleukodystrophy to the list of conditions screened at birth, Bonkowsky said, will help keep track of children who carry the genetic mutation, and with it, the possibility of the potentially devastating neurodegenerative disease.

"If you had to choose a time in history to have this disease, now is the time," Bonkowsky, who has been instrumental in developing treatment and spreading awareness of the disease, said. As a medical student, when there wasn't a treatment for the condition, he said he often thought, "There must be a better way than this."

Testing for the condition, he said, isn't necessarily worthwhile unless there's a known family history.

But Horton said she'd screen for whatever condition she could if it meant keeping her loved ones alive. She said that the more people who are aware of the condition, the better, as they can make a choice to not pass it to their own children.

"I do not want to perpetuate the disease," she said. "Let's stop this disease."

The Newborn Screening Program will help.

For a condition to be added to the already successful infant blood spot test, it has to be efficient and economical, but there also has to be a treatment available that would provide life-changing effects for a patient and their family, said program manager Kim Hart.

"We can do quite a bit with a small amount of blood," she said.

Thirteen states currently screen for adrenoleukodystrophy. The process to include it is in the works in several other states, but Hart said it can be expensive to test for new things.

In this case, Utah's governor will have to approve a kit fee increase of about $3 (for three additional reagent tests). This will bring the cost for the screening to $118 per baby, which is usually billed to the parents or the insurance as part of the hospital charges.

"It's very important," Hart said. "Once these kids get a bone marrow transplant, they're healthy. It's amazing. The problem is identifying them early enough because when there's been too much white matter change, it can be too late. You can't get back what you've lost."

Losing her oldest to adrenoleukodystrophy, Horton said, was so hard.

At first, Tyler seemed to be losing his hearing, when in fact it was his comprehension that was going. Then he started walking with a limp.

Bonkowsky said symptoms are subtle and show up over time. And many times, it's too late to treat them.

"It was such sadness," said Horton. "It was our firstborn and it was like all our hopes and dreams for our child went down the drain.

"A parent shouldn't have to bury their child."

The experience, however, she said, has made them all more compassionate and empathetic for other families dealing with similar tragedies.

"You grow up a lot more," Horton said. "And more quickly."

She hopes, with the help of the Newborn Screening Program in Utah, that no one has to endure what her family has.

If all goes as planned, screening for adrenoleukodystrophy, as well as for Pompe disease and a mucopolysaccharidosis  two other conditions present at birth and for which a treatment exists  will begin in the fall of 2019.

For more information on Utah's Newborn Screening Program, an aspect of the Utah Department of Health, visit health.utah.gov/nsp.
SALT LAKE CITY  With limited resources, Utah public colleges are attempting to do more to connect students struggling with mental health issues to helpful resources.

Some have imposed student fees or they use a portion of second-tier tuition to hire more mental health professionals. Utah State University has also hired part-time therapists at its regional campuses.

There's a growing demand for services, which James Morales, USU's vice president of student affairs, says is "a very positive thing."

"It's helped students understand that they don't to suffer in silence, that there are people out there and services available to them to help support them," said Morales.

That said, there is not "a single modality that can meet students needs. There has to be a really broad approach to this," he said.

Public universities are encouraging students to use the SafeUT app, which provides confidential and anonymous two-way communication with crisis counselors at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute. The app was developed with funding from the Utah Legislature, which has provided ongoing support.

"Our crisis counselors are on duty 24 hours a day. We are always asking people to call or text us if they are having any sort of problems or concerns about anything in their lives," said Barry Rose, the institute's director of crisis services.

"Certainly if theyre feeling unsafe or suicidal or know someone that is, wed be happy to support them and work with them, getting support to those folks. There is help. We can help those people."

Already, hundreds of Utah college students have used the app to seek assistance.

Between July 1 and Nov. 30, there were 876 chats between students at public colleges and universities and crisis counselors.

On average, there were 24 threads per chat or a total of 21,351 threads during the time period.

Neither Westminster College nor Brigham Young University have contracted for the service but University Neuropsychiatric Institute officials have reached out to both institutions with the hope that they, too, will enroll and promote its use to students, officials said.

Morales said SafeUT is one important resource, but the university, students' families, community resources, national hotlines and private therapists also have important roles to play.

"These are all part of a quiver of different arrows, if you will, that need to be in place," he said.

USU student leaders brought the issue to the forefront in 2017, declaring a mental health crisis on the Logan campus after students experienced long waits to meet with campus mental health professionals.

They urged student leaders on other campuses to advocate as well. The Utah State Board of Regents impaneled a working group that developed policy that requires state colleges and universities to assess students' mental health needs, service utilization and regularly report to the board on this issue.

In coming months, the regents will consider adding a recommendation that state institutions work toward national standards of professionals-to-student ratios in counseling centers, which some standards say is one full-time professional to 1,000 to 1,500 students.

Shawn Wood, community liaison for the University of Utah, said the U. is "working hard to provide the best care possible to our students."

Recently, the U. hired two new counselors in the University Counseling Center and it has developed a community referral base for students who need more long-term and specialized care "and we help them access these resources."

The campus counseling center also provides mental health training for faculty and staff on a variety of mental health-related topics, including tips for working with distressed students and suicide prevention, he said.

While there is clearly a need for a broad array of services, Morales said the added benefit is that people are talking openly about mental health, which helps to eliminate stigma.

Growing numbers of students recognize that "It's OK for me to say I'm not doing well and I need some help," Morales said.

Counseling services are available on the Logan campus five days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but counselors also respond as needed if there has been some event that has affected the campus.

Wait times for appointments go up as the semester proceeds, which occurs at colleges nationwide, Morales said.

Students' cases are triaged and "we do not turn away students who are in crisis. We do not put them on a waitlist. We bring them in and they are able to see a therapist. They are prioritized so they have access."

Other students are placed on waitlists. "Sometimes there are statements made out there where the waitlists are six to eight weeks. While that may be true, for those who have an issue that can be dealt with later. But those who are in crisis, at Utah State and at most schools, they're seen immediately," Morales said.

USU's goal is to "do our best with the resources that we can and try to work closely with partners where they are available in the community, public services, religious services and really try to address this issue in a holistic manner," he said.
SALT LAKE CITY  Another phase of state auditors' wide-reaching review of Utah's homeless system has concluded.

Again, it's not complimentary  and may result in a restructuring of the state committee in charge of the system's funding.

The audit was meant to answer legislators' concerns about the overall performance of the state's homeless system and questions of which programs are effective at achieving goals or placing the homeless in housing.

But auditors from the Legislative Auditor General's Office ran into a roadblock.

"Due to problems with the data and weak management information systems, we were unable to answer either question," auditors wrote in the report released Monday morning.

"Although we found no shortage of information about client activities and the services provided to them, we did not find the data to be of much use in terms of monitoring program outcomes," auditors said.

Therefore, due to problems with data inconsistencies, auditors determined Utah "lacks oversight and performance measures" within its homeless system.

The system, auditors estimate, spent more than $100 million in 2017 on direct and indirect costs associated with homelessness.

Improving oversight

"Better oversight and planning are needed to improve Utah's response to homelessness," auditors said, calling for the creation of an "oversight body that is responsible for strategic planning, goal setting and results monitoring."

To do this, they recommended the Legislature clarify in state statute the specific responsibilities of the State Homeless Coordinating Committee, the agency in charge of overseeing the state's system and directing funding.

Lawmakers on Monday discussed the possibility of restructuring that committee  made up of 16 voting members  into a commission, similar to the Utah Transportation Commission.

Sen. Jake Anderegg, R-Lehi, volunteered to sponsor a bill in the upcoming 2019 general session to carry out auditors' recommendations. Outgoing Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, recommended the audit be referred to House and Senate standing committees so it could be taken up in the session slated to start next month. Lawmakers on the Audit Subcommittee of the Legislative Management Committee reviewed the audit Monday morning and voted unanimously to do so.

Monday's report follows two previous audits, a review of the funding and expenditures for the homeless initiative and a review of the Road Home's three facilities, which showed widespread drug use and lax rules enforcement within shelter walls.

Jon Hardy, director of the Housing and Community Development Division at the Department of Workforce Services, thanked auditors for their work during the committee meeting.

"We view this audit  as an opportunity to shine light on those areas where we need to make improvements, and we certainly take this audit in that stride," Hardy said.

Hardy said his department is "disappointed to see we have some data quality issues that are affecting our ability to see how things are performing in our homeless services system," but is "committed" to improve.

'Have to have good data'

Neither Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, who is chairman of the state's Homeless Coordinating Committee, nor outgoing House Speaker Greg Hughes, D-Draper, were surprised by the audit.

In fact, Cox said he and Hughes have both worried about the state's data consistency and whether it could be improved to track results.

"It's something I've been concerned about," Cox told the Deseret News after Monday's meeting, noting that's "why we asked for the audit in the first place."

"We're really excited about this audit and what came back because it allows us to now go in and make the changes that need to be made and fix it so we can monitor this going forward," Cox said. "We have to have good data."

"Look," Cox added, "if this stuff isn't working, we can have a terrible service delivery system and not spend nearly as much money. We actually want to help people, that's the whole goal of this. And if the dollars aren't being spent in ways that are going to help people, we shouldn't be spending them."

The audit had good timing, Cox said, as the state gears up for the closure of the Road Home's downtown homeless shelter and prepares to open three new homeless resource centers by next July, which will act as a fresh start for the state's homeless system.

"This seemed like the perfect time to figure out first of all what are we doing wrong and what is the best way to do it," Cox said. "The next six months are really important in this space."

Hughes credited auditors with doing a "strong deep dive" to help the state improve the system, but noted he doesn't think anyone is to blame for shortcomings.

"I don't think anyone's doing anything wrong," Hughes said. "I think everyone has performed in the role that they've understood and that they've been tasked to do in an incredible way."

Cox said Utah homeless providers are unmistakably helping save and change lives, but "the problem is we don't know how many and how it's happening exactly." Better data will help "show the public, show policymakers that this is actually working."

"Good work is going on," Hughes said. "We can just do it even better."

Other findings

Monday's audit also found that, because of data inconsistencies, a report that garnered national headlines for Utah's homelessness efforts was based off of "poor data."

That report? It was from 2015, when the state's Department of Workforce Services officials said they had largely achieved their goal to reduce the number of chronically homeless individuals, reporting the population had declined 91 percent since 2005.

However, "due to problems with the data," auditors determined that statistic was "erroneously reported" and "those figures were inaccurate."

"While the data presented shows a significant drop in the number of chronically homeless people, much of the decrease can be attributed to changes made in the methods used to count chronic homelessness," auditors wrote.

For example, the 2015 number came from raw data from the state's Point-in-Time Count  a survey done on a single day each year  while previous years' statistics were annualized numbers. The state also stopped counting people in transitional housing as being chronically homeless, auditors reported.

"It should be noted," auditors added, "that the Department of Workforce Services also recognizes the problems with the past chronic homelessness data and has discontinued using them."

And while the state has "greatly expanded the housing available for the chronically homeless," auditors said Utah "needs to utilize consistent and reliable data to be able to continually evaluate the performance of individual programs and the entire homeless services system."

Therefore, auditors recommend that the State Homeless Coordinating Committee "strengthen" the state's Homeless Management Information System so it can be used "as an effective tool for creating a more results-driven system for serving the homeless."

Auditors said when they showed the system's users the inconsistencies found in the data, "they attributed the data errors to a lack of training for the caseworkers who enter the data," auditors reported.

Auditors also concluded the state needs a "coordinated response" to homelessness, and recommended steps to "unite" the state's agencies, local governments, business community and service providers "behind a common strategy."

While some communities like Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City have prepared for a strategic plan for homeless services, auditors said the "local level oversight is fragmented among different boards and committees."

"To strengthen local planning and accountability, we recommend that the (State Homeless Coordinating Committee) designate local oversight bodies for homeless services in each region of the state," auditors wrote.
KEZMAROK, Slovakia  Monika Krcova did not want to follow the official guidelines and remain in the hospital in Slovakia for four days after her third baby's birth. And so she escaped.

Like many other Roma, she tells horror stories about giving birth in the hospital: How doctors at the Kezmarok hospital in eastern Slovakia slapped her face and legs repeatedly during the delivery of her first two children, screaming that she didn't know how to push properly. How in the following days, she was subjected to racist taunts, and her postpartum pain was not treated.

Krcova knew that hospital staffers would stop her and her baby if she tried to leave after two days. So she waited until visiting hours, when the doors of the maternity ward were unlocked, and slipped away, alone.

Slovakia's Ministry of Health strongly recommends four-day stays for mothers and babies, regardless of their health. But many hospitals  seeking insurance reimbursements  have turned that guidance into a mandate.

An investigation by The Associated Press has found that women and their newborns in Slovakia are routinely, unjustifiably and illegally detained in hospitals across the European Union country. Women from the country's Roma minority, vulnerable to racist abuse and physical violence, suffer particularly. They're also often poor, and mothers who leave hospitals before doctors grant permission forfeit their right to a significant government childbirth allowance of several hundred euros.

When Krcova returned to pick up her infant a couple of days after she left, the hospital charged her 20 euros ($23)  an illegal fine.

"It felt like punishment," she said. "If you and your baby are healthy and you have to stay there, it's like prison."

In October, the AP reported that hospitals in more than 30 countries illegally hold patients when they cannot pay their bills, including in Kenya, Congo, India, the Philippines and Bolivia. While there are some differences, some experts say the situation in Slovakia  which also is seen to some extent in other eastern European countries like Bulgaria and the Czech Republic  amounts to hospital imprisonment.

"Detention in African hospitals is about money, but in Slovakia, it's about power," said Zuzana Kriskova, a maternal rights activist. "Women are having their fundamental human rights violated when they have no freedom of movement and cannot decide how their child is to be treated."

In the U.S., the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says women with no delivery problems can be discharged with their babies after one to two days. Britain recommends women and their infants stay for at least six hours after an uncomplicated birth, but they are free to leave at any time. International human rights law prohibits the forced detention of a woman or her baby after she has given birth, as long as there is no imminent danger to anyone.

Slovak doctors, however, say babies must be kept in the hospital because numerous screening tests are needed. The Ministry of Health said they are currently considering shortening the required period of post-birth hospitalization to three days, but that new mothers "should follow the instructions of the attending physician" on issues including when they and their newborns are allowed to go home.

"I know of no medical evidence to justify what's being done to women and their newborns in Slovakia," said Mindy Roseman, a global health and human rights expert at Yale Law School. "They're basically being kidnapped and unlawfully detained."

Hospitals and insurance play a central role. Several hospital staffers said institutions often only get reimbursed if mothers and babies stay for at least four days after delivery.

Dovera, Slovakia's biggest private health insurance provider, said it reimburses hospitals separately for mothers and newborns and that the minimum length of stay after childbirth for both is four days. It said mothers can leave earlier if they have a signed application approved by the hospital.

The situation weighs most heavily on Roma (also known, pejoratively, as Gypsies). Having suffered from discrimination across Europe for generations, they say they are treated abysmally by hospitals.

Numerous Roma women who fled hospitals told the AP they were tied up and beaten, shouted at, or ignored when they needed medical attention, including during birth. Some said there were often two women and babies squeezed into a single bed; others said the health care staff laughed at them, saying they were dirty and had too many children. Many women declined to give their names, fearing retribution from local authorities.

"For Roma, they treat us worse than dogs," said Krcova, who was only allowed to see her newborn babies two days after they were born. She is no longer afraid of her local hospital since she isn't planning to have more children, but worries about her daughter Ivana, who she says was also slapped by nurses when she previously gave birth and is now pregnant again.

One Roma woman tearfully told the AP that when she escaped from Kezmarok hospital after giving birth to twins four years ago, she got sick and couldn't retrieve them for 10 days. By that time, the institution had given away her baby boy and girl to an orphanage. She has not seen them since. She would not give her name, fearing the hospital would refuse to treat her family.

Maria Lumkova, a Roma health assistant, said there are usually about three such cases every year in the village where she works.

Alzbeta Siva, a spokeswoman for Kezmarok hospital, also known as the Dr. Vojtecha Alexandra Hospital, said Roma babies left in a hospital can be sent to an orphanage, but only "rarely." She also acknowledged that nurses do strike Roma women during delivery.

"Sometimes there are cases like that, but very few," she said.

On Monday, after this story appeared, Siva insisted that her remarks had been misinterpreted, though they were recorded.

"It's absolutely impossible for the Roma patients to be slapped, as the story claims, or humiliated in any other way," she said. "Our patients are not distinguished by the color of their skin or their religious belief. There's no segregation in the Kezmarok hospital whatsoever. It's an absurd fantasy."

At the Kezmarok hospital in mid-November, four out of 17 newborns were still being detained after their mothers absconded. Siva said Roma mothers fleeing the hospital after birth was "an everyday occurrence" and that mothers were charged 4 euros ($4.60) every day their baby was held in the mother's absence.

Officials at several other hospitals in the region estimated that about 10 to 25 percent of Roma women slip out of the hospital within two days of giving birth, leaving their babies detained.

Some doctors said Roma women were taking advantage of the situation. Dr. Jozef Adam, head of gynecology and obstetrics at the J.A. Reiman University Hospital in Presov, said Roma women worry that their husbands will be unfaithful: "They run away to be with their men. They know their babies will be taken care of here so they leave them."

In 2014, the Slovak government passed a law that penalizes women who leave the hospital after birth without permission, by withholding social benefits payments of up to 800 euros ($914). Critics say the law unfairly targets Roma women, who are disproportionately affected by the penalty, since they typically have few resources.

Even white, privileged Slovak women complain they have been imprisoned by hospitals after giving birth.

Renata Kupcova Kazimirova had her daughter Sona in early November, and was told they were both healthy. But when she informed the head of obstetrics that she wanted to leave with her baby the following day, a struggle ensued.

"They told me that a woman after birth does not have the capacity to make this decision," Kazimirova said. "And they told my husband: 'There is no way this baby is leaving.'" During the next three days, Kazimirova and her husband clashed repeatedly with doctors, who threatened to call the police and social services if the couple left with their newborn.

"I was crying constantly," Kazimirova said. "I didn't have the ability to protect my daughter and bring her home."

Theoretically, women who want to leave the hospital before obtaining doctors' approval are to be given a legal form to sign, acknowledging they are leaving the hospital against medical advice.

"If a woman keeps insisting that she wants to leave, that's when the psychological terror starts," said Zuzana Kostkova, a midwife at a Bratislava university hospital. "They will play on a mother's fears, and say things like, 'what if there's a problem with the baby's heart?' and they will refuse to bring the (legal) form she has to sign."

In practice, Kostkova said, it was impossible for any woman to leave the hospital before doctors agreed. To avoid Slovakia's obligatory hospital detention period after birth, Kostkova simply had her baby across the border in Austria.

Most Roma women, however, lack the finances for such options.

Jarmila Noskova, a Roma woman now pregnant with her seventh child, said she cried for days every time she was forced to remain in the hospital after birth, terrified the hospital would alert the police if she left.

"I was told to stay in the hospital," she said, "and so I endured it for my baby."

___

Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report.
SALT LAKE CITY  Mondays Google Doodle paid homage to Nelly Sachs, a German Jewish poet and dramatist who previously won the Nobel Prize in literature.

The doodle, which you can see on Googles main page, shows an old-fashioned typewriter with warplanes and smoking buildings in the background.

The doodle celebrates Sachs 127th birthday, the company said in a blog post.

https://g.co/doodle/m2vxcaMore details: Sachs was born in 1891 into a Jewish family living in Berlin. She studied dance and literature before publishing her poetry in German publications, according to Google.

During this time, Sachs met Swedish writer Selma Lagerloff, who later asked the Swedish royal family to help move Sachs family from Germany during World War II.

Once she arrived in Sweden, she spent years writing poetry and plays about the aftermath of World War II, as well as about those who died in the war or concentration camps.

More works: Her poetry collections included In the Houses of Death" (1946), Eclipse of Stars" (1949), And No One Knows Where to Go" (1957), and Flight and Metamorphosis" (1959), according to The Independent.

She also worked on the play Eli" (1951).

Famous poem: Google highlighted O die Schornsteine (O the Chimneys), which was her most famous poem, as it evokes the spirits of the dearly departed through the image of smoke rising from the camps.

More awards: Sachs won many other accolades throughout her career, according to Newsweek, including the 1965 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.
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SALT LAKE CITY  A man who police say had thousands of images of child pornography on an SD card was arrested after a co-worker found the card in the parking lot of their business, according to court records.

Ronald David Carter, 57, of West Jordan, was charged Dec. 4 in 3rd District Court with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.

The investigation began July 24 when police were approached by two men who said they had found a micro SD card in the parking lot of their work near 2600 South and 3300 West. One man had taken the card home to look at it in an attempt to figure out who owned it, and found hundreds of images of child pornography, according to a Salt Lake County Jail report.

"On the same micro SD card was a file folder named 'Ron.' Inside the file folder, were dozens of explicit images of a naked male that (the man) recognized as one of his co-workers, Ronald Carter, according to police.

The man took the SD card to his boss who contacted police. A West Valley police detective "found thousands of pornographic images and videos," according to charging documents.

Some of the disturbing images included infant and prepubescent children, the charges state.

"Further investigation revealed that all of the images of Carter that were on the SD card were also stored in a personal cloud account belonging to Carter. That cloud account was easily accessed by use of Carter's phone," the charges state.

On Nov. 29, police seized a cellphone belonging to Carter, according to the report. He was arrested on Nov. 30.
Shanghai, China  Dec 11, 2018 -- Brite Semiconductor (Brite), a world-leading ASIC design service and DDR controller/PHY IP provider headquartered in Shanghai, China, today announced their collaboration with Naneng Microelectronics and PLDA to deliver a complete PCIe 2.0/3.0 solution based on SMICs 40nm and 55nm process technology.

Guosheng Wu, CEO of Naneng Microelectronics, said, Collaboration between Naneng and Brite can effectively reduce the risks and costs of SoC design by providing a low power consumption and small-area PCIe-2.0/3.0 solution based on SMICs 40nm and 55nm process, that meets the latest PIPE specifications and supports 2.5G and 5G data rate. We are looking forward to working with Brite to provide customers with a global solution that offers high performance and low cost, while complying with the relevant standards.

"PLDA's PCIe Controller can be configured for PCIe PHY to comply with any standards, which offers customers a great deal of flexibility in the choice of PHY," says Arnaud Schleich, CEO of PLDA. This evolving partnership with Brite provides high performance and low power consumption PCIe technology while reducing the risks of SoC integration - a must have for customers who need a complete solution for high-speed data transmission."

Dr. John Zhuang, CEO of Brite, said, Brites collaboration with Naneng and PLDA to provide a PCIe solution based on SMICs 40nm and 55nm processes will enhance the SoC design capability for high-speed data transmission, reduce risks, and shorten time to market on communication, cloud computing, and automotive SoC chip design.

About Brite Semiconductor

Brite Semiconductor is a world-leading ASIC design solution provider and DDR controller/PHY provider, targeting ULSI ASIC/SoC chip design on SMIC advanced 55nm/40nm/28nm process technology and turn-key solutions. Brite Semiconductor provides flexible one-stop services from RTL/Netlist to chip delivery, seamless, cost effective, and low-risk solutions to customers.

Brite Semiconductor was founded in 2008 by venture capital firms from China and abroad, and collaborated with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) as strategic partners in 2010. With headquarters in Shanghai, Brite has two subsidiaries, Beijing Brite IP and Hefei Brite Technology, and also has offices in the US, Europe, Japan and Taiwan.

For more information, please visit www.britesemi.com

About Naneng Microelectronics

Naneng is located at TianFu Software Park, Chengdu, P.R.C. Naneng Microelectronics is a leading-edge semiconductor IP design and IP service provider in China and the overseas market. With proprietary circuit design technology and progressive development, Naneng has achieved intellectual property on the physical layer IP for applications like PCIe, USB3.1/USB3.0/USB2.0, JESD204B, and V-By-One, as well as the next generation of high-speed serial interface IPs.

Nanengs efficient IP design team has an average 10 years of industrial working experience and more than 30 successful mass production cases in their career path. From 0.18um to 28nm technology node, Naneng has provided more than 10 types of different interface/auxiliary IPs for various customers in well-known enterprise, both domestic and overseas.

For more information, please visit www.nanengmicro.com

About PLDA

PLDA is a developer and licensor of Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP), specializing in high-speed interconnect supporting multi-gigabit rates (2.5G, 5G, 8G, 16G, 25G, 32G, 56G, 112G), and protocols such as PCI Express, CCIX, and Gen-Z. PLDA has established itself as a leader in this field with over 3,200 customers and 7,000 licenses in 62 countries. PLDA is a global technology company with offices in Silicon Valley, France, Bulgaria, Mainland China and Taiwan.

For more information, please visit www.plda.com






Uri Trailer creates Indo-Pak Furore on Twitter, Indian Twitteratti claim Digital Surgical Strikes

Ever since the highly anticipated trailer of URI: The Surgical Strike released on Wednesday morning, it has been creating a stir across borders. It is impossible to deny that the hard-hitting trailer of the film has emerged as a winner and has provoked the patriotic sentiments of the audiences. The unexpected reactions of the trailer left jaws dropped especially the social media that caught fire and initiated political debates amongst Twitterati and YouTubers across borders with #UriTrailer & #UriSurgical Strike related hashtags Trending in Pakistan as well.

Keeping in Mind the Tag Line of the Uri Trailer that dropped 2 days ago, Yeh Naya Hindustan Hai, ye Ghar mein Ghusega bhi aur maarega bhi , Indian Twitterati targeted Pakistan Net Space by bombarding Uri Trailer in the Pakistani Net Space on Twitter & YouTube. Many Pakistani Netizens woke up on 6th December seeing the URI Trailer trend on their screens. It is surprising to know that no film trailer till date has caused a storm like this. Amid political disturbance in forms of debates on social media, thousands of people took to their twitter account and expressed their share of agony and jubilation depending on which side of the border was the tweet from.

On Friday, right after the Jumma Prayers Indian Twitteratti claimed Victory and trended #WeDidIt In Pakistan Twitter and Termed it as Uri Digital Surgical Strikes which in turn trended in India till wee hours last night.

India and Pakistan have had strained relations, armed conflicts and Bitter rivalries ever since the Partition & Independence of Both Countries from the British Rule which has translated into 3 Full Scale Wars and Skirmishes on a daily basis.

These Twitter and YouTube exchanges have also led to a lot of heat between the netizens of two nations with political leaders and Journos from both countries tweeting and fanning the fire.

BJP Spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga & BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh and Others attacked Congress & left for Supporting Pak Claims and many right wingers took to Twitter to pledge tickets to watch the film.

Pakistani Twitteratti seemed to share a video of Jaish E Mohammed Terrorist Hafiz Saaed asking the Indian Army to show proofs of Surgical Strikes and Took potshots at the film for creating propaganda. Pakistani Journalist Mona Alam claimed that Claims of #SurgicalStrikes In India Were so fake, sooo fake that 2 years later in 2018 #Bollywood had to film it into a movie to make it look real #UriTrailerStrikes

The film highlights the unfortunate event of Pakistani soldiers invading and attacking Indian soldiers on September 18th, 2016. In return, on September 29, the Indian Army's Special Forces carried out surgical strikes on terrorism across LOC (Line of control).

URI stars Vicky Kaushal along with Paresh Rawal, Yami Gautam, and Kirti Kulhari in the pivotal roles. Produced by RSVP movies and written and directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is slated to release on January 11th, 2019.
Leading pan-African telecoms group Liquid Telecom has announced that it is investing 8 billion Egyptian Pounds ($400m US Dollars) in Egypt over the next three years.

This is part of a major partnership with Telecom Egypt which includes network infrastructure and data centres. Telecom Egypt will use the network to connect Egyptian businesses to the rest of Africa, whilst also partnering with Liquid Telecom to build data centres across Egypt. Following an initial investment of $50m in data centres and cloud services, Liquid Telecom plans to invest an additional $350m in broadband and financial inclusion initiatives, as well as high capacity data centres. These will be similar to some of the best-in-class data centres in South Africa.

Liquid Telecoms expanding network is almost 70,000km in length and is linked to more than 600 towns and cities in 13 countries across Africa. It is also part of the wider One Africa broadband network which has been strongly supported by the African Union leadership and President Kagame, Chairman of the African Union. President El-Sisi welcomed the development as a major milestone in connecting the African continent with Egypt and said he would continue to push the initiative during his tenure next year as Chair of the AUs 54 nation body.

This follows the signing of a landmark partnership agreement with Telecom Egypt to mark the completion of Liquid Telecoms Cape to Cairo network. This network represents the first direct land-based terrestrial fibre link from Cape Town to Cairo.

The $400 million investment will enable Liquid Telecom to significantly expand its position as a connectivity and cloud solutions provider in North Africa, serving businesses in the region with world-class network and data centre services. Through its data centre offering, Africa Data Centres (ADC), Liquid Telecom is facilitating the growth of Africas Cloud by providing a platform for cloud services to be delivered locally in many markets for the first time.

According to the Group Executive Chairman of Liquid Telecoms parent company Econet, Strive Masiyiwa, the next mission is to complete a link between Cairo and Dakar Senegal through Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria, as well as the rest of West Africa. We have already crossed Africa from East to West through Sudan and Chad. We are at the Nigerian border and we expect to reach Abuja by the end of January in time for the AU Summit. We want to reach Dakar before President El-Sisi finishes his term, he said.

Mr Masiyiwa also acknowledged the support of President Kagame, adding: It would have been impossible to reach this far so quickly without his support. He adopted this initiative as a key project during his tenure and has been highly supportive throughout its development. We know President El-Sisi will help us take it to the next level because he understands the vision of Africa.

Mr Masiyiwa expressed his appreciation for leadership support across the continent. He said the One Africa model could encourage other entrepreneurs to build projects in complementary sectors, such as rail and power. We need to push the linkage of our continental power grids, and also rail and air transportation. Now is the time for bold initiatives to build intra African trade and investment.
Earlier, it was reported that HMD Global will launch the Nokia 9 by the end of this year, but the Russian Nokia community handle claims that the launch has been postponed till MWC in 2019. On similar lines, another report has confirmed suggethat the smartphone launch has been delayed due to some camera issues, but there is no mention of its unveiling at MWC.

Talking to winfuture.de, Country Marketing Head, Britta Gerbracht said that due to the complex camera unit of the new model, the manufacturer and its production and development partner Foxconn, is facing some challenges. With the next top model, we want to once again focus on quality, which is why it is also highly rated internally. So far, the quality of the camera has not yet reached the necessary level, which is why HMD Global have so far refrained from a market launch, Gerbracht was quoted as saying.

Earlier this year, an image of a smartphone with a penta-camera setup and Nokia branding on the back panel was leaked. On the top-left corner of the image, the battery capacity (4150mAh) of the device was mentioned. It was also reported that the smartphone may come with 5.9-inch, QHD resolution 3D glass OLED display and may be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor. In the camera department, the Nokia 9 is said to sport a 41MP primary wide-angle camera, a 20MP secondary telephoto lens and a 9.7MP monochrome camera with ZEISS optics.

But when the rumours started to pick up pace, the 'Nokia anew' handle on Twitter claimed that HMD Globals Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas is categorically against the announcement of Nokia 9 this year and is going to postpone the announcement again to MWC 2019. The announcement of the flagship was planned in the autumn, but Sarvikas decided that the device is not quite ready for the announcement and postponed the announcement at MWC 2018.
The Realme 2 Pro (review) will keep up with changing times and will be updated to Android 9.0 Pie, although not in this year. The company has confirmed the update will be rolled out in 2019 without giving a specific timeline. Earlier, Realme CEO Madhav Seth confirmed that the Realme 2 Pro OTA update will have slow-motion video recording. Now, in a Twitter thread, Realme Indias support handle confirmed that the update will be rolled out in 2019.

Image source: BGR India

2019 is a vague timeline of sorts for an update. And we hope it comes early next year. Seth also confirmed that Realme will unlock the bootloaders of both Realme 1 and the Realme 2 Pro early next year. This is to promote third-party development by releasing the source code.

Other than that, the Realme 2 will also receive an update to ColorOS 5.2 later this month while the Android 9 Pie update will come next year. In fact, Realme India Support has tweeted that all Realme phones will be updated to the latest version of Android next year. It has now been two months since Android 9 Pie officially arrived in the market with the Google Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL. Quickly after, the Xiaomi Mi A2, the Moto One Power, and other Android One certified phones including the Nokia 7 Plus received the update to Android 9 Pie. Even the OnePlus 6 and the OnePlus 6T run on the latest version of Android. In comparison to last year when Android 8 Oreo was released, we now have quite a few smartphones, both old and new, running on the latest version of Android. As such, Android Pie's install base.

The Realme 2 Pro is priced at Rs 13,990 for the 4GB+64GB variant. Its powered by the top-of-the-line mid-range CPU, the Snapdragon 660. In fact, its the most affordable Snapdragon 660-powered smartphone in India. Theres another 6GB+64GB variant priced at Rs 15,990 along with a staggering 8GB+128GB variant for Rs 17,990. Hardware wise, and even on performance benchmarks, the Realme 2 Pro outperformed most smartphones. Unfortunately, it also indulges in benchmark testing, and while that doesnt really affect real-world performance, it was the reason why the Realme 2 Pro did not qualify for Digit Zero1 Awards.

There is a dual 16+2MP dual camera setup at the back along with a 16MP front shooter. The phone has a laminated glass design that touts a 6.3-inch Full HD+ display with a waterdrop notch on top. Underneath is a 3,500mAh battery.

The Realme 2 Pro relies on an Android 8.1-powered EMUI interface. It is mostly feature-packed but also comes with a lot of bloatware. There is a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor along with face unlock and dual-SIM with dual-VoLTE support.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  Presidential son Paolo Duterte who was criticized for publicly releasing a so-called "Oust Duterte Movement" list was just exercising his freedom of expression, the presidential spokesperson said.

In a media briefing Monday, Salvador Panelo pushed back on claims of the younger Duterte's serious allegations, saying that the former Davao City Vice Mayor has the right to react to administration "threats" as the son of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"We are not privy to the list issued by the former vice mayor. The President always respects the freedom of expression," Panelo told reporters in Malacanang. "The Vice Mayor then may have some reason for issuing the list, we do not know."

"That is his right, and we cannot deprive this person from expressing his sentiment, especially since he is a son. All sons have the right to defend, to neutralize any attempt to discredit or to assault the integrity of a father," he added.

The presidential son on Friday posted on his Facebook account a list of various individuals including politicians and journalists as well as companies supposedly plotting an ouster of the country's chief executive.

The list included Vice President Leni Robredo, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Catholic officials and bishops, as well as Jollibee Food Corp., among others.

The Facebook post has since been deleted.

However, the Palace reiterated that no coup or conspiracy can take place due to the President's massive support from the police, military, and majority of the Filipinos.

Panelo said those in the list always have legal remedies available to them.

"They can always refute the allegations contained in the list. That is the beauty of democracy." Panelo said. "There will always be as the saying goes a free market for ideas and expression."

'Irresponsible allegations'

Robredo on Sunday meanwhile slammed the younger Duterte's allegations, calling them "fake news."

While the Vice President initially said the claim was "laughable," she noted spreading of unverified information was "irresponsible" coming from a former government official.

"Sinasabi doon na nag-uusap-usap kami ng mga nakalista doon para patalsikin sa puwesto ang ating Pangulo, nagde-destabilize. Tinitingnan ko iyong mga kasama kong pangalan doon, parang karamihan doon hindi ko kilala. Ang kilala ko lang doon si Jollibee," Robredo said in a statement.

[Translation: It was said that those on the list were having a meeting to oust our President from his post. I was looking at the list, and I don't know majority of them.]

"Napaka-irresponsible na mag-post ng isang bagay na una, wala namang basehan. Pangalawa, hindi ko alam kung alam niya kung saan iyon nanggaling, kasi obviously, iyong gumawa noon, hindi man lang nag-aksaya ng panahon para mag-research," Robredo said of the presidential son, who is running for Davao City's First District Representative in the 2019 midterm polls.

READ: President Duterte's 3 children running in 2019 elections

[Translation: It was very irresponsible that he would post such thing because first, there's no basis. Second, I don't know if he knows where the list came from because obviously, the one who created the list did not even do research.]

This is not the first time an "ouster plot" against the current administration was reported to be in the works. Earlier this year, a "Red October plot" which was said to be headlined by opposition solons and communist groups surfaced but no movement pushed through.
Image by TVA Architects [enlarge]

This 126-room hotel is proposed for a site across the street from the Salem Convention Center in Oregon. The zones were designed to spur development and job creation in low-income communities.




Subscriber content preview

SEATTLE  The corner site at 2000 Third Ave. has sold for $35 million, according to King County records.

The seller was Virginia Street REIT LLC, associated with British Columbia Investment Management Corp., which acquired the property in 2013 for $17.75 million.





. . .
TDP's Chandrababu Naidu initiates `Mahagatbahan' talks in Capital

The so-called 'Mahagathbandhan', a joint front of diverse political parties ganging up against the Narendra Modi government and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, seemed gathering pace with several opposition party leaders attending a meeting in New Delhi today.

The meeting, called by Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party head N Chandrababu Naidu, brought together Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief M K Stalin and Aam Aadmi Party head and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, among others, who could be a part of the grand alliance.

The meeting got delayed because of the assembly elections of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, that concluded on 7 December after over three weeks of intense polling.

Naidu also met Jammu & Kashmir National Conference chairman Farooq Abdullah and senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel as part of the grand alliance strategy ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

It was a good meeting and we had an interesting conversation on many topics, Naidu said after the talks.

Trinamool Congress head and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had met Naidu in Kolkata ahead of the all-party meet. However, the chances of Mamata Banerjee attending the meeting in Delhi are bleak.

Naidu, who was busy with campaigning for Maha Kutami, along with AICC chief Rahul Gandhi, in the just concluded elections in Telangana, has shifted his focus to non-BJP alliance plan.

Naidu is leaving no stone unturned to make it a success by ensuring that all those whom he had met in the recent past with anti-BJP platform as an agenda, make it to the meeting on Monday.

The TDP chief is learnt to have spoken to several leaders of various national and regional parties in the last few days to garner their support.

For now, Save Democracy - Save Nation from the clutches of BJP is the sole slogan for uniting all the anti-BJP forces. The future course of action will be chalked out after the meeting.

Asked whether Mamata, BSP chief Mayawati and others, whom Naidu met earlier, will attend the meeting, Kala exuded confidence that most of the leaders will turn up.

However, TDP leaders have expressed doubts over Mamatas participation in the meeting.

Despite her anti-BJP stance, Banerjee has her own political ambitions and she is unlikely to remain a part of an alliance where several bigwigs will be vying for the top job.
EU top court rules against Brexit sans members' consent

The European Court of justice (ECJ), European Unions top court has ruled that the British government may reverse its decision to leave the bloc without consulting other member states, giving more ammo for non-Brexiters to challenge the current deal under which Britain will opt out of the 27-member block.

In an emergency judgment delivered just a day before the British parliaments scheduled voting on a Brexit deal that Prime Minister Theresa May and the EU by had hammered out, the ECJ said Britain can still withdraw its motion to exit the larger union.

The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU, the court ruled.

The ruling has raised hopes of opponents of Brexit within the UK that a new referendum could be held to prevent Britains scheduled departure from the EU on 29 March 2019.

For May, however, a defeat of the draft deal in parliament would mean setting up further tense talks with the EU when she goes to Brussels on Thursday for a summit of national leaders.

Alyn Smith, a Scottish nationalist member of the European Parliament and one of those Brexit opponents who raised the case seeking clarification of Article 50 of the EU treaty to the European Unions Supreme Court in Luxembourg said:

Todays ruling sends a clear message to UK MPs ahead of tomorrows vote that there is a way out of this mess. A light at the end of the tunnel for the economy, for jobs and for the UKs standing on the world stage. Now its up to the UK.

If the UK chooses to change their minds on Brexit, then revoking Article 50 is an option and the European side should make every effort to welcome the UK back with open arms.

Brexiters like Mays environment minister Michael Gove dismissed the TCJ ruling and said the government wont reverse its decision to leave.

The ECJ said in its statement that Britain should suffer no penalties if it halts the Article 50 process which May triggered last year after a June 2016 referendum: Such a revocation, decided in accordance with its own national constitutional requirements, would have the effect that the United Kingdom remains in the EU under terms that are unchanged.

However, any decision to return to EU would cost Britain the special privileges it enjoyed so far, including a separate currency outside the EU.

At the same time, a defeat of the Brexit deal would push the nation into another and more difficult referendum.

If May wins tomorrows vote in parliament, the withdrawal seems likely to proceed as agreed with Brussels last month.
Reserve Bank governor Urjit Patel resigns

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel has stepped down from his current position with immediate effect, citing personal reasons, according to a brief statement issued by the governor.

On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years.

The support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been the proximate driver of the Banks considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and directors of the RBI Central Board, and wish them all the best for the future, he stated.

Patel, who succeeded Raghuram Rajan as RBI governor in 2016 was to end his three-year-tenure in September 2019. His resignation comes on the heels of months of public confrontation between the RBI and the Modi government over a wide-range of issues, its reserve policies and the central banks independence itself.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reported to have spoken highly of Urjit Patels calibre as an economist and his deep insight and understanding of macro-economic issues.

The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship, finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted.

Reuters quoted former central bank governor Raghuram Rajan as saying that Patels resignation is a development that all Indians should be concerned about.

Patels exit comes in the backdrop of an ongoing face-off between the RBI and the centre, which blew over after deputy governor Viral Acharya in a speech flagged concerns over risks to central bank independence.

Following this speech, the Modi government and the central bank have had several board-level discussions over a wide range of issues.

At the last board meeting, on November 19, both parties had appeared to reach a truce over liquidity concerns and lending restrictions on state-run banks.

The government had also inducted two of its directors to confront Patel and his deputies in the board of the central bank on the policy issues.

As former RBI governor YH Malegam told CNBCTV-18, the resignation is the result of a combination of what has been going on for a long time that could indicate fear that the RBI is becoming an extension of the government.
London court orders extradition of Vijay Mallya

The Westminster Magistrates Court in London today ordered the extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India, in a development that will help proceeding in Indian courts in connection with loan default cases against him.

Mallya, wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs9,000 crore, appeared before the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London today.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.

The London courts decision comes after months-long battle between Indian authorities in a deliberate attempt to bring back Vijay Mallya.

Earlier last week, Vijay Mallya offered to repay the banks in full. He also iterated that he met union finance minister Arun Jaitley before leaving for UK.

The matter of extradition of Vijay Mallya to India has been referred to the Secretary of State.

The Central Bureau of investigation (CBI) welcomed the decision. CBI officials are already in London to attend the court proceedings.

I want to disprove the narrative that I stole money by offering to make 100 per cent settlement, Vijay Mallya said on arrival at the court. He said his settlement offers are not related to the judgement to be delivered today. "I have filed a comprehensive settlement application before the Karnataka high court which co-incidentally is also being heard today," Mallya said.

"Whatever the judgement, my legal team will reveal the judgement and take proper steps thereafter. Yes I have tweeted saying that I want to repay, that has nothing to do with this extradition issue. It's a completely separate matter," new agency ANI tweeted citing Vijay Mallya. There is nothing genuine or ingenuine. Please understand that the offer has been made in a court of law. Nobody disrespects a court of law, Vijay Mallya said on his 100 per cent settlement offer with banks, according to ANI.

If extradited, Mallya will be lodged in one of Arthur Road prisons high security barracks located in a two-storey building inside the prison complex, which also housed 26/11 Mumbai attack terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Kasab, a prison official said.

A high security cell has been kept ready at the jail located in central Mumbai, he said. "We are fully prepared to lodge him safely at our correction centre. If he is brought here, we will take care of his safety and security," the official said.

In case of a medical emergency, Mallya can be treated at the dispensary located close to the barrack, where doctors and other staff are present to provide basic treatment to prisoners, he said.

An official from the union ministry of home affairs earlier said Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was one of the best in the country.

The comments had come after a court in the UK asked Indian authorities to submit a video of the Arthur Road Jail cell where they plan to keep Mallya following his extradition.
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The Donegal Intercultural Platform presents 'Cafe Arabia' at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny on Saturday, December 15 at 2pm.

Cafe Arabia celebrates United Nations (UN) World Arabic Language Day (WALD). First established by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2010, the day celebrates the Arabic language and promotes cultural diversity.

Arabic language

It is celebrated all around the world as a means to promote cultural understanding and encourage dialogue among people who speak different languages. Organisations and governments hold cultural events that showcase the history and richness of the language.The Arabic language is a pillar of cultural diversity of humanity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 290 million people.

Fascinating aesthetic

In the diversity of its forms, classical or dialectal, from oral expression to poetic calligraphy, the Arabic language has given rise to a fascinating aesthetic, in fields as varied as architecture, poetry, philosophy and song. It grants access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages.

Arabic has played a catalytic role in knowledge, promoting the dissemination of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe. It has enable a dialogue of cultures along the silk roads, from the coast of India to the Horn of Africa.

Sample the cuisine

Cafe Arabia at the Regional Cultural Centre brings a fusion of Arabic food, costume, poetry, and writing along with the beautiful airs of fiddler Martin McGinley and the guitarist Ted Ponsomby.

There will be traditional henna painting and a chance to sample the cuisine and take part in entertaining conversation at tables.

It will be a memorable day which will take you on a cultural journey down a Donegal silk road.

Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Children are also welcome if accompanied.

This initiative is supported by the Donegal County Council Arts Office, Donegal Resettlement Programme (DLDC) and Donegal Intercultural platform.
Albinism campaigner speaks of being hunted for body parts

Published On Mon 10 Dec 2018 by Grant Hill

A human rights campaigner, who has just completed a fellowship at the University of Dundee, has spoken of how she and other people with albinism are hunted like animals in her home country of Malawi.

Tumeliwa Mphepo is one of three international activists who spent a semester at the University as part of the Scottish Human Rights Defender Fellowship initiative. Participants spent three months in Scotland, combining study at Dundee with the chance to build relationships and share expertise with Scottish human rights and equality organisations.

The Fellowship is a partnership between the Scottish Government and the University, supported by campaign groups Front Line Defenders, Amnesty International, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund and Beyond Borders Scotland.

While the other Fellows cannot be named so as to not put them at risk in their home countries, such is the danger they face as a result of their humanitarian work, Tumeliwa has waived her anonymity to speak out against the ritual killing of people with albinism.

Amnesty International has described the situation in Malawi as a human rights crisis, with thousands of people with albinism  particularly children  being at serious risk of abduction and killing. People born with the genetic condition are being hunted for their bones and body parts, which are then sold for witchcraft. Despite increasingly fierce rhetoric on the subject within the country, perpetrators are largely going unpunished.

People like me are being hunted like animals in Malawi and other parts of Africa, she said. There has been a big increase in the number of atrocities against people with albinism, with some 159 cases in Malawi in just a few years. This has been a problem in the background for years but the current challenges we are facing has brought it to light. We cannot be silent about this.

This is not the fault of the government and there are people within the government trying to counter these beliefs but it is a slow process and the action is not happening quickly enough for those of us at risk.

A lot of discrimination exists against people with albinism in education and employment meaning they tend to fall into the lowest socio-economic bracket and are the most vulnerable as a result of their poverty.

A good nights rest is something most people take for granted. For the three Human Rights Defender Fellows, it is a luxury. The very real possibility of would-be jailors, torturers and murderers breaking down their door keeps them awake as they lie in bed at home. As such, the feeling of peacefulness they have experienced in Dundee has been as welcome as the educational opportunities that the research fellowship has afforded them.

I have slept more in the past three months than I have in a very long time, said one of the Fellows, a lawyer targeted by his countrys authorities for his work defending human rights. Here I have gone to bed without fear. I am relaxed in Dundee because I know the police will not raid my home in the middle of the night. We have all had a break from persecution in Scotland.

Since coming here, we have had the chance to get to know Scotland as well as meeting with the activist community and develop our understanding of other serious international problems. We have made friendships and built solidarity with the people we have met here and I think it has also been very beneficial for the activists in Scotland to meet with us and hear about our experiences.

The third Fellow also comes from a country where the government has instigated a brutal crackdown on human rights.

Other human rights defenders have been detained or have disappeared, he said. If I was to become known as an activist then I would be killed. They target the families of activists as well. Even my colleagues dont know I have been in Scotland.

This Fellowship has allowed me to meet great people and make contacts. I have gained knowledge and attended classes. I have also had a good chance to rest here without moving. Human rights defenders in my country must always be moving from house to house to avoid detection and it is very stressful.

Kurt Mills, Professor of International Relations and Human Rights at the University, paid tribute to all three Fellows, saying, It has been an honour and pleasure to host our three human rights defenders this semester. Hosting this fellowship aligns directly with the values of the University, and we are very pleased to be able to support the important and brave work these individuals do.

I would like to thank the Scottish Government and the EU Human Right Defenders mechanism for their support, as well as our key civil society partners.

Scottish Government Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said, It has been a pleasure to welcome the human rights defenders to Scotland and I hope they found their time here as rewarding as I found it inspiring.

They face challenges in their work that nobody should have to deal with and I find the manner in which they respond to be frankly humbling. I hope the three months they have spent here has shown them how much their efforts are appreciated but I also hope it gives them the energy to continue their essential work  ending discrimination and upholding human rights.

For media enquiries contact:

Grant Hill

Press Officer

University of Dundee

Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN

Tel: +44 (0)1382 384768

Mobile: 07854 953277

Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
Landmark Operations Limited (trading as Seednet) has been ordered by The Federal Court to pay a $1 million penalty for making false, misleading and deceptive claims in a fact sheet for its barley variety known as Compass.

Seednet told farmers from at least December 2014 to December 2016 that Compass barley had strong straw and better straw strength and lodging resistance (ability to remain upright), than an older variety of barley known as Commander, when that was not the case. The company also misled farmers into thinking Compass was better suited to early sowing, higher fertility paddocks and higher nitrogen rates than Commander.

ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said, Seednets conduct was unacceptable because it misled farmers into sowing barley crops under a false impression about the qualities of the crops they were planting.

As a result of Seednets conduct, farmers were denied the chance to make a fully informed decision on what would be the best barley variety for their farms.

In addition, Seednet represented from at least January 2016 through to December 2016 that Compass had higher resistance to a disease known as leaf rust than it actually did.

Seednet admitted it made the lodging and leaf rust claims through factsheets distributed nationally, despite the fact that Seednet was, or ought to have been, aware that Compass performance did not support the lodging representations, and that the leaf rust representations understated Compass susceptibility to leaf rust.

Exaggerated marketing of new agricultural produce is a major concern across the industry, Keogh said.

At the time of the release of a new crop variety, farmers and their agronomists lack other sources of independent information beyond what businesses tell them.

Seed companies, and agribusinesses more generally, are warned that they must have a proper basis for marketing the qualities of new agricultural varieties and must not misrepresent the properties or performance of new products.

The Court also ordered Seednet pay $50,000 as a contribution to the ACCCs legal costs.
(Photo:  Peter Kenny)Ambassador Idriss Jazairy, executive director of the Geneva Centre's Board of Management, a former head of a UN specialized agency and top diplomat for Algeria at a panel debate at the United Nations in Geneva on Dec. 10, 2018.

Respect for the other lies at the heart of peace education and was a key thread through a debate entitled "Education for Peace in a multi-religious world."

It was held on the 2018 World Human Rights Day at the United Nations Office in Geneva.

The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue and the World Council of Churches held the debate on Dec. 10 on the impact of peace education to promote mutual understanding and cooperative relations between people and societies.

"Our goal is unity and not uniformity," said panelist Dr. Debbie Weissman, who said she is an "Israeli Jew" and former president of the International Council of Christians and Jews.

Author of "Memoirs of a Hopeful Pessimist: A Life of Activism through Dialogue," she referred to the biblical story of the creation of the human being in the image of God as "the basis of respect for the other, which lies at the heart of peace education. Human diversity is the manifestation of God's greatness."

COUNTERING EXTREMIST NARRATIVES

The conference focused on how education for peace can engage different stakeholders to counter violent, extremist narratives, build peaceful and inclusive societies as well as to promote universally shared values upheld in diverse faiths and creeds.

She said that the contemporary phenomenon of global terrorism is undoubtedly exacerbated by feelings of insecurity.

"Our goal, then, should not be the eradication of group identities but their empowerment through ensuring the safety and security of the different groups.

"Thus, we are faced with the serious educational challenge of developing a model for religious education that is dialectical -- that strengthens the particular identity and commitment of the group and its members and, at the same time, tries to inculcate within them a respect for the Other and the Other's faith, an openness to different cultures, an awareness that we are all human beings, of equal worth."

Ambassador Idriss Jazairy, executive director of the Geneva Centre's Board of Management, a former head of a UN specialized agency and top diplomat for Algeria, opened the panel debate. He said, "Today I would say peace is in jeopardy once again.

"We are exposed to a kind of a pincer movement between populism on the one hand and extremism on the other. In those circumstances, we need to see how we can defuse this tension and give the right of way to peace. We have to do this by addressing the problem already at the school level."

He said, "We are currently witnessing a pincer movement of two forces that differ in their expression but both of whom, draw on the rejection of 'the Other': the rise of xenophobic populism in advanced societies, and extremist violence in the Arab region. This is a worrying context. A context which is likely to worsen in the future if we do nothing about it.

"Education can help lift the veil of ignorance that has befallen many societies."

WCC general secretary Rev. Olav Fyske Tveit, said, in a speech opening the debate, "The question of how faith communities can educate for peace in a world torn by war and conflict is most pressing in today's world."

Tveit was unable to attend the panel discussion and his speech was read by Rev. Peniel Rajkumar, who heads the WCC's Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation program.

"It is imperative that leaders of religious communities of various kinds recognize that one of the most solemn tasks laid upon them is to pass on a vision for the pursuit of peace to those they lead, those they teach, those whose imaginations they shape and whose consciences they help to form," said Tveit.

"Faith communities as communities of edification at various levels  formal, informal, religious and secular  have a definite role in this.

"What are the motivations and means for us to capitalize on the constant opportunities for religious communities to teach their members how to be peacemakers?" he asked.

'KNOWING ABOUT EACH OTHER'

Professor Majeda Omar of the University of Jordan and former director of the Royal Institute for Inter-faith Studies of Jordan said, "What we need to know about is, each other's religions and cultures."

She noted that it is the "lack of religious knowledge," that is the question, not "the lack of religions". Omar said, "What is needed, is not just tolerance, but mutual understanding. We have to learn how to listen to one another."

Anantanand Rambachan, professor of Religion at St. Olaf College (US) spoke from a Hindu perspective but also quoted Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi who spoke of "the duty of every cultured man or woman to read sympathetically, the scriptures of the world.

"If we are to respects others' religions, as we would have them respect our own, a friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty."

Rambachan said, "Accurate knowledge of other traditions must be complemented by the development of relationships and friendships between people of different traditions."

After his speech, Jazairy said, "Ecumenism should encompass all the Abrahamic religions, and Hinduism."

Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne, undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, said, "only by changing education can we can change the world". He explained how "a humanized education" can lay down a pathway for "paternal humanism".

Dialogue is essential for "your own maturity in confronting other cultures and religions" and that "as we grow, and we develop, and we mature, this dialogue is what creates peace," said Janakaratne.

Those conducting the panel discussion included: Maria Lucia Uribe, director of Arigatou International Geneva - Ethics Education for Children; Renato Opertti, senior programme specialist, IBE-UNESCO; Beris Gwynne, founder and managing director of Incitare. former Australian diplomat and aid official and NGO executive; and Jan-Willem Bult, head of Children & Youth Media and chief editor of WADADA News for Kids.
Fueled by technological advances, changing state policies, and a continued push from advocates, ed-tech companies and researchers are crafting new tools and strategies to better serve students with disabilities.

Underlying a range of new trends, experts say, is a growing recognition that designing learning resources from the beginning with students with disabilities in mind can benefit all students.

Developers and [K-12] consumers are now very tuned in, said Cynthia Curry, the director of the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials for Learning , more commonly known as the AEM Center. Theyre not only aware of the legal requirements but the societal shift around ensuring that all learners have the opportunities for advancement.

Against that backdrop, Education Week canvassed the field for insights on new developments in the use of technology to support special education.

Some promising technologies, such as virtual reality, are still very much in the experimental stage.

Some segments of the K-12 sector, such as the burgeoning Computer Science for All movement, are hustling to make up for past oversights.

And some experts are sounding cautionary notes.

Technology is great, but it can also diminish opportunities for slower mental processing that creates a foundation kids can build on over time, said Sheldon Horowitz, a senior adviser at the National Center for Learning Disabilities . For kids who struggle by virtue of a learning disability or attentional disorder or some other challenge, that can present a double scoop of risk.

Still, theres plenty to be hopeful about. Here are five trends in the use of educational technology for special education that K-12 educators and policymakers should keep an eye on.

1. Greater Personalization

As a technology lover who is blind, Luis F. Perez has long made use of assistive technologies and features such as screen readers (which speak the content that appears on a device) and high-contrast screen settings. But its frustrating and time-consuming to have to reset his preferences every time he starts fresh on a new computer or application.

Now, though, thats changing.

Profiles can now follow you as you log into different devices, said Perez, a technical-assistance specialist at the AEM Center. Its there for you when you need it.

Leading the shift is Google, which has made huge inroads into K-12 with its web-based Chromebook devices and popular G Suite productivity tools.

Among the elements that Google touts in those products are a select-to-speak feature that allows users to highlight text and have it read back to them; Braille displays to read and edit documents, spreadsheets, and slides; and artificially intelligent tools for word prediction and translation that users can adopt via extensions to Googles Chrome web browser.

All can be tied permanently to an individual users account.

This all means students using Chromebook can log into any device running Chrome and enjoy the same accessibility settings and experience without having to go through another onerous set-up process, said Naveen Viswanatha, the lead product manager for Chromebooks for Education.

2. Early Screening

Over the past 17 years, millions of schoolchildren have had their foundational reading skills assessed using a digital tool called mCLASS , developed by ed-tech company Amplify.

Recently, though, Amplify tweaked its software. In response to new legislation in more than a dozen states, the company added new measures into mCLASS that also screen for dyslexia.

Early identification is key, said Krista Curran, the general manager for assessment and intervention at the company. Schools and districts across the country are now [required to] use observational assessments to aid in that. We help them do it more efficiently.

Its not just Amplify, and it isnt just about dyslexia or just for schools.

Researchers such as Fumiko Hoeft of the University of California, San Francisco, and Nadine Gaab of Boston Childrens Hospital are leading efforts to develop new mobile early-screening apps that can be used at home and in health-care settings.

And a startup called Babynoggin is taking a similar tack, targeting pediatricians with a suite of mobile apps that can be used to screen children for delays in the development of motor skills, language, social-emotional abilities, and cognitive processing.

Such tools can be used to screen for risk factors but not to formally identify learning disabilities, which requires direct interaction with a trained professional.

And Babynoggin founder Jin Lee stressed that her company isnt trying to reinvent existing, validated screening tools. Instead, Lee said, its about making the screening process more efficient and affordable for parents, doctors, and schools alike.

A million kids are entering schools every year with undiagnosed developmental disabilities, Lee said. This is about making sure they dont fall through the cracks.

3. Virtual Reality

For students with autism, navigating a crowded school hallway or lining up in the cafeteria can be highly fraught.

Sean J. Smith believes that practice in a virtual-reality environment can help.

Weve taken the literature on effective ways to develop social competencies and skills in students with autism and learning disabilities, and weve created scenarios that can help children learn how to interact with these challenges in their environment, said Smith, a professor of special education at the University of Kansas.

So far, Smith said, his team has developed more than 30 scenarios, spanning 10 virtual environments. When a student uses the tool, he or she interacts with avatars and is given choices about how to respondthen gets real-time reinforcement for appropriate behaviors and instruction on what he or she might do better.

Other examples of VR for students with disabilities include environments that promote mindfulness and allow users with motor disabilities to manipulate objects in ways they cant in the physical world.

Most such work is still in the testing phase, experts caution. Some observers also have raised concerns that VR may trigger emotional and psychological distress and could have as-yet-unknown effects on brain development, especially in young children.

But the hope, said Smith, is that VR can bridge a new gap emerging in schools that increasingly expect students to demonstrate an aptitude for teamwork and collaboration.

We dont outright teach those skills, and so a lot of learners struggle, he said. VR offers a way of introducing that in an environment that feels realistic.

4. Making Computer Science Accessible for All

More than 100 companies, universities, and nonprofit and advocacy organizations have signed a new accessibility pledge  intended to make K-12 computer science education more inclusive.

Among the groups taking the most significant steps: Bootstrap , a research project based out of Brown University that develops computer science curricular modules to be used within schools existing math and physics classes.

One of Bootstraps goals is to make its user interfaces friendlier, including for students who are unable to use a computer mouse. Another is to incorporate a screen reader capable of reading the output of a program a user creates. The most ambitious is to create a toolkit that can be integrated with multiple programming languages, read code aloud, and also verbally describe the codes structure and purposein multiple languages, at age-appropriate reading levels.

The users weve worked with on this, some of whom are professional programmers, have said, God, I wish I had this growing up. I wish I had this now, said Emmanuel Schanzer, Bootstraps founder and co-director.

For many of the pledges other signatories, embracing accessibility will mean more basic steps, such as putting captions on videos.

Pressure to take such steps is necessary, said Ruthe Farmer, whose title is chief evangelist at the nonprofit group CSforALL, which is behind the accessibility pledge. She said the K-12 computer science materials market developed so quickly that those disabilities were often an afterthought.

Its early enough that if we address this now, we can build a fully inclusive movement, Farmer said.

5. Making Open More Open

Schools embrace of free open educational resources, or OER, (which educators may use, adapt, and share as they see fit) has many potential benefits.

But Jose Blackorby, the senior director of research and development at CAST, a nonprofit that promotes the principles known as universal design for learning, says the OER movement also has an often-overlooked problem: The pdf is not our friend.

The commonly used electronic-file format for documents with text and graphics often doesnt work well with screen readers. It generally doesnt allow supportive and assistive features to be embedded. And pdfs are difficult to make searchable.

If youre presenting content using digital formats, you should have a lot more options on how to customize them for students with visual impairments, autism, and dyslexia, Blackorby said. But none of that works terribly well on pdfs.

Now, though, CAST, through its Center on Inclusive Software for Learning, has a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Educations office of special education programs to tackle those problems. Blackorby described three main goals: Develop new authoring tools that would make it easy for OER creators to output their content in more adaptable formats, such as EPUB. Create a preference discovery tool, that enables students to learn what kind of customized, built-in digital learning supports work best for them. And build a new OER player that would make it easy for users to activate assistive supports such as text-to-speech when they open the files up on any device.

There will no doubt be obstacles, Blackorby said, including the Wild West quality of the current OER landscape.

But theres reason to be excited.

The marketplace is changing very fast, he said. But where its going to end up is anyones guess.
When Amanda Morins younger child, Benjamin, was about to start school, her older son, Jacob Lewis, then in 7th grade, told his family that they should switch school districts.

He was really adamant that he didnt want Benjamin to be viewed as a problem, Morin said.

Jacob, now 16, and Benjamin, 8, are hyperlexic, showing an advanced ability in reading and spelling. Jacob also is a photographer, and Benjamin could tell the make, model, and year of pretty much any car. In addition, they both fall on the autism spectrum, and Benjamin is also diagnosed with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They are whats known in the disability advocacy community as twice-exceptional.

Twice-exceptional, or 2e, students are those who have both exceptional ability in some academic, creative, or other area, as well as a disability that can pose an educational challenge. For some 2e students, their giftedness may dominate, masking their disability, or vice versa. That may make it difficult for parents or schools to recognize and address the students strengths and weaknesses.

But, with the help of the internet and social media, parents like Morin are finding new ways to support one another and mobilize for action in the face of confusing school policies and exclusion from other parent advocacy groups.

Twice-exceptional parents are not the first to take advantage of online connection, offering support and information to those hungry for it, and even driving state and national-level change. The advocacy group Decoding Dyslexia, for example, grew out of social media and now has branches in all 50 states, 42 of which have passed dyslexia-specific laws .

Robbi Cooper, a parent involved in policy and advocacy at Decoding Dyslexia Texas, says that social media connects advocates involved in various parts of the legislative process and builds support from lawmakers and administrators.

Social media allows the door to open when the doors not locked. If the door is locked, then they wont let you inbut that doesnt mean theres nothing you can do, Cooper said, indicating that continued growth and research can serve as the key. Once they start listening to you and start taking you seriously, then they unlock the door.

Looking for Resources

According to recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, about 80,000 students, or a little more than 2 percent of all those enrolled in gifted and talented programs, had a disability covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Still, this number may be assumed to be underreported, since 2e students are not always diagnosed as both gifted and disabled.

Plus, that only accounts for students in schools that have a gifted and talented program. There are no federal requirements for districts to provide gifted and talented programs for students. According to a National Association for Gifted Children 2014-2015 report , of 40 responding states, 32 had some form of legal mandate related to gifted and talented education.

Before having Jacob and Benjamin, Morin was a teacher and an early-intervention specialist in the public school system, but even then, she had never heard the term twice-exceptional. It wasnt until Jacob was 8 and refusing to go to school that he was diagnosed as such.

At times, getting the proper services means parents of children with a disability have to take a hands-on approach to advocate for their children. For Morin, advocating for her kids felt like talking into an echo chamber, in that she was not being heard by teachers and administrators. That is why she, like many other parents, turned to online resources.

For parents whose first child is going through the system, knowing what resources are available to them, or understanding legal requirements such as individualized education programs or behavior intervention plans can feel like navigating a labyrinth.

This labyrinth can get even more complex when their child can cope during the day, but when exhaustion and frustration are expressed at home, when a parent is the only one to experience it.

Sometimes children that are disabled are compensating all day long.  That doesnt mean that the child doesnt have a problem that needs to be addressed, said Jennifer Choi, a moderator of the Facebook group Parents of Twice Exceptional Children (2E) , which has over 11,000 members.

Thats where social media can provide a boost. With what may feel like an isolating experience, Facebook groups and other online gathering places create a community that help parents share tips and ask questions, Choi said.

Community was just what Amanda Christy, a mother of an 8-year-old twice-exceptional son, was looking for. Thats why she created her own Facebook group, 2e Kids ROC, specifically for families of twice-exceptional kids in Rochester, New York.

Small groups can help smooth the transition from online chats to in-person meetings.

Its important to meet in person sometimes. Its validating to connect and know that we share similar challenges, Christy said. Its good to see a face and have a cup of coffee and know that someone else gets it.

For some parents, their children are not only ostracized from on-level students, but also from subgroups, such as gifted and talented and special education students. In addition to having to convince the schools that their child belongs in higher-level classes and needs specialized assistance, parents must also convince their peers.

When you have a kid who does not get along with their peers in school, who does not get invited to birthday parties, doesnt make any social connection, theyre known as that kid, Maratea Cantarella, the executive director of Twice Exceptional Childrens Advocacy , said. And youre the mom of that kid.

In the same way that parents feel excluded from in-person groups, many also feel disconnected from Facebook groups and Twitter threads focused on gifted and talented or special education specifically, rather than the intersection of the two.

There are a lot of parents that will say, Oh poor you, your kids are gifted, but the truth of that is that they will never see the anxiety that goes with that, Morin said.

Advocating for Change

Other groups are hoping to make change through legislation.

In addition to running 2e Kids ROC, Christy is advocating for a New York state bill requiring districts to establish programs for gifted and twice-exceptional students. The bill is currently in the state Senate education committee.

For parents who are unsure where to start the conversation, blogs and podcasts also offer support and advice.

Jen Merrill writes about her daily experiences with her twice-exceptional son, as well as advises parents on topics ranging from self-care to preparing for parent-teacher conferences and balancing responsibilities, in her blog Laughing at Chaos.

What I hear the most is Youre living in my closet, so thank you for joining us, and youre writing about what Im living,  Merrill said.

In the TiLT Parenting Podcast , Debbie Reber discusses 2e parenting and education with experts and her own 14-year-old twice-exceptional son Asher.

These resources not only provide parents support during the school year, but also during transitional pointssuch as entering or exiting school, or moving from middle to high schoolwhen parents may experience the greatest number of challenges.

I knew from the time Asher was very young, I wanted to do something to access parents like me, Reber said. "[I thought] if Im in trouble, most parents must be really struggling.

Reber also lists resources organized by common issues encountered by 2e parents, such as anxiety and sensory issues and learning differences. This further opens to door to other supports that parents may need.

Source: Education Week Research Center analysis of IDEA and Digest of Education Statistics, 2018.

Online advocacy is not just on the personal level. TECA, headed by two mothers of their own twice-exceptional children, offers a directory of providers and outside intervention specialists tailored to 2e students and families.

Through such interactions, TECA hopes to stop schools from viewing 2e parents advocating for their children as hard to please, and make education a more collaborative process.

I so want the schools to understand that this is the student that has a very specific set of needs, founder and president Melissa Sornik said. It doesnt mean more, it just means different.
If you ask semiconductor manufacturers what they think of the current market trend, they all agree: demand is rising - at least in the long term. But there are also risks.

The trend towards more electronics in vehicles is unbroken, explains Jurgen Weyer, Vice President Automotive Sales EMEA of NXP Semiconductors: "Even if the actual growth in unit numbers in the automotive industry is between 2 and 3 percent, the demand for semiconductors is rising significantly faster.

And Raphael Hrobarsch, Sales Manager Automotive Europe and Sales Manager CEE of Diodes, gives simple examples that support Weyer's statement: "There are still many vehicles equipped with DC motors with brushes. However, a change to brushless motors is currently taking place and each new brushless motor requires 6 to 7 MOSFETs."

Increasing demand: not only in the automotive industry. Dr. Bernhard Rauscher, Vice President EMEA Region, Managing Director of STMicroelectronics, reports similar things about smartphones. He does not expect the growth rates of the past years, but there should be growth. Hans Adlkofer, Vice President Head of Automotive Systems Group at Infineon Technologies, points out that the following applies in all areas: Growth is not driven by unit numbers, but by innovations.

However, this does not mean that the industry is currently running really smoothly. Norbert Siedhoff, Managing Director of Microchip Technology, points out that many semiconductor companies are predicting shrinking sales for the current quarter. Although some of this is seasonal, the expected decline is higher for many than last year. Siedhoff: "I already see a dent in the market at the moment. And I have heard from conversations with customers that most people assume that the first quarter of 2019 will remain weak. Only in the second quarter should the curve turn again and in the third quarter will it go up again."

From the point of view of Dr. Ulrich Giese, Senior Director Automotive Solution Business Unit at Renesas Electronics Europe, this is typical for the semiconductor industry. "If there is a phase of allocation, there is always a dent afterwards," Giese continues. But the dent doesn't just seem to be seen by semiconductor manufacturers. Thomas Rothhaupt, Director Sales & Marketing at Inova Semiconductors, refers to the equipment industry, which is typically an indicatorof the situation for the semiconductor industry. "ASML is also somewhat more cautious with its outlook," says Rothhaupt.

Sales growth is therefore expected in 2019, but there are a whole lot of uncertainty factors. From a European perspective, this naturally includes Brexit. It is not even clear yet whether the House of Commons will approve the negotiated contract. Of course, Italy also plays an important role in Europe. Many are convinced that an economic crisis in Italy would hit the euro much harder than the crisis in Greece. Another very important question, of course, is whether the 10 percent tariffs in the USA should remain on imports, or whether they should really rise to 25 percent. It is also questionable whether China can maintain its growth.

If all fears materialize, "then of course we already have a problem," says Adlkofer, but he considers it rather unlikely. "If all the negative factors come together and further problems arise, we can only hope that we will not have to experience a second edition of 2009," says Siedhoff.

Relevante Anbieter
A mechatronics trainee is working on the replacement engine of a Porsche.

Both the diesel crisis and the trade dispute between China and the USA play roles.

Bosch, the largest automotive supplier, is not expecting much growth in global automotive production in the coming year. "We assume that the market will calm down," the outgoing head of the automotive division, Rolf Bulander, told journalists on Thursday. The outlook is cautious. He does not expect a downturn, but the market will "swing around zero".

In addition to the diesel crisis, Bulander cited the weakness in the Chinese market as the main reason. In China, the overall market for cars has been in decline for several months. Buyers have been holding back because of the weaker economy and concern about the trade dispute with the USA. According to Bulander, the threat of US tariffs on German cars already had an impact. However, significantly higher tariffs would continue to influence the market.

As always, Bosch itself wanted its motor vehicle business in 2019 to be "substantially" ahead of the market. For the current year, Bulander expects the division to "sort itself in" at the bottom end of the forecast of two to four percent sales growth.

The diesel market share has stabilized. However, if it continues to fall, this may have an effect on employment at Bosch. In that case, it might be necessary to talk to the social partners, said Bulander. Bosch has a flexibility of about 10 percent through instruments such as working time accounts or temporary work.

Around 50,000 of the 402,000 jobs at Bosch that have recently been created worldwide depend on the diesel market, around 15,000 of them in Germany. The 59-year-old retires at the turn of the year and hands over the management of the passenger car business to Stefan Hartung, head of the building technology division.
Netanyahu tasks Mossad head to forge ties with S.Arabia

Israel kicks off series of political actions to normalize its ties with Arab states, Israeli media reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday appointed Mossad head Yossi Cohen to work to establish diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, local media reported.

According to Israeli TV Hadashot, the Israeli government began a political process to normalize bilateral ties between Tel Aviv and Riyadh in the runup to the general elections set for November 2019. Local media reported that the U.S. was also involved in the process.

A high-level Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that in light of the rising tension with Iran, Tel Aviv made contacts with a number of Arab states, including Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahus office has yet to release an official statement on the issue.

In late October, Netanyahu paid a surprise visit to Oman at the invitation of the ruler of the Gulf state, according to Netanyahus office. Israeli Communication Minister Ayoub Kara also visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend a conference held in Dubai. A similar visit was paid by Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev to Abu Dhabi, where Israel attended the Judo Grand Competition in the capital.

Israels Economy Minister Eli Cohen has also been invited to attend an international high-tech conference in Bahrain, according to Israeli media.

Israel currently does not have diplomatic relations with Bahrain, Oman, or the UAE.
Rouhani eyes further cooperation with Turkey

Hassan Rouhani said that Turkey and Iran enjoyed cooperation combatting regional terrorism and could accomplish more.

Turkish Parliamentary Speaker Binali Yldrm was in Tehran to attend "Meeting of the Parliament Speakers on Combating Terrorism and Extremism". The event was also participated by the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the parliamentary speakers of China, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.

TURKEY AND IRAN TO COLLABORATE IN BANKING AND ENERGY TOPICS

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Saturday said that they wanted to improve further relations with Turkey and the joint agreement by Ankara and Tehran to collaborate in numerous fields including banking and energy topics should be implemented faster.

The statement made by the Iranian President's website covered Rouhani's meeting with Binali Yldrm. "Iran's will is that sincere relation with brother and friend Turkey is developed in every field," Rouhani said, adding that he regarded Turkey's safety and stability as his own. "Within this direction, in the face of the recent coup attempt, Iran took a firm and transparent attitude towards the stability and strengthening of Turkey," he noted.

Iranian President saluted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his stance against the US sanctions and constructive manner regarding the issues in the Islamic community. Noting that Turkey, Iran and Russia took two decisions in the recent meetings, Rouhani went on to say that these decisions provided significant benefit in terms of financial cooperation and regional issues.

"Iran and Turkey have faced terrorism for years. Whenever their collaboration in the fight against terror increased, their strife ended up in more success. Both countries have carried out nice cooperation against regional-level terrorism in the past years," he said.
NEW YORK...December 10, 2018 - Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have improved a standard bariatric surgery clinical scoring system (DiaRem) to extend the prediction time for diabetic remission following bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.

The DiaRem score, which includes a patient's age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes indicators, and treatments, is used to predict the probability of remission of type 2 diabetes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.

In the study published in Obesity Surgery, the researchers improved the DiaRem scoring system to include additional indicators, which extended the prediction time for diabetes remission from one to five years and included three types of bariatric procedures instead of just the standard bypass surgery.

"We know weight-loss surgery has the potential to put diabetes in remission," says Dr. Rachel Golan, a lecturer in the BGU School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences. "The previous DiaRem model was limited to projecting outcomes for only one year after only one type of procedure. Our 'Advanced-DiaRem' was able to predict the longer-term probability of achieving remission from diabetes out to five years following three different surgical procedures."

In the study, the researchers used a computerized database of nearly 1,500 patients with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of more than 30 who had RYGB, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric banding surgery to determine their diabetic remission status after two and five years. Using this data, they were able to develop an Advanced-DiaRem.

This breakthrough could impact public health debates as obesity rates, which are considered the most prevalent preventable risk factor for morbidity and mortality in Western countries, continue to soar to epidemic levels.

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese.

"The ability to predict an individual's reaction to weight loss surgery gives both doctors and patients the clarity they need to make informed medical decisions," says Dr. Golan.

"More importantly, it will enable health care officials to address a public health crisis that is one of the major contributors to the spiraling cost of health care, and direct resources where they can be most effective."

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In addition to Dr. Golan, researchers in the study include Prof. Assaf Rudich, of the BGU Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, and lead author Dr. Dror Dicker, president of the Israeli Society for Research and Treatment of Obesity.

This study was supported in part by grants from the Ministry of Science, Technology & Space (Israeli-French collaboration) and by The Ministe're de L'Education National de l'Enseignement Sup'erieur et de la Recherche, France (Maimonide "Franco-Israeli project").

About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more.
Empathy, the awareness of another's feelings and emotions, is a key feature in normal social interactions. But new research from the University of Minnesota suggests that empathy can have detrimental effects on an individual--and can push former drug users to relapse.

A group of researchers, led by Dr. Jonathan Gewirtz, performed a series of experiments to analyze links between empathy, stress, and drug use. First, they used behavioral conditioning to train a group of mice to mimic drug-seeking behavior. The mice were initially placed in a two-sided compartment, where a neutral saline solution was administered on one side and a dose of morphine on the other. When the treatment was repeated over the course of several days, the mice started associating one side with the drug treatment.

Next, the group of mice received only saline injections in either compartment for two weeks to mimic a period of sobriety.

To test the role of empathy on drug relapse, one of these sober mice witnessed another mouse in a fearful state, and then was immediately put back in the dual-sided compartment. Researchers tracked the sober mouse's fear response, as well as whether the mouse displayed a preference for either compartment.

Consistently, the sober mice preferentially selected the compartment that was associated with morphine, demonstrating drug-seeking behavior in response to witnessing a traumatic event.

The researchers treated some of the mice with oxytocin, a hormone that is naturally produced by the body and is important for social bonding. This increased the fear response in the once-sober mice.

They conclude that mice, and potentially people, that witness a stressful event are negatively emotionally affected, which may lead them to seek drugs, even after a period of sobriety. Oxytocin treatment exacerbates this response, indicating that social bonding (and empathy, by extension) is a driving force in this behavior.

The researchers say these findings are the first to demonstrate the direct link between empathy and drug relapse, as well as to suggest oxytocin may play a role in enhancing this response.

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Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that breast cancer tumors boost their growth by recruiting stromal cells that originate in bone marrow. While the recruitment of bone marrow-derived fibroblasts lowers the odds of surviving breast cancer, the study suggests that targeting these cells with new therapies could be an effective way of treating the disease.

Research for the study was led by Prof. Neta Erez of the Department of Pathology at TAU's Sackler School of Medicine and conducted by Prof. Erez's former doctoral students Dr. Yael Raz and Dr. Noam Cohen. The study was published on November 23 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

Cancer cells within solid tumors are surrounded by other cell types that, though not cancerous themselves, boost tumor growth and metastasis. Breast cancer tumors, for example, contain large numbers of fibroblast cells that promote cancer cell proliferation, inflammation and the formation of new blood vessels, which then supply the growing tumor with nutrients and oxygen. Many of these cancer-associated fibroblasts derive from neighboring breast tissue, but others come from elsewhere in the body.

The TAU researchers discovered that in mice with breast cancer, a significant number of cancer-associated fibroblasts derived from bone marrow cells called mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).

"We transplanted bone marrow in a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer to discover the origin of a unique subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts," says Prof. Erez. "We found that the recruitment of bone marrow-derived fibroblasts is a crucial step in breast cancer progression.

"We discovered that breast tumors are actually able to recruit MSCs from the bone marrow and then cause them to develop into fibroblasts," Prof. Erez continues. "These bone marrow-derived fibroblasts are different from other cancer-associated fibroblasts. For example, they lack a key cell-signaling protein called PDGFR, a surface receptor. But bone marrow-derived fibroblasts are particularly effective at stimulating the formation of new blood vessels because they produce large amounts of a protein called 'clusterin.'"

The researchers found that the tumors containing bone marrow-derived fibroblasts in mouse models were more vascularized and therefore grew faster than tumors that only contained breast tissue-derived fibroblasts.

Prof. Erez and colleagues also found that human breast cancers contain fibroblasts lacking PDGFR. This suggests that human tumors also recruit bone marrow-derived cells. Moreover, tumors containing lower levels of PDGFR tended to be deadlier.

"Our study shows that the recruitment of bone marrow-derived fibroblasts is important for promoting tumor growth, likely by enhancing blood vessel formation," Prof. Erez concludes. "Understanding the function of these cancer-associated fibroblasts could form the basis of developing novel therapeutic manipulations that co-target bone marrow-derived fibroblasts as well as the cancer cells themselves."

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American Friends of Tel Aviv University supports Israel's most influential, comprehensive and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. TAU is ranked ninth in the world, and first in Israel, for producing start-up founders of billion-dollar companies, an achievement that surpassed several Ivy League universities. To date, 2,500 US patents have been filed by Tel Aviv University researchers -- ranking TAU #1 in Israel, #10 outside of the US and #43 in the world.
DALLAS, Dec. 10, 2018 -- Getting an annual flu shot can save heart failure patients' lives, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation.

Flu season usually begins in the fall and runs through the spring, with cases often peaking during the winter months. Annual flu vaccination is regarded as a safe, low-cost way to reduce flu-related deaths and complications and is routinely recommended for patients with histories of heart disease and stroke. However, little is known about the possible impact a simple flu shot may have on the survival of heart failure patients.

Influenza can be very serious or even fatal for patients with heart failure because heart failure patients are often older than 65, have compromised circulation and other health complications, and infection may exacerbate heart failure symptoms. Moreover, heart failure is expected to increase over the next decade as the population ages, highlighting a greater need to provide better care for these patients.

In this study, researchers analyzed data on 134,048 patients with newly diagnosed heart failure over a 12-year period. Flu vaccination rates ranged from 16 percent in 2003 to 52 percent in 2015 with a peak of 54 percent in 2009. Among the researchers' findings:

Flu vaccination was associated with an 18 percent reduced risk of premature death, even after accounting for other factors such as medications, other health conditions, income and education.

Annual flu vaccination following a heart failure diagnosis was associated with a 19 percent reduction in both all-cause and cardiovascular death when compared with no vaccination.

Flu vaccination frequency mattered; getting a flu shot less than once per year but more than not at all was associated with a 13 percent reduced risk of all-cause death and an 8 percent reduced risk of cardiovascular death.

Timing mattered; there was a greater reduction in cardiovascular and all-cause death when vaccination occurred earlier in the flu season during September and October versus in November and December.

Lead study author Daniel Modin, an investigator from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, said that while this research only looked at patients with newly-diagnosed heart failure, the protection from a flu shot likely benefits any patient with heart failure.

"Recent studies have indicated that the influenza vaccination coverage of patients with heart failure is inadequate," said Modin. "I hope that our study can assist in making physicians and cardiologists who care for patients with heart failure aware of how important influenza vaccination is for their patients. Influenza vaccination may be regarded as a standard treatment in heart failure similar to medications."

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Co-authors include Mads Jrgensen, M.D.; Gunnar Gislason, M.D., Ph.D.; Jan Jensen, M.D., Ph.D., D.M.Sci.; Lars Kber, M.D., D.M.Sci.; Brian Claggett, Ph.D.; Sheila Hegde, M.D., M.P.H.; Scott Solomon, M.D., M.P.H.; Christian Torp-Pedersen, M.D., D.M.Sci.; and Tor Biering-Srensen, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. Author disclosures are on the manuscript.

Danish Heart Foundation funded the study.

Additional Resources:

Available multimedia is located on the right column of the release link: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/regular-flu-shots-may-save-heart-failure-patients-lives?preview=eeabab24ee94825c8211ccbdcf443e72

After December 10, view the manuscript online.

For more information on heart failure, visit RiseAboveHF.org.

Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews

Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke - the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
X-ray experiments at Berkeley Lab provide first demonstration of room temperature switching in ultrathin material that could serve as a 'topological transistor'

Billions of tiny transistors supply the processing power in modern smartphones, controlling the flow of electrons with rapid on-and-off switching.

But continual progress in packing more transistors into smaller devices is pushing toward the physical limits of conventional materials. Common inefficiencies in transistor materials cause energy loss that results in heat buildup and shorter battery life, so researchers are in hot pursuit of alternative materials that allow devices to operate more efficiently at lower power.

Now, an experiment conducted at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has demonstrated, for the first time, electronic switching in an exotic, ultrathin material that can carry a charge with nearly zero loss at room temperature. Researchers demonstrated this switching when subjecting the material to a low-current electric field.

The team, which was led by researchers at Monash University in Australia and included Berkeley Lab scientists, grew the material from scratch and studied it with X-rays at the Advanced Light Source (ALS), a facility at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

The material, known as sodium bismuthide (Na3Bi), is one of two materials that is known to be a "topological Dirac semimetal," meaning it has unique electronic properties that can be tuned to behave in different ways - in some cases more like a conventional material and in other cases more like a topological material. Its topological properties were first confirmed in earlier experiments at the ALS.

Topological materials are considered promising candidates for next-generation transistors, and for other electronics and computing applications, because of their potential to reduce energy loss and power consumption in devices. These properties can exist at room temperature - an important distinction from superconductors that require extreme chilling - and can persist even when the materials have structural defects and are subject to stress.

Materials with topological properties are the focus of intense research by the global scientific community (see a related article), and in 2016 the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded for theories related to topological properties in materials.

The ease in switching the material studied at the ALS from an electrically conducting state to an insulating, or non-conducting state, bode well for its future transistor applications, said Sung-Kwan Mo, a staff scientist at the ALS who participated in the latest study. The study is detailed in the Dec. 10 edition of the journal Nature.

Another key aspect of the latest study is that the team from Monash University found a way to grow it extremely thin, down to a single layer arranged in a honeycomb pattern of sodium and bismuth atoms, and to control the thickness of each layer they create.

"If you want to make a device, you want to make it thin," Mo said. "This study proves that it can be done for Na3Bi, and its electrical properties can easily be controlled with low voltage. We are a step closer to a topological transistor."

Michael Fuhrer, a physicist at Monash University who participated in the study, said, "This discovery is a step in the direction of topological transistors that could transform the world of computation."

He added, "Ultra-low energy topological electronics are a potential answer to the increasing challenge of energy wasted in modern computing. Information and communications technology already consumes 8 percent of global electricity, and that's doubling every decade."

In the latest study, researchers grew the material samples, measuring several millimeters on a side, on a silicon wafer under ultrahigh vacuum at the ALS Beamline 10.0.1 using a process known as molecular beam epitaxy. The beamline allows researchers to grow samples and then conduct experiments under the same vacuum conditions in order to prevent contamination.

This beamline is specialized for an X-ray technique known as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, or ARPES, which provide information about how electrons travel in materials. In typical topological materials, electrons flow around the edges of the material, while the rest of the material serves as an insulator that prevents this flow.

Some X-ray experiments on similar samples were also performed at the Australian Synchrotron to demonstrate the ultrathin Na3Bi was free-standing and did not chemically interact with the silicon wafer it was grown on. Researchers had also studied samples with a scanning tunneling microscope at Monash University that helped to confirm other measurements.

"In these edge paths, electrons can only travel in one direction," said Mark Edmonds, a physicist at Monash University who led the study. "And this means there can be no 'back-scattering,' which is what causes electrical resistance in conventional electrical conductors."

In this case, researchers found that the ultrathin material became fully conductive when subjected to the electric field, and could also be switched to become an insulator across the entire material when subjected to a slightly higher electric field.

Mo said that the electrically driven switching is an important step to realizing applications for materials - some other research efforts have pursued mechanisms like chemical doping or mechanical strain that are more challenging to control and to perform the switching operation.

The research team is pursuing other samples that can be switched on and off in a similar way to guide the development of a new generation of ultralow-energy electronics, Edmonds said.

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The Advanced Light Source is a DOE Office of Science User Facility.

Scientists from the Australian Synchrotron, Singapore University of Technology and Design, National University of Singapore, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and YALE-NUS College in Singapore also participated in the study. The work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences, the Australian Research Council's Centers of Excellence and DECRA Fellowship programs, the International Synchrotron Access Program, and the Monash Center for Atomically Thin Materials Research.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel Prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov.

DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit the Office of Science website at science.energy.gov.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, USA and LEIDEN, THE NETHERLANDS - An international team of researchers led by Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah (U of U) has developed, calibrated, and validated a novel tool for identifying the genetic changes in Lynch syndrome genes that are likely to be responsible for causing symptoms of the disease. The results were published this week in the journal Genetics in Medicine.

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary condition that results in higher rates of colon, endometrial, and other cancers. If unmanaged, individuals with Lynch syndrome have a 75 percent lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. It is believed that approximately five percent of all colorectal cancer cases are associated with this syndrome.

Millions of distinct changes are possible in genes that control health, and it is a massive undertaking to identify which specific changes are associated with developing disease. Some genetic changes are believed to have no impact at all, while others carry significant risk.

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute work to understand and classify which gene changes are likeliest to cause disease, as well as to identify appropriate strategies to help manage disease risk.

This groundbreaking study was led by Sean Tavtigian, PhD, a cancer researcher at HCI and professor of oncological sciences at the U of U. The work was built on a decade-long international collaboration. "Correctly identifying which of the genetic changes we observe actually result in disease is fundamentally important in clinical care," said Tavtigian. "Having clarity on this issue has the potential to add years to patients' lives, reduce anxiety about disease risk, and use health care dollars more efficiently."

The team used a laboratory test previously developed by the group of Niels de Wind, PhD, associate professor of human genetics at the Leiden University Medical Center in The Netherlands, to characterize genetic changes associated with disease risk. The lab test, called the Cell-free in vitro MMR Activity (CIMRA) assay, improves classification of variants of uncertain significance in Lynch syndrome. "The test is rapid and accurate," said de Wind. In the current study, the test was thoroughly calibrated and validated, such that its results could now be integrated with computer-based modeling and clinical data. As a result, this study provides an analytical tool suitable for clinical use to assess the potential of changes in Lynch syndrome genes to cause disease.

"A key point is that we believe the accuracy of the tool combining the CIMRA test with the previously published computational analysis to be about 97 percent, making it appropriate for clinical use," said Tavtigian. de Wind added that the work "represents a new pinnacle in the classification of genetic variation."

The authors believe that routine utilization of their methods will dramatically increase the rate of risk classification for genetic changes that previously were poorly understood. Moreover, this calibration strategy provides a template for the development, validation, and calibration of reliable strategies for the diagnostic assessment of other hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes and genetic disorders.

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This international collaboration was led by HCI, along with colleagues at U of Vermont (Marc S. Greenblatt, MD), Europe, and Australia. The University of Utah contribution of this study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute P30 CA042014, R01 CA164944, R01 CA121245, and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. In addition, Niels de Wind has received funding from the Dutch Digestive Foundation, grant FP 16-012. Genetics in Medicine is the official peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Genetics and Genomics.

Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah is the official cancer center of Utah. The cancer campus includes a state-of-the-art cancer specialty hospital as well as two buildings dedicated to cancer research. HCI treats patients with all forms of cancer and is recognized among the best cancer hospitals in the country by U.S. News and World Report. As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Mountain West, HCI serves the largest geographic region in the country, drawing patients from Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at HCI than at any other cancer center in the world, including genes responsible for hereditary breast, ovarian, colon, head, and neck cancers, along with melanoma. HCI manages the Utah Population Database, the largest genetic database in the world, with information on more than 11 million people linked to genealogies, health records, and vital statistics. HCI was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) is a modern university medical center for research, education and patient care with a high quality clinical profile and a strong scientific orientation. Its unique research practice, ranging from pure fundamental medical research to applied clinical research, places LUMC among the world top. LUMC acts as a knowledge center for topics in the field of public health with an impact on society. As an innovator the LUMC stands for improving healthcare and people's health.
The mention of smart cities may bring to mind visions of a sparkling future metropolis, churning smoothly and silently: gleaming monorails gliding by with nary a whisper, walkways whisking pedestrians to their destinations, wireless and instant access to information on demand, and lights brightening and dimming on cue as you enter or leave a room.

The convergence of cyber and physical infrastructure, where electronic data is collected by sensors and transmitted securely to urban planners and citizens alike, will allow for better decision-making and efficient use of resources at every level.

But, how do we get there from here?

One key ingredient, says Chengshan Xiao, Professor and Chandler Weaver Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Lehigh University, is a new approach to supporting the gargantuan wireless communications requirements of such a sprawling urban enterprise.

"The advent of smart and connected communities will place unprecedented demand on wireless communications," he says. "There are well-developed technologies already in use that, with further research, could be integrated together to support these needs."

According to Xiao, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology, in combination with millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum utilization, are crucial in enabling an enormous data-rate increase for next generation wireless networks. And he has attracted $200,000 in support from the National Science Foundation to explore the concept further.

In massive MIMO systems, a very large number of antennas are employed at the base station to communicate with many remote stations, or mobile users, simultaneously. Xiao says that this large number of antennas can lead to prohibitive cost and power consumption if the conventional approach--one radio frequency (RF) chain per antenna--is adopted. In the current project, which formally kicked off on September 15, 2018, Xiao's team is focusing on developing what they call "novel hybrid precoding designs" in order to reduce the number of RF chains and maximize the system's data rate.

"mmWave radio signals can emit much higher data rates than current cellular systems that operate in microwave bands," he says. "The wavelength is much shorter, and this allows for the use of smaller antennas. And, with smaller antennas, we design a large array connected directly to the transceiver. With this massive MIMO mmWave system in place, our hybrid precoding architectures are designed to achieve high spectral efficiency with low cost and power consumption."

The hybrid precoding consists of analog and digital precoders, where the digital precoder is realized by a small amount of RF chains, and the analog precoder is realized by phase shifters. In this way, he says, the cost, complexity and power consumption of massive MIMO systems can be reduced dramatically.

This project aims to investigate hybrid precoding design methods that can drastically reduce the cost, complexity, and power consumption while approaching the optimal performance of fully-connected, unconstrained massive MIMO systems.

According to project documentation, this effort will "formulate the hybrid precoding design of multi-user massive MIMO systems into a joint optimization of analog and digital precoders with dynamic resource allocation which includes subarray selection, power allocation, and modulation-coding-rate selection. The joint optimization will enable the hybrid system with a significantly reduced number of RF chains to achieve similar performance of fully-connected massive MIMO systems at a fractional cost. The dynamic resource allocation will help to achieve best throughput for given channel conditions. Furthermore, the proposed approach utilizes finite-alphabet inputs and statistical channel state information (CSI) instead of the idealistic Gaussian inputs and instantaneous CSI, thus improving the robustness of the optimized precoders for practical systems."

"Connected communities have many benefits: increased public safety, a cleaner environment, even urban farming and on-demand manufacturing," says Xiao. "This project could help to accelerate this shift in urban living through the design and development of future generation of wireless networks."

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About Chengshan Xiao

Dr. Chengshan Xiao serves as Professor and Chandler Weaver Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Lehigh University.

Xiao, a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, previously served as a Professor at Missouri University of Science & Technology, and as a Program Director with the National Science Foundation's Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems. An internationally recognized researcher and educator in communications, high-frequency technologies and theoretical electrical engineering, Dr. Xiao explores topics such as wireless communications, signal processing, and underwater acoustic communications.

In previous academic appointments, Xiao has served on the faculty of Tsinghua University, the University of Alberta, and University of Missouri-Columbia, and has held visiting professor positions in Germany and Hong Kong. He has also served as a senior member of the scientific staff with Nortel Networks. He is recipient of several distinguished research awards, including the prestigious Humboldt Research Award. He holds three U.S. patents, and algorithms he developed have been implemented in Nortel's base station radios.

Xiao continues to play an active role within IEEE, the world's largest technical professional society, as well. He has served as the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, and as Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, of IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems-I, and of the international journal Multidimensional Systems and Signal Processing. For the IEEE's Communications Society, he has served as an elected member of its Board of Governors, a member of its Fellow Evaluation Committee, Director of its Conference Publications, and as a Distinguished Lecturer. He is Founding Chair of the Technical Committee on Wireless Communications, and in 2010 served as Technical Program Chair for the International Conference on Communications. He is recipient of several IEEE awards, including the IEEE Communications Society Joseph LoCicero Award (2014), the IEEE Wireless Communications Technical Committee Recognition Award (2015), and the IEEE Communications Society Harold Sobol Award (2017).

KEY LINKS:
New Rochelle, NY, December 10, 2018--A team of researchers developed a novel model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) in female swine and used this model to show that even after inducing severe urinary outlet resistance and damage to the bladder, they could achieve significant improvements in bladder capacity through bladder reconstruction using acellular bi-layer silk fibroin (BLSF) grafts. The BLSF matrices supported the growth of new tissue with contractile properties, as described in a study published in Tissue Engineering, Part A, peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Click here to read the article free on the Tissue Engineering website until January 10, 2019.

The article entitled "Augmentation Cystoplasty of Diseased Porcine Bladders with Bi-layer Silk Fibroin Grafts" was coauthored by Joshua Mauney, PhD, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, and a team of researchers from those institutions and Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, and The University of Massachusetts, Boston.

The severe pBOO swine had a 61% decline in bladder compliance compared to the start of the study. By 3 months after the tissue engineering/reconstruction, bladder capacity and compliance had increased significantly (79+19% and 171+75%), compared to baseline values, respectively. The BLSF scaffolds were made from aqueous silk fibroin solutions derived from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons.

"Robust preclinical research models can be as important as the development of tissue engineered therapies themselves in making these technologies a clinical reality," says Tissue Engineering Co-Editor-in-Chief Antonios G. Mikos, PhD, Louis Calder Professor at Rice University, Houston, TX. "The disease model and bi-layer silk fibroin grafts presented in this article may enable a quicker, more effective clinical pathway to treating partial bladder outlet obstruction."

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Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers 5R21EB020860 and P41 EB002520. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

About the Journal

Tissue Engineering is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published monthly online and in print in three parts: Part A, the flagship journal published 24 times per year; Part B: Reviews, published bimonthly, and Part C: Methods, published 12 times per year. Led by Co-Editors-in-Chief Antonios G. Mikos, PhD, Louis Calder Professor at Rice University, Houston, TX, and John P. Fisher, PhD, Fischell Family Distinguished Professor & Department Chair, and Director of the NIH Center for Engineering Complex Tissues at the University of Maryland, the Journal brings together scientific and medical experts in the fields of biomedical engineering, material science, molecular and cellular biology, and genetic engineering. Leadership of Tissue Engineering Parts B (Reviews) and Part C (Methods) is provided by Katja Schenke-Layland, PhD, Eberhard Karls University, Tubingen and John A. Jansen, DDS, PhD, Radboud University, respectively. Tissue Engineering is the official journal of the Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS). Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Tissue Engineering website.

About the Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Stem Cells and Development, Human Gene Therapy, and Advances in Wound Care. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.
Terrified hang glider student hangs on with one hand over beautiful scenery

To Switzerland, where a hang glider instructor has such faith in his student (or burning hatred  ed), he didnt properly attach him to the glider. Try not to look down  but if you must, enjoy the scenery. It is the Swiss Mishap:

Anorak

Posted: 10th, December 2018 | In: News, Strange But True Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
When Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico head-on as a Category 4 storm with winds up to 155 miles per hour in September 2017, it damaged homes, flooded towns, devastated the island's forests and caused the longest electricity black-out in U.S. history.

Two new NASA research efforts delve into Hurricane Maria's far-reaching effects on the island's forests as seen in aerial surveys and on its residents' energy and electricity access as seen in data from space. The findings, presented Monday at the American Geophysical Union meeting in Washington, illustrate the staggering scope of Hurricane Maria's damage to both the natural environment and communities.

An Island Gone Dark

At night, Earth is lit up in bright strings of roads dotted with pearl-like cities and towns as human-made artificial light takes center stage. During Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico's lights went out.

In the days, weeks and months that followed, research physical scientist Miguel Roman at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and his colleagues developed neighborhood-scale maps of lighting in communities across Puerto Rico. To do this, they combined daily satellite data of Earth at night from the NASA/NOAA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite with USGS/NASA Landsat data and OpenStreetMap data. They monitored where and when the electricity grid was restored, and analyzed the demographics and physical attributes of neighborhoods longest affected by the power outages.

A disproportionate share of long-duration power failures occurred in rural communities. The study found that 41 percent of Puerto Rico's rural municipalities experienced prolonged periods of outage, compared to 29 percent of urban areas. When combined, power failures across Puerto Rico's rural communities accounted for 61 percent of the estimated cost of 3.9 billion customer-interruption hours, six months after Hurricane Maria. These regions are primarily rural in the mountainous interior of the island where residents were without power for over 120 days. However, even more heavily populated areas had variable recovery rates between neighborhoods, with suburbs often lagging behind urban centers.

The difference between urban and rural recovery rates is in part because of the centralized set-up of Puerto Rico's energy grid that directs all power to prioritized locations rather than based on proximity to the nearest power plant, Roman said. Areas were prioritized, in part, based on their population densities, which is a disadvantage to rural areas. Within cities, detached houses and low-density suburban areas were also without power longer.

"It's not just the electricity being lost," Roman said. "Storm damage to roads, high-voltage power lines and bridges resulted in cascading failures across multiple sectors, making many areas inaccessible to recovery efforts. So people lost access to other basic services like running water, sanitation, and food for extended time periods."

The absence of electricity as seen in the night lights data offers a new way to visualize storm impacts to vulnerable communities across the entirety of Puerto Rico on a daily basis. It's an indicator visible from space that critical infrastructure, beyond power, may be damaged as well, including access to fuel and other necessary supplies. The local communities with long-duration power outages also correspond to areas that reported lack of access to medical resources.

The next step for Roman when looking at future disasters is to go beyond night lights data and sync it up with updated information on local infrastructure - roads, bridges, internet connectivity, clean water sources - so that when the lights are out, disaster responders can cross-reference energy data with other infrastructure bottlenecks that needs to be solved first, which would help identify at-risk communities and allocate resources.

The Buzz-Cut Forest

Hurricane Maria's lashing rain and winds also transformed Puerto Rico's lush tropical rainforest landscape. Research scientist Doug Morton of Goddard was part of the team of NASA researchers who had surveyed Puerto Rico's forests six months before the storm. The team used Goddard's Lidar, Hyperspectral, and Thermal (G-LiHT) Airborne Imager, a system designed to study the structure and species composition of forests. Shooting 600,000 laser pulses per second, G-LiHT produces a 3D view of the forest structure in high resolution, showing individual trees in high detail from the ground to treetop. In April 2018, post-Maria, the team went back and surveyed the same tracks as in 2017.

Comparing the before and after data, the team found that 40 to 60 percent of the tall trees that formed the canopy of the forest were damaged, either snapped in half, uprooted by strong winds or lost large branches.

"Maria gave the island's forests a haircut," said Morton. "The island lost so many large trees that the overall height of forests was shortened by one-third. We basically saw 60 years' worth of what we would otherwise consider natural treefall disturbances happen in one day."

The extensive damage to Puerto Rico's forests had far-reaching effects, Morton said. Fallen trees that no longer stabilize soil on slopes with their roots as well as downed branches can contribute to landslides and debris flows, increased erosion, and poor water quality in streams and rivers where sediments build up.

In addition, the lidar surveys across the island corroborate findings presented at AGU by ecologist Maria Uriarte at Columbia University in New York City, who looked at tree death and damage rates in ground plots at the National Science Foundation Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research site. Uriarte found certain tree species were more susceptible to the high wind damage, while others such as the palms, survived at higher rates, along with shrubs and shorter trees in the understory.

Morton and Uriarte will continue to follow the fate of Puerto Rican forests as they recover from hurricane damages using laser technology from the ground to make detailed measurements of forest regrowth.

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For more information on NASA's Black Marble data, visit: https://viirsland.gsfc.nasa.gov/Products/NASA/BlackMarble.html

For more information on NASA's G-LiHT data: https://gliht.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Although absolute levels of crime declined, relative inequality in crime between the city's safest and most dangerous neighborhoods increased by 10 percent during later period

Researchers' goal was to look at how crime generates inequality

Crime rates in Chicago have remained higher than New York, Los Angeles and other cities despite overall decline

EVANSTON, Ill. --- The United States has experienced an unprecedented decline in violent crime over the last two decades (1990-2010); however, violent crime remains stubbornly concentrated in socially and economically disadvantaged communities. This certainly rings true in Chicago.

While nearly all neighborhoods in Chicago benefited from reductions in homicide, relative inequality in crime between the city's safest and most dangerous neighborhoods actually increased by 10 percent over recent years, according to a new Northwestern University study.

"This increase was driven by a greater rate of decline in the city's safest neighborhoods," said Andrew V. Papachristos, lead author of the study and a professor of sociology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern.

"This crime gap can be partly attributed to the decreasing association between concentrated disadvantage and homicide in the safest neighborhoods," he said. "We also find that the decline did not significantly alter the spatial distribution of crime, as homicides remained concentrated in the initially most dangerous neighborhoods and their adjacent areas."

Papachristos said he was hoping the gap had actually narrowed.

"It did for awhile," said Papachristos, also a faculty fellow at the University's Institute for Policy Research. "But the recent uptick and leveling off in crime really started to drive the gap up."

The researchers' goal was to look at how crime generates inequality.

"The 'move' was to go beyond does crime go 'up or down,' but rather how crime generates inequality," Papachristos said.

They thought of the "crime gap" as something similar to the education or earnings gap.

"Does the 'top 1 percent' of neighborhoods shape violence in the city more than the other 99 percent? And if crime went down, shouldn't the 'worst' neighborhoods change the most?" he added. "We found out that inequality is much more complicated. While the city as a whole got 'safer,' the inequality between neighborhoods -- the crime gap -- got worse, especially in the later time period."

And while Chicago's crime rate has declined like other cities during the "great American crime decline," Papachristos said rates in Chicago have remained higher than New York, Los Angeles and other cities.

Earlier this year, Papachristos published "Closer to Guns: The Role of Street Gangs in Facilitating Access to Illegal Firearms," but he had not examined crime and violence in Chicago in this way before.

"The unique part of this was really looking at things over an extended period of time and tracking inequality in this way," Papachristos said. "We need to 'mind the gap.' While we, of course, need to pay attention to homicide rates going up or down, we need to understand how crime generates massive inequalities more broadly."

"Understanding the Crime Gap: Violence and Inequality in an American City," published last week in the journal City & Community published by the American Sociological Association. In addition to Papachristos, co-authors include Noli Brazil, University of California, Davis, and Tony Cheng, Yale University.

'Connected in crime'

In addition, another recently published Chicago-focused study led by Papachristos found that the city's high crime rate is driven more by an invisible network of personal criminal connections across Chicago than by organized crime or street gangs.

Papachristos and co-author Sara Bastomski of the Urban Institute found that people who commit, and are arrested for, crimes together -- or co-offenders -- form a pathway for the spread of crime across all of the city's neighborhoods.

They examined how these co-arrest patterns for the same crime indicate that a strong network connects not just individuals but also their neighborhoods, no matter their predominant socioeconomic makeup.

For example, though violent crime is more than 20 times higher in Chicago's West Garfield Park (a predominantly African-American neighborhood) than in Jefferson Park (a largely white neighborhood just a few miles to the north) both of these neighborhoods are actually connected in crime through people's interactions.

According to the researchers, the study ultimately highlights the need for violence-prevention policies that provide city-level solutions, while also providing support to the most vulnerable and crime-ridden communities.

"Importantly, our findings suggest that crime does not diffuse across neighborhood boundaries like an airborne pathogen. Instead, crime moves across very particular network pathways that are created as individuals engaged in crime move throughout the city -- a pattern that persists even though those individuals engaging in crime change over time," the co-authors wrote.

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"Connected in Crime: The Enduring Effect of Neighborhood Networks on the Spatial Patterning of Violence" was published in the American Journal of Sociology.

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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Filling key gaps in the research and understanding of the treatment of people with disabilities in the workplace could help improve employee success on the job and develop more disability-inclusive workplaces, a new review of disability research has shown.

People with disabilities make up roughly 15 percent of the world's population but much of the existing research on employment for people with disabilities focuses on employment status, with less attention paid to quality of employment and other context that may influence the work experience of a person with disabilities, said David Baldridge, a professor of management at Oregon State University.

"A lot of good work has been done, but the body of knowledge is still very piece-meal," said Baldridge, who teaches in OSU's College of Business and is an author of the study. "There are so many different potentially disabling conditions and work contexts that it is difficult to obtain data and generalize from one condition to the next."

The findings were published recently in the journal Human Resource Management. The lead author is Joy Beatty of the University of Michigan - Dearborn. Co-authors are Stephan Boehm of the University of St. Gallen, Mukta Kulkarni of the Indian Institute of Management -Bangalore, and Adrienne Colella of Tulane University.

Beatty, Baldridge and their co-authors reviewed 88 research studies on the treatment of people with disabilities in the workplace and identified a number of gaps in the research that could help support the development of more inclusive workplaces and improve work opportunities for people with disabilities.

Among the gaps:

Clear definitions of disability. Researchers often use the term 'person with disability' differently and are sometimes unclear as to which group or groups their findings are applicable.

Revisiting the meaning of career success. While success is often linked to promotions, people with disabilities may instead decline promotions or seek job duty modifications, employment security, work-life balance, etc. Adopting new ways to accurately measure career success can improve understanding of inclusive human resources policies.

Over-reliance on limited existing data. Data on people with disabilities in the workplace can be difficult to obtain, so the available data is limited, leading to over-reliance on a few large government data sources.

Lack of national context in current research, with a disproportionate focus on U.S. populations. The experience of a person with disabilities in the United States is likely to be different than that of a person living in China or India, but much of the existing research is focused on the U.S.

Disability overshadows other aspects of a person's identity. Deeper examination of individual differences and identities outside the disability itself is needed.

"Employers may treat disability as a 'master status,' overshadowing other aspects of identity that contribute to diversity," Beatty said. "Disability identities coexist with other identities, creating a tapestry of gender, age, race, sexual orientation and religious affiliation. Recognizing this tapestry and incorporating a more complex model of identity supports the development of more inclusive organizations."

As people live longer and work later in life, the proportion of people living with a disability is expected to grow exponentially, making disability employment issues relevant to a much larger group of workers and employers, Baldridge said.

"As work becomes more specialized, one issue for consideration should be to focus on what people can do and not what they can't do," he said. "Gains in specialized technology can help increase the impact of a person's ability or reduce the impact of their disability."

Baldridge is already putting findings from this study into action. He's currently working on a project that examines employee disability through lenses of isolation and integration to see if working in one condition has consequences for an employee's career. He's also looking at the connections between disability, education level and earnings to see how those three factors might relate.

"That's an example of going beyond just a person's employment status and looking more at the quality of their employment," he said.

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Small, local patches of habitat could be playing a much bigger role in conserving biodiversity than you think, according to new research.

The global study just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (see article here) looked at the conservation values of vegetation patches in 27 countries on four continents, and considered their size and distance to other habitat.

The results were surprising according to lead researcher Professor Brendan Wintle from Melbourne University.

"Compared to large and well connected habitat areas, small and isolated patches of habitat have generally been treated as not very important to conservation," said Professor Wintle. "What we have found, however, is that small and isolated habitat areas are very important to the survival of many rare and endangered species."

"The environment is suffering a death by a thousand cuts," Wintle continued. "We need to re-think vegetation management regulations and policies that allow small patches of vegetation to be destroyed."

Co-author Dr. Sam Veloz, Climate Adaptation Group Director at Point Blue Conservation Science, added "We have many existing processes in place to fund restoration or conservation activities that are largely focused on large patches of habitat. While it's important to continue these efforts, our paper emphasizes that small but important habitat patches should be included in an overall conservation portfolio."

An example from the paper explored suitable habitat for four songbird species in California and Oregon (the streaked horned lark, savannah sparrow, Western meadowlark and the Oregon vesper sparrow). Research showed that highly fragmented parts of the study areas for each species contain habitat patches of very high conservation value. And the four species studied have ranges primarily in those small, isolated patches.

Dr. Heini Kujala from the University of Melbourne, another co-author, said that once you start considering how much habitat is left for a species, small patches can be very valuable.

"Small habitat patches can sometimes be the last pieces of a once widespread habitat. For species that rely on this type of habitat that makes them very important," said Dr Kujala.

"Definitely we are not saying that it is an improvement to cut up big habitat areas into smaller pieces, rather that many of the small pieces that we have left are really important for conservation."

The study's authors hope that the research will raise awareness among planners, land managers, scientists, and the community about the value of small vegetation patches.

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The article, "Global synthesis of conservation studies reveals the importance of small habitat patches for biodiversity" was published on December 10th in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (DOI 10.1073, PNAS 1813051115). The full article is available at: https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2018/12/05/1813051115.

About Point Blue Conservation Science:

Point Blue advances conservation of birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through science, partnerships, and outreach. Our highest priority is to reduce the impacts of habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental threats while promoting nature-based solutions for wildlife and people, on land and at sea. Visit Point Blue at http://www.pointblue.org.
The human brain needs to suppress obvious ideas in order to reach the most creative ones, according to scientists at Queen Mary University of London and Goldsmiths, University of London.

Creativity requires us to break away from more common and easily reached ideas but we know little about how this happens in our brain.

A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, shows that brainwaves play a crucial role in inhibiting habitual thinking modes to pave the way to access more remote ideas.

The researchers found that these brainwaves, or alpha oscillations in the right temporal area of the brain, increase when individuals need to suppress misleading associations in creative tasks.

These obvious associations are present in both convergent thinking (finding an 'out-of-the-box' solution) and also in divergent thinking (when individuals have to come up with several creative ideas).

Higher levels of alpha brainwaves enable people to come up with ideas which are further away from the obvious or well-known uses.

The researchers show that stimulating the right temporal part of the brain in the alpha frequency increases the capability of inhibiting obvious links in both types of creative thinking.

This was demonstrated by applying an electrical current to the brain through a non-invasive technique called transcranial alternating current brain stimulation (tACS) which causes minimal to no side effects or sensations.

The findings have implications for how we understand creativity and opens up potential ways of affecting the creative process including by using tACS.

Lead researcher Dr Caroline Di Bernardi Luft, from Queen Mary University of London, said: "If we need to generate alternative uses of a glass, first we must inhibit our past experience which leads us to think of a glass as a container. Our study's novelty is to demonstrate that right temporal alpha oscillations is a key neural mechanism for overriding these obvious associations.

"In order to understand the processes underlying the production of novel and adequate ideas, we need to break down its constituent processes, dissecting creativity as much as possible at first, and then analysing them in context, before putting them back together to understand the process as a whole."

The researchers demonstrated the neural mechanism responsible for creativity by monitoring the brain's electrical activity through an electroencephalogram (EEG) which picks up electrical signals through small sensors placed on the head. Using tACS also enabled them to probe the waves' causal role.

The experiments they conducted looked at how the brain tackles a series of creative tasks such as finding words that link to one another. For example, every time we search for concepts associated with a word we start from stronger associations to move progressively towards weaker or more remote ones (e.g. cat > dog > animal > pet > human > people > family).

Previous studies show that some people are more creative than others because they are able to avoid strong associations in order to reach more remote ones and this study demonstrates that the alpha brainwaves are crucially involved in this process.

Goldsmiths, University of London's Professor Joydeep Bhattacharya, a co-author of this study, added: "Two roads diverged in a wood, I took the one less travelled by. And that has made all the difference,' wrote Robert Frost in his famous poem."

"Taking a less travelled route is needed for thinking creatively, and our findings provide some evidence on how this is done in our brain."

The researchers hope to understand how neural processes are integrated when solving creative problems out of the laboratory settings and whether it is possible to build stimulation devices which can monitor the brain and stimulate creativity whenever needed.

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The research was performed in the framework of a European Commission supported project, CREAM (Creativity enhancement through advanced brain mapping and stimulation).
The brain updates its preferences in real-time in order to choose between two equally attractive options, reveals a human neuroimaging and eye-tracking study published in JNeurosci. The research shows how we avoid becoming paralyzed by indecision like the starving donkey in a famous thought experiment.

In the 14th century the French philosopher Jean Buridan described a donkey that, unable to choose between two bales of hay, starves to death. Like the fictional donkey, people often must decide between two items of equal value. Previous studies have suggested people update their preferences after the fact in order to feel more confident in their decision.

Stefan Bode, Katharina Voigt, and colleagues tested an alternative hypothesis: difficult decisions actively shape one's preferences. The researchers found when faced with a choice between two desirable snack foods, participants activated a brain network that assigns values to different options during the decision-making process. This neural activity -- in addition to which snack participants' eyes focused on -- predicted how they would later reevaluate the items, valuing the chosen snack more than the unchosen one. These findings challenge traditional views of the relationship between decisions and preferences.

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Article: Hard decisions shape the neural coding of preferences*

DOI: http://www.jneurosci.org/lookup/doi/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1681-18.2018

Corresponding author: Stefan Bode (The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia), sbode@unimelb.edu.au

*A preprint of this manuscript has been posted on bioRxiv: https://doi.org/10.1101/298406

About JNeurosci

JNeurosci, the Society for Neuroscience's first journal, was launched in 1981 as a means to communicate the findings of the highest quality neuroscience research to the growing field. Today, the journal remains committed to publishing cutting-edge neuroscience that will have an immediate and lasting scientific impact, while responding to authors' changing publishing needs, representing breadth of the field and diversity in authorship.

About The Society for Neuroscience

The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 37,000 members in more than 90 countries and over 130 chapters worldwide.
Seals feeding on fish does not decrease fish stocks of Baltic cod, herring and sprat the most - climate change, nutrient load and fisheries do, shows a new study from Stockholm University.

It has long been debated whether the seal predation of fish play a major role in the fish decline in the Baltic Sea compared to human fishing. The debate escalated worldwide since conservation efforts to protect seals and fish-eating birds resulted in increased number of them.

A new study taking into account human pressures on the environment, shows that the seals are not the main problem on commercial fish stocks in the open water of the Baltic Sea.

"We currently have 30 000 grey seals in the Baltic Proper, but we can even have more than 100 000 seals and it will still not affect the amount of cod negatively as much as climate change, nutrient load and fisheries. The Baltic is very sensitive to human impact", says David Costalago, a former postdoctoral researcher at Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University.

The cod population size for example, decreased more by environmental change and by human fishing, than the seals eating the fish. How much fish the seals eat is also affected by the climate and nutrient load.

The scientists made projections by computer simulations that stretch until the year 2098. The scenarios with the highest temperature and nutrient load of the Baltic are damaging to cod but not for herring and sprat. It could lead to worsened effect of hypoxia and as a result less fish. Higher nutrient load together with higher temperatures could also lead to higher toxic cyanobacterial blooms of low food quality - making fish smaller and slender.

"We need to start to focus on the main problem that the Baltic is facing for its fish populations - which is for example climate change and eutrophication. We need to find ways to both secure the revenues of the fishers and guarantee the conservation of the fish stock and good status of the grey seal population", says Monika Winder, professor at Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University.

The study focused on fish living in the open waters. Therefore, nothing could be said about how seals affect salmon, eel, pike or whitefish that live closer to the coast.

"We want our insights to affect management and conservation that considers the whole ecosystem and multiple pressures, not only the direct biological interaction between fisheries and seal. Often debates about the impact of seals arise from poor understanding of the complexity of predator-prey interactions", says Monika Winder.

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About the study

The study "The necessity of a holistic approach when managing marine mammal-fisheries interactions: environment and fisheries impact are stronger than seal predation", published in AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment on December 8th. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1131-y

For further information

Monika Winder, Professor at Department of Ecology, Environmental and Plant Sciences (DEEP), Stockholm University Phone: +46 70 998 85 66 E-mail: monika.winder@su.se

All authors of the study: David Costalago, Barbara Bauer, Maciej T. Tomczak, Karl Lundstrom and Monika Winder.

The study is a collaboration between Stockholm University, Baltic Sea Centre and Swedish University of Agricultural Science.
A physicist in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University hopes to improve cancer detection with a new and novel class of nanomaterials.

Liviu Movileanu, professor of physics, creates tiny sensors that detect, characterize and analyze protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in blood serum. Information from PPIs could be a boon to the biomedical industry, as researchers seek to nullify proteins that allow cancer cells to grow and spread.

Movileanu's findings are the subject of a paper in Nature Biotechnology (Springer Nature, 2018), co-authored by Ph.D. student Avinash Kumar Thakur. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has supported their work with a four-year, $1.17 million grant award.

"Detailed knowledge of the human genome has opened up a new frontier for the identification of many functional proteins involved in brief physical associations with other proteins," Movileanu says. "Major perturbations in the strength of these PPIs lead to disease conditions. Because of the transient nature of these interactions, new methods are needed to assess them."

Enter Movileanu's lab, which designs, creates and optimizes a unique class of biophysical tools called nanobiosensors. These highly sensitive, pore-based tools detect mechanistic processes, such as PPIs, at the single-molecule level.

Even though PPIs occur everywhere in the human body, they are hard to detect with existing methods because they (i.e., the PPIs affecting cell signaling and cancer development) last about a millisecond.

Movileanu's response has been to create a hole in the cell membrane--an aperture known as a nanopore--through which he shoots an electric current. When proteins go near or through the nanopore, the intensity of the current changes. The changes enable him to determine each protein's properties and ultimately its identity.

The concept is not new--it was first articulated in the 1980s--but only recently have scientists begun fabricating and characterizing nanobiosensors on a large scale to detect DNA, sugars, explosives, toxins and other nanoscale materials.

Movileanu hopes his real-time techniques will detect cancers before they spread.

One type of cancer in which he is particularly interested is lymphocytic leukemia, a common and aggressive disease that starts in the bone marrow and spills into the blood. Because leukemia cells do not mature and die properly, they often spiral out of control.

"Leukemia cells build up in the bone marrow and crowd out normal, healthy cells," Movileanu explains. "Unlike other cancers, which usually start in the breasts, colon or lungs [and spread to the bone marrow], lymphocytic leukemia originates in the lymph nodes, hence the name."

Over the summer, he received another four-year grant from NIH--his third million-dollar one to date--to build nanobiosensors. This project involves colleagues at SUNY Upstate Medical University, led by Michael Cosgrove G'93, G'98, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Movileanu's projects are part of a burgeoning field called interactomics, which uses experimental and computational techniques to study interactions--and the consequences of those interactions--between proteins.

"The data gleaned from a single protein sample is immense," says Movileanu, a member of the Biophysics and Biomaterials research group in the Department of Physics. "Our nanostructures allow us to observe biochemical events in a sensitive, specific and quantitative manner. Afterward, we can make a solid assessment about a single protein sample."

As for the future, Movileanu wants to study PPIs in more complex biological samples, such as cell lysates (fluid containing "crumbled" cells) and tissue biopsies.

"If we know how individual parts of a cell function, we can figure out why a cell deviates from normal functionality toward a tumor-like state," says Movileanu, who earned a Ph.D. in experimental physics from the University of Bucharest in Romania. "Our little sensors may do big things for biomarker screening, protein profiling and the large-scale study of proteins [known as proteomics]."

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In June, Movileanu presented at the first Northeast Nanomaterials Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS)'s Northern New York Section, held in Lake Placid. He has since reprised his ACS talk at Brown and Clarkson universities and at the 15th annual International Conference on Flow Dynamics in Sendai, Japan.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,243 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,062 outpatient sites. Many of the 9 million veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare program will, at some point, have to decide whether to seek care at a VA or non-VA facility. In a new study, researchers from The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and the White River Junction VA Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont, used the most current publicly available data to compare health outcomes for VA and non-VA hospitals within 121 local healthcare markets that included both a VA medical center and a non-VA hospital.

In their findings, recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Dartmouth Institute Professor William Weeks, MD, PhD, MBA, and Alan N. West, PhD, of the White River Junction VA Medical Center note that several recent studies using broad representative samples of VHA patients with representative samples not in the VHA system have found that outcomes at VA hospitals are at least as good as those in the private sector. Several circumstances they say could account for these findings: The VHA may provide better care than the private sector in every local area. Alternatively, non-VHA care may be better than VHA care in more local areas but by a small amount, whereas VHA care may be better than non-VHA care in fewer local areas but by a large amount in each area. The average across all patients and hospitals would favor the VHA in the former circumstance and might favor the VHA in the latter.

"We wanted to take a closer look at local healthcare markets and specific health conditions because if you're a veteran deciding where to seek treatment what you're really concerned with are the outcomes at your local VA," Weeks says.

Weeks and West identified 15 outcome measures that were reported by VHA and non-VHA hospitals by using data from Hospital Compare, a Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Studies (CMS) website which provides information on how well hospitals provide recommended care to their patients. These measures included 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rates for four common diseases--acute myocardial infarction, COPD, heart failure, and pneumonia--plus 11 additional patient safety indicators. They used each hospital's ZIP code to assign the hospital to one of 306 hospital referral regions--limiting their analyses to the 121 regions in which at least one VHA and one non-VHA hospital reported at least one of the measures. (The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care defines these regions as distinct health care markets.) The researchers found that VA hospitals were likely to provide the best care in a local health care market and rarely provided the worst care in local markets.

"Our findings suggest that, despite some recent negative reports, the VA generally provides truly excellent care," Weeks says. "If that is the case, outsourcing VA care to non-VA settings solely for patient convenience should be reconsidered."

However, Weeks and West also raise the possibility that VA and non-VA hospitals may report data differently to Hospital Compare. If so, the authors recommend the VA and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) take steps to adapt reporting methods to ensure fair comparisons by end users who are trying to make healthcare decisions.

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The first results are published from experiments that aim to illuminate the physics of lava-water interactions, which can sometimes make eruptions more dangerous

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- What happens when lava and water meet? Explosive experiments with manmade lava are helping to answer this important question.

By cooking up 10-gallon batches of molten rock and injecting them with water, scientists are shedding light on the basic physics of lava-water interactions, which are common in nature but poorly understood.

The project -- a long-term, ongoing study led by the University at Buffalo -- published its first results on Dec. 10 in the Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR): Solid Earth.

The scientists caution that the number of tests so far is small, so the team will need to conduct more experiments to draw firm conclusions.

The research shows that lava-water encounters can sometimes generate spontaneous explosions when there is at least about a foot of molten rock above the mixing point. In prior, smaller-scale studies that used about a coffee cup's worth of lava, scientists in Germany found that they needed to apply an independent stimulus -- in essence pricking the water within the lava -- to trigger a blast.

The results reported in JGR: Solid Earth also point to some preliminary trends, showing that in a series of tests, larger, more brilliant reactions tended to occur when water rushed in more quickly and when lava was held in taller containers. (The team ran a total of 12 experiments in which water injection speeds ranged from about 6 to 30 feet per second, and in which lava was held in insulated steel boxes that ranged in height from about 8 to 18 inches.)

"If you think about a volcanic eruption, there are powerful forces at work, and it's not a gentle thing," says lead investigator Ingo Sonder, PhD, research scientist in the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB. "Our experiments are looking at the basic physics of what happens when water gets trapped inside molten rock."

Sonder will discuss the findings in a press conference at the 2018 AGU Fall Meeting today, Monday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time in room Shaw/LeDroit Park on level M3 of the Marriott Marquis hotel, 901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001. This press conference will also be streamed live on the AGU press events webpage and a recording of the press conference will be archived on AGU's YouTube channel. Reporters interested in streaming the press conference and participating remotely should go to the Webstreaming page on the 2018 Fall Meeting Media Center website.

Sonder will also present a poster about this research on Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 1:40-6 p.m. Eastern Time in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall A-C, in session V23J.

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation.

In addition to Sonder, UB co-authors included Andrew G. Harp, PhD, who contributed to the project as a UB geology PhD candidate and is now a lecturer in geological and environmental sciences at the California State University, Chico; Alison Graettinger, PhD, who contributed to the project as a UB geology postdoctoral researcher and is now an assistant professor of geosciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; Pranabendu Moitra, PhD, who contributed to the project as a UB geology postdoctoral researcher and is now a postdoctoral research associate in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona; and Greg Valentine, PhD, professor of geology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB. Ralf Buttner, PhD, and Bernd Zimanowski, PhD, of the Universitat Wurzburg in Germany also contributed.

Understanding lava-water encounters at real volcanoes

In nature, the presence of water can make volcanic activity more dangerous, such as during past eruptions of Hawaii's Kilauea and Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull. But in other cases, the reaction between the two materials is subdued.

Sonder wants to understand why: "Sometimes, when lava encounters water, you see huge, explosive activity. Other times, there is no explosion, and the lava may just cool down and form some interesting shapes. What we are doing is trying to learn about the conditions that cause the most violent reactions."

Eventually, findings from the long-term project could improve scientists' ability to assess the risk that volcanoes near ice, lakes, oceans and underground water sources pose to people who live in surrounding communities.

"The research is still in the very early stages, so we have several years of work ahead of us before we'll able to look at the whole range and combination of factors that influence what happens when lava or magma encounters water," says Valentine, study co-author and director of the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB.

"However, everything we do is with the intention of making a difference in the real world," he says. "Understanding basic processes having to do with volcanoes will ultimately help us make better forecasting calls when it comes to eruptions."

Large-scale volcanic experiments

Lava-water interactions are associated with a phenomenon known as a molten fuel coolant interaction, in which a liquid fuel (a heat source) reacts violently with a liquid coolant. Much of the experimental work in this field has been done in the context of industrial safety, with a focus on understanding potential dangers in nuclear power plants and metal production sites.

The lava-water experiments build on previous research in this area, while focusing on molten rock.

The work takes place at UB's Geohazards Field Station in Ashford, New York, some 40 miles south of Buffalo. Run by the UB Center for Geohazards Studies, the facility gives scientists a place to conduct large-scale experiments simulating volcanic processes and other hazards. In these tests, researchers can control conditions in a way that isn't possible at a real volcano, dictating, for example, the shape of the lava column and the speed at which water shoots into it.

To make lava, scientists dump basaltic rock into a high-powered induction furnace. They heat it up for about 4 hours. When the mixture reaches a red-hot 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit, it's poured into an insulated steel box and injected with two or three jets of water.

Then, a hammer drives a plunger into the mix to help stimulate an explosion. (In some cases, if enough molten rock was present above the injection point, an intense reaction began before the hammer fell).

In addition to identifying some preliminary trends, the published study attests to the wide variety of physical processes that can occur when lava and water meet.

"The system response to water injection varied from mild, evaporation-dominated processes, in which only a little melt was ejected from the container alongside some steam, to stronger reactions with visible steam jets, and with melt domains ejected to several meters height," the scientists wrote in JGR: Solid Earth.

Breaking the vapor film?

The study did not examine why box height and water injection speed corresponded with the biggest explosions. But Sonder, whose has a background in geosciences and physics, offers some thoughts.

He explains that when a blob of water is trapped by a much hotter substance, the outer edges of the water vaporize, forming a protective film that envelops the rest of the water like a bubble, limiting heat transfer into the water and preventing it from boiling. This is called the Leidenfrost effect.

But when water is injected rapidly into a tall column of lava, the water -- which is about three times lighter than the lava -- will speed upward and mix with the molten rock more quickly. This may cause the vapor film to destabilize, Sonder says. In this situation, the unprotected water would expand rapidly in volume as it heated up, imposing high stresses on the lava, he says. The result? A violent explosion.

In contrast, when water is injected slowly into shallower pools of lava, the protective vapor film may hold, or the water may reach the lava's surface or escape as steam before an explosion occurs, Sonder says.

He hopes to explore these theories through future experiments: "Not a lot of work has been done in this field," he says, "so even some of these basic processes are really not well understood."

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PHOTOS, INFOGRAPHICS AND B-ROLL: https://buffalo.app.box.com/s/rsixnx9ckmsrzji6c29vvloxqswlaf0v

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCF2_BfF19w
Brexit: Theresa May keeps her powder dry as drips and storm clouds gather

How do you illustrate Brexit? The papers go with a photo by Daniel Leal-Olivas. The front pages feature a picture of Theresa May beneath a black umbrella. Her eyes are looking at the ground. We are approaching the End of Mays reign, says the Daily Mirror. Tory rivals line up to oust May, says the i. Theyve been lining up for so long a few have passed out. Someone should check their pulse. Mays not sheltering from a storm beneath that brolly  shes keeping the drips off.

The Times hears a leading Tory MP says he believes Conservative MPs will file the 48 letters needed to trigger a confidence vote in her leadership. He also believes, allegedly, in free school dinners, man-made climate change, the Jews did it and the youthful effects of grey beards. Another anonymous MP tells the Daily Telegraph May knows she will not win Tuesdays vote.

May, he says, reminds him of Charles Dickens Wilkins Micawber, who was forever insisting that something will turn up. Micawber also says: Welcome poverty!..Welcome misery, welcome houselessness, welcome hunger, rags, tempest, and beggary! Mutual confidence will sustain us to the end! Hurrah for the eternal optimist. The poor live fuller lives than the rich. Bring it on. And if it fails, we can all leave for a new life in Australia.

As MPs dust off their York Notes to kick up a quote in place of original thought, readers wonder why they should chose to appear anonymous whilst sticking the knife in. The MPs vanity is clear  these people actually believe the great unwashed know who the hell they are. Dream on.

But there is a plan. The Sun commands May to head to Brussels and demand further concessions. The Mail agrees. And the Express. Well, it alone supports May.

Eyes up, Theresa. Keep yer powder dry. The sunny uplands await us.

Anorak

Posted: 10th, December 2018 | In: Key Posts, News, Politicians, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
Time spent sitting, sleeping and moving is determined in part by our genes, University of Oxford researchers have shown.

In one of the most detailed projects of its kind, the scientists studied the activity of 91,105 UK Biobank participants who had previously worn an activity monitor on their wrist for a week.

The scientists taught machines to automatically identify active and sedentary life from the huge amounts of activity monitor data.

They then combined this data with UK Biobank genetic information to reveal 14 genetic regions related to activity, seven new to science, they report in Nature Communications1 today (Monday 10 December).

The work paves the way for better understanding of sleep, physical activity, and their health consequences.

Further analysis of the human genetic data showed for the first time that increased physical activity causally lowers blood pressure.

Physical inactivity is a global public health threat and is associated with a range of common diseases including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Changes in sleep duration are linked to heart and metabolic diseases and psychiatric disorders.

The genetic analysis also showed overlap with neurodegenerative diseases, mental health wellbeing and brain structure, showing an important role for the central nervous system with respect to physical activity and sleep.

Dr Aiden Doherty, who led the work and is based at the Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, said: "How and why we move isn't all about genes, but understanding the role genes play will help improve our understanding of the causes and consequences of physical inactivity.

"It is only by being able to study large amounts of data, such as those provided by UK Biobank, that we are able to understand the complex genetic basis of even some of the most basic human functions like moving, resting and sleeping."

The study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, and the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence at Oxford. The study was collaborative, and performed by a multidisciplinary team of scientists from a diverse set of fields, including machine learning, genetics, statistics, and epidemiology.

The use of machine learning in big healthcare datasets is advancing quickly, and having a profound effect on the sorts of studies that can be carried out, Dr Karl Smith-Byrne, one of the lead analysts of the study said.

"We have carefully developed machine learning models to teach machines how to analyse complex functions like activity," he said. "These models provide exciting new insights into human movement behaviours in large studies such as UK Biobank with its half a million participants."

Professor Michael Holmes, a BHF Intermediate Clinical Research Fellow, said: "This provides scientists with a wonderful opportunity to learn much more about how genes and environment interact in our daily lives, causing us to move as we do, and possibly putting us at increased risk of disease. For instance, it might help us determine whether inactivity is a cause or a consequence of obesity."

To help identify the types of activity recorded on the wrist monitors, the researchers turned to 200 volunteers who wore a special camera that captured their activity every 20 seconds over two days. The images were compared with the activity data captured by the wrist worn monitors, providing a guide to interpreting the data.

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1 GWAS identifies 14 loci for device-measured physical activity and sleep duration, Nature Communications, Aiden Doherty, Karl Smith-Byrne, Teresa Ferreira, Michael Holmes, Chris Holmes, Sara Pulit, Cecilia M Lindgren
Iridescence is responsible for some of the most striking visual displays in the animal kingdom. Now, thanks to a new study of feathers from almost 100 modern bird species, scientists have gained new insights into how this colour diversity evolved.

Iridescence refers to the phenomena where colour changes when an object is viewed from different angles. Birds produce this varying coloration in their feathers by using nanoscale arrays of melanin-filled organelles (melanosomes) layered with keratin. In this form of structural colouration, the shapes of melanosomes together with the thickness of keratin layers determine what colour is produced.

While melanosome morphology has previously been used to predict colour in fossil animals, melanosome variation in iridescent feathers has not been analysed on as large a scale until this study.

As reported in the journal Evolution, a team of University of Bristol researchers used scanning electron microscopy to quantify melanosome extracts from the feathers of 97 species of modern birds with iridescent plumage, taken from the collections of the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen.

The study showed that iridescent feathers contain the most varied melanosome morphologies of all types of bird coloration sampled to date. Unlike black, grey and brown feathers that always contain solid melanosomes, iridescent feathers can contain melanosomes that are hollow and/or flattened.

"We found that melanosomes in modern iridescent feathers are more diverse in shape than those found in grey, black or brown feathers combined (that also contain melanosomes)," said lead author Klara Norden, who conducted the study during her undergraduate years at Bristol's School of Earth Sciences. "It is already known that structural coloration is responsible for 70 per cent of the colour variability in birds. These two facts might be coupled - birds evolved varied forms of melanosomes to achieve ever greater diversity in colour.

"I wanted to find out if we could improve current predictive models for fossil colour based on melanosome morphology by including all types of melanosomes found in iridescent feathers."

Dr Jakob Vinther, co-author of the study and a leading researcher in the field of paleocolour at Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, had already collected the perfect fossil samples to test the new model on.

"We had sampled Scaniacypselus, related to modern tree swifts, and Primotrogon, ancestor to modern trogons. These groups are iridescent today and have flat and hollow melanosomes. Did their 48-million-year-old ancestors from Germany also have iridescent plumage?"

Interestingly, the model predicted that Primotrogon probably was iridescent, but it used solid rather than hollow melanosomes, unlike its modern descendants.

"This demonstrates how we now have the tools to map out the evolution of iridescence in fossil lineages", said Klara, who is now a PhD student at Princeton University. "It opens the door to many new discoveries of dazzling displays in fossil birds and other dinosaurs."

The current study focused on mapping out how melanosomes vary in iridescent feathers. Further avenues of research might examine why birds utilise such diversity of melanosome types in iridescent feathers. These insights could ultimately enhance our understanding of why fossil birds or dinosaurs might have used such morphologies, revealing something about their behaviour.

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For decades, psychologists have viewed the neurotransmitter dopamine as a double-edged sword: released in the brain as a reward to train us to seek out pleasurable experiences, but also a "drug" the constant pursuit of which leads to addiction.

According to a new study from the University of California, Berkeley, that's only one face of dopamine. The flip side is that dopamine is also released in response to unpleasurable experiences, such as touching a hot tea kettle, presumably training the brain to avoid them in the future.

The yin-yang nature of dopamine could have implications for treatment of addiction and other mental disorders. In illnesses such as schizophrenia, for example, dopamine levels in different areas of the brain become abnormal, possibly because of an imbalance between the reward and avoidance circuits in the brain. Addiction, too, may result from an imbalance in reactions to pleasure and pain.

"In addiction, people only look for the next reward, and they will take a lot of risk to get the next shot of drugs of abuse," said Stephan Lammel, a UC Berkeley assistant professor of molecular and cell biology and the senior author of a paper describing the results in the journal Neuron. "We currently do not know the neurobiological underpinnings of certain high-risk behaviors of individuals with addiction, such as sharing drug paraphernalia despite the proven risk of mortality and morbidity associated with it. An understanding of how drugs change neural circuits involved in aversion may have important implications for the persistent nature of drug-seeking behavior in the face of negative consequences."

Although some neuroscientists have long speculated about dopamine's potential role in the signaling of aversive events, its dual personality remained hidden until recently because the neurons in the brain that release dopamine in response to rewards are embedded in a different subcircuit than the neurons that release dopamine in response to aversive stimuli.

Johannes de Jong, one of two first authors of the study, was able to simultaneously record from both dopamine subcircuits by implanting fiber optic cannulas in two brain regions  separated by just a few millimeters  using a new technology called fiber photometry.

"Our work delineates for the first time the precise brain circuitry in which learning about rewarding and aversive outcomes occurs," Lammel said. "Having separate neuronal correlates for appetitive and aversive behavior in our brain may explain why we are striving for ever-greater rewards while simultaneously minimizing threats and dangers. Such balanced behavior of approach-and-avoidance learning is surely helpful for surviving competition in a constantly changing environment."

The newly discovered role for dopamine aligns with an increasing recognition that the neurotransmitter has quite different roles in different areas of the brain, exemplified by its function in voluntary movement, which is affected in Parkinson's disease. The results also explain earlier conflicting experiments, some of which showed that dopamine increases in response to aversive stimuli, while others did not.

"We have moved away from considering dopamine neurons as just a homogeneous cell population in the brain that mediates reward and pleasure to a more defined, nuanced picture of the role of dopamine, depending on where it is released in the brain," Lammel said.

Reward prediction errors

Most of what is known about dopamine has been inferred from studies in rodents and monkeys, where researchers recorded from cells in a specific region of the brain that only contains reward-responsive dopamine neurons. It is possible, Lammel said, that through sampling biases, dopamine neurons that respond to aversive stimulation had been missed.

According to the reigning "reward prediction error hypothesis," dopamine neurons are activated and produce dopamine when an action is more rewarding than we expect, but they remain at baseline activity when the reward matches our expectations and show depressed activity when we receive less reward than predicted.

Dopamine changes neural circuits and trains the brain - for better or worse - to pursue the pleasurable and avoid the unpleasurable.

"Based on the reward prediction error hypothesis, the established tendency has been to emphasize dopamine involvement in reward, pleasure, addiction and reward-related learning, with less consideration of the involvement of dopamine in aversive processes," Lammel said.

To dissect the different dopamine subcircuits, de Jong and Lammel collaborated with the laboratory of Karl Deisseroth at Stanford University, who developed the fiber photometry technology a few years ago.

Fiber photometry involves threading thin, flexible fiber optic wires into the brain and recording fluorescent signals given off by neurons and their axons that release dopamine. The fluorescent markers are inserted into the neurons via a virus that targets only these cells.

In previous experiments in monkeys, Lammel said, scientists had recorded from dopamine cells without knowing where in the brain the cells' axons reached, which could be areas millimeters from the cell body. Working with mice, de Jong recorded simultaneously from dopamine axons in the lateral and medial regions of an area called the nucleus accumbens, considered an integral part of the brain's reward circuits. He thus captured the activity of cells whose axons reach into these regions from the dopamine areas in the midbrain, specifically the ventral tegmental area.

To their surprise, axons in the medial area released dopamine in response to an aversive stimulus - a mild electrical shock to the foot - while those in the lateral area released dopamine only after positive stimuli.

"We have two different subtypes of dopamine cells: one population mediates attraction and one mediates aversion, and they are anatomically separated," Lammel said.

He hopes that these findings can be confirmed in monkeys and humans, and lead to new approaches to understanding and treating addiction and other brain maladies.

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The work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01-DA042889), Brain Research Foundation (BRFSG-2015-7) and Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation. Other co-authors of the paper are Seyedeh Atiyeh Afjei is co-first author of the paper; other co-authors are Iskra Pollak Dorocic, James Peck and Christine Liu of UC Berkeley, Christina Kim and Karl Deisseroth of Stanford and Lin Tian of UC Davis.
Study to examine why those who exercise more drink most

Upending conventional wisdom that physical activity can be a healthy deterrent to alcohol consumption, University of Houston Moores professor of psychology Clayton Neighbors is examining the relationship between the two in college students. In prior work, Neighbors concluded that as activity goes up, so does drinking.

A new understanding of the link could suggest new therapies for students with drinking problems.

"When therapists or counselors start putting physical activity into their treatment recommendations for heavy drinking, they should make sure they are not creating problems for some patients," said Neighbors. He will use a $415,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to determine why drinking goes up when physical activity increases, placing college athletes in one of the higher risk groups among students.

"There's a relatively consistent association between drinking and physical activity, but there's little guidance to know why that association exists," said Neighbors, who will test theories for the link, including the psychology of the "work hard, play hard" mentality.

"We believe that men are more prone to this scenario where they do some kind of physical labor and afterwards they want to go have a beer," said Neighbors.

For female students, Neighbors will examine body image as a component of drinking associated with the phenomena of 'drunkorexia,' a term for the practice of restricting food before drinking to offset the calories of the planned alcohol binge.

Neighbors will also examine the connection in cases where exercise is the afterthought to drinking where students hit the gym the day following a night of ingesting too much alcohol.

"It's not necessarily the case where one precedes the other, it depends on the motivation for the individual," said Neighbors.

Neighbors and team will recruit 200 college students from the University of Houston and Sam Houston State University to participate in the study. For two weeks the students will self-report their alcohol intake while wearing a medical-grade activity monitor. The wrist-worn device, an Actigraph, is like a souped-up FitBit, capturing and recording continuous high-resolution raw data to provide physical activity measurement.

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Neighbors is joined on this work by UH associate professor of psychology J. Leigh Leasure, SHSU associate professor of psychology Craig Henderson and Rowan University assistant professor of psychology Chelsie Young.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- An emotional coping skills program developed for natural disaster survivors appears to help young children deal with the traumatic experiences associated with living in chronic poverty, a new study found.

University of Illinois social work professor Tara M. Powell pilot tested the program, Journey of Hope, with more than 100 children attending high-poverty elementary schools in Tennessee.

According to assessments completed by the children's teachers, conduct problems, hyperactivity and aggression declined and prosocial behaviors increased while the students participated in the intervention.

Developed by the nonprofit Save the Children, Journey of Hope's curricula is designed to reduce trauma symptoms such as anxiety and aggression by teaching children how to identify, understand and express various emotions in positive ways. Children learn positive coping strategies through activities such as discussions, literary activities, art, dance and cooperative games.

The eight-week Journey of Hope intervention was tested at four school districts that also were implementing an afterschool literacy program created by Save the Children, which provided part of the funding for the study. The intervention was delivered in eight one-hour sessions for children in pre-kindergarten through third grade at the participating schools.

"The intervention had significant positive impacts on the children for the duration that they were participating in Journey of Hope," Powell said.

While these results were encouraging, assessments completed by the teachers six months after the children finished the program indicated that their behavior appeared to return to baseline levels - a finding that, although disappointing, is not uncommon among participants in behavioral interventions, Powell said.

"The effects of early intervention programs generally decrease over time for young children," Powell said. "Many studies have noted that it's critical to address not only the individual child but all the elements that affect the child's well-being and development, including the family and community.

"If you don't have additional training for parents, teachers and school staff members, the results may not last because none of the skills that children learn are reinforced after the program ends - and that's exactly what we found."

To reinforce the positive coping behaviors that children learn through the program, Powell suggested that a continuum of services is needed, with the intervention provided over multiple semesters, bolstered by supplementary training for teachers, parents and school administrators on supporting trauma-exposed children.

Powell said she is exploring potential sources of funding to conduct a second trial of the intervention that would include training for parents and educators on healthy child development, the impact of trauma exposure on young people and their potential reactions to distressing events.

The trial in Tennessee was the first time that Journey of Hope had been tested with children whose trauma exposure was not related to natural disasters.

However, many clinicians have begun to view living in poverty as traumatic in itself. Children growing up in families with legacies of intergenerational poverty may be exposed to myriad traumatic events and pervasive stressors, such as food insecurity, violence, homelessness and abuse, Powell said.

In rural areas, where behavioral health providers are few, communities' geographic isolation and lack of public transportation make access to the few providers that are available even more difficult, Powell said.

Schools are one of the most common venues for delivering social-emotional services to high-risk children and youths, and nearly two-thirds of youths who receive such services obtain them through their schools, according to the study.

"Given the risks of adverse outcomes for children in rural poverty, it is crucial that interventions designed to build protective factors be available to mitigate the potential negative short- and long-term risks these children face," Powell said.

Save the Children developed Journey of Hope in 2005 to address the social-emotional needs of youths in New Orleans who participated in a gang fight at an urban middle school. The fight was believed to have arisen from these youths' complex reactions to multiple traumatic events, including those associated with Hurricane Katrina, as well as their ongoing experiences with neighborhood violence and physical or sexual abuse.

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The U. of I. Campus Research Board also provided funding for the study, which is available online in advance of publication in the journal Children and Youth Services Review.
DURHAM, N.H. - Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found unprecedentedly high levels of nitrate, an essential plant nutrient, in streams and watersheds of Puerto Rico for a year after two consecutive major hurricanes in 2017. This high amount of nitrate may have important climate change implications that could harm forest recovery and threaten ecosystems along Puerto Rico's coastline by escalating algal blooms and dead zones.

"Nitrate is important for plant growth but this is a case where you can have too much of a good thing," said William McDowell, professor of environmental science at UNH. "The levels of nitrate we were seeing were unusually high. Over the last three decades, we've noticed elevated levels of nitrate right after a hurricane, but after these back-to-back major storms, the wheels came off the bus. We saw an increase in the nitrate levels that still has not fully recovered."

Researchers used aquatic sensors in streams in the tropical Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico to obtain readings every 15 minutes to follow weekly stream chemistry after both Hurricane Irma (August 2017) and Hurricane Maria (September 2017). They compared this new data to weekly stream chemistry results compiled over the last 35 years - the longest record of tropical stream chemistry in the world. As expected from past hurricanes, nitrate concentrations increased for a few months after each storm, peaking at around four months. The findings, reported at the 2018 fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in Washington, D.C., revealed that unlike past hurricanes, the increase was still evident nine months after Hurricane Maria and did not return to previous base levels. The base readings remained higher and each time it rained the nitrate levels spiked, even after small rainstorms, likely reflecting major biotic processes (leaf and tree decomposition and vegetation regrowth) that control nitrate fluxes.

"After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, there seems to be a "new normal" for the base level of nitrate," said McDowell. "If this continues and the mountain streams transport these higher levels of nitrate to the ocean it could disrupt the coastal ecosystem, possibly endangering coral and other sea life."

Also of concern is forest productivity. Based on previous studies and observations at the Luquillo study site, the historical frequency of major hurricane direct hits on the island was estimated to be every 50-60 years. But recent records show that it is now happening once every 10 years. With this increase in frequency and storm strength, much greater export of nitrate to nitrogen-limited coastal waters can be expected than previously estimated, which could deplete the standing stocks of nitrate in the forest and have uncertain effects on forest productivity and regrowth.

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TThis research is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station and was conducted at the NSF Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) and the National Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) site in the Luquillo Mountains. 

The University of New Hampshire is a flagship research university that inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. UNH's research portfolio includes partnerships with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, receiving more than $100 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.

PHOTOS FOR DOWNLOAD

https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/sites/default/files/media/puerto_rico_stream_aquatic_sensor_study_site.jpg

Caption: Aquatic sensors are used in streams like this one, Quebrada Sonadora, which is one of the study sites in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico where researchers monitored nitrate levels before and after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Photo credit: William McDowell/UNH

https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/sites/default/files/media/qs_stream_after_a_storm.jpg

Caption: The usually tranquil Quebrada Sonadora stream, one of the study sites for the aquatic sensors, now raging with rushing, muddy water just after a storm.

Photo credit: William McDowell/UNH

https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/sites/default/files/media/coastline_view_of_puerto_rico_1.jpg

Caption: Aerial photo of the coastline of Puerto Rico that shows one of the many streams and rivers that lead down from the mountains to the ocean.

Photo credit: William McDowell/UNH
PHILDELPHIA - A little over a year ago, a 65-year-old woman with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy--a condition in which the heart's muscle becomes abnormally thick, potentially causing dangerous irregular heartbeats--had her genes sequenced before her first visit to the Penn Center for Inherited Cardiac Disease. In the sequence, the patient's care team identified a variant in a gene called TNNT2, which is associated with this type of heart disease. This type of disorder runs in families. However, analysis of the patient's genetic screen showed conflicting interpretations of how the TNNT2 gene variant might be affecting her health.

A team led by Kiran Musunuru, MD, PhD, an associate professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Genetics, and Anjali Tiku Owens, MD, an assistant professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, needed to find out whether the variant could explain her heart disease and whether the patient's two children and six grandchildren should also undergo genetic screening. To do so, the team used a stem-cell-based assay they were developing to provide highly personalized results for the patient and her family. The Penn team's findings are described this week in Circulation.

"More and more, through sequencing done for medical reasons or done by direct-to-consumer companies, people learn they have variants of disease genes with uncertain significance to their health," said Owens. "With our assay, we now have a way to start determining the potential impact of these variants on the health of patients and their family members."

In the 10 weeks between the patient's first and second visits to the clinic in 2017, the Penn team used the new gene-editing technique developed in Musunuru's lab to rapidly generate induced pluripotent stem cells containing the patient's specific TNNT2 gene variant. These tailored stem cells--personalized avatars, as it were--showed a normal response to a chemical that induces faster beating in heart cells, suggesting the variant was not disease-causing. Guided by this finding, the team recommended that the patient's family not undergo genetic screening, but still be monitored in the future for possible thickening of the heart wall.

"We believe this is the first time that stem cells have been used to impact patient and family care for cardiovascular disease," said Musunuru.

As part of the development of the test the team created a library of TNNT2 gene variants and isolated 14 unique types. Most of these were classified as pathogenic, or disease-causing, according to the new assay. The platform allows for rapid insertion of specific gene variants into stem cells using a combination of CRISPR and other gene-editing tools. The genetic avatars containing the patient's unique TNNT2 variant was then induced to mature into heart muscle cells to test their responses to the adrenaline-like chemical. Results showed that the TNNT2 variant from Owens' patient was benign.

This represents the first test of the new assay in a patient in real time.

Using this same approach, the team will be able to determine which variants are neutral and which ones are potentially harmful in other patients. A significant advantage of the platform over previous techniques is that it can be used to study many different patient variants at the same time, potentially as many as all 4,000 possible variants of the TNNT2 gene in a single experiment.

"This could help any person in the world found to have a variant in TNNT2 make better choices about their care," says Musunuru.

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This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01-HL118744, R01-GM104464) and the Winkelman Family Fund in Cardiovascular Innovation.

Other Penn co-authors are Wenjian Lv, Lyon Qiao, Nataliya Petrenko, Wenjun Li, and Chris McDermott-Roe.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $7.8 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $405 million awarded in the 2017 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Medicine Princeton Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital - the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, a leading provider of highly skilled and compassionate behavioral healthcare.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2017, Penn Medicine provided $500 million to benefit our community.
A study of hurricane-hit areas of the United States has revealed a trend of larger homes being built to replace smaller ones in the years following a storm.

The research, led by the University of Southampton (UK) and published in the journal Nature Sustainability, shows that the sizes of new homes constructed after a hurricane often dwarf the sizes of those lost.

Lead researcher Dr Eli Lazarus, of the School of Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Southampton, says: "Our findings highlight a 'building back bigger' trend in zones known to be prone to damage from extreme wind conditions and storm surge flooding. This practice creates an intensification of coastal risk - through increased, high-value property being exposed to major damage or destruction."

A team of scientists from the UK and US measured changes in residential-building footprints at five locations on the US Atlantic and Gulf Coasts which have collectively suffered the effects of six hurricane systems between 2003 and 2012. They compared satellite imagery from before the major storms hit with corresponding imagery from 2017.

The areas examined were Mantoloking (New Jersey), Hatteras and Frisco (North Carolina), Santa Rosa Island (Florida), Dauphin Island (Alabama) and Bolivar (Texas). Each of the locations are developed coastal barriers (landforms which protect against the sea) in designated flood-hazard areas, featuring mainly single family residential buildings.

The research, which also involved Coastal Carolina University, United States Geological Survey, University of North Carolina and Cardiff University, showed an overall pattern of larger homes replacing smaller ones across all five coastal locations.

Among buildings which changed area size (pre and post storm) the average house footprint increased between 19 per cent (Hatteras) and 49 per cent (Santa Rosa Island). New homes constructed post-hurricane strikes (but not as direct replacements for existing buildings) exceeded the mean footprints of other pre-storm buildings in the locality by between 14 per cent (Mantoloking) and 55 per cent (Santa Rosa Island).

Houses in the US are getting bigger, in general. However, the increases shown in this study are much greater than the average increase nationally, and are happening despite policy measures intended to curb them.

Dr Lazarus comments: "The crippling effects of disasters on vulnerable communities can leave them open to - and perhaps ultimately pushed out by - speculative real-estate markets with investors who buy up ruined parcels of land to make gains in any subsequent recovery. The building of larger homes, in-turn, puts a greater strain on the funding of subsidised insurance for properties in at risk areas."

The team suggests that the 'build back bigger' trend isn't just limited to hurricane strike zones in the US, and is investigating long-term redevelopment patterns in other places subject to different types of disasters.

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Notes to Editors

1) For interviews with Dr Eli Lazarus, contact Media Relations at the University of Southampton. Tel: 023 8059 5457 Email: p.franklin@southampton.ac.uk

2) The paper 'Building back bigger in hurricane strike zones' is due for publication in the journal Nature Sustainability DOI: 10.1038/s41893-018-0185-y on Monday 10 December 2018 at 1600 London time, 1100 US Eastern time. Copies can also be requested from Media Relations at the University of Southampton.

3) The researchers used publicly available imagery of requisite resolution and an appropriate capture date, spanning a full timeframe from before the last major hurricane strike at each location up to the most recent available imagery (2017). Pre-storm and 2017 imagery for Mantoloking, Santa Rosa Island, Dauphin Island and the Bolivar peninsula was obtained from Google Earth. Pre-storm imagery (2002) for Hatteras Village and Frisco (combined as 'Hatteras') was obtained from the NC OneMap GeoSpatial Portal. FEMA Flood Risk Zone designations are available through the agency's Map Service Center.

Building footprints were digitised manually and their areas were calculated using GIS software. The team digitised the roofed footprint of every residential building in the first three rows from the 'ocean-side' shorefront.

4) The University of Southampton drives original thinking, turns knowledge into action and impact, and creates solutions to the world's challenges. We are among the top 100 institutions globally (QS World University Rankings 2019). Our academics are leaders in their fields, forging links with high-profile international businesses and organisations, and inspiring a 24,000-strong community of exceptional students, from over 135 countries worldwide. Through our high-quality education, the University helps students on a journey of discovery to realise their potential and join our global network of over 200,000 alumni. http://www.southampton.ac.uk
Urban sophistication has real sex appeal--at least if you're a Central American amphibian. Male frogs in cities are more attractive to females than their forest-frog counterparts, according to a new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution.

Frogs in urban areas have more conspicuous and complex vocal calls, in part because they have fewer predators than those in natural habitats, say scientists from Vrije Universiteit (VU) in the Netherlands, The University of Texas at Austin, Purdue University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.

University of Texas at Austin professor of integrative biology Mike Ryan joined team leader Wouter Halfwerk and colleagues to investigate how city life has altered the signaling behavior of male tungara frogs. The trappings of cities often interfere with animal communication, as noise and light pollution affect the visual and auditory signals animals use to attract mates. Halfwerk previously has published work showing how urbanization affects birdsong in Europe.

The research team recorded the characteristic 'chuck' calls made by the one-inch frogs living in forests near the Panama Canal and in nearby human-disturbed areas, including small towns and cities. They found that the urban males would call more often and with greater call complexity, meaning they made more of the 'chuck' sounds that females prefer, compared to the frogs in the forest. The authors played back both calls to female frogs in a lab, and they discovered that three-quarters of the females were more attracted to the complex urban calls, compared to the simpler forest calls.

"In the forest, these more attractive calls have a higher cost," Ryan explained. "The sound can attract frog-eating bats and bloodsucking midges."

Evolution may select for the trait that allows the frogs to make more complex vocal calls in cities and towns, where the eavesdropping predators are scarcer there than in the forest. To help test this idea, the researchers examined what would happen when they moved urban frogs into forest habitats and forest frogs into urban habitats. It turned out that the urban frogs were able to actively reduce the complexity of their calls in the new environment, but forest frogs couldn't make the switch to making their calls more complex to attract females.

Ryan, his graduate students and colleagues have been studying sexual selection and communication in the tungara frog for decades. His 2018 popular science book A Taste for the Beautiful describes how males of this species and other species have evolved over the years to attract more females.

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In addition to Ryan and Halfwerk, authors of the study were Michiel Blaas, Lars Kramer, Nadia Hijner and Jacintha Ellers at VU University; Sandra Goutte of the University of New York at Abu Dhabi; and P. Alex Trillo, Ximena Bernal and Rachel Page, all affiliated with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

Support for the research came from the European Commission, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Science Foundation.
A dataset of more than 100,000 individuals allows researchers to identify genetic regions that are intolerant to change and may underlie developmental disorders.

Imagine rain falling on a square of sidewalk. While the raindrops appear to land randomly, over time a patch of sidewalk somehow remains dry. The emerging pattern suggests something special about this region. This analogy is akin to a new method devised by researchers at University of Utah Health. They explored more than 100,000 healthy humans to identify regions of our genes that are intolerant to change. They believe that DNA mutations in these "constrained" regions may cause severe pediatric diseases.

"Instead of focusing on where DNA changes are, we looked for parts of genes where DNA changes are not," said Aaron Quinlan, Ph.D., associate professor of Human Genetics and Biomedical Informatics at U of U Health and associate director of the USTAR Center for Genetic Discovery. "Our model searches for exceptions to the rule of dense genetic variation in this massive dataset to reveal constrained regions of genes that are devoid of variation. We believe these regions may be lethal or cause extreme phenotypes of disease when mutated."

While this approach is conceptually simple, only recently has there been enough human genomes available to make it happen. These new, invariable stretches may reveal new disease-causing genes and can be used to help pinpoint the cause of disease in patients with developmental disorders. The results of this study are available online in the December 10 issue of the journal Nature Genetics.

According to Quinlan, genes that have not previously been associated with disease often harbor one or more highly constrained regions. A mutation in these regions could cause disease.

"We are confident that these genes play a role in development of disease, but we currently know little about their role," said Quinlan, senior author on the paper. "That's where the exciting potential for discovery is."

Many of the most constrained regions are enriched for genes associated with developmental disorders, including developmental delay, seizure disorders and congenital heart defects. This information gives the team confidence that the method is revealing truly constrained regions of genes.

His team created a detailed map of these constrained regions using more than 120,000 genomes obtained from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), a project that provides a massive catalog of human genetic variation detected in exome and genome sequencing data from a variety of large-scale sequencing projects.

The maps reveal both disease-causing variations and de novo mutations that underlie developmental disorders. This approach opens the door to identify new coding regions to study disease.

"A gene as a whole might be able to tolerate variation, but variation in one critical section [of the constrained region] could have serious developmental consequences," said James Havrilla, first author on the paper and graduate student in Quinlan's lab.

Quinlan cautions that the model is only powered to find extreme phenotypes, like developmental disorders responsible for intellectual disabilities, seizure disorders, facial dysmorphism and issues with heart development. The model is not adequate to identify regions of genes for common diseases, such as diabetes or coronary artery disease. In addition, the study is based primarily on individuals with European ancestry.

"The map we created will provide the community with a resource to study genes that heretofore had no disease association," Quinlan said. "The beauty and power of this approach is that, as we obtain more data from ever more human genomes, we can continue to improve the resolution of this map to pinpoint areas to study for disease."

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Quinlan and Havrilla were joined by Brent Pedersen at U of U Health and Ryan Layer at University of Colorado on this project.

This work was supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health National Human Genome Research Institute, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Cancer Institute.

University of Utah Health provides leading-edge and compassionate medicine for a referral area that encompasses 10 percent of the U.S., including Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and much of Nevada. A hub for health sciences research and education in the region, U of U Health touts a $356 million research enterprise and trains the majority of Utah's physicians and more than 1,250 health care providers each year at its Schools of Medicine and Dentistry and Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Health. With more than 20,000 employees, the system includes 12 community clinics and four hospitals. For eight straight years, U of U Health has ranked among the top 10 U.S. academic medical centers in the rigorous Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, including reaching No. 1 in 2010 and 2016.
(ANSA) - Rome, December 10 - Amnesty International criticised Italy for its treatment of asylum seekers in a report released on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Monday. The report lamented the "erosion of the human rights of asylum seekers" following the approval of the government's security-and-migration decree.

It also complained about the "xenophobic rhetoric of the political world".

It said that Premier Giuseppe Conte's government had "immediately distinguished itself for repressive management of the migratory phenomenon".

"The authorities have hampered and continue to hamper the landing in Italy of hundreds of people saved at sea, inflicting further suffering on them and undermining the overall functioning on the system of maritime search and rescue," it said. Interior Minister and Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini, who has spearheaded the government's tough stance that has seen NGO ships with rescued migrants denied access to Italian ports, said he was not concerned about the report.

"Drug-dealers, mafiosi, delinquents and illegal immigrants do not have asylum in my country," he said. "My conscience is clean and I'm going to keep going".


MADISON, Wis. -- Our future on Earth may also be our past.

In a study published Monday (Dec. 10, 2018) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers show that humans are reversing a long-term cooling trend tracing back at least 50 million years. And it's taken just two centuries.

By 2030, Earth's climate is expected to resemble that of the mid-Pliocene, going back more than 3 million years in geologic time. Without reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions, our climates by 2150 could compare to the warm and mostly ice-free Eocene, an epoch that characterized the globe 50 million years ago.

"If we think about the future in terms of the past, where we are going is uncharted territory for human society," says the study's lead author, Kevin Burke, who conducted the work while a graduate student in the lab of paleoecologist John "Jack" Williams, professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "We are moving toward very dramatic changes over an extremely rapid time frame, reversing a planetary cooling trend in a matter of centuries."

All of the species on Earth today had an ancestor that survived the Eocene and the Pliocene, but whether humans and the flora and fauna we are familiar with can adapt to these rapid changes remains to be seen. The accelerated rate of change appears to be faster than anything life on the planet has experienced before.

The new study builds upon work Williams and colleagues first published in 2007, which compared future climate projections to historical climate data from the early 20th century. The new study relies on extensive data about climate conditions to probe much deeper in Earth's geologic past and expand those comparisons.

"We can use the past as a yardstick to understand the future, which is so different from anything we have experienced in our lifetimes," says Williams. "People have a hard time projecting what the world will be like five or 10 years from now. This is a tool for predicting that -- how we head down those paths, and using deep geologic analogs from Earth's history to think about changes in time."

During the Eocene, Earth's continents were packed more closely together and global temperatures averaged 23.4 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) warmer than they are today. Dinosaurs had recently gone extinct and the first mammals, like ancestral whales and horses, were spreading across the globe. The Arctic was occupied by swampy forests like those found today in the southern U.S.

In the Pliocene, North and South America joined tectonically, the climate was arid, land bridges allowed animals to spread across continents and the Himalayas formed. Temperatures were between 3.2 and 6.5 degrees Fahrenheit (1.8 to 3.6 degrees Celsius) warmer than they are today.

For the study, Burke and Williams -- along with colleagues at the University of Bristol, Columbia University, University of Leeds, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the National Center for Atmospheric Research -- examined the similarities between future climate projections as set forth by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report and several periods of geologic history.

These included the Early Eocene, the mid-Pliocene, the Last Interglacial (129 to 116 thousand years ago), the mid-Holocene (6,000 years ago), the pre-industrial era (before A.D. 1850) and the early 20th century.

They used Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5), which represents a future climate scenario in which we do not mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and RCP4.5, a scenario in which we moderately reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and climate simulations using three different but well-established models: the Hadley Centre Coupled Model version 3, the Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE2-R and the Community Climate System Model.

While not without their flaws, each of these models represents the best available data and state-of-the-art techniques.

Under both scenarios and across each model, compared to previous eras, the Earth's climate most closely resembled the mid-Pliocene by 2030 (under RCP8.5) or 2040 (under RCP4.5). Under the greenhouse gas stabilization scenario of RCP4.5, the climate then stabilizes at mid-Pliocene-like conditions, but under the higher greenhouse gas emissions of RCP8.5, the climate continues to warm until it begins to resemble the Eocene in 2100, achieving Eocene-like conditions more broadly by 2150.

The models showed these deep-geological climates emerging first from the center of continents and then expanding outward over time. Temperatures rise, precipitation increases, ice caps melt and climates become temperate near the Earth's poles.

"Madison (Wisconsin) warms up more than Seattle (Washington) does, even though they're at the same latitude," Williams explains. "When you read that the world is expected to warm by 3 degrees Celsius this century, in Madison we should expect to roughly double the global average."

The study also showed that under RCP8.5, "novel" climates emerge across nearly 9 percent of the planet. These are conditions that do not have known geologic or historical precedent and they concentrate in eastern and southeastern Asia, northern Australia and the coastal Americas.

"Based on observational data, we are tracking on the high end of the emissions scenarios, but it's too soon to tell," says Burke. "We may be somewhere between RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, though if we increase our climate mitigation efforts -- like switching to renewable energy -- we could find ourselves closer to the low end."

About a decade ago, Swedish scientist Johan Rockstrom and colleagues introduced the idea of "safe operating space," referring to the climate conditions under which modern agricultural societies developed. By comparing to the deep past, Williams and Burke say, we are able to better understand the planetary boundaries and thresholds that delineate this space.

"The further we move from the Holocene, the greater the potential that we move out of safe operating space," says Williams, a faculty affiliate with the UW-Madison Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research. "In the roughly 20 to 25 years I have been working in the field, we have gone from expecting climate change to happen, to detecting the effects, and now, we are seeing that it's causing harm. People are dying, property is being damaged, we're seeing intensified fires and intensified storms that can be attributed to climate change. There is more energy in the climate system, leading to more intense events."

In their paper, the researchers try to strike a balance between alarm and optimism. On the one hand, Earth is headed into the unknown in our children's and grandchildren's lifetimes. On the other, life has long proven to be resilient. And, Williams says, in many places we are moving away from fossil fuels toward more sustainable and carbon-free energy sources. But more needs to be done.

"We've seen big things happen in Earth's history -- new species evolved, life persists and species survive. But many species will be lost, and we live on this planet," says Williams. "These are things to be concerned about, so this work points us to how we can use our history and Earth's history to understand changes today and how we can best adapt."

###

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation (DEB-1353896) and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

Kelly April Tyrrell, kelly.tyrrell@wisc.edu, 608-262-9772
Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) Exchange Rate Static, Confidence Data Ahead

UPDATE: The Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate stabilised on Tuesday to trade in the region of $1.7483.

Australian data released overnight revealed a slight decline in the National Australia Bank Business Conditions and Confidence indexes.

National house prices also fell again in the third quarter. The Pound, meanwhile, found its feet after Mondays sell off.

If the Westpac consumer confidence indexes reveal a decline in Australian sentiment later today the GBP/AUD exchange rate may be able to edge higher.

PREVIOUSLY: The Pound Sterling Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate has steadily declined over the course of the morning as a slew of lower-than-expected UK figures were released and a possible spanner is thrown into the Brexit works by Theresa May.

British gross domestic product (GDP) increased in November as predicted marginally from 0% to 0.1%, before the news broke that suggested Theresa May would to call off the parliamentary vote on her withdrawal agreement, causing the Pound to plummet.

May is set to tell MPs about the delay to the vote today at 15:30 GMT.

In the early hours of this morning, the Australian home loans for October were released, showing a better-than-expected jump to 2.2% from the previous -1%, bolstering the Aussie.

Investment lending for homes in Australia increased in October from -2.8% to 0.6% further lifting AUD.

A Fall in UK House Prices on Friday Prompts Pound Sterling (GBP) Exchange Rates to Fall

Friday saw the release of the Halifax UK house prices for November which showed disappointing figures as the price of houses rose at their slowest pace in six years.

Before the 2016 Brexit vote, the Halifax house price index was rising by nearly 10% a year, although Halifax Managing Director stated that the figure still remains within the forecast range of between 0% and 3%.

The average house price currently sits at 224,578, with Chief Executive of Octane Capital, Johnathan Samuels noting:

Without wanting to appear overly pessimistic, theres every chance 2019 could be 2009 all over again.

Pounds Sterling Australian Dollar Exchange Rates Remains Volatile after Huawei Arrest

Last week saw the US-China trade tensions reignited as news emerged of the arrest of Chinese tech giant, Huaweis Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou. This caused global risk aversion to spike, hitting AUD.

The release of Australias retail sales figures for October showed a better-than-forecast jump to 0.3% from a previous 0.1% in September.

Australian exports remained steady at 1% in October, with imports rising from -1% to 3% in the same month, although the AiG performance of construction index for November reported a decline from 46.4 to 44.5, likely helping the GBP/AUD exchange rate to rise.

GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Outlook: Will Higher Consumer Confidence Bolster AUD?

The Australian house price index for the third quarter is set to be released tomorrow, with forecasts suggesting that the previous figure of -0.7% is set to contract further to -1.5%.

This could hurt the Australian Dollar, potentially causing it to give up some of the gains it made on the Pound today.

UK average earnings are also set to be released, with the suggestion that the figure is going to remain unchanged from the previous month, sitting at 3% (including bonuses) and 3.2% (excluding bonuses).

UK unemployment is also forecast to remain steady at 4.1%, and if this forecast is correct or this figure decreases it is likely that the Pound could have the potential to claw back some of its losses.

Australian Westpacs December consumer confidence is to be released late Tuesday night, and if this figure is to increase it could prove beneficial for the Aussie.
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Ed Byrne misses friends and family back in his native Dublin, but not the weather or the commute.

It takes him about 10 minutes to get to Scaleworks, a so-called venture equity firm Byrne co-founded in San Antonio.

Its great over here, he said. Now and then, I send a snap of Broadway Street to my buddies at home. Im like, Look, hows your traffic today? Theres rain and cars everywhere (in Dublin).

Byrne, 38, moved to the U.S. four years ago and has a background in managing and launching tech businesses. He ran Hosting 365, a hosting and cloud-computing company that was acquired by SunGard. He also founded software company CloudVertical, which suffered as competition in the cloud-computing market intensified and Amazon won everything, Byrne said.

Its the only business for which he raised venture capital, and the experience contributed to his skepticism about VC firms. Byrne later bought CloudVertical back from investors through Copper Cloud, a venture he co-founded that purchased a bunch of small developer tools. Copper Cloud was eventually acquired.

Byrne said he saw a business opportunity in buying companies strongly focused on their products and making them more customer-centric. He joined private equity firm Xenon Ventures to do just that.

Now Playing: Ed Byrne is co-founder of Scaleworks, a venture equity firm, which currently has six companies in its portfolio. Video: San Antonio Express-News

Thats how he met Lew Moorman, a former Rackspace executive and co-founder of Scaleworks who was also an investor and partner at Xenon. The pair spent a year working together before deciding they wanted to raise a fund to focus on larger businesses. They launched Scaleworks in 2015, with a focus on business-to-business software companies.

Quick facts on Ed Byrne Morning routine: I get up whenever my kids wake me up, which is generally pretty early, and get them ready for school. A couple mornings a week, I go to the gym. Otherwise, come to Scaleworks and start my day around 8. Favorite restaurants: Soluna, Chez Vatel, Bohanan's Book you're reading now or read recently: "Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders" by L. David Marquet If you had to pick a different career in a different industry: Farmer See More Collapse

Last year, they moved into the Savoy Building on East Houston. Two of the companies Scaleworks has bought have been acquired, including Assembla, a platform that developers use to store code securely, earlier this year. The firm currently has six companies in its portfolio.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio tech firm acquired by Houston-based Idera

Byrne sat down with the San Antonio Express-News at Scaleworks earlier this year to discuss its approach, why hes leery of venture capital, what he looks for in a new CEO and what growth opportunities there are for San Antonios tech community. Here is an edited transcript of the interview.

Q: What does venture equity mean?

A: Private equity typically buys companies and leverages debt, loads them for cash flow, extracts the cash flow to pay off the debt and runs it very lean. Private equity firms are known for leaning businesses down, as opposed to growing. Venture capital typically builds and says, Grow, grow, grow. Shoot for the stars, and if you miss, well, weve got lots of other portfolio companies.

We dont think thats a brilliant approach, because theres lots of good (companies) that arent going to be billion-dollar businesses. Not every software company needs to be, but if you raise venture capital, youre on this mega-growth path and youre going to lose loads of money trying to scale too early. Were in the middle, where were laser-focused on growth. We dont leverage our businesses for debt, and we dont try to run them for cash or for profitability. We want every dollar we make to go back into growth. A successful Scaleworks company is one where, over its life here, you see growth and ramping up.

Q: What do you look for when youre hunting for a new CEO?

A: We look for people who align with our six principles. Every company should have its own culture and values, but the CEO should be aligned with those. Generally, its CEOs who have a kind of revenue-facing background, be it marketing or sales  people who understand how to bring products to customers.

Personality-wise, were trying to build a culture of intense curiosity. Were trying to figure out what to do with these businesses, new ways to grow and new tactics, and so I guess we naturally fit with people who love reading and exploring new things.

Q: Whats an instance where you made a mistake or failed at something?

A: I set up CloudVertical with the idea that the economics of moving to the cloud was actually going to be a thing because it was pay-as-you-go, not fixed contract. My thesis was that the hybrid cloud, where you do a little bit of both, was going to win. My thesis was wrong. It turns out Amazon won everything.

But thats the only business I ever raised any venture capital for and the only business so far that hasnt worked, and some of my skepticism that venture capital is right for software companies came from that. I did all the wrong stuff, like overfocusing on product and engineering at the expense of making noise in the market and developing relationships with customers. I look back, and there was a team of engineers and me. We did no sales, which was exactly what you shouldnt do: Only focus on product.

Q: Why are you skeptical of venture capital?

A: Ten years ago, if you were starting a software company, you had to buy servers, build the software, then hire a salesperson to bring it to market. That costs millions of dollars. Now, you get your servers for free basically or you pay pennies to Amazon, as you need them. There are so many frameworks and tools. You can build a product very quickly, and you can launch it online. You dont need a salesperson to walk you to a customers office, and you can do online marketing actually very cheaply. Probably with money from friends and family, you can bring a product to market. And then, all these things in software are 80 percent plus gross margin, so you should have money as you grow to invest.

On ExpressNews.com: Biscuits, pancakes and corporate acquisitions at one of San Antonios iconic businesses

If all those costs are gone, why are people raising more venture capital now, not less? If the average venture capital round is going up, and it seems to be, but the cost of building businesses has gone down dramatically, that makes no sense to me. Its probably because theres just lots of money out there.

Theres this culture of, if youre a software company, you raise venture capital. If youre a biotech or energy company, you need venture capital for that. It is supposed to be for research and development. Its high-risk. Its not really supposed to be for if you cant get a software company up and running, and most of it goes to sales and marketing. Thats not what venture capital originally was, but I think thats what its become now.

I think it doesnt give you any discipline when you have lots of money in the bank.

Q: You also said theres too much of an emphasis on metrics in tech. Scaleworks has a one-page metrics sheet for all of its companies. Why?

A: It seems to me that in the tech world, every interview you hear now is, Well, what tactics did you use for this? How do you compensate your salespeople? What percent did you do that? If you have a great strategy and you create something people really want, the business is probably going to do well. And if youve got the best tactics and metrics, youll do a little bit better. But if youve got a terrible strategy and product, the best tactician still is not going to succeed. Metrics are important, but I think the tech world might have moved too far into metrics and tactics. What really matters is whether theres a good, solid business and customers actually want what you make.

Q: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for San Antonios technology community?

A: I think the best way to grow a tech community is to not really worry about the community too much and just focus on the businesses. Theres obviously a huge tech scene in Dublin, but it wasnt formed through startups  it was through Irelands development authority, which courted and brought Google, Facebook, Intel and others.

If you can get midmarket companies  obviously thats self-serving, since thats what we bring here with 50 to 500 people to San Antonio, that creates lots of employment. Those people in time will then come back into the community. You need more than one or two Rackspaces. You need lots of smaller ones.

Many people in their 30s and 40s want to be entrepreneurial, but theyve got kids and a mortgage, and its hard to go set up a company. The best thing for them is to join a small up-and-coming company, so they can still be entrepreneurial but get a salary.

People dont know what San Antonio is. I was at a talk last week, and everyone was saying to heavily attract millennials, and Im not sure. Everyones trying to attract millennials. But theres a lot of workers here, and San Antonio has low traffic, great weather and great schools and houses. The cost of living is relatively low. If youre at the stage of your life where youre married and having kids, San Antonio is an awesome place to be. Thats the story I would tell.

madison.iszler@express-news.net | @madisoniszler
Its a Saturday night at a strip club, and the air hangs heavy with the odor of alcohol. Strobe lights and pulsating neon signs compete with the pounding bass of the clubs sound system as a rotating roster of barely clothed young women twirl, twist and twerk on the elevated stage.

As the clubs huge double doors open, in walk Lisa Michelle and her coterie of like-minded female volunteers, their arms laden with pink gift bags containing lip balm and hoop earrings.

The club is a strange setting for a Christian outreach ministry, but its a fitting one for Michelle. As a child, she was abused by a neighbor who took sexually explicit photos of her, which he shared with other men. It took her decades to recover.

Seven years ago, she began her nonprofit ministry, No Strings Attached. Since then, she and her crew have been reaching out to women who work in San Antonios gentlemens clubs, bringing them gifts, cupcakes and other tokens of care, but most of all hope.

As a survivor of the child sex trade, she brings a certain level of understanding to the women who work in the clubs, many of whom are themselves survivors of sex trafficking or early sexual abuse. Some clubs have been known sites for prostitution, especially in their VIP rooms, an official with the San Antonio Police Department vice unit recently said in court.

The dancers trust us because we love them where theyre at, Michelle said over the din of the club. Theyve learned well do anything we can to help them find their potential, pursue their dreams. We help them realize they are valued because we see them as human beings, not as transactions.

In some cases, she said, the dancers form bonds with Michelle and her volunteers and meet them outside the club for coffee or Sunday visits to church. The nonprofit holds a monthly support group meeting, which can draw as many as a dozen young women.

This is all about building relationships, she said. Its about consistency and trust, two things that are missing in the club world. Some of the girls ask, Why are yall doing this?

Aside from bolstering the dancers self-esteem, part of the mission of No Strings Attached is to help the women explore ways to leave the club scene one day and find work and purpose outside the sex industry. Michelle and her nearly dozen volunteers provide, in a nonjudgmental way and with little proselytizing, resources, guidance and support to those interested in changing jobs.

Over the years, numerous women have found an alternative to working in the clubs, Michelle said.

We want to fill the gap, build a bridge for them, she said. This lifestyle can become very ingrained. ... We plant seeds.

Despite this element of the nonprofits work, Michelle said managers of the half-dozen clubs she and her crew visit once a month welcome them because they see them as offering moral support and practical assistance to employees, such as helping to arrange medical appointments.

Running from the past

The old funeral home owner who lived across the street in California began sexually exploiting Michelle when she was 7. He showed her pornography, then took photographs of her re-enacting what she saw. This went on for three years.

Shed been molested by relatives starting when she was 4. As a preteen, she began hanging out on the streets of San Francisco and drinking. Hard-core drugs followed a few years later.

I felt like something was wrong with me, but I couldnt think straight, said Michelle, now 50. I didnt understand everything Id been through.

The sense of being flawed followed her for years, as she moved across the country with a rock-star boyfriend and numbed herself with drugs.

I was running from my past and everything that had happened to me, she said.

She had stints of sobriety, but things didnt start clicking until she found a strong Christian faith, met a good man at church and got married. But then the pain of the past bubbled up. Michelle was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and put on medication, which she would take for nine years.

It wasnt until she began trauma-informed therapy that the wounds of her early experience healed. She discovered she wasnt bipolar: She was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Its taken a lot of work to find my sanity, to discover who I am, who Ive really been all this time, said Michelle, who has been sober for 22 years. She moved to San Antonio six years ago with her husband and two children.

Today, Michelle works with Survivor Sisters Leadership, a program with an Austin-based nonprofit called The Refuge that connects older, recovering survivors of sex trafficking with younger victims.

In San Antonio, she visits the Cyndi Taylor Krier Juvenile Correctional Treatment Center, where she provides support and guidance to young women who have been trafficked for sex.

Another strip club

The black Suburban pulls up to another strip joint. A volunteer pops open the back, and the women excavate more armfuls of the pink bags. Michelle grabs several baggies full of cookies to give to the doorman and bouncers, smiling broadly all the while.

Inside the club, dancers in skimpy costumes and towering stilettos come up to the women, hugging them like old friends.

Yes, I want a cupcake! one squeals, her dramatic makeup looking otherworldly up close.

The volunteers also bring in a half-dozen containers of formula and diapers for the dancers who are single mothers.

Later, Michelle talks to a dancer who starts to cry as she describes past and recent trauma: drug addiction, a miscarriage, the death of a husband. Not long ago, she barely survived a drug overdose.

Im so glad you made it, Michelle said.

Before she leaves, she slides into the dancers hands a copy of Fallen, a book about one womans journey out of the sex industry.

Another seed planted.

Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | mstoeltje@express-news.net | Twitter: @mstoeltje
Fifteen months after Texas enacted a law to bring transparency to the states for-profit free-standing emergency rooms, many of them continue to send mixed messages about insurance coverage that could expose unsuspecting patients to surprise medical bills.

A statewide report by AARP Texas, to be released today at a state Senate committee hearing, found that 77 percent of the states 215 free-standing emergency rooms said they take or accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance but were out-of-network.

The word accept means something very different to them than to the consumer, and they know that when they write their websites, said Stacey Pogue, senior health policy analyst at the Austin-based Center for Public Policy Priorities. They do not tell the rest of the story.

RELATED: OPINION The ER, an out-of-network provider and then 'surprise!'

Some of the websites included a notice  sometimes under pull-down tabs or at the bottom of a page  that the facilities are outside the networks of insurers but offered reassurance that under the Texas insurance code, network status does not matter in emergency treatment, implying that patients neednt worry about coverage.

What the sites failed to disclose is that out-of-network status can result in insurance reimbursements far below the charges, leaving patients on the hook for the remainder of the bill  sometimes thousands of dollars.

Free-standing emergency rooms defend their websites, describing concerns raised by advocacy groups and Texas lawmakers as manufactured outrage.

I dont see a problem with saying they accept, said Dr. Carrie de Moor, CEO of Code 3 Emergency Partners, a Texas-based network of free-standing emergency rooms, urgent care clinics and a telemedicine program. She insisted that patients understand that accepting someones insurance is different from being in that companys network.

RELATED: If it's not an emergency, Blue Cross Blue Shield won't pay

It may seem like a hair-splitting distinction, but it can carry high costs, health policy experts said.

Free-standing ER websites are technically correct when they cite state insurance code requiring insurers to cover emergencies regardless of network status, said Jamie Dudensing, CEO of Texas Association of Health Plans, the states insurance trade group. That provision is in place to make sure that a patient experiencing a life-threatening emergency does not have to worry about finding an in-network doctor or facility.

But she cautions that covering emergency treatment is not always the same as footing the entire bill. A facility outside an insurance network is not bound by the negotiated reimbursement rates and has no limit on how much it can bill.

Further, under a practice know as balanced billing, out-of-network providers can charge some patients for the portion of a bill not paid by insurers. In-network providers are prohibited from balanced billing.

They are twisting the language to make it seem like patients are always protected, Dudensing said of the websites. They are not.

The for-profit free-standing emergency room has ballooned into a health care phenomenon. The idea was to offer patients easy access to a fully equipped emergency room in their neighborhood and avoid lengthy waits at hospitals. Visits to free-standing emergency rooms now account for more than a quarter of all emergency visits in Texas, according to a report by insurer UnitedHealthCare.

Stream of complaints

Patients have complained for years about exorbitant bills from the facilities after believing that they were in-network and that treatment would be paid by insurance. Sometimes, they were confused because the facilities, typically located in retail centers, look like nearby  and usually in-network  urgent care centers. Often, they found out too late that the cost difference can be staggering.

Consider a case of strep throat. A UnitedHealthCare analysis of claims found that in Texas, the average cost billed at a free-standing emergency room was $2,732, or 21 times higher than the $128 average cost at a physicians office. At an urgent care clinic, the average cost was $159, the analysis found.

The free-standing emergency room cost was even higher than a traditional hospital emergency room, which would have charged on average $1,784, the insurance analysis said.

The free-standing industry defends its fees and billing practices because the facilities must be staffed with physicians around the clock, see all patients, and offer the same level of treatment and testing as a hospital emergency room. Sometimes patients may not know all that goes into their treatment, particularly when it involves expensive tests to rule out a more serious ailment, the industry says.

The volume of consumer outrage led state Rep. Tom Oliverson, a Harris County Republican and anesthesiologist, last year to introduce House Bill 3276, which required free-standing emergency room websites to properly identify the facility, disclose network status and include a warning that physicians providing the care may bill separately from the facility.

The legislation passed easily and went into effect Sept. 1, 2017. The industry says it had until Jan. 1, 2018, to comply with website posting regulations.

Nearly a year later, though, murkiness remains.

Take, for instance, the prominent graphic on the website for Clear Creek Emergency and Urgent Care that touts No Wait No Worries. All private insurance accepted.

But only after opening a pull-down tab for patient resources does this statement appear: For most insurance providers, we are considered out-of-network. However, we honor all in-network deductibles and benefits. The website then adds: If your health insurance company attempts to treat your classified medical emergency as out-of-network, you can consider it a violation of the law and take action by contacting your billing company or your insurance agent.

Reading all of that together, said Pogue, the health policy analyst for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, there is no way for a consumer to make heads or tails of it.

The company did not respond to requests for comment.

Not an emergency

Another unaddressed issue occurs when a patients out-of-network emergency room visit is later determined not to be a true emergency.

In August, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas launched a measure to add heightened scrutiny to out-of-network emergency claims in its health maintenance organization plans. The company has said that if an after-the-fact review determines that the patient should have sought treatment at a less expensive option, the insurer may not pay the claim.

Free-standing emergency officials say insurers are tricking patients, not them.

We have seen an alarming increase in the efforts made by insurance companies to confuse patients about where they can and should go for medical care in emergencies, said Brad Shields, executive director of Texas Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers. The reality is simple: In-network and out-of-network are irrelevant concepts when it comes to emergency care.

Blake Hutson, associate state director of AARP, says the dizzying finger-pointing between insurers and providers only further confuses patients.

People want to understand their health insurance, to have an explanation of how theyre going to be covered and their cost, he said. At free-standing emergency rooms in Texas, that all breaks down.

Try, try again

Rep. Oliverson said he thought the law he sponsored would prompt the industry to police itself and clearly inform patients.

Some have done a good job; others Im not so happy with, he said. The whole point of the law was to make it more plain that accept is not the same as in-network.

He vowed to introduce additional legislation in the 2019 session. He is considering as a model a New York measure considered one of the strongest in the nation for consumer protection. Under that law, patients are generally protected from owing more than their in-network copayment, coinsurance or deductible on bills they receive for out-of-network emergency services or on balance bills.

We need to solve out-of-network balance billing once and for all, Oliverson said.

jenny.deam@chron.com

twitter.com/jenny_deam
Steve Allison willed his way into the Texas House by spending nearly $1 million and outlasting opponents in three grueling contests. Leo Pacheco did it with a heap of old-school neighborhood campaign signs.

When Bexar Countys 10-member House delegation heads to Austin in January for the states 86th legislative session, its two new members  Allison, a Republican, and Pacheco, a Democrat  will have arrived in strikingly different ways.

Despite their differences in path and party, the newcomers share bipartisan agreement about the most pressing issue facing the region: school finance, and its rippling effects on property taxes.

One other race in the county changed hands, but the representative will not be a typical freshman. Democrat Trey Martinez Fischer narrowly defeated Diana Arevalo in the primary earlier this year, regaining the seat he held from 2001 to 2016.

Two races

Allison, a business lawyer, fended off a Tea Party-aligned challenger before facing an unusually competitive Democratic opponent. He touts his 12 years on the Alamo Heights Independent School District as informing his expertise in school finance.

Pacheco, a Democrat, raised less than 10 percent of Allisons haul to topple incumbent Rep. Tomas Uresti in the primary and Republican John Lujan in the general election.

The signs he plastered across the South Side had a simple message: Lets cap property taxes for homeowners over 65.

Pacheco is confident that the outcome of the midterm elections  Democrats gained 12 House seats, reducing Republicans majority to a margin of 83-67  will translate to a kinder, gentler legislative session than the most recent one, which was consumed by partisan battles, including over the so-called bathroom bill.

Allison agreed, and he said the bathroom bill  which would have imposed restrictions on the use of public restrooms by transgender people  was a distraction that served a purpose in creating a new urgency to get something done with more impact.

Both men said theyd like to quickly and dramatically increase state funding for public education to 50 percent of the systems costs. The states portion of the bill has consistently declined for years. It is currently around 38 percent, according to the Legislative Budget Board.

And they say theyve gleaned encouragement from the states legislative leadership. Rep. Dennis Bonnen, expected to be the next House Speaker, has said school finance will be his No. 1 issue.

I can guarantee you that priority is school finance, Bonnen said shortly after securing the votes to become speaker. It is time Texas took on the challenge of fixing our broken school finance system.

Succeeding Straus

The race to succeed retiring Speaker Joe Straus in House District 121 became Bexar Countys most expensive race of the 2018 midterms. Allison spent roughly $930,000 on his bid, but he said he didnt expect the race to become that costly or so grueling.

In addition to leading the Alamo Heights school district, the longtime lawyer served on the board of VIA Metropolitan Transit, and Straus retirement piqued his interest.

Joe Straus decision surprised us, Allison said, and I wanted to make sure someone of his mindset, approach to governance, (and) demeanor succeeded him.

To that end, the race became a kind of shadow contest between two competing forces in Texas GOP politics  moderates like Straus and arch-conservatives like Allisons runoff opponent, Matt Beebe.

The bitter battle was further inflamed when both the county and state Republican Party censured Straus, which amounted to a symbolic denunciation of the San Antonio man who led Texas lower chamber for a decade.

Im still baffled by both of those, Allison said. I disagree with it strongly, obviously. There was a fracture within the party.

In this race at least, the moderate voices prevailed. Residents on the countys Northeast side replaced Straus with the man most like him: Allison.

I think I was seen as the one that would be best suited to lead the district, Allison said.

On most issues, Allison emulates that moderate perspective. He wants to quickly increase state funding for schools, but he wont raise other taxes to do it. He wants to increase funding for school safety as well, and he doesnt personally see reason for arming teachers  though he said he understands folks in rural counties may differ. When asked about other priorities, he mentioned the states maternal health crisis and the need for more clinics.

The 71-year-old said he hopes to wield his experience  and gray hair  to become an unusually influential freshman lawmaker, and school finance reigns supreme among his priorities.

An increased investment in public education would ease the burden of local property taxes, Allison and other lawmakers have argued, because schools currently make up the largest cost of property tax bills.

I just think its reached the point where school finance has to be addressed, Allison said. Its commonly said that the cans been kicked down the road too many years, and it has.

A wild card

The race in House District 118, which is predominantly based on the South Side, was shaping up as a rematch between incumbent Democrat Tomas Uresti and Republican John Lujan. The men had split the previous two elections in the district.

I was kind of the wild card, Pacheco said.

The Harlandale High School graduate was born and raised on the South Side and has spent his entire life in the district he now represents. But before this years bid, he had been mostly removed from politics since the 1990s, when he chaired the countys Democratic Party for 4 years.

Eager to jump back into the fray, Pacheco said a confluence of factors nudged him toward the seat in HD-118: Like many in the district, he said hes fed up with rising property taxes, and he was concerned that Uresti might again lose the seat to his Republican challenger.

This is a Democratic area.  Im like, No, I need to keep this seat in Democratic hands, Pacheco said.

Uresti was vulnerable mostly because of his last name. While he wasnt at all involved in the case, his brother, then-state Sen. Carlos Uresti, was convicted of several felonies this year for his role in what prosecutors said amounted to a Ponzi scheme.

Pacheco said he didnt want to make Urestis name an issue, but he acknowledged that it was a factor in the race.

He huddled with friend now chief of staff Richard Gambitta, a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, who encouraged him to launch a campaign.

On the day after Thanksgiving last year, they plastered the South Side with 3-by-6 signs (the 4-by-8s dont fit in his truck, Pacheco said). The red, white and blue placards relayed Pachecos primary focus: Lets cap property taxes for homeowners 65 and older.

While school property taxes are frozen when a homeowner turns 65, other taxes based on property valuation  including county, city, college, hospital districts, etc.  arent limited. Pacheco wants to put a cap on all taxes for those who are 65 and older, not just the school levy.

The slogan was born out of what Pacheco calls a hole-in-the-wall eatery on the West Side called Kenneys, where he often huddles with friends to eat lunch. The owner scrawled the message on a napkin when Pacheco finally decided to run.

I wasnt afraid to put my message out there, Pacheco said. I had 150 of these big signs all over the South Side.

They worked. He cruised to a surprising primary win over Uresti and comfortably defeated Lujan.

Now, the slogan that propelled him to victory will naturally become his top priority. Bexar County has decreased or maintained its property tax rate for many years, but rising property valuations mean most residents bills continue to climb.

Thats a problem for seniors, who often rely on a fixed income, Pacheco said. If he gets his way, he would cap the amount seniors pay in property taxes levied by any entity.

Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate, has made proposals that Pacheco said are very similar to what Im trying to do.

Thats especially important in House District 118, which Pacheco said is blue-collar and includes many seniors.

This is not the new part of town, he said.

Dylan McGuinness covers local politics and the Bexar County government for the Express-News. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | dylan.mcguinness@express-news.net | Twitter: @DylMcGuinness
The Edwards Aquifer could be at risk in the next 50 years as a result of warmer temperatures and more frequent and severe droughts, compounded by population growth.

These climate change impacts will be exacerbated in central Texass rapidly urbanizing regions, as increasing impervious cover will affect water quality and rates of runoff and recharge, stated the Fourth National Climate Assessment, a 1,656-page report released by the federal government.

Officials in California, Florida and other coastal states are increasingly concerned about heat, sea levels and severity of storms in a warming world, said Doug Melnick, the city of San Antonios chief sustainability officer.

But San Antonio, too, is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, Melnick said.

READ ALSO: As oil prices fall, drivers win and drillers lose

Already, extreme floods in San Antonio have prompted authorities to redraw flood maps and demolish homes, includes those along Salado Creek on the East Side that were ravaged by a 1998 flood and others along Barbara Drive on the North Side that were damaged by a 2013 deluge.

Were seeing discussions as we speak, statewide and nationally, about adjusting 100-year and 500-year flood zones, Melnick said. Thats going on now, and that really is the direct result of climate change.

Officials of the Edwards Aquifer Authority are preparing to quantify the potential impact of climate change on the severity of droughts in the region. But the authority said it would be premature to predict a degradation of habitat for species of concern, an outcome projected in the National Climate Assessment released last month.

Studies have found that conservation measures adopted in 2012 are enough to maintain spring flows that are critical to the habitat of fountain darters and other endangered species, even if a drought as severe as the 1950s was repeated, EAA General Manager Roland Ruiz said.

What is more probable is that these conservation measures would need to be implemented more frequently to maintain critical spring flows in a warmer climate, he said.

For homeowners, that would mean more frequent limits on lawn watering. San Antonio currently is under year-round watering rules, which allow sprinkler use any day before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.

San Antonios 1947-1957 drought was surpassed in intensity by a 2008-2014 dry spell, according to the new federal climate report.

What made 2011 so bad was the long streak of record-breaking temperatures, Ruiz said. If not for having a moderately wet 2010, this drought would have rivaled the 1950s drought.

In its 2017 Water Management plan, which seeks to project conditions more than 50 years into the future, the San Antonio Water System created a worse-case drought scenario based on past droughts.

READ ALSO: South Side development has yet to deliver on big plans around college

The lessons from every drought continue to be that managing our long-term water future is a mixture of having adequate supplies and continuing to commit to conservation, said Donovan Burton, vice president of water resources and government relations at SAWS.

From 1982 to 2016, San Antonians reduced water use from 225 gallons per person daily to 117 gallons, according to SAWS. Through leak-detection technologies and conservation measures, the utility hopes to further lower consumption to 88 gallons daily by 2070.

But SAWS also expects to serve 1.4 million more people by then, for a total of 3.2 million. After reducing reliance on the Edwards from 70 percent of its water supply in 2000 to 42 percent today, SAWS aims to further reduce use of Edwards Aquifer water to 31 percent by 2070.

It is also adding an important new source of supply: The 142-mile Vista Ridge pipeline is scheduled to start delivering water from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Central Texas in April 2020.

The diversification of San Antonios water supply is key to ensuring the city has the appropriate supply of water to meet the needs of a growing economy, Donovan said.

The SAWS water plan predicts the possibility of a small supply gap in 2050, amounting to 5,757 acre-feet. But the utility says it could expand its brackish water desalination plant or the Carrizo Aquifer project to close the gap.

Another key concern in the federal climate report is that urban growth will result in increasing impervious cover  buildings and pavement  reducing the amount of water that seeps into the Edwards Aquifer through porous limestone formations.

The citys climate action and adaptation plan is scheduled for release in draft form next month. City Council is scheduled to adopt the plan in April. The document is expected to focus heavily on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating temperature increases. It also will also include a water and natural resources component.

The plan may include recommendations for improvements to urban landscapes, stormwater management and improvements to soils to better store carbon and retain water  all of which could help protect the aquifer, the EAAs Ruiz said.

During the last drought, an EAA program paid farmers to the west of San Antonio not to irrigate, leaving water in the aquifer. In addition, the SAWS Aquifer Storage and Recovery facility south of the city  the nations largest groundwater-based storage facility  currently holds 170,000 acre-feet, more than two-thirds of the utilitys annual demand.

Ruiz noted that the new federal report projects increases in annual average temperatures in the Southern Great Plains of 3.6 to 5.1 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050, and 4.4 to 8.4 degrees by 2100. That would raise evaporation rates, reducing aquifer recharge. But the report noted that the types and frequency of severe weather were difficult to predict, Ruiz said.

There is some evidence that local-scale severe storms can become worse and produce more rainfall, but periods between storm events could be drier  in part due to the higher temperatures, he said. So, stronger storms could at least partially offset some of the effects of higher temperatures.
In 1946, decades before the Polo field at Brackenridge Park was changed to a driving range, it was John Godoys first workplace. The 9-year-olds job was picking up empty soda and beer bottles that would later be returned for deposit.

He earned 10 cents a day.

A year and a half later, he was offered a job at the nearby San Antonio Zoo, leading donkey cart tours around the animal exhibits at the age of 11. He worked there through his childhood and into early adulthood, leaving in 1957 when he got married and left town to pursue a culinary career.

Now, 61 years after he left the zoo, hes working there again.

I decided I wanted to come back, said Godoy, 81, and retire from the first job I had. I enjoy working here  every day is different. Being at home doing nothing is no fun.

With support from his wife, Amelia, and their four children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Godoy is working as a food prep cook at the zoos Riverview Restaurant. Hes the second oldest employee at the zoo.

The cheerful octogenarian started several months ago, tidying the dining area, before the manager learned about his culinary skills. Now hes moved back into the kitchen, helping with buffets and displaying his mastery at carving ice and fruit sculptures.

Im not afraid to clean tables, Godoy said, during a break at the Beastro restaurant, where he sometimes helps out. Its a job.

Increasingly, more older adults across the nation like Godoy are extending their work years.

According to Forbes, 9.8 million Americans 65 years old and older had jobs in 2017, accounting for 6 percent of the work force. The Washington Post recently reported that Americans 85 years and older hold a wide range of jobs from driving trucks and farming to serving as school crossing guards.

Culinary director Mike Abel called Godoy a wealth of knowledge.

Hes doing a lot of things in the culinary field that I aspire to do, Abel said. Its a pleasure to have John with us at the zoo before he calls it a career.

Godoy remembers waking up early to catch a bus from his South Side home to arrive at the gates by 6 a.m. when he first worked at the zoo.

Longhorn cattle grazed at the spot where the Childrens Petting Zoo is today. The aquarium hadnt been built yet. And the Donkey Barn stables are now a memory, replaced in 2016 with offices and an education center.

Godoy recalls his start at the zoo clearly. It was then-Zoo Director Fred Stark who offered him the donkey cart job, which paid 50 cents per trip. Everyday he would harness his mule, Silver, and say, Be good, behave, and were going to have a good day and make a lot of money.

He moved over to dice fruit and vegetables for the monkeys before transferring to a concession stand, located where the Riverview Restaurant is now.

Godoy worked the front windows beside three other cashiers taking food orders from long lines of hungry guests back then. They mentally calculated prices, yelling orders to short-order cooks whod echo the orders back to them.

He worked there until June 28, 1957, two days before his wedding, leaving to pursue a career in the culinary arts at hotels in Denver, Houston and Dallas before returning home this year.

Zoo spokesman Chuck Cureau said the zoo is proud of its diverse work force, which includes employees of all ages as well as different races and ethnicities.

He said Godoy has become a role model.

Its particularly fitting that we have someone like Mr. John who started his career here and its his desire to end his career here, Cureau said. Its a testament to the family feel we have here. Mr. John is inspiring to all of us.

Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavis
First the good news: Hundreds more minorities have become teachers over the last 10 years following several changes that made it easier to become an educator in Connecticut.

Now the bad news.

The growth hasnt kept pace with the influx of Hispanic and Latino students entering public schools, and those students are now less likely to have a teacher who looks like them, a review of state data by CT Mirror has found.

Twenty-three school districts last school year didnt have a single minority educator on staff, state data show. Several districts have had an all white staff for years.

Districts with the highest rates of minority students have the highest percentages of minority educators working in their schools. Several charter school districts have the highest rates - by far. Among traditional school districts, Bloomfield, Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven have the highest rates, with about one-in-four educators being a minority.

Many students of color in Connecticut will spend 13 years in school only learning from white teachers. These students will miss out on the academic and social benefits from learning from a teacher who shares their cultures, family contexts, and whom can serve as unique role models, Camara Stokes Hudson, an associate policy fellow at the left-leaning think tank Connecticut Voices for Children, told the legislatures education committee earlier this year. Stokes Hudson wrote two reports on the issue this year  see here and here  and has expierenced firsthand what its like to not have teachers look like her.

Minority teachers have the benefit of raising aspirations for students who look like them, she testified.

Many agree, including members of the state Board of Education and leaders of the state Department of Education. Three years ago, the board and the department listed having a racially diverse workforce as one of their top four goals. Gov.-Elect Ned Lamont named it as a priority during the campaign.

But finding minority teachers has challenged school districts for years.

Of the nearly 2,500 students enrolled in teacher-preparation colleges in Connecticut during the 2016-17 school year, 82 percent were white, 4 percent were black, and 8 percent were Hispanic, according to data from the state education department.

Thats a huge difference from the makeup of the states study body.

While many of the teacher preparation colleges in Connecticut work to recruit more minorities to become educators, many leaders believe more work is needed if these disparities are to narrow.

On Wednesday, members of the state board of education unanimously approved another program that will allow those without a teaching degree from a college to get a certificate to teach. This program - to be run by Teach for America - is expected to enroll about 20 bilingual people each year. To participate, these aspiring teachers must have a bachelors degree and have earned at least a 3.0 grade point average.

The state has struggled for years to find bilingual teachers, despite decades of research showing English language learners perform best in programs that use a hybrid of their native language and English. When districts are unable to hire enough bilingual teachers, students will be assigned English-only instruction - often with meager results.

In October, the state education board voted to allow Relay, another alternative program, to continue to operate in Connecticut. That pilot program - supported by Jahana Hayes, the 2016 National Teacher of the Year who was recently elected to Congress - had 91 people complete it last year, of which 8 percent were white.

I can relate to my students, Claudia Cox, an immigrant from Colombia who has a masters degree in engineering, told the state board. A graduate of Relay, she now works as a bilingual teacher in East Haven.

Research has long shown that relationship matters.

Joshua Hyman - an assistant professor at the University of Connecticuts Department of Public Policy who studies the economics of education - calls this the role model effect.

His team of researchers found that when black students had black teachers in elementary school, those students were 7 percent more likely to graduate from high school and 13 percent more likely to enroll in college.

Being randomly assigned a black teacher if you are a black student leads to a significant impact, Hyman said during an interview about his research published last month in the peer-reviewed journal the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Hyman said that broadening the pipeline of programs to get more minorities in the classroom has merits.

There is certinaly some evidence that those alternatives are effective and can increase diversity in the teacher force, he said.

Changes in law

Nudged by the legislatures Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, state legislators have also changed several laws to remove hurdles to becoming a teacher in an effort to get more minority teachers as well as fill teacher shortage areas.

The state education department is now able to grant teachers who move here from Puerto Rico a teaching certificate so they can quickly start work in a Connecticut classroom.

Those who want to enroll in a teaching college can no longer be barred if they are unable to pass Praxis Core, which tests a candidates academic skills in reading, writing and mathematics.

Earlier this year, the General Assembly unanimously passed legislation requiring the state Department of Education to award a teaching certificate to those who have passed the necessary exams to become a teacher in another state, assuming Connecticut determines that states exams are equivalent to ours. That legislation also requires teacher candidates to be able to retake the test to become a teacher, at no charge, and for the state to open another alternative certification program to make it easier for veterans, teaching assistants, and college staff to become teachers.

The states existing Alternative Route to Certification programs enroll between 72 and 178 people each year. Those programs are much cheaper and take much less time to complete than a college program - and have much higher rates of enrolling minority students.

Some concerns about making it easier

Not everyone is a fan of some of the changes that have made it easier to become a teacher, however.

The states teachers unions have opposed Relay, Teach for America, and legislation that would make it easier to become a teacher.

Union officials say minority students - many of whom are struggling in school - deserve highly qualified teachers and weakening the requirements to become a teacher threatens that.

Having educators that are well-trained is essential to the classroom learning environment. We do not believe in lowering the standards for people of color. Quite honestly, I personally feel that is insulting, Lisa Cordova, a kindergarten teacher at a regional magnet school in Hartford, testified on the legislation that won passage last session.

We have a concern that a lowered bar creates a second, less-qualified tier of teacher certification, that will be disproportionately deployed in the areas most in need of well-trained teachers, said Cordova, who is also the teacher union president for CREC schools.

Several teachers responded to a survey conducted for the state education department in 2017 that racism was at play.

Many teachers believe there is still obvious racial discrimination in hiring practices, a synopsis of the survey results submitted to the U.S. Department of Education reported.

Some teachers suggested the state should increase oversight of district and human-resource hiring practices and audit hiring patterns by reviewing all the applicants.

Other suggestions from parents, teachers and business leaders who responded to the survey include change the perception that teaching is not a favorable job and make it more reasonably priced to become a teacher.

Fixing the pipeline

During the campaign, Lamont regularly pointed to the need to get more minority teachers in the classroom.

His solution: forgiving student loans for minority teachers.

I would like to do (that) to get the very best teachers in schools, he said.

Its not a new idea - but it has failed to gain much momentum.

The federal government has such a program, but the U.S. Department of Education recently reported that fewer than 1 percent of those who applied for loan forgiveness were approved.

State-funded scholarships worth up to $20,000 for minorities to go into teaching have been scaled back in recent years - from 50 new people getting awards in 2015, to 19 awarded last fiscal year.

State lawmakers will be challenged to find funding for this, as the state is facing significant deficits in the coming years.

www.ctmirror.org

@ekhamilton4
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10)  Senator Antonio Trillanes avoided an arrest-- this time for a libel case in a court in Davao City.

Trillanes paid a total of P96,000 for four counts of libel before Judge Rowena Nieves Tan at the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 118 on Monday.

On Sunday, the Metro Manila police confirmed receiving four arrest warrants for the senator issued by the Davao Regional Court Branch 54 for a libel case filed by presidential son and former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte in September.

This came after a Makati court allowed the senator to travel to Europe and the United States beginning Tuesday.

The former vice mayor and his brother-in-law Mans Carpio filed separate libel complaints against the senator after he accused them of alleged corruption linked to ride-hailing firms in September 2017.

The local court set Trillanes' bail at P24,000 for each of the four counts of libel. Libel is punishable by up to six months of imprisonment.

Trillanes, a strong critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, announced his plans of posting bail on Friday and slammed the justice system, citing the acquittal of former Senator Bong Revilla for plunder, which occurred on the same day the arrest warrants against Trillanes were issued.

"Baliktad ang hustisya sa gobyerno ni Duterte. Ang mga mandarambong ay pinalaya na. Ang mga kritiko naman ay gagawan ng kaso para pilit na maikulong," he said.

[Translation: Justice under the Duterte government works in reverse. The plunderer is free, while they make up cases against critics just so they can be detained.]

This is the second time Trillanes posted bail for an arrest warrant this year.

In September, he posted a bail of P200,000 after the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150 upheld Duterte's Proclamation 572, voiding Trillanes' amnesty given in 2011.

Trillanes also posted a P200,000 travel bond on December 7 to allow him to leave the country for speaking engagements abroad. The court temporarily lifted the hold departure order against Trillanes, letting him fly to the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom from December 11 this year to January 12, 2019, and to the U.S. from January 27 to February 10, 2019.
Conte, Juncker to meet Wednesday - EU spokesperson Encounter to take place before European summit

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, DECEMBER 10 - Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte will meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on Wednesday, ahead of this week's EU summit, Juncker's spokesperson said on Monday. The encounter is likely to take place in the afternoon, the spokesperson said. The European Commission has rejected Rome's budget plan for 2019, which sees Italy running a deficit of 2.4% of GDP next year, saying it breaks EU rules.



Conte's executive has said an expansive budget is needed to finance key pledges and boost sluggish growth.



After initially ruling out make substantial changes to the package, the government has recently indicated it could amend it to reach an agreement to avert an EU infringement procedure.



(ANSAmed).




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Vivint Solar, Inc. provides distributed solar energy primarily to residential customers in the United States. It owns and installs solar energy systems through long-term customer contracts. The company also sells photovoltaic installation products, as well as solar renewable energy certificates. As of December 31, 2019, it had an aggregate capacity of 1,294.0 megawatts covering approximately 188,300 homes. The company was formerly known as V Solar Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Vivint Solar, Inc. in April 2014. Vivint Solar, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Lehi, Utah.

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Delta Galil Industries Ltd. engages in development, design, production, marketing and sale of underwear, socks, children's wear, leisure wear and Activewear as well as in development, design, marketing, distribution and sale of branded products in the category of men's and women's jeans and outerwear and related products. It operates through the following segments: Delta USA, Global Upper Market, Schiesser, Delta Israel, and Delta Premium Brands. The Delta USA Segment engages in the development, design and marketing of lingerie, socks and Activewear to Private Labels. The Global Upper Market segment develops, designs, manufactures and markets men's and women's underwear, socks and Activewear manufactured at the Company's plants and sold to retail chains and to brands in Europe and the United States. The Schiesser segment covers the development, design, manufacture and marketing of labeled women's, men's and children's underwear and Activewear under the Schiesser brand. The Delta Israel segment is involved in the development, design and marketing of labeled women's and men's underwear, socks and Activewear products, as well as children's wear under the Delta brand. The Delta Premium Brands segment engages in development, design, marketing, distribution and sale of premium products under the brands 7 For All Mankind, Splendid, Ella moss. The company was founded by Dov Lautman and Eliezer Peleg in 1975 and is headquartered in Caesarea, Israel.

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EU funded project to upgrade Jordan crossing with Iraq The deal aims at boosting traffic of passengers and goods

(ANSAmed) - AMMAN, DECEMBER 10 - Jordan on Monday signed a financing agreement of 6.5 million euro provided by the EU to revamp the land border crossing with Iraq, officials announced today.



The deal, signed with the International Migration Organization (IOM) in Amman, aims at boosting traffic of passengers and goods between the two countries, said an official statement from ministry of planning. The project will see the construction of a passenger terminal and improve security procedures on the border crossing.



"The launch of the project comes in line with expected increase in traffic of passengers and goods with Iraq after years of closure due to security issues," Jordan's minister of planning and international cooperation, Mary Quar was quoted as saying in the statement. The crossing will be equipped with new technology and allow for speedy handling of passengers issues through the so called "one window" scheme, said the statement.(ANSAmed).




by Brendan Tuma | Phillies Correspondent | Fri, Dec 7th 5:28pm EST

Washington Nationals owner Mark Lerner says he doesn't expect Bryce Harper to re-sign with the team at this point. (106.7 FM The Fan)

Fantasy Impact:

"I really don't expect him to come back at this point" were his exact words. Washington reportedly offered Harper a 10 year, $300 million deal on the last day of the regular season, and that's as high as they were willing to go. The team has since signed Patrick Corbin for $140 million, signaling they're planning to go in a different direction.
by Alex Murray | Rockets Correspondent | Sun, Dec 9th 3:14pm EST

Eric Gordon scored 12 points on 42 percent shooting from the field on Saturday. Gordon added a rebound and an assist in 32 minutes of game action.

Fantasy Impact:

Gordon has started to be vocal in the media about his and his team's struggles, saying he's not having fun anymore. Scoring 11.3 points per game with a 38/29/75 shooting line for the month really doesn't sound fun.
Most of Moroccan FDI towards other African countries 37 bn dirhams in 14 yrs, focus on Egypt and Ivory Coast

(ANSAmed) - RABAT, DECEMBER 10 - Morocco directly invested 37 billion dirhams between 2003 and 2017 in other African countries. The finance ministry said that some 55% of the money went to western Africa, 25% to northern Africa, 15% to central Africa and 5% to southern Africa. The figures are from the finance department and are important indicators of the Moroccan presence that has been consolidating over the years and that are part of the country's entrance into the African Union. Egypt and Ivory Coast are the countries that received the highest amount of funds, between 19 and 20 percent, in the period under consideration. In third place is Mali. Banks and telecommunications are the most popular investment sectors. (ANSAmed).




A leading academic has issued a renewed warning that a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States could result in the UK being flooded with cheap, lower welfare food.

Ever since the British public voted to leave the European Union in the summer of 2016, and as International Trade Secretary Liam Fox pursued new opportunities for deals with countries outside the EU, UK farmers' leaders have been warning about the potential threat from food produced to lower standards.

Government Ministers have insisted that they will protect British agricultural standards in all trade negotiations, but US president Donald Trump's commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, has said that any post-Brexit deal with Washington would hinge on the UK scrapping the kind of standards operated under membership of the European Union.

Chlorine washed chicken and hormone injected beef have been cited as examples of the food that could find its way onto the UK market following any deal.

Now, Professor Tim Lang, professor of food policy at City University, London, has warned that post-Brexit trade with the United States could result in imports of pork produced using growth promoters and gestation crates banned in this country.

Years of effort by UK NGOs, public and scientists pushed EU to better welfare. It must not be horse-traded away, said the professor on his twitter account after raising his concerns in a national newspaper interview.

The UK must defend europeanisation benefits. UK versus CAFO-farming USA will be unequal contest. Does Mr Fox know this? he said.

'Unacceptable' standards

His concerns echo those of the National Pig Association (NPA), which says that, according to 2017 figures, US pig farmers can produce pork for 50 pence per kilogramme less than British producers because of the methods they use.

Our costs are vastly inflated by standards. Unlike US pig farmers, were not allowed to use hormones, ractopamine or keep pigs in stalls, said NPA vice chairman Rob Mutimer.

He said that UK producers had no interest in lowering standards to match imports. Having an animal that can never turn around or interact with other animals is unacceptable.

I thought we had moved on as a society and that was no longer acceptable. Its wrong to imprison them this way, he said.

But he said that an the influx of meat produced to lower standards from US farms would lead to a drop in wholesale prices, undercutting UK producers.

Professor Lang pointed to the intentions of the United States.

Secretary of state for commerce has already made it clear EU standards must go if the UK wants trade deals, he said in an interview with the Guardian.

Did voters really want leaving the EU to mean taking us out of a powerful and  by global standards  progressive trade block and into the clutches of US big food?

He said: The British public may not be aware how pig farming has been changed by the growth in free range and end of sow stalls. There are now tracts of East Anglia with open-air pigs.

Campaigns have recalibrated the norms of pig farming. Its not perfect yet but, wow, is it different from 50 years ago.

Both Defra Secretary Michael Gove and Farming Minister George Eustice have insisted that the Government will defend UK farming standards in negotiations with the United States and other countries.

But pig farmers in the United States are demanding open access to the UK. In a recent statement, the National Pork Producers Council, which represents 60,000 US pig farmers, said it was supportive of trade negotiations with the UK - provided that the UK is willing to eliminate all non-tariff barriers and embrace UN food-safety standards and other international standards.

Council president Jim Heimerl said: NPPC will not support a deal with the UK unless it agrees to equivalence, meaning that all USDA-approved pork and pork products must be eligible for export to the UK without additional requirements.

'Unable to compete'

The possibility of open trade with the United States has raised concerns in the poultry industry.

Mark Williams, chief executive of the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) has said that UK egg products would be unable to compete with US egg products produced to different standards. The prospect of chicken imports is also a worry.

I know we all started to laugh about to start with - the chlorinated chicken - but it isn't actually going away, said James Hook, chairman and managing director of P D Hook Group and a leading figure in the industry.

Those of you who listen to the farming programme, as I do most mornings, there has been no end of American agricultural attaches on there saying in the event of any deal with America, any deal that is struck, it will include beef and chicken, he told delegates at the recent Egg and Poultry Industry Conference.

So, factually, if we are there doing deals with America, we will have American chicken. It doesn't have to be chlorinated, it's not very difficult to put an air chiller in - they can do that tomorrow morning if they think it's the right thing to do.

So we have to be expecting American chicken on our shores. It doesn't mean to say it's fresh, but there are 40 per cent of the chickens that we bring into this country from other countries and some of those would almost certainly turn into being American, which are lower prices and lower standards, he said.

US imports were not the only threat, he said. A Chinese delegation had recently been to the UK to look around the industry with a view to buying chicken feet and other fifth quarter parts of the bird.

But underlying it all, he said, I'm sure that they desperately want to sell breast meat into the European Union and, in particular, into the UK. So that's another threat.

Ukraine

Another concern was Ukraine, he said. The country was currently exporting chicken breasts into the EU.

They have been putting thousands of tonnes of breast meat into Europe this year. In theory it should be on quota, but they have been sending it in with a wing attached and chopping it off in Holland. So tens of thousands of tonnes of Ukrainian breast meat has arrived in Europe.

NFU president Minette Batters recently accused the Government of warm words and questioned its honesty in defending UK farming standards in trade talks.

She said the Government should put into legislation that animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety standards would be a requirement in trade agreements.
German supermodel Claudia Schiffer has reportedly agreed to pay out 8,000 after her dog killed a pregnant sheep and mauled two others.

Northamptonshire police were called to a farm in Culworth where they found the supermodel's German Shepherd covered in blood.

The pregnant ewe had to be put down following severe injuries to the neck, The Sun reports.

Farmer Alan Collet, whose sheep were attacked by Schiffer's dog, told the paper: Claudias dog got into my field which is about a mile from her house. My wife rang in tears because there were sheep laying everywhere covered in blood.

We now live in fear. The dog could do it again. All the neighbouring farmers are worried. Claudia hasnt learned from previous incidents.

The deal is understood to be for 8,000 on top of a 300 vets bill.

It is believed to be the fourth incident where her dogs have been out-of-control near livestock and other people's dogs.

Following the latest incident, which happened on 14 November, the 48-year-old has reportedly agreed to a voluntary control order issued by police.

This means she must secure her property so her dog doesn't escape.

The incident follows news of a man being sentenced to just 80 hours of community service after his dogs attacked sheep, leading the farming industry to call for harsher penalties.

And earlier this year, NFU Deputy President Guy Smith told a Parliamentary committee that attacks on livestock can disrupt decades of careful breeding and is often extremely difficult for a farm to recover from.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual recently revealed that the cost of claims related to livestock worrying has reached a record level of 1.6 million across the UK.

The figures follow the release of a report by the All Party Parliamentary Animal Welfare Group which shows more than 1,800 farm animals have been killed by dog attacks in the space of four years.
Eligible farmers are reminded to apply to the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) before the deadline of 31 December 2018.

The scheme provides support to specialist beef producers and has an annual budget of 38 million (34m) for beef calves born on the Scottish mainland and 6.6 million (5.9m) for claims from the Scottish islands.

Support is available for calves provided they are at least 75 per cent beef bred, born on a Scottish holding and kept there for 30 days.

This means that animals born on or after 2 December 2018 will not be eligible until next scheme year.

There is no limit to the number of claims eligible farmers and crofters can make by 31 December.

The scheme rate per animal will be determined by the total number of eligible animals claimed.

NFU Scotland President, Andrew McCornick said: The beef calf scheme is vital to Scotlands beef sector, particularly given the higher costs of producing beef from the suckler herd.

This year, every penny available under this scheme for those producing suckled beef calves will be needed given the rise in prices for straw and other inputs and the challenging forage conditions driven by the rainfall shortage this summer.

He added: This coupled support payment helps maintain our iconic beef sector, which produces sustainable beef based on Scotlands natural ability to grow grass. I would urge farmers and crofters to take advantage of this support.
A Devon farmer found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal has jailed and banned from keeping cows and sheep.

William Douglas Dolley, of Holwell Farm, Collipriest, Tiverton, was also found guilty of failing to dispose of animal carcasses in a timely manner and ordered to pay 2,335.

Appearing at Exeter Magistrates, Mr Dolley pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to dispose of animal by-products without undue delay, one charge of failing to ensure animal by-products were kept in a way to prevent other animals having access to them and one charge of unnecessary suffering to a bovine under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The case against him was brought by Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service following an investigation into allegations that dead and injured livestock had been seen on Mr Dolleys farm.

'Unnecessary suffering'

Trading Standards Officers and a vet from the Animal and Plant Health Agency visited Holwell Farm at Collipriest, Tiverton, and discovered a large amount of sheep and cattle bones, including two full sheep skeletons.

Most of the bones were partially buried in a large area in one of the fields.

Officers also inspected the livestock being housed in several barns on the farm and found a calf in a weak state with a poor body condition with no access to water or supplementary feed.

The Veterinary Inspector decided that the animal had been caused unnecessary suffering as Mr Dolley had failed to provide any treatment.

His conviction follows a trial earlier this year for similar offences dating back to March 2017 when he was given a 20-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay 6,307.

At the time the Magistrates advised Mr Dolley that he could have also been given a community order to carry out unpaid work but felt his time was best spent at his farm ensuring it was run in an appropriate manner.

'Continued to fail'

Following Mr Dolleys guilty pleas to these latest charges, he has been sentenced to 18 weeks immediate custody and banned from owning or keeping sheep or cows.

He has also been banned from being party to any arrangements where he entitled to control or influence the way in which cows or sheep are kept as well as transporting them or arranging for the transport of them.

He was given 56 days to arrange for his livestock to be dispersed before the ban commenced.

Stephen Gardiner, Interventions Manager for Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service, said: Despite the efforts and advice offered by our Trading Standards Officers and the Animal and Plant Health Agency vets, Mr Dolley has continued to fail to dispose of dead livestock via the approved methods, leaving remains lying in fields or being buried.

The welfare legislation for animals is very clear on the acceptable standards that those keeping animals must meet. Our staff work hard to help and support farmers in relation to animal care, but when advice is repeatedly ignored we will take appropriate action and work with partners to prosecute those responsible.

Thankfully, having to take this kind of legal action is rare, and most farmers and smallholders take the welfare of their animals very seriously.
Retailers are to start selling food produced by UK-made robots in a project led by Waitrose.

Autonomous robots will start cultivating wheat fields in the three year trial to help produce bread and flour for Waitrose, according to The Telegraph.

British agritech start-up Small Robot Company, with their robots Tom, Dick and Harry, will provide the new technology to work on the 4,000-acre Leckford Estate, Hampshire.

The robots are expected to start work in February.

The company seeks to harness the power and precision of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the way that food is produced and minimise chemical usage.

The service comprises: Tom, crop and soil monitoring robot; Dick, precision spraying and laser weeding robot and Harry, precision drilling and planting robot.

Robots are smaller, lighter and more precise than the current farming systems using tractors. Using small robots instead of tractors will deliver greater yield from less inputs, the company says.

Andrew Hoad, the head farmer on the Leckford Estate, told The Telegraph: The months ahead are going to be challenging for everyone. Great innovation sometimes comes out of complex challenges.

Robots can also work in smaller and more unusually-shaped fields, making the most of headlands, while protecting hedgerows, biodiversity and the British landscape.

Longer term, irobots can radically improve farming methods and food potential.

Small Robot Companys AI-driven technology allows a level of autonomy, accuracy and detail that now makes it possible for smaller farms to be profitable, and for 10x better decision making.

Eventually, each process - from knowing when to plant, to all aspects of crop care, to knowing when to harvest - will be automated.
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Magical Moment

In the picture, the newlyweds are seen cutting their 7-tier wedding cake with a sword-like knife as their friends and family watch on.

Reportedly, Nick had called his personal chefs from Dubai and Kuwait to bake this 18 ft-long sweet dessert.

Priyanka Is On Cloud Nine

After marrying Nick Jonas, Priyanka told the reporters at her wedding reception, ""On a scale of 1 to 10 in happiness, I'm on 12."

Made For Each Other

For their Christian wedding, the couple donned Ralph Lauren outfits. Priyanka Chopra looked breathtakingly beautiful in a customized white gown which had a 75 ft-long veil. On the other hand, Nick looked dapper in a suit.

Nick-Priyanka's Mumbai Reception

If reports are to be believed, Priyanka and Nick will be hosting a wedding reception in Mumbai on 20th December which will see the presence of PeeCee's industry friends and colleagues.
The EQT Mid-Market Credit II fund successfully closes at EUR 2.3 billion of available capital, including anticipated leverage - more than four times the size of its predecessor direct lending fund, EQT Mid-Market Credit

Continuation of the diligence-led investment strategy successfully deployed by the EQT Credit platform since its inception in 2008

Strong support from existing investors and new investors to both EQT and EQT Credit, resulting in a diversified blue-chip investor base of pension funds, insurance companies, family offices and foundations across Europe, North America and Asia

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 10, 2018 EQT today announces the final closing of its second European direct lending fund, EQT Mid-Market Credit II (the "Fund"). The Fund received commitments equivalent to EUR 2.3 billion of available capital, including anticipated leverage. Since launch in 2008, the EQT Credit platform has raised over EUR 6 billion and invested over EUR 5.1 billion in over 170 companies.

The Fund will continue EQT Credit's strategy of providing financing solutions to European mid-market companies, with a focus on high-quality performing businesses with defensive characteristics. Over 30% of the Fund has already been committed in 12 investments, including recent financings for Medifox, Dukes Education and VPS.

Investors in EQT Mid-Market Credit II include a diverse group of European, Asian and North American pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and family offices.

Paul Johnson, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to the Fund, comments: "We are confident that the significant opportunities in the market play to EQT Credit's strengths as a due diligence-focused investor with the ability to leverage the knowledge that resides in EQT having invested in the same geographies and industries over the last 24 years. Thanks to the strong support demonstrated by existing and new investors, the Fund is well positioned to capitalize on these opportunities over the coming years as the direct lending market continues to grow across Europe."

Andrew Konopelski, Partner and Head of EQT Credit at EQT Partners, continues: "Our focus on local sourcing and diligence, supported by EQT's network of Industrial Advisors, as well as the capacity to invest in a broad range of situations, has been key to EQT Credit's investment approach over the last ten years. The EQT Credit platform has developed significantly and we are looking into ways of transforming and broadening the offer even further."

"The growth of the EQT Credit platform has been extremely successful and complements EQT's offering across the entire spectrum of alternative investments. The Fund far exceeded its initial target, which further confirms investors' appetite for this asset class as well as their support and trust for EQT and EQT Credit. With a strong ten-year track record in the market and an experienced investment advisory team led by Andrew Konopelski, EQT has firmly cemented its position as an integrated capital provider across the full range of risk profiles", says Thomas von Koch, CEO and Managing Partner at EQT.

The fundraising for EQT Mid-Market Credit II has now closed. As such, the foregoing should in no way be treated as any form of offer or solicitation to subscribe for or make any commitments for or in respect of any securities or other interest or to engage in any other transaction.

This press release is translated into multiple languages for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, the English version shall prevail.

Contacts

Andrew Konopelski,

Partner and Head of EQT Credit at EQT Partners,

+44-20-7430-5525

Paul Johnson,

Partner at EQT Partners,

+44-20-7430-5520

Jussi Saarinen,

Partner and Head of Investor Relations at EQT Partners,

+46-8-506-55-368

Carlota Sanchez-Marco,

Managing Director,

Investor Relations at EQT Partners,

+34-674-345-701

EQT Press Office +46 8 506 55 334, press@eqtpartners.com

About EQT Credit

The EQT Credit platform, which spans the full risk-reward spectrum investing with three strategies: senior debt, direct lending and credit opportunities, has invested over EUR 5.1 billion across over 170 companies since inception in 2008.

For more information: www.eqtpartners.com/Investment-Strategies/Credit

About EQT

EQT is a leading investment firm with approximately EUR 50 billion in raised capital across 28 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.

For more information: www.eqtpartners.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 10, 2018) - Prospero Silver Corp. (TSXV: PSL) ("Prospero" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that further to the strategic cooperation agreement between Prospero and Fortuna Silver Mines ("Fortuna" or "FVI") dated May 10, 2017 as subsequently amended (see Prospero press releases dated May 9, 2018), Fortuna has exercised its right to be granted an option to acquire up to a 70% interest in the Pachuca SE Project, located close to the historic mining city of Pachuca in Hidalgo State, Mexico by spending a total of US$8.0 million in qualifying expenditures and completing a preliminary economic assessment, with a minimum spend of $1 million in the first year. The parties are proceeding to prepare a definitive option and joint venture agreement substantially on the terms set out in the Company's press release dated April 17, 2017.

Tawn Albinson, the President of Prospero said: "We're happy that Fortuna has exercised its right to be granted an interest in Pachuca SE. The Prospero team is excited to be returning for a second round of drilling on the project. We hope to recommence work in January 2019, subject to completion of a definitive option and joint venture agreement with Fortuna. There are several distinct targets that we hope to test and planning will begin shortly with Fortuna's technical team."

The 6,669 hectare Pachuca SE land package is 24km SE of the city of Pachuca, Hidalgo along strike from the historic Pachuca-Real del Monte epithermal vein camp, one of the world's largest epithermal precious metal deposits. The local geology at Pachuca SE is typical of the high-level epithermal environment seen over the Pachuca-Real del Monte mines. Prospero's land package covers at least 6-7km of linear, structurally-controlled argillic alteration caps at surface, which Prospero's team considers are the surface expression of blind, low-sulfidation epithermal-style veining. Infrastructure is excellent with nearby major power lines and a major freeway.

In Q1 2018, Prospero, with funding provided by Fortuna, completed a 1,800m drill program (3 holes) testing 3 distinct targets with deep, angled holes. Drill collar maps and draft sections for the Pachuca drill holes are available on Prospero's website at this link. Holes 1 and 3 each cut the possible tops of new vein systems. Hole 2 intersected 3 argillic caps in the shallow portion of the hole, and 3 mineralized veins at depth. For full results of the drill program please see the Company's press releases dated March 14, 2018 and March 29, 2018. A summary of the results are set out below:

Hole PSE-18-01

Hole 1, was drilled to a total downhole depth of 454m, north to south across a fault structure in a small clay-mining pit. Surface geochemistry of the fault zone and quartz veinlets is negligible in the pit, where all selected samples ran less than 1 ppm Ag. However silver grades increase significantly in drill core from within the argillic alteration cap at depths of less than 200 vertical meters from surface suggest proximity to the top of potentially mineralized veins at depth.

The hole cut argillic alteration from 141.5m to 164.5m associated with fault gouge and breccia zones, with moderate to strong argillic alteration and quartz veinlets, and disseminated pyrite. This zone returned 1.35m @ 227Ag between 147.4m and 148.8m. The fault zone projects down from a fault noted in the clay pit. A zone between 161.5m to 162.3m (0.8m) returned 16.9ppm Ag, and from 206m a 1.05m interval runs 23.8ppm Ag. A second argillic alteration zone was intersected from 220.5m to 239.7m, also associated with gouge fault zones, moderate to weak patches of silicification, and disseminated pyrite. This second zone projects vertically to the fault zone at surface which outcrops in the clay pit.

Hole PSE-18-02

PSE-18-02 was drilled to test the El Varal target. It was collared at a dip of -51, azimuth 175. The hole cut strongly altered felsic to intermediate volcanics for most of its 933m length, and cut 3 zones of precious metal mineralization, which appear to correlate with the down dip continuation of structures seen at surface:

From (m) To (m) Downhole Interval (m)* Au ppm Ag ppm 657.2 657.5 0.3 1.04 193 660.0 671.2 12.2 0.39 33 695.2 695.95 0.75 5.89 72

*True thickness estimated at approximately 80% of the downhole interval

The most significant intercept is from approximately 657m to 671m downhole. Two veins were cut. The first graded 1ppm Au and 193ppm Ag over 30cm, from 657.2m, and contains visible argentite grains in white epithermal quartz. The sulfide was tentatively identified using optical microscopy.

The second vein zone is over 12m long down hole from 660m, but is probably closer to 8-10m true thickness. Silver assays for this interval ranged from 6.4ppm to 90.6ppm over 1.2m, and gold ranged from 0.08ppm to 0.76ppm over 85cm. The grades are encouraging and demonstrate the presence of a precious metal-bearing multi-stage banded vein system. The highest gold grades were encountered in a 75cm interval of silicified and brecciated dacite dyke with crystalline quartz and 1% pyrite, from 695.2m downhole which returned 6.4 ppm Au and 72ppm Ag.

Hole PSE-18-03

PSE-18-03 was drilled with azimuth 180 across the northern Aguayutla structure under small clay pits at surface. Three pyritised argillic alteration zones were cut, 2 of which carry anomalous values including 0.3m @ 18ppm Ag from 201m downhole, and 0.2m at 1.7ppm Au and 870ppm Ag from 408m downhole.

Bermudez Drilling

A 1,573m drill program (3 holes) was completed at Bermudez this Fall. Hole 2 intercepted 3 robust vein systems with low-grade (<0.5ppm) gold mineralization between approximately 200 to 500 vertical meters from surface. No further work is currently planned at Bermudez.

Qualified Person

Tawn Albinson, M.Sc., President & CEO of the Company, is a Qualified Person, as defined in NI 43-101, and is responsible for the technical content of this news release. Mr. Albinson is a Member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) No. 11368.

About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Fortuna is a growth-oriented, precious metals producer focused on mining opportunities in Latin America. The company's primary assets are the Caylloma silver mine in southern Peru, the San Jose silver-gold mine in Mexico and the Lindero gold project in Argentina.

About Prospero Silver Corp.

Prospero is a Mexico-focused project generator listed on the TSX-V under the symbol PSL. Prospero's aim is to discover world-class precious metal projects in the major mineral belts of Mexico. The Company applies a unique blend of practical exploration experience, cutting-edge mineral deposit science, and an extensive knowledge of Mexico's geology to find new gold and silver systems. Its exploration programs are run by a small but highly-focused geological team based in Mexico.

For further information please contact:

Ralph Rushton

Exec VP Business Development

Tel: 604 307 0055

William Murray

Chairman

Tel: 604 288 2553

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions:

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, relating to, among other things, plans to fund and complete a 6,000 metre drill program on Company projects in 2018, amendments to a 2017 Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Fortuna, including the repricing and subsequent exercise of outstanding share purchase warrants held by Fortuna, the completion of a $1.0M private placement financing first announced on April 16, 2018, and plans to undertake a subsequent financing by the end of September 2018. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective," "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, possible, accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise the additional funds in the future to continue to complete its current or future financing plans and, in turn, to carry out its business plans, the refusal of the TSX Venture Exchange to permit the Company to amend its agreements with Fortuna as presently proposed, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's disclosure record, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

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 securities of the Company in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The Company's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

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 RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
EIB announces 205 mn euros in funding for Tunisia 2.1 bn to foster inclusive growth in the country since 2011

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, DECEMBER 10 - The European Investment Bank (EIB) will allocate 205 million more euros to Tunisia, with the funds already approved by its board of directors. The deputy chairperson of the bank, Emma Navarro, made the announcement in Tunis during the 2018 Enterprise Days.



Prime Minister Youssef Chahed took part in the event. Navarrao said that the EIB had signed a contract for 77 million euros in funding for a large-scale rehabilitation project for 146 low-income and historical urban areas in 24 governorates of the country. ''The EIB will put all of its experience at the service of the managing and implementation of the project through an EU-funded technical assistance program jointly led by the EIB and the French development agency AFD,'' Navarro said. Since 2011, the EIB has allocated 2.1 billion euros to Tunisia to support sustainable and inclusive growth. (ANSAmed).




Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 10, 2018) - Getchell Gold Corp. (CSE: GTCH) ("Getchell Gold" or the "Company") announces changes to its management team and board of directors.

Stephen Goodman, a director of the Company, has been appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Goodman specializes in international transaction origination and execution primarily in the natural resources (metals and mining & energy), financial technology (fintech), asset management and special situations sectors. He is Managing Director of Capital Markets for StormHarbour Securities LP. He is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (BA 1992) and received a Graduate Diploma from the Asia Pacific Management Cooperative Program at Capilano University in Vancouver (1996), and an MBA in Finance from INSEEC in Paris (1999).

Joining the board is Mike Sieb, a senior executive with over 30 years of strong corporate and project management experience in international mining and exploration across multiple commodities and jurisdictions. During his tenure as President of Brilliant Mining Corp. the company effected a $20 million acquisition of part ownership in an Australian nickel sulphide mine and grew to a $200 million market capitalization in under two years, resulting in the company being named TSX50 "Top 10 Mining Companies" for 2 consecutive years.

As President of International Lithium Corp. he sourced a strategic partnership with Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. the second largest global lithium product manufacturer. He is currently President of Explorex Resources Inc., and a director of Troubadour Resources Inc. Mr. Sieb holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology.

Ashley Nadon has been appointed to the position of Corporate Secretary.

Finally, with regret the Company announces the resignation of Christopher Berlet from the board. Mr. Berlet served as a director of Buena Vista Gold Inc. and helped guide it through the successful plan of arrangement with Getchell Gold.

For further information contact:

William Wagener, CEO

+1 303 517 8764

wswagener@att.net

Peter M. Clausi, President

+1 416 890 1232

pclausi@brantcapital.ca

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States.

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to the Company and its management.Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management's current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as "believe", "expects", "will", "intends", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "estimates", "continues" and similar expressions.Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, the Company will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including, but not limited to: reliance on key personnel; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax matters; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; effect of market interest rates on price of securities, and potential dilution.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: PX; OTC PINK: PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases of October 29, 2018 and November 28, 2018, it has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") of 2522962 Ontario Inc. ("5SD Capital").

Summary of the Acquisition of 5SD Capital

Through the Acquisition, Pelangio acquired 100% of 5SD Capital's issued and outstanding shares in exchange for the issuance of 4,597,094 Pelangio common shares in the aggregate. As of October 29, 2018, 5SD Capital had assets consisting of approximately $545,000, a securities portfolio with a market value of approximately $140,000, and nine mineral exploration properties located in Ontario.

The Most Noteworthy of 5SD Capital's Mineral Property Interests

the Keigat Lake Area Claims currently under option to Pelangio and which surround Pelangio's Birch Lake property, which includes historical high-grade intercepts, in diamond drilling performed by Trade Winds Ventures, drill hole DDH 96 of 34.54 g/t gold ("Au") over 9.85m from 239.15m to 249.00m, including 113.94 g/t Au over 2.95mfrom 239.15m to 242.10m(1);

Area Claims currently under option to Pelangio and which surround Pelangio's Birch Lake property, which includes historical high-grade intercepts, in diamond drilling performed by Trade Winds Ventures, drill hole the 10% interest the Dalton property, currently under option to Pelangio;

property, currently under option to Pelangio; the 50% interest in the Montcalm and Nova nickel, copper, cobalt exploration properties currently under option to Pancontinental Resource Corporation ("Pancontinental"), as outlined in Pancontinental's press release dated January 10, 2018, and;

nickel, copper, cobalt exploration properties currently under option to Pancontinental Resource Corporation ("Pancontinental"), as outlined in Pancontinental's press release dated January 10, 2018, and; the 100% owned Grenfell gold exploration property located approximately ten kilometers northwest of the town of Kirkland Lake, comprising eight leased claims and three staked claims covering approximately 600 hectares.

Property Descriptions - see Figure 1 for Property Locations

Keigat Lake Property

The Keigat Lake Area Claims are located in the Red Lake Mining Division of Ontario and surround Pelangio's Birch Lake Project which includes High Grade Island and Keigat Island. In addition, they are adjacent to First Mining Gold Corp.'s Springpole Deposit, which has an indicated resource of 139.1 million tonnes at a grade of 1.04 g/t Au, and 5.4 g/t silver ("Ag"), containing 4.67 million ounces Au and 24.19 million ounces Ag (Source: First Mining Gold Corp Springpole Gold Project PEA Technical Report June 6, 2017). The mineralization hosted on the Springpole Property is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Company's Birch Lake or Expanded Birch Lake Property.

Further details regarding the Keigat Lake Claims are outlined in Pelangio's press release dated May 24, 2018.

(1) Intercept is from Trade Winds Ventures DDH 96 from the Main Central Zone, Birch Lake Property. Referenced reports are: R. Wells, P.Geo., Trade Winds Ventures Inc., NI 43-101, February 2005, Data from diamond drill sampling logs and records, Trade Winds Ventures, fire assaying performed by Eco tech Laboratory Inc., Kamloops BC, assay certificates available, diamond drilling program 2004-2006 supervised by Lorne Warner, P.Geo. N-Q core was split, sample lengths varied from 0.6m to 1.05m, Data from Trade Winds has been verified with assay certificates, and a comprehensive program of blanks, duplicates and standard were inserted to the sample stream during the program. The program was supervised by Lorne Warner P.Geo. and meets modern industry practice. Sample lengths varied from 0.6m to 1.05m, All Trade Winds drill core was located by Pelangio geologists, during a data verification program in 2008, core was photographed, cataloged and cross-piled. In addition, all Trade Winds collars were field-located as well as a significant number of the older, Placer Dome holes and the collar locations were found to be within 5m of maps supplied by Trade Winds and Placer Dome. The verification program was carried out under the supervision of Warren Bates P.Geo., (APGO# 0211). All intervals are core lengths and estimates of true widths would be 60 to 80 percent of core lengths.

Dalton Property

The Dalton property is located on the periphery of the southern portion of the City of Timmins. The property consists of a series of patented mining claims covering approximately 3.3 square kilometers (km2) of land. The property is strategically located about 1.5 kilometers ("km") southwest of the historic Hollinger Gold Mine, currently being operated by Goldcorp Inc. The Hollinger has produced more than 19 million ounces of gold since inception. Very limited exploration has been conducted on the Dalton Property over the years, particularly to test the project at depth. A cursory examination of the property has revealed favorable shear structures and associated quartz veining. An initial drill target development work program has been proposed by Pelangio to develop drill targets for a mid-2019 program. See Pelangio's press release dated September 10, 2018.

Montcalm and Nova Properties

The Montcalm and Nova properties, currently under option to Pancontinental, are proximal to each other and located approximately 65-70 km northwest of the City of Timmins Ontario. The Montcalm property, located in Montcalm Township, covers an area of approximately 37.8 km2 and the Nova property, located in Nova Township is approximately 8 km2. The 5SD Capital Montcalm property surrounds the former Montcalm Mine which produced approximately 3.9 million tonnes of nickel, copper, cobalt ore over its mine life (source: Atkinson, 2011, Ontario Geological Survey). Pancontinental has completed substantial successful target development work on both properties (see Pancontinental press releases dated September 17, 2018 and October 30, 2018). It is anticipated that ongoing exploration will continue on these projects in 2019. As a result of this transaction, Pelangio now owns 300,000 shares of Pancontinental and in the event that Pancontinental exercises the option to earn the remainder of Pelangio's interest, Pelangio will receive $52,500 and 450,000 shares over the next three years.

Grenfell Property

The Grenfell property is located in Grenfell Township approximately 10 km northwest of the Town of Kirkland Lake Ontario. It is comprised of a series of contiguous mining leases and mining claims covering about 6.7 km2. This property has been worked sporadically on and off since the early 1930s. The majority of work on the property took place in the 1930s to early 1940s when bulk sampling of some high-grade gold veins occurred in conjunction with diamond drilling, shaft sinking and substantial lateral development on two underground levels. With renewed interest in the property, a series of surface exploration programs were conducted from the early 1980s to about 2013. More recent exploration work and re-evaluation of historical work has resulted in new zones of gold mineralization and recommendations for further exploration of known historical zones from the 1930-1940 era.

Strachan Property

The Strachan property is located in Strachan and Melrose Townships approximately 65 km northwest of Timmins, south of the former Montcalm Mine. The property covers an area of approximately 17.12 km2. The Strachan property is thought to be prospective for nickel, copper, and cobalt, and covers a gabbro complex similar in nature to the gabbro complex which hosts the Montcalm Mine described above. It is envisioned that a state-of-the-art Electromagnetic ("EM") survey will be flown over the property, or a similar program to that being conducted by Pancontinental may be completed on the Montcalm property in order to develop future drill targets.

Gowan Property

The Gowan property, currently under option to Amex Exploration Inc., hosts a historic Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide ("VMS") polymetallic zone. The 2.6 km2 property is located in Gowan Township approximately 20 km southwest of Glencore's Kidd Creek Mine approximately 27 km northeast of the Timmins City centre. The Kidd Creek Mine is a copper-zinc VMS mine hosted in a felsic volcanic package of rocks. Reports from previous operators The Ontario Geological Survey Report 299 identifies a similar setting on the Gowan property, all suggesting that further follow up is warranted.

Mann Property

The Mann property is located in Mann Township 50 km northeast of the City of Timmins and covers an area of approximately 2 km2. The patented claims cover a portion of a large ultramafic complex that is prospective for nickel, copper and cobalt. Some historical untested EM anomalies are present on the property. No recent work of significance has been conducted on the property.

Qualified Person

Mr. Warren Bates, P.Geo. is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this press release.

About Pelangio

Pelangio acquires and explores large land packages in world-class gold belts in Canada and Ghana, West Africa. In Canada, the company is focusing on the 25 km2 Birch Lake Property located in the Red Lake Mining District and the Dalton Property located 1.5 km from the Hollinger mine in Timmins. In Ghana, the Company is focusing on two 100%-owned camp-sized properties: the 100 km2 Manfo Property, the site of seven recent near-surface gold discoveries, and the 264 km2 Obuasi Property, located 4 km on strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's prolific high-grade Obuasi Mine. Ghana is an English-speaking, common law jurisdiction that is consistently ranked amongst the most favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.pelangio.com or contact:

Ingrid Hibbard, President, and CEO

Tel: 905-336-3828 / Toll-free: 1-877-746-1632 / Email: info@pelangio.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the Company's strategy of acquiring large land packages in areas of sizable gold mineralization, the Company's plans to follow-up on previous work, the issuance of the number of shares required to complete the Agreement to acquire the 5SD Capital, and the Company's exploration plans. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Such risks include the changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, gold price volatility, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry, and that the Company might not encounter favorable exploration results. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Pelangio Exploration Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/530076/Pelangio-Exploration-Closes-Acquisition-of-5SD-Capital
- First step taken in Xebec's acquisition strategy to provide Canada-wide service and operational support for its Industrial and CleanTech Business -

MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / Xebec Adsorption Inc. (TSXV: XBC) (OTC: XEBEF) (FRANKFURT: XB6.F) ("Xebec"), a global provider of clean energy solutions is pleased to announce that it has entered into an arm's length transactional agreement on December 6th, 2018, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Compressed Air International Inc. ("CAI") for a purchase price of C$2,200,000, subject to customary closing adjustments, effective on January 1, 2019. CAI's principals will remain with CAI after the acquisition to optimize CAI's integration in Xebec's industrial compressed air treatment business.

"This acquisition will set Xebec on a path of significant growth in its industrial compressed air treatment business, while also providing future Canada-wide service, support and operations capabilities for its cleantech and renewable gas segment. Being able to provide local service, maintenance and operational support to our cleantech customers in Ontario, especially biogas upgrading customers, is a critical component to our value proposition. To be worry-free is important to customers, and knowing that experienced local service and support is available delivers that peace of mind."

- Kurt Sorschak, President and CEO, Xebec Adsorption Inc.

CAI is a distributor and full-service supplier of industrial compressed air and gas products with locations in Woodbridge and Guelph, Ontario. In business for 20 years, CAI offers an extensive range of compressors, genuine and OEM-equivalent compressor parts, compressed adsorption and refrigerant air dryers, filtration products, emergency and preventative maintenance service as well as complete installation and service packages.

Xebec's industrial products segment has long been a solid contributor to the overall growth and profitability of the company, generating a significant amount of recurring revenue through the sale of parts and services. This acquisition represents a first transaction of a series of potential mergers and acquisitions opportunities involving potential targets in the industrial business segments as previously announced in the press release of the company dated November 7, 2018 (see related link below). Xebec aims to become a leading Canadian industrial air and gas treatment business, while also offering service and support capabilities for nation-wide biogas to renewable natural gas projects.

Related links:

https://www.xebecinc.com/investor-press-releases-details.php?id=312

https://www.xebecinc.com

https://ca-intl.com

For more information:

Louis Dufour, CPA, CA

Chief Financial Officer, Xebec

(450) 797-8700

ldufour@xebecinc.com

About Xebec Adsorption Inc.

Xebec Adsorption Inc. is a global provider of gas generation, purification and filtration solutions for the industrial, energy and renewables marketplace. Its customers range from small to multi-national corporations and governments looking to reduce their carbon footprints. Headquartered in Montreal (QC), Xebec designs, engineers and manufactures innovative and transformative products, and has more than 1,500 customers worldwide. Xebec has two manufacturing facilities in Montreal and Shanghai, as well as a sales and distribution network in North America, Europe and Asia. Xebec trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol XBC. For additional information on the company, its products and services, visit Xebec at xebecinc.com.

About Compressed Air International Inc.

Specializing in complete turnkey solutions, from compressed air piping to electrical and ventilation work, Compressed Air International's dedicated team of sales and service professionals bring 20 years of experience in product knowledge, parts and service applications, and channel networking, to provide unmatched knowledge and support to distributors and customers. With two locations (Woodbridge and Guelph), CAI's team of factory trained technicians are available 24/7 for air compressor service in Toronto, the GTA and Southwestern Ontario for all makes/models of air compressors, dryers and accessories.

Cautionary Statement

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements, and subject to risks and uncertainties. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "seeks", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "could", "might", "likely" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements, including statements concerning the expectations of management of Xebec with respect to information regarding the business, operations and financial condition of Xebec resulting from CAI's acquisition and other potential mergers and acquisitions opportunities involving potential targets in the industrial business segments, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic factors and uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, including the relevant assumptions and risks factors set out in Xebec's public documents, including in the most recent annual management discussion and analysis and annual information form, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, Xebec's capacity to successfully integrate CAI in its industrial products segment and to generate revenue growth as a result of CAI's acquisition and other factors. Although Xebec believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, Xebec disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE: Xebec Adsorption Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/529989/Xebec-Acquires-Ontario-Based-Air-and-Gas-Service-Company
- genOway to acquire exclusive rights to Merck's foundational genome-editing patents to produce, sell rodent models

- New technologies and solutions to be developed using CRISPR/Cas9 to accelerate delivery of better drugs to patients

DARMSTADT, Germany, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck, a leading science and technology company and leader in genome editing, today announced a strategic alliance in the CRISPR/Cas9 rodent model market with France-based biotechnology company genOway.

"We are committed to making our patented CRISPR technology broadly available to the global research and discovery community," said Udit Batra, member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. "Together with genOway, we will get the best research models out to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries as well as academic laboratories quickly, so we can help accelerate their research, shorten drug development timelines and treat previously untreatable diseases in faster and more targeted ways. We will continue to play an active role, responsibly and ethically, in ensuring that scientists have access to the latest CRISPR technologies."

Through an exclusive worldwide license of Merck's foundational CRISPR integration patents, genOway will develop new models and solutions allowing non-profit and for-profit scientists to use CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Under the agreement, genOway will also develop a network of sublicensees in both the model creation and distribution businesses and preclinical services for all potential applications worldwide, with a strong focus in the United States, Asia and Europe. Financial details were not disclosed.

Both Merck and genOway have identified research fields where they can combine their respective technologies and expertise to develop and validate new CRISPR/Cas9-related products and solutions. Merck's patented CRISPR integration technology is a strong entry point through which innovation can be developed and launched.

At Merck, excellence and expertise in animal care, use and welfare are of the highest priority. In line with its mission to develop innovative medicines and chemicals based on scientific excellence and the established ethical standards, Merck is committed to conducting animal research activities only if no other method or testing is available for obtaining the result or product sought, not entailing the use of a live animal.

"The CRISPR/Cas9 IP landscape has been complex and uncertain over the last years," said Alexandre Fraichard, CEO of genOway. "The situation has changed and the Merck IP portfolio is clearly central to CRISPR/Cas9-based eukaryotic genome-editing applications. This alliance, combining research and business, will enable us to provide the scientific community with more physiologically relevant models and the necessary intellectual property rights which will ultimately speed delivering better drugs to patients."

CRISPR technology is a core competency for Merck, which has 14 years' experience with genome editing, spanning from discovery to manufacturing. Merck recognizes that genome editing has resulted in major advancements in biological research and medicine. At the same time, the growing potential of genome-editing technologies has opened scientific, legal and societal concerns. As both a user and supplier of genome-editing technology, Merck supports research with genome editing under careful consideration of ethical and legal standards. Merck has established an independent, external Bioethics Advisory Panel to provide guidance for research in which its businesses are involved, including research on or using genome editing, and has developed, defined and transparently published a clear operational position taking into account scientific and societal issues to inform promising therapeutic approaches for use in research and applications.

About genOway

genOway (ALTERNEXT-NYSE: ALGEN) is a biotechnology company developing genetically modified and high value-added research models for the bio-pharmaceutical, chemical, agrochemical and food industries as well as for academic research. With highly qualified scientific personnel, the company has a workforce of 95 people and operates in 28 countries in Europe, Asia and North America, supplying more than 275 customers. It is a market leader in terms of both size and customer portfolios. The company's development is founded upon both a broad and exclusive technology platform as well as strong intellectual property rights combining patents and licensing agreements. Taking advantage of the global trend towards outsourcing the production of genetically modified research models, genOway has signed contracts with leaders of the pharmaceutical industry (Janssen R&D, GSK, Pfizer, etc.), and with prestigious academic research centers (King's College and the University of Manchester, in England; Harvard, Caltech and the National Institutes of Health, in the United States; the Institut Pasteur, in France; NGFN and the Max Planck Institutes, in Germany, etc.).

For more information, visit our web site www.genoway.com

Follow Merck on Twitter @Merckgroup, on Facebook @merckgroup and on LinkedIn.

All Merck news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck

Merck, the vibrant science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 51,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene- editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices - Merck is everywhere. In 2017, Merck generated sales of 15.3 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck's technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the "Merck" name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/795864/genOway_CRISPR.jpg
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 10, 2018) - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) ("AJN") is pleased to announce the results from its surface grid salt sampling program at the Company's Lithium Salt Wells project in Nevada. The sampling grid, with 67 samples on 400 meter spacing, was run to determine surface concentrations of Lithium and Boron. These lithium and boron values were then plotted and contoured to help define possible structures. Contour maps showing both elements are available on the Company website www.ajnresources.com.

The lithium grid values indicate a northwest trending structure that is likely a fault or fault zone. This structure appears to be truncated by a northeast trending structure to the south. Higher lithium values were noted along the interpreted northwest trending structure, including one 420 ppm Li assay, but are much lower along the interpreted northeast structure.

The boron grid values indicate the same structures as the lithium grid, though with a slight offset. This may be due to boron's high mobility in water saturated ground, or an indication that the faults occur more as a fault zones. In addition, both interpreted northwest and northeast trending structures have high boron surface values, indicating boron concentration may not directly relate to lithium concentrations. The highest boron value detected was 5,100 ppm. The high lithium values along the interpreted northeast structure shows it may be serving as a fluid conduit for lithium brine. These surface grids have helped build a more detailed geologic understanding of the area than geophysics and mapping alone. Using the grids and all other previously accumulated data, drill targets will be selected and permitted. The Company expects to release more information in the near future.

Richard Kern, Certified Professional Geologist (#11494) is the Qualified Person who has prepared and reviewed this press release in accordance with NI 43-101 reporting standards.

About AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT)

AJN holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Salt Wells Lithium Project (the "Property") in Churchill County, Nevada, USA. The Company's business objective is to explore for lithium mineralization on the Property. AJN's management and directors possess over 75 years of collective industry experience and have been very successful from exploration, to financing, to developing major mines throughout the world.

www.ajnresources.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Jag Sandhu

CEO and President

778-218-9638
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 10, 2018) -. (TSXV: PGZ) ("Pan Global" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the grant of a mineral exploration permit on the Escacena gold / copper / zinc prospect in the Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain. The Company also provides an update on drilling progress in the Aguilas project, in Cordoba and Ciudad Real provinces, Spain.

Key Points:

The Escacena Investigation Permit has been granted and formal notice received by EVALAM 2003 SL (EVALAM) on 28 December, 2018. Pan Global has a binding Letter of Intent with EVALAM, providing the company an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Escacena mineral rights.

Exploration on the Escacena property can commence immediately. The target is volcanic-hosted massive sulphide copper and zinc in the Iberian Pyrite Belt on-strike from Aznalcollar, Los Frailes and Las Cruces mines.

Drilling is advancing in the Aguilas Project with approximately 25% of the planned drilling completed and results awaited for several drill holes. Assays will be released early in the new year.

The drilling on the Torrubia trend has confirmed the presence of a large multi-stage breccia system with IOCG-style hematite alteration and associated copper mineralisation. A small portion of the >12 kilometre long Torrubia Trend has been tested so-far.

Drilling is now shifting to the Zumajo lead-zinc-silver trend. Drilling will resume on the Torrubia copper target as soon as access is granted.

Tim Moody, President and CEO states: "The granting of the Escacena Investigation Permit is an important milestone and allows exploration to commence on this highly prospective property in the World's premier volcanic-hosted massive sulphide district. Drilling on the copper targets in the Aguilas project is encouraging at this early stage and shows many components of a large iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) style system."

Escacena Project

On June 8, 2017, the TSX Venture Exchange accepted for filing the Letter of Intent dated May 15, 2017 between Pan Global and EVALAM whereby the Company may acquire a 100% interest in the Escacena Investigation Permit (2,060 hectares) in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, southern Spain (Figure 1).

Consideration is $350,000 cash over a 3-year period and $1,000,000 in exploration work commitments. The Vendor will retain a NSR of 0.5% on the first 12,500 tonnes of copper equivalent and 0.75% on any amount in excess of 12,500 tonnes of copper equivalent. The NSR has a lifetime cap of $5,000,000. On November 26, 2018, the Junta de Andalucia issued written notice to EVALAM granting "Escacena" Investigation Permit No. 14,903.

The Escacena property includes two large gravity anomalies. Wide-spaced historical drilling on the La Romana gravity anomaly in the south of the property confirmed massive sulphide and stock work mineralisation over approximately 1.3 kilometres of strike, including a best drill interval of 4.68 metres @ 2.94% Cu (open). In the North of the property, the Canada Honda target is a 1.5 x 0.5 kilometre untested gravity anomaly in a favourable geological setting along-strike from the nearby Aznalcollar and Los Frailes massive sulphide deposits.

Aguilas Project

The Aguilas project covers more than 16,000 hectares in northern Andalucia, Spain and includes the Las Aguilas group of mineral rights (Figure 2). The area contains several major Northeast trending fault / breccia structures with indications of hematite-dominant iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) style mineralisation. Exploration to-date has focused on the >12 km long Torrubia copper trend and >20 kilometre long Northwest trending Zumajo lead-silver mine trend. None of the targets have been drill tested previously.

The company commenced systematic exploration in the Aguilas Project in 2017 resulting in delineation of two large copper anomalies on the Torrubia copper trend with up to 0.69% Cu in soils and up to 28% Cu, 33% Fe, 1.7g/t Au, 15.5g/t Ag and 0.13% Co in rock samples. The Torrubia copper target is approximately 3.1 x 0.32 kilometres and Cerro Aguila copper target is approximately 0.6 x 0.3 kilometres.

Soil geochemistry on a 6 kilometre section of the Zumajo trend outlined two large lead-zinc-silver soil anomalies with historical mine reports and sampling of mine dumps indicating potential for high metal grades. This includes a 1.8 kilometre long target associated with the former San-Juan and San Rafael mines and a separate target extending for 1 kilometre along strike from the former San Cayetano mine. Results include up to 8.9% Pb, 0.97% Zn, 17.5g/t Ag and 672ppm Cu in soils and up to >20% Pb, 20.7% Zn, 235g/t Ag and 12.75% Cu in rock grab samples from mine dumps.

In September 2018, the company commenced its first drill campaign at the Aguilas project. The planned program includes approximately 20 to 25 drill holes and total of 3000 to 4000 metres. The drill holes are designed to provide the first test of the copper and polymetallic targets, and provide information on the geology and nature of the mineralisation to help future targeting. Approximately 25% of the planned drill holes have been completed to-date. Samples are delivered to ALS Laboratories in Seville, Spain for preparation and analysis. The company expects to release assay results early in 2019. Photos of drill core shown in Figure 3.

Qualified Person

Robert Baxter (FAusIMM), a Director of Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Baxter is not independent of the Company.

About Pan Global Resources

Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively engaged in base and precious metal exploration in Spain and pursuing opportunities from exploration through to mine development. The company has committed to operating safely and with respect to the communities and environment where we operate.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

www.panglobalresources.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

info@panglobalresources.com

Statements 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. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Figure 1 - Escacena Project





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Figure 2 - Aguilas Project, Targets and Planned Drill Holes





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Figure 3 - Drill core from the Torrubia copper trend





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(a) TOR-001 oxide and sulphide copper mineralisation,

(b) TOR-001 marcasite + chalcopyrite with bornite rims,

(c) TOR-001 breccia and (d) CDA-002 breccia

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ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / Findit, Inc. (OTC PINK: FDIT) a Nevada Corporation continues to be engaged by online merchandise retailer HipHopBling.com to assist in their online marketing campaign this holiday season. Findit has been engaged by Hip Hop Bling since Findit, Inc.s inception. The overall objective of this campaign is to bring more awareness to the value of Hip Hop Bling's product line to increase overall sales. Findit has implemented a strategy that will increase and improve Hip Hop Bling's overall online presence in social networking sites and organic indexing in search engines resulting in more visibility to online shoppers.

HipHopBling.com is a jewelry wholesaler and retailer with tremendous experience and knowledge of the hip hop jewelry segment. They have been in business for nearly 20 years. They offer the finest products to consumers and hip hop related retailers across the globe. Growing from a small room during the 90s to a full blown 25,000 square foot warehouse in Columbia MD, they ship hundreds of orders each day. Their mission is simple, to find the best jewelry in the world and sell it at the lowest prices possible without compromising quality or service.

What Findit Does for Hip Hop Bling:

Hip Hop Bling engaged Findit to help them improve their overall online presence and brand image through an increase in organic search results found in Google, Yahoo, and Bing. This started with the creation of 6 Findit Sites, which each contained their own unique Findit Keyword URL. A Findit Keyword URL is an extension of Findit.com, such as www.findit.com/hiphopbling. Hip Hop Bling provides Findit's marketing team with the product categories they want Findit to focus their online marketing strategy on and Findit implements those products into its strategy.. By having these categories Findit was able to come up with the appropriate URLs to create Findit sites to help Hip Hop Bling capture improved indexing in search results and more sharing on social networking sites.

For example, Hip Hop Bling is a jewelry business that sells all different types of jewelry, bling jewelry, iced out jewelry and more. The 6 Findit Sites that were set up were geared towards these type of products to help improve indexing for each category of jewelry.

Each Findit URL that Hip Hop Bling has, acts as its own site on Findit. As part of their campaign, Findit sets up photo galleries for each site that includes pictures that are titled and captioned around the jewelry that they offer. By adding titles and descriptions it increases the percentage of the pictures indexing in Google, Yahoo and Bing under images and sometimes search results. All content posted in Findit is indexed in Findit search and crawled by Google, Yahoo, and Bing which can lead to more conversions.

Once the Findit site is set up within each URL, content is created in the Right Now Feed and News section.. The Right Now Feed allows members to post updates that can include unlimited text in the text field, unlimited photos in the photo section, a link to a video, an audio file and a press release. As part of Hip Hop Bling's marketing campaign, Right Now Posts are created in each of the URLs, targeting the specific products that Hip Hop Bling offers online.

Peter Tosto stated. "The efforts produced by Findit are aimed at increasing sales for Hip Hop Bling year round and especially during the holidays. We have been working with Hip Hop Bling since December 2007 over 10 years. Having more clients like Hip Hop Bling can help the overall growth of Findit, Inc."

In addition to marketing content created on Findit, these status updates and photos are shared to their Facebook Page, which we manage, as well as their Google My Business Account. These efforts help increase overall indexing online in search and create more visibility in more places for people who have not yet heard of Hip Hop Bling.

Findit also has begun creating short product videos that highlight a specific product that Hip Hop Bling sells. These videos are published on Youtube, Google My Business, and can be pulled into Right Now Status Updates on Findit. Because Google owns Youtube, these videos are beginning to index on the first page of Google which helps increase visibility for Hip Hop Bling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gYEYAmy8xc

Other Online Retailers Can Hire Findit, Too:

The great thing about Findit is that it is for anyone - anyone that is looking to gain more exposure on the web for the goods or services that they offer or the story they wish to tell can do so in house or hire Findit to run their online marketing campaigns.

Starting Your Very Own Marketing Campaign with Findit:

Findit is free to join and members can run their own online marketing campaigns using the Findit social networking content management platform. Outside online marketing firms can also run campaigns for their clients using all of the tools Findit offers.

Clients that want to engage Findit can do so. Findit campaigns start at $1,000 per month, on a month to month basis. The minimum campaign includes a minimum of 84 pieces of content that the Findit marketing team creates.

Clark St. Amant of Findit stated, "When we take on a new client we tend to be able to show results in the first 72 hours. The results are tangible. From an increase in traffic to more search results to higher rankings under keywords you want to index for, to more exposure and sharing on social platforms.If you currently have an ad agency or online marketing company running your campaign be sure to get them to include you on Findit.com."

To set up your very own marketing campaign with Findit, please call 404-443-3224.

Hip Hop Bling History

HipHopBling.com is a jewelry wholesaler and retailer with tremendous experience and knowledge of the hip hop jewelry segment. Our company has been around for nearly 20 years offering the finest products to consumers and hip hop related retailers across the globe. We have grown from a small room during the 90s to a full blown 25000sqft warehouse in Columbia MD shipping hundreds of orders each day. Our mission is simple and we stand by it each and every day.

About Findit, Inc.

Findit, Inc., owns Findit.com which is a Social Media Content Management Platform that provides an interactive search engine for all content posted in Findit to appear in Findit search. The site is an open platform that provides access to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines access to its content posted to Findit so it can be indexed in these search engines as well. Findit provides Members the ability to post, share and manage their content. Once they have posted in Findit, we ensure the content gets indexed in Findit Search results. Findit provides an option for anyone to submit URLs that they want indexed in Findit search result, along with posting status updates through Findit Right Now. Status Updates posted in Findit can be crawled by outside search engines which can result in additional organic indexing. All posts on Findit can be shared to other social and bookmarking sites by members and non-members. Findit provides Real Estate Agents the ability to create their own Findit Site where they can pull in their listing and others through their IDX account. Findit offers News and Press Release Distribution. Findit, Inc., is focused on the development of monetized Internet-based web products that can provide an increased brand awareness of our members. Findit, Inc., trades under the stock symbol FDIT on the OTC Pinksheets.

Safe Harbor:

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word believe or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Findit, Inc. to differ materially from those implied or expressed by such forward-looking statements. This press release speaks as of the date first set forth above, and Findit, Inc. assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to factors such as the lack of capital, timely development of products, inability to deliver products when ordered, inability of potential customers to pay for ordered products, and political and economic risks inherent in international trade.

Contact:

Peter Tosto

Phone: 404 443 3224

SOURCE: Findit, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/530165/Findit-Inc-Provides-Online-Marketing-Services-for-the-Past-11-Holiday-Seasons-to-Hip-Hop-Bling-To-Drive-Sales
World's Premier Gaming Lifestyle Festival to Visit 10 Cities in Europe, North America and South America

DreamHack Returns to Leipzig, Tours, Jonkoping, Valencia, Montreal, Atlanta and Sevilla

New Stops To Include Rio de Janeiro, Dallas and Rotterdam

Yesterday, Sunday, December 9, 2018, DreamHack marked its 24th anniversary as the world's premier gaming lifestyle festival. The date also marks "DreamHack Day" the yearly celebration of the festival's beginnings in 1994. What started as a gathering of friends and their computers in a school cafeteria with no online access has grown into a beacon of internet culture and a gathering place for gamers worldwide featuring everything gaming under one roof. Watch video.

"DreamHack Day" offers a time to reflect on the company's past, present and future, and to officially announce the 2019 world tour schedule. In 2019, DreamHack will host three-day, non-stop festivals in 10 major cities, including debuts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Dallas, TX, USA. Additional locations include Leipzig, Germany; Tours, France, Valencia andSevilla, Spain; Montreal, Canada; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; and DreamHack Summer and Winter in Jonkoping, Sweden.View complete schedule here.

"DreamHack's 2019 calendar continues our strategy to grow our festival globally, while also continuing to celebrate the roots of our beginnings through 'DreamHack Day' each year. It's also a day to celebrate all who visit our events all over the world, and to thank the thousands of people who make these events safe and fun for all," said DreamHack CEO Marcus Lindmark. "DreamHack looks back at 2018 with great pride, but we're even more thrilled about the upcoming year as we go stronger into current markets, expand to new markets and continue to create the most engaging gaming festival in the world."

2018 was a tremendous year of growth for DreamHack, including its first-ever event in Asia, DreamHack Mumbai. DreamHack also introduced an array of new festival experiences while also solidifying its position as the market leader in multi-titled esports competitions. The festival experience will continue to innovate and improve the experience for both attendees and fans alike.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005810/en/

Contacts:

DreamHack Media Contacts:

Per Sjolin, DreamHack

+46 730 25 31 99 per.sjolin@dreamhack.com



Melissa A.E. Sanders, Tadpole Communications

+1.404.909.6726 melissa@tadpolecomm.net
Despite the cuts, that was still a price forecast reduction of $6 per barrel as Bernstein lowered its crude oil demand forecast from 1.5 million bpd previously to 1.3 million bpd for 2019.

Singapore: Brent crude oil rose on Monday after producer club Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-affiliated suppliers last Friday agreed to a supply cut from January.

Despite this, the outlook for next year remains muted on the back of an economic slowdown.

International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.02 per barrel at 0601 GMT, up 35 cents, or 0.6 percent, from their last close.

Prices surged on Friday after the OPEC and some non-OPEC producers including heavyweight Russia announced they would cut oil supply by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd), with an 800,000-bpd reduction planned by OPEC members and 400,000 bpd by countries not affiliated with the group.

The shutdown of the 315,000-bpd El Sharara oilfield in Libya also helped push Brent, traders said.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were weaker, however, dropping 12 cents from their last settlement to $52.59 per barrel, weighed by surging US output as the booming American oil industry is not taking part in the announced cuts.

The OPEC-led supply curbs will be made from January, measured against October 2018 output levels.

Our key conclusion is that oil prices will be well supported around the $70 per barrel level for 2019, analysts at Bernstein Energy said on Monday.

Despite the cuts, that was still a price forecast reduction of $6 per barrel as Bernstein lowered its crude oil demand forecast from 1.5 million bpd previously to 1.3 million bpd for 2019.

US bank Morgan Stanley said the cut was likely sufficient to balance the market in 1H19 and prevent inventories from building.

It added that it expected Brent to reach $67.5 per barrel by 2Q19, down from $77.5 before.

Not all analysts expect the cuts to be sufficient to end oversupply.

Edward Bell, commodity analyst at Emirates NBD bank, said in a note on Sunday that the scale of the cuts...isnt enough to push the market back into deficit and that he expected a market surplus of around 1.2 million bpd in Q1 with the new production levels.

Oil prices have fallen sharply since October on signs of an economic slowdown, with Brent losing almost 30 percent in value.

Japan, the worlds third-biggest economy and No.4 oil consumer, on Monday revised its third quarter GDP growth down to an annualised rate of minus 2.5 percent, down from the initial estimate of minus 1.2 percent.

Meanwhile the two worlds biggest economies, the United States and China, are locked in a trade war which is threatening to slow global growth and battering investor sentiment.

Despite the expectations of a slowdown, physical demand on the ground remains healthy.

China, the worlds biggest oil importer, over the weekend reported November crude oil imports rose 8.5 percent from a year ago, to 10.43 million bpd, marking the first time China imported more than 10 million bpd. That leaves the worlds second-biggest economy on track to set yet another annual import record.

Strong demand is being driven by Chinese purchases for strategic reserves, but also by new refineries, triggering excess supply of fuels, filling up storage tanks and eroding refinery profits across Asia.
Arun Jaitley said changes have been made in the NPS in 'larger interest of employees'.

New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said the Centre has decided to increase its contribution to the NPS for the central government employees to 14 percent and also made the entire withdrawal amount tax free at the time of retirement.

The decision was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting last week.

The central government's contribution to the National Pension System (NPS) will be increased to 14 percent from the current 10 percent. The minimum employee contribution stands at 10 percent.

Addressing the media here, Jaitley said changes have been made in the NPS in "larger interest of employees".

Under the NPS, the subscriber is eligible to withdraw 60 percent of the corpus. The remaining 40 percent of the accumulated fund goes towards annuity.

Tax exemption limit for lump sum withdrawal on exit has been enhanced to 60 percent, the minister said, adding the entire withdrawal will now be exempt from income tax.

Out of 60 percent of the accumulated corpus withdrawn by the NPS subscriber at the time of retirement, 40 percent is tax exempt and balance 20 percent is taxable.

This tax exemption on withdrawal is for all sections of employees.

Additional burden due to the increase in government's contribution on the exchequer will be Rs 2,840 crore for the 2019-20 fiscal, Jaitley said.

There had been a long pending demand to bring NPS in the EEE (exempt-exempt-exempt) category and at par with employee provident fund (EPF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).
WASHINGTON - The last words spoken by Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi were "I can't breathe", according to CNN, citing a source close to the investigation into the journalist's killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

CNN said the source had "read a translated transcript of an audio recording of Khashoggi's painful last moments".

The source said it was clear that the killing was no botched rendition attempt, but the execution of a premeditated plan to murder the journalist.

During the course of the gruesome scene, the source describes Khashoggi struggling against a group of people determined to kill him.

The transcript notes the sounds of Khashoggi's body being dismembered by a saw, as the alleged perpetrators are advised to listen to music to block out the sound.

The source said the transcript suggests that a series of phone calls were made to brief someone on the progress of the operation. Turkish officials believe the calls were made to senior figures in Riyadh.


Another sore point with centres of excellence  including IIMs  is the governments reluctance to give them total autonomy over finances.

There is good news and bad for the premier Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

The good news is that the government has allowed the IIMs to become independent in their recruitment processes. Last week, it allowed even corporate executives to apply for directorship of IIMs.

But it will not be a simple entry for corporate honchos. The new rules, which have codified the terms and conditions of service of directors at all 20 IIMs, state: The applicant shall be a distinguished academic with PhD or equivalent having at least fifteen years teaching or research experience and shall have worked as a full Professor at a reputed institution for at least seven years; or shall have industry experience at a higher level for at least fifteen years. Thus even corporate executives will have to possess a PhD, though the teaching experience and full professorship for such executives may not be necessary.

The bad news is that the government still continues to lay down rules for the IIMs. Such rules ought to be framed by the IIT governing councils themselves. The institutes have proved their worth over the years, but just as the IITs have slipped in their global rankings, so have the IIMs. And the reason why they have slipped is because of the constant interference by the government into ways the IIMs are run, the manner in which recruitments take place, and even how the entrance tests are held.

The history of IIMs

It may be worth mentioning here that the first of the current 20 IIMs was set up at the instance of Jawaharlal Nehru on the recommendation of the Planning Commission. In 1959 the commision invited Professor George Robbins of the prestigious UCLA, USA, to help in setting up an All India Institute of Management Studies. It was on his recommendation that the government set up two elite management institutes at Calcutta and Ahmedabad. Both used the guidance of prestigious institutes overseas -- MIT-Sloan School of Management, the Ford Foundation and the Harvard.

Each IIM was registered as a society under the Indian Societies Registration Act and was meant to be autonomous and to exercise independent control over its day-to-day operations. But over the years, the administration and overall strategy of all IIMs is overseen by the IIM Council, headed by the Minister of Human Resources. In 1972, Ravi J Matthai recommended the setting up of two more IIMs at Bangalore and Lucknow. Thereafter, each government tried to set up more IIMs.

Different processes

But the IIMs are not run along the same lines.

Consider how the older IIMs enrol students based on their CAT (common aptitude test) performance. But the new IIMs are supposed to go through a CAP (common admission process). If all IIMs have the same branding  expect for their location  why have different processes for one set of IIMs and another for a newer set? According to available data, around 2,000 students will go through the CAP, while the other 2,000 will appear for the CAT.

That raises another fundamental question. Should all new institutes be called IIMs? True, every state wants an IIM. That would also be true in countries like the US where every state may want a Harvard or a Yale. But the answer does not lie in creating 20 Harvards or MITs. Extending brands, and creating parallel products under the same brand invariably dilutes branding and quality control. This is something the government has not learnt till now. Even the present government has been responsible for setting up new IIMs in different states (see table 1). It may be better to let them have a different name, with a different management structure. Leave it to the existing IIMs to decide whether they should be adopted under the IIM brand.

Third, the government still has a penchant of trying to persuade the IITs and the IIMs to lower the bar for enrolments for special categories. When educational institutions are vying to become centres of excellence, why resort to populism? Populist measures eventually end up in lowering the standards of excellence, even education.

Another sore point with centres of excellence  including IIMs  is the governments reluctance to give them total autonomy over finances. The concept of letting educational institutes build their own corpus appears to be anathema to babus and legislators. But if institutions are autonomous, they should also be allowed to plan for the perquisites they wish to offer to key staff, and the capital expenditure they wish to incur. Thus, the moment an institution makes a surplus, there is a clamour for reducing fees. How much an institute charges should not be the governments concern. If it wants needy students to be subsidised, it can either set up a scholarship, or mandate that 10 percent of the seats must be given to the needy at say one-fourth the average fees. Leave the fee charging to educational administrators.

Linked to this is the need for the government to create the required enabling set of laws that allow IIMs and IITs and other educational institutions to charge differential fees from foreign students. An Indian studying overseas invariably pays higher fees than what local students pay. Why should India have different rules?

It would appear that even though the government wants corporate executives to be considered for the post of directors in premier educational institutions, and even though it appears to promote autonomy for such institutions, the desire to retain the control, and pull the strings is still there.

As long as strings are sought to be pulled, it wont be long before the strings become ropes, and educational institutions either trip or die by this rope.

True, the government needs to do more for education. But it should first focus on primary and secondary education, which is a constitutional requirement. Having let this sector decay and crumble, it is dangerous to trust the same government with higher education.

The sooner the government learns to stay away from it, the better.

(The author is a senior journalist)
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said that the alleged offender, who benefited during the UPA rule, is being brought to the book by the NDA government.

New Delhi: Hailing the UK court order on Vijay Mallya's extradition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said that the alleged offender, who benefited during the UPA rule, is being brought to the book by the NDA government.

A UK court has ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to India's efforts to bring back the fugitive wanted for loan default worth Rs 9,000 crore.

Delivering the verdict, Westminster Magistrates' Court chief magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot said that there was "no sign of a false case being mounted against him".

"Great day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The judgement of UK's court is welcome. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book," Jaitley said in a tweet.

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.

The 62-year-old former KFA boss had been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. He has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his recent Twitter post on the issue

"I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," the flamboyant businessman tweeted earlier

While dismissing that his intervention has anything to do with the extradition case, it came just days before Judge Emma Arbuthnot is expected to present her ruling in the case

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on 4 December last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it

It opened with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) team, led by Mark Summers, laying out the Indian government's prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Mallya

Summers sought to establish a "blueprint of dishonesty" against the businessman and that there are no bars to his extradition on human rights grounds

Mallya's defence team, led by Clare Montgomery, deposed a series of experts in an attempt to prove that the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of bank loans was the result of business failure rather than "dishonest" and "fraudulent" activity by its owner

The court was also told that a consortium of Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), rejected an offer by the liquor baron in early 2016 to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principal loan amount owed to them

While the CPS argued that Mallya never intended to repay the loans he sought in the first place because his airline's demise was inevitable, the defence tried to establish that Kingfisher Airlines was suffering from consequences of a wider global financial crisis around 2009-2010 and that its failure was a result of factors beyond the company's control

Mallya on Wednesday took to social media with an offer to pay back 100 percent 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 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.

 With inputs from agencies
IMF chief economist said one risk that has become much more evident in the last few years has been non-bank finance, usually called shadow banking.

Washington: India's growth has been "very solid" over the past four years, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld on Sunday said, praising the fundamental economic reforms like the GST and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code carried out by the government.

Obstfeld, 66, -- who is set to retire this month-end -- will be succeeded by Gita Gopinath, the second Indian to be appointed to the position. Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had served as Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund.

"India under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has carried out some really fundamental reforms. These include the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code...A lot of what they have done on financial inclusion has been really important," Obstfeld told a group of journalists here.

Summing up his impression of India's economy in the last four-and-a-half years of the Modi government, the top IMF economist said the country's "growth performance has been very solid".

"I mean, not so much in the third quarter of this year, but generally it has been quite solid," he said.

"There are important vulnerabilities, so it is important for the reform momentum to be maintained even as an election comes up and for the path of fiscal adjustment to be maintained," Obstfeld added.

He said one risk that has become much more evident in the last few years has been non-bank finance, usually called shadow banking.

"There is a big challenge of stricter, oversight," the economist said.

Noting that there has long been a legacy of corporate debt associated with bad infrastructure projects in India, Obstfeld said it has been very concentrated in banking system.

"But as the government is trying to better oversee the banking system, these loans have migrated to shadow banking and that is an area where more needs to be done to contain financial pressures, which we are beginning to see in India," he said.

However, with an upcoming election in the country, there is a reluctance to do anything that would slow the economy, Obstfeld said, observing, "But the lesson of experiences is that financial vulnerabilities can go south very quickly".

Obstfeld, who has served in the post of Chief Economist for more than three years, will return to the Department of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley.
The IMF's chief economist Maurice Obstfeld said he does not want politicians 'manipulating' central banks for political ends.

Washington: It is important for the Indian government to heed the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) message on financial stability, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld said Sunday, amidst reports of friction between the central bank and the Finance Ministry.

Addressing a group of journalists here, he also said the International Monetary Fund does not want politicians "manipulating" central banks for political ends.

"There is debate over whether it's better for financial stability to be the remit of the central bank or an independent regulator...the UK in 1997, split them, then put them back together again. I'm not going to take a position on that...But I think...the central bank does have to be intimately concerned with financial stability to some degree and with the payment system," he said, responding to a specific question on the recent developments in India regarding the RBI and the government.

"We need to think about what is the best institutional framework in which financial policy can be set with regard to long-term stability of the economy, not just to performance over political horizon," Obstfeld said.

"Well, I think they (the RBI and the Indian government) have reached an agreement on how to proceed. I think their (RBI) message that financial stability is important is correct. And it is important for the government to heed that," he added.

Responding to a series of questions on the attempt in certain countries like the US, India, Argentina and Turkey to curb the independence of central banks, Obstfeld said central banks' role as a financial regulator is critical.

Central banks have "much greater power than you thought". They are fundamentally involved in financial stability policy, in fiscal policy, he said.

Obstfeld said if one looks at the record, the decisions taken by central banks worldwide did stabilise the economy by avoiding much worse losses in output and employment.

However, at the same time, he said, their moves also raised questions of transparency and accountability.

"So, it's not a shock that people raise these questions and it does create a challenge for central banks to be more transparent and to communicate more effectively with a broader public about what they are about and what they are doing," Obstfeld said.

If the central bank cannot communicate more effectively about what it is doing, then there is a possibility of political manipulation where politicians attack the central bank and undermine it, he said.

"Clearly, we don't want politicians manipulating the central bank for political ends," Obstfeld added.

After serving as IMF's Chief Economist for more than three years, 66-year-old Obstfeld is set to retire this month-end and will return to the University of California, Berkley. Gita Gopinath, Indian American economist from the Harvard University, would replace him from the first week of January.
Speaking at the release of his book, Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy, Arvind Subramanian said, both demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) have resulted in moderation of the economy

New Delhi: Former chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian on Sunday warned the Indian economy was in for a slowdown for some time as agriculture and financial system were under stress.

Speaking at the release of his book, Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy, he said, both demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) have resulted in moderation of the economy and the budget estimate of revenue collection from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) seems to be unreasonable.

"To judge the GST by what the budget demands of the GST, is unreasonable. I will say it frankly, the budget has made unreasonable demands on GST. It has asked for 16-17 percent (increase)," he said.

He also said that GST design could have been much better and there should not be more than three rates going forward. The current rates are 28 percent, 18 percent, 12 percent and 5 percent.

With regard to the economy, he said, "we have to brace ourself for a slowdown for some time. I say that for a combination of reasons. First of all, the financial system is under stress, financial conditions are very tight. This is not conducive for rapid growth."

The agriculture sector remains under stress, he said, adding international environment is getting much softer.

"Europe is slowing down, Japan is slowing down...there are political calenders. It is easier to do things at some moments than other moments. I think to expect huge reforms that will perk up the economy at this stage would be somewhat ambitious. For the combination of all these reasons I think we should brace ourselves for a period of slowdown. Then we have to see what policy actions are taken, how external environment changes, then we can think about real perk up in the economy," he said.

He also predicted that Universal Basic Income (UBI) would find space in the election manifestos of various parties next year. "Every major party manifesto will have some kind of universal basic income in it. I think it will happen," he remarked.

Many chief ministers have liked this idea not for populist reasons but for good reasons, he said, adding the UBI will help plug leakages. He, however, said, "If the Centre wants credit for this and it promises UBI on its own then fiscal space would be a serious issue."

Subramanian said that the autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should not be undermined. However, he said there were excess reserves with the RBI which can be utilised for the recapitalisation of public sector banks and not for funding the fiscal deficit of the government.

"First, it can only be used for something say recapitalisation of banks and recapitalisation of banks only happen when there are reforms in the banking system in place, which the government should initiate. So it can be a nice cooperative bargain with the RBI.

"Second, it cannot be a unilateral process, the RBI has to be a part of this. The government cannot do it alone. Third, any idea that this could be used to finance regular deficits or other expenditures, I would be totally against it. Because that would amount to a kind of raiding the RBI," he said.

Speaking about the revised GDP data released by Niti Aayog recently, he said the new series has created a lot of questions. "If you look at the other indicators during that period, you see a big difference between those indicators and the recent back-series. It demands an explanation."
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.

Mumbai: Private carrier Jet Airways on Monday announced signing of an agreement with Saudi budget airline Flynas to operate codeshare flights in each other's territories.

The codeshare pact is effective 11 December, Jet Airways said in a release.

Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence.

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 into Saudi Arabia via one point and depart from another, the release said.

"Jet Airways will also be placing its code via Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh to the Saudi Arabian cities of Medina, Gizan, Gassim,and Abha, thus extending our reach into Saudi Arabia," it added.

In turn, Flynas will offer its guests access into 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, the release said.

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, it added.

Bander Al-Mohanna, chief executive officer, Flynas, said this partnership is an important step in-line with the airline's 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," he added.
The country's steel production target is 300 million tonnes by 2030 and it has already reached 84 million tonnes which is 5.5% more in the first nine months

Mumbai: Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said on Sunday nearly Rs 5,000 crore has been saved since the new steel policy with focus on quality has come into effect.

Singh, who was in the megapolis to attend an industry award function instituted by Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI), told reporters that the government plans to impose the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on all steel products. "Currently, the BIS is imposed on 86 percent of products and we plan to take it to 100 percent," he said without putting a timeline for implementation.

When asked about the impact of the imposition of the BIS so far, he said, "at present you may feel there is no impact of this. But within one year since the introduction of the steel policy to encourage domestic steel, we have saved nearly Rs 5,000 crore. With BIS, we have been able to give level playing field to the secondary market," Singh said.

He said that during the last four years, the per capita steel consumption in the country has gone up from 56 kg to 68 kg. The minister noted that the country's steel production target is 300 million tonnes by 2030 and "we have already reached 84 million tonnes which is 5.5 percent more in the first nine months".

"The steel policy also encourages innovation. We have welcomed participation from foreign players for the transfer of technology and FDI. But if someone gets technology from outside, it will not help us much so it is necessary we have innovation domestically," Singh said.

He further said the Steel Research and Technology Mission has been constituted, which has a corpus of Rs 200 crore, to spearhead research and development activities in the industry.

"Initially, innovations were being undertaken in the secondary steel market but that was in isolation. But with this institute we can integrate the technology and others can also use it," he added.

When asked whether there were plans to impose anti-dumping duty for steel, he said currently there are no such plans.
The All India Reserve Bank Employees Association has expressed shock over the resignation of central bank governor Urjit Patel, saying one of the trigger points could be a transfer of reserves to the government.

Mumbai: The All India Reserve Bank Employees Association has expressed shock over the resignation of central bank governor Urjit Patel, saying one of the trigger points could be a transfer of reserves to the government.

Patel, 55, who took over as the 24th governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 5 September, 2016, resigned Monday citing personal reasons.

"The news has come as a shock for us. Patel's resignation cannot be a sudden thing," the employee union said.

It claimed the recent dispute between RBI and the government on issues such as the transfer of surplus funds to the government could have lead to his resignation.

"Transfer of RBI surplus to the government is one of the biggest bone of contention between the two. A committee was to be set up jointly by the RBI and the government to look into the transfer of reserves to the government. We think one of the trigger points could be the appointment of members of the committee," the union said.

In its November 19 meeting, RBI's board had decided to constitute a committee of experts to examine the economic capital framework (ECF), the membership and terms of reference of which will be jointly determined by the government and RBI.

The committee will determine the appropriate levels of reserves the central bank ought to hold.

It will have a minimum of three people, which will include present and past central bankers, and officials from the finance ministry.

As of June 30, RBI's reserves stood at Rs 9.43 lakh crore.

Meanwhile, All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) said Patel's resignation is most unfortunate but in most likelihood has happened in response to the way the government has handled contentious issues such as transfer of reserves and dilution in PCA (prompt corrective action) norms.

"This speaks of government credibility in dealing with the economy," the bank union said.
Market benchmark Sensex buckled under heavy selling pressure on Monday, plummeting 714 points as investors panicked over exit polls suggesting the Congress giving a tough fight to the ruling BJP in state elections as also the bruised rupee and weak global cues further dampened sentiment.

Mumbai: Market benchmark Sensex buckled under heavy selling pressure on Monday, plummeting 714 points as investors panicked over exit polls suggesting the Congress giving a tough fight to the ruling BJP in state elections as also the bruised rupee and weak global cues further dampened sentiment.

The BSE Sensex cracked below the 35,000 mark, plunging 713.53 points, or 2 percent, to close at 34,959.72.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 205.25 points, or 1.92 percent, to 10,488.45.

Exit polls for the recently concluded assembly elections have predicted a tight finish between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and a win for the opposition party in Rajasthan, impacting trading pattern on the domestic bourses in a big way.

Besides, a weakening rupee, which hit 71.44 per dollar intra-day, and fresh foreign fund outflows further pulled the key indices.

All sectoral indices on the BSE and NSE ended in the red, led by realty, banking, metal, pharma, pharma and financial stocks.

Kotak Bank shares cracked over 6 percent after the bank said it had moved the Bombay High Court against RBI's decision with respect to the bank reducing promoter holding using preference shares.

In August, Uday Kotak, the founder and promoter of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has pared down his stake in the bank to 19.70 percent from about 30 percent following issuance of preference shares.

Within few days, the Reserve Bank said the stake dilution by Kotak does not meet its regulatory norms on the same, something the private sector lender contested.

Other top losers include Reliance Industries, Asian Paints, Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, L&T, PowerGrid, HDFC, Axis Bank and Bajaj Auto, falling up to 4 percent.

Coal India and Maruti were the only two gainers on the 30-share index, rising up to 0.79 percent.

Multiple factors impacted the market sentiment as the bears held complete control of the market from opening till the closing bell, said Joseph Thomas, Head Research, Emkay Wealth Management.

This was the biggest one-day fall in the last two months for both indices, falling up to 2 percent, he said.

On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 817.40 crore Friday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 242.56 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed.

Brent crude oil futures was trading at 0.31 percent down at USD 61.48 per barrel.

Elsewhere in Asia, Korea's Kospi fell 1.06 percent, Japan's Nikkei dropped 2.12 percent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.19 percent and Shanghai Composite Index tumbled 0.82 percent.

In Europe, Frankfurt's DAX shed 0.67 percent and Paris' CAC 40 fell 0.47 percent in early deals. London's FTSE too slipped 0.41 percent.
Interestingly, the then CEA Arvind Subramanian never even once raised an alarm in public to caution the government.

It is unlikely that the post (of CEA) will be filled before the election (next year), The Hindu reported on 30 September, quoting an unnamed government official. The government is satisfied at the moment with the advisory role being fulfilled by the current officials, the official added.

Still, the government chose to rush with the appointment of Krishnamurthy Subramanian just six months ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Why? There could be two main reasons. One, even to proceed with an interim budget, the government will have to come with an economic survey which needs to be authored by the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA). Second, it got just the right man. Going by his views on issues like demonetisation and dynasty politics, Subramanian perfectly aligns with the thought process of the incumbent government. Subramanian is unlikely to make any damaging remarks to the government.

Academically, Subramanian comes with a brilliant record with a PhD from the University of Chicago-Booth School of Business under Raghuram Rajan. Unlike some of his predecessors, Subramanian is assuming office with a clear sense of what is happening on the ground. He has been teaching at Indian School of Business, Hyderabad and has been on high-powered regulatory committees and boards. His expertise on the banking industry and thrust on reform-oriented policies are widely known through his writings across platforms.

Having said, some of Subramanians initial assessment on issues like demonetisation is questionable. After his appointment, one of his old note ban articles published in The Times of India has come up for discussion.

In the piece, written just two days after the controversial move, Subramanian called note ban a revolutionary decision in Indias fight against corruption. There were a few assumptions/cautions in the piece that the author used to endorse demonetisation.

Higher tax authorities and banks will ensure a system for monitoring the monitor over the next two months (he wrote this on 11 November, 2016) to ensure that traders of real assets do not become the conduit for unscrupulous individuals to get away. Subramanian looked at the stock market movements post the demonetisation announcement stating that the stock market serves as a leading indicator of economic activity. He pointed out that After opening down by about 6 percent, the Nifty closed only 0.99 percent lower on Wednesday. And the stock market has been trending up on Thursday. Thus Subramanian concluded that the market is capturing the high probability that the move will be good for the economy. Some may fear that the introduction of high denomination Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes may bring back black money into the system. But, this is less likely.

Now, lets do a reality check on all three. Two years after note ban and with the evidence available, one can say that Subramanians assumptions or expectations were either too simplistic or misplaced

A) With almost entire demonetised cash returning to the banking system, it is quite evident that a sizeable chunk of black money has been converted to white during the note ban exercise. In other words, traders of real assets indeed became the conduit for unscrupulous individuals to deposit their illicit wealth. Union finance minister Arun Jaitley sought to defend demonetisation arguing that not all money deposited in banks post demonetisation is white. Authorities have not yet got a sense of who and where the black money holders are.

B) Not all economists believe that there is a direct correlation between stock market activity and real economic activity. Markets tend to ride on speculation and get easily manipulated by large foreign investors. Subramanians assumption that the stock market is a leading indicator of economic activity doesnt prove to be right at all times. Hence, this as a reason to project the demonetisation a successful move was a far too weak assumption. Perhaps, Subramanian jumped into an early conclusion.

C) The introduction of Rs 2000 notes has not killed black money. To understand this, just look at the trends on use of black money seized in election season. It was only a few days back, former chief election commissioner, Om Prakash Rawat said that demonetisation not only failed to curb black money in elections but in some states more seizures were reported. After demonetisation, it was thought that misuse of money during the election will be brought down. But it couldn't be proved on basis of the data of the seizures. Compared to previous elections, there were more seizures in the same states Rawat told ANI.

Recently Uday Kotak too spoke on demonetisation saying the introduction of Rs 2000 notes was a mistake. "I think we would have had significantly better outcomes if we had just thought about simple things. If you are taking out Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, why would you introduce Rs 2,000 notes? Kotak asked while speaking at former chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian's book launch event in New Delhi on Sunday.

In fact, Arvind Subramanian, himself too thought demonetisation was a draconian move that shocked the economy. But only that the former CEA waited comfortably till he retired from service and wrote a book to give the real advice to the government on what he thought on note ban.

Arvind Subramanian recently attacked the note ban, which he had defended for long, in harsh words. "Demonetisation was a massive, draconian, monetary shock: In one fell swoop, 86 percent of the currency in circulation was withdrawn. The real GDP growth was affected by the demonetisation. Growth had been slowing even before, but after demonetisation, the slide accelerated.

There are no two arguments that demonetisation quickened the pace of economic slowdown shaving off at least a percent from the GDP growth. It impacted the rural economy and cash-intensive industries particularly hard. At the same time, the exercise has missed some of its primary targets, such as confiscation of black money, fake notes and cash-based corruption.

But, interestingly, the then CEA Arvind Subramanian never even once raised an alarm in public to caution the government. Had he done so, probably the government could have planned the scheme better and lessen the hardships it caused in the economy.

Ironically, during his time in government as CEA, Arvind Subramanian had made a speech lecturing on the importance of government officials speaking their heart on important policy issues.

While delivering the VKRV Rao lecture in Bengaluru in May last year, Arvind Subramanian had said, My claim is that experts often hold back their objective assessment. Instead, they censor themselves, and in public fora are insufficiently critical and independent of officialdom  whether the officials are in Mumbai or Delhi To the extent they offer criticism, it is watered down to the point of being unidentifiable as criticism."

That was not all. Arvind Subramanian further said in the speech, So, before policy decisions are taken, the experts tend to express the views they think officials are likely to take. After policy actions, they try hard to endorse the decisions already taken. As a result, we in the government do not really benefit from their wisdom."

Unfortunately, Arvind Subramanian himself couldnt follow his advice for unknown reasons. But, in a way, he has passed on an important advice to his successor Krishnamurthy Subramanian: while holding an important post like that of CEA, do not hold back your objective assessment of governments policy actions, speak your heart so that government can benefit from your wisdom. Thats a great tip to Krishnamurthy Subramanian, the new CEA.
Syria: 560,000 killed in seven yrs of war, SOHR Death toll includes 104,000 tortured to death in regime jails

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, DECEMBER 10 - Over half a million people have been killed in seven years of war in Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Monday. The conflict began in March 2011 and is still ongoing. Over the years it has morphed from civil strife to a regional conflict with armies and militias from other countries fighting on Syrian soil. SOHR has for the past 11 years has been monitoring violations in Syria and has a large network of sources on the ground across the country. It is headquartered in the UK and was founded by a Syrian dissident in exile, but has repeatedly been cited even by government-linked media when it denounced crimes committed by opposition groups, US forces and radical groups. SOHR said that at least 560,000 have been killed but that it was able to fully document the deaths of only 367,965. Of the 560,000, it said, 111,330 are civilians, including 20,819 under the age of 18 and 13,084 women. Some 65,048 Syrian soldiers have been killed and 50,296 members of militias backing them. A total of 65,108 members of radical groups - including both those linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS) - have also been killed. As concerns opposition fighters, 63,561 including those operating under the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been killed. At least 1,675 fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah - the Shia movement allied with Damascus and Iran - have also lost their lives in the fighting. Of the over 500,000 killed, some 104,000 were tortured to death in Syrian government jails. (ANSAmed).




Beleaguered industrialist Vijay Mallya must be extradited from the UK to India, where he is accused of committing bank frauds of Rs 9,000 crore, a London court ruled on Monday.

Beleaguered industrialist Vijay Mallya must be extradited from the UK to India, where he is accused of committing bank frauds of Rs 9,000 crore, a London court ruled on Monday.

The Westminster Magistrates Court gave the ruling following a prolonged litigation involving Mallya, who fled India in March 2016.

Judge Emma Arbuthnot, Englands chief magistrate, decided there was a prima facie case against Mallya, who moved to Britain in March 2016, and his human rights would not be infringed if he were extradited. Her ruling will now be passed to the interior minister who must also approve it.

Arbuthnot said there was no sign that the case had been brought for political reasons.

The decision came six days after British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600 core AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, Christian Michael, was extradited to India from Dubai.

Mallya has repeatedly denied fleeing from India and said he was ready to pay back the money he owed to Indian banks.

Here is the full text of Westminster Magistrates' Court verdict on Mallya's extradition:
Hailing the UK court order on Mallya's extradition, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the offender who benefited during the UPA rule is being brought to the book by the NDA government

In a major setback to Vijay Mallya, a UK court on Monday ordered his extradition to India, where he is wanted for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that Mallya can be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED.

There was "no ground at all" to believe that Mallya faces any risk in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail which has been recently "redecorated", the judge said, rejecting the liquor baron's attempts to show Indian prisons in a bad light.

The judge referred the extradition case to Secretary of State. Mallya has now 14 days to appeal against the order. Both sides will have the right to file for a permission to appeal in the Chief Magistrate's ruling in the UK High Court.

The court dismissed the defence's attempts to dispute Indian prison conditions as a bar to his extradition on human rights grounds, saying the video of the Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, where Mallya would be held, "gives accurate portrayal and has been recently redecorated".

"He will have access to personal medical care to manage his diabetes and coronary problems... There was no ground at all to believe that he faces any risk at all (in jail)," the judge ruled.

The ruling marked a significant point in the high-profile extradition trial that has lasted over a year.

Hailing the UK court order on Mallya's extradition, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the offender who benefited during the UPA rule is being brought to the book by the NDA government

The Central Bureau of Investigation has welcomed the court order. As per media reports, we have come to know Vijay Mallya's extradition ordered by a London court. We welcome the decision, CBI spokesperson said. He further said, "We hope to bring him soon and conclude the case. CBI has its own inherent strengths. We worked hard on this case. We are strong on Law and facts and we were confident while pursuing extradition process".

India Inc said the UK Court's order on Mallya's extradition reflects the Modi government's resolve, observing that the law will take its own course on the matter and deliver justice.

"It does reinforce the government's resolve. Mallya has also said he is willing to pay back the loan. However, he should have said he is willing to pay back the dues to the (former) employees," PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rajeev Talwar told PTI.

Earlier in the day, Mallya sought to disprove the narrative that he has "stolen" money and said his offer to repay the principal amount to the Indian banks was "not bogus".

Mallya made the remarks while talking to reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss was on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.

My settlement offer is made before the Karnataka High Court. It is not related to this extradition trial. Nobody disrespects a court of law by making a bogus offer. The assets have been attached by the ED so they cannot be bogus assets," he said, asserting that his offer to repay the principal amount was not bogus.

The embattled liquor tycoon said that the value of his assets is more than enough to pay everybody and that is exactly what he was focusing on.

"I want to disprove the narrative that I have stolen (money)," he said.

He said his legal team will review the judgment and take proper steps thereafter.

In reference to settlement offer to Karnataka High Court, Mallya said that he has requested the court that if the settlement is granted then first the employees of Kingfisher be paid.

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on 4 December last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it.

With PTI inputs
19:54 (ist)

Mallya verdict major victory in our war on UPA's scams: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that UK court order on "Vijay Mallya's extradition to India is a major victory in the government's war on UPA's scams."

"The govt's relentless persistence, under PM @narendramodi ji's leadership and focus, has resulted in this win for INDIA!," he added.

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy said that by the end of January, Mallya could be brought back to India. "Prime Minister deserves congratulations for seeing that none of our investigating agencies is blocked in doing their duties, unlike in the past," Swamy was quoted as saying by ANI.
UK court on Monday ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores

London: A UK court on Monday ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores. Following is the chronology of the case and its origin:

9 May, 2005: United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL) Chairman Vijay Mallya's luxury airline - Kingfisher Airlines - starts commercial operations.

2013: A consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India approached United Breweries Holdings Ltd for the payback of a loan amounting to Rs 6,493 crore on behalf of Kingfisher Airlines.

3 March, 2016: Mallya fled from India and took refuge in London.

February, 2017: India sent an extradition request to UK.

18 April, 2017: Scotland Yard arrests Mallya on an extradition warrant after he surrenders at a central London police station. He is released on bail within hours after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds.

13 June, 2017: The first case management hearing takes place at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London in the extradition case. Mallya's bail is extended until December 2017, for the start of the extradition trial.

6 July, 2017: Mallya appears for a hearing in the case despite an exemption from appearance in court.

14 September, 2017: Another case management hearing in the case when Mallya's defence team informs the court of plans to depose six experts they intend to rely upon in their evidence.

3 October, 2017: Mallya is re-arrested in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is released on the same bail conditions, as the CBI and ED cases are clubbed together for the purposes of the extradition trial.

20 Novembver, 2017: A pre-trial hearing in the case takes note of additional "supplemental" charges of money laundering to the previous charges of fraud, amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

4 December, 2017: Mallya's extradition trial begins.

5 December, 2017: Mallya's defence team lays out its counter-arguments, claiming there was no evidence to support the "nonsensical" case of fraud against their client.

7 December, 2017: The hearing resumes with Mallya's defence claiming his offer to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principle loan amount owed to the Indian banks, led by State Bank of India, had been rejected.

11 December, 2017: Mallya's defence continues deposing its experts and tries to establish that the case against him is "politically motivated".

12 December, 2017: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) takes Mallya's defence team's political expert to task, claiming that he had relied on flawed material to discredit Indian investigation agencies like the CBI and ED in his testimony.

13 December, 2017: Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where Mallya is to be held on extradition, comes into focus as the defence seek to discredit its suitability through the witness statements of UK-based prison service expert Dr Alan Mitchell and the CPS dismiss his claims.

14 December, 2017: Both sides conclude the evidence stage of the trial, with the case moving into 2018 to complete all procedures.

11 January, 2018: The hearing returns for the judge to hear arguments for and against the admissibility of certain evidence in the case.

16 March, 2018: The judge notes that it is "blindingly obvious" to her that rules were being broken by Indian banks, which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines as the case returns for hearing.

27 April, 2018: The CBI gets a boost as the judge confirms that the bulk of the evidence submitted by the Indian authorities in the extradition case will be deemed admissible.

31 July, 2018: The court asks the Indian authorities to submit a video of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai to allay all doubts over its suitability as the case edges towards conclusion.

12 September, 2018: At the final hearing in the case, Mallya tells media outside the court that he met finance minister Arun Jaitley before he left India in March 2016. Jaitley instantly issues a statement to dismiss the comments as factually incorrect.

10 December, 2018: Westminster Magistrates' Court judge ordered the extradition of Mallya. The UK Home Secretary will have to sign Mallya's extradition order within two months. However, Mallya's defence team has a chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the verdict.
Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, Monday arrived in Westminster Magistrates' Court which is expected to deliver its verdict on his extradition after a year-long trial

London: A defiant Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, on Monday sought to disprove the narrative that he has "stolen" money and said his offer to repay the principal amount to the Indian banks was "not bogus".

Mallya made the remarks while talking to reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court which is expected to deliver its verdict on his extradition after a year-long trial. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.

Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot is expected to give her verdict on whether Mallya can be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED.

The decision would then go to the UK Home Office for the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, to pass an order based on that verdict. Both sides will have the right to file for a permission to appeal in the Chief Magistrate's ruling in the UK High Court.

Vijay Mallya in London when asked 'how genuine is his offer of settlement': There is nothing genuine or ingenuine. Please understand that the offer has been made in a court of law. Nobody disrespects a court of law. pic.twitter.com/jRs7DNtlSB  ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

"My settlement offer is made before the Karnataka High Court. It is not related to this extradition trial. Nobody disrespects a court of law by making a bogus offer. The assets have been attached by the ED so they cannot be bogus assets," he said, asserting that his offer to repay the principal amount was not bogus.

The embattled liquor tycoon said that the value of his assets is more than enough to pay everybody and that is exactly what he was focusing on.

"I want to disprove the narrative that I have stolen (money)," he said.

He said his legal team will review the judgment and take proper steps thereafter.

Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his most recent Twitter post on the issue.

"I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted earlier.

While dismissing that his intervention had anything to do with the extradition case, it came just days before Judge Emma Arbuthnot is expected to present her ruling in the case.

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on December 4 last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it.

It opened with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) team, led by Mark Summers, laying out the Indian government's prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Mallya.

Summers sought to establish a "blueprint of dishonesty" against the businessman and that there are no bars to his extradition on human rights grounds.

Mallya's defence team, led by Clare Montgomery, deposed a series of experts in an attempt to prove that the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of bank loans was the result of business failure rather than "dishonest" and "fraudulent" activity by its owner.

The court was also told that a consortium of Indian banks, led by State Bank of India (SBI), had rejected an offer by the liquor baron in early 2016 to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principal loan amount owed to them.

While the CPS argued that Mallya never intended to repay the loans he sought in the first place because his airline's demise was inevitable, the defence tried to establish that Kingfisher Airlines was suffering from consequences of a wider global financial crisis around 2009-2010 and that its failure was a result of factors beyond the company's control.

"There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines [in sanctioning some of the loans]," Judge Arbuthnot had noted during the course of the trial.

In relation to the defence's attempts to dispute Indian prison conditions as a bar to Mallya's extradition on human rights grounds, the judge had indicated to the CPS that she did not require any further information in reference to the prison conditions awaiting Mallya at Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail after seeking a video of the cell.

"If the judge is satisfied that all of the procedural requirements are met, and that none of the statutory bars to extradition apply, he or she must send the case to the Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order extradition," explains Pavani Reddy, a UK-based legal expert and Managing Partner of Zaiwalla & Co.

The judge's decision on whether to send Mallya's case to UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid can be appealed with the UK High Court's permission, with the person to be extradited entitled to make an application for permission to appeal to the High Court within 14 days of the date of the Chief Magistrate's ruling.

On the other hand, the Indian government would also have 14 days to file leave to appeal to the High Court, seeking permission to appeal against a decision not to extradite.

"In case the concerned individual does not file an appeal, and Secretary of State agrees with the magistrate's decision, then the individual must be extradited from the UK within 28 days of the Home Secretary's extradition order.

"This will also apply if an appeal lodged by either party in the High Court is unsuccessful, but the 28 days will commence from the date when the appeal hearing was concluded," said Reddy.
Vijay Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is 'politically motivated'

New Delhi: A team of officials led by the CBI's Joint Director, S Sai Manohar, left for London on Sunday to attend a crucial hearing in the extradition case of embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday, sources said.

Manohar will take the place of Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who had been attending the trial till now. The government had sent Asthana on forced leave, divesting him of all powers after he and CBI Director Alok Verma entered in a bitter feud.

Two officials of the Enforcement Directorate are also accompanying the CBI officer, sources said. Manohar is part of the SIT earlier headed by Asthana.

Mallya faces a case of loan default to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore besides allegations of money laundering and diversion of loan funds for purposes other than they were meant for. He is in self-imposed exile in London.

He left for the United Kingdom in March 2016 taking advantage of the dilution in the CBI lookout notice against him.

Indian agencies are seeking to extradite him. The case will be heard by Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Monday.

Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his recent Twitter post on the issue.
India Inc on Monday said the UK Court's order on Vijay Mallya's extradition reflects the Modi government's resolve, observing that the law will take its own course on the matter and deliver justice.

New Delhi: India Inc on Monday said the UK Court's order on Vijay Mallya's extradition reflects the Modi government's resolve, observing that the law will take its own course on the matter and deliver justice.

"It does reinforce the government's resolve. Mallya has also said he is willing to pay back the loan. However, he should have said he is willing to pay back the dues to the (former) employees," PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rajeev Talwar said.

In a major setback to Vijay Mallya, a UK court on Monday ordered his extradition to India, where he is wanted for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

Stressing that it would not like to comment on a particular individual, CII said the UK Court's order is a big signal that India has a very credible position globally and the actions of the Narendra Modi government are being perceived as very decisive, proactive and credible by the world.

"The law will take its own course there will be appropriate action and justice. Anyone who is bound to be shortchanged anywhere should not tolerate it and non-compliance should always be dealt with by law," CII said.

Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that Mallya can be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED.

The ruling marked a significant point in the high-profile extradition trial that has lasted over a year.
Former chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian told NDTV's Prannoy Roy on the channel on 8 December that it would be wrong to raid the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Incidentally, he was echoing the same sentiments expressed by the RBI deputy governor Viral Acharya, who coined the word raid in the context of drawing RBIs reserves to meet the budgetary deficit.

Subramanian went on to make a distinction between using RBIs ample reserves for recapitalisation of public sector banks (PSBs) and using them for bridging the budgetary deficit. He gave his thumbs up to the former and thumbs down to the latter.

Acharya, however, sounded an alarm by citing the example of Argentina where the transfer of $6.6 billion of what was considered as an excessive reserve in the hands of its central bank to the government spooked the market. This was hardly the right warning because Argentina suffered from a very high fiscal deficit that in fact spooked the market which is not the case in India.

Subramanian did not mention Argentina while decrying raiding the RBI but he too was wrong in citing an inappropriate and specious reason  that RBI funds should be used more productively in infusing fresh capital into public sector banks (PSBs). Touche! He hastened to add cryptically and in a manner of double-take that infusing fresh capital into the PSBs from out of the funds received from the RBI was, of course, subject to overall banking reforms.

We have been talking about PSB reforms for ages which includes strict adherence to capital adequacy ratio, staying away from behest lending or crony capitalism, asset-liability mismatch (ALM), stressed assets resolution before they go out of hand, etc, but nothing has changed on the ground so much so that we lurch from one banking crisis to another.

In the event, if raiding the RBI, as he puts it, is undesirable then throwing good money after bad is equally foolish.

To wit, the latest massive infusion of capital into PSBs of the order of Rs 2.11 lakh crore by the Narendra Modi government surpassed the aggregate capital infusion of the past 31 years, between 1985-86 and 2016-17  Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

To its credit, it must be said that the Modi government cleverly passed the buck onto future governments and generations by floating recapitalisation bonds to the extent of Rs 1.35 lakh crore thus leaving only Rs 0.76 lakh crore to strain its budgetary resources. But it was a financial trickery that wasnt lost on anyone  it did not hide the fact that good money was being thrown after bad. Period.

Subramanian should have taken a leaf out of what Uday Kotak and his new team are doing to IL&FS  shunning fresh capital infusion and instead focusing on selling off units and assets to those interested attracted by synergy with their existing businesses.

Even taking massive haircuts which have become the new normal under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2015 (IBC) is any day preferable to throwing good money after bad. It is, therefore, presumptuous on the part of Subramanian to be judgmental about the end use of the transfer of RBI excessive reserves of the massive order of Rs 3.6lakh crore.

It is normal for the government to ask for such transfers and otherwise intervene in its working so long as it did not intrude into its policy-making sphere. Using RBI funds for meeting budgetary deficit is not as sinful as it appears because the RBI is the central governments baby though they must remain at arms length from each other.
After a BJP worker was shot dead in Durgapur, the party claimed 21-year-old Sandip Ghosh was 'murdered by the sand mafia' and Trinamool Congress 'goons' were hand in glove.

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker was shot dead in Durgapur, West Bengal, on Sunday night. The party has alleged that 21-year-old Sandip Ghosh was "murdered by the sand mafia", also accusing Trinamool Congress "goons" of being hand in glove.

"The country is watching Mamata Banerjee's terror rule closely. 2019 will bring an end to the Mamata government," Bengal BJP said on Twitter, also sharing a gruesome image of Ghosh's body.

Union minister Babul Supriyo said Ghosh was "brutally shot dead" while he was returning home around 10 pm after a party meeting in Saraswati Gunj. Four others were injured in the incident and admitted to Durgapur Mission Hospital, he said, adding that the four had said "TMC-sheltered sand mafia Saiful" were behind the attack.

Ghosh was the BJP's Rupganj booth president of the Asansol-Durgapur Kanksha Block. "Deeply anguished and distressed in the manner TMC has resorted to robbing young lives," Supriyo said.

BJP leader and former Union minister Mukul Roy said: "There is no democracy in West Bengal. Time has come for Central government to intervene immediately."

The party's Bengal unit also shared Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's tweet on Human Rights Day, saying:

What a cruel joke!! Your party goon Saiful killed 21 years old youth student and BJP worker Sandeep Ghosh in Asansol-Durgapur yesterday night. Please stop the killing of opposition party members first then talk about Human rights. https://t.co/XiI7Ev0LAE  BJP Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) December 10, 2018

Political violence has been rampant in West Bengal with near-everyday incidents between the Trinamool Congress and BJP, each party blaming the other for attacks on its workers as well as murders. In the past few months, the state has seen a spike in cases of political violence.

Before the panchayat polls in May, TMC cadres were blamed after two CPM workers were burnt to death in Kolkata's neighbouring South 24 Parganas district. On 2 July, the body of a 52-year-old BJP leader, Dharma Hazra, was found floating in a pond in Murshidabad district. The incident came only a month after the bodies of Trilochan Mahato and Dulal Kumar were found in two villages of Purulia on 31 May and 2 June. While Mahatos body was hanging from a tree, Kumar was found hanging from a high tension electric pole.

While Opposition parties have blamed TMC's "hooliganism", the ruling party in West Bengal has defended itself and blamed the BJP for "importing" this "violent culture" to West Bengal.
Among top news today, biggest remains to be the key opposition meet today in Delhi to discuss strategy for 2019 polls and Winter Session; Vijay Mallya could be extradited today, the court will decide; and India is staring at a victory at lunch on Day 5 at India-Australia test match in Adelaide.

Mahagathbandhan meeting today

Several leaders of regional parties will arrive in Delhi on Monday, a day before the results of Assembly elections, for the anticipated Mahagathbandhan meeting during which they are expected to finalise on a strategy to corner the BJP in the Winter Session of Parliament which starts on 11 December and in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Among those expected to attend the meeting are TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, leaders of Left parties, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav. Naidu has been the driving force to put together the anti-BJP front. Even though Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati was among the first leaders Naidu met for talks, there is uncertainty about her party's participation.

A senior Opposition leader was quoted as saying, The BSP does not want to be seen on an Opposition platform till the seat sharing arrangement in Uttar Pradesh is finalised and it gets its fair share. But it does give us reason to doubt its commitment to an alliance in the state."

According to sources, the Mahagathbandhan meeting will remain silent about who is to be the face of the grand alliance. The Mahagathbandhan is also struggling due to the lack of support from Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, which is reportedly due to the Congress' "big brotherly attitude". Sources also said that leaders like Telangana caretaker chief minister KCR and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik might not participate in the meeting.

India stares at victory at lunch on Day 5

The visitors dismissed first innings hero Travis Head, as well as set batsman Shaun Marsh in the first session of the final day, as Australia reached 186/6 at lunch with Tim Paine batting on 40. Pat Cummins survived a few close calls to remain unbeaten on 5 at the end of the morning session.

The verdict on Vijay Mallya's extradition likely today

Vijay Mallya is scheduled to return to the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Monday. His extradition trial is listed for a judgment hand-down at the court. A team of officials led by the CBI's joint director, S Sai Manohar, left for London on Sunday to attend the crucial hearing in the extradition case of embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Monday, a PTI report said.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss, who is wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on 4 December last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it.

Supreme Court to examine the medical report of Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case

The apex court on Monday is scheduled to examine the main accused Brajesh Thakur's medical report. The court's directive came on 6 November after Thakur's children approached the top court alleging in a letter that their father was being tortured, physically and mentally in jail, by the Superintendent purportedly for money.

'Kedarnath' director asks Uttarakhand government to lift the ban

Kedarnath director Abhishek Kapoor has urged the Uttarakhand government to lift the ban on the movie. "I plead with the Uttarakhand government to please lift the ban on my film. It is an attempt to bring peace, harmony and healing to the people of this country. Please don't deprive us of this opportunity," Kapoor tweeted.

The film, with 2013 flash floods in Kedarnath as the backdrop, was being opposed by right-wing activists from the day its shooting began in the hill state. They alleged that the film hurt Hindu sentiments and promoted the idea of 'Love jihad'.

Nokia 8.1 expected to launch in India today

After its launch in Dubai, the Nokia 8.1 is expected to be launched in India on 10 December at an event in New Delhi. Since the device has been launched already, all the specifications are known and the only detail awaited is the Indian price.

The Nokia 8.1 features a 6.18-inch Full HD Plus display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 710 chipset, Android 9.0 Pie, 4 GB RAM with 64 GB storage and a 3,500 mAh battery.
Yemen: talks in Sweden focus on ceasefire in Hudaydah Peace negotiations to continue through Thursday

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, DECEMBER 10 - The fifth day of inter-Yemeni UN-mediated peace talks are underway in Sweden between Houthi rebels and pro-government forces backed by Saudi Arabia, where discussions are currently focusing on a ceasefire in the port city of Hudaydah on the Red Sea.



The news came from sources close to the talks, cited by Lebanese broadcaster Mayadin, which is close to Iran and the Houthis, as well as Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya.



Sources said the atmosphere at the talks, which will continue through Thursday, is "constructive", and that the delegations are "seriously" committed to finding compromises.



On Monday morning, UN envoy Martin Griffiths presented a proposal to reach a ceasefire in Hudaydah, the port city on the Red Sea currently in the hands of the Houthis and under siege by pro-government forces.



Another topic on the table for discussion Monday is the southern city of Taiz, controlled by pro-government forces but under attack by the Houthis.(ANSAmed).




The exclusive details about the project accessed by Firstpost indicate that this was marred by policy paralysis during the UPA regime and continued even when NDA took over in May 2014.

New Delhi: The government's ambitious optical fibre network for defence services billed as exclusive dedicated alternate communication network is plagued by delays despite ramping up spending by state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and execution involving multi-national vendors. The proposal was first approved in December 2009 but faced hiccups at various stages with the government confirming that the project was facing time and cost overrun, which literally means spending will be higher than originally envisaged and putting the already-delayed system further behind.

The project was scheduled to be completed by July 2015. Documents reviewed by the Firstpost reveals that the Defence Services, prior to 2002, had released 60+60 MHz of spectrum without asking for any alternate network to migrate its own applications.

In 2009, in pursuance of the recommendations of Empower Group of Ministers' panel, the Ministry of Defence signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoC&IT), which laid a roadmap for the vacation of spectrum amounting to 65 MHz in the 1700-2000 MHz sub band. Three offers were made by the MoC&IT in lieu of the spectrum. First was provisioning of an exclusive and dedicated Optical Fibre Network by MoC&IT to facilitate migration of existing defence systems, promulgation of an exclusive Defence Band (DB) and Defence Interest Zone (DIZ) and thirdly waiver of spectrum charges for defence usage.

The project being implemented by BSNL has been divided into several components but since the beginning, it hit the roadblocks as the initial tender that was issued in November 2012 was cancelled in February 2013. Now, they have moved forward and awarded the tenders to vendors and placed the purchase order. Though the cost has gone up due to time overrun, it is expected to be completed soon," a government official said.

A detailed questionnaire sent to BSNLs chairman and managing director Anupam Shrivastava did not elicit any response.

The exclusive details about the project accessed by Firstpost indicate that this was marred by policy paralysis during the UPA regime and continued even when NDA took over in May 2014. It is surprising that almost a decade after files were put in motion, the project hasnt been completed yet.

To meet the aspiration of Telecom Sector, Defence Services had agreed in 2009 to release a total of 65 MHz (40 MHz in 2G band and 25 MHz in 3G band) in the 1700-2000 MHz sub band. The telecommunication systems of Defence Forces working in the 2G and 3G band were required to be shifted on wired/ OFC medium. MoC&IT agreed to provide a nationwide backbone communication infrastructure called Project Network for Spectrum (NFS) for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) in lieu of the 2G and 3G spectrum being vacated by the Defence Services. A MoU was signed between Ministry of Defence and MoC&IT on 22 May 2009 for vacation of spectrum. The timelines for vacation of spectrum by defence services were linked with the implementation of Project NFS, documents revealed.

Subsequently, the documents said, Project NFS costing Rs 13,334 crore has been approved by the Cabinet in August 2012 with the deadline to complete by July 2015.

Salient features of the project  the optical fibre network to cover 412 military stations. It involves laying of 60,000 KM of optical fibre cables. The network to have four components- the backbone of the core network, the army access network, navy access network, the air force network, documents said.

In its outcome budget for 2016-17, the MoC&IT had given another deadline of September 2017 while cautiously suggesting that the completion depends on the purchase orders placed by BSNL.

"The whole project has been divided in 9 components. Purchase Orders (POs) for OFC component have been placed. BSNL is in process of placing of placing POs for other components. The likely date of completion of the project shall be known once all the POs are placed by BSNL. The project cost shall also depend upon the L1 (lowest) rates of various tenders vis-a-vis the estimated costs. It has been decided by Department of Telecom that the case for approval of revised time schedule and revised cost shall be submitted to the competent authority once prices are discovered on placement of POs by BSNL," it said.

Interestingly, the services had earlier raised the concerns over BSNL bandwidth indicating that portion of NFS of Air Force Access Network was not functioning satisfactorily. Documents said: The network is currently running on the BSNL hired bandwidth. However, it has been experienced that the reliability of links on hired BSNL media is a major concern, due to which Air Force has not been able to migrate their critical air defence communication components on non-radiating media.

It is pertinent to mention that prior to the spurt in commercial utilisation of spectrum for cellular networks, defence forces were the major users of entire electromagnetic spectrum. With the increase in demand of spectrum for commercial use, the necessity arose to clearly delineate the spectrum for defence to ensure the interference-free performance of defence wireless system.

In accordance with international best practices, the idea of having an exclusive defence band was mooted in 2006. The basic purpose of creating DB was to ensure that the defence spectrum requirements remain confined to exclusive portions of the spectrum, thus paving way for commercial wireless applications, which was need of the hour.
Each side will send 100 troops to take part in the 7th India and China joint military exercises - 'Hand in Hand' - which will focus on counter-terrorism operations, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Col Ren Guoqiang said last month.

Beijing: India and China will resume their joint military drills after a one-year gap on Tuesday in the southwest Chinese city of Chengdu to improve capabilities in fighting terrorism and promote mutual understanding, officials said on Sunday. The opening ceremony of the drills will be held on 11 December, they said.

Each side will send 100 troops to take part in the 7th India and China joint military exercises - 'Hand in Hand' - which will focus on counter-terrorism operations, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Col Ren Guoqiang said last month.

The exercises will be held after a gap of one year as both the sides were locked in a 73-day standoff in Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border in 2017. The strained relations between the two sides later improved resulting in an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Chinese city of Wuhan in April this year.

"The drill will promote understanding between the two militaries and improving their capabilities in fighting terrorism," Col Ren said. The exercises, which will conclude on 23 December, will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training, he said, adding that true to its name 'Hand in Hand', China and Indian militaries should also work hand in hand for the benefit of people in both the nation.

Top leaders from both the countries met on November 24 at the 21st India-China border talks held at Dujiangyan near Chengdu in southwestern Sichuan province. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who are the designated Special Representatives, took part in the talks. They called for intensifying efforts to find a solution to the vexed border dispute.

Earlier at the 9th Defence dialogue held in Beijing on 13 November between Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and Lt Gen Shao Yuanming, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of Central Military Commission, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, military ties, border control as well as regional and international issues.
The Kannur International Airport opened on Sunday making Kerala the first state in the country to have four international airports. Pinarayi Vijayan flagged off the inaugural Air India Express flight, carrying 186 passengers to Abu Dhabi, at the airport near Mattannur town on Sunday morning.

Kannur: The Kannur International Airport opened on Sunday making Kerala the first state in the country to have four international airports. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan jointly flagged off the inaugural Air India Express flight, carrying 186 passengers to Abu Dhabi, at the airport near Mattannur town on Sunday morning.

With the commissioning of the airport, the state has become the first in the country to have four international airports, with Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode being the other three.

The airport depicts not only cultural traditions of Malabar and Kannur, but also of Kodagu in neighbouring Karnataka. Virajpet in Kodagu is just only 58-km away from the airport, while district headquarters Madikeri is around 90-km away.

Mural paintings depicting the heritage of Malabar and Indian dance forms, including Theyyam of north Kerala, Kathakali and Yakshagana, the traditional theatre art form of Karnataka, are among the art works that catch attention at the airport.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Prabhu said the commissioning of the greenfield airport was expected to pave way for the state's overall development and prosperity, especially the northern region.

The Kannur airport, built on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, will become a new benchmark of how airports will be constructed in the country. The airport will help the non-resident Keralites (NRKs), especially in the Gulf region, besides boosting tourism and exports, which will result in several job opportunities, Prabhu said.

"The minister also wanted the airport to use green power as it would result in economic savings. India already has about 100 airports and, in 10-15 years, another 100 would be added, he said.

"The Centre is also preparing an integrated logistics plan to fast-track movement of goods and cut transactions cost of business and we are actively working with Kerala government on this," Prabhu, who is also the commerce and industries minister, added.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed the support of the minister in fulfilling the state's dream project.

Vijayan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response was also positive when he had met him as part of bringing foreign carriers to the airport.

"The effective interventions of everyone has helped the airport become a reality now," he said, adding that Kannur was the second airport in which the state government has a stake.

Vijayan also remembered various personalities, including late CPM veteran and former state chief minister, EK Nayanar, and late industrialist Krishnan Nair, who had contributed in making the Kannur airport project a reality in various phases.

The Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have boycotted the function. The UDF is miffed as former chief minister Oommen Chandy was not invited.

Various state ministers and NRI businessman MA Yousuf Ali were among those who attended the event.
A lawyer who had filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court against the new legislation providing reservation to Maratha community in Maharashtra was attacked outside the court premises on Monday.

Mumbai: A lawyer who had filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court against the new legislation providing reservation to Maratha community in Maharashtra was attacked outside the court premises on Monday, a police official said. The incident took place when the petitioner, Gunratna Sadavarte, was speaking to media outside the high court on the quota issue, he said.

A Maratha community person, who was in the crowd gathered outside the HC, came forward raising the slogan "Ek Maratha Lakh Maratha" in support of the reservation. He lunged at Sadavarte and hit him, the official said.

Policemen and lawyers present at the spot immediately caught hold of the man, identified as Vaijanath Patil from Jalna district, he said. Patil was subsequently detained by the Azad Maidan police, the official said, adding that a probe was underway into the incident.

Last week, a bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice MS Karnik, which was hearing Sadavarte's Public Interest Litigation (PIL), had agreed to grant a detailed hearing on Monday to all pending petitions on the issue.

Sadavarte in his PIL opposed the Maharashtra government's decision to provide 16 percent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions to the Maratha community in the state. The PIL claimed the new law was in violation of the Supreme Court's previous orders mandating that caste and community-based reservation in states should not exceed 50 percent.

Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao had last week approved and signed the Maratha Reservation Bill after the state Assembly unanimously passed it.
A UK Court refused to buy the argument that the Indian judiciary is corrupt while clearing extradition of former liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India, who is wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore

New Delhi: A UK Court today refused to buy the argument that the Indian judiciary is corrupt while clearing extradition of former liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India, who is wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore.

Brushing aside the witness statement given by Martin Lau, professor of law at the School of Oriental and African Studies, who was deposed on behalf of Mallya as an expert on South Asian law, Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot observed: "I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do. As I have already said, the court will be under great scrutiny. I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt. The most the Professor could do was give me a handful of individual examples where the process appeared to be defective in one way or another. Such defective processes came to light and were corrected by the senior courts."

Mallya's defence team tried to raise questions over not only the Indian judiciary but also the premier investigating agency probing his case. The defence team raised the issue of political interference and questioned the competency of the agency by raising the Arushi Talwar murder case.

(Clare) Montgomery and (Ben) Watson (Mallya's defence team) submitted (that) it is particularly vulnerable to abuse given the CBIs lack of independence. They rely on the evidence of Professor Lau that in the CBI court, the CBI framed parents for a murder they did not commit.... The CBI was said to have failed to disclose exculpatory material, deliberately mislead experts and tutored a witness. The CBI court was not able to protect the defendants in that case.

Judge Emma, in the judgment, said that defence witness professor Lau questioned the independence of the judiciary.

The defence relies too on the evidence of professor Lau that the Supreme Court had given preferential treatment to the creditor banks in this case which made it appear less neutral and impartial. The Professor explained that the Supreme Court was heavily burdened but that the case against the RP and others proceeded at pace. The professor (Lau) said he had the highest respect for the court but had some doubts about the patterns of its decisions in (the) favour of the government. The professor made it clear that he was not saying it was a corrupt institution. It was just that judge nearing retirement lean in (the) favour of the government in the hope of later jobs."

The order further said that the professor was specifically asked about his criticism of the Supreme Court of India. "He said he still stood by his evidence that the proceedings in that court were quite fast in the light of other delays, although he accepted that the GOI had had no knowledge of the petition presented by the banks. The professor was taken through the chronology of the civil proceedings taken against Mallya by the banks. The professor maintained that the proceedings were taken 'rather swiftly' but accepted the Supreme Court was not a corrupt institution," it said.

Professor Lau also criticised the Supreme Court of India for dealing with the civil case against Mallya too quickly. "I found this is not a relevant criticism as it was clear that the proceedings were an ex parte application for an interim injunction. The professor made it clear that he had the highest respect for the Indian Supreme Court.... There was no evidence which allowed me to find that if extradited, Mallya was at real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice," the UK Court said in the judgment.

Besides, Lau, Professor Lawrence Saez, a political-economic scientist was also presented as a witness by Mallya's legal team. Professor Saez was called to express his views about whether Mallya's prosecution was politically motivated as well as analyse the credentials of the CBI.

The UK court refused to buy the arguments made by professor Saez as well, in which he said that the politicians in India were using the controversy around Mallya to score political points against each other. The professors next suggestion was that the CBI who had investigated the case was susceptible to political interference. He argued there was concern about the lack of independence of the CBI and described the CBI as a caged parrot speaking with its masters voice.

In cross-examination professor Saez agreed that Mallya's political beliefs were not the most significant element with relation to the prosecution that was being brought against him. The professor also accepted that Mallya did not have any relationship with any of the main political parties.

When asked whether he had said that the underlying allegations of fraud were untrue and that the prosecution was being brought about to punish the RP (Mallya) for his political opinions, he said no, but that the RP (Mallya) was a prominent businessman who became a politician. Both parties have used the case for their own political reasons. He said he was not an expert on fraud but on the political system. He was not qualified to say whether the allegations were true or untrue," the Mallya extradition order said.

Judge Emma in the order said that because both the Congress and the BJP are blaming him (Mallya) and others for the state banks' losses that does not mean that he is being prosecuted for his political opinions, even in the wide sense of the word.

The order further said: "By a finding of a prima facie case, I acknowledge that this case is being brought on evidence which may or may not lead to the conviction of the RP (Mallya). There is no sign that this is a false case being mounted against him to assuage CBIs political masters as professor Saez would have it.... I find no evidence to support the contention that the request for VJMs extradition is, in fact, being made for the purpose of prosecuting or punishing him on account of his political opinions. The argument in relation to extraneous considerations fails."
Starting a day after the grand meeting of opposition parties for a possible anti-BJP front and when results of the five assembly elections would be declared, the proceedings are likely to get affected by the change in number in both houses

The Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on Tuesday, assumes significance with a host of important issues likely to be raised by the Centre and opposition parties. This session, which will be the last full-fledged session before the Lok Sabha polls next year, will see discussions on the much-talked about triple talaq ordinance, disbanding of the Medical Council of India as well as debates on a legislation on the Ram temple. It starts a day after the grand meeting of Opposition parties for a possible anti-BJP front and on the day that the results of the five Assembly elections will be declared.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has called an all-party meeting on Tuesday, the first day of Parliament's Winter Session, to build a consensus for the smooth functioning of the Lower House. Another all-party meeting has been called by the Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and the government on Monday in order to achieve a consensus for the smooth conduct of proceedings in the Upper House. The Monsoon Session, that had begun on 18 July and ended on 10 August, saw a no-trust vote in the Lok Sabha and a floor test in the Rajya Sabha over the election of the deputy chairman.

The first day, however, will only see obituaries for former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late parliamentatary affairs minister Ananth Kumar.

According to a report by News18, there are currently 66 bills pending in the Parliament and of these 23 are listed for consideration and passage, and two for withdrawal. It also states that as many as 20 new bills are listed for introduction, consideration and passage.

Narendra Singh Tomar, who is the new Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, also called for a customary session ahead of the actual proceedings. The Opposition is also likely to flag issues they would want to be discussed in the two Houses such as the Rafale deal, CBI feud, India-Pakistan relations and agrarian crisis, reports News18.

Triple talaq

The triple talaq bill, which has already been passed the Lok Sabha, will have to pass the floor test in the Rajya Sabha. The Union cabinet, in September, had passed an ordinance by which giving instant divorce has been made illegal and void. The offender will attract a jail term of three years. The ordinance states that even though the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 is pending in the Rajya Sabha and despite the Supreme Court has observed that the practice of triple talaq is unconstitutional, the practice still carries on. The official name for the law is the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights of Marriage) Ordinance 2018.

Indian Medical Council (Amendment Ordinance, 2018)

The Union cabinet had in December 2017 cleared the National Commission Bill in a bid to reduce corruption in medical admission and let the government have a say in fee structure in at least 40 percent of private medical colleges. proposed allowing practitioners of alternative medicines, such as homeopathy and ayurveda to practise allopathy after completing a "bridge course". In January, the Bill was sent to the standing committee after several Opposition members demanded it in the Lok Sabha. The Centre took the ordinance route as it failed to get the National Medical Commission Bill passed in the Monsoon Session of Parliament despite it being listed.

Companies (Amendment) Ordinance

Promulgated on 2 November, 2018, this ordinance amends several provisions in the Companies Act, 2013 relating to penalties, commencement of business, disqualification of directorship, among others.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Right to Education Act, 2009 prohibits detention of children till they complete elementary education ie Class 8. The Bill amends this provision to state that a regular examination will be held in Class 5 and Class 8 at the end of every academic year. If a child fails the exam, he will be given additional instruction, and take a re-examination. A Standing Committee report was given in February this year and the bill passed in the Lok Sabha in July.

The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017

Introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad on 18 December, 2017, this Bill seeks to amend the Representation of People Act, 1950 and the Representation of People Act, 1951 to allow for proxy voting and to make certain provisions of the Acts gender-neutral.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016

The Bill defines a transgender person as one who is partly female or male; or a combination of female and male; or neither female nor male. In addition, the persons gender must not match the gender assigned at birth, and includes trans-men, trans-women, persons with intersex variations and gender-queers. The Bill prohibits discrimination against a transgender person in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare. It directs the Central and state governments to provide welfare schemes in these areas.

NRI Voting Bill

The Centre had on 8 December informed the Supreme Court that a bill to amend electoral law to allow NRIs to vote through postal or e-ballots has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is likely to come up in the Rajya Sabha in the Winter Session, reports News18. The petitions have said how 114 countries, including 20 Asian nations, have adopted external voting, which could be held by setting up polling booths at diplomatic missions or through postal, proxy or electronic voting.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2018

This Bill amends the existing act with respect to investigation and prosecution of offences relating to terrorism.
THE SONG OF THE SEA Dawn hadn't yet come to Dhanushkodi, when amidst the rhythmic crashing of the waves, I saw some silhouettes, dark against the dim light, singing aloud as they pulled at what seemed to be a heavy net. Oh Liya, Po Mele (Oh fishermen catch the rope; Keep pulling) Oh Vele (Oh fishermen that is your job) Aa Liya (I have caught the rope) Raja Suta, Palaharam Nalla Irka (The kings snack is good) Oh Liya, Po Mele These were fishermen, engaged in their daily tug of war with the mighty sea. They formed human chains on either end of a long rope, hauling in a net filled with fish, stones, floats and the other junk that got entangled in it. By 7 am the sun was harsher, the sand-covered bodies perspiring freely, and the song even louder.

A SILVER LAND Dhanushkodi, lying just 20 km west of the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram, is a long strip of land at the southern tip of India. Flanked by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, it is one of the most beautiful coastal stretches of India. I first glimpsed Dhanushkodi through the song, Kannathil Mutthamittal, shot exquisitely by filmmaker Mani Ratnam in 2001. On my maiden visit in 2017, Dhanushkodi looked every bit as beautiful. I was welcomed with sights of the deceptively still inkjet-blue seas, and waves crashing on miles of uninhabited shores. It seemed as if Potosis Cerro Rico had been laid out flat in front of me. A silver land! Like Potosi, Dhanushkodi also suffered a terrible past. However, Dhanushkodis conquistador was nature herself.

A JOURNEY OF FAITH TO LAND'S END Dhanushkodi holds religious significance for Hindus. Mythological accounts state that Lord Ram marked this place with the end of his bow to build a bridge (setu) to enter Ravanas Lanka. This gave the place its name: Dhanushkodi, meaning end of the bow. I reached Dhanushkodi in a bumpy tourist van that plied on the marshy terrain along the beach. Now, there is a road that connects to Dhanushkodi, inaugurated in July 2017 by Narendra Modi, which allows tourists to travel to its end point, known as Arichal Munai (Erosion Point), a place that marks the confluence of the sea and the ocean. This is the where pilgrims come to perform the last rites of their loved ones.

THE DARK NIGHT OF 1964 Fishermen call the Bay of Bengal Penn Kadal (the feminine sea), as it is calmer than the choppy Indian Ocean. For six months of the summer, they fish in the Bay of Bengal and for the rest of the year, when the wind changes its course, in the Indian Ocean. The sea is the paramount force dictating any coastal towns lives and here there were two, possibly reflecting the inherent duality of the life of Dhanushkodis residents. They depend on the sea for their livelihood but theyre helpless when the same sea unleashes its fury. And it did just that in 1964. A massive cyclone changed the fate of Dhanushkodi forever. It ripped apart the town, ravaged its school, swept away a train (the Boat Mail Express) and killed nearly 1,800 people.

THE GLORIOUS PAST During the British Raj, Dhanushkodi was a small flourishing town, more developed than its neighbours. It was an important port on the route to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Several ferry services plied between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar in Ceylon, transporting travellers and traders alike. Its strategic location encouraged the British to develop Dhanushkodi with all modern amenities. There was a police station, a church, a railway station, a school and a housing society of over 600 dwellings to provide for people working on ships, operating trains and disbursing services in government offices. However, it was all washed away in the cyclone. A memorial now stands in the sand dunes as a remembrance of the villagers who lost their lives. Sitting beside it, I couldnt help wonder how different Dhanushkodi would have been but for that fateful night.

HAUNTING TALES All thats left now are the stories and everyone has their own. Some have lost their spouses, others their children, while some their limbs and livelihoods. During a recent visit, I spoke with a few of the locals who survived the devastation. Muniyaswami, 66, used to work as a fisherman. He took up a new job but after losing his leg in a boat accident. He now sits beside the vanishing ruins of St. Antony Church in order to protect it from tourists who take away the corals. For the tourists, he recreates the horror of that night by drawing on the sand. In his broken English  interspersed with Tamil  he recounts: Cyclone hit at night around 1 oclock in Bay of Bengal. Later the direction of wind changed and dead bodies were floating in Indian Ocean. We were on the higher ground, so we survived. My family and I walked all night to reach Rameswaram, when the water was almost till my shoulders [sic].

AN ABANDONED TOWN Post-cyclone, Dhanushkodi was declared unfit for human habitation and survivors were rehabilitated to a small town nearby. A motley group of fisher folk later returned to Dhanushkodi and have been living here in thatched roof houses. It is difficult to distance fishermen from the sea. Over the last 54 years that theyve lived here, however, nothing much has changed. There is neither electricity, nor piped water, hospitals or any other amenities.

A LIFE ON THE MARGINS The villagers live a simple life  with just a handful of utensils and fishing equipment  but it is by no means an easy one. For sweet water (for drinking and other domestic purposes), they must dig a pit at least 4 feet deep, removing the sand with their hands. Carrying the water home entails a long trek. The women of Dhanushkodi bathe in the open, near these pits. These wells go saline within a week, so the villagers are constantly on the lookout for new sources of water. Twenty nine-year-old Mari says plaintively, We have been abandoned; no one comes and asks about how we live here.

WHERE THE SEA BRINGS LIFE  AND DEATH The fishermen risk their lives every day in the unforgiving seas. The Sri Lanka border is only around 18 nautical miles (33 km) away, and their navy has a heavy costal presence in these waters. Dhanushkodis fishermen live in constant fear of being caught, which means losing their boats and their fishing nets  in essence, their livelihood. A local fisherman showed me his inflamed hands and confided that he and his peers often switch off the engines of their boats, fearing the Sri Lankan navy, and row their boats all night to reach home safe.

FOLLOWING TRADITION In Dhanushkodi, the traditional methods of fishing still hold sway. The fishermen venture out into the sea at night and haul up their nets in the early morning. Without any GPS or wireless devices, they rely on reading the winds, stars and direction of the waves for navigating the seas. The most commonly followed fishing method is olla vella. Palm leaves are tied to a fishing net, so the fish cannot escape. The net is cast close to the shore and then pulled back after 15 minutes. The locals find it cost-effective and safe as they dont need to venture into the deep sea or use big boats. The one thing that has changed over the years? Instead of handmade jute rope and net, the fishermen now buy the Chinese net and plastic ropes available at the market.

A QUIET COURAGE Amudha and Selvi were just two and five years old, respectively, when their father abandoned their family. Years later, their husbands would abandon them too. Amudha says, I am happy living with my children, sister and mother. I dont need a man who comes home drunk and beats me up. Selvi (to the right) went to work alongside her mother when she was just eight. Amudha continued her education until Class Eight, but had to discontinue when their mother got too old to work. Amudha took her mothers place in the fishing line. She and Selvi earn up to a dollar a day for pulling in the nets and selling fish in the market. Theyve worked here for a decade now. Most of the girls in Dhanushkodi quit school by Class Eight as their parents do not allow them to travel to the next town, where the high school is.

A FRAGILE ECO-SYSTEM Dhanushkodi is blessed with rich marine life and biodiversity which needs special attention and conservation. In the month of January, migratory birds like pink flamingos are a common sight. In 2017, large numbers of tourists and biologists poured in, to see the hatching of Olive Ridley turtles by the beach. The sea is also home to varieties of exotic fish, crabs and lobsters which are often snared and exported to different parts of India and the world by the giant fishing companies from neighbouring towns. Karadi, a fisherman, laments about how at least 10 species of fish, known to him, have disappeared over the years due to wrong fishing methods.

AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE Over these 50 years, the villagers have learnt to live in harmony with nature, embracing life in Dhanushkodi with all its sharp edges. However, the apprehension of losing their livelihoods and their meagre shelter is ever-present. One of the local leaders  Parmar (45)  informs that there have been numerous announcements by the authorities, asking residents to vacate Dhanushkodi. He says the administration is now planning to develop the place for tourism as they realise its potential. The increasing influx of tourists, and the resultant urbanisation, would adversely affect Dhanushkodis residents  unless planned properly. Only time will tell if tourism will bring them new opportunities or snatch away their livelihood. Till then, Dhanushkodi will continue its battle  against apathy.

 All photos by Deepti Asthana
Congress and its supporters can barely contain their excitement ahead of the election results. However, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are likely to have a Plan B in place.

We Indians love festivals. In months when there are no religious festivals, we have festivals of elections. The Election Commission has obliged by making polls a prolonged affair of one or two months to fill up the lean months.

When everyone is complaining about slow rate of job creation, elections have created a mega industry of pollsters. The business model of news television revolves around the festival of elections, much like the business models of jewellers and companies manufacturing consumer goods revolve around Diwali, Durga Puja and Onam.

Channels start with pre-election opinion polls. Then move on to mood of the nation surveys. After that come exit polls. This is followed by extrapolation of exit poll results to predict the outcome of future national elections.

In this extended celebration of democracy, it is the interregnum between the exit polls and the final results  the twilight zone as it were  that is most nerve-racking. To beat the suspense, news channels are introducing new innovations. Apart from poll of polls, one channel has started a poll of journalists on what they think would be the seat tally.

Far from being sneak previews, exit polls have gone horribly wrong in the past. But who cares? We have become a nation of political voyeurs. So, we love to indulge in the vicarious excitement of political battles sitting on the ring-side of television sets.

Punting is a risky option. So, with less than twenty-four hours to go for the results, it would be foolhardy to get into the prediction game. However, it might be interesting to observe how people are already taking postures based on their reading of the weather vane.

While some are clearly sharpening knives, others are seen to be polishing spoons. Fortune tellers are preparing for brisk business as spin-masters are getting their spiel ready. Political obituary writers are going through old copy and checking the thesaurus. TV gurus are rehearsing their lines for alternate scenarios.

Congress and its supporters can barely contain their excitement. They have reasons to. This is because several temple-visits later, their prayers are showing signs of fruition. However, at the same time, they are unable to hide their arrogance. Perhaps, they are not trying very hard either.

This was evident in the press conference of one of Congress senior leaders cautioning bureaucrats of the transient nature of political masters and signalling an imminent change. The message seems to be  prime ministers may come and prime ministers may go, but the Congress will be there forever.

This confidence is echoed by other leaders and spokespersons, who are linking every action and statement of the government and BJP with the fear of impending defeat in the state elections. There is a visible change in the body language of Congress panelists on TV. Rahul Gandhis tweets mocking the prime minister have become cheekier.

Of course, Kamal Nath has jumped the gun and declared victory. He has even named prospective ministers congratulating them on party banners and bill boards. Whether it is bravado or premature celebrations, we shall only know tomorrow. However, one does hope Congress will not do a Siddaramaiah on Nath after the results.

More nuanced is the subtle shift among certain media outlets that were unabashedly pro-BJP until 7 December. They seem to have pressed the reset button all of a sudden. This can be sensed in the tone and tenor of questioning BJP representatives coming on their channel. Also not to be missed are the free passes being given to Congress for full toss deliveries that would have earlier been hit for a six during in prime time debates.

'Mr 36 used military as personal asset': Rahul Gandhi takes dig at Modi for politicising surgical strikes READ: https://t.co/GT96OxqsOq pic.twitter.com/bEuWf5O9Fq  TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 9, 2018

Another well known anchor tweeted that Amit Shah "came out of hiding to address a press conference. No one would have expected such a comment from him even a couple of days back.

Amit shah comes out of his hiding, addresses a press conference  bhupendra chaubey (@bhupendrachaube) July 25, 2010

The Opposition had planned a meeting for the formation of a mahagathbandhan on 10 December. This meeting was planned even before the results of the exit polls were aired. Whether they had any prior inkling of the possible outcome is difficult to tell. However, there certainly is palpable excitement among the visiting stalwarts from the south of the Vindhyas.

Meanwhile, some sitting on the edge  like the RLSP's Upendra Kushwaha  have started jumping off the NDA ship. The scenario is beginning to look similar to that in 1977, when politicians and parties buried hatchets to align against the Congress and Indira Gandhi.

The BJP has shown remarkable restraint. Though detractors might say they have much to be quiet about, it would be naive to think that Amit Shah and Narendra Modi do not have a Plan B in place.

BJPs ardent supporters were hoping against hope that the Modi magic will once again carry the day for party. However, Shah and Modi are too seasoned and sharp not to have read the writings on the wall. After Gujarat and Karnataka, they would have surely realised that an election strategy dependent heavily on Modis charisma was beginning to yield diminishing returns.

In Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, it was clear long ago that the bacteria of anti-incumbency were beginning to develop resistance to the generic Modi brand of antibiotics. Ideally, therefore, Modi and Shah would have liked to take these state Assemblies for polls along with the Lok Sabha. Apart from the technical difficulties of holding simultaneous elections, the political situation would not have allowed the Modi-Shah duo to advance the Lok Sabha polls.

So, even if this was not their most preferred option, Modi and Shah would not have gone to the battle of the states without a strategy that takes into account all possible scenarios. There is a lot at stake for the two of them both vis-a-vis the opposition and also within their own party and the NDA coalition partners  both present and prospective.

Come tomorrow morning, we shall be drowned in a deluge of post-truths and pre-truths analyses. But, even the sharpest political commentator may not like to speculate on what is in the minds of Modi and Shah.

So, no matter which way tomorrows verdict goes, be prepared to be surprised at every turn in the next four months running up to the 2019 elections.

One such shocker has come in the form of the resignation of Urjit Patel from his post as the Reserve Bank of India governor. Though it may be entirely unrelated to the political developments and may have been in the works for some time, commentators would be quick to link it to the change of season in Delhi.

We are entering into an interesting phase. The festive season has just begun.
If Congress wins the Assembly elections 2018 in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, then Rahul Gandhi will have to balance the utility of seasoned politicians at the Centre as well young faces to flaunt in 2019 and the need for efficient administrators in the states

It won't be easy for Congress president Rahul Gandhi to pick the chief minister in the three north Indian states where the party, according to exit polls, may emerge as the winner.

The exit polls suggest a clear victory for the Congress in Rajasthan and a neck and neck fight with incumbent BJP in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. If Congress wins, then Rahul will have to balance the utility of seasoned politicians at the Centre as well young faces to flaunt in 2019 and the need for efficient administrators in the states.

Given their political stature, a couple of chief ministerial possibilities may actually give way to dark horses.

Here's a look at the possible chief ministerial candidates in the three states:

Rajasthan

The exit polls have given a clear indication of the Congress party winning the 2018 Assembly polls in the state, with a majority.

Ashok Gehlot, 67, a two-term chief minister in the past, is currently the national general secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC). A five-time Lok Sabha member, Gehlot represents the Sardarpur Assembly constituency in Jodhpur. Prior to this Gehlot had been a minister at the Centre and also served as Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president. Known for his organisational skills, Gehlot was in-charge of the Gujarat Assembly Election in 2017. Given his experiences in the state as a chief minister, hes a time-tested candidate and has a strong appeal across political parties in Rajasthan and people want to see him as the chief minister.

Sachin Pilot, 41, represents the young brigade of promising and emerging leaders in Congress. Son of former Congress leader Rajesh Pilot, currently hes the Rajasthan Congress chief. A two-term MP, Sachin has served as a minister at the Centre during the UPA regime as well.

As Rahul needs fresh faces at the Centre, Gehlot could be the dark horse to give potency to the new Congress-led government, if it wins.

Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is another BJP-ruled state with 15 years of Raman Singh government, where the Congress is pinning a lot of hopes and it has several leaders vying for the post of chief minister.

Tribhuvaneshwar Saran Singh Deo, 66, popularly known as TS Baba across the state, is the Leader of Opposition in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly and represents Ambikapur constituency. A scion of the famous Surguja princely state and son of the former chief secretary of undivided Madhya Pradesh, MS Singh Deo, TS Baba exercises a strong influence and popularity in Surguja district, which attests to the fact that out of eight Assembly seats, Congress had won seven in the last election. Hes suave and articulate and an internal survey has given 24 percent votes to TS Baba.

Bhupesh Baghel, 57, an MLA from Patan, was the deputy Leader of Opposition in Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha. A backward-class leader, Baghel has served as a minister in both Digvijaya Singh and Ajit Jogi cabinets, respectively in undivided MP and Chhattisgarh. Active in social reform works, Baghel toured the state on foot and tried to revive the Congress at the organisational level. He actively campaigned across Chhattisgarh during this election. However, according to insiders, his leadership style is not acceptable to many workers in the faction-ridden party in the state.

Tamradhwaj Sahu, 69, is a Lok Sabha MP from Durg. An agriculturist by profession, Sahu had been a minister in the Ajit Jogi government (2000-2003). He is a member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal and Steel, and the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. He also had been a president of Sahu community, which has a sizeable presence in Chhattisgarh among OBCs.

Charandas Mahant, 63, is another OBC leader, who was a minister in the Digvijaya Singh cabinet between 1993 and 1998, and later became a Minister of State in the Manmohan Singh government. Son of a former minister in Madhya Pradesh government and highly qualified, Mahant is a three-term Lok Sabha member from Korba and served as a member in various committees of the Parliament. He was made PCC president in 2008, but the party lost the election under his leadership.

Being an influential leader of the backward Sahu community and known as Man Friday for Rahul Gandhi, Sahu may emerge as the dark horse in the race for chief minister.

Madhya Pradesh

The exit poll results show a neck and neck fight between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh. While this election has proved to be the toughest for incumbent chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, its equally crucial for the Congress, which has been out of power in the state since 2003. To win Madhya Pradesh, the Congress party, armed with a robust strategy, has given a united fight unlike in the past. It has two strong contenders for the post of chief minister.

Kamal Nath, 72, is one of the longest-serving and most senior members of the Lok Sabha. He has been elected nine times as an MP from Chhindwara constituency and has served as a cabinet minister at the Centre in successive Congress governments. Said to be close to the Nehru-Gandhi family, Nath has a strong national recall and a strong voice at the World Economic Forum. Currently, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief, Nath is considered more accommodative and enjoys the support of former chief minister Digvijaya Singh.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, 47, represents the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. He is the son of former Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia, and a Lok Sabha member from Guna. Scindia, whos professionally qualified and represents the young brigade of promising Congress leaders in the state, had been a central minister during the UPA government. As head of the campaign committee in Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, Scindia campaigned in 115 constituencies, while connecting the workers and voters at the grassroots level.

Kantilal Bhuria, 68, a five-term Lok Sabha member and a tribal leader, exercises a strong influence among tribal voters in the state. He was made a cabinet minister in the UPA government. In this Assembly election, he managed to get tickets for his son and niece, which speaks of his influence within the central leadership of Congress. Bhuria belongs to the tribal district Jhabua.

Last but not the least, Arun Yadav, 44, is the son of former deputy chief minister Subhash Yadav in the Digvijaya Singh government in Madhya Pradesh. He had been the president of Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, a member of Public Accounts Committee and also a minister of state in the UPA-I government. In this election, Arun was made to contest against chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Budhni.

The selection of a chief minister in Madhya Pradesh, if Congress wins, is going to be a tough job for the party leadership. Though the names of Nath and Scindia are doing the rounds, the party needs an experienced leader like Nath at the Centre especially for his strong networking skills and efficient floor management in the Parliament. But the party equally requires a strong and experienced leader in the state as a chief minister. Simultaneously, Rahul also needs young and emerging leaders like Scindia at the Centre ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election. If Congress wins Madhya Pradesh, it would be back to power after a gap of 15 years.

So, who would be the dark horse in Madhya Pradesh?

This is the Congress' best chance to make or break. The party didnt announce any leader as a chief ministerial nominee to avoid any infighting and provide fodder to factionalism. It was part of the Congress high command strategy. If Congress wins, the final decision to appoint chief ministers in these three states will be taken by Rahul Gandhi.
To be anchored Naghma Sahar and Rupali Tewari, the live broadcast will start at 7 am on Tuesday (11 December) and continue till 3 pm.

The counting of votes in the recently-concluded Assembly polls in the five states of  Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram  which are scheduled for Tuesday, is almost upon us. The results of the Assembly polls in these five states could draw the new battle lines between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government and the Opposition parties that are trying to come under one umbrella ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

To discuss about various permutations and combinations and the prospects ahead for the political parties a galaxy of panellists comprising of senior editors and invited experts will assemble on the Firstpost floor including Praveen Swami, Pragya Singh, BV Rao, Sanjay Kaul, Ajay Singh, Sandip Ghose, Advaita Kala, Rashid Kidwai, Sandipan Sharma, Sanjay Singh, Sreemoy Talukdar and Sumit Pande.

To be anchored by Naghma Sahar and Rupali Mehra, the live broadcast will start at 8 am on Tuesday (11 December) and continue till 3 pm.

While the votes will be counted on 11 December, exit polls conducted by various media outlets and survey agencies have predicted the Congress party's return in Rajasthan and a clean sweep for the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana. The polls have also given the Congress an edge over the BJP in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in fiercely-contested battles.

The surveys predicted that Mizoram, the only northeastern state now with the Congress, may see a hung Assembly with the Mizo National Front (MNF) holding the edge.

A favourable outcome for the Congress will establish the political stature of its president, Rahul Gandhi, among the opposition parties. Otherwise, the Congress will have no option but to lay down its weapons before the regional satraps in the Lok Sabha elections.

If the BJP fails to continue its winning streak, as the exit polls indicate, it will be a major blow for the ruling party ahead of the general elections. An aggressive BJP will have to be on the defensive vis-a-vis its allies. In such a situation, the allies may put pressure on the BJP on seat-sharing.

"The results of these elections will have a great impact on national politics. If the Congress wins at least two of the big states, the anti-BJP political parties are bound to come under Congress and will also strengthen Rahul Gandhi's acceptability among the opposition parties," said senior political analyst Abhay Dubey.

The coming months would be crucial for the opposition parties and would see their coming together to counter the BJP. Both the BJP and the Congress know that the election results would also pave the way for a realignment of alliance politics in the future.

The difficulty for the BJP is that it rules three of the five states whereas the Congress has no choice but to ensure positive results.

The Assembly election in the five states is the last hope for the Congress after keeping the BJP out of power in Karnataka by handing over the reins to the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) after the Assembly elections earlier this year.

Will KRS retain Telangana?

The fate of 1,821 candidates contesting the Telangana Assembly election will be decided on Tuesday when the counting of votes will be taken up.

The maiden polls for the 119-seat Telangana Assembly were held on 7 December with a voter turnout of 73.20 percent.

Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said necessary arrangements have been made for the counting day and the strongrooms, where EVMs are kept, secured with central paramilitary forces providing "first cordon of security."

One of the strongroom keys is kept with the external observer and as a precaution, political parties are also keeping a watch, he said.

The counting will begin at 8 am.

"EVMs will be brought out polling station-wise and kept at the counting centres which will have 14 tables (except in Medchal which will have 28). And counting will go on. This will be done after the completion of the full postal ballot count. Counting will be done in the respective constituencies," said Kumar.

"The winning candidate will be declared and certificate will be prepared after obtaining clearance from the Election Commission. With the approval of the ECI, the Chief Electoral Officer, will submit the list of winning candidates party-wise to the governor," he added.

Though some exit polls indicate a clear edge to K Chandrashekar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi, the "Praja Kutami" alliance of Congress, Telugu Desam Party, CPI and Kodandaram-led Telangana Jana Samithi, appears confident of forming the government in the country's youngest state, separated from Andhra Pradesh in June 2014.

"We will win 100 seats," Rao said repeatedly in campaign meetings.

Rahul Gandhi had said the alliance led by his party is confident of winning the election "hands-down" and claimed Rao was showing "signs of nervousness and insecurity" in meetings he addressed as the campaign winded down.

Predicting a fractured poll mandate in Telangana, the BJP claimed on Sunday it would play a "vital role" in the formation of the government in the southern state.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi Friday exuded confidence that his party would be successful in the Telangana assembly election.

The party has fielded candidates in eight assembly segments in Hyderabad and is supporting TRS in other segments.

Vasundhara Raje seeks a third term in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, the voting was held on 7 December for 199 Assembly seats out of the 200, a key state which the BJP is fighting to retain. The voting took place in all the 51,687 booths set up across the state.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje (Jhalrapatan), Congress state president Sachin Pilot (Tonk), former chief minister Ashok Gehlot (Sardarpura) are among the 2,274 candidates whose fate would be decided on Tuesday.

The election in Ramgarh constituency of Alwar district was put off following the death of Bahujan Samaj Party candidate Laxman Singh. In about 130 constituencies, the contest occurred directly between the BJP and the Congress.

Rajasthan recorded a turnout of 74.21 percent in the Assembly election, around 1.02 percentage point less than a turnout of 75.23 per cent in 2013.

The polling percentage of female voters was higher (74.66) as compared to male voters (73.80), according to the final-voter turnout released by the Election Commission. The state has a total of 4.74-crore electorate, that included 2.47 crore males and 2.27 crore females.

Pokaran constituency in Jaisalmer district recorded the highest turnout of 87.47 percent, whereas the lowest turnout was in Marwar Junction seat of Pali district.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan battles anti-incumbency in Madhya Pradesh

Over 75 percent of voters in Madhya Pradesh on 28 November in the Assembly election where the incumbent government is seeking a straight fourth term in office.

Around 75 percent polling was recorded till 6 pm in Madhya Pradesh's 227 Assembly constituencies against 72.13 percent recorded in 2013 assembly polls, Election Commission officials had said in New Delhi.

In the state's remaining three Maoist-affected constituencies of Balaghat district's Baihar, Lanji and Paraswada, polling was recorded at 78 percent, 79.07 percent and 80.06 percent respectively. The polling in these three constituencies began at 7 am and finished at 3 pm.

Congress braves Mizo National Front challenge

The voting percentage in the election to the 40-member Mizoram state legislative Assembly held on 28 November stood at an impressive 80.15 percent. The voting percentage was estimated at 80.15 percent.

The voters' turnout was recorded at 81 percent in the last election in Mizoram in November 2013.

Polling by 7.7 lakh electorate in 1,164 polling stations across the state and 15 temporary polling stations specially erected for the Bru voters in Mizoram-Tripura border Kanhmun village in Mamit district was completely peaceful without any law and order problem reported from anywhere.

The poll turnout at the 15 temporary polling stations was 56.46 percent. The electorate sealed the fates of 209 candidates, including 15 women, belonging to the ruling Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), BJP, NPP, NCP, Peoples Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM), unregistered Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM) and Zoramthar. Result of the state poll will be declared on December 11 along with those of the four other election-bound states. The counting on 11 December will decide if the Congress remains or goes out of pwer in the state.

Counting to two-phase Chhattisgarh polls on Tuesday

The second and final phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly election 2018 on 20 November saw a voter turnout of 71.93 percent, amid EVMs malfunctioning and missing names from voters' lists.

Polling began on a slow note in several constituencies because of the technical snag, but it picked up pace later. Jashpur saw 51.2 percent polling, Kunkuri recorded 50.1 percent, Pathalgaon 50.8 percent, Kurud 49 percent and Bharatpur-Sonhat, 47.82 percent.

Around 1.5 lakh security personnel were deployed across Chhattisgarh to ensure peaceful polling. The second phase of the election was held in 19 districts, including the Naxal-affected districts of Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Kabirdham, Jashpur and Balrampur.

The first phase of the polls on 12 November, held in 18 seats across eight Naxal-affected districts, had recorded a voter turnout of 76.28 percent. The votes will be counted on 11 December.

With inputs from PTI and IANS
The Assemble election results might indicate what may happen in the five states in 2019 but will have no predictive value beyond that.

As the curtains come down on the bitterly contested Assembly elections in five sates, we are treated to some aggressive political jargon from analysts trying to sum up the results in pithy one-liners and tweet-sized punches. However, this time the word in vogue to sum up the tedious polling exercise seems to be 'semi-final', indicating that perhaps the voting patterns in Assembly election are a precursor to the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. The generic tone of political commentary pieces is that the five state elections will 'set the stage' for the big battle, or how these polls show the voters' mood ahead of 2019 polls.

They do neither of these things, and here's why:

To resort to calling the mandate of roughly 14.86 crore people the trendsetter for how over 85 crore voters will vote is unscientific, inaccurate, and sensationalist. When elections in five of India's 29 states are used to make presumptions about the likely trend in the Lok Sabha polls, we undermine the representativeness of our own democracy. Not to mention that we also run the risk of overlooking the fact that the 2019 result is likely to be not one verdict but 29 distinct voter assertions. Because different states in India have all very distinct political flavours, voter aspirations, and complex set of regional issues, no Assembly election can be dubbed a semi-final for 2019  neither metaphorically, nor literally.

Even by using the term metaphorically, we oversimplify a complex electoral process.

But even if to assert how ludicrous the idea is, examining the most widely accepted usage of the term 'semi-final' shows how different the nature of state polls is to the Lok Sabha elections. Semi-final is usually the penultimate match in a sporting event, which rules out all other contestants in the fray and the last round is a straight fight between the two emerging leaders.

In elections, especially when neither the BJP nor the Congress are likely to get an absolute majority, it is hardly going to be a straight fight between the two national parties. In fact, many analysts are ascribing double the significance to regional satraps in 2019, than they ever did in previous elections.

The only way these polls are likely to affect the general election is by redefining the terms of negotiations for an alliance in 2019. Favourable results might give smaller parties a better negotiating space for an alliance with either NDA or UPA, both of whom will be forced to take their allies more seriously.

Besides, even though psephologists have argued that despondency with electoral choices in recent past may affect a voter's choice in the near future, surveys published as late as in August predicted that Congress might win Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh (currently ruled by BJP) voters preferred Narendra Modi as the prime minister in 2019.

Retrospective analysis of state govts versus brand Modi

Even if Vasundhara Raje in Rajasthan and Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh fail to lose the deadweight of incumbency, as suggested by most exit poll surveys, it is unlikely to weigh Modi down.

From the issues the Lok Sabha polls are contested on to the mobilisation tropes used by the political parties, the narrative in Assembly polls is usually very different from general elections.

The BJP has the funds, the means, and the strength to drum up a campaign around larger 'national issues' in Lok Sabha polls to deflect attention from the performance of BJP state governments. The Congress too will comply as the 2014 poll campaign was based more an a personality cult than anything else. In 2019, armed with issues like Rafale 'scam', 'failure' of demonitisation, joblessness and the state of economy, Congress will find it much easier to attack brand Modi than ask voters to appraise a state government retrospectively.

For voters, candidates matter more than the party

A survey conducted by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) indicates that for voters, the local candidate is the most decisive factor in Lok Sabha polls, followed by their traditional political leanings. The prime ministerial candidate, voters' caste and/or religion identities, and the 'gifts' offered at the time of polls (if any) are further down in the list of issues people identified with when they chose their representatives in Lok Sabha.

These factors indicate that the state and Lok Sabha polls are clearly de-linked in the minds of voters. And since each party fields candidates on the basis of winnability, the voters in Lok Sabha may or may not vote for the same party that they opted for in state polls.

This partly explains why parties continue to repose faith in influential political turncoats and candidates with criminal backgrounds, as winnability is the most important criteria in winning elections.

Another reason why these state elections can't be dubbed a semi-final for Lok Sabha polls is because the geographical definition of an Assembly constituency is quite different from Lok Sabha seats. None of these states, barring Telangana for which we don't have sufficient data, are an outlier to the above statement. Three of the five states (also those with the most number of Lok Sabha seats) are typical Hindi heartalnd states where the usual complications of the region, strong caste and religious fragmentation, is operative. Now this changes drastically when the boundaries of the constituency are redrawn.

A particular sect or caste dominant in an Assembly constituency may become considerably diluted in a much larger Lok Sabha seat. This not only alters who commands dominance but alters voter behaviour. Most people from minority caste/ community vote for one of the two most winnable candidates irrespective of their own caste/ religious identy, as they wouldn't squander their vote on a candidate that had no chance of winning at all. This might not be the case in state polls where regional sensitivities dictate voter behaviour. A strong Independent or a candidates from a small party may have a fairer chance at winning.

Assembly not semis for LS even if voters replicate behaviour

However, despite all these factors a set of political analysts argue that voters indeed tend to replicate their behaviour from those Assembly elections which are held close to Lok Sabha polls. Even if this argument were to hold true for all future elections, empirical data demands prudence.

In 2003, the BJP swept Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh state polls but still went on to lose the 2004 General Election (although, not in those states). Similarly, evidence exists to the contrary as well. The BJP swept Bihar during the Lok Sabha polls in 2014, but failed to wrest power from Nitish Kumar who was re-elected chief minister for another term the following year.

But even if this behaviour of choosing same party in state and Central polls was replicated this time again, it would still not make Assembly elections the semi-final before 2019. The reason, all these state combined  Chhattisgarh (11), Madhya Pradesh (29), Mizoram (1), Rajasthan (25), Telangana (17)  add up to just 83 seats in the 545-member House.

Therefore, the Assembly election results might indicate what may happen in these states in 2019 but will have no predictive value beyond that. The composition of a 545-member Parliament can never be convincingly predicted based on the outcome of Assembly polls from a handful states, whether or not voter behaviour can be mapped on a model.

History defines that no political party is infallible in time and one victory never guarantees a future win to anyone. Prudence, therefore dictates that we accept and analyse the 11 December results for what they are worth and not make lazy assumptions to second guess who could rule the country in 2019.
Mulayam Singh Yadav, while addressing the gathering, started speaking about the SP rather than the PSPL, embarrasing Shivpal Yadav. 'The SP carries everyone along with it, treats all human beings as equal irrespective of their caste and religion, so make the SP stronger,' he said, leaving Shivpal Yadav nonplussed.

Lucknow: Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) chief Shivpal Singh Yadav hit out at the BJP Sunday, saying the saffron party had "weakened" the country and it wanted to "instigate riots" for political gains in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing the 'Jan Aakrosh Rally' in Lucknow, the first such event by the PSPL after its formation this October, Shivpal Yadav said, "The BJP has weakened the country. We will oust the BJP from power at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh... We want peace and brotherhood, the communal people want to instigate riots."

Adding an element of surprise to the Sunday gathering was the presence of SP patriarch and Shivpal Yadav's elder brother Mulayam Singh Yadav, who attended the rally barely two days after sharing the stage with his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Firozabad.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, while addressing the gathering, started speaking about the SP rather than the PSPL, embarrasing Shivpal Yadav. "The SP carries everyone along with it, treats all human beings as equal irrespective of their caste and religion, so make the SP stronger," he said, leaving Shivpal Yadav nonplussed. Mulayam Singh Yadav stopped referring to the SP only after the PSPL chief nudged him.

The SP founder's younger daughter-in-law, Aparna Yadav, also took everyone by surprise by attending the rally. Continuing with his attack on the ruling party, Shivpal Yadav said, "The then BJP government (in UP) had submitted an affidavit assuring security (of the Babri mosque). But, despite the affidavit, the Babri mosque was demolished. They want to spread the same fire in the country."

"In the Dharam Sabha, which was held in Ayodhya on 25 November, there were efforts to vitiate the atmosphere, and the workers of PSPL came out on the streets so that no riots take place in Ayodhya," the PSPL chief said. "The need is to remove the current government, which is dishonest, useless and false. I and 'netaji' (Mulayam Singh Yadav) are with the Muslims," he said.

Shivpal Yadav said there should not be any temple on the disputed land and added that the Supreme Court order on the matter should not be defied. "If the temple is to be built, then a piece of land can be searched on the banks of the Saryu river. There is no dearth of land for the government," he said. Shivpal Yadav alleged that there is corruption across varied sectors and departments in Uttar Pradesh.

"(Narendra) Modi ji might go on telling about his 56-inch chest, but there isn't any strength in it to combat corruption. Tall promises of the chowkidar of eradicating corruption have been just like a disaster in UP," he alleged. Shivpal, whose speech was punctuated with slogans from the crowd applauding him, assured the gathering that his party will make all efforts to provide jobs to the youth.

On the day Shivpal Yadav floated his new outfit, Mulayam Singh Yadav had visited the PSPL office here and hours later dropped in at the SP headquarters for a chat with son Akhilesh, leaving his party workers guessing where his sympathies lay. Shivpal Yadav had offered his elder brother the mantle of his new outfit, but Mulayam Singh Yadav remained non-committal.

"I have offered the party president's post to 'Netaji' (Mulayam) and a ticket to contest the Lok Sabha election from Mainpuri seat. Our party will carry forward the ideologies of Lohia," Shivpal Yadav had then said. At the PSPL office, Mulayam was also offered the new party's flag by Shivpal Yadav and both of them posed before shutterbugs.

The Yogi Adityanath government recently allotted a sprawling bungalow at Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, vacated by BSP supremo Mayawati on Supreme Court orders, to Shivpal Yadav. The SP workers' confusion began when Prateek Yadav's wife participated in a function organised by Shivpal Yadav and expressed her support for him. She was reported as promising to work towards strengthening the PSPL.

Aparna Yadav, who shared the stage with Shivpal Yadav, had said, "I have always respected chachaji and Netaji (Mulayam)." Earlier too, Mulayam Singh Yadav had made an appearance at a function alongside Shivpal Yadav after he launched his new outfit. In August, Shivpal Yadav had launched 'Samajwadi Secular Morcha' after expressing his disappointment with the Samajwadi Party leadership and a month later, he floated his new party.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said Narendra Modi also told leaders from various parties that the government is willing to discuss all issues.

New Delhi: The government and the Opposition have to cooperate with each other for the smooth functioning of Parliament which is in the public interest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an all-party meet Monday convened ahead of the Winter session.

"He also assured the Opposition that the government was willing to discuss all issues," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said quoting the prime minister at the meeting.

The government is also learnt to have suggested that both the Houses could work late to transact important legislative business and discuss important issues.

Tomar said the prime minister was of the view that both the government and the Opposition have to cooperate in running the House smoothly as it was in the interest of the people.

The minister said Modi also told leaders from various parties that the government is willing to discuss all issues.

The Centre will bring a supplementary demands for grants in the session through which it will seek Parliament nod for more expenditure.

According to leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Opposition made it clear during the meeting that it will press for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to probe the Rafale jet deal and raise several issues, including the "misuse" of probe agencies and autonomy for Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The first interesting thing to note is that Congress leaders have come out in numbers to defend a self-proclaimed private individual who has no apparent links with the party. Is Vadra even a member of Congress?

The Congress is upset. It is upset because a central intelligence agency that probes economic offences and financial misdemeanors dared to conduct raids on farms linked to Rahul Gandhis brother-in-law. In fact, Congress is so furious with the search operations in Delhi and Bengaluru that it released a press statement and held as many as four separate news conferences by senior functionaries on the same issue.

Not just that. It also issued naked threats against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers who are involved in the probe, reminding them that time and election results change and Modi will not be there to save them. Let that sink in for a bit.

The raids were conducted following the third summons issued by the ED to Robert Vadra directing him to appear for questioning before the investigating officer in the Bikaner land deal money-laundering case, where Vadras Sky Light Hospitality is alleged to have fraudulently acquired land in Bikaner meant for rehabilitation of destitute villagers. Vadra had missed the first two summons and, in a Facebook post, had called the summons political witch hunt and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

On Friday, the ED conducted search operations at the offices of some of Vadras close associates at three locations in Delhi and Bengaluru, and the probe agency followed it up on Saturday by raiding the residence of Congress worker Jagdish Sharma  known to be Vadras close aide  and took him to the office for questioning. According to media reports, ED claimed to have collected evidence that the persons being raided had received money in their bank accounts from defence suppliers.

This apparently set the proverbial cat among the pigeons. Modi ji is acting like a Don lording over a criminal empire to persecute & hound everyone opposed to him. In last 54 months, Modi Govt has let loose a criminal conspiracy to vilify, denigrate & malign Shri Robert Vadra to settle political scores, thundered a Congress statement. Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also called the raids on Vadras offices a a brazen affront to the rule of law and to Constitution and linked it to BJPs sure shot defeat in 5 states in a tweet.

Sure shot defeat in 5 States unnerves Modi Govt to again use the old tools - unleash revenge & vendetta against Mr. Robert Vadra to divert the narrative. Such cowardice & intimidation will not subjugate either the Congress Party or the will of people. Satyamev Jayate!  Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 7, 2018

Another Congress spokesperson, Pawan Khera, threatened ED officials with consequences for their actions. "The officers be better warned that Modi will not come to their rescue when law will take its course on their illegal actions."

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a Congress spokesperson and a senior lawyer, also issued a warning to ED officers. In a news conference on Saturday, he said: Seasons change. Politics is also cyclical. The officers heading these agencies should remember that nothing is permanent. They cannot run behave like slaves. The first change will be for all to see on December 11. The second change in season will be witnessed next year."

Finally, Kapil Sibal, seasoned lawyer and a former Union minister, accused the prime minister of using these agencies political vendetta and said: What kind of government is it? If law enforcement agencies start hooliganism then who will question them? If they are supported by the prime minister, who will question them? Where is the law and order in the country?

The first interesting thing to note is that Congress leaders have come out in numbers to defend a self-proclaimed private individual who has no apparent links with the party. Is Vadra even a member of Congress? He is married to another private individual who happens to be the sister of Congress president but has never formally joined politics. So why are Congress spokespersons officially defending a relative of their leader?

The second and more fascinating aspect is the audacious nature of the threat. Consider Singhvis comments Seasons change. Politics is also cyclical The first change will be for all to see on December 11 closely. If the Congress feels emboldened enough to threaten law enforcement officers (who are doing their job) based on just exit poll predictions, one may only speculate what may happen if they actually regain power in some states or manage to unseat the NDA in 2019.

It not only points to a sinister design, but also suggests how Congress may have undermined these public institutions and treated these agencies as cats paw to target its opponents in the past. The bold warnings Modi will not come their rescue are meant to intimidate officers and hamper their investigative work.

It will be misleading to interpret Congresss bluster as misplaced confidence and intimidation tactics, though these are certainly major motivations. The statements are meant to serve a deeper purpose. Pay attention, for instance, to Singhvis comments where he is quoted as saying: the officers heading these agencies should remember that nothing is permanent. They cannot run behave like slaves.

It is not impossible to interpret these words as a tacit encouragement for insubordination within the agencies ranks. If even one officer is inspired to take the advice, the crux of Congresss charge  that Modi is misusing these agencies to target their leader  will become easier to prove. Or should at least be good enough to change the political discourse ahead of the big election. Beyond the anger and hyperbole, lies cold calculation. Congress frequently accuses the BJP of undermining democracy. BJP may be held guilty as charged, but it is evident who are the past masters of this game.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked the BJP government over the issue of jobs and farmers' dues, saying the Modi government considers farmers as a 'liability'. He also claimed that every institution in the country is being attacked.

Mohali: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday attacked the BJP government over the issue of jobs and farmers' dues, saying the Modi government considers farmers as a "liability". He also claimed that every institution in the country is being attacked.

Gandhi was delivering his address after the Associated Journals Limited (AJL) announced the re-launch of Hindi newspaper "Navjivan". A commemorative publication was also released on the occasion. "Main issues are jobs and dues of farmers," he said, adding, "Anger is rising in the country".

Rahul Gandhi, Congress President in Mohali:Each&every institution across country is being attacked&Congress &Opposition is against these attacks. In 2019,we'll stop only after removing BJP govt from Delhi.Jaldi se jaldi BJP aur Modi Ji ke sarkar ko hum Delhi se hatane ja rahe hai pic.twitter.com/2Hd8aQSnfN  ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

"The reason for this is that the Centre is not able to give jobs to youth. And this is the central challenge before Narendra Modi," he said.

"From the land of Punjab, I want to say this, be it the 21st century or the 22nd century, this country cannot move ahead without farmers. Food security and farmers' future, without protecting this community, the country cannot move forward, this is cent percent clear," he asserted.

"For jobs and farmers, Congress governments in states and at national level when our government will be formed, will have to work in a new way, with 21st century's strategy and we can do this easily because we listen to the voice of India's public," he said.

"The Congress is fighting to protect institutions and we will win. We will defeat the BJP in the elections and show them their place. But we will have to go ahead. These two issues  one of jobs and the other one of farmers  will have to be solved," he said. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was among those present on the occasion.
In Madhya Pradesh, the majority mark is 116 for the 230-seat Assembly. According to exit polls, both BJP and Congress are going neck and neck but falling short of a clear majority.

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A day ahead of Madhya Pradesh Assembly poll results, Congress state unit chief Kamal Nath on Monday expressed confidence over winning more than 140 seats.

When asked about the chief ministerial candidate, Nath brushed it aside. He told ANI: "We will win more than 140 seats. Wait till tomorrow, everything will be clear by then."

However, incumbent chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan too had recently expressed confidence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) winning the election.

In Madhya Pradesh, the majority mark is 116 for the 230-seat Assembly. According to exit polls, both BJP and Congress are going neck and neck but falling short of a clear majority.

The state went for voting on 28 November, and the results will be announced on 11 December. As many as 2,899 candidates were in the fray including 250 women and five third gender candidates.

The tenure of the Assembly ends on 7 January, 2019. The BJP has been in power in the state since 2003 and is seeking a fourth straight term.
A day before the announcement of results of the Assembly elections, the Madhya Pradesh chief electoral officer VK Kantha Rao on Monday directed that there will be no webcasting during the counting of votes.

A day before the announcement of results of the Assembly elections, the Madhya Pradesh election commission released a list of guidelines to maintain law and order situation and security on the day of accounting. Chief electoral officer VK Kantha Rao on Monday told state authorities to ensure that there will be no webcasting during the counting of votes. He also said that WiFi will not be used in the counting hall. CCTV cameras are also to be installed in every counting hall, according to reports.

The elections in five states concluded on 7 December, and the results are expected on 11 December. Exit polls have predicted a tight finish between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress in the state.

The move comes a day after a Congress delegation registered a complaint with Madhya Pradesh Election Commission, expressing concern over the security of strong rooms across the state where the Electronic Voting Machines are kept. The party has also claimed that "manipulation" of EVMs was part of a "major conspiracy".

On Thursday, Congress 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.

On 7 December, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had dismissed a plea filed by the Congress alleging EVMs malfunctioning. The court had refused to interfere in the matter, expressing satisfaction with the action by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The court reserved its decision on the plea over the counting of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips along with EVMs.

A Congress party delegation led by senior leaders Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal had also visited the ECI earlier in November, and highlighted the issue of alleged faults in EVMs, particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The delegation had demanded that EVMs be protected in a secure place and counting be done in an impartial and fair manner.

In November, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat had said that the polling process at 14,000 polling booths in Madhya Pradesh would be "webcast". At the end of his two-day tour in the state on 15 November, Rawat had said that the Election Commission had made arrangements to webcast the proceedings.

With inputs from agencies
Shivraj Singh Chouhan has established his image of being one among the masses, and that has worked in his favour so far, but would the dream run continue?

Nobody can be a bigger surveyor than me as I roam on the streets of my state day and night, and I am confident that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) will come back to power in Madhya Pradesh, a self-assured Shivraj Singh Chouhan told reporters after the exit polls on Friday put in doubt his dream of becoming the chief minister for the fourth time.

According to Times Now-CNX, the BJP is set to pick up 126 of the 230 seats on offer, with the Congress and its allies picking up 89, the Bahujan Samaj Party six and others expected to win nine seats. However, the India Today-Axis My India poll shows the BJP picking up 102 to 120 seats, the Congress claiming 104 to 122 seats and others winning between four and 11 seats. Whereas in a further cause of concern for the incumbent party, the Republic-CVoter survey gives BJP between 90 and 106 seats and sees the Congress walk away with between 110 and 126 seats.

While the majority of the exit polls have predicted a hung Assembly in Madhya Pradesh, some have given Congress an edge, but the actual outcome and the fate of Chouhan will only be known on 11 December when the results for the Assembly election in five states including Madhya Pradesh will be announced.

However, at this point, it would be interesting to look at what makes Chouhan so confident of his comeback and throw some light on the highlights of his political career which have helped him retain reign in the second largest state of India for three consecutive years.

If the BJP wins 116 or more seats on Tuesday, Chouhan will only be second next to Sikkims Pawan Kumar Chamling and former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu in serving their states the longest. While Basu had secured a fifth straight term in power but couldnt continue long, Chamling is currently serving his fifth term as the chief minister of Sikkim. However, apart from Chouhan, another BJP chief minister Raman Singh (in the neighbouring Chhattisgarh which was once part of the undivided state of Madhya Pradesh) is also eyeing a fourth straight shot at power but for Chouhan, it is more than just power and prestige at stake. He has till date confidently claimed of knowing the nabz of the voters and if he stares at a defeat here, BJP might have to do some serious thinking before the 2019 general elections.

Early political career and rise of the right-wing ruler

Chouhan, who was born in the Jait village of Madhya Pradeshs Sehore district, participated in the underground movement against Emergency during 1966-67 and was imprisoned in the Bhopal Jail during that period. It was here that his political powress was recognised by senior right-wing leaders and he went on to join the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1977. Thereafter Chouhan was involved with the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morch (BJYM) in various positions.

However, in 1990 Chouhan made his national political debut by being elected to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly from the Budhni constituency and becoming a Member of Parliament (MP) of the 10th Lok Sabha from Vidisha constituency, the following year.

In 1996, Chouhan was re-elected to the Lok Sabha for a second term as an MP from MP. Again in 1998, he was re-elected to 12th Lok Sabha (third term) and his fourth term in the Lok Sabha was from 1999, the year in which he also became the national secretary of BJP.

The BJP swept Madhya Pradesh in the 2003 Assembly elections. At that time, Chouhan had contested polls unsuccessfully against the incumbent chief minister Digvijaya Singh from the Raghogarh seat. However, he was re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha in 2004, with a margin of over 2,60,000 votes.

As the state BJP president, Chouhan was chosen to become the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh on 30 November 2005. He contested a by-election from Budhni, the next year and won the seat by over 36,000 votes.

Thereafter, Chouhan only further strengthened his stronghold and retained his old seat by a margin of 41,000 and with 1,28,730 votes in 2008 and 2013 respectively. He also contested from Vidisha in 2013 and won with 73,783 votes in his favour.

The Hindi heartland hero appeal

When the Madhya Pradesh government gave the Hindustan ka dil dekho tagline to promote tourism in the state, it was also seen as a reflection of projecting the region as not just the heart of India but a big representative of the voter of the Hindi heartland. So for a state as big as Madhya Pradesh, where agriculture is still the primary occupation and the average voter identifies himself as a North Indian from what was once part of the BIMARU states, any party looking to rule here needed a chief ministerial candidate who could appeal to the middle class masses and yet charm his way through the poor and backward classes. Chouhan fit the bill with his familiar family man image and his heroics targeting the downtrodden.

Chouhan led his campaign presenting himself as one among the people and blended perfectly with the aspirations of the people who were looking for a change from the Congress rule under Singh. Assiduously working on his son of the soil image, the low-profile leader identified himself with the socio-economic concerns of farmers, villagers and the aam aadmi, an image which sticks to him till date.

An astute OBC leader who belongs to the Kirar community has established a bhai-bhaiyya rapport with grassroots workers and continues to hold ground due to their loyal support.

Explaining how things worked out in the chief minister's favour, journalist and author Rashid Kidwai said in this article, The biggest strength for Chouhan is that all his schemes are targeted at the poor and the women and these have been implemented well to a certain extent too. But the main plus point is that there is no discrimination or any other hassle involved. The poor across the state get it irrespective of their caste or religion and that is what has won the people over.

According to The New Indian Express' report, there seems to be no resentment against Chouhan, at least in the border areas of Madhya Pradesh. The chief minister has done a lot in last so many years. Whether it is road, power or water, people here are happy with him, a voter from the Shepour district was quoted as saying the report.

Famous schemes of Chouhans govt

Apart from the populist schemes like free laptops and rice at subsidised prices, Chouhan focussed on providing better to women and children and catered specially to the requirement to protect and nurture the girl child, a move which earned him much praise.

The Ladli Lakshmi Yojna: When a girl child is born in Madhya Pradesh, the state buys National Saving Certificates worth Rs 6,000 for her. It then buys certificates for the same amount annually for the next four years and gives back Rs 2,000 to her family when the child reaches Class 6, Rs 4,000 in Class 8, and Rs 7,500 once she clears Class 10. Rs 200 per month is given to the girl on passing Class 11 and Class 12.

Also, after the girl reaches 18 years of age, the parents are free to redeem the funds and if the certificates are redeemed at the time the girl turns 21, then Rs 1,18,000 is paid to the family.

The main objective of this scheme was to prevent female infanticide by financially enabling the parents to provide for the girl child. It also aimed at improving the sex ratio in the state, to discourage child marriage and to ensure that girls go to school. However, it was introduced only for the parents who restrict themselves to two children, thus also encouraging family planning.

The Kanyadan Yojna: The Madhya Pradesh government gives Rs 7,500 for poor families during the time of a girl's wedding.

The Janani Suraksha Yojna: In order to curb maternal mortality rate the Madhya Pradesh government implemented this scheme and provided free transportation facility for institutional deliveries. A pre-delivery assistance scheme was also launched for women of ultimate poor families. Apart from it, various programmes were introduced in Anganwadi centres to take care of the welfare of expectant and nursing mothers and children.

Also, Madhya Pradesh is among the states which have provided 50 percent reservation for women in panchayats and civic bodies and ten percent police posts in the state have been reserved for women.

The half chief minister

However, Chouhan wouldnt have been able to create the perfect family man image had it not been for his wife, Sadhna Singh Chouhan who has not only stood by his side through allegations of scams and corruption thrown by the Opposition but also campaigned for him in almost every election since their marriage in 1992.

Popularly known as bhabhi by the BJP worker in the state, Sadhna is known to be the strength behind the CM and has been ably guiding him on various decisions, which as alleged by the Opposition are also sometimes political in nature.

Thus political analysts have termed her the half chief minister, reporting that top party sources claim for her to be the power behind the throne in Madhya Pradesh. And as a testimony to her political influence, Sadhna campaigned for Chouhan in Budhni this year as well, while he managed the affairs of the rest of the state.

However, ironically, Sadhnas brother, Sanjay Singh Masani, joined the Congress ahead of polls as he was denied ticket by the BJP. It is also important to note that Masanis name had cropped up in the 2007 Vyapam scam, which was cited by some media reports as the reason for his snub by the ruling party.

The scams and the controversies

However, just like any other politician, Chouhans career has not been all about praises and a smooth rise. He has often courted controversies for being charged with corruption, especially after the killer Vyapam scam came to light.

Chouhan who is a gold medalist in MA (Philosophy) from the Barkatulla University in Bhopal, was also accused of alleged corruption in the Public Works Department (PWD) of the state by his principal opponent Singh.

Singh had shot off a letter to Chouhan with 180 pages of photocopied evidence to show how the state PWD manipulated rules in May 2008 to give a privileged contractor's licence to a company owned by Chouhan's brother-in-law Masani. In his letter, Digvijaya accused the chief minister of "misusing his position to sanction government contracts worth crores" to benefit Masani's company Messrs Nilakh Infrastructure Private Limited. He alleged that Masani's company was given licences without requisite experience and the company used fake certificates and documents in its applications. And even though the company had not paid income tax or a professional tax, Chouhan sanctioned public works to the company through which Masani made huge profits.

However, just a few days prior to Singhs allegations, Chouhan had told the state Assembly that he would take 'sanyas' (retirement) from politics if he was proved corrupt.

The Dumper Scam

Chouhans wife Sadhna had allegedly bought four dumpers for Rs 2 crore and later leased them to a cement factory. She was accused of providing a false name and residential address at the time of purchase of the dumpers.

Bhopal-based Congress leader and a lawyer by profession, KK Mishra had alleged that Chouhan after becoming the chief minister in November 2005, doled out favours to an industrial group - Jaypee Associates in Rewa. He had moved court alleging that the chief minister misused his official position and rented out dumper trucks to the said group as quid pro quo for allocation of out-of-the-turn mining leases.

An FIR was registered against Chouhan, his wife, an IAS officer and others in November 2007 regarding the purchase of dumpers. However, the Lokayukta investigated the case and found no irregularities in the purchase and thus filed a closure report.

In January 2018, the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a review petition filed by Mishra, challenging Bhopal district courts judgment that had dismissed his previous petition seeking reinvestigation into the alleged scam. The ground of dismissal of review petition was the absence of sanction in the case.

The Vyapam scam

An audit conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Local Fund Audit office for 2007-08, found a difference of about Rs 4 crore in revenue earned from sales of application forms by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) or 'Vyapam'.

The scam was revealed on 7 July, 2013, when the Indore crime branch busted a gang involved in facilitating the appearance of fake candidates in the Pre-Medical Test (PMT). The High Court took cognisance of the matter and appointed a Special Task Force (STF) but CBI took over the case soon after.

While over 2,000 people were arrested with more than 80 FIRs being filed in the case by the CBI, a large number of people connected to the scam and its investigation, died during the course of the investigation. The opposition parties and activists alleged that several of these deaths happened under suspicious circumstances.

Congresss Digvijay Singh once again targeted Chouhan over the alleged scam and submitted a 15-page affidavit before the SIT, alleging that the investigators were shielding the chief minister. However, Chouhan lashed out at the Opposition in a rare public outburst in which he tweeted aggressively in his defence.

Did thru Vyapam 17 relatives of my wife from Gondiya get selected in parivahan arakshak exam? Not even one. Nor from entire maharashtra.  ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) June 23, 2014

He also threatened to file a defamation case against those spreading malicious rumours about him and his family.

And I am not going to take it kindly. A clear case of defamation this is.They will soon be served notice.  ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) June 23, 2014

But even as 13 of his ministers were linked to corruption scandals, Chouhan's own clean image paid him rich dividends and kept him going despite Oppositions pressure to resign. However, whether or not he will be able to wade through the anti-incumbency wave to establish himself as a leader of the masses, is a question the voters of Madhya Pradesh have already answered.

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Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of destroying various institutions in the country, including the Union Cabinet.

Kolkata: Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Sunday accused the Narendra Modi government of destroying various institutions in the country, including the Union Cabinet. He also said that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had all the traits to make a good prime minister.

Speaking at a talk show, 'Idea of Bengal', organised by the ruling Trinamool Congress, Sinha accused the prime minister of trying to "undermine" the Rajya Sabha during the passage of key bills.

"The Modi government has destroyed various institutions of the country. But the biggest casualty is the Union Cabinet," the former Union minister alleged.

"I am saying this because several important decisions are being taken without informing the Cabinet, be it the Rafale jet deal or demonetisation," added Sinha, who held the finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Parliament was the "second casualty" as the Modi government has "tried to undermine" the Rajya Sabha, during the passage of several important bills, Sinha said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not enjoy majority in the Upper House of Parliament.

Calling demonetisation a "disaster", Sinha said the government was trying to "dress up" the figures of economic growth to hide the "failures" of its economic policies.

"First they changed the methods by which GDP is calculated. Next when it came out that the UPA government performed better that the present regime, they withdrew the data from the website. Then the government fudged figures to put up a healthy picture of the economy," he said.

The Modi government has a "habit" of blaming the previous governments for all the wrong things that had "either happened or are happening" in the country, he added.

"In 2014, the government had given specific figures of the amount of NPAs, now again in 2018 they have come up with a new figure of NPAs till 2014. The idea is to put all the blame on the previous regimes," he said further.

He hoped that West Bengal and TMC would play a major role in defeating Modi in the 2019 general elections.
The Opposition leaders said they would meet again and chalk out a strategy to oust the BJP from power and will jointly move forward and prepare an action plan in the coming days.

New Delhi: Top leaders of 21 Opposition parties, barring the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), on Monday met in Delhi and vowed to forge a united front to fight and defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, alleging "systematic denigration of democracy" and assault on the Constitution and institutions like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the BJP government.

The BSP and the SP, who are major players in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, skipped the meeting held on the eve of the Winter Session of Parliament starting Tuesday but no reason was given.

It is for the first time that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart and Telegu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Chandrababu Naidu attended a joint Opposition meet.

The meeting held in Parliament House annexe also came a day ahead of the results of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls.

After the meeting, the Opposition leaders said their parties decided to get together irrespective of their political ideologies due to "democratic compulsions", to help protect the country, the Constitution and its institutions which allegedly were under attack by the BJP and the RSS.

They said the Opposition leaders will meet again and chalk out a strategy to oust the BJP from power and will jointly move forward and prepare an action plan in the coming days.

A joint statement issued later said India needs a government, for which Democracy is the "magna carta" beyond the victories and losses of electoral battles. "Innumerable deficiencies, failures and plausible doubts on the neutral functionality of EVM's per se have raised a question on the neutrality of poll process itself. It is our firm belief that this needs to be redressed without question and without delay," it said.

"It is in the interests of safeguarding and strengthening our Constitutional Republic and People's livelihood that this RSS/BJP government is ousted," the statement said, calling upon all secular progressive parties to join hands.

Leaders of the Congress, Left parties and various regional parties like the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), All-India Trinamool Congress (AITC), TDP, Janata Dal (Secular), AAP besides some small parties were present during the meeting. In all, 21 Opposition parties attended the meeting, according to a participant.

Among some of the prominent leaders who attended the meet were former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, DMK's MK Stalin and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav.

Rahul said the meeting was very productive and everyone decided to stop the BJP from further assault of institutions and the Constitution.

"The voices in the room are the voices of Opposition in the country. We respect every single of them, regardless of how big or small they are. The goal of everybody is to defeat BJP and protect India's constitution and our institutions."

"There was consensus in the room that we have to stop BJP's assault on Constitution and all our institutions like the CBI, RBI and Election Commission. There was consensus that BJP's corruption on Rafale, demonetisation is simply not acceptable. We are going to fight it. We are going to do whatever we can to expose it. There was a consensus that we are going to work together to defeat the BJP-RSS combination," Gandhi told reporters after the meeting.

The Congress chief said the Opposition leaders will hold similar meetings in future also, both inside and outside Parliament and chalk out a joint strategy.

To a question on SP and BSP not attending the meeting, Gandhi said, "The process is to bring together everybody and this process is going to be carried out in an open, friendly and respectful manner".

Naidu, who coordinated with all parties to convene the meeting, termed the parleys as "historic" and said "this is an anti-BJP platform".

"The main motto is 'Save India, Save democratic institutions'. Therefore, we all have joined together. This is a national voice....For last so many days, there has been an attack on institutions like the CBI, the ED, the IT, and today the RBI," he said.

"That is why irrespective of our political compulsions, we have joined here. It is a democratic compulsion. We want to protect this nation and save the nation and protect its institutions," Naidu said, adding that the Opposition parties will jointly take up an action programme inside and outside Parliament.

"We have to join together. 2-3 parties are outside. We will pursue with them in the interest of the nation. Ultimately, this government should go. Otherwise, there will be greater damage to this great nation."

Banerjee proposed that the meeting should continue on Tuesday and leaders of Opposition parties should also meet President Ram Nath Kovind over Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor. Patel's announcement came when the Opposition meeting was underway.

"The BJP is behaving like a dictator. There should be a campaign against this rule. Everybody has agreed to that," Banerjee said.
Opposition parties are meeting today to try to form a anti-BJP 'Grand Alliance' or 'Mahagathbandhan'. Their success in dethroning the BJP will come down to whether they can shed their differences and prioritise the country's interests over their own.

In yet another attempt to forge an anti-BJP alliance and put up a united front against the BJP-led Centre, leaders of a number of Opposition parties are set to meet on Monday to discuss modalities of a 'Mahagathbandhan' and their strategy for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Several such attempts have been made by the likes of Mamata Banerjee and the Congress in the past, but finding a common ground has always been out of reach for Opposition leaders for a myriad of reasons.

This time, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has taken charge of bringing Opposition leaders together, inviting members of all non-BJP parties to the meeting in Delhi.

Significantly, the meeting comes a day before the results of the five state Assembly elections are scheduled to be declared and also when the Winter Session of Parliament is slated to begin. Earlier scheduled for 22 November, the Opposition meeting was postponed in view of the Assembly elections, the last of which was held on 7 December.

Mamata, Congress attempted what Naidu is trying now



Since breaking away from the BJP-lead NDA government at the Centre in March over the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, Naidu has been pushing for an anti-BJP "Grand Alliance". He has been meeting Opposition leaders for months, saying non-BJP parties must unite to save democracy.

At present, Naidu may seem well-suited to play the uniter's role, given his experience with both the BJP-led NDA as well as the Congress, when he brought together the 13-party United Front in 1996-1998. But he is not the first to take up such a campaign to bring together a "Grand Alliance".

Before the Andhra Pradesh chief minister, the most recent attempt was by West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee. In August, she had met a number of Opposition leaders in Delhi and invited them to a "federal front" rally in Kolkata on 19 January. Confident of bringing Opposition parties together to form the 'secular front', Mamata had spoken widely about forging an anti-BJP front being the need of the hour in the country, but her evident national ambitions have political leaders sceptical of her intentions to form a mahagathbandhan.

The Congress has tried a number of times to forge an Opposition alliance, but these attempts failed as parties have had their own reservations and political interests. A lot of this failure had to do with the regional parties' issues accepting the Congress' leadership as the force uniting them.

Even after party president Rahul Gandhi has said that he doesn't have any intention of becoming the prime minister, the Congress leadership does not install a lot of confidence in the hearts of the smaller parties to rally behind the Gandhi family. The party had also said that Rahul was willing to step aside for a candidate from a regional party as he was "comfortable seeing any prime minister other than an RSS-backed one".

In March, Telangana caretaker chief minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrashekar Rao, too, had tried to stitch together an Opposition alliance. Although KCR had tried to project the opinion that he was trying to build an anti-BJP and anti-Congress third front, his move to approach mostly Congress allies had attracted suspicion and further cemented the opinion that KCR was working in cahoots with the BJP and trying to sabotage the Grand Old Party. While his actions had pushed him into the national limelight, they did little to successfully form a Grand Alliance.

Attempts were many, results none

On most occasions, leaders had political compulsions and national sentiments as reasons to oppose the BJP, and attempts to form a Grand Alliance even saw mixed results  some that worked out well, trouncing the BJP in a number of bypolls. However, varying demands of parties, a checklist of opposing priorities, national ambitions and an inherent distrust in one another mostly ensured a floundering mahagathbandhan.

A demand that breaks apart even the strongest of alliances is the one for higher number of seats. So far, the Aam Aadmi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party skipped all Opposition meetings reportedly because they were unhappy with the seat-sharing talks with the Congress for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, which spilled over into their meetings to form a Grand Alliance for the 2019 polls.

Significant among the leaders Naidu has met so far is Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar. At a press conference with National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, Naidu and Pawar had said they were coming together "to protect the future of the country" and "defend democracy". However, weeks earlier, Pawar had said it was unlikely that a national-level Opposition alliance would be formed before the 2019 General Elections as the "political situation on the ground varies from state to state". He had asserted that he was :trying to bring non-BJP parties together on a common platform".

Such a remark by one of the most prominent faces in the Opposition is enough to put a big question mark on the fate of the proposed third front and negates the weight his joint statement with Abdullah and Naidu calling for a united Opposition.

Earlier this year, there was already speculation that parties that were primarily regional but with national faces were attempting to form an alliance against not just the BJP but the Congress, as well. This was soon after the Karnataka elections. "Senior Opposition leaders" were of the opinion that instead of joining hands with the Congress, they should seek the party's support for their alliance. If these politicians still harbour the same feelings, it could spell trouble for Naidu's latest attempt at bringing a Grand Alliance together as the Congress is one of the prime faces in this pre-2019 Mahagathbandhan.

"The alliance must not be to contain the Congress, the alliance must be aimed at removing the BJP, and we are willing for anything," senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said in October, almost as though he anticipated this very sentiment.

However, as Naidu himself said on 29 November: "Without the Congress party, it is not possible to have any front at the national level. They are the anchor... Today we don't have democratic compulsions. The democratic institutions are under threat. All the parties have to decide where they stand."

BJP unfazed or overconfident?

Besides the fact that the BJP currently rules 19 states in India  either solo or in alliance  it is these failed attempts at forming an anti-BJP front that has the saffron party confident of thwarting Naidu's renewed attempt at forming a third front ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

"Whatever may be Naidu's political compulsions for his desperate actions, there is no credible alternative leader or party to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP in national politics today," the BJP had said. "Naidu is making futile attempts at building an alliance."

But is the saffron party right to dismiss this fresh attempt?

So far, the most prominent faces in the Opposition have put up a more united front than is usual for politicians, all sharing the common goal of removing the BJP from power. As far as power play is concerned, the Congress president has already said he was willing to hand over the reins of the Opposition leader's seat to any other better-suited candidate. And in November, Mamata had said everyone would be the face of the Mahagathbandhan, as opposed to a single leader. She, too, had asserted that they would fight together against the BJP to save the nation and would chalk out a programme to take their initiative further.

This apart, the growing discontent with the BJP on the ground, with the parties unfilfilled promises and benefits of its welfare schemes not reaching the intended beneficiaries, could all work against the ruling party and do more to ensure success for the third front.

Key players of mahagathbandhan

Besides Naidu, Rahul, Pawar and Mamata, other important names expected at the Opposition meeting in Delhi are; UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy, DMK president MK Stalin, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) leader Sharad Yadav. Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav may not attend the meeting, but their representatives will attend the meeting, reports have said.

Opposition leaders aim to chalk out a common minimum programme, which has eluded earlier such alliances, and amp up their anti-Modi crusade in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. These parties have seemed plenty united in the past few months and are exceedingly confident of dethroning the saffron front together, but ultimately, it will all come down to whether they can shed their differences  the "coalition of rivals" tag as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley dubbed it  and really put the country's interests over their own.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the Prime Minister's Office and senior journalist Jagdish Thakkar passed away on Monday.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the Prime Minister's Office and senior journalist Jagdish Thakkar passed away on Monday. Thakkar, 72, who was unwell for some time, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise, saying he was a wonderful person who loved his work. "Extremely saddened by the demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar, the PRO in the PMO. Jagdishbhai was a veteran journalist and I had the pleasure of working with him for years, both in Gujarat and in Delhi. He was known for his simplicity and warm-hearted nature," the PM tweeted.

Extremely saddened by the demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar, the PRO in the PMO. Jagdishbhai was a veteran journalist and I had the pleasure of working with him for years, both in Gujarat and in Delhi. He was known for his simplicity and warm-hearted nature.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

He said several journalists would have regularly interacted with Jagdishbhai over the years. He had previously served with many chief ministers of Gujarat.

Several journalists would have regularly interacted with Jagdishbhai over the years. He had previously served with many Chief Ministers of Gujarat. We have lost a wonderful person, who loved his work and did it with utmost diligence. Condolences to his family and well wishers.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

Other ministers and BJP leaders also condoled Thakkar's death. Union minister Smriti Irani said that Thakkar was "one of the kindest people" and that he was "not a fair weather friend". "Jagdish bhai was never quick to judge," she said, and added, "Lucky to have worked with him. His kindness and guidance will be sorely missed."

Extremely shocked to hear about the sad demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar  Pro @PMOIndia. One of the kindest persons I have had the honour of working with, Jagdish bhai was never quick to judge & was not a fair weather friend. (1/2)  Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) December 10, 2018

(2/2) Lucky to have worked with him. His kindness & guidance will be sorely missed. My condolences to his loved ones.  Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) December 10, 2018

Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan also said that he was "deeply saddened" by Thakkar's demise.

Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar ji, Prayers for the soul rest in peace. https://t.co/LJeaOAtn8G  Pon Radhakrishnan (@PonnaarrBJP) December 10, 2018

Dr Mahesh Sharma, Union minister for Culture, said he was "extremely anguished" to hear about Thakkar's demise.

Extremely anguished to hear about the sad demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar, PRO in the @PMOIndia

A veteran journalist & a warm personality, he will always be remembered for his exceptional intelligence. My condolences to the family in this hour of grief. May his soul RIP.  Dr. Mahesh Sharma (@dr_maheshsharma) December 10, 2018

Press Secretary to the President, Ashok Malik, said "Jagdishbhai was always gracious and affectionate," adding that, "He was also the quintessential public servant  professional and prompt but self-effacing. Those who knew him will miss him."

With inputs from PTI
The Jammu and Kashmir State Administrative Council, which had approved the bill, is headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik

Security of government officials has always been a matter of priority in insurgency-affected Jammu and Kashmir. While the state already has the Jammu and Kashmir Special Security Group Act, 2000, which has provisions on providing proximate security to the chief minister, former chief ministers and their families, the Jammu and Kashmir State Administrative Council (SAC) on Sunday approved a bill that provides for the creation of a separate force to protect the Governor and her or his family members. The SAC is headed by present state Governor Satya Pal Malik.

The state, which has been under Governor's rule since June after the Bharatiya Janata Party pulled out of its alliance with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has a Special Security Group (SSG) on the lines of the Special Protection Group (SPG) at the Centre to protect current and former chief ministers.

The new bill has been approved three months after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had upgraded the security of former governor NN Vohra to Z Plus category in September.

Jammu and Kashmir Governors Special Security Force Bill, 2018

Under this new bill, a Special Security Force (SSF) will be set up especially for the protection of the state governor and his immediate family members. Quoting official sources, the Daily Excelsior said that the force will draw its strength from officers of the state police. The SSF will be based in Jammu, Srinagar and New Delhi. It will continue to protect the governor even when her or his rule is over, and a democratically elected government is formed.

The bill contains provisions related to the constitution and regulation of a separate force for the governor, members of his immediate family and matters connected therewith, an official spokesperson was quoted by PTI. " The legal framework related to constitution and regulation of a separate security force in the state is contained in the Jammu and Kashmir Special Security Group Act, 2000," the spokesperson added.

He also added that there was no provision in the existing Jammu and Kashmir Special Security Group Act, 2000 for providing security to the governor and his or her immediate family members.

The SSF is likely to be headed by an officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), the Excelsior further reported, quoting sources. The SSG was set up in 1996 when a democratically elected government was formed in the state after nearly seven years. It has a strength of 473 personnel.

The governor's security is currently handled by the state police's security wing under an Superintendent of Police-rank officer.

'Building a Great Wall of China'

Malik's approval of the bill creating a special force for himself and his family members has drawn a lot of flak from state politicians, who have accused him of "building a great wall of China" around himself.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Nayeem Akhtar, a PDP leader and former minister, said, "We have had a former chief of army staff and a former chief of R&AW as governors during the peak of militancy. They didnt feel so threatened that they would create a special force for their own protection. Governor Malik was sent with a promise that since he is a politician, he would go to the people and interact with them. But he has erected a great wall of China around himself.

With inputs from agencies
On 7 December, reports poured in from Telangana of voters who arrived at their respective polling stations to ultimately not find their names on the voters' list.

The weekend following polling day in Telangana, parties were already offering and rejecting alliances; exit polls largely predicting a sweep for the incumbent Telangana Rashtra Samithi, some leaning towards a hung verdict. But what none of the political leaders were talking about was the apparent large-scale deletion of voters from the electoral rolls.

According to activists, at least 8 percent, or 22 lakhs, of the 2.8 crore voters in the state missed out on exercising their franchise due to a faulty voter deletion exercise way back in 2015. On Twitter and other social media platforms, users expressed their discontent with #WhereisMyVote, led by Olympic badminton player, Jwala Gutta.

On 7 December, reports poured in, especially from Hyderabad, of voters who arrived at their respective polling stations to ultimately not find their names on the voters' list. Bhanu Murthy from Nampally said while he got his voting slip, his wife, who has her Electoral Photo ID Card, was unable to vote. They had tried earlier at another polling booth nearby before returning home disappointed.

Two anganwadi workers came home and had given the original Electoral Photo ID Card for my wife and a voting slip for me. First, we had gone to Tulsi school, where we were told to come here. Here I have a vote, but my wife doesnt. We dont understand why we have to go to so many places to cast our votes. Why is this government doing this?, said Murthy.

Mr Prasad Mandala said that despite the government making a sincere effort to educate people this time by conducting mock sessions in various constituencies, he saw many people in his polling station at St Annes school in Nampally going back without casting their vote after not being able to find their names. Sharada Sanghi, a 78-year-old voter who had come to that booth wasnt able to vote as she didnt get the voters slip despite having voted here many times in the past.

Protests had broken out in front of the Mandal Revenue Office in Kamareddy town on polling day. Almost 10-20 percent of the votes are missing, and it is not a small thing to elect a candidate when the number is so large. We demand a remedy for this and we will fight to get back our right to vote, said a youth who was one among many who were protesting in front of the MRO office in Kamareddy town on polling day.

In Pitlam village from the same district, an enraged voter said, "I have all the documents necessary to vote. Why don't I get my right to vote? Am I dead? I demand my right." In March 2015, the Election Commission of India undertook the National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP) that would link Aadhaar with Electoral Photo ID Cards to identify and delete bogus and duplicate voters. The algorithm used had a failure rate as high as 93 percent, as revealed during the pilot phase in Bihar the same year.

Within five months, the Supreme Court had ordered that Aadhaar cant be used for anything other than the Public Distribution System (PDS). But by then, 31 crore IDs were already linked; the Telangana State Election Commission had deleted 27 lakh voters from the rolls already, according to a report by The News Minute, disproportionately affecting voters in the constituencies under Greater Hyderabad. Reportedly, 98 percent of the NERPAP was completed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Over 12 lakh new voters were added to the electoral rolls this time, but it is not clear how many of them are first-time voters and how many are those who reapplied after their names had been deleted.

The same report also says the follow-up to deletion was not done as per ECI norms, which state that when an Electoral Registration Officer intends to delete a voter, there must be a reasonable opportunity to the voter who is being deleted by sending notices to the voter along with form-6, a document meant to reapply for a voter ID.

These notices are meant to be delivered by booth level officers who are also supposed to visit the voter if they decide to reapply, and collect the required forms. The report quotes a senior Congress leader claiming that he stumbled on to to thousands of undelivered notices in just one ward office of the Greater Hyderabad Metropolitan Corporation.

The Chief Electoral Officer called a press conference on Friday evening to address these concerns. It was a major mistake. I apologise to the people personally... There has been an apparent mistake, he said Kumar. He added that the EC would look into the matter and take up revision of the records for the Lok Sabha elections next year, saying that notices would be sent to all the people whose names are deleted from the electoral rolls.

"We have 20 votes in our family, but this time, we have got only two votes. We have voted many times in the past in one of the three polling booths nearby, but this time we didnt find our names in any of the booths. I have been trying to find my name from 8'o clock in the morning but couldn't vote," said a frustrated Paramesh after close of polling, as he held his voting slip at Viveka Vardhini University polling station in Hyderabad's Goshamahal constituency.

Prasanna S, a lawyer who has been pursuing cases of voter deletions through Aadhaar linkage, tweeted on Saturday that it was clear that the process that the Election Commission had used to purge voters from the electoral rolls is grossly flawed and is perceived to have no integrity whatsoever.

He said the Election Commission should publish the constituency-wise deletion numbers before the announcement of final results on 11 December for the public to be able to judge whether the election outcome has been materially affected. According to him, comparing the number of purges in a constituency and the winning margin will be able to clearly establish if a case can be made out for challenging the election at that constituency under Section 100(1)(d) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said he will meet K Chandrashekar Rao Monday afternoon adding this is 'our first step towards a larger goal of nation building.'

Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi Monday said Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) will form the next government in Telangana on its own strength and his party will stand by it and its chief K Chandrasekhar Rao.

Owaisi said he will meet KCR (Rao) Monday afternoon adding this is "our first step towards a larger goal of nation building."

"I'll be meeting Telangana's caretaker and next chief minister of Telangana, KCR sahab @TelanganaCMO at 1.30 pm on Monday. Inshallah he'll form government on his own strength, and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards a larger goal of nation building," the Hyderabad MP tweeted.

AIMIM contested eight seats in the 7 December Assembly elections as against the seven in 2014 polls, and supported the TRS.

Owaisi had also canvassed and organised public meetings in support of TRS in the run-up to the 7 December Assembly elections. Counting of votes will be taken up on Tuesday.
RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha has been unhappy with the seat-sharing formula for Bihar that Amit Shah came up with for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha, who has been expressing his discontent with the BJP in Bihar over the past few weeks, resigned from the Cabinet on Monday. Before sending his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kushwaha also skipped the meeting called by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) earlier in the day.

His decision to resign as the Minister of State for Human Resource Development deals a blow to the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. It comes a day before the Winter Session of Parliament is slated to begin on Tuesday.

Briefing the media, Kushwaha claimed that Modi nither met the expectations of the people of Bihar, nor did he fulfil the promises the BJP had made. He also said that the BJP was working on an agenda set by the RSS and was diverting attention from the real issues that concern the country.

In his resignation letter to Modi, Kushwaha wrote: "The promise of providing Bihar a special package was the biggest jumla."

For weeks, the RLSP chief has been targeting the BJP and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar  a key ally of the ruling party  upset over seat-sharing in Bihar for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Soon after BJP president Amit Shah announced that his party and the Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) would fight from an equal number of seats in Bihar, Kushwaha had demanded a larger seat share for his RLSP.

Reports say that the RLSP may now join hands with the Opposition in Bihar, which includes Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress.

RSLP fought from three constituencies in the 2014 general elections, but Kushwaha now wants a bigger chunk for his party, claiming that it has grown in strength in the past five years. On 17 November, Kushwaha had asked the BJP to reach a consensus over the seat-sharing agreement in Bihar.

A meeting between RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Kushwaha, on 26 October, had set political circles abuzz with a possibility of the two parties joining hands. Kushwaha had later clarified that there was no political meaning behind the meeting.

The RSLP chief has time and again flip-flopped on his relationship with the BJP. In the past, Kushwaha had also alleged that Amit Shah had ignored him when he had sought a meeting. Earlier, he had also stated that his party would continue to maintain its alliance with the BJP and Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janashakti Party.

With inputs from agencies
Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and Odisha chief minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik have attempted to corner the BJP-led central government over the issue of the Women's Reservation Bill by upping the ante with their efforts to get one-third (33 percent) reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and Odisha chief minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik have attempted to corner the BJP-led Central government over the issue of the Women's Reservation Bill by upping the ante with their efforts to get one-third (33 percent) reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative Assemblies.

Last week, Rahul wrote to the Congress-led state governments directing them to pass a resolution for the reservation. "In order to reaffirm our support for the passage of the Bill, it would be expedient for the state assembly to pass a resolution calling for the reservation of one-third of the seats in the Lok Sabha and legislative Assemblies for women, in the next session," Rahul said in the letter written to Congress and its allied chief ministers.

"The lack of adequate representation of women in our polity undermines our democracy and perpetuates existing systemic injustices. Women in institutions of local self-governance have not only been effective leaders, but also challenged traditional gender roles that curtailed their participation in public life," said Gandhi in his 6 December letter.

In Odisha, the BJD formed delegations of senior party leaders earlier this month. The delegations will attempt to make a major push for the reservation by meeting the representatives of seven national and 15 regional parties across the country.

The Constitution Amendment Bill for reservation for women was passed in the Rajya Sabha in March 2010, but lapsed after the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha in 2014. In his letter, Rahul pointed out that India ranks 148 out of 193 countries in terms of the percentage of women in Parliament, and added that the situation was "even worse in state assemblies".

He also said that the resolution should be passed in the next session of the assemblies, and mentioned that similar motions had been passed by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha assemblies.

However, despite the push from the Congress and BJD, most of the issues with the bill remain unresolved even eight years later. According to a report by The Indian Express, the Samajwadi Party and the RJD had strongly opposed the bill in 2010. The report said, "Both parties said they opposed the legislation unless it made provisions for adequate representation of women from Dalit and other backward communities. At the time, BJD had supported the bill as worded."

Some BJD leaders are of the opinion that the party's "principle of equidistance" from all other parties might also be an obstacle in garnering support for the cause, the Indian Express report said. An MLA was quoted as saying, "Naveen Patnaik did not attend HD Kumaraswamys swearing-in as Karnataka chief minister, which was attended by many opposition party leaders. The BJD walked out of Parliament before the crucial no-confidence motion against the NDA in the Monsoon Session of Parliament."

On the other hand, the Congress has been questioned over its support for the bill ever since the party president wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the issue in July 2018. Ahead of the Monsoon Assembly in Parliament this year, Rahul had asked Modi to "walk the talk" by ensuring the passage of the bill.

Along with a letter to Modi, he had tweeted, "Our prime minister says he's a crusader for women's empowerment? Time for him to rise above party politics, walk-his-talk and have the Women's Reservation Bill passed by Parliament. The Congress offers him its unconditional support."

However, the BJP had accused the Congress of having "double standards" because of the party's alliance with the Samajwadi Party and RJD. BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javadekar said, "It is Congress which is sitting with those opposed to the bill. It is Congress which is in alliance with those who had opposed the Women's Reservation Bill. So will now Congress come out of the alliance or will it get the letters of support from those parties?

According to a report by Hindustan Times, in the Telangana Assembly elections that concluded on 7 December, Congress had given 11 tickets to women out of the 100 tickets the party issued in the state. The ruling TRS, led by caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had offered only four seats, as opposed to the six it had given to women in 2014. The report quoted Congress' Khushbu Sundar, as saying that her party was the first to introduce the bill in Parliament.

A report by Down to Earth paints a bleak picture. Concluding that it will take 55 years to have one-third of the Parliament represented by women, the report says, "To put it in perspective, in 56 years, Indias Lok Sabha has not been able to double its tally of elected women representatives. In 1962, Lok Sabha had 6 percent women member of parliaments. In 2014, it was just 11 percent."

With inputs from agencies
Press Trust of India

Differences have cropped up between the Heavy Industry Ministry and the NITI Aayog over a proposal by the think tank to levy a 'Feebate' on two-wheelers to subsidise electric vehicles for promoting green mobility. According to sources, the ministry has flagged concerns to the Aayog over the introduction of a 'Feebate' especially on a mass mode of transport like two-wheelers as it could not only lead to a hike in prices but also practical challenges associated with the collection of the tax once introduced.

"Feebate has been proposed by the NITI Aayog, they say they will collect funds through Feebate and use that as a subsidy for electric vehicles. We have explained to them that there is already a 16 percent Feebate in place as EVs attract 12 percent GST whereas the IC-engine vehicles attract 28 percent," said a senior Heavy Industry Ministry official.

The Heavy Industry Ministry implements schemes and policies for the development of India's automobile sector.

"About 2 crore two-wheelers are sold in India every year. The NITI Aayog's calculation is that even if you charge a Feebate of Rs 500 per two-wheeler, you raise about Rs 10,000 crore. However, there is an issue of who will collect it as now all cesses have been subsumed under the GST," said the official.

An email seeking comments from the government think-tank's response on 'Feebate' remained unanswered. The idea of Feebate, a system of charges and rebates in which energy-efficient or environment-friendly practices are rewarded whereas failure to adhere to such practices is penalised, was mooted in two reports supported by the Niti Aayog in the run-up to India's first Global Mobility Summit held in September this year. The report titled 'Transforming India's Mobility' had suggested using the feebate mechanism to incentivise the use of green mobility technologies and identifying potential mechanisms and develop a regulation for incentivising green mobility technologies with a feebate mechanism.

It had cited the example of London, a city that imposes congestion charges during weekday working hours to vehicles entering the city centre. Another report titled 'Goods On The Move' had observed that applying a feebate concept to urban access would charge trucks to enter the city during congested periods while incentivising them enter during nighttime hours, with both costs and savings likely being passed through to the receivers of those goods.

"Such an approach would not only reduce the cost of goods delivery made off hours, crucial for small shops with thin margins serving customers with limited budgets but would also reduce overall congestion within the city both by reducing traffic during peak times as well as by reducing illegal parking," said the report supported by Niti Aayog.
Sheldon Pinto

At an event held in Delhi, HMD Global launched its brand-new Nokia 8.1 smartphone at Rs 26,999. While it seems like Nokia has once again focussed on the design (like it did with the 7 Plus), it also seems to have the performance area covered with a brand-new Snapdragon 710 SoC inside. And given that attractive price tag, stylish design and good hardware specifications, the Nokia 8.1 will compete with plenty of new devices including Oppo's recently launched R17 Pro that is priced at Rs 45,990.

So lets take a quick look what at this mid-range beast packs in and the smartphones it will compete with, in India's competitive mid-range segment.

Nokia 8.1: Build and Design

The Nokia 8.1 isnt really the replacement for the Nokia 8 or the Nokia 8 Sirocco, but spiritual successor to the Nokia 7 Plus instead. The Nokia 7.1 certainly does not live up to the standards (both in terms of design or specifications) set by the 7 Plus, so the 8.1 indeed is that successor we have been waiting for, even if the model numbering does not feel right.

The Nokia 8.1, just like the 7 Plus before it, is a breath of fresh air in a sea of boring mid-range offerings that are trying to make up for their boring designs, by painting their devices in bright and shiny colours.

The Nokia 8.1 uses 6000 series aluminium for its chassis and frame that is sandwiched between two sheets of 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass.

The frame is rounded and blends seamlessly with the 2.5D glass screen on the back and the front. It gets the same dual-tone anodised treatment as on the Nokia 7 Plus, but it is a lot more rounded, feels smoother and also gives the device a slimmer profile than its predecessor.

The dual camera still protrudes from the glass back of the device, but the protrusion can be excused this time around, as the primary camera does pack in an OIS system that takes up some space.

On the front, you get a notched display, with a rather broad notch that seems a bit pointless as it only eats into the display area. Moreover, that large notch does not even hold a bigger receiver speaker that could have doubled up as a dual speaker system along with the one that sits at the bottom end.

The fingerprint reader also sits below the dual camera set up at the back.

For now, the glass back does not appear to be a fingerprint magnet, but lets see how it holds up during the review period.

Nokia 8.1: Display, Chipset and RAM

The Nokia 8.1 features a 6.18-inch Full HD+ PureDisplay in an 18.7:9 display aspect ratio. Inside, you get a shiny new Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 SoC coupled with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The internal storage can be expanded up to 400 GB using a microSD card which fits into the hybrid SIM tray, replacing the second SIM card.

Nokia claims to offer up to 96 percent colour gamut which should technically make it colour accurate and also offers a 1:1500 contrast ratio. This according to Nokia helps when it comes to displaying HDR 10 content that should deliver richer colours. To be honest, the display looked pretty colour accurate and works well even in bright sunlight. The contrast ratios did feel a bit lacking. But I want to hold on to my thoughts till I fully review the 8.1 Plus.

Nokia 8.1: Software and OS

The Nokia 8.1 sticks to its philosophy of delivering a pure Android experience which means that the 8.1 comes with Android 9.0 Pie out of the box.

The stock Android experience feels smooth and quick but it did showcase some lag when opening apps. Im not really sure whether this an optimisation problem, but some of the apps did take a few milliseconds to load. The same can also be said for the camera apps interface. Hopefully, this improves with future software updates. As for everything else, the experience is pretty close to what you would get on a Google Pixel 3XL.

Nokia 8.1: Camera

As for the camera, there is a 12 MP 1/2.55-inch sensor with 1.4-micron pixel size that also packs in OIS and 2PD, which is basically dual photodiode tech. The technology which splits a pixel into two to gather more light and deliver faster autofocus is not new, and has been around since the days of the Samsung Galaxy S7.

The secondary camera at the back is used for depth sensing and it packs in a 13 MP sensor with a fixed focus lens.

The selfie camera packs in a massive 20 MP sensor with a fixed focus lens.

My initial impressions about the camera are that it kind of performs more or less like the Nokia 7 Plus. The images look crisp and the colours, although a bit oversaturated, look lively, especially in the Portrait shots. One new feature here is that the camera now saves the depth data when it clicks a Portrait photo using the rear dual camera setup. This means, you can now change the focus area and the blur level after you clicked the photo, which comes in handy at times.

Nokia 8.1: Battery

Nokia claims that the 8.1 delivers two days of battery life on a single charge. Inside, sits a non-removable 3,500 mAh battery, which can be charged quickly using the packaged 18 W charger. I will have to use it for a couple of days before the battery life begins to deliver the expected standby time with Androids Adaptive Battery optimisations in place. So do look out for my full review in the coming days for more details on this.

Conclusion

The Nokia 8.1 looks classy compared to the Oppos and Vivos in its segment and it even comes out on top when it comes to hardware specifications, save for the 4 GB RAM which seems sufficient in 2018. The Nokia 8.1 will compete with the Poco F1 (Rs 19,999), the Vivo V11 Pro (Rs 25,990) and the Oppo R17 Pro (Rs 45,990). While the Snapdragon 710 is indeed no match for the 845, Nokias stock Android approach could help the 8.1 when it comes to everyday usage.

Whats more important is that the Nokia 8.1 packs in Android One and this makes it the only device is in its segment to feature Android 9.0 Pie. Indeed, that Rs 26,999 price tag looks mighty attractive right now, but I will be able to conclude whether these specifications on paper perform better than the competition in my full review, which should be out soon.
Indo-Asian News Service

Twitter's chief executive Jack Dorsey, who faces a lawsuit for hurting Hindu sentiments during his visit to India in November, now faces criticism for promoting Myanmar as a tourist destination despite widespread allegations of human rights abuses in the country.

In a series of tweets, Dorsey said he had travelled to northern Myanmar in November for a meditation retreat.

"The people are full of joy and the food is amazing," he said, before encouraging his four million followers to visit.

This led to widespread criticism of the Twitter chief, some accused him of ignoring the plight of the Muslim Rohingya minority.

Mynamar is a dense choice for a social media platform owner to find zen at. But I guess, as long as you were able to still find yourself in a country that Facebook facilitated genocide in.Mynamar military weaponized Facebook for ethnic cleansing. https://t.co/vQQRgGDARA  Jen; Griswold  (@jennifer_enough) December 9, 2018

Im no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention youre in a country where the military has committed mass killings & mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, in one of todays biggest humanitarian disasters? https://t.co/D7I26CPTQ8  Andrew Stroehlein (@astroehlein) December 9, 2018

Vipassana is great. Now go and meet some Rohiyangas  Roshan (@zatoichibro) December 9, 2018

Ive interviewed dozens of #Rohingya #refugees who shared horrific details of atrocities committed against them by #Myanmars military. It was only in Oct that the head of a UN fact finding mission said genocide was ongoing in #Rakhine. This thread left me utterly speechless. https://t.co/j78ttbq5pF  Mohammed Jamjoom (@MIJamjoom) December 9, 2018

It is a beautiful country its also currently commuing genocide against the Rohingya because they R Muslim. Writing what is effectively a free tourism advert for them at this time is reprehensible; but than as the man who lets Nazis flourish on his service guess its just who u R https://t.co/gPNmtwdCGP  Manifesting the Unseen (@nazkebab77) December 9, 2018

The tone-deafness here is...wow. Is @jack not aware of social media platforms role in sparking genocide & mass murder of the Rohingya people? https://t.co/5tCOZioZ2F  Tania Karas (@taniakaras) December 9, 2018

This is an extremely irresponsible recommendation. 700,000 #Rohingya forced to flee #Myanmar in just the last few years. Concentration camps still operating in Rakhine state. Thousands of women and girls raped. Babies slaughtered. If only you billionaires would open your eyes.  Jamila Hanan (@JamilaHanan) December 9, 2018

In 2017, Myanmar's military launched a violent crackdown after Rohingya militants carried out attacks on several police posts. Thousands of people were killed, and human rights organisations said the army has burned land and committed arbitrary killings and rape.

"Writing what is effectively a free tourism advert for them at this time is reprehensible," one Twitter user wrote in response to Dorsey's tweets.

"The tone-deafness here is... wow," another user said. "This is an extremely irresponsible recommendation," yet another reads. "Does he pay no attention to the news and the outcry on his own platform?"

The military crackdown had also sparked an exodus of more than 700,000 Rohingyas who have since fled to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape the violence and the destruction of their homes.

The UN has described the operation as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing" and says senior Myanmar officials should be investigated and tried for genocide.

Mohammed Jamjoom, an Al Jazeera correspondent, who has interviewed Rohingya refugees, said he was left "utterly speechless" by Dorsey's tweets.

Dorsey is yet to respond to the criticism, but earlier said he would track the responses to his tweets.

A court in Rajasthan on December 1, asked the police to file a First Information Report against Dorsey for hurting the sentiments of the Brahmin community by posing for a picture holding an anti-Brahmin message.

Dorsey was seen posing with six female journalists in a picture on Twitter, with a poster in his hands carrying the offending anti-Brahmin message: 'Smash Brahminical Patriarchy'.
The Associated Press

Thousands of people from around the world marched on 8 December through the southern Polish city thats hosting this years UN climate talks, demanding that their governments take tougher action to curb global warming.

Protesters included farmers from Latin America, environmentalists from Asia, students from the United States and families from Europe, many of whom said climate change is already affecting their lives.

Climate change is the thing that frightens me the most, said Michal Dabrowski from Warsaw, who brought his young daughter to the march. Im a father and its kind of crucial that she will have a decent life.

Marchers gathered in one of Katowices main squares before setting off for the conference center where delegates from almost 200 countries are haggling over the fine print of the 2015 Paris accord to fight climate change.

Some protesters were dressed as endangered orangutans while others wore breathing masks to highlight the air pollution in Katowice, which lies at the heart of Polands coal mining region of Silesia.

A group wearing polar bear costumes was expelled from the march after suggesting that fossil fuels should be replaced by nuclear power, a technology that many environmentalists object to.

Chanting Wake up! Its time to save our home! and holding banners including one reading Make the planet great again, protesters marched through Katowice accompanied by a heavy police presence that included officers on horseback.

The March for Climate passed largely peacefully, though three people were detained after a small scuffle with police, a Katowice police spokeswoman said.

Earlier Saturday, environmental groups had complained that some of their activists were being turned back at the Polish border or deported. One Belgian activist was allowed to enter the country after her countrys ambassador intervened with Polish authorities.

Poland has introduced temporary random identity checks ahead of the UN climate conference, arguing they were needed for security.

Inside the UN meeting, negotiators were concluding the first week of talks, which are focused on finalizing the Paris rulebook that determines how signatories to the 2015 deal record and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

In a recent report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said drastic action would be needed to achieve the Paris accords most ambitious target of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

Illustrating the sensitivity of this message for some governments, major oil exporting countries including Saudi Arabia and Russia objected to welcoming the IPCCs report. The issue is now one of several that will be left to government ministers, who begin arriving in Katowice on Monday to try to break remaining deadlocks.

Environmental groups want countries to send a strong signal that theyre ready for more ambitious action in the years ahead, but some protesters Saturday felt that governments alone would not do enough to fight climate change.

Ive had enough of just sitting and looking at politicians deciding things for us. Its time for us to tell them what we want and to start a grassroots revolution, said Anna Zalikowska.

Similar marches for the environment took place in France on Saturday, but those were overshadowed by a larger yellow vest protest in Paris staged by people angry over fuel tax increases.

The tax rise, now put on hold, was aimed at encouraging drivers to reduce their use of fossil fuels, a measure experts say is necessary to nudge consumers toward cleaner alternatives.

Resistance to the fuel tax is a blow to French President Emmanuel Macron, who sees himself as the guarantor of the Paris accord.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has announced hes pulling the United States out of the agreement, claimed Saturday that people do not want to pay large sums of money ... in order to maybe protect the environment.

Economists say the price of curbing climate change is actually far lower than the eventual cost of coping with the catastrophic famines, storms and sea level rises that will happen with a warming climate.

The Climate Action Network, an umbrella group for environmental organizations, on Saturday gave its Fossil of the Day award to the United States after Washingtons diplomats objected to linking human rights to climate change.
By Margarita Antidze and Hasmik Mkrtchyan YEREVAN (Reuters) - Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan bolstered his authority in the former Soviet republic as his political bloc won early parliamentary elections which were assessed as democratic. My Step Alliance, including Pashinyan's Civil Contract Party, won 70.4 percent of Sunday's vote based on results from all polling stations, the Central Election Commission said on its website.

By Margarita Antidze and Hasmik Mkrtchyan

YEREVAN (Reuters) - Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan bolstered his authority in the former Soviet republic as his political bloc won early parliamentary elections which were assessed as democratic.

My Step Alliance, including Pashinyan's Civil Contract Party, won 70.4 percent of Sunday's vote based on results from all polling stations, the Central Election Commission said on its website.

Results showed that two moderate opposition parties - Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia - got enough votes to clear the 5 percent threshold to enter parliament.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) said on Monday that the elections respected fundamental freedoms.

"The general absence of electoral malfeasance, including of vote-buying and pressure on voters, allowed for genuine competition," the statement said.

Pashinyan came to power in May after weeks of mass protests against corruption and cronyism. The former newspaper editor, who was jailed for stirring up unrest in 2008, marked a dramatic break from the cadre of rulers who have run Armenia since the late 1990s.

He stepped down in October so parliament could be dissolved ready for the early election but remained as acting prime minister.

"We are not afraid of a challenge of having constitutional majority at the parliament," Pashinyan told a news conference on Monday, adding that his power was restricted by "rule of law and free media".

He said one of the first steps for a new legislature would be making changes to the South Caucasus country's tax code in order to give local entrepreneurs more freedom and attract foreign investment.

The former ruling Republican Party received 4.70 percent of the vote, not enough to enter parliament.

Former high-ranking officials were sacked and some arrested following the change of power. An appeals court ordered the detention of former President Robert Kocharyan on Friday on charges of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order.

Kocharyan was Armenia's second president, serving from 1998-2008, when mass protests erupted over a disputed election.

Pashinyan promised there would be no major shifts in Armenian foreign policy and has offered assurances that he will not break with Moscow.

"Our country is not under any influence," he said, adding that Armenia would continue its cooperation with the European Union, although had no plans to join NATO.

Armenia hosts a Russian military base and is a member of Russia-led military and economic alliances.

Pashinyan also suggested he would stick with existing policies on the long-running issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.

A mountainous part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh is run by ethnic Armenians who declared independence from Baku during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union crumbled in 1991.

Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia still regularly accuse each other of conducting attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Azeri-Armenian border.

(Writing by Margarita Antidze,; Editing by Ed Osmond)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday tapped lawyer Ricardo de Aquino Salles to be his minister of environment, according to messages from the incoming president posted on social media. Salles served as secretary of environment in Sao Paulo state government, when centrist Geraldo Alckmin was governor and had ample support from Brazilian industry and agriculture groups to become minister

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday tapped lawyer Ricardo de Aquino Salles to be his minister of environment, according to messages from the incoming president posted on social media.

Salles served as secretary of environment in Sao Paulo state government, when centrist Geraldo Alckmin was governor and had ample support from Brazilian industry and agriculture groups to become minister. He leads a business-friendly organization in Brazil called Movimento Endireita Brasil, that backs less bureaucracy and lower taxes.

(Reporting by Marcelo Teixeira; Editing by Bill Berkrot)

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Priti Patel, one of the most vocal Conservative Party MPs opposed to May's deal, was reacting to a leaked UK government report indicating that there could be food shortages in Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

London: Priti Patel, one of the most vocal Conservative Party MPs opposed to May's deal, was reacting to a leaked UK government report indicating that there could be food shortages in Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit. It said the economic impact on Ireland would be worse than in the UK. "This paper appears to show the government were well aware Ireland will face significant issues in a no-deal scenario. Why hasn't this point been pressed home during negotiations," she told 'The Times' in reference to the report.

"There is still time to go back to Brussels and get a better deal," she said. However, some Opposition party MPs reacted to it as a veiled threat to the UK's neighbouring country of Ireland. "Threatening Ireland in this way is as morally reprehensible as it is futile. Britain should be showing itself to be a dependable neighbour and friend in the future," said Indian-origin Labour Party MP Lisa Nandy.

Ireland's deputy prime minister Simon Coveney added that Patel's comments were "ridiculous" and some others branded it as insensitive given Ireland's history involving the Great Famine between 1845 and 1849. However, Patel took to Twitter to highlight that her comments had been taken out of context, saying, "It is clear my comments on 'No Deal' have been taken out of context by some. We should go back to Brussels & get a better deal. There is still time. Let's take back control of borders, laws & money".

The row played out against the backdrop of efforts to secure enough support to get May's Withdrawal Agreement through the House of Commons in the major Brexit vote planned for next Tuesday. Most Opposition party MPs and many of her own MPs remain opposed to it with the central sticking point revolving around the so-called "backstop" involving open border arrangements between UK territory Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

Tory MPs are warning their leader that she could be forced to stand down as prime minister if her Brexit deal is defeated in the Commons next week. Meanwhile, Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would consider delaying Britain's exit from the EU to negotiate a better deal if his party came to power.

"If we go into government straight away we would start negotiating straight away. If it meant holding things a bit longer to do it, of course," he said. Britain's formal Brexit Day is set as 29 March next year, which can be extended if agreed by the other 27 EU member-countries. With the Commons vote on the Withdrawal Agreement increasingly expected to result in it being rejected by MPs, the risk of a no-deal Brexit chaotic Brexit have led to pressure mounting on May to delay the December 11 vote.

Many of her own MPs want her to go back to Brussels and seek more concessions from the Europen Union (EU) at a summit at the end of next week. However, the EU has dismissed the idea of further negotiations on the agreement, setting the stage for potential stalemate and increasing hopes in some quarters of a "People's Vote" or a second referendum to revisit the vote in favour of Brexit in June 2016.
By Anna Valderrama MADRID (Reuters) - Jailed Catalan separatists who have gone on hunger strike are protesting against their treatment by the Spanish judicial system but have no intention of starving themselves to death, one told Reuters. Jordi Sanchez, one of nine Catalan politicians in pre-trial detention on charges including misuse of public funds and rebellion in relation to Catalonia's independence declaration last year, started a hunger strike on Dec. 1 alongside another separatist leader

By Anna Valderrama

MADRID (Reuters) - Jailed Catalan separatists who have gone on hunger strike are protesting against their treatment by the Spanish judicial system but have no intention of starving themselves to death, one told Reuters.

Jordi Sanchez, one of nine Catalan politicians in pre-trial detention on charges including misuse of public funds and rebellion in relation to Catalonia's independence declaration last year, started a hunger strike on Dec. 1 alongside another separatist leader. Two others did so on Dec.3.

"I love freedom and life. I've made clear from the start that this hunger strike is not about risking my life. It's about protesting in the court of public opinion that the Constitutional Court has deliberately neglected to protect my rights," Sanchez said in answers to questions sent to him by Reuters.

"The idea that a hunger strike must lead to death is distorted," he wrote from his cell in the Lledoners penitentiary near Barcelona.

Catalan nationalists say they cannot get a fair trial in Spain and accuse the courts of failing to take their appeals into account. The Spanish government says justice is following its course and it cannot intervene.

"The decision to continue or end the hunger strike does not depend on one single concrete act," Sanchez said in his first interview with international media since starting the hunger strike that he said was aimed at turning the spotlight on the Constitutional Court.

The interview took place as signs of divisions appeared among Catalan nationalists over their future course.

The head of Catalonia's pro-secession government, Quim Torra, at the weekend praised what he called "the Slovenian way" to independence, saying Catalonia should follow suit - prompting some Spanish political leaders to say he was calling for armed insurrection.

Slovenia, an Alpine state of two million people, was part of communist Yugoslavia until 1991 when it declared independence, an event followed by a 10-day war.

Asked about the success of far-right Vox, which won 12 seats in Andalusia's regional parliament for the first time since Spain's return to democracy, Sanchez denied it was a reaction to Catalonia's independence drive, a view voiced by some analysts.

He said the far-right's rise in Spain was due to opposition to immigration.

(Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

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Some rights and advocacy groups have opposed President Donald Trump's decision to nominate chief State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as America's next envoy to UN, saying she is unqualified and lacks the foreign policy experience crucial for the post.

New York: Some rights and advocacy groups have opposed President Donald Trump's decision to nominate chief State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as America's next envoy to UN, saying she is unqualified and lacks the foreign policy experience crucial for the post.

Trump on Friday picked Nauert to succeed Indian-American Nikki Haley as US ambassador to the United Nations. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation, called on the Trump administration to withdraw its nomination of Nauert for the position of UN ambassador.

CAIR said Nauert promoted "Islamophobic smears" while employed as a Fox News anchor. It said, in 2013 she criticized special swim classes for a group of Somali-American girls, describing the classes as the "minority becoming the majority at one community pool. Sharia law is now changing everything."

The group said other than her current position as State Department spokesperson, Nauert has no apparent diplomatic or government experience or expertise. "Heather Nauert does not represent our nation's diversity or its commitment to treating all Americans with equality and respect," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

The International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC), which advances the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls worldwide through advocacy and strengthening women's movements, said the nomination of Nauert as US ambassador to the United Nations "signals a continuation of the Trump administration's regressive policies at the UN.

It said Nauert, currently the State Department spokesperson, is a former anchor on Fox News and has no prior diplomatic experience. "Nauert lacks the foreign policy experience and commitment to human rights and multilateralism crucial for this post," IWHC Director of Advocacy and Policy Shannon Kowalski said in a statement.

Critical of US ambassador Haley's record at the UN, IWHC said she "ostracized civil society, removed the US from the Human Rights Council, undermined sexual and reproductive health and rights, and oversaw an overall decline in US leadership at the United Nations.

"Nauert's tenure at the State Department does not indicate that she will take the necessary steps to re-engage with civil society and reignite the United States' commitment to human rights globally, rather than on a politicized basis, it said.

Kowalski added that there is nothing in Nauert's record to suggest that she would restrain the administration's efforts to censor language or to undermine and remove UN commitments on gender equality, sexuality education, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Jamal Khashoggi's final words were 'I can't breathe,' CNN said on Sunday, citing a source who has read the transcript of an audio tape of the final moments before the journalist's murder.

Washington: Jamal Khashoggi's final words were "I can't breathe," CNN said on Sunday, citing a source who has read the transcript of an audio tape of the final moments before the journalist's murder. The source told the US network the transcript made clear the killing was premeditated, and suggests several phone calls were made to give briefings on the progress.

CNN said Turkish officials believe those calls were made to top officials in Riyadh. Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to The Washington Post, was killed shortly after entering the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on 2 October.

The transcript of the gruesome recording includes descriptions of Khashoggi struggling against his murderers, CNN said, and references sounds of the dissident journalist's body "being dismembered by a saw."

The original transcript was prepared by Turkish intelligence services, and CNN said its source read a translation version and was briefed on the probe into the journalist's death. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on Sunday meanwhile rejected demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of Khashoggi as sought by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan has repeatedly called on Saudi Arabia to hand over suspects in the killing. According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia, however, holds that it was a "rogue" operation gone wrong  a claim undercut by the reported transcript.

For his part, US president Donald Trump has refrained from blaming Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman, even though the CIA reportedly concluded that he ordered the assassination.

The murder has damaged Riyadh's international reputation and Western countries including the United States, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals.
Since the early months of the Trump administration, Kushner, the president's Middle East adviser, was in private and informal contact with Prince Mohammed, which was a cause of worry for senior American officials, the report said.

Washington: President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner continued to have private conversations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and advised him on how to deal with the aftermath of the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives, a US media report said.

Kushner offered the crown prince advice "about how to weather the storm" following the killing of Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the New York Times reported, citing a Saudi source familiar with the conversations.

Since the early months of the Trump administration, Kushner, the president's Middle East adviser, was in private and informal contact with Prince Mohammed, which was a cause of worry for senior American officials, the report said. Given Kushner's political inexperience, the private exchanges could make him susceptible to Saudi manipulation, said three former senior US officials.

In an effort to tighten practices at the White House, a new chief of staff tried to reimpose longstanding procedures stipulating that National Security Council staff members should participate in all calls with foreign leaders. But even with the restrictions in place, Kushner, 37, and Prince Mohammed, 33, kept chatting, according to three former White House officials and two others briefed by the Saudi royal court. In fact, they said, the two men were on first-name terms, calling each other Jared and Mohammed in text messages and phone calls.

The exchanges continued even after the 2 October killing of Khashoggi, the Saudi journalist who was ambushed and dismembered by Saudi agents, according to two former senior American officials and the two people briefed by the Saudis. As the killing set off a firestorm around the world and American intelligence agencies concluded that it was ordered by Prince Mohammed, Kushner became the prince's most important defender inside the White House, people familiar with its internal deliberations say.

Kushner's support for Prince Mohammed in the moment of crisis is a striking demonstration of a singular bond that has helped draw president Trump into an embrace of Saudi Arabia as one of his most important international allies. But the ties between Kushner and Prince Mohammed did not happen on their own. The prince and his advisers, eager to enlist American support for his hawkish policies in the region and for his own consolidation of power, cultivated the relationship with Kushner for more than two years, according to documents, emails and text messages reviewed by NYT.

A delegation of Saudis close to the prince visited the US as early as the month Trump was elected, the documents show, and brought back a report identifying Kushner as a crucial focal point in the courtship of the new administration. He brought to the job scant knowledge about the region, a transactional mind-set and an intense focus on reaching a deal with the Palestinians that met Israel's demands, the delegation noted.

Even then, before the inauguration, the Saudis were trying to position themselves as essential allies who could help the Trump administration fulfil its campaign pledges. In addition to offering to help resolve the dispute between Israel and the Palestinians, the Saudis offered hundreds of billions of dollars in deals to buy American weapons and invest in American infrastructure.

Trump later announced versions of some of these items with great fanfare when he made his first foreign trip: to an Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The Saudis had extended that invitation during the delegation's November 2016 visit. "The inner circle is predominantly deal makers who lack familiarity with political customs and deep institutions, and they support Jared Kushner," the Saudi delegation wrote of the incoming administration in a slide presentation obtained by the Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar, which provided it to NYT.

Several Americans who spoke with the delegation confirmed the slide presentation's accounts of the discussions. The courtship of Kushner appears to have worked.

Only a few months after Trump moved into the White House, Kushner was inquiring about the Saudi royal succession process and whether the US could influence it, raising fears among senior officials that he sought to help Prince Mohammed, who was not yet the crown prince, vault ahead in the line for the throne, two former senior White House officials said.

American diplomats and intelligence officials feared that the Trump administration might be seen as playing favourites in the delicate internal politics of the Saudi royal family, the officials said. By March, Kushner helped usher Prince Mohammed into a formal lunch with Trump in a state dining room at the White House, capitalising on a last minute cancellation by German Chancellor Angela Merkel because of a snowstorm.

Bending protocol, Kushner arranged for the prince, often referred to by his initials as MBS, to receive the kind of treatment usually reserved for heads of state, with photographs and news media coverage, according to a person involved in the arrangements. It appears to have been the first face-to-face meeting between Kushner and the prince, but Kushner raised eyebrows by telling others in the White House that he and Prince Mohammed had already spoken several times before, two people at the event recalled.

White House officials declined to comment on Kushner's one-on-one communications with the prince since the killing of Khashoggi. Their connection, though, has been pivotal since the start of the Trump administration. "The relationship between Jared Kushner and Mohammed bin Salman constitutes the foundation of the Trump policy not just toward Saudi Arabia but toward the region," said Martin Indyk, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a former Middle East envoy. The administration's reliance on the Saudis in the peace process, its support for the kingdom's feud with Qatar, an American ally, and its backing of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, he said, all grew out of "that bromance".
By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Sunday President Emmanuel Macron was to blame for the 'yellow vest' protests that have rattled France and urged Brussels to take heed of what was happening. Salvini, head of the rightist League, has clashed repeatedly with Macron in the past over immigration policy and has leapt on the anti-government demonstrations rocking Paris as proof the French president has lost his political touch.

By Crispian Balmer

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said on Sunday President Emmanuel Macron was to blame for the "yellow vest" protests that have rattled France and urged Brussels to take heed of what was happening.

Salvini, head of the rightist League, has clashed repeatedly with Macron in the past over immigration policy and has leapt on the anti-government demonstrations rocking Paris as proof the French president has lost his political touch.

"History will probably show that if (Macron) had focused more on the French and less on Salvini and Italy, he would have a few less problems today," Salvini, flush from the success of a mass rally in Rome on Saturday, told Rai 3 TV.

"Macron reduced taxes for the very well-off and increased them for those less well off," he added, saying the Italian government had no intention of following this example.

France's "yellow vest" protests have taken aim at Macron's liberal economic reforms, and have forced the French government to cancel a planned rise in taxes on petrol and diesel.

Salvini said the Italian government was taking a very different path to Paris and defended its big-spending 2019 budget, which has fallen foul of the European Commission.

"Do people in Italy want scenes like we seen in Paris? ... No. I want to prevent this. I want to help businesses, families and also the 5 million poor people (here). A country with 5 million poor people can't move ahead," he said.

The Italian budget promises to lower the retirement age and introduce income support. The European Commission has rejected the package, saying it will not cut Italy's large public debt as the rules require, and has warned it could discipline Rome unless changes are made.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is looking to negotiate a compromise, but Salvini gave no indication on Sunday that the government was willing to make substantial alterations to its budget plans.

"Seeing what is going on in Paris, I refuse to believe that Brussels, for the sake of a few decimal places, will impose sanctions, inspectors and commissars. We are Italy. We have shown ourselves to be a serious country," he said.

The budget forecasts a deficit of 2.4 percent of gross domestic product next year from 1.8 percent this year, and the commission has called for this target to be cut.

Salvini said the initial calculations were being reviewed to see if the budget could be introduced with a deficit of "2.4, 2.5 or 2.3".

Italian business leaders have also expressed concern over the budget, saying it doesn't do enough to help growth or encourage investment.

Looking to win over the industrialists, Salvini met representatives of 14 professional lobby groups on Sunday to hear their complaints and recommendations.

"For the first time in six months, this government is listening to us and we have entered a dialogue," said Vincenzo Boccia, head of the employers' group Confindustria. "Now however we expect to see results, facts."

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)

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By Marcelo Rochabrun and Ritsuko Ando SAO PAULO/TOKYO (Reuters) - A Rio de Janeiro apartment containing cash, art works and personal belongings of Carlos Ghosn has become the latest battleground between the indicted former Nissan Motor Co Ltd chairman and the automaker.

By Marcelo Rochabrun and Ritsuko Ando

SAO PAULO/TOKYO (Reuters) - A Rio de Janeiro apartment containing cash, art works and personal belongings of Carlos Ghosn has become the latest battleground between the indicted former Nissan Motor Co Ltd <7201.T> chairman and the automaker.

Ghosn is seeking to retrieve "personal belongings, documents, cash, objects and art pieces from the beachfront apartment, which Nissan says it owns. The home could contain evidence of financial misconduct, according to a filing by Nissan in a Brazilian court last week.

The previously unreported court papers show the extent of the legal dispute between Ghosn and Nissan over access to the apartment, one of several around the world he has been able to use. Nissan alleges Ghosn underreported his income by tens of millions of dollars and diverted corporate funds for personal use.

The legal dispute between Ghosn and Nissan extends far beyond Japan, where the scandal first broke and where Ghosn was formally charged on Monday.

The Rio apartment contains three safes that Nissan has yet to open, according to the filings. The carmaker found them when it did an audit of the apartment following Ghosn's firing, the company said.

The apartment also has "designer furniture, artwork and decorative objects," it added.

The Rio apartment was purchased by a Nissan subsidiary in late 2011 following the carmaker's launch of a factory in the nearby city of Resende.

Nissan bought the apartment expecting that Ghosn's trips to Brazil, where he was born and maintains citizenship, would "become more constant" after the factory opened, Nissan said in the filings.

The apartment is in the Copacabana neighbourhood, on a road directly facing Rio's famous beaches. An apartment in the same building was listed online for 12 million reais ($3.07 million).

Monday's indictment in Japan puts the ball back in the court of Nissan's alliance partner, Renault . The French company, which owns a 43.4 percent stake in Nissan, is preparing for a Dec. 13 board meeting likely to consider Ghosn's future as its chairman and chief executive.

Renault has so far stopped short of dismissing Ghosn while repeatedly demanding access to the findings of the Nissan internal investigation that led to his arrest.

`RISK OF DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE`

Court proceedings in Brazil started on Nov. 29 when a lawyer for Ghosn asked a judge to grant him access to the Rio apartment.

Nissan says allowing him access would "represent an incalculable risk of destruction of potential evidence of crimes allegedly committed." So far he has been denied access by Brazil's courts.

A lawyer for Ghosn, Jose Roberto de Castro Neves, told Reuters he was unaware of the existence of three different safes and that it was "absurd speculation" that they may contain evidence of wrongdoing.

"He's a very smart guy," de Castro Neves said in a brief phone interview. "If he had done something wrong, he would never leave it in the apartment."

Hailed for bringing Nissan back from the brink of bankruptcy, Ghosn is a well known figure in Brazil, where he was born.

Tokyo prosecutors on Monday indicted Ghosn for under-reporting his income and also charged the automaker, making Nissan culpable for the alleged financial misconduct, which has shocked the industry. Ghosn was arrested in Japan on Nov. 19 and is being held in a Tokyo jail.

Ghosn has not made any statement through his lawyers in Japan but has denied the allegations, according to local media.

(Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Steve Orlofsky)

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Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill American soldiers, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, asserting that Washington should not give Islamabad even a dollar until it addresses the issue.

New York: Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill American soldiers, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, asserting that Washington should not give Islamabad even a dollar until it addresses the issue.

Haley, the first Indian-American ever appointed to a Cabinet position in any US presidential administration, said the US did not need to give money to countries that wish harm to America, go behind its back and try and "stop us from doing things". "...I think there should be a strategic view on which countries we partner with, which ones we count on to work with us on certain things, and move forward accordingly. I think we just blindly allow money to keep going without thinking that this is real leverage. We have to use it," Haley told US magazine 'The Atlantic'.

"The one example I'll give you is, look at Pakistan. Giving them over a billion dollars, and they continue to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill our soldiers that's never okay. We shouldn't even give them a dollar until they correct it. Use the billion dollars. That's not a small amount of change," she said. Haley will step down as the UN envoy at the end of this year. US President Donald Trump last week nominated chief State Department spokeswoman and a former Fox News journalist Heather Nauert as Haley's successor.

In October, Haley announced that she was leaving the post by the end of the year. The 46-year-old former South Carolina governor has served nearly two years in the post. She said Pakistan should be told "you have to do these things before we will even start to help you with your military or start to help you on counterterrorism".

Asked if she does not agree that foreign aid can turn an adversary into an ally, or can make a country more favourable than it would be otherwise, Haley said, "no, I think it absolutely can. I think that you do have to use it as leverage". "I don't think you should blindly give it and then expect goodwill. You have to ask for goodwill and then give it when you see good things happen," she said.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.

Last month, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying Islamabad does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government helped late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Rawalpindi.

Referring to Laden and his former compound in Abbottabad in Pakistan, Trump told Fox News, "you know, living  think of this  living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer". "But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," Trump said.

The US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed Laden in 2011 and demolished the compound. "We give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them $1.3 billion a year  which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

Trump began the new year by launching an attack on Islamabad in his first tweet of 2018, accusing it of "lies and deceit". "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools," he wrote. "They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump added.
By Stephen Kalin RIYADH (Reuters) - A Gulf Arab summit called for regional unity as Bahrain and Qatar traded barbs over the Qatari emir's decision not to attend the gathering in Saudi Arabia on Sunday in a sign that a row between Doha and its neighbours is still festering. Qatar sent its state minister for foreign affairs to the annual one-day summit, which was overshadowed by the economic and diplomatic boycott of Doha since mid-2017 by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt over allegations Doha supports terrorism, which Qatar denies. 'Qatar's emir should have accepted the fair demands (of the boycotting states) and attended the summit,' Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said in a tweet

By Stephen Kalin

RIYADH (Reuters) - A Gulf Arab summit called for regional unity as Bahrain and Qatar traded barbs over the Qatari emir's decision not to attend the gathering in Saudi Arabia on Sunday in a sign that a row between Doha and its neighbours is still festering.

Qatar sent its state minister for foreign affairs to the annual one-day summit, which was overshadowed by the economic and diplomatic boycott of Doha since mid-2017 by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt over allegations Doha supports terrorism, which Qatar denies.

"Qatar's emir should have accepted the fair demands (of the boycotting states) and attended the summit," Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said in a tweet.

In response, Ahmed bin Saeed AlRumaihi, director of the information office at Qatar's foreign ministry, said: "Qatar can make its own decisions and had attended (last year's) Kuwait summit while the leaders of the boycotting countries did not."

He later slammed the final communique for not addressing the boycott, which Qatar says aims to curtail its sovereignty.

The Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) summit of six member states was held as Riyadh faces international pressure over the Oct 2. murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman opened the gathering, urging fellow member states Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar to maintain a united front against Iran and terrorism.

"This requires all of us to maintain our countries' gains and to work with our partners to preserve security and stability in the region and the world," he said in a speech.

The leaders sat around a table in awkward silence at the close before a bland final communique was read out, stressing the importance of maintaining GCC unity in the face of threats to regional stability and to meet economic challenges.

The UAE will host the next summit in 2019.

BITTER DIVIDE

Doha last week abruptly announced it was exiting the oil exporters' group OPEC after 57 years to focus on gas, in an apparent swipe at the bloc's de facto leader Saudi Arabia..

Riyadh has resisted U.S. pressure to restore ties with Doha following Khashoggi's murder, an act that drew condemnation and scrutiny of the kingdom's assertive regional policies.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir reiterated in a press conference after the summit that Doha must meet the boycotting states' demands and that the dispute would not affect military cooperation.

A U.S. State Department official on Sunday urged Gulf states to mend fences to confront Iran and enable a proposed Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) grouping the GCC, Egypt and Jordan.

"We'd like to see that unity restored, not on our terms, but on terms of the countries that are involved," Timothy Lenderking, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arabian Gulf Affairs, told reporters at a security forum in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

Jubeir said proposals for MESA were being "refined" in coordination with the United States. "It is a work in progress that both sides want to succeed," he said.

The boycotting states insist the row is not a priority for them while Doha says the dispute harms regional security.

Kuwait's ties with Riyadh are also strained over control of shared oilfields in the so-called Neutral Zone, further weakening unity of the GCC which was set up in 1980 as a bulwark against larger neighbours Iran and Iraq.

(Additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Abu Dhabi, Tuqa Khalid in Dubai and Marwa Rashad in Riyadh; Editing by Ghaida Ghantous, Andrew Roche and Adrian Croft)

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Sunday he considers March 1 'a hard deadline' to reach a deal on trade with China, and that new tariffs will be imposed otherwise.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Sunday he considers March 1 "a hard deadline" to reach a deal on trade with China, and that new tariffs will be imposed otherwise.

"As far as I am concerned it is a hard deadline. When I talk to the president of the United States he is not talking about going beyond March," Lighthizer said on the CBS show "Face the Nation," referring to President Donald Trump's recent decision to delay tariff imposition until March 1 while talks proceed.

"The way this is set up is that at the end of 90 days, these tariffs will be raised," said Lighthizer, appearing to tamp down expectations that the negotiation period could be extended.

(Reporting by Howard Schneider; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

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Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on Sunday rejected demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi as sought by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on Sunday rejected demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi as sought by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"We do not extradite our citizens," Adel al-Jubeir told a news conference in Riyadh at the end of a summit of Gulf Cooperation Council states. Erdogan has repeatedly called on Saudi Arabia to hand over suspects in the killing of the dissident journalist.

Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to the Washington Post, was killed shortly after entering the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on 2 October. A Turkish court on Wednesday issued arrest warrants for former Saudi intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and former adviser to the royal court Saud al-Qahtani, at the request of Istanbul's chief prosecutor.

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 its consulate."The Turkish authorities have not been as forthcoming as we believe they should have been," said Jubeir, saying Riyadh was presented with information that had already been leaked to the media.

"We have asked our friends in Turkey to provide us with evidence that we can use in a court of law. We have not received it in the manner that it should have been received." According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi.

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 Turkish leader insisted last weekend during a trip to South America that Riyadh hand over the suspects, but said the kingdom was not cooperating.

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. The murder has damaged Riyadh's international reputation and Western countries including the United States, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals.

Qahtani was among 17 Saudi officials targeted by sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department in mid-November for "his role in preparing for the operation" against the journalist.
As the world marks 70 years of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights marked as International Human Rights Day, the UN's year-long campaign #Standup4HumanRights draws to a close.

The world celebrates International Human Rights Day on Monday. On this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly  then headquartered in Paris  ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Of the 58 member states, 48 voted in favour of the resolution, while eight abstained and two failed to vote.

It may seem a routine affair that the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 217 to ratify the UDHR. But the internationalist idea behind the declaration meant that two years later, the UN adopted another resolution to formally declare 10 December as International Human Rights Day.

Over the years, Human Rights Day has witnessed non-violent protests and peace marches by NGOs, open debates, political conferences and cultural events  all driving the point of respecting individual freedom and liberty. The five-yearly "United Nations Prize in the field of Human Rights", constituted in 1966, is also awarded on this day.

As the world marks 70 years of the adoption of the UDHR, the UN's year-long campaign #StandUp4HumanRights draws to a close. By this campaign, the UN aimed to "call on people to take action for greater freedoms, stronger respect and more compassion for the rights of others".

A World War never again

The idea of drafting a universal document specifying different individual freedoms arose from the ashes of World War II that killed over 50 million people. The seed of the idea was sown in January 1941, when then United States president Franklin D Roosevelt articulated the "four freedoms"  freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. After the war, when the Allied powers decided to establish the UN, the idea of a human rights charter got a much-needed impetus.

In 1946, the UN Economic and Social Council established a Commission on Human Rights, under which a nine-member drafting committee, led by Eleanor Roosevelt, was given the task of creating the charter on human rights.

The drafting committee deliberated on the content of the charter in two sessions between 1947 and 1948, finally completing it in May 1948. It is believed that Eleanor Roosevelt submitted the draft to the UN General Assembly with these words: "We stand today at the threshold of a great event, both in the life of the United Nations and in the life of mankind. This declaration may well become the international Magna Carta for all men everywhere."

UDHR inspired India's founding fathers

The UDHR comprises 30 articles that list several individual freedoms for men, women and children. The first article sets the tone: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. The right to lead a dignified life, the freedom to practice any religion, express thoughts, exercise speech and move freely across borders are some of the salient principles enshrined in the UDHR."

Interestingly, the UDHR holds the record of being the most translated document, available in over 500 languages across the world.

Although not legally binding in itself, the principles expressed in the UDHR have, nevertheless, been elaborated in several international treaties and now considered a part of the international customary law.

One may find striking similarities between the UDHR and the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. According to the Government of India, the founders of modern India strove to incorporate several principles enshrined in the UDHR. Most of the rights listed in the Constitution of India are in two parts: The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy. The latter covers nearly the entire field of the 1948 declaration.

Present day human rights

Seventy years have passed since the adoption of the UDHR, yet it is as relevant in the present context as it was in the 20th Century Cold War era.

In the 21st Century, there has been a renewed effort to clearly determine the parameters of human rights for the sake of successful implementation and monitoring. A 2012 UN report underlined a more data- and evidence-based approach to monitor human rights in countries. It listed down 10 broad indicators to effectively track human rights in every nation, suggesting the best practices adopted as well as inadequate responses.

If international human rights organisations are to be believed, the world still faces grave violations. According to Human Rights Watch's 2018 report, the rise of populism across the globe led many governments to side-step solving existential crises. Instead, the report claimed, "The result has been a frontal assault on the values of inclusivity, tolerance and respect that lie at the heart of human rights.... Indeed, certain populists seem to relish breaking the taboos that embody these values."

According to the 2017-18 report by Amnesty International, Yemen, Syria, Saudi Arabia, China and Venezuela were among the top human rights violators in the world. Turkey, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russia under President Vladimir Putin were other countries that found mention in the report. But what surprised many were the inclusion of the Donald Trump-led US and the European Union. While the US was ranked for setting the tone for a "hate-filled rhetoric", the EU was added to the list for its failure to help refugees entering its member states.

In the foreword to the 2017-18 report, Salil Shetty, the secretary general of Amnesty International, noted: "As we enter the year in which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 70, it is abundantly clear that none of us can take our human rights for granted."

India and human rights

With rising cow vigilantism and attacks over minorities as well as Dalits, India has been at the receiving end of human rights groups the last few years. Amnesty International, in its 2017-18 report, expressed concern over authorities being "openly critical of human rights defenders". The report condemned the use of repressive laws to curtail freedom of expression, while alluding to journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh's murder in September 2017. This also contributed to India falling in the Press Freedom Index from 105 in 2009 to 138 in 2018.

Human Rights Watch also criticised the Indian government over lack of accountability for past violence in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East. It also blamed the Narendra Modi government for having failed to review and repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir and parts of the North East.

A 2017 report published by Washington DC-based think tank Cato Institute placed India at the 102nd spot for Human Freedom with a score of 6.55, slightly lower than the international average of 6.59. A glance at the parameters shows that India's low score could be attributed to perceived decline in rule of law, an overburdened judicial system and excessive economic regulations.

However, there were bright spots, too, for India. International organisations appreciated judicial intervention in decriminalising homosexuality and protecting individual privacy. While the Modi government's bid to secure rights for differently-abled citizens and decriminalise suicide were acknowledged, Human Rights Watch argued that a lot more needed to be done for effective implementation.
Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 6 Pro, successor of the Redmi Note Note 5 Pro in India last month starting at Rs. 13999, and it went on sale starting from November 23rd evey week on Flipkart, Mi.com and Mi Home stores. Today the company has announced that the phone will go on open sale in the country through both the platforms from December 12th.

Mi fans! #RedmiNote6Pro the Quad camera all-rounder is now even more accessible! Get it on open sale starting 12th December, 12 noon on @Flipkart and https://t.co/cwYEXeds6Y.

RT to spread the word! pic.twitter.com/9ZoNFiLhxT  Redmi India (@RedmiIndia) December 10, 2018

This is the first time, a Redmi Note series smartphone is going on open sale within weeks of launch. This might be due to the launch of Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 smartphone in the country this week and the recently-launched Realme U1 smartphone. In the first sale last month, Xiaomi claimed that it sold 6 lakh units of Redmi Note 6 Pro smartphones.

To Remind you, the phone packs a 6.26-inch Full HD+ screen with a notch, 19:9 aspect ratio, 12-megapixel camera with f/1.9 aperture, 1.4m pixel size secondary 5-megapixel camera, AI features including AI portrait and AI scene recognition, 20-megapixel front camera with 4-in-1 Super Pixel technology, 2-megapixel secondary camera for portrait shots and has AI face unlock.

Other specifications are almost same as the Redmi Note 5 Pro, including Snapdragon 636 with up to 6GB of RAM, Dual 4G VoLTE, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and a 4000mAh battery. However this comes with support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, even though it comes bundled with 5V/2A charger.
Update  December 25,2018: Xiaomi has started rolling out Mi A1 Android 9.0 (Pie) stable update for more users widely, including users in India. It has build number PKQ1.180917.001.V10.0.3.0.PDHMIFK, compared to v10.0.2.0 that rolled out earlier this month and is 1069.1MB in size, slightly smaller than the 1074.9MB. It brings December Android security patch. If you havent received the update, you can download it from here (or here) and flash it manually. If you have already reveived or flashed v10.0.2.0 update, you will receive a small update to 10.0.3.0 probably to fix bugs.

Earlier: Last week we reported that Xiaomi started rolling out Android Pie beta update for closed beta tester. The update was also rolled out as stable update in some countries such as Netherlands. In addition to Android Pie 9.0 features including Adaptive Battery that uses machine learning to prioritize system resources for the apps, Adaptive Brightness, new Pill based navigation gestures and recommended Apps and Actions based on user context using machine learning, the update also finally brings Dual 4G VoLTE support in as well support for FM Radio.

We tested it both on Jio and Airtel, and Dual 4G VoLTE worked fine, but it doesnt work on Idea. However, some users in Netherlands are reporting that Band 8 and Band 20 are not supported after the update so 4G doesnt work on Vodafone. Check out the changelog below.

Your Mi A1 will be updated to Android 9  Pie. New features include: FM Radio

Adaptive battery and brightness

Simpler ways to navigate your phone

Recommended apps and actions based on your context

Source 1, 2
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) recently unveiled its 2019 operating plan, which has many similarities to this year's strategy. Two central themes shine through: the company will remain disciplined when it comes to capital spending while continuing to return a meaningful portion of its cash flow to investors. That dual approach has the company well positioned to navigate next year's oil market.

Keeping the budget flat

ConocoPhillips set its 2019 capital budget at $6.1 billion, which is flat with this year's spending plan, though ConocoPhillips did initially expect to invest $5.5 billion during 2018 but increased its budget twice along the way. At next year's spending level, ConocoPhillips can generate free cash flow as long as oil is above $40 a barrel.

That's a slightly more conservative approach than fellow oil producer Anadarko Petroleum (NYSE:APC). While Anadarko is reducing its capital budget from last year's level, that's mainly because it's selling its midstream assets. Otherwise Anadarko's investments in new wells are increasing slightly while its capital plan balances the cash flows it expects to produce at $50 a barrel.

ConocoPhillips plans on investing roughly half its capital into the lower 48 states, which is flat with last year's plan. Most of the money will go into drilling new wells in the Eagle Ford, Bakken, and Delaware Basin. However, the company also expects to drill some test wells in the Louisiana Austin Chalk.

Meanwhile, the company intends to spend $1.2 billion, or 20% of its capital, in Alaska, an increase from $900 million last year. That's because the oil giant recently sanctioned a new project in the state and should soon complete a transaction to bolster its interest in a key oil field. Finally, the company plans to spread the rest of its capital around the world to drill test wells in an emerging Canadian shale play and develop offshore oil and gas fields in the UK and Norway, as well as new projects in Australia, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These investments should enable ConocoPhillips to produce between 1.3 to 1.35 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2019, an increase of about 5% from 2018's average.

Allocating the excess

As mentioned earlier, ConocoPhillips's 2018 plan will generate excess cash flow above $40 a barrel. That low oil price breakeven level means that the company is on track to produce significant free cash flow at current oil prices, which are above $50.

The company plans to return all this excess cash, and then some, to its investors, aiming to pay its recently increased dividend as well as buy back up to $3 billion in stock. Those rates imply that the company would return about 50% of its cash flow to shareholders next year, assuming oil averages $50 a barrel. The company can afford to do that because it ended the third quarter with $4.8 billion in cash on its balance sheet. That gives it a nice cushion should oil prices tumble in 2019.

ConocoPhillips's share buyback plan has the potential to move the needle for investors. Given the current share price, the company could retire enough stock to grow its production per debt-adjusted share (which also takes into account changes in debt level) by 8% in 2019. That's a solid growth rate for a company of its size.

Well positioned for whatever happens in the oil market

ConocoPhillips's efforts to reduce costs over the years have enabled the company to build a business that can thrive at lower oil prices. That's evident from the company's 2019 operating plan, which will see it invest capital to grow production while sending a significant amount of money back to investors. That balanced approach should enable the company to prosper no matter what happens to oil prices in the coming year.
Round Table Pizza Coming Together To Support Wildfire Victims On Dec. 11 With A Day For California Fundraiser

15 percent of the days sales plus customer donations at locations across the Round Table Pizza system will directly benefit The California Fire Foundations SAVE program

December 5, 2018 // Franchising.com // CONCORD, Calif. - The recent wildfires in California have hit many communities Round Table Pizza serves hard and the brand is joining together for a one day effort aiming to raise $100,000 for victims across the state. A Day for California will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 11 and 15 percent of the days sales and additional customer donations at participating locations and online will directly benefit The California Fire Foundations Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE). The SAVE program provides direct assistance from firefighters to those whove lost homes in fire or disaster through gift cards.

Round Table Pizza is proud to call California home and our hearts are hurting for our customers, franchisees and team members in areas devastated by the fires in both the Northern and Southern regions of the state, said Geoff Goodman, Executive Vice President of Round Table Pizza. On December 11, we will be serving not only a great meal, but hope to those who truly need it most this holiday season. Please join us.

Thousands of our fellow Californians were devastated by the destructive and deadly wildfires, said Brian K. Rice, chair of the California Fire Foundation. Through the SAVE program, firefighters are offering a hand up to those who lost their homes. Round Tables generosity will help to rebuild the lives of those whove lost so much, and we are grateful for their support.

Dine-in, delivery and take-out orders are included in the A Day for California fundraiser. For more information, visit our website: http://www.roundtablepizza.com/rtp/ or follow Round Table Pizzas social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Donations in support of the effort can be made online by visiting the donation page.

About Round Table Pizza

Round Table Pizza was founded by Bill Larson in 1959 in the San Francisco Bay Area to create a place where families could relax and share a superb pizza. More than fifty years later, Round Table Pizza remains true to its founders vision with 440 restaurants across the western United States and the world. Round Tables signature tagline, The Last Honest Pizza, describes its commitment to quality and authenticity. For the latest news and fun and games from Round Table Pizza, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. http://www.roundtablepizza.com/rtp/

About The California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundations mandate includes an array of survivor and victim assistance projects and community initiatives. Find the Foundation on CFF Facebook, CFF Twitter and CFF Instagram. http://www.cafirefoundation.org/

SOURCE Round Table Pizza

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Another successful photo shoot of Tako Natsvlishvili for Incanto - GeorgianJournal
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is extremely busy promoting his film Zero.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is extremely busy promoting his film Zero. After wrapping up the promotions, the actor will move on to his next ambitious project Salute by mid next year.

A source close to the actor reveals, Shah Rukh will begin the prep work for Salute by Feb 2019 and the actor has already blocked his dates from May 2019 for Salute. The first schedule of the film will go on floors by mid-May 2019.

Directed by Mahesh Mathai and produced by Ronnie Screwwala and Siddharth Roy Kapur, Salute is a biopic on astronaut Rakesh Sharma. When former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked Rakesh Sharma how India looked from outer space, he said Saare Jahan Se Achcha in response. However, the title of the film still remains unconfirmed. Earlier, Aamir Khan was supposed to be a part of this project but the actor backed out of this film due to other commitments.

Shah Rukh Khans upcoming film Zero is all set to the screens in December this year. In the film, SRK will play the role of Bauua Singh  a vertically challenged character. The film also stars Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.
Google Pixel 3 Lite and Google Pixel 3 Lite XL leaks: 18:9 aspect ratio display with a 12 MP camera News oi-Vivek Google Pixel 3 Lite will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 SoC

Google's Pixel series of smartphones are known for their camera performance, which offers DSLR level photography with just a single camera, where other OEMs are struggling to offer similar performance even with dual or triple camera setup. Keeping aside the camera performance of the Pixel smartphones, they usually cost more (similar to the price of iPhones).

It looks like Google is all set to launch an affordable iteration of the Google Pixel 3 with the name Google Pixel 3 Lite and Google Pixel 3 Lite XL with a similar camera performance as of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

Google Pixel 3 Lite renders

According to the leaked renders of the Google Pixel 3 Lite, the smartphone comes with an 18:9 aspect ratio display with a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the top and an USB type C port on the bottom. The phone has a single selfie camera on the front and a single primary camera on the back with a rear-facing fingerprint sensor.

The Google Pixel 3 Lite is expected to come with a 5.5-inch display with FHD+ resolution, protected by 2.5D curved tempered glass. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 SoC will power the Pixel 3 Lite with 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. The company might also launch a premium version of the Pixel 3 Lite with 64 GB of internal storage.

The device will have a 12 MP primary camera on the back with 2915 mAh Li-ion battery with support for fast charging via USB type-C with Android 9 Pie OS.

Google Pixel 3 Lite XL specifications

The Google Pixel 3 Lite XL is likely to have a similar set of specifications as of the Pixel 3 Lite. The one major feature of the Pixel 3 Lite XL will be the processor, the Pixel 3 Lite XL will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 SoC with 4 GB of RAM and 32/64 GB of internal storage.

As of now, there is no information on the pricing or availability of the Pixel 3 Lite and the Pixel 3 Lite XL. Google might unveil the mid-tier Pixel smartphones in early 2019, and these smartphones are expected to cost less than Rs 40,000.

Source

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Nokia 8.1 India launch today: Top 5 features you should know News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Here are the highlighted features of the Nokia 8.1.

Nokia 8.1 is the global variant of the Nokia X7, which went official in China in October. Well, the device was announced globally at an event on December 5 and is all set to be launched in India later today. The launch event is slated to happen at 5:30 PM and we already know all the specifications and features. However, the pricing and availability details are to be announced by the company at the event today.

Given that the India launch is going to happen in the next few hours, we have listed out the top features of this smartphone. Take a look at the same from below.

Android 9 Pie out-of-the-box

HMD has been launching smartphones belonging to the Android One program since the advent of this year. All these phones are slated to receive the Android 9 Pie update in the coming months. In fact, a few devices have already received the update. The Nokia 8.1 is different from the others in the portfolio as it has been launched with Android 9 Pie out-of-the-box.

PureDisplay with HDR10

Nokia 8.1 bestows a 6.18-inch FHD+ (1080x2244 pixels) PureDisplay with support for HDR10. This screen has a notch on top of it resulting in a tall aspect ratio of 18.7:9. Also, there is 81.5% screen-to-body ratio and a peak brightness of 500 nits.

Google ARCore support

A few Nokia smartphones among other brands have Google ARCore support. The company has pointed out that the Nokia 8.1 also has the support for this feature. Apart from this, there are other aspects such as Nokia Ozo surround capture.

Dual cameras with AI features

Nokia 8.1 comes with a dual camera module with Zeiss optics at its rear. It has a 12MP primary Sony IMX363 sensor with dual-tone LED flash, OIS, and f/1.8 aperture and a 13MP secondary sensor with f/2.2 aperture. The rear camera comes with AI scene detection, which can detect up to 18 scenes. There is Bothie feature to shoot using both front and rear cameras. There is Pro Camera UI for several manual camera options.

AI selfie camera features

Up front, there is a 20MP selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture. And, the selfie camera uses the pixel binding technology to combine four pixels to form a larger pixel. It also has AI studio lights, AI beauty mode, AI portrait mode, AI expressions and dual-view mode.

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Taliban shadow governor killed in eastern Afghanistan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Kabul, Dec 9, IRNA -- Taliban shadow governor for Paktika province, Pir Agha, has been killed in an operation with Afghan army forces, Deputy Spokesman for Afghanistan Interior Ministry Nosrat Rahimi said.

Pir Agha has been killed in Deh-e Khalifeh, Gomal District, Rahimi told reporters on Sunday.

This is while, Taliban terrorist group has denied news regarding the killing of Pir Agha.

Meanwhile, in an operation to clear the remaining pockets of Taliban elements in Helmand, 18 terrorists were killed.

9376**2044

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Saudi airstrikes kill 5 civilians in western Yemen

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Dec 9, IRNA -- Saudi Arabia air attacks on Al Hudaydah, western Yemen has killed 5 civilians and injured 5 others, Arab media reported.

According to Al Mayadeen, the Yemeni Health Ministry announced on Saturday night that the US-Arab coalition attacked Al-Rabseh square, Al Hudaydah.

Meanwhile, Spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces Brigadier General Yahya Saree said despite peace talks which are underway in Sweden, Saudi coalition conducted unprecedented attacks on Yemen.

The Yemeni TV Channel 'Al-Masirah' announced that the recent Saudi air strike killed 6 people and injured 10 more.

Earlier on Saturday, four Yemeni fishermen were killed in Saudis' attack on Al Hudaydah.

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 Mansour Hadi back to power and crushing the country's Houthi Ansarullah Movement.

Some 16,000 Yemenis have been killed and thousands more injured since the onset of the Saudi-led aggression.

The assaults of the Saudi-led coalition forces have failed to stop the Yemenis from resisting the aggression.

Earlier, the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message expressed Iran's support for the intra-Yemeni talks to resolve the crisis.

"Iran supports the upcoming intra-Yemeni talks in Sweden. All sides should enter constructive and responsible engagement to end the crisis in #Yemen. The world has historic responsibility to back dialogue incl by halting arming of aggressors," Zarif wrote on his Twitter account.

9376**1771

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USS Abraham Lincoln Successfully Completes CSSQT

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS181209-01

Release Date: 12/9/2018 7:47:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica Paulauskas, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) successfully completed the testing of the ship's defense capabilities during Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT), Dec. 7.

CSSQT tested Abraham Lincoln's ability to safely and effectively operate onboard weapons systems, including the close-in weapons system (CIWS), rolling airframe missile (RAM) launchers and the Enhanced NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System (ESSM).

"CSQTT is pivotal because it certifies our weapons systems," said Cmdr. Scott Ryan, Abraham Lincoln's Combat Direction Center Officer. "CSQTT's purpose is to show our ship's self-defense system (SSDS) can protect the ship. To do that, we have to live-fire each weapons system at a target and either hit the target or get close to it, depending on the weapons system."

Each missile launched by the ship successfully intercepted subsonic, sea-skimming drones flown to the Atlantic Ocean from Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex, Virginia.

"It's an enormous team evolution," said Lt. Cmdr. Douglas Andrade, a tactical actions officer (TAO) and the air defense officer for CSSQT. "The entire Combat Systems, Navigation, Operations and Weapons Departments came together and were synchronized. As the TAO for this, it was amazing to watch, and I'm proud of the team's phenomenal performance"

In addition to the CIWS, Abraham Lincoln fired one RIM-162D Sea Sparrow missile and one RIM-116 test RAM.

"This is my second CSSQT evolution," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Tyler Greenlee. "It's not uncommon that a lot of fire control men never fire a missile in their career. We went three for three with our missiles, so it felt really good to succeed and know that our watch team can fight for the ship."

The Enhanced NATO Sea Sparrow missile is a semi-active missile requiring a feed from directors to locate a target. The RAM is a passive missile that uses built-in sensors to track down its target. The ship's ENSSMS holds eight missiles per launcher, and the RAM launchers each hold 21 missiles.

Ensign Ezekiel Ramirez, Abraham Lincoln's fire control officer said his team spent three months of hard work and preparation to be ready for the week-long CSSQT evolution and, ultimately, arm the ship with the capability to defend herself.

"We spent months training several times a week," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Matthew J. Miller, a combat systems divisional leading petty officer. "Today we showed that we are able to defend ourselves if a threat were to get past the cruisers and destroyers in our strike group."

Testing Abraham Lincoln's SSDS is critical to taking the ship another step closer to launch as a deployment-ready warship.

"There's no better feeling to witness the success of this evolution," said Ramirez. "Our team is the last line of defense, and to prove that we can do our job is the ultimate satisfaction."

CSQTT demonstrates how Abraham Lincoln is fine-tuning her weapons systems and training personnel to enhance the mission-readiness of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12.

The components of CSG-12 embody a "team-of-teams" concept, combining advanced surface, air and systems assets to create and sustain operational capability. This enables them to prepare for and conduct global operations, have effective and lasting command and control, and demonstrate dedication and commitment to become the strongest warfighting force for the Navy and the nation.

The Abraham Lincoln CSG is comprised of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 2, associated guided-missile destroyers, flagship Abraham Lincoln, and the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

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'Real prospect of jail time' for Trump after leaving office, lawmaker warns

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 09:32PM

US President Donald Trump could "face the real prospect of jail time" over directing illegal payments during his 2016 presidential campaign, as indicated by prosecutors last week, says a senior lawmaker, who is likely to be the next chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

"There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him. That he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time," said California Democratic Representative Adam Schiff Sunday on CBS.

In a legal filing released Friday, federal prosecutors referred to Trump as "Individual-1" who directed his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, to make illegal payments.

Cohen, Trump's longtime fixer, made payments during the 2016 campaign to two women  adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal  to silence them from speaking publicly about affairs they had with Trump.

"We have been discussing the issue of pardons the president may offer to people or dangle in front of people," Schiff said. "The bigger pardon question may come down the road, as the next president has to determine whether to pardon Donald Trump."

As part of a special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between the Russian government and US President Donald Trump's associates, as well as potential obstruction of justice and financial crimes, four people -- Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, Rick Gates, and George Papadopolous -- have been charged, pleaded guilty, or have been convicted at trial.

"I think the prosecutors in New York make a powerful case against that idea," he added. "All the arguments they make against Michael Cohen ... that argument was equally made with respect to Individual-1, the president of the United States."

This is while the president believes that the investigation is a "hoax," a "witch hunt," or a "scam."

The investigation seeks to find out whether the Russian government coordinated with Trump's aides after the intelligence community's conclusion that the Kremlin helped with the New York billionaire's

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Yemen: Ansarullah says open for more talk if Sweden process yields

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 05:04PM

Yemen's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement says it is open for more talks with representatives of the country's former Saudi Arabia-backed government if underway negotiations in Sweden make progress.

"If we leave these consultations having made progress -- progress in building confidence and finding a framework -- we can hold a new round of talks" in the coming months, the spokesman and chief negotiator for the movement said on Sunday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the talks that are taking place in the rural village of Rimbo, Mohammed Abdul-Salam also reiterated his group's call for reopening of Sana'a International Airport in the country's capital. The terminal has been closed save for a few select aid flights for nearly three years now.

Separately, however, he said his delegation has participated in the UN-brokered peace negotiations to restore peace in the conflict-plagued Arab country, and not to surrender.

Abdul-Salam told Lebanon-based Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network that it was not the Ansarullah delegates who called for indirect talks with representatives from the administration of former Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, but in fact it was the other way around.

He highlighted that Houthis are in Sweden for Yemen peace talks and not to surrender, saying, "We called for a transitional phase in order for the remaining issues of the national dialogue to advance."

Abdel-Salam said, "Military operations in Hudaydah must stop and invading forces must go back to their positions. Among the most critical issues that we want to be addressed that the fate of our fellow fighters currently being held captive in the United Arab Emirates."

The Ansarullah chief negotiator also expressed surprise at the Saudi-led military coalition's demand on Yemeni army soldiers and allied fighters from Popular Committees to lay down arms at the same time as thousands of Saudi mercenaries are fighting in Yemen.

Meanwhile, Head of Yemen's National Committee for Prisoners' Affairs, Abdulqader al-Mortadha, said on Sunday that the Saudi-backed pro-Hadi delegation has called for the postponement of a prisoner swap.

"We were ready today to exchange the lists of prisoners under the set deadline, but the Riyadh-supported group requested to put off the process until tomorrow," Yemen's al-Masirah television network quoted him as saying.

Mortadha further stressed that the prisoner exchange agreement is defined by an operational mechanism, expressing hope that the United Nations commits everyone to specific obligations so that no room is available for manipulation, disavowal and delay.

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.

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Trump renews calls for end to Russia probe

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 03:22PM

US President Donald Trump has renewed his call to end a federal investigation into alleged Russian collusion with his 2016 presidential election campaign, describing the probe as a "witch hunt."

Trump made the latest plea on Saturday, a day after federal prosecutors detailed a previously unknown attempt by a Russian to help his election campaign.

"Time for the Witch Hunt to END!" Trump said in a message on Twitter. "We're very happy with what we are reading, because there was no collusion whatsoever."

Trump's tweet also quoted his friend and television host Geraldo Rivera, who dismissed any claim of collaboration between the Trump campaign and Russia as "collusion illusion."

It was the president's second tweet of the day about the investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the last presidential election.

Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion and has long called for end to the probe.

Moscow has also denied any interference in US elections.

"After two years and millions of pages of documents (and a cost of over $30 million) no collusion!" Trump tweeted earlier on Saturday.

On Friday, Mueller said in a court filing that Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, had provided his office with "useful information concerning certain discrete Russia-related matters core to its investigation.

Mueller also said Cohen claimed he was approached in November 2015 by an unnamed Russian claiming to be a "'trusted person' in the Russian Federation". The court filing said the contact occurred during discussions about a possible hotel bearing Trump's name in Moscow.

Cohen is to be sentenced next week for campaign finance violations, financial crimes and lying to Congress about Trump's business dealings in Russia. Prosecutors are seeking a substantial prison sentence.

Members of the Democratic Party in Congress and other Trump critics fear that newly appointed acting US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, a Trump loyalist, could fire Mueller or undermine the investigation by cutting off its funding.

Republican lawmakers insist that there is no danger of interference in the federal probe.

Mueller accuses Paul Manafort of lying

Mueller's office also revealed in their court filing that Paul Manafort, the former chairman of Trump's election campaign, lied to them about several contacts he had with senior Trump administration officials while he was under indictment.

In September, Manafort pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making false statements about lobbying work he did for the government of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and filing false reports to conceal money he made from those efforts.

As part of his plea deal, Manafort agreed to cooperate with Mueller's probe into whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia. However, late last month, Mueller announced that Manafort had violated the terms of that deal.

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US support for aggressors triggers humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen: Iran

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 02:39PM

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman says the United States is behind the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen by providing arms and financial support for the aggressor states, which have been wreaking havoc in the war-torn country.

"The United States has caused one of the biggest human catastrophes in Yemen, as admitted by international organizations, through providing financial and political support and giving weapons to the aggressor forces," Bahram Qassemi said in a statement on Sunday.

Rejecting allegations that Iran has requested to send a delegation to the ongoing Yemen peace talks in Stockholm, Sweden, the Iranian spokesman said, "Since the beginning of the crisis in Yemen, the Islamic Republic has emphasized the need for Yemeni-Yemeni talks away from any foreign intervention and the ongoing talks in Stockholm are of a Yemeni-Yemeni nature."

A round of talks between delegations from Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement and the country's former Saudi-backed government opened in the Swedish town of Rimbo on Thursday under the auspices of the UN in an effort to find a political solution to the Yemen conflict and end a devastating Riyadh-led war on the country.

The negotiations mark the first attempt since 2016 to end the Saudi-led war, which has killed tens of thousands of Yemenis since its onset in early 2015.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman noted that Iran has repeatedly expressed its explicit and full support for the United Nations' mission in Yemen to find an appropriate political solution as the only way to solve the crisis in the impoverished country.

"Iran's approach comes at a time that the United States has issued the permit for a devastating and inhumane war against the Yemeni people by adopting a partial, destructive and imbalanced policy," Qassemi added.

He noted that the Islamic Republic hopes that all parties to the Sweden talks would adopt "independent and peaceful" approaches within the framework of national and Yemeni-Yemeni talks to put an end to any intervention by foreign parties and terminate the suffering of the oppressed Yemeni nation.

On November 30, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif once again stressed the viability of the Islamic Republic's four-point plan as the main option for putting an end to the ongoing Saudi-led crisis in Yemen.

In a post on his official Twitter account, Zarif said, "Today, after untold human suffering & war crimes by the Saudi coalition & its U.S. accomplices, & efforts to whitewash their crimes with absurd allegations against Iran, our four-point plan still remains the only viable option."

Later the same day, Iran's Foreign Ministry said halting arms exports to parties involved in the aggression against Yemen would facilitate the achievement of peace in the war-torn country as belligerent sides were heading for renewed UN-brokered peace talks in Sweden.

In a statement, the ministry offered its support for Yemen peace talks while urging the international community to play a "key and serious" role, including by exerting pressure on the exporters of arms to the aggressors in order to "facilitate the peace process in Yemen."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for the immediate removal of Saudi Arabia's blockade on Yemen.

"I welcome the opening of peace talks on the conflict in Yemen in Stockholm. I urge all those present at the talks to do everything in their power to end the war and the suffering. Yemenis can't wait," he wrote in a tweet.

Saudi Arabia and a number of its regional allies launched a devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015, with the aim of bringing the government of former Yemeni president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, back to power and crushing the country's Houthi 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.

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14-year-old who had joined LeT only a week ago among dead.

People inspect the damaged houses after an encounter between security forces and militants at Mujagund, on the outskirts of Srinagar. (Photo: PTI)

Srinagar: Three militants were gunned down by security forces in an 18-hour-long firefight in Mujagund area on the peripheries of Srinagar on Sunday.

On late Sunday evening, the police identified the slain militants as Mudassir Rashid, a 14-year-old student who had joined the militant ranks only a week ago; Saqib Bilal Sheikh; and Ali  all belonging to Lashkar-e-Tayyaba. The police also said that while Mudassir and Saqib were residents of Hajin area of J&Ks Bandipore district, their third accomplice, Ali, is believed to be a Pakistani national.

Five security personnel were injured in the fighting, which broke out during a cordon-and-search operation launched by the security forces, including the Armys 5 Rashtriya Rifles, J&K polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Saturday evening following a credible input about the presence of militants in the area, the police said.

The security forces fired mortars and also used explosives to blow up five residential houses as the militants kept changing their positions throughout the fighting, police sources said. Two critically injured security personnel were evacuated to the Armys 92-Base Hospital at Badami Bagh Cantonment here, sources added. While the encounter was underway, surging crowds clashed with the security forces in the area, witnesses said. These clashes intensified following the killing of militants.

A statement issued by the J&K police here said that the security forces were fired upon by the hiding militants during the search operation in the area.

The fire was retaliated leading to a gunfight. In the initial exchange of fire, an Army man sustained injuries and was shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. In the ensuing encounter, three militants were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter, the statement said.

Police sources said that later three SOG men and a CRPF jawan were also injured while fighting the militants.

The locals said that among the three slain militants is Mudasir Rashid Parray, a 14-year-old boy from Mir Mohalla in Hajin town of J&Ks Bandipora district. The identities of the other two are still being ascertained.

Parray had suddenly disappeared last week and later a photograph showing him carrying an assault rifle went viral on social media. It also confirmed his joining the militant ranks.

A report from Hajin said that hundreds of residents took to the streets chanting pro-freedom slogans as word about Parrays death spread.

Soon, groups of youth clashed with the police and Central armed forces along the streets of the town, the report said.

The officials said that with the latest killings, the number of militants neutralised in counterinsurgency operations so far this year has gone up to 248. 92 security personnel and 78 civilians have also lost their lives during the violence.
Qatari emir shuns GCC summit in Saudi Arabia, sends foreign minister

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 01:42PM

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has refused to participate in the annual [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, which is set to take place in the Saudi capital city of Riyadh at the weekend, and instead sent the foreign minister to attend the event.

"Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan al-Muraikhi arrived in Riyadh to lead the delegation of Qatar to the [P]GCC summit," director of information office at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed al-Rumaihi, wrote in a post published on Twitter on Sunday.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifah, in return, criticized Qatar's emir in a tweet for not attending the regional grouping's summit.

"Qatar's emir should have accepted the fair demands (of the boycotting states) and attended the summit," Sheikh Khalid wrote in his tweet.

The official Qatar News Agency said in a tweet on December 3 that the monarch had got "an invitation from the King of Saudi Arabia" for the meeting, but it did not say whether Sheikh Tamim would travel to Saudi Arabia.

The Arabic language Al Aan online newspaper, citing diplomatic sources, reported late last month that Secretary General of the [P]GCC Abdul Latif bin Rashid al-Zayani was going to visit Doha to invite the Qatari emir to attend the the 39th annual summit of the regional grouping.

Last month, Kuwait's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled al-Jarallah confirmed that all six GCC countries would be attending the annual summit of the council, which is set to take place on December 9.

Jarallah said the summit could present a "hope to resolve the [Persian] Gulf crisis and solve the differences."

The report came as a surprise since Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, has been embroiled in a diplomatic and trade boycott against Qatar for a year and a half.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt all cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 last year, after officially accusing it of "sponsoring terrorism."

The administration of the Saudi-backed and former Yemeni president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, Libya, the Maldives, Djibouti, Senegal and the Comoros later joined the camp in ending diplomatic ties with Doha. Jordan downgraded its diplomatic relations as well.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry later announced that the decision to cut diplomatic ties was unjustified and based on false claims and assumptions.

On June 9, 2017, Qatar strongly dismissed allegations of supporting terrorism after the Saudi regime and its allies blacklisted dozens of individuals and entities purportedly associated with Doha.

Later that month, Saudi Arabia and its allies released a 13-point list of demands, including the closure of Al Jazeera television network and downgrade of relations with Iran, in return for the normalization of diplomatic relations with Doha.

The document containing the demands by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE and Bahrain also asked Qatar to sever all ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement.

Qatar rejected the demands as "unreasonable."

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Hezbollah: No spot in Israel safe from our missiles

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 11:40AM

Hezbollah's deputy secretary general says there is no spot across Israel outside the range of the Lebanese resistance movement's missiles.

"There is not a single point in the occupied territories out of reach of Hezbollah's missiles," Sheikh Naim Qassem told Tehran-based al-Vefagh newspaper in remarks published Sunday.

Israel has launched a series of operations along the Lebanese border, and an Israeli minister has hinted at possible incursion into Lebanon in order to destroy what the regime claims Hezbollah tunnels.

An Israeli incursion into Lebanon would likely spark a major confrontation with Hezbollah. The Lebanese resistance movement has warned that Israel would "regret" invading Lebanon.

"The Zionists cannot tolerate such a high level of threats in confrontation with Hezbollah, which is why they have no motive for entering another war with Lebanon," Qassem said.

He said the Lebanese resistance movement has built such a deterrence which has prevented Israel from taking any action against Lebanon since 2006.

"Even when they threaten they say, 'If Hezbollah attacks us' they will react, because the rules of engagement created in Lebanon by Hezbollah have made it very difficult for Israel to even consider launching a war against Lebanon," he said.

Last week, Israel launched "Operation Northern Shield" to uncover and destroy what it claimed tunnels dug by Hezbollah into the occupied territory.

Intelligence and transport minister Israel Katz said Friday that Israeli forces may need to go into Lebanon to deal with the alleged tunnels.

Israel has waged two wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. It was forced to withdraw on both occasions in the face of Hezbollah's resistance, despite inflicting severe damage on Lebanon's infrastructure.

Qassem also said the Palestinian resistance has made Israel face a "new equation."

Last month, a botched Israeli intelligence operation in the Gaza Strip unleashed brief skirmishes after which Tel Aviv accepted a ceasefire after about 500 rockets were fired from the besieged territory at Israeli in a matter of several hours.

Qassem further said the situation on the ground in Syria is improving day by day, where victories achieved by the Syrian Army and its allies are quite visible now.

He said a political solution has to be found to the crisis but the United States is preventing it through its military operations in the Arab country and supporting certain militant groups.

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US says to continue Saudi war support despite 'pressures'

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 09:17AM

The US government says it wants to continue support for the Saudi war on Yemen despite mounting criticism over the humanitarian crisis in the impoverished country.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Persian Gulf Affairs Timothy Lenderking said on Sunday Washington's backing for the Saudi war is "necessary" and that its discontinuation "sends a wrong message."

"Obviously there are pressures in our system ... to either withdraw from the conflict or discontinue our support of the coalition, which we are strongly opposed to on the administration side," he told a security forum in the UAE.

Last month, the US Senate voted to advance a resolution calling for an end to US military support for the Saudi-led coalition, including arms sales and intelligence sharing.

It came in the wake of the gruesome murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate on October 2.

The CIA is said to have concluded that Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman had "probably ordered" the murder.

A recent briefing by CIA Director Gina Haspel hardened US senators' resolve to act against bin Salman and pull back from Yemen.

The murder has also brought the Saudi war on Yemen, especially its huge civilian toll, and the US role in the conflict under scrutiny.

Last month, the United States halted its refueling of Saudi aircraft, which have been blamed for thousands of civilian deaths in airstrikes in Yemen.

The US official's reassurances of continued support come as Sweden is hosting the first UN-led peace talks in two years between the warring parties.

"We do believe that the support for the coalition is necessary. It sends a wrong message if we discontinue our support," Lenderking said.

The discussions began on Thursday between delegations from Yemen's Houthi movement and the country's former Saudi-backed regime but there has been no breakthrough yet.

Mohammed Abdulsalam, the head of the Houthi delegation at the discussions, said on Saturday they had traveled to Sweden for peace, but not to surrender.

In an interview with the Lebanon-based al-Mayadeen TV, Abdulsalam said Saudi airstrikes on the strategic port city of Hudaydah continued as he spoke. The air raids, he said, should stop and the aggressors return to their positions.

Abdulsalam also raised concerns about the situation of Yemenis held in UAE-run jails.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched an offensive against Hudaydah in June but they have hit a stiff brick wall in the face of a strong resistance put up by the city's protesters.

On Friday, the Houthis strongly rejected demands to hand over Hudaydah and to allow inspections of flights to Sana'a airport.

The main Houthi negotiator also called for the formation of a transitional government with the participation of "all political parties", but the proposal was rejected by the Saudi side.

The brutal Saudi-led war was launched in March 2015 in an attempt to reinstall Yemen's former Riyadh-allied regime and crush the Houthis, who have been running state affairs in the absence of an effective government.

In their latest joint statement, UNICEF and the World Food Program said that up to 20 million Yemenis  two-thirds of the country's population  are food insecure.

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Armenians voting in snap parliamentary elections

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 07:46AM

Armenians are heading to the polls to cast their ballots in snap parliamentary elections initiated by acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who swept to power after protests earlier this year.

Polls opened across Armenia at 8 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday and will close at 1600 GMT, with more than 2.5 million people eligible to vote.

Armenia's electoral commission said nine parties and two blocs were vying for seats in the 101-member National Assembly, but the vote mainly pits Pashinyan's My Step Alliance against the formerly ruling Republican (HHK) Party.

Pashinyan, who had been elected prime minister by lawmakers in May after weeks of mass protests against alleged corruption and graft in the country, announced his resignation from the post in October in order to dissolve parliament and force early elections with an eye on a parliamentary majority for his party.

Opinion polls indicate that Pashinyan's My Step Alliance is on course to achieving a parliamentary majority ahead of the HHK, which has dominated the current parliament since 2017.

A Gallup poll conducted between December 1 and December 4 among 1,100 voters gave a sizable lead to My Step Alliance among all other parties with 69.4 percent of public support.

"We set big and difficult goals and we will achieve them, because we are a powerful, victorious free and happy nation," Pashinyan said at a recent campaign rally.

The journalist-turned-politician's party also gained a landslide victory in the municipal elections in the capital, Yerevan, in September.

Pashinyan, whose popularity is reportedly based on his anti-corruption and economic reform stance, spearheaded weeks of protests in March and April that led to the resignation of former prime minister Serzh Sargsyan.

Pashinyan and his followers accused Sargsyan of trying to cling onto power by becoming prime minister after serving two terms as president.

Nearly a third of the population of Armenia  a former Soviet state of three million  are officially classed as poor and the unemployment rate stands at about 16 percent.

The 43-year-old Pashinyan has vowed to maintain Armenia's close ties with Russia and has also spoken of desires to increase the South Caucasus nation's relations with the United States and Europe.

The results of the Sunday vote are expected to be released in the early hours of Monday.

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Pashinian's 'My Step' Alliance Seen Leading In Armenia's Parliamentary Elections

By RFE/RL's Armenian Service December 09, 2018

YEREVAN  Early results in Armenia's snap parliamentary elections indicate that acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's My Step alliance is leading with more than 60 percent of the vote, election officials say.

Results from some 10 percent of polling stations show that the alliance's closest rival is the Prosperous Armenia Party of wealthy businessman Gagik Tsarukian, which has received 10.1 percent of the vote so far.

The final results of the December 9 vote are expected within the next 24 hours.

The Central Election Commission said that, according to preliminary data, turnout was 48.6 percent, some 12 percent lower than the previous parliamentary elections in April 2017.

The elections took place nine months after hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in protests that led to a peaceful change of government and ignited new hopes of more democratic rule.

"After the elections, we will be developing Armenian democracy and make an economic revolution happen," Pashinian told reporters after casting his ballot.

"We have already achieved our main goal: to hold truly free, transparent, democratic elections," Pashinian said. "For the future, our main goal is to strengthen democracy in Armenia at the institutional level."

It was Pashinian, a former anticorruption journalist, who led the demonstrations that forced long-entrenched leader Serzh Sarkisian to step down from office.

Pashinian was eventually elected to the prime minister's post, although the Republican Party (HHK) maintained its majority in parliament.

Pashinian announced in October that he was resigning from the post in order to dissolve parliament and force early elections. He has continued to perform his prime-ministerial duties until a new parliament and prime minister are elected.

Pashinian pushed for early parliamentary elections following his bloc's landslide victory in the mayoral race in the capital, Yerevan, in a bid to unseat the HHK.

The election saw the HHK and nine other political parties and alliances vying for seats in the 101-member National Assembly.

The list of candidates of the HHK is headed by former Defense Minister Vigen Sarkisian, who urged Armenians to "get out and vote."

"I expect that, by the end of the day, we will have a more consolidated society," he said after voting in the Armenian capitol.

"I voted today for an Armenia where no one will ever allow the idea that society can be divided into whites and blacks. Because this would lead to the formation of an internal enemy, and the internal enemy in a besieged fortress is the worst that can happen."

Vigen Sarkisian is no relation to Serzh Sarkisian, who served 10 years as president before assuming the prime minister's post in an effort to remain in power. Serzh Sarkisian is not running in the election.

A Gallup poll conducted between December 1-4 among 1,100 voters put the My Step Alliance well ahead of all other parties with 69.4 percent.

No other party broke the 6 percent level, with the Republican Party at around 1.3 percent support.

Armenia has traditionally been a close ally of Russia, although Pashinian has spoken of desires to also increase the South Caucasus nation's ties with the United States and Europe.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Alan Crosby and Siranuysh Gevorgyan of RFE/RL's Armenian Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenian-elections-pashinian -my-step-sarkisian-hhk/29645721.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.

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Yemeni Conflict 'Direct Threat' to All Persian Gulf States - Emir of Kuwait

Sputnik News

20:05 09.12.2018

DOHA (Sputnik) - Emir of Kuwait Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah said on Sunday that the war in Yemen was putting at risk the security of all states of the Persian Gulf and expressed hope for the ongoing peace talks to be successful.

"The war in Yemen is a direct threat to all of us, that is why we wish success to the settlement talks that are underway in Sweden between the sides to the Yemeni conflict," Emir Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah said at the 39th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh, as broadcast by Al Ekhbariya.

The emir added that the peace talks should be conducted in accordance with the agreements of the international community, the UN resolutions and initiatives of the Persian Gulf states.

The UN-mediated talks between the Yemeni government and the Houthis started in Stockholm on Thursday. The sides are discussing prisoner exchange, confidence-building measures and humanitarian issues.

The conflict between the government forces led by President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi and the Houthi rebels has been raging for several years. The Saudi-led coalition carries out airstrikes against the Houthis at Hadi's request since March 2015.

 Sputnik

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Qatari Emir Skips Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, Sends FM Instead - Doha

Sputnik News

16:37 09.12.2018

DOHA (Sputnik) - Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani has decided to skip the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held in Riyadh on Sunday, sending the country's state minister for foreign affairs to head the delegation, amid ongoing diplomatic crisis with Qatar's Persian Gulf neighbors, Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed AlRumaihi said on Sunday.

"Qatari State Minister for Foreign Affairs Soltan Al-Muraikhi arrived in Riyadh at the head of Qatar's delegation to attend the summit of the cooperation council [GCC]," AlRumaihi said via his official Twitter feed.

The state minister has no portfolio, meaning that he is not responsible for any particular area of the Qatari government's activities, performing mainly representational functions on the part of the Qatari government.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud invited the Qatari emir to the 39th GCC despite the fact that three out of six council members have broken off diplomatic relations with Doha. Al-Thani, in turn, declined the invitation.

The Qatari emir did attend last year's GCC meeting in Kuwait as well, although Al-Thani and Kuwait's emir, Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, were the only heads of state present at the event, with the other four GCC member countries  Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates  sending low-level representatives.

Qatar has been under a diplomatic and economic blockade since last June, when the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain cut off diplomatic relations and communication with Doha, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs.

Doha, in turn, has denied the allegations and criticized the restrictive measures imposed against it.

 Sputnik

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State Dept. Top Official: Support for Saudi-Led Coalition in Yemen 'Necessary'

Sputnik News

15:11 09.12.2018

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Timothy Lenderking reaffirmed Washington's assistance to the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen on the side of the Yemeni government, despite appeals to end support for Saudi Arabia's actions in the war-torn country.

"Obviously there are pressures in our system to either withdraw from the conflict or discontinue our support of the coalition, which we are strongly opposed to on the administration side We do believe that the support for the coalition is necessary. It sends a wrong message if we discontinue our support," US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Gulf Affairs Timothy Lenderking said on Sunday at the UAE Security Forum 2018 in Abu Dhabi, as quoted by The National newspaper.

The armed conflict in Yemen sparked in 2015 and saw the Houthis occupy vast territories in the northwest of the country. The war and a blockade organized by the Saudi-led coalition have resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the country, with local population suffering from famine and outbreaks of deceases. The Yemeni government and the Houthis have been engaged in UN-mediated peace talks in Sweden since Thursday.

The coalition has been repeatedly slammed for its airstrikes in Yemen, which have led to numerous casualties among civilians. Recently, Riyadh has faced another wave of harsh criticism over the alleged involvement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

On November 28, the US Senate advanced a resolution calling to end the United States' support for the coalition's actions in Yemen, after US President Donald Trump dismissed the report of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), allegedly indicating that the crown prince was most likely implicated in Khashoggi's death.

 Sputnik

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Hezbollah Official: All of Israel Within Reach of Our Missiles

Sputnik News

14:03 09.12.2018(updated 14:10 09.12.2018)

Simmering tensions between Tel Aviv and the Lebanon-based militant and political organisation escalated last week after Israeli troops launched operation 'Northern Shield', aimed at destroying suspected Hezbollah tunnels used to funnel militants and arms through the Israel-Lebanon border.

Hezbollah is capable of targeting any point in Israel with its missiles, the group's second in command Sheikh Naim Qassem said in an interview with Iran's al-Vefagh newspaper.

"There is not a single point in the occupied territories out of reach of Hezbollah's missiles," Qassem said.

According to the senior official, the missiles serve to deter Israel from starting another war with Lebanon by exposing the "Israeli home front".

Qassem also commented on the war in Syria, where Hezbollah has played an active role in assisting the Syrian government against a collection of jihadist militants including Daesh (ISIS)* and Nusra Front.* The official praised the victories achieved against the terrorists, but slammed the US for its alleged obstruction of the peace process.

Tensions between Tel Aviv and Beirut escalated in recent months after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would not let Hezbollah and Iran "get away with" the alleged stationing of precision missiles in Lebanon, including around Beirut's international airport.

Last week, Hezbollah published a propaganda video warning Israel against launching missiles at Lebanon in the wake of an unsuccessful alleged Israeli attack on Syria.

Israel invaded Lebanon in 2006 in response to a cross-border raid by Hezbollah and the abduction of two Israeli soldiers. The conflict, which lasted 34 days and claimed the lives of over 1,300 people, was halted by a UN-brokered ceasefire.

Relations between Israel and Lebanon bottomed out again earlier this year, with officials from both countries openly talking about the possibility of military conflict. Long-standing Israeli plans to build a wall along Lebanon's southern border, Tel Aviv's ongoing occupation of Lebanon's Shebaa Farms since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, disagreement over a gas field in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and Israeli suspicions that Iran is using Hezbollah as a proxy to wage war on Israel have all played a role in the poor state of relations.

*Terrorist groups outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

 Sputnik

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Tbilisi, Paris Sign Another Contract on Air Defense Deliveries to Georgia

Sputnik News

06:05 09.12.2018

TBILISI (Sputnik) - The Georgian Defense Ministry has signed another contract on the deliveries of air defense management and control systems with France, the ministry's press service said in a statement on Saturday.

"In the field of air defense Georgia and France have embarked on a new stage of cooperation. The Georgian Defense Ministry has signed a very important contract with the French party relating to air defense management and control systems, under which the process of air defense systems purchase will be continued," the press service said.

Georgia and France signed an agreement on the deliveries of French air defense systems to the country in 2015. In December 2017, Georgia received the first batch of French short-range anti-aircraft missile and radar systems.

In June 2015, Georgia signed a contract with French defense company ThalesRaytheonSystems and missile manufacturer MBDA on the supply of air defense systems. However, the type of systems has not yet been disclosed, according to media reports.

Cooperation between Georgia and NATO began soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union, when the country joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council in 1992. In 2008, NATO leaders allowed for Georgia's membership in the organization provided the country met all the necessary requirements. At the 2014 NATO summit in Wales, a package of measures was launched to increase Georgia's defense capabilities and advance preparations for membership in the alliance.

 Sputnik

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The Army handed over the suspect, Jitendra Malik, to UP Special Task Force team in Meerut late on Saturday night, officials said.

Lucknow: The Army jawan arrested for his alleged involvement in the killing of a police inspector during mob violence in Bulandshahr was on Sunday sent to 14 days jail, even as the UP government moved out an additional superintendent of police, the fourth police official to be shunted out in the last two days.

Uttar Pradesh DGP O.P. Singh said that the situation in the district was peaceful now. Peaceful atmosphere prevails in Bulandshahr. Law and order is good, he told reporters in Shirdi.

The Army handed over the suspect, Jitendra Malik, to UP Special Task Force team in Meerut late on Saturday night, officials said.

Malik was interrogated by the crime branch during the day and also questioned by the Special Investigation Team constituted by the UP government to probe the incident, the city superintend-ent of police (crime) said.

Earlier in the day, the UP government transferred Raees Akhtar, who was posted as additional superintendent of police (rural) in Bulandshahr, six days after two people died in mob violence in the district following an alleged cow slaughter incident.

In a statement issued here, principal secretary (home) Arvind Kumar said Akhtar has been transferred to PAC headquarters in Lucknow.

Manish Mishra, posted as additional superintendent of police at modern control room, Ghaziabad, has been made the new ASP (rural) of Bulandshahr.

Malik, suspected to be involved in the killing of the inspector, was taken to the district hospital for a medical examination and later produced before the magistrate, who sent him to prison for two weeks, the SP said.

On December 3, a mob of some 400 people rampaged through a village in Bulandshahr apparently after cow carcasses were found in a jungle nearby. During the violence, Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh and a 20-year-old man died of gunshot wounds.

Singh and his team had gone to the area to tackle the violence when they came under attack by the mob. On Saturday, the UP government transferred Bulandshahr SSP Krishna Bahadur Singh to the DGP office in Lucknow.
Armenia Holds Snap Election for Parliament

By VOA News December 09, 2018

Armenians are casting their votes in early parliamentary elections Sunday.

Reformist leader Nikol Pashinian, 43, swept to power in May after weeks of anti-government protests that forced the sudden resignation of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, who was also a former president of Armenia.

Sargsyan's ruling Republican Party, however, blocked Pashinian's bid to become prime minister, resulting in more protests. The Republican Party then decided to back Pashinian for what it said was the good of the nation.

Pashinian became prime minister, but recently stepped down so parliament could be dissolved for the early election. He remains Armenia's acting prime minister.

Analysts expect him to be re-instated in office, with his My Step alliance in control of parliament.

Pashinian, a former newspaper editor who had been imprisoned for his activism, has promised to maintain close ties with Russia and fight corruption. He has also pledged to "step up cooperation with the United States and European Union."

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World Marks Anti-Corruption Day

By VOA News December 09, 2018

Corruption costs the world economy $2.6 trillion each year, according to the United Nations, which is marking International Anti-Corruption Day on Sunday.

"Corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune," the United Nations said.

The cost of $2.6 trillion represents more than 5 percent of global GDP.

The world body said that $1 trillion of the money stolen annually through corruption is in the form of bribes.

Patricia Moreira, the managing director of Transparency International, told VOA that about a quarter of the world's population has paid a bribe when trying to access a public service over the past year, according to data from the Global Corruption Barometer.

Moreira said it is important to have such a day as International Anti-Corruption Day because it provides "a really tremendous opportunity to focus attention precisely on the challenge that is posed by corruption around the world."

Anti-corruption commitments

To mark the day, the United States called on all countries to implement their international anti-corruption commitments including through the U.N. Convention against Corruption.

In a statement Friday, the U.S. State Department said that corruption facilitates crime and terrorism, as well as undermines economic growth, the rule of law and democracy.

"Ultimately, it endangers our national security. That is why, as we look ahead to International Anticorruption Day on Dec. 9, we pledge to continue working with our partners to prevent and combat corruption worldwide," the statement said.

Moreira said that data about worldwide corruption can make the phenomena understandable but still not necessarily "close to our lives." For that, we need to hear everyday stories about people impacted by corruption and understand that it "is about our daily lives," she added.

She said those most impacted by corruption are "the most vulnerable people  so it's usually women, it's usually poor people, the most marginalized people in the world."

The United Nations Development Program notes that in developing countries, funds lost to corruption are estimated at 10 times the amount of official development assistance.

What can be done to fight corruption?

The United Nations designated Dec. 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day in 2003, coinciding with the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption by the U.N. General Assembly.

The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about corruption and put pressure on governments to take action against it.

Tackling the issue

Moreira said to fight corruption effectively it must be tackled from different angles. For example, she said that while it is important to have the right legislation in place to curb corruption, governments must also have mechanisms to enforce that legislation. She said those who engage in corruption must be held accountable.

"Fighting corruption is about providing people with a more sustainable world, with a world where social justice is something more of our reality than what it has been until today," she said.

Moreira said change must come from a joint effort from governments, public institutions, the private sector and civil society.

The U.S. Statement Department said in its Friday statement that it pledges "to continue working with our partners to prevent and combat corruption worldwide."

It noted that the United States, through the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development, helps partner nations "build transparent, accountable institutions and strengthen criminal justice systems that hold the corrupt accountable."

Moreira said that it is important for the world to see that there are results to the fight against corruption.

"Then we are showing the world with specific examples that we can fight against corruption, [that] yes there are results. And if we work together, then it is something not just that we would wish for, but actually something that can be translated into specific results and changes to the world," she said.

VOA's Elizabeth Cherneff contributed to this report.

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Gulf Cooperation States Want Council to Remain Unaffected by Qatar Row  Riyadh

Sputnik News

01:09 10.12.2018

DOHA (Sputnik) - The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations do not want the diplomatic crisis around Qatar to affect the work of this regional organization, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Sunday.

The statement was made, following the GCC summit in Riyadh. Despite the Saudi king's invitation, Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani decided to skip the summit, sending the country's state minister for foreign affairs in his stead.

"The members of the council do not want the crisis around Qatar to have a negative impact on the work of the council," al-Jubeir said, as aired by Arab TV channels.

He stressed that Qatar needed to fulfil the Arab countries' conditions to open the way for its return to the full-fledged work in the council.

The minister added that any conflict among the Gulf states must be resolved within the regional organization.

Qatar has been under a diplomatic and economic blockade since last June, when the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, among others, severed diplomatic relations and communication with Doha, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs. Qatar has refuted the allegations.

 Sputnik

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US ambassador summoned in Beijing over arrest of top Huawei executive

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 06:56PM

China has summoned the ambassador of the United States in Beijing to express its protest against the "extremely bad" arrest of a top executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei in Canada, calling on Washington to drop its extradition request.

Meng Wanzhou, 46, the deputy chairwoman of the board and chief financial officer (CFO) of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, was arrested during a stopover at Vancouver airport on a US extradition request, on December 1.

Canadian authorities, who announced the arrest on Wednesday, said they nabbed Meng over his alleged violation of the US sanctions against Iran, without making public the details of the charges.

The arrest of Meng, who is also the daughter of the company's founder Ren Zhengfei, has already infuriated China, threatening to disrupt a trade war truce between Beijing and Washington.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng had summoned Terry Branstad one day after Le called in Canadian envoy John McCallum to voice China's discontent.

"Le Yucheng pointed out that the US side has seriously violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and the nature of the violation is extremely bad," the statement further read.

It also said that Beijing "firmly" opposed the arrest and strongly urged Washington to "attach great importance to China's solemn and just position."

Furthermore, China urged the US to "take immediate measures to correct wrong practices, and revoke the arrest warrant against the Chinese citizen."

A Canadian prosecutor said on Friday that Meng covered up her company's purported links to a firm that tried to sell equipment to Iran, which is under the US sanctions, adding that she has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions."

US President Donald Trump withdrew his country in May from the multilateral nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and decided to reimpose unilateral sanctions against Tehran.

If extradited to the United States, Meng would face charges of conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions, with a maximum sentence of 30 years for each charge.

Beijing has already called on both Washington and Ottawa to immediately clarify the reasons behind Meng's detention and release her without delay.

Meng's shocking arrest occurred on the same day Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the G20 summit in Argentina, where they reached an agreement to temporarily halt a trade war.

The detention has now put at stake the fragile truce that was made after months of difficult negotiations over import tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of products.

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China Foreign Ministry Summons US Envoy Over Huawei Executive's Arrest

Sputnik News

17:02 09.12.2018(updated 22:27 09.12.2018)

China's Foreign Ministry has said that the next steps it takes in dealing with the case will depend on the measures taken by the US.

China's Foreign Ministry summoned the US Ambassador to Beijing Terry Branstad on Sunday to express protest over the arrest of Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou.

The ministry also said that the US had to withdraw the arrest warrant for Wanzhou, who was taken into custody in Vancouver at the US request last Saturday.

Touching upon how China would act next, Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng noted that they would closely scrutinize the further steps the US takes.

Prior to expressing their protest to the US ambassador, the day before, the Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned Canadian Ambassador to China John McCallum to reiterate their strong opposition to Meng's arrest.

The move came after Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver last Saturday at the request of US law enforcement officials; she was reportedly charged with fraud for telling UK-based banking company HSBC that the Chinese tech giant was in full compliance with US sanctions against Iran while one of its subsidiaries was not in compliance of the restrictions.

In mid-August, Washington enacted legislation banning US government agencies from using Huawei products amid concerns that the company's mobile phones "pose an unacceptable risk to the [Pentagon's] personnel, information and mission."

 Sputnik

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Talks between Foreign Ministers of DPRK, PRC Held

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Date: 09/12/2018

Pyongyang, December 9 (KCNA) -- Talks took place between Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Ri Yong Ho who is heading the DPRK government delegation on a visit to the People's Republic of China, and Wang Yi, state councilor and foreign minister of the PRC, in Beijing on Friday.

At the talks both sides recalled that a new heyday of the friendly relations between the DPRK and the PRC was ushered in and exchange and cooperation brisk in every field this year.

They also exchanged views on further expanding and developing the traditional bilateral friendly relations next year marking the 70th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries and on the issues of mutual concern.

Present there from the DPRK side were members of the government delegation and Ji Jae Ryong, ambassador to China, and from the Chinese side officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including Vice-Minister Kong Xuanyou. -0-

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Head of DPRK Government Delegation Meets Chinese President

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Date: 09/12/2018

Pyongyang, December 9 (KCNA) -- Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Ri Yong Ho on a visit to the People's Republic of China as head of the DPRK government delegation met with Xi Jinping, president of the PRC, at the Great Hall of the People on Dec.7.

Xi Jinping said: Under the guidance of Comrade Kim Jong Un the Korean people are striving to implement a new strategic line set forth at the Third Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.

He noted that China is attaching high importance to the China-DPRK relations, adding that it is the fixed policy of the Chinese party and government to develop the China-DPRK friendly relations.

Ri Yong Ho said that the understanding shared by the top leaders of the two countries in their historic meetings serves as precious guidelines indicating the orientation in developing the DPRK-China friendly relations, as required by a new era.

He wished the Chinese people bigger success in the struggle for achieving prosperity of the Chinese nation under the guidance of the Communist Party of China. -0-

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Paris Cleans Up After Latest Riot; Nearly 1,800 Arrested

By VOA News December 09, 2018

Nearly 1,800 people were arrested Saturday across France in the latest round of "yellow vest" protests.

Nationwide, the Interior Ministry says some 136,000 people rallied against France's high-cost of living. Protesters also expressed their dismay with the presidency of Emmanuel Macron.

Protests were mounted in a number of cities besides Paris, including Marseilles, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse.

The ministry said Sunday 1,723 people were arrested nationwide, with 1,220 of them ordered held in custody.

Parisian police said they made 1,082 arrests Saturday, a sharp increase from last week's 412 arrests.

Meanwhile, tourist destinations, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, reopened and workers cleaned up broken glass Sunday.

The man who unleashed the anger, President Emmanuel Macron, broke his silence to tweet his appreciation for the police overnight, but pressure mounted on him to propose new solutions to calm the anger dividing France.

On Saturday, French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said violent outbreaks in Paris were "under control" despite ongoing disorderly acts he declared "totally unacceptable."

French police supported by armored vehicles fired tear gas at yellow-vested protesters on the Champs Elysees.

Castaner estimated 10,000 demonstrators had taken to Parisian streets.

He said 135 people had been injured, including 17 police officers.

France closed the Eiffel Tower and other tourist landmarks and mobilized tens of thousands of security forces for the fourth week of violent demonstrations.

Many shops in Paris were boarded up before Saturday's protests to avoid being smashed or looted, and police cordoned off many of the city's broad boulevards.

Despite what Castaner said were "exceptional" security measures, protesters still smashed store windows and clashed with police.

More than 89,000 police were deployed nationwide, an increase from 65,000 last weekend.

Police in central Paris removed any materials from the streets that could be used as weapons or projectiles during the demonstrations, including street furniture at outdoor cafes.

Macron made an unannounced visit Friday night to a group of anti-riot security officers outside Paris to thank them for their work.

The protests erupted in November over a fuel tax increase, which was part of Macron's plan to combat global warming.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe called for new talks Saturday with representatives of the "yellow vest" movement. He vowed the government would address their concerns over rising living costs.

"The president will speak, and will propose measures that will feed this dialogue," Philippe said in a televised statement.

U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted Saturday that the Paris Agreement, a global effort to reduce global warming beginning in 2020, "isn't working out so well for Paris" and that "People do not want to pay large sums of money ... in order to protect the environment."

Since the unrest began in November, four people have been killed in protest-related accidents.

While Macron has since abandoned the fuel tax hike, protesters have made new demands to address other economic issues hurting workers, retirees and students.

Government officials are concerned the repeated weekly violence could weaken the economy and raise doubts about the government's survival.

Officials are also concerned about far-right, anarchist and anti-capitalist groups like Black Bloc that have attached themselves to the "yellow vest" movement.

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Dialogue, respect for law essential for making strong region: FM Zarif

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 04:50PM

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says under the current tumultuous conditions in the Middle East, dialogue and respect for international law are among the most important factors that pave the way for making the region strong.

"What we need is a stronger region rather than strongmen. For this we need dialogue," and "respect for international law," Zarif said in a tweet posted on his official Twitter page on Sunday.

The top Iranian diplomat also mentioned "inclusion, security networking, economic cooperation, and more people-to-people contact," as other factors, which can help regional states achieve the goal of having a stronger region.

The Iranian foreign minister also took to task the "strongmen," who have risen to power in Middle Eastern countries, for the destructive role they have played in the region, noting, "Our region has had far too many strongmen who have only caused war & misery." He, however, made no direct reference to any specific regional politician.

In another part of his tweet, Zarif brought up some key points included in Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's statement before the regional parliament speakers' conference in Tehran on the requisites for the realization of a stronger region.

Addressing the Tehran conference on Saturday, President Rouhani said that deepening of multilateral and bilateral bonds and the pursuit of multilateralism in diplomatic and economic relations were key factors for achieving this goal.

The adoption of security networking with the participation of all neighboring countries and displaying mutual respect for national sovereignty were other factors mentioned by Iran's chief executive, who also called for strengthening comprehensive defense capabilities and reduction of militarism at the regional level.

In an address to the closing ceremony of the conference, Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said the United States sought to engage Asian countries in wars and acts of terror with the purpose of exhausting their resources and hindering their progress.

He added that the US had created terrorist groups in Asia, because the region enjoyed great economic and energy potential, noting that for this reason, Asian countries have been engaged in wars over the past three decades and now most of terrorist groups are in Asia.

Iran on Saturday hosted the second Speakers' Conference in the capital Tehran, which focused on the challenge of terrorism and inter-regional connectivity. The event was attended by parliament speakers from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia and Turkey.

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Iran police make 10 arrests in connection with Chabahar terror attack

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 11:14AM

Iran's Police Chief Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari says 10 people have already been arrested in connection with the recent terrorist attack that took place in the southeastern port city of Chabahar.

Speaking on Sunday, Ashtari noted that the remaining perpetrators would soon be detained through cooperation with local residents.

"10 individuals have already been identified and arrested and more will soon be taken into custody," he said.

The police chief further noted that the "bombing plot had been foiled in time thanks to the vigilance and courage of Chabahar police forces." He explained that the vehicle had exploded before entering the targeted police station.

On Thursday, a vehicle laden with explosives approached the police headquarters in Chabahar, in the southeastern province of Sistan-and-Baluchestan.

At least two police officers lost their lives and were killed and dozens of people sustained injuries in the explosion, which also killed the bomber.

The driver was seeking to force his way into the police headquarters, but failed to do so as local security forces quickly intervened.

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(CNN)  France's beleaguered President Emmanuel Macron will hold talks with business leaders and trade unions Monday after a fourth weekend of protests that have challenged his grip on power.

Macron, who will also meet political leaders and local officials, wants to "hear their voices, their proposals and with the aim of mobilizing them to act," a spokeswoman for the Elysee Palace said Sunday.

The meetings will come ahead of Macron's address to the nation which is expected to center around national unity. Macron is anticipated to urge the "gilets jaunes," or "yellow vest" protesters to seek dialogue after a weekend in which 1,723 people were taken in for questioning and 1,220 were taken into custody, according to the Interior Ministry. Across the country, 135 people were reported wounded.

Macron is facing criticism from both left and right with demonstrators marching against the rise of living costs, the scrapping of the "fortune tax" and accusations that the former banker has done little to address the inequality in French society.

Further pressure grew over the weekend with police firing rubber bullets and hundreds of canisters of tear gas at the demonstrators, some of whom set vehicles on fire during Saturday's protests.

The protests have paralyzed Paris with landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower being closed to the public, some metro stations being closed and sporting events across the country called off.

About 8,000 police were on the streets of Paris and tens of thousands more deployed across the country.

On Sunday, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire claimed the the unrest was creating a "catastrophe" for the French economy.

The French retail sector has suffered a loss in revenue of about $1.1 billion since the beginning of the yellow vest protests last month, according to Sophie Amoros, a spokeswoman for the French retail federation.

"It's a catastrophe for commerce, it's a catastrophe for our economy," Le Maire told reporters as he walked around Paris while surveying the damage wrought by protesters.

The protests, which have stretched as far and wide as the southern cities of Marseille and Toulouse, brought out 136,000 people across the country on Saturday, police said.

Originally a grassroots movement, the "gilets jaunes" first emerged online with Facebook events set up by citizens mostly from deprived rural areas.

They began by coordinating road blockades across France to protest the fuel tax hike but the protests have since mushroomed into a broader demonstration of anger against Macron.

Dominique Moisi, a foreign policy expert at the Paris-based Institut Montaigne and a former Macron campaign adviser told CNN the French presidency was not only in crisis but that Europe's future also hung in the balance:

"In a few months from now there will be European elections, and France was supposed to be the carrier of hope and European progress. What happens if it's no longer? If the president is incapacitated to carry that message? And it's about the future of democracy, as well, illiberal democracies are rising all over the world.

"And if Macron fails the future of France risks looking like the presidency of Italy today. And it's much more serious because we have a centralized state which plays a major role in the balance of power within Europe. But make no mistake, it is a French version of a much more global phenomenon."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Sunday urged U.S. President Donald Trump to refrain from commenting on the protests in France and not to meddle in the country's domestic policies.

"I say to Donald Trump, and the President of the Republic [Emmanuel Macron] has also said: we do not take part in American debates, allow us to live our life as a nation," Le Driat told LCI television.

Trump on Saturday posted two tweets referring to the "yellow vest" anti-government protests, saying the Paris Agreement on climate change wasn't "working out so well for Paris."

When asked about Trump's remarks, Le Drian also said the U.S. President should "be careful with what he said."

"Most Americans do not agree with his decision to break away from the Paris agreement," he added.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Macron to meet unions as pressure over 'gilets jaunes' grows"
CBI sought another 9 days remand of Christian Micheal for custodial interrogation from the court.

AgustaWestland chopper deal 'middleman' Christian Michel was produced before a Special CBI court after the expiry of his five-day CBI remand. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The CBI on Monday said that AgustaWestland middleman Christian Michel was not cooperating with the investigation and has been evasive in giving answers.

Michel was produced before a Special CBI court after the expiry of his five-day CBI remand. The investigating agency sought another 9 days remand of Micheal for custodial interrogation from the court. The court however, granted 5-day Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody of Michel.

The CBI told the court, We need to confront him with LR (letters rogatory) that have been received from five countries.

Michel withdrew his earlier bail plea and filed fresh detailed bail application.

Meanwhile, the CBI agreed to give British High Commission access to Michel. We have already been approached by British counselors. We have allowed their plea of keeping their own counsel, the CBI said.

On CBI application for seeking specimen of handwriting and signature, the Special CBI Court asked Michel's counsel to file a reply and said it will hear the application on Tuesday.
Iran's Ayatollah Calls for Stronger Currency After Months of Devaluation

Sputnik News

13:51 09.12.2018

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is urging the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) to support the ailing national currency amid concerns a weaker rial could negatively affect the well-being of Iranian citizens.

Kristian Rouz  The Supreme Leader of Iran is calling for policies aimed at boosting the exchange rate of the national currency, citing the concerns of weakening purchasing power amid the rising costs of imported goods. The Ayatollah has reportedly 'ordered' the Iranian central bank to implement policies to support the rial, while also protecting the Islamic Republic's economy amid the crippling US sanctions.

According to a report published by Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), central bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said he was "ordered to increasingly strengthen the national currency and (was) called (on) for the observance of the independence of the central bank" by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hemmati didn't specify which policies the Ayatollah is favouring in order to support the national currency. The rial, for its part, has lost some 65 percent of its value this year amid expectations that Iran's oil exports could drop to near-zero in the coming weeks.

This Iranian economy has been facing mounting international pressure since the US re-imposed its 'toughest ever' sanctions against the Islamic Republic in early November.

Although the EU, Russia, and China have since vowed to protect their business ties with Iran, policymakers in Tehran have been concerned with the lack of progress in establishing alternative methods of settlement with Iran's business partners in Europe and Asia.

However, Iran's central bank governor said he would use all the firepower he has at hand to deliver on his promise to the Ayatollah.

"The central bank and the banking system will use all of their managerial power and expertise to fulfil the Leader's goals," Hemmati said, as cited by IRNA.

The Iranian economy, meanwhile, is facing some structural shortcomings at home as well. Iran's GDP slowed to 1.8 percent in the second quarter of this year  during that period, the Trump administration in the US announced it was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

The Iranian economy was growing as fast as 16.5 percent year-on-year in 4Q16, but growth had since slowed to only 2.4 percent a year later. Some experts say that slowdown was not connected to any US sanctions whatsoever, but rather stemmed from the lack of investment and Iran's excessive reliance on foreign trade.

Since the US re-imposed its sanctions, the Iranian cabinet has introduced plans to boost infrastructure spending to create jobs, but the central bank's monetary policy response has so far been subdued  hence the elevated volatility of the rial.

"The Central Bank of Iran will do its best to reinforce the rial and would back Iranian banks in this regard," Governor Hemmati announced. "Banking facilities should be paid to production units with a higher level of productivity."

An additional challenge the central bank is facing  aside of the international sanctions and economic weakness at home  is the lack of hard currencies at home. Iranian citizens have been intensively buying dollars, including on the black market, to safeguard their savings  contributing to the rial's weakness.

Iran, meanwhile, has some $117.3 bln of gold and foreign currency reserves, some of which could be spent to support the national currency. However, such measures are expected to have only a modest near-term effect, while a longer-term solution could be ensuring an influx of other hard currencies into the Iranian economy  such as the euro or the yen.

However, the EU has yet to establish practical mechanisms of settlements with Iran, and could face sanctions from the US as well. Top EU diplomat Federica Mogherini has pledged to support and protect EU-Iranian business ties, but it has yet to be seen what steps will be implemented in practice.

As of now, however, the Iranian rial could be in for a modest resurgence, backed by the nation's reserves  but the fate of the Iranian economy largely depends on structural reforms at home and the Islamic Republic's diplomacy in Europe and Asia.

 Sputnik

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Israel Wants to Formalise Diplomatic Ties With Saudi Arabia  Report

Sputnik News

16:47 09.12.2018

In November 2017, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that despite having no diplomatic relations with Riyadh, the Jewish state has had "contacts" with Saudi Arabia which "have been kept in general secret".

The Israeli TV station Hadashot has cited sources as saying that the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is interested in formalising formal ties between the Jewish state and Saudi Arabia ahead of the November 2019 elections in Israel.

The sources singled out unnamed US officials and Yossi Cohen, chief of the Israel national intelligence agency Mossad, who are allegedly dealing with the issue. Netanyahu has yet to comment on the Hadashot report.

Earlier, the Times of Israel reported that the Jewish state is in talks with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states to prompt them to establish formal diplomatic relations with Israel.

In late October, Israeli media quoted the United Arab Emirates news website Al-Khaleej as saying that Saudi Arabia and Israel had held covert meetings "in Washington and London" which resulted in the clinching of a deal worth an estimated $250 million.

The agreement specifically stipulates the transfer of Israeli espionage technology to the kingdom. Neither side to the alleged deal has confirmed the information.

In September, Al-Khaleej reported that Saudi Arabia had allegedly purchased Israel's Iron Dome missile defence systems to fend off Houthi missile attacks.

In March, Israeli Prime Netanyahu confirmed that Saudi authorities had opened the country's airspace for Air India planes that fly from Delhi to Israel.

Earlier this year, he admitted to the Jewish state "having contacts" with Saudi Arabia which "have been kept in general secret".

The same month, Israeli Defence Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot revealed that his country was ready to share intelligence with Riyadh in order to "face Iran", which is considered to be a threat by both Israel and Saudi Arabia.

 Sputnik

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Russian Warships Arrive in India for Joint Military Drills

Sputnik News

09:42 09.12.2018(updated 09:45 09.12.2018)

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A detachment of the Russian Pacific Fleet entered the eastern Indian port city of Visakhapatnam on Sunday to participate in the joint Russian-Indian military drills Indra Navy 2018, the fleet's press service said.

According to the press service, the detachment comprises the Varyag missile cruiser, the Admiral Panteleyev destroyer and the Boris Butoma tanker.

"Today [December 9], a detachment of ships of the [Russian] Pacific Fleet entered the Indian port of Vishakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh In order to further strengthen military cooperation between the Russian Navy and the Indian Navy, the planned joint Russian-Indian naval exercise Indra Navy 2018 will be held during the visit," the press service said in a statement.

Later in the day, the detachment command would pay visits to local military and civilian authorities, the press service added.

The naval drills will be focused on the two countries' cooperation aimed at ensuring safety of navigation and economic activities at sea.

The detachment is expected to leave Visakhapatnam on December 16.

 Sputnik

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Saudi Arabia rules out extraditing Khashoggi case suspects

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 11:09PM

Saudi Arabia says it is not sending back two of its former senior officials to Turkey, which seeks to arrest them on suspicion of planning the October murder of a renowned Saudi dissident journalist.

"We don't extradite our citizens," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told a news conference at the annual [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council ([P]GCC) in Riyadh on Sunday, Reuters reported.

Turkish officials said last week that the Prosecutor's Office in the country had concluded there was "strong suspicion" that Saud al-Qahtani, a top aide to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and General Ahmed al-Asiri, who used to serve as deputy head of foreign intelligence, were among the planners of Jamal Khashoggi's October 2 killing at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

The Washington Post columnist and strong critic of bin Salman entered the diplomatic facility in Istanbul on that day to secure documents for a pending marriage. He never left the building.

Riyadh was at first in denial about the killing, but finally said Khashoggi had been murdered during a "rogue" operation.

A recent report by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) suggested that bin Salman had been behind the crime.

Warning to Qatar

Jubeir also said Qatar had been asked to "adjust its negative polices" in order to return as an active member of the [P]GCC.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt all cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar on June 5 last year, after officially accusing it of "sponsoring terrorism." Doha roundly rejects the accusation.

Turning down an invite, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani shunned this year's summit, and instead sent the emirate's foreign minister.

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US-Saudi relationship enters uncharted territory

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 04:47PM

Ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States face an uncertain future as Congress and the White House grow more divided over punishing the traditional Middle East ally over a range of issues, including the ongoing war against Yemen.

While Saudi Arabia continues to receive unconditional support from the administration of US President Donald Trump, Riyadh's stature has plummeted in the halls of Capitol Hill.

The Trump White House has so far resisted international pressure to go after the de facto Saudi leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for his actions.

Besides leading a deadly war on Yemen since March 2015, the crown prince is also accused of ordering a hit job on dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered after entering the Saudi consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul on October 2.

Trump argues that punishing Saudi Arabia in high times like this would alienate the longtime ally and push it away towards Russia, jeopardizing Israel and billions of dollars in arms deals.

American lawmakers, however, are not buying that argument and think the US can still punish MbS without harming ties.

A bipartisan group of US Senators have brought a resolution which, if approved, would give the Trump administration 30 days to pull troops in or "affecting" Yemen, unless they are fighting al Qaeda.

"In March 2015, Saudi Arabia instituted a naval and aerial blockade on Yemen, and currently maintains strict limits on air and sea transit to the country which contribute to delays of critical humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to a nation that imports as much as 90 percent of its food and relies on imported fuel," the resolution reads.

The US and a series of other Western countries continue to provide Saudi Arabia with weapons and intelligence despite the atrocities in Yemen.

Timothy Lenderking, the deputy assistant secretary for Persian Gulf affairs in the Near East Bureau of the US Department of State, told a security forum in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday that Washington was under pressure to stop supporting the military aggression.

"There are pressures in our system ... to either withdraw from the conflict or discontinue our support of the coalition, which we are strongly opposed to on the administration side," Lenderking said, according to Reuters.

"We do believe that the support for the coalition is necessary," he added, referring to a Saudi-led coalitionincluding the UAEwhich has been pounding Yemeni targets since March 2015. "It sends a wrong message if we discontinue our support."

The resolution also seeks to declare with "high confidence" the MbS was indeed behind Khashoggi's murder.

The measure's sponsors have accused US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis of "misleading" the lawmakers about Khashoggi.

Pompeo claimed last month that there was no definitive evidence that MbS was behind Khashoggi's murder, while Mattis simply said there was "no smoking gun."

This is while Turkish and American intelligence reports indicate that bin Salman was in on the murder.

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Israeli Government Okayed Spyware Sale to Saudis to Track Khashoggi - Reports

Sputnik News

17:36 09.12.2018

A new report suggests that the Israeli authorities approved the sales of phone hacking spyware to Riyadh so that it could ensnare dissidents. Israel's alleged intentions were to forge an alliance with a major power in the Arab world in its fight with Iran for influence in the Middle East.

Washington Post columnist David Ignatius said, citing US intelligence officials speaking on conditions of anonymity, that Saudi officials sought to obtain Pegasus, state-of-the art mobile spyware, from Israeli cyber intelligence firm NSO Group Technologies.

The Saudis reportedly carried out some of the transactions with NSO via its Luxembourg-based affiliate called Q Cyber Technologies. Despite some Israelis voicing concerns about sharing the powerful malware with Riyadh, the sources claimed that the Israeli government gave its consent to the purchase of Pegasus by Riyadh.

This was seen as a win-win situation, the report says, given that the Israeli "gained a secret Sunni Arab ally against Iran" as well as an opportunity to spy on Riyadh through cyber security cooperation, while the Saudis acquired new tools to combat their "internal enemies."

According to a recent Haaretz report, Saudi representatives held talks with NSO Group to obtain Pegasus, looking to hack into the phones of dissidents in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. Critics of Riyadh living abroad previously claimed that their smartphones had been monitored by Saudi hackers.

Among them was Canada-based activist and dissident Omar Abdulaziz, who was friends with the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Abdulaziz this week filed a lawsuit against NSO Group, claiming that the firm sold Pegasus to Saudi Arabia in 2017 for $55 million. The spyware was then purportedly used to track communications between Abdulaziz and Khashoggi, which "contributed in a significant manner to the decision to murder" the journalist.

Jamal Khashoggi, a US resident and Washington Post contributor, was killed inside the Saudi Consulate on October 2. For around two weeks, Saudi Arabia denied any knowledge of his whereabouts, but eventually confirmed that he was murdered in a "rogue operation" in the consulate. Riyadh arrested 21 individuals suspected of being involved in the murder; five of them are facing the death penalty if they are found guilty.

The Saudis have repeatedly insisted that the royal family, including heir to the throne Crown Prince bin Salman, was not involved in Khashoggi's killing. Turkish prosecutors have indicated, however, that bin Salman, who is considered de facto ruler of the Arab kingdom, was behind the whole operation.

 Sputnik

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Syrian Air Defences Repel Strike on Damascus Airport - Reports

Sputnik News

22:42 09.12.2018(updated 23:56 09.12.2018)

According to Syrian state broadcaster Ikhbariya, the Damascus air defense system intercepted enemy targets on Sunday in the vicinity of the international airport.

According to the television channel, the attack intended to strike several targets in the area.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the sound of explosions rocked an area close to the airport and fire from air defenses was also heard. The latest incident comes just over a week after Syria accused Israel of striking south of the capital, AFP reported.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what it claims are Iranian targets, many of them in the area south of Damascus, according to reports on the ground.

In October, Russia finished delivering S-300 systems to Damascus. The delivery of the systems was announced after a Russian Il-20 military plane was downed on September 17 by a missile launched by a Syrian S-200 air defense system targeting Israeli F-16 jets carrying out airstrikes in Latakia.

The Russian Defense Ministry blamed the crash on the Israeli Air Force, claiming that Israeli jets used the Russian aircraft as a shield against Syrian air defense systems. Israel voiced concerns over Russia's decision to supply Syria with S-300 systems, noting that Damascus would now be able to control Israeli airspace.

Russia has been involved in military operations in Syria since 2015, after receiving a request from the Syrian government. Israel has been conducting airstrikes in Syria without permission from the Syrian government, but is justifying its actions by claiming it needs to counter Iran's military presence there.

 Sputnik

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No-deal Brexit would force Scots to vote for independence from UK: Poll

Iran Press TV

Sun Dec 9, 2018 06:43PM

A new poll conducted in Scotland shows that a significant majority of people in the British province would prefer to leave the United Kingdom if the country leaves the European Union without a deal.

The Panelbase survey, carried out for The Sunday Times Scotland and LBC, showed that almost three in five people, around 59 percent, would vote for independence if the UK fails to finalize a Brexit deal before it leaves the EU.

Many expect the British Parliament to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Tuesday. Both May and the EU have warned that the current deal, signed off by EU leaders last month, is the best and only option available.

The UK government has reiterated that it will leave the EU March 29, 2019 whatsoever. That has caused serious concerns as a no-deal Brexit will leave trade and many other issues unregulated and would create huge uncertainty for Britain.

However, a majority of the Scottish people surveyed, around 53 percent, said that independence from the UK would benefit the country more than staying in the UK outside the EU under a negotiated Brexit deal.

More than 51 percent of the respondents, a total of 1,028 people, also said that they would back an early parliamentary election if May loses the Brexit vote in parliament.

However, the poll showed that support for Scottish independence, regardless of what course Brexit takes in future, remained at 47 percent, a slight increase compared to the results of 2014 Scottish independence referendum in which around 55 percent voted against a separation from the UK.

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British Nuclear Sub Arrives in Gibraltar After Row With Spanish Ship in the Area

Sputnik News

13:40 09.12.2018

The arrival comes a month after a Royal Navy vessel fired a warning flare in response to a Spanish coast guard boat approaching too close to the UK nuclear submarine Talent as it was departing Gibraltar.

The HMS Talent has arrived in Gibraltar again, according to the UK's Defence Journal.

The UK nuclear submarine's arrival comes a month after a Royal Navy vessel fired a warning shot to signal to a Spanish coast guard vessel which was getting too close to the Talent. The sub was reportedly departing Gibraltar after having its Tomahawk missile stores replenished.

In a separate development in November, a Spanish customs boat was intercepted by a Gibraltar Defence Police vessel after it came too close to the USS Newport News, a Los Angeles class submarine.

"If classed as an incursion, the incident will almost certainly draw a diplomatic protest, as happens as a matter of routine with all incursions by Spanish state vessels," Defence Journal cited local media as saying.

Also last year, a Royal Navy ship had to chase a Spanish vessel as it tried to prevent a US warship from arriving in Gibraltar. The incident followed a Spanish patrol boat reportedly trying to "hassle" a US nuclear submarine attempting to dock at Gibraltar.

In late November, Fabian Picardo, the chief minister of Gibraltar, pointed out that Gibraltar was not interested to allow "even the remotest concession to Spanish sovereignty, jurisdiction or control".

The remarks came after British Prime Minister Theresa May stressed that London is committed to "always stand by Gibraltar", and that Britain "will always negotiate on behalf of the whole UK family, including Gibraltar".

Gibraltar, a small peninsula extending past the southern coast of Spain, has been a British Overseas Territory since 1713, when Spain ceded it to the United Kingdom under the Utrecht Treaty. The region's residents rejected the idea of Spanish sovereignty in 1967 and joint UK-Spanish authority in 2002.

Gibraltar is set to leave the European Union together with the rest of the UK in March 2019. The Brexit agreement between London and Brussels includes a special protocol on Gibraltar.

 Sputnik

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Martial Law Will Cost Kiev Billions of Dollars - Ukrainian Lawmaker

Sputnik News

02:49 10.12.2018

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian export-oriented economy might lose billions of dollars due to the imposition of the martial law on the country's territory, Volodymyr Husak, a lawmaker from Ukraine's Opposition Bloc party, said on Sunday.

"I believe that the losses from martial law for Ukraine's economy might cost billions of dollars," Husak said as quoted by Ukraine's Pryamiy TV channel.

The lawmaker recalled that the country's economy was highly dependent on export.

"All the regulations and protocols usually forbid buying and selling of goods from countries with martial law. Many enterprises just cannot conclude contracts now," Husak indicated.

On November 26, the Ukrainian parliament supported Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's initiative to impose martial law in 10 eastern regions of the country after the Russian coast guard detained three Ukrainian ships that illegally crossed the country's territorial waters in the Kerch Strait.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the Kerch Strati incident was a provocation prepared in advance as a pretext to introduce martial law in Ukraine. Putin said the provocation could be linked to Poroshenko's low approval rating ahead of the presidential campaign set to start in late December.

 Sputnik

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Shivpal Yadav also mounted a scathing attack on the BJP and said that the entire country and every section of society was living in tension.

Lucknow: Samajwadi patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav once again sprang a surprise when he arrived to attend the Janakrosh rally organised by his younger brother Shivpal Yadav on Sunday. Mr Mulayam Singh Yadavs unexpected presence at the rally served as a major boost for the Shivpal faction since earlier in the week Mr Yadav shared the dais with his son Akhilesh an cousin Ram Gopal Yadav in Ferozabad. The signal was that he had chosen his son over brother Shivpal.

Addressing the rally organised by his newly-floated Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (PSP), Shivpal Yadav said: Sirf samman manga tha (from Akhilesh Yadav) but never got it. I waited so long, then I have formed this party with the blessings of Netaji (Mulayam).

Turning to Mr Mulayam Yadav, he said: I sought your permission to form this party in the presence of Bhagwati Singh, Ram Sewak Yadav... both of whom are here. You gave me permission in front of these senior leaders. He said that mischief makers were responsible for dividing a wedge in the family and made him strike a separate path.

With this, Shivpal Yadav set at rest all speculation that he had revolted against his older brother to form the party. Shivpal Yadav also mounted a scathing attack on the BJP and said that the entire country and every section of society was living in tension.

Whether it is farmers, youth, girls, traders  all of them are unhappy. The massive response to this rally is an expression of the anger against the BJP and the change must begin form here, he added.

In a direct attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Shivpal Yadav said: The Prime Minister says that his chest measures 56 inches. It may have increased to 57 inches now, but there seems to be no strength in him because Pakistan is increasing its activities in the country and our soldiers are dying every other day.

Mr Shivpal Yadav also recalled it was the Mulayam Singh Yadav government in 1989-90 that protected the Babri Masjid, which was ultimately demolished in 1992 while the BJP was in power in the state.

Mr Mulayam Singh Yadavs younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav, in her speech, said the milling crowds at the rally proved the adage that one must not hurt the lion. When Netaji was hurt, he became a politician from a teacher, and now Chachaji (Shivpal) has been hurt and you will soon see the outcome. Today is the day of change and I will support him (Shivpal) always to the best of my abilities, she added.
It is not known yet whether all regional leaders are on board with the idea of a common front with the Congress in it.

The meeting has been called by Chandrababu Naidu, who has taken a task of bringing the opposition parties under a single umbrella to take on BJP in 2019. (Photo: PTI | File)

New Delhi: A day before the assembly election results are declared, the opposition is holding a meeting to discuss a grand alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The meeting has been called by Chandrababu Naidu, who has taken a task of bringing the opposition parties under a single umbrella to take on BJP in 2019.

According to the source, Mayawati who has a large following among the Scheduled Castes in Uttar Pradesh is likely to give the meeting a miss. However, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has agreed to attend the meet.

It is not known yet whether all regional leaders are on board with the idea of a common front with the Congress in it.

Naidu has already met a string of opposition leaders including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Mayawati, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal over the last few weeks.
In his letter, Gandhi also said that Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev had also written to all party-led state governments in this regard on Nov 23.

New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi has written to the chief ministers of states where the party is in power or in an alliance to have a resolution passed in their assemblies seeking one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state elections.

In his letter to the Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh, Mr Gandhi noted that the Rajya Sabha passed the 108th constitutional am-endment bill in 2010, but it lapsed after the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha in 2014. The Congress and several parties have called on the Prime Minister to ensure the passage of the womens reserv-ation bill and pledged their support, the letter read. While the opponents of the bill have cast doubts on the ability of women to affect change, the leadership role taken by women after the 73rd and 73th constitutional amendments have proved the detractors wrong, he said in his letter. In his letter, Mr Gandhi also said that Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev had also written to all party-led state governments in this regard on November 23. The legislative assemblies of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have already taken a lead and passed a resolution calling on the central government to enact the womens reservation bill, he added. He said India ranks 148 out of 193 countries in terms of the percentage of women in parliament. The situation was even worse in state assemblies, he wrote.

Mr Gandhis letter comes just days before the start of the winter session of Parliament. Ahead of Parliaments monsoon session, Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him to demonstrate his commitment to the cause of women, and ensure the passage of the Womens Reservation Bill during that session. Besides Mr Gandhi, Odisha chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, too, on Thursday had written to all chief ministers seeking their support to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women.
Those in power should heed peoples sentiments: RSS general secretary.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad supporters gather at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Sunday to press for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. (Photo: Pritam Bandyopadhyay)

New Delhi: RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi made a veiled attack on the BJP on Sunday for not fulfilling its promise of constructing a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and demanded that the Union government enact legislation, if need be, to enable it. Over one lakh people have gathered at the Ramlila Maidan for the Vishwa Hindu Parishads rally which comes ahead of Parliaments Winter Session which begins on Tuesday.

Speaking at the rally, Mr Joshi said: Those in power today had promised to construct a Ram Temple. They should listen to the people and fulfil the demand for a temple in Ayodhya. They are aware of the sentiments. Without naming the BJP directly, Mr Joshi added: We are not begging for it. We are expressing our emotions. The country wants Ram rajya.

Addressing the gathering to press the demand for a Ram Mandir, Mr Joshi further said that a country which develops distrust for the judicial system cannot walk on the path of development, and the Supreme Court should also delve into this factor and take public sentiments into account. We are not engaged in a conflict with any community. We are not begging but expressing (our) sentiments. Enacting a law is the only option for the Ram temple. The movement will continue till the promise is fulfilled, Mr Joshi added.

Swami Hansdevacharya of Hardwar warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying: We will not let him off his seat until the temple is built. He must fulfil his promise.

The title suit of the Ayodhya land dispute case is pending before the Supreme Court. In January, the court is expected to announce a date for the beginning of the hearings. But as the dispute has remained unresolved for more than 26 years, the right-wing groups are demanding that the Centre sidestep the courts and go ahead with the temple building.

VHP president Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje said that public sentiments should be respected as in a democracy, the public should be supreme, and not the court. Its a misconception that we want to construct a temple in place of a mosque. The mosque was built there after demolishing the temple. Also, terming the demand for a Ram temple as an election issue is wrong. There are elections in the country every six months. That does not mean we will keep sitting on it, Mr Kogze added.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made at the Ramlila Maidan and snipers have been deployed at many highrise buildings in the area. The VHP had carried out a door-to-door campaign to make the rally a success.

It is a massive gathering which will change the hearts of all those who are not in favour of bringing the bill for construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, said VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal. The right-wing group had approached President Ram Nath Kovind and state governors during earlier phases of its temple campaign. In the forthcoming stage, it will hold religious rituals and prayers at temples and mutts. The campaign will then culminate at Prayag with a Dharam Sansad of priests and saints, while the final religious congregation will be held on January 31 and February 1.
The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and WRI Brasils InoveMob Challenge have announced the winner: bynd. The bynd team will receive US$100,000 to scale their project and will continue their journey, taking the idea to other Brazilian cities.

Bynd is an efficient urban mobility solution for corporate communities that connects people to optimize their daily commute through carpooling. The company makes it as easy as possible to find a ride on demand at anytime so people can save money, increase networking and reduce carbon emissions. The product (both web and mobile) is free to final users who are members of a partner corporation, which pays an annual subscription fee.

The InoveMob Challenge was developed by Toyota Mobility Foundation in partnership with WRI Brazil, and support from the National Front of Mayors (FNP). The Challenge launched in January 2018 with the goal of finding innovative mobility solutions for urban areas with intense transportation activity. Brazilian teams submitted nearly 100 proposals from 13 states and four regions of the country. The final judging panel selected the winner based upon the Challenge criteria of pilot execution, internal capacity, stakeholder and end-user impact, potential to scale, feasibility, and sustainability.

In the second stage of the Challenge, twelve semifinalists attended training workshops and pitched their ideas to more than 100 public decision makers to find a city that would host their project. Five finalists were selected and received financial support of US$20,000 each to implement their pilot projects.

The Ministry of Cities and the public company VALEC in the city of Brasilia and the City Hall of the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais both adopted the proposal from the Winner bynd. The pilot projects were the first bynd experience with the public sector. More than 400 trips were made in each city, totaling more than 1000 km of shared rides.

Now, bynd will have the task and opportunity to show its potential to be replicated in other Brazilian and Latin American cities.
A new animal study by a team at the Ohio State University suggests that a parents exposure to dirty air before conception may result in cardiac dysfunction in adult male offspring. The open-access paper is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The study used an in vivo mouse model of preconception exposure to PM 2.5 to investigate the adverse cardiac effects on male offspring. The results revealed that the preconception period represents a critical window for the development of cardiac dysfunction in the offspring at adulthood. These data indicate that environmental exposures may cause adaptations to the germ cells that could provide the mechanistic basis for the cardiovascular dysfunction observed.

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. senior author Loren Wold, director of biomedical research at Ohio States College of Nursing

Male and female mice were exposed to either filtered air (FA) or PM 2.5 at an average concentration of 38.58 g/m3 for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 3 months. Mice were then crossbred into 2 groups: (1) FA male x FA female (both parents were exposed to FA preconception) and, (2) PM 2.5male x PM 2.5female (both parents were exposed to PM 2.5 preconception).

Male offspring were divided: (1) preconception FA (offspring born to FA exposed parents) and, (2) preconception PM 2.5 (offspring born to PM 2.5 exposed parents) and analyzed at 3 months of age.

In the PM 2.5 offspring, 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. These mice were young and otherwise healthycomparable to 20-year-old humans.

This suggests that heart problems related to pollution exposure could start even before conception, and if thats true it has implications worldwide. Loren Wold

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 genesmeaning 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. 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 reached a level on par with large cities such as Los Angeles and Beijing.

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. 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. Vineeta Tanwar

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, to try to determine which parents exposure might matter more to offspring, to evaluate heart health later in the lifespan of the mice and to explore potential changes in the eggs and sperm of mice exposed to air pollution.

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. Loren Wold

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, Wold said. For example, 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.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Resources
Scania, a member of the Volkswagen Group, is developing a fuel cell refuse truck together with Renova, a waste handling company in western Sweden, fuel cell manufacturer Powercell Sweden AB, and JOAB, a manufacturer of truck bodies. The truck will feature a fully electrified powertrain as well as an electrified compactor.

Refuse trucks often operate in residential areas in the early hours of the morning. With reduced emissions and noise, electric vehicles are especially attractive in these areas. Renova and other waste handling companies have previously carried out trials with electric refuse trucks but this will be the first with fuel cells.

Electrification using fuel cells fuelled by hydrogen is a highly appealing alternative for heavy commercial vehicles such as refuse trucks. The trucks benefit from all the advantages of electrification while maintaining some of the best aspects of fossil-fuel operations, namely range, hours in service and payload. Hans Zackrisson, Head of Development at Renova





Powercell S3 stack, with outputs ranging from 30-100 kW, was developed in the EU project Autostack Core in collaboration with sub-suppliers, institutes and the end users VW and BMW.

Pending a more comprehensive network of hydrogen filling stations, the CEO of PowerCell, Per Wassen, sees refuse trucks as an ideal first step in the electrification of heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

Refuse trucks operate on fixed routes and always return to the starting point at the end of the shift, which greatly reduce their dependency on external filling stations. As the network of hydrogen filling stations is expanding across Europe, propulsion using fuel cells will become a very attractive alternative and pave the way for the unavoidable transformation of the commercial vehicle industry. Per Wassen

To help fund the project to build an electrified truck the four companies jointly applied for and been granted a governmental subsidy from the Swedish Energy Agency within the framework, Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation, FFI. FFI is a partnership between the Swedish Government and the automotive industry for the joint funding of research, innovation and development. FFI focuses on the areas of Climate, Environment and Safety.

The Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, will also participate in the project which comprises development, construction and operation of the truck. The fuel cell refuse truck is expected to be delivered in the end of 2019/beginning of 2020.

Scania has previously announced that it is developing fuel cell technology in cooperation with the Norwegian food wholesaler Asko, which has opened its own production plant for sustainable hydrogen fuel. Scania is delivering four distribution fuel cell trucks with a range of 500 km to Asko.
Vijay Mallya has the option of going to a higher court.

The matter of extradition of Vijay Mallya to India has been referred to the Secretary of State of the UK. (Photo: AP)

London/New Delhi: Business tycoon Vijay Mallya wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges will be extradited to India, London's Westminster Magistrates Court ruled on Monday.

The verdict of Mallya's extradition to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED was pronounced by Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot.

Chief Magistrate Judge Arbuthnot has found prima facie a case against Mallya for fraud, conspiracy and money laundering.

The matter of extradition of Vijay Mallya to India has been referred to the Secretary of State of the UK.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) welcomed Mallya's extradition ruling.

Mallya has the option of going to a higher court.

The money laundering fraud and money laundering charges against Mallya amounts to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.

Talking to reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court ahead of the hearing on Monday, Mallya sought to disprove the narrative that he has "stolen" money and said his offer to repay the principal amount to the Indian banks was "not bogus".

"My settlement offer is made before the Karnataka High Court. It is not related to this extradition trial. Nobody disrespects a court of law by making a bogus offer. The assets have been attached by the ED so they cannot be bogus assets," Mallya said, asserting that his offer to repay the principal amount was not bogus.

The embattled liquor tycoon said that the value of his assets is more than enough to pay everybody and that is exactly what he was focusing on.

"I want to disprove the narrative that I have stolen (money)," he said.

Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his most recent Twitter post on the issue.

"I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," he had tweeted earlier.

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on December 4 last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it.

It opened with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) team, led by Mark Summers, laying out the Indian government's prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Mallya.
Voters now interested only in welfare

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and vice-president of National Conference (NC) Omar Abdullah on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misleading the people of the country on the issue of Ram mandir and creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust as part of its communal plank.

He alleged that passions are being generated over the issue of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Taking a jibe at the BJP leadership, he said that the party built the colossal statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat, but could not keep the promise of constructing a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

After four and a half years, the BJP is again talking about religion. You have made the biggest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat. You had also talked about a Ram temple but did not keep the promise, he said while addressing a convention of NC district and block presidents and secretaries at the party headquarters in Jammu. He said, Now they are propagating it (Ram temple) again. The processions are being carried out in Delhi, Mumbai and other places as the party is hearing the bells of defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He added that time has changed and now the voters are more interested in measures taken for their welfare than anything else. Mr Abdullah dared BJP to declare its chief ministerial candidate for J&K ahead of the State Assembly elections. He said, The BJPs bravado to have its own chief minister from Jammu fell flat twice, first by stitching alliance with 28-member PDP in 2015 and later while unsuccessfully attempting to form the government by surrendering before a party with two MLAs from North Kashmir.
GREENWICH  In a race that was arguably competitive for the first time in decades, state Sen.-elect Alexandra Bergstein personally invested $280,000 in her campaign this year to represent the 36th District.

The Democrats successful bid to oust Republican incumbent L. Scott Frantz focused on field operations and communications. Her efforts to engage voters and gain name recognition included going door-to-door, making phone calls, sending direct mailers, making videos, curating social media posts and encouraging community conversations on the environment and gun policy.

Most of the money was used to pay young people who dedicated their time to those tasks. The strategy paid off: Bergstein became the first Democrat elected in the 36th in 88 years.

From mid-August to Election Day, we made over 100,000 contact attempts and had over 30,000 conversations with voters either at their door or by phone, said Bergstein, a Greenwich resident. She also spent every day from May through November traversing her district, which spans Greenwich and parts of New Canaan and Stamford.

Some Republicans balked at the cost of her campaign, which far outpaced spending in previous races in the district.

This is an obscene amount of money for a race that normally costs about $70,000, and you still dont have the final week of spending, said Ed Dadakis, a former chairman of the Greenwich Republican Party who currently represents Greenwich and parts of Stamford and New Canaan on the Republican State Central Committee. I guess spreading negative lies against your opponent is expensive. There is nothing fiscally responsible with the way Ms. Bergstein escalated the cost of this race.

But the senator-elect said those insinuating the money made the difference are wrong.

Money does not buy votes and for anyone to suggest otherwise, is insulting to voters, Bergstein said. Voters are intelligent and discerning, but they need to know their options. As a first-time candidate running against an entrenched incumbent, my biggest challenge was name recognition, simply making voters aware of who I am and what I would do as their state senator.

Most of those hired on Bergsteins team were young people who grew up in the area, she said, and who were paid stipends for living expenses.

In addition, we had a few summer interns  college and high school students  who helped with canvassing and received a small stipend because I feel that paying hard-working young people is the right thing to do, she said.

Most on Bergsteins team were volunteers, including her co-campaign managers, Susan Vogel, a veteran of many local and state campaigns, and Nichola Samponaro, a former Barack Obama field operation staffer.

I dedicated over three months almost exclusively volunteering on Alexs campaign as her co-campaign manager, putting aside much of my personal life and other obligations to help her win, Vogel said. It is insulting to me ... for anyone to insinuate that this campaign was won because Alex may have outspent Scott. We won because we had a great candidate with great ideas, an amazing team of people ... and the financing to support a well-thought-out plan that including an incredible ground game ... and strong communications.

Bergstein attributed her victory to a volunteer-driven campaign.

I succeeded primarily because of their energy and effort, she said of her volunteers. Money does not buy votes. But learning that your friend is excited about a candidate  that kind of enthusiasm and engagement simply cannot be bought.

Forgoing public funding through the Citizens Election Program, which gives public money to qualified candidates for the General Assembly, Bergstein loaned her campaign committee $280,000, according to the latest filing with the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Without soliciting contributions, Bergstein said she raised $31,900 in small individual donations to her campaign.

In the run-up to the election, Bergsteins campaign spending nearly doubled. The committee spent $123,600 between Oct. 1 and Oct. 28, according to financial filings, adding up to a total of $225,000 in expenditures from the start of the campaign.

Frantzs campaign spent a total of $130,700, according to financial filings. Also forgoing public funding, he raised a total of $80,000 in private donations.

Frantz, who previously told Greenwich Time that raising private contributions was an important principle to him, loaned his committee $62,500 in the final leg of the campaign, filings show.

This time we were forced to respond to a comparatively disproportionate and disappointingly negative self-funded campaign, Frantz said Friday of the loan. We decided that it would not be right to ask people to give more money simply because the opposition was spending so much.

His Democratic challengers in previous campaigns spent far less than Bergstein.

John Blankley spent a total of $111,400 in 2016 and in 2014, Frantz ran only against Green Party candidate Edward Heflin. Democrat Daniel Dauplaise ran a $94,900 campaign against Frantz in 2012. In 2010, Democrat Nancy Barton withdrew her candidacy early in the race. In Frantz first election in 2008, his Democratic competitor, Mark Diamond, spent $11,500.

What made this years race for the the 36th different was that Frantzs challenger chose to fund her own campaign.

In a situation like that, a candidate has the unlimited ability to provide their committee with their own money, said Joshua Foley, an attorney with the State Elections Enforcement Commission.

The Citizens Election Program allows qualified state senate candidates to use $95,000 in public funding once they raise $15,000 in private donations, Foley said. When participating in the program, candidates spending is capped at about $110,000.

Because Bergstein didnt opt to use public funding, she was able to spend as much as she wanted, said Foley.

But the claim that campaigns for the state legislature are becoming more expensive is not true, he said.

Ive heard many people say independent expenditures may be getting larger and more frequent, Foley said. At least for General Assembly races, I havent seen that as being a big problem. Its partly because of the public financing program. Its done its job in terms of keeping spending level.

More candidates than ever before  about 80 percent of those on the slate for state office  participated in the Citizens Election Program this election cycle, Foley said.

Despite the public funding program, there will always be some candidates who are independently wealthy and can spend as much as they like  which is their right  and some candidates who blow through the ceiling, he said.

Spending in the 36th didnt come close to the amount shelled out in the 33rd District this year, according to financial filings. In that race, Democrat Norm Needleman spent $485,600 to defeat Rep. Melissa Ziobron (R-East Haddam).

Bergstein said her model of investing in grassroots strategies to invigorate voters paid off.

To illustrate this point, I lost Greenwich by only 970 votes and New Canaan by only 732 votes, she said. In the prior state senate election, John Blankley lost both towns by 7,451 and 2,079 votes, respectively. In Stamford, I won by 2,318 votes whereas Blankley lost by 80 votes ... Conclusion: Hard work delivers results.
Without naming Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Mr Shah said that the Opp. should first answer what they have done in last in their 55-year rule.

New Delhi: Taking a jibe at the Oppositions repeated question about the changes the Narendra Modi government has made in last four and a half years, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said that they (Opposition) has failed to see changes made in peoples lives as it is not visible in Lutyens.

Mr Shah was speaking after launching Narendra Modi, Creative Disruptor  The Maker of New India by R. Balashankar, the former editor of Organiser in the national capital. The function attended by Union ministers, parliamentarian and several senior functionaries of BJP.

Mr Shah said that the Opposition is repeatedly asking what changes took place during Modi government as they are not able to see how lives have changed in those six crore household which gets LPG connection for the first time or gets toilet in their houses as these changes does not meet the parameters set by Lutyens.

In last four and a half years, the Narendra Modi government has addressed the basic issues of country like health, electrification and sanitation. Under Ayushman Bharat, in the last three months, five lakh people benefited from the scheme and they are asking what BJP government led by Mr Modi has done, Mr Shah said.

Without naming Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Mr Shah said that the Opposition should first answer what they have done in last in their 55-year rule.

Four generation of a family ruled this country and he is also in line to rule the country. First of all they should tell why they are not able to provide treatment and medicine to poor during their rule, Mr Shah added.

Talking about hard decision taken by the government, Mr Shah said that the Modi government did not take decision which sounds good to people but took decisions which is good for people.

Taking a dig former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mr Shah said that he was good economist but when he left the office after 10 years of rule country ranked ninth as world fastest growing economy but today it ranked sixth and by March next year India secure fifth position. We recognise him you (Dr Manmohan Singh) as economist but a chaiwala has run the country better than you, Mr Shah said.

Referring his long association with Mr Modi, Mr Shah said that some people calls Mr Modi autocrat but during over 35 years long relation what he observed that he is a good listener and took decision based on everyone opinion. Sit with Mr Modi, you will witness he is a good listener which is one of the key reason behind his success, he said.
Three years ago, President Donald Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." Over time, this idea, in his words, "morphed into" various other policies that he calls "extreme vetting." Despite challenges, courts have largely allowed these policies to take effect, and the results are now evident: The president is achieving his stated aim of slashing entries of Muslims into the United States.

A new analysis from the Cato Institute - based on data from the State Department - makes the facts clear. On refugee policy - the area where the president has the most discretion to enact his vision - his administration has almost completely shut out Muslims.

From 2016 to 2018, the government cut admissions for Muslim refugees - which Trump has called a "Trojan horse" designed to bring down America - by 91 percent. In 2016, the government accepted nearly 40,000 Muslim refugees around the world, compared with just 3,000 in 2018. And while refugee admissions overall have plummeted, the Muslim share dropped from 45 percent to 15 percent, meaning it's fallen at an even faster rate. This reverses a prior trend: From 2009 to 2016, the Obama administration more than doubled Muslim refugee admissions.

This extends to legal immigration as well. The State Department fortunately does not require visa applicants to record their religion in applying for visas (imagine how Trump, who once justified his proposed ban on his stated belief that "Islam hates us," might use that information). Nonetheless, it is clear from data on nationality of that visa approvals for Muslims have fallen.

Visa approvals for immigrants from the world's 48 majority-Muslim countries plummeted 30 percent since 2016, amounting to 35,000 fewer immigrants from these countries in 2018. This, too, translates to a fall in the share of total immigrant visas from these countries (from 19 percent in 2016 to 15 percent this year) and reverses a trend of growing approvals for such applicants during the Obama administration. Most of this decline can be attributed to a fall in family-sponsored immigration - what Trump refers to as "chain migration."

A similar trend has played out for temporary visitors - tourists, students and guest workers - as well. Almost 155,000 fewer people traveled to the United States from the Muslim world this past year than in 2016, an 18 percent drop. Fewer visitors for business or pleasure explain about three quarters of this decline; fewer guest workers and students explain the rest.

These declines are primarily policy driven. Trump has total authority over the refugee program and has made a conscious decision to cut the refugee program to the smallest size in its history. And even within this cap, the administration has deprioritized Muslim immigrants - especially from Syria.

Since January 2017, Trump has also targeted at various times eight specific majority-Muslim countries - Chad, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Somalia and Yemen - with a "travel ban," which prohibited entries from those countries unless the applicants fit into narrow exceptions. The decline in approvals for these countries were much steeper: 62 percent for visitors and 70 percent for immigrants.

The Cato Institute calculates that the travel ban countries explain two-thirds of the decline in immigrants and 28 percent of the decline for visitors. Three of those countries - Chad, Iraq and Sudan - are now off the list. While the immigrant visa approvals for Chad and Sudan are back up, Iraqis were still down 42 percent in 2018. This highlights that policies at work are much broader than the highly publicized ban.

The administration might not have gotten the "Muslim ban" Trump promised, but it clearly found other ways to achieve the results he wanted by implementing "extreme vetting." Immigrants from majority-Muslim countries have been reporting that their applications seem to disappear into an "administrative processing" hole - code for extra security screening.

The government has also doubled or even tripled the length of immigration forms with vague new "security" questions such as, "Have you ever been arrested . . . or detained by any law enforcement officer?" Many people might say, "No," but does "detained" include at airports? These legally complex forms are costly to fill out and result in longer delays and more denials.

These policies are based on the mistaken view that Muslim Americans are a significant threat to our country. Yet the evidence shows that any threat they pose is minuscule. The annual likelihood of being killed in a terrorist attack by a foreigner since 1975 is just 1 in 3.6 million. No one from the travel ban countries, nor any Muslim refugee, has killed anyone in a terrorist attack in the United States in more than 40 years.

While the risks from Muslim immigrants are insignificant, the costs of keeping them out are real. Not only do Americans lose out on the economic benefits that immigrants and visitors provide - through purchases, employment and entrepreneurship - but also we lose an essential principle that have guided America since its founding: that America is a home for all faiths.

- - -

Bier is an immigration policy analyst at the Cato Institute.
Qualcomm scored a win in its legal battle with Apple  a Chinese court has issued a preliminary order banning the import and sale of select Apple phones in China. The affected models include the iPhone X, iPhone 8, 8 Plus and older models going back to the 6s generation.

Apple violated two patents held by Qualcomm, the court has found. They relate to resizing photos and navigating apps on a touchscreen. These are software patents and Apple claims that iOS 12 does not violate them.

The company also issued a statement saying all iPhone models remain available for our customers in China. The 2018 generation  XS, XS Max and XR  are not affected by this ruling.

This is just one battle in the war between Qualcomm and Apple. The chip maker asked US courts for a similar ban, but they are siding with Apple for now.

Source




Haiti - Petit-Goave : 5 members of a family victims of a poisoned chadeque juice





Saturday, December 8, 2018 in Lombre, a locality of Delattes, 7th communal section of Petit-Goave 5 members of the Senatus family were victims of poisoning after drinking a chadeque juice that a child had picked up on the courtyard of the home... Jean Senatus, his wife and his 3 children were in severe pain and lost consciousness after eating the juice around 6:00 pm.



In view of the seriousness of the situation, some farmers administered the victims a traditional medicinal remedy, which later vomited but remained unconscious.



The journalist Wilson Saint-Juste and Vergin contacted Radio Preference by telephone around 11:40 pm for an appeal to be launched at Notre-Dame Hospital. The station met at midnight with Dr. Jasmin Fred, President of the Management Committee of Notre-Dame Hospital, on the tragedy in Delattes. The doctor reassured that the ambulance was available but that it could not at this time, go to Delattes because of the critical condition of the road and the darkness, confirming however that the ambulance could reach to Vialet look for the sick.



On the side of Delattes, it was physically impossible to transport the victims to Vialet, because of the lack of road infrastructure and a completely impracticable access road. Late in the night, the peasants decided to transport the victims themselves to a hospital in the commune of Fond des Blancs where the poisoned family received the necessary care for their condition.



The residents of Delattes on Radio Preference strongly criticized the Petit-Goave authorities who neglected the rural area and took the opportunity to demand the construction of the Vialet-Delattes road section.



According to the information provided by Jean Claude, a citizen of Delattes, the poison seems to have been injected into the fruit... Information to be taken with much reserve in the absence of official analysis on the causes of this poisoning.



HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goave)


















Rahul said, We will win the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and remove Narendra Modi and the BJP from the Centre by all means.

Chandigarh: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the results of the five states on Tuesday would show the country what the people wanted. He was speaking at the launch of the special edition of Hindi weekly Navjivan in Mohali.

Rahul said, We will win the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and remove Narendra Modi and the BJP from the Centre by all means.

He said all institutions, including the Supreme Court and Army, were being used by the Prime Minister for political gains, putting the countrys independence under threat.

He described the media as a tiger that can show anyone his place. But once it starts getting leverages, it becomes a paper tiger. He called upon journalists to do fearless journalism.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his address, said Punjab had played a big role in Indias freedom. He recalled the historical events in which Punjab had played a key role during the freedom movement.

Dr Singh said though the Congress had played a key role in the freedom movement, the country was passing through bad times for the last four years as the freedom of the country was under threat due to secessionist forces under the BJP-led government at the Centre.




Haiti - Politic : Case Dermalog, denial of the office of the First Lady Martine Moise





The Communication Office of the First Lady Martine Moise, denies the statement made by Jacques Elibert, Director General of the National Office of Identification (ONI) front the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Committee of the Senate (questioned about his trip to France and signing with the German firm Dermalog which benefited from a controversial $27 million contract for the purchase of equipment to increase the production of National Identification Cards in Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25372-haiti-politic-$27m-to-replace-new-equipment.html ), statement reported Friday by Senator Youri Latortue President of the Commission in these terms "[...] the Director of the ONI added that he was part of a delegation composed, inter alia, of the First lady, Martine Moise."



The office of the First Lady denies these statments that suggests that Martine Moise would have stayed in France in order to sign a contract with the firm Dermalog and said "The reported facts are wrong and do not correspond with reality. During the official trips of the First Lady she is brought to meet other Haitian delegation also present for other reasons. In no case, the First Lady of the Republic Martine Moise has signed or played of her influence to sign a contract with the firm cited in the report of the Senate Anti-Corruption Commission."



The Bureau reminds that when the First Lady travels she is accompanied by her communication team and her security agents and that the First Lady's trips abroad are made by official invitation of the First Ladies of other countries or international organizations stating "During her travels the First Lady of the Republic discusses with her counterparts to better coordinate its actions in the country as part of its projects on Early Childhood the fight against HIV AIDS tuberculosis and the malaria."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25372-haiti-politic-$27m-to-replace-new-equipment.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Economy : Barbados is interested in the potential of the Haitian market





After Jamaica https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26199-haiti-economy-jamaica-is-interested-in-the-potential-of-the-haitian-market.html it is the turn of the Barbados businessmen to be encouraged by the Barbadian Minister of Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands to position their companies to penetrate the markets of Haiti, Suriname and Guyana, 3 member countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) identified as opportunities



Minister Sandra Husbands, at a workshop hosted by the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of the Caribbean, stressed that Barbados and the region needed to "take a breakthrough to improve the quality of their products, services and competitiveness" in order to penetrate global markets, near and far.



Sandra Husbands has identified Haiti, a country of nearly 11 million inhabitants as another market of choice highlighting "Most people think that Haiti is a poor country, but business is still done in Haiti [...] Work is under way to help Haiti to participate in the common market and to meet the standards https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-25983-icihaiti-economy-towards-the-integration-of-haiti-into-the-caricom-common-market.html . But as a nation seeking to develop, Haiti needs goods and services to catch up with the rest of the region."



See also :



https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26199-haiti-economy-jamaica-is-interested-in-the-potential-of-the-haitian-market.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-25983-icihaiti-economy-towards-the-integration-of-haiti-into-the-caricom-common-market.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24722-haiti-flash-barbados-abolished-visas-for-haitians.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-23826-icihaiti-caricom-towards-the-implementation-of-the-single-market.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-17425-icihaiti-politic-the-haitian-companies-will-have-to-consent-lot-of-efforts.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Environment : Towards the total closure of illegal quarries





As part of the Decree of January 2006 laying down the conditions for the exploitation of quarries, an operation conducted by the Minister of the Environment Joseph Jouthe, together with the National Police of Haiti (PNH), the Justice and the Agency of the Protected Areas (ANAP) proceeded on December 6 at the closure of a quarry (sand, rocks, gravel...) at Thomassin 48, at the Thurin gully, in the Locality of Pilon.



Minister Jouthe thanked residents for informing the Ministry of illegal exploitation of this site, which is a danger to both the environment and the surrounding population. In addition, he pointed out that many environmental problems of downstream communes, such as Petion-ville, Delmas and Port-au-Prince come from this place.



"This intervention is only the beginning of a series, with a view to stopping environmental degradation throughout the national territory, particularly in the Metropolitan area," said the Minister, adding that this quarrir had already been subjet of the prohibition that the Ministry intends to enforce, recalling "Any contravener of this provision will be liable to arrest and severe penalties provided for in the law."



Note that during this operation, 4 operators of materials in quarries, were arrested by the PNH and led to the Commissariat of Thomassin 48, for judicial follow-up.



Recall that a report of the Bureau of Mines and Energy (BME) concerning quarry operations across the country and the metropolitan area in particular indicates that out of 140 quarries identified in the West Department 89% of operators are illegal and do not have any state operating license https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22399-haiti-environment-89-of-quarries-are-illegal-in-the-west.html



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23632-haiti-environment-the-protected-areas-surveillance-brigade-takes-action.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23438-haiti-environment-many-announcements-of-minister-georges.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23300-haiti-notice-suspension-of-extraction-of-sand-at-the-morne-cabri.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23422-haiti-security-towards-a-more-rational-and-safe-exploitation-of-quarries.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22399-haiti-environment-89-of-quarries-are-illegal-in-the-west.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - DR : Seizure of more than 5,000 bottles of contraband alcohol from Haiti





Members of the Specialized Land Border Security Corps (CESFRONT), in collaboration with the Joint Staff Directorate (J-2), seized in a house in Jimani, a significant amount of contraband goods from Haiti including: 135 cartons of 10 packets of "Point" brand cigarettes (produced in Haiti by the company Comme Il Faut, SA), 3,000 bottles of Black Stone brand whiskey and 2,406 bottles of Befeater brand gin.



Moreover, according to preliminary information provided by the Dominican military authorities, several clandestine coal kilns have been destroyed and several dozen sacks containing pieces of aromatic wood from Guaconejo, clandestinely cut on the Dominican territory destined for Haiti have been seized (Guaconejo is a plant sought for the essential essence that it produces with high monetary value, plant disappeared of Haiti because of the uncontrolled cuts).



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-26021-icihaiti-dr-seizure-of-4760-packets-of-contraband-cigarettes-in-jimani.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-26004-icihaiti-dr-seizure-of-500-kg-of-contraband-garlic-from-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25900-haiti-dr-seizure-of-more-than-100kg-of-marijuana-from-port-au-prince.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-25363-icihaiti-economy-dr-effectively-fights-haitian-smuggling.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-23721-icihaiti-rd-partial-assessment-of-the-fight-against-haitian-smuggling.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-19097-icihaiti-dr-seizure-of-104-kg-of-narcotics-from-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17849-haiti-security-over-230-kg-of-narcotic-from-haiti-seized-in-dr.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16698-haiti-dominican-republic-drug-seizure-at-the-border.html



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2018/12/09 | Source

An artist's impression of Korea's first for-profit hospital, the Greenland International Hospital /Yonhap

Korea's first for-profit hospital, the Greenland International Hospital, will open in Jeju next year.

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In a press conference on Wednesday, Jeju Province Governor Won Hee-ryong announced the final approval for the hospital in Seogwipo. The provincial government said the aim is to boost the local economy, reinvigorate tourism, and enhance government credibility in the eyes of foreign investors.

Approval took three years after Chinese real estate developer Greenland Group got the go-ahead from the central government in December 2015.

The three-story building sits on a 28,163 sq.m. and has 5,546 sq.m. of floor space. Starting with 47 beds, it will offer plastic surgery, dermatology, family medicine, and internal medicine from early next year. Greenland invested W77.8 billion (US$1=W1,114).

The hospital will be open to foreign medical tourists only, although no such limitation is specified in relevant laws. The current central government and ruling party oppose any further profit-making hospitals.

"For-profit hospitals could turn into investment havens for conglomerates and large general hospitals", an official with the ruling Minjoo Party said. "They would focus only on making profits by luring patients to expensive services rather than trying to treat them well".

The government is also worried that for-profit hospitals would play havoc with the health insurance system. Healthcare workers' unions and the Korean Medical Association are also opposed to for-profit hospitals.

But the healthcare industry insists that for-profit hospitals will boost its competitiveness and create jobs.

"If more for-profit hospitals open, patients will have more choices of better-quality medical services. This in turn will help to bring in more state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology", said Prof. Kim Won-shik of Konkuk University.
Published on 2018/12/09 | Source

Kim Soon-ok

Another victim of wartime sex slavery died on Thursday.

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According to the House of Sharing, a home for the survivors of the Japanese World War II atrocity, Kim Soon-ok died on Thursday morning aged 96.

Born in Pyongyang in 1922, she worked as a housekeeper and a nanny before being told at the age of 18 that there was a factory job offer.

Instead, she was forced into a military brothel in China to serve Japanese soldiers.

Now only 26 of the Korean victims survive.
Wolfgang Schaubles public support for Friedrich Merz highlighted tensions within the CDU. Merkel confidante Peter Altmaier criticized Schauble and endorsed the chancellors protege.

Angela Merkels conservative party has geared up for the final phase before choosing a new leader, and possibly the next chancellor and the fight has quickened. This week, Wolfgang Schaubles public backing of Friedrich Merz, the 63-year old BlackRock Germany chairman, laid bare the rivaling factions in the Christian Democratic Union.

The former finance minister's endorsement confirmed Merzs strong standing among the CDUs business-friendly conservatives, who would like to see the ex-floor leader return to the center of power. Back in 2002, Merkel stripped him of his title party speaker. He departed and dedicated himself to a successful business career.

Even before Schauble's comments, the business wing of the center-right CDU was lining up behind Merz. Aside from his corporate credentials, Merz is famous for his focus on traditions and cultural values, which are dear to the CDUs conservative followers. Schauble argued that Merz can draw power from Germanys political fringes, in particular the right-wing, nationalist Alternative for Germany.

The party's social wing, which puts the "center" into "center-right" is more focused on softer issues such as healthcare, pensions and the elderly. This group supports Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the former Saarland leader handpicked by Merkel as general secretary of the party and heir apparent. The Christian Democrats' worker group, which functions as a counterweight to the labor unions that support the Social Democrats, backs AKK, as Kramp-Karrenbauer is known.

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The party fears it could be deeply divided, with opposing camps sniping at one other if the vote is too close on Friday. That could weaken the party further, after it lost support to the AfD and Greens in state elections, and last years federal vote.

Those who support Kramp-Karrenbauer stress that she could unite the party. Merz and the third candidate, Jens Spahn, are polarizing, said Christian Haasse, who represents local CDU delegates. We need someone who can bring people together and hold them together, he said.

Peter Altmaier, Merkel's former chief of staff and currently economics minister, was quick to announce his support for AKK after Schauble endorsed Merz. Altmaier, a long-time Merkel ally, said AKK would be the best CDU chair, and one who is able to win moderate voters' backing. "I'm certain that with Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, we will have the best chance to unite the CDU and win elections," he told Rheinische Post, a newspaper. He commented, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer would be the most dangerous candidate for the Greens and the Social Democrats. "She can win elections in the political center."

Merz, who is trailing AKK in opinion polls, downplayed the strife. These arent different camps, but voices speaking up for the candidates they support," he told the daily Bild.

Friday's winner will have to unite the CDU and prove that he or she can also lead the country. If the CDU remains Germany's biggest in federal elections expected in 2021, the new CDU chair is also slated to be the next chancellor.

Daniel Delhaes covers the CDU for Handelsblatt in Berlin. Gregor Waschinski covers health and pension policy in Berlin. Darrell Delamaide adapted this article into English for Handelsblatt Today. To contact the authors: [email protected] and [email protected]
Victim was on his way to a hospital to visit ailing relative.

Yogesh is survived by his wife and a two-year-old daughter. His wife is four months pregnant.

New Delhi: In a case of road rage, a 20-year-old man was shot dead by two men outside a 24x& store in East Delhis Mayur Vihar area

The police said that the victim, identified as Yogesh Singh Dedha (21), a resident of Chilla village in East Delhi, had a verbal spat with the accused as his bike brushed past their car while parking. Later, the victim went inside the shop to buy stuff and as soon as he stepped out of the store, the occupants of the car opened fire at him.

The victim had gone to buy some snacks at a convenience store in Acharya Niketan along with his cousin Aman and Golu on his motorcycle.

DCP (East) Pankaj Singh said that security guards at the convenience store and an ATM booth are eyewitnesses in the case. The car driver went inside the store and returned with some snack. Yogesh got into an argument with the occupants of the car once again. Meanwhile, he picked up an iron rod from a nearby shop and smacked the glass on the drivers side, said the DCP.

This escalated the fight and the car driver opened fire at him multiple times before running away.

We have recorded the statement of Golu, Aman, and other eyewitnesses. A manhunt has been launched to nab the duo accused, the DCP added.

The decased along with his cousins left home around 8:30 pm to visit a relative who was admitted in the hospital and halted at the convenience store to buy some snacks, said a relative.

DCP Pankaj Singh said eyewitness in the case told the police that at around 11.30 pm, Yogesh along with two others were standing outside the shop near his motorcycle when a white colour car stopped just next to them. When the driver opened the door, it touched Yogesh and an argument broke out between Yogesh and occupants of in the car.

The car driver went inside the store and returned with some snack. Yogesh again got into an argument with occupants of the car. In between, he picked up an iron rod from nearby shop and snacked the driver side window glass, said the DCP

It escalated the fight between them and the car driver opened fire.

He has been shot twice one at right thigh and another at abdomen. He was rushed to a hospital by his cousin but was declared brought dead by the doctors. A PCR call was made by the hospital, said the police.
Managing ill and injured employees  and, in particular, obtaining enough information so they can be properly managed  can be one of the most complex circumstances to deal with in the workplace. Each case is unique in terms of its facts (including the particular circumstances of the employee) and there are many competing considerations that need to be considered  and navigated! An employer should review any and all relevant policies, procedures and employment contracts, plus any applicable enterprise agreements and modern awards, to determine what parameters, if any, there are around managing ill and injured employees.

What can you require an employee to attend an independent medical examination?
Meadows said to be on short list for Trump chief of staff

The mentioners in the Washington press corps are placing U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows high on the list of potential successors to John Kelly as President Trump's chief of staff.

Meadows, the leader of the conservative Freedom caucus and a resident of Transylvania County, was an early supporter of Trump's nomination in 2016 and remains one of his most ardent supporters in Congress. After Nick Ayers, Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, turned down the White House job, attention turned to the short list of other possible appointees.

"One of the (White House) officials said Trump is considering four candidates, including Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), a staunch Trump ally," Politico reported. "In recent days, the president has been polling advisers and allies on what they think about Meadows."

"As the president hastily restarted the search process," the New York Times reported, "speculation focused on a group that was led by Representative Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican who is the hard-edge chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, but also included the Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin; Mr. Trumps budget director, Mick Mulvaney; and the United States trade representative, Robert Lighthizer."

Politico reported that Mnuchin, Mulvaney and Robert Lighthizer had all signaled they'd rather stay in their current jobs, leaving Meadows as the most prominently mentioned candidate who would take the offer. A sandwich shop owner turned real estate developer, Meadows was a political novice when he fought off seven other candidates to win the Republican nomination and cruised to election to the newly redrawn 11th Congressional District seat in 2012. He rose quickly within the conservative Freedom Caucus, becoming its second leader after he filed a procedural motion that helped lead to the resignation of House Speaker John Boehner.

Efforts to reach the congressman were not successful on Monday morning. District director and deputy chief of staff Wayne King said he had no information about a potential job offer from the Trump White House.
Ask Matt ... about Dylan's visit with Sandburg

Bob Dylan cited Carl Sandburg's poems as an inspiration in his own song writing.

Related Stories

Q. I heard that Bob Dylan once came to Flat Rock to meet Carl Sandburg. Is there any truth in that?

Absolutely. Two years ago Thomas Crowe wrote about that meeting in the Smoky Mountain News. His source was Sandburgs housekeeper at Connemara who some 37 years ago shared details of the event with Crowe. It was February of 1964, when Bob Dylan had just released his second album titled The Times They Are A-Changin. He was on an unannounced mission to Flat Rock to meet the man that had inspired his own poetry and songwriting. Dylan appeared at the Sandburg home with a copy of the new album under his arm and asked to speak with Mr. Sandburg. I am a poet; my name is Robert Dylan, said the visitor. Crowe recounts that the two sat in chairs on Sandburgs front porch and Dylan told the 89-year-old Sandburg how he admired his work and what an influence he had been. Sandburg listened quietly and acknowledged Dylans praise and accepted the gift of the album and told Dylan that he had much work to do that day and had to get back to it, sending Dylan on his way.

There are a few related pieces that I found in a 1972 Rolling Stone biographical piece on Dylan by Anthony Scaduto. He chronicles the road trip Dylan and three others made from New York City to Flat Rock and thereafter points south and west. The drive down had been uneventful, which is surprising considering that they were all stoned, relates Scaduto. After spending the first night in Charlottesville, Virginia, they headed for Flat Rock and arrived late in the afternoon. Dylan got directions to Sandburgs home from a mountain man at a gas station. There was some confusion because the man only knew Sandburg as a goat farmer, not a poet in residence. The meeting was brief, probably just ten minutes. Dylan was miffed that Sandburg never heard of him so when he got back to the car Dylan took a puff from a joint.

After Flat Rock, Dylans entourage made more stops in the South and ended the sojourn in San Francisco. Ron Partin, who volunteers at the Sandburg Home, said that he occasionally shares the story with visitors, particularly if they ask about Sandburg the song writer. Officials at the Home said the Dylan album was not in their inventory. Maybe someone can contact Dylan and have him autograph another for the collection.

* * * * *

Send questions to askmattm@gmail.com.
ANOTHER office block in Henley could be turned into housing.

Chaskel Rand and Joel Sofer, from London, are seeking planning permission to demolish Anderson House on the Newtown industrial estate, which used to be the home of digital signage firm Onelan.

They want to build two blocks of up to four storeys containing a total of 43 flats with 61 parking spaces in between them and a large ground-floor office space facing on to Newtown Road.

The blocks would be built from red and buff brick with slatted timber cladding and have either three or four floors.

Twenty-eight of the flats would have two bedrooms and 15 would have one. All those on the upper floors would have balconies.

None would be affordable with rents or purchase prices fixed below the market rate as the developers say this would make the scheme unviable. Both blocks of flats would have solar panels on the roof in order to provide electricity and there would be storage space for up to 118 bicycles.

Two small lawns would be created at the northern and southern frontages of the 0.49-hectare site and the mature trees at the southern boundary with Mill Lane would remain.

There would be a new entrance off Mill Lane as well as the existing access off Newtown Road and there could be a new path connecting the two. The applicants architect PRP says the site is ideally located for homes as there are bus stops for services to High Wycombe and Reading within a two-minute walk and Henley station is also within easy walking distance.

PRP says the existing building, which has been vacant for more than a year, was marketed without success.

The applicants already have planning permission to convert it into 11 flats but now say it cannot be refurbished due to its poor condition and it should be demolished.

They say including affordable homes would prevent them from achieving their target of a 20 per cent return on the flats but they are offering almost 309,000 towards improving infrastructure.

The policy of South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, is that new developments should have a minimum quota of 40 per cent affordable.

The site isnt earmarked for housing in the joint Henley and Harpsden neighbourhood plan, which says the Newtown estate should be kept for employment purposes. But the applicants planning agent Boyer says there is no demand for the site for use commercially and the development would make better use of the land and improve the appearance of the area without increasing traffic.

It says: The existing building has been marketed for over a year and had no viable interest.

The only way in which to provide a high-quality commercial space is through a mixed-use development.

The proposal protects the amenities of its neighbours and would not adversely impact the surrounding area or road network.

The district councils economic development team has supported the proposal in principle, saying it would continue employment on the site and provide much-needed office space.

Thames Valley Police have objected to the footpath, saying that it would increase the risk of crime.

The site is next to the former LA Fitness gym, which is now being converted into a care home despite objections by residents and Henley Town Council, and to the former RPS Energy building, which was converted into a block of flats called Hill View over the summer.

Meanwhile, the Hub at Hallmark House, a three-storey office complex in Station Road, is to be converted into at least 23 flats, although the final number could be higher.

Ressance, of Newbury, has been been given the go-ahead under permitted development rights.

This is a measure introduced by the Government to tackle the national housing shortage.

It means developers dont need to submit a full planning application and their schemes may only be rejected on limited grounds like environmental or traffic hazards.

Henley Town Council objected to the original proposal and a more recent one to add six more flats on an additional floor.

The building is almost opposite the former Isis House offices which are being converted into seven flats with an additional third storey after the district council granted permission in 2016.

In August, a consortium of developers from London received consent to convert the Smith Centre, an office complex off Fair Mile, into 36 homes.

None of these sites was recommended for housing in the neighbourhood plan, which was incorporated into the district councils planning policy after passing a referendum in 2016.

The former Highlands Farm industrial estate and Makower textiles offices, both off Greys Road, have been redeveloped for housing in accordance with the plan.

Deputy Mayor Ken Arlett, who chairs the town councils planning committee, said he and his colleagues were still pursuing a so-called article 4 direction to protect the Newtown estate.

This would revoke permitted development rights for the whole area so all planning applications would be fully scrutinised.

Councillor Arlett said: The district councils draft local plan requires us to identify an additional hectare of land for commercial usage so if they dont agree to that direction it would make the neighbourhood plan pointless.

If we lose any more employment land it will make it even harder to hit that target and its in their power to do something to stop it.

They cant make demands with one hand then put obstacles in the way with the other.

Permitted development rights are fine in big cities but make no sense in Henley.

If we lose more sites beyond what we agreed in the neighbourhood plan were going to lose workers to other towns.

 What do you think? Write to: Letters, Henley Standard, Caxton House, 1 Station Road, Henley or email letters@henleystandard.co.uk
A hospital patient had to be restrained after he became "aggressive", punching and breaking a window.

Dean Whelan (31) was arrested for his threatening behaviour after he had gone to the hospital for treatment.

Judge Paula Murphy adjourned the case for a probation report.

Whelan, of Woodhazel Terrace, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and breach of the peace.

Dublin District Court heard gardai were called to St James's Hospital at 9.45pm on April 1, 2018. Whelan was arguing with security staff and gardai found him being restrained.

Kicking

He was kicking out aggressively and gardai were told he had punched and broken a window, causing 300 of damage.

Separately, he trespassed in a restaurant locker room in Temple Bar on March 12, 2017, and stole a phone and purse.

Whelan had a large number of prior convictions.

He attended the hospital seeking treatment for a valid health concern, his barrister Alan Grace said.

The accused had suffered from addiction for most of his adult life.
Bernardus Jozef Scherrenberg (47) of Zoetermeer, Holland pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply at the car park of B&Q, Liffey Valley

A man carried out an unprovoked attack on a couple who were out for dinner in a pub when he had a "psychotic" breakdown after mixing alcohol with medication.

Gary Kelly (40) pushed the man and his wife to the floor, then came up with a "conspiracy theory" the CCTV footage of the assault had been doctored.

Judge Paula Murphy adjourned the case for a pre-sentence probation report.

Kelly, of Glenville Road, Castleknock, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Kim Quearney and common assault on her husband Robert.

Garda Christopher Ward told Dublin District Court the incident happened at the Clonsilla Inn on April 28 last.

The accused repeatedly approached the victims' table, speaking on his mobile phone.

Ms Quearney asked him to give them space, he argued with her and she felt uncomfortable, so they got up to leave.

Kelly pushed Mr Quearney into a staircase and forcefully pushed his wife to the ground. She fell on a tiled surface, hitting her head and injuring her hip, shoulder and neck.

Injuries

The injuries were bruising and she recovered fully, suffering no long-term damage.

Kelly initially denied any involvement when gardai met him outside and when shown the CCTV footage, he had "fanciful ideas" - he thought there was a "conspiracy" and the footage had been doctored.

Gda Ward said he felt Kelly, who had a young family and no prior convictions, was a "decent man" who was "going through a bad patch".

Defence barrister Alan Grace said Kelly's "unusual behaviour" was due to mental health issues at the time.

He was prescribed anti-depressant medication and did not appreciate the effect mixing this with alcohol would have.

This seemed to have induced paranoia and "some sort of psychosis or mental breakdown" and the accused acted erratically and inexcusably, Mr Grace said.

The victims had not done anything to bring this on themselves and were unfortunate to be in Kelly's vicinity when he was going through mental issues.

Kelly was now lucid, there were "no more conspiracy theories" and he accepted what happened and apologised. There were no fitness to plead issues.
A shoplifter who stole alcohol from a supermarket was caught when staff heard banging in the toilet, where he was pulling security tags off the bottles and drinking them.

John Flynn (51) had been "plagued by alcohol addiction" throughout his life, a court heard.

Judge Ann Ryan put him on a one-year probation bond.

Flynn, of Ferrycarrig Avenue, Coolock, pleaded guilty to theft.

Dublin District Court heard the incident happened at Aldi in Coolock Drive on April 15 this year.

When gardai arrived in response to a reported theft they found the accused held by security staff.

Flynn had been caught taking five bottles of alcohol and hiding them in his jacket.

The court heard the attention of security staff was drawn to the accused because they could hear banging noises coming from the toilet.

Convictions

Flynn was pulling the security tags off the bottles then drinking them down straight, a garda said.

Three of the bottles Flynn took were recovered and were saleable.

The court heard he had a large number of previous convictions for offences including theft.

His prior convictions were directly related to alcohol but he was clean and sober today, his lawyer said.

The accused had had good bouts but relapsing was a part of his recovery, the judge was told.

"He realises he can't have one bottle, never mind five or six," Flynn's lawyer said.

Judge Ryan told the accused he was very lucky to have the support of his family, which was a "major plus in his life".

She ordered him to enter into a probation bond for 12 months in his own sum of 200.
Actress Eve Hewson is currently filming in New Zealand for a new BBC series, which is due to be broadcast next year

Actress Eve Hewson has become a style icon with her red carpet looks, but Bono's daughter loves to dress like a teenage boy.

The 27-year-old, who is currently filming in New Zealand, namechecked Chanel as her favourite designer when it comes to couture. But the daughter of Bono and Ali Hewson told reporters she loves dressing like a boy.

"I like dressing like a smelly teenage boy," she said. "That's the look. Anything a 14-year-old boy wears, I want that in my closet. I never followed fashion in a religious way. Trendy is boring. Teenage boys are chic."

She said Chanel was her favourite designer to wear on the red carpet.

"I just feel like me when I wear it. A really expensive version of me," she said.

The actress said she was really enjoying filming a new TV series in New Zealand for the BBC.

"It's based on a book called The Luminaries about a woman who comes to New Zealand during the Gold Rush in the 1860s," she said. "I'm really excited about this character and the story we're telling.

"It's another actor's dream. It should be out next year."

However, she said she did get homesick when she was away from Ireland. "Mainly, I miss the people. But the potatoes are also really, really good," she said.

The Robin Hood star did not always want to pursue a career in acting.

Ridiculous

"For a long time, I really didn't want to do it. I thought it was ridiculous," she said.

"It's so lonely and unsettling. Having a career in Hollywood is like having a really bad boyfriend. You love him so much, but he's totally cheating on you.

"There are times when I desperately want to quit and become a kindergarten teacher. But it takes one trip to the movies and I'm sucked right back in. I'd say most actors feel the same."

Hewson said one of her favourite performances in a movie was Colin Farrell's turn in In Bruges.

"He's so heartbreaking and so funny. It's so perfectly Irish," she said.

She said her first big movie role alongside Oscar-winning Sean Penn was the most challenging she had taken on.

"I was 18 and terrified. No job has scared me more than that," she said.

She also said working with Steven Spielberg on Bridge Of Spies was "really special".

"It was a moment in my life I'll never, ever forget," she said.
Failte Ireland road-tested half a dozen brands for Dublin with potential visitors complaining that one seemed "arrogant" while boasting of "fresh air" in a capital city was not credible.

Among the taglines ditched after market research were Europe's Natural Capital, Outside The Ordinary, and the city's old brand - A Breath Of Fresh Air.

Market research by Failte Ireland found Europe's Natural Capital rated worst of all and was chosen by just 10pc of people as their first choice.

According to those surveyed, this sounded like Dublin was claiming to be the capital of Europe and could be perceived as "untrue or even arrogant".

Question

One man asked how it could be Europe's Natural Capital when it wasn't even on the continental mainland while another said: "I think Europeans might question this."

Outside The Ordinary also ranked poorly according to an internal report, released under FOI.

Those surveyed agreed it set Dublin apart but it was chosen by only 15pc as the best way to promote the capital.

A US man who was quizzed as part of the research said: "The wording is inviting, and promotes the elements of curiosity and intrigue."

Failte Ireland had introduced the tagline A Breath Of Fresh Air in October 2015 but it did not do too well in the research, scoring 18pc of first preferences. It was most popular with Americans who often think of "Ireland's greenness" and that this fitted in with their general perception of the country.

However, for many it simply was "not credible" for a major city and "particularly weak" among Irish people.

Some suggested "traffic fumes in a capital city do not make the air fresh" and it was inappropriate given the typical congestion problem.

Two taglines using "surprise" ranked equally well.

City Of Surprises was enticing for visitors and it performed particularly strongly among British and Irish audiences who felt it "fits their experience the best".

However, not all visitors liked surprises - particularly Americans - saying this was not what they wanted in an unfamiliar country.

One British woman, who was surveyed, said: "I like the idea of something being different or surprising to me. Sounds more exciting."

That tagline was favoured by 30pc, the same who chose the combination tagline of either Surprising By Nature or Naturally Surprising.

This one topped the rankings when people's second and later preferences were taken into account.

"Clearly the word 'surprises/surprising' is liked," said the Failte Ireland briefing.

It said the final decision would have to be whether they should include the word nature or not.

This did not work with everybody, with people in the UK and Ireland who know Dublin being "not convinced" by the references to nature.

In the end, Failte Ireland went with Surprising By Nature as the city's new slogan in October, with this scoring well when compared with other European cities.

Competitors

"All of Dublin's proposed new lines fare very well against competitor lines," said the internal report.

Among the taglines they asked people about were Edinburgh's This Is Edinburgh, Berlin's The City Of Freedom, and Warsaw's Fall In love With Warsaw.

Some of these, people felt, restricted certain cities to romantic couples or didn't offer enough mystery. Talking about surprises made "Dublin sound like a 'hidden gem' compared to competitors".

Failte Ireland said the Dublin brand was constantly evolving and that the marketing of the city scored very highly against international benchmarks in enticing visitors.
(CNN)  The Chinese Foreign Ministry is summoning the U.S. and Canadian ambassadors in protest over the detention of a Huawei executive in Vancouver, describing it as "lawless" and "extremely vicious."

The tech giant's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested December 1 and faces extradition to the United States, where she is accused of helping Huawei circumvent U.S. sanctions on Iran.

In a statement on Sunday, China's vice minister of foreign affairs, Le Yucheng, said the U.S. ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, is being summoned over Beijing's "strong protest against the U.S.'s unreasonable direction to Canada of detaining the Huawei executive." Yucheng said China would like the United States to revoke the arrest warrant against Meng and allow her to be freed.

In a statement Saturday summoning Canadian Ambassador to China John McCallum, Yucheng said Meng's arrest "severely violated the Chinese citizen's legal and legitimate rights and interests, it is lawless, reasonless and ruthless, and it is extremely vicious."

The statement also warned Canada of "serious consequences" if it doesn't release Meng.

China strongly urges Canada to "release the detainee immediately and earnestly protest the person's legal and legitimate rights and interests, otherwise it will definitely have serious consequences, and the Canadian side will have to bear the full responsibility for it," Yucheng said in the statement.

Arrest warrant issued in August

Meng is believed to have helped Huawei circumvent U.S. sanctions on Iran by telling financial institutions that a Huawei subsidiary was a separate company, Canadian prosecutors said at a hearing Friday to determine whether Meng should be released on bail.

Her lawyer said that she has ties to Canada and is not a flight risk. The judge, after hearing arguments from Meng's lawyer and prosecutors, did not rule on bail. The hearing will resume Monday at 1 p.m. ET.

Previously, details surrounding why Meng, 46, had been detained were limited due to a press ban. A judge had accepted Meng's request to bar both police and prosecutors from releasing information about the case prior to the hearing. The ban was lifted on Friday.

A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued a warrant for Meng's arrest on August 22, it was revealed at the hearing Friday. She was arrested on December 1.

Huawei 'not aware of any wrongdoing'

Earlier this week, Huawei said Meng was detained by Canadian authorities on behalf of the United States when she was transferring flights in Canada.

In a statement after Friday's hearing in Canada, Huawei said: "We will continue to follow the bail hearing on Monday. We have every confidence that the Canadian and U.S. legal systems will reach the right conclusion."

The company has said it was "not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms. Meng" and that it "complies with all applicable laws and regulations where it operates."

In addition to her role as CFO, Meng serves as deputy chairwoman of Huawei's board. She is the daughter of Huawei's founder, Ren Zhengfei.

Meng's attorney said she would not breach a court order because doing so would embarrass her personally, and would also humiliate her father, Huawei and China itself. He added that the case against Meng had not been fully laid out, even though the U.S. had signed off on her arrest warrant months ago.

"This isn't some last minute thing," he said.

Meng did everything she could to be transparent with Huawei's banking partners, and the company always worked to ensure its compliance with sanctions law, her lawyer continued.

Arrest came as U.S. and China reached trade truce

Huawei is one of the world's biggest makers of smartphones and networking equipment and one of China's best-known companies. It is central to the country's ambitions to become a tech superpower.

But concerns that Huawei devices pose national security risks have hurt its ability to grow abroad.

The company has been repeatedly singled out by officials in the United States. U.S. intelligence agencies have said American citizens shouldn't use Huawei phones, and U.S. government agencies are banned from buying the company's equipment.

Huawei is a "bad actor," White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told CNN on Friday.

Navarro admitted that is was "unusual" that Meng's arrest came just as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached a trade truce in Argentina, but said the government's actions are "legitimate."

"Let's look at what the indictment says and let the [Justice Department] do its thing," he said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "China summons US, Canadian ambassadors in 'strong protest ' over Huawei CFO's arrest."
The wireless charger also acts as a lamp and illuminates in different colours to light up a home.

This wireless charger has a sensitive induction coil and high-end chip that allows fast charging

Toreto has recently launched the Magik wireless charger in India and the brand states that it will charge your smartphone seamlessly and much faster than regular chargers. The brand states that Magik not only charges your smartphone but also acts as a lamp to light up your house in 7 different colours creating a soothing environment.

It has a jellyfish-styled design which further has a high-quality anti-skidding silicon cover that can be removed and washed easily too. This makes the wireless charger environment-friendly and compatible with all Qi-enabled devices.

This wireless charger has a sensitive induction coil and high-end chip that allows fast charging and protects the smartphone from over-heating, over-charging, voltage fluctuation and short circuit, thus protecting your smartphone completely.

Magik allows you to charge your phone even with the mobile cover and stops charging automatically when the phone is completely charged.

The charger also has a built-in magnet insulation sheet that ensures quick charging without emitting any radiation. It assures safe charging as it will automatically detect any metallic objects while working, an LED indicator light will start flashing to inform you. The charger also comes with a built-in vibration switch and three lighting modes.

The Toreto Magik wireless charger is priced at Rs 1,999 and is available at all leading e-commerce retail stores in India.

(Source)
A highly anticipated report on Aras an Uachtarain spending is to be published this week.

The issue of presidential spending became a key election concern when it emerged that a 317,000 allowance to the Office of the President has not been subject to audit.

Details of the allowance were discussed by the Dail's powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ahead of the election and were seized on by challengers to Michael D Higgins.

The allowance is used to cover expenses that are not covered in the budget, including costs related to events in the Aras such as State dinners.

Other questions about spending, including the President's use of the Government jet, also dominated the debate.

Campaign

During the campaign Mr Higgins pledged to publish details of the spending in a report on the activities of the Aras, but declined to do so before polling day as he did not want to appear to be politicising the office of the President.

It had been widely expected that the report would be published by the end of November.

However, a spokesperson for the President told a Sunday newspaper the report would be published this week once translation and design of the document have been finalised.

The spokesman pointed out that this is the first time in 80 years such a report will be furnished.

It is expected that the report will outline various activities and events held at the Aras, as well as detail about spending as it looks back at what has been spent since the President was first elected in November 2011.

Work was undertaken following the inauguration of Mr Higgins for a second term to put in place procedures for the report.

An audit committee was also set to be put in place.

However, defending the delay in publishing the details, a spokesman said "obviously it takes some time and care to make changes to an arrangement that has been in place since 1938, in a way that meets public expectations while also protecting the constitutional independence of the office of the President."

However, the Aras has declined repeatedly to confirm what the report will entail and the form it will take.

A spokesperson could not be reached for comment last night.

In recent days the PAC rejected criticism of the committee's decision to scrutinise presidential funding so close to the election.

The scrutiny was of the office and not of the President, according to the committee, who said they will be returning to the issue of presidential spending. During the recent campaign, various candidates raised the issue of spending during the debates ahead of the election.

Defended

Mr Higgins repeatedly defended the accounting processes in place in the Aras and insisted robust procedures were in place to ensure expenses were vouched.

"Every single euro has been properly spent and every single euro will be accounted for," he said during the campaign.

Some of the most tense moments of the campaign emerged when outsider candidate Peter Casey - who went on to poll second after a late surge - accused Mr Higgins of having his dog grooming bills paid for out of the public purse.

He also said the President had taken a private plane to fly from Geneva to Zurich to attend an event at the James Joyce Centre there.

The President repeatedly rejected the allegation about his dogs and it was later confirmed that he flew on commercial flights in relation to the Zurich event.

Mr Higgins described the list of charges made against him by Mr Casey as a "fantasy list".
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke last night ahead of a crunch vote on Brexit in Westminster tomorrow.

A Government spokesperson said that they had discussed "the current situation on Brexit" and the planned vote.

Mrs May is battling to save her Brexit deal and maintain her grip on power ahead of the House of Commons showdown.

She warned Tory MPs they risk handing Labour's Jeremy Corbyn the keys to No 10 unless they back her Brexit deal.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay insisted the Commons vote would still go ahead amid speculation Mrs May might be forced to delay the vote in a last-ditch effort to avoid defeat.

Ahead of the crunch vote:

l Former cabinet ministers, including Boris Johnson, refused to rule out leadership bids.

l A serving minister conceded Tory MPs could quit the party over the Brexit plan.

l Labour said it would work with other opposition parties to decide what to do if Mrs May crashes to defeat.

Mrs May warned Tory would-be rebels the UK would be in "uncharted waters" if the deal is rejected.

"It would mean grave uncertainty for the nation with a very real risk of no Brexit or leaving the European Union with no deal," she said.

"We have a leader of the opposition who thinks of nothing but attempting to bring about a general election, no matter what the cost to the country.

"As someone who cares passionately about my country and my party, I believe Jeremy Corbyn getting his hands on power is a risk we cannot afford to take."

Reports suggested Mrs May could make an emergency trip to Brussels ahead of a planned summit on Thursday in an effort to secure further concessions in an effort to win over critics of her plan.
Mallya has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is 'politically motivated'.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. (Photo: File)

London: Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, is set to appear before the Westminster Magistrates' Court here on Monday when his extradition trial is listed for a judgment hand-down.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. He has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his recent Twitter post on the issue.

"I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," the flamboyant businessman tweeted earlier. While dismissing that his intervention has anything to do with the extradition case, it came just days before Judge Emma Arbuthnot is expected to present her ruling in the case.

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on December 4 last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it. It opened with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) team, led by Mark Summers, laying out the Indian government's prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Mallya.

Summers sought to establish a "blueprint of dishonesty" against the businessman and that there are no bars to his extradition on human rights grounds. Mallya's defence team, led by Clare Montgomery, deposed a series of experts in an attempt to prove that the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of bank loans was the result of business failure rather than "dishonest" and "fraudulent" activity by its owner.

The court was also told that a consortium of Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), rejected an offer by the liquor baron in early 2016 to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principal loan amount owed to them. While the CPS argued that Mallya never intended to repay the loans he sought in the first place because his airline's demise was inevitable, the defence tried to establish that Kingfisher Airlines was suffering from consequences of a wider global financial crisis around 2009-2010 and that its failure was a result of factors beyond the company's control.

"There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines [in sanctioning some of the loans]," Judge Arbuthnot had noted during the course of the trial. In relation to the defence's attempts to dispute Indian prison conditions as a bar to Mallya's extradition on human rights grounds, the judge had indicated to the CPS that she did not require any further information in reference to the prison conditions awaiting Mallya at Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail after seeking a video of the cell.

"If the judge is satisfied that all of the procedural requirements are met, and that none of the statutory bars to extradition apply, he or she must send the case to the Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order extradition," explains Pavani Reddy, a UK-based legal expert and Managing Partner of Zaiwalla & Co.

The judge's decision on whether to send Mallya's case to UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid can be appealed with the UK High Court's permission, with the person to be extradited entitled to make an application for permission to appeal to the High Court within 14 days of the date of the Chief Magistrate's ruling. On the other hand, the Indian government would also have 14 days to file leave to appeal to the High Court, seeking permission to appeal against a decision not to extradite.

"In case the concerned individual does not file an appeal, and Secretary of State agrees with the magistrate's decision, then the individual must be extradited from the UK within 28 days of the Home Secretary's extradition order. "This will also apply if an appeal lodged by either party in the High Court is unsuccessful, but the 28 days will commence from the date when the appeal hearing was concluded," said Reddy. If the judgment goes ahead as scheduled on Monday, it would mark a significant point in this high-profile extradition trial that has lasted over a year.
by Hung Quoc

Thousands of students and hundreds of teachers are involved in the problem. For one university lecturer, the " educational system is foggy and has fallen into the abyss." Students and teachers are prisoners of the ideas of socialism imposed by the regime.

Hanoi (AsiaNews)  Experts are worried about certain trends in Vietnams educational system, namely violence in schools (aggressions and sexual abuse: 29 cases last school year), as well as students and teachers who are unprepared.

Education and Training Minister Phung Xuan Nha addressed the issue on 6 June responding to a question from the members of the National Assembly on the current state of public schools.

Since then, national media have noted that one of the reasons for the degradation is teacher input (au vao), namely their limited level of experience and poor teaching methods.

Associate Professor Nguyen Van L, a former head of the Educational and Psychological Department at Hanoi Pedagogic University, warned that "If we do not deal or overcome these 'wrong directions', they will have unpredictable consequences for the educational system.

In his view, The educational environment always needs parallelism and balance between teaching theories and teaching practice and morality. If we ignore one of these two elements, Vietnams educational goals cannot be met.

Since the start of the year, many violent incidents have been reported in Vietnamese schools, involving thousands of students as well as hundreds of teachers. In some cases, students attacked teachers, including women, causing even death.

Official data show at least 29 cases of harassment or sexual violence against educators in the 2017-2018 school year. However, it is feared that the real number is much greater.

For Prof Nguyen Van L, "The current state of education in Vietnam is alarming. The numbers show that teachers and pupils lack moral education. It is painful because the educational system is foggy and has fallen into the abyss."

Mr Loi, a lecturer at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi, notes that "All our students must study and pass Marxism-Leninism to graduate. This is backward and out of touch.

From the age of six, a child must spend 12 years in a socialist school, he adds. This is followed by four years of university education under the socialist-oriented system."

Prof Do, who teaches sociology in Hanoi, emphasises that "the Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP) has not opened the door to good theories and ideas from other countries. They just focus on the ideas of socialism and Party management."

For many analysts, Vietnamese youth have lost their "moral compass" and have appeared increasingly disoriented in their lives in recent years.

Ms Thu, a former teacher in the capital, says: "The young generation must learn in a decent educational environment. This [existing] education has created teachers who are not qualified in educational fields and teaching methods. They are and are not teachers: they teach their students the way they themselves learnt. This vicious circle passes from one generation to another."
The US and the UK are concerned over ties between the two companies and Chinas intelligence services. Beijing slams Canada for Sabrina Meng Wangzhou's arrest and criticises the "inhumane" conditions in which she is being held.

Tokyo (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The Japanese government decided on Monday to exclude Chinese telecommunication equipment giants Huawei Technologies and ZTE from public procurement for security reasons, joining other countries who have done the same.

The United States started things last summer by enacting a law that ban the use of Huawei and ZTE technology products, concerned about their links with Chinas intelligence services.

Last week, British Telecom followed suit, excluding Huawei from its core 5G networks in Britain. This followed a warning from MI6, the UKs foreign intelligence service, that singled out the Chinese company as a potential security risk.

Huawei has always denied having links with Chinese intelligence. And, in the past, it has been accused of stealing Western technology and undermining rival companies by slashing the prices of its products.

However, according to some industry insiders, Huawei is currently investing more than its competitors in research and development. And not everyone in the West has turned against it. Last week, it signed a deal with Altice Portugal to upgrade its 5G network. Italy has also been involved for some time with the Chinese giant.

The exclusion of Huawei and ZTE from some countries represents a new chapter in the trade war between the United States and China.

Last week, Canada detained Huawei deputy chairwoman Sabrina Meng Wanzhou (pictured), following a request by the United States.

She is accused of business dealings with Iran, violating the sanctions imposed on Iran from 2009 to 2014. Arrested in Vancouver on 1st December, she could be extradited to the United States and sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.

Reacting to this, Chinese authorities today accused Canada of failing to inform them in time of Mengs arrest and of placing her in inhumane conditions.

ZTE, China's second largest telecommunications producer, was fined in 2017 for selling technology to Iran.

Last April the US banned ZTE products because the company traded with North Korea and Iran and banned the export of US components to ZTE, which was forced to close some production lines.
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.
by Liao Yiwu

The writer and dissident exiled in Germany was tortured to the limits of endurance and attempted suicide twice. When the bottom is touched, there is no fear of denouncing and "fighting for the freedom of others with all our heart". The control of the communist dictatorship through the internet; the use of anti-terrorist propaganda to brainwash millions of Uyghurs. "I refuse to use smartphones made in China".

Berlin (AsiaNews / China Change) - "A man who possesses inner freedom is the natural enemy of a dictatorship writes Liao Yiwu, a Chinese dissident writer in exile in Germany. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he speaks of the defense of human rights. A courage, he says, "that comes from prison". Denouncing violations of rights has become for him "a sort of personal faith". For this reason he is not afraid to fight for the memory of Liu Xiaobo and his wife Liu Xia, and against the censorship and control of the Chinese communist regime. Here is the complete translation of an article published today.

Ive so often said that my courage and everything about me comes from prison. This is how I differ from other Chinese writers. In prison, I was tortured til I could no longer bear it, and tried to kill myself twice. But I learned to write secretly; and I learned to play the xiao (ancient flute) from an over-80-year-old monk. From the sound of his xiao, I realized that freedom comes from the soul.

A man of inner freedom is the natural enemy of a dictatorship. His political views come in a pale, second place.

The key is that, only after experiencing the horror, sadness, and pity of losing freedom and being trampled upon, does one fight for the freedom of others with all ones heart, and moreover turns the fight for freedom into a kind of personal faith.

Most of the time, outside of writing, Im a failure. For example, my friend Liu Xiaobo, four times jailed, was murdered in a cage on July 13, 2017. We did our best to rescue him, but it was all a failure. Although his wife, Liu Xia, was eventually released and allowed to come to Germany, the price was too painful and too great. And soon it will all be forgotten.

China is still the worlds largest capitalist market, and with the US-led trade war against China and the constant thrashings-about in the news, already the memory of Liu Xiaobo and his wife is being diluted and lost. Its a vulgar and cruel world that no longer needs a martyr like Liu Xiaobo to strive and be jailed for the cause of democracy. I understand all this. I know that though the records already are numerous, I must continue to write. Its just as, over 2,000 years ago, when Plato recorded the philosophical debates in Socrates cell before his death; without those words Plato left behind, Socrates would have been erased by time, and his death left a vague mystery. His words would no longer stir us so deeply.

Yes, I wrote June 4: My Testimony and Bullets and Opium, both of which are part of a single whole describing the victims of the Tiananmen massacre nearly 30 years ago, many of whom died, many of whom were destroyed by prison. (Although, even when released from prison, they went on to die in a larger prison without walls.) The idea that the internet will destroy autocracy and open markets will lead to democracy  has been a popular notion for American politicians, and coincided with the administration of then-US President Bill Clinton. Its this phrase that lubricated Chinas entry to the WTO, and helped grant it most-favored nation status over 20 years ago.

But its clearly not the case that the internet undermines dictatorship. Instead, its the authoritarian regimes that have made extensive use of Western network technology to comprehensively monitor the entire Chinese populace. No matter where you are, as long youre a dissident, youll be tapped and tracked; all your trips to the bank and online speech will be recorded, and in a moments notice, all will become evidence of your intent to harm the state. At hotels, train stations, and airports, your face will be automatically identified by the police using their mobile phones and computers  technology invented by Westerners and augmented by the internet and open markets, all of which has given a tremendous boost to the dictatorship.

What follows naturally is that the dictatorship will challenge Western democracy. For instance, China has the Great Fire Wall, and if you circumvent it and visit foreign websites, this is called illegal and perhaps youll be arrested. Western countries have no firewall, and almost all overseas Chinese, and many foreigners interested in China, are free to use WeChat, Weibo, and Huawei cell phones  but then theyre silently monitored and tracked too. And if you say extremist, suspicious, sarcastic, or subversive remarks about China, WeChat administrators will issue a warning that your account may be cancelled  or simply cancel it without a word. Or maybe youll temporarily go missing, and your family and friends in the country may also find themselves under a cloud of trouble. Dictators not only borrow the propaganda of counter-terrorism to carry out concentration camp-style forced brainwashing of millions of Uighurs in Xinjiang, but also use the internet to prevent those in the free world from actually being free.

Many dissidents around me also use WeChat and accept the regimes control and surveillance without really thinking it over. So today, I, a writer among dissidents, not only refuse to use Chinese-made smartphones, but I refuse to install any software from China, and I only publish my work in democratic Taiwan and the free West.

More importantly, I dont flinch, I dont succumb to silence, I continue to fight for the freedom of others, and in this oft-failed struggle, Im drawing from a passionate need to make a record of this era.

Coming up next, I shall prepare another book; I shall get ready to turn defeat into victory in the history that will soon be upon us.

1984 itself makes one hopeless  but the act of writing 1984 is already a flickering of hope from the depths of despair.
Some positive steps have been taken in Tunisia, Lebanon and Qatar, but gender segregation remains in Saudi Arabia. For the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, domestic laws must not punish criticism of religious leaders or prevent commentary on religious doctrine and tenets of faith.

New York (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The Middle East-North Africa is "the worst region in the world in terms of human rights," said today Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East and North Africa Division, speaking on the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"The major obstacles remain the governments in most Arab countries, which do not respect the freedoms and rights of their citizens," she told Lebanese newspaper LOrient-Le Jour.

Yet, despite the situation, she acknowledges the "positive actions" undertaken by some countries in the region, most notably Tunisias proposed new inheritance law, seen as "a decisive albeit rare step towards gender equality", as well as Lebanons new law against torture, and Qatars law on asylum and refugees of September 2018.

However, according to Whitson, "if we look at the region as a whole, respect for human rights is in a state of crisis, with on the one hand the catastrophic wars in Syria and Yemen, and on the other, the ongoing conflict in Libya and the violence in Iraq, Gaza and the Sinai." Currently, 13 Arab countries are at war or fighting in a military coalition.

Saudi Arabia, one of the regions most influential countries, did not sign the Declaration 70 years ago because of the clause that protects the right to change religion, i.e. apostasy.

Sarah Whitson does note some recent improvements in the social sphere in the kingdom such as the opening of cinemas, stadiums and concerts. However, [gender] segregation remains." Indeed, "Saudi Arabia is full of ironic anecdotes and there is a sort of schizophrenia between what the government wants to do, on the one hand, and its intense repression, on the other".

In 1948, certain Muslim-majority countries like Syria, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan voted in favour of the Declaration. However, in relation to countries like Pakistan, The UN Human Rights Committee has emphasized that domestic laws must not punish criticism of religious leaders or prevent commentary on religious doctrine and tenets of faith, writes the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

According to the Pew Research Center, about one country or territory in four had anti-blasphemy laws or policies in 2014, the last year for which figures are available. Some 13 per cent had laws or policies penalising apostasy, in some cases making it punishable by death.

Recently, Pakistan was back in the news over Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy and acquitted by Pakistans Supreme Court.

Her case is one of the best-known examples of how blasphemy laws can all too easily be used to pursue private vendettas, says the UN Office of the High Commissioner.
by Adriano Pelosin

Boss, 13, grew up in a family wrecked by drugs. With his care and way of doing, he managed to put a smile on Fews face, a boy pushed driven from home by his mother's second husband. In May 2018, Boss entered the seminary "to become a priest like 'Kun Po A' (Father Adriano)". Few now wants to be baptised too.

Pathumthani (AsiaNews)  What follows are long excerpts from a letter Fr Adriano Pelosin sent to us, to his friends and donors for Advent, describing his mission and the stories of grace and conversion born through it.

Originally from Loreggia (Padua, Italy), the 72-year-old missionary with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) has been in Thailand for about 40 years where he serves as superior of the Thai missionary Institute and has been working since 2013 in St Mark parish, Pathumthani, a small Catholic community that is full of vitality and spirit of initiative.

Dear friends, family and faraway supporters of our children,

As Christmas approaches, I am reminded of the many people who are close to me in thought, prayer, encouragement, understanding and material support. I want to thank everyone on behalf of Thai missionaries, of the poor and orphan children, and of all the people I can help thanks to you.

Let me assure you that the children and I pray for you every day that God may give you good health and peace in your heart and courage in facing the difficulties and sufferings of everyday life. Recently I visited Fr Rachata in Maechan and I saw so many Akha, Lahu and Yao children who can go to school thanks to your contribution and sacrifices. The Lord God will certainly reward you.

Let me tell you the story of Boss and Few.

Boss is a 13-year-old boy. I met him three years ago in one of the many slums on the outskirts of Bangkok. He had come to live in his aunt's hut since it had become too dangerous for him to stay at home. He used to live with his grandparents but unfortunately his step-grandfather forced him into selling drugs (methamphetamine). He earned the equivalent of US$ 9 a pill. He kept one dollar and gave his grandmother the rest. The grandmother came out of prison recently after being convicted of drug dealing, his father is in prison and his mother left home with another man.

Boss has an older brother who is now 15 and a younger brother who is 11. When his grandmother was in prison, he was cared for by his aunt Sims family. She too got in trouble with the law in late 2017, again for drug dealing; her aunt's husband was arrested for murder in January 2018. The aunts eldest son is also serving time in prison, whilst his 17-year-old cousin Pok has problems with drug addiction.

I realise that all this might be hard to take . . . These are mind-boggling things . . . but this is the situation in which the children in the shantytowns just outside Bangkok live.

With some young people who help me in St Mark Parish in Pathumthani, we organise activities for the kids in such conditions. Boss came along to give a hand. At one point I noticed that he paid special attention to other kids. He had befriended a 11-year-old boy who had come to live in the parish in recent some months, Few. Few had been abandoned after his father died and his mother married another man, who didnt want Few with them.

Thanks to his care and way of doing, Boss managed to put a smile back on Few's face. Boss came to Sunday catechism and wanted to be baptised and go to the seminary "to become a priest like 'Kun Po A' (Father Adriano). Soon Boss became an altar boy, and at Easter this year he was baptised. On 12 May 2018 he entered the seminary.

After some time, Few came to me and suddenly asked me: "Why cant I be baptised?" I answered: "You never want to go to catechism, you prefer to play.

Do you believe in Jesus?" I asked him. "Yes," he said with a sweet smile and bowing his head. "Who is Jesus?", I asked him again. "Jesus is the son of God," he said raising his head. "What did Jesus do for us?" I asked." He died on the cross to forgive our sins," Few replied.

"How do you know these things?" I asked, a tear in my eye. "You always repeat them when we pray together," Few said unfazed. "You seem distracted and uninterested when I say Mass or when we recite the breviary," I told him a little surprised.

Few gave a big smile. "Once I hated my mother's husband, but now I understand that I have to forgive him," Few said. And so, I too smiled.

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May God fill you heart with his love.
To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of WTOs impending demise may be both premature and exaggerated.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) which entered into force in 1995 with much fanfare was, in its heyday, the most powerful multilateral institution, not least because of a rigorously enforceable dispute settlement mechanism. It used to be said that if a country secured a bailout from the IMF, its obligations ceased when the loan was repaid in full. In sharp contrast, once commitments were undertaken in the WTO, the country was pretty much beholden to the organisation forever.

So, for an organisation that was the envy of all other institutions for well over a decade, what went wrong? Well, for one thing, the shifting power dynamics from the West to the East had a huge impact on its functioning. With China and India joining hands with Africa and other developing countries, it was no longer possible for the industrialised countries to steamroller the developing countries, as they did in the Uruguay Round. Then, there was the broken promise of the Doha Development Agenda which was never implemented. The last straw was when a highly disillusioned United States started vetoing the appointments of the appellate body Judges one by one, beginning in the Obama era. President Trump, however, has taken it to a whole new level by proving to be a wrecking ball for the WTO. What he has done by way of punitive tariffs on foes (China), allies (EU and Canada) and friends (India) is quite unprecedented and constitutes a violent assault on the bedrock of the multilateral trading system ie the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle. In doing so, he has also completely disregarded the dispute settlement mechanism of the WTO. He has accused it of bias, of judicial overreach and of creating new obligations for countries.

The US also has a major grievance with the WTO about its alleged inability to deal adequately with Chinas brand of hybrid state capitalism and the latters potential to distort international trade. The WTO was conceived on the basis of free trade and comparative advantage and it is true that it was not designed to deal with economies such as China. President Trump has therefore argued that pending far reaching reform of the WTO, he will use whatever bilateral instruments he possesses to tackle Chinese trade measures.

It is now agreed among the vast majority of WTO members that any reform of the organisation must begin with its famed dispute settlement mechanism. This is also because the appellate body is already depleted from its full strength of seven and, as of October next year, this will fall below three, which is the minimum number of Judges prescribed in WTO law to hear a case. Once this happens, the WTO dispute settlement mechanism will grind to a halt. To prevent this from happening, the EU, along with countries such as Canada, China, India, Australia, Mexico and some others, have submitted a concrete proposal in November to break the deadlock on the appellate body. The proposal addresses most, if not all, of US concerns on the functioning of the Appellate Body and will be taken up for discussion in the WTO General Council on December 12 . It is noteworthy that India has decided to co-sponsor this proposal. After all, India has a profound systemic interest in the functioning of the dispute settlement mechanism and, by extension, in the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system. It is not surprising at all that China too has decided to throw its weight behind the EU proposal.

It is hard to predict how the US will react to this proposal on December 12 at the General Council meeting. The fact that the US has not dismissed the proposal out of hand is seen as a hopeful sign by some observers. Nevertheless, the proposal must be seen as a last-ditch effort to resolve the existential crisis facing this important institution.

The WTO, or for that matter trade, has always been too important a matter to be left only to trade diplomats or negotiators. Hence the deep interest of the recently concluded G 20 Summit in Argentina in the matter. It is a sign of our times that the mere mention of the words rules-based international order, contribution of the multilateral trading system and support for the reform of the WTO in the final G 20 declaration have sent observers into ecstasy. Certainly, the Director General of the WTO has interpreted this as the highest possible political support for an institution in deep crisis. It remains to be seen whether this will translate into willingness of the Geneva-based negotiators to strike deals.

That said, the elephant in the room is the bilateral trade spat between US and China. While it would appear that a temporary truce has been agreed upon in Argentina, it is far from certain that a permanent deal will emerge soon. And, like it or not, this will impact hugely on the negotiation dynamics of the WTO.

Mohan Kumar is currently Chairman RIS and Vice Dean and Professor at Jindal School of International Affairs.

The views expressed are personal
Opposition parties raised concerns about the safekeeping and transportation of electronic voting machines (EVM) and their alleged malfunction at a meeting in Delhi on Monday. According to a senior leader present at the meeting who refused to be identified, leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress alleged EVMs malfunctioned in the recent round of five-state elections. Opposition parties also questioned alleged lapses in the storage and transfer of EVMs. The EC has denied any laxity in EVM security and dismissed all claims that the devices could be hacked.

India needs a government, for which democracy is the Magna Carta beyond the victories and losses of electoral battles. Innumerable deficiencies, failures and plausible doubts on the neutral functionality of EVMs per se have raised a question on the neutrality of poll process itself. It is our firm belief that this needs to be redressed without question and without delay, read a statement issued after the meeting.

I demanded paper ballots in the upcoming elections, said AAP leader Sanjay Singh.

The Congress has already complained to the EC about delayed polling in Madhya Pradesh and alleged inadequate security outside strong rooms.

Two former chief election commissioners, however, said the lapses reported are not alarming. The complaints reported were not very many in numbers, but it is true that officials will have to pay attention to training, said one former CEC requesting anonymity.

The lapses that have come to light, said another former CEC N Gopalaswami, will have to be seen in context. A few lapses that were reported cannot cast a shadow on the election process.
The Congress and Telugu Desam Party have met the Telangana governor a day before election results requesting that their Peoples Front, an alliance of four parties, be treated as a single political entity and be given the first opportunity to form the next government in Telangana if it gets more seats than the Telangana Rashtra Samithi in the event of a hung assembly.

A delegation of the Peoples Front comprising Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana Telugu Desam Party president L Ramana, Telangana Jana Samithi president M Kodandaram and CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy, submitted a memorandum to this effect to the Governor E S L Narasimhan at the Raj Bhavan on Monday evening. Votes in assembly elections held on Friday will be counted tomorrow.

The Front leaders told the Governor that the four opposition parties had entered into a pre-poll alliance and contested the elections together.

Also read | Election exit polls results 2018: KCR has an edge in Telangana, Cong snatches Rajasthan

We had brought out a common agenda for the elections and submitted the same to the Election Commission as well. After winning the elections, the alliance will collectively form the government and continue as partners, the representation said.

Speaking to media later, the Telangana PCC chief said they had met the Governor to pre-empt any attempt to deny an opportunity to the alliance to form the government, as was reported in a section of media. The Supreme Court has made it clear the alliance which is formed before the polling should get the first chance to form the government in case of a close contest. So, we asked the Governor to follow the Supreme Court directions, he said.

He said the alliance partners had submitted a copy of the Common Minimum Programme to the Governor as well and explained the circumstances that led to the formation of pre-poll alliance. We have also asked the Governor to ensure adequate security to the elected members of the alliance so as to prevent the opposite side from poaching, Reddy said.

Click here for full coverage on assembly elections 2018
Nick Jonas commemorated the one-week anniversary of his wedding with Priyanka Chopra with a picture on Instagram. Meanwhile, unseen pictures of the Hindu wedding have been shared online.

Sharing an image from their Christian wedding ceremony, Nick wrote on Instagram, One week ago today, and added a heart emoji. The picture shows the couple cutting their famous, 18-foot wedding cake, which Nick had made by personal chefs that hed flown in from Dubai and Kuwait.

Nick and Priyanka tied the knot in celebrations that lasted five days, at Jodhpurs Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel, from November 29 to December 3. They held a wedding reception, which was attended by PM Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on December 4, and are likely to host another for industry friends in Mumbai on December 12.

Meanwhile, new pictures from their Hindu wedding, in which Priyanka wore a red Sabyasachi lehenga, have been shared online by fan accounts. The images show the couple conducting the second of their two wedding ceremonies - held in accordance with Christian and Hindu traditions - at the venue. In one image, Nick can be seen resting his head on Priyankas forehead, decked up in traditional Indian attire, complete with a turban and a sword. In another image, the couple can be seen taking pheras.

Nick and Priyanka were recently spotted at a promotional event for a dating app which the Sky is Pink actor is endorsing, and then at Isha Ambani and Anand Piramals pre-wedding celebrations in Udaipur.

Nicks brother, Joe Jonas, recently spoke about the newlyweds. Seeing Nicks face when he first met her, and the way he talks about her, and then getting to meet her and seeing what an amazing person she is, I knew right away that they were a match made in heaven, he said at an event. Joe attended the wedding with his fiance, Game of Thrones actor Sophie Turner.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
In a fresh bid to generate funds, loss-making national carrier Air India has put on sale its iconic eponymous 23-storey building in Mumbais posh Nariman Point, hoping to mop up nearly Rs 2000 crore, an Air India official, familiar with the matter, said.

The latest move is part of the airlines plans to monetise its real estate assets and come less than a month after it invited bids for over 70 residential and commercial properties spread across the country.

The national carrier has issued tender inviting bids for the building, which also happens to be the airlines erstwhile headquarters. However, only government entities are eligible to participate in the bidding process.

Air India will retain approximately 5000 square feet of carpet area on 22nd floor for its office use. It will also retain the logo on the top of the building and will maintain it. Also, the buyer cant change the name of the building and it will continue to be called Air India building, said another airline official.

Last date for submission of bids is December 31 and Air India is selling the leasehold rights of the land.

Air India has taken the land on lease from Maharashtra government. The airline constructed G+22 stories building with two basements in 1970. Seventeen floors in tower block and part of ground floor area is leased out to various government offices like Bank of India, India Tourism, Income Tax, Service Tax and TCS. The airlines is getting annual rental of ?107 crore from this, the second official quoted above said.

According to the first official, the money generated through sale will go to the special purpose vehicle (SPV)  Air India Assets Holding Limited  formed by the civil aviation ministry.

The government has also decided to transfer Rs 29,000 crore of the total Rs 55,000 crore debt of Air India to the SPV that has also been tasked with raising money through land deals and other measure.

Once the debt is transferred, the national carriers annual interest liabilities will reduce to nearly Rs 1700 crore per annum as against Rs 4400 crore that it is paying currently.

The government has already made it clear that if Air India wants financial assistance, it will have to cut costs and enhance its revenue.

We are not very happy that the iconic building is being put on sale. Whats heartening is that the government has recognized the value of this landmark and therefore decided to ensure that the new owner retains the name and logo of this iconic building as Air India employees are emotionally attached to it, said Jitender Bhargava, former executive director, Air India.
Finance minister Arun Jaitley Monday said the Centre has decided to increase its contribution to the National Pension System (NPS) for the central government employees to 14% and also made the entire withdrawal amount tax free at the time of retirement.

The decision was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting last week.

The central governments contribution to the National Pension System (NPS) will be increased to 14% from the current 10%. The minimum employee contribution stands at 10%.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, Jaitley said changes have been made in the NPS in larger interest of employees.

Under the NPS, the subscriber is eligible to withdraw 60 per cent of the corpus. The remaining 40% of the accumulated fund goes towards annuity.

Tax exemption limit for lump sum withdrawal on exit has been enhanced to 60 per cent, the minister said, adding the entire withdrawal will now be exempt from income tax. Out of 60 per cent of the accumulated corpus withdrawn by the NPS subscriber at the time of retirement, 40 per cent is tax exempt and balance 20 per cent is taxable.

This tax exemption on withdrawal is for all sections of employees.

Additional burden due to the increase in governments contribution on the exchequer will be Rs 2,840 crore for the 2019-20 fiscal, Jaitley said.

There had been a long pending demand to bring NPS in the EEE (exempt-exempt-exempt) category and at par with employee provident fund (EPF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).
Going by the exit polls, Chhattisgarh assembly election 2018 is precariously poised with four out of eight surveys giving the ruling Raman Singh dispensation a slight edge and the rest going with the Congress.

The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress are tied in a keen contest with Singh eyeing fourth consecutive term as chief minister and the Congress seeking to return to power after 15 years.

The election to the 90-member assembly was held in two phases: The first in 18 seats spread across eight Maoist-affected districts on November 12 and the then in 72 constituencies spread across 19 districts on November 20. Votes will be counted on December 11.

Also read | Chhattisgarh assembly elections 2018: Confident of fourth term for BJP, says Raman Singh

Also testing his mettle is Congress rebel and Chhattisgarh Janta Congress (CJC) chief Ajit Jogi, who has teamed up with Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party.

He is hoping to regain chief ministership  which he lost to BJPs Raman Singh in 2003  or play the kingmaker in case of a hung assembly on the back of the support from backward communities.

Watch: Raman Singh confident of fourth term in Chattisgarh

But, if the numbers put out by the exit polls are to be believed, Ajit Jogis gamble to ally with Mayawati may not have gone as per plans.

The CJC-BSP alliance has been given as little as three seats and a maximum of eight in the 90-member state assembly by exit poll analysts.

As for the poll issues, while the Congress spoke about the Raman Singh governments alleged failures, the ruling party highlighted what it called its development agenda.

Top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Union minister Smriti Irani, campaigned for the saffron party and highlighted various achievements of the Raman Singh government.

Click here for full coverage on assembly elections 2018

Watch | Exit Polls: Tight race in Chhattisgarh, Can Raman Singh retain crown?

During the campaign for the polls, BJP leaders highlighted how Maoism, which was at its peak during the Congress rule in the state, was contained during the last 15 years and also the development works taken up by the government.

Modi attacked the Gandhi family over allegations of dynasty politics and Shah accused the Congress of peddling lies and misleading the people.

On the other side, the Congress accused the BJP of failing to control the Maoist menace and referred to the chit fund and civil supply scams. It also targeted the chief ministers son Abhishek Singh over his alleged offshore assets.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi had held five rallies and a road show while campaigning for the first phase of the assembly polls. He repeatedly underlined a promise to waive farm loans and reiterated charges of corruption against the central government.

Ever since the state was formed in the year 2000, only two people have served as its chief minister. The first one was Ajit Jogi, who served an incomplete term as chief minister and since then has been looking to make a comeback to the seat of power in the state. The second person to have held that seat has been BJPs Raman Singh who has held the position for the last 15 years, or three terms, and is looking for a fourth term.

Read | BJP will win assembly elections MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan
"It will do us good today, and also tomorrow, during the week, to take this chapter IX of John and read this beautiful story of the boy blind from birth. And finish from our heart with the act of faith: 'I believe, Lord. Help my little faith '".

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Celebrating Christmas with faith, defending it from the mundanity with which sometimes it is celebrated .. This is the invitation that Pope Francis addressed to all at Mass this morning at Casa Santa Marta, inspired by from the passage of the Gospel of Luke (Lk 5: 17-26) that tells of the healing of a paralytic.

The Pope said its not easy to keep the faith, to defend the faith. Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day that tells the story of a paralysed man healed by Jesus, the Pope said faith gives us courage and shows us the way to touch the heart of the Lord.

He noted how, in the parable, the Lord saw the faith of those who brought the man and set him in His presence. It took courage, he said, to go up on the roof and lower him on the stretcher through the tiles. Those people had faith: They knew that if the sick man was put in front of Jesus, he would be healed.

The Pope also recalled other episodes in which Jesus expressed admiration for peoples faith. Like in the case of the centurion who asked for the healing of his servant, of the Syro-phoenician woman who interceded for her daughter who was possessed by the devil, and of the woman afflicted with hemorrhages who was healed after having touched the hem of Jesus cloak. Jesus, the Pope said, reproaches people of little faith, like Peter who doubts, but he said; with faith everything is possible.

In this second week of Advent, Pope Francis continued, we ask for the grace to prepare ourselves with faith to celebrate Christmas. He noted that Christmas is often marked in a worldly or pagan fashion, but reiterating the Lords request that we do so with faith, the Pope said it's not easy to keep the faith, it's not easy to defend the faith it's not easy!

Pope Francis wrapped up his reflection commenting on the episode narrated in the Gospel of John in which a boy who was blind is healed: It will do us good today, and also tomorrow, during the week, to take chapter 9 of the Gospel of John and read this beautiful story of the boy who was blind from birth. From the bottom of our hearts he concluded utter an act of faith and say: I believe Lord. Help me in my faith. Defend my faith from worldliness, from superstitions, from all that is not faith. Keep it from being reduced to theory, be it theological or moral Faith in You, Lord.
The forgotten town of Nuh, which is located about 45 minutes south of Gurugram and lies on the Delhi-Alwar Highway, is easily accessible via road in an hours time. Besides the historic sites of Nuh, the road journey also covers picturesque hilly outcrops of the Aravallis enroute. The town has a long history, although the earliest evidence is only found since the Gurjara-Pratihara times.

The city and area show associations with the era of Raja Mihir Bhoja from 9th century CE. Mihira Bhoja (836885 CE) or Bhoja I was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty of India. He was a devotee of Vishnu and adopted the title of Adivaraha, which is also inscribed on some of his coins. During earlier excavations, similar coins of Indo-Sassanian type (Adivaraha type) issued by Mihir Bhoja have been recovered from Indri near Nuh, thereby endorsing the historical significance of this area associated with the peak time of the Gurjara Pratihara period.

The town of Nuh gained regained its importance later in the 18th century during the reign of Bahadur Singh of Ghasera, who built a fort in Ghasera about 14 km from Nuh. Some of the important architectural specimens of Nuh include Chuhimal ka Talab with chattri and haveli, and the Tomb of Sheikh Musa, besides a very impressive British period Tehsil building.

The tomb of Sheik Musa is an impressive architectural heritage of Nuh. Earlier called the Dargah of Hazrat Sheikh Musa, it is located in a beautiful setting at the base of the Aravalli range off the Tauru-Nuh Road. It is said that Sheikh Musa, the grandson of Mohammed Farid, had arrived here in search of peace and serenity. The complex was built for him and, as his fame grew, it was extended. One of the 12 gateways built around the dargah has shaking minarets that vibrate synchronously. The mosque mentions Hijri era 1142 (which corresponds approximately to 14th century) as the date of construction. The arches and gateways seem to be a later-period addition, possibly in the late 18th or early 19th century as reflected in their architectural style reflecting the Rajput  Mughal period cusped arches and Bangaldar chatri forms.

Chuhimal ka Talab and Chattri Complex is owned privately and, comprises a covered and an arcaded entrance block, two historic temples and a stepped waterbody surrounded with small octagonal platforms with domes. The complex also has an exquisite double-storeyed chattri of sandstone with floral inscriptions that was constructed later in the memory of Seth Chuhimal. The talab is in a fairly good state, clean and well-maintained by the owners, who are descendants of Seth Chuhimal. The talab has a perennial source of water from a nearby canal and reinstates the historical water systems of Nuh town. The main chattri at Chuhimal ki Chattri stands at a little distance away from the talab and the temples. It is made of red sandstone with two kinds of arches  cusped and trefoil, showing a blend of the 18th century Rajput architectural styles, which are typical of the Mewat region.

Decorative features on the main chattris are intricate with abundant use of floral and animal motifs in an aesthetic outlay. Infact, stylistically one can easily relate it to be inspired by the famous Moosi Rani ki Chatri at Alwar. The whole complex of Chuhimal ki Chatri has the potential of being developed as a picnic spot for the residents of the surrounding towns and as a weekend recreation for Gurugram and Delhi residents.

The British period Tehsil building built around 1872 reflects a colonial style of architecture at a grand scale and has been recently declared protected by the State Archaeology Department. Besides this rich repository of architectural styles from 14th -19th centuries, other nearby monuments around Nuh include the ruins of 18th century Ghasera fort, Kotla Mosque from 14th century and some medieval chatris and a well in the nearby village of Meoli.

(Shikha Jain is state convenor, INTACH Haryana Chapter and member of Heritage Committees under ministries of culture and HRD. She is co-editor of book Haryana: Cultural Heritage Guide and director, DRONAH (Development and Research Organisation)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday expressed willingness to allow consular access to British businessman Christian James Michel, 57, six days after he was extradited from Dubai.

Michel is accused of bribing officials to secure a chopper deal for Anglo-Italian firm Agusta Westland in 2010. The deal was cancelled three years later.

The CBIs Interpol division informed the external affairs ministry that the agency is ready to grant consular access to the UK high commission officials to Michel, said CBI spokesman Abhishek Dayal. Now we await response from the high commission, which will be routed through the ministry of external affairs, following which mutually suitable time and date for consular access will be decided.

The high commission had sought the access on Wednesday last. Separately, a special court extended Michels CBI custody by another five days after the agencys said Michel was not cooperating with his interrogators. The CBI told special judge Arvind Kumar that Michel was evasive and that they want more time to confront him over the evidences received from five countries. The CBI had sought a nine-day custody when he was produced before the court at the end of his five-day remand.

The CBIs special public prosecutor D P Singh informed the court that the evidences comprised thousands of documents. We have shown him some correspondence But we still require his custody to confront him with documents, he said.

Singh added they were making a list of witnesses and three days were required to confront Michel with them to unearth the deep-rooted conspiracy and to identify his accomplices, including Indian Air Force officials, bureaucrats and politicians. Michels lawyer, Aljo K Joseph, objected to the further remand saying there was no incriminating evidence against his client. He called it is nothing but torture and added he was constrained to write a letter to the high commission on Saturday. Joseph sought the courts permission to allow Michel meet lawyer, Santrolli Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos, who has represented him in Italian and other foreign courts. He said that Anjos wants to hand over some documents to Michel.

Singh objected to the plea. If she (Anjos) has to hand over some documents to Michel, she can give them to the lawyers visiting him twice a day. She is a foreign lawyer and cannot be allowed to meet Michel. We have allowed consular access to him, he said.

The court restricted the visits of Michels lawyers to see him to twice daily for half-an-hour.

The restrictions were imposed after Singh pleaded the that lawyers should be allowed to meet him only once a day because the visits were breaking their rhythm of questioning. CBIs joint director A Sai Manohar, who led the Indian team for Mondays hearing in London proved second time lucky for the agency. He led the CBI team that brought back Christian Michel from Dubai after his extradition was ordered. Before this at the time of deportation of gangster Chota Rajan from Indonesia, he was deputy director of the agencys Interpol division that coordinated the operation to bring back Rajan to India, though he didnt go to Indonesia himself.
Panthic organisations staging a sit-in at Bargari to press for the arrest of those involved in the 2015 sacrilege and police firing incidents on Sunday announced their decision to end the six-monthlong protest. However, the protest ended with the caveat that they are calling off only the first phase of the stir and will make an announcement to renew it at the Golden Temple on December 11.

Parallel Akal Takht jathedar Dhian Singh Mand, who has been spearheading the stir since June 1, said they will remain in Bargari till Monday to honour those who remained at the dharna site for the cause.

The first part of this protest comes to an end and the next course of action will be announced soon, said Mand.

The announcement followed assurances by Punjab ministers Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa that the state government was committed to bringing those behind the sacrilege and police firing incidents at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan to justice.

The Bargari Morcha also demands the release of Sikh detainees languishing in various jails or their transfer to those in Punjab. From today, the morcha will acquire a new shape, Mand said, warning the government against going back on its promises. We will give some time to the government for fulfilling its promise. If it runs away from its assurances, then it will be taught a lesson which it will never forget, he said.

Takht Damdama Sahib parallel jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal too supported the demand for a political party and to renew the protest. Hinting at forming a new party, Mand, the former vice president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and ex-Ferozepur MP, said, In the next phase, we will go to people who didnt attend the Bargari morcha. People have been asking me for two months about the next course of action. Our movement got a boost when five Panthic parties announced to support our cause on November 25.

We have received donations to the tune of Rs1.48 crore of which we have spent Rs 1.26 crore in the last six months. We are ready for any probe. We will ensure release of the all Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara in the next phase, he said.

Resentment among supporters

Since morning, resentment and tension among supporters and some Panthic organisations was palpable over calling off the protest as they were demanding the arrest of former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal and former DGP Sumedh Singh Saini.

It was cabinet minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, SAD (Amritsar) chief Simranjit Singh Mann and Daduwal who prepared the ground for Mand to announce the decision.

Randhawa targeted the Badals holding them responsible for the Bargari sacrilege, Behbal Kalan police firing and weakening the Sikh institutions. Their (Badals) fate will depend on the findings of the special investigation team (SIT) probing the firing cases. As many as 23 Sirsa dera followers have been arrested in the sacrilege incidents at Bargari, Malke (Moga) and Gurusar Bhagta (Bathinda), Randhawa said.

Randhawa said the state government has decided to release Sikh prisoner Dilbagh Singh Bagha from the Nabha jail. The CM has written to the Rajasthan and Karnataka governments to shift two Sikh prisoners to Punjab. We are bringing a new bill in the upcoming assembly session for release of prisoners. We also accepted the demand of the Bargari organisers to include their two lawyers in the panel which is fighting the firing cases in the high court. The government will also cancel all cases registered under 295-A of IPC against Sikhs registered on the complaints of the Sirsa dera followers, he said.

Later, when Randhawa and his cabinet colleague Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa along with some Congress MLAs left the venue, clamour against lifting the dharna grew among those in the gathering. Simranjit Singh Mann took to the stage trying to pacify them by giving credit to the government for the arrest of dera followers in sacrilege incidents and FIR against policemen in firing cases. Daduwal said SIT will take in custody four cops once the high court vacates stay on their arrest.

Buta Singh Ransaih Kalan of the Akali Dal (1920) said Mand has committed political suicide by taking decision to lift the dharna. We will not agree with it as we are not on Mands payroll, he said. His two associates also echoed similar views.
AgustaWestland deal accused Christian Michel extradited from Dubai last week will remain in custody of the CBI for five more days, a Delhi court ordered on Monday after the CBI asked for nine days custody.

Michel can continue to meet his lawyer twice every day but the meetings will have to shorter. The court, which also heard a request from the CBI to end the daily meetings between Michel and his lawyer, said these meetings could last 30 minutes, not an hour allowed earlier.

The CBI had complained that the lawyer had been tutoring Michel and the twice-a -day schedule broke the rhythm of the interrogation.

Producing Michel before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar after the expiry of his five-day remand, the agency sought nine days custody, contending he was not cooperating and being evasive.

However, the court only allowed five days custody, even as Michels lawyer Aljo Joseph argued that no custody was required and it was just torture.

The CBI counsel said that some key things have been identified, some correspondence which has opened a Pandora box for us and they required his custody to confront him with the documents, while three days confrontation is required with the witnesses.

The agency also alleged that Michel is being tutored by his counsel and sought their meeting should only be allowed once a day.

However, Joseph objected to the allegation, saying he always talked to Michel in front of a CBI officer. He also sought permission for Italian lawyer Rosemary Patrizi to meet him.

The CBI objected, saying she is a foreign national and cant be allowed as she is making controversial statements in press and elsewhere. It said that whatever documents she wants to provide Michel can be given to Aljo, who can hand over the same to Michel during his meeting.

The next hearing will take place on December 15.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet top leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday as the treasury benches prepare for the crucial Winter session of Parliament beginning the next day.

Among other issues, the BJP-led government is under pressure from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Sangh Parivar affiliates to bring in a legislation during the session for the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The government, however, hasnt taken a call on the issue and the main title suit case of the disputed Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site is being heard by the Supreme Court, which will take up the matter in January.

The government would push for the passage of the triple talaq bill pending in the Rajya Sabha. It had promulgated an ordinance to make the practice of instant triple talaq a penal offence. The government also wants the Indian Medical Council amendment ordinance and the companies amendment ordinance to be passed as bills in this session.

Another big variable going into the session is the assembly election results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram due on Tuesday. The treasury benches fear that any setback in these may embolden the Opposition and prompt it to obstruct the functioning of Parliament.

The PM will meet the BJPs parliamentary party executive in the afternoon, a senior government functionary said on Sunbday. This will be followed by a separate meeting of the senior leaders of the NDA.

An invitation has gone to junior HRD minister Upendra Kushwaha, whose Rashtriya Lok Samta Party is party a part of the ruling alliance but who is upset with the BJP over the proposed seat sharing agreement in Bihar for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

In recent weeks, the government has faced criticism from the Congress and other opposition parties over the deal for Rafale combat aircraft, agrarian distress, and the health of the economy. The government has dismissed all the charges, denying wrongdoing and saying all indicators shows countrys economy are in good shape and on the right track.

We are ready to debate and discuss any matter that the opposition wants to raise, said a Union minister who asked not to be named. But we have serious doubts whether the Congress will allow the house to function.

The budget session was a complete washout but the monsoon session was largely functional. A no confidence motion was also moved for the first time after 2014 in the last session of parliament, but it was defeated.

Sidharth Mishra, president of the Centre for Reforms, Development and Justice, said the outcome of the assembly election will have a bearing on the session.

If the Congress manages to put up a good show, it will certainly build pressure on the government inside Parliament on the issues it raised during the election campaign, such as farmers distress and the Rafale deal, he said.
Tamil Nadus ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Monday ruled out the return of VK Sasikala and her nephew, TTV Dhinakaran, to the party while showing the willingness to re-induct the 18 lawmakers disqualified for supporting them.

Sasikala, who took over the AIADMKs reins after former chief minister Jayalalithaas death in 2016, was sacked from the party six months after she was convicted of corruption and jailed for four years in February 2017. In December 2017, Dhinakaran, as an independent candidate, successfully contested the assembly by-election necessitated by Jayalalithaas death.

The MLAs were disqualified last year under the anti-defection law after they wrote to the Governor seeking chief minister E Palaniswamis replacement. The Madras high court in October upheld the disqualification.

Not today, not tomorrow, and not even in the future, Sasikala, Dhinakaran and their relatives will be taken back, Tamil Nadu minister D Jayakumar told journalists.

Jayakumars statement came a day after Dhinakarans aide and one of the disqualified legislators, Thanga Tamilselvan, said the Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to unite AIADMKs factions ahead of the 2019 national elections.

Tamilselvan said by-polls to the 18 seats the disqualified lawmakers represented would result in a political realignment. If they (AIADMK) win the bypolls, we would join hands with them, if we win, they will come to us, he said.

Jayakumar welcomed Tamilselvans statement and said the 18 can return to the party.

Another disqualified lawmaker, Rajenthira Bhalaji, is holding a conclave of his supporters in Karur to decide his future course of action.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday slammed the government on Monday over Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patels resignation, calling it the continuation of the BJP, RSS agenda.

In the middle of the meeting we were told that the BJP, RSS agenda is progressing and that RBI governor has resigned... What is happening that the government is getting desperate, RBI governor is not able to function?, Gandhi said talking to reporters after the Opposition meet in Delhi.

The Congress earlier attacked the government over the resignation, calling it an assault on a democratic instituition.

Within minutes of Patel announcing his resignation, the Congress tweeted, Another one bites the dust. This is the result of our chowkidar assault on democratic institutions. - RBI Governor, Urjit Patel steps down.

The Congress has earlier also targeted the government over what it calls its efforts to capture the central bank

The party has accused the government of packing the central banks board with handpicked nominees and making every attempt to push through its proposals

Patels resignation comes against the backdrop of sharp differences between the central bank and the government over how much autonomy the RBI should have. The government is widely perceived to have sought reduction of curbs on lending and to gain access to the RBIs surplus reserves.

Patel, 55, who took over as the 24th Governor of the central bank on September 5, 2016, had the shortest tenure since 1992.

He was hand-picked by the BJP-led government after his predecessor Raghuram Rajan was denied a second-term.

In his statement, Patel thanked his colleagues at the RBI but made no mention of the government or the Finance Ministry.

It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years. The support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been the proximate driver of the banks considerable accomplishments in recent years.
The government in Assam is considering a proposal to use GPS-fitted collars on elephants to study the pattern of their movement, officials said, as the number of casualties in the human-tusker conflict has been rising in the state.

GPS-fitted collars would help map the migration route and locate herds. It will serve as an early warning system, the states principal chief conservator of forests and head of forest force SK Srivastava said.

If all the approvals come through, the Assam forest department will start with a pilot project in Nagaon forest division.

The idea is to fit the collars on five to six animals and then study the response, said Suvasish Das, Nagaons district forest officer.

Srivastava pointed out that more than 70 humans and 55 elephants have lost their lives so far this year.

Last week, an elephant which had strayed from the herd killed four people including a child in Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong district. On the same day, another man was trampled to death in Udalguri part of the Bodo Territorial Administrative Districts.

Elephants, too, are bearing the brunt as they are often poisoned or die after coming in contact with the electric fences which have been put by people who are now mostly living in spaces which were earlier elephant habitats or corridors for their movement.

Electrocution, train hits and poisoning are big reasons, said Srivastava, adding the number of elephant deaths included those who died of natural causes, too.

Officials of the state forest department said the project will be carried out in consultation with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and Wildlife Institute of India.

Assams forest cover is under severe pressure from the rising population. A study by Indian Institute of Remote Sensing titled Forest Cover Monitoring and Prediction in a Lesser Himalayan Elephant Landscape, published in Current Science in August said 9,007.14 square kilometres of forest may face depletion by 2028 in parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The study which monitored forest cover depletion in parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh over an area of 42,375 square kilometres of elephant landscape showed continuous high loss of forest cover.

The total loss in forest cover was estimated to be about 7,590 sq km from 1924 to 2009, the study said adding that an increasing human population and subsequent demand on the land for cultivation were the major reasons for forest cover depletion.

It is such a scenario now that both the elephants and the humans are victims, Assams principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) DP Bankhwal said.

GPS collars will help gather crucial data. Unavailability of data is a problem, he said adding that it is merely a means and part of the many technological interventions which are being considered but the problem needs to be tackled on the ground.

The forest department is also considering raising an in-house team of mahouts to train elephants which would be used to drive away rogue elephants.

Mahouts from Assam have been engaged by other states but we do not have a sufficient number ourselves, said Das.

The 2017 census put the population of elephants in the northeast at 10,139 of which 5,719 are found in Assam.
Bihar politician Upendra Kushwaha today quit as a minister at the centre, declaring in his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I stand dejected, betrayed by your leadership. He has also walked out the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and said that he has his options open.

That, he said, could mean contesting elections alone, joining the anti-BJP opposition alliance now being tested or a third front. But he is not attending a meeting of opposition leaders from different political parties being held in the capital today to work out a strategy to forge what is being called a grand alliance against the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha election next year.

Kushwaha announced his divorce from the NDA at a press conference in Delhi prefacing it with a list of difficulties and betrayals that he claimed he has had to endure as a member of the alliance in Bihar. They will not open their account, he said referring to the BJP and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who he alleged, were out to finish his party.

Narendra Modi did not live up to peoples expectation as prime minister... People thought achche din will come for Bihar... people of Bihar feel cheated, the minister of state said soon after sending his resignation to PM Modi.

Upendra Kushwaha also launched a sharp attack on the NDA government in Delhi and Bihar, accusing the government of pushing the agenda of what he called was, the agenda of the BJPs ideological mentor, RSS, in universities and elsewhere.

I feel I should not be a minister when RSS agenda is being implemented, he said.

Kushwaha had been dropping hints about quitting the BJP-led national coalition for weeks, particularly after Chief Minister Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) negotiated a seat-sharing pact for the 2019 general elections with BJP boss Amit Shah that they declared, would reduce seats for their two other alliance partners.

Upendra Kushwahas Rashtriya Lok Samta Party, or RLSP, had joined the NDA ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and won three seats. The BJP ended up with 22 seats and Ram Vilas Paswans Lok Janshakti Party six. That equation changed after Nitish Kumars return.

Kushwaha had attempted to reach out to Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought appointments with them to address his concerns but found them less than willing to engage him in negotiations. BJP leaders, sources said, had taken note of reports that he had been in touch with rivals and had already sensed that he had made up his mind.

It is around this time that Kushwaha, prepping for his exit from the NDA, put out a 25-point charter of demands for the Nitish Kumar government that asked the BJP-JD(U) government to improve its governance record. The demands include appointment of school teachers, exempting teachers from non-teaching work and timely holding of the student union elections.

Kushwaha is already in touch with expelled Janta Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav and is discussing a merger of their parties ahead of next summers parliamentary elections.

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.
In a condolence message to the family of station house officer (SHO) Subodh Kumar Singh, killed in Bulandshahr violence on December 3, Congress president Rahul Gandhi blamed increasing religious polarisation by regressive forces for the incident.

The Congress presidents letter was received on Monday. We appreciate his gesture, said Abhishek Pratap Singh, the slain cops younger son.

The letter, dated December 6, is addressed to Abhishek.

At present, the family is in Taregawan, Singhs paternal village in Etah district.

In his letter, Gandhi said that it was a matter of national shame that those tasked with upholding the rule of law are being killed in the name of religion. He further alleged that religious polarisation is increasingly being used by regressive forces to gain political mileage.

Read: Police find no evidence against Jeetu Fauji, identify some more rioters

In the letter, Gandhi appreciated Singh for his courage and integrity, saying that bullets cannot silence such patriotism and commitment to humanity.

Abhishek said he would write a letter of thanks to Gandhi.

Although an entire organisation cannot be blamed for the act of an individual, the organisations named should also come clear and avoid shielding the individuals suspected of killing my father. Even after a week, our wait for justice continues, he said. We do not want to indulge in a blame game, but the government certainly has a lot to answer for if the accused are still at large, he added.

The killings in the mob violence have been widely condemned by the opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh. The police have filed two FIRs  one in the mob violence case and the other over the alleged cow slaughter that allegedly led to mob violence. In the first case, 27 people have been named, including the prime suspect, absconding Bajrang Dal office-bearer Yogesh Raj, who has claimed innocence.

Also read: Just an onlooker, had no gun, says accused Jeetu Fauji
Francis appeals "to those with institutional responsibilities" in his message to a conference held at the Gregorian university marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. When fundamental rights are violated "we are all called into question", especially Christians, he says.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Pope Francis issued an appeal on Human Rights Day with "To place human rights at the centre of all policies, including those of development cooperation, even when this means going against the tide".

His message was sent to an international conference on Human Rights in the Contemporary World: Achievements, Omissions, Negations that opened today at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

The meeting is being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 25th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

In his statement, the pontiff notes that "In the year celebrating the important anniversary of these international legal instruments, an in-depth reflection on the bases and respect for human rights in the contemporary world seems appropriate, a reflection that I hope will be the harbinger of a renewed commitment to the defence of human dignity, with special attention for the most vulnerable of our communities.

In light of the Declaration, the Holy Father says that "many forms of injustice persist today in the world, nurtured by reductive anthropological visions and an economic model based on profit, which does not hesitate to exploit, discard or even kill people.

Whilst one part of humanity lives in opulence, another part sees its own dignity disowned, despised or trampled upon and its fundamental rights ignored or violated. In view of this, "My thought go, among others, to the unborn children who are denied the right to come into the world; to those who do not have access to the essential means for a dignified life; to those who are excluded from adequate education; to those who are unjustly deprived of work or forced to work as slaves; to those who are held in inhuman conditions, who are subjected to torture or who are denied the opportunity to redeem themselves; to the victims of forced disappearances and their families.

"Likewise, my thoughts go to all those who live in a climate dominated by suspicion and contempt, which are subject to acts of intolerance, discrimination and violence because of their racial, ethnic, national or religious affiliation.

Finally, I cannot forget how many people suffer multiple violations of their fundamental rights in the tragic context of armed conflicts, whilst unscrupulous merchants of death enrich themselves at the price of the blood of their brothers and sisters."

"In the face of such serious phenomena, we are all called into question. In fact, when fundamental rights are violated, or when some are favoured at the detriment of others, or when they are guaranteed only for certain groups, then serious injustices occur, which in turn fuel conflicts with heavy consequences both within and between individual nations.

Everyone is therefore called to contribute with courage and determination, in their specific role, to show respect for the fundamental rights of every person, especially of those who are invisible, i.e. the many who are hungry and thirsty, who are naked, sick, foreign or detained (cf. Mt 25:35-36), who live on the margins of society or are discarded."

"This need for justice and solidarity has a special significance for us Christians, for the Gospel itself invites us to turn our gaze towards the weakest of our brothers and sisters, so that we may be compassionate (cf. Mt 14:14) and commit ourselves concretely to alleviate their suffering.

Lastly, I wish, on this occasion, to address a heartfelt appeal to those with institutional responsibilities, asking them to place human rights at the centre of all policies, including those of development cooperation, even when this means going against the tide."

vatican, human rights, day, declaration, pope francis, conference, gregorian university
Army soldier Jeetendra Malik aka Jeetu Fauji, who was arrested in connection with the killing of a police inspector during the Bulandshahr violence last Monday, has identified a few more rioters through video clips, police said.

A joint team of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Special Task Force and the crime branch interrogated Malik for over five hours in Syana police station and cross-checked his revelations with available data and locations of his mobile phone. He admitted being present on the spot but denied his involvement in the murder of inspector Subodh Kumar Singh.

Like several others, he was also seen instigating the crowed in the video clip but police have no evidence against him about his involvement in the killing. His lawyer Sanjay Sharma also pleaded before the remand magistrate on Sunday that mere presence on the spot could not be taken as evidence for filing charges of murder and attempted murder and opposed his police remand.

However,during his questioning, Malik identified some of the rioters including a few youths from his own Mahaw village, as well as Chingrawathi, Nayagaon, Nayabaans and other villages. Till now, these were not known to the investigators, a police officer said.

The investigating team will include these names in the case to ensure their arrest, along with 27 other named and over 60 unidentified rioters.

Deputy superintendent of police, Special Task Force, Brajesh Kumar said that Malik was shown video clips and identified a few people who were part of the mob on the day of violence.

So far, three named accused have been arrested and raids are on to arrest the remaining accused. One of the key trouble makers - Bajrang Dal leader Yogesh Raj is still at large, along with other top suspects like Bharatiya Janata Partys Shikhar Agarwal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activist Upendra Raghav.

Malik is a resident of Mahaw village from where the trouble began after the alleged cow slaughter incident. He came to his village on 20 days leave which ended on December 3, when the violence took place.
The Centre has rejected the Karnataka governments proposal seeking legal recognition for Lingayats as a distinct religion.

Taking into account the views of the [Union home ministry and the National Commission for Minorities], it may not be possible for the ministry to accede to the request of the government of Karnataka, deputy secretary Satya Prakash said in a letter dated November 13 submitted to the Karnataka HC on Monday.

The letter said the Centre had considered the recommendation. It cited the 1871 census and added Lingayats, which account for Karnatakas 14% population, were recognised as Hindus. The letter noted the scheduled caste (SC) communities were are also part of the Lingayat sect. It added these communities will lose their SC status, which entitles them to the reservation in jobs and education if Lingayats get the status of a separate religion.

The high court disposed of a petition against the state governments proposal in view of the letter. The state government had said a notification recognising Lingayats as a separate religion would come into effect only after the Centres assent.

MB Patil and Vinay Kulkarni of the Congress led the demands for the separate religion status ahead of the polls in Karnataka in May. Karnatakas previous Siddaramaiah-led Congress government had in March notified Lingayats and Veerashaivas as a minority religion and forwarded a recommendation to the Union home ministry for approval. The Congresss tally of seats dropped to 80 in the 224-member house from 122 in 2013 months after the proposal was mooted. It was forced to offer the chief ministerial post to Janata Dal Uniteds H D Kumaraswamy to form a coalition even as it managed to win just 37 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which had opposed the separate religion status, managed to emerge as the single largest party with 104 seats.

The Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha, which has been demanding the separate religion status, criticised the Centre for rejecting it. SM Jamadar, a former bureaucrat and the Mahasabha secretary, said the Centre had said it had assessed even previous recommendations when no such proposals had been sent. The previous petitions were given by private parties and never in the past had the state government sent such a recommendation, Jamadar said. He said the state s recommendation was based on a an expert committee report. Jamadar added the state minorities commission had backed the demand. He said there are SC communities among Sikhs and Buddhists even as they are identified as separate religions.
Top Congress leadership including party president Rahul Gandhi will attend the relaunch of Associated Journals Limited (AJLs) Hindi newspaper Navjivan in Mohali on Monday. The event comes days after a special CBI court served summons to former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and AICC treasurer Motilal Vora and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached the land allotted to the AJL in Panchkula.

The event is being seen as a show of solidarity as Hooda is likely to share stage with All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who is the guest of honour. Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh will also be present along with state ministers and party leaders at Mondays event.

The AJL, which will launch a commemorative edition of Navjivan to mark Mahatma Gandhis 150th birth anniversary, said it is introducing the National Herald publications to their Northern India readers.

The AJL was the publisher of National Herald, an English daily whose publication was stopped in 2008 due to financial constraints. Rahul and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are facing trial in a Delhi court in a case filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swami, who had questioned acquisition of AJL by Young Indian.

The ED has attached a plot of land in Panchkula allotted to AJL by the Hooda-led Congress government in Haryana in 2005.

The central agency attached the land under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, following a CBI chargesheet against Hooda and others on the charges of fraudulent allotment.

The ED has alleged that the plot was first allotted to AJL in 1982 to start Navjivan newspaper. But it was cancelled in 1992 due to violation of terms and references.

It said Hooda misused his official position by flouting the norms to allot the plot in 2005, on the rates prescribed in 1982. He had also given three extensions to AJL to complete the construction.

While Hooda was then the chairman of Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda), Vohra was chairman of AJL.

The court recently asked the two leaders to appear on January 3 following the chargesheet submitted by CBI in the case on December 1.
A month after he was expelled from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) by his grandfather and former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, Hisar MP Dushyant Chautala on Sunday launched a new political outfit Jannayak Janta Dal at a rally here, considered the political heartland of the state.

Dushyant and his brother Digvijay, sons of OP Chautalas elder son Ajay, were expelled from INLD last month after an internal inquiry found them guilty of indiscipline. A few days later, Ajay too was expelled from the party on grounds of indulging in anti-party activities. On November 17, Ajay, out on parole, announced the plan to float a new party. Ajay Chautala, undergoing a 10-year jail term with father Om Prakash Chautala since 2013 in a teachers recruitment scam, could not attend the rally as he was denied parole.

Addressing the rally, Dushyant said following the ideology of his great-grandfather, he was launching the party to decimate the ruling BJP, Congress and the INLD in Haryana. Dushyants new party flag has the photo of his great-grandfather, former deputy prime minister and two-time Haryana CM, Devi Lal. Dushyant said his father Ajay was the rightful successor to Devi Lals pagdi (turban, a symbol of legacy).

Launching scathing attacks on rival parties, Dushyant said the Congress in its 10-year rule in Haryana robbed poor farmers of their land in every district. He said if their party was voted to power, they would waive farm loans, introduce a law to cap fee in private schools and bring back the old pension scheme.

Sometime in November, a 22-year-old automobile showroom employee in Assams Tinsukia stumbled upon a Facebook group named Xunjukto Mukti Bahini Asom, the Assamese name for the separatist United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). The group had photos of the flag of [Paresh Barua-led] ULFA [Independent] and there were posts about how Assamese youth need to rise up against the aggression they face. Then some days later, somebody called Babul Asom called me and asked if I would join, he said. He added he was having a bad day when the call came. For a moment I wanted to join, but I told him I need to think.

Before he could make up his mind, the Assam police detained him for questioning three days later after keeping him under watch. The showroom employee, who is being counselled, is not alone. Police say as many as 22 people, including five girls, have over the last three years been counselled against joining the banned group.

Assam polices intelligence wing chief, Pallab Bhattacharyya, blamed the furore over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which proposes to grant Indian nationality to religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, for giving a fresh lease of life to the ULFA (Independent).

Assams indigenous groups oppose the proposed amendment as they feel it will marginalise them further by encouraging more migrations of the Hindus from neighbouring Bangladesh. They feel the ongoing exercise to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will have no meaning if Hindu Bangladeshis are allowed to become citizens and settle in Assam. The exercise is being conducted in line with the 1985 Assam Accord, which sought to detect and deport illegal immigrants. The pact was signed to end the six-year-old Assam agitation against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Over 800 people were killed in the agitation.
As a community resource person (CRP) couple in Chakpahar village in the Morwa block of Samasthipur district in Bihar, Sanjay Giri, 30 and his wife Sunita Devi, 28, have the challenging task of visiting young couples from conservative rural communities to discuss new family planning methods to delay having their first child and have the second one after a gap of three years.

In a community where women get married young and there is pressure on the newly-weds, especially women, to prove their fertility and give birth to a son immediately after marriage, discussions around contraception are often dismissed as new-fangled notions promoted by city folk with no understanding of rural cultural practices.

Almost all women get married by the age of 20 and have their first child by 21. Women are disempowered unless they have at least two children and at least one son. If they dont have a child in the first two years, she risks being declared barren and being sent back home so her husband can remarry, said Dr Narottam Pradhan, technical director, Project Concern International (India), which runs the JEEVika technical support programme using CRP couples like the Giris to increase the use of spacing methods of family planning since December 2017.

After mapping households and identifying married couples in the reproductive age of 15-49 years, CRP couples begin visiting homes to discuss methods to improve family well-being. Instead of contraception, we focus on khushaal parivar (prosperous family) and begin by talking to the family elders about poverty alleviation, health and nutrition over four or five visits. Once they accept us, we talk to the family and the young couple about how having fewer children lowers poverty by keeping the land undivided, keeps children healthy and reduces household expenses. Its only then that we tell them about the many contraception options available free to delay and space birth, said Sunita, who is a mother of three. I didnt know better, no one told me about these things, she said. The couple earns Rs 1,400 each every month for counselling families.

With India hosting Partners Forum on The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health in New Delhi on December 12-13 to accelerate multisectoral community-oriented innovations and best practices for best results, the spotlight is on projects like JEEVika CRP couple counselling. Data from Project Concern International Indias pilot in Morwa block from December 2017-May 2018 showed couple counselling increased the use of modern methods of family planning from 6.18% to 14.63%.

The availability of modern methods of contraception is not an issue and the environment is enabled, but hesitation exists. Male hesitation is higher, if someone mentions contraception, they laugh and turn away, said Dr Pradhan.

Fertility decline has been the slowest in Bihar, which is the third-most populated state with a population of 110 million. Bihar is the only state in the country where couples on average continue to have more than three children, which had led the states total fertility rate (TFR) the average number of births a woman has in her lifetime  stay at a high 3.4, according to National Family Health Survey-4, 2016. Indias TFR is 2.2, with the urban India and 18 states having fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1, which is when the population stops growing.

Indias 253 million adolescents, who now account for more than one-fifth of the population, are still not included in discussions about sexual and reproductive health and rights. I once asked Asha didi (village health worker) why some unmarried women have children and some dont, and she complained to my mother that I was shameless, said Beena Rai, 15, from Shankarpatti village in Patna.

We dont talk about contraception with unmarried girls and boys, these things dont happen in our village, said Sunita Prasad, an Asha from Behrohkhra village in the Tajpur block of Samisthipur in Bihar.

Soni Kumari, 45, herself a JEEVika couple counsellor, was too embarrassed to discuss family planning with her 20-year-old daughter Rupam Kumari, who got married in October.

The age at which a woman gives birth affects her health and the health of her child. One in three babies are born to adolescent girls, who are not physically ready for childbirth, said Dr Jaideep Malhotra, president, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India.

In India, 42% of under-5 deaths occur in children born to mothers under 20 years old, compared to 33% for children born to 20-29 years old mothers, according to National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16).
India will not allow gangster Abu Salem to be extradited to Portugal until he completes his 25-year sentence in Taloja jail at Navi Mumbai, the government has told a Portuguese administrative court.

The government was responding to an application Salem made in the Lisbon court, asking to be taken back to that country as India had violated his extradition terms. The government said it had already reduced Salems life imprisonment sentence to 25 years, and that he has been in jail for 16 of those years.

Salems lawyer in Portugal, Luis Manuel Ferreira, confirmed Indias response. He told Hindustan Times over the phone: We made an application in the administrative court because, under Portuguese law, the extradition of Abu Salem was violated. The Indian government responded saying Abu Salem would only be able to return to Portugal after another nine years. According to Ferreira, Salem had filed his application after he was attacked twice inside the Taloja jail, and feared he may be attacked a third time.

In November, the Lisbon court asked India if Salem could be sent back, to appear in court and testify in person about the allegations against him.

Salem first applied through a suit in the Portugal administrative court in 2014. He then filed a fresh application in May this year. Following Salems fresh application in the Portugal administrative court earlier this year, officers from the Portuguese embassy, along with a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official had visited him at Taloja jail in June. Salem told them the clauses of the extradition treaty were flouted, as the conditions inside the jail were not according to the treaty. The embassy officials, however, were not allowed to see the jail as they had not taken permission from the government.

After the visit, the embassy officials filed a report in the Portugal administrative court, and the court asked the Indian government if Salem could be sent back to testify.

Salems lawyer in India, Saba Quereishi, said numerous applications were filed before the authorities concerned, requesting them to execute the order in the highest court of Portugal. Upon their failure to do so, Abu Salem approached the administrative court at Lisbon, seeking the necessary directions to the Indian government for the execution of the order.
The joint declaration adopted at the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh made no reference to the Kashmir issue, with commentators saying this trend that started some years ago reflected greater appreciation of Indias stand on the matter.

The seven-point Riyadh Declaration adopted on Sunday, which called for greater cooperation and coordination among the six member states against the backdrop of a blockade of Qatar, only affirmed support for the Palestinian cause. The declarations adopted after the summits in the past two years too had made no mention of the Kashmir issue. People familiar with Indias engagements with the members of the GCC  Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates  said New Delhi had consistently said that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter and should not figure at multilateral forums.

The Modi government has stepped up its outreach to members of the GCC and external affairs minister made her first visit to Kuwait and Qatar in October, with energy security, trade and investment topping her agenda. Her visit was in line with the governments overall objective of enhancing engagement with the Gulf region, a major supplier of oil and gas and home to millions of expatriate Indian workers. During the GCC Summit, leaders of the member states agreed on the appointment of a commander of their unified military command to complete a joint defence system.The leaders stressed the GCCs pivotal role in maintaining security and stability in the region and combating terrorism along with partners in the international community.
Patidar quota crusader Hardik Patel on Sunday declared his close aide Alpesh Kathiriya as the new face of the agitation for OBC status, fuelling speculation that he may now enter full-time politics.

A grand welcome given to Surat resident Kathiriya (25) upon his release from jail after three months in a sedition and attempt to murder case also indicated that he is getting popular in his Patel community at a time when Hardik has drawn flak for purportedly turning agitation into a movement against the BJP government.

So far, I was the face of the agitation. Now, I declare Kathiriya our leader, said firebrand Hardik, who has been for months dismissing talks of throwing his hat into the political ring ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Political pundits feel Hardik has been nurturing the ambition of becoming a political leader from the very beginning and he could have sensed that now the timing is right to take the plunge.

There is no doubt that he wants to become a Member of Parliament. This is the right time to make his political debut as the Lok Sabha elections are round the corner. He has also sensed that he is no longer as popular and acceptable as he used to be in the past. He is required to take the next step before he loses the plot, said political analyst Hari Desai.

But Hardik is keeping his cards close to his chest. He can go anywhere. He may join the Congress or the NCP. Even the BJP is not ruled out, Desai added.

Soft spoken and law graduate Kathiriya not only has a strong hold over Surat, which has a large population of Patidars, but is also accepted among the warring community factions.

Founders of the quota agitation, who have one by one distanced themselves from Hardik after he started warming up to opposition party leaders, have open heartedly come out in support of Kathiriya.

Kathiriya, who has always followed the law and maintained dignity despite being a young leader of the agitation, is the right choice as the leader, said Varun Patel, a former aide of Hardik. Varun had joined the BJP in the run-up to the 2017 Gujarat assembly elections when Hardik declared support to the Congress.

Hardik has been maintaining a distance from religious groups and powerful Patidar businessmen after continuous inclination towards the Congress. The influential Patidar community, which constitutes 12 per cent of the over total 6 crore Gujaratis, has been a loyal supporter of the BJP for the past two decades.

With Patidar youths demanding OBC status and Hardik declaring support to the Congress, the BJP suffered heavy losses in last two elections  2015 local body polls and 2017 assembly elections.

Hardiks former aides, including mentor Lalji Patel, who heads the Sardar Patel Group, Dinesh Bambhania and others have supported a three-day Sankalp Yatra, which began in Surat by receiving Kathiriya from Lajpor jail.

It was a similar kind of welcome and procession that Hardik was given when he was released from the same jail after nine months in January 2017.

Like Hardik, Alpesh is a founding member of Patidar Ananmat Andolan Samiti, which came into existence in July 2015 with the demand of reservation benefits for Patels or Patidars in government jobs and college admissions.

Kathiriya was also a co-accused in the sedition case, which landed Hardik and his five former aides in jail in October 2015.

Kathiriya was arrested in August 2018, two days before Hardik announced an indefinite fast to revive the agitation that has lost steam. The fast, however, drew lukewarm response and Hardik had to end it inconclusively when the Vijay Rupani government showed no signs of succumbing to his pressure.
More than a week after the my captain remark of Punjab local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu kicked up a political controversy, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh broke his silence by calling it hardly any issue.

In an interview to a news channel, Amarinder batted for Sidhu and ticked him off too, all in the same breath. Responding to Sidhus remarks that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was his captain, Amarinder said, This was hardly any issue to be raised as Sidhu had always treated me as a fatherly figure.

He called Sidhu a likeable person with whom he had absolutely no problems while running the government. I shared warm ties with his parents. Sidhu and I are not at loggerheads as reported by the media. Sidhu always speaks in a forthright manner and his only problem is that sometimes he shoots before he thinks, Amarinder added.

He also called the Kartarpur corridor as a Pakistan army conspiracy. The Sidhu affair is being unnecessarily hyped up and those raising it have clearly failed to see the ISI game plan, he said, hitting out at the Akalis and the BJP central leadership.

Despite the CMs advice to Sidhu not to visit Pakistan for the foundation laying ceremony of Kartarpur corridor, the local bodies minister, however, had gone ahead due to his friendship with Imran Khan, and this was not unreasonable, Amarinder added.
Indias growth has been very solid over the past four years, IMFs chief economist Maurice Obstfeld on Sunday said, praising the fundamental economic reforms like the GST and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code carried out by the government.

Obstfeld, 66, -- who is set to retire this month-end -- will be succeeded by Gita Gopinath, the second Indian to be appointed to the position. Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had served as Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund.

India under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has carried out some really fundamental reforms. These include the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code...A lot of what they have done on financial inclusion has been really important, Obstfeld told a group of journalists here. Summing up his impression of Indias economy in the last four-and-a-half years of the Modi government, the top IMF economist said the countrys growth performance has been very solid.

I mean, not so much in the third quarter of this year, but generally it has been quite solid, he said.

There are important vulnerabilities, so it is important for the reform momentum to be maintained even as an election comes up and for the path of fiscal adjustment to be maintained, Obstfeld added. He said one risk that has become much more evident in the last few years has been non-bank finance, usually called shadow banking. There is a big challenge of stricter, oversight, the economist said.

Noting that there has long been a legacy of corporate debt associated with bad infrastructure projects in India, Obstfeld said it has been very concentrated in banking system. But as the government is trying to better oversee the banking system, these loans have migrated to shadow banking and that is an area where more needs to be done to contain financial pressures, which we are beginning to see in India, he said.

However, with an upcoming election in the country, there is a reluctance to do anything that would slow the economy, Obstfeld said, observing, But the lesson of experiences is that financial vulnerabilities can go south very quickly. Obstfeld, who has served in the post of Chief Economist for more than three years, will return to the Department of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley.
The first ever beatification ceremony in an Islamic country, in the presence of government representatives, family members of the martyrs, the main imams of the country and representatives of the religious congregations to which the new blessed belonged. The Pope: "this celebration helps to heal the wounds of the past and to create a new dynamic of encounter and coexistence".

Oran (AsiaNews) - "Humble builders of peace and heroic witnesses of Christian charity", "whose courageous testimony is a source of hope for the Algerian Catholic community and a seed of dialogue for the whole of society". This is how Pope Francis defined the 19 martyrs of Algeria yesterday at the Angelus, beatified on 8 December in Oran.

An unprecedented ceremony in a Muslim country, a beatification celebrated in front of over a thousand people (in the photo). All alongside each other: government representatives, family members of the martyrs, the main imams of the country and representatives of the religious congregations to which the new blessed belonged.

The presence of many Muslims in the sanctuary of Notre-Dame of Santa Cruz in Oran, Algeria, underlined Msgr. Desfarges, Archbishop of Algiers, "underlines that it was not Islam that killed but an ideology that disfigures this religion". "The authorities - he added - have understood the truest sense we want to give to this celebration: to bear witness that it is possible to live together, to walk believers alongside believers".

In fact, between 1994 and 1996, during the civil war, 114 imams and members of civil society, were also killed by the Islamists, like Bishop Pietro Claverie and the 18 companions. The ceremony was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Becciu, Prefect of the Congregation for the causes of saints and papal envoy.

The 19 blessed  13 men religious, including one bishop, and 6 women religious - were killed between 1991 and 1996. The most atrocious affair is perhaps that of the seven monks of Tibhirine. Kidnapped on the night of March 26, 1996 in their monastery of Notre-Dame de l'Atlas, about sixty kilometers from Algiers, about two months later, on May 25, only their heads were found near Medea. Their story was also told in the film Men of God, in 2010.

The new blessed said Card. Becciu, "have announced the unconditional love of the Lord to the poor and the marginalized". "Even though they were aware of the risk that besieged them, they courageously decided to remain in their place until the end." "We too today - he continued - contemplating these new blesseds, are invited to rejoice and rejoice, because in them we see the mystery of eternal shine. the sanctity of God, one and three, which is re-proposed to us in a new actualization of the Gospel that these martyrs of ours have witnessed to the outpouring of blood ".

During the celebration the Pope's message to the Catholics of Algeria was read, "fraternal encouragement so that" the celebration "can help heal the wounds of the past and create a new dynamic of encounter and coexistence as a result of our blessed". (FP)

This is the message of the Pope, (translation by AsiaNews)

Dear brothers and sisters,

this Saturday, December 8, the Church in Algeria joyfully celebrates the beatification of nineteen religious and martyrs. I join in your thanksgiving for these lives totally given for the love of God, of country and of all its inhabitants, of whom you share daily humility in a spirit of brotherhood, friendship and service. Receive my fraternal encouragement so that this celebration helps to heal the wounds of the past and to create a new dynamic of encounter and coexistence as a result of our blessed.

I am very grateful to the President of the the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his collaborators for facilitating the celebration on the Algerian soil of the beatification of Bishop Pierre Claverie and his eighteen companions, martyrs of the greatest love. I also want to express my affection for the Algerian people who have experienced great suffering during the social crisis of which it was a victim in the last years of the last century.

Recalling the death in Algeria of these nineteen Christian victims, the Catholics of Algeria and of the world want to celebrate the fidelity of these martyrs to the project of peace that God inspires in all men. At the same time, they want to understand in their prayers all the sons and daughters of Algeria who, like them, have been victims of the same violence for having lived, with fidelity and respect for the other, their duties as believers and citizens of this blessed land. It is also for them that we address our prayer and express our grateful homage.

The Catholic Church in Algeria knows the legacy, with the whole Algerian nation, of the great message of love proposed by one of the many spiritual teachers of your land, St. Augustine of Hippo. It wants to serve the same message, in these times when all peoples try to advance their aspiration to "live together in peace".

With the beatification of our nineteen brothers and sisters, the Church wants to bear witness to her desire to continue working for dialogue, harmony and friendship. We believe that this unprecedented event in your country will represent a great sign of fraternity in the Algerian sky for the whole world.

We are happy that this celebration can be lived in a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, particularly present in our two religious traditions. May the motherly gaze of the Blessed Virgin Mary, full of grace, all beautiful and pure, protect and guard you.
Twenty-one opposition parties on Monday agreed to work together to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and stop their assault on the Constitution and institutions such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Election Commission in a key meeting ahead of the winter session of Parliament and the assembly election verdicts in five states.

The absence of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), two key players from politically important state of Uttar Pradesh, was seen as a dampener, but the Opposition camp was buoyed by the presence of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who attended a meeting of the grouping for the first time.

This is a process. And this process is bringing together everybody and this will be carried out in an open, friendly and respectful manner, Congress president Rahul Gandhi told reporters when asked about the decision by the BSP and the SP to stay away from the meeting called by Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

In the meeting, I said the voices in the room are the voices of the Opposition in this country. We respect each one of them regardless how big or small they are. The goal of everybody is to defeat the BJP and protect Indias Constitution and our institutions, Gandhi said.

There was consensus that the BJPs corruption on Rafale and demonetisation is simply not acceptable and we are going to fight it.... We will have similar co-ordination in the future because we are going to work together both in and outside Parliament, he added.

Leaders who attended the meeting said that United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in her opening remarks, criticised the BJP-led government for decimating institutions and said that democracy is under threat and the Constitution is in danger.

West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee urged the leaders to meet President Ram Nath Kovind over RBI governor Urjit Patels resignation.

It was in the middle of the meeting that Banerjee informed the Opposition leaders about Patels resignation. The BJP is behaving like a dictator. There should be a campaign against this rule. Everybody has agreed to that, she said. Financial stability is not there... financial emergency has started.

But Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury refused to sign the joint statement issued by the leaders. I wont sign any statement with Mamata Banerjee, he told HT, highlighting that the differences between the parties in West Bengal were hard to overcome.

In his remarks, Kejriwal called for setting aside personal differences to protect the institutions from the onslaught.

Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda of the Janata Dal (Secular), DMK chief MK Stalin, NCP president Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and CPI leaders Sudhakar Reddy and D Raja attended the meeting.

LJD leader Sharad Yadav, Babulal Marandi of the JVM (Prajatantrik), AIUDFs Badruddin Ajmal, Muslim Leagues PK Kulhanikutty, RLDs Ajit Singh, RSPs NK Premchandran and HAMs Jitan Ram Manjhi apart from senior Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Ghulam Nabi Azad were also present.

This is a historic meeting of anti-BJP parties. Its main motto was save India, save democracy, Naidu told reporters. Irrespective of our political compulsions, we came together. We want to save the nation, democracy and our institutions, he said.

The leaders decided to lay a road map for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to oust the BJP from power by evolving a common strategy. In the course of the next few months, we will place before the people of the country, a comprehensive programme of work anchored in complete transparency and accountability, read a joint statement issued after the meeting.

The parties also appealed to all liberal, progressive and secular forces to join them in their battle to save the Constitution and protect parliamentary democracy.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and party chief Akhilesh Yadav, on Monday skipped a meeting called to discuss formation of an anti-BJP grand alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

While the SP cited no reason for Akhilesh or Mulayams no-show, senior BSP leader Ambeth Rajan indicated that Mayawati skipping the meeting had much to do with her partys stated policy of maintaining an equal distance from the Congress and the BJP.

He said the NDA and the UPA were two sides of the same coin for his party.

The BSP chief has made it clear that she will maintain equal distance from the Congress as well as the BJP since both the parties are hardly concerned about the welfare of the suppressed community. For the BSP, it was not an opposition parties meeting, but a gathering of a few enthusiastic leaders eager to form a joint front, he said.

Mayawati stayed away from the meeting, which saw leaders of 21 parties attend, in spite of efforts by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and senior Congress leaders to bring the BSP on board.

The opposition leaders urged the BSP chief to send party general secretary SC Mishra to the meeting but Mayawati refused to budge, a person familiar with the matter said.

The fact that she had made up her mind not to attend the meeting could be gauged from Mishra cancelling his plan to visit Delhi, he said.

A senior BSP leader, who did not wish to be named, said rather than joining the grand alliance, Mayawati was working to form a third front of regional parties.

Talks with the Samajwadi Party, the Janata Congress Chhattisgarh and the Indian National Lok Dal were in an advanced stage, the insider said. Some of the parties that attended the opposition meeting were also in touch with the BSP, he said.

These parties have assured to project Behenji (Mayawati) as the prime ministerial candidate in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. After the announcement of the assembly election results of five states on Tuesday, a meeting of the regional parties leaders will be held to give final shape to the third front before the Lok Sabha election, he said.

In UP, the BSP-SP pre-poll alliance will get rolling in mid- December. Seat-sharing talks between the SP- BSP leaders was on, he said.

As for the SPs absence, party state spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said, Decisions on meeting like this are always taken by the national president. He has not specified any reasons for us. So we cannot say.

Mulayam had said in Lucknow on Sunday that it was important to attend the meeting, but he skipped it.

The party stayed away though both Akhilesh and Mulayam met Chandrababu Naidu in the national capital on November 1.

Both Naidu and Mulayam had then expressed hope of a tie-up.

Mulayam had said: I and Chandrababuji have a long-standing and cordial relations. There never was a problem. None of us ever spoke against each other. If Naidu, and several other leaders and I unite, the atmosphere will change in the country.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq , chairman of the Hurriyat Conference and the chief cleric of the Valleys main mosque, spoke to Ashiq Hussain about the separatist bodys position on a peaceful resolution for the Kashmir problem, the difference in approach between the Vajpayee and Modi governments, and why the Hurriyat has failed to make headway. Edited excerpts:

When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, you were hopeful of forward movement on Kashmir citing your experiences under (late former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. Does that hope still exist?

There has been a change in policy as far as New Delhi is concerned as compared to the policy adopted by then NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government under Vajpayee. I think the basis of that engagement then was the realisation that Kashmir is a humanitarian problem. That is why Mr Vajpayee said we are willing to engage within the ambit of humanity. That opened a way for us to engage with Delhi and also go to Pakistan This was a triangular approach where every party was talking to the other party. That approach is totally missing now. We have seen hardening of stand and extreme repression. That Vajpayee doctrine has been replaced by Doval doctrine. Now the state is engaging people through cordon-and-search operations. While Vajpayee was talking about peace, Mr Modi and his team are talking about war.

After Imran Khan came to power in Pakistan, he has repeatedly talked about Kashmir.

From day one , he (Imran Khan) mentioned that if India walks one step, we will walk two steps. Pakistan did mean to engage but there has to be willingness on both sides. Mr Khan is repeatedly asking India to engage but there is no response on this side. The thing is that New Delhi is not willing to engage with Islamabad or with Kashmiris at this juncture. May be it has to do with the coming elections. It is very clear that their agenda is Hindutva and they want to focus on that.

India says there will be no talks till violence stops and accuses Pakistan of fomenting trouble in?Kashmir.

Many analysts say that if the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) feels that they are on a weaker wicket, they might use Kashmir and Pakistan in a broader context. If anything doesnt work, definitely Pakistan, terrorism and Kashmir are those issues where they can rake up nationalistic ideas. It has to be seen what happens. And India accusing Pakistan of violence  they have been doing it for the past many years. The fact is that these are indigenous, young Kashmiri boys who are getting killed, maimed and blinded.

It has been more than 25 years that the separatists have been working in Kashmir without any breakthrough on the issue. Why have you failed?

What can you do when the other side is not ready to acknowledge the problem? They are only using military means. There is not much you can do other than being steadfast and strong. And that is what we have done. And that is what people have shown  generations of Kashmiris. Every other day we have to deal with different issues or disputes. Issues like settling outsiders, institutional autonomies and J&K Bank (turned into a public sector bank).

How do you see the Islamic State and al-Qaeda in Kashmir?

As far as the Kashmir militant movement is concerned, you cant label it as al-Qaeda or any other thing. There is absolutely no trace of that. Even parties like Hizbul Mujahideen and others, they have been very clear about what their goal is. They are limited to Kashmir. There are certain aberrations, certain youth; when you are pushed to the wall, there is a possibility that certain sections tend to see things from a different picture. As a Mirwaiz, as a religious head, we have always maintained that it is a political problem. We have never said that it is Hindu India versus Muslim Kashmir.

This year has turned out to be the deadliest as far as killing of militants has been concerned in recent years. The central government says they are gaining control of the situation.

When has India said otherwise? India is claiming that Kashmir is our integral part but the fact is that (they) are not bothered about its people. It is only territory they are talking about. It is a very clear indication that they are dealing with the problem militarily. They are only bothered about how it is going to be played out in India. The public opinion is also being molded by a jingoistic media.

Hurriyats meeting with ex-PM of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik has generated a lot of buzz. How did it come about?

It was after 5-6 years that a visit by any foreign dignitary happened. Mr Bondevik and particularly Oslo Center (founded by Bondevik) have some experience in conflict regions. He came here, went to Delhi, and went across to Islamabad. The important thing is that he talked about involvement of Kashmiris and secondly that there can be no military solution. Definitely his visit must have the blessings of certain powers; otherwise he would not have been allowed to come here.

So you think the Centre had given him the go-ahead?

Definitely, there has been some interest on Kashmir recently in the international arena ,especially after the UN (human rights) report on Kashmir. We hope the initiative will continue and there is some movement forward.

In the recent urban body polls, you gave a boycott call while the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) abstained, which resulted in the BJP making impressive gains in Kashmir, uncontested. Would you again ask the people to boycott and allow the BJP to dominate?

In terms of space to pro-India parties, NC, PDP or BJP wont make any difference. In any case the institution of the army and the paramilitary forces is what guides government of Indias policy here. Even today, NC and PDP are getting labelled as being pro-Pakistan. I dont think BJP making inroads is going to bother us because they are using money and muscle.

I think it is the NC and PDP which are at a crossroads. They have to decide what they have to do because of the fact that they have been discredited by the government of India. They have to take a call. They are the face of India in Kashmir.
There is a wise Punjabi metaphor that applies universally: One who is a disaster in Lahore, will also be a disaster in Peshawar.

In our politics today, it fits Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He is going around giving speeches in other states as the BJPs Grand National Polariser. He fires the imagination of the faithful and entertains them. But they are going to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) anyway. His inability to swing the vote in any place else is now evident.

So far, Id maintained that Narendra Modis biggest blunder as prime minister was demonetisation. I have changed my mind.

Demonetisation continues to be a blunder. Even if it paid rich dividends in the Uttar Pradesh elections soon after, Modi erred in gifting away that incredible success to Adityanath, whom no one had voted for. Demonetisation broke his governments economic momentum. Adityanath may wreck his immediate political future. Therefore, he pushes demonetisation to the number two spot.

The first issue with Adityanath isnt that he is doing anything different from what he was handpicked for. It is just that hes doing that job much too well. He was supposed to polarise not just Uttar Pradesh but also the rest of the country, especially the Hindi heartland. He is doing that with aplomb.

Its just that he is defying two presumptions of two of his party bosses. One, that they will be able to control him. And two, that as he goes around the country as a communalising para commando, he will make sure that his state will be properly governed, and he will deliver the seats there. Now he looks incapable of either. He cant deliver seats in Uttar Pradesh, and isnt swinging elections elsewhere. Thats why, a disaster in Lahore and a disaster in Peshawar.

Also read: No mob lynching in Uttar Pradesh, Bulandshahr incident an accident: Yogi Adityanath

It was also said that if Modi could keep Gujarat in control while campaigning nationally, so could Adityanath. But Modi had already been entrenched in Gujarat for 12 years, and Adityanath isnt Modi. Modi left Hindutva behind in Gujarat in 2013-14 and took a more inclusive idea of the growth-driven Gujarat model of governance to the rest of India. Adityanath is exporting his Gorakhpur-style gau-bhakt Hindutva, Uttar Pradeshs completely broken governance model, and a divisive discourse. His rise is enabling a new lumpen class of semi-literate, unemployable saffron power to rise across the country. Im not sure even he knows how to rein in the emotional and physical malevolence he is unleashing.

His Ali versus Bajrang Bali, Hanuman-is-a-Dalit, Owaisi-will-have-to-leave-India, Hyderabad-will-become-Bhagyanagar, who-killed-the-cow after his police inspector was murdered in a mere accident etc, may not have embarrassed his leaders. His brief, or KRAs (Key Result Areas, as HR people prefer to say), included saying what others would rather not. But he is going too far and too fast. And solo.

If his language doesnt embarrass his leaders, why should they complain?

For two reasons. One, it is not translating into votes. Yet, it is just that he has now emerged as his partys most sought-after campaigner. In recent travels through poll bound states, we found that hes the campaigner BJP candidates wanted most of all. As Indias Greatest Polariser, he has begun to overshadow his bosses. You could call him the BJPs Navjot Singh Sidhu, except that he has Indias largest state under his belt. And when it comes to his partys basic ideology, he is even more a native than any Modi or Shah. Hes the inheritor of one of the biggest Hindu seats of power.

Narendra Modi had firmly put down Pravin Togadia when he was doing some of this. Adityanath isnt so easy to tame. He isnt just a shaven-headed, saffron-robed Togadia. Hes the reigning spiritual and temporal head of a huge Hindu temple sect. His following is rising among his partys faithful. On his own ambition, he hasnt said much yet. Just note that at the Dainik Jagran conclave, he did let slip a boast that, left to him, he would settle the temple issue in 24 hours.

He isnt an immediate threat to Modi. But hes becoming big trouble. Unlike when Modi ventured out of Gujarat, Adityanaths own state is slipping out of his grasp. Unemployment and frustration have ruined the optimism Modis campaign generated, and remember, no one voted for Yogi except in Gorakhpur. His party will probably overlook cow-related violence. It suits them. It is his diminishing political control that would worry them. In the general elections due within six months now, how many seats does the BJP expect to win in Uttar Pradesh?

Modi and Shah have created Frankensteins monster in their front yard. He can divide, his own state and the rest of the country, but cant deliver the seats anywhere. Yet, if the party fails to get sufficient numbers in 2019, he will become a key player. Given a free rein for another six months, he will damage social cohesion across the country. For a weakening Modi, therefore, Yogi is now a lose-lose-lose proposition: Bad optics, worse governance, and the worst politics.

Which is the reason we now elevate him, the third most powerful man in the BJP, above demonetisation, as Modis greatest blunder.

By special arrangement with ThePrint

The views expressed are personal
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress attended, her Delhi counterpart and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal is still there. But Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party are not at a meeting of opposition leaders on in the capital.

Twenty-one parties are attending the meeting in the Parliament annex, which began this evening soon after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother and chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Sonia Gandhi arrived.

The BJP is behaving like a dictator. We are discussing the issues and we will continue to do so, said Mamata Banerjee, who had to leave the meeting while it was still on and suggested the leaders continue discussions tomorrow.

The meeting is being held a day before results in assembly elections in five states, billed as a semi final before next years Lok Sabha election. It has been organised by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu to work out a strategy for what is being called a grand alliance against the BJP ahead of the national election.

Others attending are Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan , Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference,Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, former Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav, D Raja of the Communist Party of India and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda of the Janata Dal (Secular).

The major issues to be raised at the crucial meeting are likely to be agrarian distress and allegations of corruption against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre. They will also chalk out a strategy to counter the BJP during the Winter Session of Parliament starting on Tuesday.

The meeting will focus on identifying issues that will be important for the people and can form the bedrock of the Oppositions campaign against the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the coming months, said a senior opposition leader who asked not to be named.

A second opposition leader pointed out that there will not be any effort to stitch a national, pre-poll, UPA-like alliance. Parties such as the Trinamool Congress and the Left have already expressed their reservations about a national pre-poll alliance. But doors will be kept open for state-wise pacts to minimise a split in Opposition votes.

Apart from the allegations of corruption and the farm crisis, the opposition parties are likely to bring up the economic situation and the after-effects of demonetisation, the feud in the CBI, and incidents of cow vigilantism.

A joint resolution is also expected after the meeting, said the first leader cited above.

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya mocked the scheduled meeting of opposition parties and said they should first declare a prime ministerial candidate before thinking of ousting the Narendra Modi government.

Its really good to see opposition parties trying to forge an alliance to fight against us. But, first, let them declare their prime ministerial candidate, then they should dream of fighting against us and ousting us, he said.
Matter of great shock: Mamata Banerjee on RBI governors resignation

From CBI to RBI, institutions have become total disasters. It is matter of great shock, Mamata Banerjee on RBI governor Urijit Patels resignation.

We respect every party: Rahul on why no representation from SP, BSP

This is a process of bringing together everybody. We respect each and every party, said Rahul Gandhi on why SP and BSP did not attend the Opposition meeting.

Save India, motto of Opposition meeting: Naidu

It was historical meeting today. Main motto of the meeting save India, save democracy. The RBI governor tried his best to protect the institution.

Coming together is a democratic compulsion for all of us, said N Chandrababu Naidu after Opposition meet.

Why was RBI governor unable to function, asks Rahul

What is happening that the government is getting desperate. RBI governor was not able to function. RBI governor is resigning because hes protecting the institution of RBI. Taking away reserves from RBI to save your skin is an act against this nation. Im very proud that people from all walks of life and institutions are standing up to it, said Rahul Gandhi.

There is an assault from the BJP on the institutions like RBI and CBI among others. RBI Governor is resigning because he is protecting the institution of RBI, said Gandhi.

We will work together to defeat BJP/RSS: Rahul Gandhi

In the middle of the meeting we were told that the BJP/RSS agenda is progressing and that RBI governor has resigned. There was consensus that we will work together to defeat BJP/RSS, said Rahul Gandhi while addressing media after the meet.

Opposition meeting over

Opposition meeting ends.

Meeting should continue tomorrow: Mamata

After she left the Opposition meeting owing to other engagements, Mamata Banerjee suggested that the meeting should be continued tomorrow.

Oppn leaders to meet President over misuse of agencies: Mamata

Opposition leaders will meet the President over misuse of agencies, says Mamata Banerjee.

BJP is behaving like dictator: Mamata Banerjee

BJP is behaving like dictator, there should be campaign against this rule. We are discussing the issues and we will continue to do so, says Mamata Banerjee.

17 parties attend Oppn meeting, no representation from BSP, SP yet

A total of 17 parties are present in the meeting of opposition leaders that is underway at Parliament House Annexe in Delhi. There is no representation from Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) yet, according to news agency ANI.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi with opposition parties leaders during meeting at parliament house annexe in new Delhi on Monday. ( Arvind Yadav/HT Photo )

Opposition leaders arrive at Parliament House Annexe for meeting

Delhi: Dr Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal, Farooq Abdullah, MK Stalin and others arrive at Parliament House Annexe for meeting of opposition parties pic.twitter.com/sWEv6b4tIO  ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi arrive

Congress national president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrive for Opposition meeting to forge a common strategy to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Chandrababu Naidu meets Farooq Abdullah

Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief met National Conference chairman Farooq Abdullah and Congress leader Ahmed Patel in Delhi today.

Mamata Banerjee meets Chandrababu Naidu

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee meets her Andhra Pradesh counterpart and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Delhi.

Stalin meets Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ahead of meeting

MK Stalin meets Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and invited him for the unveiling of Thalaivar Kalaignars statue in Chennai on 16 December.

Met Chief Minister @ArvindKejriwal in Delhi and invited him for the unveiling of Thalaivar Kalaignar's statue in Chennai on 16 December.



It was a good meeting and we had an interesting conversation on many topics. pic.twitter.com/n1vPaoS9DO  M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 10, 2018

AAP likely to join meeting

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is likely to join the Congress and other opposition parties in the meeting to forge a common strategy to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Stalin called on Sonia ahead of opposition meeting

Ahead of the crucial meeting of opposition parties in their bid to forge an anti-BJP front, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president and Tamil Nadu leader of opposition,MK Stalin, on Sunday called on veteran Congress party leader Sonia Gandhi on her 72nd birthday.

Stalin also discussed a range of issues including poll strategies for 2019 Lok Sabha elections and Mekadatu project of Congress-JD(S)-ruled Karnataka government, which is drawing flak from Tamil Nadu.

Mulayam Singh Yadav to join opposition meeting

Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav will join the Congress and other opposition parties in the meeting called by Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu to forge a common strategy to fight the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Opposition parties will chalk out strategies to counter BJP

The opposition parties will also chalk out a strategy to counter the BJP during the Winter session of Parliament starting on Tuesday.

Stalin, Kanimozhi hold discussion with Sharad Pawar

MK Stalin and Kanimozhi met NCP chief Shard Pawar in Delhi today and held discussions over multiple issues. The DMK president also invited him for the inauguration ceremony of the statue of M Karunanidhi in Chennai.

TDP to raise CBI-Andhra Pradesh government row

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) will raise the issue of CBI-Andhra Pradesh government row in the winter session of the Parliament and in todays opposition meet.
Jagdish Thakkar, a public relations officer in the Prime Ministers Office, died on Monday.

Reports said Thakkar, who was over 70 years of age, was being treated in New Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences since September this year.

Thakkar worked with Prime Minister Narendra Modi since his days as the chief minister of Gujarat and later joined him in the PMO. He also served nearly a dozen other chief ministers in Gujarat for over three decades.

Extremely saddened by the demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar, the PRO in the PMO. Jagdishbhai was a veteran journalist and I had the pleasure of working with him for years, both in Gujarat and in Delhi. He was known for his simplicity and warm-hearted nature, PM Modi tweeted condoling his death.

Several journalists would have regularly interacted with Jagdishbhai over the years. He had previously served with many Chief Ministers of Gujarat. We have lost a wonderful person, who loved his work and did it with utmost diligence. Condolences to his family and well wishers, he said.

Thakkar was known to keep a low-profile even though his role required him to meet the media. Known to be amiable and soft-spoken, Thakkar began his career as a journalist at a local daily in Gujarats Bhavnagar.

He later joined the information office of the Gujarat government in the late 1970s and was posted in the chief ministers office under Congress Amarsinh Chaudhari in 1985.

His last rites will be performed at the Lodhi Crematorium at 4.15pm on Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told an all-party meeting that both the government and Opposition stand to lose if Parliament does not function properly. He said the House should debate and discuss. Modi underlined that both the Opposition and the government had a number of issues that need to be addressed.

But if there are adjournments, then the government faces loss, the Opposition faces loss and most importantly it is a loss for the country, Modi said as he intervened briefly at the meeting, which parliamentary affairs minister Narendra Singh Tomar had convened a day before Parliaments winter session starts. He said that criticism should be acceptable to political leaders.

The session would commence as all eyes would be on the results of the assembly elections in Rajasthan, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, which would be announced on Tuesday.

The government is keen to push some of the important bills, including the one to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among a section of Muslims. It had in September approved an ordinance to criminalise the practice after it could not table the bill in the Rajya Sabha due to a lack of consensus over some of its provisions.

The bill had been earlier passed in Lok Sabha in December 2017.

The Opposition looks forward to this session to raise its pet issues such as the Rafale aircraft deal, the alleged neglect of the farmers, and the economic situation in the country. The Congress has accused the government of wrongdoings in the deal.

Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu also appealed to all sides to aid, assist and advice him in ensuring a smooth session. At a separate all-party meeting, Naidu maintained that both the government and the Opposition have the right to pursue their respective agendas.

Biju Janata Dal leader Bhartruhari Mahtab demanded that the government should revive the Womens Reservation Bill to reserve 33% seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women without waiting for a consensus. He said a day should be dedicated in this session to discuss Mahatma Gandhis vision for India as celebrations for his 150th birth anniversary have started.

In the first all-party meeting, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, demanded that a Joint Parliamentary Committee should be formed on the Rafale deal. He expressed concerns over the recent incidents of misplaced Electronic Voting Machines. Janata Dal (United) leader Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav said that the government should bring back ballot papers.

Samajwadi Party leader Ramgopal Yadav demanded the government must act on pending bills on further enhancing reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs.

Trinamool Congress floor leaders Derek OBrien and Sudip Bandopadhyay demanded additional holidays during the session on December 24, 26 and January 1 apart from the Christmas holiday on December 25. According to government officials, the senior ministers responded positively to the proposal.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said a Ram Temple in Ayodhya would bring happiness to all amidst a growing demand for bringing an ordinance or an executive order for the purpose.

The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya would bring happiness for all, he told journalists in Mathura where he was the chief guest at a private universitys convocation.

Singhs statement coincided with a rally of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Delhi that pressed for the construction of the temple in place of the demolished Babri Mosque.

Tens of thousands of people gathered for the rally days before Parliaments winter session commences on December 15. The VHP had last month organised a two-day show of strength in Ayodhya as part of its campaign to build the temple.

The calls for the ordinance grew after the Supreme Court declined an early hearing into the Ayodhya land title dispute last month. Hindu groups have been asking the government to settle the dispute before the national elections due next year in the temples favour without waiting for the courts verdict.

Singh refused to accept the results of the elections in five states, which would be announced on Tuesday, as a semi-final before the national elections.

There is no use predicting results for elections held in five states [Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram] because the results will be out on Tuesday. We are hopeful of good results and believe they would be in our favour.

In Lucknow, Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) or PSP-L chief Shivpal Yadav opposed the temple construction at the disputed site. It may be built on the other side of the Saryu river in Ayodhya. The Supreme Court order must be respected, he said while addressing a gathering of his newly-formed party.

He claimed his brother and former chief minister, Mulayam Singh Yadav, had saved the Babri mosque in 1990.

But now, this [Uttar Pradesh chief minister-led Yogi Adityanath] government allowed large crowds to gather in Ayodhya despite prohibitory orders. This warranted imposition of the Presidents rule in the state, said Shivpal Yadav, who quit Samajwadi Party (SP) this year after a protracted feud with and his nephew and former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, who has been attending functions of both the SP as well PSP-L, attended the rally. He asked the gathering to strengthen the SP thrice. He corrected himself twice on Shivpal Yadavs insistence and hooting from the crowd. He even got angry once. Those who do not want to listen to me may leave. Samajwadi Party symbolises humanity, it takes all along. Strengthen it. He later said strengthen the Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party. Shivpal is my brother, my blessings are with him. Strengthen him, he said two days after sharing the stage with Akhilesh Yadav in Firozabad.

Before winding up his speech, Mulayam again said: Make all Samajwadi Party candidates win.

On the day Shivpal Yadav floated his new outfit, Mulayam Singh Yadav had visited the PSP-L office and hours later dropped in at the SP headquarters to meet Akhilesh.

(With agency inputs)
Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel has stepped down effective immediately, the central banks top official said in a statement.

On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years, he said in a brief statement that did not refer to the rift with the government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to Urjit Patels decision to step down, describing him as an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues.

He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability, PM Modi said in two tweets. He (Urjit Patel) leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely, he said.

Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

Patel had taken charge as the governor in September 2016 after Raghuram Rajan resigned from the post on 19 June of that year and had overseen the government-driven ban on high-value currency notes. Patels term as RBI governor was to end in September 2019.

Patels resignation comes against the backdrop of sharp differences between the central bank and the government over how much autonomy the RBI should have. The government is widely perceived to have sought reduction of curbs on lending and to gain access to the RBIs surplus reserves.
uschools/iStock(WASHINGTON) -- Hundreds of pro-environment activists lobbied lawmakers on Capitol Hill Monday, in an attempt to pressure Democratic leaders to endorse a Green New Deal for the new majoritys agenda in the next Congress.



They staged sit-ins at the congressional offices of Reps. Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and Jim McGovern and called for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy and urged Democrats to leverage their power in the 116th Congress to enact green legislative proposals championed by progressives.



The U.N. says we have 12 years to transform our economy and avert catastrophe, said Varshini Prakash, Sunrise co-founder, as the sit-in began at Pelosis office. Over 1,000 young people took over Capitol Hill today because we all deserve good jobs and a livable future. The Democrats need a plan to make it happen.



Another speaker at the demonstration, the Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., said Americans of all backgrounds are fighting for existence in the face of climate change.



This is not about Republican. This is not about Democrat. This is about humanity! Yearwood, Jr., the president and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus, exclaimed. Climate change is a civil rights issue. We have a right to clean air, we have a right to clean water and we will fight not for ourselves but for the next generation.



Jeremy Ornstein, 18, of Watertown, Massachusetts, called on House Democratic leaders to step up for my generation and support the Green New Deal.



Were fighting for survival and were also fighting for dignity, Ornstein said. The Democrats might say that theyre our climate champions but theyve gotta step up and back a Green New Deal if they wanna prove it.



Pelosi, who is facing a test of her leadership as she builds support in her bid for House speaker, has already announced plans to reconvene a select committee on climate change in the next Congress. After Mondays demonstration, Taylor Griffin, a spokeswoman for Pelosi reiterated that addressing climate change remains a top priority for Pelosi.



She has proposed reinstating a select committee on climate and looks forward to caucus-wide discussions with the committees of jurisdiction to determine the appropriate path forward, Griffin stated.



Hoyer, D-Maryland, also expressed harmony with the activists who targeted him.



Of the targeted lawmakers, Sunrise Movement said McGovern addressed the demonstrators and pledged his support. None of the other lawmakers were present during the sit-ins.



Each of the Democratic leaders has an office in the U.S. Capitol and access is restricted to official business. But access for the public is not limited in the House office buildings, forcing Sunrise organizers to execute their protests there.



Initial reactions from Democrats did not satisfy many of the activists marching around Capitol Hill Monday.



Speaker Pelosi proposed bringing a committee back from years ago -- a committee that would gather evidence. We dont have time to gather evidence anymore, Ornstein said. We need climate action and we have all the evidence we need.



U.S. Capitol Police eventually moved into position, warning protesters to leave or face arrest.



According to Sunrise, 143 of its protesters, who refused to comply with police orders, were arrested for unlawfully demonstrating in the Cannon House Office Building and could face an additional charge. U.S. Capitol Police did not respond to a request for comment.



Last month, a similar protest in Pelosi's office led to 51 people being arrested. Rep.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, visited the protest, but she did not participate on Monday.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
(CNN)  New Zealand police searching for missing British backpacker Grace Millane say they have found a body, state broadcaster Radio New Zealand reported Sunday.

Millane, 22, was last seen at the Auckland city center the evening of December 1.

Saturday, police said they believed Millane was dead and that a man seen with her in Auckland the night she disappeared will be charged in her death.

Police said Sunday they are conducting a full scene examination of an area in Henderson, West Auckland. The location is bush-clad and contains one of the city's reservoirs.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said Sunday afternoon that a body believed to be that of Millane had been found, but was yet to be formally identified, Radio New Zealand reported.

For days, local police had searched for Millane but new evidence changed the course from a missing person investigation to a murder case.

"The evidence we have located so far  our scene examination, CCTV footage and our investigation, has determined that Grace is no longer alive and this is a murder investigation," Auckland Police Detective Scott Beard said at a news conference Saturday.

Police said they detained a 26-year-old man seen with her on the night of her disappearance, and will charge him Monday with Millane's murder. They said they believe he and Grace visited a number of locations that evening, and they are looking for information on a vehicle linked to the case.

Millane had been in New Zealand for two weeks, the UK's Press Association news agency reported.

Beard said Millane was out of contact with her parents for days and they were especially worried that they could not reach her last Sunday for her 22nd birthday. Members of Millane's family have made appeals on Facebook for information.

"The Millane family have requested privacy at this time and will not be making any further statements at this stage," the Auckland city police's statement said.

This story was first published oin CNN.com, "Body found in NZ search for missing British backpacker."
Absent the Emir of Qatar who has snubbed the invitation of the hosts Riyadh. Among the elements of tension is the murder of Saudi dissident journalist Khashoggi. The meeting dedicated to oil and security policies. In the final statement the importance of unity underlined.

Riyadh (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The diplomatic, economic and commercial confrontation between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the war in Yemen with civilian casualties, and the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi have cast more than one shadow on the summit of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Yesterday the annual meeting was held in Riyadh, marked by the absence of Doha leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani who has snubbed the official invitation of Saudi summits.

The meeting, behind closed doors, focused on oil and security. Analysts and experts on regional issues say that the GCC meeting will have a "minimal" impact on people's lives and the economy. Moreover, the body is torn apart by internal divisions. from threats to national sovereignty and from Riyadh's policies, which nods at Israel in an anti-Iranian key.

The absence of the Emir of Qatar, together with the recent decision of Doha to abandon OPEC from next January, once again highlight the deep internal fractures. Foreign minister Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi took part in the annual meeting in al-Tahni.

It should be emphasized that the Emir of Qatar was present at last year's meeting, while the leaders of the other Gulf countries were absent.

Among the other elements of crisis, the backstage clash between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia for the control of the shared "Neutral zone" oil wells. Inside there are the fields of Khafji and Wafra, owned by both countries, closed respectively in 2014 and 2015. Their production capacity exceeds 500 thousand barrels per day and would be essential to allow Riyadh to reach the target of 12.5 million barrels a day.

The summit, characterized by a tense atmosphere and moments of embarrassed silences, ended with a final declaration that underlines the importance of maintaining unity among the member countries, facing the challenges - political, social and economic  in the region. However, divisions and personal interests put the future of the organism at risk.
Not inclined: SC refuses to interfere with J-K Governors decision to dissolve assembly

HT Correspondent

New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition challenging the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Maliks decision to dissolve the state assembly, saying there was no merit in the pleas filed by former BJP legislator Gagan Bhagat.

We are not inclined to interfere (with the decision of the governor), a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justice SK Kaul said.

Senior counsel Jaideep Gupta, appearing for the ex-Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Bhagat, said that Malik dissolved the assembly even though there were two letters before him staking claim to form the government.

Gupta referred to an earlier judgment of the top court which said that a governor should have made every effort to examine if a government can be formed before exercising the extreme option of dissolving the elected assembly.

The state assembly, which was in suspended animation, was abruptly dissolved by Malik on November 22, hours after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staked a claim to form a government with the backing of arch rival National Conference and the Congress with the support of 56 legislators in the 87-member assembly.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti wrote to the governor that her party, which has 29 MLAs, was backed by the NC and Congress with 15 and 12 legislators, respectively.

This was followed by another bid from the Peoples Conference led by Sajjad Lone, saying it had the support of 25 legislators belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and more than 18 others.

The dissolution was announced by Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan. The state assemblys tenure was till October 2020.

The PDP and the BJP ruled J-K following the assembly elections in 2014 in a coalition that lasted almost 40 months. In June, the BJP parted ways with the PDP, saying it had become impossible to continue in the government given the growing radicalism and terrorism in the state. The state has been under Centres rule since.

The six-month tenure of the governors rule ends on December 18. This will be followed by the Presidents rule.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked five states to give their response to a petition filed by social activists questioning the state amendments made to the land acquisition law, which the petitioners claim have diluted the safeguards the central law provides for against forcible acquisition.

The activists, including Medha Patkar, have questioned the changes made to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (Land Acquisition Act), 2013 by Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu. The petitioners have contended that the amendments by the states are identical and go against the basic structure of the central law.

Petitioners counsel, advocate Prashant Bhushan, argued before a bench of justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta and said states were told to make the changes by the central government after the latters attempt to introduce similar amendments in the central law failed. Bhushan said the Parliament had refused to support the government on this.

The lawyer submitted that the amendments made by the states were in violation of Article 21, which guarantees the right to live with dignity and personal liberty.

Right to live with dignity also includes right not to be displaced unless there is overwhelming public interest, Bhushan said.

According to the petition the states amended the act by way of ordinances to exempt broad categories of land projects from consent provisions, social impact assessment, objections by affected citizens and participation of local bodies.

Projects exempted are linear category projects such as industrial corridors, expressways, highways etc.

Petitioners have challenged the power of the states to introduce such amendments that are conflicting with the central law and want them to be declared as illegal. The bench told Bhushan that under the law, state amendments can be made. If state legislature decides that they want to do this, we cannot say you cannot do this.

Bhushan said after the central government came into power in 2014, it brought in amendment to the 2013 Act but it was not passed in Parliament.

After having failed to pass the amendment in Parliament, they asked the states to use this amendment, he claimed.

The petition further said: The Central Act of 2013 was brought to give effect to pre-existing fundamental right to livelihood of citizens. It ensures that livelihood will not be taken away unless(i) it is in public interest and that is seen by social impact assessment (ii) The affected citizens are given rehabilitation. The amendments made without considering the above factors will take away fundamental rights of the citizens.

(With inputs from PTI)
A United Kingdom court has ordered the extradition of businessman Vijay Mallya to India to face charges of financial irregularities running into thousands of crores.

Whatever the judgement, my legal team will reveal the judgment and take proper steps thereafter. Yes I have tweeted saying that I want to repay, that has nothing to do with this extradition issue. Its a completely separate matter, Mallya told the press this morning while entering the court premises.

Mallya also said that he has not stolen anyones money and his offer to pay back the loan amount of banks is not a bogus one.

The 62-year-old former boss of Kingfisher Airlines has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year. He has contested that the extradition case against him is politically motivated and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud, he said in a post on Twitter recently.

I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it, the flamboyant businessman tweeted earlier.

A joint team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) led by CBI joint director A Sai Manohar are in the United Kingdom for the court proceedings.
Sometime in November, a 22-year-old automobile showroom employee in Assams Tinsukia stumbled upon a Facebook group named Xunjukto Mukti Bahini Asom, the Assamese name for the separatist United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). The group had photos of the flag of [Paresh Barua-led] ULFA [Independent] and there were posts about how Assamese youth need to rise up against the aggression they face. Then some days later, somebody called Babul Asom called me and asked if I would join, he said. He added he was having a bad day when the call came. For a moment I wanted to join, but I told him I need to think.

Before he could make up his mind, the Assam police detained him for questioning three days later after keeping him under watch. The showroom employee, who is being counselled, is not alone. Police say as many as 22 people, including five girls, have over the last three years been counselled against joining the banned group.

Assam polices intelligence wing chief, Pallab Bhattacharyya, blamed the furore over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, which proposes to grant Indian nationality to religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, for giving a fresh lease of life to the ULFA (Independent).

Assams indigenous groups oppose the proposed amendment as they feel it will marginalise them further by encouraging more migrations of the Hindus from neighbouring Bangladesh. They feel the ongoing exercise to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will have no meaning if Hindu Bangladeshis are allowed to become citizens and settle in Assam. The exercise is being conducted in line with the 1985 Assam Accord, which sought to detect and deport illegal immigrants. The pact was signed to end the six-year-old Assam agitation against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Over 800 people were killed in the agitation.

Bhattacharyya insisted the recruitments were not as high as they are being made out to be. He blamed the media for hyping the recruitments. The media hype up each instance of recruitment as if there were an exodus, Bhattacharyya said.

The social media appears to have made it easier for the ULFA to attract recruits. A police officer, who keeps track of the social media, said 80 Facebook profiles have been under watch for posting content sympathetic to the ULFA (Independent) or for being connected to it.

The 22-year-old was counselled but remains defiant. Seeing what is happening in Assam right now, the ULFA [Independent]s stand is good, he said. This bill should not be passed. Because if it is, where will we Assamese live?

A former 30-year-old ULFA member complained everybody was being pushed into Assam. There are so many Bangladeshis. They want us to speak their language. The government allows it because of vote banks, he said. People are protesting against the Citizenship [Amendment] Bill but nobody in the government is paying any heed, said the 30-year-old. He had surrendered to the police in 2005 and 2012 before he was arrested for trying to join the ULFA again in 2016. He was released in early 2017.

Many like a 19-year-old kick-boxer, Karishma Mech, have left their budding careers to join the ULFA.Karishma always wanted to join the police or the Army. She may have been tricked into joining the ULFA, said her mother, Manju Mech.Karishma Mech joined the group in May.

Police say of the 18 confirmed recruits from Tinsukia over the last three years, eight have deserted the outfit. Another eight were arrested in November before they could leave for the camps in Myanmar to join the ULFA. The police said since September as many as 11 people have joined the outfit, including two who announced it on Facebook by posting videos.

But the 30-year-old former ULFA member insists the actual number of recent the ULFA recruits is much higher. I know because I am an insider, he said. Assam does not get its rights, the tea, the coal, it is all sold by Marwaris in Delhi... I still dream of freedom for Assam, he said.

Prabal Neog, the leader of ULFA faction that favours talks with the government, said there had been peace since 2008 when a ceasefire led to a slit in the outfit. He said the peace has been disturbed since the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was announced. It has hurt the Assamese conscience, Neog said. He said he has been under pressure from the cadre of his faction to end the ceasefire. The [ruling Bharatiya Janata party] BJP came [to power] on the plank of Jati, Mati, and Bheti [community, home, and hearth] and then cheated us.

BJP leader and Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rubbished the talk about ULFA resurgence as propaganda. Was there no ULFA before? And except the Citizenship [Amendment] Bill, is there is no other issue which could make the ULFA come back again?

(inputs Padma Rao Sundarji)
As Jaspal Singh, a farmer, helplessly watches his completely ruined cane crop, his heart sinks.His standing crop on three acres of land in Bailha village under Nighasan tehsil of Lakhimpur Kheri district was destroyed by herds of abandoned cattle.

Jaspal recalls how herds of cows and bulls had trampled down his wheat crop last year.Bhola Yadav, a marginal farmer in Chandopara village of Prayagraj, remains busy looking after his crop of vegetables and pulses during day time and dons the role of a guard in the night to protect the produce from stray cattle.

Manveer Singh of Garhiya Dilawal village in Farrukhabad has stopped growing pulses for the fear of it being grazed by stray cattle. Similar tales are very common these days across the length and breadth of Uttar Pradesh.

Talking to UPs farmers about abandoned cattle is like touching their raw nerve.

The Yogi Adityanath government might not have anticipated the magnitude of the crisis that lay in store for it when it tightened the noose around illegal slaughterhouses in the state immediately after taking over the reins of the state in March, 2017.

The ban, coupled with the regulation of cow trade by the Centre and cow vigilantes on the prowl, dealt a major blow to the sale and purchase of cattle. Traditional cattle fair has almost ceased to exist in the state.

In the absence of a market, most farmers feel compelled to let loose their animals once they are no longer economically beneficial for them. These animals are not even sent to shelter houses and finding no other option they attack on agricultural fields to feed themselves, says Rohit (he goes by one name), village pradhan of Bhatkheri village in Muzaffarnagar.

Ram Jatan Pal of Bhaghar village in Sitapur says, Though the ban on illegal slaughter cannot be questioned, the move somehow interfered with the ecological balance resulting in an increase of cattle population all over the state.

Even when there is no ban, most Hindus consider cow a sacred animal and cannot afford to commit the sin of killing it, he adds. As a result, farmers are complaining of damage to their crops.

Dinesh Kumar Mishra, a farmer in Pakaria village in Lakhimpur Kheri, is even more pained to watch his 16-bigha agricultural land lying uncultivated due to stray cattle menace.

The entire cane crop on this land was reduced to stubs resulting in a loss of Rs 3 lakh. I felt compelled to leave the entire land uncultivated, he says.

Mishra had to perform a dukh haran yatra (repentance pilgrimage) in 2015 when a stray bull got accidently killed in his crop field.

ANIMALS ATTACKING HUMANS, CAUSING ACCIDENTS

The stray cattle are not only ruining the fields but are also getting increasingly violent charging at anyone who comes in their range. They are also emerging as a major cause of road accidents on highways.

Rambabu Singh of Ghatuapur village in Prayagraj says, The problem of stray cattle is on the rise to the extent that driving in the night has become difficult. Herds of abandoned bovine suddenly surface on roads posing risk to commuters. At Motiha village in the same area, Pappu Bhartiya was recently attacked by a stray ox and got 42 stitches in the stomach. He is still recouping in hospital. In Pakriti village, one Lalmani Pushkar was injured in a similar attack. Earlier, one death each has taken place in Jalalpur, Badgaon and Nassirpatti, Singh claims.

That stray animals are contributing to an increasing number of road accidents and fatalities in UP was also acknowledged during a state road safety meeting chaired by chief minister Yogi Adityanath recently.

The CM directed the departments concerned to do the needful. There were reports of police in some districts, including Etawah and Sitapur, hanging reflectors around the necks of animals to enable people spot them in the night.

FARMERS CREATING THEIR OWN DEFENCE SYSTEMS

As the government machinery is yet to come up with a workable solution to the problem, farmers are putting in place their own defence mechanism to protect their crops.

Farmers who can afford have got their fields fenced with barbed wire to prevent animals from entering their fields.

However, barbed wires are also giving injuries to animals. Every day one can witness stray cattle roaming with injuries on their bodies, Shashank Shukla, a farmer in Lakhimpur Kheri, says.

Fed up with raiding cattle, some farmers have fenced their fields with concertina wires. Stray animals get injured while attempting to enter the fields. It is ironical that cow vigilantes create much hue and cry in the name of gau seva but no one comes to the rescue of injured cows, he adds.

Some farmers who cannot afford to put up fencing have put up thatched machans (raised platforms) to keep a vigil on stray cattle and take timely action.

We sit all night in machans with powerful torches. When we see animals coming we throw torch light on them to chase them away, says Dharamveer Rahi, a farmer in Ghiror village of Mainpuri.

Rahi, who is also the founder of Samvedna Foundation, says villagers had turned into watchmen. Most of them are deprived of sleep and peace of mind, he adds.

WILL IT BE A POLL ISSUE?

While it is a bit too early to say if the problem will be a poll issue, many farmers do not deny the possibility of giving vent to their anger in the 2019 Lok Sabha election if the government does not come forward to solve their problem.

Agriculture is the only mainstay of sustenance for farmers in poverty-struck Bundelkhand. If the government does not save their crops from cattle, farmers may train their anger at the ruling BJP in 2019, village pradhan of Akathauha in Mahoba Arvind Kumar Singh says.

Stray menace always existed in Bundelkhand but it aggravated after the ban on illegal slaughter of animals, he adds.

According to Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary, the cattle menace has only compounded the woes of farmers due to the Bharatiya Janata Party governments wrong policies.

We (SP) need not make abandoned animals a poll issue because this is already an issue for farmers and they will teach a lesson to the BJP in 2019, he adds.

Abhimanayu Prasad Chaurasiya of Bahadurpur village in Varanasi says though growing population of stray cattle was a problem for farmers but it will not become a poll issue.

After all, these animals belong to us and we abandon them when they are not productive for us. How can one hold the government responsible for it, he asks.

(With inputs from Deo Kant Pandey in Lakhimpur Kheri, K Sandeep Kumar in Allahabad, Hemendra Chaturvedi in Agra and Sudhir Kumar in Varanasi)
Union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha has resigned from Prime Minister Narendra Modis council of minister on Monday, reports ANI. The move comes a day ahead of the Winter Session, capping months of sparring between Kushwaha and the BJP over seat sharing in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls.

Kushwaha will hold a press conference in Delhi at 2 pm to make the announcement, RSLP spokesperson Fazal Imam Malik said, confirming the news.

The RLSP chief was quoted by ANI as saying that he would not be attending a meeting of NDA allies to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi today, ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament.

Kushwaha had last month set a deadline of November 30 for the BJP to make its stand on seat sharing clear, saying It would be very harmful for the NDA if a decision on seat-sharing is not taken soon. We must get a respectful number of seats.

The RLSP, an ally of the BJP in the NDA in the 2014 elections, had won three seats in the general elections. The BJP had bagged 22 seats and the LJP, six. But, with the return of the JD(U) in the NDA last year after the Grand Alliance disintegrated, the equation has changed within the grouping this time.

Kushwaha has been upset with the BJP after it asserted that the RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, even as it went out of way to accommodate Kumar by agreeing that the saffron party and the JD(U) would fight equal number of seats.

The RLSP may join hands with the opposition, which includes Lalu Prasads RJD and the Congress.

Bihar sends 40 MPs to Lok Sabha.
Experts said on Monday the exit of Upendra Kushwahas Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA will be a setback for the ruling alliance, which was banking heavily on the consolidation of the backward class voters in its favour, especially the realignment of Kushwaha, Kurmi and Dhanuk votes.

Leaders of the alliance, however, said Kushwaha did not contribute significantly to make any difference to them.

He also resigned on Monday as the Union minister of state for human resource development as he quit the National Democratic Alliance, which has set a target to win all the Lok Sabha seats from Bihar in the Lok Sabha elections next year.

Bihar sends 40 members of Parliament to the Lok Sabha. In the 2009 general elections, the BJP and Janata Dal(United) had contested together. While the JD(U) had fielded candidates on 25 seats, the BJP had contested 15 seats.

Kushwahas RLSP had joined the NDA ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and won three out of three seats it contested. The JD(U) had fought the elections solo that year and won just two seats and the BJP ended up with 22 seats and Ram Vilas Paswans Lok Janshakti Party six. That equation changed after Kumars return.

Read: Bihar ally Upendra Kushwaha quits as minister in Modi government

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. The BJP, which won on 53 assembly seats got 37.48% votes against 40.65% votes of JD(U), which won on 71 seats. The share of RLSP was below 1%.

Kushwaha, despite his limited significance in the NDA and coupled with infighting in his party, had always remained the undisputed leader of the backward Koeris in Bihar, who form 6.4% of Bihars population and have a significant presence in 25-30 assembly segments.

Kushwahas resignation will definitely give the NDA a jolt when it comes to backward class votes. He carried a clean image and his exit will give a message that the NDA does not care for people with a clean image, DM Diwakar, a social scientist associated with AN Sinha Institute for Social Sciences, said.

Kushwahas exit is also going to give a definite message that the state government was not hearing his pleas for improvement of education scenario, a sector that has remained neglected for long and earned a bad name for the state, Diwakar said.

Saibal Gupta of the Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI) said Kushwahas decision to quit will affect the NDA but only marginally.

He constitutes the troika of the Triveni Sangh -- Yadav, Koeri and Kurmis. In this backdrop, he constitutes a social group which was the bedrock of the NDA, Gupta said.

However, the BJP and the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) do not buy this theory.

His exit will make no impact at all. The JD(U) has no alliance with the RLSP, said JD(U) spokesperson Sanjay Singh, making it clear that the alliance in Bihar is more than happy with Kushwahas departure as he was baying for Kumars blood and had been targeting for his governments failure.

The BJP leadership, which cold-shouldered Kushwaha by denying him his repeated pleas for a meeting with party president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have assessed the ground realities and come to a conclusion that the RLSP leader was unnecessarily bargaining for a greater share.

A section of NDA leaders feels that he was not even confident of winning his own Karakat Lok Sabha seat. Moreover, there was a feeling in the BJP that despite being a part of the NDA when JD(U) was not its partner, he could not help the alliance get votes during the 2015 assembly elections.

In 2014, the RLSP won on Modi wave and got 3.04% of votes whereas, in the 2015 assembly elections, it could win just two seats in the 243 member assembly. The backward castes voted for the BJP and JD(U), said a BJP leader, who did not want to be named.

He is on a shaky wicket and after failing to get positive vibes from other alliances, he was trying to create a situation, said the BJP leader.

Kushwaha had been dropping hints about quitting the BJP-led national coalition for weeks, particularly after JD(U) negotiated a seat-sharing pact for the 2019 general elections with Shah that they declared, would reduce seats for their two other alliance partners.

BJP leaders, sources said, had taken note of reports that he had been in touch with rivals and had already sensed that he had made up his mind.

It is around this time that Kushwaha, prepping for his exit from the NDA, put out a 25-point charter of demands for the Nitish Kumar government that asked the BJP-JD(U) government to improve its governance record. The demands include the appointment of school teachers, exempting teachers from non-teaching work and timely holding of the students union elections.

Kushwaha is already in touch with expelled JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and is discussing a merger of their parties ahead of next summers general elections.
Former Jammu and Kashmir minister and Peoples Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone on Monday asked authorities to exercise non-military options while dealing with minors in counter-insurgency operations amid concerns about child soldiers among militant ranks.

Lones appeal came a day after a teenager was among the three killed in a gunfight between security forces and militants near Srinagar on Sunday.

The teenager is believed to be the youngest ever to have been killed in such a manner since the insurgency erupted in Kashmir around three decades back. The teenager, a class 9 student, had disappeared along with another 17-year-old boy from North Kashmirs Hajin on August 31. A picture showing him holding a gun had gone viral on social media days before the two were killed along with another militant.

The killing of a fourteen-year-old is sad and scary. The administration should exhaust all non-military options when a minor is involved. Calling off such an operation is a better option. And the involvement of minors in non-state military activity merits thought from the society, tweeted Lone, who is a former separatist and a Bharatiya Janata Party ally.

In May 20017, Faizan Ahmad Bhat, a 15-year-old class 10 student, was killed in a gunbattle with security forces in South Kashmirs Tral three months after he joined militancy.

Srinagar-based media researcher Rouf Bhat asked militant groups to stop recruiting child soldiers.

This irrational move has humanitarian and political repercussions at both local and international level. He cited the Geneva Conventions and said they prohibit the warring factions from recruiting child soldiers. Recruiting and using children under 15 as soldiers is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the 14-year-olds killing will complicate the peace process.

More lives we lose, the more peace we lose. Under the militant tag, today a 14-year-old  silenced. How tragic situation is becoming losing our younger generation to the bullets, said PDPs youth president, Waheed Para.

Tanvir Sadiq of former CM Omar Abdullahs National Conference called for an immediate dialogue . The growing levels of alienation and isolation are alarming signs and need to be acknowledged and addressed politically. The situation calls for a serious introspection at the central and the state level. 14 and 17 is too tender an age to become militants and die. Dialogue should start now, he tweeted.
The state government on Sunday rejected director Abhishek Kapoors request for lifting a ban on his recently released film Kedarnath, stating the movie shot in the shrine town and its surrounding areas is communally provocative.

The story of the film Kedarnath is communally provocative and may create tension between communities. We are now initiating steps to have the title of the film changed as the name of the revered shrine cant be allowed to be misused, said tourism minister Satpal Maharaj.

He was reacting to Kapoors request that the Uttarakhand government lift the ban on his film. The filmmaker in a tweet said, I plead with the Uttarakhand government to pls (please) lift the ban on my film#Kedarnath.

Kapoor further added that his film was an attempt to bring peace, harmony and healing to the people of this country. Pls (please) dont deprive us of this opportunity.

Read the movie review of Kedarnath

Maharaj, however, asserted that the ban cant be lifted on the film because it not only hurts religious sentiments (of the Hindus) but its hero and heroine are also shown romancing in the spiritual background of the shrine.

Such scenes that were shot in the backdrop of the shrine are objectionable have hurt the religious sentiments of crores of people across the country, the minister said.

Actors Sushant Singh Rajput and debutante Sara Ali Khan are in the main lead of the feature film.

Watch Sara Ali Khans interview

Kedarnaths Teerth Purohits (priests), who had strongly objected to the release of the film days after its teaser was released in November, supported the governments move to ban Kedarnath.

Their (state government) decision to ban the film is absolutely justified because it plays with the religious sentiments of the Hindus and also promotes Love Jihad, said Vinod Shukla, Chairman, Kedar Sabha, an organisaiton of the priests based in the shrine town of Kedarnath.

The term love Jihad denotes alleged campaigns under which Muslim men target the non-Muslim women for conversion.

Tourism minister Maharaj, who recently watched the film preview said it also shows the hero, a Muslim boy running away with its heroine, a Brahmin girl, which is not fair.

Do such incidents happen in Kedarnath where there are no Muslims? (Otherwise also) thats not our (hill) culture, he said.

Maharaj said: We will also approach the central government to block viewing of the film through the Internet, he said. Before such a step will be taken all its legal aspects are being examined.

Meanwhile, the state head of the BJPs media relations department, Ajendra Ajay, took a jibe at the director, saying there are a number of filmmakers like you, who share your mindset and attack the religious faith (of the people) by making fun of Hindu gods and goddesses through their films.

In a tweet, he also asked Kapoor to change the trend and not to take undue advantage of the large-heartedness of the Hindu community.

Maharaj, however, denied the media reports suggesting that the move to ban Kedarnath would discourage filmmakers from shooting their films in Uttarakhand.

They are being provided all facilities to shoot their films with an aim to promote film tourism in the picturesque mountain state but we cant allow them to show love affairs in our temples, the minister said.
Great day in pursuit of fight against corruption: RS Prasad

Its a great day in pursuit of fight against corruption of those who siphon crores of bank money and run out of country. Decision to extradite Mallya is based on evidence as well as a resurgent, effective and robust willpower of Modi govt to pursue these elements, said law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

Nothing to be shocked about: Vijay Mallya

My legal team will review the judgement in detail and consider various options and then I will decide going forward. There is nothing to be shocked about, said Vijay Mallya.

Proud moment for India: Jaitley

The campaign was why are you (BJP) not being able to get him back. Youre (Congress) culprits in giving the loans (to VijayMallya). You created a situation in which ppl like these could prosper,& weve succeeded now in getting him back. Its a proud moment for India, said Arun Jaitley

Could have done something more productive with my time: Mallya

The end of the day thats what the courts are for, thats how lawyers thrive. Do I regret being in a situation where Im reading legal papers and paying legal fees? Yes, I do. I could have done something more productive with my time, said Vijay Mallya on if he regrets going to UK

Its a victory for ethics and probity: Jaitley

Its a victory for ethics and probity. Its also a signal to all that nobody can cheat India, its people, economy & go hide somewhere in the world, & India will never be able to get at him, said Arun Jaitley.

Great day for India: Arun Jaitley

Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The judgement of UKs Court is welcomed. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book, said Arun Jaitley on UK courts order to exytradite Vijay Mallya.

Mallya should face the music: Former Kingfisher employee

It sets things in motion, he has got charges like siphoning & diverting funds. It is not just a case of repayment of money it also involves a lot of criminal deeds. He should face the music, said Neetu Sukla, former Kingfisher employee on UK court ordering Vijay Mallyas extradition

CBI welcomes UK courts decision

The Central Bureau of Investigation has welcomed the UK courts decision to extradite Vijay Mallya.

We hope to bring him back soon and conclude the case. CBI has its own inherent strengths. We worked hard on this case. We are strong on Law and facts and we were confident while pursuing extradition process, said CBI spokesperson

UK court orders Mallyas extradition

UK Court hearing Vijay Mallyas case has ordered his extradition to India.

Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled against Mallya at the hearing in London on Monday. The case will be referred to the Home Office.

My employees are my first priority: Vijay Mallya

My employees are my first priority. In the last 2 years, weve made 2 separate applications to court to use the money deposited in the court to pay employees. The court hasnt given us a decision. If the court accepts my settlement offer, pay the employees first

Let the HC decide on offer of repayment: Vijay Mallya

The matter is going on before the Karnataka High Court as we speak. So let the High Court decide in due course, said Vijay Mallya

Judge to arrive shortly to deliver Mallya verdict

The hearing of Mallya case is delayed by 10-15 minutes as he is busy with other cases. He will arrive shortly to deliver verdict on the allegations of financial irregularities against Vijay Mallya.

Mallya sits in public gallery

Vijay Mallya is sitting in the public gallery, waiting for his hearing to begin.

CBI officials in court room

CBI joint director A Sai Manohar and other officials from India are present in the court room. Those inside court are now waiting for the judge to arrive.

Offer made in court of law: Mallya

There is nothing genuine or ingenuine. Please understand that the offer has been made in a court of law. Nobody disrespects a court of law: Vijay Mallya when asked how genuine is his offer of settlement, reports ANI.

Offer to repay principal amount not bogus: Mallya

My offer (to repay the principal amount) is not bogus, says Vijay Mallya outside Westminster magistrates court in London, reports PTI.

Settlement plea before Karnataka HC also being heard today: Mallya

I have filed a comprehensive settlement application before the Karnataka high court, which is also being heard today: Vijay Mallya

Offer to repay has nothing to do with extradition: Mallya

Whatever the judgement, my legal team will reveal it and take proper steps thereafter. Yes, I have tweeted saying that I want to repay, that has nothing to do with this extradition issue. Its a completely separate matter: Vijay Mallya.

Vijay Mallya reaches court

Vijay Mallya reaches court for hearing relating to his extradition to India.

Joint team of CBI and ED present in court premises

A joint team of CBI and ED led by CBI joint director A Sai Manohar left on Sunday for the United Kingdom for the court proceedings.

Mallya earlier offered to pay back principal amount

I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud, Mallya said in a post on Twitter recently.

I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it, the flamboyant businessman had tweeted earlier.

Vijay Mallya expected to arrive at the court soon

Vijay Mallya is expected to arrive at the court soon. Indian officials and media personnel are present on the court premises.

Decision expected soon by Westminster magistrates court

The Westminster magistrates court in London will soon decide on Vijay Mallyas extradition to India to face charges of financial irregularities running into thousands of crores.
by Kamel Abderrahmani

The first beatification in the Muslim world. Some imams also took part in the celebration in Oran. The beatification "is a form of posthumous rehabilitation, to raise the image of Algeria, blurred by the wild Islamist hordes". A suggestion to the courageous Algerian authorities: build a church for these 19 blessed.

Paris (AsiaNews) - Finally good news from Algeria: for the first time in the history of the Muslim world in its relations with Christianity, 19 religious were beatified on the afternoon of December 8. The official ceremony took place at the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Santa Cruz, on the heights of Oran. The religious were all murdered by Islam in the dark decade of Algerian history, the 1990s that left more than 200 thousand victims, including 114 imams, in its wake.

The 19 religious were proclaimed blessed in front of a crowd of about 2 thousand people, including families of martyrs, members of religious congregations, faithful of the small Church of Algeria and some imams and Muslim faithful.

As an Algerian Muslim, I consider these religious together with the murdered Imams and other Algerians as martyrs. They are religious who have sacrificed their lives for God, for peace and love. But not only: for me, they have also shown their attachment to this country and to the Algerian people and have come to bring us their help while the Islamists express hatred towards these brothers and sisters. Although they had the chance to leave the Algerian territory, they remained there and witnessed their bonds to this land and to this wounded people, at the time of the civil war unleashed by the Islamists.

Without any doubt, these religious were murdered because of their faith because Islamism sees in them unbelievers that we must destroy as a way of getting close to their blood thirsty God.

I must salute the Algerian authorities who have stood up to this, authorizing this kind of ceremony for the first time in the history of the Muslim world. A ceremony that goes beyond beatification: it is an underscoring of their life given to God and Algeria; a sincere message of fraternity, of dialogue, of peace, of tolerance that goes beyond the murder of the blessed.

As a Muslim, I am deeply amazed by this testimony, by their life given in the name of the love of God that can also gather those who are not of the same religion.

What makes a heart beautiful is forgiveness, it is a fraternity that is lived to the end. The Algerian authorities have done well: also for us [this beatification] is a form of posthumous rehabilitation, to raise the image of Algeria, blurred by the wild Islamist hordes, soaked by a retrograde religious fanaticism. My wish is that after this beatification, the Algerian authorities will proceed with the construction of a church in the name of the 19 martyrs. This will mean that the country will have found peace, having suffered so much because of Islamist integralism.
The Delhi high court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, state government and the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah trust on a plea seeking entry of women into the sanctum sanctorum. The court also said that they were awaiting the Sabarimala review verdict before further hearing the case. The next date of hearing is April 11.

The Supreme Court had allowed the entry of women of all ages into Keralas Sabarimala temple and is currently hearing a review petition in the case.

The plea in Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah case was filed on Thursday by a group of women law students from Pune requesting the Centre and other authorities to remove the ban on the entry of women into the shrine.

The petition claimed that the law students tried to reach out to authorities over the matter, including the Delhi Police but decided to move the court after not receiving any response.

In their plea the women contended that Nizamuddin Dargah is a public place and prohibiting women from entering the shrine is gender discrimination and thus highly unconstitutional. The plea cited the example of two major Muslim shrines  Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai and Khwaja Moinuddin Dargah in Ajmer  that allow entry of women.
The centrally located state of Madhya Pradesh will be keenly watched on December 11 when the results of the state assembly election results will be announced along with those of Rajasthan, Telangana, Mizoram and Chhattisgarh.

The 230-member house is expected to throw up a tight race between the ruling BJP and the Congress, with chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan looking to return to power for a fourth consecutive term.

However, the two parties may face a tough fight from Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party (SP), who are banking on the states backward community population.

The BJP fielded candidates for all 230 seats while the Congress contested 229, leaving one seat, Jatara in Tikamgarh district, for the Sharad Yadav-led Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD).

Also read | Madhya Pradesh exit polls show BJP, Congress in dead heat

At least 2,716 candidates, of which, 9% are women, are contesting for the 200 seats.

The election was held in the state on November 28 and 75% of the 5.03 crore voters exercised their franchise, with around 1.64 lakh people having voted on an average in each constituency.

In the 2013 polls, BJP had bagged a whopping majority of 165 seats while Congress and BSP got 58 and 4. Three independent MLAs also won the polls.

Both the Congress and BJP, whose charge was led by party president Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respectively, expressed confidence that they would win. BJP president Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley also campaigned for the BJP in the state.

Gandhi sought to rejuvenate the state unit by appointing veteran Kamal Nath as the Madhya Pradesh party chief in April this year and naming Jyotiraditya Scindia as the campaign leader.

The BJP also replaced its state president in Madhya Pradesh where its campaign it led by Chouhan. The BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for last 15 years and was perceived to be facing what some party leaders describe as a voter fatigue.

Gandhi attacked Modi and his government for alleged corruption and failure to fulfil promises made in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and by Chouhan in 2013.

Read | Exit polls predict photo finish in MP, Chhattisgarh; Congress ahead in Rajasthan
The Congress is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term in Mizoram, its last citadel in the northeast, even as the BJP seeks to open its account in the state it calls its final frontier in the 2018 assembly election. However, the main contest is between the Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF).

Exit polls in the predominantly Christian state where polling was held on November 28 had indicated the 40-member assembly could be hung, with the MNF enjoying a slight edge. Other parties in the fray like the newly-floated Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, and the Meghalaya-based National Peoples Party (NPP) could play a decisive role in such a situation.

Around 80 per cent of the states 7.70 lakh voters, over half of which are women, had turned out in the elections, a dip from 83.41 per cent in 2013, when the Congress had won 34 seats, the MNF five and the Mizoram Peoples Conference bagged one seat.

Also read | Mizoram polls: BJP looks to uproot Congress from last bastion in northeast

Click here for full coverage on assembly elections 2018

But in recent months, Congress has suffered jolts as five of those legislators, including party vice-president and home minister R Lalzirliana and Assembly speaker Hiphei, left the party to join rivals. While Lalzirliana and one legislator joined the MNF, Hiphei and another went to the BJP. However, chief minister Lal Thanhawla, 76, who is looking for a third term, has ruled out any anti-incumbency against his government.

The Congress and the MNF have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats, the ZPM in 35 and the NPP in nine.

While the Congress is banking on its New Land Use Policy (NLUP) for the farmers and New Economic Development Policy (NEDP) for unemployed youths, the MNF and the ZPM have promised to re-establish prohibition in the state. The liquor ban, imposed in 1997, was lifted by the Congress government in 2015.

Watch | Confident of seeking fourth term in Chhattisgarh: Raman Singh

Elections in the Christian-majority Mizoram are usually quiet affairs, due to certain guidelines issued by the Mizoram Peoples Forum, a church-sponsored election watchdog. But the campaign this time had reached a high the final week with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress and the MNF have ruled Mizoram since 1987 when it became a full-fledged state. Interestingly, no party has been able to form government thrice since that year.

Read | Mizoram assembly election: BJP in centre, state will take Mizoram to new heights, says PM Modi
Polling will be held again at a booth, number 163, in Karanpur assembly constituency on Monday, after the Election Commission of India (ECI) had nullified the votes cast on Friday due to malfunctioning of the electronic voter machines (EVMs).

The voting will take place from 8am to 5pm, officials said.

For full coverage on Rajasthan elections,click here.

Chief electoral officer (CEO) Anand Kumar had on Saturday night announced that the ECI had nullified the voting at the booth at government primary school in 18 BB in Karanpur constituency, and ordered for repoll.

Voting was held in 199 assembly constituencies in Rajasthan on Friday. Due to the death of Bahujan Samaj Partys candidate, Laxman Singh, on November 29, the election department adjourned the polling at Ramgarh assembly constituency in Alwar district. The new date is yet to be announced.

In 2013 elections, repolling was held at eight centres in six assembly constituencies.

For full coverage on assembly elections,click here
A day before elections results are announced in Telangana, Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi today arrived on his Bullet motorbike to meet caretaker chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao triggering buzz on whether his Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen could extend support to the TRS in forming the next government in the event of the latter falling short of a majority.

The MIM president came to Pragathi Bhavan, the official residence-cum-camp office of the Telangana chief minister, popularly known as KCR, at around 1.30 pm, driving his mobike and held discussions with KCR for more than two hours.

Though it is not exactly known what transpired between the two, it is learnt both the leaders discussed the situation if no party gets absolute majority in the assembly elections held on Friday, results of which will be declared tomorrow.

Raos TRS or Telangana Rashtra Samithi needs to win at least 60 seats in the 119-member assembly to form the next government in Telangana.

The MIM, which contested in eight assembly segments, all in Hyderabad, expects to retain its seven seats, which are going to be crucial in deciding the fate of the next government if there is a hung assembly, when no party gets a majority.

Owaisi made it clear that the MIM would continue to be a friendly party of the TRS and indicated that his party would stand by KCR in forming the next government.

He tweeted in the morning that he would be meeting the chief minister in the afternoon. Insha Allah, he will form the next government on its own and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards the larger goal of nation building.. Asad said in his tweet.

Earlier, there were reports earlier that the Congress high command was trying to reach out to the MIM president to seek its support if there is a hung assembly. A Congress leader, on condition of anonymity, said the TRS might seek the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party which is also expected to win half a dozen seats.

On Sunday, Telangana BJP president K Laxman said his party would play instrumental role in the formation of next government. Since it will not back the Congress-led Peoples Front, it is only sending feelers to the TRS. If the BJP can extend friendly hand to the TRS, the Congress can also try to seek the MIM support, the Congress leader said.

But the MIM prefers to sail with the TRS. Owaisi even campaigned for the TRS in some constituencies outside Hyderabad, stating that the Muslims were feeling safe and secure in the TRS regime which had taken up several welfare programmes for them.
The van Gogh and the Monet are safely in storage in Switzerland. The Oscar that once belonged to Marlon Brando is in a federal warehouse in Texas. Those were easy enough to corral.

But when the $250 million yacht was finally captured in Bali, the US government couldnt let it bob in the water unattended, so it had to pay for a crew. The $35 million Bombardier jet has been grounded, but it needed an engine test costing up to $25,000.

And no one is quite sure what to do with the see-through grand piano now sitting in a supermodels Malibu home. It wont fit through the door.

All of the items, and many more, had been bought by a flamboyant Malaysian financier named Jho Low, who prosecutors say helped siphon billions of dollars from a Malaysian government investment fund, then went on a colossal spending spree. It is one of the largest international kleptocracy cases the United States has ever pursued.

It is so expansive that just tracking down, retrieving and maintaining the loot has become a complex multinational operation in itself.

Court documents and interviews describe a recovery effort that involves half a dozen federal agencies, a bevy of contractors and investigators in countries including Switzerland, Luxembourg and Malaysia.

Its targets include more than a dozen properties in New York, California and London, including a $31 million condominium in the Time Warner Center in Manhattan, the Viceroy LErmitage Beverly Hills hotel and a $17.5 million mansion in Beverly Hills that came with a gold-tipped pyramid floating in a reflecting pool.

The process has been slowed because of the pending criminal case, which itself is lagging because Low, 37, is a fugitive believed to be hiding in China. There are also thorny legal issues because Low and some of the other defendants have denied wrongdoing and are challenging the forfeitures.

Several of the items are owned by trusts, and Low does not consider it proper for any government to seize property belonging to the trusts or himself, said Robin Rathmell, Lows lawyer.

Jho Low, 37, is believed to be hiding in China. There are also thorny legal issues because Low and some of the other defendants have denied wrongdoing and are challenging the forfeitures. (AP/File Photo)

The United States took the lead in the investigation because it has been cracking down on the flow of illegal money through the U.S. financial system, and because until a few months ago, Malaysias own government was being run by the very people accused of ripping it off.

The fund at the center of the investigation, called the 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund or 1MDB, was supposed to benefit ordinary Malaysians. It raised billions of dollars from banks and borrowed from investors, ostensibly to finance projects like a joint venture with a Saudi oil company and the purchase of power plants.

But prosecutors say 1MDB became a massive, brazen and blatant money-laundering scheme, in which billions were diverted into the bank accounts of senior officials, including former Prime Minister Najib Razak, his family and associates and Low.

The scandal led to the ouster of Najib. It also has ensnarled Goldman Sachs, which helped 1MDB raise money; a Justice Department employee who pleaded guilty to helping Low funnel money into the United States; and Elliott Broidy, a top fundraiser for President Donald Trump who was paid to lobby the administration to stop the investigation. (Broidy is not accused of any crime.)

Laundering the money, prosecutors say, involved a complex network of opaque bank accounts and shell companies registered in exotic locations like the British Virgin Islands.

But the idea was simple: Use 1MDB as a vehicle to draw in big money. And then spend it.

Some $200 million was used to buy artwork. There was a 22-carat pink diamond necklace worth $27.3 million, said to have been given to Najibs wife. (Her lawyers say that while she saw the necklace, which has gone missing, she never actually received it.)

Tens of millions of dollars went toward financing Hollywood films including The Wolf of Wall Street and Daddys Home through a production studio called Red Granite Pictures, which was owned by Riza Aziz, Najibs stepson. Red Granite has settled with the government for $60 million without admitting wrongdoing.

Protesters have called for Jho Lows arrest. (AP/File Photo)

A quarter billion was spent on a custom-built mega-yacht with a movie theater, helicopter pad and enough space for dozens of crew members. Indonesian authorities said the boats transponder was turned off at times, making it difficult for the FBI to track it, but the yacht, called the Equanimity, was finally seized in Bali this year. The United States then staffed it with a crew until it was turned over to Malaysias custody.

Low, who had a self-proclaimed taste for the very finest things, also used some of the money to lavish gifts on celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, prosecutors say.

In 2014, Low bought the clear-acrylic grand piano from Crystal Music Co. in the Netherlands and had it delivered to Kerr in Malibu. Peter Tol, the companys founder, declined to discuss the price but said that his custom pieces now cost from $170,000 to upward of $1 million.

It has been a centerpiece of Kerrs home. She has been photographed lounging on its lid in a Giorgio Armani gown and has been recorded tapping out a simple song called The Flea Waltz. Mark Fabiani, a lawyer for Kerr, said she is happy to relinquish the piano. But its not clear that it is worth the effort to get it out.

If you move it, you might damage it, and then you have to restore it, said Michael Case, the asset forfeiture coordinator for the US Marshals Service in Manhattan, speaking generally about such operations.

This extraction would be especially complicated. When Tol delivered the piano, he was horrified to learn it would be left on an outdoor deck, protected only by an overhang.

This was hurting my soul very much, he said. I strongly advised them to close that area.

Kerr followed his advice. But those new walls are a problem for the government, which believes it would have to do some demolition to get the piano out, according to two people with knowledge of the investigation who were not authorized to speak publicly. Then a very expensive house would have to be repaired.

So for now, the piano stays. Other tokens of Lows esteem have been easier to retrieve. Kerr handed over a substantial amount of jewellery, including a 11.71-carat heart-shaped diamond and a pair of 11-carat diamond earrings.

DiCaprio, too, has relinquished his gifts, including Picassos Nature Morte au Crane de Taureau (Still Life With Bulls Head) and a collage called Redman One by Jean-Michel Basquiat, both of which he had stored in Switzerland.

He also gave up Brandos 1954 Oscar for On the Waterfront. According to Billion Dollar Whale, a book about Low by two Wall Street Journal reporters, the statue had disappeared from Brandos Hollywood home; Low bought it for $600,000 from a film memorabilia dealer. Unfortunately for the government, when any post-1950 Oscar is put up for sale, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has the right to buy it for $1, a spokeswoman for the academy said.

In Malaysia itself, the haul has been immense. Just days after Najib was voted out, police raided six residences connected to him. They seized 35 bags of cash in 26 currencies, and it took 22 officers three days to determine their full value  about $30 million. There were bags of gold (25), Hermes handbags (272) and watches (423). Everything is being stored in Kuala Lumpur at the Malaysian central bank.

The numbers were just too huge for us to do the accounting on the premises, said Amar Singh, who led the asset seizures for the Royal Malaysian Police. Najib has denied wrongdoing, and Farhan Shafee, a member of his legal team, said, As far as we can see and as far as the documents provided show, the assets that were seized have nothing to do with the charges that have been brought.

As for Tol, the piano maker, he said he felt terrible if he had unwittingly accepted money destined for the normal people of Malaysia. I dont like it, he said. It is not my way of life.

Vickey Barron, a real estate broker who sold a $51 million penthouse in New York Citys Chelsea neighborhood to another man later implicated in the 1MDB case, Khadem al-Qubaisi, recalled the transaction as a blur. (Al-Qubaisi has been jailed in Abu Dhabi since 2016, making it difficult to defend himself, his lawyer said.)

An entourage of about half a dozen people had zipped through a tour of the apartment, and within a day, a representative called to say they would take it. She called it one of the strangest deals shed ever done. I take longer to buy a pair of sneakers, she said, than he took to buy the apartment.
Upholding Indias charges of money-laundering and conspiracy to defraud against businessman Vijay Mallya, the Westminster magistrates court on Monday ordered his extradition in a ruling that marks the start what the judge said may be the start of a long process.

Mallya, who is wanted in India to face charges of financial irregularities running into thousands of crores, is likely to appeal against the judgement within the stipulated 14 days. He also has the option of approaching the Supreme Court, a process that could take months, if not more. He was also told he would continue to remain on bail.

After reading a summary of the 74-page judgement that detailed the various transactions between banks that extended loans and Mallya and his companies, chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot told Mallya that this may well be the start of a long process. I am sure your lawyer will advise you.

Click here for Live updates on Vijay Mallyas extradition order.

Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot highlighted failings of IDBI: (There) is no doubt as can be seen from the chronology set out above that there has been a catalogue of failures of the bank at different levels. The failings were before the loans were sanctioned and afterwards.

It is either a case that the various continuing failures were by design and with a motive (possibly financial) which is not clear from the evidence that has been put in front of me, or it is a case of a bank who were in the thrall of this glamorous, flashy, famous, bejewelled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy who charmed and cajoled these bankers into losing their common sense and persuading them to put their own rules and regulations to one side.

The judge dismissed the four grounds on which Mallya had opposed the extradition: lack of a prima facie case, risk to human rights in Indian jails, abuse of process and extraneous considerations. The case was previously described by her as a jigsaw puzzle, while Mark Summers, lawyer representing India, accused him of three chapters of dishonesty in previous hearings: misrepresentations made to banks to secure loans, what was done with the loans secured, and what Mallya and his companies did when banks recalled the loans.

Read: Please take it: Vijay Mallya tweets offer to pay 100% back to banks, govt

I find a prima facie case of a conspiracy to defraud which involves not just the KFA (Kingfisher Airlines) executives but also the named bankers in IDBIThere is clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds and I find a prima facie case the Dr Mallya was involved in a conspiracy to launder money, the judgement says.

Conditions in the barrack number 12 of the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai were also satisfactory, Arbuthnot ruled, adding that having accepted sovereign assurances from the home ministry, she found there are no grounds at all to believe that Mallya would face risk to his human rights there.

On Mallyas claim that the extradition request by India was politically motivated, she ruled: I find that because both Congress and the BJP are blaming him and others for the state banks losses that does not mean that he is being prosecuted for his political opinions, even in the wide sense of the word.

The judge also dismissed the criticism made of the possible effect of the considerable media attention if he were tried in Indian courts. There is insufficient evidence to find that he will not be tried by a competent and fair court, she ruled.

Any suggestion that CBI courts are too pliable when it comes to CBI cases is not borne out by reliable evidenceI accept the GOIs contention that because Dr Mallya has such a high profile that his trial will be under great scrutiny. I find that Dr Mallya will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity.

I accept the criticisms that there has been much political commentary made about his prosecution and the lending that was sanctioned by the banks, nevertheless it will not be a trial by politicians. Courts are used to dealing with high profile cases which are accompanied by often ill-advised political commentary.

I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do. As I have already said, the court will be under great scrutiny. I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt.

On Mallyas health issues and implications of his potential stay in jail, Arbuthnot said: I would expect that were the Indian court able to allow Dr Mallya a bed and home cooked food it would enable him to face the trials ahead in a more healthy state than otherwise.

Certainly, his doctors will need to watch what he eats to help manage his diabetes and coronary artery disease. A spell in custody is likely to help him cut down on alcohol. A regular exercise routine will need to be worked out by his doctors to keep him healthy.

Outside the court, Mallya reiterated his claim that he is willing settle 100% with the banks, and questioned why his settlement offer made before the Karnataka high court is not being accepted by the government.
Sri Lankas current political crisis is a result of a clash between external and local values, defiant President Maithripala Sirisena has said as he accused foreign forces of intimidating him.

The island nation has been in a political crisis since October 26 when Sirisena removed Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed ex-strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place.

Sirisena later dissolved Parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisenas decision to dissolve Parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls. Sri Lankas Supreme Court on Friday reserved its verdict on a bunch of petitions against Sirisenas controversial decisions.

When I acted according to the principles of nationalism without giving in to foreign forces and without being intimidated by their threats, foreign forces have become a challenge. The shadows of the old imperialism stand in our way, Sirisena said, without naming any country. The current crisis is the result of the concern by the world powers over the affairs of our country due to Sri Lankas geographical importance or its location in the world map,Sirisena was quoted by Daily Mirror as saying at a gathering in his home base Polonnaruwa on Sunday.

This is an issue between those who believe in foreign thinking and those who respect local values, Sirisena said.

Sirisena said that he would accept whatever the Supreme Courts ruling on the petitions filed against the gazette notification issued by him to dissolve Parliament. I look forward to the constitutional interpretation of the Supreme Court. Whatever it may be, I will take future political decisions accordingly, to the best interest of our motherland, not to the benefit of any person, group or party, the president tweeted earlier on Sunday.

His remarks were apparently aimed at the United National Party, with whom Sirisena was running the national unity government since 2015.

The partnership ended on October 26 when Sirisena fired Wickremesinghe, who is the leader of UNP, triggering a never-before-seen political stand-off in the island nation.

Since firing Wickremesinghe, Sirisena has highlighted the shortcomings of Wickremesinghe in a bid to justify his sacking and dissuade his reinstatement.

The president has already said he has no intention of making Wickremesinghe Prime Minister again no matter what the outcome of the case is. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member Parliament.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has officially conveyed that the House does not recognise Rajapaksa as the legal prime minister until he proved his majority in the House.

The United National Front (UNF) coalition led by Wickeremesinghe has moved three motions of no trust against Rajapaksa. However, he refused to step down. Prior to the crisis, Wickramasinghes party 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.

Sirisena has said due to sharp personal differences with Wickremesinghe, he would not reappoint him as the prime minister.

However, the UNP claims that Sirisena will be left with no other choice as Wickremesinghe would be the man who will command the confidence in the House. Violent scenes were witnessed in Parliament last month as it went on to approve motions which proved that Rajapaksa lacked majority.
Appointment

10 December 2018

Hotel Alessandra has announced that Gonzague Sallo has been named Hotel Alessandra's new Assistant Director of Outlets - overseeing Lucienne restaurant, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant serving Continental European Cuisine alongside Bardot Lounge, Alessandra's hand-crafted cocktail bar. Sallo comes to the hotel with over 10 years in the hospitality business. Before joining the Alessandra team, Sallo was the General Manager at Bar Victor and Villa Saint Tropez in Houston. Prior to those roles, he served as the Managing Director at Flo Paris Bakery & Cafe, also in Houston.

Originally from France, Sallo has a Bachelor's degree in Business Technology and a Masters in Law. He spent six years with Residhome in France opening and overseeing operations for three four-star hotels. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer for Le Moulin des Roches in France, where he created and executed marketing strategies, brand planning, and business development initiatives.
Appointment

10 December 2018

Provenance Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Bogucki as the Director of Revenue at the Dossier hotel in Portland, Oregon.

Originally from Colorado, Scott Bogucki joined Dossier as the Director of Revenue in late-October, focused on revenue strategy development. A University of Colorado at Denver graduate with a degree in Business Economics, Bogucki has a long track record of excellence in revenue management from well-known brands including Hilton, Omni and Four Seasons.
External Article

10 December 2018

An appeals court has sided with the City of Miami over Airbnb, giving the city the go-ahead to punish hundreds of Airbnb hosts accused of illegally renting their homes on the site.

But both sides see Wednesday's decision as more of a cease-fire in the battle over short-term rentals in Miami. With a new mayor in charge since the last spat and direction from the appeals court about which hosts may qualify as legal, the city is likely to hold off on handing out fines just yet.
Supplier News

10 December 2018

SAN FRANCISCO AND NEW YORK -- Are your hotel employees disengaged? If so, Beekeeper and ALICE are inviting hoteliers to attend a Webinar on Wednesday, December 12th at 1:00 p.m. EST, that will address one of the biggest problems in hospitality today: Employee Engagement.

With 43% percent of Millennials envisioning leaving their jobs within two years and only 28 percent seeking to stay beyond five years . . . and 61 percent of Gen Z having even less loyalty, saying they would leave within two years if given the choice (Deloitte) . . . hoteliers are finding themselves desperate to implement innovative ways to reach and retain their workforce. Employee Engagement: The Heart of Hospitality Innovation for the Next 10 Years is a 30-minute online informational session designed to answer hoteliers' most pressing questions, including: What can I do to make team-member jobs easier and more fulfilling?

"Employees are the heart of the hospitality business, and employee engagement is crucial for it to thrive," said webinar Co-Presenter Connie Rheams, global head of hospitality for Beekeeper, an award-winning digital workplace app that engages employees by connecting a hotel's operational systems and communication channels within one secure, intuitive platform. "By digitally removing any and all communication barriers, hotel staff can provide an exceptional guest experience.

"As a company dedicated to helping deskless hotel workers better communicate with departments, management and each other, Beekeeper is co-hosting this event with ALICE to reveal to hoteliers how they can cultivate an undeniably empathetic employee experience using technology," she said. "The current state-of-the-industry as it relates to employee retention is dismal. I will share relevant data regarding employee turnover and discuss how today's fragmented and ineffective communication processes can be quickly, securely and radically enhanced with Beekeeper."

Through this webinar, participants will learn:

The state of hotel employee turnover and disengagement

How to cure poor communication across shifts and locations in a 24/7 business environment

Ways to improve task management and daily operations

The importance of a simple user experience when it comes to employee technology

"While hoteliers recognize the value of task management tools for service delivery and preventive maintenance, they often overlook the employee-engagement benefits of the technology," said Co-Presenter Alex Shashou, president of ALICE, a hotel operations platform that manages staff work and guest communications across departments. "Hotels by nature are filled with mundane, repetitive, impersonal tasks, yet the people who choose to work in the hospitality business do so because they like to interact with others. A hotel employee who considers himself or herself to be a 'people person' may feel uncomfortable or unfulfilled working in a fine-margined business environment focused on speed and efficiency. When this happens, the employee may feel checked out or leaves, and guest service suffers.

"During this webinar, I will discuss how operational communications and task-management technologies can work together to relieve the mental clutter of everyday tasks, enabling employees to be more present with their teams and guests," he said. "We hope you will join us."

To register for "Employee Engagement: The Heart of Hospitality Innovation for the Next 10 Years," click here .

About Beekeeper

Beekeeper is a digital workplace app where operational systems and communication channels live within one secure, intuitive platform. Beekeeper connects desk and non-desk employees across locations and departments in real time via mobile or desktop and includes an intelligent dashboard to help companies improve internal communication and streamline business processes.

The company is based in Zurich and San Francisco and supports users in more than 137 countries. For more information, visit www.beekeeper.io

About ALICE

ALICE has created the first complete communication, cost savings and revenue generation operations platform for hotels, which enhances the guest experience and connects all points within the hotel to simplify guest service - and make it more cost-effective.

Since the company was founded in 2013, ALICE has gained serious traction in the industry, working many of the world's leading hotel brands. For more information, visit aliceplatform.com.

ALICE Media Contact:

Lola Feiger

[email protected]

212-579-2861
According to preliminary November data from STR, hotels in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reported occupancy decreased 4.3% to 43.9%, ADR dropped 10.1% to 624.69 Saudi Arabian riyals ($166.58) and RevPAR fell 14% to 274.35 riyals ($73.16).

STRs preliminary November 2018 data for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, indicates negative performance comparisons affected by continued supply growth.

Based on daily data from November, Jeddah reported the following in year-over-year comparisons:

Supply: +8.1%

Demand: +3.4%

Occupancy: -4.3% to 43.9%

Average daily rate (ADR): -10.1% to SAR624.69

Revenue per available room (RevPAR): -14.0% to SAR274.35

Strong supply continues to affect performance levels in the market. Additionally, STR analysts note that the winter months are typically slower for Jeddah hotels as King Salmans entourage and government officials head back to Riyadh.

STR will release full November results later this month.

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.

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At present, hotels do not make profits only from renting rooms to their customers. They provide various services to make their hotel guests stay as comfortable as it is possible and make money at the same time. Luckily, these days the hotels have another possibility to improve their services. They may up-selling tickets to popular neighbourhood museums or events and gets the benefit.

At present, hotels do not make profits only from renting rooms to their customers. They provide various services to make their hotel guests stay as comfortable as it is possible and make money at the same time.

Luckily, these days the hotels have another possibility to improve their services. They may up-selling tickets to popular neighbourhood museums or events and gets the benefit.

Some excellent examples

There are two hotel websites that prove hi-tech solutions are worth seeing closer and applying at every hotel website. Both owners of those hotel websites started collaboration with professional Tour and Activities services providers. It is worth to learn more about their offer and how to use it at every hotel website.

The first hotel website where the innovative solution has been used is Leonardo Hotels (https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/). This popular hotel chain consists of more than 120 hotels located in 50 destinations. The hotel management started cooperation with GetYourGuide  one of the biggest online booking website in 2017. The platform provides the necessary information on interesting tours and tourist attractions at the hotel guests' fingertips. Moreover, the holidaymakers may also book the entrance tickets to museums or various events. In this way, the hotel provides advanced services that are appreciated by busy tourists who sometimes do not have enough time to think about.

The second hotel website belongs to Accor Hotels (https://www.accorhotels.com). The well-known hotel chain has a rich offer of luxurious accommodation in popular destination worldwide. Accor Hotels have also started cooperation with GetYourGuide and it supports the guide section at their websites. The tourists may choose their perfect way of spending free time in given destination, find out more about the place, create the itinerary, book the rooms and tickets for interesting events as well as entrance tickets to museums.

Both hotel websites are popular among holidaymakers who expect something more than a bed in their hotel room. When they use online guidebook and create the plan of their stay, they are sure that they will not waste their time in given destination and the entrance tickets will wait for the them at the reception desk. The ticket up-selling is also an additional way of making profits for the hotel. They may earn up to 5% per transaction. What is more, it is worth to underline that both hotels encourage the website visitors to place the order directly at the website, instead of choosing OTA services. In this way, the hotel owners do not have to pay commission to the OTA services operators, such as booking.com.

A similar solution for your hotel

If you also want to improve the hotel guests' experience, you should make a use of professional solutions, such as Our.Guide hotel website widget. The widget is available for free and it provides the list of the tourist attractions located in hotel's nearby. Each of the sight is described detailed and includes relevant information on the given tourist attraction, such as opening hours, ticket prices, detailed address, pictures and a map. What is more, the holidaymakers who are interested in the particular spot may buy the tickets for museums and different local attractions, including tickets for theatre performances, concerts and various festivals. As an outcome, the hotel guests make sure that the tickets will be delivered to the hotel directly and the hotel makes 5% profit per each transaction. It may seem to be a little but if 100 hotel guests purchase tickets, the margin can be significant.

The main benefits

First of all, it is worth to highlight that Our.Guide hotel website widget is absolutely for free and every hotel owner may install it at his/her hotel website.

Secondly, Our.Guide company provides the full support when it comes to getting to know the software and finding out about its greatest advantages. The online support will also solve every problems and explain how to improve the cooperation between the hotel concierge and the Our.Guide users.

Thirdly, it is worth to emphasize that Our.Guide widget is integrated with several well-known partners, such as GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Viator. As an outcome, the widget is able to offer the best solutions for the hotel guests to meet their needs.

These days, the expression 'staying in a hotel' has changed its meaning completely. The hotel guests become more and more demanding and they desire to have services at their fingertips. It is nothing unusual about it because those people want to take care about their free time and they want to spend every minute in an active way discovering undiscovered spots in a given place. As an outcome, the hotel managers have to do everything in their power to make it true and using Our.Guide widget may be useful for hotel guests as well as the hotel concierge.

About Our.guide:

Our.guide is established in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The main purpose of the company is to provide high quality SaaS software  Our.Guide provides detailed information about the local tourist attractions and events. The company understands the clients fears that is why, you may test it without any consequences or charges for 14 days.

Headquarter:

John Paul II 61/211 St.

01-031 Warsaw, Poland

email address: contact@our.guide

phone number +48737 432 090

www.our.guide

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Conference to take place at AMResorts Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and Secrets St. James Montego Bay

Jamaica has been selected to host the next Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and Operations Summit (CHICOS) on November 1415, 2019. Co-sponsors Apple Leisure Group (ALG) and AMResorts will provide the conference venue, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and Secrets St. James Montego Bay. The event is expected to attract 300 attendees interested in hospitality development in the Caribbean.

CHICOS is the premier industry conference for the region. The event brings together governmental representatives, opinion leaders, developers, bankers and other lenders, tourism officials, investment funds, hotel brand executives, individuals/companies seeking investors for their tourism projects, and public and private institutions to discuss hospitality development possibilities.



We are pleased to bring this important conference to the island nation of Jamaica, shares CHICOS Chairman Parris Jordan. Jamaica will benefit from serving as host nation, as numerous hotel industry leaders and investors will be in attendance. Additionally, CHICOS will work with the government to showcase Jamaicas development sites for hotel projects.



The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) is the planning partner for the event and will showcase Jamaica as a viable tourism investment destination, advancing strong potential investment interest from targeted companies, and increasing awareness of various tourism investment opportunities, particularly those under the Shovel Ready Investment Programme (SRIP). In addition, JAMPRO will showcase local properties that are available for joint venture or greenfield projects.



ALG is North Americas only vertically integrated hospitality group, and the nations largest provider of charter flights that offers resort owners and tour operators competitive advantages. Through its hospitality brands, ALG has been actively involved in Jamaicas tourism sector for nearly five decades, bringing 163,000 guests to the island in 2017; that number will double in 2019 thanks to the addition of new brands to its Vacations segment. In 2008, through AMResorts, the company opened the AAA Four-Diamond properties, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay and Secrets St. James Montego Bay. Today, AMResorts has six luxury resorts across its award-winning brands in Montego Bay, which employ nearly 2,000 personnel.



Jamaica has been an integral part of our growth strategy for years, and it remains a strong investment opportunity for resort development with its abundance of natural beauty and welcoming culture, said Javier Coll, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Apple Leisure Group. We are committed to supporting the countrys economic growth and anticipate our resorts to offer the perfect location to foster fruitful discussions on the future of Jamaica and the Caribbeans tourism industry.



Positioning Jamaica as a leader in the tourism industry: Tourism remains one of Jamaicas key sectors, and investments have increased with the addition of approximately 3,000 rooms in 2016 and 2017. An additional 6,000 rooms are scheduled to be built over the next three to five years.



Currently, the thrust toward new investments in Jamaicas hotel industry includes targeting the development of luxury properties, timeshares and attractions. Per JAMPRO President Diane Edwards, We are pleased to welcome such a prestigious event to Jamaica, as it will serve to further increase Jamaicas profile and visibility as a premier tourist destination and position the country as the most attractive destination for tourism investments in the region.



JAMPROs mission is to drive economic development through growth in investment and export. JAMPRO is an Agency of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries.

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Cyntoia Brown's story is one that you cannot help but think about long after hearing it. At a tender age, Brown became a sex trafficking victim. A teenage runaway, Brown lived in a hotel with a man called "Cut" a man that Brown revealed sexually assaulted her and forced her into a life of prostitution. In 2004, Brown was picked up from the side of a road by a 43-year-old man named Johnny Mitchell Allen who proceeded to take her to his home with the intent of having sexual intercourse with her. While at Allen's home, Brown said that she feared for her life, and proceeded to fatally shoot Allen. Brown was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder. She was only 16.

Brown, who is 30 years old today, is appealing her case in the US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit using the 2012 Miller v. Alabama ruling as the basis of her argument. Miller v. Alabama deemed mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for juveniles unconstitutional. The US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee ruled against Brown's appeal on the grounds that she had received a life sentence as a juvenile, not a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The Court of Appeals then reached out to the Tennessee Supreme Court to determine when a person sentenced to life in the state can become eligible for parole upon finding state sentencing laws unclear.

In a recently announced unanimous decision, the Supreme Court declared that life sentences for first-degree murders must be 60 years, and stated that sentences could only be shortened by up to 15% through good behavior. For Brown, this means a minimum of 51 years in prison, making her eligible for parole at age 69.

The Supreme court has shared their decision with the federal appeals court, which is still processing the case.

[via]
Although the process of mourning is a personal one, as everyone experience grief differently, Diddy has made his a public entity. Last time he checked in with his following, the music mogul seemed ready to tackle the responsibilities of a single parent. According to the most recent update, Diddy appears to have found this whole process to be taxing, considering the emotions involved in this new chapter of his life.

Diddy uploaded a text post to Instagram that read, "you're about to be happier than you've ever been." This sentiment isn't surprising considering the producer's most welcome habit of inspirational content on social media. The caption he attached to the post, however, bore his vulnerable side to the public. It gives a glimpse into the magnitude of pain experience in the death of a loved one. He asks for his fans' continued support and acknowledges his belief in the healing powers of prayer.

Me talking to myself. THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD!!!!! HELP ME. HELP ME. GOD PLS HELP ME!!!! PLEASE PRAY FOR ME CAUSE MONEY CANT STOP THE PAIN. IF I DIDNT NEED THE PRAYERS I WOULDNT ASK. Prayer works. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. WE all WE GOT!...
The news of Cardi B and Offset's recent breakup shot Cuban Doll's name to the top of the notoriety list. Allegedly, Offset tried to wrangle Cuban Doll into a threesome with Summer Bunni, which was the last straw for Cardi. Although Doll has denied any association with Offset, her name has been tied into the drama none the less. This isn't the first circumstance of Cuban getting entwined in relationship drama this year either. Earlier in the year, her then-boyfriend Tadoe and Tekashi 6ix9ine sparked a beef over the luscious rapper. With her name being attached to two high profile fallouts in 2018, several hip-hop fans are asking themselves... who IS Cuban Doll? Here's a crash course on hip-hop new femme fatale.

Cuban Doll's Real Name Is Unclear

Cuban Doll's government name isn't confirmed. She dropped a project called Aaliyah Keef in 2017, and several outlets, as well as fans, have made the assumption that, that is her government name. In an interview with Billboard, Cuban Doll names her favorite Aaliyah and Chief Keef songs. "Aaliyah, 'Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," she began. "I don't know if the song describes me to a T, but I love that song, or 'One in a Million.' For Chief Keef, I'd say 'Finito.'"

In another interview with the FADER, she addresses the name speculation, without providing any solid information. She simply says, "Ever since that mixtape [Aaliyah Keef] people been calling me that, thinking it's my real name."

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bekue8bhK5_



Upbringing In Dallas, Texas

In the same FADER interview, although Cuban does not properly clarify her government name, she does provide some insight as to how she was brought up. She reveals that her mom went to jail when she was only 15-years old, which meant that she was left with quite a load of responsibility. She had no communication with her mom while she was in prison, and it split up the family in a way too-- her younger brother moving to one area of town to stay with their grandmother, her older brother stayed on his own, while Cuban stayed with a friend. Even with this tumultous upbringing, she says it's made her a stronger person.

Cuban Doll Started As A Social Media Personality

Dating back to 2012, Cuban Doll took Instagram and Twitter by storm. She posted her modeling pictures and chronicled her lifestyle, amassing over a million followers in the process. Her bodacious Instagram pics are still on full display, but she's transitioned to a life of rap since then.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeFp7Exh3TH



Cuban Doll Started Rapping In 2017

Doll stuck to the social media grind until she decided to become a rapper. In the same Billboard interview, she noted that last Fall was the first time she chose to make music after hanging in the studio with rappers. "It was like last year in October," she explained. "I had actually wrote a song in my phone and I was like, 'I'm gonna record it.' I was hella shy."

Cuban Doll Dropped Her Self-Titled Debut Last Year

After finding a niche in the rap game, Cuban dropped off her self-titled mixtape late in 2017. She recorded much of the project in her hometown of Dallas, Texas. The mixtape featured guest appearances from Molly Brazy and The Step Sisters.

Brandon Williams/Getty Images for BET

She Dated Tadoe & Was At The Center Of His Beef With Tekashi 6ix9ine

When Chief Keef's cousin Tadoe saw his then-girlfriend Cuban Doll chilling with Tekashi 6ix9ine on social media, he attempted to end their friendship. He went on the now-viral rant where he threatened to kill Tekashi if he didn't lose Cuban Doll's number.

Tadoe Allegedly Abused Cuban Doll For Associating With Tekashi

Cuban Doll spoke out about her abuse at the hands of Tadoe earlier this year. "I've been scared to speak out on this situation but I refuse to continue to hurt in silence," she explained after displaying the marks her man left on her. Speculation and timing has lead to the assumption that Tekashi's refusal to stop talking to Doll is what caused Tadoe to lash out. "This isn't the first or second or third time that this has happened to me. It has been happening for a while and I never spoke about it publicly because I never want people to think that I'm weak."

Cuban Doll & Tekashi 6ix9ine's Baby's Momma Are Beefing

Before the Cardi B and Offset were immersed in cheating scandals, Cuban Doll was beefing with another rapper's lover. Tekashi's baby's momma and Cuban Doll have been firing shots at each other online for months.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp2mlJvgKql



Leaked Text Messages From A Friend Of Cuban Doll Caused The Cardi B/Offset Split

Offset and his infidelity was rumored to be an issue for Cardi for quite some time. Fans thought "Be Careful" was a direct jab at Offset, but talks of the two calling it quits died down after their baby daughter, Kulture, was born. Cuban Doll's former best friend @mmmforeign, who has since been identified as Summer Bunni, leaked screenshots of Offset asking for a threesome with Cuban Doll and herself. The explosive texts are allegedly what set Cardi B off. Cuban Doll has been adamant that there is no truth in the alleged texts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-fpdpAeOJ


WASHINGTON - Julia Botero was happy to catch on, and determined to stay on, at NPR. After completing an internship at the public broadcasting organization in D.C. in 2013, she began a year-long stint as a temporary employee, moving between producing jobs at NPR's signature news programs, "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition."

Botero quickly realized what she was up against. As a "temp," she floated among unfamiliar co-workers and faced an ever-changing set of responsibilities, some of which she'd never been trained for. Her work contracts were sometimes as brief as two weeks, at the end of which she'd have to persuade a manager to extend her.

Worse was the sense of constant competition among her fellow temps, many of whom were angling to be hired for a limited number of permanent positions. "The only person I felt I could trust," she said, "was the person I was dating, who was in the same position I was." After a year of such uncertainty, she left, taking a job as a reporter for a group of public radio stations in New York state.

What's surprising about Botero's experience is how unsurprising it is at NPR.

For decades, the public broadcaster has relied on a cadre of temporary journalists to produce its hourly newscasts and popular news programs. Without temporary workers - who are subject to termination without cause - NPR would probably be unable to be NPR. Temps do almost every important job in NPR's newsroom: they pitch ideas, assign stories, edit them, report and produce them. Temps not only book the guests heard in interviews, they often write the questions the hosts ask the guests.

And there are a lot of them. According to union representatives,between 20 and 22 percent of NPR's 483 union-covered newsroom workforce - or one in five people - are temps. The number varies week to week, as temps come and go.

NPR's management cites a somewhat lower figure, 16 percent, although its count reflects managers and interns and other employees in departments that aren't represented by the union. NPR says the overall ratio of temporary workers to permanent employees has remained more or less stable for several years.

Resentment among temps about their status has boiled beneath the surface at NPR for years, but the tensions have begun to bubble up over the past several months. Some temporary employees raised complaints in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal involving Michael Oreskes, the former head of NPR's newsroom. Oreskes was accused by several women, including a then-temporary employee, of misconduct. Oreskes was forced to resign by NPR last year; several women said his behavior highlighted the vulnerability of temporary employees, who fear they could be blackballed for complaining or resisting an overly aggressive manager.

The outrage over Oreskes coalesced into a broader employee inquiry into the status of temps at NPR. Following a series of "listening sessions" conducted among 40 current and former temporary journalists, NPR employees produced a report in May detailing a number of grievances and allegedly abusive practices.

Among them: Temps were often left in the dark about how long their assignments would last, how much they'd be paid, who they were reporting to, or what their title is. They also said they received little feedback from supervisors after completing an assignment, and were "routinely" overlooked in NPR's recruiting efforts.

Several temps interviewed for this story use the same word to describe NPR's temp system: "Exploitative."

By any measure, NPR is unusual among broadcast media organizations in the size of its temporary workforce.

About 5 percent of the staff at a typical TV station was employed on a part-time or temporary basis, according to a survey conducted last year by the Radio Television Digital News Association. Radio stations, which usually have much smaller staffs than TV stations, reported an average of just one part-timer or temp in the survey. The number of temporary workers among stations has declined steadily over the past 10 years as the recession has eased, said Robert Papper, who conducted the survey.

Other kinds of news organizations employ few temps. The only journalists officially designated as temporary in The Washington Post's newsroom are six "extended interns," who are employed with the expectation that they will someday fill a permanent job when an appropriate one opens, Managing Editor Tracy Grant said.

NPR hires temps to address "a range of needs," said Loren Mayor, president of operations. She said temporary workers fill in for permanent staffers when the latter go on vacation, take sick leave or parental leave, or when news events warrant.

"As a media company that strives to be innovative and nimble, we need talented people who can come in on a short-term basis to help us experiment with a new idea or pilot a new program," Mayor said. "As a breaking news organization, we need additional reporters and editors to staff up for targeted news events like elections."

In a lengthy response via email, Mayor made no mention of any financial advantage in employing temps. But the potential seems obvious: Temporary employees are only paid when they work, and only work when managers decide. This gives NPR, a nonprofit organization, flexibility in managing its payroll and broad discretion over work assignments.

In a follow-up interview, a spokeswoman, Isabel Lara, said costs aren't a factor in NPR's employment of temporary journalists.

NPR's temps are guaranteed minimum wages under a contract with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the labor union that represents most employees. The pay scale starts at around $21.63 an hour, or about $45,000 per year based on 52 weeks of full-time work. Temporary employees also qualify for health insurance and other benefits if they work more than 30 hours per week in a two-week pay period.

But not much else is assured for this group.

In interviews, eight current and former temps described their employment at NPR as a stressful, precarious experience. Most spoke on the condition of anonymity to not jeopardize current or future assignments.

Like Botero, several said they didn't feel prepared for some of the assignments they were given. They also described a sense of vulnerability and insecurity, given that NPR maintains a large pools of temps who can easily replace them.

"I felt like I could never make a mistake because, if I did, they'd just hire someone else," said a former employee, who temped for two years before moving on. "I felt like I couldn't take Christmas off, I can't go to my high school reunion. Because if I do, I'll be out of the loop."

For temps who don't land a longer work assignment, NPR's system all but guarantees financial uncertainty, several said. A week's employment, for example, might be followed by a longer, uncompensated layoff followed by another call to return. A long stretch between assignments not only plays havoc with a temp employee's income, it also threatens to leave them with gaps in their insurance coverage.

"There were many weeks when I wasn't sure if I was coming back," said Becky Sullivan, who temped for 2 1/2 years before becoming a permanent producer on "All Things Considered." Sullivan, who is a union shop steward, says, "It's an experience I hope I never have to repeat."

Under the SAG-AFTRA contract, management can terminate a temporary employee without cause, whenever necessary, and without explanation.

What's more, NPR is under no obligation to offer a temp a permanent job, even after years of employment. Some employees have been temps for so long they're known as "permatemps."

One former temp said she spent three years in various jobs at "Morning Edition," "All Things Considered" and its weekend version before giving up hope of landing a permanent position. Her responsibilities ran the gamut: editing, research, pitching story ideas, writing segment introductions, mixing recordings, doing interviews.

She applied for jobs when they came open, but never got hired permanently. "At that point, I was really frustrated," she said. "You ask yourself, Why am I still doing this and no one will hire me?"

She left, and eventually landed a job as a producer at a podcasting company.

Another temp described her frustrations to union organizers earlier this year this way: "You feel like you have the boyfriend who's never going to put a ring on it."

According to Sullivan, Mayor never responded directly to the group of temps that made the recommendations in the wake of Oreskes's forced resignation. But Mayor said NPR has begun to implement a series of reforms to improve the lot of temps.

The most significant change: NPR in April converted 26 positions that had been filled by temporary employees into permanent jobs (the union said all of the positions were held by temps who'd be on the job for more than a year). Mayor said more temp jobs will be made permanent in the future, although she offered no commitment to a number or timetable.

NPR's union representatives remain guarded, however. They note that during bruising negotiations over a new three-year contract last year, NPR's management proposed eliminating all benefits for temps (except those required by law), including health insurance and holiday pay. Those proposals were withdrawn amid broad staff opposition.

Mayor says NPR's goal is "not to eliminate the use of temps, but to make sure we are employing temps for the right reasons."

She added, "We are aware that it can be challenging for people to deal with the insecurity temporary employment brings and we want to work with our union to find ways to address this."
Fifteen months after Texas enacted a law to bring transparency to the states for-profit free-standing emergency rooms, many of the facilities continue to send mixed messages about insurance coverage that could expose unsuspecting patients to enormous surprise medical bills.

A Houston Chronicle review of websites representing the 52 free-standing emergency rooms in the Houston area shows a pattern in which many of the facilities prominently advertise that they accept all major private insurance. Some even list the insurers names and logos.

But often tucked under pull-down tabs or at the bottom of the page is a notice that the facilities are outside the networks of those insurers, followed by a reassurance that under the Texas insurance code, network status does not matter in emergency treatment, implying patients neednt worry about coverage.

What the websites fail to disclose is that out-of-network status can result in insurance reimbursements far below the charges, leaving patients on the hook for the remainder of the bill  sometimes thousands of dollars.

The word accept means something very different to them than to the consumer, and they know that when they write their websites, said Stacey Pogue, senior health policy analyst at the Austin-based Center for Public Policy Priorities. They do not tell the rest of the story.

On HoustonChronicle.com: A shift in coverage has even the insured skipping medical care

For example, many of the Houston-area facilities advertise that they accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, the states largest insurer. But the Chronicles review found that only five  about 10 percent  are in that insurers network.

Those findings are consistent with a statewide report by AARP Texas, to be released Monday at a state Senate committee hearing, that found 77 percent of the states 215 free-standing emergency rooms said they take or accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance, but were out-of-network.

Free-standing emergency rooms defend their websites, describing concerns raised by advocacy groups and Texas lawmakers as manufactured outrage.

I dont see a problem with saying they accept, said Dr. Carrie de Moor, CEO of Code 3 Emergency Partners, a Frisco-based network of free-standing emergency rooms, urgent care clinics and a telemedicine program. She insisted that patients understand that accepting someones insurance is different from being in that companys network.

It may seem like a hair-splitting distinction, but it can carry high costs, health policy experts said.

Free-standing websites are technically correct when they cite state insurance code requiring insurers to cover emergencies regardless of network status, said Jamie Dudensing, CEO of the Texas Association of Health Plans, the states insurance trade group. That provision is in place to make sure a patient experiencing a life-threatening emergency does not have to worry about finding an in-network doctor or facility.

RELATED: AARP alleges misleading practices at free-standing ERs

But she cautions that covering emergency treatment is not always the same as footing the entire bill. A facility outside an insurance network is not bound by the negotiated reimbursement rates and has no limit on how much it can bill.

Further, under a practice know as balanced billing, out-of-network providers can charge some patients for the portion of a bill not paid by insurers. In-network providers are prohibited from balanced billing.

They are twisting the language to make it seem like patients are always protected, Dudensing said of the websites. They are not.

Stream of complaints

The for-profit, free-standing emergency room got its start in Houston nearly a decade ago and ballooned into a health care phenomenon. The idea was to offer patients easy access to a fully equipped emergency room in their neighborhood and avoid lengthy waits at hospitals. Visits to free-standing emergency rooms now account for more than a quarter of all emergency visits in Texas, according to a report by the insurer UnitedHealthCare.

Patients have complained for years about exorbitant bills from the facilities after believing they were in-network and treatment would be paid by insurance. Sometimes, they were confused because the facilities, typically located in retail centers, look like the nearby  and often in-network  urgent care centers. Often, they found out too late that the cost difference can be staggering.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Patients squeezed in feud between doctors, insurers

Consider a case of strep throat. A UnitedHealthCare analysis of claims found that in Texas the average cost billed at a free-standing emergency room was $2,732, or 21 times higher than the $128 average cost at a physicians office. At an urgent care clinic, the average cost was $159, the analysis found.

The free-standing emergency room cost was even higher than a traditional hospital emergency room, which would have charged on average $1,784, the insurance analysis said.

The free-standing industry defends its fees and billing practices because the facilities must be staffed with physicians around-the-clock, see all patients and offer the same level of treatment and testing as a hospital emergency room. Sometimes patients may not know all that goes into their treatment, particularly when it involves expensive tests to rule out a more serious ailment, the industry says.

The volume of consumer outrage led state Rep. Tom Oliverson, a Harris County Republican and anesthesiologist, last year to introduce House Bill 3276, which required free standing-emergency room websites to properly identify the facility, disclose network status, and include a warning that physicians providing care may bill separately from the facility.

The legislation passed easily and went into effect Sept. 1, 2017.

Nearly a year later, though, murkiness remains.

Take, for instance, the prominent graphic on the website for Clear Creek Emergency and Urgent Care that touts No Wait No Worries. All private insurance accepted.

But only after opening a pull-down tab for patient resources does this statement appear: For most insurance providers, we are considered out-of-network. However, we honor all in-network deductibles and benefits. The website then adds: If your health insurance company attempts to treat your classified medical emergency as out-of-network, you can consider it a violation of the law and take action by contacting your billing company or your insurance agent.

Reading all of that together, said Pogue, the health analyst for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, there is no way for a consumer to make heads or tails of it.

The company did not respond to requests for comment.

Network, schmetwork

Other websites seem to downplay the importance of network status altogether.

Elite Care Emergency Center in League Center, for example, offers this message: Some of our hospital-based competitors make much of the fact they are contracted and thus in-network with most of the major health insurance plans. When you see this marketing message, you can assume that it really means that they do not have much else good to say about themselves.

Chad Bush, managing director for Elite Care, acknowledged in an emailed statement: We do not give a lot of credibility to in-network status as it specifically relates to emergency care because of protections in place. Still, he said the websites bold language may need to be reviewed.

Another unaddressed issue occurs when a patients out-of-network emergency room visit is later determined not to be a true emergency. In August, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas launched a controversial measure to add heightened scrutiny to out-of-network emergency claims in its health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. The company has said that if an after-the-fact review determines that the patient should have sought treatment at a less-expensive option, the insurer may not pay the claim.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas allows Blue Cross Blue Shield to deny some ER payments

Free-standing emergency officials say insurers are tricking patients, not them.

We have seen an alarming increase in the efforts made by insurance companies to confuse patients about where they can and should go for medical care in emergencies, said Brad Shields, executive director of Texas Association of Free-Standing Emergency Centers. The reality is simple: In-network and out-of-network are irrelevant concepts when it comes to emergency care.

Blake Hutson, associate state director of AARP, says the dizzying finger-pointing between insurers and providers only further confuses patients.

People want to understand their health insurance, to have an explanation of how theyre going to be covered and their cost, he said. At free-standing emergency rooms in Texas, that all breaks down.

Try, try again

Oliverson said he thought the law he sponsored would prompt the industry to police itself and to clearly inform patients.

Some have done a good job, others Im not so happy with, he said. The whole point of the law was to make it more plain that accept is not the same as in-network. 

He vowed to introduce additional legislation in the 2019 session. He is considering modeling a New York measure, which is one of the strongest in the nation for consumer protection. Under the New York law, when a patient receives a surprise bill, the insurer and provider are forced to the table to fight it out and the consumer is removed from the middle. In Texas, it is up to patients to initiate a state-sponsored mediation.

We need to solve out-of-network balance billing once and for all, Oliverson said.

jenny.deam@chron.com
Trilogy Education

Rice University plans to launch its second boot camp program, this one for cybersecurity.

"It's a common risk that companies have," said David Vassar, assistant dean for Professional and Executive Programs at the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, "and it's going to cost the business world a lot of money if we're not able to secure the systems that we all work on."
Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Each year when we ask readers to share their favorite holiday cookie recipes, we get more than just a format for sweet treats.

This season, for example, we learned that Bessilyn Piazzas sand tart cookies  her late mothers recipe  were so good an astronaut asked they be sent up to the International Space Station on the next shuttle. That Olivia Walls mother, Rowena Compton, whose memory had faded in old age, was determined to make her cinnamon fingers even when she accidentally used Metamucil instead of ground spice. And that Christine Hawthornes molasses cookies, a recipe that has been in her family for more than 65 years, were baked for brothers serving in Vietnam.
From Anna Nunez

These authentic-tasting Mexican cookies are slightly crumbly with a gooey caramel center to hold them together.

1 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

 teaspoon baking soda

 teaspoon salt

 teaspoon cream of tartar

6 tablespoons finely grated Ibarra Mexican Chocolate, divided (see note)

1 stick of salted butter, room temperature (not margarine)

 cup, plus 2 tablespoons (for rolling) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon La Vencedora Mexican Vanilla (see note)

1 egg, room temperature

3 tablespoons whole milk

Coronado Cajeta Quemada Classic (Mexican goat milk caramel spread)

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cream of tartar and 2 tablespoons grated Ibarra chocolate. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter,  cup sugar, 2 tablespoons grated Ibarra chocolate and vanilla. Mix in egg and milk.

Combine dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, being very careful not to over-mix, which can make a tough dough. It will be a bit sticky, which is perfect.

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons grated Ibarra chocolate. With a spoon, form dough into 1-inch balls rolled in the palm of your hand. Roll in the chocolate-sugar mixture. Place balls 2 inches apart on a cold cookie sheet. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until theyve puffed and set.

Remove from oven and transfer onto a cool cookie sheet (not a cookie rack). After about 30 seconds, use the bottom of a stainless-steel  teaspoon measuring spoon to gently indent the middle of each cookie. After allowing the cookie to cool completely, squeeze about  teaspoon of the caramel spread into the middle well of each cookie.

Note: The Ibarra Mexican Chocolate comes in discs; we found it, and the goat milk caramel spread (squeeze bottle is best), at H-E-B, Walmart and Fiesta. The specific Mexican vanilla Nunez recommends can be found in the back stalls at Caninos farmers market on Airline or on Amazon, though the cookies are tasty with any Mexican vanilla. Nunez says she makes this recipe by hand, not in a mixer.

Makes about 30 cookies
Since Donald Trump assumed office almost two years ago, U.S. allies in Europe, Asia and beyond have counted on a number of so-called adults in the room to constrain an unpredictable president. With the imminent departure of White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, only Defense Secretary Jim Mattis remains.

As Trump assembled his first cabinet, allies took comfort that the group -- including retired or serving generals -- would help preserve the fundamentals of U.S. foreign and economic policy that have largely endured for decades. The expectation was they would guide, and even restrain, the new commander-in-chief of the world's most powerful military.

Attrition has been high. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was fired by tweet in March. Chief economic adviser, former Goldman Sachs Chief Operating Officer Gary Cohn, announced he was resigning the same month, while Marine Corps Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said he was leaving as national security adviser. And now Trump has announced Kelly, a retired Marine general, will leave later this month.

Mattis, the warrior intellectual in charge of the Pentagon, has worked to get fellow North Atlantic Treaty Organization members and Pacific allies to watch what the U.S. does, not what it tweets. Were he to go, too, at a time of escalating trade tensions and frictions between the U.S. and its partners on everything from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to climate change, those most reliant on U.S. support would be shaken.

"His departure definitely wouldn't be a positive message for us,'' said retired Gen. Ants Laaneots, who commanded the armed forces of Estonia, one of NATO's three small Baltic state members, from 2006 to 2011. Mattis, he said, "knows what is happening here and knows there is a Russian threat."

There's no immediate indication the defense secretary's job is in danger. Still, whether his days are numbered is among the big questions doing the rounds at NATO's shiny-new Brussels headquarters, according to two alliance officials, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. They described Mattis as one of the last remaining Atlanticists in the Trump administration, and the main interlocutor for European allies.

Nicknamed "Mad Dog," Mattis is credited within NATO for quietly ensuring that U.S. funding for beefed up defenses in Europe's east increased significantly during the Trump administration, despite the president's evident coolness toward the alliance and desire - at least some of the time - to befriend Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mattis was instrumental, too, in persuading Trump to increase the U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan, rather than completely withdraw, and was among those who pressed for restraint on North Korea at a time rhetoric on both sides appeared to be escalating toward conflict over the regime's nuclear weapons program.

"No one doubts it was the Pentagon driving this, rather than the White House,'' said Carl Bildt, a former Swedish prime minister, referring to the U.S. budget increases to create a stronger deterrent to any potential Russian attacks.

"We don't know who would replace him, of course, and one would hope it would be someone on the same lines," said Bildt. "But whether they would carry the same weight and authority as Mattis is another question."

Still, faith in the adults has often proved misplaced, with Trump difficult to divert from his policies, many of which helped get him elected. Despite opposition from some of his initial cabinet, the president pulled out of the Iran deal, the Paris climate accord and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. He also launched a trade war with China.

Tillerson was confirmed by the Senate in part due to his support for the TPP and opposition to a ban on Muslim immigration that Trump had floated during his campaign. Once at State, he publicly opposed Trump's plans to withdraw from the Iran deal, plus his policies on Russia and North Korea.

There was no love lost. Tillerson last week described the president as "undisciplined'' and unwilling to read. Trump fired back in a tweet that the former Exxon Mobil Corp. chief executive was "dumb as a rock'' and "lazy as hell.''

McMaster, too, clashed with Trump over Iran. Both men were replaced by Iran hawks - Tillerson by Mike Pompeo, the former CIA director, and McMaster by John Bolton. Before his appointment, Bolton had also published an opinion piece in favor of pre-emptive military strikes against North Korea.

Cohn announced his intent to resign after losing a fight to prevent Trump's imposition of punitive tariffs on long-term U.S. allies for imported steel and aluminum. According to a book by Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward, he also once stole a letter from Trump's desk that, if signed, would have canceled a trade agreement with South Korea.

"We see responsible voices in the administration leaving, and we only see hard-liners replacing them," said one European official, adding it was driving his country to become less dependent on the U.S.

France has a close relationship with Mattis due to the deep operational ties between the U.S. and French militaries, which work together in the Sahel region of Africa, as well as in Iraq and Syria, said two senior French officials. Paris, which doesn't perceive a military threat from Russia, would be less concerned than some smaller allies if Mattis were to go, as any successor would want to maintain those ties. The loss of Kelly, the gatekeeper to the Oval Office, could be more destabilizing, the officials said.

Kelly was widely seen as a disciplinarian. In a statement on Saturday, House Speaker Paul Ryan described him as "a force for order, clarity and good sense." He's expected to be replaced, if only for the short term, by Nick Ayers, a former political consultant and current chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence.

Mattis may have survived by keeping a low profile. He doesn't work in close proximity to the White House, and rarely gives press conferences or interviews. A frequent traveler, he's made an art of subtly reassuring allied security establishments, without slighting Trump.

At the last Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a conference attended by defense ministers from around the world, Mattis fielded the inevitable Trump question: "How are you bearing up?'' Amid laughter, he acknowledged simply that the U.S. lately had had, "I'll be candid with you, some unusual approaches." He then assured them that U.S. values hadn't changed.

The need for reassurance is evident in the way other ministers line up for bilateral meetings with Mattis at these events, according to John Chipman, who as director general of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies organizes the Shangri-La Dialogue. He also runs a yearly conference in Bahrain, bringing the Pentagon chief together with Middle East counterparts.

Previously, "the U.S. secretary of defense would arrive on a Friday, give a speech Saturday morning and depart for another destination soon after," said Chipman. Mattis, by contrast, stays the weekend and spends time with his counterparts, undertaking "defense diplomacy."

There are signs the defense secretary's sway in the White House is diminishing. In August, he appeared to lose a tussle over whether to form Space Force, a separate branch of the military dedicated to operations in space. He went along with deployment of troops to the Mexican border, a decision Trump took ahead of November's midterm elections, and which opponents criticized as a politically motivated misuse of the military.

Perhaps for that reason, the shock of a Mattis departure might be less than a year ago.

When Trump first came to power, there was concern he would be unrestrained by responsible advisers, said a senior diplomat from a U.S. ally. But now his country's officials wouldn't necessarily be "freaking out'' if Mattis left, the person said. The last two years have made them "more optimistic about Trump's ability to remain stable.''

---

--Bloomberg's Nikos Chrysoloras, David Wainer, Ott Ummelas, Josh Wingrove, Gregory Viscusi, Iain Marlow and Ros Krasny contributed to this report.
The Russian ambassador. A deputy prime minister. A pop star, a weightlifter, a lawyer, a Soviet army veteran with alleged intelligence ties.

Again and again and again, over the course of Donald Trump's 18-month campaign for the presidency, Russian citizens made contact with his closest family and friends, as well as figures on the periphery of his orbit.

Some offered to help his campaign and his real estate business. Some offered dirt on his Democratic opponent. Repeatedly, Russian nationals suggested Trump should hold a peacemaking sit-down with Vladimir Putin - and offered to broker such a summit.

In all, Russians interacted with at least 14 Trump associates during the campaign and presidential transition, public records and interviews show.

"It is extremely unusual," said Michael McFaul, who served as ambassador to Russia under President Barack Obama. "Both the number of contacts and the nature of the contacts are extraordinary."

As special counsel Robert Mueller III slowly unveils the evidence that he has gathered since his appointment in May 2017, he has not yet shown that any of the dozens of interactions between people inTrump's orbit and Russians resulted in any specific coordination between his presidential campaign and Russia.

But the mounting number of communications that have been revealed occurred against the backdrop of "sustained efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the U.S. presidential election," as Mueller's prosecutors wrote in a court filing last week.

The special counsel's filings have also revealed moments when Russia appeared to be taking cues from Trump. In July 2016, the then-GOP candidate said at a news conference, "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," referring to messages Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton had deleted from a private account. That day, the Russians made their first effort to break into servers used by Clinton's personal office, according to court documents.

As Americans began to grip the reality that a hostile foreign power took active steps to shape the outcome of the race, Trump and his advisers asserted they had no contact with Russia.

Two days after Trump was elected president, a top Kremlin official caused a stir by asserting that Trump's associates were in contact with the Russian government before the election.

"I don't say that all of them, but a whole array of them supported contacts with Russian representatives," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Interfax news agency on Nov. 10, 2016.

The claim was met with a hail of denials. Hope Hicks, then Trump's top spokeswoman, responded, "It never happened. There was no communication between the campaign and any foreign entity during the campaign."

After Trump took office, in February 2017, he reiterated the denial. "No. Nobody that I know of," the president told reporters when asked whether anyone who advised his campaign had contact with Russia. "I have nothing to do with Russia. To the best of my knowledge, no person that I deal with does."

It is now clear that wasn't true.

Trump's oldest children, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, interacted with Russians who were offering to help the candidate.

Ivanka's husband, top campaign adviser Jared Kushner, as well as Trump's campaign chairman Paul Manafort, his personal lawyer Michael Cohen and his longest-serving political adviser, Roger Stone, also had contact with Russian nationals.

Veterans of past White House bids said that so much interplay with representatives of a foreign adversary is highly unusual.

"This is different in kind than anything I have ever heard of before," said Trevor Potter, who served as general counsel to Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign in 2008. McCain, he noted, traveled the globe as a member of the Senate, but his contacts with foreign government officials generally occurred in consultation with the State Department and involved questions of policy - not personal business or his own electoral concerns.

The number of known interactions has grown since last year, when The Washington Post tallied that at least nine Trump associates had contacts with Russians during the campaign or presidential transition.

At the time, then-White House lawyer Ty Cobb said, "I think the American public can fully appreciate that those are isolated, obviously disconnected events, quite small in number for a presidential campaign."

Trump attorney Jay Sekulow declined to comment on Sunday.

The president has repeatedly denied that people close to him coordinated with Russia, tweeting frequently, "NO COLLUSION!"

New court documents filed by Mueller's prosecutors in the past two weeks revealed the Russian outreach was more extensive than previously known.

In November 2015, Cohen spoke with a Russian national who claimed to be a "trusted person" in the Russian Federation offering the campaign "political synergy" and "synergy on a government level," according to a memo filed by the special counsel Friday.

The Russian national repeatedly proposed a meeting between Trump and Putin, prosecutors wrote, saying that a sit-down between the two men could have a "phenomenal" impact because there is "no bigger warranty in any project" than Putin's backing.

The details of the episode matches descriptions of an interaction Cohen had at the time with Dmitry Klokov, a well-connected Russian athlete, which was first reported by BuzzFeed News.

An Olympic weightlifter turned entrepreneur, Klokov sells training equipment, clothing and fitness programs worldwide from his base in Moscow.

Asked on Saturday via a message to his Instagram account about his reported communications with Cohen, Klokov responded with three laughing-in-tears emoji and the words: "This is someone's nonsense."

Klokov's wife reached out to Ivanka Trump in October 2015, saying she had connections in the Russian government and could help her father build a Trump Tower in Moscow, a project he had long sought, according to a person familiar with the interaction.

Ivanka Trump did not know the woman but forwarded her contact information to Cohen, who later connected with Klokov, the people familiar with the exchanges said.

After an initial conversation, prosecutors said Cohen did not pursue a meeting through the Russian national because he believed he already had connections to the Russian government through a business partner.

That partner, Russian-born developerFelix Sater, said in an interviewthat he had been unaware of Cohen's contact with Klokov.

Cohen, who had worked for Trump for a decade and urged him to run for president years before the celebrity mogul launched his bid in 2015, was focused on his boss' relationship with Russia from the campaign's earliest days.

In September 2015, Cohen told Sean Hannity during an appearance on the Fox News host's radio program that there was a "better than likely" chance that Trump and Putin would meet while Putin was in New York for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly then underway.

"People want to meet Donald Trump. They want to know Donald Trump," Cohen told Hannity.

Now Playing: An FBI investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the Trump campaign's possible collusion continue to shadow the administration. President Donald Trump has dismissed the story as "fake news" and raised allegations of politically inspired spying by the Obama administration, but the investigation continues with no set end date. Here's a look at a timeline of key events. Video: Katie Wood / SFGATE

Last week, prosecutors revealed Cohen admitted he conferred with Trump about the idea "before reaching out to gauge Russia's interest in such a meeting."

Mueller said Cohen has corrected past misstatements about "his outreach to the Russian government during the week of the United Nations General Assembly." Court filings provided no additional details about the outreach.

The special counsel also revealed in recent weeks that Cohen communicated with the Kremlin about efforts to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen spoke by phone with an assistant to Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, after asking Peskov for government help propelling the project.

Prosecutors called the real estate development - pursued even as Trump was campaigning for the Republican nomination - a "lucrative business opportunity" that could have produced hundreds of millions for Trump's company, noting that it probably would have required Russian government help for completion.

Mueller also indicated that his team hasbeen gathering evidence about Manafort's interactions with Konstantin Kilimnik, a Russian army veteran who worked for Manafort in the Kiev office of his political consulting company.

Mueller's team accused Manafort of lying repeatedly in interviews with investigators about his interactions with Kilimnik, who has been assessed by the FBI to have ties to Russian intelligence and met with Manafort twice during the campaign.

Details about those alleged falsehoods were redacted from the filing.

The Post has previously reported that Manafort asked Kilimnik to extend an offer of "private briefings" about the campaign to Oleg Deripaska, a top Russian businessman who is close to Putin. Deripaska's spokeswoman has said no such briefings took place.

Some outreach came directly from the Russian government. Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak met several Trump advisers, including then-Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., at the Republican National Convention. Trump aide Carter Page has said he was greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich after delivering a speech in Moscow in July 2016.

People close to Trump were twice offered damaging information about Clinton, a particular foe of Putin whom he blamed for fomenting protests against his regime while she was secretary of state.

In June 2016, Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. met with a Russian lawyer, whom he was told would provide dirt on Clinton. The meeting was arranged by billionaire Moscow developer Aras Agalarov and his pop star son Emin.

The attendees of the Trump Tower gathering, which also included Manafort and Kushner, said lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya offered nothing helpful. But several attendees described to congressional investigatorsTrump Jr.'s eagerness for the Russian's assistance, according to transcripts of their testimony.

In addition, Russians repeatedly suggested a meeting between Trump and Putin might be a good idea.

Months after the Russian weightlifter broached the idea of such a summit with Cohen, Ivan Timofeev, a director of a Moscow think tank with ties to the Russian foreign ministry, discussed a Trump-Putin meeting with George Papadopoulos, a Trump foreign policy adviser.

A London-based professor also connected Papadopoulos to a Russian woman whom the Trump adviser believed was Putin's niece.

Some of the interactions between Trump associates and Russians were low-level, speculative discussions.

"The kind of people we are talking about are not the kind of people you talk to about U.S.-Russia relations, the future of the START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) treaty and so on," McFaul said.

But he said the Russians would have taken note of the willingness of Trump aides to engage.

"I think the Russians would nurture those contacts and see them as a way to establish relationships that could be useful for Putin and his government," he said.

---

The Washington Post's Anton Troianovski and Amie Ferris-Rotman in Moscow contributed to this report.
Heavy rain Friday night caused several thousand gallons of wastewater to spill at three sites in Houston and has prompted a boil order for nearby well users.

An estimated 117,000 gallons of untreated domestic wastewater mixed with storm water is believed to have spilled in the 200 block of North Travis Street, near the University of Houston Downtown campus, following the storm that continued through Saturday morning, according to Houston Public Works officials. The two other impacted areas include 1200 Wrightwood Street and 10200 Eastex Freeway, near Parker Road.
A Houston physician was convicted in federal court Wednesday for his role in a $13 million fraudulent Medicare billing scheme involving hundreds of patients-for-hire.

Eight co-defendants - including the clinic director - had admitted to helping bill for unnecessary tests for the patients who were recruited and delivered to the clinic by marketers, according to testimony.

After six days of evidence and arguments in the case, a federal jury convicted Dr. Faiz Ahmed, 64, of ordering hundreds of unnecessary electrocardiogram and breathing tests as part of a conspiracy to defraud the government.

The doctor's lawyer, D. John Leger, said after the verdict that Ahmed was "extremely naive and his record doesn't suggest otherwise."

Ahmed worked at the clinic only two days a week, his lawyer said, using an office in the back of the facility.

"He didn't have any interaction with patients until the nursing staff put their charts on the door," Leger said. "There was not any way of him knowing that they were paid patients."

Evidence presented at trial indicated Ahmed, who specialized in neurology, signed off on tests for 400 patients and let his staff bill Medicare using his physician number. Witnesses called by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Bradley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Knutson told jurors that no patients had been referred to these clinics by other physicians, the office did not keep an appointment book and patients usually arrived at the clinic with marketers.

But as with other doctors swept up in these lucrative fraud schemes, Ahmed was not the mastermind of the operation, prosecutors said.

That role was filled by Mkrtich "Mike" Yepremian, 59, of Houston, who ran a string of fake clinics in Houston and Conroe, prosecutors said. In the latest case, Yepremian hired marketers to deliver patients to the clinics and then he and others paid the patients to undergo unnecessary tests. He pleaded guilty March 4 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and paying kickbacks to marketers.

Others who pleaded guilty for their roles in the scam were Houston residents Bompa Mbokoso Mompiere, 57; Michael Wayne Wilson, 47; Jermaine Doleman, 39; Harding Dudley Ross, 62; Eric Johnson, 62; Ann Marie Rocha, 49; and Eddie Wayne Taylor, 57.

Yepremian paid marketers, including Wilson, Doleman, Johnson and Taylor, about $100 for each patient and the marketers paid the patients about $50 apiece.

All the defendants are scheduled for sentencing April 6 before U.S. District Judge Gray Miller.
Sarah Alikhan lost her bid Sunday to become the first woman ever elected to the shura, or governing board, of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, one of the largest Muslim organizations in the U.S.

Incumbent Faizan Atiq will retain his seat as director of ISGHs Southwest Zone.

Its not clear how large a role gender played in the race. Atiq is generally recognized as one of the boards strongest proponents of womens issues, and some prominent women in ISGH either backed him or chose not to endorse either candidate.

MILESTONE: Woman runs for seat in Houston's largest Muslim group, only on HoustonChronicle.com

The race, like other ISGH races in recent years, was extremely heated. Rhetoric by the candidates supporters ran high on Facebook, and voter-outreach tactics resembled those used in political campaigns.

Some of that aggressive outreach may have backfired. Alikhan belonged to a slate of candidates, United for Change, that sent campaign mailings and texts to ISGH members.

Many of those potential voters wondered how the slate had acquired their contact information.

Late Friday night, ISGHs executive committee posted a statement on the organizations Facebook page. The group, it said, had never authorized release of members addresses or phone numbers.

ISGH has authorized an investigation into these matters, said the statement, and will bring any and all legal actions to those individuals responsible for any unauthorized access and/or misrepresentation of the ISGH and/or its records.

In Sundays election, none of the United for Change candidates won.

The president-elect is Sohail Syed. Badar Alam will serve as general secretary. And director of the North Zone will be Ayman Khalil.

Neither Alikhan or Atiq was available for comment Sunday night.

Over the last two Sundays, roughly 3,000 of ISGHs 8,000 voting members cast electronic ballots, according to Rashid Khokhar, chairperson of the elections committee. Thats a 5 percentage point increase from last years turnout, he said.

lisa.gray@chron.com
Its tough being a teacher  the unrealistic expectations, the high stakes, the low pay and the lack of respect for the profession. But, trust me, its even harder being a teacher of color in a profession that is 80 percent non-Hispanic white nationally, and more than 90 percent in most school districts outside of major urban centers.

Its not as though white teachers arent professional, nice or supportive. Its more that, outside of the classroom, they often forget that not everyone in the room is white, and they let fly how they really feel about their students of color.

Over the years, Ive heard some teachers talk serious trash about their students  including cracks about who would land in jail or end up a lawn maintenance laborer. But even teachers who wouldnt dare let something so crass about a student leave their lips falter when it comes to complaining about parents.

Now, Ill be the first person to point out that teachers deal with flighty, rude, demanding and overly involved parents, as well as uncooperative and totally absent mothers and fathers.

But even though parents of all races and ethnicities fall short of the optimal amount of engagement with the school community, it always seems like teachers get extra irked when Hispanic students parents fall short.

Unfortunately, what often looks like parental disengagement is actually family hardship.

Most working low-income [Hispanic] parents have jobs with characteristics that can present challenges to raising children, such as low monthly earnings, nonstandard work schedules (i.e., work schedules outside of daytime hours during Monday through Friday), and limited access to employer-sponsored health insurance, according to a new report from the National Research Center on Hispanic Children and Families. This is true across race, Hispanic ethnicity, and nativity status.

The authors, Elizabeth Wildsmith, Maria A. Ramos-Olazagasti and Marta Alvira-Hammond, go on to say that job characteristics, such as number of hours worked, work schedules, commute time, and paid time off, can shape the amount of time and energy parents are able to invest in their children. For example, parents who work long or nonstandard schedules may spend less time with their children and have difficulties establishing and maintaining family routines.

(And the commute time mentioned above doesnt even take into account the phenomenon of immigrant and Latino families fleeing urban crime and poor schools for suburbs where there are often few public transportation options to get to and from work. But anyone who spends much time in outer-ring suburbs of major metropolitan areas can attest that despite rain, snow or sub-zero temperatures, Hispanic men and women can be seen riding bikes to work on major county roads that were not meant for bicycle traffic.)

The authors continue, Research finds that nonstandard work schedules may reduce time spent with children and closeness between parent and child. Low wages, unstable jobs and variable or nonstandard work schedules can increase stress and take a toll on parental psychological well-being, increasing family conflict and harsh parenting.

I once had a heart-wrenching conversation with a Latina mom who worked as the night custodian at one of the schools where I taught. Her daughter was struggling in fourth grade, complaining of stomachaches and exhibiting signs of anxiety. Mom was deeply sad and worried that she wasnt available at night to go over homework or read bedtime stories because she was out working to ensure everyone at home was fed.

She wasnt alone. Among low-income Hispanic parents, nearly one-third of foreign-born fathers and one-quarter of U.S.-born fathers had three or more job stressors like irregular work hours, a long or difficult commute or multiple jobs. Roughly one-quarter of low-income Hispanic mothers (U.S.- and foreign-born) had three or more stressors. And yes, as the number of work stressors increases, so does the likelihood of adverse outcomes for the kids.

Policy fixes include incentives for more employers to provide full-time jobs and more flexible and reliable work hours. And for communities to offer more access to affordable, high-quality child care, with more weekend and evening coverage. Also, expanded access to non-employer health insurance or health care services and a transportation infrastructure that makes it possible for families to get to jobs, to midday or evening parent-teacher conferences, and to health services when needed.

Empathy, too, will help.

Many times teachers get very frustrated when our young students come to school lacking focus for their learning. But, too often, people jump to conclusions without taking the difficult work lives of low-income parents and families into account.

Cepedas email address is estherjcepeda@washpost.com, or follow her on Twitter: @estherjcepeda.
Kid Rock Saved Christmas, Paying Off All 350 Layaway Accounts At A Tennessee Walmart

You may disagree with his Trumpian politics, but someones holding a parade somewhere for Kid Rock, after the "$20 Concert Tour" rocker paid off all 350 layaway accounts at a Tennessee Walmart.

Rock, who said he was following the lead of Tyler Perry, Paid off accounts to the tune of $81,000, a story manager told The Tennessean. Perry tweeted Thursday that he had paid off the layaway accounts at two Georgia Walmarts.

Perrys gesture was apparently meant to be a little less splashy, saying he originally wanted to do the payoffs anonymously. Perry has announced the Madea Farewell Play Tour, which hits the road with Oakland, Calif.s Paramount Theatre Jan. 18-20.

I was trying to do this anonymously but oh well!!! pic.twitter.com/T0dhRHyU66  Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) December 6, 2018







Kudos to Kid Rock for making such a gesture in our community, Walmart manager Tom Meyer told the paper. I think thats a pretty Nashville proud moment. Rock called Meyers store on Friday morning saying he wanted to pay off the balances on its layaway accounts. Rocks manager then delivered a check to the store. Plus, customers, who were likely buying Christmas gifts because thats the only time the program is available, also got a card: Merry Christmas from your neighbor! it says. Rock, aka Robert Ritchie, lives in the Whites Creek neighborhood.

@tylerperry Great idea! I followed your lead and paid off the layaway at my local Walmart in Nashville. Merry Christmas and God Bless You!  Kid Rock (@KidRock) December 7, 2018

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iciHaiti - Port-de-Paix : The presidential couple celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception





On Saturday, President Jovenel Moise, accompanied by his wife Martine and several parliamentarians such as the Senator of North-West Khedlaire Augustin, participated in the celebration of the Mass "Te Deum" to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception in Port-de-Paix



A celebration of unity and solidarity that brought together many people from Port-de-Paix and pilgrims from the North West Department and all over the country. The main celebrant, Mgr. Pierre Antoine Polo preached the humility and the spirit of forgiveness so that all Haitians live in harmony and build a better country for future generations.



Moise' presence at this Ceremony is a way to renew his willingness to stand with the people of Port-de-Paix until changes are made in the home of each family and give hope inside the city and to all the departments that the authorities of the past have always neglected



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26347-haiti-politic-jovenel-moise-announces-an-urban-renewal-program-in-port-de-paix.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25307-haiti-environment-port-de-paix-launch-of-the-project-to-reduce-insalubrity.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-22935-icihaiti-politic-president-moise-satisfied-with-ongoing-work-in-north-west.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-22550-icihaiti-agriculture-laying-of-the-first-stone-of-the-4th-plant-propagation-center.html



IH/ iciHaiti


















The calm before the storm  the fishermen waiting for Brexit

by Kira Taylor

December 09,2018 | Source: Cornish Stuff

Fishermen are worried about what could be conceded during Brexit negotiations and, with the meaningful vote coming up, their eyes are fixed on Westminster.



Newlyn looks the same as it always has. The Atlantic sweeps into the bay, gently rocking the boats moored there. The scent of fish rises from the docks and the market. St Michaels Mount sits further round the bay, offering the perfect backdrop for a postcard.



It doesnt feel like a political hub, yet the town has been the subject of countless Brexit stories. Its the perfect angle: a traditional industry which argues its been sold out again and again. Once more, its a bargaining chip on the negotiating table. And there are a lot of lives resting on that chip.





Fishing was one of the strongest voices calling to leave Europe in 2016. Their demands were some of the clearest: leave the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and make the UK an independent coastal state with control of quota shares and access to its waters.



Yet the withdrawal agreement only makes promises. It is the first step, a hopeful proposal for a future still to be negotiated. And, of course, that relies on the controversial withdrawal agreement being passed by Parliament on 11th December. The problem is few in Parliament or beyond seem particularly keen about it.

 2018 | MH Magazine

Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade.
32 Kenyan fishermen arrested in Tanzania released

by Claire Wanja

December 09,2018 | Source: KNA

Tanzania court has released 32 Kenyan fishermen who had been detained in the country for the past three weeks after paying a ransom of Tsh.400,000 which is equivalent to Ksh.18,000.



Other four Kenyan fishermen are however still detained in Tanzania after they failed to raise Ksh.18, 000 fine imposed by the same court.



Migori county beach management unit chairman Mr. Odhiambo Adhanja said the released fishermen have already returned home and that they are still looking for money to release the other four fishermen still being held.



Mr. Adhanja said the fishermen were charged before court in Musoma Tanzania for using outlawed fishing gears and trespassing into Tanzania water.



The fishermen were arrested last month while they were on a fishing expedition in Lake Victoria.



Following their arrest the Kenyan fishermen at Bamgot beach days later arrested sixteen Tanzania fishermen in a retaliation.

 Kenya Broadcasting Corporation 2017

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
Heres a way to fight climate change: Empower women

by Emily Dreyfuss

December 09,2018 | Source: Grist

Gender and climate are inextricably linked, said environmentalist and author Katharine Wilkinson on stage at TEDWomen last week, a gathering of women thought leaders and activists in Palm Desert, California.



Women, she says, are disproportionately affected by climate change. When communities are decimated by floods or droughts, tsunamis or fire, the most vulnerable among them suffer the most. Because women across the world have fewer rights, less money, and fewer freedoms, in those moments of extreme loss, women are often hit the hardest. Theres greater risk of displacement, higher odds of being injured or killed during a natural disaster. Prolonged drought can precipitate early marriage, as families contend with scarcity. Floods can force last-resort prostitution as women struggle to make ends meet. These dynamics are most acute under conditions of poverty, she says.



worlds climate, Wilkinson is delivering her message at a time when leaders on the global stage are looking for solutions. As thousands of people gather this week at a major climate summit known as COP24, Wilkinson is making a plea to open peoples eyes to one fact: Womens rights are Earths rights. In my experience, to have eyes wide open is to hold a broken heart every day, she says.



But she has hope. Though women feel the effects of climate the most, they also represent an opportunity. To address climate change, we must make gender equity a reality. And in the face of a seemingly impossible challenge, women and girls are a fierce source of possibility, Wilkinson says. She and her team at the nonprofit Project Drawdown have been studying the real-world steps people can take to fix climate change, resulting in a best-selling 2017 book highlighting the top 100 solutions to reverse warming.



Her argument is that if women are empowered in three distinct ways, the downstream effects on the environment will make a huge difference in the fight for climate change. She argues that if women were treated more equally professionally, theyd have fewer kids and the land they farm would be more efficient, all of which would help save the planet.

 1999-2018 Grist Magazine, Inc.

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
Imperial Valley News Center

58 Million Americans Still Exposed to Secondhand Smoke

Washington, DC - Progress in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke among U.S. nonsmokers has stalled in recent years, despite longstanding declines over the past three decades.

An estimated 58 million American nonsmokers (1 in 4) were still exposed to secondhand smoke from burning tobacco products such as cigarettes during 20132014, according to new data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Exposure to secondhand smoke remains high for certain groups, including children ages 3-11 years (38 percent), people living in poverty (48 percent), and people living in rental housing (39 percent), according to findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey released today in CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The study assessed exposure using serum cotinine, a marker of secondhand smoke found in the blood.

We know theres no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure, said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. These findings reveal that there is still much more to do to protect everyoneespecially childrenfrom this completely preventable health hazard.

During 20112014, the percentage of nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke did not decline significantly across most demographic subgroups. This lack of decline could be attributable to the slowed adoption of comprehensive smoke-free laws in all workplaces, restaurants, and bars at the state and local levels during this period.

Despite secondhand smoke protections, disparities persist

Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have comprehensive smoke-free laws, but adoption of such laws has slowed in recent years. However, there has been progress at the local level since the data in this study were collected, which could be reflected in future surveys. During 20152017, 199 communities adopted comprehensive smoke-free laws, and 21 have implemented such laws as of July 2018.

In addition to policies addressing smoking in public areas, some recent policies have addressed private settings  the main sources of childrens exposure to secondhand smoke. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development adopted a rule requiring public housing to be smoke-free by July 31, 2018.

Despite this recent smoke-free progress, disparities persist according to key findings in the MMWR:

Half of black nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke, including 2 of every 3 black children

More than 3 in 10 nonsmokers with less than a high school education are exposed to secondhand smoke

More than 7 in 10 nonsmokers living with someone who smokes inside the home are exposed to secondhand smoke

We know what works to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, said Corinne Graffunder, Dr.Ph., M.P.H., director of CDCs Office on Smoking and Health. Smoke-free environments are the best way to fully protect all people from the dangers of secondhand smoke in the places they live, work, and gather.

What more can be done?

Proven strategies to reduce secondhand smoke exposure include comprehensive smoke-free laws in workplaces and public places, smoke-free home and vehicle rules, and educational interventions warning about the risks of secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals including about 70 that can cause cancer. Secondhand smoke is a known cause of sudden infant death syndrome; respiratory infections; ear infections; and asthma attacks in infants and children; as well as heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer in adult nonsmokers.

According to the 2014 Surgeon Generals Report, The Health Consequences of Smoking  50 Years of Progress, each year exposure to secondhand smoke causes more than 41,000 deaths from lung cancer and heart disease among non-smoking adults and 400 deaths from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

For more information on secondhand smoke, go to https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco. For free help quitting tobacco, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Imperial Valley News Center

NSF, NASA announce commitments to support White House strategic plan on STEM education

Washington, DC - The National Science Foundation (NSF) is partnering with other federal agencies in support of NSF INCLUDES National Network, a program dedicated to making a lasting impact on diversifying the STEM workforce of the future. Partners include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

These partnerships are announced as the White House released its five-year strategic plan for STEM education, Charting a Course for Success: A Federal Strategy for STEM Education. The plan lays out the federal government's role in furthering STEM education by working with state and local stakeholders, the education community and American employers. Its goals include building a STEM-competent citizenry, creating a STEM-ready workforce and removing barriers to STEM careers, especially for women and underrepresented groups.

NSF INCLUDES seeks to enhance U.S. STEM leadership through nationwide networks focused on solutions to broadening participation in the sciences. The initiative, launched in FY 2016 and named as one of the foundation's 10 Big Ideas for Future NSF Investment, addresses the new White House report's goals of maintaining the country's innovation capacity by increasing diversity and inclusion through broader access to STEM.

"There are populations in the United States who are missing from the STEM ecosystem," said NSF Director France Cordova. "The nation will be stronger when these people are given access to STEM education and encouraged to become innovators. Our STEM enterprise will never reach its full potential until that happens. I'm proud to be part of this effort. We will find new ways to inspire all our nation's young people, support them and encourage more of them to pursue amazing careers in STEM."

"STEM education is vital to everything we do at NASA. In recognition of this, I am proud to announce a new permanent STEM committee that will provide guidance to the NASA Advisory Council on how NASA can promote STEM-learning initiatives, " said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "We are committed to - and dependent upon - inspiring future generations of STEM leaders who will bring diversity of thought and perspective to NASA. Current and future STEM students will take us to the Moon, Mars, and beyond as we continue to explore our universe."

In support of the White House strategy, NSF is also announcing a $10 million commitment to its newly launched Data Science Corps, which will provide basic training in data science to existing workforces at the local, state and national levels, teaching new skills and offering new experiences.

NSF also expects to fund 200 internships of up to $55,000 for graduate students in fiscal years 2019 and 2020. The NSF INTERN program provides opportunities for graduate students currently supported by other NSF awards to gain experiences in industry and other non-academic settings, preparing them for their careers.

NASA is pleased to announce a new collaboration in support of the NSF INCLUDES network. Over the coming months, NASA will work with the NSF INCLUDES community to better understand how NASA's unique assets can support the partners in the NSF INCLUDES network as they seek to broaden participation in STEM careers. In recognition of the importance of STEM education to the NASA community, the NASA Advisory Council Ad Hoc Task Force on STEM education will be elevated to the status of a permanent, standing committee. While the Ad Hoc Task Force has supported NASA's STEM education efforts for many years, this move ensures that the STEM education community has a voice on the NASA Advisory Council for years to come.
Governor Brown Announces Appointments

Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. Wednesday announced the following appointments:

Heidi Steinecker, 41, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy director of the Center for Health Care Quality at the California Department of Public Health. Steinecker has been health care executive consultant at Global Health Consulting since 2017. She served in several positions at the University of California, Davis Medical Center from 2004 to 2017, including director of licensure and accreditation, manager of clinical operations, community health coordinator and new student services program director. Steinecker earned a Master of Arts degree in English from California Polytechnic State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $150,240. Steinecker is a Democrat.

Daniel Millsap, 41, of Folsom, has been appointed deputy of the Capital Outlay Program at the California Conservation Corps. Millsap has been project director at the California Department of General Services since 2018. He served in several positions as a construction supervisor at the California Department of Parks and Recreation from 2007 to 2018. Millsap was project manager at 4leaf Inc. from 2006 to 2007, regional health and safety supervisor and staff engineer at Kennedy/Jenks Consultants from 2002 to 2006 and a staff engineer at Kleinfelder from 2001 to 2002. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $140,376. Millsap is a Republican.

Excel Sharrieff, 49, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the Board of Parole Hearings, where he has been deputy commissioner since 2017. Sharrieff was lead hearing officer at Amtrak from 2016 to 2017 and a hearing officer for the City of Los Angeles from 2015 to 2016. He served as a judge pro tempore at the Los Angeles County Superior Court from 2006 to 2017 and was an attorney in private practice from 1999 to 2016. Sharrieff earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Pepperdine University School of Law. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $153,689. Sharrieff is a Democrat.

Sean Maguire, 37, of Carmichael, has been appointed to the California State Water Resources Control Board. Maguire has been supervising water resources control engineer at the State Water Resources Control Board since 2017, where he was senior water resources control engineer from 2015 to 2017. He held several positions at Kennedy/Jenks Consultants from 2003 to 2015, including water resources practice leader, senior associate engineer and senior staff engineer. Maguire is a member of the Groundwater Resources Association of California. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $153,689. Maguire is a Democrat.
The competition for Inc. magazine's 2018 Company of the Year was as intense as it gets. Not only did top contender Netflix announce--and largely pull off--its ambitious goal to produce 700 new titles this year, Lyft finally outmaneuvered its biggest rival, Uber, in one very important and growing segment, micromobility. Even so, this year's winner, Bird--which also happens to be dominating the world of micromobility--proved too tough to beat.

Here are this year's top contenders and the most exciting companies around:

23andMe

Despite Anne Wojcicki's entrepreneurial pedigree--her sister is the CEO of YouTube--her genetic testing startup, 23andMe, had long been waylaid by one of the toughest federal regulatory bodies around: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. After nearly a four-year battle, 23andMe finally won approval to continue selling its genetic health tests. In 2018, the Mountain View, California-based company then received the first-ever FDA authorization for a direct-to-consumer genetic report for cancer. In genetic terms, it's like splicing a double helix. (Read, it's big.)

Lyft

Not only did the No. 2 ride-sharing company beat its biggest rival to the IPO punch--filing its confidential initial public offering with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last week--Lyft also finally closed on its long awaited deal to acquire Motivate, a bike-sharing company with an estimated 80 percent of the U.S. market. Of course, the San Francisco company's valuation of $15 billion is dwarfed by Uber's estimated $120 billion valuation, should it go public in 2019, as expected.

Allbirds

Allbirds was the talk of the town this year. Not only were fans crowing over the comfort and quality of the San Francisco-based startup's shoes, it made headlines for its exotic materials--namely, merino wool, sugarcane, and eucalyptus tree fiber. Not quite like Nike, right? The founders say the company is committed to sustainable and renewable materials, and that focus is paying off. Allbirds grew to an estimated valuation of $1.4 billion in just two years.

Tuft & Needle

The mattress wars take no prisoners. Phoenix's Tuft & Needle wasn't just a hit with customers; competitors also took a shine to the direct-to-consumer mattress retailer. In a merge reportedly worth half a billion dollars, Serta Simmons Bedding closed the deal with Tuft & Needle in September. With that backing--which amounts to around 40 percent of the mattress market--things are bound to get even more interesting.

Stripe

Stripe serves as the financial backend for more than 100,000 companies, ranging from mom-and-pop-shops to giants like Lyft and Facebook. That traction has helped the eight-year-old San Francisco-based fintech startup raise another $245 million in September, valuing the company at $20 billion. Stripe also launched a new entrepreneurship index in October that it hopes will help policy makers improve the landscape for entrepreneurs around the world.

Rogue Fitness

Former GM factory worker Bill Henniger loved CrossFit, but found setting up his own facilities cumbersome. He hit on a problem. And starting his own home gym-equipment distribution company was the solution. Rogue Fitness later grew to manufacture equipment as well. While estimated revenue in the millions is nothing to scoff at, the Columbus, Ohio-based business is also dedicated to its community--recently building a new headquarters, employing 500 people in a struggling downtown neighborhood.

Epic Games

In a given month, about 80 million people around the world log on to play Fortnite Battle Royale; the multiplayer shooter game has 125 million registered users. But that gaming craze isn't the most exciting thing about the Cary, North Carolina, company now valued at $15 billion. Epic Games is also the maker of the Unreal Engine, the technological backbone that's enabled developers around the world to create their own games. In 2016, Unreal developers had earned more than $10 billion in sales globally.

Netflix

Netflix's reign as the ultimate industry disrupter is in tact. This year, not only did the DVD-subscription-service-turned-content-producing-juggernaut win two Academy Awards and 23 Emmys (the same number as HBO), but it also is within striking distance of its ambitious goal of producing 700 new titles in 2018. That audacity is expected to continue, as the Los Gatos-based company announced in October that it would release three films in theaters before making them available for streaming.

InVision

Winning the award for the most under-the-radar-yet-important company of 2018 is handily the New York City-based InVision. Not only is the visualization software used by 4.3 million people at thousands of companies, but Amazon's Jeff Bezos claims to be a daily user of the product as well. Who knew making rapid digital prototypes easily sharable would be so useful?

Asana

It was a banner year for Asana, a workplace productivity software company co-founded by Facebook alums Dustin Moskovitz and Justin Rosenstein. The software helps users keep track of work projects' progress, priority status and more. Key partnerships with Slack and Microsoft Outlook helped the San Francisco-based company land a $50 million series E round at a $1.5 billion valuation. Asana also reached 50,000 paying customers this year.

WeWork

This was the year WeWork shrugged off its co-working moniker once and for all. Continuing its trend of launching into various industries, this year led to the New York City company launching a private school called WeGrow and a physical store called WeMrkt. Naturally, with that ever expanding portfolio of businesses and copious real-estate assets, WeWork has an unpredictable future ahead.

SoftBank

One of the biggest stories of the year is that of SoftBank, the Japanese conglomerate that Masayoshi Son founded as a software company in 1981. Through its $100 billion Vision Fund, SoftBank has become the largest tech investor in the world, widely (and deeply) funding some of today's biggest startups, from WeWork to Uber to Slack. But SoftBank has also found itself mired in major controversy due to its ties with the Saudi Arabian government, which is the Vision Fund's biggest backer-- and which has been engulfed by the scandal relating to the murder of Saudi dissident and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Patagonia

Political activism is ingrained at outdoor outfitter Patagonia; the Ventura, California, company has given away some $90 million to environmental causes since 1985. But lately the brand has leaned further into its role as an "Activist Company." Patagonia regularly closes up shop on Election Day, but this year it convinced more than 400 other businesses to commit to giving employees the time and resources to vote. It also backed two political campaigns--and in a major move, it vowed to donate the entirety of the $10 million windfall it netted due to the tax cuts passed by Donald Trump in 2017.

Bird
In the marketing world, it's well understood that building happy and loyal brand advocates is the key to ensuring a healthy stream of returning customers.

In the recruitment space, many companies fail to recognize the lessons inherent in customer loyalty schemes. And according to the Bureau of National Affairs, that lack of recognition is costing U.S. businesses an estimated $11 billion in lost revenue -- every single year.

This situation is what we call "employee turnover," which refers to the number of employees who leave an organization and need replacing.

Employee turnover is on the rise. It leads to ballooning recruitment costs and a whole host of talent management problems. The average cost to fill a position ranges from $3,000 to $18,000, so it's easy to see how numbers can quickly get out of hand.

But here's the worst part: employee turnover is entirely avoidable.

If your HR department wrestles with this challenge, then understanding its primary causes will help you make sense of the problem.

By implementing a clear and coherent strategy, you can keep top talent happy, engaged and excited.

Measuring Employee Turnover

Measuring employee turnover plays a crucial role in identifying the severity of the problem.

In fact, it's something that should be done on a monthly basis, though you may want to contextualize this by conducting an annual survey as well.

The process is fairly simple. You'll need three figures:

The number of active employees at the beginning of each month The number of active employees at the end of each month The number of employees who left during that month

First, add your beginning and ending employee numbers for each month, and divide that by two. This gives you the average number of employees for that month.

[Beginning Employees + End Employees] / 2 = Average Monthly Employees

Next, divide the number of employees who left during that month by the average. Then, multiply that figure by 100 to get your final turnover percentage.

[Employees Left / Average Employees] x 100 = Monthly Turnover %

It's important to conduct regular measurements of employee turnover, so you can track fluctuations and better plan for necessary hires.

The Causes of High Employee Turnover

Measuring employee turnover is a good start, but to reduce and overcome it requires a more thorough understanding of its causes and triggers.

Quite often, high turnover is the symptom of one (or many) underlying problems. Rather than throw money at quick-fix solutions, the best approach is to cast your gaze upstream. Ask yourself: What factors are causing staff to leave at such an alarming rate?

To help you better pinpoint and identify where the problem starts, let's cover some of the most common causes of high employee turnover.

1. No standardized onboarding process

It's surprising how many companies have yet to standardize an engaging and informative onboarding process. Today's world is fast-moving and hyper-connected, so getting your staff up-to-speed is a pivotal aspect that simply cannot be overlooked.

2. Expectation versus reality

When hiring managers aren't equipped with the right tools, they can't sell the job properly. This results in hires that don't match job requirements or fit with wider company culture, leading to greater turnover.

3. Lack of recognition

People may take a job for more money, but they often leave it for more recognition. At the end of the day, we're all seeking acceptance and appreciation. Find new ways to promote internal success and reward your employees publicly for good work.

4. Poor work-life balance

Shifting social values and norms means that today's businesses must account for a healthy work-life balance. If your staff are overcooked and underwhelmed, then simple solutions like flexible or remote working can make all the difference.

5. Lack of career development opportunities

It's a natural human instinct to push forward and aspire for more, so make sure your company structure accommodates vertical career development. Regular discussions with employees can help keep both sides aligned and on the same page.

6. Empty promises

When attempting to move your star candidate across the line, it's natural to want to promise the moon. Before you do, be careful about what you commit, and don't extend more than you can realistically deliver.

How to Design Better Employee Experiences

Ultimately, high employee turnover is the symptom of a larger, more systemic problem.

To reduce turnover and turn employees into happy brand advocates, companies need to rethink the entire recruitment process. This begins by mapping the candidate journey from start to finish, so you better understand the process candidates walk through.

Once hires are confirmed, it's extremely important to develop a coherent onboarding process that can be scaled across the business. Then, focus on ways you can make employees feel empowered, and deliver on their expectations for growth and development.
Bird boss Travis VanderZanden was introduced to public transportation by his mother, who drove a city bus. His vehicles are smaller, but his ambitions are global. Joe Pugliese

The first 10 Birds descended on Santa Monica, California, in early September 2017. Within days, this small migration became more like an invasion. Soon, locals woke to see Birds scattered across the city's sidewalks and bike paths and on the boardwalk at Venice Beach--some 250 e-scooters left by the fledgling startup Bird Rides, along with instructions on how to rent them using an app. No one had invited Bird to Santa Monica. There were also no laws that specifically banned (or permitted) Bird's business--the closest were the city's regulations governing sidewalk food stands. "We are not selling hot dogs and tacos," Travis VanderZanden, Bird's founder, CEO, and head provocateur, said in March. "We felt we were in a gray area."

VanderZanden wasted little time exploiting that area, alerting Santa Monica mayor Ted Winterer, via a LinkedIn message, that many more Birds were coming. "We have $3M in venture funding to focus on the traffic and parking problems in Santa Monica and Venice," the message read. "I'd love to work together." The mayor's response was far less chummy, perhaps because VanderZanden's missive had landed after those Birds had. "If your company is the one deploying electric scooters in the public right of way," Winterer shot back, "my understanding is there are serious legal issues with doing so." He then pushed VanderZanden off to other city officials.

But many residents of this beachfront community--long a haven for cyclists, skateboarders, inline and roller skaters, and Razor scooterers--proved far more enthusiastic. Chaos quickly ensued. Citizens piloted Birds on the sidewalk (illegally). Teens caused mayhem by ignoring traffic laws while double-riding. Pedestrians tripped over discarded scooters that clogged the walkways. There were accidents, serious head injuries--Birds zip along at 15 miles an hour, and few trying them out wore helmets--and hundreds of tickets issued to riders. There was a protest. There was a counterprotest. Six months after the scooters appeared, Bird agreed to pay $300,000 to settle a nine-count misdemeanor criminal complaint levied by the city attorney's office.

In other words, everything went more or less according to plan. Bird unleashed a cultural phenomenon, sparked a VC frenzy, and remains the clear leader of a renegade group of e-scooter rideshare outfits that includes Lime, Scoot, Skip, Spin, Jump (owned by Uber), and Lyft, with more seemingly arriving every day. "Bird is the classic example of a startup looking like a toy and people underestimating and dismissing it," says David Sacks, an early PayPal executive who invested in the company's seed round. "It's low-cost transportation that's perfect for cities."

Which is why Bird has taken flight like few other startups. "Bird might be the fastest-growing company ever," says Mark Suster, the managing partner of Upfront Ventures, which invested in each funding round. "It could be the fastest-growing company to a billion-dollar run rate in history." As of November 2018--just 14 months after its stealth launch--Bird's annual revenue run rate was well above $100 million, says VanderZanden. (In June, Bird told investors its run rate was $65 million.) Bird also rose to unicorn status faster than any other startup, notching a $2 billion valuation in less than a year, according to PitchBook, which shares an owner with Inc. To put that into perspective: Airbnb took nearly three years to reach a $1 billion valuation--and Uber needed four.

In the company's first 14 months, Birds landed in more than 120 cities, some small, like Russellville, Arkansas, and some large, like Los Angeles. They're in Paris, Antwerp, Tel Aviv, London, and Mexico City. There have been more than 10 million Bird rides. And since Bird has taken in $415 million in funding, it has the capital to get to many more cities, and fast.

When Bird comes to your town, transportation options--and the streetscape--change immediately. You find scooters speckling sidewalks and public spaces all over town. You use the Bird app to rent one for $1, plus a per-minute charge of 15 to 20, depending on the city. When you're done, you end the ride, the wheels lock, and you leave the scooter wherever, for whomever. Bird is boldly making the case that untethered e-scooters ("dockless," in scooter-speak) have a better claim to public space than cars--indeed, that e-scooters can take cars, including Ubers and Lyfts, off the road and contribute to greener, less congested cities.

Organizing random transportation is a complex task. Bird imports e-scooters from China, and then installs a minicomputer (a "Bird brain") to connect a scooter to the company's software platform. After this modification, the company can see where every Bird is located, lock and unlock the wheels and motor, and throttle a scooter's speed remotely. "It's not as easy as building an app and putting the scooters out there," says VanderZanden. And every night, a motley swarm of freelance Bird "chargers" must gather all the e-scooters wherever they've been parked (or abandoned), recharge them, and redistribute them to designated "nests," where riders can easily find them for the morning's commute.

With the hyperfocused VanderZanden, Bird has the kind of leadership needed to handle the difficult mix of technology, logistics, and politics it requires. A serial entrepreneur who's not yet 40 but who's already earned and left a few scars in his career, he is an acknowledged ops maestro and a veteran of both Uber and Lyft. Under VanderZanden, the company has yoked a powerful entrepreneurial vision to a huge mission: to change urban transportation utterly. For its audacity and ambition, for its ferocious execution skills--for demonstrating, even, that sometimes entrepreneurship requires playing in a gray area rather than wearing a white hat--Bird is Inc.'s Company of the Year.

You might say that public transportation is in VanderZanden's blood. His mother, Robin, operated a Valley Transit city bus in his hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin. His father left the family shortly after Travis was born, and Robin often had to bring her son along to work. "I remember watching her drive, watching how public transit worked and how the routes worked," VanderZanden says. "And seeing all the friction--riders need to time their pickups and drop-offs perfectly with the schedule." Other kids were playing video games. Young Travis was spotting market inefficiencies.

In 2002, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a computer science degree, VanderZanden packed up his forest-green Pontiac, borrowed money from his older sister, and headed for San Diego to find a job. He did, becoming a product manager at Qualcomm, where he worked on the cell-phone application platform BREW, which allowed third-party developers to create and sell games, ringtones, and other apps. As VanderZanden put it: "We were basically building the App Store years before the iPhone even existed." In 2005, he started night classes at the University of Southern California, driving twice a week to L.A. to get his MBA. "A little crazy, in retrospect," he says. It meant eight hours of driving for every four hours of classes. "Everyone thought I wouldn't finish. They told me it was too far and how it didn't make sense. But out of stubbornness, I finished."

In 2008, he quit Qualcomm and moved to Austin, where he started his first company, QikCom, an enterprise chat app. ("A bad name," he admits.) One day, he recognized a name among the new sign-ups for the fledgling service: David Sacks, who'd recently founded a rival called Yammer. Sacks was checking out the competition, but VanderZanden saw an opportunity and asked Sacks to have dinner.

He told me the idea of adult scooters and explained how riders would just leave them on the sidewalk, and I was incredulous. I thought he was crazy. David Sacks, former PayPal COO and an early investor in Bird

Sacks quickly realized QikCom was a one-man band, plus a few freelancers. But he was impressed enough to hire the frontman: VanderZanden started the sales team at Yammer and became its chief revenue officer. By 2011, though, VanderZanden had quit to start another company, this one called Cherry, an on-demand car-wash app. "A terrible idea," he told attendees at Vanity Fair's New Establishment Summit in October. "Don't try that."

Even after VanderZanden left Yammer, Sacks remained intrigued. "He is a natural entrepreneur with a combination of vision, the ability to execute, and a certain impatience," says Sacks. He invested in Cherry. Two years later, when it sputtered, Sacks discovered he wasn't the only one to recognize VanderZanden's talent: In 2013, Lyft bought Cherry, and promptly made VanderZanden its COO.

Shortly thereafter, VanderZanden became a one-man soap opera. When Lyft founders Logan Green and John Zimmer began selling shares, VanderZanden asked permission to sell even more, but the board did not approve. According to a source familiar with the situation, VanderZanden then pushed the board to explore selling Lyft to Uber. When the talks fizzled, he called a board member--Geoff Lewis, then with Peter Thiel's Founders Fund--with an ultimatum: Make me CEO, or I resign.

See ya, the board responded. "It was a failed CEO coup, and felt very mercenary," says the source, who describes VanderZanden as a talented but power-hungry executive who's determined to win. "You need executives who are competitive, but Travis is out for Travis and Travis alone." (VanderZanden would not comment on those events.)

I pulled it out of the box, and the thing looked like Steve Jobs himself had designed it. Bird founder Travis VanderZanden, on his first look at the Xiaomi M365 e-scooter, which ultimately became Bird's flagship vehicle

He quickly landed at Uber, as vice president of driver growth. Just as quickly, Lyft sued in November 2014, alleging he breached confidentiality agreements and stole company secrets. VanderZanden countersued, accusing Lyft of accessing his personal text messages and emails, thus setting off a two-year court battle that ended with a confidential settlement in June 2016.

In September 2016, VanderZanden left Uber, telling colleagues that he wanted to spend more time with his family. This was when bikesharing firms like Ofo were making a splash in Asia, and just four months before Lime--then a bikesharing company--was launching in cities and on college campuses across the U.S. Meanwhile, companies like Boosted Boards were making electric skateboards popular. (Boosted founder Sanjay Dastoor now leads e-scooter company Skip.) Amid all that, VanderZanden credits a holiday with his family for giving him the idea for Bird.

On Christmas 2016, he gave bicycles to his daughters, who were then 3 and 5, and spent the day teaching them how to ride. But the very next morning, they woke him up with an urgent question: Daddy, can we ride our scooters again? Forget those shiny new bikes--they still loved the scooters they already owned. And the thought occurred to him: If you attach a motor to the scooters, might grownups agree? VanderZanden found adult e-scooters made by Chinese manufacturers on Alibaba and ordered a few. And then a few more, and then a few more, until he found the Xiaomi M365. "I pulled it out of the box, and the thing looked like Steve Jobs himself had designed it," he says.

VanderZanden and his wife, who were then back in San Diego, took the scooters to the boardwalk. Heads started to turn. "Everybody was like: 'Where can I get one of those?' My friends who took a ride would text me and call me and say, 'Hey, can we go for another ride?' People would get addicted," he says.

The Xiaomi M365 became Bird's launch vehicle, and, by April 2017, VanderZanden had incorporated Bird Rides and raised $3 million in seed capital, throwing in some of his own cash and convincing Sacks and others to participate. But let's just say it took Sacks--who'd already watched VanderZanden flop twice--some time to warm up to this latest venture.

"He told me the idea of adult scooters and explained how riders would just leave them on the sidewalk, and I was incredulous. I thought he was crazy," says Sacks. He invested anyway. "Once I went to Santa Monica, I realized it was magical," he says, after he scootered to his destination, without waiting for a cab or sitting in traffic. "I started thinking about how big this idea could become, and realized that it's transformational. You could have millions of these, and start displacing car trips for commuters--and eventually redesign cities."

Bird's modus operandi has remained remarkably consistent: Identify cities without laws proscribing e-scooters, launch a fleet of them, watch as people start scooting all over town, and then wait as city officials scramble to respond to the newfangled transport option. The price paid, as of November 2018, has been nearly half a million dollars in fines and court fees, hundreds of seized scooters, numerous cease-and-desist letters from angry government officials, and at least three lawsuits. One is a proposed class-action suit launched by nine plaintiffs who claim that Bird, Lime, and Chinese scooter manufacturers are responsible for shattered teeth and broken bones. In another filing, the city of Milwaukee branded Bird a public nuisance. And there have been two reported deaths associated with e-scooters, according to The Washington Post.

In response to such concerns, VanderZanden has said he doesn't minimize the accidents, injuries, or deaths, but brings in another perspective: Automobiles kill more than 40,000 people annually in the U.S. The fewer the cars, the safer we'll be, whatever the risks of e-scooters.

Still, in San Francisco, Bird's launch-first, explain-later policy backfired after Bird, Lime, and Spin unleashed some 3,000 scooters on the city in March 2018--an event that won the tag "Scootergeddon." San Francisco banned scooters until regulators established a pilot program, but when the city started licensing companies, Bird found itself on the outside looking in, as did Lime and Spin. (Scoot and Skip won the only permits.)

There's a shitload of money in e-scooters. We are talking trillions of dollars. Transportation analyst Horace Dediu

There's also been some visible backlash from people outraged by the rideshare firms' tech-punk attitude. Birds and Limes have been crushed by trucks, pooped on, tossed off buildings, set afire, and heaved into oceans and rivers, as amply documented on the Instagram feed @BirdGraveyard. Such blowback isn't always the stuff of funny social media posts. At Bird's headquarters on Electric Avenue in Venice, burly-looking security guards stand behind a 10-foot iron gate. As Bird's value crested $1 billion, physical threats against the company and VanderZanden ensued--a sobering touch at an office more inclined to startup whimsy, where each conference room is named after different avifauna: Dove, Eagle, Falcon, Penguin, Cardinal, Toucan, Robin, and, yes, even Big Bird. ("We scaled security as the company scaled," a Bird spokeswoman said. "It was not because of a single event.")

When especially tough local laws prohibit e-scooters, Bird sends in a cadre of policy wonks, lawyers, and lobbyists to persuade legislators to change them. These efforts are led by Bradley Tusk of Tusk Strategies, a former top aide to New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg who made his bones by spearheading Uber's victorious efforts to take on regulators.

Tusk's argument for Bird is this: If cities want to reduce traffic and greenhouse gases, they need people to rethink their approach. Why use a 4,000-pound automobile to go two miles when a bike or e-scooter can better handle that task? Micromobility--as this burgeoning industry of small electric vehicles is called--equals transformation. At least this is what Bird and its e-scooter siblings assert.

"Our mission is very strong: It's to remove cars from the road, reduce traffic, reduce carbon emissions," says VanderZanden, whose relentless drive is perhaps matched only by his dedication to stressing Bird's vision at every possible opportunity. "Every city in the world could benefit from that." More cannily, VanderZanden positions Bird as a means to amend what ride-hailing companies like his former employers Lyft and Uber have wrought--adding more congestion to cities. To correct that, America needs to let go of its "car addiction," he asserts.

"There's already a lane for cars, there's a lane for pedestrians, but there hasn't been enough invested in this third lane," says VanderZanden, discussing bike lanes as if he'd just invented them.

Tusk is currently lobbying in markets, like New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago, that explicitly ban e-scooters. Cracking these cities would yield enormous riches. In New York, the company is garnering political support from city council members by pitching its service as a way to help Gothamites deal with a 114-year-old subway system that is increasingly notorious for service delays.

Of course, Bird stands to reap benefits, should cities remodel themselves in the way VanderZanden suggests. "No one in this business that I know of is doing it to make an impact on carbon emissions, or improve the environment," says Horace Dediu, founder of the Micromobility Summit, a new event centered on alternative transportation technologies. "Everyone is doing it because there's a shitload of money in e-scooters."

Short, single-occupancy car trips represent 80 to 90 percent of all automobile travel, says Dediu. If you target trips of five miles or less, in urban areas across the world, he says, "you can carve out about 30 percent of all the money in transportation. We're talking trillions of dollars."

Our mission is very strong: It's to remove cars from the road, reduce traffic, reduce carbon emissions. Every city in the world could benefit from that. VanderZanden

The data confirms the seductive math behind the business. According to The Information, a Bird presentation to investors in June revealed that it was averaging $3.65 per ride and had 19 percent gross margins. In the same presentation, Bird said it was on its way to reducing costs per scooter from $551 to $360--a figure that includes importing the device and modifying it--which will help push gross margins to 33 percent. (Half the revenue from each Bird trip goes to its array of roving chargers; the company also pays freelance mechanics to fix broken scooters.) VanderZanden declined to update Inc. on Bird economics, aside from saying that unit economics have "dramatically" improved.

Such numbers, and the market size, help explain why rent-by-the-minute e-scooter companies mushroomed from one to about a dozen in just over a year. It's not just startups with cutesy names like Yellow (in Brazil) and Grin (in Mexico)--the giants are now coming in. Uber invested in Lime, and is adding e-scooters to its bikeshare company Jump; Lyft is similarly hedging bets by acquiring bikeshare company Motivate and rolling out Lyft-branded e-scooters. Razor, the iconic scooter manufacturer, has also launched its own rideshare business, and, in November, Ford bought Spin. Doubters looking for a market top may point to China's Ofo, the operator of the world's largest bikeshare platform, which once stretched across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia. Ofo recently announced plans to drastically shrink its business and shutter most U.S. markets.

Back at Bird headquarters, though, VanderZanden evinces little concern. "Our religion, our true north, is to get cars off the road," he says. The e-scooter is just a starting point; the company will evolve to offer new short-range electric vehicles. "The nice thing is, the name Bird works well with electric scooters all the way to flying cars," says VanderZanden.

Wait. Flying cars?

"Any transportation that doesn't involve a car is on the table for us," he says.

For now, though, VanderZanden must focus on establishing e-scooters with an aggressive, bifurcated approach: Sell the magic of the machinery to eager consumers and transportation futures to skeptical governments. There is a precedent, one created by one of Bird's newest competitors. To popularize automobiles, Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford dazzled the public with his hardware--he set speed records in his "999" racer in 1904--while simultaneously pushing governments to build the roads and infrastructure needed for the industry to thrive.

The nice thing is, the name Bird works well all the way to flying cars. VanderZanden

It worked. Ford's strategy fueled a personal transportation revolution. And even as VanderZanden strives to fuel another, he's already achieved one marker of success: Bird has been subjected to knowing jokes and references on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a South Park episode called "The Scoots." In that episode, e-scooters resembling Bird's wreak havoc on the small town the show is set in--until someone finally fells a cell-phone tower to disable the scooter's app.

VanderZanden heard from his mom and grandma soon after. "They didn't agree with a lot of stuff in the episode," he says, "but they thought it was hilarious." For all the controversy that his Birds have left in their wake, for all the questions that remain as to whether even VanderZanden's formidable skills and confidence can achieve all he foresees for his company, give him this: Not even Henry Ford's work dented pop culture as quickly as Bird did.

Mapping the Scooter-Verse

Bird has been around only since 2017, and already it faces a gaggle of competitors that span the globe.

Lime: Launched in 2017 as a bikeshare company, it then expanded to e-scooters. Lime has raised $467 million and is valued at $1.1 billion. In November, it launched car rentals in Seattle.

Jump: Launched in 2010 as an electric bikeshare company, Jump has raised $11.6 million and sold to Uber in 2018 for about $200 million. The company was originally named Social Bicycles, and was the first dockless bikeshare firm in the U.S.

Lyft: Launched in 2012 as a ride-hailing company, it expanded to e-scooters in 2018. It has raised $5.1 billion and is valued at $15.1 billion. VanderZanden was once Lyft's COO.

Spin: Launched in 2016 as a bikeshare company, it has raised $8 million and was valued at $40 million in 2017. Ford acquired Spin for about $100 million in November 2018.

Razor: Launched in 2000 as a kick scooter maker, it launched e-scooter rideshare in 2018. After its launch in San Diego, a Razor e-scooter was found in Tijuana.

Skip: Launched in 2018, it has raised $31 million and is valued at $100 million. Before launching Skip, Sanjay Dastoor co-founded electric skateboard company Boosted Boards.

Scoot: Launched in 2011 with Vespa-like e-scooters, it then expanded to kick scooters in 2018. It has raised $4.3 million. Since San Francisco banned e-scooters and then created a pilot program, Scoot and Skip are the only companies that have won permits.

Yellow (Brazil): Launched in 2018, Yellow has raised $75 million. Founders Ariel Lambrecht and Renato Freitas started Brazilian ride-hailing startup 99, which they sold to Didi Chuxing.

Grin (Mexico): Launched in 2018, Grin has raised $73 million. This Y Combinator company acquired Brazilian e-scooter company Ride in October 2018.
Editor's note: Inc. magazine's 2018 Company of the Year is Bird. Here, we spotlight a contender for the title.

In 2006, Bill Henniger was holding down a full-time operations job at General Motors and working toward an MBA at the University of Michigan. But the Air Force veteran was still looking for a challenge. He found it in CrossFit, a full-body fitness regimen that combines interval training with high-intensity workouts involving movements like running and jumping performed with weights.

After completing his level one trainer certification at the original CrossFit location in Santa Cruz, California, Henniger decided to join CrossFit's affiliate program. He purchased the rights to open CrossFit studios, or "boxes," in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio, and set about building a personal CrossFit box in his Toledo garage. It wasn't easy: Even though CrossFit boxes are so named for their minimalist approach to equipment, Henniger still had to go through multiple distributors to procure the weights, bars, and racks he needed--a costly, time-consuming process.

As all great entrepreneurs do, Henniger saw a problem and decided to build a business to solve it. Using only his own money, he launched Rogue Fitness as an online-only distributor, creating a convenient one-stop shop for outfitting CrossFit boxes of all sizes, from garages with a few dumbbells to larger studios' rowing machines and racks.

Now, 10 years later, Rogue Fitness is the leading manufacturer of American-made strength and training equipment. The company declined to disclose revenue, but this year increased its workforce to 600, up from 160 in 2012. It recently moved into a new headquarters where it designs, builds, stores, and distributes all of its equipment . The 600,000-square-foot campus is helping to revitalize the long-struggling Milo-Grogan neighborhood in downtown Columbus. Rogue's commitment to American manufacturing, its employees, and investing in the local economy made it a contender for Inc.'s 2018 Company of the Year.

Although Rogue Fitness is hitting its stride in 2018, the company has by no means been an overnight success. Soon after launching Rogue as an equipment distributor, Henniger cashed out part of his 401(k), moved to Columbus, and opened Rogue Fitness Columbus. While the gym portion of the business took off, the distribution side ran into some issues. It was great for customers to be able to order their gym equipment from one place, but sourcing from multiple distributors meant inconsistent shipping times and costs. Henniger realized that the company needed more warehousing space, as well as to make its own equipment. And he knew he wanted it to be American-made.

By 2012, Henniger had made his manufacturing and distribution goals a reality. "The industry norm is six to eight weeks for racks and full gym outfitting," Henniger says. "We cut this down by 98 percent by stocking everything we make." CrossFit boxes can be any size and configuration, and have any combination of equipment. Rogue sells everything from dumbbells to exercise bikes, and lets shoppers custom-build boxes on its site. All of its orders ship in one business day.

This Amazon-esque business model seems to be working. Rogue is the official equipment supplier of the CrossFit Games, USA Weightlifting, the Arnold Strongman Classic, and the World's Strongest Man competition. In May 2019, for the first time, the Rogue Fitness headquarters will host a qualifying event for the CrossFit Games. The company has also opened a branch in Belgium for distribution to European customers, though all manufacturing is done right in downtown Columbus.

There are challenges of course, including steel tariffs and the general costliness of manufacturing 150,000 pounds of steel a day. But, according to Henniger, the benefits outweigh the costs. "I can walk to any area of the building and talk to the welders, machinists, painters, sewing staff, medicine ball builders, assembly team, and distribution team," he says. "Our product designers can work hand in hand with the fabrication teams. If we need to make a change, we can do it on the fly."

Where Henniger takes the most pride, though, is in his company's commitment to hiring local labor at a fair wage. (Rogue Fitness factory workers make about $16 an hour, according to Glassdoor.) The company's core philosophy reads: "Keeping our manufacturing operations in the U.S. and hiring skilled American workers results in higher quality products and more economic growth within the local community. Paying our employees a fair wage instills a sense of pride in their work and a sense of security in their lives."
Considering Marvel fans have probably spent the entire weekend watching and re-watching the new Avengers trailer, its no surprise that the more keen-eyed of viewers appear to have spotted something thats previously slipped under the radar.

It seems with much of the discussion centred on the confirmation of those who didnt survive Thanoss destructive finger-snap at the end of Infinity War, a seeminglu pretty huge moment  which arrives early on in the new clip  might have been missed.

The trailer opens with Tony Stark, floating in space with his water and oxygen supply running out  only, as previously believed, hes not alone.

One shot shows him in a defunct spaceship, accompanied by what Twitter users are saying is a character viewers saw die at the end of Infinity War.

*Look away if you dont want to know*

Twitter users have pointed out that, if you look closely, you can see Groot (Vin Diesel) sat behind an abandoned Stark.

While its a surprise that the films directors, the Russo brothers, would throw such a huge reveal into the films trailer, theres no denying it certainly looks like him despite it quite clearly being a case of trickery.

You can decide for yourself below.



The trailer for the film  officially titled Endgame  became the most-watched trailer of all time within a 24 hour time period across its platforms, picking up a staggering 289 million views.

The record was previously held by the first trailer for Infinity War, which managed 230 million views in 24 hours. Before then, the recent adaptation of Stephen Kings It held the record.

Its a brief teaser that seemingly plays its cards close to its chest, although there are some major revelations to be found, for those willing to put the clues together.

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

Most importantly, theres a suggestion that there will be a way to reverse the snap which saw half of the universe disappear into thin air.

Theres also the long-heralded return of a character who sat out the last film. You can find a shot-for-shot breakdown here.
While most of the UK is preoccupied with the never-ending Brexit saga, over in Poland world leaders have gathered to hash out the terms of an agreement that makes Theresa Mays troubles look trivial.

The Paris Climate Accord has the potential to shape our planets history for decades, centuries and even millennia into the future by tying the worlds squabbling mess of factions and ideologies into one common goal: cutting greenhouse gas emissions and saving the planet from climate change.

Delegates in the coal mining town of Katowice are trying to establish how to make such an agreement work in practice, but predictably their efforts are being hampered by the petty (by comparison) concerns of world leaders.
The US has allied with major oil producers Russia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to intercept the adoption of a crucial climate change report by world leaders at a UN conference.

Experts have condemned these climate villains after their efforts plunged talks into chaos at the critical COP24 climate summit in Poland over the weekend.

The four nations blocked the full endorsement of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes report, which was commissioned at a previous COP meeting.

Their actions triggered a diplomatic standoff that went on long into Saturday night, and set an ominous tone as ministers arrive for the second week of the climate event.

In October the IPCC released their report, which revealed the unprecedented global action required to stop global warming exceeding 1.5C and avoid the worst effects of climate change.

Yet when their conclusions, based on the work of thousands of scientists, were formally presented on Saturday, the group of oil producers took issue with the meeting welcoming the report.

Instead, they opted for the watered-down pledge to take note of the IPCCs findings. As no consensus could be reached, the text ultimately had to be dropped.

Glacier collapse shows climate impact Show all 20 1 /20 Glacier collapse shows climate impact Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Meltwater pools on top of the Helheim glacier near Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Safety officer Brian Rougeux works with student Febin Magar to assemble a radar dome while working in a science camp on the side of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Airplane Mechanic, David Fuller, left, works with a local worker to move a Nasa Gulfstream III during a pre-flight inspection before a flight to support the Oceans Melting Greenland research mission Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Meltwater pools on top of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Earth Science Flight Programs Director at Nasa, Eric Ianson, looks out at the Greenland ice sheet Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Glacial ice is seen from the window during the Nasa flight Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Oceanographer David Holland's science camp on the side of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact A large crevasse forms near the calving front of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Safety officer Brian Rougeux uses a drill to install antennas for scientific instruments that will be left on top of the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Tabular icebergs float in the Sermilik Fjord after a large calving event at the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Radar Engineer, Ron Muellerschoen, monitors data collection inside a NASA Gulfstream III flying above Greenland to measure loss to the country's ice sheet Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact GPS tracking equipment is left on top of the Helheim glacier REUTERS Glacier collapse shows climate impact Sunshine lights up the Helheim glacier Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact A glacial terminus above the east coast of Greenland REUTERS Glacier collapse shows climate impact Student Febin Magar watches as leftover wood burns in a research camp Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Tabular icebergs float in the Sermilik Fjord after a large calving event Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact Oceanographer David Holland repairs a broken GPS module at his research camp Reuters Glacier collapse shows climate impact An iceberg floats in a fjord near the town of Tasiilaq Reuters

The fact that a group of four countries were trying to diminish the value and importance of a scientific report they themselves, with all other countries, requested three years ago in Paris is pretty remarkable, said Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

While the oil-producing Gulf states had long been troublemakers, and Russias intentions were unclear, Mr Meyer attributed US action to president Donald Trumps cavalier attitude towards climate science.

An avowed climate sceptic, since taking power Mr Trump has rolled back many US environmental protections and declared the withdrawal of the US from the Paris climate agreement.

That fossil fuel corporations and governments overrun by fossil fuel interests are buddying up should come as no surprise, but there should be no place in these climate talks to take steps backwards, to attempt to sideline the IPCC report, or to ignore its conclusions, May Boeve, executive director of campaign group 350.org, told The Independent.

Mohamed Adow, Christian Aids international climate lead, described the four oil-producers rogue nations.

These nations are climate villains and they must be opposed by the rest of the world, he told The Independent.

Prominent US climate scientist Dr Michael Mann added his voice to the condemnation, describing the alliance of oil states as an axis of evil in a tweet on Saturday evening.

It is the fossil-fuelled triumvirate of Trump, Putin and Saudi Arabia who have colluded to sell out the future of this planet for their own short-term financial gain, he wrote.

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Almost all 200 of the countries represented in the Polish city of Katowice had wanted to welcome the report as diplomats wrapped up the first week of technical discussions.

A coalition of small island states and developing countries, as well as the EU, spoke in favour of the report, which spells out the need to set more ambitious targets to cut fossil fuels.

However, the US State Department said in a statement: The United States was willing to note the report and express appreciation to the scientists who developed it, but not to welcome it, as that would denote endorsement of the report.

Besides raising international ambitions to cut emissions, other controversial topics set for further discussion include financial support for poorer nations to make a green transition, and the rulebook for implementing the Paris agreement and reporting emissions.

Additional reporting by AP
The Trump administration has held an event at a major UN climate summit to promote the use of fossil fuels in the fight against global warming.

Branded laughable by critics, the news comes after the US allied with other oil states included Russia and Saudi Arabia to stop a key scientific report influencing proceedings at the COP24 event in Poland.

The side event, which featured representatives from the US government and energy industry, saw panellists insist so-called clean fossil fuels had a role to play in tackling global warming.

Their presentations suggested innovation and investment in these energy sources would not only make them more competitive, but significantly decrease emissions as well.

Proceedings were interrupted by activists infuriated by the administrations continued focus on polluting fuels.

The overwhelming majority of qualified experts agree that coal, oil and gas must be rapidly and completely phased out if the world is to stand a chance of meeting its ambitious climate targets and avoid catastrophic environmental consequences.

According to the US State Department, the event was intended to showcase ways to use fossil fuels as cleanly and efficiently as possible, as well as the use of emission-free nuclear energy.

Recommended Experts condemn US and Saudi Arabia for blocking key climate report

This marks the second year in a row the US government has tried to promote fossil fuels at a UN climate event.

While the event was meant to focus on clean fossil fuels, Donald Trump has made clear his enthusiasm for coal, the dirtiest variety available, very clear.

Even as coal consumption has fallen in the US, the president has attempted to reverse this trend by announcing a rollback of Obama-era standards that would make building new plants easier.

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

Its ludicrous for Trump officials to claim that they want to clean up fossil fuels, while dismantling standards that would do just that, said Dan Lashof, director of the World Resources Institute.

Since taking office, this administration has proposed to roll back measures to cut methane leaks from oil and gas operations, made it easier for companies to dump coal ash into drinking water, and just days ago proposed easing carbon pollution rules for new coal-fired power plants.

This sideshow in Poland would be laughable if the consequences of climate change werent so deadly serious.

Rachel Cleetus, from the Union of Concerned Scientists, said considering the urgent warnings to cut emissions, the Trump administrations ongoing promotion of coal stands in stark contrast with this climate reality.

Instead of feeding an addiction to fossil fuels to line the pockets of coal company executives, the US should be leading the world in transitioning towards low-carbon energy sources, driving innovation, prosperity and a healthier future for all, she said.

Many nations, including the UK, have already committed to phasing out coal completely over the next few years due to its disproportionate contribution to carbon emissions.

The US, on the other hand, has announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, but sent a small delegation to Poland since it is still officially a member.

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Around 100 activists including Indigenous and youth leaders disrupted the start of the event, chanting keep it in the ground in referencing to ending fossil fuel extraction.

Aneesa Khan, a youth delegation leader from campaign group SustainUS who was among the protesters, called the US-sponsored event a joke.

The US elite has profited off fossil fuels for decades. Its time for them to pay up and support to the world transition away from dirty energy, she said.

As the controversial event kicked off, global investors managing $32tn (25tn) in assets called for a total end to coal as a source of energy, and greater action from world leaders on climate change.
Each year, parents forgo traditional baby names in favour of unique ones, and experts expect 2019 will be no different.

As the end of 2018 nears, a year that saw names such as Sophia and Jackson topping the list of baby monikers, BabyCentre has released its trend predictions for 2019.

According to the pregnancy and parenting website, fashion, but more specifically, sneakers, will have an influence on popular names in the coming year, considering the rising popularity of names such as Van, Chuck and Taylor, and Nike shoe-names Max, Cortez, Monarch, and Jordan.

New parents are also expected to gain inspiration from the royal family when it comes to baby-naming, with the name Louis rising 17 per cent in popularity since the introduction of the newest royal baby.

The Duchess of Sussexs name will appear a lot more frequently as well, after Meghan saw a 49 per cent increase for girls, and Eugenie and Jack will also be contenders.

Power couples in general will see their names issued to babies, according to BabyCentre, which predicts John and Chrissy of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen will continue to be popular.

The effect has extended to the couples childrens names as well, with Luna seeing a 35 per cent increase for girls and Miles up 13 per cent for boys.

Parents are also likely to continue the trend of choosing gender-neutral names, according to the site, which suggests the new year will see parents choosing traditionally male names such as Max, Stevie and Tyler for their daughters.

And you can expect to see the return of traditionally female names such as Lindsey, Tracy and Kelsey for male babies.

The final trend prediction will focus on geography, according to BabyCentre, which suggests Americas Southern states will inspire when it comes to names.

Baby names facing extinction Show all 10 1 /10 Baby names facing extinction Baby names facing extinction Clarence Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Neville Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Geoffrey Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Leonard Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Malcolm Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Yvonne Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Sharon Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Elaine Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Doris Getty Images/iStockphoto Baby names facing extinction Joanne Getty Images/iStockphoto

Gender-neutral choices such as Tennessee, Memphis, Nash, Georgia, and Raleigh have all seen a surge in popularity in the past year.

In 2019, the site predicts Texas-inspired monikers will lead when it comes to boy names, with Austin, Dallas, and Antonio expected to be popular, and for girls, Savannah and Charlotte.

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As for the trendiest baby name of all, previous insight into years of baby names found it to be Linda, after the name rose from obscurity to popularity in the US - and remained popular for years.
Chrissy Teigen has called airbrushing scars and stretch marks from photographs insane.

The 33-year-old model stars on the cover of Januarys Elle UK Magazine, an issue which declares 2019 as the year of speaking up, in which she discusses everything from social media to mum-shaming and Donald Trump in an open and honest interview.

Teigen has been known to frequently use her platform to voice her opinions on a number of topics, and one that presents itself time and again is so-called Insta-perfection.

Recommended Jameela Jamil opens up about embracing breast stretch marks

When asked about a video she posted of herself on social media earlier this year, in which she zoomed in on her stretch marks, Teigen says: Everyone Photoshops them out.

Its insane. And I dont want anyone to feel like theyre the only ones.

I was on a Victorias Secret shoot and it was a big turning point for me to see those women with scars and stretch marks and bruises. Whos to say its even a flaw?

The mother-of-two also expanded on her thoughts about living life on social media and the pressure it can put on women to have killer bodies.

People get FOMO, or they feel bad about their bodies, and I get it, Teigen says.

If I feel bad seeing certain things, what about that girl who has no connection to this industry? It makes me sad, because thats not really how it is.

Despite her disapproval, the model does admit that things are starting to change for the better explaining that fashion is definitely kinder to women now.

Some brands cater to a lot of different body types, so its obvious now who supports women and who doesnt," she says.

And it isnt just fashion  its across the board. Ive never seen women have more fight in them than now. Were ready to stir the pot and bring issues to light.

Teigens comments follow similar criticisms from Jameela Jamil who recently said that airbrushing should be made illegal.

Recommended Chrissy Teigen opens up about dealing with online trolls

The activist and actor, whos currently starring in TV series The Good Place, wrote about the dangers of airbrushing for the BBC 100 Women series, where she described it as anti-feminist and a crime against our gender.

I think its a disgusting tool that has been weaponised, predominantly against women, and is responsible for so many more problems than we realise because we are blinded by the media, our culture and our society, she writes.

It exists to sell a fantasy to the consumer that this perfection is indeed possible.

When you filter a womans photo you are legitimising the patriarchys absurd aesthetic standards, that women should be attractive to the straight, male gaze at all costs".

The January issue of Elle UK is on sale on December 12.
Researchers have recreated the tiny drops of matter that once filled the universe.

The strange drips of matter form into three shapes: circles, ellipses and triangles.

By smashing protons and neutrons into each other, the scientists were able to recreate the matter that existed at the very beginnings of the universe, when it was still too hot for atoms to form.

Their new study focuses on a strange liquid-like state of matter known as quark gluon plasma. Once, that material filled the entire universe, scientists think  during the first few microseconds after the Big Bang, before there were atoms.

The researchers found they were able to generate droplets of that strange matter, and it expanded to form into three separate geometric patterns.

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

"Our experimental result has brought us much closer to answering the question of what is the smallest amount of early universe matter that can exist," said Jamie Nagle from the University of Colorado at Boulder, one of the many researchers who contributed towards the experiment.

Recommended The cosmic mystery that remains at the heart of our universe

Scientists first began research on this strange matter in 2000, when they smashed pieces of gold atoms together and threw out temperatures that were trillions of degrees Celsius. In the incredibly hot soup that it generated, the particles that make up all protons and neutrons broke apart and began to flow, suggesting that generating the new kinds of matter would be possible.

Researchers developed that technique so that they could be made more precisely, generating the quark gluon plasma by smashing together only two protons  something that scientists didn't think was possible.

They found that if you expanded those experiments you could push the droplets into each other, which formed exactly the kinds of unusual shapes that scientists were predicting.

"Imagine that you have two droplets that are expanding into a vacuum," said Nagle. "If the two droplets are really close together, then as they're expanding out, they run into each other and push against each other, and that's what creates this pattern."

Scientists hope to use the findings to explore how the quark gluon plasma  when it first arrived, in the earliest miliseconds of the universe  quickly cooled and became the first atoms ever to exist.
Bitcoin has experienced a modest price recovery following weeks of heavy losses, though market analysts warn the collapse may not yet be over.

The cryptocurrency briefly fell below $3,300 (2,600) on Friday  taking it to its lowest value since August 2017  but returned above $3,500 over the weekend. Less than a year ago, bitcoin was trading at close to $20,000.

It is not the first time in bitcoin's 10-year history that it has seen such losses, leading experts to speculate how much further it might fall.

"In the past nine years, the cryptoasset market experienced five major corrections with an 85 per cent drop in value on average," Mati Greenspan, a senior market analyst at the online trading platform eToro, told The Independent.

"On this occasion, for bitcoin to record the same 85 per cent drop, its price would have to fall to $2,950."

Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Satoshi Nakamoto creates the first bitcoin block in 2009 On 3 January, 2009, the genesis block of bitcoin appeared. It came less than a year after the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto detailed the cryptocurrency in a paper titled 'Bitcoin: A peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System' Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin is used as a currency for the first time On 22 May, 2010, the first ever real-world bitcoin transaction took place. Lazlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins  the equivalent of $90 million at today's prices Lazlo Hanyecz Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Silk Road opens for business Bitcoin soon gained notoriety for its use on the dark web. The Silk Road marketplace, established in 2011, was the first of hundreds of sites to offer illegal drugs and services in exchange for bitcoin Screenshot Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The first bitcoin ATM appears On 29 October, 2013, the first ever bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The machine allowed people to exchange bitcoins for cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The fall of MtGox The world's biggest bitcoin exchange, MtGox, filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after losing almost 750,000 of its customers bitcoins. At the time, this was around 7 per cent of all bitcoins and the market inevitably crashed Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Would the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up In 2015, Australian police raided the home of Craig Wright after the entrepreneur claimed he was Satoshi Nakamoto. He later rescinded the claim Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's big split On 1 August, 2017, an unresolvable dispute within the bitcoin community saw the network split. The fork of bitcoin's underlying blockchain technology spawned a new cryptocurrency: Bitcoin cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's price sky rockets Towards the end of 2017, the price of bitcoin surged to almost $20,000. This represented a 1,300 per cent increase from its price at the start of the year Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures What goes up... Bitcoin price crashes spectacularly, losing half of its value in a matter of days Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin plunges The cryptocurrency eventually bottoms out below $4,000 in 2019 before slowly rebuilding momentum to outperform more traditional assets Getty Images

The latest prediction comes amid widespread speculation concerning the future of bitcoin and other leading cryptocurrencies like ethereum and ripple.

Noted investor Bobby Lee, who co-founded the Hong Kong-based bitcoin exchange BTCC, also pointed to previous market patterns to indicate what direction the price may go.

Mr Lee suggested in a series of tweets that bitcoin could fall by another 1,000 before seeing a strong recovery.

"If history repeats perfectly, then the current bear market for #Bitcoin would bottom out at $2,500 next month, in Jan 2019," he tweeted.

"And then the next rally would start in late 2020, peak out in Dec 2021 at $333,000, and then crash back down to $41,000 in Jan 2023."

It is not the only optimistic price forecast from a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency space, with Blockstream founder Adam Back recently suggesting that future gains will take bitcoin to more than 100-times today's value.

Responding to Mr Lee on Twitter, he said: "Personally I consider $250k-$500k/BTC plausible in the years ahead."

The price of bitcoin has often been compared to the dotcom bubble of 2000 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Both men suggest a combination of factors may contribute to the market turnaround, including increased institutional interest, greater regulatory oversight and more widespread adoption.

However, other analysts have previously suggested the cryptocurrency industry is still in the 'Wild West' stages of its development and therefore another digital currency could come in and topple bitcoin.

Whether this happens or not, advocates are hopeful that cryptocurrencies won't be going away any time soon.

"Institutions and governments alike are beginning to accept that cryptocurrencies are likely to become an integral part of the financial system," said Herbert Sim, chief commercial officer of the cryptocurrency exchange Cryptology.

"Regardless of price moves, it's clear that the cryptocurrency community is here to stay, with institutions offering new modes of trading such as options, futures and trading on margins."
Interserve may not be a household name but the services of its 45,000 UK staff affect millions of lives every day.

It has thousands of contracts across many parts of the public sector, providing everything from prisons and roads to window-cleaning and cooking.

Concerns are growing that Interserve could become the next Carillion  the construction giant that collapsed in January, causing thousands of job losses, throwing suppliers into turmoil and costing taxpayers 148m.

If Interserve were to fail, the effects could be just as wide ranging.

What is Interserve and what does it do?

The company has long had a close relationship with government and was a key contractor in post-war construction but it was in the 1990s privatisation and outsourcing boom that it morphed into the diversified beast that it is today.

As successive governments sought to embrace the private sector, Interserve picked up maintenance and cleaning contracts, built schools under the controversial private finance initiative model and latterly spread its tentacles into managing offenders and creating energy from waste.

Criminal justice

The company is the biggest supplier of probation and rehabilitation in England and Wales after winning six contracts when Chris Grayling, justice secretary at the time, privatised much of the service in 2015.

It manages offenders considered low and medium risk in Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, much of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the Humber and Hampshire.

The contracts have widely been considered a disaster for the probation service. The so-called rehabilitation revolution, said Public Accounts Committee chair Meg Hillier in March, is showing signs of becoming a contracting catastrophe.

In a highly critical assessment, the committee found that Mr Graylings 3.7bn scheme had not delivered on its stated aims of improving how offenders are supervised and helping to rehabilitate them.

In July, justice secretary David Gauke announced that the contracts would be terminated in 2020, two years early. Companies supplying them, including Interserve, expect combined losses of 443m.

Energy from waste

There were indications that Interserve was facing real difficulty in September last year when it missed a deadline on a project for a plant in Derby to create gas from rubbish. Cost overruns and problems with the technology  which Interserve had little expertise in  meant losses of more than 200m. Interserve has now exited the sector.

Private Finance Initiative

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the schemes beloved by New Labour in the late 1990s and 2000s, Interserve snapped up 43 private finance initiative (PFI) construction and maintenance projects including prisons in Peterborough, Ashford and Middlesex, as well as schools in Telford, Cornwall and Manchester. It was due to start work on a new prison for 1,600 inmates in Leicestershire before the end of 2018.

A number of PFI projects have been criticised for locking authorities into long and expensive agreements that could have been funded more cheaply through traditional public borrowing. Philip Hammond announced in his October Budget that he would not sign off on any more of the projects as chancellor.

Facilities management

Cleaning, catering, security and other facilities work became a central part of Interserves business as it expanded beyond construction. It took on more work after George Osbornes austerity programme piled pressure on cash-strapped local authorities to save money. Many tried to do so by outsourcing staff.

These have not always run smoothly. For example, one of the companys largest ever outsourcing deals, a 300m, seven-year contract to supply catering, cleaning and maintenance for three NHS hospital trusts in Leicestershire, ended three years early in 2016 after a litany of complaints.

Interserve took on 2,000 staff from the trusts and sought to cut costs by combining cleaning and catering duties. The trusts ordered the practice to stop after reports of blood stains in corridors and bins not being emptied. Staff were transferred back to the NHS.

The companys facilities management business has also been hit by rises to the minimum wage as many of its staff are low-paid. An increase to the rate by George Osborne in 2015 cost Interserve 15m, cutting into margins which were already tight on many contracts.

Construction

Interserve signed a 105m contract to build halls of residence at Durham University and has construction contracts for roads including the A737 in Ayrshire. It also works in the Middle East including facilities management for the Qatar National Theatre.
One cold evening in October last year, 15-year-old Iskinder* and two of his friends woke up to the sound of shouting and the hissing of spray cans. They were in a cold, unfamiliar place, thousands of miles from home, sleeping under a bridge by a main road. The police, who violently woke them, sprayed chemical agent on them and took away their sleeping bags. The boys were arrested, with no explanation given.

The chemical agent can cause allergic reactions and lesions if it gets on your skin. The three boys, all under 18 years of age, were handcuffed and struck on the top of their legs repeatedly with batons, their valuables smashing in their pockets.

In Calais, in the north of France, this is far from an isolated case. Anybody you talk to here will have at least one account of being physically assaulted by the police, says Charlotte Head from the Human Right Observers, an organisation established in October 2017 to investigate police violence towards refugees in the area.
Will we ever get to see the big fight? Corbyn vs May, that is.

OK, so its not much of a follow up to Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder, but it might have its moments. However, while it is quite common for the politicians to pull out of TV commitments, in this case it was the BBC and ITV who withdrew offers to stage the leaders proposed debate on Brexit: another unprecedented moment prompted by the EU withdrawal rollercoaster. Strange days indeed.

Still, Sky News remains an option  or maybe a backstop  for the party leaders, and a head to head may yet transpire, if not in advance of the Brexit vote then for the next general election  which may arrive more quickly than many assume.
Albert Frere was the Belgian billionaire whose investments shaped some of Europes largest companies in more than half a century of deal-making.

Frere, who has died aged 92, became Belgiums richest man by turning his familys chains-and-nails manufacturing business into an empire stretching from energy to alcohol. He held interests in oil producer Total, cement-maker LafargeHolcim, Adidas, distiller Pernod Ricard and energy company Engie.

The tycoon didnt operate alone. Frere had a long term partnership with Canadas Desmarais family, with whom he controlled Pargesa Holding, a company in Geneva that in turn owns half of Brussels-based GBL, the vehicle that holds his investments in publicly traded companies. In 2015, at age 89, Frere stepped down as CEO of Groupe Bruxelles and resigned from the board, while also quitting as vice chairman of Pargesa.

Frere helped to broker some of Frances biggest transactions, including the merger of Suez SA and state-controlled Gaz de France SA in the nations third biggest takeover at the time.

The original deal, announced in February 2006, was deadlocked by political haggling and shareholder objections, and it concluded more than a year later, following a meeting between Frere and the French president Nicolas Sarkozy, according the La Tribune newspaper. The combined company is now named Engie SA.

In the 1980s, Frere became the largest shareholder in the Belgian oil producer Petrofina SA, acquiring as much as 41 per cent of the company. After failing to interest Elf Aquitaine SA, Frances then-largest oil company, in a takeover of Petrofina, he turned to smaller rival Total instead. A merged Petrofina and Total later acquired Elf.

He had net assets worth 5bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Frere often swapped big stakes in small companies for pieces of bigger ones. He did just that in 1996 when he sold his 25 per cent stake in Belgian utility Tractebel SA to a unit of Suez, which later led to a merger of the two companies.

Born in 1926, in the Belgian village of Fontaine-LEveque, Frere was the youngest of three children. His father, Oscar, died when Albert was four, leaving his mother, Madeleine, in charge of the family nail-and-chain business.

Freres formal education ended at high school. He joined the family company full time in 1947 at age 21, according to a 1997 biography by Joseph Alan-Fralon. The operation had slowed to a near-standstill under German occupation in the early 1940s.

After the war, Frere revived sales by sending envoys to sell his familys products across Belgium, benefiting from a building boom. By the time he was 28, Frere used profits from the family business to acquire a steel mill in Charleroi, the first of a series of purchases that would consolidate much of Belgiums steel industry.

Frere didnt limit his financial prowess to Belgium and France. In 2001, he swapped his 30 per cent holding in Luxembourg-based broadcaster RTL Group for a 25 percent stake in German media company Bertelsmann AG. In making the trade, he wrote a clause into the contract giving him the right to sell his Bertelsmann shares on the stock market.

In 2006, he approached the Mohn family, which controls Bertelsmann, seeking 4.5bn for his shares. He got his price after announcing plans to sell his stake against the wishes of some Mohn family members who didnt want the company to go public.

Henry Kravis said the deal Frere did with RTL and Bertelsmann was probably one of the best Ive ever seen, ever.

Freres prescient purchases and tendency to hold positions for decades rather than years prompted comparisons to Warren Buffett, the billionaire chair of Berkshire Hathaway.

He doesnt really care about short term fluctuations, said Tom Simonts, an analyst at KBC Securities in Brussels. Hes more or less the Warren Buffett of Belgium.

Named a baron by Belgiums King Albert II in 1994, Frere was friends with monarchs, heads of state and industry leaders. With business partner Arnault, Frere owned half of the fabled Chateau Cheval Blanc vineyard in Saint-Emilion, near Bordeaux.

He often conducted business deals in informal settings, such as when he bought a stake in Pernod Ricard after a 2006 hunting trip with its then chief Patrick Ricard in northern France. Pursuing his favourite sport, the Belgian baron hunted red-legged partridge with Kravis and King Juan Carlos I of Spain.

I want to be remembered as someone who had marked their passage in the world, Frere said in a 2007 interview in his penthouse near Pariss Arc de Triomphe. To leave something, a good souvenir, is all that I ask.

His son, Gerald Frere, is chair of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert and vice chair of Pargesa. Freres daughter, Segolene Gallienne, sits on the board of both companies, and her husband, Ian Gallienne, is co-chief executive of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert. His other son, Charles-Albert, died in a car crash in 1999 aged 19.

Albert Frere, Belgian businessman, born 4 February 1926, died 3 December 2018

 Washington Post
(CNN)  The Brexit process was thrown into disarray Monday as Prime Minister Theresa May pulled the plug on a crucial parliamentary vote on her deal for the country to leave the European Union.

May admitted the decision to delay the vote was made after it became clear she would lose it "by a significant margin" and she will now go back to EU leaders to seek further reassurances.

The embattled leader told the UK House of Commons that she had listened "very carefully to what has been said in this chamber and out of it"  a statement that was met by laughter and jeering by members of Parliament.

May admitted that "there remains widespread and deep concern" over the Northern Ireland backstop. The backstop is an arrangement designed to ensure there is no return to a "hard border" between Ireland, which will remain part of the European Union after Brexit, and Northern Ireland when the UK leaves the bloc next March.

The prime minister said she had hoped changes secured to the backstop, to avoid being trapped in it indefinitely, would be enough for MPs.

"I spoke to a number of EU leaders over the weekend and, in advance of the European Council, I will go to see my counterparts in other member states and the leadership of the Council and the Commission. I will discuss with them the clear concerns that this House has expressed," May said.

"We will therefore defer the vote scheduled for tomorrow and not proceed to divide the House at this time," May added.

On Tuesday morning May will travel to The Hague to hold a bilateral meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Downing Street said in a statement.

It will be part of May's plan to seek "assurances" from EU leaders which she can then convey to the UK Parliament to pass her Brexit deal.

Opposition leader: Our country deserves better

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called her agreement a "botched deal" before adding that "our country deserves better than this."

"The government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray," Corbyn said. "It's been evident for weeks that the prime minister's deal did not have confidence of this House yet she plowed on regardless, reiterating 'this is the only deal available.'"

The leader of the House, Andrea Leadsom, confirmed the vote was no longer on the House voting schedule after May's statement.

The uncertainty over the future of Brexit caused sterling to plummet to its weakest level in a year-and-a-half on Monday.

UK parliamentarians were supposed to be given the opportunity to approve or reject the deal in a so-called "meaningful vote" in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.

In recent weeks, May had been trying to win support for her agreement but, with a high number of her own Conservative Party MPs opposed to it, she didn't appear to be having much success.

EU: No further negotiations

There was confusion and anger as May hit the pause button on the vote.

European Council President Donald Tusk said that the EU "will not renegotiate the deal including the backstop" and stressed that "as time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario."

Tusk added that the EU is "ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification."

In a post on Twitter before May spoke, EU Parliament chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt expressed his frustration at the vote's stalling.

"This delay will further aggravate the uncertainty for people & businesses. It's time they make up their mind!" he wrote.

Earlier on Monday, the EU's top court ruled that Britain could unilaterally halt the formal process of leaving the bloc next year.

The European Court of Justice sided with the advice of its top legal officer, who declared last week that the UK has the power to withdraw its notification to leave under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, without the agreement of other member states.

But May's government dismissed the ruling, with Environment Secretary Michael Gove telling the BBC that the UK will divorce the bloc regardless of the ECJ decision.

"We voted very clearly  17.4 million people sent a clear message that they wanted to leave the European Union," said Gove, a prominent Leave campaigner. "And that also means leaving the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice," he said.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Theresa May pulls plug on Brexit vote amid 'widespread concern' over Northern Ireland backstop"
Nasa's pioneering Voyager 2 spacecraft has gone interstellar.

The craft  which left Earth in 1977 and has been flying through space ever since  becomes only the second ever man-made object to make it out of our galactic neighbourhood.

It follows Voyager 1 in venturing out into interstellar space, according to Nasa's Ed Stone, who made the announcement at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union.

Voyager 2 takes with it a pioneering instrument that send back observations of this uncharted part of space, beaming them over 11 billion miles to Nasa scientists. Mission operators are still able to communicate with the spacecraft but it takes information  moving at the speed of light  a full 16.5 hours to make the long journey.

Nasa declared the spacecraft had left when the onboard Plasma Science Experiment (PLS) showed that it was no longer detecting the plasma flowing out the sun. That outflow creates a bubble called the heliosphere, which envelopes the planets of the solar system and represents the edge of the solar system.

This illustration shows the position of NASAs Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, outside of the heliosphere, a protective bubble created by the Sun that extends well past the orbit of Pluto (NASA/JPL-Caltech)

Working on Voyager makes me feel like an explorer, because everything were seeing is new, said John Richardson, principal investigator for the PLS instrument and a principal research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

Even though Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause in 2012, it did so at a different place and a different time, and without the PLS data. So were still seeing things that no one has seen before.

As well as the plasma data, Voyager 2 is still sending back other information that confirmed the fact it has left the Solar System and will prove useful to scientists studying interstellar space. That region, known as the "heliopause" because it exists at the very edge of the Sun's influence, is still largely unknown to scientists.

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

There is still a lot to learn about the region of interstellar space immediately beyond the heliopause, said Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist based at Caltech in Pasadena, California.

When Voyager 1 left the heliosphere, scientists had trouble determining whether it had actually crossed over the border, which ran for years. But that was because the plasma sensors on that spacecraft had broken, and Voyager 2 can far more accurately sense whether it still has the sun's winds buffeting its back.

The two Voyager spacecraft set off in 1977, taking advantage of an unusual alignment of the Solar System's planets to head further away from Earth than any other man-made object. They have been studying space ever since, and Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to ever get close up to all four of the solar system's giant planets.
A member of the Windrush generation who was refused cancer treatment after living in the UK for more than 40 years has lost a legal challenge against the government.

A High Court judge refused an attempt to bring a judicial review of controversial NHS regulations that force people who cannot prove UK residency to pay for treatment in advance.

Mr Justice Lewis said the government was not legally required to hold a public consultation before bringing in the rules, or to keep records on people who could be charged, and had complied with equality laws and the National Health Service Act 2006.

The claim for judicial review of the 2017 regulations is therefore dismissed, he added.

The claimant, who is in his late 50s and was identified as MP in court proceedings, came to Britain from St Lucia with his family when he was 14.

But in 2015, he was refused leave to remain in the UK at around the time as he was diagnosed with a form incurable blood cancer, the High Court was told at a hearing in July.

MP was told he must pay thousands of pounds for courses of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

When he was unable to pay the sum upfront he was refused treatment, the High Court was told.

It only resumed after his lawyers contacted the London hospital trust where he was a patient.

 Mother of Windrush man Dexter Bristol who died after months of immigration problems seeks justice

MP asked the High Court to quash regulations which require NHS bodies to secure payment from overseas visitors in advance of treatment, and to record a patients immigration status against their NHS number.

His lawyers said the regulations, which were introduced last year as part of a raft of amendments to existing rules, were significant contribution to the governments hostile environment policy.

An impact assessment prepared for the Department of Health in November 2015 acknowledged that some groups would be affected disproportionately, the judgement said, but claimed there would be exemptions for vulnerable groups and that no person should be denied timely treatment necessary to prevent risks to their life or permanent health.

Representatives for the health secretary argued that the case was unfounded and should be dismissed.

MP, who has served time in prison for a number of serious offences, has been receiving cancer treatment but is still being charged.

His legal team previously told the court MP did not keep any immigration paperwork and the Home Office appears to have failed to keep any records.

Jason Coppel QC, representing MP, said at the July hearing that the changes have far-reaching implications.

He told the court: They have a direct impact upon the most vulnerable individuals who will find it particularly difficult to pay for healthcare in advance and in full.

They target people who may be concerned that their immigration status will be recorded and passed to the immigration authorities when they seek access to healthcare.

Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty

The 2017 regulations are, in short, a significant contribution to the governments wider policy of creating a hostile environment for immigrants to the UK.

Mr Coppel said that, as with many other members of the Windrush generation, the approach of the Home Office to immigration record-keeping caused MPs immigration status to be questioned and he was eventually refused leave to remain, 10 years after making his application.

MP challenged the Home Offices decision and is awaiting a separate tribunal ruling on his immigration status, which his lawyers said he is likely to win.

The 2017 NHS regulations have been condemned and challenged in a series of other cases, including that of another cancer sufferer.

The 63-year-old, known as Albert Thompson, was told he had to pay 54,000 for radiotherapy unless he could prove he was in the country legally, after 44 years living and working in the UK.

On that occasion, questions in the House of Commons forced Theresa May to intervene and announce he would get the treatment he needs.

But Mr Thompson said the issues had been ongoing for years and warned that it was only the media noise that led to him getting free treatment.

In another case, lawyers acting for the family of a Windrush man who died after being classified as an illegal immigrant said racist and xenophobic government policies had contributed to his death.

An inquest heard that Dexter Bristol, a 57-year-old who came to the UK from Grenada aged eight, collapsed and died of acute failure outside his home in March.

Recommended Mother of Windrush man who died demands justice

He had been sacked from his cleaning job and then denied benefits because officials did not believe he was in the country legally.

Mr Bristol had not accessed healthcare for two years before he died due to immigration concerns, despite telling friends that he felt unwell.

The coroner refused submissions that the Home Office should be an interested party in proceedings, and declined to seek disclosure of documents relating to Mr Bristol before ruling that he died of natural causes.

Concern that members of the Windrush generation, who came to the UK from the Caribbean between the late 1940s and early 1970s, were facing deportation and being denied access to healthcare due to paperwork issues and anomalies led to a scandal earlier this year.

The former home secretary Amber Rudd resigned amid a backlash over her departments immigration policy, which was first described as a hostile environment by Theresa May in 2012.
The UK has the legal power to stop Brexit by unilaterally revoking Article 50, the EUs top court, the European Court of Justice (ECJ), has ruled.

The ruling matches legal advice given to the ECJ last week by its advocate general, who said as a sovereign country Britain could reverse its decision even at this late stage.

The legal decision is significant because means Britain could prevent a no-deal Brexit from happening if it wanted, even if Theresa Mays deal is eventually voted down by MPs. The vote, originally due to be held on Tuesday, has been postponed with no new date yet given.

In their judgment released on Monday morning the panel of judges said it would be inconsistent with the EU treaties purpose of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe to force the withdrawal of a member state against its wishes.

The court went even further than its advocate general and said the UK could even revoke Article 50 if the period had been extended. This is significant because it means time could be bought to hold a referendum or general election where the result could see Brexit cancelled.

When a member state has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the European Union, as the UK has done, that member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification, the Luxembourg court said.

That possibility exists for as long as a withdrawal agreement concluded between the EU and that member state has not entered into force or, if no such agreement has been concluded, for as long as the two-year period from the date of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, and any possible extension, has not expired.

The court said any revocation must be decided following a democratic process in accordance with national constitutional requirements. In the UK, the Supreme Court ruled that a vote of parliament was required to trigger Article 50 in the first place: this condition may apply to revocation.

The UKs government lawyers had argued at the ECJ that whether Article 50 could be revoked was a hypothetical question, and should not be ruled on. The government had been using the threat of uncertainty to convince MPs to vote for Theresa Mays deal, warning that an accidental no-deal could occur if it was rejected by the Commons.

[The] member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification [of withdrawal] European Court of Justice

The European Council and European Commissions lawyers were against giving member states the power to revoke Article 50 unilaterally and said the consent of other member states should be required. They argued this on the basis that an extension of the period requires the consent of member states, and said the power could potentially be abused by a malign government hoping to cause trouble.

The ruling is one of the fastest ever made by the court, which normally takes a matter of months to come to a conclusion, even when a case is fast-tracked. The legal question was raised by campaigners through the Scottish courts, which ultimately referred the case to the ECJ.

It was previously legally disputed as to whether Article 50 could be unilaterally revoked, as the wording of the Lisbon Treaty clause is ambiguous.

Stopping Article 50 can prevent the UK leaving but once it has left it would have to rejoin under Article 49  using the normal process of a country applying for membership.

Tuesdays vote on the EU withdrawal agreement has been postponed (AFP/Getty)

Dame Margaret Beckett, a leading supporter of the Peoples Vote campaign for a second referendum, said the ruling was confirmation that it is still up to us to decide whether we want to keep the existing deal weve got in the EU rather than accept a bad deal negotiated by the government.

She added: What has happened in the last week is that any prospect of no deal has been removed by amendments allowing parliament to take control, while we now all know beyond any doubt that we can stay in the EU  its not too late.

"Brexit betrayal" march in London Show all 43 1 /43 "Brexit betrayal" march in London "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a sign in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carrying a noose at the "Brexit betrayal" march. The man carrying it told a reporter: "That's what the traitor May deserves." AP "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit supporters hold a sign opposed to Nigel Farage Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters carry a defaced British flag on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson addresses a rally after taking part in a Brexit 'betrayal' march in central London PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London Police officers attempts to keep rival protesters from clashing at the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London Victoria Jones/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-Theresa May sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator and his dog Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator at the protest Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit demonstrators endorse UKIP Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A Brexit 'betrayal' march protester wearing a Make Britain Great Again hat in London on 9 December 2018 Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The "Brexit Betrayal" march passes through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson tells protesters to join Ukip via their mobile phones on stage next to leader Gerard Batten (right) at the Brexit 'betrayal' march Gareth Fuller/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester speaks thorugh a megaphone on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator walks in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carries a Union Jack on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator wrapped in the Union Jack Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro brexit demonstrators move through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator marches with sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a rude sign in the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march passes down Victoria Street near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A festive protester marches near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a mock noose as the march passes down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester wrapped in the Union Jack marches down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester makes some noise on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester dressed as a dinosaur holds a sign rallying against "Davocracy" - in reference to the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a pro-brexit sign on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march approaches parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester distributes pro-brexit lapel badges Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A demonstrator wears an anti-EU poster and holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A smoke bomb is deployed in Parliament Square as the march comes across the counter-demonstration Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A flag bearing the Arms of Plantagenet flies in theprot Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent

Jo Maugham QC, a senior lawyer and director of the Good Law Project, which backed the case, said: The tiny Good Law Project and six brave Scottish parliamentarians have taken on the government, the 27 other member states, and the Commission  and won.

This is the biggest upset since the first Book of Samuel and arguably the most important case in modern domestic legal history.

He added that the 2016 referendum would shame a banana republic, stating: It is up to MPs to remember what they came into politics for and find the moral courage to put the countrys interests before private ambition.

A government spokesperson said: We note the judgment from the CJEU [the Court of Justice of the European Union, of which the ECJ is a part] but this does not change the governments firm policy that we will not revoke Article 50. The British people gave a clear instruction to leave, and we are delivering on that instruction.
The government spent nearly 100,000 on Facebook adverts to sell Theresa May's Brexit deal to the public - only for the key vote to be delayed over fears of a crushing defeat.

Official figures from the social media firm show that ministers shelled out 96,684 on 11 promotions between December 2 and December 8, ahead of the much-anticipated Commons showdown on Tuesday.

In chaotic scenes, it emerged on Monday that the prime minister had shelved plans for a "meaningful vote" on her Brexit deal in the face of a catastrophic defeat.

Recommended May calls off vote on Brexit deal amid massive Tory opposition

Facebook's records show most of the cash was spent on videos explaining "what the Brexit deal means for you - explained in 60 seconds" on areas such as immigration and jobs.

Three videos explaining how the deal affected free trade, the economy and controlling the UK's borders cost between 10,000 and 50,000 each to promote, reaching between 500,000 and a million Facebook users each.

The new advert transparency reporting comes after fierce criticism of Facebook over data harvesting, fake news and privacy. It also comes after the Vote Leave campaign group was sanctioned over advertising spending on Facebook during the Brexit referendum.

There are also six active adverts on the official Downing Street Twitter account promoting the same videos, although no information on the amount spent is currently available.

Shadow cabinet office minister Jon Trickett said it was "a completely inappropriate use of public money", which was "entirely wasted".

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He said: "This reveals a government deeply paranoid and insecure about the botched deal they have been trying to sell to the British public, but which they now appear to have abandoned.

"Not only is this a completely inappropriate use of public money, but it turns out to have been entirely wasted.

"When official resources are used for the prime minister's personal purposes it threatens our democracy."

A government spokeswoman said: "Communicating government policy effectively to the public is a core function of the civil service.

"We have reached a deal that is good for the UK, good for its citizens, and good for business and we will be communicating that to the country.

"We will publish all costs associated with this in the usual way."

"Brexit betrayal" march in London Show all 43 1 /43 "Brexit betrayal" march in London "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a sign in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carrying a noose at the "Brexit betrayal" march. The man carrying it told a reporter: "That's what the traitor May deserves." AP "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit supporters hold a sign opposed to Nigel Farage Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters carry a defaced British flag on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson addresses a rally after taking part in a Brexit 'betrayal' march in central London PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London Police officers attempts to keep rival protesters from clashing at the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London Victoria Jones/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-Theresa May sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator and his dog Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator at the protest Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit demonstrators endorse UKIP Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A Brexit 'betrayal' march protester wearing a Make Britain Great Again hat in London on 9 December 2018 Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The "Brexit Betrayal" march passes through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson tells protesters to join Ukip via their mobile phones on stage next to leader Gerard Batten (right) at the Brexit 'betrayal' march Gareth Fuller/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester speaks thorugh a megaphone on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator walks in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carries a Union Jack on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator wrapped in the Union Jack Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro brexit demonstrators move through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator marches with sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a rude sign in the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march passes down Victoria Street near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A festive protester marches near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a mock noose as the march passes down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester wrapped in the Union Jack marches down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester makes some noise on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester dressed as a dinosaur holds a sign rallying against "Davocracy" - in reference to the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a pro-brexit sign on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march approaches parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester distributes pro-brexit lapel badges Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A demonstrator wears an anti-EU poster and holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A smoke bomb is deployed in Parliament Square as the march comes across the counter-demonstration Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A flag bearing the Arms of Plantagenet flies in theprot Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent

It comes as Ms May accepted that there was "widespread and deep concern" over the backstop arrangement, designed to keep the Irish border open if the EU and UK fail to strike a wider trade deal.

If the vote had gone ahead as planned, the government would have been defeated by a "significant margin", she told MPs.

"We will therefore defer the vote scheduled for tomorrow and not proceed to divide the House at this time."
The president of the European Council has ruled out renegotiating Theresa Mays Brexit deal and its controversial backstop at a scheduled summit in Brussels later this week.

Donald Tusk said leaders would discuss the agreement struck last month at a meeting and that leaders were ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification.

But he warned that the bloc would use the meeting to discuss no-deal planning as time is running out.

His comments came after Theresa May said she would go back to Brussels to seek further concessions from the EU after an overwhelmingly negative reception to her deal from MPs.

The European Commission and several key member states on Monday also ruled out changing the controversial withdrawal agreement.

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I have decided to call European Council on Brexit on Thursday, Mr Tusk said on Monday evening. We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario.

The council president is said to be consulting with EU27 leaders ahead of the summit. On Monday, Ms May postponed a Commons vote on the deal, which she was expected to lose badly.

A European Commission spokesperson said: We have an agreement on the table that was endorsed by the European Council in its Article 50 format on the 25 November. As president Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible.

We will not renegotiate, our position has not changed, and as far as we are concerned, the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on 29 March 2019.

The prime minister told the Commons on Monday that she would go back to Brussels and was confident of getting legally binding assurances that the backstop portion of the deal  which is unpopular with her MPs  would never be used.

But EU member states who broke their silence all said the agreement was not up for discussion  a united line they have taken since it was agreed last month. Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar, who has been central to Brexit talks because of the Northern Ireland border issue, said in Dublin on Monday that there could be no changes to the agreement but suggested clarifications could be made.

The withdrawal agreement, including the Irish backstop, is the only agreement on the table. Its not possible to reopen any aspect of that agreement without reopening all aspects, he said.

But he warned that no statement of clarification can contradict whats in the withdrawal agreement.

Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliaments Brexit coordinator, blasted the government for suspending the planned vote formerly scheduled for Tuesday.

I cant follow any more. After two years of negotiations, the Tory government wants to delay the vote, Mr Verhofstadt said.

Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister (PA)

Just keep in mind that we will never let the Irish down. This delay will further aggravate the uncertainty for people and businesses. Its time they make up their mind!

The Brexit coordinators comments echo the feelings of many in Brussels who were shocked by the UKs decision to suspend the parliamentary showdown. That intervention came as Commons speaker John Bercow described the decision, apparently taken by the prime minister this morning, as discourteous.

The prime ministers chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins returned to Brussels on Monday and was spotted in the European Commission headquarters  apparently trying to seek concessions on the 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"

British officials declined to comment on his presence but EU officials confirmed they were in contact with the UK.

The Independent understands that a forthcoming debate in the European Parliament scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the Brexit deal could be cancelled if no vote goes ahead in the Commons. Sources say there would be nothing to discuss if it does not take place.

Officials at the EUs parliament, however, said their debate was still due to go ahead as of Monday afternoon.
Theresa May has sparked anger across the Commons by refusing to say when MPs will vote on her Brexit deal, as she prepared to head to Brussels to plead with EU leaders for further concessions.

The showdown was dramatically delayed, almost certainly until the new year, after the prime minister admitted a Tory revolt meant she was heading for a crushing defeat by a significant margin.

But condemnation of Ms May for pulling back rose when Downing Street failed to set a new timetable for the vote, arguing it depended on when she could get the assurances from the EU to pass the deal.

Government sources admitted a quick breakthrough was unlikely, suggesting the vote would be shelved until the new year and refusing to say it would even be held next month.

In extraordinary scenes, Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle was ejected from the House of Commons for seizing the ceremonial mace in protest at the formal deferral of the vote by the government whips.

Mr Russell-Moyle swung the antique symbol of parliamentary authority from its holder as Tory MPs screamed expel him. He was promptly asked to leave the chamber by John Bercow, the speaker.

His intervention came moments after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn secured an emergency debate on the delay on Tuesday.

The impasse remains the Irish border, where a gulf remains between MPs demands for the UK to be able to escape the backstop and the EUs refusal to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement.

The pound plunged to a 20-month low within minutes of the announcement of the delay, as the markets digested the deepening Brexit crisis.

It came just hours after the European Court of Justice confirmed the UK has the right to cancel Brexit by revoking Article 50 unilaterally, thus remaining in the EU on its current membership terms.

Unless a meaningful vote is staged, MPs have no formal mechanism to stop the UK crashing out of the EU with no agreement next March  something the prime minister admitted, for the first time, would cause significant economic damage.

The extraordinary uncertainty was condemned by MPs on all sides. Mr Corbyn said: If the prime minister cannot be clear that she can and will renegotiate a deal then she must make way.

Justine Greening, the former Conservative cabinet minister, said: Parliament has gone round in circles on Brexit. Now today, even thats stopped. Britain must find a direction. Kicking the can down the road again solves nothing.

And Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman for the Democratic Unionist Party  the Tories partners in power  turned on Ms May, saying: Doesnt she believe that, every time she returns to the House with her tail between her legs, she humiliates the British people?

A furious Mark Francois, deputy chairman of the hard Brexit-supporting European Research Group of Tory MPs, said the government had run away and hidden in the toilets, adding: What the government have done today is shameful.

Downing Street also sparked fury by refusing to let MPs decide whether the vote, scheduled for Tuesday evening, should be pulled, despite being all but ordered to do so by the Commons Speaker.

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"

Instead, a government whip will prevent debate continuing on the withdrawal deal on Monday and Tuesday by failing to say now at a crucial moment, without a vote taking place.

Mr Corbyn came under fierce pressure from Labour MPs and peers to call an immediate vote of no confidence in the prime minister. More than 50 signed a letter to the party leader.

But a party spokesperson said it would only make the move when it had a realistic chance of success, by persuading DUP MPs or, perhaps, rebel Tories to back it.

That might come when she brings the same deal back to the House of Commons without significant changes, the spokesperson suggested.

Continued stalemate in Brussels will increase the danger of a different vote of no confidence  by Tory MPs, if the necessary 48 signatures are collected.

Donald Tusk, the European Council president, offered Ms May a glimmer of hope by agreeing Brexit could be discussed at a planned EU summit, starting on Thursday.

However, he made clear: We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. The last words hinted at warmer words, but no big shift.

In the Commons, Ms May insisted nothing is off the table in Brussels  but repeatedly said she was seeking assurances, rather than the renegotiation MPs are demanding.

Cabinet will be cancelled on Tuesday, when Ms May holds talks with Mr Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president, Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, and Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister.

However, her spokesman refused to say she would demand a legally binding exit mechanism from the backstop, or for the UK to be able to end it unilaterally  something the EU has repeatedly ruled out.

If the UK and EU had failed to reach a withdrawal agreement, the prime minister would have been required to make a statement to the Commons by 21 January on what course she would follow.

However, given the agreement was reached, there is no requirement for any motion or statement before Brexit day on 29 March.

Asked to give a cast-iron guarantee there would be a meaningful vote at some stage, Ms Mays spokesman replied: Yes. We are leaving the European Union on 29 March and we are committed to doing so with a deal.

Earlier, cabinet ministers held an emergency conference call mid-morning, at which there was  strong support for pulling the vote, a No 10 aide said  with no dissenters.

However, there was added pressure on the prime minister on Monday evening when it emerged that the MP Crispin Blunt has sent a letter of no confidence in Ms May to the chairman of the 1922 Committee, the 26th MP in the party to do so, according to The Times.

A challenge to the PM is triggered if 48 Conservative MPs write letters demanding a confidence vote to Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the committee.
The Brexit deal struck between Theresa May and the EU cannot be renegotiated, the Irish prime minister as said  as Theresa Mays chief negotiator is spotted getting off a train in Brussels.

Leo Varadkar issued the warning as news broke that Downing Street wants to postpone Tuesdays planned vote on the withdrawal agreement for fear MPs will reject it.

The withdrawal agreement, including the Irish backstop is the only agreement on the table. Its not possible to reopen any aspect of that agreement without reopening all aspects, Mr Varadkar told reporters in Dublin.

The Taoiseach however indicated that he would be open to a non-binding statement clarifying what was in the withdrawal agreement if it helped Ms May pass the deal, but said it could not be changed in any real way.

It comes as No.10s chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins was spotted heading towards a taxi rank at Brussels South station, fresh from the Eurostar. He is widely thought to be seeking further concessions to bolster the deals popularity back in the UK, though British officials declined to comment on his presence.

Mr Varadkar added: I have no difficulty with statements that clarify whats in the withdrawal agreement but no statement of clarification can contradict whats in the withdrawal agreement.

He added that the backstop was part of the withdrawal agreement due to red lines imposed by the UK government.

The Irish PM, who has had a central role in negotiating Brexit due to the Irish border issue, may be referring to a so-called side-declaration  effectively an official commentary on how both sides expect the deal to be implemented.

All senior EU figures have taken a united line that the deal struck last month is the only one on the table.

A spokesperson for the European Commission told reporters in Brussels on Monday afternoon: We have an agreement on the table that was endorsed by the European Council in its Article 50 format on the 25 November. As President Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible.

We will not renegotiate, our position has not changed, and as far as we are concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on 29 March 2019.

"Brexit betrayal" march in London Show all 43 1 /43 "Brexit betrayal" march in London "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a sign in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carrying a noose at the "Brexit betrayal" march. The man carrying it told a reporter: "That's what the traitor May deserves." AP "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit supporters hold a sign opposed to Nigel Farage Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters carry a defaced British flag on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson addresses a rally after taking part in a Brexit 'betrayal' march in central London PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London Police officers attempts to keep rival protesters from clashing at the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London Victoria Jones/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-Theresa May sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator and his dog Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator at the protest Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit demonstrators endorse UKIP Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A Brexit 'betrayal' march protester wearing a Make Britain Great Again hat in London on 9 December 2018 Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The "Brexit Betrayal" march passes through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson tells protesters to join Ukip via their mobile phones on stage next to leader Gerard Batten (right) at the Brexit 'betrayal' march Gareth Fuller/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester speaks thorugh a megaphone on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator walks in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carries a Union Jack on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator wrapped in the Union Jack Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro brexit demonstrators move through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator marches with sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a rude sign in the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march passes down Victoria Street near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A festive protester marches near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a mock noose as the march passes down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester wrapped in the Union Jack marches down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester makes some noise on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester dressed as a dinosaur holds a sign rallying against "Davocracy" - in reference to the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a pro-brexit sign on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march approaches parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester distributes pro-brexit lapel badges Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A demonstrator wears an anti-EU poster and holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A smoke bomb is deployed in Parliament Square as the march comes across the counter-demonstration Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A flag bearing the Arms of Plantagenet flies in theprot Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent

Tuesdays vote was supposed to precede a European Council summit scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Brussels. Theresa May is set to attend, along with the other 27 EU national leaders.

There were some reports that the Prime Minister herself might travel to the EU capital beforehand in a bid to secure more concessions, though Downing Street has not confirmed this.
The European Parliament's Brexit chief has blasted the UK government for delaying Tuesday's planned vote on Theresa May's deal.

Guy Verhofstadt said he could barely follow the thread of politics in the UK and that it was time for Britain to make up its mind on whether to accept the withdrawal agreement.

The Brexit co-ordinator's comments echo the feelings of many in Brussels who were shocked by the UK's decision to suspend the parliamentary showdown, which the Government was expected to lose by a large margin.

"I cant follow anymore. After two years of negotiations, the Tory government wants to delay the vote," Mr Verhofstadt said.

"Just keep in mind that we will never let the Irish down. This delay will further aggravate the uncertainty for people & businesses. Its time they make up their mind!"

The intervention comes as Commons speaker John Bercow described the decision, apparently taken by the prime minister this morning, as "discourteous".

The Independent understands that a forthcoming debate in the European Parliament scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the Brexit deal could be cancelled if the UK Government calls off its own vote. Sources say there would be nothing to discuss if the Commons division does not take place.

Officials at the EU's parliament however said their debate was still due to go ahead as of Monday afternoon.

The Prime Minister's chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins returned to Brussels on Monday and was spotted in the European Commission headquarters  apparently trying to seek concessions on the deal.

An MEPs debate on the Brexit deal could be cancelled (AFP/Getty)

But a European Commission spokesperson told reporters in the EU capital on Monday afternoon: We have an agreement on the table that was endorsed by the European Council in its Article 50 format on the 25 November. As President Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible.

We will not renegotiate, our position has not changed, and as far as we are concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on 29 March 2019.

Ireland's prime minister Leo Varadkar also said in Dublin on Monday: The withdrawal agreement, including the Irish backstop is the only agreement on the table. Its not possible to reopen any aspect of that agreement without reopening all aspects."

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 Taoiseach, who has been central to Brexit talks due to the Irish border issue, left open the possibility that EU leaders could agreed to a side-declaration on the deal clarifying aspects of it.

But he warned that "no statement of clarification can contradict whats in the withdrawal agreement".
A High Court challenge seeking to annul the result of the Brexit referendum because of corrupt and illegal practices by the Vote Leave campaign has been dismissed.

Mr Justice Ouseley said he was refusing permission for a full hearing of the claim because of the long delay in bringing it forward and because of the want of merit.

The decision came as a bitter blow to campaigners, British expats living in Europe, who had crowdfunded the case, which was heard last Friday.

Recommended May calls off vote on Brexit deal amid massive Tory opposition

Called UK in EU Challenge, the case argued that breaches of campaign spending limits  punished by the independent Electoral Commission  meant the 2016 referendum was not a free and fair vote.

The campaigners had also based the case on what they saw as Ms Mays refusal to act on the growing evidence of illegality in the months since the Commissions findings.

Vote Leave carried on spending, despite busting its limit two days before the June 2016 vote  and was later found by the Electoral Commission to have broken the law.

The campaigners had hoped to introduce evidence that its adverts reached tens of millions of people in those last crucial days  arguing it was enough to change the outcome.

They had also pointed to the National Crime Agencys (NCA) investigation into suspicions of multiple criminal offences committed by Arron Banks and the Leave.EU campaign.

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 judge is continuing to give his ruling.
Nicola Sturgeon has appealed to Jeremy Corbyn "work together" to topple Theresa May's government after a crucial vote on the prime minister's Brexit deal was abandoned, promising the SNP will support a motion of no confidence if it is tabled by Labour.

The Scottish first minister said delaying the vote was "pathetic cowardice" and vowed that her party would stand with Labour if it follows through with its plan to bring down the government with a confidence vote on Tuesday.

It comes amid chaotic scenes in Westminster, where reports that the meaningful vote was being shelved broke just moments after a Downing Street spokeswoman told reporters it would go ahead.

Ms Sturgeon posted on Twitter: "So @jeremycorbyn - if Labour, as official opposition, lodges motion of no confidence in this incompetent government tomorrow, @theSNP will support & we can then work together to give people the chance to stop Brexit in another vote.

"This shambles cant go on - so how about it?"

The Labour leader has not responded to her offer but the first minister's comments will ramp up the pressure on the beleaguered prime minister, as she faces one of the biggest challenges of her premiership.

Government sources confirmed that the vote was being pulled in the face of near-certain defeat, with Ms May due to deliver an emergency Brexit statement to MPs on Monday afternoon.

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The last-minute statement is expected to set out her intention to seek further concessions from Brussels to try to win over furious backbenchers.

However the EU immediately poured cold water on the idea, with Irish premier Leo Varadkar warning that the deal cannot be renegotiated.

The withdrawal agreement, including the Irish backstop is the only agreement on the table. Its not possible to reopen any aspect of that agreement without reopening all aspects, Mr Varadkar told reporters in Dublin.

The SNP has thrown its support behind a second referendum on the Brexit deal, in a significant boost to the number of MPs backing a final say vote.

Ms Sturgeon told the party's conference in October said she would seek assurances that Scotland could not end up in a position again where it had voted to remain in the EU but was being forced to leave - as 62 per cent of Scots voted to Remain, the highest proportion in the UK.
Theresa May has called off the Commons vote on her Brexit deal after huge opposition from her own MPs made a devastating defeat all but inevitable.

The meaningful vote was dramatically pulled just minutes after Downing Street insisted it was going ahead  after an apparent cabinet revolt.

Cabinet ministers had been summoned to urgent talks in a conference call, amid pressure from several ministers for the government to pull back from the brink of a crushing defeat.

Recommended Pound drops as Theresa May pulls Brexit deal vote

The pulling of the vote is certain to prompt speculation that Ms May will head back to Brussels immediately, to try to secure better exit terms and win a later Commons vote.

However, more than 100 Tory MPs have spoken out against the deal  pointing to an unwindable task  and both the EU and the UK have insisted the terms of the Irish backstop, in the withdrawal agreement, cannot be rewritten.

Andrea Leadsom, the Commons Leader, announced the prime minister would make an oral statement to MPs this afternoon on the way forward.

The prime ministers spokeswoman had insisted the talks were simply to update the cabinet on talks the prime minister held over the weekend with various EU leaders.

It was unclear whether the government can easily pull the vote, given that MPs have already approved a business motion for it to take place.

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

Labour suggested No 10 would need to table a new business motion, which could be lost  which would mean Tuesday's meaningful vote still takes place.

Jeremy Corbyn seized on the announcement as proof that the UK no longer had a functioning government, calling for Labours approach to be adopted.

The government has decided Theresa May's Brexit deal is so disastrous that it has taken the desperate step of delaying its own vote at the eleventh hour, he said.

And the anti-Brexit Best for Britain group said the dramatic events underlined the need for a Final Say referendum, to give the decision back to the public.

This is an unprecedented and historic humiliation for Theresa May, said David Lammy, a Labour supporter, adding: After two years of negotiations with the EU, she is not even prepared to let MPs vote on her deal.

Nigel Dodds, the Democratic Unionist Partys deputy leader, said: If this is about kicking the can down the road and getting some tweaks to the political declaration... she knows that is not going to work.
Satirist Armando Iannucci recently reminded his Twitter followers to ensure they are registered to vote.

The creator of the political comedies The Thick of It, Veep and The Death of Stalin was anticipating the failure of Theresa Mays EU Withdrawal Agreement and the prospect of either a second final say referendum on Brexit or even a general election.

Can I advise you, if you havent already done so, to register to vote? Theres going to be a referendum or general election soon, and youll only kick yourself if you dont, he tweeted.

The embattled prime ministers Brexit proposals have been met with staunch opposition from her own ministers, Tory backbenchers and the DUP, whose support Ms Mays minority government relies on under a confidence-and-supply agreement signed in the aftermath of 2017s election resulting in a hung parliament.

If you do want to register to vote so that you can have your say should Mr Iannucci's (increasingly probable) prediction come to pass, instructions on how to do so follow below.

Am I eligible to vote?

You can vote in any forthcoming referendum or snap election as long as youre registered and are 18 or over on the day of the vote.

You must be one of the following:

A British citizen living in the UK

A Commonwealth citizen living in the UK who has leave to remain in the UK or who does not require leave to remain in the UK

A British citizen living overseas who has been registered to vote in the UK in the last 15 years

An Irish citizen living overseas who was born in Northern Ireland and who has been registered to vote in Northern Ireland in the last 15 years

How do I register?

If you registered to vote last time around, you may not need to re-register.

Otherwise, you can register online here.

You will need your National Insurance number and passport.

Note: If you have moved home since the last time you voted, you will need to re-register at your new property.

You can still register to vote even if you do not have a fixed address. This may be because you are:

A hospital patient

Homeless

A merchant seaman

Part of the gypsy or travelling community

Living on a boat or other moveable residence

A person remanded in custody

If you do not have a permanent address, you can register at an address where you spend a substantial part of your time or have some connection. This could be a previously permanent address, shelter or similar place.

You can register by filling in a form called a Declaration of local connection, which can be downloaded here.

There are two forms  one for people in England and Wales and one for those living in Scotland. Alternatively, you can get the form from your local electoral registration office.

Not sure if youre registered?

Every local authority holds the electoral register for their area. You can contact your local registration office and they will be able to let you know if you are registered.

To find the contact details of your local office, enter your postcode here on the Electoral Commissions website.

Im registered - now how do I vote?

You can vote in a referendum or general election in the following ways:

In person at your local polling station  you can find the location on the Electoral Commissions website closer to voting day

By post, or by proxy

Details of the nearest polling station will most likely be shown on the back of your polling card, which youll receive in the post in the event a new vote is announced.

In England, Scotland and Wales, you can register to vote by post if youre unable to vote in person on the day.

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

For a postal vote you will need to download a form and send it to your local registration office (see above).

Your local council will then send you a ballot paper by post, which you will need to send back. This must done in advance  all postal vote requests need to arrive at the office a few days before the election.

Can someone else vote for me?

If you cant vote by either of these methods, you can apply to vote by proxy  allowing somebody you trust to submit your vote on your behalf.

This can be due to a disability, or if youre abroad, or away on a course for work or university.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

After completing the right form, youll need to print it, sign it, and send it back to your local electoral registration office. The deadline is usually 5pm, six working days before the poll.
Parliaments watchdog must be given greater powers to probe historic bullying and harassment claims against MPs after a damning report lifted the lid on the urgent and serious problem with abuse in Westminster.

The probe, led by former high court judge Dame Laura Cox, revealed allegations from more than 200 parliamentary staffers, who said they had been groped and propositioned by male MPs amid a culture of deference, subservience, acquiescence and silence.

Westminster was rocked by a wave of allegations of sexual harassment last year, which highlighted weaknesses with Commons reporting procedures and the problem of politicians running their offices like small businesses, making it difficult for employees to seek recourse.

The Committee on Standards has now proposed a string of reforms to end the unacceptable encroachment on the independence of Kathryn Stone, the parliamentary commissioner for standards.

The cross-party committee, made up of seven MPs and seven lay members, said the watchdog should be able to launch historic inquiries and probe the conduct of former MPs without having to ask permission, as she is currently required to do.

Non-political members of the committee should also be given equal voting rights with MPs, the committee said, in an attempt to address complaints that the system lacked independence.

The committee itself has come under fire after it voted against allowing the commissioner to investigate historic allegations against John Bercow. The Commons speaker denies claims that he bullied former private secretaries Angus Sinclair and Kate Emms.

Its latest report acknowledged it deeply regrets what has gone wrong over bullying and harassment in the Commons, adding: (We) commit ourselves to contributing to putting things right.

Labour MP Kate Green, who chairs the committee, said: It is vital that trust in the process is rebuilt, following the criticisms in Dame Laura Coxs report.

Whilst there is clearly much more to be done, our recommendations will make an important step forward towards a fairer, more independent and credible system.

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The Standards Committee is unique in having an equal number of MPs and lay members on it, and these proposals will ensure that the skills and expertise of the lay members can help to hold MPs to account in the most effective way.

However the civil servants union the FDA said the move did not go far enough as it was still MPs marking their own homework.

Amy Leversidge, assistant general secretary of the FDA, said: But this isnt what Dame Laura Cox recommended  she recommended full independence, not just giving lay members a vote on the Standards Committee.

Whatever the committee wants to tell itself this is still MPs marking their own homework.

Commons leader Andrea Leadsom welcomed the report, adding: "I remain determined to tackle all forms of bullying and harassment in Westminster, and to rebuild trust in the system. The new Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) is only the first step in doing this.

"I will study the recommendations of the Committee and consider next steps, as we work towards our ICGS six month review."

The Independent previously revealed that Ms Leadsom had launched a second inquiry into complaints from aides employed directly by politicians, which is expected to attract hundreds of allegations from past and present staff.

"Brexit betrayal" march in London Show all 43 1 /43 "Brexit betrayal" march in London "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a sign in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carrying a noose at the "Brexit betrayal" march. The man carrying it told a reporter: "That's what the traitor May deserves." AP "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit supporters hold a sign opposed to Nigel Farage Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters carry a defaced British flag on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson addresses a rally after taking part in a Brexit 'betrayal' march in central London PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London Police officers attempts to keep rival protesters from clashing at the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London Victoria Jones/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-Theresa May sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator and his dog Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator at the protest Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit demonstrators endorse UKIP Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A Brexit 'betrayal' march protester wearing a Make Britain Great Again hat in London on 9 December 2018 Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The "Brexit Betrayal" march passes through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson tells protesters to join Ukip via their mobile phones on stage next to leader Gerard Batten (right) at the Brexit 'betrayal' march Gareth Fuller/PA "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester speaks thorugh a megaphone on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator walks in the picket line Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carries a Union Jack on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator wrapped in the Union Jack Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro brexit demonstrators move through Central London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator marches with sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a rude sign in the rally Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march passes down Victoria Street near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A festive protester marches near Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a mock noose as the march passes down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester wrapped in the Union Jack marches down Victoria Street towards Parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester makes some noise on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester dressed as a dinosaur holds a sign rallying against "Davocracy" - in reference to the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a pro-brexit sign on the march Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London The march approaches parliament Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester distributes pro-brexit lapel badges Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A demonstrator wears an anti-EU poster and holds an anti-BBC sign Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A smoke bomb is deployed in Parliament Square as the march comes across the counter-demonstration Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London A flag bearing the Arms of Plantagenet flies in theprot Angela Christofilou/The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018 Angela Christofilou/ The Independent "Brexit betrayal" march in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent

It comes after more than 80 former and current parliamentary staff signed an unprecedented letter demanding a complete overhaul of Commons procedures to curb the persistent abuse.

One former staffer, Lisette Whittaker, said nothing was done when she was attacked by an unnamed politician, who stalked her for years without being punished.

Ms Whittaker, who has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, said she endured constant harassment from when she started working for the European Scrutiny Committee in 1993 when she was 19.

One in five people working in Westminster experienced sexual harassment in the last 12 months, The Independent also revealed, after the release of a survey commissioned by Ms Leadsom of all staff in parliament.

Former defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon was forced to resign amid allegations of sexual misconduct, while several Labour and Tory MPs faced investigations by their parties.
 Close Former FBI Director James Comey tells MSNBC Trump is not yet an unindicted co-conspirator to charges but 'is certainly close'

Donald Trump has been warned he faces the "very real prospect" of jail time as the fallout from the bombshell publication of court filings intensifies.

As the probe into Mr Trump's conduct both before and during office escalates, House Democrats are openly raising the prospect of impeachment or prison time for the US president if it is proved he directed illegal hush-money payments to women.

Jerry Nadler, the incoming chairman of the house judiciary committee, described the details in prosecutors' filings in the case of Mr Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as evidence Mr Trump was "at the centre of a massive fraud".

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"They would be impeachable offences," Mr Nadler said.

"There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time," said Adam Schiff, the incoming chairman of the House intelligence committee.

"The bigger pardon question may come down the road as the next president has to determine whether to pardon Donald Trump."

In the filings, prosecutors in New York for the first time link Mr Trump to a federal crime of illegal payments to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign.

Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Show all 23 1 /23 Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Joe Biden The former vice president - poised to be a frontrunner - has announced his run. He recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Bernie Sanders The 2016 runner-up has announced that he will be running again in 2020 Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Hillary Clinton The 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and former Secretary of State says she is still considering whether she will run again. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Pete Buttigieg The Indiana mayor and war veteran will be running for president. If elected, he would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kamala Harris The former California attorney general will be running for president in 2020. Introduced to the national stage during Jeff Sessions testimony, she has endorsed Medicare-for-all and proposed a major tax-credit for the middle class. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts Senator has formally launched her bid for president in 2020. A progressive Democrat, she is a major supporter of regulating Wall Street. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Beto ORourke The former Texas congressman told Oprah Winfrey that he has been thinking about running for presidency, but stopped short of formally announcing his bid to run in 2020. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam has announced his bid. He intends to run on a progressive platform against the "broken" federal government. He favours gun regulations and was a signatory to a letter from some 400 mayors condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord. Vice News Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has announced that he will be running for the presidency in 2020. If he secures the nomination he said finding a female vice president would be a priority. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Julian Castro The former San Antonio mayor announced his candidacy in January and said that his running has a special meaning for the Latino community in the US. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but is likely to face tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Andrew Yang The entrepreneur has announced his presidential candidacy, and has pledged that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18. AFP/Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual advisor has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? John Kerry The former secretary of state has said he is still thinking about whether to run. Getty Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Michael Bloomberg The entrepreneur and former New York mayor with a net worth of around $50bn  has said he will decide by the end of February whether to seek the presidency. AFP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Howard Schultz Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has not yet ruled out running for president in 2020, despite criticism that his bid could help re-elect Mr Trump by dividing the Democrat vote. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Holder The former attorney general has said he will decide in the next month or so whether to run as a 2020 presidential candidate. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Eric Swalwell The California congressman said he is ready to do this and will decide before April whether to run. MSNBC Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Terry McAuliffe The former Virginia governor, who worked to elect Democratic governors during 2018 midterms, said there was a 50 per cent chance he would run. AP Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Sherrod Brown The Ohio senator is still undecided about whether to run for president in 2020. Who could be running against Trump in 2020? Mitch Landrieu The former New Orleans mayor said he doesnt think he will run for president, but never say never. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

When asked what usually happened after such a filing, James Comey, the sacked former FBI director, told MSNBC: That person would be in serious jeopardy of being charged.

Special counsel Robert Mueller's office also laid out previously undisclosed contacts between Trump associates and Russian intermediaries and suggested the Kremlin aimed early on to influence Mr Trump and his Republican campaign by playing to both his political and personal business interests.

Mr Trump has denied wrongdoing and has compared the investigations to a "witch hunt."

Mr Nadler said it was too early to say whether Congress would pursue impeachment proceedings based on the illegal payments alone because lawmakers would need to weigh the gravity of the offence to justify "overturning" the 2016 election.

Mr Nadler and other lawmakers said on Sunday that they would await additional details from Mr Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign to determine the extent of Mr Trump's misconduct.

Regarding the illegal payments, "whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question, but certainly they'd be impeachable offences because even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office," Mr Nadler said.

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Mr Mueller has not said when he will complete a report of any findings, and it isn't clear that any such report would be made available to Congress. That would be up to the attorney general. Mr Trump on Friday said he would nominate former attorney general William Barr to the post to succeed Jeff Sessions.

Mr Nadler indicated that Democrats, who will control the House in January, will step up their own investigations. He said Congress, the Justice Department and the special counsel needed to dig deeper into the allegations, which included questions about whether Mr Trump lied about his business arrangements with Russians and about possible obstruction of justice.

"The new Congress will not try to shield the president," he said. "We will try to get to the bottom of this, in order to serve the American people and to stop this massive conspiracy  this massive fraud on the American people."

Mr Schiff also stressed a need to wait "until we see the full picture." He has previously indicated his panel would seek to look into the Trump family's business ties with Russia.

"I think we also need to see this as a part of a broader pattern of potential misconduct by the president, and it's that broad pattern, I think, that will lead us to a conclusion about whether it rises to the level to warrant removal from office," Mr Schiff said.

In the legal filings, the Justice Department stopped short of accusing Mr Trump of directly committing a crime. But it said Mr Trump told Mr Cohen to make illegal payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom claimed to have had affairs with Mr Trump more than a decade ago.

In separate filings, Mr Mueller's team detail how Mr Cohen spoke to a Russian who "claimed to be a 'trusted person' in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign 'political synergy' and 'synergy on a government level."'

Mr Cohen said he never followed up on that meeting. Mr Mueller's team also said former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to them about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials, including in 2018.

Republican senator Marco Rubio called the latest filings "relevant" in judging Mr Trump's fitness for office but said lawmakers need more information to render judgment. He also warned the White House about considering a pardon for Mr Manafort, saying such a step could trigger congressional debate about limiting a president's pardon powers.

Such a move would be "a terrible mistake," Mr Rubio said. "Pardons should be used judiciously. They're used for cases with extraordinary circumstances."

Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate intelligence committee, cautioned against a rush to impeachment, which he said citizens could interpret as "political revenge and a coup against the president",

"The best way to solve a problem like this, to me, is elections," Mr King said. "I'm a conservative when it comes to impeachment. I think it's a last resort and only when the evidence is clear of a really substantial legal violation. We may get there, but we're not there now."

Democratic senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut urged Mr Mueller to "show his cards soon" so that Congress can make a determination early next year on whether to act on impeachment.

"Let's be clear: We have reached a new level in the investigation," Mr Murphy said. "It's important for Congress to get all of the underlying facts and data and evidence that the special counsel has."

Mr Nadler spoke on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, Mr Rubio was on CNN and ABC's This Week, and Mr Schiff appeared on CBS' Face the Nation. Mr Murphy spoke on ABC, and Mr King was on NBC's Meet the Press.

Additional reporting by AP
Indians have reacted with outrage on social media after videos circulated showing Hindu nationalist protesters calling for the demolition of one of the countrys largest mosques.

Thousands of demonstrators descended on Delhi on Sunday, in the latest planned protest to demand the construction of a temple to Lord Ram, one of Hinduisms most revered figures, at the site of a ruined mosque in the northern city of Ayodhya.

It was organised by two groups closely affiliated to Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and saw Hindus marching into Old Delhi, a part of the city known for its historic Muslim community.

Witnesses described hearing anti-Muslim slogans along the route of the march, and videos posted online showed demonstrators shouting Ek dhakka aur do, Jama Masjid tod do  With one more push, destroy the Jama Masjid.

Built in 1656, the Jama Masjid is one of Indias biggest and most important mosques. It was the royal place of worship for Indias ruling Muslim emperors for two centuries before the British invasion.

Its not about temples  Its about hating Muslims, the reasons and demands keep changing, one user responded to the clip on Twitter.

Ravi Nair, a journalist, wrote: Just imagine if a Muslim organisation [was] asking to demolish a temple, how Modi govt and Mainstream Media would have reacted.

Another who responded to the video was Rajdeep Sardesai, a prominent TV news anchor and author of the book: 2014: The election that changed India.

He told The Independent that while such chants by rightwing groups were not new, the fact they had been so emboldened since Mr Modis Hindu nationalist party came to power four years ago was worrying.

Jama Masjid is part of the shared heritage of this country, he said. This is a country not only of temples, but also of mosques, gurdwaras, churches. So if someone talks about demolishing Jama Masjid, they are talking about demolishing the uniqueness of this country, which is its shared diversity.

Recommended Indian Muslims skip town fearing history will repeat itself in Ayodhya

It is one thing to chant it [going] up the road, but these are the same groups who tomorrow  in the name of so-called religious nationalism  will murder others, or use violence, as we have seen in recent times.

The Ram Mandir (Ram Temple) issue dates back decades, with both Hindus and Muslims claiming the right to worship at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

Many Hindus believe it to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, and that a temple in his name once stood there. A medieval mosque, Babri Masjid, stood at the site for hundreds of years until 1992, when it was torn down by a Hindu mob.

Eyewitnesses have said the violence started that day with a similar chant of ek dhakka aur do, Babri Masjid tod do. Around 150,000 people swept past police lines and demolished the mosque, before going on to target Muslim-owned shops and homes in the city.

Around 2,000 people were killed across the country in the communal violence that followed.

After the demolition of the mosque, both Hindu and Muslim groups petitioned the Supreme Court to help resolve the issue. The court has sought more time to give its verdict, with the next hearing set for next month.

Mr Sardesai was among those on social media calling for Delhis police to take action against those seen chanting in the video.

The city deployed an additional 2,500 officers to police the route of the march to an open meeting ground just over 1km from Jama Masjid itself.

Responding to reports that the video was being widely shared, deputy police commissioner MS Randhawa told the Indian Express: We have not got any video or a complaint. Only if someone approached us with a complaint will we take action as per law.

The gathering was organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), or World Hindu Council, and addressed by senior figures from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the parent movement of the BJP.

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All three political bodies have persistently lobbied the government to issue an executive order stating a Ram temple will be built in Ayodhya. Both the government and the main opposition Congresss stance is to wait on the verdict of the Supreme Court.

Speaking to the crowd, VHP leader Champat Rai said: The gathering here is telling you that Hindus wont sit back until the temple is built, and our wishes are respected.

Asked about the chanting directed at the nearby Jama Masjid, another VHP leader Vinod Bansal defended it as a spontaneous expression of rage. He said: Though I have not heard any such sloganeering, they did not harm anyone. Our objective was to send a message to the government that people are angry because of a failure to build the Ram Temple.
The prime minister of New Zealand has issued a heartfelt apology to the family of murdered British backpacker Grace Millane, saying her killing was a cause of national shame.

Jacinda Ardern spoke as a 26-year-old man accused of killing Ms Millane, 22, made his first appearance in court.

Ms Millanes father David travelled to New Zealand last week after their daughter went missing on the New Zealand leg of a planned year-long trip around the world. Police found her body in a forest near Auckland on Sunday.

The prime minister addressed the family in comments during her weekly media briefing on Monday, her voice at times breaking with emotion.

On behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Graces family, Ms Ardern said. Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasnt. And Im sorry for that.

From the kiwis [New Zealanders] I have spoken to, there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality.

Jacinda Ardern issued the emotional apology during her weekly post-cabinet news conference in Wellington (AP)

Ms Ardern admitted it was not ordinarily the place of the prime minister to apologise for individual acts of violence. But she said she felt compelled to by that sense of national shame, and that many New Zealanders were taking the case personally.

Earlier, the 26-year-old man accused of killing Ms Millane stared at the floor while a judge addressed him during his brief appearance at the Auckland District Court.

He has been charged with murder and has not yet entered a plea. His name cannot be reported at this time, as his lawyers appeal for it to be suppressed on the basis that revealing it would prejudice his right to a fair trial.

Recommended Man appears in New Zealand court charged with murder of UK backpacker

Judge Evangelos Thomas addressed David Millane and other family members in court, saying: I dont know what to say to you at this time, but your grief must be desperate, according to television station Three.

We all hope justice will be fair and swift and ultimately bring you some peace.

As the man was led away from the dock, somebody in the public gallery yelled out Scumbag!.

Described by her father as fun-loving and family-oriented, Ms Millane had been travelling in New Zealand after beginning her trip in Peru. She went missing on 1 December and failed to get in touch with her family on her birthday the next day, or on the days that followed, which alarmed them.

Before she vanished, Ms Millane had been staying at a backpacker hostel in Auckland and left some of her belongings there. Detective Inspector Scott Beard said she met a man for a couple of hours in the evening before surveillance cameras showed them entering the CityLife hotel at about 9.40pm.

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A week after Ms Millane disappeared, police detained a man for questioning and later charged him with murder.

On Sunday, police found a body in a forested area about 10m (33ft) from the side of the road in the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland. Police believe Ms Millanes body was taken to the area in a rental car.

Police said the car, a red Toyota Corolla, was rented for 24 hours and returned to an Auckland rental agency on 3 December, meaning Ms Millanes body could have been in the forest for six days before it was found.

The suspect who appeared in court on Monday is being held in custody and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on 23 January.

Candlelit vigils for Ms Millane are being prepared across New Zealand, while the case has also sparked a debate about whether New Zealand is still safe for female backpackers and whether the killing would discourage women from travelling there alone.

New Zealand is among the best 50 countries and territories in the world in terms of its homicide rate, ahead of the UK, France, Germany and Sweden. The latest police figures suggest there were just 35 murders in 2017  a 40-year low for the country.

Additional reporting by agencies
A 26-year-old man accused of killing British backpacker Grace Millane appeared in court in Auckland, New Zealand for the first time on Monday.

The defendant was charged with the murder of the 22-year-old late on Saturday, and as he left the court reports suggested a member of the public shouted scumbag.

On Sunday police discovered a body in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, on the outskirts of Auckland which they believe to belong to Ms Millane, from Wickford in Essex.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard told reporters on Sunday that the discovery of the body brings the search for Grace to an end.

It is an unbearable time for the Millane family and our hearts go out to them.

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Court documents allege the killing took place between the 1 December and 2 December  the date of Ms Millanes 22nd birthday - and the address of the man charged with her murder is given as the same Auckland hotel where the fun-loving backpacker was last seen alive.

A judge told Ms Millanes family: I dont know what we can say to you at this time, your grief must be desperate.

All of us hope justice for grace is fair and swift and ultimately brings you some peace.

Temporary reporting restrictions currently prevent the defendant being identified. His lawyers have 21 days to appeal a rejected request for his name to be suppressed.

Ms Millane was travelling the world after graduating from university and was last seen alive in a CCTV image from CityLife Hotel.

While the search for her body has ended detectives are now trying to piece together the moments that led up to her death.

They have appealed for anyone who saw a red Toyota Corolla rental car in the area during the early hours of 3 December to come forward.

Ms Millanes father travelled to New Zealand to appeal for information on her whereabouts and described her as fun-loving and family-oriented.
Frances government has told Donald Trump to stop meddling in the countrys affairs after the US president taunted Emmanuel Macron about violent protests in Paris.

Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Mr Trump should leave our nation be, after the American leader blamed the unrest on efforts to fight climate change.

We do not take domestic American politics into account and we want that to be reciprocated, he told French TV channel LCI in an interview on Sunday.

President Macron had conveyed the same message to Mr Trump, added Mr Le Drian.

His comments came after Mr Trump repeatedly passed waded into debate about the gilets jaunes protests over the weekend.

Anti-government demonstrators again took to the streets across France on Saturday in a show of anger at social inequality and Mr Macrons presidency.

The unrest began last month with protests against proposed fuel tax rises, which have since been abandoned by the government.

The Paris Agreement isnt working out so well for Paris, tweeted Mr Trump, in reference to the climate accord from which the US president has vowed to withdraw his country.

He said: People do not want to pay large sums of money, much to third world countries (that are questionably run), in order to maybe protect the environment.

In a later post, the US president added: Very sad day and night in Paris. Maybe its time to end the ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement and return money back to the people in the form of lower taxes?

The US was way ahead of the curve on that and the only major country where emissions went down last year!

Apparently without evidence, he claimed protesters in France had been chanting we want Trump.

Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Water cannons are turned on the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police detain protesters EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A car is set alight in the protests AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures The Arc de Triomphe is graffitied with the slogan: 'he yellow vests will triumph' Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters barricade themselves on the Champs Elysees as police line the streets Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester fires at police with a slingshot AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester holds up a sign that reads 'your Europe ruins us' Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester gestures amidst burning cars EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters walk amidst tear gas near the Arc de Triomphe Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester runs amidst tear gas Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters on the Champs Elysees amidst tear gas AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters in yellow vests gather outside the town hall in Bordeaux EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather on the Champs Elysees after the police deploy tear gas AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters stand by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester waves a French flag Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police take formation AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A general view of the Champs Elysees in Paris today as protesters clash with police Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester wears a jacket reading 'Macron, thief, lier, crook, go away, the people banish you' AP Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather on the Champs Elysees AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters hold a French flag by a burning barricade AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather by a fire AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Water cannons are turned on the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester wears an adapted yellow vest reading 'Macron's cemetery: here lies your buying power' AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather by a burning car AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police advance through tear gas followed closely by their water cannon EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Tear gas is deployed to deter the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester waves a French flag amidst tear gas AP Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters walk amidst tear gas by the Arc de Triomphe Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester holds a sign asking for the reintroduction of ISF (an old French tax on wealth) AFP/Getty

Responding during the LCI interview, the French foreign minister said bluntly: I say this to Donald Trump and the French president says it too: leave our nation be.

Mr Trump has repeatedly waded into French affairs as tensions flared between himself and the French president in recent months.

Last month he taunted France over Mr Macrons idea for a European army, referencing the world wars in a tweet which claimed they were starting to learn German in Paris before the US came along.

Mr Macron is set to address the nation on Monday evening in the wake of protests which his economy minister bemoaned as a financial catastrophe.

Paris tourist sites and shops reopened on Sunday as workers cleaned up broken glass following running battles between protesters and police that left at least 71 injured in the French capital and caused widespread damage in cities around the country.
Emmanuel Macron is to address the nation after France was hit by a series of violent anti-government protests focused on his leadership.

The French president spent Monday at the Elysee Palace in crisis talks with business and union leaders as well as a range of politicians to hear their concerns.

Union representatives emerging from the talks said Mr Macron gave them no information about the changes he was planning to announce on Monday evening.

Mr Macron is expected to introduce measures to reduce taxes and increase ordinary people's purchasing power.

The 'yellow vest' demonstrations began in November over anger at a planned rise in fuel tax, which the government later scrapped.

Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Water cannons are turned on the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police detain protesters EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A car is set alight in the protests AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures The Arc de Triomphe is graffitied with the slogan: 'he yellow vests will triumph' Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters barricade themselves on the Champs Elysees as police line the streets Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester fires at police with a slingshot AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester holds up a sign that reads 'your Europe ruins us' Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester gestures amidst burning cars EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters walk amidst tear gas near the Arc de Triomphe Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester runs amidst tear gas Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters on the Champs Elysees amidst tear gas AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters in yellow vests gather outside the town hall in Bordeaux EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather on the Champs Elysees after the police deploy tear gas AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters stand by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester waves a French flag Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police take formation AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A general view of the Champs Elysees in Paris today as protesters clash with police Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester wears a jacket reading 'Macron, thief, lier, crook, go away, the people banish you' AP Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather on the Champs Elysees AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters hold a French flag by a burning barricade AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather by a fire AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Water cannons are turned on the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester wears an adapted yellow vest reading 'Macron's cemetery: here lies your buying power' AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather by a burning car AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police advance through tear gas followed closely by their water cannon EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Tear gas is deployed to deter the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester waves a French flag amidst tear gas AP Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters walk amidst tear gas by the Arc de Triomphe Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester holds a sign asking for the reintroduction of ISF (an old French tax on wealth) AFP/Getty

But the protests have since grown to encompass widely felt public anger against Mr Macron and his administration.

Mr Macron, a 40-year-old former banker who was elected in May 2017, is felt to be out of touch with ordinary people.

He has attracted further criticism this week for maintaining a low profile as violence raged in Paris.

The demonstrations have disrupted cities and towns across France for four consecutive weekends.

In Paris on Saturday, yellow vest protesters were met by 89,000 police officers, who used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets in an attempt to control the crowds.

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Union leaders said that they would listen carefully to the French leader's announcement.

"We will listen to him with a lot of interest, lots of expectations and some concern as well given the situation," said Laurent Berger, secretary general of the CFDT workers union.

Yves Veyrier, secretary general of the leftist workers union FO, said: "We will listen to him to see if we have been heard."

Additional reporting by agencies
When yellow-vested demonstrators descended on Paris for the fourth consecutive weekend, the city knew what was coming. Police lined street corners flanked by armoured tanks; shop owners boarded up their stores; Parisians and tourists stayed behind closed doors. The French capital was on lockdown.

And as expected, violence played out. Much like the previous weekends, cars were set alight, signs were ripped from buildings and shop windows were smashed in.

Only this time, the police presence had doubled, and officers were fully prepared to launch back at any disorder with tear gas and rubber bullets. With the crack of gas canisters sounding throughout the day and armoured vehicles stationed, it felt like something of a war zone.

But while these dramatic scenes of violence and unprecedented levels of policing dominated the TV screens, a closer look suggests violence is not at the heart of this movement. In fact, many protesters were eager to state that they did not endorse the actions of the thugs.

As one woman, a mother of two, said: We try to protest peacefully, but unfortunately it quickly degenerates into this every time due to a certain group of individuals.

Indeed, the individuals starting most of the violence appeared to be mainly young men, and ranged from far-right extremists to left-wing anarchists, and even teenagers simply looking for a thrill.

Some did not even wear fluorescent vests, turning up instead in dark clothing with their faces concealed under balaclavas. These groups  who some might call fake gilet jaunes  may be angry about something, but their protests seem limited to setting light to cars and looting stores.

While these violent demonstrators played cat and mouse with the police, it was the peaceful protesters who made the most impassioned calls for change.

With the crack of gas canisters sounding throughout the day, it felt like something of a war zone (May Bulman)

Many of them single parents or young people on low income jobs, they remained on the sidelines of the riots and divulged on how they were struggling to keep their head above the financial waters as their salaries fell short of the cost of living, branding Emmanuel Macron the president of the rich.

That is not to say those who were not looking for a riot were not subject to police brutality. Tear gas lingered through the streets and stung the eyes and mouths of many non-violent protesters.

Officers tactic of kettling demonstrators, herding swathes of them into small spaces and then, in some cases, firing rubber bullets at the crowd, meant many were caught up in the police oppression just for being present, creating a definite sense of us versus them.

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Arguably, the violent acts of a minority undermined the unity of the demonstrators.

Contrary to the frenzied vandalism and vicious clashes that have come to define the movement in the media, the vast majority of them are not trying to begin a violent uprising  they just want to be listened to and have their grievances acted on.
There are fractures in the glass windows of Orania.Berlin, a chi-chi new boutique hotel in Kreuzberg. Somebodys thrown things, and its shattered. At first, I thought it was part of the hotels aesthetic: the delicate spindles of glass actually look quite chic.

This neighbourhood in Berlin doesnt much like gentrification. When Google unveiled plans for a new campus here, there was vociferous opposition with the outcry Google go home. It did  but even now there are white signs in shop windows with Googles logo hidden behind a red no-entry cross. The majority of the businesses in Kreuzberg are independent, and its residents want it to stay that way.

Im only in the neighbourhood for a couple of days, but its immediately apparent that Kreuzberg  also known as Little Istanbul because of the high proportion of Turkish residents  isnt afraid to speak its mind. During a freezing wander on a Saturday afternoon, I run into a protest about another new hotel in the neighbourhood. Its cold, and therefore the protest is probably not as enthusiastic as it could be, but all the same: I feel awkward admitting Im... staying in a hotel in Kreuzberg.

Which probably explains the smashed glass at Orania.

And at first, this lovely boutique hotel, housed in a five-storey corner building on the corner of Kreuzbergs Oranienstrasse and Oranienplatz, wasnt exactly welcomed, the general manager Jennifer Vogel admits. Orania was the first major hotel in Kreuzberg, she says, which took some warming up to. Eighteen months later, it seems to have bedded in well enough: Orania is now thriving thanks to a cosy lounge area, an excellent restaurant with a perky young head chef and a rotating set of local musicians working their way through classical, jazz, avant garde you name it. Theyre on every night, both downstairs and in the gorgeously private salon on the fifth floor.

The downstairs bar at Orania (Orania.Berlin)

At least this building is embedded in local history. Its been through various incarnations since it was built in 1912, including a jazz cafe, a club called Trash, even a C&A department store. Elephant motifs decorate almost every soft surface here (rendered mainly in leathery colours of red, brown and green), but not because Oranias founder has some special affinity with them, but rather because, as a former IT worker, he spent a lot of time in India and just liked them. I find this unfussiness rather nice.

Its winter, so rather than a picnic at vast Tempelhof Park, named for the now-shuttered 1920s airport just south of Kreuzberg, Im stomping along the moody Landwehr Canal that weaves through the district. It reveals sophisticated six-storey townhouses in a range of gelato colours: baby pink, yellow and green, some with childlike murals and graffiti daubed on the side. Signs of protest  saying what I dont know, if only my German were better  hang from some balconies, but that hasnt stopped cafes such as Be Coffee My Friend, all bare brick and swinging Edison bulbs, from throwing open their doors on the banks of the canal.

In Kreuzberg, youre never far from the rattle of the orange-yellow trains, on metro line U1, that glide above your head. The citys oldest metro line was built above ground here because this neighbourhood didnt have enough cash to bury it underground (as they did in Mitte, Berlins swaggering heart, and elsewhere in the city). Crossing underneath it from the canal brings you back to Oranienstrasse, one of Kreuzbergs most happening streets, where I duck into empty Daad Gallery. Its currently showing Lawrence Abu Hamdans Walled Unwalled, an audiovisual performance that features the artist standing behind a microphone giving a lecture about the significance of walls. Ten minutes walk round the corner is gallery Soy Capitan, while further still is the brutalist Konig Gallerie in the former St Agnes church, all open spaces and block concrete. For a weekend, thats the briefest of sniffs at the formal art scene in Kreuzberg.

A mix of stencils, murals and bombs in Kreuzberg (Orania.Berlin)

The informal is more accessible: look at the side of any exposed building in Kreuzberg and youll see tall astronaut murals, ugly graffiti bombs or intricate stencils. Some of the most impressive  if just for height  are the red and blue letters daubed in a vertical line up the brick, by local gang Berlin Kidz. Once you know where to look, youll be spying edgier things like a mural of a girl, a house and a ferret, with hastily painted slogans like my home might be no palace, but we can share it if we like.

Kreuzberg has always been a neighbourhood on the edge. During the years of the Berlin Wall, it was the easternmost district in West Berlin, with some houses jutting right up against the concrete. Nobody wanted to live here. In fact, it was a cheap and neglected part of Berlin, according to tour guide Sabine Muller.

What it certainly hasnt neglected is its zippy atmosphere that becomes incandescent after dark. Oranienstrasse is packed with late-late-night bars called things like Molotov Cocktail, iconic clubs like SO36 and boutiques selling handmade stuff (a brush in the shape of the Brandenberg Gate, anyone?). At the weekend, expect it to be empty until at least 11am  but at night, pushing through the concrete slab of bar-lounge Cafe Luzia, trying to order a 3 (2.70) glass of riesling, I feel like Im never going to sleep again.

The beginning of Berlins East Side Gallery (iStock)

And where better to soothe the hangover than one of Kreuzbergs many Turkish restaurants? Leave outsized Hasir, a guidebook favourite, for smaller Doyum underneath the Kottbusser Tor subway. This blue-and-white tiled low-key joint serves the best lahmacun Ive ever had the joy of rolling up and swallowing, and the gloopy ayran yoghurt drink comes, satisfyingly, from a counter-side vat.

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which, significantly, has now been down for longer than it was ever up. There are still bits of it left to see, mainly at the 1.5km River Spree-side East Side Gallery in the former East Berlin, where the 1990 mural of Leonid Brezhnev kissing Erich Honecker (the socialist fraternal kiss) by Moscow artist Dmitri Vrubel is easily the most snapped. Muller, who grew up in West Berlin, says that travelling from West to East was like coming from a colour movie to a black and white movie, but on a grey, wintry 2018 Berlin day you barely notice the difference when crossing the Spree from Kreuzberg to neighbouring Friedrichshain.

Berlin sunset (C Sult) (C. Sult)

I walk across the river on Sunday afternoon, headed to Heissa Holzmarkt, a Christmas market thats as far apart from the flatpacked wooden chalets that are thrown up in other European cities as its possible to get. There are bins licking with open flames, little huts selling clay penises to hang on the tree, and others with a heavy line for kasespatzle, a not very German take on what is essentially mac and cheese. Next door, people are queueing for the techno club Kater Blau (its 2pm and 2C); straight on, across to Kreuzberg, is the remains of an abandoned ice factory. Right here, with a festive mulled wine, were trying to soak up as much of Berlins louche cool as possible.

Berlin was once described as poor but sexy by former mayor Klaus Wowereit. Almost three decades later, the sentiment is still true.

Travel essentials

Getting there

Ryanair flies to Berlin from the UK from 24 return.

Staying there

An Orania.25 room at Orania.Berlin is available from 230, room only; breakfast 25. orania.berlin

More information

The fall of the wall is a key focus of the fun Nineties Berlin exhibition, currently taking place at the former Berlin mint. There are panoramic video clips covering local life in the years when the wall came down, as well as soundbites from musicians, artists and activists before and after 1989. The best bit is a mirrored room with a DJ deck, playing the tunes from the Love Parade, a landmark electronic dance music festival that started just before the wall came down and at its peak attracted 1.6 million visitors.
The opening of Londons crisis-hit Crossrail has been delayed indefinitely while an additional 1.7bn may be needed to complete the project, transport bosses have said.

The capitals flagship east-west Elizabeth line underground rail link had been due to open this month but was pushed back to autumn 2019 after delays were announced over the summer.

However Transport for London (TfL) officials have now scrapped that proposal, saying it had become clear that more work is required than had been envisaged.

It is unclear when the first paying passengers will begin using the line, which stretches from Reading and Heathrow Airport in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

The scheme requires further funding of between 1.3bn and 1.7bn, bringing the total expected cost of the scheme to 17.6bn, following a 590m cash injection in July.

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The project has suffered from a series of delays including problems testing the new tracks and stations and the fit out of the tunnels at varying stages of completion.

Last week the project was thrown into further turmoil with the resignation of its chairman, Sir Terry Morgan.

Announcing the delay, Crossrails new chief executive, Mark Wild, said there was a huge amount still to do and that he was therefore unable to commit to an autumn 2019 opening date.

He added: My team and I are working to establish a robust and deliverable schedule in order to give Londoners a credible plan to open the railway and provide a safe and reliable service. Once that work is completed we will then be in a position to confirm a new opening date.

Newly-laid Crossrail track at Stepney, east London (Reuters)

The Mayor of London, the Greater London Authority (GLA), and TfL said a financing package had been agreed with the government to open the Elizabeth line as quickly as possible.

A review by auditors KPMG found the cost of the delay could hit 2bn  including 300m already promised in July.

To reach this figure, up to 1.3bn will be handed over in the form of a loan from central government, alongside 100m funding from the GLA.

An additional 750m will be made available as a loan from the Department of Transport as a contingency, pushing the total funding package above 2bn.

This deal will replace the need for a 350m loan announced in October.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: I havent hidden my anger and frustration about the Crossrail project being delayed. This has a knock-on consequence of significant additional cost to the project.

It has been increasingly clear that the previous Crossrail Ltd leadership painted a far too optimistic picture of the projects status.

In pictures: Crossrail breakthrough to Canary Wharf Show all 5 1 /5 In pictures: Crossrail breakthrough to Canary Wharf In pictures: Crossrail breakthrough to Canary Wharf crossrail-1.jpg In pictures: Crossrail breakthrough to Canary Wharf crossrail-2.jpg In pictures: Crossrail breakthrough to Canary Wharf crossrail-3.jpg In pictures: Crossrail breakthrough to Canary Wharf crossrail-4.jpg In pictures: Crossrail breakthrough to Canary Wharf crossrail-5.jpg

Mike Brown, Londons transport commissioner, called the delay extremely disappointing and warned the scale of the work to be completed was only now becoming clear.

When fully open, the Elizabeth line will increase central Londons rail capacity by 10 per cent, carrying over half a million passengers per day.

Mr Khan said his priority remained getting this monumental project completed as soon as possible.

The mayor has ordered the release of all Crossrail Board minutes over the last five years in a bid to provide transparency of the process and has written to the National Audit Office confirming his full support of its planned investigation into the project.

Rail minister Andrew Jones said he was committed to the rapid completion of the project, in a way that is fair to UK taxpayers, and that enables London  as the primary beneficiary of Crossrail  to bear the additional costs.

TfL said Mr Khan would continue to back Crossrail 2, which would link southwest and northeast London. The precise route and cost for that scheme is currently being studied by the government and the mayors office.
For some time now, the sanest analysis on what happens next with Brexit has come from those brave enough to say: I dont know. There was no conceivable way through the impasse that would follow Theresa Mays deal being voted down. Something unexpected would have to happen. And sure enough, it has.

At 11.30 on Monday morning, precisely nine minutes after the prime ministers spokesperson told journalists The vote is going ahead as planned, the vote was delayed.

The deal could not be voted upon, because it could not possibly pass. Nor can it be renegotiated, at least if the EU is to be believed. And the alternative  leaving the European Union with no deal  will not be allowed, because parliament has said so, via Dominic Grieves amendment.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn says he wants a general election, so that he can renegotiate a jobs first Brexit that involves a permanent customs union and a strong single market deal. This is a fantasy. Labours six tests on Brexit were initially dreamt up to hold David Davis to account for the laughable impossibility of his demands. Now, they appear to be genuine demands.

We are in an inferno from which all exits are blocked, except one. A second referendum offers a viable way out, but only if Brexiteers accept it and stop their current course of action, which is to pour petrol on it and seek to blame others for the blaze they intend to start.

The Sun has the temerity to mention the murder of Jo Cox, when it warned last week: What a tsunami of rage politicians would unleash by ignoring the democratic rights of millions on the winning side of the biggest vote in British history.

It is a threat so despicable it can hardly be described as veiled.

Michael Gove was on the radio on Monday morning describing those who want a second referendum as trying to thwart democracy.

It shouldnt have to be repeated that one vote does not thwart another. Democracy does not thwart democracy.

There are certain realities that should not be controversial to Brexiteers. Firstly, that the referendum was a reckless gamble by David Cameron, and it was designed only for a Remain vote, not a Leave one. A Remain win gives clear instructions. A Leave win opens the door to a whole range of outcomes that have led us to where we are.

Secondly, after becoming prime minister, Theresa May spent a long time deciding what version of Brexit she wanted. She made it clear in a landmark speech at Lancaster House. She then put that version of Brexit to the public in a general election. The results of that general election made that version of Brexit impossible (though they may have been impossible to implement even with the vast majority she was hoping for).

In 2011, during a debate on the possibility of a referendum on EU membership, Jacob Rees-Mogg told the House of Commons: We could have two referendums. As it happens, it might make more sense to have the second referendum after the renegotiation is completed.

David Davis made a near identical claim a few months later. It should be said the matter they were debating was somewhat different, and both people have since said these claims were superseded by Camerons decision to hold a simple in/out, one-off referendum.

But they should acknowledge that Camerons referendum and the fallout from it has brought the country to a point at which a Brexit that satisfies the desires of those who voted for it cannot currently be delivered.

In such circumstances, seeking to undermine a second referendum for fear of losing it is both cowardly and irresponsible.

If they were to embrace it, and fight it as fairly as they did the last one, and the outcome was Leave, there is not a Remainer in sight that could credibly contest the outcome.

In the meantime, claims that Leavers knew what they were voting for look weak. Four days after the referendum, the MP Nadine Dorries claimed that the Norway model has always been my preference. The Norway model involves staying in the single market and continuing to make large payments into the EU budget. She is not in favour of the model anymore, because she has come significantly closer to understanding what it means.

It shouldnt be controversial for Brexiteers to concede that the blunt decision in June 2016 did not express a view on the single market, the customs union, the Northern Irish backstop and all the rest of it.

Last week, while addressing a lunch for Westminster journalists, Tony Blair said: I dont know how much anybody in here knows, but I was prime minister for 10 years, and I know more about the customs union and the single market now than I did then.

There are, naturally, certain problems with holding a second referendum. There has been some talk that a second referendum could be between Remain, and Leave with Mays Deal or Leave with No Deal. In other words, if Leave wins, it then goes down to which of the two options leave voters preferred. That is clumsy, not least as many Leave voters would have to risk enabling an outcome they do not want.

More to the point, the deal we would be expected to vote on is vague in the extreme on the future trading relationship. It is scarcely a vote on a deal at all. Then there is the loathed Northern Irish backstop question. Voters would have to vote in a referendum without really knowing whether we would ever end up in it, or what it would mean if we did. Emmanuel Macron thinks it can be used as leverage to force European fishing boats into UK waters. But would it ever happen? Who knows.

These are serious problems that require working through. But at what is commonly agreed by all sides to be an unimaginably low moment in the political life of our nation, what is required is statesmanship. Is there any chance, at all, of a referendum, fought in a noble spirit, with voters on both sides better understanding the issues at hand, that could actually settle the question?

Its fanciful, of course. But something unexpected has to happen. On that front, nothing has changed.
Theresa May is having a tough old time of it. Still, in the last few weeks she might have occasionally glanced across the Channel and felt for Emmanuel Macron. The angry cheveux blancs on her backbenches is nothing compared to the gilets jaunes which Macron faces across the barricades.

Indeed, while May has recently seen her approval ratings rise (admittedly from a low base and probably just temporarily), the French president has seen his plummet: just 23 per cent of respondents in a recent poll had confidence in his leadership. Whats more, a large majority think he will be unable to complete his planned economic reforms in the face of continued violence.

So what will the man we must not call Manu do? He has already agreed to row back on proposed fuel tax increases but so far that has done little to restore order, with the protest movement having seemingly become a much broader ideological battleground: on it, Macrons hopes of transforming the French economy may die.

All this seems a long way from the presidents moment of electoral triumph in May of last year, when he and his new political movement, En Marche!, swept to victory over both traditional centrist parties and the extremist option offered by Marine Le Pen.

Back then, Macrons pro-business message and his ideas for modernising the economy appeared to have struck a chord. Sure enough, in his first year in office, he moved quickly to inject dynamism into French industry, reducing state intervention, making the labour market more flexible and seeking to overhaul the education system. Previous governments have regularly talked up the need for such reforms yet failed to carry them out. Macron appeared to have changed the pattern of recent French history.

But the protests of the last month tell a different story.

For one thing, they are a reminder that the strength of the protest tradition in France will not wane as easily as all that and cannot be controlled by the personality of any single politician. It has been one of the hallmarks of the recent street demonstrations that they are not defined by the policy programmes of political parties, nor led by political figures. Any who have tried to capture the protests for their own ends have been told to continuez tout droit.

What the violent scenes have also shown perhaps is that Macrons erstwhile popularity was something of a chimera, casting a temporary veil over the malaise that has beset French politics since the Mitterand era  an age which paradoxically weakened the countrys constitutional checks and balances, while at the same time embedding notions about the rights of the people (Mitterand was, after all, a socialist  of sorts).

Macron looked for a moment as if he had broken the shackles of the past, tapping into anti-establishment anger while concurrently promising a positive vision of a modernised France taking a lead in the globalised world. But was he simply the least of all evils?

Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Water cannons are turned on the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police detain protesters EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A car is set alight in the protests AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures The Arc de Triomphe is graffitied with the slogan: 'he yellow vests will triumph' Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters barricade themselves on the Champs Elysees as police line the streets Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester fires at police with a slingshot AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester holds up a sign that reads 'your Europe ruins us' Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester gestures amidst burning cars EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters walk amidst tear gas near the Arc de Triomphe Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester runs amidst tear gas Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters on the Champs Elysees amidst tear gas AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters in yellow vests gather outside the town hall in Bordeaux EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather on the Champs Elysees after the police deploy tear gas AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters stand by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester waves a French flag Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police take formation AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A general view of the Champs Elysees in Paris today as protesters clash with police Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester wears a jacket reading 'Macron, thief, lier, crook, go away, the people banish you' AP Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather on the Champs Elysees AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters hold a French flag by a burning barricade AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather by a fire AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Water cannons are turned on the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester wears an adapted yellow vest reading 'Macron's cemetery: here lies your buying power' AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters gather by a burning car AFP/Getty Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Riot police advance through tear gas followed closely by their water cannon EPA Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Tear gas is deployed to deter the protesters Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester waves a French flag amidst tear gas AP Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures Protesters walk amidst tear gas by the Arc de Triomphe Reuters Clashes at the Paris fuel protests: in pictures A protester holds a sign asking for the reintroduction of ISF (an old French tax on wealth) AFP/Getty

Even at the time of his astonishing rise to power, many queried how an ex-banker, who had taken a senior role in President Hollandes staff in 2012 and who had been minister of economy and finance for a year from 2014, could possibly be the fresh new voice he claimed to be. Sure enough in the first round of voting, the electorate was split. Macron, who had benefited from facing rivals who were either dull, scandal-hit or extreme, still won just a quarter of a vote.

Luckily for him, Le Pen came second, meaning that victory in the second round run-off was more or less guaranteed. Macrons novelty, his positivity and his message of a hopeful future were held out as signs of a national political re-awakening: yet for a great many people, his policies in practice have done nothing more than confirm their suspicions about the political class.

The anger about declining living standards which has fuelled the gilets jaunes protests does not appear to be abating; and it remains to be seen whether Macron  whose populist credentials, if they were ever more than photo-opportunity deep, have plainly deserted him  can calm the streets without undoing his reformist agenda in toto.

If he fails, the uncomfortable question for France (and perhaps for Europe as a whole) is what next?
While attention is focused on the ongoing acrimony over Brexit, significant changes are taking place as the UKs security architecture adapts for the demands of conflict in the 21st Century at a time of rising international tension and uncertainty.

The Government is expected to announce its Modernising Defence Programme (MDP) in the next few days. It will set out a strategy for dealing with hybrid warfare, where new technology has driven changes in propaganda and robotics, and where conflict is marked by terrorist bombings and states for whom combat can range from the attempted suborning of elections to the carrying out of chemical attacks.

At the same time a new top echelon of commanders who will help counter this threat has been announced, with little publicity. We now have a new deputy chief of the armed forces and the next heads for the Royal Navy, and the RAF and Joint Forces Command, which has overarching responsibilities for key elements from all three services and Special Forces.

The risks and rewards brought by the technological revolution have been very much in the news. Last week the head of MI6, Alex Younger, addressed the new reality in the fields of security and defence while stressing the importance in all this of the human factor.

In what was only his second public speech in four years in the post, Younger spoke of how the digital era has profoundly changed the operating environment of the Secret Intelligence Service and that cyber is now our fastest growing directorate. But he also pointed out a shifting focus to the nexus between humans and technology and how, ironically, the most profound consequence of the technological challenge is a human one.

The need for the right personnel in this changing landscape is important for the armed forces. And there is a generational change in the appointment of the new commanders, who are all relatively young for such senior positions and seen as iconoclasts prepared to take on vested interests and outmoded traditions.

The head of the Navy, the new First Sea Lord, Admiral Tony Radakin is 53; the head of the RAF, Air Marshal Michael Wigston, is 50; Vice Admiral Timothy Fraser, the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, is 55; and General Patrick Sanders, the new chief of Joint Forces Command is 52.

All four men have the experience of serving abroad, of working with other services and of thinking outside the box. Speaking from a little personal experience, I spent a bit of time with Gen Sanders in Iraq at a time of ferocious violence. He was able to show impressive leadership and also an understanding of the social and political sensitivities which was lacking among some in government back in London during that hugely controversial and emotive war.

The appointments were the choices of the Defence Secretary, who has spoken of the need for transformational leaders who are forward looking. Gavin Williamson is in charge of the Ministry at a particularly difficult time, faced by budget cuts, looming threats at home and abroad, and the uncertainties around Brexit. It is a time to show boldness and initiative and he should be commended for doing so.

There have been some complaints from traditionalists in Whitehall about the push for reforms, but they have not been able to mount serious objections to the moves. Williamson has the backing of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, someone who has served extensively in the Balkans and also Afghanistan, where he attempted, with some success, to understand the local dynamics. I recall the wall of his office in Kandahar, covered with charts of Pashtun clans and sub-clans which were so detailed they overflowed on to the next room. He also hosted regular meetings with local leaders which helped calm some volatile situations.

The impending MDP will come under scrutiny to see just how far it goes to fulfil the Governments pledge to match the pace of adversaries and produce a fighting force fit for future demands while providing value for money. Grandiose statements of intent on defence from successive governments have failed to live up to the billing many times in the past.

To break that cycle it is crucial to get the right people in place. General Sir Richard Barrons, who retired from the Army after serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, and as chief of Join Forces Command, stressed to me the need not to have people who are died in the wool, stuck in their ways, but who can adapt and understand the demands of 21st Century war rather than that of the 20th Century.

We are looking at a world of data primacy, artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as the advances being made by the Russians and the Chinese, Sir Richard continued. We saw what the Russians have done in Ukraine and Syria -- two battalions being wiped out in a matter of hours in Ukraine for example -- these are pretty serious threats.

At the same time we have the pressure of cuts, the need to fill the holes. This is the right team of people to do it, they can serve for years to come and carry out reforms. So yes, it was a clever move by Gavin Williamson to push for these appointments.

Professor Michael Clarke, a senior fellow at leading think tank the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) said: The announcement of the appointments was made much earlier than expected, so this is something which has been deliberately thought out and pushed. The message being sent by Gavin Williamson is that we have looked at this thoroughly and these are the best people.

Brexit makes the challenge much clearer for the UK Professor Michael Clarke

What is interesting are that all four of them are relatively young, innovators, no great respecters of traditions and prepared to have heretical thoughts, Clarke told me. They all have joint services experience, so just eminence in your own service is not enough. Nor is someone who believes that heavy metal [armour and artillery] is the right fit now. We have nano-technology, AI, which can be weaponised, this is quite frightening stuff. We havent got time to waste just thinking about it, there is a need to act first.

The MDP, Clarke stressed, must be carefully analysed to see if it can genuinely meet future needs, including whatever challenges Brexit brings to the table. Brexit makes the challenge much clearer for the UK. It comes at a time when the US is becoming much more unilateral. Its not just Donald Trump and Trumpism, although he has highlighted this change. This has been the tendency for the last four presidents, Obama tried to reverse this and he failed, said Clarke.

Britain can find a strategic role in this by smart investment in defence and security, and play an important part in a group of nations with shared values of democracy. Not just Europeans, but other states like Japan and India. It is a way of ensuring that Britain is not isolated in the uncertain future we are facing.
Its no surprise that our top universities doggedly refuse to acknowledge their role in perpetuating the ugly truth about modern Britain: money and the right class still get you access and a seat at the top table. When it comes to choosing which pupils to accept for a highly prized place at Oxbridge, pedigree is everything. The Sutton Trust has discovered that just eight elite secondary schools send the same number of pupils to Oxford and Cambridge as three quarters of all the other schools in the UK.

Pupils from independent schools make up 42 per cent of places at Oxbridge, and are seven times more likely to be successful than anyone from a comprehensive. A third of the applications for Oxbridge are from state schools, but these pupils only gain a quarter of the places. The Sutton Trust said that these discrepancies were unacceptable.

In England, just 18 per cent of all students taking A-levels are at a private school  yet that small percentage will be getting better jobs, and are twice as likely to get a place at a good university. The latest data shows that Eton gained 68 Oxbridge offers in a year, Westminster School 88, and St Pauls School 53. The high volume of acceptances is clearly the result of intensive preparation for the selection process, involving careful nurturing of pupils so that they perform to the best of their ability and are capable of withstanding the rigours of entrance examinations and interviews with confidence. At this level of academic achievement  when so many achieve the very highest grades (usually three A*s)  social skills are what mark out one candidate from another.

I know from my own experience that preparation and encouragement is everything. To gain a university place you (an insecure, anxious teenager) have to be interviewed by older, very clever people, the likes of whom you might never have met during your limited life experiences, and its extremely daunting. The work you submit and the extracurricular activities you will have participated in while at school (on top of all those exams and revision)  all of which your parents have to pay for  are all taken into account. You cant just be accepted on brains; you have to be the right kind of pupil for Oxbridge. They dont want failures.

My parents left school at 14, but they bequeathed me burning ambition, and a ruthless ability to focus on getting what I wanted. On my first day at university, I discovered there were five girls and 95 boys in my year, and over three quarters of them had attended private school.

That was half a century ago, and the Sutton Trusts new research proves that privilege still rules in modern Britain. Class barriers are just as rigid now as they were for me. Just as the poor pay a disproportionate amount of their income in tax compared to the very wealthy, so they have to fight that much harder for the same chance at experiencing educational excellence.

It makes my blood boil when posh actors complain that their background has held them back, that going to Eton didnt help and that working class accents are all the rage. If thats in any way true, acting must be one of the few jobs where accent and class favour the lower classes.

The vast majority of state school students are not achieving their potential because of poor careers advice. The government set up the Careers and Enterprise Company four years ago in order to tackle the problem. It has received over 40m of public funds, and the CEO, Claudia Harris, earns 135,000 a year, almost as much as the prime minister. Recently, MPs were outraged to discover that the company had organised two conferences costing over 200,000 of public funding, when they could have reduced the costs with sponsorship.

They have spent 900,000 on research (with another 200,000 to go)  but has that filtered through to schools? It doesnt appear that is the case. From last September every state secondary school or college has to have a career leader, a curriculum directly linked to careers, personal guidance for students, plus encounters with employers and employees to reinforce the reality of the world of work. Known as the Gatsby benchmarks, these standards remain a dream rather than a reality.

Last June, 2,880 schools and colleges completed a self-evaluation exercise, but most admitted they were only achieving two out of eight of these goals. Since then, 2,000 headteachers marched on Westminster to beg for increased funding, as parents complained they were being asked to fund everything from toilet rolls to pens and exercise books.

Phillip Hammond gave out a 400m bonus in the autumn budget to help schools buy the little extras they need  a remark which was received like a cup of cold sick. Further Education colleges have lost a third of their funding in recent years  and still we wonder why social mobility has stagnated. The reason for the British class system being as entrenched in 2018 as it was for me back in 1965 is that money buys opportunity.

If you start on the bottom rung, its getting harder rather than easier to climb the ladder of opportunity in the UK.
I believe it would lead to a significant loss of faith in our democracy. It would lead many people to question the role of this house and the role of members in this house.

At the despatch box of the House of Commons, that was Theresa Mays verdict on the wisdom of holding a second referendum. Its worth repeating again already. It would lead many people to question the role of this house and the role of members in this house.

Approximately seven minutes earlier, she had confirmed what everybody already knew. Which is that she was cancelling the vote on her Brexit deal, scheduled for Tuesday. MPs had already debated it for three full days by this point. Yet she cancelled it because she knew she would lose it, by at least a hundred votes, and possibly 200.

Debating something for days on end, and then cancelling the vote on it because youre not going to get the result you want  isnt that the sort of thing that might, I dont know, lead many people to question the role of the house and the role of members in the house?

Because the role of the house, and the role of members in that house, is to vote on stuff. Thats what they do. Theres two specially made rooms at one end of the house, which in the interest of avoiding ambiguity, are even called voting lobbies.

Recommended Today May chose the lesser of two humiliations

Except the role of members in this house, at least tomorrow, will be, erm, not a lot actually. Because therell be no meaningful vote. And therell be not a whole lot else to take its place.

It is at this point you may decide to question the role of an altogether different house, 10 Downing Street, and the role of the member who lives in it.

Theresa May has already established an unrivalled reputation of dong the precise opposite of what she says she will do. This, after all, is the woman that brought you, There will be no snap election. This is the woman who then brought you, If I lose just six seats [in this snap election], it will be Jeremy Corbyn sitting down in Brussels to negotiate Brexit. She then lost 13, and as yet, no such thing has happened.

But this was certainly her masterwork. At 11.21am on Monday morning, the prime ministers spokesperson told journalists the vote is going ahead as planned. This was in response to news that the cabinet would be holding a conference at 11.30am, which could only mean the vote would be cancelled. At 11.30am, sure enough, it was indeed cancelled.

What Theresa May expects to happen next absolutely nobody knows, including, we must assume, herself. She would have lost the meaningful vote by a vast margin, primarily because of the Irish backstop that threatens to keep the UK inside the single market and the customs union, and does not allow it to leave without the EUs say so.

So she told the House of Commons that she would now go and seek reassurances from other European leaders over the backstop, but she also told them that without a backstop there is no deal. And she told them, for roughly the 10,000 time in the last fortnight, that the deal represented the best deal and the only deal for the British people.

She cancelled the vote because she knew she would lose it. Now she will seek to acquire assurances that the backstop agreement can be watered down, which it wont be, and hope that she can come back at some point in the near future and have the backstop agreement passed. It wont happen. It cant happen.

She pleaded with the House of Commons to do things she herself was not prepared to do.

If you want a second referendum that overturns the first, be honest that this risks dividing the country again, she said.

If you want to remain part of the single market and the customs union, be honest that this would require free movement and ongoing financial contributions, she continued.

If you want to leave without a deal, be honest that it would come with consequences.

All of which is true, but Ms May, if you havent got the first clue how youre going to get your deal through parliament, and youve got even less of a clue what to do when you dont, you must be honest yourself.

Which is to say, in all honesty, youre out of ideas, youre out of time, youre out of luck and soon youll be out of a job.

The DUPs Nigel Dodds, in his customarily withering way, put the problem in exacting terms. This isnt credible, he told her. The prime minister says she is listening.

But the Withdrawal Agreements legally binding text is not accessible to this house. So please prime minister, come back with changes to the Withdrawal Agreement, or it will be voted down.

He knows the Withdrawal Agreement cannot be changed. Some vague commitment, some empty words, on avoiding the backstop might be tagged on the end, but they will not be enough. She cannot deliver her deal. And no deal will not be tolerated.

The only people whose role voters tend not to question in a democracy is their own. If parliament and government cannot find a way out of this perfect mess, it is unlikely they would suddenly start questioning themselves, if they were asked to step in. And the more Theresa May insists it will not happen, the more inevitable it becomes.
British Prime Minister Theresa May making a statement in the House of Commons, London, where she told MPs that tomorrow's "meaningful vote" on her Brexit deal had been deferred. Photo: PARBUL/PA Wire

British Prime Minister Theresa May has abruptly pulled a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, throwing Britain's plan to leave the European Union into chaos after admitting that she faced a rout.

Mrs May's move on the eve of a crucial parliamentary vote opens up an array of options for the United Kingdom, including a disorderly Brexit with no deal, another referendum on EU membership, or a last minute renegotiation of May's deal.

Announcing the delay, May was laughed at by some lawmakers when she said there was broad support for the deal and that she had listened carefully to different views it - the result of 18 months of tortuous negotiations.

"If we went ahead and held the vote tomorrow the deal would be rejected by a significant margin," May told parliament, adding that she was confident it was the right deal.

"We will therefore defer the vote scheduled for tomorrow and not proceed to divide the House at this time," May said, adding that the United Kingdom would step up planning for a no-deal Brexit.

May accepted there was concern among lawmakers about the Northern Irish 'backstop' - an insurance policy aimed at avoiding a return to border checks on the island of Ireland that could threaten the 1998 Good Friday Agreement

"It is clear that while there is broad support for many of the key aspects of the deal, on one issue, the Northern Ireland backstop, there remains widespread and deep concern," she said.

"We will therefore defer the vote schedule for tomorrow and not proceed to divide the house at this time."

Mrs May said she believed there was "a majority to be won" in the Commons on her deal, if she is able to "secure additional reassurance" on the backstop, and that this would be her focus over the coming days.

But she insisted: "There is no deal available that does not include the backstop."

Mrs May said she had spoken by phone with European leaders over the weekend and will meet others, as well as the chiefs of the European Council and Commission, before the EU summit opens in Brussels on Thursday.

"I will discuss with them the clear concerns that this House has expressed," she said.

The British Government was also looking at "new ways of empowering the House of Commons" to ensure that any provision for a backstop has "democratic legitimacy and to enable the House to place its own obligations on the Government to ensure that the backstop cannot be in place indefinitely", said Mrs May.

She added: "If you take a step back, it is clear that this House faces a much more fundamental question.

"Does this House want to deliver Brexit? And if it does, does it want to do so through reaching an agreement with the EU?

"If the answer is yes, and I believe that is the answer of the majority of this House, then we all have to ask ourselves whether we are prepared to make a compromise.

"Because there will be no enduring and successful Brexit without some compromise on both sides of the debate."

Mrs May added that the British Government was stepping up preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

Mrs May's own position is uncertain and she could face a swift challenge. Main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said the United Kingdom no longer had "a functioning government".

The decision to halt the vote came just hours after the EU's top court ruled that Britain could unilaterally withdraw its decision to leave the bloc on March 29.

Meanwhile, the Government is to ramp up preparations for a no deal Brexit following a stormy day in the UK which has left Mrs May clinging to power.

Speaking after a phone call with EU Council President Donald Tusk Mr Varadkar again insisted that the deal on the table is the best option and is not up for renegotiation.

They also agreed preparations for a no deal "should intensify", a spokesperson said after the call.

Earlier both men had categorically ruled out re-opening negotiations with the Taoiseach pointing out that to open up negotiations on one aspect, such as the backstop, was not possible without risking unravelling the whole deal.

Mr Varadkar had earlier said that the only deal on the table is the one including the Irish backstop.

Mr Varadkar said: "The Withdrawal Agreement, including the Irish backstop, is the only deal on the table.

"It took over a year and a half to negotiate. It has the support of 28 EU governments, and it's not possible to reopen that aspect of the agreement without reopening all aspects."

He said the purpose of the phone call was for the Prime Minister "to update me on the progress she is making in trying to secure ratification of the withdrawal agreement".

President of the European Council Donald Tusk insisted the deal would not be renegotiated.

He said: "We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon slammed the postponement of the Commons vote as "an act of pathetic cowardice" which is "collapsing into utter chaos".

DUP leader Arlene Foster said deferment of the vote summed up the "chaotic" nature of the UK Government's approach to these negotiations.

"The Prime Minister was warned that this deal would not work but did not listen," she said.

"The fundamentally flawed Withdrawal Agreement would have undermined our United Kingdom economy and the Union itself.

"The backstop would have left Northern Ireland trapped as a hostage to the European Union."

She said the Prime Minister must get rid of the controversial insurance policy designed to ensure frictionless trade across the island if no better trade deal is struck.

"It is not needed. No one is building a hard border between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland."

The DUP leader said pledges, promises or piecemeal remedies will not work.

"Unless it is part of the legally binding international treaty, it will not fly with the DUP."

Amid the chaos, the DUPs Sammy Wilson said: The Prime Minister may be prepared to be humiliated by arrogant EU officials and arrogant Irish politicians. But doesnt she believe that every time she returns to the House with her tail between her legs she humiliates the British people.

Earlier today, the European Court of Justice ruled that Britain can cancel Brexit without getting the permission of other European Union countries, in a decision that could embolden Remain-supporting MPs to vote down Mrs Mays Brexit deal tomorrow.

A spokeswoman for the court said: "The revocation must be decided following a democratic process in accordance with national constitutional requirements. This unequivocal and unconditional decision must be communicated in writing to the European Council."

ECJ advocate general Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona said last week that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty allows the "unilateral revocation of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, until such time as the Withdrawal Agreement is formally concluded".

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With additional reporting from the Press Association
The Irish Government insists it will hold steady and not panic in the face of impending chaos in the UK.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Theresa May last night and the two leaders discussed tomorrow's crucial Westminster vote on the withdrawal deal.

Ireland will be forced to hold its breath as the UK looks to be on course for a nightmare-before-Christmas Brexit scenario, with Mrs May facing a bitter battle to save her deal.

However, senior figures insist there will be no sense of emergency here if MPs decide not to back the Withdrawal Agreement.

A summit of EU leaders will take place on Thursday when the aftermath of the crunch Commons vote will be clearer.

A senior source insisted the Irish Government has been preparing for some time for the possibility that the deal will fail to win support.

The Government is maintaining an effective diplomatic silence in relation to the situation in the UK and any response to the result is expected to be co-ordinated with European partners.

A spokesperson for Mr Varadkar said it would not be helpful to speculate ahead of the vote and on the call between the two leaders said Brexit and preparations for the EU Council were discussed.

Mr Varadkar has signalled a willingness to "listen" to the UK if the deal falls as expected.

This will likely take the form of waiting to hear what it is exactly UK MPs want out of Brexit, if not the deal that has been agreed. By voting down the deal, MPs will have a greater say in what happens next but effectively the only option with a majority backing is to avoid crashing out.

It is not clear what the next steps will be if the deal is defeated. "It really depends on what the UK asks for if they vote against the deal," a source pointed out.
Dissenting voice: Boris Johnson stretches in the studio before going live on BBC One current affairs programme The Andrew Marr Show. Photo: Reuters

Boris Johnson has refused to rule out challenging Theresa May for the Tory leadership as he warned her Brexit deal left the UK open to "blackmail" by Brussels.

The former foreign secretary said it was "nonsense" to suggest he had already begun offering jobs in a future Johnson administration to fellow Tories, but sidestepped the opportunity to promise not to stand against the prime minister.

He said her Brexit deal could get through the Commons if it was stripped of the backstop - an insurance policy to prevent a hard Border on the island of Ireland - insisting that would be "relatively simple" to achieve.

Mr Johnson, one of the leading players in the Leave campaign in the referendum, said people should not "underestimate the deep sense of personal responsibility I feel for Brexit".

Mrs May's future hangs in the balance, with a heavy defeat in tomorrow's Commons showdown likely to lead to fresh pressure on her leadership.

Asked to give an "absolute, categorical promise" that he would not stand against the prime minister, Mr Johnson said: "I will give you an absolute, categorical promise that I will continue to advocate what I think is the most sensible plan."

Challenged on whether he had already begun speaking to colleagues to offer them roles in his future government, Mr Johnson told the BBC's 'Andrew Marr Show': "I can tell you that's nonsense."

Setting out his Brexit plan, Mr Johnson said resolving the Irish Border issue should be postponed so it forms part of the talks on a future trade deal and the UK should withhold a "substantial chunk" of the 39bn (43.5bn) divorce bill until that deal is done.

Preparations should also be stepped up for a no-deal Brexit, he said. And he admitted he would feel personally responsible if people lost their jobs in a no-deal departure from the EU.

"Of course I will," he said. "Do not underestimate the deep sense of personal responsibility I feel for Brexit and for everything that has happened.

"Do not underestimate how much I care about this because this is fundamental to our country and it absolutely breaks my heart to think - after all we fought for, all we campaigned for, all (Brexit Secretary) Steve Barclay campaigned for, everybody believes in - we should consign ourselves to a future in which the EU effectively rules us in many respects and yet we have no say in Brussels.

"That is an absurdity. We cannot go down that route."

Meanwhile, another Brexiteer ex-cabinet minister, Esther McVey, said she would give "serious concern" to standing for the leadership.
A former UK Brexit minister has claimed there was an alternative solution on the table for the Irish backstop but that it was railroaded by officials.

Dominic Raab, who resigned from Theresa May's cabinet when the Withdrawal Agreement was presented, had advocated for a finite and time-limited backstop.

However, a key red line for the EU has always been that any backstop - which is essentially an insurance policy to prevent a hard Border on the island of Ireland - would need to be in place "unless and until" a new agreement could be found to replace it.

Previously, it emerged that Mr Raab wanted the backstop to be reviewed after just 12 weeks.

Speaking on Sky News with presenter Sophie Ridge, Mr Raab claimed there were moments during negotiations when the UK could have pressed harder", including in relation to the backstop.

"The EU hung tough and I'm afraid we just weren't firm enough," he said, urging that the UK take a more "robust" stance now.

Mr Raab claimed that the backstop was taken in a different direction when negotiations moved to the officials-led process.

"I made it clear that it would need to be time-limited and finite. Michel Barnier at one point in one of our meetings said 'I understand it needs to be short', but I'm afraid after that ultimately the technical track for the negotiations took it in another direction," he said.

"I was very clear to the prime minister that we should have stood firm at that point and that was back in July."

Mr Raab conceded he was "partly" responsible for the UK not pushing hard enough but said that officials led the technical groups and that ultimately Theresa May led the charge.

If concessions cannot be won on the backstop then the UK must be prepared to crash out and leave the EU on World Trade Organisation terms, he added.

"It's always harder to go back in a negotiation so I'm not saying it would be easy, but I certainly wouldn't give up," he said.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said she was delaying a planned vote in parliament on her Brexit deal as it was set to be rejected "by a significant margin".

"It is clear that while there is broad support for many of the key aspects of the deal, on one issue, the Northern Ireland backstop, there remains widespread and deep concern," May said.

"We will therefore defer the vote schedule for tomorrow and not proceed to divide the house at this time."

"It is the right deal for Britain, I am determined to do all I can to secure the reassurances this House requires to get this deal over the line and deliver for the British people," May told parliament.

"I have listened and I have heard concerns...and I will do everything I can to secure further assurances on the backstop."

Mrs May held an emergency conference call with her cabinet ministers this morning, amid suggestions that she was to delay the meaningful vote in Parliament on her Brexit deal.

A Government source confirmed that the vote was being pulled, with the Prime Minister due to inform the House of Commons in an oral statement at 3.30pm.

The vote was set to be held on Tuesday evening, but the British Prime Minister appeared to be heading for a certain and heavy defeat which could severely damage her position.

The conference call came after the European Court of Justice ruled that Britain can cancel Brexit without getting the permission of other European Union countries, in a decision that could embolden Remain-supporting MPs to vote down Mrs Mays Brexit deal tomorrow.

A spokeswoman for the court said: "The revocation must be decided following a democratic process in accordance with national constitutional requirements. This unequivocal and unconditional decision must be communicated in writing to the European Council."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the only deal on the table is the one including the Irish backstop.

Despite speaking to Mrs May by phone last night, he claimed this afternoon to not be aware of her vote being cancelled.

But Mr Varadkar said: "The Withdrawal Agreement, including the Irish backstop, is the only deal on the table.

"It took over a year and a half to negotiate. It has the support of 28 EU governments, and it's not possible to reopen that aspect of the agreement without reopening all aspects."

He said the purpose of the phonecall was for the Prime Minister "to update me on the progress she is making in trying to secure ratification of the withdrawal agreement".

Amid the chaos, the DUPs Sammy Wilson said: The Prime Minister may be prepared to be humiliated by arrogant EU officials and arrogant Irish politicians. But doesnt she believe that every time she returns to the House with her tail between her legs she humiliates the British people.

Meanwhile, a senior member of the European Union said that the bloc's assembly "will never let the Irish down".

"I can't follow anymore. After two years of negotiations, the Tory government wants to delay the vote. Just keep in mind that we will never let the Irish down," the European Parliament's Brexit pointman Guy Verhofstadt said.

"This delay will further aggravate the uncertainty for people and businesses. It's time they make up their mind!," he said.

ECJ advocate general Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona said last week that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty allows the "unilateral revocation of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, until such time as the Withdrawal Agreement is formally concluded".

Theresa May held 11th-hour crisis talks with EU leaders yesterday as she agonised over whether to postpone tomorrow's "doomed" vote on her Brexit deal.

With time running out, the UK prime minister phoned the European Council president to explain that MPs would kill off the deal - and possibly her premiership - unless Brussels could throw her a lifeline.

Last night Mrs May also called Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to discuss the vote and Thursday's summit in Brussels. Mr Varadkar's support is crucial if Mrs May is to win any concessions on the backstop - the biggest obstacle to getting her deal through parliament.

Last night, even her closest allies were still unsure whether she would postpone tomorrow's vote in the hope of winning fresh concessions from EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, or press ahead and use her expected defeat to prove to the EU that the deal is dead.

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Mrs May has told aides the solution to her dilemma lies with Brussels, having all but accepted that the vote is unwinnable. But one senior minister said Mrs May did not have a clear plan.

However, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay insisted yesterday the vote would "100 pc" go ahead tomorrow, but senior government sources said nothing was set in stone.

Chief whip Julian Smith is understood to be among those now urging Mrs May to put the vote back until at least next week, if not the new year, to buy time on the deadlock.

It came as Labour and the DUP held talks about toppling Mrs May with a no-confidence vote on her leadership, rather than on the government, in the hope they would entice Tory rebels to join them.

Current and former cabinet ministers have advanced their preparations to launch leadership bids if Mrs May is forced out this week, with Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab and Esther McVey all fuelling speculation about their ambitions to become prime minister in interviews yesterday.

Meanwhile, increasing numbers of cabinet ministers are convinced the UK is heading for a second referendum, with one idea being discussed by them being a public vote between Mrs May's deal and a no-deal Brexit, with no option of remaining in the EU on the ballot paper.

David Lidington, the prime minister's de facto deputy, and David Gauke, the Justice Secretary, are understood to have sounded out Labour MPs to gauge if there is a parliamentary majority for a so-called People's Vote.

Mrs May's phone call with Mr Tusk was revealed in a tweet by the EC president, who said: "It will be an important week for the fate of Brexit." No 10 insisted the call was a "routine" catch-up before Mrs May attended the two-day European Council summit later this week.

However, diplomatic sources suggested Mrs May had used the call to press home to Mr Tusk the fact she could lose her grip on Brexit if she goes ahead with the vote and loses heavily.

One Whitehall source said: "Everyone is just bewildered at the idea that she could possibly go ahead with a vote that she might lose by 200 on current estimates.

"Despite the official line being that the vote will definitely happen, there are still discussions going on in Downing Street about whether it should be postponed, and for how long.

"The chief whip is nervous  He kept telling the PM we could win the vote when it was obvious to everyone we had no chance."

Justice Minister Rory Stewart said it was "overwhelmingly likely" the vote would happen, although he acknowledged that "nothing is beyond any doubt at the moment".

One senior minister said: "The vote is doomed if it goes ahead tomorrow, but if she puts it back to next week she risks being humiliated by the EU when she goes to Brussels on Thursday if they offer her nothing.

"She might be better off putting the vote back to January, but the problem with that is she doesn't have any bright ideas for how to use that time to her advantage." ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Additional reporting from Reuters
The parliamentary arithmetic is not looking good for Theresa May ahead of the meaningful vote on the withdrawal deal in Parliament tomorrow. But what happens next if it is voted down? We look at the various outcomes.

1. No Deal

If the agreement is voted down and nothing substantial can be done in the coming weeks, the UK faces crashing out of the EU in March. A recent vote that gave MPs more of a say in what happens next has lessened the chances of a no-deal - which all but the most hard-line Brexiteers are keen to avoid. However, it remains unclear what type of Brexit could win a majority in the divided Commons.

2. Theresa May goes back to Europe

Both her Brexit secretary and the EU have ruled out renegotiations.

However, a former European Commission president, Romano Prodi, offered optimism for the cause of Brexiteers, who are demanding that their prime minister return to Europe to renegotiate. Mr Prodi has said he believes Europe will return to the table if the deal falls.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is willing to "listen" to new ideas from the UK. However, the Government here is clear that the deal is not for renegotiation.

3. A Brexit-themed general election

Theresa May could use parliamentary powers to call a general election in a bid to shore up a mandate for her deal. But a similar Brexit-themed election in 2017 did not go her way and left the Conservatives relying on the DUP in Parliament. The DUP will not be voting with Mrs May's government tomorrow.

4. No-confidence motion is tabled

The Labour Party could table a no-confidence motion in Mrs May if the vote is lost. If she loses that motion, an alternative government could be formed, which Labour has said it is willing to offer. If a government could not be formed, a general election would then follow.

5. A Conservative leadership challenge

A minimum of 48 letters to the 1922 Committee would trigger a leadership challenge. Speculation has ramped up about those with their eye on the prize. Boris Johnson was forced yesterday to reject the suggestion that he had been promising jobs to certain people if elected as leader.

6. Second referendum

The idea of a second referendum has been gathering pace - but what question would be put to the people is unclear. It could take the form of leave or remain. A second question could ask voters if they would rather remain or leave under the deal with the EU that has been negotiated by Mrs May. A second referendum would require Article 50 to be extended as the poll could not be held before March.

7. Second vote on the withdrawal deal

If the deal falls and some tweaks can be made, it may return to the House of Commons. Alternatively, it may also return if there is perceived to be a substantial change in the will of MPs.
Irish agri-food exports to China are currently worth almost 100m, but beef exports for the first eight months of 2018 were only worth 432,000, new figures show.

The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, recently detailed the level of Irish agri-food exports to China, and said he is "reasonably" happy with the level of beef exports to date.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) by the end of August 2018, Irish beef exports to China were 260t or 432,000.

China lifted its ban on Irish beef in 2015, but it was only in April of this year that the first shipments of Irish beef went to China, the first European country to gain access to the huge market.

Larry Goodman's ABP group was the first Irish processor to sign a deal to export, when it signed 50m deal to supply Chinese restaurant chain Wowprime in what is a significant first for the sector.

Last week, Minister Creed said he was "reasonably pleased" with thelevel of exports given that the trade only commenced during the summer.

"It indicates that Irish beef companies are beginning to gain a foothold in the Chinese market."

Earlier this year, processors and Mr Creed were reluctant to set a firm figure on the potential value of lucrative contracts to the region. Mr Creed insisted he was "not going to put a figure on how much Ireland will export to China".

However, his predecessor Simon Coveney had estimated the market could be worth around 100m a year after the lifting of the BSE ban by Chinese authorities in 2015.

Total Irish agri-food trade exports to China were 974m in 2017. China is now Ireland's third largest market overall for agri-food exports. Dairy exports reached 667m and pigmeat exports were over 100m in 2017.

These were the two largest categories of food exported to China, and for both of these commodities China was Ireland's second largest destination market according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) trade data.

"By gaining access to China, we have opened a very significant beef market for Irish beef companies. It is up to the beef companies to avail of this opportunity."

On average Chinese beef consumption is now 4kg per person per year, he said.

"While that may be considered low when compared to average Irish consumption of 19kg of beef per capita per year, it underlines the potential for further growth in consumer demand for beef, driven by increasing urbanisation and higher disposable incomes.

"Total beef imports to China were around 600,000 tonnes in 2016. That is more than Irelands total beef exports to all markets last year. I firmly believe that our beef industry can and will compete effectively in the Chinese market and I look forward to the opportunities that this access will bring."
Currently, there are three dedicated livestock carriers approved by the Department of Agriculture, the Minister confirmed in recent days: mv Sarah, mv Alondra, and the mv Holstein Express. Stock Image. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

The Department of Agriculture is currently inspecting two further boats for live exports, it has confirmed, as total live export figures for the year are up 30pc.

Currently, there are three dedicated livestock carriers approved by the Department of Agriculture, the Minister confirmed in recent days: MV Sarah, MV Alondra, and the MV Holstein Express.

He also told Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd that his officials are in the process of completing inspections of two further vessels.

O'Dowd had questioned the Minister in the Dail last week about how live exports have performed to date in 2018.

Minister Creed said that live exports play a vital role in stimulating price competition and provide an alternative market outlet for farmers, while the on-going search for new markets is a priority for my Department, particularly in the context of Brexit.

"In 2018, up to November 10 over 227,000 head of cattle were exported. This is a 30pc increase on the period last year," he said.

Exports to other EU countries significantly increased this year over the same period last year (January to 10 November). The largest export market for cattle was Spain with exports of 84,000 head (up from 49,000), followed by the Netherlands at 48,000 (41,000 in 2017) and Italy at 23, 000 (up from 19,000), Minister Creed detailed.

The prospects for live cattle exports remain very good and his Department continues to engage with third countries and to seek out new markets for live exports.

"With regard to animal welfare, inspections by my Department ensure that the highest animal welfare standards are strictly complied with during transport of live cattle."

"Live exports to third countries have decreased this year, due in part to severe currency fluctuations in Turkey. Nevertheless, nearly 13,000 head of cattle were exported to Turkey to date this year."

Recent agreement with the Libyan authorities on veterinary health certs for the export of breeding, fattening and slaughter cattle, he said should also provide much more clarity for exporters, as previously exports of breeding cattle to Libya had to be agreed on a load- by-load basis.

Agreement was reached on an increase in the age of cattle that can be exported to Libya, from 24 to 30 months  this increases opportunities for exporters to export a wider range of cattle. Live exports to Libya more than doubled (from 1,830 to 4, 489) this year to date compared to the same period last year.

The Department, he said, has put additional controls on calf exports to ensure the highest welfare standards for unweaned calves. Departmental officials visited control posts in Cherbourg in September in this regard and are engaging with live exporters. DAFM officials have met with the ferry companies in relation to calf exports.
IRELAND has been ranked the worst country in Europe on taking action to tackle climate change for the second year in a row.

The 2019 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), launched at the UN climate talks in Poland, places Ireland 48th from 56 countries worldwide.

While up one place from last year the index, compiled by Germanwatch and the NewClimate Institute, ranks countries responsible for 90pc of global greenhouse emissions.

It takes into account emissions, renewable energy, energy use and climate policy.

Performance is based on assessments by NGOs and think tanks from the respective countries, to assess if nations are taking adequate action to limit global warming to below 2C by 2100, as set out in the Paris Climate deal.

National pledges to reduce emissions put the planet a 3C warming path, so the top three places of the CCPI are left unoccupied.

In relation to Ireland, the index says it remains within a group of very low performing countries.

The performance in the greenhouse gas emissions category is rated very low and the country is also occupying a spot among the low-ranking performers in the energy use category, it says.

On renewable energy, it is rated medium given that the share of renewables in electricity generation is rising and support schemes in these areas recognise the value of community participation.

The national experts also commended politicians for banning state investment in fossil fuel companies after deciding to pass the Fossil Fuel Divestment Bill, and for the Citizens Assembly which set out measures to tackle climate.

However, existing climate mitigation efforts will not enable Ireland to achieve either its EU 2020 or 2030 targets domestically. The long-standing lack of implementation of substantive measures to put the country on a well-below-2C pathway results in a very low rating for Irelands national policy performance, it added.

A spokesperson for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment said Minister Richard Bruton had already highlighted the fact that Ireland was far off course.

Since being appointed, he has secured government approval to develop an all of government plan to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. This plan will have actions across all sectors of society and will have timelines with clear lines of responsibility.This report reinforces the urgency of this work, they said.

Policy Adviser for Trocaire, Cliona Sharkey, said policy makers needed to do more, including passing a bill to ban exploration of fossil fuels in Irish waters and implementing the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly.

In addition, a carbon budget was required which set out the level of emissions which could be generated to meet climate goals.

Speaking from Poland, Clodagh Daly of Friends of the Irish Environment said: This report highlights the gap Minister Bruton has to close between his new rhetoric on climate change and reality of Irelands approach to climate action.

His ministerial colleagues dont seem to have got the memo. Minister Bruton has successfully raised expectations in recent weeks, but as yet he hasnt taken actions that will actually lower our emissions.

Sweden, Morocco and Lithuania lead the ranking. Almost half of the G20 countries are in the group of very low performers including Japan (49), Turkey (50), Russian Federation (52), Canada (54), Australia (55), Korea (57) and - at the bottom of the index - USA (59) and Saudi Arabia (60).

Experts from the USA rated the climate policy of the Trump administration very low. However, positive signals have emerged due to climate action in several states and cities and because of the Democrats commitment to drive climate policy with their new majority in the House of Representatives, it added.
A farmer whose 350,000 investment dropped to 152,000, after it failed to perform as expected, has lost an appeal over whether he received financial advice before investing.

The High Court upheld the Financial Ombudsman's finding that Val O'Driscoll's complaints were not substantiated.

He claimed the Ombudsman erred in her findings.

Mr O'Driscoll, Ballinderrig Farm, Ballinderrig, Little Island, Co Cork, invested the 350,000 in the "Broad Street Geared Property Life Fund" managed by Irish Life.

The investment was made through the Mallow Mortgage Company trading as Liam Mullins and Associates. Prior to the investment in January 2007, a meeting took place between Mr O'Driscoll, Liam Mullins and Donal O'Connell of Irish Life.

The fund was invested in a UK commercial property in Broad Street, Bristol, which was leased to a major bank at 1m per year. Irish Life had acquired the property and it was transferred into a unit-base life and pension funds.

It did not perform as anticipated. The Broad Street building was sold in 2013 and Mr O'Driscoll received a return on his investment of 156,621 in May 2015.

He complained to the Ombusdman, who found there was no evidence to show Mallow's representative provided him with any investment advice.

It was provided on an "execution only" basis and the policy documentation clearly highlighted the risks, the Ombudsman also said.

In relation to Mr O'Driscoll's complaint that Irish Life wrongfully advised him, including misrepresenting the risk profile of the investment, the Ombudsman did not uphold the complaint.

Irish Life did not act in an advisory role or in any way assessed his risk profile with a view to matching that profile to any particular product, the Ombudsman said.

He then appealed those findings to the High Court.

Ms Justice Mary Faherty ruled the findings, in relation to whether it was an execution only investment, were not vitiated by serious or significant error.

She found the Ombudsman did not fall into error in failing to determine whether Mr O'Driscoll was or was not a sophisticated investor.

She also accepted that, once a box was ticked on the application form to say it was "execution only", the Ombudsman was reasonably entitled to regard it as such a transaction.
A Co. Limerick farmer has been fined 1,650 after a veterinary inspector found dead calves on land he had rented.

John Hanly, of Friarstown, Grange pleaded guilty to four offences contrary to Section 36 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

Andrew OConnor, veterinary inspector, told Kilmallock Court he observed a number of dead animals in Bruffea, Grange on April 27, 2017. He handed in a book of photographs to Judge Marian OLeary.

The court heard that three carcasses of calves, and bones were found. Answering questions from Barry Ward BL, for the Department of Agriculture, Mr OConnor said decomposing carcasses are a potential disease risk.

Mr OConnor said he found bones in a paddock beside the sheds.

The presence of bones indicates a carcass was left there and the bones had been scattered by wildlife. There were other animals in the field. This is a disease risk, said Mr OConnor.

Mr Ward asked the veterinary inspector how long the calves were deceased.

A conservative estimate is at least a week, said Mr OConnor.

Judge OLeary asked if one of the calfs eyes in the photograph is gone?

Often birds will attack the eye, explained Mr OConnor.

Brendan Gill, solicitor for Mr Hanly, put it to Mr OConnor that they were Jersey cross bull calves which have a very low value, that Mr Hanly gets them in bad shape and they have a higher mortality rate.

Mr OConnor agreed.

Mr Gill asked if Mr Hanly co-operated throughout the investigation and if the carcasses had been collected as quickly as possible.

Yes, said Mr OConnor.

Mr Gill said Mr Hanly had let the land in question.

The calves generally arrive in poor condition and Mr Hanly brings them back to health. His own circumstances were not good - he had a heart condition at the time. He is a 63-year-old part-time farmer and also works in the local mart. He has an excellent work history. He has taken steps to ensure it wont happen again, said Mr Gill.

The solicitor said his client has been in this particular enterprise for seven years and has no previous convictions.

Matters got out of control. He assures me it wont happen again and that he has proper assistance, said Mr Gill.

Judge OLeary fined Mr Hanly a total of 1,650 on the four offences and ordered he pay the Department of Agriculture 1,200 in costs.
A 77-year-old west Cork man has been sent forward for trial to the next sitting of the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee, on a plea of not guilty, of allegedly stealing cash from a 93-year-old Kenmare man, known locally as Irelands oldest drover.

Patrick Hurley, of Carhoogarriffe, Leap, Co. Cork appeared at Kenmare District Court last week, walking with the aid of a crutch.

The book of evidence was served, the court was told.

An application was made by the State to amend the charges from an unknown location in Kerry to read an unknown location in Kenmare in the case of the four alleged offences.

Padraig OConnell, solicitor for the accused man Patrick Hurley, said he was not formally objecting to the amendment as it did not prejudice his client, as his client was pleading not guilty.

Patrick Hurley is accused of stealing 20,000 in cash, the property of Eugene OSullivan on February 2, 2016, at an unknown location in Kenmare.

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He is further charged with stealing a sum of 50,000 in cash from Mr OSullivan, on March 15, 2017, again at an unknown location in Kenmare.

Patrick Hurley is also charged that on both February 2, 2016, and March 3, 2017 he did dishonestly by deception induce" Eugene O Sullivan to withdraw the cash to give to you to make a gain for yourself.

Sgt Miriam Mulhall Nolan said gardai had no objection to bail.

Judge David Waters sent Mr Hurley forward on bail on his own bond on all four charges to the next sitting of the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee.

The judge also granted legal aid for one junior counsel and a solicitor.

93-year-old Eugene OSullivan from Parnell Park in Kenmare is considered Irelands oldest sheep drover and is attached to Kenmare Mart.
Supermarket specification demands have decimated the trade in live cattle to Northern Ireland with exports down almost 90pc from their peak in 2010.

According to latest figures from the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) in Northern Ireland, during November 2018 there were 440 male store cattle imported from the South for further production on Northern farms which takes the total for the year to date to 2,696 head.

The largest majority of these male cattle will undergo a period of finishing on Northern farms before being slaughtered in local plants.

This is a reduction from the 3,248 head imported during the corresponding period in 2017 and represents a 17pc reduction year on year.

The LMC figures show that level of trade for breeding and production has declined steadily over the last number of years from a record 25,115 male cattle imported during the first 11 months of 2010.

It highlights that the fall off is due to changes to retailer specifications for prime cattle that have been born, reared and slaughtered in the UK and has made marketing beef from mixed origin cattle much more difficult.

The LMC says it is for this reason that some processors in NI have significant penalties in place for non UK origin cattle.

While imports of male cattle have been under pressure in 2018 the number of female cattle imported from ROI has increased.

During November 2018 1,441 female cattle were imported by Northern Irish farmers taking the total for the year to date to 11,582 head.

This is a 17pc increase from the 9,843 female cattle imported during the same period in 2017 and the highest level of import recorded since 2015.

The LMC says a large proportion of these female cattle imported from South are likely to be dairy heifers and thus their mixed origin status is not an issue in the short term.
The restaurant in a Co Westmeath mart was recently served with a closure order by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland after rodent droppings were found in the kitchen.

It was one of 13 closure orders announced today by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland that were served on food businesses in November.

Delvin Mart's restaurant was served the notice to close with immediate effect on November 22 by the Food Safety Authority, after an inspection found that rodent droppings were evident in the kitchen on the floor, on shelving and in a container storing utensils.

"The conditions observed pose or are likely to pose a serious risk of contamination rendering the foodstuffs in this area unfit or injurious to health."

According to the notice served by the FSAI, the restaurant at the mart will remain closed until

an order to contrary effect by a Court of competent jurisdiction; or further written direction by the Health Service Executive.

Other premises the FSAI sent enforcement orders to in November included:

 The Blue Door (take-away), 59 John Street, Kilkenny

 Teach Lisa Creche (Closed area: Kitchen), Newtowncunningham, Donegal

 ORourkes (retailer), 32 Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8

 Tesco Ireland Limited, Dublin Road, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim

 OBriens Gala, Tulla Road, Ennis, Clare

 Everest Express Fish & Chips Takeaway, Tulla Road, Ennis, Clare

 Rice Asian Cuisine (restaurant), 11 Bridge Street, Ardee, Louth

 Galmere Fresh Foods Limited (Closed activity: Manufacturing of ready to eat products containing fresh basil, not subject to heat treatment, as an ingredient), Ballybrit Upper Industrial Estate, Monivea Road, Galway

 Colours of India (restaurant), Unit 2 Hibernian Way, Mallow, Cork

 Dawat Indian Restaurant, Main Street, Castlebar, Mayo

 Original Curry House (take away), Main Street, Kiltimagh, Mayo

 New World Thai and Chinese Take Away, 275 Glasnevin Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 11

Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in November include: A significant number of rodent droppings and gnawed foodstuffs and packaging observed in a shop and store indicating a serious rodent infestation in the premises; rodent droppings noted on the lower shelf of the pre-packaged bread display; gnaw marks evident on the packaging of a loaf of bread.

Others included a number of cockroaches witnessed crawling in food preparation and food storage areas; glue boards in kitchen with multiple dead and live cockroaches; cockroach droppings in food preparation and food storage areas; no hand wash basins.

Other premises were found to have filthy chopping boards in the kitchen engrained with dirt; filthy and worn cleaning equipment being stored in the bin storage area which was also filthy; failure to segregate raw and ready to eat/cooked foods during storage; not declaring nut allergens on the menu; filthy staff uniforms; no hot water, soap, or paper towels provided at wash hand basins; rodent droppings evident in a container storing utensils; refrigerators and freezers showing evidence of rust, mould and dirt.

Commenting today, Dr. Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI said that food businesses must operate strict food safety procedures at all times and that they need to be extra vigilant during this busy time of year.

Fourteen Enforcement Orders in one month is an unacceptable number. The reasons for the Enforcement Orders having to be served are all easily preventable in the first place and food businesses should not allow their standards to slip.

"All food businesses must ensure that they adhere to a high standard of food safety and hygiene at all times. It is also imperative that a proper pest control system is in place and that this is checked very regularly in order to avoid infestations of rodents and insects."
When the pregnancy is confirmed, staff may take reasonable time off for medical visits Stock image

Q: I have an employee who just informed me she is pregnant. She has given me a letter from her doctor confirming her due date is May 25, 2019. I have never had an employee who will be going on maternity leave so what advice can you give me to ensure I am compliant?

A: The area of maternity leave is highly protected in Ireland therefore it is great you are aware that you need to follow legislation strictly here. In Ireland, maternity leave is covered by the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004 and Maternity Protection (Health and Safety Leave Remuneration) Regulations, SI 20/1995. Your employee is covered by this legislation and so she is entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave with the option of taking an additional period of 16 weeks unpaid. You, as the employer, are not obliged to pay maternity leave.

Your Policy: Firstly, you must ensure that your company handbook has a detailed policy that covers Maternity Leave.

This will help you and your employee understand what is expected from both parties.

Once the pregnancy is confirmed by the medical cert your employee may take reasonable time off for medical visits connected with the pregnancy.

There is no maximum or minimum amount of time off specified for these visits, it is simply as much time off as is necessary to attend each visit.

Do ask your employee to provide you with medical evidence of these appointments giving two weeks' notice to ensure business requirements are met in-house. The employee is entitled to be paid while keeping these medical appointments.

Health & Safety: You have a duty to carry out a risk assessment with each and every pregnant employee you may have in the future. If there are risks, these should be either removed if possible or the employee moved away from them.

Starting the Leave: Maternity leave must commence at least two weeks before the end of the expected due date.

For example, if your employee gives you a due date of 25 December, 2019, she will start her maternity leave at least two weeks in advance which is December 11, 2019. The last day of work will be December 10, 2018. The statutory Maternity Leave, given she takes the full entitlement, will be due to end on June 11, 2019. The return to work date is the June 12, 2019.

Premature Birth: In the event of an unfortunate premature birth, maternity leave will commence immediately from the date of birth. The time between the birth and the date of birth as per the original medical cert will be additional to the statutory 26 weeks of maternity leave for your employee.

Additional Maternity Leave: Your employee is entitled to an additional period of 16 weeks' leave, after her 26 weeks, which must be taken immediately following the maternity leave 16-week period.

There is no payment from Social Welfare during this 16-week period. She must inform you of her intention to take such leave no later than four weeks before the end of the maternity leave period.

Given the example above, this would mean she will have to give you notice no later than May 14, 2019. If the employee opted to take the additional maternity leave of 16 weeks' unpaid, this would commence on June 11, 2019 with the finish date October 1 2019 and the return to work date October 2, 2019.

Employment Rights: Your employee will accrue annual leave and public holidays, during maternity leave, as if she was still in work.

Return To Work: Your employee may return to work at any time from four weeks after the date of birth.

On her return, your team member has the right to return to work to do the same job, under the same contract of employment, in the same conditions or not less favourable than before the leave was taken.

If the above is not possible or practical she must be offered a suitable alternative under a new contract. We would urge you to seek best practice advice on this if there is a potential that this may occur as maternity leave is so highly protected.

Caroline McEnery, managing director of The HR Suite is also author of The Art of Asking the Right Questions, a manager's toolkit on all HR-related tips to proactively manage your team
BleeperBike is seeking an investment of 175,000 for the stationless bike sharing company in its first equity crowdfunding campaign.

Initially facing a setback from Dublin City Council (DCC) who halted their launch until the relevant bylaws were drafted and approved, the company currently owns and operates a fleet of 550 bikes throughout the Dublin area.

BleeperBike, which makes a 'bleep' sound when locked and unlocked, allows users to rent out bikes which can be locked up at any public bike rack around the city.

Led by CEO Hugh Cooney, the firm has now raised almost 28,000 of the 175,000 sought on European crowdfunding platform Seedrs.

The firm is offering equity to the total of 17.9pc; a total of 17 investors have contributed thus far.

Mr Cooney said that since the firm secured our license to operate within the administrative area of DCC, "we have been busy bedding in a lean operating model for maintaining and balancing the distribution of our bikes".

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"This fundraising round will allow us accelerate our rate of growth in 2019 and to begin piloting long range electric bikes with a battery capable of covering 200kms on a single charge."

Hugh intends to introduce an e-bike, with an electric motor to help boost power, to his fleet; an R&D programme that has already received 75,000 in financial backing from Richard Barrett's Bartra.

Mr Barrett was a principal of the property firm Treasury Holdings, a business Hugh worked for in China, where he first got his idea for a bike sharing company from.

After returning to Ireland, Hugh used Dublin Bikes while working at KPMG and launched BleeperBike after seeing the benefit of the stationless model.
Two of Ireland's most deserving charities have received a welcome pre-Christmas boost after Aer Lingus donated money to make up for its accusations that some of its staff were stealing from passengers, colleagues and the airline.

But despite being forced into an apology of sorts after a stormy meeting with trade unions - at which management's actions were heavily criticised - the carrier was still attempting this weekend to pass the blame for its own PR disaster.

In an unprecedented move, Aer Lingus is to pay 25,000 to Pieta House and Focus Ireland to placate staff outraged about an internal memo penned by chief operating officer Mike Rutter in which he wrote that law enforcement had been brought into the airline "as guest property and company stock losses remain at levels significantly above the industry norms".

In a 'shoot the messenger'- style press release last Friday worthy of Donald Trump's White House, management claimed that reporting of the memo by the Sunday Independent had been "misleading", despite the fact that last Sunday's article and headline were entirely based on the content of Rutter's memo and that the airline had not subsequently raised any direct concerns with this newspaper.

But within hours of releasing a grovelling and disingenuous statement to the wider media, the carrier had already backtracked even further. In a second statement that went only to this newspaper, Aer Lingus outlined that its only cause for concern with the reporting of Rutter's memo was the headline, not the content of the article.

The headline last Sunday read "Aer Lingus chief says staff stealing 'many millions'", accurately summing up what Rutter had claimed in his memo, with full context provided in the article itself.

Not surprisingly, many Aer Lingus staff were outraged by the contents of Rutter's memo.

Neither Rutter nor Aer Lingus has yet publicly backed up his series of claims about theft at the airline with any evidence or data. Despite last Friday's apology by the airline, staff have yet to receive an explanation as to why he wrote and distributed the incendiary memo about which the airline's chief executive has now been forced to apologise.

At a sometimes hostile meeting with trade union leaders last Thursday evening, management had claimed that it had had no contact from the Sunday Independent prior to publication of the details of Rutter's memo. But this newspaper had in fact spoken to the Aer Lingus press office two days before the story appeared, to confirm the content of the memo. The press office had followed up that initial phone call with an email on the matter a short time later confirming that Rutter had written the memo.

Sources told this newspaper that, in last Thursday's "heated" meeting, the divisional organiser of Siptu's aviation section, Greg Ennis, told chief executive Stephen Kavanagh that "you and your minions caused this debacle" by putting out "a generic notice that could be read into in 10 different ways".

Staff representatives were told that the only member of Aer Lingus management who did not speak during the meeting with unions was Rutter. Ennis told representatives that Rutter had sat at the meeting with his head down. "I believe he'd got the kicking he deserved," Ennis told the meeting, according to sources.

But the Siptu leadership also faced intense criticism itself from shop stewards and airport workers as to why it had responded so meekly when Rutter first issued the controversial memo in November, which had followed earlier accusations by management that some staff were interfering with company equipment at Dublin Airport.

When the Rutter memo was first released to staff, Siptu privately voiced concern to Aer Lingus over the CCTV and random search threat it contained. But shop stewards and staff told the union they were angry Siptu had not defended them publicly by challenging Rutter's theft claims when he first issued them.

Only after the Sunday Independent reported the contents of the memo issued by Rutter did Siptu put out a statement describing the claims as "outrageous" and a "blanket character assassination".

Despite since failing to outline any evidence for Rutter's original claims or its inability to point out any inaccurate details in the subsequent newspaper report, an airline spokesperson said it was unable to retract its claim that the article was "misleading" because it had agreed the wording of that company statement with its trade unions.
In 1997, Pierre Bourdieu argued that the "precariousness" of modern work was a big problem. The French intellectual claimed that the decline of secure jobs and clear career paths led to "the destruction of existence  to the degradation of every relationship with the world, time, and space". Everyone, he said, was affected, because no one could escape the fear of being rendered precarious.

A serious accusation is being made. Labour markets have gone badly wrong, leaving too many either unable to earn a decent living or afraid of being thrown on the scrap heap of economic failure.

The accusation is serious, but is it justified? Could the existence of a precariat be a fervid fantasy of left-wing malcontents? Arne Kalleberg, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina, has studied the phenomenon for years. His latest book, 'Precarious Lives: Job Insecurity and Well-Being in Rich Democracies', combines a magisterial collection of the statistical evidence with a summary of the theories which purport to explain what is going on.

His conclusions are less definitive than Bourdieu, who died in 2002, might have liked. While it is hard to measure the fear in people's hearts, there is little evidence of widespread or increasing unhappiness among workers. Between 2004 and 2010, the average level of "perceived subjective well-being" actually increased in Germany, Spain and the UK.

Kalleberg focuses on those three countries, plus Denmark, the United States and Japan. He finds a nearly universal pattern: less clear job paths and less protective labour laws. However, caution is needed. Almost all of the changes have been more marginal than dramatic, and many are reasonable responses to social shifts, notably the decline of traditional "male breadwinner, female homemaker" household.

While precariousness does not shine brightly in the numbers, it is not an empty concept. Work life is indeed very difficult for at least two groups of workers in most developed economies. The first is people living at the margins: migrants, former prisoners, the poorly educated and socially detached. They often get stuck with below-subsistence wages and inadequate help from welfare states.

It is not clear whether the plight of these people has worsened in all developed countries. In the US, though, the decline is clear. The interaction of weak welfare provisions, high private payments for healthcare and low job protection has created a large precariat - people close to the edge of economic disaster.

The other struggling group is closer to the top end of the social spectrum. The expansion of university education has not been matched by an expansion of attractive entry-level professional positions. Kalleberg theorises that the slow start to solid careers helps explain the increasing age at which young adults leave their parents' homes and start their own families.

As far as the economy is concerned, though, 'Precarious Lives' leaves the reader with one general conclusion: a well-designed and well-funded welfare state can help limit precarity. The Danish government's "flexicurity" model, which combines flexibility for employers with income security and help finding new jobs for employees, puts it at the bottom of almost every index of insecurity. The US is mostly close to the top.

Despite the clear virtues of welfare states, Denmark has few imitators. On the contrary, the trend in developed economies is towards declining protection of workers. With that background, Kalleberg is pessimistic. He calls for a renewed effort by governments and employers, and solidarity among workers.

Bourdieu would have scoffed at such hopes. He had no doubts about what was going on. Strong welfare systems get in the way of what he called "flexploitation": the use of flexible labour contracts to "constrain workers to  accept exploitation". That sounds like an extreme diagnosis. Still, it would be nice if leaders of business and society worked to prove him clearly wrong. ( Reuters Breakingviews)
Europe has a plan for misinformation during elections. The European Commission wants to establish an early-warning system to alert governments and push tech companies to do more to stop disinformation before next year's EU elections. They're even pointing the finger at a very particular bad guy.

"There is strong evidence pointing to Russia as a primary source of disinformation in Europe. Disinformation is part of Russia's military doctrine and part of a strategy to divide and weaken the West," said Andrus Ansip, the European commissioner for digital single market and vice-president of the European Commission. "Russia spends 1.1bn a year on pro-Kremlin media. You will also have heard about the troll factory based in St Petersburg and bot armies. Many member states have already taken action to counter these threats. We need to work together and coordinate our efforts in a European way, protecting our freedoms."

But things are moving at a slower pace in Ireland. The Government is continuing its deliberations around regulating online political ads, following an initial interdepartmental report, which indicated the risks to the electoral process were relatively low. But the report did voice concerns around the spread of online disinformation and cyber-attacks on our electoral system.

So in a swanky room in Dublin Castle last Thursday, the Government held an open policy forum. Academics, civil servants, online advertisers and others had their say on topics ranging from the electoral process in ancient Rome, to Ireland's ill-fated flirtation with electronic voting. It was an unfocused, rather rambling tour through the legislative considerations around political advertising. But I guess that's what you get when you convene an open forum, right?

There were some common threads, though. One was the lack of comprehensive data and research on the effect of online political advertising. Another was the need for any regulation to protect freedom of expression. There were plenty of nods to the current regulatory frameworks for political campaigns and questions around whether it was possible to migrate offline legislation onto the internet.

Fianna Fail's James Lawless's draft bill to regulate advertising on social media also focused minds - and the conversation. He pointed out that no State agency or other body is responsible for monitoring ads on social channels. Not the Standards in Public Office Commission, not the Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland, not the Referendum Commission, not the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. "It's a bit of a wild west", said Lawless. In response, his bill defines political advertising and makes a transparency notice mandatory, explaining who paid for the ad and why you're seeing it. It also bans bots being deliberately used towards a political end and creates offences that can result in fines of up to 10,000 and five years' imprisonment.

Facebook and Google were also there and both outlined steps they are taking to tackle the spread of misinformation and overseas interference around elections and referendums. Facebook has run a media literacy ad campaign - ironically, the social platform relied on full-page ads in newspapers to get its message across. It also has a fact checking partnership with the Journal.ie, where content found to be false had its visibility decreased. Ahead of the European Parliament elections in May of next year, Google stressed political ads will have to carry transparency notices showing who paid, and ad targeting will be limited to age range, gender and location. No targeting according to sensitive information will be allowed. All this data will be compiled into a publicly available transparency report.

Representatives from Google and Facebook were keen to trumpet their initiatives. But both digital behemoths admitted they need help to combat electoral interference and the spread of misinformation. "We welcome clarity in this space," said Niamh Sweeney, head of public policy for Facebook in Ireland. "We found ourselves in an uncomfortable space prior to the referendum where we had to interpret certain laws in a vacuum. We can't solve these problems alone."

At the start of the forum, Communications Minister Richard Bruton said legislators shouldn't make knee-jerk reactions around regulating political advertising. He's right, of course. But if Europe is proposing a war chest to tackle misinformation, and Facebook and Google are asking for help in this jurisdiction, perhaps it's time for some urgency.
Forecourt retailer Maxol has been given the go-ahead to knock down one of its petrol stations and an adjoining car dealership in south Dublin and replace it with a five-storey apartment block.

The company, which is owned by the McMullan family, faced objections to its proposed development of 90 apartments along Beach Road in Sandymount, Dublin 4. The proposal was put forward by Thomas McMullan, who sits on the board of Maxol.

The 11,500sqm development will be made up of 23 one-bed units, 53 two-beds, and a further 14 three-bed homes. Maxol will also provide 90 parking spaces and 90 cycle spaces for residents. Dublin City Council granted permission to build in June, but opposition from residents and a local school meant that the issue was escalated to An Bord Pleanala.

Objectors cited problems with the design of the building and the effect it would have on the "integrity of the neighbourhood".

They also raised concerns that it would overlook other properties.

One such property is St Matthew's National School, which raised concerns around the safety of its students.

In the planning board's report, it said that overlooking into the school was "reasonable because natural surveillance of play areas in schemes is encouraged in the apartment guidelines". An Bord Pleanala approved the scheme under a number of conditions, including an obligation on Maxol to gain approval for any external finishes.

The Sandymount development was the first time Maxol had decided to use a site for housing instead of a forecourt. The company has since sought permission for residential development at another site in Saggart in south-west Dublin.
'The overall initiative is part of a 500m pot called the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, which is being financed by the Government as part of its Project Ireland 2040 fund.' Stock image

Some 27 projects in high tech, health and food will be told that they are sharing 75m in direct Government funding today in what is being described as a State bet on 'disruptive' technologies.

The projects include a high-tech system to tackle coastal flooding, artificial intelligence and the use of new blockchain technology for medical devices.

The overall initiative is part of a 500m pot called the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, which is being financed by the Government as part of its 'Project Ireland 2040' fund.

One such scheme involves developing new ways of fighting colorectal cancer by reinterpreting data gleaned from molecular fluorescent probes. The project is being led by the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, with IBM, UCD and a company called Deciphex supporting it.

The 27 different projects were picked from 300 applications in search of the funding.

The cash will be used to develop services and products commercially that arise from the projects.

"All 27 are collaborative projects from the health, food, ICT and manufacturing sectors," said a spokeswoman for the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation.

"They include collaborations between start-ups, SMEs, multinationals and academic institutions.

"Over 300 applications were made under the first round and successful projects have made it through a highly competitive process involving screening by a panel of international experts."

The first tranche of 75m is to be awarded over the next three years and is part of an effort by the Government to increase public funding for research-led technology.

Figures from the Irish Venture Capital Association indicate that indigenous companies developing medical devices and biotech, which lean heavily on academic and institutional research, are among the most successful Irish start-ups at achieving business scale quickly.

A number of medical tech companies in the West of Ireland have attracted funding rounds of 10m or more.

"It is one of the first funds of its type in the world and is aimed at tackling national and global challenges to secure the jobs of the future," said the department spokeswoman.

One recent success is biopharmaceuticals innovator Nuritas, headed by Dr Nora Khaldi, who built a cutting-edge company on the back of a PhD from Trinity and has just been rewarded with a 30m loan from the European Investment Bank in its first direct financing of an Irish firm in the sector.

One issue holding back start-up development is the relatively stingy 1m allowance against capital gains from a trade sale versus 10m in the UK.
EU regulators looked into Apple's mobile payment service and found it was not market dominant but they could review it again if they receive formal complaints, Europe's antitrust chief said on Monday.

In an interview with Reuters, European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager also signalled that Google and Amazon would remain very much on her radar until the end of her mandate late next year.

Google has been fined a total of 6.8bn in the last 18 months for breaching EU rules.

Apple's mobile payment service Apple Pay, launched in October 2014, is available in 10 EU countries including France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Denmark.

Critics say that an NFC chip embedded in the Apple iPhone means that Apple Pay is automatically selected when an iPhone user pays for goods and services, barring rival payment methods. The Danish Competition Authority is investigating the issue, which was brought to its attention by the Danish Consumer Council.

Vestager, who has earned a reputation for taking a tough line against companies that breach EU rules and can impose fines of up to 10 percent of a company's global turnover, said she did a preliminary review some time back.

"When we were looking at it ... (at) first glance, we couldn't see Apple being dominant. That doesn't exclude in the future that we will have a second look. But when we looked some time ago, we didn't find ... the necessary (evidence) to start a case," she said.

"Obviously if we had official complaints, we would take that seriously because the entire payment market is a very important payment market."

A spokeswoman for Apple declined to comment.

Separately Vestager is reviewing whether Amazon is using merchants' data illegally to make its own brand products similar to retailers'. She said she has been inundated with data, key to building a case against the U.S. online retailer.

"Now we have received not piles, but mountains of data and for us it is a priority to go through that, both from Amazon themselves but also coming in from some of the businesses that they actually host," she said.

"For us, of course it is important to get the starting point right because, if we open a case, in order to be able to proceed with some speed, well then of course we need to get some of the basics right and we are in the process of doing that."

Vestager recently asked Google's rivals if the internet search engine unfairly demotes local search competitors, raising the possibility of a fourth antitrust case against the company.

"Now we ask questions when it comes to local search. This means a lot to many people because you use your phone or your table, you are looking for a place to eat, opening hours, where to go, museums, doctors, all kinds of stuff, and therefore of course it is a very important area, a very important service," she said.

"It could be (a fourth case against Google) but of course we start asking questions without prejudice."
Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn has been charged by prosecutors in Tokyo with under-reporting his income, according to Japanese media reports.

Prosecutors would not immediately confirm the reports by Kyodo News and other media. The reports said another executive and Nissan Motor Company had also been charged.

The prosecutors say Ghosn is suspected of under-reporting his income by 5 billion yen (39m) over five years. In Japan, a company can be charged with wrongdoing.

Some kind of action by the prosecutors had been expected as the custody period allowed for the allegations disclosed so far ends on Monday.

Nissan executive Greg Kelly, 62, is suspected of having collaborated with Ghosn.

Kelly's lawyer in the US says he is asserting his innocence, while Ghosn, 64, has not commented.

Ghosn was sent to Nissan by its partner Renault SA of France in 1999. He led a dramatic turnaround the near-bankrupt Japanese automaker.

But Ghosn's star-level pay has drawn attention, since executives in Japan tend to be paid far less than their international counterparts.

Only Ghosn's lawyers and embassy officials from Lebanon, France and Brazil, where he has citizenship, have been allowed to visit him.
Salvatore Ferragamo, who had migrated to America and shod Hollywoods legends of the silent silver screen but returned to set up his footwear label in Florence in 1928

Style was a word that could have been invented for the last generation of Italian business people. For half a century, we saw it on the catwalks, on the motor racing circuits, in restaurants and even in football stadiums.

Hopefully, the style will continue, even if it's too much to expect a whole lot more from the generation of entrepreneurs that included Giorgio Armani, who is 84, or Leonardo Del Vecchios (of eyewear group Luxottica) at 83, or Rosita Missoni of knitwear fame who is in her 87th year.

Along with ageing tycoons, Italian business faces the same difficulties as the rest of us, namely globalisation and a dramatically changing landscape. The company we are looking at this week is a good example of what happens when a leader is not around anymore. It is the Florentine shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo SPA.

Ferragamo has a peerless pedigree, founded by Salvatore Ferragamo, who had migrated to America and shod Hollywood's legends of the silent silver screen but returned to set up his footwear label in Florence in 1928. He'd established a decent client base because he continued to make shoes for the stars like Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson and later Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.

The business prospered after WWII but when Salvatore died in 1960, his wife Wanda, then aged 38, was left with six young children and a near bankrupt company.

Wanda was undeterred and she became a hero of Italian capitalism. She was part of a group of female entrepreneurs such as the Fendi sisters, Miuccia Prada, and Donatella Versace that were the post-war engines of the Italian economy and also transformed global fashion.

Over the years, 'Signora' Wanda turned Ferragamo into an iconic global footwear group based on Italian craftsmanship, later adding handbags, apparel, accessories and perfumes to the portfolio.

Today the company operates in 90 countries mainly through its own stores, specialty, department stores and its internet operations.

The Asia-Pacific region is a particularly good market for Ferragamo and it currently contributes over one-third to group revenues. Europe and the US both account for one-quarter each of group revenues, but last year both markets struggled. The remaining sales came from Japan and South America. The company's retail channel is responsible for almost two-thirds of Ferragamo's revenues but its wholesale channel is under pressure. As might be expected given its history, the footwear divisions at 42pc and leather goods at 37pc are the largest contributor to sales and profits.

Wanda died recently and her loss has prompted speculation that her heirs may sell their 40pc shareholding. The company is an attractive target with a high-end branding position and exposure to lucrative categories such as shoes, leather goods and fragrances. There are plenty of possible suitors, such as the cash rich French luxury groups LVMH, Kering and Hermes. The Swiss-based Richemont is also a candidate, as are a number of Chinese groups who are actively seeking European brands.

In addition, speculation as to mid-size luxury goods companies has heightened since Michael Korrs purchased Milan-base Versace. However Ferrucio Ferragamo, the chairman, has vetoed any proposed sale.

In recent times, Ferragamo has struggled to maintain its sales and profitability, with returns on investment and sales both falling.

While its revenues, at 1.4bn, were down 3pc on the year, net profits plunged a whopping 40pc due to the negative impact of foreign exchange movements, revenue declines in the wholesale channel, and the rise in operating costs and taxes.

To arrest its faltering position, the group recently hired a former Gucci executive, Micaela Le Divelec, as CEO to implement a turnaround plan with the objective of transforming the company.

Ferragamo shares, which trade at 20.61, are on a lofty price earnings multiple of 36, and investors will be rewarded if the new CEO is successful or if the family agrees to a takeover.

If I owned the stock (I don't), I'd sit still.

Nothing in this section should be taken as a recommendation, either explicit or implicit to buy any of the shares mentioned.
(Left) Elaine Byrne and (Right) Kenneth Carpenter, who have both agreed to leave a property at Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, Dublin following a High Court CAB (Criminal Assets Bureau) application. Pic: Collins Courts

A couple has agreed before the High Court to vacate their home which the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) claims was acquired with the proceeds of crime.

Kenneth Carpenter and Elaine Byrne gave the undertaking before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart to leave the house at Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, Dublin, by July.

CAB, which has various freezing orders against the couple, alleges Mr Carpenter is active in the sale and supply of drugs, has a number of previous convictions for drugs offences, and associates with known criminals in south and west Dublin.

CAB claims the couple have enjoyed an affluent lifestyle and spent lavishly despite the fact there is no credible explanation for the source of their funds.

Expand Close Kenneth Carpenter, who has agreed to leave a property at Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, Dublin following a High Court CAB (Criminal Assets Bureau) application.Pic: Collins Courts / Facebook

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Whatsapp Kenneth Carpenter, who has agreed to leave a property at Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, Dublin following a High Court CAB (Criminal Assets Bureau) application.Pic: Collins Courts

The sums of money spent by them do not correlate with their known income, CAB also claims.

CAB had sought an order deeming the house, which was purchased for 317,000 in 2007 as being acquired with the proceeds of crime.

CAB claims Mr Carpenter submitted false information to obtain a mortgage for it. He described himself as being a salesperson with a motor car company earning some 75,000 per year.

CAB said Mr Carpenter did not work for that firm.

CAB claims the house is worth some 220,000 but that some remains 284, 500 remains due and owing on it.

CAB claims mortgage payments made on the property by Mr Carpenter came from the proceeds of his criminal conduct.

CAB officers claimed that extensive works have been done to the house, which has been finished to a high standard. The renovations include the installation of CCTV to the front and the back of the property.

Mr Carpenter had claimed to gardai to have worked various jobs, including truck driver and a plumber, as a courier and more recently had sold items online.

The court heard that CAB officers seized a number of items from the house following a search in May 2017.

During the search, gardai discovered and seized quantities of cash some 20,000 and a bulletproof vest.

When asked about where the cash came from, Mr Carpenter allegedly told the Gardai that the money was his and he was saving it up for a holiday and was considering it giving some of it to charity.

Other items including luxury Rolex, Breitling and Hublot watches, a Chanel handbag estimated to be worth more than 70,000 were also discovered and seized by the Gardai.

The court heard the couple had travelled extensively in recent years.

CAB claims that since 2010 the couple has spent some 20,000 on flights alone, to various destinations including the UK, various European destinations and several trips to the United States, where they went on a cruise, as well as to Mexico and Dubai.

It is claimed that in 2016 and 2017 Ms Byrne purchased thousands of euros worth of high-end designer goods and had a platinum loyalty card in Brown Thomas despite claiming that her only source of income was her lone parent's allowance.

Aside from the house, the court heard that the couple had consented to orders being made under Section 3 and 4 of the 1996 Proceeds of Crime Act. in relation to others items seized from them which CAB say are the proceeds of crime

They included a BMW and a Citron car which were purchased in 2016 in exchange for cash and a trade in.
AN EMPLOYEE of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is to face a three-day trial accused of breaking the Official Secrets Act in connection with the Peter Butterly murder trial.

Jonathan Lennon, aged 34, from Clonee, Dublin 15 was charged with breaking the Official Secrets Act in relation to criminal proceedings resulting from the murder of Butterly, a dissident republican.

Butterly was shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, in 2013.

Mr Lennon faced his third hearing at Blanchardstown District Court today.

Judge Gerard Jones ruled that sensitive prosecution evidence must not be given directly to the accused and he can only look at it in his lawyer's office.

An order for disclosure of prosecution evidence had been made at an earlier stage.

The father-of-three is accused of four offences contrary to Section Four and 13 of the Official Secrets Act 1963, as amended by Section 48 of the Freedom of Information Act 1997.

It is alleged that on Sept. 7, 2017 and the following day, at a place unknown in Dublin, without authorisation, he communicated with another person official information within the possession, custody or control of the DPP, a holder of public office, relating to the prosecution of individuals arising from the murder of Peter Butterly on March 6, 2013.

Judge Jones heard that the prosecution has furnished disclosure to Mr Lennons solicitor.

However, a State solicitor explained, the evidence was to be released to Mr Lennon's lawyer only.

Counsel for Mr Lennon made an application for the material to be released to the accused. The barrister submitted that the defence was unable to take instructions and his client was entitled to view and analyse the evidence by himself.

However, the prosecution objected and said that due to its sensitivity it was released with certain conditions. But it certainly did not prevent the defence from taking instructions from Mr Lennon, it was contended.

The State solicitor said 80 to 90 per cent of the material could be handed to the defendant directly but not the remaining evidence, which was referred to by the judge as "precious".

Judge Jones ruled Mr Lennon can go to his solicitor's office and spend morning till night viewing this material, however, he added that he did not want the evidence out and about.

The court heard it will be a three-day trial and senior counsel are to be retained by both sides.

The case will be listed again for mention in January.

Mr Lennon, dressed in jeans and an anorak, did not address the court.

Earlier the court had heard his solicitor Anne FitzGibbon had said she has received CCTV footage, memos of interviews and telephone records.

The court has heard the case involved alleged communications over two days.

At Mr Lennons previous hearing he had been granted legal aid after the court heard he worked for the DPP but has been suspended from his job and was getting 400 a week.

He had a family and a mortgage, the solicitor submitted.

It is alleged that on Sept. 7, 2017 and the following day, at a place unknown in Dublin, without authorisation, he communicated with another person official information within the possession, custody or control of the DPP, a holder of public office, relating to the prosecution of individuals arising from the murder of Peter Butterly on March 6, 2013.

In July, at the Special Criminal Court, Dean Evans, 27, of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, Dublin, was given a mandatory life sentence for the murder of 35-year-old father of three Peter Butterly who was from Dunleer, Co. Louth.

Evans was extradited from Spain earlier this year after he spent 18 months on the run.

Two other men are already serving life sentences for the murder, after being found guilty in March this year. Edward McGrath, 35, of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield, Tallaght and Sharif Kelly, 47, of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan had both denied the murder.

Two other men are awaiting trial later this year on the same murder charge.
A man who stole 178,000 in social welfare payments and used part of it to fund his masters degree has been sentenced to four years with the final two years suspended.

Mazin Albaqir (51) failed to tell department officials he had a property in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with an approximate value of 110,000, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard previously.

He also failed to disclose savings of 47,500, prosecution barrister James Dwyer SC told the court.

Albaqir, with an address in Old Court Avenue, Firhouse, Dublin, pleaded guilty to seven counts of stealing social welfare payments in the form of jobseekers allowance and rent supplement from the Department of Social Welfare between February 2002 and December 2009.

The court heard he is a married father-of-three who is originally from Iraq. He has lived in Ireland since 1999 and is an Irish citizen.

Garda Enda Daly told the court that Albaqir, who has a degree in Food Safety from the University of Baghdad, initially did well when he first arrived in the country but then fell into financial difficulty.

Over the course of nearly seven years, he stole 178,000 from the department, the court heard.

In November 2015, Albaqir was stopped in Dublin airport by a customs officer when he arrived into the country on a flight from Dubai. He had a number of documents in his possession, including ones that showed he was the owner of a property in the UAE.

Albaqir has an Irish passport in his current name and an Iraqi passport in a different name with a different date of birth. He also changed his name by deed poll in Ireland in 2012 and had documentation in a variety of names, the court heard.

The social welfare fraud was carried out under one name, Gda Daly confirmed.

Defence barrister Pieter Le Vert said it was not unusual for people from Middle Eastern countries to use a variety of names, saying they are not as firmly established over there. He said his client, who has no previous convictions, has since repaid 56,000 to the department and now owes just under 123,000.

Mr Le Vert said the property in the UAE was in fact bought by Albaqir's father, who lives in Iraq with his mother and siblings. That property was purchased in case the family needed a place of refuge should the political climate in Iraq deteriorate.

The court heard the property was put in Albaqir's name as he is the only family member living outside of Iraq and the only one with a European passport.

That house has since been put up for sale with an asking price of 110,000 and the proceeds of the sale will go towards paying of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Le Vert said.

Albaqir is a well-educated man who is extremely remorseful and ashamed for his actions, the court heard. A letter of apology was handed up to court along with a number of references.

Mr Le Vert said it was a most unusual case in that Albaqir used part of the social welfare money to fund his masters degree.

Despite his qualifications, the court heard Albaqir has not been able to get work in his area of expertise. The court heard he works in two shops, while continuing to hunt for better employment.

Today, Mr Le Vert confirmed that his client has paid an additional sum and now owes just over 112,000. The house has still not been sold despite efforts being made to sell it.

Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Albaqir to four years in prison but suspended the final two years having taken into account his co-operation and guilty plea. She accepted that he does not appear to be at risk of re-offending, has no previous convictions and is of previous good character.

She said it was necessary to state that welfare fraud is not a victimless crime. It is offending against the principals of fairness and social solidarity, Judge Codd said.

She accepted evidence that Albaqir has been admitted to hospital since for suicidal ideation and has also separated from his wife.
Judges at the Special Criminal Court trial of a man accused of murdering dissident republican Peter Butterly have refused an application to exclude mobile phone evidence in the case brought after Graham Dwyer's successful High Court action on Thursday.

Kevin Braney (44), of Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 24 has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Butterly nearly six years ago.

Mr Braney also denies possession of a 9mm Beretta semi-automatic pistol with intent to commit murder and possession of seven rounds of 9mm ammunition on March 5, 2013 at Blackthorn Apartments, Brackenwood Avenue, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.

Mr Butterly, a father-of-two, was chased and shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn in Gormanston in view of students waiting for their school bus on the afternoon of March 6, 2013.

Earlier, judges at the non-jury court ruled that mobile phone data was admissible in the case.

The defence had submitted that a material change as a matter of law had arisen concerning the retention of data from mobile phones as a result of the Graham Dwyer judgment which was delivered by Mr Justice Tony OConnor last Thursday.

The High Court found last week that the Irish legislation, which allowed data from mobile phones to be retained and accessed, breached EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights because the retention of the data was general and indiscriminate and there was no prior review by a court or an independent authority before it could be accessed.

Tony McGillicuddy BL, for Mr Braney, told the court today that there was a specific challenge by Mr Dwyer to Section 3 of the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 which was a requirement to retain telephone data for a period of two years and this was found to be incompatible and inconsistent with EU law.

Mr McGillicuddy said the Special Criminal Court is an inferior court to the High Court and it must therefore comply with the ruling.

This means there is a patent illegality in relation to the evidence which has been obtained and which the prosecution seek to utilise and present to the court as part of the evidence against Mr Braney, he said.

The barrister concluded that it was not appropriate to admit the evidence which had occurred in breach of EU law.

In reply, prosecution counsel Alex Owens SC said that in order to make a case for illegality and unconstitutionality, it was necessary to have locus standi (standing) which he argued Mr Braney did not have.

None of the phones in this case related to Mr Braney at all, they provided indirect support for what David Cullen said and what the court has to decide in the general plot, said Mr Owens, adding that the court should admit the evidence.

Following the legal applications by counsel for the prosecution and defence in the trial, presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Coffey delivered the courts ruling on the matter.

The judge said the court had agreed to revisit it's ruling from December 5 in light of the High Court ruling on December 6 where findings of inconsistencies had been made.

Mr Justice Coffey said there was no evidence that the actual operation of the 2011 Act from the time the data was retained in this case was inappropriate having regard to the law as it was at the time. It had remained on the statute book and had enjoyed the presumption of constitutionality, he said.

The judge also said there was nothing to suggest that the relevant evidence was gathered in such a way as to violate the accuseds privacy rights.

In conclusion, Mr Justice Coffey said the mobile phone evidence should be admitted in the case.

Prosecution counsel Paul OHiggins SC told the court this afternoon that the prosecution closed its case.

Defence counsel, Bernard Condon SC, said he is unlikely to call evidence but it was likely that he would have a short application to make to the court in the morning.

The eleven-week trial at the three-judge court previously heard from former murder accused-turned States witness, David Cullen, who described his role in the shooting of Mr Butterly.

Cullen was originally charged with Mr Butterlys murder but he subsequently turned State's witness over a year after the shooting and this murder charge was dropped.

In July 2014, Cullen pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting. His plea was accepted by the DPP and a nolle prosequi  a decision not to proceed - was entered on the count of murder and he turned State's witness.

Cullen gave evidence in the trial that his role in the shooting was to pick up a gun and bury it.

Mr OHiggins, prosecuting, opened the trial, telling the judges that it was an unusual case because gardai were already keeping an eye on movements in the area that day as a result of certain suspicions.

He said that Mr Butterly had driven into the carpark of the Huntsman Inn around 1.55pm. He had parked and remained in his car.

He said that a black Peugeot 206 then drove into the carpark and parked for a few minutes. It left shortly after 2pm and was followed by an unmarked garda car.

It was around this time that a stolen Toyota Corolla was driven into the car park, he said.

The car (Toyota) then stops in front of Mr Butterlys car and two shots are fired, one through the windscreen and one through the bonnet, said Mr OHiggins. Mr Butterly, who's on his own in the car, runs..., but he doesnt get very far.

Mr OHiggins explained that two witnesses, who were waiting for their school buses, had stated that he was chased across the carpark and shot three times as he ran. The court heard that he fell and died almost immediately.

The trial continues in front of Mr Justice Coffey, presiding, sitting with Judge Martin Nolan and Judge James Faughnan.
A temporary consultant radiologist whose work at University Hospital Kerry was subject of review after complaints were made is among three medical practitioners separately temporarily suspended from practising medicine here by order of the president of the High Court.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly said he was satisfied it was necessary, on public interest grounds, to grant the Medical Councils ex parte application (one side only represented) for the order against Dr Clare Hartigan, with an address at Ballinwear, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, who had worked at the Kerry hospital between March 2016 and October 2017.

The court heard the Council had decided last week, following a meeting attended by Dr Hartigan, to make a complaint to the Preliminary Proceedings Committee on grounds of a relevant medical disability under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007.

The Council had also decided to apply for an order to suspend Dr Hartigan as it believed that suspension was necessary to protect the public interest.

The Council said the reasons for that included its view Dr Hartigan has a lack of insight into her mental health issues and had failed to engage with the Council and refused an assessment by an independent psychiatrist.

The Council was concerned about her health and welfare, that she had impaired judgment and there was a risk to patients if she continues to work without appropriate assessment.

The judge said the evidence satisfied him the Council was "rightly concerned" about Dr Hartigan's lack of insight into her current condition and about her ability to make judgments.

He noted the manager of the Kerry hospital had complained in October 2017, alleging Dr Hartigan had failed to meet the standards of competence that could reasonably be expected of a consultant radiologist in the performance, carrying out and reporting of radiological examinations.

The complaint alleged there were three known serious reportable events where the diagnostic error had lead to serious harm to patients and approximately 30 incidents where her practice was less than the standard required and potentially could have lead to serious patient harm.

A serious incident management team (SIMT) had been established and a decision was made to review all radiological imagery performed and reported on by Dr Hartigan who resigned her post at the hospital effective from October 18th 2017, without any formal disciplinary process.

She had disputed the complaints and also referred to the average workload of 75,000 per year and her having completed 37,000 examinations in one year, almost half of the total workload when there were five radiologists.

The SIMT Look Back Review report was published last week and the Council considered it before a meeting of December 6th last, at which Kerry hospital manager Ferghal Grimes confirmed the report related to Dr Hartigan.

The SIMT report had stated it did not wish to imply any harm was attributable to her, the court heard.

The Council also considered the correspondence from Dr Hartigan.

It said Dr Hartigan was at that meeting and she was told its purpose was not to consider the report but that the Council had concerns she may be unwell arising from interactions between her and its staff.

Dr Hartigan had repeated her objection to being psychiatrically assessed and also said she would like to obtain legal advice.

Also on Monday, the judge made a suspension order, for protection of the public and pending further order, against Karim El Awad Mohamed,with an address at Blackrock, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, alleged to have registered here to practice medicine under a somewhat different name and different date of birth from details provided to the UK medical authorities. He was suspended there in May 2018 for nine months arising from findings of misconduct against him.

It was alleged, when filling in the annual form to re-register here in 2017 and 2018, he had not declared there had been conditions attached to his UK registration.

A suspension order was separately made, pending further order, against Dr Patricia Sverani Black, whose registered address is Castletown, Co Laois, due to patient safety concerns arising from her alleged prescription practices, including prescribing large amounts of diazepam and dalmane, and over alleged breaches of undertakings concerning her prescription practices.

Those two orders were also sought ex parte and the judge gave his ruling in public on those two suspension order applications also for reasons of public interest.
Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) has issued a warning over Christmas trees in homes this festive season.

A spokesperson said that while Christmas trees add to the festivities, they can create serious fire concerns as a blaze started by faulty Christmas tree lights can destroy a room in under a minute.

"Fairy lights are an essential part of any tree but we recommend you choose LED lights over the incandescent type. LEDs are more energy efficient and produce less heat. You should also always check your lights for loose connections, broken bulbs or frayed wires before you put up your tree. "

The spokesperson also urged homeowners to unplug trees when they leave the house or go to bed and to ensure trees carry a European CE Safety mark.

They added that real trees should be watered to prevent them from drying out, as a watered tree will not burn as quick as a dry tree.

"Also make sure to take care with decorations around the rest of your home that tinsel, stuffed toys, cards etc are not placed anywhere that they could catch fire."
Schools cannot cope with the introduction of long-awaited Leaving Cert science practicals without massive investment and a shake-up of the entire exam process, according to a new report.

The unpublished State Examinations Commission (SEC) report blows out of the water any hopes of a national roll-out of practicals in biology, chemistry and physics in the short term. It says we do not have enough teachers or money to make this a reality.

The SEC found that bringing all school laboratories up to standard would cost hundreds of millions of euro.

It also highlights a critical shortage of science teachers, making it difficult for schools to release staff to act as external examiners.

Another challenge is finding space for science practicals in the packed sixth-year timetable, on top of the Leaving Cert 'mocks' and existing orals and practicals in other subjects.

Practicals were first proposed as far back as 1982, and trials were carried out in 30 schools over the past year.

While these trials were deemed a success, the SEC's Report on Trialling of the Assessment of Practical Work means there is little hope of them being extended to all schools any time soon.

At the very least, the report calls for a "major review" of the organisation of all orals and practicals for the State exams before anything else is imposed on an "already over-burdened system".

It was hoped practicals would be a feature of assessments for fifth years starting next September.

But the report points to the logistical and financial challenges involved in delivering this to more than 700 schools and bluntly states "it could not be recommended" at this time.

Ireland's reliance on written exams to test understanding of scientific concepts is out of step with best practice.
Methadone: A valuable part of a detox programme, but often used as a 'keep them off the streets' type panacea

A bleak insight into the stigma and isolation felt by former heroin addicts who are now stabilised long-term on methadone is revealed in a new report today.

The dominant experience of being a methadone user was one of stigma, with many attempting to conceal their methadone use for fear of being judged.

Methadone maintenance treatment can bring stability to the lives of drug users, but they need multifaceted and multidisciplinary supports to achieve social reintegration.

The new research report commissioned by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Drug and Alcohol Taskforce (DLRDATF) and is launched today Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills,Mary Mitchell OConnor.

The report, Just Maintaining the Status Quo?, written by a team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin looked at the experiences of25 people who have been on methadone treatment for 10 years or more. The average age of research participants was 43.

Commenting at the launch today by Dr Paula Mayock of Trinitys School of Social Work and Social Policy said: This is the first study in Ireland that specifically focuses on people who are long-term participants in methadone maintenance treatment.

We found that levels of social reintegration amongst our participants was exceptionally low. Most did not have access to the kind of economic, social or personal resources that are needed to bolster and sustain the recovery process.

Key findings of the research include:

The average age that research participants first used drugs was 14 years old. The average age that they first used heroin was 19 years old.

Methadone treatment impacted participants lives positively by bringing stability and normality to their lives. At the same time, participants reported negative sentiments about methadone and the treatment system more broadly, feeling they had little say in their treatment, particularly in relation to long-term rehabilitation planning.

The majority of participants in the research study had low levels of educational attainment, with nearly 80pc cent leaving school by Junior Certificate level.

Mental health problems were widely reported, with depression being the most commonly-cited mental health condition. Some participants cited lifelong mental health conditions stemming from childhood. Chronic physical health problems  including hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis and a range of respiratory, renal and coronary diseases  were reported.

Research participants had extremely low levels of social integration. The vast majority were unemployed and did not see any realistic prospect of employment. Many were homeless or precariously housed with over half the participants experiencing homelessness at some point in their lives.

Dr Barry Cullen, coordinator of the taskforce said :Methadone treatment works as a public health measure and individually, but it inadvertently compounds users experience of social exclusion. The daily life of a long-term methadone user is characterised by seclusion and loneliness, with few dependable or trusted people in their lives.

While the obstacles they face are multiple and complex, we must not accept that this vulnerable group will live their lives on the margins of our community. Social reintegration is about access to housing; access to education, training and employment; and the opportunity and support to repair relationships.

Agencies operating in these fields must establish relevant programmes and services. For our part, the Task Force will convene a collaborative team, involving housing support, the Local Employment Service, the Community Addiction Team, and family support to deliver more effective and holistic supports to long-term methadone-users in our community.
Several women in crisis pregnancies are delaying going to a UK clinic and are contacting doctors here to make appointments for a medical abortion in early January, it emerged yesterday.

The news from GPs comes as many family doctors and maternity hospitals warn they will not be ready to start the service in just three weeks and the gaps could put women who have a termination at risk.

A number of GPs say they are already getting calls from women seeking a termination who are holding out until January in the belief the free service will be ready to start.

This delay may itself lead to complications for some of these women, because abortions are safest if they are carried out as early as possible in a pregnancy.

Health Minster Simon Harris, who wants the service to start in January, will meet medical groups today. He said he is "eager to hear their concerns" directly and he will not "shirk his responsibility in responding appropriately. But I also want to hear solutions".

"I must continuously stress that 12 women find themselves in crisis pregnancies every day in this country. Every day this service is not in place is a lost opportunity to care for women at home," he said.

The strongest warning has come in a letter to Mr Harris from Dr John O'Brien, president of the Irish College of General Practitioners, who cautioned against pushing out the service from January 1.

He said if the proper supports are not finalised by then "a high quality, patient-centred service is jeopardised and patient care will be compromised".

"All GPs must be provided with clarification and further details, for example on the My Options 24-hour helpline," he said. This will provide direction to a woman who wants the name of a participating GP.

Cork University Hospital obstetrician Dr Keelin O'Donoghue said yesterday there has so far been a fundamental failure to recognise the complexities involved in extending abortion services in maternity hospitals.

"Our role is not to stand idly by as plans for a new service are rushed through with no regard for safety, best practice or quality of care," she said.
More than three-quarters of working parents said their family responsibilities have dissuaded them from changing careers.

Over a third also said they have been overlooked for career opportunities or a new role due to their family commitments.

The survey of 647 respondents by IrishJobs.ie found that 28pc felt their career had not advanced because they were unable to attend work events outside of their normal working hours.

However, many working parents reported going above and beyond in the workplace.

Some 58pc said they regularly have to work outside of standard working hours in order to maintain the balance between their work and home life.

One-third also said they get up earlier to get through their workload, while a quarter said they stayed up late to work.

Almost half said they were required to attend work events, such as business dinners or networking events, outside of their normal working day.

Employees who were unable to attend these afterhours events risk being overlooked for promotion.

Almost a third said they felt their careers had suffered because they were unable to attend such events, while 39pc of respondents said they had been overlooked for advancements in their career due to their family responsibilities. Over three-quarters of respondents said they had decided against applying for roles that involved overseas travel.

The survey found that just over half of working parents were less ambitious for their careers once they had started their family.

Despite the challenges in balancing their career and family commitments, 20pc of respondents said their employer's efforts to facilitate their needs as a working parent were "excellent".

A further 45pc rated their employer as "good" or "very good", while the remaining 35pc described their employer's efforts as "fair" or "poor".

Commenting on the findings, IrishJobs.ie general manager Orla Moran said the challenges facing working parents extend far beyond childcare and directly affect their career choices.

"As life gets busier, it is inevitable that even hard-working and ambitious professionals will enter periods of their working life where they are less readily available for travel or evening time engagements.

"As a society approaching full employment, it's important that employers facilitate employees throughout their various life stages and it is encouraging to see that the majority of employers are succeeding in doing so," she added.
A young mother whose father raped and sexually abused her as a child has spoken about the fear shes felt in the run up to his release date from prison today.

The woman, who is now in her thirties, fears the man will return to his family home on the northside of Cork city nearby to where she lives.

He has served six and a half years of the 12-year sentence imposed in March 2012 and will be released from prison today, and will undergo 18 months post-release supervision by the Probation Service.

*Jill said her evil father hates her for putting him in prison, and she is fearful of him moving back to his mothers home, only a stones throw from where she is currently living.

I'm rattling from my head to my toe at the moment. I don't want to see him, I don't want him back in my area. I don't want him out, he's a dangerous individual, she told the Neil Prendeville show on Corks RedFM.

He's very charming and I'm fearful that he's just going to get into a relationship with someone with kids. He has no boundaries this man, he's evil. He's not sorry at all. If he was, he wouldn't have done any of this.

He hates me, he absolutely hates me. He's threatening my brothers as well by doing this and I just want him gone. He's put my family through a horrible pain, and he keeps doing it.

According to Jill and local councillor Ted Tynan, the house is currently being occupied by a convicted sex offender that Jills father met in prison.

The house is so close to a school, so many school children are passing by the house on a daily basis. I feel strongly that that individual shouldnt be allowed into the area, even for his own safety, Cllr Tynan said.

"Ive spoken to people that were friends with him when he was younger, and theyve expressed huge disappointment and anger with this individual. A number of them had said that if they met him on the street, they'd punch him, they felt so let down.

Jill said she is living with a life sentence as a result of numerous health problems she developed as a result of her childhood.

She said she is fearful of how she would react if she saw him in the local area because of this.

As a victim you carry this, it's a life sentence I have. I'm riddled, I've got post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, I've had eating disorders, my sleep pattern isn't great. I've got short and longer memory loss.

I have all these medical problems and I'll have them for life, and he just gets a few years then he's out, and gets to live his life. I don't see how that's fair.

"The house is right next to my local shop which I frequent too, and I can't go there now. I'd like to think I'd run but there's another part of me that's so angry I'm afraid I'd do something.

When asked if she believes convicted sex offenders like her father should receive the death penalty, Jill said: I think death is too good for them, I wish they were locked up for life.

The mother-of-one believes that he is not sorry for his actions and that he hates her because she took his life away from him.

(I hope) that he gets a horrible disease and dies, that's my only way out. I want him to just drop dead, that's my only way out now.

I can't forgive, and I can't forget. He's not sorry. If he was sorry, he wouldn't have put that guy in the house and be planning to return to there.

He had a wonderful life up until then, had a girlfriend, out every weekend in the pub drinking- he had a great life, and I took that away from him and he hates me because of it.

Cllr Tynan pleaded with Cork City Council to look into the womans case, explaining that he has been meeting with city hall members in relation to getting her away from the area.

*name changed to protect identity
The National Union of Journalists is to seek an immediate meeting with Independent News & Media following reports that hard drives and emails of senior staff were searched without their permission.

The allegations - reported in the 'Sunday Business Post' yesterday - said that the company's former CEO, Robert Pitt, ordered a search of hard drives and emails of up to six editors, after a memo from his personal assistant was published in 'The Phoenix' magazine.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, the NUJ's Irish Secretary Seamus Dooley described the reported claims as "deeply disturbing" and said they "raise the most serious questions for the company".

"Editors must be able to exercise their duties without interference," he said.

"These revelations undermine the confidence of staff and of readers.

"Ultimately, it undermines faith in the company. We will be seeking an urgent meeting with management in the coming days."

He added: "Public confidence in journalism is based on trust. If editors cannot even trust their employer to respect confidential sources of information, the basis for public trust is undermined."

The 'Sunday Business Post' claimed that the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) is investigating the claims about the alleged search, which is believed to have happened in June 2015.

The alleged exercise was conducted at night, with hard drives reportedly removed and data copied, before the hard drives were returned.

This was allegedly done without the knowledge of the staff members involved.

The claims are reportedly being investigated by the ODPC, along with another major data breach which was uncovered by an investigation by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) and involves former company chairman Leslie Buckley.

The ODPC said it would not comment on specific investigations. However, it said its inquiry into data breaches at Independent News & Media is "very much an evolving picture".

In a statement issued last night, Graham Doyle, head of communications with the ODPC, said a number of voluntary disclosures had been made to its office.

"We are examining a number of voluntary disclosures we have requested and received from a number of parties relevant to our statutory inquiry," Mr Doyle said.

"It is very much an evolving picture in which we cannot comment specifically now.

"As matters are evolving, it is also difficult to put a timeline on conclusion.

"What I can say is that we have a senior investigator, who is a qualified barrister, on our staff leading the investigation and a number of resources assigned to him actively progressing the inquiry."

The ODCE's inquiries at INM were prompted by a protected disclosure made by former chief executive Robert Pitt in November 2016.

In June, the president of the High Court approved an application by the ODCE for the appointment of inspectors to the media organisation.

A spokesperson for INM said they would not be commenting on the claims.

Former INM CEO Robert Pitt could not be contacted.
Sir John Major pictured speaking at The Inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture at The Backstage Theatre, Longford yesterday. PIC COLIN ORIORDAN

Former British Prime Minister John Major has warned that a return to a hard border would be "disastrous".

Speaking at the inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture in Co Longford today, Mr Major said the erection of a hard border of any kind may have grave consequences for the north.

His comments came just hours after Theresa May delayed the crucial vote on her Brexit deal amid chaotic scenes in Westminster.

A hard border now or at any time would be disastrous, Mr Major said.

That said, I do not believe a majority [in Westminster] will commit to a hard border becoming a reality.

Of course, a new border will not remotely resemble its hated predecessor, with barbed wire, listening processes and army checkpoints.

Expand Close Former Taoiseach, Brian Cowan pictured at The Inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture at The Backstage Theatre, Longford yesterday. PIC COLIN ORIORDAN / Facebook

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Whatsapp Former Taoiseach, Brian Cowan pictured at The Inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture at The Backstage Theatre, Longford yesterday. PIC COLIN ORIORDAN

But any new border, however gentle, will become a symbol, both physically and emotionally. It will prevent not only a barrier between north and south, unionists and nationalists, but between the UK and her nearest neighbour.

The former Prime Minister added that the hard work done to secure peace in the north would be disrupted by a hard border.

Peace is at risk if we erect barriers that remind people of ancient disputes," he added.

Peace is not secure, it never is, and any new border will be a focus to the wild men on the fringes to reactivate old disputes and hatreds that should be laid to rest forever.

Until sectarianism is ended that will never be fully achieved.

Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen was among those who gathered in the Backstage Theatre to hear Mr Major's speech.

Mr Major told attendees that as the UK prepares to leave the European Union there is reason to be concerned.

The Republic, as well as the United Kingdom, need the power sharing executive to return to its responsibilities in Northern Ireland.

If the House of Commons cannot find a way forward then the risk of a hard border remains possible.

He added that the people of the north may seek a United Ireland if political troubles in the UK persist.

The Irish demand for a backstop is a bogus ploy to keep the UK in a customs union. In truth, a backstop is of vital national interest for Ireland and the United Kingdom.

If the people of northern Ireland see a border return, together with a continuous period in which there is no power sharing, then I wonder will they not look once again for a United Ireland."
Presidential seal of approval: RTEs Sunday Miscellany radio programme celebrated 50 years of broadcasting yesterday. President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina were shown through programme archives by executive producer Cliodhna Ni Anluain. PHOTO: KINLAN PHOTOGRAPHY

A highly anticipated report on Aras an Uachtarain spending is to be published this week.

The issue of presidential spending became a key election concern when it emerged that a 317,000 allowance to the Office of the President has not been subject to audit.

Details of the allowance were discussed by the Dail's powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ahead of the election and was seized on by challengers to Michael D Higgins.

The allowance is used to cover expenses that are not covered in the budget for the Office of the President, including costs related to events in the Aras such as State dinners.

Other questions about spending including the President's use of the Government jet also dominated the debate.

During the campaign Mr Higgins pledged to publish details of the spending in a report on the activities of the Aras, but declined to do so before polling day as he did not want to appear to be politicising the office of the President.

It had been widely expected that the report would be published by the end of November.

However, a spokesperson for the President told a Sunday newspaper the report would be published this week once translation and design of the document have been finalised.

The spokesman pointed out that this is the first time in 80 years such a report will be published.

It is expected that the report will outline various activities and events held at the Aras throughout Mr Higgins's first term in office as well as details about spending since he was first elected President in November 2011.

Work was undertaken following the inauguration of Mr Higgins for a second term to put in place procedures for the report. An audit committee was also put in place.

An Aras spokesperson could not be reached for comment last night.

However, defending the delay in publishing the details, an Aras spokesman previously told the Irish Independent "obviously it takes some time and care to make changes to an arrangement that has been in place since 1938, in a way that meets public expectations while also protecting the constitutional independence of the office of the President".

However, the Aras has declined repeatedly to confirm what the report will contain and the form it will take.

During the recent campaign various candidates raised the issue of spending during the debates.

Mr Higgins repeatedly defended the accounting processes in place at the Aras and insisted robust procedures were in place to ensure expenses were vouched.

"Every single euro has been properly spent and every single euro will be accounted for," he said during the campaign.
A leading bishop has called on doctors, nurses, teachers and pharmaceutical workers to resist the new abortion regime.

He urged such professionals to stick together in their resistance to the new law.

Bishop Kevin Doran said the Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy Bill, which is before the Seanad this week, has no moral force and must be resisted. Catholics have no obligation whatsoever to obey this law, he told the Irish Independent.

He said the bishops absolutely support the right of doctors and nurses and midwives, not only not to perform abortions, but not to be required under the law to refer their patients, even though this will bring them into conflict with the law as framed.

The bishops call to people to resist the abortion law comes as GPs warned a small number of women experiencing a crisis pregnancy are now delaying going to UK clinics, and contacting doctors here to make appointments for an abortion in early January.

GPs and maternity hospitals have warned they will not be ready to start the service in just three weeks. This delay may lead to complications for some women, as abortions are safest if carried out as early as possible in a pregnancy.

Bishop Doran said while he and his fellow bishops would insist people obey a just law, in the case of the abortion legislation, he said it had "no moral force".

"We would not say that about legislation generally. We would say the fundamental pre-supposition is that citizens should always obey a just law. But this is an unjust law and therefore it has no moral force," he said.

The Irish Bishops' Conference last week issued a statement on the abortion bill, saying that, "in good conscience" it cannot be supported.

But Bishop Doran said: "We wanted to say more than just, 'It cannot be supported', because that is kind of theoretical...You can say in your head, 'I don't support that' but what are you going to do about it?"

He cited the example of the Dunnes Stores workers' boycott of South African goods and said the tradition of "constructive resistance" was well established.

He said doctors, nurses and midwives who oppose abortion should unite.

"They will have to stick together because if they don't they'll be picked off individually. But what we would be saying is that they as a substantial body [should] simply refuse to participate or to refer."

He called on teachers, not just Catholic teachers in Catholic schools, "but people of integrity who believe absolutely that this is a human being" to reflect their beliefs in their teaching.

"They can't just roll over and say 'we'll teach that it's just a cluster of cells' or 'this is OK because the law says it is OK'. You would be calling on teachers to be consistent with the truth in their teaching."

He also said people working in the pharmaceutical industry may not want to be involved in making drugs used in abortions. He said if such workers were to say they didn't want to be involved in making drugs that are designed to kill, "now that takes courage".
Almost a million turkeys will be prepared and cooked on Christmas day in Ireland.

Safefood, which issued safety advice on cooking the Christmas dinner today, says there are common pitfalls people make that can potentially poison the whole family.

Some 6pc of Irish people have reported undercooking the turkey, according to Safefood. And 7pc have forgotten to turn on the oven.

Dr Linda Gordon, Chief Specialist Food Science at safefood said: Our main concern is to avoid food poisoning, and avoid a disaster on Christmas Day, its an important meal and an expensive meal.

Planning ahead is the best way to stay on top of things in the Christmas kitchen. Last year, over 80,000 people visited the safefood website between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with the most popular searches including: how to defrost a turkey; where to store it; cooking times; whether to stuff it or not; and how to know when its properly cooked.

"hatever cooking method, timings or recipes you use, Dr Gordon added that you know your turkey is properly cooked when theres no pink meat in the thickest part of the breast and thigh, the juices run clear and the meat is piping hot throughout.

"Dont wash the turkey, wash everything that comes into contact with it but dont wash the turkey itself which can be counter-intuitive for people. Washing the turkey will just spread the bacteria in droplets that you cant see, and you can get splashes on things that havent been cooked.

Planning is key, Dr Gordon adds, and theres a simple rule to follow when stuffing your turkey.

Some years ago, Safefood did some research to see was it safe to stuff the cavity and weve found its fine in a fan-assisted oven, but if you dont have a fan-assisted oven, the centre of the bird may not get adequately cooked so you should cook the stuffing separately.

She added: The advice were giving people is to do a little bit of planning ahead, to think about how many people you have on Christmas day and for leftovers.

The main thing is to plan ahead, just think it through and plan all your timings. Plan when youre going to do your shopping, when youre going to make space for it in your fridge, and how youre going to store it in the fridge afterwards.

Leftovers should be stored in the fridge once theyve been allowed to cool down after cooking, Dr Gordon said.

Wed advise that you slice it up to make it cool down faster and portion it up then.

"Your fridge temperature should be five degrees or below. Above that, bacteria will start to grow in the food. Itll be sitting in the temperature danger zone.

We keep hot food hot, and cold food cold to make sure its not in that temperature danger zone. Above fridge temperature would be ideal for bacteria to grow. So its worth spending a few minutes carving it up.

Our website www.safefood.eu is stuffed with lots of useful resources including a turkey cooking-time-calculator, how-to videos, lots of tasty Christmas recipes. And for any last-minute questions on Christmas Day itself, our safefood Chefbot will also be available to answer questions through Facebook messenger @safefood.eu.
Around this time four years ago, Elaine Hall asked one of the hardest questions any parent will ever have to pose: "Is my child going to die?"

It took an extreme act of bravery to confront the grim reality that had just been dished up to her, when her newborn daughter, Jessica, was diagnosed with two serious heart conditions. Suddenly, the wonderful family Christmas Elaine and her husband Stephen had anticipated, following the birth of their second child, was consigned to the irrelevant file; there were now much more urgent matters to consider.

This nightmare began at the end of November 2014, when Jessica was born at Cavan General Hospital (CGH) following a normal pregnancy. "A few hours later, she developed a rash," says Elaine who was then 23 years old. "They thought she had a viral infection. They also began to suspect she had a murmur caused by a hole in her heart. But they thought it would close over in time. Nonetheless, they made an appointment for us to see a cardiologist at [Our Lady's Children's Hospital] Crumlin."

Two weeks before Christmas, Jessica was taken to the children's hospital by her mother and grandmother. There she was given echo (echocardiogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram) tests, to check the structure and rhythm of the heart. Later, she was seen by a heart specialist and a clinical specialist nurse. "We were told that Jessica had two very serious heart conditions, called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pulmonary stenosis," Elaine explains. "I was absolutely shocked and horrified. I asked if my child was going to die. They said they couldn't give us an answer, at that point."

Elaine says that when they had left home in rural Monaghan early in the morning, they had been so certain all would be well that she and her mother had planned to go Christmas shopping in Blanchardstown after the hospital appointment. Instead, Jessica was admitted to the Children's Heart Centre at Crumlin. "When something like that happens, your world just crashes around you," says Elaine. As time passed, Jessica's condition deteriorated; she wasn't feeding properly, she was lethargic and she slept a lot. Elaine was taught how to do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in case her tiny daughter's heart stopped. The infant was also given medication to try to prevent cardiac arrests.

Ten days later, Jessica was discharged from hospital. "We were delighted to have her home for Christmas," says Elaine. "It was just amazing." However, that jubilation was short-lived when, on January 2, Jessica developed mild flu-like symptoms. As they had been warned to take any signs of ill-health very, very seriously, they took her to CGH. "I thought her symptoms were so slight, they would laugh at us," says Elaine. "But from that moment on, everything exploded." Three days later, Jessica, who was now desperately ill, was rushed to Crumlin and put on life support. She didn't return home for almost a year.

Some months later, following genetic testing, she was diagnosed with Noonan syndrome. According to the HSE, this affects one in 1,000 to 5,000 people. Symptoms, which can range from very mild to severe, may include distinctive facial features, short stature, and heart defects. There was no doubt that Jessica's heart was in a bad way. "It was very worrying for us all," Elaine remembers. "Every day, the team had to battle cardiac arrests, and constant infections that nearly killed her. How they kept her alive, I'll never know. In July, her organs shut down altogether, and we were told to bring our families in to say goodbye. That wasn't the first time we were told to do that; but I never did bring them in. I was too stubborn; I wouldn't let Jessica go," she says. During this particular crisis, Elaine didn't see her four-year-old son Daniel for four whole weeks. "Even though he was with his two amazing grannies, who love him very much, he must have felt absolutely shattered," she says.

Eventually, Jessica was put on the list for a heart transplant to be done at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London. Early one morning some months later, Elaine finally got the call. "I jumped when I saw it was a UK number," she remembers. "When they told me a possible donor heart had been identified, I ran bawling down to ICU to tell them; but they already knew, and were busy getting Jessica ready." And so began a logistical challenge of epic proportions to get Jessica, who was still on a ventilator, into a plane at Baldonnel Aerodrome.

Photographs of the transfer reveal what looks like a mobile operating theatre, sitting on the runway, and about to be taken into the belly of the plane. Somewhere within all that paraphernalia, lay little Jessica, who was massively bloated by her heart condition. She was supported by a full medical team, who by lunchtime, had delivered her safely into the capable hands of staff at Great Ormond Street. However, as the hours crawled by, Elaine and Stephen's nerves became more and more tattered. Eventually, the transplant was given the go-ahead. "We were in total shock," Elaine says. "It was all so surreal."

The operation took nine hours. "We got to see her briefly at 1am, when we witnessed her new heart beating," says Elaine. "It was absolutely unbelievable." Two weeks later, Jessica was flown back to Dublin, still on life support. A week later, she was taken off the ventilator at Crumlin, and has thrived ever since.

In November 2016, the Halls held a big family gathering, to celebrate not only Jessica's christening, but also the generosity of her donor. "Thanks to them, Jessica is now full of life," Elaine says. "She just loves hugs and kisses and is a happy wee girl, in spite of all she's gone through."

Elaine says she will never forget the Herculean efforts made by the staff at Crumlin, especially Dr Orla Franklin, a paediatric cardiologist, and Helene Murchan, a clinical specialist nurse. "Helene and Orla went way beyond what could be expected," Elaine says. "Stephen was also an absolute rock during that year at Crumlin. All our Christmases now are magical."

Elaine has a festive wish: "Now I fully understand the unbelievable importance of organ donation in saving children's lives. I would urge everyone, of whatever age, to become an organ donor."

CMRF Crumlin fundraises for Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin and the National Children's Research Centre. For more information, see cmrf.org

For organ donor cards, contact the Irish Kidney Association which distributes cards for all types of organ donation. Tel: (01) 620-5306, or see ika.ie
You might hate Monday, but you'll love our weekly pick of Ireland's top travel offers...

115pp: Post-Christmas pampering

Early January can be a cracking time for hotel deals. Inchydoney Lodge Hotel & Spa has a Nollaig na Mban special on January 6, for example, including B&B, a gin cocktail and afternoon tea from 115pp. Another 'Soul Serenity' weekend at Westport's Knockranny House from January 18-19 includes two nights' B&B, a spa treatment, and yoga session from 209pp. inchydoneyisland.com; knockrannyhousehotel.ie.

236pp: Five-star luxury in Rome

ClickAndGo.com has a three-night city break in the Eternal City departing Monday, February 25, from 236pp. It includes flights and accommodation at the five-star Navona Palace in the heart of the city. 01 902-6708; clickandgo.com.

389pp: Christmas on the slopes

Escape with a ski holiday this Christmas? Navan Travel has a seven-night trip to Austria departing December 22 from 389pp. It includes flights, transfers and seven nights at the 2-star Soll Pensions Hotel on a B&B basis from 389pp (don't forget that lift passes and ski hire cost extra). 046 906-8600; travalue.ie; itaa.ie/offers.

559pp: Orlando in October

Capitalising on low fares with BA and American Airlines next October, Cassidy Travel has a 14-night trip to Orlando from 559pp, based on a family of four sharing. Accommodation is in the three-star Avanti Resort. 01 626-5100; cassidytravel.ie.

760pp: Taster Cruise

Want to try a cruise without committing to a whole week? Sunway has a three night cruise on MSC Bellissima departing March 12. The trip includes three nights on board and two nights in Barcelona, with flights, from 760pp. 01 231-1800; sunway.ie.

PS. Exclusive holiday discounts

Have you seen Independent Discounts? The site has a host of special offers and discount codes, with travel brands ranging from Aer Lingus to ClickAndGo.com, Irish Ferries and Expedia.ie. This week, offers include up to 500 off January bookings per couple with TUI. See discountcode.independent.ie/travel-accommodation.

NB: All travel deals subject to availability/change.
Barring Santa Claus arriving early in the Westminster Parliament, accompanied by a reincarnated Elvis Presley, Theresa May's efforts to get ratification tomorrow for her UK-EU divorce deal are doomed.

So already the talk has moved to uncertain scenarios around what happens next. Reality is, dear reader, your guess is as good as anyone else's. But let's sample eight separate scenarios around which current speculation is turning.

1. Theresa May defies all odds and wins: This is about as likely as the inter-pub team from 'Houlihan's Select Lounge and Grill' beating the Manchester United first 11. But, if there was a crazy sum game outcome of rival forces cancelling each other out, it would be to Ireland's great joy.

Threats of a hard Border would seriously recede - and there would be up to two years of breathing space to sort out the EU-UK future relations, securing Ireland's lucrative trade with the UK for now.

2. The EU is called to deliver a post-midnight rescue: If Mrs May survived the most fundamental policy reverse delivered to any post-war UK leader, she would very probably appeal to the EU for help to put her crocked deal back into play. Brussels diplomats insist the main Brexit Withdrawal Agreement cannot be reopened.

Otherwise the French would demand more concessions on fish, the Spanish would be back on the Gibraltar case, and so on, across the 27 remaining EU states.

But more EU political guarantees would very probably be advanced on a political declaration framing upcoming talks on a future EU-UK relationship. This could well include a specific assurance that everyone wants to avoid using the Irish backstop and would instead seriously bid for a better arrangement on future EU-UK trade.

3. A second Westminster vote: This might follow from any such EU placations. Chances of success second time around might be increased by a huge amount of money market turmoil. But let's not forget that MP opponents of this deal, on both the Brexiteer and Remain sides, insist right now that they need changes to the main agreement. The EU insists this is not possible.

Everyone on the EU side is adamant the main treaty is untouchable. This one could involve more brinkmanship and the Irish negotiators, who have done well up to now, will need to watch these closely. It took forever for the Irish to get the Border some prominence - now it's the key issue.

4. Change of prime minister or change of government: Failure for Mrs May would see her out the door of 10 Downing Street in any other circumstance. Uncertainty about even that prospect tells us much about the strange political times in contemporary Britain.

Labour is determined to move a no-confidence vote in Mrs May if and when she fails to pilot through her Brexit deal.

The Democratic Unionist Party, propping up Mrs May's minority government, and her own rebel party members, must then decide. Do they want Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to lead? Are they ready for an early election? But the war may well be within the Conservative Party with a leadership challenge. At best this could take several weeks to play out, fuelling continuing uncertainty.

5. Another election: The importance of the 2011 Fixed Term Parliaments Act is often missed by people on this side of the water. It effectively means an early election requires the support of two-thirds of MPs. Tories and the DUP do not appear keen on going that road. Brexit was not a big theme in the last election in June 2017 which proved such a disaster for Mrs May.

But it would be centre stage in any election now. Everything is so volatile that another election is as likely an outcome as any other despite the legal obstacles.

6. A second Brexit referendum: Unthinkable up to even last week, this notion is gaining ground. But that option opens several other cans of worms.

For a start, it would take four to six months to organise. Given the backwash of rows and litigation which followed the 2016 Brexit mark one vote, the Electoral Commission insists that proper registration of canvass groups and full supervision of their finances must be in place and will take time.

Then there would be squabbling about the wording(s) to be put before voters. Would it be a straight "Leave/Remain" or should it deal with the EU-UK exit terms?

Remain sentiment has grown since last time - but an outcome remains uncertain. Ireland re-ran EU referendums twice, in 2001/2002 on the EU Nice Treaty; and 2008/2009 on the Lisbon Treaty. But we are more used to referendums and the issues were far less divisive.

A second vote is only likely if Labour finally backs it. That would mean Labour failed to get its favoured option of a general election. Either another referendum or a Brexit-themed general election would require EU unanimous agreement to extend the Brexit deadline. An extension would probably be granted, but must not be taken for granted. The other EU governments would have to know there was a real chance of a resolution of one kind or another, and given the experience of the past two years, that could be problematic.

7. Norway or Canada or some such: This is the point where the UK politicians turn to other deals that are not actually on offer, right now at any rate. The arrangements with Canada and Norway offer preferential access to EU markets.

Norway twice almost joined the EU but its voters, emboldened by oil riches, rejected the idea in 1972 and 1994. Norway is part of the so-called European Economic Area, which offers many advantages. But Norway allows free movement of people, which is a major flashpoint for British voters who were motivated to back Brexit over immigration fears. It would require more negotiations and delays.

8. No deal or crash-out: This is everybody's nightmare. It would wreak economic havoc in Britain and probably something worse in Ireland. For a start a crash-out would put the kibosh on the Border backstop and the transition period, up to the end of 2020 or more likely 2021, which Irish and all other EU businesses need for breathing space.

It is a real prospect if a deal is not ratified by the Brexit deadline of 11pm Dublin time on March 29 next. There is little appetite for such an outcome among all bar a few Brexit fanatics in England, and we mean England, not Britain. But it could be hard to avoid if wiser politicians do not act in time.

Finally, there is the least likely notion of all that political paralysis in the UK could lead to "No Brexit".
President Donald Trump risks reviving the strife and turf battles that characterised his West Wing before Chief of Staff John Kelly's arrival, after announcing on Saturday that the retired Marine general would depart by the end of the year.

Kelly's authority, drawn from more than 40 years in the military, helped him tamp down infighting that broke out between factions of Trump's administration almost from the day he took office. In his absence, some White House aides fear that senior officials and Cabinet members may once again seek to fill the vacuum.

Trump said he'll name a successor within days. The most likely replacement is Vice President Mike Pence's top aide Nick Ayers, a young political operative who's largely kept Pence out of the daily drumbeat of drama that's been a hallmark of Trump's presidency.

But for Trump, the job of chief of staff is almost the opposite - how to maintain order under a boss who always seeks to be the story, often through his Twitter feed. Kelly gave up trying to control Trump's tweets, and his most notable success was breaking up warring factions and limiting unscheduled visitors to the Oval Office.

Ayers, who already has West Wing detractors, may struggle to keep those forces at bay.

The political stakes for the White House are rising, as Democrats take control of the House and federal prosecutors inch closer toward implicating the president in crimes related to his election.

Ayers, a 36-year-old with a boy band-style mop of blonde hair and a soothing southern drawl, lacks the respect and authority of Kelly, a 68-year-old Marine combat veteran, retired four-star general and former Cabinet member.

The Trump White House remains full of strong personalities. National Security Adviser John Bolton is renowned as a brutal bureaucratic infighter. Economic adviser Larry Kudlow and trade adviser Peter Navarro are both skilled at pursuing their personal agendas. Senior advisers Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner enjoy blood ties with the president.

Ayers may find it even harder to assert himself if he's appointed on an interim basis. Trump and Ayers have discussed the job for weeks and Ayers, who would like to return to his home state of Georgia by the end of the school year, has asked to serve in a brief transitional role, people familiar with the matter said. Trump wants a two-year commitment.

Ayers will enter his new job with a target on his back, said one White House aide who asked not to be identified. New factions may quickly form to try to counter his power. Others consider him a professional peer, not a superior from whom they'd take orders, and resent him as brash and presumptuous. Further, he's regarded sceptically in some quarters for an earlier career as a political consultant in which he attained considerable wealth.

Ayers's chief advantage, from the president's perspective, is that he possesses political savvy that Kelly lacked, just as the White House begins to shift focus to Trump's re-election. The president's team is simultaneously girding to deal with the Democratic-led House of Representatives, pass a replacement for the Nafta trade accord with Mexico and Canada, and wage political warfare over Special Counsel Robert Mueller's expected report.

People in the White House who support Ayers say he's smart and respected for his management of Pence's office.

Before Kelly's arrival, the White House was overrun by factions jockeying for power and an Oval Office with a revolving door for Trump's cast of outside advisers. Kelly put an end to much of that.

With Kelly's departure, the West Wing also loses one of the few remaining staffers who felt unafraid to give Trump honest advice even at the risk of being fired, said one former White House official.

Kelly primarily accepted the post out of a sense of duty and didn't need to worry about his future earning potential. Ayers will have to keep in mind his long-term career prospects.
No Nollaig: RTE presenter Ryan Tubridy and little helper Lauren Cronje, from Dublin, launch the 2018 Christmas Stamp collection from An Post

An Open Letter to An Post...

When I see the new crop of 'Christmas' stamps each year, I am reminded of earlier anti-smoking advertisements on bus shelters.

The message showed young people getting ready for a night out, with an ashtray placed among the make-up, with the message: "It's all not worth it if you smoke."

Each year since 2016, when An Post for some unknown reason let the ancient Irish word 'Nollaig' gently slide from its stamps into oblivion, the quality and meaning of the stamps have steadily deteriorated.

No matter what new attempts since then have been made to keep the stamps relevant, whether this means new competitions for designs, new colours, etc, they just look as if something is missing. In fact, it's a glaring omission.

The word Nollaig has made our stamps unique in the world and is immediately recognised by all those generations who grew up with this comfortable and meaningful symbol of our Christmas. It all means nothing without the word Nollaig.

It is again an embarrassment to send these baubles of 'happy holidays' around the world; they have become bland postal tokens of infantile proportions without the magic of Nollaig.

My question to An Post is, why? Why have you taken the most meaningful part of any Christmas stamp away?

For the third year in a row, An Post has attempted to pass off these sad stickers as being somehow related to Christmas. For the third year in a row, I will not be buying them.

Sean O Broin

Cluain Dolcain, Baile Atha Cliath 22

Abortion legislation must not be rushed through

The Government plans to introduce a new GP-led abortion service in January. However, there is no provision for the introduction of a free universal contraceptive service in Ireland.

This is a classic case of putting the cart before the horse. Surely at least as much effort and money should be put into preventing unwanted pregnancies by a free comprehensive family planning education campaign and free contraception to all women?

GPs are to be paid 450 for three visits to terminate a pregnancy. However, GPs receive 250 to provide comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care for a pregnant woman and her newborn, which can involve approximately eight visits to the GP's surgery. This highlights the chronic underfunding of antenatal care in Ireland. It can't be right that a doctor gets paid almost twice as much to terminate a pregnancy than to support it.

Health Minister Simon Harris needs to seriously review these issues before rushing through this new legislation.

Dr David Buckley, Dr Karen Soffe, Dr Kevin Ryle. Dr Kate Vernon.

The Ashe Street Clinic, Tralee, Co Kerry

If Tories threaten food shortage, simply buy Irish

Former British international development secretary Priti Patel's pomposity in floating the possibility of food shortages in Ireland post-Brexit ('Fury at Tory's call to threaten Ireland with food shortage', Irish Independent, December 8) in an attempt at blackmailing the Irish Government to reconsider its position on the backstop and is as pathetic as it is predictable.

Of course, this is not the first time our closest neighbours have used food shortages as a political lever against Ireland. Ms Patel's bullying should act as an added incentive for all of us on this island to support outlets that afford us the option of buying Irish produce, thereby lessening our dependency on imports from abroad.

Tom Cooper

Templeogue, Dublin 6W

My fabulous new life as an over-50s social influencer

As a man in the autumn of life, I know it's never too late to learn new things. With 2018 reaching a close, I can add 'social influencer' to my personal lexicon.

In the interest of research, I set out to discover what this species contributes to humanity and the body of knowledge.

My simple discovery was that these types awake on a random morning and, while gazing in the bathroom mirror, a sort of message from on high descends upon them with the simple invocation: "You're fabulous and your life is fascinating."

They then set about acquiring a 'following' by shamelessly promoting themselves and lots of products on these vehicles for self-promotion called blogs. At no point in the process do they need to pass an exam, seek the approval of an editor or acquire any discernible talent. No, they themselves have come to a self-realisation that their life holds an endless fascination for the rest of us.

So my new year's resolution is to become a social influencer for the over-50s. I intend to run my blog from the comfort of my living-room chair and spout an endless amount of bilge and dross, interlaced with words like 'fabulous' and 'brilliant'.

I will surround myself shamelessly with products of every description. On each arm will be cradled large bottles of my favourite tipple. I will stuff my face with every food product a discount store could offer. I will wax lyrical about all the wonderful destinations I intend visiting.

When the money rolls in, I will become a darling of the media and my opinions will be sought on everything from Brexit to bread. Yes, what a 'fabulous' 2019 lies ahead for me.

We live in strange times.

Billy O'Riordan

Clonmel, Co Tipperary

New thinking required to solve modern problems

The protests in France should not be seen as an isolated event. In this age of globalisation and complexity, we are grappling with a world riven with violence, poverty, hunger and intractable political, social, economic, religious, cultural and environmental problems.

These issues are becoming less amenable to outdated, top-down and state interventions and governments operating at macro-level. They demand new thinking from the institutions that govern us to put people's needs at their heart.

Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob

London, UK

No need for any bleep in 'A Fairytale of New York'

How about: "Ya scumbag, ya maggot, ya cheap lousy bundle of sticks"?

Robert Sullivan

Bantry, Co Cork
English actress Carey Mulligan poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

French model Cindy Bruna poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

Danish model Josephine Skriver-Karlsen poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

US model Martha Hunt poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

Dutch model Doutzen Kroes poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

Czech model Eva Herzigova poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

British-US model Arizona Muse poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

English model Georgia May Jagger poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

Canadian model Winnie Harlow poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

Irish writer Sinead Burke poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018

US model Kendall Jenner poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London on December 10, 2018.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on stage during The Fashion Awards 2018 In Partnership With Swarovski at Royal Albert Hall on December 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/BFC/Getty Images)

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Rosamund Pike on stage during The Fashion Awards 2018 In Partnership With Swarovski at Royal Albert Hall on December 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/BFC/Getty Images)

Meghan Markle made her most daring maternity fashion moment yet at the British Fashion Awards in London.

Britain's Duchess of Sussex was a surprise guest at the most exclusive night in the UK's fashion industry, honouring some of the biggest names from around the world. The 37-year-old, expecting her first child with husband Prince Harry, appeared on stage to celebrate Clare Waight Keller, the creative director of Givenchy who designed her wedding dress, and has become her preferred designer in recent months.

"It is such an honor to be here celebrating British fashion and British fashion designers in my new home of the UK," she told the shocked audience.

Expand Close Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on stage during The Fashion Awards 2018 In Partnership With Swarovski at Royal Albert Hall on December 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/BFC/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on stage during The Fashion Awards 2018 In Partnership With Swarovski at Royal Albert Hall on December 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/BFC/Getty Images)

Keller was similarly full of praise for the new royal, saying: I got to know Meghan on such a personal level. To have someone like that trust you in an incredible moment in their life is something that is just the most unbelievable honor.

"I cant thank you enough because it was the most beautiful moment."

All eyes were on her growing baby bump, which she proudly cradled, in a bespoke black asymmetric gown, fittingly by Givenchy.

The awards honoured the creme de la creme of designers, models and rising stars in the industry, including campaigner and British Vogue contributor editor Sinead Burke, from Dublin.

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Victoria and David Beckham led the A-list guestlist, alongside supermodels Kate Moss, Doutzen Kroes, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Winnie Harlow. Actresses Penelope Cruz, Uma Thurman and Liv Tyler were also among the crowd.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses delegates during the opening session of a UN Migration Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco (Mosaab Elshamy/AP)

Germanys Chancellor Angela Merkel has said a UN accord on migration is about nothing less than the foundation of our international co-operation.

Mrs Merkel, who welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees from places like Syria and Afghanistan to her country, hailed an important day after more than 160 countries approved the first Global Compact for Migration at a United Nations conference in Marrakesh, Morocco.

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She pointed to the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights being celebrated also on Monday, saying human rights apply to every person on our planet.

Mrs Merkel also inveighed against dangers posed by people smugglers, saying they could not be allowed to control borders.

She received a standing ovation after ending her speech by saying the United Nations was founded on the embers of the Second World War, and alluded to the incredible suffering on humankind wrought by the Nazi regime.
Indian paramilitary spokesman Sanjay Sharma said the three militants were killed on the outskirts of Srinagar. Stock image

Indian troops killed three rebels on the outskirts of disputed Kashmir's main city yesterday, ending a nearly 18-hour-long gun battle, officials said.

Indian paramilitary spokesman Sanjay Sharma said the three militants were killed on the outskirts of Srinagar. Two counterinsurgency police officials and a soldier were wounded, he said.

Mr Sharma said Indian troops had surrounded a neighbourhood on Saturday on a tip that militants were hiding there. As the troops began conducting searches, militants opened gunfire, triggering intense fighting in which three combatants were killed, he said.

Police identified one of the slain militants as a teenage boy who had joined rebel ranks in August.

The fighting sparked anti-India protests and clashes as residents tried to march to the site of the battle. Government forces fired warning shots, shotgun pellets and tear gas at the stone-throwing protesters. At least five people were injured in the clashes, police and residents said.

Residents said government forces blasted at least five houses with explosives during the fighting, a common tactic employed by Indian troops during counterinsurgency operations in Kashmir.

Rebels have been fighting Indian control since 1989. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, a charge Pakistan denies.
The brother of British backpacker Grace Millane has paid tribute after police found what they believe to be her body near a beauty spot on the outskirts of Auckland, New Zealand.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard, of Auckland City Police, said formal identification was yet to take place, although "based on the evidence we have gathered over the past few days we expect that this is Grace".

A 26-year-old man has been charged with the murder of the 22-year-old and is due to appear at Auckland District Court today.

Declan Millane shared pictures on social media of him and his sister and added the lyrics of 'You Are My Sunshine'.

Detectives said they had identified a "location of interest" after the investigation led them to a spot on Scenic Drive, a country road about 20km west of the city centre, on Saturday night.

Mr Beard said investigators had "located a body which we believe to be Grace" about 10 metres from the roadside.

"Obviously this brings the search for Grace to an end. It is an unbearable time for the Millane family and our hearts go out to them," he said.

The spot where police found the body is in the vicinity of the Waitakere Reservoir and dam, a beauty spot with hiking trails.

Mr Beard said investigators were analysing a red Toyota Corolla hatchback hire car as part of the probe.

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm on December 1, the day before her birthday, at the CityLife Hotel in central Auckland, when she was seen with a "male companion".
The British Foreign Office is providing support to a group of British nationals after four teenagers and their teacher were reportedly sexually assaulted in Ghana.

According to The Sun, four girls aged between 16 and 17 and their teacher were sexually assaulted at gunpoint on Saturday during a school trip to the country.

The victims were reportedly attacked by a man with a rifle, and a Ghanaian security guard was shot and seriously injured after trying to stop the attack on Saturday night.

The victims, who were staying in guesthouses whilst on a volunteering trip, have now returned to the UK, according to the report.

A British Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are providing support to several British nationals following an incident in the Greater Accra area and are in close contact with the local authorities.

"This is a live police inquiry. We do not comment on ongoing investigations."
A youth accused of the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl has opted not to give evidence in his defence.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told the 16-year-old defendant, who denies killing Viktorija Sokolova, has been advised the jury may draw "such inferences as appear proper" from his failure to testify.

The Crown alleges the teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, used "horrific" levels of violence to murder Viktorija before leaving her partially clothed body on a park bench.

In the third week of the boy's trial, defence QC Adam Kane said some formal evidence would be presented to the court on Tuesday on the defendant's behalf.

After Mr Kane told Mr Justice Jeremy Baker the defendant would not be called into the witness box, the trial judge asked: "Have you advised him that the stage has now been reached at which he may give evidence, and if he chooses not to do so the jury may draw such inferences as appear proper from his failure to do so?"

Mr Kane replied: "Yes I have, my lord."

Jurors were then sent away until Tuesday, when they are expected to hear closing speeches in the case, before being sent out to consider verdicts later this week.

Prosecutors allege the youth, who denies murder, rape and sexual penetration of a corpse, killed Viktorija in West Park, Wolverhampton, where her body was found by a dog walker on April 12.
The new leader of Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) has outlined plans to change the party's migrant policies before next year's European election, signalling she could break with her mentor Angela Merkel's liberal approach.

The conservative party elected Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to replace Ms Merkel as its leader on Friday, making her frontrunner to become the next chancellor of Germany.

However, the narrow win over the more conservative Friedrich Merz exposed splits in Germany's biggest party, which she must try to close before next May's vote for the European Parliament and four state elections in 2019.

One of the deepest divisions is over migrant policy.

"I want to convene a 'workshop discussion' on migration and security with experts and critics of migrant and refugee policies to work on concrete improvements," Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer told 'Bild am Sonntag'. "Our programme for the European election will build on these results."

Ms Merkel's 2015 open-door approach eroded her popularity and led to losses in regional elections, culminating in her October decision to stand down as party leader. She aims to stay on as chancellor until the next federal vote in 2021.

While Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer was less critical of Ms Merkel's migrant policy than her rivals in the leadership contest, she has argued that migrants must learn German and those with a criminal record cannot stay. But she has stressed the CDU must not dwell too long on the issue.
Italian police investigating a deadly disco stampede said they found a pepper spray can and were questioning dozens of witnesses yesterday following accounts by concertgoers that a teenage boy had sprayed an irritating substance, triggering the mad rush by the crowd to flee.

It wasn't known if the can found was the one whose spray apparently set off the stampede at about 1am Saturday in a crowd awaiting a rapper's performance in the Lanterna Azzurra (Blue Lantern) disco in Corinaldo, a small town in the Marche region of east-central Italy, the Carabiniere paramilitary police commander of Ancona province, Colonel Cristian Carrozza, told reporters.

He also declined to confirm Italian media reports that a 16-year-old boy had been identified as the sprayer and would be questioned by juvenile court officials.

Five teens, all juveniles, and a woman who had accompanied her 11-year-old daughter to the concert, died in the crush of fleeing concertgoers who toppled over a railing atop a cement ramp outside an exit. The railing gave way, sending young people tumbling over it and landing atop of each other in the area below the ramp, about 1.5 meters below.

On Saturday, prosecutors and Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini told reporters that nearly 1,400 tickets had been sold, while the disco could safely hold only 870 people, with the capacity of the room of the concert itself set at about 460.

Yesterday, Col Carrozza said a count of ticket stubs indicated about 600 tickets were used for entry. It was unclear if others might have gotten in without having tickets checked by disco personnel.

One of the DJs, Marco Cecchini, told reporters he was sure that more than just one room of the disco was open, in addition to the one with the 460-person capacity.

"I've done 40-50 evenings in that place, and, sincerely, there weren't so many people. I'd estimate maybe 800-900 people, but all the rooms were open," the Italian news agency ANSA quoted Mr Cecchini, who is the son of one of the disco's managers, as saying.

Seven of the more than 50 people injured in the stampede remained in critical condition yesterday while the remaining patients were either already discharged or about to be discharged after their condition improved.
A protester with Macron clear off written on his back at a motorway toll booth near Marseille. Photo: Sylvain Thomas/AFP/Getty

France's finance minister has warned that the country's worst street protests in decades were "an economic disaster" as burned-out cars and debris were cleared from the streets of Paris and other cities yesterday.

"It's a catastrophe for trade. It's a catastrophe for our economy," said Bruno Le Maire, a conservative serving under Emmanuel Macron, the embattled centrist president who came to power last year promising to modernise France with sweeping pro-business reforms.

Mr Le Maire promised that the state and insurance companies would foot the repair bill. Tax payments due at the end of the year will be postponed for retailers whose shops were ransacked only two weeks before Christmas, he said.

Dozens of cars were torched in Paris on Saturday as protesters roared "Macron resign". Clashes also broke out in Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon and Toulouse during the fourth consecutive weekend of protests.

Mr Macron will reportedly meet representatives of trade unions, employers' organisations and associations of local elected officials today.

The meeting, due to take place at 10am local time, is designed to "bring together all the political, territorial, economic and social forces at these difficult times for the nation, in order to hear their voices and proposals with a view to mobilise them into action," a source told AFP.

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Tourism has suffered a blow, with Paris hotel bookings over Christmas and New Year, normally a busy period, down by at least 20pc. Emmanuel Gregoire, deputy mayor of Paris, said the damage to property was worse than in the previous weekend's riots.

"The protests spread over a much larger area, so many more places were hit," he said. But there was less violence thanks to an increase in police numbers and more efficient tactics. Officers swiftly detained hooligans, arresting more than 1,700, a record for a single day in post-war France.

Jean-Yves Le Drian, the foreign minister, rebuked Donald Trump for a provocative tweet in which he appeared to back the protesters and claimed without any evidence they were chanting his name on the streets of Paris.

"We do not take part in domestic American politics and we want that to be reciprocated," Mr Le Drian said.

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Thousands of 'yellow vest' protesters continued blockading petrol stations and barricaded roads across the country yesterday. They oppose fuel tax rises but ministers say it has been hijacked by "ultra-violent" protesters.

Thomas Lebrun, a 62-year-old pensioner, demonstrating near Vierzon, in central France, said: "We won't stop until our demands are met. We want action not words."

The increasingly unpopular president is expected to make a televised address to the nation today or tomorrow. Under fire for remaining silent for the past week, Mr Macron's approval ratings have plunged to record lows of below 20pc.

With critics accusing him of being arrogant and remote, he faces an enormous challenge in trying to win back public support. He has already scrapped increases in "green" taxes on fuel, but the protesters want further concessions such as tax cuts for people on low incomes and tax increases for businesses.

Such measures would mark a humiliating U-turn for the president, who has been trying to attract foreign investors and entice banks and finance companies to relocate from London to Paris by offering tax breaks.
Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, another executive and the carmaker itself have been charged by prosecutors in Tokyo with under-reporting income.

The charges imposed on Monday involve allegations Ghosns pay was under-reported by about five billion yen (34 million) over five years.

The prosecutors had said earlier that the allegations were behind Ghosns November 19 arrest.

They added a new set of allegations on Monday against Ghosn and another executive, Greg Kelly, of under-reporting another four billion yen (28 million) for more recent years.

Nissan as a company was not mentioned in the latest allegations.

In Japan, a company can be charged with wrongdoing.

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Some kind of action by the prosecutors had been expected because the detention period allowed for the allegations disclosed earlier was to end on Monday.

Kelly, 62, is suspected of having collaborated with Ghosn.

Kellys lawyer in the US said he is asserting his innocence.

Ghosn has not commented.

He has been ousted as Nissan chairman and Kelly lost his representative director title following their arrests, but they both remain on the board.

Ghosn, 64, was sent to Nissan by its partner Renault SA of France in 1999 and led a dramatic turnaround of the near-bankrupt Japanese carmaker.

But Ghosns star-level pay drew attention since executives in Japan tend to be paid far less than their international counterparts.

Only Ghosns lawyers and embassy officials from Lebanon, France and Brazil, where he has citizenship, have been allowed to visit him.

Nissan said in a statement: Nissan takes this situation extremely seriously. Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissans public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret.

The statement said Nissan would work to improve its corporate governance and compliance, including making accurate disclosures of corporate information.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission said it had filed criminal complaints against Ghosn, Nissan and Kelly.

A commission official said on Monday that Nissan, Ghosn and Kelly were suspected of falsifying reports on millions of dollars worth of Ghosns income.
CCTV image issued by Auckland City Police of Briton Grace Millane, 22, at the Sky City centre in Auckland on Saturday evening. Photo: Auckland City Police/PA Wire.

Grace Millane, 22, who is missing in New Zealand. Photo: Auckland City Police/PA Wire.

Undated photo issued by the Lucie Blackman Trust of 22-year-old British backpacker, Grace Millane, who is missing in New Zealand Lucie Blackman Trust /PA Wire

The man accused of murdering British backpacker Grace Millane was jeered in court as his identity was revealed publicly for the first time.

Jesse Kempson (26) was called a scumbag by a heckler in the public gallery during his first appearance before a judge at Auckland's District Court in New Zealand, according to The Telegraph.

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Kemspon, who has been charged with murder, appeared in a blue boiler suit and sat close to the family of his alleged victim, whose body was found dumped in woodland close to a busy road on Sunday.

It emerged that he left a comment underneath one of Ms Millane's Facebook pictures calling her: "Beautiful very radiant" (sic) just 11 minutes before she was last seen.

Kempson looked at the judge for most of the 90 minutes he was in court, nodding that he understood when spoken to, his eyes only occasionally flicking towards the cameras on the other side of the court.

His next appearance will be in the High Court on January 23.

Ms Millane, 22, went missing from a hostel in Auckland on December 1 and a body was found in the Waitakere Ranges on Sunday.

New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern has given an emotional apology to the family of British backpacker Grace Millane, saying: "Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasn't, and I'm sorry for that."

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Speaking to reporters about the death, Ms Ardern said: "I cannot imagine the grief of her family and what they would be experiencing and feeling right now.

"My thoughts and prayers are with her father David, who is in the country, her mother Gillian, who cannot be here, and her wider family, friends and loved ones.

"From the Kiwis I have spoken to, there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality, on our manaakitanga (a Maori term meaning kindness and generosity) especially to those who are visiting our shores."

Appearing to become choked with emotion, the PM added: "So on behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Grace's family.

"Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasn't, and I'm sorry for that."

Earlier on Monday in court, Judge Evangelos Thomas told members of the Millane family, who were in court: "Your grief must be desperate.

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"All of us hope justice for Grace is fair, swift and ultimately brings you some peace."

Documents submitted to the court suggested police believe the University of Lincoln graduate was killed between December 1 and 2, her birthday.

A charge sheet also listed Kempson as living at the hotel where she was last seen alive.

Detectives said they had identified a "location of interest" after the investigation led them to a spot on Scenic Drive, a country road about 12 miles west of the city centre, on Saturday night.

Speaking at the scene on Sunday afternoon, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said investigators had "located a body which we believe to be Grace" about 10 metres from the roadside.

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm on December 1, the day before her birthday, at the Citylife Hotel, when she was seen with a "male companion".

Since arriving in New Zealand from Peru on November 20, she had been in near-daily contact with her family.

Police received a missing person report on Wednesday and began a major search and public campaign that saw dozens of calls made to a helpline.

Ms Millane's father, David Millane, flew to Auckland and made a public appeal for help finding his daughter, who he described as "lovely, outgoing, fun-loving (and) family-orientated".

Her brother, Declan Millane, paid tribute by sharing pictures on social media of him and his sister, adding the lyrics of You Are My Sunshine.

He wrote on Instagram: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."
Yemen's warring parties held the first direct talks in UN-led peace efforts in Sweden yesterday to iron out a prisoner swap, one of several confidence-building measures intended to help launch a political process to end nearly four years of conflict.

Since talks began last Thursday, UN officials have been shuttling between delegations from the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

The first negotiations in over two years were convened amid pressure from Western nations, some of which supply arms and intelligence to Saudi Arabia and other members of the coalition. The war in Yemen has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a major humanitarian disaster.

Mediator Martin Griffiths opened the new round due to last until Thursday by announcing a deal to release thousands of prisoners.

The team from Mr Hadi's government initially refused to enter the room, saying the Houthis needed to include more senior delegates, but the meeting went ahead, delegates said.

"We are very optimistic about having a breakthrough on the prisoners issue. We have exchanged some lists in the past but each side needs to update them," said Askar Ahmed Zayl, a delegate from Mr Hadi's government.

Positives

The parties have yet to agree on trickier issues such as reopening Sanaa airport and a truce in the port city of Hodeidah, both held by the Houthis, both further confidence-building measures that are the focus of the talks.

"We have three or four days. If we end up without any agreement then this round has failed," the Houthi's main negotiator Mohammed Abdusalam said. "But if we have a draft on some general framework, the reopening of Sanaa airport, the prisoners release, keeping the central bank neutral and a de-escalation in Hodeidah; then this will be a good step to hold another round in one or two months."

Mr Griffiths praised the parties' "positive spirit" in engaging constructively and urged for calm on the ground in Yemen, where sporadic battles have continued in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah and other parts of the country.
A top executive of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei awaiting an extradition hearing in Canada is seeking bail because of "severe hypertension and fears for her health".

Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou is fighting to be released on bail after she was arrested on December 1 in Canada at the request of the United States.

Ms Meng (46) faces US accusations she covered up her company's links to a firm that tried to sell equipment to Iran despite sanctions, a Canadian prosecutor said on Friday, arguing against giving her bail while she awaits extradition to the United States.

In a sworn affidavit, Meng said she was innocent of the allegations and would contest them at trial in the US if she was sent there.

Ms Meng also said she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained.

China has strongly criticised her detention and demanded her immediate release. The arrest has alarmed global markets amid worries it could torpedo possible thawing of trade tensions between the US and China.

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In a bail application seeking her release pending an extradition hearing, Ms Meng said she has long-standing ties to Vancouver dating back at least 15 years, as well as significant property holdings in the city.

Her family also sought leave to remain in Vancouver if she was granted bail, according to the court documents, with her husband saying he plans to bring the couple's daughter to Vancouver to attend school during the duration of the trial.

The Huawei CFO said she was not a flight risk and had "long-standing ties" and "significant property holdings" in Vancouver, according to Canadian court documents.

Relations between the US and China had seemed to improve last week at the G-20 summit in Argentina, where President Donald Trump announced he had reached an important agreement with President Xi Jinping.

However, hope that tensions over trade policy would soften were dealt a blow when US authorities asked Canada to arrest the chief financial officer of one of China's largest tech companies for alleged sanctions fraud and violations of US export controls. News of the arrest also shook stock markets globally last week.

The developments come as China summoned the US ambassador to Beijing yesterday to protest the detention of Ms Meng and demanded Washington cancel an order for her arrest.

The official Xinhua News Agency said Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng "lodged solemn representations and strong protests" with Ambassador Terry Branstad against the detention of Ms Meng.

The Xinhua report quoted Mr Le as calling Ms Meng's detention "extremely egregious" and demanded the US vacate an order for her arrest.

It quoted Mr Le as calling for the US to "immediately correct its wrong actions" and said it would take further steps based on Washington's response. The move followed the summoning of Canadian Ambassador John McCallum on Saturday over Ms Meng's detention and a similar protest warning of "grave consequences" if she is not released.

The Canadian province of British Columbia said in a statement yesterday it cancelled a trade mission to China because of Ms Meng's detention. The announcement came amid fears China could detail Canadians in retaliation.

Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and has been the target of deepening US security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government.

The US has pressured European countries and other allies to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information.
Jared Kusher: US officials were wary of his contacts with the crown prince. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser, reportedly offered private counselling to Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, on "how to weather the storm" after the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Three former senior officials told the 'New York Times' they had long feared that Mr Kushner's informal conversations with the prince made him susceptible to manipulation.

The White House has reimposed rules that National Security Council staffers must be included on calls with foreign leaders, they said.

But Mr Kushner and the crown prince continued to talk - often by text - even after the October 2 death of Mr Khashoggi had sent relations between the two countries into a spin, according to the claims of two of the former officials and two people briefed by the Saudis.

A White House spokesman told the 'New York Times': "Jared has always meticulously followed protocols and guidelines regarding the relationship with the crown prince and other foreign officials with whom he interacts."

The crown prince has denied any involvement in Mr Khashoggi's murder.

Despite its initial denial of involvement, Saudi Arabia subsequently admitted that a team of rogue operatives flew to Turkey and killed Mr Khashoggi. The CIA has determined that the crown prince personally ordered the killing.

However, Mr Trump has thrown his support behind Saudi Arabia, insisting that the US has yet to finally conclude who was responsible and talking up the importance of ties with the country in keeping Iran in check. The relationship has been two years in the making, including a meeting with the crown prince's most senior aides in the month when Mr Trump was elected.

The new allegations that the two remained in close contact brought fresh calls from critics of Mr Trump to take a tougher stance.

Marco Rubio, who sits on the US Senate foreign relations committee, said the relationship with Saudi Arabia came with human rights obligations. ( Daily Telegraph London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
A lawyer for James "Whitey" Bulger says he plans to sue the US government over the notorious gangster's prison killing.

Hank Brennan told the Wall Street Journal he will bring wrongful death and negligence claims on behalf of Bulger's estate.

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Mr Brennan said he expects to begin filing a number of lawsuits over the next month but declined to provide further details.

Bulger was serving a life sentence for 11 murders and other crimes when he was beaten to death in October, hours after he was transferred to a West Virginia prison.

Authorities have said two Massachusetts mobsters are under suspicion over the 89-year-old's killing. No charges have been filed.

The Bureau of Prisons declined to comment.

Bulger was convicted in August 2013 of 11 murders, among other charges including racketeering, and sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years.

Prison had been something Bulger had gone to great lengths to avoid - killing potential witnesses, cultivating corrupt lawmen and living as a fugitive for 16 years. It all ended when a tip from a former Icelandic beauty queen led to his capture in June 2011 in Santa Monica, California, where he was living with a long-time girlfriend.

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Bulger and his Winter Hill gang had operated for more than two decades in the insular Irish-dominated South Boston neighborhood, engaging in loan sharking, gambling, extortion, drug dealing and murder. They did so with the tacit approval of an FBI agent who looked the other way when it came to Bulger's crimes so that he would supply information on other gangsters.

Bulger, portrayed by Johnny Depp in a 2015 film "Black Mass," was feared for his short temper and brutality. Prosecutors said he strangled two women with his hands and tortured a man for hours before shooting him in the head with a machine gun.

"We took what we wanted," Kevin Weeks, a former Bulger lieutenant who would eventually testify against him, wrote in his memoir, "Brutal."

"We made millions through extortion and loansharking and protection. And if someone ratted us out, we killed him. We were not nice guys."

Bulger was born Sept. 3, 1929, and grew up in South Boston. He was called "Whitey" because of his light blond hair but was said to detest the nickname and preferred being called Jimmy. As a teenager he joined a gang known as The Shamrocks, compiled an arrest record for assault and armed robbery and ended up in a juvenile reformatory.

Bulger was in prison from 1956 to 1965 for robbing banks and upon his release he fell in with the Irish mob in South Boston. He worked his way through the ranks as a bookie and loanshark, survived a gang war between two Irish mobs and was a leading figure in Boston's underworld by the early 1970s.

His career was boosted by his relationship with rogue FBI agent John J. Connolly, who Bulger had known since they were boys. Connolly was supposed to be in charge of getting information out of him and Bulger did provide information that helped the FBI go after his main rival, New England's Italian Mafia, as well as local criminals.

In return, Connolly let Bulger know about working investigations while Bulger and close associate Steve "The Rifleman" Flemmi carried on with impunity. After he retired from the FBI, Connolly tipped off Bulger about a coming indictment, sending the mobster on the run in 1995.

Connolly was convicted in 2008 of racketeering, taking bribes and second-degree murder for his role in the slaying of an accountant who Bulger and Flemmi feared would testify against them.

Bulger's former associates turned on him while he was at large and their information led to a 2000 indictment that originally charged him with 19 murders.

"The guy is a sociopathic killer," Tom Foley, who worked on Bulger cases for the Massachusetts State Police, told CNN. "He loved that type of life. He's one of the hardest and cruelest individuals that operated in the Boston area. He's a bad, bad, bad guy."

When Bulger fled, he first took Teresa Stanley, his girlfriend of 30 years, with him. After a few weeks at large, however, Stanley wanted to go home so Bulger dropped her off in the Boston area. He picked up another of his girlfriends, Catherine Greig, and disappeared again.

Bulger spent his final years of freedom in No. 303 of the Princess Eugenia apartment complex in Santa Monica with Greig.

One of their neighbors, Anna Bjornsdottir, a former U.S. television actress and Miss Iceland of 1974, earned a $2 million reward for turning in Bulger. She was watching a television news report about the Bulger manhunt when she recognized the man she knew by the name Charlie Gasko and notified the FBI.

At first he denied his identity but eventually told authorities, "You know who I am. I'm Whitey Bulger." More than $800,000 in cash and a cache of weapons was found hidden in the walls of his apartment.

Greig was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined $150,000 for helping Bulger evade capture. She is scheduled for release in September 2020.

Bulger's two-month trial for murder, extortion and drug dealing in 2013 was sometimes raucous. A parade of former associates testified against him, giving brutal details about how Bulger would kill enemies and then take a nap.

Sometimes Bulger sat silently at the defendant's table and at other times he engaged in profane shouting matches with witnesses such as Flemmi.

Bulger, who denied ever being an FBI informant, refused to testify on the grounds that the trial was a sham.

The U.S. Justice Department paid more than $20 million in damages to families of people killed by Bulger on the grounds that he was operating under government supervision while killing.

While Bulger was robbing banks and killing people, his younger brother Billy was acquiring political notoriety and power.

Billy served in the Massachusetts legislature for 35 years, including several years as president of the Senate, and then was president of the University of Massachusetts. He was forced to resign the latter job in 2003 after it was learned that eight years earlier he had spoken by phone with Whitey, who was a fugitive at the time, and did not report it to authorities.
Defiant: US President Donald Trump faces greater scrutiny when the Democrats take control of Congress next month. Photo: Danny Wild/USA Today Sports

Senior Democrats began talking openly yesterday about the imprisonment or impeachment of Donald Trump, amid fresh allegations linking the US president to hush money paid to two women ahead of the 2016 election.

The result is a growing sense of crisis as Republicans begin to weigh their chances of political survival.

Ex-Trump strategist Steve Bannon said 2019 was shaping up to be a year of "siege warfare". "The Democrats are going to weaponise the Mueller report and the president needs a team that can go to the mattresses," he told the 'Washington Post'. "The president can't trust the GOP to be there when it counts."

It comes as President Trump said Saturday that chief of staff John Kelly will leave his job by year's end amid an expected reshuffling, reflecting a focus on the 2020 re-election campaign. Nick Ayers, Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, is Trump's top choice to replace Kelly.

The latest twist in the hush money allegations came in new court documents that stated Michael Cohen, the president's former lawyer, had acted at the direction of his employer in arranging the payments.

"They would be impeachable offences. Whether they're important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question," Jerry Nadler, a Democratic congressman from New York, said on CNN's 'State of the Union'. "Even though they were committed before Trump became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office."

His comments highlight the fresh legal and political jeopardy facing Mr Trump, who has spent his entire term under the shadow of a wide-ranging investigation into whether his campaign team colluded with Moscow. Republicans believe the reach of Robert Mueller's federal probe could consume the rest of the party. A sentencing memo filed by prosecutors in New York on Friday against Mr Cohen raised the stakes.

"In particular, and as Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in co-ordination with and at the direction of Individual-1," it said, using the term prosecutors have deployed to refer to the president.

It is the first time investigators have said they believed Mr Cohen acted with Mr Trump to silence two women who said they had affairs with him.

Mr Trump has denied the affairs and any role in the payments. Yesterday, he issued two tweets dismissing the evidence against him.

Although most legal analysts believe a sitting president cannot be indicted, Adam Schiff, who will head the House intelligence committee when a new term begins in January, said that would not protect him once his term ends.

Democrats hold sway in the House of Representatives, after capturing 40 seats in last month's midterms, and can use their power to launch fresh investigations when their new term begins. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
CCTV image issued by Auckland City Police of Briton Grace Millane, 22, at the Sky City centre in Auckland on Saturday evening. Photo: Auckland City Police/PA Wire.

Grace Millane, 22, who is missing in New Zealand. Photo: Auckland City Police/PA Wire.

Undated photo issued by the Lucie Blackman Trust of 22-year-old British backpacker, Grace Millane, who is missing in New Zealand Lucie Blackman Trust /PA Wire

New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern has given an emotional apology to the family of British backpacker Grace Millane, saying: "Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasn't, and I'm sorry for that."

Ms Millane, 22, went missing from a hostel in Auckland on December 1 and a body was found in the Waitakere Ranges on Sunday.

Expand Close David Millane, father of missing English backpacker Grace Millane speaks at a press conference in Auckland. Photo: Doug Sherring/NZ Herald via AP / Facebook

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Whatsapp David Millane, father of missing English backpacker Grace Millane speaks at a press conference in Auckland. Photo: Doug Sherring/NZ Herald via AP

A 26-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and appeared in an Auckland court on Monday.

Speaking to reporters about the death, Ms Ardern said: "I cannot imagine the grief of her family and what they would be experiencing and feeling right now.

"My thoughts and prayers are with her father David, who is in the country, her mother Gillian, who cannot be here, and her wider family, friends and loved ones.

"From the Kiwis I have spoken to, there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality, on our manaakitanga (a Maori term meaning kindness and generosity) especially to those who are visiting our shores."

Expand Close Grace Millanes brother posted an emotional tribute to his sister. Photo: Declan Millane/Instagram / Facebook

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Whatsapp Grace Millanes brother posted an emotional tribute to his sister. Photo: Declan Millane/Instagram

Appearing to become choked with emotion, the PM added: "So on behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Grace's family.

"Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasn't, and I'm sorry for that."

Earlier on Monday her alleged murderer, who can not be named, faced court for the first time.

Judge Evangelos Thomas told members of the Millane family, who were in court: "Your grief must be desperate.

Expand Close Grace Millane, 22, who is missing in New Zealand. Photo: Auckland City Police/PA Wire. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Grace Millane, 22, who is missing in New Zealand. Photo: Auckland City Police/PA Wire.

"All of us hope justice for Grace is fair, swift and ultimately brings you some peace."

Documents submitted to the court suggested police believe the University of Lincoln graduate was killed between December 1 and 2, her birthday.

A charge sheet also listed the suspect as living at the hotel where she was last seen alive.

Detectives said they had identified a "location of interest" after the investigation led them to a spot on Scenic Drive, a country road about 12 miles west of the city centre, on Saturday night.

Speaking at the scene on Sunday afternoon, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said investigators had "located a body which we believe to be Grace" about 10 metres from the roadside.

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm on December 1, the day before her birthday, at the Citylife Hotel, when she was seen with a "male companion".

Since arriving in New Zealand from Peru on November 20, she had been in near-daily contact with her family.

Police received a missing person report on Wednesday and began a major search and public campaign that saw dozens of calls made to a helpline.

Ms Millane's father, David Millane, flew to Auckland and made a public appeal for help finding his daughter, who he described as "lovely, outgoing, fun-loving (and) family-orientated".

Her brother, Declan Millane, paid tribute by sharing pictures on social media of him and his sister, adding the lyrics of You Are My Sunshine.

He wrote on Instagram: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."
Dec 09: World Bulk Wine Exhibition (WBWE) in its 10th edition organised at RAI Amsterdam on 26-27 November, 2018 concluded successfully with 250 exhibitors from 22 countries and 6,500 wine professionals congregating from 75 countries including India, and ready for onward march and debut in Yantai China on May 30-31, writes Subhash Arora who has been attending most of the editions and judging at the International Bulk Wine Competition (IBWC) a day prior

The WBWE claims to offer the taste of 80% of the worlds current harvest in 2 days, showcasing wines from 22 countries this year- Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, China, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Macedonia, Moldova, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, The Netherlands, Ukraine, Uruguay and the US.

There were several countries like Armenia, Egypt, Ghana, Libya, Nepal, Senegal, Serbia, Turkey and Uzbekistan which sent buyers to the 10th special edition for the first time.. Of courses there were buyers from traditional countries like Canada, Denmark, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, the US and even one from India.

Buyers include from India

The 10th WBWE has been more diverse than ever before with not only the large bulk wine operators being present but adding to their bouquet of producers were new entrants and medium-sized companies with specific wines for their business. New opportunities were provided regarding private labels, alternative packaging and environmental awareness.

Of course, one buyer from India, Vikash Gupta, senior partner of Oprahi Wines in Gurgaon, who attended the show for the first time, rued why he did not attend a couple of years earlier. He was so impressed with the quality and prices of the wines on offer that he negotiated with a couple of suppliers from Italy and was keen to develop imports from countries like Moldavia and Australia and would like to return next year. It is a gold-mine for those dealing in private labels and with the duties being so high in India, I feel there is a huge market for some of these wines as many producers were keen to offer BIO (bottled in origin) wines in private labels at very attractive prices.

One had but to remind him that last year the prices were at a record high due to fall in production and this year both the quality and the harvest have been better in most countries

making the prices come down significantly; the quality has been so good that many wines could be bottled right away without any blending.

International Bulk Wine Competition (IBWC)

This fact could not be ascertained at the International Bulk Wine Competition (IBWC) held a day earlier with 30 international judges tasting in 6 panels and most finding wines getting better every year. It appears, many producers are specialising and focusing in bulk wines and are improving the quality, not to forget Eastern European Countries which have been participating in bigger numbers and offering very attractive prices for exceptionally good wines.

The Competition saw a couple of innovations the main one being the use of iPads for scoring which had a few glitches initially but had many innovative features not seen in any other international competitions using computers. After a few hiccups, it became very handy to use and can only get better next year, helping the accuracy of judging even more.

What no iPad can do is the intricacy in judging bulk wines, especially the reds. One has to comprehend fully that many bulk wines are used for blending and add some missing component- like colour, tannins or particular flavours, adjusting pH and total acidity, balancing alcohol levels, adjusting sweetness and body of wines, balancing wood in wines and umpteen other factors including elimination of defective aromas and flavours. This is equivalent to judges having ability to assess the ageablity of wines in the short time available for tasting and the skills need to be sharp.

Out of around 200 samples (the number seems small but has been increasing every year steadily) only 5 received Gold medals, with 17 winning Gold, the balance being Silver. The completion prides itself in limiting the number of medal winners to 30%.

Art of Blending Wine

Considering the importance of blending for bulk wine, the organisers had started last year a 2-day conference on Art of Blending of wines that was extremely popular. This year too it had organised a separate Conference over both days on the same topic that attracted big numbers. Interestingly, the entry to the Conference was complimentary this year too as the organisers claimed to have had enough sponsorship for the same. The importance given to this Conference can be gauged by the fact that 3 Masters of Wine, Elizabeth Gabay, Jo Ahearne and Job de Swart were roped in along with Deborah Parker Wong DipWSET among others, to talk about various facets of Blending. Many of the Presentations included tastings focusing on their topic.

2-Day Conferences

Trends in the Japanese wine market, New business opportunities for bulk wine, New trends in wine consumption in the US marketplace, Vineyard and climate change, Trends in the wine market of the Scandinavian countries and Bag-in-box: an expanding market are only a few of the topics that international experts such as Robert Joseph, Megumi Nishida and Deborah Parker Wong discussed at this years WBWE during sessions, many of them being moderated discussions. As is the tradition, the 2-day conference was opened by Pau Roca, the newly appointed Director General of the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) and was his first public appearance holding such position where the world wide production and consumption with special reference to bulk wine, was presented.

Silent Open Tasting Room

One of the WBWEs most visited areas is the Silent Tasting Room, an exclusive open area tasting room, where one may taste more than 400 wine samples independently where the wine characteristics are very well-documented for every wine sample. Buyers and brokers can taste the entire worlds harvest in a single day.

There were several other regular features like Gourmet Tasting corner, Voice of Wine Award (won by the government of La Mancha), Bulk Wine Club and Vine Research and Innovation which had their regular favourites visiting them.

WBWE-Business Plan

During these last ten years, the focus of the World Bulk Wine Exhibition has shifted from being a trade fair to a complex business and discussion platform that provides many opportunities thanks to the multiple alternative activities like above which have been implemented.

After this successful evolution, the organisers have decided to take WBWE to China next year on May 30-31 in Yantai-known as the wine city of Chine because of 82% of bulk wine being imported into this port city. More information about the Exhibition will be forthcoming soon but it will bring the world bulk wine producers to one of the biggest bulk wine importing country.

For more information, visit www.worldbulkwine.com .

For a few of the earlier Articles, please visit:

WBWE 2018: Art of Blending Wine the Key Conference on November 26-27 in Amsterdam RAI

WBWE 2017: Achieving Success with Private Label Wines in India

WBWE 2017: Another Successful Edition of World Bulk Wine Exhibition

OIV: Lowest Global Wine Production in 2017 since 1961

WBWE 2016: Evolution of Bulk Wine Market

WBWE 2016: Record Performance during the 8th edition in Amsterdam

WBWE 2015 closes with Record Participation

WBWE 2014 : Wonderful World of Bulk Wines in Amsterdam

Subhash Arora
Lovely Varughese, the mother of the late Indian American student Pravin Varughese, who was found dead in the woods near Carbondale, Illinois on Feb. 18, 2014, spoke to local media Dec. 5 after a judge set a new date to make his ruling on whether to entirely throw out the case against Gaege Bethune, who in July was convicted by a jury of murdering Varughese. (WSTL ABC screen grab)
U.S. lawmakers and Indian American leaders celebrated Mahatma Gandhis 150th birth anniversary on Capitol Hill Nov. 27. Indian American member of Congress Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) lit the ceremonial lamp. Indian Ambassador to the United States Navtej Sarna is seen to his right. (photo provided)
Valentin Lopez, Chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, spoke at an event in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, hosted by the United Nations Association: USA Santa Cruz, CA Chapter on December 8 at the Resource Center for Nonviolence.

The traditional territory of the Amah Mutsun spans the modern Counties of San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, and San Mateo. Historically comprised of more than 20 politically distinct peoples, the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band represents the surviving descendant families of these historic groups.One initiative of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is the Amah Mutsun Land Trust, where members are able to access, protect, and steward lands that are integral to the tribe's identity and culture. The Amah Mutsun also work actively to educate the public about the horrors of the California mission system. They strongly opposed the Sainthood of Junipero Serra.Presently, the Amah Mutsun are working to protect Juristac, a sacred area to the tribe.Juristac (Huris-tak) lies at the heart of the ancestral lands of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band near Gilroy, California. For thousands of years, Mutsun ancestors lived and held sacred ceremonies at this location in the southern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, above the confluence of the Pajaro and San Benito rivers. The cultural landscape encompassing Juristac is known today as the Sargent Ranch. An investor group based in San Diego purchased the land at a bankruptcy auction and is currently seeking to develop a 320-acre open pit sand and gravel mining operation on the property.The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band vehemently opposes the proposed mining project and is asking the public to join in standing for the protection of their sacred grounds.Please sign the petition to protect Juristac:For more information about protecting Juristac:For more information about the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and the Amah Mutsun Land Trust:The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages.Read more:Video of Valentin Lopez courtesy of United Nations Association: USA Santa Cruz, CA Chapter
When a team of Google coders looked out across the collection of computer languages in 2007, they saw hundreds of perfectly good tools for writing software but none that offered the right features for Google. That is, a language that supported building the Google vision of a galaxy of software packages working together in Googles vast collection of servers.

Some languages were too focused on the lowest bit-banging levels of the stack. Others were too complex, larded with features that would only get in the way. The Google developers wanted a language that was simple enough to be learned in a few hours but just complex enough to handle the flow of information across the modern Internet.

The solution was Go, a language that will look familiar to programmers who were raised on C, Java, or JavaScriptin other words, just about every programmer. Go has just enough features to write some loops and coding blocks but none of the fancier ideas that take time to master. The built-in routines are optimized for getting data to and from the Internet. Everything else, no matter how clever, is left out.

Go is a great option for teams building applications based on microservice architectures because these constellations of services are just smaller versions of the galaxy that Google runs today. Your project may not offer email, maps, search, and countless other cloud services to the world, but it could still end up offering dozens of different smaller information services to the users. Each microservice project is just a microor maybe a nanoversion of Google.

Googles decision to open source Go was a wise one. The language has nurtured thousands of projects that offer the building blocks for your web project. This rich tradition makes it easier to work in parallel in other teams to create your own constellation.
Group CEO of Ed Broking Group, Steve Hearn said: At the time we announced Eds acquisition it was clear that my role would change and that Id take responsibility for leading BGCs wider insurance industry efforts. Im therefore delighted that Andrew has agreed to take on the leadership of Ed Brokings London operations and have every confidence that the business, to which I have an obvious and passionate connection, is in great hands and has a bright future.

Draycott has nearly three decades of experience in the insurance industry. He is currently global head of sales and retention and before that he was the CEO of Eds energy, marine and construction division. He has been part of Eds executive team, since the firms inception in 2016.

The insurance landscape is developing from a number of perspectives. Its an excellent time to be a high-quality independent broker with the financial backing to power growth and technological development, Draycott commented. Ed has come a long way in just over two years, the strength and relevance of our disruptive approach has never been greater, and Im proud to be leading our London business at a time of such historic opportunity.

As well as announcing leadership changes, Ed has also revealed plans to expand its international footprint by setting up a new broking platform in Bermuda. Upon approval by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Eds Bermuda operation will be built and led by Chris Bonard, who currently serves as president & CEO, group production, Ed Broking.

Hearn commented: Ed is a global wholesale broker and that allows our clients to access capacity around the world directly through our network of offices. Bermuda represents an obvious opportunity for us to better serve our customers for whom the island is an important market. With his first-class entrepreneurial sense and contacts among carriers, particularly across North America and the wider region, Chris is the ideal person to make this a success.

Bonard added: With a business that already spans key markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe, weve been keen to further enhance our commitment to the North American market. I look forward to the opportunity to shape our strategy in Bermuda, deepen my existing relationships with clients in the US, Canada and the Caribbean  and to seek out fresh ones.
The first run will see premium live cattle transported from South Australia to a processing facility in New South Wales before its frozen for shipping to Shanghai.

Its hoped the technology will boost food safety and improve animal welfare, while also monitoring export security for Australian beef.

Clark says the partnership was secured, in part, because BeefLedger aligns with NTIs commitment towards supporting Australian businesses.

Were excited by the prospects this presents across several streams of Australian industry: agriculture, animal welfare, transport & logistics, he said.

While its early stages, were optimistic of the outcomes and learning, and what it potentially means for Australian suppliers, exporters and consumers.

According to BeefLedger chairman Warwick Powell, the platform deploys a diverse range of technologies to create a multi-layered system that delivers enhanced product security and credentialing.

Research shows us that ethical standards and concerns for animal welfare, along with authenticity and proof of product origin, are amongst the top priorities for Chinese consumers, he said. Its also whats driving consumer interest in Australian products.

Clark also added that the partnership is a sign that NTI is positioning itself as a leading specialist insurer, offering elite coverage.

Were committed to being specialists in our market, partnering with experts, and supporting hardworking Australians, he said. Were proud to be standing beside BeefLedger and their collaborators, to back this initiative.
Changes include raising the emergency assistance ceiling from 30,000 to 125,000. Compensation reforms also feature the creation of a subrogation mechanism with insurers.

The victims and their families will be helped more quickly and will feel less vulnerable in the face of the administrative procedures, so they will be better able to enjoy the right to legal assistance or to financial assistance for transport and accommodation costs, the report quoted Justice Minister Koen Geens as saying.

The amounts paid out in the acute phase will also be increased. People who have to bear such grief certainly do not need to have to worry about whether theyll be able to pay hospital bills.

Meanwhile a bill seeking to extend insurance coverage has yet to be passed.
Lyons rejoined AIG in June 2018 as chief actuary of general insurance. Lyons was previously with Arch Capital Group, where he had served in the roles of executive vice-president, chief financial officer and treasurer since 2012. He joined Arch in 2002 and rose through the ranks, later becoming chairman and CEO of Arch Worldwide Insurance Group. Prior to this, he held a number of roles at Zurich US, Berkshire Hathaway, and AIG.

Since joining AIG this past summer, I have spent considerable time understanding the breadth and depth of our general insurance business and continue to be highly optimistic regarding AIGs strong path ahead, said Lyons. I look forward to working closely with Brian, the senior executive team and the finance organization to further enhance our financial operations, including our planning and analysis capabilities.

Lyons succeeds Sid Sankaran, who will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through the end of the year, a company release said.

On behalf of the entire company and the board of directors, Id like to thank Sid Sankaran for his significant contributions over the years. Sid was instrumental in helping AIG navigate many challenging issues over the last decade, and we are pleased he will work with Mark to make this transition seamless, remarked CEO Duperreault.

It has been a privilege to work at AIG, first as the companys chief risk officer and then as chief financial officer. I am grateful to the dedicated team in the finance organization, as well as all of the other talented employees across the company, commented Sankaran on his departure.

Related stories:

AIG reports Q4 catastrophe loss of up to $800 million

AIG and Carlyle Group create rebranded reinsurer Fortitude Re
Plaintiffs, represented in the case by David R. Deary, Ralph Canada, and Jim Flegle of Loewinsohn Flegle Deary Simon LLP, are accusing Gallagher, Artex and the remaining defendants of managing illegal captive insurance strategies.

In defense, the accused are arguing these captive insurance strategies provided highly rated insurance alongside legally reduced taxes. They promoted and sold the captive insurance strategies for the purpose of receiving and splitting substantial fees.

According to a press release by Loewinsohn Flegle Deary Simon LLP, rather than providing highly rated insurance and decreasing the plaintiffs tax burdens, the captive insurance strategies the defendants offered were found by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be nothing more than illegal and abusive tax shelters.

Specifically, the plaintiffs have brought forward claims for breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, disgorgement, rescission, fraud, violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), violations of Arizonas RICO statute, breach of contract/duty of good faith and fair dealing, civil conspiracy, and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty and fraud.

The particulars of captive insurance strategies are complicated, but the defendants motivation is quite ordinary, said David R. Deary, attorney for the plaintiffs. Greed. Plain and simple. The defendants sold products and services they knew were illegal and would be disallowed as abusive and illegal tax shelters, resulting in their client sustaining substantial damages, for the sole purpose of earning significant fees and commissions. And they did all this while they were supposed to be acting as loyal fiduciaries.

The lawsuit also alleges Gallagher, Artex and co. conspired together to funnel high-net-worth clients to each other via an undisclosed business referral network. In doing so, they stand accused of unlawfully abusing their positions of trust by fraudulently inducing those clients to pay substantial fees for insurance and other services linked with the captive insurance strategies.

The predatory behavior of the defendants has gone on for too long, added Deary. Were asking the court to give these plaintiffs  and the potentially hundreds or thousands of other class members around the country  justice, and send a clear message to industry: these practices will not stand.
Arthur J. Gallagher has announced the acquisition of a UK insurance broker. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Illinois-headquartered Gallagher has acquired Pavey Group, a retail insurance broker with offices in Torquay, Exeter, Holsworthy and Highbridge, England. Pavey Group offers retail property-casualty insurance and risk management advice to businesses, care facilities, charities and the construction, manufacturing, agriculture and leisure sectors. Graham Brown, managing director of Pavey Group, and his associates will continue to operate from their existing locations as the company becomes part of Gallaghers UK retail division.
What he did was set up a system for $54 million to be paid out to the Irish travelers community, Assistant US Attorney Jim May explained during Williamsons sentencing hearing last week. He was an active participant who made his living on fraud.

Retired FBI agent Ron Grosse testified during the hearing that fraud was involved in about one in every four of the policies Williamson sold, worth approximately $13 million. Although Williamson was not an Irish traveler, numerous members of the group conspired in the scheme, the agent testified.

According to May, some members of the Irish travelers community turned to insurance fraud as a major source of wealth. Typically, life insurance policies with substantial payouts can only be applied for by the policyholder or a relative. However, Williamson unquestioningly sold more than 400 life insurance policies to members of the travelers with a payout value of $54 million  many the policies for non-relatives.

Grosse noted that few travelers women work outside the home, which makes taking out a sizable life insurance for them difficult. But Williamson wrote 200 life insurance policies for travelers women  of those policies, 68 were for women that had substantial income or a large net worth.

The average time between the application for the fraudulent policies and the death of the insured was about 4.8 years, Grosse pointed out in his testimony.

Often, the insured werent aware the policy was being taken out on them, he added.

Grosse also remarked that Williamson had to know that something was amiss since he filled out the applications with information dictated to him by Irish travelers.

While Williamson did not collect any money from the life insurance policies, he did get commissions for selling the products. Grosse argued that Williamson was a gatekeeper who had the ability to quash an application if he knew it contained false information.

Related stories:

Chicago doctor convicted in $3.5 million insurance fraud

Connecticut man headed to prison for multimillion-dollar scam
In October, Mills became one of three owners of CBU Benefits, a Maine-based company that works with insurance brokers and agencies to provide supplemental health options. With Mills on board, CBU Benefits aims to connect with millions of hardworking families that are unaware of the benefits of supplemental insurance to ensure they have financial protection from lifes unexpected events.

Im living proof that things can happen that we just dont see coming. Nobody expects to step on a bomb, said Mills. But supplemental insurance can protect you against lifes unexpected events. I only put my name on something that I think is beneficial and worthwhile. With the state of healthcare nowadays, I truly believe supplemental insurance is something people need to know about, understand and look into deeply. For the price of skipping one Subway sandwich and one Starbucks coffee a week, you can get this coverage to protect against the unexpected.

Supplemental insurance helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses that regular health insurance does not cover. Out-of-pocket expenses might arise from the death of a family member, disability resulting in loss of one or more pay-checks, accidents resulting in recurring medical visits, cancer diagnosis and lengthy treatment, and diagnosis of heart attack, stroke and so on. The coverage also protects Americans against the monumental deductibles that are now very common in health insurance plans.

Were in a sweet spot for supplemental benefits in the US right now, commented Brian Heath, managing partner at CBU Benefits. The advent of the Affordable Care Act and the dominance of high-deductible health insurance plans are leaving people open to significant financial exposures. One terrible car accident, illness or a crisis along the lines of what Travis went through, and most people are looking at high amounts of out-of-pocket expenses because of the insurance plans they carry.

At CBU Benefits, we consider it our job to provide education and to enlighten people about how supplemental insurance can take away some of that financial burden. We brought Travis on board to help us get that message across. Something Travis has that Ray [Vallee Jr., partner of CBU Benefits] and I dont have is that he has experienced a huge and unexpected life event. Having that perspective enables him to connect with people on a different level.

As a member of the United States Army, Mills was covered by the US Government and was treated by healthcare providers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, near Washington D.C. He said that relying upon a high-deductible health plan and having to pay thousands of dollars in deductible for surgery would be extremely challenging, as most Americans dont just have $8,000 to dig out of their pockets.

The Federal Reserve Boards Report on the Economic Well-Being of US Households in 2017, found that 40% of adults would be unable to pay an out-of-pocket unexpected expense of $400 without selling something or borrowing money. This is a 10% improvement from 2013 but is still a huge figure and gives a good idea of how close to the edge many Americans live.

GoFundMe reports that one in three funding campaigns in the US are set up to help people with medical issues and debt they cant escape from.

Heath commented: Financial planning is a huge piece of why supplemental insurance is important. Not being able to pay your health insurance deductible is a financial matter. Moving your pay check because of a disabling accident or illness is a financial matter. Having your credit score impacted because you cant pay your medical debts is a financial matter. Supplemental insurance can be looked at as financial protection in part of a solid financial plan that families need to have.

As the sweet spot for supplemental insurance continues to grow, there are opportunities for insurance brokers to build new markets around supplemental benefits. Success is all about conveying the information in an impactful way, according to Mills. For the past few months, Mills has been travelling the country and talking with businesses about why they should consider supplemental insurance in their benefit plans.

He told Insurance Business: What Ive found is that people tend to switch off when you get too technical and the information starts going over their heads. The reason I wanted to partner with CBU Benefits was because I was blown away with how Brian and Ray were able to explain the product. They made me feel like I was smart enough to understand it and that I wanted to help others see the value of the product. I dont use my experience to provoke fear in people. I use it to help people understand that life can be crazy and unexpected events can happen in an instant.
The Travelers Companies Inc. has established the Travelers Benefit Program, a $5 million fund to assist customers in repairing homes with crumbling foundations in northeast Connecticut. The matter stems from concrete contaminated by the mineral pyrrhotite, which can cause foundations to deteriorate over time.

To help homeowners with the repair costs associated with pyrrhotite-related damage, the state recently created the Connecticut Foundations Solutions Indemnity Company (CFSIC). As some repairs may cost more than the CFSIC will cover, Travelers created the fund to provide additional financial support for its customers.

Since this problem emerged, we have been committed to finding a solution that will assist our customers dealing with this unfortunate and complex issue, said Michael Klein, executive vice president and president of personal insurance at Travelers in a company press release.

Beginning Feb. 15, 2019, eligible Travelers customers whose repair costs exceed the benefit provided by the CFSIC will be able to enroll in the Travelers Benefit Program. The program will provide current customers up to $25,000 and former customers up to $10,000, subject to program terms.

Travelers has taken the lead in helping its customers with the financial burden that comes with making the significant repairs associated with pyrrhotite-related damage, said Connecticut Department of Insurance Commissioner Katharine Wade in the release. We applaud Travelers for its efforts and appreciate the companys partnership in working to identify an outcome for Connecticut homeowners and developing a model for other insurance carriers to follow.

Source: The Travelers Companies Inc.

Related:

Topics Connecticut
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that an employer has a legal duty to use reasonable care in safeguarding its employees sensitive personal information stored on an internet-accessible computer.

This vacates earlier Trial Court and Superior Court decisions in the matter.

The case came about after employees of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and UPMC McKeesport (UPMC) filed a class action complaint against UPMC in the wake of a data breach in which personal and financial information  including names, birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, tax forms and bank account information  for all 62,000 UPMC employees and former employees was accessed and stolen from the computer systems.

Employees alleged that the stolen data, which consisted of information UPMC required employees to provide as a condition of employment, was used to file fraudulent tax returns on behalf of the victimized employees, resulting in actual damages. As a result, employees asserted a negligence claim and breach of implied contract claim against UPMC.

With respect to the negligence claim, the employees alleged UPMC had a duty to exercise reasonable care to protect their personal and financial information within its possession from being compromised, lost, stolen, misused and/or disclosed to unauthorized parties since UPMC required employees to provide it as a condition of employment. The employees claimed that UPMCs breach of its duties was the direct cause of harm to employees, and they sought monetary damages, among other forms of relief.

On July 16, 2014, UPMC filed preliminary objections to the employees complaint, arguing that no cause of action exists for negligence because the employees did not allege any physical injury or property damage and, under the Economic Loss Doctrine, no cause of action exists for negligence that results solely in economic damages unaccompanied by physical injury or property damage.

Trial Court Ruling

On October 22, 2014, the parties appeared before the Trial Court for oral argument on UPMCs preliminary objections. Following the argument, at the courts direction, both parties filed supplemental briefs addressing whether UPMC owed a duty of care to employees.

On May 28, 2015, the court sustained UPMCs preliminary objections and dismissed the employees negligence claim. Relying on the general description of the Economic Loss Doctrine, the Trial Court observed that although the employees claimed UPMC owed them a duty of care, the only losses sustained were economic in nature.

The Trial Court also explained that hundreds of thousands of lawsuits could result from the employees proposed solution of creating a private negligence cause of action to recover actual damages, which would overwhelm the judicial system and require entities to expend substantial resources in defending against those actions.

The Trial Court stated it could not say with reasonable certainty that the best interests of society would be served through recognizing a new affirmative duty under these circumstances, noting that the financial impact of doing this could put entities out of business, according to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court opinion document.

Additionally, the Trial Court explained that entities storing confidential information already have an incentive to protect that information because any breach will affect their operations, an improved system would not necessarily prevent a breach, and the entities were also victims of the criminal activity involved.

Finally, the Trial Court stated that the legislature is already aware of and has considered these issues as evidenced by the Breach of Personal Information Notification Act (Data Breach Act). Under the Data Breach Act, the legislature has imposed a duty on entities to provide notice of a data breach and given the Office of Attorney General the exclusive authority to bring an action for violation of the notification requirement. Because of this, the Trial Court reasoned that public policy was a matter for the legislature, and it was not for the courts to alter the legislatures direction, according to the opinion document.

The employees then appealed to the Superior Court. They argued that the Trial Court erred in finding UPMC did not owe a duty of reasonable care in its collection and storage of employees information and that the economic loss doctrine barred their claim.

Superior Court Findings

In a split opinion, a three-judge panel of the Superior Court affirmed the order of the Trial Court sustaining UPMCs preliminary objections and dismissing the employees claims. The court also reasoned that the benefit of electronically storing employees personal information to promote efficiency outweighed the nature of the risk imposed.

While the court stated that the general risk of storing information electronically increases as data breaches become more common, and that data breaches are generally foreseeable, employees and consumers do benefit from the efficiency of more information being stored electronically today. With this in mind, the Superior Court found that a defendant does not have a duty to guard against third party committing a crime unless they realize or should have realized the likelihood of the situation.

The Superior Court added to the Trial Courts reasoning that no judicially created duty of care is needed to incentivize companies to protect their employees confidential information because there are already safeguards in place to prevent employers from disclosing confidential information.

In addition, The Superior Court found it unnecessary to require employers to incur potentially significant costs to increase security measures when there was no true way to prevent data breaches altogether.

Supreme Court Decision

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court then allowed an appeal to address whether an employer has a legal duty to use reasonable care to safeguard employees sensitive personal information when stored on an internet accessible computer system, and whether the Economic Loss Doctrine permits recovery for purely economic damages which result from a breach.

In their argument, the employees contended that since UPMC collected employees sensitive personal data and stored it on its internet-accessible computer systems, it was under a duty to exercise reasonable care to protect them from the foreseeable risk that third parties would attempt to access and pilfer that information. The employees claimed they are alleging misfeasance on behalf of UPMC in collecting and storing their sensitive personal data.

The employees also argued that troves of electronic data stored on internet-accessible computers held by large entities are obvious targets for cyber criminals and that a reasonable entity in UPMCs position should foresee that a failure to use basic security measures can lead to exposure of the data and serious financial consequences for the victims.

Because of this, the employees claimed that it is appropriate to require employers to use reasonable care when handling and storing employee data in order to protect it from compromise, and there is no justification for exempting employers from a duty to act with reasonable care when they collect and store employees sensitive personal information.

Finally, the employees contended that although the ultimate harm in this case resulted from criminal activity, it does not eliminate the duty UPMC owed to its employees to handle its collection and storage of employee data with reasonable care.

In response, UPMC challenged the employees assertion that it assumed a legal duty to protect against a criminal data breach through commission of an affirmative act. UPMC contended that it merely possessed employee information incident to a general employment relationship, which cannot constitute an affirmative act that entails legal liability for third-party criminal conduct. UPMC also noted that it is not in the business of providing data security, according to the opinion document.

According to UPMC, the employees are not claiming any affirmative misfeasance on UPMCs part but instead nonfeasance in that UPMC failed to prevent the harm incurred or speculative future harm. In that regard, UPMC noted that there is a no-duty rule in rescue/protection scenarios where the defendant did not create the risk resulting in harm to the plaintiff.

UPMC also added that [i]t is nonsensical to suggest that [it] created the risk of harm from a criminal data breach[] simply by possessing employee data and its business neither increased the risk of criminal activity nor posed a special danger to the public regarding unshielded data.

With this in mind, UPMC argued that the employees are proposing a radical reconstruction of duty where they are seeking to impose liability on UPMC for the criminal acts of unknown third parties.

In its opinion, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stated it is true that, as a condition of employment, UPMC required employees to provide certain personal and financial information, which UPMC collected and stored on its internet-accessible computer system without use of adequate security measures, including proper encryption, adequate firewalls and an adequate authentication protocol.

These factual assertions plainly constitute affirmative conduct on the part of UPMC, the opinion document stated. Employees have sufficiently alleged that UPMCs affirmative conduct created the risk of a data breach. Thus, we agree with employees that, in collecting and storing employees data on its computer systems, UPMC owed employees a duty to exercise reasonable care in collecting and storing their personal and financial information on its computer systems.

Based on this, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court concluded that the Trial and Superior Courts erred in determining UPMC did not owe a duty to its employees to use reasonable care to safeguard their sensitive personal data in collecting and storing it on an internet-accessible computer system. It further held that the lower courts erred in concluding that Pennsylvanias economic loss doctrine bars the employees negligence claim.

As a result, it vacated the judgment of the Superior Court, reversed the order of the Trial Court, and remanded the matter to the Trial Court for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.

Topics Cyber Legislation Commercial Lines Business Insurance Pennsylvania
The U.K. can unilaterally reverse the Brexit process, the European Unions top court said in a landmark ruling that will fuel the campaign to thwart the divorce on the eve of a possible make or break vote in the British Parliament.

The EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg said on Tuesday that Britain is free to revoke its so-called Article 50 notice any time before its due to leave the bloc on March 29. The ruling comes as U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May must decide whether to put her Brexit deal to a vote and risk a humiliating defeat that could plunge the U.K. into unprecedented political chaos.

When a member state has notified the European council of its intention to withdraw from the EU, as the U.K. has done, that member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification, according to the ruling by a 25-judge panel. The decision cant be appealed.

The court ruling that Article 50 can be revoked will be seized on by remainers, who must now decide whether to push an amendment to that effect. At the very least, they can now argue that staying in the EU should be included in a second referendum to end the gridlock if Mays deal is voted down in Parliament.

Flipside

On the flipside, there are clear implications for Brexiteers, too. Ever since lawmakers seized control of the Brexit process in a vote last week, concern has been growing among euroskeptics that Parliament will seek a softer withdrawal or even attempt to stop Brexit entirely. On that basis, it could make sense to vote for Mays deal  which they dislike because it retains closer ties to the bloc than they want  rather than risk no Brexit at all.

As Britains constitutional crisis played out at home, the EU judges were asked by a Scottish court to weigh in on a key legal question: Could the U.K. unilaterally revoke its Article 50 letter that started the clock ticking on Brexit?

The issue has been legally tricky because while Article 50 of the EUs Lisbon Treaty tells member states how to start the process of leaving the bloc, it offers no help on what to do it they change their mind.

The case was spearheaded by pro-Remain lawyer Jolyon Maugham, along with a group of Scottish and English lawmakers.

The ruling is in line with an advisory opinion from an advocate general of the court on Dec. 4 who suggested that the whole process can be reversed, without conditions attached.

Mays legal team tried to kill the case. But Maugham hopes it will give U.K. parliamentarians an extra choice beyond approving her accord or crashing out of the EU on the evening of March 29.

The case is: C-621/18, Wightman and Others.

Related:

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Legislation Europe Uk Brexit
Liberty Mutual Insurance has formed a $1 billion risk-sharing agreement with the Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC), the U.S. governments development finance institution, which furthers the companys diversification strategy in a market when organic growth is hard to find.

The deal is part of Liberty Mutuals strategy to grow its public sector business, diversify its credit insurance portfolio and access new markets, explained Edith Quintrell, underwriting development director, Financial Risks Solutions, Liberty Mutual.

Under the OPIC deal, Liberty Mutual is providing credit insurance on a 50/50 quota-share basis for loans to financial institutions in emerging markets, she said.

While the $1 billion loan facility comprises $500 million of capacity from Liberty, matched by $500 million from OPIC, Liberty Mutuals maximum exposure is $25 million per loan, said Quintrell in an interview with Insurance Journal.

She noted that Liberty has included additional limits relating to how much money can be loaned in any single country or region as well as the maximum amount that can be loaned to any single entity, which helps us manage concentration in the portfolio.

Liberty has delegated the underwriting and loan origination to OPIC, said Quintrell.

We spent a lot of time doing due diligence on OPIC. We went through their procedures, their policies, and looked very closely at their track record. As a result we were very comfortable with them as a partner.

How does the facility work? Quintrell explained that when OPIC originates a loan to a commercial bank in Latin America, for example, then Liberty shares the risk of loan default with OPIC. If the loan is not repaid or theres a default, OPIC can turn to Liberty for part of that loss. Its an insurance covering nonpayment under these loans.

Quintrell said that Liberty Mutual first approached OPIC last year because we have a strategy that we put in place a couple years ago to try to do more business with public sector entities.

OPIC was very interested in our proposal, which was consistent with their mandate to mobilize more private capital, she said. Ultimately, it could enable them to lend more than they currently can do and have a greater developmental impact.

When the deal with Liberty was first announced in November 2018, OPIC said it was the first agreement it had made with a U.S. owned insurance company to share credit risk across a global portfolio of OPIC-originated loans to commercial banks and other non-bank financial institutions.

In conjunction with the launch of the OPIC-Liberty Mutual co-investment platform, more than $235 million of funding is being deployed to several financial institutions operating in Central & South America and Africa, which underscores OPICs strong interest to quickly achieve the intended objectives, said OPIC in the announcement.

These loans are designed to advance the U.S. governments development finance goals with investments that drive economic growth, build critical infrastructure and empower women throughout the developing world, added OPIC. The agency said the funds will benefit to hundreds of women-owned businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging nations.

This billion-dollar platform is a significant milestone in creating innovative approaches to catalyzing private sector capital to meet global challenges, said David Bohigian, executive vice president, OPIC, in a prepared statement issued when the deal was announced.

Liberty Mutual is fully committed to providing effective credit and political risk insurance products globally, commented Peter Sprent, head of Financial Risk Solutions, Liberty Specialty Markets, in the same statement. Partnering with public agencies like [OPIC] is an important way for us to approach this market. We benefit from OPICs high standards of due diligence  including environmental and worker rights safeguards  and credit monitoring.

Liberty formed a similar arrangement in 2017 with the International Finance Corp. (IFC), which is part of the World Bank Group. Munich Re also participated in that facility.

Topics USA
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Co. (BHSI) announced that it has withdrawn from the Hong Kong Employees Compensation (EC) terrorism pool, effective Dec. 1, 2018.

BHSI said it is now the first insurer in Hong Kong to provide EC terrorism coverage to customers directly, backed by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Co.s financial strength. This decision benefits all BHSIs new and existing EC customers for policies incepting or renewing on or after Dec. 1, 2018.

The EC terrorism pool was established to provide terrorism cover for Hong Kong EC policyholders after the Sept. 11 terror attacks when capacity had receded in the international markets.

While participation is voluntary, the pool provides a maximum limit of HK$10 billion ($1.3 billion) which until now was shared among all EC policyholders for all terrorism claims on a first come, first served basis, explained BHSI in a statement.

Insurers participating in the pool must charge their EC policyholders a 3 percent levy on policy premiums which is then remitted to the Hong Kong government, added BHSI. According to the terms of the pool, those participating insurers are not obligated to pay EC terrorism claims to their customers until the pool first pays the insurer for the claims.

Effective Dec. 1, the EC terrorism coverage provided by BHSI is no longer subject to any of the pools restrictions. BHSIs customers are no longer subject to the 3 percent levy on their EC policy premiums. In addition, BHSI policyholders no longer need to share a limit with all the other EC policyholders in Hong Kong and payments for terrorism claims are no longer contingent upon payment or reimbursement from the pool, the company went on to say.

The feedback from the customers and brokers we have discussed our approach with has been incredibly encouraging, said Marc Breuil, CEO of BHSI Hong Kong.

BHSIs EC policies are now backed by its own financial strength  which carries the same S&P rating as the Hong Kong government, said Breuil, noting that the policies provide EC terrorism coverage to policyholders without the obligation to pay the levy.

We are excited to offer this market-changing coverage development to our current and future EC customers, he continued.

To learn more, contact marc.breuil@bhspecialty.com.

Source: Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Talent
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., the Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based insurance broker, has acquired Boston Marks Insurance NZ in New Zealand, BMG Aviation in Australia and the book of business of Boston Marks Insurance Brokers in the United Kingdom, which are all part of the Boston Marks Group.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1985 as an independent insurance and reinsurance broker for the aviation sector, Boston Marks Group offers retail property/casualty brokerage services to a broad range of government, commercial and private aviation and aerospace clients from offices in Auckland and Papakura in New Zealand; Gold Coast, Queensland and Perth, Western Australia in Australia, and London, England.

Pat McLaughlan and his associates in New Zealand will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Carl OShea, New Zealand CEO. Damian Hooper and his associates in Australia will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Paul Harvey, managing director of Specialisms. Phil Stafford and colleagues will join Gallaghers London office under the direction of Mark Walters, executive director, Aviation.

Boston Marks highly specialized offerings significantly expand our international brokerage capabilities in the aviation sector, in particular in the Australian and New Zealand markets, said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., chairman, president and CEO. I am very excited to welcome Pat, Damian, Phil and their associates to our growing Gallagher family of professionals.

Boston Marks is a great fit for Gallagher; they have fantastic people and are a strong global player in the specialist aviation insurance market. Gallagher has a history of growth in the specialist sectors and Boston Marks will contribute meaningful to our global aviation capabilities, said Steve Lockwood, managing director of Gallagher Australia and New Zealand.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has operations in 35 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co./Boston Marks Group

Topics Mergers Agencies USA Aviation A.J. Gallagher Australia
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired Chicago-based Captive Insurance Company Design and Operations. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Formed in 2002 by Clarity Group Inc., Captive Insurance Company Design and Operations is a captive consultant focused exclusively on medical and professional liability, with participants throughout the United States. Captive participants are all principally healthcare providers from various areas of the industry, including medical facilities, physicians and senior care organizations.

Andrew Becker and his associates will relocate to Gallaghers office in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, under the direction of Patrick Gallagher, head of Gallaghers Midwest retail property/casualty brokerage operations.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

Source: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Topics Mergers A.J. Gallagher
Winter Storm Diego struck the Southeastern region of the U.S. Saturday night, ravaging travel plans and wiping power from hundreds of thousands of homes. The snowstorm was expected to persist throughout Sunday, with flight cancellations extending into Monday.

More than 1,300 flights in and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport have been canceled this weekend, according to Flight Aware, an airline tracking service. American Airlines Group Inc., which uses Charlotte as a hub, accounted for a third of that total and had called off 1,100 flights due to the storm as of Sunday morning. American said Sunday it has already canceled 320 flights for Monday.

American, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have stated on their websites that customers affected by the storm can make a one-time change to their travel plans without a fee. Eighty percent of all flights in Charlotte have been scratched for Sunday as the region is expected to be digging out from as much as a foot of snow. Thats more than many parts of the state get in a year.

There has been between six and 12 inches in the main swath of the mountains, said Patrick Burke, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Were going to see deterioration of conditions throughout the winter storm area through Sunday  were just adding to the amount thats on the ground and clinging to the trees and power lines.

No Power

The biggest snowfalls  probably totaling more than 12 inches  are expected near the Appalachian Mountains. Aside from the major dump in North Carolina and Virginia, the storm is affecting areas in South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky, Burke said.

In addition to making travel nearly impossible, Diego has left more than 436,000 customers without power in the Southeast, according to poweroutage.us. Nearly 245,000 of those customers live in North Carolina. Its going to be difficult for crews to get out and work in those conditions, Burke said. Im sure those power outages in some cases will be pretty lengthy.

Diego made its way across the U.S. this week, bringing wintry precipitation to California and Texas, where Lubbock had more than 10 inches of snow.

More storms could be coming. There are increasing signs that an El Nino  when the Pacific warms and produces a winter thats wetter than usual  has formed, according to Alex Lamers, another meteorologist at the National Weather Service.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Windstorm Aviation
Allied American Underwriters (AAU), a division of USG Insurance Services, Inc., has hired Stan Connally as producer/broker for Workers Compensation in the Tampa, Fla., branch.

Connally joins AAU with 36 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in workers compensation. Most recently, Connally worked with Employers National Insurance Co. as vice president/Marketing.

At AAU, he will work with the Workers Compensation division to build his book of business and expand national operations.

This move is the most recent change that USG has implemented in its plan to expand operations nationwide and continue to provide products for the risk management industry.

AAU is a program manager that offers programs for commercial lines to USG retail agents and other distribution channels i.e.: wholesale and direct. It has five divisions: Workers Compensation, Programs, Specialty, Personal Lines, and Commercial Surety. AAU is a division of USG Insurance Services, Inc.

Topics Florida Workers' Compensation
A Los Angeles, Calif. chiropractor has pleaded guilty to taking part in a $150 million workers compensation fraud scheme.

Paul Turley of Granada Hills pleaded last week to conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, mayhem, insurance fraud and unlawful patient referral

Hes facing up to eight years in prison.

Prosecutors say Turley was among a dozen people who allegedly billed insurance companies for phony or unnecessary surgeries, prescriptions, tests and office visits. Authorities say the scheme involved paying lawyers and others as much as $10,000 a month to illegally refer patients to medical workers taking part in the scam.

Authorities say some surgeries were performed by a physicians assistant who never went to medical school, and some patients were left scarred or in need of additional surgeries.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California Workers' Compensation Fraud
An investigation into a 13-year-old students death at a Northern California private school has found the school violated state rules when its staff put him in a face-down restraint position for nearly an hour.

State education regulators found evidence that staffers at Guiding Hands School in El Dorado Hills used an unreasonable amount of force and put Max Benson in restraint for longer than necessary, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The staffs actions were harmful to the health, welfare or safety of the student, the state inspection stated.

Scott Rose, a spokesman for Guiding Hands School, said in a statement that school officials were concerned that details in the newspapers story were inaccurate but did not give specifics.

We are reviewing our files and information in order to present accurate information as soon as we are able, Rose said.

In a statement earlier this week, the school had said it was cooperating with authorities but that staff had used a nationally recognized behavior management protocol.

The state suspended the schools certification as a result of Bensons death, meaning it cannot accept new students. But it remains open.

Whenever a disciplinary matter or an action is taken to correct behavior, it has to be reasonable under the circumstances, said Seth Goldstein, an attorney for Bensons mother. If its unreasonable or unwarranted, its an offense.

Benson, who had autism, became unresponsive while being held in a prone restraint at the school on Nov. 28 and died a day later at a hospital.

A parent who said her son witnessed the physical restraint told the newspaper Benson was disciplined by a teacher and teachers aide for kicking a wall.

Cherilyn Caler said her son told her after Benson stopped moving, the staff told Benson to stop pretending he was sleeping. After about 30 minutes, the classmate said staff realized Benson was unresponsive and called for medical assistance.

Caler said her son has been put in a restraint before at Guiding Hands, and the boy has told her students sometimes pretend to be asleep so staff would release them.

Prone restraints are banned for use in schools in several states and are controversial.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
A Portland, Ore. lawyer whose home and business were seriously damaged when a fire started at a homeless camp has filed a $541,000 lawsuit against the city.

Raylynna Petersons lawsuit filed last week says the city forced campers to move in 2016 from a hillside near Interstate 5 and that many relocated to a city-owned lot next to her home.

Petersons suit claims the city failed to enforce its building, zoning and fire-safety codes as 40 to 60 campers erected makeshift structures with wooden pallets, propane stoves and left rubbish strewn about.

Petersons suit also lists as defendants nonprofit organizations that the suit claims organized and developed the homeless camp including Boots on the Ground PDX, Houseless Community Builders and Anawim Bethel Christian Fellowship.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports none of the nonprofits could immediately be reached for comment. The city attorneys office declined comment.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Oregon
Gibraltar - December 10, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX), a world-leading institutional-grade token sale platform and cryptocurrency exchange, has today announced an insurance coverage policy in association with Gibraltar based firm Callaghan Insurance. The insurance coverage ensures that assets listed on the GBX Digital Asset Exchange (GBX-DAX), a secondary exchange for the trading of digital assets, can be insured.

Speaking about today's announcement, Nick Cowan, CEO of the Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange, said, "We are delighted to announce the introduction of insurance coverage for the GBX-DAX. This represents an important step in attracting users who require strict assurances around the security of their assets. This offering is only possible because of the confidence derived from the fact that the GBX has always been committed to building a platform focused on the highest regulatory standards and the strictest due diligence processes."

The coverage ensures that assets in the custody of the GBX can be insured, including both hot and cold wallets. This means assets can be covered for users, providing additional reassurance to a wide variety of traders around security and transparency.

"I am delighted that Callaghan have been able to procure, after much research and collaboration with the London insurance market, a bespoke, fit for purpose coverage option that affords our clients and the jurisdiction the necessary protection to move forward confidently in the DLT arena," said Bruno Callaghan, Managing Director of Callaghan Insurance Brokers.

The Callaghan Insurance Group, in collaboration with their partners Paragon Insurance Brokers, have a track record of working to raise awareness of Gibraltar as a destination for companies seeking to benefit from the world-class Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) regulations, introduced in January 2018. Callaghan aims to ensure that there is fit for purpose insurance coverage available for innovative blockchain-based companies, playing a vital part in the jurisdiction's services industry.

"Partnering with Callaghan Insurance highlights the relentless efforts being made by businesses and regulators in Gibraltar to provide a sustainable environment for blockchain development. Earlier this year, Gibraltar became the first jurisdiction to introduce a purpose built DLT regulatory framework, and this month the GBX was granted a full licence to operate by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commision (GFSC). We are excited to underline this tradition of collaborative development as Gibraltar consolidates itself as the home of sustainable blockchain innovation," concluded Cowan.

For more information, visit https://exchange.gbx.gi/

About the GBX:

The Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX) a world-leading institutional-grade token sale platform and Digital Asset Exchange that is a part of the GSX Group, which also includes the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX), a European Union (EU) regulated stock exchange. The GBX is a global listing and token sales springboard for utility tokens that have satisfied a strict due diligence and admissions process as well as a high-quality Digital Asset Exchange. The GBX is setting a higher standard for token issuance and trading through best practices and good governance, for the benefit of all market participants.

About Callaghan Insurance:

An independent company, Callaghan Insurance Brokers are fully committed to serving clients with carefully formulated, precise insurance services. The Callaghan Insurance Group in collaboration with their partners, Paragon Insurance Brokers, has and continues to work tirelessly to inform London underwriters, not only on the DLT Regulations and Gibraltar as a jurisdiction, but also on the individual risks associated with each company seeking corporate insurance solutions to ensure fit for purpose coverage is available to those companies setting up in Gibraltar. Regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, Callaghan Insurance Brokers Limited fully complies with the requirements laid out by the 1989 Financial Services Ordinance.

More Info:

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December 10, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Indonesia has highest capital expenditure (capex) on planned and announced crude and natural gas projects in Southeast Asia over the period 2018-2025, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The company's report: 'Q4 2018 Quarterly Production and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Key Planned and Announced Upstream Projects in Southeast Asia - Indonesia has Highest Capex on New-Build Projects' reveals that Indonesia leads in Southeast Asia with 23 planned and announced projects during the forecast period. Of the total count, eight are planned and 15 are announced projects.

Soorya Tejomoortula, Oil and Gas Analyst, at GlobalData, comments: "Indonesia is planning a number of oil and gas projects in order to increase oil and gas production, boost government revenues and reduce fuel imports."

In Southeast Asia, a total of 49 crude and natural gas projects are expected to start operations in five countries during 2018-2025. Among these, 21 represent the number of planned projects with identified development plans and 28 represent the number of early-stage announced projects that are undergoing conceptual studies and that are expected to get approved for development.

GlobalData identifies Malaysia as the second highest country with 17 upcoming projects- nine planned and eight announced projects, respectively. Vietnam follows with seven upcoming projects, expected to come online by 2025. Cambodia and Thailand are the other countries in Southeast Asia with one upcoming project each.

In terms of operatorship, among the operators in the region, SapuraKencana Energy Sarawak Inc leads with the highest operatorship of seven upcoming projects- four are announced and three are planned projects. All of them are conventional gas projects. PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd will occupy second place with operatorship of three upcoming conventional gas projects.

Key projects in Southeast Asia are expected to contribute about 171,500 barrels of oil per day of global crude production and about 8.1 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of global gas production in 2025. The region is expected to spend proposed capex of US$14.9bn to bring the planned projects online and US$55.1bn on key announced projects between 2018 and 2025.

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Analysts available for comment. Please contact the GlobalData Press Office:

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Editor Notes

Quotes provided by Soorya Tejomoortula, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData

Information based on GlobalData's report: Q4 2018 Quarterly Production and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Key Planned and Announced Upstream Projects in Southeast Asia - Indonesia has Highest Capex on New-Build Projects

This press release was written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis conducted by GlobalData's team of industry experts

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world's largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData's unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData's mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, technology, energy, financial and professional services sectors.

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Coconut Creek, Florida - December 10, 2018 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) NutraFuels, Inc. (OTCQB: NTFU) ("NTFU" or the "Company"), Nutraceutical & CBD Manufacturer & Distributor, announces its use of Nanotechnology in its CBD-infused line of products distributed under its NutraHempCBD brand.

NTFU's nanotechnology is designed to provide optimal absorption into the body of NTFU's CBD-infused formulations. Nanotechnology refers to dealing with matter on a very small scale. Nanotechnology allows the smaller cannabinoid particles to be in their most bio-active form for fast absorption and high potency.

"We believe that our proprietary processing utilizing nanotechnology allows for us to create superior products with enhanced bioavailability," said Edgar Ward, CEO, and Founder of NutraFuels Inc., "We believe that nanotechnology and our enhanced delivery system allows us to give our customers the most effective and efficient delivery system."

According to Andrij Holian of the Center for Environmental Health Sciences Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, "Nanoparticles have become a significant interest as a drug delivery system due to their small size and large surface area."

NutraFuels Inc., a publicly held company traded on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol NTFU, is a nutraceutical company with a line of CBD-infused products known by its in-house brand, NutraHempCBD. Using premium CBD hemp oil, its formulations are designed to promote overall health and wellness. NutraHempCBD products are intended for daily use with observed health benefits including anti-stress, anti-inflammation, calmness to sleep and stay asleep.

NutraHempCBD uses its specialty process to decrease the particle size and uses nano nanoemulsion in its products. For example, its Joint and Pain Balm aids in the alleviation pain with a silky and soothing formulation. Studies suggest that the key ingredient, CBD, may reduce inflammation while interacting with neurotransmitters. The CBD-infused Face Cream is made with Shea Butter and works to maintain elasticity of the delicate facial tissue. CBD studies have shown anti-inflammatory properties as well as a reduction in acne. For a full list of products including Nutrahemp CBD oral sprays, the day and nighttime formulas, and NutraPet oil visit its website

NutraFuels, Inc is a fully reporting company with a class of securities registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission ("SEC"). As reported in its Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 13, 2018, NTFU recently announced its financial results for the three (3) and nine (9) month period ended September 30, 2018 with revenue of $1,062,146 and $2,870,462 respectively compared to $652,385 and $1,027,727 for the three (3) and nine (9) month period ended September 30, 2017. NTFU's filings with the SEC can be viewed at www.sec.gov. NTFU's CBD products and information about the company's direct sales program can be found online at www.nutrahempcbd.com and by following the company on Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communications contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "except,", "intends", "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "future" or other similar expressions. NutraFuels, Inc. ("NTFU" or the "Company") has based these forward-looking statements largely on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect Company's financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. There is no assurance that Company's current expectations and projections are accurate. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. More detailed information about these risk factors are set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the Section entitled "Risk Factors," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2018. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law.

Contact:

NutraFuels, Inc.

6601 Lyons Road, Suite L-6

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Telephone 888-509-8901

www.NutraFuels.com

www.NutraHempCBD.com

NanotechnologyInvestment.com - investing ideas in nanotechnology stocks Like Nanotechnology Stocks? View our Nanotechnology Stocks Directory

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Washington - December 10, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) A report released today from the UK-based NGO Influence Map shows that BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, owns more oil, gas and thermal coal reserves than any other investor. The data shows that BlackRock holds reserves in fossil fuels amounting to a staggering 9.5 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions -- or 30 percent of total energy-related carbon emissions from 2017. BlackRock has the highest ratio of coal investments compared to its overall size among the ten largest fund managers.

This comes less than a week after a separate report from the German NGO Urgewald showed that Blackrock is the largest investor in companies building new coal power capacity across the world with a total investment of over $11 billion USD.

Blackrock's big problem, a campaign of climate, environment and human rights groups committed to shifting Blackrock away from climate destruction, weighed in on the significance of these findings:

"No amount of greenwashing can erase the fact that Blackrock is financing the destruction of our planet and escalating the climate crisis," said Lukas Ross, Senior Policy Analyst at Friends of the Earth. "As long as Blackrock is the top investor in fossil fuel development, Larry Fink's sustainability claims will remain hollow and hypocritical. If Blackrock is as concerned for the environment as they say, then they must immediately transform their investments."

"Larry Fink and BlackRock want to portray themselves as Wall Street's conscience, and have begun marketing new 'sustainable' investment products to millennials. Yet this data shows that BlackRock cannot paint itself as sustainable as long as it is the number one investor in fossil fuel reserves and new coal plant development." said Moira Birss of Amazon Watch. "From coal in Powder River Basin to oil in the Amazon rainforest, our climate and our ecosystems must be protected, and BlackRock clearly has an outsized role to play in that."

"Larry Fink wants to be viewed as a climate leader, but BlackRock's investments tell a very different story," said Sierra Club campaign representative Ben Cushing. "There's an urgent need for real action to combat climate change, and it's time for Larry Fink and BlackRock to put their money and power where their mouth is."

Blackrock's big problem is a campaign pushing for BlackRock to shift its investment out of fossil fuels and begin supporting climate solutions. It is supported by over a dozen organizations, including Friends of the Earth US, Amazon Watch, and the Sierra Club, with support from The Sunrise Project. You can also follow the campaign on Twitter and Facebook.

Contacts:

Erin Jensen, Friends of the Earth, (202) 222-0722, ejensen@foe.org

Gabby Brown, Sierra Club, (914) 261-4626, gabby.brown@sierraclub.org

Moira Birss, Amazon Watch, (510)394-2041, moira@amazonwatch.org

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In association with Pfizer

Good health is vital to all of us, and a sustainable solution to the most pressing health care challenges of our world cannot wait.

As the worlds largest biomedical research and pharmaceutical company, Pfizer plays a role in the discovery and the development of medicines that can significantly improve patients lives.

Pfizer is one of Irelands leading employers, with a workforce of more than 3,200 people across six locations.

Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.

Pfizer is the largest pharmaceutical sector investor and employer in the country.

Pfizer was also one of the first pharmaceutical companies to locate in Ireland, establishing its first base at Ringaskiddy in 1969, where more than 600 people are now employed.

Meanwhile, next year will see Pfizer celebrate 50 years in its in Ringaskiddy site.

This is a major milestone for the company, says Paul Duffy, the company's Global Supply Vice-President of Small Molecule Operations.

Paul who recently scooped the prestigious Pharma Leader of the year Award at the Irish Pharma Industry Awards 2018 has been with the company for almost 30 years, joining the company back in 1991.

It is a testament to colleagues past and present at Pfizer that we are celebrating 50 years since our opening in Ringaskiddy next year.

"We have big celebrations planned nationwide in 2019 and we look forward to another successful 50 years in business.

An aerial view of Pfizer's impressive site in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

Reflection on career and pharma industry

Paul Duffy, through his award this year, has recently been reflecting on his career thus far.

During the past few decades, I have seen huge change and progress in the type of medicines that are being discovered, he said.

We are in a Golden Age of medicine development and I am very happy to think that many of the devastating diseases affecting my generation may well be cured for the next generation.

"The value that the pharmaceutical industry contributes to society in reducing illness and death is enormous, we in Ireland play a key role in the supply chain for many of these medicines and this is something we should all be proud of.

Paul Duffy also highlights the large-scale changes which have taken place in the Pharmaceutical industry: I have also seen a huge change in the Pharma industry in Ireland over that time with the evolution of large molecule manufacture to a level where we are becoming a go to location for investments in this area.

It is also good to see that small molecule manufacturing has continued to remain strong and evolve over this time also.

"Our scale is testament to the success of earlier government industrial policy in supporting the development of our industry, Pharmachem Ireland also deserves credit for their role in supporting our development.

David Staunton, global services director, Zenith Technologies, presents the Pharma Leader Award 2018 to Paul Duffy, Global Supply Vice-President of Small Molecule Operations, Pfizer.

Role of people and colleagues

For me the greatest contributing factor to our industries growth and development in Ireland is our people, said Paul Duffy.

Our people are amongst the best in the world, very well trained, competent in everything they do and capable of managing great complexity.

The theme of females in Sciences, technology, Engineering and Mathematics has become more and more important of late and Duffy agrees.

I have seen some incredible female talent progress through organisations into significant roles and we are far stronger as a result of that.

"I am also encouraged to see the numbers of very capable female engineers and chemists coming into the industry and it is great to see many new initiatives targeting women in STEM.

"And looking ahead to the next generation, there is such opportunity in Ireland for STEM graduates and I would encourage any young people to seriously consider a career in STEM.

David OLeary, Facilities Manager, Marymount; Ann Mahony, Director of Nursing, Marymount; with Colm Higgins, Senior Financial Director, Pfizer; and Dermot Kelly, Director, Regulatory Affairs, Pfizer; pictured during Pfizers recent visit to Marymount Hospice in Cork. Pic: Diane Cusack

Pfizer in Ireland today

Total capital investment by Pfizer in Ireland exceeds $7billion and its business interests in this country range across manufacturing, shared services, R&D, treasury and commercial operations.

Pfizer exports bulk pharmaceuticals, the active ingredients in its medications for humans and animals, from its large plant in Ringaskiddy to Pfizer plants around the world.

In 2014, a $30 million specialist high-tech laboratory facility opened at the site.

The investment, which was supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland, enabled the Ringaskiddy plant to meet the move to smaller volume, new products requiring unique technology and capability.

The Ringaskiddy facility is also the main active pharmaceuticals ingredients site globally for scaling up new products in cooperation with Pfizer Global Research & Development to ensure the timely approval and launch of these new products.

However, Pfizer sees its responsibilities and impact beyond the medicines they discover and develop.

Pfizer believes it plays a key role in impacting the health of people and the local community and endeavours to be a trusted and responsible member of the community.

In Cork, Pfizer does this by giving back to the community through school partnerships and supporting local charities and sporting organisations.

Staff of Pfizers in Ringaskiddy providing Togher charity Dogs for the Disabled with a cheque for 650.

Key future issues

Pfizer, along with a number of other pharma companies in Cork, is facing two key issues, which are the need to maintain competitiveness and to continue to attract and retain suitably qualified staff.

The second challenge we are looking at is to ensure that we continue to have well qualified, excellent colleagues, he explains.

Demand for key people

Meanwhile, the demand by the bio-pharmaceutical industry for key personnel such as chemical and process engineers, and chemists is outstripping supply.

Skilled, top-drawer employees are crucial to maintaining competitiveness at the facility.

Paul Duffy concludes: Having a high quality workforce here is very important.

For more information, check out: www.pfizer.ie
In association with Recordati Ireland

Recordati is an Italian-headquartered pharmaceutical group dedicated to partnering, discovering and developing innovative, value-added products that improve the quality of life and help people to enjoy longer, healthier and more productive lives.

Founded in 1926, the company is headquartered in Milan and is listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 1984.

Davide Botta (centre) production manager with members of the maintenance team from left, Barry Corcoran, Wayne Barrett, Darragh Rodgers and Brendan Morrison.

Recordati has operations across much of the globe, including the whole of Europe, Russia, Turkey, North Africa, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia and a number of South American countries.

We work in several therapeutic areas such as cardio-vascular, urology, neurosciences, as well as gastro-enterology and respiratory, explains Cedric Ripert, Managing Director of Recordati Ireland Ltd and Vice-President for International Pharma Sales.

Recordati is committed to the research and development of new specialties with a focus on treatments for rare diseases.

"We manufacture specialty products and self-medication products, and the Group also has an Orphan drug division.

With more than 4,000 employees and with global revenues of over 1.3 billion, the Group has a direct presence through approximately 20 affiliates, mainly in Europe where it continues to expand its footprint.

In 2018, for instance, Recordati opened new offices in the Benelux and Nordic territories.

The Group has had a presence in Ireland since 2002, when it established an affiliate to start the local commercialisation of Zanidip, an anti-hypertensive drug.

Mr Ripert said: Interestingly enough, the active ingredient of that drug is still being produced in our plant in Cork.

The production building at Recordati Ireland, Raheens East, Ringaskiddy.

Recordatis four main areas of activity in Ireland

Today, Recordati Ireland is a key affiliate for the group. Recordati in Ireland has four main activities:

Production

Commercialisation of its products on the Irish domestic market

International Pharma business through licensees and distributors across the world

Inter-company business with other affiliates of the Group

We have a local footprint in Cork, but with a global reach, says Mr Ripert. Our business is very international.

Based in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, Recordati has grown significantly over recent years, underlined by a 20% increase in employee numbers since 2013.

Although we are not very big, with 60 employees here, our workforce is very international  Irish and Italian, of course, but also French, like myself.

"We also have people from the Ukraine, Spain, Mexico, India, Serbia, Poland and others. Even our Board of Directors is quite international, composed of Irish, Italian, French, Portuguese and Swiss.

An international workforce dedicated to improving global healthcare

From its Cork base, Recordati oversees its export business to more than 130 countries across the world.

Cedric Ripert said: We therefore deal with a very large number of commercial partners in big and in small markets in literally all corners of the planet  across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

Recordati Ireland also manages significant business in mainland Europe through co-marketing partnerships with prominent pharma companies.

Given the diversity of the businesses operated from Cork, our organisation is quite unique in the diversity of our functions, including production, quality assurance, key account management, export managers, finance, supply chain, regulatory, legal and international marketing.

"Whenever possible, we always try to scout talent locally, and to also support Cork universities.

"We have taken on finance graduates from UCC and Quality Assurance/Quality Control students from CIT.

"We have also employed production operators directly from the Cork Educational Training Board, he adds.

The diversity of the businesses operated from Cork explains the range of roles that Recordati need locally: production, quality assurance, key account management, export managers, finance, supply chain, regulatory affairs, legal, marketing etc.

Diverse cultural backgrounds

The diversity of the cultural backgrounds, the variety of our functional areas and the size of our organisation make it a truly friendly environment to work in, while we also continue to make continuous site investments to keep improving our workspace here at Recordati, Mr Ripert explains in relation to the companys ongoing focus upon improving work conditions.

To accompany our recent growth, we expanded our offices and quality control laboratories two years ago, and we have just invested in a larger and cosier canteen so that our employees have more space to gather for lunch or for a casual catch-up over a cup of coffee.

Mr Ripert joined Recordati in November 2017 as Vice President, International Pharma Sales.

He previously worked at Novartis France, Basilea Pharmaceutica and Shire.

"Although we are always in the process of recruiting new faces to accommodate our growing business, something that immediately struck me when I joined the company one year ago was the stability of our workforce: 40% of our employees have been with us for more than ten years, a clear sign that Recordati Ireland provides a working environment that appeals to our employees.

While Recordati Ireland may not be of the same scale as many of the other companies operating around us here in Ringaskiddy, our more compact size ensures that all employees have the benefit of being well exposed to what is happening within the company.

We are not compartmentalised as is often the case in larger organisations  all faces are familiar here, and we believe this promotes a more collegial and productive working environment.

Every employee in Recordati Ireland can see the personal impact he or she has in ensuring the companys continued success into the future.

Even those not working in production get literally well connected with the essence of our activity, which is to produce and to sell pharmaceutical drugs.

"From my office window, I like very much, for instance, to see the trucks leaving the plant with our product, wondering which country is the final destination.

Seeing all this activity is a concrete sign that business is going well, something I am of course very happy about, both as an employee and as head of the international business.

Davide Botta (right) production manager with Mark Ford (left) and Ger Horgan at the finished product manufacturing area

Infrastructure and talent key to companys sustained success

Ease of access to international markets is essential for growing companies like Recordati Ireland, and adding to the list of available flight connections is vital for future prosperity.

I am pleased to see how Cork Airport continues to develop, and I look forward to seeing more year-round direct connections to large business as well as tourism destinations like, for instance, Milan and Madrid, notes Cedric Ripert vice-president, international pharma sales, Recordati Ireland.

Connectivity is always important in business, and especially to enable a growing region like Cork access to international business centres.

It is also very gratifying to see how the Ringaskiddy Harbour project continues to develop, and it was great to see the recent addition of a new restaurant opening locally, he adds.

The new canteen at Recordati Ireland, Raheens East, Ringaskiddy.

We try to support local businesses as much as possible by buying local and contracting with local companies whenever that is possible, such as IT services, engineering and catering.

"We very often take visitors coming here to Recordati to local restaurants.

Recordati is part of the Pharmaceutical Industry association in Ringaskiddy.

We are also involved with the Ringaskiddy local residents association and one of our board members attends the local resident association on behalf of the company, said Mr Ripert.

We support the annual Ringaskiddy clean-up day when employees give of their time as part of the organised clean-up of the local area along with other pharma companies.

"Alongside fellow pharma companies, we are always very keen to closely follow and support the infrastructure projects that would benefit the broader community."
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has served 13 closure orders and one prohibition order to food businesses in November.

Some of the reasons for the closures outlined by the FSAI included:

A significant number of rodent droppings and gnawed foodstuffs and packaging observed in a shop and store indicating a serious rodent infestation in the premises;

Rodent droppings noted on the lower shelf of the pre-packaged bread display;

Gnaw marks evident on the packaging of a loaf of bread;

A number of cockroaches witnessed crawling in food preparation and food storage areas;

Glue boards in kitchen with multiple dead and live cockroaches; cockroach droppings in food preparation and food storage areas; no hand wash basins.

Other premises were reported as having "filthy" staff uniforms, no hot water, soap or paper towels at wash basins and refrigerators and freezers showing evidence of rust, mould and dirt.

Here is the list of orders issued for November:

Eight Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:

The Blue Door (take-away), 59 John Street, Kilkenny

Delvin Mart (Closed area: Restaurant), Delvin, Westmeath

Teach Lisa Creche (Closed area: Kitchen), Newtowncunningham, Donegal

ORourkes (retailer), 32 Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 8

Tesco Ireland Limited, Dublin Road, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim (see statement below)

OBriens Gala, Tulla Road, Ennis, Clare

Everest Express Fish & Chips Takeaway, Tulla Road, Ennis, Clare

Rice Asian Cuisine (restaurant), 11 Bridge Street, Ardee, Louth

[/factbox]

Update 4.20pm: Tesco Ireland has confirmed a pest incident in its Carrick-on-Shannon store, saying: "Following a report from a customer in our Carrick-on-Shannon store a pest issue was identified.

"As is standard a temporary closure notice was issued on the evening of November 6. We immediately arranged for a pest control company to carry out a thorough inspection and the store reopened at 3.30pm the following day, with all appropriate measures taken.

Tesco operates to the highest health and hygiene standards and regrets this issue arose and inconvenienced customers."

Five Closure Orders were served under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010 on:

Galmere Fresh Foods Limited (Closed activity: Manufacturing of ready to eat products containing fresh basil, not subject to heat treatment, as an ingredient), Ballybrit Upper Industrial Estate, Monivea Road, Galway

Colours of India (restaurant), Unit 2 Hibernian Way, Mallow, Cork

Dawat Indian Restaurant, Main Street, Castlebar, Mayo

Original Curry House (take away), Main Street, Kiltimagh, Mayo

New World Thai and Chinese Take Away, 275 Glasnevin Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 11

[/factbox]

One Prohibition Order was served under the EC (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2010 on:

Galmere Fresh Foods Limited, Ballybrit Upper Industrial Estate, Monivea Road, Galway

[/factbox]

One prosecution was taken by the HSE in relation to:

Cissies Farm Shop, Ardnawark, Barnesmore, Donegal Town, Donegal

[/factbox]

Commenting on the closures, FSAI Chief Executive Dr Pamela Byrne said: "Fourteen Enforcement Orders in one month is an unacceptable number. The reasons for the Enforcement Orders having to be served are all easily preventable in the first place and food businesses should not allow their standards to slip.

"All food businesses must ensure that they adhere to a high standard of food safety and hygiene at all times.

"It is also imperative that a proper pest control system is in place and that this is checked very regularly in order to avoid infestations of rodents and insects.

"With the busy Christmas period upon us, food businesses must be especially vigilant to ensure compliance with the law."

- Digital Desk
47 people were returned to Ireland for charges on European Arrest Warrants in 2017.

The Department of Justice published the European Arrest Warrant Annual Report for last year on Monday.

47 people were returned to Ireland on foot of warrants and a further 60 were returned by Ireland to other EU member states.

The Annual Report of the European Arrest Warrant Act reveals that Ireland issued 76 warrants to other EU member states during 2017.

On foot of these warrants, a total of 47 people were returned, bringing the total number of surrenders made to Ireland since 2004 to 478.

The report also shows that 357 European Arrest Warrants were received by Ireland during 2017.

The warrants related to a variety of offences including murder, rape, drugs offences, assault and robbery.

Over the course of the year, 73 warrants resulted in the surrender of 60 individuals by Ireland to other member states.

159 warrants transmitted by the state were still ongoing on December 31 2017.

The bulk of the warrants come from the UK, followed by Poland.

Announcing the figures, the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said the range of crimes noted in the report were extensive.

"The European Arrest Warrant is a valuable mechanism that helps ensure that dangerous criminals can be apprehended, keeping EU citizens safer as a result.

"It provides for an enhanced extradition process within the European Union and I note that European arrest warrants received during 2017 cited a wide range of offences including murder/grievous bodily harm, sexual offences including rape and sexual abuse of children, drugs offences, robbery/assault, fraud and human trafficking."

While the report relates to operational matters concerning the European Arrest Warrant in 2017, the minister also reflected on the potential impact of Brexit on the extradition process.

"The departure of the UK from the EU is particularly significant for Ireland on a wide range of issues.

"However, in the context of combating crime and terrorism, the necessity to maintain a functioning system of extradition between the two states has been identified as the key priority.

"I have requested my officials in the Department of Justice and Equality to examine the implications of Brexit for extradition between the two states and to consider the options available to address the various possible outcomes to the Brexit negotiations."

The operation of the European Arrest Warrant, which allows the transfer of suspects between EU countries for trial or imprisonment is one of the areas of judicial co-operation which could cease in the event of a hard Brexit in March.

In September, the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg ruled that Irish courts must co-operate with Britain as usual and that European Arrest Warrants were to continue in force until the UK leaves the EU.

- Press Association
A Cork woman says she is living in fear because her abuser father is due to move into a house close to her home, having served his prison service for her rape.

Jill (not her real name) has revealed that her father is also accommodating another sex criminal in the house on Corks northside - and that she also testified in this mans case.

Im rattling from my head to my toes, the mother-of-one said.

She said she was raped by her father when she was eight, but that the abuse started years before that: I dont want him out, hes a dangerous individual, hes very charming, thats the thing, I am fearful hes going to get into a relationship with someone with kids. He has no boundaries, this man, no boundaries. Hes evil. He is not sorry at all. If he was he wouldn't have done any of this."

Hes after putting a convicted rapist and paedophile in my grandmothers at the moment already, she told the Neil Prendeville Show on Red FM.

I was actually a witness in that case as well. He attacked two girls in one night and I actually came across the second girl that he attacked. I saw the state that she was in, and this guy is living 100 yards from my house. I could throw a stone and hit the house from where I am, she said.

She told the programme that she is convinced her father hates her: I just want him gone. He has put my family through a horrible pain and he keeps doing it."

Her father was released this week having served six and a half years of a 12 year sentence, and will be under probation for 18 months. The court has ordered that he does not have contact with Jill or her family.

However, she said these provisions are of little comfort, and that she feels that his moving to her neighbourhood is a form of harassment: These guys shouldnt be allowed out. Theyre not sorry. Theyre sorry they got caught, but theyre not sorry. They shouldnt be allowed out, as a victim you carry this, its a life sentence."

She said she has suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, an eating disorder and memory loss due to the fallout from her abuse. Jill said she only gets two to three hours sleep a night: I have all these medical problems and Ill have these for life and he just gets a few years and hes out and he gets to live his life. I dont see how thats fair."

She said her fathers house is next to her local shop, which she will now avoid for fear of seeing him. She said she does not know how she will react when they meet: I'd like to think I run but I think there is another part of me that is so angry that I'm afraid that Ill do something. I am saddled with a life sentence myself and I'm not going to get any better. There are things I can do to help myself yeah, but Im broken and I'm going to be broken."

Jill said she has been told by Cork City Council that she is facing a two- to three-year wait for a new house in a different location. Speaking on the same programme, Local Cllr Ted Tynan said he has appealed to the Council to treat her request as an urgent matter.

Jill said she cannot forgive her father.

I want him to just drop dead. it's my only way out now, she said, adding that she has no relationship with her grandmother after she sided with her abuser: She told me he went to confession and God forgave him so why cant I? I was 13."
The scale of criminal justice co-operation between Britain and Ireland under EU agreements is highlighted in a new report on the European Arrest Warrant.

The EAW allows for the speedy and smooth surrender of suspected criminals between member states in order for them to stand trial or serve sentences already imposed.

Official figures show that Britain sent 207 EAW requests to Ireland in 2017, while Ireland sent 60 in the other direction.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has expressed his concerns over what would replace the EAW once Britain leaves the EU, which, as it stands, is supposed to happen in just three months.

Publishing the European Arrest Warrant annual report for 2017, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan again referred to this issue.

The departure of the UK from the EU is particularly significant for Ireland on a wide range of issues. However, in the context of combating crime and terrorism, the necessity to maintain a functioning system of extradition between the two States has been identified as the key priority, said Mr Flanagan.

I have requested my officials in the Department of Justice and Equality to examine the implications of Brexit for extradition between the two States and to consider the options available to address the various possible outcomes to the Brexit negotiations.

The report shows that a total of 357 European arrest warrants were received from member states.

Offences cited were murder/grievous bodily harm, sexual offences including rape and sexual abuse of children, drugs offences, robbery/assault, fraud and human trafficking.

Of the 15 EU countries behind the 357 requests, 207 (58%) were from the UK. The next largest number came from Poland (83) and Lithuania (26).

A total of 76 European arrest warrants were sent by the Irish Central Authority to other member states in 2017.

The offences included murder, sexual offences, drugs offences, assault, robbery and fraud. A total of 47 persons who were subjects of EAWs were surrendered to the State in 2017.

Of the 76 EAWs, 60 (79%) were sent to Britain. Of the remainder, four were sent to Spain.

Last week, a legal expert said that there was no reason why Ireland could not negotiate a bilateral agreement with Britain to replace the EAW system post-Brexit.

Barrister Anthony Hanrahan said he didnt see a problem with a special treaty between the countries to replicate EAW.
Ireland is ranked nine out of 31 European countries in an international 'index' assessing the impact of terrorism on countries.

Ireland is positioned behind neighbours that have been hardest hit by jihadist-inspired attacks, such as Britain, France and Germany, but is ahead of states like Italy, Austria and Denmark.

The 2018 Global Terrorism Index, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), shows a major reduction in the number of deaths in Western Europe from terrorism in 2017  a trend that has continued this year.

But it cautions that while the number of fatalities has fallen in Western Europe, the number of actual terrorist incidents has increased.

Speaking at the Irish launch of the report, Serge Stroobants of the IEP said the substantial reduction in deaths was a direct result on the reduced capability of ISIL in Syria.

He said the large-scale attacks in Europe had disappeared and that now Europe was facing a homegrown and less well-organised threat.

The Index also warns of a rise in far-right terrorism in Western Europe and North America.

According to the report, Ireland ranks 65 in the world (down one) of 163 states.

Ireland has a point scoring of 3, in an index ranging from 0-10, in what is described as a low impact of terrorism.

On the top of the table are Iraq (9.7), Afghanistan (9.4), Nigeria (8.7) and Syria (8.3).

Speaking at the report launch in the Institute of International and European Affairs, Mr Stroobants said that between them Afghanistan and Iraq accounted for more than half of all terrorist deaths globally and that only around 1% of them occurred in Europe.

In Europe, Ireland ranks ninth of 31 countries. Turkey has the highest rank (7), followed by the UK (5.6), France (5.5), Germany (4.6), Greece (4.3), Belgium (4), Spain (4) and Sweden (3.9).

The report said the biggest improvement was in Europe, which had the largest percentage decrease in deaths (down 75%) from terrorism of any region in the world.

This was mainly due to a major fall in fatalities in Turkey (down from 659 to 123).

It said there were also significant improvements in France, Belgium and Germany  countries which had suffered from major vehicular and explosive terror attacks in Nice, Brussels and Berlin in 2016.

The report said all of these attacks were claimed by ISIL (also known as ISIS).

The situation in the UK worsened, in part due to the suicide bombing at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that killed 23 people and injured 119.

The UK is ranked 28 in the world, a rise of seven places.

The report said the situation in Spain had deteriorated significantly and jumped 38 places internationally to 50 in the global ranking.

This is due to the vehicular attack in Barcelona that killed 23 people and injured 101 more.

It said that overall Western Europe recorded a marked fall of 52% in terrorism, with deaths dropping from 168 in 2016 to 81 to 2017.

This trend has continued in 2018 with only eight deaths being recorded to October 2018, the report said.

As well as Spain and the UK, the report said there had been a rise in terrorism-related deaths in Sweden, Finland and Austria.

It added: Despite the [overall] fall in deaths, the number of terrorist incidents increased to 282 in Europe, up from 253 in the prior year.

It said at least eight countries in Western Europe recorded at least one death from terrorism in 2017, the highest number in the past 20 years.

The report said there was a growing threat from right-wing terrorism in the last five years, with 17 deaths and 46 attacks in 2017.

There were 12 attacks in the UK, six in Sweden and two each in Greece and France.
A judge has hit out at the "complete daftness" in a Tusla child care case stating the case is costing the State a small fortune.

Judge Patrick Durcan made his comment at the Family Law Court in Ennis when hitting out at the cost to the State when short adjournments are sought in such cases.

In the case, the Child and Family Agency (CFA) Tusla has an interim care order in place for a five-year-old boy.

In court, Judge Durcan said there are four solicitors in court representing various parties in the case along with a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) employed to provide an independent voice to the five-year-old child.

Looking down at the solicitors representing the various parties, Judge Durcan said: It is unreal what I see before my eyes. Unreal.

In the case, Tusla was represented by one solicitor with the parents of the five-year-old boy separately represented by a solicitor each.

In addition, the GAL was represented by a fourth solicitor.

Judge Durcan said: There is an intolerable waste of resources in this case."

He said: "There is an intolerable waste of fees paid to legal personnel and an intolerable waste of fees paid to the Guardian Ad Litem turning up today for no purpose.

Judge Durcan said:

There is gross inefficiency in the way quite a number of these cases are run.

The latest figures from Tusla show that for the nine months to the end of September this year, Tusla has spent 22m on legal fees and GAL costs.

The breakdown shows that 6.2m has been paid to GALs with an additional 4.7m spent on GAL legal costs. Tusla has paid lawyers 9.5m representing the agency and third-party legal costs total 1.5m.

Judge Durcan said that he was making his comment as someone who practised as a solicitor for 39 years and spent 30 of those years in child care cases representing the HSE and Health Boards.

Judge Durcan acceded to the application that the case be adjourned to January but directed that all solicitors in the case have a meeting before coming to court on the next day and agree a detailed planning programme.

He said: What has been happening is nobody meets until the day of a busy court hearing. That has been the custom in Ireland - turn up on the day and people run around and flap.

Judge Durcan said that he requires that the minutes of the meeting be made available to him at the next court date in January.

He said: I want better methodology adopted by the legal personnel in all of these cases going forward.
Update 8:08pm: Aleksejs Snitko has been found safe and well this evening.

Original story: Gardai are appealing for help in tracing a missing teenage boy in Dublin.

Aleksejs Snitko was last seen when he left his home in Balbriggan at around 4pm yesterday.

The 15-year-old is 6ft tall, of average build, with blue eyes and short black hair - styled on top with the sides shaved.

He was wearing grey Under Armour shoes, a tight navy cotton tracksuit bottoms and a grey hoody under a navy coat. He was also carrying a blue Puma backpack

Anyone with information is asked to contact Balbriggan Garda Station at 01-8020510 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Parents in 12 towns and suburbs have until mid-January to pick patrons offering to open new primary schools next autumn.

From this morning, they can go online to indicate their preference in a process that has been centralised by the Department of Education as a result of patrons previously nominating families who were not eligible.

In all 12 areas, most of which are in Dublin city and county, the same four patrons have put themselves forward as an option. Outside of Dublin, two new primary schools will be opening in Co Kildare and one each in counties Cork, Meath, and Wicklow.

All four common patrons are offering a multi-denominational model of primary education, in a co-educational setting. They are Educate Together, the local education and training boards in each area, Scoil Sinead Ltd, and An Foras Patrunachta; Scoil Sinead is patron to a primary and a second-level school in Dublin, and An Foras Patrunachta offers to open all-Irish gaelscoils.

The online process allows parents to identify whether they would prefer their children to be taught through English or Irish, as some other patrons may also offer the choice of Irish-medium education.

In five of the Dublin areas where new schools will open in September 2019, Lifeways Ireland also has its name down for parents to choose as a patron.

It is already patron to three Steiner national schools in Clare and Galway.

There are six prospective patrons for parents to pick from in the Booterstown and Blackrock area of Co Dublin. In addition to the four others and Lifeways Ireland, St Nicholas Montessori Society of Ireland is proposing a multi-denominational co-educational English language school.

In Cork, families with children living in the western and central suburbs of the southside of Cork city can choose from the same four bodies on offer as potential patron in all 12 areas.

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare is the fifth patron choice for parents in Maynooth, Co Kildare, in the only option that is not a multi-denominational proposal.

The ability for families to express a preference depends on their ability to provide an Eircode proving the child lives in the catchment area of the planned school.

As with all start-up schools in recent years, the schools will have to operate for their initial years in temporary accommodation. Education Minister Joe McHugh said his department has appointed a project manager to help with procuring interim accommodation, and prospective locations have already been identified for most of the schools.

Parents will have until January 15 to identify which patron in their area they would prefer to be on offer for their child.

The departments online patronage process system (OPPS) website is designed to give families objective information to help them make an informed choice in expressing a preference for their preferred model of patronage and language of instruction.

The outcome of the parental preference exercise will be assessed by a New Schools Establishment Group, which will advise Mr McHugh which patron should be selected.

The 12 areas are among 42 identified earlier this year as needing new primary or second-level schools by 2022 due to population growth.
Latest: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has spoken with European Council President Donald Tusk about the current Brexit situation and they agree preparations for a no deal outcome should intensify.

I have decided to call #EUCO on #Brexit (Art. 50) on Thursday. We will not renegotiate the deal, including the backstop, but we are ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification. As time is running out, we will also discuss our preparedness for a no-deal scenario.

In a statement, the Government Press Office said the two agreed that the Withdrawal Agreement is the best option.

"The Taoiseach and European Council President Donald Tusk spoke by phone this afternoon," the staement said.

"They discussed this week's European Council meeting and the current situation on Brexit.

"They agreed that the Withdrawal Agreement is the best option and could not be renegotiated. They also agreed that preparations for a no deal outcome should intensify."

Digital Desk

Earlier: Varadkar: Deal is the 'only agreement on the table'

Latest 1.10pm: The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement is the only deal on the table between the EU and the UK and is not open to renegotiation, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, writes Daniel McConnell.

Speaking on Monday lunchtime in Dublin, Mr Varadkar said that to re-open one aspect of the deal would mean opening the entire deal for re-negotiation, and that was not possible.

I have heard suggestions that the vote may be postponed but I do not have confirmation of that. What I can say is that the withdrawal agreement, including the Irish backstop, is the only agreement on the table. It took over a year and a half to negotiate, it has the support of 28 governments and it is not possible to re-open any aspect of that agreement without opening all aspects, he said.

He said the purpose of his phone call with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday was to update me on the progress she was making in seeking to get ratification of the withdrawal agreement in the House of Commons and also how we think ahead as to how we move ahead.

He said Ireland and the EU have already made many concessions to the UK and it is not possible to make any more.

A lot of concessions have been made along the way. Most recently we agreed there would be a review clause. No one should ever forget how we got to this point, the UK decided to leave the EU. The UK Government decided to take lots of options off the table whether it was staying in the Customs Union or the Single Market or in relation to a Northern Ireland specific backstop. So the reason we ended up in the situation we are in is because of the red lines, he said.

We have already offered a lot of concessions. We ended up with the backstop because of all of the red lines that the UK laid down. I have no difficulty with statements which clarify what is in the withdrawal agreement but no statement can contradict what is in the withdrawal agreement, the Taoiseach added.

'The deal is the deal': Tanaiste rules out Brexit re-negotiations

10.30am: The current Brexit deal is the only one on the table according to the Tanaiste.

Simon Coveney has poured cold water on claims in the UK that another deal could be re-negotiated to weaken the backstop arrangement.

It comes as the European Court of Justice

Read More:

Speaking as he arrived in Brussels this morning, Mr Coveney said the deal is not going to change.

"The deal is the deal," said the Cork TD. "It's taken two years to put together. It's a fair deal for both sides.

"It protects, from an Irish perspective and from a British perspective, peaceful relationships on the island of Ireland.

"The backstop was never and is not an offer from one side to the other.

"It was a negotiated solution that both sides signed up to."

The ECJ found earlier today that if the UK does decide to revoke Article 50 and stop the Brexit process it would remain in the EU as a member state and the revocation must be decided following "democratic process".

In a statement, the ECJ said: "In today's judgment, the full court has ruled that, when a member state has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the European Union, as the UK has done, that member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification.

"That possibility exists for as long as a withdrawal agreement concluded between the EU and that member state has not entered into force or, if no such agreement has been concluded, for as long as the two-year period from the date of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, and any possible extension, has not expired."

- Digital Desk
An Irish woman who won a successful battle against the Dutch health system after she was left with terminal cervical cancer because of hospital negligence has vowed to fight until her "last breath" to put a no gagging clause policy in place right across the EU.

Adrienne Cullen, 58, who grew up in Limerick says that women like her and her counterparts Vicky Phelan and Emma Mhic Mathuna have had their lives stolen from them.

"They have been robbed of being able to see their children's birthdays. They have been robbed of Christmas photos, of having family holidays. Of seeing their children grow up. We have all lost so many things like that.

"Peter (her husband) beside me here is losing me. My career is lost and my sense of who I am has been radically changed."

Ms Cullen, who is being awarded a Honorary Doctorate in Laws at UCC today says that she is an "angry and motivated individual."

"I am determined until my last breath to make sure that people understand how you should treat patients and how to treat them when something goes wrong."

Adrienne has had four operations to remove five tumours and has also undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Her cancer would have been treatable if she had been diagnosed when she first presented to hospital in 2011.

She wasn't diagnosed for a further two years because some of her results went missing. University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU) has admitted liability in the case but Adrienne received compensation of just 545,000.

She insists that gagging clauses must be banned because they are another injury inflicted on the patient following the traumatic news that their lives are set to end prematurely.

She also believes that gagging clauses continue to perpetuate a culture of silence which allows medical negligence cases to continue unchecked.

"We are handed over to the legal departments of hospitals like we are being thrown to the wolves. I will resist against that happening so no other patients are damaged in the future.

"What I have achieved in Utrecht isn't nothing but it is only the first step on a very long journey. It has to be Europe wide.

"There has to be an absolute ban in the EU on using confidentiality clauses which are gagging clauses in contracts between patients and their hospitals because they do not belong there. That would be a very good first step."

Meanwhile, her husband Peter Cluskey says that one of the problems with gagging clauses is that hospitals always tell impacted patients that they are "unique." Patients are often not aware that there is someone else in the same circumstance putting up the same fight for financial compensation and justice.

"There is ten other people or 100 other people in the same hospital in the same situation. You never get the support of numbers and that means there is never any change," he said.

Adrienne says of the few positives of the Cervical Check scandal in Ireland is that way that people have "clubbed together" to take on the system.

"There is huge support between the different patients and the very fact that they are a group and that they are united and they have people spearheading it. Well that is the right thing to do. Because not everybody can fight this fight on their own.

There was no way I wasn't going to stand up for myself.

Adrienne says since she went public with her story she has been contacted by people with similar heart rendering tales to tell.

"In each case they haven't been looked after at all. They have been cast aside. They have to be 'looked after' by the lawyers and that it is."

The vastly experienced journalist has written a book about her experiences which will be published next year. She says being acknowledged by UCC has provided her with a tremendous lift during dark times.

"It is hugely important to me. It took me totally by surprise. My old university was able to see the value of what I was doing. They could see clearly that I have achieved something that is worthwhile although it is something small.

"It is a huge contrast to everything I have been going through in the past five years which is people not understanding what I am doing or why am I doing it. Or people saying 'why don't you forget about that and go on holiday?'

"This honour from UCC humbles me because they really do understand. They get it."

The @UCC Quad is looking beautiful this morning as we prepare to honor the courageous @AdrienneCullen pic.twitter.com/1Cm4NjAv1j  O'Shea (@EauChez) December 10, 2018

Adrienne first underwent hospital tests in Holland after becoming ill in 2011. Doctors assured her she was healthy but some of her tests went missing.

In 2013, a review of old pathology results found that a test for cancerous tissue which Cullens doctor had conducted two years previously had, in fact, been positive. By 2015, tests showed it had spread.

Because of the delay, the cancer was now terminal.

Cullen convinced the hospital that they had not abided by any of the international norms for what is known as Open Disclosure After Serious Harm.

The Open Disclosure protocols that have since been put in place in UMCU are already being adopted by the countrys seven other teaching hospitals.

Adrienne refused to sign a gagging clause. She says she will never be silenced as long as her story can assist and prevent other people from suffering similar devastation.

She adds when she looks at the Irish women impacted by Cervical Check she is struck by how horrific it must be to be a parent with young children in situations similar to hers.

"The big difference between [Vicky Phelan and Emma Mhic Mathuna] and me is that I don't have children.

"The horror of being a parent is the idea that you have to leave your children behind you and not know what is going to happen to them. Or what education they will get. Or what guidance in to the future.
Cork cellist Sinead OHalloran is seeking to raise funds to buy her dream cello. She explains why to Marjorie Brennan.

Sinead OHalloran, 24, from Blackrock, Cork, is principal cellist with the European Union Youth Orchestra and was recently selected for the Budapest Festival Orchestra apprenticeship scheme. She is raising money through a crowdfunding campaign to buy her dream cello, made in 1780 by the English luthier Benjamin Banks.

Q: What makes a good cello?

A: Each cello is so different and each person is so different. It is really such a personal thing, the type of wood, the model, even the spike can make a huge difference. I have quite small hands so for quite a few years now, I have been trying to find a slightly smaller model that would allow me to still have a big sound but not have to strain my hands. Injuries can be an issue for a lot of musicians, especially those that play on big instruments.

Q: What are the factors in ensuring a cello fits?

A: It is quite important to try it out in different settings. I was really lucky that the owners gave me permission to take this cello on tour this summer and I was able to do that. So often when you are sitting behind an instrument, it sounds quite different than it does in the audience. Trusting your gut is important but getting opinions from colleagues, making recordings, listening back, and having other people reassure you is also helpful.

Q: Tell me about your dream cello [Sinead has been advised not to reveal exact value for security reasons].

A: I stumbled across it in an auction house in London and I fell in love with it immediately. Usually, at an auction, you can try the instruments for an hour and then you have to buy it. I was really lucky, as the owners had just decided to sell it through a private sale, which meant there was more flexibility and they were happy to let me play it for a period of time and come up with the funds.

Q: Why are older cellos so valued? Can modern ones be made to the same standard?

A: An instrument develops with time and with the musician. There is mixed opinion about old versus new. Maybe the older instruments have a special timbre but that also depends on the instrument itself. Obviously, there is something special when you think about the hundreds of years of adventures these instruments have had. It is certainly possible to find a modern instrument that can compete with the older ones but for me, this dream instrument just happens to be hundreds of years old.

Q: What is the price range of cellos for professional players?

A: You can find an instrument thats not so great for 5,000, up to millions. I think $3m is the most money paid for a cello. Sometimes it might not be their actual value but how much someone is willing to pay. It is all a bit bizarre that this piece of wood can cost so much. Its my voice so Im willing to do what needs to be done to have it.

Q: How important is the bow?

A: Extremely important  each bow I tried with this cello made it sound like a completely different instrument. Music Network recently gave me support to purchase a bow. That was very exciting and the bow matches perfectly with the cello. For a really good bow, it can cost quite a few thousand euro. I was recently at Rutesheim Cello Festival where I met Thomas Acker, a German maker, and I loved his bows because they worked best with my cello. I made a shortlist of six bows that I liked best. I did a blind test with my class and my teacher, where I played with each of them. They all chose the same one, there was no doubt.

Q: What effect will Brexit have on the orchestral scene in Europe?

A: I am co-founder and artistic director of the Ortus Chamber Music festival and we see the amount of work that goes into things like organising visas [for visiting musicians]. I have already seen with the European Youth Orchestra, they have ended up moving their offices to Italy and Belgium. So many people are leaving the UK. No one knows what it is going to be like but I can only imagine it will cause a lot of difficulties for musicians. And also for us, British players will no longer be able to play in the orchestra, which is heartbreaking. I hope that something will happen and it wont be as bad as we fear.

gofundme.com/help-sinead-buy-her-dream-cello; Ortus Chamber Music Festival takes place around Cork city and county, March 1-3; ortusfestival.ie
Susie McConville is Irelands first female lift engineer, but her early adulthood was marred by tragedy, addiction, and stigma, says Shamim Malekmian.

A year ago, Susie McConville was a cleaner at a lift-engineering company in Cork. Once, when engineers couldnt figure out what was wrong with a broken lift, she suggested a solution.

When I had no cleaning to do, I used to sit down and look at wiring drawings, she says.

So, I told my boss to check a certain side of the lift, and he did, and the problem was there, she says, her eyes beaming with pride.

Impressed, the companys manager, Tim Morley, hired her as a trainee lift engineer. Less than 10 months later, Susie is now Irelands first female lift engineer.

For Susie, whod exchanged her tomboyish self-confidence with merciless self-loathing, due to homelessness and drug addiction, it is the highlight of a lifetime.

I was well proud of that. I was like Im actually good at something. Id worked as a cleaner all my life. Thats all that would hire me, she says.

Fixing things comes naturally to me. I was a daddys girl growing up. I was always around my dad and watched bits and pieces that he did. Susie, who is 37, has dyed her hair fiery red and has a gentle, coy demeanour.

I dont talk a lot about myself to anyone at all, she says.

In her early 20s, Susie was living with her fiance. At 24, she became pregnant with her first child.

Nine months later, the young, expecting mother delivered a stillborn baby boy, named Nathan. It was an early reminder of the fragility of life. Later, when Susie came to know this fragility too well, she had to numb herself to forget.

What followed are pregnancies and sudden deaths; being pregnant and in mourning became the hallmark of Susies 20s.

Four months into another pregnancy, she witnessed her fiance being stabbed to death by his own brother, who was grappling with addiction.

Nine months later, my little girl, Elyssa, died of SIDS [sudden infant death syndrome], she says.

A growing body of research suggests that maternal stress and bereavement during pregnancy have an adverse influence on infant health.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that infants of mothers who had experienced severe stress or death of a loved-one, a year before or during pregnancy, had an 18% higher risk of stillbirth.

Susie plummeted into unspeakable grief and swallowed pills to allay the pain. Soon, she was cushioning lifes blows using heroin.

That [her daughters death] led into the first addiction

Shortly afterward, Susie sobered up, worked as a cleaner here and there; she even started going to college. I did what I had to do, she says.

Meanwhile, she tried to secure a permanent job, refusing to spend her entire life toiling in thankless, underpaid obscurity.

Soon enough, however, Susie realised that no employee saw her as capable of doing anything besides cleaning.

Susie says even landlords would often deny her the right to view properties. She finds words insufficient for expressing the way she felt back then.

Overwhelmed with grinding poverty and the strain of securing expensive housing that laid far out of her reach, the young woman became disheartened, stopped going to college, and relapsed into addiction.

Former addicts, as well as those who have a history of job-loss, have an increasingly difficult time securing employment.

They are often subjected to strong stigma and overwhelming discrimination from potential employers.

On the brink of giving up hope, Susie decided to try her luck one final time and entered a rehabilitation centre.

After finishing a month of addiction treatment, Susie met Tim Morley while volunteering for a homeless charity, not knowing that he would offer her an opportunity to finally live on her own terms.

Fixing things was always my thing, she says.

Morley is a genial man of about 45. He is tall and slightly stooped, and kindness radiates from his face every time he looks at Susie. He says he had never believed in any form of male superiority.

Anyone can do whatever they want. There is nothing I can do that Susie cant do, he says.

Ive had men whod come from college, never dealt with addiction, and they were just not interested. Morley describes Susie as one of his most diligent and loyal employees.

Over the years, Ive had a lot of employees, and Susie has been one of the most dedicated employees Ive ever had, he says.

I have no doubt that she is going to be one of the best engineers in this country.

Morley believes that Irelands labour market is steeped in discrimination, when it comes to former addicts or the homeless.

If no ones going to take a chance on them, they end up in the same cycle all the time, he says.

When you hire someone from a certain background and give them a start, and theyd see that someone has a bit of faith in them, you will get 100% loyalty from them

If Tim hadnt gave me a chance, I wouldnt be able to get back up on my feet, Susie says.

Addicts are not bad people. We just made bad choices. That doesnt make us bad people.

The Government aims to purvey equal job opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their social status or nationality, through an anti-discrimination legalisation.

There is scant data available to precisely assess the legalisations impact on protecting former addicts or the homeless from workforce discrimination.

Although Cork-based, Morleys company, Abbey Mobility, operates across Ireland and parts of the UK. Susie heads to work at 3am, as it often takes her hours to get to a client outside Cork County.

She says some of their clients still react with disbelief upon meeting her.

Ive been doing this for more than 10 months now, and we just went into a home to fix a lift, and they just automatically thought that I was just there, she says.

A lot of people dont think youre there to do the job. They are scratching their heads, thinking, is a woman doing it, like? They offer me to sit down and everything, which is nice, god love them.

Susie has now a steady income and a new apartment and she still volunteers for the homeless.

She wants to inspire other women who may have given up on their dreams, out of feeling intimidated by the idea of entering male-dominated industries.

We can do it just as good, like. I wouldnt even say its a fear; its more of a nervous thing of going into an industry that is male-dominated, she says.

But dont be. Its fine, girls. Its not the 60s or the 90s anymore. Men are more accepting of us now. I know not every man would have the view that Tim has, but theyre wrong, because Im doing it.

Susie recently travelled to England to repair a few lifts. It was her first time outside Ireland.

Susie McConville is Irelands first female lift engineer, but her early adulthood was marred by tragedy, addiction, and stigma, says
The prospect of living alone on an island has crossed many peoples minds but few get the opportunity to live the dream.

First, you have to find an island with reasonable living accommodation. Second, you have to ensure an adequate source of supplies, food especially, and transport to the mainland in the event of difficulty. Third, you will need some sort of human contact or you will probably lose your marbles.

Few have managed the achievement successfully for a period of years.

A musician in Co Donegal lived on Inishfree for around 20 years up to recently. And an elderly man once eked out a living on the minute Inishaghoo near Achill Island in Co Mayo. The former stuntman for Charlies Angels, Pascal Whelan, lived alone on Omey Island, Co Galway for a number of years.

There are others, of course, but hardly any as redoubtable as Elizabeth Gallagher (nee Clerkin), known as Beezie. In time, Cottage Island came to be known as Beezies Island or Gallaghers Island, but no maps describe it thus.

Perhaps Beezie was inspired by WB Yeats who wrote Lake Isle of Inisfree about a small wooded island 3km east on Lough Gill and thereby immortalising it in the process:

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow

Beezie was born on the island in the 1860s before spending her young adulthood in service to the Wynne family of Hazelwood House. She later returned to see out her days in peace and tranquility on the island. She lived in harmony with nature and had a reputation as an animal love. One visitor reported swans eating from her hand in her own kitchen.

When her husband, a cattle dealer, died she continued to live on the island. When she got older she would walk to the jetty in front of her house every Friday and climb into her small boat and row 8km into Sligo to collect her pension.

Beezies Island, lies in the western part of Lough Gill just down the Garavogue River from Sligo town. The lake has about 20 islands including the largest, Chapel Island, as well as Fairys Island, Monks Island, Swam Island and Wolfs Island.

In an article in 1944 The Irish Press reported: Alone now and nearer 80 than 70, Mrs Clerkin keeps nine goats rather than nine bean rows and supplies hot water to picnic parties.

And the picnickers were regular enough, arriving by boat from Sligo to pick primroses, heather and blackberries. Taking excursions to the then Cottage Island was a long-established tradition long. The Sligo Champion in 1898 reported on a party of 120 workers from the Irish Railway Clearing House visiting Sligo. When Gallaghers Island was reached, a disembarkation took place, and soon Mrs Gallaghers picturesque cottage was cleared of every drop of buttermilk in it, and there was also a clearance of lemonade and soda water.

In the severe winter of 1947 Beezie was cut off by the frozen lake and had to be rescued by locals who dragged her boat with her in it to the safety of the shore. Her dog and cat had died and she hadnt eaten in two days, reported The Western People.

There were only a few sticks lighting in the hearth. Members of the Garda Siochana and others who took part in the rescue did so at considerable risk, wrote the paper. The first thing she asked for was a pinch of snuff, said The Sligo Champion. However, when the weather improved back she went.

In 1948 The Irish Press returned on the occasion of Beezies 75th birthday and found her seated before a wood fire, a colourful figure in her knitted red skirt and green cardigan.

Clearly, no worse for her experience in the big freeze. Sadly, Beezie died when her house was engulfed in flames not long after this. An amazing character. Not many people can say they have an island named after them.

There is a small church ruin on Beezies island which had connections to the White Canons of the Premonstratensian order (modern day Norbertines) which in the twelfth century had a church on Trinity Island, Lough Key, Co Roscommon.
The Taoiseach is following the well-trodden path of treating the Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes, and illegal adoption as separate scandals, writes Conall O Fatharta

Magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes, industrial schools, illegal adoptions  Taoiseach Leo Varadkar listed them all out to the Pope in Dublin Castle this summer.

He told the Pontiff that the sorry litany of scandals are stains on our State, our society and also the Catholic Church.

In doing so he trod a well-worn path of previous governments of treating all these issues as if they are distinct and separate scandals, instead of part of the same story.

Instead of examining and investigating the bigger picture of how unmarried and vulnerable women and children were treated in a sprawling network of interlinking institutions, private agencies and state authorities, we break it down into separate scandals.

Focus on the narrow and obscure the broader picture. Its a well-worn path by successive governments.

Identifying all of these issues as individual scandals deflects from what this is really about  namely the collusion of Church and State in the construction of a system of confinement of single women and the removal of their children.

What flows from this are the related practices which have shocked the world  like Tuam  but also the spectre of forced and illegal adoption, infant trafficking, alteration of identities and records, medical and vaccine trials, infant mortality and the use of infant remains for anatomical research.

Mother and baby homes, Magdalene laundries, industrials schools  these not are not individual aberrations. They are one story, one scandal which, when seen in their totality, tell us about the fundamental character of the State  right from its very foundation.

Narrative, and the controlling of a narrative, has always been an important method of limiting the impact of this story.

Scandal is a word used in relation to the treatment of women and children in Ireland for decades. The reaction to scandal hasnt changed much down the generations.

The research of Catherine Corless and the shocking revelations at Tuam were the match that lit the touchpaper. We had the usual procession of TDs and ministers expressing shock and outrage about this latest scandal.

Seventy years earlier, in 1945, the same word was used by parliamentary secretary to the then minister for local government and public health, Dr Con Ward, in relation to an 82% infant death rate at the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home. That rate had been reported to state inspectors.

It briefly led to the government of the day banning pregnant women being sent to the home and led Dr Con Ward to write to then Bishop of Cork, Daniel Cohalan, to express fears about a public scandal over the figures.

The key word here is public. A scandal is one thing to an Irish Government, a public scandal is a very different animal.

Even in Childrens Minister Katherine Zappones letter to Pope Francis, she stressed that the issue of mother and baby homes only came to public attention in Ireland during the summer of 2014.

In short, for the Governments narrative, the start date for dealing for the Mother and Baby Homes scandal was 2014. With a start date of 2014, it looks like the reaction to revelations at Tuam was swift.

Of course, there is a different narrative which focuses on institutional rather than public knowledge. This narrative reveals that whether it's magdalene laundries, mother and baby homes or illegal adoptions, the State reaction is marked by deny, delay and when an issue becomes public in a manner that can no longer be controlled, launch an inquiry but a limited one. A redress scheme which buys silence with compensation usually follows.

MOTHER AND BABY HOMES

Three years before Catherine Corless revelations about a mass grave in Tuam sent shockwaves around the globe, the Cabinet was grappling with how to deal with another part of this story  the Magdalene laundries.

Even in 2011, the issue of mother and baby homes  and how to limit calls for inquiries into such institutions  were on the agenda of the Cabinet.

In a memorandum for Government seeking permission to establish what became the McAleese Committee, concerns were expressed that if there was an inquiry into Magdalene laundries, it could lead to calls for inquiries into abuses in mother and baby homes, psychiatric institutions, and foster care settings.

Controlling the narrative and limiting the scope of the Magdalene inquiry was the order of the day. Some seven years later, the mother and baby home system and the treatment of more than 40 vulnerable adults in a foster care setting are now the subject of State inquiries.

By 2012, the HSE was expressing stark concerns about the mother and baby home records it had uncovered.

The McAleese Committee had requested records relating to the 10 Magdalene Laundries be examined by the HSE.

Permission was granted to include two mother and baby homes in this trawl  Bessborough in Cork and Tuam in Galway. This decision was based on potential pathways references by the advocacy group Justice For Magdalenes (JFM).

Prof Jim Smith of Boston College and JFM group had written to the chairperson of the inquiry, then-senator Martin McAleese on February 21, 2012, outlining a circular he had discovered relating to a 1948 Government survey which revealed disturbing infant death rates in excess of 50% at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

Within eight months, HSE staff in Cork and Galway had turned up enough shocking material that concerns were being expressed about whether or not these issues warranted a State inquiry in and of themselves.

By October 2012, such was the level of consternation the material was causing, an internal memo was prepared by Dr Declan McKeown  consultant public health physician and medical epidemiologist of the medical intelligence unit in the HSE  and relayed the details of a teleconference with then assistant director of children and family service Phil Garland, who was co-ordinating the HSE project for the McAleese Committee and then head of the medical intelligence unit Davida De La Harpe.

The note outlines concerns raised by the principal social worker for adoption in HSE West who had found a large archive of photographs, documentation and correspondence relating to children sent for adoption to the USA and documentation in relation to discharges and admissions to psychiatric institutions in the Western area.

It notes there were letters from the Tuam mother and baby home to parents asking for money for the upkeep of their children and notes that the duration of stay for children may have been prolonged by the order for financial reasons.

It also uncovered letters to parents asking for money for the upkeep of some children that had already been discharged or had died.

The social worker, working in her own time and on her own dollar, had compiled a list of up to 1,000 names, but said it was not clear yet whether all of these relate to the ongoing examination of the Magdalene system, or whether they relate to the adoption of children by parents, possibly in the USA.

At that point, the social worker was assembling a filing system to enable her to link names to letters and to payments.

This may prove to be a scandal that dwarfs other, more recent issues with the Church and State, because of the very emotive sensitivities around adoption of babies, with or without the will of the mother.

A concern is that, if there is evidence of trafficking babies, that it must have been facilitated by doctors, social workers etc, and a number of these health professionals may still be working in the system.

The report ends with a recommendation that an early warning letter be written for the attention of the national director of the HSEs quality and patient safety division, Philip Crowley, suggesting that this goes all the way up to the minister.

It is more important to send this up to the minister as soon as possible: with a view to an inter-departmental committee and a fully fledged, fully resourced forensic investigation and State inquiry, concludes the note.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has said the minister was never made aware of the issues surrounding Tuam in 2012.

In tandem with this, in September 2012, a 20-page report had been prepared on Bessborough. It revealed that the HSE was in possession of a death register maintained by the Order that ran the institution between 1934 and 1953.

The report outlined that the almost 500 deaths recorded in this period were shocking and a cause for serious consternation.

It also expressed concern that death certificates may have been falsified so children could be brokered into clandestine adoption arrangements, both foreign and domestic  a possibility the HSE report said had dire implications for the Church and State.

The report notes that the records reveal a culture where women and babies were considered little more than a commodity for trade amongst religious orders and that they were provided with little more than the basic care and provision afforded to that of any individual convicted of crimes against the State.

It also highlights the intricacies of Bessboroughs accounting practices, and that detailed financial records and accounts were not handed over to the HSE by the Sacred Heart Order.

This report was seen by both the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

Given the level of concerns surrounding what was being found in relation to both institutions, Dr McKeown began work on a briefing paper on the situation for Mr Crowley. This was also forwarded to the then national director of children and family services at the HSE, Gordon Jeyes on October 19, 2012.

In one of the drafts of this paper, marked strictly confidential, Dr McKeown states that the records show that one child was sent to a US couple in 1957 in return for a cash payment.

Dr McKeown also said that the adoption records contained in the archive showed clear examples of multiple illegal adoptions which were not processed by the Adoption Board  then the regulatory body for adoption at the time.

Dr McKeown also revealed that letters from senior Church figures requesting the nuns to identify babies for adoption to the USA  indicating that the Catholic Church hierarchy was also directing this practice.

The archives need to be examined for clinical, accounting and ethical irregularities, of which there are numerous clues in the material already uncovered.

Additionally, there may be legal or criminal issues underlying the documentation, and it is critical that these potentials are outruled as soon as possible, given the increased public interest in the issue of adoption practice in Ireland, particularly in the 1950s, he wrote.

None of these concerns appear in the final HSE submission to the McAleese Committee which was only concerned with the institutions in so far as referrals from to and from Magdalene Laundries.

In a cover letter attached to a draft of the HSE report sent to principal officer at the DCYA and member of the McAleese Committee Denis OSullivan on November 1, 2012, Dr McKeown states that that adoption, birth and registration and the recording of infant mortality in relation to the mother and baby homes were issues that may require deeper investigation and had been referred to Mr Crowley.

As a result, they would no longer form part of the core investigation into the Magdalene system.

Six days later, Mr OSullivan emailed Gordon Jeyes on November 7, 2012, to advise that any issues around mother and baby homes were outside the remit of the McAleese Committee.

Material included beyond that is beyond the scope of our work  eg, the scope does not extend to an examination of other places of refuge eg mother and baby homes, other than in the context of referrals from Magdalene laundries.

If there are separate and validated findings of concern emerging from such additional research, obviously they should be communicated by HSE and through a separate process.

Its unclear where the HSE investigation went from here, if anywhere.

No investigation was launched. Nothing happened.

The McAleese Report was published. It included none of the concerns around mother and baby homes as they were outside its remit.

Within two years, Tuam was making headlines around the world. The Government launched another inquiry into the treatment of women and children  this time it was to be called the Mother and Baby Homes inquiry.

From the outset, it was criticised for being too narrow and limited only to institutions labelled mother and baby homes. Calls for the probe to be widened to include adoption agencies and other institutions went unheeded. Adoption would be addressed in so far as it related to the 14 named mother and baby Homes. Calls for the inquiry to focus on the scale of forced and illegal adoptions across the board fell on deaf ears.

Three years later, in May of this year, illegal adoption was to become the newest public scandal. Once again a piece of the same story was viewed in isolation.

ILLEGAL ADOPTIONS

It was announced in a blaze of publicity at a press conference in May with Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone  126 cases where births were illegally registered between 1946 and 1969 had been discovered in the records of former religious-run adoption agency St Patricks Guild.

The media followed suit declaring the discovery Irelands adoption scandal like this had come out of the blue.

Of course, the issue of not just illegal birth registrations, but all forms of illegal adoptions has been around for years. That such issues had happened with St Patricks Guild had also been known for years.

You can go back more than 20 years and find references to St Patricks Guild in the news for all the wrong reasons.

Of course, the minister rightly acknowledged that the issue of illegal birth registrations had been known before the Tusla discovery.

However, we were quickly given the new narrative, this time was different, whereas previously we had suspicions, now we had facts.

While there have been suspicions about the practice of incorrect registrations for many years, it has been extremely difficult to uncover clear evidence of the practice because of the deliberate failure by those involved to keep records.

The 126 cases announced by the minister on 29th May represent the first time this threshold of a high level of certainty has been reached, the DCYA told this newspaper in June.

The DCYA went even further and said that where such evidence is found, the States responsibility, is to inform the individuals concerned. This is a unique statement for the DCYA in the sense that it is both untrue and quite the U-turn all in one.

Firstly, the 126 cases are not the first time we have found evidence of illegal registrations. The DCYA and multiple ministers have been aware of the issue for years and have chosen to do nothing.

Take the case of Tressa Reeves  who recently settled a case against St Patricks Guild and the State  on this very issue.

Tressas son, was the victim of an illegal registration facilitated by St Patricks Guild. Her story first appeared in the Irish Examiner in 2010. Tressa had evidence of this since 1997. The former Adoption Board, now the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI), knew about her case since 2001. In the years that followed, three former childrens ministers were informed of Tressa Reeves case.

If, as the DCYA says, the State had a responsibility to tell those victims of illegal registrations the truth about their identity, why didnt it see fit to do this for her son?

After all, all Tressa asked for, for more than a decade, was that the State tell her son the truth. It took until 2012  and a threat of further negative publicity  for this to happen.

Remarkably, despite full knowledge of St Patricks Guilds involvement in such practices, it was the very first adoption agency accredited under the Adoption Act 2010.

However, if Tressas case wasnt enough evidence for the DCYA, its own regulatory body had been telling it about the issue for years also.

Following the Irish Examiners story on Tressa Reeves, the AAI committed to an audit of its records. It found approximately 99 illegal registration cases, while a further 20 were identified in the following years. This has subsequently risen to 131. Not all of these cases refer to St Patricks Guild.

In a report prepared for the DCYA in June 2011, the AAI said it considered carrying out a more comprehensive audit of the cases it uncovered, but because of the transfer of senior personnel and the pressure on resources of the imminent establishment of the Adoption Authority no further action was taken.

In June 2013, an AAI delegation told the DCYA again of there being at least 120 [confirmed] cases of illegal registrations found as the result of the 2010 audit.

It even name-checked St Patricks Guild for the department, stating that the agency was aware of several hundred illegal registrations, and that it was not seeking the people involved but were, rather, waiting for people to contact them.

The AAI went further, stating its belief that this could well be the tip of the iceberg and that there may be thousands more.

In 2015, the DCYA was again notified by its regulatory body about the issue of illegal registrations. This time the AAI sent three reports  including a spreadsheet of 90 specific cases it believed were likely illegal registrations.

Clearly, the department has been put on notice about this issue and, indeed had been told about specific cases, for years and has chosen to do nothing.

The department has defended the lack of action on the 90 cases it was notified about in 2015. It said these were cases where the appearance of irregular activity suggested the possibility of an incorrect registration having occurred, before pointing out that the 126 cases found by Tusla this year were confirmed cases of illegal birth registration.

The 126 cases currently being dealt with by Tusla were confirmed, once a rigorous process was completed to ensure that the State could be as sure as possible that these individuals births were, in fact, illegally registered, said the department.

Why were three separate reports  including a spreadsheet of some 90 cases  sent by the very body that regulates adoption not subjected to the same rigorous process that Tuslas cases were? Do the concerns of the AAI, the regulatory body for adoption, count for nothing?

Just five months after the June 2013 meeting, then childrens minister Frances Fitzgerald told the Dail she had no plans to initiate an audit of all [adoption] files.

She also claimed that all adoptions which the Irish State has been involved in since 1952 have been in line with this [Adoption Act 1952] and subsequent adoption legislation.

This claim was repeated on two separate occasions by her successor, Charlie Flanagan. Both made the claim despite the fact that no State agency had ever examined all the records.

This claim is also supported by the AAI, which said that to its knowledge, all adoptions carried out by the regulatory body have been conducted in accordance with the relevant legislative framework for adoption.

Certain illegal birth registrations have been found to have occurred but these were conducted outside the legislative framework for adoption and can therefore not be classified as adoptions, said the AAI in a statement.

However, as the Irish Examiner revealed last week, we now know that some illegal registrations also resulted in adoption orders.

Jackie Power (named changed to protect identity) was instructed as a 16-year-old in Bessborough to sign a false name on an adoption consent form. All of the paperwork that followed  including her sons birth certificate and the adoption order  are made out in false names.

St Patricks Guild could have been included in the Mother and Baby Homes inquiry in 2014 on the back of the AAIs notifications to the DCYA but it was not. However, the cases found by Tusla were reported to the Commission this year. Once again, the inevitable was delayed.

When the Irish Examiner published details of the 2013 meeting in 2015, it asked the DCYA did it not think that the AAIs belief that thousands of people in the country had their identities falsely registered  a criminal offence  warranted investigation?

The department declined to respond to the specific questions asked, but said a full audit of adoption records would be of very limited benefit.

It is important to note that the only way information generally becomes available is when someone with knowledge about the event comes forward

There is little, if any, supporting information in relation to these arrangements...Accordingly, an audit of all adoption records would be of very limited benefit in establishing the number of illegal registrations that took place, said a statement.

Recently, Ms Zappone has acknowledged the cases found by the AAI and says a validation exercise is underway in relation to them. However, she didnt say that these cases had been found as far back as 2010. This action could and should have been taken years ago.

The DCYAs view that an audit of the records would be of little use has also been shown up as without foundation. Indeed, the 126 cases Tusla found were specifically marked adopted from birth. No detective work was required.

The DCYA has now committed to a scoping exercise led by independent reviewer Marion Reynolds and involving the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) and Tusla. This exercise will clarify whether or not a full audit  which up to now was deemed a waste of time  is necessary.

The DCYA has now declined to reveal how this scoping exercise will work. It wont say what sample of records will be examined or what methodology is being used.

Of course, the real point of the scoping exercise is to delay and buy time. Like the decision at Tuam, we all know there is no real decision to be made. These matters require a full and thorough investigation.

The report of the scoping exercise originally due at the end of October, wont be with us now until mid-December. Word is the December deadline wont be met either.

Everyone knew the right call was the fullest possible exhumation at Tuam and other sites like it. As with illegal adoptions, everyone knows that the fullest audit of adoption records is also the right decision.

Even the DCYA knows this. A note of a meeting between representatives of the department and the AAI and prepared by the departments adoption policy unit, contains an acknowledgment that evidence of illegal registrations was not confined to St Patricks Guild.

It was stressed that a full investigation of these issues would be onerous, requiring massive resources.

Indeed Tusla itself has raised concerns about a further 748 cases from St Patricks Guild. These cases contain evidence of names being changed, payments being made to the agency, placements of children with no corresponding adoption order, and other irregularities.

So everyone knows  the DCYA, Tusla and the AAI  that this is an issue that requires a full investigation of all adoption records held by the State. Yet it persists with a scoping exercise that the public has been given no information about and which will please no one.

MAGDALENE LAUNDRIES

Another tale of denial and delay is yet another arm of the same story  the Magdalene laundries. Its now taken as fact that the State was directly involved in referring large numbers of women to the Magdalene laundries and, indeed paying the religious orders for the privilege.

That the State was involved in the laundries was taken as accepted fact by a number of groups and survivors who spent decades campaigning on the issue. As with much of this story, their voices went unheard.

In the early 2000s, the then-government refused to include the Magdalene laundries in the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and the resulting redress scheme.

This stance was defended by then education minister Michael Woods in 2002 on the grounds that the laundries were entirely private institutions, in respect of which public bodies had no function.

This was the line of the Government and it was stuck to rigidly.

By 2009, the country was reeling from the revelations of the Ryan Report and the Government was again facing down calls to examine the Magdalene laundries. The line remained the same.

This time, then education minister Batt OKeeffe said categorically that the State did not refer individuals to Magdalen laundries nor was it complicit in referring individuals to them.

He also said that they were not subject to State regulation or supervision.

Of course, survivors and campaigners knew this was categorically untrue. In 2010, Justice For Magdalenes (JFM) made an application to the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) seeking an inquiry into the States failure to protect the human rights of girls and women detained in the Magdalene laundry system.

Later that year, the IHRC issued a recommendation to government to immediately launch a statutory inquiry into abuse in the laundries.

With the Government failing to respond, JFM went to the United Nations Committee Against Torture (UNCAT), which in June 2011 recommended the same course of action to the Government as the IHRC.

The Government finally relented and launched an interdepartmental committee to look into the issue  the McAleese Committee.

The McAleese report was published in February 2013 and confirmed what everyone knew. Indeed it said that over one-quarter of all referrals to Magdalene laundries were made or facilitated by the State.

Despite this, an apology took two weeks to come.

The report itself and the redress scheme put in place in the aftermath of the State apology have been subjected to enormous scrutiny and criticism in the five years since.

It took until 2018 for the Department of Justice to allow a small cohort of women access to the redress scheme. They had been wrongfully excluded. Some had gone to the High Court to fight for access, while revelations by this newspaper and a scathing report by the Ombudsman following a year-long investigation eventually led the Department of Justice to grant them access.

However, campaigners say women are still not getting the full range of healthcare provisions promised to them.

When Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addressed the Pope and asked him to use his office and influence to ensure that justice and truth and healing is granted to survivors of institutional and clerical abuse, he specifically name-checked the Magdalene laundries.

However, at the same time his Government recently told the United Nations Committee Against Torture (UNCAT) that there is no credible evidence of systematic torture or criminal abuse being committed in the Magdalene laundries and that it has no intention of setting up a formal state inquiry into the matter.

Indeed the Government has been accused of walking back the state apology offered by then taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2013, now claiming, repeatedly, that the report made no finding in relation to state liability with regard to Magdalene laundries.

It continues to cite the McAleese Report as the de facto narrative of how the Magdalene laundry system operated in Ireland.

That would be fine if researchers could access any of the material in order to challenge the findings of the McAleese Report. However, they cant.

The archive has been held in the Taoiseachs own department for safekeeping since 2013. It is exempt from Freedom of Information and the department told the Irish Examiner it has no plans to open it up to public inspection. We must simply accept that the McAleese Report as we find it.

So while Mr Varadkar is quick to call on the Pope to use his office and influence to offer justice and truth and healing, he declines to use his own office to open the archive so people can challenge or confirm the findings of an investigation into the Magdalene laundry system.
Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which has played a pivotal role in the quest for global justice, writes TP OMahony.

IN his closing speech in the 1961 film Judgment at Nuremberg, Judge Dan Haywood (Spencer Tracy) declares: Before the people of the world, let it now be noted that here, in our decision, this is what we stand for: Justice, truth, and the value of a single human being.

Earlier, the judge said those charged had participated in the commission of crimes so vast and heinous that they beggar the imagination.

The film, scripted by Abby Mann and directed by Stanley Kramer, was a fictionalised account of one of the secondary trials that followed the main Nuremberg tribunal sitting in judgment of the top Nazis leaders, political and military, which lasted from November 20, 1945, to October 1, 1946.

These trials and the international military tribunal in Tokyo, which delivered its verdict on November 4, 1948, on 28 Japanese military and government officials accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, caused some controversy, especially among legal scholars.

They were seen as victors justice, and the moral superiority of the Americans, in particular, especially after the dropping of the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, and the British after the carpet bombing of Dresden (a city with no military significance) on February 13, 1945, was questioned.

Other criticisms related to the terms of the charter establishing the trials agreed by the Allies in London on August 8, 1945. This was drawn up against the background of a dispute among the Allies over whether there should be any Nuremberg trial at all.

Winston Churchill wanted summary executions. That there was a trial at all was due to the insistence of US president Harry Truman (who had replaced Franklin D Roosevelt, the latter having died of a stroke on April 12, 1945).

Harlan Stone, chief justice of the US Supreme Court at the time, described the proceedings at Nuremberg as a sanctimonious fraud and a high-grade lynching party.

Notwithstanding these criticisms, most observers considered the trials (held in the Bavarian city that had been the site of annual Nazi propaganda rallies) as a milestone in the development of international law.

For all these failings, Nuremberg stands as a colossus in the development of international human rights law, precisely because its charter defined crimes against humanity, according to Geoffrey Robertson QC, author of Crimes Against Humanity: The Struggle for Global Justice.

The background to the trial of the major Nazi war criminals, the corpus of evidence amassed in Nuremberg, the full horrors of the Holocaust revealed during the proceedings  all of this would have a profound influence on something happening elsewhere: The drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The final document was formally announced to the world at Palais Chaillot in Paris, on December 10, 1948, by the president of the UN General Assembly.

The document had been drafted by the Human Rights Commission of the UN, under the energetic chairmanship of Eleanor Roosevelt, widow of the recently deceased president, after receiving detailed reports of the proceedings at Nuremberg.

The declaration consisted of 30 Articles, with a preamble that eloquently asserts: Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.

The first Article reads: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 3 states: Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.

Thus it could be acknowledged that what the fictional Judge Haywood declared the prosecution stood for in the Kramer film had been incorporated into the new Universal Declaration.

What amazes today is the contemporaneity of the document, says Geoffrey Robertson.

Roosevelt and her committee produced an imperishable statement that has inspired more than 200 international treaties, conventions and declarations, and the bill of rights found in almost every national constitution adopted since the war.

The declaration itself, of course, is not a legal guarantee. It is not enforceable but its influence has been extraordinary.

The collapse of the League of Nations (which had been established at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 at the end of the First World War) in 1939 at the onset of World War II, led to a new concern about some sort of covenant to safeguard human rights. What is strange now, looking back, is that the notion of protecting human rights was not even broached by the League of Nations.

One of the great mysteries of the 20th century is why, for its first 40 years, there was virtual silence on the subject of universal human rights from European intellectuals, politicians, and public figures, says Robertson.

That silence was finally broken, in a formal setting, on January 6, 1941, when president Franklin D Roosevelt addressed the US Congress in Washington DC. He made what has been known ever since as his four freedoms speech, seen by some as an embryonic foreshadowing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that would follow in 1948.

In the speech, he said he looked forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms: The first is freedom of speech; the second is freedom of worship; the third is freedom from want, and the fourth is freedom from fear  everywhere in the world.

But a year earlier, the silence had been broken in an informal context by the British writer HG Wells (best known perhaps for his 1898 science fiction novel War of the Worlds) when Penguin published his book The Rights of Man.

It made a big impact on Roosevelt, who was a friend of Wells, and influenced his famous 1941 speech. Wells was the first public figure to use the phrase a new world order, and he knew that a charter of fundamental rights would have to be an indispensable feature of such an order.

The European Court of Human Rights

The League of Nations had been largely redundant even before 1939, as Japan and Germany left in 1933 and Italy in 1937.

In her acclaimed book Peacemakers, on the Paris Peace Conference (which produced the Treaty of Versailles as well as the League), the Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan writes: So great was the taint of failure that when the powers contemplated a permanent association of nations during the Second World War, they decided to set up a completely new United Nations. The League was officially pronounced dead in 1946. It had ceased to count at all in 1939.

Yet, MacMillan conceded, the League did represent something very important: A recognition that war increasingly was seen as an aberration, and that national interests were further bettered by peace, which allowed trade and industry to flourish. The need now was to find structures to get the desired level of international cooperation to give effect to this.

That was the task confronting representatives of the four great powers, the US, Britain, Soviet Union, and China, at a conference in August-October 1944 at Dumbarton Oaks (a mansion in Washington DC) that prepared for the foundation of a new international body to replace the League of Nations. This was the completely new United Nations referred to by MacMillan.

The history of human rights is a long and sometimes very dishonourable one. Some scholars would trace the origins back to the Golden Rule  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (found in Matthews Gospel)  and assert that this is the fount from which flowed a desire for a binding code of human rights, but it took the horrors of two world wars (1914-1918 and 1939-1945) for the crafting of a global charter.

The Golden Rule is sometimes referred to as the ethic of reciprocity, but other scholars point out that it was predated by some five centuries by a maxim from Confucius (551-479 BC): Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.

The problem with an ethic of reciprocity is that it only governs relationships between individuals. States and state disregard for and abuse of the rights of individuals were excluded.

It was not until the 20th century that a revolution in international law occurred  that how a government treats its own citizens was now a matter of legitimate international concern and not simply a domestic issue. That was the real and lasting significance of Nuremberg, the UN Charter, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
How can gardai seek mobile phone data for the investigation of serious crime, given the legislation enabling them to do so is contrary to EU law, asks Cormac OKeeffe

The sudden decision by senior officials in the Department of Justice to release figures on the States use of a controversial spying power is the latest twist in an unravelling drama.

Some two weeks ago this newspaper published a special report on this very issue.

We revealed the limited information that the Irish Examiner could assemble, after a lengthy trawl, on the use by States agencies of provisions allowing them to request access to peoples private communication data from phone and internet service providers.

We also mapped out the swampy terrain that is Irish law covering this area. This documented various European court rulings and a domestic judicial inquiry  both of which dismantled the basis of our laws and the need for urgent change  a view supported by an Oireachtas justice committee report earlier this year and repeated only last October by a judge overseeing the provisions.

The Irish Examiner revealed that four major internet companies  Microsoft, Facebook, Google, and Twitter  had received around 1,250 requests from State agencies for data concerning peoples use of their services between 2012 and 2017 (up to June 2018 for Microsoft and Google).

We also revealed that the countrys biggest mobile phone operator, Vodafone, disclosed 16,500 requests for communication data over a three-year period, or around 5,500 per year on average, between April 2013 to April 2016.

And the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission voluntarily, after repeated requests, disclosed that they were granted almost 100 requests for data over a six-year period, to 2017.

GSOC broke ranks from the other State agencies (An Garda Siochana, Defence Forces and Revenue) which have the power to request access to communication data.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also has the power under the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011, but to date has not used it.

When we sought details from the Department of Justice we were told it has not been the practice to provide detailed information about use of the powers.

But the department said that, in consultation with the relevant authorities, they were examining how more information might be made available in the future.

After that, the Irish Examiner put in a Freedom of Information request. Shortly after the High Court ruling last Thursday, the department released the main figures being sought.

The data, published today, is the first time a complete picture has been made available since the same information was published by the Irish Times in January 2016, which covered a period between 2008 and 2012.

In the same month, the Irish Independent published statistics, provided by the Department of Justice, for mobile and landline data for the year 2014.

The figures provided by the department to the Irish Examiner appear to show a significant increase in disclosures since then.

The Irish Times figures showed there were a total of 62,000 requests (not the same as requests disclosed) in a five-year period between 2008 and 2012  or around 12,400 on average per year. The requests reached a high of 14,928 in 2010 and dropped to a low 8,829 in 2012.

However, the figures we publish today show there was a total of about 92,000 disclosures over a five-year period from 2013 and 2017  or around 18,450 on average per year.

The annual total has risen from 18,872 in 2013 to 19,125 in 2014 to a high of 20,540 in 2015. It has dropped since then, to 17,706 in 2016 and to 16,001 in 2017.

It shows that wide-scale requests were made both after the April 2014 ruling of the European Court of Justice (in the Digital Rights Ireland case) and the December 2016 ruling of the ECJ (in the Tele 2 case).

In April 2017, Mr Justice John Murray, who examined the law here, submitted his report to the Government, in which he warned about continuing to use the powers.

The figures published today show the gardai are by far the biggest users of the power, accounting for over 90,000 (98%) of the 92,000 disclosures over the five years.

The statement from the department shows that more than half of garda requests are for subscriber data  which is information on the name and address of the subscriber of the phone or digital device.

The rest of the data is either call data records (phone numbers called and received, type of communication, start and finish time and location data) or internet records (including IP address of device, email addresses, web history, and credit card information).

Gardai can request access on all three grounds under the 2011 act  investigation of serious crime, safeguarding security of the State and saving of human life. But the department was unable to break down the garda data between the three categories.

The Defence Forces can only seek access on State security grounds. Disclosures to it have grown, from 181 in 2013 to a height of 427 in 2016, dropping back to 307 in 2017.

GSOC can seek access for the investigation of serious crime  and its numbers have varied from a high of 295 in 2013, to 91 in 2014, down to just nine in 2015 and 19 in 2016 to 28 in 2017.

Disclosures to Revenue (for investigation of serious crime) have varied, from 32 in 2013, to 15 in 2014 and 16 in 2015, rising to 46 in 2016 and 38 in 2017.

As the Irish Examiner reported last Saturday, the issue now is how can the gardai (and GSOC and Revenue) seek mobile phone data for the investigation of serious crime, given the legislation enabling them to do so has been deemed contrary to EU law?
Dateline The NLD and the Media: A Once Cozy Relationship Turns Icy

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Ye Ni: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! Members of the newly elected Myanmar Press Council recently took their oaths before President U Win Myint. [State Counselor] Daw Aung San Suu Kyi hosted a dinner for them. The event has magnified some concerns among journalists, who doubt whether Daw Aung San Suu Kyi still values press freedom as she once did. U Zaw Thet Htwe, chairman of the Myanmar Journalists Union and publisher of Tomorrow Journal, joins me to discuss this issue. Im The Irrawaddy Burmese editor Ye Ni.

As you know, since the dinner there has been much discussion on social media about the relationship between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Myanmar Press Council. While press freedom is already under threat in Myanmar, concerns have arisen that she will renege on her pledges in this area. After [Daw Aung San Suu Kyi] won the 2015 election, she hosted a dinner in honor of journalists. It appears that this warm relation is getting icy. Why do you think this has happened?

Zaw Thet Htwe: Looking back at the recent past, in the period after Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest but before the [2015] election, local media played an important role. Before she became state counselor, the media could preach the message to the whole world that she was a democracy icon. The media and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were closely connected. The media and the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had been inextricably linked since the party re-registered and contested the 2012 by-election. Some people criticized journalists for this, saying they lacked journalistic ethics, and that they used [their positions] to lobby for a political party. The promotion of the NLD by the media was so effective that the party won a landslide victory in the 2015 election. As you said, the party hosted a dinner to thank journalists. But since the NLD took office, the medias responsibility has been to monitor the performance of individual ministers and assess whether lawmakers were actually delivering in Parliament what the people asked of them. There is greater freedom now compared to previous eras in which journalists were only allowed to praise the government, so journalists have analyzed the ruling party, but the party has resisted this. Cracks started to appear in the relationship between the ruling party and the media as the latter dug up inside stories about the party, and [published the] resultant leaksand also because the party often made headlines due to its newsmaker [NLD spokesperson] Uncle U Win Htein. The term of the Myanmar Press Council is three years. A new council emerged while President U Htin Kyaw was in office. So, they took their oaths before him. But taking a look back at those three years, the council didnt play any noticeable role. Journalists even asked what the council was doing, as it failed to build capacity [of journalists], handle citizen journalists outside Yangon, [respond to] propaganda about media ethics, or lobby NLD lawmakers to amend the Media Law. Some claim that the council has been ignored [by the government] over the past three years. At the same time, journalists were detained or arrested, and the ruling party has confronted the media over its criticisms. So, we can conclude that the relationship between the media and the NLD is icy.

YN: I agree that the government and the media are always at odds. This is natural.

ZTH: It has always been thus, throughout history.

YN: We dont see it as a problem, rather as something that strengthens democracy. At the dinner for the newly elected Press Council, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi compared the mainstream media with social media. Some journalists asked why she compared the two, which are different in nature. We live in the age of social media. Anyone can be a journalist. Today, anyone who witnesses an incident can take a picture or video of it and post it on social media without needing an editor. What is the role of mainstream media and journalism in the age of social media? Daw Aung San Suu Kyi asked this at the dinner. What is your answer?

ZTH: As a journalist who has long worked in the print media, it was disappointing to hear Daw Aung San Suu Kyi say she is interested to see competition between social media and mainstream media. The explosive growth of social media has had a serious impact on the mainstream media, and it hurts us to accept it before we are ready. We have to follow media ethics, rules and regulations, and must show responsibility and accountability. Our understanding was that we would institutionalize the media [as a strong Fourth Estate] based on those values. We underestimated the impact of social media. In 2015, we print media had wide circulations, and advertisers queued up to place advertisements for a whole year, six months or three months. Again, in the case of my journal, the day after it was published, people would phone us and talk about a particular article. The reception desk was always busy replying to their questions. If the receptionist could not answer, one of the editors had to reply. But today, within a very short span of three years, the circulation of print mediajournals and newspapershas declined by 50 percent. This means readership has declined by half. Now, big advertisers only spend a small amount of their ad budgets on us, and spend a large amount on social media platforms. So, our ad revenue has declined too. And no matter how hot the issues we coverprotests or strikesthere are no longer complaints. Nobody bothers to phone us and complain about this or that report or article. This shows that readers have changed the way they respondfrom reading a publication and complaining over the phone to reading them on their mobile devices and responding via digital platforms. So, rather than saying it is interesting to see competition between social and mainstream media, we can say that we are already in a defensive position.

YN: There is no way to stop the rapid advance of information technology. Despite this, the public service ethic that journalists adhere to will never change. To what extent do you think the overall mainstream mediaprint and broadcasthave been able to reform under new Information Minister U Pe Myint?

ZTH: Within a few days of the NLD government taking office, the background color of the [government-run] Kyemon Daily was changed to red. We were hopeful, assuming that [it was a sign that] U Pe Myint was launching reforms. We expected that a state-run newspaper would transform into a newspaper that reports on the feelings and the heartbeat of the people. But three years later, the newspaper is almost the same as the one published under [former President] U Thein Seins administration. It propagandizes the message of the government and discreetly covers up the shortcomings and weak points of the government. Frankly speaking, there has been no newspaper reform. On the other hand, there have been some changes. As U Pe Myint is a former writer, he is keen on one thinghe has organized childrens literature festivals in major towns in the regions and states. So, there has been an impact on childrens literature, and on literature in general. Such festivals send a message to students who attend and browse the books that they can find valuable knowledge not only on mobile phone screens, but also in books. Previously, only writers who praised the ruling elite were given national literature awards. There was a policy not to give such awards to anti-government writers, no matter how aesthetically pleasing their works. This is no longer the case. Now, award-winners are chosen by the board [formed by the Information Ministry], based solely on their aesthetic merits. These two are significant improvements.

YN: Thank you for your contributions!
Asia Huawei CFO Seeks Bail on Health Concerns; Canada Wants Her in Jail

Meng Wanzhou, executive board director of Huawei, attends a session of the VTB Capital Investment Forum "Russia Calling!" in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 2, 2014. / Reuters

TORONTO/BEIJING  The CFO of Chinas Huawei Technologies Co Ltd argued that she should be released on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing, citing her longstanding ties to Canada, properties she owns in Vancouver and fears for her health while incarcerated, court documents showed on Sunday.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou is fighting to be released on bail after she was arrested on Dec. 1 in Vancouver at the request of the United States. She is also fighting the extradition request, and China has protested her arrest to U.S. and Canadian officials.

Meng, 46, faces U.S. accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huaweis control of a company operating in Iran. This deception put the banks at risk of violating U.S. sanctions and incurring severe penalties, according to court documents seen by Reuters. U.S. officials allege that Huawei was trying to use the banks to move money out of Iran.

China has demanded her immediate release. The arrest has roiled global markets as investors worried it could torpedo attempts to thaw trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

U.S. stock futures fell 0.71 percent in early Asia trading, extending their negative tone from Friday.

In a sworn affidavit, Meng, the daughter of Huaweis founder, said she is innocent and will contest the allegations at trial in the United States if she is surrendered there.

Meng said she was taken to a hospital for treatment for hypertension after being detained. She cited hypertension in a bail application seeking her release pending an extradition hearing. She also noted that she owns two homes in Vancouver worth millions of dollars each.

Back in the court

Her family assured the court she would remain in Vancouver if she was granted bail, according to the court documents. Her husband said he plans to bring the couples daughter to Vancouver to attend school during the proceedings. Meng will be back in the court for a bail hearing on Monday.

Huawei, the worlds biggest supplier of telecoms network equipment and second biggest smartphone seller, did not offer an immediate comment on the court documents. The company, a market leader across many countries in Europe, Asia and Africa, previously said it has complied with all applicable rules.

Earlier on Sunday, Chinas foreign ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador to lodge a strong protest over the arrest and said the United States should withdraw its arrest warrant.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng told U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad the United States had made an unreasonable demand on Canada to detain Meng while she was passing through Vancouver, Chinas Foreign Ministry said.

The actions of the U.S. seriously violated the lawful and legitimate rights of the Chinese citizen, and by their nature were extremely nasty, Le told Branstad.

China urged the United States to withdraw the arrest warrant, Le added. China will respond further depending on U.S. actions, he said, without elaborating. On Saturday, Le warned the Canadian ambassador there would be severe consequences if it did not immediately release Meng. There was no immediate reaction from Canada. On Friday, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters Canadas relationship with China was important, and the countrys ambassador in Beijing has assured the Chinese consular access will be provided to Meng.

The case

The United States has been looking since at least 2016 into whether Huawei shipped U.S.-origin products to Iran and other countries in violation of U.S. export and sanctions laws, Reuters reported in April.

The U.S. case against Meng involves Skycom Tech Co. Ltd, which Huawei has described as one of its major local partners in Iran. Huawei used Skycoms Tehran office to provide mobile network equipment to several major telecommunications companies in Iran, people familiar with the companys operations have told Reuters.

In December 2012, Reuters reported that documents showed Skycom had tried to sell embargoed Hewlett-Packard computer equipment in 2010 to Irans largest mobile-phone operator. Reuters later reported that Skycom had much closer ties to Huawei and Meng than previously known.

In Canadian court papers made public on Friday, an investigation by U.S. authorities found Huawei operated Skycom as an unofficial subsidiary to conduct business in Iran.

Huawei said its Iran operations were in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations and sanctions of the United Nations, United States and European Union, according to Canadian court documents released on Sunday.

U.S. officials allege that Meng and other Huawei representatives misled financial institutions about Huaweis control of Skycom so the Chinese company could gain access to the international banking system. As a result, an unidentified financial institution cleared more than $100 million worth of transactions related to Skycom through the U.S. between 2010 and 2014, the court papers said.

On Thursday, Reuters identified HSBC Holdings Plc as one of the banks involved in the Meng case and, citing sources, reported that the probe included possible bank fraud.

Companies are barred from using the U.S. financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said on Sunday he would 100 percent absolutely introduce a measure in the new Congress that would ban Chinese telecom companies from doing business in the United States.

We have to understand Chinese companies are not like American companies. OK. We cant even get Apple to crack an iPhone for us in a terrorist investigation, he told CBS Face the Nation.

When the Chinese ask a telecom company, we want you to turn over all the data youve gathered in the country youre operating in, they will do it. No court order. Nothing like that. They will just do it. They have to. We need to understand that.

Rubio was a strong critic of Chinas ZTE Corp, which pleaded guilty in 2017 to violating U.S. laws that restrict the sale of American-made technology to Iran.
Asia Turning Bombs Into Bracelets, as Laos Villagers Wait For Safe Land

A man makes spoons by melting the bombs dropped by the U.S. Air Force planes during the Vietnam War, in the village of Ban Napia in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos, on Sept. 3, 2016. / Reuters

BAN NAPIA, Laos  With a long-stemmed ladle, Vanthon pulls shiny, molten metal from a kiln and deftly pours it into a mold carved in a wooden block.

Seconds later, she prizes out a silver-colored dove that was once shrapnel from a bomb dropped in Ban Napia village in the northeastern province of Xieng Khouang in Laos, the most heavily bombed country per capita in the world.

Vanthon, who goes by one name, grows rice on a small plot of land a short distance away. But the ornaments and jewelry made from scrap metal in the small kiln at home provide her husband with an income.

For the dozen families in the village who fashion jewelry from shrapnel for the New York-based company Article 22, it is a curious twist to the devastating war  one that helps them make a living from bombs, as they wait for their land to be cleared.

Our field has not yet been cleared of bombs, so this is our main source of income for now, said Vanthon, gesturing to a pile of finished doves.

We have to be careful while farming, and hope that a bomb does not go off. When the land is cleared, we can farm more.

The United States dropped more than two million tons of cluster bombs on Laos during the second Indochina War from 1964 to 1973, to disrupt supply routes to North Vietnam.

About 30 percent of those bombs did not detonate, and still pose the risk of death or injury to villagers as they go about their daily routines, according to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a British charity that clears unexploded ordnance (UXO).

MAG estimates that about 1,600 square km of land  roughly the size of Greater London  still needs clearing in Laos, one of the worlds poorest countries.

Meanwhile, UXO contamination prevents Lao communities from fully utilizing their land and earning better incomes, according to MAG.

People have been living with the contamination for 40 years, and they have no choice but to live with the daily risk and fear of death or injury from unexploded bombs, said Greg Crowther, MAGs Southeast Asia director.

UXO-impacted communities are predominantly the poorest members of society, and the risk of bombs forces them to adopt different farming practices that often reduce the productivity of their crops, he said.

A-ha moment

More than of two-thirds of the population in the landlocked Southeast Asian country depends on the land for a living, according to government data.

Many farm small plots of land that they do not legally own.

The government aims to title all land by 2025 and introduce a new law that officials say will expedite modernization of records and give greater tenure security.

The country is also luring more foreign investment to build much-needed infrastructure and generate jobs. But most villagers have few livelihood options, particularly in Xieng Khouang, where much of the land is still off-limits because of the bombs.

Elizabeth Suda, founder of Article 22, first visited the province about a decade ago while exploring a sustainable weaving venture with local women.

It was there that Suda, who had previously worked with a luxury brand in New York, came across villagers melting bomb shrapnel into spoons that they would use and sell in the local market.

She said she had an a-ha moment.

I thought, why not take a weapon of destruction and turn it into a symbol of love that has a positive impact on the community? she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

These are subsistence farmers; having their land cleared makes a big difference. But until then, they can earn a living making jewelry from shrapnel they find.

Suda founded Article 22 in 2009, named for the clause in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that says every individual is entitled to the realization of economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his or her dignity and personality.

After partnering with Swiss non-profit Helvetas, Suda set out on her own, selling online and through a few retail outlets, including one in Luang Prabang, Laos former royal capital that the U.N. cultural agency considers a world heritage site.

Suda works with about a dozen families in Xieng Khouang, sending designs for earrings, pendants and ornaments that the villagers fashion in their kilns. They are finished in the capital, Vientiane, then shipped to New York.

Article 22 only works with shrapnel, or bombs that have already exploded, so the villagers are not at risk, Suda said. The metal has been tested for toxicity and found to be safe.

Some of the profits are donated to MAG to clear UXOs.

War tourism

Unlike neighboring Vietnam, which draws millions of tourists each year keen to visit sites related to the war with the United States, Laos has few Instagram-ready war attractions.

In villages in Xieng Khouang, remnants of the secret war are largely articles of everyday use  mugs and buckets fashioned from shell casings, ladles from shrapnel.

Article 22 received a huge boost when actor Emma Watson wore a pair of its earrings at a red carpet event in 2017.

There is little glamour in Ban Napia, whose sign declares it to be the war spoon village.

Simple wood and concrete homes sit on either side of a mud road. Some have a hand-painted sign that says making spoon, with a name and a phone number.

Demining is a slow and expensive process, and at the current pace, experts say it could be more than 100 years before Laos is safe.

While waiting for their land to be cleared, villagers in Ban Napia and elsewhere in Xieng Khouang will probably continue to supplement their income with articles made from shrapnel, said Nouds Phedrasy, a tourist guide.

In the years after the war, they had nothing and had to make do with whatever they could find  including shell casings and shrapnel, he said.

Now its a business, and they are aware of the irony. But it is just a way to make some money.
Burma More Kachin Youths Charged Under Peaceful Assembly Law

Ethnic Kachin stage a protest in Myitkyina calling on the government to evacuate IDPs trapped by fighting in Kachin State on May 3, 2018. / Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint / The Irrawaddy

Three more Kachin youths have been charged under the Peaceful Assembly Act for holding a protest without permission from the authorities, in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, according to local sources.

The two men Brang Mai and Seng Hkum Awng and one woman Sut Seng Htoi, appeared in court today for the first day of their trial.

We wanted justice, therefore we held a protest. We did not intend to get benefits from someone. We just wanted justice. We did protest, but they told us they are charging us for not asking permission, said Brang Mai at the courthouse today.

From [the polices] point of view, we were not satisfied with the court sentencing our friends and we protested about it. But our point of view is that we want to get justice, therefore we protested for it, he said.

When the judge asked the three youths today whether they were guilty or not, according to Brang Mai, they all said they were not guilty.

All three activists were granted bail and will continue to fight for justice from outside the court.

The youths were charged on Friday for holding a protest, alongside many other protestors, which started at the courthouse in Myitkyina and moved to Manau Park.

They were protesting the sentencing and fining on the same day of three Kachin activists who were convicted for holding demonstrations earlier in the year calling on the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) to release Kachin refugees who were trapped in the jungle during fighting in Tanai Township between the Tatmadaw and the KIO. The court sentenced them to six months imprisonment and fines of 500,000 kyats ($320) each.

Sut Seng Htoi, a womens rights activist and one of the three charged on Friday, told reporters in front of the court today, The courts sentencing [of the three activists on Friday] was a big punishment. We did not expect they would do that. It was unacceptable for us. We all know our three friends did nothing wrong, therefore we protested about the injustice.

The authorities use the law to suppress rights activists in order to silence the voice of the people, she said.

We know their law is unfair, therefore we have to fight it. We will keep fighting until we have our rights in our hands, said Brang Mai.

According to Brang Mai, U Myint Moe, the police officer who is pressing charges against them, said at the court today that his police will arrest as many of those who protest without permission as possible.

When The Irrawaddy tried to call U Myint Moe for comment, a police officer at the station said he was unavailable.

The next court hearing for the three youths will take place on Dec. 13 when witnesses will testify against claims that the rights activists violated the law.
Burma Military Officers Need Apt Experience For Civilian Posts, Govt Says

Presidents Office spokesman U Zaw Htay speaks to reporters at a press conference in Naypyitaw on Friday. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  The Presidents Office has ordered that unqualified military officers may no longer be transferred to ministries under the control of the civilian government.

The order appears to be the first of its kind since the parachute policy was introduced by late dictator General Ne Win for his Burma Socialist Program Party in the 1970s. The practice gets it popular name from the way high-ranking military officers are dropped into positions at ministries and other administrative departments.

Over the past several decades, the practice has seen active and retired military officials appointed to various positions of power, from low-ranking bureaucrats on up to ministers. Critics say it has contributed to the mismanagement that has plagued the executive branch.

From now on, active or retired military personnel are barred from being transferred to civilian ministries unless they are professionals with related experience, Presidents Office spokesman U Zaw Htay said at a press conference in Naypyitaw on Friday.

When asked why all the directors-general appointed to the Presidents Office, State Counselors Office and Foreign Affairs Ministry were retired military, U Zaw Htay said the military and government were naturally linked after so many years of military rule. But he added that the practice has been waning since democratic reforms began in 2010 and that the recent directors-general appointees had relevant qualifications.

Today the younger generations have a greater chance to build their capacity. They study abroad and get MPAs [Master in Public Administration] and MBAs [Masters in Business Administration]. There will be more youths in administration, the spokesman said.

In the future, there will be no need to criticize. But for the time being we should be aware that we are in a democratic transition, he added.

U Zaw Htay said military personnel would still be allowed to be transferred to the police force, which is overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs, one of three controlled by the military along with the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Border Affairs.

Some [civilian] officers hope they will get promotions. But then military officers come from above and take the positions. So their hopes are dashed and other staff are also discouraged, U Aung Thu Nein, director of the Institute for Strategy and Policy, told The Irrawaddy.

U Myo Myint Maung, however, permanent secretary at the Information Ministry and a former lieutenant colonel in the military, defended the practice.

We are transferred based on our experiences. While civilian staff are working, we are also working [in the military]. But the view of the civilian side is that we get high positions at once, he said.

He conceded that some military personnel are transferred to civilian posts because of their ailing health or because they violated the militarys code of conduct.

U Zaw Htay said there was also still a need to use experienced ex-military officers because the civilian government was short on administrative experience.

The perspectives, assessments and performance of those working at the state level and those working at the Union level are different. Similarly, even at the Union level the perspectives of those working at ministries and those at the Presidents Office and State Counselors Office are different. Because of their unique nature, there is a need to continue with it, he said.

The Union Civil Service Board, a government body responsible for recruiting civil servants, said at a press conference last year that it would not accept military officers for civilian ministry jobs unless they were rendered disabled while serving.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma NLD Dedicates Team to Monitor Party's Local Ministers, Lawmakers

Region and state chief ministers attend a cabinet meeting in Naypyitaw in 2017. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  The ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) said it will form a team tasked with monitoring the performance of the ministers and fellow party lawmakers of the countrys states and regions.

U Zaw Myint Maung, the NLDs vice-chairman, revealed the plan following a meeting of the partys Central Executive Committee (CEC) in Naypyitaw on Sunday.

He said the team will monitor the local chief ministers, other ministers and NLD lawmakers in order to improve the partys performance ahead of the 2020 general elections.

It will see if the chief ministers and ministers are really working and if the lawmakers visit their constituents. This will make us better prepared for the elections, he said.

U Zaw Myint Maung did not say what measures the party would take against ministers and lawmakers found wanting.

While the regional ministers already have to submit monthly reports to the Presidents Office about their activities, the new team will submit a monthly report of its own to the CEC.

It is a good move, but it is important that the team is brave and speaks the truth about its peers, said Daw Sandar Min, a NLD lawmaker in the Yangon Region Parliament.

The team will include one member each from the partys CEC, Central Youth Committee, Central Womens Committee and Regional Chapters Executive Committee.

NLD spokesperson U Myo Nyunt said there will also be a six-member team for each region and state to monitor the performance of other party members.

The teams will assess the performance of the regional party chapters and submit a monthly report to the party CEC, he said.

I think it is good and necessary. But it is important that the assessments are fair and balanced and not biased by personal judgments, U Myint Kyi, the municipal minister of Sagaing Region, told The Irrawaddy.

The move comes after the NLD lost some seats in by-elections last month that it had won in the 2015 general elections.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Twitter Chief Attacked, Praised for Endorsing Travel to Myanmar

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, right and a friend meditate in a cave in Mandalay Division. / Jack Dorsey / Twitter

YANGONTwitter CEO Jack Dorsey, one of Silicon Valleys most prominent tech billionaires, found himself caught up in Western criticism of Myanmar over the Rohingya crisis on the weekend after tweeting about a powerful meditation experience he underwent in Mandalay Division last month. Dorsey spent 10 days in isolation in a cave and on a concrete floor undergoing a course of meditation so strict that even eye contact with others was forbidden. His account of the profound nature of the experience and his endorsement of Myanmar as a travel destination were quickly slammed as insensitive to the Rohingyas plight, however.

On Sunday, Dorsey shared a series of 17 tweets with his 4 million followers about a birthday trip he took to Myanmar in November. The Twitter founder visited the Dhamma Mahima Vipassana Center in Pyin Oo Lwin, where he took part in a silent retreat to hack the deepest layer of the mind and reprogram it. His visit to Myanmar took him to Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan.

Sharing details of his meditation journey, Dorsey wrote that, Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing.

If youre willing to travel a bit, go to Myanmar, he tweeted.

Not everyone in the Twittersphere was impressed, however. After Dorseys interactions with followers who shared their own meditation stories, critics rushed to accuse him of being tone-deaf for failing to describe the plight of the Muslim Rohingya minority in northern Rakhine state.

More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar for neighboring Bangladesh since August 2017 as a result of clearance operations by the Myanmar military in the wake of attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on military and security outposts in northern Rakhine State. The UN has described the operation as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Dorseys promotion of Myanmar as a tourist destination drew over 2,000 critical comments. Andrew Stroehlein, Human Rights Watchs European Media Director, tweeted, Im no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention youre in a country where the military has committed mass killings & mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, in one of todays biggest humanitarian disasters?

This is an extremely irresponsible recommendation, one follower said in response to Dorseys travel endorsement.

Dorsey shared a picture of his charity-provided room at the meditation center, where he slept on a plain bed with no mattress.

Twitter user Andrew Bingham said, Maybe you should spend 10 days in some of the #Rohingya villages and refugee camps, seeing the result of the lies and hate spread on your wonderful US-based technology platform.

One even said, Personally, I avoid vacations [to] nations where there is an active genocide underway.

Dorsey encouraged his followers to try the physically and mentally demanding form of silent meditation known as Vipassana, saying it is particularly helpful for those trying to manage chronic pain. He shared a picture of himself meditating in a cave, where he said he was bit 117 times by mosquitoes in the first 10 minutes.

He told his followers of the bitter cold he endured waking up at 4 a.m. every day and meditating until 9 p.m. He uploaded pictures of a pavement on which he practiced walking meditation for 45 minutes every day, saying, There were breaks for breakfast, lunch, and walking. No dinner.

One follower questioned Dorsey about the importance of peace in Buddhism, saying mosquito bites and cold were nothing compared to what the Rohingya had suffered.

In another tweet, Dorsey said the highlight of the trip was serving monks and nuns food, and donating sandals and umbrellas, uploading a picture and saying that, This group of young nuns in Mandalay and their chanting was breathtaking and chilling.

Many of Dorseys followers in Myanmar and some in the West praised his account of the country and his meditation experience, however, dismissing the aggressive criticism as utter nonsense.

Myanmar Lawmaker Daw Zin Mar Aung told The Irrawaddy, He has his own right to choose where he visits. Its his individual right. The attention given to his trip is so simplistic. Now, people are just politicizing his individual view and experiences of Myanmar. It is a totally different topic [than the Rohingya issue] and ill judged.

Myanmar Twitter user Crystal Kee said, Thank you for seeing my country as it is Jack. Its indeed a beautiful country. To those who think that our country encourages genocide, not everything you hear and read from internet is true. Open your heart and eyes. And come visit to Myanmar.

One Myanmar follower said, He just described what he saw. Is there any connection between his trip and the case that the attackers highlighted on his thread?

Twitter user Davidson said, Jack is talking about meditation and the beauty of country. You guys are talking about refugees. What is wrong with you guys?

Another, Kevin, tweeted, He wants you to know how about his powerful experiences with Vipassana meditation techniques, not about the Rohingya. Keep on his track.

Myanmar follower Khine Lynn tweeted, You wrote what you saw. Fighting Jack! We stand with you. Just keep your inner peace.

Dorsey did not respond to the criticism until Monday. His most recent tweet about Myanmar said, Thanks for reading! Always happy to answer any questions about my experience. Will track responses to this thread. Ill continue to do this every year, and hopefully do longer and longer each time. The time I take away to do this gives so much back to me and my work.
News Myanmar Advocates Paint Grim Picture on Anniversary of Human Rights Day

Johan Hallenborg, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Sweden's Yangon Section Office, addresses an event marking International Human Rights Day at the Judson Church Center in Yangon on Monday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

CHIANG MAI, Thailand  On the 70th anniversary of International Human Rights Day, advocates said Myanmars rights record was deteriorating given the growing number of arrests and court cases against journalists and peace advocates.

Equality Myanmar and the Human Rights Educators Network organized celebrations to mark the occasion across the country on Sunday and Monday.

Addressing a related event on Monday, President U Win Myint said the rights situation in Myanmar had been improved and urged the government and civil society to work with the countrys national human rights commission on improving conditions further.

But not all agreed with the presidents assessment.

We have seen some development of the human rights situation because the civilian government took the initiative to repeal and amend repressive laws and because of President U Win Myints instructions to implement protections against human rights violations. But many challenges remain to fully enjoy basic human rights, said U Aung Myo Win, director of Equality Myanmar.

He said the government had not enacted enough laws to protect human rights and that Chapter 8 of the Constitution, which guarantees basic human rights for all, had to be fully respected and implemented.

In additions, there needs to be collaboration between the government departments that respect human rights in every part of the country, not only in Naypyitaw, U Aung Myo Win said. Neither the president nor the state counselor can make change for the good alone.

He said the human rights defenders currently being detained and sued for speaking up for peace and freedom in Myanmar should also have the chance to participate in the anniversary and should not be forgotten.

On Friday, three Kachin activists were sentenced to six months in jail under Article 500 of the Penal Code for protesting in April for the rescue of villagers trapped in the jungle by fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar military.

Daw May Sabe Phyu, director of the Gender Equality Network (GEN) and chair of the Alliance for Gender Inclusion in the Peace Process (AGIPP), said the government was increasingly targeting journalists and people advocating for an end to the countrys decades-long civil war.

Ko Ye Wai Phyo Aung, co-founder and research manager of Athan, a local group that promotes freedom of expression, highlighted the repressive laws still being used to arrest and charge them.

Therefore there is still widespread violation of human rights in our country, he said.

Ko Ye Wai Phyo Aung said 31 cases have been filed using the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law that have led to charges so far this year, far more than in 2017 or 2016. Since April 2016, he said, more than 150 people have been charged for breaking the law in 43 cases.

We have to first ask whether we can freely express our opinions, which is a fundamental thing, said Maung Saung Kha, a poet and co-cofounder of Athan who received The Netherlands 2018 Haman Rights Tulip award, which honors inspiring and courageous human rights defenders.

What I am sure of is that access to our rights at this moment is getting worse, he said. There are more cases of people being charged under Article 66 (d) of the Telecommunication Law and the Peaceful Assembly Law, of restriction on protestors, of journalists being sued and the continuous human rights violations in the ethnic [minority] areas, including Kachin and Rakhine states.

Daw May Sabe Phyu said there were some positives, including a recent legal amendment stiffening the prison sentence for the sexual abuse of girls and women.

But she said it was also getting harder to reach people in need of aid in Myanmars war-torn regions, especially in Kachin State  where fighting between the military and KIA since 2011 has displaced more than 120,000 people  and especially in the last two years.

The military again told aid groups this year not to visit some of the displacement camps and warned that they could be charged under the Unlawful Associations Act if they did, said Reverend Hkalam Sam Sun, chairman of the Kachin Baptist Convention.

Local authorities have regularly used the act to charge people suspected of communicating or associating with the KIA.

Travelling to the [camps] to provide aid and food is getting more difficult, Rev. Hkalam Sam Sun said.

He said the Kachin, who are predominantly Christian, were also still facing religious persecution and extra hurdles when applying for permission to build churches, all while the arrival of more Myanmar military soldiers has brought with it a wave of new Buddhist stupas and pagodas.
Commentary A Human Rights Day When Myanmars Junta Lived Up to its Reputation

Members of a student union pose for photos in July, 2018 at the front of the Convocation Hall at Yangon University on Adipati Road, the focal venue of the 10-D demonstrations 27 years ago. / Htet Wai / The Irrawaddy

Twenty-seven years ago today, Myanmar saw its first large-scale student demonstration since the 1988 Uprising. The demonstration, inspired by international celebrations of Human Rights Day, which falls annually on Dec. 10, took place on the campus of Yangon University and called for the junta to stepdown, recognition of the election results, freedom of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and the release of all students detained for their participation in previous demonstrations, and it goes down in modern Myanmar political history as 10-D. Unsurprisingly, the demonstration was quickly quashed by a brutal crackdown by the then-junta.

Few people outside the country of Burma can understand the images and memories that are rolled into the simple expression 10-D. For some democracy and student activists involved, it signifies their beliefs, sacrifices made, risks taken as well as the lost lives of their compatriots who died fighting for a cause they deeply believed in.

10-D is a concept rich in symbolism and at the same time difficult to express in words. Those who truly understand the meaning of it will never forget it, especially those who have languished inside the walls of Burmas prisons.

After the Burmese military crushed the 1988 calls for democracy by massacring thousands of peaceful demonstrators throughout Burma, peaceful demonstrations and political rallies of any sort ceased to exist in Burma and universities around the country have also been closed. However, one request of the democracy activists that was granted by the ruling military regime was the promise of a democratic election in Burma. In 1990 the military regime held that election. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, won a landslide victory.

Governments around the world recognized the results and Burmese citizens were exuberant over the outcome. Regardless of the celebration, the ruling junta, then known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) did not recognize these elections in any way.

A year passed with the election continuing to go unrecognized and it had been three years since the massacre of 1988. The regime had almost, so they thought, totally extinguished the flame of democracy in Burma. To those in the movement it was a flame that would continuously burn for the sake of the country and to those that had already given their lives to the cause. Therefore, it became essential to re-ignite the fire at all costs.

Early in 1991 the government had reopened the universities after a three-year closure. Towards the end of 1991 the students had begun to mobilize again. Then on human rights day, Dec. 10, as NLD-leader Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in absentia for her efforts to restore democracy in Burma, the students chose to re-light the democracy flame.

During the morning of Dec. 10, 1991 some university students lit a fire during a peaceful demonstration at Rangoon University to show their support for Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and to show their disapproval of the ruling junta, now renamed the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). Soon, hundreds of students joined them and were actively taking part in the Dec. 10 demonstration. The students were demanding that the junta step down and recognize the election results, free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and release all students being detained for their participation in previous demonstrations. The students marched up and down the famous main avenue of the campus, Adipati Avenue, chanting slogans and denouncing the injustices of their government. The desire to demonstrate appeared to be contagious as students the following day at the Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) instigated similar movements on their campus and students at Mandalay University attempted the same.

Before these demonstrations even began the students realized the magnitude of resistance they would face for attempting to reinvigorate the democracy movement. The military regimes reputation for handling situations of this nature was one of violence and hate. The regimes attitude is to retain power at all cost whether that means the use of simple intimidation or the outright slaughtering of innocent people. But the students were convinced that it was their civil duty to candidly express their will and desire to live in a fair and free society as well as to bring to light the atrocities committed by their government. Although the students were too young to shoulder the burden of a country in such dire straits, it was their belief that they had to at least try.

On this day the junta, once again, lived up to its barbaric and violent reputation. When they finally descended upon the demonstrators, hundreds of students were forcibly rounded up, beaten and thrown in jail ending yet another peaceful protest in utter violence. At that time the military regime again shut down all universities and colleges in Burma, fearing that the small fire of democracy lit in Rangoon may burst into flames throughout the country. The students who were arrested that day were severely beaten and tortured in the interrogation centers of the Military Intelligence (MI). After three months of mental and physical abuse, the military tribunals, organized solely for political activists after the 1988 Uprising, handed down sentences from ten-to-twenty years to all of the 136 students arrested that day, including a number of female students. This was the first large-scale student demonstration since the 1988 Uprising, where thousands of innocent Burmese were killed.

Ironically, these same students who fought so hard for freedom and democracy and struggled to bring it to the citizens of their homeland, entirely lost their own personal freedom that day. They were plucked from the warm net of their family and friends and thrown into a totally unfamiliar and uninviting environment. They were now to enter a place with lifeless gray walls, cold-iron bars, heavy shackles and bone-crushing bludgeons. Just three months before they were thumbing through text-books, and enjoying the campus life and the education that was deemed so necessary by them. Once inside the walls of prison, the warden and guards dictated their every move and any remaining memories of a students life came to a bitter end. Since these students were incarcerated for participating in the Dec. 10 movement, once in prison they became known as the 10-D group.

At this point not only was a formal education out of the question but any reading and writing was totally prohibited and punishment for breaking these rules was extreme. Any political prisoner found in possession of the tiniest piece of blank-paper or any written document was to be housed in solitary confinement in iron shackles for two-to-three months. If any paper was found concerning politics another seven years was to be added to their sentence. Sanctioned education of any sort for political prisoners in Burma is not only against the law but looked at as subversive and unnecessary. This may surprise some, but for Burmas 2,000 political prisoners this is a part of everyday life.

These individuals, after facing such arduous and inescapable obstacles, were robbed of the youthful opportunities they so deserved. Although many have been released they still battle incurable diseases and they still battle incurable diseases and mental illnesses that were contracted during their long-term imprisonment. Even now, almost ten years after the 10-D group still languish in the notorious gulags of Burma despite completing their sentences. Regardless of their immutable pasts their fight continues as they are still struggling to bring democracy, freedom and justice to the country they love, totally heedless of their own personal freedom.

The article first appeared in Spirit for Survival, a collection of true stories about life under military rule, published by Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) in 2001.
Guest Column Myanmar Rubbing Salt into its Own Wounds

Police escort the three Kachin activists to a police vehicle after the court sentenced them to six months in prison with a 500,000-kyat fine on Friday. / Zau Ring Hpra

The recent verdict in the trial of three Kachin activists, namely Lum Zawng, Nang Pu and Zau Jat, only serves to increase international pressure on Myanmar. On Friday, the Myitkyina courts sentenced the three activists to six months imprisonment and handed them a 500,000-kyat fine each.

Earlier this year, when fighting raged between the Tatmadaw (Myanmars military) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIO), thousands of ethnic Kachin were trapped in the jungle after fleeing their homes. In a bid to have the trapped men, women and children rescued, Christian leaders, hundreds of civil society organizations and displaced individuals sent letters of appeal to President U Win Myint, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the army commander-in-chief and other leaders.

In response to these letters, the countrys leadership did nothing. This inaction led to a mass demonstration held by Kachin youths in Myitkyina on April 30. The protest spilled over into other states, regions and even foreign countries such as the US and Japan.

Not only were the appeals for help shunned, but the authorities also launched a crackdown against the demonstrators, arresting many and charging them as having committed unlawful acts. According to data collected by the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, 45 demonstrators were sued by the police and Tatmadaw on the grounds of violating the countrys peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and defamation laws.

These three Kachin activists were sued by Lt-Col Myo Min Oo of the Northern Reginal Command under section 500 of the Penal Code on May 8. On Friday, after seven months of trial the court finally sentenced the three activists to six months in prison and fined them 500,000 kyats. They will each have to serve an additional six months if they fail to pay the fine.

Responding to the courts verdict, later the same day a group of Kachin youth gathered outside the courthouse and marched towards Manau Park, demanding justice for the three. Surprisingly, Myitkyina Township police charged three leaders of this demonstration, namely Sut Seng Htoi, Seng Hkum Awng, and Brang Mai.

Many people were disillusioned by not only the appalling verdict against three peaceful activists, but also by the suing of three more activists. In response, hundreds of civil society organizations, rights groups, political parties, embassies and international organizations, including Amnesty International and the EU Delegation to Myanmar, have decried the courts verdict and called on the government to quash the decision.

Myanmar now stands at a critical juncture where the government and the Tatmadaw need to face the international pressure that has arisen from both the plight of the Rohingya and the severe human rights violations that have occurred across Kachin and Shan states.

On top of the stalemated peace process, weak rule of law, corruption, land confiscations, an economic downturn and the decay of freedom of assembly, international pressure has become an onerous burden for the government and the Tatmadaw. The imprisonment of these three Kachin activists now adds further international pressure on Myanmar.

But the Kachin wont back down: thousands are expected to join a rally planned in Myitkyina on Tuesday to demand the release of the three activists.

Thus, the government and the Tatmadaw should show magnanimity and morality by accepting the peoples demands and quashing the convictions of the three activists and by dropping charges against who demonstrated on Friday. The failure to do so will only result in the government itself rubbing salt into its own wounds.

Joe Kumbun is the pseudonym of a Kachin State-based analyst.
Mexico Avocado Exports to Japan Continue to Grow

Uruapan, Michoacan - Mexico's Association of Avocado Producers, Packers, and Exporters (APEAM) stated that exports to Japan continued to increase, and estimated that this year they would export a total of 62,300 tons of avocado to that destination.

The general director of APEAM, Armado Lopez Orduna, said that Mexico had exported 55,091 tons of avocado to Japan in 2017.

Thus, in 2018, exports increased by 7,209 tons of fruit, which demonstrates that the expansion continues to be solid, stressed Lopez Orduna.

The general director of APEAM noted that exports were made by producers from the states of Michoacan and Jalisco. In an interview with El Financiero, he said the producers of Michoacan were expected to export 41,800 tons of avocado to Japan in 2018, while the producers from Jalisco would send 20,500 tons to that market.

In addition, Lopez Orduna said there were 23 packers associated with APEAM that export to Japan and that 90% of Japanese consumption was supplied by Mexico.

The APEAM is carrying out a strategy in Japan to promote the avocado produced in Michoacan and Jalisco. The association hired the famous Japanese actor, Mokomichi Hayami, with the purpose of promoting the nutritional benefits of avocado.
Monday, December 10th, 2018 (11:26 am) - Score 1,366

The European Commission has announced the winners from their latest round of applications for the 120m WiFi4EU initiative, which includes 15 municipalities in the United Kingdom that will now receive vouchers worth up to 15K (13.5K) to help them install FREE WiFi wireless broadband hotspots by 2020.

The original plan for this scheme is that it would aim to equip every European village and city with free WiFi internet access by 2020. Under this approach municipalities can use the WiFi4EU vouchers to purchase and install Wi-Fi equipment (wireless access points) in their chosen centres of local public life, although any on-going costs for maintaining the network must be covered by the municipality.

The funding is ultimately expected to help fund equipment for free public Wi-Fi services in up to 8,000 municipalities across all EU Member States, as well as Norway and Iceland. The vouchers themselves are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and each participating country will receive at least 15 vouchers (capped at a maximum of 224 vouchers).

Following an initial pilot, a much larger call for proposals was issued last month, which attracted 13,000 municipalities from 30 different countries. In the first round some 2,800 municipalities have been chosen (estimated budget of 42m) and a second call will be launched at the beginning of 2019 for those that missed out. Overall 15 municipalities in the UK won a voucher in the first round.
Monday, December 10th, 2018 (4:30 pm) - Score 725

The UK Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has this afternoon launched the hunt for next years best ISPs, which includes several familiar categories (e.g. Best Superfast ISP, Best Business ISP) and some new ones (e.g. Best Infrastructure Provider). Plus the Internet Villain Award has finally returned.

The winners of the last 2018 awards event were announced all the way back in July 2018 (here), which once again saw Hyperoptic secure the top spot for the Best Superfast Broadband category and Gigaclear named as the Best Rural Broadband provider (the latter came before recent news of mass roll-out delays).

This year the event will also add a new category for Best Customer Solution (i.e. this recognises an ISP that has delivered a particularly innovation technological solution to a complex customer issue) and Best Infrastructure Provider (i.e. this recognises the growing band of companies revolutionising the communications infrastructure).

On top of that the Internet Villain award has returned to complement their existing Internet Hero category, which it will achieve by highlighting the public figure who has attacked the values of the Internet the most or tarnished the reputation of the industry.

The 2019 Award Categories

Best Rural ISP

Best Business ISP

Best Superfast ISP

Best Customer Service

Best Cyber Security

Best Hosted Service

Best VoIP

Best Infrastructure Provider

Best Partnership

Best Customer Solution

Best ISP PR Campaign

Executive of the Year

Internet Hero

Internet Villain

The ISPA Awards remain free to enter and open to all providers of internet services (companies must register here by 31st Jan 2019) and they will be expected to submit further written entry forms by 29th March 2019, with broadband and hosting entrants also undergoing technical testing between 12th February and 29th March 2019. As before, the winners will be announced at a gala ceremony and dinner during July 2019.
Monday, December 10th, 2018 (9:37 am) - Score 3,730

One positive outcome of last weeks O2 network outage (here) is that it has triggered a debate about whether mobile operators should introduce Automatic Compensation, like broadband ISPs will soon receive. On top of that others have called for more roaming flexibility, so users can use rival networks during downtime.

Let us start the ball rolling with the question of Automatic Compensation. Next year all of the UK markets major fixed line broadband and phone providers will be introducing a new system to compensate consumers (cash or bill credits) for a total loss of connectivity (i.e. if the outage lasts longer than 2 working days), missed appointments or delayed installs (details).

The system is contentious for a number of reasons, not least of which is its high cost and the inevitable price rises that such a service will bring (some ISPs may already be preparing for it by doing multiple hikes within a single 12 month period). Nevertheless many consumers will be very happy with such a system, particularly as in a lengthy outage it could conceivably pay out far more than the cost of your service rental.

On Friday the consumer magazine Which? began emailing some of their members to propose that the system should also be extended to include Mobile Network Operators (e.g. O2, Three UK, Vodafone, EE and possibly also their MVNO partners).

Which?s Email to Members If you were one of them, you probably spent the day quite rightly angry and frustrated. Your mobile phone is such an integral part of being able to live and work, so it is very worrying that one of the worlds biggest mobile networks failed. Were calling on O2 and affected providers to put their customers first and ensure no-one is left out of pocket by the widespread outage. Were also calling on the regulator Ofcom to seriously look into automatic compensation for the mobile phone sector.

In fairness some of this debate is perhaps a touch too premature, not least since major mobile outages tend to be quite rare and there doesnt appear to be an endemic issue within the industry. Likewise its important to stress the difference between network outages and the impact of weak signal coverage, which are not the same thing even though it may sometimes seem like it (a big challenge for any compensation system).

The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, did in fact consider this as part of their related consultation in 2017. At the time they ruled that such issues with mobile operators were naturally very complex to assess (coverage is tricky, especially indoors or underground) and that only less than 1% of people were likely to lose their service for more than 24 hours.

Crucially mobile operators were also found to give better compensation than fixed line providers.

Ofcoms March 2017 Position on Mobile Compensation We considered whether automatic compensation should be paid to mobile consumers who experience delayed repair for loss of service. From the information made available to us, we assessed that the number of consumers likely to lose their mobile service for more than 24 hours is low. Furthermore, compensation payments to mobile consumers are currently greater than those to broadband and landline consumers. Taking into account our findings, there was insufficient evidence to suggest that consumers are currently receiving inadequate redress for the harm caused when they lose mobile service. We therefore did not consider that requiring mobile providers to pay automatic compensation for delayed repair of mobile loss of service was justified.

All of this is supported by the fact that mobile operator O2 and some of their Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) partners have already moved to compensate customers in various different ways, although it will be interesting to see whether last weeks situation results in a change of stance from politicians and or Ofcom.

In the meantime the regulator is instead working to further improve mobile network coverage, such as via the new obligations that will come attached to next years auction of the 700MHz band (here).

Internal Roaming

Alternatively Grant Shapps (Conservative MP) and his outspoken cross-party British Infrastructure Group (BIG) has proposed a different approach, the idea of internal roaming. Essentially they believe mobile users should be allowed to roam freely onto a rival operators network, albeit only if their own network is suffering from a major outage.

Shapps claims to have investigated this idea with mobile operators and he told The Telegraph that there were no real barriers to introducing it, it was just that they didnt really fancy doing it  [it is] not acceptable to have no backup plan. Ministers should order an immediate investigation into network sharing in emergencies.

The group claimed that at present foreign visitors get better coverage, as mobile roaming means they are not tied to any provider and can thus use the strongest signal. In fairness its not always that simple and sometimes roaming partnerships exist between specific operators, which can still run into problems if one of the default partners is suffering from a major outage when you arrive.

The main challenge here is likely to reflect a mix of commercial competition between operators and the difficulty / cost of developing such a system, which unlike normal roaming would only be introduced during major outages. The other problem with this is that it would suddenly shift a huge capacity burden onto rivals that may not be prepared, thus resulting in a reduced service for all customers, network instability or higher costs for end-users as they adapt.

Meanwhile, in a really bad situation, end-users can already go out and purchase a temporary pay-as-you-go SIM for a rival network, although this is a bit fiddly. As with the proposal for automatic compensation, the question may come down to whether or not such outages are common enough to warrant a major shift in approach. Existing evidence suggests not, but that view may change.

Time for a snap poll..

Should UK mobile operators offer automatic compensation? Yes (73%, 209 Votes)

Maybe (15%, 44 Votes)

No (11%, 32 Votes) Total Voters: 285

And another one..

Should UK mobile operators be required to offer internal roaming? Yes (72%, 214 Votes)

No (18%, 53 Votes)

Maybe (11%, 32 Votes) Total Voters: 299

NOTE: Poll results are cached and the output will update every few hours (i.e. check back later to see how the vote is going).
Monday, December 10th, 2018 (1:45 pm) - Score 5,957

Cable broadband ISP Virgin Media has apologised after the councillor for Queensway in Wrexham (North Wales), Carrie Harper, accused their contractors of harassing six woman in Caia Park by using sexually inappropriate behaviour and swearing.

Back in 2016 the operator announced that their network would be extended to cover an additional 24,000 premises in Wrexham (here). At the time it was suggested that this could also make it the first town in North Wales to receive such large FTTP coverage, although interestingly the work was originally supposed to complete by the end of 2017.

All this formed part of their 3bn Project Lightning scheme, which aims to extend their Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) and pure Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based EuroDOCSIS network to reach an additional 3-4 million premises by around 2019/20 (this could improve their largely urban coverage to reach around 60% of the UK).

However the BBC reports that not all of their contractors have been behaving correctly. Carrie Harper is understood to have received complaints from six women, which she said ranged from abusive and threatening language and also include several cases of alleged sexual harassment.

A VirginMedia Spokesperson said: We are aware of complaints regarding the conduct of some contractors working on our behalf in Caia Park and we are looking into them. We sincerely apologise to residents for any upset caused and we are working with our contract partner to address the matter.

Deploying new infrastructure is an expensive business and sadly there are occasions where the disruption can be quite significant, which often rubs local people up the wrong way (sometimes with good reason) and they then have a tendency to direct that frustration toward the contractors. Sadly this can sometimes result in confrontations, particularly if the contractors arent well enough trained to deal with those situations.

In this case though there appears to be a different dynamic to some of the complaints and one of the incidents occurred while a woman was walking her son to school. Hopefully Virgin Media are able to get to the bottom of this and can encourage their contractor to take the appropriate action.
Australians considering switching their service providers for fixed broadband, mobile phone, home phone, electricity and gas are all far more likely to visit comparison websites in an average four weeks than the typical Australian, according to a new report.

The latest report from Roy Morgan Research reveals that visits to comparison sites are heavily influenced by likelihood to switch by consumers, with the research finding that over three million Australians visit a comparison website in an average four weeks  equivalent to almost 15% of Australians aged 14-plus.

According to the research, Australias leading comparison website is Finder.com.au, visited by over 1.2 million Australians in an average four weeks, closely followed by Choice.com.au, visited by over 1 million.

Other leading comparison websites include Canstar/Canstar Blue visited by nearly 730,000 Australians in an average four weeks, Comparethemarket.com.au, visited by almost 430,000 and iSelect, visited by just under 400,000 Australians.

The results are based on in-depth Roy Morgan Single Source interviews with more than 38,000 Australians during the nine months to September 2018.

According to the research, nearly a quarter (23.4%) of Australians say they are either "very likely" or "quite likely" to switch gas providers visit a comparison website in an average four weeks  a slightly higher rate than for those who say they are either "very likely" or "quite likely" to switch fixed broadband providers (22.4%).

Roy Morgan says the trend also holds true for Australians who are likely to switch mobile phone service providers (19.2%), electricity providers (19.2%) and home phone providers (18.8%).

Roy Morgan chief executive Michele Levine says comparison websites are attracting a wide variety of Australians and provide a useful service for those who may be unhappy with their current level of service and looking for an alternative.

Over three million Australians visit a comparison website in an average four weeks, representing 14.8% of Australians aged 14 and over or just over one in seven Australians, she says.

Two comparison sites have established themselves as go to places on the web to compare and contrast different service providers across a range of industries. Over 1.2 million Australians visit Finder and over 1 million Australians visit Choice in an average four weeks.

Of course, not all of the leading comparison websites listed are after the same clientele. The Canstar comparison website specialises in comparing financial industry product offerings across a range of finance and insurance companies.

Canstar is particularly popular amongst dissatisfied customers of financial institutions. Dissatisfied customers whose main financial institution is a big four bank are more than 50% more likely to visit Canstar, as well as Choice and iSelect, than the average Australian.
RxMx has already built and deployed  using InterSystems' database  an automated patient monitoring system for complex medicines that require ongoing laboratory testing for potential adverse effects.

The system detects at-risk test results and notifies or provides reminders to doctors, nurses and patients via emails, texts and mobile apps.

RxMx co-founder Associate Professor Sean Riminton said the company will migrate to InterSystems Iris for Health data platform for healthcare, to help it adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

"It is an incredibly fast moving field. We are fortunate that InterSystems is willing to innovate with us to keep ahead," he said

"As RxMx goes from strength to strength, the volume of data that we collect, analyse and report increases dramatically. We therefore need adaptability from our core technology vendor to be able to rapidly recruit new sources of information into our network."

The recently released InterSystems Iris for Health adds healthcare-specific capabilities to the InterSystems Iris Data Platform.

RxMx software development manager Ben Rhodes said "We are working towards continuous deployment and we know that InterSystems Iris for Health can facilitate that with support for container technology.

"As we scale up to support multiple new medications in markets such as the US and Europe, we may have to integrate with 10 or more different laboratories and vendors, each providing real-time data feeds to a single RxMx platform."

He added "With InterSystems, RxMx never experience issues with the database. The system just runs and the performance will scale to whatever we need. It is important to know that InterSystems is there to make it work, and will always send the right people to help us should we need them."

"With clinically proven technology solutions that improve patient safety and which are deployed around the world, RxMx has achieved an enormous amount in a very short time," said InterSystems Australia and Greater China country manager Luciano Brustia.

"With InterSystems Iris for Health, we look forward to partnering with RxMx to meet whatever technology challenges lie ahead."
Ask a Realtor: Why Don't We See Smoke Detectors Here?

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - As a Puerto Vallarta realtor, a question I am often asked is "Why don't we see smoke detectors in Mexico?" I have to admit, you rarely see them here. I think there are a few factors that play into the absence of something we get so used to in other parts of the world:

The buildings are often made of cement and steel. Pretty hard to burn one of these down with a can of gas and a blow torch! So, it is my guess that the regulations here (for many reasons) don't require them. I could be wrong here, but if they are required, there are millions of violators!

Secondly, there is an explanation for every mystery that is a head-scratcher for people from other countries: "Because it's Mexico". Let's just say that culturally, it is different and unique here! It's both the beauty and bane of living here, but you really only have two choices: laugh or leave! Think of it a bit like owning a time machine - it's cool to visit a country where the sound of clapping hands means handmade tortillas, but you still get to have a cell phone. It's the best of both worlds!

So, in Mexico, smoke detectors are likely not required nor common, so you don't need one, right? What? Are you, crazy? Of course you should have smoke detectors! Maybe you can't burn a cement building down, but there are a million things that can smolder, catch fire, spread to your fabulous art and furniture and don't even get me started on the copious amounts of booze you stock!

As a friend says, "Don't leave your brain at the border!" Just because you get to reinvent yourself here doesn't mean you should reinvent yourself to look like a charcoal briquette some night! There's an example of how you can install a smoke detector with no screws on YouTube check it out!

What about keeping a small fire extinguisher handy somewhere? Don't EVEN get me started on that subject!
Ames Library to Feature Exhibit on Native Peoples Health and Culture

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.  The winner of a competition sponsored by the National Library of Medicine and the American Library Association, Illinois Wesleyan Universitys Ames Library will host an exhibit, titled Native Voices: Native Peoples' Concepts of Health and Illness, from Jan. 3 through Feb. 14. The exhibit is free and open to the public during the Librarys regular hours.

The Ames Library is one of three sites in Illinois to host the traveling exhibit, which will travel to a total of 104 sites nationwide over a four-year period. Comprised of six free-standing banners and six iPads, the exhibit contains filmed oral histories and information on the wellness, illness and cultural life of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.

The Native Voices exhibition will also feature complimentary exhibits drawn from the Librarys own collections, potentially including contributions from Native American communities in Bloomington-Normal. Each exhibit will allow visitors to discover how Native concepts of health and illness are closely tied to the concepts of community, spirit and the land.

The content of this exhibition is directly tied to the mission of Illinois Wesleyan University and The Ames Library, both of which embrace diversity in policies, programs and practices, said University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, and Associate Professor Meg Miner.

In addition to the exhibits themselves, the library will host events tied to Native American culture, including musical presentations and lectures. All are free and open to the public.

The Library will kick off the exhibition with a drum ceremony on Friday, Jan. 11 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the John Wesley Powell Rotunda. Butch and Waylon McCamy, the leaders of Spirit of the Rainbow drum  the official drum of Seven Circles Heritage Center in Edwards, Illinois, which specializes in the Northern song tradition  will perform the ceremony.

On Thursday, Jan. 24 from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Professor of Anthropology Rebecca Gearhart Mafazy will present a Medicine Wheel at the John Wesley Powell Rotunda. The Medicine Wheel recreates the Lakota medicine wheel  which symbolizes health and the cycles of life in four directions  with a station of activities in each of the four directions. Participants will be instructed to move sunwise (clockwise) from station to station through a set of craft-making activities, creating a set of power-objects to place into a medicine bag at each station.

Mafazy will lead the event with guest sisters, Eliida Lakota Knoll and Carol Lakota Eastin. Knoll is a retired occupational art therapist who incorporated Native American concepts into her work treating young girls with eating disorders at St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois for 30 years. Eastin is an ordained Methodist Minister who is involved with interfaith dialogue throughout the country and around the world. She represents Native Americans as part of a global interfaith alliance and council.

The exhibit will help us better understand the health issues that impact Native Americans in particular due to their history as a colonized peoples whose traditional lifeways were severely disrupted by European encroachment, land alienation, forced assimilation and violence, Mafazy said. It will also highlight the medicinal knowledge still used and passed down by indigenous medicine people and increasingly to non-Natives as well.

On Jan. 17, from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Natural Sciences, Room C102, Francine Dudoit-Tagupa, Director Native Hawaiian Healing, Waikiki Health will present Hoonoponopono, a discussion on this Native Hawaiian healing practice of reconciliation and forgiveness.

An event originally planned for Jan. 31 with IWU alum Quita Verban Shier 60 is rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in The Ames Librarys Beckman Auditorium. Shier is the author of Warriors in Mr. Lincoln's Army: Native American Soldiers Who Fought in the Civil War.

During this event, Shier will discuss a story of natural medicinal treatments and cures through the experiences of Private Payson Wolf whose mother was a well-known medicine woman. Time permitting, guests will also hear first-account narratives of the war as Shier reads from soldiers letters home regarding the effects that the long absences had on their health and healing.

Through these events, the IWU community will have a chance to learn and engage with the Native peoples rich traditions and history.

"We are excited by the opportunities presented through this exhibition to celebrate Native American health practices and educate our community about this aspect of the rich history of Native American culture in our region, said University Librarian and Professor Karen Schmidt.

Schmidt also hopes to spread the voice of Native people beyond IWU to the greater community.

Beyond our institutional boundaries, we wish to draw in the Bloomington-Normal Grades 5-8 community, to foster respect for cultural differences, educate our next generation about different health practices, and strengthen ties with local Native Americans as we celebrate their contributions to our history and future."

By Vi Kakares 20
RISE Revolution Through Education Fundraiser, Dec. 15

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On Saturday, December 15 from 6:00 until 9:00 pm, Demetro Gallery will be hosting a benefit to help cover the cost of educating the children at the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza.

Better known as R.I.S.E., the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza is a non-profit shelter for babies and children under the age of 14. Some of these children are orphans, but most come from unbearable situations having been abused, neglected or simply abandoned.

Since R.I.S.E. opened its doors in March 2001, five nuns (Madres) from the Order of Carmelites of Jesus of Nazareth have been living at the shelter and looking after the children on a full time basis. They are currently caring for around 50 happy, energetic, and healthy children.

But simply operating the shelter and providing for the children's basic needs cost more than $5,000 USD per month, which doesn't include other needs and programs, like the children's education. So sculptor Jim Demetro and his wife Eva are hosting this benefit to lend a helping hand.

Dubbed 'Revolution through Education,' this FUN-draising event will offer attendees the perfect combination of food, fun and friendship with all proceeds to benefit the RISE education fund.

According to psychologists and professional educators, kids have much better outcomes when they attend private schools. Most of the RISE kids are now attending private schools and the goal is to have all of them in a private school in 2018. To make this happen they need to raise $33,000 USD to cover the cost of tuition, uniforms, books, supplies and extracurricular activities.

Come enjoy an unforgettable evening that includes outstanding appetizers, beer and wine, and more - all for a good cause!

It's very important that these kids have the same experience as their peers, and your help is needed to make this happen! Every last peso raised will go to the kid's education, all costs for this event will be donated or performed by volunteers.

Tickets are available for $400 Pesos at Demetro Gallery on Lazaro Cardenas, located across from the park of the same name, on the south side of Puerto Vallarta.

If you can't make the event but would like to contribute to the children's education, please click HERE to make a donation TODAY!

RISE depends on private donors for support, so your donation of money, goods, or services is critical to providing a secure, clean and loving environment for children who are either homeless or at risk in their own home. Click HERE to learn how you can help. A 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, all contributions are tax deductible.

Are you planning to visit Puerto Vallarta during the winter months? You can volunteer to help at the Refugio, or just stop by for a visit on Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm, there is no need to call ahead. If you are interested in attending mass with the children, they attend the 9:30 service at the church next door. The shelter is located at R. Flores Magon #251, Col. Benito Juarez in Puerto Vallarta.
International model, philanthropist and advocate for women and children empowerment Noella Coursaris Musunka was recently in South Africa to accept an award in recognition of her humanitarian work in Africa.

Malaika

Growing up in Europe, how did you maintain your connection to Africa, and what inspired your eventual founding of the nonprofit Malaika in the DRC?

As a globally recognised philanthropist in humanitarian work, you serve as a role model for many young women across the world, but particularly in Africa. How have you embraced this role?

How important is mentorship in Africa, especially for cultivating female leadership?

How do you encourage young women to reach beyond the glass ceiling?

How important is it for women to support other women in the empowerment space?

Image by David Reiss

Beyond human rights, empowering women and girls is also an economic imperative. How has Malaika made sure economic inclusion, particularly in terms of closing the gender gap, is embedded in its programmes?

Who do you look up to for leadership guidance in driving positive change through the work you currently do?

What are your long-term goals for the foundation?

She received the award during the inaugural Forever Young Ball and Gala Dinner hosted by Enhle Mbalis Enhle Cares Foundation, House of Mandela, Africa Rising Foundation and their supporting partners, Global Citizen and The Nozala Trust, in celebration of Nelson Mandela's centenary.Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Musunka was sent to Europe at the age of five, following her father's passing, and went on to graduate with a degree in Business Management before pursuing her career in modelling with much success. At 18, she returned to the DRC where she reunited with her mother, while at the same time witnessing the extreme poverty and minimal educational facilities available to young girls and women in her community. Acutely aware of how education shaped the opportunities and successes in her young life, Musunka was determined to make a difference.In 2007, she founded Malaika (Swahili for 'angel'), a non-profit organisation that seeks to empower Congolese girls, young women and their communities through education and other local projects. Malaika operates in the village of Kalebuka, in the Southeastern region of the DRC. Since then, the organisation has grown from a one-room schoolhouse to accommodating 314 students of all ages at the Malaika School campus. It also operates a community learning centre, recreational facilities, 17 water wells and farm land.Some of Musunka's accolades include being named among the BBC's 100 Influential and Inspirational Women (2017),magazine's The Incredibles: 50 Women Shaping Africa (2016), andmagazine's 100 Most Influential Africans (2017, 2014), among many others.As part of our #RecruitmentFocus , Bizcommunity interviewed Musunka to find out more about the link between education and empowerment, how she's embraced her role as a mentor to young girls and women from Africa in particular, and how important mentorship is in Africa for cultivating women in leadership.I left the DRC when I was five, shortly after my father died and when my mother could no longer care for me on her own. I spent thirteen years in Europe before I returned to my native country, and when I finally returned I was overwhelmed by both the conditions of the Congo and the large number of girls who werent receiving an education. Once I reconnected with the Congo, I made sure to not only maintain it, but to make an impact. The young girls who were kept at home and refused a quality education could have easily been me had I stayed, and so I felt a strong desire to provide them with opportunities similar to those presented to me abroad.I firmly believe that education can change the course of ones life in all aspects, from health to vocation. An educated young woman is less likely to become a mother sooner than she planned, less likely to contract HIV and less likely to depend on others for her livelihood  which can often translate to abusive situations. On a grander scale, an educated young woman contributes to the work force and has a stronger voice in domestic affairs, healthcare and all other areas of national wellbeing. And I founded Malaika on this premise. Malaika is dedicated to teaching girls to question and engage, and provides a constructive space for them to evolve into progressive thinkers and leaders who can positively affect their villages, their country, and have a far-reaching impact on a global scale.I aim to inspire by example and through action. Through steadfast commitment and respect for others I hope that young girls and women who look to me for motivation see how they can grow ideas to make an impact and become global citizens who work to uplift others through action. Its also been immensely important for me to have my own great role models, too. I encounter people from all walks of life on a daily basis, and Im lucky to have come into contact with some incredibly inspiring and motivational individuals.Mentorship has a profound impact on strengthening agency. A mentor offering tangible advice proven to be successful can reaffirm the value of education, dedication and ambition to even the most sceptical young girl. Its one thing to hear you can achieve anything you set your mind to, but its another thing altogether to see it embodied in a fellow African woman. At our Malaika School, we bring in Congolese mentors and women from all over the world across every aspect of society  recently, we welcomed a female pilot, for example. We have even had students mentoring others so that they have support right on campus.By encouraging them to dismiss the notion of a glass ceiling and focus solely on soaring as high as they can. Glass ceilings have deterred and minimised the dreams of too many women in the past, and though society can often attempt to block a woman from rising too high, acknowledging that it can restrict ones opportunities is not to acknowledge that there are always examples of women who have surpassed it. We are educating future female leaders at Malaika who will go on to become agents of change, and you cant make changes if youre trapped under a ceiling.Incredibly important. Were connected by shared experiences, triumphs and setbacks, and if we cant truly support one another, what are we doing? The patriarchal world will try and dictate our place, but we must dismiss such harmful narratives, and when were working together to do so, we often achieve important steps toward gender equality in all aspects of life.We strive to empower both women and girls. At our school we provide 314 students with free, quality education so that they can join the workforce in the future and change the current economic state of the DRC, but we also provide workshops for women in the village. They learn to sew so that they can earn money without relying on their husbands or families, they take computer classes, and they farm through our agricultural programme. All of these vocations offer women opportunities outside of the home and a sense of independence, which translates directly into a narrowing of the gender gap in Kalebuka, and at a grander scale in the future!I have consistent discussions with our local team in Kalebuka and I have extraordinary friends and mentors throughout the world who are leaders in their field. By understanding the realities on both a local and international level, Im able to promote a world-class education in a Congolese village.As our students get older, were hopeful that they will go on to study at schools, colleges or universities both in Africa and abroad, succeed as the bright, compassionate people they already are, and work to empower their families and, ultimately, their communities. The most important thing, though, is that we see them happy and healthy  the foundations that will enable them to succeed.For more info on Malaika, go to www.malaika.org
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velocity Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: VLC) (Velocity or the Company) announces that it has received positive results from detailed soil sampling undertaken at the Rozino gold project (Rozino), located in Bulgaria.

Soil sampling results have defined three new high priority drill targets located adjacent to the pits outlined in the Rozino Preliminary Economic Assessment. Prior to this work, the entire sampled area was only drill tested by a single vertical drill hole completed by the Bulgarian state during the 1980s, stated Keith Henderson, Velocitys President & CEO. This historical drill hole was collared in what we can now see is a geochemically dead zone located between three very compelling soil anomalies.

Soil Sampling Survey Details

A detailed soil sampling program (25 x 25m offset grid) extended previous detailed sampling (50 x 20m grid) over an historical regional soil anomaly (200 x 200m). The new soil sampling grid covers an area previously mapped as the basement margin adjacent to the Rozino deposit. The soil survey has helped to define the geology where outcrop is poor and more specifically has led to modifications in the basement contact and definition of a felsic bearing unit within the basement. Velocitys drilling has previously returned potentially economic intersects (6.9m @ 1.06g/t gold) from these felsic bearing basement rocks, elsewhere in the Rozino deposit.

The results indicate 3 significant multi-point anomalies greater than 500ppb gold in soils that warrant early drill testing. Targets 1 & 2 are located within the felsic bearing basement with peak gold in soil anomalies up to 1.8g/t. Target 3 is located at the revised basement contact and this contact zone is host to potentially economic intersects within the Rozino deposit.

Next Steps

Velocitys step-out drilling program at Rozino is ongoing with 6 drill holes completed to date. If it is possible to quickly create road access to this new area, the Company intends to complete an initial drill test on at least one of these targets before year-end.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

The work program at Rozino was designed and is supervised by Stuart A. Mills, CGeol, the Company's Vice-President Exploration, who is responsible for all aspects of the work, including the quality control/quality assurance program. On-site personnel at the project rigorously collect and track samples which are then security sealed and shipped to ALS Global laboratory in Romania. A total of 693 sieved samples (>1kg -1mm) were collected for shipment together with 20% blank samples for low temperature drying and sieving to 180, before shipping a 25g split to ALS laboratories in Ireland for Aqua Regia digest and ICP-MS finish to determine gold plus 39 multi-elements.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this release has been approved for disclosure by Stuart A. Mills, BSc, MSc, CGeol, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and the Companys Vice President Exploration. Mr. Mills is not independent of the Company.

About Velocity Minerals Ltd.

Velocity is a gold exploration and development company focused on eastern Europe. The Company envisions staged open pit mining of satellite deposits and processing in a central, currently operating CIL plant. The Companys management and board includes mining industry professionals with combined experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas as employees of major mining companies as well as founders and senior executives of junior to mid-tier public companies. The team's experience includes all aspects of mineral exploration, resource definition, feasibility, finance, mine construction and mine operation as well as a track record in managing publicly listed companies.

About Rozino

The Rozino project is one of seven exploration projects located within an Exploration and Mining Alliance with Bulgarian operating partner Gorubso-Kardzhali AD. Velocity began exploring and drilling at Rozino in August 2017 and completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment in September 2018. The PEA provides a base case assessment of developing Rozino by open pit mining and on-site crushing, milling and simple flotation to produce a 30 g/t gold concentrate. The concentrate would then be trucked 85km on existing roads to the currently operating CIL plant where saleable gold dore would be produced. Mineralization remains open for expansion. Having delivered the PEA, the Company has exercised its option for a 70% interest in the project and will move forward in joint venture with Gorubso-Kardzhali AD.

About Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a member of NATO (2004) and a member of the European Union (2007). The local currency (BGN) has been tied to the Euro since 1999 (1.956 BGN/EUR). The country is served by modern European infrastructure including an extensive network of paved roads. Bulgaria boasts an exceptionally low corporate tax rate of only 10%. The countrys education system is excellent with good availability of experienced mining professionals in a favourable cost environment. Foreign mining companies are successfully operating in Bulgaria. The countrys mining law was established in 1999 and updated in 2011. Mining royalties are low and compare favourably with more established mining countries.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Keith Henderson

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Phone: +1-604-484-1233

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web: www.velocityminerals.com

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.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: future exploration and testing carried out on the Tintyava property; use of funds; and the future business and operations of Velocity. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can be identified by words such as pro forma, plans, expects, may, should, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes, potential or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. 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 differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities for the Tintyava property, including the geological mapping, prospecting and sampling programs for the projects, the fact that the Companys interests in the Tintyava property is only an option and there is no guarantee that the interest, if earned, will be certain, actual results of exploration activities, including the program, estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, the availability of a sufficient supply of water and other materials, requirements for additional capital to fund the Company's business plan, future prices of precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the TSX Venture Exchange), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, hedging practices, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading. "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual management's discussion and analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.
OTTAWA, Ontario, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. (Cornerstone or the Company) (TSXV:CGP) (Frankfurt:GWN) (Berlin:GWN) (OTC:CTNXF) is pleased to announce that Cornerstone and its subsidiary Minera Cornerstone Chile Ltda. have signed an option and farm-in agreement (the Agreement) with Newcrest International Pty Limited (Newcrest), a subsidiary of Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) for Cornerstones Miocene properties in Chile (the Project), targeting epithermal gold-silver and porphyry gold-copper deposits along the interpreted northern extension of the Maricunga magmatic belt which hosts several world-class gold deposits.

HIGHLIGHTS (all $ are US$):

 Newcrest has the option to earn up to a 75% interest in the Project in stages, as follows:

18-month initial option period : making an up-front payment to Cornerstone of $100,000, and spending a minimum of $1.1 million (committed);



: making an up-front payment to Cornerstone of $100,000, and spending a minimum of $1.1 million (committed); Stage 1 (4 years) : paying $500,000 to Cornerstone and spending a further $8 million (with a minimum of $500,000 in each year to maintain the option) to earn a 51% interest in the Project (such interest to be held through shares in a newly incorporated Chilean company);



: paying $500,000 to Cornerstone and spending a further $8 million (with a minimum of $500,000 in each year to maintain the option) to earn a interest in the Project (such interest to be held through shares in a newly incorporated Chilean company); Stage 2 (2 years) : paying $650,000 to Cornerstone and completing a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 on any target area in the Project, to increase its interest in the Project to 65% (Newcrest may extend Stage 2 to 3 years by paying Cornerstone $250,000); and



: paying $650,000 to Cornerstone and completing a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 on any target area in the Project, to increase its interest in the Project to (Newcrest may extend Stage 2 to 3 years by paying Cornerstone $250,000); and Stage 3 (2 years): incurring expenditures of $100 million or completing a bankable feasibility study (BFS), whichever occurs first, to increase its interest in the Project to 75% (Newcrest may extend Stage 3 by up to an additional 2 years by paying $500,000 to Cornerstone for each 1 year extension).

 If Newcrest earns a 75% interest, Cornerstone will have the option for 90 days to convert 5% (1/5th) of its 25% project equity into a 1% net smelter returns (NSR) royalty. Newcrest will have the right to buy down the royalty to 0.5% NSR at fair market value after delivery of the BFS.

 Cornerstones carried interest ends at the end of Stage 3 or sooner if Newcrest fails to complete any Stage after completing Stage 1 or if Newcrest elects not to proceed with Stage 2 or 3, following which Cornerstone will be required to contribute or suffer dilution of its participating interest according to a formula. If Newcrest completes Stage 1 and elects not to proceed to Stage 2, it will revert to a 49% non-controlling interest.

 Cornerstones carried interest is not repayable out of project cash flows or otherwise.

 Newcrest will receive a 10% management fee (out of its own funding under the Agreement) during the 18-month initial option period and a 5% fee during Stages 1, 2 and 3.

President and CEO Brooke Macdonald said: "Newcrest is one of the largest gold mining companies in the world, operating mines in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia, and we are pleased to have entered into this agreement with them. Newcrest is also actively exploring in Ecuador, where Cornerstone has a first mover advantage as a prospect generator in Ecuador since 2005, and several drill-ready properties available for option.

Figures referred to in this news release can be seen in PDF format by accessing the version of this release on the Companys website (www.cornerstoneresources.com) or by clicking on the link below:

About Miocene

The Miocene project is located in the Regions of Atacama and Antofagasta of northern Chile (see Figure 1), and is targeting epithermal gold-silver and porphyry gold-copper deposits along the interpreted northern extension of the Maricunga magmatic belt which hosts several world-class gold deposits. The Miocene claims were selected using a proprietary data base licensed exclusively to Cornerstone, and offer excellent potential for discovery. Significant epithermal mineralization has been discovered on neighboring properties along strike to the west of the Miocene property.

Exploration work to date has consisted largely of geochemistry work (both soil and rock sample work), ground geophysics, prospecting and geological mapping to prepare the property for its first drill program. Chile consistently ranks among the world's top mining jurisdictions.

Five prospective areas defined by geology (alteration minerals), geochemistry (gold and pathfinder elements) and ground magnetics have been identified by previous exploration work within the property limits.

Geology works shows two sub-parallel NW-SE oriented alteration / anomalous regional trends affecting the volcanic units. Alteration minerals (native sulphur, alunite, vuggy and massive silica and some silica-clay in the peripheral parts) and 3D distribution patterns along this trend are typical of high sulphidation epithermal systems. Altered and geochemically anomalous areas up to 9km by 3km in size have never been trenched nor drill tested.

About Cornerstone:

Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company with a diversified portfolio of projects in Ecuador and Chile, including the Cascabel gold-enriched copper porphyry joint venture in north west Ecuador, in which the Company has a 15% interest1 financed through to completion of a feasibility study and repayable out of Cornerstones share of project earnings or dividends, plus 9.22% of the shares of joint venture partner and project operator SolGold Plc, for a total direct and indirect interest in Cascabel of approximately 23%.

Qualified Person:

Yvan Crepeau, MBA, P.Geo., Cornerstones Vice President, Exploration and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for supervising the exploration program at the Miocene project for Cornerstone and has reviewed and approved the information contained in this news release.

Further information is available on Cornerstones website: www.cornerstoneresources.com and on Twitter. For investor, corporate or media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations:

Mario Drolet (Montreal); Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;

Tel. (514) 346-3813

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Tel. (343) 689-0714

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Cautionary Notice:

This news release may contain Forward-Looking Statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of Cornerstones plans, objectives, strategies, intentions and expectations. The words potential, anticipate, forecast, believe, estimate, expect, may, project, plan, and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes that its expectations reflected in these Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, such statements may involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed in our regulatory filings, viewed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets, predicting natural geological phenomena and from numerous other matters of national, regional, and global scale, including those of an environmental, climatic, natural, political, economic, business, competitive, or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes the facts and information contained in this news release to be as correct and current as possible, Cornerstone does not warrant or make any representation as to the accuracy, validity or completeness of any facts or information contained herein and these statements should not be relied upon as representing its views after the date of this news release. While Cornerstone anticipates that subsequent events may cause its views to change, it expressly disclaims any obligation to update the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein except where outcomes have varied materially from the original statements.

On Behalf of the Board,

Brooke Macdonald

President and CEO

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.

_________________________

1 Subject to JV partner SolGold satisfying certain conditions.
The Islamic State group especially targeted the Yazidi minority when it seized control of large parts of Iraq in 2014, massacring its men and forcing women into sexual slavery.

2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad, among the victims, was captured, raped and forced to marry a jihadist before she was able to escape.

As Murad received the award Monday in Oslo with Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege, here is some background about her Yazidi community for whom she has become a powerful advocate.

 An ancient faith 

Of the worlds 1.5 million Yazidis, the largest number was in Iraq where it comprised some 550,000 people before being scattered by the IS offensive in 2014.

Mainly living in remote corners of the north of the country, the Kurdish-speaking Yazidis are followers of an ancient and unique religion.

Their faith emerged in Iran more than 4,000 years ago and is rooted in Zoroastrianism, over time integrating elements of Islam and Christianity.

With no holy book and organised into castes, Yazidis pray to God facing the sun and worship his seven angels  first and foremost Melek Taus, or Peacock Angel.

Yazidis discourage marriage outside of their community and even across their caste system.

Their usual beliefs and practices, such as a ban on eating lettuce and wearing the colour blue, have often been seen by other Iraqis as satanic.

Orthodox Muslims consider the peacock a demon figure and refer to Yazidis as devil-worshippers.

 Long persecuted 

Being non-Arab and non-Muslim has placed Yazidis among Iraqs most vulnerable minorities.

Persecution by Saddam Hussein, president between 1979 and 2003, forced thousands of families to flee the country. Germany is home to the largest community abroad.

The Iraqi Constitution of 2005 recognised the Yazidi right to practise their religion and gave them seats in the central and autonomous Kurdish parliaments.

But for jihadists, with their ultra-strict interpretation of Islam, they are heretics.

In an attack blamed on Al-Qaeda, massive truck bombs almost entirely destroyed two small Yazidi villages in northern Iraq on August 14, 2007. More than 400 people died.

The community also came under assault by the IS group when it launched a sweeping offensive in 2014 to seize nearly a third of Iraq, before being beaten back and defeated three years later.

 Islamic State victims 

The IS seized the Yazidi bastion of Sinjar, near the border with Syria, in August 2014, unleashing a brutal campaign against the minority that drew warnings of a potential genocide.

Thousands of men were slaughtered and thousands of women and girls abducted as sex slaves, while boys were sent to military training camps to become soldiers.

According to the religious affairs ministry of Iraqs autonomous Kurdish region, the IS abducted more than 6,400 Yazidis.

Kurdish Iraqi officials said in December 2017 that around half of those kidnapped were still missing and that 47 mass graves containing the remains of Yazidis had been found since 2014.

The IS assault also led about 100,000 Yazidis to flee Iraq, with about 360,000 more displaced.

 UN investigates 

In March 2015, UN investigators said the IS assault on the Yazidis was a premeditated effort to exterminate an entire community  crimes that amount to genocide.

In September 2017, the UN Security Council set up an investigation team. Britain drafted the resolution to help bring perpetrators of IS war crimes to justice  a cause championed by international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.

The investigation team announced in December 2018 that it would begin work early next year to gather evidence on war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide for use in Iraqi courts that will hold trials for IS militants.
Nadia Murad survived the worst of the cruelties and brutality inflicted on her people, the Yazidis of Iraq, by the Islamic State group before becoming a global champion of their cause and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Murad, who was taken hostage by IS in 2014 but escaped, on Monday became the first Iraqi to receive the prestigious award.

The 25-year-old was declared the winner of the Nobel in October alongside Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.

For me, justice doesnt mean killing all of the Daesh members who committed these crimes against us, she said shortly after winning, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

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.

Murad once lived a quiet life in her village in the mountainous Yazidi stronghold of Sinjar in northern Iraq, close to the border with Syria.

But when the jihadists stormed across swathes of the two countries in August 2014, her nightmare began.

IS fighters swept into her village, Kojo, killing the men, taking children captive to train them as fighters and condemning thousands of women to a life of forced labour and sexual slavery.

Murad was taken to Mosul, the Iraqi capital of the ISs self-declared caliphate, where she was held captive and repeatedly gang-raped, tortured and beaten.

IS fighters wanted to take our honour, but they lost their honour, said Murad, now a United Nations goodwill ambassador for survivors of human trafficking.

 Joyful person 

For the jihadists, with their ultra-strict interpretation of Islam, the Yazidis are seen as heretics.

The Kurdish-speaking community follows an ancient religion, revering a single God and the leader of the angels, represented by a peacock.

Like thousands of Yazidis, Murad was sold and forcibly married to a jihadist, beaten and  in contrast to the official wives of IS leaders  forced to wear makeup and tight clothes, an experience she later related in front of the United Nations Security Council.

The first thing they did was they forced us to convert to Islam, Murad told AFP in 2016.

She set about trying to escape, and managed to flee with the help of a Muslim family from Mosul.

Using false identity papers, she crossed the few dozen kilometres (miles) to Iraqi Kurdistan, joining crowds of other displaced Yazidis in camps.

There, she learnt that six of her brothers and her mother had been killed.

With the help of an organisation that assists Yazidis, she was re-united with her sister in Germany, where she lives today.

Even there, she says she is still fearful, for herself and other innocent women.

I am a joyful person, I am an outgoing person, I dont want to live in fear, she told reporters at a press conference on Sunday.

 Our peoples fight 

The Yazidis numbered around 550,000 in Iraq before 2014, but some 100,000 have since left the country.

Many others who fled their hometowns to Iraqi Kurdistan remain reluctant to return to their traditional lands.

Murad has dedicated herself to what she calls our peoples fight.

She and her friend Lamia Haji Bashar, joint recipients of the EUs 2016 Sakharov human rights prize, have called for the fate of some 3,000 Yazidis who remain missing, presumed still in captivity, to be revealed.

She has also campaigned for displaced Yazidis to be taken in by European countries and for the acts committed by IS to be recognised internationally as genocide.

The Yazidi cause has won a high-profile supporter  Lebanese-British lawyer and rights activist Amal Clooney, who also penned the foreword to Murads book, The Last Girl, published in 2017.

That same year, the UN announced it would begin gathering evidence on IS war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide that would be used to try IS militants in Iraqi courts.

Announcing the Nobel winners in October, committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said: A more peaceful world can only be achieved if women and their fundamental rights and security are recognised and protected in war.

 Happier times 

Murad was in the United States when she heard about her prize, and said she was scared initially.

The first thing that came to my mind was my mother, I cried a lot, she said on Sunday.

It was very difficult. I have received the Nobel Peace Prize from the hardship, the difficulties that all these people have been faced with and from all the hard work that we have been doing.

In contrast to all the tragedies that have befallen her, recent pictures on Murads Twitter feed show happier times.

In August, she announced her engagement to fellow Yazidi activist Abid Shamdeen.

The struggle of our people brought us together and we will continue this path together, she wrote.

Underneath, a photo showed her next to a young man in a bow tie, her face still framed by her long brown hair, but this time, bearing a broad smile.
WATCH VIDEO CLIPS

JUSTICEINFO.NET: At what stage is the fight against sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

DENIS MUKWEGE: This struggle will continue until there is an end to rape. Even if only one woman is raped, that is a reason to continue the fight. When a woman is raped, it is a denial of her humanity, and denying someones humanity is the worst humiliation they can suffer. If someone refuses to treat you as a man, woman or child with the same rights as him and thinks he can abuse your rights just because he has a gun, its a terrible humiliation.

What are you doing to try to end this humiliation?

When women arrive here at Panzi [name of the hospital in Bukavu, eastern DRC, where Dr. Mukwege treats women rape victims], they have physical injuries, infections. On top of that they are mentally wounded from the psychological attack on their humanity. So we look after them not only on the medical front. We consider that we also have an obligation to provide them with psychological care. And when our patients are well both physically and psychologically, we can then provide them with socio-economic support. Because the victims cannot live at the hospital, they must go back to their villages and communities, even if it was there that they not only suffered rape but looting, their houses were looted, destroyed. Returning to a village where you have practically nothing and where you were raped means you will likely suffer exclusion.

When these women are better physically, psychologically and economically, they start to demand justice.

So we try to give these women the capacity to be autonomous in their village, to be able to support themselves and their children, if they have them. And when these women are better physically, psychologically and economically, they start to ask: Why me? I know the person responsible for what happened to me. And thats when they start to demand justice.

Hence the importance of the judicial and legal assistance that you provide here at Panzi?

Yes. We have a legal clinic with lawyers and jurists who not only help the victims to put a legal case together but also represent them in courts and tribunals so that justice can be done. You must understand that healing is a process, and if we neglect one of the pillars of the process, healing will not happen quickly. I have a whole medico-legal service at the hospital. Since I sign medical certificates, I have also had to testify. If necessary I will fight to the end for the rights of women.

Excerpts from our video interview with Dr. Denis Mukwege

In these excerpts, Dr. Denis Mukwege, speaks about the legal aspects of the reparations process for victims of war rapes in the DRC.



How do you see the work of the Congolese judicial authorities on stopping these crimes?

I think there is much to be done, if we are honest. Even if there are now sometimes convictions with compensation ordered, reparations are slow to come and I think that is part of our struggle today. Its not enough to go to court, to have the crime recognized, it is also necessary to provide reparation for what has been destroyed. There is a big problem of impunity in this country. There are certain political leaders who were themselves heads of rebel groups. [Today] they are commanders, they have military or political responsibility.

Its not enough to go to court, to have the crime recognized, it is also necessary to provide reparation for what has been destroyed. There is a big problem of impunity in this country.

I think that by mixing everything up [strategy in the DRC of integrating former rebels into the army, police or political institutions, without any processing], we are not going in a good direction. Its as if rape had been integrated into the army, and today we are paying a very high price, because you cannot be both judge and party. The fact that there has been no good vetting to establish responsibility and exclude all the people who committed war crimes, crimes against humanity or rape, I think we are paying dearly for that now. I regret this very much, because if those responsible are not made to apologize to the victims, they think their actions will have no consequences.

What difficulties do you see in access to justice?

The other big problem is that here at Panzi we have treated thousands of women who do not know who raped them. I think that today the justice system should make an effort to ensure that in the cases of these women who have been gang raped in specific places by sometimes well-known armed groups, the law of hierarchical responsibility is applied. Unfortunately, this principle of hierarchical responsibility is often not applied. And when the woman cannot formally identify the person who raped her, her complaint is often rejected, whereas these hierarchical leaders are sometimes known. But in order to make peace, they are integrated into the army, even though they have committed acts that could be categorized as war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Justice is sacrificed at the altar of peace, but in the end there is neither peace nor justice. This is what we see today in the Democratic Republic of Congo. How many people have been pardoned and then two or three years later return to the forest to do the same thing again! I think we need to change our approach. People must be held responsible and accountable for their actions and should at least be able to acknowledge to the population the wrongs they have done and ask forgiveness, so that we can move forward with reconciliation. But both transitional justice and traditional justice are lacking in the DRC. That is why we are in a war without end.

Do you think there needs to be a Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

Absolutely. I think that we cannot keep hoping to build lasting peace on top of mass graves. That will never happen. We have many families who have lost loved ones and are waiting for justice. We absolutely need to clean these mass graves, so that our dead can be buried with dignity and people can think about talking. But you cannot talk when your whole family are in a mass grave, buried with that shame. We cannot ask people to start talking to their torturers in this context.

We cannot keep hoping to build lasting peace on top of mass graves. That will never happen.

I think what we need is not only a work of remembrance but also and especially of truth, telling the truth of what we are living. I think many families want to know why me, why my family, my community? And it is only when people have the answer that they will start to talk about how it happened and how to ensure it does not happen again. But if you do not have the possibility to mourn your dead and bury them, neither can you start a process of forgiveness to bring you peace, because the person responsible for this murder remains a threat to you, even as a survivor.

We are facing a serious problem that requires us to work for sustainable peace, and such a peace cannot happen when people are cultivating hatred rather than love. And for love to grow, forgiveness and reconciliation are necessary. Otherwise we will remain in a hatred that is destroying the Congolese people. I think the solution is to speak the truth so as to move towards lasting peace.
The weather is fine this Wednesday November 7 as we arrive at the hospital on the outskirts of Bukavu, South Kivu province, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the administrative wing we spot a big man in a white tunic giving a guided tour to some VIPs from Belgium come to see the work in support of sexual violence victims. Hey! Denis Mukwege! cries a smiling Alphonsine Nsimr, a 52-year-old patient who has come for a medical appointment.

He is our Moses, our saviour, says Esther [all victims names are pseudonyms, to protect their identity], an 18-year-old orphan sent to Panzi last August after being raped by three armed men as she was returning from the fields in Kalehe, South Kivu province. It is thanks to him that we are alive and have recovered our dignity.

The four pillars of the Panzi Foundation

And so we are face to face with Doctor Denis Mukwege, co-winner of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. For nearly 20 years this renowned doctor has been fighting sexual violence in eastern DRC. His fight involves taking medical, psychological, socio-economic and legal care of rape victims, some 100 to 150 of whom arrive every month at Panzi hospital.

Dr Denis Mukwege

At the time of our visit, the Panzi hospital has 450 beds, and currently has 354 patients in its four main departments (surgery, obstetric gynaecology, pediatrics and internal medicine). 210 of them (59%) are in obstetric gynaecology. This department looks after women who have serious urogenital conditions, including fistulas and prolapses. These patients include survivors of sexual violence, explains Dr. Sylvain Chihambanya, medical supervisor of Fondation Panzi, which was created by Dr. Mukwege in 2008 to provide holistic care of sexual violence survivors: medical (the general hospital and a mobile clinic); psychosocial (psychosocial care); socio-economic reinsertion (accommodation in a patients home and training in various skills); and legal (legal support and assistance).

Since its creation in 1999, the Panzi Hospital says it has treated more than 50,000 victims of sexual violence. I have currently been alerted by one of our health regions to go and take care of displaced people amongst whom 207 cases of rape have already been identified. So you see what it is like? says Doctor Chihambanya.

In Kivu, being a woman is a curse

Each day in this part of eastern Congo, many women and girls, sometimes younger than one year old, suffer individual or gang rape at the hands of armed men. At Panzi, some of these survivors talk about their painful experiences. Being a woman is really a curse here in Kivu, because you are at the mercy of the armed groups, says Grace, 18, who was abducted in the Kavumu region by men linked to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and spent nine years in captivity as a sex slave. I was only four years old when they abducted me, she recounts. They took us to the Kahuzi-biega park as sex slaves. Our extreme youth did not stop them using us to satisfy their libido. Two, three, four men had no problem taking turns to sleep with a little girl of hardly 6 years old, any time they wanted. You could say these militiamen took pleasure in abusing us.

Panzi general hospital

A young woman of 23 wishing to be called Gisele Bintu says her parents died in a fire in their house when she was only 8. She remembers her five years captivity after being abducted by suspected Ntirahamwe Rwandan militia in Kibua, in the Walikale region of neighbouring North Kivu. In my fourth year of sexual slavery, a militiaman got me pregnant, but he didnt want the baby, she tells. As I was nearing the end of my term, they stuck a knife in my stomach and killed the foetus. I spent five days in serious pain without any medical help, and then they left me at a makeshift health clinic which was overwhelmed by my case. The dead foetus which was still in me was starting to produce a terrible smell when they decided to transfer me to the hospital in Goma and then to Panzi, where Doctor Mukwege saved my life.

Gisele Bintu has just undergone her thirteenth surgical operation for fistulas resulting from the various acts of rape she suffered during her captivity. I am feeling better, she says. I have left the hospital and taken up my studies at the local medical institute, because I want to become a nurse and help Doctor Mukwege save the lives of my compatriots, many of whom are still the sex slaves of militia in the bush of eastern Congo. The only thing I regret is that I can no longer have a child, because they removed my womb, which had been damaged by the rapes I suffered.

We also have a right to justice and peace

Dr. Mukweges team fights to ensure dignity for victims of sexual violence by giving them medical, psychosocial, socio-economic and legal assistance. The medical, psychosocial and socio-economic care has been in place for a long time now. What is less well known is the legal assistance introduced at Panzi in 2008. We have seen from experience that when the women are doing better physically, psychologically and economically, thats when they start to ask: why me? Thats when they start to demand justice, Denis Mukwege tells us.

Henriette Balagizi, a lawyer at the Panzi legal clinic, listens to a victim of gender-based violence.

I have always dreamed of seeing the militiamen who raped me caught and punished, says Gisele Bintu. That would stop others from committing these crimes, because it is not only in Congo that these girls are raped from the day they are born. We also have a right to justice and peace.

And so the Fondation Panzi has set up a legal clinic, run by jurists who help victims get access to justice by helping them put a case together and representing them before the courts. We train paralegals in the communities, who help us get the laws on protection of women more widely known, guide and listen to those in need of justice, says lawyer Yvette Kabuo, coordinator of the Panzi legal clinic. We also strengthen the capacities of members of the judicial corps, notably bailiffs and lawyers. We assist victims before the tribunals, and we provide support to mobile courts so they can hold hearings in places where the crimes were committed, bringing justice closer to the victims. The clinic can also cover fees for judges and lawyers for both parties, victims and accused, to guarantee a fair trial.

Access to care is access to evidence

Among the cases supported by Fondation Panzi is the famous trial that led to local politician Frederic Batumike and 11 of his co-accused, all members of the Jeshi la Yesu militia (meaning army of Jesus in Swahili) being convicted by a South Kivu military court in December 2017. They were sentenced to life in prison for widespread, systematic rape committed between 2013 and 2016 of some 40 girls aged eight months to 12 years in the village of Kavumu, in South Kivu province.

The work of the Panzi clinic has firstly highlighted the scourge of sexual violence and its consequences, says Guy Mushiata, human rights coordinator in the DRC for Trial International, a Swiss NGO that is a partner of Fondation Panzi in the fight against mass crimes. The clinic has also helped us gather the evidence to go to court, because very often these crimes of rape are committed in isolated places and the victims do not have access to the medical treatment that would allow us to gather evidence. But with the Panzi team, we can monitor the victims, document the facts, gather testimonies and draw up medical certificates, which are all important pieces of evidence for the judicial authorities.

Building that houses social rehabilitation services at the headquarters of Panzi Foundation

The legal and court support provided to victims of sexual violence is not easy, however. There are many obstacles, including the reigning impunity for perpetrators of these acts qualified as crimes against humanity and war crimes. Very often the perpetrators of these crimes, members of the militia groups, are not known individually, and the few that are identified are not punished, says Yvette Kabuo. Curiously, there seems to be no problem integrating them into the government or the army. And this privilege doesnt stop them continuing to collaborate with their former militias and committing crimes. We must put an end to this impunity.

When a woman cannot formally identify her rapist, her complaint is unfortunately often rejected, even if all the evidence that she was raped is there and sometimes those with command responsibility are known, says Dr. Mukwege. The justice system should make an effort to ensure that in the cases of these women who have been gang raped in specific places by sometimes well-known armed groups, the law of hierarchical responsibility is applied, he says, referring to the principle under which a command leader can be held judicially responsible if he had reason to know that these crimes were being committed and did nothing to stop or punish them.

A government avoiding its responsibilities

There is another challenge: civil parties struggle to get the damages and compensation ordered by judicial authorities. Yvette Kabuo thinks this is because the Congolese government lacks any real political will. After convictions, there are always victims who come back to us saying I have requested my 5,000 dollars compensation. Who is going to pay? The perpetrator who is poor? And at a time when the Congolese State does nothing, even though it is condemned along with the perpetrators for not having ensured the protection of women raped in conflict? asks the Panzi lawyer. I think our government should think about setting up a special reparations fund.

At the Panzi legal clinic, its jurists are urging the government to take on the struggle against mass crimes, including sexual violence against women. The government really hasnt owned this struggle, says Yvette Kabuo. Often when we provide support for hearings in the field, you hear magistrates or judicial police officers tell us that a vehicle is not available to bring the accused and that if we dont bring him, they will drop our accused. As if the suspect belonged to us! So it should be understood that the Congolese government has not assumed its responsibilities. It is time for it to understand that what we are doing is providing assistance. It should not abandon its responsibility to NGOs, but rather support them.
MEDFORD, Ore. 

UPDATE: Hot on the heels of news that Providence Medford has declared an official start to Flu Season, Jackson County health officials have signaled their agreement  issuing additional information to help the public resist the spread:

Influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. It is important to note that the flu usually comes on suddenly. People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills; cough sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; muscle or body aches; headaches; fatigue (tiredness); and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Health officials say that those at the highest risk of severe illness from flu are seniors (age 65 or older), children, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions or weak immune systems. Anyone in those categories should contact their healthcare provider if they develop fever alongside a cough or sore throat.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent the flu, and it is not too late to get vaccinated, said Dr. Jim Shames, Health Officer for Jackson County Public Health. Everyone six months and older should be vaccinated every year to prevent illness in themselves and others.

(Updated 12/10/18 at 2:30 p.m.)

INITIAL REPORT: With more and more patients exhibiting signs of the flu, Providence Medford Medical Center has declared their own official start to flu season, according to a statement from the hospital on Monday.

"We are seeing high numbers of patients with influenza in Jackson County and in our hospital, emergency department and other practice settings. As a result, we are declaring the start of flu season at Providence Medford, effective today, Monday, Dec. 10," the hospital said.

The decision only applies to Providence Medford and does not mean the same is true of other medical organizations.

For Providence, at least, the declaration means that there are a few additional resctrictions for visitors in order to keep patients, staff and the public healthy:

 The minimum age for well visitors is 12, with exceptions made for younger children who are immediate family members of the patient.

 Visitors to intensive care, maternity, and oncology units are limited to those essential to a patients emotional well-being and care.

Providence also issued the following reminders and recommendations for the public:

 Its not too late to be vaccinated.

 Stay home if you are ill.

 Practice respiratory and hand hygiene  cover your cough and clean your hands.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) classified last year's flu season as being particularly severe, especially for children and the elderly. However, it has not issued any evaluations for this year as yet.

"It is not possible to predict what this flu season will be like. While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season varies from one season to another," the CDC said.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Two suspects stole a truck and led police on a chase near the 500 block of River Road in Eugene early Monday morning, Lane County deputies said.

Reese Feuerstein, 42, and Kenneth Russell, 30, face a number of charges, including reckless driving, eluding police, resisting arrest and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Reese Feuerstein (left) and Kenneth Russell Reese Feuerstein (left) and Kenneth Russell

Around 2:30 a.m. deputies spotted a stolen truck on River Road near Bauer Lane. Investigators said the men crashed the truck into a fence near the Willamette River, got out of the vehicle and hid in the water.

A K-9 Unit was called in, and the two men were found and arrested.

Eugene police said a backpack that was left behind in the truck after the car chase had explosives in it, and investigators inspected the backpack to make sure the area was safe.

There were no injuries.

Both suspects will face a judge Tuesday afternoon where they will find out what they are charged with, Lane County Jail officials said.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An armed man shot by police officers at a Northeast Portland Starbucks cafe has been released from a hospital and arrested.

The Oregonian reports 34-year-old Ryan Beisley was released from the hospital Saturday night and lodged at the Multnomah County Jail.

He had been sought on a federal warrant.

Police say Beisley on Friday night began shouting at employees in the coffee shop connected to the Hollywood District Fred Meyer.

Workers went to a back room and locked themselves in to get away.

Responding officers saw Beisley had a gun.

Four officers fired as Beisley walked out of the coffee shop. Police say he suffered non-life-threatening wounds.

Four Portland police officers are on paid administrative leave while the shooting is under investigation.
UPDATE: Two of the Oregon men arrested in connection with the reported hate crime in Washington state over the weekend have been identified.

Daniel Dorson, 23, of Corvallis and Cory Colwell, 34, of Eugene are among those suspected in the fight that broke out at a bar in Lynnwood.

Investigators said the group tried to take a black disc jockey's equipment at the Rec Room Tavern and then beat and stomped on him while shouting racial slurs. They said the suspects are self-professed members of a neo-Nazi skinhead group.

___________________________

EVERETT, Wash. -- Three Oregon men are among eight arrested in Washington state in connection with a reported hate crime.

The Snohomish County Sheriffs Office said two black men were reportedly assaulted at a bar in Lynnwood on Saturday. The sheriff's office is working with the FBI.

Deputies said the eight who were arrested are self-professed members of a neo-Nazi skinhead group:

38-year-old from Eugene, Oregon

34-year-old from Eugene, Oregon

23-year-old from Corvallis, Oregon

37-year-old from Tacoma, Washington

28-year-old from Bothell, Washington

32-year-old from Woodstock, Illinois

34-year-old from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

25-year-old from Raleigh, North Carolina

The men's identities will not be released until they have had their first hearing in court, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies said the suspects are believed to have been in the area for a rally.

They face several charges, including harassment, malicious harassment and fourth-degree assault.

"We do not and will not ever tolerate acts of hate in Snohomish County," Sheriff Ty Trenary said. "The violent behavior directed at members of our community over the weekend simply because of their race is disgusting. The Sheriff's Office is partnering with the FBI in hopes of getting the strongest sentencing possible for these hate crimes."

Deputies received reports about a fight at the Rec Room Tavern, 14900 block of Highway 99, at about 12:40 a.m.

Witnesses said the suspects entered the bar and began harassing the disc jockey, using racial slurs.

The suspects were driving away as deputies arrived, and authorities stopped two vehicles and took the occupants into custody.

The disc jockey was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Some of the mans equipment was reportedly damaged during the fight.
Cartoon Saloon swept the boards at the European Animation Awards in Lille on Saturday night picking up four accolades for "The Breadwinner".

Director, Nora Twomey was presented with an Emile Award for Best Direction in a Feature Film and other members of the team at the Kilkenny-based studio won awards for Best Storyboard in a Feature Film, Best Background and Character Design in a Feature Film and Best Character Animation in a Feature Film for their Oscar-nominated film, "The Breadwinner".

Nora Twomey thanked the European Animation Academy and said it was a privilege to work with the artists involved.

"It was amazing being nominated in this category, especial with so many amazing political films. Nobody makes feature films like Europe. Its an incredible honor to be part of this industry, part of this artform. If there are young female directors out there in the crowd tonight, I would say, dont listen to that huge voice in your head that tells you You cant do it! because you absolutely can," Ms Twomey said after accepting the award for Best Direction.

The Breadwinner is an animated feature film that tells the story of Parvana, a 12-year-old girl who gives up everything to provide for her family and reunite with her father.

Based on Deborah Eilis's novel, the film spans the autumn of 2001 in Kabul, Afghanistan just as the Taliban regime began to fall. The book has been published in more than 40 editions and translated into many languages.
















The United States sided with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait over the weekend at a global climate summit to contest language supporting a landmark climate report on limiting global warming.

Countries at the COP24 summit in Poland were asked to "welcome" the report put out by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which says governments around the world must take "rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society" to avoid disastrous levels of global warming.

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The US and the three other nations voted against "welcoming" the measure.

"The United States was willing to note the report and express appreciation to the scientists who developed it, but not to welcome it, as that would denote endorsement of the report," the State Department said in a statement. "As we have made clear in the IPCC and other bodies, the United States has not endorsed the findings of the report."

A State Department spokesperson said that the US response was not "pre-discussed" with the three other nations.

The Washington Post earlier reported on the US's position.

Nations are gathering for two weeks at the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP24, to create a rulebook that will turn the 2015 Paris climate agreement into a reality.

The US is not sending senior officials, and instead a delegation of working-level staff is attending the meeting, as are representatives from US states and businesses.

Last week, CNN reported the Trump administration will reverse an Obama-era coal emissions rule as part of its effort to loosen restrictions on the coal industry. The decision came days after a new US government report delivered a dire warning about climate change and its devastating impacts, saying the economy could lose hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century.

Despite the report involving 13 federal agencies and more than 300 leading climate scientists, President Donald Trump told reporters: "I don't believe it," and added he had read "some" of the report.

At the G20 gathering in Argentina, 19 of the 20 leaders present signed a communique reaffirming their commitment to fight global warming, but Trump instead insisted a paragraph be included stating the US's opposition to the communique and decision to withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement.
ST. PAUL, Minn.  The Minnesota Court of Appeals rejects the arguments of the man who got a stiffer sentence for a Steele County killing.

Cyrus Trevino and Gerald Blevins pleaded guilty to the June 2016 murder of Richard Jurgensen, who was found shot dead along a rural road with his hands tied. Prosecutors say Jurgensen was killed because Trevino and Blevins thought he was a drug informant.



Gerald Blevins Gerald Blevins

Trevino, 26, pleaded guilty to 2nd degree intentional murder and was sentenced to 32 years and seven months in prison. Blevins, 39, entered a guilty plea to unintentional 2nd degree murder and received 12 years and six months behind bars.

Trevino appealed his sentence, arguing that Blevins was more responsible for Jurgensens death but received a lighter sentence. The Minnesota Court of Appeals says no evidence was presented in District Court as to which man was more responsible for the killing, but

Blevins was convicted of a lesser crime. Therefore, the Court of Appeals rules that the different sentences were appropriate under state law.
CRESCO, Iowa  A not guilty plea is entered in a car/motorcycle collision that left the car driver injured.

Lonnie Joe Dishinger, 51 of Cresco, is charged with serious injury by vehicle, OWI-3rd or subsequent offense, and driving while license is revoked. Law enforcement says Dishinger was riding his motorcycle on August 12 and hit a Dodge Neon, resulting in the driver of the Neon suffering 12 broken bones in her foot.

Court documents state Dishingers blood alcohol content was over the legal limit at the time of the crash.

His trial is now set to begin in Howard County District Court on March 6, 2019.
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa  A Wright County man is accused of shooting into an occupied bus.

Jason Jacob Bouska, 38 of Eagle Grove, is charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon and going armed with intent. Both charges are felonies.

The Eagle Grove Police Department says it got a 911 call at 6:33 Thursday morning of shots fired at the Union Pacific Railroad yard at NE 2nd Street and Railroad Avenue. Witnesses reported a man in a silver pickup truck fired several shots into a bus containing several people, then drove away.

Police say a witness followed the truck and alerted law enforcement. Officers located the truck near the intersection of N Blaine Avenue and NE 1st Street. Police say Bouska was seen in the doorway of a nearby home holding a handgun, which officers say was later matched to evidence from the scene of the shooting. Bouska was then arrested.

The Wright County Sheriffs Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and Union Pacific Railroad Police assisted with this incident.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The Federal Emergency Management Agency is denying an appeal for disaster assistance for Winnebago and three other counties.

On August 1, Governor Kim Reynolds requested the federal Individual Assistance Program be activated for residents and businesses in Winnebago, Buchanan, Dickinson, and Polk counties that were affected by severe storms and flooding between June 6 and July 2. FEMA notified the Governor her request was denied on August 22 and Reynolds sent an appeal letter to FEMA on September 11.

President Trump declared these four counties a Presidential disaster area in August, making public funds available, but FEMA says its review found the impact of storms and flooding was neither bad enough nor widespread enough to justify individual assistance.

Governor Reynolds says she will now ask the Small Business Administration to provide low-interest disaster loans to Polk and seven contiguous counties. Winnebago, Buchanan, and Dickinson counties did not qualify for SBA assistance.
MASON CITY, Iowa  A Floyd County man gets a deferred judgment for a deadly crash.

Thomas John Parcher, 29 of Marble Rock, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle by reckless driving for a December 22, 2017, rollover crash in Cerro Gordo County. Authorities say Parcher was driving and a passenger, Tonya Martin of Rockwell, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Law enforcement said Parcher had a blood alcohol content of .136 after the crash.

On Monday, Parcher was sentenced to three years of supervised probation. He must also obtain a substance abuse evaluation and complete all recommended treatment. Court records state if Parcher successfully finishes his probation, this conviction will be wiped from his record.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  On Sunday, community members gathered at Bleu Duck Kitchen to celebrate the life of Nicci Slyvester.

Sylvester passed away suddenly in late November after being hospitalized. The owner of the popular restaurant Tonic, Slyvester is being remembered as a pioneer in Rochesters restaurant industry for bringing local, farm to table eateries to town.

Her concept of sourcing local, sourcing fresh, organic as much as possible has been instilled in her from the day I met her She is the one who brought local farmers to the table, Jennifer Becker, Niccis long-time friend and the co-owner of Bleu Duck Kitchen said.

Becker helped organize the benefit for Nicci on Sunday. More than 25 local restaurants donated food to the event where proceeds go to help support Niccis family.

She was loved by the food industry and a lot of people, Tim Wiste, Niccis fiance, said.

But her impact spreads far beyond the restaurant business in town. Nicci was heavily involved in the community. So many people wanted to donate and help out, what was supposed to be a potluck benefit turned into a silent auction with more than 65 donated items.

Today is absolutely incredible. It shows love and being kind to one another. As a community we come together in time of need, Becker said.

Its the people showing up to help and the outpour of love from the community that means the most to Niccis loved ones.

It helps me definitely with all the hugs I'm getting and all the love people have shown, Wiste said.

The running store TerraLoco is also dedicating its monthly $5 5K to Nicci. The proceeds of the run will be donated to the GoFundMe page. The run is happening on Monday, December 10 at 6pm at TerraLoco.

To learn more about Niccis story, click here. To donate to her family, click here.
AUSTIN, Minn.  Another house is destroyed after a fire Sunday morning.

Austin Fire Department responded around 6:45 a.m. to the 500 block of 8th Street NE.

Commander Tom Schulte says a man who lives there was home at the time, but was able to get out safely.

The house is a total loss, and the man is now displaced.

Fire officials continue to investigate the cause, and report no injuries.
CHARLES CITY, Iowa  A woman wants her attempted murder trial moved out of Floyd County.

Jennifer Katherine Bean, 44 of Charles City, is accused of trying to kill her mother by injecting her with insulin. Bean has filed a motion asking for a change of venue, citing extensive media publicity of her case from Waterloo to Mason City. Bean also describes herself as a well-recognized person within the Charles City, Floyd County area.

The Floyd County Attorneys Office has filed a motion opposing a change of venue, describing pre-trial publicity as limited and non-prejudicial.

A hearing on moving Beans trial out of Floyd County is scheduled for January 22.
It's that time of year when workers are asked to pick their health benefit options for 2022 during an open enrollment period. If your employer offers a health savings account (HSA) option as part of its benefits package, don't dismiss it out of hand just because you're not familiar with how they work. After doing a little research, you might discover that an HSA is the way to go.

For many people, HSAs offer a tax-friendly way to pay medical bills. You can deduct your contributions to an HSA (even if you don't itemize), contributions made by your employer are excluded from gross income, earnings are tax free, and distributions aren't taxed if you use them to pay qualified medical expenses. Plus, you can hold on to the account when you're no longer working for your current employer and use it tax-free for medical expenses in at a different job or during retirement. All-in-all, HSAs can be a great tool for covering your health care costs.

There are, however, a few HSA limitations and requirements that are adjusted for inflation each year. They apply to the amount you can contribute to an HSA for the year, the minimum deductible for your health insurance plan, and your annual out-of-pocket expenses. If you or your health plan are not in compliance with the restrictions in place for any particular year, then you can say goodbye to the HSA tax savings for that year.

HSA Contribution Limits

Your contributions to an HSA are limited each year. You can contribute up to $3,650 in 2022 if you have self-only coverage or up to $7,300 for family coverage. If you're 55 or older at the end of the year, you can put in an extra $1,000 in "catch up" contributions. However, your contribution limit is reduced by the amount of any contributions made by your employer that are excludable from your income, including amounts contributed to your HSA account through a cafeteria plan.

If you're thinking of adjusting your 2021 HSA contributions for the last few months of this year, note that the 2021 HSA contribution limits are lower than the 2022 amounts. For self-only coverage, you can contribute $50 less in 2021 than you can in 2022. For family coverage, the 2021 limit is $100 lower than the 2022 cap. The table below shows how the contribution limits have increased over the past few years.

Year Self-Only Coverage Family Coverage Catch-Up Contributions 2022 $3,650 $7,300 $1,000 2021 $3,600 $7,200 $1,000 2020 $3,550 $7,100 $1,000 2019 $3,500 $7,000 $1,000 2018 $3,450 $6,900 $1,000 2017 $3,400 $6,750 $1,000

Health Plan Minimum Deductibles

To contribute to an HSA, you must be covered under a high deductible health plan. For 2022, the health plan must have a deductible of at least $1,400 for self-only coverage or $2,800 for family coverage.

The 2022 minimum deductible amounts are the same as the 2021 figures. The following table shows the minimum deductible amounts for the six most recent years.

Year Self-Only Coverage Family Coverage 2022 $1,400 $2,800 2021 $1,400 $2,800 2020 $1,400 $2,800 2019 $1,350 $2,700 2018 $1,350 $2,700 2017 $1,300 $2,600

Limits on Out-of-Pocket Expenses

The health plan must also have a limit on out-of-pocket medical expenses that you are required to pay. Out-of-pocket expenses include deductibles, copayments and other amounts, but don't include premiums. For 2022, the out-of-pocket limit for self-only coverage is $7,050 or $14,100 for family coverage. According to the IRS, only deductibles and expenses for services within the health plan's network should be used to determine if the limit applies.

As the table below indicates, the health plan out-of-pocket expense limits for HSAs have increased each year from 2017 to 2022 to account for inflation. That includes a $50 jump for self-only coverage and a $100 increase for family coverage from 2021 to 2022.
If youve booked a trip to Las Vegas, a Florida vacation destination or the Mexican Riviera, the odds are that upon checking into your hotel, youll be offered anything from free breakfast, lunch or dinner to Disney World tickets just for attending a 90-minute sales presentation. If you agree, by sheer magic, 90 minutes will morph into half a day or an evening, and could  doesnt have to, but could  place a financial harness around your neck that will be difficult to remove if you sign their timeshare contract, for thats what they want you to buy, a vacation timeshare. Right after signing the contract  or years later  most will come to realize that buying the timeshare was the worst financial mistake of their lives, says Scott Morse, director of operations at Resort Release. The Rockford, Ill.-based company, rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, is dedicated to helping owners become free from the never-ending expense that timeshare ownership means. A timeshare is a property  typically in a resort condominium development  where buyers acquire the right to use a unit or a similar accommodation for a specific period of time, typically a week or two once a year. So, each condo will have many owners, each acquiring a deed for their fractional interest. With other properties, a buyer has a right to use the property, but does not actually own a share of it. Finally, some timeshare companies just sell points that may be used at properties all over the world.

Worldwide over 20 million people own timeshares, according to market research firm Ragatz Associates. While there can be valid reasons to own one  such as forcing yourself to take a vacation with the family as you paid to use your little piece of paradise  at some point, many owners will regret ever hearing the word timeshare. A Bottomless Pit into Which You Pour Money If you tend to speak like a 2-year-old  when every word uttered is No!  then its probably safe for you to attend a timeshare presentation. But for anyone else, the chance at a free lunch or theme park tickets may not be worth spending hours of your time listening to sales claims such as, Its a great investment which will increase in value, beat ever-increasing hotel rates, yield family fun, and can be left to your heirs. Statements such as those are red flags, says Morse, because the reality is something else entirely. One of the many lies is that these are investments and can be sold for more than what you paid for it. This is complete nonsense as they are never a financial investment. They are a bottomless pit into which you pour money forever, and most have no resale value. With their never-ending yearly maintenance fees, they become the most expensive hotel rooms you could ever book. In fact, some owners are willing to give them away in order to stop paying these fees, he points out, adding, Just search Buy My Time Share for One Dollar.

We did, and hes right. Morse recognizes that for certain families, A timeshare can become an investment in memories, its value found in locking a family with young children into taking a vacation. The reasoning goes along these lines: We paid $15,000 for it, are hit with $2,500 yearly maintenance and tax expenses, so we have to use it! We asked Morse, But what happens when the kids are off to college and they no longer take a vacation as a family? His answer is one of the key reasons that timeshares can become a horrible waste of money: We have clients who have not used their timeshare for years, yet the maintenance fees  which can run thousands of dollars a year  continue. High-Pressure Tactics: 2 Couples Share Their Stories Some time ago my law office was contacted by two couples who went through frightening, similar experiences  saying they were held against their will, victims of duress  by the same Las Vegas timeshare developer. One couple was in their mid-70s: Dale, a Vietnam vet who flew F-4 Phantoms, and his wife, June, who has dementia. They had owned a Vegas timeshare for several years, but seldom are able to use it as the dates they wanted were almost always booked up, Dale said. Finally, they got lucky and a room was available. When checking into their timeshare hotel, they asked if there was a way to lower the $2,500 yearly maintenance fee. They were directed to speak with Alex, a sales representative. It was the beginning of a nightmare where they were mentally, and it seemed physically, held captive for hours, they said.

For more than four hours, we were yelled at, not even allowed to use the bathroom until we had purchased a new timeshare for over $10,000, including closing costs of $2,800 put on a credit card, which I kept telling them we did not want! Dale told us tearfully. Do these things really happen? You better believe it, Morse says, adding that the elderly and people in poor health are often targets. They are terrified of getting up and walking out  they are truly paralyzed with fear. We would have liked to have given you the timeshare industrys comment on this situation and the timeshare business in general, but despite several voice mails and email requests to the top PR representative at the American Resort Development Association  one of the nations leading trade groups  I never received a response. We left voice mails for the Las Vegas developers media contact person and their general counsel, never receiving a callback either, but the next day Dale and June got an email stating, We are canceling the contract and refunding your payments. It was the same story at the same property for the other couple who contacted my office, and their story stands as the perfect example of people who should stay light years away from timeshare presentations. Sixth-grade teacher Rex and his hairstylist wife, June, are both in their early 40s. They are a very nice couple, which can sometimes be a problem. "We can't say no, which is why we bought the timeshare in the first place, years ago, June admitted. We didn't want to spend any more money on it, but they kept us for hours in the salesroom. We both were in tears and not allowed to leave until we purchased $15,000 worth of points and closing costs of $3,400." Rex sat there, next to his wife, obviously embarrassed, tears running down his cheeks.

We were able to get their contract canceled as well, but no refund of the $3,400. They were happy just to be free of the timeshare. We cant tell you who the bad guys are as a non-disclosure agreement was required in the settlement. In many cases, people have been kept in a room for over 10 hours, not given water, not eaten, they are exhausted and sign contracts just to get out of there. At least once a month someone comes to us who owes over $150,000 in timeshare debt. We have met people owe more than what their house is worth, it is so scary, Morse underscores. Of course, you are probably thinking, if this is going on, why arent criminal complaints being filed? While Las Vegas does have a competent police department, we discovered a shocking lack of interest when the right people were contacted. Oh, you need to talk with Nevadas Real Estate Department, we were told repeatedly, and did, only to discover a similar lack of concern. Why? Could it be a five-letter word spelled M-O-N-E-Y? Timeshare sales is big business in Sin City. Who Is Most at Risk of Becoming a Victim? Is it just the impaired, elderly or nice people who cant say no who get sucked into timeshare contracts? Is there an ideal victim of a timeshare sales presentation? No, Morse says. We have spoken to people at every level of education, from all walks of life who have fallen victim to these presentations, including lawyers, doctors, journalists and television talk show hosts.

So, what is the bottom line for consumers? If youre presented the opportunity to attend a sales presentation, tempted by the free breakfasts or other rewards, understand before going in that you are going to meet some of the worlds best salespeople who will, as Morse says, Appeal to the fact that you have probably fallen in love with the resort and your emotions will cloud reason, as the pressure mounts to buy today. They do not want you to consult with your financial adviser or lawyer and will shower you with fairy dust  extra points  to get your signature on their contract. Buying a timeshare is an emotional experience, and if youve already bought one, upon returning home, immediately meet with your financial adviser or lawyer, listen to their advice. If they tell you to cancel, then follow the specific method outlined in your contract. But it gets even worse. Stay tuned, because in a future story, well look at how scammers steal millions of dollars from timeshare owners, singing the sweetest song they could ever imagine hearing: We have a buyer for your Mexican timeshare!
Workers went on strike at the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex in April over bonus payments, but the standoff was resolved within a day. Speaking by phone on Saturday, SECNAMI head Bani Sacko said the latest move could not be classified as a strike as it was initiated by the workers and not the union.

"We have stopped work since Wednesday and as I speak to you it continues," he said. "Production is at a standstill."

Randgold did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Loulo and Gounkoto mines are located in Mali's gold-rich south. They produced more than 20 tonnes of gold last year. Mali is Africa's third-largest gold producer, behind South Africa and Ghana.

(Reporting By Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
(Kitco News) - Silver has been the weakest in the precious metals space this year and after seeing the worst trading action, the metal is finally due for a rally  first reaching $18 in 2019 and then hitting $20 in 2020, according to ABN AMRO.

Silver prices have been beaten up more than we had foreseen, said the Dutch banks senior precious metals and diamond analyst, Georgette Boele. Year-to-date, silver prices have declined more than 14% and speculators hold extreme short positions.

The metal has disappointed many traders this year due to its stubbornness and inability to rally during risk-off trading sessions.

Some of the major downward drivers have been a stronger U.S. dollar, higher U.S. Treasury yields, Federal Reserves monetary policy tightening, uncertainty surrounding the Chinese economy, and lower jewelry demand, Boele pointed out.

But, the good news is that silver has likely hit its bottom this year, with the price outlook for 2019 looking full of possibilities, ABN AMRO said.

Silver is cheap and it is likely that prices will rally in our forecast horizon. So we are bullish on silver prices and our forecasts reflect that, wrote Boele on Friday.

ABN AMRO sees silver prices reaching the $16-an-ounce level as soon as March, then rising to $18 an ounce in December of next year, followed by another rally in 2020 that will boost prices all the way up to $20 an ounce.

At the time of writing, March Comex silver was trading at $14.645, down 0.35% on the day.

The majority of support will come from a weaker U.S. dollar and U.S. Treasury yields, Boele noted. Silver prices tend to rally when the U.S. dollar and U.S. Treasury yields are lower, she said.

Also, the rebound in the Chinese yuan and the Indian rupee will help jewelry demand flourish next year.

Even though silver prices are expected to outpace the recovery in the yuan and the rupee, the rise in silver price denominated in yuan and rupee is still manageable. In the years ahead we expect higher industrial demand and higher jewelry demand for silver, the analyst wrote.

And finally, as investors gradually become more optimistic about silver prices, the extreme speculative short positions in the metal will reverse themselves, the bank added.

It is likely that this will result in a substantial rally in silver prices (above the 200-day moving average). So the upside in prices is far greater than the downside in our view, Boele said.
Journalists have been beaten, arrested, and robbed in the wake of the civil revolt that paralysed the country earlier in the year

Nicaraguan TV journalist Miguel Mora was driving home from work when he was pulled over by armed police.

They ordered me take off my glasses and put a hood over my head, says Mora, who directs the 100% Noticias news channel. Then they took me by the neck and forced me into a pickup, where an officer told me: Youre responsible for the death of police. If you keep fucking around, were going to kill you and your whole family.

It was the sixth time Mora had been detained by police in the space of a week. He also faces criminal charges of inciting hate , while drones have filmed his house and armed men on motorbikes track his movements.

Such intimidation is part of an escalating assault on press freedoms in Nicaragua, unleashed in the wake of the civil revolt that paralysed the country earlier in the year.

This government has banned protest, captured opposition leaders, and now the only thing preventing a totalitarian dictatorship is the independent media, says Mora. This is the stage where they try to silence us.

Anti-government protests broke out in April, sparked by the mismanagement of fires in a protected reserve and fuelled by fiscal reforms that slashed social security. They spread after police used live ammunition on demonstrators, killing dozens

As the crisis worsened, 100% Noticias beamed police and paramilitary violence into homes across the country. Newspapers exposed the states lethal tactics: one investigation drew on radiographic evidence to show that many of the deaths were the result of a single gunshot to the head, neck or chest  proof that state forces were shooting to kill

From the start of the unrest, the government tried to control coverage, pressuring media bosses to self-censor. Journalists at Channel 10  owned by Mexican tycoon Remigio Angel Gonzalez  were initially barred from reporting on demonstrations.

It was absurd: historic events were unfolding and we were ignoring them, says Mauricio Madrigal, the stations news editor. He and others threatened to resign, and the prohibition was dropped.

After that approach failed, officials turned to more direct tactics. Twelve members of Madrigals team have since quit, fearing for their familys safety.

Every independent journalist has received death threats, says Gerall Chavez, a reporter with VosTV, whose house was vandalised in August. One journalist has been killed during the violence; in total, more than 490 violations of press freedom have been documented in the course of the crisis.

Now, having regained control of the streets , the government is determined to impose control over the narrative. In doing so, it aims to ensure impunity for the state forces that slaughtered hundreds of protesters

Its an Orwellian strategy, to falsify the reality of the repression, says Sofia Montenegro, a journalist and former Sandinista guerrilla who fought alongside President Daniel Ortega in the 1970s.

The official version of events is disseminated through a media empire built by Rosario Murillo, Nicaraguas first lady and, since 2017, vice-president.

In 2007, shortly after her husband returned to power, Murillo published an ominous communication strategy , outlining plans to prevent critical media contaminating public perception of his administration.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Police agents detain demonstrators participating in the United for the Freedom march, in Managua. Photograph: Jorge Torres/EPA

TV channels 4, 8, 9 and 13 are now owned by her children; also under the familys control are Radio Ya, Radio Nicaragua and Radio Sandino, state broadcaster Channel 6, and the online news service El 19 Digital.

From April, this media apparatus worked to whitewash the governments deadly response to the protests.

We presented an alternative reality, where protesters were rightwing extremists killing Sandinistas, says Carlos Mikel Espinoza, who was editor of El 19 Digital when protests broke out. It was fascistic, an attempt to infuse hatred into government supporters and police. Espinoza quit and fled to Costa Rica in June, after police and militants burned alive a family of six in their own home.

Murillos strategy has failed. Polls show that just one in five Nicaraguans believe the official line that those who participated in roadblocks and marches are terrorists. But this hasnt stopped the Ortega-controlled courts prosecuting protesters as if they were the violent extremists government propaganda claims.

We challenge this fantasy reality every day, Miguel Mora concludes. The logical next step  which I fully expect them to take  is to send their paramilitaries to close us down altogether.

That would leave only their version of events: a pure, uncontaminated discourse.
Earlier, local media reported that May had asked her ministers to get ready for a conference call, leading some to suggest that she was planning to delay parliament's vote on her Brexit deal on Tuesday.

Her spokeswoman said that vote would go ahead as planned and described the conference call with ministers due at 1130 GMT as routine.

"The PM spoke to numerous leaders over the weekend. She spoke with presidents Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker, she spoke with Leo Varadkar, she spoke with Angela Merkel and she spoke with Mark Rutte. So it's usual for her to do that ahead of (an EU) council," she told reporters.

"And she updates her cabinet all the way along and she is doing that again this morning. There's a call at 11:30 a.m. with cabinet ministers."

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper. Editing by Andrew MacAskill)
(Kitco News) - Gold prices are trading slightly lower in early U.S. trading Monday, on a mild corrective pullback after touching a nearly five-month high overnight. Safe-haven demand has surfaced for gold recently as world stock and financial market traders are still very uneasy. The technical chart posture for the yellow metal has also turned bullish recently. February gold futures were last down $2.90 an ounce at $1,249.80. March Comex silver was down $0.071 at $14.625 an ounce.

World stock markets were mostly lower overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly weaker openings when the New York day session begins. Wobbly U.S.-China trade talk prospects and new documents released late last week more strongly suggesting very high-level Trump presidential campaign staffers colluded with Russia have traders and investors uneasy to start the trading week.

Meantime, Brexit turmoil and uncertainty regarding when and how the U.K. will depart the European Union have European stock and financial markets unsettled. The U.K. Parliament on Tuesday will vote on an exit plan proposed by Prime Minister May, which is expected to be rejected.

In overnight news, the latest official Chinese trade data showed the worlds second-largest economy continuing to slow down in its rate of growth, as total exports were up a much-lower-than-expected 5.4% in November, year-on-yearand at an eight-month low. Imports also missed expectations significantly and were up only 3.0% in the same period, versus up 21.4% in October.

The key outside markets today find the U.S. dollar index firmer. Meantime, Nymex crude oil prices are lower and trading around $51.86.

U.S. economic data due for release Monday is light and includes the employment trends index.

Technically, gold bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage and have momentum on their side. Prices are in a four-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls next upside price objective is to produce a close in February futures above solid resistance at the July high of $1,284.10. Bears' next near-term downside price breakout objective is pushing prices below solid technical support at $1,225.00. First resistance is seen at the overnight high of $1,256.60 and then at $1,260.00. First support is seen at $1,245.00 and then at $1,240.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0

March silver futures bears still have the overall near-term technical advantage. However, a choppy three-week-old uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price breakout objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the October high of $15.055 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the November low of $13.985. First resistance is seen at last weeks high of $14.745 and then at $15.00. Next support is seen at $14.415 and then at last weeks low of $14.28. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 3.0.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - In the old days, longtime employees in the United States were honored with a gold watch after 30 years or so at a company.

Well, they have got nothing on Hadas Streit.

The senior vice president at the global public relations firm Allison + Partners recently returned from a one-month paid sabbatical, awarded to staffers after only five years at the company. During that time, she rented a house in Cape Cod for a couple of weeks.

Streit, who is based in New York, swears she did not check her work email once.

The last time I wasnt working was back when I was a kid, says Streit. Its a little scary, but when you come back, you feel refreshed, with new drive, and ready to work again.

Streit is not alone in enjoying some fast-tracked work recognition. Workplace anniversary awards are offered by 63 percent of companies, according to the 2018 Benefits Survey of the Society for Human Resource Management. And rewards rose 9 percent in a single year.

The five-year honor has taken particular hold in work cultures like Silicon Valley, where intense lifestyles and endless project deadlines can easily lead to employee burnout.

Social media giant Facebook (FB.O) has been offering its Recharge program since 2015: It is a 30-day period (the days have to be continuous, but do not have to be taken right at the five-year mark) which staffers can use as an uninterrupted break to refuel and relax, said Tudor Havriliuc, Facebooks vice president of compensation, benefits and global mobility.

So what is going on? Well, just take a look at the nations employment situation: Joblessness is near historic lows, currently at 3.7 percent of the population, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In a recent poll of small business owners, 37 percent reported having openings they could not even fill  the highest figure in the surveys history, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.

At the same time, companies are reluctant to boost wages, in order to keep profits up. So, one way to honor employees and improve retention, without a huge wage hike, is the service anniversary award.

And since hardly anyone stays with a company 30 or 40 years these days, more companies are honoring longevity after only a few years on the job, when staffers are in their prime and most likely to be scouted by rival firms or executive recruiters.

HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY

In todays job market, there are more jobs than applicants, and the competition for top talent is greater than ever, said Vanessa Hill, spokeswoman for the Society for Human Resource Management. Organizations are identifying which compensation benefits are most helpful in getting employees in the door and keeping them  and service anniversary rewards are trending up.

But it is not just sabbaticals that employees are enjoying after only a few years on the job.

SIB Fixed Cost Reduction, which helps businesses find savings in their regular monthly expenditures, offers employees a fat check for $50,000 after they reach their 5-year work anniversary.

The thought process was, people dont stick around at jobs for a long time anymore, said Dan Schneider, chief executive officer of the Charleston, South Carolina-based company. A lot of times, people leave for a little more pay. So an award like this shows you can still grow within your company, and earn more money, without having to leave.

Most of SIBs competitors might hold onto staffers for 24 months, Schneider said. By tempting employees with a gigantic check, his own firm now boasts average retention of four years.

Of course, as humans typically have bad money instincts, there is always the possibility that they might spend these milestone cash awards on unnecessary stuff.

So, instead of using a cash gift to glam up your lifestyle, devote it to something else that will improve your situation for the long-term  like wiping out student debt, a downpayment for a house or a wedding, advises SIBs Schneider.

And if it is a sabbatical you are entitled to, here is some advice from Hadas Streit: Use it.

After all, the purpose is to have fun, recharge and come back reinvigorated. If you end up checking your work e-mail every five minutes, you are defeating the purpose  and cheating both yourself and your employer, Streit said.

When I tell people I got a month off after five years on the job, folks are in shock because they never heard of that before, she says. I feel like I took a really long nap.
A panel of experts set up by India's National Green Tribunal, informally known as the environmental court, in November said authorities in Tamil Nadu state failed to comply with procedures before shutting down the smelter. A judgment on the smelter will be uploaded on the court's website in a week's time, Adarsh Kumar Goel, chairman of the National Green Tribunal, said on Monday.

There will be no further hearings on the case, he said.

Last week, C.S. Vaidyanathan, a lawyer for the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, questioned the power of the expert panel to decide that the ban on the smelter in the southern town of Thoothukudi should be lifted.

State authorities had shut down the Tamil Nadu plant in May after police fired on protesters calling for its closure over concerns it was polluting air and water. Vedanta's lawyer Aryama Sundaram last week told the court the company would invest 1 billion rupees ($14 million) to build hospitals and schools for people living close to the smelter.

The smelter is one of the two largest in India. Resuming production is crucial to Vedanta as it faces rising costs and the impact of a slowing economy on demand for metals and energy.

(Reporting by Mayank Bhardwaj; Editing by Tom Hogue)
LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May abruptly decided on Monday to pull a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, throwing Britains plan to leave the European Union up in the air on the eve of the vote after repeated warnings from members of parliament she faced a rout.

While there was no immediate official announcement, the decision to halt the vote set for Tuesday was widely reported and not denied. Two sources told BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg the vote was being pulled. A Financial Times reporter said an official close to the cabinet had confirmed it.

The move thrusts the United Kingdoms divorce from the European Union into chaos, with possible options including a disorderly Brexit with no deal, another referendum on EU membership, or a last minute renegotiation of Mays deal.

Mays own position could face a swift challenge. Main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said the United Kingdom no longer had a functioning government.

A small Northern Irish party which props up Mays Conservative minority government called the situation a shambles. Scottish nationalists pledged to support a vote to bring the government down.

Corbyn said: The government has decided Theresa Mays Brexit deal is so disastrous that it has taken the desperate step of delaying its own vote at the eleventh hour.

Sterling GBP=D3 skidded to its weakest level since June, 2017, falling to $1.2622.

The decision to halt the vote came just hours after the EUs top court ruled that Britain could unilaterally withdraw its decision to leave the bloc on March, 29.

MORE TALKS?

Mays government called that ruling meaningless because Britain has no intention to halt Brexit. But critics of her plans said it opens options, including delaying the exit for more talks, or calling it off if voters change their minds.

After repeated warnings that the Dec. 11 vote in parliament would humiliate her government as opponents and supporters of Brexit joined in opposition to her deal, May convened a conference call with senior ministers on Monday.

She was due to give a statement to parliament at 1530 GMT on Exiting the EU. Afterwards, the leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, who organises business in parliament on the governments behalf, was due to speak.

If May stays in power, she could seek to get a better deal from the EU at a summit on Dec. 13-14, in the hope of putting it before parliament at a later date.

One EU official said whatever happens, the part of the deal most contentious in Britain  a backstop to ensure no hard land border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic, could not be changed. Mays opponents say the backstop could leave Britain subject indefinitely to EU rules, long after it gives up say in drafting them.

Ultimately, its for the UK to explain what happens, the EU official said. Everybody is absolutely clear the backstop remains in place.

Brexit is seen as Britains most significant decision since World War Two. Supporters say it frees Britain to trade more widely with the rest of the world; opponents fear it will divide the West as it grapples with the unconventional presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China.

The ultimate outcome will shape Britains $2.8 trillion (2.2 trillion pounds) economy, have far reaching consequences for the unity of the United Kingdom and determine whether London can keep its place as one of the top two global financial centres.

BREXIT REVERSED?

Just hours before the reports of a cancelled vote, the EU court ruled that Britain could cancel its official Article 50 notice to leave the bloc without permission from the other EU members and without losing any special privileges.

That went against the position of the EUs own executive Commission, which said Britain would need approval from other members to halt Brexit, and European leaders who had argued London should lose perks agreed over the years, such as a valuable rebate on its dues, if it cancels withdrawal.

The timing of the court ruling on the eve of the scheduled parliament vote was no coincidence: the court said it expedited its decision to ensure British lawmakers knew their options.

Mays Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt called the ruling irrelevant because Britain will leave no matter what, when scheduled on March 29. To do otherwise would disrespect the majority that voted to leave, he said. In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 percent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 percent, backed staying.

More than two years since the 2016 vote, the United Kingdom remains divided on how or even whether it should leave the club it first joined in 1973. Polls show few voters have changed their minds, despite warnings of economic turmoil.

Both Mays ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party are publicly committed to carrying out Brexit. A no-deal Brexit, though, is seen as so disruptive that parliament would be under strong pressure to block it.

A growing number of backbench members of parliament say the only solution would be a new referendum, an option backed by three of the four living former prime ministers, but strongly opposed by the government.

Michael Gove, the most prominent Brexit campaigner in Mays cabinet, said the court ruling doesnt alter either the referendum vote or the clear intention of the government to leave on March 29.
LONDON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The pound fell on Monday after a media report said British Prime Minister Theresa May had called a meeting of senior aides, with a decision on whether to pull parliament's vote on her Brexit deal imminent.

Sterling dropped to the day's low of $1.2691, down 0.2 percent on day, after the Sun's political editor Tom Newton Dunn said on Twitter "The PM has called together all her senior aides for a meeting on the Meaningful Vote in No10 now." The currency also weakened against the euro, trading down 0.3 percent at 89.76

(Reporting by Tom Finn Editing by Tommy Wilkes) tom.finn.reuters.com@reuters.net))

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
Concerns over increase of counterfeit IT services and solutions in Botswanas market space are real and due to low level of awareness are reportedly both a business and health hazard.

General Manager of Tarsus Distribution, SADC Region, Johannes Groenewald says that through their branch in Botswana, they are hands-on to raise awareness on technology, to ensure that genuine suppliers use genuine products. We engaged enterprise customers and government institutions as well as partners in the country to assist them in identifying the kind of problems that they have in their environment from IT infrastructure and IT Solutions, he said in an interview with BG Business, saying they have just introduced Dell and Microsoft as strategic partners.

This, Groenewald says will help them transform the IT environment and infrastructure in Botswana. He further said that they are currently working with the vendors to help them invest in IT solutions. He reiterated that they want to provide solutions to customers at a cost effective price and in a professional way. Once we have identified solutions, we would be identifying customers to consult and implement, he said. Branch Manager in Botswana, Thabang Molapisi also clarified that their warehouse deals with brands like HP, Lenovo and Dell. He highlighted that most often, they experience situations in which HP brand toners are counterfeit and compactable. He clarifies that they assist supply companies that do tenders to make sure that they provide genuine IT solutions.

Molapisi told BG Business that they conduct anti-counterfeit workshops in which they engage the youth, government, and private sectors. We want to raise awareness because we have realised that most people in this industry dont have skills for technology updates, he said.

He added that this they do to enable genuine suppliers to check if they have proper solutions for their supplies. Botswana takes pride out of these awareness lessons since we help the youth companies. We have observed that the young people do not know technology nor funding and consultation, he said.

He added that they help the youth to complete tenders, supply and even get funding at institutions like CEDA, Ticano Group as well as banks. This is to make sure that there is business continuation because business stops once a tender is cancelled. This initiative works under an impression of citizen empowerment, as it operates as a 100 percent local citizens sales warehouse. Molapisi says that he appreciates the fact that Botswana staff is sent to South Africa for training, from time to time.

On the other hand, Groenewald applauded Botswana for the IT community that is well represented and keen to develop. He urged the government to be open to engage in their workshops in order to make sure that they buy smart and great. This he said, pointing out that they have also engaged Botswana Police to train them and they have proven that there are issues of counterfeit in IT solutions provision.

He further said that it is important to be transparent because selling wrong solutions break trust in the field, therefore they want to build trust and be transparent in every possible way. In Botswana, the big problem with counterfeit, lies especially with HP suppliers, he reiterated saying that this could cause an environmental problem because the fake toners usually have a dangerous powder that cannot be seen with a naked eye but rather affects health. This could be dangerous to the customers and the client, which is why education on this matters is necessary, he said




By Jung Da-min







Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula will not be possible without confronting North Korea's human rights issues, a noted North Korean defector said Monday.







"The EU approached North Korea with an argument that improving human rights would eventually benefit the country, helping it to be recognized as a 'normal state' in the international community," said Thae Yong-ho, former North Korea's deputy chief of mission to the United Kingdom.







The assertion was part of his keynote speech at the seminar hosted by Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB), on the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Human Rights Day that falls on Dec. 10.







Thae suggested that South Korea could take lessons from the European Union's approach to the North by linking the North's human rights policies with its sustainable development goals (SDGs).







He explained how the EU's aid projects allowed North Korea to establish NGOs  though it is just for showing off  to get the financial budget allocated by the EU.







"North Korea also started to invite foreign experts to investigate humanitarian situations for documentation, because it would be unacceptable, for a North Korean write about the vulnerability or insecurity of the country's agricultural or hygienic conditions," Thae said.







He said, "That was how foreign experts met North Korean officials to persuade them to push forward with joint projects with the EU to receive grants."







In the late 1990s North Korea allowed Handicap International, an NGO for the rights of the disabled, to open its office in Pyongyang. Thae said it was also a part of the country's efforts to receive the grants from the EU.







Also on hand were Cho Jung-hun, director of Ajou Institute of Unification, Kim Tae-min, head of inter-Korean Cooperation mission for the SDGs, Oh Joon, professor at the Kyung Hee University's Graduate Institute of Peace Studies and Hanna Song, researcher at NKDB.


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Mostly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 36F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low near 25F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Botswana Telecommunications Limited (BTCL), the national telco company has embarked on a five-year blueprint to avoid being caught napping by the uncontrollable wave of 4th industrial revolution sweeping across the globe. BTCL Chief Operations Officer (COO), Aldrin Sivako told Botswana Guardian this week that the strategy is being implemented to build a company for the future.

The idea is that we want to pursue a sustainable development for the organisation, touching all the enablers which are technology, commercial and our people, Sivako said.Satellite investment of over 60 million pula on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), a development the company announced this month, is one of the cornerstones expected to drive the five -year strategy.

We used to have VSAT but it had issues and challenges which we have now addressed, said Sivako, highlighting that BTCL has come up with High Throughput Satellite (HTS) that provides concentrated beams on specific locations and in the process offering high-speed broadband connectivity across the country. We are contributing to the National Broadband Strategy, said Sivako, explaining that BTCL exist to provide telecommunication service, even to customers in remote areas. Our customers anywhere should not be disadvantaged,

Sivako reckons its key for BTCL to position herself through building capabilities for the future.He said BTCL is scanning the environment to harness capabilities, so as to deliver digital experience and easy access to big data, the 4th industrial revolutions target. There is so much data unused and as any operator, we are basically building that base, create an enabling platform for customers who may come to partner with us to leverage on this big data.Sivako said BTCL is getting herself ready for the new developments such as the internet of things (IoT), which are now a huge part of the current wave of industrial revolution.

There is quite a lot that is happening even outside the telecomm space. We have become the centre, the key enabler for this and hence as an organisation, we have to position ourselves well now, not in the future, said the COO.

Everything that we are doing, we are no longer deploying narrow band systems  2G or 3G, we have moved, Sivako, adding that BTCL is doing 4G in preparation for the future.

Sivako said BTCL will continue to expand its network coverage and also automate its processes to improve efficiency with digital fronts, as the company endevours to be a leading telco company. Our benchmarks are the worlds number one such as Korea Telecommunications, said Sivako.
President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has applauded the local mobile network operators  Orange, BTCL and Mascom for helping financial institutions close the financial divide through mobile money. The agility of this product provides an alternative to the traditional brick and mortar of financial institutions, said Masisi, speaking at the Orange Botswanas 20th anniversary celebrations. He congratulated Orange for being a leader in financial technology innovation through its Orange Money product.

The product is an essential technological bank for the unbanked, said Masisi.Alliance for Financial Inclusion, the leading organisation on the financial inclusion policy and related regulations, estimates indicate that approximately two billion adults worldwide do not have an account in a formal financial institution. In addition, the vast majority of the unbanked adults live in developing countries.

Over the years, Orange Money has inked strategic partnership deals to increase convenience with institutions such as VISA Incorporation and other local major retailers. The World Bank collection of development indicators says the mobile money transaction per 100 000 adults in Botswana was reported at 29 1381 in 2014.

As of March 2016, statistics from Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) show Orange leads her peers in the mobile money subscriptions with 356 938 subscribers followed by Mascom at 167 356 and BTCL at 2 496. Meanwhile, Orange Botswana has engaged 14 000 hawkers to distribute its services nationwide, a development that has also been applauded by President Masisi for creating employment and empowering Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs).
Property developer and Investment Company, Prime Time has recorded substantial increase in profit after tax to P128 million in its year ended August 2018.The group has also seen an increase in net market value boosted mainly by the US dollar currency gains across Zambia portfolio. The Zambian Kwacha has depreciated about 19.9 percent against the US Dollars this year.

The group has seen its profits shooting up by 80 percent from P28.2 million recorded last year. Commenting on the published results, PrimeTime Chairperson, Petronella Matumo said the group has also experienced strong tenant demand in Zambia. The net Market value increments for the year are considerable and due largely to US dollar gains recognized across our Zambian portfolio, said Matumo.

By end of August, vacancies stood at an average of five percent across the portfolio against the three percent last year. This reflects a solid performance given the volume of retail developments completed at the end of the financial year where it is typical that the anchor tenants and some other nationals are secured on opening, with the smaller line shops filling up once the centre has opened, said Matumo

She said tenancy at two new retail centres in Zambia remains a focus for the property management team with Chirundu now close to 90 percent let but on a one -year rental guarantee from the developer. However, she said these centers would enhance the portfolio and provide solid income in the long term.

In Botswana, the group also saw increased market value. Tenancy of Pilane Crossing has settled and all the shops have been opened during the year including the extension of a drive through Kentucky Fried Chicken. Matumo said in Botswana the group looks forward to its second development at Setlhoa commencing.

Several of our properties in Botswana are subject to ground leases and as their term shortens, the market value is adjusted accordingly. We are at advanced stages of negotiating a substantial extension at one of these and purchasing the freehold on another, both of which should be completed in the 2019 financial year.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications has merged Botswana Postal Service and Botswana Couriers and Logistics to form a company known as Botswana Postal Services Limited, Botswana Guardian can reveal.The merger is part of the turnaround strategic plan to make BPSL efficient and profitable. Thankfully there will be no job losses in the process. Minister, Kitso Mokaila confirmed the ongoing amalgamation to Botswana Guardian.

Botswana Posts mandate is universal access to postal and ICT to Botswana and Batswana. We are trying to reach all Batswana at reasonable prices. Couriers bring the logistics to this entity streamline and make them more profitable. We have been able to save all the jobs. We want it to be self sustaining and not require subvention from government, he said. Although the management team is still to be appointed, close sources who followed the evolution of Botswana Post in the last decade tip Cornelius Ramatlhakwane to take over as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer, as he is credited with turning around the postal services into an efficient and profit making entity.

The Board of the amalgamated entity is in place and is led by Nathan Kgabi. The positive thing is that the ministry will give the amalgamated entity full support including recapitalisation where it deems necessary and is taking all due care to minimise job losses.

The Registrar of Companies Gaolathe Kanasi issued a certificate of amalgamation in terms of section 227 (1) of the Companies Act, 2003 chapter 42:01 on 27 November, 2018 and the company registration number is CO2015/12389. In 2009, government through Public Enterprises Evaluation and Privatisation Agency (PEEPA) approved implementation of a strategy for the rationalisation of certain Parastatals and Public Entities.

The merger between the two has been a long drawn exercise which was expected to have been completed in 2013, but couldnt as there had to be buy-in from all stakeholders.Botswana Guardian has it in good authority that originally government approved the merger of Botswana Post and Botswana Savings Bank (BSB) through a cabinet directive. The merger was to include Botswana Couriers and Logistics which at the time had been established as a subsidiary of Botswana Post. However, it was realised that the merging of the two institutions required amendments to some existing legislation as well as promulgation of new legislation.

The merging also required the establishment of a holding company through the Companies Act hence the Botswana Postal and Savings Group (BPSG) was established as a holding company whereby all shares in BPS and BSB, following conversion from statutory entities to public limited companies under the Companies Act would be held as the 100 percent shareholder.

BPSG establishment was purely to facilitate the optimisation of public resources and improve efficiencies in the provision of services through a shared service structure for the BPS, BSB and BC&L and all required collaboration and cooperation between all key stakeholders.

A Reference Group and a Task Force were established to spearhead the implementation of the merger. Both the Reference Group and Task Force consisted of representatives of the affected entities and stakeholders and the groups met regularly at the Ministry headquarters. The two groups are reported to have been meeting at least once a month to deliver milestones and approve deliverables, respectively.

Three Bills were approved by Cabinet and Parliament as enablers for implementation of the merger, these being, BSB Transition Bill, BPS Amendment Bill & BPS Transition Bill. The Amendment Bill of the Botswana Postal Services was approved to convert BPS into a body corporate (company) and it was then eligible to convert for registration with Registrar of Companies. While with respect to Botswana Savings Bank, the Bill provided for transition into an organisation that could be easily merged with Botswana Post. Botswana Guardian has learnt that the board of BPSG was appointed to oversee the merger. This meant that the Boards of BPS, BSB, BC&L reported to BPSG.

In order to have a smooth and transparent transition, it was decided that a holding company must be formed. That led to the engagement of Armstrong Attorneys law firm to assist in the process of registering the holding company and offering legal advice to the structures responsible for the merger.The company was named Holding Company Botswana Post and Holding Group (BPSG) and associated requirements being approved by Cabinet. Botswana Guardian has learnt that parent Ministry of Transport and Communications provided oversight for the supervision of the Holding Company and only remained a shareholder leaving governance to the Board of Directors, there by following the provisions of the Companies Act.

Internal stakeholder updates for Boards, Unions and staff of affected entities started in 2011. Subsequent to that the Ministry of Transport and Communications reviewed the merger as well as approached cabinet seeking approval for rescinding of the merger

This was followed by a directive to amalgamate Botswana Post and Botswana Couriers and Logistics into a single entity was approved. The Directive also instructed that BSB be transferred back to Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED).

BSB will now partner with the amalgamated entity, BPSL to provide financial inclusion to communities that are unbanked. This will lead to the dissolution of the holding company BPSG. Hub 25 a subsidiary of Botswana Post based in South Africa will be closed but the process is not expected to affect amalgamation.
Orange Botswana wants to be the digital partner of the Government of Botswana to navigate through the 4th Industrial Revolution, the mobile companys chief executive officer Dr Patrick Benon, said at a gala dinner celebrating the organisations 20th anniversary.

The 4th industrial revolution is driven by the emergence of the Internet and digitalisation and according to Benon, it is the first revolution which is not linked to the emergence of a new type of energy, but instead, it is technology oriented. It is also the first revolution which will impact all industries without exception and will completely change the world.Benon said Orange Botswana has noted President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisis ambition to turn Botswana into a high-income country and a knowledge-based economy as well as to diversify the economy as articulated in the National Vision 2036 and the recent State of the Nation Address.

He said the presidents ambition to create more and sustainable jobs for the youth of Botswana can only be achieved through leveraging the opportunities coming from the 4th industrial revolution. If Africa does not take advantage of opportunities coming with Internet and digitalisation, which are the starting point of this fourth industrial revolution, we will regret our hesitation for generations to come, he warned.He said that Africans and Batswana have the skills and the talent to leverage on this revolution and that it is our collective responsibility to harness and nurture it and take the continent and country to another level. For the past 20 years, Orange Botswana has been a mobile telecommunication player mainly providing telephone and Internet services. In future, Orange Botswana will be a multi-service operator.

This shift has started already with the emergence of Orange Money which allowed Orange Botswana to be a digital partner of Batswana for financial inclusion. New innovations are coming in digital education, in e-health, in m-agriculture that will consolidate this positioning of Orange Botswana as a multi-service operator. This will bring a lot of opportunities for local startups because the plan is to create an ecosystem which will allow start-ups to develop solutions addressing the customer needs leveraging our infrastructure.

Benon said Orange, previously Vista Cellular Network, was conceived in Botswana. They began trading as a mobile network operator with passion and a firm commitment to changing the nature of the telecommunications landscape. The journey has been incredible and we have seen tremendous growth in the sector and the country.

He said there are notable actions over the past 20 years that illustrate Orange Botswana as a success story both as a business and as a corporate citizen. For us, as a business, we are driven by the number of lives we touch, the change that we bring to the Nation and the footprint that we leave behind as a brand.

Among their biggest achievements is the Orange Money service, which is not just a means for financial transaction but is also a financial inclusion tool that continues to improve economic and social conditions of Batswana. Benon said they have also been instrumental in ensuring that the latest technology is available to Batswana, especially when it comes to data connectivity. They were the first to launch the 4G technology in Botswana in 2015. They have also been supporting start-ups and unlocking opportunities for young talented entrepreneurs across Botswana.

An example is a Botswana start-up named Brastorne which innovatively targets the farming community to improve access to markets and information. Brastorne currenrly employs more than 50 people and has a turnover of more than P1.2 million per month.

Moreover, we have supported this start-up to expand beyond Botswana by introducing them to other Orange affiliates. As we speak, Brastorne has signed contracts with Orange Madagascar and is in advanced stages of signing Orange Guinea to launch their service in both countries.

Orange also runs on an annual basis the Orange Social Venture Prize, which is an innovation prize to identify and reward social entrepreneurs who use technology to bring community solutions that drive towards social and economic development.

Our actions also empower communities through the Orange Foundation, which is our philanthropic arm. Since its establishment in Botswana in 2011, the Orange Foundation has dedicated more than P8 million towards solidarity for people living with disabilities; to support women, girls and the youth; and to improve livelihoods in rural and underserved communities.
Botswana is not aware of Israels bid for observer status in the African Union (AU) neither has the country been official approached by Israel to support this bid.This was confirmed by Tebelelo Alfred Boang, the Director in the Department of Public Relations, Reaserch and Informantion in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation in an interview ahead of last weeks commemoration of International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Peoples.

Boang reiterated that Botswana, just like many other countries, maintains that Israels occupation of Palestine, including settlement activity undermines the concerted efforts by the international community to find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Accordingly, he said Botswana continues to join many other countries in calling on Israel, the occupying Power, to immediately end its occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and to reaffirm support for the Two States solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and harmony.

To demonstrate her support and solidarity with the Palestinian peoples, Botswana established diplomatic relations with the Tstae of Palestine on 08 March 2017. Palestine is alao an observer member in the African Union, a position she attained in 2013 during the 21st summit of the African Union. Israel lost the observer status in 2002 with the dissolution of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and in recent times has been pursuing individual member states of the African Union  the latest being Ghanaian Government - to supporrt her bid for an observer status in the 54 member state bloc.

In her statement to observe the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Dr. Unity Dow emphasised that Botswana remains resolute in its support for the Palestinian people in their quest for inalienable right to self determination and the pursuit of freedom, peace, dignity, and stable existence.

Minister Dow said that whie Botswana welcomes efforts by the Middle East Quartet to finding a lasting solution to the Middle East situation, the country regrets that today in the year 2018, which marks the 51st Anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the situation in Palestine remains extremely dire and fragile, marked by an ongoing conflict, violence and deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions.

Botswana also remains steadfast in its support for a fair, durable and early resolution of the conflict, through the resumption of negotiations aimed at reaching a Two State solution, with Israel and Palestine State living side by side in peace and harmony, minister Dow said.
Former South African Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba was a teenager during the mid-80s in South Africa when like numerous other young people at the time he was veered into active politics out of no choice of his own. He remembers the 1980s as one of the most violent decades of the struggle against apartheid when the brutality of the regime was nauseating and the country was in turmoil.

The boycotts had started in the Vaal region, there were stay-aways and students were targeted with tear gas, water canons and were being chased around the townships by police for boycotting school in massive numbers. Gigaba experienced his first school boycott in 1986, during the time that organs of peoples power had been established such as the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in 1985, and the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO) which was formed in 1983. When the ANC was unbanned in 1990, Gigaba inevitably joined the party and active politics. The apartheid regime sjambokked us into the struggle against it. It forced us into wanting to destroy the system, says Gigaba. Gigaba was in Gaborone on Tuesday 4th December and formed part of a panel of speakers at the conference on finding the Intersection between Gender Based Violence and Technology. Also adding their voices to the cause were Vice President of Botswana, Slumber Tsogwane, HIV and Gender activist, Dr. Sheila Tlou, High Court judge Lot Moroka, and local human rights lawyer and activist, Uyapo Ndadi.

The conference, which attracted throngs of both young and elderly, gender and civic activists was hosted at Botho University premises and facilitated by Hlanganani ICT Botswana, Oracle Academy, Cisco and BONELA. Gigabas presence at the conference raised certain eyebrows particularly that his image was deemed in some quarters as inappropriate particularly for GBV issues. The former South African Minister resigned almost three weeks ago from both his cabinet and MP roles due to public pressure after it was found that he lied under oath in court. Gigaba also found himself the fodder of tabloids after public misdemeanours one of which involved his wife and his then mistress, and the other was about his penis; his penis went viral when according to him his phone and the contents therein were misappropriated by a currently nameless person who Gigaba said wanted to extort money from him and he refused.

There is probably a greater return in successfully blackmailing those with public profiles; revenge porn and sextortion. Complete violation of human dignity, of privacy. We need to end the weaponisation of technology. And to pay attention to emerging technologies and their impact, says Gigaba.He is adamant that the negative aspects of technology need to be mitigated including the disclosing of private sexual images without consent, child pornography, human trafficking, indecent communication, sexual abuse of children, cyber hacking and cyber stalking, Some of us see technology as an instrument of love, he says. Gigaba became president of the ANC Youth League in 1996 when he was 24 years old, a position he was re-elected into for three consecutive years leading to eight years at the helm of the youth league. In 2004 he was re-elected into the South African parliament as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, and he resigned a few weeks ago from his position as Minister of Home Affairs after serving the government for 14 years.

Gigaba pulls out his cellphone to show this reporter a recent message from his former personal assistant who says everything seems surreal without him in the office. Politics is fickle and he knows it but he does feel let down.

A part of me does feel a sense of betrayal. I think the leadership of the ANC did not handle the issues that resulted in my resignation as well. I think they let me down. But I harbour no bitterness or anger or vengefulness. That is not me, says the former minister who is still a member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC, and has been for over 20 years. He is also quick to point out that he was not entirely created by the ANC, that he has parents who always invested in him and made him focus on his education, Sure enough you can take away the titles and positions but you cant take me away from me. In his observation the last 24 months have been hell on his brand as he watched it being smeared in the media and forever engraved online. He aches to see his public identity, one that he worked so hard to build being destroyed in an instant. Most importantly it has pained him to see his closest family members being dragged in the mud with him.

The people he was most concerned about were his daughter, wife and parents. Blackmailers dont care how this will affect your family and loved ones, he says. Compounding this is that no one will ever forget the incident with his penis because it is saved online and can be retrieved at any time, his digital footprint is aligned to this image, some people did not know about me until that video went viral.He adds that he is aware of how difficult it would be to seek the right to be forgotten in the context of online information.

Judge Lot Moroka of the High Court also spoke on the right to be forgotten which seeks to extract affected people from the damaging material; and in extension some view this as the right to have an imperfect past. He observes however that the online world is difficult to restrain because once the images go viral no one has control over them. The plus side is that, Digital footage can be useful in court as critical evidential material when required, says Moroka citing a case of GBV in which a daughter captured via cell phone her father physically abusing her mother.

Moroka also clarified that GBV is not gender specific, but in practice the complaints are overwhelmingly men killing women, including beheadings. Gigaba is currently unemployed and already worried about school fees for his children when 2019 begins as he is no longer receiving a salary. And although he has attempted some business ventures, he says, life has a way of humbling you, and forcing you to develop multiple other skills. What he is avoiding is being desperate and economically vulnerable lest he finds himself in compromised positions.

This is politics. Someone may think I am too independent and try to entice me into doing favours for money, he says. The optimistic Gibaba says he will always keep his thoughts positive. Hindsight is a terrible teacher. I can only deal with my reality and not what could have been, says Gigaba. His advice to other politicians is that they need to empower themselves with education and maintain their humility as they rise up the ladder. The people who raise you must also be the first to receive you when you fall. Keep your bearings, your values and systems. Never lose your head to the benefits and incentives of public office. Work hard for your people. Whatever may happen to you people wont forget the hard work you did for them, and when they do they will fight for you, he says.
As the year is coming to an end, so does the Botswana Democratic Partys rich Camp Dubai faction which is reaching a total fallout, Botswana Guardian has established. Camp Dubai which made history last year during Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) elective congress in Tonota as the most financed, with robust campaigns and strategies, has now reached its sell by date. Key figures in the camp include President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, Secretary General Mpho Balopi, Member of Parliament for Tati East Samson Guma, Specially Elected Councillor and BDP Sub-committee on Communications and International Relations Secretary Roseline Panzirah-Matshome.

Once a force to reckon with, relations soured for the camp after the Tonota congress but things have now escalated. According to information reaching this publication the key figures do not see eye to eye and have been doing everything possible to pin each other down.At the centre of the controversy is power and the need to be close to President Dr Masisi. It is alleged that members have resorted to underhand tactics against each other to be close and trusted ally of Dr Masisi since he became president.



Sources have revealed that preparations for next years congress have also come to play as the Camp Dubai players are vying for positions in the central committee. Guma has since indicated that he would be contesting against Balopi for the position of Secretary General while Panzirah-Matshome wants to be Deputy Secretary General. It is not yet clear if current Deputy Secretary General also Minister of Defence Justice and Security Shaw Kgathi will defend his seat. Guma was recently denied an opportunity to address a strategic meeting in Kgalagadi region which was abruptly cancelled. Balopi was blamed for the cancellation. He however distanced himself from such developments. Fresh information has revealed that Panzirah-Matshome is being cajoled into not contesting.

Panzirah-Matshome was the top key player in Camp Dubai since the 2015 Mmadinare congress that ushered in Dr Masisi as party chairman. Dr Masisi came into the race at the last minute. It is alleged that if she contests some of the Camp Dubai members might bite the dust as the person who played a role is seeking funding and strategising would now be occupied with contesting for office. Her support for Gumas bid for Secretary General of the party is said to have also worsened her relationship with Balopi- the man whom she has been working closely with while Dr. Masisi was still BDP Chairman and with whom they ensured that Camp Dubai flourish.

This is said to have sparked a serious tiff between her and Balopi. She is said to be accusing Balopi of sending people to attack her during party gatherings and in some of the partys social media groups. The duo is said to have long been at loggerheads since Dr. Masisi ascended to the presidency. Impeccable sources have revealed that during the BDP Womens Wing Conference that was held at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School this past weekend Dr. Masisi promised to support Panzirah-Matshome.

The President and the VP had promised her their support. However, what is confusing is that the promise seems not to be genuine. We need women also in the Executive Committee of our Central Committee which is why as women we stand by her. These men within the BDP do not want us to rise they want us to do the dirty work for them, said a member of the womens wing committee. The source further revealed that the president later met Panzirah-Matshome for a meeting with the aim of convincing her to make peace with Balopi and others.

Botswana Guardian is in possession of some communications in a BDP WhatsApp Group called Road to 2019 and another called BDP National Youth Wing 2017-2019 where there is an exchange of words between Panzirah-Matshome and other members of the groups. In the groups she is accused of being behind the creation of New Jerusalem Faction and dividing the party. Since the Tonota Congress Camp Dubai has never met for evaluation as agreed, Botswana Guardian can confirm. The camp also failed to host an appreciation party for their members as per the agreement. Some of the members who were in the campaign team still owe P100 000.00 which was pledged as a commitment towards the campaign.

Contacted for comment Panzirah-Matshome confirmed that all is not well between her and Balopi. She also stated that she is aware that Balopi has sent some people within the BDP to attack her. I know the communication you are talking about. Those young boys who are busy insulting me are associated with Balopi and everyone knows that. But I am not going to crack, you should tell them so. I am contesting and I am not moved come rain or whatever. I have worked so hard for other people and it is time I prove that even women can lead and we want our male counterparts to appreciate that, she said. Regarding the support from President and Vice President and their meeting, Panzirah-Matshome said as a member of the Central Committee she would meet from time to time with the leadership of the party and it is not anything new and something worth sharing with the media.

For his part Balopi said he is not going to be involved in petty talks. He wondered why he would tell people to attack Panzirah-Matshome. She should tell you what her problem is. I am not going to lower my stature and integrity to discuss such issues. As the BDP we have structures that deal with issues of concern.I am not even in those social media platforms. I am bigger than that and I represent a bigger political organisation in the country. I am not for petty talk because I am not petty, said Balopi. He pointed out that he has been attacked on several occasions about things he knows nothing about and has decided to keep quiet. The secretary general said he would not be drawn into discussing matters with the media while there are proper internal channels that can be used.
Botswana has not been spared the brunt of neoliberal economic policies adopted by governments across the world and the growing influence of monopoly capital, which pose a threat to workers rights. In fact, Topias Marenga, the Secretary General of Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) is convinced that their National General Congress (NGC) which gets underway from 10th to 13th December 2018 in Kasane comes at a time when the worker is in a precarious position.

Held under the theme Restoring the culture of Trade Unionism and Re-affirming the role of Collective Bargaining in advancing workers rights in Botswana, the National General Congress provides an opportunity for the Union to introspect and map a new way forward, he stated.

Botswana has not been spared the brunt of these policies. Botswanas constant presence in the List of 25 cases addressed at the ILC for the past 2 or 3 years is indicative of the level of degradation, said Marenga adding that to speak to this years NGC theme, BOPEU has invited Zingiswa Losi, the first Female President of COSATU.

President Dr Mokweetsi Eric Masisi is expected to officially open this congress. We will host our brothers and sisters in the Trade Union movement from across the world. We expect guests from Ghana, Lesotho, Namibia and Brazil to mention but a few. This stems from the need for solidarity amongst workers organisations across the globe. We will continue to champion this call. Our local brothers and sisters have also been invited. He indicated that as this will be an elective NGC, on the last day of the NGC delegates will get to elect National Office Bearers (NOB) who will be entrusted with the stewardship of the Union for the next three (3) years. We call for all who intend to run for office to put the interest of BOPEU at the forefront. We call for decorum and mutual respect. We expect to come out of the NGC united and reinvigorated.

Marenga said the congress has been budgeted for between P1 million and P3 million. The funds are for accommodation for the delegates, conference, food and other logistics at the congress.As BOPEU we are committed to being active and meaningful participants in the national economy. The NGC and or our annual general meetings provide us with the grandest opportunity to participate. We chose Kasane because of its capacity to host us and the realisation that we have to support local businesses.

At the end of the NGC, we estimate that our event would have directly or indirectly benefitted Kasanes economy to the tune of no less than P1 million. We pride ourselves in this. In recent past we have done the same in Palapye and Francistown. We will continue to seek out other venues that have the capacity to host us and invest in their local economies, Marenga said.
Agra, December 10: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Gudlaugur Thor Thordarson, along with his wife Augusta Johnson visited the Taj Mahal here on Monday morning amid falling temperatures. Both the minister and his wife were very happy to see the historical monument which is also one of the seven wonders of the world. They spent almost an hour observing the intricate works of the Taj where security was beefed up for their visit. The Foreign Minister also had a photo session with his wife on the famous Diana Bench at the Taj.

The Foreign Minister arrived for an eight-day visit to India on December 7. He met his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj on that day and held talks over a wide variety of issues in an aim to strengthen bilateral relations.

Both the ministers deliberated on bolstering cooperation in key sectors such as geo-thermal energy, fisheries, IT, pharmaceuticals and tourism, trade and investment, renewable energy and blue economy among other issues. The Iceland Foreign Minister is at present in Agra where he is slated to attend a programme. Iceland's Foreign Minister Arrives in India.

On December 10, he would pay a visit to Jaipur to attend an event. And on the morning of December 14, the Icelandic Foreign Minister would be departing for Reykjavik.
A national stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, December 9, congratulated the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for winning the global lifetime award for anti-corruption.

Tinubu said the award was a testament to his dedication in fighting corruption.

Legit.ng understands that the award administered by Doha, Qatar-based think tank, Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Centre (ROLACC), celebrates corruption fighters, academics and campaigners from around the world.

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Ribadu received the award at a ceremony held over the weekend at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Malaysia.

In a letter Tinubu personally signed and sent to Ribadu and entitled Global Lifetime Award for Anti-Corruption, the APC leader reminded the former EFCC chairman that his work is not finished yet and that he still has much to give Nigeria and the world.

Congratulations for winning the Global Lifetime/Outstanding Award for anti-corruption. The award is a testament to your singular dedication in fighting corruption in order to make ours a more excellent country and to restore our national reputation. The award shows that a person of integrity and commitment can make a difference and indeed be successful without sacrifice of principle or ethics.

In recognition of your intrepid work as the first chairman of EFCC and for your contributions to good governance and anti-corruption worldwide, the award was more than warranted. It was richly deserved. You personify the best of our nation.

As EFCC chairman, you erected the necessary law enforcement architecture for the fight against corruption. The excellence and importance of your work is recognized by President Muhammadu Buhari who has carried on the anti-corruption campaign with zeal and determination by further strengthening the EFCC and making the anti-corruption fight a pillar of his administration.

With this award, you make your fellow Nigerians proud because the award is also recognition that we are a land of intelligent and honourable people and that corruption is not intrinsic in our national character. With the award you also secure your place among the most respected anti-corruption fighters and law enforcement figures in the world.

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Dear brother, you must also remember what this award does not say. While it recognizes you for work excellently done it does not mean that your work is at all finished. You still have much to give Nigeria and the world. Your unique expertise and compassion for our people means you must continue to help build progressive good governance so that our people may soon have the just and prosperous nation they deserve.

Continue to be a leader of resolve and a role model to the next generation, Tinubu said.

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Nuhu Ribadu for winning the Anti-Corruption Lifetime Achievement Award.

According to series of tweets from the presidency on Sunday, December 9, Buhari described the award as a rare privilege.

Leadership of Nigeria is not meant for our forefathers| Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
The alleged assassination attempt on the life of Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka has generated reactions from Nigerians particularly on social media.

The alleged attack against the controversial cleric happened on Thursday, December 6 in Enugu.

READ ALSO: Obasanjo insists President Buhari must leave power in 2019

Following the report, some Nigerians took to social media to give their opinion on the issue.

While some attributed it to Mbakas involvement in political matters, other described it as a spiritual attack from the devil.

One Sunday Onwuka described Mbaka as a man of God but that the incident was the Devils way of fighting him.

He wrote: As per my own understanding , I see Mbaka to be full time man of God , just that devil is fighting Him spiritually and physically , but at the end , God will always fight for Him , though I'm not a Catholic , just said from some observations , He didn't go to Peter Obi , Peter Obi went to His ministry , and suddenly started campaigning , instead of bazar on board , Because this Government has never worked before , so why those baseless campaign with empty promises .

Another person, Chukwudumaka Festus Nonso wrote: Nwa Ikuku you are untouchable, they have tried it before but God prove himself, they can't do anything because the same God is alive forever.

Murphy Mark wrote: If anything happens to Our Holy Father Mbaka Peter Obi and his family will hold responsible both Bishop of Enugu Peter Obi will tell the world what he was looking for him While his own brother Obi is a Rev Fr.

Chinedu Nduaguba on his wrote: That's what happens when a clergyman soils his hands in politics especially dirty Nigerian politics. Whatever Fr. Mbaka is facing today, he brought it upon himself.

According to Onyema Samson Thomas, If pastors stay out of the things of the world no kidnappers or hired killers will have anything to do with them**so dear father Mbaka stay out of politics.

Legit.ng had reported that Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry begged for forgiveness has apologised to the former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, for his comments when the PDP presidential running mate visited his church.

Mbaka, in a viral video, had tried to extract monetary commitment from the vice-presidential candidate of the PDP.

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Nigeria Latest News: Father Mbaka On Buhari, Atiku In Nigeria Election 2019 | Legit TV

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Government is expected to spend a further P250 million in the BCL mine liquidation process, Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Eric Molale revealed. The Minister explained that as at Wednesday last week during a meeting with the liquidator, it was disclosed that there is P250 million available for this process.

The liquidator has been giving letters of employment termination for the care and maintenance employees arguing that he is running out of funds to keep the staff and continue with the liquidation process. Molale said they are mindful of the expenses of the funding, but as a responsible Government they are funding that and they continue to fund that and if the money gets finished because of this commitment, I will go to my colleague and ask for money". At this juncture there could be no excuse whatsoever to say there is no money, Molale told Parliament.

The minister was responding to a question from Member of Parliament for Selibe Phikwe West Dithapelo Keorapetse who wanted the minister to clarify why the liquidator was laying off staff while the Minister assured Parliament that no one would be fired at the mine.

The Minister pointed out that ordinarily the liquidation process has been such that all creditors fund the process, but the Government took a deliberate decision to fund the liquidation process for a number of reasons. Among these he said was to make sure that the asset there is kept in a state that if indeed government does get some buyers, it would not be costly for them to restore it to some mineable state and value.

He said much as there was retrenchment at the time of the closure of the mine, the care and maintenance that would ensure government retains the value of the asset would continue to employ people, and therefore that would be something that would help some of the former employees to continue to have employment; and there were issues of the environment where the law mandates the Government in the event the miner who previously was mining there cannot take care of environmental consequences of the closure, then the Government automatically takes over.

Government was obliged but at the same time the Government was a major shareholder. We had to take over and make sure that environmental issues do not get worse, and actually we had to mitigate those.

So, it is for these three reasons that we said we are going to fund this process of liquidation and we continue to fund it.

As at 31st October 2018 we had spent for the whole process P 1, 080billion (One Billion and Eight Million Pula). This amount includes a P122 million for Tati Nickel and P1 million for the BCL Investment Group, which means the bulk of the money has been spent at BCL and as I did say, it includes environmental clean-up, de-watering the shafts, care and maintenance of which a larger part of it was to work on the crusher and related aspets.

It is one of the biggest plants that we have at the mines. So, for anybody to take over the mine they would have to find the shafts and the crusher in good condition, the minister said.Molale revealed that there is also the issue of cleaning the water that is being pumped, because it has heavy metals before it is discharged into the river. You cannot discharge that water without processing it to make sure that you extract from it, heavy metals that can have a deleterious effect on the health of people and animals. So that is the bulk of where the money has been going, he said.
- Senator Adeola has warned the Senate against overriding Buhari's veto on the electoral bill

- The APC senator said those making the calls to override the presidents veto did not have the interest of Nigerians at heart

- He insisted he would not support any move in the Senate to override Buhari's veto

Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Lagos) has kicked against any attempt to override President Muhammadu Buharis veto on the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018.

Adeola made this known, on Sunday, December 9, in a statement by his media adviser, Kayode Odunaro, in Abuja.

He said those making the calls to override the presidents veto did not have the interest of Nigerians at heart as they were not bothered about the success of the 2019 general elections.

The lawmaker said he would not support any move in the Senate to do such, adding that the plan was counterproductive.

According to him, passing the bill into law to take effect from the 2019 elections as observed by the president will not yield desired result because the country has only few months to election.

As a senator and Nigerian, I cannot be part of any move to override the presidents veto on the Electoral Bill.

READ ALSO: Jordan's king consoles President Buhari over recent death of soldiers

The president clearly stated his reasons for the veto and I think they are cogent enough to be accepted by all in national interest.

Good enough, the president is not totally foreclosing the need to amend the Act as he clearly stated that such process can take place after the 2019 elections, he said.

The lawmaker warned that moves to override the presidents veto would only amount to waste of precious legislative time and overheating the polity in place of other important legislative agenda.

He added that besides waste of time, it would be an exercise in futility, stressing that the parliament would not have the required constitutional two third to override the presidents veto.

The lawmaker noted that: At this point, I will stand with all those desirous of peaceful and transparent election as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari.

With the assurances by INEC that it is ready to conduct a free and fair election with or without the amendment of the electoral law, only those with ulterior motives will want to override the presidents veto less than three months to the general elections.

President Buhari on Friday, December 7, declined assent to the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 for the fourth time.

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Senator Ita Enang, the presidents senior special assistant on National Assembly matters (Senate), said that the president had communicated his decision to the National Assembly.

In September, the president rejected the bill for the third time due to what Enang described as some drafting issues that had remained unaddressed.

Legit.ng earlier reported that the immediate past special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on justice reform, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu said the presidents decision to decline assent to Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 is a prove of an active leadership.

Ibekaku-Nwagwu who made this known in Abuja on Sunday, December 9, stated that presidents decision also saved INEC from a booby trap that would have put the commission in a very tight situation.

Buhari to contest for presidency in 2019! - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit.ng
- Living Faith founder has said that defending one's right cannot be described as hate speech

- Bishop David Oyedepo said speaking out against oppression and injustice should not be classified as hate speech

- According to him, he has never had any need to withdraw any message he had preached in the past 37 years

The founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide popularly known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, on Sunday, December 9, said that defending one's right is not hate speech.

Oyedepo while speaking at the Faith Tabernacle, Ota, Ogun state, during the impartation service of the 20th annual Shiloh said, speaking out against oppression and injustice should not be classified as hate speech.

Punch reports that the fiery preacher said: Somebody is stepping on your toes and you ask him to take away his leg, and they call it hate speech. Is that a hate speech? Is it a love speech? It is self-esteem speech. When you carry the Spirit of Dominion, you dont beg.

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He added that he has never had any need to withdraw any message he had preached in the past 37 years because was an ambassador of God that enjoyed full supernatural backing.

Further in his explanation, Oyedepo said if anybody in this country carried a complimentary card of the president, the card would grant such a person access to many places, how much more Christians, who had the divine authority to dominate in all areas of life.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Oyedpo had debunked rumour that he endorsed the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, for 2019 presidential election.

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Oyedepo who spoke at a Sunday church service in Canaan Land Ota, Ogun state, said he does not belong to any political party.

The bishop, while speaking on why he and other religious leaders visited former president Olusegun Obasanjo recently, said he was invited to make peace between the former president and Atiku Abubakar.

Buhari to Contest for Presidency in 2019! Legit.ng TV

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- A Facebook user identified as Nwankwo Ogonnaya Reuben has shared photos which he claims are the current state of hostels in Madonna University

- A very disappointed Nwankwo stated that the condition of most hostels in Nigerian universities is the reason most graduates are unproductive

- Madonna University is a private Catholic Church university located in Okija, Anambra state, and the school fees range from N300,000 - N1 million per school session

Humans are products of their environments. More than any other place, a school or learning environment should be conducive in order to aid easy and smooth flow of gaining knowledge. Anything short will prove learning difficult for most students. It is why the post of Facebook user, Nwankwo Ogonnaya Reuben, is currently sparking a heated debate online.

Reuben shared photos of dilapidated buildings which he claims are the condition of hostels in Madonna University, a private Catholic Church university located in Okija, Anambra state. In his post, he expressed disappointment that students are subject to such living conditions even in a private school such as Madonna.

Legit.ng earlier shared a detailed fees of the school which has three campuses namely; MU Akpugo campus, MU Elele campus, and MU Okija campus. Per school session, (first and second semester) and depending on the course of study, the school fees range from N300,000 - over N1 million.

READ ALSO: Tithe war: Bovi apologizes to Daddy Freeze for calling him stupid

It is then surprising that the living condition, as reflected in the photos shared by Nwankwo Reuben, of such an expensive school will be such standard. In his post, Ogonnaya stated that the sorry condition of most Nigerian universities is why most graduates are unproductive and struggle to be functional members of the society.

Read his post below:

Many social media users agree that no human should be subjected to such disgusting living condition, talk more of one who is paying heavily for the service.

Madonna Univeristy school fees breakdown for a semester (Picture/UGC)

Source: UGC

Madonna University was founded in 1999 and boasts of enrollment of over 5,000 students. It currently ranks at 78 in Nigeria and 9594 in the world.

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Top 3 World Universities And Their African Students on Legit TV:

Source: Legit.ng
- Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has charged Nigerians in disapora to hold their leaders accountable any time they have opportunity to do so

- The vice president stated this when he was addressing Nigerians residing in Germany on the need for collective fight against graft

- He also noted that billions of naira were stolen by past administration, which has put the economic progress of the nation on hold

With less than three months to the general elections, the vice president of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has charged Nigerians abroad to develop a sense of civic responsibility towards holding leaders responsible for mismanagement of funds in government, Channels reports.

Vice President Osinbajo, who was in Berlin on Sunday, December 9, stated this when he was addressing Nigerians in Germany on the need to rise against bad leadership and corruption in the country.

Legit.ng gathers that the Osinbajo also highlighted problems faced by the country as gross mismanagement of resources and grand corruption.

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The vice president also noted that billions of naira were stolen by previous administrations, adding that such grand corruption has put a rusty steel in the wheel of progress of the country.

He also reinstated federal government's commitment towards fighting corruption and insecurity in the country.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday, November 2, admonished Nigerians to be continually thankful to God, urging them to look to the future with hope.

Osinbajo made this statement during the end-of-year thanksgiving service at the Presidential Villa chapel in Abuja.

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Between Buharis Next Level And Atikulate - Nigerians React| Legit TV

Source: Legit
- EFCC operatives allegedly raided a building housing apartments belonging to Atikus sons and the son of former governor Theodore Orji

- While Atikus sons were not around, Orjis son was allegedly arrested and taken to the EFCC office alongside his brother

- When contacted, an EFCC spokesperson reportedly said he had no immediate knowledge of the operation and expressed strong doubts that Abubakars sons home could be raided

Anti-graft operatives allegedly searched a building housing an apartment occupied by two sons of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over the weekend.

According to Premium Times, the building also houses an apartment occupied by Chiemeka Orji, son of a former governor of Abia state, Theodore Orji. The operatives were said to have searched Orjis sons apartment.

READ ALSO: 2019: CUPP raises alarm over alleged plan to extend IGPs tenure

Legit.ng gathers that an anti-graft spokesperson reportedly suggested that Chiemeka might have been the target, while other sources claimed that the home of Atikus children, Aliyu and Mustapha, was the primary target.

The development was reportedly confirmed by Paul Ibe, a spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar family, on Sunday, December 10.

Ibe stated that the officers who conducted the grievous act of intimidation were unable to find anything implicating.

According to sources informed about the raid, those who executed it were from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Sources further claimed that while Aliyu and Mustapha were not around when the raid occurred, as they are both studying for masters degrees in foreign universities, the anti-graft operatives apprehended those with whom they share the building and took them to the EFCC office. They further claimed that some properties were confiscated.

Chiemeka Orji is said to have been one of those arrested. The ex-governors son was allegedly taken to the EFCC office in Abuja alongside his brother, and two vehicles were confiscated from them.

A source reportedly stated: When the EFCC officers arrived on Saturday, they met Theodore Orjis sons at home, because they both live in the same building. They asked to see the apartment of Aliyu and Mustapha Atiku-Abubakar but Theodore Orjis sons refused to show them, saying their friends are out of the country, anyway.

The EFCC operatives then said they have intelligence that a large cache of dollars had been kept in the apartment which they had come to recover. They forcibly searched the apartment, but there was no hard currency or anything that could be construed as fraudulently damning.

Orjis sons were reportedly released soon after questioning at the EFCC office. However, as at Monday morning, December 10, two cars belonging to them were allegedly still in possession of the anti-graft agency.

When contacted, an EFCC spokesperson, Tony Orilade, reportedly said he had no immediate knowledge of the operation, and expressed strong doubts that Abubakars sons home could be raided.

However, he said the EFCC has been investigating Orji, and it was possible the former governors children were the target of further investigation into how state funds were used during his 2007 to 2015 tenure.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Titi Abubakar, the wife of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, insisted that her husband is not a thief and that it is a misconception that he is corrupt.

She said people have said her husband is corrupt, but that her experience with him shows otherwise.

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Nigerians reveal why they prefer Atiku to President Buhari - on Legit TV:

Source: Legit Nigeria
- President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled the ABC of anti-corruption fight

- He said that the A stands for Action while B and C stand for Bridging bridges and Culture respectively

- The acting chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, in his remarks, said that to take the anti-graft crusade to the next level, the support of youth was critical

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, December 9, revealed what he called the 'ABC of fighting corruption', during the launch of the Africa Youth Congress Against Corruption (AYCAC 2018) at the State House, Abuja.

Guardian reports that the event coincided with the International Anti-Corruption Day.

Legit.ng gathered that the president has made the fight against sleaze a key point of his administrations agenda and this resulted in his naming as champion of the African Union (AU) theme of the year  Winning the fight against corruption: A sustainable path to Africas transformation in January this year in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

In his address, the president said: Let me share with you what I believe are the A, B, C of fighting corruption: A stands for Action. Let us all move from talk to action. I urge you to develop tangible projects in your communities to instill transparency and accountability of the highest standards.

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B stands for Building Bridges. The youths have a unique opportunity to spearhead the building of inter-generational and cross-sectoral bridges in our various communities. Often, fighting corruption requires partnerships with unlikely allies. Be open to exploring constructive partnerships with a wide base of actors.

President Muhammadu Buhari discussing with EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, during the unveiling of ABC of anti-corruption fight in Abuja. Credit: Femi Adesina

Source: Facebook

C stands for Culture. So, let us cultivate and equip ourselves with African culture, right attitude and mindset change that will enable us to stand firmly against corruption. By so doing, accountability and change will begin with you and me.

Appreciating continental leaders, Buhari noted: The anti-corruption year of the African Union has been long and demanding. The year has also been filled with sharing of great lessons, promises and inspirations as well as some success stories on our journey to winning the fight against the evil of corruption.

He further stated: To the young people of Africa, this fight against corruption is yours to lead and to win in order to reverse the negative trends of corruption and its implications for Africa.

The youths must pool their energies to effectively ensure that our natural and mineral resources remain on the continent for value addition, job and wealth creation as well as to create affordable health-care and quality education for our people. Winning the fight against corruption is very much in your hands.

In his remarks, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, regretted the rampant nature of the malaise on the continent, urging action to stem the tide.

He said since Buhari was nominated as Africas chief anti-graft czar, the president had displayed and would continue to exhibit his aversion to the sordid trend in Nigeria.

To take the crusade to the next level, Magu stated that the support of youth was critical.

Meanwhile, the president will today, Monday, December 10, present a report of the nations corruption risk assessment on e-Government systems.

The acting chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Usman Abubakar, made the disclosure during a press briefing at the weekend in Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledging cheers from the participants during the unveiling of ABC of anti-corruption fight in Abuja. Credit: Femi Adesina

Source: Depositphotos

He explained that the document was a product of the commission to safeguard the payment system from sleaze.

READ ALSO: It's absurd to think I planned assassination attempt on myself to attract public sympathy - Mbaka

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, for winning the Anti-Corruption Lifetime Achievement Award.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better.

Two Ex-Govs Bag Jail Terms; Good Fight Against Corruption or Political Move? | - on Legit TV

Source: Legit
- The management of the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 has continued its flight operation

- The development came after Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria agreed to shelve move to withdraw its services to the terminal over alleged indebtedness

- Earlier, FAAN had alleged that MMA2 failed to remit N3.9 billion since it began operations in September 8, 2007

The management of the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) in Lagos on Monday, December 10, continued flight operations following the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)'s decision to shelve plans of withdrawing its services to the terminal over alleged indebtedness.

NAN reports that FAAN had, in a notice to airmen, stated that it would be withdrawing aviation security, fire fighting and rescue operations to MMA2 effective from Sunday, December 9.

Legit.ng gathers that the general manager of corporate affairs of FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, confirmed to newsmen that negotiations had resumed between the agency and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) operators of the MMA2.

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A journalist, who monitored the situation, observed that only Arik Air had moved its Port Harcourt flights temporarily back to the general aviation terminal of the airport operated by FAAN due to the threat.

Other airlines operating at the MMA2, which are Medview, Max Air, Dana Air, Aero Contractors and Azman Air, flew their passengers without any hindrances.

Recall that FAAN had claimed that the MMA2 was indebted to the agency to the tune of N3.9 billion since it began operations on September 8, 2007.

FAAN claimed the money was for the provision of electricity, rent and conference and hotel and the 5% remittance as agreed in the contract.

In a letter addressed to the chief executive officer of BASL, in November, FAAN gave the breakdown of the indebtedness as at July 31, as N1.4 billion for provision of Aviation Security (AVSEC), another N143 million for fire/safety cost, N2.1 million for marshalling and N1.9 billion for management cost. Similarly, FAAN had also issued similar threats to Gombe, Kebbi , and Bebi airports.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Lagos state police command had denied any terrorist attack on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, stressing that some security officers were carrying out simulation in an old video.

The commands spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, issued the denial on Sunday, November 25.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Nigerian Air Force Operations Against Boko Haram | Legit TV

Source: Legit Newspaper
- Two candidates are currently laying claim to the senatorial ticket for Kaduna north senatorial district

- This has reportedly brought crises to the Kaduna state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

- Incumbent senator for the senatorial district, Othman Hunkuyis and Hon. Ubale Salmanduna are the two PDP aspirants claiming the ticket

Crisis has reportedly erupted in the Kaduna state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over who the authentic senatorial candidate for the Kaduna north senatorial district is.

The claim of Othman Hunkuyis who is the incumbent senator for the senatorial district has been challenged by Hon Ubale Salmanduna who is claiming that Othman Hunkuyis name was submitted in error because he never participated in the primaries.

READ ALSO: Senator kicks against overriding Buhari's veto

Senator Hunkuyi who is claiming to be the candidate did not participate in the primaries.

He contested as governorship candidate and was defeated. How can somebody who did not participate in the primaries be the candidate of our party. Please ignore any such claim, Salmanduna said.

In his reaction to the development, Hunkuyi dismissed the claim by Hon Salmanduna as a non-issue.

Yahaya Shinko, media aide of the senator said Hunkuyi contested the governorship primaries and when he lost, contested the senate primaries with five other aspirants and won, The Sun reports.

Hunkuyi contested in the senatorial primary after he lost in the gubernatorial primary.

He came first in the primary, while Ubale came second. The election was monitored by INEC.

If he Ubale says he was the authentic candidate, why doesnt he wait for the court to decide since he has gone to court.

There was even an appeal committee that came to Kaduna after the primary, yet, there was no complain from the aspirants then including Ubale.

Hunkuyi purchased his senatorial form, got screened by the party and took part in the primary which he emerged the winner, and Ubale came fourth position.

Let me tell you, Hunkuyi was offered an automatic ticket by the party for the senatorial ticket , but he refused and insisted on primary This was done after he lost in the gubernatorial primary.

And even when INEC displayed the list of candidates, it was Hunkuyis name that was on the list. So, he remains the partys senatorial candidate for Zone one, he said.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Sunday, December 9, urged his supporters never to be afraid of federal might as the 2019 general elections draw near.

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Saraki said the the Peoples Democratic Party would not only sweep the elections in Kwara state, but would win the presidential election by the grace of God.

Buhari to contest for presidency in 2019! - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit
The publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, has disclosed his wish for President Muhammadu Buhar to liberate himself from those who are allegedly holding him hostage.

Momodu said this in reaction to the allegation made by Mrs Aisha Buhari, the presidents wife. The first lady had alleged that there are two people who are hindering the progress of her husbands administration.

If 15.4 million people can bring in a government and only for the government to be dominated by two people or three people, where are the men of Nigeria? Where are the Nigerian men? What are you doing? Instead of them to come together and fight them, they keep visiting them one after the other licking their shoes (Im sorry to use those words), she had said.

READ ALSO: EFCC operatives allegedly raid Atikus sons home

Reacting to this, Momodu had posted on his Twitter handle, saying he likes the president but wants him to liberate himself

He also claimed he does not like his Buhari's leadership style.

I like Buhari as a simple, humorous personality but his leadership style leaves much to be desired and his cabal wont let the competent people around him function.

His wife has cried out endlessly I weep for the man in the gilded cage. I wished he could liberate himself, he wrote.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari's wife Aisha, was commended by the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation for admitting that the president's government was being impeded by two men.

The organisation consequently argued that the submission by the first lady indicated that the Buhari government has been hijacked.

Leadership of Nigeria is not meant for our forefathers| Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- Babatunde Fashola accused the PDP of looting the country's treasury

- The minister of works, power and housing said the current administration has been completing abandoned projects

- He said corruption is the reason many Nigerians are suffering now

The minister of works, power and housing, Babatunde Fashola, has lashed out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the party of awarding projects without paying workers for them thereby leading to abandonment.

According to The Punch, the minister said this on Monday, December 10, while inspecting the building project of the federal secretariat, Awka, Anambra state.

READ ALSO: EFCC operatives allegedly raid Atikus sons home

Fashola said due to monumental corruption, the PDP failed to complete projects but rather looted money meant for workers.

He said: They looted our collective destiny, prospects, jobs and so on. Thats why the masses are suffering today. Thats why there are no jobs. But we (APC) are trying to bring back smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

The minister said the 18-kilometer Umunya axis of the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway would be completed in May, 2019, while the federal secretariat would be completed the first quarter of next year.

Fashola said the reason President Buhari inherited so many uncompleted projects was because of corruption on the part of PDP.

He said: They awarded the contract without paying contractors, and when you dont pay contractors you create problems down the labour ladder.

This man here told me that he gets N30,000 per week. With such fund he will patronise pubs in the evening by eating Isiewu (goat head) and drinking with his friends in the evening and through such way wealth is distributed and redistributed; jobs are created.

For instance, the contract for this federal secretariat was awarded in 2012 by the previous administration without making funds available for its completion. If the money meant for it was not stolen, it would have been completed before now.

We are bringing back what was denied the people in the past to them; thats the difference between a development administration and a corrupt regime.

Legit.ng had reported that as the 2019 general elections draw nearer, the Nigerian Senate on Monday, December 10, formally declared open the public hearing on vote-buying and improving electoral processes in the country.

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The Senate made the disclosure on its official Twitter page on Monday, December 10.

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.ng
As part of government package to support private sector growth in the local economy, President Masisi said over P742 million has been budgeted to fund local access network infrastructure. The project being implemented under the current National Development Plan (NDP) 11 will fund access in 33 towns and villages identified under the National Broadband Strategy.

Government investment will complement those from the private sector, said Masisi at the Orange Botswana 20th anniversary celebration recently.He emphasised that his administration places strategic importance on the ICT sector and also has plans to digitalise the countrys military. President Masisi said the country needs to combat non-traditional threats such as cyber-attacks to make the country much safer.

The investment is part of governments deliberate actions to diversify the economy through ICT innovation and support the national transformative agenda.In this context, government-funded initiatives include setting targets for broadband speeds and allowing telecommunications companies to access the rural market through the Universal Access and Services Fund (UASF), said Masisi.The business community across the country continues to yearn for fast broadband, as most business move into the digital space.

Botswana Export Manufacturers Association (BEMA) has recently lobbied the country to move fast and exploit opportunities on the 4th industrial revolution wave.

We need to plug in and realise the results of trading and living in a global village, said Mmantlha Sankoloba, BEMA Chief Executive Officer. Her remarks were also echoed by Tshepo Tsheko, Botswana Innovation Hubs (BIH) Director of Marketing and Partnership: Everyone is talking digital, any business that is not moving into digital, in the not so distant future will be out of business.

Meanwhile President Masisi has acknowledged that the countrys ICT market is driven by a strong and vibrant private sector. These achievements were made possible by a liberalised regulatory framework, managed by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). He applauded the Authority for collaborating effectively with its regulated entities to enhance innovative service delivery.
- Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, has made an effort to set the records straight with reference to the saga between him and Governor Rochas Okorocha

- The Action Alliance (AA)'s governorship candidate said that the people of Imo wanted him as the next governor of the state

- He also revealed that Okorocha preferred him as his successor because he believes in his ability to deliver positively

Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), has cleared the air on what agreement he has with Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state before he was endorsed as the preferred successor.

Legit.ng gathered that in his speech to a group of political stakeholders who visited him for consultation in his campaign office in Owerri, the state capital, the AA's gubernatorial candidate revealed that the governor is not imposing him on Imo indigenes, the people are the ones who recommended him to Okorocha.

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Nwosu said: "My emergence as the governor's preferred candidate was not discussed in a room between me and the governor and some close members of the family or political structure, but in a hall, with the greater majority of party members and Imo people.

"The governor had some other people in mind outside me, but he also wanted someone who can win election and someone who is prepared enough for the task of governance. He didn't want to support someone he likes so much, but someone who can work for Imo people.

"If the governor wanted someone he will have absolute control over, I would not have been his choice. The governor knows I can be positively stubborn."

"The governor gave all of us, his political sons and daughters, the opportunity to prove ourselves. He was looking for two things in the man who would succeed him; one of them was electability; how popular are you among the people and how strong is your natural support base?

"He wanted to know those who have used the opportunities they were given to empower the people and also keep close touch with the people. Secondly, he wanted to know who has the best temperament and mental preparedness to be governor.

"He didn't want someone who would be vindictive, someone who would become governor and get overwhelmed with power. He wanted someone who would keep Imo people together and ensure that there is peace.

"He wanted a tolerant person, a workaholic and someone who is not corrupt and selfish.He wanted someone who would not be hijacked by the elite. He wanted someone who is in touch with the masses; the ordinary keke riders, palm wine tappers, the youths, the downtrodden.

"When the cards were placed on the table, I came tops. I want to tell you that there is no one among the people seeking to govern Imo today on different platforms who did not come to seek the governor's blessings.

"Some of them sent people they think are close to the governor as emissaries, some of them came on their own. Some of them the governor outrightly told them he wasn't going to support them, some of them he told them what his ideas of a successor is like. He told them to go out there and convince him.

"Some of them he gave them assignments to do. Some of them held more and even higher positions than I have held in the government, but a number of them got carried away with small positions, others began to open war fronts in every corner, while others began to steal as much as they could, thereby sabotaging the government's efforts.

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"The governor is my mentor but he will not run my government for me. He has run his own government, and I am sure he will allow me to run my own government. He will give me a space to operate. I can tell you that he has already assured me on that and I know him well enough to know that I will be the one disturbing him to come around, and not him looking for how to control my government.

"The philanthropist urged Imolites to ignore any report that he is coming to cover up for the governor.

"I have come to work for Imo people and not to cover up for anybody. I have a name to make for myself and not to hide under anyone's shadows."

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Okorocha had reportedly hinted that Nwosu, and all those aggrieved aspirants in the aftermath of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, might join another party to realise their ambitions, saying that he will not stop them.

Nwosu, Governor Okorochas son-in-law, contested the partys governorship ticket but lost to Senator Hope Uzodinma in a controversial circumstance.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have updated to serve you better.

What is cooking in Imo state? | Legit TV

Source: Legit
More than 80 Ocean County residents were exposed to the measles at a private event in New York as the number of cases continues to widen, New Jersey health officials said.

Most of those exposed live in Lakewood, according to Dawn Thomas, a spokeswoman for the state health department.

The Ocean County health department didnt mention where or when the event took place, but said Friday 86 people might have been infected. There were already 18 confirmed and six suspected cases of measles in Ocean County. People who might have been exposed to the highly contagious diseases are being contacted by health officials.

The first case in Lakewood involved a person who had traveled to Israel and was exposed to the virus. It was reported to the Ocean County Health Department Oct. 26.

The virus then began to spread through Lakewood. In November, three members of a family in Passaic County became infected with measles. The state Department of Health has been updating lists of places visited by infected people and urged people to get vaccinations. Thousands of people in Ocean County sought vaccinations as the virus began to spread.

People can become ill from measles from 5 to 21 days after being exposed to the virus. Measles symptoms vary, but can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a rash.

If contracted, the virus can result in ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, miscarriage in pregnant women, and even death, particularly for children, according to health officials.

If you received the two recommended doses of the measles vaccine as a child, you are considered protected for life and do not need a booster, according to the CDC.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Amanda Hoover contributed to this report. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A 32-year-old man suffered serious burns Saturday afternoon as he worked with a gasoline-powered chainsaw in a detached garage behind 163 Filmore St. in Phillipsburg, the town fire chief reports.

Gasoline vapors came in contact with an open flame from a space heater in the garage, igniting a flash fire about 2 p.m. which caused first- and second-degree burns to the mans face, chest, arms, legs and stomach, Rich Hay said in a news release. The burst of flame ignited the garage as well, Hay said.

The fire was brought under control in about 10 minutes, but it caused moderate damage to the structure, Hay said. The building was insured and is repairable, Hay said. The flames did not reach across the backyard to the house, he added.

The victim, who Hay did not name, was treated and stabilized by the Phillipsburg Emergency Squad before he was flown to the burn unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, the chief said.

The home is owned by Karen Cather, New Jersey property records show.

The Phillipsburg police and fire departments as well as the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety investigated, Hay said. All further information will come from town police, the chief added.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter@TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The 45-year-old Lehigh County man who earlier this year went to Mexico with a 16-year-old Allentown girl was sentenced Monday to up to five years in prison, the county district attorneys office reports.

Kevin Michael Esterly, of the 3000 block of Highland Road in Lowhill Township, earlier pleaded guilty to corruption of a minor, a first-degree misdemeanor, and charges of interference with custody of a child and concealing the whereabouts of a child, both felonies, were withdrawn. Esterly was sentenced Monday by Judge Maria Dantos to two and a half to five years in jail on a charge that has a top penalty of five years, according to state guidelines.

Hes been in Lehigh County Jail since March 25, records show.

His public defender Carol Marciano couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Sean Falk, who represented the state, explained in court the factors to sentence outside the standard range, but did not request a specific amount of time in jail, the district attorneys office said.

Esterly is accused of accompanying 16-year-old Amy Yu on March 5 on a one-way flight to Cancun. He had been posing as her stepfather and signed her out numerous times from Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School in Hanover Township, Northampton County.

Yu willingly accompanied Esterly to Cancun. Her family had reported her as a runaway that day, and Esterlys family reported him missing March 7.

Yus family said the two met at church years ago, and the teenager was friends with one of Esterlys four daughters.

Amid international law enforcement cooperation, they were found March 17 by Mexican authorities and sent to Miami before Yu was returned to her family unharmed. Esterly was delivered several days later to face charges.

The Morning Call reported from court on Monday that Dantos didnt believe it when Yu and Esterly said they didnt have a physical relationship.

You asked me to make some unreasonable leaps about your relationship with Amy that Im not willing to make, the judge told Esterly, according to the Allentown newspaper.

Yu in late July disappeared with two others from a residential program for at-risk youth in Greene Township, Franklin County, but was soon found.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Seven admissions for influenza in seven days last week is enough evidence for the St. Lukes infectious disease chief to declare: Flu season has started in the Lehigh Valley.

Flu activity is not yet widespread, but physicians want everyone eligible to get a flu shot before things get much worse.

We certainly are seeing influenza, said Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, an infectious disease specialist and a senior vice president at St. Lukes University Health Network. It hasnt taken off but we expect that now this is the beginning of what is officially flu season.

Influenza activity should peak in the next six to eight weeks, through January and February. Anyone who hasnt gotten vaccinated is urged not to wait until an outbreak, because it takes two weeks for maximum protection to develop.

This is a good opportunity to be vaccinated so its on board and in effect by the time the stories are: Now theres lots of flu, said Dr. Luther Rhodes, chief of hospital infection control and epidemiology for Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Flu-related deaths usually number between 3,000 and 49,000 per year across the United States, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. During the 2017-18 season, the number of deaths was closer to 80,000.

Physicians say the message is getting out on the importance of flu shots to groups at highest risk for severe complications: the very young, very old and those with other medical problems.

But there is that age group between about 25 and 45 who forego getting vaccinated. Maybe they got a shot once and still got sick, though that might have been a cold or the vaccines protection had yet to kick in.

Those who do get the flu can have symptoms such as a lingering cough for weeks, and can be forced to miss work or school with a fever that can last a week. Some flu sufferers develop pneumonia to the point they need medical assistance getting oxygen into their blood.

Those infected with flu are contagious for about a day before symptoms begin.

You do this not just for yourself but you do it for others, Jahre said. "Thats the message we want to get across.

"At the very least, anybody who gets the flu, you know you feel like you've been basically run over by a truck."

Pennsylvania and New Jersey were seeking local influenza activity as of the week ending Dec. 1, 2018, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rhodes described flu activity so far this season as light in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania and across the Eastern seaboard. Local health-care providers will sometimes see a spike in flu cases right after Thanksgiving break among students returning to the Lehigh Valleys colleges and universities from visits to home, where they might have been exposed, he said.

That hasnt happened this year, which is good news, he said.

But again, flu is always, its a viral condition, well-known to be spring-loaded to emerge at any time and oftentimes with little to no warning you have a sharp increase in the number of cases, Rhodes said. There is flu, but its barely a blip on the radar map locally and that matches the national picture, but every week we go into the cold months is a couple inches or notches closer to suddenly a widespread outbreak.

More good news is there are no red flags that this seasons flu vaccine formula is a poor fit for the flu strains circulating. Supplies of vaccine are plentiful, and its available at outpatient clinics, doctors offices and pharmacies. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a Flu Vaccine Finder widget on its website near your ZIP code.

This years quadrivalent vaccine protects against two Influenza A viruses and two Influenza B strains, while the trivalent formulation protects against the same two As and one of the Bs. Its available in a nasal mist for children and in a high-dose version for people ages 65 and older that, despite its name, doesnt come with a higher risk of side effects, according to Rhodes.

I wish thered be a better term for it, Rhodes said. The reason that there is a high dose is because it works better in individuals 65 and above.

The flu hospitalizations that St. Lukes has seen so far this season were all for Influenza A, said Jahre, which matches the national trend on flu strains circulating. In Pennsylvania, Lehigh and Chester counties have been seeing the most positive tests for flu, he said. In 2017-18, Northampton County was among the counties hardest-hit by flu.

Lehigh Valley Health Network this season is also seeing more cases than normal of RSV, respiratory syncytial virus. That is a flu-like infection that most often affects infants and young children and older adults.

Our attack rate here, the number of cases, is as busy as we are in the middle of flu season, Rhodes said. But this has been a particularly nasty year.

The advice for avoiding RSV is similar to that for avoiding the flu, with the exception that there is no vaccine for RSV. Medical professionals advise:

Wash you hands often.

Avoid close contact with sick people.

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Cover your coughs and sneezes.

Stay home when youre sick.

Clean and disinfect surfaces.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The City of Bethlehem wants to lower its carbon footprint. City officials are exploring ways to help residents, institutions and businesses to do the same. Councilman Willie Reynolds gave an update on the progress of the Bethlehem Climate Action Plan last week to about 60 residents in attendance to voice their support for the plan. Reynolds thanked the Bethlehem Environmental Advisory Committee for their leadership and volunteer hours dedicated to moving the plan forward. Councilman Brian Callahan stated that every action we take makes a difference, whether its in our own homes, our neighborhoods or the city of Bethlehem.

We can also make a difference beyond our city limits by actively supporting HR7173 -- the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. This bill was introduced by Republicans and Democrats in response to the rising concern about the impacts of climate change. It calls for a fee on fossil fuels with 100 percent of fees returned to Americans in the form of a monthly dividend check. Its targeted to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent after 12 years, put money in Americans' pockets, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and improve health by decreasing air pollution.

I will ask U.S. Rep. Susan Wild will support this bipartisan bill, and I urge others to do the same. And I hope Bethlehem residents will support city councils climate action agenda. We can all do our part for a more livable planet!

Kathy Fox

Bethlehem
As Paul Manafort looks at the possibility of a lengthy jail sentence, President Donald Trump says hes keeping open the option to pardon his former campaign chairman. Speaking on a weekend news show, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said pardoning Manafort would be a terrible mistake.

You know, pardons should be used judiciously. Theyre used for cases with extraordinary circumstances, Rubio said on ABCs This Week.

Trump isnt ruling anything out, even as some Democrats in Congress warned that dangling a pardon in front of Manfaort before sentencing might be an obstruction of justice.

It was never discussed, but I wouldnt take it off the table, Trump told The New York Post. Why would I take it off the table?

Last week prosecutors working with special counsel Robert Mueller alleged Manafort lied to them after having reached a plea deal. Manafort was convicted on several counts of bank and tax fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced early next year. Hes been in prison since June on suspicion of trying to influence witnesses in a case involving a lobbying campaign on behalf of Ukraine. His guilty plea allowed him to avoid another trial on charges of money laundering, lying to investigators and failing to register as a foreign agent.

What do you think? Would the president be making a mistake in pardoning Manafort? Its within his constitutional powers. Would it be a good strategic move? Have a say in our informal, unscientific poll, and feel free to elaborate in the comment section.
The Priests will be in Portlaoise this festive season as part of a special Celebrate Twelve Days Of Christmas tour.

Fathers Eugene O'Hagan, Martin O'Hagan and David Delargy are sure to be a big draw when they bring their special Christmas concert to SS Peter & St Pauls Parish Church as part of a round Ireland tour of churches and cathedrals.

Fathers Martin OHagan, Eugene OHagan, and David Delargys debut album sold 3 million copies, which secured them a place in the Guinness Book Of World Records, as the fastest-selling classical debut album ever.

Does anything really happen overnight? Rarely. But in 2008, Fathers Eugene OHagan, Martin OHagan and David Delargy, became a hit out of nowhere.

One minute they were sitting in confession, or making their way to isolated farms to meet members of their local community, the next they were signing a record deal with a major label, being flown to St Peters Basilica, to record at The Vatican travelling the world, performing on television and collecting gold and platinum discs.

The lifelong friendships and incredible voices of three unassuming Catholic Priests captured the hearts of the public around the world.

They were nominated for a Classical Brit Award for three consecutive years. They have graced the pages of Time Magazine, shared a sofa with Jonathan Ross and Alan Titchmarsh, and they have performed around the world and to audiences, including The Pope, The Irish President and The Royal Family.

They have most recently performed for Pope Francis at Croke Park, Dublin in August 2018.

They continue to play many concerts each year in Ireland, UK, Europe and the USA, and manage to balance their performing with parish life.

Of course, the Priests remain committed to the cloth, but they nevertheless always look forward to travelling the world and signing for a live audience.

"We enjoy singing enormously, says Fr Eugene. We realise that commercial projects very often have a shelf life, however, we would very much like to continue doing this forever. I certainly know that Martin, David and I will continue to sing, whatever comes because it gives us such pleasure to do so. Our fervent hope is that it continues to bring pleasure to everybody else."

In this their 10th anniversary year, hear the songs and the stories that culminated in this amazing unexpected journey.

The Priests play St Peter and Paul's Church, Portlaoise, on Sunday, December 16.
A 25-year-old woman has been given the benefit of the probation act for having heroin.

Emma Harney (25), previously residing in Abbeyleix but now residing at 18 Blackwater Heights, Youghall, Co. Cork, was charged with drug possession at the Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise, on September 13, 2016.

Detective Garda Padraic Ryan gave evidence the accused was detected with drugs worth 60.

The accused had no previous convictions.

Defence, Ms Josephine Fitzpatrick said that the accused used to have a heroin addiction,.

Ms Fitzpatrick said the accused has improved no end with her addiction .

Judge Staines noted the offence had happened over two years ago and the accused is now drug free.

She applied the probation act, section 1.1.

In a separate case, Patrick Kinsella (39), of 12 Kylemore Hill, Rathoe, Carlow, was charged with drug possession at Sarsfield Street, Mountmellick, on March 16 this year.

Sgt Jason Hughes gave evidence that the accused had over 100 previous convictions.

Defence, Mr Barry Fitzgerald said the accused had a longstanding addiction to weed.

Judge Staines applied the probation act.

Also before Portlaoise District Court on drug offences was Ali Naveed.

He had no previous convictions.

Defence, Barry Fitzgerald said his client, a 19-year-old Pakistani national, was not addicted to weed, but he smokes it more than he should.

The matter was adjourned to February 7 next for a probation report.
Many Laois motorists have had cars damaged by a sharp hole in a road being resurfaced, and are demanding the local authority pay for repairs.

The hole was cut out on a roadworks site on the Kilmullen road between Portarlington and Monasterevin.

There are local reports online of up to 15 vehicles been damaged by it between Sunday evening and Monday morning December 10.

Some residents even formed a blockade on Monday to stop the contractor for Laois County Council from continuing work resurfacing the road, until the local authority agrees to pay for the damage.

One resident who spoke to the Leinster Express said that both his son and his neighbour had their cars damaged.

He said both formed a blockade to stop the contractor's machines from leaving a yard to start work on Monday morning, until they got assurances that the damage will be paid by Laois County Council.

"It is a serious pothole. I rang and spoke to Laois County council this morning but the council said it is not liable, the contractor is. But they pay the contractor," he said.

One driver posted a photo after his and other cars were damaged. He placed a sign at the hole himself to warn others.

Laois County Council's roads department has told the Leinster Express that it will cover costs of damages to cars, if cases are proven.

Roads official Kim Kinsella said the public can contact her to submit claims.

"If damages are as a result of the roadworks, and that has to be determined, people will be reimbursed," she said.

"We have had a number of calls. People have been told to submit their claims to us. We can't make assurances until our insurance company assesses claims. If it is normal wear and tear we are not liable, but if it as a result of works, we may be, but we have to speak with our insurance company," Ms Kinsella said.

A council engineer has visited the site this morning.

A claim is made by sending in a letter with details of the damage, photographs, and a bill or estimate for repairs.

Below: Workers back on site resurfacing the Kilmullen road on Monday December 10. Picture: Michael Scully.
The greatest family comedian of our generation, Brendan Grace, is celebrating 48 years in the comedy business, with most of that time spent at the very top of his profession.

Brendans latest show, which will be at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge in January, features the best and most requested pieces from his vast repertoire over the last 48 years.

His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal.

A brilliant character actor, his Bottler character is legendary and his interpretation of the Irish Wedding will forever remain a masterpiece.

Apart from his obvious star quality in all aspects of his performance, Brendans drawing power is enormous and the House Full sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts.

Although Brendan now resides in the United States with his wife Eileen and family and enjoys international success brought about by his association with the late Frank Sinatra, he still tours Ireland on a regular basis, and, indeed, still considers Ireland his first love. His Meet and Greet after each show is one of the highlights of the night.

His recent documentary Funnymanon RTE 1 TV has received critical acclaim and had a huge audience.

Brendan Grace will be in Keadeen Hotel on Friday, January 11. Call 045 431666 and or visit Ticketmaster.ie for tickets.
A MOYROSS man who ploughed into three pensioners during a high-speed chase - resulting in one of them losing his leg - has withdrawn an appeal after being told his eight year prison sentence could also be increased.

Michael Sheehan, aged 29, of Cliona Park, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Eric Ryan (80) and Liam Barry (77) in Parteen on September 25, 2014.

Eric Ryan  a former Limerick hurler  lost a leg while William Barry, a retired garda, suffered bleeding to the brain. A third man in his 70s, Dermot OBrien, escaped injury and has since passed away.

Sheehan, who had more than 50 previous convictions, also pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary on the same date. He had admitted consuming eight bottles of cider and a naggin of vodka in the hours before the incident.

Judge Tom ODonnell sentenced Sheehan to five years imprisonment at Limerick Circuit Court on October 1, 2015. He also imposed a concurrent 12-month term for the two burglaries.

The judge directed that the five-year sentence be served consecutively to a three-year sentence which he imposed on Sheehan for another burglary in May 2014.

Sheehan was due to appeal the severity of his sentence at the Court of Appeal this Monday.

However, before the case came on for hearing, the president of the court, Mr Justice George Birmingham, reminded Sheehans lawyers that the court had power to increase sentences as well as decrease them.

Mr Justice Birmingham referred to a recent landmark judgment on burglaries of the home as well as burglary sprees.

Added to that, the judge said, was Sheehans dangerous driving and the horrendous consequences that were suffered.

After taking instructions, Sheehans barrister, Keith Spencer BL, said his client wished to withdraw his appeal.

The court so ordered.
A COUNTY Limerick farmer has been fined 1,650 after a veterinary inspector found dead calves on land he had rented.

John Hanly, of Friarstown, Grange pleaded guilty to four offences contrary to Section 36 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act.

Andrew OConnor, veterinary inspector, told Kilmallock Court he observed a number of dead animals in Bruffea, Grange on April 27, 2017. He handed in a book of photographs to Judge Marian OLeary.

The court heard that three carcasses of calves, and bones were found. Answering questions from Barry Ward BL, for the Department of Agriculture, Mr OConnor said decomposing carcasses are a potential disease risk.

Mr OConnor said he found bones in a paddock beside the sheds.

The presence of bones indicates a carcass was left there and the bones had been scattered by wildlife. There were other animals in the field. This is a disease risk, said Mr OConnor.

Mr Ward asked the veterinary inspector how long the calves were deceased.

A conservative estimate is at least a week, said Mr OConnor.

Judge OLeary asked if one of the calfs eyes in the photograph is gone?

Often birds will attack the eye, explained Mr OConnor.

Brendan Gill, solicitor for Mr Hanly, put it to Mr OConnor that they were Jersey cross bull calves which have a very low value, that Mr Hanly gets them in bad shape and they have a higher mortality rate.

Mr OConnor agreed.

Mr Gill asked if Mr Hanly co-operated throughout the investigation and if the carcasses had been collected as quickly as possible.

Yes, said Mr OConnor.

Mr Gill said Mr Hanly had let the land in question.

The calves generally arrive in poor condition and Mr Hanly brings them back to health. His own circumstances were not good - he had a heart condition at the time. He is a 63-year-old part-time farmer and also works in the local mart. He has an excellent work history. He has taken steps to ensure it wont happen again, said Mr Gill.

The solicitor said his client has been in this particular enterprise for seven years and has no previous convictions.

Matters got out of control. He assures me it wont happen again and that he has proper assistance, said Mr Gill.

Judge OLeary fined Mr Hanly a total of 1,650 on the four offences and ordered he pay the Department of Agriculture 1,200 in costs.
A SIGNIFICANT milestone has been passed in the ongoing story of community development in West Limerick as West Limerick Resources marks its official 25th anniversary.

But as founding chairman, Sean Liston pointed out at an event in Knockaderry to celebrate the silver anniversary, the work began earlier, in November 1991, when a group of people first came together to look at a new style of company which would address local development.

That new style of company, a partnership or LEADER company, had already clocked up success in East Limerick with Ballyhoura Failte and the feeling was that West Limerick needed to organise to be in with a chance to win itself some EU funding in the next round of LEADER funds.

Recalling those early days, Mr Liston spoke of securing small grants to draw up plans and of the positive attitude that was abroad to create a better place to live and a higher quality of life for the communities of West Limerick. But he spoke too of the legacy of self-help that they had inherited from the Muintir na Tire movement, the co-operative movement and the campaign for Carnegie Libraries.

We made mistakes. We didnt get everything right the first time, he said. But they got help from a wide list of individuals and organisations and Mr Liston paid tribute to them and thanked them for the invaluable role they had played. In naming the company West Limerick Resources, he explained, the word resources was key and referred to the vital resource of the people in the communities.

And he recalled the first grants approved by West Limerick in 1995.That was a big milestone. When the first grant had gone through we had arrived. But he concluded: We cannot stand still. We must embrace all of the opportunities that arise. The communities we live in now are different from 25 years ago and the challenges are also different, Mr Liston said. But, he reminded people of the great catch-cry: Is feidir linn.

West Limerick Resources offered light, hope and inspiration through the difficult years of the economic down-turn, Cllr Adam Teskey, chairman of the Adare Rathkeale Municipal District said. I believe we can achieve more by working together, he continued.

It is an absolutely wonderful occasion, Cllr Jerome Scanlan, chairman of the Local Community Development Committee said. West Limerick Resources has done a wonderful job. The most challenging bit are the 25 years ahead of us.

Shay Riordan, manager of West Limerick Resources, thanked all those who had served the company either as a volunteer or an employee over the 25 years.

To mark the silver anniversary, 40 communities in the companys catchment area will receive a silver birch for planting. Trees are a symbol of life and growth, Suzanne Rowley said. We look forward to supporting and nourishing that growth over the next 25 years.

Mike Flynn, the current chairman of West Limerick Resources paid tribute to the past five chairpersons: Sean Liston, John Fitzgerald, Willie ORegan, Mary Quaid and Tom Madigan.

Nobody can put into words what West Limerick has gained as a result of West Limerick Resources, he said. The work they have done has helped to keep our community one of the most vibrant in the country.
THE restoration of the Wild Geese fountain back to its former glory is a priority for 2019, Limerick councillors have been told.

It comes after a motion from long-serving Independent councillor John Gilligan, who urged local authority bosses to appoint a named official to work on the fountain, a gift from the government of Spokane in Washington, USA to honour the families that were forced to flee Limerick following the siege.

Its damaged to a huge extend. Some of the facets of it like the leaves have been mislaid. I have asked time and time again for it to be repaired. Time and time again, ye have started blankly at me, said the northside member, referring to the executive.

He pointed out that council is spending tens of thousands of euro on festivals  but not the monument, which sits outside the councils offices at Merchants Quay.

To leave it in this state is a scandal. I have been talking about this for 20 years, and nothing has happened, Cllr Gilligan added.

Fine Gaels City West councillor Elenora Hogan formally seconded Cllr Gilligans motion.

She added: It is such a pity to look at it in its present form. The unfortunate thing is there are a whole list of names on it - names of people who paid for it to be brought across from Spokane.

Cllr Michael Hourigan said the council could look to deploy closed circuit television to it, to deter any would-be vandals.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein councillor John Costello urged the Council to employ a conservation officer to oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all Limericks monuments.

In response to Cllr Gilligans motion, Jane Leahy said the authority is attempting to make contact with the architect William H Turner, but had yet to hear anything back.

It is a priority for 2019, however, she confirmed to members at this month's metropolitan district meeting.
LIMERICK City and County Council says it is very anxious that the quality of life of those people living near the Irish Cement plant in Mungret is not impacted by the firms 10m plans.

The local authoritys environment directorate has produced a comprehensive list of recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is deciding on controversial project to replace fossil fuels with solid recovered waste and used tyres in the production of the material.

It comes with the EPA set to decide on whether to afford Irish Cement a licence to operate the controversial blueprint.

Brian Kennedy, director of service with the sector, has urged the environmental regulator to consider the effects of total nitrogen and sulphur deposition on special areas of conservation, and local nature areas.

The council also recommends the existing baseline value for ammonia should be established in order to understand the capacity remaining in the ambient environment which will in turn dictate the critical limit allowed for the facility."

Mr Kennedy also claimed no primary human health risk assessment has been performed using tools such as the Human Health Risk Assessment Protocol.

This, he says provides hypothetical worst case exposure pathway information. This was a primary concern of some objectors so this would provide transparent information on the exposure risk to such compounds on a cumulative basis for local residents.

Concern has also been expressed of the odours which could emanate due to the storage of the alternative fuels.

Mr Kennedy writes: It is suggested that storage buildings will be passively vented. A risk analysis should be performed whereby the maximum amount of fuel storage should be determined without the implementation of odour mitigation on site and what the likely impacts of same will be for odour and dust.

The EPA must also carry out background monitoring in order to place a critical limit on the amount of ammonia for the assessment of impacts on habitats.

A definable waste water management plan should be outlined for the facility, whereby the flow of all waste waters should be outlined and where and how much waste will be managed from the facility, he said.

Mr Kennedy also asked the environmental regulator to consider if the noise from the Irish Cement factory if reforms are passed.

The effects of these additional noise sources in addition to the air cooler should be considered on noise sensitive locations given how close the predicted level is the limit of 45 decibel weighting.

Irish Cements plans have been controversial, with almost 4,000 people writing to express their opposition to the environmental regulator, citing fears over an emissions.

However, the firm has always insisted its plans will not lead to an increase, due to the fact the burning will take place at such a high temperature.

An Irish Cement spokesperson said: The company is currently preparing a response to queries from the EPA as part of that process.
REPORTED Cabinet divisions concerning plebiscites on directly elected mayors for Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Galway were raised in the Dail by Green Party leader Eamon Ryan.

The Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, was reported as stating there was no proper costing of the proposal and the Attorney General as stating there were no details of what the powers of the mayors would be, he said.

Will the Taoiseach indicate if the Government has decided whether there will be plebiscites for those cities in May? If so, when does the Taoiseach expect the mayors to be in place?

In reply, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government has decided there will be plebiscites in May for Limerick, Galway, Cork and Waterford.

We confirmed that decision at Cabinet, he said. As to when the mayors will be in place, that will depend on many factors. We have to get the legislation for the plebiscites through the Dail and Seanad and that could be tight.

With the co-operation of everyone in this House, however, we could have it through in time for the referendums in May. It depends then on whether the people in those cities decide to vote for the proposals.

Concern at unemployment figures in the Mid-West

The employment figures for the Mid-West have not improved in latest figures from the Central Statistics Office for the third Quarter of 2018 rather they have been stagnant, Labour Deputy Jan OSullivan told the Dail.

That was reflected in the figures with a 3% improvement nationally, she said.

I absolutely acknowledge that there have been significant improvements since the first quarter of 2015 when the Regional Action Plan for Jobs was launched in the Mid-West, she said.

My concern is that the improvement has apparently stopped. We need to take action now to ensure employment will continue to grow.

In the Mid-West there is excellent interaction between higher education and educational establishments generally and employment and industry. It has produced very positive results in recent years. My concern is that it has stopped.

I ask the Minister to contact IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and other bodies under her aegis to ensure any issues that needs to be addressed is addressed in order that we can continue to improve the position in the Mid-West.

In response the Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Heather Humphreys said in the Mid-West region there has been an increase in the number of people in employment, from 196,500 to 215,300, since the Regional Action Plan for Jobs was launched, that is, from the first Quarter of 2015 to the third Quarter of 2018.

This represents an increase of 18,800 jobs, or 9.5%, she said.

In the same period the level of unemployment has reduced, from a high of 12% to 7.2%. In real terms, the number unemployed in the Mid-West region has decreased by 10,300 in the period since the first Quarter of 2015.

The CSO labour force survey reports no change in the numbers in employment in the Mid-West in the year before the third Quarter of 2018. However, it also reports a decline in the level of unemployment of 2,600 in the Mid-West region in the same period, which is very welcome.

Makers of Nightflyers congratulated

The makers of the science fiction series "Nightflyers", which was made in Troy Studios in Limerick and released recently in the United State were congratulated by Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne.

The Irish embassy in the US tweeted and congratulated the film-makers on the premiere, which was shown on 2 December, she said.

It is a series of ten films made in Limerick. It is important to acknowledge the number of people involved in the apprenticeship and training scheme during the making of the series.

Troy Studios said that if the series was a success the producers might come back to make the next production there as well.

The important aspect is that people have been trained and have gone through the apprenticeships and skills side of the process.

They now have the skills so if the producers come back to Troy Studios, they will be available for employment.

The series is to be released on Netflix and I encourage people to watch it because it is not too often we have a science fiction series made in a local film studio. I wish to congratulate all involved.
A nematode (eukaryote) in a biofilm of microorganisms. This deep-dwelling creature (<em>Poikilolaimus sp.</em>) was discovered in the Kopanang gold mine in South Africa, and was found 0.86 miles (1.4 km) below the surface.

Life on Earth takes billions of shapes, but to see most of them you'll have to dig deep below the planet's surface.

For the past 10 years, that's what the scientists of the Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) have been doing. Composed of more than 1,000 scientists from 52 countries around the world, this group of scientists maps the weird, wild life of Earth's "deep biosphere"  the mysterious patchwork of underground ecosystems that exists between Earth's surface and its core. It might sound like an unglamorous world of dirt, darkness and daunting pressure but, according to new research from the DCO, harsh conditions haven't stopped millions of undiscovered species of microbial life from evolving there since the planet's birth. [Extreme Life on Earth: 8 Bizarre Creatures]

In a statement that dubs Earth's deep biosphere a "subterranean Galapagos" waiting to be studied, DCO scientists estimate that the sheer biomass of carbon-based life lurking below our feet utterly dwarfs the amount of life roaming the Earth's surface. With about 17 billion to 25 billion tons of carbon (15 to 23 billion metric tonnes) under the planet's surface, DCO researchers estimate there is nearly 300 to 400 times as much carbon biomass underground (most of it still undiscovered) as there is in all the humans on Earth.

"Even in dark and energetically challenging conditions, intraterrestrial ecosystems have uniquely evolved and persisted over millions of years," Fumio Inagaki, a geomicrobiologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology and DCO member, said in the statement . "Expanding our knowledge of deep life will inspire new insights into planetary habitability, leading us to understand why life emerged on our planet and whether life persists in the Martian subsurface and other celestial bodies."

Indeed, studying Earth's deep microbial life has already pushed the understanding of the conditions under which life can thrive. Researchers have drilled miles into the seafloor and sampled the microbiomes from mines and boreholes at hundreds of sites around the world. Data from these sites suggest that the world's deep biosphere spans roughly 500 million cubic miles (2.3 billion cubic kilometers)  about twice the volume of all the Earth's oceans  and houses about 70 percent of all the planet's bacteria and single-cell archaea.

Some of these species make their homes among the world's hottest, deepest niches. A frontrunner for Earth's hottest organism in nature is the single-celled Geogemma barossii, according to the statement. Living in hydrothermal vents on the seafloor, this microscopic spherical lifeform grows and replicates at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius), well above the boiling point of water at 212 degrees F (100 degrees C).

Meanwhile, the record for deepest-known life so far is about 3 miles (5 km) below the continental subsurface and 6.5 miles (10.5 km) below the ocean's surface. Under this much water, extreme pressure becomes an unavoidable fact of life; at about 1,300 feet (400 meters) depth, the pressure is about 400 times greater than at sea level, the researchers wrote.

Expanding what we know about the limits of life on Earth could potentially give scientists new criteria for searching for life on other planets. If there are potentially millions of undiscovered organisms growing, thriving and evolving in the dark of our planet's crust, then our studies of biodiversity on Earth so far have, literally, only scratched the surface.

Originally published on Live Science.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  Traces of 1,000-year-old poop in Peruvian soil could reveal the history of alpaca domestication in the region.

Researchers analyzed sediments from cores extracted from lakes in southeastern Peru. They were looking for chemical "fingerprints" of compounds called sterols, which appear when cholesterol is broken down during digestion, and are expelled in feces, the scientists reported today (Dec. 10) in a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). [5 Things Your Poop Says About Your Health]

One type of sterol, 5b-stigmastanol, is associated with the guts of ruminants  animals that chew their regurgitated cud  such as alpacas. Another type, called coprostanol, is produced in the human gut.

By evaluating the ratio of alpaca poop-chemical to human poop-chemical, researchers were able to estimate when human populations may have begun domesticating and living alongside alpacas.

In samples from Lake Arapa in Peru, alpaca sterols became more prevalent after the beginning of the Wari Empire (about A.D. 600) and were well-established by the time of the Inca Empire, around A.D. 1400, research co-author Thomas Elliott Arnold, an organic geochemist and postdoctoral scholar with the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh, told Live Science.

A similar ratio emerged in samples from Lake Orurillo, Arnold added.

Since 5b-stigmastanol is found in other ruminants, such as deer  which are also native to that part of Peru  is it possible that the sterols in the samples could represent deer instead of alpaca? Not really, Arnold said, because there isn't a good explanation for what might have caused a sudden and dramatic increase in deer populations in A.D. 1,000, when the researchers found a sterol spike.

"You'd have to assume a bunch of deer suddenly went on a mating frenzy and congregated in and around the Orurillo region," Arnold said.

A more reasonable explanation is alpaca domestication, Arnold said.

Originally published on Live Science.
Thousands of mental health workers for Kaiser Permanente are expected to start a five-day statewide strike Monday to protest what they consider chronic understaffing leading to lengthy waits for treatment.

About 4,000 clinicians  psychologists, therapists, social workers, psychiatric nurses and addiction medicine specialists  represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers are scheduled to strike Monday through Friday. Theyll set up picket lines outside dozens of Kaiser facilities around the state, including busy Bay Area locations in San Francisco and Oakland.

Kaiser officials said in a statement that their facilities will remain open and that they have plans in place to ensure members will receive needed care, though some nonurgent appointments may be postponed.

The union contends that Kaiser members who need mental health care face unreasonable waits for therapy appointments because of the organizations failure to increase its staffing levels.

Kaiser says the unions main concern is increasing its workers wages, which it says are already the highest in the state. Sal Rosselli, the union president, said negotiators are seeking pay increases as well as benefits packages equal to those given to other medical professionals.

Staffing for mental health care has been a lingering and contentious issue at Kaiser. In 2015, Kaiser agreed to pay a $4 million fine levied in 2013 by state regulators over inadequate access to its mental health services.

A threatened strike later that same year was averted with a last-minute deal that included an agreement to work together to improve mental health care. Since then, Kaiser says, it has increased the number of therapists by 30 percent despite an industry shortage.

The union contends that the ratio of mental health workers to members has not significantly increased. While Kaiser has increased the number of therapists, the union said, that growth has not kept pace with the rise in its membership.

These 4,000 clinicians want to make adequate access to mental health care the civil rights issue of our time, Rosselli said.

Kaiser officials criticized the decision to strike as well as the timing.

Its particularly disheartening that union leadership would call this strike during the holiday season, when many of our patients with mental health needs may be at their most vulnerable, Kaiser said in a statement.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
The average price of gas in San Antonio has dipped below $2 for the first time in 2018.

A gallon of regular gasoline fell 4 cents in the last week to $1.99  11 cents lower than a year ago, according to gas-price tracker GasBuddy. The national average fell 3 cents to $2.41 a gallon, and is down 4 cents year-over-year.
A woman was in a "deep sleep" in her apartment while her toddler went to a local Stripes alone, according to Laredo police.

Veronica Guajardo, 36, was arrested Friday on the charge of abandoning, endangering a child by criminal negligence. She remained behind bars at the Webb County Jail as of Friday evening.
A crowd of more than 250 area business leaders crowded into the Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center on Friday to celebrate a change in leadership for the Midland Business Alliance.

This month's "WakeUp! Midland" event saw Tony Stamas take over the positions of Midland Business Alliance president and chief executive officer from Sarah Opperman. A longtime Midland resident, Opperman was chosen as interim president and CEO in February 2018, after former president Bill Allen resigned. She has served in the role since March.

"I'm very excited about where the Midland Business Alliance is right now," Opperman said. "(MBA) has a three-year strategy, a staff that is outstanding and a board that has been refreshed and enlarged. The programs that everyone loves are still in place -- this organization will allow us to do even more for the community."

Stamas has more than 30 years of experience in business, government and advocacy. Before joining the MBA, he served the Small Business Association of Michigan as vice president of government relations. Stamas also served in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 98th District for four years starting in 1998, followed by an eight-year stint as state senator for the 36th District. His brother Jim is the current state senator.

"I've lived in Midland my whole life, so I certainly have a bias for our community, but it's just a special place," Stamas said. "When I look at all these pieces coming together, I think its a great opportunity. So I was thrilled to have the chance to come join the team."

Stamas has a unique insight into Midland's business community, having grown up in the city with his family's business, Pizza Sam's, serving as manager for the establishment from 1991 to 1994. Stamas said he was attracted to the MBA because it offered an opportunity to combine innovation, advocacy and economic development to help Midland's next generation of "modern explorers."

Taking place on the first Friday of every month, WakeUp! is meant to be a time for Midland's business community to come together and network in fun and productive ways, said Jenny Bruzewski, MBA director of marketing and communications.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The mother of a woman killed in a car attack during a white-supremacist rally here last year told a jury Monday that her daughter "was full of love, she was full of justice, she was full of fairness" - and that avowed neo-Nazi James Fields Jr. "tried to silence" her by ramming his speeding Dodge Challenger into a crowd of anti-racism demonstrators.

"I refuse to allow that," Susan Bro testified in a strong but sometimes halting voice.

Bro, mother of 32-year-old Heather Heyer, was the prosecution's fourth and final witness at the sentencing hearing for Fields, who was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder and other crimes for an Aug. 12, 2017, act of homicidal vehicular rage.

"Almost all members of our family have gone into grief therapy as the darkness has tried to swallow us whole," Bro said. Her daughter, who worked for a local law firm, had been described by friends as a committed advocate for social justice. "We are survivors," Bro said, "but we are much sadder survivors. We are forever scarred by the pain."

At his trial, which began Nov. 26, Fields, 21, of Maumee, Ohio, did not deny plowing his car into a group of counterprotesters during the "Unite the Right" rally, at which hundreds of white supremacists and their opponents clashed in the streets. Fields' attorneys contended that he was afraid for his safety that early afternoon and acted to protect himself. But the jury rejected the argument.

"I don't hate Mr. Fields," Bro said on the witness stand. "I'm leaving him in the hands of justice."

The same jury that convicted Fields in Charlottesville Circuit Court will decide his punishment. After deliberating for 90 minutes, they recessed Monday evening and will reconvene Tuesday morning. In addition to first-degree murder, Fields is to be sentenced for five counts of aggravated malicious wounding and three counts of malicious wounding related to eight of 35 survivors of the attack who were injured, many of them seriously.

The charges of murder and aggravated malicious wounding are all punishable by 20 years to life behind bars. Each of the malicious-wounding counts carries a five-to-20-year term. Fields also was found guilty of leaving the scene of a fatal crash, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The only defense witness in Monday's penalty phase, Daniel Murrie, a University of Virginia psychologist, portrayed Fields as a lifelong loner and social misfit given to angry, uncontrollable outbursts since before he was old enough to walk. He was diagnosed as mentally ill at age 6 and was housed in psychiatric facilities for three stretches before his 15th birthday.

Murrie, who said he reviewed thousands of pages of Fields' school and treatment records and spoke with him in jail for about 14 hours, described a deeply troubled young man. Some of the details were publicly known, but some had not been disclosed.

Fields' father, who died in an auto accident shortly before Fields was born, suffered from bipolar disorder, Murrie said. He said both of Fields' grandfathers, one of whom committed a murder-suicide, also were afflicted with the disorder.

Fields' mother, paralyzed in a separate car crash, struggled to control her young son, often in vain, Murrie testified.

He said that Fields was "expelled from preschool" because of volatile behavior and that the problems continued through grade school and beyond. In addition to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder when he was 6, Fields displayed "autism-like symptoms" and was slowed by learning disabilities, Murrie said. By age 14, when he was diagnosed with "schizoid personality disorder," Fields was taking a regimen of antipsychotic medications, he said.

"Those diagnoses are almost never given to kids," Murrie said. "It's very unusual."

As a teenager, he was accepted by Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Va. But while his mother was driving him there to enroll, Murrie said, the school called and rescinded its offer of admission because of Fields's history of taking psychotropic drugs.

Back home, Fields, attending public school, told doctors that he wanted to be weaned off his medications so he could eventually join the Army. "He did indeed stop" taking medicine, Murrie testified. But after graduating from high school, he washed out of Army basic training. This began "what he describes as a pretty depressing period" in which he worked at low-end jobs and played video games for sometimes "a hundred hours a week," Murrie said.

And he said Fields' "explosive" behavior continued.

Acquaintances have said that Fields also became fascinated by Nazi Germany, voicing admiration for militarism and the racial-purity doctrine of the Third Reich.

Before Murrie testified, three injured survivors described their physical and emotional wounds in harrowing detail to the seven women and five men of the jury.

"I'm going to try to explain it," said a woman who has been identified in court only as Lisa Q. She suffered numerous shattered bones, crippling nerve damage and other injuries from which she has not recovered. "But there's no way for anyone who wasn't there to understand it," she said. "It's weird to tell your body to do something you're used to doing and get no response at all."

After recounting her 16 months of psychological unrest and painful physical therapy, she told the jury, "Today I can come close to making a fist."

Jeanne Peterson arrived at the witness stand in a wheelchair after five surgeries on her crushed legs. She will undergo a sixth operation next year. Peterson was a friend of Heyer and saw her propelled into the air by Fields' car.

"I will never forget the look in her eye," said Peterson, who told the jury that she struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder "from witnessing a murder and surviving a terrorist attack." She added, "I would go through this a million times over if I could take away the pain this has caused the people I love," including her 7-year-old son, who "wrestles with questions I can't answer."

Another woman, Wednesday Bowie, whose pelvis was broken in six places, told the jury: "I am not the person I was before August 12th. I will never be that person again." And she said, "Please know that the world is not a safe place with Mr. Fields in it."

Then Bro took the witness stand.

She said that when her daughter was hit by Fields' speeding Dodge, the impact severed Heyer's aorta and left her "skin and blood on the windshield of that car." Her thighs were shattered, among other injuries, and "she bled out internally in just a few seconds," she said.

Fields sat silently at the defendant's table as the dead victim's mother continued, saying she has been unable to return to work since Aug. 12, 2017.

"I can't concentrate anymore," she said. "Some days I can't do anything but sit and cry."
LONDON - Just two days before the British Parliament is scheduled for a historic vote on Brexit, several thousand marchers - edgy, suspicious, aloud with conspiracy theories - massed near Prime Minister Theresa May's official residence at 10 Downing Street on Sunday to condemn her as a traitor to their cause.

The march was called by the U.K. Independence Party (UKIP), a once-ascendant movement now in decline, dominated by "Euroskeptics" and right-wing populists. They were at the forefront of the winning Brexit campaign two years ago, when they were led by radio show personality and Fox News contributor Nigel Farage, who was one of the first British politicians to meet with President Donald Trump after his election.

Now the Ukippers and their allies at the rally say they are being double-crossed by "the establishment," aided by a "seditious BBC" and a deep state of pro-Europe civil servants and global capitalists led by May.

In the crowd, one man held aloft a gallows with a hangman's noose. Others shouted that May should be "taken to the Tower," the medieval palace-prison where Henry VIII had his wives killed.

At the rally, the current leader of UKIP, Gerard Batten, called May's Brexit plans "a betrayal" that had created "the biggest crisis since the English civil war" in the 1640s - which saw Charles I beheaded, he reminded the crowd.

The demonstrators said May's deal to leave the European Union - which she has called an "honorable compromise" - was actually a ruse designed to produce no Brexit at all.

"It's going to be voted down. That was her plan all along, wasn't it?" said Paul Oakley, the general secretary of UKIP, referring to Tuesday's vote in Parliament, where many members of May's own Conservative party have said they will vote against her Brexit deal.

Oakley reminded the crowd that in the June 2016 referendum, May voted to remain in the European Union. "This woman is not stupid," he said. "You simply do not become prime minister unless you possess deep cunning. She always intended to betray Brexit."

The UKIP lineup of speakers included Tommy Robinson, a felon and founder of the English Defence League, a far-right movement, who said he was prosecuted for campaigning against "the Islamization of this country." He was jailed after photographing defendants in a sex ring run by 20 men, mostly of Pakistani descent, against a judge's orders not to reveal their identities while their trial was underway.

Robinson, who is now a paid adviser to UKIP, told the audience, "To be honest, up until this point, I didn't believe in democracy. I never thought they would let us leave. I'm still not sure they'll let us leave."

As the UKIP "Brexit Betrayal" march was underway, larger numbers of counterprotesters came out in central London, some to oppose the Robinson crowd and others to support a second referendum, dubbed a People's Vote, to allow citizens another chance to decide whether to go forward with May's Brexit.

In the placards and speeches at the UKIP rally, May was condemned as an enemy of the people. The atmosphere showed how Brexit - described by some as the most momentous decision in a generation - is rubbing the usually staid Brits raw.

Many have aligned themselves into two warring camps - "remainers" and "leavers."

On social media and the Sunday morning political talk shows, the sides continued to do battle over the best way forward. It seems there is little hope for finding common cause. The polls are as divided as ever, and the political class is either plotting against May or running for the exits.

Some of May's fellow Tories pushed Parliament to support her unpopular plan as the best deal possible; others said the country should risk the economic chaos of a "no deal" Brexit and just crash out of the European Union.

Others urged May to return to the negotiating table to seek better terms, but the Europeans have signaled there is no other deal to offer.

The London Sunday Times reported that May's ministers and aides "expect May to announce tomorrow that she will launch a final throw of the diplomatic dice with a dash to Brussels, a move that could result in Tuesday's vote being postponed."

Others called that wishful thinking.

The former foreign secretary and arch Brexiteer Boris Johnson said Sunday that a "great" deal with the European Union was still possible - though he was vague about how it would be accomplished.

The Telegraph reported that "at least nine current or former cabinet ministers are understood to be contemplating running for leader" if May is either forced out or resigns if her withdrawal agreement is defeated in Parliament.

Johnson is considered a top contender, and political handicappers speculated that the race may be on - because the mop-headed Johnson sported a new haircut.

For her part, May said she copes with the stress of Brexit by eating spoonfuls of peanut butter out of the jar.

The prime minister also warned that if her deal was defeated and she were chucked out, the Conservative Party would be facing Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

"Getting his hands on power is a risk we cannot afford to take,' she told the Daily Mail.
The Virginia paramedic uses a racist slur for African-Americans, calling them "dindus."

In his world - the world of open white supremacists - that's supposed to mean something like "didn't do anything."

On the popular neo-Nazi podcast he co-hosts, Alex McNabb once compared an African-American woman he cared for to a gorilla.

And he's got a name for a Southern Virginia neighborhood where lots of African immigrant families live. He refers to it as "Ebola Alley."

The question isn't whether McNabb, 35, is a bigot. He's all over social media with some pretty vile stuff. He doesn't hide his outbursts on "The Daily Shoah" podcast, where he talks about life on the job and his conclusions about African-Americans he encounters.

McNabb is being investigated by the state's Department of Health, HuffPost reported, and department spokeswoman Marian Hunter confirmed it for me Monday.

They're investigating him because his job is a vital, even noble calling that puts people in his care at their most traumatized.

McNabb is an EMT. So when you're having a heart attack, have been in a car crash, slipped and broke a bone in the bathtub or were shot in Patrick County, Virginia, there's a chance that McNabb will be the one who can help save your life.

"In EMT training, we often say, this is the worst day in that person's life, when they call 911. They are at their most vulnerable, they are often scared," said Allison G.S. Knox, an emergency management instructor for the online American Military University. "So maintaining objectivity in patient care is important."

As is a little mercy.

And mercy is not a word that comes to mind if you listen to any of McNabb's podcasts or read his social media feeds.

In one episode of "The Daily Shoah" - named to mock the Hebrew term for the Holocaust - he talked about his line of work. "It's hard to find a dindu vein anyway, because they're black," he said.

And, assuming the name "Dr. Narcan" when he tells stories from the world of emergency medical technicians, he talked about the delight he took in taking the blood of an allegedly unruly black boy.

"Dr. Narcan enjoyed great, immense satisfaction as he terrorized this youngster with a needle and stabbed him thusly in the arm with a large-gauge IV catheter," he said.

McNabb, who did not return a request for comment, posted his exchange with the HuffPost reporter, Christopher Mathias, when Mathias asked about the Dr. Narcan sketch. He ridiculed Mathias for not recognizing comedic satire and hid behind a whole "Doctor Narcan is a work of fiction" shtick.

The ha-ha excuse isn't good enough for most people in the field, Knox said.

Plenty of agencies have fired first responders for bigoted tweets, rants and posts, Knox said. Police in many cities have been accused of outright brutality in the way they treat African Americans. Research shows many of us struggle with implicit, unconscious bias toward minorities. Subtle prejudice can be hard to prove - or address - in our judicial system because so many people are in denial about it.

But what about the billboard way a guy like McNabb advertises his thoughts?

We've yet to hear back from the Jeb Stuart Volunteer Rescue Squad, where McNabb works, on its social media policy. But most agencies - from Washington state to Michigan to New York - fire those who get vile in public.

I checked in with the National Association of EMTs in Mississippi. Spokeswoman Kathleen Taormina didn't want to get anywhere near McNabb's case but referred me to their code of conduct, which includes this:

"The actions, comments and decisions of EMS personnel should be provided in an environment that respects the diversity of the patients being served. EMS decisions and actions concerning treatment, patient transportation, hospital destination, and ancillary services should be made without bias."

Last summer, a Twitter campaign outed marchers identified in photos from the deadly "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. (McNabb was a proud participant who also tweeted support this week for the man convicted in Heather Heyer's death.)

A hot dog shop worker in California lost his job, and universities condemned the actions of their students identified at the rallies. And some Americans wondered whether public shaming and firing isn't today's flip-side McCarthyism.

But this one is different.

If you've ever chased ambulances - as I did during many years as a crime reporter - you see the important work that first responders do. You also appreciate the vulnerability of people in their care.

They are often bleeding, crying, naked or helpless. EMTs cut away shirts and see bellies and breasts. Pants are removed, things are exposed. I've always been moved by the sight of an EMT - in the heat of calamity and stress - offering compassion by covering someone up, holding a hand or whispering an assurance.

It's impossible to believe that Dr. Narcan - or his creator - can spend so much time dehumanizing, humiliating and hating people, then put a uniform on and treat the targets with respect when their lives depend on him.
This week, more than 350 children throughout Midland will be getting a call from Santa, thanks to Midland Parks and Recreation.

Through the "Santa Calling" program, calls from the "North Pole" will be made to children on the calling list Tuesday through Thursday. Calls will be made between 6 to 8 p.m. each night.
WASHINGTON - Just over a month before this year's open enrollment period began for 2019 Obamacare plans, the Trump administration removed an online resource intended to help members of the Latino community enroll for health coverage.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services removed a presentation called "Marketplace Outreach: Best Practices for Outreach to Latino Communities" from one of its Web pages sometime in late September, according to a report released last week from the Sunlight Foundation, a nonpartisan government watchdog group. The presentation, an 18-slide PDF file, was intended to provide training for groups like navigators - a group formed under the obama administration to promote health-plan selection - on better engaging with Latino communities and on challenges the community faces in enrollment.

Critics are pointing to this latest move as another in the list of actions the Trump administration has taken to undermine the Affordable Care Act and to weaken the Latino and immigrant communities' access to public programs like health care.

A CMS spokesman told me the removal was part of routine "updates and maintenance of CMS.gov, which sometimes includes the revision and removal of content that is not current or underutilized."

"This ongoing process is managed and implemented by agency career staff and is not influenced or directed by political leadership," the spokesman said. "In this instance, the slide presentation contained outdated information and the page was archived in September of this year."

Jodi Ray, who oversees a navigator program as director of Florida Covering Kids & Families at the University of South Florida, said resources like the one removed are critical to her group's efforts.

"If you pull credible resources, make it less accessible, it does make our job more difficult," Ray told me.

"Being that Florida is so demographically and geographically diverse, we use those resources in a way to make sure we aren't using a one-size-fits all approach," she said. "You have to know your community, the population, the culture of who you're trying to reach. If we're not providing the resources to be able to do that effectively, we're going to lose that population that needs this more than anyone."

To that point, data from the Kaiser Family Foundation in January notes members of the Latino community face challenges in health-care access and coverage and are at a much higher risk of being uninsured compared to white Americans.

Ray also lamented the change as yet another move to reduce resources after the administration already slashed federal spending on advertising and outreach to promote the ACA, including dramatically reducing funds for navigator grants.

The removal of a training guide on the CMS website also preceded an open enrollment period for 2019 Obamacare plans that has so far seen lagging numbers.

On Friday, I wrote that experts have pointed to a lack of awareness about enrollment and reduced marketing efforts as some of the biggest factors contributing to the slow sign-up rates thus far. But Ray noted we won't know until after this year's open enrollment if any of the administration's actions really had an impact on a particular population.

Steven Lopez, associate director of the Health Policy Project at UnidosUS, a leading Latino civil rights organization, called the removal of the CMS guidance part of a "consistent effort to undermine the law for our community in particular and to make coverage out of reach for so many."

"This type of resource conducted in a culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate way has proven effective in enrolling the Latino community and other underserved communities," Lopez said in an interview. He said it was important to "build upon gains" that have resulted for the Latino population following the implementation of the ACA, "not reverse them."

Rachel Bergman, director of the Sunlight Foundation's Web Integrity Project and author of the report, called the removal a "piece of the puzzle of limited marketing, limited outreach under this administration."

Bergman also challenged CMS's explanation that the material was out of date. She said one bullet point on the presentation referring to the ACA's individual mandate, which was repealed as part of the GOP tax overhaul last year, was the only thing that stood out to her as "out of date."

In response to a question about whether the agency planned to update outdated content on its site, a spokesman told me: "CMS will continue to review and update website information as necessary to ensure all Americans have the resources to select a health plan that best fits their individual needs."

The Sunlight report also pointed out that around the same time the change was made, the Trump administration announced a proposal to change the "public charge" rule, which could make it harder for legal immigrants to gain citizenship if they have used public welfare programs.

My colleague Colby Itkowitz reported in The Health 202 earlier this year the "mere suggestion of the expanded policy has already had a 'real chilling effect' on immigrants using health-care services."

In an interview about open enrollment in New Jersey last week, Raymond Castro, director of health policy at progressive group New Jersey Policy Perspective, told me there was concern about whether the public charge proposal could impact enrollment. He said the proposal "does not include subsidies in the ACA exchange, but a lot of people don't know that."

Maura Collinsgru, health-care program director for New Jersey Citizen Action, a longtime ACA advocate, said the administration's actions "go to promoting an agenda this administration seems to have to discourage inclusion, the full inclusion of Latinos and immigrants in all aspects of our economy and our communities."

She added, "to target health care within some of those changes I think is an egregious act."
A major winter storm unleashed its assault on the Southeast on Sunday, draping southern states with snow and ice as forecasters warned of treacherous travel conditions, flooding and power outages.

As snow fell from northeastern Georgia into central North Carolina, winter storm warnings stretched to portions of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. The National Weather Service said significant snowfall accumulations are expected across the southern Appalachians and the adjacent Piedmont of North Carolina and south-central Virginia, with a foot of snow possible through Sunday night. By Sunday afternoon, some cities in North Carolina had received more than 14 inches of snow.

The governors of North Carolina and Virginia declared states of emergency and more than 1,700 flights were canceled Sunday across the United States. Nearly half a million people were reported without power in the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Duke Energy reported more than 240,000 outages in North Carolina and 170,000 in South Carolina on Sunday afternoon. In Virginia, Appalachian Power was reporting nearly 20,000 outages.

In York County, South Carolina, three men who were found unconscious and not breathing inside a home are believed to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Officials said they found a generator being worked on inside the home, according to The Associated Press.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, D, urged residents to stay off the roads as the massive winter storm brought the state to standstill Sunday. Emergency crews, including the National Guard, had worked overnight to clear crashes on major interstates, Cooper said at a news conference Sunday. The North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to more than 500 crashes and 1,100 calls for service Sunday and one tractor-trailer ran off a road and into a river, Cooper said.

In Virginia, state police responded to more than 140 crashes and dozens of calls for disabled vehicles across western, southern and central Virginia regions impacted by the storm. State Police said the snow was coming down faster than the state crews could keep up with midday Sunday that the interstate 81 in Washington County became impassable. Several tractor-trailers slid off the highway and other vehicles became stuck, police said.

"Please stay off the road and delay your travel until the highways are clear," Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said.

Officials said they were concerned about freezing rain in Charlotte, North Carolina, and along the I-85 corridor and in the southern mountains. Ice accumulation was creating hazardous driving conditions and increasing the potential for more power outages.

"Enjoy the beauty, but respect the danger," Cooper said. "This storm is treacherous, especially if you try to drive in it. Travel conditions are extremely hazardous. Don't put your life and the lives of first responders at risk by getting out on roads covered with snow and ice."

The Washington region is expected to miss the worst of the snow, according to The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang, with forecasts predicting anywhere from a few flurries to snow showers closer to the metropolitan area. Some areas to the south, in southern Maryland and toward Fredericksburg, Virginia, could see a few inches of snow.

Outside the metropolitan Washington area, forecasts are for ice and snow for the interior Southeast and into portions of the Mid-Atlantic states. Up to eight inches of snow is possible in central and southern Virginia, prompting Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, D, to declare a state of emergency Saturday.

"Travel will be severely affected across much of these areas, and some power outages are likely," the National Weather Service said. "Mixed precipitation and wet snow to the south and east of the heaviest snowfall axis across the coastal plain of the Carolinas and southern Virginia will tend to lower overall accumulations there, but may still disrupt travel."

This storm is likely to have a major impact on roadways, as well as air and rail travel through the start of the workweek.

As of Sunday afternoon, airports in the storm's path were experiencing reduced operations, while south of Washington, intercity rail riders faced disruptions in service, which are expected to continue through Tuesday.

Amtrak canceled service to areas south of Washington starting Saturday and continuing through Tuesday. Some Northeast Regional trains are operating only north of Washington. The changes affect Auto Train, Silver Meteor, Crescent, Carolinian, Piedmont and Silver Star trains, among others.

Amtrak is waiving fees for travelers and said it will accommodate customers on other trains. Airlines, including American and Delta, said travelers can change their flights without penalties for travel to and from the region for trips Sunday and Monday. The severe weather is affecting airports in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

By Sunday afternoon, FlightAware.com reported more than 1,650 Sunday flights had been canceled nationwide, with many of the disruptions in North Carolina. However, that number is expected to rise Sunday afternoon and Monday, with the potential for hundreds of flights to be canceled. Nearly 400 flights Monday were preemptively canceled.

Transportation officials in Maryland and Virginia said they were closely monitoring the conditions Sunday. The Maryland Highway Administration said it had crews ready for a chance of wintry weather developing in southern Maryland and the lower Eastern Shore.

In Virginia, crews were treating roads Sunday in southside, southwest and central Virginia, while officials said crews are ready to treat roads in northern Virginia if the storm makes a shift north.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump asserted Monday that payments to buy the silence of two women about alleged affairs were not illegal campaign contributions, as federal prosecutors contend, but instead a "simple private transaction."

In morning tweets, Trump sought to counter assertions in a court filing Friday that he had directed his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, to try to silence the women in a bid to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Cohen has pleaded guilty to the alleged crime, saying he acted at Trump's direction.

In his tweets, Trump suggested that the payments were being scrutinized only because prosecutors have not been able to find evidence of collusion between his 2016 campaign and Russia. He also appeared to suggest that prosecutors are taking their cues from Democrats.

"So now the Dems go to a simple private transaction, wrongly call it a campaign contribution, which it was not," Trump wrote.

He further asserted that even if the payments could be considered campaign contributions, he should be facing a civil case rather than a criminal case. And he said, Cohen should be held responsible, not him.

"Lawyer's liability if he made a mistake, not me," Trump wrote. "Cohen just trying to get his sentence reduced. WITCH HUNT!"

In the tweets, Trump also twice misspelled "smoking gun" as "smocking gun" as he quoted a commentator on Fox News talking about the Russia probe by special counsel Robert Mueller.

At issue are the payments to two women who alleged sexual relationships with Trump before he ran for president.

In August 2016, Playboy model Karen McDougal reached an agreement with American Media Inc., publishers of the National Enquirer, that ensured she would not share her story about a lengthy relationship with Trump. In October of that year, adult film actress Stormy Daniels received $130,000 to similarly stay quiet about a liaison that she said had occurred a decade before.

Both of those agreements were facilitated by Cohen, as he admitted in court in August when he pleaded guilty to two campaign-finance charges, among others.

Prosecutors argue that because Cohen was an agent of the Trump campaign, the payments to McDougal and Daniels were campaign contributions in excess of federal limits and not unrelated expenditures.

"With respect to both payments, Cohen acted with the intent to influence the 2016 presidential election," Friday's filing from prosecutors in New York says. "Cohen coordinated his actions with one or more members of the campaign, including through meetings and phone calls, about the fact, nature, and timing of the payments. In particular, and as Cohen himself has now admitted, with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of Individual-1."

Elsewhere, filings from prosecutors make clear that Individual-1 refers to Trump.

In trying to make the case that the payments to McDougal and Daniels should be a civil matter, rather than a criminal case, Trump pointed to a civil fine paid by President Barack Obama's campaign in 2013.

In April 2012, the Federal Election Commission released an audit of Obama's 2008 campaign that found that his committee did not disclose the identities of 1,312 donors responsible for nearly $2 million in contributions in the final weeks of the campaign.

Under federal election law, campaigns must file special notices to the FEC of last-minute contributions of $1,000 or more that are received in the final weeks before Election Day.

Eight months after the audit, Obama's campaign agreed to pay a $375,000 fine, which was one of the largest penalties in the agency's history.

- - -

The Washington Post's Philip Bump and Michelle Ye Hee Lee contributed to this report.
For people you spend 40 hours per week with, coworkers can be remarkably tough to shop for. You want to get them something personal, of course. But how personal is too personal? If Will wears a lot of crazy socks, would he want more? Or is buying clothing for coworkers over the line? Bob, who bikes to work, might like a rear light -- but he also might see it as a sign of over-protectiveness.

Related: 8 Ways to Stop Stressing and Start Enjoying the Holidays

Theres one vein of gifts, though, that nobody at work will mind you tapping -- stress reduction. Stress is the blood that circulates the office body. Although it concentrates in particularly active areas, it fills every appendage. Its so common, in fact, that 87 percent of U.S. workers lose sleep over work at least occasionally, an Accountemps study published this past March showed.

Gifts that slay stress.

No matter how well they hide it, nearly all of your work friends are stressed out. The question is, which gift aligns best with each persons source of stress?

1. "WTF!? (Willing to Fail)"

Fear of failure is a workplace epidemic. This past April, an Ernst & Young survey found that just one in four American workers felt they had permission to fail at work.

If its clear that the stress to succeed is getting to someone on your team, get them this book by Brian Scudamore. In it, the founder and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK reveals that he was plagued by panic attacks throughout his first decade in business. In time, however, he learned to accept failure. Eventually, he even started to see it as an ally.

For example, Scudamore shares a story about how hed hired a few franchisees rashly when he was trying to get his brand off the ground. That mistake turned out to be the seed of Scudamores hiring philosophy -- searching tirelessly for the right person, even if it means leaving a role unfilled.

2. A virtual assistant subscription

Theres a reason so many executives hire an assistant: When youre working full time, there truly isnt enough time in the day to get everything done.

If you have a colleague whos always rushing to their next task, consider hiring them some help. A virtual assistant may not be able to take their meetings for them, but you might be surprised at what a VA can do. From sorting emails to booking appointments to transcribing voicemails, VAs can tackle those in-between tasks that tend to pile up during busy periods.

Arent VA services too expensive for a casual gift? Not necessarily. Fancy Hands offers a gift plan that includes five tasks per month for two months for just $60. If thats still too much, offer to take a few tasks from them yourself.

Related: Holiday 2018 Spending Could Reach $1 Trillion. Here's Other Eye-Popping Numbers You Need to Know.

3. "Grit"

Sometimes, the best remedy for stress is a reminder that persistence pays off. Written by Angela Duckworth, the daughter of a scientist who derided her lack of genius -- whos now a university professor -- Grit is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

Think of this New York Times bestseller as a character study in success. Grit takes the reader to visit freshmen at West Point, finalists in the National Spelling Bee, and executives like JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon. Duckworth weaves their stories together into a refreshing argument for tenacity over talent.

Who at work most needs this book? Look for the hard worker who lacks confidence in his or her skills. Someone whos suffered a recent setback, such as a demotion, might be a particularly smart choice.

4. A magnetic decision maker

Should you go out for lunch today? Are the more expensive pens worth it? Should you catch your manager before she leaves or wait until tomorrow to ask for time off?

Every day, you make dozens of decisions at work that dont actually matter. The trouble is, every one of them creates decision fatigue, which can leave you feeling drained when it comes time to make mission-critical choices.

Although your boss probably wouldnt like you, or any other employee, making big calls by means of a magnetic ball, she shouldnt mind you leaving the smaller ones up to fate. Get this gift for the indecisive person on your team. If he cant decide whether he likes it, tell him to test it out.

Related: The Yes, No and Maybe of Office Gift Giving

5. An under-desk elliptical

Believe it or not, exercise works about as well as medication for reducing anxiety symptoms. Plus, its free, feels good, and has essentially no negative side effects

If theres someone on your team who seems frazzled all the time, consider getting them this gift. Just be sure you know the recipient well. At $87, its a bit more expensive than other gifts on this list. Remember, too, that gifting exercise equipment can also stir unintended implications about the receivers weight or health habits.

You may not be the gift guru of your office, but you can bet everyone could do with a little less stress. Now, you just need to pair gifts with the right people, order them on time, wrap them, hide them until the big reveal, and be a gracious gifter. Stressed out? Go ahead -- get one of each for yourself.

Related:

Holiday Gift? Forget the Jewelry or SmartTV. Instead, Give the Gift of Cannabis.

What Your Stressed-Out Officemates May Value Most This Holiday Season

Don't Let Product Returns Eat Into Your Online Profits This Holiday Season



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Under a plea agreement with prosecutors in exchange for a less-than-maximum prison sentence, a woman charged with murder in the 2014 retaliation killing of Jose Luis Pee Wee Menchaca testified Monday that she lured him to where he was savagely beaten, suffocated and dismembered.

Candie Dominguez, testifying for the prosecution in handcuffs, told a jury at the retrial of admitted Mexican Mafia affiliate Gabriel Moreno that she participated in the cutting and incineration of Menchacas body after he was beaten with baseball bats and a metal pipe.

Moreno, 36, listened passively to her account. Prosecutors and defense attorneys finished their cases Monday. Closing arguments are expected to begin Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the 379th district court.

RELATED: Witness said bloody scene at San Antonio home like 'a horror movie'

Dominguez, 39, said she signed an agreement in June 2016 with Bexar County prosecutors that would limit her prison time to no more than 30 years in exchange for a guilty plea to murder and for her truthful testimony in any legal proceedings against Moreno and her boyfriend, Daniel Moreno Lopez, 32.

Both men were charged with murder. A jury found Lopez guilty earlier this year and he was sentenced to life in prison last month.

If convicted, Moreno also faces life in prison. His first trial ended in a mistrial in March after the jury deadlocked.

Morenos defense attorney, Albert Gutierrez Jr., calmly hammered at Dominguezs credibility on the stand Monday, beginning questions with phrases such as, In your version of the truth

All four years (since the murder), Ive never changed my story, Dominguez testified.

But you admitted on the stand that you lied to the police, Gutierrez countered.

Yes, Dominguez said, nodding toward prosecutors, but not in the (court) case.

RELATED: Judge sentences San Antonio killer who cut up, burned man's remains

Last week, state District Judge Ron Rangel denied Gutierrezs motion for a mistrial. Gutierrez had charged prosecutors with witness tampering for taking defense witness Lisa Trevino into a private conference to question her hours before her scheduled testimony.

Trevino, who is on parole and did not have an attorney with her during the impromptu interview, was reportedly cooperative with prosecutors in detailing her account of Menchacas killing, but later in the courtroom, after Rangel appointed a lawyer to advise her, she declined to testify, invoking her Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate herself.

They had no intention of using her as a witness, Gutierrez told the court Friday. And it was only then that her attitude began to change and she wanted to take the Fifth. Now I havent been able to talk with her.

District Attorneys Office investigator Anthony Rodriguez testified that when Trevino left the courthouse last Wednesday he watched as she encountered her two uncles, both of whom signed prison documents attesting to their Mexican Mafia affiliation.

Said Rodriguez: When they saw Lisa, they said, You dont testify. You take the Fifth.

Bruce Selcraig is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read his stories on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | BSelcraig@express-news.net
A draft bylaw that defines the number of sites across Auckland where freedom camping is allowed is out for consultation.

Council has assessed more than 1000 council-controlled sites, which has led to the inclusion of 422 sites, including 43 in Rodney, where freedom camping is proposed to be prohibited or restricted.

Under the draft bylaw, enforcement officers will be able to issue a $200 infringement fine to anyone who breaches a prohibition or restriction.

Consultation closes on February 18.

Info: ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Farmers silage could be helping local schools this season, thanks to a national fundraising promotion being run by a company that imports and distributes plastic wrapping for the stock feed bales.

Grevillia AG NZ is donating $10 for every roll of its Agri Stretch Crystal transparent bale wrap sold, and farmers and contractors can nominate their school of choice to receive the funding boost.

Northern North Island representative Kevin Scott says the European-made transparent silage wrap is a premium quality wrap that costs no more than comparable wrap, but has benefits including being able to see whats happening to silage as it ages and contributes less visual pollution than block colour bales that can be seen for miles. He says its also much easier to recycle, and even contains a sunscreen.

Some people have a perception that UV rays will damage the silage, but it has a patented UV filter in the plastic thats basically like putting a high-grade sunscreen on your body. I trialled some when it first came in four seasons ago, stored it three years outside in the sun and it was perfect, the plastic didnt break down at all and inside was perfect, Kevin says.

Not only do we want to promote this leading-edge technology to the wider farming community, but we also want to give something back to the local rural community through the schools.

Any farmer or grazier who would like to raise some money for their local school by using Crystal this season should let their silage contractor know, or contact Grevillia AG NZ on 0508 473845 or Kevin Scott on 027 521 8991.
Hibiscus & Bays youngest local board member, Caitlin Watson, is exchanging summer at the beach for a month doing volunteer work in Uganda.

The 20-year-old says her enjoyment of helping out in different parts of the developing world began when she was 15 and went to Tanzania with other Kingsway School students to teach and provide some resources.

I loved hanging with the kids, she says. While you are learning about their culture we also shared ours, which included performing a Maori song which the kids loved.

Last summer she spent a few days in Peru, volunteering at an orphanage.

Next month, Caitlin will head to Uganda with 19 other young people as part of a Purpose Projects initiative. This is only the second group that Purpose Projects has taken to Uganda  the charitable organisation was started recently by Laura Robinson, a 22-year-old who wanted to provide a volunteer platform for young adults in communities that need help.

Caitlin says the key project they will work on is building a school for 1000 students in the community of Kkboa. She will also work on various community programmes and says her recently acquired BA in Political and International Relations, and work as a local board member, also give her a keen interest in finding out about the local politics of a place.

Every participant raises $5000, half of which covers costs and half goes towards building the new school.

Once the local board has had its last meeting, this week, Caitlin says she will be able to focus on raising the money for the school, which she hopes to do by holding a Quiz Night and selling Christmas gift cards.

She has also opened a Givealittle page, called Building a School in Uganda Purpose Projects and says any donations are greatly appreciated as every dollar donated goes to the Ugandan school project.
A sold-out theatre at Matakana Cinemas for a one-off showing of New Zealand film Stray has put an extra $1300 into the Mahurangi River Restoration Trust (MRRT).

More than 100 people attended the showing, each paying $20 for a ticket.

The cheque was handed over to MRRT campaign manager Kathryn Ashworth by Warkworth Rotary member Terry Nuthall.
Fiddlers are being encouraged to sharpen their bows for the annual Scottish Fiddle Competition, which will be held as part of the 148th Waipu Highland Games on January 1.

This year will mark a decade since the competition was re-introduced after a 90-year gap.

Organiser Anne-Marie Forsyth says that as far as she knows, this is the only Scottish fiddle competition in the southern hemisphere.

She says if anyone has any information about the original competition held up until 1908, it would be appreciated if they could pass it on to the Waipu Caledonian Society, which is collecting archives for the 150th Games.

The fiddle judge this year will be Australian Matthew Robertson, who is a Scottish fiddler, composer/arranger, dancer, Scottish country dance teacher and ceilidh caller. Matthew is at the centre of a renaissance of tradition-informed dance music performance in Melbourne and further afield, Anne-Marie says. This will be his first Waipu Games.

Fiddlers will compete in beginner, intermediate and advanced categories, and will be judged on musicality, as well as style and technique.

Weve had as few as 10 competitors and as many as 24  its pretty hard to predict how many will enter. They have come from as far away as Blenheim.

While the advanced fiddlers will play a selection of songs, beginners only have to play one Scottish tune so I would really encourage people to give it a try. The best entry will receive a free pass to a Scottish fiddle camp.

The Highland Games start at 9am with the grand entry and street march of band and clans. Events during the day include piping and drumming competitions, field events such as the stone throw, highland hammer and caber toss, highland dancing, Tartan in the Park fashion parade, tug o war and the official Ceilidh.

Info: waipugames.co.nz

Matthew Robertson will be this years judge at the fiddling competition.
As sportsmen and women, we are blessed to live in a state that offers so many outdoor recrea
The inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture will be delivered by former British Prime Minister, Sir John Major, today Monday, December 10 at 4pm in Backstage Theatre, Longford.

Sinead Hussey, multimedia journalist from RTE, will be MC for the event.

Longford County Council, in consultation with the Reynolds family, agreed that a fitting way of remembering Albert's legacy would be by way of an Annual Memorial Lecture on the broad themes of peace, reconciliation and citizenship.

It is appropriate that the lecture is taking place on December 10, in the week of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Downing Street Declaration.

At a commemorative event in Iveagh House five years ago, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Downing Street Declaration, Sir John Major said he and Albert Reynolds risked their careers in 1993.



Signed on December 15, 1993, by Mr Reynolds and then British Prime Minister John Major, the Downing Street Declaration marked a new beginning in Anglo/Irish relations and it paved the way for the August 1994 IRA ceasefire and the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The lecture will be broadcast live on RTE News Now Digital Channel and on the RTE Player.
Former British Prime Minister John Major is currently speaking at the inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture, which is currently ongoing at the Backstage Theatre.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin TD welcomed Sir John Major to Longford in his speech at 4pm and said that it is "a great pleasure" to join in him Longford today in "a very fitting tribute to Albert Reynolds".

"Albert is a man whose reputation has quite rightly continued to grow as the years have gone on. This proud son of Longford was a moderniser and a practical man of action. Through tough economic times he built an international business from scratch," Micheal Martin said.

"As a Minister he was always direct and effective in delivering even the toughest of programmes  indeed as Minister for Posts & Telegraphs he transformed the communication infrastructure in this country, and the programme he implemented was much more complex than projects which today are defined by delay and controversy.

"And of course as Taoiseach he helped complete the foundations for a major and sustained period of peace and economic growth. The Maastricht Treaty and structural funding budget which he negotiated marked a dramatic step forward. He built strong relationships with the Clinton administration and our European partners. Each new challenge was met and overcome through a single-minded focus on the best outcome for all.

"Of course the most important relationship which he built was with our guest today.

"Albert Reynolds and John Major were on the face of it an unlikely partnership. There had been no tradition of close relationships between Taoisigh and Prime Ministers.

"Their immediate predecessors had a famously difficult relationship. Certainly there are few organisations which have shared as little in common as Fianna Fail the Republican Party and the Conservative and Unionist Party.

"Yet the Dublin/London axis led by Albert Reynolds and John Major became so strong that it was capable of making unquestionably historic progress.

"Perhaps part of this is that when you look closer you can see that they actually shared quite a lot in common. Both were from modest backgrounds and did not have the benefit of networks built up through elite education or family connections. Everything they achieved was because of their abilities, and they brought this meritocratic approach to politics.

Read also: Former British Prime Minister, Sir John Major to speak at inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture in Longford today

"They shared an ability to reach beyond traditional barriers and were willing to take risks in the interests of the common good. They knew how to build and use trust. They were certainly not politicians focused on the short-term and image  something which often damaged them at the time but has caused their statures to rise as time proceeds.

"As part of this they were always at their most effective on the issues which mattered the most.

"Albert once said its the little things which trip you up  but he should have said that its the big things that history will remember and for which you will be honoured.

"I think there is a lot which we can learn from the Reynolds/Major partnership which is ever-more relevant for us today. I would like to mention three points in particular.

"First of all is how a strong relationship between Government of Ireland and the British government is pivotal to achieving serious progress on the many issues of concern to both of our countries.

"In the past these contacts had been defined by a focus on the crisis at hand and only erratic ongoing contact. During the Reynolds/Major years an entirely new dynamic developed which was close and confidential  and which set a tone for ministers and staff to follow.

"In fact, the more serious the issue the more likely they were to keep disagreements between themselves quiet and they absolutely never tried to grandstand or speak at each other through the media.

"Of course they had their disagreements, but they respected each other and understood that the United Kingdom and Ireland share so many interests that they should always seek to be close allies.

"In the Council rooms of Brussels or in nearly endless, complex and understandably emotional discussions about Northern Ireland, Downing Street/Merrion Street cooperation achieved great things for the people of these islands.

Also read: Road closure for the Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture

"In later administrations the tradition which they established continued to define relations between the governments. They had shown the way and set a new expectation of their successors.

"The relationship between Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair was built on the Reynolds/Major foundations.

"All who saw it remember how much they understood that peace in Northern Ireland demanded that they work together and set it as an absolute priority.

"The Good Friday Agreement was a victory of leadership and for democratic politics.

"And this approach also continued under Brian Cowen and Gordon Brown. Even though they faced immense political and economic challenges, they remained in constant contact about Northern Ireland and always put peace first.

"At the very height of a financial and economic crisis worse than anything for 70 years, they were always available to lead and to overcome deep crises in Northern Ireland. This included financial packages directed at developing Northern Ireland which both governments had to take tough choices in order to provide.

"The next significant point I think we should remember from the Reynolds/Major partnership is how important Europe has been as a shared space for our countries to develop their relationship.

"It was at meetings of finance ministers that they first got to know each other and started working together on joint concerns.

"As heads of government, EU Council meetings provided the opportunity for them to work together on much wider concerns.

"Any minister in the past four decades will tell you how Irish and UK ministers and officials have worked closely together in Europe and this has helped move forward the unprecedented reconciliation between our countries.

"The loss of this shared forum because of Brexit is an enormous challenge which we need to start addressing.

"The final point which the partnership of Albert Reynolds and John Major should remind us of is the value of substance over presentation in true leadership.

"Both struggled to master rapidly speeding news cycles and the growing demand for a rapid response and judgement on everything. However they kept their eyes firmly fixed on trying to move everyone forward.

Also read: John Major to deliver lecture in Longford in honour of late Taoiseach Albert Reynolds

"The early years of the peace process involved both governments taking significant risks which threatened their short-term political situation.

"Albert Reynolds took tremendous risks investing the full force of his office in trying to drag people who had grown up with an absolute belief in violence as a political weapon towards recognising democracy.

"He had to face-down considerable objections in Dail Eireann and in the media at a time when he had to manage a difficult political situation.

"John Major too took many risks for peace. If you look back at the newspapers from the six months before the Downing Street Declaration you find regular commentary about how he would supposedly not be able to achieve anything because he needed the votes of Ulster Unionists in the House of Commons.

"This day next month it will be two years since the Assembly and Executive were collapsed over an issue which in terms of scale and substance is nothing in comparison with the challenges that were overcome in the 1990s. Yet the absence of leadership is palpable and the sense of uncertainty about the future is growing.

"Sir John, your presence here today to give the Inaugural Albert Reynolds lecture is a great and worthy tribute to Albert and it is a reminder to us all of the values and leadership shown by both of you at a critical moment in our history.

"I have no doubt that were he here today Albert would want us to acknowledge your passionate advocacy for Northern Ireland during the Brexit referendum when so many others ignored it and also how you have been a steady, reasoned and determined advocate for limiting the damage of that terrible campaign.

"Once again, thank you for attending today and for honouring the spirit and achievements of Albert Reynolds."
Large crowds flocked to the Backstage Theatre today to attend the inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture, which featured very special guest and former British Prime Minister, Sir John Major.

Also speaking at the lecture was Minister Heather Humphreys, whose speech is below:

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am very glad to be here and I want to express my appreciation to Longford County Council for the invitation to speak on behalf of the Government.

This evening has been a welcome and fitting occasion to remember former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds.

We are here in the mid-Western heartland that was Alberts home with his wife Kathleen and their family for many years.

This is also of course the Longford-Westmeath constituency that Albert Reynolds represented in the Dail for 25 years with great pride, dedication and skill.

I want to acknowledge Kathleen and the other members of the Reynolds family who are in attendance this evening.

I know that this is a proud and emotional occasion for you, as we recognise and remember Albert and what he achieved in his political life, with your support every step of the way.

I know that the Reynolds family are so pleased, as am I, that the address this evening was given by former British Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Sir John Major.

I am sure that everyone agrees that there is simply no one more fitting than Sir John to deliver this inaugural memorial lecture, given the close and historic relationship that he and Albert Reynolds fostered in the early 90s, as they led the British and Irish governments in partnership in one of the most critical and important phases of the Peace Process.

Sir John, I want to express a very sincere thank you on behalf of the Government for being here this evening, and for sharing your memories of the former Taoiseach and of your historic work together to advance the Peace Process.

You have also shared with us your valuable insights on the current political landscape, and relationships across these islands, as we stand at another critical moment for Ireland, for the United Kingdom, and indeed for Europe.

The Government deeply appreciates your long and enduring friendship with the people of this island, North and South; your deep commitment to peace; and your lasting contribution to the relationship between the UK and Ireland, in all of its many dimensions.

Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin joins Sir John Major in Longford to honour 'the spirit and achievements of Albert Reynolds'

As someone who comes from a minority background just south of the border, I know first-hand the transformation that the Peace Process has brought to peoples lives, first and foremost in Northern Ireland but also in our shared border region, right across the island of Ireland and in the UK.

We have seen, slowly but surely, a lifting of divisions - political, physical and psychological divisions - and the emergence instead of a new dynamic of connection and cooperation.

There are of course issues and challenges to address today, but the principles and the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement will always be the fundamental framework for the Irish Government, as it is for the British Government.

In that context, I would like to briefly add to what has been said already, in Sir Johns address and by Micheal, with some reflections on behalf of the Government on the Downing Street Declaration, as we mark its 25th anniversary.

The Downing Street Declaration was a truly historic moment, the significance of which can only be fully appreciated in retrospect, given all that was able to follow in later years.

It affirmed the principle of consent on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland, and respect for the traditions, identities and legitimate aspirations of both Unionists and Nationalists.

Through the Joint Declaration, the two Governments also confirmed that the only available course for political engagement on the island of Ireland was one of peace, with full acceptance of the democratic process.

We must acknowledge that the Joint Declaration - its language and its vision - was deeply influenced by John Hume, who worked for thirty long years to find a route to peace and reconciliation on our shared island.

History rightly records the close, trusting and productive relationships that John Hume built up with Sir John and with Albert Reynolds, and with successive Taoisigh and Prime Ministers, as a Peace Process gradually moved to fruition.

However, in 1993 there was still a very, very long way to go, and there was no guarantee of a successful outcome.

The horror of the Shankill bomb, the Greysteel attack that October, and the other brutal murders that followed in their wake, were a chilling reminder of the need for a political settlement that would bring an end to the violence and conflict that had stained so many communities across Northern Ireland for so many years.

Northern Ireland truly stood at the brink in those dark days.

Former British Prime Minister, Sir John Major to speak at inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture in Longford today

But leadership  at community level, at political level in Northern Ireland, and between the two Governments represented by Albert and Sir John  found a way through. We are so thankful for the courage they showed at that difficult time.

Sir John has spoken about the simple power of the fact that after twenty-four years of conflict and over seventy-years of partition  there were a set of principles which the British and Irish governments could jointly accept. This had not happened before.

Even at the time, Sir John wrote that it was not designed as a blueprint for a settlement, but it paved the way.

And from our vantage point 25 years later, we can see that you were absolutely right. It really did pave the way. It showed us the way.

The final words of the Declaration are a straightforward joint commitment by the two Governments to continue to work together, unremittingly to lay the foundations for a more peaceful future.

That commitment was no empty promise.

Albert Reynoldss successor as Taoiseach, John Bruton, would work with Sir John in hammering out the important Framework Documents in 1995, to assist discussion between the parties.

The following year, with the appointment of Senator George Mitchell as an independent chair by the two Governments, talks commenced at Castle Buildings in Stormont in 1996.

Ultimately, the Good Friday Agreement was reached in 1998, which secured a lasting peace in Northern Ireland and the transformation of relations across these islands, following the overwhelming endorsement of the Agreement by the people of this island, North and South, in the referendums of 22 May 1998.

The Northern Ireland power-sharing Institutions, as well as the North-South Ministerial Council and the East-West institutions - and the constitutional provisions that were envisaged in the Joint Declaration - were also all agreed through the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

As John Hume has said: When people are divided, the only solution is agreement.

That agreement was definitively reached and endorsed by the people in 1998, but, of course, it was by no means the end of the peace process, which has continued every day since then.

In the two Governments which I have been privileged to serve in since 2011, we have worked in partnership with the British Government and all of the parties in Northern Ireland, on the negotiation and conclusion of the Stormont House Agreement in 2014 and the Fresh Start Agreement in 2015, and on implementation since then.

We have come a very great distance on that journey since 1993, but as everyone here is aware, there are also real challenges to tackle today.

The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have worked tirelessly - with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland - to support the reaching of an agreement on a new power-sharing Executive, following the breakdown in relations in January 2017.

Watch Live | Sir John Major speaks in Longford for the inaugural Albert Reynolds Memorial Lecture

Some might suggest that the wider context is not so supportive of the parties in Northern Ireland reaching the necessary agreement.

However, that same suggestion was made at the time of the Anglo Irish Agreement in 85; the Downing Street Declaration in 93, and indeed in the run-up to the Good Friday Agreement in 98.

The partnership of the two Governments, which underpins the Peace Process, has always succeeded in moving the process forward successfully, and getting the institutions operating again, and we will do so again.

As Sir John has said, we are also at a critical moment in the Article 50 process on the UKs withdrawal from the European Union.

The Withdrawal Agreement that has been endorsed by the European Council, and that was approved by the Dail last week, is now being considered by the UK Parliament.

The Irish Government of course respects that process.

It is for the UK Parliament to decide on whether it can accept this deal.

However, it is important that all of us take our responsibility in order to see this deal ratified.

The Withdrawal Agreement is the best way of ensuring an orderly exit, which is in everyones interest.

The negotiations have been difficult and long, with flexibility and compromise shown on both sides.

Irelands key objectives for this stage in the negotiations - the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the avoidance of a hard border on the island of Ireland - have been achieved.

The Agreement also secures the transition period, which is hugely important in giving certainty to citizens and businesses.

There is also agreement on the rights of EU and UK citizens, as well as on the financial settlement.

The Government hopes that we can now look ahead to the future relationship and focus on the considerable work that is required to agree it.

It is very welcome also that, in the Political Declaration on the future EU-UK relationship, both sides express the hope that this should be as deep and comprehensive as possible.

The Government will continue to work to see that achieved in the next phase of the negotiations.

On a final note, I would like to acknowledge that the European Union has played a very important part in the Peace Process, and in how our two Governments have worked together over the last four decades.

Indeed, this was an important element in the Downing Street Declaration in 1993, which referred to the significance of European integration for the Peace Process with Ireland and the United Kingdom as partners in the European Union.

While we therefore regret the decision of the UK to leave the European Union, it is one that we accept.

The Withdrawal Agreement between EU and the UK will protect the Good Friday Agreement, and the Declaration on the Future Relationship affirms that this will remain a huge consideration.

That is critically important.

However, Ireland and the UK will also have to find new ways to maintain the cooperation that was formed and honed between us in the European Union.

The Irish and British Governments - through the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference - are now working to ensure that the high level of bilateral co-operation between us is maintained and strengthened following the exit of the UK from the EU.

So, the context will be changed after Brexit, but the commitment and the goals of the Irish and British Governments to protect all that we have achieved through the Peace Process - and more broadly over recent decades - could not be firmer.

The promise made by Sir John as Prime Minister and Albert Reynolds as Taoiseach 25 years ago  that our two Governments would work in unremitting partnership - was a brave and necessary one, which has been honoured.

In honouring it, we have helped to build peace for a rising generation who have known nothing else.

But the vision of the Declaration was for a more peaceful and harmonious future, devoid of violence and bitter divisions.

That prize is still to be fully won.

That partnership is still necessary.

That promise must still be kept.

And it will be.

That is the message that I would like to conclude with on this evening, 25 years since the Downing Street Joint Declaration. Here with Sir John and in the home place of Albert Reynolds.

Thank you, Sir John, for being here and for your wonderful address this evening.

And thank you to Longford County Council for your excellent initiative and the opportunity to participate in this inaugural occasion in memory of Iar-Thaoiseach, Albert Reynolds.

Ar dheis De a anam dilis.
The Lebanese media  including TV, radio, print and online  is mainly owned by a dozen powerful families and major political parties. As a result, these factions, and sometimes their foreign backers, are in control of the information consumed by Lebanese citizens, leading to increased polarization. Many of the families are closely associated with political parties, such as the Hariri, Aoun, Tueni, Edde*, Pharaon*, Fares, Mikati, Murr, Salam, Khayat, Khazen and Daher-Saad familiies. While media companies are required by law to be transparent about their shareholders and financing, some are developing especially opaque ownership models that make it impossible to gain accurate information.

The Samir Kassir Foundation and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) revealed these findings during a press conference on December 6 at the Riviera Hotel in Beirut for the launch of an online platform called the Media Ownership Monitor Lebanon. The study covered 37 Lebanese media outlets and is available in English and Arabic at : lebanon.mom-rsf.org

Gisele Khoury and Ayman Mhanna of the Samir Kassir Foundation attended the event as well as Olaf Steenfadt and Lea Auffarth from RSF. The goal of the project was to promote transparency and diversity in Lebanons media.





78 percent of the audience

The studys findings were not surprising, but they are an important reminder that an independent and diverse media that supports an array of opinions and allows people to criticize the powerful is one of the cornerstones of a healthy democracy.

"To assess the reliability of an information, the people must know who is broadcasting it", said the joint statement. And "journalists, to be able to work properly, must know who controls the company that employs them". And last but not least, because "the media regulation authorities can not remedy to the excessive concentration of the media if they do not know who directs them".

The report looked at the 37 media outlets in Lebanon with the largest market shares. Among these, a handful attracted a disproportionate amount of the audience, threatening the possibility for diversity. The four most important channels (LBCI, al-Jadeed, MTV and OTV) commanded 78.1 percent of the TV audience. These channels are owned, respectively, by the Daher-Saad, Khayat, Murr and Aoun families.

The same pattern appears in print media. The four largest Arabic language daily newspapers (al-Joumhouria, an-Nahar, al-Akhbar and ad-Diyar) command 77.9 percent of readership. Their main shareholders, respectively, are Michel Elias Murr, the Hariri and Tueni families, Ibrahim Al Amine and Charles Ayoub.

Finally, the four largest radio stations (VDL 93.3, Radio Liban Libre, Sawt el-Mada and VDL 100.5) reach 72 percent of listeners. Respectively, they are owned by the Khazen family, the Lebanese Forces, Elias Bou Saab and the Kataeb party.

Compared to 16 other countries that were part of RSFs Media Ownership Monitor report, which was funded by the German government, Lebanon has the highest rate of political affiliation with media outlets. Twenty nine out of the 37 outlets studied were owned by the government, members of parliament, current or former ministers or political parties. "Show us what your media looks like, we'll tell you which country you belong to," Steenfadt, of RSF, said during the press conference.

All of Lebanons TV news channels are politically affiliated, he added, as well as 93.5 percent of the written press and 79.3 percent of radio stations. The same trend appears for online outlets as well, although at a lower rate.









How to get around the monopoly ban

Nothing in Lebanese law prohibits politicians from also being involved with media. Some restrictions imposed by the Law 382 of 1994 only prevent monopolies of ownership in the audiovisual media. "Restrictions that politicians easily bypass by giving shares to members of their families or relatives," said Mhanna, from the Samir Kassir Foundation.

Of all the political families with media ownership stakes, the Hariri family was the only one with shares in print, online, TV and radio. At the same time, 43 percent of the media outlets in the Media Ownership Monitoring report has at least one member of the 12 families mentioned at the beginning of this article sitting on their board of director. These families also have strong relationships with each other and share political and familial interests, as the report shows.

"The print media market remains closed... given the virtual impossibility for a newcomer to acquire a license," Mhanna said.

While its almost impossible to obtain a new license, close to 60 political publications have kept their licenses despite having stopped publishing.

To improve the situation, Mhanna said that its necessary "to work for an effective transparency of the media when it comes to their shareholding and their financing, to apply the legislation in its entirety, and to release the market of the exclusive licenses for the written press."





* The main shareholders of L'Orient-Le Jour are former minister Michel Edde and his grandchildren (38 percent), the Choueiri group (22.7 percent) and the family of the former minister Michel Pharaon (15.49 percent). The latters shares are distributed as follows: Pharaon directly holds 2.6 percent of the shares, his sister, Nayla De Freige, holds 1.7 percent, the Pharaon Holding SAL has 11 percent and Libano-Suisse Insurance Consulting has 0.2 percent.





(The French version of this article was publishedon December the 7th in L'Orient-Le Jour)






SPRINGFIELD -- Doughnuts -- or donuts -- aren't in the Dunkin' name anymore, but a glass-fronted cabinet of them is front and center in the Dunkin' Brands store of the future unveiled Monday at Springfield College.

"Gotta have them," said Jennifer Perry, operations manager for Dunkin' Brands and its Springfield-area stores. "And what's new, the doughnuts are up front facing the public. Sometimes it can be hard to see them in the back."

The new store, which opened last week in the Union Station Food Court area of the Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, also features a nitrogen-charged tap system for Dunkin's new cold brew coffees. The new food trend is to charge iced coffee with nitrogen to give at a creamy texture. Think of a Guinness beer.

This new Dunkin' also has the latest technology for brewing coffee both hot and iced and for making espressos, including macchiatos.

"It's all state-of the-art-back there," said David Ingala, food service director for Aramark at Springfield College. "I think this new location has the most efficient machine possible. We can move a lot more people through the line. You need the people working here, obviously, but the old equipment was slowing us down."

The new equipment also automates the dispensing and mixing of flavorings, he said.

Dunkin' Brands, based in Canton, introduced the new espresso drinks this fall as part of its ongoing competition with Starbucks for you coffee dollar. Aramark and Springfield College offer Starbucks coffee elsewhere on campus.

But Dunkin' seems to win the coffee war at Springfield College.

The line at the old Dunkin' Donuts location in the campus union sometimes stretched out the door and up the stairs, said Emily Thibaud, of Charlton, a graduate student in the physician assistant program.

"It's definitely popular on campus," she said.

She tried out the new nitro coffee.

"It's good," she said.

Iced coffee is very popular on campus, said Anne Fountain, the retail manager for Aramark. Before the Dunkin' store closed for three days so staffers could train on the new equipment, students bought three or four iced coffees each and stashed them in their dorm refrigerators.

"They didn't want to go without," Fountain said.

Perry said Springfield College got the new Dunkin' because it was ready to renovate at the same time the new design was ready. She said to expect the new Dunkin' concept at other locations in the Springfield area over the next year or so.

Connecticut and Boston-area stores already have the nitro equipment, Dunkin' says.

Aramark makes the doughnuts on site, something that won't happen at all the Dunkin' locations even with the new concept, Perry said.

And it couldn't have opened soon enough.

Next week is finals week.
Even before getting a shout-out from Oprah, Hilliard's Chocolates was already doing well.

In recent years, the chocolatier relocated its brick-and-mortar locations to Norwell and Mansfield, giving the business more visibility. That growth prompted Hilliard's to start building a new 13,000-square-foot commercial kitchen in Easton. "Bursting at the seams" is how co-owner Judy Hilliard McCarthy described it.

The expansion started a process that recently landed Hilliard's on Oprah's Favorite Things List, giving the Massachusetts candy shop some national recognition. Hilliard McCarthy spoke with the Boston Business Journal about being named.

How did you make it on to Oprah's list?

Knowing we have this big project (building a new kitchen), we engaged a local marketing company to help us determine how to increase our sales, now that we need to be growing even more. They introduced us to some mass-market people, and they introduced us to Oprah and asked us to send samples to Oprah's people. So we sent samples and then they asked us to turn (in) some more, and we said, 'Oh! They're interested.' The next thing you know, we got an email that we were selected. A lot of people are introducing products. It was the first time we did anything like that and we were so shocked. I understand when you send samples you don't always hear back. So to do it our first time trying it is unbelievable.

Did Oprah's people do the selection, or did Oprah actually try your candy?

She actually tastes and tries everything. She puts her name on it. And she liked the packaging of it. We developed a wooden box for our signature product, which is what we sent to her along with peppermint and Hanukkah bark. They wanted it in the new wooden box.

What did you do when you found out?

We got an email several weeks before it was announced. We were sworn to secrecy. They announce it on Good Morning America in the morning, that this list would come out, and the magazine came out Nov. 20. We had the option if we wanted to sell the products on Amazon, which we've never done before, but it's a good idea because so many people around the country had never heard of (us). So we started selling the two products (on Amazon). It's something different for us. Our local brand has been selling really well, with gifts and Christmas and corporate orders. People are liking the local, authentic product to give as gift. It's what we do, but it's nice to know we can expand our audience to a broader market nationwide. Our website is off the charts right now. For us, it's a nice shot in the arm.

How much have sales grown?

We're up for November by 10-20 percent. It's only three weeks until Christmas and this is when people come out shopping. Up until now, Hanukkah bark has been outselling the Christmas bark. It's the same bark but different-colored peppermint. The Hanukkah bark sold fairly well, but now people have discovered it because it's new and different for Hanukkah. But once this week is over, we anticipate it to flip-flop.

Prior to being named to Oprah's list, how much had business grown since last year?

We're looking at 7-8 percent up this year. The true test will be three weeks from now, the end of our fiscal year. It's been very busy, but we're handling it well. We had plenty of time to prepare. All my family members and general manager knew about (the Oprah list). We couldn't even tell our staff. In the age of social media, if one person tells one person it can go viral. We wanted to abide by everything. But in the meantime, I was ordering tons of wooden boxes, ribbons, all the ingredients for the bark. We gave them huge numbers to start making and the employees were looking at it thinking that was a lot. The day before it was announced, we let them in on it, the afternoon before. So far we've been able to manage orders and stock up stores. So far, so good.

How many orders of the bark have you sold since being named?

Through Amazon we've sold 800 orders. Some are multiple boxes. And our website, I haven't been able to look, but a comparable amount. It's still early because everyone waits. We do 25 percent of our yearly business in the month of December. People want to do multiple gifts. It's not like Valentine's Day when people come in for one to two people.

How many employees do you have, and will all this growth mean hiring more?

It is seasonal. Right now we probably have about 80. A good deal are part-time. This is very labor intensive. We do make everything in small batches. It takes a lot of hands. Eventually we will be (hiring more). With the new notoriety we will get from Oprah and the national exposure -- the trend of our business has been growing, so we're anticipating a lot more growth.

This article first appeared on the Boston Business Journal, an affiliate publication of MassLive.
Buddy the Elf is back on the streets of Boston. But this time he's picking pillow fights for a good cause.

Brendan Sullivan, a Boston-area firefighter EMT, became famous quickly after challenging strangers in the streets of Boston to pillow fights dressed as Buddy the Elf. Yep, the yellow tights and everything.

Now, when viewers watch the second video "ROUND 2: Pillow Fights with Strangers ft. Buddy the Elf and JOVIE!" they will have the option to donate to Make-A-Wish.

"Today only will I have the donation button attached to the video. Make-A-Wish is one of my favorite charities to donate to every year. They help children and families with illnesses fulfill their wishes," Sullivan wrote in the caption to the video.

To spice things up even further, Sullivan also brings a special guest along with him dressed as Jovie in Elf, the character played by Zooey Deschanel in the movie.

If you'd like to make a donation, visit Sullivan's alias page "Brendan Edwards" here.
Massachusetts is the sole state reporting geographically widespread flu activity for the week ending Dec. 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which began tracking the 2018-2019 influenza season in October.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Health, five of the seven regions of the state reported increased influenza-like illnesses with two regions - Outer Metro Boston and the West - reporting low ILI activity.

This reflects visits to outpatient centers for influenza-related symptoms.

All regions of the commonwealth had laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu for a total of 99 for the week, and a year-to-date total of 342. Last year's total at this time in the new flu season was 188.

Some 27 states are reporting regional or local flu activity for the week ending Dec. 1, according to the CDC. The nine states with regional activity include California, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.

While 22 states report only sporadic influenza activity, the CDC said the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like-illness has been at the national baseline for two consecutive weeks. This means, it said that there "were excess visits to health care providers most likely caused by influenza."

While flu activity is elevated in parts of the country, the CDC says on its website that "it's too early to say the 2018-2019 flu season has started nationally."

Since October 1, the CDC said there have been 383 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations. This is a cumulative overall rate of 1.3 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in the United States.

The highest hospitalization rates are among people 65 years and older - 3.3 per 100,000 - and children younger than 5 years - 3.3 per 100,000 - followed by adults aged 50 to 64 years at 1.4 per 100,000.

During most seasons, according to the CDC, children younger than 5 years and adults 65 years and older have the highest hospitalization rates.

CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

More than 160 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed this season.

The CDC estimates that during the 2017-2018 season there were 49 million flu illnesses, 960,000 flu hospitalizations and 79,000 flu deaths.
VATICAN CITY - Thanks to a collaboration between Pennsylvania's Villanova University and the Vatican, there is now a high-resolution, three-dimensional, interactive virtual reality tour of Pope Francis' private chapel.

According to the college's student newspaper, students under the direction of Frank Klassner, Villanova computer science professor and coordinator of its virtual reality Laboratory, worked on the project with two of the computer science students based at the Vatican as interns.

According to the article, a motorized rigged camera took more than 800 photographs of the chapel on the second floor of the Apostolic Palace that Klassner and his team visited three times. The photos were digitally spliced together and color corrected as part of the process of creating the virtual tour that is described as more expanded than one done by the Vatican in 2005.

The Apostolic Palace dates to 1450. It is the official residence of the popes, though Francis elected not to use it as his office and lives in a suite at Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican guest house at the edge of the city named after St. Martha. Francis does recite the Angelus prayer on Sundays and holy days from the palace apartment window overlooking St. Peter's Square.

The Vatican has described its chapel as a "visible sign of communion between the Eastern and Western Churches" as its mosaics represent both sacred art traditions exhibited by Catholic churches in both rites.

Formerly named the Matilde Chapel, Pope John Paul II, who had a special devotion to Mary, Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church, renamed it Redemptoris Mater Chapel - from the Latin for Mother of the Redeemer - and had it renovated in 1996 under the direction of the Jesuit theologian and artist Marko Ivan Rupnik, who has served as director of the Atelier of Spiritual Art of the Aletti Center in Rome.

By clicking on the icons for information and text in the virtual tour, the viewer receives interpretations of the mosaics that celebrate the beliefs and saints of both Eastern and Western traditions.

Klassner and the Vatican Museum are said to be working on a virtual tour of Castel Sant'Angelo, the summer residence of the popes.
A Boston woman has been arraigned in connection with a Revere crash that claimed the life of 5-year-old Adrianna Mejia-Rivera and critically injured an infant Sunday.

Autumn Harris, 42, of Beacon Hill was arraigned in Chelsea District Court Monday on charges of motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Authorities say Harris was behind the wheel of a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox that left the roadway and hit five pedestrians on a sidewalk shortly before 5 p.m. The Suffolk District Attorney's Office said the group was along the median strip of Route 145 near North Shore Road.

Harris allegedly told investigators that she had consumed one beer earlier in the afternoon and that she had taken prescription and over-the-counter medication to help her sleep the night before, the district attorney's office said.

Harris also told investigators that she had only slept two hours before working all day Sunday, and that she had vaped CBD oil in the vehicle and that she might have nodded off at the wheel, authorities said.

"There are no words to describe our sorrow for this innocent child and her family," District Attorney John P. Pappas said. "We will follow the evidence wherever it leads and we will do our level best to speak on their behalf in the wake of this devastating tragedy."

Mejia-Rivera, identified for the first time Monday afternoon, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 2-month-old child was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where she remains in the Intensive Care Unit, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Authorities said the adult victims were hospitalized with less serious injures, as was Harris' passenger, a 30-year-old female.

The district attorney's office said that Harris was unable to take a breath test. Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood sample and her cell phone to help determine whether she was impaired or distracted at the time of the collision.

Judge Matthew Machera set Harris' bail at $10,000, the amount recommended by Assistant District Attorney Masai King. Machera further ordered Harris to remain drug- and alcohol-free if she posts that amount.
A Boston woman is facing multiple charges after hitting a mother and two small children with her vehicle Sunday evening.

Police were called to the vicinity of North Shore Road in Revere shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday after police say a vehicle veered off the roadway at Route 145, hitting five pedestrians.

The pedestrians were two adult women, a young girl, toddler and infant. Emergency responders were called to the scene, where they determined one of the children, the five-year-old girl, had died at the scene. The two-month-old infant was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Both adult women and the toddler hit were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with minor to non-life threatening injuries.

Massachusetts State Police have identified the driver of the vehicle involved - a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox - as Autumn L. Harris, a 42-year-old resident of Boston. She has been charged with motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation into the crash continues.
A Boston College student was arrested by campus police Saturday after allegedly writing racist graffiti in a residence hall on campus Sunday night, according to reports.

The Boston Globe reports that the student was arrested by campus police and suspended after allegedly writing racial epithets on furniture, walls, blinds, a whiteboard, and a bathroom mirror. The graffiti was found in the basement and a bathroom in Welch Hall, Jack Dunn, the college's spokesman, told the newspaper.

Dunn did not identify the student but said he had also discharged a fire extinguisher in a different residence hall Saturday. He also faces charges for assaulting a campus police officer during his arrest, Dunn told The Boston Globe.

The graffiti has been removed, Dunn told the newspaper. The student has been committed for a psychological evaluation, Dunn told the Globe.

Students from FACES, an anti-racist organization on campus, released a statement on Facebook Sunday decrying what they called "anti-black graffiti." Black students make up only 4 percent of the student body, the group wrote on Facebook.

"It is up to the remaining 96% of the student body to ensure that this is not the environment we are fostering for black students. To stay silent in this or to be indifferent, as in all matters of injustice, is to side with hatred," students wrote. "This is not the time for students to 'stay out of it' or to 'not take sides.' We are called to be students for others; this is not a tagline, but an opportunity to stand with black students at BC and condemn racist, anti-black acts and hate speech when you witness them."
Clicking an email led to a six-figure loss at a Massachusetts community college.

An employee of Cape Cod Community College clicked on an email that appeared to be from another college, only to realize after there was an attachment to the message which raised suspicions.

The employee followed procedure then and contacted the college's IT department, which determined there was infected virus within the attachment, Cape Cod Community College President John L. Cox told the Cape Cod Times.

"The virus was a little more sophisticated than we thought," he told the Times, adding, "it apparently has the ability to replicate."

The attack focused on the college's financial transactions and stole $807,130 through nine transfers from the school's accounts, Cox told the Times.

The college says it has involved federal authorities in the matter and has recuperated $278,887. It has upgraded its security system and replaced infected computing systems.

"I'm hoping we'll get most of this recovered," Cox told the Times, of the remaining funds lost in the attack. "
Charlemont has decided to build its own fiber optic broadband network instead of accepting a cheaper cable option from Comcast.

The $462,123 Comcast proposal, which would have connected 96 percent of households with high-speed internet, was rejected by town meeting voters last Thursday.

The defeat means Charlemont will likely advance a $1.4 million project to create a town-owned fiber network, as approved by town meeting voters in 2015.

The Hawlemont Regional School auditorium was filled to the brim, around 160 paper ballots were cast, and in an unofficial count, the Comcast proposal failed by 20 votes, according to the Greenfield Recorder.

The Franklin County town has been working with Westfield Gas & Electric and its Whip City Fiber division, and a network design is already in place, said Broadband Committee chair Bob Handsaker. The project funding would come from a combination of local taxation and a state infrastructure grant.

Westfield Gas & Electric is now working with at least 20 Western Massachusetts towns to build municipally owned fiber optic networks.
SPRINGFIELD - Employees with the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone really get into the spirit of Christmas.

Each year the firm chooses 12 different charities to raise money for through their Casual Fridays program. Toy for Joy, the annual campaign to bring Christmas gifts to families across Western Massachusetts, has consistently been among them.

"Much like your organization, our firm understands the importance of serving our community," said Yahaira Antonmarchi, director of the firm's community relations in a letter. "We continue to select the Toy for Joy Fund because we truly appreciate and value your dedication to the children in our community."

This year the firm's employees helped raise $1,456 for the campaign, assisting it in its goal of raising $150,000 by Christmas Eve. Today's list of donations totaling $3,724 bring the total raised thus far to $21,150, leaving $128,850 to be raised by Christmas eve.

"Your efforts bring joy to hundreds of children who otherwise may not have the opportunity to unwrap a gift on Christmas morning, and for that we thank you," said Antonmarchi.

Currently in its 96th year, the Toy for Joy campaign is a collaborative effort between the Salvation Army, The Republican and MassLive.

You can still make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund by writing: 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 make online donations.

The Toy for Joy campaign each year brings toys to thousands of families. Last year the campaign served 2,700 families in Springfield, around 800 families in Holyoke, and some 200 families in Greenfield.

For the third year in a row, Pride Stores is partnering with Toy for Joy. Pride locations in Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut will rally its customers in November and December to help contribute to Toy for Joy. Customers can go into any Pride in the area and purchase a $1, $5 or $10 donation card for Toy for Joy.

Toy for Joy is also partnering 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.
A student at King Philip High School is facing criminal charges after posting a threatening message on social media that he later said was meant as a joke.

On Monday, Wrentham police and high school administrators learned that the student had sent a social media message to his friends that included a picture of him holding an airsoft rifle.

"If I sent this to you, don't go to school Monday. I'm making my list, checking it twice, going to see who is naughty or nice," the message said, according to Wrentham police.

The student, who has not been identified, was immediately removed from class, interviewed by school staff and police and suspended pending the results of an investigation, Wrentham Police Chief Bill McGrath wrote in a statement.

"The student, who has no history of disciplinary action, insisted he meant no harm and the post was intended as a joke between friends. He readily acknowledged the stupidity of his actions and was very remorseful," McGrath wrote. "In spite of the student's motives and explanation, he will not be allowed to return to school until, at a minimum, he has successfully completed a 10 day safety evaluation."

The student, who has no disciplinary record, will face criminal charges in Dedham Juvenile Court, police said.

McGrath urged parents to talk to their children and make clear that even joke threats are unacceptable and can carry serious consequences.

"Enlighten your children that a 'joke' of this nature will result in criminal charges, a police record and possibly them being shunned by friends and society as a whole," McGrath wrote. "Share this story with your children and commend the friends who had the good sense and courage to report this behavior even though they didn't believe the threat was real.
David Baillargeon, a deacon who claimed he was reprimanded for speaking out against the church's handling of clergy sexual abuse, said Monday that he has been barred from preaching at Holy Family Parish Roman Catholic church in Russell and placed for reassignment.

Baillargeon said he was informed during a morning meeting with the Rev. Ron F. Sadlowski, the pastor at Holy Family Parish, and others that he would no longer be able to conduct weekday masses at the Russell parish.

The deacon said while he had yet to receive a formal letter from Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski -- who must approve such reassignments, he was asked to turn in his keys to the church.

Mark Dupont, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, confirmed that Baillargeon will no longer serve as deacon at Holy Family Parish. He added that "the Permanent Diaconate Office will be working with Deacon Baillargeon regarding any potential future assignment."

Baillargeon, who has worked with activist Olan Horne to advocate for survivors of clergy abuse, argued that church leaders pushed for his reassignment after he publicly spoke out against the Springfield diocese. He also accused Sadlowski of retaliating by cutting back the days he could hold mass.

"The priests and the deacon who were there, they were just trying to say, for the betterment of the church -- and this and that -- I shouldn't talk to the media. I just kept insisting that the truth is what we're supposed to be about and we should have full transparency," he said in an interview. "I'm not going to be silenced."

The deacon told The Republican earlier this month that he believed local church officials had prohibited him from preaching at weekend masses after he criticized the Springfield Diocese in a homily two years ago.

He said he faced further pushback after offering prayers for Buffalo, New York, Deacon Paul Snyder, who had called for Catholic Bishop Richard Malone's resignation.

Baillargeon, who was ordained in 2005, said while he has yet to hear further details about his reassignment, he is unlikely to move on to another congregation, given his commitment to Hilltown residents and concerns about his wife's health.

"Let's face it, I live in the Hilltowns. I'm here for the people of the Hilltowns -- they know that. ... I don't know what they're going to come up with," he said. "They said, take six months and relax and pray on it. They want to meet with me and discuss my future. But, that all might change if I'm speaking to the press, which of course I am speaking to the press."

Baillargeon further stressed that whether he remains a deacon or not, he's "still going to be there for anyone who needs (him.)"

"I have no intention of abandoning the people who need me. That's for sure," he said, adding that he's "not going to stop telling the truth."

Sadlowski, who has rejected the suggestion he retaliated against his deacon, said his decision to "strongly suggest" to Rozanski that Baillargeon be reassigned was based a series of incidents that have occurred in recent years.

"It began when he used the pulpit to speak against the bishop and that's where I asked him to make a promise that he would not use the pulpit to speak against the bishop ... It's not just the last time, to blame it on the deacon that he prayed for, but it's an ongoing process," he said.

Sadlowski added that he recommended Baillargeon's reassignment "a while ago."
SPRINGFIELD -- Several businesses and organizations have not renewed their liquor licenses for 2019, ranging from CityStage in the downtown, as was expected, to American Legion Post 277 lounge in Indian Orchard, closing Dec. 31.

CityStage, which had offered live theater at One Columbus Center for the past 20 years, closed Dec. 7, after its final show, "Moondance: The Ultimate Van Morrison Tribute Concert."

The CityStage management company, Springfield Performing Arts Development Corp., announced recently that it will cease operations, effective Dec. 31, and thus did not seek to renew its all-alcohol license, officials said.

The Springfield Parking Authority, which owns the complex, will consider future options for the theater space, including potential tenants and possible capital improvements to the building, said Thomas Moore, the authority's acting director. It is unknown how long the site, which is adjacent to the parking garage, will be vacant.

Likewise, Springfield Performing Arts Development Corp. did not renew its beer and wine license at Symphony Hall at Court Square, as its management contract there also expires on Dec. 31.

The city, which owns the building, is opening bids for a new Symphony Hall management company on Dec. 17. The historic hall is home to the Springfield Symphony and used for other performances and events.





If bids are received and a new management company is hired for Symphony Hall after Dec. 17, that entity could apply for a new beer and wine license, or one-day licenses could be obtained for upcoming events, officials said.



American Legion Post 277 on Oak Street in Indian Orchard is scheduled to close on Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m., when its 2018 liquor license expires, said Don Roberts, who is the head of the legion's House Committee.



"We're closing our lounge," Roberts said. "We will remain as an organization and continue to take part in legion activities. It became financially untenable. We were not making enough to keep up."



Others that did not renew their liquor licenses were:

The Colony Club at Springfield's Tower Square. The club's board of governors closed the downtown staple in May after 103 years.

Casa de Nana Mexican Cantina, 995 Boston Road. The business owner confirmed the closing in May.

Club Pandora, formerly Kick Back Lounge, 1530-1534 State St.

Limelight Room, 357 Cottage St.

Food Zone, 135 Belmont St. (beer and wine)

While the deadline has expired for renewing licenses, businesses that want to serve liquor next year can request new licenses either now or in the future, said Peter L. Sygnator, chairman of the License Commission.

"A few surprises," Sygnator said last week of those not renewing. "But if they would like their license for 2019, they need to apply quickly."

The commission may meet on Dec. 28 to consider new liquor license requests if, for example, some business neglected to apply in time for renewal, Sygnator said.

All applications for liquor licenses need approval from the city's License Commission and the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
SOUTH HADLEY - There are some elected officials who won't miss an opportunity to attend a building dedication, a groundbreaking, a supermarket opening or any event where there will be voters.

That's not state John Scibak, the South Hadley Democrat who will retire at the end of this term after serving the people of the 2nd Hampshire District for 16 years.

"I don't like all this attention," he said Friday night at a reception in the Town Hall organized by the Know Your Town civic group. "I served with some people who would attend an opening of an envelope."

Dozens of people attended the reception to thank Scibak for his service to the 2nd Hampshire District and, specifically, the town of South Hadley. These are the people who still remember the 12 years he spent on the South Hadley Select Board. And they remember the work he did for them on Beacon Hill.

"A state rep. does three things," Scibak said. "You do the budget; you do the legislation, and, most important, you do the constituent services."

Scibak has been a leader in the House for years, earning a reputation for his work in health care policy, specifically, insurance coverage for children with hearing loss. He is currently the chairman of the Joint Committee on Higher Education.

He's best remembered in the district, however, for the work he did for his constituents.

"He always responds," said Rachel Tierney, a nurse who lives in South Hadley. "He's done a great job and we'll miss him."

Scibak was first elected to the House in 2002. He's worn out several cars, traveling more than 285,000 miles to and from Boston over 16 years. "I'll tell you one thing I'm not going to miss," he said. "I'm not going to miss the commute."

Scibak and his wife, Pat, will move to Florida sometime after he retires, but he pledged Friday night to always be a South Hadley guy. And true to form, he said, "The difficult part about leaving is all these parties," he said. "I just wanted to help people."
A Southwick woman was killed in a three-car crash Sunday evening in Granby, Connecticut.

Holly Norton, 58, was brought to St. Francis Hospital, in Hartford, and later died there, Granby Police Capt. William Tyler said.

The crash occurred at about 5:25 p.m. on Route 10 north of Floydeville and Canton Roads. The road was closed for at about five hours while police investigated the cause of the crash and cleared the vehicles, he said.

Norton was alone in her vehicle. The occupants of the two other vehicles involved declined medical care at the scene of the crash, he said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation with the assistance of the North Central Municipal Accident Reconstruction Team. No charges have been immediately filed, Tyler said.

Police did not release more details about the crash.
Toxic chemicals known as PFAS have been detected in residential wells near the Martha's Vineyard Airport, a facility which used firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Unsafe levels of PFAS were found in six private wells on the island, and the airport has provided bottled drinking water to affected residents, reports the Vineyard Gazette.

Tetra Tech consultants in April found high levels of PFAS in monitoring wells near the airport. The testing was extended to residential wells in September, and the contamination was confirmed in recent weeks.

In a Nov. 29 letter to West Tisbury residents, the small airport described a voluntary investigation conducted "in an abundance of caution," and said no regulations require them to sample for PFAS in groundwater.

There are no state or federal drinking water standards for the chemicals, but the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has recommended a limit of 7 parts per trillion. One of the residential wells sampled at 554 parts per trillion, the letter said.

Around 30 residents attended a public meeting where airport officials said new protocols are in place for testing the foam and that it's no longer discharged onto the ground. Instead, it's discharged into a 5,000-gallon sealed tank. The airport is waiting for Federal Aviation Administration guidance on alternative firefighting substances.

Airport director Ann Richart told the crowd the PFAS problem is relatively new, and that the airport has acted in a timely and responsible way. Tetra Tech is due to submit a full report to the MassDEP in January, the Martha's Vineyard paper reports.

The compounds have shown up around the country near airports and military installations that used a type of firefighting foam no longer manufactured in the U.S. The chemicals are persistent - meaning they don't break down, and can accumulate in the human body over time.

Exposure to elevated levels has been linked to developmental effects in fetuses and breastfed infants, and to effects on the thyroid, liver, kidneys, hormone levels and immune system. Some studies suggest a cancer risk for people exposed to very high levels, according to a MassDEP fact sheet.

In Westfield, voters this year approved a $13 million bond to address PFAS in residential wells. The city believes the contaminants were from firefighting foam used at the 104th Fighter Wing at Westfield Barnes Regional Airport. The city has filed claims against the U.S. Department of Defense and three manufacturers of the foam.
A procession of fire vehicles and police cruisers began the somber ride to Boston Monday morning, leading the body of fallen Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy to the office of the Medical Examiner.

Roy succumbed to his injuries Sunday after fighting a blaze on Lowell Street in Worcester.

Along with a second firefighter -- who has since been treated and released from the hospital -- Roy became trapped on the second floor of 5-7 Lowell St. as flames grew.

Fellow firefighters helped to pull Roy and his colleague from the building as the flames grew into a five-alarm fire.

On Monday, a procession of Worcester police and fire personnel, as well as state police, escorted Roy's body from UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Boston.

The motorcade left from the hospital around 10 a.m., traveling up Plantation Street and onto Interstate 290, continuing onto Interstate 146, the Massachusetts Turnpike and finally Interstate 93 into Boston.

Roy, a 36-year-old Shrewsbury resident, leaves his 9-year-old daughter, his parents and his brother.

Roy became a Worcester firefighter 2 and a half years ago and was assigned to Ladder 4 at the Webster Square Fire Station.

The death comes during an especially tragic week in the history of the Worcester Fire Department.

Dec. 3 is the anniversary of the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire, which claimed the lives of six firefighters in 1999, and Dec. 8 marks an apartment fire that claimed the live of Firefighter Jon Davies Sr. in 2011.
The body of Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy has returned to the city where he served the public and lost his life.

Roy, a 36-year-old father and Shrewsbury resident, died from injuries sustained while battling a blaze in a three-story Lowell Street apartment building on Sunday morning in Worcester.

On Monday, a procession of police and fire personnel escorted Roy's body from UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Boston.

Hours later, Roy began his last journey back to Worcester, as his body was taken from Boston to the Alfred Roy and Sons Funeral Home.

Flanked by fire vehicles, police cruisers and officers riding motorcycles, the hearse carrying Roy's body pulled into the driveway of the funeral home Monday afternoon. A group of officers, troopers and firefighters gathered in two rows on the funeral home grounds and saluted as Roy's casket was taken in to the building.

Roy became a Worcester firefighter 2 and a half years ago and was assigned to Ladder 4 at the Webster Square Fire Station.

The fire at 5-7 Lowell Street began shortly before 4 a.m. on Sunday. The fire was initially reported in the building's basement, but spread to the first floor, cutting off firefighters still on the building's second level.

Roy became unable to find his way out of the building as the fire spread, according to dispatch audio reviewed by MassLive. Roy and another firefighter were found by their colleagues and removed from the building and rushed to the hospital, but Roy succumbed to his injuries.

The other injured firefighter, who has not been identified, survived and has been released from the hospital.

Roy is the eighth Worcester firefighter to die on the job in the last 19 years. On Dec. 3, 1999, six firefighters died fighting the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire. And Firefighter John Davies Sr. died in a December 2011 apartment fire.
Jeannette Morlock sat quietly in a wheelchair inside Worcester Superior Court. Wearing a purple suit with an American flag pin on her blazer, she reached for a photograph handed to her in court.

"That's my husband," she said, sitting a few feet from the man accusing of killing him.

Jeannette has waited for years to get answers. Her husband, Edward Morlock Sr., was killed, shot to death, in May 1991 while working as an armored truck guard.

Authorities said Morlock was killed when a crew of men orchestrated an armored truck robbery. The plan: rob the truck as it stopped at the Shaw's supermarket on Lincoln Street in Worcester. But during the robbery, prosecutors say DeMasi shot Morlock before taking the cash.

Years passed, and finally in December 2016, authorities in Worcester announced DeMasi was arrested and was being charged with the killing.

As the murder and armed robbery trial against DeMasi, now 82, began in court, Morlock's widow was brought to the witness stand.

Within seconds, Jeannette Morlock began to break down.

"He was a person that if he was going to say something, he would say it to your face, not behind your back," Jeannette Morlock, now 76, said of her late husband. "He was very honest, and I loved him."

Married for years, the couple lived in Athol. Morlock took a job for Mass Transport, working as an armored truck driver.

As a picture of her husband in his uniform was projected on a television behind her, Jeannette Morlock wept. She remembered the day he was killed. She remembered when he left for work, never to come home again.

Morlock wasn't supposed to work that Saturday. He filled in for a co-worker celebrating a birthday.

Jeannette wept as she testified. A few minutes later, she was off the stand. She simply asked the prosecutor, "That's it?" before leaving the stand.

Jeannette clenched a tissue in her hand on the way out. Moments later she came back into the courtroom to listen to testimony.

DeMasi's defense team argues the mobster, who was once shot as the target of a James "Whitey" Bulger hit, was never at the scene of the Worcester attempted armored truck robbery.

The other guard in the truck that morning, Charles Field, testified in court.

He recalled a time when armored truck robberies were regularly taking place.

"There were a lot of armored car robberies," he said. "There were a couple big ones right before I was hired."

He referenced an armored robbery in Weymouth. Court records say DeMasi and members of his crew were involved in an armored truck robbery in Weymouth before the Worcester attempt.

Field didn't remember if Morlock wore his vest the day he was killed. He was inside the truck as Morlock went inside the supermarket.

He remembered someone coming outside and telling him, "He's been shot."

He saw Morlock on the gurney. There was blood. An arm fell to the side. Morlock seemed, "lifeless", Field said.

In the courtroom, Jeannette Morlock began to cry.
As Ralph DeMasi got back to an apartment, prosecutors say he began to shower to wash the blood off his body. Inside the shower with him, they claim, was a bag of cash ripped from the hands of an armored car security guard in Worcester.

But the 82-year-old frail former mobster's defense attorney argues DeMasi wasn't even there when Edward Morlock Sr. was gunned down on May 18, 1991. Instead, the defense argues DeMasi is being blamed for the killing by a group of "liars" and "criminals."

The murder and armed robbery trial against DeMasi began in Worcester Superior Court Monday.

Terry McLaughlin, a prosecutor for the Worcester District Attorney's Office, said DeMasi was part of an organized crew that planned the robbery of armored cars in the New England area.

DeMasi, the prosecutor contends, was a leader of these crews along with another man who has since died, named Lawrence "Mitch" Lanoue.

That second man helped plan the May 18, 1991 armored car robbery at the Shaw's supermarket on Lincoln Street in Worcester. A third man, Ronald Martel, was involved in the planning and the wheelman for theft, authorities said.

Martel is testifying against DeMasi in exchange for immunity.

The late 1980s and early 1990s was a time when armored car heights were prevalent, the prosecutor said.

"These crews were always looking for armored cars," McLaughlin said. "They'd plan, they'd scout."

Eventually, the crew would set their eyes on Worcester. A Mass Transport truck dropped off and picked up cash at the Shaw's regularly.

McLaughlin said a group of five men, included DeMasi, Martel and Lanoue, made their way to Worcester. The plan was already in place. They would steal the cash, escape in a stolen car and then leave the area in two other cars stashed nearby.

Out of the five alleged crew members, only DeMasi and Martel are living.

Armed with a .357 handgun, DeMasi and Lanoue were driven up to the side of the supermarket the day of the robbery by Martel, prosecutors said. The two men, wearing disguises, went inside.

Then there are "four pops. Four gunshots," McLaughlin said.

Morlock had been shot right under the armpit area.

Prosecutors said DeMasi and Lanoue jumped back into their escape vehicle, but they argued. They couldn't get Morlock's gun from him during the robbery.

Once he got back to a safe place, DeMasi hopped in the shower. As he washed off Morlock's blood, DeMasi had the bag of the cash from the heist nearby, McLaughlin said.

The prosecutor pointed out that four months after the Morlock killing, DeMasi and Martel would be arrested with another crew in connection with an attempted armored truck robbery in Newburyport.

DeMasi ended serving more than two decades in federal prison in the Newburyport case.

Defense attorney Michael Hussey argues DeMasi was never at the scene of the robbery. He said Martel is testifying against DeMasi and "getting away with murder."

"There was a robbery once a month, if not more," Hussey said. "It was like the wild west."

And yes, DeMasi was one of those people involved in armored truck robberies, Hussey said. DeMasi just wasn't involved in the robbery that ended with Morlock dead.

Martel is a "liar" who has lied on the stand before, Hussey argued.

Investigators do not have DNA evidence, fingerprints or surveillance footage. Instead they have the testimony of "criminals and thieves," the defense attorney said.
Authorities identified the 19-year-old woman who was hit by two vehicles and killed on Interstate 190 in West Boylston on Sunday as Smarlyn Pamela Reyes of Leominster.

Reyes was killed early Sunday morning after exiting her own vehicle, which had rollover over in a previous accident. Massachusetts State Police are still looking for the driver of the first car who hit Reyes and fled the scene.

Police said Reyes lost control of her 2008 Infiniti at about 2:20 a.m. Sunday on I-190, rolling the vehicle onto the median.

She then climbed out of her car, hiked up a 20-foot embankment and walked onto Route 190 northbound. She was then hit in the right travel lane by the unidentified vehicle, police said.

The driver of a second vehicle, a 2008 Mazda, also struck the woman. The 40-year-old Leominster man who was driving that car remained on the scene, police said.

Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene.

No charges were immediately filed against the second driver, police said.

Investigators are still asking that anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or anyone with information, to please contact the state police's Holden Barracks at 508-829-4431.
Remember when congressional Democrats didn't want to talk about impeachment? Their thinking, at least before the midterm elections: Since no effort to remove President Donald Trump from office will be ultimately successful, why start yapping about it when doing so is only likely to rile up Republican voters, boosting GOP candidates in districts and states across the land.

How quaint that seems now.

On Sunday, a key House Democrat was happy to talk about how President Donald Trump could, upon leaving office, end up behind bars.

With federal prosecutors on Friday alleging that Trump directed Michael Cohen, his personal lawyer and longtime "fixer," to make illegal payments to buy the silence of two women who say they'd had sexual relationships with Trump, and with special counsel Robert S. Mueller III on the same day connecting more dots in his investigation, it's time to ask if Trump's presidency is facing real peril.

Depends on whom you ask. Though the president, not surprisingly, brushed Friday's news off as no big thing, others had very different interpretations. One came from someone who knows a thing or three about a metastasizing political scandal. John Dean, who was White House counsel in President Richard Nixon's administration, said the latest from Mueller puts impeachment squarely on the table.

Think about that for even a second, and then consider that Mueller's final report hasn't even yet been written.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, has a fairly straightforward question: If Cohen is headed to jail because of illegal activities directed by Trump, then shouldn't the president also be in real trouble?

His answer: Yes. And it's possible that Justice Department officials will be waiting for Trump on the day he leaves office, Schiff says.

Before that, though, there's the question of impeachment. It's important to remember that impeachment is a political process, not a legal one.

The framers of our nation's Constitution empowered the Congress, not the courts, with removing a president from office. And they intentionally left the definition of what would constitute grounds for impeachment subject to interpretation.

Also, the geniuses who hammered out the details of our founding document made it both fairly easy to impeach a president -- the first phase of the two-step process -- and at the same time quite difficult to remove him from office. (A simple majority vote in the House is needed to impeach a president, which puts him on trial in the Senate. Once there, it takes a two-thirds majority to kick him to the curb.)

The offenses listed in the Constitution for impeachment and removal from office are: "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

If, as appears likely, Mueller has been building his case carefully, methodically, assembling, and revealing, pieces of the puzzle only as he sees fit, Trump may very well have good reason to fear what's coming next. Not that he'd admit it, of course. Instead, he'll just post to Twitter about what he calls a "rigged witch hunt."

In normal times, that might not be enough. But in our era, with roughly four people in 10 believing anything and everything that the reality TV star-president says, and with the once-Grand Old Party still in the majority in the Senate, and scarcely ever showing even a hint of standing up against Trump, no matter his actions, Democrats would be wise to proceed with caution. If they want to blow off some steam from time to time on the Sunday TV talk shows, yapping about possible impeachment or even jail time down the line, that's just fine and dandy.

But they should be able to do some fairly simple math: Unless and until two-thirds of senators are likely to vote to remove Trump from office, beginning impeachment proceedings would be a fool's errand.

All of this could well change if Mueller produces a smoking gun in his final report -- a clear connection between Trump and the Kremlin, say -- but we are not there yet. Not at all.

As such, when the next Congress is seated in January, Democrats would do well to talk about legislation, not impeachment, about the economy right now, not about possible jail time for Trump once he's no longer president.
I'm a long time resident of Agawam. Recently I've noticed that gas prices are coming down everywhere, except Agawam. I saw a station near my home at $2.679 a gallon. While visiting family in a neighboring town in Massachusetts, gas was $2.339 a gallon. What gives?



The price of oil is the same everywhere. The federal and Massachusetts taxes are the same. While I do not know individual city and town tax rates, I do not imagine there's that big of a difference between, say Agawam and other communities.



It is my belief that stations in Agawam are looking to cash in on the Connecticut traffic, while gouging the very residents that live in town.



I will no longer be patronizing stations in town. I have plenty of other options near friends and family. I'm not worried about a little time, I'm worried about my wallet.



Neil Henry, Agawam
The leaders of the Massachusetts Senate from both parties said Monday that the Senate "is prepared to take action if needed" to help end the National Grid lockout.

"We call on National Grid to end their lockout immediately and allow the workers to get back to work now," Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said in a joint statement. "We believe the two parties can continue negotiations -- and they must continue negotiations -- while allowing these families to put food on their table, take care of their children's pressing health needs, and enjoy their holidays together."

The two said: "This process has gone on long enough, and the Senate is prepared to take action if needed."

National Grid workers have been locked out of their jobs, with no salary or benefits, since June, as the management and union have failed to agree on a contract.

With their employment benefits set to run out soon, the Massachusetts House last week passed a bill that would create a state-run unemployment benefits program, which would be paid for by the employer, that would essentially extend unemployment benefits to any utility worker who is locked out.

The statement by Spilka and Tarr is the first indication that the Senate may be willing to pass the bill as well. They did not say when a vote would be scheduled.

A separate bill being considered by the Legislature, which has not yet been voted on by either body, would require a company that locks out its workers to continue to offer them health insurance.

National Grid managers plan to meet again with the unions this Thursday "to discuss key issues related to economics, benefits and safety," according to a statement from the unions.
Free-agent relievers David Robertson and Adam Ottavino are "believed (to be) high" on the Red Sox' list of available relievers, according to a report from Fancred's Jon Heyman.

Robertson and Ottavino are believed high on Red Sox list of back-end relief targets. Of course theyd like to have Kimbrel and Kelly back but they are free agents too. Deep pen market also includes Britton, Miller, Familia, more.  Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2018

The Red Sox are expected to be aggressive in their search for relief help at this week's Winter Meetings in Las Vegas and are considering many alternatives to Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly, who remain available. Among those alternatives are Robertson, who has expressed interest in signing somewhere near his Rhode Island home, and Ottavino, who quietly put together a brilliant year in Colorado last year.

Both Robertson and Ottavino are 33, so they won't require as long of a commitment as someone like Kimbrel (who is 30) will receive. Instead of getting a four- or five-year deal, veterans like Robertson and Ottavino are each more likely to receive a two- or three-year pact that would be palatable for a contender like the Red Sox.

The free-agent market for relievers hasn't taken off quite yet, with Jesse Chavez (who signed a two-year deal with Texas) being the only reliever to sign so far. That's likely to change in Las Vegas, with top options like Kimbrel, Robertson, Ottavino, Jeurys Familia, Andrew Miller, Zach Britton, Kelvin Herrera and Cody Allen still available to clubs.
Blood group typing is a type of test that is used to determine the blood group. It is determined by the type of antigens present on the blood group. Blood group typing is a prerequisite for blood transfusion to examine the compatibility between the donor and the recipient blood groups. Blood cancer patients need a frequent blood transfusion which in turn requires blood group typing. The rising demand for blood and blood products, increasing prevalence of road accidents and trauma cases that make blood transfusion necessary, need for knowing the blood group for prenatal testing, and rising usage of blood group typing in forensic sciences are the factors driving the growth in this market. On the other hand, stringent government rules for blood transfusion, lack of skilled and trained blood transfusion professionals may hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period.

The global blood group typing market is currently dominated by many market players. The prominent players in the market are engaged in frequent new product launches and strategic collaborations to strengthen its market position. For instance, in October 2016, Bio-Rad laboratories got an approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its IH-1000 blood equipment.

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Key Players for Global Blood Group Typing Market

Market Research Future (MRFR) recognizes the following companies as the key players in Blood Group Typing Market: There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market all over the globe.

Some of the prominent players in the Global Blood Group Typing Market are Bio-Rad Laboratories, Grifols International S. A., Beckman Coulter, Immucor Inc., Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Inc., Quotient Ltd., Novacyt Group, Bag HealthCare GmbH, Rapid Labs, AXO Science, Agena Biosciences Inc., Day Medical S. A., Merck KGaA, and others.

Segments for Global Blood Group Typing Market

The global blood group typing market has been segmented into technique, test type, product & service, and end user.

The market, on the basis of technique, has been segmented into PCR-based and Microarray techniques, array-based techniques, massively parallel sequencing, and others.

The market, by test type, has been segmented into antibody screening, HLA typing, abo blood tests, cross-matching tests, and antigen typing.

The market, by products and services, has been segmented into consumables, instruments, and services. Consumables segment are further segmented into antisera reagents, red blood cell reagents, anti-human globulin reagents, and blood bank saline.

The market, by end users, has been segmented into hospitals, blood banks, clinical laboratories, and others.

Regional Analysis for Global Blood Group Typing Market

Geographically, the Americas is anticipated to dominate the global blood group typing market owing to a well-developed healthcare sector, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing number of organ transplant, increasing number of blood donations, and presence of different reimbursement schemes for several surgeries. As per the National Kidney Foundation, about 121,678 patients in the US were on the waiting list to receive organs for transplant in 2016.

Europe is expected to hold the second largest position in the global blood group typing market. The market growth in this region is attributed to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer along with various Hematological disorders and increasing number of blood transfusion due to road accidents. According to the Office for National Statistics, about 8,208 people were diagnosed with leukemia in England in 2016.

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The blood group typing market in Asia-Pacific region consists of countries namely China, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Australia and Rest of Asia-Pacific. Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region in the market due to continuously developing economies, rising prevalence of diseases, growing awareness about blood donations, and increasing government funding for the healthcare sector.

On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa has the least share of the market. Majority of the market of this region is expected to be held by the Middle East region due to a well-developed healthcare sector and growing government initiatives for the healthcare sector.

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

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Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa presents a memento to a US Air Force contingent member participating in Ex Cope India 2018, at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda, West Bengal, Wednesday, Dec 5, 2018. A PTI Photo.

WASHINGTON (PTI): India and the US are global partners in defence and regional security, a top American commander has said, as Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman toured the headquarters of the strategic Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii before concluding her maiden visit to America.



Sitharaman described her US visit as part of her endeavour to "take forward the bilateral defence cooperation".



Noting that the India-US relationship in defence has acquired the dimensions of a strategic partnership over the last decade, she said that the two countries have made considerable progress.



Sitharaman capped off her trip with a visit to Hawaii the headquarters of what early this year was rechristened as US Indo-Pacific Command.



The US calls Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific. It has renamed Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM.



"Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order which has brought decades of peace, stability and prosperity. We are global partners on defence and security, and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a free and open Indo-Pacific," said US INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Phil Davidson.



US INDOPACOM, at the conclusion of Sitharaman's visit, said that this partnership was a reflection of the increasing strategic importance of the US-India security relationship and the progress both countries have made in advancing their defence cooperation.



The scope for mutual coordination and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region continues to grow. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, Indian officials said.



The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition to the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.



Meeting her American counterpart Defence Secretary James Mattis at the Pentagon, Sitharaman said the recent high-level meetings are an indication of the depth and quality of "our bilateral partnership, as well as our mutual desire" to work closely on a range of bilateral and global issues.



While no announcements were made with regard to shifting of F-16 production base to India or deals in armed drones, officials privy to the high-level talks said: "US is leaning a way forward" in meeting India's needs and aspirations in the defence sector and is taking steps that would help it achieve its strategic goals.



There is a "mutual desire to move positively and quickly" in the defence relationship, Sitharaman told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday, which was also her only media interaction during the visit.



In one month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met US Vice President Mike Pence and then President Donald Trump, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in a trilateral meeting wherein Indo-Pacific and regional peace was a discussed.



Earler this year, Mattis had also met Modi.



Sitharaman, India's first woman defence minister, was accorded a red-carpet welcome during her maiden visit to the US in this capacity wherein she was given a rare look-in and briefing into the various aspects of US armed forces, defence industry and the ecosystem that the US has developed over the last few decades involving the military, strategic thinking community, research and industrial base.



In San Francisco the hub of innovation and starts-ups Sitharaman and her delegation was given an insight into the American defence research set-up and the best defence practices that can be adopted by India.



The current situation in the Indo-Pacific region was the topic of focus during Sitharaman's meetings with US leaders, besides which a wide range of issues was covered, including the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, recent developments in Sri Lanka, Maldives and quick co-ordination between the two powerful armies for peace purposes, officials said.



Issues like CAATSA and purchase of major defence equipment from Russia including S-400 did crop up during the meeting, but the Americans gave an impression that the Trump administration is "eager than ever" to enhance its defence trade and strategic ties with India.



While making it clear that India can buy weapons from any country it sees fit, the American leadership suggested the Asian nation to select the US over other countries.



Some of the existing rules, regulations and legislations have slowed the process of defence acquisition from the US, the Indian delegation said.



This was said despite major changes like India being accorded a 'major defence partner' status in 2016, placed in the STA-1 category this year and signing the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement in September.



Given India's geographical location, its representatives said they were willing to place orders for the latest military hardware and technology and not for anything else.



The officials said India does not want simple defence trade as co-development and co-production need to be essential in the India-US defence relationship.



The US appeared on the same page, but expressed their sense of frustration over India's defence procurement process.



China claims almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea and has also laid claims on the Senkaku islands under the control of Japan in the East China Sea.



Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the South China Sea. The US is periodically deploying its naval ships and fighter planes to assert freedom of navigation.


Market Research Future has starting late imparted another examination to its wide research portfolio, which is titled as Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Market Research Report  Forecast to 2023 gives an all-around examination the measure of market size and advancement.

Market Scenario:

Artificial intelligence (AI) or machine intelligence is a range of technologies so as to enable machines to sense, comprehend, and learn tasks requiring human intelligence. Artificial intelligence in healthcare is all set to unleash its potential ranging from financial, diagnosis to marketing. AI uses complex algorithms which mimic human intelligence capabilities such as reasoning, learning, pattern recognition and problem solving, and others to aid a v. Furthermore, AI is applicable in medication management, treatment plans, and drug discovery.

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The financial drivers of healthcare artificial intelligence market are savings and reduction of waste and duplication, market demand forecasting, financial growth and risk assessment, and others. The growing seed and venture funding is another bright spot for the market as the AI market benefits a small player with advanced proprietary technology over a large firm. The cost of up scaling once the technology is developed is lower as compared to development costs which reduces the barrier for a start-up company. The clinical drivers of the market are automated diagnosis by pattern recognition in imaging, voice etc., advancements in robotic surgery, rise in adoption of precision medicine, growing number of clinical trials and others.

The restraints include high cost of development and maintenance, nascent state of the technology, concerns about data safety and others.

Global Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Market Top Key players:

IBM Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., NVIDIA Corporation, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Deep Genomics, Inc., General Electric Company, Siemens Healthineers GmbH, Google, Inc., CloudMedx Inc., Johnson & Johnson, General Vision, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Medtronic Plc., and others.

Segments:

The Global Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Market is segmented on the basis of types, technology, applications, end users and regions so as to gain an accurate assessment of the market.

Based on the types, the market has been segmented as hardware, software, and services.

Based on the technology, the market has been segmented as language and image processing, context awareness, deep learning, querying, pattern recognition and others.

Based on the application, the market has been segmented as robot-assisted surgery, workflow assistance, financial and risk management, prognosis and treatment assistance, clinical trials, diagnosis, cybersecurity, drug discovery and others.

Based on the end users, the market has been segmented as providers, payers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, marketing, and others.

Based on the regions, the market has been segmented as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa and rest of the world.

Regional analysis:

U.S. accounts for the largest market share owing to faster adoption of latest technology, large buying power and presence of global players such as IBM Watson. Europe led by Germany, U.K. and France is the second largest market. The developed regions are expected to maintain their hegemony over the future after which the market is estimated to shift to the developing regions of the Asia Pacific. Asia pacific region is anticipated to be the fastest region led by China and India. The Middle East and Africa market will be skewed in favor of the gulf nations particularly Saudi Arabia and UAE. The poor regions of Africa is expected to be a laggard due to poor economic and political conditions.

Table of Content

1 Report Prologue

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

3 Research Methodology

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Primary Research

3.3 Secondary Research

3.4 Market Size Estimation

4 Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.2 Restraints

4.3 Opportunities

4.4 Challenges

4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators

4.6 Technology Trends & Assessment

Continued!

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Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy is also known as Hansens disease. It affects the skin, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, the peripheral nerves and the eyes. Leprosy can occur in people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. The exact transmission of the disease is not known, but it is strongly believed that leprosy is transferred from a leprosy patient to a healthy person. Delayed diagnosis of leprosy is likely to cause some serious complications such as muscle weakness, erectile dysfunction, kidney failure, blindness and others. The best way to prevent leprosy is to avoid contact with infected and untreated people. Leprosy is a curable disease and various drugs are available in the market for the treatment of leprosy. One of the treatments for leprosy is Multidrug Therapy (MDT), which involves the use of a combination of drugs. The World Health Organization recommends a combination of rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone drugs for leprosy treatment.

Leprosy Treatment Market: Drivers and Restraints

Increasing prevalence of skin diseases is the primary factor expected to drive the leprosy treatment market over the forecast period. The prevalence of skin diseases, such as leprosy and psoriasis, has become common in some of the counties of Asia-Pacific, which is responsible for the robust growth of the market. Rising government initiatives and favourable reimbursement scenario for these treatments is expected to propel the leprosy treatment market. On other hand, the high cost of drugs and lack of awareness among people is expected to restrain market growth to a certain extent. In addition, the stringent regulatory requirements of FDA for the approval of drugs is also expected to be responsible for the sluggish growth of the leprosy treatment market over the forecast period.

Leprosy Treatment Market: Overview

Leprosy Treatment market is expected to witness exponential growth over the forecast period owing rising patient pool of leprosy in Asia-Pacific. According to WHO, the prevalence of this disease in 2015 was 176 cases per 10000 people. About 60% of the worlds leprosy patients live in India. Therefore, India is a major market worldwide for the treatment of this disease. Antibacterial drugs are commonly prescribed by physicians for leprosy treatment, therefore, by drugs class, the antibacterial segment is expected to gain maximum market share over the forecast period. The most common antibacterial drugs prescribed for leprosy treatment are dapsone, rifampin, clofazimine, ofloxacin and minocycline. Among distribution channels, online pharmacies is the fastest-growing segment due to the increasing adoption of e-commerce throughout the globe.

Leprosy Treatment Market: Regional Outlook

Geographically, the global leprosy treatment market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). Asia-Pacific is expected to gain maximum market share in terms of revenue owing to the high patient pool of leprosy in India and China. The APEJ is followed by Japan and Latin America owing to increasing awareness among patients about leprosy treatment options available in these regions. MEA is expected to grow at a faster rate as compared to other regions due to rising government initiatives for the treatment of this disease. North America, Western Europe and Eastern Europe are the least lucrative markets for leprosy treatment as a very small number of patients in these regions suffer from this disease owing to high standards of living and increased personal hygiene.

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Leprosy Treatment Market: Key Players

Some of the key players operating in the global leprosy treatment market are Pfizer Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb and Company, Eli Lily and Company, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Bayer AG, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi S.A., Novartis AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Macleods Pharmaceuticals and Merck & Co., Inc.
World Pediatric Vaccines Market Key Players:

Some of the key players in the global pediatric vaccines market are GlaxoSmithKline plc (U.K.), Pfizer, Inc. (U.S.), Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.), Sanofi Pasteur SA (France), Astellas Pharma Inc. (Japan), CSL Limited (Australia), Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), MedImmune, LLC (U.S.), Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (India), Bavarian Nordic (Denmark), Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (Japan), Daiichi Sankyo (Japan), Protein Sciences Corporation (U.S.), Grifols (Spain), Crucell (Netherlands), Bharat Biotech (India), Kaketsuken (U.S.), Panacea Biotec (India), Baxter International (U.S.), Zydus Cadila (India), Nuron (U.S.), S K Chemicals (South Korea), Dynavax Technologies (U.S.), Bharat Immunologicals and Biologicals (India), Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (India), Indian Immunologicals (India), Novartis AG (Switerzland), LG Life Sciences (India), Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products (China), Sinovac Biotech (China), Bio Med (India), AstraZeneca (UK), bioCSL Inc. (U.S.), Valeant Pharmaceuticals (U.S.), Takeda Pharmaceutical (Japan) and others.

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Global Pediatric Vaccines Market:

There has been constant research for the development of novel molecules providing immunity against fatal diseases such as Zika virus and different types of cancers. For instance, in June 2016, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stated the commencement of phase I clinical trial for their Zika DNA vaccine named GLS-5700. The vaccines administered to prevent children from several non-infectious and infectious diseases are known as pediatric vaccines. These vaccines are heat-killed or inactivated viruses that lose their pathogenicity, i.e., the ability to cause a disease.

Moreover, these inactivated antigens can stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the infected virus. Thus, they assist the immune system in protecting itself from infectious or non-infectious diseases in the future. Currently, immunization prevents an estimated 2-3 million deaths every year. Furthermore, about 1.5 million deaths can be prevented through improved global coverage for vaccination.

The Worldwide Pediatric Vaccines Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~10.6% during 2017 to 2023. There are different pediatric vaccines accessible in the market, for example, pneumococcal immunization, polio antibody, rotavirus immunization, MMR immunization, flu immunization, hepatitis B antibody, meningococcal immunization, and Hib antibody.

However, low accessibility to remote areas, increasing availability of biosimilars at low rates, increasing cost of vaccines, limited or no access to healthcare services in developing and under-developed countries, low healthcare spending, and less medical coverage for pediatric vaccination are some of the challenges which might hamper the growth of the global pediatric vaccines market in future.

Global Pediatric Vaccines Market Segmentation:

The Global Pediatric Vaccines Market has been segmented on the basis of type, technology, disease indication, and route of administration. On the basis of type, the global pediatric vaccines market is segmented into monovalent vaccines, multivalent vaccines, and others.

On the basis of technology, the global pediatric vaccines market is segmented into synthetic vaccines, dendritic cells vaccines, conjugate vaccines, inactivated and subunit vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, toxoid vaccines, recombinant vaccines, and others.

On the basis of disease indication, the global pediatric vaccines market is segmented into MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), polio, Haemophilus influenza type B, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, influenza, DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), hepatitis, varicella, rotavirus, combination vaccines and others. On the basis of route of administration, the global pediatric vaccines market is segmented into intramuscular administration, subcutaneous administration, oral administration, and other routes of administration

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Pediatric Vaccines Market Regional Analysis:

The Global Pediatric Vaccines Market consists of four regions such as the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

The Americas region accounted for the largest market share of the global pediatric vaccines market owing to the growing initiatives by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reduce the occurrence rate of infectious diseases. Such factors along with the growing immunization will fuel the U.S. market.

The European pediatric vaccines market is urged due to the superior government spending such as NHS (Nation Healthcare Service) for the development of the pharmaceutical and medical industries. The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period owing to the growing healthcare sector in leading regions such as China and India. The Middle Eastern region is expected to grow at a steady pace owing to factors such as rising R&D activities in the healthcare sector and extensive development of healthcare infrastructure.

TABLE OF CONTENT FOR PEDIATRIC VACCINES MARKET RESEARCH REPORT  GLOBAL FORECAST TILL 2023:

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 Restraints

4.3 Opportunities

4.4 Challenges

4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators

4.6 Disease Indication Trends & Assessment

TOC Continued..!

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by Sara Guaglione , December 10, 2018

The Wall Street Journal is creating a new daily podcast, in partnership with podcasting company Gimlet Media.

The two companies are looking for an executive producer and a host for the podcast, according to HotPod, a blog dedicated to the podcast industry. Although there are no specifics on timing, the blog says it may be second quarter of 2019.

The Wall Street Journal show will combine the publications business reporting and global news operation with Gimlets audio expertise. The podcasts executive producer will report to the global head of video and audio at the WSJ.

Job postings for the podcast on Mediabistro explain the new daily show will share deep insights, context, analysis and storytelling from the Journals well-sourced reporters and editors in a format that is best suited for audio.

The format sounds similar to The New York Times popular weekday podcast The Daily, in which host Michael Barbaro interviews Times reporters on their reporting on current news stories.

The Washington Post launched its own weeknight podcast Post Reports just last week. Publishers appear eager to offer a daily audio show that goes behind the scenes to reveal journalists reporting of top news stories.

This is Gimlets second partnership with a publisher. New Yorks style and culture vertical The Cut has its own podcast produced with Gimlet, called The Cut on Tuesdays.

The Wall Street Journals existing roster of daily podcasts include a number of briefings, such as the Minute Briefing, Tech News Briefing and Your Money Briefing.

The publisher also has another daily podcast called Whats New, named after its column on the top business and global news.
by Alex Weprin , December 10, 2018

ByteDance, the Chinese tech company that owns the fast-growing social video app TikTok, wants to raise approximately $1.45 billion.

The company plans to use the cash in its venture fund, investing in media assets and artificial intelligence technology.

The company raised $3 billion earlier this year, in a round led by Japans SoftBank.

ByteDance, currently valued at more than $75 billion, is hot in China, but it is just beginning to make its mark elsewhere. TikTok is its biggest effort yet to break into the North American market.

TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular video apps on both iOS and Android, allowing users to upload videos of themselves overplayed with music, graphics, and other content.

It isnt immediately clear what other media concepts interest ByteDance. In China, it operates a news aggregator and another social video platform. However, as the company seeks international expansion, other concepts are likely in the pipeline, seeking to piggyback onto TikToks success.
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause sores to develop on the genitals. Some people have genital herpes without any symptoms. This article gives an overview of genital herpes, including its symptoms, causes, treatments, and complications.

What is genital herpes? Share on Pinterest Using a condom during sex can help prevent the transmission of STDs. People can contract this sexually transmitted infection (STI) through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Two types of virus can cause genital herpes: herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), which usually causes oral herpes

herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), which usually causes genital herpes Oral herpes causes cold sores, or fever blisters, to appear on the lips. People usually get oral herpes through salivary contact rather than genital contact. Although HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, it can spread to the genitals through oral sex, especially if a person has open cold sores. A person can have HSV-1 and HSV-2 at the same time. There is currently no cure for genital herpes. It can be easy to transmit to others, even if a person does not have open sores. To prevent the transmission of genital herpes, it is important to use barrier protection during sex.

How common is genital herpes? Genital herpes is very common, affecting 11.9 percent of people ages 1449 in the United States. Females are more likely to have genital herpes than males because vaginal tissues can tear easily, allowing the virus to enter the body. Estimates suggest that genital herpes affects 1 in 5 females and 1 in 10 males ages 1449.

Symptoms Genital herpes does not always cause symptoms. A person may not know that they have this virus until it shows on a routine STI test. When genital herpes does lead to symptoms, it typically causes open sores on the genitals and anus. Initially, the sores usually develop on the part of the body that was first exposed to the virus. The lesions usually appear between 2 days and 3 weeks of sexual contact with a person who has genital herpes. The hallmark of genital herpes is small blisters that break open, leaving painful sores that can take 26 weeks to heal. A person may mistake a mild case of herpes for a few pimples or ingrown hairs. Often, a person first feels tingling or itching around their genitals, which can last up to a day. They may also notice the following symptoms: a headache

fever

tiredness or fatigue

swollen lymph nodes

muscle pain Herpes is most contagious when a person has open genital sores, though people can transmit the virus even when there are no sores. A doctor will usually diagnose genital herpes by asking about a persons symptoms and examining any lesions that are present. Blood tests and skin scrapings can help diagnose the condition, though these are usually not necessary. Some symptoms are specific to males and females. Symptoms of genital herpes in males Males are more likely to have repeat outbreaks of genital herpes than females. They may notice blisters or sores on the penis, scrotum, or anus, or unusual discharge from the penis. Symptoms of genital herpes in females Getting a menstrual period can cause an outbreak of genital herpes. Also, a person may mistake the symptoms of genital herpes for those of a yeast infection or bladder infection.

How is genital herpes transmitted? Genital herpes can spread in the following ways: vaginal sex, anal sex, or genital contact with someone who has the virus

receiving oral sex from a partner with a cold sore

touching a herpes sore, then touching the genitals

a baby can contract genital herpes during birth if the mother has the virus People can sexually transmit the virus even if they have no visible symptoms. It is not possible to contract genital herpes from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or touching other objects. The virus can only spread from human-to-human contact.

How to treat genital herpes There is no cure for genital herpes. It lays dormant in the body for long periods, then reappears as an outbreak of sores. However, doctors can prescribe medications that reduce the likelihood of recurring outbreaks. These medicines may also lower the risk of transmitting the virus. When a person has a genital herpes outbreak, they may be able to promote healing and lower the risk of transmitting the virus by: avoiding sexual contact with another person until the sores have healed

keeping the sores clean and dry

refraining from touching the sores whenever possible

washing the hands immediately after touching the sores

using barrier protection during sexual contact until told otherwise by a doctor The first herpes outbreak is usually the worst  subsequent outbreaks tend to become less bothersome.

Complications Share on Pinterest Anyone who suspects they may have genital herpes should speak to a doctor. Genital herpes does not typically cause serious health complications. However, it can make a person more vulnerable to contracting HIV. If a person has genital herpes sores, viruses and bacteria, including HIV, have more opportunity to enter the body. Avoid scratching the sores, as this can lead to bacterial infection. Also, having HIV can make genital herpes outbreaks more severe.

Prevention Avoiding sexual contact, especially when sores are present, is the only sure way to prevent the spread of genital herpes. Using condoms reduces the risk of transmitting the infection. However, people can contract herpes from the skin around the genitals, so this is not guaranteed to be effective. Many people have STIs without knowing it. Doctors recommend getting regular checks, especially after a person has had sex with a new partner.
Doctors are starting to prescribe medical marijuana to treat certain health conditions. Some studies suggest that marijuana may also have the potential to ease the symptoms of Crohns disease. Share on Pinterest Trinette Reed/Stocksy Crohns disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This chronic condition causes inflammation of parts of the digestive tract. Doctors do not fully understand what causes Crohns disease, but they believe that it results from a problem with the immune system. The symptoms of Crohns disease can vary considerably in type and severity, but they often include: diarrhea

abdominal pain and cramping

fatigue

nausea or loss of appetite

weight loss Crohns disease is typically a relapsing-remitting condition. This term means that people experience both periods of remission, during which they have few or no symptoms, and flare-ups, when their symptoms get worse. There is currently no cure for Crohns, so treatment aims to relieve symptoms and keep a person in remission. In this article, we look at the research on whether marijuana can help treat Crohns disease. We also cover some of the benefits, risks, and side effects of medical marijuana.

Can medical marijuana treat Crohns? There is some evidence to suggest that marijuana, also known as cannabis, may have the potential to ease the inflammation that causes many of the symptoms of Crohns disease. However, a 2018 systematic review concluded that there was not enough evidence to confirm that marijuana and marijuana oil are safe and effective for people with active Crohns disease. The review analyzed the results from three studies. The first study involved 21 people with active Crohns disease who smoked either a marijuana cigarette or a placebo one every day for 8 weeks. People in the marijuana group were more likely to achieve clinical remission than those in the placebo group. However, people in the marijuana group also experienced more side effects, including sleepiness, nausea, memory loss, and confusion. The researchers considered these effects to be mild. The second study compared marijuana oil with placebo oil in 22 people with active Crohns disease and found no difference in clinical remission rates. In the third study, researchers gave 50 people with active Crohns disease either marijuana oil or a placebo for 8 weeks. They found that marijuana oil led to better scores in quality of life and symptom severity than the placebo. The authors of the systematic review stated that the quality of evidence in these trials was low. They also noted that there was a high risk of bias in two of the studies. They concluded that more extensive studies are necessary to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of marijuana for treating people with Crohns disease

How does it work? Marijuana comprises many different substances, including cannabinoids, which are responsible for the effects of the drug. Cannabinoids work by interacting with the bodys endocannabinoid system, which scientists believe plays a role in regulating many bodily processes. These processes include: pain

mood

appetite

gastrointestinal motility

memory

emotion

stress response

immune function In the United States and some other countries, doctors prescribe medical marijuana to treat several conditions and symptoms, including multiple sclerosis, seizures, and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.

What symptoms does it treat? The current body of research suggests that marijuana may help by: reducing abdominal pain

increasing appetite

minimizing diarrhea

controlling nausea However, there is only limited evidence to support the effectiveness of medical marijuana in treating these symptoms in people with Crohns disease. One study found that use of marijuana by teenagers with IBD was common, with many users believing that it relieved physical pain.

How to use it In the U.S., the legality of marijuana varies from state to state. In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to legalize the medical use of marijuana. Since then, 32 additional U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico have all followed suit. These areas have put approved medical marijuana programs in place that protect people who use the drug for medical reasons from prosecution. The details vary between states, but the programs tend to cover the less potent strains of marijuana. Users tend either to roll the drug up into a marijuana cigarette and smoke it or to use a vaporizer. This device allows people to inhale the drug vapor rather than the smoke. It is also possible to acquire medical marijuana as an edible oil, spray oil, or in capsule form.

Risks and side effects Marijuana can cause a range of short-term and long-term side effects. However, side effects vary between people, and not everyone will experience them. Short-term side effects are those that occur only while the cannabinoids are in a persons body. These may include: short-term memory problems

impaired motor skills

decreased reaction time

fatigue

anxiety

panic

increased heart rate

changes in blood pressure

dry mouth Due to these side effects, people should not use marijuana before driving, operating potentially dangerous machinery, or doing any other activity that requires quick thinking or reflex actions. Long-term side effects are those that can affect people after they have been using marijuana consistently for some time. These may include depression, anxiety, and addiction. People who smoke marijuana are also at risk of developing physical health problems, such as a chronic cough, bronchitis, or lung infection. In some cases, long-term marijuana use can cause a disorder called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The symptoms of this condition include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Healthcare professionals recommend that some people avoid medical marijuana. These people include pregnant women, as there is not enough evidence to demonstrate that the drug is safe for the unborn baby. People with a personal or family history of mental health issues should also avoid using marijuana because it could potentially worsen their symptoms.
Just last month Samsung showed off a brand new concept phone that has a foldable screen and closes just like a book. Samsung plans to shake up the smartphone business with a new phone in an already saturated market. Samsung only showed off the display of the smartphone and didn't give a clear look at the body of the smartphone.

For years Samsung has been developing consumer ready foldable displays and intends to be the first major company to launch a phone with the technology. We already know that Huawei and LG too are working on the same lines and competition has never been this intense.

 YouTube

But things are slowly going south for Samsung, its latest bendable screen technology has been stolen and sold to two Chinese companies, according to prosecutors in South Korea. 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.

Intellectual property theft is a national concern for South Korea as it tries to maintain its narrowing technology lead over China. 11 people have been indicted and three of them, including the company's CEO, have been arrested and are awaiting trial.

 Reuters

The group allegedly formed a separate shell company that received information of the use equipment and drawings of the panels, which they accessed from working with Samsung. They then sold the documents in China, earning 15.5 billion won (U$ 13.8 million).

The hardware that is alleged to have been stolen is used to create the curved screens found on the edges of Samsung's popular Galaxy line of smartphones, prosecutors said.

Samsung introduced the edge version of OLED panels with the Galaxy Note Edge in 2014. Since then, it has introduced a dual-edge version that has been used in its flagship S and Note series.

 Reuters

It manufactures more than 90 percent of the small and midsize OLED panels used in smartphones worldwide. A leak of technology in this field would deal a huge blow to Samsung

The South Korean giant spent about 150 billion won over a period of six years to develop the OLED technology that is now considered highly-classified national knowledge, prosecution said.

Source: Bloomberg
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Terens Quick visited Hanoi, at the head of the first Greek business mission to Vietnam, where he announced commencement of its work at a special event, which took place at the offices of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry there.

Mr. Quick also had meetings with the Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and the Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Vu Dai Thang. During his meeting with the two Deputy Ministers, in the presence of the Greek Ambassador to Vietnam, Ioannis Raptakis, Mr. Quick requested expediting of the procedures, on the part of Vietnam, for the conclusion of Agreements, both in the field of shipping as well as in the area of preventing double taxation.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also discussed current bilateral and international issues. The continued strengthening of relations between the two countries was agreed upon and also the convening meetings on a political and official level in Athens and Hanoi. In addition, the Deputy Minister renewed Greece's invitation for a formal visit by the Prime Minister of Vietnam to Athens.

Upon his departure from Hanoi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs made the following statement:

"Synergies on the part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in promoting the Greek economy abroad continue. Today, for the first time, there are Greek businesses present in Vietnam, in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so as to gain access to the market of a country which is growing at a fast rate.

I note that Hanoi places second in the world as a city in terms of financial, residential, and industrial growth rates.

Seventeen Greek companies, coordinated by SEV (The Hellenic Federation of Enterprises), ACCI (Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and SEVE (The Greek International Business Association) will conduct within the next 48 hours B2B meetings and, as everything indicates, they will enjoy a great rate of success.

This is the repeated Greek business campaign which is being carried out in developing countries, both of Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, as well as in countries of the former Soviet block.

Especially here in Vietnam, Greek companies are gaining access to a client list of 100 million residents, in sectors such as construction, product standardisation, renewable energy sources, tourism, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, high technology, transports etc."
JOURNALIST: We have a series of issues that are developing, which I believe determined in general Greece's position on the international scene, as well as regional developments, but there is, of course, also the issue of the Prespes Agreement, which also gives rise to various scenarios. We shall take a look at all this with Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Giorgos Katrougalos, whom we have on the line.

Good morning, Mr Katrougalos.

G. KATROUGALOS: Good morning to you and to your listeners.

JOURNALIST: Let's take things in chronological order, and let's begin with Alexis Tsipras visit to Moscow. You were there also, there was a working meeting with the Russian President as well as with a government Committee. The agreements were concluded. We would like for you to tell us the outcome of this meeting; is it positive, did it bring about good results?

G. KATROUGALOS: This meeting was a complete success, both on the part of the leaders, with the Prime Ministers meetings with the Prime Minister of Russia and the President of the Russian Federation, as well as on a lower level, with the Joint Intergovernmental Committee whose mission is to define the economic goals of the cooperation between the two countries. And it was positive, because, on the one hand, it rekindled our excellent relations, which were nonetheless overshadowed by last summer's episode, and also because it placed our cooperation on track, especially in the field of the economy and culture, on new improved terms.

JOURNALIST: So, have all potential problems been overcome, in other words? Because we noticed that there was no reference, neither by Vladimir Putin and, when he was asked, moreover, in his statements, in the statements he made with Alexis Tsipras, he said that all these things are essentially in the past, and that we must look towards the future.

G. KATROUGALOS: Both sides have agreed that this is behind us. We felt, and continue to feel, that a message ought to be sent related to the protection of our sovereignty, but we did not feel that this corresponds to a component, a decisive component in our differences. Our relations, as you know, have traditionally been excellent, and we intend, within the framework of our multidimensional foreign policy, for them to remain excellent.

JOURNALIST: You too, Minister, are going to participate in meetings that exist in the European framework of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, a rich agenda which exists: Iran, Venezuela, Ukraine. In reality, all these things come to determine all these discussions. They will also determine the European Unions stance in a very fluid international scene where indeed we especially have activity on the part of the US on all these fronts, and indeed we could say that fronts are being rekindled which we believe have at least closed, whether we are talking about Ukraine...

G. KATROUGALOS: Quite right. It truly is a troubled and complex region for which we, in order to be able to have a compass, have two guiding principles: respect for International Law and the certainty that only through dialogue can these differences be resolved. And of course, we have a home - this is the European Union - but we are attempting to act as a political bridge with those countries with which we have relations, which permit us to play the role of the intermediary.

JOURNALIST: But in any case, we have the developments in the Sea of Azov, and the whole scenario there thus becomes even more complicated.

G. KATROUGALOS: It is true, the Ukraine is a constant problem for the European Safety System, and on this point, we insist that the Minsk Protocol, which stipulates the political steps required for the situation to return to normal, be respected. We want a de-escalation of tension. The last thing Europe needs is a new focus of tension, and indeed at its very centre, its heart, and this is also one of the things that we shall discuss today.

JOURNALIST: I would like to visit the topic which I believe concerns many, more so the public dialogue, because what is the most concerning is that this can lead to political developments. We are speaking, of course, about the Prespa Agreement. We had statements by Zaev recently which, if you want my humble opinion, were blown out of proportion a bit, related to Macedonians of the Aegean and other such things. Do you believe that problems exist which could also jeopardise implementation of the Prespa Agreement, first of all?

G. KATROUGALOS: Listen, it is obvious that during the period up to ratification, but mainly after the phase of its implementation, both sides must strive to respect the letter and the spirit of the Prespa Agreement. And we are stressing this to the other side, in every possible way. During our bilateral contacts as well as the meetings I had at NATO with the Secretary-General of NATO, and with Ms Mogherini, I stressed the need for the statements that are made not to be different to those arising from the Agreement. From there, the Agreement is a given. And indeed, perhaps it was useful that this discussion took place, given the opportunity of those statements, so that we can clear things up, that there are no irredentist elements in the Agreement, and that, on the contrary, the Agreement is a tool which we possess for every doubt, every trace of irredentism, to disappear. And this is why the vacillation I see in certain political powers recently surprises me, precisely because the Prespa Agreement remained exactly as it was. And precisely, the discussion that took place shed light on the elements of the Agreement which make it mutually beneficial for both countries, especially for our country, because it is we who must be concerned about irredentism, not the other side.

JOURNALIST: Do you believe that, in fact, these statements were made by fYROM, by the countrys Prime Minister? Were they perhaps made in the context of political management of this whole situation? Because this pertains to an agreement which leads to reactions in the neighbouring country. It does not go over easily, and perhaps some statements of that type were made.

G. KATROUGALOS: I do not wish to further comment on the statements themselves. It is clear, though, that both sides are trying to convince our people as to why this Agreement is mutually beneficial. We must accomplish this with arguments that have depth and relate to the Agreement's text, and we must do this in a manner so that the efforts of the one side dont hinder the efforts of the other side.

JOURNALIST: Nonetheless, what we hold on to is - and the Greek side is doing so and wishes the same thing for all sides - to remain focused on the Prespa Agreement, on the Agreement itself, because it is this which resolves all the issues; therefore, there is no thought even of interpretative statements or certain additional assurances, as we understand it.

G. KATROUGALOS: As I told you, there are two goals: one immediate, and one on the medium to long-term. The immediate goal is for the Agreement to be ratified by both sides, and the second, of course, is for it to be complied with. It is in this context that we are doing everything possible, and we shall do so to also clarify the meaning which can be derived from a simple reading of the text. And whatever else is required, we shall accomplish it.

JOURNALIST: Let's focus on our own issues so that we can conclude with that. Do you believe that the Prespa Agreement will be passed by the Hellenic Parliament? Because, as you too mention, there are powers that now seem to be vacillating and may have relied on the discussions of the previous period as an excuse.

G. KATROUGALOS: I have no doubt that the Agreement will pass, and I hope for their political reliability. Not because doubt exists that the Agreement will pass in the end. And these powers to which we are referring - to say things as they are - are Potami. And Potami will return to its own statements, its initial stances, precisely because no field for differentiation exists as a result of current events. I repeat, whatever needed to be clarified has been clarified. The Prespa Agreement did not change, it had the same letter, it has the same letter now also, and its spirit is that which we must protect.

JOURNALIST: Thank you very much.
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...
Research News

Scientists brew lava and blow it up to better understand volcanoes

Lava that has been ejected from the container cools after the explosion, forming bits and strands of glossy, black rock. By analyzing fragments like these, researchers can gain knowledge about how volcanic rock formations found in nature are formed. Photo: Douglas Levere

After water is injected into the lava, this hammer drives a plunger into the mix to help stimulate an explosion. In some cases, if enough molten rock is present above the water injection point, an intense reaction begins before the hammer falls. Photo: Douglas Levere

Researchers pour lava from the furnace after the melt is complete. The furnace is located at UBs Geohazards Field Station in the Town of Ashford in upstate New York. Photo: Douglas Levere

The injection tubes that are used to inject water into the lava. Photo: Douglas Levere

Part of the system that shoots water into the molten rock. The blue cylinder is a pressure tank that holds the water thats injected, at a designated time, into the manmade lava in experiments. Photo: Douglas Levere

After dumping basaltic rock into a high-powered induction furnace, it is heated for about four hours to a temperature of 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ingo Sonder, a research scientist at UBs Center for Geohazards Studies, stirs the molten rock as it melts inside the furnace. Photo: Douglas Levere

The experimental setup. Features include the lava furnace (on the left in the background, inside the shed) and an insulated steel box designed to hold the lava (center). Photo: Douglas Levere

By CHARLOTTE HSU

If you think about a volcanic eruption, there are powerful forces at work, and its not a gentle thing. Our experiments are looking at the basic physics of what happens when water gets trapped inside molten rock. 

What happens when lava and water meet? Explosive experiments with manmade lava are helping to answer this important question.

By cooking up 10-gallon batches of molten rock and injecting them with water, scientists are shedding light on the basic physics of lava-water interactions, which are common in nature but poorly understood.

The project  a long-term, ongoing study led by UB published its first results Dec. 10 in the Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR): Solid Earth.

The scientists caution that the number of tests so far is small, so the team will need to conduct more experiments to draw firm conclusions.

The research shows that lava-water encounters can sometimes generate spontaneous explosions when there is at least about a foot of molten rock above the mixing point. In prior, smaller-scale studies that used about a coffee cups worth of lava, scientists in Germany found they needed to apply an independent stimulus  in essence pricking the water within the lava  to trigger a blast.

The results reported in JGR: Solid Earth also point to some preliminary trends, showing that in a series of tests, larger, more brilliant reactions tended to occur when water rushed in more quickly and when lava was held in taller containers.

The team ran a total of 12 experiments in which water-injection speeds ranged from about 6 to 30 feet per second, and in which lava was held in insulated steel boxes that ranged in height from about 8 to 18 inches.

If you think about a volcanic eruption, there are powerful forces at work, and its not a gentle thing, says lead investigator Ingo Sonder, research scientist in the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB. Our experiments are looking at the basic physics of what happens when water gets trapped inside molten rock.

Sonder will discuss the project at a press conference at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation. In addition to Sonder, UB co-authors included Andrew G. Harp, who contributed to the project as a UB geology PhD candidate and is now a lecturer in geological and environmental sciences at the California State University, Chico; Alison Graettinger, who contributed to the project as a UB geology postdoctoral researcher and is now an assistant professor of geosciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City; Pranabendu Moitra, who contributed to the project as a UB geology postdoctoral researcher and is now a postdoctoral research associate in the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona; and Greg Valentine, UB professor of geology and director of the Center for Geohazards Studies. Ralf Buttner and Bernd Zimanowski of the Universitat Wurzburg in Germany also contributed.
Requirements to be a MSHDA Housing Agent

Requirements to be a MSHDA Housing Agent

Overview of the MSHDA Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) provides Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for approximately 28,000 very-low income households throughout the state of Michigan. The HCV program is federally funded through the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). MSHDA administers the largest statewide HCV program in the nation through a unique partnership with Civil Servant employees and third-party independent contractors known as Housing Agents. Housing Agents provide front-line services to program applicants, participants, owners, and management companies which includes the determination of participant eligibility and the approval of safe, decent, and affordable housing units. Program participants may select the unit of their choice ranging from single family homes to units within multifamily developments.

The Housing Agent is responsible for having a thorough knowledge of HUD Regulations and MSHDA Standard Operating Procedure for all MSHDA rental assistance programs that fall within the Housing Agent jurisdiction. The Housing Agent must understand the proper use and ensure the accurate completion of over 250 forms required to document the applicant, participant, and landlord files. The Housing Agent completes data entry into the specialized software program used to manage the HCV Program and to report data to HUD via the HUD-50058.

To learn more about the rental assistance programs managed by the Rental Assistance & Homeless Solutions (RAHS) division, please review the general information provided here:

General Expectations of Housing Agents and Their Staff

The MSHDA HCV Program maintains separate waiting lists for all counties within Michigan and currently preferences homeless households in need of rental assistance. The Housing Agent will request a list of names from a waiting list to make initial contact and start the housing process. After initial contact is made, the Housing Agent will determine eligibility for the HCV Program by conducting criminal background screenings and a review of all income, assets, expenses and liabilities for each member of the household. After initial eligibility is determined the applicant searches for housing and informs the Housing Agent once a potential unit has been located.

The Housing Agent conducts a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection to determine if the selected unit can be approved. If the unit meets program requirements and passes the inspection, the applicant can move-in after the Housing Agent receives a lease and a signed Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract. MSHDA cannot pay Housing Assistance Payments until all requirements for the HCV Program have been met. The Housing Agent will continue to work with the participant, owners, and/or management companies on matters related to the administration of the HCV Program. These matters include, but are not limited to, conducting annual certifications of income, completing annual HQS inspections, assisting in the move process, and creating new payment certifications if there has been a change in participant income or household members.

Additional summary of qualifications:

Direct experience working with HUD funded programs, specifically, the HCV Program

Direct experience working with HUD funded programs, generally, Public Housing or project management

Responsible for a minimum of 400 voucher holders in the assigned area

Successfully complete HQS training offered by MSHDA staff or other accredited HQS training course

Have an accessible office with standard office hours so participants and landlords can receive in-person assistance

Have standard phone hours and respond to callers within two-business days

Have emergency phone contacts to respond to and address HQS 24-hour violations

Hire adequate staff to cover all the essential duties of the HCV Program

Customer Service Skills Sensitivity and compassion for a diverse group of clientele who have recently experienced homelessness and have minimal resources The ability to diffuse hostile situations The ability to resolve concerns efficiently and effectively

Verbal and Written Communication Requirements In-person meetings Phone call responses Written letters and forms that are concise and complete

Collaboration with local service agencies Provide referrals to community services Communicate clearly with the Homeless Assessment and Resource Agencies (HARA) regarding homeless applicants and participants Work closely with the Veterans Affairs (VA) staff regarding homeless veteran applicants and participants

Management Skills Train your staff on all requirements of the HCV Program Hire staff that have experience and skill in working with programs serving people in need Responsible for your actions and those of your staff

Computer Skills Quickly learn new web-based programs required for the HCV Program Accuracy in data entry skills



Required Trainings

Nan McKay and Associates - HCV Specialist

HQS Training conducted by MSHDA Staff or other accredited HQS training course

Becoming a MSHDA Housing Agent

Periodically, MSHDA seeks bids from prospective Housing Agents when it releases a Request for Proposal (RFP). If, after reviewing all of the information provided, you are interested in becoming a MSHDA Housing Agent, you may submit a response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) when it is released for bids. When new Housing Agent contracts are available, MSHDA will post the RFP notification on SIGMA Vendor Self-Service (VSS) and on the MSHDA website under the RFP and Grant section.
771 organizations partner to apply for more than $80 million in Marshall Plan for Talent Innovation Grant funds

771 organizations partner to apply for more than $80 million in Marshall Plan for Talent Innovation Grant funds

Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan and Michigan Department of Education approve 22 talent consortia to move forward with final step in grant application process

Friday, Dec. 7, 2018

TED MEDIA CONTACT:

Erica Quealy

517-582-2961 | quealye@michigan.gov

LANSING, Mich.  Michigans talent revolution is taking hold with 22 talent consortia representing 771 businesses, K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions and organizations, moving on to the final step in the Marshall Plan for Talent Innovation Grant process, Gov. Rick Snyder announced today.

Together, the consortia are requesting more than $80 million in Marshall Plan for Talent Innovation Grants to revolutionize the states talent pipeline and fill the 811,000-plus career openings through 2024.

Its impressive to see such collaboration across our state and across industry sectors, bringing Michigan into a new era of education and talent development, Snyder said. These coordinated efforts are transforming the way we cultivate top talent for businesses looking to grow and expand, but also helping all Michiganders become successful lifelong learners.

Leaders from the automotive, technology and Professional Trades sectors were among those to partner with educational institutions and community organizations.

This level of interest and partnership is telling of a bright future for Michigan  we greatly exceeded all expectations for this first round, Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan Interim Director Jeremy Hendges said. With nearly 800 organizations willing to come together to say, how can we close this talent gap and developing innovative solutions to do just that show a state willing and ready for positive change. Were excited to see the final grant applications and the ideas on the table for revolutionizing our evolving education model.

In all, the 22 consortia are made up of 74 non-profit organizations, 255 K-12 districts, 207 Michigan businesses, 75 post-secondary institutions, 72 industry partners, 88 workforce development organizations and other partners.

Michigan students win when we all come together to develop creative and innovative solutions to better prepare them for the future and lifelong learning, Interim State Superintendent Sheila Alles said. These consortia embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation needed to bring positive change to position Michigan as a Top 10 education state and we will continue to move forward.

The final step in the grant application process wrapped up Monday, Nov. 26. State leaders plan to announce grant recipients in mid-December.

There will be additional rounds of the application process and resources in 2019 for those organizations that needed additional time to prepare successful and innovative solutions to closing the states talent gap.

To learn more, visit michigan.gov/marshallplan.
Demolition and redevelopment sought to breathe new life into former school property

Demolition and redevelopment sought to breathe new life into former school property

LAND BANK CONTACT: Erica Quealy, 517-582-2961

CITY CONTACT: Jacob Eckholm

Friday, Dec. 7, 2018

LANSING, MICH  Today Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority released two Request for Proposals for private businesses to bid on demolition and redevelopment projects to revive the former Glendale School property in Muskegon Heights into attainable housing for the community.

Michigan Land Bank owns the Glendale property and has worked closely with local officials on plans to demo the building and start the process of a 20-unit housing development on the site.

Its always a win for the state and local communities when the Michigan Land Bank can work with communities to return blighted properties back to productive use, Michigan Land Bank Director Josh Burgett said. This is an exciting first step in a larger plan to repurpose a number of area schools into housing options for their community.

The former Lindbergh School property, owned by the Michigan Land Bank, and the Dr. Martin Luther King School property, owned by Muskegon Heights, are next in line for redevelopment plans. Both parties anticipate the RFP process for these properties to kick off in winter of 2019.

We at the City are thrilled about the housing opportunities this project will bring to our community and we are grateful for the tremendous partnership we have developed with the Michigan Land Bank throughout the process, Muskegon Heights City Manager Jake Eckholm said. We look forward to continued collaboration as we finalize redevelopment plans for the other two school properties and potential future endeavors.

Demolition work is expected to begin in January 2019, with residential construction kicking off later that Spring.

Bid responses must be submitted online through the State of Michigan SIGMA Vendor Self Service (VSS) or via email to landbank@michigan.gov. Bids for the demolition project must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Dec. 19, 2018. Bids for the redevelopment project must be submitted by noon on Jan. 17, 2019. In the interest of transparency, only proposals submitted via VSS or email will be accepted.

Michigan Land Bank has demolished 3,362 blighted structures and brought 1,991 properties back to productive use since 2010. To learn more about their efforts to improve communities across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/LandBank .

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The current state of retailing, as played out in malls and shopping centers across Connecticut, is the equivalent of a Dickensian vision come to life.

For retailers in well-heeled Fairfield County, it is the best of times, even as online shopping continues to grow and drive some retailers out of business.

Mall developer Brookfield Properties is still saying the 700,000 square-foot SoNo Collections in Norwalk is on schedule to open sometime next year. Other Fairfield County malls are also doing well: Clothing retailer H&M is returning to the Danbury Fair Mall sometime next year after closing a store there in 2014.

But the less prosperous side of Connecticuts tale of two retail environments is being played out across much of the rest of the state. Some malls are struggling and others have key indicators headed in the wrong direction

Credit rating service Fitch Ratings last week downgraded its ratings for a loan pool made up of regional malls around the country, the largest of which is the Crystal Mall in Waterford. Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, which owns the successful Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, also owns Crystal Mall.

Sears is closing its store in the Crystal Mall at the end of the month. Melissa Che, a senior director with Fitch, said there are a number of unknowns with the Crystal Mall.

With all the unknowns, we dont have a clear view of how it will get by, Che said of the Crystal Mall.

The current Crystal Mall loan was securitized as part of a 2012 commercial mortgage-backed securities transaction, she said. The 2012 loan was a refinance of existing debt on the mall, according to Che.

The Sears space in the mall is owned by Seritage Growth Properties and therefore , is not part of the collateral on the loan, she said.

It is not clear at this time what the plans are for the redevelopment of the space that after Sears vacates, Che said.

Another of Crystal Malls anchors, JCPenney has its lease coming up for renewal in November 2019, she said. But JCPenneys sales per square foot in its Crystal Mall space were down to $90 per square foot in 2017 from $127 per square foot when the loan was originated in 2012, according to Che.

Other important indicators of underperformance include declining net operating income and occupancy, she said.

Net operating income for the collateral in 2017 is down 23 percent since issuance, Che said. Collateral occupancy as of June 2018 is down to 80 percent from 87 percent at issuance.

Finally, when the Crystal Mall loan was originated, in-line tenants  those occupying less than 10,000 square feet  were producing $315 per square foot of sales, she said. That figure is now down to $298 per square foot.

Les Morris, a spokesman for Simon, did not respond to several attempts to contact him last week for comments of how Fitchs downgrade might impact Crystal Mall.

But what is perhaps a harbinger of an even more grim retail future is being played out in Enfield.

The Enfield Square Mall, located off Interstate 91 just south of the Massachusetts border, was scheduled to go up for auction starting Monday . The three-day auction of the 677,223-square-foot mall is being done online and Jones Lang LaSalle, a Chicago-based investment management company, is marketing the property.

The minimum bid that will be considered as part of the auction is $3.8 million. Interest bidders must submit a participation deposit of $50,000.

Enfield Square was built in 1971 and the mall was last renovated in 2001. But it currently has an occupancy rate of just 57.5 percent and its only remain anchor is Target.

Officials with Jones Lang LaSalle did not return calls for comment about the auction. Town officials in Enfield as well also did not respond to requests for comment.

Donald Klepper-Smith, chief economist and director of research for New Haven-based DataCore Partners, said even though Connecticut is small, the idea of boom and bust in the states retail economy should not come as a surprise.

There is not a one-Connecticut economy, Klepper-Smith said. There are pockets of weakness and strength all over the state.

Some of the reasons for success has to do with location, he said.

For example, the Tanger Outlet Center that is part of the Foxwoods casino attracts consumers who are already predisposed to spending money. And SoNo Collections is in the heart of Fairfield County, which according to census data, is the fourth richest metropolitan area in America, with almost 20 percent of households earning at least $200,000 a year.

Klepper-Smith said another reason that some malls are doing better than others is the fear the nation will soon be in a recession. The economist is predicting there is a 50-50 chance a national recession will hit in the next 12-to-15 months.

People are shopping differently because they believe they may not have money to spend in the future, Klepper-Smith said. This is an environment in which you would think people would probably need to be careful. But were not talking about making rational decisions: So much of what consumers do is based upon emotion.

David Cadden, a professor emeritus at Quinnipiac Universitys School of Business, said the consensus of many retail experts is as many as 25 percent of the nations shopping malls will have closed by 2022. Cadden declined to predict if that will happen in Connecticut.

There has been overbuilding of malls for decades, Cadden said. But the top 10 percent of malls are still making money.

In addition to the growth of online shopping, Cadden said what attracts consumers to malls has changed.

They are no longer there to sell products, he said. They are there to provide experiences.

Given the unsettled environment, why would any developer want to build a new mall or shopping center. In addition to the SoNo Collections, plans are still moving forward for a upscale outlet center on West Havens waterfront, right off Interstate 95.

The top mall now is only as good as the next one that comes along, Che said.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
CROMWELL  The Board of Education is scheduled to meet early Tuesday to discuss the employment of Superintendent of Schools John T. Maloney.

Maloney was elevated to the superintendents position in April 2017, following the retirement of Paula M. Talty. Prior to that, he was assistant superintendent, and before that, principal of Cromwell High School.

The board has scheduled a special meeting for 7:30 a.m. at Town Hall to discuss the performance and employment of Maloney. The agenda also includes possible actions regarding Maloneys performance and employment.

Whats more, the board has also scheduled a discussion concerning the appointment of an interim superintendent and possible action regarding such an appointment.

In an email Sunday, Board of Education chairman Michael J. Camilleri said: John is an active employee of the district, and the Board of Ed has taken no action that would impact that status.

Maloney has been a popular figure in both the school community and town at large. The posting of the agenda has provoked a swirl of rumor and surmise, much of which played out on social media platforms. But so far, Board of Education officials have remained silent about what prompted the unusual early morning session of the board.

As comments on social media grew, Camilleri posted a statement on Facebook that he said he hoped would clarify the matter. He began by saying he was aware of the many questions and concerns that had arisen over the special meeting and its subject matter.

While board members value transparency and openness in how we operate personnel matters often require a much greater degree of confidentiality, which, unfortunately, may lead to speculation and conclusions that are not in line with what is really happening, Camilleri said.

I am sorry that we are not at liberty to share additional information at this time. I am focused on making sure all personnel matters are handled expeditiously, fairly and justly, Camilleri wrote.

While Tuesday mornings meeting is a public meeting, Camilleri said, I anticipate that most of the discussion will take place in executive session, meaning that the public is not allowed to attend those portions of the meeting.

Any votes on specific actions will be taken in public session as required  and not in executive session. However, there will be no opportunity for public comments during any portion of the 7:30 a.m. meeting, he said.

The meeting was scheduled at such an early hour because we believe strongly in the need to handle all personnel matters as expeditiously as possible, Camilleri said. It is being held at Town Hall, because the boards regular meeting space is the high school library/media center, and the school is in session at that hour.

There is also a regularly scheduled board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the library. Unlike the special meeting, this does include an opportunity for public comment on any topic (including topics not on the agenda), Camilleri said.

Given some of the comments and feedback Board of Ed members have received, I think its important to let you know that, if you have any comments you would like to share about our superintendent of schools or any other topic, please feel free to share them during the public comment portion of that meeting, Camilleri wrote on Facebook.

Comments or questions emailed to the Board of Education in care of Camilleri at mikecamilleri13@gmail.com will be read during the session.

In separate email Sunday afternoon, Camilleri would not comment on why the board would consider retaining an interim superintendent when it already has Assistant Superintendent Krista Karch on staff.
HARTFORD  Governor-elect Ned Lamont has chosen a Bridgeport Superior Court judge as his general counsel.

Robert W. Clark has only been a judge since May and currently presides in juvenile court. But he has extensive experience in state policy in the Connecticut Attorney Generals office, where he served for nearly 14 years.

Clark, most recently as special counsel to Attorney General George Jepsen, has been involved in most major cases handled by Jepsens office and has been a regular visitor to lawmakers in the General Assembly.

Lamont on Monday also announced Monday that Colleen Flanagan Johnson will be his senior adviser. These appointments are Lamonts third and fourth, as the governor-elect prepares to be sworn into office on Jan. 9.

Johnson, 36, is the executive communications leader for Cignas chief marketing officer. Johnson, a West Hartford resident and Democrat, was Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's first communications director, and held the same position for U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut and U.S Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina.

She will oversee the Governors communications operation, and provide strategic counsel to the Governor and other senior officials on communications, policy, and political matters, Lamonts staff said.

Robert and Colleen are experienced public servants who are deeply committed to helping Connecticut become more inclusive and prosperous for all, said Lamont in a written statement. They are eager to get to work, and I welcome them wholeheartedly into my administration.

Clark, 47, has already been influential in shaping the states response to many issues.

Clark was involved in many cases, including cases involving same-sex marriage, election law, and tobacco, said Jaclyn Severance, communications director for the Attorney Generals office. As the AG's Special Counsel, he worked on issues involving the tribes, the tribal compacts and gaming; the investigation of for-profit colleges; regulations for the state's medical marijuana program; health-care issues, including litigation to defend the federal Affordable Care Act; the state's spending cap; and issues involving the transportation lock box, among many others.

Before joining the attorney generals office, Clark, worked for Day, Berry & Howard LLP in Hartford and at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP in New York City in the commercial litigation and creditors rights and bankruptcy departments. He now lives in Durham.

I look forward to serving the new administration at this critical juncture for the State of Connecticut, said Clark in a written statement.

Clarks departure will leave the Judicial Branch with 24 vacancies for justices, said Rhonda Stearley-Hebert, communications manager for the Judicial Branch.

Clark is one of only two judges now serving Bridgeports juvenile court, which is the third busiest juvenile court in the state based on the number of child protection, delinquency and other cases it handles. He is one of 19 total judges working in Bridgeports Superior Court.

Clark declined to discuss his departure Monday afternoon.

Last week, Lamont announced his choices for chief of staff and Office of Policy and Management secretary. Like Clark and Johnson, his picks for those offices come with a mix of public and private sector experience.

emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson
"As many prepare for holiday celebrations, I call on my fellow veterans -- and the public -- not to forget our brothers and...
| BY Ricki Green |

AdFest is now selling tickets to next years festival, which runs from 20th March to 23rd March 2019 at Peach Royal Cliff Resort, Pattaya, Thailand.

There are Full Delegate, Young Delegate (for those 28 or under) and Student packages available for the full four-day festival, or either of two streams: Craft@ADFEST on 20th  21st March, or Creative@ADFEST on 22nd  23rd March.

The Craft@ADFEST stream will dive deep into the latest production, digital, content and technology trends, while elevating the role of producers, directors, digital creators and VFX artists by celebrating their craft.

Creative@ADFEST is all about creativity  the DNA of ADFEST  and will focus on inspiring and pushing the boundaries of the creative and communications industry in the region.

For the first time, AdFest has introduced the Family Pass, which allows family members of registered delegates to attend AdFests infamous social functions. Only family members of registered delegates are eligible, and the Family Pass excludes access to seminars, workshops and exhibitions.

The theme of AdFest 2019 is TMRRW.TDAY  an empowering theme designed to arm creative professionals with the insights they need to shape a better future today. By bringing together an eclectic mix of world-leading creators and disruptors to present or host workshops, AdFest 2019 will inspire you to evolve, experiment, throw out the old, and re-skill for the future.
This article by Jared Keller originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues.

In the not-too-distant future, a disgraced Army O-3 will lead a group of heavily-armed, specially-trained special operations forces  including an active-duty Air Force O-6, an ex-KGB assassin, a retired marksman, and renegade scientist, among others  to lead a semi-religious insurgency against a giant purple despot.

No, this isn't a lost Tom Clancy manuscript, or the story of Hanukkah soaked in LSD  this is the new trailer for the fourth "Avengers" movie, aptly titled "Avengers: Endgame."

Here's a brief breakdown of the new trailer  and why it basically looks like an insurgency feisty enough to make the Taliban look like a bunch of amateurs.

0:01  1:00: The first minute of the trailer is Tony Stark doing his best performance from "Hamlet." A contrite former weapons manufacturer faced with ultimate military defeat? A taste a hubris tinged with metal and fear? Alas, poor Yorick! We're sure Stark will return with some gangster tech at the end of the movie.

1:01  1:09: Thanos, having picked up all six Infinity Stones and wiped our half of all sentient life in the universe in "Avengers: Infinity War," is not enjoying his post-genocidal life of leisure in a field somewhere. You'll note the scarecrow, decked in his battle armor, as a warning to potential pests  how appropriate that the one hegemonic superpower left in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is played by the same guy who gave us cinema's best portrayal of George W. Bush.

1:10  1:23: It's briefing time at the last remaining forward operating base for the UN's global strike force. With the world in chaos and the entire universe in the palm of Thanos' hands  and with everyone, including Col. James Rhodes, AWOL under the Sokovia accords  it's not as though the Avengers are part of a regular army like the Kree or Nova Corps that Thanos might recognize as a legitimate military force. This, by definition, makes them insurgents, and scary ones at that  as soon as Captain America stops crying.

1:24-1:28: Nebula is mourning her dead sister Gamora on Stark's interstellar ride. Seems like a bummer trip, but one laden with meaning: With her heart bursting with revenge, we'll likely see Nebula play a key role in the climax of the film. Either that or she turns Stark's carriage into a VBIED to buy Captain America's crew some time.

1:29-1:37: "We lost family," Captain America says in a voiceover as we see Clinton Barton rocking swords instead of his regular bow and arrow. This is an allusion to Ronin, his mainstream comics persona adopted in the aftermath of a major trauma. We're assuming this means Thanos' universe-wide slaughter took out his wife and kids, too  all with the snap of his fingers. At least you can see a drone coming

1:38: Captain America and Black Widow are in the cockpit of a vessel. They're on a last-ditch mission to turn things around. Annnnnd our title is "Avengers: Endgame." This, by the way, is a reference to Doctor Strange's proclamation to Stark in "Infinity War" that, after giving up his Time Stone to Thanos, "we're in the end game now." At least the Infinity War isn't turning into a Forever War.

So to summarize: A beaten group of rebel soldiers from a broken nation are basically embarking on a suicide mission against the greatest superpower the planet has ever known. They should have called it "Avengers: Insurgency."

Jared Keller is a senior editor at Task & Purpose. A contributing editor at Pacific Standard magazine, he has previously worked for The Atlantic, Bloomberg Digital, Al Jazeera America, and Maxim. Follow Jared Keller on Twitter @JaredBKeller

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LANSING, MI -- A mother of two says a huge lottery win will change her life and the lives of her kids after she won $116,906 playing the Michigan Lotterys 20X The Cash Fast Cash game.

This is a feeling I cant describe. I feel so blessed, said Heather Sanchez, 30, of Bay City . I have two daughters, so this money will help me provide a great foundation for them.

Sanchez bought her ticket at the King Party Store, located at 1029 South Madison Avenue in Bay City.

I stopped to buy a ticket and scanned it before I left the store, Sanchez said. As soon as I saw the amount come up on the screen, I was in utter disbelief. Everyone in the store crowded around me to see how much I had won.

Sanchez visited Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing Friday to claim her prize. With her winnings, she plans on buying a new house to raise her daughters in.
DRUMMOND ISLAND  A Michigan man and his 5-year-old son were killed in a structure fire on Drummond Island over the weekend.

The Chippewa County Sheriffs Office arrived at the scene to find a fully-engulfed home located at 34983 E. Johnswood Road on the 250-square mile island in Northern Lake Huron. The adult victim has been identified as 30-year-old Kyle Ray Messenger.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. It is under investigation by the Michigan State Fire Marshal, according to a news release.

Grief counselors are being made available for students at schools impacted.

The Chippewa County Sheriffs Office was assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police and Drummond Island Fire Department.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- A nonprofit organization is set to kick off a fundraising campaign to commemorate Abraham Lincolns lone public appearance in Michigan with a bronze statue and youth education programs in Kalamazoo.

Lincoln was one of several who spoke in Bronson Park during an Aug. 27, 1856 rally for a Republican presidential nominee. Though historians note Lincoln was an obscure Illinois prairie lawyer, his 16-minute-long speech focused on issues that would later define his presidency just four years later.

His speech centered on the issue of slavery, a dilemma poised to tear the Union apart and fueled by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The Republican Party was formed two years earlier in response to the expansion of slavery enabled through the act, which allowed settlers to decide whether to adopt slavery in the new territories.

We are a great empire. We are 80 years old. We stand at once the wonder and admiration of the whole world, and we must enquire what it is that has given us much prosperity, and we shall understand that to give up that one thing, would be to give up all future prosperity, Lincoln said, according to a transcript of the speech. Turning to the South, we see a people who, while they boast of being free, keep their fellow beings in bondage ... Shall we say  Let it be. No  we have an interest in the maintenance of the principles of the Government, and without this interest, it is worth nothing."

Lincolns speech was well-received by a crowd of around 10,000 people, according to historic accounts. He would go on to be elected 16th president of the United States four years later, taking Michigan by a 15-point margin.

The Kalamazoo Abraham Lincoln Project aims to honor Lincolns legacy and provide an educational resource for young people. Supporters have been working on the plan since 2011, leading to the creation of a nonprofit founded in 2017 by former state Sen. Cameron Brown.

Brown said a community-wide fundraising effort will be launched on Feb. 12, 2019, Lincolns 210th birthday. Around $250,000 is sought to pay for a statue and related costs, including promotional materials, and $50,000 to create an endowment for future maintenance.

What we want to do is essentially bring Lincoln back to Kalamazoo, Brown said. "There are many communities in the country that have an obvious link and tie (to Lincoln), but Kalamazoo has its own unique Lincoln legacy and we want to build on that. We found that Lincoln crosses all political divides -- hes sort of every childs gateway to U.S. history."

Organizers will reach out to members of the art community to locate a sculptor, Brown said. A design hasnt been decided yet, save one principal element -- Lincolns bronze likeness will not feature his iconic beard, as he was clean-shaven at the time of the Kalamazoo visit.

The project is about more than just a statue, Brown said. He wants it to be a resource to create educational opportunities, youth essay contests, a biennial symposium and other events to impact the civic discourse in Kalamazoo.

Its an intent to build on Kalamazoos unique Lincoln legacy for cultural and educational enrichment of Kalamazoo, he said.

Brown outlined a three-point plan that includes a privately-funded bronze statue of Lincoln in Bronson Park. The nonprofit would also promote educational programs instructive of Lincolns 1856 visit and explore ways to foster youth leadership development inspired by the life and legacy of Lincoln.

City documents from 2016 show the location approved for a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. The statue will commemorate Lincoln's 1856 visit to Kalamazoo. (Image provided by the city of Kalamazoo)

Donations are tax-deductible. Penny drives in classrooms around Kalamazoo will start next year.

Kalamazoo has memorialized Lincolns visit in multiple ways over the years, starting with a boulder placed in the southeast corner of Bronson Park in 1934. A Michigan Historic Site marker was placed in the park in 1957 to celebrate the 100th year anniversary.

The effort to erect a statue started when a local steering committee was formed to explore ways to use Lincolns 1856 visit as a springboard for educational purposes. The committee assessed Lincolns Kalamazoo visit as an untapped resource with the potential to add significant cultural and educational value to Kalamazoo.

In 2013, the Kalamazoo City Commission approved the steering committees request to place a privately-funded Lincoln statue in Bronson Park. A specific site location was approved by the commission in 2016. The statue will serve as an anchor for the committees three-part Lincoln-legacy plan, and a visible reminder of Lincolns visit to Kalamazoo.

Several prominent community leaders have pledged to support the capital campaign, including local businessman and Western Michigan University Trustee Ken Miller, Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Michael Rice, former city commissioner and Borgess Medical Center executive Moses Walker, among others.

The project also touts endorsements from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Vicksburg and Oshtemo historical societies, Kalamazoo County Trial Lawyers Association, organizations representing sons and daughters of Union veterans of the Civil War and the Edison Business Association.

In 2013, the Kalamazoo Gazette Editorial Board supported the project.

Additional plans include collaborating with Michigans 37 other Lincoln-related sites such as the Henry Ford in Dearborn, and with Travel Michigan to advance Michigans Lincoln Remembrance Trail.
LIVONIA, MI -- A Detroit man has been charged with attempted murder, criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and other crimes after he allegedly shot his wife at a FedEx facility in Livonia last month before leading police on a high-speed chase on I-96.

Robert Easley-Calloway, 26, is accused of shooting his wife in the back when she arrived at work and then kidnapping her before fleeing the scene with police pursuing him. He led police eastbound on I-96 before he made a U-turn and attempted to head back down westbound I-96. The chase ended when a trooper with the Michigan State Police shot Easley-Calloway.

He appeared in a Livonia court Friday and remains lodged in jail, according to the Associated Press. Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy said the incident is part of themassive problem of domestic violence.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Design plans for a new parking garage near the University of Michigan medical campus are intended to make the new Wall Street West structure resemble its cousin directly to the east.

UMs Board of Regents approved the schematic design for the $39.5 million garage, which will be constructed between Wall Street and Maiden Lane. The seven-level structure will result in a net gain of 950 parking spots, with the 1,080-space garage being built over an existing 130-space surface parking lot.

Project architect Richard Mitchell said the project will use much of the same detailing as the Wall Street East structure, built in 2015 in Ann Arbors historic Lower Town neighborhood.

Shuttle services will be offered to medical campus employees parking in either garage. The service is expected to take parkers to the nearby medical campus, North Ingalls and nursing facilities, with shuttles arriving every 11 minutes.

While the new parking garage is expected to be a story taller and have more spaces than the 734-spot Wall Street East structure, Miller said the brick facade and design of Wall Street West will be similar to the first..

I wouldnt call it a twin of Wall Street East, but it is a cousin, Mitchell said. We use a lot of the same detailing.

The university currently has more than 27,000 spaces in Ann Arbor spread out among 16 parking structures, and more than 200 parking lots over about 253 acres of land.

Data the university has collected show vacancy rates well below industry standards for parking structures. Since it opened in 2015, the Wall Street structure is routinely full during peak hours.

Construction is scheduled to be completed in fall 2020.
VEVAY TWP., MI  A 9-year-old boy is in critical condition after being hit by a car while crossing the street Sunday afternoon.

At about 4 p.m., Dec. 9, the boy was attempting to cross the street in the 2400 block of Hawley Road, located between Mason and Leslie in Ingham County, and was struck by a car heading south, according to the Ingham County Sheriffs Office.

The child suffered significant injuries and was taken to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition on Monday, Dec. 10, police said.

The driver of the vehicle, a 53-year-old Mason man, was not injured in the crash.

The crash is still under investigation. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

The Ingham Regional Crash Investigation Team and Michigan State Police are assisting in the investigation.
BLACKMAN TWP., MI  Police are seeking assistance in identifying a man suspected of credit card fraud at the Jackson Walmart who may be part of a larger organization committing credit card fraud.

The Jackson County Sheriffs Office released images captured recently from surveillance video at Walmart, 700 W. Michigan Ave, showing a man enter the store and buy items with a stolen credit card.

Surveillance video shows the man using the stolen credit card to purchase prepaid gift cards along with a basket full of candy and cookies.

Police believe the suspect shown in the images may be part of a larger crew committing these crimes, police said.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Deputy Cory Caroffino at 517-768-7967 or Crime Stoppers at 517-483-7867.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Donors to a nonprofit responsible for replacing city property taxes and funding community programs in Kalamazoo would be kept secret under a bill passed by the Michigan Senate in lame duck session.

City Attorney Clyde Robinson said Senate Bill 1176, which passed 25-12 with support of all but one Republican no Democrats, would make the disclosure of Foundation for Excellence donors a misdemeanor crime. Individuals could even seek monetary damages from the city for revealing their identity under the bill, which has yet to achieve approval from the House and Gov. Rick Snyder.

Policies adopted by the foundations first board of directors highlight how public trust is paramount to its legitimacy. Donor information is currently available through a Freedom of Information Act request to the city, otherwise nonprofits are not required to disclose donors unless required by the state.

Thats the rub: The exemptions in FOIA generally, with a few exceptions and this would be one, are discretionary," Robinson said. (The bill) makes it mandatory not to disclose and removes the discretion. If you release it, you face possible liability.

Click here to see whos donated to the Foundation for Excellence so far

Mayor and Foundation for Excellence Board President Bobby Hopewell said the bill is just bad legislation. It undermines the expectation expressed when the foundation was organized that it would be run in the public eye, Hopewell said, a desire shared by city officials, the public and donors.

It flies in the face of everything were trying to do in regards to transparency with the Foundation for Excellence, Hopewell said.

The mayor said he advocated for state Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, to prevent the bill from passing in the Michigan House. Hopewell criticized Republican legislators for requiring a lack of transparency, wondering what they are trying to hide.

Per our work and per what our citizens have said, we want the foundation to be as transparent as it possibly can be, Hopewell said. Removing that ability makes very little sense to us and does not support what we are trying to accomplish here in Kalamazoo regarding connecting everyone to the work of this city.

Public officials who violate the personal privacy protection act" are subject to a misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail. The bill also allows people to seek $2,500 to $7,500 in damages through civil action.

William Parfet and William Johnston, two billionaires with deep roots in Kalamazoo, originally offered the city a joint donation of $70.3 million to operate the foundation until 2019. Documents released to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette through the Freedom of Information Act show the foundation raised $35,157 from 114 donors, as of Nov. 26.

The largest donor is the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, which gave a total of $3,000 from the Robert & Linda Salisbury DA fund and the Hough Family Fund. The nonprofit was contracted to provide administrative services for three years and hand-picked candidates for the Foundation for Excellences governing board.

Stryker Vice President Matthew Alves gave $2,000 on Jan. 31, 2017. Eleven donors gave at least $1,000 to the foundation. The average donor gave $311, but around half of the donors gave $100 or less.

Since the foundation was announced, some residents worried about the influence of donations seeping into local governance and business endeavors in Kalamazoo.

The foundation is a nonprofit corporation considered a public body under state law. Therefore, the foundation is subject to all laws that apply to the city and subject to the Open Meetings Act.

The foundations policies state it will not disclose information about a donor or a donors gift, unless required by law, but it can also accept anonymous gifts. As a general rule, information held by the foundation and discussions of business should generally be presumed to be non-confidential.

Parfet and Johnston spared residents from an income tax increase being considered in 2016. Their donation not only replaced enough revenue to solve the citys budget deficit, it was used to cut property taxes and fund $30 million in community projects.

Johnston is chairman of Greenleaf Companies, which includes Greenleaf Trust, Greenleaf Hospitality, Inc. and Catalyst Development Company. Catalyst is constructing a $70 million mixed-use building on property purchased from the city of Kalamazoo.

Parfet is the retired chair of MPI Research and the great-grandson of W. E. Upjohn, who originally founded the Upjohn Company.

MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette Reporter Kayla Miller contributed to this story.
| BY Ricki Green |

Global branding and packaging agency, Equator Design, is celebrating opening a new studio in Sydney, building on rapid growth in its core markets of the UK and the US and winning a host of industry awards.

With a reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation in design and achieving great results for brand and retail clients, Equator Design also won Branding Project of the Year at last years UK Packaging Awards 2017. The business also took home gold for its work on the Aldi US Runik wine range and silver for its design on Sams Club Members Mark Milk in The Vertex Awards. These awards are the only global competition devoted exclusively to the art of own label package design and to be recognised by such a prestigious body is an honor.

The companys new base in Darlinghurst, Sydney, will be co-led by Chris Lapsley (pictured) who brings over 25 years experience in all areas of graphic design from corporate identity programs, consumer brochures, magazine and newspaper advertisements, to point of sale and fast-moving consumer goods packaging.

For the past fifteen years he has working mainly in blue chip FMCG packaging in Australia and the United Kingdom, managing branding and marketing opportunities for clients such as Unilever, Cadbury Schweppes, Kelloggs, Fosters, United Distillers, Lever Rexona, Arnotts Campbells, Sanitarian Foods and Nestle Foods.

Lapsley has overseen and managed varying roles of creative director, managing members of the creative, design, interactive and finished art departments.

Supported by Andreea Grosanu, client service expert and director with more than 13 years of professional experience, she brings a proven track record of success within BTL & packaging and design segment, for top brands, including: Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Nestle, Pepsico, Intersnack, JTI, Philip Morris, Lindt, Heidi, Tchibo, Strauss, Heineken, Carlsberg, Guinness and also telecommunications brands: Vodafone, and Samsung.

Says Lapsley of the new premises on Stanley Street in the city: The Equator Design premises are designed to be truly inspirational. The raw concrete, curved steel girders and rooftop outdoor space establishes our studio on Stanley Street to be the most imaginative working environment possible to inspire creativity.
CHESANING, MI  Thousands of marijuana plants are growing in the village of Chesaning under the watchful eye of the states first licensed medical marijuana growing company.

VB Chesaning has converted an old dairy farm into 20,000 square feet of space for growing, manufacturing and packaging medical marijuana  and theyre still expanding.

Jason Pasko, chief operating officer of VB Chesaning, said the owners, who are two Michigan natives, knew someone in the Chesaning area and decided to purchased the property about a year and a half ago, then quickly started building the state-of-the-art facility to grow marijuana.

By November of last year, we started construction, Pasko said, and weve been up and growing since Dec. 15 of last year.

VB Chesaning was the first licensee under the Michigan Medical Facilities Licensing Act. It holds permits to grow up to 6,000 marijuana plants at one time.

Their product isnt available for direct sale to the public. Rather, it is purchased by licensed retailers, who then sell it to medical marijuana patients in cities like Detroit, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor and Bay City.

Inside the Chesaning facility, workers use a variety of equipment to process marijuana and extract marijuana oil from the plants. They make marijuana-infused chocolate bars, coffee beans, gummy bears, as well as the companys own branded joints and other items. All of the product is regulated by the state.

Much of the facility is laid out similar to an industrial kitchen in a hotel or large venue center. The walls, ceilings and floors are made of material that is mold-resistant and makes it very easy to wash off so bacteria or other contaminants dont stick to the floor or walls.

Inside the growing areas, workers take great care of the plants with the help of constant humidity control. They even use lady bugs to help kill any potential insects that might make their way into the growing areas.

Without question, we have 20,000 square feet of actual production space built out, that is built to the highest standards certainly in this industry, Pasko said, and as high as standards that you will see in any food environment.

In one room where they grow marijuana, there are 816 varied plants with names like Skunkberry, Alienbooberry to Zuzu and Rocket Fuel.

Phil Hedden, general manager of the facility, said they employ 50 workers who do everything from tending to marijuana plants, packaging, testing quality and trimming plants to be sent out for consumption.

Our mantra from the beginning and Phils mantra is thats going to be the backbone of what we do," Pasko said. "Yeah we grow cannabis, but at the end of the day, you have to rely on the people and you set out to really hire the best people.

Hedden added that also helps the city of Chesaning because workers will go out and eat at the restaurants for lunch, or if they need to get parts for the machines, they can go to the hardware store.

Hedden comes from a food-production background, and while medical marijuana is a little bit different, he still likened it to making something that someone will consume and there are good manufacturing processes that are used globally and apply to the facility as well.

Earlier this year, Michigan voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana on Nov. 6 and while recreational marijuana licensing wont really be starting until 2020 at the earliest, Pasko and Hedden are excited about what the future could be for the Michigan market.

I want to say that Chesaning itself has been very open to us, Pasko said. Its incredible, not just the local government but the people have been excited about what we are doing. This is a brand-new industry in a brand-new state and they are on the forefront, they took the chances early for us and we are happy for that and they are happy for it, too.
TUSCOLA COUNTY, MI  A group of seven puppies found living outdoors in a hole with their mother in Tuscola County are expected to soon be available for adoption.

A resident called Tuscola County Animal Control on Dec. 5 after spotting a female dog and her litter of puppies inside of a hole in the area of East Blackmore and Treasurer roads in Tuscola Countys Dayton Township.

Leigh Nacy, the countys Animal Control director, said she responded to the scene along with Officer Tyler Ray.

We soon realized the puppies were living under a piece of buried metal and we were not able to move it to access the puppies, she said, with the Mayville Fire Department including Chief Robert Hiiter responding for assistance. (Seven) puppies were pulled from the hole. Momma and puppies were taken to the vet and all appear healthy.

Nacy estimated the puppies are 9-10 weeks old. Its believed the puppys mother is a stray and the officers were told shes been in the area since the summer.

Were happy momma did such a good job with the puppies, she said. And were glad theyre out of the cold now.

A post on the county animal controls Facebook page sharing the story and photos of the puppies and mother has drawn some attention.

We have had plenty of interest in the puppies, said Nacy, adding they will be up for adoption after their stray hold is lifted, vaccinations are completed, and some socialization. The puppies are expected to be available for adoption by the week of Dec. 16.

The mother is very timid, she commented. We are working with her. Shes slowly coming out of her shell.

Those interested in adopting a puppy can fill out an application here or contact Tuscola County Animal Control at 989-672-3863.
TOLEDO, OH -- The FBI and Department of Justice announced Monday a pair of arrests were made involving planned attacks against a synagogue and bar in the Toledo area.

The Associated Press reports the two separate attacks were in the planning stages and there was no immediate threat the public safety. The two people arrested did not appear to be connected in their planned attacks.

The Toledo Blade reports 21-year-old Damon Joseph, of Holland, Ohio, was arrested on one charge of attempting to provide material support to ISIS as part of an alleged planned attack on a Toledo synagogue. An undercover agent says Joseph sent plans of an attack that was to be carried out and told one agent that he wanted to kill a rabbi as part of his plan. He was arrested Friday evening after taking possession of a pair of AR-15 rifles that he believed were bought by the agent to carry out the attack. An affidavit says he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Along with Joseph, 23-year-old Elizabeth Lecron of Toledo was also arrested after it was discovered by undercover agents that she was allegedly planning an upscale mass murder at a Toledo bar. Neither the synagogue or the bar targeted were named specifically by officials.

Lecron is charged with purchasing bomb-making materials and faces up to 10 years in prison. She allegedly idolized the infamous Columbine shooters and Dylan Roof, who was convicted of killing nine people at a church in South Carolina. Lecron corresponded with Roof and tried to share Nazi literature with him in prison.

An undercover agent reported Lecron told them that she and an associate had recently begun learning to make pipe bombs for the attack. On Friday, she bought two pounds of Hodgson Triple Seven Muzzleloading Propellant, according to the FBI, and then bought 665 screws of various sizes at another retailer. She was taken into custody Monday morning.
| BY Ricki Green |

Peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia has welcomed recommendations by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission for greater regulatory oversight of Facebook and Google.

Says Joan Warner (left), chief executive officer, CRA: Were pleased that the ACCCs preliminary report has found that action is needed to address the gaping inequalities that exist between regulations applying to radio broadcasters and digital platforms.

The ACCC today released a preliminary report on its Digital Platforms Inquiry, making 11 recommendations and outlining nine areas for further analysis.

Warner said the industry supported a preliminary recommendation for a separate, independent review of regulation, focusing on creating an overarching platform-neutral regulatory regime.

Says Warner: Commercial radio is subject to numerous regulations including, but not limited to, local content, Australian music quotas and advertising restrictions, while online platforms have few or no restrictions.

For instance, broadcasters will be subject to an election advertising blackout ahead of next years federal election, which will result in ad dollars being diverted to digital platforms.

We are pleased the ACCC has acknowledged there is inconsistency and that action needs to be taken to provide a fairer regulatory framework.

CRA also welcomed recommendations for the development of a take-down standard to ensure digital platforms remove copyright infringing material in a timely way and for the further review of the measurement of ads served on digital platforms.

Says Warner: Unlike radio, there is no independent third-party methodology for measuring digital impressions, which can lead to misleading claims regarding the advertising reach of digital platforms.

We would like to see a robust and transparent audience measurement system for digital platforms, so that advertisers and consumers are not misled.
| BY Ricki Green |

Scoundrel has unveiled its latest commission, the all-new Martin Place Christmas Tree for the City of Sydney. As part of a four year roll out Sydney-wide, the re-launch of the Martin Place Christmas tree marks the first stage of Scoundrels appointment by City of Sydney as the head design studio, charged with transforming Christmas in Sydney.

Lead by Scoundrels director and artist James Dive, the tree measures a height of 25 metres, has 110,000 digitally mapped lights, 330 baubles, a three and a half metre colour-changing star and 15,000 native flowers featuring Banksia, Waratah, Bottlebrush, Wattle, Eucalyptus Gum Flower, Kangaroo Paw, Flannel Flower, Pink Wax Flower and White Wax Flower.

Standing eight stories high and sitting pride of place in the centre of Sydney, the Christmas tree illuminates Martin Place with five spectacular light shows each evening.

Says Lord Mayor Clover Moore: For 47 years, the Martin Place Christmas Tree has been the centrepiece of our celebrations in Sydney. It is beautiful during the day, but the nightly light shows will turn the tree into a joyful spectacle.

The Scoundrel design team and manufacturer Visual Inspirations enlisted more than 70 people and invested over 4,000 hours to design and construct the tree.

Says James Dive, head designer: Ive always felt Christmas in Sydney has a great love of tradition, but theres also this wonderful levity. Over the next four years Scoundrel looks forward to capturing this dual love.

Says Adrian Shapiro, executive producer, Scoundrel: Its a big honour for us to be involved in bringing Christmas to the city of Sydney and were looking forward to rolling out bigger and bolder elements of the concept in the coming years.
| BY Ricki Green |

As 2018 draws to a close, the folks over at Buck Design celebrate its 3rd year in Australia. The team toasted the milestone in style, inviting their industry friends and family to a birthday bash last week at Slims Rooftop in East Sydney.

The free flowing margaritas started the evening with a kick, which were accompanied by an epic array of Japanese treats, and a party soundtrack provided by the gang at Ching-a-lings.
Connaught Place

Connaught Place has emerged as the sixth most-expensive office location in Asia Pacific region, slipping three positions since last year, according to property consultant JLL India. The financial hub, Mumbai, is ranked 14th on JLL's list of 20 major markets in the Asia Pacific region.

In 2017, Delhi and Mumbai were ranked third and 11th, respectively, JLL India said in a statement.

"Connaught Place in New Delhi has the sixth most-expensive rentals for premium offices among 20 major markets in Asia Pacific region," JLL said.

The average occupancy costs  including rent, taxes and service charges  in Connaught Place are at USD 142 per sq ft, which is higher than Pudong in Shanghai, Shinjuku in Tokyo and even Singapore.

Mumbai is ranked 14th with occupancy costs at USD 96 per sq ft.

The rankings are based on the fourth edition of JLL's Premium Office Rent Tracker (PORT) for 2018, that calculates data on the achievable rent in the highest quality building in the premier office districts of 61 cities.

Ramesh Nair, CEO and Country Head, JLL India, said, The commercial office segment is a strong growth driver for the real estate market in Delhi-NCR. Since early 90s, and especially in the post-liberalisation era, Connaught Place has been one of the most preferred and sought-after office locations by leading Indian and global corporates."

It's centralised location in the heart of Delhi, robust infrastructure and good connectivity makes Connaught Place the perfect destination for companies to have an office address there, he added.

Driven by single-digit stable vacancies, steady lease rentals and high absorption, Connaught Place continues to be the premier and leading office market for corporates from across broad spectrum of different businesses in Delhi NCR," said Samantak Das, Head of Research and Chief Economist, JLL India.

With an 18 per cent year-on-year increase in net absorption at 23.4 million sq ft during January  September 2018, the commercial office sector in India continues to witness strong growth momentum.

According to the list, Hong Kong (central) was most expensive with occupancy cost of USD 338 per sq ft, followed by Beijing (finance st) , Shenzhen and Beijing's central business district in China. Tokyo's Marunouchi in Japan was at 5th position.
viralacharya_2

A Reserve Bank of India spokesperson on December 12 clarified that Viral Acharya has not quit his position as deputy governor of the central bank.

Viral Acharya has not resigned as Deputy Governor of RBI and does not intend to resign either, the spokesperson told CNBC-TV18.

Soon after RBI Governor Urjit Patel announced his decision to quit, social media channels were rife with speculation that Viral Acharya too had quit.

Lending credence to the chatter was the fact that it was Viral Acharyas comments in late October which brought into open the simmering differences between the government and the central bank.

In his speech at the AD Shroff Memorial Lecture in Mumbai, Acharya had raised concerns over the independence of RBI called for the central bank's autonomy to ensure long-term financial stability in the country. His remarks were seen as a clear signal to the government that it needed to back off and let the RBI do its job.

Excerpt from the speech:



Appointing government (or government-affiliated) officials rather than technocrats to key central bank positions, such as Governor, and more generally, senior management;



Pursuing steady attrition and erosion of statutory powers of the central bank through piece-meal legislative amendments that directly or indirectly eats at the separation of the central bank from the government;



Blocking or opposing rule-based central banking policies, and favoring instead discretionary or joint decision-making with direct government interventions; and,



Setting up parallel regulatory agencies with weaker statutory powers and/or encouraging the development of unregulated (or lightly regulated) entities that perform financial intermediation functions outside the purview of the central bank



Although the central bank is formally organised to be separate from the government, its effective horizon of decision-making can be reduced for short-term gains by the government, if it so desires, through a variety of mechanisms, inter alia:

If such efforts are successful, they induce policy myopia in the economy that substitutes macroeconomic stability with punctuated arrival of financial crises.

Therefore, there are several reasons why enshrining and maintaining central bank independence ends up being an inclusive reform for the economy; and conversely, undermining such independence a regressive, extractive one

A few days later, there were reports that the government had written to the RBI hinting it may invoke Section 7 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, to get the central bank to issue directions on relaxing prompt corrective action (PCA) norms, liquidity to non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), among others.

Section 7 of the RBI Act, when invoked, allows the government to consult with and give instructions to the Governor of the RBI on certain issues that it believes are serious and are in public interest.

In case the government does issue any such directions, the business and functions of the RBI will be entrusted to a Central Board of Directors that can exercise all powers and perform all functions of the central bank.
Air India

The government has decided to keep the divestment of Air India (AI) at the back burner till the state carrier reduces the amount of debt it has on its books of accounts.

The divestment has been put on hold for the time being, Pradeep Kharola, chairman and managing director, Air India told Moneycontrol.

He said that the airline has been incurring losses, especially due to high crude oil prices, which made the bid unattractive.

All the airlines have not done well in the past six months Also, because the crude oil price is so high, it was thought that it was not the right time to divest it, he said.

The government had set up a ministerial committee, headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley, to suggest ways to divest the airline. The government had decided to sell 76 percent of its stake in the national carrier and invited bids for the same in May 2018.

Also read: Centre is planning more financial assistance for Air India: Pradeep Kharola, CMD

However, much to the embarrassment of the government, no buyer came forward and showed interest in the airline. This possibly happened due to the Rs 55,000 crore debt that the national carrier owes to its debtors coupled with accumulated loss of Rs 30,000 crore.

The government was earlier contemplating to sell Air India in parts but ultimately decided to privatise the entire airline as a single unit.

When we had decided to privatise the airline, things were fine However, by the time the bids were invited, the tide had turned against us, a senior government official had told Moneycontrol.

Union minister for civil aviation, Suresh Prabhu, had also said at Moneycontrol Wealth Creators Awards that the the timing of Air India divestment was not right.

Kharola said that the divestment has been temporarily put on hold and may not resume anytime soon.

We are watching the situation As the situation improves, then the government will decide, he said.

Crude oil prices came down sharply from October. It has fallen by almost 30 percent in value to hover around $62 a barrel.

Also read: Government plans to halve Air India's debt under its revival plan

The CMD said that while revenue grew at about 15 percent in the first six months of FY19, it grew by more than 20 percent alone in November due to falling crude oil prices.

Centre has, now, decided to transfer Rs 29,000 - 30,000 crore of the airlines debt to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) so as to reduce the debt on its book.

The idea is to move this debt from Air India to this SPV with government's guarantee, leaving AI with balance debt of Rs 26,000 crore on its books," a senior government official had told Moneycontrol.

The SPV, Air India Asset Holding Company Ltd, will be responsible for selling non-core real estate assets, worth more than Rs 8,000 crore, of the airline. The proceeds, thereon, will be utilised to service this debt in the SPV.

For starters, it will sell AIs ground handling arm-- Air India Air Transport Service Ltd (AIATSL)by the end of this fiscal.

A senior aviation ministry official had earlier said that AI will hold discussions with the debtors and the banks to transfer their debt from its books to the SPV.

Transfer of loan would require consent of the banks, so we are in discussion with them, Kharola said.

He said that the airline is expected to become attractive after the said revival plan takes off.
Drought.

Central government teams have been deputed to assess the drought situation in six states -- Andhra Pradesh, Maharasthra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Odisha, a senior agriculture ministry official said on Monday.

These six states and the Karnataka government had declared drought for the kharif (summer) 2018 season. Barring Odisha, the other states have submitted a memorandum seeking funds from the central government.

"The inter-ministerial central teams (IMCT) have been deputed to six states. Already, a team has visited Karnataka and submitted its report. Other teams are in the process," the official told PTI.

The report is first vetted by a sub-committee headed by the agriculture secretary. Thereafter, the recommendations are placed before the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh-headed high level committee seeking approval for the release of funds from National Disaster Response Fund.

In Karnataka, the official said that 72 out of 100 taluks were severely affected by drought during the kharif season, while there was moderate impact in rest of the taluks.

Kharif sowing in the state was good as monsoon progress was not that bad during June and July. However, the dry spell during September led to damage to agriculture crops, the official said, adding that the state has demanded a relief of Rs 2,434 crore.

In its first estimate, the agriculture ministry has projected a record 141.59 million tonnes of foodgrains during the kharif season of the 2018-19 crop year (July-June), as against the actual output of 140.73 million tonnes in the year-ago period.
Elaborating on taxability of fund under National Pension Scheme, the government on December 10 said that the entire 60 percent of the corpus withdrawn at the time of retirement will now be tax free.

"Earlier, while exiting the fund (at the time of retirement), 60 percent (of the corpus) was allowed to be withdrawn and the rest went to annuity. Of this 60 percent, 40 percent was tax free and 20 percent was taxable... Now, this entire 60 percent is tax free," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters.

He said that both entry stage contribution and 60 percent of the withdrawal amount is tax exempt.

"At present, 40 percent of the total accumulated corpus utilised for purchase of annuity is already tax exempted. Out of 60 percent, of the accumulated corpus withdrawn by the NPS subscriber at the time of retirement, 40 percent is tax exempt and balance 20 percent is taxable," statement by the ministry said.

Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs, on December 6 approved amendments to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and decided to increase the government's contribution, in the NPS tier - I, to 14 percent from 10 percent.

The amendment will be applicable for all the employees registered under the scheme after 1st January 2004. This number is expected to be 18 lakh.

The scheme will be notified (come into effect) from next financial year, once amendment to Finance Bill is passed.

"The exact date will be notified after the amendment to Finance bill (are passed by the Parliament)," Jaitley said.

According to government estimates, this would cost Centre close to Rs 2,840 crore in FY20.

Providing further tax relief to employees under NPS Tier-II scheme, the cabinet cleared applicability of Section 80C of Income Tax Act to such employees.

"Contribution by the Government employees under Tier-II of NPS will now be covered under Section 80 C for deduction up to Rs 1.50 lakh for the purpose of income tax at par with the other schemes such as General Provident Fund, Contributory Provident Fund, Employees Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund provided that there is a lock-in period of three years," the statement said.

The Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also approved various investment options for the employees.

Subhash Chandra Garg, secretary, Department of Expenditure, said that the employees would now have options to invest in various schemes from the accumulated corpus.

"There is a standard plan as per which certain amount is invested in government security, and certain amount is invested in equities or debt..." he said adding, "This debt oriented fund, which was limited up to 15 percent, will now have various options...".

The Secretary said that an employee could choose to invest up to 25 percent in equity or up to 50 percent in equities or take up "conservative" approach of investing 100 percent in equity.

"Each government employee will now have option of various fund managers... The three fund managers from the public sector and five from private sector," he said.

The eight NPS fund managers are Birla Sun Life Pension Scheme, HDFC Pension Fund, ICICI Prudential Pension Fund, Kotak Pension Fund, LIC Pension Fund, Reliance Capital Pension Fund, SBI Pension Fund and UTI Retirement Solutions.

Jaitley also said that all the employees who reported anomalies, between 2004 and 2012, in deposits, either due to delayed deposit or no-deposit will be compensated as per the new scheme.

"The cost of compensation will be over and above the cost estimated for 2019-20," government said.

The recommendations have come after a report was submitted, early in 2018, by committee of secretaries to suggest ways to streamline NPS.
Bilateral trade between India and Romania could touch USD 1 billion in the fiscal 2018-19, a top diplomat of that country said on December 10.

The total bilateral trade currently stands at USD 810 million.

"Trade in the first 10 months has grown in the high double digits. I think in the current fiscal, it will grow to touch USD 1 billion," Ambassador of Romania to India, Radu Octavian Dobre said at an interactive session with the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

He said the European country was looking to boost ties with India on all fronts, including trade and culture.

In November, Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu was in India on a four-day visit to bolster relationship between the two countries.

Dobre sought investment in agriculture, tourism and other sectors, and said Romania offers a conducive environment and low taxation without any capital repatriation restrictions.

"There is a lot of scope in the hospitality sector for Indian investors... hotels are running at 95 per cent occupancy," he added.
Urjit Patel stepped down as RBI Governor on December 10 after serving the office for more than 28 months.

Citing personal reasons, Patel in a statement said: "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the RBI in various capacities over the years."

The timing of the resignation is crucial. It comes four days ahead of the RBIs scheduled board meeting on December 14, slated to discuss several contentious issues.



The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2)

 Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018

Acknowliging hard work done by Patel, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on twitter wrote: "The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship."



Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018



Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely. December 10, 2018





Another one bites the dust. This is the result of our 'chowkidar's' assault on democratic institutions - RBI Governor, Urjit Patel steps down. https://t.co/SFEih1WYZ9

 Congress (@INCIndia) December 10, 2018



JUST IN: Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan says "all Indians should be concerned about Governor Patel's resignation" pic.twitter.com/mySfIpgn3T  Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) December 10, 2018





I fully agree with Rajan.We should be very worried. I fear India headed into banana republic terrain. No one to stand in the government and its quack economists way to raid RBI reserves for pre-election spending. Another institution compromised #UrjitPatel https://t.co/yr6BK58Awz

 Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) December 10, 2018



#RBI Governor #UrjitPatel resignation gives me mixed emotions. There should always be healthy creative tension between RBI and government; but when it turns to destructive tension one of the parties have got to wilt.  Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) December 10, 2018





Resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel screams of INCOMPETENCE of the Finance Minister and INSECURITY of the Prime Minister.

India must worry about this! Raghuram Rajan bells the cat @ETNOWlive #UrjitPatel #UrjitPatelresigns https://t.co/4rbiq9OByj

 Ghanshyam Tiwari (@ghanshyamtiwari) December 10, 2018



Was it because the government was trying to override the RBI? Using a board based approach is actually more broadly followed abroad. This is fair, and I don't think Patel would think of that as overreach.  Deepak Shenoy (@deepakshenoy) December 10, 2018





Was it because Gurumurthy was appointed to the RBI board? It's strange to have such a person on the board, but I would want to believe Patel is above all of this.

 Deepak Shenoy (@deepakshenoy) December 10, 2018
Ola co-founder Ankit Bhati is likely to be named CEO and Bhavish Aggarwal as group CEO, sources told Business Standard.

Bhati would be responsible for reorganising and bolstering the leadership team. Aggarwal will focus on fundraising, while trying to scale up Foodpanda, the report said.

Ola had created a group entity in May, which includes Foodpanda, the Indian cab business and international operations.

In the past few months, the company has been losing leadership talent. From the senior leadership, nine team members have left Ola.

These include: Natasha Daly, Marketing Director for Australia and New Zealand, whose stint extended company from April to October; Anurag Sharma, General Counsel (August 2016- August 2018); Akshay Alladi, Chief of Staff to Bhavish Aggarwal (May 2017-Spetember 2018); Chetan Chopra, Director Legal (February 2017- November 2018); Susheel Balakrishnan, Chief People Officer (April-November).

Some left as they received better opportunities, but many others are moving away as their job descriptions have suddenly changed, the report said. With changing processes, some are finding the work pressure hard to handle, a source told the paper. Sources added that most of these exits have not been replaced by Ola yet.

There has also been some shift in talent from Ola to Foodpanda in the last six months, while the company has been trying to reduce its operating expense.
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India's environmental court on Monday said it will issue its judgment in one week on whether to allow Vedanta Ltd to re-open its copper smelter, which was closed earlier this year after 13 people died when police fired on protesters.

A panel of experts set up by India's National Green Tribunal, informally known as the environmental court, in November said authorities in Tamil Nadu state failed to comply with procedures before shutting down the smelter.

A judgment on the smelter will be uploaded on the court's website in a week's time, Adarsh Kumar Goel, chairman of the National Green Tribunal, said on Monday.

There will be no further hearings on the case, he said.

Last week, C.S. Vaidyanathan, a lawyer for the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, questioned the power of the expert panel to decide that the ban on the smelter in the southern town of Thoothukudi should be lifted.

State authorities had shut down the Tamil Nadu plant in May after police fired on protesters calling for its closure over concerns it was polluting air and water.

Vedanta's lawyer Aryama Sundaram last week told the court the company would invest 1 billion rupees ($14 million) to build hospitals and schools for people living close to the smelter.

The smelter is one of the two largest in India. Resuming production is crucial to Vedanta as it faces rising costs and the impact of a slowing economy on demand for metals and energy.
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JSW Steel is looking to raise up to Rs 3,500 crore via a domestic bond sale to partly finance its Rs 19,500-crore acquisition of Bhushan Power & Steel, The Economic Times reported.

The Mumbai-based steelmaker plans to sell about Rs 3,000-3,500 crore of bonds and is reportedly in talks with lenders Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered for the purpose.

Sources told the paper that the bonds will have maturities of three or four years, but that their pricing has not been finalised as yet. The bond sale will likely take place in January, once the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) gives its final approval for it.

Bhushan Power & Steel was admitted for insolvency proceedings around June last year after defaulting on dues worth Rs 47,000 crore.

In October, more than two-thirds of the company's lenders (Committee of Creditors) voted in favour of JSW Steel's bid for it, which came in at around Rs 19,500 crore.

However, the bid was challenged by Tata Steel. A two-member NCLAT bench has scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 20.

This is JSW Steel's first domestic bond issuance in four years. It had last sold such debt securities in 2014 at a coupon of 9.66 percent.
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Rudra Shares & Stock Brokers

As expected, Nifty failed to cross 10,960 (100-DMA) and closed with the loss of 1.68 percent in a week at 10,693. Now, moving ahead street is looking forward to election result of three states which will bring heavy volatility in coming week.

To some extent, BJP losing in Rajasthan is already priced in but we can see a major knee-jerk reaction if things goes against the ruling party in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Technical setup suggesting once we trade 10,870 on higher side and close above it then further upside is expected till 11,046 and 11,235.

On Friday Nifty formed Bullish Harami candlestick pattern and low of the pattern will provide immediate support at 10,588, which if breaks on lower side could further extend the fall till 10,470 and 10,291.

Substantial cumulative open interest in 10,500 put option and 10,000 put option suggest panic lows are likely to be bought. The medium term trend is still intact and will remain bullish until 9,950 trades on lower side with weekly close.

As macro factors are improving, boiling crude oil prices have cooled off over the last two months and bond yields have came down to 7.46 percent, we think election result will not change the trend and any fall will be an opportunity to accumulate quality stocks.

Here are the top stock trading ideas which can give good returns in the near term:

JK Paper: Buy | CMP: Rs 157 | Target: Rs 180 | Return: 15 percent

Volume growth, higher realisations coupled with improved operating parameters and abridged finance cost resulted in higher profit for the quarter. It registered net profit of Rs 109.57 crore, a rise from Rs 56.63 crore in the same quarter previous year.

Having current capacity at 4.55 lakh tonne, JK paper is all set to add additional capacity of 1.38 lakh tonne from Sirpur plant in Telangana, to help venture into coloured paper segment, the very first time by April, 2019.

Similarly, it will further increase its capacity by adding 1.5 lakh tonne in the next two years from Gujarat plant stemmed to focus on the packaging board vertical. Both would help to grow revenues at 15 percent CAGR over next 5 years.

The cut in paper production in China as a result of environmental concerns and levy of anti-dumping duty on uncoated copier paper imports from Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore are expected to increse the demand for paper.

Mahanagar Gas: Buy | CMP: Rs 861 | Target: Rs 972 | Return: 13 percent

To meet the growing demand of cleaner fuels, MGL is expanding its CGD network in the existing areas of operation. Gas supply to six to seven major towns like Pen, Ulve, Karjat etc. is outlined through the virtual pipeline network, besides expanding operations in Mumbai to arrest the massive growing market.

Q2FY19 have seen a growth of 9.5 percent driven mainly by strong volume growth in CGD segment. Adverse USDINR exchange rate, increase in RLNG prices and increase in APM gas price affected the gross margin that came down to 48.6 percent from 55.4 percent previous year.

With strong balance sheet, zero debt, sound cash flows and return ratios, MGL is well poised to grab a larger market share than its current 16 percent.

Beacuse of a favourable policy framework, ninth round of CGD bidding offering 86 new in 174 districts witnessed very enthusiastic participation amongst industry players.This led to announcement of tenth round of CGD bidding for 50 new geographical areas covering 124 districts.

NITI Aayog plans to add gas pipeline network of over 10,000 km and increase the coverage of City Gas Distribution and CNG network to about 326 cities and towns by 2022 in order to maximize the reach of natural gas across the country.

Mahindra & Mahindra: Buy | CMP: Rs 721 | Target: Rs 830 | Return: 15 percent

Management is confident to beat the heat due to new product launches of Maarazzo, AlturasG4 and the upcoming launch of new SUV codenamed S201.

Domestic sales touched 41,564 vehicles during November 2018, with a growth of 15 percent. Even though the overall growth forecast for automotive industry took a jolt owing to inimical macro conditions, downturn in fuel prices and improving liquidity should drive passenger vehicles growth, going forward.

Moreover, its subsidiary has floated bikes named the Jawa, Jawa Forty Two, and Perak. Wherein, Jawa and Jawa Forty Two will be put in motion first to be available by early next year. The Perak, which is a factory-custom job, will be launched later.

In the electric vehicles segment, Mahindra is in course of entrusting with Rs 1,000 crore on development, production, research and development of electrical vehicles by 2020.

The author is Senior Research Analyst at Rudra Shares & Stock Brokers.
A polling officer puts the indelible ink mark on the finger of a voter in Hyderabad. This is the first state elections in Telangana after it was formed bifurcating Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. (Image: AP)

Global investment banks such as Nomura, Deutsche Bank and CLSA feel that the exit polls might have got BJP thinking on its strategy but the final outcome will be very different.

Most of the exit polls put Congress in a lead position in Rajasthan and Telangana, while a close contest in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

If actual results on December 11 mirror the exit polls, it will be considered as a setback for BJP as it went into the polls with a tally of 3-0 in its favour in states of Rajasthan, MP, and Chhattisgarh.

Nomura in a note said that exit polls give BJP cold sweat as it indicates that the incumbent party is set to lose Rajasthan, while MP and Chhattisgarh remain to be nail-biters.

Generally, state election outcomes have been known to be a poor leading indicators of general elections. BJPs drubbing to mean that farm unrest is real; increase in MSP hasnt yielded political dividends, it said.

Deutsche Bank, in a note, said that exit poll results have kept the suspense alive for investors. Overall, exit poll results indicate a close contest. Moving forward, political alliances to gain importance.

CLSA in a note suggests that anti-incumbency can weigh against BJP in states. The average of 6 exit polls suggests Congress win in Rajasthan while MP& Chhattisgarh are likely to be a close fight which is a negative.

However, the final result on 11th could be very different from exit polls. BSP alignment in these elections will be a precursor for national alignment.

If the BJP ends up losing 2 of these 3 states, it will be a negative for market sentiment. Farmers demands & jobs are going to be the top 2 issues for the 2019 elections, it added.

Investors should not forget that these are the last set of state elections before the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in April- May 2019. The actual or final results due on Tuesday for these elections will be an important deciding factor for market sentiment.

The three Hindi Heartland states  Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh  are important for BJP. They contributed materially in 2014 in BJPs tally of 282 Lok Sabha seats. 62 out of 282 seats that BJP won in India came from these three states, Motilal Oswal said in a note.

Another implication of this verdict, assuming it mirrors the exit polls will be on Opposition unity front. Opposition parties have been trying to forge a grand alliance to fight against BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, it said.

The note further added that a victory in at least two of the three Hindi Heartland states will provide some boost to that strategy and help Congress improve its positioning as the nucleus of the opposition grand alliance.

The above report is compiled from information available on public platforms. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Dalal Street

Multiple factors such as a sell-off in global markets, hike in crude prices along with exit polls projections weighed on equity markets on Monday.

The indices saw a gap-down opening of about 1.5 percent each, with the Nifty giving up 10,550-mark. The SGX Nifty had hinted at a cut of over 100 points.

At the close of market hours, the Sensex was down 713.53 points or 2.00% at 34959.72, and the Nifty down 205.20 points or 1.92% at 10488.50. The market breadth was negative as 647 shares advanced, against a decline of 1870 shares, while 134 shares were unchanged.

Here are five factors that have impacted the market.

Global sell-off

Equity markets in Asia plummeted in early morning trade following weak trends in the US equity futures market. Investors are said to be worried about US-China trade tensions coming at the forefront again. The arrest of Huawei CFO as well as fresh import tariff rhetoric by the White House are dragging the markets in Asia.

Reuters reported that White House trade adviser Peter Navarros has hinted at raising tariff rates on Chinese imports if the two countries could not come to an agreement during the 90-day negotiating period.

Crude price increase

After the much-awaited meeting of Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a supply cut was announced. OPEC and other producers said they would cut supply of 1.2 million barrels per day from January.

International Brent crude oil futures were at $62.21 per barrel at 0218 GMT, up 54 cents, or 0.9 percent, from their last close.

Read Moneycontrol's Market Live blog to stay updated

Our key conclusion is that oil prices will be well supported around the $70 per barrel level for 2019, analysts at Bernstein Energy told Reuters on Monday.

Exit polls

With politics taking charge of cues for D-Street, exit polls is a crucial key for the market to react.

Exit polls released by various news organisations and survey agencies for the assembly elections in five states revealed on December 7 mixed results for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress.

The exit poll results were declared minutes after voting concluded in Rajasthan and Telangana.

Macros

Investors could also be reacting to the ballooning current account deficit during the September quarter.

India's current account deficit (CAD) widened to 2.9 percent of the GDP in the second quarter of the fiscal compared to 1.1 percent in the year-ago period, mainly due to a large trade deficit, the RBI said on December 7.

The CAD, or the difference between outflow and inflow of foreign exchange in the country's current account, was $19.1 billion during the quarter ended September 30, 2018.

It increased from $6.9 billion, or 1.1 percent of GDP, in the second quarter of 2017-18. The CAD stood at $15.9 billion (2.4 percent of GDP) in the April-June quarter.

Technical factors

Technical factors are likely to have played on equity markets. Experts suggest investors to watch out for 10,580, a break below which could send the market to 10,540 and 10,490.

However, a break below 10,490 would result in real panic in the market. Below 10,490, it would eventually fall to minimum 10,200/10,250. On the other side, 10,660 and 10,725 would be hurdles. In case Nifty crosses 10,660 without breaking 10,600, which is unlikely but still if it happens then it would help markets to move towards 10,800/10,850 again, Shrikant Chouhan, Senior VP (technical research), Kotak Securities said in a statement.

Strategy should be to trade short if Nifty breaks 10,580 at the beginning for the target 10,540.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on Moneycontrol are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

(With inputs from agencies)
It looks like it will be a close contest between the ruling party BJP and the biggest opposition party, Congress, when the results for the five state elections will be announced on Tuesday.

Ahead of the results, India VIX fell 3.70 percent to close at 18.59 levels on December 7. It has risen from 18.22 recorded on December 3. Higher VIX suggests more volatile swing in the market in next coming sessions.

The S&P BSE Sensex and the Nifty50 plunged below crucial support levels in trade on December 10 and exit polls suggested a tight finish between the BJP and the Congress which might not go down well with markets, suggest experts.

A loss of BJP will not push markets into a tailspin but will limit further upside. If the opposition gains ground in key states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan as well as Chhattisgarh it might hit investor sentiment.

If BJP were to retain 2 out of 3 Hindi heartland states where it is in direct competition with the Congress, the market would heave a sigh of relief and be range bound. However, if BJP were to emerge victories only in 1 of those 3 states then it would inject a sense of uncertainty in the run-up to the general elections due in April-May 2018, Ajay Bodke, CEO - PMS, Prabhudas Lilladher told Moneycontrol.

The possibility of a largish correction is still looming. However, the Indian market is unlikely to breach its recent low of 10,100 due to the dramatic plunge in global crude oil prices and improvement in macros, he said.

On the options front, maximum Put OI is placed at 10,000 followed by 10,200 strikes, while the maximum Call OI is seen at 11,000 followed by 11,500 strikes. Options band signifies a broader trading range between 10,550 and 10,850.

Most of the exit polls suggest that Congress is likely to make a comeback or at least give a tough fight to the ruling party, BJP, in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan as well as Madhya Pradesh. The other two states, Mizoram and Telangana, are not material to the markets.

But, following exit polls blindly is also dangerous because there have been instances when they went not just off the mark but totally wrong. Hence, the outcome of the exit polls should be taken with a pinch of salt.

However, what it will certainly do is make markets volatile on Monday and on Tuesday when the actual results are scheduled to be declared. The next big question is, what should investors do now?

Well, the most straight and safe answer is avoid trading and if in case you have already placed your bets according to what you think could be the outcome and how it will play out in markets, buying put options to safeguard your portfolio can also be done, suggest experts.

Ideally, for a situation like this when ahead of the event we have seen a big uptick from the recent lows. Anything bought can be held on to with a protection buying. Considering a negative outcome, the impact of risk premia on the buyer of the Puts post-event, be ready for a knock of about a couple of percent, Shubham Agarwal, CEO & Head of Research at Quantsapp Private Limited told Moneycontrol.

This limits the downside as with if not more (looking at the preceding move) the odds remain equal for either side, hence if there is upside volatility, it seldom gives chance to buy into, he said.

Amit Gupta, Head of Derivative at ICICIdirect told Moneycontrol that history suggests that since 2016, Volatility has found it tough to move above 25 percent levels. Hence, we dont recommend buying further Put options now in case you have bought before.

In fact, post the event as volatility is expected to decline one can sell the options after that to capture the decline in option premiums, he said.
December 10, 2018 / 03:34 PM IST

Market at Close Bears took complete control on D-Street, as benchmark indices shed nearly 2 percent. Weak global cues, reactions to exit polls as well as weak macro data weighed big on Sensex and the Nifty.

The 50-share index ended the session below 10,500.

Selling was visible across all sectors, with maximum pain seen among banks, automobiles, energy, consumption and pharmaceuticals, among others.

At the close of market hours, the Sensex was down 713.53 points or 2.00% at 34959.72, and the Nifty down 205.20 points or 1.92% at 10488.50. The market breadth was negative as 647 shares advanced, against a decline of 1870 shares, while 134 shares were unchanged.

Coal India, Maruti Suzuki, IOC and BPCL were the top gainers, while Kotak Mahindra Bank, Reliance Industries, and Indiabulls Housing lost the most.
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Here are stocks that are in the news today:

Axis Bank: Board appointed Amitabh Chaudhry as an Additional Director of the bank and to hold office as such till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting and as the Managing Director & CEO of the bank, for a period of 3 years, with effect from January 1, 2019. Board approved the reappointment of Samir Barua, Som Mittal and Rohit Bhagat as Independent Directors of the bank for their second consecutive term from April 1, 2019 upto the expiry of their respective tenure of 8 years.

Alembic Pharma - meeting of NCD Committee will be held on December 14 to consider and approve the issue and allotment of unsecured

listed redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs) of upto Rs 350 crore on private placement basis

IOC board meet on December 13 to consider buyback of equity shares and interim dividend for the Financial Year 2018-19

Ashoka Buildcon: Company received Letter of Acceptance by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, for the project in connection with 3rd Line from Sonnagar to Garhwa Road in Dhanbad Division of East Central Railway, Bihar and Jharkhand in 2 packages. The aggregate accepted bid value of the project is Rs 794.20 crore.

Escorts: Company has executed the business transfer agreement for transferring the existing RT crane business of the company as a going concern on a slump sale basis to the JV (with Tadano Limited, Japan) for an amount not exceeding Rs 35 crore.

United Breweries: Steven Bosch, Director and Chief Financial Officer of the company tendered resignation.

Mangalam Drugs & Organics: Unit-1 facility was recently inspected by WHO prequalification team and the company has received the WHO Pre-qualification approval for Unit-1.

Punjab and Sind Bank board meeting on December 12, 2018 to consider issue of equity shares by way of QIP upto an amount of Rs 500 crore

IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company: Ganapathi Ramachandran, Non-Executive Independent Director of the company tendered resignation from the directorship of the company.

Tamil Nadu Newsprint & Papers: ICRA reaffirmed A (Negative) rating for fund based term loan worth Rs 1,858 crore.

Bank of Baroda issues Basel III Compliant Tier II Bonds worth Rs 971.50 crore on private placement basis

IFCI Q2: Standalone loss at Rs 16.55 crore versus loss at Rs 293.65 crore; revenue at Rs 432.94 crore versus Rs 763.50 crore YoY.

Brigade Enterprises: Brigade Group announces the launch of Parkside- Independent living for seniors, across Bangalore.

Vodafone Idea - Brickwork has revised NCD rating to BWR AA- (outlook negative) from BWR AA

Essel Propack: Company issued commercial papers for Rs 50 crore.

Seamec: Company entered into a Charter Party with Supreme Hydro Engineering Pvt Ltd for charter hire of vessel 'Seamec Princess' for working at Mumbai High Offshore. The tenure of the contract is for a firm period of 150 days with option for extension. The value of Charter during firm period is $3.08 million.

VXL Instruments: Board appointed Kishan S Rao as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company.

Pritish Nandy Communications: Company announced the launch of the first season of its 10 episode Amazon Original show 'Four More Shots Please' to be streamed on Amazon Prime from January 25 2019.

Arrow Greentech: Subsidiary Avery Pharmaceuticals Private Limited (Arrow Rx) received an approval for site plan to manufacture Mouth Dissolving Strips from Food & Drugs Control Administration (FDA}.

Uflex: Company has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent shares of Flex Chemicals Private Limited, Russia.

Capital India Finance: Board approved the issue of upto 3,45,48,560 equity shares at an issue price of Rs 72 per share, on rights basis, aggregating up to Rs 248.75 crore; and fixed rights entitlement ratio at 4:5.

Precision Camshafts: Mahesh A Kulkarni, Company Secretary and Compliance officer of the company has resigned from the company.

Pritika Auto Industries: Board approved to increase in the limit of investment by foreign institutional investors (FIls) and non resident individuals (NRIs') in the company's equity share capital.

Bulk Deals on December 7

Punj Lloyd: IFCI further sold 23,67,024 equity shares of the company at Rs 4.52 per share on the NSE.

Texmaco Rail: Aequitas Investment Consultancy Private Limited - PMS purchased 34,04,200 shares of the company at Rs 51 per share. However, Equity Intelligence India sold 17,80,364 shares at Rs 51.01 per share and Equity Intelligence India Private Limited [PMS] sold 11,45,241 shares at Rs 51.02 per share.

(For more bulk deals, click here)

Analyst or Board Meet/Briefings

Sandhar Technologies: Company's officials will be meeting SPA Capital Services on December 11.

Gopal Iron & Steels: Board meeting is scheduled on December 15 to consider sale of asset of the company.

Gallantt Metal: Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on January 4, 2019.

Asian Granito India: Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on January 3, 2019.

Indian Oil Corporation: Board meeting is scheduled on December 13 to consider buyback of the fully paid-up equity shares of the company and declaration of interim dividend for the financial year 2018-19.

Titan Company: Company's officials will be meeting fund houses or insurance firms on December 10, 12 and 14.

Shriram City Union Finance: Company's officials will be meeting analysts/institutional investors/brokers on December 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Infosys: Mohit Joshi - President & Head, Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI), Healthcare and Life Sciences; Head Infosys Brazil and Infosys Mexico and Jayesh Sanghrajka - Interim CFO will participate in a Non-Deal Roadshow in London on December 10 and 11.

Globus Spirits: Company's officials will be meeting LIC Mutual Fund, New Horizon Investments, ICICI Prudential Asset Management, Edelweiss Securities on December 10.

IIFL Holdings: Company's officials will be meeting Southeastern Asset Management on December 10.

HEG: Few Analysts/Investors are visiting the company's plant at Mandideep, Madhya Pradesh on December 10.

Bhansali Engineering Polymers: Jayesh Bhansali - Executive Director cum CFO of the company would meet the analyst/Institutional investor(s) in a conference arranged by Ambit Capital Pvt. Ltd., on December 10.

Supreme Infrastructure India: 35th Annual General Meeting of the company is scheduled to be held on December 31.

Lesha Industries: Board meeting is scheduled on December 26 to consider the sub division/ split of equity shares of the company.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals: Meeting of the NCD Committee of the Company will be held on December 14 to consider the issue and allotment of Unsecured Listed Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) of upto Rs 350 crore on private placement basis.

Punjab & Sind Bank: Board meeting is scheduled to be held on December 12 to consider issue of equity shares by way of QIP upto an amount of Rs 500 crore.

Finolex Industries: Company's officials will be meeting Ventura Securities on December 10.

PPAP Automotive: Company's officials will be attending conference of analysts and investors organised by Ambit Capital on December 10.

Shoppers Stop: Company's officials will be meeting Martin Lau, Managing Partner and Vinay Agarwal, Director of First State Stewart Asia, on December 11; Anand Shah, Sr. VP Consumer of Axis Capital - Institutional Equities on December 12, Nikhil Desai and Rushabh Sheth, Directors of Karma Capital, Harsh Shah of CGS-CIMB Securities (India) Pvt. Ltd. on December 12.

Panyam Cements & Mineral Industries: 62nd Annual General Meeting of the company is to be held on December 31.

: Eighth Annual General Meeting of the company is scheduled to be held on December 29.
The market has seen massive sell-off on Monday as traders maintained cautious stance ahead of final results of five state elections after mixed cues from exit polls. The Nifty50 closed below psychological 10,500 levels, forming bearish candle on the daily charts.

Weak global cues also dented market sentiment. The index formed small bearish candled on the daily charts as it closed near to opening levels.

Final results of five states' elections - Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram - will be announced on December 11. Among them, Chhattisgarh, MP and Rajasthan would be key states to watch out for.

Experts expect the correction to continue if after elections' results the Nifty closes below 10,450 levels.

The Nifty50 index opened sharply lower at 10,508.70 and remained under pressure for most part of the session. It slipped towards 10,474 levels, the intraday low, and made a lowest level in last 18 trading sessions.

The index lost 205.20 points or 1.92 percent to close at 10,488.50 while the Sensex plunged 713.53 points to 34,959.72.

"Weak Global cues accompanied with exit poll results appears to have acted as a fatal combination which resulted in the breakdown of Nifty50 as it opened the day with a huge gap down and almost closed around the opening point itself before signing off the session with a long upper shadow suggesting that intraday recovery was also encountered with fresh sell-off," Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist  Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol.

He said technically speaking, post result outcome, if Nifty50 settles below 10,450 levels then on the downside next logical target shall be placed around 10,191 levels breach of which shall eventually threaten the October lows of 10,000.

Similarly on the upside further strength shall be expected only on a close above 10,750 levels, he added.

Mazhar said as market is looking vulnerable for a big sell-off short term he advised traders to refrain from creating fresh long positions by making use of dips.

On the option front, maximum Put open interest (OI) was seen at 10,000 followed by 10,200 strikes while maximum Call OI was seen at 11,000 followed by 11,500 strike.

Significant Call writing was seen at 10,700 followed by 11,000 strike while Put unwinding was seen at immediate strikes.

India VIX moved up sharply by 10.85 percent at 20.60 levels. Volatility has closed at recent highest zone since October 31, 2018.

"Nifty index has been making lower highs from last five trading sessions and again slipped below its 50 DEMA. Now if it sustains below multiple support of 10,450 zones then fresh weakness could be seen towards 10,333 then 10,250 levels while on the upside hurdles are seen at 10,600 then 10,650 levels," Chandan Taparia, Associate Vice President | Analyst-Derivatives at Motilal Oswal Financial Services said.

Bank Nifty opened negative and remained under pressure for the entire trading session. It formed a Gravestone Doji kind of candle on daily scale and is hovering near to its 200 DEMA. The index closed 491.65 points lower at 26,102.65.

"If it sustains below 26,000 zones then weakness could be seen towards next support of 25,750 then 25,500 zones while hurdles at 26,350 then 26,500-26,666 zones," Taparia said.
Highlights:

- Laminates manufacturer Stylam Industries is growing at a healthy rate- Holds 6.5-7 percent share in the domestic laminates market- Capacity expansion, debt reduction bodes well- Maintaining margin despite volatile crude

- Valuations reasonable at 17 times FY20 estimated earnings

-------------------------------------------------

Stylam Industries, the Punjab-based laminate manufacturer, has been growing at a healthy clip. The company is expanding capacity and should start reaping the benefits of scale. The market is moving towards organised players and this should augur well for Stylam. The recent decline in crude prices should support future margins. At 17 times FY20 estimated earnings, the stock is trading at a steep discount to other listed plywoods and laminate manufacturers and looks ripe for accumulation from a long term perspective.

Stylam operates in the building material space and is engaged in the manufacture of high pressure laminates for exterior cladding of furniture, cubicles and interior furnishing. The company has been a consistent performer over the past few years.

Between FY14 and FY18, revenue has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16 percent. While the company derives majority (over 65 percent) of its revenue from international markets, growth in topline has been driven by deeper penetration in the domestic laminates market. Operating leverage and cost efficiencies have aided margin expansion, thereby resulting in a nearly three-fold jump in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) over the same period.

The global market for laminates is currently pegged at Rs 50,000 crore and is growing at 5-6 percent per annum. On a regional basis, the US leads the market with a share of around 20 percent. In comparison, the Indian laminates market is nearly half the size of the US market and is estimated at Rs 5,000 crore. For India, exports contribute around Rs 1,000 crore, with the balance being met by domestic demand. The industry has traditionally remained largely unorganised, but the share of organised players has seen a gradual rise in recent years.

Greenlam Industries and Merino Laminates are two of the largest players in the domestic market. Both these companies have a large product portfolio and are nearly 3 times the size of Stylam in terms of total revenue. In terms of growth rates, it has outperformed its listed peer Greenlam owing to its small revenue base. Based on FY18 financials, Greenlam scores over Stylam on the operational front. However, parameters for the latter are expected to improve as the business attains economies of scale.

The company has expanded its sheets capacity to 11 million (from 4.5 million) over the course of FY17-18. The new 6.5 million unit at Manak Tabra entailed an investment of Rs 75 crore, funded through a combination of debt and equity. Plant expansion was completed towards the end of last fiscal and full benefit of the same would start accruing from this fiscal.

It also plans to enhance its product finishing through installation of a hot coating line. The project is estimated to cost at Rs 20 crore and will turn operational in FY20. New capacities and enhancements would allow Stylam to broaden its product portfolio and fortify its presence in the domestic and international laminates market.

In December 2017, Stylam announced the amalgamation of Golden Chemtech with itself via equity dilution. Under Stylam, Golden Chemtech has discontinued production and sale of chemicals and will focus on manufacture of acrylic solid surfaces. Commercial production of the same is expected to commence in Q3 FY19 and the product will be sold under the Granex brand name.

Stylam has a land bank of around 5,500 square meters at Technology Park Panchkula in Haryana. The land was purchased in 2012-13 with an aim to diversify in the IT/BPO sector. However, the management wants to focus on core building materials business and intends to divest its land bank.

It expects to garner Rs 45-50 crore from the sale of this asset and plans to repay borrowings from the proceeds. Given the subdued real estate scenario, the transaction is unlikely to fructify in near term, but remains a key trigger for deleveraging the business in the medium term.

With the onset of capacity expansion, the debt reached peak levels of Rs 184 crore (debt-to-equity of 2.4 times) at the end of FY17. Capital infusion from private equity-firm Lighthouse and cash flow from operations has helped the company deleverage its balance sheet since then. At the end of Q2 FY19, it reduced its net debt to Rs 124 crore and improved its D/E ratio to 0.8 times.

Operating margin contracted in FY18 due to higher raw material cost. Stores, chemicals and packing expenses doubled from Rs 12 crore to Rs 21.4 crore last fiscal. The rise in input costs is linked to a jump in crude prices and rupee-dollar movements as imports constitute 70-75 percent of its total raw material cost.

Stylam being a net exporter (earnings of Rs 206 crore versus import of Rs 112 crore in FY18) has a positive correlation with a weaker rupee, but margin has an inverse correlation with the movement in crude oil prices.

Stylam delivered a strong performance during the first half of this fiscal. Revenue in H1 increased 41 percent year-on-year to Rs 216 crore. Operating profit rose 55 percent over the same period on higher topline and expansion in operating margin. Performance has been aided by multiple factors including favourable base, capacity expansion and higher export realisations resulting from weaker rupee.

We remain optimistic on its long term prospects as Stylam has a proven execution track record. Incremental capacity would allow it to pick-up revenue share in the domestic as well as international market. Despite the surge in oil prices, operating margin expanded in H1 FY19. While oil prices continue to remain volatile, price hikes by domestic players should lend support to margin in coming quarters.

At 17 times FY20 estimated earnings, the stock is trading at a steep discount to other listed plywoods and laminate manufacturers. The stock has witnessed a correction of 30 percent from its 52-week highs and current valuations appears fairly reasonable for accumulation from a long term perspective.

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OPEC logo seen at it's headquarters in Vienna, Austria (REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger)

- OPECs Vienna meet ended with a production cut pact of 1.2 mbpd- Iran, Libya and Venezuela are exempted from cuts for now- Russia negotiates a mere 200,000 barrels per day cut

- Crude prices see support, but we remain bearish on oil for the long term

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Vienna meeting finally concluded with an agreement over production cuts till April next year. The cartel and its partners have agreed to reduce production by close to 1.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) from the market, with OPEC constituents committing 800,000 bpd. This led to a surge in crude prices on December 7, although prices have since cooled.

With producers agreeing to use October production levels as baseline for calculating the cuts, actual barrels that would go off the table would be higher than cited, since production was lower in that month. But OPEC producers have been notorious in not complying with quotas in the past.

Iran emerged as a winner from the tense negotiations, securing an exemption from the cuts, citing adverse impact on exports due to US sanctions. While Russia played the key broker between rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, it negotiated an attractive deal of around a 200,000 bpd cut for itself, which is less than what was expected due to freezing of wells in approaching winters. With a production decline owing to internal challenges, Libya and Venezuela were exempted from the proposed cut.

This move might see some opposition from US as President Donald Trump has been vocal against the cuts and higher crude prices for some time. Given the about $45 per barrel break-even level of US shale oil production, the move comes as a relief for shale producers, as stability in prices gives them an incentive to continue production.

Though decision of a cut in production provides some support to crude oil prices in the short run, its sustainability remains to be seen. Indeed, sustaining the recent highs it scaled about two months back in the longer term would be a challenge.

With US pipelines scheduled to enter production in the middle of 2019, we expect supplies to rise. On the demand side, crude oil is facing a structural demand shift to renewable energy sources. Due to this, we believe very high artificially supported crude prices levels would be difficult to sustain. The recent meeting has underlined OPECs dependence on Russia to make production cuts work, a signal of the cartels declining clout. In the shorter run, while crude prices might see some support, we remain bearish on the overall crude prices in the longer term. For an energy importer such as India, this should be music to her ears.

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Twitter (@BrookingsIndia)

Much has been made of the support given to demonetisation by Krishnamurthy Subramanian, the governments new Chief Economic Advisor. To be sure, he did write in his columns that demonetisation was a revolutionary act and that the poor were not the worst affected. He had disparaging things to say about the policies of the Gandhi dynasty, just before the elections to the Uttar Pradesh state assembly. He also wrote about the rise of crime in Uttar Pradesh under Mayawati and the Samajwadi Party, again just before the elections there.

But while these views may have earned him brownie points among the powers that be, to his credit Subramanian hasnt shied away from having independent views on several other subjects. For instance, he castigated the move to remove former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, who had been his teacher; saying we dont treat our heroes well. He has been critical of the non-implementation of several of the recommendations of the PJ Nayak committee on the reform of bank boards, of which he was a member, and has consistently warned that the failure to adequately capitalise public sector banks would hurt the economy.

The new CEAs academic work has been mostly in the areas of corporate governance, finance, banking reform, and on the determinants of innovation, rather than in macro-economics. Nevertheless, his expertise in finance and banking will be very useful, given the recent problems in that sector and its vulnerabilities.

In a paper jointly authored with Viral Acharya, currently RBI Deputy Governor, titled, State intervention in banking: The relative health of Indian public sector and private sector banks, Subramanian wrote, Over the long run, some of the public sector banks can be privatised or their assets reallocated. Some of them could be acquired by the relatively well-capitalised private sector firms; the ones with worst asset quality could be wound down..

It is, of course, another matter altogether whether the politicians have the stomach for such radical ideas.

We have to turn to Subramanians columns to glean clues about his macroeconomic thinking. In a column in Mint in February 2017, he wrote that in view of rising protectionist sentiment in advanced economies, the export-driven growth models followed by China in manufacturing and by India in IT would produce diminishing returns.

Salvation lies in domestic consumption-based growth, for which the incomes of the poorer sections of society need to be raised by providing them jobs. Subramanian wrote, This will need Make in India to combine with Make for India, Skill India to combine with Work gainfully in India and Startup India to combine with Feed, clothe, house and serve India. These could be the buzzwords for the next Economic Survey.

Subramanian believes that good economics is good politics. In a column in Economic Times, he wrote that a one percentage point increase in the growth rate in taxes in a state is associated with a 0.58 percent increase in the share of votes received by the incumbent political party.

Since growth in taxes is associated with expansion of the formal economy, Subramanian is essentially saying that if incumbent governments want to get re-elected, they must expand the formal economy. The benefits of such expansion are felt in the informal sector as well and a grateful public therefore votes back the government in power.

The rather controversial assumption here is that the growth of the formal sector does not come about at the expense of the informal economy. The more generally acceptable point is that voters demonstrate the ability to move beyond headlines and freebies to reward sound economic performance.

As behoves an alumnus of the University of Chicago, his macro-economics is mostly standard boiler-plate free market. He has expressed himself against subsidies, for flexibility in labour laws, for changes in land acquisition laws and speedy environmental clearances and for the independence of the central bank.

In an interview to rediff.com a year after the Modi government came to power, Subramanian had said that while achhe din (good times) had not yet come, he was confident that they are in the offing, as the economy was moving in the right direction. The reason for his optimism? This is what he said: We have Arvind Panagariya (at the time Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog), Arvind Subramanian (then CEA to the Government of India) and RBI Governor (at that time Raghuram Rajan) -- three very intelligent people at the helm of affairs -- and both the prime minister and finance minister seem to be listening to them.

Alas! All those very intelligent people didnt last very long. Krishnamurthy Subramanian has some very big shoes to fill.
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Kotak Securities' research report on Zensar Technologies

We attended Zensars analyst meet where it highlighted the progress on its strategy and initiatives taken for future growth. Zensar emphasized its focus on Digital through its RoD Next platform. It outlined the digital spend across the verticals and why Zensar is well positioned to capture the opportunity. The company took a bold and aggressive decision about 2.5 years ago to become a 100% digital company before taking the platform to its customers. Companys digital enterprise is built on 34 digital platform having 650+ releases with over 1.5mn downloads. The company is building an organization that focuses on sustained and profitable growth. 100% of $ 10mn+ deals won in last 2 years have RoD component built in them. RoD is the reason for the company to win new large deals and currently, 50 clients leverage RoD platform across US, UK and South Africa. The company did four acquisition in previous 2 years to bridge the competence and capability gap identified in 12 areas. Digital is shifting from Digital Build to Digital Scale. Digital Scale will be driving the next wave of spending and will have higher margins as the scale will be achieved through offshoring.

Outlook

The company has built ~30+ Digital platforms and filed for 25+ patents in FY18. The analyst meet reinforces our confidence in Zensars long term revenue and profile. We maintain ACCUMULATE with a target price of Rs.257.

For all recommendations report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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Share price of Mangalam Drugs & Organics rose more than 14 percent in early trade on Monday after it received pre-qualification approval from WHO.

The company's unit-1 facility was recently inspected by World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification team and the company has received the WHO pre-qualification approval for said unit.

At 09:28 hrs Mangalam Drugs & Organics was quoting at Rs 79.10, up Rs 5.90, or 8.06 percent on the BSE.

The share touched its 52-week high Rs 225.90 and 52-week low Rs 64.20 on 29 December, 2017 and 10 October, 2018, respectively.

Currently, it is trading 65.12 percent below its 52-week high and 22.74 percent above its 52-week low.
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Shares of Tata Motors touched 52-week low of Rs 157.50, declines 3 percent intraday Monday after company reported weak set of group global wholesales numbers.

The company's Group global wholesales in November 2018, including Jaguar Land Rover, were at 1,04,964 units, lower by 7 percent, as compared to November 2017, company said in release.

Its commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range sales for November 2018 were at 38,535 units, lower by 6 percent, YoY

The global wholesales of all passenger vehicles were at 66,429, down 7 percent, YoY.

Global wholesales for Jaguar Land Rover were at 49,312 vehicles, Jaguar wholesales were 15,114 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesales for the month were 34,198 vehicles.

At 13:35 hrs Tata Motors was quoting at Rs 158.40, down Rs 4.05, or 2.49 percent on the BSE.
Urjit Patel resigned as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on December 10, nine months before the conclusion of his tenure.

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the RBI in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement.



Dr Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

Acknowledging his contribution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that Patel steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. "Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability," PM Modi added.



Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018



Concurring with the Prime Minister's sentiment, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted:



The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2)  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018



Meanwhile, the Congress dubbed Patel's resignation as a 'blot' on India's monetary and banking system, alleging that he was forced to quit.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged that NDA government 'denigrated' another institution and that his exit was the result of attempts to stifle RBI's independence.

Integrity of another institution -RBI, stands denigrated by a tyrannical Modi regime as reflected in RBI Governors unceremonious exit. Economic anarchy, compromising Indias monetary policies & attempting to stifle RBIs independence by Govt appointed puppets is the DNA of BJP!  Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 10, 2018

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel told PTI, "The manner in which the RBI Governor has been forced to quit is a blot on India's monetary and banking system. BJP government has unleashed a de facto financial emergency. The country's reputation and credibility is now at stake."

Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, who quit the BJP earlier this year, told Reuters, "Quite clearly the resignation of Urjit Patel shows that nothing has changed...Things were quite as bad as they were before. The resignation is a clear sign of the government trying to interfere with the working of RBI."

Saying that no self-respecting scholar or academic can work with the current NDA government, former Finance Minister with the UPA government P Chidambaram said that Patel should have resigned a long time back.



Dr Patel may have thought that government will re-trace its steps. I knew it would not. Good he quit before another humiliating meeting.  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 10, 2018





RBI governor Urjit Patel has been eased out since he refused to allow the Modi govt to plunder Rs Three lakh crore of RBI reserves. Now Modi govt will get a more pliable RBI governor who will allow this loot

 Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 10, 2018

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the Modi government eased out Patel to bring in someone more 'pliable'.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP government is destroying the 'credibility of all institutions'.

"BJP is behaving like a dictator. Political emergency already exists everywhere. They are threatening every political party and so many leaders sent to jail. If the RBI governor also has to resign, its a matter of grave concern for the country. With this, financial emergency has also started," Banerjee said.
Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines Vijay Mallya speaks during a news conference about the new Kingfisher Airlines service between London and Bangalore in southern India, in London September 4, 2008. Photo: REUTERS

A UK court on December 10 ordered extradition of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who has been residing in London since leaving India in March 2016.

The former chief of Kingfisher Airlines now has the option to appeal against the extradition.

Here's a round-up of events on what has happened to the liquid baron so far. Of late it was clear that Mallya's time was up:

December 10, 2018: UK court orders extradition of Vijay Mallya.

December 5, 2018: Mallya 'humbly' offers to pay back banks the entire principal loan amount. The offer came hours after Christian James Michel, the alleged middleman in the politically sensitive Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, was extradited to India from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 4.

November 2018: 13 Indian banks secure a favourable order from UK court to use information disclosed in court as part of a worldwide freezing order against the 62-year-old businessman in a case involving the sale of a luxury super yacht.

October 2018: London court orders that six of Mallya's luxury cars to be sold to recover dues. Reports said the six cars include a 2012 Maybach 62, a 2006 Ferrari F430, and a Porsche Cayenne with James Bond number plates. The cars had the signature 'VJM'.

September 2018: After questioning the condition of Mumbai's Arthur Jail, where he would be staying if extradited, Mallya's sees a video of the jail later in September and calls it 'impressive'.

June 2018: Files application with Karnataka High Court to sell assets worth Rs 13,900 crore. Adds he is tired of the 'relentless pursuit' to recover dues from him.

May 2018: In a ruling in favour of banks, a UK high court refused to overturn an Indian court's worldwide order for freezing of Mallya's assets.

March 2018: UK court says obvious that Indian banks broke rules to lend to Kingfisher Airlines.

October 2017: Mallya was once again arrested in London following an Enforcement Directorate affidavit.

April 2017: Mallya arrested in London on India's request for extradition.

April 2016: Enforcement Directorate approach special court to issue non-bailable arrest warrant against Mallya.

April 2016: Ministry of External Affairs revokes Vijay Mallyas passport.

April 2016: Hyderabad court convicts Vijay Mallya in case filed by GMR Hyderabad International Airport for bounced cheque.

April 2016: Banks rejected Mallyas offers for payment of dues worth Rs 9,000 crore.

March 2016: Mallya offers to pay Rs 4,000 crore by September to banks.

March 2016: On March 9, Mallya leaves India.

March 2016: Vijay Mallya in discussion with banks to settle debt.

February 2016: SBI led consortium moved debt recovery tribunal (DRT) to attach Vijay Mallyas passport.

December 2015: CBI questions Vijay Mallya in Rs 900 crore IDBI Banks loan.

October 2015: CBI conducts raids on Vijay Mallyas offices in connection with Rs 950 crore loan provided by IDBI Bank.

April 2015: United Spirits Limited (USL) asked Vijay Mallya to step down as chairman and director of fund on alleged fund diversion.

February 2015: SBI led bank consortium takes possession of Kingfisher House in Vile Parle.

December 2014: United India Bank recognises UBHL, guarantor of Kingfisher Airlines as wilful defaulter.

March 2013: Kingfisher Airlines net worth falls to negative of Rs 13,000 crore.

February 2013: UBHL seeks shareholders approval for Rs 450 crore for Kingfisher Airlines.

2012: Mallya gives guarantees of Rs 5,904 crore for carriers loan.

2011: 11 bank accounts were suspended by service tax department for non-payment of Rs 70 crore.

2011: Airline accumulated losses reach more than 50 percent of its net worth.

2009: Airline debt reaches Rs 7,000 crore.

March 2008: Kingfisher Airlines debt touches Rs 934 crore due to spike in oil prices.

2008: UBHL paid Rs 550 crore for a 26 percent stake in Air Deccan.

June 2007: Kingfisher Airlines decides to purchase debt-ridden Air Deccan.

May 2005: Vijay Mallya sets up Kingfisher Airlines to cater to the premium segment.
New Delhi: Union minister and Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha meets with expelled JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav in New Delhi, Monday, Nov 12, 2018. (PTI Photo) (PTI11_12_2018_000055B)

Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha on December 10 resigned from the Union Cabinet after a long drawn battle with its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners over seat-sharing for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Kushwaha, who was the Minister of State for Human Resource Development (HRD), resigned from his office a day before Parliament's Winter Session begins.

Kushwaha, in his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said he was "dejected" and "betrayed" by the PM's leadership, according to party sources.

"It is unfortunate that the government's priority is not to work for the poor and oppressed, but to fix political opponents by hook or crook," Kushwaha said in the letter.

The RSLP chief also held a press conference here in which he announced he has quit the National Democratic Alliance. "I have left NDA, other options are open," he said.

Kushwaha also attacked Nitish Kumar, saying the Bihar chief minister was against him.

The RLSP chief is likely to meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi later in the day. The meeting could possibly result in RLSP joining hands with the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar that includes Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress.

On December 6, Kushwaha had declared a "war" on the ruling alliance. However, he had stopped short of announcing a break-up with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition.

Kushwaha had been sulking ever since the BJP and the Janata Dal (United), reportedly, reached an agreement that the two parties would contest 17 seats each in Bihar, where the total number of parliamentary constituencies are 40.

Under the arrangement, it was reported that RLSP was to be given two seats  one less than the number it had fought and won in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Bihar sends 40 MPs to Lok Sabha.

With inputs from PTI
November 28, 2018 / 04:06 PM IST

As voting in the 40 assembly constituencies of Mizoram closed at 4 pm, here are the five key features:

1. Bru voters came out to vote in large numbers. The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters, who are residing in neighboring Tripura, was the bone of contention, leading to the replacement of the then chief electoral officer, SB Shashank, less than two weeks ahead of the polls.

2. The Election Commission had set up pink polling booths in every constituency to woo women voters. These booths are locally known as Dingdi in Mizoram. Named after a wild flower commonly available in the state, Dingdi is used by poets to depict beautiful women.

3. Even though women voters outnumber men in the state, only 15 out of the 209 candidates were women. BJP fielded the highest number of women candidates at six.

4. The Election Commission also ensured that the disabled and the elderly get to exercise their franchise without any hurdles by arranging special provisions for them. A number of elderly voters turned out to vote, including a few centenarians.

5. All booths in the state were covered via wireless communication for the first time in Mizoram's polling history. This was done to ensure timely reporting of every development and progress of polling.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and senior party leaders will attend a rally in Dharamshala to celebrate the completion of one year of the BJP government in Himachal, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said.

Thakur said Modi has accepted a request made by the state government to be the chief guest at the function which will be held in on December 27. The exact venue for the function is yet to be finalised, he added.

The CM, accompanied by his cabinet colleagues, visited the probable venues of the rally.
Sonia Gandhi invites Opposition for dinner

Leaders of major Opposition parties are slated to meet at Parliament House Annex in New Delhi on December 10 to discuss forging a Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The meeting comes a day ahead of the assembly poll results in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana and is seen as a major boost for opposition unity in the run-up to the general elections in April-May 2019.

The parties are also expected to chart a joint strategy for the Winter Session of Parliament which will begin on December 11.

Talks of a possible alliance have been on since Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamys swearing-in ceremony in May. The ceremony had seen the participation of leaders across the political spectrum.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi are likely to attend the meeting being coordinated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

Naidus TDP, which was formed to break Congress hegemony in Andhra Pradesh, had tied up with Rahul Gandhi-led party for the recent Telangana Assembly polls.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee, National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah, Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy also likely to attend.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President MK Stalin, Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) leader Sharad Yadav are expected to attend the meeting.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal is expected to attend the meet. This is the first time AAP will participate in a grand alliance discussion. In November, the farmers' protest in the national capital had brought Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi on the same stage for the first time.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati is unlikely to participate in the discussion. However, she is expected to be represented by her close aide Satish Chandra Mishra, according to a PTI report.

Besides leaders of key political parties, chief ministers belonging to opposition parties from Kerala, Punjab and Puducherry were also invited to the meeting. It is unclear if they would attend.

Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik and Telangana caretaker Chief Minister and Telugu Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief K Chandrashekar Rao are unlikely to attend the meeting.

The saffron partys National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on December 9 mocked the meeting saying that the Opposition leaders should first declare a prime ministerial candidate before thinking of ousting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

"It's really good to see opposition parties trying to forge an alliance to fight against us. But, first let them declare their prime ministerial candidate, then they should dream of fighting against us and ousting us," Vijayvargiya said.

(With inputs from PTI)
Pakistans Prime Minister Imran Khan wished all Hindu citizens on the occasion of Diwali. Prime Minister Imran Khan wishes a happy Diwali to all Hindu citizens, tweeted Prime Ministers Office in Pakistan.

Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on December 10.

Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10.

This year, the Human Rights Day marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"On the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we reaffirm our full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for human dignity, respect and inalienable right to self-determination, he said.

He said this year is also significant for Pakistan as it has joined the UN Human Rights Council.

"Pakistan's membership of the Council, for the fourth time, is a testimony to the confidence of the international community in Pakistan, as a consensus builder within the international human rights policy framework," he said. PTI SH NSA .
parliament

The Winter Session of Parliament will begin on December 11 in New Delhi. The session, which is likely to have a total of 20 sittings, will conclude on January 8, 2019.

The session will begin on the same day as the assembly election results in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana.

There are 23 bills listed for consideration and passage during the session. Another 20 new bills are listed for introduction, consideration, and passage. Two bills have been listed for withdrawal during the session.

Also read: Opposition leaders to meet today, chart out strategy for 2019 Lok Sabha polls

Here's a look at the important bills that Parliament will likely take up for introduction or consideration during the Winter Session.

Bills that will likely be taken up:

The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Bill is for the amendment of two Acts that will enable overseas voters to cast their vote in person or by proxy. It is currently pending in Rajya Sabha, having been passed by Lok Sabha in the Monsoon Session.

The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018

The Bill provides for a mechanism to ban unregulated deposit schemes. It is currently with the standing committee, according to PRS Legislative Research.

The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017

This Bill will repeal the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and establish the National Medical Commission (NMC) to regulate medical practice and education.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Bill takes into account cab aggregators and aims to address issues such as road safety by providing for a National Road Safety Board, motor vehicle insurance, computerisation of licensing authorities and increasing penalties under the Act. It was passed by Lok Sabha on April 10, 2017.

Bills that will likely be introduced:

The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2018

The Bill is likely to be introduced to replace an Ordinance. It will bring about some amendments to the Companies Act, 2013, regarding certain offences and penalties, among others.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018

The Bill, which is being introduced to replace an Ordinance, aims to make declaration of instant 'triple talaq' illegal and void. It will also make the practice punishable by up to three years of imprisonment.

The previous 'The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017' will be withdrawn once this one is passed.

Ram temple Bill?

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue Rakesh Sinha had said in November that he would introduce a private member's Bill in Parliament seeking the construction of a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Women's Reservation Bill?

Congress is likely to raise the issue of the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Winter Session.

The Bill proposes to amend the Constitution to reserve 33 percent of all seats in Lok Sabha and all state assemblies for women. Rajya Sabha had passed the Bill in March 2010 but Lok Sabha did not vote on it. The Bill lapsed after the 15th Lok Sabha was dissolved in 2014.

On December 9, party President Rahul Gandhi wrote to respective Congress and allied governments to pass a resolution in their respective state assemblies in favour of the Bills passage in Parliament.

Additionally, the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2018 is likely to be introduced to make the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust apolitical and will empower the Centre to remove nominated members.
NCP president Sharad Pawar on Sunday accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of giving "false" promises to the Maratha community over the issue of reservation in government jobs and education.

Pawar cited a reported statement of BJP chief Amit Shah and asked Fadnavis if he will defy his party chief in granting quota to the influential community.

The NCP leader said Shah's had recently remarked, while opposing quota to a minority community in Telangana, that the Supreme Court has set a limit of 50 per cent on reservation.

The SC limit will be breached when the Maratha reservation is implemented in the state.

He was speaking at a congregation of NCP workers and office-bearers here.

Pawar said Fadnavis had asked people to celebrate for his government passing a law on 16 per cent reservation to the Maratha community.

But Shah, according to Pawar, said at a rally in Telangana that any quota beyond the SC-set limit will not stand in court.

"When the president of the party (BJP) says it (more than 50 per cent quota) cannot stand in court, why are you giving false promises to the people of Maharashtra?" Pawar said while hitting out at Fadnavis.

The former Union minister said people in Ayodhya are upset over the decision to take over buildings located near the disputed site in the temple town.

"People are saying they are not opposing construction of a (Ram) temple, but are complaining that in the name of temple, there is an attempt to destroy everything,"

Pawar, talking about pre-poll unity of opposition, said importance will have to be given to regional parties on the basis of their strength in their respective states while deciding on seat sharing.

An alliance of opposition parties is "inevitable" if the BJP is to be ousted from power, Pawar added.
Answer: Vijay Mallya

The Westminster Magistrates' Court today ordered the extradition of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya back to India. The verdict is seen as a victory for the Indian government which has been relentless in pursuing his extradition back to the country in connection with money laundering and charges of fraud.

Mallya left the country on March 2016 and has been living in England on bail since his arrest on extradition warrant in April last year.

Earlier, the court had asked the Indian authorities to share a video footage of Arthur Road prison located in Central Mumbai where he will be kept after extradition.

The prison authorities have informed that he will be lodged at barrack 12 of the prison. This high-security barrack is located in a two-storey building inside the prison complex, which also housed 26/11 Mumbai attack terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Kasab.

Each cell in Barrack 12 has an attached toilet, a washing area and a courtyard. Usually, prison barracks have Indian-style toilets, but some cells in Barrack 12 have western commodes. Each inmate is given a mattress with a pillow and a bedsheet; a melamine tumbler, plate and two bowls to have water and meals.

The inmates are provided melamine dishes so that they cant use them to injure themselves or others. The ceiling fan is placed extremely high so it cannot be reached by a prisoner.

The cell is under 24/7 CCTV surveillance and guards are posted inside as well as outside to watch over inmates round the clock.

Barrack 12 houses high-profile prisoners who could either pose a threat to others or are perceived to face threats themselves.

Former television executive Peter Mukerjea was lodged in Barrack 12 of Arthur Road Prison. He is being tried for the murder of his step-daughter Sheena Bora.

President (finance) of Nirav Modis Firestar International, who is in judicial custody for the alleged Rs 13,500 crore PNB scam, has been lodged here.

NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and his nephew Samir Bhujbal are among high profile inmates of Barrack 12.

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was housed here when he underwent his sentence for his involvement in the 1993 Bombay bomb blast case.

Terrorist Ajmal Kasab, who participated in the 26/11 attacks, was also lodged in Barrack 12 briefly, before he was moved to the infamous Anda Cell. Kasabs cell is now occupied by Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jindal, one of the alleged handlers of the 26/11 terrorists.
BJP National President Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

BJP president Amit Shah said the credit of a UK court ordering extradition of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya to India "entirely" goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who ensured that agencies were unrelenting in their pursuit of the man who "bled" banks.

The UK court ordered Mallya's extradition and said there were substantial "misrepresentations" in the flamboyant billionaire's characterisations of his financial dealings, in a major boost to India's efforts to bring back the fugitive wanted for alleged bank fraud amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

"Vijay Mallya's extradition is a very significant development in India's fight against corruption. The credit for this goes entirely to Prime Minister @narendramodi, who ensured that the agencies were unrelenting in their pursuit of the man who had bled Indian banks and fled," Shah wrote on Twitter.

He said the prime minister's "hard stand against corruption and cronyism" also puts a premium on the honest and law-abiding citizens of the country who work hard to ensure better life for their families.

"Welcome to the New India!", Shah said.

Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that Mallya can be extradited to India to stand trial on the charges brought by the CBI and ED. The judge referred the extradition case to Secretary of State.

The ruling marked a significant point in the high-profile extradition trial that has lasted over a year.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss was on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.
Answer: Vijay Mallya

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Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, is set to appear before the Westminster Magistrates' Court here on Monday when his extradition trial is listed for a judgment hand-down.

The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year.

He has contested his extradition on the grounds that the case against him is "politically motivated" and the loans he has been accused of defrauding on were sought to keep his now-defunct airline afloat.

"I did not borrow a single rupee. The borrower was Kingfisher Airlines. Money was lost due to a genuine and sad business failure. Being held as guarantor is not fraud," he said in his recent Twitter post on the issue.

"I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it," the flamboyant businessman tweeted earlier.

While dismissing that his intervention has anything to do with the extradition case, it came just days before Judge Emma Arbuthnot is expected to present her ruling in the case.

The trial, which opened at the Magistrates' Court on December 4 last year, has gone through a series of hearings beyond the initial seven days earmarked for it.

It opened with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) team, led by Mark Summers, laying out the Indian government's prima facie case of fraud and money laundering against Mallya.

Summers sought to establish a "blueprint of dishonesty" against the businessman and that there are no bars to his extradition on human rights grounds.

Mallya's defence team, led by Clare Montgomery, deposed a series of experts in an attempt to prove that the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of bank loans was the result of business failure rather than "dishonest" and "fraudulent" activity by its owner.

The court was also told that a consortium of Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), rejected an offer by the liquor baron in early 2016 to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principal loan amount owed to them.

While the CPS argued that Mallya never intended to repay the loans he sought in the first place because his airline's demise was inevitable, the defence tried to establish that Kingfisher Airlines was suffering from consequences of a wider global financial crisis around 2009-2010 and that its failure was a result of factors beyond the company's control.

"There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines [in sanctioning some of the loans]," Judge Arbuthnot had noted during the course of the trial.

In relation to the defence's attempts to dispute Indian prison conditions as a bar to Mallya's extradition on human rights grounds, the judge had indicated to the CPS that she did not require any further information in reference to the prison conditions awaiting Mallya at Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail after seeking a video of the cell.

"If the judge is satisfied that all of the procedural requirements are met, and that none of the statutory bars to extradition apply, he or she must send the case to the Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order extradition," explains Pavani Reddy, a UK-based legal expert and Managing Partner of Zaiwalla & Co.

The judge's decision on whether to send Mallya's case to UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid can be appealed with the UK High Court's permission, with the person to be extradited entitled to make an application for permission to appeal to the High Court within 14 days of the date of the Chief Magistrate's ruling.

On the other hand, the Indian government would also have 14 days to file leave to appeal to the High Court, seeking permission to appeal against a decision not to extradite.

"In case the concerned individual does not file an appeal, and Secretary of State agrees with the magistrate's decision, then the individual must be extradited from the UK within 28 days of the Home Secretary's extradition order.

"This will also apply if an appeal lodged by either party in the High Court is unsuccessful, but the 28 days will commence from the date when the appeal hearing was concluded," said Reddy.

If the judgment goes ahead as scheduled on Monday, it would mark a significant point in this high-profile extradition trial that has lasted over a year.
Voting polling EVM election

A senior government official, reportedly affiliated to the BJP, has been suspended after being caught while converting Congress' votes to that of the BJP in Hanumangarh constituency of Rajasthan.

When the votes cast by Nagar Palika officials were being taken for counting, a officer identified as Rakesh Mehendiratta allegedly meddled with the ballot papers, changing votes cast in favour of the Congress to that of the BJP.

Mehendiratta is believed to have change at least 18 votes in the process.

District Collector and Election Officer from Hanumangarh confirmed the news and told Moneycontrol that an FIR has been filed against the official and he has been suspended by the District Election Commission.

Rajasthan voted on December 7 and the result of the state election is scheduled to be announced on December 11.
Assembly election, assembly polls, madhya pradesh elections, rajasthan elections, chhattisgarh elections

Sumanth Raman

Within the next 24 hours, the votes, in what is arguably the most important election in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, would have been counted.

With most exit polls for the assembly elections in the five states  Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana  indicating a revival of the Congress in the Hindi belt states, the implications of the results will surely impact the public perception and voting choices across India in the 2019 polls, which are only five months away.

Among the states, it is Rajasthan that seems to be offering a clear trend to pollsters. With some exit polls showing a vote share difference of in excess of 6-7 percent, the Congress seems set to sweep the desert state and storm back to power. Chhattisgarh also appears to have the Congress ahead and it is Madhya Pradesh that the BJP will have most of its hopes on though there too, many of the polls show the Congress with its nose just ahead.

A 3-0 result in favour of the Congress in these three states will mean that all bets for 2019 will be off. If the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds at least one of the three, especially Madhya Pradesh, they could be said to still be in pole position as we enter 2019.

The implications of a Congress revival are many. First, this will give Congress President Rahul Gandhi wind in his leadership sails as this would be the first time under his command that the Congress would have wrested a large state(s) from the BJP in a straight fight (Congress actually lost the majority they had in Karnataka and so that result cannot be called a victory). It will be a massive morale booster for the Congress cadre who have been dispirited with wave-after-wave of defeats over the last few years.

Watch | What The Election Results Mean to BJP, Congress

The impact of the Congress re-emerging as a force of some significance will also enable opposition parties to more effectively consider hitching their fortunes to the party for the Lok Sabha polls.

While the result in itself may not lead immediately to a spate of alliances (most of the alliances that the Opposition believes are needed to defeat the BJP are already in place, formally or informally), it will lead to a gradual acceptance of the grand old party as the lead face of the Opposition. While this was obvious to many, there still are regional satraps who are not enthusiastic functioning under the overall ambit of the Congress leadership. Some of them may now be persuaded to come around.

One person who will be watched keenly and wooed by both sides over the next few months will be Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati. If the Congress fails to win Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh she will be the seen as the spoiler and will be wooed by the Opposition even more assiduously. If the Congress does win those states then she will be left with fewer choices as going alone even in Uttar Pradesh may not be an option after two successive big election defeats.

For the BJP, one of the biggest priorities will be to get Mayawati out of the Opposition alliance for UP even if she does not directly link her party's fortunes to the BJP. The nightmare scenario for the Modi-Shah duo will be an SP-BSP-Congress-RLD alliance in UP as such a grouping threatens to take away a whopping 40-50 seats from 72 the saffron party won in the state in 2014.

Watch | 'BJP Promises Like Post-dated Cheques'

What if the BJP upsets the odds and pulls off a win in two of the Hindi-belt states? Then, of course, the talk of the Modi wave persisting into 2019 will gain voice and the Congress will have serious questions to answer as to why with even anti-incumbency of 15 years and agrarian distress they were unable to unseat Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Raman Singh (assuming MP and Chhattisgarh are the two states they hold).

Telangana seems to be a state where the exit polls are by and large going with the incumbent Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government to be re-elected. However, this too is by no means certain as the vote share of the TRS appears to be varying widely among polls even going up to improbable levels in some.

The key question is whether a party, which at the heights of its popularity in 2013 polled 34 percent of the vote could better that number significantly and also whether the Congress-Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS)-Communist Party of India (CPI) combine vote share will actually drop from their earlier cumulative levels as some polls appear to be showing. Telangana eventually could see a much tighter contest than what some polls show.

Mizoram seems to have been ignored not only on election debates, but also by most of the poll agencies. The few exit polls published show the Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) slightly ahead of the incumbent Congress but falling short of a majority.

Come Tuesday, India will get a signal as to which way the electoral winds are blowing. Will this be the moment the tide turns? Or will the saffron fortresses in the Hindi heartland endure the assault?

Sumanth Raman is a Chennai-based television anchor and political analyst. Views are personal
Christian Michel_

Frank Rausan Pereira

Last week, Christian Michel, one of three alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland chopper scandal, was brought to India from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a special jet owned by the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW).

The extradition of Michel and the alleged abduction of a UAE princess in March from a US-flagged yacht off the Indian coast, while attempting to flee the UAE, seem like a chapter out of the Doval Doctrine.

Princess Sheikha Latifa, 33-year-old, is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE. A few days ago the government of Dubai said the princess was safe and celebrated her birthday at home. It is too much of a coincidence. The extradition of Michel, in all likelihood, seems like a direct swap for Latifa.

Despite a United Nations (UN) body now asking questions, and even though we received flak from the international community in March, it was the right thing to do since the UAE has kept its side of the bargain. However, it will be unfair to say that it was the only reason.

Lets not forget that the UAEs economy is going through a rough phase and it is the Indian diaspora that contributes to the Emirates economy in a big way. New Delhis ties with Abu Dhabi have seen an upswing in recent years. Several companies from the Emirates have major business interests in India, apart from the oil storage agreement in Karnataka between India and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). These factors too would have weighed in along with Latifa.

Apart from what is already mentioned, Michels extradition has many facets to it. The fact that he is a United Kingdom (UK) national is a boon and a bane. The UK has already asked for consular access, but we still have not granted it. It is imperative that India grants consular access to Michel, else we will be going Pakistans way in Islamabad not granting access to Kulbhushan Jadhav. We cannot be seen doing the same with the UK, especially at a time when they are going through a rough phase with Brexit.

In all, India has managed to get 67 culprits extradited. There are other fugitives all across the world that we would want to be brought back to India. The international community will be closely watching how we handle Michels case. Will consular access be delayed or not granted? This could have a bearing when it comes to other fugitives.

Talking of other fugitives, embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya is certainly facing the heat. A crucial hearing in Mallyas extradition case is slated for later in the day. The next move on the chessboard will be made depending on what happens in the court.

In case the verdict in the case does not go our way, Michel can be used as leverage to extradite Mallya to India. That will be seen as a major diplomatic victory for the government. Along with Mallya if the government is able to bring back fugitives such as Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, it could be a big factor in the general elections in 2019.

Mallyas extradition seems imminent; however, the same cannot be said about others. The process in India is governed by the Extradition Act, 1962. It lays down that extradition can be undertaken under three circumstances: one, if we have a treaty with a requested state; two, if we have an arrangement with the requested state or; three, if we have an agreement with another country.

A person can also be extradited on a principal of reciprocity. It means even if we do not have a treaty with another country, but if the principal is followed; the other country can allow extradition to happen.

This is where the problem is, India has extradition treaties with only 47 countries and arrangements with 10 more. Many of the fugitives are beyond our reach, since they are in hiding in those countries with whom we do not have a treaty or arrangement.

No doubt measures such as The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 are steps in the right direction as far as dealing with such fugitives is concerned. But what we need to do, if we really want to put an end to this menace, is sign extradition treaties with more countries. That is the best way forward.

Frank Rausan Pereira is senior anchor, Rajya Sabha TV. Twitter: @frp09. Views are personal.
Sangareddy: TRS president and caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao addresses a public meeting, in Sangareddy, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (PTI Photo) (PTI11_28_2018_000234B)

A day before the Telangana Assembly poll results, the BJP Monday hinted that the option of extending support to the TRS in case it falls short of numbers is not closed, even as it expressed readiness to sit in the opposition.

BJP national spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao noted that most of the exit polls point towards the TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samiti) retaining power in Telangana and they are likely to turn out to be right.

On options before his party in case of a hung Assembly, Rao said it's difficult to comment as one does not know as of now what the shortfall (for TRS) is going to be.

"The BJP will have nothing to do with the Congress or the MIM (led by Asaduddin Owaisi)," he told PTI, dropping hints that the BJP may not be averse to do business with the K Chandrasekhar Rao government to keep the Congress at bay.

"....BJP certainly wants a stable government and in case of a hung assembly we will see who seeks our support, our support will certainly be not available for the Congress or the MIM," Rao added.

In the previous elections in 2014, the BJP had won five seats in an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The BJP had gone it alone in the December 7 polls, while the TDP was part of the Congress-led "Prajakutami" (People's Front) which also comprised the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and the Communist Party of India (CPI).

Friday's exit polls predicted that the BJP's seat tally would remain in single digits.

"So, our own expectation is our seat tally and vote-share will go up substantially in this election," Rao said.

"We have fought the (Telangana) elections both against the Congress and TRS, so we would be happy to be an opposition party...to play the role of a constructive opposition party. That's the role people will give us and we are happy to perform that role," he said.
Source: PTI

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL challenging the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly by Governor Satya Pal Malik.

"We are not inclined to interfere (with the decision of the Governor)," a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul said.

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by BJP leader Gagan Bhagat, who was an MLA before the Assembly was dissolved.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which was in suspended animation, was abruptly dissolved by the governor on November 21, hours after the People's Democratic Party (PDP) staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress.

This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference, which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti wrote to governor that her party, which has 29 MLAs, was backed by the National Conference and the Congress with 15 and 12 legislators, respectively.

The dissolution was announced by Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan.

The six-month tenure of governor's rule ends on December 18. This will be followed by president's rule. The state assembly's tenure was till October 2020.

Governor's rule was clamped in the state on June 19 for a six-month period following the collapse of the Mehbooba Mufti-headed PDP-BJP coalition government after the saffron party withdrew support.

The state assembly was kept in suspended animation so political parties could explore the possibility of forming a new government.
Asaduddin

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said TRS will form the next government in Telangana on its own strength and his party will stand by it and its chief K Chandrasekhar Rao.

Owaisi said he will meet KCR (Rao) Monday afternoon adding this is "our first step towards a larger goal of nation building."

"I'll be meeting Telangana's caretaker & next CM of Telangana, KCR sahab @TelanganaCMO at 1:30 PM today. Inshallah hell form government on his own strength, and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards a larger goal of nation building," the Hyderabad MP tweeted.

AIMIM contested eight seats in the December 7 Assembly elections as against the seven in 2014 polls, and supported the TRS.

Owaisi had also canvassed and organised public meetings in support of TRS in the run-up to the December 7 Assembly elections.

Counting of votes will be taken up on Tuesday.
Journalist Jamal Khashoggi repeatedly told his killers "I can't breathe" during his final moments in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, CNN reported on December 10.

Quoting a source who said they had read the full translated transcript of an audio recording, CNN said that Khashoggi recognized one of the men, General Maher Mutreb, who told him: "You are coming back".

Khashoggi replied: "You can't do that...people are waiting outside."

His Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz waited for hours outside the consulate on October 2 and, when he did not return, contacted Turkish authorities about his disappearance.

There was no further dialogue in the relatively short transcript, prepared by Turkish authorities, CNN's source said.

As people set upon Khashoggi, he started fighting for air, repeating, "I can't breathe" at least three times. The transcript then used singular words to describe the noises, including "scream", "gasping", "saw", and "cutting".

Turkish sources told Reuters a bone saw was used to dismember the journalist.

The transcript included no further mention of returning Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, and no indication that he had been drugged - as Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor said in November.

One of the voices was identified in the transcript by Turkish authorities as Dr. Salah al-Tubaigy, a forensic expert specialized in autopsies attached to the Saudi Ministry of Interior, CNN reported.

Tubaigy tells others to put in earphones or listen to music like him, the CNN source said.

Mutreb, a senior intelligence officer who is part of the security team of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, called officials and gave step-by-step details of the operation, CNN reported, finally saying: "Tell yours, the thing is done, it's done".

Turkish officials said last week that the Istanbul prosecutor's office had concluded there was "strong suspicion" that Saud al-Qahtani, a top aide to Prince Mohammed, and General Ahmed al-Asiri, who served as deputy head of foreign intelligence, were among the planners of Khashoggi's killing.

Saudi Arabia has said the prince had no prior knowledge of the murder. After offering numerous contradictory explanations, Riyadh later said Khashoggi had been killed and his body dismembered when negotiations to persuade him to return to Saudi Arabia failed.

The kingdom has come under scrutiny as details of his killing came to light. Making some of their strongest accusations so far, both U.S. Republicans and Democrats said last week they want to pass legislation to send a message to Saudi Arabia that the United States condemns the death of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist.

A Turkish official said that by extraditing all suspects to Turkey, the Saudi authorities can address the international community's concerns.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on December 9 ruled out their extradition. "We don't extradite our citizens," he said at a Gulf Arab summit in Riyadh.

Last month, Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor's office said is seeking the death penalty for five individuals, and that 11 of 21 suspects have been indicted and will be referred to court in Saudi Arabia.
Israel has been accepted as a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global inter-governmental body dedicated to combating money laundering and terror financing, the Israeli justice minister said on December 10.

FATF membership could enhance Israel's appeal to foreign investors and its influence over policy making against regional foes like Iran, whose practices have been under scrutiny from the Paris-based organisation.
Representational picture

Politicians from around the globe will gather on December 10 in Morocco for a major conference to endorse a United Nations migration pact, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism.

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration was finalised at the UN in July after 18 months of talks and is due to be formally adopted with the bang of a gavel at the start of the two-day conference in Marrakesh.

The US government disavowed the negotiations late last year, and since then Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have pulled out of the process.

The US on December 7 took a fresh swipe at the pact, labelling it "an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states".

But a host of other nations led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel are in Morocco to endorse the deal and the UN remains upbeat that it can help the world better cope with the hot-button issue.

On the eve of the conference, UN special representative for migration Louise Arbour hit back at the pact's critics, insisting the document is not legally binding.

"It is surprising that there has been so much misinformation about what the compact is and what the text actually says," she told reporters in Marrakesh.

"It creates no right to migrate. It places no imposition on states," she said, adding that 159 member countries are due to attend the conference, including "around 100" represented by heads of state, heads of government or ministers.

But rows over the accord have erupted in several European Union nations, hobbling Belgium's coalition government and pushing Slovakia's foreign minister to tender his resignation.

From the United States to Europe and beyond, right-wing leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years.

US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants at sea.

Beyond Merkel, among European nations the leaders of Spain, Greece, Denmark and Portugal are set to attend, although French President Emmanuel Macron is sending his secretary of state for foreign affairs as he deals with the "yellow vest" protests at home.

Belgium's liberal premier Charles Michel won the support of parliament to head to Morocco and back the accord, but he was left leading a minority government on Sunday after the Flemish nationalist party said it will quit his coalition over the pact.

Belgium is among a group of seven nations described by Arbour as still "engaged in further internal deliberations" over the accord, with Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Israel, Slovenia and Switzerland also falling into this category.

Billed as the first international document on managing migration, the global pact lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million.

But while welcoming the UN's attempts to manage migration, activists argue that the pact does not go far enough to secure migrants' rights.

"Unfortunately, the non-binding nature of the Global Compact on Migration makes its implementation solely based on the goodwill of states supporting it," Amnesty International's senior advocate for the Americas, Perseo Quiroz, said in comments emailed to AFP.

After the Marrakesh conference, the UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19.
India's rural sector continues to be plagued by declining prices and lack of effective channels for marketing agricultural produce. To this end, a properly designed milk scheme for farmers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs) scheme for farmers to assure that the entire value chain is taken care of and, wherever possible, an agri-income support scheme need to be launched. These measures could provide a beginning in the right direction at least in the interregnum, says a research note.

In the report, State Bank of India (SBI) says, "We believe that the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan' (PM-AASHA) procurement scheme as envisaged by Niti Aayog has not seen interest across states. Coupled with this, loan waivers in states are now becoming fashionable to address farmer distress, which has delirious consequences on bank non-performing assets (NPA), agri credit growth and public investment in agriculture. We must endeavour to create domestic and export markets for farmers. Otherwise we will land up in a vicious cycle year after year!"

During the second quarter Q2 FY18-19, agriculture and allied activities grew by 3.8% as compared to last years growth of 2.6% and Q1FY18-19 growth of 5.3%.

According to SBI, there are many ways of interpreting agri sector growth at 3.8% during Q2FY18-19. It says, "First, this is higher than the nominal growth, indicating a negative agri deflator. Second, this growth has mostly been driven by 'livestock products, forestry and fisheries' components, whereas the crop segment including fruits and vegetables has merely expanded. Apart from this, agri NPA for select banks reveals it is increasing and growth in food credit growth continues to remain weak." According to SBI, there are many ways of interpreting agri sector growth at 3.8% during Q2FY18-19. It says, "First, this is higher than the nominal growth, indicating a negative agri deflator. Second, this growth has mostly been driven by 'livestock products, forestry and fisheries' components, whereas the crop segment including fruits and vegetables has merely expanded. Apart from this, agri NPA for select banks reveals it is increasing and growth in food credit growth continues to remain weak."

During the second quarter, the livestock products, forestry and fisheries' components grew 6.7%, while crop segment, which also includes fruits and vegetables, having weightage of 45% in overall agriculture, has grown by a mere 0.5%.

This, according to SBI, indicates that agriculture as a profession has been losing its importance because its incentive structure. "The fact that livestock is gaining traction in agri activities has both an upside and downside. On the upside, a large percentage of livestock belong to small and marginal farmers in India. However, on the downside, merely possession of such livestock does not guarantee an assured income and hence the small and marginal farmers often find themselves in distress. What should worry us the most is the fact that agriculture prices were in negative territory in Q2 (-1.0%)," it added.

Here are five possible remedies, according to SBI, to ease farmers...

1. Livestock

India is endowed with the largest livestock population in the world. It accounts for about 57% of the worlds buffalo population and 15% of the cattle population. Thus, if livestock rearing is taken up professionally, this would not only result in increase in income but would also work as a risk diversification for the farming community. Further, livestock is the best insurance for farmers against vagaries of nature like drought and other natural calamities.

SBI says, "To help boost the livestock income of the farming community it is now imperative that due importance is given to rearing of native cow breeds (A2 milk). A2 is a beta-casein protein in the milkthat makes milk healthy and nutritious. In India, most desi cows and buffalo breeds contain A2 allele gene. SBI says, "To help boost the livestock income of the farming community it is now imperative that due importance is given to rearing of native cow breeds (A2 milk). A2 is a beta-casein protein in the milkthat makes milk healthy and nutritious. In India, most desi cows and buffalo breeds contain A2 allele gene.

Internationally, Brazil has become the biggest exporters of Indian breeds of cows. Milk yield from Gir breed (Indian) in Brazil has now crossed 70 litres per day. The growing demand for the A2 milk across the globe means an opportunity for India to give more thrust to research in A2 gene breed and export A2 milk across world.

"We suggest, to boost the demand for A2 milk, it can also be provided in mid-day meals for children at pan India level. This will provide additional income of Rs7,000 per annum for 15.83 million farmers and make livestock rearing an attractive proposition, particularly small and marginal farmers," the report says.

2. Better Marketing

According to SBI, better marketing for the produce and efficient supply chain management can minimise the stress in this sector. To aid the farmers, the government has started promoting farmer producer organisations or FPOs that work as a hybrid between a cooperative and a private limited company. These must be promoted in a big way as is being done in Maharashtra.

FPOs act as sub-agents for government agencies in procuring agri commodities of their members under various government schemes. Such companies buy inputs in bulk and make them available to members. They also pool, procure or purchase the output from members and undertake organised marketing on their behalf. They may link up with bankers to channelise credit to the members. FPOs act as sub-agents for government agencies in procuring agri commodities of their members under various government schemes. Such companies buy inputs in bulk and make them available to members. They also pool, procure or purchase the output from members and undertake organised marketing on their behalf. They may link up with bankers to channelise credit to the members.

They may undertake the task of organising technology dissemination or extension to members. They can be an NGO, a private company or a government agency, the report says.

A 100% tax deduction for farmer producer companies (FPCs) for the next five years has been announced in the Union Budget 2018. Till now, the companies were being taxed 30% of their profits. An initiative in this direction has also been taken up in the form of Rs2,115 crore State of Maharashtra Agribusiness and Rural Transformation (SMART) Project, which seeks to develop agriculture value chains focusing on new farmers and creation of new markets.

3. Income Support Scheme

According to SBI, a selective income support scheme for the farmers like Rythu Bandhu Scheme in Telengana has to be implemented in the interregnum. It says, "Our analysis reveals that an income support scheme like the one rolled out in Telangana may be rolled out in states like Bihar, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand where the cost is not prohibitive."

The Rythu Bandhu Scheme is the first of its kind, wherein the cash is paid directly to the farmer with no leakages. It is providing Rs4,000 per acre per season to 5.83 million farmers to support the farm investment. Telangana government has made an allocation of Rs12,000 crore for this scheme in its 2018-19 budget.

"As per our estimates, this scheme, if implemented at pan India level, the total financial burden could be around Rs2.7 lakh crore for all states based on net sown area," SBI says.

4. Tenancy Certificate

There was a suggestion of providing a tenancy certificate to tenant farmers as promised in the budget. However, SBI says it is not sure what has happened to this suggestion which should have been addressed on a war footing. Agricultural tenancy was regulated to protect the tenant. But, the extremely cumbersome formal process at present, has created a high reliance on informal tenancy arrangements. This, in turn, require landlords to constantly monitor tenancy contracts and may leave tenants vulnerable to eviction.

5. Tweaking PM Fasal Bima Yojana

SBI believes some tweaking of the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is imperative in areas like coverage of crops, timely notification and timely payments.

The PMFBY provides a comprehensive insurance cover against failure of the crop, thus helping in stabilising the income of the farmers. The scheme covers all food and oilseeds crops and annual commercial or horticultural crops for which past yield data is available and for which requisite number of crop cutting experiments (cces) are conducted under general crop estimation survey (GCES). The scheme is implemented by empanelled general insurance companies.

About 21 states implemented the scheme in kharif 2016 whereas 23 states and two Union Territories (UTs) have implemented the scheme in rabi 2016-17. Around 3.7 crore farmers have been insured in the Kharif 2016 for 3.7 crore ha of land at premium of Rs16,212 crore for a sum insured of Rs1,28,568.94 crore as per figures available on 31 March 2017.
When we buy a new phone, it works smooth as silk. Over a period of time, with addition of apps, some of which hog memory space, the phone slows down and the battery drains faster than before. With Greenify, your device can run almost as smoothly and lastingly as it did the first day you had it!

Greenify helps you identify and put the misbehaving apps into hibernation when you are not actively using them, to stop them from lagging your device or leeching the battery, in a unique way. They can do nothing without explicit launch by you or other apps, while still preserving full functionality when running in foreground. Greenify helps you identify and put the misbehaving apps into hibernation when you are not actively using them, to stop them from lagging your device or leeching the battery, in a unique way. They can do nothing without explicit launch by you or other apps, while still preserving full functionality when running in foreground.

However, never Greenify alarm clock apps or instant messaging apps, unless you dont rely on them. Please do verify the impact of Greenified apps on which you heavily rely. Speed up your phone and get more juice from your battery with Greenify.
The dean of Yales medical school, the incoming president of a prominent cancer group and the head of a Texas cancer center are among leading medical figures who have not accurately disclosed their relationships with drug companies. This story was co-published with The New York Times.

One is dean of Yales medical school. Another is the director of a cancer center in Texas. A third is the next president of the most prominent society of cancer doctors.

These leading medical figures are among dozens of doctors who have failed in recent years to report their financial relationships with pharmaceutical and health care companies when their studies are published in medical journals, according to a review by ProPublica and The New York Times and data from other recent research.

Dr. Howard A. Skip Burris III, the president-elect of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, for instance, declared that he had no conflicts of interest in more than 50 journal articles in recent years, including in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.

However, drug companies have paid his employer nearly $114,000 for consulting and speaking, and nearly $8 million for his research during the period for which disclosure was required. His omissions extended to the Journal of Clinical Oncology, which is published by the group he will lead.

In addition to the widespread lapses by doctors, the review by ProPublica and The Times found that journals themselves often gave confusing advice and did not routinely vet disclosures by researchers, although many relationships could have been easily detected on a federal database.

Medical journals, which are the main conduit for communicating the latest scientific discoveries to the public, often have an interdependent relationship with the researchers who publish in their pages. Reporting a study in a leading journal can heighten their profilenot to mention that of the drug or other product being tested. And journals enhance their cachet by publishing exclusive, breakthrough studies by acclaimed researchers.

In all, the reporting system still appears to have many of the same flaws that the Institute of Medicine identified nearly a decade ago when it recommended fundamental changes in how conflicts of interest are reported. Those have yet to happen.

The system is broken, said Dr. Mehraneh Dorna Jafari, an assistant professor of surgery at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. She and her colleagues published a study in August that found that, of the 100 doctors who received the most compensation from device makers in 2015, conflicts were disclosed in only 37 percent of the articles published in the next year. The journals arent checking and the rules are different for every single thing.

Calls for transparency stem from concerns that researchers ties to the health and drug industries increase the odds they will, consciously or not, skew results to favor the companies with whom they do business. Studies have found that industry-sponsored research tends to be more positive than research financed by other sources. And that in turn can sway which treatments become available to patients. There is no indication that the research done by Burris and the other doctors with incomplete disclosures was manipulated or falsified.

Journal editors say they are introducing changes that will better standardize disclosures and reduce errors. But some have also argued that since most researchers follow the rules, stringent new requirements would be costly and unnecessary.

The issue has gained traction since September, when Dr. Jose Baselga, the chief medical officer of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, resigned after The Times and ProPublica reported that he had not revealed his industry ties in dozens of journal articles.

Burris, president of clinical operations and chief medical officer at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville, referred questions to his employer.

Continue Reading

Courtesy: ProPublica.org
As expected, Dr Urjit Patel has resigned as governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) citing personal reasons. Last month, Moneylife had written that if the feud between the government and the RBI escalates further, there was a good chance that governor Dr Patel will throw in the towel. ( Read: RBI Governor May Resign on 19th November for Health Reasons and Spat with the Ministry of Finance

The government wanted the RBI to transfer more money from its reserves; however, the central bank feels it needs to have a stronger balance sheet to deal with any potential crisis and external shocks.

In a statement, Dr Patel says, On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years. The support and hard work of RBI staff, officers and management has been the proximate driver of the Banks considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues and Directors of the RBI Central Board, and wish them all the best for the future.

The resignation of Dr Patel was not unexpected. However, his stepping down just a day before the winter session of the Parliament will help the Opposition parties corner the government.

In an election year, after the economic setback already caused by the disastrous decision to demonetise currency, the government is desperate to revitalise economic activity. But it will find it hard to give a positive spin to the resignation of the RBI governor at a time when the financial sector is in turmoil and beset by multiple scams, largely due to collusion and complicity by public sector bank chiefs, whose appointments are the government's prerogative.

In a tweet, finance minister Arun Jaitley acknowledged contributions of Dr Patel.

The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2)  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018

Reacting on Dr Patels resignation, his predecessor Dr Raghuram Rajan, told news channels that all Indians should be concerned about the stepping down of RBI governor. "Believe resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel is matter of great concern. Resignation by a government servant is a note of protest, when faced with circumstances they cannot deal with," the former governor said.

S Gurumurthy, editor of Thuglak, who is seen to have precipitated things, expressed surprise over the resignation of Dr Patel. I enjoyed several hours of personal discussions with him where we found large areas of agreement as well as mutually understandable disagreement. His resignation is indeed set back to the effects of the convergence of views that was taking place. We will miss him.  S Gurumurthy (@sgurumurthy) December 10, 2018

Moneylife sources, who were in touch with the governor, say that the RBI governor was not only tired of the fight with the government, but it has also been impacting his health in a big way.

Dr Patel however, did not resign during the RBI board meeting on 19 November 2018, as expected.

The meeting was called amid growing tensions between the Centre and the RBI after the finance ministry sought discussions under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act, which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI governor.

During the meeting, the board had decided to form an expert committee to examine the economic capital framework (ECF) of the central bank, which will decide the amount of reserves it can maintain, handing over the balance to the government.

The board also considered other issues related to the liquidity crunch in the economy and relaxation, prompt corrective action (PCA) norms to clean up balance sheet of banks burdened with bad loans will be looked into by RBI's Board for Financial Supervision (BFS).

The RBI has been at loggerheads with the government over three demands: transfer a higher portion of its reserves to the Centre to keep the fiscal deficit in control; inject more liquidity into the system to stave off a possible blowout among housing and finance companies; and relax the norms for PCA and income recognition of banks.

The differences between the government and the central bank came out in the open after RBI deputy governor Viral Acharya spoke about the consequences of messing around with the central bank's independence while delivering the AD Shroff Memorial lecture in Mumbai on 26th October.

Dr Acharya had said, Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of the financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution.

Since then, the government has been openly critical about the RBI and was apparently prepared to use its powers under Section 7 of the RBI Act to issue directives to the central bank. However, during the board meeting, members had decided to refer this to the expert committee.

Dr Patel was appointed as governor of RBI in August 2016 replacing Dr Raghuram Rajan. Prior to that, Dr Patel was deputy governor of the RBI for over three years looking after monetary policy, economic policy research, statistics and information management, deposit insurance, communication and right to information.
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 ...
Romanii considera ca cel mai important moment de sarbatori il reprezinta timpul petrecut alaturi de familie (60%), isi doresc sa se bucure de spiritul Craciunului (26%) si au in plan sa cumpere cadouri pentru sarbatori (11%), arata a noua editie a barometrului international Ferratum, informeaza Mediafax. In ceea ce priveste cumparaturile, acestea se vor axa in proportie de 19% pe articole vestimentare, urmate de dulciuri & delicatese (18%) si de jocuri & jucarii (11%).

Pentru Noul An, romanii isi doresc sa petreaca mai mult cu apropiatii (32%), sa-si renoveze casa (27%) si sa calatoreasca mai mult (25%). De asemenea, 15% dintre respondenti viseaza la o viata mai activa. Romanii au afirmat in proportie de 40% ca vor aloca acelasi buget ca si anul trecut, in vreme ce 34% sunt dispusi sa investeasca mai multi bani pentru aceste sarbatori, incadrandu-se intre 100 si 200 Euro.

Ferratum Oyj, furnizor international de servicii bancare mobile destinate consumatorilor si intreprinderilor mici, distribuite si gestionate pe dispozitive mobile, a derulat a noua editie consecutiva a barometrului international. Barometrul de Craciun a analizat planurile consumatorilor din perioada sarbatorilor de iarna si a fost realizat in peste 23.000 de gospodarii din 19 tari. Rezultatele din acest an arata ca 21% dintre respondenti planuiesc sa cheltuie mai mult decat Craciunul trecut, in timp ce 43% au declarat ca intentioneaza sa pastreze acelasi nivel ca in anul precedent. Sondajul indica si faptul ca cei dispusi sa cheltuie cea mai mare parte din salariu pentru vacanta de iarna sunt locuitorii din Mexic (48%), din Brazilia (38%), din Romania (29%) si din Bulgaria (25%). In acelasi timp, tarile care vor aloca cel mai putin din venitul lunar pentru sarbatori sunt Danemarca (13%), Finlanda (11%), Germania (10%) si Olanda (10%).

Timpul petrecut cu familia si cu cei dragi de sarbatori reprezinta ceea ce 69% dintre respondenti au afirmat ca este cel important pentru ei. Potrivit sondajului, 18% apreciaza sarbatoarea si spiritul Craciunului mai mult decat sa primeasca cadouri sau sa practice sporturi de iarna. Dintre cei care merg la cumparaturi pentru cadouri, aproximativ 22% au declarat ca intentioneaza sa achizitioneze produse si servicii online pentru acest Craciun, Marea Britanie si Germania fiind cei mai activi cumparatori din mediul virtual. Participantii la studiu din Estonia (16%), Croatia (15%) si Letonia (14%) prefera, in schimb, magazinele traditionale pentru cumparaturile de Craciun. Brazilienii si romanii sunt dispusi sa aloce cei mai multi bani calatoriilor din aceasta perioada-pana la 27% din venitul lor lunar-in timp ce respondentii din Polonia, Letonia si Olanda vor aloca doar 10%-13% acestora. Cand calatoresc, 71% dintre respondentii australieni, 56% dintre canadieni si 39% danezi sunt dispusi sa cheltuiasca mai mult de 100 de euro pe noapte intr-o camera de hotel, in timp ce majoritatea respondentilor din Germania (70%), Romania (33%) si Estonia (28%) au spus ca prefera o camera AirBnB mai mica pentru cazarea lor.

Potrivit Barometrului, 18% dintre respondenti declara ca rezolutia pentru Noul An este despre dorinta de a petrece mai mult timp cu cei dragi. Alti 14% au spus ca doresc sa calatoreasca mai mult si 13% ca ar dori sa-si renoveze casa. Sportul si un stil de viata sanatos sunt, de asemenea, pe lista de rezolutii, 12% dintre participanti afimand ca ar dori sa devina mai activi.
December 10, 2018

William Blum Died

William Blum died yesterday at the age of 85. He has written about the misdeeds of the U.S. government since the late 1960s. I have read many, many of his pieces and benefited from his knowledge. I especially liked his dry humor or snark that he sprinkled over them.

In its obit the Covered Action Magazine notes:

In 2006 Blum's book 'Rogue State' was once recommend by Osama bin Laden which greatly increased its sales.

More than 150 of Blum's pieces were published by Counterpunch and are available here. On his website Blum also published the Anti Empire Report.

In July he took part in a panel and explains (vid) why the U.S. public is largely content with U.S. foreign policy. They believe, falsely, that the U.S. is always well intended. Mistakes are made, there are fuck ups, but the U.S. always means well. It is that illusion that must be eradicated to change U.S. foreign policy.

An hour long interview with him was recently published here (vid).

William Blum lived a long and fruitful life. Still, his death is a great loss for us.

May he rest in peace.

Posted by b on December 10, 2018 at 19:00 UTC | Permalink

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Crown property assessor B.C. Assessment is gearing up to release its annual property assessment notice to British Columbia residents in January.

A preview of the assessment reveals British Columbias shifting property markets, with signs of moderation after years of dramatic increases. The soon-to-be-released 2019 property assessments are based on what was happening in the real estate market as of July 1 this year.

"Its a real mix in property value changes, but the market can best be summed up as showing signs of stability across most areas of the province, said Assessor Tina Ireland.
The case stems from refinance mortgage loans issued by Capital Financial Mortgage, which was co-owned by Fili along with George Barnard, between 2005 and March 2013.

Fili and Barnard diverted about $9.8 million to themselves from bank accounts belonging to the company and several title companies owned by Barnard instead of using the money to pay off their customers outstanding first mortgages.

At the time that the scheme fell apart, Fili and Barnard left more than two dozen customers stuck with two mortgages on their homes because the company had failed to pay off their existing first mortgages.

As part of his guilty plea, Fili admitted that he used much of the money he diverted to buy a vacation home and to support his gambling habit.

Barnard used the money he diverted to buy multimillion-dollar beach homes and several yachts and to pay the salary of a yacht captain. He was previously sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the scheme.
Wells Fargo has agreed to pay approximately $17.3 million to resolve an investigation into its misconduct in the marketing and sale of risky residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) leading up to the 2008 economic collapse, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced.

Under the settlement, Illinois will distribute the settlement amount among the Teachers Retirement System of the State of Illinois, the State Universities Retirement System of Illinois, and the Illinois State Board of Investment, which oversees the State Employees Retirement System.

Madigan said the settlement is the ninth addressing the sale of mortgage-backed securities during the lead up to the economic collapse.
Growth in Texas lodging industry revenues are slowing as the effects of last years hurricane-induced spike wear off.

Source Strategies Inc., the Texas hotel consulting company, said revenues gained 4.7 percent in the third quarter over the third quarter of 2017, slowing after a year of double-digit revenue growth. Company analysts say the states oil- and gas-producing areas are experiencing a cooling in demand as drastically lower oil prices in October and November signal a possible retreat from the current boom.

RELATED: Realtor.com: Midland is nation's hottest housing market

Still, Permian Basin hotels dominated the states top 10 list in terms of revenue per available room, with one in Midland and three in Pecos making the list: Baymont Inn Midland Center in Midland, Best Western Plus Swiss Chalet, Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn, all in Pecos.

Midland had 15 hotels in the top 100, second only to Austin, and Odessa placed third with 12, Pecos coming in fifth with eight and Monahans placing four on the list.

Midland and Odessa had the top two occupancies in the third quarter, with Midland at 75.9 percent and Odessa at 74.9 percent.

San Angelo reported the largest occupancy point increases of the third quarter, rising 9.7 points to 57.1 percent occupancy. Substantial gains were also noted in Odessa, up 7.2 points, and Midland, up 6.6 points.

RELATED: Survey: Housing affordability trends slightly toward buying

According to Source Strategies, Midland and Odessa have 3.5 percent of the Texas market. Total revenues jumped from $57,345,000 in 2017 to $102,185,000 in 2018, a gain of 78.2 percent. Occupancy in hotels in the two towns averaged 75.4 percent with the daily rate averaging $154.58.

With sustained high crude oil prices through the third quarter, revenues in the top 100 oil and gas producing counties rose 3.3 percent compared to the third quarter last year, as demand slipped 0.8 percent as measured by room nights sold. This follows four quarters in a row averaging demand gains over 15 percent in these areas of the state.
With a focus on Texas before expanding to national markets, Santa Rita Film Co. announced in late November that native Midlander Ty Roberts' film "The Iron Orchard" will open in theaters starting on Feb. 22 with exclusive engagements in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Midland-Odessa areas. The drama about ambitious oil magnate Jim McNeely, based on Tom Pendleton's 1966 novel of the same name, will then open March 1 in New York, Los Angeles and additional markets across Texas.

"Iron Orchard," starring Lane Garrison, Ali Cobrin and Austin Nichols, will be the first official production and theatrical release from Santa Rita. The film company plans to release at least five titles a year by 2020, according to a press release.

"In the spirit of 'The Last Picture Show' and 'Giant,' I'm excited to bring a piece of mythic Texas to the big screen," Roberts said in a press release. "'The Iron Orchard' is not only a love letter to West Texas but a cautionary tale about ambition and enterprise which feels as pertinent today as it was in post-WWII America."

"Iron Orchard" is the story of Jim McNeely (Lane Garrison), a driller in post-Depression West Texas who longs to conquer the "brave new world of influence and wealth," according to the release.

During shooting, the cast and crew stayed at the Hotel Settles in Big Spring. Some scenes were shot at and near the Petroleum Museum.

"Doing a period film was an exciting and challenging experience," producer and native Midlander Van Scott Folger told the Reporter-Telegram last year during filming. "The locations in the scripts were only here. We don't think it could have been done anywhere else. And the Settles' art deco was perfect for the time."

The distributor plans to focus on the film's target audience in Texas before going to wider national markets.

More Information For more about "Iron Orchard," visit theironorchard.com. See More Collapse

"Starting in Texas, where the oil business is built into the fabric of almost every community there, just makes the most sense for us," producer Houston Hill said in the release. "Our goal is to follow the successful model created by faith-based films but instead of churches, we're focusing on the support from the other religion in Texas: petroleum companies."

Executive producer Greg McCabe is excited to see Pendleton's novel brought to the big screen.

"The Texas oil community has been waiting a long time for this iconic book to make its way to the big screen," he said in the release. "I couldn't pass up an opportunity to work with a passionate filmmaker like Ty Roberts, who did an absolute superb job of capturing on film the heartache and the exhilaration of our industry."
Midland Fire Department battled a fire Sunday evening at Andrews Square East -- formerly Hunters Glen. Twelve units responded to the fire at the apartment complex located in the 1900 block of Midland Drive, according to a city spokesman.

Sixteen apartments were affected, but there werent any reports of injury, Tony Castaneda said Sunday night via text. The residents will have to be (relocated) to other apartments due to major structure damage, he said.
Adaptive aids are expensive. Additive manufacturing, using low-cost 3-D printers, can save upwards of 94 percent for simple household items.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that almost a quarter of the U.S. population lives with some form of arthritis. Daily tasks  like opening drawers, turning door handles  can be difficult, so people turn to adaptive aids. Many are small pieces of plastic.

It never ceases to amaze me what a small piece of plastic sells for, said Joshua Pearce, the Richard Witte Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Michigan Tech. Anyone who needs an adaptive aid for arthritis should be 3-D printing it.

So, Pearce had his class take a shot. Now, Pearce is a co-author and corresponding researcher on a new study that analyzes how 20 of the 3-D printed adaptive aids his class printed see huge cost savings and either meet  or improve  standards for existing products. The study was published this week in Geriatrics (DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics3040089) and is co-authored by student research assistant Nicole Gallup and orthopedic surgeon Jennifer Bow, who is also a visiting scholar at Michigan Tech.

Here are photo examples of the devices students printed.

More Pain, No Gain

Adults with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions earn less than average Americans, yet spend more on medical expenses: on average about 12 percent of the average familys income. To boot, the adaptive aids they may need to purchase to help them pull on socks, hold toothbrushes, knit, pull zippers, cut food and many other everyday tasks are pricey.

Adaptive aids range from a cheap pop can opener for $5.99 to pill splitter for $23.75 to a phone holder for $49.99. With 3-D printing, those costs can come down to 45 cents to pop tabs, $1.27 to split pills and 79 cents plus a rubber band to hold a phone.

The 3-D printed versions are not only cheaper but customizable. Dr. Bow recommended students take a look at designing adaptive aids because the customization available from 3-D printers could help her arthritis patients and others throughout the world. Subsequently, the group Makers Making Change approached Pearce because they needed to improve some existing designs that can be shrunk, expanded and tweaked to match different hand sizes, grip strengths, color preference and task modification.

Small, dexterous motions like nail clipping is difficult with hand arthritis; an adaptive aid that holds the clipper in place while using a larger handle helps.

This is the difference between needing to go to someone to get your nails cut and being able to do your own, which, yes, theres cost savings, but its also personal pride and being able to take care of yourself, Pearce said. And if your only problem is that the standard nail clipper is too tiny, we can fix that.

Cost for individual items may not be too onerous. However, following a diagnosis, some patients need to overhaul or install many adaptive aids, like putting light switch flippers throughout the house, which adds up quickly. 3-D printing can trim that cost, and Pearces team only used printers that cost $500 or less, but the upfront cost of a printer may curb some peoples enthusiasm. Also, some people do not have to pay the full price for adaptive aids if Medicare or their insurance policy helps cover the purchases. Pearce says neither substantially affects the numbers.

We printed and analyzed 20 different products and each one has a great return on investment, even for people who can use insurance to purchase adaptive aids with a co-pay, and a printer pays for itself easily, Pearce said, explaining that the true challenge is not economic. Its a slam dunk  but the question becomes how do people get these aids?

Access to 3-D Printing

People can save a lot having a 3-D printer on their kitchen table. Not everyone is ready for the distributed manufacturing wave in their home, but there are still many ways to bring 3-D printed goods to people with arthritis, particularly older patients.

All the adaptive aids were printed with PLA plastic.

Were not saying an 85-year-old with no personal computer experience is developing a CAD from scratch and prototyping a design 12 times, Pearce said, explaining the open source designs are available for free online at Appropedia and MyMiniFactory.

Pearce sees nursing homes, doctors offices and physical therapy clinics as the ideal hubs for 3-D printed adaptive aids. Local makerspaces and libraries also provide access to printers, designs and knowledgeable people in exchange for fees that cover plastic and printing costs; some businesses even make a living providing 3-D prints.

Printed for Class

With that dream in mind, Pearce says his class started with base functionality. Their assignment  turned around in a week was printed on Rep-Rap printers that the students built themselves in the first two weeks of class. They did all their adaptive aid prints with PLA plastic, focused on handheld items, and many of the students designed features with a loved one, friend or acquaintance in mind. They all work, but theres always room for improvement.

All the designs could be made much prettier and better  and thats the beauty of open source. Because I hope in a couple years that we have a whole array of each one of these ideas thats built out much further, applied all over the world and customized for individual people, Pearce said. This is a new field of 3-D printing design thats just getting started. Lots of people can make real, honest-to-goodness, concrete contributions.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, the University offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
ALBANY  A coalition of environmental groups presented over 100,000 signatures to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday, urging him to support a full ban on hydraulic fracking and its related activities in the Delaware River Basin.

The activists gathered at the state Capitol's historic Million Dollar Staircase and called on the governor to expand the state's 2014 ban on hydraulic fracking by prohibiting use of the basin for treatment and processing of fracking waste, or for water withdrawals for fracking.

Cuomo is among four state governors and a regional U.S. Army Corps engineer  the federal representative  who make up the Delaware River Basin Commission that was created in 1961.

The commission is expected to vote on proposed regulations to permanently ban fracking in the basin, which stretches more than 300 miles from the Catskill mountains to the Delaware Bay south of New Jersey.

Four years ago, Cuomo announced the statewide ban on fracking. Advocates say expanding the ban is a crucial step in shifting New York off fossil fuels to renewable energy.

"The underlying principle of New York's fracking ban is that it is too dangerous to be done safely anywhere," said Roger Downs, conservation director for the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. "To still have the Delaware River Basin, a drinking water source for 17 million people, remain potentially open to drilling represents a disproportionate risk that defies common sense and the science that supports effective public health policy.

The petition effort was led by groups including Food & Water Watch, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, Riverkeeper, Environmental Advocates of New York, Earthworks, Delaware Riverkeeper and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Lawmakers, including state senators Liz Krueger and Brad Hoylman, joined the advocates at their news conference calling for an expansion of the state's fracking ban.

"The dangers of fracking have been well established, to the point that New York state has banned the practice outright," Krueger said. "So it makes no sense to allow fracking or fracking waste anywhere near the Delaware watershed, or to let this pristine public water resource be used to support fracking operations elsewhere."

Jason Conwall, a spokesman for Cuomo, said, "We'll review their letter, but it was Governor Cuomo who banned high volume, hydro-fracking in New York and we continue to support a ban on these activities within the entire Delaware River Watershed."
Search warrant leads

to three drug arrests

BAYLIS  A search warrant issued as part of a drug investigation has resulted in the arrests of three people.

About 9 a.m. Friday, law enforcement officers from the Pike County Sheriffs Department and West Central Illinois Drug Task Force executed the warrant in the 200 block of South Main Street in Baylis.

Devon L. Wagner, 20, of Baylis was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The sheriffs department furthered the criminal investigation by catching a fugitive at a residence in the 1100 block of Bainbridge Street in Barry. Deputies arrested Cody F. Leavell, 40, of Baylis on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to register as a sex offender and two outstanding Pike County warrants.

The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Jamie E. Marshall, 32, of Champaign on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three were being held Friday in the Pike County Jail.

Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 John D. Dodd, 37, address unknown, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 6:26 p.m. Thursday on a charge of violating the sex offender registration act.

 Riley R. Hearold, 20, of 623 Robinson Lane, Winchester, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 10:43 p.m. Thursday on charges of driving under the influence.

 A 17-year-old boy was arrested at 2:04 p.m. Friday on a retail theft charge.

ACCIDENTS

 Brent I. Vanbebber, 49, of Murrayville was cited on a charge of failure to yield after police say he was exiting a driveway when the vehicle he was driving hit a vehicle being driven by Kathryn L. Dancer, 48, of Jacksonville at 11:41 a.m. Friday in the 1100 block of Veterans Drive.

South Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Ryan M. McDade, 37, of 800 Hoagland Blvd. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 8:20 p.m. Thursday on charges of improper signal and driving while license is revoked or suspended.

 Randal S. Davenport, 33, of 1240 McGlasson Road was booked into the Morgan County jail at 1:22 a.m. Friday on a disorderly conduct charge.

Greene County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 David L. Queen, 49, of Patterson was booked into the Greene County Jail at 8:46 a.m. Thursday on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal trespass to property.

 Keith T. Stone, 29, of Godfrey was booked into the Greene County Jail at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday on a Greene County petition to revoke probation.

Greenfield Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Kyle R. Baumgartner, 33, of Eldred was booked into the Greene County Jail at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday on a Greene County arrest warrant accusing him of contempt of court.

 Brad W. Malin, 41, of Greenfield was booked into the Greene County Jail at 10 p.m. Monday on an offense related to a title and registration violation.

 Jamie E. Rice, 43, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County Jail at 9:35 p.m. Monday on a petition to revoke probation.

Roodhouse Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Stephanie N. Hagan, 36, of Roodhouse was booked into the Greene County Jail at 9:23 a.m. Thursday on a charge of having no valid drivers license.

White Hall Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Curtis W. Wheeler, 56, of Carrollton was booked into the Greene County Jail at 9 p.m. Monday on a Greene County warrant accusing him of deceptive practice and on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Compiled by David C.L. Bauer and Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree
James Martin Barnes is remembered as a consummate politician  a gregarious, intelligent man who never forgot his constituents.

He was a very warm and outgoing person, the late Frank B. Norbury said in a 2000 interview. Norbury was a nephew of Barnes, who served as U.S. representative for the 20th Congressional District from 1939 to 1943 and then as an administrative assistant to presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman.

I was Jims driver during the 1940 campaign, Norbury recalled. I remember going with him to a fish fry at Florence and to the dedication of an REA [Rural Electrification Administration] power plant on the outskirts of Pittsfield.

Barnes enjoyed traveling the district and getting to know his constituents, Norbury said. He had a clever way of recalling a persons name, he said. We would walk together, and he would say to someone, I want you to meet my nephew, Frank, and then the person would say their name.

Barnes acquired his political savvy in a natural way  he was born with it. His father, Charles A. Barnes, was an attorney, a county judge in Morgan County and a Democratic leader in Morgan County in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Barnes caught the patriotic fever in 1918, left his studies at Illinois College and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served with the Marines in France before returning to IC in 1919 and graduating in 1921.

A love of the law then led him to obtain a degree from Harvard University Law School in 1924. Later that year, at age 25, Barnes opened a law office in Jacksonville.

In 1926, Barnes followed his father and was elected to the first of two terms as county judge for Morgan County. And, like his father, he took an active role in the political affairs of the Democratic Party in Morgan County.

In 1938, Barnes, a strong supporter of FDRs New Deal policies, decided to climb onto the national political stage and run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He defeated his Republican opponent, Stuart Pierson of Carrollton, in that election.

Barnes ran for re-election in 1940 and defeated Republican Hardin Hanks of Beardstown. In 1942, however, he lost his congressional seat to Republican Sid Simpson of Carrollton.

FDR respected Barnes abilities, and, in 1943, appointed him one of four administrative assistants to the president. Barnes served in that position until July 1945, three months after FDRs death and Trumans ascendancy to the presidency.

After resigning as Trumans aide, Barnes began practicing law in Washington. He returned to the political arena briefly in 1948, when he managed the successful vice presidential campaign of his friend, Alben Barkley, Trumans running mate.

Barnes died in 1958 at the age of 59. His funeral was held at the National Cathedral in Washington, and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

This Way We Were was first published Oct. 30, 2000.
When you are a young man, 20 years seems a long time.

But as we age it seems just the blink of an eye.

I was thinking about that last week when I watched the Green Book, a movie about a gifted black pianist, Don Shirley, touring the segregated South in the early 1960s with his white driver.

The Green Book was a manual carried by African Americans listing restaurants, motels and other accommodations that would serve black people.

The obstacles he faced are hard to imagine.

Having been born in 1965 in Illinois, I dont have any personal memory of legal segregation. I know it existed in my hometown of Galesburg. The beaches at Lake Storey and seats at the Orpheum Theater were segregated.

I just dont remember it.

But my first newspaper job was in the South, working for the Galveston Daily News.

At the time, being all of 23 years old, I was perplexed by the hostility many African Americans held toward the newspaper.

I asked an older reporter about it and he explained the newspaper had advocated for segregation and at one time wouldnt even run black and white obituaries on the same page.

When I asked when the newspaper stopped this abhorrent practice he told me, Oh, maybe, 20 years ago.

My reaction: Well, why are they still angry? That was a really long time ago.

Yeah, I know, pretty arrogant, pretty ignorant. I now know two decades is not that long ago at all. But it sure seemed like it when I was young.

The stain of segregation and racial discrimination is a lasting one in our society.

Overt, legal segregation of public accommodations may be gone. But racism isnt.

Many folks hate the term white privilege.

But it is time that we all own up to its existence.

Just last month, I pulled into a Springfield gas station that had a sign up on its pumps that said Please Pay First. I waved at the attendant, who I didnt know, and he turned the pump on for me. When I went in to pay after filling up, I asked, How do you know who to turn the pump on for?

The attendant gave me a smirk and said, You can look at people and just tell. I shifted my feet uncomfortably and paid for the gas. I know a black person who always has to prepay at that station.

Its not as overt as a whites only sign. But it is just as racist.

My mother grew up in an all-white area of rural Illinois. She never thought much about segregation or racial discrimination until she witnessed it while taking nursing classes in Louisville, Kentucky, in the early 1950s.

I would be out walking and black men would step off the sidewalk and onto the street when they met me, she said. Even decades later, her shame was evident and her eyes downcast as she related the story to me at the kitchen table. She still felt sullied by the experience.

White privilege wasnt something she sought or wanted. It didnt mean she didnt have to work hard for the things she achieved. She had her own struggles. Childhood poverty and an alcoholic father were among them.

But the color of her skin was never one of those challenges.

Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist and a freelance reporter. He can be reached at ScottReeder1965@gmail.com.
President Donald Trump View Photos

President Trump held a Hanukkah Celebration for invited Jewish guests in the East Room of the White House.

Trump was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

Thank you all for coming to the White House. Melania and I are delighted to welcome you and to wish you a very happy Hanukkah. (Applause.) Happy Hanukkah.

This week, America is grieving the loss of President George H.W. Bush, who is being laid to rest today at his library in Texas.

Yesterday, Melania and I were honored to attend the state funeral at the National Cathedral and to pay our respects to the entire Bush family. The memorial was a beautiful tribute to President Bushs extraordinary life and a noble legacy to public service. He was a wonderful man. We will always remember this great statesman and beloved American patriot. He really was very special. (Applause.) So thank you very much.

This afternoon, we have many wonderful guests in attendance to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. I want to thank the students of the Y-Studs a capella group for their terrific performance. (Applause.) Where are they? Raise your hand. Good job, huh? I heard that beautiful sound without a lot of instruments. You dont need instruments. You have  thats your instrument right there.

Were glad to be joined by Secretary Betsy DeVos. Wheres Betsy? (Applause.) Where is Betsy? Betsy, thank you. Thank you, Betsy.

Senator  a very good friend of mine, and a great, great patriot and senator  Senator Roy Blunt. Roy? Where is our Roy? (Applause.) Wheres our Roy? Yeah. Thank you, Roy. Great guy.

Representatives Ted Deutch, Josh Gottheimer  (applause)  where are you guys? Put your hands up. I dont know. David Kustoff. Lee Zeldin. (Applause.) Terrific guy. Lee  is that Lee back there? Good. Good job, Lee. Congratulations. You had a great electoral victory.

Colorado Governor-elect Jared Polis. Where is Jared? (Applause.) Where is he? Thank you. Congratulations. Great job.

And thank you as well to Jared Kushner  Im sure none of you have ever heard that name  for being here. (Applause.)

Today, I am thrilled to commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah. More than 2,000 years ago, a band of Jewish patriots, led by Judah Maccabee, reclaimed their freedom from an oppressive dictator who had persecuted the Jewish people and ransacked the Holy Temple.

After their victory, they prepared to rededicate the Temple. They found only enough oil to light the lamp for a single night. Youve all heard that before. But, despite this, the lamp burned brightly for eight nights, an everlasting symbol of Jewish perseverance. Incredible.

Throughout history, the Jewish people have suffered unthinkable repression and terrible violence. Yet, in the face of this hardship, the Jewish people have endured, overcome, and thrived. Thrived like few, that I can tell you. Thrived. (Applause.)

Five weeks ago, our nation mourned a horrific tragedy. Fourteen  eleven Jewish-Americans were brutally murdered in a sinister anti-Semitic attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. And we went to see what had happened and to meet some of the people. And they were incredible people. And the way they stood up so bravely, so proudly, was just something very incredible to see. The rabbi was just a great person.

In the aftermath of that wicked assault, we reaffirmed our solemn duty to confront anti-Semitism everywhere it occurs. (Applause.) We must stamp out this vile hatred from the world.

We are joined for todays ceremony by those who suffered through historys darkest hour. Here with us this afternoon are eight survivors of the Nazi Holocaust. Sara Censor  where is Sara? Where is Sara? Shes here someplace. Hi, Sara. Oh, you look so young. (Laughter.)

MS. CENSOR: (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT: She said shes not. She is. (Laughter.) Young at heart. Bertha Einhorn  Bertha. Where is Bertha? Hi, Bertha. Do you want to  come on up here, folks. Come on up here. Can you help them up? (Applause.) Ethel Flam. Gita Landau. Come on up. Come on up. Thats nice. (Applause.) Dolly Rabinowitz, Ruth Salamon, and Zahava Ungar. Come on up. Very nice. Very nice. Thank you all. Thats so good. Great. Thank you very much. Isnt that nice? Beautiful. Beautiful. (Applause.) Wheres David Einhorn? David  get up here, David. Come on up here, David. Come on up here, David. Thats great. Thank you very much. Beautiful. Please.

You honor us, truly, with your presence, and you inspire us with your courage. Thank you very much for being here. Each of you has endured evil beyond description. Your treasured attendance at this ceremony calls to mind the words of Elie Wiesel: For the dead and the living, we must bear witness. Today and every day, we renew our solemn pledge: Never Again. Right? Never again. (Applause.)

From the depths of despair, the Jewish people built a mighty and majestic nation, a thriving democracy in the heart of the Middle East, and a light of hope to all of the world. My administration will always stand with our cherished friend and partner, the state of Israel. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Lets hear it, everybody! Come on! Come on! (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much.

We have left the horrible Iran nuclear deal and imposed  (applause)  it was a horrible, horrible deal, should have never been made  and imposed the toughest-ever sanctioned  we sanctioned Iran like, I guess, few have ever been sanctioned before.

We must never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon or a nuclear bomb. (Applause.) We cannot let the worlds leading sponsor of terror  a regime that chants Death to America, and threatens Israel all of the time with annihilation, and constantly screams out Death to Israel  to possess the deadliest weapon on Earth. We will not allow that to happen. (Applause.)

Exactly one year ago today, at my direction, the United States recognized the true capital of Israel and quickly moved  (applause) 

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Come on, everybody! Come on!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.

AUDIENCE: Four more years! Four more years! Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Well, we quickly 

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Six more years!

THE PRESIDENT: That is actually six more, but we wont (inaudible). (Laughter.) Minor detail. Ive actually never heard four more years. Thats an interesting one. Well go for six, and then well all be in very good shape. (Applause.) Were going to all be in very good shape.

And we quickly moved the American embassy to Jerusalem and we got it built. You know that story, right? It was going to cost billions of dollars  billions. And I said, What do you mean, billions? And David Friedman, who  I dont know if David is here  your ambassador, who is great. (Applause.) He called me up and he said, I think we can do it for a lot less. I said, We better do it for a lot less.

They literally had me signing something  over a billion dollars  to build the embassy. And David said, You know, we already own a site. Its the best site in all of Jerusalem. The building is set back. We could renovate the building, and we could do it for less than $200,000. (Laughter.) So I said, So you got a billion and it will probably never get built or you got $200,000.

Now what I said to David  I said  first time Ive ever done this in my entire life  I said, David, I never said this before, but $200,000 is too cheap. (Laughter.) You got to raise it. How about $400,000? And we did it for right around $400,000, using all Jerusalem stone.

You know, Jerusalem stone is a very expensive stone that people bring to this country with  almost as a ceremony. Its beautiful. But over there, you have a lot of Jerusalem stone. We use all Jerusalem stone and its so beautiful.

And we opened it four months later. Think of that, four months later. And  (applause)  and its built and its really beautiful. You have to go see it. Its beautiful. Great location. Best location. You couldnt get a better location.

And its all opened and its done and its finished. And that doesnt mean we wont build a bigger, better  but if you take a look at it  not going to get much better. Its a beautiful job.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: As promised!

THE PRESIDENT: So we did something for $400,000 that 

AUDIENCE MEMBER: As promised!

THE PRESIDENT:  was supposed to cost a billion. Say it. What?

AUDIENCE MEMBER: As promised!

THE PRESIDENT: As promised. I kept my promise. Thats true. (Applause.) Even more than that  I said I was going to designate the site; we didnt say we were going to build it so fast. (Laughter.) I didnt know wed build it so fast.

But we have it built and its a beautiful, beautiful embassy. And its an honor to do it for all of the people in the room. Its an honor to do it for all of you, I have to say, because thats really who were doing it for. So congratulations. (Applause.) Great honor.

Civilization is indebted to the Jewish people for their incredible contributions to art and science, history, culture, and society. Since the founding of America, Jewish communities have uplifted every aspect of our national life.

Today, we renew our gratitude for those amazing blessings and we reaffirm our unbreakable solidarity with the Jewish people. (Applause.)

I want to thank Vice President Mike Pence. A tremendous supporter  (applause)  a tremendous supporter of yours. And Karen. And they go there and they love your country. They love your country. And they love this country. Thats a good combination, right?

AUDIENCE: Yes!

THE PRESIDENT: Thats a good contribution. Thats really  hello, David. One of my fabulous lawyers right up here. Hello, David. He is a great lawyer, too.

So I want to thank everybody. I want to thank everybody in the room. Happy Hanukkah. (Applause.) And now  happy Hanukkah.

And now Id like to ask Chaplain Shmuel Felzenberg to come up and say a blessing while we light the menorah. Thank you all. Thank you all. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you.

CHAPLAIN FELZENBERG: Good afternoon, and happy Hanukkah. As we prepare to kindle the Hanukkah lights, we recall the story of the Maccabees, who, more than 2,000 years ago, fought against Hellenist oppression in the ancient land of Israel. They fought to restore the religious identity and dignity of both their land and their people.

As Jews around the world light the candles this evening, we pray for the triumph of light over darkness, and good over evil.

As we light, it is incumbent upon us to remember those American service members currently deployed in harms way, including my son, as they stand on the front edge of freedom for our stake. (Applause.)

There are two blessings we recite in Hebrew prior to the lighting, but allow me first to share with you their contents in English. Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of Universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light.

And second, Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time.

(The blessings are recited in Hebrew.) (Applause.)

(The chaplain lights the menorah and a song is sung.)

THE PRESIDENT: Mike, Id like to ask you to come up and say just a few words, and then were going to shake a few hands. And thank you all very much.

Vice President, Mike Pence. Mike. (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Mr. President. And its such a joy to be able to be here with our First Family. Karen and I are honored to be able to extend to you the warmest wishes to you and your family, people all across this country  wishes for a happy Hanukkah.

And it is the greatest honor of my life to serve as Vice President to the most pro-Israel President in American history. (Applause.) Happy Hanukkah to you all.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM
2019 isn't even here yet and Chevy is already dropping bombshells.

This week the automaker released photos of its upcoming 2020 Silverado HD, less than a year before it's due to hit dealerships.

WHAT'S THAT THING?: A transplant's guide to the names of Houston's main traffic arteries

The 2020 model will have five trim choices for buyers to choose from. The Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ and big bucks High Country are going to be a part of the heavy duty roster.

Sadly or, depending on your allegiance to Chevy, happily car blog Jalopnik is already calling its front end ugly as sin. "Very ugly" were the exact words used for the Flint, Michigan-bred truck.

MEMORY LANE: Take a look at 100 years of Chevrolet truck designs

"With the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD, it's all business in the back, and some sort of deeply strange party up front," Jalopnik wrote.

Yeesh. The giant "CHEVROLET" on the front seems to irk to the car guys there, and to others it just seems like a Ford or Dodge rip. Others had more fun with it.

Keep in mind this is the heavy duty Silverado and not the more accessible light duty that we will all see on a daily basis in Chick-Fil-A drive-thrus and in suburban driveways.

RELATED: Chevrolet's next-generation 2019 pickup will boast new engines

"We set out to make a statement with the 2020 Silverado HD and wanted to visually capture the power and capability of the truck," Brian Izard, lead exterior designer for Silverado HD, said in a release this week. "The result is a truck that looks like a piece of heavy machinery with modern, chiseled finishes and customer-focused details."

Craig Hlavaty covers Houston history and pop-culture. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | craig.hlavaty@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message...
A 44-year-old Midland man was sentenced Thursday to 30 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for attempting to entice a minor into engaging in sexual activity, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas.

U.S. District Judge David Counts also ordered that Jose Alonso Zubia pay a $10,000 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
Covenant Health Plainview is proud to welcome, Matt Flores, FNP-C as the newest caregiver in our ever-expanding cardiology department.

Flores joins cardiologist Dr. Kevin Jones as a Family Nurse Practitioner inside his office.

"The whole cardiology department is excited about Matt joining us," said Jones. "I know Matt will be a great addition to the expanding cardiology services offered in Plainview. I know the patients are going to love him. We are fortunate to have him join our team."

Flores is a native West Texan, born and raised in Brownfield.

"I'm very happy to be here and I am looking forward to helping (meet) the need here in Plainview," said Flores.

Flores comes to Plainview from Lubbock, where he spent the last five years as a registered nurse inside the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Covenant Health Lubbock.

Flores said he initially started working as an IT specialist at Brownfield Regional Medical Center straight out of high school. However, it wouldn't be long until Flores became very interested in the world around him.

"I did that for about two years. Then I started becoming interested in health care. Just being able to help people, learning about the human body as well as the processes of diseases and simply making people feel better," said Flores.

Flores eventually enrolled at Covenant Health's Nursing School.

After graduation, Flores started at Covenant Health Lubbock.

During his service in the Surgical ICU, Flores said he wanted to learn and do more when it came to patient care.

"I loved being in the field and taking care of people," said Flores.

"However, I realized pretty quickly I didn't want to be a bedside nurse. I wanted to be a provider and help people prevent going to the hospital in the first place. Preventive medicine is much needed now-a-days."

In-between ICU shifts, Flores started working in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Lubbock Christian University. He graduated in 2018.

Flores eventually learned of the growing Cardiology Center at Covenant Health Plainview and their search for a practitioner.

"I came from the ICU, so I realize how important it is to take care of your heart," said Flores.

"It's one of the leading causes of illness as we age, and unfortunately it's a problem for everybody."

Flores said he is very happy to start his career in Plainview.

"I come from a small town so I already like this atmosphere," said Flores.

"I'm looking forward to helping meet the need in Plainview. Also Dr. Jones is a very talented physician and he seems to be very willing to teach. The people here in Plainview have been great."

Flores started on Dec. 1 and can be found with Dr. Jones inside their new offices located in the hospital's Anderson Building, at 2502 Xenia Street, Suite 106.
Hundreds of people  young and old  braved the cold Thursday night to watch the 27th annual Christmas Parade of Lights in downtown Plainview.

The parade, which is organized by the Plainview Chamber of Commerce, included at least 110 entries and ran just under an hour. A few parade-goers said it was one of the best they've witnessed.

Vanessa Martinez, of Plainview, and her five kids were among the crowd Thursday gathering candy (and chips from one float) as those riding in the parade threw it on the streets.

"We come out here to support our community," Martinez said.

The annual event is something she and her family try not to miss.

Asked how this event compared to parades in years past, Martinez had just one word to describe it: "better."

The family couldn't pick a favorite float but Martinez said it's the community's effort to come together that makes the parade what it is.

"It's a good one," she added.

This was the first year for Tonya Keesee, executive director of the Plainview Chamber of Commerce, to run the parade solo.

In the weeks leading up to it, she'd mentioned she'd like to match the number of parade entries as last year. That goal wasn't quite met but the participation in the 2018 celebration still made it one for the record books.

This year's theme was 'Twas the night before Christmas.

Parade participants were challenged to create floats and decorations that followed that theme.

As a result, there were countless floats with fireplaces but there were also a few Grinch impersonators, performances by the Wayland Baptist University cheerleaders and the Plainview High School Band and vehicles of all sizes decked out in lights.

"These people were just so artistic and fun," Keesee said. "I just love seeing what goes by."

A handful of floats received a few recognitions from a team of judges. The recipients are as follows:

The Rudolph Award was presented to the float with the best portrayal of the them: Temple Sinai

The Comet Award was presented to the best decorated vehicle: The American Red Cross

The Vixen Award was presented to the best small float: Plainview Independent School District

The Dasher Award was presented to the best large entry: Temple Sinai (they had two floats)

The Blitzen Award was presented to the judges' choice: All Star Fuel

Keesee views the parade as a success and said the Chamber is now working on plans for next year's.
Texas lawmakers on Monday vowed to crack down on the state's booming free-standing emergency room industry in the wake of a troubling AARP Texas survey and a Houston Chronicle story that both showed how some facilities are sending confusing messages to patients.

The AARP Texas survey showed that 30 percent of the state's 213 for-profit free-standing emergency rooms "appear to not comply fully with state disclosure laws," according to findings presented at a state Senate committee meeting in Austin.

The statewide survey also found that 77 percent said they "take" or "accept" major health insurance plans but were actually outside the network for those plans. And when AARP asked the centers' staff directly, less than half were able to answer a "yes" or "no" question about health plan coverage.

The survey was presented the same day the Houston Chronicle published a story about how 90 percent of the area's 52 free-standing emergency rooms are outside the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas network, leaving unsuspecting patients potentially vulnerable to enormous surprise medical bills. The story further said that while many of the Houston facilities prominently advertise on their websites they "accept" all major insurers, an admission that they are out of network can be more difficult to find.

RELATED: Despite law to force clarity, confusion over free-standing ERs persists

The back-to-back revelations come 15 months after a Texas law went into effect that mandated that the facilities disclose declarations including that they are an emergency room and charge facility fees, inform patients what insurance plans they accept and if they are part of those insurance networks. They are also required to include the warning that a physician may bill separately from the facility.

Committee members on Monday voiced concern over the AARP findings and said they would consider stronger laws when the Legislature reconvenes Jan. 8.

"There was recognition that more needs to be done in both enforcing existing laws and to make new laws to protect consumers," said Blake Hutson, associate state director of AARP Texas, who testified at the hearing. He added that many seemed surprised at the breadth of the problem.

"We need to do something about this," state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, a Democrat from Laredo, said at the hearing.

Larry Taylor, a Republican senator from Friendswood, called the AARP findings disappointing and suggested getting tough.

"Send a letter that you get into compliance or we're coming after you," he suggested during testimony.

The Texas Association of Free-Standing Emergency Centers, the trade group for the facilities, said in a statement to the Houston Chronicle on Monday it "looks forward to working with AARP and other stakeholders during the 86th Legislative Session. In fact, leaders of the free-standing ER industry are already in touch with legislators about their desire to put into place a more robust set of best practices which will benefit Texas patients seeking emergency care."

Health policy advocates say the stakes of network status are enormously high because if a provider is out of network, any portion of the billed charge not fully covered by insurance can be shifted to patients to make up the difference in a practice called balance billing. In-network providers are prohibited from balance billing.

The free-standing emergency room industry has argued that network status is not important in emergency situations because another piece of insurance law requires insurers to cover those at in-network benefit rates. Many of the facilities post such reassurance on their websites.

But consumer advocates and insurers warn that just covering at in-network rates may not pay the entire bill nor preclude a provider from later balance billing after the benefit is processed. It also does not protect patients if the visit is later determined not to be a true emergency.

BLINDSIDED: Patients squeezed in feud between doctors, insurance companies

On Monday, state Rep. Tom Oliverson, a Harris County Republican and anesthesiologist, who sponsored the bill last year that was supposed to bring consumer protection tweeted the Chronicle story along with the message "We need to solve out-of-network balance billing once and for all. I am committed to doing that."

This article has been updated throughout.
NEWTOWN  The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter tracked mass violence incidents dating back to 1786, new documents from State Police reveal.

The Hartford Courant reported Adam Lanza kept a spreadsheet with 400 names and 17 categories, such as which weapons were used, how many people were killed or injured, and what happened to the perpetrator of these attacks.

The spreadsheet was part of more than 1,000 pages of documents the Courant received from State Police through a state Supreme Court appeal. The release of the documents comes days before the sixth anniversary of the tragedy that left 20 children and six educators dead.

The documents, which investigators seized from the shooters home and computer, detail Lanzas isolation, which began as a toddler, his fascination with violence, and his family and experts concerns about his behavior. They include photographs and writing from Lanza, his mother, educators and others.

I incessantly have nothing but scorn for humanity, Lanza wrote in piece he called me. I have been desperate to feel anything positive for someone my entire life.

The Courant said the shooter appeared to begin researching mass violence incidents around 15, shortly after leaving St. Rose of Lima School in Newtown and being put into a homebound program. He later attended Newtown High School.

During this time, he edited the Wikipedia pages for mass shooters and talked openly about his research in online chat rooms. He said he started his research in 2006 and began compiling the formal list in 2010, according to the documents.

He stopped adding to the spreadsheet in June 2010, writing online that his interest in the subject had waned.

The enthusiasm I had back when Virginia Tech happened feels like its been gone for a hundred billion years, he wrote in June 2012.

I dont care about anything, he added. Im just done with it all.

The documents also reveal Lanza knew Mary Sherlach, the school psychologist and second person killed during the attack. Sherlach had led the team of educators who worked with Lanza on his speech and other issues.

Nancy Lanza, the shooters mother, described Sherlach as very helpful in keeping Adams stress level at a minimum, in a 2001 note to school officials.

Former Newtown school administrators have said they did everything they could to help Lanza, releasing a report earlier this year arguing the Office of the Child Advocates 2014 findings on the shooting were too critical of the district.

The shooter wrote frequently about violence and sometimes pedophilia. Among the documents was a screenplay, Lovebound, about a relationship between a 10-year-old boy and 30-year-old man. The script includes familicide and suicide.

In fifth grade, he and another student wrote a 52-page picture book about a grandmother who killed children. At one point, the grandmother searches for a shotgun, but first finds an AK-47, hand gun, musket and rocket launcher.

Lanza, who was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sensory Integration Deficit, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, was plagued by various obsessions. In one list included in the documents, he described the problems in his life, which included My arms kept touching things.

His fear of being touched and of germs led him to seclude himself from other kids and his family, the documents suggest.

The documents also reveal the shooters disdain for fat people.

The shooter, who was 6 feet tall and 112 pounds when he died, wrote a list of 53 reasons to be skinny. The list stated only thin people are graceful and that one should starve off the parts you dont need. Theyre ugly and they drag you down.

Harold Schwartz, the former director of the Institute of Living who was part of a commission that examined the shooting, told the Courant the writings support his theory that Lanzas anorexia and starvation damaged his brain.
A 64-year-old man died early Sunday morning after a fire raged through a West End home, officials said.

Crews found heavy fire "already breaking through the roof" when they arrived at a residence in the 900 block of Saddlebrook Drive just after midnight, according to Joe Arrington, a spokesman for the San Antonio Fire Department.

Firefighters found the man inside a restroom while searching the home, Arrington said. They brought him outside and tried to resuscitate him, but the man died.

He has not yet been identified.

The home was destroyed in the blaze, and investigators haven't been able to determine a cause "due to the severity of the fire damage," Arrington said.
The 64-year-old man killed in a West Side house fire early Sunday has been identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

Israel Alvarado was killed when a fire raged through his home just after midnight Sunday in the 900 block of Saddlebrook Drive.
Bexar County deputies arrested a man Saturday after they found him with a teen who investigators worried would be trafficked, documents show.

William Cox Jr., 25, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a child, according to jail records. He was taken into custody on a $30,000 bond.
A San Antonio Fire Department paramedic was arrested last week on a domestic violence charge, his second in about six months.

Barry Uhr, 43, faces a charge of continuous violence against the family. He was booked into the Bexar County Jail Friday on a $15,000 bond.

RELATED: Paramedic accused of yanking woman, child out of moving car, barricading himself from deputies

Uhr, a 17-year veteran of the fire department, is also facing an additional domestic violence charge stemming from an incident in June, in which authorities said he yanked a woman and her child out of a moving vehicle. When authorities arrived at his home, he barricaded himself inside before eventually surrendering to authorities, officials said.

In the most recent incident, he is accused of grabbing a woman by the throat and punching her in the head during an argument on Dec. 2 at his home in the 7100 block of New Sulphur Springs Road.

FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox

According to an arrest warrant, the victim had visible bruising and swelling to her right temple after the alleged assault.

According to Woody Woodward, a spokesman for the San Antonio Fire Department, Uhr was on administrative duty at the time of the most recent alleged assault.

"After this recent incident, SAFD is gathering facts according to protocol and we should know more about any further disciplinary action soon," he said.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com |

cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns
The latest addition to the Okanagan Science Centre is out of this world  literally.

And it was done with the help of Canada's favourite astronaut.

Joanne Sale, with the OSC, said she mentioned to a friend of her how wonderful it would be to have something like a space suit.

Her friend was also a former board member who is on a first-names basis with Chris Hadfield, one of the most popular astronauts in generations.

Sale said her friend asked Hadfield about the possibility of getting a suit, and two weeks later it was sitting on Sale's desk.

He went to bat right away, said Sale of the astronaut who many credit with making space cool again.

This is an actual SOKOL spacesuit. It is a Russian-made suit. It has been to space a number of times.

The suit is on a long-term loan to the OSC and will be on display for at least five years.

The Polson Park centre also has its permanent space exhibit upstairs.
A San Antonio man beat two people with a crowbar before restraining them with zip-ties and stealing their property, according to San Antonio police.

Oscar Vega, 32, was arrested Friday on suspicion of aggravated robbery in connection to the June 14 incident.

FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox

According to an arrest affidavit, Vega entered a home in the 3600 block of Ridge Cluster with a crowbar and assaulted the two occupants. He used zip-ties to restrain a woman in a chair and a man in a wheelchair, authorities said. The affidavit did not give a location for the alleged robbery.

Vega took several purses and pieces of jewelry, before stealing the victims' car and fleeing, police said.

Police found the stolen vehicle on Aug. 30 at a Jack in a Box parking lot, according to the affidavit.

Vega was found in the car and taken into custody, authorities said.

RELATED: San Antonio Fire Department paramedic arrested again after 2nd alleged domestic assault this year

Police did not charge him with the robbery, however, until the two victims identified Vega in a photo lineup.

Vega was arrested on a $40,000 bond, jail records showed.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA
Dear Aunty Lisa

I am 22 years old, and I am having a very serious problem. I am a Christian, and when I was 19, I became friendly with a man who helped me in school.

I was having sex with him every week, and then I went to a crusade and turned over my life to the Lord. My boyfriend picked me up after the meeting, and he wanted to have sex with me. I told him that I had just gone to the altar, so I couldnt have sex with him. He asked what altar I was talking about, and I told him.

The next night, he told me not to go back to the altar because he couldnt have me going to that place because he wanted to continue having sex with me. I told him that I wanted to serve the Lord. I told him that we should get married and that would prevent me from committing fornication.

We planned a very small wedding. When I told my father that I was going to get married, he told me that if I would wait, he would pay for my reception. I love my father, but I told him that I couldnt wait. He told me to go ahead, and he wished me well.

I went ahead and got married in a very private ceremony. My parents did not attend the wedding. After I got married, I got baptised. I did not have a honeymoon. After one year, my husband started to change. Sometimes I have to beg him to have sex with me. This is a man who used to like to have sex three times per week. Now sometimes for two weeks, we dont have sex. I put on the sexiest lingerie and he wont even look at me. I am fretting because I am wondering if he is having an affair.

I have a twin sister, and I tell her everything. I told her that my husband is not even looking at me. She asked him why he is treating me that way, and he said, too much sex is not good for him. He is 41 years old. He said my church has spoiled me.

What do you suggest I do?

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VICE President Kembo Dugish Mohadi has dismissed recent media reports claiming that President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa are indirectly engaging each other in talks for a Government of National Unity (GNU).

According to reports by some sections of the media, quoting unnamed sources within Zanu-PF, the ruling party is allegedly already pushing to have opposition figure, Mr Tendai Biti, in Government because of his links with the West and the United States in particular.

In an interview with the Chronicle yesterday, VP Mohadi dismissed the reports, saying Zanu-PF was not interested in any coalition talks with the opposition as the ruling party has total control of Parliament.

We havent heard anything of that sort or any approach from those that would want a government of national unity with us, but if they want to discuss with us they can come but certainly not on a GNU because we have got the mandate emanating from the two thirds majority in Parliament. We can do it alone unlike in 2008 where we had a sort of hung Parliament. This time there isnt going to be that kind of arrangement, he said.

VP Mohadi, however, said the Government was keen on ensuring that there is unity and peace in the country.

We want unity, which is one of our mandates to get the people of Zimbabwe together and speak with one voice, work and progress together and this is important. In fact, we want them (opposition parties) to be part of Zimbabwe. We dont want them to be left out, he said.

The Vice President said the MDC Alliance must recognise Cde Mnangagwa as the countrys President.

You might have heard what happened in Parliament recently when the opposition MPs did not want to recognise the President and they did not even want to stand up for him.

We want all this to be a thing of the past because he is the President of Zimbabwe not of Zanu-PF when it comes to Government.

He is a President of everyone even his enemies must recognise that he is their President too, he said.

We want them to recognise that he is the President of Zimbabwe. They can treat him differently as the leader of Zanu-PF but not when it comes to the country and we will not allow that.

Zanu-PF Bulawayo province last week also resolved that the party should not engage in any talks of a GNU with the MDC Alliance and endorsed President Mnangagwa as the partys sole presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

The resolutions, which were unanimously adopted by the partys Bulawayo Provincial Co-ordinating Committee, will be taken aboard when various thematic committees discuss a range of issues at the National Peoples Conference which kicks off this week in Esigodini.

President Mnangagwa won the presidential election with more than 50 percent of the vote while Mr Chamisa scored 44,3 percent.

Mr Chamisa challenged the validity of the election, claiming it was fraught with irregularities, but the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) upheld President Mnangagwas victory in the July 30 harmonised elections, saying the petition by the MDC Alliance leader was deficient of evidence to buttress his litany of poll rigging claims.

 Chronicle

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A POLICE officer stationed at Sauerstown Police Station in Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman and forcing her to pose for nude pictures during a nine-hour ordeal.

The police officer only identified as Constable Rambi Bigboy who resides at Ross Camp Police Station met the complainant (name withheld for ethical reasons) on November 16 at a clinic in North End where they were both collecting medication for an undisclosed ailment.

Sources close to the investigation said the officer lied to the woman that he was a Central Intelligence Operative.

At the clinic the two talked for a while before exchanging phone numbers. It is said that the constable offered to drop the complainant at her house.

He visited her on three different occasions and would spoil her with money. On the last occasion the complainant told Const Bigboy that she wanted to leave for South Africa to seek greener pastures and that did not go down well with him.

Bigboy got angry and demanded all the money he had spent on the complainant and she promised to bring it back a few days later, a source said.

On November 23, Const Bigboy found the complainant in bed busy like rabbits enjoying sex with her boyfriend in an early morning visit around 5AM. He produced a baton threatening to beat the complainant before chasing her boyfriend away.

Const Bigboy allegedly ordered the complainant not to dress up and took pictures of her naked. He later allegedly raped her several times while pinning her on the wall before leaving with her S5 cellphone at around 1PM.

On the very same day, the complainant reported the matter at Mzilikazi Police Station and she discovered that he had given her a false name. He had said his name was Benjamin Rhemba Dube and worked as a CIO at Bulawayo State House in Sauerstown, the source said.

For a while the police could not locate Const Bigboy as he had changed his contact numbers.

The source said: On December 5, Constable Bigboy called the complainant demanding his money. I think complainant told him to come and get the money at her house. She quickly contacted the police and told them that Bigboy was on his way to her place.

Upon the arrival of Constable Bigboy at the complainants place, the police were already there and arrested him.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said she was not aware of the matter.

I cant comment on the issue because at the moment Im not at work. I will only get details of the story when I get to the office and that could be tomorrow, she said.

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GWERU mayor Josiah Makombe has been elected Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (Ucaz) president.

He takes over from former Harare mayor Benard Manyenyeni, who held the position over the past three years.

Makombe (MDC Alliance) defeated Karoi mayor Abel Matsika (Zanu PF) in polls held in Mutare last Thursday.

The elections were conducted by UCAZ general secretary Livison Mutekede. Makombe polled 57 votes against Matsikas paltry 7.

Makombe will be deputised by Mutare mayor Blessing Thandi as first vice-president and Beitbridge mayor Morgan Ncube as second vice-president. First Kwekwe female mayor Angeline Kasipo took the gender slot, while Chiredzi mayor Gibson Hwende was elected board member.

In an interview, an elated Makombe said he is honoured to have been chosen to lead Ucaz and vowed to reward the trust put on him with progressive leadership.

Firstly, I would like to thank all the city fathers who saw it fit that I occupy the position that will see me leading from the front, Makombe said.

I am going to hit the ground running and ensure that I work on the challenges that urban councils face. The biggest task I will put on my to-do list is to push for improvement in service delivery in all our towns. We really need to find a solution on how services like water provision, garbage collection and roads rehabilitation can be improved across the country.

Makombe also pledged to make frequent follow-ups with government so that the grants that urban authorities must get from the fiscus are timeously remitted to urban councils.

Over the years, government has not been effectively disbursing the money that should come from the fiscus to the urban councils. This is one of the reasons why councils have been struggling. I will need to work on that. We also need to find out how urban councils themselves can generate revenue outside the base of rates payments.

Councils must have other projects that bring in income, so I will try hard to work on that goal during my tenure, Makombe said.

Ucaz is a voluntary association of 32 urban local authorities, enjoying a 100% membership of all urban councils in Zimbabwe. It is one of the oldest local government associations in Africa. It started as a loose forum of municipalities in 1923 when councils used to meet and discuss matters of mutual concern.

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Lameck Banda from Waterfalls, Harare is a shrewd and cunning businessman. Better known as Sekuru Chitsuwi, Banda understands the basic premise of capitalism: supply and demand.

Each day, the 60 year-old wakes up at 4AM and goes to nearby wetlands and swamps, and collects frogs and small tortoises.

He takes these home, cleans himself up and takes his catch to his factory at Machipisa Shopping Centre in Highfield. There, Sekuru Chitsuwi gets down to the task of tying colourful beads around the frogs and tortoises. He adds rubber bands, horns or chicken nails to the accessories.

And hey presto, you have yourself a goblin!

His major customers for these are prophets and self-professed witch-hunters (tsikamutanda), who spring these things on their clients and then claim to have discovered evil spirits, which they then proceed to exorcise  often for a pound of flesh.

Sekuru Chitsuwi says business is brisk.

One might conclude that I am boasting but the truth is that my objects are being bought like hot cakes. Some of my clients are prominent prophets who always pay handsomely, Sekuru Chitsuwi said.

Originally from Mozambique, he narrates how his business has given him a little infamy and some fortune.

When I left Mozambique for this country I had nothing. Nothing. I am now a proud owner of a house in Waterfalls, several cars and my children attend expensive boarding schools, Sekuru Chitsuwi said.

Sekuru Chitsuwi says prices of his goblins ranges from US$300 to US$700.

I charge according to the object. Some of the objects need more time to work on them and I sometimes end up spending hours and even days on end working on one object. The objects must appear genuine, he explained.

Asked if he does not feel bad that his products are used to defraud people, Sekuru Chitsuwi says that is not his concern.

This is a business my friend. I am a manufacturer of some sort. All I do is to make these objects according to my clients specifications. What they will later on use the objects for is none of my business.

Fake prophets are often in the courts for fraud.

In January, Isaac Nkalakhata from Binga was arrested after he tried to extort money from bus operators.

Armed with a live tortoise which was covered in wild animal skins, Nkalakhata approached several bus operators and extorted money from them.

He was jailed for six months.

In Bulawayo, three men were this year arrested for allegedly planting multi-coloured charms at a house, and then claiming to discover them. They told the home owner that the charms had caused the illness of a child, and demanded $7 000 as payment.

Sekuru Friday Chisanyu, the president of the Zimbabwe National Practitioners Association, says the police should clamp down on such fraud.

These people are aiding criminals and should be brought to book. People are defrauded of thousands, if not millions, of dollars each year by the con artists. Those that are producing the fake goblins must be arrested and given deterrent jail sentences, Sekuru Chisanyu added.

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The China-Zimbabwe relationship is viewed by many as bad because China is said to be enjoying unfair advantages but the giant Asian state has business ethics, acting ambassador Zhao Baogang has said.

He said this during a recent Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and University of Zimbabwe (UZ)s Faculty of Industry and Commerce business symposium in the capital.

Ambassador Zhao Baogang said Zimbabwe had faced many challenges for a long time, adding that he hoped the new government will turn things around.

China saw an opportunity in Zimbabwe and we appreciate our working ethics. We dont support corruption and we dont implement policies in the same manner that Zimbabwe does. In China, we first put them (policies) on trial and implement only if they are acceptable, said Baogang.

He criticised the countrys so-called special economic zones, saying those were only pieces of land with no requisite infrastructure to support their apportioned status.

We were told of a special economic zone in one part of Harare but the place has no roads, no water, neither is there electricity and you call that a special economic zone. You need to be more serious and transparent, he said.

One of the participants, Dr Joseph Kanyekanye criticised the Look East policy which he said had not benefitted the country since its adoption in the wake of the Land Reform Programme.

In Zimbabwe we have a syndrome which I have decided to call a slow and stop syndrome. We are not able not move with speed even to create one thing of our own.

Accountability and transparency is one subject for which I ask the Parliament of Zimbabwe to play its oversight role with due diligence, Kanyekanye said.

He said Zimbabwe had nobody but itself to blame for failing to exploit its relationship with China to retool its industry and grow its economy.

China stands accused of taking unfair advantage of Zimabwe and the rest of Africa to loot natural resources through many ways including unfair trade deals, exploitative labour practices and the dumping of poor quality products.

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FORMER Energy Minister, Samuel Undenge could not hide his relief after he was Monday acquitted in a case in which he was accused of favouring controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo with a $200 million tender for a solar plant project.

Harare magistrate, Barbara Chimboza ruled that the ex-minister did not commit any offence adding that evidence given in court exposed the state witnesses who did not do their job properly.

Undenges wife, Letwin, also leapt with joy before she started praying loudly in court praising God.

The accused defence was credible even though he requested for cabinet minutes which were never availed. The key witness, Zimbabwe Power Company, Noah Gwariro kept on shifting the blame on the accused, but his allegations were not justified. This court is of the view that the state failed to prove its prima facie case, she ruled.

Court also ruled that the ministrys board was disorganised.

This concurred with Gwariros evidence. Gwariro said, There was a number of people to be answerable after an internal audit was carried out. There was a serious conflict of interest in this case.

The board made all sorts of allegations and took much efforts to wash their hands off this case despite the fact that we would report to them and the ministry.

Undenge was acquitted at the close of the state case after he successfully applied for discharge through his lawyer, Alec Muchadehama.

He denied the allegations and accused Gwariro of the offence complaining that he is the one who should be in the dock.

The chief eyewitness corruptly got himself in the witness stand yet he should be in the dock with the accused, said Muchadehama during trial.

Prosecutors alleged Chivayo, through his company Intratrek Zimbabwe, pocketed an initial $5.6 million from ZPC for commencement works but failed to deliver.

The state also alleged only $48,000 of that amount was used at the site.

Undenge successfully argued that he was not even aware of how the company was awarded the contract.

But Gwariro said he was responsible.

The accused later came back, told me to go ahead and pay Intratrek. I could not turn down his orders because I believed they were orders from the President (Robert Mugabe).

Gwariro further told court the initial estimate for pre-commencement work was $7 million but Chivayo was paid $5 million.

Chivayo, who is being charged for money laundering, contravening the Exchange Control Act and fraud, then converted the money to personal use and did not carry out any meaningful work at the project site.

It is alleged that the businessman transferred the funds to his other businesses which had nothing to do with the project he was contracted to carry out.

Chibayo is currently on trial over the offence and his case was Monday postponed to December 12 after his lawyers indicated they had commitments elsewhere.

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The new hope for the UK being rescued from Brexit (as if there were any solution that not leave large swathes of the citizenry feeling bruised) is Mays handbag. I am not making that up. From The Times:

Theresa May will seek to emulate Margaret Thatcher by travelling to Brussels to demand a better Brexit deal in a last-ditch attempt to save her government from collapse. Ministers and aides have convinced the prime minister that she needs a handbag moment with EU bosses if she is to have any chance of persuading her own MPs to support her. They expect May to announce tomorrow that she will launch a final throw of the diplomatic dice with a dash to Brussels, a move that could result in Tuesdays vote being postponed.

The odds are decent that May will put off the vote. The Conservatives were demanding answers on what their MPs would do on Tuesday, amid rumors of a catastrophic defeat. And the sharks are circling. Javid has put himself forward as a PM candidate, and Boris is again making the rounds.

Here is how ConservativeHome assesses the likely outcomes:

If the Government motion fails, and all amendments fail, then there are several things that might happen:

May could face a vote of no confidence in the Commons. Kier Starmer has said that Labour would table a vote, but with the DUP stating that they would support the Conservatives in such a vote, this is unlikely to succeed. If the Government did fall, there would be 14 days for another Government to win a vote of confidence in the Commons, or the country will have a General Election.

Conservative MPs put in 48 letters, and the party has to have a confidence vote in the Prime Minister. If 48 letters go in, this would require a swift vote of confidence, where May must win more than 50 per cemt of the 315 eligible MPs. If she lost, the party then has to elect a new leader. Given the incredibly short timescale before 29th March, the Conservative Party would be signing its own death warrant to do this.

Labour tries to table a censure motion about May  this is effectively a personal vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, which is what happened recently to Chris Grayling. This would potentially allow Tory MPs to vote against the May without bringing down the Government. However the Government is under no obligation to provide time for an Opposition Day before Christmas, so this is unlikely to happen.

The Prime Minister goes to negotiate with Brussels and brings back an amended deal. This would then require the Government to win a vote on its renegotiated deal, using the procedure outlined above. If no negotiated deal can pass through the Commons the UK will leave the EU without a deal.

As weve indicated, the Tory loathing of Corbyn is so great that the odds are high that May would survive a vote of no confidence, and that would keep her safe from another challenge for a year. Theyd need to be confident they could settle on a new leader in the 14 day window before a General Election process would kick in. The DUP would be certain to join, since as the linchpin to a coalition, theyd continue to enjoy their veto power.

But Mays and the UKs desperation has not produced any new options. Worse, British officials are touting non-starters. Amber Rudd flogged the Norway plan after Norwegian leaders rejected it, and Norway has to consent for the UK to join the Efta. Similarly, Guardian reported that Tory ministers are now divided over the question of a second referendum, and it turns out that Labour is now divided too, per The Times:

Labours fragile truce over a second referendum broke down further today as a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn said that it should be held only as a last resort. Jon Trickett, the shadow cabinet office minster, said that Labour would be rightly in difficulty with its voters if they felt that the result of the 2016 referendum had been reversed by a privilged political elite. Labours MPs, its union backers and its grassroots are deeply split on the question of a second referendum on EU membership. Mr. Corbyn is being pulled towards one by John McDonnell, the shadow minister, backed by Momentum, the activist campaign group that helped him to win and defend the leadership.

The Telegraph reports that the Government is considering a second referendum without a Remain option (that would go over well) and several outlets stated that shed called EU Council President Donald Tusk, but there was no detail on what they discussed.

Needless to say, all these struggles reflect the fact that the UK leadership is, astonishingly, still refusing to come to grips with the fact that the clock is ticking and the EU is not on board with any of these ideas. The latest evidence is from the Washington Post:

Europeans have gone slackjawed at Londons political chaos, with normally demure diplomats comparing the process there to a slow-motion car wreck. They say they can offer little other than cosmetic tweaks that might help May save face with her own Conservative Party. And they have begun to accelerate their emergency planning to prepare safety nets that could avoid some of the humanitarian and economic chaos that might happen if Britain crashes out of the European Union on its deadline of March 29, with no other plan in place If May loses, she could go back to Brussels, cap in hand, and ask for further concessions, as early as next [now this] Thursday at a previously scheduled summit. She would hope that any tweaks to the deal, plus perhaps panic from the markets, would be enough to persuade lawmakers to support it at a second vote In Brussels, officials say they are willing to keep discussing the deal  just so long as nothing of substance changes. They could offer nonbinding declarations to make clearer that the remaining E.U. members do not want to lock Britain into an economic marriage against its will. They could tweak the part of the Brexit deal that lists the aspirations for their future partnership, which does not have the force of law. If talks seem to be on track, they could nudge the Brexit deadline from March to late June, when a British-free new European Parliament will be seated. Usually there are some  I can joke  tricks, the frank-talking Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said last month of the way the European Union finds consensus among its many members. We promise to promise.

And the article describes why the EU isnt willing to make more concessions to avoid a crash-out:

Advocates of a hard Brexit claim that they still have leverage in Brussels because the chaos of a deal-free British divorce would also snarl European economies. E.U. negotiators say the British are badly deluded and that their own business leaders actually fear a no-deal Brexit less than concessions that could give British businesses advantages in the vast E.U. market without the obligations of E.U. regulations and taxes.

Consistent with the EU not being inclined to be conciliatory to the UK, the EU is getting tough with Switzerland on its equivalency arrangements for financial institutions. Recall that the EU agreed, after originally rejecting the idea, to allow UK financial institutions to have access to the EU under a similar regime. The tightening of the Swiss scheme is meant as a warning to the UK. From the Financial Times:

Switzerland faces the threat of financial sanctions from the EU after its cabinet refused on Friday to endorse a deal aligning the small Alpine nation more closely with the bloc. In decision that could have ramifications for the UK after Brexit, the Swiss federal council, or cabinet, declined to agree a proposed new institutional framework to govern EU trading relations with Switzerland, which is not an EU member. Fridays Swiss move opens the way for retaliation by Brussels, which warned beforehand that if Bern did not approve the new framework it would withdraw equivalence status for the Swiss stock exchange  meaning EU banks and brokers would no long be able to trade there. Jean-Claude Juncker, the commission president, will lead a discussion in Brussels on Tuesday to decide on whether to allow the equivalence to expire on January 1, as had been threatened if there was no decision. One alternative is to extend the equivalence for a matter of months to allow the consultation to run its course. The commissions use of the equivalence decision as a weapon sets a potentially worrying precedent for the UKs financial sector, which is likely to face a similar regime post-Brexit. Since the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016, Brussels has sought to recalibrate relations with third countries and ensure Switzerlands package does not become a model for a post-Brexit UK. Failure to agree an institutional framework could hit Swiss access to EU research programmes  and will prevent talks on future EU market access deals, including for Swiss banks.

And last but not least, the ECJ ruled this morning, consistent with its advocates opinion last week, that EU members can unilaterally withdraw an Article 50 notice. What is surprising about the decision is that it didnt have some of the restrictions that the advocate described last week, such as what amounted to a good faith requirement.

As indicated, Im an outlier in not seeing this as having much significance for Brexit, since the EU had repeatedly made clear it would allow the UK to rescind its Article 50 notice up to the very last minute. However, it does appear that the ruling has legitimated the idea of backing out of Brexit, perhaps because having the UK be able to do it without EU27 assent would make it seem like less of a climbdown.

Similarly, even though EU leaders may be upset at the idea that the ruling could allow EU members to game the system by putting in A50 notices to gain leverage and then withdraw them, again I see that as extraordinarily unlikely.

First, 19 EU members are also members of the Eurozone. As weve discussed at great length, creating a new currency requires massive IT changes which will be made largely by parties outside the exiting countrys control. Of course, that could lead a country that was serious about a Euroexit to go into reverse when they realized two years wasnt enough time and theyd be left with a non-functioning banking system if they persisted (see what happened in Greece in 2015, albeit for different reasons, for an idea of the consequences).

Second, despite the austerity-producing policies of the EU, even diehard Euroskeptic Ambrose Evans-Pritchard deemed Italy to be the only country for whom an exit would be economically attractive, and he also said the window of opportunity would have closed by now. And Evans-Pritchad hadnt factored in the difficulty of introducing a new currency.

Finally, trying to play the system is a hugely risky political move. If a country can muster up whatever it takes constitutionally to put in an A50 notice, it would have to have a shifting in political forces to reverse it. The public will have been played if A50 is used for gaming by elite interest, and the public and businesses do not take well to being gamed. Theyll see how Brexit has torn the UK apart, cost it GDP, and led the EU to move out the HQ of important EU agencies, which the EU is very unlikely to move back even if the UK relents.

If a government launches A50, it has no assurance it will be able to manage the forces it has unleashed to turn the process around. And the UK demonstrates that there is a big GDP cost too which does not make incumbents popular.

Needless to say, this is a very big week for the UK and the EU, and well know more about how things might shake out in a few days.
Jerri-Lynn here: The subject of this short post is UNCTADs 2018 Trade and Development Report, the subtitle of which  Power, Platforms and the Free Trade Delusion  suggests might itself warrant closer scrutiny.

The post revisits the Havana Charter on its 70th anniversary. US corporate interests derailed that agreement over concerns it provided too many concessions to developing countries. Instead, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) became the base agreement for the postwar world trade order  and also the name of the administering institution  until it was superseded by subsequent agreements and the World Trade Organization.

By Jomo Kwame Sundaram, former UN Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development, and Anis Chowdhury, professor at University of New South Wales, Sydney, following a long UN career. Originally published at Inter Press Service

In criticizing the free trade delusion, UNCTADs 2018 Trade and Development Report proposes an alternative to both reactionary nationalism, recently revived by President Trump, and the corporate cosmopolitanism of neoliberal multilateral discourse in recent decades by revisiting the Havana Charter on its 70th anniversary.

From ITO to WTO

Instead, it urges reconsideration of lessons from the struggle from 1947 for the Havana Charter. Although often depicted as the forerunner of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the Charter was far more ambitious.

Initially agreed to 70 years ago by over 50 countries  mainly from Latin America, as much of the rest of the developing world remained under European colonial rule  it was rejected by the US Congress, with GATT emerging as a poor compromise.

As envisaged at Bretton Woods in 1944, over 50 countries began to create the International Trade Organization (ITO) from 1945 to 1947. In 1947, 56 countries started negotiating the ITO charter in Havana following the 1947 United Nations Conference on Trade and Employment in Havana, eventually signed in 1948.

The idea of a multilateral trade organization to regulate trade  covering areas such as tariff reduction, business cartels, commodity agreements, economic development and foreign direct investment  was first mooted in the US Congress in 1916 by Representative Cordell Hull, later Roosevelts first Secretary of State in 1933.

However, the US Congress eventually rejected the Havana Charter, including establishment of the ITO, in 1948 following pressure from corporate lobbies unhappy about concessions to underdeveloped countries. Thus, the Bretton Woods and Havana Charters promise of full employment and domestic industrialization in the post-war international trade order was aborted.

In their place, from 1948 to 1994, the GATT, a provisional compromise, became the main multilateral framework governing international trade, especially in manufactures, the basis for trade rules and regulations for most of the second half of the 20th century.

The Uruguay Round from 1986 to 1994, begun at Punta del Este, was the last round of multilateral trade negotiations under GATT. It ended the postwar trading order governed by GATT, replacing it with the new World Trade Organization (WTO) from 1995.

Developmental Fair Trade?

The UNCTAD report urges revisiting the Havana Charter in light of new challenges in recent decades such as the digital economy, environmental stress and financial vulnerabilities. So, what lessons can we draw from the Havana Charter in trying to reform the multilateral trading order?

In light of economic transformations over the last seven decades, it is crucial to consider how the Havana Charter tried to create a more developmental and equitable trading system, in contrast with actual changes in the world economy since.

After all, the Charter recognized that a healthy trading system must be based on economies seeking to ensure full employment while distributional issues have to be addressed at both national and international levels.

Profitable, but damaging business practices  by large international, multinational or transnational firms, abusing the international trading system  also need to be addressed.

The Charter recognized the crucial need for industrialization in developing countries as an essential part of a healthy trading system and multilateral world order, and sought to ensure that international trade rules would enable industrial policy.

The GATT compromise exceptionally allowed some such features in post-war trade rules, but even these were largely eliminated by the neoliberal Uruguay Round, as concerns about unemployment, decent work and deindustrialization were ignored.

Paths Not Taken

The evolution of the international trading system has been largely forgotten. Recent and current tensions in global trade are largely seen as threatening to the post-Second World War (WW2) international economic order first negotiated in the late 1940s and revised ever since.

But the international order of the post-WW2 period ended in the 1970s, as policymakers in the major developed economies embraced the counter-revolutionary neoliberal reforms of Thatcherism and Reaganism against Keynesian and development economics after Nixon unilaterally destroyed the Bretton Woods monetary arrangements.

Besides international trade liberalization as an end in itself, financial liberalization and globalization were facilitated as financial markets were deregulated, not only within national economies, but also across international borders.

Industrial policy, public enterprise and mixed economies were purged by the new neoliberal fundamentalists as the very idea of public intervention for healthy, equitable and balanced development was discredited by the counter-revolution against economic progress for all.

With multilateralism and the Doha Development Round under assault, retrieving relevant lessons from the Havana Charter after seven decades can be crucial in steering the world between the devil of reactionary nationalist sovereigntism and the deep blue sea of neoliberal corporate cosmopolitanism or globalism.
Photo: The Canadian Press A SMART Balsam tree is shown in a 2017 photo provided by Dalhousie University. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO- Dalhousie University MANDATORY CREDIT

A Nova Scotia professor is striving to create the ideal Christmas tree, inside the only research lab of its kind in the world.

Dalhousie University's Raj Lada is the director of the Christmas Tree Research Centre in Truro, N.S., a unique lab dedicated to improving balsam fir Christmas trees.

"We are the pioneers in terms of what we have been doing," said Lada, a plant, tree and ecophysiology professor in the school's Plant, Food and Environmental Sciences Department.

The centre's flagship product is the SMART Balsam, which epitomizes the quintessential Christmas tree: architecturally sound, fragrant and an able to retain its blue-green needles for up to three months.

Lada said solving industry-wide challenges, such as needle retention, is critical to the survival of the multimillion-dollar Christmas tree industry in Atlantic Canada, as it competes with other markets and artificial trees.

His interest in Christmas trees was sparked more than a decade ago, when a producer approached him after he was not paid for a shipment to British Columbia because of needle loss.

"I could see it in his eyes," he said. "The trees had lost needles, but it looked like he had lost his life, like he had lost his business, his credibility."

He began looking into the plight of the producer, researching shipping processes and other factors that affecting the trees during transport.

Lada then went to the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia.

"It seemed this had been a common problem all these years," he said.

At the time, there had been no research on the physiology of post-harvest needle loss in balsam fir trees. And so, Lada took it on as his personal mission.

He brought together producers from across eastern Canada to form the Atlantic Christmas Tree Research and Development Consortium, and they devised research priorities.

The producers' No. 1 concern: needle retention.

Eventually, Lada received a grant from Ottawa's Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency.

Among his latest research projects is the SMART tree, which Lada believes will revolutionize the Christmas tree industry.

Lada and his team started by screening balsam firs for ideal traits, including fullness and the ability to retain needles. Genetic markers for those traits were identified.

SMART trees are now being mass produced for market.

Lada expects planting to start next year.

"They'll look great, smell great, and they'll also have a higher needle retention capacity," said Lada. "Nothing will beat the SMART trees."

The centre has also developed and licensed needle-loss prevention agents, which are applied with water.

As well, Lada's team has created technologies for shipping and storage that can help Christmas trees remain fresh for at least two months.

Lada's partners include provincial government departments in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This has not being done in such a co-ordinated, consorted way in the past," he said. "The industry has been managing the situation, but now we have solutions for it."
by Derek W. Black, Professor of Law, University of South Carolina. Originally published at The Conversation

A new fight to secure a federal constitutional right to education is spreading across the country. This fight has been a long time coming and is now suddenly at full steam.

In 1973, plaintiffs in San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez argued that school funding inequities violated the right to education. The Supreme Court rejected education as a fundamental right under the federal Constitution, leaving funding inequalities in Texas and elsewhere completely untouched. For more than 40 years, no one even dared to directly challenge Rodriguezs conclusion in court. Now, in just two years, four different legal teams and plaintiff groups have done just that. But this time, they are shifting their arguments away from just claims about money. They are focusing on educational quality, literacy and learning outcomes.

The boldest claim was filed on Nov. 29 in Rhode Island, arguing for an education that prepares students for citizenship  an argument that draws directly on my own legal research and expertise as a scholar of education law.

When plaintiffs filed the first two cases in Detroit and Connecticut in 2016, the Supreme Court was set to shift significantly to the left. Hillary Clinton was a strong favorite to win the presidency and fill the vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. What looked like perfect timing for plaintiffs in mid-2016 turned awful a few months later when Clinton lost. The questions now are why plaintiffs, including new ones, continue to press forward and whether they have any chance of winning. The answers lie in a strange and tangled confluence of events that include school funding shifts, new legal theories and evolving cultural challenges.

Steep Declines in School Funding

Schools real-world problems are first and foremost driving the litigation. Detroits schools, for instance, are among the most segregated, lowest performing and most financially strapped in the country. The net result, plaintiffs allege, are schools where illiteracy is the norm. Detroits problems, while severe, are not entirely unique. Public schools nationwide are suffering from increasing segregation and a decade of steep funding cuts.

State tax revenues have been up since 2012, but most states continue to fund education at a lower level than they did before the 2008 recession.

While many state supreme courts allow students to challenge educational inequality and inadequacy, about 20 do not. The courts that bar such challenges say that educational opportunity involves issues beyond their authority to tackle. So childrens right to challenge educational deprivations sadly depends on where they live. Michigan, Mississippi and Rhode Island are three of the states where kids have no recourse in state court. This explains why three of the four new lawsuits are in these states.

A Novel Approach

Whether these cases succeed, however, depends far more on the legal theories behind them than egregious facts. The Rodriguez ruling rejected the fundamental right to equal education. Plaintiffs in Michigan and Connecticut assert a fundamental right to adequate education, not equal education. More specifically, the plaintiffs call it minimally adequate education in Connecticut and literacy in Michigan. Earlier this year, the lower courts in those cases rejected the notion that this nuance was significant and held that kids do not have a federal right to those things either.

The case just filed in Rhode Island seeks to avoid that trap by doing something completely new. It focuses on the civics knowledge and skills that our democratic form of government demands of citizens  a topic with deep historical roots. My recent research demonstrated that our founders intended public education to be a core aspect of the republican form of government that our federal Constitution demands.

Our republican form of government began as an experiment in the idea that everyday citizens could govern themselves. But our founders  people like George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson  emphasized that public education was necessary for those governments to work. In legislation that would dictate how the western territory would be divided up and later become states, Congress in the Northwest Ordinances of 1785 and 1787 mandated that each township reserve a central lot for public schools and that the states use their public resources to forever encourage those schools.

The most explicit evidence of educations necessity comes from Southern states readmission to the Union following the Civil War. Congress forced all the Southern states to provide for education in their state constitutions and explicitly conditioned the readmission of the last three states on those states never depriving students of the education rights they had just extended to citizens.

Congress was not acting arbitrarily. The Constitution requires Congress to guarantee a republican form of government in the states. The Souths criminalization of literacy among blacks, refusal to create school systems for middle-class whites, and general failure to operate a government that looked anything like democracy only reinforced the wisdom of the nations founding ideas. Following the war, Congress took decisive steps to correct the Souths failures in education and give full meaning to the constitutional idea of a republican form of government.

Prospects for Federal Right to Education

Whether this history will serve as the key to unlock the right to education for todays generation is uncertain. Regardless of the merits of these cases, Donald Trumps nominations have made the Supreme Court more conservative. Yet, recent political cycles have also exposed weaknesses in Americas democracy and the need for a better-informed electorate, as everyday citizens struggle to make sense of highly polarized political debates, fake news and conflicting media accounts.

Public education cannot solve democracys challenges by itself, much less do so in a short period of time. The challenges are far too large. But if the nation is to secure a meaningful long-term solution, it will be through the same strategy as the founders.

They long ago warned in letters, presidential addresses to Congress and other official acts that the strength of our democracy would depend on public education cultivating the skills of citizenship. Public education was to be the fuel that makes democracy work and the only sure guarantee that those controlling government will preserve rights and liberties, rather than trample on them. Put that way, the federal right to education may be a moonshot, but it is one the plaintiffs in these cases cannot afford to miss.
Roger the kangaroo: Enormous roo dies aged 12 BBC

Canadas Stonehenge older than many great spirit sites of the world Saskatoon Star-Phoenix (martha r)

Investigative report shines light on philanthropic foundations use of offshore investments to raise money Phys.org (Chuck L)

Lance Armstrong is poised to become a billionaire despite doping downfall NY Post

Climate change: COP24 fails to adopt key scientific report BBC (David L)

New governors plan aggressive climate steps The Hill

How a shorter sea ice season is changing life in the Arctic MPR News (Chuck L)

Former mailman builds geothermal greenhouse in the midwest; gets local citrus all year for $1 a day TreeHugger (Bob)

Researchers Just Solved One of the Biggest Problems in Synthetic Biology Futurism (David L)

Eleven researchers publish sharp critique of EPA fuel economy logic Ars Technica

US states to meet at deadline on Colorado River drought plan AP (David L)

A Climate of Violence: Refugees and Global Warming Common Dreams (martha r)

Our Famously Free Press

Im Sorry But This Is Just Sheer Propaganda Current Affairs (Darius) Factcheck False Equivalence FAIR (Chuck L). Not obvious to me on this evidence alone that the WaPo has a vendetta against AOC. Readers?

News of the Wired

Elon Musk says nobody is approving his tweets after the SEC settlement Wired

Big Brother IS Watching You Watch

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Green vests: Paris climate marchers spot overlap with yellow comrades France 24 (flora) Hoisted from yesterdays comments. UserFriendly: Of course you dont. I dont understand why any progressive is cheering French protesters who are amassing against a carbon tax.  Neera Tanden (@neeratanden) 8 December 2018

Trump Transition

A Brief History of Everything That Happened Because of George H.W. Bushs Insecurity Rolling Stone. Matt Taibbi

Antidote du Jour:

And a bonus video (Martha R):

Agile owlIt is just a matter of precisitionomg!!! STUNNING INDEED!!!! pic.twitter.com/erRyoU59Bs  Ale Zapata (@AleZ2016) 9 December 2018

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans.

Senators Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, Bernie Sanders, and Dick Durbin last week sent a letter to John Kelly, acting inspector general (IG) of the Department of Homeland Security, asking him to expand the ongoing investigation into the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) contracting in Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

The senators asked the acting IG to probe new reports of waste and abuse associated with the contractors hired to execute and manage the $1.2 billion Tu Hogar Renace (Your Home Reborn) program, created in October 2017 to provide temporary and immediate repairs for hurricane-damaged homes that would return the home to safe, habitable and functional conditions,  according to a press release issued by Warrens office on 6th December:

In their letter to the DHS IG, the senators expressed concern about a recent New York Times report that more than 60 percent of what FEMA is spending in the program to repair up to 120,000 homes is not paying for these repairs but is instead going toward overhead, profit and steep markups. The report also found that that while homeowners were approved for up to $20,000 each in aid, a review of hundreds of invoices and contracts indicates that-in nearly every case-they received less than half of that.

The Bezzle

Regular readers are well aware of what a debacle the Trump administrations response to Hurricane Maria has been (see, for example. my previous post, Puerto Rico: 1427 Hurricane Maria Deaths, which includes several links to Lamberts thorough and wide-ranging coverage of this catastrophe). The island was a neoliberal casualty long before the storm hit (and that assault predated the Trump administration).

In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Senators Warren and Sanders have previously introduced legislation to restructure Puerto Ricos debt (as I discussed in the post cited above). Yves succinctly cut to the crux in a previous post, Wall Street Got a Bailout, Why Not Puerto Rico?

The Grey Ladys expose  cited in the Senators letter must be read to be believed, $3,700 Generators and $666 Sinks: FEMA Contractors Charged Steep Markups on Puerto Rico Repairs:

Homeowners, who were approved for up to $20,000 each in aid, in nearly every case received less than half of what they were approved for, while layers of contractors and middlemen took the rest, a review of hundreds of invoices and contracts associated with the program shows. The significant costs of transportation, warehousing, insurance and other services that are built into the prices for repairs are not unusual for FEMA disaster relief programs, which reflect the substantial expense of operating in disaster zones. But in Puerto Rico those costs were often so much greater than what would have been possible if homeowners had done the work themselves that they caused a public uproar. A local opposition legislator, Luis Vega Ramos, called the housing program, which is operated by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing with FEMA funding, a mixture of incompetence and corruption. He called for federal investigators to examine the contracts awarded to repair companies to make sure the government was getting what it paid for.

The Grey Lady dug into the details, which document stunning examples of hogs feeding at the trough:

Contractors have said that the rates they collect cover a variety of expenses, including shipping fees, workers compensation insurance, vehicle and warehouse rental, taxes and profit. But prices charged for equipment and appliances often bore little relation to what was charged on the retail market, even in storm-ravaged Puerto Rico. According to Department of Housing records, FEMA paid for about 12,400 people to receive generators at a cost of $3,700 each. The 5,500-watt portable devices and supplies they came with cost the contractors about $800 each, other documents show. FEMA paid $666 apiece for new bathroom sinks, but the contractors who actually bought and installed them paid $260 apiece. FEMA paid almost $4 a square foot to repair roofs; the work was done by subcontractors for $1.64 a foot. The deal the Department of Housing signed required smoke detectors in every sleeping area, so each of the 122,000 houses in the program was equipped with the devices, for which FEMA was billed $82 apiece. A receipt reviewed by The New York Times showed that one subcontractor ordered them in bulk from an Ace Hardware store in the city of Aguadilla for $6.99 each.

I encourage readers who have access to the NYT to read the article in full  theres a limit to what I can quote, and I selected only the juiciest bits.

What Is to Be Done

Ive left off describing the political connections of the successful contractors, and will turn now to the McClatchy account, Senators want broader probe of FEMA contracts in Puerto Rico:

The senators also want the inspector general to dig deep on FEMAs contracting practices that have allowed inexperienced bidders to win large and often vital contracts, an area on which McClatchys reporting shined a light. And they want the inspector general to review contracts with two winning bidders in the Tu Hogar Renace program that they said have connections to the Trump administration. One of them, Adjusters International, whose senior vice president is Daniel Craig, who had been the administration pick to be FEMAs deputy director. He withdrew from consideration last year after NBC revealed that a secret government report concluded that while serving in the Bush administration he falsified government travel and timekeeping records. Excel Construction, the other company of concern to the senators, donated $100,000 in 2016 to the Trump Victory Committee and later was one of seven companies awarded a lucrative Tu Hogar Renace contract. FEMA had no immediate reaction, nor did Excels parent company in Baton Rouge, La. Calls to Adjusters International in Utica, NY, were not returned.

Senators Previous FEMA Inquiries

In addition to the Sanders/Warren debt restructuring proposal mentioned above, these Senators have also otherwise reacted to the Trump administrations botched response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico:

The letter is the senators latest inquiry into FEMAs contracting process for the relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria. Last year, the Senators called for an investigation of FEMAs decision to award over $30 million in contracts to Bronze Star LLC for temporary roofing materials in Puerto Rico that were never delivered. In February 2018, the senators sent a second letter regarding the botched $156 million contract awarded to Tribute Contracting LLC for emergency meals provided after the hurricane, and in October 2018, Senators Blumenthal and Warren sent the DHS IG another letter regarding FEMAs awarding of contracts to companies with little or no experience in conducting the work assigned to them.

Whether these efforts will trigger an expanded IG investigation  or more importantly, better FEMA policies  is unclear, however. George W. Bush paid a political price for his administrations inept response to Hurricane Katrina. So far, the Trump administrations spectacular incompetence in Puerto Rico hasnt attracted nearly the same level of scrutiny.
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NATO and the European Union signed an agreement on Monday 10 December to cooperate in promoting good governance in the defence and security sector. As part of this agreement, the European Union will contribute 2 million EUR to the NATO Building Integrity (BI) Trust Fund for 2019-2022.

The agreement was signed by the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonzalez, and the European Commissions Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Mr. Maciej Popowski. In signing the agreement, Ambassador Alvargonzalez highlighted the importance of NATO-EU cooperation and underlined the commitment of both organisations to strengthening good governance. "Building Integrity has proven to be an effective partnership tool to support nations to embed the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity in the defence and related security sector", he said. With this contribution to the NATO Building Integrity Programme, Mr. Maciej Popowski said the European Union is delivering on the EU-NATO Warsaw Declaration of 2016 commitments by continuing our support to partner countries in the European eastern and southern Neighbourhood on good governance and security matters.

The resources of the Building Integrity Trust Fund will support capacity building activities to strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity in Ministries of Defence and related security sector. NATO's Building Integrity programme provides peer-to-peer consultations , education and training and access to a pool of subject matter experts drawn from international organisations, national administrations, private sector as well as civil society.

The Building Integrity programme of activities , originally launched in 2007, is open to NATO member and partner states.

Contributions by the European Union to the NATO Building Integrity Trust Fund will be used to scale up the ongoing programme of activities made available to 71 nations world-wide. Tailored packages are currently being implemented in 20 nations.

Through the NATO Building Integrity programme, nations are able to take part in education and training for civilian and military personnel and share lessons learned and promote good practices. In 2018, 2552 civilian and military personnel took part in Building Integrity capacity building activities conducted in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Asia.
(Natural News) Even though Robert Mueller is repeatedly indicting former Trump associates for lying to the government  a process crime  James Comey just gave testimony to Congress in which he lied hundreds of times. Yet nothing has happened to James Comey (yet).

President Trump may soon be indicted for campaign finance violations, warn lawless Democrats, yet Hillary Clinton pre-sold White House influence to foreign oligarchs for hundreds of millions of dollars on the assumption that Democrats had successfully stolen the 2016 election. Why are there no arrests of Clinton Foundation associates or Hillary Clinton herself?

Robert Muellers entire appointment to special counsel was based on a LIE and an illegally leaked memo from James Comey himself, a friend and associate of Robert Mueller, who served as the FBI director when Hillary Clintons Uranium One scandal was deliberately swept under the rug, allowing U.S. uranium resources to be funneled to Russia and Iran. Yet, somehow, Robert Mueller, James Comey, Hillary Clinton and even Barack Obama  who carried out massive international money laundering to fly actual pallets of cash to the Iranian regime  are all apparently immune to scrutiny or prosecution. Only Trump associates are accused of crimes, while the real criminals of America  the deep state  appear to be immune to any prosecution or investigation.

The deep state Democrats, it turns out, have criminalized politics. No crimes committed by Democrats are investigated or prosecuted, yet Republicans are condemned as criminals merely for engaging in conservative, pro-America politics. (Read the book The Russia Hoax by Gregg Jarrett, or Spygate by Dan Bongino, for an astonishing overview of the damning evidence against the deep state.)

How the deep state could be exposed and dismantled

Soon, that situation may be turned on its head. President Trump is holding all the cards right now, sitting on mountains of currently classified evidence that reveal a pattern of deep, deliberate criminality and treason among deep state operatives like Andrew McCabe, Peter Strzok, James Comey, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Brennan and others. At the right moment, President Trump is likely to declassify and release a tsunami of once-secret documents that reveal the truth about the FISA warrant fraud, Obamas abuse of government power, Hillarys treasonous corruption and selling of government influence, treason within the DOJ and FBI, and much more.

This will be the most significant document dump in the history of the Republic. It will reveal a pattern of astonishing criminality, deception and lawlessness by deep state operatives like Mueller, Comey, Obama and Clinton.

But are there enough honest people still remaining in the bureaucracy to call for the arrest and prosecution of those deep state criminals when the truth comes out?

Perhaps there are. The evidence will be damning. Huber and Horowitz have not been idle, and now that a new Attorney General is on the way, the good people inside the FBI and DOJ who have been silenced for years have an actionable channel to pursue the criminal indictments of bad actors who have committed numerous felony crimes, including treason. But regardless of what happens at the federal level, Trump has another card to play as a last resort if the deep state criminals somehow avoid arrest: Activating the citizens to defend the Republic by confronting and defeating the deep state.

How President Trump could call upon the citizenry to defend America against an illegal political coup run by a lawless anti-America mafia

President Trump may already be aware of this, but there are millions of patriotic citizens ready to aid in his defense of America. They are unlikely to act without authorization, however. To take action, they will need to be granted presidential authority.

If activated by the President in defense of the nation, they would rally in Washington D.C. and assist Trump-appointed Federal Marshals (or other law enforcement officials) in locating and arresting deep state traitors throughout the bureaucracy, including those currently committing treason inside the FBI, DOJ and DHS.

Trump would merely need to reactivate all former federal officials and former military personnel, all of whom have sworn an oath to protect and defend the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath is a lifetime oath; it does not expire just because you retire or leave federal service. Further, the limitations of posse comitatus do not restrict the deployment of active duty military personnel on U.S. soil if defending the nation against enemy combatants operating within the United States. Thus, Trump could also deploy Military Police or even active duty military personnel to seek out and arrest enemy combatants who are operating inside the U.S. government.

For the record, those enemy combatants must include a long list of currently-serving U.S. Senators and House Representatives who are anti-America communists. Almost all of them pretend to be socialists or democratic socialists, but they all have the same goal: The overthrow of the American republic and a sweeping new authoritarian, communist government in charge of everything. See the film Enemies Within by Trevor Louden for a detailed list of who needs to be arrested, indicted and prosecuted.

Why deep state traitors are enemy combatants

Deep state traitors such as Robert Mueller and Barack Obama can arguably be designated enemy combatants by the President. There is more than enough evidence to be declassified that clearly supports this designation. For example, Obama directly financed the nuclear weapons program of Iran, the worlds No. 1 state sponsor of terrorism and a sworn enemy of the United States. Robert Mueller had a hand in funneling uranium to Iran, through Russia, while launching the Russia hoax investigation to clear Hillary Clinton while falsely accusing President Trump of almost the exact crimes that Democrats have committed.

Furthermore, a rational person could argue that the Founding Fathers of America have already authorized the citizens to rise up against tyranny when treasonous criminals seize control of the bureaucracy and weaponize the government against the People. The Second Amendment, in particular, was clearly written for the purpose of arming the citizenry as a means to confront and halt the usurpation of power by corrupt government that has become weaponized against the People. Thus, concerned citizens who see their country under siege from within are already well aware that they may be called upon to restore the rule of law by defeating the deep state criminals who have set it aside for their own quest for absolute power.

To be clear, I personally hope we never see blood spilled in any power struggle in the United States. The preferable solution to all this is that the wheels of justice would expose the real criminals, and the media would report the truth about shine the light of transparency on the crimes of the Clintons, Obamas and their underlings who represent a political mafia deep state. But we all know thats likely impossible. The media is run by the deep state. The wheels of justice are controlled by traitors. Every institution upon which reasonable people might rely to honor the rule of law has been compromised  even overrun  by deep state traitors.

The idea that the deep state will investigate and indict itself for the crimes it has committed against America is absurd. The lawless bureaucrats have achieved so much control over the government, the media and even the internet that there is likely no defeating them from within. It seems apparent that the only way to defeat the deep state is for the citizens to be called upon to support a small, loyal federal task force in arresting, indicting and prosecuting the traitors who have very nearly overthrown the rule of law and turned America into a banana republic.

Will President Trump call upon the citizenry to defend America against the deep state? Will the deep state successfully impeach or even assassinate the President before he can take such actions? Would an impeachment of Trump set off a citizens revolt anyway? These are important questions for us all to consider.

In my podcast today, I discuss why the activation of citizens to defend the Republic is legal and justified under the U.S. Constitution. I also argue that it may be needed in order to restore law and order to a nation where lawlessness and tyranny have run amok, and where the treasonous criminals remain in charge of nearly everything. The only way to defeat them may be for the people to join forces with the President to take America back from those who actively seek to destroy it.

Hear the full podcast at:

Brighteon.com/5976471389001

How you can prepare yourself for what may be coming

If President Trump unleashes against the deep state  an outcome that seems inevitable before the 2020 election  you will need to be prepared for chaos nationwide as left-wing radical terrorist groups such as Antifa attempt to wage a civil war against patriotic Americans.

Here are several websites we publish that can help you prepare:

Survival.news  Covers survival techniques, self-defense, bugging out and more.

Gear.news  Specifically focuses on survival gear, emergency food, emergency medicine, etc.

CivilWar.news  Covers news of the coming civil war and how to survive it.

Be safe, pray for America, and be ready to defend your nation if called upon to do so.
(Natural News) The founder of the only conservative student organization at the University of North Texas at Dallas was reportedly targeted and questioned recently after it was discovered that he owned  gasp!  a firearm.

According to reports, Brandon Masin, a 25-year-old black man enrolled at UNTs College of Law, received an email on the evening of November 20, 2018, while attending an outing hosted by one of his professors. The email stated that Masin was being called in for questioning due to him having been reported for an alleged and unspecified threat.

Despite repeatedly inquiring as to the nature of this alleged and unspecified threat, Masin was ignored and simply told that he needed to comply with the investigation by meeting with the campus CARE team at a specified time and date  even though such a request was in violation of the schools own policies pertaining to due process.

Nevertheless, Masin complied. But upon arriving to meet with those he was told was going to be the campus CARE team, Masin was instead met by the universitys Counselor and Chief of Police who vaguely questioned him about the unspecified allegations, as well as his mental health.

It eventually came out during the interrogation that UNTs Stasi force was trying to find out more about Masins legally-owned firearm, and why he felt the need to own firearms? Masin was badgered about whether or not he has anger issues, and whether or not he open carries on UNTs campus.

Masin was also falsely accused of having made some kind of threat with regards to his firearm, which he vehemently denied ever having done. Masin was forced to prove his whereabouts with witness testimony about where he was when the alleged threat was made.

Simply owning a weapon is now warrant enough to be considered a threat on Americas college campuses

Keep in mind that Masin was never told what the threat was, but was later declared to be one  for no apparent reason other than his possession of a legally-owned firearm. At least thats how the whole thing appears, as nobody could ever say with certainty what Masins crime was that warranted his being interrogated like some kind of criminal.

Masin is a black man, though that doesnt appear to have played a role in his unusual treatment by faculty and law enforcement at UNT. Instead, it appears as though it was Masins firearm  and nothing else  that spurred this latest fascist assault against the Second Amendment.

This is nothing more than a political attack based on political bias, contends Ammoland.com, noting that Masin has since filed an appeal with the school over his having been declared guilty of some unnamed crime based on an anonymous false accusation. The school had no business trying to dissuade Brandon from his beliefs about being lawfully armed nor about his possession or ownership of legally possessed firearms.

Its important to note that Texas affirms the right of its citizens to open carry firearms without restriction  including on college campuses. This means that Masin, regardless of whether or not he was open carrying his firearm when an anonymous complaint was made, has a constitutional right to do so without intimidation or threat of punishment.

The actions of the University of North Texas at Dallas are blatant violations of Brandons rights as both a student and a citizen, Ammoland.com adds.

Open Carry Texas demands IMMEDIATE restitution of Brandons status as a student in good standing and afford him the opportunity to complete this semester absent specific and public allegations against him. The universitys attack on the rights of a law-abiding citizen who believes in self-preservation and the right to self-defense should never be a basis for these kinds of egregious actions. OCT is committed to assisting Brandon with any legal actions necessary to restore his status and reputation and strongly condemn the faculty and administrators that are engaging in this despicable conduct.

For more firearm-related news, visit SecondAmendment.com.

Sources for this article include:

Ammoland.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The scientific community has long believed that the brain is organized by regions controlling specific organs and body parts. However, a recent study could shake this fundamental knowledge, stating that the brain might actually be organized by function and not merely by specific regions. As part of the study, a research team from the University College London and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel examined how the brain functions when a certain body part was non-existent.

To assess this, the experts analyzed data from 17 people who lacked a hand from birth and compared them with 24 matched, two-handed controls. The research team took videos of the participants while they accomplish five daily tasks including handling money and gift wrapping. The experts also instructed the participants to move various parts of their body while being subjected to functional magnetic resonance imaging.

We found that the traditional hand area gets used up by a multitude of body parts in congenital one-handers. Interestingly, these body parts that get to benefit from increased representation in the freed-up brain territory are those used by the one-handers in daily life to substitute for their missing-hand function  say when having to open a bottle of water, said researcher Tamar Makin of the University College London in an article in ScienceDaily.com.

Scientifically, I think one way to put our results in context is to say, what if the hand area is not the hand area per se, but just the part of the brain in charge of function normally carried by that hand? In intact participants, all this is carried by the non-dominant hand. But the fact that we see such a striking different representation in that area in congenital one-handers might suggest that this is not actually the hand area. If true, this means weve been misinterpreting brain organization based on body part, rather than based on function. Its kind of mind blowing for me to think we could have been getting this wrong for so long. The implications, if this interpretation is correct, are massive, Makin added.

The findings were published in the journal Current Biology.

Potential implications in limb reduction defect

However, Makin maintained that the results remain a working theory as of the moment. Whether the theory materializes or not, the results of the study demonstrated the remarkable plasticity of the human brain. Makin hopes to uncover certain mechanisms that enable the brain to represent and manage artificial body parts such as prosthetic limbs. According to Makin, harnessing the process may help bolster health care and society. This may prove especially beneficial in patients with upper and lower limb reduction defects.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), upper and lower limb reduction defects occur when fetal limbs  arms and legs  do not develop during pregnancy. The CDC estimates that 1,500 American babies are born with upper limb reduction each year, while more than 700 are born with lower limb reductions. According to the CDC, this equates to four out of every 10,000 babies having upper limb reductions and about two out of every 10,000 babies having lower limb reductions annually. Exposure to certain chemicals, medications and tobacco smoke during pregnancy all contribute to the onset of the condition.

Children suffering from limb reduction defects will face a lot of hurdles growing up, the CDC notes. According to the agency, patients will encounter difficulties in developing motor skills and limitations in certain movements and activities. Patients may also suffer reduced independence in doing daily activities such as self-care. The CDC also notes that these patients may harbor potential emotional and social issues due to their physical appearance.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

ScienceDaily.com

CDC.gov
Photo: @FlyYYC

Travellers have been stuck in Calgary after a suspicious package was found at Calgary International Airport on Sunday.

The incident is believed to have unfolded just after 5 p.m. and Calgary police rushed to YYC to investigate.

My son has been stuck in Calgary Airport from Mexico for over two hours, said one Castanet News reader. Airport shut down due to suspicious package.

People took to social media saying a bomb squad team was investigating and people were still sitting on planes.

Still sitting on the plane with no word of the airport being 'repopulated' it would be nice to get an update as we are going on to three hours of just sitting here, said one person on Twitter.

A spokesperson for the airport said the bag in question is now being removed by Calgary Police.

Just after 6 p.m. the airport said they now have permission from police to repopulate the area.

It is not clear at this time how many flights have been impacted.
California regulators on Friday said marijuana deliveries can be made anywhere in the state, even in locales that ban cannabis.

Law enforcement groups and the California League of Cities opposed the move, arguing that pot deliveries to places that ban cannabis erodes local government control and will increase crime in those areas.

The matter has been one of the most debated issues as state regulators hammer out permanent rules for how marijuana is grown, tested, packaged and delivered.

The delivery issue was included in regulations drafted by the Bureau of Cannabis Control, which issues most retail permits. The rules will become law in 30 days unless California's Office of Administrative Law objects. The dispute could end up in court.

Recreational marijuana became legal in the state after voters passed Proposition 64 two years ago.

The bureau has maintained that Proposition 64 allows for statewide deliveries. It added explicit language authorizing the practice after several law enforcement officials in anti-pot locales insisted they could arrest licensed deliver drivers in cities and counties that ban marijuana.

The California Police Chiefs Association, League of California Cities and United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council opposed statewide deliveries and launched an online petition campaign against the rule.

"Regulated marijuana dispensaries have tough security, checks for identity and legal age and strictly licensed workers," council executive director James Araby said in a statement. "If marijuana can be delivered anywhere with virtually no regulation, California will lose these safeguards."

League of Cities spokeswoman Adrienne Sprenger said the agency was waiting to see if the Office of Administrative Law approves the proposal before deciding its next step.

Supporters of statewide deliveries argued that sick and frail people in those areas who depend on marijuana to relieve pain or anxiety cannot make a lengthy drive for a purchase, so they are being shut out of the legal market.

The proposal also included a ban on permit holders partnering with unlicensed operators, which industry supporters said will stifle growth.

The bureau in its comments explaining the added rule said it's concerned about such partnerships doing business in the black market.

California Cannabis Industry Association spokesman Josh Drayton said most California cities and counties have exerted local control and don't allow marijuana, making it impossible for a business such as a beverage maker or nutritional supplement manufacturer to partner with a legal marijuana operator.

He said the bureau's stand against unlicensed operators went too far and will hurt the nascent industry by unintentionally preventing such things as non-licensed celebrities endorsing products and other deals not directly involving marijuana.

"The industry has slowed down enough already without this added hurdle," Drayton said.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture, which regulates farmers, also released its draft regulations which would continue to allow farmers to receive an unlimited number of permits to grow pot.
Kim Ringeisen and his wife are moving from California to North Carolina, but they aren't taking much with them.

That's because the Gilroy couple donated all of their furniture, appliances and other household items to firefighters who lost everything to the deadly and destructive Camp Fire in Northern California's Butte County, according to NBC affiliate KCRA.

"We didnt lose something to a fire very abruptly," Ringeisen told KCRA. "So, for us, I think it's good that if we can donate everything we have, we'll start over. They're starting over. So, it's going to be a pretty good thing. It will be a good memory for us in how we helped."

Ringeisen, a combat veteran with about 15 years of search and rescue experience under his belt, spent more than one week's time helping out in the fire-ravaged town of Paradise, but that wasn't enough. He and his wife decided to give away all of their household belongings  bedding, dining room sets, electronics, tools and more  to firefighters in need.

The couple's donated items filled a 26-foot moving truck and will be used to assist dozens of firefighters and families, according to KCRA.
In an emotional farewell, the San Ramon Police Department on Sunday said goodbye to a police K-9 who was battling cancer.

Officers paid tribute to 7-year-old Hector and his handler, Officer Allen Molien, with a procession across city streets. They then stood at attention and saluted the German shepherd as he walked into an animal hospital where he was later put down.

"With heavy hearts we said goodbye to our beloved K9 Hector this morning," Captain Denton Carlson wrote on Facebook. "He will be greatly missed."

Thank you for your dedicated service Hector! You will be missed! pic.twitter.com/3iMElCajsy  Captain Denton Carlson (@SRPDCarlson) December 9, 2018

Hector previously underwent chemotherapy and had to have surgery to stop massive bleeding, according to the department.

His health continued to decline, and he was said to be in a lot of pain recently, the department said.
New federal court filings in the cases of President Donald Trump's former personal attorney and former campaign manager shine a light on some of the information federal prosecutors and special counsel Robert Mueller have gathered in their investigations into the Trump campaign's possible ties to Russia.

Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to federal charges and has been cooperating in multiple state and federal probes over several months, told investigators about attempts by Russians to make contact with the Trump presidential campaign, prosecutors say.

Court papers say Cohen described speaking to a Russian national who claimed to be a "trusted person" in the Russian Federation and proposed a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The person offered Trump's campaign "political synergy" and "synergy on a government level." Court documents do not identify that person by name.

The information was disclosed in a sentencing memo filed Friday by special counsel Mueller in Cohen's case.

Read the Special Counsel's memo below.

In a separate filing Friday, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York recommended Cohen should serve a substantial prison term with a modest amount of credit for his cooperation.

Federal prosecutors in New York say sentencing guidelines call for Cohen to serve about four years behind bars. They say Cohen declined to cooperate in all aspects of their investigation and shouldn't receive full credit for cooperating because he wasn't forthcoming.

Read the U.S. Attorney's memo below.

And in the special counsel case against former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, a redacted memo says Manafort lied about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials and violated a plea deal by telling "multiple discernible lies."

Prosecutors say Manafort told investigators that he spoke with officials before and after they left the Trump administration. But they say a review of his electronic documents shows he had "additional contacts" with the officials.

In August, Manafort was convicted in Virginia federal court of eight counts related to his past work on behalf of a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine. He is due to be sentenced in that case on Feb. 8.

In September, on the eve of a second trial in U.S. District Court in Washington, Manafort struck a deal with Mueller in which he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy, one of which related to money earned from his work in Ukraine, the other of which was related to his effort to tamper with witnesses against him. His sentencing in that case is tentatively scheduled for March 5.

Although U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson granted Muellers request to file the "unredacted version" of the latest memo under seal, a redacted version of the memo was released to the public.

Read the redacted memo in the case against Paul Manafort below.

Federal prosecutors filed papers in court alleging former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort violated his previous plea deal.

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Thirty-one hours after a real estate salesman was killed inside a model home in a new community in Hanover, Maryland, Anne Arundel County police announced a teenager had been taken into custody for the murder.

Police say Dillon Nicholas Augustyniak, 18, of Jessup, Maryland, went into a model home on the 7500 block of Newmanstown Drive Wednesday and shot Steven Bernard Wilson.

Police believe Augustyniak planned the attack and came to the home to rob Wilson.

In charging documents, police allege the teen stole Wilson's phone and laptop and investigators believe he tried to sell the gun he used in the killing.

A woman who did not want to be identified said her boyfriend bought a cellphone Wednesday from Augustyniak.

"I just had got a feeling because there was a picture of a woman and two kids on the phone as the home screen," the woman said. "When I read up on the story online, I looked up Steve Wilson, I looked up his Facebook and I saw his family and I compared the pictures on my Android to the ... iPhone and it was his phone."

It wasn't immediately clear if Augustyniak had an attorney. Friday calls to the suspect's possible relatives went unanswered and no one answered the door at their home.

"I know the parents. They're very nice people. They're actually a little leery with their kids," neighbor Bruce Klebe said.

Police had no indication that other model homes or real estate offices were being targeted. Police Chief Timothy Altomare portrayed the robbery and slaying as impulse meeting opportunity on the part of a violent criminal.

"While I won't say that real estate agents shouldn't be vigilant and concerned, as I think everyone should for their safety, we have no indication that there's a particular threat to the industry at this time,'' the county police chief told reporters Friday.

The 33-year-old married father of two young children was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say Wilson was a sales and marketing representative who was working out of the model home.

Wilson's family described him as a "loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend." A spokesman for the parent company of Ryan Homes, Virginia-based NVR Inc., has declined comment.

Augustyniak has been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery.

During a news conference Friday morning, investigators thanked the community for their tips, crediting those tips for helping them close the case so quickly.

"What brought this case home in 31 hours was the involvement from the community," Altomare said.
A northwestern Indiana community group is asking federal regulators for a second public hearing on the proposed cleanup of the site of a public housing complex that was evacuated and demolished because of industrial contamination.

The East Chicago Calumet Coalition Community Advisory Group says many residents didn't have a chance to speak at a Nov. 29 hearing due to a time limit and the cleanup plan's complicated nature.

The Northwest Indiana Times reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering the group's request for a second hearing on the plan.

The EPA is proposing a $26.5 million project to remove lead- and arsenic-tainted soil from the site of the West Calumet Housing Complex, which was evacuated in 2016 after high lead levels were found in some children's blood samples.
Police say a knife-wielding man died of an apparent heart attack after stabbing two men at a grocery store in northwestern Indiana.

Officers responded Sunday afternoon to Miller K Market in Gary following a report of a fight and possible stabbing.

Police say a 34-year-old man became agitated and took a knife from a display of kitchen knives. He attacked a 60-year-old customer and a 19-year-old employee who intervened.

Police say the man tried to stab other customers at the store and was restrained on the ground by two employees.

Police say the attacker had a shortness of breath and died at a hospital. Official cause of death was under investigation. The 60-year-old customer had a cut on a hand and the employee had a stab wound to an arm.
South Carolina's congressional delegation will be able to ask for more funds to provide relief following Hurricane Florence, thanks to a move by the state's governor.

In a letter obtained Saturday by The Associated Press, Gov. Henry McMaster told U.S. Rep. Tom Rice that he was increasing the estimate for community development block grant relief from $108 million to $435 million at Rice's request.

Thousands of residents along the coasts of North and South Carolina were evacuated as Florence slowly swirled in the Atlantic Ocean in September. As the storm gradually came ashore near the border of the two states, Florence dumped days' worth of rain on the Carolinas, leaving widespread flooding in which dozens of people were killed.

Officials initially estimated Florence did more than $1 billion in damage to South Carolina, a number based on assessments made while catastrophic flooding was still ongoing in many areas. In a letter last month to the state's congressional delegation, McMaster said that a new, $607 million damage figure was based on actual damage reports and on-the-ground assessments by federal, state and local officials.

That figure included about $125 million in agricultural damage and $111 million in flood insurance-related claims.

The increased block grant request in McMaster's letter Saturday brought the total of estimated storm damage to more than $930 million. It also allows the opportunity for more relief for homeowners in a federal flood plain area who have no flood insurance.

McMaster wrote that an appropriation request should note the increase is "in response to the number of homes affected by Hurricane Florence and the substantive flooding that followed." In his earlier letter to the delegation, McMaster noted that more than 2,000 homes were damaged by hurricane-related flooding in counties in the northeastern portion of South Carolina, including Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Horry, Marion and Marlboro counties.

North Carolina officials have requested $8.8 billion to account for storm damages there.
An investigation into a 13-year-old student's death at a Northern California private school has found the school violated state rules when its staff put him in a face-down restraint position for nearly an hour.

State education regulators found evidence that staffers at Guiding Hands School in El Dorado Hills used an unreasonable amount of force and put Max Benson in restraint for longer than necessary, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The staff's actions were harmful to the health, welfare or safety of the student, the state inspection stated.

Scott Rose, a spokesman for Guiding Hands School, said in a statement Saturday that school officials were concerned that details in the newspaper's story were inaccurate but did not give specifics.

"We are reviewing our files and information in order to present accurate information as soon as we are able," Rose said.

In a statement earlier this week, the school had said it was cooperating with authorities but that staff had used a "nationally recognized behavior management protocol."

The state suspended the school's certification as a result of Benson's death, meaning it cannot accept new students. But it remains open.

"Whenever a disciplinary matter or an action is taken to correct behavior, it has to be reasonable under the circumstances," said Seth Goldstein, an attorney for Benson's mother. "If it's unreasonable or unwarranted, it's an offense."

Benson, who had autism, became unresponsive while being held in a "prone restraint" at the school on Nov. 28 and died a day later at a hospital.

A parent who said her son witnessed the physical restraint told the newspaper Benson was disciplined by a teacher and teacher's aide for kicking a wall.

Cherilyn Caler said her son told her after Benson stopped moving, the staff told Benson to stop pretending he was sleeping. After about 30 minutes, the classmate said staff realized Benson was unresponsive and called for medical assistance.

Caler said her son has been put in a restraint before at Guiding Hands, and the boy has told her students sometimes pretend to be asleep so staff would release them.

Prone restraints are banned for use in schools in several states and are controversial.
What to Know The National Union of Healthcare Workers contends the dispute is focused on what it calls under-staffing issues at Kaiser facilities.

Kaiser officials counter, however, that the standoff is centered on money, not staffing.

Union officials said the weeklong job action could shut down or severely limit services for the week at more than 100 clinics in California.

About 4,000 unionized mental health clinicians at Kaiser Permanente facilities across the state, including in Los Angeles and Anaheim, will begin a five-day strike today amid a continuing labor dispute.

The National Union of Healthcare Workers contends the dispute is focused on what it calls under-staffing issues at Kaiser facilities "that force patients to wait a month or more for therapy appointments."

"Access to mental health care is a civil rights issue," NUHW President Sal Rosselli said in a statement. "This strike is a clear message to Kaiser that its mental health clinicians won't stand by silently while their patients can't get the care they need."

Kaiser officials counter, however, that the standoff is centered on money, not staffing.

"The union's principal demands at the bargaining table have not been about improving care and access, but are about gaining even higher wages and benefits and demanding changes to performance standards that would reduce, not increase, the availability of mental health care for our members," according to a statement from Kaiser.

Kaiser noted that the union's most recent contract included three years of guaranteed wage hikes and bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, and the health system's current contract includes salary offers that "would keep our expert therapists among the best compensated in their profession."

Union officials said the weeklong job action could shut down or severely limit services for the week at more than 100 clinics across the state.

According to NUHW, the clinicians are pushing for more authority in treatment decisions and want the health system to "stop sending one-third of patients -- approximately 40,000 people per year -- to firms that contract with private therapists, are not accountable to Kaiser and often don't have access to patient medical records."

The union also contends the ratio of mental health clinicians to Kaiser members hasn't changed since 2015.

Kaiser officials said contracting with community therapists "is another key tool we've used to improve access for our members."

According to the health system, plans are in place to continue offering services during the strike. But Kaiser officials said it was "particularly disheartening that the union leadership would call this strike during the holiday season, when many of our patients with mental health needs may be at their most vulnerable."
Photo: The Canadian Press House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., talks to media during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Nadler, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee says he believes it would be an "impeachable offense" if it's proven that President Donald Trump directed illegal hush-money payments to women during the 2016 campaign.

Top House Democrats have raised the prospect of impeachment or the real possibility of prison time for President Donald Trump if it's proved that he directed illegal hush-money payments to women, adding to the legal pressure on the president over the Russia investigation and other scandals.

"There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time," said Rep. Adam Schiff, the incoming chairman of the House intelligence committee. "The bigger pardon question may come down the road as the next president has to determine whether to pardon Donald Trump."

Rep. Jerry Nadler, the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, described the details in prosecutors' filings Friday in the case of Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as evidence that Trump was "at the centre of a massive fraud."

"They would be impeachable offences," Nadler said.

In the filings, prosecutors in New York for the first time link Trump to a federal crime of illegal payments to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign. Special counsel Robert Mueller's office also laid out previously undisclosed contacts between Trump associates and Russian intermediaries and suggested the Kremlin aimed early on to influence Trump and his Republican campaign by playing to both his political and personal business interests.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and has compared the investigations to a "witch hunt."

Nadler, D-N.Y., said it was too early to say whether Congress would pursue impeachment proceedings based on the illegal payments alone because lawmakers would need to weigh the gravity of the offence to justify "overturning" the 2016 election. Nadler and other lawmakers said Sunday they would await additional details from Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference and possible co-ordination with the Trump campaign to determine the extent of Trump's misconduct.

Regarding the illegal payments, "whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question, but certainly they'd be impeachable offences because even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office," Nadler said.

Mueller has not said when he will complete a report of any findings, and it isn't clear that any such report would be made available to Congress. That would be up to the attorney general. Trump on Friday said he would nominate former Attorney General William Barr to the post to succeed Jeff Sessions.

Nadler indicated that Democrats, who will control the House in January, will step up their own investigations. He said Congress, the Justice Department and the special counsel need to dig deeper into the allegations, which include questions about whether Trump lied about his business arrangements with Russians and about possible obstruction of justice.

"The new Congress will not try to shield the president," he said. "We will try to get to the bottom of this, in order to serve the American people and to stop this massive conspiracy  this massive fraud on the American people."
Arraignment was postponed Monday for a Studio City man facing charges of illegally possessing and mistreating a tiger cub seized at his home by wildlife wardens, who were tipped by someone who saw the animal on a YouTube video posted by vlogger Logan Paul.

Nicholas Perkins, 32, did not appear in court as his attorney asked that the arraignment be rescheduled to March 8. Perkins is charged with illegal possession of a tiger, mistreatment of a tiger and possession of anabolic steroids, all misdemeanors.

If convicted, he could face up to 2 1/2 years in jail and $4,000 in fines, according to City Attorney Mike Feuer's office. David Bess, deputy director and chief of the Law Enforcement Division at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said the state has some of the strongest restricted species laws in the nation.

"They're designed to protect exotic animals from neglect and improper care and serve to protect the public from these animals, many of which can be dangerous," he said. "Our Wildlife Trafficking Team, working with the City Attorney's office, are sending a message that exotic species like tigers don't belong as pets in people's homes."

In October 2017, DFW wildlife trafficking wardens received an anonymous tip from someone who saw photos of a model posing with a tiger cub on Instagram. DFW investigators identified the defendant and the cub through references in the post, according to Feuer's office.

During the investigation, the defendant and the animal's location were also verified by DFW wardens after the cub appeared on a vlog of YouTube personality Logan Paul, according to Deputy City Attorney Nick Karno.

When a search warrant was executed on the defendant's home on Nov. 9, 2017, agents found alleged "extensive evidence of the animal's poor living conditions and the presence of anabolic steroids," according to a statement released by Feuer's office that also alleged Perkins was feeding the tiger cub kitten milk replacement formula with a baby bottle.

The animal appeared to be malnourished and disoriented when rescued by authorities, according to City Attorney's spokesman Frank Mateljan. The cub was placed in a large cat rescue facility in north Los Angeles County, was put on a proper diet and now appears to be doing well, according to Feuer's office.

"Tigers and other exotic animals are not pets," Feuer said in announcing the charges. "Keeping these potentially dangerous animals in a residential setting poses a serious safety risk for residents and animals alike. My office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure these treasured creatures are safe and those who illegally keep them are held accountable."
What to Know Its Monday, December 10th  and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know for the day.

Its Monday, December 10th  and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know for the day.

Weather wise, cooler temps and less humidity will greet South Florida as the latest front arrives with high temperatures in the mid-70s and lows in the 50s for Tuesday and Wednesday.

No. 1 - Three people remain in the hospital this morning after a violent shooting in Opa-locka over the weekend. The gunmen are on the loose and police believe one of them may have been using an AK 47 during the shooting.

No. 2 - Police are searching for a woman caught stealing a package from the front step of a Little Havana home. Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade CrimeStoppers.

No. 3 - A hit and run driver is still on the run and the family of the victim are speaking about their loss. The victim's mother says her son was on his way to work when he was run over and the driver never bothered to stop.

No. 4  Former Tallahassee Mayor and Democratic candidate for Governor Andrew Gillum will be in South Florida today for a thank you reception. The event is happening at the Tap42 in Coral Gables starting at 7 pm.

No. 5 - Call it the Miracle in Miami! The Dolphins pulling off an amazing play at Hard Rock Stadium to get the win over divisional rivals New England. With that win and a 7-6 record, the Fins are still alive in the hunt for that wild card spot.

No. 6 - It's Monday and that means we're bragging about another south Florida school! Today, we'll be at Coral Park Elementary in Miami. Look out for Education on 6 reporter Ari Odzer's live report in our midday newscast at 11 am.
What to Know A police officer was shot and wounded late Sunday on Staten Island, the NYPD says

A suspect was also shot in the shooting that unfolded on Bridge Court in the Shore Acres section of the borough; he died of his injuries

Police said the suspect was wielding a blade and made a move toward the officers before they used a Taser on him and then opened fire

An NYPD officer was wounded and a blade-wielding suspect was killed Sunday night in a tense standoff that ended with gunfire on Staten Island, officials say.

Gunfire erupted in Shore Acres just before 10 p.m. at 30 Bridge Court, a complex of two-story apartment buildings north of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

"Tonight we are reminded, once again, of the dangers our officers face every day," NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neill said during a news briefing early Monday.

O'Neill said uniformed officers from the 120th Precinct responded to a domestic dispute call and encountered an intoxicated man at a side apartment. He said the man was carrying a long blade.

Chief Detective Dermot Shea said the blade had a 4-inch wooden handle and a 10-inch blade.

O'Neill said according to both the officers' body cameras, the man was repeatedly ordered to drop the weapon.

One officer then shocked the suspect with a stun gun but O'Neill said that "did not stop the threat."

The man then tried to get past who Shea said he presumed was the man's wife, repeatedly yelling, "shoot me!" He said up to 10-12 shots were fired at the man, killing him.

During the exchange of fire the officer, who has been on the force nearly three years, was struck. The unidentified officer is in serious condition but stable at Staten Island University Hospital and is expected to survive.

A witness at the scene told News 4 that she heard "a lot" of shots fired.

"Four, five, six," she said. "Not just one."

The shooting comes just a day after an FBI agent was shot in Brooklyn.

A spokesman for Mayor de Blasio says on Twitter he has been briefed and will likely visit the officer on Monday.
What to Know Trump is weighing at least 4 people to serve as his next chief of staff, after plans for an orderly succession for John Kelly fell through

Doctors believe a woman who died from rare brain-eating amoebas used tap water to rinse her sinuses

On SNL this week, the cast took aim at a nervous Trump family, complete with a looming Robert Mueller, played again by Robert DeNiro

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trump Looking at Several Candidates for Chief of Staff

President Trump is weighing at least four people to serve as his next chief of staff, after plans for an orderly succession for departing John Kelly fell through. The high-profile hiring search comes at a pivotal time as the president looks to prepare his White House for the twin challenges of securing his re-election and fending off inquiries once Democrats gain control of the House next year. Trump's top pick for the job, Nick Ayers, is out of the running and Trump is now soliciting input on at least four individuals, including Office of Management and Budget director Mick Mulvaney and Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., the chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Ayers, who is chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, was seen as the favorite for the job when Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would leave around year's end. But a White House official said Sunday that Trump and Ayers could not reach agreement on Ayers' length of service and that he would instead assist the president from outside the administration. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive personnel matters.

Russia Investigation Threatens Trump, Those in His Orbit

The more that special counsel Robert Mueller and federal prosecutors reveal, the darker grow the legal clouds over President Trump. Trump's own Justice Department has now implicated him in a crime, accusing him of directing illegal hush-money payments to women during his 2016 presidential campaign. Mueller keeps finding new instances of Trump associates lying about their contacts with Russia during an election the Kremlin worked to sway in the Republican's favor. The president hasn't been charged with any crimes. He may never be. Whether a president can be prosecuted while in office remains a matter of legal dispute. But Trump also hasn't been cleared of wrongdoing. Each new legal filing underscores that the president is a central figure in investigations that already have brought down several people who worked closely with him and remain a threat to others in Trump's orbit.

Woman Dies From Brain-Eating Amoeba, Tap Water in Neti Pot Blamed

Doctors believe a woman who died from rare brain-eating amoebas used tap water to rinse her sinuses. The 69-year-old Seattle resident died in February after undergoing brain surgery at Swedish Medical Center. Her doctor tells The Seattle Times there was "amoeba all over the place just eating brain cells." According to a study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, doctors believe the woman likely became infected when she used tap water in her neti pot, a teapot-like vessel used to flush out nasal passages. Health officials suggest using only distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to rinse sinuses. Tap water can contain tiny organisms that are safe to drink but could survive in nasal passages. Such infections are very rare. There were three similar U.S. cases from 2008 to 2017.

Jason Momoa Hosts, Mumford and Sons Performs on 'SNL'

On this weeks episode of Saturday Night Live, the cast took aim at a nervous Trump family, complete with a looming Robert Mueller, played again by Robert DeNiro. In the cold open, President Donald Trumps sons, Eric and Don Jr., comforted each other at bedtime over the scary thought of Mueller's potential indictments. The real Russia investigation gained steam this week when prosecutors filed new documents saying former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen and former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort continually lied to investigators. Jason Momoa, who plays Aquaman in the new film by the same name, hosted the show, admitting in his monologue that he is something of an SNL nerd after watching it for years. He was joined by Leslie Jones, Kenan Thompson and Chris Redd, who claimed they had a great idea for Aquamans theme song.
Trains across New York City are set to start running faster, with some already going faster than they have in years.

NYC Transit is making amendments to the city's train speed limits after reviewing the rules and finding that, for decades, trains have been traveling slower than they needed to.

The reasons are two-fold.

In 1995, a crash on the Williamsburg Bridge led to an increase safety restrictions, with certain rules put into place that are now obsolete due to modern trains having automatic brakes.

Couple that with the fact some of the signals in the tunnels don't work and tell trains to slow down for no reason, and you'll see how the trains got to running slower than they should be.

With the new changes, some trains should be running at twice the speed, NYC Transit vice president of subways Sally Librera said. In some cases theyre going from 15 [mph] to 30 [mph]. Others from 15 [mph] to 20 [mph]."

Transit president Andy Byford said the plan was a way to improve service on the MTA now before Albany decides whether to fun a $40 billion modernization.

"The operators can go much more quickly. Its about safely saving seconds," he said.

The MTA says the first trains with faster signals are in Sunset Park and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The rest of the city will get faster trains in the coming weeks.

Here is the list of 34 places where the MTA says trains will now run faster. A speed preceded by a "D-" means it's through a switch. MAS stands for maximum attainable speed, which depends upon numerous factors including track grade (incline) and curve, but practically speaking, tops off in the 30s, according to the MTA. Seconds saved is an estimated number for each single train movement, barring any other circumstance.



Manhattan Lines

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Brooklyn Lines

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Queens Lines

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A once-married father who caused an international search when he ran off to Mexico with a teenage girl from Allentown is headed to prison.

But Kevin Esterly will not have to register as a sex offender after felony charges against him were dropped.

Esterly, 46, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge of corrupting a minor. He was sentenced to 2-1/2 to 5 years in prison.

In court, Esterly claimed he wanted to protect Yu from a difficult home situation. Yu told the court the two did not have a sexual relationship.

Yu had been close to Esterly's family and friends with his daughter. But Yu's mother grew suspicious of the relationship and then realized Esterly had checked Yu out of school 10 times by posing as her stepfather. Yu's mother reached out to police.

Yu had planned to go to Mexico; on March 5, Esterly joined her with a ticket that Yu purchased, according to Yu's lawyer.

The disappearance sparked an international search. The two were found two weeks later in Playa del Carmen in March.

Yu issued a statement after the sentencing saying she accepted that the sentence was "lawful." But, the statement added, "a sentence of such long length implies an inappropriate physical relationship between Kevin and Amy for which there is no evidence."

In court, Judge Maria L. Dantos told Esterly he had ruined two families.

Esterly's wife has filed for divorce; Yu is living in a home for at-risk teens.
A jailed Chinese technology executive will have to wait at least one more day to see if she will be released on bail in a case that has raised U.S.-China tensions and complicated efforts to resolve a trade dispute that has roiled financial markets and threatened global economic growth.

Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei and daughter of its founder, was detained at the request of the U.S. during a layover at the Vancouver airport Dec. 1  the same day that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping of China agreed to a 90-day cease-fire in the trade dispute that threatens to disrupt global commerce.

The U.S. has accused Huawei of using a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. It also says Meng and Huawei misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran.

After a second daylong session, Justice William Ehrcke said the bail hearing would continue Tuesday.

In urging the court to reject Meng's bail request, prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley noted the Huawei executive has vast resources and a strong incentive to flee as she is facing fraud charges in the United States that could put her in prison for 30 years.

Gibb-Carsley later told the judge that if he does decide to grant bail it should include house arrest.

David Martin, Meng's lawyer, said Meng was willing to pay for a surveillance company to monitor her and wear an ankle monitor but she wanted to be able to travel around Vancouver and its suburbs. Scot Filer of Lions Gate Risk Management group said his company would make a citizen's arrest if she breached bail conditions.

Martin said Meng's husband would put up both of their Vancouver homes plus $1 million Canadian ($750,000) for a total value of $15 million Canadian ($11.2 million) as collateral.

The judge cast doubt on that proposal, saying Meng's husband isn't a resident of British Columbia  a requirement for him to act as a guarantor that his wife won't flee  and his visitor visa expires in February.

The prosecutor said her husband has no meaningful connections to Vancouver and spends only two or three weeks a year in the city. Gibb-Carsley also expressed concern about the idea of using a security company paid by Meng.

He said later that $15 million Canadian ($11.2 million) would be an appropriate amount if the judge granted bail, but he said half should be in cash.

Huawei said in a statement that it had "every confidence that the Canadian and U.S. legal systems will reach a just conclusion."

Meng's arrest has fueled U.S.-China trade tensions at a time when the two countries are seeking to resolve a dispute over Beijing's technology and industrial strategy. Both sides have sought to keep the issues separate, at least so far, but the arrest has roiled markets, with stock markets worldwide down again Monday.

The hearing has sparked widespread interest, and the courtroom was packed again Monday with media and spectators, including some who came to support Meng. One man in the gallery brought binoculars to have a closer look at Meng, while outside court a man and woman held a sign that read "Free Ms. Meng."

Over the weekend, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned Canadian Ambassador John McCallum and U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad.

Le warned both countries that Beijing would take steps based on their response. Asked Monday what those steps might be, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said only, "It totally depends on the Canadian side itself."

Stocks around the world fell Monday over investor concerns about the continuing U.S.-China trade dispute, as well as the cloud hanging over Brexit negotiations after Britain's prime minister postponed a vote on her deal for Britain to quit the European Union. In the U.S., stocks were volatile, tumbling in the morning and then recovering in the afternoon.

The Huawei case complicates efforts to resolve the U.S.-China trade dispute. The United States has slapped tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese imports, charging that China steals American technology and forces U.S. companies to turn over trade secrets.

Tariffs on $200 billion of those imports were scheduled to rise from 10 percent to 25 percent on Jan. 1. But over dinner Dec. 1 with Xi in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Trump agreed to delay the increase for 90 days, buying time for more negotiations.

Bill Perry, a trade lawyer with Harris Bricken in Seattle, said China's decelerating economy is putting pressure on Xi to make concessions before U.S. tariffs go up.

"They need a trade deal. They don't want the tariffs to go up to 25" percent, said Perry, who produces the "US China Trade War" blog. "This is Damocles' sword hanging over the Chinese government."

Huawei, the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies, has become the target of U.S. security concerns because of its ties to the Chinese government. The U.S. has pressured other countries to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information.

Lu, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, accused countries he didn't cite by name of hyping the "so-called" threat.

"I must tell you that not a single piece of evidence have they ever presented to back their allegation," he said. "To create obstacles for companies' normal operations based on speculation is quite absurd."

Canadian officials have declined to comment on Chinese threats of retaliation, instead emphasizing the independence of Canada's judiciary and the importance of Ottawa's relationship with Beijing.
A woman accused of being a secret agent for the Russian government has likely taken a plea deal, prosecutors indicated Monday in a court filing that said her case has been "resolved."

The information was included in a filing in the case against Maria Butina. Federal prosecutors and Butina's lawyer filed a joint motion asking to change her plea. A hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Prosecutors have alleged Butina, 30, gathered intelligence on American officials and political organizations and worked to develop relationships with American politicians through her contacts with the National Rifle Association.

They have charged that her work was directed by a former Russian lawmaker who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for his alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Butina, who was arrested in July, was charged with conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for Russia. Her lawyer has argued that Butina is a student interested in American politics and better U.S.-Russian relations.

The documents did not provide details about the resolution. However, for several weeks, prosecutors and Butina's lawyer have indicated in court papers that they were negotiating and may have been nearing a plea deal.

The charges against Butina were brought by federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., and her case is unrelated to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
A Romanian man was surprised to find 95,000 euros ($107,000) stashed inside a secondhand cupboard he'd bought  and promptly returned the money.

Adela Stanici told The Associated Press Tuesday that her husband, a construction worker, had recently bought the cupboard from a popular online site. Days later, as she was making dinner, husband Samuel yelled: "come and see what I've found," a metal box in the cupboard stuffed with 500-euro notes.

She said the pair counted the money together: "We were shocked. We couldn't sleep all night."

"We thought it might be a trap, a setup, and we knew we had to get the money back to where it came from," the mother of four said by telephone.

The husband traveled from their home, in the western village of Bichigi, to the city where the owner lived. The man revealed the cupboard had belonged to his recently deceased father.

Stanici said the man, who requested anonymity, "had no idea" about the money.

He traveled to their village without knowing how much money there was. "When he saw (it), he couldn't believe it."

She said he rewarded them for their honesty, without saying how much he gave them.
Spotsylvania County schools will be closed again Wednesday due to the lingering impact of the winter storm that dumped snow on parts of Virginia and southern Maryland.

According to the school district, a significant number of secondary roads in the souther and western parts of the county remain affected, so all schools will be closed.

The cold weather will continue the next couple of days, but Tuesday night won't be as cold as Monday night.

Full list of school closures and delays

The National Weather Service said a "prolonged period of snow'' began late Saturday, with the heaviest snow falling in northwest North Carolina and southern Virginia. Some areas of North Carolina and Virginia saw more than a foot of snow by Sunday afternoon.

About 6 inches fell in parts of Spotsylvania and Stafford counties in Virginia, while parts of southern Maryland saw about 4 inches, The National Weather Service said.

The storm moved out of the area Monday, but icy conditions prompted schools in Calvert, Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties to close. Schools in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties were closed again Tuesday.

There was a sharp cut-off between those who got several inches of snow to those who got no snow at all. Storm Team4 says people who live within 20 miles of D.C. saw nothing but flurries over the weekend.
Photo: The Canadian Press Judges preside over a hearing at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

The British government's Brexit plans were thrown into chaos on Monday, with Prime Minister Theresa May making an emergency statement to lawmakers amid signs she would postpone a Parliamentary vote that will decide the fate of her divorce deal with the European Union.

The House of Commons Speaker's office said May would make the previously unscheduled statement at about 3:30 p.m. The announcement came as May held talks with her Cabinet about the next steps in the Brexit process.

Lawmakers are due to vote Tuesday on the Brexit deal, and all signs have pointed to a big defeat for the prime minister  a result that could sink May's deal, her leadership, or both.

May's office insisted Monday morning that the vote would definitely be held, but the BBC and other outlets reported it would be postponed. An updated House of Commons business statement said there would be a statement on "business of the House" after May's address, indicating a sudden change to the parliamentary schedule.

May's Conservative government does not have a majority in the House of Commons, and opposition parties  as well as dozens of Conservative lawmakers  say they will not back the divorce deal that May and EU leaders agreed last month.

Pro-Brexit lawmakers say the deal keeps Britain bound too closely to the EU, while pro-EU politicians say it erects barriers between the U.K. and its biggest trading partner and leaves many details of the future relationship undecided.

The main sticking point is a "backstop" provision that aims to guarantee an open border between EU member Ireland and the U.K.'s Northern Ireland post-Brexit. The measure would keep Britain under EU customs rules, and is supposed to last until superseded by permanent new trade arrangements. Critics say it could leave Britain tied to the EU indefinitely, unable to strike new trade deals around the world.

Postponing the vote could give May more time to seek concessions from the EU  even though both May and the bloc insist that the Brexit withdrawal agreement can't be changed.

May spoke over the weekend to European Council President Donald Tusk  who will chair an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday  and European leaders including Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, amid signs she was seeking to tweak the deal to win over skeptical lawmakers.
The Supreme Court on Monday avoided a high-profile case by rejecting appeals from Kansas and Louisiana in their effort to strip Medicaid money from Planned Parenthood, over the dissenting votes of three justices.

The court's order reflected a split among its conservative justices and an accusation from Justice Clarence Thomas that his colleagues seemed to be ducking the case for political reasons.

The two states were appealing lower court rulings that had blocked them from withholding money that is used for health services for low-income women. The money is not used for abortions. Abortion opponents have said Planned Parenthood should not receive any government money because of heavily edited videos that claimed to show the nation's largest abortion provider profiting from sales of fetal tissue for medical research.

Investigations sparked by the videos in several states didn't result in criminal charges.

The dispute at the high court has nothing to do with abortion, as Thomas pointed out in a dissent that was joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch. In his first discernible vote on the court, new Justice Brett Kavanaugh declined to join Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch because a fourth vote would have been enough to set the case for arguments. Chief Justice John Roberts also did not vote to hear the case, along with the four more liberal justices.

The issue is who has the right to challenge a state's Medicaid funding decisions, private individuals or only the federal government. The states say that the Medicaid program, a joint venture of federal and state governments to provide health care to poorer Americans, makes clear that only the Secretary of Health and Human Services can intervene, by withholding money from a state.

Most lower federal courts have found that private parties can challenge Medicaid funding decisions in court, although the federal appeals court in St. Louis rejected a similar court challenge and allowed Arkansas to end its contract with Planned Parenthood. A split among federal appeals courts is often a reason for the Supreme Court to step in.

"So what explains the court's refusal to do its job here? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named 'Planned Parenthood.' That makes the Court's decision particularly troubling, as the question presented has nothing to do with abortion," Thomas wrote.

The dispute over funding for Planned Parenthood stemmed from the July 2015 release by the anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress of a series of edited videos purportedly depicting Planned Parenthood of America executives talking about the sale of fetal tissue. Planned Parenthood has said it did not seek any payments beyond legally permitted reimbursement of costs.
What to Know Autumn Harris, 42, of Boston, was arrested after she allegedly hit 5 pedestrians, killing 5-year-old Adrianna Mejia-Rivera in Revere, Mass.

A 2-month-old girl also suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Harris was arraigned Monday in Chelsea District Court. She is charged with motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation.

A 42-year-old Boston woman is facing multiple charges in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash in Revere that killed a 5-year-old girl and injured five others, including a 2-month-old baby.

Autumn Harris was arrested for the Sunday evening crash after she allegedly struck five pedestrians just before 5 p.m. in the 1700 block of North Shore Drive. State police said Harris was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox SUV on Route 145 when her vehicle veered off the roadway and into a median strip that divides the highway.

The pedestrians were walking along the grass median strip before the crash. According to state police, the victims included a 5-year-old Adrianna Mejia-Rivera, who died at the scene; her 2-month-old sister, who suffered life-threatening injuries; a 2-year-old child who sustained non-life threatening injuries; a 27-year-old woman who suffered non-life threatening injuries; and another woman who sustained minor injuries.

The surviving victims were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, according to Massachusetts State Police. Harris passenger, a 30-year-old Boston woman, was also hospitalized.

The 2-month-old girl was still in the hospital's intensive care unit on Monday, according to the Suffolk District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors said in court Monday that Harris told police she had consumed one beer earlier in the afternoon, had taken the sleep aid melatonin and a muscle relaxant to help her sleep the night before and slept only two hours before working all day Sunday. They also said she admitted to vaping CBD oil in the vehicle and said she might have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Drug test results are still pending.

According to her driving record, Harris refused a chemical breath test after the accident and her right to drive was automatically suspended. She had twice previously refused to take chemical breath tests, and was charged with operating under the influence in 2011.

Harris is currently charged with motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, state police said. She could face additional charges as officials continue their investigation.

Bail was set at $10,000 at her arraignment Monday in Chelsea District Court. She was ordered to remain drug and alcohol free if she posts bail and is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 10.

"There are no words to describe our sorrow for this innocent child and her family," Suffolk District Attorney John Pappas said in a statement. "We will follow the evidence wherever it leads and we will do our level best to speak on their behalf in the wake of this devastating tragedy."

Harris' mother, Maureen Harris, said outside court on Monday that her daughter doesn't know what happened.

"She didn't get to call me until very, very late," her mother said. "Of course she's crying and I couldn't make out much, but she said, 'I don't know. All of a sudden, it just happened.'"

She said her daughter was taking the muscle relaxant Flexeril, but she isn't sure if that contributed to the accident.

"I don't know. We'll find out," she said. "I feel so bad for those kids."

Harris is being represented by attorney Jeff Miller.
A Massachusetts community college is beefing up its cybersecurity after hackers stole $800,000 through an infected email.

Cape Cod Community College President John Cox tells the Cape Cod Times the email appeared to come from another college and the person who clicked on it didn't have any suspicions at first.

College IT officials ran a diagnostics test and found an infected virus. The virus was quarantined too late.

Cox says the malware targeted the college's financial transactions and nine fraudulent transactions were made.

He says the bank and the FBI are working to recover the money, and so far almost $279,000 has been returned to the college.

The college has replaced all infected hard drives and will continue to install next-generation protection software across the Barnstable campus.
Authorities in New Hampshire are searching for a man who allegedly walked into Manchester business and stole a Toys For Tots donation jar with $20 inside.

Manchester police said a Signature Flight Support employee told officers that the man spoke with him about fuel for his vehicle around 1:30 a.m. on Friday.

When the employee went to grab a cup of coffee for the man, the suspect removed the jar and left the shop.

The suspect was only described as a man with a grey beard.

Manchester police encourages anyone with information regarding the suspects identity to contact detectives at 603-792-5500 and reference MPD Case #18-17255. Individuals may also contact the anonymous crime tip line at 603-624-4040.
New Hampshire has seen a significant rise in the movement of young adults to the state compared to earlier in the decade.

The latest U.S. Census estimates show that an average of 5,900 more people moved into New Hampshire from other states than moved out between 2013 in 2017. In contrast, during the Great Recession and the following years, from 2008 to 2012, only about 100 more people moved in than moved out.

Kenneth Johnson is the senior demographer at the University of New Hampshire's Carsey School of Public Policy. He says the greatest gains came among those in their 20s. The earlier years saw a net loss of 1,500 young people, but there was a net gain of 1,200 young people per year between 2013 and 2017.
A Massachusetts man has been arraigned on a murder charge in connection with his brother's death last week.

Alexander Asia, 24, of Paxton was in an East Brookfield courtroom on Monday for a pre-scheduled dangerousness hearing on assault charges stemming from the Dec. 2 attack inside his family home when he was formally arraigned on the murder charge.

Twenty-three-year-old Innocent Asia was found dead his family home on Monticello Drive after Paxton police responded to a 911 call late that night. The men's mother, 53-year-old Leticia Asia, was also injured in the attack and was treated at a local hospital.

Police say she showed up with injuries at a neighbor's home.

According to MJ Byrnes, who lives two houses away, Leticia stumbled in the dark to her house where she kept hitting the doorbell.

Byrnes' sister brought Leticia inside and saw the gash in her head.

"My sister reported that the mother had stated that her son was trying to kill the family with a hammer," Byrnes said. "The mother was in and out of almost consciousness."

Another brother, Ogechi Asia, told police Alexander had also attacked him, according to the The Telegram & Gazette.

The Telegram reports that two children live at the home, but that it was not clear if they were home at the time.

"The whole family has obviously been shattered and will be shattered for months and years to come," Byrnes said.

Judge Timothy Bibaud ordered Alexander Asia to be held without bail on the murder charge.

He's due back in court for a pre-trial conference for all charges on Jan. 30.

The case remains under investigation.
A Vermont man is under arrest for his alleged involvement in the death of an infant, according to state police on Monday.

Tyler Pollender-Savery, 23, of Ludlow, allegedly killed 11-month-old Karsen Rickert in January, according to the police investigation.

The baby died after police found him unresponsive at the home of his mother, Abigail Wood, and her boyfriend, Pollender-Savery. Pollender-Savery is not the child's father.

In June, the New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner's Office determined the child's death was caused by asphyxia due to strangulation and/or smothering.

Pollender-Savery was charged with second-degree murder and is scheduled to be arraigned at 4 p.m. Monday, according to police. It is unclear whether he has an attorney.
Photo: Google Maps A snap shot of a Google Maps view of the Stickle Road intersection before the safety improvements.

Construction of the Highway 97 intersection at Stickle Road is now complete, with the Ministry of Transportation stating that the intersection is now "safer and more reliable for people travelling through the area."

The high-collision area north of Vernon experienced a significant number of crashes and increased congestion in recent years.

The improvement work included converting Stickle Road at Highway 97 to a left-in, right-in and right-out intersection;

lengthening the northbound and southbound left-turn lanes on the highway; and

providing right-turn acceleration and deceleration lanes at the east and west approaches.

While most felt the area needed safety improvements, the project was not without its controversy.

From design to environmental concerns to cost, the project was contentious at times.

"Significant environmental work was completed along the 20th Street extension ahead of construction, including a relocation of fish and amphibian habitats in BX Creek. The ministry is also working with Ducks Unlimited to develop a new wetland habitat three times the size of the one impacted by the project."

The $15-million project will also include an extension of 20th Street, connecting it to the south end of the existing Stickle Frontage Road.

"While this section is not expected to be completed until fall 2019, depending on soil settlement, ongoing work will not impact traffic on Highway 97," explained the ministry in a press release to media.

"This single-lane southbound extension has been designed to accommodate the future expansion of the municipal road if development in the area continues to increase."
Local authority has spent six figure defending itself against legal challenges

LEGAL disputes over plans to regenerate Newburys London Road Industrial Estate (LRIE) have cost West Berkshire taxpayers 363,545.66.

The Newbury Weekly News can reveal that the district council spent the six-figure sum defending itself against legal challenges in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

However, the overall cost of the major project, which has been in the pipeline for 14 years, is expected to run into the millions.

Last month, the council was found to have breached EU procurement law by entering into an agreement with St Modwen, the multi-billion-pound developer it appointed to carry out the scheme.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the development agreement, signed in 2015, constituted a public works contract and found the council had not followed the correct tendering process.

As a result, the agreement has been declared ineffective and the council must go back to square one and start the whole process again.

It has been confirmed that in November 2014, the councils executive committee gave chief executive Nick Carter the authority to enter into the agreement.

However, the council says it is not planning to carry out any kind of internal review and reiterated that it is still considering going to the Supreme Court  the highest court in the land  to try to get the ruling overturned.

This is despite the Court of Appeal refusing the council permission to appeal the decision.

News of the councils six-figure legal spend comes just weeks after the cash-strapped local authority announced plans to cut funding to vital services for the elderly and vulnerable in a bid to save 295,000.

The councils opposition leader Lee Dillon (Lib Dem, Thatcham North) said: The council need to explain how it committed over 350,000 on legal fees on a case which it has lost.

When you add this to the other costs associated with LRIE, it appears that taxpayers have been funding poor decisions after poor decisions.

It should be noted that the council are currently consulting on budget cuts to vulnerable services which this 363,000 could easily cover.

Instead, the council have thrown good money after bad trying to win a court case because of a decision to shortcut the procurement process.

West Berkshire Councils executive member for corporate services Dominic Boeck said: This is a misleading statement that refers to a drawn-out legal process where many points were found to be invalid.

The council has invested significant resources into the redevelopment of Faraday Road, and it remains committed to the principle of redevelopment of that area of the district.

The council was challenged by a local developer and was obliged to respond to that in order to protect the investment that it had made for the benefit of all the residents of West Berkshire.

The High Court found robustly in favour of the council when it considered the challenge, and although the Court of Appeal (CA) found against the council, this was on a limited technical point of law.

It is perhaps of note that this issue has not previously been considered by the courts, including the CJEU (Court of Justice of the European Union) or the Attorney General.

The council is understandably disappointed with the decision of the CA and is considering its options in that regard.

In terms of the current budget proposals that the council is consulting on, these potential changes to service delivery in a number of areas are being considered to ensure that the council can set a balanced budget for 2019/20.

The case was brought by Faraday Development Limited (FDL), which was awarded planning permission for its 50m Faraday Plaza scheme comprising retail and housing space, a hotel and restaurant and an additional exit and entrance road on to the A339, in 2009.

It had to resubmit its application in 2012 after the three-year time period for works to commence lapsed.

But despite it being an identical application to the previous one, the council refused it.

The council later announced that St Modwen was its preferred developer and entered into a development agreement.

FDL had previously appealed the councils decision to refuse its planning application for the Faraday Plaza scheme and a planning inspector upheld the appeal in favour of FDL.

In a damning report, the inspector accused the councils planning officers of misleading councillors in their decision to reject the application.

The councils Lib Dem opposition asked for the matter to be discussed at the councils overview and scrutiny commission.

But councillors voted to refer the item to the planning advisory group, whose meetings are not held in public.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Prosecutors have charged Nissan Motor Co.'s former chairman Carlos Ghosn, another executive and the automaker itself for allegedly violating financial laws by underreporting income.

The charges imposed Monday involve allegations Ghosn's pay was underreported by about 5 billion yen ($44 million) in 2011-2015. The prosecutors said earlier that the allegations were the reason for Ghosn's arrest on Nov. 19.

The arrest of an industry icon admired both in Japan and around the world has stunned many and raised concerns over the Japanese automaker and the future of its alliance with Renault SA of France.

The prosecutors issued statements Monday outlining new allegations against Ghosn and Greg Kelly, the other executive. Those are of underreporting another 4 billion yen ($36 million) in 2016-2018. Nissan as a company was not mentioned in the latest allegations, which did not give details about the income thought to have been underreported.

In Japan, a company can be charged with wrongdoing. A court date is still undecided as the prosecutors continue to question Ghosn and Kelly.

The maximum penalty for violating Japan's financial laws, as the prosecutors allege, is 10 years in prison, a 10 million yen ($89,000) fine, or both.

Some kind of action by the prosecutors had been expected because the detention period allowed for the allegations disclosed earlier was to end on Monday.

Nissan Motor Co. confirmed the charges against it in a statement and vowed to strengthen its governance and compliance.

"Nissan takes this situation extremely seriously," it said. "Making false disclosures in annual securities reports greatly harms the integrity of Nissan's public disclosures in the securities markets, and the company expresses its deepest regret."

Kelly, 62, an American, is suspected of having collaborated with Ghosn.

Kelly's attorney in the U.S., Aubrey Harwell, told The Associated Press earlier this month that his client is asserting his innocence. He said insiders at Nissan and outside experts had said the handling of the income reporting was legal.

Ghosn has not commented.

Ghosn was ousted as Nissan chairman and Kelly lost his representative director title following their arrests. They both remain on Nissan's board pending a shareholder's meeting.

Ghosn, 64, was sent to Nissan by its partner Renault SA of France in 1999. He led a dramatic turnaround of the near-bankrupt Japanese automaker. But his star-level compensation drew attention since executives in Japan tend to be paid far less than their international counterparts.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a news conference Monday that relations between Japan and France are unshakable despite concerns over the future of Nissan's alliance with Renault after Ghosn's indictment.

"It is important to maintain stability in the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance, which is a symbol of industrial co-operation between Japan and France," he told a televised news conference Monday, adding that Japan will promote improved corporate governance in line with global standards.
STRATFORD  The physicality of A Midsummer Nights Dream is such that an auditorium full of seventh- and eighth-graders didnt need to know Shakespearean English to follow along with the pratfalls, on-stage costume changes and fanciful plot twists.

Eventually, you get the hang of it, said Yarisa Tejada, 12, one of 30 students who stayed behind on Monday, after the Wooster Middle School auditorium cleared out, for a workshop in acting.

The goal is to make Shakespeare fun and approachable, said Kelly Letourneau, the educational and community outreach director for the Mighty Quinn Foundation. Shakespeare was written to be watched, performed and listened to. I hope at least these kids will say Shakespeare isnt so scary.

A group that runs a summer-long Shakespeare Academy for college students on the grounds of the towns shuttered Shakespeare Theater, the nonprofit Quinn Foundation received a $5,000 grant from the Stratford Rotary Club to bring five actors affiliated with the ensemble to three schools in Stratford and one in West Haven this month.

Wooster was their last stop.

They have been rambunctious in all the best ways, Letourneau said. She knew the audiences were getting it when one student at West Haven High, called out snitch, when Helena t ells Demetrius about Hermia and Lysanders p lan to elope.

At Wooster, many of the students who participated in the post-production workshop had been on stage before, but not all.

I wanted to, but I got stage fright, said John Santiago, 12, who said he reads a lot of Shakespeare.

On this day, the seventh-grader joined in a large circle as the students actor/teachers, most based in New York City, taught the rudiments of eye contact, following directions and connecting to one another.

You have to learn to work as a team, Letourneau, originally from Worcester, Mass., told them.

They learned warm-up exercises and how to move about the stage as if they were on a raft trying not to make it tip over. They were directed to jump, clap, go and stop on command. Then they practiced doing the opposite of what they were told.

We are bringing it to the next level, Letourneau told them. When I say clap, you jump.

Oh, God, one student blurted out as the pace got faster.

Actress Meaghan Johnson, from Colorado, taught the students the Shakespearean difference between thou, and you.

Much to the circles surprise, they learned thou is an informal way to address someone who is close. You, is reserved for those you dont really know, say, someone across the circle.

The exercise quickly became a game of elimination, with thous and yous shot across the circumference like daggers. Eventually arm-crossing nays were thrown in for the fun of it.

Laila McCoy, 8th 13, groaned when she was eliminated, but quickly took of the role of a spoiler, whispering suggestions to remaining players.

Its interesting, McCoy declared of Shakespeare in general.

Fatima Anaza, an actress from Houston, led an exercise in all the different ways to express the word Oh.

As Quince, one of the characters she played in A Midsummer Nights Dream, Anaza shouts: Oh monstrous!

The circle then took turns changing the tone of their Oh leaving fellow students to guess if it was a shy, disappointed and even salty Oh.

Erin Williams, a New York City actress originally from Stratford (she attended St. Marks School and Bunnell High) called the workshops amazing.

I hope that it continues, she said.

Letourneau said that depends on future funding. The schools that were visited all said yes this year, because there was no cost to them.

lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeck
The Community Culinary School of Northwestern Connecticut, based in New Milford, is accepting applications for its next session.

The next 12-week program will start Jan. 7 at St. Johns Episcopal Church along Whittlesey Avenue.

If you love to cook and are interested in an exciting new career opportunity, you may be a good candidate for the Community Culinary School, said Dawn Hammacott, executive director of the school.

The New Milford/Danbury area has more than 500 businesses that employ food service personnel, Hammacott said.

The industry is always in need of reliable, trained employees, she said.

The school trains people ages 18 and older for jobs in food service.

Instructed by Chef Blythe Roberts, the students will learn a range of cooking techniques in a full-scale kitchen.

The school also arranges internships for all students, trains them in the life skills necessary to getting and keeping a job and assists with job placement.

Additionally, the meals students prepare are distributed to those in need through the New Milford Food Bank.

Tuition is free for qualifying candidates.

The school was established in 2007 to provide unemployed and underemployed men and women with the skills they need to find jobs with career paths in the food service industry.

Classes will be held Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Johns Episcopal Church, 7 Whittlesey Ave.

The school is modeled on the Community Kitchen program of the anti-hunger organization Feeding America.

It relies largely on donations and grants, and has received support from the Connecticut Community Foundation, the Harcourt Foundation, the Meserve Memorial Fund, Union Savings Bank, Savings Bank of Danbury, Diebold Foundation, Womans Club of Danbury/New Fairfield, and other area foundations and civic organizations.

For information, call Dawn Hammacott at 203-512-5791 or email culinaryschool@sbcglobal.net.
New research from Cornell University suggests graphic warning labels on cigarette ads have the same anti-smoking effect as similar warning labels on cigarette packs.

The labels - which contain images such as bleeding, cancerous gums and lips - also cancel out the effect of ads that prompt children to think of smoking as cool, rebellious and fun, according to the research.

"This study suggests the value of graphic warning labels extends beyond just getting people to have more negative feeling about smoking," said lead author Jeff Niederdeppe, associate professor of communication, who wrote the paper with a team of Cornell-affiliated researchers. "It also seems to have the added benefit of reducing the influence of 'social cue' ads that entice young people to want to smoke in the first place."

The paper, "Using Graphic Warning Labels to Counter Effects of Social Cues and Brand Imagery in Cigarette Advertising," was published in Health Education Research.

Researchers studied the graphic warning labels' effect on 451 adult smokers and 474 middle schoolers in rural and urban low-income communities in the Northeast. Each participant was randomly assigned a set of six ads. Some saw ads with social cues - such as a group of smiling people taking a selfie with a graphic warning label covering 20 percent of the ad. Other groups saw ads with various combinations of text-only warnings, graphic warnings, the current surgeon general warning, brand imagery and social cues.

Using Cornell's mobile media lab, researchers tracked study participants' eyes to measure what parts of the ad they looked at and for how long. After viewing the ads, participants reported the degree to which they felt negative emotions, including anger, fear and sadness. The graphic warning label drew viewers' attention away from ads and toward the warning, regardless of whether the warning was graphic or text only, more than the current surgeon general warning.

The graphic warning labels also aroused more negative feelings than the text-only labels and reduced the children's perceptions that cigarette brands are attractive and exciting.

"That's important, because there's pretty good evidence that the visceral reactions to these warnings are a main driver of their effectiveness," Niederdeppe said. "These ads are trying to create a positive brand image, and the graphic warning labels help suppress that."

The study also found participants felt the same levels of negative emotion whether they looked at a graphic warning label covering 20 percent of a full page ad or 50 percent of a much smaller cigarette pack.

"We were pleasantly surprised that the levels of negative emotion were equivalent between those two conditions," Niederdeppe said. "It suggests that 20 percent coverage on an advertisement is a high enough threshold to create the negative emotion."

The Food and Drug Administration, which funded the study through its Center for Tobacco Products, will consult this research as it considers revising the current surgeon general warnings - text-only warnings that have not been changed in nearly 40 years.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Infrastructure Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says national security must come first in deciding whether to allow Huawei Technologies to take part in developing Canada's 5G telecommunications network.

In an interview, Champagne says Canada needs to be prudent and rely on the input of its intelligence services before ruling on whether the Chinese firm should be involved in the next-generation mobile network.

Former security officials in Canada and two members of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence have warned that Huawei's participation could compromise the security of Canada and its closest allies.

Huawei stresses it is not a state-controlled company and denies engaging in intelligence work on behalf of any government.

Champagne says listening to allies is part of the review process, but he has full faith in Canada's intelligence officials to provide the best advice to government.

He isn't discussing a timeline for the ruling, noting the process is too important to rush and cut corners.
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Photo: Contributed

Vernon's top cop will be asking city council to throw its support behind a pilot project aimed at combating at the worsening opioid crisis.

Insp. Shawna Baher is expected to roll out the details of the "Opioid Emergency Response Centre Pilot" at the city council meeting today.

In her report, which was posted in the council agenda online, Baher wrote that since 2016, of the 39 overdose deaths Vernon RCMP attended, 23 of those were by people who were a prisoner in Vernon Detachment cells at some time prior to their death.

"ln April 2018, a BC Coroners Service Death Review Panel report found that a substantial number of overdose deaths occurred among persons with recent health care and/or recent or previous B.C' Corrections involvement."

It is believed that overdose and overdose deaths occurred because imprisonment forces abstinence or significantly reduced opioid use, which lowers drug tolerance.

"Individuals within RCMP cells, whether it be for a day or weekend, often start to go into withdrawal and become sick while in custody," wrote Baher. "These individuals are at higher risk of overdose on release as their tolerance level would have been reduced, meaning if they used the same amount of opioid when released they likely will overdose. As there would be a physical and psychological demand for the individual to use when released they also may immediately seek the drug to use and further put themselves at risk by purchasing drugs from an unknown supplier or using in an unsafe manner (alone)."

Baher writes that the pilot project being proposed can be broken down into the stages: training, implementation and reporting.

Stage One: Training {Month 1)

The Health Authority would provide increased training for RCMP members and detachment staff along with partnering organizations to refer individuals to services and provide members with information on how to access local and current services.

A robust referral card will also be created by non-RCMP partners for members to hand out to individuals and families in need of support.

This training would start with Vernon and Coldstream members and go on to include Enderby, Falkland, Armstrong, Spallumcheen and Lumby.

Stage 2: Implementation {Month 2 through 12)

RCMP members and staff would receive Naloxone training.

Members trained would then provide training on the Naloxone kits being handed out.

The pilot would roll out in the Vernon detachment first.

Should the pilot be successful, it would then roll out to other detachments that house prisoners like Enderby and Armstrong by month six.

Stage 3: Reporting {Month 12)

A review of the Program would be completed and a final report written identifying the numbers of trainings provided, kits dispersed and referrals completed.

Total costs for this pilot project are estimated at $6280.00.

The presentation and proposed project come at a time when certain members of Vernon's downtown business sector have renewed calls to have City Hall provide private security to combat what they call the "degradation" of Vernon.

It also comes on the heels of an approved budget in which the City of Vernon has allocated funds to address the issues raised by citizens and businesses concerned with safety in the city.

In Nov., Baher was handed an Award of Meritorious Service for her leadership in identifying the opioid/fentanyl crisis and work to ensure RCMP officers were authorized and trained to carry naloxone.

The award is the highest honour bestowed upon a member of law enforcement in British Columbia.
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Photo: The Canadian Press Chinese newspaper with the headline "China outcry against U.S. on the detention of Huawei's chief financial officer."

China raised the pressure on the United States and Canada as a bail hearing for a top Chinese technology executive resumed Monday in Vancouver.

Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei and daughter of its founder, was detained at the request of the U.S. during a layover at the Vancouver airport on Dec. 1  the same day that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping of China agreed to a 90-day cease-fire in a trade dispute that threatens to disrupt global commerce.

China formally protested to the ambassadors of both Canada and the United States over the weekend.

The U.S. alleges that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. It also says that Meng and Huawei misled American banks about the company's business dealings in Iran.

Her arrest has fueled U.S.-China trade tensions at a time when the two sides are seeking to resolve a dispute over Beijing's technology and industrial strategy. Both sides have sought to keep the issues separate, at least so far, but the arrest has roiled markets.

David Martin, Meng's lawyer, said he would call a representative from a surveillance company and an electronic monitoring company to help ensure Meng won't flee if released. Martin said Meng, who had agreed to wear an ankle monitor, will cover the expenses and said the surveillance company would detain her if she breaches bail conditions.

The hearing has sparked widespread interest, and the courtroom was packed again Monday with media and spectators, including some who came to support Meng. One man in the courtroom gallery brought binoculars to have a closer look at Meng, her lawyers and the prosecution team.

Over the weekend, China's Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned Canadian Ambassador John McCallum and U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad.

Le warned both countries that Beijing would take steps based on their response. Asked Monday what those steps might be, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said only that "it totally depends on the Canadian side itself."

B.C. has already cancelled a trade mission to China amid fears China could detain Canadians in retaliation for Meng's detention.

Huawei, the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies, has become the target of U.S. security concerns because of its ties to the Chinese government. The U.S. has pressured other countries to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information.
Photo: Colin Dacre

A downtown Penticton property infamous for vagrancy issues is in new hands.

The former home of the Victory Church at 352 Winnipeg Street has sold to a Vancouver buyer for $1.425M, according to listing agent Phillip Fox.

He said architects are currently working on a new concept for the building that will include a new facade, additional windows and the enclosing of the parkade on the ground level.

Basically revitalizing that building and it will likely get divided up into three or four lease spaces to be leased out to commercial tenants, Fox said.

Development permits still need to be submitted to the city before any work can proceed on the 12,000-square-foot structure. The sale closed at the end of November.

Modular fences now surround the parkade, which has long been a hot spot for drug use and other street problems downtown.

Members of Victory Church now gather at the former Grace M.B. Church on Penticton Ave.
New Delhi:

Delhiites woke up to a smoggy Monday morning even as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the poor category. Major pollutants PM 2.5 -- fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometre, and PM 10 --- particulate matter 10 micrometer or less in diameter, were recorded at 260 and 258, respectively in the Lodhi Road area, while AQI in the Anand Vihar area was in the severe category. The national capitals air quality had dipped significantly on Sunday and the authorities had warned that it would deteriorate further in the next few days because of the fall in temperature that leads to the slower dispersion of pollutants.

Delhi: Major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 are at 260 and 258 respectively in Lodhi Road area, both in 'Poor' category, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data. pic.twitter.com/QGah6Zcygf  ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

The Central Pollution Control Board recorded an overall AQI of 377 on Sunday, which was the highest in the past 20 days. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said that the wind dispersion was low and on top of that the western disturbances might impact the regions air quality by bringing in moisture and making the air heavy. Moderate fog and fall in temperature might lead to an increase in pollution levels in the coming days.

Read More | Fuel continues downward trend, check December 10 prices here

However, things could turn for the better if a sufficient amount of rainfall occurs as predicted by the Meteorological Department of India. It can be expected that the air quality will hover around the poor category. "Levels of gaseous pollutants, NOx and CO are forecast to be enhanced -- up to moderate range -- after a long time due to a fall in boundary layer height and reduced vertical mixing," the SAFAR said.

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.

Also Read | Sunil Grover sends his best wishes to Kapil Sharma on his wedding

AQI categories:
New Delhi:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) recently released a notification regarding the invitation of applicants for the 50 posts of Executive Assistant in the Institute of Eminence (IoE) on its official website. The interested candidates are requested to apply for the post till December 20, 2018. A notification was released to fill a total of 50 vacant posts. It is to be noted that the candidates will be selected on contractual basis, which means they will initially be selected for one year which can be extended to a maximum of five years.

However, the extension of tenure depends on the annual performance of the candidates which is to be evaluated by the concerned Head and IoE Office.

Also Read | Not happy with CAT 2018 Answer Key? Raise your objection before December 10

Talking about the eligibility for the vacant post, candidates must hold a masters degree with 55 per cent marks from a recognised university/B.Tech with minimum 2 years experience in Project management or in academic administration. The age of the candidates should be less than 45 years.

The candidates will be selected on the basis of written test on Data Analysis and Communication Skills followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview. The selected candidates will get a pay of Rs 70,000-Rs 80,000 per month. They will also be entitled for an annual increment of 10 per cent every year, if the tenure is extended.

Also Read | NEET PG 2019 admit card issued on NBE website, more details inside

As per the guidelines available on the official website, there is a vacancy for a total of 50 seats out of which General category will have 27 seats reserved, OBC has 13 seats, SC/ST has 7 and 3 seats respectively.

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New Delhi:

Anushka Sharma is one of the leading ladies in the Bollywood fraternities. From being the Tani in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi to portray the character of specially-abled in also Shah Rukh-starrer Zero, Anushka has inspired many young minds and garnered a wide fan base. The actor has explored various quarters of the glamour world, from being a versatile actor to running her own production company to owning a fashion label. Anushka took to her Instagram account to cherish the memories of her 2010 release Band Baaja Baarat co-starring Ranveer Singh.

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Band Baaja Baarat is Anushkas one of the earliest projects. The romantic comedy flick was based in the backdrop of Delhi and had garnered huge appreciations from the critics. The film marks eight years of its completion on Monday. Not only was it one of the actress' earliest works, but it was also the debut for Ranveer. With the movie escalating high on success, Ranveer was catered to an overnight success.

The journey of Bittu and Shruti carved the entry of Ranveer in the film industry. Anushka shared a small video clip with some collages of her and Ranveer as their characters as the films background score play in the back. She wrote, #8YearsOfBandBaajaBaarat.

Produced under the banner of Yash Raj Films, the film proved to be a turning point in both the actors life.

The Sui Dhaaga actor made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 2008 release Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

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Meanwhile, Ranveer has been plastered all over the news for the last few months for his extravagant wedding ceremonies with Deepika Padukone. On the work front, the actor is busy with the promotions of his upcoming Rohit Shetty film Simmba. Also starring the fresh face of Bollywood, Sara Ali Khan, the movie is slated to hit the theatres on December 28.

Anushka, on the other hand, is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Zero. Zero, presents the story of Bauua, a vertically challenged man essayed by Shah Rukh Khan. Set against the backdrop of Meerut, the film presents a unique as well as a rooted story. Bringing back the super hit trio of Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaifand Anushka Sharma, Zero offers interesting performances with an unconventional storyline. The film to slated to release on December 21.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Sara Ali Khan, who made her Bollywood debut with Abhishek Kapooras Kedarnath opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, has already established herself as the next big thing in the showbiz industry. The rising star has garnered many appreciations for her acting prowess and had been attracting headlines, even before her debut. While her acting career might show a positive inclination, she is also ruling hearts with her impeccable charm and beauty. The young actor has also turned a fashionista icon overnight. However, Saraas journey to the glamour world has been quite intriguing.

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Once a flabby 96-kg girl to the hot avatar, Saraas makeover is truly fascinating and rather inspiring. The actor had to deal with weight issues for a long period of time but that did not seem to hinder her enchanting confidence. In an interview with SpotboyE.com, the Kedarnath star revealed her transformation journey from being the fat girl to the fashion icon! She said, aI was 96 kg at the time when I told my mother, sitting on the bed crying and saying, aMom, all I want to do is become an actor.a Then, she said that you need to lose weight. And, it took me about a year-and-half to lose that weight. So, I completed the remaining two years of my graduation in a year so that I can return and start working early.a

aI was always a chubby girl, but after going to the States, for the first two years, I put on a lot of weight and then last year, I burned all those kilos there itself. I think America is the place where you can really choose.A Jahaan aapko pizza milta hain, wahin aapko protein milta hain. Jahaan pe chocolate milta hain, wahin aapko salad milta hain. That was it. So, I lost all the weight that I had gained there and lots more by working out and maintaining a disciplined life," she further added.

However, while the young star was going through the transformation, mother Amrita Singh stood unaware about it. Sara revealed that she did not send the pictures of her shedding weight back home and even refrained from face-timing her mother. While Amrita waited at the airport to receive her star daughter, she could only recognise her because of the suitcases.

Also Read |A Isha Ambani-Anand Piramal Sangeet ceremony: Deepika-Ranveer, Aishwarya-Abhishek turn dancing sensations

aI was looking completely different. Obviously, 30 kg down, you ARE going to look different.aA

Sara, who made her Bollywood debut, with love saga was lauded by the critics and audiences across the country, for her outstanding performance.

The actor will soon be seen on the big screen oppositeA Ranveer SinghA inA Simmba, directed byA Rohit Shetty. Produced under the banner ofA Karan Joharas Dharma Production, the film is slated to hit the theatres on December 28.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Bollywood star Shahid Kapoor was in headlines last week after several reports of the actor being diagnosed with stomach cancer made rounds over the internet. Prior to the confirmation by Shahid himself, one of his family members had already rubbished the rumours. The family member told ABP that such rumours are unacceptable and how can people go about writing anything without any basis of truth. Now, the 37-year old actor has also come forward to clear the air about the rumours.

The Haider star took to Twitter to finally clear the air about his health conditions, he wrote, "Guys I'm totally fine please don't believe random stuff.

Last weekend, Shahid Kapoor was with his wife Mira Rajput and kids Misha and Zain in New Delhi and even shared an image of himself with Mira with a caption, "soaking up the sun.

Also Read | Koffee With Karan 6: Badshah reveals that he is a big Salarukh fan

On work front, Shahid will be seen in Kabir Singhs directorial venture, which is also a Hindi remake of the south Indian movie Arjun Reddy. The co-producer of the film, Ashwin Varde told Bombay Times that Shahid filmed some intense action scenes in Lonavala for four-five days and 12-13 hours daily before leaving for Delhi/

The movie is scheduled to hit the theatres on June 21, 2019.

Guys Im totally fine pl dont believe random stuff.  Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor) December 10, 2018

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The wait is over. The results for assembly elections to five states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Mizoram and Chhattisgarh, will be announced on Tuesday. The time of the start of vote counting is 8 am. Election trends will start coming out soon. All the arrangements have been made by the Election Commission for the successful completion of the counting process. To watch the election coverage, tune into News Nation. Or you can click here to watch the live telecast.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been in power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh since last 15 years. While the Congress is ruling Mizoram since 2008, K Chandrasekhar Rao alias KCR is facing the resurgent Congress-TDP alliance in Telangana, whereas Vasundhara Raje will try to end the tradition of 'Yo-Yo Politics' in Rajasthan.

In the 2013 Assembly elections, the BJP had won Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh decisively. The party under Shivraj Singh Chouhan had won 165 seats in the 230-member strong Assembly, while the Congress had managed to win only 58 seats.

In Chhattisgarh, Raman Singh had scored an impressive hat-trick with 49 seats in the Assembly of 90 seats. Vasundhara Raje had displaced Congress with a massive mandate in Rajasthan.

The Congress was able to retain Mizoram under Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla. The Congress party is contesting these elections without any CM face in four states apart from Mizoram.

Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot have emerged as the top contenders for CM's post in Rajasthan.

In Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia are the frontrunners for the chief minister's position. The party is facing a problem of plenty in Telangana and Chhattisgarh.

Several exit polls have predicted different outcomes for these five states. According to News Nation Exit Poll, the Congress party is likely to win Rajasthan and is also in a position to dislodge Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh.

However, the BJP is likely to be emerged as the single largest party in Madhya Pradesh. According to News Nation Exit Poll, the KCR-led TRS will remain the biggest party in the Telangana Assembly, while the Congress is expected to be shown a door by the MNF in Mizoram.

The election results 2018 are important as it could make a big impact on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. All the major political parties would want to end the year on a winning note.

In Madhya Pradesh, while Chouhan has called himself the "biggest surveyor" in claiming a win for the BJP, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath said his party would get at least 140 seats to oust the saffron party and form a majority government.

The state went to polls on November 28 with a voter turnout of about 75 per cent. As many as 2,899 candidates are in fray for 230 seats.

In Telangana, the fate of 1,821 candidates contesting the Telangana Assembly election will be decided on Tuesday when the counting of votes will be taken up.

The maiden polls for the 119-seat Telangana Assembly were held on December 7 with a voter turnout of 73.20 per cent.

Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar said necessary arrangements have been made for the counting day and the strongrooms, where EVMs are kept, secured with central paramilitary forces providing "first cordon of security."

Mizoram has 40 Assembly seats and the voting was held on November 28. More than 7.70 lakh voters had cast their vote.

In Rajasthan, as many as 2,274 candidates, including 187 women, are in the fray for 199 out of the 200 assembly constituencies in the state. The election in Alwar district's Ramgarh constituency has been postponed due to the death of Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) candidate Laxman Singh.

According to the State Election Commission, there are 4,77,89,815 voters in the state among whom, 2,28,28,018 are female and 2,49,61,560 male voters. There are 1,16,944 service voters whereas 15 NRI electors and 222 third gender electors in the state. Voter turnout recorded till 5 PM is 72.7 per cent.

The elections to the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly were conducted in two phases on November 12 and 20. The first phase of elections at 18 Assembly segments across the eight Naxal-hit districts took place on November 12. According to the Election Commission of India, a voter turnout of between 60-70 per cent was recorded at the Bastar division and the Rajnandgaon district under the shadow of the Maoist threat. In the second phase of polling held on November 20 in the 72 Assembly seats, the voter turnout was recorded at 71.93 per cent. The overall turnout was less by nearly three per cent as compared to the last elections, according to the top election body.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

A Delhi court sent Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper dealA case, to five-day Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) remand for his custodial interrogation.A The CBI said in the court that Michel was not cooperating in the investigation.

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in #AgustaWestland case, taken to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) remand. He has been sent 5 days of CBI remand by CBI Special Court. pic.twitter.com/aC5zVeRdby a ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

He was produced before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar after the expiry of his five-day CBI remand. The probe agency sought further remand of nine days for Michel's custodial interrogation saying he was not cooperating in the investigation of the case. At the outset, Michel withdrew his earlier bail plea and filed fresh detailed bail application.A

Michel's counsel opposed the CBI plea for further custody saying it was not required as no incriminating evidence has been shown to him till now.

On the CBI application for seeking specimen of handwriting and signature, the Special CBI Court asked Michel's counsel to file a reply. The court will hear this application on Tuesday.

The CBI agreed to give the British High Commission access to Michel. "We have already been approached by British counselors. We have allowed their plea of keeping their own counsel," said the CBI.

The Court fixed 30 minutes time, both in morning and evening every day, for the counsel of Michel. The CBI, however, wanted the counsel to visit only once a day.

Michel, who is a citizen of the United Kingdom, was brought to India on the night of December 4, following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case and later produced before the court which had allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI. The court had asked the CBI to provide all relevant documents, including the charge sheet, to Michel.

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.

A Michel, 54, landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on a Gulfstream jet at 10.35 pm on December 4 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 has denied the charges.

The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of Euro 398.21 million (about 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 SP 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.

Anglo-Italian company, AgustaWestland, is also one of the accused.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel stepped down, according Reuters on Monday. "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said.

Urjit R. Patel: On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years (File pic) pic.twitter.com/PAxQIiQ3hV a ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

"Support & hard work of RBI staff, officers & management has been proximate driver of Bankas considerable accomplishments in recent years. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to my colleagues&Directors of RBI Central Board & wish them all the best for future," he added.

Reacting to his resignation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability.

Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

"Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely."

Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

A In the past few weeks, the RBI and the finance ministry were on different page over issues ranging from the appropriate size of reserves to be maintained by the central bank to easing of lending norms for small and medium enterprises.

Last month, in an apparent defence of the government's demonetisation decision, Patel told lawmakers that the note ban's impact was transient and the economy is robust. Patel, who had appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, gave written responses on some of the controversial issues raised by the members, including the government citing never-used powers to get the central bank on the discussion table, said the lawmakers who were present in the meeting.





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New Delhi:

Top Opposition leaders huddled in New Delhi on Monday to discuss forging a grand alliance to take on the BJP-NDA in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting came a day before the results of the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls are scheduled to be announced and the winter session of Parliament is slated to begin.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the meeting was "very productive", and asked the RSS and the BJP to stop "assaulting" institutions and Indian Constitution.A aIn the middle of the meeting we were told that the BJP/RSS agenda is progressing and that RBI governor has resigned. There was consensus that we will work together to defeat BJP/RSS,a said Gandhi.

Gandhi added that the his party will fight against issues like Rafel fighter jets deal, demobilisation even in Parliament during the winter session scheduled to begin on Tueday.

Speaking the Opposition parties meeting, Gandhi said the goal is to defeat the BJP and "protect India's institutions".A

Also present at the meeting, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the BJP was behaving like a dictator, there should be a campaign against this rule. SheA proposed the Opposition should meet again on Tuesday and meet President Ram Nath Kovind on the RBI issue. On Monday, Reserve of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patel resigned citing his personal reasons.A A

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu coordinated the meeting. He had invited the leaders of all the non-BJP parties. The main agenda behind the meeting was to bring the opposition parties together to set aside their difference and fight as a team to defeat the BJP in the upcoming elections. Naidu, however, believes that it will not be easy to bring everybody on the same page, but it isnat impossible.

Besides Naidu, veteran Congress leader and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, DMK chief MK Stalin, former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah, and others attended the meeting at the Parliament House Annexe.

Delhi: Dr Manmohan Singh, Mamata Banerjee, Chandrababu Naidu, Arvind Kejriwal, Farooq Abdullah, MK Stalin and others arrive at Parliament House Annexe for meeting of opposition parties pic.twitter.com/sWEv6b4tIO a ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

According to news agency ANI, a total of 17 parties were present at the meeting. There had been no representation from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP).

Earlier in the day, Stalin met Kejriwal, hours before the meeting of opposition parties.

Sources in the AAP said during the 20-minute meeting held at the Chief Minister's residence, Stalin stressed on the opposition unity ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president also asked Kejriwal to drop his "resistance" against the Congress and come together to strengthen opposition unity to remove the BJP-led government at the Centre, sources added.

Kejriwal was also expected to meet Mamata Banerjee prior to the meeting.

(With agency inputs)

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Photo: The Canadian Press

The bail hearing for a senior executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei who is wanted by the United States on allegations of fraud has heard about plans for her security if she is released.

A former RCMP officer and head of a private security firm told B.C. Supreme Court on Monday he is developing a plan to provide security for Meng Wanzhou, the company's chief financial officer.

News of Meng's arrest last week shook world stock markets and derailed British Columbia's trade mission to China on the weekend as the Chinese government warned Canada of "grave consequences" if Meng is not released.

The United States wants to extradite Meng to face fraud allegations related to business it says the company did with Iran in violation of sanctions. Canadian authorities arrested the high-profile technology executive while she was travelling through Vancouver's airport on Dec. 1.

Scot Filer said his company, Lions Gate Risk Management Group, has never monitored anyone on bail but former police officers and a driver would provide around-the clock surveillance of Meng and make a citizen's arrest if she were to violate any bail conditions.

Filer said Meng's lawyer contacted him last Wednesday to put together a plan. He said he has met with her family and checked her home in Vancouver.

Under his company's proposal, Meng's travels would be restricted to the city and surrounding municipalities, and she would be monitored using a dedicated encrypted network.

Outside court, a protester said Canada is helping the United States do its "dirty work" by arresting her.

Protester Ada Yu, who lives in Vancouver and is originally from China, said she doesn't think the U.S. has a strong case against Meng and it appears to be politically motivated. Yu said Meng's arrest is a violation of a Chinese citizen's legal rights.

When the bail hearing began Friday, a federal prosecutor alleged that Huawei used its subsidiary Skycom to do business with Iranian telecommunications companies between 2009 and 2014.

The company has said it is not aware of any wrongdoing by Meng and her lawyer, David Martin, said no charge or indictment has been filed against his client, just a warrant.

Martin said Meng's 2013 presentation to an executive at HSBC was prepared by numerous employees at Huawei. The presentation did assert that Huawei operates in Iran in strict compliance with applicable laws and sanctions, he said.
New Delhi:

Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief and Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday. He has also resigned from the Union Cabinet. After quitting the alliance, the RLSP chief attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time and said the Prime Minister couldn't meet the expectations of the people of Bihar. He also added that nothing was done for the special status demand and Bihar is still where it was earlier. "I had a bitter experience. I had attempted to put forth my words strongly while in the NDA so that the people of Bihar get justice. But even after all these efforts, the BJP stood with the Bihar CM. Nitishji has done injustice to people on all fronts," he said in his press conference. I stand dejected, betrayed by your leadership, says Kushwaha in his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kushwaha is likely to attend the 13-party opposition meet on Monday, the sources said. He has been hitting out at the BJP and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after the BJP asserted that the RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Kushwaha had been demanding a respectable share of Lok Sabha seats for his party. However, as per the latest seat sharing formula, the BJP and the Nitish Kumars JD-U are likely to contest on 17 seats each and the rest six seats may go in the kitty of Ram Vilas Paswans LJP.

Sources: RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha resigns as Union Minister pic.twitter.com/1wKs7AXI3H  ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2018

Also Read | These 11 parties left PM Narendra Modi since 2014 Lok Sabha elections

With the Winter Session of Parliament set to commence on December 11, Kushwahas quitting the alliance will change the political equation of Bihar. Kushwaha is likely to announce his parting of ways with the BJP today. He will also quit as a Union minister, a senior RLSP leader said as quoted by news agency PTI. The RLSP may join hands with the opposition, which includes Lalu Prasads RJD and the Congress. Bihar sends 40 MPs to Lok Sabha.

Read More | Madhya Pradesh election 2018: When and where to watch live coverage

Kushwaha had given the BJP a November 30 deadline to finalise the seat-sharing formula between the NDA partners in Bihar. However, he didnt receive any response from the ruling party.

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New Delhi:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel resigned on Monday, citing apersonal reasonsa. His resignation came four days ahead of a crucial meeting of the board of the central bank that could have discussed issues of growing differences with the government. The government seems to have accepted his resignation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying Patel will be missed "immensely".

No announcement of Patel's replacement has yet been made.

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately," Patel said. "It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years."

Here is how political leaders, economists reacted to Urjit Patel's resignation:A A A

PM Modi: aDr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability.

Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high calibre with a deep and insightful understanding of macro-economic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order and ensured discipline. Under his leadership, the RBI brought financial stability. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

aDr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely.a

Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity. He has been in the Reserve Bank of India for about 6 years as Deputy Governor and Governor. He leaves behind a great legacy. We will miss him immensely. a Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2018

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley: aThe Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship.a

The Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr. Urjit Patel to this country both in his capacity as the Governor and the Deputy Governor of The RBI. It was a pleasure for me to deal with him and benefit from his scholarship. (1/2) a Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) December 10, 2018

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan: aBelieve resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel is a matter of great concern. Resignation by a government servant is a note of protest when faced with circumstances they cannot deal withaThe government needs to understand what prompted this act by Urjit Patel.a

Congress president Rahul Gandhi: "With the RBI Governor's resignation one more independent institution has fallen. The BJP has demolished every temple of modern India and if not stopped, will surely destroy India itself."

With the RBI Governor's resignation one more independent institution has fallen. The BJP has demolished every temple of modern India and if not stopped, will surely destroy India itself.



#UrjitPatel a Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 10, 2018

Former PM Manmohan Singh: "I've known Dr Patel to be an economist of high repute and also someone who cared deeply about Indiaas financial institutions and economic policy. His sudden resignation is unfortunate and a severe blow to nationas economy.a

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh issues statement on the resignation of Urjit Patel from the office of RBI Governor.



Sudden resignation of Urjit Patel is unfortunate and a severe blow to nationas economy, says Dr. Singh. pic.twitter.com/CQ2usGjm6q a The Leaflet (@TheLeaflet_in) December 10, 2018

Former finance minister P Chidambaram: aSaddened, not surprised, by Dr Urjit Patel's resignation. No self respecting scholar or academic can work in this government.a

Saddened, not surprised, by Dr Urjit Patel's resignation. No self respecting scholar or academic can work in this government. a P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 10, 2018

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee: aWeall meet the President because financial stability is not there, the Reserve Bank of India Governor has resigned. It is a matter of great concern in this country and the financial emergency has already started.a

This has never happened before. This is unprecedented. We are deeply concerned. The RBI is the custodian of public money. The credibility of all institutions is being destroyed. This is a financial and economic emergency a Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 10, 2018

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu: aThe resignation of RBI Governor Sri Urjit Patel is a sad culmination of BJP led union govt's destructive efforts to demolish critical national institutions. First CBI, now RBI. If this destruction continues, no institution will survive and Indian democracy will be in deep danger.a

The resignation of RBI Governor Sri Urjit Patel is a sad culmination of BJP led union govt's destructive efforts to demolish critical national institutions. First CBI, now RBI. If this destruction continues, no institution will survive and Indian democracy will be in deep danger. a N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 10, 2018

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal: aRBI governor Urjit Patel has been eased out since he refused to allow the Modi govt to plunder Rs Three lakh crore of RBI reserves. Now Modi govt will get a more pliable RBI governor who will allow this loot.a

RBI governor Urjit Patel has been eased out since he refused to allow the Modi govt to plunder Rs Three lakh crore of RBI reserves. Now Modi govt will get a more pliable RBI governor who will allow this loot a Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 10, 2018

Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy: aHis resignation will be bad for our economy, the RBI and government. He should at least stay till July, until the next govt comes to power. The PM should call him and find out the reason and dissuade him from leaving in larger public interest.a

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal: A aUrjit Patel's resignation , result of arrogance of a government's attempt to stymie yet another institution and erode its autonomy . Economic policy should not be driven by politics alone . When PM , not economists , takes economic decisions the mess is for all to see .a

Urjit Patel's resignation , result of arrogance of a government's attempt to stymie yet another institution and erode its autonomy .



Economic policy should not be driven by politics alone .



When PM , not economists , takes economic decisions the mess is for all to see . a Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) December 10, 2018

Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani: aResignation of Urjit Patel is, undoubtedly, an outcome of the never ending unreasonable intervention on the part of the PMO. Isn't this most evident.The reasons given by Mr.Patel for his resignation are to avoid any controversy. 'We the people' need to worry about our pockets.a

Resignation of Urjit Patel is, undoubtedly, an outcome of the never ending unreasonable intervention on the part of the PMO. Isn't this most evident.The reasons given by Mr.Patel for his resignation are to avoid any controversy. 'We the people' need to worry about our pockets. a Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) December 10, 2018

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayana: aThe resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel is disturbing, though there is little to be surprised about it. The incumbent Government at the Centre has time and again proven their expertise in destroying Institutions. The voices of reason and sanity are being stifled.a

The resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel is disturbing, though there is little to be surprised about it. The incumbent Government at the Centre has time and again proven their expertise in destroying Institutions. The voices of reason and sanity are being stifled. a Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) December 10, 2018

Patel's three-year term was to end in September 2019 and he was eligible for a second term like most of his successors barring a few like his outspoken predecessor Raghuram Rajan.

For last few weeks, he seemed to have been at loggerheads with the finance ministry on matters ranging from the appropriate size of the reserves the central bank must hold to the easing of lending norms for sectors such as small and medium enterprises.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

In a first, China launched a rover on Saturday that will land on the far side of the moon, according to the official Xinhua news agency. This would provide a fillip to Chinas ambitions of becoming a space superpower. The Change-4 lunar probe mission  named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology  was launched on a Long March 3B rocket from the southwestern Xichang launch centre in the pre-dawn hours. The launch marked the start of the journey to the unexplored side of the moon, which is mountainous and rugged. It is expected to land around the New Year to carry out experiments and explore the untrodden terrain. The near side of the moon is tidally locked and always faces the earth, and offers many flat areas to touch down on.

It was only in 1959 that the Soviet Union captured the first images of the heavily cratered surface, uncloaking some of the mystery of the moons dark side. No lander or rover has ever touched the surface there and if the Change-4 manages to do the same, it will be global first. A major challenge for such a mission is communicating with the robotic lander: as the far side of the moon always points away from earth, there is no direct line of sight for signals.

Read More | In a first, NASA's InSight records sound waves from Mars

As a solution, China in May blasted the Queqiao satellite into the moons orbit, positioning it so that it can relay data and commands between the lander and earth.

According to the Chinese state media, Change-4 was being sent to the Aitken Basin in the lunar South Pole region known for its craggy and complex terrain. The probe was carrying six experiments from China and four from abroad. They include low-frequency radio astronomical studies aiming to take advantage of the lack of interference on the far side mineral tests, and experiments planting a potato and other seeds.

Also Read | Aliens may have already visited Earth, says NASA scientist

To add to the challenges, during the lunar night  which lasts 14 earth days  temperatures will drop as low as minus 173 degrees Celsius, while during the lunar day, also lasting 14 earth days, temperatures rocket as high as 127C. Instruments must withstand those fluctuations and generate enough energy to sustain it during the long night.

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New Delhi:

In what seems to be an unexpected turn of events, it has been reported that US President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner offered some real pieces of advice to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman after the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Ivanka Trump's husband Kushner and MBS are to share an informal friendly relationship, according to a report in the New York Times. Kushner, who is also the senior adviser to the president, offered advice on how to weather the storm in the aftermath of the Saudi journalists murder in the Saudi consulate in Turkeys Istanbul on October 2.

Kushner and MBS held one-to-one chats despite White House protocol that stipulated that the National Security Council staff be present on all talks with foreign leaders.

Read More | India vs Australia 1st Test live score and updates: Paine steady for hosts, Kohli's side eye win

A White House spokesman told the Times in a statement, "Jared has always meticulously followed protocols and guidelines regarding the relationship with MBS and all of the other foreign officials with whom he interacts," referring to the crown prince by his initials.

White House officials declined to explain those protocols and guidelines to the Times or to comment on Kushner's one-on-one communications with bin Salman since the killing of Khashoggi.

October 2, Khashoggi was reported missing after stepping into the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey to collect the paperwork that would let him marry his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz, who later said that he never returned from the building.

Saudi Arabia had confirmed its role in Khashoggis killing after being pressed for an investigation after days of denial. Last week after a highly classified briefing by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director Gina Haspel, US senators were certain that the Saudi crown prince was involved in Khashoggis killing. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker had said that if the crown prince were to appear before a jury, he would be convicted in 30 minutes, according to news reports.

Also Read | Mexico's Vanessa Ponce De Leon wins Miss World 2018

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 two months later.

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Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

The Connecticut State Bond Commission is issuing debt for $5 million as the launchpad for a new Apprenticeship Connecticut program, designed to draw workers into careers where the state is seeing persistent labor shortages including manufacturing.

The Connecticut General Assembly has earmarked $50 million for the program over time, with the state Department of Labor required to reach out to industry partners by the start of 2019.
+BROOKFIELD  As Brookfield paraprofessionals negotiate for better pay and more affordable health care costs, educators are emphasizing their value in the schools.

The districts para-educators earn between about $15 to $30 an hour and have higher health care costs than teachers, administrators, nurses and secretaries.

Many also have bachelors degrees, masters degrees or are certified in special education, said Tim Riddle, president of the Brookfield Paraeducator Association.

You have a pretty highly educated group of people here and they are making $15 an hour, he said at the most recent school board meeting. Thats not fair. It's not proportional to everyone else.

He added para-educators do not earn a pension or paid holidays.

The district has 63 para-educators with a few open positions, said Superintendent John Barile, who declined to comment further.

The average paraprofessional in the state earns $15.20 an hour, which is 21 percent higher than the national average, according to Indeed.

Para-educators in New Fairfield, too, have recently demanded higher pay. These employees signed a new contract at the end of the summer that would give paraprofessionals an 11 percent raise by July. The New Fairfield para-educators had a starting rate of $12.23 an hour.

A handful of paraprofessionals and others dressed in pink at school board meeting to show their support for these employees.

Among the supporters was Marsi Boon, a special education teacher at Whisconier Middle School, who said she works with some of the students with the most intense needs.

I couldnt do it without them (the para-educators), even with the small amount of kids I have in my classroom, Boon said. I have special people working with special kids. Without them, I just could not meet the needs of those children.

The push at the school board meeting was part of an effort to raise awareness for the work para-educators do in the midst of what Riddle expects will be a challenging negotiation session.

Brookfield is a very tough group, he said. They are the toughest in Connecticut to negotiate with.

Riddle said paraprofessionals work individually with special needs students.

We work very hard with kids on a face-to-face basis where they are not going to get that sort of attention with a teacher, he said.

Sue Crean, the librarian at Whisconier Middle School, said she sees every day the challenges para-educators face as they work with students with the biggest needs.

I could not do the job of a paraprofessional, she said. It takes a really special person and its a lot of work and they make so much impact (on the students).

In Brookfield, general para-educators earned between $15.75 to $21.29 an hour in 2017-18, a slight raise from 2016-17 when they earned $15.36 to $20.77 an hour, according to the most recent contract.

Para-educators who provide student support within an applied behavioral analysis program earned more, raking in between $23.88 to $29.35 an hour in 2017-18 and $23.30 to $28.63 an hour in 2016-17, according to the contract.

Meanwhile, para-professionals must contribute 40 percent of health insurance costs for a two-person and family plan. Secretaries and nurses contributed 13 percent, while administrators and teachers paid 20.5 percent in 2017-18, according to their contracts.

Crean said the district needs to retain para-educators by providing better pay and health care.

We need to focus on how important it is that we attract quality people, she said. The only way we keep our quality people is by being fair in terms of pay and health.
Ramsey Bearse has long been accustomed to appearing before an audience.

She was entranced by the sound of the fiddle as a teenager and soon jumped in with older musicians at bluegrass joints in Kentucky, crafting a stage persona with a trademark instrument.

"I have been known as the 'Girl with the Green Fiddle' a lot longer than I've been known as Miss Kentucky," Bearse said in 2014 during the preliminary competitions for Miss America.

But on Friday, Bearse, now a middle school science teacher outside Charleston, West Virginia, appeared before an audience of one - a magistrate judge who read four felony counts accusing her of sending nude photos of herself to a 15-year-old former student over Snapchat.

Bearse admitted to sending the photos to the male student after his parents alerted authorities, The Associated Press reported, citing court documents. She had been the student's teacher for part of his time at Andrew Jackson Middle School, the AP reported.

A Kanawha County Magistrate Court judge told Bearse the charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. She declined to provide comment to reporters at the county court, and her attorney, A.L. Emch, did not return a request for comment.

Bearse was suspended from her position at the school, the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office said Friday on Facebook, and was released on a $10,000 property bond following her arraignment.

A spokesman for Kanawha County Schools did not return a request for comment. Bearse was listed as an employee on the school's website as of Saturday morning.

It is not clear whether authorities believe other students received explicit photos from Bearse. The sheriff's office urged anyone with information on the case or similar instances to contact investigators.

The Miss America pageant did not return a request for comment about their former contestant, who competed under her maiden name of Carpenter.

Bearse, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, made raising awareness and research funds for the illness part of her Miss American platform four years ago.

She had already lined up to speak before neurologists at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society following the pageant, according to a story from the Lexington Herald-Leader.

"I just want to help people understand the disease," she told the newspaper at the time.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Monday that Democrats shouldn't focus on investigating President Donald Trump when they retake the House majority in January because there are bigger issues facing the country.

In an interview with Fox News Channel, McCarthy also dismissed the news that Russians interacted with at least 14 Trump associates during the 2016 campaign and the presidential transition, casting such encounters as common in an "international city" such as Washington.

And he played down the significance of a new court filing that directly implicates Trump in plans to buy the silence of women alleging affairs with him, arguing that the matter amounts to little more than a routine campaign finance violation.

"Well, it's a challenge," McCarthy told Fox News Channel's Bill Hemmer when asked about Democrats' return to the majority in January. "It looks like what they're going to focus on is just more investigations. I think America's too great of a nation to have such a small agenda."

He added that there are "other problems out there that we really should be focused upon" and that "both sides have come up with nothing" in investigating Trump.

Critics were quick to point out that in 2014, McCarthy and other House Republican leaders set up a special committee dedicated to investigating the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya, in which four Americans were killed. The following year, in an interview with Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity, McCarthy credited the panel with having put a dent in Hillary Clinton's poll numbers.

"Everybody thought Hillary Clinton was unbeatable, right?" McCarthy said at the time. "But we put together a Benghazi special committee, a select committee. What are her numbers today? Her numbers are dropping. Why? Because she's untrustable. But no one would have known any of that had happened had we not fought."

Democrats fired back at McCarthy, noting that Republicans also spent a considerable amount of time probing Clinton's emails.

"Hey @GOPLeader - kinda how you investigated @HillaryClinton's emails for years, & actually went on TV to say you created a panel to politicize the deaths of Americans for the purpose of affecting Secretary Clinton's chances at being elected @POTUS?" Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, said Monday in a tweet.

In Monday's interview, McCarthy echoed other Republicans such as Sen. Rand Paul, Ky., who have cast Trump's involvement in plans to buy women's silence as a minor campaign finance violation. Democrats have cast the issue in a far more serious light, with Rep. Adam Schiff, Calif., saying Sunday that Trump "may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time" because of the matter.

"If Schiff is taking this beyond, to go forward and say there's an impeachable offense because of a campaign finance problem, there's a lot of members in Congress who would have to leave," McCarthy said. He also took aim at Schiff personally, telling Hemmer that "his credibility is rather low inside Washington for his members on either side of the aisle."

McCarthy also suggested that reports detailing the extent of contacts between Russians and Trump associates were much ado about nothing. Over the course of his 18-month presidential campaign, Russian nationals made contact with some of Trump's closest family members and friends - interactions that prosecutors say took place amid "sustained efforts by the Russian government to interfere with the U.S. presidential election."

"If you're in an international city, people interact with a lot of individuals. . . . But did they affect the election or the outcome?" McCarthy said. "Every investigation, the House and the Senate, says they did not. Did they talk with the president? That wasn't the case."
Photo: The Canadian Press

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr wants to be granted a Canadian passport to travel to Saudi Arabia and permission to speak to his controversial sister.

Khadr, who is now 32, will be back in the Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton Thursday to apply for changes to his bail conditions which were imposed while he appeals war crime convictions by a U.S. military commission.

An affidavit by Khadr filed with the court says the impact of his bail conditions are mainly psychological  a daily reminder of what he went through.

"I feel like the indefinite and potentially endless detention that I suffered in Guantanamo Bay is continuing," he wrote. "I hope that there will be some end to this process, but there is none in sight."

Khadr spent years in U.S. detention at Guantanamo Bay after he was caught when he was 15 and accused of tossing a grenade that killed special forces soldier Christopher Speer in Afghanistan in 2002.

He says in his affidavit that he would like to be able to speak on the phone or over Skype to his sister Zaynab Khadr. He is also asking to perform the Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia which is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims once in their lifetime.

"For this reason, I would like to apply for a Canadian passport," he said in the document.

Zaynab Khadr has spoken in favour of al-Qaida and was investigated in Canada more than a decade ago for helping the terrorist network, but she was never charged.

"My sister Zaynab is not presently in Canada," Khadr said in the document. "She is living with her husband and family. As far as I am aware, she is not in any sort of trouble."

The rules of Khadr's bail allow him to meet with her but only in the presence of his bail supervisor or one of his lawyers.

Khadr also needs permission to travel outside Alberta, and has made several trips to Toronto both to visit his family and deal with a civil lawsuit there to enforce a judgement granted against him in Utah.

In his affidavit, Khadr said he has been volunteering with an organization that helps refugees integrate into the community and has earned his high school diploma. Khadr said he is happily married and was accepted into a nursing program, but has been unable to devote himself to study due to his legal issues.

"My reintegration into the community has been filled with happiness and not bitterness," he wrote. "I have no anger towards anyone and I have been getting on with my life. I have made many friends, and I am proud and happy to be a Canadian citizen living in Canada.

"I have not gotten into any trouble of any kind with the authorities."
WASHINGTON - Staffers in President Donald Trump's White House are measured by longevity. There's the November 9th Club, the nickname for those who joined after Trump won the election. There are those who joined the campaign earlier, but only after he secured the nomination. And there are a few who came on board when his campaign was largely viewed as a joke by the GOP establishment - and everyone else.

Few in Trump's White House have a history with him that dates as far back as Stephanie Grisham.

For nearly two years, she served as communications director for first lady Melania Trump. A few weeks ago, she received a promotion to deputy chief of staff for communications and has become one of the more powerful figures in the ever-evolving Trump White House. Back in the summer of 2015, she was a lowly press wrangler on Trump's campaign.

On a hot July day 3 1/2 years ago, Grisham - who had long lived in Arizona - was the person tapped to handle press for the candidate's early and pivotal rally in Phoenix. Trump was a month into his run for president and ranked seventh in the Republican field. He had the controversial Sheriff Joe Arpaio introduce him at the event, which was carried live on cable news. After his speech, Trump's jumped to third place in the Republican primary rankings.

Before joining Trump's long-shot campaign, Grisham was a local political operative who had worked on Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign for president. She's seen now as one of the "unbroken threads," says Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, referring to campaign staffers who stuck with Trump and are now working in the White House. (By this measure, Grisham's thread is about a year longer than Conway's, who joined the campaign in July 2016.)

"During the campaign she developed a good relationship with the president and that's carried through," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders says. "She has developed a great amount of trust from both the president and the first lady, which is a pretty high commodity here," Sanders adds. "There aren't a lot of people who have a lot of regular interaction with both of them."

Grisham's role has drawn attention for her acerbic statements directed at those who have crossed Melania Trump and her husband. When Trump attacked Mika Brzezinski in the summer of 2017 and claimed falsely in a tweet that she was "bleeding badly from a facelift," rather than shying away from the controversy, Grisham offered this statement on Melania Trump's behalf: "When her husband gets attacked, he will punch back 10 times harder." When Donald Trump's first wife, Ivana Trump, cheekily called herself the "first Trump wife" and therefore "the first lady" while promoting a book last year, Grisham called Ivana "attention-seeking and self-serving." Grisham even got into an argument on Twitter with Issa Rae after the actress said in an interview that she would cancel her show "Insecure" if she learned that Melania Trump was a fan.

Aides describe the relationship between Trump and Grisham as one built on mutual protection and trust. "The resistance wants the first lady to be a victim, and she hates being seen that way," one of her aides said. If anything, "Grisham makes clear that she is not."

Members of the White House are also learning that Grisham is not someone with whom to tangle. In preparation for Melania Trump's first solo trip abroad, which she took to Africa this fall, deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel clashed with members of the first lady's staff. Upon their return, Grisham and the first lady's chief of staff, Lindsay Reynolds, approached White House Chief of Staff John Kelly about the issue. When he took no apparent action, Grisham spoke directly to Melania Trump, who in turn spoke to her husband privately. Then, when still nothing happened, Grisham suggested to the first lady a different strategy: Without giving the West Wing warning, Grisham put out a statement: "It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House."

Within days, Ricardel was out of the White House.

The following week, Grisham declined to comment for this story, saying in an email: "I feel strongly that I should never be the story (I know that is laughable to say after this week!), so will decline participation on this one, only to say it has been the greatest honor of my career to work for both the President and First Lady."

Still Grisham's statement calling for the ouster of a West Wing official was highly unusual, according to scholars of both the presidency and the East Wing. While other first ladies have made their preferences known, as happened, famously, when Nancy Reagan helped push out her husband's chief of staff, Donald Regan, never before has the East Wing issued a statement that resulted in the dismissal of a member of the West Wing, notes Myra Gutin, a professor of communications who studies the history of first ladies at Rider University in New Jersey.

"She's got a notch in her belt," says Tom Horne, the former Arizona attorney general who hired Grisham after she left the Romney campaign. "She's gotten someone fired. That's a big achievement!" Who has the notch? The first lady or her communications director?

Horne clarified: "Stephanie was the one who issued the statement." Horne says he had his own run-ins with political opposition, and Grisham defended him. "She's a very loyal type of person and when there are unfair attacks she responds strongly."

Melania Trump appears to be pushing back in more significant ways. Tension between the first lady's staff and Kelly, White House chief of staff, has grown in recent months, according to three current White House officials familiar with the dynamic. Staffers in the first lady's office felt repeatedly slighted by him. The president announced over the weekend that Kelly would be leaving by the end of the year.

If the Ricardel move was unusual, Grisham's habit of adding her name to statements from the East Wing is also uncommon, Gutin says. Typically, a first lady's communications director is not well known and issues bland statements.

"Among first lady scholars there are many things about Melania Trump that we don't quite understand," says Gutin. "Whatever Ms. Grisham is doing becomes part of this larger riddle. It's just so hard to pin down."

Part of a small and chaotic campaign, Grisham spent months virtually living with the traveling press covering candidate Trump as they crisscrossed the country, flying together and bunking in hotels. She won their appreciation by being an advocate for media access and watching out for them on the trail.

In one notable incident, Mike Pence's campaign plane slid off the tarmac at La Guardia during an icy night in October 2016. Before it could fly again, the landing gear needed to be fixed. But there was no time to wait for a repair.

Pence, his staff, and the press traveling with him needed to be off again the next morning to hit the vice presidential candidate's next campaign stop.

Pence's staff argued that they should be able to take over the Trump press plane, which was "wrapped" with a Trump logo. Trump traveled on his own plane and the press assigned to report on his campaign paid for and covered him by trailing along in a separate aircraft. Grisham stood up to Pence's staff and advocated for Trump's press corps to keep the plane, a move that garnered goodwill among a weary bunch of reporters.

She had similarly good relationships with journalists on the Romney campaign, according to journalists who worked with her then. On one occasion, the Romney plane was delayed until late into the night, and Grisham was there when the press arrived to welcome them to their overnight accommodations. "Everyone was sleep-deprived and cranky," recalls one of the reporters on the trip. "She was waiting with warm milk and cookies, which goes a long way at a time like that."

Before the Romney campaign, Grisham created her own small public relations firm, worked for AAA Arizona, the Arizona Charter Schools Association, and Larson Public Relations, which represents education reform clients across the country.

In 2013 and 2015, Grisham was stopped for driving under the influence, according to Arizona court records. She paid all associated fines and disclosed both incidents to the White House during the transition.

When Donald Trump was elected, Grisham joined the press office as one of press secretary Sean Spicer's deputies. She was hired into Melania Trump's East Wing in March 2017.

The rapport "was instantaneous," says White House social secretary Anna Cristina Niceta Lloyd, who is known as Rickie.

Lloyd recalled Grisham, whose colleagues call her by her last name, volunteering to help Reynolds, the first lady's chief of staff, with a press question. Reynolds had been in her job about a month and found Grisham "really helpful, and it was a bit of a gut feeling," Lloyd says.

Melania Trump knew Grisham from the campaign trail and invited her over to meet more of the East Wing staff.

"I love working with her because she captures what the first lady wants in terms of perspective but also in terms of her voice," says Daniel Fisher, director of the White House Visitors Office, which is housed in the East Wing. "They've really melded together."

East Wing staffers note frequently how dedicated Trump is to her son, Barron, and cite her time with him as part of the reason for her light public schedule as compared with her predecessors. Grisham, who is a 42-year-0ld single mother of two boys, plays a role in looking out for Barron, whom she can relate to because her younger son is about the same age.

Grisham's transition from campaign mode to White House staff has not always been clearly demarcated. On July 11, Grisham tweeted: "Three years ago today I listened to my gut & joined the Trump team in #PHX . . . & life has never been the same. So proud to work for both @POTUS @realDonaldTrump & @FLOTUS #MAGA." The U.S. office of special counsel sent Grisham a letter warning that she had violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits White House officials from advocating for or against candidates.

Grisham and the first lady are in touch daily, according to East Wing staffers. "Stephanie more than most is on the front lines of pretty much everything that goes on that is visible," Fisher added.

Case in point: the headline-grabbing spectacle of the coat.

The morning of Melania Trump's trip to a Texas detention facility housing children who had been separated from their parents at the border, Grisham was already in the motorcade on the way to the airport by the time the first lady stepped out of the White House, dressed for the day.

The still photographs of Trump wearing her green jacket emblazoned with I REALLY DON'T CARE, DO U? blew up on Twitter. Grisham was shown one of the still photos of the first lady when the plane was still in the air, according to people traveling with her. When Melania Trump stepped off the plane in Texas, she left the jacket on board.

But on the flight back to Washington, more stories published on the puzzling outfit choice. And in true Trump fashion, Melania Trump put the coat back on to walk back into the White House - "at that point she had to own it; you can't say you screwed up in Trumpworld," says one veteran political reporter. She headed straight for the Oval Office, trailed by Grisham and Reynolds, according to three people who were there.

Grisham told reporters, "It's a jacket. There was no hidden meaning." She followed up with a tweet decrying the media's focus on the first lady's wardrobe, not her work, and added two hashtags: #SheCares #ItsJustAJacket.

But the president had his own interpretation. His wife did mean to send a message - to the liberal media. His tweet contradicted Grisham's statement and lashed out at the media. " 'I REALLY DON'T CARE, DO U?' written on the back of Melania's jacket, refers to the Fake News Media. Melania has learned how dishonest they are, and she truly no longer cares!" he wrote.

"There's always something that pops up along the way that we don't anticipate, but I think Grisham did the best she could at the time, and handled it effectively," says one of her colleagues.

Another East Wing staffer notes that everyone on Melania Trump's staff - which now numbers 12 - feels protective of the first lady and each other. "There's always something out there to hurt or shame" her, one says. "There's something every day that we could be affected by that the media deems disgraceful or impeachable so you go and you do your job and you serve the president and the first lady you see in front of you, not the people the media portrays."

But both the president and the first lady pay keen attention to their own media portrayals. Melania Trump in particular watches more television news and follows more coverage than she lets on, according to current staffers.

"The difference is that whereas the president will tweet himself and react himself," says one White House official, "she's got Stephanie."

- - -

Washington Post researcher Alice Crites contributed to this report.
As the cradle of democracy, Greece knows better than most countries what politics is all about. Yet, for the last eight years, any discussions between lawmakers from the left and right there have been overshadowed by the country's economic collapse, and the string of rescue programs put together by the European Union and International Monetary Fund.

Athens has been locked in permanent confrontation with its European partners, which culminated in the showdown of 2015 when Greece very nearly exited the euro after a dramatic referendum. Politicians of every persuasion had little room for maneuver, as economic policy was dictated by the "memoranda of understanding" with its financial rescuers, who imposed budget consolidation and structural reforms.

Greece left its third adjustment program in August, and it's refreshing to feel a hint of a return to politics as usual ahead of next year's general election. Politicians have largely stopped blaming Brussels, and seem more focused on what they might do for voters. The confrontation between Syriza, the left-wing governing party, and New Democracy, the center-right opposition that's leading in the polls, is fierce. But it offers the impression of a country that's longing for normality.

An improving economy helps. Greece's gross domestic product is on course to expand by about 2 percent this year as exports start to pick up. Unemployment has finally fallen below 20 percent after peaking at nearly 30 percent in 2013. Of course, many companies remain reluctant to invest because of high taxes and a deteriorating business environment. Poverty levels remain intolerable. But there is a slight break from the endless woes - some self-inflicted - that marred the Greek economy for most of this decade.

The fiscal outlook is brighter too. Greek national debt still stands at nearly 180 percent of GDP. But the country is meeting the targets demanded by its creditors. The primary surplus in the first 10 months of this year stood at nearly 6.5 billion euros ($7.4 billion). That gives the government room to avoid more cuts and raise discretionary spending.

The political debate has shifted. Both Syriza and New Democracy now accept that Greece needs the confidence of its European partners and international investors. Brussels and Berlin are still blamed for deepening the crisis, but that's no longer the main focus of Greek politicians. Their eyes are set on next year's general election: a political battle that might define Greece's economic model for years to come.

Alexis Tsipras, the prime minister who took Greece to the brink of a euro exit and then back, believes it's time to help those left behind during the recession. Syriza pays lip service to helping companies, flouting a corporate tax cut from 29 percent to 25 percent over the next four years. But the party's main interest lies elsewhere. It wants to beef up the public sector by hiring more workers in education and local government; restore collective wage bargaining; and increase the minimum wage, pensions and social benefits.

The priorities of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, New Democracy's leader, are radically different. The Harvard-educated businessman wants spending cuts to help him fund a generous tax reduction. He would outsource public services, while slashing corporation tax to 20 percent. He also wants to overhaul pensions, strengthening private provision.

Syriza politicians dismiss New Democracy as "neoliberal" and incapable of repairing Greece's torn social fabric. But they have a very sketchy record to defend. The last recession was largely self-caused, as Tsipras and his then finance minister Yanis Varoufakis insisted on confronting creditors. Greece has lost out on some of the best years of the European recovery. The comparison with Portugal - which grew by more than 12 percent between 2014 and 2017, while Greece stagnated - is brutal.

Domestic investors are desperate for change. Some moved to Bulgaria and Cyprus, attracted by lower taxes. Others point to the lack of progress on reform, as well as the attack on independent institutions such as the Bank of Greece. But for all New Democracy's appeal to the richer classes, Syriza's message still resonates with the poor. The incipient economic recovery could help Tsipras.

The country still faces formidable challenges, which will make governing hard for whoever has power. Nearly half the loans in the banking system are nonperforming, and bank shares have lost almost 50 percent of their value this year. The global economic slowdown could turn into recession by the time a new government came to power. That would make it much harder to maintain the promised primary surpluses and could create new tensions with the EU. Productivity is still well below pre-recession levels, as the brain drain sucks talent out of the country. Domestic consumption remains sluggish, after a dramatic drop in living standards.

But at least Greece appears ready to take its destiny back into its own hands. While this won't be enough to succeed, any signs of hope are welcome.

- - -

Giugliano writes columns and editorials on European economics for Bloomberg Opinion. He is also an economics columnist for La Repubblica and was a member of the editorial board of the Financial Times.
NEW BRITAIN  Despite claims to the contrary, Superior Court Judge Joseph Shortall has agreed with the state Department of Motor Vehicles that Tesla is illegally selling its cars out of its Greenwich gallery.

The electric car maker sued the DMV in June 2017 after the department reached the same conclusion regarding the sale of vehicles without a dealer license. The DMV took up a complaint filed by the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association (CARA), which represents car dealerships in Connecticut.

Connecticut state law prohibits the direct sale of vehicles to consumers by manufacturers. It currently requires sales through a franchise dealership license.

Tesla doesnt believe its gallery activities require such a license.

In court documents, Tesla maintained that it does no more at the gallery than display example vehicles, educate consumers about them and promote their benefits, and explain how consumers may lawfully purchase them online or at licensed Tesla stores in other states.

Through a spokesperson the company said they disagree with the decision.

Tesla disagrees with the judges decision, and we stand by our mission to educate the public and raise awareness about the benefits of EVs because getting more EVs on the road is the right thing to do for the environment and for the battle against climate change," a Tesla spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

But the court concluded more than education was happening at the Greenwich location.

Because Tesla engages in the business of selling motor vehicles and offering them for sale at the Gallery without the required license to do so, its activities there are illegal, Shortall wrote.

He said the electric car maker goes beyond constitutional free speech claims.

Tesla travels far beyond the boundaries of constitutionally protected commercial speech when its employees arrange for test drives of the same type of vehicles as are on display at the Gallery, assist Gallery visitors in configuring the vehicle they wish to buy on a computer terminal in the Gallery and saving it to the Tesla website as My Tesla, available for later purchase, and/or searching the Tesla inventory of vehicles already manufactured and available for purchase, Shortall wrote.

Shortall said Tesla has other means of promoting the purchase of their vehicles to Connecticut consumers through advertising.

Despite not being able sell in Connecticut, there were about 1,600 Tesla vehicles registered in the state this past spring and 3,000 orders have been placed by Connecticut residents for the Model 3, a company spokesperson has said.

Tesla had been allowed to continue operating in Greenwich while the lawsuit was pending.

Its unclear if the Palo Alto, California company will appeal the decision or if the Connecticuts General Assembly will step in and change the law to allow Tesla to sell directly to consumers.

The legislature has taken up the issue four years in a row, but the proposal has fallen short each time.

Jim Fleming, president of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, has successfully argued against an exemption for Tesla.

Fleming has said there are more than 270 new car dealerships in Connecticut that employ 14,397 residents, and there are 44 types of electric vehicles being sold by Connecticut franchise dealerships.

He has said Tesla should play by the same rules.

Last year, Jonathan Chang, vice president of legal affairs for Tesla, testified that they have opened stores in 24 states without using franchise dealerships.

Its an important part of our message to sell direct, Chang said.

He said electric vehicles are still about 1 percent of the market.

The dealers and Tesla have been unable to reach an agreement to co-exist.
Bill Gates says the biggest risk that we reasonably face is a bioterrorism attack or natural pandemics.

Pandemic and Epidemic Risks

Relatively average costs for more serious infectious events are high in terms of deaths and costs. One study found the worldwide spread of a serious infectious disease could result in pandemic-related deaths of 700,000 and annual economic losses of $500 billion.

Major epidemics and pandemics are unlike some other risks that are discussed. Epidemics happen all the time. Major pandemics have happened within the lives of people today. They will strike again and few would argue that the world is adequately prepared.

The 1918 influenza epidemic had worldwide impact. 50 million people died and one-fifth of the worlds population got sick from the 1918 flu. World war 1 killed 16 million people but over three times as many died from the 1918 flu. World population was about 1.9 billion. One person in 38 was killed by the flu.

Between 20 and 60% of all those infected and over 80% of infected children died from smallpox. During the 20th century, it is estimated that smallpox was responsible for 300500 million deaths. In the early 1950s an estimated 50 million cases of smallpox occurred in the world each year.

But Even Though Our Population is Higher, Our Medicine and Public Health is Better, Therefore 

The World Health Organization had a scientific report that modeled the impact of a 1918 style flu pandemic in 2018. They estimated that there would still be 20 to 33 million deaths. This took into account modern vaccination, drugs and public health procedures.

A typical year sees the flu killing 250,000 to 1 million people globally.

Air Travel Now Increases Vulnerability

Air travel now increases the world vulnerability to Pandemic and Epidemics. There were over 4 billion airline passenger in 2017. Air travel will nearly double by 2036. Increased air travel means that infectious disease can be spread globally very quickly.

Some Defense

As previously mentioned we have drugs, hospitals, sanitation, clean water and public health.

There are now temperature checks at most airports around the world.

There is now work to deploy ultraviolet lights to revolutionize public health by killing airborne disease pathogens.

Continuous low doses of far ultraviolet C (far-UVC) light can kill airborne flu viruses without harming human tissues, according to a new study at the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). The findings suggest that use of overhead far-UVC light in hospitals, doctors offices, schools, airports, airplanes, and other public spaces could provide a powerful check on seasonal influenza epidemics, as well as influenza pandemics.

Scientists have known for decades that broad-spectrum UVC light, which has a wavelength of between 200 to 400 nanometers, or nm), is highly effective at killing bacteria and viruses by destroying the molecular bonds that hold their DNA together. This conventional UV light is routinely used to decontaminate surgical equipment.

Normal UVC light can cause skin cancer and cataracts. However, the new light is safe for humans. The lights cost about $1000 but this price would com down with mass production.

Bacteria can be killed in ten seconds under the lights. Viruses are also killed.

There is also the technology for monitoring the pathogens at specific locations in cities and the environment. A device could be at a street corner and monitoring and testing bacteria and viruses. A device can be placed in the sewer to monitor for bacteria and viruses.

I do not think the concern about too much antibiotics applies to UV light. Overusing antibiotics has the concern that you are forcing rapid evolution toward antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics kill 99.9% of the bacteria colony. The 0.1% that survive are antibiotic resistant. They multiply rapidly and your next attack is from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. UV light is going at the molecular bonds, so it seems evolving a defense of molecular bonds does not seem possible. This could be a consideration and concern. If the resistance development was a concern then some of the UV light defense stations would only be activated when an outbreak actually appears to be emerging. Containment protocols are discussed later.

Location Information Critical to Breaking Cholera Epidemic

How important is that?

There is the analysis and the containment of Cholera outbreaks in the mid-1800s. British doctor John Snow couldnt convince other doctors and scientists that cholera was spread when people drank contaminated water until a mother washed her babys diaper in a town well in 1854 and touched off an epidemic that killed 616 people.

The epidemic was contained by counting how many people were getting sick and where they lived and worked. The number of people was higher and higher near one of the town wells. The town well where the mother washed the diapers.

Faster effective responses and being able to quarantine the right people and stopping transmission is huge.

At the 2018 Foresight Vision Weekend the idea was proposed that some form of pro-active medical quarantine defense. However, quarantines often need to last up to two weeks.

However, most society has cellphones and wearable monitoring devices and camera monitoring. This means big data and AI could determine people who have self-quarantined by not going out in public for any particular period.

Digital Eye in the Sky Caught Murderers and Those Who Planted IEDs

Something that is not commonly known is that lockdown big brother surveillance works, has been deployed in various places and is very simple and cheap. It is also getting cheaper.

In 2012, there were Cessnas flown over Dayton, Ohio for months. They had a high resolution camera. The plane flew at 10,000 feet and kept a constant video recording of Dayton. Each pixel was about one square foot. The cameras could cover 25 square miles. If some crime occurred in Dayton. A murdered body is found at some location or an armed robbery is known at some time and location. The eye in the sky recording of Dayton could be rewound like Tivo. They go back to the time and location of the crime and then look at all of the dots that went in and out of the location. Those moving dots were people. The people would go into bigger collection of dots called cars. All of them could be made to glow using software.

The investigator can watch the dots going back to their home. 75 murders were solved in the months that the Cessnas were flying. These systems were also used in Iraq and Afghanistan to find IED (Improved Explosive Device) bombers.

It would be trivial to use long duration drones of the Amazon delivery class for a widespread system. High resolution cameras and drones get cheaper and cheaper all the time.

Backtracking from where something important happens does not even require AI. Highlighting a dot is trivial. Video gamers are able to follow a glowing dot through video.

In the Pandemic detection case, the triggering events are the detection of the pathogens or sick people by time and location.

This level of privacy loss and tracking obviously is big brother level of scrutiny. It needs to be very carefully managed. For the public health issues, it should only be used in a high-level containment zone. It could be used for analysis for helping determine what happened leading up to a very serious outbreak. Again there would need to be management and balancing of privacy and public health issues throughout the use of this level of information.

Separately there needs to be discussion of the trivially cheap cost of big brother.

Thin Film Norway Has Cheap and Deployed Postage Stamp RFID Electronics For Food

Thin Film Electronics ASA (Thinfilm) has 20+ years of experience in the field of non-volatile memories using functional polymers. Thinfilms unique all-printed re-writable products are ideal for use in standalone consumer applications, including personalized toys and online-enabled games. They can also be integrated with logic elements, sensors, batteries, and displays for mass market applications such as all-printed RFID tags. The proven high volume roll-to-roll production of Thinfilm printed memories provides the platform for its Memory Everywhere vision.

Several years ago they were already making clear plastic tags that could track grocery goods like fruits. They now provide tracking for wine and spirits and perfume and provide more information to market and sell goods. They also provide supply chain tracking.

Lets Put The Devices Together into a Relatively Convenient and Reasonable Cost Defense in Depth System Against Epidemics and Pandemics

We put better monitoring pathogen and sick people detection devices at all airports, hospitals, shopping malls, schools, stadiums, subways, bus stations, hotels, apartments, etc Sick people detection is currently crude with systems that check for people with fevers. There are more advanced systems. The more effective and higher costs systems would be placed at more high priority locations based upon the importance for medical defense.

The wearable health monitoring watches and devices provide real-time and location health data from a significant fraction of the population on a voluntary basis. This data can be tapped on a public health emergency basis or via anonymized constant monitoring for epidemic and pandemic early warning.

We put the pathogen detection devices into the sewers. Stool and urine analysis would be able to localize outbreaks where those kinds of medical tests are useful.

We can also place monitoring at farms, supermarkets and the food supply chain.

There can also be analysis of garbage if there was useful information to be gained from this effort.

These systems can catch and monitor outbreaks in near real-time.

When important disease detections are made, then intense monitoring is activated along with containment protocols. Mobile or portable UV light systems can be taken to every suburb or residential area. Additional public health drones can be sent.

Containment of Pandemic has not really been tried other than for Ebola.

For Pandemic FLu

* Mathematical modeling indicates window of opportunity to act is very short.

* May have ~ 3 weeks to start antivirals and non-pharmaceutical measures after Index Cluster is detected

* Detection, investigation and reporting of first cases must happen quickly followed by timely assessment and decision-making

* Clinical severity not important consideration

 Early cases could be mild

 Later cases could be severe

1. Is there compelling evidence to suggest that a novel influenza virus has gained the ability to spread easily from person to person and initiate and sustain outbreaks in the community?

2. If so, are there compelling reasons why a containment operation should not go forward?

Pharmaceutical Interventions in the Containment Zone

* All well persons given 20 days of antiviral prophylaxis

* Why 20 days?

 Increase the time most persons on prophylaxis or treatment at the same time

 Uncertainty about the emerging virus; e.g. possibility of longer incubation period than seasonal influenza

 Packaging considerations  blister pack of 10 tablets

* WHO global stockpile of oseltamivir can be used; countries must be ready to receive and distribute

* Possible role for vaccine if available

Perimeter Controls in the Containment Zone

Discourage all non-essential movement of persons as this is where persons are most likely to be infected or exposed

 Post signs and other reminders

 Establish clear entry and exit points

 Perform exit screening (e.g. question travellers, measure temperature, issue certificate)

*Ideally, close major air, land and sea transit points in CZ

* Allow entry of essential goods and services; provide antiviral prophylaxis for persons who must enter

Non-pharmaceutical Interventions in the Containment Zone

Necessary to reduce the possibility that a non-infected person will come into contact with someone who has influenza and is infectious

* Community-wide practice of hand and respiratory hygiene (Note: technology could help ensure compliance and make it easier to comply and make it easier to monitor)

* Use of multiple measures

 Isolation of ill persons

 Voluntary quarantine of exposed persons

 Social distancing measures (e.g. close schools, cancel mass gatherings)

 Other ways to minimize person density (e.g. staggered work and market hours)

 Support needed to reduce impacts (e.g. social, economic)

Surveillance in the Containment Zone

This is where the drone-camera public health big brother can be used more.

* Objectives

 Identify and laboratory confirm suspect cases

 Monitor the evolution of the outbreak

 Evaluate effectiveness of containment operation

 Guide decisions to modify, continue or end operation

* Strategy

 If large number of suspect cases, do active and passive surveillance and lab confirm only a sample of cases

 After antiviral prophylaxis completed, do active and complete surveillance and lab confirm all cases

The XPrize has awarded prizes for devices that are trying to move toward the Star Trek Medical tricorder. These kinds of new technology would be helpful for improved public health in general and for improved Pandemic response.

Some Background on This

The integration of the existing technology into the outlines of a system for the purpose of countering disease outbreak was by Brian Wang. The technologies are from past coverage at Nextbigfuture. The listing of information on the risks of epidemics and pandemics is a known problem. The World Health Organization had a presentation on managing a flu breakout. This has the drug and non-drug use in the containment zone and provided the example of flu containment zone management.

Different known and categories of unknown diseases would need to have pre-made containment zone strategies and plans.

Determinations would need to be made about how to balance privacy with disease outbreak control.
The SpaceX Super Heavy Starship will be completely reusable. The top stage is called the Starship. The combined first and second stage will be a bit taller than the Apollo rockets.

The photos being revealed in four weeks will show the very fast progress being made by SpaceX towards getting to the revolutionary Super Heavy Starship. It used to be called the SpaceX BFR.

A fully reusable rocket could lower the cost to space by 10 times to even 50 times. The variance depends upon the frequency of the flights. How much would the tickets cost for a Jumbo jet that flies once a month versus a jet that flies twice a day?

A high-rise building is between 35100 meters tall and a skyscraper is at least 100 meters or 330 feet tall. some define a skyscraper as 150 meters tall.

The Super Heavy Starship design has had designs in the 110-125 meter height range. The stage is about half of that height. The Super Heavy Starship rocket either does qualify or is close to qualifying as a skyscraper based on height.

But cool pics of the demo Starship that will fly suborbital hops coming in ~4 weeks  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 9, 2018

Margin on Existing SpaceX Rockets

Nextbigfuture calculates that SpaceX will be able to make $46 million per Falcon 9 launch when they consistently reuse four times and they will make $51 million per launch when they are consistently reusing ten times. The SpaceX operating margin will be 74+%.

Nextbigfuture Believes That the SpaceX Super Heavy Starship Will be Critical to Launch the Starlink Satellite Network for Forty Times Lower cost

We do not know any details about the radical change to the SpaceX Spaceship Super Heavy (aka BFS/BFR) design. However, if the design enables SpaceX to hit the $2 billion lower-end development cost then SpaceX has the money to develop Starship Super Heavy and the Starlink satellite network. It would only cost about $3 billion if everything works out.

Every strategic and design decision from SpaceX is to speed up getting to a fully integrated and complete BFR/BFS. The recent mini-BFR is for low-cost testing on the Falcon 9. Stopping any second stage reuse tests for the Falcon 9 is not needed for the full Super Heavy.

Funds for Starship Super Heavy and Starlink

SpaceX has the following funds:

* Estimated $500-800 million from the Japanese billionaire (for the trip, co-promotion and some part of the company)

* $750 million from the loan.

* Some amount of profit from 40  $60 million launches. $2.4 billion in revenue. I think maybe 30-40% operating margin. $800 million per year from launches. Note there are not forty Falcon 9 launches but any NASA, military or Heavy launches count as multiple based upon the higher price.

Two years of profits would mean about $3.05 billion available.

SpaceX might be able to get lucky with shoestring development costs to get to 1600 Starlink satellites and a working Starship Super Heavy. A working Starship Super Heavy (aka BFR) means full reusability and even without a huge increase in the number of launch customers boosts operating margin up over 90%. Four Spaceship Super Heavy at $350 million each would be a total cost of $1.4 billion. Four Spaceship Super Heavies could handle up to 200 launches per year by launching every week. 60 of the launches can be used for Starlink launches. The rest of the commercial satellite market would take time to scale up.

First 1600 Starlink Satellites for about $60 million in launches

The first 1600 satellites would be able to provide profitable premium data connections between New York, London, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai and other financial centers.

Light travels 45% faster in vacuum versus fiber optic cable. Lasers for Starlink satellites will enable fast low latency connections.

The top ten financial cities could spend $2 billion each per year for premium low latency connections. The next ten could spend $1 billion each per year. The connections would be two each of the other major financial centers.

From 2013-2018 over $500 million was spent over five years on microwave connections to reduce latency between New York and Chicago.

A 3-millisecond decrease in one-way communication time between the Chicago and New York areas was worth about $100 million per year. Chicago is the 17th ranked financial center.

It would take 60 launches of SpaceX Starship Super Heavy (aka BFS/ BFR) to launch about 12000 Starlink Satellites. Each Starship launch would deploy 240 Starlink satellites. If it costs $10 million to launch the SpaceX Starship, then it would cost $600 million to launch all the Starlink Satellite network. It would cost about $40 million for each partially reusable Falcon 9 launch for 20 Starlink Satellites per launch. This would mean 600 Falcon 9 launches at a cost of $24 billion. Completing the Starship Super Heavy would make deploying the Starlink Network 40 times cheaper.

It would only take seven launches of the Starship Super Heavy to deploy the first 1600 Starlink satellites.

This would be about $70 million in launch cost. $350 million for one Starship Super Heavy would be enough for the seven launches for 1600 initial Starlink network. The cost is less than the $3.2 billion to launch the first 1600 satellites using Falcon 9. $2 billion in development cost plus $350 million for one rocket and $70 million for seven launches. There are some estimates that mass production of small low earth orbit internet satellites could drop to $100,000 each. This would mean $160 million for all of the first satellites. Even at $400,000 each, the cost would be $640 million. $3 billion could get SpaceX the working Space Ship and the commercial viable phase 1 of the Starlink network.

The Commercially viable Starlink Network then starts generating $2 to 10 billion per year from premium low latency connections for the financial centers of the world.

Starship Super Heavy going to orbit should unlock more money from NASA and military and private investors. It should finally kill the SLS (Boeing Space Launch System) and hopefully free up $4 billion per year.

It is clear why the Starship Super Heavy is the key to enabling massive profit margins and low-cost launch of the Starlink Network.
Alanna Kelly

UPDATE: 5:30 p.m.

Kelowna seniors handed eviction notices for Christmas may win a reprieve.

Sixteen residents who have lived at Legacy Tower for years were shocked to learn they must be out of their homes just days before the holidays.

But, renters rights group Renters United Kelowna says a meeting was held Monday with Associated Property Management, and they have agreed to sit down one-on-one with each tenant.

Westside-Kelowna MLA Ben Stewart has also got involved.

The safety and well-being of our seniors who reside there is our main concern, said Stewart. We are working closely with this group to come to a resolution for all parties involved.

Renters United co-founder Dianne Varga says the tenants "had an opportunity to speak their minds and hearts  some of these people were just incredibly shocked."

One resident apparently dropped to the floor unconscious" from the stress.

Varga said at least some of the tenants ended up in arrears because the property management company's accounting department "had not been withdrawing accurate amounts in monthly automatic withdrawals from their bank."

Associated manager Robert Zivkovic refused to respond when asked why the seniors were given eviction letters.

Varga said the parties will work out what has happened, and if the tenants do owe money, they are willing to set up a payment plan.

Associated Property Management has vowed not to pursue any of these eviction notices, and what we need in writing is a withdrawal of these 16 notices, she said.

If the landlord does not intend to evict a tenant, they should not be communicating with tenants in that way, said Varga. Notices inspire fear and chaos.

ORIGINAL: 12:45 p.m.

Seniors at Kelowna's Legacy Towers were shocked to receive eviction notices, saying they have always paid their rent on time.

Bernard Gautron says he has been living at the building for eight years and always pays early.

I have always paid my rent on payday, three banking days before the end of the month, and I have ever since I moved in eight years ago, said Gautron.

Notices were given out by Associated Property Management, the same company residents at Legacy Tower address their monthly cheques to. They were told they have to be out by Dec. 12.

Castanet called and visited the management building in Kelowna, but the owner refused to respond to questions.

Longtime resident Edna Pichler said she was angry, hurt and confused when she received the eviction letter.

I have to be out by Wednesday if I dont come up with $948, said Edna. This is intimidating me, I am scared I am not going to have a home  thank heavens I have a car I can sit in.

Pichler says she has always paid rent on time, and is not sleeping over the stress.

Both Gautron and Pichler tried to speak with management and show their proof of payment, but say they were ignored.

Having to deal with this is ridiculous, said Pichler.

He claims the minute he showed his bank drafts, they didnt even look at it and left him in limbo.

They are going to have a hard time getting me out because I got no place to go, said Gautron.

Pichler, who lives on the ground floor, says rental suites at Legacy Towers typically rent for "around $1,000, and I am only paying $623 with parking.

She says she is going to lock her door come Wednesday, and wont be leaving.

Its Christmas time  we are seniors that dont know what we are supposed to do, she said. I think this person has no Christmas spirit.

At least nine other residents have come forward saying theyve received eviction letters, but residents believe there could be even more.
It has been over 30 years since the discovery of the first high-temperature superconductor. The first high-temperature superconductor was 30 degrees about absolute zero. There was a flurry of work and the critical temperature reached -135 Celsius (138 Kelvin). The progress on improving the temperature at which the materials could work stalled for decades.

There was a lot of effort to work with the materials which tended to be fragile and tricky to use.

There was still progress made on using them to do what was impossible without them. Magnets could be made far more powerful using them than without them. Magnets can be made three times or even four times stronger. This means more powerful particle accelerators. Some are trying to use the more powerful magnets for smaller nuclear fusion designs and reactors.

The dream of room temperature superconductors means that expensive refrigeration would not be needed for lossless energy and magnetic applications. Cooling to extreme temperatures is insanely expensive using helium. It is still expensive but more reasonable using nitrogen. The first high-temperature superconductors moved the situation from helium to nitrogen. A step better than nitrogen is regular refrigerators and cooling which are usually freon based. Room temperature means no refrigeration at all.

This new work could get to regular refrigerator temperatures using freon.

Arxiv  Superconductivity at 250 K in lanthanum hydride under high pressures

However, there is a catch. The material has to be at 1.7 million atmospheres of pressure.

This material tries to make the refrigeration problem better but needs to be squeezed between diamond anvils.

The hope would be that as we figure out the structure of what works under high pressure then the chemists can work at finding a different recipe that keeps the warm superconducting and gets rid of the high-pressure restriction.

Room temperature superconductors area way to get super technology. Super-efficient powerful magnets can make flying cars, better high-speed trains, nuclear fusion and other super technology.

Grids Can Be Built Without Energy Loss. Now. Not Decades From Now.

One major application that has been part of the room temperature superconducting dream is transmitting electricity without power loss.

Current electrical grids can lose up to half their energy because of power loss moving the electricity from power plant to your home.

Ultra-high voltage energy grids are needed for efficient power transmission across large distances. These are being deployed at continental scale by China. The highest voltages can transmit electricity 99.8% without energy loss over 100 miles of distance. They exist and being built over thousands of miles and can transmit the power of 200 nuclear reactors. How long until superconductors approach this scale? Would superconductor handling problems be worth the 0.2% or less of future UHV lines?

A 100 mile (160 km) power line at 765 kilovolt carrying 1000 MW of power can have losses of 1.1% to 0.5%. A 345-kilovolt line carrying the same load across the same distance has losses of 4.2%. Chinas 1.1 megavolt line can have power losses that 10 to 20 times less than 345 kilovolt lines.

1.1 megavolt transformer

ABB helped create the 1.1 megavolt transformers and key equipment for worlds first 1,100 kilovolt (kV) project in China.

When fully operational the UHVDC link will be capable of transporting 12,000 megawatts of electricity over a distance of 3,000 km from the Xinjiang region in the Northwest, to Anhui province in eastern China. This vast amount of electricity is equivalent to twice the average annual power consumption of Switzerland.

Asia Super-grid

Chinas State Grid company switched on its first million-volt alternating current line in 2009 and the worlds inaugural 800,000-volt direct current line in 2010. State Grid is now by far the worlds biggest builder of these lines. By the end of 2017, 21 ultra-high-voltage lines had been completed in the country, with four more under construction.

If the world wants to move energy around on a continental scale then ultra-high voltage grids are needed.

Chinas high voltage grid will be nearly 23,000 miles long. It will be able to deliver about 150 gigawatts of electricity. This is roughly the output of 150 nuclear reactors.

At the end of 2017, China had invested least 400 billion yuan ($57 billion) into the projects. In September, China said it will sign off on 12 new ultra-high-voltage projects by the end of 2019.
STAMFORD  Westhill High School teacher Barbara Mroz thought the districts mold crisis was exaggerated.

Mroz, an English as a second language teacher, said she focuses on her students, not teaching conditions. But on the Monday before Thanksgiving, something prompted her to inspect her room.

It was then she noticed growths on the walls and ceiling.

In the months before the discovery, Mroz felt caffeine from her morning coffee never seemed to kick in. She was tired and spacey, forgetting to make copies for students. In her desk were empty packs of cold medicine to fight congestion and the dry coughs that woke up her toddler during the night.

Something clicked. Mroz went to the doctor and found there was mold in her classroom causing her symptoms. She felt better as soon as she was removed from her room.

I disregarded this mold issue quite honestly, Mroz said at a Board of Education meeting last week. At the beginning of the year, I thought this was all talk. ... Then I started to connect the dots with how I was feeling.

Mroz is one of more than 90 teachers across six Stamford Public Schools who have filed workers compensation claims due to mold-related ailments. Shes one of at least 23 teachers who has had to take time off to deal with her symptoms.

(The number of teachers out) changes daily, if not hourly, said Stephen Falcone, the districts executive director of human resources. Theres been a lot of change.

RELATED: What we know about the mold problem in Stamford schools

According to the states Workers Compensation Act, the claims aim to provide wage replacement benefits and medical treatment for employees who have been injured or become ill due to a work-related injury or illness.

A school district document presented to the Board of Education shows 93 staff members from Westhill, Westover Magnet Elementary School (which moved campuses last month due to mold infestation), and Newfield, K.T. Murphy, Hart Magnet and Northeast elementary schools have filed claims of illness due to mold.

Falcone said the majority of claims have come from teachers and some paraprofessionals.

The report shows at least five people were out from Westover due to health concerns. At K.T. Murphy, four teachers are in the process of being seen by specialists and one teacher each at Hart and Northeast can only return when their classrooms are remediated.

Westhill was most affected with eight teachers who cant return until their rooms are remediated, two who arent cleared to return and two waiting to see a medical specialist.

Falcone said he didnt know how much time had been missed by teachers due to these claims, but said it appears the majority have been short-term absences, which means they were out for less than 30 days.

Our focus has been on responding to these claims and working to get people back and if thats not possible to get classes covered, he said.

The numbers are only reflective of teachers who have filed a claim due to mold-related illness. Its possible some teachers have been absent due to mold without filing a claim.

Parents and staff from Westhill have said the mold problem is affecting instruction, with 40 of 175 faculty members so affected they have filed claims.

Westhill High School is a second home to me, teacher Carley Grant said. I absolutely love working there and being a dedicated teacher. I know my colleagues are also dedicated teachers and the decision to go out on workers comp is not taken lightly.

Above the concern for the teachers being absent and student learning, we also need to be concerned for the safety of our students and our staff. We need to provide a safe learning environment for our children and the people who educate them. Its not enough to throw a Band-Aid on the problem by spot treating certain areas and visible mold issues.

Grant and her colleague, Alanna Gallo, called for an overhaul of the schools HVAC system, which they said is spreading mold spores in the air.

Gallo, a teacher at Westhill whos out on workers comp, said she doesnt feel the remediation scheduled for her classroom will be enough to allow a safe return. Despite emails and photos shes sent the city Mold Task Force outlining problems with her rooms HVAC system, including temperatures that fluctuate from 51 degrees to 92, nothing has been done, she said.

Our students have trouble learning in that environment, she said. We have trouble focusing in that environment. ... This issue is not something thats new. This dates back years.

Gallo said substitutes have been filling in for teacher absences. But at a pay rate of $90 a day, theres a shortage of people willing to do the job and teachers have to cover each others classes. According to Falcone, teachers get $40 per hour of class coverage.

From July to September this year, Stamford spent $6,338 on paying teachers for class coverage. Last year at this time, theyd spent $3,310.

The relative lack of instruction from subs is taking a toll on students, particularly those in Advanced Placement classes, parents said. Dates for AP exams, which can earn students college credit, are set for spring. If students do not cover all the material on an exam by the test date, it could affect their score, which Westhill parent Deborah Ehret pointed out will be compared to other students across the country.

Ehrets daughter entered college this year with 18 credits from AP courses, setting her ahead of the curve. Her son is now taking four AP courses.

My biggest concern is the number of teachers going out, Ehret said at this weeks board meeting. Im concerned about the whole school. But the difference right now is I have an AP student. Right now, I have a son sitting in a classroom without an AP teacher. I have a problem with that. Every day an AP student does not have a qualified teacher, theyre being put in jeopardy.

Ehret said Westhill Principal Michael Rinaldi is trying to identify a qualified sub for the class. However, Falcone told the Board of Representatives last month that substitute teachers only need a certificate in a certain discipline if theyre subbing the same class for 90 days. Otherwise, they only need a bachelors degree.

Beyond AP students, teachers expressed concern for all students affected by mold. While Deputy Superintendent Tamu Lucero said student attendance has remained the same, several students last week said they and their classmates have been suffering minor symptoms, like headaches, which might not necessarily cause them to miss school.

Mroz said her students, who dont speak English, have been left in the classroom she was removed from and are unable to adequately communicate their symptoms.

We deal with a disadvantaged population and we need to be thinking of them, too, Gallo said. Its not just about the rich white people who have kids in AP. Its about these other kids who come to us and expect to be safe. Their parents dont necessarily know whats going on and were not communicating with them. Thats unacceptable.

erin.kayata@stamfordadvocate.com; (203) 964-2265; @erin_kayata
Photo: Contributed

A middle-school music teacher apologized Monday and backed off his instructions that students should not have "Mohawks, Large Afros, or any other outlandish" hairstyles at an upcoming chorus concert.

Vocal music teacher Steven Reeves' letter to students touched off a social media firestorm, with comments saying it was targeting black students. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Reeves himself is black.

In a new letter Monday, Reeves said his original "wording and expectations were insensitive and were a mistake." He said he hopes to mend relationships with students, parents and the school community, and he invited people to meet with him if they wanted to further discuss their concerns.

His "revised guidelines" don't mention hair, just that the students should wear white tops and black pants or skirts.

"Students are encouraged to look their best the evening of the concert," he wrote in the new letter, which was released by the Northwest Local School District in suburban Cincinnati.

The school and the district had earlier disavowed the rules Reeves set out. Pleasant Run Middle School apologized in a tweet on Saturday, saying the letter wasn't approved by the administration and "does not reflect our views at all."

It added that guidelines for the concert "will be in alignment with prior years."
A couple in their 60s with a history of drug arrests have been charged with running a large-scale drug operation from their Bergen County home - the second time in two years theyve faced serious drug charges, according to police.

Mahwah police officers investigating complaints Aniello and Linda Famelico were selling opiates obtained a search warrant Friday night for their home on Quince Court, authorities said. The officers, who came with a drug-sniffing dog, found oxycodone, Xanax and hash oil, said Mahwah Police Chief James N. Batelli.

In addition to illegal drugs, police said they seized $16,000 cash believed to be drug sale proceeds. Officers said they also found forged prescriptions.

Aniello Famelico, 62, was arrested immediately, Batelli said. Linda Famelico, 61, was arrested a short time later at a local restaurant where she worked as a delivery person, Batelli said.

Both were charged with several counts of third-degree drug possession, third-degree possession with intent to distribute, money laundering and third-degree forgery. The Famelicos were released ahead of a Dec. 28 court appearance.

The husband and wife were arrested on similar charges in 2016. According to news reports, the Famelicos were arrested in Pearl River, New York after police seized 2,000 prescription pills, several pounds of marijuana and $18,000 cash from their apartment. The status of that case was not immediately available on Monday.

Linda Famelico was arrested in July 2016 in Montvale and charged with selling oxycodone near two schools. Police at the time said they found 35 pills on her. Court records she pleaded guilty in June and she was given five years probation and a $50 fine.
A North Wildwood man who was allegedly holding a knife inside a strangers home when he advanced at police and was shot and killed by the officer, Philadelphia police said on Monday.

Justin Smith, 41, of North Wildwood was shot and killed by Philadelphia 24th District Officer Curt McKee Dec 5 after McKees electronic weapon did not work, police said.

During the early investigation, Philadelphia Police say McKee responded to a call for a fight on the highway at 8:47 a.m. near the 3500 block of Belgrade Street. When McKee arrived, bystanders told McKee to get him, referring to Smith.

A woman at the Belgrade Street house, who later told police she did not know Smith or give the North Wildwood man permission to enter the house, was seen pushing Smith away from the doorway, stating Get out of my house.

McKee said he saw Smith push past the woman and enter the home. When McKee got inside, he said he saw Smith behind the kitchen counter, holding his hand behind his back.

McKee pulled out his Electronic Control Weapon (Taser) and allegedly ordered Smith to show his hands multiple times. Police said Smith did not comply and advanced at McKee, prompting the officer to drop the electric weapon, pull out his gun, and fire one shot into Smiths chest.

Smith was rushed to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:16 a.m.

Smith has had several run-ins with law enforcement in Cape May County, according to court records. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance. In 2013, Smith pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal attempt and third-degree conspiracy. He was also arrested by North Wildwood Police April 13 for disorderly conduct.

Police say they are continuing the investigation into the incident. A funeral is set for Smith on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
Before pews packed with mourners in a church decorated for Christmas, 18-year-old Jon Sot read an emotional tribute to his brother Michael, who was killed last week by an alleged drunk driver near The College of New Jersey, where he was a sophomore.

Dear Mikey, my man, Sot started. Twenty years of life is just not enough. You were the biggest dreamer, and had your entire plan figured out. It kills me knowing the bright future you had lined up ahead of me has come to an end.

For the hundreds of friends, loved ones and strangers that packed St. John the Apostle Catholic church in Clark Monday morning, that sentiment rang sadly true. It was the same for the hundreds of mourners who gathered on a chilly Sunday to pay their respects at Michaels viewing  Michael Sots life was cut drastically short.

Michael Sot was the designated driver in the early morning hours of Dec. 2, driving home five friends who were leaving a party, when an alleged under-the-influence driver swerved across the yellow line and struck his car head-on.

Sot and his fellow students were critically injured, and last Tuesday, the 20-year-old died from his injuries. The 22-year-old man who was criminally charged in the accident is due in court Tuesday.

Michael Sot's Funeral at St. John The Apostle Church in Clark.

One of the things every priest dreads when they are training to becoming a priest is figuring out what to say at a funeral, Rev. Philip Latronico told the mourners Monday. But what does one say at a funeral that makes no sense?

Its interesting, his name, Michael, means defender of God, Latronico continued. Michael died defending his brothers, transporting them to and from a campus. Maybe now, hell be a defender of Gods people.

Michael Sot was a math major and a brother of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at TCNJ. The campus, and the national organization mourned his tragic passing, using words like heartbreaking and devastating.

Each of the many people NJ Advance Media has talked to since the fatal crash  friends, classmates, fraternity brothers  have emphasized that Michael Sot was a truly good person. That he was always out to do the right thing. That he was always trying to help.

After Latronico eulogized Michael and attendees received communion, Jon Sot read aloud the letter he had written to his older brother.

Mike, mom and dad need you to know how proud you made them, he said.

Jon talked about how he always aspired to be like Michael when he grew up. He talked about his accolades as a student, as an athlete, a brother, cousin and friend.

Growing up under your wing was the greatest blessing of my life, Jon said.

You are leaving us way too quick.

While Sots family and close friends left the church in a funeral procession, others embraced each other and repeated many of the kind sentiments on the churchs front lawn.

Please realize that as you remember him, you keep him alive, Latronico said in his parting message. Youll realize, in moments here and there, that hes with you.

People line up for Michael Sot's viewing on Sunday, Dec. 2018 (Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Paige Gross may be reached at pgross@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @By_paigegross.
There is a certain necessary insanity to being a mother.

Thats not a sentiment often granted to Medea, the powerful sorceress who the Greeks mythologized into a jilted wife and murderer of her own children who rarely elicits empathy. Usually she is condemned outright, dubbed crazy and dismissed as beyond the pale.

But Alison Gregorys inventive, uncompromising play Not Medea, now receiving a vigorous production in Jersey City at Art House Productions, dares to consider the classical villain as a woman operating with a certain logic, as somebody who finds herself driven to the brink and there makes clear decisions. The Greek tragedian Euripides made Medeas story famous, and he spends some time in this terrain, but nobody remembers those lines. We only remember Medea as a crazed murderer. Gregory digs deeper, not to justify Medeas crimes, but rather to use Medeas story as a means of meditating on the fraught conditions and at-times oppressive expectations of motherhood and womanhood. In Not Medea, motherhood is a volatile solution: equal parts love, vulnerability and power.

Under the direction of Adin Walker, this production finds power in the tension between immediacy and distance. Gregorys story is not Euripides, but that of a harried contemporary mother who stumbles into the theater late for the show and flustered: She is immediately upon the audience, looking for a seat, apologizing for the disturbance, sharing the details of her trying new job. As this woman, Kersti Bryan is flustered, self-effacing, awkward, but only to a point. Eventually she will stand up for herself and refuse to apologize for how she gets through each day. She knows shes not perfect, but she will not be judged for the ways she is making it work.

The conceit of Not Medea is that the audience has arrived to see a production of Medea, a fact that this late-comer  who bought a ticket to the theater blindly in order to get some time for herself  finds horrifying. Do you know what happens? she asks a man in the front row, Do you? It does not end well, my friend.

But as she proceeds to talk through Medeas story, she finds certain similarities in her own (she was abandoned with her children by a man named Jason for another woman, and lives in the shadow of dark events in her past), and the play begins to trouble the clarity between the now and the then, the supposedly real of this womans frazzled night out and the mythological of the Medea story. Bryan becomes both the unnamed woman and Euripides tragic heroine as the play evolves into a layered meditation on the challenges of our central characters life.

Gregory asks a great deal of her heroin, but Bryan meets the challenge excellently. As the character moves from a chatty, rattled theater patron to a woman with real life challenges and history, Bryan gives her a sense of fullness that indicates that there is far more to this woman than could ever be expressed adequately on stage. But that doesnt stop her from trying. Over the course of the play, the woman will appeal with increasing urgency for empathy from the audience as Bryan shows her character desperate for a little understanding. Bryan is joined by Jonathan Higginbotham as both Jasons and Isabel Pask as a free-range choral figure, both of whom do excellent work to help fill out the frame around our central woman.

Andrea McKennas bold, evolving scenic design also contributes directly to this development. As the playing space grows and shifts, becoming more scattered and hectic, the distance between Bryans character and the audience of her peers widens, and her story seems further afield from empathy. She risks losing her lifeline of human understanding. Walker manages this condition masterfully, co-opting the theaters space as a crucial contributor to the plays constantly developing, deepening story.

Gregory crafts a meticulous (if overlong and weighed down in parts by some avoidable fidelity to Euripides) play that provides real challenges for any production team. Layers of story flow in and among each other, at times coalescing and at others cultivating dissonance. In Jersey City, Walkers sound direction and Bryans confident performance rise eagerly to the challenges of Not Medea. It is a play that eschews any easy resolution that would provide a pat moral to the Medea story or its resonance over thousands of years of art and culture. This is a production comfortable in the plays complexities, clearly and effectively challenging audiences to wrestle with those complexities as well.

Theres a certain necessary insanity to Not Medea that produces something volatile and exciting.

NOT MEDEA

Art House Productions

262 17th St., Jersey City

Tickets available online: https://www.arthouseproductions.org/. Running through Dec. 16.

Patrick Maley may be reached at patrickjmaley@gmail.com. Find him on Twitter and Instagram @PatrickJMaley. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.
The veteran hospital executive who just finished studying the management and economic problems at University Hospital in Newark for the past four months is the Murphy administrations pick to become its temporary CEO.

But the hospitals Board of Directors Monday declined to vote on Judith Persichillis interim appointment, and the outgoing CEO has departed earlier than expected, state Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal told NJ Advance Media Monday evening.

That is his prerogative, Elnahal said of John Kastanis, who announced his Dec. 14 resignation last week, amid pressure from Gov. Phil Murphys and Newark Mayor Ras Barakas administrations.

Im extremely concerned the board did not appoint (an interim CEO) today, Elnahal said. The report identifies the importance of leadership and accountability.

As a public hospital heavily reliant on state funding, the governor and state Legislature wield authority over University, but it is up to the board to approve a temporary CEO and ultimately a permanent replacement.

Phone calls to Tanya Freeman, chairwoman of the hospital board, went unreturned. In a statement released Monday night, Freeman said the board would reconvene Thursday to name a short-term replacement.

The Board of Directors intends to conduct a thorough search to identify a permanent President and CEO to lead the transformation at University Hospital, Freemans statement said. In the meantime, we are working diligently to appoint an interim leader to ensure continuity in operations after Johns final day on December 14th.

Persichillis 37-page report was blunt, concluding University has been neglected after suffering a leadership void since the state dissolved its parent agency, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, five years ago.

After state lawmakers made University Hospital its own entity, the movement toward building a culture responsive to the community and reliant on a shared vision of the future, with the employees embracing that future, did not occur," the report said. The critical component of any changeis leadership at the top.

In July, Gov. Phil Murphy and the health department hired Persichilli, the former CEO of the hospital chain Catholic Health East, to analyze why the hospital flunked a safety report card, saw its bond rating downgraded and alienated union and community leaders by trying to transfer some pediatric services to a competitor to save money.

CEO since March 2016, Kastanis had alienated the community and the state Department of Health, and the hospitals Board of Directors also has fallen short of its mission to hold the hospital management accountable, according to the report.

The board members have not possessed a broad mix of skills and competencies, gender and diversity necessary to support University Hospitals in the community and to exercise its fiduciary responsibilities of foresight, oversight and insight," the report said.

The report said leadership shortcomings were evident in the handling of the bacteria outbreak in the neonatal intensive care unit, in which three infants have died and a fourth has recovered, although the cause of death is unclear. The infants were born premature and were in fragile health, state officials have said.

The report reveals for the first time Acinetobacter was found in the surgical intensive care unit in June. Meeting minutes suggest preventive steps were taken to prevent further spreading, however leadership throughout the organization was either not aware of the issue or did not appear to respond effectively when made aware.

The infants in the neonatal intensive care unit were infected in September, the report said. The state learned of the outbreak after an anonymous employee tipped off the health department.

There are well-intentioned individuals with expertise and skills that are doing the everyday work, but issues and concerns are not being relayed throughout the organization and most importantly, up to leadership. A culture of quality requires a line of sight to leadership and the Board for effective practices to be instituted and recognized, the report said.

[Why this major N.J. hospital is in trouble with Phil Murphy]

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said he needed more time to review the report before commenting on its findings. He also said he supported Persichilli temporarily taking the CEO spot, but emphasized the need for the permanent CEO to be someone who understands the citys health needs or someone willing to be the citys partner.

He said he would be submitting names to the governor.

Doing a search usually means nationally, but they should look for folks locally  from Newark or New Jersey who have a relationship with this community, Baraka said.

Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, said the report illustrates just how much work must be done to improve all areas of critical care, and the leadership to do it.

University Hospital is too important to allow it to languish in what is even less than mediocrity, Vitale said.

The public hospitals problems  particularly its financial ones  are not entirely of its own making, the report noted. The hospitals $670 million budget relies on $143 million in various forms of state assistance, the report said. University serves more Medicaid and charity care clients than any other hospital.

The hospital is paying $62 million or nearly 35 percent more than it did five years ago to its physicians, who are employed through Rutgers University and its medical and dental schools. Rutgers also occupies half of the hospitals standing board members.

The clinical services agreement deserves more attention than its getting, the report said. The clinical services agreement with physicians is not based on strategy, growth, productivity or clinical performance measures for quality and or satisfaction, according to the report.

The report also recommends a re-examination of the emergency department. The emergency room is overcrowded, and wait time are significantly outside of national benchmarks," according to the report.

Elnahal said he supported the reports findings and recommendations.

I want to see the states only public hospital succeed for the patients who need care, for the broader community in Newark and for the frontline clinicians and employees who strive to provide the highest quality care every day, Elnahal said in a statement.

Former hospital board member and insurance executive Annette Catino said she was disappointed the report did not reflect the boards and CEOs accomplishments since the hospital was spun off from UMDNJ.

Kastanis spent most of his time hiring people, Catino said. He hired 12 new executives. There was no professional management there.

She also expressed frustration with the hands-off approach both the Christie and Murphy administrations took to address the hospitals problems. Catino said she saw the states scale back charity care payments, even as the number of uninsured people seeking care from University Hospital grew.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
Police seized an estimated $600,000 in drugs during raids Friday at two Newark apartments that led to the arrest of three people, authorities said.

Tips about drug dealing activity prompted the raids on Winans and Seymour Avenues, according to acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose. Police found nearly 6 pounds of heroin, 4.2 pounds of cocaine and 6.6 pounds of marijuana.

The heroin is worth an estimated $500,000, and the cocaine and marijuana are estimated to be worth more than $100,000, the officials said in a statement. On Winans Avenue, detectives also seized an assault rifle, three handguns and more than 200 opiod painkillers worth more than $4,000, authorities said.

Arrested were Akeam Johnson, Orville Powell, and Dwight Shelton, all from Newark, authorities said. Johnson, Powell and Shelton face multiple weapons, drug possession and distribution charges.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Recent articles about New Jersey' budget crisis stimulated some thoughts from me.

We all can agree that something has to be done about this. And, no, shifting the money from "A" to "B" doesn't help the taxpayers.

One idea is to start charging tolls on currently free interstate routes near our borders. That certainly sounds like a tax by another name. My suggestion is to give New Jersey residents a deep discount, perhaps 50 percent, on tolls. The entire program could be managed through the EZ-Pass system.

This kind of idea is not new. Here are two variations that other states have used:

-- In Las Vegas, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art at the casino of the same name was partly funded by the State of Nevada. As payback, admission discounts are given to Nevada residents.

-- In New England, there was no veterinary medical school prior to 1978. At that time, Tufts University in Massachusetts asked that state and five others to help fund a new school. They did, and 40 years later, the university's Cummings School is a fine veterinary school, and still the only one in New England.

New Jersey is full of talented people. I suggest we put out a challenge for productivity ideas.

I personally like the idea of merging school districts, thereby lowering administrative costs. Of course, we can merge municipalities and their services in many other ways -- police departments, fire departments, etc. To minimize pain for the current employees, consider staff reduction by attrition.

Remember: The one talent that will always be needed is creative thinking.

Philip J. Angevine, West Deptford Township

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com
A former Jersey City resident is bearing unspeakable tragedy after losing her family in a instant.

Jackie Brown, who now resides in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, lost her four children in a fatal car crash Friday, according to The Greenville News.

They taught me how to live, but never taught me how to live without them. This dream is so unreal, Brown said in a Facebook post. Mommy love yall always and forever dont forget it.

Arnez Yaron Jamison Jr., 4, Robbiana Evans, 6, and Jamire Halley, 8, all died at the scene of a single vehicle crash just after midnight Thursday. The fourth child, Armani Jamison, 2, was taken from the scene in critical condition, but succumbed to her injuries Sunday, The Greenville News reported.

Authorities told the publication that the driver, 27, had veered off the road and struck several trees in the small city of 4,500 in the northwest area of the the state. He was also taken to a local hospital, but the status of his injuries are unclear. The mans relationship to Brown and the children was unclear.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help Brown with funeral expenses, while a number of local residents are holding a vigil on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Lincoln High School to help raise money.

If (youre) not busy please come out and help support (Jackie) in her time of need, said Latifah Sheppard, a resident of Jersey City.

This is something that should bring the whole city together!!

Charles West Funeral and Cremation Services in Bayonne is handling the funeral arrangements in South Carolina on Saturday, and is planning a second funeral in Jersey City.
A family of five was displaced from their home following a fire on Summit Avenue early yesterday morning.

The Red Cross of New Jersey provided the family with emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food and clothing needs.

The fire appears to have originated at 1180 Summit Ave. Additional information on the fire was not immediately available.

A spokeswoman for the city did not respond to a request for comment.
Hundreds of friends and loved ones of the 20-year-old The College of New Jersey student who was killed in a head-on crash last weekend visited his family to pay their respects and say goodbye Sunday afternoon.

Michael Sot, of Clark, was the designated driver for a group of friends in the early morning of Dec. 2 near TCNJ when his car was struck head-on by an alleged under-the-influence driver.

Five TCNJ students, including Sot, were involved in the crash, and a few are still in serious condition. A sixth person, visiting a friend at TCNJ, was also in the vehicle and seriously injured.

After two days in an area hospital, Sot died from his injuries Tuesday afternoon.

Shortly before a viewing Sunday at Higgins and Bonner funeral home in Westfield, hundreds of people snaked around the building in the cold, waiting for a chance to pay their respects.

Sot was a math major and a brother of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at TCNJ. The national organization said in a statement last week that it was heartbroken over Sots passing.

Mike Sot was probably the kindest sweetest kid Ive ever known, Nicholas Ruyes, a fellow brother of Phi Kappa Psi said last week on campus. He was just always there to help us no matter what.

TCNJ President Kathryn A. Foster said she was keeping his loved ones in her thoughts during this difficult time.

Michael was an outstanding student, and a trusted and caring friend with a bright future ahead of him."

Sot is survived by his mother, father, three siblings, one step-sibling, a step-mother, grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

On the news of his passing earlier last week, his brother Jon Sot shared a tribute on social media.

Rest easy Mike. I will make you proud. I love you more than youll ever know. See you soon  pic.twitter.com/GAXZ4tU2ku  Jon Sot (@jon_sot_) December 4, 2018

Last week, the Mercer County Prosecutors Office announced it had charged a 22-year-old man for driving while under the influence when he hit Sots car.

A fundraiser set up by a family friend before Sot died hailed him as being a responsible designated driver and making sure his friends got home safe. It has since has risen more than $72,000.

After news of his passing, the TCNJ community mourned Sot and continued to hold out hope for the other students injured in the crash. Last week, the university held a poster signing and collection of gifts and cards of support.

The schools Counseling and Psychological Services has also worked to provide extra support services to the camps community.

A funeral mass will be held for Sot Monday at 10 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Church in Clark. The family asks that friends or family wishing to attend to meet at the church.

Paige Gross may be reached at pgross@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @By_paigegross.
Who will inherit the estate of Keith Caneiro, the Colts Neck man who authorities say was killed, along with his wife and two children, by his brother last month?

It may take a court decision to settle that question now that his will is being contested.

With the death of Keiths spouse, Jennifer, the will called for the unspecified estate to be transferred to Keiths father, Cesar Caneiro.

However, Keith Caneiros mother-in-law, Bette Karidis, on Thursday filed a caveat, or a written objection to the will.

The caveat notice, filed in Monmouth County Surrogate Court, essentially freezes the will from being executed.

The matter will now go to Superior Court if the parties do not reach an agreement.

The will does not disclose how much Keith Caneiros estate is worth.

Cesar Caneiro, Keith and Pauls father, has retained an attorney, according to a letter filed Monday. The attorney, Robert M. Jacobs of Hackensack, declined to comment when reached by NJ Advance Media.

Keith Caneiros will, a copy of which was obtained by NJ Advance Media, is the latest twist in a crime that has permeated throughout the country. The jarring images of a large house fire in the upscale Monmouth County neighborhood of Colts Neck garnered widespread attention from the start.

The story catapulted to the national news when authorities announced Paul Caneiro, 51, had killed his brother, his brothers wife, Jennifer, 45; and the couples children, 8-year-old Sophia and 11-year-old Jesse, before torching the home.

Paul Caneiro faces four counts of first-degree murder. His attorneys have maintained he is innocent and would never do anything to hurt his family.

Keith Caneiros will lists Paul Caneiro as an executor, which means he was to carry out the terms of the will. It does not mean that he was set to receive Keiths estate. With the death of his wife Jennifer, Cesar Caneiro becomes the recipient of the estate.

Paul Caneiro was also listed in the will as a trustee on trusts for Jennifer and the children. However, those trusts were not living trusts and therefore were never set up because the intended recipients are dead. The will was drawn up in 2006, prior to the birth of the children but with the understanding there would be offspring.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni has said that the motive behind the killings was financial in nature, and stemmed from the joint business ventures the bothers owned and operated.

One of Paul Caneiros attorneys, Mitchell Ansell, has said he has not received any evidence from prosecutors regarding any financial troubles.

New Jersey also has a so-called slayer statute, which protects any benefits from a will, joint assets and life insurance policies from going to a convicted killer.

Keith Caneiros will does not state any information about the two businesses, a pest control company and a technology start-up, he operated with Paul.

Keith Caneiros death certificate lists him as the chief executive officer of the technology company, Square One.

A law enforcement source previously told NJ Advance Media that Square One had been struggling financially. And a former classmate of Keith Caneiros from graduate school said Keith had expressed an interest in leaving the company for another opportunity.

Jennifer Caneiro could also have a will, however, nothing has been filed in her name as of Monday.

Paul Caneiro, right, is accused of killing his brother, Keith, his sister-in-law and niece and nephew. (Facebook, Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The Force Report is a continuing investigation of police use of force in New Jersey. Read more from the series or search your local police department and officers in the full the database.

Note: After publication, Jersey City officials turned over 70 forms they found after the original records request. See Jersey Citys updated use-of-force numbers here.

The Jersey City police chief has conceded it is possible his officers are using more force when making arrests than publicly reported, and he is pledging new training to ensure all incidents in New Jerseys second-largest city are documented.

The action comes in response to inquiries from NJ Advance Media as part of The Force Report, a 16-month investigation into New Jerseys broken system for tracking the greatest authority granted police officers.

While the state Attorney Generals Office requires officers to report every use of force, no matter the severity, the investigation found widespread inconsistencies among local departments. Jersey City stood out as a potential anomaly.

According to reports provided by the city, officers used force in about 1.5 percent of all arrests, less than half the statewide average and significantly less than cities of similar populations (such as Newark and Elizabeth) and violent crime rates (such as Burlington City and Neptune Township).

Maria Haberfeld, a police science professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, said Jersey Citys rate was likely wrong.

Given the nature of crime there and the size of the department, she said, the current rate was very low and surprising.

When asked about the numbers, James Shea, the citys public safety director, initially said some forms were missing, though at the time he did not know how many, where they were or if they existed. (Shea oversees several public safety agencies, including the police and fire departments.)

After a multi-week internal investigation, the police department located dozens of reports that were missing from internal affairs files and had not been provided to the news organization to comply with its public records request, protected by state laws. It still has not turned over the forms.

For example, no report was turned over for an incident involving Hector Mejias, who said in a lawsuit he was inappropriately hit and kicked by Jersey City officers in 2012. The same goes for Tevin Henry, who settled a police brutality lawsuit with the city for $14,500. And then there was a 2016 incident involving Jeremy Rennick, who recently settled assault claims for $25,000.

Shea said use-of-force reports did exist for Mejias and would be turned over. But he disputed whether officers had used force at all with Henry, and he said Rennicks arrest fell into the gray area where physical contact ended and physical force began.

Even with the newly located reports, Jersey Citys rate of force would hardly budge. Police Chief Michael Kelly said a low number is possible in Jersey City and called it a sign the citys officers used restraint and de-escalated situations.

The rate is especially striking for a city known for its aggressive street crime unit, which sometimes floods violent areas with officers on the lookout for problems.

Current and former Jersey City officers varied when asked how well force had been recorded. Some said use-of-force forms were filled out appropriately; others said they were sometimes ignored. One former officer laughed aloud when told of the departments numbers.

Robert Cowan, who was chief of the department from the end of 2013 through part of 2014, said the rate seemed low but not impossible.

In my view, the issue is laziness, rather than a conscious effort to cover something up, Cowan said. Theres so much paperwork, theres always another form you gotta fill out.

Ensuring local departments are reporting force as required falls to county prosecutors. Under the current attorney general rules, local police departments are required to submit annual reports about all situations involving the use of physical, mechanical or deadly force to their respective county prosecutors. The intention is for prosecutors to provide a layer of oversight and flag officers or departments that may need intervention or more training.

But in Hudson County, which oversees Jersey City, that didnt happen for years, Kelly said. Only late last year  after widespread public records requests across the state by NJ Advance Media for police use-of-force forms  did the prosecutors office change course and require statistics to be filed quarterly.

Representatives for the county prosecutors office and Mayor Steven Fulop did not return requests for comment.

Kelly said the citys police department uses an internal warning system to flag officers who frequently use force, and he said the 188 excessive force complaints the department faced from 2012 through 2016 was a relatively low number. He also said a new computerized reporting system will make it easier to track force going forward.

But he said its possible his officers arent properly reporting some physical restraints, which is the most common type of force across the state. In response to NJ Advance Medias investigation, he promised additional training for all officers beginning early next year.

Part of the problem, he said, was that the attorney generals original directive wasnt clear on how force should be tracked.

It wasnt explained, exactly, where these forms had to go, he said. And its still not.

Read more from The Force Report:

NJ Advance Media staff writer Stephen Stirling contributed to this report.
A 76-year-old woman died Sunday after she was struck by a car as she tried to cross a busy street in Lakewood, authorities said.

Sofia Biernacka, of Lakewood, was hit by a car headed south on Route 9 near the intersection with Sixth Street around 5:30 p.m, police said in a statement Monday. That section of Route 9 is also called Madison Avenue in Lakewood.

Biernacka was brought to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, where she was pronounced dead.

The 63-year-old Freehold man driving the car was not speeding, police said. Police questioned and later released him, but impounded his vehicle as the investigation continues.

The Lakewood Scoop was the first to report on the incident.

Madison Avenue remained closed until about 9:30 p.m. State Police, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the county sheriffs office assisted Lakewood police.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
During his noble but often futile pursuit of bipartisan lawmaking, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat, was occasionally pulled aside by a party elder and asked the kind of question that most House freshmen would find daunting: "Why are you helping the other side?" the colleague would sneer. "What benefit can come out of this?"

The co-founder of the Problem Solvers Caucus, which is composed of 24 members from each party, would explain that it's more about practicality than politics: Nothing can be accomplished without collaboration, and as long as a bill is good for New Jersey's 5th District and the country, his own party is an afterthought.

How did they usually respond to this mantra?

"I'm not getting any flowers," Gottheimer says in full deadpan.

If Congress takes a credible step toward restoring democracy next session, someone should send Gottheimer a bouquet, because it probably will be the result of him helping Nancy Pelosi take a strategic step away from the massive prairie fire that is the legislative process.

Endlessly frustrated by the partisanship and obstructionism that torpedoes most meaningful legislation, Gottheimer leveraged the votes for speaker from his caucus to convince Pelosi that the rules of the House must change in the upcoming session to make it a more open and inclusive process.

He calls the initiative Break The Gridlock, quixotic as that may sound.

Among its eight provisions is the creation of a "consensus calendar," which allows for bills with 290 co-sponsors to automatically be sent to the floor after a certain time lapse. Why? Because if a bill has two-thirds support in the House, it should not be jammed by a committee chairman or by party leadership.

That's the big one, because there are "too many issues that have massive support off the floor among membership and the public," Gottheimer says, "but the obstructionists won't let it get to the floor."

He means issues such as infrastructure, gun safety, immigration reform, climate change, protecting entitlements, lowering health care premiums, education costs, and minimum wage -- all that frivolous stuff that isn't being debated now, which is why so many Americans want to trash the place.

Another provision guarantees a debate and a vote for all amendments with at least 20 cosponsors from each party, while another modernizes the discharge petition process, which is easily smothered under existing rules.

The new rules also make it more difficult to oust the Speaker: No longer can a single hardliner use the "vacate the chair" motion as a cudgel to keep certain pieces of legislation off the floor by calling for a new House speaker. That was used so often by Tea Partiers, it chased John Boehner into retirement. That threshold has been raised, so the speaker can now take legislative risks.

All these proposals won the support of Pelosi and the next chairman of the Rules Committee, Jim McGovern (D-Mass.).

The Democratic majority will still have a clear advantage. But a House consensus - and minority access - gives a bill a better chance of getting past the Republican Senate and getting the president to sign it.

Yes, Gottheimer knows he has a bull's-eye on his back. Some say he shouldn't be so eager to give Republicans such a soft landing after they were routed in the midterms. Even Democratic newbies such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted that Gottheimer is "hold(ing) the entire 220+ caucus hostage if we don't accept their GOP-friendly rules."

No flowers from trolls, either.

"I don't get that," Gottheimer says. "We can't meet in two years and still have Dreamers living with the same uncertainty. We can't leave Gateway unfunded. If we insist on all or nothing, then nothing will pass the president's desk. We can't use the next two years to obstruct."

True, that's a bad way to govern. And judging by the midterms, voters want Congress to put the nation's interests ahead of any party's agenda. How refreshing.

9 Dems are choosing to hold the entire 220+ caucus hostage if we dont accept their GOP-friendly rules that will hamstring healthcare efforts from the get-go.



People sent us here to get things done, not negotiate with an admin that jails children and guts peoples healthcare. https://t.co/ih8ygftjHo  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 23, 2018

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UPDATE (Thursday, 3:00 p.m.): Here are the details of J.A. Happs contract with the Yankees.

J.A. Happ: 17M in 2019, 17M in 2020, 17M vesting option in 2021. 34M guaranteed. #yanks  Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2018

Happs $17M 2021 option triggers with 165 IP or 27 starts in 2020 #Yankees.  Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 13, 2018

UPDATE (Wednesday, 9:13 p.m.): The Yankees and J.A. Happ have a deal.

Source: Yankees and J.A. Happ have agreed to the structure on a contract that would be two years plus an option for a third year based on innings pitched/starts. Deal still being finalized, plus physical.  Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 13, 2018

Yankees and Happ are working to finalize deal. Looks like it might be 2 years plus an option once done.  Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2018

UPDATE (Wednesday, 2:48 p.m.): The Yankees are still working on a deal with J.A. Happ.

Yankees and Happ continue to progress towards a deal. Obviously @Ken_Rosenthal on this from the beginning. Stay tuned  Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 12, 2018

UPDATE (Wednesday, 10:25 a.m.): The Athletics Ken Rosenthal is walking back his report.

Walking this back. Indications are #Yankees are close on Happ, but no agreement in place. https://t.co/FvR5bwUVDw  Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018

Hear #Yankees and Happ have talked seriously about a deal, heard not done. Hang up has been teams offering 2 yrs, pitcher wanting 3.  Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 12, 2018

Heres the up to the minute deal with Happ, per sources. Yankees have serious interest. He has multiple offers. Yankees have no idea if or when hell accept one of the offers but they hope its them  Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 12, 2018

Happ negatiations have proceeded slower than expected because hes been steadfast about believing his value is 3 years. Quiet guy but stubborn when he knows what he wants. Perhaps some kind of vesting option could ultimately get it done  Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 12, 2018

UPDATE (Wednesday, 10:18 a.m.): The Athletics Ken Rosenthal reports the Yankees re-signed J.A. Happ.

#Yankees in agreement with free-agent left-hander J.A. Happ, pending a physical, sources tell The Athletic. Believed to be three-year deal.  Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018

The #Yankees win the bidding war for JA Happ, per @Ken_Rosenthal. Manny Machado is next on their radar.  Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 12, 2018

UPDATE (Wednesday, 8:04 a.m.): MLB.coms Mark Feisnand reports the Yankees appear to have an inside track on J.A. Happ.

The Phillies and Yankees are considered the front-runners for Happ, though neither team is believed to have moved to three years as of Tuesday evening. Happ started his career in Philadelphia and pitched the final two-plus months with the Yankees last season, so hes quite familiar with both organizations and cities.

The New York Posts George King reports the Phillies are closing in on a deal for Happ:

They are bringing it, a talent evaluator from the AL East said of the Phillies interest in the 36-year-old lefty free agent whom the Yankees have been talking about bringing back to The Bronx.

A person with knowledge of the situation used the phrase getting closer to describe the discussions between Happ and the Phillies.

UPDATE (Tuesday, 1:08 p.m.): The Astros are tracking J.A. Happ.

UPDATE (Tuesday, 11:36 a.m.): Interest in J.A. Happ is picking up.

The market heating up for JA Happ whos seeking a 3-year deal  Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2018

Sources: Where J.A. Happ winds up could come down to the team that guarantees him a third year. Right now, none has, and he has indicated hell sign with the first one that does. If none steps up, hes got a number of two-year offers to consider, most from contending teams.  Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2018

UPDATE (Monday, 7:32 p.m.): SNYs Andy Martino reports the Yankees want Happ on a two-year deal.

Told that the Yankees have been highly reluctant to budge off two years for Happ, who is seeking three  Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 10, 2018

UPDATE (Monday, 6:49 p.m.): Fancreds Jon Heyman reports the Braves could jump into the mix for J.A. Happ.

Braves are an under the radar team on J.A. Happ. Uncertain of their chances but they appear to be still in a field thats been narrowed from a dozen or more.  Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2018

UPDATE (Monday, 5:37 p.m.): The Athletics Jayson Stark reports the Phillies are talking to J.A. Happ.

The #Phillies have had ongoing dialogue with LHP J.A. Happ over the last several days, according to sources. The Phillies have a long shopping list. But Happ appears to be their best fit, as a LH with experience in Philadelphia who won't require a long deal. Still seeking 3 years  Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 10, 2018

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is focused on upgrading the starting rotation. He traded for Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton but missed on Patrick Corbin, who went to the Washington Nationals on a six-year, $140 million contract, and Nathan Eovaldi, who returned to the Boston Red Sox with a four-year, $67.5 million contract.

Cashman has several options remaining in free agency, including J.A. Happ, Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton.

But the New York Posts George King says its quite possible the Yankees come up short for Happ:

There is industry buzz that the Yankees would like to keep any deal to two years and Happ is exploring the chances of getting a three-year contract.

Cashman arrived Sunday in Las Vegas for the MLB Winter Meetings. As you would expect, Cashman wasnt willing to show his hand to the Post:

Brian Cashman arrived at the winter meetings on Sunday with his club looking to upgrade the starting rotation, bullpen and keeping an eye on Manny Machado.

Whether the Yankees leave a city that never closes and offers millions of ways to lose money and other temptations having fulfilled their needs is something that the Yankees general manager couldnt predict.

Confident? No, Cashman told The Post in the lobby of the Mandalay Bay on Sunday afternoon when asked if he was confident of getting something done.

Cashman, however, agreed that didnt mean he would leave on Thursday with something having gotten accomplished.

We have some heavy lifting to do, Cashman said. Whether that will happen or not.
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 
Lei Jun, Xiaomi's CEO, announced at a press conference that 43.9% of the company's revenues in the third quarter of 2018 had come from international markets. These overseas earnings had increased by over 100% compared to last year. This may be attributed to Xiaomi's by-now solid standing in Europe as an electronics provider.

4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Human 2.0 , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker

Xiaomi's CEO, Lei Jun, presented on his company's performance at China's State Council Information Office press conference today (November 21, 2018). The executive reported that revenues for the third quarter of 2018 had had a year-on-year increase of 112.7%. This growth appeared to be heavily influenced by international sales.

In fact, Lei Jun announced that 43.9% of Xiaomi's 2018 revenues so far came from outside China. As the CEO noted, "Xiaomi's [...] progress of internationalization has exceeded its own imagination". The company now has a presence in 80 markets, and is among the top 5 brand in 30 of these. Many of these markets are European; however, Xiaomi also acknowledges the United States as an important region.

In all, Xiaomi recorded total revenues of just over US$7 billion, which was 49% more compared to this time last year. A number of its product categories were associated with increased year-on-year (YoY) revenues, including its TVs, with a YoY growth of 198.5%.
Ever since Google's Chrome browser launched, a large part of internet users have used the browser over competitors such as Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Explorer, and Edge. With the death of Edge and Microsoft's move to a Chromium based browser, Mozilla is warning the world of an impending Google monopoly.

4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Human 2.0 , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker

For years, Google has been supplanting Apple, Microsoft, Mozilla, and countless other Internet and electronics companies in several marketplaces: search engines, phones, social media (sort of), media, and especially internet browsers. When it launched, Google Chrome almost immediately soared into supremacy over its most immediate competitors, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer. After Microsoft finally announced it would be ending its relatively recent Edge browser in favor of a Chromium (an engine developed by Google) based one, Mozilla made strong statements warning users of the implications.

A spokesperson for Mozilla made a statement to The Verge, saying

This just increases the importance of Mozillas role as the only independent choice. We are not going to concede that Googles implementation of the web is the only option consumers should have. Thats why we built Firefox in the first place and why we will always fight for a truly open web.

Google represents more than half of all internet browsers used today, with Mozilla following in second place, albeit with a much smaller share. Although Mozilla, as Google's foremost competitor in the browser market, obviously has a financial incentive to criticize Microsoft's move, there is a good deal of truth to the company's statements. Even before Microsoft's adoption of Chromium, Google has been accused of creating a monopoly by top level US politicians. Considering Google's always on location tracking and the recent failures to keep malware out of the Play Store, perhaps Mozilla is right that a Google monopoly isn't in everyone's best interests.
The Samsung Galaxy A8s, which is set to be the world's first Infinity-O display phone, has had all of its details officially released today. There are also real-world photos of the phone now available. This announcement confirms the A8s' previously-leaked specs, including the existence of two RAM SKUs and the Infinity-O display.

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Samsung has chosen the Galaxy A8s as the first of its phones to include the next-generation Infinity-O display technology. This is a notch-alternative that puts the front-facing camera (or cameras, perhaps) right into the screen in one corner. A new series of images may show how that will work out in real life for those who purchase the upcoming mid-ranger.

The A8s was launched in China today, confirming the phone's 6.4-inch, 2340x1080 display, which was known from its recent TENAA certification. This display will have a 19.5:9 aspect ration and 2.5D glass. The Infinity-O camera will give this panel a 91.56% screen-to-body ratio. The phone will be available in blue, a dark shade of green and the faded-black seen in the TENAA listing.

There are also 'real-life' images of the Infinity-O part of the display available. These seem to indicate that the 'punch-hole' camera will have a rather stark black border around it, which matches the impression of the screen. It also seems that Samsung is managing the status bar by centering it horizontally alongside the camera in the UI. This looks acceptable, although it leaves at least a millimeter of empty space between the status bar and the top edge of the phone.

The Galaxy A8s will indeed be powered by the Snapdragon 710 processor, and will come with 6 to 8 GB in RAM and 128 in fixed storage. This capacity can be expanded with up to 512GB of external memory. Other specs, including the battery capacity, triple rear cameras and rear-mounted fingerprint sensor match those of the TENAA listing.

The Galaxy A8s will also have dual-SIM capabilities - with dual 4G - and run Android 8.1 (Oreo) out of the box. SamMobile reports that the phone will be available without pre-order on December 21. This is indeed 4 days after the release of the Huawei Nova 4, a phone that, according to its leaks, will have a punch-hole camera of its own. This may seem like a blow to Samsung, who may have wanted to be first to bring such technology to market. On the other hand, the company now has the advantage of being able to wait and see how the Nova 4 - and its pricing scheme - will be received and possibly adjust accordingly.


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Johns love for Jamie cuts a Romantic figure  the depth of his attachment is what makes him human. But that also has informed the bulk of what we know about his character so far. We know he honors promises, but Jamie got most of those promises. And when John shows up to pay his respects at Frasers Ridge, there is more emphasis on unrequited love than on friendship. (John isnt subtle.) No surprise that Claire eventually confronts him: I cant for the life of me understand your motivation for coming here.

Of course, the real point of his visit, at least from a storytelling perspective, is to trap Claire and John Grey in the cabin as she nurses him through measles and they hash out their unfinished business. They each know the others soft spot  Claire has Jamies romantic love, and John had 20 years with Jamie that Claire can never have. Its great to see Caitriona Balfe give Claire so much old pain to work from, and David Berry gets to add some depth to John Grey beyond his pining.

Theres not as much depth to this fight as there could be, though, and some volleys  like Johns I could have had him  need a lot more examination than they get. But the stakes for each character are real. Johns love for Jamie is a safe way to avoid facing other problems, such as guilt over not loving Isobel. Claire is not entirely secure in her relationship with Jamie  and after everything, maybe she never can be. Their weary detente is about all they can hope for. The question is whether theyll ever have a relationship defined by more than resenting each other over a willfully oblivious Jamie.

We certainly dont find out this episode. Jamie spends most of it making sure young William (a very game Oliver Finnegan) avoids measles, giving him a Dad of the Year field trip. Sam Heughan does good work running Jamies suffering just underneath his reassurances and lessons. Its interesting enough that the clumsy setup for the big reveal feels doubly awkward. We didnt need another instance of Fraser bravery impressing the Cherokee so much that it gets them out of any consequences.

And in giving up the family secret, the show has given up a lot of potential angst for Jamie at a time when  oddly  it feels as if he could use some. We can assume, however, that Outlander wont hesitate to find some new angst for its heroes to gnaw on.
Depending on what happens this week, historians will begin to situate Mrs. May on the continuum of British leaders, somewhere between Anthony Eden (worst) and Winston Churchill (best). In my latest article, I submit the following: Mrs. May made a genuine effort to lead her fractured country to a compromise, but she did it too late. By devoting her early months in office to reassuring the hard-Brexit faction of her party that she was one of them, she sacrificed a chance to build trust with moderates.

Its not enough to turn around after two and a half years and say, Im a unifier, said Ian Dunt, the author of Brexit: What the Hell Happens Now?

The situation provides the perfect opening for the leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, to step in with moral guidance, right? Not exactly.

My colleague Stephen Castle describes Mr. Corbyns pathological ducking and weaving on the most momentous issue facing the country. The reason is obvious enough: Mr. Corbyn, shaped by his years on the far left, always liked the idea of leaving the E.U., but a majority of Labour voters want to remain.

After Parliament votes on Mrs. Mays withdrawal agreement, Mr. Corbyns time for prevarication will run out. Steve Fielding, a political historian, bets he would back a second referendum.

If it comes to it, he will support it, he said. Because, by that point, he is out of options and to say no is almost impossible. And so, readers, onward to Tuesdays vote. Pass me the peanut butter, and a spoon.
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A huge fraud at a Malaysian investment fund has cast a harsh light on Goldman Sachs. But how much could the scandal cost the firm?

Wall Street has been trying to estimate the amount of legal penalties and settlements Goldman may pay after United States prosecutors unveiled a guilty plea by a former senior Goldman Sachs investment banker and charged a second banker.

The affair appears to have taken its toll on Goldmans stock. Its shares are down 20 percent since the Justice Departments charges were revealed. By comparison, bank stocks as a whole are down 6 percent, and shares of Morgan Stanley, Goldmans rival, have fallen nearly 10 percent.
Michael D. Cohen, President Trumps former fixer, always had a high self-regard for his ability to talk  or bully  his way out of challenging situations, whether acting on his own or on behalf of Mr. Trump.

So when federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York began investigating Mr. Cohen, he seemed to undertake a brazen and risky legal strategy: offer enough information that it might prompt prosecutors to ask a judge for leniency for him  but nothing more about his or others activities.

On Friday, the prosecutors made clear that Mr. Cohen was less useful to their investigation because he would not fully cooperate, therefore he would not reap benefits, such as a government letter on his behalf.

They said Mr. Cohen had refused to sign a full cooperation agreement, the sort most people in the Southern District sign when agreeing to testify against their partners in crime. Under that sort of deal, witnesses must admit to every crime they have committed and offer any details concerning crimes by others, even ones the government did not know about.
President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China have agreed to a 90-day pause in the escalating economic trade war.

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It is very possible that the president of the United States is a criminal. And it is very possible that his criminality aided and abetted his assumption of the position. Let that sink in. It is a profound revelation.

Last week, prosecutors made clear in a sentencing memo for Donald Trumps personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, that Trump himself had directed Cohen to break campaign finance laws.

Stop there.

Yes, there is still information dribbling out about Trumps efforts to build a tower in Moscow during the election and about his campaigns ties with Russians during the campaign. Yes, there is the question of obstruction of justice, which I believe has already been proven by Trumps own actions in public. Yes, there are all the people in Trumps circle who have been charged with or have admitted to lying about any number of things, including their contacts with Russians.

But beyond all that, we now have an actual, and one assumes provable, crime. A federal crime. And the president is its architect.
The tumult that arises from many people of many nations trying to build a city together has subsided for the moment. It is the beginning of the second act of the thrilling drama The Jungle, which opened on Sunday at St. Anns Warehouse in Brooklyn, and it feels as if all the world is holding its breath.

Everyone on and off the stage  and the boundaries between the two are unnervingly porous in this immersive London-born production  is focused on the 17-year-old Sudanese boy, newly bruised and bleeding, with the ugly lattice of scars on his bared torso. His name is Okot, and he is about to enumerate the times he died  and no, he doesnt say almost died  during his journey, thousands of miles across desert and ocean, to this migrant camp in Calais, France.

Portrayed by John Pfumojena with a concentrated stillness that absorbs light and sound, Okot asks an older member of the camp, a Syrian, if there is any point in his saying what he is about to say: If I talk to her, you think she will understand?
Some measures have better chances than others. As momentum appeared to be evaporating last week to pass the criminal justice bill, it received a lift on Friday, when Mr. Trump pressured Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader who has resisted scheduling it for a vote, to Go for it Mitch! Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, a prominent Republican holdout, also endorsed the measure, bolstering proponents argument that the bill has substantial enough support to pass.

Senators are also poised this week to take action on a resolution to cut off American support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, a rebuke to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia for the killing of Mr. Khashoggi and to Mr. Trump for failing to hold him responsible for it. While there is substantial bipartisan support for the move in the Senate, it faces a roadblock in the House, and Mr. Trump would likely veto it. And it is not clear whether the measure or other proposals to punish Saudi Arabia  by imposing sanctions or a weapons ban, or condemning the crown prince directly  could be attached to the spending legislation.

The fewer things we put on the approps bills, the better chance of passing, Senator Richard C. Shelby of Alabama, the Republican chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, told reporters last week. Id rather deal with appropriations, for the most part, and keep legislation off anywhere I can.

Five out of the 12 annual spending bills have already been passed, leaving seven to complete by Dec. 21, though those are expected to be rolled into one package. Negotiations over the Homeland Security bill, the most contentious of the group, have essentially paused as both chambers wait to see the outcome of the Tuesday meeting between Mr. Trump, Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand  The man accused of murdering a British backpacker in New Zealand the night before her 22nd birthday made his first appearance in the Auckland District Court on Monday, where the judge expressed sympathy to the victims family for their desperate grief.

The backpacker, Grace Millane, was last seen entering a downtown hotel with the man in Auckland, New Zealands largest city, on Dec. 1. The police discovered a body on the western outskirts of the city Sunday and said they believed it was the missing woman; a formal identification is expected this week.

The accused, 26, whose name cannot be reported because his lawyer is still fighting to have details of his identity suppressed, was arrested on Saturday night and remains in custody after Mondays court appearance.

Although the hearing was a preliminary formality  such cases in New Zealand typically take around a year to come to trial  the courts public gallery was packed and the presiding judge took the unusual step of directly addressing Ms. Millanes father and uncle, who arrived from England last week.
The solutions that we need to find must take into consideration each persons reality  its almost like tailored to fit, he said. The anger that is being expressed is sometimes very different from one area to another.

The Yellow Vests take their name from the fluorescent hazard vests adopted by the protesters as a sign of their economic distress.

The challenges Mr. Macron will face in speaking to his fellow citizens are considerable.

He must connect with the many who feel abandoned and make clear not only that he understands their anger but also that he is prepared to listen to their ideas and take action, analysts said.

At the same time, he must project strong resolve against the destruction of private property to preserve the allegiance of the small-business owners who have seen their shops vandalized or who have been forced to close on successive Saturdays. Mr. Macron must also stand with the many French who have been outraged by the desecration of national monuments, or who have seen their cars burned or other property destroyed.
 Chinese police detained one of the countrys most prominent Protestant pastors, pictured above with President George W. Bush, and more than 100 members of his independent congregation, the latest sign of a crackdown on what the government perceives as illegal or foreign religious activity. [The New York Times]

 Will Kim Jong-un visit Seoul? The South Korean government has been preparing for the scheduled visit for weeks. But the North Korean leader hasnt accepted the invitation yet, which could complicate efforts for a second summit meeting with President Trump. [The New York Times]

 Jack Dorsey, Twitters chief executive, posted a series of glowing tweets about traveling to Myanmar, which many found tone-deaf in light of the countrys violent persecution of Rohingya Muslims. [The New York Times]

 Asylum seekers who have been detained in Australias offshore camps are suing the government for torture and crimes against humanity. Heres a guide to what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle. [The New York Times]

 A church in the Netherlands has been holding round-the-clock services for the past six weeks to protect five Armenian refugees from deportation, since an obscure Dutch law prohibits the police from disrupting a church service to make an arrest. [The New York Times]
Days after the Canadian authorities arrested one of Chinas leading technology executives at the behest of Washington, Cisco warned some employees that China might return the favor.

In an email with the subject line Travel Restriction to China, the Silicon Valley networking giant cautioned employees against nonessential travel to China due to recent events. Cisco has since said that the email was sent in error and that there are no China travel restrictions on its employees.

Still, the fear is real.

The arrest this month of Meng Wanzhou of Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant, appears to have put a certain kind of elite  tech-savvy, comfortable in both countries  square in the middle of the economic conflict between the United States and China. For many Chinese tech entrepreneurs, the United States suddenly doesnt seem like the same place that welcomed them to study, work and raise money. That could be a big problem for both countries.

Already, some tech types are reconsidering their travel plans, if not their connections, to the other country. Many see a bit of themselves in Ms. Meng. As Huaweis chief financial officer and daughter of the company founder, she is a member of a tech elite that has long thought of itself as too valuable to be threatened. (American authorities say she was part of a plan to avoid American sanctions against Iran. Huawei says it is unaware of any wrongdoing on her part.)
TOKYO  Prosecutors in Japan on Monday indicted Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman of Nissan Motor, and the auto company itself on charges that they had violated financial laws by underreporting Mr. Ghosns compensation.

Mr. Ghosn, once among the auto industrys most respected executives, was arrested three weeks ago by the Japanese authorities. The allegations have upended a carmaking empire that includes Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors in Japan and Renault in France.

In addition to the formal charges announced Monday, which cover allegations related to actions from 2011 to 2015, the authorities rearrested Mr. Ghosn on similar charges stemming from a subsequent period. Mr. Ghosn, 64, has been held in detention in Tokyo since his arrest on Nov. 19.

Motonari Otsuru, a lawyer for Mr. Ghosn, could not immediately be reached for comment.

In response to the indictment, Nissan said in a statement that it would strengthen its compliance efforts. It did not deny the charges.
MUMBAI, India  Indias top central banker resigned on Monday after tussling for months with Prime Minister Narendra Modis government over its desire to exert more control over the banks regulations and tap its reserves to increase government spending.

The departure of the banker, Urjit Patel, came almost a year before his term was to end and sent Indias currency, the rupee, down nearly 2 percent. Concerns about a slowing economy and a sharp spike in oil prices had already caused Indias stock market to give up most of its gains for the year.

This will give a very bad signal to the Indian markets, said Sebastian Morris, a professor of economics at the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. It establishes beyond a doubt that Mr. Modi cannot get along with anyone with an independent mind.

Officially, Mr. Patel said he was resigning for personal reasons. And Mr. Modi posted a message of praise for the economist on Twitter, saying, Dr. Urjit Patel is a thorough professional with impeccable integrity.
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KATOWICE, Poland  Trump administration officials at high-stakes climate talks here offered an unapologetic defense of fossil fuels on Monday, arguing that a rapid retreat from coal, oil and gas was unrealistic.

While that stance brought scorn from environmentalists and countries that favor stronger action to fight global warming, there are signs that the administration is finding a receptive audience among other major fossil-fuel producers, including Russia, Saudi Arabia and Australia.

President Trumps international energy and climate adviser, Wells Griffith, hosted a panel discussion on fossil fuels at the United Nations conference, arguing that the developing world would be heavily reliant on coal, oil and gas for some time and that it was in the worlds interest to find more efficient ways of developing and burning those fuels.

Midway through, the panel was interrupted by scores of noisy protesters, who chanted, Shame on you! and Keep it in the ground!
The sweet spot, when it comes to buying caviar, is quality that costs less than $100 an ounce. This season there are several options for sturgeon varieties like transmontanus (white sturgeon) and baerii at that price, and some for less than $50. At those prices, you can forget genuine osetra. Passmore Ranch sells Circle 41 ($49 for 30 grams, about an ounce), which is dark, nicely textured and assertive like sevruga. Passmore Select ($94) and Ranch Reserve ($129) are both more buttery and lush. The company also sells crunchy, bright orange steelhead (trout) roe ($13) that comes in flavors, including an appealing mirin variety. An ounce is a satisfying portion for one and about enough for two. This is the first year the fish farm, near Sacramento, has sold its caviar retail; previous supplies went only to chefs.

Passmore Ranch caviar, passmoreranch.com.

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As recently as the early 1960s, air travel was still glamorous and exciting; you dressed up to get on a plane, and looked forward to the food aloft. That was when Trans World Airlines opened a futuristic new terminal, designed by the Finnish architect Eero Saarinen at what was then best known as Idlewild and is now Kennedy International Airport.

The 200,000-square-foot-building, with its sinuous curves and swoops sheathed in white penny tiles, is a city, state and federal landmark, connected to Jet Blues Terminal 5. But it has not been used for 18 years.

Now it is being brought back to life as the lobby of the TWA Hotel, to open this spring with a restaurant and a lounge run by the renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, working with Tastes on the Fly, a company that specializes in airport food.

Its an exciting project; food in airports has been improving a lot, said Mr. Vongerichten, a prolific restaurateur who, unlike many of his empire-building peers, has not opened an airport restaurant.
In mid-October, researchers in California published a study of Civil War prisoners that came to a remarkable conclusion. Male children of abused war prisoners were about 10 percent more likely to die than their peers were in any given year after middle age, the study reported.

The findings, the authors concluded, supported an epigenetic explanation. The idea is that trauma can leave a chemical mark on a persons genes, which then is passed down to subsequent generations. The mark doesnt directly damage the gene; theres no mutation. Instead it alters the mechanism by which the gene is converted into functioning proteins, or expressed. The alteration isnt genetic. Its epigenetic.

The field of epigenetics gained momentum about a decade ago , when scientists reported that children who were exposed in the womb to the Dutch Hunger Winter, a period of famine toward the end of World War II, carried a particular chemical mark, or epigenetic signature, on one of their genes . The researchers later linked that finding to differences in the childrens health later in life, including higher-than-average body mass.

The excitement since then has only intensified, generating more studies  of the descendants of Holocaust survivors, of victims of poverty  that hint at the heritability of trauma . If these studies hold up, they would suggest that we inherit some trace of our parents and even grandparents experience, particularly their suffering, which in turn modifies our own day-to-day health  and perhaps our childrens, too.
Do your parents and other adults keep up with you on social media? If they do follow you, do you think they do it more out of curiosity about your interests, or to monitor your actions?

Why do you think that?

In the Opinion essay Rediscovering My Daughter Through Instagram, Helene Stapinski writes about how Instagram helped her feel less distant from her teenage daughter, once she found the courage to ask for permission to follow her daughters account:

That night, I got up the nerve to ask Paulina if I could follow her on Instagram. Miraculously, she said yes, shrugging as she walked up the stairs to her room. I grabbed my phone, and suddenly, there it was: Paulinas life. In black-and-white and full color. There were photos of her girlfriends hanging out in the bathroom at school, friends goofing around at a spot they call Venice in Gowanus, where Brooklyn teenagers go after classes, and a great shot of all the boys skateboards piled straight up in someones hallway. An artistic shot of an empty, rumpled bed in a friends room in Rockaway. A lonely place setting in a Japanese restaurant. Not just photos, but beautifully framed photos. Taken by my daughter. Social media has been blamed for ruining our democracy, shortening our childrens attention spans and undermining the fabric of society. But through it, I was able to be with Paulina out in the world again, to see what she sees, to virtually stand beside her and witness the people and places she moves through, in nearly real time. Not in a parent-policing role, but in a wonderful-world sort of way.

Students, read the entire essay, and then tell us:

 To what degree do you identify with Ms. Stapinskis account of life with her daughter? Explain.

 In your family, or in your friends families, are there rules about social media, such as a minimum age for using it or having to let parents follow the accounts?

 What do you see as the intentions for those rules? What are the outcomes?

 Why do you think Ms. Stapinski had to find the courage to ask Paulina if she could follow her on Instagram? What did she fear may happen? Why do you think that?

 What do you think Paulina might say if she were asked to write an essay in response to her mothers? Explain.

 It is unlikely that all teenagers and their parents have such positive experiences sharing details about their lives on social media. Why do you think it seems to work for the family you read about?

 Are there people in your life you wish would follow you on social media? If so, are any of them family members that you wish you could include more in your day-to-day life but you dont know how to tell them that?
Wanderlust propelled LaShondra Jones moves around the country  to Miami, back to Michigan and later to New York City.

I have whats called a gypsy spirit, Ms. Jones said. I will pack up and move in a heartbeat.

At each destination, bouts of severe depression continued. In her 46 years, Ms. Jones has tried to end her life several times.

Thats the one thing I can be proud of saying I failed at, Ms. Jones said, before comparing herself to the mythical phoenix. If anybody has risen from her own ashes, its me.

This year, Ms. Jones has gained clarity from a new mental health diagnosis and self-care regimen. She has also found love and is planning to marry next year.
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Amazon says its new headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, will bring 25,000 jobs. It will also bring more crowds, more noise and, yes, more toilet flushing.

It might seem mundane, but what happens in the bathroom matters: New York, for all its modern conveniences, sits atop a century-old sewage system used by more people than ever before. Every time someone flushes, washes their hands or takes a shower, all that household wastewater (and worse) flows down into 7,500 miles of sewer pipes. Most of these pipes also do double duty, collecting rainwater runoff from rooftops as well as streets.

When these sewer pipes get clogged by humans  flushing baby wipes anyone?  or simply overloaded with rainwater, it becomes everyones problem. The combined sewer overflows are discharged directly into nearby rivers, bays and creeks instead of going to wastewater treatment plants. Raw sewage also backs up in homes, creating a stomach-turning mess.

Long Island City residents say these backups and overflows already happen whenever it rains hard  and 25,000 more Amazon workers will only make the problem worse. But city officials say they are ready to take on whatever comes down the pipes. Here is why.
Mr. Guzzone had a particularly close relationship with the owners of Litespeed Electric, a contractor based in New Jersey, who are also scheduled to surrender to the authorities on Tuesday.

Mark Agnifilo, a lawyer for Robert Fleming at Litespeed, said there was no evidence that Mr. Fleming paid cash kickbacks to Mr. Guzzone or anyone else, or that Bloomberg paid more than it should have for electrical services. Mr. Agnifilo said that many of the things that Mr. Fleming was being accused of are common practices in the industry.

The New York City construction industry is obviously highly competitive, Mr. Agnifilo said. Honest companies go to great lengths to keep getting lucrative contracts. I dont think Litespeed is any different.

Investigators also seized records at Turner Construction offices downtown. The company has insisted that two of its top executives in the interior construction division  Ronald Olson and Vito Negro  had gone rogue, deliberately evading the companys internal compliance program. Those men were fired by Turner in October 2017.

Tom Curran, a lawyer for Turner Construction, said his company and Bloomberg aided the district attorneys investigation from the start. Neither company is being charged with anything or fined, he said.

For months, the close-knit industry has been rife with rumors about a pending indictment involving as many as 40 executives and millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains. In recent months, more than 14 people have pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with investigators.

Corruption scandals in the interior construction industry, a specialized subset of construction work, occur periodically The highly profitable work covers the guts of a building, everything from dry wall, electrical and plumbing to lighting and carpeting.
Mr. Bernard, citing the deterioration of public housing in New York City as an example, argued that mixed-income buildings, in which units with higher rents help subsidize the lower-rent units, were one of the few viable ways of creating a sustainable model of housing.

We cannot warehouse one income level, Mr. Bernard said. The only way that we can change the community and respond to the gentrification of Brooklyn is to have a mixture of income in our communities. We have to create an environment where a manufacturing worker can live down the hall from a doctor and lawyer, or some other individual who is a professional. 

Bryan Kelly, the executive vice president at the Gotham Organization, said it was too early to determine how many units would be set aside for each income band. But he noted that, under a city law passed in 2016, more than 30 percent of the units built would remain permanently and deeply affordable for tenants in the lowest income bands. All of the units would be rent-stabilized.

If we can adapt in any way, we will,  Mr. Kelly said.

Andre T. Mitchell, the chairman of Community Board 5 in Brooklyn, said he was grateful the developers met with him early in the process and was impressed by the aspects of the plan that addressed social ills. Like Ms. Barron, he said ensuring affordability was a priority to make sure that its a win-win for everybody.

As a board, we understand that East New York is the new ground zero of all these new developments, Mr. Mitchell said. There is still a lot of apprehension in the community. Often, we hear one thing and its something else thats done. Developers have also played Three-card Monte with us, and often times they dont come through.

He added, We have to make sure that promises made are kept.
Workers recently started to change speed limit signs on the first segment on the Fourth Avenue line in Brooklyn between 36th Street and 59th Street. Overall, officials plan to change the speed limits at 100 locations by the spring.

The team also found 267 faulty signals that were forcing train operators to pass at slower speeds. The equipment, known as grade time signals, was designed to halt trains that are moving too quickly. But officials kept adding more of them  eventually reaching 2,000, some of which were poorly maintained and misconfigured.

About 30 signals have been repaired in Brooklyn, from the DeKalb Avenue station to the 36th Street station, on the B, Q, D, N and R lines, and near the 9th Avenue station on the D line. Mr. Byford wants to eventually fix all of the faulty signals, though he cautioned that the work is complex and could take awhile.

This is a great move and I think its one that a lot of people have been waiting on for quite a while, said Benjamin Kabak, who writes the Second Ave. Sagas subway blog. I think it can provide immediate dividends in terms of speeding up service.

Mr. Byford, who started running the subway in January, is also pressing elected leaders to provide funding for his ambitious $40 billion proposal to modernize the subway. Installing modern signals is a key part of the plan. Last week, Mr. Byford announced the hiring of a signals expert named Pete Tomlin, who has worked on transit systems in Toronto and London, to oversee signal upgrades in New York.

Subway officials have blamed overcrowding and growing ridership as the main reason for delays. But Mr. Byford quickly disagreed and instead focused on finding the root causes for delays. Trains on New Yorks subway system travel at about 17 miles per hour on average, the slowest of any heavy rail system in the United States, according to a 2010 analysis by a transportation planner named Matt Johnson. Trains on the Bay Area Rapid Transit in the San Francisco area, for instance, averaged 33 miles per hour, he found.

Mr. Byford is trying to correct problems that resulted from changes made after the 1995 crash. The top speed for trains on the subway is about 50 miles per hour, though most trains travel slower than that. When Mr. Byford rode trains with workers, they told him slow speeds were a major problem.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the self-described Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx who is set to become the youngest congresswoman in American history next month, added another layer to a complex personal story: She has Jewish heritage.

Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, made the reveal on Sunday evening at a Jackson Heights synagogue in Queens, telling the crowd that a very, very long time ago, generations and generations ago, my family consisted of Sephardic Jews.

She dated her ancestry to those who had to flee Europe during the Spanish Inquisition more than 500 years ago, and sought refuge in the New World. Some of those people landed in Puerto Rico, she explained.

As is the story of Puerto Rico, we are a people that are an amalgamation, she said. We are no one thing. We are black; we are indigenous; we are Spanish; we are European.
Every year, China burns as much coal as the rest of world combined, and every year since 2009, more cars have been sold there than in any other country. This has left its cities choking on poisoned air and has been responsible for an estimated one million premature deaths a year. But since 2014, China has been waging a war on pollution, and this campaign has begun to show results. Last year, levels of particulate pollution in Beijing dropped by more than 20 percent over the previous year.

The politics of this was obvious. The countrys leadership was worried that its citizens simply wouldnt tolerate air so polluted that it can be difficult on some days in some cities to see through the soupy, acrid haze to the buildings across the street. But China has shown less determination to corral its runaway emissions of carbon dioxide, the colorless, odorless gas that is principally responsible for the warming of the planet. A warming planet, after all, doesnt present the same palpable and immediate threat to peoples daily lives that toxic air does.

Last year, China produced 27 percent of the global emissions of this greenhouse gas, and its emissions are expected to rise by nearly 5 percent by the end of this year, according to new research released this week by scientists with the Global Carbon Project. The United States is second on that list, accounting for 15 percent of the worlds emissions  though China is quick to point out that its emissions per capita remain less than half of those of the United States.

With the Trump administration unwilling to confront climate change, the world needs a more deeply committed China. A recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the present rate, by 2040, coastlines will be inundated, droughts and floods will intensify and food shortages will be widespread. So the world is facing an immense challenge, made much more difficult by an American president who believes coal, oil and gas are the fuels that will drive Americas return to greatness.
Consider two high school seniors  one who exhibits strong academic talent and one who does not. For one, December marks the homestretch of a yearslong effort, intensively supported by his school, to prepare the perfect college application. For the other, December is just another month on the path to, well, whatever might come after graduation. The former will likely proceed steadily toward a bachelors degree; the latter is unlikely to finish college if he enrolls at all. To whom does our education system owe what?

That second student, to be clear, has done nothing wrong. He probably clawed his way through his towns standard college-oriented curriculum, though it neither targeted his interests and abilities nor prepared him for work force success. Looking ahead, he faces a labor market in which he may need to work harder than his college-bound counterpart for lower pay, with fewer options and slower advancement. Yet we celebrate the first student and lavish taxpayer funds on his education. To the second student, we offer little beyond a sympathetic Sorry. Our education system has become one of our nations most regressive institutions.

After high school graduation, the first student can access more than $10,000 annually in public funds to support his college experience. Federal funding for higher education has grown by 133 percent in the past 30 years; combined with tax breaks, loan subsidies and state-level funding, the annual total exceeds $150 billion. That funding will cover not only genuine instructional costs, but also state-of-the-art gyms, psychiatric and career counseling services, and whatever social programming the student-life bureaucracy can conceive. At Ohio State, students living off campus get free fire alarms.

The second graduate likely gets nothing. Annual federal funding for a non-college, vocational pathway, at both the high school and postsecondary levels, totals $1 billion. Certainly, he will need to buy his own fire alarm.
NASHVILLE  Until August, Tennessee had not put a prisoner to death in nearly a decade. Last Thursday, it performed its third execution in four months.

This was not a surprising turn of events. In each case, recourse to the courts had been exhausted. In each case Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican, declined to intervene, though there were many reasons to justify intervening. Billy Ray Irick suffered from psychotic breaks that raised profound doubts about his ability to distinguish right from wrong. Edmund Zagorksis behavior in prison was so exemplary that even the warden pleaded for his life. David Earl Miller also suffered from mental illness and was a survivor of child abuse so horrific that he tried to kill himself when he was 6 years old.

Questions about the humanity of Tennessees lethal-injection protocol were so pervasive following the execution of Mr. Irick that both Mr. Zagorski and Mr. Miller elected to die in Tennessees electric chair, which was built in 1916. (The state spruced it up in 1989.) Their choice says something very clear about Tennessees three-drug execution cocktail, as Justice Sonya Sotomayor noted in a dissenting opinion to the Supreme Courts decision not to hear Mr. Millers case: Both so chose even though electrocution can be a dreadful way to die, she wrote. They did so against the backdrop of credible scientific evidence that lethal injection as currently practiced in Tennessee may well be even worse. Electrocution might not be any more humane than death by lethal injection, in other words, but at least it offers a speedier hideous death.

Presumably this is the same thinking behind the position taken by 51 death-row prisoners in Alabama who want to die in an untested nitrogen gas chamber rather than by either the electric chair or lethal injection.
Over the last year or so, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and other American tech leaders have issued a stark warning to those who want to see more competition in the industry. It goes something like this: We understand that weve made mistakes. But dont you realize that if you damage us, youll just be handing over the future to China? Unlike America, China is standing behind its tech firms, because it knows that the competition is global, and it wants to win.

This  Big Techs version of the too big to fail argument  has a superficial nationalistic appeal. Its certainly true that the Chinese technology sector is growing and aggressively competitive, and that many of its companies are embraced and promoted by the Chinese state. By one count, eight of the worlds 20 largest tech firms are Chinese. That would seem to suggest a contest for global dominance, one in which the United States ought not be considering breakups or regulation, but instead should be doing everything it can to protect and subsidize the home team.

But to accept this argument would be a mistake, for it betrays and ignores hard-won lessons about the folly of an industrial policy centered on national champions, especially in the tech sector. What Facebook is really asking for is to be embraced and protected as Americas very own social media monopolist, bravely doing battle overseas. But both history and basic economics suggest we do much better trusting that fierce competition at home yields stronger industries overall.

Thats the lesson from the history of Japanese-American tech competition. During the 1970s and into the 80s, it was widely believed that Japan was threatening the United States for supremacy in technology markets. The Japanese giant NEC was a serious challenger to IBM in the mainframe market; Sony was running over consumer electronics, joined by powerful firms like Panasonic and Toshiba. These companies enjoyed the support of the Japanese state, through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, which pursued a nationalistic industrial policy thought to be infallible.
Affirmative action for minorities in college admissions is once again under serious challenge. For many opponents, the heart of the case against is made by Chief Justice John Robertss pithy comment The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race. The dictum seems to be trivially true  a repetition of the same claim in almost the same words, what logicians call a tautology, like a dog is a dog.

Of course, the claim is not quite that simple. In context, its clear that Chief Justice Roberts means The way to stop discrimination against any given race is to stop discriminating against all races. This is not a tautology, but it does seem plausible: If you think its wrong to discriminate against minority applicants, shouldnt you also think its wrong to discriminate against majority (white) applicants? If so, you shouldnt support affirmative action, since it allows admitting minorities rather than whites precisely because of their race.

I dont want to deny the strength of this argument. It seems implicit in, for example, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which says it is illegal to to discriminate against any individual  because of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. And over the past 50 years, the idea that race should not matter in judgments of merit has become widely accepted among Americans. Affirmative action, however, denies this: When the purpose is sufficiently worthy, its right to prefer minority over majority applicants (and even to prefer some minorities over other minorities, such as Asian-Americans).

So the question becomes, what purpose justifies preferring minority applicants? What problem do we need affirmative action to solve? The straightforward answer is the underrepresentation of minorities in elite colleges and universities, where the percentage of minorities is far below their percentage of the population. So, for example, blacks make up 15 percent of the college-age population but only 6 percent of those enrolled at the top 100 private and public schools. Theres little hope of improvement without further action, since the figures have scarcely changed since 1980. (At universities below the top 100, minorities are not underrepresented.)
True or not, everything under President Trump feels like it has been more bumpy than for any of his predecessors in the modern era. His governing approach combines an unusual faith in his own intuition, a relative lack of interest in policy details and a penchant for demonizing his opponents, real and imagined. The president appears to judge his White House aides less on their governing expertise than on their compatibility with and loyalty to his deeply personal approach to the presidency.

So with the announcement that President Trumps chief of staff, John Kelly, will step down at the end of the year, we all took it as just the latest round of White House chaos.

But actually, the modern presidency moves to recognizable rhythms. And this one, in some ways, has been no different. There is a season to govern, and one to campaign. The announcement about Mr. Kelly is the clearest sign yet that for Mr. Trump and his White House staff, the time to govern is winding down, and the presidential campaign is about to begin.

Governing and campaigning in the recent administrations are relatively distinct processes. The expertise a president requires from his staff to govern is not always the same skill set he needs for campaigning. The most effective campaign aides are adept at distilling complex issues into campaign slogans suitable for sound bites and bumper stickers, and at demonizing the opposition. Skills suitable for sound bites, digital ads and bumper stickers are assumed to be less useful in the White House, where policy expertise, patience and a willingness to work across the aisle are normally prerequisites for getting things done.
In the 1970s, Qatar discovered vast quantities of natural gas in the offshore North Field, which straddles the maritime border between Qatar and Iran, with the largest part of the field in Qatari waters. The North Field remains the largest non-associated gas field ever found, with more than 130 years of reserves at current production rates of 77 million tons a year.

Since the early 1990s, Qatar has invested heavily in creating the infrastructure to export gas both through pipelines and as liquefied natural gas. By 2007, Qatar was the largest exporter of LNG in the world, with production plateauing in 2010 at 77 million tons a year. In contrast, its average oil production of 607,000 barrels per day in 2017 is less than 2 percent of OPECs total output.

In April 2017, Qatar Petroleum lifted a 12-year moratorium on the further development of its natural gas resources that it had imposed in 2005 to allow time to study the impact of such a rapid rise in production on the condition and sustainable management of the North Field.

The decision to increase LNG production capacity to 110 million from 77 tons a year came two months before the Saudi-led attempt to isolate Qatar last June. Throughout the ongoing, 18-month-long blockade, Qatar has continued to supply natural gas to the Emirates through a pipeline that accounts for about a quarter of the Emirates daily gas demand.

In November  a month before announcement of Qatars OPEC exit  a government reshuffle in Qatar saw Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, the former chief executive of Qatar Petroleum, appointed as Minister of State for Energy Affairs, a new portfolio that replaced the Minister of Energy and Industry.

During his term at Qatar Petroleum, Mr. Kaabi had lifted the moratorium on increasing gas production in the North Field. In his new ministerial position, Mr. Kaabi has been entrusted by Emir Tamim to oversee the next phase in Qatars gas development. Plans include a range of new upstream developments and international partnerships intended to cement the countrys position as the worlds leading supplier of LNG.

Having displayed their resilience in the face of the Saudi-led blockade, Qataris seem to signal their determination to move on from OPEC and carve their own approach to global gas markets.
One of Donald Trumps more dubious constitutional notions is that the attorney general serves to protect the president, rather than serving as a lawyer for the American people. He fired the offices previous holder, Jeff Sessions, for failing to provide him personal legal cover in the Russia investigation.

Now he has selected William Barr as Mr. Sessions replacement, and one is compelled to ask exactly what President Trump will expect from his new nominee. Because Mr. Barr previously served as attorney general, under George H.W. Bush, many observers assume the Senate might give him an easy confirmation. In fact, it should do the exact opposite.

Wheres my Roy Cohn? Thats the phrase attributed to President Trump at the tail end of a reported presidential rant about Mr. Sessions decision to recuse himself from overseeing the Russia investigation. Cohn, a top aide to Senator Joseph McCarthy, was Mr. Trumps personal lawyer and fixer throughout the 1970s, a man with a reputation for pushing legal limits and employing all manner of dirty tricks to protect his client; he ran afoul of the law himself, resulting in his disbarment in 1986.

Mr. Trumps contempt for Mr. Sessions centered around his recusal and unwillingness to shield the president from the Russia investigation. In longing for a Roy Cohn replica, the president made clear that he was seeking not a skilled and experienced attorney who would help him navigate choppy legal waters but rather a legal bruiser who would stop at nothing to protect him from scrutiny. It is no stretch to think that the ability of the next attorney general to do just that might have been on the presidents mind when making his selection.
The Wisconsin power grab is precisely the sort of anti-democratic move that their book describes. If it continues, Levitsky told me, in the best case, it can leave us with a highly dysfunctional political system. And in less than the best case, democracies break down.

Given the seriousness of the situation in Wisconsin, you might think that more people might be speaking out  other Republicans, corporate leaders and so on. But so far, many have been silent. It shows a disappointing lack of courage.

My column today focuses on Walgreens. The company likes to portray itself as the friendly neighborhood drugstore that cares about the communities it serves. But Walgreens is a corporate supporter of the Wisconsin Republicans behind the power grab, and the company has refused to break with them.

Related. If the larger issue of corporate relationships with politicians interests you, I recommend Popular Information, the relatively new subscription newsletter from Judd Legum. Hes done great reporting in this area recently.

And heres more from Levitsky and Ziblatt, on how states are becoming hotbeds of anti-democratic power-grabs (pointed out on Twitter yesterday by my colleague Paul Krugman):

American states, which were once praised by the great jurist Louis Brandeis as laboratories of democracy, are in danger of becoming laboratories of authoritarianism as those in power rewrite electoral rules, redraw constituencies, and even rescind voting rights to ensure that they do not lose.
Forty years ago, in August and September of 1977, a band of humans launched a pair of robots to explore the solar system and probe the infinite darkness beyond. 3, 2, 1. We have ignition and we have liftoff! Taking advantage of a rare planetary alignment, the twin Voyager spacecraft raced outward toward Jupiter, then used the giant planets gravity to slingshot on to Saturn. At Saturn they parted company. Voyager 1 turned upward, leaving the plane of the planets and heading toward interstellar space. But Voyager 2 kept trekking, spiraling outward on a grand tour of the outer planets, toward distant Uranus and Neptune. At each planetfall, fuzzy dots bloomed into worlds. Every image sent back to Earth was another lesson on natures ability to surprise. Voyager saw swirls within swirls in Jupiters banded jet streams. Volcanoes spouting sulphur on Jupiters moon Io, a tormented world twisted and pulled by gravity. And eggshell-smooth Europa, an icy shell around a hidden ocean. Two years after Jupiter, the Voyagers approached Saturn, jewel of the solar system. Its broad rings dissolved into thousands of grooves, like a phonograph record. Braided, kinked and patrolled by tiny moonlets. Voyager probed the methane skies of Titan. It slid past two-faced Iapetus, with light and dark sides. Giovanni Cassinis disappearing moon. And Enceladus. Trapped under its crust of ice is another dark ocean, and perhaps living creatures. After Saturn, Voyager 1 turned away from the planets but Voyager 2 sailed on. Voyager found ghostly Uranus tipped on its side, its south pole facing the sun. A blue-green bulls eye with faint rings. Voyager slipped passed methane-blue Neptune, a pacific-looking world bruised with dark, violent hurricanes. Antennas on Earth strained to hear the trickle of data from almost 3 billion miles out. Voyager 2s last port of call was Triton, Neptunes biggest moon. A mottled ball of exotic ices, plumed with dark geysers of nitrogen. One final world added to Voyagers tally. But the Voyager mission was not only to observe. Each spacecraft carried a message. A gold record, with a needle and instructions on how to play it. A time capsule from the 1970s, grooved with the sights and sounds of Earth. I send greetings on behalf of the people of our planet. We step out of our solar system, into the universe, seeking only peace and friendship, to teach if we are called upon, to be taught if we are fortunate. Of all the voices ever recorded, of all the photographs ever taken, these few will survive the end of our planet. Scratches on gold, adrift in the void. A time capsule from the 1970s, grooved with the sights and sounds of Earth. Of all the voices ever recorded, of all the photographs ever taken, these few will survive the end of our planet. Scratches on gold, adrift in the void. As Voyager 1 climbed away from the planets, it turned its cameras backward. To snap a family portrait of the worlds it was leaving behind forever. The Earth appears as a bright pixel in a wash of scattered sunlight. A Pale Blue Dot in the words of astronomer and cosmic sage, Carl Sagan: Consider again at that dot. Thats here. Thats home. Thats us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. ... The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. No other spacecraft have gone so far, or explored so many new worlds. In the fullness of galactic time the Voyagers might yet be found, but by then the human race could be long extinct. Long after they have ceased speaking to us, the twins will forever drift among the stars. Mute, but carrying sounds and greetings from home. Hello from the children of Planet Earth The last lonely evidence that we too once lived in this starry realm, on an island of ice and rock. As Carl Sagan put it: A dust mote in a sunbeam.
Apple beat the other tech giants to this cost-saving trend four years ago when it unveiled its first custom-built chip for the iPhone. Google and Microsoft are also building the chips that go into devices like smartphones and virtual-reality headsets.

Amazon has upped the ante. In 2015, it spent a reported $350 million to acquire a chip maker, Annapurna Labs, which helped build the new central processing unit, or C.P.U.

A C.P.U.  the centerpiece of a computers operations  is the sort of chip that Intel has made for decades to run personal computers and servers. Building these chips requires rare expertise and hundreds of millions of dollars in capital. It is a big step up in complexity from building chips tailored to certain tasks.

The belief was that you needed some magic to build a processor, particularly a server processor, said Andrew Feldman, the chief executive of the chip start-up Cerebras and a former executive at the chip maker AMD. You had to be Intel or AMD  and that was about it.

Amazon executives believe the chip, which was designed to be more energy efficient, will help reduce the cost of electrical power in its data centers. It said it was offering a cloud-computing service that would allow business customers to use its new chip. The cost of the service could be 45 percent lower than other options.

And when Amazon buys chips from other companies, a homegrown option gives it even more sway over prices. They can now say to Intel, We will just move the workloads to other chips, Mr. Feldman said.

Amazon has also designed a chip for artificial intelligence, called the Inferentia. In a recent blog post, James Hamilton, vice president and distinguished engineer inside Amazons cloud computing arm, said the company would continue building new chips for artificial intelligence and other specialized tasks.
A two-year legal battle between Apple and its chip supplier, Qualcomm, reached a new level of contention on Monday when Qualcomm said a Chinese court had ordered Apple to stop selling older iPhone models in China.

The court ruling is the latest turn in the two companies fight over Apples use of Qualcomm technology in iPhones. But Apple and Qualcomm disagreed on the impact the decision will have on iPhone sales in China.

Qualcomm said a Chinese court ruled on Nov. 30 that Apple had infringed on two Qualcomm patents and issued a preliminary injunction that bars Apple from selling the iPhone 6S, the iPhone 6S Plus, the iPhone 7, the iPhone 7 Plus, the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X in China. The ruling did not apply to Apples three newest iPhones: the XS, the XS Max and the XR.

Apple said in a statement, however, that it continued to sell all iPhone models in China.

Qualcomms effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world, an Apple spokesman, Josh Rosenstock, said. He added that in the Chinese court case, Qualcomm had challenged Apple on three patents it had never raised before, including one that had already been invalidated.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia  Since Dec. 1, Meng Wanzhou, a top executive of the Chinese technology firm Huawei and a daughter of the companys founder, has been detained in Vancouver at the behest of American authorities, prompting a diplomatic tussle between China and the United States.

On Monday, Ms. Mengs lawyers fought for her to be granted bail while she awaits a decision on whether she will be extradited to the United States. The judge, Justice William Ehrcke, is expected to rule on the bail request on Tuesday.

At the bail hearing at British Columbias Supreme Court on Monday, Ms. Mengs lawyers pulled out all the stops to free their client. They brought in executives of two security companies to testify about how they would monitor Ms. Meng if she were to be released. The lawyers said Ms. Meng, 46, would pay the fees for both security companies, submit to physical and electronic monitoring, and give two Vancouver homes and a cash payment to secure bail. The cash and homes would total roughly $15 million in value.

Given her unique profile as the face of a Chinese corporate national champion, if she were to flee or breach your order in any way in these very unique circumstances, my lord, it does not overstate to say she would embarrass China itself, one of her lawyers, David Martin, told the judge.
Frequently, location data companies make packages of code that collect phones whereabouts. Developers who add this code to their apps can get paid for location-targeted ads, or earn money for providing the location data, or get free mapping or other services for their apps.

The Times asked MightySignal to look for packages of code made by the more than 25 location-collection companies that the firm tracks. The Times excluded code packages that collect location primarily for mapping, as opposed to the sale or use of the data.

The Times restricted results to apps that MightySignal had scanned within the previous six months. Many little-used apps on Android include location-gathering code, so The Times filtered out apps with fewer than 5,000 downloads. Because Apple does not provide download figures for its apps, the iOS apps were not sorted by user base.

Tallying Location Companies

Times reporters examined each company identified in the testing. Those that said they didnt handle precise location data at all, despite having received it, were not counted as part of the location-tracking industry. In these cases, apps may have sent the data to multiple companies and relied on the recipients to delete it if they didnt want it.

The Times also did not count companies that were merely processing the data for the app  for security, for example, or to tell the app maker about its own users.

Many location companies receive data from app makers rather than from the apps themselves, a means of sharing that cant be detected through testing. So reporters also relied on other sources to identify location companies, including outside analysis of the marketplace, privacy disclosures required under a new European law and interviews with dozens of people affiliated with the industry.

Apps Tested

The apps included in the test are listed below, along with comment from the companies. Many other apps share data in similar ways; this list should not be used as a guide to problematic apps. With the exception of one childrens app, each app below collected location data on both Android and iOS when a user gave permission.
At least 75 companies receive peoples precise location data from hundreds of apps whose users enable location services for benefits such as weather alerts, The New York Times found. The companies use, store or sell the information to help advertisers, investment firms and others.

[Read the full investigation: Your Apps Know Where You Were Last Night, and Theyre Not Keeping It Secret]

You can head off much of the tracking on your own device by spending a few minutes changing settings. The information below applies primarily to people in the United States.

How can I tell if apps are sharing my location?

Its difficult to know for sure whether location data companies are tracking your phone. Any app that collects location data may share your information with other companies, as long as it mentions that somewhere in its privacy policy.
The hiking trail leading to the Morada del Diablo volcano (the Devils Dwelling) crossed a field of blackened lava, congealed during the last ice age. Black lizards covered with white speckles, known as lagartijas Magallanicas, skittered across the ground, and the desiccated corpse of a guanaco, a wild grazer related to the llama, baked beneath the sun. A puma had probably killed it, my Chilean companion, Alvaro Soto, said.

I picked my way across the crust, pocked by holes just large enough to twist an ankle. After a mile, we climbed over a heap of rocks that slid beneath our feet and emerged at the summit of the crater.

Mr. Soto and I gazed across the maw at a scene of otherworldly bleakness: A curving wall, tinted green, splattered with bird feces, or whitewash, and riven with crevices, formed the volcanos lip. Steep slopes of scree and soil laden with red-tinted hematite fell away into the abyss. The cries of buff-necked ibises, large rodent eaters with cream-and-russet throats and curving gray bills, echoed off the canyon. A peregrine falcon rose, plummeted into the crater, circled back up and disappeared inside a crevice.

We were deep inside Pali Aike National Park, one of the least visited, yet most dramatic reserves in Chile, 110 miles north of Punta Arenas. The Tehuelche hunter-gatherers who once dwelled here called this moonscape both the place of desolation and the devils country, and believed that evil spirits possessed it. Its not hard to see why. The area is studded with volcanoes, formed during the Jurassic era 100 million years ago, by the collision of the Chile Rise and the Peru-Chile oceanic trench.
This is by design. Patents that the government provides to drug companies necessarily create monopolies. Therefore we need another solution if we want private plans to get lower prices, Mr. Bagley said.

Direct Deals With Drug Companies

Medicare could flex its market power by negotiating directly with drug manufacturers. There have been calls for Medicare to do so, and polling shows that a majority of Americans favor it.

Other government programs, including Medicaid and the Department of Veterans Affairs, obtain steeper discounts than Medicare drug plans. In part this is because of government regulations that mandate price reductions. But those programs also negotiate directly with manufacturers, obtaining additional discounts. For example, the V.A. pays about 40 percent less for drugs than Medicare drug plans do.

The V.A. obtains larger discounts in part because it can  and does  institute a more restrictive formulary than Medicare, meaning some drugs that are more costly but no better than alternatives are not as easily obtained in the V.A. as they are from a Medicare plan, Dr. Kesselheim said.

Ms. Scott Morton said: Direct negotiation by Medicare would only be effective if it could say, No, we wont cover your product to a drug manufacturer. Is that really plausible? Im not sure thats what Medicare beneficiaries would want.

Medicare could save money if it could negotiate with manufacturers and exclude high-priced drugs. That would benefit taxpayers, but it would mean reduced access to drugs for the programs current beneficiaries and slower innovation of drugs in the future.

If Medicare doesnt pay attention to a drugs benefits during those negotiations, the pharmaceutical industry wont have the right incentives to develop the drugs we need most, Mr. Bagley said.
Andre Bryant did something this past summer that he had never done in his 48 years: He rode a bike.

Mr. Bryant, who has cerebral palsy, rode a hand-powered bike  a tricycle, actually  as part of a pilot program in Detroit, where the bike-share, called MoGo, is trying to provide more options for people with limited mobility.

Mr. Bryant couldnt get enough. He returned again and again to take the so-called adaptive bike farther each time at a park along the Detroit River, where the program debuted.

It was really nice, Mr. Bryant said. I think its very important that you have alternatives, alternatives for mobility.

Those alternatives have been elusive, even as bike-share programs have grown in popularity. About 35 million bike-share rides were taken in 2017, 25 percent more than the year before, and several orders of magnitude greater than the 320,000 trips taken in 2010, according to data compiled by the National Association of City Transportation Officials.
I dont think theres a sense that theres something wrong in the department, said Ed Zuercher, the city manager. The issue is, Whats going on in our community in total that assaults on police officers are up, the use of weapons against police officers is up, and that police officer-involved shootings are up?

Critics say the Police Department cannot  or will not  substantiate such assertions. The department makes these really biased claims against the community, and when we push back asking for the stats, they refuse to release the cases they say theyre citing, said Viridiana Hernandez, executive director of Poder in Action, a Phoenix-based community group.

Since the early 1990s, Phoenixs violent crime rate has declined along with the rest of the nations, despite ticking up in the past few years, and is on a par with that of other large cities.

Chief Jeri Williams has commissioned a study of the rise in shootings and increased officer training  though a spokeswoman did not respond to questions about what kind of training. Chief Williams said the shootings this year have had little in common with one another. If you look at other cities across the country, they might be able to point to one geographical area, one group of people, one criminal element, but not so in Phoenix, she said.

In Mr. Zepedas case, he says he was the victim. The Maricopa County Attorneys Office declined to prosecute him, citing no reasonable likelihood of conviction.

I cant breathe!
WASHINGTON  Maria Butina, the Russian woman accused of running a secret campaign to influence powerful American conservatives, has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to act as a foreign agent, bringing to a close a case that had drawn headlines with prosecutors talking of a sly seductress who traded sex to further the aims of her spymasters in Moscow.

But in court papers laying out the plea deal, the portrayal of Ms. Butina is far tamer than the narrative the government put forward after her arrest in July. The latest filings make no mention of the most salacious accusations against Ms. Butina  that she used sex as spycraft  and she instead comes across as the tool of powerful men who helped her to infiltrate the National Rifle Association and the Republican Party.

Prosecutors even appear to have backed off the accusation that Ms. Butina used a graduate program at American University in Washington merely as a cover to enter the United States. All available evidence indicates that Butina had interest in a graduate school education, prosecutors say in a footnote.

The deal, which now must be approved by a judge, stipulates that Ms. Butina must cooperate with federal, state and local authorities in exchange for what could be a short prison term, or possibly a release after having already spent five months in jail. As a felon, she will most likely be deported after her release, as was made clear in court filings laying out the deal that were obtained by The New York Times.
In letting stand two decisions allowing patients to challenge state funding determinations, the Supreme Court effectively sided with Planned Parenthood.

In the cases the justices turned away on Monday, from Kansas and Louisiana, appeals courts acknowledged that states have broad power to decide which health care providers may supply services for the program. But that power has limits, the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, in Denver, ruled in the case from Kansas, Andersen v. Planned Parenthood of Kansas, No. 17-1340.

States may not terminate providers from their Medicaid program for any reason they see fit, especially when that reason is unrelated to the providers competence and the quality of the health care it provides, Judge Gregory A. Phillips wrote for a divided three-judge panel.

Five of the six appeals courts that have considered the issue sided with the clinics. The exception is the Eighth Circuit, in St. Louis, which last year allowed Arkansas to withdraw Medicaid financing for Planned Parenthood. Disagreement among federal appeals courts often prompts Supreme Court review.

Lawyers for Kansas had urged the justices to resolve the dispute.

More than 70 million people  one out of every five Americans  are enrolled in Medicaid, they told the Supreme Court. The 10th Circuits decision permits any one of them to challenge a termination decision of an individual provider in federal court.

Planned Parenthoods local affiliates responded that Congress had meant to allow suits from patients in addition to federal supervision. The groups added that there was no reason to fear a flood of litigation.

It would be wrong to assume that Medicaid recipients  some of the poorest members of our society  are enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing lawsuits against states, their brief said. They would much prefer that states just follow the rules and allow them to obtain health care from qualified and willing providers.
Immigration advocates accuse the Trump administration of being more aggressive with the metering system than officials under former President Barack Obama to slow the flow of migrants at ports of entry.

Since taking office nearly two years ago, Mr. Trump has railed against what he calls weak laws that allow migrants who are caught crossing illegally to claim asylum under false pretenses so they can be released into the United States. Because of a backlog in the immigration courts, migrants can sometimes wait for years for a judge to determine the validity of their asylum claim.

Last month, the administration, invoking national security powers meant to protect the United States against threats from abroad, announced new rules that gave Mr. Trump vast authority to deny asylum to nearly all migrants who illegally enter the country. Those who showed up at ports of entry were not affected by the regulations.

A federal court has issued a temporary restraining order against the new regulations, which draw upon the same authority Mr. Trump used just days after his inauguration to ban travel from several predominantly Muslim countries.

They are among the many ways the administration has tried to cut the number of asylum seekers.

In July, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions made it all but impossible for asylum seekers to gain entry into the United States by citing fears of domestic abuse or gang violence.

An alien may suffer threats and violence in a foreign country for any number of reasons relating to her social, economic, family or other personal circumstances, Mr. Sessions wrote. Yet the asylum statute does not provide redress for all misfortune.

Mr. Trump has fumed for months about the surge of immigrants crossing into the United States from Mexico. In October, he ordered nearly 6,000 active duty troops to the southwest border to help Customs and Border Protection prevent the migrants from entering illegally.
Good Monday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today.

_____________________

 As President Trump and congressional leaders race to avert a partial government shutdown, one issue in particular is dividing them: Mr. Trumps demand for $5 billion for a wall on the United States southern border. He is set to meet with Democratic leaders on Tuesday.

 In filings last week, prosecutors said Mr. Trump personally directed an illegal scheme to manipulate the 2016 election by silencing two women who say they had affairs with him. Mr. Trump and his team minimized the importance of any potential campaign finance violations. Democrats, however, said they could lead to impeachment.

 Since the early months of the Trump administration, Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and Middle East adviser, has been having private, informal conversations with Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia. It has paid off well for the Saudis.
Further, Democrats are all but certain to initiate investigative work on the so-called Mar-a-Lago group, an informal set of advisers that the Trump administration has turned to on veterans issues, now the subject of a lawsuit.

Personnel changes in Congress also are expected to have an effect on attention to the issue. The expected incoming chairman of the House veterans committee, Representative Mark Takano of California, is generally viewed as more liberal  with an aggressive oversight agenda.

We welcome congressional oversight, said Curt Cashour, a spokesman for the department. We also appreciate Congress work and cooperation in helping President Trump achieve more substantive reforms at V.A. in the last two years than at any other time in decades.

Significant changes to laws governing veterans issues have been made under the Trump administration, something that has often been obscured by the politically charged turmoil in leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs and by Mr. Trumps occasional attacks on prominent veterans, to the frustration of congressional Republicans and some administration officials.

A previous secretary held over from the Obama administration was fired via Twitter after political brawls, and Mr. Trumps first proposed replacement, Dr. Ronny L. Jackson, a White House doctor, never made it to the Senate confirmation process after members of both parties attacked his professional conduct.

Putting the new laws into effect has proved bumpy. For instance, under changes made to the G.I. Bill in 2017, veterans housing allowances were recalculated to be based on where veterans take classes, rather than their schools main campus, which had resulted in some veterans being overcompensated for housing, while others were shortchanged.

The department asked colleges, universities and landlords to hold off on their requests for tuition and rent while it prepared its information technology systems for the change to meet an Aug. 1 deadline. When they realized they were running out of time, officials signaled schools to submit their claims, which led to a swamping of the already underwater systems. That held up payments to thousands of schools and landlords.
And many women became active in response to President Trump, who was elected with the largest gender gap on record.

The trigger for so much of this starting is still sitting in the White House and will continue to speak, and say things that will continue to outrage, said Debbie Walsh, the director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers. This will keep people engaged and thinking they have to keep fighting and take the big prize, which is the White House and the Senate.

There is also outrage about votes not being counted in states like Georgia and Florida. Many of the women who won this year did so in districts where they will have to fight to hang on in two years. And there are multiple women eyeing a run for president in 2020  all of which can help keep womens eyes on the prize.

People do see it as just, Nov. 6, women got elected in historic numbers  and then its done, said Nikema Williams, a Democratic state senator in Georgia. But its not actually done because now we have all these women weve engaged who are now paying attention.

For Republicans the challenge is steeper; polls have shown women shifting their party identification to the Democrats by wide margins, and at least one analysis of exit polls showed that women of all education levels moved toward the Democrats on Election Day  even working-class white women who helped elect Mr. Trump. But women on both sides say that reaching gender parity in state houses and Congress requires electing more Republicans as well as Democrats.

At the rate were going, its still going to take us 100 years to get to parity, said Jennifer Nassour, the former head of the Republican Party in Massachusetts.
Subject: #ReplyAll-pocalypse

From: julie@nytimes.com

Date: December 10, 2018 at 1:43 p.m.

To: allreaders@nytimes.com

Reply All, the scourge that has afflicted office workers everywhere, has hit 22,000 government employees in Utah, demonstrating that decades into the invention of email, many of us still dont understand its etiquette.

This is a public advisory: PLEASE DO NOT REPLY ALL.

For at least 20 years now, emailers everywhere have received those pesky group messages, and for at least 20 years, they have tried to resist the allure of the Reply All button. They have often failed, with the first messagers asking to be removed from a list, the second group pointing out that the first group should really stop emailing everyone, and the third group deciding now was just the right moment to show off their wit.

Why dont we stop? This is the grand era of social media. All of us, it seems, just want to be heard.
He directed the agent to buy two AR-15-style rifles for him, and he was arrested immediately after he took possession of the weapons on Friday, according to the affidavit. Officials noted that the arrest came as Jewish communities celebrated Hanukkah. They declined to identify the synagogue targeted.

Mr. Josephs court-appointed lawyer, Neil McElroy, had no immediate comment on the case.

In the second case, Ms. Lecron was charged with one count of transporting explosives with the intent to injure people or damage property. She helped obtain materials for a pipe bomb to target a pipeline in Georgia, officials said.

A lawyer for Ms. Lecron did not immediately return a call for comment on Monday. The maximum penalty for the criminal count she faces is 10 years in prison.

The investigation into Ms. Lecron began in June, when an unidentified caller pointed the authorities to her Tumblr account, where she had posted pictures and comments glorifying mass shooters, including Dylann Roof, the white supremacist who killed nine people at a Charleston church in 2015.

In August, the authorities learned that Ms. Lecron was planning a visit to Columbine High School, in Colorado, where two teenagers killed 13 people in 1999. She had called the shooters godlike on her Tumblr page.

While she was there, the investigators searched her home and found weapons and ammunition, as well as end caps, which can be used to make pipe bombs, according to a criminal complaint. They also found a diary.

Soon we will bring destruction on society, she had written.

Over the summer, Ms. Lecron became pen pals with Mr. Roof, a white supremacist who has remained unrepentant for his 2015 attack on an African-American church, which killed nine people. He was sentenced to death and is in an Indiana prison. Ms. Lecron sent him a book about a Nazi fighter and counseled him to stay strong.
Talking with adolescents about masturbation can be connected to talking with them about pornography, and about what they may have seen online, where the evidence is that most children have been exposed, often inadvertently, to sexual images.

Parents can take the opportunity to communicate their own values, she said, and that means thinking through their messages in advance and agreeing on their beliefs. In other areas, from a young age were saying to our kids, its very important to do your homework and learn, Dr. Kantor said. With sex it tends to be: oh my God, I looked at my browser history on my laptop and it has Pornhub on it.

Even though there is plenty of evidence that adolescent girls masturbate, we do leave girls out of this conversation almost totally, Dr. Erickson said.

Ms. Rough said that parents should not be afraid of telling our daughters, its great to touch yourself, these are positive, healthy, normal things to do that can actually help you communicate with a partner and enjoy your sexual life.

Whichever part of the conversation you feel ready to have with your child, the message to parents about talking with adolescents is always the same: keep talking.

You always have a chance to go back and provide additional information, Dr. Kantor said.

So are there times that parents really do need to worry about masturbation? If it involves other children without their consent, Dr. Erickson said, its clearly a problem. In a young child, really persistent masturbation that cannot be redirected may signal stress of some kind, or possible abuse (and its also worth checking out whether there is some medical issue, causing an itch or irritation). And if children have real trouble understanding whats appropriate in public, as they get older, that may also be a sign of other social or neurodevelopmental difficulties; this can be a major problem for children on the autism spectrum, who struggle with the whole range of social cues and proprieties. As they get older, sexual behavior in inappropriate settings, or violations of social boundaries can get these children into trouble socially and even legally.

The upper limit of normal for adolescents would be if it starts interfering with daily life, Dr. Kantor said, or if it involves objects that could potentially cause injury. If chafing is a problem (spare me the jokes, Ive heard them all), provide some lotion or lubricant and dont make a big deal about it.
Image

The risk of getting a hospital-acquired infection is decreasing.

In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers surveyed almost 200 hospitals caring for about 12,000 patients across the country in 2011 and again in 2015, reviewing medical records to find cases of health care-associated infection. They found that in 2015, hospital-acquired infections had declined to 3.2 percent of patients, from 4 percent in 2011. They calculate that a patients risk of getting infected during a hospital stay was 16 percent lower in 2015 than in 2011.

Most of the reductions were in urinary tract and surgical site infections. However, there were no declines in pneumonia and infections with C. difficile, a germ that can cause severe gastrointestinal disease.

The researchers propose some possible reasons for the decrease. Between 2011 and 2015, 603 American hospitals implemented new safety guidelines for catheter use, which may have contributed to the reduction in urinary tract infections. And the more effective use of prophylactic antibiotics before operations may have helped reduce the number of surgical infections.

We are seeing progress, but that doesnt mean were done, said the lead author, Dr. Shelley S. Magill, a medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are infection types where were not seeing reductions. So there is more work to be done.
SAO PAULO, Brazil  Fueled by the surging price of gold, an epidemic of illegal gold mining in the Amazon is threatening indigenous territories and other protected lands in the worlds largest tropical rain forest, according to a study published by a group of environmental organizations this week.

Analyzing data from six Amazon countries, researchers identified 2,312 illegal mining sites and 245 large-scale areas where miners have established sophisticated infrastructure, tearing down native forests and contaminating rivers with mercury as they dredge for gold and extract diamonds and coltan, which are used to make mobile phones.

The problem is worse than at any other time in history, said Alicia Rolla, one of the coordinators at the Amazon Geo-Referenced Socio-Environmental Information Network, known as RAISG, which published the study this week. We wanted to give visibility to the enormity of an issue that doesnt respect borders.

The report compiled data from local partners, news reports and research from eight independent environmental groups that scanned satellite images, mapping mining sites in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
The Chinese police have detained one of the countrys most prominent Protestant pastors along with more than 100 members of his independent congregation, the latest sign of a growing crackdown against what the government perceives as illegal or foreign-influenced religious activity.

Wang Yi, who heads the Early Rain Covenant Church in the southwestern metropolis of Chengdu, was detained Sunday evening as congregants gathered for services, said members of the church.

Lord, help us to have the Christians conscience and courage to resist this Orwellian nonsense with more positive Gospel action and higher praise, the church said in a statement shortly before the members were detained. Without love, there is no courage.

More than 100 church members were detained on Sunday, according to statements issued by church members. As of Monday morning, police vans were parked outside the high-rise office where the church purchased space. Officers were seen carrying office materials out of the churchs property, which also includes a kindergarten and seminary.
HONG KONG  At least four people were killed and 11 more injured on Monday when an out-of-control school bus rolled down a Hong Kong street after the driver had exited the vehicle.

Video footage taken by another vehicles dashboard camera and spread widely across social media shows the driver leaving the bus after parking it along a sloped street in the North Point district. The bus immediately begins moving downhill, and the man runs in front of it to stop it.

The footage shows the bus rolling over the driver, dragging him about 20 yards, then grazing a taxi and appearing to pick up speed as it heads toward an intersection with Kings Road, one of the citys main arteries.
SEOUL, South Korea  South Korea is holding its breath for what its president, Moon Jae-in, has repeatedly said could happen by the end of December: Kim Jong-uns visit to Seoul, which would be a first for a North Korean leader.

When the two Korean leaders met in September in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, Mr. Kim agreed to visit the South Korean capital at an early date. But he has yet to accept Mr. Moons invitation to visit by the end of December.

If Mr. Kim doesnt show up in Seoul this month, it will be a huge letdown for Mr. Moon, who has repeatedly told his people that Mr. Kim promised to try. The South Korean government has been preparing for the visit for weeks. A large artwork showing Mr. Kim and Mr. Moon smiling and shaking hands was even installed last week outside the Blue House, Mr. Moons official residence.

But with only three weeks to go, the window appears to be closing for a December visit, and officials have begun sounding less optimistic. And any delay could complicate efforts for a second summit meeting between Mr. Kim and President Trump, though some analysts say that Mr. Kim may see no incentive to meet Mr. Moon before sorting out his differences with Mr. Trump.
Myanmar has denied that its military committed atrocities against the Rohingya, saying it was merely responding to attacks by Rohingya militants. But United Nations experts said in August, echoing reporting by human rights groups, that top Myanmar generals should face trial in an international court for genocide against the Rohingya and crimes against humanity targeting other ethnic minorities.

In addition to physical violence, Myanmar military personnel turned Facebook into a tool for ethnic cleansing to target the Rohingya, according to former officials and other experts. Facebook acknowledged last month that it had failed to prevent its platform from being used to foment division and incite offline violence in Myanmar.

How all of that will ultimately affect Myanmars tourism industry  which has generally boomed since 2012  is unclear.

But year-on-year visitor arrivals of American and Canadian travelers in Myanmar were down nearly 15 percent through September, and more than 26 percent for visitors from Western Europe, according to government figures. People working in Myanmars travel industry said in interviews on Monday that they attributed the slump to concerns about the militarys treatment of the Rohingya.

But tourist arrivals were up nearly 34 percent for Chinese travelers in the same period, and more than 10 percent for those from Asia as a whole, government figures show. Several in the tourism industry said that an overall rise in the number of Asian visitors made them optimistic about future prospects.

If three million Westerners dont want to come, then three million easterners will come, said U Win Zaw Oo, the chairman of the Mandalay Tourist Guide Society. Our country will not be ruined as Westerners want it to be. We can manage.

Renaud Egreteau, the author of Caretaking Democratization: The Military and Political Change in Myanmar, said he doubted that a new era of tourism boycotts could force Ms. Aung San Suu Kyis political party, the National League for Democracy, to show more empathy toward ethnic and religious minorities generally, or Rohingya in particular.
MELBOURNE, Australia  Asylum seekers who attempted to reach Australia by boat but were instead detained in offshore camps are suing the government, claiming that they have been subjected to torture and crimes against humanity.

In two class action lawsuits filed in the countrys High Court on Friday, about 1,200 migrants detained on the islands of Nauru and Manus, Papua New Guinea, say that the conditions in the facilities and mistreatment by the Australian government amounted to negligence.

What do the detainees claim?

The detainees, represented by the National Justice Project, a human rights group, say that through arbitrary imprisonment, deprivation of liberty, denial of medical care and a lack of adequate food, water and a safe environment, the Australian government has violated international law and abrogated its duty of care for asylum seekers.

Such negligence, the detainees lawyers argue, meets the definition of torture and crimes against humanity. They are seeking an injunction which would transfer the asylum seekers to safety in Australia, as well as reward damages.
PARIS  Faced with violent protests and calls for his resignation, President Emmanuel Macron of France said Monday that he had heard the anger of the many whose economic suffering has burst into the open in recent weeks and that he would take immediate steps to relieve their hardship.

Mr. Macrons mea culpa on national television signaled a remarkable step back from his ambitions to reshape Frances economy and become the European Unions foremost leader. For now, his chief goal is shoring up his own political support in France.

He announced tax cuts and income increases for the struggling middle class and working poor, vowing to raise the pay of workers earning the minimum wage. He promised to listen to the voices of the country, to its small-town mayors and its working people.

There is anger, anger and indignation that many French share, he said in 13-minute prerecorded speech from the Elysee, the presidential palace.
We entered the European economic community as one United Kingdom and we will be leaving as one United Kingdom. As a result, if we went ahead and held the votes tomorrow, the deal would be rejected by a significant margin. We will, therefore, defer the vote scheduled for tomorrow and not proceed to divide the house at this time. The government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray. Its been evident for weeks that the prime ministers deal did not have the confidence of this house. Yet she plowed on regardless, reiterating this is the only deal available. People are going to be looking at this aghast. And Ive spoken to many leave votes in my constituency. I deeply respect and understand the reasons why they voted leave in 2016, but many of them have changed their minds and theyre looking at this, theyre saying to me, that they want a chance to have a say on what is before them: Brexit reality, not Brexit fantasy. And that is why we need a peoples vote. I ask this on behalf of the many Livingston constituents of mine that have been in touch and Im sure many people across the U.K.: What the heck is going on? This is a complete and utter clusterburach. Why is she more concerned with her own self-preservation, and now the party unity, than the lives and livelihood of my Livingston constituents? My voters, leave voters, are sick to the back teeth of being told by remainers  people who lost the referendum  what it was they voted for. Weve been told were racist, that were a bit stupid, a bit too Northern and now were being told we didnt know what we voted for. The fundamental question that members of this house have to ask themselves is whether they wish to deliver Brexit and honor the result of the referendum. If you wish to deliver  all the analysis shows  that if you wish to deliver Brexit, if you wish to honor the result of the referendum, then the deal that does that, that best protects jobs and our economy, is the deal that is on  the government has put forward.
It doesnt say migration is a good thing or a bad thing, its a thing, Louise Arbour, the United Nations official who led negotiations on the compact, told reporters in Geneva last week, emphasizing the need for the international community to address and mitigate that global reality.

Work began after members of the United Nations, including the United States under President Barack Obama, approved a declaration in 2016 saying that no country could manage international migration alone, and agreed to work on a pact. But the Trump administration withdrew its support a year ago, saying that parts of the compact were inconsistent with U.S. immigration and refugee policies.

Under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a fiercely anti-immigrant leader, Hungary has dismissed the compact as a pro-migration document. Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia have also rejected the compact, as have Australia and Israel.

Over the weekend, the government of Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium lost its majority in Parliament after its biggest coalition partner, the right-wing Flemish party, left in opposition to the planned approval of the migration agreement.

Slovakias foreign minister, Miroslav Lajcak, who presided at the United Nations General Assembly in July when the organization adopted the compact, said last week that he would resign after the countrys Parliament rejected the accord.

Switzerland said in October that it would approve the pact but reversed course a month later, saying that it would not attend the conference in Morocco or adopt the compact until its national Parliament had debated the issue. Days later, Italy, now led by a right-wing anti-immigrant government, took the same position and said it would not sign anything until lawmakers had their say.

Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany has vocally defended the migration agreement in the German Parliament, but she has faced criticism for her stance on immigration from members of her party and, like her counterparts in France and the Netherlands, she faces pressure from parties on the far right.
LONDON  Nadia Murad and Dr. Denis Mukwege, who won this years Nobel Peace Prize for their campaigns to end mass rape in war, condemned on Monday what they called the international communitys indifference to wartime sexual violence and pleaded for new efforts to arrest or punish those responsible.

Thank you very much for this honor, said Ms. Murad, 25, a Yazidi woman who was forced into sexual slavery by the Islamic State, but the fact remains that the only prize in the world that can restore our dignity is justice and the prosecution of criminals.

Two months after being jointly awarded the prize, Ms. Murad and Dr. Mukwege, 63, a gynecological surgeon from the Democratic Republic of Congo who has treated thousands of women in a country once called the rape capital of the world, delivered blunt and searing speeches at the Nobel awards ceremony in Oslo.

In a year when survivors of sexual violence and the #MeToo movement focused the worlds attention on sexual abuse in the home and the workplace, the award cast a spotlight on two regions where women have paid a devastating price for years of armed conflict.
Mexico is making some of the best documentaries in the world today. Here, Op-Docs presents six shorts by Mexican directors.

Leer en espanol

A man who loves his admittedly dirty job. A city coming together after a natural disaster. A teacher struggling to shape the morals of the next generation. Taken together, the films in this series of six documentaries by some of Mexicos outstanding filmmakers offer windows into Mexicos most urgent problems and also introduce the people committed to solving them. This series, of course, is not an attempt to portray Mexico comprehensively  that would be impossible. Instead, through these remarkable short films, we hope to challenge our audience to consider the country in new ways, guided by the artists who call it home.

Ruptured City

Directors: Santiago Arau Pontones and Diego Rabasa

In the aftermath of a major earthquake in Mexico City last year, aerial footage captures the resilience of the citys response.

In the aftermath of a major earthquake in Mexico City last year, aerial footage captures the resilience of the citys response. By Santiago Arau Pontones and Diego Rabasa

The 1985 Mexico City earthquake shook not just the city, with its trail of death and destruction, but also the social order. Facing the ineffectiveness, passivity and corruption of government authorities, civil society ultimately took the reins. That image, of a society that is organized and empowered, resounded in the psyche of our generation now. So on the heels of last years quake, the natural response of the vast majority of people was to go out into the street to help. The support was so overwhelming that the worst-hit areas were brimming with help. This documentary captures the essence of what happened when this new wound struck our city, the day in which the earth reminded us anew of the fragility of our foundations.  Santiago Arau Pontones and Diego Rabasa

Children of the Narco Zone

Director: Everardo Gonzalez

What its like to grow up as the child of an avowed gangster.

What its like to grow up as the child of an avowed gangster. By Everardo Gonzalez

This short film speaks to how hard it is to teach in a violent atmosphere. Teachers have to adapt to union conditions, educational reforms, low wages, distances and isolation, and the great challenge in instilling in their students a moral code, in communities where this concept is fractured. How do you tell a child that his father or his brothers actions destroy a societys social fabric, when they think its normal to follow that moral code?  Everardo Gonzalez

A Prisoner in the Family

Director: Indra Villasenor Amador

Out of desperation, a woman has kept her mentally ill son under lock and key for over twenty years.

Out of desperation, a woman has kept her mentally ill son under lock and key for over twenty years. By Indra Villasenor Amador

This film offers a view of what some people in Mexico face, when a lack of information, support and resources leave them with no choice but to figure out a way to survive by any means necessary. The day to day lives of many Mexicans are directly tied to their socioeconomic status, and unfortunately our protagonists have been dealt a bitter hand. This documentary is a window into the pain, hurt and circumstances that led a mother to lock her son in a room in the backyard of the familys house.  Indra Villasenor Amador

The Diver

Director: Esteban Arrangoiz

Mexico City employs a diver to clear out clogs and snags from its gigantic sewer system. And he loves it.

Mexico City employs a diver to clear out clogs and snags from its gigantic sewer system. And he loves it. By Esteban Arrangoiz

Mexico is undergoing multiple crises: humanitarian, corruption, garbage. This film shows us how through his work, a human being is capable of finding beauty, pleasure and the essence of his humanity inside the detritus. This moves me, gives me hope and compels me to make movies. I think Mexico needs stories like these.  Esteban Arrangoiz

Justice in Translation

Director: Sergio Blanco

Many indigenous people who enter the Mexican justice system must navigate it without a translator  even though they may not speak Spanish.

Many indigenous people who enter the Mexican justice system must navigate it without a translator  even if they dont speak Spanish. By Sergio Blanco

We met Lupita when we set out to research our next documentary. Her work with inmates and their testimonies, for whom she serves as a guide against the confusion they experience in prison, immediately conveyed to us her commitment to break down barriers and confront a Mexican judicial system that is linguistically challenged. How can you guarantee peoples access to justice when basic means for understanding are lacking? Faced with this contradiction, Lupita builds bridges for communication and offers alternatives for democratic transformation; her daily dedication promotes the construction of a more inclusive and effective justice system before the cultural and linguistic diversity of Mexico.  Sergio Blanco

Unsilenced

Director: Betzabe Garcia

An activist is murdered on-air while hosting a radio show for fellow displaced residents of a rural town in Mexico.

An activist is murdered on-air while hosting a radio show for fellow displaced residents of a rural town in Mexico. By Betzabe Garcia

This film tells the story of Atilano Roman Tirado, an activist and community radio host of Asi es mi tierra. Through his story we learn who he was and the risks he accepted when leading the Picachos Dam movement. I remember the first time we spokehis eyes radiated strength and courage. He told us that the show was his mission, that someone had to be at the front of the movement. Like Atilano, many activists and journalists seek a social reconstruction, a rebirth of the people. Unsilenced is a short film that seeks to honor all the people who have risked their lives in the search for justice and love toward others.  Betzabe Garcia

Watch Oscar-nominated short documentaries from around the world made for you, or pitch one to us. Get our weekly email newsletter and never miss an Op-Doc.
Ratchadapong Prasit, a 25-year-old man from Thailand, has been making headlines around Asia for the last couple of years after drastically altering his appearance with the help of plastic surgery. After undergoing 30 cosmetic procedures, Prasit now looks like a Korean K-pop star.

Comparing photos of Ratchadapong Prasit before and after he turned to plastic surgery, youd swear they were two different people, but that just goes to show you what a difference a few nose jobs, some chin sculpting and eye reshaping procedures can make. Although, to be fair, Prasit had a lot more than that done to his face. He reportedly underwent at least 30 cosmetic procedures over the course of two years, for which he spent around 300,000 Thai Baht ($9,100). But he claims it was worth every penny as it allowed him to completely change his life around, going from a shoe seller to a successful cabaret dancer at a theater in Pattaya. The ladies seem to love his new look as well.

Prasit, who now goes by Minho, after the South Korean superstar who inspired his look (SHINee boy band member Minho), first made news headlines in May of 2017, when he told Thai website Daily News that he turned to plastic surgery because he had never been successful in life, neither romantically nor professionally. He had auditioned as a dancer for a theater in Pattay seven times and gotten rejected for various reasons, and the ladies werent exactly lining up to date him.

In the past, the Thai Minho made a living selling shoes to tourists, and thats how he managed to save up for his first cosmetic procedures. Using K-pop superstar Minho as his inspiration, Ratchadapong Prasit underwent around 30 cosmetic procedures over two years and completely changed his appearance.

Minho claims that his drastic transformation has paid off big time. Not only did he manage to finally pass the audition at that Pattaya theater where he now works as a cabaret dancer, but he was also a finalist in Thailands One Man talent show where he won the popular vote, has made several appearances on TV and has become very popular on social media as well.

Ive faced many obstacles and complications during my transformation, but after these procedures Ive become a different person, and so many opportunities have come into my life, young Minho told Daily News. I now have the confidence to do many things that I could not do in the past, and I am not embarrassed to share my plastic surgery transformation with the world. I can confirm that it is not addictive, but it can help you change your life.

Ratchadapong Prasit is not the only Thai man to have made headlines for their radical plastic surgery transformation in the last few years. Last year, we wrote about Miyyo Rizone, a young Thati man who turned to cosmetic procedures to achieve an anime-like look, and about 22-year-old Noppajit Monlin, who got a completely new face after going on popular plastic surgery reality show Let Me In.

via Next Shark


Ronn Torossian

Chinese technology company Huawei has taken a beating in the press and in the consumer marketplace this year, and the brand is desperate for a hopeful message to turn things around. That probably wont happen this week.

News agencies across the world are reporting that Canadian authorities have arrested Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, and there are now reports that she may be extradited to the United States.

Charges havent yet been made clear, and Huawei released a statement arguing that the company is not aware of any wrongdoing  by Meng. That cautious statement has allowed speculation to run wild, even though theres currently very little substance to any of the ideas. But nonspecific bad news is nowhere near the good news narrative Huawei needs after months of negative headlines.

The company, which manufactures smartphones and telecommunications equipment, has been on the receiving end of some serious challenges this year, beginning with the announcement in January that a deal which would have had AT&T selling Huawei smartphones in the U.S. ended up fizzling at the last minute, according to media accounts.

At the time, market watchers wondered why such a promising deal fizzled, and speculation regarding company leadership and other issues began to percolate. Those rumors evolved throughout the year, leading some to conclude that the U.S. government and, by extension, U.S. companies, may have some security concerns about Huawei handsets. Some argued that the companys technology could be used by the Chinese government to gather intelligence 

When these narratives began to take shape, Huawei was put on what has been a continual defensive stance, first denying the allegations, then trying to beat back the related criticism. But the denials didnt work. About a month after reports of the failed AT&T deal, U.S. intelligence agencies warned American consumers to avoid using any Huawei phones, describing the devices, as well as those produced by at least one other Chinese company, as posing a security threat.

Huawei chose not to specifically address those comments, opting instead to offer a vague assurance that it would monitor the situation. This did nothing to calm fears, leading Best Buy to announce, in March, that it would no longer sell Huawei phones. Not long after, in Australia, the phones were banned on 5G networks.

Similarly, telecom companies in the United Kingdom vowed not to buy Huawei phones for the countrys 4G network. Huawei called this series of developments extremely disappointing while continuing to deny its products pose any kind of security threat to consumers. But retailers and consumers arent hearing that message. Instead, theyre hearing that a top executive has been arrested.

***

Ronn Torossian is CEO of leading U.S. PR Firm 5WPR.
The male-dominated council chamber in Offaly County Council looks like it could continue as the Local Election ticket takes shape for May 2019.

The 19-seat council made headlines nationally in 2017 when it became an all-male group following the resignation of Sinead Dooley. She was replaced by Tony McCormack following a Fianna Fail convention.

The ballot paper for next May's Local Election looks set to be dominated by men once again. Fianna Fail have put forward their four sitting councillors, Declan Harvey, Danny Owens, Tony McCormack and Frank Moran in the Tullamore electoral area. Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick is a likely candidate once more in Edenderry.

Fine Gael have also indicated that Liam Quinn and Noel Cribbin will be their candidates in Edenderry, while John Clendennen is likely to stand again in Birr if he fails to take a General Election seat in the interim.

John Leahy, John Carroll, Dervill Dolan, Eamon Dooley, John Foley, Sean Maher and Peter Ormond are all also likely to stand again for election in 2019.

A number of resignations may open the door for female representatives, including that of Martin O'Reilly from Sinn Fein in the Edenderry Electoral Area, Tommy McKeigue from Tullamore and Noel Bourke from Edenderry.

One woman confirmed for the election trail in the Social Democrats' Clare Claffey who will contest a seat in the Birr Electoral Area. Claffey is disappointed "that Offaly does not have more equal representation," suggesting the county's council is "out of sync with national norms."

"I am hopeful that this will change after the local elections in May 2019. It is really important that the next council has female representation. I hope to represent the voices and needs of the community," she said.

"We in the Social Democrats have a great record in working towards equality for all. As a young mother thats really what attracted me to the party. The Social Democrats understand and represent the issues affecting families like mine all across the country," she added.

"I believe political parties have a duty to reflect the full range of diversity of the Irish population, with people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds encouraged to take part in shaping the lives of the communities in which they live," Clare stated.

"I am the only candidate so far declared for the local elections who is under 35 and I think that also speaks volumes about some of the older political parties and how successful or otherwise they have been at engaging the next generation of citizens."

"Local government is so important, influencing everything from housing and planning to the environment, roads, community facilities and cultural activities. All members of our community should be empowered to make a contribution to shaping the future of the county," she concluded.

On Monday, writing in the Irish Times, Minister with responsibility for Local Government and Electoral Reform, John Paul Phelan said, "while gender quotas for general elections, introduced in 2012, helped increase the number of female TDs in the 2016 general election, we need to do more in the sphere of local government. To help implement the commitment in the National Women and Girls Strategy 2017-2020 to increase the participation of women in local government, I am advancing several initiatives."

"My department will support womens groups to build the capacity of women active in local communities, especially rural communities, to prepare them for the step into local politics. In the lead-up to the 2019 local elections, I will launch an information campaign about the importance of local government and the role of the councillor," his article continued.

"I will also propose a scheme to provide funding support to registered political parties that meet certain performance criteria in terms of gender representation for the recruitment of a diversity officer. Such officers will be tasked with encouraging and supporting women and those from minority groups for whom voting or running for election often has more obstacles, like the Traveller community and immigrants, to run for elected office."

You can read John Paul Phelan's full article on gender equality in public office here.
A 'major project' for a new secondary school in Offaly is at Stage 1 of Architectural planning which entails preliminary examination of site and location suitability and initial sketch scheme.

That's according to the Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon. The Kildare South constituency will include Portarlington at the next General Election.

Deputy Heydon visited Colaiste Iosagain last week and met with pupils, staff and parents.

He commented, "last week I raised a parliamentary question with my colleague, Joe McHugh, Minister for Education and Skills to ask him his plans to provide an extension or additional school places at Colaiste Iosagain, Portarlington. The Minister has informed me that the major project at Colaiste Iosagain is at Stage 1 of Architectural planning which entails preliminary examination of site and location suitability and initial Sketch scheme."

A revised Stage 1 submission, including an up to date cost plan, was requested from the Design Team following an increase in the schedule of accommodation to cater for up to 1200 pupils. That submission is currently being reviewed by the Department of Education and Skills.

Deputy Heydon continued, the Department will shortly be in contact with the school authorities to update them on the outcome of that review. This project is included on the Departments six year school building program to commence construction in 2019  21. Having met with pupils, staff and parents of Colaiste Iosagain I will continue to push for the redevelopment of the school."
Explained: What the farmers protest is all about

Farmer leaders welcome SC verdict staying implementation of 3 farm laws, but say protest to continue

Wife, brother of UP farmer who died in Delhi booked for draping body in Tricolour

After earning Rs 6 for 2,657 kgs of onions, farmer donates money to Maha CM

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Mumbai, Dec 10: A farmer from Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district has sent a money order of Rs 6 to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to mark his protest against crashing prices of onions and paltry returns.

The farmer Shreyas Abhale told PTI Sunday that after selling 2657 kg onions at the rate of Rs 1 per kg at the Sangamner wholesale market in the district and adjusting market expenses, he was left with only Rs 6.

After selling 750 kg onions for Rs 1,064, farmer donates money in protest to PM relief fund

"I earned Rs 2,916 when I brought 2,657 kg of onion to Sangamner wholesale market. After making payment of labour charges and transportation charges at Rs 2,910, I was left with just Rs six," Abhale said.

Abhale said he felt disappointed and decided to send the amount (Rs 6) to the chief minister to draw his attention to his situation.

"I have spent almost Rs two lakh for the onion crop and have earned just Rs six. I do not know how I am going to clear other dues", he said underlining the price crisis.

Abhale said he had sent the money order to the chief minister on December 7, the day he sold his produce.

Bumper production of onions has affected the onion growers in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts adversely.

An onion-grower from Niphad taluka in Nashik district recently sent his earnings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his protest after he was forced to sell his produce for little over Rs 1 per kg.

The farmer, Sanjay Sathe, had donated Rs 1,064 he had received after selling 750 kg of onions to the Disaster Relief Fund of the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) through a money order.

Why a farm loan waiver and not a temple at Ayodhya matters to farmers

Two onion farmers from Nashik district have allegedly committed suicide in the last two days, apparently due to indebtedness and low rates commanded by the bulb in markets.

Meanwhile, a farmer from Nevasa taluka in Ahmednagar district has distributed 20 quintals of onions for free and put up a flex board in Marathi sarcastically thanking the Union and state governments for "keeping onion prices very low".

The farmer Popatraon Wakchowre, who hails from Punatgaon village, brought the onion to a weekly market Sunday along with the flex board.

"I am deeply hurt because of this government's policies and a little concern it has towards our plight. In the last four years, we hardly got better rates for our produce," Wakchowre said.

"I put up the flex board and sarcastically thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for keeping the prices so low," he said. Wakchowre, while distributing onions, also placed a donation box requesting people to help him to clear his dues.

"I am stooped to the level of a beggar because of this government. I own some agriculture land but I have to seek donation to clear my dues. I cannot repay just by selling my produce," the farmer said.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 7:41 [IST]
BJP prepares alternate plans also for West Bengal if state government delays its Rath Yatra plan

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Dec 10: There is a lot in stake for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal where party wanted to start Rath (chariot) Yatra and Save Democracy Rally but the state government led by Mamata Banerjee did not approve it. Now the BJP is planning to organise small public meeting for which permissions will not be required. Actually the BJP seems to be getting ready with another plan if the original plan does not work.

However, the BJP had already filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to ensure that it got a hearing in case the state government moves the top court against the Calcutta High Court verdict on the party's proposed Rath Yatra. "We have filed a caveat in the Supreme Court to ensure that we do not go unheard if the Bengal government decides to move the top court against the order passed by a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on the Rath Yatra," said state BJP president Dilip Ghosh.

Rath Yatra row: West Bengal BJP files caveat in Supreme Court

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court came down heavily on the West Bengal government for not responding to Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) letters, seeking permission for three Rath Yatra in the state, and directed top officials to take a decision on the processions by December 14.

Earlier it was ruled that both the parties should reach an amicable solution. Bharatiya Janata Party national president Amit Shah had met with party general secretary and in-charge of West Bengal Kailash Vijayvargiya about how to take it further. Sources said that the BJP is planning to organise small meetings across the state and planing is being made.

Sources said that a proper planning in this regard has been presented before the BJP president that how it will be organized by the West Bengal BJP which has been presented before the party president. The party had also planned to hold five rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the way of Rath Yatra but since it is not happening the BJP has devised some new strategy.

Rath Yatra stalled: BJP will not complain against constant negative publicity that Mamata is giving

Sources said that the PM will address people of the state if not through proper rallies of the party, then some government functions will be planned in such a way that it will help the PM to address people of the west Bengal. So the BJP sources said that the party will not let go West Bengal easily which has set target of 22 seats in the state.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 18:01 [IST]
Congress strategists to remain in Jaipur during the counting of votes

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Dec 10: Fate of candidates for Rajasthan Assembly are closed in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that will open on December 11 but the Congress is confident of forming the government in the state and all important leaders of the party rushed to Delhi to discuss future strategy n Rajasthan. They will return to state maximum by December 11 morning with all Congress strategists around.

Congress national general secretary and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, state Congress president Sachin Pilot were already in Delhi, leader of opposition in Assembly Rameshwar Dudi had also reached the national capital. It is being said that supporters of Gehlot and Pilot have started contacting such candidates who have the possibility of winning election in the state.

Sources said that if the Congress wins the next day meeting of MLAs will be convened and a proposal of one line will be passed leaving the matter to the high command. But a faction of the party wants the decision to be taken in Jaipur instead of Delhi and leader having support of maximum MLAs should be elected the CM.

[Assembly elections 2018: Five reasons why these results are so important]

Sources said that the situation may emerge like 2008 for selection of chief ministerial candidate when there was a contest between Gehlot and then Congress president C P Joshi but Joshi lost election by one vote. He tried his best to become the CM but failed. Jat leader Mahipal Maderna too tried to become the CM. Digvijay Singh had gone to Jaipur as observer of the party and Gehlot was elected CM in his presence. Sources said that similar kind of situation could be repeated.

Congress sources said that all strategists of the Congress will remain present in Jaipur during the counting. Sources said that AICC treasurer Ahmed Patel, senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mukul Wasnik and party in-charge of the state Avinash Pandey will analyze election results in the PCC war room and will prepare future strategy. Sources said that state Congress president Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot will also reach Jaipur.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 21:15 [IST]
Congress workers in Rajasthan come out with number by which their leaders to win elections

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Dec 10: Counting for the Rajasthan Assembly elections will start on December 11, 2018 morning but enthusiastic supporters of the Congress has come out with the numbers by which their candidates and senior leaders will win the elections. They have put them up for the public display.

This has been done all across the state but prominently from where party's senior leaders are in the fray and such posters are giving advance congratulation for the victory of the Congress leaders. Former chief minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has been congratulated by the local leaders for his certain victory by ovet 30,000 votes from the Sardarpura Assembly constituency in Jodhpur district, candidate from the Jodhpur city constituency has been congratulated for her victory by over 13,000 votes and candidate from the Sursagar constituency has been congratulated for his victory over 7000 votes.

BJP says it will win Rajasthan again; Cong waits to 'surpass' exit poll numbers

This kind of posters have spread across in Rajasthan's many districts telling the kind of confidence the Congress has in Rajasthan. It is not possible to tell detail about all but the local Congress leaders have somehow reached the number for most of the senior leaders of the Congress in Rajasthan by which they will be winning elections. Political analysts say, "This is the byproduct of the Congress discussing about the possible chief ministerial candidate in the state for that matter by any political party. This gives workers of the party to rejoice and express their happiness. This also helps them politically."

Rajasthan polls: Pilot or Gehlot? Congress already on 'Mission CM' before results are announced

This is to recall that almost all exit polls have predicted a hansom victory for the Congress in Rajasthan which was kind of ending electoral drought for the Congress. It is also very important in view of 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 11:03 [IST]
Delhi doctor accused of giving shock therapy to cure homosexuality; pulled up

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

New Delhi, Dec 10: It's not long ago that the Supreme Court of India decriminalised decriminalised homosexuality by scrapping the much contested Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. But despite the apex court trying to convey the message that diversity in sexual orientation is not a crime, the Indian society is still miles behind the grapple the reality.

According to a report in PTI, a Delhi-based doctor was recently accused of applying shock therapy to 'treat' homosexuality or he allegedly considered it to be a "genetic mental disorder". The accused, named Dr P K Gupta, has been summoned by a court in Delhi for he continued with his bizarre 'treatment' of homosexuality despite being suspended by the Delhi Medical Council (DMC).

Pune: 23-year-old man stabs boyfriend over excessive demand for sexual favours

The DMC claimed that the doctor used hormonal treatments and shock therapy to 'cure' his patients and the court took a notice of such serious accusations. The complaint also said the DMC stopped Gupta in 2016 from carrying out his practices in Delhi but since he was still claiming himself to be a doctor, he could be prosecuted.

The court observed that from the complaint it was clear that Gupta was practising as a doctor in Delhi despite being restricted by the DMC and hence he was prima facie found to be violating the Indian Medical Council Act which can lead up to a year of imprisonment.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 13:59 [IST]
Even if UK court rules in favour of extradition, Mallya unlikely to return to India early

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Dec 10: The Westminster Magistrate's court in the United Kingdom is set to give its verdict on the Vijay Mallya extradition case today. Even if the court is to rule in favour of the extradition, Mallya is unlikely to return to India anytime soon.

Even if the judge were to rule in favour of the extradition and recommend the same to the Home Secretary, Mallya still would have several legal remedies left.

Vijay Mallya extradition case: UK court to pass judgement today

Take the Tiger Hanif case for instance. Even if an individual were to lose all legal challenges, an extradition cannot happen until the Home Secretary signs it off. In the Hanif case, the Home Secretary is yet to take a decision, despite him making a final representation in 2013.

Hanif an accused in the the 1993 blasts case has exhausted all legal remedies in the UK to avoid extradition. However he continues to make representations to the Home Secretary in the UK and is now planning on moving the European Court of Human Rights against his extradition.

Mallya can go ahead and challenge the decision to extradite him before a local court. The courts would then take a call on the matter and at times such issues do drag on for some years the officer also said.

An officer tells OneIndia that normally investigating agencies prefer the deportation process as it is faster. In the case of an extradition there is a lot of procedures which are often time consuming.

SC notice to ED on Mallya's plea to remove 'fugitive' tag

India's success rate in UK:

India has not had a success rate where extraditions from the UK are concerned. There are 131 extradition requests made by India pending with the UK. In almost all the cases, the accused persons have told the UK authorities that there is either a political vendetta against them or the chances of them being tortured by the Indian police is high.

Courts in the UK which are approached by such persons have not been entirely helpful either. Even if the government is considering the extradition request, the courts normally come in the way.

The courts in the UK often take a lenient view towards the accused petitioners who claim that they would be tortured. Further the courts also consider seriously when the petitioner alleges that cases had been slapped against him or her out of political vendetta.

'Please take the money, stop the narrative that I stole': Vijay Mallya

Many accused have managed to escape extradition due to the intervention by the UK courts. In the case of Lalit Modi, the government failed to have him extradited.

The case was no different where Nadeem who was charged in the murder of Gulshan Kumar. he was later acquitted in that case.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 6:44 [IST]
SC refuses to postpone Tripura municipal elections: 'If we do it then it will set a wrong precedent'

This is the national capital, what message are we sending: SC on Delhi air pollution

Files untouched: SC returns NIA reports on love jihad

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Dec 10: The Supreme Court of India has returned the investigation reports submitted to the National Investigation Agency in connection with the Kerala love jihad case.

Of the files, three of them were not even opened by the Supreme Court. The office report said that the sealed envelopes have been received from the NIA since the matter is disposed of. The sealed envelope be sent back to the NIA, the Bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar said.

'All this happened because I embraced Islam': Hadiya after SC verdict

It was on the directions of the Supremo Court that the NIA conducted a detailed investigation which went on for over 6 months. With the court returning the files, it officially brings to an end the probe into the Hadiya inter-faith marriage case. The Kerala High Court, it may be recalled had annulled the marriage.

Between August and December 2017, the NIA had submitted at least three status reports. The court it may be recalled had in March this yer restored the marriage holding that she is free to follow her pursuits.

The Bench however added that the NIA was free to probe other instances of criminality in the case. It was alleged by her father that she was tricked into the marriage after having been forcibly converted to Islam.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 9:57 [IST]
For the kick of it: Why this 14 year old joined the Lashkar-e-Tayiba

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Srinagar, Dec 10: Days after his image holding a gun surfaced on the social media, the 14 year old who had joined the ranks of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba was killed along with two others in an encounter.

Following an 18 hour long encounter at Mujgund on the outskirts of Srinagar on Sunday, the 14 year old was killed along with Saqib Mushtaq and Ali Bhai, a Pakistani national. Four security personnel and three civilians were injured in the encounter.

It may be recalled that the 14 year, a class 9 student had gone missing from his home. The family of the boy immediately contacted the police after he had gone missing from Hajin in August this year.

Two dreaded Hizbul terrorists killed in an encounter at J&K

The police had said back then that he could have joined a terror group. Superintendent of police, Bandipora, Sheikh Zulfikar said that he had joined active militancy some three to four months back.

The parents told the police that their son had said he was going to school, but never returned. On November 29, an image of the boy holding a gun appeared on the social media. His mother Fareeda immediately took to the social media and appealed to her son to return home. She also said that his father was ailing and hence he return home immediately.

The 14 year old has no criminal records. However he was part of stone pelting on some occasions.

Sources tell OneIndia that this boy was not ideologically driven and there is no record in the past to suggest that he had taken to terror to address a cause. He is part of those long list of persons from Kashmir who take to terror, as security agencies put it for a 'thrill seeking attitude.'

Parliament to Pathankot: What makes the Jaish-e-Mohammad so lethal

This was a trend that was started after Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Ani took to the social media and posted images of him and his men with guns. This was an attempt to romanticise terror and it did work for sometime.

Officials also say that that there are new recruits with hardly any training. These are mostly poster boys aimed at attaining numbers. Any outfit would look lethal if they have a large number of recruits. However what is worrisome is that the new lot are all educated and this is a trend that needs to be reversed.

The problem in Kashmir is that terror is being romanticised. Most youth do it for the gun and the ideology is missing. It appears as though the youth are joining the outfit for a cause, but in reality 80 per cent of them do it purely for the kick of it.

This became clear following the arrest of a person called Danish Ahmed, who had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen. In 2016, he was arrested in a stone pelting case, but was let off after counselling. He however took up arms in 2016 and became part of a camp that was being run by Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sabzar Bhat, who was Wani's successor.

Most youth pick up the gun to impress girls. He says that many local girls treat these youth as heroes. With a gun in hand, they feel strong and powerful and this impresses many girls, he had told the police following his arrest.

Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar

He also said that many top terrorists had multiple girlfriends.He said that these persons project themselves as Robin Hood before before the girls in a bid to impress them. He further said that not all the money looted by the terrorists goes into funding the terror organisation. He says that in most cases the money looted from banks or got from extortion is used to buy fancy gadgets and expensive clothes.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 15:26 [IST]
Vijay Mallya has applied for another route to stay in the UK, says lawyer

'Incredible': Vijay Mallya goes on Twitter rant after being declared bankrupt

Its a signal that nobody can cheat India, says Jaitley on Vijay Mallya's extradition order

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Dec 10: Hailing the UK court order on Vijay Mallya's extradition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the offender who benefited during the UPA rule is being brought to the book by the NDA government.

A UK court has ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to India's efforts to bring back the fugitive wanted for loan default worth Rs 9,000 crore.

Delivering the verdict, Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot said that there was "no sign of a false case being mounted against him".

"Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The Judgement of UK's Court is welcome. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book," Jaitley said in a tweet.

How CBI brought Mallya's good times to an end

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.

PTI
How CBI brought Mallyas good times to an end

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Dec 10: Reacting to the judgement of a UK court that ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya, a CBI official said that they were confident this would be the order.

Ahead of the verdict, a joint team of Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate led by CBI joint director, Sai Manohar left for London. It may be recalled that it was the team that was led by Manohar which had played an active role in the extradition of AgustaWestland middleman, James Christian Michel as well.

The CBI spokesperson said that the agency hoped to bring him down soon and also wanted to conclude the case. We worked hard on this case. We are strong on laws and facts and were confident in pursuing the extradition process, the spokesperson also said.

UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition

Explaining the proceedings, the CBI official said that they had built a watertight case and it was on this basis that the order of extradition was passed.

During the probe, the agency had gathered enough evidence to show that Mallya allegedly diverted the loan funds from the purpose for which they were given. The agency in its FIR has alleged that the State Bank of India and its consortium banks had advanced various credit facilities to Kingfisher Airlines between 2005 and 2010, they said.

During 2009-10, the company failed to meet its repayment commitments to the bank from which it had availed the credit facilities and Kingfisher Airlines did not keep its account with the consortium banks regularly which became NPA, the FIR stated.

The consortium banks, therefore, recalled the credit facilities and also invoked corporate guarantee of UBHL and personal guarantee of Mallya. Further it was said that Mallya had deliberately not repaid the amount, outstanding dues payable by Kingfisher Airlines to the consortium of banks.

One of the main grounds that several persons place before the UK court while trying to avoid extradition are the jail conditions in India. During the hearing India was able to convince the court that the argument advanced by Mallya was false.

Not stolen anyone's money: Vijay Mallya

India however submitted video evidence of the jail conditions. It said that he would be lodged at the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai, if extradited. Further it was said that the flooring was new, walls were painted and the bathroom had been refurbished.

The refurbishing of the cell came in the wake of Mallya putting up a defence in the London court in which he had said that the extradition needs to be blocked as the conductions in the jails are bad. He said he was not returning to India due to poor jail conditions.
AgustaWestland: After saying witness may have died, ED cites a little birdie to say he is alive

In AgustaWestland case, a 12 million Euro payout to Italian political party under scanner

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Dec 10: The Central Bureau of Investigation has learnt that alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, James Christian Michel had moved his contacts in India through the various international phone numbers he had.

There were at least 10 different contact numbers he had with him to contact several persons in India in a bid to swing the AugstaWest chopper deal in his favour, investigations have revealed.

Jaguar, Mirage, AgustaWestland: How the Michels ruled India's arms market since 1978

He was confronted with these numbers during his custodial interrogation by the CBI. A CBI source tells OneIndia that he has been in constant denial of any wrong-doing. However our case is strongly backed by documentary proof, the officer also added.

Michel, who is a citizen of the United Kingdom, was brought to India on December 4 following his extradition by the UAE in connection with the case.

He was produced before special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar on December 5, who remanded him to police custody for five days allowing the premier investigating agency's plea that they required his custodial interrogation to find out the money trail. He will be produced before the Delhi court again on Monday.

Further the CBI is also looking into allegations made against a former senior employee of AgustaWestland, who was in touch with an Italian based political party, Lega Nord. It is alleged that the party was paid 12 million Euros in exchange for support to the firm.

AgustaWestland: Why did UPA go to Italy, when it could have shopped in Hyderabad

This is an important link, a CBI official added. The middlemen controlled political parties both in India as well as Italy to ensure that there was no trouble for the firm and the deal.

The CBI is also probing how Michel allegedly kept in touch with officials and unearthed sensitive information from the various ministries. It is also suspected that he had tried to obtain details relating to payments that were made by the Indian government to AgustaWestland.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 12:58 [IST]
New India in making, infrastructure to be no less than US, Europe in 5 years: Nitin Gadkari

Party will stay away from proceedings: PDP writes to Delimitation Commission

J&K: Tangmarg MLA Abbas Wani quits PDP

India

oi-Vikas SV

Srinagar, Dec 10: In a major blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former MLA from Tangmarg assembly seat, Abbas Wani, quit the Mehbooba Mufti-led party.

Last week, Abid Ansari quit the party, alleging that it "failed" the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The PDP is facing a rebel of sorts with several of its members expressing disappointment with the party's leadership.

Jammu and Kashmir Satyapal Malik had in November dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, months after BJP pulled out of the PDP led government in the state. The decision to dissolve the assembly came even as the PDP, Congress and NC were about to stake a claim to form the government. The governor had claimed that there were horse-trading attempts.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 20:49 [IST]
January-February crucial for Ram Temple issue as Sangh Pariwar in wait and watch mood for now

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Dec 10: With a successful grand rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, the Rashtrayia Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) along with all its affiliate organisations want decision on the issue before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Let is either come from the Supreme Court or by making consensus on the issue or making law through Parliament.

By pulling huge crowd at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, the Sangh Pariwar has made it clear that it is now ready for the decisive battle on this issue. The crowd was unprecedented and reminded the time of 1990s when Kar Sevaks were mobilised. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had made it clear around two months ago that no section, community and political party was against the construction of magnificent temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya and this can be easily done by making law in Parliament. But the government is avoiding bringing law on the issue in the winter session as the Supreme Court has given the next date of hearing in January.

'Those in power today had promised Ram temple': RSS leader makes veiled attack on Centre

The strategy of RSS and the VHP is very clear to keep the matter alive by its activities. RSS general secretary Suresh (Bhaiya ji) Joshi in his warning tone told the government to respect people's sentiment in Sunday's rally. Time limit given by Swami Hansdevanand indicates that some decision will be taken before 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The RSS feels that this is the most opportune time to take any decision on construction of Ram Temple. There is the BJP government not only at the Centre but also in half of the states of the country. And even if slight change takes place in the political equation, some hurdle might be created on the way of construction of Ram Temple.

However, the BJP has kept it cards close to its chest on the issue of Ram Temple. However, national BJP president Amit Shah has made it clear time and again that no decision has yet been taken on bringing bill in Parliament for the construction of Ram temple. So it is clear that no bill will be brought in the winter session of Parliament. It is also possible that even private member bill of BJP Rajya Sabha member Rakesh Sinha might not be accepted.

Dilli Gupshup: Even sadhus don't want any more built up for Ram Temple after this!

Sources in the RSS and the BJP said that the entire Sangh Pariwar wants to wait till the next hearing of th Supreme Court amid rallies, speeches and mobilisation of people for the cause. If the SC decides for daily hearing on the matter from January or February then the Sangh Pariwar will wait for the judgment. If the court defers the matter for March or after that then the government may bring bill in the Budget session of Parliament.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 10:26 [IST]
Some clowns try to dishonour India, have support of Rahul, Sibal: Narottam Mishra

Madhya Pradesh Election results 2018: Star candidates to watch out for

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Dec 10: The Madhya Pradesh assembly elections 2018 result is all set to draw the battle lines between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress.

Most of the exit polls for Madhya Pradesh have predicted a neck-and-neck race between the ruling BJP and the Congress party. Agencies like Jan Ki Baat, C Voter and Pace Media have suggested that both the parties may get numbers nearing the halfway mark, suggesting major political drama after the results are declared on December 11.

MP elections 2018: Congress posters congratulate 'winners' days before results come out

Madhya Pradesh has a total of 230 Assembly seats and a party must get over 116 seats to gain a majority. In the 2013 polls, the BJP had swept 165 seats, while the Congress had won just 58 seats. BSP four and others three seats.

Here's a look at the important candidates for you to watch out for:

Star candidates and their constituencies:

Shivraj Singh Chouhan: The chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan is contesting from the Budhni assembly seat. All eyes are on him because if the BJP wins, it will be a record fourth time.

Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath: Both these Congress leaders are not contesting this election but if the Congress manages to win this election, one of them might become the chief minister. Nath currently heads the party's unit in the state and Scindia is the head of the campaign committee.

Yashodhara Raje Scindia: A minister in Chouhan's cabinet, she is contesting from the Shivpuriseat. She comes from Gwalior's royal family. Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia is her sister and Jyotiraditya Scindia is her nephew.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 13:29 [IST]
Making Anganwadi worker permanent as per election promise seems unrealistic

India

oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla

New Delhi, Dec 10: The issue of Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Kamal Nath making promises like permanent employment to the Anganwari workers is being termed as a blatant lie on part of the PCC chief as this is not possible.

Union women and child development (WCD) minister Maneka Gandhi said that promise of making Anganwadi workers permanent in Madhya Pradesh was absolutely false because it is not possible. As per the minister, giving permanent employment to thousands of Anganwadi workers and their associate will put unbearable financial burden on the coffer therefore it won't turn into a reality. Kamal Nath promised every Anganwadi worker will be regularised during the state elections.

Modi praises Anganwadi workers for pushing vaccination and immunization

The WCD ministry said that work of Anganwadi workers is temporary since 1975 and the Supreme Court has also expressed its agreement on the issue. The ministry said that several rounds of discussions have already taken place on this issue and it was concluded that making them permanent was not possible. There are around 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres across the country. In which 24 lakh Anganwadi workers (12,83,707) and their associates (10,50,564) work. Madhya Pradesh has 80,160 Anganwari centres and 12070 sub centres.

As per the statement made by the state government around 80 thousand Anganwadi worker and similar number of associates are working in Madhya Prdesh. The Madhya Pradesh government has increased the stipend of Anganwadi workers to the tune of Rs 10,000 and associates stipend was made Rs 5000. It is just being considered as a promise on two counts first regularizing around 1.50 lakh Anganwadi workers will be required huge money and second if they are regularized in one state, the demand will start coming from other states as well.

2019 Lok Sabha elections: How BJP is wooing the 'undecided voter'

Regularising 24 lakh Anganwari workers, the government will require lakhs of crores of rupees which is not possible for any government. But the most interesting thing is that on one hand in Madhya Pradesh regularisation of Anganwadi workers is being promised on the other the state government is paying the minimal for Anganwadi Bhawan in the state. In the urban area Rs 750 is paid for Anganwadi and in the rural area it is just Rs 200 per month.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 11:52 [IST]
Delhi deserves to be full state with all powers exercised by elected govt: Omar Abdullah

PM said he wants remove 'dil ki doori and Dilli ki doori': Omar Abdullah after meet on J&K

Restore statehood first, if you want elections in J&K: Omar Abdullah to Centre

Govt needs to give sense of security to people cutting across religions in J&K: Omar

Omar Abdullah dares BJP announce CM candidate

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Srinagar, Dec 10: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah dared BJP to announce their chief ministerial candidate in the upcoming elections.

Omar Abdullah, currenlty opposition leader in J&K Assembly, "Today I challenge BJP to clearly say who will be their CM candidate in the upcoming elections because they have cheated people of Jammu twice. The people of Jammu deserve to know whom BJP will make CM if they give 25-26 MLAs to BJP."

Pak will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan

"I don't think the people of Jammu are ready to be deceived once again. That is why BJP is escaping elections, " he said in Jammu.

The November 21, decision of Governor Satya Pal Malik paved the way for imposition of governor's rule in the state. Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP, the National Conference (NC) and the Congress had made a fresh attempt at government formation on November 21, after nearly five months of political uncertainty.

The Election Commission, which has to hold fresh Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir before 21 May, is likely to club it with the Lok Sabha elections due in 2019, highly-placed sources in the poll panel, reported PTI. The state Assembly was kept under suspended animation since June when Governor's Rule was imposed after the BJP ended its alliance with the PDP.

The state Assembly was dissolved by Governor Satya Pal Malik on 21 November citing the "impossibility of forming a stable government by the coming together of political parties with opposing political ideologies" and the "fragile security scenario in the state".

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has a six-year term while other assemblies and the Lok Sabha have a five-year term.
Why 2018 was a year of exits in the banking sector

PM should dissuade Urjit Patel from leaving: Subramanian Swamy

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Dec 10: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to dissuade RBI Governor Urjit Patel from leaving, saying his resignation would be wrong for the government, economy and the institution at this time.

The prime minister has to persuade Patel that he cannot leave in larger public interest, he said.

"His resignation at this time would be wrong for the government, economy and the RBI. The prime minister should call him and find out what could be the personal reasons and dissuade him from leaving. This is what I think the PM should do," Swamy said.

[We have to stop BJP's assault on our institutions: Rahul Gandhi on Urjit Patel's resignation]

Asked about his differences with the Finance Ministry, Swamy said it always happens whenever an "independent, non-rubber stamp" RBI governor is there.

PTI
Probable Congress CM candidates in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

New Delhi, Dec 10: As Congress is leading in BJP ruled states, discussions have started regarding chief ministerial candidates. Majority of the exit polls had predicted a Congress win in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and a nail-biter finish for the BJP in Madhya Pradesh. BJP doesn't have to look for chief minister candidates in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and the leadership may or not change in Rajasthan.

The Congress did not announce CM candidates all the states. Let's take a look at probable Congress CM candidates in Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh.

Exit polls 2018 highlights: Majority of exit polls predict Congress win in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh

Madhya Pradesh:

Kamal Nath: Seniormost Congress leader Kamalnath was elected as the president of Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee in May 2018 to lead the party in the November-December 2018 assembly election. Kamal Nath is one of the longest-serving and senior most members of Lok Sabha; the lower house of India's bicameral Parliament. Kamal Nath was first elected to the 7th Lok Sabha in 1980. He reentered 8th, the 9th, 10th, 11, 12th, 13th 14th and 15th Lok Sabha.

Jyotiraditya Scindia: Harward graduate Scindia was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in February 2002 from Guna District - formerly represented by his father Madhav Rao Scindia. He was re-elected in May 2004 and was introduced to the Union Council of Ministers in 2007 as Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology. He was then re-elected in 2009 for a third consecutive term and became Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. Later, he became Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power.

During an interview to PTI, Scindia said he had covered over 115 constituencies in Madhya Pradesh. Asked if he considers himself as a front-runner for the chief minister's post in case the Congress wins the elections, he said he does not want to answer hypothetical questions.

Rajasthan:

Ashok Gehlot: His return to state politics is being hinted as a contender to CM's post. Gehlot was the Chief Minister of Rajasthan from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2008 to 2013. He hails from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He represents Sardarpura constituency of Jodhpur as Member of Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan. As Congress party's national general secretary and in-charge of organizations and training. Gehlot denied tussle with Sachin Pilot with respect to CM's post. Not ruling himself out of the race for the top post in the state should Congress win, Gehlot in an exclusive interview to PTI said he would be open to any role Congress president Rahul Gandhi assigns him in the interest of the party.

Congress workers in Rajasthan come out with number by which their leaders to win elections

Sachin Pilot: The son of senior politician late Rajesh Pilot, Sachi Pilot, was a member of the Lok Sabha's Standing Committee on Home Affairs and member of the Consultative Committee in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Sachin Pilot has been a former MP from Dausa and then from Ajmer. He is contesting the state poll for the first time from Tonk. At 26, he became an MP. At 31, he was a minister in the Union government. At 35, he is heading the Congress party in Rajasthan.

Chhattisgarh:

Tamardhwaj Sahu: He is contesting from Durg (Rural) assembly constituency, The 69-year-old MP from Durg is a strong OBC leader and a member of the influential Sahu community. He is the lone Lok Sabha member from the state. He won the Indian general election, 2014 being an Indian National Congress candidate.

TS Singhdeo: He is a member of Indian National Congress and the current Leader of Opposition in Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly since 3 January 2014. He is an elected member of Chhattisgarh Assembly from Ambikapur He was the richest candidate in the 2013 Assembly Elections.

Bhupesh Baghel: He is a member of Indian National Congress and the current President of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee since October 2014. He is an elected member of Chhattisgarh Assembly. His assembly constituency is Patan (District Durg). Baghel was appointed a minister of state in Digvijay Singh's cabinet (Public Grievance Dept. attached to the CM) in December 1998 and promoted as Minister of Transport in December 1999. He was appointed Chairman of MP State Road Transport Corporation in January 2000. When the state of Chhattisgarh was created by the Government of India in November 2000, Baghel became First Minister for Revenue, Public Health Engineering and relief work (until 2003).
No one will be able to destroy Congress, leaders joining TMC 'drama', says Venugopal

Telangana polls: Congress makes early move in case of fractured mandate

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Hyderabad, Dec 10: Learning from past mistakes, the Congress will meet with Governor , E S L Narasimhan along with its allies and formally inform him that they are in a pre-poll alliance.

The Congress is mindful of the fact that the BJP was invited by the Governor in Goa and Karnataka though it had not bagged the majority. In Goa, the Congress was the single largest party, but the BJP formed the government. In Karnataka, the BJP did not have the required numbers, but was called first to form the government.

Telangana Election Results: 'We don't need any alliance', TRS responds to BJP's offer

On Sunday the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee met and decided that they would meet with the Governor. They said that this would help in case there is a fractured mandate. The alliance or the Prajakutami is the largest entity in case of a hung assembly.

They would meet with the Governor and give him a representation stating that the Prajakutami is in a pre-poll alliance.

The Congress feels that it needs to be more alert. The party feels that the BJP may try and control the governor in case of a hung verdict in Telangana. The results would be announced tomorrow.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 9:35 [IST]
The ISI-SJF meet at Nankana Sahib: Why India should be worried

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Dec 10: A meet at Nankana Sahib between some activists from the Sikh Community and the ISI has been under the radar of the Indian security agencies. The meeting comes amidst a pilgrimage that the Sikhs for Justice has promised to sponsor.

Intelligence Bureau sources tell OneIndia that there have been four such meetings that have been held and the last one was on November 28. The attempt is to whip up passions and push for support for the Khalistan movement, the IB source also informed.

In this context, one would need to look at the role that is being played by the Sikhs for Justice, a pro-Khalistan front which works in Canada, Europe and the United States. This was the same organisation that promoted the London Declaration of the Referendum 2020, which was backed and funded by the ISI.

Punjab on high alert after Kashmir terrorist Zakir Musa is spotted

While the London Declaration event did not gain the traction that it would have hoped to, the fresh worry now is a programme that is being organised by the SJF. Reports state that the SJF is planning to fund the visit of nearly a lakh Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, which falls next year.

The worry for the agencies is that the ISI would try and propagate among the pilgrims the need for a pro Khalistan movement. The ISI would also look to evoke sentiments, the agencies believe.

The agencies also feel that the ISI and its agents would go all out to whip up passions.

This becomes necessary for both the ISI and pro-Khalistan groups as the movement has failed to generate any great mass support. While on one hand, the ISI could build a terror infrastructure, they realise that no movement would take off as desired unless and until there is mass support and sympathy among the people. In this context, all efforts would be made to utilise the pilgrimage to Pakistan, an Intelligence Bureau officer informed OneIndia.

Amidst the politics, ISI launches Operation Express to carve out separate Punjab nation

Recently when the National Investigation Agency took over the probe into the killing of an RSS worker in Punjab, it made a startling revelation. The central agency said that this was a plot that was hatched in Pakistan. Funds came from Canada, UK and Italy, the NIA had also said. In Punjab, the ISI-Khalistan forces which work together have specifically targeted religiously important persons.

On their radar was a Christian Priest Father Sultan Masih who was killed in Ludhiana on July 15 2017. In Punjab there have been such murders galore and the year 2017 has seen five such incidents. In 2016, there were two such incidents.

The NIA probe into these incidents suggest that the mastermind is a person called Gursharanbir Singh who is a British national. He is the one who roped in Ramandeep and Hardeep Singh and directed them to kill Hindu leaders. The handlers who directed the killing of RSS and other Hindu leaders have been traced to Italy, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The Punjab police which is probing the case learnt that there is a systematic approach that has been followed to eliminate Hindu leaders by ISI agents. The motive behind the killings is to destabilise the state, the police say.

The ISI wants to cause communal tension in Punjab. Once the state becomes volatile then it could be used as a platform to launch the Khalistan forces, the police also said. The police got information about the modus operandi following three very high profile arrests.

Recently the NIA took over the probe into the killing of two persons-Satpal Sharma and his son Ramesh Kumar at Ludhiana. An NIA officer explained to OneIndia that the during the investigation it was found that killings of Satpal Sharma, his son Ramesh Sharma and Durga Gupta were part of trans-national conspiracy hatched by senior leadership of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Eight incidents of such killings were executed as part of this conspiracy between January, 2016 and October, 2017 in Punjab.

The objective of the conspiracy was to destabilise the law and order situation in Punjab and to revive the fledgling terrorism in the state. It was found that the conspiracy had its foot-prints in several countries including, Pakistan, UK, Australia, France, Italy and UAE.

Khalistan-Pak link out in open again: Chawla's presence at Kartarpur says it all

As part of the conspiracy, large amounts of funds were supplied through Italy, Australia and the UK to the perpetrators of the Killings/ Attempted Killings, viz. Hardeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh. These funds were used by them to purchase weapons for executing the killings and other logistics.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 17:17 [IST]
Upendra Kushwaha resigns as Union minister, says 'Modi did nothing for Bihar'

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Dec 10: RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha resigned today as Minister of State for Human Resource Development, after a prolonged battle with the BJP and other constituents over seat-sharing for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

According to the reports, he is likely to attend Opposition meet later in the day to discuss an alliance to take on the saffron party in the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a press conference later, Kushwaha said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had failed to fulfil the promise he had made to the state regarding special package. He said the people of Bihar are feeling cheated as the PM had failed to deliver on his promise. Kushwaha said he had trusted Modi to deliver on his social justice promise but the PM couldn't meet his expectations, he added.

BJP mocks all-party meet, asks oppn to reveal PM candidate's name

"Narendra Modi ji couldn't meet expectations of the people of Bihar. Nothing was done for special status. Bihar is still where it was earlier. Education and health system are non-existent. Nothing was done for Bihar," he told reporters.

In his resignation letter sent to PM Narendra Modi, Kushwaha wrote, as per PTI: "I stand dejected, betrayed by your leadership. It's unfortunate that the government's priority is not to work for the poor but to fix political opponents."

Earlier it was reported that Kushwaha would not attend the meeting of the NDA allies to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament.

The RLSP chief has been targeting the BJP and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a key ally of the ruling party, for weeks.

He has been upset with the BJP after it asserted that the RLSP would not be given more than two seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, even as it went out of way to accommodate Kumar by agreeing that the saffron party and the JD(U) would fight equal number of seats.

"Kushwaha is likely to announce his parting of ways with the BJP today. He will also quit as a Union minister," a senior RLSP leader said.

The RLSP may join hands with the opposition, which includes Lalu Prasad's RJD and the Congress. Bihar sends 40 MPs to Lok Sabha.
I do not seek power, I want to serve the people: Top quotes from PM Modi's Mann ki Baat

Utilise Winter Session well: PM Modi to MPs at all-party meeting

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Dec 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appealed to all MPs at an all-party meeting to utilise the Winter session of Parliament well as it will be the last full-fledged session before the 2019 Lok Sabha.

The prime minister also assured the opposition that the government was willing to discuss all issues.

"The government and the opposition have to cooperate with each other for the smooth functioning of Parliament which is in the public interest," he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said quoting the prime minister that the government is also learnt to have suggested that both the Houses could work late to transact important legislative business and discuss important issues.

Agrarian crisis, CBI feud among key issues to discussed at big opposition meet today

Tomar said the prime minister was of the view that both the government and the opposition have to cooperate in running the House smoothly as it was in the interest of the people.

The minister said Modi also told leaders from various parties that the government is willing to discuss all issues. The Centre will bring a supplementary demands for grants in the session through which it will seek Parliament nod for more expenditure.

According to leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha , Ghulam Nabi Azad, the opposition made it clear during the meeting that it will press for a joint parliamentary committee to probe the Rafale jet deal and raise several issues, including the "misuse" of probe agencies and autonomy for RBI.

PTI
No one will be able to destroy Congress, leaders joining TMC 'drama', says Venugopal

We have to stop BJP's assault on our institutions: Rahul Gandhi on Urjit Patel's resignation

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Dec 10: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday lashed out at the BJP-led government at the Centre over RBI Governor Urjit Patel's resignation and said those appointed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now unable to work under him.

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal echoed similar views and took a bitter jibe at the Prime Minister and said "Modi thinks that he's the biggest economist". Sibal said first it was Arvind Subramanian, the former chief economic advisor who resigned earlier this year, and Urjit Patel resigning shows that top officials are unable to function under Modi government.

"In the middle of the meeting (of opposition leaders), we were told that RBI Guv has resigned because he could no longer work with govt. There was a consensus in the room that we've to stop BJP's assault on our institutions- CBI, RBI, EC and on the constitution...RBI governor is resigning because he's protecting the institution of RBI. Taking away reserves from RBI to save your skin is an act against this nation. I am very proud that people from all walks of life and institutions are standing up to it," said Rahul Gandhi, who was taking party in the meeting of opposition party today to chart out the plane for 2019 elections.

"People he (PM) appointed are resigning, first Arvind Subramanian left as CEA and now it's Urjit Patel. The economy is suffering, Modi thinks that he's the biggest economist and he doesn't need them, so they are resigning," Sibal told news agency ANI.

[Urjit Patel steps down as RBI governor with immediate effect]

Congress leader Ahmed Patel also cam down heavily on the government over RBI Governor's resignation and said Urjit Patel has been forced to quit.

"The manner in which RBI governor has been forced to quit is a blot on India's monetary and banking system. BJP Govt has unleashed a defacto financial emergency. The country's reputation and credibility is now at stake," news agency ANI quoted Congress leader Ahmed Patel as saying.

There was speculation for sometime about Patel quitting following differences between the RBI and the government. It began when RBI deputy governor, Viral Acharya delivered a speech in which he had spoken about the need to ensure independence of the central bank.

Over the past few months several contentious issues have cropped up between the RBI and the government. The main problem was when the government demanded that the RBI shell out more dividend from its reserves.

Further, the government officials on the RBI's board pushed for the relaxation of the promotion corrective action framework being used to nurse weak banks back to health. The government and the RBI were also at loggerheads over the suggestion to set up a payment regulator outside the purview of the RBI.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 19:28 [IST]
'We'll miss Urjit Patel immensely': PM Modi

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Dec 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded Urjit Patel, who stepped down as the RBI Governor today, for steering the 'banking system from chaos to order', and said "We'll miss him immensely".

Patel earlier today stepped down as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, with immediate effect. In a statement, he said that he is stepping down due to personal reasons.

"Dr Urjit Patel is an economist of a very high caliber with a deep and insightful understanding of macroeconomic issues. He steered the banking system from chaos to order. He leaves behind a great legacy. We'll miss him immensely," PM Modi tweeted.

Even Finance Minister Arun Jaitley heaped praise on Patel and said the government acknowledges services rendered by him.

"Government acknowledges with deep sense of appreciation the services rendered by Dr Urjit Patel to this country, both in his capacity as Governor and Deputy Governor of RBI. I wish Dr Patel all the very best and many more years of public service," Jaitley said.

The Congress lashed out at the government over RBI Governor's resignation and said Urjit Patel has been forced to quit.

"The manner in which RBI governor has been forced to quit is a blot on India's monetary and banking system. BJP Govt has unleashed a defacto financial emergency. The country's reputation and credibility is now at stake," news agency ANI quoted Congress leader Ahmed Patel as saying.

There was speculation for sometime about Patel quitting following differences between the RBI and the government. It began when RBI deputy governor, Viral Acharya delivered a speech in which he had spoken about the need to ensure independence of the central bank.

[Urjit Patel steps down as RBI governor with immediate effect]

Over the past few months several contentious issues have cropped up between the RBI and the government. The main problem was when the government demanded that the RBI shell out more dividend from its reserves.

Further, the government officials on the RBI's board pushed for the relaxation of the promotion corrective action framework being used to nurse weak banks back to health. The government and the RBI were also at loggerheads over the suggestion to set up a payment regulator outside the purview of the RBI.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 18:49 [IST]
India should be open-minded about dealing with the Taliban: Yashwant Sinha

Yashwant Sinha has the following advise for PM Modi on Taliban and Afghan crisis

Yashwant Sinha bats for Mamata Banerjee as next Prime Minister of India

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Dec 10: Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha accused the Narendra Modi government of destroying various institutions in the country, including the Union Cabinet.

Speaking at a talk show, 'Idea of Bengal', organised by the ruling Trinamool Congress, Sinha accused the prime minister of trying to "undermine" the Rajya Sabha during the passage of key bills. At the event, he also said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had all the traits to become a good Prime Minister.

"The Modi government has destroyed various institutions of the country. But the biggest casualty is the Union Cabinet," the former Union minister alleged.

Union Cabinet 'biggest casualty' in Modi government: Sinha

"I am saying this because several important decisions are being taken without informing the Cabinet, be it the Rafale jet deal or demonetisation," added Sinha, who held the finance and external affairs portfolios in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Parliament was the "second casualty" as the Modi government has "tried to undermine" the Rajya Sabha, during the passage of several important bills, Sinha said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not enjoy majority in the Upper House of Parliament.

Calling demonetisation a "disaster", Sinha said the government was trying to "dress up" the figures of economic growth to hide the "failures" of its economic policies.

"First they changed the methods by which GDP is calculated. Next when it came out that the UPA government performed better that the present regime, they withdrew the data from the website. Then the government fudged figures to put up a healthy picture of the economy," he said.

The Modi government has a "habit" of blaming the previous governments for all the wrong things that had "either happened or are happening" in the country, he added.

Calling him a senior BJP leader, BJP wishes Yashwant Sinha on his birthday

"In 2014, the government had given specific figures of the amount of NPAs, now again in 2018 they have come up with a new figure of NPAs till 2014. The idea is to put all the blame on the previous regimes," he said further.

Sinha stressed that West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee had "all traits" to make a good prime minister.

He said he hoped that West Bengal and TMC would play a major role in defeating PM Modi in the 2019 general elections.

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Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 7:28 [IST]
China summons US envoy to protest detention of Huawei executive

International

pti-PTI

Beijing, Dec 10: China summoned the US ambassador to Beijing on Sunday to protest the detention of a senior executive of Chinese electronics giant Huawei in Canada at Washington's behest and demanded the US cancel an order for her arrest.

The official Xinhua News Agency said Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng "lodged solemn representations and strong protests" with Ambassador Terry Branstad against the detention of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou. Meng, who is reportedly suspected of trying to evade US trade curbs on Iran, was detained on December 1 while changing planes in Vancouver, Canada.

The Xinhua report quoted Le as calling Meng's detention "extremely egregious" and demanded the US vacate an order for her arrest. It quoted Le as calling for the US to "immediately correct its wrong actions" and said it would take further steps based on Washington's response.

The move followed the summoning of Canadian Ambassador John McCallum on Saturday over Meng's detention and a similar warning of "grave consequences" if she is not released. The Canadian province of British Columbia said in a statement Sunday it cancelled a trade mission to China because of Meng's detention.

China launches drive against atrocious 'Chinglish' signs ahead of 2022 Winter Olympics

The announcement came amid fears China could detail Canadians in retaliation. Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and has been the target of deepening US security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government.

The US has pressured European countries and other allies to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information.

Meng's arrest has threatened to increase US-China trade tensions and shook stock markets globally last week. But US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation," down played the impact of the arrest on trade talks between the two countries aimed at defusing the tensions.

"It's my view that it shouldn't really have much of an impact," he said. Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, was detained on the same day that President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, agreed over dinner to a 90-day cease-fire in the trade dispute.

US to oppose China's effort to impose its own Dalai Lama on Tibetans

The surprise arrest raises doubts about whether the trade truce will hold and whether the world's two biggest economies can resolve the complicated issues that divide them.

The US alleges that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of US sanctions. It also says that Meng and Huawei misled American banks about its business dealings in Iran.

Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said Chinese pressure on Canada's government won't work.

"Perhaps because the Chinese state controls its judicial system, Beijing sometimes has difficulty understanding or believing that courts can be independent in a rule-of-law country. There's no point in pressuring the Canadian government. Judges will decide," Paris tweeted in response to the comments from Beijing.

A Canadian prosecutor urged a Vancouver court to deny bail to Meng. Canadian prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley said in a court hearing Friday that a warrant had been issued for Meng's arrest in New York on August 22.

He said Meng, arrested en route to Mexico from Hong Kong, was aware of the investigation and had been avoiding the United States for months, even though her teenage son goes to school in Boston.

Gibb-Carsley alleged that Huawei had done business in Iran through a Hong Kong company called Skycom. Meng, he said, had misled US banks into thinking that Huawei and Skycom were separate when, in fact, "Skycom was Huawei."

Meng has contended that Huawei sold Skycom in 2009. In urging the court to reject Meng's bail request, Gibb-Carsley said the Huawei executive had vast resources and a strong incentive to bolt: She's facing fraud charges in the United States that could put her in prison for 30 years.

The hearing is to resume Monday. Huawei, in a brief statement emailed to The Associated Press, said "we have every confidence that the Canadian and U.S. legal systems will reach the right conclusion."

Canadian officials have declined to comment on Chinese threats of retaliation over the case, instead emphasising the independence of Canada's judiciary along with the importance of Ottawa's relationship with Beijing.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland said Canada "has assured China that due process is absolutely being followed in Canada, that consular access for China to Ms. Meng will absolutely be provided."

"We are a rule-of-law country and we will be following our laws as we have thus far in this matter and as we will continue to do," Freeland said Friday.

While protesting what it calls Canada's violation of Meng's human rights, China's ruling Communist Party stands accused of mass incarcerations of its Muslim minority without due process, locking up people exercising their right to free speech and refusing to allow foreign citizens to leave the country in order to bring pressure on their relatives accused of financial crimes.

The party also takes the lead in prosecutions of those accused of corruption or other crimes in a highly opaque process, without supervision from the court system or independent bodies.

PTI
Stay away from Frances own affairs, French foreign minister responds to Trumps tweets

International

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Paris, Dec 10: US President Donald Trump on Friday took a gibe at his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron over the ongoing chaos in Paris and elsewhere in France, saying the violence showed the climate deal was not working out. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in return asked the White House incumbent to retrain from interfering in France's own affairs.

On Sunday, December 9, Le Drian said Trump should not meddle in France internal affairs following the latter's tweets criticising Macron. France has been witnessing violence in the 'Yellow Jackets' protestors clashing with the security forces for the fourth straight weekend over fuel-tax hike and more generally, against the Macron's alleged indifference to struggling workers. The "yellow vest" protesters were in no mood to call off the demonstrations.

Ben Lecomte is swimming across Atlantic to raise awareness against plastic pollution in ocean

"The Paris Agreement isn't working out so well for Paris. Protests and riots all over France," Trump wrote in a tweet. He also claimed that the protesters in France were chanting "We want Trump!"

Speaking to LCI, a French news channel, Le Drian said "leave our nation be". He added that France never interferes in the US's internal affairs and would like to see the same being maintained by the latter.

This photo of a man who coughed-up 6-inch-wide blood clot shaped like lung tree is going viral

He also said the pictures published in the US with people shouting "We Want Trump" were from a past visit of the US president to London.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 16:52 [IST]
Nothing to be shocked about', says Mallya after UK court's extradition order

International

oi-Vikas SV

London, Dec 10: Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya tried to appear nonchalant after the UK court order to extradite him to India and said his legal team will review the judgement in detail.

Several TV channels reported that Mallya tried to appear calm after the judgement, but he did seem worried. The judgement is, however, not the end of road for Mallya as he can appeal in a higher court.

"My legal team will review the judgement in detail and consider various options and then I will decide going forward. There is nothing to be shocked about," Mallya told reporters in London.

When asked if he regrets having taken refuge in the UK, Mallya reportedly said, "The end of the day that's what the courts are for, that's how lawyers thrive. Do I regret being in a situation where I'm reading legal papers and paying legal fees? Yes, I do. I could have done something more productive with my time."

[How CBI brought Mallya's good times to an end]

The Westminster Magistrate's court has delivered its verdict and has said that Vijay Mallya will be extradited. While there is ample reason to rejoice, there are still a few more legal remedies available for Mallya, which could delay the extradition a bit.

[Mallya ordered to be extradited: How long before he is in India]

Mallya will now challenge this decision before a local court. He can also move the higher courts in this regard. If he loses all these remedies, he can make a representation to the Home Secretary.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Monday, December 10, 2018, 21:38 [IST]
Sri Lanka won't be allowed to be used for 'any activity' against India: President Rajapaksa

Ongoing Lankan crisis as one between foreign and indigenous thinking: Sirisena

International

pti-PTI

Colombo, Dec 10: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has described the ongoing political crisis in the country as one between foreign and local values.

"This is an issue between those who believe in foreign thinking and those who respect local values", Sirisena said Sunday, addressing a gathering in his home base Polonnaruwa. The comment was seen as an indirect reference to the United National Party, with whom Sirisena was running the national unity government since 2015.

The partnership ended on October 26 when Sirisena fired his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is the leader of UNP, paving the way for a never-before-seen political stand-off in the island nation.

Lanka crisis: SC reserves verdict on petitions against Sirisena's decision to dissolve Parliament

Since firing Wickremesinghe, Sirisena has highlighted the "shortcomings" of the former PM in a bid to justify the sacking and dissuade the reinstatement of Wickremesinghe. However, Wickremesinghe holds on to the official residence of the prime minister, claiming his sacking was unconstitutional.

Sirisena later dissolved parliament to call snap elections. Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was appointed by Sirisena to replace Wickremesinghe, has failed to prove his parliamentary majority.

Rajapaksa suffers another blow; Sri Lankan court bars him from acting as PM

The issue is now in the courts, with both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal set to deliver judgments on the legality of Sirisena's action. Sirisena said he would decide his next political move depending on the court rulings.

He was somewhat critical of the courts' interim rulings which allowed the cases to proceed. Wickremesinghe's allies say his parliamentary majority has been proved several times and Sirisena must restore him in office. The president refuses to do so.

PTI
Spell in custody, will help Mallya cut down on alcohol, says UK court: Read full order here

International

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

London, Dec 10: A court in the UK today ordered that Vijay Mallya will be extradited. The court said in its verdict that it is not of the opinion that courts in India are there to do what politicians tell them to do.

The judge said, "I would expect that were the Indian court able to allow Dr Mallya a bed and home cooked food it would enable him to face the trials ahead in a more healthy state than otherwise.

Certainly, his doctors will need to watch what he eats to help manage his diabetes and coronary artery disease. A spell in custody is likely to help him cut down on alcohol. A regular exercise routine will need to be worked out by his doctors to keep him healthy. I noted that he is taking a whole range of medications which the GOI will ensure he has access to.

Mallya ordered to be extradited: How long before he is in India

Here are some of the key observations:

Having accepted the assurances in principle, I turn next to the prison conditions which in the light of the assurances will apply in this case. I find that Dr Mallya will be held in Barrack No. 12 of Arthur Road in Mumbai. I find that the video of the cell and the approach to the cell is an accurate portrayal of the conditions which will apply. The cell is large, far larger than the 3m square minimum set out in a number of authorities. The cell has been recently redecorated. It has a very high ceiling, some natural light from grilled windows, a couple of fans and strip lighting. I accept that the fans go off when the lights go off.

I find that the RP will be provided with a thick cotton mat, a pillow, sheet and blanket. He will be able to apply on medical grounds to have a bed. He will have access to "sufficient" water and I bear in mind that his doctor's expectation is that he receive three litres a day. He will have access to the bathroom which is attached to the cell and appears to be clean and is newly decorated. It has a lavatory, shower and the basin has a constant supply of water. He will be able to wash each day and will receive adequate food. He may be allowed food from home if the court permits.

How CBI brought Mallya's good times to an end

There is sufficient security, a prison officer and a guard are on duty 24 hours a day and the inmates of Barrack No. 12 do not mix with other prisoners. I accept that there has never been any violence in the cell because of the high-profile nature of the prisoners held there.

The major concerns the court had was in relation to the many medical conditions the RP suffers from; the RP is far from healthy. The doctors and nurses in a prison of the size of Arthur Road have a lot of work on their hands and the assurance given that Dr Mallya could consult his own private doctors seems to this court to be a necessary one in all the circumstances. It is an assurance which this court considers to be an important one in all the circumstances. I accept that there are hospitals very close to the prison were VJM to require hospitalisation.

I would expect that were the Indian court able to allow Dr Mallya a bed and home cooked food it would enable him to face the trials ahead in a more healthy state than otherwise. Certainly, his doctors will need to watch what he eats to help manage his diabetes and coronary artery disease. A spell in custody is likely to help him cut down on alcohol. A regular exercise routine will need to be worked out by his doctors to keep him healthy. I noted that he is taking a whole range of medications which the GOI will ensure he has access to.

The Defence says that there is great political capital invested in the successful prosecution of the case and his discharge or acquittal will "be viewed as a political failure". The corollary of that is that his guilt has been prejudged by the press. The defence witness Professor Lau presented a number of prejudicial press reports which seemed to be based on comments made by the Indian Finance Minister.

The case would test any judiciary but would particularly test the Indian judiciary where any decision made in Dr Mallya's favour would be followed by accusations that the judge concerned had been bribed. There are suggestions of pressure already brought to bear on the judges involved in the RP's case. The Supreme Court itself is not immune from suggestions of corruption. In the case of the CBI court which will hear the case against Dr Mallya Professor Lau said there is a particular inherent risk of partiality given its close relationship with the CBI.

UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition, CBI welcomes decision

Ms Montgomery and Mr Watson submitted it is particularly vulnerable to abuse given the CBI's lack of independence. They rely on the evidence of Professor Lau that in the CBI court, the CBI framed parents for a murder they did not commit. The CBI was criticised by the High Court in India. The CBI was said to have failed to disclose exculpatory material, deliberately mislead experts and tutored a witness. The CBI court was not able to protect the defendants in that case.

The Professor relied too on research which said that there were concerns in India about media trials. There was an emergence of powerful television commentators and the media can affect all aspects of a criminal trial from the judge to witnesses and the police.

The criticism made of the possible effect of the considerable media attention which would attend a prosecution of Dr Mallya, is not significant enough for this court to find he would not have an Article 6 compliant trial. There is insufficient evidence for this court to find that he will not be tried by a competent and fair court.

Any suggestion that CBI courts are too pliable when it comes to CBI cases is not borne out by reliable evidence. It would be like saying because Southwark Crown Court hears the majority of SFO cases that means it would lack independence in some way or because Westminster Magistrates' Court deals with all extraditions at first instance it lacks independence from the Crown Prosecution Service extradition unit which brings these specialised.

I accept the GOI's contention that because Dr Mallya has such a high profile that his trial will be under great scrutiny. I find that Dr Mallya will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity. I accept the criticisms that there has been much political commentary made about his prosecution and the lending that was sanctioned by the banks, nevertheless it will not be a trial by politicians. Courts are used to dealing with high profile cases which are accompanied by often ill-advised political.

I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do. As I have already said, the court will be under great scrutiny. I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt. The most the Professor could do was give me a handful of individual examples where the process appeared to be defective in one way or another. Such defective processes came to light and were corrected by the senior.

Professor Lau's criticised the Supreme Court for dealing with the civil case against Dr Mallya too quickly. I found this is not a relevant criticism as it was clear that the proceedings were an ex parte application for an interim injunction. The Professor made it clear that he had the highest respect for the Indian Supreme.

There was no evidence which allowed me to find that if extradited Dr Mallya was at real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice. The argument in relation to Article 6 fails.

Read the full judgment below:
The Supervisory Board of Sartorius AG resolved to make changes in the Executive Board. Effective January 1, 2019, Dr. Rene Faber as Head of the Bioprocess Solutions Division and Gerry Mackay as Head of the Lab Products & Services Division will be appointed new members of the companys Executive Board.

Rene Faber, age 43, has been working at Sartorius since 2002. He started as an R&D Scientist in the Membrane Modification Department, then headed R&D Process Technologies. Later, as Vice President, he held various management positions in Marketing for Filtration and Fermentation Technologies, as well as in Key Account Management. In his most recent position before his appointment to the Executive Board, he was responsible for the entire Product Development unit of the Bioprocess Solutions Division. Rene Faber studied chemistry in Bratislava, Slovakia, and earned his Ph.D. in polymer chemistry at the Technical University of Munich in Germany. He is of Slovakian nationality.

Gerry Mackay, age 56, joined Sartorius in 2015 from the acquisition of BioOutsource, where he had been its CEO since 2009. Prior to his tenure with BioOutsource, he held international senior level positions in Sales and Marketing at several companies, among them at the U.S. life science company Millipore. At Sartorius, Gerry Mackay as Head of Marketing, Sales and Services of the Lab Products & Services Division drove the momentum of the divisions new strategic direction towards the biopharmaceutical market and its respective applications and technologies. Gerry Mackay holds a Bachelors of Science Honors degree in biochemistry and a Masters in education, and is of British nationality.

Furthermore, the Supervisory Board and Executive Board member Reinhard Vogt mutually and amicably agreed on the best of terms that the latter will step down from his position on the Executive Board as of December 31, 2018. The Supervisory Board thanks him for his extraordinarily successful service that he has dedicated to the benefit of the company for more than 35 years in various functions, the most recent of which as a member of the Executive Board since 2009. Mr. Vogt has outstandingly served the company, especially in the strategic alignment and operational leadership of the Bioprocess Solutions Division, which today represents the largest pillar in sales revenue and earnings of the Sartorius Group. We wish Mr. Vogt all the best for the future, in which he will continue to support Sartorius, among other companies, in an advisory capacity, said Dr. Lothar Kappich, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. At the same time, we are also pleased to welcome Rene Faber and Gerry Mackay, two internationally experienced and successful managers from our own ranks, to join our Executive Board.

As of January 1, 2019, the Sartorius Executive Board will thus consist of the four following members: Dr. Joachim Kreuzburg (Chairman and CEO); Dr. Rene Faber (Head of Bioprocess Solutions), Gerry Mackay (Head of Lab Products & Services); and Rainer Lehmann (Chief Financial Officer).
For a long time, we have wanted to have all of our employees in one location, Casper said. The reality is, to get everyone in one location in renovated space meant we would need to look at a new tower.
Its a wonderful opportunity not only to deepen our ambition around the awards themselves, but to deepen the overall partnership, and look at how we collaborate in support of the culinary community throughout the year through our initiatives and in pursuit of our mission good food for good, said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.
"Making pie is a pain in the butt." That's not an uncommon assessment, given the time and skill that go into crafting a perfectly flaky crust, sculpted lattices and a gooey, yet solid, filling.

Coming from Hoosier Mama pie shop owner Paula Haney, who's been recognized by the likes of Bon Appetit and Food & Wine, though, it's surprising  and vindicating  to those (like this author) who have been reduced to tears over a pie dough that just wouldn't cooperate.

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Enter Haney's much-anticipated cookbook, "The Hoosier Mama Book of Pie" (Agate Publishing, $29.95). Not only does the book include the recipes for 124 of the Chicago shop's lauded pies, such as vinegar chess and apple, but also a detailed breakdown of the dough-making process, down to the pulses of a food processor.

"It's not voodoo," says Haney of making a perfect pie. "It's just steps you learn. I guess that's what I would like everyone to take away from the book."

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We spoke with Haney and Allison Scott, head of Hoosier Mama's savory pies, about the new cookbook. This Q&A; has been edited for space and clarity.

Q: You dedicate a lot of space in the book to making a pie crust. How did you synthesize the process to the point at which a home cook could make these recipes?

Scott: We wanted the book to read like Paula or I was standing next to you, explaining how to make it in your kitchen, so we tried to go into a level of detail that would explain what something looked like, what it tasted like, what it smelled like, so that there were multiple tests you could do.  Training staff here, we learn kind of the missteps that people will make on a regular basis.

Q: Where do you see people veering off from the path to a perfect pie crust?

Haney: Overmixing is huge. People are used to mixing something until it comes together. That and just making the assumption that (the pie dough) is always going to be the same. It's hotter. It's colder. It's humid. It's less humid. I think you just have to be open to that very early.

Q: How did you go about selecting which pie recipes to include?

Haney: We put most of them in, actually. The only things we didn't put in were things that were not original to us, recipes that came from someone else and we hadn't changed much.

Q: Were there any unsuspected obstacles when writing this book?

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Scott: I usually make 40 or 50 chicken pot pies at a time, and scaling down recipes doesn't work the same way that scaling them up does. We had to redevelop quite a few of the quantities and techniques for the home cook. I'd never made one chicken pot pie before in my entire life.

Haney: Also, just the level of information that needed to be conveyed. Like how to measure the salt, the kinds of salt, which brand of kosher salt. I sat down to write a couple sentences about salt, and 300 words later  we were waking up in the middle of the night with things like that.

Working that crust

Haney's book provides detailed directions for rolling out a dough. Here are some of her tips:

After chilling, let the dough rest at room temperature 30-45 minutes before using.

Before you begin rolling, "pound the dough until it is half as thick as when you started. Don't be timid; it takes more aggression than you think! Pounding the dough flattens it without working the gluten very much and softens it up for the finish rolling you are about to do."

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Instead of draping the rough edged dough over the pie plate and trimming the edges, Haney cuts a circle first, 14 inches in diameter for a 9-inch pie. "At the pie shop, we use a series of commercial pizza pans as guides. At home, a pot lid, plate or bowl works just as well. Place your guide in the middle of the dough and gently cut around it with a bench scraper or paring knife."

Before placing the dough in the pan, coat your pie plate with cooking spray, then dust it with flour, tapping out any excess.

Before baking, chill prepared dough at least 20 minutes; then transfer to freezer for 20 minutes, preferably overnight.

Pie dough

Prep: 15 minutes

Chill: 40 minutes

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Makes: 1 double-crust pie or 2 single-crust pies

Note: From "The Hoosier Mama Book of Pie," by Paula Haney.

Ingredients:

1  sticks unsalted butter

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

 cup cold water

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2  cups flour

2  teaspoons kosher salt

 tablespoon granulated sugar

1Cut the butter into 1/2-inch cubes. Freeze 5 tablespoons for 20 minutes or overnight; chill the remaining butter in the refrigerator until ready to use.

2Stir the red wine vinegar into the cold water; set aside.

3Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a food processor; pulse 5 or 6 times to combine. Add the chilled butter; mix until the mixture resembles coarse meal, 25-30 seconds. Add the frozen butter; pulse 15 to 20 times, until the butter is in pea-size pieces.

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4Add 6 tablespoons of the vinegar water; pulse 6 times. The dough should start to look crumbly. Test the dough by squeezing a small amount in the palm of your hand. If it easily holds together, it is done. If not, add 1/2 tablespoon of the vinegar water; pulse 3 more times. Repeat until the dough holds together.

5Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface; knead together until smooth; dough should never come together in the food processor. Divide the dough into 2 equal parts; roll each into a ball. Flatten the balls slightly; wrap separately in plastic wrap. Let the dough rest in the refrigerator until ready to use, at least 20 minutes but preferably overnight.

foods@tribune.com
One of the new brands imported into the U.S., Mizu Shochu, came about when college pals Jesse Falowitz and Jeremy Kono noticed the trend in their travels around the country. They visited the southern island of Kyushu, the birthplace of shochu, and by chance were led to the Munemasa Shuzo distillery in Arita. There they worked with master distillers Hirofumi Okoba and Shinji Wada to create a modern, bolder (and higher proof) style of shochu that the founders felt would respect the honkaku tradition while appealing to international palates.
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I ended up transferring to Illinois State University. And I go into one of my first classes of the year and I sit down and who is teaching that class, but the teacher from the previous school, the assistant director who delivered that message to me during intermission. And they turn around and look at me  Im using they because Im protecting this person!  and a smile kind of curls on their face. And they said, Todd Stashwick, despite all my hard work, you still want to be an actor. And I said, Yes. And they said, Good for you.
Jacob, diagnosed with the congenital heart condition Tetralogy of Fallot soon after he was born, had his first of two heart surgeries at Lurie the day after he was born, and spent his first month of life there, Negron said. Jacob, who is doing well now, will require surgeries to continue to repair his heart, she said, and his third surgery is expected around age 4 or 5.
But the truth is that voter suppression never really went away at all. It transformed into something more deceptively legal and perhaps even more pervasive. This latest voting scandal in North Carolina comes just two years after a federal appeals court struck down a state law restricting early voting and imposing new voter identification requirements. The panel called it the most restrictive voting law North Carolina has seen since the era of Jim Crow.
IDOT also needed to move up the rebuilding of the Interstate 55 and Lake Shore Drive interchange, because of structural problems that needed immediate attention. That meant that some of the Eisenhower work on the Jane Byrne was delayed so that the state would not have two critical access points into the city under construction at the same time, IDOT spokesman Guy Tridgell said. The I-55 work ended late last year.
Smile-Expo Shines for it's 50th Conference In Malta Blockchain and Bitcoin

Published December 10, 2018 by Lee R

Everybody shined in Maltafrom local regulators to panelists to demos to the promoters themselves!

Smile-Expo's epochal second annual Blockchain and Bitcoin Conference Malta this past October 23rd was a smashing success.

Opening Remarks

The 50th event of Smile Expo was kicked off by a keynote speech from the country's primary blockchain regulator, Malta Digital Innovation Authority CEO Stephen McCarthy.

Topics Covered

Other key speakers spoke at panel discussions with the key themes to empower speakers including DLT and IoT, Tokenization, the Legal Side of Crypto, ICOs, and Blockchain Hacking.

Speakers

Speakers on hand providing vital insights included DLT-based solution provider Funshing investor & Deputy CEO Bruce Jeong, whose welcoming speech included a presentation on the Smart Crypto City project demonstrating how the blockchain technology can be used by city government.

Central Theme

The main theme that emerged at the conference was DLT integration into leading sectors such as transportation, real estate sector, medicine and AI.

DLT Expertise

The discussion included iOlite CMO Yael Tamar on how DLT can improve global supply chain logistics by making cargo more traceable and less difficult to steal.

Tokenization Limited Founder Juergen Hoebarth continued the discussion by specifying real life examples of how DLT is transforming top sectors such as flight insurance, gaming, real estate and healthcare.

Legal Aspects of DLT

Legal aspects of DLT technology were discussed in a comparative analysis of tax rules in Malta, Switzerland and the US indicating how DLT has been adapted to comply with GDPR.

Networking

The conference provided all attendees with the opportunity to network with leading lawyers, ask questions and get consultations for free.

Capital Gathering

CryptoLaw Partner Founding Attorney Gordon Einstein described capital-gathering and key new Reg D SEC private placement exemptions.

Trading

An analysis of cryptocurrency trading delivered by Midas Touch Consulting founder and CEO Florian (Florzinho) Grummes. whose formula for successful deals on exchanges includes creating a plan which considers consider position sizing according to a principle-based approach: Psychology is at least 80% of your trading success, were his final words.

Exhibition Floor

The loaded Malta Demozone included Software company PickPack revealing innovative approach logistic solutions such as last-mile and same day deliveries and B2B application KYC-Chain's innovative KYC templates for facilitating individual and corporate customers.

Outlook

The array of presenters continued, and was head-spinning. The fun will not stop through, with Smile-Expo's 25 country presence to reconvene next in Moscow and in the Philippines.
Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia:

Singapore-headquartered asset manager EFA Group has launched a $100-million fund to provide credit to banks and financial institutions in developing and emerging economies of Asia and Eastern Europe.

The asset manager specializing in private debt said that the EFA Financial Institutions Debt Fund will provide short and mid-term financing to leading banks and financial institutions in emerging and developing economies, giving investors access to these rapidly expanding financial sectors.

The investment strategy aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns thanks to the low default rates of targeted financial institutions and their attractively priced debt.

"In these markets strong GDP growth, shallow local capital markets and limited access to international markets means there is more demand for credit than is available locally. By capitalizing on EFA's credit expertise and track record of direct lending in Asia, the Fund aims to raise $100 million to service this widening funding gap," said a press release from the company.

EFA's Kashama Pascal Nyangombe, who will manage the fund pointed out: "If you are a well-run bank or solid financial institution operating in a country with a low credit rating your ability to grow by raising money internationally will be tainted by the sovereign credit rating. This taint is not justified: default rates for such banks and financial institutions are similar to the default rates on institution......................

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Paraguay Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband Market Growth, Analysis, Trends, and Industry Key Players  Grupo Clarin, DirecTV, Personal | 2022

Paraguay Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband Market

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2527157-paraguay-telecoms-mobile-and-broadband-statistics-and-analyses

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2527157-paraguay-telecoms-mobile-and-broadband-statistics-and-analyses

WiseGuyReports.com Paraguay - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses report has been added to its Research Database.Scope of the Report:Paraguays regulator to auction 700MHz at end-2017The state-owned incumbent, Corporacion Paraguaya de Comunicaciones (Copaco) retains a monopoly on all fixed-line voice services, including local telephony, international long distance telephony, and VoIP. In the mobile market, however, there has been competition since 1998. The internet market is also open to competition, and there are over a dozen ISPs offering services. Copaco lost its monopoly over the international backbone for internet connectivity in early 2009.Request a Sample Report @Growth in the number of mobile subscribers has been helped by the poor condition of much of the countrys fixed-line infrastructure. Underinvestment in infrastructure by Copaco has meant that lift Paraguays teledensity remains very low for the region. There is little expectation that the situation will be addressed effectively until the operator is restructured.Another major drawback for Copaco and for Paraguays telecom sector generally is the countrys landlocked position, which makes it dependant on neighbouring nations for interconnection with submarine cable networks. This has driven up the price of broadband services, hampered growth in the sector and resulted in relatively low penetration. Available technologies include DSL, cable modem, FttP, and WiMAX.Copaco has a near-monopoly in the DSL market, given that there is little regulatory provision for unbundled local loops and other access mechanisms. DSL is the main fixed broadband technology, but it is unavailable in much of the country due to low teledensity. There is a fast growing fibre broadband market, though the number of subscribers remains small while network builds remain limited to certain pockets within the major cities.Copacos main competitor in the fixed broadband market is Millicoms Tigo, which offers broadband via cable modem under the brand name Tigo Hogar. The service is available in Asuncion and neighbouring towns over a Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC) network. Tigo also provides broadband using WiMAX and FttP technologies.There is effective competition in the mobile market, which is served by four operators: Tigo (the market leader), Telecom Argentinas Personal (Nucleo), America Movils Claro, and Copacos Vox. These operators have capitalised on the opportunities created by poor fixed-line infrastructure and by consumer demand for mobile voice and data services. There are about 18 mobile phones in Paraguay for every fixed-line in service, the highest proportion in Latin America.Key developments:Regulator schedules 700MHz auction for December 2017;Regulator approves updated National Telecommunications Plan 2016  2020;Tigo to invest $100 million to provide 66% population coverage with LTE by end-2020;Paraguay joins the South American fibre ring project developed by the Union of South American Nations;Report update includes the regulators market data to for 2016, operator data to Q3 2017, recent market developments.Companies mentioned in this report:Copaco, Millicom (Tigo Paraguay), Vox, America Movil (Claro Paraguay), Grupo Clarin, DirecTV, Personal (Telecom Argentina).For Detailed Reading Please visit @Major Key Points in Table of Content:1. Key statistics1.1 Country overview2. Telecommunications market2.1 Historical overview2.2 Market analysis3. Regulatory environment3.1 Regulatory developments3.2 General Plan for Updating Telecom Regulations (PGR)3.3 Regulatory authority4. Fixed network operators4.1 Overview of fixed network market5. Telecommunications infrastructure5.1 National telecom network5.2 International infrastructure5.3 Infrastructure developments6. Broadband market6.1 Introduction and statistical overview6.2 Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) networks6.3 Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) networks7. Mobile communications7.1 Market analysis7.2 Mobile statistics7.3 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:Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)
Drilling Fluids 2018 Global Industry Key Players  Halliburton ,Dow ,Nalco Champion ,BASF Market Analysis And Forecast To 2025

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https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3357391-global-drilling-fluids-market-insights-forecast-to-2025

Global Drilling Fluids MarketThis report researches the worldwide Drilling Fluids market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (China, Japan) and other regions.This study categorizes the global Drilling Fluids breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porters Five Forces Analysis.Request a Sample Report @Global Drilling Fluids market size will increase to Million US$ by 2025, from Million US$ in 2017, at a CAGR of during the forecast period. In this study, 2017 has been considered as the base year and 2018 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Drilling Fluids.This report focuses on the top manufacturers Drilling Fluids capacity, production, value, price and market share of Drilling Fluids in global market. The following manufacturers are covered in this report:SchlumbergerHalliburtonDowNalco ChampionBASFBaker HughesChevron PhillipsCESTCNewpark ResourcesClariantLubrizolCalumetAshlandKemiraCNPCCNOOCDrilling Fluids Breakdown Data by TypeBiocidesSurfactantsFoaming AgentsShale InhibitorsPH control AdditivesOthersDrilling Fluids Breakdown Data by ApplicationOil and GasShale GasDrilling Fluids Production Breakdown Data by RegionUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanOther RegionsDrilling Fluids Consumption Breakdown Data by RegionNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaMalaysiaPhilippinesThailandVietnamEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesTurkeyEgyptSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaThe study objectives are:To analyze and research the global Drilling Fluids capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast;To focus on the key Drilling Fluids manufacturers and study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in next few years.To focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market.To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Table of Contents-Key Points CoveredGlobal Drilling Fluids Market Research Report 2018-2025, by Manufacturers, Regions, Types and Applications1 Study Coverage1.1 Drilling Fluids Product1.2 Key Market Segments in This Study1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Drilling Fluids Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Biocides1.4.3 Surfactants1.4.4 Foaming Agents1.4.5 Shale Inhibitors1.4.6 PH control Additives1.4.7 Others1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Drilling Fluids Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Oil and Gas1.5.3 Shale Gas1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Executive Summary2.1 Global Drilling Fluids Production2.1.1 Global Drilling Fluids Revenue 2013-20252.1.2 Global Drilling Fluids Production 2013-20252.1.3 Global Drilling Fluids Capacity 2013-20252.1.4 Global Drilling Fluids Marketing Pricing and Trends2.2 Drilling Fluids Growth Rate (CAGR) 2018-20252.3 Analysis of Competitive Landscape2.3.1 Manufacturers Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)2.3.2 Key Drilling Fluids Manufacturers2.4 Market Drivers, Trends and Issues2.5 Macroscopic Indicator2.5.1 GDP for Major Regions2.5.2 Price of Raw Materials in Dollars: Evolution3 Market Size by Manufacturers3.1 Drilling Fluids Production by Manufacturers3.1.1 Drilling Fluids Production by Manufacturers3.1.2 Drilling Fluids Production Market Share by Manufacturers3.2 Drilling Fluids Revenue by Manufacturers3.2.1 Drilling Fluids Revenue by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.2.2 Drilling Fluids Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.3 Drilling Fluids Price by Manufacturers3.4 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion PlansContinued..Complete Report Details @Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Smart Energy 2018 Global Industry Key Players  ABB ,GE Energy, Itron, Landis+Gyr Market Analysis And Forecast To 2025

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3349350-global-smart-energy-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3349350-global-smart-energy-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025

Global Smart Energy MarketThis report focuses on the global Smart Energy status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Smart Energy development in United States, Europe and China.The key players covered in this studyABBGE EnergyItronLandis+GyrSensusSiemensS&TRequest a Sample Report @The smart energy market can be simply defined as the one that constitutes devices that have inbuilt artificial intelligence to carry out their daily activities without any human interference. The smart energy market comprises multiple technologies such as smart grids, smart homes, and smart solar and digital oil fields. Smart grids are systems that use digital communication technologies in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, thereby automating the value chain. Smart grids comprise devices and technologies such as smart meters, grid optimization, distributed generation, and storage. Smart homes are equipped with modern technologies such as lighting and heating that can be controlled remotely by smartphones or remotes.The smart grid segment accounts for the largest share of the global smart energy market. The US is the leader in smart grid technologies and related services. Rapid increase in the implementation of smart grids across regions like the US will lead to the strong growth of this market segment during the estimated period.The Americas dominated the global smart energy market and will account for approximately 37% of the total market share by 2023. Among all the countries in the Americas, the US is the biggest contributor due to higher investments in smart grids. In this region.Market segment by Type, the product can be split intoSmart GridDigital OilfieldHome Energy Management Systems (HEMS)Smart SolarOtherMarket segment by Application, split intoResidential SectorCommercial SectorIndustrial SectorMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South AmericaThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze global Smart Energy status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players.To present the Smart Energy 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 Contents-Key Points Covered1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Smart Energy Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2013-2025)1.4.2 Smart Grid1.4.3 Digital Oilfield1.4.4 Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS)1.4.5 Smart Solar1.4.6 Other1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Smart Energy Market Share by Application (2013-2025)1.5.2 Residential Sector1.5.3 Commercial Sector1.5.4 Industrial Sector1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered12 International Players Profiles12.1 ABB12.1.1 ABB Company Details12.1.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.1.3 Smart Energy Introduction12.1.4 ABB Revenue in Smart Energy Business (2013-2018)12.1.5 ABB Recent Development12.2 GE Energy12.2.1 GE Energy Company Details12.2.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.2.3 Smart Energy Introduction12.2.4 GE Energy Revenue in Smart Energy Business (2013-2018)12.2.5 GE Energy Recent Development12.3 Itron12.3.1 Itron Company Details12.3.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.3.3 Smart Energy Introduction12.3.4 Itron Revenue in Smart Energy Business (2013-2018)12.3.5 Itron Recent Development12.4 Landis+Gyr12.4.1 Landis+Gyr Company Details12.4.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.4.3 Smart Energy Introduction12.4.4 Landis+Gyr Revenue in Smart Energy Business (2013-2018)12.4.5 Landis+Gyr Recent Development12.5 Sensus12.5.1 Sensus Company Details12.5.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.5.3 Smart Energy Introduction12.5.4 Sensus Revenue in Smart Energy Business (2013-2018)12.5.5 Sensus Recent Development12.6 Siemens12.6.1 Siemens Company Details12.6.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.6.3 Smart Energy Introduction12.6.4 Siemens Revenue in Smart Energy Business (2013-2018)12.6.5 Siemens Recent Development12.7 S&T12.7.1 S&T Company Details12.7.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.7.3 Smart Energy Introduction12.7.4 S&T Revenue in Smart Energy Business (2013-2018)12.7.5 S&T Recent DevelopmentContinued.Request a Sample Report @Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Calciphylaxis Market 2017-2023 | Amgen Inc., Smith & Nephew plc, Medtronics, 3M, BSN Medical,

Calciphylaxis Market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3567

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/calciphylaxis-market-3567

Market Research Future has a cooked research report on the Global Calciphylaxis Market.The Global Calciphylaxis Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.70% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Major Players in the Calciphylaxis Market:Some of the key players in this market are Amgen Inc., Smith & Nephew plc, Medtronics, 3M, BSN Medical, ConvaTec Inc, Sanifit, and others.Get Sample Copy @Market Highlights:A number options are available in the market for the treatment of calciphylaxis, which is associated with hypophosphatemia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism with chronic kidney disease. These include bisphosphonates, newer non-calcium/non-aluminum-containing phosphate binders and case reports of use of cinacalcet. Other treatments for calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) that are not targeted directly at calcium/phosphate homeostasis include HBOT and the sodium thiosulphate. The healthcare professionals have stated that randomized controlled trials for treatments in CUA are still lacking, which has restrained the growth of the market.Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant which inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K- dependent clotting factors. Warfarin is most commonly prescribed cardiovascular agent. However, excess use of anticoagulant increases the risk of calciphylaxis in treatment seeking population. According to the national pharmaceutical regulatory agency (2015), cases of calciphylaxis have been reported in patients on warfarin therapy. Although many of the cases reported for pre-existing renal disease. Also, in May 2016, European Medicine Agency review concluded that there is reasonable possibility between calciphylaxis and use of warfarin.Segmentation:The global calciphylaxis market is segmented on the basis of diagnosis, treatment, and end user. On the basis of the diagnosis, the calciphylaxis market is further segmented into deep skin biopsies, blood tests, imaging, and others. The deep skin biopsies are further segmented into shave biopsy, punch biopsy, and excisional biopsy. The blood tests is further segmented into serum parathormone levels, blood glucose levels, BUN (blood urea nitrogen), calcium levels, and others. Imaging is further segmented into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan, ultrasound, and others. On the basis of the applications, the market is segmented into intensive wound care, medication, therapy, clot-dissolving, and others. Intensive wound care unit is further segmented into debridement, wet dressings, and others. The medication is further segmented into cinacalcet, sodium thiosulfate, steroids, and bisphosphonates. On the basis of end user, it is segmented into hospitals, clinics, medical research centers, academic institutes, and others.Regional Analysis:The Global Calciphylaxis Market consists of four regions the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.The Americas account for a major share of the market owing to the presence of patient population, well-developed technology, high healthcare expenditure and the presence of the leading players. Moreover, due to the high prevalence of end stage renal diseases (ESRD) on of the major cause of calciphylaxis in U.S. As per The Regents of the University of California, the rate of ESRD is increasing in the U.S. by 5% per year. The American calciphylaxis market is expected to reach USD 1,257 million by 2023 from USD 581.9 million in 2016.Europe consists of two regions namely Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Western Europe consists of countries namely Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Western Europe. Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular calcification in ESRD patients is a key driver for the growth of this market in Europe. Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure, rising research & development activities, awareness among patients about the treatment options supporting the market growth for calciphylaxis.Asia Pacific consists of Japan, China, India, Australia, Republic of Korea, and rest of Asia Pacific. Increasing incidence of chronic kidney failure across Asia Pacific. Moreover, the growth of this segment is attributed to high population growth, increasing environmental pollution, and urbanization. Increasing incidence of calciphylaxis, improving healthcare infrastructure and rising awareness about the treatment process have spurred the growth of Asia Pacific region.On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa owns the minimum market share of the calciphylaxis market due to less development in the healthcare services such as new and advanced diagnosis & treatment methods in healthcare domain.TABLE OF CONTENTS1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction2.1 Introduction2.2 Scope Of Study2.3 Research Objective2.4 Assumptions & Limitations2.4.1 Assumptions2.4.2 Limitations2.5 Market Structure3 Research Methodology: Calciphylaxis Market3.1 Research Process3.2 Market Size Estimation3.2.1 Market Share Analysis3.3 Forecast Model4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.1.1 Increasing Patients Population With Renal Failure4.1.2 Increasing Use Of Warfarin Therapy4.2 Restraints4.2.1 Lack Of Treatment Availability4.2.2 Higher Cost Of Existing Treatment4.3 Opportunities4.3.1 Development Of Innovative Drugs4.3.2 Research And Development4.4 Mega Trends4.4.1 Improved Treatment For Hyperparathyroidism4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & Assessment4.6.1 Improvement In Novel Therapies...Continued!Full Report Details @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
China to Lead the Global Boron Carbide Market with a Robust CAGR of 5.1% During 2017-2027

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3945

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-3945

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Boron Carbide Market: Global Industry Analysis (20122016) and Opportunity Assessment (20172027), is the recent report of Future Market Insights that throws light on the overall market scenario during the period of 10-years, i.e. 2017-2027. According to this report, the global boron carbide market is estimated to be valued at US$ 113.7 Mn in terms of value and 8,394 Tons in terms of volume by 2017 end. The global boron carbide market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period (20172027) to reach a value of US$ 174.5 Mn by 2027 end. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% in terms of volume, over the forecast period and reach a volume of 12,342 Tons by 2027 end. Market players are targeting APEJ as their key sales region. China is expected to remain a highly opportunistic market over the forecast period in terms of the overall demand for boron carbide.Request for more (TOC And Sample) :Global Boron Carbide Market: Key TakeawaysBoron carbide finds opportunity in increasing requirement of specialized low medium high tools and machineryThe growth in automotive industry is expected to have significant impact over the forecast periodIncreasing annual defence spending by various countries to acquire high tech safety weapons is spurring the demand for boron carbideThe growing interest of governments as well as scientific communities in non-conventional energy resources to facilitate the market growthGrowth in urbanization, especially in the developing countries of Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa is expected to create demand for boron carbideOverall GDP growth is expected to positively impact the market through 2027Global Boron Carbide Market: Forecast by Grade TypeGrade type segment include abrasive grade segment and nuclear grade segment.Abrasive Grade Estimated to Generate US$ 72.9 Mn in 2017In terms of market value share, the abrasive grade segment is pegged to hold 66.8% of the overall global boron carbide market and is expected to reach at US$ 75.9 Mn in 2017. Increasing demand from end use industries is expected to fuel the growth of boron carbide market in the grade segment. In terms of value, the nuclear grade segment is projected to witness steady growth during the forecast period. Attributing to characteristics, such as faster performance and versatility, demand for nuclear grade is rapidly increasing in North America and Western Europe.Global Boron Carbide Market: Forecast by ApplicationThis segment consists of abrasives, nozzles, armour/nuclear and Others.Nozzles and Armour Application Segments to Capture 40.5% Revenue Share CollectivelyNozzles and armour application segments are estimated to grow at slower growth rates and are anticipated to account for a collective share of 40.5% in 2017. Abrasives is expected to show good signs of growth over the forecast period. Abrasive are highly used in industrial equipment manufacturing and automotive sectors for fine gridding, effective lapping, nonferrous metals, titanium, hard metals and ceramic glasses.Global Boron Carbide Market: Forecast by Product TypeOn the basis of product type, global boron carbide market is segmented into powder, grains and paste.Powder Segment Generated US$ 57.0 Mn in Sales in 2016In terms of value and volume, powder and grain segments together are expected to hold the majority share in the global boron carbide market throughout the forecast period. Powder segment was accounted for US$ 57.0 Mn in 2016 which was the largest than grains and paste segment in terms of value.Global Boron Carbide Market: Forecast by RegionThe seven regions of North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, APEJ, Japan, and MEA are covered in this report.Get Report Customization @APEJ, Latin America, and MEA to Witness Strong Growth during the Forecast PeriodIn terms of innovation, China is estimated to remain the centre of the world for production of boron carbide. The market is largely influenced by investments in the Asia Pacific region. New establishments in APEJ, impact the growth of the boron carbide market. The Latin America boron carbide market is estimated to be valued at US$ 36.2 Mn by 2017 end, increasing at a CAGR of 4.7% between years 2017 and 2027Global Boron Carbide Market: Competitive Landscape3M Company, ABSCO Limited, Advanced Abrasives Corporation, American Elements, Bhukhanvala Industries Pvt. Ltd., China Mudanjiang Chenxi Boron Carbide Co. Ltd, Dalian Jinma Boron Technology Group Co. Ltd (Dalian Jinma Group), Dalian Zhengxing Abrasive Co. Ltd., Dunhua Zhengxing Abrasive Co. Ltd., Dynamic-Ceramic Limited (CoorsTek), Feldco International, Electro Abrasives LLC, H.C. Starck GmbH, Saint-Gobain S.A, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. (Merck Group), Songshan Specialty Materials Incorporated, UK Abrasives, Inc, and Washington Mills North Grafton, Inc. are some of the key manufactures that are included in this report.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 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 consumersCONTACT: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:
He was close to graduating when he found himself hailed as a hero after a fire broke out in a Red Line subway tunnel. It was a Sunday and he was in the front car of a train when he heard a boom and saw flames. People panicked and pushed at the doors. Selenica remembers thinking he might die.
Buergers Disease Market is expected to reach USD 383.0 million From USD 309.3 million by 2023

Buergers Disease Market

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https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/buergers-disease-market-4015

Market research future has a half cooked research report on global Buergers disease market. The global Buergers disease market is growing continuously and expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2017 to 2023Market HighlightsThe global Buergers disease market has been evaluated as a steady market and it is expected to continue growing in the near future. Increasing incidence of Buergers disease is the major driver for this market. Introduction and increasing adoption of advanced diagnostic tools and new therapies are another important factor for the market growth.The market for Buergers disease was around USD 309.3 million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 383.0 million by 2023 which is a projected CAGR of 3.1%.Get Sample Copy @Major players in Buergers disease market:There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market: FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), General Electric Company (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), pluristem (Israel), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), Siemens Healthcare GmbH (Germany), STEMPEUTICS RESEARCH PVT LTD (India) Toshiba Medical Corporation (Japan), t2cure GmbH (Germany), and others.Segmentation:Global Buergers Disease Market has been segmented on the basis of diagnosis which comprise of blood tests, The Allen's test, Angiogram, tissue biopsy, and others. Angiogram is further sub-segmented into CT scan (Computerized Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan, X-rays, and others.On the basis of treatments, the market has been segmented into smoking cessation, and other treatments. Other treatments is further sub-segmented into medications, intermittent compression of the arms and legs, spinal cord stimulation, surgery, amputation, therapeutic angiogenesis, and others. Medication includes medications to dilate blood vessels, medications to improve blood flow, medications to dissolve blood clots, and others.On the basis of end user, it is segmented into hospital and clinics, medical research centers, academic institutes, and others.Regional Analysis:Considering the global scenario of the Buergers disease market, there are four main regions, America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.America is the largest market for Buergers disease. The Americas mainly include North America and Latin America. North America is holding the largest market share in which US is dominating this market. Some major factors like advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, funding for research, clinical trials and new drugs and therapy development, and rapid adoption of new therapies, are the driving forces for the growth for North America Buergers disease market. Average annual incidents of this disease is 12.6% in US. European region is the second important market, especially West European countries are dominating this region. Eastern European countries are also showing significant growth in this market. Asia Pacific market is witnessing rapid growth due to increasing incidence and awareness of the diseases, increasing spending and government initiative to increase awareness as well as to provide affordable healthcare. Due increasing number of smokers, the incidence rate is higher in Asia and Middle East as compare to the Americas and Europe. Talking about the market scenario of Middle East & Africa, this region is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to various factors such as increasing number of smokers, and changing healthcare practices. While lack of knowledge, limited access to the required healthcare facilities, availability of required products are inhibiting the growth of this market etc.Report Details @Table of Content1 Report Prologue2 Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Market Structure2.4. Market Segmentation3 Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size Estimation3.5 Forecast Model4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Mega Trends4.5 Macroeconomic IndicatorsAbout 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
Demand-Supply Scenario of Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market to Remain Balanced During the Forecast Period 2016 - 2026

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Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market: IntroductionGrowing importance for secured GNSS enabled military operations is the key factor drives the growth of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market. The global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology is utilised in various military operations and precision-guided munitions. Military land vehicles are more vulnerable to GNSS jamming, because all armoured and carriers used in defence atmosphere relay on GNSS technology. The GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems are used for detecting and cancelling the external narrowband noise and jamming signals, which have strong impact over the internal functionality of the GNSS receivers. GNSS Anti-Jamming System mitigates interference by creating blind spots, gains patterns in jammers direction to allow satellite signals to reach the receiver.Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market: Market DynamicsGrowing reliance on satellite communication for various military operations, increasing vulnerability to both accidental and intentional interferences and proliferation of low-cost jammers, are the factors contributes the growth of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market.Increasing defence investment, global adaptation to unmanned aerial vehicles for various defence operations and growing demand for miniaturization of GNSS based anti-jamming devices, are the factors accelerates the growth of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market.Additionally, increasing demand for low power anti-jamming systems from missile manufactures is expected to fuel the growth of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market.However, technical concerns related to compatibility with existing receiver and long regulatory approval processes for commercializing new technology, are identified as the key restraints likely to deter the progression of global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market.Request for Report Sample :Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market: SegmentationThe global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented on the basis of platform, type of satellite navigation system, anti-jamming technique, and by region. On the basis of platform, the global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented into airborne platform, naval platform, ground platform, and unmanned platform. On the basis of type of satellite navigation system, the global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented into GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and, Galileo. On the basis of anti-jamming technique the global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented into nulling and beam-steering. Regionally, global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Japan.Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market: Regional OutlookNorth America region is expected to dominate the market due high volume of weapon systems and presence of top players in the Anti-jamming market. Asia pacific is identified as the fastest growing market, due to increasing defence investment and rising territorial dispute.Global Military GNSS Anti-Jamming Systems Market: Competition LandscapeThe some of the prominent players in the global military GNSS anti-jamming systems market, includes Rockwell Collins, NovAtel Inc., Raytheon, Chemring Group PLC, Thales Group, Harris Corporation., and BAE Systems.Request for Report TOC :About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics andmarket research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex businesschallenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deployingreal-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA,Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Life Science and Analytical Instruments Market 2023 Top Companies are Becton, Dickinson and Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and More

Life Science and Analytical Instruments Market

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Market research future published a half cooked research report on global Life science and analytical instruments market. The Life science and analytical instruments market is expected to grow over the CAGR of around 6.5% during the period 2017 to 2023.Market Highlights:Life science and analytical instruments are used in the in detection, monitoring and analysis of living organism or any product. Number of devices and instruments are fall under life science and analytical instrument namely spectrometers, flow cytometers, electrophoresis devices, centrifuges, chromatography devices and many more. The important users for this instruments and pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Other than this different testing laboratories and many food and agricultural industries use them for their testing. Continuous advances in technology has increased the number of different types of instruments in the market. Introduction new and more accurate instrument has boosted the market of analytical instrument. The market of life science and analytical instruments are driven by different drivers like increasing number of pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, increasing prevalence of diseases which has increase the number of testing, investing more and more capital in research and development of life science and analytical instruments and many more. While lack of skilled people and high cost of instruments are few factor that restrain the growth of market.Get Premium Sample Copy @Key Players Bio:Majority of the market is dominated by major players. Top 25 companies share almost 75 % of total market share. The major key players of Global Life Science and analytical Instrumentation Market are Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), Bruker Corporation (U.S.), Danaher Corporation (U.S), PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), Waters Corporation (U.S.), Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (U.S.), Avance Biosciences (US), Paragon Bioservices, Inc (US), Avista Pharma Solutions(US), Dynalabs (US), Merck KGaA (Germany) and Many more.Segmentation:Global Life Science and analytical Instrumentation Market has been segmented on the basis of type of instruments they are Centrifuges (Laboratory centrifuges, Analytical ultracentrifuges, Gas centrifuges and Other), Chromatography (Thin-layer Chromatography (TLC), Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, HPTLC and Other), Electrophoresis (Conventional Electrophoresis [One Dimensional and two dimensional) and Capillary Electrophoresis), Flow Cytometry, Microscopy (Scanning electron microscope, Transmission electron microscope and Other), Cell Counting instruments (Hemocytometers and Other), PCR, Spectroscopy (Mass Spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, Atomic spectroscopy and Other), Western Blotting, Other (Sterilization instruments, Incubators, Colorimeters, Freezers, Laboratories balances, other).On the basis of End user they are segmented into Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Agriculture and Food Industry, Research and Clinical Testing Laboratories and Other. On the basis of application they are segmented as Research Applications, Diagnostic Applications and Other ApplicationsGet Valuable Discount @Global Life Science & Analytical Instruments Market, by region:Geographically, global life science and analytical instrument market is dominated by North America due to contribution of US and Canada. Healthcare sector is continuously developing in this region, increasing number of pharmaceutical industries, biotechnological industries and number of laboratory has boosted its growth in this region. North America is followed by Europe in life science and analytical instruments devices. Germany, France and UK are the major contributor of this market in Europe. Increasing number of diseases has increased the number of research which are carried out has increase the European market.Table of contents1 Introduction2 Research Methodology3 Market Dynamics4 Market Factor Analysis5 Global Life Science and Analytical Instrumentation Market, By Types Of Instruments6 Global Life Science and Analytical Instrumentation Market, By End User7 Global Life Science and Analytical Instrumentation Market, By Application8 Global Life Science and Analytical Instrumentation Market, By Region9 Competitive Landscape10 Company ProfileContinued!Access Full Reports @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
Spinal Implants Market 2023 Foreseen to Witness a Striking Development with Top Industry Players Profiles| Medtronic, plc, Depuy Synthes Inc., Stryker Corporation, NuVasive, Inc., Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

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Market Research Future (MRFR) has unfolded in its latest Industry report that the Global Spinal Implants Market will witness demand escalation leading to maximization of profits by 2023.Spinal Implants Market - OverviewAccording to Market Research Future's newest report on the global spinal implants, market reveals that the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2023.Used extensively to treat spinal deformities and other common spinal issues that may occur with age, the market is expected with witness moderate and consistent growth over the assessment period.FREE SAMPLE REPORT @Spinal Implants Market - Key PlayersMarket players included in MRFRs competitive analysis include Depuy Synthes Inc. (Johnson & Johnson), Medtronic, plc, A-Spine, Stryker Corporation, Alphatec Holdings, Inc., Quandary Medical LLC, Spine Frontier, Apollo Spine, Precision Spine, Premia Spine, K2M Group Holdings, Inc., Exactech Inc., Integra LifeSciences, SI-BONE, Reliance Medical Systems, AESCULAP, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Globus Medical, Inc., NuVasive, Inc., Life Spine, Orthofix International N.V., SpineGuard, Spinal Solutions Inc., Spineart Geneva SA, Accel Spine, Captiva Spine Inc., Back 2 Basics Spine, RTI Surgical, Inc., Centinel Spine, NLT Spine, Paradigm Spine LLC, Ascendx Spine, Amedica Corporation, LDR Holding Corporation, Alliance Spine and othersSpinal Implants Market - Growth and AnalysisAge-related wear and tear often result in spinal problems such as spinal stenosis. The presence of a globally growing geriatric population is expected to drive the demand for spinal implants.Urbanization has led to increasingly sedentary lifestyles which aggravate spinal problems, thus resulting in increasing diagnoses of chronic back pain; as such, the demand for spinal implants is expected to grow significantly.Development of advanced technology and spinal implants which combined with the growing demand for minimally invasive spinal surgeries have resulted in cost-effective spinal implants are expected to increase demand for the same.At present spinal procedures are expensive, and there are stringent regulations surrounding the approval of new spinal devices which is expected to hinder market growth.Spinal Implants Market - SegmentationThe global spinal implants market has been segmented on the basis of product, procedure, material, and region. By product, the market is segmented into vertebral compression fracture (VCF) treatment devices, non-fusion devices/motion preservation devices, spinal fusion devices, spine biologics, spinal bone stimulators, and others.The spine fusion segment is further segment is divided into cervical fixation devices, thoracolumbar devices, interbody fusion devices, and others.By procedure, the market is segmented into open surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and others. By material, the market is segmented into titanium alloy, titanium, plastic, stainless steel, and others.The Global Spinal Implants Market is divided into the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.OBTAIN COMPLETE 80 PAGES PREMIUM RESEARCH REPORT DETAILS ENABLED WITH RESPECTIVE 40+ TABLES AND FIGURES @Spinal Implants Market - Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominate the global spinal implants due to the presence of market players who drive technological innovation of the spinal implants market. The region has also made significant contributions to nanotechnology and cell therapy thus cementing its leadership position.Europe accounts for the second largest market due to its increasing geriatric population and the growing demand from this demographic for spinal implants and devices.Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific is an emerging region due to urbanization and the gradual increase in obesity which has led to increased spinal disorders. Increasing healthcare expenditure, the presence of a large population, increasing government support for advanced healthcare technologies are some vital factors driving the demand for spinal implants.Major Points form TOC for Spinal Implants Market Research Report  Forecast to 2023Chapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market IntroductionChapter 3. Research MethodologyChapter 4. Market DynamicsChapter 5. Market Factor AnalysisChapter 6. Global Spinal Implants Market, By TypeChapter 7. Global Spinal Implants Market, By TreatmentChapter 8 Global Spinal Implants Market, By End UserChapter 9. Global Spinal Implants Market, By RegionChapter 10 Company LandscapeChapter 11 Company ProfilesChapter 12 MRFR ConclusionChapter 13 AppendixAbout US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Office No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Artificial Insemination Market Size with Molecule Type and Mechanism of Action Report by Leading Provider For Computer Aided Sperm Analysis And Advanced Laser System

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Pune, India, December 2017/MRFR Press Release/- Market Research Future published a Half_Cooked research report on Global Artificial Insemination Market Research Report - Forecast to 2023 Market Analysis, Scope, Trends and Forecast to 2023Competitive Analysis of Global Artificial Insemination Market Innovation is the organic strategy to gain the market. Many companies are operating in the market, however, the major companies dominated the major share in the market due to well-developed brand identity. Now-a-days, there is a significant increase in the number of the company offering artificial Insemination. Thus companies are adopting the new strategies to minimize the competition and increase the market. Some major companies are focusing on development of new and advanced products to gain the market share. Whereas, some are has used the technique of acquisition and collaboration to gain the market.Some of the key players in Artificial Insemination market are: Labotect GmbH (Germany), Hamilton Throne Ltd. (U.S.), Microtech IVF S.R.O. (Czech Republic), Rinovum Women's Health LLC (US), Zander scientific Inc. (U.S.),INVO Bioscience (U.S.), Nikon Instruments Inc. (U.S.), MedGyn products Inc. (U.S.),Conceivex Inc. (US), Biogenics Inc. (U.S.), LifeGlobal Group LLC (U.S.), TenderNeeds Fertility (US) and Surelife Pte Ltd. (Singapore)..Avail Sample Research Report atIntrauterine insemination is most common type of artificial dissemination. Artificial insemination helps to overcome problems in conceiving. This is one of the major advantages of artificial insemination. Increase in success rates of treatment of infertility favor the growth of artificial insemination. In the United States, 12 percent of women aged 15 to 44 years are unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that a woman should consider seeing an infertility doctor to discuss treatment if she has not conceived within one year of trying to, has irregular periods, is over the age of 35, or has experienced two or more spontaneous miscarriages. Rising social acceptance has also played an important role in the growth of the global artificial insemination market.Increase in awareness about infertility and reproductive health and decrease in cost of treatment of fertility treatment drive the market for artificial insemination. Additionally, increasing healthcare expenditure and rapidly growing economies have fuelled the growth of the market. These factors are restraining the adoption of artificial insemination kits which could limit the growth of the global artificial insemination market.Depending on geographic region, artificial insemination market is segmented into four key regions: Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa. North America is the largest market. The cost of artificial insemination in America in between USD 300 to USD 500 per attempt. According to American Society of Reproductive Health, the typical success rate is 10 to 20 percent. Continuous increasing in number of fertility clinics in the U.S and Canada, increase in drug addiction and smoking among women, unprotected sexual intercourse and rising trend of planned pregnancy favor the growth of this market in America. The European market is also growing continuously.Brows Full Detailed Report atLatest Industry UpdatesBeing a competitive market, a number of different manufacturer are focusing on the product launch, and acquisition for the market development. Some of the latest development in the market are-Labotect GmbH is a major player in artificial insemination market. The company develops products for use in assisted reproduction, medical science laboratories and medical surgery. Incubation technique is one of the key areas of the company helping it to maintain competitive advantage. Its products include embryo transfer catheters and puncture needle are the products for artificial insemination.Hamilton Throne Ltd. Is a leading provider for computer aided sperm analysis and advanced laser system. IVOS, CEROS, human motility II are sperm analysis products. In September 2016, the company acquired Embryotech Laboratories, a company providing testing assays and quality control servieesInquire for Discount atAbout Market Research Future: MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Office No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Market Contains a Qualified and Comprehensive Analysis 2018 By Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Zydena and other drugs

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Erectile dysfunction Drugs Market is the inability to attain or maintain penile erection in men, sufficient for successful sexual intercourse. It is also known as impotence. It is a common medical disorder primarily affecting men older than 40 years of age. Growing elderly population, increasing awareness and patient education, elevated inclination towards a sedentary lifestyle, and growing incidence of several genitourinary diseases are some of the factors expected to drive the growth of the global erectile dysfunction drugs market.Global Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Market Key Players are, Pfizer Inc. (U.S), Bayer AG (Germany), Eli Lily & Co. (U.S), DongA Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (South Korea), Apricus Biosciences Inc.(U.S), S.K. Chemicals Co. Ltd. (South Korea), Apricus Biosciences Inc. (U.S), Cristalia Produtos Quimicos Farmaceuticos Ltd. (Brazil), Dong-A Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., (South Korea), Meda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S), Vivus, Inc. (U.S), and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the global erectile dysfunction drugs market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis..The global erectile dysfunction drugs market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Avail Sample Research Report atManagement of this disorder includes medical history, sexual history and psychological history of a person. There are number of drugs available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction which include both branded and generic drugs. Over 20 million men all over the world have used or are currently using Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction.Segmentation:Global Erectile dysfunction drugs market has been segmented on the basis of product which includes Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Zydena and other drugs and on the basis of end users the market is segmented into Hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies and others.Stress and mental health concerns may worsen the problem of erectile dysfunction. Physical and psychological issues may also cause erectile dysfunction. The market of erectile dysfunction drugs is driven by the number of drugs available in the market and increasing number of men suffering from this disorder. There is also an increase in the competition among the major market players. According to a trials conducted by the American Urological Association (AUA) Consensus Panel on Erectile Dysfunction, 36% to 76% of patients on erectile dysfunction drug were able to achieve intercourse during treatment.The market for erectile dysfunction drugs is growing rapidly and expected to continue its growth in near future. However, factors such as growing threat from counterfeit drugs, prevalence of STDs in erectile dysfunction drug users, and shrinking insurance coverage for ED treatment will hamper the growth of global erectile dysfunction market.Moreover, patent expiry of number of blockbuster drugs, availability of counterfeit drugs and increasing manufactures of generic drugs in the market may result in the decline of erectile dysfunction drugs market. Global market of erectile dysfunction drugs is expected to reach USD 2.95 billion in 2023 from USD 1.65 billion in 2016 over the forecast period 2017-2023.Brows Full Detailed Report atGeographically, the regional market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.The Americas account for the major share of the market owing to the presence of patient population, well-developed technology, and high healthcare expenditure. According to University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, about 5 percent of men that are 40 years old have complete erectile dysfunction, and that number increases to about 15 percent of men at age 70. Mild and moderate erectile dysfunction affects approximately 10 percent of men per decade of life.Europe holds the major share of the market, which is majorly contributed by Germany, the U.K., and France. According to the UK Health Centre, 50 percent of men that smoke a pack of cigarettes a day have a higher chance of developing erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, as per a study recently presented at the European Association of Urology showed that erectile dysfunction isnt being treated very often, with only 25.4 percent of men in the being treated for the condition.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market owing to rapidly changing healthcare sector, and the presence of huge opportunities for the development of this market. However, the Middle East & Africa has the least share in the market owing to the presence of poor and slow developing countries, especially, in African region. The Middle East holds the major share of the regional market due to well-developed technology and high spending.Inquire for Discount atAbout Market Research Future: MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Office No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
North America Oil Storage Market Expected to reach $44,333 million, by 2023 | Key Players- Royal Vopak N.V., Kinder Morgan, Inc., Buckeye Partners L.P, NuStar Energy L.P.

Oil Storage Industry

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Increase in oil demand, reduction in crude oil prices across the region, and high demand for mega refining hubs are the major factors that boost the growth of the North America oil storage market. Moreover, development of strategic petroleum reserves has facilitated commercial supply of oil along the Gulf coast and further provides lowest cost storage option for crude oil, which propels the market growthAccording to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, North America Oil Storage Market, by Type, Material, and Product Design: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20172023," the North America oil storage market was valued at $667 million in 2016, and is projected to reach $931 million in 2023, registering a CAGR of 4.8% from 2017 to 2023.Access Full Summary at :Oil storage includes large tanks, sea tankers, and underground & above ground storage facilities to safely store various petroleum products. These products are majorly oil-based products, which are produced by distillation, and are used by industries other than the refining industry. Increase in oil production across the globe has encouraged suppliers to develop storage infrastructure and inventories for oil storage. Furthermore, increase in oil production has encouraged suppliers to improve their inventories and infrastructure to store large quantity of crude oil. In terms of volume, the market accounted for 54,154 thousand CBM in 2016, and is projected to reach 73,633 thousand CBM in 2023, registering a CAGR of 4.4% from 2017 to 2023.The major factors that drive the growth of the North America oil storage market include decrease in crude oil prices across North America, rise in need for mega refining hub, high degree of product containment, and increase in import or distribution facilities. However, decline in production & exploration activities and rise in inventory cost hamper the market growth. On the contrary, the development of strategic petroleum reserves and increase in oil demand are expected to provide potential growth opportunities for the market expansion.Download Sample Report @:The crude oil segment accounted for the largest share in 2016, owing to high usage, applicability, and large amount of production. Furthermore, the naphtha segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2023, and is anticipated to continue its dominance during the forecast period.The utilization rate of carbon steel-based storage tanks was high in 2016.However, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) segment is expected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the fact that FRP-based storage tanks are corrosion resistant, lightweight, easy to handle, leak proof, and require low maintenance.On the basis of product, the fixed roof tanks segment occupied the largest share of about more than two-fifths share in 2016, in terms of revenue. The floating roof tanks segment is expected to grow at a highest CAGR of during the forecast period.Key Findings of the North America Oil Storage Market: The diesel segment accounted for around one-sixth share by volume of the North America oil storage market in 2016. The kerosene segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% by revenue from 2017 to 2023. The steel segment accounted for around one-third share by volume of the North America oil storage market in 2016. Canada accounted for around one-fourth share by volume of the North America oil storage market in 2016. Mexico is expected to grow at the highest CAGR by revenue from 2017 to 2023.U.S. was the leading revenue contributor to the North America oil storage market in 2016, registering a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the presence of large number of key players and upsurge in demand for oil products across the country. However, Mexico is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the study period, due to increase in use of oil products and rise in importexport facilities.For Purchase Report Enquiry @:Allied Market Research, a market research and advisory company of Allied Analytics LLP, provides business insights and market research reports to large as well as small & medium enterprises. The company assists its clients to strategize business policies and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.Allied Market Research provides one stop solution from the beginning of data collection to investment advice. The analysts at Allied Market Research dig out factors that help clients to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The company amplies clients insight on the factors, such as strategies, future estimations, growth or fall forecasting, opportunity analysis, and consumer surveys among others. As follows, the company offers consistent business intelligent support to aid the clients to turn into prominent business firm.Contact:David Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free (USA/Canada):+1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1?855?550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb:
Anticoagulants Market 2025 | Baxter International Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., AstraZeneca plc, BioVascular Inc., Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Pfizer, Inc

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Anticoagulants are utilized to take out the danger of blood clumps in the body. Anticoagulants prevent the platelets from clinging to each other and coagulating proteins from restricting together. These are usually utilized in the treatment of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), atrial fibrillation, pneumonic embolism as well as managing moderate and high danger of stroke.Anticoagulants are essentially segmented as warfarin, therapies, LMWHs (low molecular weight heparins), DTIs (direct thrombin inhibitors) and factor Xa inhibitors. Of these, the heparin is an injectable anticoagulant broadly utilized in hospitals for fast anticoagulation. LMWHs are directed about two times every day as subcutaneous infusions to care for DVT. These are more advantageous to utilize in contrast to heparins, as LMWHs could be self-infused at home. Warfarin is generally prescribed as a component of long-haul anticoagulant treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation to help diminish the danger of stroke by over 60%.The worldwide market for anticoagulants is segmented on the basis of several types of anticoagulant drugs as well as applications. In terms of the types of anticoagulants, the worldwide market is categorized into Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Betrixaban, E Eliquis (Apixaban) Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), as well as doxaban, The application category is additionally subcategorized into heart valve replacement, DVT, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.Request For Report Sample:On the basis of geography, North America regional market for anticoagulants is considered to foresee a huge market attractiveness. This is mainly a result of augmented awareness regarding remedial applications of anticoagulants in ailment management in the region. The U.S. is believed to be the foremost regional market for anticoagulants in North America, trained by Canada. In Europe, the U.K., France, and Germany account for the majority of the overall market shares of the anticoagulants. The Asia anticoagulant market as well is anticipated to reflect higher growth pace over the approaching five years to come. This is due to a bunch of market players are establishing production facilities in the region. In addition, the increasing populace is, in addition, boosting up the overall market expansion in the region. Japan, China, and India are considered to remain the quickest expanding markets in Asia for anticoagulants.The growing geriatric populace is the foremost driver for the worldwide market for anticoagulants. In addition, rising investment in the pharmaceutical sector for R&D activities as well as the introduction of innovative oral anticoagulants drugs have boosted the market growth. Recently Daiichi establishes anticoagulant Lixiana, an OD tablet for enhancing medication compliance in patients. Moreover, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Pfizer, Inc. have offered fresh studies for Eliquis(apixaban) clinical as well as real-world data.Request For TOC:On the other hand, strict regulations arranged by a variety of governments impede the expansion growth of the worldwide anticoagulants market. Recently, US FDA holds up approving for AndexXa for thought review of the data. On the other hand, FDA green-lights Bayer Xarelto 10 mg once daily dose for extended treatment of venous thromboembolism. In addition, the danger of complications and side-effects related to the consumption of oral anticoagulants, in addition, impedes the expansion of the worldwide market for anticoagulants. Growing figure of mergers and acquisitions of drug production companies is a foremost trend of the worldwide market for anticoagulants, for instance, Espero Pharmaceuticals and Armetheon plans to merge for developing cardiovascular medications.The foremost market players active in this market are Baxter International Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., AstraZeneca plc, BioVascular Inc., Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Pfizer, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Genentech Inc., Novartis AG, and Sanofi.Report Analysis:About UsResearch Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trendsContact Us:Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com
3D Bioprinter Market Size by Global Industry Analysis 2018 and Forecast to 2025 by Revenue, Type, Application, Growth and Top Key Companies: Accellta Ltd, Advanced Solutions, Inc, Bio3D Technologies

3D Bioprinter Market Share

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The 3D Bioprinter 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 marketThis report studies the global 3D Bioprinter market status and forecast, categorizes the global 3D Bioprinter market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China, and other regions.Download sample copy of this report:The 3D Bioprinter 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 major manufacturers covered in this report 3D Biotek, LLC 3Dynamic Systems Ltd Accellta Ltd Advanced Solutions, Inc. Bio3D Technologies Biobots Inc Cellink AB Cyfuse Biomedical K.K Envision TEC,Inc. GeSIM Luxexcel Group BV OthersKey questions answered in this report: What will the market size be in 2025 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Magnetic 3D Bio-printer Laser-assisted 3D Bio-printer Inkjet 3D Bio-printer Microextrusion 3D Bio-printerOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including Medical Devices Tissue-engineered Scaffold Tissue and OrganBrowse Complete Report:3D Bioprinter Production by RegionUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanOther RegionsThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global 3D Bioprinter capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key 3D Bioprinter manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risksand moreTABLE OF CONTENTS:1 3D Bioprinter Market Overview2 Global 3D Bioprinter Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global 3D Bioprinter Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global 3D Bioprinter Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global 3D Bioprinter Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global 3D Bioprinter Market Analysis by Application7 Global 3D Bioprinter Manufacturers Profiles/AnalysisToc Continued!LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES:Figure Picture of 3D BioprinterFigure Global 3D Bioprinter Production (K Units) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2013-2025)Figure Global 3D Bioprinter Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2017Figure Product Picture of Magnetic 3D Bio-printerTable Major Manufacturers of Magnetic 3D Bio-printerFigure Product Picture of Laser-assisted 3D Bio-printerTable Major Manufacturers of Laser-assisted 3D Bio-printerFigure Product Picture of Inkjet 3D Bio-printerTable Major Manufacturers of Inkjet 3D Bio-printerFigure Product Picture of Microextrusion 3D Bio-printerand moreAbout Us:We have a strong network of high powered and experienced global consultants who have about 10+ years of experience in the specific industry to deliver quality research and analysis.Having such an experienced network, our services not only cater to the client who wants the basic reference of market numbers and related high growth areas in the demand side, but also we provide detailed and granular information using which the client can definitely plan the strategies with respect to both supply and demand side.302-20 Misssisauga Valley, Missisauga,L5A 3S1, TorontoContact UsEmail- info@supplydemandmarketresearch.comWebsite-Phone Number: +919607371825
Urology Surgical Instrument Market Analysis and Industry Growth Forecast 2024 | Karl Storz GmbH & Co. Kg, Olympus Corporation, Coloplast A/S, Richard Wolf GmbH etc

Urology Surgical Instrument Market

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According to a new market report published by BlueWeave Consulting, The Global Urology Surgical Instrument Market was valued at US$ XX Bn in 2017 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2018 to 2024, reaching US$14.06Bn by the end of the forecast period. According to the report, North America was the largest contributor in terms of revenue to the urology surgical instrument market in 2017.Get an Exclusive Christmas Discount on this Report @Increasing investment in the Healthcare industry by the government and non-government organizations are driving the urology surgical instrument marketUrology surgical instrument is used in treating urology surgical specialties. The Urology surgical specialty is the procedure which deals with the treatment of conditions involving the male and female urinary tract and the male and female reproductive organs. Instruments of the Urological surgery, such as stone baskets/retrieval devices, help breaking down the urinary stones into small particles and then allows them to move out of the body without any surgery. Traditionally, open urological surgeries involve large formation of incision, and require longer duration for healing and thus leads to long stay at hospital. Nowadays, laparoscopic urologic surgeries have diminished the loss of blood, quicker healing tenure and shorter stay in hospital. Due to less discomfort post operation patients can resume their daily activities and chores early, in comparison to those who had undergone open urological surgeries.Increase in the expenditure of Healthcare globally, owing to the diseases that are becoming increasingly prevalent and growing initiatives by the government and non-government organisations are a major driving force for the urology surgical instrument market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total expenditure in Healthcare is increasing all over the world, which is leading to the advancement in healthcare infrastructure which in turn leads to increase in the consumption of urology surgical instruments including accessories and consumables, endoscopes, and digital cameras. This growth in healthcare investment leads to increase in affordability and accessibility of the urology surgical instruments for different medical conditions such as CKD, UTIs, and prostate cancer. Although, there are huge variations among the healthcare spending of different countries, healthcare has been one of the primary and essential focus for all. Healthcare spending in the developed economies of North America and Europe is considerably higher in comparison to the developing countries. Increase in the expectancy of life and fall in birth rates are the major causes of aging population. Extensive care is required by the elderly people, since they are more prone to illness due to their low immunity levels and high recovery tenure. The elderly people are more susceptible to CKD and infections, such as UTIs thus leading to increase in demand for better treatment in urological procedures.Scope of the ReportThe global urology surgical instrument market is segmented on the basis of product and application. On the basis of product, the market is segmented consumables & accessories, endovision system, urology endoscope, and peripheral instrument. The consumables & accessories was the largest segment in the global urology surgical instrument market in 2017, and is estimated to witness the highest growth during 2017-2024.On the application basis, the market is segmented into CKD, urinary stone, BPH, UI & POP oncology, and others. The CKD accounted for the largest segment in the global urology surgical instrument market in 2017.On the basis of region the market is segmented into four parts namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world. North America was the largest region in the global urology surgical instrument market in 2016 with 39.6% and Asia Pacific is estimated to grow over a CAGR of 8.7% during 2016-2024.Competitive DynamicsCompanies, such as KARL STORZ Gmbh & Co, Olympus Corporation, Coloplast A/S, Richard Wolf Gmbh, Cook Medical, Medtronic Plc., Coopersurgical, Inc., and Boston Scientific Corporation are the key players in manufacturing urology endoscopes which are essential for global urology surgical instrument market. In terms of product offerings, KARL STORZ Gmbh& Co is the major player in the market, providing various urology surgical instruments. It offers a range of urology surgical instruments, such as endoscopes, videoscopes, borescopes, flexoscopes, and cameras.Market Segmentation By Product By ApplicationBy Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & AfricaBrowse 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,
BNSF suffered from air conditioning breakdowns, overcrowding and delay issues during the summer. Metra and BNSF officials blamed several factors, including the age of the cars, which average more than 30 years old, the amount of traffic on the line, and freight interference problems. Implementation of new train safety technology, which required a major schedule change, also contributed to some delays.
Global Clofarabine Drugs Market Growth Opportunities of Clofarabine Drugs Market By Product Type, Application, Key Manufacturers And Key Regions

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Clofarabine is a purine nucleoside antimetabolite marketed in the US and Canada as Clolar. In Europe and Australia/New Zealand the product is marketed under the name Evoltra.According to this study, over the next five years the Clofarabine Drugs market will register a xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ xx million by 2023, from US$ xx million in 2017. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Clofarabine Drugs business.Download Sample Report Of Clofarabine Drugs Market @This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Clofarabine Drugs market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.This study considers the Clofarabine Drugs value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:Segmentation by product type: Evoltra ClolarSegmentation by application: Hospital PharmacyThis report also splits the market by region: 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:Research objectives To study and analyze the global Clofarabine Drugs consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2023. To understand the structure of Clofarabine Drugs market by identifying its various subsegments. Focuses on the key global Clofarabine Drugs manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years. To analyze the Clofarabine Drugs with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). To project the consumption of Clofarabine Drugs 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 Clofarabine Drugs 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 Summary2.1 World Market Overview2.1.1 Global Clofarabine Drugs Consumption 2013-20232.1.2 Clofarabine Drugs Consumption CAGR by Region2.2 Clofarabine Drugs Segment by Type2.2.1 Electrical Polisher2.2.2 Pneumatic Polisher2.3 Clofarabine Drugs Consumption by Type2.3.1 Global Clofarabine Drugs Consumption Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Clofarabine Drugs Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.3 Global Clofarabine Drugs Sale Price by Type (2013-2018)2.4 Clofarabine Drugs Segment by Application2.4.1 Automotive Repair Shop2.4.2 Automotive Care Shop2.4.3 Others2.5 Clofarabine Drugs Consumption by Application2.5.1 Global Clofarabine Drugs Consumption Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.2 Global Clofarabine Drugs Value and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.3 Global Clofarabine Drugs Sale Price by Application (2013-2018)3 Global Clofarabine Drugs by Players3.1 Global Clofarabine Drugs Sales Market Share by Players3.1.1 Global Clofarabine Drugs Sales by Players (2016-2018)3.1.2 Global Clofarabine Drugs Sales Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.2 Global Clofarabine Drugs Revenue Market Share by Players3.2.1 Global Clofarabine Drugs Revenue by Players (2016-2018)3.2.2 Global Clofarabine Drugs Revenue Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.3 Global Clofarabine Drugs Sale Price by Players3.4 Global Clofarabine Drugs Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Players3.4.1 Global Clofarabine Drugs Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Players3.4.2 Players Clofarabine Drugs 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 Clofarabine Drugs by Regions4.1 Clofarabine Drugs by Regions4.1.1 Global Clofarabine Drugs Consumption by Regions4.1.2 Global Clofarabine Drugs Value by Regions4.2 Americas Clofarabine Drugs Consumption Growth4.3 APAC Clofarabine Drugs Consumption Growth4.4 Europe Clofarabine Drugs Consumption Growth4.5 Middle East & Africa Clofarabine Drugs Consumption Growth5 Americas5.1 Americas Clofarabine Drugs Consumption by Countries5.1.1 Americas Clofarabine Drugs Consumption by Countries (2013-2018)5.1.2 Americas Clofarabine Drugs Value by Countries (2013-2018)5.2 Americas Clofarabine Drugs Consumption by Type5.3 Americas Clofarabine Drugs 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
Global Medical Device Connectivity Market Size, Share, Major Players, Strong Application, Top Region, Industry Investment Analysis and 2023 Forecast Research Study

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The Global Medical Device Connectivity Market is expected to grow at an approximate CAGR of 16.1% during the forecast period, 20182023. Moreover, the increasing penetration of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and health information exchange systems in healthcare organizations, are the factors responsible for the market growth.Major factors responsible for the market growth are penetration of EHRs through the collaboration between IT service providers and healthcare service providers. For instance, in 2016, Allscripts Technologies signed a ten years strategic agreement with Optumcare to deploy Allscripts TouchWork suite as its exclusive Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Practice Management (PM) solution for physicians. The strategic agreement will provide physicians with the clinical, health plan, and analytic data that will further enhance the high-quality care they provide to their patients. Moreover, in 2016, market players such as Cerner and Sharp Healthcare came together to extend its Electronic Health Record (EHR) to the Sharp Community Medical Group. Through the expanded relationship with Cerner, Sharp will utilize an integrated platform to create consistencies by streamlining physician workflows and care team communications for transitions of care. All such instances are expected to boost the medical device connectivity market.Get Sample Copy @Medical Device Connectivity Market Segmentation:The global medical device connectivity market is segmented on the basis of products and services, technology, and end-user. By products and services, the market is segmented into medical device connectivity solutions and medical device connectivity services. Medical device connectivity solutions are further segmented into medical device integration solutions, telemetry systems, connectivity hubs, and interface devices. Whereas, medical device connectivity services are further segmented into support and maintenance services, implementation and integration services, and training services. Based on application the market is segmented into anesthesiology, respiratory therapy, dialysis, cardiology, oncology, home healthcare, and others. Based on technology the market is segmented into wired technologies, wireless technologies, and hybrid technologies. By end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory care centers, diagnostic centers, and others. The global medical device connectivity market, by region, is majorly categorized into Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The American medical device connectivity market is segmented into two regions, namely, North America and South America.The European region includes both Eastern and Western European countries which are involved in the deployment of medical device connectivity. The countries that are majorly involved in the medical device connectivity market are the U.K., France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, among others.Key PlayersSome of the key players in this market are Qualcomm (U.S.), Cerner (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.S.), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Bernoulli Enterprise (U.S.), Medtronic (U.S.), Cisco Systems (U.S.), Nanthealth (U.S.), Infosys (India), Lantronix (U.S.), True Process (U.S.), Ihealth Lab (U.S.), Nuvon, Inc, Stryker Corporation, eDevice, Inc., and others.Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominates the global medical device connectivity market owing to the increasing application in the healthcare IT industry and presence of a well-developed healthcare sector within the region. Moreover, the increasing healthcare expenditure, growing geriatric population, and presence of key players within the regional boundaries provide a favorable background for the market growth.Europe is the second largest in the global medical device connectivity market. Factors such as the increasing availability of funds for research and a huge patient population followed by a well-developed healthcare sector drive the market within the region.Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing market for medical device connectivity. This can be attributed to the presence of developing economies such as India and China and increasing patient population. Moreover, the increasing healthcare expenditure and a rapidly developing healthcare sector boost the market growth within the region.On the other hand, the Middle East and Africa has the least share in the global medical device connectivity market due to the low per capita healthcare expenditure and stringent government policies, especially within the African region. It is estimated that the Middle East holds a majority of the market within the Middle Eastern and African region.Browse Complete Report Details @Table Of Content1. Report Prologue2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size Estimation4.Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentTOC Continued.!About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Vitamin K Antagonists Market Growth and Analysis by Sanofi, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson

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Vitamin K is a kind of substance with biological activity of leaf green quinone.Rising demand from Asia-Pacific region a major driver for the growth of the market.According to this study, over the next five years the Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) market will register a xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ xx million by 2023, from US$ xx million in 2017. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) business.Download Sample Report Of Vitamin K Antagonists Market @This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.This study considers the Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:Segmentation by product type: Oral Vitamin K Antagonists Injection Vitamin K AntagonistsSegmentation by application: VTE ACS/MI AF OthersThis report also splits the market by region: 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:Research objectives To study and analyze the global Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2013 to 2017, and forecast to 2023. To understand the structure of Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) market by identifying its various subsegments. Focuses on the key global Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years. To analyze the Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market. To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks). To project the consumption of Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA) 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 Vitamin K Antagonists 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 Summary2.1 World Market Overview2.1.1 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption 2013-20232.1.2 Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption CAGR by Region2.2 Vitamin K Antagonists Segment by Type2.2.1 Electrical Polisher2.2.2 Pneumatic Polisher2.3 Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption by Type2.3.1 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3.3 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Sale Price by Type (2013-2018)2.4 Vitamin K Antagonists Segment by Application2.4.1 Automotive Repair Shop2.4.2 Automotive Care Shop2.4.3 Others2.5 Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption by Application2.5.1 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.2 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Value and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)2.5.3 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Sale Price by Application (2013-2018)3 Global Vitamin K Antagonists by Players3.1 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Sales Market Share by Players3.1.1 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Sales by Players (2016-2018)3.1.2 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Sales Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.2 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Revenue Market Share by Players3.2.1 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Revenue by Players (2016-2018)3.2.2 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Revenue Market Share by Players (2016-2018)3.3 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Sale Price by Players3.4 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types by Players3.4.1 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Manufacturing Base Distribution and Sales Area by Players3.4.2 Players Vitamin K Antagonists 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 Vitamin K Antagonists by Regions4.1 Vitamin K Antagonists by Regions4.1.1 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption by Regions4.1.2 Global Vitamin K Antagonists Value by Regions4.2 Americas Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption Growth4.3 APAC Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption Growth4.4 Europe Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption Growth4.5 Middle East & Africa Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption Growth5 Americas5.1 Americas Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption by Countries5.1.1 Americas Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption by Countries (2013-2018)5.1.2 Americas Vitamin K Antagonists Value by Countries (2013-2018)5.2 Americas Vitamin K Antagonists Consumption by Type5.3 Americas Vitamin K Antagonists 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
Ryan Joseph Beisley, wounded by Portland police at the Starbucks at the Hollywood Fred Meyer on Friday night, was carrying a fake black handgun that he appears to have pointed at officers, according to a preliminary police investigation.

The replica firearm was found near where Beisley was lying before he was placed on a gurney and into an ambulance, police spokesman Sgt. Chris Burley said.

Beisley, 34, escaped from the Northwest Regional residential re-entry center in Northeast Portland and was wanted on a federal fugitive warrant, according to federal prison records.

Portland police internal affairs investigators completed interviews of the four officers involved. Detectives examined video surveillance images from the scene and interviewed witnesses. They also seized the fake gun as evidence.

On Jan. 20, 2015, Beisley was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to three bank robberies and two attempted bank robberies that occurred between Nov. 16 and Nov. 26, 2013. He also was ordered to pay more than $10,000 in restitution.

At the time he was sentenced, a federal judge recommended that he serve his time at the prison in Sheridan to allow contact with family members for support and that he participate in a residential drug and alcohol treatment program and a prison rehabilitation program.

Beisley was at the residential re-entry center, expected to complete his sentence for the 2013 bank robbery convictions in May, having earned credit for good time served, but he walked away and didnt return in late November.

The U.S. Marshals Service learned of his escape on Dec. 1, according to federal authorities. The U.S. Marshals were actively looking for Beisley when he showed up at a Starbucks attached to the Hollywood Fred Meyer Friday night.

8 NE Portland Starbucks police shooting

On Friday night, police and witnesses said Beisley went behind the counter of a Starbucks inside the Hollywood Fred Meyer and yelled at employees, who hid in the back room.

When officers arrived, the suspect showed a gun, police said. Officers fired at Beisley, who appeared drunk, inside the Starbucks and outside, police said. He struggled with officers even after he was shot but was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the hospital.

Beisley suffered wounds to his shoulder and leg.

By Saturday night, he was released from the hospital and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on a U.S. Marshals Service hold at 7:27 p.m.

No additional charges have been filed against him yet. Portland detectives are continuing their investigation and will forward the results to the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office.

Hes likely to face an alleged federal escape allegation, and have to complete his 2015 sentence, losing the good time credit he previously earned. He also may face additional charges in Multnomah County.

Ryan J. Beisley, 34, was taken to a hospital for treatment Friday night and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on a federal fugitive warrant Saturday night.

Several of Beisleys past bank robberies occurred inside local Fred Meyer stores.

He first attempted to rob a Chase Bank inside a Fred Meyer in Gresham on Nov. 16, 2013. A day later, he successfully robbed a U.S. Bank inside a Safeway store off Southeast 122nd Avenue in Portland. The next day, he robbed the Chase Bank inside a Fred Meyer in Happy Valley. On Nov. 25, this time working with a partner, he robbed the Chase Bank in Wood Village, getting away with $4,209, according to court records..

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian
All 124 of the immigrant men detained in a federal prison in Sheridan have left the facility, attorneys in the case against the federal government said Friday.

The immigrants, all asylum-seekers, were held there beginning in May after the Trump administration implemented a zero tolerance policy against people entering the country illegally. The men were detained at the U.S.-Mexico border and moved to Sheridan because there wasnt enough space in regular holding facilities.

The men came from at least 16 countries, including India, Nepal, Guatemala, and Mexico. They were among about 1,600 immigrants placed in federal prisons at the time.

Most of the 124 have been released from federal custody and are going through immigration proceedings, said Stephen Manning, executive director of the Innovation Law Lab, a nonprofit law group representing 80 of the detainees.

Im very pleased that the rule of law was respected, in the end, Manning said. Its a healthy sign that our court system, at least right now, can continue to function, even when its under such political stress.

The last immigrant detainee in the Sheridan prison left Nov. 28, Manning said, and was moved to a detention center in Tacoma, Wash. He wasnt granted asylum, but his lawyers are considering appeal options, according to court records.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reported at the time that all the detainees had left Sheridan.

Most of the 124 men were released on bond, said American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon attorney Mat dos Santos. A few were deported back to their home countries. In most, if not all, of those cases the detainees had chosen to end the asylum process voluntarily, he said.

All 80 men represented by Innovation Law Lab were able to show credible fear of persecution in their home countries, Manning has said. They had been abused or tortured by their governments or groups their governments couldnt control, he said.

Getting access to the detainees was a key challenge for the nonprofit. According to an emergency suit ACLU of Oregon filed against the government in June, the men had virtually no access to attorneys, either in person or by phone.

A federal judge ordered the government to grant that access a few days later. That allowed the nonprofit to inform detainees of their rights and meet with them before their interviews with an asylum officer.

When the law was allowed to work, the law showed that individuals were eligible for asylum, Manning said.

The ACLU of Oregon moved to dismiss the suit last week.

The mens detention at the facility sparked multiple protests in Oregon amid broader concerns with federal immigration policies. Hundreds protested outside the prison in Sheridan in June. The same month, protesters camped for weeks in front of the Southwest Portland Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, prompting the facility to close temporarily. In August, 21 faith leaders were arrested after they allegedly blocked an entrance to the facility.

OPB reported Nov. 28 that the Department of Homeland Security has stopped detaining asylum-seeking immigrants in federal prisons. A department spokesperson could not be reached Sunday.

-- Fedor Zarkhin

fzarkhin@oregonian.com

desk: 503-294-7674|cell: 971-373-2905|@fedorzarkhin
SEATTLE  A fire that destroyed a church in Lacey, Wash. has been ruled an arson.

KING-TV reports the fire Friday morning burned a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives announced the conclusion Saturday. The federal agency is investigating the fire with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office.

The fire is the sixth act of violence since March on a Kingdom Hall in the county.

In May, someone shot about 35 rifle rounds at the Yelm Kingdom Hall, causing more than $10,000 in damage.

Four fires were set at three Kingdom Halls, including the one at Yelm.

The Lacey fire began around 3:30 a.m.

Fire officials had worked with church officials to improve security.

Minister Dan Woollett says the loss wont stop members from practicing their religion.

-- The Associated Press
Snap of the day

In Oregon, there were 8,187 recorded bicycle vehicle collisions from 2007 to 2015 and 83 fatalities. The Oregonian/OregonLive has put together a comparison of cyclist crashes in the state's top 20 cities. READ MORE An overhaul of a plan to allow more duplexes, triplexes and four-plexes in Portlands residential neighborhoods would result in more new homes than the old version, a report found. It would create 24,000 new homes over the first 20 years the policy is in place. READ MORE The Public Employee Retirement Systems chief number cruncher, actuary Milliman Inc., delivered its annual projections to the PERS Board on Friday. Their findings: Pension costs will see another significant increase in 2021 and another smaller step up in 2023. READ MORE Oregon courts and state regulators have been asked to rule on the legalities of policies enacted by major retailers after the Feb. 14 mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. Six age-discrimination lawsuits have been filed against Oregon retailers for refusing to sell guns or ammunition to young adults under 21. READ MORE Months ago, Gov. Kate Brown called lawmakers back to Salem to vote on what she called an urgent matter of fairness: extending a state tax break for business owners to sole proprietors. Now, Brown wants lawmakers to partially undo the cut. Its one of the tax increases Brown is proposing. READ MORE A group of civic-minded Hillsboro residents -- including the mayor and a city councilor -- attended a meeting over the summer led by an extreme anti-government group at the Hillsboro Grange. What they saw and heard gave them pause. READ MORE A Gresham woman is accused of stealing more than $400 in items from a Walmart at the same time several Multnomah County deputies were in the store for a charity toy drive. READ MORE A Century High School senior who died Tuesday after he fell from his wheelchair at school lived with so much joy in his heart, his family said Friday. A district spokeswoman has declined to explain what caused Gabe Owens, 17, to fall during an adaptive physical education class. READ MORE





Storm watching is one of the best ways to enjoy winter on the Oregon coast. We've compiled 10 awesome storm watching spots. READ MORE (Thomas Boyd)

More news

Odd in Oregon

Today's obituaries

Today in history

Portland police have identified Ryan Joseph Beisley as the man officers shot inside a Northeast Portland Starbucks on Friday. Beisley, whose behavior at the coffee shop caused employees to lock themselves in a back room, previously was arrested in 2013 after an 11-day bank robbery spree in the Portland area. READ MORE In 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. received his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, saying he accepted it "with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind." ... In 1817, Mississippi was admitted as the 20th state of the Union. ... In 1931, sociologist Jane Addams, founder of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, became the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; the co-recipient was Nicholas Murray Butler.
At the time, some of his victims said they had to postpone retirement, had to sell their homes and struggled to make ends meet.
In June 2017, the city implemented an ordinance that required all chartered vehicles with more than 15 riders  including trolleys, limousines and buses  to tell passengers about prohibited acts on buses and display clearer signage on vehicles to help identify illegal operators. The most controversial action required operators to have a camera and security guard on board if alcohol was brought inside or sold at interim stops.
Jodie Foster will direct, co-produce and star in an English remake of Benedikt Erlingssons Icelandic Woman at War, per Deadline.

Something of a socially conscious eco-drama, Woman at War is Icelands submission for 2019s Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

This movie thrilled me beyond words, Foster said of the original film in a statement. I am so excited to helm a new American imagining of this relevant, beautiful, inspiring story.

Foster will take on the role of Halla (originally played by Halldora Geirharsdottir), a middle-aged music teacher with a secret. Fighting back (sometimes, by means of unlawful tactics) against the aluminum industry that has been wrecking the environment, Halla is being hunted down by Icelandic government agents.

The criminal ecological activist is in the midst of her environmental campaign when she receives unexpected news: Her adoption application has been approved, and she has been offered a Ukrainian baby girl.

The character of Halla is a warrior for the planet, a strong woman who risks it all to do the right thing, Foster said of the role. I cant wait to play her. Im always drawn to a bold and quirky mixture of humor and emotion. This one speaks for our time.

Foster plans to relocate the films setting from Iceland to the American West.

Foster has previously directed four films, including Little Man Tate (1991), Home for the Holidays (1995), The Beaver (2001) and Money Monster (2016). Like Woman at War, Money Monster also centered on an unafraid and outraged, lawless individual fighting back against a corporate giant.

Woman at War premiered in May at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the best script prize in the Critics Week section, amongst several other awards.

Erlingsson has been quoted describing Woman at War as an antagonist to Hollywoods problematic conventions: No misery, no violence, no death, not even a gun and no sex.
The earliest antivirus utilities recognized malware by consulting a database of signatures. These signatures were elements of malware files that remained invariant, and hence could be used for identification. Malware writers quickly learned to write polymorphic programs that mutate slightly with each new copy, foiling simple signature-based detection. In any case, the never-ending proliferation of malware would have required an always-growing database. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus avoids the whole problem by using a completely different technique. When it encounters an unknown app, it runs it in a bubble, preventing the app from making any permanent system changes until its cloud-based intelligence reaches a conclusion about the program. If its malicious, the tiny local Webroot program wipes out the attacker and reverses its actions. Its a different approach from most competitors, but our tests show that it works well.

How Much Does Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus Cost?

Price-wise, Webroot runs with the pack. Like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and several others, it costs just under $40 for a one-year subscription. Where a three-license Webroot subscription cost $10 more, the other two ask another $20 for a three-pack. Norton's standalone antivirus doesn't have a multi-license plan, and one license will run you $59.99. As for McAfee AntiVirus Plus, it also costs $59.99 per year, but that subscription gets you unlimited protection for your Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. As always, you may find any of these prices discounted for the first year, sometimes quite deeply.

Our Experts Have Tested 46 Products in the Antivirus Category This Year Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. ( Read our editorial mission .)

You can use your Webroot licenses to install antivirus on both PCs and Macs. Some components of Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus (for Mac), in particular the web-based protection system, are identical on both platforms. Overall, the two products offer similar security features, though Webroot doesn't go quite as overboard with expert features on the Mac.

Webroot's installer is tiny, less than 6MB, and it installs in a flash. Immediately on installation, it busies itself with a collection of startup tasks, checking off each one as it finishes. Among the listed tasks are: scanning for active malware; analyzing installed applications to reduce warnings and prompts; establishing a system baseline; and optimizing performance for your unique system configuration. Even with these added tasks, the process goes quickly.

The product's appearance hasn't changed appreciably in quite a while. Its green-toned main window features a lighter panel that includes statistics about recent scans and a button to launch an on-demand scan. Even if you never click that button, Webroot makes a full scan during installation and runs a scheduled scan every day. A panel at the right manages access to the rest of this product's significant collection of security features.

Online Console

As part of getting started with Webroot, youll set up a profile online. The process has a strong emphasis on security. I dont always use the strongest passwords for profiles used in testing, since theyre only needed for the duration of the test. But Webroot required a truly strong password and wouldnt accept anything less. In addition, it requires a secondary security code that you enter in an unusual fashion. Each time you log in to the online profile, it demands two specific characters from that security code, different each time. It might ask for the 2nd and 4th characters on one visit, the 6th and 7th on another.

As if that werent enough security, Webroot strongly encourages you to set up two-factor authentication. You set up 2FA in the usual fashion, scanning a QR code with Google Authenticator or a workalike. If you do choose to establish 2FA, it replaces the security code requirement. No more counting on your fingers to come up with the right characters!

Theres a lot you can do in the online console. If you havent used all your licenses, you can log in and click a button to add protection to another device. You can select any device and view scan results, including the filename and malware class of removed threats. And you can send remote control commands to the device.

The ability to launch a scan remotely is clearly a big plus. You can also lock, shut down, or restarts the computer. And if youve removed Webroot from an old computer, you can use the command system to deactivate it, freeing up that license for use on another PC or Mac.

Lab Test Difficulties

As noted, Webroot handles new, unknown programs by letting them run under strict monitoring. It prohibits irreversible actions like sending personal data to the internet, and keeps a journal of reversible actions, all while awaiting a verdict from Webroot's cloud analysis system. If the program under judgment proves to be nasty, Webroot wipes it out and reverses all its journaled changes.

This system just isn't compatible with many independent lab tests. Labs like AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives expect antivirus programs to act right away on malware they recognize, whether detection occurs using signatures, heuristics, or behavioral analysis. Webroot's relationship with the labs has been rocky. Just one of the four that I follow has recently included Webroot in testing.

Researchers at MRG-Effitas report on two main tests, one specific to banking Trojans and one aiming to cover the full range of malware types. Security programs that don't earn near-perfect scores simply fail; these are tough tests. Webroot used to do particularly well in the all-types test, which offers certification to products that remediate all malware attacks within 24 hours. That sort of test aligns well with Webroots journal-and-rollback system. Alas, its been some years since Webroot participated in this test.

Researchers at SE Labs use a capture and replay system to package up real-world malware attacks and unleash them on multiple antivirus products simultaneously. This lab certifies antivirus products at five levels, AAA, AA, A, B, and C; Webroot earned a respectable AA certification. To be fair, all but one of the tested products came in at either the AAA or AA level. The odd man out was Malwarebytes Premium, which earned a B. Like Webroot, Malwarebytes doesnt always align well with standard testing methods.

I use an algorithm to derive an aggregate lab score for products tested by at least two labs. With just one result, Webroot doesnt have an aggregate score.

As ever, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Kaspersky take perfect or near-perfect scores from the labs. With perfect scores from all four labs, Kaspersky boasts a perfect 10 points. Tested by three labs, AVG holds an impressive 9.9 points, with Bitdefender and ESET NOD32 Antivirus close behind at 9.8 points.

Excellent Malware Protection

For some years now, Webroot has done very well in my own hands-on malware protection tests, though it handles them differently from most other products. It doesnt react when I simply open a folder full of samples, or copy them to a new location. Rather, it checks each process as it launches.

In many cases, Webroot recognized and quarantined the sample almost immediately. Other samples ran for a while under Webroots restrictions, only to be wiped out a little later. After each malware removal event, Webroot asked to scan the system again to make sure it left no traces behind.

Frequently this secondary scan turned up another sample or two, in a kind of chain reaction. On removing the new-found threats, it wanted to scan yet again. The thought of enduring scan after scan might sound tedious, but each scan just took five to 10 minutes. Thats no big deal for the average user. On the other hand, at just five minutes apiece my collection of almost six dozen samples would have taken six hours. To keep the time reasonable, I settled on running the samples in groups of five, postponing cleanup for the first four of each group.

Whether by detection on launch or through a chain reaction capture, Webroot detected 99% of my samples and scored 9.8 of 10 possible points. PC Matic Home nominally scored the same, but its default-deny system doesnt actively detect most malware. Rather, it simply detects that the program isnt on its whitelist. Thats why PC Matics scores have an asterisk in the chart below.

McAfee and Malwarebytes did beat Webroots scores, by a hair. Tested with this same sample set, they both detected every single sample. Malwarebytes scored a perfect 10, and McAfee came close with 9.9 points.

Webroots scan also put a couple of my hand-coded testing tools in the cooler, but I can't really blame it. Here you have a program that's never been seen before by the cloud analysis system, and its purpose is to launch fraudulent URLs. Suspicious much? I restored my tools from quarantine and proceeded with testing.

I use the same set of curated samples for months, because the collection process itself takes weeks. To get a look at protection against the latest threats, I start with a feed of URLs that researchers at MRG-Effitas recently found to be hosting malware. Typically, these are no more than a couple days old. I launch each and note whether the antivirus prevents browser access to the dangerous URL, eliminates the file upon download, or completely fails to notice the malware download.

Of more than 100 validated dangerous URLs, Webroot blocked 85% in the browser and wiped out the malware payload of another 11%, for a total of 96% protection.

Thats quite a good score, though eight recent products have done even better. Yes, each product gets hit with a different selection of malware-hosting URLs, but theyre always the most recent ones. McAfee leads the pack, with 100% protection. Bitdefender, G Data, and Sophos all came close with 99%. Im pleased the success stories from Webroot and the rest. What better time to quash malware than before it even lands on your PC?

Phishing Protection Triumph

There's nothing innately dangerous about a phishing websiteno drive-by downloads, malicious scripts, or other active threats, just an inviting imitation of a secure website. You're perfectly safe if youre astute enough to recognize and avoid the fraudulent page. But woe betide the careless web surfer who enters login credentials on one of these fraudulent sites. If you fall for the fraud, you've just given away full access to your bank site, shopping site, even dating site. It's not good.

These fraudulent sites get shut down and blacklisted quickly, but the perpetrators simply pop up another fake and start trolling for new victims. To test an antivirus product's phishing protection, I try for an even split between verified phishing URLs and reported frauds that are so new there's been no time to analyze and blacklist them. I launch each URL in a browser protected by the product in question, and simultaneously in browsers relying on the phishing protection built into Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. I discard any that fail to load in one or more of the browsers, and any that don't precisely fit the definition of phishing. Once I have enough data points, I run the numbers.

Webroot blocked 99% of the verified frauds and outperformed all three of the browsersan impressive showing. Bitdefender and Norton also scored 99% in their own tests, while F-Secure Anti-Virus and McAfee managed 100%.

Phishing is totally platform independent. If your smart fridge includes a full-scale browser, you can get scammed while making a shopping list. Phishing protection, though, can vary by platform. In the past Ive frequently seen situations where a companys Windows product outperformed its macOS product in exactly the same test. With Webroot, the Windows and Mac products scored almost in lockstep, but the Mac edition did just a fraction better, scoring 100%.

See How We Test Security Software

Mixed Results in Ransomware Experiments

The journal and rollback system that Webroot uses can even roll back the effects of encrypting ransomware, though the company warns that limitations, such as available drive space, can impact this ability. In truth, it would be very unusual for a ransomware attack to get past all the other layers of protection. Webroot wiped out all my ransomware samples, most by recognizing them as known bad programs, a few by noticing bad behavior after launch. I had to scramble to figure out how to test its ransomware protection.

My coding skills are rusty; there's no way I could write a never-before-seen encrypting ransomware specimen, even if I wanted to. For testing, I wrote a simple-minded ransomware simulator that encrypts all text files in the document folder using reversible XOR encryption. Webroot had already encountered this simulator in previous reviews, so it wiped out the app on launch. To avert that effect, I modified the program, changing its name, length, and a few non-executable bytes.

The newly disguised program ran unhindered, and I verified that it did encrypt the target files. In Webroot's Active Processes list, I found the program running in Monitored mode, meaning Webroot was keeping detailed track of its activity. Rather than waiting for a decision from Webroot's cloud-based brain, I cut to the chase. In the processes list I blocked the program, confirmed immediate termination, and launched a scan. The scan removed the file and reversed its actions, restoring the encrypted files, just as I had hoped.

Webroot's monitoring system works with all malware types. A similar feature in Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security focuses just on ransomware. At the first sign of ransomware behavior, it backs up important files. If its behavioral detection verifies a ransomware attack, it terminates the malware and restores the backed-up files.

That little experiment with a hand-modified version of my ransomware simulator inspired me to try testing with hand-modified versions of actual file-encrypting malware samples. Results were mixed. Out of 10 file encrypting ransomware samples, Webroot detected that two were trying to modify the Registry to launch at boot. When I blocked those actions, the samples did not go on to encrypt files. Three others launched but did nothing. That could be due to the program detecting Webroots presence. Its also possible that by modifying the files I triggered some internal integrity check.

Webroot didnt stop any of the other five from encrypting files or posting ransom notes. I treated each of these the way I did my own simulator. Looking at the Active Processes list, I saw just one process in the Monitor state, so I blocked that one and then ran a scan to undo its activity. As far as I could tell, it completely restored the files encrypted by three of the samples. It didnt remove any ransom notes, though, and it left the encrypted version of the files in place. In addition, all the recovered files got their date/time stamp reset to the moment of recovery.

As for the other two, Webroot apparently failed to journal their dirty deeds. After a full scan, the encrypted files remained encrypted, with no recovery of their original versions.

Youre almost certainly not going to be hit by a ransomware attack that some rando modified by hand. However, this test does emulate what would happen if you encountered a ransomware sample that Webroots analysis system had never seen before. And what would happen isnt great. Do keep in mind, though, that unknowns quickly become known. Whey I tried to launch the same hand-modified samples a day later, Webroot eliminated them all immediately on launch.

Helpful Firewall

For many security companies, the addition of a personal firewall is one of the features that distinguishes the security suite from the standalone antivirus. Webroot's antivirus includes a firewall, but it doesn't work quite the same as most. It makes no attempt to put your system's ports in stealth mode, leaving that task to the built-in Windows Firewall. That's fine; the built-in does a good job. The only time a firewalls stealth abilities matter is if they take over from Windows Firewall and dont do a proper job.

Webroot classifies programs as good, bad, or unknown. Like Norton AntiVirus Plus, it leaves the good ones alone, eliminates the bad ones, and monitors the unknowns. As mentioned earlier, if a monitored unknown program tries a non-reversible action like sending your credit card details overseas, Webroot prevents it.

By default, the firewall ups its game when Webroot detects an active infection, which causes the main window to turn from green to dramatic red. In this mode, any network traffic by unknown programs requires your permission, but normal activities like Web browsing proceed uninterrupted.

In past evaluations Ive been able to see the firewall in action by tweaking its settings to warn every time an unknown program attempts internet access, not just when an infection is present, or by setting it to warn for every process that isnt already trusted. This time around, I found that those changes had no effect. Checking with my contact at Webroot, I learned that a recent update introduced a bug such that the firewall is disabled. A fix is expected in two to three weeks. Im surprised that a problem of this magnitude got past the quality assurance process.

Of course, firewall protection means bubkes if a malware coder can reach in and turn it off. The more processes and services a security tool contains, the more opportunities for such chicanery. With one service, two processes, and no settings exposed in the Registry, Webroot is buttoned up tight. My every attempt to halt its protection resulted in an ignominious "Access Denied" message.

For Experts Only

Like most modern antivirus utilities, Webroot works fine even if you totally ignore it. It comes configured for maximum protection, and if you don't make any changes, it runs a scan every day. What more could you want? It turns out that theres a ton more to discover under the surface, but only if you want to.

Clicking the settings gear next to Identity Protection on the main window brings up a page with controls that toggle what it calls Phishing Shield and Identity Shield. The rest of the page displays a laundry list of just what these shields involve. They aim to fend off a wide variety of typical malware attacks including man-in-the-middle, browser process modification, and keylogging.

Identity Shield and Phishing Shield appear on the Online Protection page under Identity Protection. The adjacent Application Protection page lists apps that get special attention from Webroot. Specifically, it aims to ensure that your personal information cant be extracted from these programs. On my test system, Webroot populated the list with Internet Explorer, Firefox, and two versions of Chrome. Oddly, one of the Chrome entries referred to a non-existent folder.

You can also add programs to the list for protection. Edge seemed like an obvious choice, so I added it. Its entry in the list of protected applications also referenced a non-existent folder, not the folder from which I selected it. My Webroot contact explained that while this does look odd, it doesnt mean that the apps in question arent protected. Webroots cloud-based master file system renders those randomized temporary paths into the correct path.

Clicking the gear icon next to Utilities reveals a set of antimalware tools that let you repair damage left behind after malware remediation, things like malware-modified desktop background, screensaver, or system policies. You can also use it to quickly reboot into Safe Mode, or to perform an instant reboot. Those with the necessary skills can use another tool to manually remove any program, along with its associated Registry data. Even if you claim no tech skills yourself, you can run a removal script created by Webroot tech support.

If you really want to see what Webroot has been doing, open the Reports page and check its current or historical activity. You probably won't want to read the available scan log or threat log, but tech support might well ask for them.

The System Control page is where you find the Active Processes list, which shows all running processes and flags those that are under monitoring by Webroot. Also on this page is the SafeStart Sandbox. There are features for experts, and features for professionals. SafeStart Sandbox is among the latter. If you're a trained antivirus researcher, you can use it to launch a suspect program under detailed limitations that you specify. If you're not, just leave it alone. I don't even use that one myself.

Small Is Beautiful

Opening the folder containing a typical antivirus or security suite reveals amazing number of files and folders. When I check system free space before and after installing security suites, I find that most occupy a gigabyte or two of disk space, or even more.

As for Webroot, it's ridiculously small. Open its folder and you find just one significant file, WRSA.exe, with a size less than 6MB. That's tiny! As noted, Task Manager reveals just two Webroot processes. Norton also packs its protection into two processes, while others require more. During one test, I found 17 active processes for McAfee, for example. Webroot relies on just one Windows service, but some others run to 10 or more.

Just because a product uses more of processes or services doesn't necessarily mean it's eating up more of your system resources. It's conceivable that a program with just one resource-hungry process could overload your system. Conceivable, but unlikely. By every measure I've found, Webroot remains the smallest antivirus around.

Still a Winner

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus doesn't jibe with the testing methods used by many of the independent testing labs, though it earned a high score in one recent test. In our hands-on testing, it earned near-perfect scores both for malware protection and phishing detection. Its score against malware-hosting URLs was also quite good.

On the negative side, its ability to protect against never-before-seen ransomware proved uneven in testing, and as of this writing, its firewall component isnt working. We also encountered a few glitches when testing the macOS version of this program. For now, were assuming these bumps will be ironed out. Webroot remains an antivirus Editors' Choice winner, sure to please those who want good things in a small package.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus routinely earn perfect or near-perfect scores from the antivirus testing labs, and both come with a panoply of useful bonus features. McAfee AntiVirus Plus doesn't always score as high in lab tests or our own tests, but it's a bargain, offering protection for every Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS device in your household. These three tools round out our collection of Editors' Choice antivirus products, each with its own special merits.

Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus 4.5 Editors' Choice Check Price Pros Near-perfect score in our malware protection and phishing protection tests

Light on system resources

Fast scan, tiny size

Can remediate ransomware damage

Advanced features View More Cons Limited lab test results due to unusual detection techniques

Mixed results in testing with hand-modified ransomware

Firewall component not working at this time The Bottom Line Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus scans at high speed and uses just a trickle of your systems resources. It earned excellent scores in our hands-on tests and can even roll back some ransomware activity.
Good Monday Morning, Fellow Seekers.

Its been a pretty good year for criminal justice reform in Pennsylvania. State lawmakers passed, and Gov. Tom Wolf signed, so-called clean slate' legislation giving nonviolent offenders a second chance at employment. Wolf even took part in a Washington Post panel last week touting some of the states successes.

But the federal government? Not so much.

In fact, theres a better than even chance that the U.S. Senate could break for the year without acting on an important package of criminal justice reform. And as were reminded by a Philadelphia Inquirer op-Ed this morning, Pennsylvanias two U.S. senators, Democrat Bob Casey and Republican Pat Toomey, could play an instrumental role in getting it over the goal line.

Beth Anne Mumford, the state director of the Koch Brothers-funded group, Americans for Prosperity, writes that Casey and Toomey should put their political muscle behind legislation known as the First Step Act, that would give returning inmates the tools they need to succeed outside of prison. The bill has the backing of Pennsylvania Corrections Secretary John Wetzel, whos no slouch on reform front.

The measure would allow offenders who participate successfully in job training and substance abuse programs, and who arent a threat to public safety, to earn credit toward pre-release custody at non-prison facilities such as halfway houses or home confinement. Earned time is just that  earned  and those with credits continue to serve their sentences in alternative settings, Mumford writes. Most federal prisoners  and there are more than 10,000 housed in Pennsylvania  could earn up to 54 days of credit per year only if they display exemplary compliance with institutional disciplinary regulations. The most serious and violent offenses bar inmates from participating. And the final call rests with the people in charge of the prisons."

Mumford goes on to note that Reams of research coupled with real-world examples prove that these kinds of educational programs, vocational training, and mental health and substance abuse treatment can significantly reduce recidivism rates.

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Toomey is among a growing Republican cadre of critics of the legislation, whose ranks also include GOP Sens. John Kennedy of Louisiana, Marco Rubio of Florida, Ben Sasse and Deb Fischer of Nebraska, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, Ted Cruz of Texas and Richard Shelby of Alabama.

Writing for The Inquirer, Mumford argues that wide array of law enforcement groups have united behind the bill, which passed the U.S. House by a substantial margin.

She further notes that the Fraternal Order of Police, which is not known for being soft on crime, said the legislation will make our streets and neighborhoods safer," and that groups including the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Due Process Institute have called it a significant step to advance justice.

Sounds like a discussion worth having.

The rest of the days news starts now.

Pennsylvania scrapped lame-duck legislative sessions a while ago. The current insanity in Wisconsin is a reminder of why theyre such a bad idea. Stateline.org has more details.

More people voted this year for Democrats for the state House than Republicans - but the GOP hung onto its majority. WITF-FM explains how that happened.

Dauphin County DA Fran Chardo has actually had to file a lawsuit against convicted state Rep. Vanessa Lowery-Brown, D-Philadelphia, to force her to give up her House seat. Only in Pennsylvania.

Two lobbying groups have been ordered to pay fines for failing to register with the Dept. of State, PennLives Matt Miller reports.

Newly elected Democratic state Sen. Lindsey Williams, whos facing questions about her residency, should be allowed to to take her seat, Gov. Tom Wolf says (also via WITF-FM).

Philly DA Glenn Krasners office is moving to reverse a controversial plea agreement for a gunman in an AK-47 shooting, BillyPenn reports.

The Incline goes deep on a bee-keeping renaissance in Pittsburgh.

Heres an appropriately seasonal #Harrisburg Instagram of the Day:

The Morning Call has your must-read story of the week: At 22, this man was mayor of a Schuylkill County community. Two years later, he died from a heroin overdose.

Politico explains why Capitol Hill Democrats dont trust President Trump to keep his word on any shutdown deal.

Republican Mark Harris says hes open to a new election in North Carolinas scandal-plagued 9th Congressional District, Roll Call reports. How magnanimous of him.

WolfWatch.

Gov. Tom Wolf swings by the Dauphin County State Health Center in Kline Plaza in Harrisburg today at 1:15 p.m. for a summit on opioid abuse. Theyll be distributing Naloxone during the event.

Heavy Rotation.

Some songs you never get tired of hearing. This is definitely one of them.

Mondays Gratuitous Hockey Link.

Making us very happy indeed, sentimental faves Winnipeg absolutely demolished Philadelphia on Sunday. The Jets grounded the Flyers, 7-1.

And now youre up to date.
A bar fight involving up to five combatants sent three of them to the hospital Sunday night in Reading.

The Reading Eagle reports the bar fight broke out around 7:20 p.m. at the El Primo Bar & Grill at Ninth and Walnut streets in the city.

Three people were taken by ambulance to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, mostly cuts to the arm, a police captain told the newspaper.

The police investigation into the bar fight continues.

No word on what started the fracas in the first place.
A recent Carnegie Mellon University software engineering grad with a seemingly bright future was instead found dead at Googles New York City offices late Friday.

As the Associated Press reports, 22-year-old Scott Krulcik was found unconscious on the sixth floor of the companys offices in Chelsea at about 9 p.m. Friday. He was pronounced dead by Emergency Medical Service workers.

Mystery surrounds the death as there were no signs of trauma and nothing thus far appears to be suspicious, the AP reports.

The New York City medical examiners office was still working to determine the cause of death in the case.

Meanwhile, Krulciks Linkedin page says he began working at Google in August after serving as an intern in the summer of 2017.

He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University last spring with a degree in computer science.

Google representatives did not immediately return APs emails seeking comment.
Ramsey Bearse has long been accustomed to appearing before an audience.

She was entranced by the sound of the fiddle as a teenager and soon jumped in with older musicians at bluegrass joints in Kentucky, crafting a stage persona with a trademark instrument.

"I have been known as the 'Girl with the Green Fiddle' a lot longer than I've been known as Miss Kentucky," Bearse said in 2014 during the preliminary competitions for Miss America.

But on Friday, Bearse, now a middle school science teacher outside Charleston, West Virginia, appeared before an audience of one - a magistrate judge who read four felony counts accusing her of sending nude photos of herself to a 15-year-old former student over Snapchat.

Bearse admitted to sending the photos to the male student after his parents alerted authorities, The Associated Press reported, citing court documents. She had been the student's teacher for part of his time at Andrew Jackson Middle School, the AP reported.

A Kanawha County Magistrate Court judge told Bearse the charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. She declined to provide comment to reporters at the county court, and her attorney, A.L. Emch, did not return a request for comment.

Bearse was suspended from her position at the school, the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office said Friday on Facebook, and was released on a $10,000 property bond following her arraignment.

Today Ramsey BethAnn Bearse, 28 years old of Charleston, WV, was arrested. She is charged with distributing obscene... Posted by Kanawha County Sheriff's Office on Friday, December 7, 2018

A spokesman for Kanawha County Schools did not return a request for comment. Bearse was listed as an employee on the school's website as of Saturday morning.

It is not clear whether authorities believe other students received explicit photos from Bearse. The sheriff's office urged anyone with information on the case or similar instances to contact investigators.

The Miss America pageant did not return a request for comment about their former contestant, who competed under her maiden name of Carpenter.

Bearse, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, made raising awareness and research funds for the illness part of her Miss American platform four years ago.

She had already lined up to speak before neurologists at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society following the pageant, according to a story from the Lexington Herald-Leader.

I just want to help people understand the disease, she told the newspaper at the time.
Miltko-Ivkovich said the SEIU spent about $3 million between direct contributions, in-kind contributions and its own independent expenditure TV ad buys on Jesus Chuy Garcias failed 2015 run for mayor against Rahm Emanuel. She would not estimate how much the union plans to spend to back Preckwinkle this time. The working families of Chicago made it clear at the endorsement that they will do whatever it takes to make sure she has the resources to compete, she said.
Ten United Methodist Churches in and around Harrisburg are consolidating.

Whether this means some or all of these churches will close was not immediately clear.

Its part of a plan to open unified multisite campuses throughout the city of Harrisburg, laid out at the Susquehanna United Methodist Conference over the weekend.

According to a news release from the conference, as of April 22, the following churches will be affected by the consolidation: Derry Street UMC at 1508 Derry St.; First Harrisburg UMC at 260 Boas St.; Grace Penbrook UMC at 25 S. 28th St., Penbrook; Riverside UMC at 3200 N Third St.; Rockville UMC at 4386 N. Sixth St.; St. Marks UMC at 3985 N. Second St.; and Trinity Penbrook UMC at Canby and North 25th St.

The release says special discernment and consideration will be given to the Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell UMC at 2221 N. Sixth St. and the Grace Harrisburg UMC at 216 State St. due to the historic nature of the buildings. A news release from the conference said 10 churches would be affected but named only nine.

These churches will be under the direction and leadership of the Susquehanna Conference Board of Trustees.

The conference is exploring potential sites in Downtown, Uptown, Midtown, Penbrook and Allison HIll for the new campuses.

The changes were recommended by the Impact Harrisburg task force of the Susquehanna Conference.
A 26-year-old bicyclist was killed Monday morning when he hit a tractor-trailer on Route 30 in Lancaster County, police said.

East Lampeter Township police responded to the crash around 5:29 a.m. in the 2800 block fo Lincoln Highway East, where bicyclist Alimber Rios, 26, had hit the tractor trailer.

Police said Rios was leaving a private parking lot when he hit the trailer portion of the tractor trailer, which was driven by a Delaware man.

Rios was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The crash closed a portion of U.S. Route 30 east of Lancaster for several hours Monday morning, according to PennDOT.

The investigation is ongoing and police ask that anyone with information call East Lampeter Township Police at 717-291-4676.
Protecting minors is the intention behind Harrisburg City Councils proposed resolution denouncing the practice of conversion therapy, or tactics intended to change LGBT individuals sexual orientation and gender identity.

There have been no reports of conversion therapy being used in Harrisburg. If the city does document any instances of its use, said Solicitor Neil Grover during a recent work session, then council members can revisit the subject and pass a city ordinance that would ban it and outline the repercussions of using it.

The resolution, he said, is just as important as passing an outright ban because its purpose is not only to protect minors, but also to gain the attention of state General Assembly members.

A number of municipalities have banned conversion therapy, but the commonwealth has not outlawed its use, Grover said. Bans by other municipalities, including Pittsburgh, Bethlehem and Allentown, include penalties ranging from fines to revocation of business licenses.

When asked why the resolution is important, Councilman Ben Allatt, who spearheaded it, said it is intended to protect the citys youth. He said methods used can be as inhumane as psychologists using electric shocks to try to change LGBT individuals sexual orientation and gender identity.

Allatt said, it wasnt a big deal that he was identified as gay in 2014 when he ran for office.

I fully embraced my identity, he said.

However, he added, I wasnt ready for the hate.

He said because complete strangers are comfortable using social media to verbally attack the LGBT community, hes alarmed that words may turn into action.

Allatt said he walked away unscathed from his experience with conversion therapy in his 20s, but others may not be as lucky.

The resolution notes that being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is not a disease, disorder, illness, deficiency or shortcoming, and it urges all medical and mental health professionals to help remove the stigma of mental illness that has far too long been associated with homosexuality.

Conversion therapy does not include counseling or therapy that provides acceptance, support or facilitation of an individuals coping, social support and identity exploration and development, according to the resolution.

Amanda Arbour, executive director of the LGBT Community Center Coalition of Central PA, said at the work session, conversion therapy is very damaging, especially when a religious organization says they are representing God.

Grover noted that if council chooses to move forward with adopting an ordinance, theres a chance that "wed run into a First Amendment religious argument.

The resolution is on councils Tuesday, Dec. 18 agenda, which is when members will vote on it.

The fact that things like this go on in our country and in our state is disheartening, councilwoman Ausha Green said at the work session. You kind of assume that its not happening. It angers me.
A Lancaster County jury convicted a man of murdering his wifes lover, the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office announced Monday.

Jose F. Ferrufino, 50, was convicted of first degree murder on Monday afternoon, after four hours of jury deliberation, prosecutors said. Ferrufino was found responsible for shooting Hugo Garcia-Hernandez, 35, whom he had ill will toward because of the relationship with his wife.

Garcia-Hernandez was killed in his home on Pennsy Road on March 22, 2017, prosecutors said.

Alejandro Cruz-Santiago, 40, of Elizabethtown, was accused of helping Ferrufino hold down Garcia-Hernandez during the murder, and was charged as a co-conspirator. Prosecutors said Cruz-Santiago testified against Ferrufino, and the charges against him are still pending.

Ferrufinos first degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life imprisonment sentence, prosecutors said.

Ferrufinos only reaction to the verdict was to lean back in his chair and adjust a headset he was using to hear an interpreter, the district attorneys office said in their release.

Garcia-Hernandez suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest, and suffered injuries from being beaten in the face, prosecutors said. Zip ties were found on his body.

Police also learned there was at least one previous incident between Ferrufino and Garcia-Hernandez, relating to Ferrufinos wife.

A woman told police Ferrufino forced his way into a home and pulled a small pistol from his waistband and pointed it at Garcia-Hernandez, according to charging documents filed against Ferrufino in a Dec. 25, 2016 burglary.

In the documents, Ferrufino is quoted as saying I dont care about killing you, while still pointing the gun at Garcia-Hernandez.

On Monday, Ferrufino was convicted of murder and several other offenses including ones from the Dec. 25 burglary.
A department store employee found guilty of masturbating while holding a female co-workers sandwich has failed to convince a state appeals court panel he was unjustly convicted of indecent assault.

Instead, the Superior Court in an opinion by Judge Mary P. Murray upheld Anthony S. Manevals convictions for the August 2016 incident at a Bon-Ton in Snyder County. Maneval, 36, of Selinsgrove, was sentenced by county Judge Michael H. Sholley to 3 to 12 months in prison, plus 4 years of probation.

According to Murrays opinion, the case hinged on a surveillance camera video shot in the stores stock room. The stores human resources manager testified that film showed Maneval masturbating while holding the unwrapped sandwich and a pair of pink womens shorts.

That video showed Maneval press the sandwich against his body, then rewrap it, the HR official testified. Soon afterward, the other employee ate the sandwich, Murray noted. The co-worker testified during Manevals nonjury trial that she didnt know what Maneval had done to it.

A state trooper testified that Maneval admitted to masturbating at work. Maneval also conceded that a black light would have revealed traces of semen on his hands when he was touching the sandwich, the officer said.

Maneval didnt testify or present any evidence at his trial, but did seek dismissal of the case, arguing there was no evidence of indecent contact, Murray noted. He also insisted Sholley shouldnt have allowed the video to be admitted as evidence.

It is undisputed that (Maneval) did not deny his behavior, Murray wrote in rejecting Manevals appeal. He admitted to police that he masturbated with the pink shorts and the sandwich and he had seminal fluid on his hand when he rewrapped the sandwich that later would be eaten.

Therefore, Murray found, Sholleys conviction of Maneval would not shock ones sense of justice.
A 47-year-old driver of a water-tank truck has been charged after police say he had been drinking before striking a firefighter who was changing a tire on Interstate 81 in April.

Robert A. Runyon is facing charges of homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, DUI, recklessly endangering another person and numerous traffic violations.

He was charged in connection with the April 13 crash that killed Robert Marshall, 57, of West Virginia, who as a Washington D.C. firefighter.

He was struck while changing a tire on I-81 at mile marker 45.3 in South Middleton Township near Carlisle. Marshall was taken to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center after the crash and died April 21 from his injuries.

According to charging documents filed by the Pennsylvania State Police today, the crash and investigation unfolded like this:

When investigators spoke to Runyon at the crash scene, he said he was heading north on I-81 in a Mack tanker truck when a car slowed down in front of him. He tried to avoid hitting the car by swerving to the right. He ran off the road and struck Marshalls car, which had been stopped on the right shoulder as Marshall was changing a tire.

Runyon said he did not see Marshall until he got out of his truck.

As Runyon spoke to the trooper, he had a faint odor of alcohol on him and appeared to be lethargic, but he denied that he had been drinking.

As police continued to investigate, they found an open, 16-ounce Miller Lite beer can on the driver-side floor.

Runyon submitted to a blood test, with his blood-alcohol content level coming back as 0.225 percent  higher than the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Dec. 19.
By Maria D. Mitchell

We were not the only ones taking pictures in the 8th arrondissement Sunday morning, Dec. 2, after the third Yellow Vest Saturday national protests injured more than 100 in Paris, resulted in more than 400 arrests, and produced scenes of havoc and violence reminiscent of civil war.

Like other neighborhood residents, we wanted to record the remains of a day when we watched casseurs wearing yellow vests set fires, stone police vans, and flee tear gas while helicopters circled overhead. The damage was widespread. Businesses large and small were vandalized; a veterinary clinic, pizza restaurant, and opticians office lay open, their windows smashed and their contents rifled. A motorcycle carcass abutted a hotel where it had fed a large fire; cars, ATMs, construction sites, and banks were charred and destroyed. Yellow paint and graffiti, often obscene, were everywhereJail Macron, Macron Resign, and Misery. A social movement forged over Facebook to protest a heightened gas tax has burgeoned into a state crisis.

Street fires were not what we imagined would illuminate the City of Light when we moved here for a year. But as a historian of modern Europe, I should not have been surprised by the emergence of a working-class-based social movement.

Workers revolts have a long and storied history in France. From the French Revolution to the revolutions of 1830 and 1848, the Commune in 1871, and the August 1944 general strike that helped liberate Paris from the Nazis to the 7 million workers who struck alongside student protestors in May 1968, French workers claim a tradition of political street protest like no other Europeans. Historical markers in the city, including one at Place de la Bastille, salute workers who raised barricades and died for their cause. Such historical reverence reinforces the pride French laborers take in their successes. Indeed, they have secured hard-fought and far-reaching employment safeguards and benefits, making them among the most protected employees in the world.

French workers dont need to rattle off dates to be immersed in the countrys tradition of political activism and culture of the strike. The historical resonances of the Yellow Vest movement abound, from the invocation of French revolutionary cahiers de doleances and the Estates General to the warning to President Emmanuel Macron that We cut off heads for less than this.

Graffiti makes explicit reference to the student-led uprisings that rocked the French state fifty years agoMay 1968, December 2018 and CRS = SS, equating the national police force with the Nazis. When casseurstorched cars and dug out cobblestones from the streets, they mimicked the tactics of the Sixty-Eighters occupying the Sorbonne and fighting the CRS.

The shadow of history makes the recent damage done to the Arc de Triomphe all the more symbolically powerful and shocking. Yellow-vested protesters, singing the Marseillaise, surrounded the eternal flame of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before climbing atop the Arc de Triomphe while vandals spray-painted the monument, ravaged its museum, and damaged the bust of Marianne, symbol of the Revolution.

It was telling that Macron visited the Arc de Triomphe immediately after returning to France from the G-20 meetings in Argentina. The product of an elite French education, Macron is steeped in the French past, lacing his speeches with literary and historical lessons and references.

His recognition of the crimes of the French empire, elaborate commemoration of the end of World War I, invocations of Europe in the 1930s, warnings against nationalism, and proposals to strengthen the European Union all rest on a personal conviction that the past matters and should guide current events.

But the pathos and victories of the French working class are far easier to romanticize outside the chambers of the Palais de lElysee. The attacks on Macron  and on his wife, Brigitte  are reminiscent of the personalization of monarchical politics, when protestors lay blame for systemic and long-term failures at the feet of privileged individuals deaf to common concerns.

Macron and his government certainly bear responsibility for much of the current political crisis. But the Yellow Vests unifying slogan, Macron Resign, offers a simple solution to a complex and protracted set of challenges made all the more exigent by global warming.

With calls for a fourth Saturday of Yellow Vest protest and the movement embedded throughout the country, the prospect of continued activism and renewed violence looms large. Macron may not lose his head, but the strategy of divide and conquer, as practiced by President Charles de Gaulle in 1968, promises only short-term stability.

History suggests that what happened in Paris on December 1, 2018, has deep and complex roots. As merchants in the 8th arrondissement and other sectors of Paris carry out their repairs, the question of who will write the next chapter of French history remains open.

Maria D. Mitchell is professor of history at Franklin & Marshall College. She is author of the 2012 book, The Origins of Christian Democracy: Politics and Confession in Modern Germany. She is currently in Paris researching a project on the Franco-German 1982 World Cup match.
Okay, write down the day. Im going to praise Pennsylvanias Republican-controlled General Assembly for getting something right.

All right ... well, kind of. Praise is maybe too strong a word.

Im going to ... credit ... them for not being as nakedly power-mad as their brethren in Wisconsin and Michigan, where, as NBC News succinctly reports, a sack full of GOP sore losers have pushed through bills aimed at limiting the power of incoming Democratic governors, constraining the authority of the judiciary, and messing around with the voters' rights.

The bills, modeled on a similar silent coup in North Carolina two years ago, came during the post-election lame duck sessions in those midwestern states

As a refresher, a lame duck session is that period immediately after Election Day, where freshly re-elected, retiring and defeated lawmakers, who know they wont have to face the voters for another two or four years (or ever), commit the same kind of political atrocities as the Visigoths did when they rolled through Rome all those years ago.

After years of being batted around like a scandal-plagued pinata, GOP lawmakers here in the Keystone State have wisely avoided holding lame-duck sessions -- which has at least slapped a patina of good-government common sense on an institution that still cant resist the lure of dysfunction.

And more on that in a minute.

Its been around a decade (2008) since the state Senate scrapped its post-election session after Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, and then-Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware, loudly voiced their disdain.

It took the House two more years, until 2010, to follow suit. And the Houses final lame duck session, on Nov. 15, 2010, was notable because it got a pension fix bill onto then-Gov. Ed Rendells desk. But it was ignominious because lawmakers also sent Rendell a Castle Doctrine" bill, which the Democrat vetoed.

So credit the GOP majority in Pennsylvania for being ahead of the curve on that one. The insanity in Wisconsin and Michigan, however, appears to be on the bleeding edge of new and decidedly anti-democratic trend. Thats small "d" democratic, by the way.

The idea that, if our party loses the election, well re-arrange the powers of government, is one step short of cancelling elections altogether, Howard Schweber, professor of American politics and political theory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told Stateline.org, a project of the Pew Research Center, which tracks trends in state governments.

Speaking of that lure of dysfunction: Senate Republicans are setting the stage for a bruising partisan fight over whether a newly elected senator, Democrat Lindsey Williams of Allegheny County, who flipped a GOP-held seat by just 793 vote,s meets residency requirements to be seated on swearing-in day in January.

At issue is whether, under the law, Williams has been a citizen and inhabitant of Pennsylvania for the preceding four years. As the Associated Press' Marc Levy reports, thats not entirely clear. Scarnatis office gave Williams until the end of the day on Monday to prove she met the requirement.

Do they have the will to do this? Bucks County-based elections lawyer Larry Otter told the Associated Press. They probably have the votes, but youve got to have the will to do it, too, because if they try and do it, then theyll have to schedule a special election, and she could win again.

If you count Williams - and Democrats most assuredly do - a veto-proof 34-16 GOP majority will get whittled down to a 29-21 Republican edge come January.

And that matters. Bigly, as a certain chief executive might be wont to say.

Thats because Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf who romped to re-election on Nov. 6, is over the moon about being buttressed by expanded Democratic ranks in the House and Senate. Hes said - surprise - he believes Williams meets the residency requirement

Republicans insist theyre not prejudging the case and just want to make sure everything is hunky-dory under the law. But make no mistake, theyre smarting over losing the 38th District seat that had been in Republican hands for years.

Should the Senate reject her, theres every chance that Williams could win in court or win a special election for her seat. On Friday, the progressive activist group Emilys List is already playing this one as a Republican power-grab.

This is yet another desperate and baseless attempt by Republicans to accomplish what they couldnt at the ballot box or in court," it said in a statement to the AP.

Were not at a Wisconsin-scale meltdown -- yet. But theres still plenty of time.
Health official: 'We have seen an increase in the number of pediatric patients hospitalized'

local
Referencing a discussion the two had on his podcast The Axe Files about violence and guns in the city, Axelrod wrote on Twitter: .@RahmEmanuel argues much of Chicagos violence stems from lax gun laws in neighboring states. You and I want to get in a car and drive 20 minutes, I can get you anything you want, just place the order, 60% of the guns we seize  come from outside IL.
"I know I'm not perfect, but I try as much as I can to share my story, my perspective, my strength, and my hope, with other women, so that they know there's hope. If I can change my life, and...
Day 1 of the 50,000 EPT Super High Roller is in the books here in the Hilton Prague after eight levels of play. In total there were 28 entries which included 7 reentries and 14 made it through to Day 2 here at the 2018 PokerStars European Poker Tour Prague. Claiming the Day 1 chip lead is Hungarys Andras Nemeth with 1,817,000 in chips.

Nemeth joined the field in the third level of the day and doubled a level later with pocket tens against the ace-king of Martin Winkler who was chip leading earlier in the day. A big double-up, later on, went Nemeths way when a raising war on the flop caused Nemeth to go all-in against Ahadpur Khangah with the straight which he held on to until the river was dealt.

In the last level of the night, Nemeth cemented his chip lead by winning a big pot against Elias Talvitie and eliminating Orpen Kisacikoglu in the last hand of the night. Nemeth had flopped a flush draw against the two pair of Kisacikoglu but hit a runner-runner straight to send Kisacikoglu back to his hotel room having to reenter tomorrow before the start of Day 2.

Trailing Nemeth in second place is Tuan Tran, the Vietnamese player collected 877,000 chips after having had a pretty bad start to the day. But after doubling up and winning big pots, left, right, and center a few times, the happy, sort of singing, chanting, player bagged a more than respectable stack to play with on Day 2.

Matthias Eibinger is third in the chip counts with 818,000 in chips. Eibinger chipped up steadily all day through, winning chips from Winkler and eliminating Khangah. Finally, theres Britains Sam Grafton as the only other player who managed to bag above average with 545,000.

The absolute short stack is Daniel Dvoress from Canada, Dvoress chucked 40,000 into his Day 2 bag and will need some extra luck if he wants to run as deep as he did earlier this week when he finished in fourth place in the 10,300 No-Limit Hold'em for 42,390. Also through to Day 2 are Stefan Schillhabel, Juha Helppi, Luc Greenwood, Steve ODwyer, Elias Talvitie, Sam Greenwood, Liang Xu, Michael Addamo, and Timothy Adams, the defending champion.

Lucas Reeves, Ali Reza Fatehi, Thomas Muehloecker, Winkler, Khangah, Joao Vieira, and Kisacikoglu all fell during the day and might be back at the start of Day 2 as late registration and reentries are possible until 12:30 PM local time, Tuesday, December 11. Day 2 will start with Level 9 which features a small blind of 3,000, big blind of 6,000 and a big blind ante of 6,000.

Make sure to return to PokerNews.com to keep following our coverage of the 50,000 EPT Super High Roller here in Prague!
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By Jason Lange and David Morgan

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  The FBI launched investigations of four Americans in July 2016 into whether they helped Russias alleged efforts to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, former FBI Director James Comey said in remarks released on Saturday.

Comey also appeared to suggest the investigations were looking into ties between Russia and U.S. President Donald Trumps election campaign.

He did not identify the people being investigated but said Trump was not among them.

We opened investigations on four Americans to see if there was any connection between those four Americans and the Russian interference effort, Comey said, according to a transcript of the closed-door hearing held on Friday by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee.

Trump fired Comey in May 2017 after taking office in January of that year. Shortly after Comeys dismissal, the Department of Justice named a special counsel to investigate alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and whether Trumps campaign colluded with Moscow.

Russia has denied any interference. Trump denies there was any collusion and on Saturday renewed his call to end the special counsels investigation, calling it a witch hunt.

In the hearing on Friday, Republican Congressman John Ratcliffe asked Comey whether the FBI had any evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia when agents briefed Trump as a candidate in 2016 about foreign intelligence threats.

Comey said the probes into the four Americans began in late July but that he was not sure when agents briefed Trump.

If it was after July 29th, then the answer would be, yes, we had some reason to suspect that there were Americans who might have assisted the Russians, Comey said, according to the transcript. He said the four Americans had some connection to Mr. Trump.

The 235-page transcript also covers Comeys responses to questions about FBI interactions with a former British spy who compiled a dossier of allegations of collusion between Trumps campaign and Russia.

Most of the hearing on Friday covered lawmaker questions about Republican-led investigations into former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons use of a private email server while she was in office. Clinton was the Democratic candidate in the 2016 presidential election.

The Republican-led inquiries have been lambasted by Democrats, who will take over the House of Representatives in January, as a partisan effort to undermine Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference.

(This story has been refiled to remove extraneous word in eighth paragraph.)

(Reporting by David Morgan and Jason Lange; Editing by Susan Thomas)
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By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Accused Russian agent Maria Butina appeared poised this week to plead guilty in the case, after her lawyers and prosecutors filed a joint motion asking a federal judge on Monday to schedule a change of plea hearing this week.

The filing comes after Butinas attorney and prosecutors revealed last month they were actively in talks to settle the case.

Butina had previously pleaded not guilty to charges that she was acting as an agent of the Russian government and conspiring to take actions on Russias behalf.

Specifically, prosecutors have accused the former American University graduate student of working with a Russian official and two U.S. citizens to try to infiltrate the National Rifle Association, a powerful lobby group that has close ties to Republican politicians including President Donald Trump, and influence American foreign policy toward Russia.

Butinas lawyers previously identified the Russian official with whom she was accused of working as Alexander Torshin, a deputy governor of Russias central bank who was hit with U.S. Treasury Department sanctions in April.

They identified one of the two Americans mentioned in the criminal complaint as being Paul Erickson, a conservative U.S. political activist who was dating Butina. Neither Erickson nor Torshin have been accused by prosecutors of wrongdoing.

Butina has been in jail since her arrest in July.

In the joint motion filed Monday morning, prosecutors and defense lawyers proposed holding a hearing sometime between Tuesday and Thursday of this week.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Susan Thomas)
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Brett Kavanaugh and John Roberts sided with liberal justices as Planned Parenthood won a big victory against red states who tried to deny funding to Medicaid patients who use them for non-abortion services.

Pete Williams of NBC News reported:



Its a victory for Planned Parenthood. The roots of this case go back to that video released that purported to show planned parenthood officials talking about selling fetal tissues. The videos were later discredited. Kansas and Louisiana saying that Medicaid patients in those states could not get medical services from planned the patients sued. They won in the lower courts.

The states appealed and today the issue people court declined to take the case. That leaves the victory in the lower court for the Medicaid patients and Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood in those states doesnt provide abortion services. Its pregnancy counseling, breast cancer screening. That kind of thing. Thats what was at issue. Three of the courts conservative said the court should have taken this case  Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch. John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh appeared to have voted with the rest of the court not to take this case. Clarence Thomas says why didnt we take this case. Its a big deal about whether Medicaid patients get to sue over who their health care providers are. That really should be a state he says I think the reason we didnt take it is because Planned Parenthood is involved here and thats no reason not to take this case just because its politically fraught. It leaves the victory for planned parenthood intact.

Video:

Brett Kavanaugh and John Roberts sided with liberal justices as Planned Parenthood won a big victory against red states who tried to deny funding to Medicaid patients who use them for non-abortion services. https://t.co/ks6MqBPqPT pic.twitter.com/V79frcrf2M  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) December 10, 2018

In other words, states cant use bogus right-wing doctored right-wing videos to deny medical services to lower-income women on Medicaid. It is interesting that Trumps newest Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh sided with the liberals in the case, but what might be more critical is the fact that Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the liberals.

There has been some speculation that Roberts might become the new swing vote on the court.

While this is just one case, it along with the Obamacare ruling, reveal that it isnt a slam dunk that this court is going to be as far right wing as Trump and his followers dreamed up when they shoved Kavanaghs confirmation through the Senate.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook.
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Former FBI Director James Comey knows better than most people the existential threat that Donald Trump poses to democracy in America.

On Sunday night, speaking to a well-healed audience on New York Citys Upper East Side, he said that American voters must end Donald Trumps presidency with a landslide victory for his opponent in 2020.

And he begged Democrats to set aside their differences and unite for the common purpose of defeating Trumps reelection bid.

All of us should use every breath we have to make sure the lies stop on January 20, 2021, Comey said to the crowd.

He said Democrats must set aside ideology and nominate the person most likely to defeat Trump in the next presidential election.

I understand the Democrats have important debates now over who their candidate should be, Comey said, but they have to win. They have to win.

In his hour-long presentation Comey repeatedly told the audience that Trumps character presented dangers that few people could understand. He said the president runs the White House  and the U.S. government  like a mob organization. He said the atmosphere around Trump is the same as he saw in his decades of prosecuting mafia figures.

And he made clear that in his opinion, many of Trumps tweets were intended as witness tampering. He even said that eventually all of Trumps tweets, along with other public statements, would likely be used as evidence against him in a court proceeding.

He also said it is possible that Trump might be an unindicted co-conspirator in some of the crimes recently described by special counsel Robert Mueller, but more evidence would be needed to be sure.

Concerning impeachment, Comey said a massive defeat in two years would be better. This, he said, would help rid the country of Trumpism.

A landslide defeat would rid ourselves of this attack on our values. But removal by impeachment would muddy that, he said.

He said he was afraid an impeachment would leave a third of the voters feeling like their chosen leader had been removed in a coup, and that would not be good for the country.

James Comey is correct in saying that Americans must come together and fight to the last breath to defeat Donald Trump if he does run for president again in 2020. Although the former FBI director has never fully confessed to the role he played in defeating Hillary Clinton in 2016, he has come to see that the election of Donald Trump was a total disaster for the United States. And we must do everything in our power to make sure that this dark period in our nations history ends as soon as possible.
The court rulings were met with another policy revision early this year from Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, who issued a plan to bar men and women from the military who identify with a gender different from their biological sex and who are seeking to undergo the medical transition process. The new plan makes exceptions, for instance, for about 900 transgender individuals who are already serving openly and for others who would serve in their biological sex.
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The worlds largest investors, who manage over $32 trillion in financial assets, joined together to issue a strong warning to governments at the U.N. climate summit on Monday.

Without huge reductions in carbon emissions, and the phasing out of all coal burning, the world faces a financial crash several times worse than the 2008 crisis, they said.

The joint statement from investors representing the worlds biggest investment funds was noteworthy. It is the first time so many major investors had joined together to express their fears  and their demands  to governments of the world.

Their solution is simple  they say fossil fuel subsidies must end and substantial taxes on carbon be introduced. But getting agreement to implement their solution will be difficult.

And their role is important, because the most important aspect of fighting global warming is providing the investment capital needed to finance alternative energy sources.

The U.N. climate summit is being held in Katowice, Poland. This week will center on negotiations to make real the vision of the Paris climate agreement. And financing the fight for global warming is a key area of dispute.

The long-term nature of the challenge has, in our view, met a zombie-like response by many, said Chris Newton, of IFM Investors, one of the 415 groups that signed the Global Investor Statement. This is a recipe for disaster as the impacts of climate change can be sudden, severe and catastrophic.

The group of investment firms said there could be $23 trillion of global economic losses a year in the long term without rapid action. The impact of this would be four times the size of the 2008 global financial crisis.

The group also said that taking action immediately is critical. Climate change has already started to alter the functioning of our world, they said.

Thomas DiNapoli, of the New York State Retirement Fund, said taking action on global warming would boost jobs and economic growth. The low-carbon economy presents numerous opportunities and investors who ignore the changing world do so at their own peril, he said.

Nicholas Stern, of the London School of Economics added:

The low-carbon economy is the growth story of the 21st century and it is inclusive growth. Trumps suggestion that action on climate change is a jobs killer is dead wrong. You dont create jobs for the 21st century by trying to whistle up jobs from the 19th century.

A key demand of the Global Investor Statement is to phase out coal-fired power stations across the world. Peter Jensen, the CEO of the largest Danish pension fund, said: Investors are moving out of coal in droves given its devastating effects on the climate and public health, compounded by its poor financial performance.

The group of large investors also said that current national pledges to cut carbon would lead to a catastrophic increase in global warming. The said that plans must be dramatically increased by 2020 to avoid a climate disaster.

Hopefully the political and financial leaders meeting in Poland can reach a consensus concerning the seriousness of the climate change issue, and also agree on what to do about it. Time is of the essence, and the future of the world depends on it.
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The campaign finance felonies that Trump directed indicate that prosecutors and Mueller may also have evidence of money laundering and bank fraud.

Frank Figliuzzi said on MSNBCs Andrea Mitchell Reports:

Were seeing an evolution of the defense strategy which has gone from, I didnt do it to I might have done it but its not illegal to the next step being, I did it, and it might be illegal, but Im the sitting president, and you cant touch me. The problem with evidence that you directed a felony is that youre involved in other crimes. People who say, this is just about giving money to women to be quiet dont understand the gravity of directing money through money laundering, through bank fraud, through wire fraud and then campaign finance violations and possibly using the Trump Organization as a slush fund to support the campaign. At some point, he can no longer say, I didnt get it because Mueller or the southern district of New York may likely have evidence that shows him directing the money laundering, directing the bank fraud, the establishment of fictitious corporations. At that point, he can no longer claim ignorance.

Video:

The campaign finance felonies that Trump directed indicate that prosecutors and Mueller may also have evidence of money laundering and bank fraud. https://t.co/WlpYDcpfZz pic.twitter.com/nJq4nKF2nD  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) December 10, 2018

Trump could be indicted as soon as he leaves office

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) discussed the possibility that Trump could be indicted and face jail time as soon as he leaves office, Theres a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time. We have been discussing the issue of pardons that the president may offer to people or dangle in front of people. The bigger pardon question may come down the road as the next president has to determine whether to pardon Donald Trump.

The prospect of Trump ending up in prison is very real. Trump has been connected to multiple felonies, not by media reports, but by federal prosecutors. People who say that this is just about paying off women have it totally wrong. The problem wasnt the money itself, but the illegal criminal activity designed to hide the payments so that they would not hurt Trump during the presidential election.

Donald Trump has committed a litany of crimes, and he cant resign from office, because if he does, without a pardon, his next stop is prison.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

Follow Jason Easley on Facebook.
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Federal prosecutors in New York have been investigating Trump Organization executives to determine if they were also involved in campaign finance violations, the New York Times is reporting this morning.

Last week the New York prosecutors recommended a substantial prison term for President Trumps former lawyer, Michael Cohen. In the sentencing memo filed with the court, they also tied the president to the crimes Cohen had admitted to committing. The crimes involved federal campaign finance law violations in connection with Trumps 2016 run for the presidency.

The document filed by prosecutors with the court did not address crimes committed by other people. The New York Times, however, says that the U.S. Attorneys office in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) is continuing its investigation and is looking at people in addition to Cohen and Trump.

The Times reports that the SDNY prosecutors are finding out what other executives in the presidents family business knew about the crimes to which Cohen pleaded guilty, and in which he implicated President Trump.

The crimes involved hush-money payments to two women  Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal who claimed they had illicit sexual relationships with Trump while he was married to his current wife, Melania.

The federal prosecutors have been investigating for months what role Trump Organization executives played in the campaign finance violations, according to the Times.

Cohen was not only Trumps personal attorney and fixer, but he was also listed as an executive of the Trump Organization, along with Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump, Jr.

Cohen has provided the SDNY prosecutors a great deal of help in their investigation, which is separate from the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Cohen implicated the president in his crimes, and he also told prosecutors that the companys chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, was involved in making the payments to the two women. Cohen has told prosecutors that he believes Trump personally approved the companys decision to reimburse him for one of the payments, and Weisselberg knew about it. So far no one other than Cohen has been charged with a crime.

In August we reported that:

Weisselberg was granted immunity by federal prosecutors for providing information about Michael Cohen in the criminal investigation into hush-money payments for two women during the 2016 presidential campaign.

The SDNY prosecutors recently contacted the Trump Organization to request documents and other materials relevant to the case. According to the Times:

This is an indication that prosecutors continue to focus on the presidents company even as the case against Cohen comes to a close.

At the time of the payments to the two women, Trump was the head of the company, and although he turned over its management to his two oldest sons, he still owns it through a trust.

Cohen has told the SDNY prosecutors that he arranged the hush money to the two women at the direction of the president. In the filing on Friday, the prosecutors put the weight of their office behind Cohens admission. They wrote that with respect to both payments, he acted in coordination with and at the direction of Trump.

The filing also said Cohen had provided potentially useful information about matters relating to ongoing investigations being carried out by this office. It also said that SDNY prosecutors assessed Cohen to be forthright and credible, and the information he provided was largely consistent with other evidence gathered.

Cohens guilty pleas, and the evidence he has provided to federal prosecutors, may spell big trouble for the Trump Organization and its executives. We dont know the details, but last weeks court filings show that the business and its executives are under continuing investigations. And we also know that Michael Cohen has told the prosecutors everything he knows  which is a lot.

Even after Michael Cohen is sentenced on Wednesday we can expect to hear more from the Southern District of New York as the case against the Trump Organization and its executives continues to unfold.
The Belgian government has become the first European country to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinas leading online marketplace Alibaba to join the Electronic World Trade Platform  an initiative launched by the e-commerce giant to lower global trade barriers for small and medium-sized businesses.

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The multi-stakeholder initiative offers SMEs easier access to new markets via simple and straightforward regulations, as well as support in logistics, financing, cloud computing and mobile payments services.

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Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said, 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 (Electronic World Trade Platform) underlines our countrys vision to help local small and medium-sized companies to be more competitive in the global marketplace in the digital age.

Since it was first proposed in 2016, the eWTP has been recognized by the G20, as well as adopted by China, Malaysia and Rwanda. The goal is to launch a series of e-hubs across the globe so that all businesses  not just multinational companies  can participate in cross-border commerce.

That mission could have a significant impact in Europe, said Alibaba Group CEO Daniel Zhang, where 98% of companies are small businesses. We strongly believe that under the eWTP platform, we will open up the huge potential opportunities for European SMEs to reap the benefits of global cross-border trade, especially into the China market where the demand for European goods is high, said Zhang.

A key part of the agreement between Alibaba and Belgium is the building of logistics infrastructure to support cross-border trade for SMEs. To that end, Alibaba-owned Cainiao Smart Logistics Network signed a deal with Belgiums Liege Airport to build a 220,000m (2,368,000ft) shipping hub at the airport. With an initial investment of 75m (US$86m), the hub is expected to begin operations in early 2021.

The arrival of Cainiao reinforces the competitiveness of our airport, said Luc Partoune, CEO, Liege 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 to the logistics hub, Alibaba and the Belgium government will work to digitize and, therefore, streamline customs procedures to allow for a more-efficient clearance of goods, which would further support SMEs.

Alibaba will also collaborate with the Belgian trade and investment agencies for the regions of Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia on promotions, marketing and direct imports of Belgian products to increase their sales on Alibabas e-commerce platforms.
Mary Katherine, who also goes by MK, covers health care for The Post and Courier. She is also pursuing a master's degree in data science. She grew up in upstate New York and enjoys playing cards, kayaking and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Coffee cart at MUSC is raising awareness about employment needs for those with disabilities
Angie Jackson covers crime and breaking news for The Post and Courier. She previously covered the same beat for the Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com in Michigan. When shes not reporting, Angie enjoys teaching yoga and exploring the outdoors.
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France has a close relationship with Mattis due to the deep operational ties between the U.S. and French militaries, which work together in the Sahel region of Africa, as well as in Iraq and Syria, said two senior French officials. Paris, which doesn't perceive a military threat from Russia, would be less concerned than some smaller allies if Mattis were to go, as any successor would want to maintain those ties. The loss of Kelly, the gatekeeper to the Oval Office, could be more destabilizing, the officials said.
Rochester Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Art will take a bus trip to Minneapolis Thursday to attend a lecture about forgery.

Nick Wilding, a British historian, will talk about "How to Forge a Rare Book." After lunch, the Rochester group will have a docent-led tour of the MIA. Reservations for the holiday lunch at the MIA are $30, 612-870-6323.

The bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. from the 125 Live parking lot, 125 Elton Hills Drive NW. The transportation fee is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. For reservations, call 507-206-0827.
At least one local landowner has had enough with expensive and, his lawyer argues, illegal permitting requirements forced upon planned developments. Read more
Royce Lamberth is an outspoken and sometimes controversial federal judge. Appointed by President Reagan, he has shown no partiality in going after litigants he considers to be malefactors. This time, it is the State Department and the Department of Justice.

Judge Lamberth is presiding over the lawsuit brought by Judicial Watch against the State Department, asking for emails relating to the Benghazi talking points that were promulgated after that attack. On Thursday, he issued an order blasting the federal agencies and authorizing discovery by Judicial Watch, as described below. In his order, Lamberth sets forth a long effort to deceive Judicial Watch and the court that was orchestrated by State and DOJ. It may be that we have not yet heard the last of the Clinton email scandal.

Here are excerpts from Judge Lamberths Order, with citations mostly omitted:

In July 2014, six months after Clinton resigned as Secretary of State, Judicial Watch filed this FOIA suit seeking emails from Clinton and her aides concerning the talking points former U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice used to defend the Obama Administrations response to the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Libya.  And although it would take more than six months for the public to learn Clinton exclusively used a private email account as Secretary, department officials already knew Clintons emails were missing from its records.  State played this card close to its chest. In November 2014, State told Judicial Watch it performed a legally adequate search and concluded settlement was appropriate, despite knowing Clintons emails were missing and unstarched.  In December 2014the same day Clinton quietly turned over 55,000 pages of her missing emailsState gave Judicial Watch a draft Vaughn index making no mention of the unsearched records.

***

After another month of radio silenceby then, at least three months after State realized it never searched Clintons emails, and two months after Clinton gave the Department 30,490 of the 62,320 emails from her private server (she deleted the rest)State filed another status report admitting additional searches for documents potentially responsive to the FOIA must be conducted. A month later, Judicial Watch read the New York Times and realized what State was talking about That story, along with reporting that Clintons former Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills and former Deputy Chiefs of Staffs Huma Abedin and Jake Sullivan also used personal email to conduct government businessexposed States deceit in this case. At best, States attempt to pass off its deficient search as legally adequate during settlement negotiations was negligence born out of incompetence. At worst, career employees in the State and Justice Departments colluded to scuttle public scrutiny of Clinton, skirt FOIA, and hoodwink this Court. The current Justice Department made things worse.

Emphasis added. That last comment shouldnt be surprising. If you thought the Republicans are now running the Department of Justicemerely because Donald Trump was elected president!you dont understand how the federal bureaucracy, the unelected, non-constitutional fourth branch of government, operates.

The order contains much more. For example:

[I]n an even rarer subset of cases, the governments response to a FOIA request smacks of outrageous misconduct.  This is one of those cases.

One subject of discovery, going forward, will be whether Hillary Clinton set up her illegal server in order to evade FOIA. To me, this is not a difficult question. Of course she did. Likewise, why do you think President Obama used an alias when he corresponded with Hillary on her off-the-books email account? While not prejudging the issue, Judge Lamberth exhibits an appropriate level of skepticism. He notes that a number of news accounts have raised the question of FOIA evasion, and continues:

Or take Abedins response when States Executive Secretary suggested Clinton use a government blackberry so her email would be subject to FOIA requests: doesnt make a whole lot of sense.

I noted that email, which was cited in a different FOIA case by a different federal judge, here.

Even more telling is the State Department Inspector Generals conclusion that although dozens of department officials emailed Clintons personal account, the employees responsible for FOIA compliance didnt know the account existed.

Finally:

Did State know Clinton deemed the Benghazi attack terrorism hours after it happened, contradicting the Obama administrations subsequent claim of a protest-gone-awry? See Email from H, [email protected], to Diane Reynolds (Sept 11, 2012, 11:12 PM),  see also Nick Gass, Chelsea Clintons Secret Identity, Politico(establishing Diane Reynolds as an email pseudonym for Chelsea Clinton).

What is it with Democrats and secret email identities? Some psychologist should look into the phenomenon.

Did State know Clinton sent or received top-secret information through her private email? See Statement by FBI Director James Comey(noting the FBI recovered eight email chains from Clintons server containing top-secret information). Did the Department merely fear what might be found? Or was States bungling just the unfortunate result of bureaucratic red tape and a failure to communicate? To preserve the Departments integrity, and to reassure the American people their government remains committed to transparency and the rule of law, this suspicion cannot be allowed to fester.

One might note that it has been festering for a very long time. The relevant events are now six years in the past. The Obama administration was astonishingly successful at stonewalling investigations, and its stonewalling continues under a Department of Justice nominally led by a Republican, but staffed overwhelmingly by Democratic Party loyalists.

Judge Lamberths order explains at some length why the discovery he orders is not duplicative of other pending or resolved cases. Well and good, but a basic lesson here is the inadequacy of litigation as a check on abuse of government power. Apart from anything else, it is simply too slow. Congressional investigations potentially can be faster, but committees use their subpoena powers sparingly, for reasons I dont understand, and congressional investigations are usually not competently conducted, apart from being hampered by rampant partisanship. It would help if we had either a nonpartisan or a two-party press, but we dont.

Still, despite everything, the truth about Hillary Clintons scandalous tenure as Secretary of State may emerge in time for historians to evaluate it.
Im with the sober voices who say we shouldnt overdo the piling on of Her Highness, the Countess Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and while there are a lot of great memes mocking her, I think were better off reserving our fire for actual stupid things she says rather than making them up.

Like her declaration in a recent appearance about her idea for a Green New Deal (you can read all about it here), where she declared that when it comes to energy, We need to invent technology thats never even been invented yet. Yes, she actually said that.

Question: Wasnt the first New Deal rather green when it comes to energy? Look at all those huge carbon-free dams they built back then. Why not a few more of those? You can bet Trump would go for it. (Cue green outrage in three, two . . .)

Then there was her recent claim that we could provide $21 trillion toward expanding Medicare to everyone just by scooping up the loose change underneath Pentagon couch cushions. Heres her actual Twitter quote:

$21 TRILLION of Pentagon financial transactions could not be traced, documented, or explained. $21T in Pentagon accounting errors. Medicare for All costs ~$32T. That means 66% of Medicare for All could have been funded already by the Pentagon.

Even the Washington Post noted that Ocasio-Cortez is blindingly stupid on this point, and gave her four fact-check Pinocchios as gently as they could:

[T]he situation [Ocasio-Cortez] is describing, the $21 trillion is not one big pot of dormant money collecting dust somewhere. Its the sum of all transactions  both inflows and outflows  for which the Defense Department did not have adequate documentation. The same dollar could be accounted for many times, as Philip Klein wrote in the Washington Examiner. . . Pentagon spokesman Christopher Sherwood said DoD hasnt received $21 trillion in (nominal) appropriated funding across the entirety of American history. . . . Lets put $21 trillion in context. The entire national debt is $21.8 trillion. According to the Congressional Budget Office, total defense spending from 1998 to 2015 was nearly $9 trillion. The CBO estimates $7 trillion in defense spending from 2019 to 2028. In other words, completely defunding the military for the next decade would yield only one-fifth of $32 trillion. Thats a much better way of illustrating the cost of Medicare-for-All.

Keep in mind that Ocasio-Cortez was an honors graduate of Boston University.
Scott has described Andy McCarthys article Why Trump is likely to be indicted by Manhattan US Attorney. McCarthy does the heavy lifting associated with a legal analysis of whether Trump has, in fact, violated campaign finance law, as the Manhattan U.S. Attorney seems to believe.

The six observations I want to add involve light lifting, at most, but may be of interest even so.

First, as McCarthy says, Justice Department guidance holds that a sitting president may not be indicted. If prosecutors in the Southern District of New York decide nonetheless to indict Trump for a campaign finance infraction, the Attorney General (presumably William Barr) should overrule the prosecutors. Justice Department policy shouldnt be ignored or overturned to prosecute the kind of case that, according to McCarthy, is often settled by payment of an administrative fine, not turned into [a] felony prosecution[].

Second, does William Barr have enough backbone to block prosecutors from indicting this sitting president? The William Barr Im familiar with from telecommunications litigation 20 years ago does, I believe. Theres also, I understand, a Department of Justice institutionalist side to Barr. But that side should want to uphold DOJ guidelines.

Third, it might be possible to prosecute Trump once hes no longer president. However, McCarthy points out that theres a five year statute of limitations on the alleged campaign finance offense which occurred, if at all, in 2016. Thus, if Trump is reelected, the statute of limitations will have lapsed by the time hes out of office.

Fourth, in any event, I would expect Trump to pardon himself before he leaves office, be it in 2021 or 2025. It seems to me that the president has this power, but thats just my impression. Analyzing the question is well beyond the scope of this light-lifting post.

Fifth, House Democrats might seize on the alleged campaign finance violations as a basis for impeaching Trump. But McCarthy asks, Do campaign finance violations qualify as high crimes and misdemeanors which is the constitutional standard for impeachment? I agree with his answer:

It is hard to imagine an infraction that the Justice Department often elects not to prosecute is sufficiently egregious to rise to that level, but the debate on this point between partisans would be intense.

Sixth, the prosecutors understand this problem, and want to preempt the argument that they are going after Trump on a mere technicality. That, I think, is why, reportedly, they are spinning the alleged campaign finance violation as Trump defrauding voters. They want us to believe that, unlike a technical violation that marginally increases a candidates war chest, this violation deprived the electorate of important information about Trumps behavior.

But the public has no right to know with whom a political candidate has had sex. If it did, candidates would be required to disclose this. Thus, although Trumps alleged finance violation does differ from normal ones, its ludicrous to claim that voters were defrauded because they lost the opportunity to learn about Trumps extra-marital sex life.

Which probably wont stop House Democrats from picking up the prosecutors cue and peddling this claim.
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / AurCrest Gold Inc. (the "Company" or "AurCrest") (TSX-V: AGO) (FRANKFURT: TM8A, WKN: A0YG1K) is pleased to announce the offering of a non-brokered private placement of up to 5,000,000 working capital units (the "WC Units") for up to $250,000 (the "WC Offering").Each WC Unit is priced at $0.05 and consists of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant ("WC Warrant"). Each WC Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one (1) common share (a "WC Warrant Share") at a price of $0.075 per WC Warrant Share for a period of until three (3) years following the closing of the WC Offering (the "Closing Date").Eligible Finders may receive up to 7% of the value of proceeds of the sale of WC Units in cash and up to 8% of the number of WC Units sold in the form of broker warrants (the "WC Broker Warrants"), with each WC Broker Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one (1) WC Unit at a price of $0.05 for a period of three (3) years from the Closing Date.The funds from the WC Offering will be used to provide the Company with working capital.The Company expects to have a first closing of the WC Offering on or before December 14, 2018 with a final closing on or before December 31, 2018, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, or such other date as is agreed between the Company and the subscribers. All securities issued under the WC Offering are subject to a statutory four month hold period.The Company has closed the offering announced in the Press Releases dated September 18, 2018 and November 1, 2018 (the "September Offering"). The Company raised a total of $22,500 pursuant to the September Offering, as disclosed in the Press Release dated September 25, 2018.About AurCrest Gold Inc.AurCrest is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties. AurCrest has a portfolio of properties in Ontario, which include the Richardson Lake and Bridget Lake gold properties.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:AurCrest Gold Inc.Christopher AngeconebPresident and C.E.O(807) 737-5353christopherangeconeb@ gmail.com Ian Brodie-BrownDirector of Business Development(416) 844-9969ianbrodiebrown@ gmail.com Forward Looking Statement:Some of the statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various risks. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: changes in the world wide price of mineral commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in mineral exploration, risks associated with development, construction and mining operations, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. AurCrest undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: AurCrest Gold Inc.
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The Clearwater Fish Charter Company Was Founded by Two Deep Sea Fishing Buddies with a Passion for Catching Big Game off the Coast of FloridaCLEARWATER BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / Dan Gorman and Brian Strickland are pleased to announce the launch of their Clearwater Fish Charter company, Legendary Adventures.To check out the company's website and learn more about the Clearwater fishing charters that Legendary Adventures offers, please visit https://www.legendchartersllc.com/ As a company spokesperson noted, Gorman, a disabled Marine Corps veteran, and Strickland, a former firefighter who grew up fishing in the deep waters, decided to launch a company devoted to their long-time passion for deep sea fishing off the gorgeous waters of the coast of Florida.To turn their dream into a reality, two friends and self-described serial entrepreneurs knew they needed to purchase a large and comfortable boat that could get them and their passengers into the deepest water possible for long periods of time."Dan and Brian purchased the best charter boat in the best location at Clearwater Beach from her former owner, Capt. John 'The Legend' Topicz, and renamed her in his honor," the spokesperson noted, adding that the Legend, formerly known as the 86 Proof, is a custom built 45 foot Torres Sport fishing charter boat."After a thorough overhaul with many upgrades added to make The Legend truly the nicest, most comfortable deep water charter boat on the West Coast, The Legend is now ready to serve a whole new generation of big game fishers and continue Capt. John's heritage of bringing home the biggest fish from one of the world's best fishing grounds." As is clear from the many amazing photos that Gorman and Strickland have posted on their company's Facebook page, their company is already off to a great start. Anglers of all ages and abilities are enjoying their time on The Legend and getting to experience deep water fishing off the beautiful coast of Florida.The Clearwater Fishing Charter Boat easily accommodates individuals and groups up to 6 people, the spokesperson noted, adding that families are welcome. Legendary Adventures is also proud to offer generous discounts to military veterans, police, ambulance and fire service personnel.About Legendary Adventures:Whether people are interested in fishing the middle grounds, deep water fishing in Clearwater, or big game offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, The Legend can get everybody there in safety, comfort and style. For more information, please visit https://www.legendchartersllc.com/ Contact:Daniel Gormandgorman@ legendchartersllc.com 727-669-4070SOURCE: Daniel Gorman
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BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / CorMedix Inc. (NYSE: CRMD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic products for the prevention and treatment of infectious and inflammatory disease, today announced the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has approved the Company's application to participate in the New Jersey Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer (NOL) program for State Fiscal Year 2018. The approval will allow CorMedix to transfer approximately $5.4 million of the total $6.1 million in available tax benefits to an unrelated, profitable New Jersey corporation in return for approximately $5.0 million in cash, which is anticipated by the end of 2018. Closing is subject to NJEDA's typical closing conditions, which are in process.''We are extremely pleased to receive such a large allocation from this important program,'' said Khoso Baluch, CorMedix President & CEO. ''The program size and number of qualified applicants varies from year to year, so the allocation amount isn't known until NJEDA notification is received. The funding will help us prepare for the next stage of our Neutrolin development program.'' The New Jersey Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer (NOL) program enables qualified, unprofitable NJ-based technology or biotechnology companies with fewer than 225 U.S. employees (including parent company and all subsidiaries) to sell a percentage of net operating losses and research and development (R&D) tax credits to unrelated profitable corporations. NOLs and R&D tax credits may be sold for at least 80 percent of their value, up to a maximum lifetime benefit of $15 million per business. This allows qualifying technology and biotechnology companies with NOLs to turn their tax losses and credits into cash proceeds to fund growth and operations, including research and development or other allowable expenditures. CorMedix is one of 48 emerging companies to share in approximately $60 million of tax credit transfers approved by NJEDA this year.About CorMedixCorMedix Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic products for the prevention and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. The Company is focused on developing its lead product Neutrolin, a novel, non-antibiotic antimicrobial solution designed to prevent costly and dangerous bloodstream infections associated with the use of central venous catheters, currently in Phase 3 development for patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Such infections cost the U.S. healthcare system approximately $6 billion annually and contribute significantly to increased morbidity and mortality. Neutrolin has FDA Fast Track status and is designated as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product, which provides the potential for priority review of a marketing application by FDA and allows for 5 additional years of QIDP market exclusivity in the event of U.S. approval. Neutrolin is already marketed as a CE Marked product in Europe and other territories. In parallel, CorMedix is leveraging its taurolidine technology to develop a pipeline of antimicrobial medical devices, with active programs in surgical sutures and meshes, and topical hydrogels. The company is also working with top-tier researchers to develop taurolidine-based therapies for rare pediatric cancers. For more information, visit: www.cormedix.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, regarding management's expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or CorMedix's prospects, future financial position, financing plans, future revenues and projected costs should be considered forward-looking. Readers are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from projections or estimates due to a variety of important factors, including: the risk of closing the NJEDA tax certificate transfer program; the risk of closing the recently announced convertible note financing; the resources needed to terminate the Phase 3 trial and the costs and time needed to submit a new drug application to the FDA; the risks and uncertainties associated with CorMedix's ability to manage its limited cash resources and the impact on current, planned or future research, including the continued development of Neutrolin and research for additional uses for taurolidine; obtaining additional financing to support CorMedix's research and development and clinical activities and operations; risks related to obtaining FDA approval of the new drug application for Neutrolin; relying on preclinical results that may not be indicative of success in clinical trials and might not be replicated in any subsequent studies or trials; and the ability to retain and hire necessary personnel to staff our operations appropriately. These and other risks are described in greater detail in CorMedix's filings with the SEC, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from CorMedix. CorMedix may not actually achieve the goals or plans described in its forward-looking statements, and investors should not place undue reliance on these statements. CorMedix assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.Investor Contact:Dan FerryManaging DirectorLifeSci Advisors617-535-7746SOURCE: CorMedix, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-10 14:01:20

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WYOMISSING, PA / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / Customers Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CUBI) today announced that it intends to repurchase up to $15.8 million of common stock under its existing 2013 repurchase program. Customers' CEO Jay Sidhu added ''We believe our shares are significantly undervalued at current prices and the Board considers share repurchases a good use of excess capital today. We are eager to get started; once we have completed the existing authorization, our Board will evaluate possible additional authorizations.'' Customers' CFO Carla Leibold added ''we are still on track to report 10 basis points to 15 basis points of net interest margin expansion this quarter and financial results that are in line with the current consensus range. Longer term, we are working towards $4.00 of earnings per share in the next three to four years.'' Institutional BackgroundCustomers Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania engaged in banking and related businesses through its bank subsidiary, Customers Bank. Customers Bank is a community-based, full-service bank with assets of approximately $10.6 billion at September 30, 2018. A member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender that provides a range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, individuals and families through offices in Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Illinois, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Jersey. Committed to fostering customer loyalty, Customers Bank uses a High Tech/High Touch strategy that includes use of industry-leading technology to provide customers better access to their money, as well as Concierge Banking by appointment at customers' homes or offices 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers Bank offers a continually expanding portfolio of loans to small businesses, multi-family projects, mortgage companies and consumers.Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s voting common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CUBI. Additional information about Customers Bancorp, Inc. can be found on the company's website, www.customersbank.com ''Safe Harbor'' StatementIn addition to historical information, this press release may contain ''forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the ''safe harbor'' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, capital raising efforts, financial condition and results of operations, future performance and business. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words ''may,'' ''could,'' ''should,'' ''pro forma,'' ''looking forward,'' ''would,'' ''believe,'' ''expect,'' ''anticipate,'' ''estimate,'' ''intend,'' ''plan,'' or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, among others, could cause Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. In addition, important factors relating to the acquisition of the Disbursements business, the combination of Customers' BankMobile business with the acquired Disbursements business, the implementation of Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s strategy to retain BankMobile for 2-3 years, the possibility that the expected benefits of retaining BankMobile for 2-3 years may not be achieved, or the possible effects on Customers' results of operations of the spin-off and merger of BankMobile not being completed also could cause Customers Bancorp's actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Further, Customers' expectations with respect to the effects of the new tax law could be affected by future clarifications, amendments, and interpretations of such law. Customers Bancorp, Inc. cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact of any future events. All forward-looking statements and information set forth herein are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions as of the date hereof and speak only as of the date they are made. For a more complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business, you are encouraged to review Customers Bancorp, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, including any amendments thereto, that update or provide information in addition to the information included in the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings, if any. Customers Bancorp, Inc. does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Customers Bancorp, Inc. or by or on behalf of Customers Bank.Customers Bancorp1015 Penn AvenueWyomissing, PA 19610Contacts:Jay Sidhu, Chairman & CEO 610-935-8693Carla Leibold, CFO 484-923-8802Bob Ramsey, Director of IR & Strategic Planning 484-926-7118SOURCE: Customers Bancorp, Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-10 13:30:02

The name, resulting from a change in ownership, reflects its role at the centre of modern healthcare

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Effective December 10, 2018 Centrient Pharmaceuticals is the new name for DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals, the leading manufacturer of beta-lactam antibiotics and a provider of next-generation statins and anti-fungals. The new name has been chosen to reflect the companys key contribution to modern healthcare, and marks the next phase in its strategic evolution following a change of ownership to Bain Capital Private Equity.



CEO Karl Rotthier states: Our bold and creative new name and logo showcase our company as one which prides itself on being at the centre of modern healthcare, through our life-saving active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms. Were building on a rich history that began 150 years ago as the Nederlandsche Gist- en Spiritusfabriek, then Gist Brocades and more recently DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals. Now as Centrient Pharmaceuticals, we have an amazing opportunity to build a strong and differentiated brand in the generic pharmaceutical industry.

Rotthier continues: The name Centrient emphasizes the way in which we operate: putting our brand promise of Quality, Reliability and Sustainability at the centre of everything we do. Since the formation of the DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals joint venture in 2011, we have grown strongly and consistently. Now as Centrient Pharmaceuticals in partnership with Bain Capital, we are ready for the next phase in our evolution as a global generics pharmaceutical company, able to accelerate the execution of our strategy and grow both organically and through acquisitions.

Along with the new name, the company will adopt a new logo, corporate brand identity and website. Centrient Pharmaceuticals will provide further updates to customers, suppliers and partners regarding these changes to ensure a smooth transition in the implementation of the new name.

About Centrient Pharmaceuticals

Centrient Pharmaceuticals is the leading manufacturer of beta-lactam antibiotics, and a provider of next generation statins and anti-fungals. We produce and sell intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms. We stand proudly at the centre of modern healthcare, as a maker of essential and life-saving medicines.

With our commitment to Quality, Reliability and Sustainability at the heart of everything we do, our over 2000 employees work continuously to meet our customers needs. We work towards a sustainable future by actively participating in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Founded 150 years ago as the Nederlandsche Gist- en Spiritusfabriek, our company was known as Gist Brocades and more recently DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Rotterdam (Netherlands), we have production facilities and sales offices in China, India, the Netherlands, Spain, Egypt, the United States and Mexico. Centrient Pharmaceuticals is wholly owned by Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private investment firm.

For more information please visit www.centrient.com.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-10 07:42:01

HEX Innovation Ltd. Signs an Agreement with UPHDMC, Philippines

HEX Innovation Ltd.

Fary Kim, +82-2-564-8686

fionangel327@naver.com

HEX Innovation Ltd. (CEO Sammy Kwok), specializing in blockchain-based healthcare platform held briefing sessions for Philippines Ministry of Health as well as major hospitals in the Philippines. One of the achievements HEX made is that HEX signed an agreement with UPHDMC (University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center).

Alexander Richards, CMO of HEX Innovation said We have built trust for mutual understanding regarding Philippines medical process and healthcare blockchain technology through the briefing sessions with Ministry of Health, Philippines and major private and national hospitals in the Philippines.

UPHDMC holds Level 4 based on Philippines hospital grade that it has been regarded as one of the best hospitals with qualified services.

HEX and UPHDMC will cooperate with each other in blockchain based healthcare platform development, support infrastructure for platform development and expansion of medical information and radiation dose information.

TPLUS, a strategic partner of HEX Innovation Ltd. has also signed an agreement with Carelabs, a leading healthcare platform company in Korea. Especially, Goodoc of Carelabs, a company that provides information of hospitals and drug stores located in Korea has received favorable comments from service users due to its convenient and simple user experiences.

Through this agreement, both companies will collaborate on medical information service development, consulting services for personal health management development and operations and other medical related projects.

HEX team has received considerable interests from participants by participating in various blockchain conferences in November. HEX platform plans to launch alpha version in 2nd quarter and beta version in 4th quarter of 2019. For more details, please visit HEX official website (hexblock.io).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181209005
PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-10 16:32:01

DUBLIN - December 10, 2018 - Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), the global leader in medical technology, today announced it has been named one of America's Most JUST Companies in 2018, according to Forbes magazine and JUST Capital, a nonprofit that ranks publicly-traded corporations on the issues Americans care about most. Medtronic was ranked 61st on this year's JUST 100: America's Best Corporate Citizens list for outperforming its peers in areas such as fair treatment of employees, job creation, customer treatment, and product quality.

To determine the ranking, Forbes and JUST Capital surveyed more than 81,000 Americans over four years and asked what people prioritize most regarding corporate behavior today. Of the 890 companies analyzed, the top 100 rank highest on issues like fair pay and good benefits, customer treatment and privacy, beneficial products, environmental impact, job creation, community support in the U.S. and abroad, as well as ethical leadership and long-term financial growth.

"In 1960, our late co-founder Earl Bakken crafted the Medtronic Mission, which continues to guide the way we work today. It defines our purpose - a technology company dedicated to improving patient outcomes - and our ongoing commitment to the reliability and quality of our products. But it says so much more. It mandates we recognize the personal worth of all our employees, to operate as an organization known for its dedication, honesty, integrity and service, and to maintain good corporate citizenship," said Omar Ishrak, Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer. "It is an honor to be named one of the Most JUST companies, as it acknowledges how our mission has been brought to life by the efforts of our employees around the world. This recognition is also an affirmation that our commitment to the Mission - which was novel when written nearly 60 years ago - remains relevant and vital for our future."

In its evaluation of Medtronic, Forbes and JUST Capital note that Medtronic ranks highly across a variety of categories, including its new family care leave benefits, safe workplace and equal opportunity policies, environmental protection and sustainability efforts, community engagement, and corporate philanthropy. A comprehensive interactive ranking is available at www.justcapital.com.

Details of these commitments and more can also be found in Medtronic's newly launched 2018 Integrated Performance Report, which outlines the company's economic, social and environmental progress.

As one of America's Most JUST Companies, Medtronic is also included in Goldman Sachs Asset Management's JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (Ticker:JUST)-the first ever exchange-traded fund based on just business behavior, constructed from JUST Capital's rankings.

About the Methodology

JUST Capital's Rankings are the culmination of over four years of market research (encompassing over 81,000 respondents mapped to the U.S. Census population) on what the American people prioritize regarding corporate behavior today. JUST Capital conducted its 2018 survey, which included 9,000 respondents, in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago. The survey results found that Americans, when asked to identify what is most important for companies to prioritize, ranked the following in order of importance: Workers, Customers, Products, the Environment, Jobs, Communities, and finally, Leadership & Shareholders. JUST Capital then tracked and evaluated the performance of companies against these priorities and created the ranking model that drives America's Most JUST Companies, including the JUST 100 absolute ranking and Industry Leader list. The selection of companies draws from the Russell 1000 Index, which represents over 90 percent of the U.S. stock market value.

About JUST Capital

JUST Capital, an independent, nonprofit organization, aligns business practices with the priorities of the American people to ensure capitalism works for all. Our research, rankings, indexes, and data-driven tools help people make more informed decisions about where to invest, work, and buy to direct capital toward companies advancing a more just future. For additional information, visit: www.JUSTCapital.com.

About Forbes Media

The defining voice of entrepreneurial capitalism, Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most-influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 120 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE events, custom marketing programs and 40 licensed local editions in 70 countries. Forbes Media's brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements. For more information, visit: www.forbes.com/forbes-media/.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 86,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

-end-





This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Medtronic plc via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-10 12:05:24

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The Company Offers a Comprehensive Suite of Cloud Telephone Solutions for their Valued CustomersCLACKAMAS, OR / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / The founders of Northwest Telecom, a company based in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, are pleased to announce that they are experiencing record sales growth for their cloud phone systems sales.To check out the selection of cloud phones and learn more about the key differences between cloud and premise-based phones, please visit https://www.nwtelecom.com/nw-cloud-talk/ As an article on ActivePBX.com notes, the increase in sales that the team at Northwest Telecom is experiencing matches the same uptick in growth for the overall market. According to the article, the total number of mobile VoIP users was predicted to reach 1 billion and that business and residential services combined would be worth at least $74.5 billion.As a company spokesperson noted, ever since Northwest Telecom launched its own cloud phone service called NW Cloud Talk, they have seen a steady increase in interest and sales. The friendly and experienced team welcomes business owners to come on into the showroom to check out any and all of the phones in person."At NW Cloud Talk, we strive to deliver full-featured, next-generation business communications services to our valued customers with the highest degree of value, integrity, service, and support," the spokesperson noted, adding that they are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of cloud telephony solutions to increase productivity at every business level.Thanks to their combination of business voice solutions, rich suite of UCC services, custom installation, delivery and support and unparalleled service uptime, the cloud phone systems from NW Cloud Talk all deliver exceptional unified communications and collaborations.For example, the spokesperson noted, one of the most popular features of the cloud phone systems from NW Cloud Talk is the call center apps, which is allowing busy company owners to say farewell to hidden fees, and large upfront investments."Our call center functionality is leading edge technology with call back, call whisper, call barge features and all the real-time reporting and metrics you demand at a fraction of the costs," the spokesperson noted.About Northwest Telecom:While there is no shortage of companies out there willing to sell their customers a system, Northwest Telecom takes the time to understand their clients' unique needs and budget and then designs the highest return on their investment cloud phone system for their business. For more information, please visit https://www.nwtelecom.com/ Northwest Telecom9089 SE Jannsen RoadClackamas, OR 97015Contact:Daniel Millingtondanm@ nwtelecom.com 503.243.2255SOURCE: Northwest Telecom
PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-10 14:33:16

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: PX; OTC PINK: PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases of October 29, 2018 and November 28, 2018, it has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") of 2522962 Ontario Inc. ("5SD Capital").Summary of the Acquisition of 5SD CapitalThrough the Acquisition, Pelangio acquired 100% of 5SD Capital's issued and outstanding shares in exchange for the issuance of 4,597,094 Pelangio common shares in the aggregate. As of October 29, 2018, 5SD Capital had assets consisting of approximately $545,000, a securities portfolio with a market value of approximately $140,000, and nine mineral exploration properties located in Ontario.The Most Noteworthy of 5SD Capital's Mineral Property Intereststhe Keigat Lake Area Claims currently under option to Pelangio and which surround Pelangio's Birch Lake property, which includes historical high-grade intercepts, in diamond drilling performed by Trade Winds Ventures, drill hole DDH 96 of 34.54 g/t gold ("Au") over 9.85m from 239.15m to 249.00m, including 113.94 g/t Au over 2.95mfrom 239.15m to 242.10m(1);the 10% interest the Dalton property, currently under option to Pelangio;the 50% interest in the Montcalm and Nova nickel, copper, cobalt exploration properties currently under option to Pancontinental Resource Corporation ("Pancontinental"), as outlined in Pancontinental's press release dated January 10, 2018, and;the 100% owned Grenfell gold exploration property located approximately ten kilometers northwest of the town of Kirkland Lake, comprising eight leased claims and three staked claims covering approximately 600 hectares.Property Descriptions - see Figure 1 for Property LocationsKeigat Lake PropertyThe Keigat Lake Area Claims are located in the Red Lake Mining Division of Ontario and surround Pelangio's Birch Lake Project which includes High Grade Island and Keigat Island. In addition, they are adjacent to First Mining Gold Corp.'s Springpole Deposit, which has an indicated resource of 139.1 million tonnes at a grade of 1.04 g/t Au, and 5.4 g/t silver ("Ag"), containing 4.67 million ounces Au and 24.19 million ounces Ag (Source: First Mining Gold Corp Springpole Gold Project PEA Technical Report June 6, 2017). The mineralization hosted on the Springpole Property is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Company's Birch Lake or Expanded Birch Lake Property.Further details regarding the Keigat Lake Claims are outlined in Pelangio's press release dated May 24, 2018.(1) Intercept is from Trade Winds Ventures DDH 96 from the Main Central Zone, Birch Lake Property. Referenced reports are: R. Wells, P.Geo., Trade Winds Ventures Inc., NI 43-101, February 2005, Data from diamond drill sampling logs and records, Trade Winds Ventures, fire assaying performed by Eco tech Laboratory Inc., Kamloops BC, assay certificates available, diamond drilling program 2004-2006 supervised by Lorne Warner, P.Geo. N-Q core was split, sample lengths varied from 0.6m to 1.05m, Data from Trade Winds has been verified with assay certificates, and a comprehensive program of blanks, duplicates and standard were inserted to the sample stream during the program. The program was supervised by Lorne Warner P.Geo. and meets modern industry practice. Sample lengths varied from 0.6m to 1.05m, All Trade Winds drill core was located by Pelangio geologists, during a data verification program in 2008, core was photographed, cataloged and cross-piled. In addition, all Trade Winds collars were field-located as well as a significant number of the older, Placer Dome holes and the collar locations were found to be within 5m of maps supplied by Trade Winds and Placer Dome. The verification program was carried out under the supervision of Warren Bates P.Geo., (APGO# 0211). All intervals are core lengths and estimates of true widths would be 60 to 80 percent of core lengths.Dalton PropertyThe Dalton property is located on the periphery of the southern portion of the City of Timmins. The property consists of a series of patented mining claims covering approximately 3.3 square kilometers (km2) of land. The property is strategically located about 1.5 kilometers ("km") southwest of the historic Hollinger Gold Mine, currently being operated by Goldcorp Inc. The Hollinger has produced more than 19 million ounces of gold since inception. Very limited exploration has been conducted on the Dalton Property over the years, particularly to test the project at depth. A cursory examination of the property has revealed favorable shear structures and associated quartz veining. An initial drill target development work program has been proposed by Pelangio to develop drill targets for a mid-2019 program. See Pelangio's press release dated September 10, 2018.Montcalm and Nova PropertiesThe Montcalm and Nova properties, currently under option to Pancontinental, are proximal to each other and located approximately 65-70 km northwest of the City of Timmins Ontario. The Montcalm property, located in Montcalm Township, covers an area of approximately 37.8 km2 and the Nova property, located in Nova Township is approximately 8 km2. The 5SD Capital Montcalm property surrounds the former Montcalm Mine which produced approximately 3.9 million tonnes of nickel, copper, cobalt ore over its mine life (source: Atkinson, 2011, Ontario Geological Survey). Pancontinental has completed substantial successful target development work on both properties (see Pancontinental press releases dated September 17, 2018 and October 30, 2018).It is anticipated that ongoing exploration will continue on these projects in 2019. As a result of this transaction, Pelangio now owns 300,000 shares of Pancontinental and in the event that Pancontinental exercises the option to earn the remainder of Pelangio's interest, Pelangio will receive $52,500 and 450,000 shares over the next three years.Grenfell PropertyThe Grenfell property is located in Grenfell Township approximately 10 km northwest of the Town of Kirkland Lake Ontario. It is comprised of a series of contiguous mining leases and mining claims covering about 6.7 km2. This property has been worked sporadically on and off since the early 1930s. The majority of work on the property took place in the 1930s to early 1940s when bulk sampling of some high-grade gold veins occurred in conjunction with diamond drilling, shaft sinking and substantial lateral development on two underground levels. With renewed
PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-10 14:02:32

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MIDLAND, VA / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / The Smith-Midland Corporation (OTCQX: SMID) today announced the election of Mr. James Russell Bruner to its Board of Directors. Mr. Bruner was Chief Executive Officer and President of Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) from 2014 to 2017. MLL is an American company, headquartered in Virginia, and part of the global shipping consortium Maersk Group. MLL provides U.S. flag transportation, ship management and maritime technical services to government and commercial customers.Mr. Bruner joined Maersk Group in 1989 and has held various leadership positions in both North and South America. Prior to his role as CEO and President of MLL, Mr. Bruner served as CEO and President of Maersk, Inc., and President of Maersk South America, Ltd. He also currently serves as a Director of MLL.A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Mr. Bruner attended Bridgewater College in Virginia. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan Executive Program and Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. Mr. Bruner serves on the Bridgewater College Board of Trustees, and previously served for the University of Denver Intermodal Transportation Institute's Board of Directors."Mr. Bruner's extensive operational experience, board and committee experience, as well as financial expertise is a great asset for our Board of Directors" said Ashley Smith, CEO of the Smith-Midland Corporation. "His independent voice will help Smith-Midland with its growth strategy and continue our focus on safety, employee development, and product innovation, resulting in the enhancement of long-term shareholder value." "Smith-Midland has never forgotten that the customer comes first," said Bruner. "The company remains focused on delivering high quality products on time while continually lowering costs, and I am delighted to join the Smith-Midland board." Mr. Bruner will be replacing long-term board member Mr. G.E. "Nick" Borst. Mr. Bruner was elected as the chairman of the audit committee and as a member of the compensation committee. Mr. Borst has been a stockholder in the Smith-Midland Corporation since 2001, an advisory board member since 2005, and a Board Director since 2013."Nick has served Smith-Midland extremely well," said Rodney Smith, Chairman. "His input and foresight will be missed." About Smith-Midland CorporationSmith-Midland Corporation is a publicly traded company (OTCQX: SMID). Smith-Midland develops, manufactures, and sells a broad array of precast concrete products for use primarily in the construction, transportation, and utilities industries. Smith-Midland Corporation has three manufacturing facilities located in Midland, Va., Reidsville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. Easi-Set Worldwide, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Smith-Midland Corporation, licenses the production and sale of J-J Hooks and other Easi-Set precast products and provides diversification opportunities to the precast industry worldwide, (800) 547-4045, www.easiset.com . For more information, please call (540) 439-3266 or visit www.smithmidland.com CONTACT:Investor Inquiries: AJ Krick, 540-439-3266 investors@ smithmidland.com SOURCE: Smith-Midland Corporation
PR-Inside.com: 2018-12-10 07:49:06

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2018 / Editorial: On December 6-7, 2018, the 2018 Greater Bay Area Summit on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (GBAS) was held at JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao'an, and leaders of the 9+2 urban agglomeration in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area were invited to attend. With the theme of "AI Industrialization, Industrial AI and Move towards a New Era of Innovation Economy", the summit has attracted more than 3,000 participants including well-known academicians at home and abroad, listed company executives, investment and financing institutions, and professional visitors.On December 6-7, 2018, the 2018 GBAS was held at JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen Bao'an, and leaders of the 9+2 urban agglomeration in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area were invited to attend. With the strong support from Communication Department of China Association for Science and Technology, China Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Association and Shenzhen Bao'an District People's Government, this summit was jointly hosted by China Centre for International Science and Technology Exchange, Shenzhen Association of Science and Technology and Shenzhen Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Association. And it was co-organized by the Mainland station of Cross-straits, Hong Kong and Macao, Hong Kong Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Association, the Association for Promotion of Science and Technology of Macau, Taiwan Mountain Jade Association, IEEE Nanotechnology Council (IEEE NTC) and Unicorn Leaders League. Receiving supporting letters from more than 50 business associations, this conference was reported by more than 100 media on site. More than 3,000 participants including well-known academicians at home and abroad, listed company executives, investment and financing institutions, and professional visitors attended the two-day conference.Focus on the Greater Bay Area and discuss the AI industry synergy of the urban agglomeration. With the theme of "AI Industrialization, Industrial AI, and Move towards the New Era of Innovation Economy", activities of various forms were organized at this summit, including academician expert keynote report, industry CEO forum, display experience, project docking platform, Greater Bay Area night, etc. to jointly explore the technical evolution and application empowerment of artificial intelligence, thus presenting a combination of forward-looking and ground-breaking summit content and live experience the perspectives of industry-university-research, investment, financing, and internationalization.Many experts were gathered to discuss about opportunities for cross-field technological innovation. A lot of well-known experts attended this summit, including Zhonglin Wang, foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and academician of the European Academy of Sciences, Toshio Fukuda, academician of the Japanese Academy of Engineering, Professor Jianwei Zhang, academician of the Hamburg Academy of Sciences and Director of the Multimodal Systems Institute of the University Hamburg, Professor Yu Sun, academician of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Professor of the University of Toronto, and Chairman of the Canadian Micro-Nano Engineering Systems Research Center, Professor Oussama Khatib, Director of the Robotics Laboratory at Stanford University and Chairman of the International Robotics Research Foundation, Professor Jens Kober, Delft University of Technology of the Netherlands, Professor Kazuhiro Kosuge, Department of Robotics, Tohoku University, Professor Wenrong Li from the City University of Hong Kong, Renquan Luo, Chief Editor of IEEE Industrial Information Journal and Professor of National Taiwan University, Professor Osamu Tabata from Department of Microengineering, Kyoto University, Lianqing Liu, Deputy Director of the Robotics Research Office of the Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and vice chairman of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, etc. And there were also a lot of industry masters including Dr. Jieliang Chen, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Investment Officer and General Manager of Foxconn Technology Group, Dr. Zihong Liu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Royole Technology, Lan Du, Senior Vice President of IFLYTEK Co., Ltd., Daokui Qu, founder and CEO of SIASUN Robotics, Professor Jay Liou, founder and CEO of Advanced NanoBio Technologies Limited, Lingchen Yu, Chairman of Tuling Robot, etc.Cross-field Theme, Discuss the New Momentum of AI and Entity Economy. This year's summit brought together top experts, scholars and outstanding industry talents in the field of artificial intelligence to have in-depth exchange and discussion about the current AI hot topics, core technologies, and scientific issues of common concern. And they talked about the industrial AI and AI industrialization, sensor applications, the rise of the industry, the development of enterprises and prospects. Through a forward-looking dialogue, an innovation and entrepreneurship contest, three theme reports, three theme forums, and six high-end roundtable dialogues, a platform for in-depth cooperation and exchange in robots and artificial intelligence in South China and the whole country was hereby established. More than 60 academic leaders and industry leaders attended the roundtable forums and delivered keynote speeches.With rich harvest, the the AI blue book was officially released. Blue Book on Development of New-Generation Artificial Intelligence in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (2018) was released grandly. It summarizes the problems encountered by high-tech enterprises during new technology R&D and describes their plans for the future, thus providing think-tank support for the development of high-quality AI in Greater Bay Area. During the summit, Shenzhen Oriental Fortune Capital Investment Management Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Association (SZIUR) held the signing ceremony of "Robotics and AI Industry Fund". Besides, the organizing committee also held the signing ceremony of GBAS 2019 Robotics and AI Cooperation Park with several industrial parks. In the future, the cooperation park will sign cooperation agreements with the international academician team, world-renowned scientific research institutions and technology transfer platforms, introduce technology-based SMEs and projects for incubation from Germany, France, the United States, Australia, Italy, Israel, Canada, Russia, etc., and attract a number of overseas multinational R&D institutions, thus promoting the g
Nigerias Tanure Ojaide and Ugandas Harriet Arena have been announced as the joint winners of 2018 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature.

Servio Gbadamosi, a doctoral candidate in the cultural and media studies program at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, was the runner-up.

He was shortlisted for his A Tributary in Servitude.

Mr. Ojaide, 70, a professor of Africana Studies at The University of North Carolina, was shortlisted for his poetry collection, Songs of Myself.

Mr Ojaide has published 20 poetry collections as well as scholarly and fictional works

Ms Anena was the first Ugandan to have won the biennial award meant for writers.

The winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday.

The only other time the prize has been shared was in 2010, when South Africas Kopano Matlwa (Coconut) and Nigerias Wale Okediran (Tenants of The House) emerged joint winners.

This edition of the rotating Pan-African prize is for poetry and had 110 submissions from 11 countries on the continent, including Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Rwanda.

After being announced joint-winner of the 2018 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa on Sunday, Ms Anena was delighted at her achievement and later tweeted saying she was super happy.

For his extensive work in the world of literature, the Lumina Foundation established the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa in honour of the revered Nigerian writer.

Every two years, the prize, worth $10,000 is awarded to the best literary work produced by an African.ne

Previous winners of the prize have included novelists Sefi Atta for Everything Will Come, and the South African Sifiso Mzobe for Young Blood. The latter won over another South African short-listed book the same year, The Unseen Leopard by Bridget Pitt.
Tope Oshins young-adult film We Dont Live Here Anymore carted the most awards at the 10th Best of Nollywood (BON) awards ceremony which held on Sunday at the Kakanfo Conference Centre in Ibadan, Oyo.

It won in four categories; including best director, best editing, movie of the year while the most promising actor award was jointly won by Francis Sule and Temidayo Akinboro.

The movie bagged 10 nominations when the contenders list was unveiled in November.

The film, which is aimed at tackling homophobia, tells the story of two teenage boys who fell in love with each other and had to deal with society.

A Lonely Lane also won two big categories, best actor and best actress in a lead role (Igbo).

Oga Bolaji which had 10 nominations only picked up one award, same number as Queen of Queens, Obsession and Body Language.

Kelechi Udegbe beat Ramsey Nouah, Nosa Obaseki and Femi Branch to win the best actor (English). On the other hand, Yemi Solade edged Femi Adebayo, Ninalowo Bolanle, and Lateef Adedimeji to pick up best actor (Yoruba).

Tana Adelana won the best actress in a leading role (English) while Ronke Ojo came tops in the Yoruba category.

The event was hosted by comedian Helen Paul and veteran actor Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey and had the governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as the chief host.

Nollywood stars thronged the ceremony; from Segun Arinze, Nobert Young, Yemi Solade, Fathia Balogun, Femi Branch, Dayo Amusa to Liz DaSilva and Judith Audu.

See the full list of winners below.

Best Actor in a Leading Role (English)

Kelechi Udegbe  Bedroom Points

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (English)

Shawn Faqua  Personal Assistant

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Yoruba)

Yemi Solade  Irolabi and Femi Adebayo  Etiko Onigedu

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Yoruba)

Jamiu Azeez  Hey

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Hausa)

Umar M Shareef in Mariya

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)

Swanky JKA in A Lonely Lane

Best Actress in a Leading Role (English)

Tana Adelana  Body Language

Best Actress in a Supporting Role (English)

Bimbo Ademoye  Personal Assistant

Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba)

Ronke Ojo  Osun Sengede and Bukunmi Oluwasina = Hey

Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba)

Lanre Da Silva  Eniolami

Best Actress in a Leading Role (Hausa)

Maryam Yahaya in Mariya

Best Actress in a Leading Role ( Igbo)

Kindness Fidelis in A Lonely Lane

Best Child Actor in a Movie

Daniel Adesina- Ofefe

Best Child Actress in a movie

Jasmine Fakunle in Oga Bolaji

Moses Olaiya Movie with the Best Comedy

A Million Baby

Movie with the Best Social Message

Surrogate

Best Short Film of the Year

Mirabel

Documentary of the year

Green Passport

Movie with the Best Special Effect

Ebosimi

Movie with the Best Screenplay

Queen of Queens

Best use of Nigerian food in a Movie

Simbi Alamala

Best Use of Costume in a Movie

Ebosimi

Best Use of Make-up in a Movie

Disguise

Movie with the Best Production Design

Etiko Onigedu

Best Kiss in a Movie

Mawuli Gavor/ Odera Olivia Orji  Obsession

Movie with the Best Sound Track

Queen of Queens

Movie with the Best Editing

We dont Live Here Anymore

Most Promising Actor

Francis Sule and Temidayo Akinboro in We dont Live Here Anymore

Most Promising Actress

Oreoluwa Adedoyin in Ofefe

Movie with the Best Cinematography

10 Days in Sun City

Director of the Year

Tope Oshin- We dont Live Here Anymore

Movie of the Year

We dont Live Here Anymore

Revelation of the Year (Female)

Adebimpe Oyebade

Revelation of the Year (Male)

David Akande
A Nollywood actor, Gideon Okeke, is seeking justice after he was allegedly brutalised by the police in Lagos.

Okeke, who is famous for his role on the TV Drama series, Tinsel, said some police officers attached to the Maroko Division manhandled him and a fellow driver, Mosomola Ilori, along Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos, on Sunday.

He took to his Instagram handle to share the terrible experience which he said got him injured in the process.

According to him, it all began after he had a mild collision with Mrs. Ilori.

The actor said he called for the assistance of some officers who were less than 10 feet away, to get barricades off the road so they could park properly to inspect and sort out the damage.

It was then the policemen allegedly attacked him and the woman whose car he hit.

He shared a video of himself on his Instagram, writing about how he had to get stitches after the attack.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, on Monday announced that he has ordered an immediate investigation into the attack.

In a statement released by the commissioner, he said he has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba to investigate the matter and turn in her report within one week for appropriate action.

The attention of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Imohimi Edgal has been drawn to a video on the Instablog9ja in which one Gideon Okeke, an actor, was seen alleging that some policemen attached to Maroko Division, brutalised him after a minor road accident involving him and one Mrs Mosunmola Ilori.

Sequel to the allegation, the CP in his usual professional approach to matters of this nature, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, in charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, (SCIID), Panti, Yaba to investigate the matter and turn in her report within one week for appropriate action.

The CP assures that nothing will be swept under the carpet and urged all parties in the matter to fully corporate with the investigators. The CP further assures that findings made during inquisition into the matter will be made public as usual, the statement read.

Other Nigerian celebrities like Ali Baba have also risen to Okekes defense and called on the appropriate authorities to look into the increasing cases of police brutality.

See the video here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrJmPRXlW2A/
She was definitely someone who liked to pour into other peoples lives, and I think as a guidance counselor she had an opportunity to work with some of the kids that were maybe a little more challenging, her son said. Those were the ones who ended up in her office more often, and I think she really enjoyed that challenge, and her personality was such that she could get even the most hardened criminal kid to do what she wanted.
It is no longer news that the Federal Capital Territory is always flooded with corps members after they are posted to their various Places of Primary Assignment (PPA), shortly after new corps members leave the orientation camp.

Prior to that period, most corps members, both new (those who redeploy to FCT) and old, struggle to get PPAs in large offices and organisations like the Presidential Villa, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), other banks and ministries.

One other location where corps members clamour to be is the National Assembly. While some see the legislative complex as a location to begin to build a career and work as aides to lawmakers, others, however, see it as a fountain of fortune and a land flowing with milk and honey where one could go in and partake of the fortunes.

In recent years, corps members who struggled and got posted to the National Assembly, have discovered that the complex is not a rosy place after all.

Contrary to their expectations, corps members are turned to errand boys and girls, with little or no responsibility given to them, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

Some of them also lamented non-payment by the authorities and their immediate superiors.

CORPS MEMBERS LAMENT

Theres nothing here o! These people dont pay at all. Serving in the National Assembly is just about the name and if possible, creating connection or trying to secure a job, a serving corps member who gave his name as Hamza told PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Hamza, who serves as an office assistant in the office of a northern senator, said his working time is six hours a day but he is idle for most of it.

Sometimes, I just look around and find something to do. I volunteer to make photocopies of documents and submit them to other offices. I hate it when Im being sent to buy something outside but I cant complain because I just want to be effective during my time here and see where it takes me, he said.

Another corps member, Peter Idowu, who serves in one of the Senate committees on Education, told PREMIUM TIMES that in his three months of service, he was only given a stipend of N5000 as transport fare by his superior.

Although Mr Idowu had heard the past experiences of some ex-corps members who served at the legislative complex, he said he willingly chose the National Assembly when asked where he wanted as his PPA.

I just chose to serve here because I believe things will get better. Although I had heard stories from peoples past experiences that they paid corps members before and that it is not like that anymore. I feel bad, though.

I studied Computer Science so all I do for them is just sit down, sometimes I type. Thats all. Besides the N5000 they gave me after my second week, Ive not received anything again, he said.

Olamide Goke, who did not want the name of his committee mentioned for fear of victimisation, had the same complaint.

He said he was already prepared to work without pay as he was told there would not be any payment from the outset. He explained, however, that he gets stipends from time to time ranging from N3000 to N5000.

Im not being paid anything. They dont pay in National Assembly now. They just give us stipends as little as N3000. Its like an agreement. Youve been told you will not get cash, so it just comes on and off so whatever they give us is just them doing us a favour.

When asked if he cared to find out why the authorities decided not to pay corps members, he said he and some colleagues asked around and learnt that the authorities stopped paying between four and five years ago, because there was an overflow of corps members into the National Assembly and that was because of the fact that they paid N10,000 to N15,000 monthly.

It was stopped because of the crowd  with almost all the lawmakers bringing their constituents. It is like they are trying to control it.

When I heard that, I felt it was a good reason to control the crowd, although what I feel is, they should at least pay even if its transport allowance and if they cannot do that one, then there should be benefits. They should at least increase the employment rate of any batch of corps members who come there.

A cross-section of the NYSC Corp members

Leonard Ezeh served at the legislative complex in 2016. He told PREMIUM TIMES that although he was disappointed when he learnt the authorities of the National Assembly did not pay corps members, he was, however, not discouraged.

According to him, he taught himself that money was not everything and decided to maximise the opportunity to carry out his service year in the National Assembly.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Section 18(2) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act stipulates that An employer of corps members shall provide basic accommodation and where it is not available, pay the minimum sum of N250 per month in lieu of accommodation.

It also states that an employer of corps members shall provide all welfare facilities normally provided for the regular staff, including medical service and transport  or where it is not available, pay the minimum of N150 per month in lieu of transport.

OFFICIAL DIFFERS

Despite the provisions of the NYSC Act, the National Assembly Director of Information and Publications, Rawlins Agada, expresses a different opinion. To him, paying corps members will be double payment as provisions have been made for their allowances in the annual budget.

Although he corroborated the fact that authorities of the National Assembly paid corps members years back, he urged corps members to drop the sense of entitlement as they are no longer entitled to monthly salaries from the authorities.

Mr Agada explained that the decision of the management to stop payment was not deliberate but had to be taken because the financial implication was massive.

We used to pay up to N10,000 but I think we stopped that during the 7th Senate. The influx of everyone coming to serve in the National Assembly was way too much  both those that were brought in by lawmakers and those who just wanted to serve in the National Assembly.

It became a problem because there was no budgetary provision for them in the National Assembly budget. So the management said they could not pay the crowd of corps members anymore.

The decision was purely administrative and it was made because the capacity of the institution is overstretched  without any monetary consideration. So, considering them will be double payment.

Mr Agada further explained that although authorities try to help corps members when in need, he, however, lamented that most of them who come to the National Assembly are dormant, without any aim and motive.

Another issue is, in as much as we try to help them when there are challenges, some of them are not serious. They have no set goals or aim and motive. They dont request for work. They should request for work and responsibilities!

Especially the female corps members. Im sorry to say but the ladies do come to make money  find any lawmaker or senior officer that they can attach themselves to  and make quick money from them. Nobody wants to work, he said.

A WORD OF ADVICE

An ex-corps member, Leonard Ezeh, admonished corps members both within and outside the National Assembly to stop considering payment and salaries as their top priority. He said corps members should stop feeling entitled and seek ways to work and make an impact in their PPAs.

Inasmuch as theres the need to survive, especially for those who stay on their own, it is necessary to adapt and endure the struggle for a while. This doesnt mean that you wont jump at opportunities that come, but prioritising money at the beginning is not the best way.

Corps members should be concerned about putting in their best in whatever they are asked to do, thats how you build a career. Whatever you find doing, do it well. Theres no way they will let you go or at least, not recommend you to another organisation if you do your work diligently, he said.
Abiodun Bamigboye, the gubernatorial candidate of Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) in the 2019 general elections in Oyo State, is an activist and socialist who has dedicated over 16 years of his life to struggles for workers rights.

He is the Oyo State Coordinator of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR), the organization known for playing leading roles in the struggle public and private workers and retirees against poor working conditions, unpaid salaries and pensions.

Mr Bamigboye, in this interview with Atanda Adebayo, explains why he wants to take over from Abiola Ajimobi as governor of Oyo state.

PT: The last time you contested for a political position was for local government chairmanship. Why are you in the gubernatorial race?

Bamigboye: The first and fundamental reason I am in the electoral contest for the position of the Oyo State governor is to use the limited democratic opening and charged political atmosphere often created by the election period to offer a clear socialist alternative to that of the various pro-establishment and anti-people exploitative capitalist policies.

Policies like privatization, deregulation, and commercialization of social services, for example, education, which have always been the guiding principle of both the past and present government in the state regardless of pro-capitalist political parties that formed them.

This kind of opportunity was not opened to us as socialists during the 2015 general election. As at 2015, we of the SPN were still at loggerheads with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This was in connection with the INEC refusal to register SPN, despite having fulfilled all constitutional requirements for party registration. It took us (SPN) over three years of political and legal battle within and outside the court, between June 2014, when SPN submitted its application and November 2017, before INEC was compelled by the court judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on the 28 November 2017, to issue SPN its certificate of registration.

It was on January 15, 2018 that the INEC formally gave us the certificate.

It is true that I was sponsored by my party, SPN, to contest as local Government Chairman in Ibadan South-west Local Government Area during the farce called local government election conducted on May 12, 2018, by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC.

The SPN decision to participate in the council poll even when all the leading capitalist political parties like People Democratic Party, PDP, ACORD, Social Democratic Party, SDP; Labour Party, LP in the state did not participate in the council poll was not born-out of the illusion that the election will be credible or free from manipulation.

Rather, the decision was based on a strong conviction that the election campaign will offer members of the party an opportunity to reach out to as many as possible working people and youth with the party socialist programme which represents the alternative way of running the society.

This is with a view to win as many as possible persons who agree with this program to the banner of the party.

During the SPN campaign, over five thousand (5000) copies of leaflet, which summarize the program of SPN and how same will be implemented if elected were circulated to members of the public while over 2000 copies of posters were also pasted around the electoral wards that constitute the Ibadan South west LGA, the only LGA SPN presented a candidate.

Many who received the SPN leaflet expressed support for the socialist program of the party, even when some were doubtful of its practicability.

Despite this, over 100 working people, largely in Ibadan South-west, indicated interest to join SPN.

This is an expression of the huge scale of mass disaffection with the capitalist political establishment and a search for an alternative among the Nigerian working people.

It is in consideration of the huge threat the SPN active involvement in the council poll posed to the ruling party APC, that it planned to manipulate the outcome of the election, particularly in Ibadan south west.

That explains why I was denied nomination form by OYSIEC after being subjected to the rigor of a screening exercise, during which my eligibility to stand as candidate in the election was certified.

Nevertheless, OYSIEC went ahead to include both my name and logo of my party in the election ballot paper. This shows that the denial was deliberate, to prevent the SPN from being officially part of the election while the name and logo was decided to be included in the ballot paper with a view to use the name of the party to give credibility to the election.

Beyond the electoral fraud perpetrated against us in SPN during the said LGA election, the significance of the practical experience garnered by members of the SPN during the election, which among other things, showed that the socialist idea and programs are still much fashionable and correspond with the needs and aspiration of the working people.

This, therefore, is the source of the motivation behind my party decision to present me as the person to lead the banner of the party in the gubernatorial race in the state.

If SPN wins, we will be having a pro-working masses state government that will always defend and give priority to areas of needs of workers and the poor.

Where we do not win, our participation in the election will no doubt offer us a better opportunity to continue to organize the working people particularly against all forms of anti-people policies that will be imposed on them by government formed by any of the pro-capitalist party after the 2019 general elections.

PT: Activists are usually on the other side, serving as watchdogs to politician by setting agenda through constructive criticism. What informed your decision to be in the race?

Bamigboye: The impression that activists are meant to be the watch dog of the society is an old gimmick and deliberate ploy often used by the pro-capitalist politicians to ensure that the political space continues to be dominated and monopolized by them.

Interestingly, this kind of erroneous impression had been successfully challenged by the life of prominent activists like Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Lanre Arogundade, Late Barister Niyi Adewunmi, who were not only known as ardent and unrepentant critics of all forms societal ills under various forms of pro-capitalist government but also offered themselves to contest elections at different occasions to shows that there is alternative way the society can be run in the interest of the worker, youth and poor masses.

It is this kind of example set by these prominent activists that actually informed the decision of our party that I should be presented as its gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State.

PT: We have seen cases of activist like late Gani Fawehinmi and Professor Pat Utomi vying for elective positions as presidents while some contested as governors, but, they never got it. Maybe people do not see them as good politicians. Do you think you can make a difference?

Bamigboye: I do not think it is true to say that the reason the Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi did not win the presidential election in 2003 is because people did not see him as a good politician. If being a good or bad politician is the yard stick that determines the winner of election in Nigeria, I strongly believe that the late Gani Fawehinmi would have been the winner of the 2003 presidential poll.

This is because, among the leading candidates who contested the election, only the Late Gani fawehinmi can be said to be a good politician, by all reasonable standards.

It must be recalled that politics itself is an act or science that details the process and method through which the resources at the disposal of the society is judiciously used for the benefit of members of the society at large.

This is the political tendency the Late Gani fawehinmi lived his life for.

This is unlike other leading candidate in the election including the general Olusegun Obasanjo, whose political philosophy is that the societal resources should be handed over to the few individuals under the pretense of neo-liberal policies like privatization, deregulation, whose priority is to ensure that those resources are run to increase the profit interest of the few at the expense of the people at large.

It is the desperation to ensure that this kind of anti-people status quo remains that the pro-capitalist politician who in my opinion are bad politicians, deliberately ensures that the electoral system is undemocratic, expensive and create a condition of mass misery in order to make the working people vulnerable for all forms of electoral inducement.

It is the combination of these factors that are responsible for the Gani electoral defeat in 2003.

Again, with the depth of rot in the country today it will take more than a single intervention in election before a victory of pro-working people political party can be guaranteed, especially, when the working people have been victims of deceits of various pro-capitalist political platforms and politicians at the different occasions in the recent past.

Despite all of these, Gani was not deterred by his electoral defeat, instead, he remained steadfast and consistent on the side of the poor till he died.

Unfortunately, this cannot be said of both the Pat Utomi and Adam Oshiomole, who are currently on the side of oppressors, in pursuit of their self-serving political agenda.

Even though, Gani did not win the 2003 presidential election, the fact remains that his involvement and participation in the election in question clearly provided a rally point for mass of the working people and change-seeking Nigerians youths.

To me, this is a political achievement which my involvement in the 2019 is hoped to build upon.

Concerning the question of what difference the participation of our party will make in this election, I will just urge you to monitor the process of our campaign closely. Our party will never be a work-out in this election.

That I can guarantee!

PT: Your party is relatively new in Nigeria, how do you want to cope and outshine the ruling parties?

Bamigboye: It is true that our party is a relatively a new party. As I have earlier hinted, we were issued a certificate of registration on the 15 January, 2018 at the instance of the court order delivered on the 28 November, 2017.

However, considering the magnitude of our antecedent and age-long tradition of standing and defence of the interest and aspiration of the working people, I must say that our party is not only older than many existing capitalist political parties in the country today but also inherent with potential and prospect to outshine any of the existing political parties of the ruling class.

This will mean that we will need to be consistent and steadfast with the ideological commitment of our party for an adequate defence and advancement of both the political and economic interest of the workers, student, youths and other members of the oppressed strata in the country.

To us, this is the surest way. We hope to win and attract the support of the working people to our banner and therefore, outshine the parties of the capitalist class.

PT: We term political parties as being progressive or conservative in nature, where does the SPN party belong?

Bamigboye: For the sake of clarification, SPN is neither progressive nor conservative. It is very important to state that the nomenclature of conservative and progressive is often used to make a distinction between political parties of capitalist orientation.

Our party is a party of socialist orientation. Our party believes and subscribes to the idea of socialism, which stipulates among other things, the stupendous human and natural resources at the disposal of the country must be collectively owned and placed under a democratic control.

This is to achieve an equitable distribution of the wealth of the society and socialist plan such that guarantee meeting the basic needs of the vast majority. Therefore SPN is neither a progressive nor a conservative but socialist oriented political party!

PT: You are contesting at the time some governors are saying they will not pay N30, 000 minimum wage. How much do you intend to pay workers as minimum wage?

Bamigboye: If you go through our manifesto, you will see there-in that our party promised to be committed to the implementation of the N30, 000 minimum wage.

To demonstrate this commitment, every elected political office holder under our party will be placed under the salary and allowances earned by the civil servant.

At SPN, we believe that only political office holders who are prepared and ready to live like the working people will always be willing to defend both the economic and political interest of the working people.

My party and myself as the party gubernatorial candidate had issued a series of public statement where we have not only declared our commitment to the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage but also urge the leadership of labour movement not to relent on the struggle to force both the enactment and the implementation.

The argument that some state government cannot pay N30, 000 new minimum wage has been refuted many times, by our party.

There is no state in Nigeria today, including Oyo State, that does not have the capacity to pay N30, 000 if the resources at the disposal of the state governments are judiciously utilized under the democratic control and involvement of workers and the people.

This will mean that the outrageous salaries and allowances including other frivolous privileges often enjoyed by political office holders will have to be drastically reduced. The fraudulent contract system through which politicians, who masquerade as contractors and business men, often used to siphon public fund will also have to be stopped.

Instead of the prevailing fraudulent contract system we call for a well-equipped and adequately staffed Ministry of Works (public works department) under a democratic control of workers and relevant professionals such that it is capable of judiciously and cost-effectively executing all categories of projects.

In other words, it will deliver the same standard project at a fraction of the cost by the current contract system.

PT: INEC said over 700,000 PVCs are still in its custody in the state. What do you think can be done to reduce it to the barest minimum?

Bamigboye: The first and the immediate thing I feel should be done is for the INEC, possibly in conjunction with the National orientation agency, to embark on mass sensitization of the general public, with a view to encourage and persuade them to go for the collection of their PVCs.

The need to persuade the people toward ensuring the collection of the PVC is very crucial given the fact present characterization of political parties and the leading capitalist politicians in the state.

Abiodun Bamigboye, the gubernatorial candidate of Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN)

The anti-poor characters of leading political parties in the state means that an average working class person is not encouraged to be voluntarily and actively involved in the electoral process in the state. For instance most of the leading political parties currently participating in the 2019 election have formed government at one time or the other in the state and have failed to bring any improvement to the life of the working people in the state.

Same goes for politicians who are standing for one electoral position or the other, under most of these political parties. Even other pro-capitalist political parties with little political influence which are relatively new and never formed government also lack political programs that could uplift the living condition of the people.

PT: States are complaining that the federal allocation and the IGR are not even enough to settle their wage bill. How do you raise money without necessarily over-taxing the people?

Bamigboye: One of the ways a government formed by our party will generate and raise fund to implement our socialist program will include immediate cancellation of the security vote governors often allocate to themselves out of the fund meant for the development of the state.

This will mean that all funds at the disposal of the state will be committed and invested on the areas of needs of the working people particularly adequate funding of public utilities, like education, under a democratic control and management of committee of workers, students and parents.

Another way an SPN government will generate and raise fund for the implementation of programs is through the cancellation of the regime of corrupt and costly contract system. It will replace it with a public work program under which the ministry of works will be equipped with adequate equipment, machineries, expertise and manpower to undertake mass public works like mass building of schools, hospitals, roads, mass housing, water-works, mass electrification, etc.,

Contract system has been used by the current and previous governments to pilfer away several billions of naira, and throw statse into needless debt crisis of billions of naira.

SPN government will review all contracts entered into by previous government.

Abiodun Bamigboye, the gubernatorial candidate of Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN)

All unjustified and fraudulent contracts will be cancelled.

Only contractors with proven evidence of work will be paid. This is after the interests of workers, retirees, youths, and the poor must have been satisfied.

SPN government shall set up democratic probe committees comprising representatives of workers, retirees, youth and students, communities, other social groups, and the government towards the recovery of all looted funds by officials and top politicians.

All recovered funds will be used to fund a public and social works programs for the poor and the needy. The administration of all revenues, running, monitoring and supervision of government institutions, ministries and departments will be reviewed and subjected to transparent and democratic involvement of elected representatives of workers, community, professionals and government.

This will ensure judicious use of resources and also reduce corruption to barest minimum.

Also all the big business owners and billionaires in the state will be made to pay appropriate taxes.

Finally, we shall campaign for nationalization and democratic management of all commanding heights of economy such as oil and gas, banking industry, etc in order to raise more resources for the government.

However, to achieve this and also the judicious use of the resources we will need a socialist government not only in Oyo state but also in many states and at the federal level. This is our goal!

PT: The state government recently introduces security levies on business and religious body as way to generate more money; if you are elected will you rescind the decision?

Bamigboye: Definitely yes. We have issued a press statement to condemn the decision of Senator Ajimobi/APC-led Oyo State government to impose what was reportedly called security levies on the poor traders and small business owners in Oyo State.

At the same time, we demand an immediate reversal of this decision while calling on members of the Oyo state house of assembly to immediately kick start the process of repealing the obnoxious law upon which the decision for the security levies was allegedly premised.

As far we are concerned, the imposition of security levies on the people under the pretense of generating fund to assist security agencies in their bid to maintain a crime free state as claimed by the governor himself is unjust and criminal as it amounts to transferring the burden of funding of security agencies on the poor citizens of this state.

It will not only compound the economic hardship under which the working people in the state groan, but it is also at variance with the Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution as amended which stipulates among other things that the security of life and properties of every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic and religious affiliation, must be the fundamental responsibility of the Nigeria government, at all levels.

Abiodun Bamigboye, the gubernatorial candidate of Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN)

We strongly believe that the security agents in the state would have been more effective and efficient if the huge proportion of the yearly budget often voted on security by the federal government and the huge sum of fund Governors often set asides for themselves as security votes has been used judiciously over time to improve on both the working and living condition of the security agents.

Unfortunately, the exact amount and expenditure of the security votes running to millions of dollars on monthly basis, are not bound by any law to be disclosed.

This is why we call for immediate cancellation of security votes, while charging legislators in the state house of assembly members to enact a law that will support the conversion of the funds that goes to the governor under the pretence of security votes to a security fund to assist the security agencies at the state level. Such a fund must be subjected to the democratic control and management of the elected representatives of working people to ensure its adequate accountability.

PT: As a way to improve the education sector, the state government introduced school governing boards. It also introduced Agric Oyo, to improve the agricultural sector. What can you say about these programs?

Bamigboye: The introduction of governing board by the Oyo State government, without a prior, conscious and sustainable effort to yield to its social responsibility of proper and adequate funding of education is a misplacement of priority.

This kind of approach will not be acceptable to a government formed by the SPN. School governing board under an SPN led government will comprise elected representative of teachers, parents and students and this will be done side by side adequate funding of education. At the same time, ensure that the public education is properly and adequately funded.

The existence of governing board across schools in the state where students lack access to facilities and conducive atmosphere necessary before learning can take place is a share waste of time and a fruitless chase after shadow!

The Agric Oyo is tokenism and it has proved to be incapable of guaranteeing sufficient and avoidable food for Oyo State people. Under SPN, this will be replaced with SPN Integrated Rural Development Program so as to put tens of thousands into jobs, ensure food sufficiency, expand economic activities and develop the rural areas.

Under this program, farms/plantations in a form of farm settlements, will be established with provision of basic infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, schools, potable water, housing etc.

SPN government will provide machineries, equipment and inputs in all local governments for poor farmers and peasants to access at an affordable rate. This is in addition to the provision of cheap credits and other financial supports through their cooperatives.

PT: Many people will say one must have contributed one way or the other to the development of his society before he can seek people votes. What have you done to deserve their votes?

Bamigboye: As an activist and socialist, with my organization, I have contributed greatly to the victory of a number of workers struggle in the state. A few of these struggles are as follows: Struggle that forced the reinstatement of 95 sacked workers and removal of the despotic ED in CRIN; Struggle that forced the reinstatement of four lecturers arbitrarily sacked by the provost of FCA, Ibadan; Struggle that forced the removal of IAR&T Director who is currently serving a jail term, over cases of corruption and mismanagement of the institution money and Struggle of the Oyo State workers that forced the senator Ajimobi-led APC Oyo State government to drop the plan to sell-off some secondary schools in the state.

The most recent is the struggle that won an improved working condition and better pay for over 15 000 casual workers in Summal food company located at Oluyole industrial estate.

I am daily involved in different efforts at organizing workers, youths and the poor masses to fight for better conditions and against exploitation in workplaces, communities and schools in the state.
The EU renewed sanctions on Monday against the ruling coalitions candidate for presidential elections in Democratic Republic of Congo, Emmanuel Shadary, and 13 other senior officials.

The decision is likely to worsen relations between the EU and President Joseph Kabilas government, which has lobbied against sanctions it calls an illegal violation of its sovereignty.

Mr Kabila has also refused to accredit EU election observers in spite concerns by opposition politicians, civil society activists and foreign powers about the credibility of the December 23 vote.

He is due to step down in January after 18 years in power and wants Mr Shadary as his successor.

Many experts consider him the favorite given the ruling coalitions institutional advantages.

The EU imposed sanctions in 2016 and 2017 on Mr Shadary and 15 other nationals over violent crackdowns on protests and repeated delays to the election, which was originally meant to take place two years ago.

Two of the 16 have since been transferred to a UN sanctions list.

Mr Shadary served as interior minister during some of the protests and as a senior official in Mr Kabilas PPRD party.

The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes, the EU said in a statement.

The statement added that it would review the restrictive measures in the light of and following the elections in the DRC and stands ready to adjust them accordingly.

The vote will mark the countrys first democratic transition of power since independence from Belgium in 1960.

Mr Kabila said on Sunday his government planned to retaliate against the EU.

There will be (retaliatory) measures, definitely, because we believe those sanctions are politically motivated, he said.

We are not talking about expelling anyone but definitely we will have to pay back in kind one way or the other.

Paris cleans up as Macron prepares to respond to yellow vest riots

One of the leading opposition presidential candidates, Martin Fayulu, called on Saturday for the sanctions to remain in place.

The EU should reinforce its sanctions against Shadary to impede the Kabila regime since its been the cause of many human rights violations, he said at a campaign rally in the city of Kisangani.

(Reuters/NAN)
A Russian former policeman was convicted on Monday of killing 55 women and one man, bringing the total number of women he is convicted of killing to 77, a court said.

Mikhail Popkov predominantly targeted women aged 18 to 50 in urban areas in the eastern Siberian region of Irkutsk from 1992 to 2007, the Irkutsk-based court said in a statement.

He would meet them casually and flirt with them, the statement said.

The victims ended up outside of the city  in a forest, cemeteries, roadsides.

Many of the victims were residents of the cities of Irkutsk and Angarsk, and the town of Usolye-Sibirskoye, the statement said.

Known as the Angarsk maniac, his victims included a fellow policeman, Russias federal investigative agency said.

It took law enforcement officers rather thorough work analysing unsolved crimes to link Popkov to them, including questioning more than a thousand potential witnesses, the Investigative Committee said in a statement.

As a police officer, Popkov would have had knowledge of forensic practices.

Russian media has reported that many of his victims were mutilated.

The identities of 17 of his victims have not been determined, the court said in its statement.

While tabloids have reported that Popkov targeted inebriated woman and prostitutes, the Investigative Committee said his victims were women of various social status and position in society.

Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Popkov was motivated by his wife supposedly being unfaithful.

Popkov was initially convicted three years ago for the murders of 22 women and sentenced to life in prison.

He has been stripped of his rank of junior lieutenant.

(dpa/NAN)
The Nigerian government has been advised to charge one kobo per minute for every outgoing mobile phone call in the country to fund healthcare for the citizens.

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSO) and professional associations in the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health at Scale (PACFaH@Scale) gave the advice on Monday at a press conference in Abuja held to mark the International Universal Health Coverage (IUHC) Day.

The international UHC day is celebrated every December 12. The theme for this year is Unite for Universal Health Coverage: Now is the time for collective action.

The press conference was held ahead of the day and rounds off a two-day workshop that provided the CSOs in the group an opportunity to learn more about UHC.

UHC means all citizens accessing quality health services where and when they need them, and without suffering financial hardship.

On innovative means to achieve UHC, the PACFaH @Scale coalition proposed that the government should introduce a mobile phone tax that will involve charging one kobo per minute on every outgoing phone call in Nigeria.

Speaking at the conference, the Vice President, Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SOGON), Habib Sadauki, said the call for collective action to achieving UHC is very important because even other parts of the world are overwhelmed with providing healthcare for their people.

Mr Sadauki said the one kobo per minute proposal is not entirely a novel idea. He said as a former member of the House of Representatives, he sponsored the idea as a bill.

He said the bill passed first reading in the House but, however, could not proceed because he did not make it back to the House.

The non-continuity of the sponsor does not mean the bill should die. Almost everyone uses a mobile phone. The Nigerian Communications Commission says there are 162. 3 million active lines in the country. Pulling resources for UHC through that means will go a long way in assisting to achieve UHC, he said.

He added that the bulk of the people who do not have access to healthcare are in the informal sector.

So we believe that source should cater for that. It is time for collective action and it is doable. There is no free lunch and people need to take action to achieve UHC. We are just looking for a medium which will include collective collection and collective inclusion, he said.

Also speaking at the conference, the Executive Director, Women in Media (WIM), Halima Ben-Umar, called on the three tiers of government to fund the second National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP II) and ensure accountability in its implementation.

The NSHDP document was developed by the Ministry of Health and its development partners as a stewardship guide to strengthen health care delivery across all the three tiers of government in Nigeria.

Mrs Ben-Umar said government exploring new innovative ways to fund the health system has become necessary for Nigerians. According to Nigerias National Health Account of 2014, for every N1, 000 spent on health, about N700 is out of pocket expenditure, a situation that is driving millions of Nigerians into poverty and denying them basic healthcare.

Just as the theme for the day, UHC requires a collective action for everybody to contribute their quota to achieving UHC. One way we can do that in the country is to pool funds through the collection of one kobo per minute from every phone call made to be saved for individuals to accessing quality health care.

She lamented that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has not been effective as it is only four per cent of the nations population that is on the scheme.

The NHIS does not also cover the informal sector and this is the majority of people who need access to quality health services in the country.

We believe that the objective of the UHC will be achieved in Nigeria if all the three tiers of government have political will to implement recommendations proposed by the coalition, Mrs Ben-Umar said.

Speaking in a similar vein, the Secretary-General of Network for Nigerian NGCOs, Ayo Adebusoye, said the country needs alternative means to generate funds for UHC because the meagre investment in health sector is further compounded by delay or non-release of appropriated funds.

Even when funds are released, there are challenges of utilisation and accountability. Other lingering barriers to UHC in the country include low political will to adequately fund healthcare, poor governance, mismanagement of resources and lack of coordination among federal, states and local government.

Mr Adebusoye called on the media to join in the advocacy for UHC, saying this will benefit everyone.

According to the coalition, the three tiers of government in Nigeria must keep their promises for the health sector so the country can achieve universal health coverage.
Some legislative aides to federal lawmakers have written a petition to the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, demanding an investigation into criminal diversion of their budgeted legitimate entitlements.

They also asked the EFCC chairman to bring the culprits to book and ensure the prompt payment of their allowances.

Also copied in the letter is President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, Director General of the State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi, and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bolaji Owansanoye.

In the letter which was made available to PREMIUM TIMES, nine of the aides, who do not want their names mentioned for fear of victimisation, signed on the endorsement page of the petition. The letter was dated November 19 and received by the anti-graft agency same day.

They accused the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Omolori, of diverting funds appropriated to them. They accused them of complicity in the management of the legislative aides account.

An investigation in 2016 revealed that no fewer than 2,570 aides are engaged by the 469 members of the 8th National Assembly. Out of the number, 700 aides work for lawmakers in the Senate, while the remaining 1,870 are engaged by House of Representatives members.

As provided in the National Assembly Act, each lawmaker, excluding principal officers, is entitled to five aides  one Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), two legislative aides, a personal assistant and a secretary.

Also, the President of the Senate is entitled to 45 aides, his deputy, 30, and 20 each for principal officers.

Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives has 35 assistants, Deputy Speaker, 15 and 10 each for the six principal officers of the House of Representatives.

The number of aides to each legislator, it was gathered, includes those in their constituency offices.

The monthly emolument of the aides, which ranged from N150, 000 to N250, 000, sources at the assembly said, has been reduced to between N75, 000 and N180, 000 by the current leadership of the assembly.

All the aides are paid from the coffers of the assembly.

The letter, dated November 19, is titled Petition on criminal diversion of funds of legislative aides by the clerk and presiding officers of the 8th National Assembly.

In it, they explained that aides are employed on a short-term basis and entitled to allowances as applicable to other public servants and a severance package of 300 per cent of their annual basic salary at the end of the four -year tenure of their principals. 

Part of the allowance, they said, is the Duty Tour Allowance (DTA).

Each SLA from Level 15 to 17 is entitled to the sum of N100,000 while other category of aides receives the sum of N75,000 every quarter as. DTA allowances. In essence, each aide is entitled to between N300,000 and N400,000 yearly as DTAs.

We are also entitled to be trained four times yearly which was later compressed into twice a year. At the end of each training, each aide is entitled to a honorarium of N50,000 making a yearly total of N100,000, part of the letter read.

They said of the 13 quarters DTA owed legislative aides of the 8th Assembly since June 2015, only two quarters has been paid, adding that there has been no training activities for the past three and half years despite the budgetary allocations for these items, which were neither used for the said activities nor were they returned to government coffers as unused funds.

The non-payment of these accumulated legitimate entitlements has turned legislative aides into legislative slaves. We have been pauperized to the extent that we are unable to meet our financial obligations like payment of school fees, hospital bills, house rents, debt serving, putting us into several embarrassing situations.

The aides praised the past senate presidents for reportedly ensuring the payments of such allowances and accused the present leadership of fraud.

It is pertinent to point that past Senate Presidents including Evan Enwerem, Chuba Okadigbo, Adolphus Nwagbara, Pius Anyim, Ken Nnamani and David Mark were all diligent in ensuring that legislative aides receive their appropriated DTAs and training allowances.

We are hereby alleging criminal diversion of these yearly appropriated legitimate entitlements by the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Sani Omolori because of their complicity in the management of the legislative aides account, they said.

The aides said all avenues employed in appealing to Messrs Saraki, Dogara and Omolori were unsuccessful, hence the last recourse to the petition.

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki

Referring to a PREMIUM TIMES report on how National Assembly mismanaged billions of Naira through illegal expenditures and fraud, the aides said instead of settling the accumulated entitled, Mr Omolori engaged in sundry white elephant projects which are not captured in the original plan-of the National Assembly. These projects, they said, served as a conduit pipe of diverting and misappropriating funds meant to settle our entitlements.

When contacted, Mr Sarakis spokesperson, Yusuf Olaniyonu, told PREMIUM TIMES that the Senate President has nothing to do with the salaries and allowances of legislative aides.

He explained that payment of the aides is controlled by the management committee of the National Assembly and that the aides are speaking ignorantly.

The salaries and allowances of National Assembly aides including me, is handled by the people they call the Management committee which is headed by the clerk, like the bureaucracy of the National Assembly. The Senate President does not have anything to do with it. In fact, I attended a meeting he held with them the other day, and he told them, I dont know a single thing about your salaries and allowances

They have paid my salary now and he doesnt even know. My letter of employment is issued by the clerk, my ID Card is signed by the clerk. My salary is paid by the clerk, I dont collect my salary from the Senate President.

Funds that come into National Assembly, come under various headings. If it is senate, it goes to the clerk of the senate who then, administers it there. The one for House of Reps goes to House of Reps. Then the one for management goes to the entire staff, both political and bureaucratic.

Even if he was not my boss, I cannot accuse him of diverting funds because he does not have anything to do with my salary and allowance. They are speaking ignorantly, he said.

Efforts to reach Mr Omolori and Mr Dogaras spokesperson, Turaki Hassan, were unsuccessful as they did not respond to calls and text messages sent to them.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara

This alarm raised by the legislative aides is not the first. They had on October 9, staged a protest at the National Assembly Complex to demand allowances  a protest which the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, described as uncalled for.

This petition also comes days after hundreds of staff of the National Assembly shut lawmakers out of the complex to demand payment of their entitlements.

The workers held placards bearing inscriptions such as Omolori is a contractor Killing staff with poor condition of service and Constitute the National Assembly Commission Now.

Mr Omolori had addressed the protesters and declared that the problem was not from him but that the federal government had not approved the money for payment of such entitlements.
A journalist with PREMIUM TIMES, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, on Sunday emerged the 2018 WSCIJ-Nigerian Investigative Reporter of the year.

The award was the thirteenth edition of the Wole Soyinka Awards for Investigative Reporting

The event, organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), is held annually in commemoration of December 9  the World Anticorruption Day and eve of the Human Rights Day  to call attention to the significance of the media generally and investigative reporting in particular, to attaining good governance, accountability and social justice.

Amongst several dignitaries present at the ceremony at NECA House, Alausa, were human rights lawyer, Femi Falana; Executive Director, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, Lanre Suraj; professor of Mass Communication, Ralph Akinfeleye; Michel Deelen, Deputy Ambassador to the Kingdom of Netherlands; and many others.

Three reporters from PREMIUM TIMES were listed among the 12 finalists from the online, broadcast and print media, shortlisted for the honour.

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, an associate editor, won the online category with his six-series reports, which exposed the NYSC certificate forgery by the former finance minister, Kemi Adeosun.

Also, PREMIUM TIMES Senate correspondent, Kemi Busari, emerged the runner-up with his piece, Investigation: The appalling, risky state of Nigerias multi-billion Naira nuclear technology centre while Oladeinde Olawoyin, who covers oil and gas, business and Lagos metropolis, was commended for his two-part story, Investigation: Inside Nigerias Drivers License Fraud and How Officials Dupe Applicants.

In his opening remarks, the Board Secretary of WSCIJ, Jiti Ogunye, congratulated the category winners and the honorary award recipients for the feat.

The Chairman, 2018 Judges Board, Umaru Pate, applauded the finalists for the quality of their reports among 136 other entries received across the six categories.

According to the professor of Mass Communication, a lot of the entries depended on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other government agencies for information, rather than those conceived by the reporters themselves.

Meanwhile, other winners include New Telegraphs Mojeed Alabi, who emerged the winner of the print category; Kolawole Aliu, a 2017 runner-up, who won with his photograph on, The Menace of Lagos State Task Force on People, published in the Leadership Newspaper, Sharon Ijasa from Television Continental (TVC) who won the television category while Chinelo Ozoalor of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Enugu, clinched the award for the radio category. Chinwe Agbeze of Businessday won the Runner-up for the print category.

Premium Times journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award Premium Times journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award PREMIUM TIMES journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award Premium Times journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award

The winners, runners-up and commended works got cash prizes of N200,000, N100,000 and N50,000 respectively, plus a certificate of commendation. In addition, winners got award plaques and will proceed on an all-expense-paid international study tour in 2019.

Premium Times journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award Premium Times journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award Premium Times journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award

The overall winner, Mr Abdulaziz, in his remarks, dedicated the award to the team at PREMIUM TIMES, whose input, he said, made the story and the award happen. He also celebrated the courage of Nigerians who asked for action on the report.

PREMIUM TIMES journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award Premium Times journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award Premium Times journalist wins Nigerias top investigative journalism award

For the honorary awards, John Momoh of Channels TV received the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence for his over two-decade commitment to media excellence while the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Waziri Adio, was conferred with the Anti-Corruption Defender Award for his consistent public stance against corruption.

With the first edition in October 2005, the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting has produced 91 finalists, eight investigative journalists of the year and 20 honorary awards recipients.
A building housing an apartment occupied by two sons of Atiku Abubakar was searched by anti-graft operatives in Abuja over the weekend, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

The building also houses an apartment occupied by Chiemeka Orji, son of ex-Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji. That apartment was also reportedly searched by anti-graft operatives.

Although our sources said the home of Mr Abubakars children was the primary target, an anti-graft spokesperson suggested Chiemeka might have been the target.

The raid on Aliyu and Mustapha Atiku-Abubakars residence in the posh Maitama neighbourhood on Saturday comes a day after claims emerged that Mr Abubakars running mate, Peter Obi, had his bank accounts frozen by federal authorities. Two anti-graft agencies, EFCC and ICPC, denied freezing Mr Obis accounts.

Paul Ibe, a spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar family, confirmed the search to PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, saying the officers who conducted the grievous act of intimidation were unable to find anything implicating.

While no specific law enforcement agencies were immediately linked to the purported block of Mr Obis accounts raised by the Peoples Democratic Party, sources informed about the raid on the home of the presidential candidates sons said those who executed the search were from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Neither Aliyu nor Mustapha was in town when the anti-graft agents arrived  as both are said to be studying for masters degrees at foreign universities  but those with whom they share the building were reportedly taken to the EFCC office and some of their properties confiscated, sources said.

Amongst those arrested was Chiemeka whose father is now a serving senator and a subject of an ongoing EFCC corruption investigation.

Chiemeka was said to have been taken to the EFCC office in Abuja alongside his brother, and two vehicles confiscated from them.

When the EFCC officers arrived on Saturday, they met Theodore Orjis sons at home, because they both live in the same building, a source said. They asked to see the apartment of Aliyu and Mustapha Atiku-Abubakar but Theodore Orjis sons refused to show them, saying their friends are out of the country, anyway.

The EFCC operatives then said they have intelligence that a large cache of dollars had been kept in the apartment which they had come to recover, the source said. They forcibly searched the apartment, but there was no hard currency or anything that could be construed as fraudulently damning.

Our sources said Chiemeka and his brother were released soon after they were questioned at the EFCC office, but two cars belonging to them were still in possession of the anti-graft agency as of Monday morning.

Chiemeka could not be reached for comments, with his telephone line refusing to connect after multiple dials. Aliyu Atiku-Abubakar also did not immediately return messages seeking comments from PREMIUM TIMES.

A spokesperson for the EFCC said he has no immediate knowledge of the operation, but expressed strong doubts that Mr Abubakars sons home could be raided.

Tony Orilade said the EFCC has been investigating Mr Orji, and it was possible the former governors children were the target of further investigation into how state funds were used during his tenure from 2007 to 2015.

Coming over the same weekend that the PDP alleged restrictions were placed on the bank accounts of Mr Obi and his family, as well as claims that EFCC attempted to arrest Doyin Okupe, a PDP top shot, Mr Ibe accused the Buhari administration of raising the stakes of 2019 election higher than the country could absorb.

Atiku Abubakar is destined to win the 2019 presidential election, and Nigerians are set to ensure that destiny holds by voting for him en masse, Mr Ibe said. The actors in Buharis government have now realised this possibility and are gripped by the fears of Atiku Abubakar.

This grievous act of intimidation now has an expiry date that is dwindling faster than a twinkle, Mr Ibe said.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has condemned the distribution of cash to Nigerians by the federal government very close to the general elections.

Mr Dogara stated this on Monday during a public hearing organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC and Political Parties Matters on Vote-buying and Improving the Electoral Processes in Nigeria.

He said no matter how noble the intent may be, such endeavours amount to vote buying and inducement, and can be considered corruption.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, had made a similar allegation, accusing the federal government of using the TraderMoni programme as a sophisticated vote-buying plot to win the 2019 presidential election.

TraderMoni is one of the governments initiatives under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), a programme targeted at awarding collateral-free loans to two million petty traders across the country.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has become the face of the programme as he has launched it in several markets in many states in the country over the past few months.

On Saturday, Mr Osinbajo was in Ilorin, Kwara State for the programme.

But the speaker of the House of Representatives said the programme is fraudulent.

Mr Dogara while delivering his address said the act of inducing the public with cash in exchange for their votes is a fraud that is covered within section 124 (1)(a);(b);(c); Section(124)(2)(4)(5) and Section 130 of the Electoral Act.

He also noted that financial inducement for votes contravenes the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy enshrined in Nigerias Constitution, even as there is also a lack of political will to implement the laws to offer deterrence to violators. He said even where arrests are made, the prosecution is not done, despite the damaging effect of the practice.

Vote buying and other sundry criminal manipulations of the electoral process in Nigeria has left our citizens in a state of unmitigated disaster, he said.

As a result, we have been married off to a mob. A mob that rules us by the example of their power not by the dictates of law. A mob that rules by fear as an inalienable tool rather than by courage. A mob that accepts the status quo rather than challenge it. Mobs dont grow others, they only destroy others in order to grow themselves. We follow the mob because we must, not because we are receiving any sense of significance for our own lives from them.

Our democracy has stagnated and will sadly remain so until we eliminate all sham elections which have the effect of throwing up the worst of us to lead the best of us.

It is instructive to note that the Electoral Act anticipated and captured most forms of electoral fraud including inducement and vote buying.

I hope we will have the courage at this event to address the distribution of cash to the public very close to general elections by public officials.

I am afraid that such endeavours no matter how noble the intentions behind them may fall within the all-encompassing provisions of S. 124 (1)(a);(b);(c); and S.(124)(2)(4)(5) and S. 130 of the Electoral Act.

He said although penalties for these electoral offences are not stringent, there is also lack of political will to implement the laws as it is, even if it is to offer a feeble deterrence to violators.

Arrests are hardly made and even where arrests are made, prosecutions are unheard of.

Indeed, the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in our Constitution envisages that Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of Democracy and that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, through which government derives its authority, powers and legitimacy.

He said any form of contrivance by any person or authority to unduly influence the choice of the voter is condemnable as it is patently an assault on this constitutional guarantee.

Undue influence of voters has always existed in different forms all over the world, however, the recent phenomenon of direct pricing and buying of votes as if in a market square is very disturbing. It is one of the highest forms of corruption, he stated.

Reiterating the need for free, fair, credible and transparent elections, he stressed that that it is the very basis for translating the consent of the governed into governmental authority, especially as elections are now so attractive that even pretentious democracies lay claim to holding elections just in order to confer an aura of legitimacy on their rule.

While noting that not all elections are democratic elections, he said that for elections to qualify as democratic, they must be competitive, periodic, inclusive, definitive, free, fair, credible and transparent.

Mr Dogara called on Nigerians and members of the global community to rise up for free, fair and credible elections and fight against the phenomenon of electoral fraud that could destroy the nations democracy and install leaders that would operate as if they are above the law.

The high prevalence of vote-buying in the electoral system of the country is, without any doubt, of great concern to all Nigerians and members of the global community who truly love democracy.

It is disheartening that this absurd phenomenon has assumed alarming proportions in recent times.

As citizens, we must not surrender to this criminality as we cannot do so and still expect honour.

When political office holders defy the law and corruptly assume office, they will always operate as if they are above the law, he added.

The speaker further noted a more worrisome dimension to vote buying which he stated is the alleged use of the officials of the electoral umpire and officers of security agencies to induce or intimidate and coerce voters to vote for particular candidates.

Such absurdities have been widely reported in the media and confirmed by some local and international observers in respect of the recently concluded governorship elections in Osun State.

As expected, all lovers of democracy worldwide rose to condemn these despicable incidents. Condemnation is not enough, it will amount to hypocrisy if we dont take the bull by the horns by taking concrete steps to eliminate these evils that make a mockery of our hard worn democracy.

Let me seize this opportunity to call on all people of goodwill in our country to rise in condemnation and denunciation of vote-buying and all forms of electoral malpractices.

Indeed, electoral fraud is one of the worst forms of corruption, and should be treated as such.

He added that it is the only way Nigeria can guarantee the stability and growth of its democracy.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed on Monday that a building housing the apartment occupied by two sons of Atiku Abubakar was raided over the weekend, but the anti-graft office denied vehemently the operation had anything to do with the opposition presidential candidates family.

PREMIUM TIMES broke the news of the raid on Monday morning, citing multiple sources familiar with the Saturday search and a corroboration from Paul Ibe, a longtime spokesperson for the Abubakars.

The building in the highbrow Maitama neighbourhood also houses an apartment occupied by sons of Theodore Orji, the former governor of Abia State who has been under corruption investigation by the EFCC.

In a statement Monday afternoon, the EFCC said the raid was strictly targeted at Mr Orjis sons, some of whom were arrested and their cars confiscated.

The recent arrest of Ogbonna Orji, son of Sen. Theodore Orji, over money laundering, has absolutely nothing to do with son of ex-VP Atiku Abubakar.

The former Abia governor has been under investigations by the EFCC, for money laundering activities, which was discovered to have been carried out through his sons.

The EFCC had been on the trail of cars allegedly bought by the sons, and last Friday the cars were traced to a night club in Abuja, where operatives waited patiently through the night to arrest the owners  Ogbonna and his friend, Kelvin Ilonah.

They were arrested at about 5am on Saturday, and they led operatives to their three-flat apartment, where documents retrieved showed that it was rented at a rate of N13million per annum.

They have so far given useful information to the EFCC, which is aiding in investigations. It should be made clear that the EFCC never went after Atikus sons, neither was Atikus son arrested by the EFCC, a string of tweets by the EFCC said in full.

The anti-graft agency did not say if it knew before the raid that one of the apartments was owned by Mr Abubakars sons. It also did not say if Mr Orjis sons briefed the operatives before the raid that the neighbouring apartment belonged to Mr Abubakars sons.

In our earlier exclusive report, this newspaper did not say Mr Abubakars sons were arrested. The report stated that both of them were out of the country during the raid.

After PREMIUM TIMES earlier story, an aide to ex-Abia governor Theodore Orji contacted this newspaper saying the raid was not targeted at them but at Mr Abubakars children. The aide said the family would consider issuing a statement on the matter.

In his reaction to the EFCC statement, Mr Ibe, speaking for Mr Abubakars family, told PREMIUM TIMES it does not add up and exposes the shabbiness of the governments anti-corruption campaign.

The EFCC has seen the huge support which Nigerians showed towards the Atiku Abubakar family since PREMIUM TIMES reported the illegal and intimidating raid of Aliyu and Mustaphas apartment Mr Ibe said. They are now tunning around to cover up their political witchhunt.

It is better for them to tell Nigerians that they mistakenly raided the apartment of the Atiku Abubakars sons while they were looking for Theodore Orjis sons, but to outright deny going after Aliyu and Mustapha in search of imaginary dollars is uncharitable and insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians as a collective, Mr Ibe said.
In the course of his 16-month appointment, Kelly defended the policy of separating migrant families at the U.S. border because, he said, the children could go to foster care or whatever. He spread an untruth about Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., and then refused to apologize or recant. When White House staffer Rob Porter was accused of domestic violence  accompanied by photos of his ex's horrifically bruised face  news leaked that Kelly had known about the allegations for months before they became public and privately urged Porter to stay in the job.
The federal government on Monday resumed talks with the leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the ongoing strike in public universities.

The university lecturers have been on strike since November 4 demanding improved funding of universities and implementation of previous agreements with the government.

The national president of ASUU, Biodun Ogunyemi, led the unions delegation to Mondays meeting.

The ASUU delegation arrived at the ministry at exactly 4:10 p.m. but none of the federal government delegation was around then.

Also in attendance is the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Wabba.

The meeting is holding at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja.

At least four other meetings have been held between both parties since the strike began.

When the government delegation arrived, the minister of education, Adamu Adamu, was absent. However, the permanent secretary of the education ministry, Sunny Echono, was present.

The government delegation was led by the labour minister, Chris Ngige.

While addressing the ASUU delegation, Mr Ngige appealed to the striking lecturers to ensure that Mondays dialogue yields results.

The strike is five weeks old today and it is not in anybodys interest. We will ensure the needful is done, he said.

In his speech, the NLC president, Mr Wabba, urged the federal government to urgently do the needful if it really wants to end the strike action.

More details later
The Presidency on Monday defended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying the anti-graft agency did not raid an apartment occupied by the two sons of Atiku Abubakar.

Presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu claimed the news of the anti-corruption raid, which PREMIUM TIMES broke on Monday morning, was spread by main opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Mr Shehus comments came hours after the EFCC issued a statement explaining its role in the controversial search of the building and apartment occupied by Aliyu and Mustapha Atiku-Abubakar, whose father is the main challenger to President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential election coming up next February.

Aliyu and Mustaphas apartment is in the same property as that of the sons of ex-Abia State governor, Theodore Orji.

The EFCC confirmed raiding the apartment of the sons of Mr Orji, but said the operation was not targeted at any member of the Abubakars.

It said only Mr Orjis son was arrested and his vehicles confiscated, adding that it was the outcome of several weeks of trailing him in connection with the ongoing corruption investigation of their father.

The anti-graft office was however silent on whether or not it entered the apartment of Mr Abubakars sons at the premises of Pinnacle Apartments in Maitama. It was also silent on whether it knew or was told the apartment belonged to the Abubakars before entering it for a search.

Aliyu and Mustapha had been studying abroad and were not at home when the search was conducted Saturday morning.

The management of Pinnacle Apartments, which is run by property giant UPDC, could not be reached for comments on Monday afternoon.

Security personnel manning the exquisite propertys entrance told PREMIUM TIMES they have no immediate knowledge of EFCC raid over the weekend.

PREMIUM TIMES broke the news on details provided by sources knowledgeable about the raid, sparking nationwide uproar dominated by accusation of anti-opposition clampdown by the Buhari administration.

Paul Ibe, a spokesperson for the Abubakars, confirmed the raid, saying it was politically motivated.

It came barely a few weeks after Mr Abubakar himself was searched at the Abuja airport while returning to the country from a holiday in Dubai on November 11.

Mr Shehu scrambled to assist the EFCC, an agency that should be independent, in containing the fallout of the raid, which the EFCC did not publicly disclose until PREMIUM TIMES report.

Suspended EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu

In his Monday night statement, Mr Shehu said he had seen an emerging pattern of accusations of opposition clampdown from the PDP side.

The report that the raid was ordered by Buhari-led government and the fairy tale about the alleged freezing of the bank accounts of the running mate of Mr Abubakar, Peter Obi, were untrue, Mr Shehu said.

The spokesperson was referring to the alarm raised by the PDP over the weekend that Mr Obis bank accounts and those of his family member and business associates were frozen.

The PDP failed to disclose the agency responsible for the raid, and PREMIUM TIMES reported that politicians affiliated to the opposition party have been caught recently making false claims about their bank accounts being blocked by anti-graft agencies.
Oliver Stolpe, Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has said that the world loses $2.3 trillion to corruption annually.

He disclosed this at the Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) training organised for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies of member-countries of African Union (AU) in Abuja, on Monday.

The training was organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was to also commemorate the 2018 UN International Anti-Corruption Day.

Mr Stolpe quoted World Economic Forum which estimated the cost of corruption to be at least 2.3 trillion dollars a year, saying that it was five per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Corruption begets more corruption and results in a culture of impunity. It is that corruption present in all countries, including the rich and poor, North and South.

Let us stand on this International Day against Corruption together, united against the scourge.

It is an assault on the values of the UN. It robs societies of schools, hospitals and other vital services; it drives away foreign investment and it strips nations of their natural resources.

It undermines the Rule of Law, tax evasion, money laundering and other illicit flows, he said.

On his part, acting Chairman of ICPC, Musa Abubakar, said corruption risk assessment was one of the preventive tools employed by ICPC to plug systemic loopholes which provided opportunity for corruption in the public sector.

According to him, it was first developed in the country in 2011 with the assistance of the United Nations Development Virtual School in Bogota, Colombia, which trained the first set of corruption risk assessors.

Since then, a new set of 60 persons have so far received training at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and certified as corruption risk assessors, courtesy UNDP and UNODC.

Mr Abubakar also said the commission had produced reports of CRA on the ports sector, two Nigerian International Airports and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) charged with promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The latest of these reports being the CRA of Nigerias e-government systems that is, Treasury Single Account (TSA), Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIMIS).

He said when loopholes and leakages in the systems were plugged, people would be denied access to public funds and as such, would not have the opportunity to misappropriate it.

This is against pursuing individuals after the deed is done, an action that drains a lot of resources amidst challenges that create uncertainty of outcomes.

To this end, ICPC stands on the principle that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a tonne of remedy.

Mr Abubakar said reports revealed that the redeployment of TSA, IPPIS and GIFMIS had significantly reduced bureaucratic corruption in Nigeria.

He said it was attributable to factors such as reduction in human interface and elimination of direct access to cash resources.

Also, representative of ECOWAS Commission, Remi Ajibewa, congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his leadership and chair of ECOWAS authority of Heads of States and Government.

This leadership has consistently provided support on constructive guidance to the ECOWAS Commission, enabling the commission to perform its mission and in advancing the promotion of good governance, integration and development in the region.

He commended the Mr Buharis fervent commitment in making transparency, accountability and integrity the cornerstone of governance in the region.

These qualities have undoubtedly contributed to earning the Presidents appointment as the African Union Anti-Corruption Champion for 2018.

High point of the event was the presentation of the report of the CRA of Nigerias e-Government Systems by Mr Buhari.

(NAN)
The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has congratulated the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, on his Sheikh Tamim Bn Hamad al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award, which he received on Friday December 7.

The Director General of the NGF, Asishana Okauru, gave the felicitation in a statement issued by its Head, Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazaque Bello Barkindo, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Okauru said the award, coming nearly a decade after Mr Ribadu left the commission was an eloquent testimony that be left behind indelible footprints on the sands of time in the anti-fraud environment.

The NGF believes that this very important award, which was given by Malaysias Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Commission, does not only confirm Mr Ribadu as an iconic anti-corruption czar.

It further emphasizes that Malam Ribadus performance resonates with people and governments that hold transparency dear to their hearts, far beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Mr Okauru, who is a former Director of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) at the EFCC under Malam Ribadu said, that the NGF, where Malam

Ribadus associates populate various strata of the institution, felicitated with the awardee and shares with him the excitement of the lifetime achievement award.

To us, there is no greater service to ones fatherland than to uphold the principles of probity and accountability and work to deepen it, which we do at the sub-national level through our flagship programme, The States Peer Review Mechanism (SPRM).

Mr Ribadu jointly won the lifetime/outstanding achievement category alongside former South African corruption fighter and ex-World Bank vice president, Leonardo McCarthy.

Mr Okauru recalled that the greater purpose of the Award, according to the citation, is to serve as a tool that highlights exemplary and noteworthy actions and good practices on a global scale, to recognize, promote, collect and disseminate anti-corruption models from around the world.

It is also to raise awareness, support and solidarity to the fight against corruption; as well as to encourage and inspire similar and new initiatives toward a corruption-free society.

The Award further hopes that through its public image, the visibility of those who are fighting corruption is not only enhanced but also celebrated across the world.

It also hopes to motivate governments, academic institutions, the media and civil society to adopt and understand the principles of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and collaborate towards it implementation, the forum added.
An EFCC prosecution witness on Monday told an Ikeja Special Offences Court how an international oil company allegedly connived with five Nigerian associates to steal six million metric tonnes of diesel oil, worth $8.4 million.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Trafigura Beheer BV Trafigura PTE Ltd is facing trial alongside two oil marketers  Osahon Asemota and Yusuf Kwande.

Other defendants in the suit were Mettle Energy and Gas, Renbrandt Ltd. and Jil Engineering and Oil Services Limited.

They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property proffered against them by the EFCC.

The defendants, however, denied the charges.

Led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), EFCC lead prosecuting counsel, Emefun Etudo narated how the defendants allegedly stole the diesel oil belonging to Nadabo Energy Limited in October 2008.

Mr Etudo, a lawyer, told the court that while acting as a solicitor to Trafigura and Asemota (among the defendants), he was deceived that the diesel oil inside the cargo being shipped to Nigeria was contaminated.

According to him, the cargo was not contaminated as claimed by Renbrandt Ltd (Asemotas company) but rather the lie was concocted to deceive Nadabo Energy Limited and Spring Bank.

The script for stealing 6.4 metric tonnes of diesel oil worth $8.4million was well acted and executed by all the defendants.

I was appointed by Nadabo to find out what happened to his cargo, he gave me Power of Attorney which was made before a Commissioner of Oath, I applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to know the status of directorship of company five, six and seven.

We saw a Charter Party Agreement, Bill of Lading of October 2008, based on these two documents, it became clear that Trafigura supplied the cargo offshore at Cotonou and the cargo made its way into Nigerian territorial waters.

When a vessel named MT Ozay 6 took the products to Lagos, they used another vessel MT Efemo to carry out the theft. The claim by the defendants that the vessel was in Cotonou in October was a false claim.

What they did to ensure the vessel will not be traced or tracked by Lloyds Intelligence of the UK was to switch off the transponder that was installed in it. By switching off the transponder, the movement of the vessel will not be known, Mr Etudo said.

He noted that contrary to the claims that the international oil companys involvement in the transaction ends after the completion of the ship-to- ship transfer of the product, Trafigura was aware of the alleged theft of the diesel oil.

The defendants  Osahon Asemota, Yahaya Kwande and Trafigura  had a conference where they gave Spring Bank lawful custody of the Nadabo cargo in Eket, 3000metric tonnes was taken to Eket.

All the defendants were involved in the stealing, the cargo never got to Mobil not to talk of being rejected by Mobil because it was contaminated as being falsely claimed by them.

The cargo worth over $6million was stolen by them and they knew it, MT Efemo cargo did not go to Mobil and they knew it.

Trafigura knew that the inspection agent in charge of Nadabos products was Q and Q, when the issues regarding the cargo were raised by Q and Q to the fourth to sixth defendants, they started avoiding Q and Q as well as Spring Bank, the witness said.

Under cross examination by Bode Olanipekun, the defence counsel for Trafigura, Mr Etudo insisted that all the defendants participated in one way or the other in stealing of the diesel oil belonging to Nadabo Energy Ltd.

Justice Mojisola Dada adjourned the case until December 11 for continuation of trial.

(NAN)
Samson Ayokunle, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Monday urged Nigerians to avoid desperate politicians by voting only credible candidates in 2019.

Mr Ayokunle made the remarks while briefing journalists after a meeting with representatives of 14 presidential candidates in Abuja, on their plans for Nigerians and the church.

He said that the church decided to reach out to the stakeholders and the presidential candidates to ask them their credentials for aspiring to the highest position in the country.

According to him, the church cannot keep quiet in this situation because the church can only prosper when a nation prospers. If the 2019 election is not free and fair all Nigerians will be in trouble including the church, he said.

The cleric who expressed disappointment over the desperation of politicians towards the 2019 general elections said the motive for the meeting should not be taking for granted, adding that the security of Nigerians was paramount.

He urged the Independent Electoral Commission, (INEC), the Nigeria Army, the police and other security agencies to abide by electoral rules to avoid crisis during and after the election.

I spoke with President Muhammadu Buhari and he told him that when we conducted the 2015 elections people didnt expect it to be so free and fair but the way it was conducted gave us a sense of pride in the international community.

If the 2019 election is not better, if the police are not better behaved, if the army is not better behaved, if INEC is not better behaved, the entire election process might be a failure.

If politicians are not better behaved and they show desperation, it will be a failure. We are again warning politicians.

The desperation we saw at the intra-party election is given us concern. If they can be so desperate and they end up fighting what will they do when they contest with (the) opposition, the desperation is too much, he said.

The CAN President urged Nigerians to beware of jobless politicians whose job description is politics adding that such people should not be allowed to contest for any position.

Leading Nigeria is a sacrifice. Why do you want to lead by force. Go and rest you do not need to destroy the entire land, he said.

Mr Ayokunle said that any politician that would want to lead Nigerians, by all means, should be regarded as a suspect.

On the electoral amendment, Ayokunle said: The executive and legislature need to work together. When there is crisis between them like this, what they need to do is to put themselves together as partners in progress.

He added that there should be a mutual understanding as they cannot afford to play with the future of Nigerians.

The cleric, however, said that everything that should be done must be done to make sure that the 2019 election is free and fair.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that those at the forum were the former governor of Anambra State and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi.

Others include the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who represented the All Progressives Congress (APC), the former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) among others.

(NAN)
A foremost human rights group, Amnesty International, on Monday called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to urgently investigate the Nigerian government over alleged failures to sanction military commanders and terrorists suspected of grievous human rights abuses in the Boko Haram war.

The Nigerian government is unwilling and unable to meet its obligations as a member of the ICC to investigate and prosecute both Boko Haram and the Nigerian military, the group said in its reaction to fresh findings published by the ICC that reaffirmed a widespread lack of accountability on the Nigerian government.

The ICCs office of the prosecutor said in the December 5 report that most of the Boko-Haram-linked cases being pursued by the Nigerian government are related to membership of, support for or failure to report terrorists.

The office of the prosecutor should urgently open a full investigation into the atrocities that have been committed in northeast Nigeria, Amnesty Internationals Africa director for research and advocacy, Netsanet Belay, said in a statement accompanying the groups latest report titled: Willingly Unable: ICC Preliminary Examination and Nigerias Failure to Address Impunity for International Crimes.

Mr Belay said since the Nigerian governments prosecution of Boko Haram has focused only on membership or support for the sect rather than the horrific crimes of key actors in the insurgency, it was obvious that Nigerian authorities have only undertaken superficial criminal proceedings regarding crimes committed by Boko Haram; only a couple of which may be relevant for the conduct that may be covered by one of the potential six cases being reviewed by ICC prosecutors.

The Nigerian government has no intention to undertake genuine investigations Mr Belay emphasised. Instead it has pursued sham criminal proceedings to shield perpetrators from an ICC investigation and to give a veneer of accountability in Nigeria.

The report has also demonstrated that mass trials conducted against suspected members of Boko Haram since October 2017 have been so flawed that it is impossible to conclude that those who were convicted were actually guilty of any crime at all.

In fact, many of these mass trials are an effort to give a pretence of legality to the mass unlawful detentions committed by the Nigerian military throughout the conflict, which have seen thousands die in captivity through starvation, thirst and overcrowding, Amnesty International said.

Nailing the state actors

As Boko Haram terrorists continued their murderous campaign across Nigerias north-east, Nigerian security forces have also faced serious charges of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including extrajudicial executions, mass arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions, torture and other ill-treatment, enforced disappearances and rape.

As of June 2015, Amnesty International had documented that the Nigerian military forces had extra-judicially executed more than 1,200 people and arbitrarily arrested at least 20,000, of whom at least 7,000 have died as a result of the inhumane conditions in custody.

The group said its findings also showed that Nigeria has failed to open a single relevant criminal case against military officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, an allied vigilante group, a situation that flouted the Rome Statute on crime against humanity.

Several panel of inquiries raised for the purpose of unearthing and correcting cases of abuses by the military have ended without any serious conclusion, Amnesty said.

Despite much publicity and posturing neither military led inquiry  the Special Board of Inquiry or the Presidential investigation panel  was ever intended, designed or conducted with a view to result in criminal prosecutions, or even to identify perpetrators and recommend further criminal investigations or prosecutions, it said.

Overcoming a distraction

Even though ICC prosecutors have published preliminary findings around rights abuses and killings in Nigeria in recent years, including their November 2015 damning report on military chiefs conduct in Boko Haram war and their ongoing inquiry into Shiite and pro-Biafran massacres, the Nigerian military only focused on the role of Amnesty International in amplifying the atrocities and their investigations.

Amnesty International has become a major distraction that we have to overcome in the war against Boko Haram, John Agim, a spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, told PREMIUM TIMES Sunday afternoon. They are always claiming a crime has been committed here and there but never presented any evidence.

Mr Agim, a brigadier-general, said Amnesty International has evolved a habit of accusing only serving military commanders, indicating that its aim was to frustrate the governments effort rather than help in ending the war or getting justice for victims.

They usually spend years accusing serving commanders, but when those ones are out, they immediately leave them and shift their focus on the new ones in service, Mr Agim said. They should take any evidence they have to the ICC and leave the Nigerian government and military out of it.
A witness, Linan Okapu, on Monday told an FCT High Court that the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, on March 30, during a news conference, named Raymond Dokpesi on the list of treasury looters.

Mr Dokpesi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and chairman emeritus of DAAR Communications Plc, filed the suit on April 30, seeking N5 billion damages from Mr Mohammed and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

He alleged that Messrs Mohammed and Malami defamed his character by the inclusion of his name on the treasury looters list.

Mrs Okapu who was testifying during cross-examination by Mr Mohammeds counsel, T.G Akpe, claimed that she watched the news conference on Channels Television and also online (Youtube)

Mrs Okapu, who resides in the UK, told the court: I am aware that the claimant is standing trial in a N2.1 billion suit at the Federal High Court because the media reports proceedings of the case.

I also heard the information minister calling the claimant name and a couple of others were listed as looters of the National Treasury.

Roselin Adomhi, a businesswoman, and Jiri Gwoi, a politician, told the court that they were surprised to allegedly hear the information minister mention Mr Dokpesi on the list of looters of the national treasury.

Also testifying, Jibrin Osogbwemoe, who claimed that Mr Dokpesi was his childhood friend, informed the court that he was disgusted with the claimant after hearing the news.

He also said that he advised Mr Dokpesi to clear his name by taking the case to court.

The pronouncement of Chief Dokpesi as a looter, disturbed me since he and I are good friends.

After listening to the testimony, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi adjourned the case until February 27 and February 29 for the continuation of the hearing, at the instance of Mike Ozekhome, counsel to Mr Dokpesi.

NAN reports that Mr Dokpesi besides the N5 billion damages is also asking the court to order the defendants to publish a full retraction of the said publication.

He further asked the court to order the defendants to tender an unreserved apology to him in all the major electronic and print media outlets in the country.

He further urged the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, agents, partners, representatives, from further writing, publishing defamatory words about the plaintiff.

(NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on heads of anti-corruption agencies in Africa to adopt fresh measures that will prevent corrupt acts through risk assessment strategies.

Mr Buhari gave the advice on Monday at the State House conference centre, Abuja, when he declared open a training programme on Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) for heads and senior officials of Anti-Corruption Agencies in the African Union.

He said the training was organised at the instance of his administration as part of its support for the war against corruption in the continent.

Mr Buhari said it is being facilitated by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The fight against corruption is a battle for the souls of our different countries and it is one that we must win. Since independence, our continent has suffered from the severe consequences of corruption and it is imperative that we take steps to reverse the trend, he said.

Mr Buhari said when he assumed office in May 2015, the pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption on the Nigerian nation had become dysfunctional.

He said his victory at the polls was a revolt of the people against glaring endemic corruption.

The Nigerian president said he has implemented a lot of strategies to combat corruption, adding that the best way to eliminate the scourge is through prevention.

He said it is the quest to build robust preventive systems that necessitated the initiative, which aims to train leaders of anti-corruption agencies in the African Union to deploy Corruption Risk Assessment Methodology for corruption prevention in their countries.

Corruption Risk Assessment seeks to identify corruption-prone processes and procedures in organisations and recommend appropriate remedial steps. The methodology places a premium on prevention as an effective complement to enforcement in the war against corruption, he said.

Mr Buhari said that in 2016, through support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria acquired the capacity to conduct training on Corruption Risk Assessment. Since then, he said, the academy has conducted a number of these training.

He said to showcase the growing appreciation of CRA as a tool for preventing corruption, the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria has received a request for the training of Corruption Risk Assessors for ECOWAS countries from the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.

Mr Buhari said it is equally heartwarming that most countries have subscribed to not only the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), but also to the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).

He said the Abuja event offered a good opportunity to encourage the few countries which are yet to ratify the African Union Convention to expedite processes to do so.

No efforts can be too much as we seek to rid our societies of the evil of corruption, he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari declared open the 3- day training workshop on Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA), for the heads of anti-corruption agencies in African Union countries, organized by the ICPC, held at the State House, Abuja.

Mr Buhari said the training session was essentially an orientation on the benefits of deploying the CRA Methodology in the fight against corruption. He urged participants to embrace it and also take steps to widen the knowledge and skills imparted by supporting the training of risk assessors for their countries.

He said the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria has a robust curriculum and expertise cutting across the spectrum of anti-corruption training, which can be adapted for other countries, taking into consideration national specifics.

To further strengthen this institution, the academy has our support as it moves towards its objective of being an African Centre of Excellence in anti-corruption training and capacity building, he said.

Mr Buhari pointed out that the training on CRA can only have meaning when the risk assessors are put to work.

In Nigeria, the Methodology has been deployed to a number of sectors. The most recent one being the Risk Assessment of the countrys e-government system whose report is now available and the summary presented earlier this morning.

It is, therefore, my great pleasure to present this Report to all the stakeholders, many of whom are present with us here.

I urge them to work assiduously to implement the recommendations of the Report. I must also commend all those who carried out the assessment and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for supporting the process, he said.
Nine months after the non-academic staff unions of universities suspended their nationwide strike, one of the unions said it is embarking on three days national protest.

The academic staff, ASUU, have been on a nationwide strike since November 4.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) said the protest is about the non-implementation of the agreement reached with the federal government that led to the suspension of its earlier industrial action in March.

The protest will begin on December 17 and ends December 19.

A spokesperson for SSANU, Abdussobur Salaam, disclosed this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES Monday evening.

He said the protest was a decision made at the unions 35th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Enugu State University (ESUT) on December 5 and 6.

In view of the above, the National Executive Council of the Union resolved that branches organise a three-day national protest across the Country between Monday 17th and Wednesday 19th December 2018, Mr Salaam said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how three non-academic staff unions embarked on a nationwide strike on December 4, 2017, and suspended it in March 2017.

The unions are SSANU, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, had said then that the government will source for eight billion naira within five weeks to pay the striking workers.

The minister announced this at a resolution reached at a conciliation meeting on March 13, 2018.

But Mr Salaam said the delay in the payment of Earned Allowances had become a source of discomfort and agitation by members of the three unions, while it had also become a source of embarrassment for the leadership.

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education had informed the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee of NAAT, NASU and SSANU via a letter dated 9th August 2018, that approval had been given for the release of Eight Billion Naira being payment of Earned Allowances for Non- Teaching Staff in the Universities and requested for templates for the payments to the unions, Mr Salaam said .

He said it appears the letters being sent to the unions are a delay ploy by the Federal Ministry of Education as the letters in themselves are needless, because the unions had always made their positions known since the irregular disbursement of N23 billion to ASUU in 2017.

He said the status of the workers in the university staff schools remained the same despite the National Industrial Court ruling of December 5, 2016, which had ruled that the workers in the university staff schools are employees of the federal government.

The members of staff domiciled in the University Staff Schools, numbering over two thousand, have been subjected to trauma, insecurity and denials of salaries, some going to upward of a year, a situation that the union cannot continue to accept, he said.

Mr Salaam said it is unfortunate that the federal government has continued to show apathy and disinterest in all other aspects of the Memoranda of Understanding reached between it and the union.

Members should be fully mobilised to participate in the protests, while branches are advised to carry along the media and the security agencies accordingly, he said.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the ministry of labour and employment, Samuel Olowookere, said he would get back to this reporter.

He was yet to do so at the time of this report.

(EDITORS NOTE: This story was updated following a clarification by Mr Salaam that only SSANU members would embark on the protest).
If there is strong, abundant evidence that Trump has committed high crimes of the sort feared by the Framers, it will come out in due time. If special counsel Robert Mueller and other federal prosecutors are unable to confirm serious wrongdoing that warrant upending the result of the 2016 election, likewise. At that point, Americans can reach fully informed judgments about whether Trump should be impeached and removed from office, or subject to federal prosecution, or both, or neither.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has distanced itself from the comment of the chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Ango Abdullahi, on President Muhammadu Buharis re-election bid.

Mr Abdullahi on Sunday called on northerners not to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019.

The former Ahmadu Bello University don, who spoke to journalists in his Zaria residence, said Mr Buhari has failed Nigerians and should not be trusted for a second term ticket.

Two of the conditions we gave Buhari upon his assumption of office were that he should take concrete steps to address the abject poverty and underdevelopment in the North and he has woefully failed to marginally address any of them, he said.

Assuming that things are working in the North or in Nigeria as a whole, we would have taken a different position but everyone can see that things are not working under this government. Perhaps, as a prelude to where this government has taken this country, Buhari wasted six months before being able to set up his cabinet.

In a response to Mr Abdullahis comments at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday, Anthony Sani, the Secretary General of ACF, said The Arewa Consultative Forum, wishes to disassociate itself from the statement credited to the Northern Elders Forum kicking against the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and its position that the administration has failed.

It is Nigerians that will decide whether a president has failed or succeeded.

Mr Sani said the ACF is not a partisan organisation.

It is God that used the masses, citizens of the country in making Buhari a president and they are not in position to decide for the citizens, he said of the statement by the NEF president.

What I can tell you is that, we are not part of Northern Elders Forums position against the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari. I read that even some members of the Northern Elders Forum distanced themselves from the position against Mr President.

Mr Sani also went historical about the difference of opinion between the ACF and the NEF on political and governance issues.

Not quite long, ACF dissociated itself from Northern Elders Forums communique for criticising President Muhammadu Buhari and other Northern Nigerian leaders. In the communique, they passed vote of no confidence on Mr President and other Northern Nigerian leaders and we said we are not part of the communique.

Again, we are not in support of the position of some northern elders against President Muhammadu Buharis re-election. Its Nigerians that will decide and they are not speaking for the people of the North, Mr Sani added.

The NEF and the ACF are two of the topmost socio-political organisations in Northern Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari from Katsina, North-west Nigeria seeks a fresh four year term in office. The presidential election is scheduled to hold on February 16, 2019.
The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, says the crises the party suffered after its primaries shows it is democratic and the members are free to express themselves.

Mr Oshiomhole said this on Monday while receiving the Northeast reconciliation committee led by the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-makura, at the national secretariat in Abuja.

The chairman sometime last month inaugurated six peace and reconciliation committees to visit the geopolitical zones across Nigeria to address issues arising from the APC primaries.

Following the primaries, governors whose preferred candidates lost out aired their grievances and some declared their intention to support candidates of other parties in some elections.

Mr Oshiomhole commended members of the committee for their prompt action on the responsibility given to them by the party and for being the first committee to submit its report.

He said the crises do not show the APC is dysfunctional but they are something the party and everyone should learn from.

The more democratic and the more liberal a political party is the more freedom that people feel, to the extent that people are not afraid that if they talk they will be sanctioned.

You will expect all kinds of discordant voices but those are not necessarily dysfunctional. We can learn from those voices and run a better party, a better system, better elections in the future.

He also claims the APC is leading by example as it does not give out automatic tickets but allows everyone a level playing ground to even challenge sitting governors (making reference to the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who lost out in his bid for a second term).

No matter what anybody wants to say, I think our party is leading by example. For example, we are the only party that allows people to contest election against a sitting governor. The other political parties, particularly the past governing party, the PDP, you check all their sitting governor have an automatic ticket. They printed only one form. So you are not allowed to even murmur about your governor, the governor is a given.

We allow people who wish to challenge even sitting governor to do so and as we have seen in one case, the governor couldnt make a return. So democracy is attractive but it is also problematic. But as you see, it is still the best way to run a system and obviously to run the country.

He also said losing an election is not the end for a politician, citing the case of President Muhammadu Buhari who lost his bid for the presidency three times before winning in 2015, whom he described as a perfect example for every member of the party.

He, therefore, expressed confidence that the party will win the general elections in 2019.

So I am very confident that like you said, going forward, we are going to win this election. The whole essence of this reconciliation is to let people know that that you have lost one nomination is not the end of your political future. And we have the best teacher in our family in terms of winning or losing an election, that is Mr President who contested election three times, he lost, he almost gave up, he was encouraged not to, he went for the fourth time and he won.

He assured the partys National Working Committee (NWC) would look into the report and take necessary actions.

I assure you we will justify the effort you have invested and the time that those who appeared before you spent and the confidence they have imposed in our party and in your committee by appearing before you to share their grievances. I want to assure you that we will study this report and the NWC will act on it as quickly as possible.

The Nasarawa State Governor in his address before submitting the report said the response they got showed the people still believe and are committed to the party.

The report, he said was in two volumes; one contains findings based on presentations by aggrieved members, and the second the appendixes and annexures, which includes bulk prints, electronic materials that elucidate all the grievances with empirical evidence and proofs for proper scrutiny by the national headquarters of the party.

Although he did not disclose the content of the recommendations made to the party, he said the committee received presentations from more than 350 aggrieved persons, with some clustered into joint presentations.

We are pleased to inform the national committee that we were tasked and we are glad that the reports we received across the three zones within the three clusters ensure the commitment of members of our committee. And their confidence in our leaders made this committee to listen to their grievances.

We are happy to also say that members made presentations and we were blunt, honest and open. And we gave everyone the opportunity airs their own views and grievances with a view to making necessary recommendations to the national headquarters of the party. Having gone through all these clusters and have received all the complaints and grievances, we were impressed by the commitment of persons in their forthrightness to the party, Mr Al-makura said.

He said he believed the commitment shown by party members in the party leadership to vent out their grievances spoke volumes of their loyalty and is a sign that the party will have victory in the forthcoming election.

I believed with the commitment and loyalty of our members our party, the APC will surely win virtually all the North East and the categories of elections to be conducted in February, God willing.

Speaking on how his state was prepared for the election, the Nasarawa governor said the state is ready and waiting for the whistle to be blown, assuring that the APC will sweep the polls in the state.
The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Obiageli Ezekwesili, has faulted President Muhammadu Buharis refusal to sign the amended Electoral Act.

She said that the refusal would lead to a regression in the progress so far made in Nigerias democratic journey since 1999.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Buhari refused to sign the Electoral (Amendment) Bill in letters to the leadership of the National Assembly.

The president said signing such bill few months to the general elections could disrupt the process. He also observed areas of the bill he would want to be amended.

At a World Press Conference in Abuja on Monday, Mrs Ezekwesili said she wondered why President Buhari wanted to destabilise the country with the 2019 elections.

According to her, the excuses of the president amount to an assault on our democracy and this must be rejected roundly by all Nigerians.

The 2019 elections are looked upon as the moment Nigeria must entrench electoral integrity and level playing field for all contestants. Regrettably, President Muhammadu Buhari has by his self-serving opposition to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018 shown that he wishes to subvert the will of the Nigerian people for the conduct of a credible election in 2019.

Simply put, President Buhari has decided to singlehandedly imperil the 2019 elections by choosing to regress the progress so far made in Nigerias democratic journey since 1999, the presidential candidate said.

As a candidate in the 2019 election for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I demand that President Buhari immediately reconsiders his latest fourth rejection of the electoral bill. The president is dangerously setting the country and people up for political destabilisation in 2019.

Describing the presidents action as undemocratic and unpopular, she made known her intention to mobilise Nigerians against the presidents action if this course is maintained.

She said, I advise the President to rethink his opposition to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018. The president should immediately request the National Assembly to retransmit the amendment bill for his swift ascent into an Act.

Mrs Ezekwesili also called on the National Assembly to override the presidents veto if Mr Buhari does not change his stance on the bill. Such move has been opposed by some APC lawmakers including Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan and Lagos senator, Solomon Adeola. The latter warned his colleagues not to override the presidents veto.

I call upon the National Assembly to act as the assembly of the good people of Nigeria and within the next three days, mobilise their majority membership to override President Muhammadu Buharis self-serving and dangerous opposition to the 2018 Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Mrs Ezekwesili said.

I call upon all well-meaning political parties to collaborate and urgently act together to ensure that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018 definitely becomes an Act on which the 2019 election shall be conducted.

The civil society groups and the Nigerian public must mobilise against the unpopular stance of the President against Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018, which seeks to undermine our democracy. Democracy belongs to the

people of our country and not to one contestant in an election even if he is an incumbent. The excesses of an incumbent who wishes to engage in political corruption can be very much curbed by determined Nigerian people.

We shall organise the people to resist what has become a clear and troubling plan of President Buhari to rig the 2019 elections. In the court of public opinion, most Nigerians want the compulsory use of smart card readers for accreditation of voters for the 2019 election as proposed in the 2018 Bill.

Mrs Ezekwesili expressed concern about the bad governance experienced in Nigeria for the past 19 years.

She complained that Nigerias democratic journey has yet to produce the change Nigerians expect.

There is, however, a limit to celebrating the mere existence of democracy in our country. This is because every objective assessment of our democratic journey since 1999 has mostly always returned the sobering verdict that we are still very much in the nascent, fragile, tenuous and fledging zone of democracy as our choice of political system of governance.

So far, good governance has on the aggregate eluded Nigeria. The last 19 years have not given Nigerians an aggregate top quality of political actors. Nigerians are demanding for a new leadership direction for the

country to end the entrapment in governance failures of the last decades. Nigerians believe that our democracy and governance can be vastly improved through genuine elections.
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State worsened on Monday as the two rivals for its governorship ticket, Buruji Kashamu, and Ladi Adebutu, launched separate campaigns for the 2019 election.

Mr Kashamu, who is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), launched his campaign in Ijebu-Igbo town, while Mr Adebutu, who the national headquarters of the party has handed the partys flag in the state, launched his in Abeokuta.

Both venues were thronged by thousands of their different sets of supporters who claimed each was the authentic PDP flagbearer.

Mr Kashamus supporters argued that his candidature has been affirmed by the electoral body. But Mr Adebutus supporters said the presentation of the party flag to him by the national leadership of the party affirmed his candidature, stressing that Mr Kashamu and his supporters were only wasting their time and resources.

The two factions in the state conducted parallel congresses, but INEC acting on a court judgement recognised Mr Kashamu as the partys candidate.

PDP had earlier suspended Mr Kashamu and the Dayo Bayo-led executive in the state. But they went to court and obtained judgement.

At the zonal flag off of the PDP campaigns in the Southwest last week in Ibadan, the party presented its flag to Mr Adebutu as its governorship candidate for Ogun State, ignoring Mr Kashamu who was not at the event.

The National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, while presenting the party flags to the governorship candidates in the zone, including Seyi Makinde for Oyo State and Jimi Agbaje for Lagos State, who was represented by Oluwayemisi Busari, declared that those who want to contest against the party and its candidates in the South-West states should be ready.

He boasted that PDP would win the legal tussle on its governorship candidate in Ogun, emphasising that Mr Adebutu was duly elected in the primary.

Mr Secondus said the partys primaries nationwide were monitored by INEC and the party submitted the names of its candidates to the commission in accordance with electoral guidelines.

He said, You cannot come and bend the process. It is criminal for one person to print form and sell the form to himself, conduct congress by himself and submit names to INEC in his signature.

Mr Adebutu, asked to speak on behalf of his colleagues at the event, said he was certain that PDP was destined by God to deliver the nation from problems it was currently going through, emphasising that the party had shown that it is able to administer itself and lead the nation. He said parties that cannot administer their affairs cannot administer a nation.

PDP has shown clearly that we have the capacity to administer ourselves well. We have done so and we have had processes throughout the nation that everybody should be proud of.

Mr Adebutu pledged that the candidates would do their best to provide good governance if elected in their various states, adding, we will do our best to bring food and security to the masses of this country.

We will also create an enabling environment that will make it easy for investors to stay here and help us prosper as a nation. Those are the things we believe in that will bring about good governance in all the states, he said

Reacting, however, Mr Kashamu, a serving senator, declared that the handing over of party flag to Mr Adebutu by Mr Secondus was an exercise in futility.

He decried Mr Secondus calling him an agent of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that he was only fighting for his right and those of his teeming supporters in the PDP.

As the National Chairman of an opposition and pan-Nigeria political party, Prince Secondus is supposed to be a leader and the alter ego of the PDP. Thus, there is a presupposition that he would project the best that PDP represents. It is not for him to continue to carry on as a serial contemnor through consistent disobedience of subsisting court judgments under the guise of party supremacy. He cannot continue to act as if the party is not guided by its own constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is surprising that while the leaders and elders of the party as well as its presidential candidate who believe in the Rule of Law have advised the national leadership of our party to toe the path of honour, Secondus and his co-travellers decided to go the inglorious way of impunity and disregard for constituted authorities  in a desperate bid to accomplish the mercenary job they have been paid to do.

Mr Kashamu said with the conduct of Mr Secondus, the PDP was telling Nigerians and members of the party that the party belongs to them and they can do whatever pleases them.

They are saying they are the Alpha and Omega of the party; and that they are more powerful than the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They have always done this to people. But, I want to make it abundantly clear that, on behalf of all the cheated and oppressed members of the party, we will fight for our rights till the last.

I urge the judiciary, the legislature and the executive arms of government to take cognizance of the happenings in the PDP as they relate to the Ogun State PDP issue. It is not about me or my supporters. It is about our democracy and respect for the Rule of Law which are being endangered by the activities of Secondus and his ilk. he said.

Meanwhile, the case over the PDP flag in Ogun is still in court.
Another meeting between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) ended on Monday night without an immediate resolution of the dispute.

The meeting which held at the Federal Ministry of Labour was to find a lasting solution to the ongoing strike by the university lecturers.

At least four other meetings have been held between both parties before Mondays since the strike commenced on November 4.

While addressing journalists, the minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, said the meeting has been adjourned to December 17.

Mr Ngige said the federal government is taking all necessary steps to address ASUUs demands.

Cosidering the implementation of memorandum of action which we agreed to in 2017. Some of the areas have been well complied with but some have not been dealt with, he said.

Speaking on the issue of short fall in salaries of some federal universities lecturers, Mr Ngige said ASUU had given a list to the accountant generals office.

We agreed that by Wednesday, that list will be cross checked with the Presidential Innitiative of Continuous Auditing to find out really whether those universities are places where they have to visit and pay the outstanding lecturers there. So, the office reports back to us on Wednesday, he said.

The minister also identified low government revenue as a reason for non-provision of funds for revitalisation of universities.

We have identified one area to look for the fund for revatalisation and the appropriate government organs will be contacted tomorrow, he said.

Speaking on earned allowances, Mr Ngige said the government has agreed on what to do to make sure the outstanding amount is handled in a way that all parties will be properly accommodated.

We also discussed the issue of state universities and agreed that even though education is on concurrent list, the universities should be properly funded and staffed so that we dont produce half baked graduates, he said.

He said the ministry of education will set up a committee that will engage the Nigerian Governors Forum on funding state universities.

These are the issues we discussed and we hope in the next adjourned date, we would make progress and bring the strike to close. ASUU has been cooperative, he said.

Meanwhile, the ASUU chairman, Biodun Ogunyemi, said the union will await the next adjournment date to see how far the federal government will deliver on its promises before it will take a decision on whether to suspend the industrial action.

We have promises made on the part of the government and we shall await report on all the issues for which they have made promises, he said.

Mr Ngige had earlier at the meeting appealed to the striking lecturers to ensure that Mondays dialogue yields results that will lead to ending the strike.

The strike is five weeks old today and it is not in anybodys interest. We will ensure the needful is done, he said.

The union embarked on the strike on November 4 over the poor funding of Nigerian universities and non-implementation of previous agreements by the government.
Nigeria is a leading investment destination for potential and serious investors, and the business opportunities are abundant and increasing, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says.

Mr Osinbajo said this on Monday at the first Nigeria-German Business Dialogue in Germany where he spoke as the special guest at a forum with German investors, international business people and diplomats.

According to a statement by his media aide, Laolu Akande, at the event at the Adlon Kempinski Hotel in Berlin, Mr Osinbajo spoke on investment opportunities in Nigeria.

Full text of the statement below:

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

NIGERIA AN INVESTMENT DESTINATION OF CHOICE WITH INCREASING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, VP OSINBAJO TELLS GERMAN INVESTORS

*Says diversification of Nigerias economy on course

*VP makes compelling pitch for investment in Nigeria, excites German investors at Business Dialogue

Nigeria is a leading investment destination for potential and serious investors, and the business opportunities are abundant and increasing, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today at the first Nigeria-German Business Dialogue in Germany.

He made the disclosure today at the Adlon Kempinski Hotel in Berlin, where the Vice President spoke on the abundant investment opportunities available in Nigeria, as the special guest at the well attended forum with German investors, international business people and diplomats.

According to him, Given the economic and trading developments in other parts of the world, Nigeria has become an investment destination of choice.

Referencing a recent McKinsey report, the VP pointed out that, consumer spending in Africa was $1.4 trillion by 2015, with Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa accounting for more than half of that total. There is also increasing economic opportunities in Nigeria because of deliberate actions by our government to diversify the economy and improve the business environment.

While applauding the existing relations between Nigeria and Germany, the Vice President noted that Nigeria is a natural partner of Germany, which is also the largest economy in the European Union, and also its most populous country.

He said, Both countries are potential locomotives of growth, trade and investment between Africa and Europe, and this is undoubtedly why there have been a significant exchange of high-level visits between both countries, including, most recently, the visit to Nigeria by Chancellor Angela Merkel at the end of August earlier this year.

It is encouraging that there are significant economic ties between Nigeria and Germany. Germany is a significant exporter to Nigeria, which is its second largest trading partner in Africa. Recent reports show that German investment in Nigeria contributes as much as $1 billion in turnover annually.

This is good, but we must agree that there is scope for even deeper collaboration given that Nigerias GDP is close to $500bn.

The Vice President told the gathering that the various investment opportunities strengthen the resolve of the Buhari presidencys strong commitment to the diversification policy; because of abundant untapped resources in some critical sectors of the economy such as agriculture, mining and technology.

Citing areas investors could tap into, Prof. Osinbajo remarked that, agriculture perhaps presents one of the best investment opportunities in Nigeria. Only three years ago we were importing 5 million dollars worth of rice daily. Today we produce locally 10 million metric tonnes of paddy rice annually. And we are importing only two per cent of our rice consumption now.

He pointed out that, investments in milling capacity has risen astronomically since then, with one investor putting a million tonnes of milling capacity into the market. Carlos Farms, a Mexican fruit and vegetable investor, had initially planned to grow bananas and pineapples for export; until he discovered that he was making more money selling his bananas locally at $3 dollars a kilogramme, for what he would have been paid only a dollar per kg in Europe.

With a substantial percentage of the worlds arable land and over half of that uncultivated, it is becoming clearer that the world will be looking to Africa, and Nigeria in particular, as its food basket. Just to take Chinas demand alone, China has 27% of the worlds population, but only 7% of the worlds arable land for agriculture. China needs 2 million tonnes of hybrid Soya beans per annum for livestock feed and vegetable oil. But we have not met that demand.

The Vice President added, Sesame seed is also in high demand; about 2m tonnes per annum is the demand from China, Vietnam, Japan and Arab countries (Sesame seed oil and the cake are used for confectionaries). That demand is largely unmet. China also requires over 2.3m tonnes of cassava chips and cassava products for industrial starch and ethanol.

Prof. Osinbajo also stressed that, Africa has also not been able to meet Chinas demand for cocoa. How about goat meat? 120,000 carcasses of goat meat are required weekly in different Arab countries. There is still a major gap in supply here as well. Most of Vietnams demand for over 2.5 million tons of cashew is unmet.

So, Nigerias role as food provider to the world and, especially in the next few decades, is clear. It is difficult not to be tremendously successful as an investor in agriculture in Nigeria. At the same time, major business groupings are making serious investments across the agricultural value chain; in rice milling, animal feeds and fertilizer production, amongst other things.

The Vice President also pointed out that diversification of the Nigerian economy is also reflected in the manufacturing sector, in mining and oil and gas. According to him, Our plans for manufacturing are based on ensuring that the sector can source its inputs and materials locally where possible, but also through imports when necessary, including by ensuring that the sector has access to foreign exchange.

A number of Special Economic Zones are being built in Lekki (Lagos State), Aba (Abia State) and Kano, which will serve as hubs for manufacturing activity, while Small and Medium Enterprises will be linked to them through a deepening of the manufacturing value chain.

On the huge investment in the mining sector, Prof. Osinbajo observed that the sector, which has suffered great neglect with the advent of the oil boom is being revived. One heart-warming development is that with the priority given to the revitalization of the mining sector, a nickel deposit was found in Kaduna State which has been described as world class and highly unusual.

He further stated that we are also diversifying within oil, while adding that Nigeria is already exporting urea since it is producing more than enough for its domestic needs and in the very near future.

Thanks to the Dangote Group, we expect to have an additional petrol refining capacity of 650,000 barrels a day alongside one of the largest petrochemical facilities in the world, Prof. Osinbajo noted.

The Vice President also availed investors of opportunities in the service sector, with particular reference to the hospitality sector and budding tourism industries. He stated that, about 1.8 million international travellers spend two nights on average at Nigerias estimated 10,000 hotel rooms yearly. This generated about US$210 million in revenue for the industry in 2017, which barely reflects on Nigerias US$500 billion GDP size.

Nigerias hotel industry alone is projected to grow by double digits by 2020, as the sector bounces back post-recession to one of the fastest growing in the world, and the possibilities for investors is significant, he stressed.

Investors who spoke earlier expressed delight and confidence in the growth capacity of the Nigerian economy and the ongoing impact of the economic blueprint of the Buhari administration. The Chairman of the German-African Business Association, Dr Stefan Liebing, acknowledged the huge investment potential of Nigeria and hoped for improved relations between the two countries.

Some of the German companies that attended the dialogue include Airbus Defence and Space; Mota Engil; Petkus Technologies GmbH; Mobisol GmbH; Deutsche Bank AG; KFW; Bundestag; Siemens Nigeria; Commerzbank AG; Deutsche Welle, etc

Present at the business dialogue were Nigerias Ambassador to Germany, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Ambassador to France, Amb. Mrs Modupe Irele; Ambassador to Italy, Amb. Yusuf Hinna; Ambassador to Switzerland, Amb. Baba Madugu; Ambassador to Belgium, Amb. Ahmed Yinusa; Deputy Ambassador to Germany, Amb. Shakirat Ogundero; Chairman of German-African Business Association, Dr Stefan Liebing; and a host of other German and Nigerian business leaders.

Laolu Akande

Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)

Office of the Vice President

10th December, 2018
The Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, has approved the establishment of budget and planning departments in the 17 local government areas of the state.

Mr Gaidam disclosed this on Monday in Damaturu, the state capital at the opening ceremony of a four-day retreat session organised for local government chairmen, councillors, directors, head of departments and other senior officials of the 17 LGAs.

I have approved the establishment of budget and planning departments in all the 17 LGAs of the state as part of the strategy to enhance the budgeting processes for better performance.

In this respect, I hereby direct Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to work with the office of the Head of Service, Ministry of Budget and Planning and Local Government Service Commission to provide necessary guidance and set the machinery in motion for the take-off of the new departments in the local governments, the governor said.

The Chairman Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Kyari Batarama, described the gesture as timely and commendable.

(NAN)
The leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state, it appears, may have decided to cease attack on Godswill Akpabio, albeit momentarily, to honour the senator and former governor of the state who celebrated his 56 birthday on Sunday.

Facebook, which has become a battleground of late for the Akwa Ibom community on the social media site, was relatively quiet on Sunday; several people, including the PDP leaders and their supporters in the state, have been sending goodwill messages to Mr Akpabio, instead of their usual critical comments.

The PDP, including the Akwa Ibom state government, is locked in an epic battle with Mr Akpabio ahead of a crucial governorship election in 2019 since the senator defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in August.

Mr Akpabio, while still the governor, assisted Udom Emmanuel, a former director at Zenith Bank, to succeed him as governor in 2015, against stiff opposition within and outside the PDP.

Today, the senator is bent on stopping Mr Emmanuel from winning reelection, therefore setting himself up against former political allies like Bassey Albert, his former finance commissioner who is now a senator too, Onofiok Luke, his former aide who is the speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and Ini Ememobong, a former aide who is the spokesperson of the PDP in the state.

Your Excellency, your birthday this year is different for us, Mr Ememobong wrote on Facebook. Its the first time in close to two decades that we are on different sides politically.

Despite this difference, my natural love for you, as a father and mentor hasnt waned a bit.

As you add another year to your life, I pray that God will give vigorous strength to your body, lively conscience to your mind, and enduring peace to your soul.

The PDP spokesperson capped his message with Happy birthday ette ufok  meaning happy birthday, boss!

The speaker, Mr Luke, also sent a touching birthday message to Mr Akpabio.

Turn of events today might be putting us poles apart politically, it cannot make us forget the past and what we have both shared. For 16 years, today has always been special and this year will not be an exception, Mr Luke said on Facebook, as he prayed for God to bless the senator.

The speakers post was liked by Mr Akpabios media aide, Anietie Ekong, and more than a thousand other Facebook users as at Sunday evening.

It also attracted more than 600 comments, with most people praising the speaker for exhibiting maturity in politics.

This is beautiful, one Facebook user said. This is how politics should be played.

Emmanuel Nicholas is one of Governor Emmanuels aides whose first appointment with the Akwa Ibom state government was during the administration of Mr Akpabio.

Just like the others, Mr Nicholas, before today, has been making critical comments on Facebook against Mr Akpabio since the senator defected to APC.

We might have different political standings today, but that cannot stop me from congratulating a man who provided me a platform to serve and better my lot, Mr Nicholas wrote on Facebook on Sunday, while wishing the senator a happy birthday.

So many PDP foot soldiers in the state emulated their political leaders and were also sending goodwill messages on the social media to the senator.

The senators birthday did not, however, go without some drama on Facebook.

Happy Birthday Sen Akpabio, a media aide to Governor Emmanuel, Aniekeme Finbarr, wrote flatly on the social media site, where he posted a photo showing the senator backing the camera and facing a mirror while trying to adjust his tie.

One Facebook user, Mfon-Abasi Akpabio, who felt uncomfortable with Mr Finbarrs birthday wish to the senator, commented on it thus, Perfect way to wish him. I like this! At least, you didnt write beautiful things since you know you will still insult him tomorrow.

Mr Finbarr responded, still on Facebook: I never insult people. I owe nothing personal to the senator. We have never met, he doesnt know me. I have not had as little as a handshake with him.

He added, As a former leader of the state, I praise him when he does well, and rebuke him when he falters. Its a birthday wish, which is routine stuff.

It is unclear if Governor Emmanuel sent a birthday wish to Mr Akpabio.

The lawmaker has reportedly complained about the Akwa Ibom state government not sending him a goodwill message to him on his birthday.

From 12 midnight many PDP governors and chieftains had sent me birthday messages, though I am a member of All Progressives Congress, APC. I have gone through all the national and local newspapers, yet Akwa Ibom government has not wished me birthday as a one-time governor of Akwa Ibom, one newspaper, StraightNews, quoted Mr Akpabio has having said, on Sunday.

This is pettiness taken too far. This action shows lack of character on the part of the government.

At 80, I congratulated (Victor) Attah on a personal capacity even though I was no longer the state governor, because it was befitting to do so as our past leader, the senator added.

PREMIUM TIMES contacted the Akwa Ibom government on the issue raised by the senator.

The state government has not sent a birthday wish to him. There is no reason, the government didnt just want to send it, the Commissioner for Information in the state, Charles Udoh, told PREMIUM TIMES, Monday.

Mr Udoh added, The state government has given this man all the due respect and all the apparatus anybody could afford a former governor. But at every point in time, he goes there throwing mud at the government. He goes around peddling lies about the government and the person of the governor.

Okay, look at what happened at Obong Victor Attahs book launch, he walked out when the governor was making a speech. He led his people  Ita Enang and co.  they walked out when the governor mounted the podium to make a speech. Wasnt that petty? And he drew the condemnation of everybody in that hall! the commissioner added.

Mr Akpabio celebrated his birthday with a thanksgiving mass in the morning at the Catholic Church in his hometown, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.

There was a concert in his honour later in the evening at his country home, which was attended by Nsima Ekere, the APC governorship candidate in the state, Akpan Udoedehe, a former minister and an APC chieftain in the state, and Eseme Eyiboh, the spokesperson of the APC campaign council in the state.

May your life continue to count for what counts. May your God and your people always rejoice over you. May your days ahead be greater than your past. May your testimonies and victories remain uncommon, this new year of your life and for always, Mr Ekere said in his birthday wish to the senator.
The World Bank-sponsored State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) on Monday said it budgeted 70 million dollars (about N25bn) for its intervention in public works in youth engagements in Niger Delta States of Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers for 2019.

Task Team Leader of the SEEFOR in Nigeria, Parminder Barr, said this at the opening session of a four-day interaction among the four states on Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) in Benin.

He said out of the amount, Edo would get 18.2 million dollars (N6.5bn) for the year 2019.

According to Barr The SEEFOR project will be spending about $1.5 million every month in Edo State and basically Edo has been doing well, this project covers public works next year.

This project will support the employment of 9,000 young people in Edo for the next 12 months and we will be implementing almost 59 small projects.

We are supporting the Technical and Vocational Education Training; we are supporting Benin Technical College and other institutions in Edo State and we are supporting public financial management.

We have been supporting automation, the oracle implementation in Edo State and Edo State has been doing very well in oracle implementation although there are some things they need to do.

He said the meeting among the four states was to share ideas and compare notes and strong and weak areas.

The project Coordinator in Edo, Toju Onaiwu, said SEEFOR would achieve 95 per cent disbursement of the funds in the state before the end of the year.

We are fine tuning the system to make it function better and again with technology, we want to keep upgrading and have a robust SEEFOR system in place, he said.

The Special Adviser on Budget to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Joseph Eboigbe, said the Obaseki administration had ensured continued improvement of his administrations budgetary implementation and transparency in government.

(NAN)
The Enugu State Police Command on Monday commenced a full scale investigation into alleged attempted assassination of the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), Ejike Mbaka.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Mbaka, a reverend father, on December 6, alleged that there was an attempt to assassinate him.

Mr Mbaka, a very popular Catholic cleric in Nigeria, claimed that some unidentified gunmen fired gun shots at his vehicle, in transit within Enugu.

The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Danmallam, gave the directive for investigation when he visited the cleric in company of senior police officers at the Adoration ground, Umuchigbo, in Enugu.

I came with senior officers of the command to see you and to find out more about things in relation to the said sad incident.

The incident is quite unfortunate and ungodly.

I will assure you that police operatives under my command will stop at nothing at carrying out full scale investigation into this incident, he assured.

Responding, Mr Mbaka thanked the commissioner and his entourage for the visit.

This visit of the senior police officers of the command has really portrayed the police as friends who feel for the members of the public, Mr Mbaka said.

(NAN)
What is true is that thousands of families like the Walkers are now relying on the program for tuition assistance. Empower Illinois awarded 5,005 scholarships for the current school year. Empowers numbers show the average scholarship was about $6,300. Recipients had a median household income of $43,305 for a family of four, although families with incomes up to $73,800 are eligible. Priority, though, goes to families with household incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty level  that works out to about $45,510 for a family of four  and to students from low-income households who reside in communities with low-performing public schools.
The Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has dismissed a case brought against Kayode Fayemi, challenging his candidacy for the July 14 governorship election.

The suit brought by a former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, asked the court to declare that Mr Fayemi was not eligible to contest the election because he was not validly nominated having failed to resign his position as minister of mines and steel development 30 days before the party primaries.

Mr Oni lost the APC governorship primary to Mr Fayemi who won the eventual election.

Mr Oni also asked the court, through his counsel, Anthony Adeniyi, to declare Mr Fayemi ineligible for the election given that he was indicted by the Justice Silas Oyewole-led commission of inquiry set up by former governor Ayo Fayose to investigate his first tenure between 2010 and 2014.

The suit also sought the withdrawal of the certificate of return issued to Mr Fayemi and to declare Mr Oni as the duly nominated APC candidate and as well duly elected governor in the July 14 election.

But Mr Fayemis lawyer, Rafiu Balogun, urged the court to strike out Mr Onis suit for lack of merit, saying his client was not a civil servant nor an official of the APC, hence the resignation clause was not binding on him.

Mr Balogun also argued that an Abuja court had quashed the decision of the commission of inquiry which indicted the governor.

The suit was initially filed by Mr Oni at an Abuja division of the Federal High Court before Justice Babatunde Quadri but was transferred to Ekiti when the judge was elevated to the Appeal Court.

Reading a decision on the matter on Monday, the presiding judge, Uche Agomoh, held that the case was completely lacking in merit.

She declared that Mr Fayemi was validly nominated by the APC and that he was not a public officer envisaged by the Electoral Act, 1999 Constitution and Party Guidelines to resign before contesting.

The court also held that the purported indictment by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Mr Fayose could not stand, having been set aside by a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

Indictment does not satisfy the definition of conviction. He cannot be disqualified, she held.

The issue of 30 days resignation before election does not apply in this case,.

The judge, in agreeing with the position of the defence, said the applicants claim that Mr Fayemi was an official of the APC and a public servant could not be proved.

According to the judge, Mr Fayemi, as a minister of the federation was not a public servant but a political office holder and appointee of the president, hence the 30 days resignation stipulation did not apply.

However, reacting to the judgment, Mr Adeniyi said further action would be determined soon, stating: We are going to study this judgment to determine the next cause of action.

Mr Fayemis counsel hailed the judgment describing it as wonderful.

The court agreed with the positions of the law in arriving at the verdict, said Mr Balogun.

In his reaction to the ruling, Mr Fayemi said it was democracy at play.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, on Monday, the governor urged his supporters to remain calm in the face of the favourable judgment by the Federal High Court in Ekiti, dismissing the suit.

Mr Fayemi emerged as the governorship candidate of the APC in a keenly contested primary, which had two former senators and two former governors among the over 20 aspirants seeking the partys ticket.

Although Mr Fayemi was favoured to clinch the ticket, the outcome of the primaries generated bad blood.

Supporters of Mr Oni, who was the runner-up in the primary, shortly before the suit was filed, complained that Mr Fayose had cut them off from the mainstream party activities shortly after he emerged the candidate of the party.

The supporters reportedly encouraged Mr Oni to file a suit in court to seek to upturn the emergence of Mr Fayemi.

Mr Fayemi in the statement urged his supporters to see the eligibility suit instituted by Mr Oni and the judgment as part of the beauty of democracy.

He said Mr Oni did the right thing by going to court to challenge the process and not resorting to self-help.

Going to court to seek redress or judicial interpretation of contentious issues would help in deepening our democracy, the governor said. In this particular case, Ex-Governor Oni has done the right thing in seeking the intervention of the court.

The governor said now that a court of competent jurisdiction had given the issue an appropriate interpretation, his supporters and Onis should remain calm and focus on achieving victory for APC in the forthcoming elections.
435 N. Michigan Ave., No. 401, Chicago: $3,575,000 | Listed: Oct. 14, 2021



This three-bedroom home has three full bathrooms, one half-bath, 11-foot ceilings, crown molding and white oak hardwood floors. This home has an open-concept living/dining space with two lounge areas and a marble fireplace. The kitchen offers quartzite countertops, an extended island, white Shaker cabinetry and a custom wine tower. The primary bedroom has a marble en suite bath with a dual vanity, a free-standing tub and a walk-in shower. Two additional en-suite bedrooms, a laundry room, and a foyer complete this home, which is located in a building with a professional gym, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, and an outdoor terrace.



Agent: Ryan Preuett, Jameson Sothebys International Realty, 312-371-5951



*Some listing photos are virtually staged, meaning they have been digitally altered to represent different furnishing or decorating options.



To feature your luxury listing of $800,000 or more in Chicago Tribunes Dream Homes, send listing information and high-res photos to ctc-realestate@chicagotribune.com.



Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news.
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.




(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/795884/Haag_Streit_UK_Royal_Visit.jpg )



The Duke of Kent was visiting companies in the Harlow area, alongside Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Essex. HS-UK and sister company Clement Clarke International (CCI) were chosen due to their focus on product innovation and involvement in UK manufacturing.

The Duke was given a tour of both the HS-UK and CCI manufacturing facilities, including the; state-of-the-art injection moulding facility, assembly areas and quality control inspection rooms. Following this, His Royal Highness met some of the key members of the HS-UK and CCI team. The Duke was taken through the processes which are used during manufacturing and was then shown the Clement Clarke Ophthalmic (CCO) product range, including the Synoptophore and Perkins Mk 3 hand-held tonometer, both of which are manufactured on-site.

The CCO Synoptophore and Perkins Mk3 are both long-standing products within the HS-UK portfolio. The Synoptophore was first launched in the UK in 1931 and was a vital product for the ophthalmic and orthoptic profession at the time, mainly used for the assessment and treatment of ocular motility disorders. The product continues to be an important diagnostic tool and is still used regularly in eye clinics today. The Perkins Mk3 is a hand-held tonometer that is used for assessing intraocular pressure to diagnose glaucoma. The initial Perkins Mk1 model was developed during the 1970s and, at the time, won the Design Council Award, which was presented by The Duke of Edinburgh.

Dean Johnson, HS-UK Managing Director, said, "We were delighted to welcome The Duke of Kent to the HS-UK headquarters, here in Harlow. His Royal Highness is well-known for fostering the development of British technology and industry."

Dean continued, "We were excited to be able to show His Royal Highness our UK-manufactured CCO product-range. We are very proud to be a leader in the manufacture and distribution of orthoptic, optometry and ophthalmic devices in the UK, so it was a great honour to show The Duke these devices and demonstrate how they are used in daily practice to diagnose eye disease."

SOURCE Haag-Streit UK
As a trustee in the four years prior to her successful bid for village president, attempts were made to market the former Alexander Lumber property but nobody had the financial backing to support their ideas.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is working to restore the remaining 156,000 customers without power after this weekend's winter storm that produced record snowfalls across the Carolinas. The company has restored more than a half million customers since the storm struck.

The public can follow the latest developments on the winter storm and Duke Energy's efforts to restore power at: https://www.dukeenergyupdates.com/.

As of noon today, the company reported 156,000 outages  110,000 in North Carolina and 46,000 in South Carolina. The company has restored power to 500,000 customers since the weekend storm hit.

"This storm has challenged our customers in so many parts of their lives. We thank them for their patience," said Duke Energy Storm Director Jason Hollifield. "Duke Energy has made great progress in power restoration. But there is much left to be done. Our crews are working tirelessly to restore power as quickly and safety as possible  even though some remnants of the storm are still in our region."

Hollifield added that rugged travel conditions in hard-hit areas are challenging the movement of Duke Energy crews and local first responders.

"Some of our areas have more than a foot of snow on the ground and roadways that are barely passable," he added. "That multiplies the difficulty to restore power."

Among the hardest hit counties:

North Carolina: Buncombe, Guilford, Haywood, Mecklenburg, Polk, Rutherford and Transylvania counties.

South Carolina: Cherokee, Greenville and Spartanburg counties.

Safety reminders

With temperatures at or below freezing, customers should heed the advice of state and local emergency management officials in North Carolina and South Carolina. Both states have mobile apps for the latest information on shelters and other needs.

If you plan to use a generator due to a power outage, follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Operate your generator outside. Never operate it inside a building or garage.

Don't use grills or other outdoor appliances or equipment indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may emit carbon monoxide (CO). The following are symptoms of CO poisoning:

Flu-like symptoms



Headache



Drowsiness



Ringing sensation in the ears



Nausea



Blurred vision



Chest pains



Light-headedness or dizziness

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, open doors and windows, leave your home / business and consult a physician.

Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Please report downed power lines to Duke Energy.

If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.

If you are driving and encounter emergency responders or other roadside work crews, remember to MOVE OVER, it's the law in North Carolina and South Carolina , and a good practice for all drivers.

Reporting outages

Customers who experience an outage during the storm have multiple ways to report it:

Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply)

Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON for Duke Energy Carolinas customers and 800.419.6356 for Duke Energy Progress customers

Report an outage or view current outages online at www.dukeenergyupdates.com

Duke Energy will provide updates on its social media channels to keep customers informed if significant outages occur:

Duke Energy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DukeEnergy

Duke Energy on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DukeEnergy

About Duke Energy

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts.

The company's Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit serves approximately 7.6 million retail electric customers in six states  North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

Its Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to approximately 1.6 million customers in five states  North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Its Commercial Renewables unit operates a growing renewable energy portfolio across the U.S.

More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center includes news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues.

Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact: Corporate Communications

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy
SHANGHAI, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China Rapid Finance Limited (the "Company" or "XRF") (NYSE: XRF), operator of one of China's leading consumer lending marketplaces, announced that its Vice President of Finance Lan Xie has completed her planned onboarding as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Xie's recruitment was overseen by Kerry Shen, the Company's former CFO, as part of the organizational plans approved earlier this year by the Board of Directors. Ms. Xie joined the Company as Vice President of Finance on October 1st and has transitioned into the Chief Financial Officer role over the past two months with the assistance of Mr. Shen, who is pursuing a new opportunity.

Russell Krauss, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Company, commented, "Over the past year, we conducted an extensive search for an exceptional professional who can bring additional experience and skill in financial management and corporate strategy. Earlier this year, that work culminated with our successful recruitment of Lan, who has been operating as the company's Vice President of Finance. Because I have witnessed Lan's talent, experience and capability firsthand, I am confident in her ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Company's future success. I offer her my congratulations on this promotion and look forward to observing the positive impact she will have on the Company."

The Company also announced further additions to its leadership team with the appointment of Kevin Kong as General Counsel.

Zane Wang, PhD, the Company's Founder, Chairman, and Co-Chief Executive Officer, commented, "These two appointments affirm our commitment to build a world-class management team. Lan and Kevin are highly regarded experts within their respective fields. They bring extensive skills and global perspective to their roles at XRF. During this period of market and regulatory change, we see a unique opportunity to solidify XRF's position within our industry. While refocusing and expanding our business to adapt to a new environment, we continue to place emphasis on attracting and retaining the industry's top talent."

Lan Xie brings to the Company rich experience in global finance. Prior to joining XRF, she served as China Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance for SciClone. Before SciClone, she served as Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations at Shangpharma Corporation, and was closely involved with that company's Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Previously, she was Senior Manager of Transaction Services at PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP in Shanghai, and Manager of Mergers and Acquisitions at Deloitte & Touche in New York. Ms. Xie's financial management experience is complemented by strong academic and professional credentials, including an MBA degree and CPA certification in US GAAP. She is a Massachusetts Certified Public Accountant and received her MBA from INSEAD in France.

Kevin Kong joined the Company earlier this year as General Counsel, and brings over a decade of experience in management, corporate law, and regulatory compliance gained in both New York and Shanghai. In addition to being an experienced corporate attorney from the international law firm of Sidley Austin LLP, Mr. Kong has previously served as General Counsel for two U.S.-listed Chinese companies, Spreadtrum Communications Inc. and ASAT Holdings Limited. Mr. Kong's areas of legal expertise include U.S. securities, capital markets, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and corporate governance. Mr. Kong received his Juris Doctor degree from Cornell Law School and his Bachelor's degree with Honors from Columbia University in New York.

About China Rapid Finance

China Rapid Finance operates a leading online consumer finance marketplace in China, facilitating millions of loans annually. The Company deploys machine learning and proprietary decision technology to facilitate affordable digital credit for one of the world's largest untapped consumer credit markets: China's mobile-active consumers. China Rapid Finance utilizes its proprietary, mobile-first technology to efficiently select creditworthy consumers for its platform. The Company facilitates smaller, shorter-term initial loans to these qualified consumers and then enables larger, longer-term loans for returning borrowers who demonstrate positive credit behavior. This differentiated strategy positions the platform to attract and retain high quality consumers who generate significant customer lifetime value. China Rapid Finance was founded by Dr. Zane Wang, who has decades of consumer credit experience in the U.S. and China, and is governed by a global board of directors. For more information, please visit http://ir.crfchina.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement, China Rapid Finance's financial outlook as well as China Rapid Finance's strategic and operational plans contain forward-looking statements. China Rapid Finance may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about China Rapid Finance's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: unexpected difficulties in China Rapid Finance's pursuit of its goals and strategies; the unexpected developments, including slow growth, in the consumer lending market; reduced demand for, and market acceptance of, China Rapid Finance's products and services; difficulties keeping and strengthening relationships with borrowers or investors; difficulties of expanding data and channel partnerships, potentially costly servicing activities; competition in the consumer lending market; PRC governmental regulations and policies; and general economic and business conditions in the regions where China Rapid Finance provides products and services. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in China Rapid Finance's reports filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of this announcement, and China Rapid Finance undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Internal:

China Rapid Finance

Marlene Pan

Director of Investor Relations

Tel: +86 (21) 6032-5999

Email: [email protected]

External:

The Blueshirt Group

Gary T. Dvorchak, CFA

Tel: +1 (323) 240-5796

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE China Rapid Finance

Related Links

http://ir.crfchina.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Board of Directors has announced its new members and officers for the term beginning January 1, 2019.

GP Russ Chaney, chief executive officer, IAPMO, was appointed to a second term as chair of the ANSI Board.

Kevan Lawlor, NSF International, will continue in the role of immediate past chair.

Supporting the chair will be the following vice chairs: Mary McKiel, Ph.D., American Academy of Forensic Sciences; David Miller, American Petroleum Institute; Phil Piqueira, UL; and Paris Stavrianidis, FM Approvals.

The following individuals have been elected to the Board as directors-at-large for terms beginning January 2019 and concluding at year-end 2021:

Stephen Crawford , Ph.D. , George Washington University Institute of Public Policy

, Institute of Public Policy Donald R. Deutsch , Ph.D. , Oracle

, Oracle Jamie Ferguson , Kaiser Permanente International

, Kaiser Permanente International Earl Lawrence , Federal Aviation Administration

, Federal Aviation Administration Kevin Lippert , Eaton Corporation

, Eaton Corporation Angus Low , Rockwell Automation

, Rockwell Automation Edward F. Mikoski Jr. , Electronic Components Industry Association

, Electronic Components Industry Association Earl Nied , Intel Corporation

, Intel Corporation Dan Roley , Caterpillar Incorporated

, Caterpillar Incorporated Cynthia Woodley , Ed.D., Professional Testing, Inc.

In addition, the Board of Directors Nominating Committee has filled the vacant director-at-large positions with:

Susan Carioti , ASIS International

, ASIS International Jack Pokrzywa , SAE International

The following Board members will serve as ANSI Member Forum chairs beginning in 2019:

Linda Golodner (Consumer Interest Forum), James Matthews III (Company Member Forum),

Timothy A. Klein (Government Member Forum), and Claire Ramspeck (Organizational Member Forum).

Individuals leaving the Board at the end of 2018 are as follows:

Paul Hearty , Sony Electronics

, Sony Electronics Joe McGuire , AHAM

, AHAM Susan Miller , ATIS

, ATIS Rachel Weintraub , Consumer Federation of America

The members and staff of the ANSI Federation express their gratitude and thanks to all of these individuals for their many contributions and efforts in support of the Institute and the U.S. voluntary consensus standardization and conformity assessment community.

About ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Its membership is made up of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. ANSI represents and serves the diverse interests of more than 270,000 companies and organizations and 30 million professionals worldwide. The Institute is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). For more information, visit www.ansi.org.

SOURCE American National Standards Institute

Related Links

http://www.ansi.org/


DUBLIN, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Artificial Intelligence in Aviation Market 2018-2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

One trend in the market is emergence of smart airports. Over the last two decades, the business model and airport operations of the airlines have witnessed a drastic change in accordance with the exponential growth of the global aviation industry. Therefore, both the airport authorities and airlines have been looking for an alternative approach to manage the complex ecosystem of aviation operations.

According to the report, one driver in the market is blockchain integration into aviation. The information in the aviation industry is deemed to be very sensitive and complex. Integration of blockchain into the industry can lead to vast improvements in the operational efficiency of the whole workflow. Blockchain technology may be incorporated by manufacturers and airline operators alike for comprehensive data sharing and reconciliation, leading to reduction of complexities associated with cross-enterprise business processes

Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is concerns over security breach. Big data can revolutionize the world with its predictive power. The collection of huge data sets for legitimate analysis by computers may be at risk of becoming available for abuse by miscreants. The possible impacts of a cyberattack range from endangering the safety of an aircraft to affecting operational reliability, financial health, and business continuity.

Key Players

Airbus

Amazon

IBM

Intel

Microsoft

Topics Covered



PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT



PART 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



PART 04: MARKET LANDSCAPE

Market ecosystem

Market characteristics

Market segmentation analysis

PART 05: MARKET SIZING

Market definition

Market sizing 2017

Market size and forecast 2017-2022

PART 06: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

PART 07: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY APPLICATION

Segmentation by application

Comparison by application

Airline and airport operations - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

Manufacturing and MRO activities - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

Market opportunity by application

PART 08: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE



PART 09: REGIONAL LANDSCAPE

Geographical segmentation

Regional comparison

Americas - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

EMEA - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

APAC - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

Key leading countries

Market opportunity

PART 10: DECISION FRAMEWORK



PART 11: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES

Market drivers

Market challenges

PART 12: MARKET TRENDS



PART 13: VENDOR LANDSCAPE

Overview

Landscape disruption

Competitive scenario

PART 14: VENDOR ANALYSIS

Vendors covered

Vendor classification

Market positioning of vendors

Airbus

Amazon

IBM

Intel

Microsoft

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/zpt68d/artificial?w=5

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), along with Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (D-VA), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA), sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue III urging common sense reforms which promote the humane treatment of farm animals and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars in the Farm Service Agency's Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

Related Documents View PDF Congressional letter here

Thousands of farm animals are provided little to no shelter and are subjected to prolonged suffering and agonizing deaths that could be prevented if proper weather precautions and disaster management plans were required by FSA's Livestock Indemnity Program. In the summer of 2017 in California's central valley, thousands of dairy cows died from heat stroke due to a lack of adequate protections from the heat such as sufficient shade, fans, and misters. In late December 2015, Winter Storm Goliath ripped through Texas and New Mexico and claimed the lives of roughly 40,000 dairy cows and calves. The majority lived on dry lots without adequate shelter. They suffocated in the snow. And in the fall of 2013, Winter Storm Atlas struck South Dakota, killing roughly 70,000 cattle.

According to documents obtained by the Humane Farming Association (HFA) under the Freedom of Information Act, from 2013 to 2017, LIP issued payments of approximately $199 million to farmers and ranchers for animal deaths due primarily to adverse weather events. The total animal deaths included a staggering 277,471 livestock and 6,686,168 poultry. Despite the large amount of taxpayer dollars and animal loss involved, LIP does not currently ask farmers applying for reimbursement for any information or documentation regarding the shelter, care, or treatment provided to animals that died due to adverse weather events.

According to the Congress Members' letter, "When no adequate protection is put in place during adverse weather events, producers are reimbursed for dead livestock at 75 percent of the animals' market value. We believe this represents a clear disincentive for farmers to take the necessary steps to have a disaster management plan and provide their animals with protections from adverse weather events. Without this compensation, we believe many producers would no doubt make an effort to provide for their animals. Instead, we believe massive numbers of neglected livestock are dying painfully and needlessly while taxpayers foot the bill."

The letter went on to say,

"We believe that producers applying for compensation under LIP should be required to provide detailed information regarding the precautionary measures that the producer took to avoid the death of livestock during adverse weather events. We believe farmers should not be rewarded with taxpayer dollars for not providing [the] most basic levels of humane treatment. For these reasons, we respectfully request that, if LIP compensation is made available, the FSA should only provide it to those producers who not only put in place adverse weather protections for their livestock, but also document those protections."

"HFA is gratified that Congressman Hastings and his colleagues have brought this important issue to the forefront in an attempt to hold livestock producers accountable," said HFA National Director Bradley Miller. "In addition to the fact that the Livestock Indemnity Program essentially rewards producers for bad behavior, it also represents misuse of taxpayer dollars and government waste at its most flagrant."

About HFA

The Humane Farming Association (HFA) is dedicated to the protection of farm animals and operates the nation's largest farm animal sanctuary. Founded in 1985 and over 250,000 members strong, HFA is nationally recognized for its integrity and its groundbreaking anti-cruelty campaigns.

CONTACT: Gail Eisnitz

415-485-1495

[email protected]

SOURCE Humane Farming Association

Related Links

http://www.hfa.org


Watch U-Haul Chairman Joe Shoen's video to Pearl Harbor and WWII veterans: uhaul.com/about/veterans.

Repairs on the tower began in 2010, necessitated by decades of weather-related deterioration. This gift will allow the public to visit the tower's upper deck, providing a 360-degree view of America's first aviation WWII battlefield.

Pearl Harbor attracts about 2 million visitors each year.

U-Haul, founded by a U.S. Navy veteran and his wife as WWII was nearing an end in 1945, has been recognized repeatedly as a leading veteran-friendly employer. U-Haul proudly served as the Presenting Veterans Sponsor at the Pearl Harbor Day 75th anniversary opening gala in 2016.

"The Ford Island Control Tower remains an iconic symbol of Pearl Harbor's resolve and the brave veterans who served there, many whom gave their lives defending our freedom," stated U-Haul Chairman Joe Shoen, son of company founders L.S. Shoen and Anna Mary Carty Shoen.

"U-Haul honors our veterans and active military members for their service and sacrifice. One way we can do this is by helping to preserve a piece of American WWII history for present and future generations to appreciate."

Elissa Lines, executive director of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum noted the restoration efforts on the tower will now be completed before September 2020, when the global commemoration of the 75th anniversary of WWII's conclusion will take place.

"This will be a day that we have all been dreaming about for many years," Lines said.

The Ford Island Control Tower was a new building when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, and was not painted until 1942. Today, the brightly striped structure is centrally located on the base, offering scenic views of the ships and memorials in the neighboring harbor.

Among those memorials is the U.S.S. Arizona, which holds special significance to U-Haul and more than 3,800 of its 30,000-plus Team Members. The industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage has been headquartered in Phoenix since 1967.

"The restoration of the Ford Island Control Tower will greatly contribute to honoring the memory of those lost at Pearl Harbor and serve as a symbol of America's resiliency and resolve," said Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. "I thank the Shoen family for their commitment to preserving this important icon of history and their dedication to honoring America's veterans."

About the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to steward America's first aviation battlefield of World War II sharing the artifacts, personal stories, the impact and response to the December 7, 1941 attack and the pacific region battles that followed, honoring those who have defended our freedom so they might educate and inspire future generations. Contact: 808-441-1000; [email protected]

About U-Haul of Hawaii, Inc.

U-Haul of Hawaii, Inc. has been in operation since 1984, when its first Honolulu store opened. Today, U-Haul serves the Aloha State with company-owned facilities on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, as well as 22 U-Haul neighborhood dealers across 16 cities. U-Haul soon plans to open a second store on the Big Island in Hilo, complementing its 2014 store acquisition in Kailua-Kona. U-Haul offers moving solutions, including U-Box portable storage containers, for families relocating between the islands or the mainland. Reach U-Haul of Hawaii president Kaleo Alau at 808-836-0970.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 now offers customers access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the self-service options on their internet-connected mobile devices. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 161,000 trucks, 118,000 trailers and 42,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 632,000 rooms and 55.2 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S. uhaul.com

Contact:

Jeff Lockridge

Sebastien Reyes

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-760-4941

Website: uhaul.com

SOURCE U-Haul International
SAN DIEGO, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The FCS Foundation, the nation's leading advocacy and support organization for people affected by familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), today announced the launch of a new national campaign to build broader awareness of the need for a treatment for FCS and to encourage regulators and leaders in research to work to bring a treatment to patients as quickly as possible. Through the program, people affected by FCS in the U.S. will be encouraged to share their feelings about the impact a treatment would have on their lives and their futures.

"In just the past few months we have gone from having no hope for a treatment to having the potential to bring a treatment to people living with FCS soon. We are making progress, and at this stage it is critical for researchers and industry to continue the effort and for the FDA to review the data and weigh that against the devastating and often life-threatening impact of FCS on patients," said Melissa Goetz, co-founder of The FCS Foundation. "More than ever, we need to make our feelings heard and let them know that we demand a treatment."

The FCS Foundation campaign called "What are you thankful for?" invites FCS patients as well as family members, friends, clinicians, caregivers and industry contacts to prepare a message of hope and gratitude about their experience with FCS and the need for a treatment. They are then invited to share those messages along with a photo with the contacts at the FDA who are reviewing treatments for FCS and with the leadership at Akcea Therapeutics who have been leading research to develop a treatment. In addition to forwarding messages to the FDA and Akcea, participants are also encouraged to post their messages on their own social media platforms and to invite others to join the effort.

"FCS is a rare disease, and so we need every voice possible to join in this effort. We must let the FDA and the research community know that we need a treatment and that they should consider the impact of this terrible disease on our lives when they review any new therapies that could help us," said Lindsey Sutton, co-founder of The FCS Foundation and an FCS patient.

In addition to the "What are you thankful for?" campaign, The FCS Foundation is also reaching out to patients in the U.S. to get them to encourage their doctors to voice their support for a treatment for FCS. The Foundation will also send the results of an online petition supported by more than 12,000 people calling for a path forward for an FCS treatment. For more information about the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/u-s-food-drug-fda-denies-the-only-treatment-for-fcs-patients. In December 2018, representatives from The FCS Foundation will also meet with representatives from the FDA to discuss the recent decision to decline approval for WAYLIVRA, currently in development at Akcea Therapeutics as a treatment for FCS.

About the Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome Foundation

Founded in 2016, The FCS Foundation's mission is to establish a global support network to promote advocacy and education for patients and caregivers living with FCS. The FCS Foundation is the only foundation dedicated to patients suffering from familial chylomicronemia syndrome. For more information, visit: www.livingwithfcs.org.

Media Contacts:

Melissa Goetz, Co-President, FCS Foundation

(518) 593-1794

[email protected]

Lindsey Sutton, Co-President, FCS Foundation

(619) 925-0867

[email protected]

SOURCE The FCS Foundation

Related Links

http://www.livingwithfcs.org


In June 2018, Honda Aircraft Company began sales of the HondaJet Elite through HondaJet Japan, a local HondaJet dealer in the region. Since this expansion, Honda Aircraft has taken orders in Japan for more than 10 aircraft to date. Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin before the end of 2018.

Comments by Takahiro Hachigo, President & Representative Director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the members of the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for their great understanding and cooperation with Honda. Creating mobility products that enable people to enjoy the freedom of mobility in the sky has been Honda's dream since its founding. Today, we are delighted that our HondaJet received type certification in Japan, the home country of Honda. This is one example of embodying our passion to serve people worldwide with the "joy of expanding their life's potential." Honda will continue taking on challenges to expand life's potential for our customers."

Comments by Michimasa Fujino, President & CEO of Honda Aircraft Company:

"We are proud to have obtained type certification in Japan, the home of Honda, and we are pleased our efforts in the development of advanced technologies are being recognized. The newly certified HondaJet Elite is our latest aircraft and I am confident it will provide efficient and comfortable mobility to our customers throughout Japan. Through our sales of the HondaJet Elite, we will strive to create a society where business jets are more easily accessible to everyone in Japan."

About HondaJet Elite

The fastest, furthest and highest-flying plane in its class*, the HondaJet Elite incorporates Honda Aircraft's many technological innovations, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) nose and wing and composite fuselage. These advancements contribute to the aircraft's superior performance, unparalleled efficiency and maximized fuselage space, making the aircraft's cabin the largest in its class. The HondaJet Elite is also significantly more fuel efficient than all other similarly sized twin-engine business jets. Certified for single pilot operation, the HondaJet Elite continues to live up to the company's reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value. In addition to its JCAB certification, the HondaJet Elite is also certified by the United States (Federal Aviation Administration), Europe (European Aviation Safety Agency) and India (Directorate General of Civil Aviation).

www.hondajet.com

About Honda Aircraft Company

Honda Aircraft Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft's world headquarters is located in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda's longstanding dreams to advance human mobility skyward.

*Honda internal research

SOURCE Honda Aircraft Company

Related Links

http://www.hondajet.com


In addition to the company's product donations, the program consists of education and engagement components. Hormel Foods has helped open more than 20 chispa centers where children develop skills at six stations: English, computer, psychomotor development, arts and crafts, imagination and sports. Each year, the company hosts engagement trips for its team members to learn more about the program and to help out. In addition, the company and its employees have provided several scholarships to help further the education of children.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary, the company is holding a Project SPAMMY Week. During the week, the 2019 employee engagement trip opportunities will be announced, and stories and videos about Project SPAMMY and its impact will be showcased. An employee fundraising drive is also taking place to help raise additional funds for scholarships and chispa center supplies.

For more information about Project SPAMMY and the company's philanthropic efforts, please visit https://csr.hormelfoods.com/communities/

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include SKIPPY, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly Guacamole, Hormel Black Label, Columbus and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the tenth year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. In 2016, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary and announced its new vision for the future  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  focusing on its legacy of innovation. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/.

Contact: Kelly Braaten

507-434-6352

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation

Related Links

http://www.hormelfoods.com


TORONTO and SPOKANE, WA, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro One Limited ("Hydro One") (TSX: H) and Avista Corporation ("Avista") (NYSE: AVA) will file a petition no later than December 17, 2018 with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) requesting the UTC to reconsider its December 5, 2018 order denying approval of Hydro One's acquisition of Avista.

Under Washington law, the UTC has 20 days from the date of filing to act on the petition, failing which the petition is deemed to be denied. If the UTC grants the petition for reconsideration, it may modify its prior order or take any actions it deems appropriate, including extending the timeframe for its deliberations.

About Hydro One Limited

We are Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with more than 1.3 million valued customers, over C$25 billion in assets and 2017 annual revenues of nearly C$6 billion. Our team of over 7,400 skilled and dedicated regular and non-regular employees proudly and safely serves suburban, rural and remote communities across Ontario through our 30,000 circuit km of high-voltage transmission and 123,000 circuit km of primary distribution networks. Hydro One is committed to the communities we serve, and has been rated as the top utility in Canada for its corporate citizenship, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. We are one of only six utility companies in Canada to achieve the Sustainable Electricity Company designation from the Canadian Electricity Association. We also provide advanced broadband telecommunications services on a wholesale basis utilizing our extensive fibre optic network. Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: H).

Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This press release and the joint application and settlement agreement to which it refers may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Words such as "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "attempt", "may", "plan", "will", "can", "believe", "seek", "estimate", and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking information. Some of the factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed, implied or forecasted by such forward-looking information, including some of the assumptions used in making such statements, are discussed more fully in Hydro One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law.

About Avista Corporation

Avista Corporation is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is our operating division that provides electric service to 383,000 customers and natural gas to 348,000 customers. Its service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.6 million. Alaska Energy and Resources Company is an Avista subsidiary that provides retail electric service in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska, through its subsidiary Alaska Electric Light and Power Company. Avista stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA." For more information about Avista, please visit www.myAvista.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the company's current expectations. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than historical facts. Such statements speak only as of the date of the news release and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, in addition to those discussed herein, all of the factors discussed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2018.



SOURCE Hydro One Limited

Related Links

http://www.hydroone.com


Vanuatu Ambassador supports call for Climate Ecocide to be identified as an Atrocity Crime under International Law
"Without those incentives, the economics of the project don't work. The timing is vital to be able to get the approval so we are ready to submit the application in January," the developer said.
"Legal education and the legal profession need to keep pace with technological advancements," said Kellye Testy, president and CEO of LSAC. "With the breadth of their solutions and their commitment to privacy, security, accessibility, and inclusion, Microsoft will be a tremendous help to the legal education community as we navigate these accelerating changes."

"There are clear and profound opportunities for the legal profession to use data and digital technology to support its timeless and important role in society," said Brad Smith, president of Microsoft. "Microsoft is excited to partner with the LSAC on its digital transformation."

The LSAT exam is used by more than 99 percent of law school applicants and is the only assessment tool accepted by every law school in the United States and Canada. In the 2017-2018 testing cycle, over 129,000 LSAT examinations were administered. LSAC has more than doubled the number of test administrations it will offer in the 2019-2020 cycle, compared to the 2017-2018 cycle.

To facilitate the transition to the Digital LSAT starting July 2019, LSAC is procuring thousands of Surface Go tablets that will be loaded with custom software and locked down to ensure the integrity of the exam process and security of the test results.

"Microsoft's leadership on accessibility was one of the reasons LSAC selected the Surface Go as the tablet for the Digital LSAT," said Troy Lowry, senior vice president of technology products and chief information officer at LSAC. "Surface Go is a great device, and it includes Windows 10 capabilities like a built-in screen reader, text and icon magnifier, and many other accessibility features. LSAC and Microsoft are working together to ensure the Digital LSAT on Surface Go provides a wide range of accessibility features and functionality for test takers who need them."

The Surface Go kickstand will allow test-takers to adjust the angle of the screen from almost flat on the table to close to 90 degrees. This will help ensure that test takers have a comfortable and effective reading experience under a wide range of desk and lighting conditions at over 600 testing centers across the US and Canada.

"LSAC has been working on Digital LSAT delivery with Microsoft for many months, and we are confident that test takers will have a very positive experience with the Digital LSAT on Microsoft Surface Go," said Lowry.

In addition to its collaboration with Microsoft on the Digital LSAT and other initiatives, LSAC also announced today that it plans to separate the writing section of the LSAT from the other portions of the test, which are multiple-choice sections designed to assess logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

Currently, every LSAT administration includes a 35-minute writing section that follows the multiple-choice sections. Starting with the June 2019 LSAT administration, the writing sample will be separated from the LSAT and administered on a secure online platform. This change will result in several benefits for test takers, including shortening the testing day, allowing candidates to type their essays on a keyboard, instead of writing it by hand, and making it possible for test takers to complete their essay at a time and place of their choosing. In addition, candidates who take the LSAT more than once will not have to complete an essay each time they take the test.

"We're responding to feedback from test takers that having to complete a written essay in a large-group setting at the end of a rigorous examination is not conducive to doing their best writing," said Lily Knezevich, senior vice president for learning and assessment at LSAC. "This new approach will provide test takers more options for how and when they generate their writing sample, while maintaining the integrity and security of the process."

"We know that many schools value the LSAT writing sample in making their admission decisions, because it is the only essay an applicant submits that is written under standardized, proctored conditions and in response to a prompt specifically designed to capture the kind of persuasive argumentation required in law school," Knezevich said.

Read Kellye Testy's post on Law:Fully, LSAC's blog, for more details about today's announcement.

About the Digital LSAT

LSAC announced on October 3, 2018 that it would be transitioning to a Digital LSAT starting with the July 15, 2019 test, after this year's law school admission cycle is largely completed. The structure of the test sections and test questions will not be any different than the paper-and-pencil LSAT. For the July 2019 test, some test takers will be assigned pencil-and-paper tests, and some will be assigned digital tests, which is a best practice under educational testing standards to assure that there is no statistical advantage between the formats. Learn more about the Digital LSAT here.

About the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

LSAC is a not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting quality, access, and equity in law and education worldwide by supporting individuals' enrollment journeys and providing preeminent assessment, data, and technology services.

Each year, more than 100,000 potential law school applicants worldwide take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). LSAT scores are accepted for admission by all accredited law schools in the United States and Canada. We also offer free Khan Academy LSAT preparation online at khanacademy.org/LSAT.

More than 60,000 law school applicants simplify their law school application process every year by using LSAC's unique Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and online law school applications. LSAC's essential admission office software provides seamless data exchange with our 221 member law schools.

SOURCE Law School Admission Council
DARMSTADT, Germany, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The information contained is not intended for distribution in the UK

FDA grants M7824, an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy, orphan drug designation in biliary tract cancer

First regulatory designation for M7824 following recent presentation of first clinical data in BTC

BTC is a group of rare, aggressive gastrointestinal cancers associated with limited treatment options and poor outcomes

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, which operates its healthcare business in the U.S. and Canada as EMD Serono, today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation (ODD) to M7824, the first regulatory designation for the bifunctional immunotherapy, for the treatment of biliary tract cancer (BTC). The FDA orphan drug designation follows the recent presentation of the first clinical data for M7824 in BTC at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress in October. M7824 is an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy designed to combine co-localized blocking of the transforming growth factor- and anti-PD-L1 immune escape mechanisms.

BTC is a collective term for a group of rare and aggressive gastrointestinal cancers, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC).[1] Approximately 16,000 cases of BTC are estimated to occur every year in the US and collectively these cancers present late in the majority of patients. [1],[2] Treatment options are limited and the median survival rate in the advanced setting is less than one year, objective tumor response with commonly used chemotherapy is typically less than 10% with short duration of response. [1],[3],[5]

"Biliary tract cancer is a rare, notoriously hard-to-treat tumor where existing treatment approaches, such as surgery or chemotherapy, are either not viable or simply don't deliver acceptable patient outcomes," said Luciano Rossetti, Head of Global Research & Development at the Biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "As the first regulatory designation for M7824, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is excited about the potential of this new class of immunotherapy in a number of challenging cancers and settings."

The first clinical data for M7824 in BTC, presented at the ESMO congress in October, demonstrated clinical activity in Asian patients who had progressed after platinum-based first-line treatment. The ORR among the total of 30 patients was 20%, as assessed by IRC, and responses were observed across PD-L1 levels with a duration of response ranging from 8.3 months to 13.9+ months. Grade 3 or higher TRAEs were experienced by 10 patients (33.3%) and the most common Grade 3 TRAEs were rash (10%) and lipase increase (10%).

FDA Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) is granted to medicines intended to treat rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the US, or those that affect more than 200,000 people but are unlikely to recover the costs of developing and marketing the drug. Medicines that meet the FDA's ODD criteria qualify for a number of incentives to help support advancement.

M7824 is an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy that combines a TGF- trap with the anti-PD-L1 mechanism in one fusion protein. Designed to combine co-localized blocking of the two immunosuppressive pathways, M7824 is thought to control tumor growth by potentially restoring and enhancing anti-tumor responses. M7824 is an important part of a novel combination approach that seeks to harness the power of the immune system and address the tremendously complex nature of difficult-to-treat tumors. To-date, more than 670 patients with various types of solid tumors have been treated across the program with M7824. In addition to BTC, M7824 is being studied in solid tumor indications, including non-small cell lung, HPV associated tumors and gastrointestinal cancers, such as gastric cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

About M7824

M7824 is an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy that is designed to combine a TGF- trap with the anti-PD-L1 mechanism in one fusion protein. M7824 is designed to combine co-localized blocking of the two immunosuppressive pathways - targeting both pathways aims to control tumor growth by potentially restoring and enhancing anti-tumor responses. M7824 is currently in Phase I studies for solid tumors, as well as a trial to investigate M7824 compared with pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment in patients with PD-L1 expressing advanced NSCLC. The multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of M7824 versus pembrolizumab as a monotherapy treatment.

About the FDA Orphan Designation

FDA orphan drug designation is granted to drugs intended to treat rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the US, or those that affect more than 200,000 people, but are unlikely to recover the costs of developing and marketing the drug. Orphan drug designation by the FDA qualifies the sponsor for incentives provided for in the Orphan Drug Act, which can include protocol assistance for clinical trials, prescription drug user fee waivers, tax incentives and seven years of market exclusivity. The granting of an orphan drug designation does not alter the standard regulatory requirement to establish the safety and effectiveness of a drug through adequate and well-controlled studies to support approval. The orphan drug designation for M7824 applies only to BTC.

About Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC)

BTC is a collective term for a group of rare and aggressive gastrointestinal cancers, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCC), and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC).[1] Surgery is the only curative treatment, but most patients present with advanced disease and therefore have a limited survival.[1] Approximately 140,000 cases of BTC are estimated to occur annually world-wide.[2] However, incidence of BTC varies in different parts of the world: the incidence of cholangiocarcinomas is rising in the Western world, with reports of up to 2 in 100,000[4]. By contrast, in Asian countries, the incidence is much higher.[4] GBC also has an incidence of 2 in 100,000, but is much more prevalent in parts of South America.[4]

Collectively these cancers present late in the majority of patients and long-term outcomes for resectable patients are poor with median survival in the advanced setting less than 1 year.[1],[3]

All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group Website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada please go to http://www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register for your online subscription of this service as our geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a vibrant science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 51,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people's lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices - the company is everywhere. In 2017, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of  15.3 billion in 66 countries.

The company holds the global rights to the name and trademark "Merck" internationally. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials. Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the company's technological and scientific advances. To this day, the founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. For more information about Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, visit http://www.emdgroup.com.

References

Blair A B et al. Immunotherapy as a treatment for biliary tract cancers: A review of approaches with an eye to the future. Current Problems in Cancer (2018) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147027217301083?via%3Dihub. Accessed November 2018 Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. The Lancet 2015;385(9963):117-171. Hezel AF et al. Genetics of biliary tract cancers and emerging targeted therapies. J Clin Oncol 2010;28:3531-40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2009.27.4787. Accessed November 2018 Goldstein D et al. New molecular and immunotherapeutic approaches in biliary cancer. ESMO Open (2017). Published online 2017 Mar 27. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1136%2Fesmoopen-2016-000152. Accessed November 2018 Lamarca A, et al. Ann Oncol. 2014;25(12):2328-2338.

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SOURCE Merck KGaA
DETROIT, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)/PlanetM, today announced the return of the highly successful business-to-business "Match Meetings" on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, from noon  4 p.m.

Over 500 matchmaking business development meetings took place at the 2018 NAIAS, promoting new connections and collaborations among technology startups, automakers, suppliers and venture capitalists.

"In its inaugural year, the AutoMobili-D Match Meetings at NAIAS have generated over $10 million in investment and contracts between corporations, investors and startups," said Seun Phillips, PlanetM Director. "Over 75 startups applied for meetings, each having the ability to participate in up to 20 meetings  translating into unmatched business development opportunities and exposure to key audience groups."

MEDC, PlanetM and NAIAS, along with Techstars Mobility, will again arrange a series of vetted, prescheduled meetings for participating AutoMobili-D and NAIAS exhibitors. The meetings will be held during the first day of Industry Preview, an event synonymous with attracting 40,000 automotive and mobility experts from around the world.

"The North American International Auto Show is a global stage for game-changing companies to demonstrate and debut technologies on future mobility and transportation platforms," said 2019 NAIAS Chairman Bill Golling. "What better way to promote continued collaboration and tap into the talent and energy of mobility innovators than through focused matchmaking spearheaded by the State of Michigan."

Building upon the success of the past two years, AutoMobili-D, a 150,000 square-foot exposition, returns to the 2019 NAIAS featuring a wide range of automakers, suppliers, investors and tech startups showcasing and discussing future mobility platforms. A powerful A-list, including mobility experts and C-suite executives are scheduled to participate in AutoMobili-D symposiums and panel discussions.

MEDC and PlanetM, the state's partnership branding initiative to foster, retain and grow the mobility sector and position Michigan as the global epicenter for future transportation, will again have a significant role in supporting AutoMobili-D in 2019.

Mobility startups, corporations and investors can sign up for Match Meetings at naias.com.

About the North American International Auto Show

In its 31st year as an international event, the NAIAS is the most influential annual automotive event in the world. NAIAS is where future mobility innovations meet the pavement. With the largest concentration of the world's top automotive and technology executives, designers, engineers and thought leaders, NAIAS serves as the global stage for companies to debut brand-defining vehicles and industry-shaping announcements. NAIAS is unmatched in the industry in presenting six unique shows in one, including: The Gallery, an ultra-luxury automotive event, AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms, Press Preview, Industry Preview, Charity Preview and then concluding with a nine-day Public Show.

For more information, visit naias.com.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for highlights and updates.

2019 NAIAS Dates:

The Gallery: Saturday, January 12

Press Preview: Monday  Tuesday, January 14-15

AutoMobili-D: Monday  Thursday, January 14-17

Industry Preview: Wednesday  Thursday, January 16-17

Charity Preview: Friday, January 18

Public Show: Saturday  Sunday, January 19-27

SOURCE North American International Auto Show

Related Links

http://naias.com


NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc . (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, has been ranked #28 among the Midsize Companies comprising the annual list of Crain's Best Places to Work in New York City. This iconic list recognizes companies with the highest levels of employee satisfaction and engagement.

In September, OTC Markets Group made its inaugural debut on the distinguished list of 100 companies spanning a broad range of industries such as accounting, engineering, finance, law and tech.

"Crain's recognition and the ranking of OTC Markets Group among the impressive roster of New York's leading employers underscores the hard work and dedication of an amazing team whose passion and commitment truly reflect our core values," said R. Cromwell Coulson, President and CEO of OTC Markets Group. "We look forward to continuing to provide an exemplary workplace for our employees and a superior experience for the public companies and broker-dealers that trade on our markets."

Through the combined efforts of Crain's New York Business and Best Companies Group, the survey and respective awards recognize and honor the best employers in New York City, benefiting the city's economy, workforce, and businesses.

To view the complete list of companies recognized in Crain's Best Places to Work in New York City 2018, please click here.

About Crain's New York Business

Crain's New York Business provides news, information and connections on all facets of New York through the prism of business. Crain's is the leading source of information on the New York economy, the companies and industries that operate here, and connections between government and industry. Crain's publishes daily news coverage on crainsnewyork.com, weekly coverage in print, and three specialized online daily reports  Insider, Pulse and Real Estate Daily  providing scoops and inside information on politics, health care and real estate, respectively. Readers come to Crain's for in-depth coverage of the many industries that make up the fabric of New York's business community.

About Best Companies Group

Best Companies Group (BCG) is dedicated to establishing "Best Places to Work," "Best Companies" and "Best Employers" programs in an effort to distinguish companies who demonstrate and are superior in workplace excellence. We research the dynamics and characteristics of participating companies, analyze the data and produce a "Best" distinction that will make the company, the selected region (or industry) and the organizing partners proud. The very mission of Best Companies Group is to "identify and recognize" places of employment that are leading the way in defining the employee experience of the 21st century.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com .

OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are SEC regulated ATSs, operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]

SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.otcmarkets.com


SAN DIEGO and SHANGHAI, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- WuXi AppTec, a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device open-access capability and technology platform company with global operations, announces the expansion of its facilities in San Diego, California.

WuXi AppTec's newly expanded facility will establish a center of excellence in screening, discovery biology, pharmacology, and small molecule process R&D including phase I GMP manufacturing. The expansion will provide key elements of WuXi's small molecule capability and technology platform under one roof, further enhancing services to North American pharmaceutical and biotech industries. WuXi will also add extensively from the local talent base, further contributing to regional economic growth.

"Having a leading global organization like WuXi significantly invest in San Diego highlights the value of international partnerships, the county's place on the Pacific Rim and our region's long-standing support of the life sciences community," said San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts. "I especially applaud the company's vision that 'every drug can be made, and every disease can be treated.'"

"The San Diego life science community continues to thrive with the commitments and investments made by leading international powerhouses like WuXi AppTec," said Joe Panetta, president and CEO of Biocom. "Their latest facility expansion in San Diego is a testament to the deep relationships they have built with the local biotech community. Biocom applauds the positive impact they've had on the region's economic growth and innovative healthcare products for our patients."

"This expansion will enable us to better serve our U.S. and global customers, and contribute to the growth and success of the dynamic San Diego biotech ecosystem," said Dr. Ge Li, Chairman and CEO of WuXi AppTec. "Together with our ecosystem partners, we will continue to strengthen WuXi's capability and technology enabling platform to expedite the discovery and development of new medicines for patients worldwide, and for a future where every drug can be made and every disease can be treated."

WuXi AppTec is a global capability and technology platform company with 27 sites around the world. WuXi AppTec has 1,700 employees in the U.S., and in addition to the San Diego site, it also has U.S. facilities and offices in Philadelphia (PA), St. Paul (MN), Atlanta (GA), Cranbury-Plainsboro (NJ), Cambridge (MA), and Austin (TX).

About WuXi AppTec

WuXi AppTec is a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device open-access capability and technology platform company with global operations. As an innovation-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi AppTec provides a broad and integrated portfolio of services to help our worldwide customers and partners shorten the discovery and development time and lower the cost of drug and medical device R&D through cost-effective and efficient solutions. With its industry-leading capabilities such as small molecule drug R&D and manufacturing, cell therapy and gene therapy R&D and manufacturing, drug R&D and medical device testing, WuXi platform is enabling more than 3,000 innovative collaborators from more than 30 countries to bring innovative healthcare products to patients, and to fulfill WuXi's dream that "every drug can be made and every disease can be treated."

About HD Biosciences

HD Biosciences, a WuXi AppTec company, is a leading biology-focused preclinical drug discovery Contract Research Organization (CRO) with operation facilities in San Diego and Shanghai, China, offering comprehensive service platforms around plate-based pharmacology, hit identification and lead discovery, Immuno-Oncology, Target Validation, in vivo pharmacology, as well as other R&D services.

About STA Pharmaceutical

STA Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of WuXi AppTec (WuXi STA), is a premier Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with operations here in San Diego and China, offering our worldwide partners integrated "end-to-end" supply chain solutions for small molecule Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms.

SOURCE WuXi AppTec

Related Links

http://www.wuxiapptec.com


WOOD DALE, Ill., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AAR (NYSE: AIR) a global provider of aviation services, announced today that its OEM Solutions  Government group received the 2018 "Distributor of the Year" award from LORD Corporation, a global diversified technology and manufacturing company. The announcement was made during its annual distributor sales meeting.

"AAR is driven by our commitment to deliver the right part at the right time, consistently and reliably, all while maintaining the flexibility our OEM partners, like LORD, expect," said Eric Young, Senior Vice President, AAR OEM Solutions. "We are honored to be chosen for this award."

The OEM Solutions  Government group serves as a salesforce multiplier representing LORD across the globe. Currently, the group distributes a line of LORD engine mounts, APU mounts, and equipment isolators for military fixed- and rotor-wing aircraft.

"AAR OEM Solutions is a trusted supply source of LORD's vibration control components to the U.S. Government and our customers around the world. LORD values customer relationships. Because of AAR's product knowledge, their ability to process a large number of customer requests and provide a quick turnaround time for stocked items, OEM Solutions - Government group was chosen as the recipient of this year's award," said Sue Cermak, Distribution Manager of the LORD aerospace and defense business unit.

About AAR

AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR's Aviation Services include parts supply; OEM solutions; integrated solutions; maintenance, repair, overhaul; and engineering. AAR's Expeditionary Services include mobility systems and composite manufacturing operations. Additional information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.

This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled "Risk Factors", included in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company's control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE AAR

Related Links

https://www.aarcorp.com


ALBANY, New York, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research, "agricultural tractors market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2018-2026" is expected to exceed US$ 100 Bn by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of more than 4% during the forecast period.

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The global agricultural tractors market is projected to expand at a CAGR of more than 4% between 2018 and 2026, according to a new research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). According to the report, the global market is likely to be influenced by a range of political, economic, social, technical, and industry-specific factors. Middle East & Africa is likely to witness rapid increase in demand for agricultural tractors from countries in Africa, owing to the more fertile land near the valley of Nile and other rivers. Moreover, farmers from Africa are adopting automation in agriculture, which leads to increase in demand for agricultural tractors. Consequently, the market in the region is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period.

Get PDF Brochure for Research Insights at: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=52596

The agriculture tractor is an engineering automobile precisely designed and fabricated to convey a high torque at slower speeds. Furthermore, it is employed to carry machinery or a trailer that are utilized in agriculture applications.

Increasing demand from consumers for food products and expansion of the farming industry in some regions are likely to boost the agricultural tractors market. Accordingly, to the VDMA Economic Report 2015, automation in the agriculture industry in China increased from 34% in 2004 to 61% in 2014. Enhanced quality, decrease in production time, and cost-effectiveness are key factors driving the agricultural tractors market. More than 70% of global production of agricultural tractors takes place in China and India, which propels the market share held by Asia Pacific to about 80% of the global agricultural tractor market.

Agricultural tractors having power output between 31 HP to 100 HP accounted for a larger share of the market for 2017. In terms of power output of tractors, 31 HP to 100 HP is anticipated to be a leading segment of the tractors market, owing to adequate efficiency and high demand among farmers. Tractors with power output between 31 HP to 100 HP are highly versatile and can be utilized for cultivation of maximum number of crops.

Browse Research Release at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/agricultural-tractors-market.htm

In terms of the drive type integrated in tractors, four-wheel drive (4WD) is a highly attractive segment of the market. Depending on the various systems designed or used, 4WD can provide significant forward traction during acceleration. It is especially helpful to carry out agricultural processes while driving on moderate off-road terrain. 4WD tractors are useful while driving through mud, sand, and other loose surfaces.

The introduction of autonomous tractors has been a major improvement among the numerous technological inventions witnessed in the global agricultural tractors market. Consequently, the autonomous tractors segment is likely to expand at a CAGR of more than 15% during the forecast period. Yanmar Co., Ltd., a prominent player in this agricultural tractors industry, has collaborated with Hokkaido University, Japan, to offer advanced driver-less tractors with highly advanced features. CNH industrial, another key manufacturer of agricultural tractors, has begun research and development in the concept of autonomous tractors.

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In terms of geography, the global agricultural tractors market has been segregated into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific held a major share of the global market in 2017. Higher demand for agricultural tractors from farmers and large number of production of tractors in countries such as China and India are likely to boost the market in Asia Pacific during the forecast period. The market in Europe is not as prominent as other regions despite having larger demand for food products among consumers in the region. This is because most countries in Europe depend on the industrial sector and the region has less land for farming. Furthermore, shortage of labor for farm applications drives automation in the farm industry in Europe, which in turn is likely to boost the market for agricultural tractors in the region.

Optimization in procedures used to manufacture and assemble agricultural tractors, optimization in size, and advancements in materials employed to manufacture tractor components are key factors that fuel the technological advancements in agricultural tractors.

Manufacturers involved in the manufacturing of agricultural equipment, such as tractors, are continuously developing equipment that can boost the production from agriculture. Such development is likely to boost the agricultural tractors market.

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The global agricultural tractors market is highly unified as design, manufacturing, and assembling of agricultural tractors require considerably advanced technology, significant investment, skilled workers, and high precision. Furthermore, the market has seen the presence of major tractor manufacturers working in the industry for numerous years. Major share of the agricultural tractors market is held by key global players, as the market is highly consolidated. Major players operating in the global agricultural tractors market include CNH Industrial N.V., AGCO Corporation, Deere & Company, CLAAS KGaA GmbH, Mahindra & Mahindra India Limited, Kubota Corporation, Escorts Limited, Caterpillar, Inc., J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB), Yanmar Co., Ltd., Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), and SDF Group.

Several key market players are focused on research & development activities in order to improve operation, size, and effectiveness of agricultural tractors.

Download Report TOC for in-depth analysis at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/52596

The global Agricultural Tractors Market has been segmented into:

Global Agricultural Tractors Market, by Power Output

Below 30 HP

30 HP - 100 HP

101 HP - 200 HP

More Than 200 HP

Global Agricultural Tractors Market, by Drive Type

Two-wheel Drive (2WD)

Four-wheel Drive (4WD)

Global Agricultural Tractors Market, by Operation

Manual Tractors

Autonomous Tractors

Global Agricultural Tractors Market, by Agriculture Application

Harvesting

Seed Sowing

Irrigation

Others

Global Agricultural Tractors Market, by Region

North America U. S. Canada

Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America

Europe Germany U. K. France Italy Spain Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China India Japan ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa GCC South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa

&

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SOURCE Transparency Market Research
NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global Jewish advocacy organization, is urging concerted initiatives by European governments to confront rising anti-Semitism, following the release of deeply troubling findings from an EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) survey of Jews across Europe. The survey results were announced today in Brussels by European Union First Vice President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner for Justice Vera Jourova.

"The FRA conclusion that anti-Semitism has become 'normalized' across the EU is simply unacceptable," said AJC CEO David Harris, who met with European officials in Brussels ahead of the report's release, and who began alerting European leaders to the resurgent wave of anti-Semitism as early as 2001. "Each European country surveyed by the FRA, indeed all EU members states, have a moral responsibility to study the report's unique, valuable data  and step up efforts to confront the anti-Semitism cancer that threatens not only Jews, but, no less, the democratic fabric of European societies."

This is the second EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) survey on discrimination and hate crimes against Jews in the EU. The 2012 FRA survey, the first of its kind, was a wake-up call to the pervasive problem of anti-Semitism in Europe.

The 2018 report found that 54 percent of those surveyed positively assess their national governments' efforts to ensure the security needs of the Jewish community. However, a decisive majority, 70 percent, believe that their governments do not effectively combat anti-Semitism.

The FRA polled 16,500 Jews in 12 EU member states  Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The 2012 report covered only eight countries.

The 2018 survey paints a distressing picture:

89% say anti-Semitism has increased in their country over the past five years

85% say anti-Semitism is a serious problem

89% says anti-Semitism is "most problematic" on the internet and social media

28% experienced some form of anti-Semitic harassment in the last year.

34% avoid visiting Jewish events or sites

38% have considered emigrating because they no longer feel safe as Jews in the country where they live

52% say they do not report anti-Semitic attacks because, in their view, nothing will change

Notably, those who say anti-Semitism is "a very big" or "a fairly big" problem rose significantly in the UK from 48% in 2012 to 75% in 2018, in Germany from 62% to 85%, and in Sweden from 60% to 82%.

French Jews, the largest community in Europe, have the highest level of concern at 95%, followed by Belgian Jews at 86%. Danish Jews ranked 12th among the 12 countries studied in their level of concern.

In 2015, AJC convened in Brussels "A Defining Moment for Europe," a strategy conference on combating anti-Semitism. More than 20 EU countries were represented by diplomats and other officials. The eight-point Call to Action adopted at the groundbreaking conference was updated in June 2018.

"The FRA reports provide a unique and dismaying perspective," said Harris. "European leaders, who laudably adopted a declaration in Brussels last week to step-up the fight against anti-Semitism, must realize that they have not been keeping pace with the growing problem. What's needed now is enhanced, sustained action on many fronts to ensure that European Jews have a safe and secure future  and that Europe fulfills its noble commitment to the protection of human dignity for all of its citizens."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

In a new intelligence study, Future Market Insights projects the global sales of aluminium aerosol cans to exceed the valuation of US$ 3.5 Bn in 2019. The yearly revenue growth of aluminium aerosol cans market in 2019 is estimated at a promising rate of 5.3%, reports the FMI analyst.

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As indicated by the British Aerosol Manufacturers' Association (BAMA), the US and China remain the top producers of aerosols worldwide. Europe alone has witnessed around 5 billion aerosol products in 2017, where the UK is the most significantly contributing market.

"Europe remains the top consumer of aerosol containers owing to briskly expanding application base across multiple end use verticals. Russia's thriving agricultural market is especially raising substantial demand for aluminium aerosol cans for pesticides and insecticides, in recent past. Towards the end of 2019, Europe's aluminium aerosol cans landscape is projected to account for over 1/3rd of the global market revenue," says the analyst.

Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents and Figures: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2165

Aluminium aerosol cans, lightweight and economical, constitute the most popularly sought after aerosol container across a range of verticals. There are nearly 200 distinct end uses of aerosols, prominently including personal care, furnishing, painting, cleaning, household, medical and pharmaceutical products, inhalers, and automotive products.

The analyst quickly explains market taxonomy, "Consistently improving lifestyle, robust demand for convenience products, and growing affordability continue to foster the prospects of aluminium aerosol cans at a global level. While Necked-In aluminium aerosol cans are likely to be the most popular type globally, more than 500ml capacity containers remain the most preferred among consumers. Moreover, household cleaning, cosmetics, and personal care are projected for higher yearly growth rates in 2019 and beyond".

Competition Tracking & Key Players Trend Analysis

Expansion

Expansion of aluminium aerosol cans production as well as aerosol filling has been among the key strategies of leading market companies, of late. Aryum Aerosol Cans Ltd. recently established a new aerosol filling facility in Turkey and looks forward to lead the chunk of aluminium aerosol cans manufacturers based across Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Sustainability

Following the no-coating aluminium aerosol cans introduced by Tubex that heavily contribute to reduced ecological footprint, a number of companies are focusing on catering to ecofriendly production, packaging, and disposal. Ball Corporation is focusing on the supply of sustainable and innovative F&B and household product packaging solutions, besides expanding the capacity expansion for extruded aluminium aerosol cans production. Teaming up with Unilever, Ball is likely to add to the sustainability quotient of aluminium aerosol cans by manufacturing recyclable and lightweight containers, with ReAl technology.

Preview Analysis of Aluminium Aerosol Cans Market Segmentation By Capacity Type - Less than 100 ml, 100-250ml, 251-500 ml, More than 500 ml; Product Type - Necked In, Shaped Wall, Straight Wall: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/aluminum-aerosol-cans-market

Advanced Technology

Ball Corporation has become the first brand to debut in the incorporation of photorealistic printing technology in aerosol packaging. Ball's Aerosol Packaging Division recently announced the company's entry into this 'unparalleled' next-generation HD photorealistic printing technology on aluminium aerosol cans. The company explains that this technology allows printing over 3600 degrees, without digital printing. Though currently available only across North American, European, and Indian markets, the company is strategizing the release of these aluminium aerosol cans across the globe.

Aluminium Supply Agreements

Market players are also signing long-term supply agreements with leading aluminium producing brands. The proprietary aluminium alloy of Constellium N.V., the aluminium production giant, will be now supplied to Czech-based aluminium aerosol cans producer. The latter will dedicate this supply for Unilever's Dove antiperspirants' line.

Some of the prominent competitors actively operating in the global aluminium aerosol cans landscape, include TUBEX GmbH, Casablanca Industries Pvt. Ltd., Exal Corporation, Crown Holdings, Inc., Euro Asia Packaging (EAP), Ardagh Group S.A., Bharat Containers, and a few others. The report presents an extensive attempt of profiling a broad list of prominent players in the aluminium aerosol cans market - covering their key developmental strategies.

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MIAMI, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians (AAOSCP) is an organization created to advance the research and development of therapeutics in regenerative medicine, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease related to or occurring within the human body. It aims to be an educational resource for physicians, scientists, and the public in diseases that can be caused by physiological dysfunction that are ameliorable to medical treatment.

AAOSCP goal is to encourage its members alongside the broader scientific and medical communities, to share knowledge via the annual summit platforms. The 2019 event will be held this year at the Mandarin Oriental Miami, Florida, from May 3 - 5, 2019. Importantly, the AAOSCP is now accepting Scientific Posters for its 2019 event.

Submit a Scientific Poster

The AAOSCP allows researchers and scientists the opportunity to submit their own research in the form of an abstract and a scientific poster. The posters should relate to research and development advances that will facilitate regenerative medicine applications, with an emphasis on stem cells, differentiated cell types, devices, or cell and tissue-based applications as they pertain to treating or preventing disease.

Apply for IRB Review

The American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians is also an Institutional Review Board (IRB). An IRB board is a committee that applies research ethics to its review of methods that are proposed for research projects involving human subjects. The role of the IRB is to protect the welfare of human research participants who are recruited to participate in clinical research activities.

Before applying for IRB review through the AAOSCP, please ensure that you are currently certified as a researcher of human subjects. The NIH certification must be renewed every 3 years.

AAOSCP will be accepting applications for review. Once your mandatory certification is completed, please visit and submit at aaoscp.com/mandatory-certification-and-application

AAOSCP is attending the A4M in Las Vegas, NV

The American Academy of Stem Cell Physician will also be hosting a meeting open to all physicians at the upcoming American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. Scheduled for 11:30-12:30 on Friday, December 14, 2018, the goal of the meeting will be to discuss its IRB. Hosted at the AAOSCP President's Suite, food and beverages will be available to attendees.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Dylan Jaffe at [email protected].

SOURCE The American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians
We do a lot of different programs with kids to help build positive relationships throughout the year because its really important to give young people a chance to see us as an asset and a friend, and not as people who are out to punish them, he said.
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of Chicago-based Captive Insurance Company Design and Operations. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Formed in 2002 by Clarity Group, Inc., Captive Insurance Company Design and Operations is a captive consultant focused exclusively on medical and professional liability, with participants throughout the United States. Captive participants are all principally healthcare providers from various areas of the industry, including medical facilities, physicians and senior care organizations. Andrew Becker and his associates will relocate to Gallagher's office in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, under the direction of Patrick Gallagher, head of Gallagher's Midwest retail property/casualty brokerage operations.

"Andrew and his associates bring us a significant depth of captive management expertise in the medical and professional liability and healthcare space, which aligns well with and will strengthen Gallagher's existing expertise in this practice area," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO. "I am very pleased to welcome them to Gallagher."

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 35 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Investors: Ray Iardella Media: Linda J. Collins VP  Investor Relations VP  Corporate Communications 630-285-3661/ [email protected] 630-285-4009/ [email protected]

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Related Links

http://www.ajg.com


RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN and NEWCASTLE, Australia, Dec. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia's first two locally-based F-35 fighter aircraft arrived on home soil today at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Williamtown, signalling the dawn of a new era for the nation's defence capabilities.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) designed and built Australia's fleet of F-35s and also serves as the global industry lead for F-35 sustainment.

The most advanced fighter jet ever built, the F-35 will be a catalyst for the transformation of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), utilising its sensors and low observability to operate with impunity in contested airspace and fuse a picture of the battlespace for other air, land and sea assets. Along with its advanced weapons capacity and superior range, the 5th Generation F-35 is the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter in the world.

"The arrival of the first F-35 aircraft to be permanently based in Australia is a historic occasion and we are proud of our role as the 5th Generation design pioneer and F-35 original equipment manufacturer," said Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia, Vince Di Pietro AM, CSC.

"We congratulate the RAAF, the ADF and all of our Australian industry partners who have worked to make this achievement a reality."

Australia Plays Major Role in the F-35 Program

Australian suppliers play a significant role in the F-35 program with more than 50 Australian companies contributing to the global program of record of more than 3,000 aircraft. To date, the F-35 program has secured more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs created and generated more than $1.3 billion AUD in contracts for Australian industry.

"Flown by Australian pilots, maintained by Australian maintenance personnel and containing many best-of-breed advanced components made right here in Australia, all Australians have every reason to be proud of this achievement," Di Pietro said.

"Australia plays a significant role in the program with a suite of local industrial technology and know-how behind the hundreds of F-35s flying today, as well as the thousands of F-35s that will be produced in the future."

Lockheed Martin is the industry lead for F-35 global sustainment and is working in partnership with the Australian Defence Force and local industry to provide sustainment support and realise the full potential of the F-35 as an integrated force multiplier for decades to come.

Australia's has committed to 72 F-35As, which will be flown by Australian pilots, and maintained by a joint team of Australian maintenance personnel and industry partners including Lockheed Martin Australia. Australia has received 10 aircraft to date, the remainder of which are stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona where they are part of the international cooperative F-35 training operations.

F-35 Program Grows Global Impact

Ten nations are currently flying F-35s, and with today's arrival, Australia becomes the 7th nation with F-35 aircraft based locally on their home soil, joining the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Israel and Japan.

Additionally, with the formal stand-up of RAAF Williamtown, F-35s are now operating from 16 bases worldwide. More than 340 F-35s are operating today, more than 700 pilots and 6,500 maintainers have been trained and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 170,000 cumulative flight hours.

For more information about the Lockheed Martin F-35, visit:

https://www.f35.com/global/participation/australia

Images: https://images.airforce.gov.au/images/

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy.

About Lockheed Martin Australia

Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BDE Manufacturing Technologies (BDE), a state-of-the-art CNC machine shop in Oregon, has added Mazak INTEGREX i100 BarTac-S machine Mill/Turn Center with Barfeed and 4 thru bar capacity to its highly productive CNC machine portfolio. This CNC machine coupled with BDE's Okuma MB 5000 Dual Machining Cell helps the company machine bar materials with the highest precision in a JIT environment.



About Mazak INTEGREX i100 BarTac-S Machine



INTEGREX i100 BarTac-S machine is a high-quality, compact-sized CNC machine designed for processing various small complex parts. Featuring robust construction, the machine is packed with features that meet complex machining demands of various industries. The machine is equipped with the MAZATROL SmoothX CNC technology which helps ensure the minimal machining cycle times for free-form die-mold machining and simultaneous 5-axis operations.



Being the most advanced digital CNC machines in the market, Mazak's machines are designed to offer maximum performance in the OEM, Job Shop, Automotive, and other industrial segments.

Features of INTEGREX i100 BarTac-S

The machine features a milling spindle and two turning spindles. Equipped with an integral 15hp integral motor spindle, the key spindle can achieve a speed of maximum 2,000 rpm, whereas the second spindle (S) can achieve a maximum speed of 6,000 rpm.

The key spindle is equipped with a 4.4 spindle bore, which is suited for machining a large bar material. However, the second spindle is equipped with a 2.4 bore.

Through intelligent bar loader system, the machine handles bar materials efficiently. The material is automatically fed and kept away from the machine's chuck. This helps minimize material wastage as well as remnants.

The MAZATROL SmoothX technology enables to produce parts with high complexity. An intuitive touch panel of the machine ensures convenient programming, data processing, editing, confirmation, and tool data registration. This touch panel can be easily adjusted for the comfort of an operator.

Measuring only 127" x 103.8", the machine offers a compact footprint, which makes it ideal for small working spaces.

Various advanced intelligent functions offer optimum efficiency and easy operations. A few of these features include intelligent safety shield, Mazak voice adviser, and intelligent maintenance support.

The machine also accommodates an optional conveyor and integrated work unloader, which helps handle the completed workpieces from the S spindle.

About BDE Manufacturing Technologies



BDE Manufacturing Technologies specializes in precision CNC machining, Wire EDM & Small Hole EDM machining, and CNC turning and milling services. BDE is experienced in machining complex parts created from a variety of materials including mild steel, aluminum, and alloys.

Contact:

Rick Hale

[email protected]

503-648-7418



Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12738319



Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE BDE Manufacturing Technologies

Related Links

http://www.bdeinc.com


WACO, Texas, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Black River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BREC) announced today its 2019 advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployment plan for 29,000 of its South Carolina residential customers; selecting Texas-based Texas Meter & Device Co. (TMD) to perform its meter changeouts.

With the discontinuation of BREC's existing power line carrier, a TS2 communications system, the utility began evaluating options to update its AMI platform. The new radio-frequency (RF) system installed by TMD will offer prepaid billing and time-of-use rates. Additionally, the system will more accurately capture interval data that will help when assisting BREC customers with high bill complaints and other issues.

TMD proposed a 10-month AMI deployment starting in March of 2019 for 29,000 of its 32,000 customers. "We are impressed with TMD's flexibility especially because of the way we need to move data back and forth. We are asking TMD to collect quite a few pieces of information while installing the new advanced metering technology, and they are willing to do that as a standard service with each exchange. TMD is providing a high level of detail which is valuable to us," states BREC's VP of Engineering, James Moye.

In the months prior to making the change to an RF AMI system, BREC found that purchasing TMD's proprietary Recertified Green TS2 Meters made the most sense. "We knew eventually we would change out our system and didn't want to sink a lot of money into new meters that we would just turn around and take out," says Moye. "TMD's recertified meters were the most practical option due to cost and availability. Plus, the lead time was a lot shorter."

TMD, established in 1937, is among the largest and most experienced providers of AMI and meter technology integration in the country. "Utilities typically come to us because we have a proven track record of successfully completing these types of projects. We are also able to offset the cost of hiring and training temporary people and are excited to support the South Carolina community by engaging with both retired BREC employees and local personnel to help us with this deployment," says TMD's Regional Business Manager, Phil Dudley.

TMD aims to be the premiere provider of AMI, metering and utility services for electric, water and gas utilities across the nation. TMD offers metering products, AMI services, utility services, field testing and verification, meter shop services, transformer-rated metering, tools/PPE/safety equipment and high-voltage testing.

Contact: [email protected] or (832) 799-0261

RELEASE CONTACT:

Dahlia Kelada

Director of Marketing, TMD

[email protected]

254-799-0261

SOURCE Texas Meter & Device Company LLC

Related Links

http://www.texasmeter.com


Company to offer the service for free to automakers and public offices participating in smart city and connected vehicle pilots

WATERLOO, Ontario, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today announced its commitment to helping the private and public sectors come together to accelerate the development of Smart Cities and Intelligent Transportation Systems with a Security Credential Management System (SCMS) service.

BlackBerry is addressing this need by making available today, with no service fees to automakers and public offices involved in smart city and connected vehicle pilots, a SCMS service which provides the mechanism for vehicles and infrastructure, such as traffic lights, to exchange information in a trustworthy and private manner using digital certificates.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, as connected vehicle applications exchange information among vehicles, roadway infrastructure, traffic management centers, and wireless mobile devices, a security system is needed to ensure that users can trust the validity of information received from other systems.

The SCMS service is based on BlackBerry's Certicom technology and offers a secure and reliable hosted Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) which can manage certificates on behalf of an organization or an entire ecosystem. The service is designed to scale to support national and transnational deployments, allowing OEMs and public officials to take advantage of a turnkey cloud-based service for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) certificate issuance and lifecycle management. BlackBerry can also support hybrid SCMS solutions optimized for high-volume vehicle production.

"The future of autonomous vehicles cannot be realized until intelligent transportation systems are put in place," said John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, BlackBerry. "By removing barriers such as security, privacy, and cost, we believe our SCMS service will help accelerate the many smart city and connected vehicle pilot programs taking place around the world."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development provided the following statement in response to BlackBerry's new service: "Our government is focused on ensuring all Canadians stand to benefit from digital transformation. BlackBerry's commitment to advancing Smart Cities is yet another step forward for Canadian Innovation. Building on Canada's promising advancements in the field of autonomous vehicles, it will help our communities use information and communications technology in a way that is secure and safe to improve their residents' lives."

BlackBerry's SCMS Service in Motion

BlackBerry's new service has been interoperability tested in multiple OmniAir Consortium PlugFests held earlier this year. The company's first project using the new SCMS service will be in partnership with Invest Ottawa, who will leverage it within a secure 16-kilometer road autonomous vehicle (AV) test track that resembles a miniature city, complete with pavement markings, traffic lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crosswalks.

"We are delighted to partner with BlackBerry to demonstrate this SCMS service in a variety of V2X applications," said Kelly Daize, Director of the CAV Program at Invest Ottawa. "Our integrated public and private AV test tracks are equipped with GPS, DSRC, Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE and 5G, making this the first AV test environment of its kind in North America. We look forward to leveraging the world-class security and analytic capabilities of BlackBerry and making them available to innovators, firms, and regions to accelerate the secure deployment of AVs, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and smart cities."

Roger Lanctot, Director Automotive Connected Mobility at Strategy Analytics added, "BlackBerry is taking a major step forward in support of smart city and connected car development efforts. While regulators are still in the process of defining what such a system might look like and how it will be deployed, BlackBerry's offering will allow for the testing of various concepts and technologies right away in support of inter-vehicle and vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure applications."

To learn more about BlackBerry's new Security Credential Management System service, please click here and visit the company's booth (#7523 in the LVCC North Hall) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 8 - 11, 2019.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) enables the Enterprise of Things by providing the technology that allows endpoints to trust one another, communicate securely, and maintain privacy. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company was founded in 1984 and operates globally. For more information, visit www.BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.

BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of BlackBerry Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Contacts:

BlackBerry Media Relations

(519) 597-7273

[email protected]

BlackBerry Investor Relations

(519) 888-7465

[email protected]

SOURCE BlackBerry Limited

Related Links

http://www.BlackBerry.com


"We are accelerating our strategy to build on our growth in the United States, our competitive advantage in Chicago and the Midwest, and deliver for our customers across North America. The BMO Tower in Chicago will be a centerpiece to the business transformation that's underway at our company," said Darryl White, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group.

For BMO customers, the new tower will include a state-of-the-art branch, ATMs and the latest innovations in banking. Whether customers are meeting an investment banker for advice on their business, getting assistance for a small business, or checking in with their wealth management advisor, the BMO Tower will be a great place to interact with employees from across the bank's diverse businesses. Located in the popular West Loop neighborhood, the new tower is part of a larger neighborhood transformation which includes 1.5 acres of new public park space surrounding the tower.

"Chicago's unmatched economic strength and dynamism gives companies like BMO the resources, workforce, and talent they need to lead in the global economy of the 21st century," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. "The new BMO Tower not only speaks to BMO's commitment to our city and its future, it also represents a vote of confidence in the Union Station Modernization Project as a vital link to economic, cultural and recreational investments for Chicago's residents, visitors and businesses."

"We've operated in Chicago for over 150 years," added David Casper, U.S. Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "With a nod to the past, we're investing in our future in Chicago, building a world class office tower in a world class city, while providing our employees with a modern, progressive, cutting edge workspace designed to help them succeed."

BMO Tower's central location will provide employees with easy access to air transportation, rail networks, CTA, road and bike paths, helping BMO continue to attract the best and brightest talent. Furthermore, it will be a model of progressive workplace design and improved efficiencies, featuring advanced digital technology, abundant natural light and modern workplace design practices to enhance collaboration among employees.

"This new workplace, along with other initiatives like the BMO Urban Campus in Toronto and BMO Tower in Milwaukee, is an example of how we are working differently through agile innovation to drive value," added Mr. White. "The location will also help to attract top talent, meet the changing demands of an increasingly mobile workforce, and accelerate the delivery of customer solutions to market."

This initiative was driven by BMO's Corporate Real Estate team in Chicago, who were represented in the transaction by Steve Stratton and Jeff Liljeberg of JLL.

About BMO Financial Group

Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $774 billion as of October 31, 2018, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing Business Jets (NYSE: BA) today announced it is launching the BBJ 777X, a new Boeing Business Jet model that can fly more than half way around the world without stopping, farther than any business jet ever built.

"Our most exclusive customers want to travel with the best space and comfort and fly directly to their destination. The new BBJ 777X will be able to do this like no other airplane before it, redefining ultra-long range VIP travel," said Greg Laxton, head of Boeing Business Jets, at the bi-annual Middle East Business Aviation Association Show (MEBAA).

Customers can choose between two models: the BBJ 777-8 and BBJ 777-9. The BBJ 777-8 offers the longest range of 11,645 nautical miles (21,570 km) and a spacious 3,256 sq. ft. (302.5 sq m) cabin.

The BBJ 777-9 provides an even larger cabin measuring 3,689 sq. ft. (342.7 sq m), while still offering ultra-long range of 11,000 nautical miles (20,370 km). This model opens up almost unlimited interior design options to ensure ultimate comfort for long distance travel.

To demonstrate the versatility of the airplane's spacious cabin, BBJ unveiled interior concepts from three leading design firms: Greenpoint Technologies, Jet Aviation, and Unique Aircraft Design. Each concept shows how the BBJ 777X can be transformed to suit the tastes of any VIP customer.

The strength of the BBJ fleet of airplanes was highlighted at the air show as Boeing announced it recently booked another order for its BBJ MAX family. The order from an unidentified customer brings total orders for the BBJ MAX to 21.

Based on Boeing's best-selling 737 MAX airplane, the BBJ MAX offers more than three times the cabin space as most of its competitors, a lower cabin altitude, and the ability to fly 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km).

About Boeing Business Jets

Boeing Business Jets offers a portfolio of ultra-large-cabin, long-range airplanes that are perfectly suited for business and private, charter, corporate and head-of-state operations. The product line includes the BBJ MAX family and high performance versions of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, 777X, and 747-8. Since its launch in 1996, Boeing Business Jets has delivered 234 jets on 261 orders.

For more information, visit: www.boeing.com/bbj

Interior renderings are available upon request.

Contacts:

Saffana Michael

Boeing Commercial Airplanes  Middle East & Africa

T: +97-14 213-4849

[email protected]



Dmitry Krol

Boeing Business Jets Communications

+1-425-237-1521

[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing

Related Links

http://www.boeing.com


BALTIMORE, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), the region's largest health insurer, plans to award $2 million over the next two years to programs seeking to improve birth outcomes, maternal health and lower infant mortality rates (IMRs) in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia.

Although infant mortality rates in CareFirst's service region have dropped to historic lows, the average number of infant deaths continues to outpace the national average of 5.9 deaths per 1,000 births, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In response, CareFirst has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from community health centers, nonprofit organizations and public health programs focused on initiatives that address factors to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality, including:

safe sleep habits;

smoking and substance use cessation;

prenatal care;

timing between pregnancies;

breastfeeding;

socioeconomic and racial equality;

treatment of maternal mental health; and,

maternal obesity prevention.

Proposals must be completed using the online application and submitted no later than Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Ideal proposals will improve infant health among minority and underserved populations, be easily expanded or replicated in other communities, and address at least one of the identified contributing factors to infant health. Collaborative programs are encouraged.

"Maternal and child health outcomes in our region continue to lag behind the national average, and disparities among disadvantaged communities persist," said CareFirst President & CEO Brian D. Pieninck. "We hope to catalyze lasting change by increasing access and eradicating the obstacles these mothers and their children face so that all families are given an equal opportunity to thrive and reach their optimal level of health and well-being."

Since 2007, CareFirst has contributed more than $18 million to maternal and child health, which is one of the insurer's areas of focus for its funding. CareFirst is not accepting applications for this RFP for programs in Baltimore City because of its ongoing multi-million dollar commitment to B'More for Healthy Babies. CareFirst's 10-year commitment to the program has contributed to the program's successful efforts to help lower the city's infant mortality rate since its launch in 2009.

More information about the RPF, including eligibility guidelines and how to apply, can be found at CareFirst's community website. Additional questions can be submitted to CareFirst's Community Affairs team.

About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

In its 81st year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.2 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2017, CareFirst invested more than $33 million to improve overall health, and increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit our website at www.carefirst.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Contact: Media Relations

1-800-914-NEWS (6397)

[email protected]

SOURCE CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Related Links

https://www.carefirst.com


LONDON, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In this report, Future Market Insights (FMI) offers a 10-year forecast of the Global Cellulose Film Packaging Market between 2018 and 2028. In terms of value, the global cellulose film packaging market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. The study reveals market dynamics in seven geographic segments along with cellulose film packaging market analysis for the current market environment and future scenario over the forecast period.







Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5641482







Report Description

This Future Market Insights report studies the global cellulose film packaging market for the period 20182028. The prime objective of global cellulose film packaging market is to offer insights and key market trends pertaining to the global cellulose film packaging market that are gradually helping transform global businesses.



The global cellulose film packaging market report begins with the executive summary for various categories and their share in the cellulose films market. It is followed by market dynamics and overview of the global cellulose film packaging market, which includes FMI analysis of market drivers, restraints, and trends that are affecting the growth of cellulose film packaging market. Furthermore, to understand the popularity of the market segment, the attractiveness index and BPS analysis with elaborated insights on the same is provided, which will show the market's attractiveness based on factors such as CAGR and incremental opportunity. To show the performance of the cellulose film packaging market in each country and region, BPS and Y-o-Y growth analysis of cellulose film packaging is provided.



The global market for cellulose film packaging is further segmented as per film type, source, and application and by end use industry. On the basis of film type, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented into transparent film, colored film, metalized film. On the basis of source, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented into wood & cotton. On the basis of application, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as bags& pouches, labels, tapes, release liners and wrapping films. Further, based on end use industry, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, homecare and retail.



The next section of the report highlights the cellulose film packaging market, by region, and provides the market outlook for 20182028. The study investigates the Y-o-Y growth regionally, as well as analyses the drivers that influence the regional cellulose film packaging market. Main regions assessed in the report global cellulose film packaging market include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Japan. The global cellulose film packaging market evaluates the present scenario and growth prospects of the regional cellulose film packaging market for 20182028.



To ascertain the market size in terms of value and volume, revenue generated by the key manufacturers of cellulose film packaging and their respective production capacity is taken into consideration. The forecast presented here assesses the total revenue generated by value, across the cellulose film packaging market. In order to provide an accurate forecast, we initiated by sizing up the current market, which forms the basis of how the cellulose film packaging market is expected to develop in the future. 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 analyse cellulose films packaging market based on key parameters, such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth rates, to understand the predictability of the cellulose film packaging market and identify the right opportunities across the market.



The market segment for global cellulose film packaging market has been analysed in terms of basis point share (BPS) to understand the individual segment's relative contributions to market growth. This detailed level of information is important for identifying various key trends in the cellulose film packaging market. Another key feature of global cellulose film packaging market is the analysis of key segments in terms of absolute dollar opportunity. Absolute dollar opportunity is critical for evaluating the scope of opportunity that a provider can look to achieve, as well as to identify potential resources from a delivery perspective of the cellulose film packaging market. The overall absolute dollar opportunity along with the segmental split is mentioned in the report titled global cellulose film packaging market.



To understand key growth segments in terms of growth and adoption for cellulose film globally, Future Market Insights developed the cellulose film packaging market 'Attractiveness Index.' The resulting index should help providers identify real market opportunities in global cellulose film packaging market.



In the final section of the report on cellulose film packaging, the 'dashboard view' of the companies is provided to compare the current industrial scenario and their contribution in the total cellulose film packaging market. Moreover, it is primarily designed to provide clients with an objective and detailed comparative assessment of key providers specific to a market segment. Report audiences can gain segment-specific manufacturer insights to identify and evaluate key competitors based on an in-depth evaluation of their capabilities and success in the cellulose film packaging marketplace.



Detailed profiles of companies of global cellulose film packaging market is also included in the report to evaluate their strategies, key product offerings, and recent developments. Key manufacturers and suppliers operating in cellulose film packaging market include Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd., Celanese Corporation, Hubei Golden Ring Co. Ltd. , Weifang Henglian Cellophane Co. Ltd, Chengdu Huaming Cellophane Co. Ltd, Eastman Chemical Company, Sappi Limited, Tembec Inc, Rhodia Acetow GmbH and Rotofil Srl.



Key Segments Covered of global cellulose film packaging market



By Film Type, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as:

Transparent Films



Colored Films



Metalized Films



By Source, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as:

Wood



Cotton



By Application, the global cellulose film packaging market is segmented as:

Bags & Pouches



Labels



Tapes



Release Liners



Wrapping Films



Regional analysis of cellulose film packaging market is presented for following market segments:

North America



U.S.



Canada



Latin America



Brazil



Mexico



Argentina



Rest of Latin America



Western Europe



Germany



Spain



Italy



U.K.



France



Nordic



Benelux



Rest of Western Europe



Eastern Europe



Russia



Poland



Rest of Eastern Europe



Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ)



China



India



ASEAN



Australia and New Zealand



Rest of APAC



Middle East and Africa (MEA)



GCC



North Africa



South Africa



Rest of MEA



Japan



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Immediately after the explosions, 150 units at the Knolls complex were evacuated. Residents of 32 units were not allowed to return for nearly a week. The residents of the 12 units in the building where a dryer apparently ignited gas vapors in the laundry room did not return for at least seven months, while their homes and structural damage to the building were repaired.
NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenhill & Co., Inc. (NYSE: GHL), a leading independent investment bank, announced today that Dacre Barrett-Lennard will join the Firm in London in mid-February as a Managing Director and Co-Head of EMEA Financing Advisory and Restructuring.

Mr. Barrett-Lennard has over 20 years of restructuring and financing experience, most recently as a Managing Director at Rothschild & Co in London, where he has worked for the past 12 years. Prior to that he worked in the restructuring area as a chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers in London, Hong Kong and Melbourne. He began his career with Arthur Andersen in Australia, similarly focused on restructuring.

David Wyles, Co-President of Greenhill, said, "We are pleased to add a senior restructuring specialist of Dacre's calibre to our London team. This has been a particularly strong year for us in European M&A, and we are looking to continue to grow that business. At the same time, we want to diversify and balance our sources of revenue by growing our restructuring practice in Europe, expanding our market presence and attracting new talent, as we did in the U.S. earlier this year."

Scott L. Bok, Chief Executive Officer of Greenhill, said, "Recruiting is now a year-round effort at our Firm as we look to continue our expansion within various industry sectors, in key economic regions and across the key types of advisory services. This has been a particularly successful year of recruiting senior talent, and we look forward to further success in months to come."

Greenhill & Co., Inc. is a leading independent investment bank entirely focused on providing financial advice on significant mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and capital raising to corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments globally. It acts for clients located throughout the world from its offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Madrid, Melbourne, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.

Contact: Patrick J. Suehnholz

Director of Investor Relations

Greenhill & Co., Inc.

(212) 389-1800

SOURCE Greenhill & Co., Inc.

Related Links

www.greenhill.com


PHOENIX, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dark Cloud, an alternative media platform, announces it is launching a set of tools allowing Tumblr users to export their existing Tumblr content and rescue all of the data. The service will allow for a seamless transition of content between the old Tumblr site and the new Dark Cloud service. The key component is a direct converter that allows users to plug in their Tumblr URL and Dark Cloud does the rest. The converter will take an existing Tumblr account and import it into a Dark Cloud profile which will have similar functionality to the existing platform.

Greg Ninke, Head of I.T. for Dark Cloud stated, "We are big believers in freedom of speech and freedom of expression. While we respect Tumblr's decision to eliminate all adult content from their platform, we are happy to step in and provide that market segment with a high quality alternative."

For more information, visit www.DarkCloud.com/notumblr

About Dark Cloud

The Dark Cloud Media Platform is a collection of software applications designed for the modern web. The key components of the platform include:

A digital storefront where content creators can sell their media direct to consumers

A Content Management System allowing adult content creators to have a top-quality website running inside their own domain name.

A live streaming and web cam platform optimized for use on mobile

An interactive gaming platform integrated with live cams to provide a more engaging experience to live cam models.

A Desktop Media Manager that allows users to organize, develop and manage their personal media. They can encrypt and backup their media as well as browse the internet with more anonymity than Incognito Mode in Google Chrome.

Contact:

Robb Rinard

Phone: 602-241-4620

Email: [email protected]

Content Management & Live Cam Information:

https://www.darkcloud.com/sales/cms.pdf

Tumblr Converter:

www.DarkCloud.com/notumblr

SOURCE Dark Cloud, LLC
WILLISTON, Vt., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A new scholarship advancing addiction recovery in the state of Vermont has been established to support the Vermont Foundation of Recovery (VFOR) by Dominion Diagnostics, a leading national medical laboratory with a two-decade long history in the state and deep roots in its treatment and recovery community. The Dominion Diagnostics VFOR Scholarship, which will be initially established with $9000, will begin in January 2019 and offers VFOR the opportunity to provide accessible recovery housing for individuals transitioning from addiction treatment, to recovery, to independent living.

Dominion's scholarship addresses a recommendation of the Vermont Governor's Opioid Coordination Council (OCC) to expand access to quality, affordable recovery housing, which supports the company's long-time commitment to discovering and developing new ways to enhance the treatment community at varying stages in care.

Many individuals reentering their communities after treatment struggle financially and are unable to cover initial deposit and first month's rent for housing. Their alternative all too often is to return to the environment that fueled their substance use to begin with. Dominion's scholarship will allow VFOR to offer those critical funds to recovering individuals for a safe, nurturing start in one of VFOR's five recovery residences.

"We are keenly aware of the need for safe and sustainable housing for individuals as they leave treatment and are in the early stages of their recovery," says Mary Hauser, Dominion Diagnostics Vice President of Addiction Services.

The scholarship will have a pay-it-forward concept designed to support personal agency and service work which is a hallmark of an effective recovery program. As recipients regain independence from one of the five VFOR homes, they will be gently encouraged, if able, to pay back all or part of the scholarship received to support others who will follow.

Chittenden County Opioid Alliance Executive Director Christine Johnson looks forward to seeing the results of what she is calling a 'promising pilot' and says the scholarship will help to fill a need that many people will utilize. "Housing for people in recovery is a vital component of what is needed for someone to overcome substance use disorders," Johnson says. "Being able to receive a scholarship to take that step towards stable housing is a huge benefit and being able to pay it forward to others is a great opportunity."

Dave Riegel, VFOR's Executive Director and Board President for the Vermont Alliance of Recovery Residences (VTARR), could not agree more. "The need is so great," he says. "This act of kindness will allow the most vulnerable access to a safe, stable, sober living environment."

According to Riegel, VFOR will compile data on the effectiveness and sustainability of this pilot as a model to achieve the overarching goal of supporting all Vermont recovery residences. It is Dominion Diagnostics' hope that this scholarship become a call-to-action for other Vermont businesses and organizations to support recovery residences in their geographic area.

"Lack of safe housing is one of the greatest challenges and highest risks for many clients as they leave treatment," Dominion's Hauser said. "By supporting VFOR with this new scholarship, we believe we are making a meaningful contribution to individuals and the recovery community."

For more information on the Vermont Foundation of Recovery, visit:

http://vermontfoundationofrecovery.org/

For more information on the Opioid Coordination Council, visit:

www.healthvermont.gov/response/alcohol-drugs/governors-opioid-coordination-council

For more information on the Chittenden County Opioid Alliance, visit:

www.ecosproject.com/chittenden-county-opioid-alliance

About Dominion Diagnostics

Dominion Diagnostics is a national medical laboratory that provides clinical drug monitoring solutions, actionable clinical information and innovative support solutions. For over two decades, Dominion Diagnostics has been a recognized leader in the industry working with addiction treatment centers, pain management centers, primary care centers, hospital systems and other specialties. Dominion Diagnostics is supported by a world-class team that shares a commitment to clinical excellence, compliance, and integrity. For more information, please visit www.dominiondiagnostics.com.

For Media Relations, contact: Julie K. Lenahan, Director of Marketing, Dominion Diagnostics, (401) 667-0876, [email protected]

SOURCE Dominion Diagnostics

Related Links

http://www.dominiondiagnostics.com


OXFORD, England, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Evox Therapeutics Ltd ('Evox' or the 'Company'), a leading exosome therapeutics company, today announces that it has secured an undisclosed amount of funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funds will be used to support the Company's development of cell-targeted exosome-based approaches to more effectively deliver a nucleic acid-based anti-infective drug.

Evox is engineering exosomes, the body's natural vesicular delivery system, to enable a wide variety of drugs to reach previously inaccessible tissues and compartments, such as crossing the blood brain barrier to deliver drugs to the central nervous system, intracellular delivery of biologics, and extra-hepatic delivery of RNA therapeutics.

Dr Antonin de Fougerolles, Chief Executive Officer of Evox, commented: "We are pleased to be working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to maximise the effectiveness of their therapeutic drug through cell- and tissue-targeted exosome-mediated delivery. The foundation has a reputation for working with partners that can drive meaningful change - this funding is a testament to the quality of our platform and its potential application in areas of high medical need."

About Evox Therapeutics

Evox Therapeutics is a privately held, Oxford-based biotechnology company focused on harnessing and engineering the natural delivery capabilities of extracellular vesicles, known as exosomes, to develop an entirely new class of therapeutics. Backed by leading life sciences venture capital groups and supported by a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio, Evox's mission is to positively impact human health by creating novel exosome-based therapeutics for the treatment of various severe diseases with limited options for patients and their families. Evox has created substantial proprietary technology to modify exosomes using various molecular engineering, drug loading, and targeting strategies to facilitate targeted drug delivery to organs of interest, including the brain and the central nervous system. Exosome-based drugs have the potential to address some of the limitations of protein, antibody and nucleic acid-based therapies by enabling delivery to cells and tissues that are currently out of reach using other drug delivery technologies, and Evox is leading the development within this emerging therapeutic space.

For further information visit: www.evoxtherapeutics.com

SOURCE Evox Therapeutics
ATLANTA, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power continues to grow renewable energy in Georgia through the Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI), as approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2016. REDI authorizes Georgia Power to procure 1,200 MW of renewables through multiple programs. The final REDI solicitation is underway, and Georgia Power is now accepting bids for utility scale renewable projects through a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 540 megawatts (MW) to fulfill the remaining capacity of the REDI Utility Scale procurement.

"We are proud of the principles that we have built upon with REDI, such as competitive bidding, as we continue to procure renewable energy from cost effective resources to maximize the benefits for our customers," said Wilson Mallard, director of Renewable Development for Georgia Power. "Georgia Power has worked with the PSC to be a national leader in renewable energy and we are eager to receive, review and select projects from this RFP that will provide significant long-term value."

Georgia Power is soliciting eligible renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind or biomass) projects greater than 3 MW, up to 540 MW in size in this RFP. The solicitation also allows for proposals that include energy storage in conjunction with a renewable resource. The RFP is being conducted with oversight by the Accion Group, Inc., which is serving as the Independent Evaluator for the process. Interested parties are invited to review terms of the RFP and submit proposals here by noon on January 15, 2019.

In late 2017, Georgia Power awarded power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 510 MW of new solar projects in the first phase of REDI's utility scale procurement. Three projects are currently under development in Central, South and Southwest Georgia and represent the largest individual solar projects in Georgia to date.

Through programs and projects developed in coordination with the Georgia PSC, Georgia Power is committed to maintaining a diverse generation portfolio, while providing customers with renewable energy options. With 976 MW* of solar capacity currently online, the company continues to grow the largest voluntary renewable portfolio in the nation. Through continued implementation of REDI, as well as other solar projects and programs, Georgia Power expects to have added up to 1,600 MW* of additional renewable resources by the end of 2021.

All customers will benefit from the projected long-term energy savings from the REDI large-scale procurements. Additionally, customers can support solar growth through optional programs such as Georgia Power Community Solar and Simple Solar. Community Solar gives residential customers who subscribe the opportunity to earn a bill credit based on actual solar energy production at Georgia Power's Community Solar facilities. The Simple Solar program is a solar renewable energy credit (REC) purchase program available to all customers that allows participants to claim solar benefits for either 50 percent or 100 percent of their energy usage.

To learn more about these or Georgia Power's other solar programs, as well as solar tools and resources for customers, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Solar.

* REC Disclaimer: Georgia Power purchases only the null energy output from some renewable generating facilities that have contracted to sell that energy to Georgia Power. Ownership of the associated RECs is specified in each respective power purchase agreement. The party that owns the RECs retains the right to use them.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the Company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning expected renewable growth and related customer benefits. Georgia Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development and construction of generating facilities, to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; and potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Georgia Power. Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.

SOURCE Georgia Power

Related Links

http://www.georgiapower.com


DUBLIN, Dec 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Automotive Active Roll Control System Market 2018-2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

One trend in the market is emergence of vehicle autonomy.

The global automotive industry is marching toward full autonomy, wherein different stakeholders operating in the value chain are working on the commercial viability of autonomous technologies. The global automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift by utilizing technological innovations and advanced solutions that are enhancing customer experiences.

According to the report, one driver in the market is growing injuries and fatalities caused due to vehicle rollover accidents.

The growing on-road accidents and collisions caused due to vehicle rollover are acting as primary drivers for the concerned market. Rollover accidents have become common, and the same has led to severe injuries and even fatalities in certain occasions. Tripped rollover accidents are those accidents wherein a vehicle leaves the roadway, sliding sideways, and then rolls over either due to brushing with the curb, guard rails or due to the tire getting stuck in the soil.

Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is high cost of advanced safety systems.

In the recent times, the global automotive industry is witnessing increased penetration of advanced automotive technologies across different verticals, such as powertrain, safety, and comfort. However, increasing fitment of such advanced systems is resulting in an increase in the overall vehicle cost.

Key Players

Bosch

BWI Group

Continental

HYUNDAI MOBIS

Schaeffler

WABCO

Topics Covered



PART 01: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



PART 02: SCOPE OF THE REPORT



PART 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



PART 04: MARKET LANDSCAPE

Market ecosystem

Market characteristics

Market segmentation analysis

PART 05: MARKET SIZING

Market definition

Market sizing 2017

Market size and forecast 2017-2022

PART 06: FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

PART 07: MARKET SEGMENTATION BY VEHICLE TYPE

Segmentation by vehicle type

Comparison by vehicle type

Passenger cars - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

CVs - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

Market opportunity by vehicle type

PART 08: CUSTOMER LANDSCAPE



PART 09: REGIONAL LANDSCAPE

Geographical segmentation

Regional comparison

Americas - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

EMEA - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

APAC - Market size and forecast 2017-2022

Market opportunity

PART 10: DECISION FRAMEWORK



PART 11: DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES

Market drivers

Market challenges

PART 12: MARKET TRENDS

Developments in automotive active roll control system market

Emergence of vehicle autonomy

Growing electric vehicles market driving automotive electronics

PART 13: VENDOR LANDSCAPE

Overview

Landscape disruption

Competitive scenario

PART 14: VENDOR ANALYSIS

Vendors covered

Vendor classification

Market positioning of vendors

Bosch

BWI Group

Continental

HYUNDAI MOBIS

Schaeffler

WABCO

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6ln52p/global_automotive?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


HAMILTON, ON, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - To meet the demand of a growing patient-base, Green Relief Inc., a licensed producer of medical cannabis, has officially acquired possession of a new facility in Stoney Creek, Ont., that will significantly boost the company's production capacity.

The 100,000-square-foot facility is located at 565 Seaman St., and is zoned commercial-industrial to accommodate cannabis production. Once the Stoney Creek site is at full capacity, Green Relief, which operates out of a 30,000-square-foot facility in the rural community of Flamborough, Ont., will increase its annual output from 2,800 kg to a total of about 17,800 kg.

"The acquisition of the Stoney Creek facility will allow our team to provide a growing number of medical cannabis patients with the products they need to improve their quality of life," says Warren Bravo, Chief Executive Officer, Green Relief Inc. "As a bonus, the new facility will generate job growth, while also providing ancillary activities to drive the local economy."

The Stoney Creek facility, which formerly housed a sporting complex, will require a $9-million retrofit to become operational in compliance with Health Canada regulations. To get the job done, Bravo says Green Relief is committed to sourcing Hamilton-based engineering firms and contractors.

Bravo anticipates the retrofit to commence in January 2019, with the facility up and running by March 2019, and a first harvest slated for mid-to-late summer.

As well as installing top technology for cannabis production, the Stoney Creek site will receive electrical upgrades, and be equipped with state-of-the-art security and HVAC systems. The latter will ensure cannabis production odours do not impact the surrounding neighbourhood.

In the coming months, Bravo says Green Relief will be hosting an on-site community event to address questions the public may have about the Stoney Creek facility, and introduce the neighbourhood to the company. This event will be coupled with a job fair to attract talent.

Once operational, the Stoney Creek facility will generate about 100 full-time jobs for the local workforce. Through Green Relief's partnership with the Ontario Disability Employment Network, these roles will provide people of all abilities with meaningful work.

"Our growth in a rapidly developing sector means employment opportunities at the Stoney Creek facility will cover a range of roles, from frontline production technicians to environmental scientists, and everything in between," Bravo says.

In addition to the Stoney Creek site, Green Relief's expansion plans include construction of a 240,000-square-foot production facility at the company's Flamborough site. A 25,000-square-foot facility on an adjacent property in Flamborough is also underway, and will be used for research and development.

Similar to Green Relief's facility in Flamborough, which uses LED lights in its grow rooms and is earth-sheltered for efficiency, the Stoney Creek site will adopt the company's sustainable production practices. This includes the use of aquaponics as a growing method.

Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (the soilless cultivation of plants). The closed-loop system uses up to 90 per cent less water than conventional agriculture, while also producing 10 times the crop yield per hectare, and an end product free from synthetic fertilizers and harmful pesticides.

Moreover, once the system's fish reach market size, Green Relief donates the protein source to Second Harvest, a food rescue service that delivers meals to those in need. Over the last three years, Green Relief has donated more than 40,000 fish through this initiative.

"At Green Relief, we do more than provide patients with safe and effective medical products to support their health and well-being," Bravo says. "Creating jobs, being a good neighbour, and giving back to the community is at the heart of everything we do."

About Green Relief

Based in Hamilton, Ont., Green Relief is Canada's leading licensed producer of medical cannabis using aquaponics to sustainably grow its products. Green Relief's mission is simple: helping patients improve their quality of life while also advancing the science behind medical cannabis through research that raises the profile of the plant's many benefits. Green Relief is a privately held company with plans to go public in early 2019.

SOURCE Green Relief Inc.

Related Links

greenrelief.ca


CLEVELAND, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, today announced the 2019 Harrington Scholar-Innovator Award recipients. The projects supported by the awards include new therapeutics to treat metabolic disorders, autoimmune disorders and cancer, and new approaches to eradicate parasitic diseases in developing countries.

The Harrington Discovery Institutepart of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Developmentis designed to translate science of great promise into therapeutics that can impact human health. Award recipients whose research demonstrates innovation, creativity and the potential to impact standards of care in medicine are selected from institutions across the U.S. In addition to financial support, the Harrington Discovery Institute provides expertise and oversight in all aspects of drug development.

"Every year we see novel and creative approaches for treating major unmet medical needs. This year was no exception. The 2019 Scholar-Innovator class represents an exciting portfolio of drugs-in-the-making with potential to significantly improve human health. We are honored to support these extraordinary physician-scientists," Jonathan S. Stamler, MD, President of the Harrington Discovery Institute.

The selected scholars have access to several rounds of capital (up to a total of $700,000) through their affiliation with the Harrington Discovery Institute to support the transition of their work into the private sector. Scholars are then free to approach investors of their choice to support the commercialization of their work. They also have facilitated access to BioMotiv, the mission-aligned development company that is part of The Harrington Project.

"Our new class of scholars was selected from a large pool of highly qualified individuals from across the U.S. With this year's class, we have supported over 100 Harrington Scholars," said Mukesh K. Jain, MD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Harrington Discovery Institute.

The 2019 Harrington Scholar-Innovator Award recipients are:

Robert Anderson, MD, PhD  University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Treating systemic diseases with very long fatty acids

Rosa Bacchetta, MD  Stanford University

Genetically modified T cells to treat autoimmune disorders

Gerald Dorn, MD  Washington University School of Medicine

Targeting mitochondria to treat Charcot Marie Tooth and other neurodegenerative disorders

Joachim Herz, MD  University of Texas Southwestern

Targeting chronic inflammatory diseases

Paul Hruz, MD, PhD  Washington University School of Medicine

Novel treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Peng Ji, MD, PhD  Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Identification of new therapeutics for blood cancers

V. Vinod Mootha, MD  University of Texas Southwestern

Precision medicine for age-associated vision loss

Dawn Wetzel, MD, PhD  University of Texas Southwestern

Developing novel, broad-based antiparasitics

T.C. Wu, MD, PhD  The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Augmenting universal immunity to combat cancer

Ellen Yeh, MD, PhD  Stanford University

Novel therapeutics to treat malaria

Harrington Discovery Institute

The Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, OHpart of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Developmentaims to advance medicine and society by enabling our nation's most inventive scientists to turn their discoveries into medicines that improve human health. The institute was created in 2012 with a $50 million founding gift from the Harrington family and instantiates the commitment they share with University Hospitals to a Vision for a 'Better World'.

The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development

The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development (The Harrington Project), founded in 2012 by the Harrington Family and University Hospitals of Cleveland, is a $300 million national initiative built to bridge the translational valley of death. It includes the Harrington Discovery Institute and BioMotiv, a for-profit, mission-aligned drug development company that accelerates early discovery into pharma pipelines.

For more information about The Harrington Project and the Harrington Discovery Institute, visit: HarringtonDiscovery.org.

University Hospitals

For information, please go to UHhospitals.org.

SOURCE University Hospitals, Cleveland

Related Links

http://www.uhhospitals.org


IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HCP, Inc. (NYSE: HCP) (the "Company") announced today that it has commenced a public offering of an aggregate of 14,000,000 shares of its common stock, consisting of 2,000,000 shares offered directly by the Company and 12,000,000 shares offered on a forward basis in connection with the forward sale agreement described below. The forward purchaser (as described below) expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,100,000 shares of the Company's common stock.

BofA Merrill Lynch is acting as book-runner for this offering.

The Company expects to enter into a forward sale agreement with BofA Merrill Lynch or its affiliates (the "forward purchaser"). The forward purchaser, at the Company's request, is expected to borrow from third parties, and sell to the underwriters, 12,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock in connection with the forward sale agreement.

Subject to its right to elect cash or net share settlement, the Company intends to issue and sell, upon physical settlement of such forward sale agreement on one or more dates specified by the Company within 12 months of entry into the forward sale agreement, up to 12,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock to the forward purchaser (or an aggregate of 14,100,000 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full). In exchange for the shares, the Company will receive cash proceeds per share equal to the applicable forward sale price per share, which will initially be equal to the public offering price per share in the offering less underwriting discounts and commissions, subject to certain adjustments as provided in the forward sale agreement.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering and the net proceeds, if any, received upon settlement of the forward sale agreement, to finance certain pending acquisitions and development activities, with any remaining proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of its outstanding indebtedness or to fund other potential acquisition, development and investment opportunities.

This offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement and prospectus and a related preliminary prospectus supplement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Copies of the prospectus supplement and related prospectuses for this offering can be obtained from BofA Merrill Lynch, NC1-004-03-43, 200 North College Street, 3rd floor, Charlotte NC 28255-0001, Attn: Prospectus Department, Email: [email protected].

About HCP

HCP, Inc. is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in real estate serving the healthcare industry in the United States. HCP owns a large-scale portfolio primarily diversified across life science, medical office and senior housing. Recognized as a global leader in sustainability, HCP has been a publicly-traded company since 1985 and was the first healthcare REIT selected to the S&P 500 index.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "project," "anticipate," "position," and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions and forecasts of future results. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks include, but are not limited to the risk that we may not complete any pending acquisitions or other transactions in a timely fashion or at all, the risk we may not complete this offering in a timely fashion or at all, and those risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 13, 2018 and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, the Company can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. All information in this release is as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

Contact

Andrew Johns

Vice President  Finance and Investor Relations

(949) 407-0400

SOURCE HCP, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.hcpi.com


Miller said Langes crimes were also a form of gambling  Lange gambled that the victims would die or not notice the thefts, and she gambled that she wouldnt be caught. But Lange failed to outwit the retired nurse, Miller said. The elderly woman walked with the help of a cane and had her daughter stand by her for emotional support as she took the witness stand, testifying in a clear, sharp manner.
VALLINGBY, Sweden, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Stock-market analysts eagerly expect the initial public offering, the shares are highly demanded and the total free float has already been oversubscribed more than twice fold. Preferred shareholders were given commitments of fixed dividends and a discount is planned for premarket investors.

An insider from Bloomberg cited: "Such share could be the most lucrative stock certificate of Sweden over the past decade, it seems that it shall definitely be a candidate to enter into Euronext Paris or London Stock Exchange in the medium term." The rumours of a prospective takeover by an American Investment Company fuelled these presumptions. The Swedish company did not want to comment on the issue however speculators find such a thought quite realistic. Investfinans AB has been long at the centre of takeover speculations by some American fund management companies.

In case this happens a significant jump in the already high traded stock (the strike price is currently 8 to 9 Euros) would be expected and such an event would be a stroke of luck for all shareholders. Analysts state that even without possible merger rumours Investfinans shares might rise up to 15 to 19 Euro in the medium term after the initial public offering.

As Investfinans AB plans to take the company to public on OMX Stockholm Stock Exchange in the third quarter of 2019, its success story seems to peak up next year. According to Bloomberg sources the stock can be placed in London Stock Exchange in the forthcoming quarter.

CEO Bjorn Magnus Kasholm quoted: "The demand has surpassed our boldest expectations."

"We regard this as an opportunity and a responsibility as well towards our clients and business partners. We shall not deviate from the previous course of success," said Investfinans CEO.

As the company informs such shares could be subscribed directly from Investfinans AB for a limited period of time before they are taken to public. Investors also appreciate the cash reserves and the guaranteed dividend yield of Investfinans AB.

Investfinans AB having its registered office in Stockholm is among leading investment companies of Scandinavia in the fields of real-estate consulting, operations-management, factoring and project- development as well.

Private and corporate investors, capital owners, project developers, property developers and real persons are the clients and partners of this company. Investfinans AB's main field of activity is divided into the following sections; construction, real estate and asset portfolio management.

Investfinans AB from among these business units has been specialized in commercial real estate with a clear emphasis on office real estate in Central European capitals.

Press Contact:

Investfinans AB

SODERBERGA GARDSVAG 25

162 52 VALLINGBY

http://www.investfinansab.eu

[email protected]

Per Anders

Phone: +46-840839101

SOURCE Investfinans AB
BRAMPTON, ON, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - MDA, a Maxar Technologies company (NYSE: MAXR) (TSX: MAXR), today announced that the laser altimeter instrument it built for the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) contribution to NASA's Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission has scanned and collected its first data set of Bennu, an asteroid in our solar system.

Launched on September 8, 2016, OSIRIS-REx will study and ultimately return a physical sample of Bennu to Earth. The CSA contributed the MDA-built OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) instrument, a scanning Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor. Powerful enough to scan Bennu from up to seven kilometers away, OLA will measure the distance between the spacecraft and Bennu by firing short pulses of laser light toward the asteroid and measuring the time of return flight for each pulse to produce an accurate and precise 3D model of Bennu's shape and other exterior structures. This data will be valuable to scientists to better understand the characteristics of Bennu and will help OSIRIS-REx mission planners select the optimal location to gather a sample of the asteroid for return and analysis on Earth.

"This mission is another excellent example of an innovative Canadian technology that supports global space exploration and expands the scientific knowledge and discoveries for humankind," said Mike Greenley, group president of MDA. "MDA has an industry-leading space portfolio with expertise in space robotics, sensors and exploration capabilities, further enhanced by our recent acquisition of Neptec, whose powerful and versatile sensor and vision systems augment the functionality of robotic systems and deliver guidance and navigation information for space vehicles."

Maxar Technologies' MDA has provided similar science instruments on successful spaceflight missions such as the U.S. Air Force XSS-11 and NASA Phoenix Mars Lander missions.

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft arrived at Bennu on December 3, 2018, with OLA beginning its scans shortly thereafter. After the sample site is selected, a sample is set to be collected in July 2020. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will begin its return journey in March 2021, and deliver the sample back to Earth in September of 2023.

About MDA

MDA is an internationally recognized leader in space robotics, space sensors, satellite payloads, antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems, and geospatial radar imagery. MDA's extensive space expertise and heritage translates into mission-critical defence and commercial applications that include multi-platform command, control and surveillance systems, aeronautical information systems, land administration systems and terrestrial robotics. MDA is also a leading supplier of actionable mission-critical information and insights derived from multiple data sources. Founded in 1969, MDA is recognized as one of Canada's most successful technology ventures with locations in Richmond, Ottawa, Brampton, Montreal, Halifax and the United Kingdom. MDA is a Maxar Technologies company (TSX: MAXR;NYSE: MAXR). For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.

About Maxar Technologies

As a global leader of advanced space technology solutions, Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is at the nexus of the new space economy, developing and sustaining the infrastructure and delivering the information, services, systems that unlock the promise of space for commercial and government markets. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides vertically integrated capabilities and expertise including satellites, Earth imagery, robotics, geospatial data and analytics to help customers anticipate and address their most complex mission-critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 30 global locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe and Radiant Solutions. Every day, billions of people rely on Maxar to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that Build a Better World. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and other information included in this release constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. Statements including words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "plan", "potential", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate" or "expect" and other words, terms and phrases of similar meaning are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties, as well as other statements referring to or including forward-looking information included in this release.

Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this release. As a result, although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the risk factors and other disclosures about the Company and its business included in the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, under the Company's EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov or on the Company's website at www.maxar.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such forward-looking statements are based upon data available as of the date of this release or other specified date and speak only as of such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation.

Contact

Wendy Keyzer | MDA Media Contact | 1-604-231-2743 | [email protected]

Jason Gursky | Maxar Investor Relations | 1-303-684-2207 | [email protected]

SOURCE Maxar Technologies Ltd.

Related Links

www.maxar.com


CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- JLL (NYSE: JLL) today was named one of America's Most JUST Companies and, for the third consecutive year, the industry leader in real estate. The recognition comes from Forbes and JUST Capital, a nonprofit that for three years has surveyed thousands of Americans on the issues they care about and ranked U.S. companies according to their performance in those areas.

The JUST Capital rankings encompass the 1,000 largest publicly traded companies in the U.S. and are based on one of the most comprehensive surveys ever conducted on public attitudes toward corporate behavior. The 2018 surveys involved 9,000 Americans who selected the following topics as important: fair pay and good benefits; customer treatment and privacy; beneficial products; environmental impact; job creation; community support in the U.S. and abroad; ethical leadership; and long-term financial growth. JLL outperformed its peers in all those categories.

"JLL is committed to supporting the needs of our employees, clients and communities," said Greg O'Brien, CEO, Americas. "We're pleased and honored to lead our industry for the third consecutive year and to be recognized for our practices around pay equity, job creation and sustainability."

"Trust in our institutions is more important than ever right now," said Forbes Chief Content Officer Randall Lane. "The JUST 100 recognizes companies that are doing right within society. The rankings help companies gauge their progress on benchmarks that go far beyond quarterly earnings toward long-term value-creation for all stakeholders."

As one of America's Most JUST Companies, JLL is also included in Goldman Sachs Asset Management's JUST U.S. Large Cap Equity ETF (NYSEArca: JUST)  the first ever exchange-traded fund based on just business behavior, constructed from JUST Capital's rankings. For the complete 2018 JUST 100 list, please visit: www.forbes.com/just100.

Clients and third-party organizations continue to recognize JLL globally for its ethics, corporate citizenship and commitment to being an employer of choice. JLL has collected the following U.S. and global awards in the last year:

Forbes 2018 America's Best Employers, fourth year in a row

2018 America's Best Employers, fourth year in a row Ethisphere Institute's World's Most Ethical Companies, 11 th year in a row

year in a row National Association for Female Executives Top Companies for Executive Women, third year in a row

Working Mother '100 Best Companies,' second year in a row

Perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, fourth year in a row

DiversityMBA Magazine's 50 Out Front

Diversity Best Practices Inclusion Index

BLACK ENTERPRISE's 2018 50 Best Companies for Diversity

Military Friendly Employers

About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of 88,000 as of September 30, 2018. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

About JUST Capital

JUST Capital, an independent, nonprofit organization, aligns business practices with the priorities of the American people to ensure capitalism works for all. Our research, rankings, indexes, and data-driven tools help people make more informed decisions about where to invest, work, and buy to direct capital toward companies advancing a more just future. For additional information, visit: www.JUSTCapital.com .

About Forbes Media

The defining voice of entrepreneurial capitalism, Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most-influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 120 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE events, custom marketing programs and 40 licensed local editions in 70 countries. Forbes Media's brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements. For more information, visit: www.forbes.com/forbes-media/ .

About the Methodology

JUST Capital's Rankings are the culmination of over four years of market research (encompassing over 81,000 respondents mapped to the U.S. Census population) on what the American people prioritize regarding corporate behavior today. JUST Capital conducted its 2018 survey, which included 9,000 respondents, in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago. The survey results found that Americans, when asked to identify what is most important for companies to prioritize, ranked the following in order of importance: Workers, Customers, Products, the Environment, Jobs, Communities, and finally, Leadership & Shareholders. JUST Capital then tracked and evaluated the performance of companies against these priorities and created the ranking model that drives America's Most JUST Companies, including the JUST 100 absolute ranking and Industry Leader list. The selection of companies draws from the Russell 1000 Index, which represents over 90 percent of the U.S. stock market value.

Connect with us

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jll

https://www.facebook.com/jll

https://twitter.com/jll

https://plus.google.com/+joneslanglasalle

Contact: William Polk

Phone: +1 312 228 3943

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE JLL-IR

Related Links

http://www.jll.com


As the biggest security exhibition in Korea, SECON performs a role of test-bed & trend-setter for global security enterprises to help grow their businesses in Asian market. Furthermore, SECON has been growing for more than 10% per year regarding the size of exhibitors and visitors -- 433 exhibitors from 12 countries and 46,324 visitors from 25 countries participated in SECON 2018.

SECON 2019 is hosted by 'SECON 2019 Organising Committee', which is made up of 30+ Korean security related associations and organisations, and also supported by governmental ministries and local governments such as Ministry of Science and ICT; Ministry of the Interior and Safety; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Seoul Metropolitan Government; Daejeon Metropolitan City and Korea Defence Industry Trade Support Centre, etc. In addition, SECON 2019 is organised by UBM BN, which is the joint venture of UBM and Mediadot. In this regard, UBM is global exhibition company organising the biggest global security exhibition series; 'IFSEC' and 'Blackhat'. Mediadot is the best Korean media company having 'Boannews' and 'Securityworld', which are the most renowned security media in Korea.

Global security enterprises will gather at SECON 2019

At SECON 2019, which aims to be the only Asian integrated security event beyond Korea, 500+ global exhibitors from 15+ countries will display their state-of-the-art security products and solutions related to video surveillance, access control, IT security, IoT, social safety, homeland security and industry security, etc.

Global leading security enterprises, such as HIKVISION, DAHUA, UNIVIEW and ZKTeco have already confirmed their presence at SECON 2019. In addition, renowned Korean security companies such as Samsung S1, Hanwha Techwin and ADT CAPS will also participate in the exhibition. CUDO Communication, Suprema, Techsphere, AMANO Korea, WONWOO, INNODEP, MPOLESYSTEM, FSNETWORKS, INDUSVISION, IRIS ID, SOLTECH INFONET, INCON, UNION COMMUNITY, VISION I&C, SAENOON, CATIS, JINMYOUNG I&C, TRUEN and many more will also join SECON 2019 to develop their global businesses. Other overseas exhibitors like Milestone, YTOT, VISIONLABS, XAFER SRL, Shenzhen ANTO Technology, SANHE LENSTECH OPTOELECTRONIC SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, LG HITACHI and so on will expand their businesses in Korea and establish their business networks with Korean buyers through SECON 2019.

The most popular technologies of current global security industry -- Smart City, AI, Home Network Solutions, and more -- will be covered by SECON 2019

Smart City and Home Network Solutions, the most concerned technologies of global security industry these days, will be discussed at SECON 2019. In this regard, SECON 2019 will focus on Smart city security technology & Anti-hacking solution, IoT security solution, Smart control solution based on deep-learning and AI technologies. Furthermore, as current trend of security industry is moving to home IoT field containing integrated IoT platform which involves a combination of Home Network and AI, SECON 2019 will display a variety of Home Network solution to keep up with this trend. Access control system, digital door lock products applying biometric technology and home network solution connected with lock and door camera will be shown at SECON 2019 as well.

Local / International Buyer Invitation Programme

As SECON is a professional B2B security exhibition, SECON 2019 will operate local/ International buyer invitation programme in order to help exhibitors meet qualified and appropriate buyers during the exhibition. If an applicant is a prospective customer who has purchasing authority in security market, he/she can apply for this buyer programme. SECON 2019 secretariat will select proper buyers according to the criteria. Selected international buyers will be exclusively provided with special benefits and matchmaking programme, etc. Buyers who are interested in this programme can apply via SECON 2019 official website (www.seconexpo.com).

Ms. Soyoung Choi, CEO of UBM BN Co., Ltd. said, "SECON 2019 is the ideal one-stop marketplace to learn about the latest security products & solutions from Korea and other Asian countries. We hope to have as many applicants as possible to apply for SECON 2019 buyer programme."

As of the end of October 2018, around 80% of SECON 2019 exhibition areas had been already booked. If you want to be an exhibitor of SECON 2019, please contact SECON 2019 Sales Team at [email protected]. Please visit SECON 2019 official website (www.seconexpo.com) for pre-registration and more information of the exhibition.

MEDIA CONTACT UBM BN Co., Ltd. Ms Eunhee Woo Tel: +82-2-6715-5408 Fax: +82-2-432-5885 Email: [email protected] INTERNTIONAL SALES UBM BN Co., Ltd. Mr James Lee Tel: +82-2-6715-5406 Fax: +82-2-432-5885 Email: [email protected]

SOURCE UBM BN Co., Ltd - SECON 2019

Related Links

http://www.seconexpo.com


SAINT HELIER, Jersey, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Oil and gas exploration and production company Heritage Oil announced the appointment of international banker and asset manager Michele Faissola to its board of directors. Faissola joins the company as it seeks to further expand its operations and develop existing and new opportunities in addition to its oil operating interests in Africa and Europe.



Faissola was welcomed to the board by chief executive office, Naeem-Atiq Sadiq: "Michele is a very experienced financier with over thirty years of experience at the highest levels of the world of finance. His skills will prove invaluable as we take Heritage Oil to the next level in terms of growth and performance. We are very excited that he has chosen to accept our offer to join us."

Speaking from London, Faissola commented: "Heritage Oil is an impressive company that is making its mark in the commodities sector. I'm honoured to be joining the company's board and look forward to utilizing my experience to help the company achieve its expansion targets in emerging markets."



Michele Faissola is the CEO of Dilmon, a private family office, and co-founder of the F.A.B. Partners investment platform. Prior to that, he was Head of Asset and Wealth Management and a member of the Group Executive Committee at Deutsche Bank, where he was responsible for over $1.3 trillion in assets under management. Faissola sits on the supervisory board of major French retailer Printemps SAS, and on the advisory board of Virtualics, a VR/AR based data visualisation software company.



Heritage Oil is an independent versatile oil and gas exploration and production company. It specialises in identifying potentially lucrative regions that have been overlooked and participating in their development as early entrants. The company's portfolio includes producing throughout Africa and Europe. Heritage Oil was founded in Canada in 1992 and was acquired by Energy Investments Global Ltd in 2014.

For further information:

Heritage Communications Department: [email protected]

Muna Said-Elmi

DDI: +44(0)203-003-5052

[email protected]

http://www.heritageoilltd.com



SOURCE Heritage Oil
Women are ten percent less likely to travel alone than men, with 35.2 percent noting they have never traveled alone, compared to 25.2 percent of men. Gender also appears to impact solo travelers' perception of safety, with 76.6 percent of men saying they have never felt unsafe while traveling alone, while 60.3 percent of women say the same.

Almost 40 percent of women (38.9 percent) have been catcalled while traveling alone, compared to 11.6 percent of men. However, solo male travelers seem more susceptible to theft, with almost ten percent (9.7 percent) reporting having been mugged or pickpocketed (versus 6.1 percent of women). More than a quarter of Americans (25.6 percent) say they have been overcharged or ripped off while traveling alone.

The security and safety of accommodations is top-of-mind for all solo travelers, with 26.6 percent of Americans listing it as the factor they are most concerned about when traveling alone. The remaining factors of concern vary significantly between male and female respondents. The next most pressing concerns for male travelers include: violence/terrorism (17.8 percent), a natural disaster (17.8 percent), being out after dark (14.8 percent), riding public transportation (10 percent), security/safety of drivers (6.9 percent) and visiting a restaurant/bar (also 6.9 percent). Being out after dark is the second most concern for women (26.3 percent), followed by violence/terrorism (15.7 percent), natural disaster (9.6 percent percent) riding public transportation (9.4 percent), security/safety of drivers (7.8 percent) and visiting a restaurant/bar (3.7 percent).

Nearly sixty percent (59.9 percent) of women avoid walking at night to keep themselves safe while traveling alone, while 47 percent inform others of their location. Avoiding conversations with strangers (32.8 percent), dressing in a way that won't draw attention (30 percent), moderating alcohol consumption (27 percent) and steering clear of busy tourist areas (14 percent) are other methods used for safety, while the survey found that 18.9 percent of women use none of these.

Over a third (34.1 percent) of male solo travelers don't use any of these tactics, while 34.9 percent avoid walking at night, 22 percent inform others of their location, 16.9 percent dress in a way that won't draw attention, 16.7 percent avoid talking to strangers, 16.1 percent moderate alcohol consumption and 8.4 percent avoid busy tourist areas.

In addition to these tactics, Allianz Global Assistance suggests following these safety tips when traveling alone:

Save your emergency contact in your phone under "ICE" (In Case of Emergency).

List your emergency contact or next of kin on all travel documents.

Keep your passport in your hotel safe, and leave copies of it with a friend or family member at home.

Bring the following to store in your hotel safe:

Copy of driver's license



Credit card information



List of medications



Any past medical history



Copy of health and travel insurance cards

If possible, arrive at your destination while it is still daylight and pre-plan your ground transportation to your accommodations.

Bring band aids, antibiotic ointments, antidiarrheal and analgesic medications with you

Keep your belongings close to you at all times. If using a purse, make sure that the strap is worn across your body, so it can't be grabbed off your shoulder.

Many Americans also research safety advisories before traveling alone; as many as 34.8 percent say they do so regularly while 29.3 percent do sometimes. Women are more likely to do so (40.6 percent) than men (28.7 percent).

Check out a video highlighting the findings and recommended safety measures for solo travelers.

"Solo travel represents a significant part of the tourism industry, with nearly 70 percent of Americans having traveled alone, for business or leisure," said Dan Durazo, director of marketing & communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. "We always recommend that travelers remain alert and aware, and this is especially important for those on their own. Having the right insurance policy, with a 24-hour assistance and protection hotline, can provide peace of mind. The right policy may also help protect travelers in case of violence, terrorism or natural disaster, all concerns for the solo traveler."

SOLO TRAVEL What factor are you most concerned about when traveling alone?

Male Female Security/safety of my accommodations 25.7% 27.4% Security/safety of my drivers 6.9% 7.8% Riding public transportation 10% 9.4% Visiting a restaurant/bar 6.9% 3.7% Being out after dark 14.8% 26.3% Violence/terrorism 17.8% 15.7% Natural disaster 17.8% 9.6% Which of the following methods have you used to keep yourself safe while traveling alone?

Male Female Avoid walking at night 34.9% 59.9% Moderate alcohol consumption 16.1% 27% Inform others of your location 22% 47% Dress in a way that won't draw attention 16.9% 30% Avoid speaking to strangers 16.7% 32.8% Avoid busy tourist destinations/areas 8.4% 14% None of the above 34.1% 18.9% Have you ever been catcalled when traveling alone?

Male Female Yes 11.6% 38.9% No 88.4% 61.6% Have you ever been mugged or pickpocketed while traveling alone in a foreign country?

Male Female Yes 9.7% 6.1% No 90.3% 93.9%

Allianz Global Assistance offers travel insurance** through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, other travel suppliers and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

*Methodology: The 2018 10-question survey was administered to the U.S. internet population from 10/19/18  10/20/18, receiving 1,501 responses. The methodology is explained here and a snapshot of survey findings are listed below:

1. Have you ever traveled alone?

30.4% - I have never traveled alone

27.5% - Domestically for business

21% - Domestically for leisure

8.4% - Domestically and internationally for leisure

4.8% - Internationally for leisure

4.6% - Domestically and internationally for business

3.2% - internationally for business

2. Have you ever felt unsafe while traveling alone?

68.2% - No

14.5% - Yes, minimal

11.9% - Yes, somewhat

5.3% - Yes, very

3. What factor are you most concerned about when traveling alone?

26.6% - Security/safety of my accommodations

20.8% - Being out after dark

16.7% - Violence/terrorism

13.5% - Natural disaster

9.7% - Riding public transportation

7.4% - Security/safety of my drivers

5.3% - Visiting a restaurant/bar

4. Which of the following methods have you used to keep yourself safe while traveling alone? Check all that apply.

48% - Avoid walking at night

35.1% - Inform others of your location

26.2% - None of the above

25.2% - Avoid speaking to strangers

23.8% - Dress in a way that won't draw attention

21.8% - Moderate alcohol consumption

11.4% - Avoid busy tourist destinations/areas

5. Do you feel safer traveling alone in domestic or international destinations?

47.2% - No difference

46.2% - Domestic

6.6% - International

6. Would you feel safer traveling alone if you had a travel insurance policy in case of an injury or emergency?

80.3% - No

19.7% - Yes

7. Do you research travel advisories, warnings and alerts before going on a trip?

35.9% - No

34.8% - Yes

29.3% - Sometimes

8. Have you ever been catcalled when traveling alone?

74.3% - No

25.7% - Yes

9. Have you ever been mugged or pickpocketed while traveling alone in a foreign country?

92.2% - No

7.8% - Yes

10. Have you ever been overcharged or ripped off (taxi driver, shopping, etc.) while traveling alone?

74.4% - No

25.6% - Yes

Allianz Global Assistance USA

Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company with operation centers in 35 countries. Allianz Global Assistance USA serves more than 35 million customers and is best known for its Allianz Travel Insurance plans. In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers tuition insurance, race registration protection, event ticket protection and unique assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for property and casualty insurers and credit card companies.

To learn more about Allianz Travel Insurance plans, please visit allianztravelinsurance.com or Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.

**Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your plan, carefully review your plan's Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101C series or 101P series, each rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., depending on state of residence. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, a brand of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by AGA Service Company.

SOURCE Allianz Global Assistance USA

Related Links

http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com


FORT COLLINS, Colo., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, an innovative mortgage brokerage franchise focused on transparency and compliance, has a new office in the Centennial State. Al Burke, a local entrepreneur and Marine Corp Special Operations veteran, and Stephanie Nealy, an accomplished real estate broker with more than 16 years' experience, announced Motto Mortgage Innovations is now open in Johnstown, Colorado. This Motto Mortgage franchise specializes in VA, USDA, first-time homebuyer, and new construction mortgage products.

"Motto Mortgage Innovations offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in northern Colorado," said Burke. "Our unique business model will provide customers with an opportunity for a one-stop-shopping experience that includes personalized guidance and competitive mortgage options from carefully chosen lenders."

Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loan options from various wholesale lenders, and work hard to give homebuyers options  because no loan is one-size-fits-all. Josh Lyon, a mortgage broker with more than eight years' experience in the finance sector, serves as the senior loan originator for Motto Mortgage Innovations. He can be reached at 970-222-9890.

Burke and Nealy also own RE/MAX Infinity and have strong ties to the northern Colorado and Wyoming areas. Burke graduated from Colorado State University, while Nealy, a northern Colorado native, graduated from Metro State University of Denver. Outside of work, the powerful entrepreneurial duo enjoys spending time with family and the great outdoors. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed.

About Motto Mortgage Innovations:

Motto Mortgage Innovations (NMLS # 1784414) is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all northern Colorado, located at: 39 S Parish Ave., #5 Johnstown, CO 80534. To learn more, please visit https://www.mottomortgage.com/offices/innovations-johnstown/

SOURCE Motto Mortgage

Related Links

https://www.mottomortgage.com


WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) hosted a Patient Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC, today, focused on advocating for equity in cancer care. The summit included case studies, presentations, and panel discussions, all highlighting the barriers that prevent various populations from achieving better outcomes in cancer care. The speakers also discussed some of the work currently underway to help mitigate those issues.

"Cancer care practices are improving every day, but we have to work together to make sure those advancements are accessible to everyone," said Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. "People with cancer can be excluded from optimal care for many reasons, including geographic location, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation and identity, insurance status, unconscious bias, and other aspects beyond their control. That's why NCCN provides opportunities to learn about the causes of these disparities and to share best practices for addressing them."

The summit included a keynote address from Lynette Bonar, RN, MBA, BSN, FACHE, CEO of the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation  the only hospital on Navajo land  along with Brandon Canyon, who was his mother's primary caregiver before she passed away due to complications associated with her cancer treatment. They talked about the significant cancer burden facing the Navajo Nation, where 85% of homes are contaminated by uranium from abandoned mines. Navajos living near those mines have higher levels of uranium in their bones than 95% of the American population. Those who develop cancer then need to travel more than 100 miles in order to receive treatment.

The burden of traveling for care was a repeated theme throughout the day. For many rural residents, having to travel 50 miles or more for care can be prohibitive. Potential solutions, including treatment online or by phone, often mean relying on infrastructure and technology that may not exist in their area.

"Community oncology practices, already serving the majority of cancer patients in the United States, are developing various processes to further extend access to all populations," said Natalie Dickson, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer, Tennessee Oncology. "We see the path to success. It will require proper funding and leveraging technology for enhanced interdisciplinary teams, policies supporting health and wellness, and solutions to the high cost of drugs."

"Equity requires a reduction in the variability of care regardless of where the cancer is treated," said Christine Weldon, MBA, Director, Center for Business Models in Healthcare; Adjunct Instructor, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "It's imperative to follow evidence-based guidelines for treating the patient's entire set of needs. At the same time, care must be personalized to the patient's cancer profile, co-morbidities, practical, supportive, emotional and physical needs."

Some of those needs could include practicalities like childcare, out-of-pocket expenses, missed paychecks, plus the financial toxicity concerns from the treatment itself, according to the panelists.

"Socioeconomic factors play a major role in a patient's ability to access quality cancer care for pancreatic cancer, including access to resources, clinical trials, and molecular profiling," explained Cassadie Moravek, Associate Director of Clinical Initiatives, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). "PanCAN strives to overcome these barriers and support pancreatic cancer patients through our Patient Central call center, where our Patient Central Associates provide personalized information tailored to each patient's needs and concerns. That includes access to our Know Your Tumor precision medicine service, which is available to all patients regardless of the medical institution where they receive treatment."

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the leading source of free blood cancer information, education, and support for patients, survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals," said Laura Ortiz-Ravick, Sr. Program Manager, Outreach and Health Promotion, LLS. "LLS is at the forefront of patient and community-focused initiatives that address barriers to care  including health disparities  and ensure access to cutting-edge, affordable, and coordinated treatment for all blood cancer patients. For example, LLS's Myeloma Link program works to address the significant health disparities that exist among African Americans with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer for which African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed as white Americans."

The speakers also pointed out that the barriers to equitable care aren't always economic. Historic events like the Tuskegee syphilis experiment have resulted in some cultural mistrust of medical interventions. Patients with language barriers often face added difficulties when participating in shared decision-making. Some patients face conscious or unconscious biases that can have a big impact on their treatment options.

"People always say that 'cancer doesn't discriminate,' but the healthcare system often does," said Liz Margolies, LCSW, Executive Director, National LGBT Cancer Network. "For instance, the stress and stigma of living as sexual and gender minorities in this culture contributes to increased cancer risks in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Once diagnosed, LGBT people consistently show worse outcomes after treatment, resulting from provider and systemic bias, and lack of training in LGBT culture and health."

The panelists also highlighted how clinical trials are a particular area of need for increasing access to underserved populations.

"As a patient advocacy organization that strives to create equitable access to clinical trials for all patients, we appreciate the opportunity to bring attention to this very important matter," said Dana Dornsife, Chairman and Founder, Lazarex Cancer Foundation. "At Lazarex, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take advantage of the medical breakthroughs in technology that clinical trial participation can provide."

Despite the many difficulties that exist in the delivery of equitable cancer care, the advocates remained optimistic about the future.

"I'm proud to participate in this event and join this important conversation about health equity," said Michael Sapienza, Chief Executive Officer, Colorectal Cancer Alliance. "The Colorectal Cancer Alliance continues our commitment to breaking down barriers, empowering all people living with cancer, and ultimately ending cancer as we know it."

Billy Foster of the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), who has been living with metastatic kidney cancer for more than twenty years, summed up the summit:

"Everyone deserves equal access to good healthcare. I'm here to bring some understanding to why this isn't currently the case, and to help find solutions to these inequities. I believe that with the efforts of us all, we can provide the underserved with accessible, quality healthcare."

The panel discussions were moderated by Clifford Goodman, PhD, of The Lewin Group. Additional speakers included:

For more information and a look at upcoming NCCN Policy Summits, visit NCCN.org/policy. Join the conversation online with the hashtag #NCCNPatients

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of 28 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, efficient, and accessible cancer care so patients can live better lives. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. By defining and advancing high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers around the world.

The NCCN Member Institutions are: Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, NE; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center/University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH; City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA; Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center | Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA; Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC; Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA; Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ, Jacksonville, FL, and Rochester, MN; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH; Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY; Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN; Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA; University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL; UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA; UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA; University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN; and Yale Cancer Center/Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT.

Clinicians, visit NCCN.org. Patients and caregivers, visit NCCN.org/patients. Media, visit NCCN.org/news. Follow NCCN on Twitter @NCCNnews and Facebook @National.Comprehensive.Cancer.Network.

Media Contact:

Rachel Darwin

267-622-6624

[email protected]

SOURCE National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Related Links

http://www.nccn.org


OOOM Magazine published today its annual OOOM 100: The World's Most Inspiring People list for the third time, based on votes from an international jury. Heroic nurse Allyn Pierce, who, along with his team, rescued 67 patients at the Adventist Health Feather River hospital in Paradise, California, from the flames of the dramatic wildfires, has been voted the most inspiring person in the world. "Men like Allyn Pierce show another face of America, one unlike that cultivated under President Trump," said OOOM Magazine 's editor-in-chief Georg Kindel, who led the international jury that chose the list. "There is an America in which people take care of each other, where courage still counts, where one can rely on the other. Allyn Pierce is a selfless hero and an inspiration for many that encourages us to follow suit."

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/796175/OOOM_Magazine_covers.jpg )

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/796174/OOOM_Magazine_Allyn_Pierce.jpg )

Lady Gaga was named second on the list. In her first movie, A Star Is Born, she proved that her talent spans genres. Former movie star and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was named third on the list. "He became the warning voice of the American conscience," the jury said. "Barely a week passes without a critical video commentary on current politics. He's back."

The Dalai Lama was named fourth on the list, described by the jury as "a symbol of inspiration, love, empathy, and compassion in our world." Former first lady Michelle Obama was given the fifth slot: "A strong woman and a role model for many."

In sixth place is Elon Musk ("A game changer"), followed by Pope Francis in seventh place. At 29 years old, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever to be elected into the U.S. Congress, a pillar of hope for the entire Democratic Party, and chosen to be number eight on the OOOM 100 list. "She caught the whole nation by surprise with her sweeping victory," said jury member Mathis Wackernagel, president of the Global Footprint Network and inventor of the ecological footprint.

Number nine on the OOOM 100 list is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, followed by activist Emma Gonzalez in the tenth spot. "If courage has a name, it is 19-year-old Emma Gonzalez," said the OOOM jury. "The high-school student survived the Parkland school shooting in February 2018, in which 17 people died. Since then, she spoke straight to the heart of America."

The OOOM 100 list is published in the latest issue of OOOM Magazine, now available on newsstands in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

For the full OOOM 100 list in English, visit http://www.ooom.com/digital/ooom100

For the OOOM 100 story in English (excerpt of OOOM Magazine), visit http://www.ooom.com/digital/e-magazine-english

OOOM Magazine's new issue with the cover story about the OOOM 100 list is distributed in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and for free online in German at http://www.ooom.com/digital/e-magazine

OOOM Magazine

E-mail: [email protected]

www.ooom.com

SOURCE OOOM Magazine
LONDON, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Mrs. Carmen Iglesias Cano

Mrs. Maria Antonia Linares Liebana

Mr. Juan Rodriguez Torres

Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors

REALIA BUSINESS, S.A.

Av. Del Camino de Santiago, 40

28050 Madrid

By registered mail and e-mail

10 December 2018

Dear Sir and Mesdames:

We are writing to you as the investment manager for the Polygon European Equity Opportunity Master Fund and certain client accounts which collectively have an economic interest in excess of 10% of Realia Business, S.A.'s ("Realia") total share capital.

We would like to reiterate our concern, stated publicly at the General Meeting of Shareholders in June 2018, as is a matter of public record, and in letters to Mrs. Carmen Iglesias Cano and Mrs. Maria Antonia Linares Liebana in July 2018, about the use by Realia of the Order ECO 805/2003 of 27 March ("ECO") to value Realia's residential land holdings. We are particularly concerned about the use of this methodology as the basis for the preparation of the consolidated annual accounts of the company according to international accounting standards ("IFRS") since year 2012.

Polygon considers that the application of the ECO valuation methodology to Realia's residential assets is improper. It results in a significant understatement of Realia's land bank value and, in so doing, fails to present a true and fair view of Realia's assets as required by international accounting principles and international auditing standards.

First, the use of ECO cannot be justified on formal legal grounds.

As is clear from Article 2 of the ECO Order, the use of the ECO valuation methodology is prescribed in the following four circumstances only:

"(a) mortgage of credits or loans that form or will form part of the portfolio of coverage of mortgage securities issued by entities, developers and builders referred to in the second article of the Royal Decree 685/1982, 17 March, by which certain aspects of Law 2/1981, dated March 25, Regulation of the Mortgage Market, is developed.

(b) coverage for technical provisions of the insurance entities required by the Royal Decree 2486 / 1998, 20 November, which approves the regulation of management and supervision of private insurance.

(c) identification of the assets of the real estate collective investment institutions regulated by Royal Decree 1393 / 1990, of 2 November, which approves the regulation of the law 46/1984, of 26 December, regulating collective investment undertakings.

(d) determination of the real estate assets of pension funds regulated by the Royal Decree 1307 / 1988 of 30 September, which approves the regulation of plans and pension funds."

It is apparent that none of these circumstances applies with respect to Realia and the preparation of its financial statements.

ECO is a method that produces "appraisals" for very specific circumstances, and not "valuations" of assets.

By comparison, the RICS Valuation  Global Standards 2017 (the RICS Red Book) ("RICS") clearly contemplates in Part 5 Valuation Applications under VGPA1 that the RICS valuation methodology is appropriate for use by a company, such as Realia, that has adopted IFRS standards in its financial statements. Para 1.2 of VGPA1 goes on to make clear that:

"Valuations for inclusion in financial statements require particular care as they must comply strictly with the applicable financial reporting standards adopted by the entity."

Second, the ECO valuation methodology is only recognised in Spain for the very specific purposes specified in the ECO Order. Consequently, ECO cannot be used as the basis to prepare accounts for purposes other than as provided by the ECO Order and specifically cannot be used by a listed company such as Realia  which must prepare its accounts according to IFRS standards as required by EU accounting standards and practices. Such a use precludes the adequate comparison of the annual accounts of Realia with its comparable companies in the European Union. It is a fact that, of all the listed real estate companies in Spain, Realia is the only one using ECO to value part of its assets.

More specifically, standard IFRS 13 specifically refers to "fair value" in the following terms:

"A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant's ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use".

It is apparent from this definition that an "appraisal" for very specific purposes, as defined in the ECO methodology, is incompatible with the IFRS 13 standard. None of the circumstances stated in the ECO order are the "highest and best use" of the assets of the company.

There are two conflicting accounting principles: the principle of "prudence" and the principle of "fair view". However, both in the Spanish General Accounting Plan and the IFRS standards, there is no single principle that prevails over another, so the use of excessive prudence cannot prevent a fair representation of a company's assets.

More specifically, the Spanish General Accounting Plan requires that auditors ensure that "the information provided be comprehensible and useful for users to make economic decisions, and give a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities, financial situation and results of the Company".

IFRS has provided guidance as to the application of the principle of prudence such that:

" the exercise of prudence does not allow , for example, the creation of hidden reserves or excessive provisions, the deliberate understatement of assets or revenue , or the deliberate overstatement of liabilities or expenses, because the financial statements would not be neutral and, therefore, not have the quality of reliability" (emphasis added).

Consultation 7 of the ICAC (BOICAC number 80/2009) on the "criteria applicable to the accounting of provisions for lower value of stocks and real estate investments by a real estate company", describes that in the case of stocks, it is the "net realizable value" as established in subsection 6 of the Conceptual Framework of Accounting that must prevail. This concept requires an appropriate measurement of the value that can be extracted from the asset if developed, once discounted the transaction costs of the sale, or lacking this development potential, at least the market value of replacing those stocks. This concept also is contrary to the stated objectives of the ECO valuation.

This is even recognised by TINSA, the valuer of Realia's land bank, in it Working Paper of 10 December 20131, where it seemingly advocates against the use of ECO to represent the "fair view" of a company's assets:

"Simply put, the principle or principles that must prevail are those whose application results in the annual accounts reflecting the most fair view of the company. This question is certainly relevant, since it is a point of clear differentiation with respect to the appraisals done for mortgage purposed according to Order ECO 805/2003 of 27 of March."

Third, with the above in mind, we now address the responsibilities of the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors of Realia both generally, and in the particular circumstances of the potential understatement of Realia's assets.

According to Article 44 of the Regulation of the Board of Directors of Realia, as part of its duties, the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors:

will be liable for the selection process of the auditors. must obtain information from the auditors regarding the audit plan and the results of its execution. supervises the process of preparing and disclosing the mandatory financial information of Realia and supervise the process of preparation of the annual accounts. informs the Board of Directors regarding the correctness and accuracy of the annual accounts and other financial information of Realia.

Likewise, according to the Technical Guide 3/2017 approved by the Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores regarding the audit committees of listed entities, the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors:

must evaluate, based on the different information available (including the external audit) if the entity has correctly applied the accounting policies. will be liable for the selection process of the external auditor for which purposes must consider the scope of the audit, the capacity, experience and resources of the auditor and the effectiveness and quality of the services to be rendered. should discuss with the auditors on a regular basis the audit plan and the execution of the same. should discuss with the auditor the auditor's opinion regarding the quality and application of the accounting principles by the company. should discuss with the auditor the methods and hypothesis used by the management in the material accounting estimates, the effects of considering any alternative method or hypothesis, and the consideration by the auditor of data or information that might be contrary to the hypothesis used by the management. must review with the auditors the results of the audit process and the content of the audit report and issue a report regarding the audit process and how the auditor has contributed to the clarity of the audit and the integrity of the financial information. must inform the Board of Directors and, as the case may be to the supervising authorities, of any concern regarding the quality of the audit.

Based on the foregoing, as part of its duties to ensure the quality of the external audit and the correctness and accuracy of the annual accounts and other financial information of Realia, the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors of Realia should ensure that the company's auditors, EY, complies with its statutory and contractual duties so that Realia's annual accounts present a true and fair view of the company's assets and liabilities. In particular, the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors of Realia should ensure that EY complies with its obligations that derive from, amongst other sources:

Articles 1.2 and 4 of Act 22/2015, of 20 July, concerning Accounts Auditing, and Articles 4 and 6 of Royal Decree 1517/2011, of 31 October, approving the Regulation that develops the recast Auditor's Act approved by Royal Legislative Decree 1/2011, of 1 July; and the generally accepted accounting principles under the Conceptual Accounting Framework of the Spanish General Accounting Plan, as adopted by the Royal Decree 1514/2007 of 16 November.

In this connection, the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors of Realia must review whether EY, as the auditors, is complying with its obligation to present a true and fair view of Realia's financial performance and condition, and in particular whether the principle of prudence and fair view have been correctly observed.

ECO is a valuation methodology that is significantly more conservative than RICS, by its nature and stated legal purpose. As a result, the use of ECO results in a significant understatement of Realia's assets, especially when compared with Realia's direct competitors in the Spanish market.

In circumstances where EY has audited Realia's financial statements, and those statements include a valuation of Realia's commercial assets assessed using the RICS valuation methodology, and therefore EY must be taken to have accepted the RICS guidance of VGPA1, it is inexplicable to us how, in the same financial statements, EY could also approve without any qualification the use of the ECO methodology to value residential assets. This is all the more so in circumstances where EY is the auditors of two of the five other listed Spanish real estate companies, namely Aedas and Quabit, both of which use the RICS valuation methodology (as, in fact, do all of Realia's listed competitors).

We acknowledge that EY has included in Realia's recent financial statements a list of "key audit issues". These include Realia's inventory and investment property valuations in light of (1) the significance of the amounts involved and (2) the high degree of sensitivity to those valuations when changes in the underlying valuation assumptions are made. However, in circumstances where ECO cannot be justified on legal grounds or in accordance with accounting principles, EY should have gone further by qualifying its opinion of Realia's financial statements. It is striking that in its annual audit reports for Realia, EY avoids any comment approving the appropriateness of the valuation methodologies used by Realia, including in relation to (1) whether it is appropriate for Realia to use two different valuation methodologies (where formerly only RICS was used), and (2) whether ECO is an appropriate valuation methodology to use at all.

In conclusion, in our view, the use of ECO is improper for the purpose of valuing Realia's residential land holdings. It appears to us that the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors has not taken sufficient steps to ensure the quality of the audit works and that EY has reasonably certified Realia's individual and consolidated annual accounts in accordance with its statutory and contractual duties.

We would like to remind the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors that the accounts of Realia published since 2012 have used this ECO valuation method. These annual accounts have served as the basis on which shareholders have made their decisions to acquire and dispose of shares, including as part of three capital increases (in 2015, 2016 and the ongoing one in 2018) as well as two takeover bids by Inversora Carso S.A. de C.V. (in 2015 and 2016). As such, the consequences of the potentially improper use of ECO as a valuation method has affected all shareholders.

In Realia's press release of 3 December 2018, the company stated that "it is important to note that it was in 2012 when Realia adopted the ECO valuation method, a decision that was taken by another management team than the current one, which took over in 2015". Even if another management team or group of directors initially took an improper decision, it does not absolve the current members of Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors where the use of a valuation methodology is improper. The current members, in place since 2015 (and two of them have been members of the Board since 2007), have had many opportunities to correct this matter. We would also note that the stated rationale in 2012 for Realia changing the valuation methodology of its housebuilding activities to ECO (described as being due to "the process of negotiation to restructure the debt of its residential business with the syndicate of banks") was in any event irrelevant following the 2016 refinancing of Realia's debt.

We would welcome the substantive comments of the Audit and Control Committee of the Board of Directors of Realia, as well from EY, about this matter, within the next 7 calendar days. Pending a full and satisfactory response that properly addresses our concerns, we reserve the right to take such steps as we may be advised to take. These steps include, but are not limited to, the request for a consultation or a formal investigation by the Institute of Accounting and Auditing (Instituto de Contabilidad y Auditoria de Cuentas) into the use of ECO in the context of IFRS accounting by a publicly-listed company in the European Union, as per articles 49 and 50 of Law 22/2015, of 20 July, of Accounts Audit.

A copy of this letter has been sent to TINSA in light of the opinion they express in their Working Paper referred to previously.

We are also sending a copy to EY, in their capacity as auditors of Realia.

Sincerely,

Polygon Global Partners LLP

Cc:

TINSA

Mr. Francisco V. Fernandez Romero, EY

Mr. Gerardo Kuri-Kaufmann

Mr. Juan Antonio Franco

1 TINSA Research Working Paper "La valoracion de inmuebles desde la perspectiva del Plan General Contable". https://www.tinsa.es/servicio-de-estudios/otros-informes/la-valoracion-de-inmuebles-a-efectos-contables/

Contact: Polygon Global Partners LLP ([email protected])

SOURCE Polygon Global Partners LLP
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ORHub, Inc. (OTC: ORHB) (the "Company" or "ORHub"), a SaaS-based healthcare data analytics company uniquely focused on the business of surgery to improve the profitability of health systems, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), today announces that Blake Stock, Senior Director of Product will present at the AORN of Seattle's Annual Multi-chapter Conference on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:50AM PST. The conference is being held at the Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington.

"AORN is the largest association for perioperative nurses and this serves as a unique opportunity to engage with direct users of ORHub's Surgical SpotlightTM analytics platform," said Colt Melby, Chief Executive Officer of ORHub. "Blake, having served as the Perioperative Services Business Manager from UC San Diego Medical Center, communicates a unique perspective on the value perioperative analytics has on the productivity and profitably of operating rooms. He was instrumental in developing the Surgical SpotlightTM and we expect an interactive dialogue on how the nursing community can benefit from technology solutions that will alleviate the burden of care due to complex institutional inefficiencies."

Date: January 26, 2019 Time: 10:50AM PST Title: "Empowering Perioperative Providers by Using the Cloud" Location: Valley Medical Center, Renton, Washington

Surgical SpotlightTM is a differentiated platform that links OR efficiency metrics to real-time cost data for materials and labor. Implementation of the Surgical SpotlightTM custom dashboard is lightweight and doesn't require EHR integration, costly analysts or complicated software. Its cloud-based data feeds populate dynamic dashboards that can be used by administrators, surgeons and nurses.

About ORHub, Inc.

ORHub, born from the Microsoft for Start-Ups program, is an advanced surgical software provider focused on Revolutionizing the Business of SurgeryTM through the foundation of electronic data capture at the point-of-surgical care to improve workflow, simplify work processes and access real-time data intelligence. The Company's suite of products serves the needs of the health care industry including providers, patients, the government and the medical device vendors. ORHub provides a cloud-based software solution that captures information before, during and after surgery, filling a void in the current surgical information infrastructure and providing the first process to capture and measure the surgical process -- evolving Big Data into Intelligent Digital Data.

Hospitals and surgeons can make real-time, data-driven decisions to improve business profitability and the quality of patient care. This innovative technology results in hospitals understanding costs and identifying areas of cost reductions, as well as results in increased accountability, real-time analytics, improved efficiencies, and compliance with existing government regulations. ORHub has offices in Tempe, Arizona; Newport and Laguna Beach, California; Bellevue, Washington; and Jacksonville, Florida.

For more information, visit www.ORHub.com

To view a previously released Microsoft Case Study on HOI and ORHub visit:

https://customers.microsoft.com/en-us/story/hoi-health-azure

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurances that its expectations will be attained. Such statements are inherently uncertain, and actual results and activities may differ materially from those estimated or projected. Certain factors that can affect the Company's ability to achieve its anticipated results include, among others, uncertainties inherent in the development of a new software product business.

ORHub Contact: Media Relations: Jason Brown, Shareholder Communications Cathy Loos, Senior Media Relations Specialist [email protected] [email protected] 714-228-5667 347.334.4135

SOURCE ORHub, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.orhub.com


(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661916/GMI.jpg )



Global Pharmacovigilance Outsourcing Market will surpass USD 7.5 billion by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Increasing emphasis of several pharma and biopharma companies on new drug development for treatment of chronic diseases is one of the key drivers that will render positive impact on the pharmacovigilance (PV) outsourcing market growth. Pharmaceutical companies need to focus on several pharmacovigilance activities including remote monitoring for clinical trials, clinical operations, regulatory affairs, statistical analysis, quality assurance, evaluation and approvals of the project with necessary clearances and documentation. Setting up in-house PV department is not always cost effective and involves several challenges such as high costs for maintaining compliance levels and availability of trained in-house human resource. Growing inclination of pharma companies towards PV outsourcing facilities offering aforementioned functions will boost pharmacovigilance outsourcing industry growth in the coming years.

Furthermore, pharmaceutical drugs used in prevention and treatment of diseases have a high risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that can cause serious harm to patients. This has led to increased focus of companies on monitoring of adverse drug reactions throughout the product life cycle, from pre-clinical trials to post-market surveillance. Thus, growing need for detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of ADRs will surge the demand for pharmacovigilance activities thereby accelerating the market growth. However, issues pertaining to data security and dearth of skilled professionals for performing PV functions may impede pharmacovigilance outsourcing business growth during the forecast period.

Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/3030

Post-marketing services segment dominated the pharmacovigilance outsourcing market with USD 2.1 billion revenue in 2017 and is estimated to show significant growth over the analysis timeline. Segmental growth is attributable to the increasing number of ADRs associated with the newly developed drugs. Growing demand for several post-marketing services including adverse event case analysis and reporting, regulatory submission, reconciliation of pharmacovigilance database with clinical database and population studies & pharmaco-epidemiology assessment will spur the segment size.

Contract research organizations (CROs) segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2017 and is estimated to witness 15.9% CAGR during the forecast timeframe. The segment growth is attributed to various case management activities that are majorly outsourced to the CROs. Increasing focus of the top CROs including IQVIA, Parexel and SIRO Clinpharm on developing innovative PV services such as medical writing, safety surveillance services and case processing services will further accelerate the segment growth in coming years.

Browse key industry insights spread across 230 pages with 199 market data tables & 7 figures & charts from the report, "Pharmacovigilance Outsourcing Market Size By Service (Pre-marketing Services {Clinical Pharmacovigilance Services, Case-Processing Services, Safety Data Management Services, Medical Review}) Post-marketing Services {Knowledge Process Outsourcing Services, IT Solutions and Services}), By Service Providers (Contract Research Organizations, Business Processing Outsourcing), Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia), Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2018 - 2024" in detail along with the table of contents:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/pharmacovigilance-outsourcing-market

China pharmacovigilance outsourcing market held significant revenue share in 2017 and is projected to show highest CAGR of 16.7% over the forecast timeframe. The growth is attributable to the comprehensive pharmacovigilance system in China that covers organizations and regulations related to pharmacovigilance outsourcing. Furthermore, availability of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Monitoring System, a spontaneous reporting system in China that connects the four-level pharmacovigilance network will render positive impact on the market growth.

Prominent industry players operating in the pharmacovigilance outsourcing market are Accenture, Bioclinica, , Clintec, Cognizant, Covance, Ergomed, Genpact, IBM Corporation, ICON, iGATE Corporation, iMED Global Corporation, Infosys, IQVIA, MarksMan Healthcare, Medpace Holdings, Novartis, Oracle Corporation, Parexel, PRA Health Sciences, SIRO Clinpharm, Symogen, Syneos Health, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tech Mahindra. Key industry players are majorly focusing on strategic initiatives including acquisitions, merger and partnerships to strengthen market position and capitalize on market opportunities. For instance, in June 2018, Genpact acquired Commonwealth Informatics, a leading provider of cloud-based drug safety analytics services and products for medical research and healthcare delivery. The strategy will help Genpact to strengthen its pharmacovigilance AI capabilities for ensuring drug safety thereby fostering company's growth.

Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/3030

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The Craniomaxillofacial Devices Market exceeded USD 1.2 billion in 2017 and is expected to witness more than 6.8% CAGR from 2018 to 2024 with growing demand for minimally invasive reconstruction surgeries instead of traditional methods.https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/craniomaxillofacial-devices-market

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 Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights, Inc.

Phone: +1-302-846-7766

Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: [email protected]



Web: https://www.gminsights.com

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SOURCE Global Market Insights, Inc.
The renovated $14M facility, made possible through a collaboration with PRIDCO, is 104,000 square feet and houses more than 800 Pratt & Whitney Puerto Rico employees with the capacity for 400 more. The facility is on track for LEED Silver certification with multiple features designed with sustainability in mind. It also has an open-concept floorplan to support communication and collaboration.

Pratt & Whitney Puerto Rico, Inc., formerly Infotech Aerospace Services, Inc. (IAS), is an aerospace engineering center that designs, evaluates and supports Pratt & Whitney's game-changing commercial and military gas turbine engines, including the Geared Turbofan engine. Since entering into service in early 2016, the GTF engine has demonstrated its promised ability to reduce fuel burn by 16 percent, to reduce NOx emissions by 50 percent to the regulatory standard and to lower the noise footprint by 75 percent.

"We brought IAS into the Pratt & Whitney family because we recognized the tremendous potential the business offered us  in particular, the talented engineers and employees," said Geoff Hunt, senior vice president of Engineering, Pratt & Whitney. "I want to thank PRIDCO for their support in making this beautifully renovated facility possible. This is something we can all come together to celebrate, especially in light of the devastation of Hurricane Maria."

Since Hurricane Maria in September 2017, Pratt & Whitney employees around the world have been committed to relief efforts through a combination of financial contributions, donation events and volunteerism. Local employees have helped more than 600 families in eight towns by distributing food and personal items and by volunteering to repair damaged homes. Pratt & Whitney Puerto Rico is committed to continuing to support these local communities in the ongoing recovery efforts.

As part of its commitment to Puerto Rico and its people, Pratt & Whitney also presented a donation of $500,000 to the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez to fund an aerospace teaching laboratory designed to train the next generation of mechanical and electrical engineers in the propulsion design and development.

"This donation further strengthens our relationship with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez," said John Delametter, general manager, Pratt & Whitney Puerto Rico. "Many of our best engineers come from this university, and this new laboratory will help future engineers develop the skills necessary for them to be successful in the aerospace industry in Puerto Rico and beyond."

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here.

Pratt & Whitney

+1 (860) 565-9600

[email protected]

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney

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VICTORIA, Seychelles, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Prime XBT, an advanced cryptocurrency trading platform, offering a 100X leverage for long and short positions, announces its official launch within coming weeks and invites traders to sign up and get a month of trading with zero trading fees.

The Prime XBT team is introducing a new model for the next generation of scalable crypto exchanges: an exchange built on the lessons learnt from equity and forex markets and decades of testing other exchange products. This platform addresses problems like low liquidity, inability to earn on falling markets, unexpected down-times, long KYC approvals, high trading fees, limited order types and poor UI.

Prime XBT aggregates liquidity from 12 cryptocurrency exchanges, providing traders with instant order execution at any volume.

Prime XBT introduces margin trading with up to 100x leverage. This gives traders an option to open a $10,000 long/short position while having only $100 of their own funds, making their profit potential up to 100 times higher. This solves a problem of low leverage options commonly seen in today's crypto trading industry and one even bigger problem, which is being able to short-sell and make money while the prices are declining.

long/short position while having only of their own funds, making their profit potential up to 100 times higher. This solves a problem of low leverage options commonly seen in today's crypto trading industry and one even bigger problem, which is being able to short-sell and make money while the prices are declining. This trading platform, unlike many others, allows traders to set a "stop-loss" order limiting their loss potential while simultaneously increasing the profit potential with high leverage options.

All of the major cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH and EOS will be listed from the very start.

The registration procedure takes no more than 40 seconds. There are no limits for withdrawals or deposits.

Prime XBT uses the best industry practices to make its platform secure and protect client's funds. Cold wallets, DDOS protection, withdrawal address whitelisting and email confirmations and 2 factor authentication have already been implemented and will be available from the start.

About Prime XBT

Prime XBT is a fintech company established in 2018. It offers a cryptocurrency trading infrastructure with up to 100x leverage for long and short positions and aggregated liquidity from multiple cryptocurrency exchanges. The company provides access to real-time market data and a wide range of trading tools while maintaining security, liquidity and enabling safe and efficient trading environment for everyone. Prime XBT's products and services are designed to meet the needs of both new and professional traders, allowing them to actively trade popular digital assets, profit from market rallies and declines or hedge existing cryptocurrency holdings.

For more information, please visit https://primexbt.com

Follow PRIME XBT on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on this and other press release topics, contact Prime XBT PR department - [email protected]

SOURCE Prime XBT
CARY, N.C., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With the recent implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by the European Union (EU) and a steady stream of news about data privacy, it's no surprise that a SAS survey found that US consumers are increasingly concerned about their personal data. Of 525 US adult consumers surveyed, almost three-fourths (73 percent) said their concern over the privacy of personal data has increased in the past few years.

A SAS survey of 525 US consumers reveals big concerns about data privacy.

What is perhaps surprising: US consumers appear ready for regulation. Sixty-seven percent of survey participants think the US government should do more to protect data privacy. And the new Congress seems poised to explore federal regulation.

"The survey results clearly show that consumers value their data privacy and are greatly concerned about potential misuse. Companies need to reexamine how they handle data and analytics in all aspects of the business," said Todd Wright, Global Lead for GDPR Solutions at SAS, a leader in analytics. "It's clear that in this age of increased data privacy concerns, even without a more stringent data privacy law in the US, organizations that treat their customers' data with care will be rewarded, and those that don't risk the loss of reputation and customers."

Download the full report, Data Privacy: Are You Concerned?

Taking action

Though consumers seem to want the US government to do more to protect their data privacy, they are also taking action. The majority (66 percent) of respondents have taken steps to secure their data, such as changing privacy settings (77 percent), changing or not accepting cookies (67 percent), declining terms of agreement (65 percent), deleting an app from a mobile device (56 percent) or removing a social media account (36 percent).

More than one-third of survey participants (38 percent) reported using social media less often because of data privacy concerns.

Does the US want GDPR?

GDPR took effect May 25, making organizations that gather data on EU residents accountable for personal data protection and giving EU residents significant new rights over their personal data. These include the rights to access, query and erase personal data held by organizations.

Do US consumers want these rights? Of survey participants who think the US needs more data privacy regulation, a large majority (83 percent) would like the right to tell an organization not to share or sell their personal information. Eighty percent of these consumers also want the right to know where and to whom their data is being sold. Seventy-three percent said they would like the right to ask an organization how their data is being used, and 64 percent would like the right to have their data deleted or erased.

US states are already reacting to this wave of concern from citizens, and Congress is starting to take note. California recently passed legislation similar to GDPR that will take effect in 2020, and Vermont became the first state to enact a law regulating data brokers who buy and sell personal information. In September, the US Senate held its first committee meeting on how lawmakers can protect consumer privacy, and in early November, Sen. Ron Wyden proposed the Consumer Data Privacy Act, a bill similar to GDPR that would penalize CEOs in addition to the companies.

"These state laws are likely the beginning of US legislation," said Lisa Loftis, a thought leader on the SAS customer intelligence team. "Organizations are still wrestling with existing regulations like GDPR, and new regulations like a US government data privacy law could prove challenging."

A SAS survey conducted just months before the onset of GDPR found that 93 percent of global organizations that participated in the survey were not fully GDPR compliant.

Baby boomers most concerned

When it comes to concern over data privacy, compared to a few years ago, age does matter. A majority of baby boomers (ages 55 and up) exhibited an increased concern over their data privacy (78 percent) and were the least willing age group to provide personal information in exchange for something in return, such as a discount or fewer ads. Two-thirds (66 percent) of millennials (ages 18-34) reported being more concerned about their data privacy than they were a few years ago. Despite that, almost half (45 percent) were willing to exchange personal information for something in return. The Gen Xers (ages 35-54) fell in the middle, with 72 percent expressing more concern about their data privacy, and 42 percent willing to exchange information.

Confidence by industry

When it comes to security of personal information, health care and banking are the most trusted industries, with almost half of participants reporting they were very confident or extremely confident that organizations in these industries are keeping their data secure.

Social media was the least trusted, with only 14 percent expressing the same confidence. Travel companies (16 percent), retail (18 percent), internet/cable providers (20 percent), energy companies (21 percent), and government agencies (29 percent) were also rated low.

For the complete survey findings, download the full report, Data Privacy: Are You Concerned?

Next Steps

Organizations must reassure customers that they are protecting data privacy. SAS for Personal Data Protection includes industry-leading data management and analytics software that helps organizations achieve compliance and privacy goals while building a trusted data governance framework.

Survey methodology

In July 2018 SAS conducted an online survey of 525 US adult consumers for their views on data privacy to better understand their opinions on data privacy and how it affects their behaviors and trust toward companies. Respondents from across the United States represented a broad range of socioeconomic levels. They shared views on government regulation regarding data privacy, their internet attitudes and behaviors regarding data privacy, and their level of trust in organizations to keep data safe.

About SAS

SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries.  indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright  2018 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE SAS
NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The group exhibit at Star Gallery NYC will showcase the work of dozens of prominent artists' personal explorations of this theme. Award-winning artists include Marshall Arisman, Chris Buzelli, Leslie Cober-Gentry, Katherine Streeter, Jason Limon, Gary Taxali, Anthony Freda, Victor Stabin, Steven Tabbutt, Skull-A-Day founder, Noah Scalin, Kevin Champeny, Zoltron, Dan Zollinger, Billy The Artist, Craig LaRotonda, James Hoston, James Yang, Peter Devito, Caitlin McCormack, Santiago Caruso, Rhett Hutchence, Gary Kroman, Eric Probst, Kevin Pyle, Danielle Mercado and Estephany Lopez.

Star Gallery NYC

Star Gallery NYC will also present a painting by the legendary Marshall Arisman. Arisman's paintings are part of the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Museum of American Art. Arisman's show Sacred Monkeys was the first American exhibit to be shown in Mainland China.

Skull-laden imagery looms large throughout art history, from the Aztecs to Damien Hirst. This show will present a unique and exciting collection. Much of the art in the group show at Star Gallery NYC is the stuff of dreams and macabre fantasies, but this theme also rings true as an affirmation of life rather than a celebration of death. There is dark humor, elegant craftsmanship, and masterful skills all at play in this eclectic exhibition.

Star Gallery NYC's exhibition includes the most interesting artists who are delving into this iconography, and the gallery is exhibiting the selected works together in one gallery space for a limited time next month.

Star Gallery NYC specializes in showing the best of pop-surrealism and cutting-edge illustration. Death is the great unifier and its most potent symbol, the skull, is a reminder that humanity is alike under the skin  it is one. The work in this show is spiritual and timeless, and it is an exhibition of which Star Gallery NYC is particularly proud.

The show will include original paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures created by a global selection of artists. The artworks are all for sale and Star Gallery NYC offers works suited for a range of collectors. Curated by Anthony and Amber Freda.

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit Haitian orphans.

The exhibition will be on view Jan. 16 through Jan. 20. The opening reception is on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at 2 Rivington Street, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The event is free and open to the general public.

About Star Gallery NYC

Star Gallery NYC is an art gallery on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The gallery frequently exhibits art that falls into the categories of Pop-Surrealism, Lowbrow, Comix, and contemporary illustration. Learn more at https://www.stargallerynyc.com/ .

Media Contact:

Farra Lanzer

877.773.8169

[email protected]

SOURCE Star Gallery

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GREENSBORO, N.C., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Trump enthusiasts have a new place to hang out online and interact with other Trumpsters without fear of reprisals or censorship, according to Willy Hammer, the developer of a new social media platform. Https://trumpit.chat is the URL for this new online space dedicated to all things Trump.

Mount Trumpmore

The site's functionality is similar to Facebook and Twitter with a political twist. One doesn't collect "Friends" but rather "Allies." Instead of liking comments and photos, the members vote on them. And most importantly on the new site, one doesn't "Tweet" their profundities but "Trumps" them; hence, the name and tagline of the platform: "Don't Tweet it. Trump it!"

According to Hammer, a web developer in Greensboro, North Carolina, conservatives and Trump supporters can't get a fair shake in the media, including, he says, Facebook and Twitter, and so he created an alternative that is more in-line with his conservative ideology. (Facebook is currently auditing itself on ideological censorship as a result of complaints from prominent conservatives and lawmakers.)

Besides being adamantly pro-Trump, there are features on Trumpit.Chat that set it apart from every other social media site. For example, the members or "constituents" of the site are categorized into levels based on their political affiliation. For example, a Trump supporter is identified by the REP badge and is labeled a "Wise Voter." On the other hand, a non-Trump voter is branded a DEM, which is described on the site as a "Victim of a Capitalist System."

"We had some fun with the categories," Hammer admitted. "It is a strategy of the liberal media to derogatorily label conservatives and Trump supporters in order to belittle us. But on this platform, we get to do the labeling. There is power in that."

And label they do: A member of the Mainstream Media carries the badge MSM and is identified as a "Marxists Propagandist." An elected official who supports Trump is called an "Enlightened Elective Official." Conversely, a politician who is opposed to Trump is branded a "Swamp Rat."

For politicians, supportive of Trump or otherwise, there is an added benefit. The algorithm is set to distribute the post of politicians to every site member that lives in their district or state.

Trumpit.Chat has not released membership information, but a Facebook fan page created in support of the site has quickly garnered over 20,000 fans.

There is one membership level that is completely unique, and every post by that one member will be automatically distributed to the entire website membership. That membership level carries the description of "The Chief," and its badge is DJT.

"I hope that soon President Trump will be on board this new site," said Hammer. "After all, we created it for him."

Website Developer Contact Information:

Willy Hammer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 336-715-3610

Site URL: https://Trumpit.Chat

SOURCE Willy Hammer

Related Links

https://Trumpit.Chat


WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, by majority vote, adopted several key civil rights positions:

Urging the 116th Congress to prioritize civil rights oversight and legislation because of the pressing need to restore our national commitment to civil rights principles. The Commission's recent work on issues ranging from voting rights, to education equity, to workplace protections for LGBT individuals, to access to justice, among other critical areas, shows that Congress can and should do more to ensure that all Americans' civil rights are protected;

Warning against attempts to end citizenship for native born children of non-citizens, and opposing the latest in a troubling pattern of statements and policy proposals expressing hostility and animus toward immigrants or their nations of origin;

Urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services not to narrowly define gender to a biological condition at birth, as it would have serious negative impacts on the health, welfare, and civil rights of members of the transgender community;

Submitting formal comment urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reconsider DHS' Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding inadmissibility to the United States on public charge grounds. The proposed rule communicates government animus against multiple marginalized communities such as people with limited English proficiency, LGBT individuals, and people with disabilities. The proposed rule may undermine the equity principles that are foundational to our country by preferring immigration that values only income and wealth rather than celebrating economic opportunity that follows from hard work.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, established by the Civil Rights Act of 1957, is the only independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and reporting annually on civil rights. Our 51 state Advisory Committees offer a broad perspective on civil rights concerns at state and local levels. For more information, please visit www.usccr.gov and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Contact: Brian Walch

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 202-376-8371

SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

Related Links

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FREMONT, Calif., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Thermo Fisher Scientific has received FDA clearance for its de novo submission of the Thermo Scientific QMS Plazomicin Immunoassay, the first of its kind for complementary diagnostic immunoassays. This quantitative immunoassay measures the concentration of a novel therapeutic antibiotic, plazomicin, using the automated clinical chemistry analyzer, Beckman Coulter AU 680. Plazomicin (trade name ZEMDRI1) is a next-generation aminoglycoside being used to treat patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI).

The new QMS Plazomicin Immunoassay is the latest addition to the Thermo Fisher line of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) immunoassays, which employ proprietary technology across a range of drug classes including those for antibiotics, antiepileptics, antiarrhythmics, immunosuppressants, and others. Thermo Scientific TDM immunoassays enable physicians to monitor and administer therapeutics on an individual patient basis. By maintaining optimized drug levels, the effects of under or over dosage may be minimized and patient outcome improved.

This immunoassay was developed in collaboration with Achaogen, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company with expertise in innovative antibacterial drug development to address multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative infection. "The commercialization of our FDA cleared QMS Plazomicin immunoassay is representative of our continued commitment to meet the needs of our biopharmaceutical development partners and the patients whom they serve. QMS TDM immunoassays are liquid, ready-to-use and designed to provide precise and accurate measurement of drug levels in patients," said Lonnie Shoff, president clinical diagnostics at Thermo Fisher.

"Therapeutic drug monitoring aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. The measurement of levels of plazomicin in blood will enable TDM-adjusted plazomicin dosing in recommended patient populations," said Janet Dorling, chief commercial officer at Achaogen. "Monitoring plazomicin drug levels with accuracy and precision has been an important goal and, with the achievement of this regulatory milestone, we are excited about the commercialization of the QMS Plazomicin Immunoassay from Thermo Fisher."

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of more than $20 billion and approximately 70,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics, deliver medicines to market and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands  Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services  we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive services. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

1ZEMDRI is a trademark of Achaogen, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified.

Media Contact Information:

Lauren Libitz

Phone: 1+ 781-703-2469

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.thermofisher.com

SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific

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 FAMS provides asset management and compliance with industry regulations 

TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Weed Advisor, a cannabis software company that supplies business solutions and consumer insights to the industry, has developed the first Facility Asset Management Solution (FAMS) specifically designed for licensed cannabis producers.

Weed Advisor's fully-customizable FAMS ensures companies manage assets and comply with newly-instituted government regulations. Inventory, reporting and compliance audits all now play a role in the regulated industry. Weed Advisor's real-time, cloud-based FAMS software creates opportunities for savings through optimization and eliminates infractions and downtime that can lead to higher costs and lost production.

"While the overall industry raced to try to manage this newly legalized market, we were extremely careful in developing FAMS to ensure our business customers have proven technology to protect their investments, while supporting their strategic goals in a new marketplace," says Gregory Luciani, President and CEO of Weed Advisor. "We took the time to provide key pillars of new business operations that make the most sense, based on policy, regulation, asset management, security, changing needs, and long-term profitability."

Key components of FAMS software include:

Dashboard reporting to executives

Fail-safe purchase decisions

Standard operation procedures and other compliances to complete tasks via mobile devices

Deployment that allows new assets to come online during priority times in the growing cycle

Task assignments to staff via mobile devices

Maintenance scheduling to ensure capital costs are kept low and product supply is not affected

Utilization/disposal of equipment so that inefficiencies of older assets do not cost more than the revenue they produce

"All FAMS programs are implemented on standard web and mobile platforms, which leads to ease of access and use," adds Krishnan Wignarajah, COO and CIO at Weed Advisor. "This also includes additional customization, high-level security and unlimited users  all to create better business and customer experiences."

Risk implications for failing to manage physical assets include:

Forced shutdown from government inspectors who find operations in non-compliance

Fines for failing monthly inspections of equipment such as sprinkler systems

Costs related to a shutdown of production processes due to asset failure

Inadequate response to any asset failure that has consequences for product supply

Other key overall Weed Advisor B2B software products include:

CYBER SECURITY

Cyber security is one of the strongest attributes of Weed Advisor. In fact, an early adopter and partner of the Weed Advisor platform is Snowy River International, a world-renowned cyber security firm based out of Alberta that ensures safe sharing of critical information and cyber integrity.

FINANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Start-up financial support is often a challenge, which is why in-house Weed Advisor finance options for businesses interested in purchasing the company's proprietary B2B and B2C suite of solutions are available. The internal finance process creates a smooth transition for a growing business and helps accelerate revenue streams.

E-COMMERCE WITH CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS

While other online cannabis-focused sites offer sales through e-transfers, C.O.D. transactions and third-party channels such as PayPal, as of Canadian cannabis legalization, Weed Advisor now offers the same type of PCI compliant transactions utilized to purchase music, furniture, computer hardware & software, food & beverage, and clothing, to name a few industries  virtually everything people have come to grow accustomed to when buying online.

BUSINESS ANALYTICS

Weed Advisor Business Analytics Solutions (BAS) leverages software and services to transform data into actionable intelligence that informs an organization's strategic and tactical business decisions. WA-BAS connects licensed producers and retail with consumers by providing research data on consumer preferences and generated targeted leads.

Features include:

Market focus analytics based on market segment details for a product launch

Detailed analytics functions based on product and buying patterns

Market focus advertisements based on consumer analytics

SOURCE Weed Advisor
Rabat, Dec 10 : Top politicians and officials will convene on Monday in the Moroccan city of Marrakech to formally adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

During the two-day Marrakech Intergovernmental Conference, the participants will discuss means to better manage international migration, address its challenges and strengthen migrants' rights while contributing to sustainable development.

The latest Global Trends report by the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR said that around 68.5 million people were displaced in 2017, Xinhua news agency reported.

Among the displaced, refugees who have fled their countries to escape conflict and persecution totalled 25.4 million, 2.9 million more than that of 2016.

The latest data from UN migration agency International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that so far this year, 3,323 people have died or gone missing on migratory routes across the globe, mostly in the Mediterranean Sea, where thousands continue to attempt to cross into mainland Europe, mainly from Africa and Asia.

Agreed upon by UN member states under the auspices of the UN General Assembly last July, the Global Compact sets out a common understanding, shared responsibilities and unity of purpose regarding migration, making it work for all.

The compact recognises that a comprehensive approach is needed to optimize the overall benefits of migration, while addressing risks and challenges for individuals and communities in countries of origin, transit and destination.

With this comprehensive approach, this agreement aims to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration, while reducing the incidence and negative impact of irregular migration through international cooperation and a combination of measures put forward in this Global Compact.

The compact lays out a cooperative framework comprised of 23 objectives, each one with a commitment and a range of actions considered to be relevant policy instruments and best practices.

The Global Compact calls for the creation of the International Migration Review Forum, which will serve as the primary intergovernmental global platform for member states to discuss and share progress on the implementation of all aspects of the compact.

The Marrakech Conference will also see the official launch of the Migration Network, by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

This body will ensure effective and coherent support to the implementation of the Global Compact, with the IOM taking the leading role.
Ramallah, Dec 10 : Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stressed on the need to implement decisions against Israel, the US and the Islamic Hamas movement.

Abbas was speaking during a meeting at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah with Advisory Council of his Fatah Party, Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA quoted Abbas as saying that "the Palestinian political and diplomatic work goes on to stop the (Israeli) occupation against our people and our land."

"It's necessary to implement the decisions of the Central Council of Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which has been taken regarding the relations with Israel, the US and Hamas," said Abbas.

The US administration decided to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel last year and moved the US embassy in Israel to the city in May.

This year, US President Donald Trump made a series of decisions such as the closure of the PLO office in Washington and the cessation of financial support for Palestinians as well as the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

Two days ago, Abbas threatened to take decisions, including the dissolution of the Palestinian Legislative Council, which Hamas controls the majority of it.
Washington, Dec 10 : "I can't breathe," were the last words uttered by Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi before he was killed by a Saudi hit squad at the country's consulate in Istanbul in October, a CNN report said.

An informed source, who has read a translated transcript of an audio recording of the journalist's painful last moments, told CNN on Sunday it was clear that the killing on October 2 was no botched rendition attempt, but the execution of a premeditated plan to murder Khashoggi.

The transcript begins at the moment Khashoggi enters the Saudi consulate in a quiet residential district of Istanbul at lunchtime on October 2.

Khashoggi thought he had made a routine appointment to pick up papers that would allow him to marry his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, but he soon found out that something was wrong when he recognised one of the men who meets him.

According to CNN's source, a voice identified in the transcript as Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, a former Saudi diplomat and intelligence official working for Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and known to Khashoggi from their time together at the Saudi Embassy in London, addresses him.

"You are coming back," the man says.

"You can't do that," Khashoggi replies. "People are waiting outside."

Without any further dialogue, according to the source, the transcript indicates that several people set upon Khashoggi.

Noises follow and very quickly Khashoggi is fighting for air.

"I can't breathe," Khashoggi says. "I can't breathe. I can't breathe."

The transcript notes the sounds of the journalist's body then being dismembered by a saw, as the alleged perpetrators were advised to listen to music to block out the sound.

However, it does not specify the exact moment of Khashoggi's death.

According to the source, the transcript notes that at least three phone calls were placed by Mutreb and according to Turkish officials, the calls were made to senior figures in Riyadh.

The original transcript of the audio was prepared by Turkish intelligence services but they have not revealed how they obtained the audio.

In response to the development, a Saudi official told CNN: "The relevant Saudi security officials have reviewed the transcript and tape materials through Turkish security channels and nowhere in them is there any reference or indication of a call being made.

"If there is additional information Turkish authorities have that we are unaware of, we would welcome it being officially handed over to us for review."

The official did not address the transcript's characterisation of the scene inside the Saudi consulate, nor Khashoggi's last words.
Washington, Dec 10 : US President Donald Trump has agreed to a request from Defence Secretary James Mattis to propose a defence budget of $750 billion for the coming year, according to an administration official.

Last week, Trump appeared to call the Defence Department budget of $716 billion "crazy" in a tweet. The next day Mattis and key Republican lawmakers who oppose any defence budget cuts met the President lunch to discuss military funding, the official told CNN on Sunday.

The agreement on the $750 billion budget came out of the meeting on December 4, which was attended by Trump, Mattis and the chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services committees.

"The President fully supports the National Defence Strategy and continuing to rebuild the military," the administration official said.

"President Trump agreed to $750 billion topline."

The meeting came as the Trump administration floated a 5 per cent cut to the Defence Department, reducing the defence budget from $716 billion allocated in 2019 to $700 billion in 2020 as part of a federal government-wide effort to reduce the deficit.

Defence officials were planning on a $733 billion budget for 2020 prior to the proposed cuts.

"The Department is committed to ensuring our military remains the most lethal force in the world. We are working with OMB (Office of Management and Budget) to determine the department's topline number," Lt. Col. Mike Andrews, a Defence Department spokesman, told CNN.

Defence officials had said anything under $733 billion would increase risk.
Auckland, Dec 10 : A man charged with the murder of a British backpacker in New Zealand appeared in a court here on Monday.

Grace Millane disappeared in Auckland on December 1. Police ended their search on Sunday after finding a body on the outskirts of the city, the BBC reported.

According to court documents, the man had been living at the Citylife Hotel on Queen Street in central Auckland, which is where Millane was last seen.

Documents also showed that the police believe the University of Lincoln graduate was killed between December 1 and 2.

Millane had been travelling alone in New Zealand for two weeks, following a six-week group trip through South America.

The announcement on Saturday by police that Millane was "no longer alive" followed a review of CCTV footage, the forensic examination of a hotel where she was last seen, and the discovery of a vehicle.
Katowice (Poland), Dec 10 : With four big oil and gas producers blocking 193 countries from "welcoming" an influential climate science report, five crucial days were left starting Monday to ensure that the ongoing for COP 24 UN climate talks respond to the urgency highlighted by the report that says temperatures could rise 1.5 degrees as early as 2030 - with devastating impact.

To do that, in addition to delivering the Paris rulebook, they'll need to send a signal they are committed to collectively raise their ambition on climate change and united on a path forward to achieve that goal, say climate negotiators.

It means by December 14 there must be a clear and unambiguous outcome to that effect, a negotiator at the UN Conference of the Parties-24 (COP-24) told IANS.

The four big oil and gas producers -- the US, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait - on Saturday night had faced off against every other country in this Polish city who wanted to formally "welcome" in the UN text the landmark 1.5 degrees Celsius Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report that talks about urgency and also scaled up ambition by the world.

The US had even rejected the science itself, standing alone among all the world's countries in refusing to endorse the findings of the report.

It was a fight over a word, but an important fight that will set the tone for this week's discussions.

"What signal does it send the world if we are not able to accept the best available science," asked a delegate from a small island state late Saturday.

Still, there is a ray of hope of good news.

Texts on the various elements of the Paris rulebook are being finalised for ministers: and they are nearly two-third shorter than the first iterations.

Yet concerns persist that the Paris rulebook looks too weak, especially on transparency and reporting requirements from countries, said a climate expert.

The date where all countries will follow the same rulebook, with flexibility for those with limited government resources, is also a sticking point, he added.

From Monday the UN says 124 ministers will descend on the conference centre this week.

Their job will be to unlock these talks on crunch issues such as differentiation, finance, and enhanced ambition, reaching the political compromises needed to get the package of decisions the world needs by the end of the week.

Some, like Canada's Catherine McKenna and Spain's Teresa Ribera will be expected to lead complex working groups on some of the outstanding issues to be resolved.

This is a week that expects the voices of climate vulnerable countries to get progressively louder.

Spain, Canada, Norway, New Zealand and perhaps Britain could also emerge as governments from developed countries pushing for a more ambitious outcome.

China and India have privately indicated they could push for an ambitious outcome this week.

Mayors allied to the C40 (Cities Climate Leadership Group) and business leaders from Coca Cola, IKEA, Maersk and Target will also be audible, experts believe.

Good news also came during the first week of COP-24.

Germany announced that it will double its contribution to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to euro 1.5 billion.

France and China together with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared to "cooperate closely to make this summit a defining moment to accelerate action, increase ambition and mobilize the required resources to achieve an ecological transition".

The World Bank announced it will double investments in climate action to about $200 billion from 2021-2025.

India's Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan signaled that the country is ready to update its nationally determined contributions or NDCs if other countries do the same, followed by the Canadian environment minister on Wednesday.

The world's largest container shipping company Maersk pledged zero emissions by 2050.

Volkswagen also announced that it will sell no more combustion cars after 2040 and will put the last fossil-fuel based models on the market in 2032.

A WHO report says the health benefits of meeting the Paris goals outweigh costs by far.

And New Zealand released a defence policy statement, identifying climate change as the country's most significant security threat.

(Vishal Gulati is in Katowice at the invitation of Climate Trends to cover the 24th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP24. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
New Delhi, Dec 10 : Renowned "MasterChef Australia" 2017 Runner up Ben Ungermann, who is in India for the Johnnie Walker Gourmet Experiences that will start from Wednesday, says he is in love with the diverse Indian cuisine and with this association, he is trying to bring European influence to the spice palate of the Indian cuisine.

"I'm trying to bring a European influence to the spice palate of the Indian cuisine. The local chefs have really highlighted the best local produce with their Johnnie Walker inspired drinks and menu," Ungermann, who has created the menu for the event, told IANS in an e-mail interaction, when asked about what all Indian specialties he has put while creating the recipe.

He is bringing a multiple city tour in the country -- Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad -- starting from Wednesday till Decemeber 16.

Ungermann will liaise with one partner outlet per city to inspire a drink-led menu paired with select appetizers.

"For this season of Johnnie Walker Gourmet Experiences, I have created a Toasted Coconut Ice Cream with Raisins to pair with Johnnie Walker Black Label. This has become my favourite ice cream to date. The pairing of an earthy toasted coconut with the depth of flavour in the Johnnie Walker Black Label with soaked raisins, has made a really indulgent ice cream and I can't wait to share it with everyone," he said.

Ungermann's style de cuisine derives inspiration from his Indonesian and Dutch lineage. He was the audience favourite to win "Masterchef..." starting out as an underdog. He went on to the finals of and was crowned the "Ice cream king" when he nailed Heston Bluementals challenge.

Talking about his fondness for Indian food, he said: "I have been to India once before and I love the cuisine and how diverse it is. There are changes to each of the local dishes every 100 kms. I really enjoy how the food has a real depth of spice and also heat."

He also said that while working with the chefs in each city "we made sure we kept the traditional aesthetic in mind while adding in influences from the different countries and making sure we found a balance between the dishes and the curated drinks."

So how is his food experimentation changed over the years while travelling to different countries?

"I began by cooking classical European dishes, and over my world tour, my style has evolved to a more edgy European cuisine fused with many Asian influences, ranging from Indonesia to India.

"With my Dutch and Indonesian heritage it has definitely inspired quite a few of my menus and dishes along my travels and you might also be surprised to know the a lot of the Dutch came from India and the spice blends used originated here," said Ungermann.

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)
Buenos Aires, Dec 10 : Between 40,000 and 50,000 people filled up the downtown area here to celebrate the victory of River Plate over Boca Juniors in the final match of the Copa Libertadores played in Madrid.

The celebrations on Sunday night took place in the middle of a security operation during which there were seizures of alcoholic beverages from the fans, according to police, reports Efe news.

From early on, the central streets in Buenos Aires were blocked as well as the bus lane of the always busy 9 de Julio Avenue, in preparation for the arrival of the fans of the team that won the title of the Copa Libertadores in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid.

From around 6.45 local time (21.45 GMT), shortly after River was announced champion, fans of the team were approaching the Obelisk in the centre of town despite heavy rain and progressively filled the area.

Hundreds of fans did not hesitate to get into their cars and drive through the streets honking their horns, waving flags outside their windows and shouting odes to their team.
London, Dec 10 : Consumers in Britain paid on average 75 pounds more for gas and electricity in the year after the referendum in which the majority supported the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union (EU), says a study.

Energy bills in the country increased overall by two billion pounds in 2017 due to the lower value of the pound relative to the euro and the US dollar, showed the findings by researchers from the University College London (UCL).

A hard Brexit could lead to a further average rise of 61 pounds per year in the event of a further devaluation of the sterling to pound-euro parity, according to the research.

"We know that exchange rates fell after the EU referendum but we can now look at the effect this had on wholesale and consumer energy prices," lead author Giorgio Castagneto Gissey said in a statement released by UCL on Sunday.

"The exchange rate depreciation plus the fact that energy prices are now much more volatile means consumers have been paying more and are facing even higher bills over the next several months," he said.

For the study, the researchers analysed the behaviour of the wholesale electricity price in the UK alongside the sterling to euro exchange rate between 2012 and 2017.

They found that as the exchange rate fell dramatically after the EU referendum the electricity price increased over the subsequent year, directly reflecting the resulting higher cost of energy imports.

The prediction following a hard Brexit is based on an assumption of a further depreciation of sterling to sterling-euro parity, with a 12 per cent drop from the exchange rate of 1.14 on November 3, 2018.

The change in annual bills was calculated assuming everything else is held constant between March 29, 2019 and March 29, 2020.
Kolkata, Dec 10 : India's estimated tea production fell by around 3.7 per cent to 176.44 million kg in October from 183.23 million kg produced in the year-ago month, according to data from the Tea Board India released on Monday.

According to provisional data from the Board, tea exports during the January-October period were up by about 1.17 per cent to 200.38 million kg as against 198.06 million kg exported in the year-ago period and in value terms, exports during the first 10 months of the current calendar year were at Rs 4,061.81 crore as compared to Rs 3,911.05 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Estimated production data suggested that the fall in absolute terms during October was due to a drop in crop production in north India.

Assam's estimated production for the month decreased to 96.21 million kg as compared to 104.13 million kg produced in the corresponding month of 2017, while West Bengal's production for the month stood at 50.68 million kg, down from 53.96 million kg produced in the same month of last year.

Taking Assam, West Bengal and others together, the estimated crop production during October in north India decreased to 150.55 million kg as against 162.06 million kg produced in October 2017.

In south India, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, the tea production was at 25.89 million kg in October as against 21.17 million kg produced in the same month last year.

However, on the export front, tea shipments to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and others, were at 51.07 million kg in the January-October period of 2018, down from 52.72 million kg in the same period of last year.

Exports to the UK at 12.32 million kg remained stagnant in the period under review, as against 11.98 million kg exported in the year-ago period while shipments at 7.55 million kg to Germany during the period were down marginally from 8.66 million kg exported in the corresponding months of 2017.

However, tea exports to Iran went up marginally to 23.04 million kg in the period under review, from 22.13 million kg in the year-ago period.

As much as 9.63 million kg of tea was shipped out to Egypt during the first 10 months of the current year, up from 8.54 million kg in the year-ago period.

Tea exports to neighbouring Pakistan stood at 13.07 million kg in the period, up by over 22 per cent from 10.65 million kg exported in the corresponding months of 2017.

India's tea exports to China at 7.76 million kg during the period were up from 6.5 million kg in the year-ago period.
It was held in appreciation for general service to the community as well as a response to specific incidents. A news release about the appreciation day mentioned an incident last month near the theater in which an officer opened fire on a suspect who drove a vehicle into another officer after being told to stop.
New Delhi, Dec 10 : A gathering of book lovers here celebrated the art of book cover designing and recognised the foremost practitioners of the craft. Cutting across genres and languages, the longlist of Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize was unveiled over the weekend and also saw experts throw light on the subject -- with some fine wine and country music to keep one company.

Designing a book cover may seem the easiest of all tasks; after all, it is only a matter of putting the title of the book on some pictures. Or so we think. They say that the best of writers are those who are born with a knack for writing, but even the best of book designers, no matter how creative they are, have to train themselves in the art to thrive in the industry.

Once inside the boiling pot of publishing, they are faced with unheard questions like what's an A format or how do you calculate a spine? Understanding the writer's words just as the writer does, and to summarise the tome in one single image that adorns the cover of the book is a book designer's forte. And the book cover, more often than not, is the first attraction for many readers.

The philosophy of the prize holds standout cover design as an integral element for the success of a book, and believes that designers and illustrators play a vital role in helping a book become emblematic and create recall.

This is perhaps why this unique prize, that too coming from a leading book store chain, holds immense relevance. A glimpse at its longlist bears this out as books like "Gyarahvin A ke Ladke", written by Gaurav Solanki in Hindi and designed by David Fleck, Sheeraz Hussain, Shoeb Shahid, have made the cut alongside those coming from the thriving mainstream English publishers like "From Quetta to Delhi: A Partition Story" or "Remnants of a Separation".

"It has been a privilege to work on the Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize, and a learning experience at every level, transforming my understanding of the relationship between graphics and text," said author Namita Gokhale.

"In its fourth year now, the prize has provided an important platform for artists and designers to showcase their crucial and intrinsic role in the making of a book." she added.

Perumal Murugan's "Poonachi" -- a subtle book cover that narrates the dilemma of the story -- has also featured in the longlist. Interestingly, the prize has noticed "Saakshi - The Witness" from Niyogi Books and "Love and Rage - The Inner Worlds of Children" from Yoda Press. It is indeed a positive sign as India's smaller presses have long been ignored in the modern day literary awards as well as other similar recognitions.

The longlist has been chosen by Aman Nath, India's first heritage hotelier and architectural restorer; Alka Pande, leading art critic and curator; Dayanita Singh, an eminent figure in contemporary Indian photography and bookmaking; Namita Gokhale, acclaimed author and publisher; and Priti Paul, Director, Apeejay Surrendra Group and the mind behind the Oxford Bookstore chain.

The evening hosted by Paul also saw the launch of a calendar, curated for the prize.

In its first year, the prize was given to designer, Bena Sareen for "Talking of Justice", followed by designer Pinaki De for "Kalkatta". In its third edition, Maithali Doshi Aphale took the prize for "Himalaya".

The shortlist will be announced at Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival on January 19 next year, and the winner will be announced at the Jaipur Book Mark of the Jaipur Literature Festival on January 24.
Ranchi, Dec 10 : A Central team that visited Jharkhand has confirmed that the standing crops have been damaged due to drought, a state official said here on Monday.

The team, led by Agriculture Joint Secretary Atish Chandra, visited seven districts to assess the ground situation.

Before returning to New Delhi, the team held a meeting with state government officials here on Sunday.

"The Central team visited the districts and admitted that crops were damaged due to drought. The team has sought some more information which will be provided to them," Sudhir Tripathy, Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, told the media.

State government sources said that the team has promised to submit a report to the Agriculture Ministry in 10 days so that Rs 818 crore relief funds sought by Jharkhand could be released.

The team met Chief Minister Raghubar Das last week.

The Jharkhand government had already declared 216 blocks of 18 districts as drought affected.
New Delhi, Dec 10 : Prime Minister Naredndra Modi on Monday appealed to all MPs at an all-party meeting to utilize the winter session of Parliament well as it will be the last full-fledged session before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing an all-party meet at Parliament House a day before the session commences, Modi said the government was ready to discuss all issues as per rules and procedures and was open to the opposition's inputs for better working of Parliament.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar briefed the media on what transpired in the meeting.

"The Prime Minister said that we all need to cooperate with each other on the issues of public interest. He underlined that in a democracy both the government and the opposition share their inputs for efficient governance," Tomar said, quoting the Prime Minister.

"The Prime Minister also said that the government was ready to discuss all issues as per rules and procedures. If anybody wants to bring something to the government's notice inside the House or even outside, we are open to it," he added.

Tomar said that all the political parties present at the meeting have assured full cooperation in the smooth functioning of Parliament.

Asked if the government was ready for a JPC probe in the Rafale fighter jets deal, he said the opposition had several issues including Rafale, farmers' plight and economy "but they would have to prioritise things as the session was only four weeks long.

"These things can be settled in the Business Advisory Meetings," he added.

The Minister said a legislation on Ram Mandir was "not the topic of today's discussion".

"When something to this effect comes up, we will let you know," he said.

He said the government had 46 items on the agenda including three ordinances, Supplementary Budget and government legislations.

The session would have 20 sittings spread over 29 days.
New Delhi, Dec 10 : Rajinikanth-starrer "Kaala" had a socio-political message on the plight of Dalits, but here's another "Kaala" -- a short film by Tarun Jain -- which aims to highlight the issue of racism in India, especially against Africans.

"My film 'Kaala' is my response to the troubled nights and anger which pushed me every day to tell this story. It is a socio-political film about the uncompromising issue of racism in India. Between 2016 and 2017, reports on brutal assaults on the Africans in parts of Delhi and its close by areas was covered by almost all media houses. The incidents shook me to the core," Jain told IANS of the reason he chose the subject for a film.

"Delhi is my home and I have fond memories attached to it, but this city failed to offer equivalent memories to people from other inhabitants. It became a city filled with gory reminders of murders, deaths, brutal attacks, abuses and so on. With over a decade of experience in filmmaking, I decided to use my ability and not remain a silent watcher. Racism is enormously rooted in our society and ignorance will not take us further, but it will stop us from advancing," he added in an email interview.

Why title it "Kaala"?

"Kaala is a derogatory statement which we attempt to change. It's more of a word which is used to define someone in disparaging terms. In our film, there is a dialogue, 'Oye Kaluwe, kaha jaa raha hai?'. Kaala is not just restricted to skin colour, but it also reminds you that you that you are inferior. Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' is also a socio-political film with a strong message.

"We too hope that our short film brings about an urgent change, more so now than ever before," added Jain, who is rasing Rs 500,000 for the film's post-production, via crowdfunding platform Wishberry.

India, the 33-year-old filmmaker said, has failed to consider racism a pressing issue.

"As a society, we failed miserably at accommodating a safe and respectful place for people of other communities, despite Indians facing invasive situations in other parts of the world. Our film questions 'why we are doing the same things for which we have been battling the western world for generations?'

"How is skin colour enough to judge a person? How our opinion changes when we see a black as compared to a white? Why can't we treat a human as human? Man as a man and a woman as a woman? My 'Kaala' is about the disturbing elements of how a society can abandon you for something as trivial as the colour of your skin. It takes you to an uncomfortable yet compelling space which makes you contemplate on your choices in life."

The larger message, he said, is to help people reconnect to the most powerful human emotion, love.

"Kaala" features a non-actor of African descent as its main character.

Jain said their research for the movie mainly included meetings and interactions with people from the African community.

"During eight months of research, we met people from the embassies, students from different schools, universities, professionals and mainly indulged in conversations after conversations. Sometimes, it also led to heated arguments and ended up in a few fights as well. During those meetings, our intention was to meet African residents and know their experiences and their expectations.

"We also met a few victims and families of those who lost their lives. Our research also comprised reading a lot on incidents between 2016 and 2017, interacting with journalists who covered the attacks in the past, Indian government's reactions and implementations after the attacks, and their outcomes," said the Delhi-based filmmaker.

(Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)
Mohali (Punjab), Dec 10 : Accusing the BJP of eroding the credibility of institutions like the judiciary, Army and media, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday said his party will ensure that the BJP is removed from power in the 2019 general elections.

"We will show the BJP its place and defeat it in elections. In 2019, we will ensure that the BJP is removed from the government in Delhi," Gandhi said in this Punjab town adjoining Chandigarh.

Gandhi, accompanied by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior Congress leader Moti Lal Vora, was here to re-launch the 'Navjivan' newspaper.

Coming down heavily on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Modi government, the Congress President said that an atmosphere of fear had been created in the country and the media was also being suppressed.

"Media ko bhi daraya ja raha hai, dabaya ja raha hai (Media is being intimidated and suppressed). Media has been captured in every state. Media says only what powerful people want to listen. 'Navjivan' will be an independent voice in such an atmosphere. It can even criticize the Congress party," Gandhi said.

He said that Supreme Court judges were openly saying that they were not being allowed to work, Army generals were saying that Modi was using the Army and the Election Commission was also being suppressed.

"We will fight to protect these institutions. We are not like the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh) and BJP."

He said people in power at the centre were not allowing the media to highlight issues like unemployment and the plight of farmers.

"Anger is rising among the people (against the BJP government). But the media is not revealing this," he said.

Praising former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gandhi said that he (Manmohan Singh) had shown how leadership was done with humility and respect.

"He (Manmohan Singh) showed world leaders how work is done. He is the Pride of the universe," he added.

'Navjivan' is the Hindi edition of the National Herald newspaper owned by the Congress.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, who are both indisposed, did not attend the event held in the Congress-ruled state.
Chandigarh, Dec 10 : Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday called on Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to enquire about his health.

The Chief Minister had been advised rest at home for 48 hours by doctors at the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here.

Gandhi and Manmohan Singh were here on Monday for the re-launch of the 'Navjivan' Hindi newspaper in Mohali, adjoining Chandigarh.

Both left for New Delhi after meeting Amarinder Singh.

The Chief Minister could not attend the newspaper function due to ill-health.

Amarinder Singh, 76, underwent some routine medical tests at PGIMER on Sunday as a follow-up on the viral illness he suffered last week.

Doctors at the institute said that all the tests were clean and the Chief Minister was found to be suffering from slight weakness as a result of the earlier bout of viral fever.
Tokyo, Dec 10 : Tokyo prosecutors on Monday indicted former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn for under-reporting his earnings over five years leading to March 2015 and issued an arrest warrant for additional charges.

Ghosn, 64, was arrested in Tokyo on November 19 for allegedly failing to report 5 billion yen ($44 million) of his salary to the authorities, reports Efe news.

Ghosn, whose detention period was to end on Monday, has also been issued with an arrest warrant for further charges, according to the prosecutors' documents.

Nissan was also indicted in the case, with documents saying that the company had also committed irregularities in its financial statements.

Former Nissan Representative Director Greg Kelly was also indicted for conspiring with Ghosn and has been re-arrested.

According to one of the documents, between 2011 and 2015, Ghosn reported half of what was agreed with Nissan. However, discrepancies over the three subsequent years are much greater.

Ghosn remains the chairman and CEO of Renault, which has an alliance with Nissan.

He was removed from the Mitsubishi chairman post, the third company in the two-decade-long alliance.

According to the reports, the payment amount not declared by Ghosn was part of compensation he was to receive after leaving the company.
Yangon, Dec 10 : A Myanmar court will hear later this month the appeal of two Reuters reporters jailed on charges of violating a colonial-era Act while investigating the killing of Rohingyas in the country, one of their lawyers said on Monday.

Lawyer Than Zaw Aung, who is part of the legal team representing journalists Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, told Efe news that the appeal hearing will begin on December 24.

The journalists were arrested on the night of December 12, 2017, in possession of documents which they say had just been handed to them by two police officers.

The reporters were investigating a massacre of Muslim minority Rohingya in Inn Dinn village of Rakhine state, for which seven Myanmar soldiers were later sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour.

Authorities charged the reporters under the Official Secrets Act for obtaining confidential documents about the military operation in Rakhine, which the Army had launched after a series of attacks by an insurgent Rohingya group on border posts on August 25, 2017.

On September 3, a court in Yangon declared the journalists guilty and sentenced them to seven years each in prison.

Around 725,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh following the violent military offensive in which UN investigators found elements of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Beijing, Dec 10 : The two-week long India-China military exercise in Chengdu city will have a positive impact on bilateral ties, an official said here on Monday.

The world's largest standing armies, which hurled stones at each other at their disputed border and faced-off for 73 days in Doklam, jointly kicked off a counter-terrorism drill on Monday that will continue till December 23.

"I hope the India-China joint military exercise can have good result," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said here at a press briefing.

"I hope exchanges between the two militaries can achieve positive outcomes, thus injecting impetus to the bilateral ties.

"After the Wuhan meet between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China and India have reached consensus on many issues," Lu said.

"Since the beginning of this year, Xi has met Modi four times. I think the two countries should implement the consensus reached between the two leaders including the contact between the two militaries."

The Indian Army contingent led by Colonel Puneet Tomar arrived in Chengdu for the "Hand-In-Hand" exercise which will be the 7th version of the drill.

The military stand-off between both armies in Doklam plateau severely hit ties and led to the cancellation of the exercise in 2017.

The drills, which aim at enhancing their counter-terrorism capabilities and mutual understanding, will include live shooting and adoptive and basic training.

Chengdu is the capital of China's southwestern province Sichuan which comes under the Western Theatre Command, the newly-formed of the five war zones of the People's Liberation Army.

Tibet also comes under the same command.

India and China have the world's 9th longest border which is largely disputed. The two went to war in 1962 and have had military skirmishes since then.

Their latest and one of the most serious showdowns was last year at Doklam, a contested region between China and Bhutan close to India's arterial highway where the Chinese were building a road.

Both sides are in talks to set up a military hotline to avert a Doklam-like crisis in the future.
Manila, Dec 10 : Over 1,000 protesters marched in the Philippines capital on Monday and burned an effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte on International Human Rights Day.

During the protest, civil society groups demanded an end to Duterte's war on drugs, labour organizations asked for an increase in salaries, indigenous Lumads sought martial law to be lifted in the south and health groups demanded free hospitalization, Efe news reported.

The protesters also called for the release of political prisoners and re-starting of peace talks between the government and rebel groups.

Hundreds more protested during marches in other cities around the country.

Meanwhile, the Duterte administration said it would continue its campaign against crime, corruption, violence and drugs while "advancing human rights".

"To protect the lives of the innocent law-abiding citizens of the country, this administration remains unrelenting in its crusade against criminality, corruption, terrorism, insurgency, and the proliferation of illegal drugs that destroy families and the future of the young," said Human Rights Committee chairman Salvador Medialdea in a statement.

Rights groups have said Duterte's war on drugs has claimed the lives of more than 12,000 people since he took office.

Monday marked the global observance of the 70th year of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We do all the grinding at one time for all the projects, Rotering said. That may be more efficient and cost effective, but it may not be the best thing for the neighborhoods.
Lucknow, Dec 10 : Two days after arresting a soldier from Jammu for alleged involvement in the mob violence in Bulandshahr which killed a police officer and a civilian, the Uttar Pradesh Police admitted on Monday that it did not have enough proof against him.

Officials said they did not have conclusive proof so far against Jeetu Fauji to prove he had a hand in the killing of Inspector Subodh Kumar Singh.

What had so far been proved is that Jeetu Fauji was at the scene of the crime and no more, police officials admitted.

The accused has also claimed innocence saying he was not involved in the murder of the police official or for that matter in the mob violence.

During his interrogation by the police and Special Task Force (STF), he admitted to be passing by the scene but insisted he was not a party to the violence.

Senior Superintendent of Police in STF, Abhishek Kumar Singh, confirmed to IANS: "At the initial point of arrest there was not much evidence against the soldier."

His family members allege that he was being implicated so that the prime accused, Yogesh Raj of Bajrang Dal, is let off the hook.

Meanwhile, Jeetu Fauji has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate has dismissed his bail application and his family is likely to approach the district judge on Tuesday.

The violence broke out after some cattle carcasses were found in a field and Bajrang Dal activists claimed they were of cows slaughtered by a specific community.

They brought these in tractor trolleys and tried to jam an important road. As a police team led by Subodh Kumar Singh reached there, it was attacked with stones.

Someone in the crowd fired from a .32 bore pistol, killing the officer instantly.
Mumbai, Dec 10 : An educated unemployed youth on Monday attacked prominent lawyer Gunratna Sadavarte, who has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the new Maharashtra legislation providing for quotas to Marathas, outside the Bombay High Court.

The attack took place when Sadavarte was addressing the media on the quota issue hearing that had concluded a short while earlier.

After he finished his briefing and was moving out, one person from the crowd suddenly lunged forward shouting "Ek Maratha, Lakh Marath", pushed and punched Sadavarte, who lost his balance and his glasses.

The assailant shouted abuses and wanted to know why the lawyer was challenging the Maratha reservations even as some policemen and lawyers around managed to grab the attacker and whisked him away.

He later identified himself as Vaijnath Mukne Patil from Jalna, a graduate but jobless youth. He has been detained at the Azad Maidan Police Station.

The incident happened after Sadavarte's PIL came up for hearing before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice M.S. Karnik, opposing the state government's recent decision to provide 16 per cent reservations in government jobs and education to the Marathas.

He contended in the PIL that the new law is violative of the Supreme Court's earlier orders stipulating that caste and community-based reservations in states cannot exceed the 50 per cent ceiling.

Sadavarte also informed the media that he had submitted to the court how he had received "over a thousand threats" to his life for opposing the quotas and complaints had been lodged with the Mumbai Police.

After the state legislature unanimously passed the bill during the winter session last month, Maharashtra Governor C.V. Rao had signed the legislation.

Monday's attack resulted in a war of words among different Maratha organisations, opposition parties and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena government.

Maratha leaders like Virendra Pawar and Dilip Patil, opposing Sadavarte alleged he was doing it for "publicity" and brought the attack upon himself, while Maharashtra BJP Minister Girish Mahajan said that the attack was "condemnable" and would be investigated.
Katowice (Poland), Dec 10 : Global investors -- the single largest policy intervention from corporates on climate change -- on Monday called on governments around the world to step up action to address climate change.

A total of 415 investors, with $32 trillion in assets-under-management, were behind the call-to-action as signatories of the 2018 Global Investor Statement to Governments on Climate Change.

Among specific policies, the investors requested the governments to "phase out thermal coal power", "put a meaningful price on carbon" and "phase out fossil fuel subsidies".

The statement reached global leaders as the UN's COP24 global climate change conference in Katowice entered its second week.

The investors asked governments to strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions to meet the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement and to enact policies to facilitate the world's transition to a low-carbon economy.

Three overarching priorities highlighted in the statement for global leaders to address were: Achieving the Paris agreement's goals, accelerating private sector investment into the low carbon transition and committing to improve climate-related financial reporting.

Investors highlighted the "ambition gap" that according to the UN exists between governments' commitments and what was needed to deliver on the goals of the Paris agreement in limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius and ensuring the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy.

They stressed their concern about the gap, noting consequences of an otherwise "unacceptably high temperature increase" and "substantial negative economic impacts".

Investors that signed the statement included some of the world's largest pension funds, asset managers and insurance companies, alongside faith-based groups, state treasurers and comptrollers, impact investors and venture capital funds.

The intervention came as findings of a recent UN report showed that nations must triple their efforts to meet their commitments under the Paris agreement.

Only weeks earlier the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's 1.5 degrees Celsius special report showed that considerable additional emission reductions were achievable, delivering significant benefit to society and the climate.

Thomas P. DiNapoli of New York State Common Retirement Fund, responsible for a $207 billion pension fund, said: "Despite the misguided policies of the (US President Donald) Trump administration we are still in and remain committed to supporting the Paris agreement's climate goals."

"The transition to a low carbon economy presents numerous opportunities to create value and investors who ignore the changing world do so at their own peril," DiNapoli said.

Peter Damgaard Jensen, Chair of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change and CEO of PKA, a Danish pension fund with $41 billion in assets, added: "There is no place for coal in the clean energy future that is essential to addressing climate change.

"It's therefore encouraging to see ever more countries set necessary dates for the phase out of coal."

(Vishal Gulati is in Katowice at the invitation of Climate Trends to cover the 24th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP24. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
New Delhi : Tears welled up my eyes, when I was told by my friend, Mohammed Wajihuddin, an eminent columnist, that not a single wreath or even a flower, was laid at the grave of Prof Mushirul Hasan by Jamia Millia Islamia, the institution that the renowned historian and the educationist had nursed as his offspring.

It is shocking to note that Jamia failed to give him the little due at his last resting place - something absolutely unbearable, said, Wajihuddin. Mushir had given the prime of his life to Jamia.

Prof Azra Razzack, who had worked under Mushir in the K.R. Narayanan Center of Dalit Studies and Minorities at Jamia Millia Islamia too felt that the Indian populace didn't give Mushir his due.

Mushir was an institution in his own self. Having read almost all his books, Razzack said that the one which has stamped its mark on readers of history is that on Jamia Millia Islamia's contribution in India's freedom movement "Partners in Freedom: Jamia Millia Islamia". A thoroughly researched book, it highlights the history of forbearance, companionship and insight within the parameters the historic Jamia Millia Islamia.

It demonstrates how personages lived for and worked towards the attainment of high morals and principles. Razzack thinks a Chair or a building in the name of Mushirul Hasan must be considered by Jamia, where he spent the prime of his life.

Having seen Mushir at close quarters for a number of years, I can state that he was a man of many lives and colours. I had known him for almost three decades. Right from my student days, I was a connoisseur of Mushirul Hasan's books and lectures since I studied at Delhi University in the 1980s.

Not only was he a man of letters, he lived by each and every word he had written. Being a soft-spoken person, he was known never to hurt even the worst of his critics - a rare quality that Maulana Azad also possessed. Mushir might not live before us in flesh and bbody but the tremendous legacy of historicity he has left for posterity will stamp him as an immortal in the genre of writing books loaded not only with knowledge but most importantly - values and vision.

While manning Jamia Millia Islamia as its Vice Chancellor, Mushir left no stone unturned and brought it on par with the other illustrious institutions like Delhi University, BHU and Calcutta University. During his time, he turned it into a state-of- the-art university besides giving it a designer look.

He had also served as the Director General of the National Archives of India and the President of the Indian History Congress. Wherever he worked, he gave it a touch of finesse and perfection - his hallmark.

Remembering his book, "In Search of Integration and Identity - Indian Muslims since Independence", M. Atyab Siddiqui, a Muslim thinker and Mushir's legal advisor for a number of years, stated that he was the architect of the modern Jamia. His legacy of liberal thought and perception for the underprivileged sections of society should be carried forward. It was because of Mushir that in the comity of universities, Jamia carved its niche.

However, Siddiqui was piqued: "Mushir's mission was to educate the beleaguered Muslim masses in the best manner possible. But it saddens me when today, I note that Jamia is in a pathetic state and requires a visionary like Mushirul Hasan to make it regain its pristine glory."

The most noteworthy trait of Mushir's writings was his secular credentials along with his habit of calling a spade a spade. Though the world over, he carved a niche for his books on the vivisection of India. However, his most readable book is on the Nehrus, titled, "The Nehrus - Personal Histories" - his last one.

In it, he has unquestioningly laid out the best of his feelings on Jawaharlal, Indira and Rajiv. Some of the passsages are very touching. Perhaps this seems to be a sequel of "When Stone Walls Cry: The Nehrus in Prison". As he had a very special place for the Nehrus, he presented them as having a great capacity to gauge the pulse of the times.

Being a suave man of a few words, his magnificence was that each word he uttered had its own music and meaning that the audiences thoroughly acknowledged. Besides, wit and humour were his hallmark.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Mushir was the son of two universities -- Aligarh Muslim University (where he had studied) and Jamia Millia Islamia, that he nursed like his own child. By penning, "Aligarh's Notre eminent contemporain-Assessing Syed Ahmad Khan's Reformist Agenda", Mushir paid his homage to his alma mater.

Mushir was a sensible historian. Once when he was hounded by some zealous elements for having stated that Jamia's students were giving undue publicity to Salman Rushdie's "Satanic Verses", a sub-standard book, by burning it, he was attacked as he was mistaken by the motivated students. Later, he was able to impress upon them and the same people who went for his jugular became his flowers. That was Mushir's aura and benchmark.

Today, there's no one to match Mushir when it comes to the understanding of Islam, Muslims and Partition of India. He had told my father, Nooruddin, that the concept of a book on the 1947 Partition came to his mind when he had heard Maulana Azad state that water cannot be cut in twain egging Muslims not to vie for the so called El Dorado (Pakistan). His mammoth work, "Memories of a Fragmented Nation: Rewriting the Histories of India's Partition" remains unmatched on the topic throughout the world.

We must continue Mushir's vision and education for a better India.

(Firoz Bakht Ahmed is the Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University and the grandnephew of Bharat Ratna Maulana Azad. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached at firozbakhtahmed08@gmail.com)
New Delhi, Dec 10 : Welcoming a British court's judgement to extradite fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya to India, the CBI on Monday said it would bring him back soon.

"We welcome the decision and hope to bring Vijay Mallya back soon. CBI has its own inherent strengths. We worked hard on this case. CBI was always strong on facts and legally we were confident while pursuing extradition process," a CBI spokesperson said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also welcomed the UK court's judgement, calling it a "great day for India".

"No one who cheats India will go scot-free. The judgement of UK's court is welcome. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book," Jaitley tweeted.

Giving its ruling following a prolonged litigation involving Mallya, who fled India in March 2016, the Westminster Magistrates Court in the UK said he must be extradited to India where he is accused of committing bank frauds amounting to Rs 9,000 crore.

The decision came six days after British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, Christian Michael, was extradited to India from Dubai.

Mallya has repeatedly denied fleeing from India and said he was ready to pay back the money he owed to Indian banks.

Proceedings are on before the Mumbai Special Court against Mallya under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

Late in 2017, India filed extradition proceedings against Mallya which he has contested. He is currently on bail in London.
Canberra, Dec 10 : The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Monday proposed measures to counter the dominant market positions of Google and Facebook and strengthen monitoring on their access to information, advertising and consumers personal data.

The regulatory body, which recommended 11 preliminary measures in the report, was directed to conduct a public inquiry into the impact of digital search engines, social media platforms and other digital content in 2017 by then treasurer and current Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"Acting as an intermediary between consumers and news outlets, platforms are inherently influential in shaping consumers' choices of digital journalism," said the report cited by Efe news.

This influential position and filtration of news items could place the consumer in a so-called filter bubble, increasing the risk of consumers being exposed to unreliable news, according to the report.

"The algorithms operated by each of Google and Facebook, as well as other policies, determine which content is surfaced and displayed to consumers in news feed and search results," it said.

"The ACCC considers that the strong market position of digital platforms like Google and Facebook justifies a greater level of regulatory oversight," Chair Rod Sims said.

The commission called for the creation of a regulatory authority with powers to monitor these digital platforms and recommended establishing an automatic mechanism to take down content that violates copyright.

The ACCC said consumers should be informed about the manner in which these platforms collect and use their data to create personalized advertising.

This would include a reform of privacy laws to require the user's express consent to data collection and "enable consumers to require erasure of their personal information where they have withdrawn their consent".

ACCC said that it found that "competition may have been distorted in multiple sectors where consumer data is used".

Facebook has 17 million monthly users in Australia -- 68 per cent of its population -- while Instagram, second most popular site in terms of users - which is owned by Facebook, has 11 million users.

In 2017, Google registered 90 per cent of search traffic originating from Australian desktops and 98 per cent from mobile phones.
Beijing, Dec 10 : China on Monday strongly defended Huawei after a warning from the EU that the tech giant posed a security risk, amid an ongoing row over the arrest of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in Canada at the behest of the US.

In response to accusations by European Commission Vice President Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said the government had never forced Huawei to install a covert access route on mobile phone units to control them.

"I want to emphasize that Chinese laws and regulations don't allow any institution to force any enterprise to install a 'backdoor'. The Chinese government always encourages its companies to abide by local laws and regulations," Lu was quoted as saying by Efe news.

He reiterated Beijing's demand of an immediate release of Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou who was arrested in Vancouver on December 1 after the US accused the tech giant of selling equipment in Iran in violation of American sanctions.

Meng, who is also the daughter of the group's founder and CEO, had a bail request rejected on Friday by a Canadian court.

EU's Ansip said on Friday that the bloc should be "worried" about Huawei and other Chinese companies over the security risks they pose.

Ansip claimed that China was developing mandatory "backdoors" -- malicious software that allows any phone unit to be accessed and controlled without the user's knowledge.

In response, Lu said it was "ridiculous" to undermine the company based on "speculations".

"We have noticed some people from certain countries keep saying that Huawei may threaten their national security. But they did not provide a single evidence," the spokesperson said.

He stressed that the company had "won the trust of its partners" and signed agreements to build 5G networks with more than 20 countries, including Portugal, France and Germany.

The spokesperson also commented on Japan withdrawing Huawei and Chinese telecom giant ZTE from the government procurement list, due to alleged security breaches by the two firms.

"The Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary (Yoshihide Suga) said the relevant regulations don't aim to exclude the relevant enterprises or equipment. I want to stress that Chinese enterprises and cooperation in Japan is for mutual benefit," Lu said.
Thiruvananthapuram, December 10 : The opposition congress-led UDF on Monday levelled corruption allegations against the CPI(M)-led LDF government over the sanction given for the sale of foreign made foreign liquor (FMFL) in the state.

Addressing the media, senior opposition figures including opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and veteran congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan accused the LDF government of paving the way for unrestricted flow of foreign liquor in the state.

Mr. Radhakrishnan accused the state government of striking clandestine deals with foreign liquor lobbies to pave the way for them to establish their footprint in the state. The former minister also charged that the sanction for sale of FMFL was given without discussing the matter in the state cabinet.

The government must reveal how many crore rupees it received as kickbacks for giving sanction for sale of liquor to the foreign liquor lobby, Mr. Radhakrishnan demanded.

The opposition leaders also came down on the LDF government for giving sanction to beer and wine parlours and clubs to sell FMFL.

They also took exception to the government using the provisions of the finance act for allowing the sale of FMFL through the outlets of the beverages corporation (BEVCO).

Mr. Radhakrishnan, a member of the subject committee that discussed the provisions in the finance bill, had vehemently opposed the move to accord sanction to bevco to sell FMFL.

The state government sanction for sale of FMFL were given by flouting all rules and procedures and were not in accordance with the liquor policy of the state, the opposition charged.

The opposition had originally intended to raise the issue in the assembly by moving a notice for an adjournment motion but the move was thwarted what with the assembly adjourning within minutes of the days session commencing.

This is the second time that the opposition has raised a charge of graft relating to sale of liquor against the LDF government.

Previously, they had charged the state government with accepting kickbacks for sanctioning new breweries and a distillery in the state.

With the issue threating to snowball into a major controversy, the LDF government cancelled the nod given for the setting up of the liquor outlets.
Mumbai, Dec 10 : A global sell-off along with caution ahead of the Assembly election results and a rise in crude oil prices suppressed the key Indian equity indices deep into the red on Monday.

At the end of the day's trade, the Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) fell below the 10,500 mark and the S&P BSE Sensex climbed down from the psychologically significant level of 35,000 points.

In the initial trade hours, the key indices - the S&P BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 - had a gap-down opening and subsequently shed over 750 points and 215 points each on an intra-day low basis.

The Nifty was dragged lower due to weakness in index pivotals Reliance Industries, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC and Infosys.

Market observers said that caution prevailed before the outcome for the Assembly election results which will be known on Tuesday in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.

Exit polls say the Bharatiya Janata Party is facing a tough challenge. The elections are seen as a crucial indicator of public mood before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

In global markets, crude oil prices rose on Monday after the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia on Friday agreed to reduce supplies from January 2019.

In addition, there was a spike in trade war concerns after China on Sunday summoned US Ambassador Terry Branstad over the US arrest warrant for Huawei's global CFO Meng Wanzhou, who was taken into custody in Canada last week.

Major Asian markets closed on a negative note while European indices like FTSE 100, DAX and CAC 40 traded in the red.

Index-wise, wider NSE Nifty50 closed lower by 205.25 points or 1.92 per cent to 10,488.45 points.

The barometer 30-scrip Sensitive Index (Sensex), which opened at 35,204.66 points, closed at 34,959.72 points -- lower by 713.53 points or two per cent -- from its previous session's close of 35,673.25 points.

It touched an intra-day high of 35,246.97 and a low of 34,915.77 points.

"Markets ended with hefty losses on Monday as selling pressure continued during the day after a weak opening. The weakness came on the back of weak global cues amid rising tensions between the US and China as well as disappointing Chinese trade data for November," said HDFC Securities Retail Research Head Deepak Jasani.

Said Geojit Financial Services Head of Research Vinod Nair: "Investor's sentiment turned fragile due to worries over slowing global growth and caution ahead of the final outcome of state elections."

"Unfavourable exit poll results for the ruling party has impacted the sentiment of the market," Nair told IANS.

On the currency front, the Indian rupee weakened to 71.34 against the US dollar from its previous close of 70.81 on last Friday.

In terms of investment, provisional data from the BSE showed that foreign Institutional Investors (FII) bought stocks worth Rs 116.22 crore, whereas the Domestic Institutional Investors (DII) sold shares worth Rs 145.80 crore, Sector-wise, there were no gainers on the BSE.

On the other hand, the S&P BSE banking index plunged 605.06 points, the capital goods index fell 373.31 points and the consumer durables index was down 262.46 points.

The top gainers on the Sensex were Coal India, up 0.76 per cent, at Rs 238.60 and Maruti Suzuki, up 0.49 per cent, at Rs 7,350.10.

In contrast, the major Sensex losers were Kotak Mahindra Bank, down 6.56 per cent, at Rs 1,198.15; Reliance Industries, down 3.95 per cent, at Rs 1,088.50; Adani Ports, down 3.85 per cent, at Rs 359.35; Asian Paints, down 3.48 per cent, at Rs 1,272.70; and Tata Motors, down 3.45 per cent, at Rs 156.85.

Other major companies that slipped during the day's trade were Tata Motors DVR, down 3.25 per cent, at Rs 86.25; Bharti Airtel, down 3.16 per cent, at Rs 294.30; Sun Pharma, down 3.03 per cent, at Rs 398.85; Larsen and Toubro, down 2.29 per cent, at Rs 1,366.45; and HDFC, down 2.21 per cent, at Rs 1,909.20 per share.
Piravom (Kerala), Dec 10 : A group of parishioners on Monday foiled an attempt by the Kerala Police to take control of their church.

Six women and three men reached the terrace of the St Mary's Syrian Jacobite Church in Piravom, after a strong posse of police officers came to take over the Church on the directive of the Supreme Court and hand it over to the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Piravom is around 25 kms from Kochi.

With hundreds of church faithfuls of the Jacobite faction up in arms and shouting slogans asking the police to withdraw, those at the terrace threatened to jump if the police made any attempt to take over the church.

Trouble has been simmering since 2017 when after decades of trial in the Supreme Court came the final verdict that said there was no ground for Jacobites to claim any of the churches of the Orthodox section.

For the Piravom church, the Supreme court last year, citing the original order of the Supreme Court (2017), granted absolute ownership to Orthodox church over all churches including Piravom church, and since then the Orthodox church has been pressurising the Pinarayi Vijayan government to ensure that the rule of law prevails.

But the government, knowing very well that any attempt to implement the apex court order could lead to a serious law and order issue, had been delaying it.

On Monday, the police force led by Rahul R. Nair, SP-Ernakulam (Rural), who spoke to the Jacobite church leadership, said they have no other go but to implement the court directive and hence all should cooperate.

With this the crowd got jittery and three men ran to the terrace of the church and doused themselves in kerosene and the parishioners started to chime the bell of the church.

Soon a group of six women appeared on the terrace and threatened to jump off the terrace, if the police failed to withdraw.

Sensing trouble, the police soon spread a net so that in case any of the protesters jumping off the terrace would fall in the net.

Top brass of the Jacobite church leadership including its supremo Catholicos Baselios Thomas I, when the action was taking outside, was praying inside the church. He later told the media that they wish Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan takes the lead for a conciliation talk with the other faction.

"He is one who has found solutions for vexed problems in our state and we wish he takes the lead for it and we will cooperate," said the supreme head of the Jacobite church.

Piravom constituency legislator Anup Jacob who belongs to the Jacobite church told the media that he has brought this a few times to the attention of Vijayan and his office.

"He is seized of the issue, but no action has been forthcoming from the state government. I had warned the local district authorities that things would go out of control, if any force is used, as was seen today (Monday)," said Jacob.

However, the Orthodox faction reacted to the media on the developments and said they were told by the police to come once they informed them that they had taken control of the church.

"We are ready and we are waiting for the information from police. The Kerala government does not appear that serious to implement the court verdict," said an Orthodox faction representative.

Incidentally, all the action took place a day ahead of a petition filed by the Orthodox church coming up for hearing in the Kerala High Court on Tuesday.

"All what happened on Monday was stage managed by the Kerala Police to avoid adverse remarks from the high court," said another Orthodox faction representative.
London, Dec 10 : Beleaguered industrialist Vijay Mallya must be extradited from the United Kingdom to India to stand trial on charges of committing huge bank frauds, a London court ruled on Monday, saying there was no evidence that the prosecution was politically motivated.

"The criticism made of the possible effect of the considerable media attention which would attend a prosecution of Mallya is not significant enough for this court to find he would not have a fair trial," Westminster Magistrates' Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot said.

"There is insufficient evidence for this court to find that he will not be tried by a competent and fair court," the court said.

The judge also noted that any suggestion that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) courts in India were too "pliable" when it came to CBI cases "is not borne out by reliable evidence".

Arbuthnot, a senior district judge, said she accepted the Indian government's contention that because Mallya had such a high profile, his trial would be under great scrutiny.

"I find that Mallya will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity... It will not be a trial by politicians. Courts are used to dealing with high profile cases which are accompanied by often ill-advised political commentary.

"I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do. As I have already said, the court will be under great scrutiny. I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt."

Referring to defence argument that there was abuse of legal process, the London judge said: "There is no evidence that the prosecution is politically motivated... I find no grounds for finding an abuse of process."

The judge said she was sending Mallya's case to the Home Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order his extradition.

The court ruling came six days after British national and middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, Christian Michael, was extradited to India after his arrest in Dubai.

Mallya fled India in March 2016 but he has repeatedly denied fleeing the country and said he was ready to pay back the money he owed to Indian banks.

Earlier, before appearing in the court, Mallya told reporters: "Whatever the judgement, my legal team will review the judgement if required and take appropriate steps thereafter."

He said he offered to repay the public sector banks and employees what he owed.

"But that has nothing to do with this extradition decision, this is a completely separate matter."

Asked whether his offer of repaying the banks were genuine, he said: "There is nothing genuine or ingenuine. The offer has been made before a court of law, nobody disrespects the court of law by making bogus offers."

He also said that his assets have been attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on their own admission, so they cannot be bogus assets.

"Today, those very same assets are before the court. The ED and the banks are fighting over the same assets. Same assets have a value that is more than enough to pay everybody and that is exactly what I am focusing on," he said.

Welcoming the London court decision, the CBI officials in New Delhi hoped to bring Mallya back to India soon and said that the agency was always strong on facts and legally it was confident while pursuing the extradition process.

Proceedings are on in the Mumbai Special Court against Mallya under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

Kingfisher began defaulting on loans in 2009-10.

Late in 2017, India filed extradition proceedings against Mallya which he has contested. He is currently on bail in London.

On June 22, the ED had moved the Special PMLA Court to declare Mallya a "fugitive economic offender" and confiscate all his properties, estimated at more than Rs 12,000 crore, making it the first such case of its kind under the new FEOA (Fugitive Economic Offender Act) law.
Katowice (Poland), Dec 10 : Global carbon dioxide emissions are rising again but India's ranking has improved by three points, a Germanwatch report said on Monday.

Sweden and Morocco were the leading countries, with the latter making significant expansion of renewable energy. Eight of the G20-countries performed very low, the report said, adding that the US and Saudi Arabia were at the bottom of the Climate Change Performance Index 2019.

India moved to 11th rank from last year's 14 position as a result of an improved performance in renewable energy, comparatively low levels of per capita emissions and a relatively ambitious mitigation target for 2030.

China climbed to rank 33rd, being in the group of the medium-performing countries for the first time.

Beijing performed relatively well regarding its emissions trend from 2014 to 2016, but emissions started to increase again recently, according to the report.

The overall high rating in the climate policy category reflected the government's progress on regulating industrial emissions, building emissions and a successful renewable energy support scheme.

After three consecutive years of stable CO2 emissions, emissions were rising again. The Climate Change Performance Index showed only a few countries that started to implement strategies to limit global warming below two or even 1.5 degrees Celsius.

While there was a continued growth and competitiveness of renewable energy, especially in countries that had low shares before, the index showed a lack of political will of most governments to phase out fossil fuels with the necessary speed.

Because of that, in most countries the climate policy evaluation by national experts was significantly lower than in the last years.

Jan Burck, co-author of the index, told IANS in a statement: "Based on techno-economic developments in the last years, delay in implementation of low-carbon solutions can hardly be justified."

"While the G20 summit has shown strong support of 19 countries to support the Paris agreement, the political will of those governments to set the right frameworks and incentives for its national implementation is not yet reflected in these words," he said.

Niklas HAhne, co-author of the index, said: "Before Paris (agreement), the world was heading to four-five degrees Celsius of global warming. Now we are still on a path to more than three degrees, still a catastrophic perspective.

"The costs of electricity from wind and solar have dropped by roughly a third since then, so all countries can increase ambition and pace," he said.

In 40 of the 56 analysed countries, the emissions decreased between 2011 and 2016. However, investments in fossil fuel infrastructure were leading to a high risk of a lock-in into high emissions pathways.

The top three positions of the Climate Change Performance Index 2019 were still unoccupied, because none of the 56 countries or the EU were clearly on a well below two degrees Celsius pathway in their overall performance.

In total, the countries' ambition as well as the level of implementation was not high enough, the report said.

With comparably good ratings in emissions and renewable, Sweden was ranked fourth, followed by Morocco that significantly increased its share of renewable energy capacity and has an ambitious national climate target.

Germany fell again, from place 22nd to 27th rank and was now in the middle of medium-performing countries.

The very low performers were almost half of the G20 countries. They were Japan (49), Turkey (50), Russian Federation (52), Canada (54), Australia (55) and Korea (57). And at the bottom of the index were the US (59) and Saudi Arabia (60).

The US again lost several places due to its low to very low-rated performance in the greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy and energy use.

(Vishal Gulati is in Katowice at the invitation of Climate Trends to cover the 24th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP24. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
New Delhi, Dec 10 : Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel's sudden resignation on Monday sent a shock wave across political and business arena as the country saw it as a mark of dissent and a clear danger to the credibility of the central bank.

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said: "It's probably only the second resignation in its (RBI) history, may be the first explicit resignation and therefore we have to look at the circumstances that have led to it. It's a statement of dissent and therefore the government has to be very careful in dealing with it...so that the autonomy of the institution as well as the credibility is preserved."

Rajan said that the act of resignation is the "ultimate weapon" in a government appointee's portfolio and they do not exercise it lightly. "To that extent we must look at this decision and understand why Dr Patel, who was appointed by this government, essentially exercised this particular option."

Earlier, RBI Governor Patel shocked the country by announcing his resignation from the apex bank with immediate effect citing personal reasons. The resignation has generated apprehensions in the market and a political slugfest with Congress blaming the Modi government for Patel's sudden departure.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said the Modi government has been attacking the autonomy of the central bank which eventually has culminated in Patel's resignation.

"We deprecate the systematic attack by the government on India's economy through a select band of government nominees arbitrarily dictating the monitory policies and compromising RBI's institutional integrity," Gandhi said.

He added that India needs a truthful government that does not propagate falsehoods but steadfastly follows Constitutional values and conventions in letter and spirit and "respects the autonomy of institutions, and that will banish the current all-pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation".

Even former Finance Miniser and Congress leader P. Chidambaram expressed his dismay over Patel's sudden decision to demit office.

"Saddened, not surprised, by Dr Urjit Patel's resignation. No self respecting scholar or academic can work in this government," Chidambaram said in a tweet.

"November 19 was the day of reckoning. Dr Patel should have resigned on that day. Patel may have thought that government would re-trace its steps. I knew it would not. Good, he quit before another humiliating meeting."

Patel's resignation comes in the backdrop of an ongoing tiff between the government and the central bank over liquidity issue, RBI reserves and whether a board should drive RBI which provoked an extraordinary meeting of the RBI board on November 19.

Concerned over the reasons that led Patel to resign and worried about its fallout on the market, former RBI Governor C. Rangarajan said the government should immediately fill the gap.

"It is saddening since the resignation of RBI Governor will have its impact on the financial market. The government should act immediately and appoint a new Governor. Though he (Patel) has cited as personal reasons for quitting, obviously there must have been some reasons for his resignation," Rangarajan told IANS.

As to the reason for his surprise, he said, "I had thought many of the issues (between RBI and the Central government) were resolved in the last board meeting of RBI and the remaining issues would also be sorted out."

RBI board member S. Gurumurthy said Patel's resignation is a setback to the effects of the convergence of views that was taking place.

"Surprised at the news that RBI governor has resigned. The previous meeting was held in such cordial atmosphere that it comes as a shock," he said on twitter.
New Delhi : New Delhi , Dec 10 (IANS) A here court on Monday ordered the framing of criminal misconduct charges against former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, his wife and others in a disproportionate assests case.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj said that charges will be formally framed against Singh, his wife Pratibha and seven other accused on January 7.

The CBI had alleged that Virbhadra Singh was in possession of assets worth around Rs. 10 crore in his name as well as in those of his family members.

The CBI said that Singh has failed to give a satisfactory answer regarding the assets which did not tally with his known income.

The court has ordered to frame charges under Section 13 (2) read with Section 13 (1) (e) of Prevention of Corruption Act (public servant who commits criminal misconduct and possesses pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to his known sources of income) against the former minister.

The court has also ordered framing of charges under Section 465 (forgery), Section 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) and Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The court has ordered to frame charges dealing with abetment and forgery against Life Insurance Corporation agent Anand Chauhan, and former minister's associate Chunni Lal, Joginder Singh Ghalta, Prem Raj, Lawan Kumar Roach, Vakamullah Chandrashekhar and Ram Prakash Bhatia.

During the period from May 28, 2009 to June 26, 2012, Virbhadra Singh, as Union Minister of Steel and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, committed criminal misconduct.

The CBI also alleged that co-accused Pratibha Singh intentionally and actively abated Virbhadra Singh in investing his ill-gotten and unaccounted money in her and their children's names, the court observed.

The CBI has accused the senior Congress leader of trying to justify the income as agricultural.

The other accused allegedly tried to legitimise his disproportionate assets by creating false documents in the shape of a Memorandum of Understanding, sale proceeds and others.

Chauhan was instrumental in depositing the unaccounted money in LIC policies, the agency alleged.
New Delhi, Dec 10 : The British High Commission has not got the consular access to its national Chritian James Michel, who was extradited to Indian from the UAE on December 4 in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal case, a source said on Monday.

The British High Commission has not got the consular access of Michel yet, "but we are in close touch with the authorities and we know they are working on the request", the source told IANS.

The remarks came soon after a Delhi Court on Monday again sent Michel to five days' police custody till December 15. He was presented before the court after expiry of his five-day CBI custody.

On December 6, the CBI said that it has received the request from the British High Commission for consular access.
Ghaziabad, Dec 10 : Police in Ghaziabad on Monday said they had busted a gang of thieves who robbed a Ghaziabad jeweller of Rs 2 crore on November 14 and recovered cash and jewellery besides weapons and motorcycles used in the crime.

Additional Director General of Police Prashant Kumar said the criminals were nabbed from Mohan Nagar.

The arrested men were identified as Arush alias Malik, Manoj Pandey, Vineet and Yogendra. A fifth man is absconding.

The police announced a reward of Rs 50,000 to the police team which caught the criminals.
Panaji, Dec 10 : Four police personnel were suspended after an accused, Ishwar Makrana from Indore, who was booked with two others in a gangrape case in May, escaped from custody on Monday, police said.

The suspended policemen, including a Head Constable and three constables, were part of an escort team which was acccompaning the accused to a TB hospital in Panaji from Colvale Central Jail where the 24-year-old had been held.

Makrana and two others were arrested for allegedly robbing and gangraping a 20-year-old Goan girl at the Betalbatim beach in South Goa.
Mumbai, Dec 10 : Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel resigned on Monday with immediate effect, citing "personal reasons", setting of a major crisis in India's politico-economic sphere, even as his various predecessors hinted that the move was rooted in the recent controversy involving the government and the central bank.

Patel's resignation comes in the backdrop of the ongoing tiff between the government and the central bank over the liquidity and credit crunch in the economy that provoked an extraordinary meeting of the RBI board on November 19.

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position effective immediately," Patel said in a brief statement released by the RBI.

Patel had taken charge as Governor on September 4, 2016, for a three-year term, following Raghuram Rajan's decision not to seek a second term which had almost become the norm with earlier Governors.

The historic tensions in government-central bank relations were reignited in October when, in a public lecture, RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya talked about the independence of the Reserve Bank, arguing that any compromise could be "potentially catastrophic" for the economy.

The government responded with the Finance Ministry seeking discussions with the central bank under the never-used-before Section 7 of the RBI Act which empowers the government to issue directions to the RBI Governor, who then summoned a meeting of the bank board.

The government's differences with the RBI centres on four issues - it wanted liquidity support to head off any risk of a credit freeze, a relaxation in capital requirements for lenders, relaxing the prompt corrective action (PCA) rules for banks struggling with accumulated non-performing assets (NPAs or bad loans) and support for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Central to the liquidity issue was the government's demand that the RBI hand over its surplus reserves by amending its "economic capital framework". Analysts noted that the government's demand came in the face of a huge fiscal deficit and the need to boost the economy in an election year.

The RBI's central board has 18 members, which includes the Governor and his four deputies as full-time official directors, while the rest have been nominated by the government, including the Economic Affairs and Financial Services Secretaries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Patel before the board meeting and what emerged on November 19 was seen as settling the debate on the central bank's autonomy and clearly establishing the government as a stakeholder in policy making.

On the issue of reserves, the RBI board decided to form an expert committee to examine its economic capital framework, which will decide the amount of reserves it can maintain, handing over the balance to the government.

On the matter of relaxing the PCA norms for banks with bad loans, it decided that the issue will be examined by the RBI's Board for Financial Supervision.

Eleven of the 21 state-run banks are under the PCA framework, while NPAs accumulated in the Indian banking system have touched a staggering Rs 12 lakh crore.

"The RBI-government fight has been pushed down, abated for now and postponed, but the NPAs issue continues to remain," Sudipto Mundle on the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy had said following the RBI board meeting.

Describing Patel's resignation as a statement of protest, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said the government needs to understand what prompted the exit.

"It's probably only the second resignation in RBI's history, may be the first explicit resignation, and therefore we have to look at the circumstances that have led to it. It's a statement of dissent and the government has to be very careful in dealing with it...so that the autonomy of the institution as well as the credibility is preserved," Rajan told a news channel.

He said the act of resignation is the "ultimate weapon" in a government appointee's portfolio and they do not exercise it lightly.

"To that extent we must look at this decision and understand why Dr Patel, who was appointed by this government, essentially exercised this particular option," he added.

Another former RBI Governor, C. Rangarajan, worried about the fallout of Patel's quitting on the market.

"It is saddening since the resignation of RBI Governor will have its impact on the financial market. Though he (Patel) has cited as personal reasons for quitting, obviously there must have been some other reasons for his resignation," Rangarajan said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said Patel's quitting is a sign that the government is getting increasingl desperate.

"The government is taking measures that are dangerous for our country. The RBI Governor has resigned because he is protecting the institution of the RBI and he is not able to function. Taking away the reserves from the RBI to save your skin is an act that is against this nation," he said.

"I am very-very proud that people in all walks of life and all institutions are standing up. We are not going to tolerate what is happening in the CBI, what is happening in the RBI and what is happening to every institution in this country, and all of us are saying this in one voice," he added.

Asked about the government-RBI tiff, former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian told reporters here on Saturday that the central bank's autonomy must be protected because the country will benefit from strong institutions.

"I have myself advocated that RBI should play a pro-active role, but its surplus funds should not go towards routine financing of spending and deficit financing -- that would amount to raiding the RBI," he added.

On the RBI board, with a majority of government nominees, the former CEA said: "I think that part of maintaining a real autonomy is not to politicise the board. The board should not be politicised. Not only it must not be done, it must not be seen to be done either."
Guwahati, Dec 10 : Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday said the government will provide one-time financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to everyone who suffered bullet injuries during the Assam movement.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of "Shahid Diwas" (martyr's day) here, Sonowal said the government will also publish a book on the historical Assam movement that led to the signing of Assam Accord between the then Congress government at the Centre and the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) leadership.

Sonowal also reiterated his government's commitment to implement every clause of the Assam Accord in letter and spirit and to safeguard the interests of the people of the state.

"The Assam movement was a strong manifestation of people's power and a great example of non-violent means of protest. This was one of the most significant parts of India's history as the movement aimed at safeguarding unity and sovereignty of the country," he said.
Shimla, Dec 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah will address a public meeting in Dharamsala town on December 27, the day the state BJP government is completing its one year tenure, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Monday.

The Chief Minister said thousands of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the state government along with the general public would participate in the rally which would be made a historic event.

He said that an exhibition showcasing one-year achievements of the state would also be highlighted during the occasion.

Thakur said Shah along with national BJP leaders and minister would also attend the rally.
Snow removal fail: I would like to thank the county, IDOT and all the cities in northern Illinois that were hit by the snowstorm for completely abandoning their duty. I plow snow for a living. I have to get to account to account overnight, and it was virtually impossible for me in a four-wheel drive to get from Elgin to Elburn to Geneva because these guys simply packed in and waited for the snow to quit falling. Claiming they couldnt keep up with it was such hogwash. Its their job to keep the roads as safe as possible. If we can be out plowing during a storm, they certainly can be.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : The new agriculture export policy will not be of much help to farmers and also to boost exports of fruits and vegetables, unless various departments dealing with such exports become proactive in their operations, exporters has said.

They accused Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage (DPPQS) of not taking adequate steps to boost shipments to overseas.

"I do not think that the new agriculture export policy will be of much help to farmers unless organisations such as APEDA and DPPQS take adequate measures to be proactive in their operations and play an honest role in promoting exports, which unfortunately has not been the case so far," West Bengal Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) Exporters Welfare Association's Joint Secretary Ankush Saha said on Monday.

According to them, the European Commission had prohibited the import of certain plants and vegetables from India in 2014 and subsequently, the ban was lifted in September, 2016. An order to resume exports of vegetables was issued.

He alleged two years have been passed since then, but export of some vegetables to the European Union (EU) has not been possible.

"DPPQS is not ready to issue the Phyto-Sanitary Certificate and is even showing unwillingness to inspect the product. APEDA has also not taken adequate steps to facilitate the export of these vegetables," he said.

According to him, nearly 3,000 kg of vegetables including different varieties of spinach, gourd and brinjal were exported from West Bengal to Europe, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and others, every day before the ban was issued in 2014.

This has now down to near zero, even though the ban has been revoked, he said.

The state also used to export Rs 50-60 crore worth of betel leaves to EU.

However, following the issuance of non-compliance by EU against a consignment due to microbiological contamination and APEDA suspending the exporter, exports of betel leaves to the EU from Kolkata has become stagnant since September 2017 since exporters fear suspension.

"I feel the APEDA should do a root cause analysis and deploy two or microbiologists to find out the main cause behind the contamination," he added.
Mumbai, Dec 11 : Ratings agency ICRA on Monday gave a negative outlook on the airline industry and said that strong passenger demand is offset by capacity additions leading to intense competition and continued pressure on yields.

"Many of the industry players have weak balance sheet structure; and with rising losses in the near term, the industry would need Rs 350 billion equity infusion," the ICRA said in a statement.

"Rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price and rupee depreciation has squeezed RASK-CASK (revenue per available seat kilometre - cost per available seat kilometre) spread, exerting significant pressure on operating profitability of airlines. This will result in significantly higher losses (at net level) in FY2019 vis-a-vis FY2018..."

However, the airline industry maintains strong capacity addition plans, as reflected in the large order book of the domestic airlines, noted ICRA.

According to Kinjal Shah, Vice President and Co-Head - Corporate Sector Ratings, ICRA: "While the passenger traffic growth remained strong during FY2018 and H1 FY2019, the industry faced a double whammy with increasing ATF prices and rupee depreciation."

"The cost pressures are expected to continue in the balance part of FY2019, resulting in further weakening of the financial health of the industry."
Shillong, Dec 11 : Five-time former Meghalaya Chief Minister Donwa Dethwelson Lapang, who had quit the Congress, on Monday joined the ruling National People's Party (NPP) after his appointment as Chief Advisor to the nine-month-old Conrad Sangma-led government.

Lapang joining the tribal-centric NPP was a major blow to the Congress in the northeastern state as it came ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"Lapang joining NPP has added tremendous value to the party. His experience, wisdom and knowledge will guide the party to grow further as we propagate the agenda of raising the concerns of the people of Meghalaya and Northeast," Sangma said.

Accusing the Congress party of neglecting senior party leaders, the Chief Minister said: "It pains me to see that Congress party has adopted a policy of use and throw. I really wonder if they can use and throw Lapang, what they can do to the common citizen of Meghalaya and their party members."

Claiming that people across India are rejecting the Congress for its partisan politics, Sangma, who is also the NPP national president said: "In NPP, we respect our seniors, we respect our elders, and a person of the stature of Lapang will be an inspiration for everyone in NPP."

Lapang had quit the Congress - with which he was associated for over four decades - on September 14, saying it had embarked on a policy of phasing out senior and elderly people.

"I am opening a new chapter in my career. I have been in politics for 50 long years and have been serving this constituency (Nongpoh) for 40 years and also in different capacities.

"Today, I could see that with changing of time we have to also update ourselves and I find it fit that in my last political journey, I should associate myself with a party that is workable and is acceptable by the people of Meghalaya," he said.
Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 11 : Main opposition BJP on Monday supported Karnataka farmers' agitation here for meeting their demands by the state government and provide them relief from the fallout of drought in 17 districts across the state.

"We joined hundreds of farmers at the protest rally near the state legislature building (Suvarna Soudha) in support of their demands, including loan waiver, fair price for sugarcane growers and relief aid for them and their families in drought-hit districts," tweeted BJP's state unit president B.S. Yeddyurappa.

The massive protest demonstration amid tight security in the state's northwest city coincided with the opening of the 10-day winter session of the state legislature here, about 500km northwest of Bengaluru.

"Though the JD-S-Congress coalition government announced in July that it would waive farm loans, thousands of farmers are yet to be freed from the debt burden even five months after the decision" said BJP leader and lawmaker R. Ashok on the occasion.

The BJP, which won 104 seats in the May 12 assembly elections, also taunted state Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for assuring the sugarcane growers of compelling the mill owners in setting their arrears and getting fair and remunerative price (Rs 2,750 per quintal or 100kg) as fixed by the central government but betraying them.

"The sugarcane farmers were told on November 21 that their demands would be met by December 4 and hence should call off their agitation. They suspended the agitation in the hope of getting their demands met. Even a week after, no demand was met yet," Yeddyurappa lamented.

The BJP also slammed the government for not providing relief aid to the farmers and the rural people in the 17 districts across the state, reeling under drought though the central government had sanctioned funds.

"We condemn the anti-farmer policies of this fledgling government which is yet to settle down and perform to deliver even six months after coming to power through a post-poll alliance to keep the BJP out of power," said Yeddyruappa in the tweet.

Though the legislature assembly and council began the session, the proceedings were adjourned for the day after the members paid tributes to the three leaders who died last month in Bengaluru as a mark of respect to them./Eom/370 words.
Kolkata, Dec 11 : Former West Bengal minister Abdus Sattar, who severed his long association with the CPI-M last year, on Monday joined the Congress, calling it the only party capable of challenging the communal policies of the BJP.

Sattar, who served as Minister of State for Minorities Development during the Left Front regime, was welcomed into the Congress by state party chief Somen Mitra and in-charge of Bengal Gaurav Gogoi.

"I decided to join the Congress after I became convinced it is the only party that can stand up to the communal onslaught launched by the BJP across the country," Sattar told mediapersons at the state Congress headquarters Bidhan Bhavan.

Sattar had not renewed his membership of the Communist Party of India-Marxist in 2017. Since then, he had not been associated with any party.
Melbourne couple Mrs Shilpa Karandikar and Mr Shrikrishna Karandikar have pleaded guilty in the Moorabbin Magistrates Court following an ASIC investigation.

On 5 December 2018, Mr and Mrs Karandikar, of Clarinda, Victoria, separately pleaded guilty to offences against the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (National Credit Act) which include breaching an ASIC banning order.

Mrs Karandikar was convicted of engaging in credit activities contrary to a four-year ASIC banning order against her, and sentenced to a fine of $5,000 (out of a maximum fine of $17,000).

Mrs Karandikar admitted to having prepared home loan applications to the National Australia Bank for three customers between July 2014 and August 2015 through her husbands former mortgage broking business, Siddhi Vinayak Finance Pty Ltd. The 2014 banning order was based on Mrs Karandikar having submitted false documents to secure a $243,000 home loan for a customer (14-173MR).

In sentencing Mrs Karandikar, Magistrate Crisp indicated it was a serious matter as Mrs Karandikar was engaging in the exact activities she had been banned from doing.

Mr Karandikar was convicted of giving false documents to the National Australia Bank, stating that he had completed customer identification forms in the presence of the home loan applicants, when he had not. Mr Karandikar was sentenced to a fine of $5,000 (out of a maximum fine of $17,000)

Mr and Mrs Karandikar were permanently banned from engaging in credit activities in December 2017 (17-434MR).

Background

The National Australia Bank identified the misconduct and reported it to ASIC.

The maximum fine and term of imprisonment for each charge is:

s 82 of the National Credit Act (100 penalty units and/or two years imprisonment;

s 160D of the National Credit Act (100 penalty units and/or two years imprisonment).

Prior to 1 July 2015, a penalty unit was $170. A bill to increase the penalty units for these types of offences, and others, is currently before Parliament.
Apollo 8 commander Frank Borman stands inside the new exhibit that features his personal space and aviation artifacts, which opened on Dec. 7, 2018, at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. ( It means so much to me for this collection to be here and that others will enjoy it.

The EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh has opened The Borman Collection: An EAA Members Space Odyssey, an exhibit that features the personal archives and memorabilia of astronaut Frank Borman, who was on the leading edge of Americas space program through the 1960s. The new exhibit was formally opened with a ribbon cutting by Borman on Friday, December 7.

EAA received the collection last spring when Borman donated it to the association, of which he is a lifetime member. The personal archives contain hundreds of artifacts, including items carried aboard space capsules, awards received for his accomplishments, and correspondence with world leaders, celebrities, and other notable figures. The Borman Collection also highlights Bormans aviation career, which included U.S. Air Force service prior to NASA.

This is one of most noteworthy donations ever received by the EAA museum, said Bob Campbell, EAA museum director. We are honored that Col. Borman chose EAA to permanently display his personal artifacts from his aviation and space experiences. This is a part of unmatched American history that people will now be able to enjoy in perpetuity here at EAA.

Borman is best known as the commander of the famed Apollo 8 mission, which in December 1968 was the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon. The three astronauts aboard  Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders  made hundreds of observations and notations during the moon orbits that became the foundation for the Apollo moon landings that followed. The memorable flight was noted for unforgettable moments such as the famed Earthrise photo and the crew reading from the Book of Genesis while orbiting the moon on Christmas Eve.

Borman, who in 1962 was a member of the second group of astronauts selected by NASA, was previously joined by Lovell on the Gemini 7 mission in 1965. At that time, the mission set a space endurance record of more than 330 hours.

I have a long relationship with EAA and have the greatest respect for what they do, said Borman, an EAA lifetime member, when asked why he chose to donate his collection to the museum in Oshkosh. I believe they are responsible for preserving general aviation and our ability to fly. It means so much to me for this collection to be here and that others will enjoy it.

The Borman Collection is located on the museums main floor, near the iconic Wright Flyer replica. It is accessible to all museum visitors as part of regular admission.

About EAA Aviation Museum

The EAA Aviation Museum is located just off Interstate 41 at the Highway 44 exit in Oshkosh. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EAA members receive free museum admission year-round. For more information, call the EAA Aviation Museum at (920) 426-6108 or visit http://www.eaa.org/museum.
Virgin of Guadalupe Rose Installation DIY shoppers bringing fresh flowers to holiday mass are part of the high volume flower sales. Production of big ticket custom design work like rose installations; flower arches and other floral adornment pieces for churches is the strongest of the year for the religious sector

Business is blooming this week as California Flower Mall petalers fill fresh flower orders to honor La Virgencita  Our Lady of Guadalupe  the Patroness of Mexico. The December 12 Catholic holy day celebrates the rose filled miracles performed by the Virgin of Guadalupe for Aztec peasant Juan Diego and a Mexican Catholic Bishop. Mexican-American Catholics show adoration for the Virgin by bringing fresh flower gifts to feast day mass and creating flower decorated shrines at home. Catholic parishes and schools create elaborate flower filled Virgin of Guadalupe shrines, altar displays, rose installations and pageant flowers.

CFM is the only major Downtown LA wholesale flower market open late evenings through Dia De Las Virgen De Guadalupe Wednesday, December 12. CFMs extended holiday hours are:

 Mon. Dec. 10, 2018 - 4:30 am - 7 pm

 Tue. Dec. 11, 2018 - 4:30 am - 9 pm

 Wed. Dec. 12, 2018 - 4:30 am - 6 pm

The Virgin of Guadalupe is the Patron Saint of Mexico. The day of La Virgen is an important affirmation of cultural and religious identity for many Mexican-Americans. Mark Chatoff owner and president of the city block wide California Flower Mall wholesale flower market says The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the first of several major profitable winter flower holidays for CFMs 30 family owned and operated wholesale flower showrooms. DIY shoppers bringing fresh flowers to holiday mass are part of the high volume flower sales. Production of big ticket custom design work like rose installations; flower arches and other floral adornment pieces for churches is the strongest of the year for the religious sector, he says.

Red roses are central to the story of the Virgin of Guadalupes appearance and the many miracles she performed for a Mexican peasant and Catholic Bishop in 1531. Millions of Mexican-American Southern California worshipers attend theatrical, flower filled masses for the brown skinned Virgen de Guadalupe. Hispanic based Catholic parishes adorn her with gifts of flowers, serenades, candle light processions, mariachi performers and Aztec dancers.

About California Flower Mall

The California Flower Mall http://www.californiaflowermall.com is located at 825 San Pedro Street with parking at the 824 San Julian Street entrance. CFM is the largest premier DIY downtown LA wholesale flower market in the eight block Downtown LA Flower District trade community -- the largest concentration of wholesale flower markets and flower businesses in the U.S. It is located in the LA Fashion District Business Improvement District. CFM customer amenities include no entry fee, an ATM, on-site patio cafe dining, customer restrooms, and on-site parking. Contact CFM flower vendors directly for flower availability, prices and orders here http://californiaflowermall.com/floor-map-vendor-directory/
Cantors Driving School Florida car Cantors Driving School owner Frank Cantor comments: Cantors Driving School continues its growth in Florida because we offer a better driving school experience, while keeping our strong values as a family owned and operated business.

Cantors Driving School announces that it now offers driving lessons in 6 counties along the southeastern coat of Florida. Already well-established as a leading driving school in in Broward County and Palm Beach County, Cantor's Driving School is now in Miami-Dade County to the south, along with Martin County, St Lucie County, and Indian River County to the north. The service area map on the new website (https://www.cantorsdrivingschoolfl.com/cantors-service-area/) shows the expansion clearly.

This latest expansion continues the swift growth of Cantors Driving School in Florida. Started in 1976 in Pennsylvania, Cantors Driving School commenced operations in Florida in 2011. Also operating in Arizona and Nevada now, Cantors Driving School is the largest family-owned, non-franchise driving school in the United States. Also, Cantor's Driving School is authorized as a third party tester by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to administer the road test at their main office location in Atlantis, FL, another move that has enabled the driving school to grow.

Cantors Driving School owner Frank Cantor comments: Cantors Driving School continues its growth in Florida because we offer a better driving school experience, while keeping our strong values as a family owned and operated business.

All driving instructors at Cantors Driving School are off-duty or former police officers, another strong attraction for student drivers seeking the best instruction. Lessons are competitively prices and students can save money by purchasing a package of driving lessons that includes the driver's road test.

About Cantors Driving School - The Driving School That Gets Results

Cantors Driving School is one of the longest continually operated driver training schools in the nation. Over 50,000 drivers have learned to drive with Cantors Driving School, which was started in Pennsylvania in 1976. Cantors Driving School is a Florida state-registered driving school (license #4032) and a member of the Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA). Cantors Driving School is a AAA-Approved Driving School in Florida.

Cantor's Driving School offers private, one-on-one, on-the-road driving lessons 7 days a week, day and evening hours, with door-to-door service, with money-saving packages of driving lessons (https://www.cantorsdrivingschoolfl.com/driver-training-packages/). It also offers a convenient Florida state-approved driver's education online courses, including the Florida First Time Driver mandatory course, permit prep test, and official DMV permit test, along with 2 online traffic school courses.

Contact Cantors Driving School

For more information or to inquire about driving lessons, online drivers courses or other services, please call the southeastern Florida office at 954-740-1103 or visit Cantors Driving School website at https://www.cantorsdrivingschoolfl.com.
CCC is the leader in turbomachinery train optimization services for upstream, midstream and downstream operators. The new Saudi Arabia facility will further expand CCCs staff and bolster its local capabilities in a thriving region for the upstream and downstream oil & gas industries.

CCC (Compressor Controls Corporation) the leader in Turbomachinery Train Optimization Services for upstream, midstream and downstream operators today announced that it has opened a new Sales and Service facility in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. This new facility highlights CCCs commitment to servicing existing customers in Saudi Arabia, and bolsters CCCs ability to service new projects throughout the region.

CCCs Turbo Train Optimization Services enable oil & gas and petrochemical operators to optimize efficiency, enhance yield and improve the safety & security of processes that use Turbomachinery. CCCs local consultants collaborate with plant operators as well as process, machinery & maintenance engineers to optimize the design and tuning of turbomachinery control systems to maximize plant yield and minimize energy consumption.

CCCs optimization capabilities rely on a time-tested and proven combination of hardware, software and professional services, delivered by local experts that can immerse themselves in a customers operations, said CCCs Islam Fahmi. This new office expands our capabilities to help CCC's customers in Saudi Arabia, and it will also enable us to attract new projects throughout the Middle East."

For turbomachinery optimization projects, proper design, control strategies and hardware selection can eliminate efficiency constraints at the outset. Even in established plants throughout the Middle East that operate 24x7 (where it is not possible to completely redesign piping and valve architectures), CCCs experts can still deliver significant gains by implementing control systems with advanced algorithms that improve compressor and turbine operational effectiveness. CCCs expertise in deploying compressor performance, speed, load-sharing, and anti-surge controls enables plants to expand the operating envelop for equipment - all while optimizing a compressor trains energy usage.

CCCs analysts & consultants have garnered more than two billion hours of operational experience from tens-of-thousands of machinery control installations around the globe. The new Saudi Arabia facility will further expand CCCs staff and bolster its local capabilities in this thriving region for the upstream and downstream oil & gas industries.

Local customers in the region who would like to see the new facility, located on Floor #3, Unit #1 of the Adeer Tower, at 7383 Prince Turkey Street in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia are encouraged to contact their local CCC representative, or saudiarabia@cccglobal.com.

About Compressor Controls Corporation (CCC)

CCC is the industry leading turbomachinery optimization company for the upstream, midstream and downstream Oil & Gas industry. Since 1974, more than 37,000 installations have benefitted from more than two billion hours of CCCs operational experience. This expertise is codified in a comprehensive platform of hardware, software and consulting services that optimize turbomachinery to improve processes, increase yield, save energy, reduce downtime and enhance plant safety & security. CCCs optimization platform is technology-agnostic, and CCCs local experts deliver field-proven solutions anywhere around the globe. For more information, please visit: https://www.cccglobal.com.


Director of Cooperatives, Ridley Joseph delivering his speech to the pineapple farmers community at Teoma Area
"Not that we are planning a revolution - we are more measured than the French - but certainly an evolution of thought is required. On Tuesday night we will all be part of History!"

A private event that is being billed as a gathering of political genius and the introduction of a fresh new political philosophy may be the most important American philosophical arrival to Europe since Thomas Jefferson arrived in Paris in 1784.

On Tuesday the 11th December at a private evening reception, Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens will address a gathering of friends and media on The Solution to Cultural Marxism.

The great and the good of the capital, and some of the brightest Freedom Fighters of the day will arrive to hear their plans and to launch Turning Point's International global tour.

Cultural Marxism is not an American problem nor is it a British problem it is an international problem said Mr John Mappin who is hosting the event at a private London Club with Lord and Lady Plunket and Peter Southall.

Charlie is planning a world tour in 2019 and this event is its inception.

On Tuesday evening Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens will ignite minds and empower the Spirit of Freedom in Great Britain.

The fact that Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens are arriving on the scheduled date of the most important political vote in our history is a coincidence that will not be lost on some alert observers.

Charlie has extremely clear views on Brexit and as one of the people closest to the presidency, the first family and the administration he will be here with a ringside seat on the day of this historic Brexit vote. Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens will have plenty to say about how a failed Brexit will effect the future of Britain said Mr. Mappin.

Mr Mappin went on to say:

"There has not been a political arrival like this in Europe since the arrival of Jefferson in Paris in 1784 and the export of his ideas of freedom."

"Not that we are planning a revolution - we are more measured than the French - but certainly an evolution of thought is required."

Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens will be available for media interviews.
CWCBExpo New York exhibit floor is selling out fast, and we expect it to be the leading event in the East for the latest information, resources and connections for the cannabis industry, said Greg Marco, President, Leading Edge Expositions, producers of CWCBExpo.

The most active U.S. markets in the cannabis industry-- California, Massachusetts and the New York Tri-State area -- will once again host the CWCBExpo (Cannabis World Congress) leading B2B trade shows and conferences.

The 2019 dates and locations are:

6th Annual CWCBExpo New York

May 29-June 1, 2019

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

New York, NY

6th Annual CWCBExpo Los Angeles

September 25-28, 2019

Los Angeles Convention Center

Los Angeles, CA

3rd Annual CWCBExpo Boston

October 23-26, 2019

Hynes Convention Center

Boston, MA

The CWCBExpo signature events for the cannabis industry take place in the biggest US markets for business, finance, manufacturing, technology, and media attention. Its highly qualified attendees are looking to start a new cannabis company or division within their mainstream business, invest, acquire knowledge and skills as healthcare or specialized providers, and are established cannabis businesses looking to take their brand or retail operation to the next level and remain competitive.

With the Northeast a hotbed of activity for the cannabis industry, New Jersey is on the cusp of legalizing recreational marijuana with projections of the state having an $ 850 million cannabis industry by 2022, CWCBExpo New York in June is poised to be the biggest B2B cannabis event in the East.

CWCBExpo New York exhibit floor is selling out fast, and we expect it to be the leading event in the East for the latest information, resources and connections for the cannabis industry, said Greg Marco, President, Leading Edge Expositions, producers of CWCBExpo.

As the industrys classroom, the CWCBExpo educational programs are also unmatched learning experiences that provide conference delegates with market specific information as well as provide current tools and information to navigate this ever-evolving industry. The programs are designed to facilitate interaction and mind-share with leading experts, influencers, and market leaders.

CWCBExpo was the first industry trade show to spotlight hemp and its rich history of industrial and medicinal uses, and in 2019 the CWCBExpo events will have an expanded Hemp Pavilion, sponsored by the National Hemp Association. Current information on the state of the hemp industry in the US and internationally as well as updates on current hemp legislation and regulation, best practices in cultivation, running a hemp business and investing will be presented.

New for 2019 will be Technology Pavilions showcasing the latest advancements and science that is propelling the industry and developing enhanced medicinal and recreational products and giving businesses competitive advantages.

The exhibit floors and sponsorships at CWCBExpo in 2019 will be filled with industry stalwarts as well as new and emerging cannabis business providers and service companies representing all facets of the industry. Some of the current Sponsors for 2019 events include: Elixinol, Alt 36, National Hemp Exchange, National Hemp Association, CCELL, Planting Your Financial Seed, and 3D Printing and Advanced Robotics.

Registration is now open for all three events, with the best pre-show pricing at the re-designed CWCBExpo.com website. For more information go to http://www.cwcbexpo.com.

About Cannabis World Congress & Business Expositions (CWCBExpo)

CWCBExpo are the premier business-to-business events for the legalized cannabis industry and are held 3 times per year in the largest business, financial, and media marketsNew York, Los Angeles and Boston. Connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn: @cwcbexpo.
Rob Carr, an innovative operations and IT executive, has joined the EBMS team as Vice President of Client Implementation and Technology.

Carr is an accomplished business executive with extensive experience in defining and executing strategic initiatives to drive sales growth and cost efficiency. His approach is customer and employee centric, matching technology solutions to business challenges.

He comes to EBMS after over 30 years as senior Vice President of Carrier Solutions and Professional Services at HealthPlan Services. HPS is a division of Wipro, a leading provider of sales, benefits administration and technology solutions to the insurance and managed care industries.

Carrs expertise in user-friendly implementations and configuration management has helped HPS grow and increase system performance, reducing risk and strengthening security. Among his many accomplishments was managing multiple initiatives converting over 3.5 million members.

In his new role at EBMS, Carr will provide oversight for the Project Management Office, IT and the configuration team. Directors of IT and the configuration team will report to him.

Robs extensive experience will truly be an asset for EBMS, said Executive Vice President Melissa Lyon. He will help us continue to improve our processes and operations in support of a high level of growth through increased sales and service, as well as mergers and acquisitions that improve the lives of our clients and members.

Lyon said Carr is skilled at communicating a company vision with team members and interacting with clients to explain opportunities and updates in plans, vendors and product designs.

Carr graduated from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., with a BA in Marketing and Management.

ABOUT EBMS

Employment Benefit Management Services, Inc., was founded in Billings in 1980 as Montanas first third-party administrator. EBMS now serves more than 275 organizations and nearly 150,000 employees and family members across the U.S.

The company offers a broad range of services to help employers manage their healthcare, including benefit administration, on-site/near-site health centers, clinical and specialty pharmacy programs, employer direct network management, captive insurance risk services, and flex, HRA and HSA administration.
Learn about some of the common legal issues that often arise during the representation of innovators and inventors.

In today's economic environment, intellectual property (IP) rights have become increasingly important assets for both individual and corporate entities. More and more, both are recognizing the economic importance of IP rights--whether those rights consist of a single patent--or whether they consist of an entire portfolio also including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

This information-packed Financial Poise INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY-201 2018 webinar series focuses on the intricacies of IP rights as they relate to the specific areas of brand protection, IP transactions, internet marketing, and other IP issues that are critical when representing innovators and inventors. Join some of the leading attorneys in the world, as they discussin plain English for the non-expertsome specific IP challenges that individuals, businesses, and those who represent them are likely to face.

The fourth and final episode of the series, Legal Issues for Innovators & Inventors, airs on December 12th at 2:00 PM CST (Register Here) and features Moderator Cristina Nolan of Financial Poise. She is joined by Patrick Kim of Jansson Munger McKinley & Kirby, Ltd., Eugene Goryunov of Kirkland & Ellis and Ada C. Nielsen of The Peregrine Maven Group.

Effective legal representation of innovators and inventors requires careful thought and consideration. Among other things, care must be taken to properly initiate communications, prepare assignments, and handle subsequent legal disputes. This webinar discusses common legal issues that often arise during the representation of innovators and inventors. It also includes valuable advice from both innovators/inventors and the IP attorneys who represent them.

The INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY-201 2018 webinar series is produced by Financial Poise. Each episode airs at 2:00 PM CST. All episodes premiere live through West LegalEdCenter and then are made available on-demand.

As with every Financial Poise Webinar, each episode is delivered in Plain English understandable to investors, business owners, and executives without much background in these areas, yet is also valuable to attorneys, accountants, and other seasoned professionals. And, as with every Financial Poise Webinar, each episode brings you into engaging, sometimes humorous, conversations designed to entertain as it teaches. Each episode in the series is designed to be viewed independently of the other episodes, so that participants will enhance their knowledge of this area whether they attend one, some, or all episodes.

About Financial Poise

Financial Poise has one mission: to provide reliable plain English business, financial and legal education to investors, private business owners and executives, and their respective trusted advisors. Financial Poise content is created by seasoned, respected experts who are invited to join our Faculty only after being recommended by current Faculty Members. Our editorial staff then works to make sure that all content is easily digestible. Financial Poise is a meritocracy; nobody can buy her way onto the Financial Poise Faculty. Start learning today at https://www.financialpoise.com/
The opportunity to spotlight good governance best practices is so vitally important. Gwinnett sets a high bar of achievement, and there is much we can learn from them."

The Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) is pleased to announce Gwinnett County as the winner of the 2018 Governance Team of the Year Award.

For pictures click here.

This prestigious award is presented annually to one Georgia public school districts board of education and superintendent who have achieved all-around success in their district. This recognition is deeply rooted in the components of the Georgia Vision Projects research-based recommendations for Georgias public schools.

These finalists were vetted through a stringent application process and a visit by an impartial review team to vet the information in the application.

We are so pleased to honor Gwinnett County as the Governance Team of the Year. They have exemplified through work and service what a high functioning board of education and superintendent look like, said Katrina Young, GSBA President and Rockdale County Board of Education member.

The winner was announced at the GSBA/GSSA Annual Conference at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta, December 6, 2018, from 7-9 p.m. during a banquet honoring the outstanding governance team finalists. There were 33 Georgia school districts that qualified and 10 that chose to submit applications.

The winner was chosen by a panel of national experts who perform various leadership roles in the field of public education.

The opportunity to spotlight good governance best practices is so vitally important. Gwinnett sets a high bar of achievement, and there is much we can learn from them. The Georgia School Boards Association looks forward to annually highlighting quality governance for the benefit of all boards an superintendents around Georgia. said Valarie Wilson, GSBA Executive Director.

2018 GSBA Governance Team of the Year Finalists



Bleckley County Schools

Chickamauga City Schools

Dawson County Schools

Effingham County Schools

Forsyth County Schools

Gwinnett County Schools

Jefferson City Schools

Lumpkin County Schools

Pierce County Schools

Schley County Schools

For more information on the Governance Team of the Year program click here.

Media Contact Justin Pauly, Director of Communications, 770-962-6843, jpauly(at)gsba.com
Shareholders Ginger Pigott and Roman Fayerberg of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP are speaking at the DeviceTalks West conference Dec. 11. The conference will be held Dec. 11-12 in Costa Mesa, California, at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa. The firm is a sponsor of the conference.

The DeviceTalks West conference will feature leaders in the medical device industry who will give insights and explore the latest technologies and trends shaping the medical device industry. Pigott and Fayerberg will speak on the Hot Topics: M&A Megadeals, IP, Financing, and Products Liability Trends Impacting MedTech panel.

Pigott practices in the firms Los Angeles office and serves as vice chair of the firms Pharmaceutical, Medical Device & Health Care Litigation Practice. She focuses her practice on products liability litigation with an emphasis on the defense of complex medical device and pharmaceutical products. Pigott handles high-stakes, single-plaintiff cases and complex litigation, including multidistrict litigation, coordinated state actions and class actions working as both national and regional counsel.

Fayerberg practices in the firms Boston office and is a registered patent attorney. He focuses his practice on the development and management of strategic patent portfolios and counseling clients on patent issues, primarily in technologies related to medical devices, drug delivery systems, biodegradable polymers and films, and coating formulations for medical devices and other commercial applications. Fayerberg also advises clients on intellectual property due diligence investigations for venture capital investment, mergers and acquisitions, and licensing opportunities.

About Greenberg Traurigs Pharmaceutical, Medical Device & Health Care Litigation Practice: The Pharmaceutical, Medical Device & Health Care Litigation Practice is an integral part of the firms 600-plus member national Litigation Practice. The team is nationally recognized for its dynamic courtroom presence, responsiveness to clients, and deep subject matter knowledge. Recent recognitions include national rankings for 2018 Products Liability & Mass Torts from Chambers USA Guide; national rankings for 2018 Practice Liability & Mass Torts Defense: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices from The Legal 500 United States; and being named the Products Liability/Mass Torts Litigation Department of the Year by The Daily Report in 2013 and from 2015 - 2017. In addition, Greenberg Traurig is recognized as a "Product Liability Litigation Standout" in the BTI Litigation Outlook 2018 published by BTI Consulting Group.

About Greenberg Traurigs Intellectual Property & Technology Practice: With more than 180 intellectual property attorneys and agents in the United States, Asia, and Europe, Greenberg Traurig provides a broad range of patent, trademark and copyright protection and strategic counseling. Greenberg Traurig was named a National Tier 1 Law Firm for IP Litigation, Patent Law, Trademark and Information Technology Law by U.S. News and Best Lawyers, 2017 Best Law Firms Rankings."

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and is among the Top 20 on the 2018 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.


Guerrero Media, the executive communications and advancement firm that brings leadership stories to life, is aligning three Latino brands in its portfolio through the launch of a new division focused on the Hispanic market. The alignment will drive the group to harness, amplify and multiply the authority of Latino business leaders.

Initiated by Hispanic Executive, the companys first brand serving the Latino professional market through print and digital media and events, and continued by The Alumni Society, its network of Latino professionals who graduated from some of todays top universities, Guerrero Media has built an extensive network of more than 10,000 mid- to senior-level Latino executives, and is now setting its sights on the next generation of leaders through the early 2019 launch of NextGen Collective, a new, digital-media and events brand.

Through these brands, we cater to, and engage with, Latino professionals at every stage of their career, says Vianni Busquets, VP of the newly formed division.

By aligning these three niche platforms, the company will be better able to address a larger mission espoused by its full network of Latino executives: to make American business leadership, Latino business leadership.

The companys new Latino-market division recognizes, promotes and develops great executives by telling their storiesmany of which have never been toldand by connecting and empowering them through events as small as intimate dinners and as large as national leadership summits. Through the companys Hispanic-focused brands, it has created one of the largest, most effective networks of Latino professionalsa group that heavily influences the future of American business.

The demographic shift toward a majority-Latino population in America is reflected in the U.S. workforcebut, surprisingly, not yet in U.S. business leadership. By 2020, 74 percent of new workers will be Latino; already Latinos account for 17 percent of all workers, aligning with its share of the population. Yet, fewer than 2 percent of all CEOs at Fortune 500 companies are Hispanic, and 3 percent of Fortune 500 company board seats are held by Latinos.

Companies and agencies that cant find Latino talent either arent looking hard enough, or are looking in the wrong places, because its abundant. Latino talent is abundant. Look no further than Hispanic Executive and The Alumni Society to find windows into the breadth of talent thats out there, says Pedro A. Guerrero, CEO of Guerrero Media.

ABOUT GUERRERO MEDIA

With the core belief that every executive has a story worth telling, Guerrero Media recognizes, promotes, and develops great executives through its media and event services. Founded in 2006, Guerrero has featured more than 15,000 executives and held more than 50 events across multiple brands. http://www.guerreromedia.com

ABOUT HISPANIC EXECUTIVE

Hispanic Executive is one of the most respected, sought-after brands for Latino professionals. Launched in 2007, Hispanic Executive magazine has featured more than 2,000 mid- to senior-level Latino executives in its 54 issues. Since 2012, Hispanic Executive events have united more than 500 executives at 20+ gatherings. http://www.hispanicexecutive.com

ABOUT THE ALUMNI SOCIETY

The Alumni Society is a networking and professional development platform for Latino leaders who have graduated from highly selective universities and colleges and who seek to build a strong, high-caliber network to enhance their careers. Cofounded in 2015 by Pedro Guerrero, CEO of Guerrero Media, and Ricardo Anzaldua, EVP & Senior Legal Advisor of Freddie Mac, the society now has more than 3,300 members and 14 partner universities. http://www.thealumnisociety.com

ABOUT NEXTGEN COLLECTIVE

With a planned launch of January 2019, NextGen Collective will combine digital content, delivered through e-newsletters and social media, with powerful live events to strengthen the Latinx community. The brand will focus on actionable insights for building a successful career, delivered through the voices of its Latino contributors in an authentic, peer-to-peer context.
The future of our city depends on harnessing the innovative potential of our people, and that starts with education,  said Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto. The HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh is an opportunity to show our commitment to raising and educating the next generation of innovators.

Continuing its mission of seeking and sharing K12 innovations from around the world, education nonprofit HundrED today announced a partnership with the Grable Foundation and Remake Learning to highlight ten of the brightest educators and innovators who are doing extraordinary things to help students in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia flourish. Dubbed HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh, the campaign invites regional K12 innovators to submit their education innovations by March 15, 2019.

For more than a decade, educators in the Pittsburgh region have been taking risks, reaching higher, and pushing the limits of learning. The HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh is committed to finding and shining a light on some of the most inspiring local ideas and practices in education and helping them to spread. Participating in the HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh will allow participants to make authentic connections with educators, schools, students and partners, building their understanding of innovation in order to help improve education at scale.

The future of our city depends on harnessing the innovative potential of our people, and that starts with education,  said Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto. The HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh is an opportunity to show our commitment to raising and educating the next generation of innovators.

The HundrED Pittsburgh Spotlight invites organizations, school districts, and individuals who are members of the Remake Learning network to submit their education innovation for consideration. Membership to the network is free. All submissions are thoroughly researched and must meet HundrEDs strict criteria of being impactful, scalable, and innovative, and will be vetted by a committee of local experts.

Pittsburgh has been a preeminent hub for education innovation for the past decade, and were excited to partner with HundrED and Remake Learning to recognize and celebrate the inspiring work taking place in our region, said Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation. The HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh will elevate our regional education changemakers who take risks in their classrooms and schools, engaging their students in meaningful experiences and pushing the limits of learning.

The 10 selected innovations will be featured on HundrEDs global platform, highlighted in a comprehensive report of the Pittsburgh Spotlight, featured in professionally produced video, receive an invitation to HundrEDs annual 3-day Innovation Summit in Helsinki, Finland in November 2019, and included on the HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh landing page.

At HundrED, we truly believe the purpose of education is to help every child flourish, and innovations in education are happening every day, said Lasse Leponiemi, CEO of HundrED. By spotlighting specific locations like Pittsburgh, were able to identify and elevate education innovations with the potential to scale, and inspire a grassroots movement across the world.

The innovations selected for inclusion in the HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh will be announced in May 2019. The online collection of innovations featuring videos and reports about each of the 10 winners will launch in September 2019.

The Pittsburgh Spotlight team will host several information sessions in the region in early 2019 to answer questions, provide feedback on drafts, and assist with submissions. Click here to sign up to receive email updates about these opportunities. For more information on the HundrED Spotlight Pittsburgh or to submit your education innovation, visit HundrED.org/pittsburgh.

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About HundrED

HundrED.org is a not-for-profit organization which seeks and shares inspiring innovations in K12 education. HundrEDs goal is to help improve education and inspire a grassroots movement through encouraging pedagogically sound, ambitious innovations to spread across the world. They research innovations in K12 education from around the world and select 100 Inspiring Innovations every year. All of their insights and selected innovations are documented, packaged, and shared with the world for free, so anyone can improve education wherever they are. Learn more at http://www.hundrED.org.

About the Grable Foundation

The Grable Foundation believes in possibilities: that a child will experience something new that will change his or her life; that a teacher will have the resources to nurture students; that kids will play and learn and grow on their own time, in their own way, guided by a community of people and places keen to make these possibilities a reality. The Foundation awards support to organizations that improve the lives of children and youth across the Pittsburgh region from early childhood through the formative years, inside the classroom and out. Learn more at http://www.grable.org

About Remake Learning

Remake Learning is a network in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia that ignites engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change. An open group of interconnected, creative, and innovative people and organizations in the greater Pittsburgh region, Remake Learning is a collective effort to transform teaching and learning to better serve todays young people. Learn more at http://www.remakelearning.org.

Media Contact

Alyssa Miller

alyssa(at)ammediaworks(dot)com

973.615.1292


Indus Insights, a leading provider of Machine Learning, Data Science and Advanced Analytics services, recently hosted a session on Data Science & Machine Learning for the participants of The University of Chicago Booth School of Business  Accelerated Development Program (ADP). The deep-dive session was part of a week-long India Immersion module for the participants, and their industry interaction was kicked off by Indus Insights.

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business runs an Accelerated Development Program with three academic in-class modules in Hong Kong, London, and Chicago, and one field immersion module in New Delhi, India. The program is designed for senior-level executives looking to develop their general management perspectives. The 2018 group comprised of 60 participants with an average work experience of about 18 years, based in India as well as in Europe, USA, South America, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.

The four-hour session was led by Saurabh Sharma, the CEO of Indus Insights. Saurabh, himself an alumnus of Chicago Booth, spoke about his entrepreneurial journey and how his corporate experience led to the conception of Indus Insights. During his address, he emphasized the value data has in the industry today and how organizations are increasingly looking towards Data & AI to build more profitable businesses. The session also included a hands-on exercise wherein students worked in groups to address a business opportunity using Data Science & Predictive Modeling. It concluded with an insightful Q&A session between the audience and the Indus Insights management team.

On his experience of addressing the group, Saurabh said, AI and Machine Learning are topics that are rapidly moving from Tech Discussion Boards to Corporate Boardrooms. Organizations need to think about these techniques as key strategic priorities, and CXOs need to be exposed to such approaches & use cases. Given this background, it was an absolute joy to address this highly qualified group of business leaders. In true University of Chicago spirit, the conversation was very engaging and the group was very keen to expand their knowledge. I am thankful to Chicago Booth and their partners, Northwest Executive Education, for inviting Indus Insights to lead the session.

Eugenia Patriniche, the Director of Executive Education (EMEA region) for the University of Chicago Booth School of Business added, Chicago Booth has been working with analytics for several decades and we consider that learning how to translate the insight derived from data into business decision-making is essential in our increasingly analytical world. Indus Insights offered our participants the opportunity to learn first-hand how analytics are used in various industries. We are impressed by the strengths of the Chicago Booth alumni community in India. Saurabh has provided a leading example of how the Accelerated Development program can benefit from his knowledge and experience, to make this program a unique learning experience where theory and practice blend.

Meena Wehrs, Associate Dean of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business added, We are pleased Chicago Booth alumnus, Saurabh Sharma, the CEO of Indus Insights, was able to lead a session and address executives from our Accelerated Development Program. Saurabhs entrepreneurial journey is relatable to many of our participants, and his ability to apply machine learning insight into corporate decision-making, allows our participants to be a step ahead of the competition.

About Indus Insights

Indus Insights is a Data Science, Machine Learning, and Advanced Analytics services organization. Indus Insights develops sophisticated predictive models, designs machine learning algorithms, and creates data-driven business strategies for its Clients, while acting as their extended Data Sciences team. The companys focus is the financial services sector, where it assists clients in customer acquisition, credit risk & fraud management, customer management, and operations. The firms clientele is spread across the US, Australia, UK, and other countries, and includes some of the worlds largest banks, fintech companies, credit unions, specialty lenders, and insurance firms. Indus Insights has offices in Wilmington, DE (US) and in Gurgaon/Delhi NCR (India). More information on the company is available at http://www.indusinsights.com.

About The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world, having produced leaders who have shaped the world of business since 1898. Among Chicago Booths renowned faculty are nine Nobel Prize winners, and its graduates include dozens of notable business leaders across the U.S. and worldwide.

As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the universitys core values that shape its distinctive intellectual culture. Its rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into effective and respected business leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges of todays business environment. For more information, please visit http://www.chicagobooth.edu/.
We are among the early adopters of Industrial IoT in the tyre industry and see great value in digitizing our plants. We deployed Altizons Manufacturing Intelligence (Mint) platform and are already reaping benefits with a laser focus on ROI.

JK Tyre and Industries Ltd, Indias leading tyre manufacturer announced its collaboration with Altizon Systems, a global industrial IIoT (Industrial IoT) platform company. JK Tyre is using Altizons Datonis Manufacturing Intelligence platform to drive the companys enterprise digital transformation.

Objectives: Bring Visibility and Predictability into Manufacturing Value Chain

JK Tyre wanted to digitalize and IoT-enable its plant assets with the objectives of bringing visibility and predictability into its manufacturing value chain, improving asset utilization and reducing conversion cost per unit of production. They wanted to implement a solution that was adaptable, reliable and scalable across their multiple manufacturing plants.

The Solution: Securely Connecting and Processing IoT data at Scale

Altizons Datonis Manufacturing Intelligence Platform enabled JK Tyre to securely connect and process IoT data at scale. The solution has provided the company with a 360-degree view of the line from productivity, quality, energy, maintenance and traceability perspective. Altizons Datonis Manufacturing Intelligence Platform delivers the ability to analyse and visualize operational data in real-time, integrate IoT data into business applications and help enterprises make optimal decisions and pre-empt uncertainties in operations.

Benefits

JK Tyre was able to significantly reduce mean time to repair, eliminate unplanned machine downtimes, improve productivity, decrease the cost of spares and the cost of energy consumed per unit of production. Scaling the solution to multiple plants will enable JK Tyre to realize real time internal benchmarking of their critical assets and further improve performance.

Supporting Quotes



Mr. Anil Makkar, Manufacturing Director, JK Tyre

We are among the early adopters of Industrial IoT in the tyre industry and see great value in digitizing our plants. We deployed Altizons Manufacturing Intelligence (Mint) platform and are already reaping benefits with a laser focus on ROI. We have noticed immediate gains on the predictive failure front. The true gain on OEEs are yet to be reflected, too early to conclude. We are already scaling Altizons solution to our second plant and look forward to scaling further to other plants and use the platform as the single source of truth for monitoring our operational KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Mr. Sharad Agarwal, Chief Information Officer, JK Tyre

At JK Tyre we are always keen to evaluate and adopt newer technologies to drive innovation and process improvement. Altizons Datonis MInt has helped us establish visibility and predictability across critical machines and processes. We see great potential in industrial IoT technology and look forward to scaling it into additional plants.

Vinay Nathan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Altizon

JK Tyre is a very progressive manufacturer who has adopted and taken advantage of technology innovation and process automation like few other tyre industry manufacturers. The deployment of Datonis Mint at the Chennai facility has helped to dramatically improve processes and operational costs. We are delighted to expand our relationship with JK Tyre, as they look to set the standard for enterprise digital transformation in the tyre industry.

About JK Tyre

Part of the JK Organisation, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd is amongst the top 25 manufacturers in the world with a wide range of products catering to diverse business segments in the automobile industry. JK Tyre is the only tyre manufacturer in India to be included in the list of Superbrand in 2017, the sixth time the honour has been conferred upon the company. JK Tyre has global presence in 100 countries across six continents, backed by production support from 12 plants - nine in India and three in Mexico. Currently, the capacity across all its plants is about 32 million tyres per annum.

About Altizon

Altizon is the industrial IoT company. It empowers Industrial Digital Revolutions globally by helping enterprises use machine data to drive business decisions. With a global footprint of over 100 enterprise users, Altizon is a leading Industrial IOT platform provider as recognized by Forrester, Frost & Sullivan, VDC Research and most recently by Gartner in its Magic Quadrant for IIoT Platforms. For more info visit http://www.altizon.com. To learn more about the industry benefits of IIoT, please read Altizons Smart Manufacturing Report.
"The bike the chamber purchases can be trialed by our patients, and once they find the bike that fits them, they can apply for our 'special bikes for special kids' program for a chance to win a custom-made bike for them to keep," Kelly said.
We at PFDA are excited about having a partner that offers accessible and timely at-need financing for loved ones funerals.

The Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association (PFDA), one of the biggest state funeral associations in the country, has announced a partnership with LendingUSA, the #1 provider of at-need financing solutions for families. The partnership is effective immediately, giving all PFDA members who are currently enrolled with LendingUSA access to new benefits.

LendingUSA, the only at-need financing company to be endorsed by the PFDA, gives funeral directors a point-of-sale solution for funeral payments, allowing every family to apply for financing from anywhere and receive a pre-approval decision in just seconds, and charging no fees to the merchant for prime loans. As part of the partnership, PFDA members will receive a discount on all fees for non-prime loans funded through LendingUSA.

As the funeral industry changes and evolves, LendingUSA wants to be at the forefront of how families pay for their loved ones burial and memorial service, says Mike Testa, president of LendingUSA. We hope our partnership with the PFDA gives its hundreds of members a useful resource to help them serve more families.

The PFDA provides educational opportunities, legal counsel, political advocacy, and other services to its members. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the independently owned funeral home and to help PFDA members provide meaningful ceremonies and rituals surrounding death.

We at PFDA are excited about having a partner that offers accessible and timely at-need financing for loved ones funerals, says Kathleen K. Ryan, Esq., Executive Director of PFDA. LendingUSA provides a solid product that assists families and assures prompt payment to the providing funeral director.

About LendingUSA

LendingUSA is the #1 funeral financing solution in the country, and the only financing option of its kind to be exclusively endorsed by the NFDA. Its mission is to redefine how families pay for funerals, with pre-approval decisions in seconds and fast, direct funding to funeral homes. Designed to help funeral home owners grow their business, it helps to limit undercutting by competitors and the need for recourse or collections. For more information on LendingUSA, PFDA members can call (866) 447-0870 or sign up for a free demo at http://www.lendingusa.com/. All loans are made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Bank. Member FDIC.

About PFDA

Founded in 1881, the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association is one of the largest state groups of funeral directors in the United States and a member of the National Funeral Directors Association. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the independently owned funeral home and to help PFDA members provide meaningful ceremonies and rituals surrounding death. For more information, visit http://www.pfda.org/.
As we continue to expand our brand throughout Florida, we will be looking for the calibre of professionals who conduct business on this level

Engel & Volkers today announced that Lenny Felberbaum has been officially inducted into the luxury real estate companys Private Office network, successfully passing the companys ultra-competitive vetting and nomination process for inclusion. Felberbaum is the License Partner and Broker of Engel & Volkers Delray Beach.

Felberbaum is now part of an elite group of Engel & Volkers advisors worldwide to be awarded with this distinction, which recognizes extraordinary business results supported by competency and providing the highest level of client service. Out of more than 11,000 real estate professionals who represent the Engel & Volkers brand in over 30 countries worldwide, Felberbaum is among less than 100 advisors selected to carry the title of Private Office Advisor in the Americas.

Engel & Volkers attracts the best agents in each market we serve, so as a member of Private Office, Lenny represents true exceptionalism, said Anthony Hitt, President & CEO of Engel & Volkers Americas. Our Private Office Advisors are not just top producersthey unfailingly offer an incomparable experience for their clients.

Felberbaum joins nine of his fellow Florida colleagues who are already members of the prestigious group: Lourdes Alatriste, Engel & Volkers Miami Coral Gables; Beau Blankenship, Engel & Volkers 30A Beaches; Ryan Chiodo, Engel & Volkers Olde Naples/Bonita-Estero; Magnus Jennemyr, Engel & Volkers Miami Coral Gables; Matt Johnson, Engel & Volkers Wellington; Michael Ledwitz, Engel & Volkers Boca Raton; Thomas Ostrander, Engel & Volkers Olde Naples; Irving Padron, Engel & Volkers Miami Coral Gables and Carol Sollak, Engel & Volkers Palm Beach & Wellington.

We are exceedingly proud of the representation we have through these nine members of Engel & Volkers Florida who are a part of Private Office, said Timo Khammash, Managing Partner of Engel & Volkers, the companys regional franchisor. As we continue to expand our brand throughout Florida, we will be looking for the calibre of professionals who conduct business on this level.

To qualify for Private Office, advisors within the Engel & Volkers network must be nominated by their broker, meet baseline criteria for transactional volume and show consistency in their high year-over-year production numbers. To assess their market expertise and notable service quality as real estate professionals, clients are also asked to comment on their service experience. Lastly, nominees are submitted to a selection committee in the Americas who decides which candidates meet all requirements for final submission to the head of Private Office in Hamburg, Germany.

Felberbaum was formally inducted at the invitation-only Private Office event at Engel & Volkers Americas Headquarters in New York City on December 6, 2018. The new members were celebrated with evening of networking, a formal ceremony and reception.

It is an honor to have been selected to be a Private Office Advisor, said Felberbaum. The Engel & Volkers name and reputation carries a high level of prestige around the world as a promise of outstanding real estate service and expertise, and I look forward to representing the brand at this level.

As a Private Office Advisor, Felberbaum gains access to Private Office-specific marketing assets, choice opportunities catering to the brands global ultra-high net worth clients and is the preferred contact in his market for international referrals.

Press contact:

Linzee Werkmeister, Director, Public Relations & Franchise Support

Engel & Volkers Florida, Master License Partner of Engel & Volkers Americas

Email: Linzee.Werkmeister@evusa.com

Tel: (239) 348-9000

About Engel & Volkers: Engel & Volkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1977, Engel & Volkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a bespoke, white-glove concierge client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for todays savvy homeowner. Engel & Volkers currently operates approximately 150 shop locations with over 3,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the brands global network of over 11,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate, yachting and aviation. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit http://www.evusa.com.

About Engel & Volkers Florida: Engel & Volkers Florida is the Master License Partner of the global luxury real estate brand Engel & Volkers in the state of Florida. Recognized for uniquely recruiting, training and equipping some of the top professionals in the real estate industry, Engel & Volkers Floridas exclusive franchise model positions its license partners at the top of the premium market to gain market share and support their bottom line. The company represents franchise locations in: 30A Beaches, Belleair, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs-Estero, Cape Coral, Clermont, Delray Beach, Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville Beach, Jupiter, Madeira Beach, Marco Island, Melbourne, Melbourne Central, Miami-Coral Gables, Olde Naples, Orlando-Winter Park, Palm Beach, South Tampa, St. Pete, Stuart, Wellington, and Windermere.

Engel & Volkers Florida is continuing to strategically strengthen and expand its presence in premium real estate markets across the state of Florida. If you would like to know more about the Engel & Volkers brand or how to join its global network, which is known for demonstrating competence, exclusivity and passion, feel free to call our corporate office, located at 633 Tamiami Trl N, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102 USA. Tel: +1 239-348-9000. For more information about Engel & Volkers Florida, please visit florida.evusa.com
MachineryPete.com, the fastest-growing used farm equipment marketplace, announced the launch of their first Unreserved Online Dealer Auction in conjunction with BigIron Auction Company, rural Americas largest unreserved online auction service provider. This exciting event offers the farm equipment shopper a unique opportunity to bid on high quality equipment from various dealerships across the country. Online bidding started December 6, 2018.

From now until December 27, buyers can bid on high-quality tractors, combines, balers, sprayers, and more during this unique event. The auction is 100% unreserved, with all items free of liens and buyer fees. Whats more, each sale is completely transparent, allowing buyers to contact the sellers personally, ask questions, and inspect the items.

We are thrilled to join forces with BigIron for this auction event, said Kevin Doyle, CEO of MachineryPete.com. BigIrons resources and expertise will accelerate our ability to deliver a successful auction. Were excited to give our customers an alternative vehicle to buy and sell used farm equipment.

MachineryPete.com and BigIron are a great fit, said Andy Pyron, President and CEO at BigIron Auctions. Connecting participating dealers in an unreserved joint venture with market leading companies MachineryPete.com and BigIron Auctions assures dealers theyll receive the coverage required to deliver true market value for their listings. Farmers and ranchers involved know they can bid and buy knowing that all equipment sells lien-free with no additional buyer premiums.

In support of the Machinery Pete Online Dealer Auction in conjunction with BigIron.com, the company has launched a three-week, multi-platform, unprecedented advertising campaign with strong promotion on the MachineryPete.com website and social media networks, email programs, display ads across relevant websites, ongoing promotions and special editorial segments on TV and radio shows including, Machinery Pete TV , AgriTalk, AgriTalk After the Bell, AGDay, U.S. Farm Report, American Countryside, and a full page print ad in Farm Journal magazine.

To visit the online auction yourself, go to:

https://www.machinerypete.com/

https://www.bigiron.com/

About Machinery Pete LLC

MachineryPete.com is the fastest growing marketplace for buyers and sellers of used farm equipment offering farmers a vast selection of equipment listings in one place with innovative search tools that make it easy and fast to find relevant equipment.

Founded in 1989 by Greg Peterson, Machinery Pete has come a long way since its beginnings in Greg Petersons home office in Rochester, Minnesota where he passionately researched, tracked and reported on auction prices. In 2014 Farm Journal and Machinery Pete partnered to provide a more efficient marketplace for buying and selling used ag equipment.

In July of 2015, MachineryPete.com launched its marketplace with leading edge marketing solutions for dealers, informed and built with the online equipment shopper in mind and creates meaningful connections between buyers and sellers. The company is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

About BigIron Auctions

For 35 years, BigIron Auctions has teamed up with farmers and dealers in North America, providing the best auction experience. The online platform was launched in 2009 and has quickly grown to become the premier unreserved online auction serving rural America. With BigIron, sellers enjoy a full-service experience, including quality listings, collection of payment, and access to a global audience. Buyers rest assured that all equipment they bid on is lien-free, with no buyer fees added to the final purchase price.
Business View Magazine and MaidPro We allow our franchisees a lot of flexibility to be entrepreneurial. We dont lock them into one way or method. We provide a lot of our services based on what the consumer wants. .

Business View Magazine featured MaidPro in a recent edition as part of its focus on the best practices of franchise companies. For the article, the magazine interviewed founder and CEO, Mark Kushinsky, on the aspects of the companys model that give it a competitive edge over others in the industry.

In the lengthy article, Kushinsky revealed why he and co-founder, Richard Sparacio, founded the company, and how they decided to franchise it after learning that their company had better, software, marketing, and systems in place than other companies that were already franchising. Since Kushinsky and Sparacio founded MaidPro in 1991, it has grown from a single company to 255 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

One of the main factors behind the companys success is a methodology that allows franchisees to have a great deal of flexibility, Kushinsky told the magazine: We allow our franchisees a lot of flexibility to be entrepreneurial. We dont lock them into one way or method. We provide a lot of our services based on what the consumer wants. Some want one person  a very personalized service in their home. Other consumers might want two people for a little faster cleanwe dont have a lot of other rules that many other franchisors do, like requiring a certain minimum marketing spend. Were a friendlier franchisor.

Kushinsky explained how MaidPro selects candidates and devotes a lot of time to extensive training and support of each new franchisee. He also touched on the companys peer performance groups that are both regional and revenue-based and supported through software that gives Key Performance Indicators at a glance to promote growth.

Company culture is another characteristic thats made MaidPro so successful, Kushinsky said. From group events to trips to other countries, the company holds many activities that revolve around giving something back to society.

The article begins with the funny story of how Kushinskys entrepreneurial spirit first surfaced in the early 1990s, while working in retail after he hired a housecleaner for his apartment. He ended up with a mess after his cat was locked in the bathroom. That sort of triggered me to say, Hey, maybe I can do this a little bit better than the type of service that I got, he was quoted in the magazine.

Not only did Kushinsky discover that he could do the work better, but he learned that while the housecleaning business may not be all that sexy, it does provide for a very flexible lifestyle. This is another of MaidPros biggest draws for potential franchisees, he pointed out: when they sit back and think about the personal lifestyle they want; if they want to have nights and weekends off; if they want to have lower stress by having things like recurring revenue and people paying at the time of serviceif they dont have to worry about building out restaurants or retail locationsI think were definitely something to look at.

Business View Magazine is a digital media news source in North America for executives, entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchisees, and anyone else interested in current industry trends and best practices. Every month, the digital platform covers the latest developments in manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, supply chain and logistics, health care, food and beverage, and energy.

ABOUT MAIDPRO

MaidPro is a Boston-based franchisor of house cleaning services with over 255 locations in 38 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1997, takes pride in its strong owner community, cutting-edge technology, and creative marketing. It has been honored with the Franchise Business Reviews Four-Star Rating and Franchise 50 awards every year from 2006 to 2019 for owner satisfaction. MaidPro was named one of the Top 50 Franchises for Minorities by USA Todays Franchising Today. MaidPro is also a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Canadian Franchise Association, and the New England Franchise Association. The company can be found online at http://www.maidprofranchise.com.
With record homelessness in New York City, including over 23,000 children in city shelters, marketing agency Stein IAS today unveiled a new childrens book and animation, Somewhere to Believe In, with all proceeds going directly to Win.

The book, written and illustrated by Stein IAS, aims to highlight the importance of empowering and supporting homeless children. Donations will help Win, the largest provider of family shelter in New York City, fund daycare, after school classes, field trips, and college preparation for homeless children.

In the story, Santa searches for a little girl who wrote him a letter, and along the way realizes there are many children who dont have homes. In the end, the reader is the hero, because by making a donation and reading the book, they have supported a charity that is helping homeless women and their children rebuild their lives and believe in a better future.

With one in seven New York City school students experiencing homelessness before reaching fifth grade, this is a crisis that our city and state officials must address with the greatest urgency, said Shannon Snead, Vice President of Development for Win. The holidays are an especially challenging time for our homeless families, - and children are often reminded of their lack of a permanent home when they send their letters to Santa. We hope this heart-warming story inspires everyone to give back this holiday season.

We cannot stand idly by while roughly 63,000 people  mostly families  sleep in New York homeless shelters this Christmas, said Tom Stein, Chairman and Chief Client Officer of Stein IAS. This moving story will help raise both awareness and funds for the lifechanging work being done by Win each day. I hope everyone will do what they can to brighten the holidays with a copy of Somewhere to Believe In.

In the last year alone, Win has served close to 10,000 people  including more than 5,000 children  and has helped more than 700 families transition out of shelter and into homes of their own.

While donations of any size are welcome, those who give $15 or more will receive a copy of the book. Visit somewheretobelievein.com to donate today and get a copy of the magical childrens book, Somewhere to Believe In.

About Stein IAS:

Stein IAS (http://www.steinias.com) is the Post-Modern B2B Marketing Agency. We fuse award-winning creative and content experiences with advanced marketing technology to help make clients brands the most important in their markets. With strategic locations across the Americas, EMEA and APAC, Stein IAS works with brand leaders including ABB, ETS, HSBC, Ingredion, Marshalls, Merck, Oracle, Quotient Technology, Republic Services, Sylvania, Trelleborg Group, UL and WW (formerly Weight Watchers). Stein IAS was named 2018 Agency of the Year by ANA Business Marketing, as it was in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011 and 2010. Most recently, Stein IAS was named Marketing Agency of the Year by The Drum Agency Business Awards.

About Win:

Since 1983, Win has been transforming the lives of New York Citys homeless women and their children by providing a holistic solution of safe housing, critical services and programs they need to succeed on their own  so the women can regain their independence and their children can look forward to a brighter future. With more than 1,200 units of transitional housing providing shelter for more than 4,500 people every night, Win focuses on solutions for the many causes of homelessness by helping women improve their job skills, life skills, personal health and more. Wins childrens services include childcare, after school programs, and Camp Win, a summer day camp program. Win also provides permanent supportive housing offering dedicated, long-term support to families with additional needs.

For further information contact:

Americas: Tom Stein at +1 646 467 7078 or email tom.stein@steinias.com

EMEA: Chris Sanders at +44 (0)1625 578578 or email chris.sanders@steinias.com
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.  Benjamin Franklin

While it may seem logical that gated communities would be a safer place to live than typical residential city streets, this is not necessarily the case.

The concentration of wealth in many of these gated communities often make them high value targets for would be thieves and criminals. This was made even more obvious during the holiday season of 2017, when a rash of car thefts occurred in the West Boca Raton and Delray area resulting in more than 40 car thefts over a 2 or 3 month period of time. These cars were all stolen from inside the walls of local gated communities. In each case, these cars were unlocked with key fobs in the vehicle or nearby.

The Oaks of Boca Raton decided it was time to take action and they requested a security assessment from the Palm Beach County Sheriff and from security companies in the local area. It was determined that these criminals were entering the communities by coming over the perimeter walls which were unsecured with little to no lighting or visibility.

At this point, the community began reviewing solutions from various security companies and after a lengthy process of presentations and demonstrations the community partnered with Techpro Security of Boca Raton.

According to the General Manager for the Oaks of Boca Raton, Richard Oneil Techpro was selected because not only was their pricing very competitive but the product was second to none. Techpro has been remarkable to work with and I highly recommend their services to other communities.

Techpro Security has been installing security cameras for local neighborhoods and communities since 2007. A brand new, complete security solution was custom designed by Techpro for the Oaks of Boca Raton. This solution included the installation of heat detecting thermal cameras, long range infrared cameras and high resolution starlight cameras along the extensive 3 mile perimeter of the community.

In addition, these perimeter cameras are being monitored remotely by Digital Security Guard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Any suspicious activity at the perimeter is reported directly to the physical security guards onsite in the community. This remote video monitoring service is a cost effective and efficient method to protect the entire perimeter of the community.

To enhance the existing security of the community, License Plate capture cameras and recognition software is now installed at every entrance and exit as well as facial capture cameras at every visitor entrance.

Once a vehicle enters the community a series of ultra high resolution security cameras have been installed at every major intersection to allow security to track the routes taken by vehicles inside the community.

For further peace of mind, Techpro is providing disaster backup power which will keep the entire system running even if power is out for days or weeks after a disaster like a hurricane.

The installation of the new security system was completed at the end of November 2018. The entire project took approximately 4 months to install. According to the owner of Techpro Security, Brad Besner This was a challenging project because we had to bring power, and data to the entire 3 mile perimeter. Fortunately, our team had the expertise and experience to make this project a huge success. The residents of the Oaks can all sleep better knowing they have the most sophisticated community security system that I know of anywhere.

An additional benefit for this community is that Techpro installed underground fiber optic cables which has allowed the Oaks to connect both entrance guard houses and the clubhouse together into a single high speed network.

During the community board meeting at the end of November, Brad Besner presented the entire camera system to the community on the big screen in the conference room and the reaction of the residents and board members was overwhelming. The President of the HOA Board for The Oaks of Boca Raton, Stacy Berstein says, The Oaks is a wonderful community to live in. The new state-of-the-art perimeter security system will put the community on the map for one of the most desirable communities to live in South Florida.
Parkstone Growth Partners (Parkstone) and BayView Dental Associates (BayView Dental) are pleased to announce the formation of Parkview Dental Partners (Parkview Dental), a dentist-founded dental growth and management partnership. Parkview Dental will be led by CEO, Dr. Kenneth Liszewski, founder of BayView Dental, a group dental practice comprised of 16 dentists and hygienists across eight offices who provide general, specialty, and cosmetic dentistry services to patients of all ages.

Parkviews mission is to support dentists in providing clinically excellent oral care and a great patient experience, while lifting the daily burdens of practicing such as human resource management, billing & collections, insurance relations, marketing, accounting and other administration.

For over 32 years, it has been our mission at BayView Dental to provide the very best dental care, a great patient experience, and a warm and collegial team environment, said Dr. Liszewski. He continued, I brought on Parkstone, a healthcare business-building partner, to help establish Parkview Dental because of their experience in supporting other practices and businesses, but more importantly because they share our values and focus on clinical excellence, patient experience, and employee satisfaction.

Will Schlotthauer, former Chief Operating Officer of MGA Insurance, and Partner at Parkstone, will serve as Chief Strategy Officer at Parkview Dental responsible for strategic direction, growth, and practice acquisitions and affiliations. We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Liszewski and the talented dentists, hygienists, and team at BayView Dental. Our alignment of values and vision provide a great foundation for growth. We look forward to supporting a growing family of dentists, hygienists, and team members as we expand our offices and services across Floridas Gulf Coast.

The operating team at Parkview Dental will be led by veteran dental care executive Lisa Woodman, Vice President of Operations. Under Ms. Woodmans leadership, Parkview Dental will expand its administrative, IT, insurance relations, and patient acquisition support to affiliated dentists and hygienists at a growing number of offices. Dylan Kindler of Parkstone will support Dr. Liszewski, Ms. Woodman and Mr. Schlotthauer as Chief Financial Officer.

Lou Marinaccio, Managing Partner at Parkstone, added that, Parkstone is proud to join Dr. Liszewski and the Parkview Dental team in building a new and different kind of dental platform. As a dental growth and management partnership, Parkview will always prioritize clinical excellence, doctor autonomy, and patient experience, while providing exceptional support for our teams to do what they do best: provide great care.

Dr. Liszewski concluded, We look forward to welcoming many new dentists and offices to the Parkview Dental family as we expand to serve our Gulf Coast community. We are confident that our services and partnership will give our dentists, teams, and patients more to SMILE about!

About BayView Dental Associates

For over 32 years, Dr. Kenneth Liszewski and the team at BayView have provided exceptional dental care and a welcoming patient experience for families throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and St. Petersburg Florida. BayViews over 16 dentists and hygienists provide comprehensive dental care with general, specialty, and cosmetic dentistry services to patients of all ages. BayView offers high quality, affordable treatment and a warm and welcoming experience that is a leader in its markets. For more information, please visit http://www.bayviewdental.com.

About Parkview Dental Partners

Parkview Dental Partners is a dentist-founded, dental growth and management partnership formed in September 2018 through an affiliation with BayView Dental Associates. Based in Sarasota, Florida, Parkview Dentals mission is to support leading dentists in providing clinically excellent oral care and a great patient experience by lifting the daily burdens of practicing such as human resource management, billing & collections, insurance relations, marketing, accounting and other administration. Parkview Dental is actively seeking affiliations with likeminded dentists throughout the Gulf Coast of Florida, offering strong practice support, a collaborative team environment, and a path to partnership for qualified dentists. For more information, please visit http://www.parkviewdp.com.

About Parkstone Growth Partners

Parkstone Growth Partners (Parkstone) is a business-building investment partner focused on providing operating resources and capital to entrepreneurial practices and companies across Healthcare, Insurance, and Healthy Living markets. Parkstone is led by an integrated team of proven senior executives from across our sectors, with a mission to deliver a measurably positive impact on our partner companies. Unlike traditional private equity, we believe that by prioritizing clinical and service excellence, client and patient experience, and values over financial measures, our partner companies will realize their full potential. Current partnerships include Parkview Dental Partners (oral care), AIA Direct (health insurance), and Turnbridge (behavioral health). Our leadership team has been part of the growth of such market leaders as: MGA Insurance Group, Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Independence Village, Yale Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins Medical, Warby Parker, Atkins, Naked Juice, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.parkstonegp.com.

SOURCE: Parkstone Growth Partners
TPRF Founder Prem Rawat (center) meets with corrections professionals who support the Peace Education Program. The participants all leave better than before. Some who were known to have coping and behavioral challenges have made 180-degree turnarounds.

The Peace Education Program (PEP) received a warm welcome at the recent International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) conference in Montreal, Canada, which brought together professionals from 70 countries with the aim of improving practices to enhance public safety. PEP won praise because of evidence that it inspires inmates to make better choices in life, both while behind bars and after theyre released.

In his conference presentation, Terrence Mathews, a counselor at Metro West Detention Center in Miami, Florida, told his international colleagues that hes been impressed by the programs results.

I like to call the PEP visually transformative. I say this because I have seen the changes in the attendees, he said. Some who were known to have coping and behavioral challenges have made 180-degree turnarounds. The participants all leave better than before.

Like other initiatives that were presented at the ICPA conference, PEP isnt only for inmates. The program has also been offered to corrections and law enforcement professionals across the world, helping them stay calmer and more focused in their stressful working conditions.

The impact of this program goes beyond the inmates, Mathews said. I myself have grown from it, and I have seen the positive effect it has had on the guards who accompany the participants.

The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) representatives personally met hundreds of people at the conference, handing out more than 400 copies of written and video materials about PEP. Many attendees were already familiar with the program, having seen it in action back home where they work, or having read about it in this summers ICPA industry newsletter.

The newsletter was distributed to correctional professionals across the world, reporting that the program is an application of restorative justice in an intrapersonal way  the individual learns to make peace with themselves, which leads to forgiving or making peace with others. The newsletter also highlighted the very positive response to PEP from a range of industry professionals, including testimonials such as:

I have personally observed the growth and inner peace residents have by completing this program.  Jeffrey Whiting, Assistant Superintendent, Atlanta Transitional Center

The test for me of the effectiveness of this program is talking to the participants afterwards, not just in the classroom but back in the wing where they are putting it into practice.  John Biggin, OBE & Former UK Prison Director

The perfect place to plant a seed of hope and change is in a correctional facility.  Val Lamberti, Former Inmate Program Services Coordinator, Buncombe County Detention Facility, North Carolina

PEP has already been translated to 37 languages and offered in 84 countries, but TPRF volunteers are expecting that more workshops will come out of the conference. They are now busy following up with all of the new friends that they made everywhere from Canada and the U.S. to Uganda, Kenya, Japan, Australia, Kurdistan, and beyond.

The highlight of the conference for me was being part of such a wonderful team focused on sharing the good news of PEP. The global nature of volunteering with the program continues to delight me, said TPRF Volunteer Annelies Bertsch. The common thread among the delegates was an interest and passion for helping make this world a better place for all people.


Our top priority is to provide superior service to our clients in every interaction with the Firm, said Gemma Leddy, CPA and Partner-in-Charge of PKF OConnor Davies Family Office.

PKF OConnor Davies, LLP, the nation's 29th largest accounting and advisory firm, announced today its Family Office Services Division and leadership team have been shortlisted in six categories for the Family Wealth Report Awards 2019. The awards showcase exceptional providers in the global private banking, wealth management and trusted advisor communities. Winners will be announced at a gala held at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in New York on March 20, 2019. The Firm has been named a finalist in the following categories:



Tax Advice

Philanthropy Advice

Solutions for International Americans

Family Office Division Management Consultancy

Accountancy Advice

Innovative Client Solution  Other Wealth Management Organization

Our top priority is to provide superior service to our clients in every interaction with the Firm, said Gemma Leddy, CPA and Partner-in-Charge of PKF OConnor Davies Family Office. Being recognized for this ongoing commitment and dedication is always an honor. Well continue to provide that dedication to the families who put their trust in our advice and solutions.

The Firm was recognized for the accounting services it offers clients, providing greater visibility and deeper insights into a familys operations, investments and philanthropy. PKF OConnor Davies Family Office tax experts were also honored. They specialize in personalized strategic tax consulting, tax mitigation, SALT, sales and use tax, estate planning, philanthropy, gifts, international tax and tax-efficient structuring of family offices. The team provides effective long-term planning by staying ahead of tax law changes and connecting tax advice to accounting and reporting insights. In addition, it was shortlisted for its approach to performance, which is backed by a full-service public accounting and advisory firm and industry-leading fund administration and accounting software.

The firms who have been shortlisted in these awards are all worthy competitors, and I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations, said Stephen Harris, ClearView Financial Medias CEO and Publisher of Family Wealth Report. 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.

PKF OConnor Davies has nine offices in four states and continues to expand through organic growth and acquisitions in the Northeast and Washington, D.C. region. It has supported this growth with a strategic combination of promoting from within coupled with tactical external hires.

About PKF OConnor Davies, LLP

PKF OConnor Davies, LLP is a full service certified public accounting and advisory firm with a long history of serving clients both domestically and internationally. With roots tracing to 1891, nine offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland, and more than 700 professionals, led by over 100 partners, the Firm provides a complete range of accounting, auditing, tax and management advisory services.

PKF OConnor Davies is ranked number 29 in Accounting Todays 2018 Top 100 Firms list and the Firm is also recognized as a Leader in Audit and Accounting, a Pacesetter in Growth and one of the Top Firms in the Mid-Atlantic. In 2018, PKF O'Connor Davies was named one of Vault's Accounting 50, a ranking of the 50 best accounting employers to work for in North America and ranked among the top 50 most prestigious accounting firms in America in a complementary Vault survey. The Firm is the 12th largest accounting firm in the New York Metropolitan area, according to Crains New York Business, and the 10th top accounting firm in New Jersey according to NJBizs 2018 rankings.

By consistently delivering proactive, thorough and efficient service, PKF O'Connor Davies has built long-lasting, valuable relationships with its clients. Partners are intimately involved in the day-to-day management of engagements, ensuring a high degree of client service and cost effectiveness. The Firms seasoned professional staff members employ a team approach to all engagements to provide clients with the utmost quality and timely services aimed at helping them succeed. Continuity of staffing and attention to detail in all client engagements make the Firm stand out among its competitors.

PKF OConnor Davies is the lead North American representative of the international association of PKF member firms. PKF International is a network of legally independent member firms providing accounting and business advisory services in over 400 locations in 150 countries around the world. With its tradition, experience and focus on the future, PKF OConnor Davies is ready to help clients meet todays ever-changing economic conditions and manage the growing complexities of the regulatory environment. For more information, visit http://www.PKFOD.com.
The SD FIT Board of Trustees is thrilled with its decision to expand services within PMA and we look forward to sharing the new products and services that are available through PMA with our Participants, both new and old.

PMA Financial Network, Inc., PMA Securities, Inc. and Prudent Man Advisors, Inc. (PMA) is pleased to announce that as of December 1, 2018, the Board of Trustees of the South Dakota Public Funds Investment Trust (SD FIT) has voted to expand its relationship with PMA, appointing the Firm as the Administrator and Investment Advisor, along with expanding the support of the sponsoring associations marketing efforts of the SD FIT program. Prior to this new agreement, PMA served as the Funds Fixed Rate Investment provider. We are excited to expand our services with SD FIT and believe that our new relationship will result in exciting growth that will benefit Participants in the Fund," said Jim Davis, CEO. "We look forward to continued growth of LGIP relationships and the asset growth that benefits all of our clients, he added.

Working with SD FIT partners and sponsors for nearly a decade, the PMA team has had a partnership with the program that has served entities across the state, providing investment products, investment education and SD FIT program services throughout South Dakota. A number of PMA professionals will service SD FIT, led by Kent Johnson, PMA Senior Vice President and Director, as the primary contact, along with Sara Rankin from the South Dakota Municipal League, who stated, The SD FIT Board of Trustees is thrilled with its decision to expand services within PMA and we look forward to sharing the new products and services that are available through PMA with our Participants, both new and old. Along with Sara, Kent will serve as the liaison between Participants and the SD FIT Program. We are very excited for these new opportunities to service the Participants of SD FIT, said Kent Johnson. This expansion of services will benefit the Fund greatly.

The PMA companies have been leaders in providing financial services to public entities since 1984 and currently serve over 2,500 local governments in 11 states, working with over $26.8 billion total investment assets under administration*. PMA is a service provider in various capacities to 11 local government investment pools similar to SD FIT. The company has built a reputation as a reliable, professional financial organization. SD FIT Participants will benefit by being able to take advantage of the products and services offered to its public sector clients. PMA has extensive experience both in and with public entities, including the team serving the SD FIT program.

*As of September 30, 2018. Total assets under administration include both money market pool assets for which the PMA companies serve as fund administrator/accountant, marketer/distributer, fixed income program provider (brokerage services), and/or investment advisory, or separate institutional accounts.

About SD FIT

Since 1991, the South Dakota Public Funds Investment Trust (FIT) has provided cash management services for Municipalities, Counties, School Districts, Townships, Water and Sanitary Districts, Cooperative Education Service Units, and Ambulance Districts. It is the only investment program exclusively managed for local governments in South Dakota. FIT was created under South Dakota Codified Law by the South Dakota Municipal League, South Dakota Counties and Associated School Boards of South Dakota. FIT has earned a reputation for offering superior safety, service and yield. Local governments in South Dakota are the one and only priority. http://www.sdpfit.org/

About The PMA Companies

PMA Financial Network, Inc., PMA Securities, Inc. and Prudent Man Advisors, Inc. (the PMA companies) are under common ownership. Prudent Man Advisors, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser, provides investment advisory services to local government investment pools and separate accounts. Securities, public finance services and institutional brokerage services are offered through PMA Securities, Inc. PMA Securities, Inc. is a broker-dealer and municipal advisor registered with the SEC and MSRB, and is a member of FINRA and SIPC. All other products and services are provided by PMA Financial Network, Inc.

With services ranging from investment advisory work with Prudent Man Advisors to public finance work with PMA Securities, among others, the PMA companies are focused on achieving long-term financial success for their clients. With billions of dollars invested annually, the PMA companies provide over 2,500 public entities with a diverse lineup of customized financial solutions through a team of experienced professionals and innovative technology. PMA has built a record of success stories by meeting the needs of public entities. Additional information is available at http://www.pmanetwork.com.
Your Total Technology Solutions Provider! Our mission has always been to establish a great place to work, be strong client advocates and constantly develop and improve our processes.

Reliable Solutions Group, a Total Technology Solutions Provider of Cloud, IT and Telecom solutions in Northeast Ohio, announced today that in the wake of substantial growth, the Company will be moving its corporate office at the start of the New Year. The move to expanded office space marks the achievement of another milestone for the Managed Technology Provider.

Our mission has always been to establish a great place to work, be strong client advocates and constantly develop and improve our processes, said Robert Incorvaia, President. The diversity of our services and solutions is our strength and our new collaborative environment will enable us to provide even greater levels of service excellence for our customers.

This move highlights our commitment to our rockstar team and gives us the ability to continue to grow and keep pace with our valued clients needs, said Lacretta Incorvaia, Vice President. Its especially exciting to be able to remain in our home city of Middleburg Heights while moving into significantly more space. We look forward to this next chapter.

The RSG team will continue to operate from their existing office at 7515 Pearl Road, Ste 101, Middleburg Hts., OH. 44130 until renovations of the new office is complete in January 2019.

New Office Location

16600 Sprague Road, Suite #170

Middleburg Heights, OH. 44130

Connect with RSG

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LinkedIn

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RiverGlade Capital (RiverGlade), a healthcare services-focused private equity investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, today announced that it has formed a new partnership with Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics (Kids Care or the Company), a California-based pediatric and orthodontic dental services provider in order to recapitalize the business and provide additional capital to support future growth. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2002, Kids Care is one of the largest and fastest growing commercial and private-pay only pediatric and orthodontic companies. Kids Care has evolved from a single site pediatric dental office to a fully integrated pediatric oral care platform with 29 clinical units (pediatric, orthodontic and oral surgery) throughout Northern California. The Company is the market share leader with over 150,000 patient visits per year and a growing team of nearly 300 clinical and non-clinical practice-based staff. Janet Widmann, President and Chief Executive Officer who has been leading Kids Care since mid-2016, will continue in her leadership role with the Company.

The Kids Care team has built an exceptional reputation for clinical quality and care, in addition to a patient experience that is focused on positive outcomes. We are very excited to partner with such an outstanding management team to help them continue executing on their plan and continue scaling the business, said Danny Rosenberg, Managing Partner of RiverGlade.

Added Garrick Rice, Managing Partner of RiverGlade, The quality of care delivered by Kids Care, along with its unique culture that positively impacts patients and communities, is consistent with our strategy of only working with the best clinical care providers. We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Kids Care and provide resources in order to accelerate the Companys growth in Northern California and beyond.

About Kids Care Dental

Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics is a northern California based, multi-site practice that offers comprehensive services including preventive dental care, orthodontics and oral surgery for every gap-toothed, mischievous, silly, giggly smile. Kids Care believes that when kids grow up enjoying the dentist, healthy teeth and gums will follow and offer a unique dental practice that delivers fun, not fear. For more information, visit http://www.kidscaredental.com.

About RiverGlade Capital

RiverGlade Capital is a healthcare services-focused private equity firm that invests in founder-owned, high-quality, differentiated businesses. RiverGlade partners with companies that have demonstrated strong organic growth and where value can be accelerated through human capital investments, operational improvements, strategic planning, and dynamic organic and inorganic growth initiatives. For more information, visit http://www.rivergladecapital.com.
Thompson Industrial Services, a leading industrial cleaning services provider, announces the opening of a new office in Macon, Georgia. Opening on January 2, 2019, the Macon office will be Thompsons 21st service location providing a vast range of industrial cleaning and specialty services to major industrial plants and mills, including pulp and paper, power, steel, chemical, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and more. The full-service location at 4308 Interstate Drive, Macon, GA 31210, is strategically positioned in central Georgia to serve Macon, Savannah, and the surrounding areas with the safety and efficiency that customers have come to expect from Thompson.

Our localized presence in Macon will give TIS an increased ability to safely support our customers, day or night. Said Mr. Josh Chambers, CEO of Thompson Industrial Services, We look forward to being an employer of choice in Macon and offering further contributions to the Georgia economy.

Thompson Industrial Services prides itself on providing the safest, highest-quality industrial cleaning, hydro-cutting, and vacuum-excavation services with integrity. This location will improve the safety and productivity of outage and on-site daily work in hydroblasting, chemical cleaning, high volume hydroblasting, industrial vacuuming, and other specialty services for Georgia plants, mills, and other facilities. The central Georgia region is seeing a growing demand for automation during outages and industrial cleaning projects. Thompson is already providing 100% automation to customers in Savannah, and this new location is ideally positioned to better assist facilities to improve their safety and productivity.

In addition to serving major industries, Thompson can provide safe dry ice blasting to clean all types of sensitive machinery in facilities throughout the state, and their readily available hydro- and pneumatic-excavation equipment will be an asset to local municipalities and construction projects.

The Macon office will be led by Dewey Seymour, Director of Georgia Operations, who brings 43 years of industrial cleaning leadership to the area. Like all of Thompsons locations, this office will serve the area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Contact

Emily Martin, Marketing: emartin(at)thompsonind.com

Dewey Seymour, Macon Operations: dseymour(at)thompsonind.com

Careers: https://www.thompsonindustrialservices.com/careers/.

About Thompson Industrial Services, LLC

Thompson Industrial Services, LLC offers the broadest line of specialized industrial cleaning services with advanced automated technology and seasoned personnel. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Sumter, SC, Thompson now has over 20 strategically positioned service locations across the Southeast and Central US, with mobile operations across the globe.

Thompson specializes in complete Lifecycle Service Solutions for major pulp and paper mills, steel mills, power plants, oil & gas and other industrial facilities. We are a single-source industrial services provider with the unique ability to serve a facility from the construction pre-commissioning phase to on-site daily services, outages and turnarounds, and even decommissioning. We provide safe, quality services delivered with integrity in the areas of Hydroblasting, Vacuuming, & Big Pump, Chemical Cleaning & FINFOAM, and Specialty & Custom Solutions.

Specialized services include: automation, high volume hydroblasting at 2,250 HP/1,200 GPM, 40K UHP hydro-cleaning, cutting & surface prep, dry ice blasting, chemical cleaning, pigging, sponge media abrasive blasting with reuse, FINFOAM air-cooled heat exchanger cleaning, combustible dust remediation, hydro- and pneumatic-vacuum excavation, in-situ SCR catalyst cleaning and industrial drone inspections.

At Thompson, our culture is built on the foundation of our core values  safety, quality and integrity. We put these into action every day through a be safe, be good, be great attitude that propels our world-class safety program, renowned productivity and creative automated solutions that optimize safety while meeting our clients bottom line. For more information, visit https://www.thompsonindustrialservices.com.

Thompson Industrial Services, LLC

4308 Interstate Drive

Macon, GA 31210

United States
Frank Abagnale ...Because of this, ongoing, non-technical employee cyber education is a MUST in keeping any enterprise safe. I highly recommend ThreatAdvice in terms of a very effective cyber education and phishing solution, said Abagnale.

ThreatAdvice, (threatadvice.com) a provider of cybersecurity education, awareness and threat intelligence has named Frank Abagnale as its new company spokesperson. Abagnale, a former con man who was once hunted by the FBI and whose story was immortalized in the movie Catch Me If You Can starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is now a world-class secure document consultant, anti-fraud expert, FBI advisor and motivational speaker. For the past 40 years Abagnale has worked to create solutions that circumvent criminal opportunity and has served as a speaker, teacher and advisor to FBI field agents and business industry executives all over the country.

Abagnale believes that fraud prevention is critical in his mission of helping corporations, financial institutions and the FBI thwart the kind of scams that target Americans today. This idea is cohesive with TheatAdvices belief that prevention through the ongoing education of corporate employees is a fundamental piece of an organizations overall defense plan against cyber-attacks.

What I did in my youth is hundreds of times easier for the bad guys of today. Technology breeds crime, and employees are a favorite way into a network for cyber criminals. Because of this, ongoing, non-technical employee cyber education is a MUST in keeping any enterprise safe. I highly recommend ThreatAdvice in terms of a very effective cyber education and phishing solution, said Abagnale.

Tom Hanks calls Abagnales speeches the best one-man show youll ever see, and ThreatAdvice plans to bring him to Birmingham, Ala., in April of 2019 for a speaking event for its cybersecurity and financial institution customers and others.

ThreatAdvice is excited to be working with Mr. Abagnale to further the message of cybersecurity education and awareness as a key to helping to prevent cybercrime, said David Brasfield, CEO of ThreatAdvice. Frank has an incredible life story and it is very admirable how much of his life he has dedicated to numerous fraud prevention initiatives, he said.

About ThreatAdvice

ThreatAdvice, a company under the NXTsoft (http://www.nxtsoft.com) umbrella was founded in 2016 to provide entities of all types with comprehensive cybersecurity protection by offering tools to educate employees on good cyber practices, simulate cyberattacks through phishing exercises, and provide actionable real-time threat intelligence. For more information visit threatadvice.com, email info@threatadvice.com, or contact the company at 1.800.915.3381.
Travel Insured International, a travel protection company based in Glastonbury, CT, believes that a companys mission should embrace more than just its product or service. Honored to accept the Community Care Award presented by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in October of 2018, Travel Insured is thrilled to share its philosophy to Touch a Life. Make a Difference.

Making a difference is undoubtedly a company wide movement. Team TII involves the entire organizations participation in charity and fundraising events. Tina Gehris, Vice President of Licensing Account Management, started this program in 2011 to create an enthusiastic, empowering environment of giving back.

With an array of widely participated charity and fundraising opportunities every year  from toy drives to bake sales to blood drives to team walks  Team TII proves to be a community that isnt just bonded by a common career, but a common cause.

Travel Insured strives to be a humbling place to work. As a company, TII has grown from its roots as a very small business to an organization of over 150 employees. Travel Insured is grateful to receive the BBBs Community Care Award, as it stands as a treasured reminder that our mission isnt just insurance deep. Team TII has chosen to give the BBBs generous donation to Protector of Animals.

About Travel Insured:

Founded in 1994 by Peter Gehris, Travel Insured International is one of the leading travel insurance providers, offering the highest quality worldwide travel insurance protection for over 20 years. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the company offers an array of travel insurance protection benefits including Emergency Assistance and Evacuation, Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Protection, Medical Insurance, Baggage Insurance, Airline Ticket Protection, and more. Travel Insured maintains relationships with specialty travel providers and tour operators, as well as provides 24/7 insurance assistance that allows you to travel relaxed, travel secure, and travel insured.
(from l-r) David N. Hofstein, Ryan Hancock, Salvatore J. Patti, Mary F. Platt. Photo credit: Thomas E. Rogers, Philadelphia Bar Association

Philadelphia labor, employment and workers compensation firm Willig, Williams & Davidson is pleased to announce that attorney Ryan Allen Hancock has received the Philadelphia Bar Associations PNC Wealth Management Achievement Award, which honors significant accomplishments in improving the administration of justice.

Hancock was recognized for his dedication to helping low-income Philadelphians overcome past criminal convictions through pro bono litigation. In 2009, he joined two other Philadelphia-based civil rights attorneys to create Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity. Approved as a 501(c)(3) in 2010, the organization was founded on the belief that society should view people for their actions and achievements today, not define them by bad choices they may have made years or even decades ago.

Since then, the organization has become widely recognized for helping Philadelphians expunge criminal records that can hinder them from attaining employment, housing and other benefits for which they otherwise are qualified. The first community legal clinic the group sponsored, in 2011, drew more than 300 people, completely overwhelming the volunteers and demonstrating the immense need in the community for criminal record expungement legal services.

At Willig, Williams & Davidson, Hancock counsels and represents clients in matters relating to sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation and whistleblower actions, wrongful termination, employee benefits, overtime and wage and hour concerns, and employment agreements, including contract negotiation, non-compete agreements, and severance.

Previously, Hancock served as assistant chief counsel of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the Commonwealths civil rights enforcement agency, successfully litigating a wide range of discrimination matters, including claims based upon sexual orientation, religious accommodation, disability, race, sex, and denial of employment based on a criminal record.

About Willig, Williams & Davidson  Willig, Williams & Davidson (http://www.wwdlaw.com) is one of the largest and most respected union-side labor law firms in the United States. The firm has offices in Philadelphia, Jenkintown and Harrisburg, Pa., as well as Haddonfield, N.J., and Chicago, Ill. Founded in 1979, Willig, Williams & Davidson focuses on representing labor unions, employee benefit funds and individual working people and their families on a variety of legal fronts, including national, regional and local contract negotiations; dispute resolution through mediation, arbitration and litigation; tax and benefit law compliance issues; discrimination and other employment matters; prepaid legal services for union members; and workers compensation matters in Philadelphia and beyond.
Christina McGrath of Hinsdale, eager to see the holiday lights, came with her children. She had never been in the museum before, which is decorated for the holidays and has a new exhibit on the American experience during World War I.
After two months of silent tears, wet pillows and heartaches Efia Odo has finally decided to speak the truth about her estranged relationship with Kweku Reveloe. Sparing no details, she went all out in a series of Twitter rants telling the whole world about her woes.

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Probably shes in the final and fifth stage of grief which is acceptance. Because according to her tweets, she has finally accepted that what she got herself into wasnt really love. She wrote, Trust me every girl is gone get fucked over by a dude, its supposed to happen so you can learn and grow and Aint never dating a Ghanaian nigga in Ghana again! Those niggas are grimy on a different level.

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So finally the cat has been let out of the bag, she has found the courage to talk about it. Heres a couple of things we can pick from the story. First, try to keep your relationship private, it helps when dealing with the ensuing drama. Two, stay away from Efia Odo if you are a Ghanaian and living in Ghana.
According to odditycentral.com, a Taiwanese woman sharing a house with five other women studying at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei had gone to the said police station to file a complaint over the missing yoghurt.

What makes this kind of expenditure and investigation mind-blowing is the fact that some people believe the police could have simply bought another yoghurt for the lady for $2 if they wanted to pamper her.

Otherwise, they could have consoled her and asked her to go because the case in question is not worth investigating by an established institution like the police.

But it is not clear what thinking went into the final decision to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter by conducting a DNA test on both the complainant and her roommates.

READ ALSO: Viral video shows slay queens fighting over food at public event

Some people believe that the use of taxpayers money in that manner is tantamount to using a cannon to shoot birds  it is not really in line with the principle of proportionality.

Well, it appears from all indications that the police had no crime to fight and wanted to get busy.
The woman who prefers to be anonymous was hoping that once the thieves tell her their modus operandi, she would find means of sealing the loopholes.

What is more interesting about the businesswomans job offer she posted on Bark.com is the fact that, she would be paying the thieves 50 ($64) an hour in addition to another incentive of keeping three of the stolen goods.

According to odditycentral.com, candidates would need to visit her store on a number of occasions over several weeks and then produce a report of all the things they stole and how they did it.

The woman has become desperate after years of suffering significant loses during the holiday season.

The job advertisement posted on Bark.com reads: Im looking for a professional to help highlight security weaknesses in my store, by deliberately stealing from it.

Ive been a business owner since I opened my retail shop in 2013, and have experienced extensive theft every year in the run-up to Christmas for the last five years.

Like clockwork, from the start of November, the shop gets busier and it becomes harder to monitor everyone who comes through the door. Thieves swipe items from our shelves and Im losing thousands of pounds every year and, as a small business owner, I cant afford to let this slide.

Its an odd request, but Im determined to find weaknesses that I may not have spotted before. If you can help or think you can help me improve the security of my store, please let me know.

She had hoped to curtail stealing by learning some stealing skills from the employed thieves to enable her device equally skilful means of preventing thievery in her shop.

However, as expected, the advertisement went viral in no time and peoples reactions made her change her mind to use a different method.

The viralty of the weird job offer surprised owners of Bark.com where it was posted, but they are in business and had no advice to give the woman.

Reports say English newspaper, The Mirror contacted Bark.com co-founder Kai Feller to seek his view on the said advert.

He has been quoted as saying: While we do have a variety of security professionals already on our site, professional robbery isnt a service we actively offer.

However, we hope that someone with the right skills and know-how is willing to help this store owner better secure her shop. Who knows, if we have a significant number of applications perhaps this can become a permanent service on Bark.com!.

Inasmuch as the job offer sounds weird but attractive, the most important requirement is that candidates with no criminal records must apply.
READ MORE: Security on high alert as tension heightens

The children were sold from communities in the Central and Greater Accra Regions to the lake for the purposes of labour exploitation.

President of Challenging Heights said "It took the rescue team nearly two months of investigations and searching to achieve this success."

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Over the years Challenging Heights has been in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) with respect to rescues, policies and national advocacy aimed at putting an end to child trafficking in Ghana.

Challenging Heights works in several communities across Ghana, to rescue, rehabilitate and reintegrate children who have been affected by worst forms of child labour, including trafficking.
Officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week visited various fish farms in the region to supervise the mass burial.

Officials of NADMO and EPA visited some fish farms operating behind the Akosombo Dam.

In October this year, about 18 tonnes of tilapia have been destroyed at Asutuare.

The fish were brought into the country by some Chinese nationals. The tilapia are suspected to be poisonous.

Reports indicate that some women are already smuggling the poisonous tilapia into the market to sell.

The reports have put fear and panic in Ghanaians but President of the Ghana Aquaculture Association, Jennifer Sodji said Ghanaians should not panic over the matter.
When asked about the difference, Plascencia emphasized that she never turned around and so didnt know who the other people with Carrasco were, but she recognized Carrascos voice and saw Carrascos husband at one point. She also said there were a lot of emotions and so she perhaps wasnt as precise as she could have been in the restraining order application.
The survivors of the April 7 accident that claimed six lives at Newmont Ghanas Ahafo mine site are extremely worried about the blatant neglect by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Consar Construction Limited and DRA Ghana Limited, under whose watch they nearly died.

The survivors of the accident have petitioned some opinion leaders at Kenyase to impress on Newmont Ghana Gold Limited to comply with the recommendations contained in the governments white paper issued after investigations had been concluded on the accident; and pay them adequate compensations as expected.

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Background

It would be recalled that on Saturday April 7, 2018, six workers of Consar Construction Limited, working on a project at Newmont Ahafo mine site at Kenyase in the Asutifi North District of Brong Ahafo died instantly when they were trapped in a mortar meant a construction activity.

The deceased were identified as Kwadwo Asare, Gideon Amankwah, Kojo Bismarck, Ben Brako, Agyei Wale and Ebenezer Sarfo. Four others who survived amidst various degrees of injury, which have rendered some of them seriously incapacitated, are Musa Sulemana, Seth Kwame, Daniel Dzitor and one other person.

They were workers of Consar Company Limited, a sub-contracting firm which had been contracted to construct a reclaim tunnel roof at the Ahafo Mill Expansion Project.

On the Sunday 8th April, 2018 the then Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, led a team of officials from his Ministry and Mineral Commission to visit the accident site at the Ahafo mine in order to ascertain on firsthand the cause and the circumstances leading to the accident.

Newmont Ghana Gold Limited for failure to ensure the safety of contractor employees working at the Ahafo Mine Site shall pay the fatally wounded and the injured employees the appropriate workmen compensation, the Committees report recommended.

In addition, the fatally wounded employees should be compensated for their traumatic death, loss of their life and jettisoning of their livelihood.

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Newmonts loud silence

Even though this reporter contacted the Public Relations outfit of Newmont on Saturday December 1, 2018 through an e-mail; asking for the companys side of the story, no response had been given at the time of filing this report on Monday December 10, 2018. They only acknowledged receipt but never responded to the queries.

Investigations reveal that Newmont is yet to comply with the instructions conveyed to them by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in the first week of June 2018, leaving the survivors and their dependents to their fate.

One of the victims of the accident, for instance, was seriously injured in the eye and as such, finds it difficult to see.

Ive become partially blind as a result of the accident and life is becoming unbearable as the days pass-by; and Ive been in the house since. Theyve only been paying my monthly salary but have refused to pay any compensation to me or any of my colleagues who also survived, he said.
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Every year, the international non-profit organization ranks over 140 countries based on the quality (extensiveness and condition) of their road infrastructure with 7 being extremely good and 1 for extremely poor.

While some African countries performed poorly, others did really well, even managing to surpass world economic giants like China and Italy.

Meet the seven countries with the best roads in Africa:

Namibia

This SouthWest African country tops the list of nations with the best quality roads infrastructure across the continent.

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It ranked 31 out of 137 countries (with a score of 5.0 out of 7), beating global economic giants like China and India who were ranked 42 and 55 respectively. Namibia also ranked highly in the 2016/2017 report, getting the 23rd position out of 138 countries.

The country's high ranking has been traced to the establishment of its Roads Authority in April 2000. According to the report, "Namibia is the only Southern African Development Community (SADC) country that has well-developed and functioning corridors such as the Trans-Caprivi Highway, which links Namibia with Zambia, Zimbabwe and DRC; the Trans-Kalahari Highway, which links Namibia with Botswana and South Africa's industrial hub, the province of Gauteng, and the Trans-Kunene Corridor, which links Namibia to Angola and the DRC via the port of Walvis Bay."

Rwanda

The second African country to make the top 50 list is this East African country, coming in at the 32nd position with a score of 5.

Thanks to aid from China, Japan, the European Union and others, the country's primary roads are said to be well maintained with its national roads getting 71.4 per cent, according to figures from the Rwandan ministry of infrastructure.

ALSO READ: 5 crazy sexual traditions that are still practised in Africa

Eswatini

The third best in Africa is the former Swaziland which was recently renamed eSwatini.

Ranked 39 (with a score of 4.7) globally, the country boasts of a good network of tarred roads, 28 per cent of which was paved by 1997, according to the National Encyclopedia.

Morocco

Due to investments in rural infrastructure made by the government, this country managed to beat global giants like Italy and Belgium to be ranked 52 globally and fourth best in Africa (4.5).

Mauritius

Fifth on the list is the most democratic country in Africa with a global ranking of 48 and a score of 4.5.

South Africa

The last African country to make the top 50 list is South Africa. It ranked 50 globally and sixth across the continent with a score of 4.4.

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Seychelles

Ranked 53 globally, with a score of 4.4 is the most open country in Africa. It is the seventh African country with the best roads.

African countries with the worst roads

The worst roads across the continent can be found in the following nations:

Cameroon was ranked 126 globally and scored 2.6.

It was followed by Nigeria, ranked 127 in the world with a score of 2.5.

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Mozambique came in at 129 and also scored 2.5.

Guinea ranked fourth in Africa and 133 in the world with a low score of 2.2.

This was followed by Madagascar, the East African country with a ranking of 134 and also scored 2.2.

Congo, Democratic Rep came in at 136 with a poor score of 2.1.

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The world's best private villa is an unlikely destination: It's a two-hour drive from the world's biggest international tourist destination.

But you wouldn't guess it from the looks of things inside The Resort Villa, where privacy is key. Seven villas, four bars, and nine dining areas are spread out across 150,000 square feet of property.

The resort beat out other five other candidates in the Maldives, Spain, South Africa, Fiji, and St. Barthelemy, respectively, to win the award. It also unseats Over Yonder Cay in the Bahamas and Coco Prive in the Maldives, which jointly won the award in 2017.

:

The Resort Villa, however, is located in the non-commercial area of Rayong and prides itself in offering respite from highly tourist-trafficked areas.
A flood of filings came Friday evening, implicating former Trump attorney and fixer Michael Cohen, former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, and Trump himself.

Despite the trove of new information on special counsel Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference, the beat of the news cycle kept on throughout the weekend, bringing more major headlines.

Here's what you might have missed.

Former FBI Director James Comey's testimony to the House committees was released on Saturday.

BusinessInsider

Here's what happened:

"not friends" with Mueller

the pair are "best friends." Trump once even said that there are 100 pictures of Comey and Mueller "hugging and kissing each other."

initially focused on four Americans



declined to identify

smoking something

All lies!"

Trump told reporters Saturday that his chief of staff John Kelly will leave the White House by the beginning of 2019.

BusinessInsider

Here's what you need to know:

Kelly would depart

Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff Nick Ayers

confirm reports



sources told Reuters

president is considering current Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Republican Representative Mark Meadows, chairman of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus.

Kelly joins a long list of staffers who have left Trump's White House.

"Yellow Vest" protests continued to rock Paris over the weekend.

BusinessInsider

Read more about our coverage:

1,300 people were arrested

Trump mocked French President Emmanuel Macron

Uma Thurman posted

"99 percent of protesters were peaceful."

The US is caught in the middle after a senior Huawei executive was arrested in Canada.

BusinessInsider

Huawei's chief financial officer,

told Reuters

China has upped the pressure on the US, saying the arrest warrant should be withdrawn and threatening "

Meng's arrest sent shockwaves through the global markets, with fears that her detainment could escalate the trade war between the US and China.

Huawei makes telecommunications kits and smartphones and recently overtook Apple as the world's second biggest smartphone seller behind Samsung. But despite its success, the company has been

North Carolina is experiencing a "mammoth" storm which has knocked out power for more than 300,000 people.

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After spending with some outstanding people described as "the next generation of young leaders," the accomplished businessman, took to his blog to share some important career advice for people who are hungry for success.

They are:

How you start is important

According to Elumelu, who also doubles as the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa Plc, young professionals need to start out right in a well-structured environment.

He explains, "It helps to cultivate discipline which is directly correlated with your productivity and ability to produce results. The best organisations for young people are those who recruit objectively and transparently (not based on who you know or who put in a phone call), train and capacitize young professionals, place round pegs in round holes, i.e. deploy talent to where it is best suited, give people access to the right tools to execute their tasks, keep them challenged, measure and appraise staff fairly, and finally, reward and commend results and sanction failures. Any organisation that follows this merit-driven chain will give you a great career start."

Dreams are good

For the successful banker, dreams are great as long as you are ready to put in the work to see them come true. He stresses the need for dreams to be backed with a lot of hard work.

In his words, "Your aspirations and yearnings are normal It's okay to want more. But you must remember that you must deserve more to desire more. You must put in the hours, the long nights, the sacrifice, and the diligence. While it is okay to yearn for more, you must work hard enough to earn the promotion, the pay rise, the title change, the salary increases etc."

He continues, "Have a clear picture of the destination you desire but instead of letting frustration set in, let those desires become the fuel that drives you to attain your goals. In a merit-driven system, people are rewarded for their hard-earned results, and leaders never take credit for the work of their subordinates. You will rise according to your productivity, advance in your career, and be exposed to even more responsibilities."

"As you climb the ladder, remember that you owe it to those coming after you to train, teach and inspire them as well," Elumelu adds.

ALSO READ: How

Work on yourself constantly

Nigerian billionaire encourages young professionals to always work on themselves, constantly striving to be the best version of themselves.

"The best-spent money is that which is spent on your self-improvement," he says. " Your generation has unhindered access to quality information, much more than those before you, so you should take advantage of it and develop yourself. Read, learn, feed your intellect, and strive to expand the horizons of your mind. Learning is a long-term investment, and it never stops rewarding."

Work on your people skills

For Elumelu, working on people skills needs to be a priority for young professionals. He encourages this set of people to avoid distractions, working instead on the right relationships that should last for life.

He writes, "Never take others for granted. Nurture your relationships... In the same way, as you start out in your career, build your relationships, seek to learn, don't be afraid to understudy the experts, reach out to potential mentors and learn from them."

"Develop these relationships with managers and mentors while leveraging them as a springboard for more opportunities," he adds. "At the same time, don't neglect your peers. Needless rivalry, cliques, office gang-ups and gossip in the workplace do not benefit anybody. Stay away from these distractions."

Leaving the county isn't necessarily the solution

Acknowledging the popular desire to seek greener elsewhere, Elumelu encourages young people to change their perspective. Rather than focusing on only the economic challenges, he charges this set of people to also look at the endless opportunities in Nigeria.

In his words, "You don't have to check out, to travel out of the country to become successful. I hear of many young people travelling abroad as a way to escape the economic challenges. What I often say to them is that yes, challenges are real on the continent, but so are the opportunities but never forget that there are immense opportunities available to you right here on the continent. If someone like me, from an ordinary background, could make it, what makes you think you can't?"
Today, Nigerias rail system contributes less than 1% of freight movement across the country. In contrast to this, at its peak in the 80s, the rail system was a major form of transportation for traders, workers, and students. There was a bustling rail network that was critical to economic vitality, Lazarus Angbazo, General Electric Nigerias CEO tells me.

By many estimates, the loss of that vital rail network has a dampening effect on the GDP by almost 3%, he added.

The rail transport sector was a core part of the conversation when I first met Lazarus in Lagos back in September, weeks before the news broke that General Electric was pulling out of the rail concession with the Nigerian federal government and handing over to Transnet SOC Ltd.

While GE exits the transportation business, its hand is firmly at work in many other sectors of the economy including power, oil and gas, aviation, and medicine. The industrial giant has been in Nigeria for more than 40 years, supporting both the government and private sector with vital infrastructure and services. It currently employs over 700 people, 98% being Nigerians.

Lazarus himself has had an impressive career, starting out as an academic teaching corporate finance in one of Americas top universities. After 6 years, he moved to JPMorgan Chase where he worked for 7 years before joining GE where he has been for 14 years. First, he headed the companys East, West, and Central African operations. Now, he leads the companys biggest African market  Nigeria.

What it takes to succeed as a global business in Nigeria

If youre not in Nigeria, he says of global businesses, your Africa strategy is flawed. And for anyone who wants to do business in Nigeria and succeed, Lazarus believes they must pay attention to factors such as their business strategy and their capabilities.

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He says your business strategy has to be based on a strong understanding of the fundamentals of the Nigerian market. That understanding will lead you to a mindset that investing in Nigeria is not about the short-term and quick results, but it is about a sustainable plan over the long term.

Anchor your strategy around the key fundamentals of the market, he says. A country like this has inescapably impressive fundamentals, in terms of the size of the market -- theres no other market in Africa that gives you scale as Nigeria does. The consumer base is strong. You look at the infrastructure base, the need is strong. If you are a player in any one of these industries globally and youre not in Nigeria, youre missing a significant piece of your playbook.

Once you have figured out your strategy, then you must localise your capabilities. You have to localise your workforce, Nigeria offers you the best value for money in terms of talent than Ive seen in any other country on the continent, he says. You also have to localise your supply chain. Who are your Nigerian partners? Theres a number of entrepreneurs and great companies to work with here.

Then you also have to localise your technical capabilities and capacity. It is so much easier to be able to service a turbine in Nigeria than to take 9 months to ship it out, fix it, and bring it back in.

The qualities of successful people

Ive been fortunate to have worked under some of the most brilliant, most visionary leaders that I know of and there are so many qualities that I admire and have impressed me deeply, Lazarus says when I ask him what the most common qualities he has seen in successful people are.

First is vision. Vision is critical for pointing the direction in which people will go. Vision is not dreaming alone, it starts with dreaming, but it is backing that dream with a credible, implementable plan, he says.

Another quality is the ability to build a team or at least inspire people to work with you. He says, If you dont have a team, it doesnt matter how brilliant or hardworking you are, you wont get anything done. The biggest point of derailment for anyone is the team with which they work.

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The third quality is a huge appetite for learning. In his words, We live in a much more connected, smaller, faster world, and severely more fiercely competitive. Anyone who is not at the cutting edge of what is going on will quickly fall to the back of the pack. So, that huge appetite for learning is one of the things Ive seen to be a differentiator for successful people.

Our conversation drifts further towards leadership qualities in successful people. For Lazarus, character and integrity stand out. Those are two qualities that will protect anyone, he says. Character is really about candour because it builds trust and it builds followership. Part of character is also humility because that's where the learning begins. If you dont have humility, the willingness and capacity to learn will not be there.

Lastly, he adds, the ability to get things done and get results is the empirical evidence of successful people. Whats your output? What have you done?
Cunningham, an alderman before being elected mayor last year, should have seen his former colleagues wariness. They voted last month to defer boosting the tax rate until this month when they adopted passage of the levy ordinance. It is a document required by state law to be filed with the Lake County Clerks Office by Dec. 21.
He analyses that their famous status is lacking in depth and love.

On Friday, December 7, 2018, Ikeduba shares a video on Instagram to criticize those who are not able to offer genuine help to one another.

Kevin Ikeduduba favours openness about one's feelings as opposed to pretense.

In the comments section most readers commend the actor who joined Nollywood in the year 2000.

ALSO READ: Duncan Mighty worries more about helping the needy than his fashion sense

He is able to act in English and Yoruba movies due to his competence in both languages. Ikeduba is often known for his role as an antagonist in many of the films he has starred in.

His rugged personality on TV is however a wide contrast to his true personality. He confirms this in a 2012 interview with Vanguard News.
Comedy has become gold for Nigerian filmmakers at the cinemas, and it doesn't seem they will stop digging soon.

'Chief Daddy' is a new attempt to strike gold. It has everything in the Nollywood 'Almighty Formula' to ensure that it becomes a hit.

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It has an all-star cast led by some of the most bankable talents Nollywood has to offer, Joke Silva, Patience Ozokwor, Nkem Owoh, Funke Akindele, Rachael Oniga and others.

Falz, Nedu and Chigul are in the movie for rib cracking responsibilities. Ini Edo and Mawuli Gavor for sex appeal. With a December release date, 'Chief Daddy' has all the trappings to be a big hit. But is it?

The Niyi Akinmolayan directed movie is about Chief Beecroft who plays the titular role. He is the head of a dynasty which threatens to fall apart minutes after he dies.

Not only do his relatives fight for his wealth but the fruits of Big Daddy's philandering past make an already delicate situation tenser. The reading of his will and the events leading up to his burial make heads and egos clash.

The movie scores a high mark in depicting opulence and wealth. Some of the camera work is impressive and perhaps some of the best work we might see on the big screen this year.

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If comedy is your thing, then this movie will make you laugh. Although they play small parts, the combination of Nedu and Chigul who play the role of street-smart coffin sellers are a delight to watch. The timing of their gags is spot on.

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And Nkem Owoh, a genius of Nigerian comedy both on and off the screen expertly brings humour without breaking a sweat or forcing it.

Unfortunately, the trio of Nedu, Chigul and Nkem Owoh are not enough. Chief Daddy is slapped with comedy that goes nowhere.

The humour in this story doesnt exactly drive the plot home, neither does it make it engaging. The story is sidelined for cheap humour and thats a shame because the story has so much potential.

In the movie, Falz plays the hero and villain. His act of lampooning urban British culture scores some points but sometimes the act is a drawback.

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The plot moves as if it is headed for a spectacular crash of conflicts but this never happens. What we get is an anti-climax with a weak resolution.

With a stellar cast of experienced Nollywood heavy hitters, Chief Daddy is an example of the parts being larger than the sum. The talents at hand are not fully utilized thats why the cast fails to deliver a strong performance.

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Then there is the issue of overcasting. There are a lot of notable names in this movie with minor roles. Obviously, its a PR trick to get as many people as possible to watch the movie when its released.

This gimmick has become tiresome. Sadly it does not seem Nollywood producers are done using it.

Big Daddy fits in the mould of recent cinematic releases, big, ambitious and glamorous. It also features the failings of the new wave, overcasting, shallow comedy and a weak plot.
This is the story of a six-man gang, pillaging and plundering the residents and people of Ikotun Egbe and Igando areas of Lagos. The men of the underworld recently got nabbed by members of the Lagos Police Command and 15 stolen motorcycles, house properties and three local cut to size pistols were recovered from them.

ALSO READ: Policemen reportedly strip car owner naked for refusing to give bribe

According to various sources, the members of this gang are; the leader, Emmanuel Olasunkanmi, A.K.A Federal, Ahmed Agunbiade, A.K.A Omo Jo Ibo; Dotun Ogunsanya; Nurudeen Agbeyewo; Segun Okinade and Usman Akinde.

During a chat, Federal said he only targets yahoo boys and not innocent people, I would go to clubs on Fridays and mingle with Yahoo boys who spent lavishly. As they were leaving, I would follow them.

On getting to a deserted place, I would point the gun at them and collect their money and phones. I usually freed Eye cult members among them once they told me they did not have money."
These five stylists are the ones that have stood out this year and deserve to be celebrated in this end of year list.

Take a look!

1. Veronica Odeka

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Veronica Odeka continues to be one of the greatest stylists in Nigeria with a wealth of high-profile clients like Mo Abudu and working with luxury labels like Odio Mimonet.

Celebrity stylist and beauty mogul who refers to herself as the 'style mom'not only knows how to put together a great look, but her personal style is quirky and functional style with a mix of Nigerian designers and high-end labels.

Veronica Odeka is also a woman who knows her business. Having started out as a stylist with her company Vanestyle, styling great women like Mo Abudu, Veronica then began a beauty empire single-handedly, all whilst being a mother of 3. Veronica is quite the style icon and does so whilst juggling her family and her businesses. Her nail polish company 'Vane Polish' is a high quality, luxury, nail polish which comes in a variety of sumptuous colours.

This year, Veronica Odeka was a key part of both Arise Fashion Week and Lagos Fashion week styling various shows and ensuring every look was picture perfect. Even after all her years in the industry, Veronica is still one of the most sought after stylists in the whole industry.

2. Jane Michael Ekanem

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Jane Michael Ekanem is a celebrity style consultant and fashion designer known for her work with stars such as Yemi Alade, Waje, Tiwa Savage and lots of other high profile clients.

Jane officially began her career as a celebrity stylist in 2009 when she got contracted to style the contestants and hosts of MTN Project Fame. Since then, Jane has gone on to have an illustrious career and in the fashion industry. Jane made the difficult transition from stylist to designer and launched the Jane Michael Collection which has been worn by stars from Mercy Johnson to Stephanie Coker.

Coverage of Janes styling work has appeared in many publications including Thisday Style, Exquisite Magazine, MTV Base, Soundcity TV, Vanguard Allure and TW Magazine.

3. The Style Infidel

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Oluwatosin Ogundadegbe is a fashion consultant, writer, stylist and the creative director behind the Style Infidel brand. He has built one of the most recognisable fashion outfits with a formidable portfolio. From styling celebrities and working on editorials for fashion brands and magazines, Oluwatosin is always first choice.

He defines his style as the new sophisticated but not unnecessarily casual. The Philosophy graduate from is inspired by seeing people look classic and elegant on a budget without breaking a vault.

Oluwatosin graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University with a degree in Philosophy graduate got his big fashion break when he worked on his first style shoot in 2010 which was titled Under Construction which catalysed his styling career. Now, Oluwatosin styles high profile clients like Adesua Etomi, Rita Dominic, Joseph Benjamin and Waje.

4. Swanky Jerry

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Jeremiah Ogbodo better known as Swanky Jerry is a Nigerian Celebrity Fashion Stylist known for his work with Tonto Dikeh, Dbanj, Ice Prince, M.I, 2Face, Juliet Ibrahim, Davido and a host of other high profile clients.

He began his career as a celebrity fashion stylist with the launch of his fashion and lifestyle brand Swanky Signatures Styling in June 2012 and has since then, grown to become one of the most sought after stylists in the industry. Besides styling clients for red carpet appearances and video shoots, coverage of his work has appeared in many magazines and online publications.

He has also styled various celebrities for magazine covers including Darey, Praiz and Davido amongst others.

Within a space of a few years, Swanky Jerry has made a huge impact on the fashion industry with his work and his own unique sense of style. His style expertise have earned him the respect of industry critics with nominations and awards aplenty.

5. Moashy Styling

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Celebrity stylist, Moses Ebite has established himself as one of Nigerias leading stylists and the go-to person for styling, personal shopping, wardrobe/image consultations and makeovers. The man, whose muse is ex MBGN queen Anna Banner, has worked incredibly hard to make a name for himself in the fashion industry.

In 2014, Moses launched Moashy Styling to the Fashion African Industry. His styling outfit offers services such as celebrity styling, personal and luxury shopping, styling for fashion shows, wardrobe detox and rebuilding, designer brand consultation as well as corporate etiquette and grooming seminars.
During an inspection visit to the Mausoleum in Onitsha, Anambra State on Monday, December 10, 2018, the minister said the current administration decided to work on the mausoleum as a mark of honour to the late sage after successive administrations had abandoned the project.

He said, "This is the fourth time I have visited this project since 2016. Why didnt you accuse us then that we were playing politics with it?

"Now that we have completed the project, you are saying it's politics. Well, if that is politics, it's development politics and I think I like that type of politics."

Fashola, however, could not state what it cost the government to complete the mausoleum.
According to a report by Premium Times, the anti-graft agents invaded the residence belonging to Aliyu and Mustapha in the Maitama area of Abuja on Saturday, December 8, 2018.

The building was also reported to house another apartment owned by Chiemeka Orji, the son of former Abia State governor, Theodore Orji, who's under EFCC investigation over how he managed state funds when he was governor between 2007 and 2015.

Even though Aliyu and Mustapha were not around, or even in the country, when the raid happened, operatives are reported to have forcibly searched the apartment looking for 'a large cache of dollars', according to a source that spoke to Premium Times.

The source said, "When the EFCC officers arrived on Saturday, they met Theodore Orji's sons at home, because they both live in the same building.

"They asked to see the apartment of Aliyu and Mustapha Atiku-Abubakar but Theodore Orji's sons refused to show them, saying their friends are out of the country, anyway.

"The EFCC operatives then said they have intelligence that a large cache of dollars had been kept in the apartment which they had come to recover. They forcibly searched the apartment, but there was no hard currency or anything that could be construed as fraudulently damning."

The spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar family, Paul Ibe, described the raid as a "grievous act of intimidation" when he spoke to Premium Times on Sunday, December 9.

He said, "Atiku Abubakar is destined to win the 2019 presidential election, and Nigerians are set to ensure that destiny holds by voting for him en masse.

"The actors in Buhari's government have now realised this possibility and are gripped by the fears of Atiku Abubakar. This grievous act of intimidation now has an expiry date that is dwindling faster than a twinkle."

Even though Chiemeka was arrested alongside his brother by the anti-graft agents after the raid, he was later released. However, two vehicles belonging to them were confiscated by the EFCC.

EFCC spokesperson, Tony Orilade, told Premium Times that he has no immediate knowledge of the operation, but expressed strong doubts that the apartment belonging to Atiku's sons could have been raided.

The raid follows a similar one on the apartment of Doyin Okupe, a PDP chieftain, by the EFCC. He raised alarm that agents invaded his house and accused him of cyber crime. He promised to turn himself in for questioning on Monday, December 10.

The PDP also publicly accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government of freezing the bank accounts belonging to Atiku's running mate, Peter Obi, and his familiy members.

The EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) denied placing any freezing order on such accounts.

Atiku is President Buhari's biggest challenger in the 2019 presidential election scheduled for February 16, 2019.

UPDATE - EFCC denies raiding apartment of Atiku's sons

EFCC took to its Twitter account (@officialEFCC) later on Monday to announce that the raid had nothing to do with Atiku's sons.

"The recent arrest of Ogbonna Orji, son of Sen. Theodore Orji, over money laundering, has absolutely nothing to do with son of ex-VP Atiku Abubakar.
This was made known on Twitter by the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan.

He said Media Adviser to the Director General of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, @doyinokupe detained by the EFCC It is a season of assault, harassment and intimidation for the members of PDP.

Okupe, on Saturday, December 6, 2018, said on social media that operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed his Ilupeju home.

He also said that they left when he agreed to come to their office today, Monday, December 10, 2018.

Dr. Doyin Okupe was the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The anti-graft agency's boss disclosed this while speaking at the launching of Africa Youth Congress Against Corruption in Abuja, according to a report by Daily Trust.

"By the grace of God, all those candidates who have cases with us will be charged to court before the election. I dont want to personalize it," he said.

Magu, however, said his agency cannot yet act on allegations of bribe-taking levelled against Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, because the case is in court.

"The case is in court and I would not want to comment on it," he said.

Last week, Magu disclosed that the anti-graft agency has recorded 246 convictions as at November 30, 2018. He also dismissed allegations that the agency is being used by the government in power to carry out witch hunts against the opposition.

"It is not a tool in the hands of anyone, government or individual, either. If your hands are clean, you can go to bed with your two eyes closed. We will never compromise our integrity," he said.
In a statement released on Monday, December 10, 2018, by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, the vice president said those who have made away with the nation's resources should be made to account for them, and that, going forward, such corruption does not happen again.

While speaking to Nigerians at a hall meeting in Berlin, Germany, Osinbajo urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable with regards to the nation's wealth.

He said, "The greatest problem Nigeria has is one of grand corruption; that is the biggest problem we have, not the problem of planning or plans; and grand corruption is the reason why we are not moving as fast as we should in our country.

"That there is no country in the world that can survive if its resources are stolen the way Nigeria's resources are stolen."

He stated that one of the key issues President Muhammadu Buhari's administration was dealing with in partnership with European leaders now was the repatriation of the country's stolen assets stashed abroad, adding that the government is working towards addressing the issue by working with its European partners.

On the issue of unemployment, the vice president revealed that Buhari's administration is addressing the matter from several fronts such as the employment of 500,000 graduates under the N-Power scheme, as well as through other social investment programmes like MarketMoni and TraderMoni.

"One of the areas we are hoping to get employment is through agriculture. What we have done with agriculture is we have given 760,000 farmers direct loans under the Anchor Borrowers scheme; generating more interests among farmers especially in the North, which is where a lot of farming is going on," he said.

Osinbajo also announced that the current administration is developing a robust educational policy, stating that "education is the basis of all we're doing."
This program is something I developed to go along with the Popeil and Ronco exhibit, Tawzer said. Its a fun opportunity to engage community partners and learn something about the companies behind these products.  Many of these products are groundbreaking in many ways, while some of them are quite quirky and superfluous. The story of these products is a Chicago story with national impact. The themes of seeing a need, filling a need and sometimes creating a need are prevalent.
The command had earlier arrested six members while they were pasting campaign posters of Omoyele Sowore, AAC's presidential candidate. They were arrested for allegedly damaging campaign posters belonging to candidates of other political parties, an allegation they denied.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters, a media organisation owned by Sowore, protest against the arrest was met with force at the Area F Police Station in Lagos on Monday.

The Police reportedly fired tear gas canisters into the the crowd a few minutes into the protest and also shot one protester, identified as Okoh-Oboh Omotese Annabelle, in the leg without administering any medical treatment. Ten of the demonstrators were also arrested by police officers and thrown behind bars.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos Command, CSP Chike Oti, had earlier disclosed that the six that were originally arrested were guilty of violating the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency laws.

He said, "The anti-crime patrol team of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja Division, around 2:30am on December 9, 2018, arrested six young men, namely: Olagokun Odunayo, Kool-Kloud Henry, Ugaju Joseph, Damilola Omidiji, Michael Kate and Banwo Olagokun, tearing posters of other political parties and replacing them with that of the African Action Congress. Their action is contrary to the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency laws that forbid advertisers from pasting posters at no other hour than the day time."

The leader of the team, identified as Olagokun Banwo, denied the claims by the Police as they wait to be charged to court.

UPDATE: The 10 protesters were later released by the authorities while the original six were arraigned at the Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court in Ogba Agege.
Agbakoba made the call in a letter which he wrote to the House of Representatives and Senate, according to Vanguard.

Buhari, on Thursday, December 6, 2018, to the bill for the fourth time, saying that he is concerned that passing a new electoral bill this far into the electoral process for the 2019 general election which commenced under the 2015 Electoral Act, could create some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process.

The lawyer also described the various reasons that the President gave for declining his assent as baseless.

According to him, the 2018 amendment provides the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the legal backing to make use of Smart Cards and Electronic Technology.

Read the letter below:

The decision of the President to withhold Assent in respect of a Bill to enact a Law to amend the Electoral Act makes no sense. The Final draft Bill considered by NASS, was agreed with the President, precisely to avoid challenges, such as now occurred.

The President states that part of the reason he has withheld Assent is to avoid confusion as to the applicable legal framework for 2019 Elections and the administrative capacity of INEC to cope with the new Electoral Act, as it is all too close to 2019 elections.

Distinguished and Honourable Members will recall that the major amendment to 2018 Electoral Act relates to electronic technology for the conduct of the 2019 elections. The 2015 elections were partly conducted by INEC, using smart cards (card readers) but the Supreme Court held that smart cards are not allowed, not been included in the Electoral Act 2010.

The 2015 elections were also partly conducted by INEC using Incident forms; in effect smart cards and Incident Forms were both used to conduct 2015 elections. Distinguished and Honourable Members of NASS, will recall that there was a lot of controversy about the use of Incident Forms as it enabled non accredited persons to vote, questioning the credibility of the elections.

In order to remove constraints that will impact the credibility of future elections, such as 2019, the Electoral Act 2010, was amended by the 2018 Bill, to formalize the legal basis of the Smart Cards which was already in use for elections by INEC anyway.

It will be recalled that the Supreme Court declared use of Smart Cards as contrary to the Electoral Act 2010, so the 2018 amendment is intended to give INEC a legal basis to use Smart Cards and Electronic Technology.

The 2018 Bill also introduced the extremely important procedure of transmitting results of votes from Polling Units by electronic means. Electronic transmission will remove rigging and enhance the credibility of the Vote Count. INEC says it is familiar with the amendments contained in the 2018 Electoral Bill. INEC has used smart cards at all elections from 2015.

INEC has submitted an election budget which provides for Smart Cards and transmission equipment. The President claims that part of the reason for withholding Assent, is that INEC will not have enough time to become familiar with the 2018 Bill and that a new Act will generate confusion.

This is simply incorrect and flies in the face of INECs announcement that it will not use Incident Forms or manual voting in 2019 elections. In other words, INEC is ready to deploy electronic technology for 2019 elections, and only requires that the Electoral Act provides a legal framework.

The 2018 Amendments will help to improve the credibility of our Elections and also give legal basis for INEC to deploy electronic technology in 2019 elections, following doubts cast by the Supreme Court about the legality of the use of card readers because it was not provided in the old Electoral Act of 2010.

Distinguished and Honourable Members of NASS, are please urged to override Mr. President and enact 2018 Electoral Act.

Buhari is afraid

According to Buba Galadima,the chairman of a faction of the All Progressives' Congress (APC), the Reformed APC, the President is afraid to sign the Electoral bill into law because he won't get enough votes to win re-election at the polls.

Galadima also revealed that the bill was prepared with the contribution of his legal adviser, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and the full cooperation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege,while defending the Presidents decision to decline assent to the bill, said that the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance forbids him from signing the document.

Omo-Agege also argued that Article 2 of the protocol forbids member countries from making substantial modification to their electoral laws less than six months to elections except with the consent of a majority of political actors.
According to Vanguard, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said the story is fake.

Raid on home of Atikus son

Shehu also dismissed reports that the President ordered the alleged raid on the home of the son of the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar as a fairy tale.

The presidential spokesman said The story about the raid ordered by Buhari-led government on the home of PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakars son and the fairy tale on the alleged blockage of the bank accounts of the running mate, Governor Peter Obi and his family are both untrue, and should be dismissed as just another manifestation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDPs growing expertise in fake news.

Nigerians must be becoming wary by now, of a political party with absolutely nothing to offer in the coming elections and has instead, transformed into a knight in shining armor, slaying the truth. In this so-called transformation, PDP has changed into nothing but to a ceaselessly flowing stream of fake news.

It is impossible to find in Nigeria today, anyone propagating fake news more than the PDP. Our advice to Nigerians is: ignore them.
According to Daily Post, President Buhari is being represented by the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi, is standing in for Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking to newsmen, CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle said the meetings aim is to know the plans of the presidential candidates for Nigeria.

The motive is not to take for granted the 2019 elections. 2019 Nigeria will depend on next years presidential election. That is, how free and fair it is going to be.

The church cannot take the back seat in this situation because it can only prosper when Nigeria prospers. If the election is not free and fair, then, all Nigerians including the church will be in trouble.

So, we decided to reach out to the presidential candidates to ask them their credentials for aspiring to the highest office in the land. Also, to interrogate their plans for all including the church.

We also brought them together to speak to their consciences so that they dont set this nation on fire.

We are going to draw our conclusion after we have finished our interview.
She said that the refusal would lead to a regression in the progress so far made in Nigerias democratic journey since 1999.

At a World Press Conference in Abuja on Monday, the presidential candidate wondered why President Buhari wanted to destabilise the country with the 2019 elections.

According to her, the excuses of the President for not completing the process that will give Nigeria one of the soundest electoral laws in the world amount to an assault on our democracy and this must be rejected roundly by all Nigerians.

Ezekwesili said, The 2019 elections are looked upon as the moment Nigeria must entrench electoral integrity and level playing field for all contestants. Regrettably, President Muhammadu Buhari has by his self-serving opposition to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018 shown that he wishes to subvert the will of the Nigerian people for the conduct of a credible election in 2019.

Simply put, President Buhari has decided to singlehandedly imperil the 2019 elections by choosing to regress the progress so far made in Nigerias democratic journey since 1999.

As a candidate in the 2019 election for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I demand that President Buhari immediately reconsiders his latest fourth rejection of the electoral bill. The President is dangerously setting the country and people up for political destabilisation in 2019.

Describing the Presidents action as undemocratic and unpopular, she made known her intention to mobilise Nigerians against the Presidents action if this course is maintained.

She said, I advise the President to rethink his opposition to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018. The President should immediately request the National Assembly to retransmit the amendment Bill for his swift ascent into an Act.

I call upon the National Assembly to act as the assembly of the good people of Nigeria and within the next three days, mobilise their majority membership to override President Muhammadu Buharis self-serving and dangerous opposition to the 2018 Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

I call upon all well-meaning political parties to collaborate and urgently act together to ensure that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018 definitely becomes an Act on which the 2019 election shall be conducted.

The Civil Society groups and the Nigerian public must mobilise against the unpopular stance of the President against Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018, which seeks to undermine our democracy. Democracy belongs to the people of our country and not to one contestant in an election even if he is an incumbent. The excesses of an incumbent who wishes to engage in political corruption can be very much curbed by determined Nigerian people.

We shall organise the people to resist what has become a clear and troubling plan of President Buhari to rig the 2019 elections. In the court of public opinion, most Nigerians want the compulsory use of smart card readers for accreditation of voters for the 2019 election as proposed in the 2018 Bill.

She expressed concern over the bad governance experienced in Nigeria for the past 19 years.

She complained that Nigerias democratic journey has yet to produce the change Nigerians expect.

She said, "There is however a limit to celebrating the mere existence of democracy in our country. This is because, every objective assessment of our democratic journey since 1999 has mostly always returned the sobering verdict that we are still very much in the nascent, fragile, tenuous and fledgling zone of democracy as our choice of political system of governance.

ALSO READ: This is why President Buhari refused to sign Electoral Amendment Bill for the 4th time in 2 years

So far, good governance has on the aggregate eluded Nigeria. The last 19 years have not given Nigerians an aggregate top quality of political actors. Nigerians are demanding for a new leadership direction for the country to end the entrapment in governance failures of the last decades. Nigerians believe that our democracy and governance can be vastly improved through genuine elections.
Last week, the president, yet again, rejected the National Assembly's amendment to the nation's electoral act, noting that signing it too close to the 2019 general elections would 'create some uncertainty about the legislation to govern the process'.

He said, "I am declining assent to the Bill principally because I am concerned that passing a new electoral bill this far into the electoral process for the 2018 general elections which commenced under the 2015 Electoral Act, could create some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process. Any real or apparent change to the rules this close to the elections may provide an opportunity for disruption and confusion in respect of which law governs the electoral process."

The president's refusal to sign the bill has given fuel to accusations that he and the APC are planning to rig the 2019 general elections in their favour.

While speaking on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Galadima reinforced the accusation and said Buhari is not interested in strengthening Nigeria's electoral laws.

He said the president is only interested in protecting himself and his party because he's afraid he won't get enough votes to win re-election at the polls.

He said, "What the president said was just self-protectionism. He's just protecting himself from being flogged at the polls. He's running away from free, fair, transparent and credible election.

"There are two issues they're afraid of. One, the transmission of the result directly from the polling booth to the collection centre.

"Two, the use of the card reader for accreditation because once accreditation is completed, all those that are accredited will be transmitted and the world will know, even before voting, that such number of people are being accredited and the result of the voting cannot be more than the number of people accredited.

"Therefore, there'll be no mago mago or dabaru along the way. This is what the president and his party are afraid of."

Galadima, who's a member of the presidential campaign council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said there's no reason for Buhari to have rejected the bill because it was prepared with the contribution of his legal adviser, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and the full cooperation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

"The Attorney-General of the Federation is the chief legal adviser to the president. If he accepts anything, it should be duty-bound on Mr President to honour and respect the views of his Attorney-General," he said.

2019 presidential election

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While next year's election, scheduled for February 16, 2019, is expected to be keenly-contested between President Buhari and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, 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.
Sick of a do-nothing Congress with leading legislators tainted by corruption and scandal, 78 percent of voters approved a measure banning consecutive re-election, according to official results with more than half of the vote counted.

That means that all 130 members of Peru's single-chamber legislature will be out of a job when their mandates end in July 2021.

AFP

Also approved were reforms on the way judges are chosen, and tighter campaign financing laws that include criminal penalties for violators.

However more than 81 percent of voters opposed a proposal to return Peru to a dual-chamber legislature -- a sign of how disgusted voters are with the current crop of politicians.

Vizcarra initially supported the dual-chamber proposal, but later opposed it because it included limits on presidential authority.

Victory for Peru's Vizcarra

AFP

The referendum results "are the start of a change that we are seeking for Peru and all Peruvians," Vizcarra said at a cabinet meeting when the polls closed.

The vote is a powerful show of support for Vizcarra, a quiet and virtually unknown politician swept into office when then-president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski was forced to resign in March.

Vizcarra harnessed public outrage to force Congress -- controlled by supporters of Keiko Fujimori, Kuczynski's nemesis -- to allow the referendum.

AFP

In late October Fujimori herself was taken into custody after a court ordered she be held in preventive detention for three years pending the outcome of a money laundering probe linked to Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

Peru's last four presidents -- Alejandro Toledo, Alan Garcia, Ollanta Humala and Kuczynski -- have all been linked to illicit Odebrecht payments.

Humala and his wife were briefly jailed, while authorities are seeking the extradition of Toledo, currently living in the United States and formally charged with taking a $20 million Odebrecht bribe.

Supporters of Fujimori, a two-time leading presidential candidate and daughter of jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000), opposed the constitutional reform measures, as did supporters of Garcia and his once-powerful APRA party.

Voters jeered when Garcia -- who was forced to abandon Uruguay's embassy one week ago when his political asylum request was rejected -- cast his ballot on Sunday.
Dutch start-up VanderSat uses satellite technology to measure the amount of moisture in soil. They provide farmers, insurance agencies and NGOs with data that is sixty thousand times more accurate than any data provided by NASA.

At just three years old, tech start-up VanderSat already boasts large clients from around the world. Ours is a special field of expertise that is relatively young, explains CEO Menno van der Marel. There are only about a hundred experts worldwide and we employ eighteen of them.

The information we deliver is unique, he continues. As you know, the worlds population is growing and we have to be more efficient with our food and water. There are a lot of parties working to achieve that and the information we provide is highly relevant to them.

Van der Marel explains to us how his companys satellite data can affect the future of farming and food security.

What does VanderSat do?

We measure the moisture in the soil, the temperature and the moisture in vegetation across the world. That in itself is not unique, but we can measure to a resolution of 100 x 100 meters instead of roughly 25 x 25 kilometers.

The accuracy of our data is so much higher because we process rough satellite data ourselves. Thanks to microwaves we can see through the clouds and measure the moisture in the upper five centimeters of the soil. A drone or land-based device is more accurate, but also much more expensive. Our data is accurate enough for many large parties and affordable because of scale.

Besides current data, we can also provide old data from our archives which go back roughly forty years, the last fifteen to twenty of which are the most accurate. Dutch water boards, for example, use our data to monitor the effectiveness of their policies.

What problem does VanderSat solve?

The data can be used for a wide range of applications, for example in agriculture. Drought is the main reason for crop failures. But if crops are irrigated too soon, they wont grow properly either. We can indicate the right time. Some diseases and fungi can occur in crops at specific moisture and temperature levels. We can measure both and predict when crops should be sprayed. That targeted information benefits the environment and the farmer.

In Kazakhstan, a country that suffers from frequent droughts, we are working with an insurance company. Kazakh farmers are now able to take out insurance against crop failures, which wasnt possible before because drought was hard to predict and it was too expensive to send someone out to the field. The insurance company decides whether to pay compensation based on our data.

The Red Cross is another customer. We are investigating whether we can predict floods a couple of days in advance. They can then make funds available to take precautionary measures such as moving cattle to higher ground. Prevention is cheaper than solving problems after the disaster has struck.

Drought is the main reason for crop failures - Menno van der Marel, VanderSat Twitter Linkedin Mail

Whats the biggest challenge?

We want to have a positive impact. The Netherlands has an area of 4.3 million hectares and we have already made a positive difference on 100 million hectares. Our aim is to expand that to 1 billion hectares. Making a difference means working with other parties, adapting quickly to get the best result. That calls for openness from both sides and there has to be trust going forward. If theres a click with a particular party, we will try to open up the entire segment.

This interview is part of the Growing Ideas series, in which we take a look at the future of food and agriculture and offer a platform to innovative companies in these sectors.
The students make my job so much fun, she said. I love going to work every day just spending time with them. Im lucky because I get to know them really well because I have them year after year, and watch them grow up. The sad part is when they leave. I become very attached to them.
Dr. Mark P. Barry, independent Asian affairs analyst who has followed U.S.DPRK relations for 30 years on new commercial satellite photos that appear to show that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is while he has been dismantling missile factories, as agreed, with one hand, hes been rapidly assembling with the other.
The father of a Dunedin woman killed in 2008 has spoken out about the murder of British tourist Grace Millane, saying he can relate to her family's grief.

Gill Elliott, father of Sophie Elliott, told RadioLIVE on Monday he feels "so sad for Grace's family, because I know what they're going through".

The 26-year-old New Zealand man accused of killing 22-year-old Ms Millane was granted name suppression on Monday, with the victim's father and uncle present in the Auckland District Court, having flown in from England.

"That fellow may or may not plead guilty," said Mr Elliott. "If he does, then it's a court case in around 16-18 months' time", he speculated, "which means the parents will have to come back and forth to New Zealand".

Mr Elliott's daughter was also 22 when she was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Clayton Weatherston, in 2008. Her body was found on top of an open suitcase she'd been packing for her move to Wellington and blood was spattered all over the room, it was reported at the time.

Weatherston admitted stabbing his ex-girlfriend 216 times and mutilating seven areas of her body, but claims she provoked him into losing control and killing her.

"Sophie's been gone almost 11 years now and it doesn't get any easier quite frankly - you have your good days and your bad days," said Mr Elliott. "Grief lasts a lifetime, and that's just it unfortunately.

"The guy that killed Sophie, he's going to come out alive. Sophie's not alive - she's lost her life. She got a life sentence, the same way Grace got a life sentence.

"You don't expect that your child goes on an OE and ends up dead - you don't expect that at all."

A missing persons investigation was opened last week for Ms Millane after she failed to contact her family for three days after arriving in New Zealand from South America, which her father said was out of character.

Police found a body on Sunday in a location in the Waitakere Ranges, which they believe to be Ms Millane.

"I'll tell you something about the police: they are very good," said Mr Elliott. "Those police will be friends for life, I'll tell you, because that's what happens in those cases.

"But we're not a clean-green country; we're not a safe country at all. I guess people have to get that idea out of their minds completely.

"For something like this to happen on a random basis shows you just how bad we are over here."

Mr Elliott said he's appalled at New Zealand's high levels of domestic violence.

Last year former Justice Minister Amy Adams said New Zealand has the highest rates of family violence in the developed world, which she called a "shameful record".

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this year that in the longer-term, a culture shift was needed in New Zealand if it was to fix its domestic violence problem.

"Why do we have that sort of situation?" Mr Elliott asked.

Last year's murder rate was the lowest in New Zealand since 1975, but Mr Elliott said from what he's observed, "I don't think [crime] is going down."

He said his heart goes out to Grace's father who has "come all this way hoping that [Ms Millane] had been kidnapped or something like that and that she might be alive".

"Obviously people in this country are pretty distraught about this."

Listen to the full interview with Gill Elliott above.

Morning Talk with Mark Sainsbury, 9am - 12pm Weekdays and streaming live on 'rova' channel 9 - available on Android and iPhone.

RadioLIVE/Newshub.
Social media guru Peeyoosh Chandra joins RadioLIVEs Vaughn Davis to take a look at the latest in app news.



In Scandinavia: Google Drone delivery to launch

Wing, a drone delivery business owned by Google's parent company, said it'll launch in Europe in the spring of 2019, with the introduction of service in the Helsinki area of Finland.

Wing has spent the past 18 months testing drone deliveries in southeastern Australia, partnering with local businesses to deliver food, drinks, medicine and household items.

Wing says its drones run on clean electric power, fly emissions free, and allow small businesses to deliver to a lot of customers in a short time. It also says customers can get their goods delivered faster.

Heres what the company is asking their future Finnish custoemrs:

What would you like delivered by Wing to your door in less than 10 minutes?

Over-the-counter medicine (such as painkillers)

Breakfast - I'm in a rush to get to work

Groceries (toothpaste, washing powder etc.)

Lunch - I'm too busy at work to grab a bite to eat

Dinner - there's nothing in my fridge

"Emergency" essentials (such as diapers, an ice scraper for frozen car windows)

7yo YouTube toy reviewer really made $32m in one year

Ryan reviews toys. His YouTube channel is called Ryan ToysReview. He gets a toy, then you watch him play with it, then the next day its discarded for something new.

Watch it here.



Listen to the full interview with Peeyoosh Chandra above.

Sunday Social with Vaughn Davis, 7pm - 8pm on RadioLIVE and streaming live to the Rova app on Android and iPhone.

RadioLIVE.
On December 3 United Wagon Company announced that it is to supply 75 high capacity flat wagons to wood processing company Kastamonu. The wagons are being supplied in two batches; the first batch now being delivered has a loading capacity of 122 m3 and the second, to be delivered during ...
Asian streaming service Hooq has embarked on a partnership with online content company Vice, with whom it is producing one of three new Indonesian originals.





Vice will co-produce Hooqs new youth focussed talk show TL;DR as well as making a slate of its own content available on the free layer of the Asian video-on-demand (VOD) service.In addition, Hooq has unveiled two other Indonesian originals. has unveiled two other Indonesian originals. One is a short form series, and the other, a modern comedy and family drama called Check out the Store Next Door (Cek Toko Sebelah the Series), which is based on the 2016 hit movie. Ernest Prakasa stars as Erwin, a man trying to modernise his fathers corner shop, with unexpected effects on those around him. The cast also includes Dion Wiyoko, Gisella Anastasia and Adinia Wirasti together with comedians Dodit Mulyadi, Awwe, Adjis Doaibu, and Yusril Fahriza.Hooq has also acquired the second season of family drama Rhino Family (Keluarga Badak) which moves platform from YouTube. The show follows the banter and quirky observations of everyday Indonesian family life.There is a huge demand for unique, quality stories in Indonesia by all segments of audiences, said Jennifer Batty, chief content officer of Hooq We are so excited to work with these amazing producers and our new partner Vice, that have amassed millions of followers in Indonesia and we hope that injecting the Hooq Original flavour into these partnerships will help take these titles further and reach a wider Indonesia. These three productions are just the start of more to come for our fans in Indonesia, she added.
For once the concept of mega-merger seems rather an understatement after analysis from Ampere suggested that post completions of Comcast/Sky and Disney/Fox will see two in every 10 dollars spent on content worldwide now be spent by these two entities.





This represents a global combined total of US$43BN by the end of 2018 with Disney/ Fox will spending US$22 billion on originated and acquired content, and Comcast/Sky US21 billion. In the US the two media behemoths total is likely to be two-fifths of the total content spend. The total says Ampere is more than the combined outlay of the next ten largest content spenders in the US - including OTT platforms Netflix and Amazon.Ampere believes that wielding such financial authority not only strengthens both entities positions in the global market, it protects against the rising strength of online video. It notes that each of the two entities controls an increasingly vast library of original content ready to be exploited through direct-to-consumer offers. Disney has already indicated it will stop licencing content to Netflix in favour of its own direct to consumer offer, a service which will have even greater appeal with the addition of Fox assets.To some extent, the increasing level of consolidation is a reaction to the growing power of online video platforms, said Ampere Analysis analyst Daniel Gadher. Companies such as Netflix and Amazon continue to invest significantly in content, a trend which shows no signs of abating. We expect Netflix to spend over US$8 billion on a P&L basis by the end of 2018, and the streaming giant has repeatedly stated it will continue to boost its content budget. Prior to the recent mergers, Netflix was on course to catch - and overtake - the top Hollywood studios by content spend. However, in light of the two new combined entities, Netflix would now need to triple spend to achieve this this feat.One possible implication of this consolidation is the effect on independent producers. Gadher cautioned that with a shrinking number of content acquirers in the market, the competition for rights will diminish, and this will inevitably impact the indie sectors ability to negotiate favourable deals.
No matter what Mueller may eventually reveal, Democrats are not primed to build a lasting advantage.

The investigation into Donald Trump's alleged dealings with Russia presents the Democrats with their best chance in a half-century to become the natural party of government. The unfolding story hands them a rare opportunity to erase the Republicans perceived edge on patriotism and national security. It empowers them to take back the flag on behalf of all Americans. It carves a channel to voters who treasure their countrys security, global standing, and democratic institutions but who do not find traditional liberal appeals compelling. It primes some centrists and traditional conservatives to desert the party of Trump for a generation -- if only the liberal party could speak their language.

But it cannot.

The Democrats eloquently speak the language of compassion, but they refrain from the patois of national interests and honor. If their foes actions are cowardly rather than callous, or disloyal rather than barbarous, liberals lack the vocabulary to assail them.

Idiom reflects political instincts, and threats to national institutions and interests do not evoke the gut loathing among liberals that social injustice does. Jonathan Haidt and colleagues provide insight. (See here, here, here, and here.) They outline five moral foundations of politics. While their labels have evolved, they may be summarized as care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, and sanctity/degradation. Haidt and company find that only the first two (care and fairness) strongly resonate with contemporary liberals. Their moral foundations are more human and universal, while conservatives affinities for the other three categories (loyalty, authority, sanctity) incline them toward particularistic allegiances, including nationalism.

Trump/Russia is thus not a natural issue for liberals. Running on mercy and social justice while ceding national defense and the flag to the Republicans is ingrained in the Democrats post-LBJ muscle memory. When Democrats focus on foreign affairs, they usually aim to wind down wars rather than confront foreign foes. This approach appears consistently, from George McGoverns 1972 pledge to bring our boys home from Vietnam to Barack Obamas 2008 plan to withdraw from George W. Bushs wars.

Since Vietnam, liberals have also lost their taste for running on love of country. The Republicans have wrapped themselves in the flag for so long that some progressives have come to identify it with imperial bullying, electoral blustering, and even ethnic bigotry.

Since Trump/Russia is less about care and fairness than it is about betrayal, subversion, and degradation, progressives are less likely to feel it than they are to feel tax-code rips-offs by the rich. Trump/Russia is also more of an assault on the country as a whole than on vulnerable groups in society. Liberals indeed detest Putin because they see him as supporting Trump, and some know that the Russian president espouses homophobia. But they hardly know how to talk about the penetration, subversion, and degradation of Americas institutions, national security, and honor by a foreign enemy and its domestic abettors.

Forceful truth-telling on Trumps Russia ties comes hard to liberals, most of whom shrink from even calling Putin an enemy. Their discourse leaves them rhetorically unprepared to confront tyrants who beset American institutions, values, and security.

What Would JFK Say?

Liberals used to know how to speak this language. Americas mid-20th Century progressive patriotic patriarchs would take on Putin and Trump as a national security imperative as well as a political no-brainer. Associating nativism with national betrayal in rhetoric and in policy would come naturally to them. While FDR invented Social Security, he smashed fascism. While Harry Truman shored up New Deal reforms, he forged NATO. While JFK enforced desegregation, he stared down Nikita Khrushchev. While LBJ ensured voting rights and created Medicare, he fought the expansion of Soviet influence. These leaders treated the fight against tyranny and inequality as a unified liberal project. Their language conveyed a compelling narrative of progressive patriotism that current liberals lack -- one that would resonate in the time of Trump/Russia at least as strongly as it did in the mid-20th Century.

Kennedy habitually tied foreign and domestic threats together, often in the same breath. The parlance of loyalty, authority, and sanctity came as easily to him as the language of fairness and care. In his inaugural address he spoke of tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself as the common enemy of man. On the campaign trail he inveighed against the spread of Communist influence, until it festers 90 miles off the coast of Florida, the humiliating treatment of our president and vice president by those who no longer respect our power, the hungry children I saw in West Virginia, the old people who cannot pay their doctor bills, the families forced to give up their farms -- an America with too many slums, too few schools, and too late to the moon and outer space.

Security and honor are tied in these words to compassion. Defeating the tyranny of poverty and the tyranny of communism went hand-in-hand. In touting his program of aid for Latin America, the Alliance for Progress, Kennedy pledged to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty while warning hostile powers that the United States would oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas.

Khrushchev drew Kennedys admonitions by merely threatening to subvert the election of free governments in Latin America. Putin has already attacked the election of free governments in the United States and its closest allies in Europe. Many analysts believe that Russias intervention may have tilted the election to Trump. Yet too many Democrats stop short of calling it subversion or sabotage. They use the insipid term meddling.

Kennedy of course rejected Khrushchevs denials of involvement in Latin America. Trump and Congressional backers such as Rep. Devin Nunes parrot Putins repudiations and show no inclination to prevent further attacks. Kennedy would call that collusion, or much worse. But Trump intones no collusion and Democrats wait for Mueller to cue them when it is safe to use the term.

Trump/Russia and Progressive Politics

Americas mid-20th Century Democratic leaders would have little trouble leveraging Trump/Russia to discredit Trumpism as well as Trump. Confronted with formidable external threats, they held fast to the flag while leveraging Americans national pride and loathing of foreign tyrants to bolster progressive agendas. Todays Democrats lack such an overarching progressive-patriotic narrative within which to frame core issues like voter suppression, corruption, and immigration.

To hard-edged, security-minded liberals like JFK and LBJ, the actions of politicians like Trump and Rep. Jim Jordan would make discrediting ethno-national populism almost embarrassingly easy. Jordan does not just ally closely with Trump on restricting immigration and purging voters; he also spearheads House Republicans efforts to shut down the Mueller investigation.

In his defense of House Republicans successful effort to vote down funding to protect elections from Russian sabotage, which occurred as the Director of National intelligence warned that the digital infrastructure that serves this country is literally under attack by Putins agents, Jordan proclaimed: I know what we need for safe and secure elections, and thats voter ID.

Not safeguards against Russian interference, said Jordan. Instead, voter ID -- which in practice reduces voting among nonwhite citizens. The ongoing menace of Russian attacks on American elections (an established fact) merited no special pushback, while the mere possibility of illegal immigrants voting en masse (a Trumpian chimera) required drastic legal action.

Trumpian populism speaks: American sovereignty, security, and greatness in the world can wait, at least until native-born whites recover their supposedly lost greatness at home. Todays Democrats, lacking the language of loyalty/betrayal and patriotic devotion, do not effectively connect the dots for voters.

Kennedy tied every progressive cause to a jaunty vision of national mission and interests. His bold addresses on civil rights appealed to national pride as well as compassion. Lyndon Johnson attacked color-coded immigration policy as un-American in the highest sense as he abolished it with the 1965 Immigration Act.

Current-day Democrats mentality and manner of speaking prevents them from spelling out a compelling patriotic logic for liberal immigration policy. Instead, they focus on how it expresses benevolence and promotes diversity.

Consequently, the foreign-born Americans and aspiring citizens who power the nations economy and sustain its security from their cubicles at Google and the Pentagon figure far less prominently in the Democrats immigration imagery than do undocumented migrant laborers who meet with rough treatment at the hands of ICE. Articulate in critiquing cruelty but tongue-tied in the face of threats to national power and prestige, the liberals struggle to articulate a xenophilic patriotism that exposes how Trumps commitments to Putin, voter ID, and religion-based travel bans disgrace the American nation and compromise its competitiveness.

Responding effectively to Trump/Russia and color-coded nativism does not require that liberals abandon a discourse of compassion and inclusion. It does demand that they articulate a narrative of progressive patriotism that marries the language of care to the harder argot of national interest. Doing so could enable them to effect a deeper blue realignment that would place affordable healthcare and voting rights beyond the next biennial partisan swing. It could also help them discredit rather than merely bemoan white nationalism by casting it as part of a tapestry of Trumps betrayals.

The fathers of Social Security, NATO, the race to space, civil rights, and Medicare -- victors in eight of 10 presidential elections between 1932 and 1968 -- provide inspiring clues on how to do it.
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Rock Solid Shooting Solutions(RS3) is back and their aim is to keep Georgia, the east coasts place to be for long range shooting enthusiasts. December 15-16th Joe Burdick and crew will be hosting an Extreme Long Range (ELR) match, Ruck Match Scrimmage and Benefit shoot for the Army Sniper Associations Fallen Sniper Fund. Head down to the Arena Training Facility in Blakey Georgia to see whats going on.

EVENTS:

ELR Southeast Match

The ELR Southeast match in Blakely, GA will be an official ELR Central event. Brian Litz and the folks at ELR Central/Applied Ballistics LLC are bringing the regulation targets and will be shooting as well. Come shoot in the Heavy or Light Gun divisions or both.

The match will run within the ELR Central guidelines with a max distance of 2400 yards. One shooter and one spotter will be allowed on the line. A competitor is allowed to shoot once and spot once in each division. Competitors may compete in both divisions if time allows but will only be eligible for prizes in one division. This requires registering for the primary match and the secondary match. The primary match is $100 and if you shoot a second gun, the secondary match fee is $50.

RS3 Ruck Match Scrimmage

Joe Burdick has also brought a new concept to the Sniper Challenge community. To help prepare competitors for the rapidly approaching team ruck-match season, there will be a two-day event that is run at the Arena Training Facility. Consisting of 3 stages on Saturday and 3 stages on Sunday. These will be Sniper Challenge style stages, with a well-marked ruck route, and a designated campsite. Burdick states, It will be self-paced with a stage brief posted at each stage. Attendees may shoot, ruck, cook, and/or camp in any order they choose. You may shoot a stage as many times as you like if there is no one waiting. Participants can use this event for practice, training, gear trials, getting to know a new partner, or an equipment shakedown.

Single shooters or teams are welcome to enjoy the course but this event should be of particular interest to teams who will be shooting the upcoming Mammoth Sniper Challenge and/ or the Bushnell Elite Tactical Sniper Challenge. Stages will be similar to those encountered in ruck matches and stage design will have input from the folks that participate and run the 2 biggest matches of this type. Participants may ruck or drive between stages. Price will be $50 per shooter, per day or $80 per shooter for both days.

1776 Liberty Bell Benefit Shoot

For those attending the ELR Southeast Match at Arena Training Facility, a special side stage will be available to all competitors, spectators, ROs, guests, and Ruck Scrimmage participants. Chris and Scott at BEST Targets have cut a Liberty Bell AR500 target. It will be placed at 1776 yards for a fundraiser shoot. All proceeds from the Liberty Bell shoot will be presented to the Army Sniper Association's, SSG Eric Caban Fallen Sniper Fund.

On 19 July 2006, while serving as a sniper with the 3rd Battalion 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), SSG Eric Cuban died from wounds received in combat. The Fallen Sniper fund provides immediate assistance to the families of fallen snipers.

To learn more about the Fallen Sniper Fund, SSG Caban, and the Army Sniper Association visit www.armysniperassociation.org.

To find out more and register for these great events, visit https://practiscore.com/clubs/rock-solid-shooting-solutions/matches.
Except for the shiny Mac desktop on the corner of his desk, Charles Bullocks office looks as though it hasnt changed much in his 50 years te
Each year in Kenya, more than 350,000 children miss their scheduled routine vaccinations. This omission leaves kids vulnerable to preventable diseases, such as measles and rubella. Humanitarians and governments around the globe have banded together to address this pressing problem and save lives.

From dense urban centers to dusty rural villages, the American Red Cross and the Kenya Red Cross have mobilized volunteers to go house-to-house, identifying and connecting kids with local health centers. The teams are targeting at-risk communities in Kenya whose inhabitants are more likely to miss their routine vaccinations.

Ive learned the importance of taking my child to clinic for immunization, says one mother clutching her young son and adding, When I see the Red Cross I feel happy because I know theyve come to help.

Volunteers who visit families door-to-door come from the communities they serve. They know the families they visit and witness the tangible difference they make in the lives of their neighbors. The people who live hereI care about them very much, remarks Justus Makanga, a volunteer with the Kenyan Red Cross.

We must remain vigilant against these deadly diseases

Measles is one of the most contagious and severe childhood diseases. Every day, it takes the lives of hundreds of children around the world. Even if a child survives, measles can cause permanent disabilities, such as blindness or brain damage. The risk is great in developing countries where there is a prevalence of malnourishment and limited access to health care. It costs about $2 to vaccinate a child against measles and rubella, making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions available.

Since 2001, the American Red Cross and our partners in the Measles & Rubella Initiative have vaccinated children all over the globehelping prevent 21.1 million measles-related deaths.

While major achievements have been made since the founding of the Measles & Rubella Initiative, recent events have demonstrated that humanitarians must remain vigilant in efforts to maintain progress towards the elimination of these life-threatening diseases. Last year, the world witnessed a 30% spike in measles cases around the world. Significant outbreaks occurred in countries and regions that had either achieved or were near measles elimination. Vaccinations could have made a difference.

The American Red Cross and its partners in the Measles & Rubella Initiative will not rest until every child is reacheduntil we achieve a world where no one needlessly suffers from vaccine preventable diseases.

The Measles & Rubella Initiative was founded by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF and World Health Organization.
Any act by a chartered accountant that brings disrepute to the profession, whether or not in the professional domain, is open to disciplinary scrutiny and action.

Chartered accountants are in a tizzy following a recent Supreme Court order that upheld the right of the regulator to haul them up for misconduct, not related to professional work.

This makes any act by a chartered accountant that brings disrepute to the profession, whether or not in the professional domain, open to disciplinary scrutiny and action.

While the SC order strengthens the hands of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, the body that regulates the profession, in cracking the whip against such misconduct, many in the CA fraternity feel the same benchmark should apply to other professions too.

The apex court decision came in a case related to the recommendation of the ICAI disciplinary committee for removing the name of a chartered accountant from its rolls for other misconduct under Section 21 and Section 22 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.

Amarjit Chopra, a past president of the ICAI, said this was not the first time that a member had been subjected to disciplinary action for activities not related to the profession.

There have been many cases in the past where members, who acted in a manner unbecoming of a chartered accountant, were subjected to disciplinary proceedings, said Chopra.

In some cases, licenses of members have been revoked for life for committing undesirable acts that were outside the professional domain, he added.

In one such case, the institute had hauled up a member for writing a book on how to evade income tax.

There were instances where disciplinary action was taken against professionals indulging in domestic violence. But such instances are fewer in number, concede many in the profession.

However, the recent order by the apex court may lead to more such disciplinary action if any act by a chartered accountant is found to bring disrepute to the profession.

The order will help bring more credibility to the profession, noted Nilesh S Vikamsey, another ex-president of the Institute.

According to Girish Vanvari, founder, Transactions Square, an advisory services firm, being a professional means one needs to carry themselves with responsibility.

It is important that you inspire confidence in the ecosystem/ community at large as many people depend and rely on your judgement and advice, he said.

Rakesh Nangia, managing partner, Nangia & Co, was of the view that ethical behaviour lies at the foundation of the profession of chartered accountancy.

The profession inculcates responsibility to ensure the highest level of performance since it involves stakeholders such as governments, employers, investors, clients, the business and financial community who rely on the objectivity and integrity of a chartered accountant for systematic functioning of commerce, he said.

Many in the profession said any action taken by the regulator in similar such cases should not be one-off and far between.

The regulator needs to take appropriate checks and measures to establish legitimate behaviour by each member, added another practising chartered accountant.

Other professions, especially those relating to medical and advocates, too, should exercise similar benchmarks to inspire confidence in the public at large, felt several members of the chartered accountant fraternity.

Idealistically, these principles should apply to all professionals, but I am doubtful whether any other professional body would be as stringent in enforcing these norms, noted Chopra.

Where did the SC order spring from? The case filed by the ICAI against Gurvinder Singh, a chartered accountant, relates to the sale of 100 shares in 1999 that were transferred to the CAs own name. The ICAI disciplinary committee found the action of the CA derogatory in nature and held him guilty of Other Misconduct under Section 21 and Section 22 of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. The council recommended removing the name of the chartered accountant from its rolls for a period of six months. However, the high court in a 2016 order said the dealing was purely commercial in nature and did not relate to discharging any function as a chartered accountant. The SC, following an appeal by the ICAI, upheld its right to take action for acts that bring disrepute to the profession, whether or not related to professional work.

Photograph: Reuters
'The confidence of the Opposition will go up and alliances will be easier to form if it becomes apparent that the BJP is losing ground in the north of India,' says Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Voters outside a polling station at Samred village, Ramgarh Tehsil, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Photograph: PTI Photo

Opinion polls are uncertain about who is going to win the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Out of 9 opinion polls published on Friday, 8 said the Congress would win Rajasthan. Similarly, the TRS is expected to win in Telangana.

I was surprised to see that there was uncertainty over MP and Chhattisgarh. In fact, the average of the polls suggests that the Bharatiya Janata Party will lose its majority in both Chhattisgarh and MP.

These two states have looked like they are following the Gujarat model. These are all two-party states where the Congress seemed to be permanently in the Opposition.

If the opinion polls are right, this could be ending on Tuesday.

However we do not know for sure, and because there is a problem with opinion polling in India.

In the United States, presidential elections can be predicted by an opinion poll with a sample size of less than 1,000. This is done over the telephone and often by a robocall, meaning a recorded message which asks the voter to select options from a menu.

In the 2012 election, one psephologist, Nate Silver, predicted accurately the result in all 50 of America's states.

America has only two parties, the Republicans and the Democrats. They have other divisions like blue collar and white collar workers, and rural and urban residents.

Lastly they have race, the biggest minorities being Black and Latinos (meaning Spanish speakers).

Opinion polls factor in these differences and are able to accurately predict who will win.

On election day in America, news networks have exit polls that predict the results even before counting begins and these predictions are almost always right.

In India we have the most complex political society of any democratic nation. We are divided by language, by economics, by cultural differences, particularly comparing the north to the south and the northeast.

We have the division, which has become increasingly pronounced, of religion. And we have the unusual and unique division of caste. This makes it difficult to predict elections, especially those which are close.

Very large sample sizes are needed in India and this costs a lot of money because the exit polling agencies must send out field agents to interview people.

Some agencies get around this by unique solutions. There is a successful agency called Today's Chanakya that says it has a different way of assessing each constituency. It sometimes does not reveal to respondents that it is conducting an opinion poll.

One of the biggest problems pollsters have is that people often lie in India. Not because we are devious people, but because we have no confidence in how this information will be used and whether revealing it will harm us in some way.

The agency CSDS does a post poll survey in which it sends its staff to people's homes and conducts in-depth 30-minute interviews. It seeks to know why people have voted in the way that they have and what are the issues concerning them. They have a relatively small sample size because of the focus on depth and quality rather than quantity.

Often the polling agencies seem to be merely guessing. I can remember one general election about 15 years ago in which the agency was headed by my friend the pollster G V L Narasimha Rao (who is these days a leader of the BJP). The show was being hosted by another friend, the columnist Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar.

As the results started coming in, it turned out that Narasimha Rao's agency had got almost every state wrong. Aiyar asked him about it, and Rao said his national total was more or less right. This is, of course, not acceptable and it is just guesswork pretending to be science.

One way of getting around the unpredictability of polling in India is to give a band or a range.

If we look at the Madhya Pradesh polls, four agencies have predicted not a specific number, but a range, sometimes as wide as 20 seats.

This means that they are not confident of their polling figures and not even sure about who will win. The data is confusing or the numbers are too close and one thing this indicates is that the dominance of the BJP in these states is waning though the prime minister campaigned hard.

The results are very important nationally because in the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, the BJP had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh.

The confidence of the Opposition will go up and alliances will be easier to form if it becomes apparent that the BJP is losing ground in the north of India.

In that sense of all the assembly elections that we have seen since 2014, these are the most important.

Aakar Patel -- winner of the 2018 Prem Bhatia Award for Political Reporting -- is Executive Director, Amnesty International India. The views expressed here are his own.
'Modi has kept some loopholes in case they lose, saying it was not his election.'

'The fight will be Modi of 2014 vs Modi of 2019.'

'The BJP has realised that keeping the temple issue alive is more important than building the temple itself in terms of votes.'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi attends Mahaparinirvan Diwas, to pay tribute to Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar at Parliament House, December 6, 2018. Photograph: PTI Photo

Will the December 11 election results in the Hindi heartland states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan be a shocker for the Bharatiya Janata Party which is in power in all three states?

Would a triple defeat indicated that the Modi wave is on the wane?

"He (Narendra Damodardas Modi) was distancing himself from these state elections. He was doing this because all three state chief ministers (Dr Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh and Vasundhara Raje in Rajasthan) are not his appointees. They all are from (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee's BJP," says senior journalist Priya Sahgal, author of The Contenders, which profiles 16 emerging political leaders who, she believes, will dominate India's political landscape over the next decade.

"If the Congress can show they are better at temple politics in the BJP stronghold (Madhya Pradesh), then they can replicate this in 2019," Sahgal, below, tells Rediff.com's Hemant Waje in a telephone interview. Part 1 of a two-part interview:

What will be the key issues for 2019?

The key issue will be Modi.

It will be Modi of 2014 vs Modi of 2019.

This is what Pankaj Vohra, managing editor, The Sunday Guardian, keeps saying and I want to quote him.

Because he (Modi) is going to be the issue Woh khud hi kehte hai main hi mudda hoon (Modi himself says I am the issue).

It is going to be who can beat him? Who can provide an alternative narrative?

That is where all this guys are not making the mark.

Not one of them today you can say is the alternative for Modi.

They are works in progress and they are coming into their own. But as of today I think Modi has the edge.

Also, we are a country that honours its old.

I keep saying that older people definitely get more credibility and trust of the people and their own familiarity comes in.

Which is why the young -- those who are from (political) families -- get the edge because they say he is his son. So he has experience, connections, family name.

We are a country that works on these connections.

What will be the mantra for Modi's 2019 campaign? Will it be development or mandir?

It is going to be a bit of both.

Modi will talk about development, but I see the mandir card being played up by the rest of the BJP big time.

The RSS is already doing it.

(RSS Sarsanghchalak) Mohan Bhagwat is going on openly, saying the temple has to be built.

It will be very interesting to see whether they (the government) bring an ordinance on the temple or not.

I have seen the BJP backtrack on that.

In Madhya Pradesh, I was talking with lots of people. Nobody came out openly and said we want the ordinance.

Now the BJP is saying it will go by what the court decides.

They have realised that keeping the temple issue alive is more important than building the temple itself in terms of votes.

Whether the BJP goes ahead and builds the temple or not, the temple issue will be kept alive.

Maybe not by the prime minister himself, but by others.

The Congress always says that for the BJP, development is the user name and the password is Hindutva.

That's the way this campaign will be played out.

What about the caste and religion factor in 2019?

Most of the leaders (in her book) have gone to international schools.

They came thinking 'We will talk development and change the way India votes'.

Unfortunately the reality of India is not that.

Rahul Gandhi began saying, 'I am an Indian and the (Indian) flag is my religion. I have no other caste or other religion. It's my country and my flag.'

In the 2012 UP election, he then introduced (technocrat) Sam Pitroda to eastern UP as a Vishwakarma, by his caste, not as the man who ushered in India's telecom revolution.

Akhilesh Yadav told me, 'Main development, Lucknow-Agra highway, metro ki baat kar raha tha in the 2017 election, but they (the BJP) were talking about kabristan, shamshaanghat (burial versus cremation grounds).

He said I have learnt my lessons.

Now, he is also saying he is a Shiv bhakt or Krishna bhakt. Yadav toh Krishna bhakt pehle se rahe hai (Yadavs have always been devotees of Lord Krishna).

He is also playing the religion card and he's playing the caste card.

The mathematics with Mayawati is actually caste-based politics.

Is the Ram temple a make or break issue in the 2019 election?

The Babri Masjid doesn't have the same resonance.

Having said that, all the parties are picking up the religion card.

My take on the Madhya Pradesh election is very interesting.

If you see the voting, nobody spoke about any strong issue or anti-incumbency against (Chief Minister) Shivraj (Chouhan).

If you see the Congress campaign in Madhya Pradesh, it was a copy of the BJP (campaign).

Instead of taking on any new issue, or what people want, they (the Congress) were playing the Hindutva card, temple card, the Ram Mandir card.

So Madhya Pradesh for me will be very interesting, how it works for the Congress.

If the Congress can show they are better at temple politics in the stronghold of the BJP, then they can replicate this in 2019.

If they can't, then they should have relied on other issues like the farmers narrative, instead of playing to the BJP's game of Hindutva narrative.

So, it will be interesting to see the outcome of the MP election and if the Congress learns its lesson for the 2019 campaign.

Will there be another Modi wave in 2019?

No Modi wave, but there will be the Modi issue.

Has he delivered on his promises?

Is he still has the best bet?

Who is the best alternative to Modi?

Everything will revolve around Modi.

How do you look at the outcome of the five state elections?

If the Congress wins three of the states, it will be a huge relief for Rahul Gandhi.

He hasn't had any win so far.

Gujarat was a near win, Karnataka was a manufactured win. It wasn't a win really.

For Rahul to prove (em>himself(), he has to win a state election.

If he does it, then it will be a huge boost for his credibility.

Also, it will give credibility that Rahul can lead the Opposition against Modi.

With this he can go into the 2019 election.

I think the Congress needs this win more than Modi needs it.

Here, the prime minister is playing a very smart game.

He is distancing himself from these state elections.

We haven't seen more rallies as we saw it in Gujarat or Karnataka.

There was no carpet bombing. He didn't do many rallies in Madhya Pradesh.

He was doing this because all these three state chief ministers are not his appointees. They are all from Vajpayee's BJP.

He can distance himself from the blame (if the BJP loses).

I have been to these states. I have seen the posters there.

There were lots of Vajpayee posters, especially in Rajasthan.

There were a few Shah-Modi posters which are mandatory.

The pictures of the chief ministers were larger than Modi.

In the Bihar elections, Amit Shah and Modi's posters were larger than any of the BJP candidates.

But in these 3 state elections, Modi's posters were not so large.

So, Modi has kept some loopholes. In case they (the BJP) lose, saying it was not his election.

Honestly, Rahul has more to lose here as he really needs this (victories).

Has the BJP sensed defeat even before the results are announced?

There is strong anti-incumbency, especially in Rajasthan.

He (Modi) has played it smart.

He has kept his distance. He has kept loopholes for himself.

He won't accept the defeat for himself. Every win, he takes very personally.

In these elections, the RSS is very strong and (the elections were fought on) the chief minister's own credibility.

Each one has a regional set-up, so Modi stepped back.

Is there any RSS versus Modi fight?

I am trying to figure out that ever since Mohan Bhagwat held a session in Vigyan Bhavan (in New Delhi) where he made a lot of comments which are not in tandem with Amit Shah or Narendra Modi's BJP.

Having said that, the RSS has felt that they couldn't have come to power and prominence if the Modi wave wasn't there.

But they are feeling sidelined that he has got all the credit.

The RSS also did the work. On the ground it is the RSS cadre that goes out and works.

So they feel it's not just a one-man win.

(BJP MP Dr) Subramanian Swamy said three things won the elections: Modi, Hindutva and the RSS.

Amit Shah and the others think it is Modi all the way.

The RSS has felt sidelined.

If (in 2019) they (the BJP) don't get the outright mandate, then they (RSS) will bring someone like Nitin Gadkari.

But if you ask me, I see Modi (will be the PM) even if they don't get an outright majority. Because that's the nature of the man.

The RSS may prefer someone like Gadkari. So that's the tussle to watch out for.
IMAGE: Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the multi-crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, arrives at CBI Special Court of the Patiala House Courts, in New Delhi, on Monday. Photograph: Ravi Choudhary/PTI Photo

Christian Michel James, alleged middleman chargesheeted and arrested in the graft-tainted AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, was allowed by a Delhi court on Monday to be interrogated further by the Central Bureau of Investigation in its custody for five more days.

57-year-old Michel was produced before Special Judge Arvind Kumar on the expiry of his five-day CBI remand during which he was confronted with various documents relating to the case.

He will be produced again before the court on December 15.

Seeking extension of Michel's police custody by nine days, the agency contended that he was not cooperating in the investigation and was giving evasive answers and when he finds himself in problem, he gets out of it by denying it.

It contended that Michel was required to be confronted with some witnesses to unearth the deep rooted conspiracy and to identify his accomplices including the IAF officials, bureaucrats and politicians.

Prosecutor D P Singh, appearing for CBI, argued that Michel was being tutored by his advocates during their visitations at the agency's office and the court's order allowing the lawyers to meet the accused twice a day was hampering their interrogation.

His counsel denied the allegation and said he was not being tutored.

Advocate Aljo K Joseph, appearing for Michel, said his police custody was not required any further and no incriminating evidence was shown to him during the interrogation.

When the defence counsel alleged that Michel was being tortured, CBI prosecutor objected to the choice of the word and said the advocate was saying this only to create headlines in the media, and the accused was treated with utmost respect.

Joseph said he sent a mail to the British High Commission on Saturday regarding an officer of the agency.

He added that nothing wrong has been found on the part of the accused by the Italian court, which was opposed by the prosecutor.

The prosecutor contended that Michel's custody was required as he has to be confronted with incriminating material and other accused in the case.

Singh said documents have been received from five countries pursuant to the Letter of Request sent to these nations.

The judge, while remanding Michel to five-day in CBI custody, said he should be medically examined as per rules.

At the outset, Michel withdrew his earlier bail plea and filed fresh detailed bail application.

Michel, who is a citizen of the United Kingdom, was brought to India on the night of December 4, following his extradition by the United Arab Emirates in connection with the case and later produced before the court which had allowed his five-day custodial interrogation by the CBI.

On Monday, CBI also sought permission to take specimen signatures of the accused and the court listed it for hearing tomorrow after Michel's counsel said he would file a reply to it.

Michel's counsel submitted that Michel's special power of attorney Santrolli Rosemary Patrizi Dos Anjos wants to meet her once to provide some documents and she be allowed to do so.

The plea was opposed by the CBI after which the court kept the application pending saying it could be heard only when she is present before it and even her 'vakalatnama' was not on record.

CBI prosecutor said the foreign lawyer was always in news for her controversial statements given to Press and otherwise.

During the hearing, CBI counsel said Michel may be allowed legal assistance by lawyer only once a day as it causes disturbance in the interrogation.

His counsel opposed it. The court then allowed the defence counsel to meet Michel for 30 minutes each twice a day at CBI office.

Security was tightened at the Patiala House court complex hours before the production of Michel.

The court had earlier asked the CBI to provide all relevant documents including the charge sheet to Michel.

He had landed in India on the night of December 4 and was arrested by the CBI.

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 CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of 398.21 million (about 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.

The Enforcement Directorate, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he received 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 Indian Air Force 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 chargesheet 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 chargesheet 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 Indian Penal Code 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.
Federal prosecutors say that between December 2014 and continuing through January 2015, without authority from the city of Hammond, and without a permit, the defendant dismantled a portion of the bridge and transported and sold the metal to scrap dealers located in Burnham, Ill., and East Chicago. Morrison was paid $18,000 from the Illinois scrap dealer, according to court documents.
I cant breathe.

These are said to be Jamal Khashoggis last words before his horrific murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

IMAGE: A demonstrator holds a poster with a picture of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi outside the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Photograph: Osman Orsal/Reuters

Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist, suffocated to death while his head was covered with a plastic bag -- according to the head of investigations at the Turkish Daily Sabah newspaper.

Speaking with Al Jazeera, Nazif Karaman described the content of an audio recording that reportedly captured Khashoggis murder.

According to the transcript, Khashoggi seemed to struggled against a group of people determined to kill him.

Take this bag off my head, Im claustrophobic, says Khashoggi as the journalists murder lasted about seven minutes, based on the recordings.

The transcript also notes the sounds of Khashoggis body being dismembered by a saw, as the alleged perpetrators are advised to listen to music to block out the sound.

The original transcript was prepared by Turkish intelligence services, and CNN said its source read a translation version and was briefed on the probe into the journalists death.

Khashoggi had gone to the consulate building to obtain paperwork needed to marry his Turkish fiance.

Karaman claims a Saudi entourage covered the floor with plastic bags before dismembering Khashoggis body.

So far the Saudis have arrested 18 and dismissed five senior government officials as part of their investigation into the killing. Turkey wants the suspects extradited.
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday termed Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel's resignation as 'very unfortunate' and said it was a 'severe blow' to the country's economy.

Patel, who had a run in with the government over autonomy of the central bank, resigned from his job earlier on Monday, citing personal reasons.

His resignation came four days ahead of a crucial meeting of the board of the central bank that could have discussed issues of simmering differences with the government.

In a statement, Singh said he hoped that the RBI Governor's sudden resignation is not a harbinger of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's attempts to 'destroy' the institutional foundations of India's $3 trillion economy.

He said it will be 'foolhardy' to diminish institutions for short-term political gains.

"It is with great sadness that I received the news of the resignation of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Urjit Patel," Singh said.

"Patel's sudden resignation, at a time when the Indian economy is faced with many headwinds, is very unfortunate and is a severe blow to the nation's economy," he said.

The former prime minister added that he has known Patel to be an economist of high repute and also someone who cared deeply about India's financial institutions and economic policy.

"Building institutions take a long time and effort but they can be destroyed in a whimper. It is institutions such as the RBI, among many others, that have served as the edifice of our great nation's progress since independence. It will be foolhardy to diminish these institutions for short-term political gains," Singh said.

He recalled RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya's apprehensions about the government's intent to raid the capital reserves of the RBI for fiscal purposes.

"I hope the resignation of the Governor is not a sign that this may soon become a reality," he said.

"I also sincerely hope that this sudden resignation of the Governor is not a harbinger of the Modi government's attempts to destroy the institutional foundations of India's $3 trillion economy," he added.

Patel, 55, who took over as the 24th Governor of the central bank on September 5, 2016, had the shortest tenure since 1992.

His three-year term was to end in September 2019 and he was eligible for a second term, like most of his predecessors.

The government seems to have accepted his resignation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying Patel will be missed "immensely".

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said he was saddened but not surprised by the resignation of Patel and claimed no self respecting scholar or academic can work in the National Democratic Alliance government.

In a series of tweets, the senior Congress leader said the last meeting of the RBI Board held on November 19 was the 'day of reckoning' and Patel should have resigned on that day.

'Dr Patel may have thought that government will re-trace its steps. I knew it would not. Good he quit before another humiliating meeting.

'Saddened, not surprised, by Dr Urjit Patel's resignation. No self respecting scholar or academic can work in this government,' he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that Patel was eased out by the government at the Centre to bring in a 'more pliable' person to fill the post.

'RBI governor Urjit Patel has been eased out since he refused to allow the Modi govt to plunder Rs three lakh crore of RBI reserves. Now Modi govt will get a more pliable RBI governor who will allow this loot,' Kejriwal said in a tweet.

Terming the resignation as 'unprecedented', West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said economic emergency in the country has begun.

Banerjee hit out at the Centre over Patel's resignation saying it was a matter of 'great shock'.

'This has never happened before. This is unprecedented. We are deeply concerned. The RBI is the custodian of public money. The credibility of all institutions is being destroyed. This is a financial and economic emergency,' she said in a tweet.

Banerjee alleged that political emergency was ongoing in the country and with the resignation of the RBI governor financial emergency has also begun.

'BJP is behaving like a dictator. Political emergency already exists everywhere. They are threatening every political party and so many leaders sent to jail. If the RBI governor also has to resign, its a matter of grave concern for the country. With this, financial emergency has also started,' she said.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Subramanian Swamy urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to dissuade Patel from leaving, saying his resignation would be wrong for the government, economy and the institution at this time.

The prime minister has to persuade Patel that he cannot leave in larger public interest, he said.

"His resignation at this time would be wrong for the government, economy and the RBI. The prime minister should call him and find out what could be the personal reasons and dissuade him from leaving. This is what I think the PM should do," Swamy said.

Asked about his differences with the Finance Ministry, Swamy said it always happens whenever an 'independent, non-rubber stamp' RBI governor is there.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said, "The BJP regime functions arbitrarily. No person who has self respect can work in the NDA government. Be it the decision on demonetisation or GST the BJP government has taken steps to destroy the economy."

Patel's resignation is an 'ominous sign' for Indian economy, Roy, also the deputy leader of the party in Rajya Sabha said without elaborating.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, addressing the media after a meeting of top leaders from over a dozen opposition parties, said that in the middle of the meet 'we were told that RSS-BJP agenda is progressing further'.

The RBI chief has resigned because he can no longer work in this government, Gandhi alleged.

"There was consensus that we have to stop the BJP's assault on Constitution, assault on the institutions like CBI, RBI and Election Commission. We are going to fight it out," he said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, who coordinated the opposition meeting that was held to discuss forging of an anti-BJP front for 2019 polls, alleged that there was 'pressure' from the government on RBI to give its surplus.

"He (Patel) tried his best to protect the economy and the nation in the interest of the public. Finally he was unable to bear the pressure and resigned," he said.

The Shiv Sena took a jibe at ally BJP, saying the Union government should take over the central bank.

"Everyone was expecting this. Today, Urjit Patel finally stepped down," Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said.

"Instead of searching for a new head for the country's central bank, the Union government should bring all such institutions under its control," Thackeray said in a sarcastic note.

Communist Party of India general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said Patel's resignation was a fallout of a rift between him and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

"It should be an eye opener for the PM. Even Modi's own people are unable to digest these things. I believe this is a setback to Modi government and particularly to Arun Jaitley," Reddy said.

He claimed said that a rift with Jaitley was the actual reason behind Patel's resignation.

"I think he was very much attacked by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and his company," he said.
The RLSP leader from Bihar said he is open to joining the opposition alliance.

IMAGE: RLSP chief and Union minister of state for human resource development, Upendra Kushwaha addresses a press conference to announce his resignation from the Union Council of Ministers, at his residence in New Delhi, on Monday. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo

Rashtriya Lok Samata Party president Upendra Kushwaha on Monday severed his ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party and resigned from the Union council of ministers, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of reducing the cabinet to a 'rubber stamp', 'betraying' backward classes and giving Bihar only 'jumlas'.

Making the announcement a day ahead of Parliament's winter session, the RLSP leader from Bihar said he is open to joining the opposition alliance, which includes Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress.

Though the decision was expected, it did not go down well within his own party with both the RLSP MLAs in Bihar saying they would remain in the NDA.

The Bihar BJP came out with a point by point rebuttal of the allegations levelled by Kushwaha, the former minister of state for human resource development.

Kushwaha sharply attacked Modi on a host of issues in his resignation letter, which was also released to the media.

He said he felt 'betrayed and dejected' by the prime minister's leadership and alleged that 'fixing' political opponents and not working for the poor had become the government's priority.

"We are aghast over Kushwaha's charge that he was being humiliated by the BJP. The BJP never treated him with disdain even after it had become apparent that he was losing grip over his own small party," BJP Bihar unit vice-president Samrat Chaudhary said in Patna.

"Despite having only three MPs, including himself, he was given a ministerial berth. His party underwent a crisis two years ago when he had to suspend one of his fellow MPs and one of his two MLAs," Chaudhary said.

Kushwaha also raised the planks of Other Backward Classes (OBC) and social justice -- used by the opposition to decimate the BJP in the Bihar Assembly polls in 2015 -- to target Modi.

He alleged that the Modi-led government was implementing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh agenda and dubbed it unconstitutional.

Stating that the charge is 'laughable', the BJP said the prime minister belongs to a backward class, President Ram Nath Kovind is a Dalit, while the party's Bihar unit chief is an OBC.

"A postage stamp has also been issued in the name of Jagdeo Prasad, the tallest Kushwaha Bihar has known," said Chaudhary, who himself belongs to the Kushwaha community.

The RLSP president has been upset since the BJP made it clear that it will not be given more than two Lok Sabha seats in 2019 against the three it had fought in 2014.

The party has two MPs and two MLAs.

After that announcement, Chaudhury said, Shah had called up Kushwaha, asking him to meet but he did not do it at that time and sought an appointment when the party president was busy with electioneering in five states.

The NDA won 31 of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in 2014 and has now been bolstered by the presence of Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United, which fought against it in the last polls.

Kushwaha has long had a bitter equation with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

In the 2015 assembly polls, he was given 23 seats and 'if he returned with a dismal tally of only two, it cannot be blamed on the BJP', Chaudhary said.

Opposition parties believe political winds are no longer as favourable to the BJP as they were in 2014 due to 'anti-incumbency' against both Modi and Kumar and are hoping that Kushwaha's exit further weakens the state's ruling alliance.

"It (NDA) won't be able to open its account in the state this time," Kushwaha claimed.

At a press conference, he said people like him were attracted to Modi in 2014 due to his OBC background and hoped that he would deliver on the agenda of social justice.

"People believed 'achche din' will come. It did not happen. Bihar remains where it was," he said.

Targeting the Modi government for not releasing the census data of the OBCs, he said there is fear and confusion among the backward classes.

'The government has been toeing the agenda of the RSS which is unconstitutional and is neglecting and subverting the agenda of social justice enshrined in the Constitution for which we have supported the NDA,' he said in his resignation letter.

Attacking Modi, he said the Union Cabinet has been reduced to a mere rubber stamp, simply endorsing the prime minister's decision without any deliberation.

'Ministers and officers posted in ministries have become figureheads as virtually all decisions are taken by you, your and the BJP president. Which is unconstitutional,' his letter added.

'The promise of providing Bihar with a special package has been the biggest jumla (rhetoric),' Kushwaha said.

On his future move, he said he is open to joining the opposition's camp and also launching a third front. Kushwaha was joined by his party MP Ram Kumar Sharma but his announcement triggered dissent within his own party.

Both his MLAs Lalan Paswan and Sudhanshu Shekhar made it clear that they would remain in the NDA and the former even claimed: "We are the real RLSP."

RLSP national vice-president Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha also expressed his disapproval of the decision, saying, "Kushwahas have traditionally been voters of the NDA. The decision will not go down well with them."

Kushwaha accused the BJP and the JD-U of doing everything to weaken his party and alleged that inducements have been used to win over the MLAs.

He also said that he would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Karakat, from where he had won in 2014.

On the issue of building a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said it is not the job of a political party to build religious places.

"Kushwahas believe themselves to be of Kush, one of the twin sons of Lord Rama," Chaudhary remarked.
Sloganeering and a banner protest by the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front legislators over the Sabarimala issue marred proceedings of the Kerala assembly for the sixth consecutive day on Monday.

As opposition members, armed with placards and banner, trooped to the well of the House and continued sloganeering, Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan scrapped the question hour and zero hour and rushed through the listed business of the day before adjourning the House in 32 minutes.

Public Works Minister G Sudhakaran started replying to questions but the UDF MLAs stood in front of the speakers podium demanding lifting of prohibitory orders in Sabarimala, which was further extended by the government till December 12.

The Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front governments alleged lukewarm response towards the satyagraha, staged by three UDF MLAs at the portals of the House since last week demanding removal of curbs at the hill shrine, also irked opposition members.

They raised slogans expressing solidarity with fellow lawmakers-V S Sivakumar (Congress), Parakkal Abdullah (Indian Union Muslim League) and N Jayaraj (Kerala

Congress-Mani)- who had launched the indefinite satyagraha on December 3.

Some of the opposition members even tried to attract the Speakers attention by blocking his view by the banner.

Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala later told reporters that the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led LDF government was extending prohibitory orders intentionally as UDF MLAs were staging protest.

He, however, said the opposition would go ahead with the protest and would not buckle under pressure of the Left government and the chief minister.

As soon as the House proceedings began, the lone BJP MLA O Rajagopal and independent Legislator, P C George staged a walkout.

They said the walkout was a mark of protest against the LDF governments decision to continue prohibitory orders in Sabarimala and to express solidarity with the BJP leader A N Radhakrishnan, who has been on a fast for the last eight days in front of the Secretariat here demanding lifting of curbs at the hill shrine.

The hill shrine had been witnessing protests by devotees and right wing groups against the governments decision to implement the September 28 Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all age groups to offer prayers at the temple.
The winter session of Parliament beginning on Tuesday is likely to witness a united opposition piling up pressure on the government on a plethora of issues like the exit of the Reserve Bank of India Governor, rumblings in the Central Bureau of Investigation and Rafale deal, while parties like Shiv Sena are set to make a renewed pitch for Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The start of the session is coinciding with the counting of votes for assembly polls in five states, and the outcome of the high-pitched electoral battle, seen as the semi final ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, is likely to be felt inside and outside Parliament.

At an all-party meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is ready to discuss all issues of national importance in Parliament and that it is always receptive to matters raised by various parties. He also called for cooperation from the opposition so that Parliament functions smoothly.

Over a dozen opposition parties, barring the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party, held a meeting separately with a larger goal to forge a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) to take on the Narendra Modi-led NDA in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The unity by the opposition parties is likely to reflect inside Parliament as well.

After the meeting, opposition leaders gave a clear indication that they will corner the government on exit of Urjit Patel as RBI governor besides several other issues.

The government drew a raft of criticism from opposition parties over Patel's sudden resignation on Monday amid differences between the RBI and the Centre.

The results of assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram are also expected to set the tone for proceedings in both the houses of Parliament.

An impressive performance by the Congress in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, all being ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party, will significantly enhance the party's confidence in taking on the government on various issues.

A good show by the BJP in the politically crucial states will help it in blunting Opposition attacks and pushing for several pending legislations.

On its part, the ruling BJP is expected to highlight the government managing to bring alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland chopper deal, Christian Michel, from the UAE as well as successful pursuing of the case for extradition of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in a United Kingdom court.

The infighting in the CBI after which its Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on leave by the government and the issue of alleged misuse of probe agencies including the CBI are also likely to be raised by the opposition.

There is consensus among opposition parties that the assault on institutions such as the RBI must be stopped, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said.

"Institutions, from the CBI to the RBI, have become total disasters. This has never happened before. It is a matter of great shock. We must protest," West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee said.

The opposition parties have also said that they will press for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale jet deal in which they have alleged corruption.

During the session, NDA ally Shiv Sena is likely to pitch for a law to pave the way for construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya. A section in the BJP is also in favour of the government facilitating the construction of the temple.

The sinter session of Parliament is taking place two days after a mega show of strength by Vishwa Hindu Parishad to press for early construction of the temple.

In the nearly month-long session, the government will push for passage of the triple talaq bill pending in the Rajya Sabha. It had promulgated an ordinance to make the practice of instant triple talaq a penal offence.

The government also wants the Indian Medical Council amendment ordinance and the companies amendment ordinance to be passed as bills in this session.

The Winter Session usually starts in November. However, it would be the second year in a row when it begins in December.

According to the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, 45 bills have been listed for introduction and passage.

Some important new bills that are likely to be introduced during the session are -- The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCIM) Bill, 2018, The National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Bill, 2018, The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2018 and The Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

The session will have 20 sittings spread over a period of 29 days between December 11 and January 8.

Many present in the all-party meeting convened by the government Monday suggested keeping Parliament proceedings suspended between December 24 and January 1, which they claimed has been a tradition.

In the original schedule, Parliament will have sittings on December 24, 26 as well as on January 1. However, according to sources, the government will take a final call after considering the issue based on precedents of not having sitting on these dates.
Marco Rubio is just like the public servant in the Quickly column. Chomping at the bit for the day they take down President Trump out of pure hatred. There's no other way to describe it  unless you believe the country will be fare better off in disarray. Hope we don't get attacked by a rogue nation while we try to achieve the goal of hating someone, and putting that above all other. The new American patriot is consumed by losing a election, and not being able to just let it go!
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen kept the bar low in a statement marking the 70th anniversary of International Human Rights Day, asserting that under his 33-year rule Cambodias people now enjoy more freedoms and rights than they did during the 1975-1979 rule of the Khmer Rouge.



Writing on Facebook, Hun Sen said that the rights of Cambodias citizens have been fully restored since the collapse on Jan. 7, 1979 of the murderous Khmer Rouge, under whose rule an estimated 3 million people are believed to have died.



With such rights and freedoms, our citizens can enjoy their lives and work, and can choose their beliefs and religion and freely elect their own leaders according to their wish, Hun Sen wrote.



These rights and freedoms also allow Cambodia to develop and advance. Let us all jointly maintain and defend our [countrys] peace, so that this can sustain and support Cambodias progress.



Also writing on Facebook, political opposition leader Kem Sokhanow facing treason charges in Cambodia widely believed to be politically motivatedsaid that national unity, peace, and development can be achieved only when others rights are respected, especially the freedom of speech and the right to participate in the countrys development.



Speaking to RFAs Khmer Service, human rights activist Am Sam Ath said that Cambodias ruling Cambodian Peoples Party does not yet fully respect the commitments to human rights already guaranteed by the countrys constitution and in international covenants that Cambodia has ratified.



We have seen that these rights either decline or improve depending on the countrys political situation, Am Sam Athhead of the investigations office of the Cambodian rights group LICADHOsaid.



Each time following elections, especially in 2017 and 2018, Cambodia has been subject to mounting criticisms from the international community regarding the decline in human rights. As a result, they have set out conditions for the restoring of human rights and democracy in Cambodia.



'A great honor'



Meanwhile, in a statement Monday, the French and German embassies in Phnom Penh awarded Chak Sopheapexecutive director of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rightsthe 2018 Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.



Speaking to RFA, Chak Sopheap called the award a great honor for all Cambodians working for democracy and human rights in the authoritarian country.



I want to share this award with all human rights activists in Cambodia, Chak Sopheap said, adding, This also serves as a message to our country, and especially to the government, to recognize the value of activists.



I hope that Cambodia will ensure the safety and basic rights and freedoms for all our communities so that they can perform their work free from fear, she said.



Hundreds gather



Also on Monday, hundreds of Cambodians gathered to celebrate International Human Rights Day at the newly reopened Freedom Park, now located on the outskirts of the capital Phnom Penh.



Participants in the rallyincluding members of civil society organizations (CSOs), famers, young people, and workersraised banners demanding basic rights including justice, jobs, land reform, and a restoration of democracy in the Southeast Asian nation in which the ruling CPP swept national elections in July after using the courts to cripple its only viable political opposition.



Hundreds of plainclothes security officers were deployed to prevent participants from marching, sources said.



Speaking to RFA, Informal Economy Association president Vorn Pov said Mondays heavy security presence had intimidated many who had wanted to take part in the event, causing hundreds to stay home.



We had planned to have up to a thousand participants, but because of the presence of [police], many citizens became worried and afraid, he said.



As a result, many began to go home, and we now have only three to four hundred people.



Celebrations of International Human Rights Day were also held under tight control in Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Takeo provinces, where police blocked access to requested rally sites or restricted marchers to smaller districts, preventing them from assembling in large numbers.



Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Richard Finney.
The mother of Chinese rights activist and website editor Huang Qi has been detained by official 'interceptors' in Beijing, who shoved her to the ground after she tried to take her calls for his release to the Chinese capital.



Pu Wenqing, who is in her eighties, was stopped by police during a trip to Beijing, the rights website Weiquanwang reported on .



She told RFA by phone that she was followed from the moment she got off the train from her home province of Sichuan by officials from her hometown of Neijiang, and thrown to the ground by the interceptors, law enforcers specifically hired by local governments to force petitioners to return to their hometowns and stop complaining about their actions to a higher level of government.



"The moment I got off the train, I was surrounded by seven or eight men, who then pushed me to the ground," Pu told RFA at the time. "They wanted to take me away."



"Wei Wenyuan was there too, and the police came when we shouted. I'm now in the police office [in the station]. My head hurts, and I have high blood pressure," she said.



Video footage of her detention showed Pu lying on the ground shouting: "They're beating me! They're beating me!" as the person shooting the video comments: "Huang's mother has been pushed to the ground by interceptors."



Weiquanwang quoted rights activist Zhang Baocheng as saying that local police from the Beijing West Railway Station, as well as state security police from the city's Fengtai district, had hurried to the scene and told him to mind his own business.



"We are extremely concerned about the fate of Pu Wenqing," the group said.



Zhang told RFA on that Pu's wheareabouts are currently unknown, and that he is "extremely worried" about her.



"I haven't been able to find out her actual whereabouts," Zhang said. "The Beijing police are saying that Huang's mother was taken away by interceptors from Sichuan, who left a phone number."



He added: "I called the phone number and asked them about it, but the person answering said they didn't know and that it was the wrong number."



"So her status is currently disappeared," Zhang said. "I am sick with worry because her health is very poor; she has to take more than 20 different medications every day."



Huang's pre-trial hearing cancelled

Calls to the Beijing municipal police department rang unanswered during office hours on .



A friend of Pu's from the Sichuan provincial capital Chengdu said she hasn't been able to track her down either.



"I haven't had any news of her , and I've been trying to get in touch with her this whole time," the friend, who gave only her surname Wu, told RFA.



"It is Human Rights Day , and several of us wanted to speak out on Huang Qi's behalf," she said.



Meanwhile, Huang's defense attorney Li Jinglin told RFA that the authorities have canceled a planned pre-trial hearing, without setting another date.



"The judge told me the reason for this was that they are pretty busy towards the end of the year, and they couldn't find a time for it," Li said on . "I told him I'd come back to Sichuan [specially], but he said it couldn't be helped."



"I thought I might as well go and visit Huang Qi in the detention center, now that I've come all this way, but the staff there told me their system was down, and that they couldn't get online to check me in," he said. "So I wasn't able to get in [to see him]."



Huang, founder of the Tianwang rights website, which won an RSF prize in 2016, was arrested on Nov. 28 of that year and is being held at the Mianyang Detention Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan on suspicion of "illegally supplying state secrets overseas."



Fourteen rights groups called for Huang's immediate release on urgent medical grounds ahead of a United Nations review of China's rights record last month, warning that his condition is so serious that there is an immediate threat to his life.



Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Qiao Long for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Police in Hong Kong on Monday arrested two pro-democracy lawmakers who staged a loud protest in the city's Legislative Council (LegCo) last June, the latest in a string of prosecutions of prominent opposition figures.



Democratic Party lawmakers Andrew Wan and Lam Cheuk-ting were called to police headquarters on Monday, where they were arrested and charged with "obstructing security guards" at a LegCo meeting in June.



The pair had been loudly protesting against mainland Chinese police being part of an immigration checkpoint at Hong Kong's high-speed rail terminus, a move which has since gone ahead, with mainland Chinese law applying for the first time within Hong Kong city limits since the 1997 handover.



Both were accused of resisting attempts by the security guards to remove them from the chamber. Wan was also charged with common assault, the least serious form of assault charge possible.



Both men, who were accompanied by a crowd of supporters, were released on bail and will appear again in court on Tuesday.



Outside, their supporters shouted: "No regrets over reasonable protest!" and "Oppose political suppression!"



Lam told reporters that such chargesand possibly even jailnow appear to be an occupational hazard of serving in the city's legislature.



He accused chief executive Carrie Lam of trying to suppress the voice of the opposition camp in Hong Kong, at the behest of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing, and dismissed the charges against the pair as "ridiculous."



"Anyone can see very clearly from online video footage that we didn't hit anybody, nor did we throw anything," Lam said. "This was a purely verbal protest, and we never left our seats."



"We were escorted from the chamber by security guards within a few minutes, and now we face criminal charges," he said. "It's shocking that things have gotten this ridiculous in Hong Kong."



Wan said the criminalization of such protests, which have become common in LegCo since the pan-democratic camp lost its veto power following the removal of six pan-democrats after the National People's Congress standing committee ruled their oaths of allegiance invalid, would have far-reaching consequences.



"This is a line that can't be crossed, otherwise, whenever pan-democrats try to use any kind of peaceful or reasonable means to oppose unreasonable government policies, or to speak on behalf of the people, they will run into this obstacle," Wan said.



"We can't give way on this, and so I and Lam Cheuk-ting will fight this all the way, with every last bit of our energy, to protect the right to freedom of expression of LegCo [members] and the people of Hong Kong," he said.



Freedoms under fire



Last week, student leader and opposition activist Joshua Wong warned that political prosecutions against protesters "have become the new norm" in Hong Kong.



British MPs have condemned the use of criminal charges to intimidate and silence pro-democracy figures, noting that more than 100 pro-democracy protesters have been charged, and many jailed, on the basis of common law charges which curtail freedom of expression and have been criticized by the United Nations Human Rights Committee.



Hong Kong was promised the continuation of its traditional freedoms of speech and association by a mini-constitution drafted by U.K. and Chinese officials ahead of the 1997 handover to Chinese rule.



But those freedoms are now being eroded in the wake of repeated interventions in the citys political life by Beijing, according to overseas governments and human rights organizations.



Nine prominent figures in Hong Kong's 2014 Occupy Central pro-democracy movement are currently on trial on public order charges, including the three activists who initiated the movementlaw professor Benny Tai, retired sociology professor Chan Kin-man, and reverend Chu Yiu-ming.



The activists said in their defense that the chief purpose of Occupy Central, also known as the Umbrella movement, was to campaign for fully democratic elections using civil disobedience tactics.



The trial comes after student leaders Joshua Wong, Nathan Law, and Alex Chow were found guilty of public order offenses in July 2017 for their role in the occupation of a cordoned-off public space at the start of the movement.



Wong, who was recently awarded the 2018 Lantos Human Rights Prize but was unable to collect it in person, remains under an effective travel ban pending a separate hearing on "contempt of court" charges scheduled for April.



Reported by Lee Wang-yam for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Hwang Chun-mei for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Myanmar President Win Myint officiates a ceremony for new foreign diplomats at the presidential palace in the capital Naypyidaw, Sept. 4, 2018.

Myanmar President Win Myint on Monday said that the countrys human rights situation has improved, but critics disagreed, pointing to violence targeting Rohingya Muslims, the harsh treatment of ethnic minorities, an about-face on press freedom, and crackdowns on civic groups.

Addressing an event in Yangon commemorating the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the U.N. document that sets out fundamental human rights, he also called on the government and civil society to work with the countrys human rights commission to further improve human rights conditions.

Human rights which are the most fundamental rights of humankind need to be enjoyed without discrimination with respect to race, color of skin, gender, language, religion or political belief by all equally, Win Myint said in a statement issued in the state-run Global News Light of Myanmar newspaper.

Ignoring and disregarding human rights is tantamount to the destruction of humankinds ability to reason and differentiate causes and effects and between good or evil, he said.

Win Myint also said Myanmar is making efforts to teach, create awareness of, and provide training courses on human rights as it moves along a path to democratic transition.

Myanmars parliament adopted the Human Rights Commission Law in March 2014, which established the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) to give more protection to human rights. Between January and November, it received 2,818 complaints and took action on 966 cases that met the requirements of the complaint system.

But U.N. personnel, diplomats, and members of civil society organizations said Win Myints words rang hollow.

As Myanmar undergoes a challenging democratic transition, peace process, and economic transformation, some are left behind, said Knut Ostby, U.N. humanitarian coordinator and resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme, in a brief speech at the event. Particularly the vulnerable, marginalized, and stateless.

He later told RFAs Myanmar Service that it was disappointing to see the recent convictions of human rights defenders such as three prominent youth activists who organized peaceful antiwar protests in northern Myanmars Kachin state earlier this year, and two Reuters journalists who reported on the extrajudicial killings of 10 Rohingya in Rakhine state during a brutal military crackdown in 2017.

On Dec. 7, a court sentenced Lum Zawng, Nang Pu, and Zau Jat to six months in jail and ordered them to pay a fine for their involvement in rallies in Kachins capital Myitkyina in which protesters called on the government to help civilians trapped in war zones by fighting in the northern state.

In September, a Yangon court sentenced the two Reuters reporters to seven years in jail for possessing classified state documents in a much-criticized case that human rights groups and media advocates have strongly condemned as a sham and a blow to press freedom.

I think a modern Myanmar needs these people to speak out and needs these people to speak out openly, Ostby said.

Plight of the Rohingya

In a reference to the plight of persecuted Rohingya in Rakhine state, Ostby said it is important to resolve the problem of statelessness in addressing Myanmar's human rights situation.

Because Myanmar views the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, they are denied citizenship and access to jobs, freedom of movement, and basic services.

For people to be able to contribute to building a prosperous and peaceful Myanmar, they need to have an identity; they need to have a clear path towards citizenship, Ostby told RFA.

Thousands of Rohingya were killed during the 2017 crackdown during which security forces carried out indiscriminate killings, torture, rape, and arson against the minority group, prompting an exodus of more than 720,000 who fled across the border and into Bangladesh.

The government of Myanmar has largely denied that its forces committed the atrocities that U.N. investigators, rights groups, and some nations say amounted to ethnic cleansing, genocidal intent, or genocide itself.

We now are accused of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, said Aung Htoo, a human rights lawyer and founder of Myanmar's Legal Aid Network. When we talk about basic human rights, freedom of expression and assembly and the right to form organizations are getting worse.

A spate of anti-Rohingya hate speech on social media has been blamed for inciting ethnic violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

It is important to control hate speech because all human rights violations are related to hate speech, said MNHRC chairman Win Mra.

Ethnic minority groups in other regions where civil wars are underway, including Kachin and Shan states, have been subject to arbitrary arrest and intimidation when fleeing violence, forcible recruitment by soldiers, forced forfeitures of land, gender-based violence, and restrictions on freedom of movement, including the denial of safe passage those fleeing conflict zones.

The worst situation is for people in ethnic areas because their land rights are badly violated, Aung Htoo said. Their right to self-determination is also being violated.

Government, people must work together

Kristian Schmidt, the European Unions ambassador to Myanmar, said its normal that it will take Myanmar, which emerged in recent years from decades of isolation and military dictatorship, a while to establish full protection for human rights.

But I can also say the sooner you get there, the faster Myanmar will enjoy sustainable peace, progress, and better living conditions for everyone, he told RFA.

Critics of the government inside the country say much more needs to be done to ensure basic human rights.

Ye Wai Phyo Aung, co-founder and research manager of the domestic group Athan which promotes freedom of expression, said he couldnt believe that Win Myint said Myanmars human rights situation had improved.

He noted that officials have filed a growing number of cases against activists and protesters under the countrys Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law, which allows public demonstrations only if organizers first obtain permission from local authorities.

Government officials, military officers, and high-ranking monks have increasingly been invoking other repressive laws, such as Section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Act and Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act, to stifle journalists, ethnic minorities, and members of the political opposition.

Section 66(d) criminalizes online defamation, while Section 17(1) criminalizes association with an unlawful group, such as an armed ethnic organization engaged in hostilities with the Myanmar military.

The human rights situation in Myanmar is getting worse, he said. For instance, we dont have permission to hold any ceremonies in Peoples Square and Park [in Yangon], although we could do so in previous years. We have restrictions everywhere.

We dont have any mechanism to protect peoples rights, he said.

Judicial system reform

Myanmar journalist Myint Kyaw, a member of the Myanmar Press Council, said existing laws are used to control people instead of protecting them.

The judicial system has threatened freedom of expression and the right to information, he said.

Ethnic Chin human rights and women's rights activist Cheery Zahau said that flaws in Myanmars judicial system have been detrimental to the country's human rights situation.

To have standard human rights in Myanmar, we need to reform the judicial system and work towards eliminating torture, persecution, and killings in the country, she said.

Reported Kyaw Thu, Htet Arkar, and Thet Su Aung. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Chabad-Lubavitch, a Jewish organization based in Brooklyn, N.Y., sent Susskind to open a Jewish center in Vernon Hills and create a sense of community. He said the Chabad of Vernon Hills doesnt have members and it welcomes Jews of all affiliations to participate in any activity or group that suits their needs.
A Russian woman accused of working as an unregistered foreign agent in the United States has reached a deal with prosecutors, a possible indication she may change her plea to guilty.



Maria Butina, 30, was arrested in July, accused of working for years to cultivate relationships with U.S. political organizations and conservative activists.



Butina, who is being held without bail, initially pleaded not guilty to charges of acting as an unregistered agent for the Russian government.



However, court document released on December 10 indicated that prosecutors and her defense lawyers have reached an unspecified deal, asking a U.S. court to set a date for a change-of-plea hearing this week. That's an indication she may change her plea to guilty.



The lawyers said that "the parties have resolved this matter, and the defendant Maria Butina remains in custody." They did not say what the final charge would be.



The Justice Department alleged that her efforts were part of the Russian government's secret campaign to try to influence high-level Republican politicians, including Donald Trump, both as a candidate and after his election as U.S. president.

Butina ran a small Russian group called the Right to Bear Arms that appears to have been funded in part by Russian politician Aleksandr Torshin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin.

Before her arrest, Butina had built up a network of prominent Republican contacts in Washington, including at the influential National Rifle Association, while working toward a master's degree in political science at a Washington, D.C. university.

Since her arrest, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has repeatedly complained about her detention to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. prosecutors noted.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and TASS
A former Russian police officer who was sentenced in 2015 to life in prison for the killings of 22 women has received a second life sentence for murdering 56 more women.

The Irkutsk Regional Court in southeastern Siberia also ruled on December 10 to deprive the convicted serial killer, 54-year-old Mikhail Popkov, of the rank of police sergeant.

Dubbed the Angarsk Maniac by Russian media, he is the most prolific known serial killer in Russian and Soviet history.

Popkov, a former police officer from the nearby city of Angarsk, was arrested in 2012 after a series of DNA tests linked him to rapes and murders of three women in 1997.

In January 2015, he was found guilty of the murder of 22 women and the attempted murder of two women between 1994 and 2000 and was sentenced to life in prison.

Popkov was charged in March 2017 with murdering 59 more women after authorities said he confessed to the crimes.

But Popkov was convicted of 56 murders only on December 10 because investigators could not prove that three of the crimes actually took place.

Authorities said he committed some of the killings while on duty, using his police car and uniform to trap his victims.

Andrei Chikatilo was convicted in 1992 and executed in 1994 for raping, butchering, and in some cases cannibalizing as many as 52 people.

"Chessboard Killer" Aleksandr Pichushkin was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 for 48 murders.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
China has summoned the U.S. ambassador to Beijing to protest the detention by Canada of a senior Chinese electronics executive at the request of the United States.

Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng on December 9 "lodged solemn representations and strong protests" with Ambassador Terry Branstad in regard to the detention of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of electronics giant Huawei.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, Le called Meng's detention "extremely egregious" and demanded that the United States cancel her arrest warrant or face further steps by Beijing.

Chinese authorities had summoned the Canadian ambassador a day earlier and issued similar warnings.

Meng, 46, the daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested on December 1 while she was changing planes in Vancouver, Canada, on U.S. charges of trying to evade trade sanctions on Iran.

U.S. authorities have accused Huawei of using a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

They allege that Meng and Huawei misled U.S. banks about its business dealings in Iran.

In a sworn affidavit released in Canada, Meng insisted she is innocent of the allegations and that she will fight them in a U.S. court if she is extradited there.

In court documents, Huawei asserted that its operations in Iran were "in strict compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and sanctions" of the United States, European Union, and the UN.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
BRUSSELS  The European Union has blacklisted nine individuals involved in the organization of last months elections in the areas controlled by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Meeting in Brussels on December 10, the EU's foreign ministers said the individuals were added to the bloc's sanctions list because of their actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.

A total of 164 people from Russia and Ukraine are now 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.

The nine individuals added to the EU sanctions list include Olga Pozdnyakova and Olena Kravchenko, who head the separatists electoral commissions in Donetsk and Luhansk, the two bodies deputy heads, and their secretaries.

The heads of the separatist legislatures in Donetsk and Luhansk, Vladimir Bidyovka and Denis Miroshnichenko, as well as Leonid Pasechnik, who became leader of the separatists in Luhansk, were also added.
BISHKEK  Kyrgyz authorities have arrested a former deputy prime minister on corruption charges.

Duishenbek Zilaliev was charged with "illegal enrichment" and placed in pretrial detention over the weekend, the State Committee for National Security (UKMK) said on December 10.

According to the UKMK, investigators found almost $900,000 in undeclared cash and property in Zilaliev's possession and the former official was unable to explain how he obtained them.

Zilaliev served as Kyrgyzstan's deputy prime minister for several months in 2017. He previously headed the State Committee for Industry, Energy, and Mineral Resources.

Also on December 10, officials of Kyrgyzstans State Service for the Fight Against Economic Crimes told RFE/RL that a court in Azerbaijan ordered the extradition of former Kyrgyz Customs Service chief Adamkul Junusov.

Junusov was detained in Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport on December 5 at the request of Kyrgyz authorities.

Financial police in Bishkek accuse Junusov of "corrupt" activities while leading the Customs Service from 2013 to 2016 that cost Kyrgyzstan's state treasury 166 million soms ($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.

Zilaliev and Junusov are the latest of several former Kyrgyz officials facing corruption charges in Bishkek after working during the 2011-17 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 ministers 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.
The United States remains the global leader in arms sales, while Russia has surpassed Britain to take the No. 2 spot as it attempts to modernize its military, a leading research group says.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said on December 10 in its annual report that the combined sales of arms and military services by U.S. companies rose 2 percent in 2017 to $222.6 billion.

Russia became the second-largest arms producer, it said, with $37.7 billion, up 8.5 percent from a year earlier.

The group based its calculations on the combined sales of arms-related enterprises ranked among the Top 100 producers worldwide. The United States had 42 of the Top 100 companies, while Russia had 10, it said.

INFOGRAPHIC: Russian Arms Deals (click to view)

Russian companies have experienced significant growth in their arms sales since 2011, said Siemon Wezeman, senior researcher with SIPRIs Arms and Military Expenditure Program.

This is in line with Russias increased spending on arms procurement to modernize its armed forces, he added.

The report said that, for the first time, a Russian company, state-owned Almaz-Antey, appeared in the Top 10 in the ranking for global arms sales.

Alexandra Kuimova, a research assistant, said that Almaz-Antey, already Russias largest arms-producing company, increased arms sales 17 percent in 2017 to $8.6 billion.

The report said that along with Almaz-Antey, three other Russian Top 100 firms increased their arms sales by more than 15 percent: United Engine (25 percent), High Precision Systems (22 percent), and Tactical Missiles (19 percent).

Britain remained Western Europe's largest arms seller, with a total of $35.7 billion, and it had seven companies listed in the Top 100.

The report also cited strong growth of Turkish arms sales, saying it "reflects Turkeys ambitions to develop its arms industry to fulfill its growing demand for weapons and become less dependent on foreign suppliers."

Overall, the report said, sales of the Top 100 firms totaled $398.2 billion in 2017, a 2.5 percent increase over 2016. Sales of Chinese firms were not included, it noted, saying the information was not reliable.

SIPRI, established in 1966, describes itself as an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.
SHYMKENT, Kazakhstan -- A Kazakh court has sentenced civil rights activist Suin Abulda to five years in prison on charges he and his supporters called politically motivated.

The Al-Farabi District Court in the southern city of Shymkent on December 10 found Abulda guilty of intentionally providing investigators with false information in a fraud case.

Maintaining his innocence after the court's ruling was pronounced, Abulda told RFE/RL that his trial was politically motivated.

His mother, Begaiym Temirbekova, said the verdict and sentence will be appealed.

Abulda was arrested and charged in December 2017.

In May 2016, he was jailed for 15 days over his involvement in rallies against land reforms.

Thousands of people protested across Kazakhstan in April and May 2016 against changes to the Central Asian country's land code allowing land privatization.

Dozens of people were sentenced to several days in jail or fined.

Activists Maks Boqaev and Talgat Ayan, who were involved in protests in the western city of Atyrau, were sentenced to five years in prison each after being found guilty of inciting social discord, knowingly spreading false information, and violating the law on public assembly.

Ayan was released on parole in April, while Boqaev remains in prison.
The great-grandson of the famously ascetic leader of Iran's 1979 revolution*, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, has been forced to defend his seemingly lavish lifestyle.

Ahmad Khomeini was responding to the circulation online of a photo showing the 21-year-old cleric at an equestrian club in fashionable sunglasses and a Nike sweatshirt standing next to a young woman in a riding helmet.

Persian-language social-media users were quick to condemn the young Khomeini's "luxury horse-riding hobby" as far out of reach for most Iranians, who are enduring a collapse of the national currency amid the reimposition of tough U.S. sanctions to punish Tehran for its military and nuclear ambitions, alleged interference abroad, and rights and democracy record.

The editor in chief of the conservative Khorasan daily, Mohammad Said Ahadian, said the publication of the photo amid "today's difficult conditions" damaged "the reputation of the Imam," meaning Ruhollah Khomeini, who, he said, lived a simple life to demonstrate sympathy for the poor.

Ahadian called on Ahmad Khomeini's father, Hassan Khomeini, who is close to reformist critics of Iran's leadership, to denounce his son's behavior or leave Khomeini's legacy in someone else's hands.

Ayatollah Khomeini, who died of heart failure in 1989, is still celebrated in Iran as the founder of the Islamic republic. His supporters refer to him as "the Imam."

For his part, the head of the political desk of Moj news agency described Ahmad Khomeini as a "luxury agazadeh," a term that Iranians routinely use to describe children of the elite who are believed to benefit significantly from privileged connections and family ties.

"Your behavior is not Khomeini-like. You have nothing in common with [Ayatollah] Khomeini, you only carry his name," Amir Tohid Fazel said of Ahmad Khomeini on Twitter, adding, "The Imam that we knew would not be horseback riding at the height of people's problems."

'They Attack My Father Through Me'

Ahmad Khomeini, who has more than 650,000 Instagram followers, reacted to the criticism by saying his financial situation was not "special" and that the photo, which he said was more than a year old, had been posted online from someone's "private archive" and against that person's will.

He suggested that those behind the controversy were targeting his father, Hassan Khomeini, who was prevented in 2016 by the hard-line Guardians Council from running for the Assembly of Experts. That body is tasked with electing the country's supreme leader, initially Ruhollah Khomeini and now Ali Khamenei, who holds the ultimate political and religious power in postrevolution Iran.

"A media manager called on my father to give control of the Imam's office to his friends, a wish they've apparently had for many years," Khomeini said on Instagram. "My father's enemies [attack me] in order to damage him. Therefore, this is not the first time, nor the last."

Hassan Khomeini also said that he doesn't own a horse and is not familiar with "such sports."

The dashing Ahmad Khomeini and his father have been treated with suspicion by Iran's conservative institutions seemingly due to their perceived sympathy for reformers, and were characterized in some places as part of an effort to provide "a facelift" for "Brand Khomeini."

Venting Public Anger

The cost of living has sharply increased in Iran amid a shortage of goods such as diapers and some medicine, according to Iranian media, with the situation expected to worsen as unilateral U.S. sanctions bite.

Late last year and early this year, thousands of Iranians protested rising prices and corruption by taking to the streets in around 80 cities before the authorities clamped down with mass arrests, an increased security presence, and the blocking of mobile devices. Since then, there have only been sporadic demonstrations, including strikes and other protests by teachers and factory workers complaining of low wages.

Others have vented anger and frustration on social media, including through criticism of Iran's rich and powerful and their children.

The popularity among Iranians of social media has encouraged greater scrutiny of Khomeini's heirs, including his 15 grandchildren, some of whom have been called out over their lifestyles or their political views, including ties to the pro-reform camp.

Earlier this year, Ahmad Khomeini was criticized for receiving what was seen as special treatment during his turban-placing ceremony, which took place following his graduation from a religious seminary. The ceremony was reportedly attended by a number of senior clerics.

There was also criticism last month when the Sharhvand daily reported Ahmad Khomeini's "sudden" wedding on its front page, with some suggesting that the coverage reminded them of excesses during the shah era.

* CLARIFICATION: This text has been amended since its original publication to describe Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as "the famously ascetic leader of Iran's 1979 revolution."
This year's Nobel Peace Prize winners have called for action and justice on behalf of the victims of wartime sexual violence as they accepted their awards on December 10.

Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege and Yazidi activist Nadia Murad received the prize at a ceremony in the Norwegian capital, Oslo. They split the 9-million-Swedish-kronor ($1 million) amount.

Mukwege, who won the prize for his efforts to end the use of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war, urged strong international action against the abuse, including reparations for victims.

Murad, a member of Iraq's Yazidi minority, was abducted and sexually abused by Islamic State militants in 2014, before escaping and becoming an activist.

In his address, Mukwege criticized the international community for allowing Congolese to be "humiliated, abused and massacred for more than two decades in plain sight."

Mukwege is the founder of a hospital in eastern Congo that has treated tens of thousands of victims of the country's conflicts for two decades.

"I insist on reparations, measures that give survivors compensation and satisfaction and enable them to start a new life," he said. "I call on states to support the initiative to create a global fund for reparations for victims of sexual violence in armed conflicts."

"Young girls at the prime of life are sold, bought, held captive, and raped every day," Murad told the audience.

"The fact remains that the only prize in the world that can restore our dignity is justice and the prosecution of criminals," she said.

"It is inconceivable that the conscience of the leaders of 195 countries around the world is not mobilized to liberate these girls," she said.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa
KYIV -- President Petro Poroshenko has signed into law a bill to terminate Ukraine's friendship treaty with Russia.

In a video comment posted on the presidential website, Poroshenko called the law "part of our strategy towards fully breaking with the colonial past and reorientation towards Europe."

The treaty is due to expire on March 31. On December 6, Ukrainian lawmakers voted not to prolong it beyond that date.

Signed in 1997, the treaty obliges Russia and Ukraine to "respect the territorial integrity of each other and confirm the inviolability of current mutual borders."

It also says that Ukraine and Russia should build bilateral relations "based on principles of mutual respect of sovereign equality, inviolability of borders, peaceful resolution of differences, without the use of force or the threat to use force."

Ukrainian government forces have been fighting against Russia-backed separatists in the eastern Ukraine since April 2014, shortly after Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and forcibly annexed it.

Although Moscow denies interfering in Ukraine's domestic affairs, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2016 ruled that the fighting in eastern Ukraine is "an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation."
A concert featuring works by an American pianist for traditional Chinese instruments is to be staged in Beijing.

When American composer-pianist Joel Hoffman first encountered Chinese music decades ago, he found it interesting, exotic yet forbidding like a closed door. But his curiosity and need to understand has always been much stronger than the difficulty of translation.

"It's impossible to say whether the motivation is more like the wish to solve a crazy difficult puzzle or simply love.

"It must be both," says the New York-based musician, who was born in Vancouver, Canada, in 1953.

He received degrees from the University of Wales and the Juilliard School in New York before becoming a professor of College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati.

Now, a guest professor at the China Conservatory of Music, he has been visiting Beijing twice a year, for the past decade, besides working with a number of talented musicians in China, including instrumentalists, conductors and composers.

Among the people he works with is Chinese bamboo flute player Zhang Weiliang, who is a professor and composer for the China Conservatory of Music.

Six of Hoffman's nine works written for Chinese musical instruments were commissioned by Zhang, including a bamboo flute concerto for him.

Their latest collaboration, The Shadow of Water, composed by Hoffman for six bamboo flutes, pipa, guzheng (Chinese zither), erhu and vibraphone, will be premiered at a concert on Wednesday at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

The concert will premiere eight works written for traditional Chinese musical instruments, with the theme of water, which is one of wuxing, or the five elementswater, wood, fire, earth and metalin traditional Chinese culture.

Speaking about what made him take up his latest assignment, Hoffman, who has composed two works for Chinese traditional orchestras besides chamber works of various sizes and kinds, says: "For many years I was fascinated by Chinese traditional music and its remarkable set of instruments. But I am also interested in the music of Debussy. So when Zhang Weiliang commissioned me to write a piece on water, I immediately thought of the piece by Debussy called Reflets dans l'eau," says Hoffman.
Russia's Defense Ministry has sent two nuclear-capable strategic bombers to Venezuela, in an unusual display of Russian military force in South America.

The ministry said in a statement that the two Tu-160 bombers had arrived at an airport outside of Caracas on December 10. The statement did not say if they were carrying weapons.

The bombers' arrival came just days after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro visited Moscow, seeking Kremlin support for his country, whose economy is in shambles and which is deeply in debt to Russia.

Venezuela has purchased millions of dollars in military equipment from Russia in recent years.

In a ceremony at the Caracas airport, the Venezuelan defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino, welcomed about 100 Russian pilots and other personnel.

The deployment showed "we also are preparing to defend Venezuela to the last inch when necessary," Padrino said.

Known as Blackjacks by NATO members, the Tu-160 can fly at twice the speed of sound and is capable of carrying nuclear or conventional missiles.

Several bombers participated in Russian military strikes in Syria, firing the air-launched Kh-101 cruise missile in combat for the first time.

According to the Associated Press, the last time Tu-160 strategic bombers were sent to Venezuela was five years ago. Prior that, bombers and a naval ship visited the country in 2008 amid tensions over Russia's war with Georgia.

The deployment of the aircraft drew a particularly pointed response from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a posting to Twitter.

"The Russian and Venezuelan people should see this for what it is: two corrupt governments squandering public funds, and squelching liberty and freedom while their people suffer," Pompeo wrote.





Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on December 11 that Pompeo's comments were "undiplomatic" and "completely inappropriate."



Oil-rich Venezuela has been racked by economic and political crises since 2010 under leftist leader Hugo Chavez and has continued into Maduro's presidency.



Millions have fled the country, driven by violence, hyperinflation, and major shortages of food.

With reporting by AP and AFP
The embezzlement trial of Russian theater and film director Kirill Serebrennikov has been adjourned again due to the hospitalization of a co-defendant in the case.

Judge Yelena Akkuratova adjourned the Moscow trial until December 14 after the lawyer of former director of Moscow's Gogol Center, Aleksei Malobrodsky, announced at a December 10 hearing that Malobrodsky remained in hospital.

On December 5, the trial was adjourned until December 10 due to Malobrodskys hospitalization a day earlier 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 ($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 ($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.

With reporting by TASS and Meduza
A Serbian court has sentenced cocaine smuggler and crime boss Darko Saric to 15 years in prison.

A court in Belgrade ruled on December 10 that Darko Saric was guilty of leading a criminal organization that smuggled almost six tons of cocaine from South America to Europe in 2008 and 2009.

Other gang members were handed jail terms ranging from several months to 15 years.

In 2015, the 49-year-old Saric was sentenced to 20 years in prison, but that verdict was overturned and a new trial was held.

Saric has maintained his innocence.

Saric, who had been on the run since 2010, surrendered to Serbian police in March 2014.

With reporting by AP and Balkan Insight
A flamboyant Tajik blogger has been roughed up in Moscow, as seen in video posted by his alleged attackers, right under the nose of a policeman. He has since said he's afraid to leave home.
Police in a district near the Uzbek capital entered new territory last week when they were required to swear on the Koran that they would "not take bribes" or "engage in extortion."

The oath fits with President Shavkat Mirziyoev's effort to position himself as a fighter of corruption since he came to power in September 2016, but stands in contrast to his predecessor's efforts to suppress Islam.

Sources in Uzbekistan's Interior Ministry tell RFE/RL that the oath-taking ceremony was part of a state-run anticorruption program launched under a presidential decree from Mirziyoev.

One Interior Ministry source, speaking to RFE/RL's Uzbek Service on condition of anonymity, said taking part in three training sessions and the oath-taking ceremony was obligatory for all police in the district under an order from the district police leadership rather than an order "from above."

There was no direct order from the president or the Interior Ministry requiring all police to place their hand on the Koran and vow to be good cops, the official told RFE/RL.

Nevertheless, the chief imam from the Yukorichirchik district was called in to take part in the oath ceremony and all officers there were required to take part.

On social media, many Uzbeks have said the country's police and the Koran were like entities from different universes during the 26 years the late President Islam Karimov ruled Uzbekistan.

Karimov loathed Islamic leaders in the country and used his security forces to rein in their influence and control, claiming that his crackdowns were against Islamist extremists.

Following the ceremony, many Uzbeks have been expressing doubts on social media that the use of the Koran in an oath ceremony will have any impact on the daily behavior of police officers.

Long History Of Corruption

Uzbekistan's police have long been criticized for mistreating detainees, extortion, taking bribes, and other forms of corruption.

In early 2017, Mirziyoev said more than 4,500 police officers had been fired for "bribery and abuse of authority" since he took power in September 2016 following Karimov's death. And the crackdown has continued.

Several senior law enforcement officials were arrested in 2017 and 2018 on charges of corruption and exceeding their authority.

They include former Prosecutor-General Rashid Qodirov, who was arrested on February 22 on charges of bribe-taking and abuse of office.

Within a month of Qodirov's arrest, dozens of other law enforcement officials were also rounded up in connection with the case.

Mirziyoev charged that Qodirov was regularly taking bribes from regional prosecutors. "Why was the former top prosecutor arrested? Because they were all thieves," he said on March 7, speaking about officials who came to their posts under Karimov.

Mirziyoev said district prosecutors had been paying tens of thousands of dollars to Qodirov to "buy" their positions. "Now the detained district prosecutors are telling how much in bribes they paid to the former chief prosecutor," he said.

Senior officials in Uzbekistan's once-powerful security apparatus, now known as the State Security Service, have also been dismissed and arrested on corruption charges since Mirziyoev took power.

Mirziyoev described some of those security officers as "mad dogs," accusing them of carrying out torture on detainees and targeting successful businessmen for extortion.

Those who have been convicted have received prison sentences of up to 16 years.

Written by Ron Synovitz in Prague with reporting by RFE/RL's Uzbek Service
Western diplomats have expressed concern over the periodic blockage of news and social-media websites in Tajikistan.

In a joint statement issued on December 10, the embassies of Britain, Germany, France, the United States, and the EU delegation in Dushanbe urged the Tajik government to "provide for press freedom in accordance with Tajikistans international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

It said the Central Asian countrys long-term prosperity, security, and stability require the governments full commitment to protecting freedom of speech, mass media freedom, and the right of journalists to work without fear of censorship or reprisal.

Access to fast and affordable Internet is essential for any countrys economic development," the diplomatic missions added.

The statement cited the blockage of the websites of Asia-Plus and RFE/RL's Tajik Service, known locally as Radio Ozodi, which have been blocked in Tajikistan since November 29.

Tajik officials have not commented on the situation.

Authorities have blocked some online news sites and social networks in the past, but later unblocked them without providing any explanations.
October, a magazine published in Beijing, has been a must-buy on newsstands for lovers of literature for four decades.



Launched in August 1978, the magazine, which publishes novels, dramas and poems, has cultivated a group of writers and a large number of readers. Xiong Zhe, 40, editor at a publishing house who was born in the year the magazine was founded, said it is a "joyous experience" to buy it on newsstands on the day it hits the streets once every two months.

"October opened the world of literature for me when I was a teenager," Xiong said. "It helped me to learn about literature and writers at a time when I did not have the ability to choose what books to read.

"I like writing, and dreamed of becoming a writer for the magazine. I mailed my piece to them, but it was not good enough to be published," he said. "However, I have continued to read October, because it's not just a magazine, but also an emotional attachment for me."

Wang Meng, a writer born in Beijing in 1934, said during a literary forum in October that he has a special link with October.

"I lived very close to the magazine's editorial office. Back in the days when I started writing, other authors mailed their pieces to the magazine. But I walked to their office and gave them my work, which saved me money for stamps but also built a strong connection between myself and the magazine. I miss those years deeply," he said.

More important, Wang said the magazine's launch had helped him to stop smoking. "Some writers like to smoke to gain inspiration. However, it caused cigarette ash to often fall on the paper, which annoyed me. So, when I started writing, I stopped smoking. Before October was founded, I had smoked for 15 years," he said.

Yan Jingming, vice-chairman of the Chinese Writers Association, said Beijing, with its unique culture and tradition, has cultivated a number of writers with "the literary style of this country", which has encouraged people to read and explore.

"Beijing is undoubtedly one of the most important places in Chinese literature, now and in the past," he said. "The city has gathered the most literary talent in the country. Writers and critics are very lucky to live here, because their voices and opinions will be heard and magnified with greater influence."

Yan added that growing communication between different cultures globally has enabled the rapid flow of information, requiring Beijing to strengthen its literary and cultural position.
Whenever somebody is asked about the earliest online secondhand book-selling platform in China, if they can come up with an answer, chances are that it will be Kongfuzi Jiushu Wang (Confucius Old Book website). The site was set up in 2002, eight years after the internet arrived in China.

Though the website is well-known for selling secondhand books, its founder, Sun Yutian, 43, born in Shanxi province, prefers to call the site's wares "old books".

"Secondhand book is only a category of books we sell, besides which we also sell books published during the period of the Republic of China period (1912-1949), as well as non-bestsellers," Sun says.

If you scan the website you will soon see that plenty of books it sells are ancient ones, including the classics of traditional Chinese culture, whose admirers are as almost as rare as the books they love.

"Most books we read are best-sellers, as is the case with the books regular bookstores sell," Sun says. "The market for niche readers is small.

"What I did was build a platform to let more book lovers find all the books they want, no matter whether the books are new or ancient, bestsellers or non-bestsellers."

Ultimately the aim is to provide customers with books they cannot buy elsewhere, he says.

The website is run on the model of customer to customer, or C2C. People run their online shop at a low price, paying 100 yuan ($15) to 600 yuan annually or pay 4 percent of their income with the platform.

More than 70,000 stores sell in excess of 100 million books on Kongfuzi says, and more than 10 million people have bought books from the platform. By the end of October Kongfuzi had had turnover of nearly 800 million yuan, he says.

Brand-new best-sellers on Kongfuzi are always cheaper than the same kind from other online book retailers such as JD or Dangdang. However, sets of old books published last century are always expensive.

For example, a secondhand Four Great Classical Novels published in 1970s costs 2,000 yuan, 30 times its original price.

"It's common for publishers to produce hundreds of thousands of best-sellers, making the cost of each low," Sun says. "But because of the low productivity and people's poor awareness of collecting books, it's hard to keep a set of books from last century for decades, which means the price is high."

On Kongfuzi there are many books that could be regarded as collectors' items, he says.

On October 30, the day when the well-known Chinese Wuxia author Jin Yong died, Kongfuzi sold more than 10,000 sets of books. The most expensive was Jin's collection of works published by Shanghai Joint Publishing Press in 1999, selling for 99,999 yuan.

Besides books, many transcripts, letters, works of calligraphy and paintings are sold on Kongfuzi.

"These artifacts are closely related to ancient books and traditional Chinese culture," Sun says.

I hope the circulation of these items can help spread our culture, as well as give more people the chance to appreciate their value."
The numbers of China's private companies and self-employed households have grown rapidly over the past 40 years of reform and opening up, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).



By the end of October 2018, China has 71.37 million self-employed households and 30.67 million private companies, growing at least 500-fold and 338-fold, respectively.

China only had 140,000 self-employed households in 1978 when it launched its reform and opening up. And the number of private companies on registration was 90,500 in 1989.

The numbers of private economic entities boomed during the past decades as the government kept improving business environment, including loosening restrictions on business registration.

The private sector now plays an important role in the Chinese economy, contributing to more than half of tax revenue, 60 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), 70 percent of technological innovation and new products, 80 percent of urban employment and 90 percent of new jobs.
You are here: Business

German carmaker Mercedes-Benz will recall 1,621 automobiles in China over incorrect software coding of the panoramic sunroof, according to China's market regulator.

From Dec. 7, the Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. began recalling 1,501 vehicles manufactured between April 19 and Sep. 7. The recall involves C-Class and GLC SUV models.

Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. started to recall 120 imported GLC SUVs manufactured from Jul. 26 to Sept. 22 on the same day, according to the State Administration of Market Regulation.

When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, the force to initiate a pinch response may go beyond the required limit because of incorrect software coding of the sunroof, causing an increased risk to safety.

The company will subsequently update the panoramic sunroof software of the affected automobiles.
Governments and police forces around the world need to beware of the harm caused by mass and social media following terror events. In a new report, leading counter-terrorism experts from around the world -- including Michigan State University faculty -- offer guidance to authorities to better manage the impacts of terror attacks by harnessing media communication.

"With social media, not only is the information immediate, but the public's access to information and conversations shape how an event is talked about," said Steven Chermak, MSU professor of criminal justice report contributor. "This can be dangerous when we can't discern fact from a panicked reaction."

The report, Minutes to Months (https://crimeandsecurity.org/publications), or M2M, assessed terror attacks in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, with expertise from MSU, Western University in Canada, University of New South Wales, Sydney, and was spearheaded by Cardiff University's Crime and Security Research Institute, or CSRI.

By reviewing all the published research on the role of media and social media in the wake of terror attacks, together with detailed case studies of specific incidents, M2M reveals insights on how media and social media coverage can increase the public harms of terrorism, and what works to mitigate such effects.

The M2M report provides recommendations to help authorities develop and execute strategies to manage the online fallout from a terrorist incident. The work was commissioned by the Five Country Ministerial Countering Extremism Working Group, which includes the governments of the UK, the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The research team found that terrorist attacks create shockwaves after the initial incident, as a wide range of voices compete through mainstream and social media. In fact, M2M found that communications after a terrorist incident often lead to a spike in hate crimes, extremism, and prompt damaging disinformation and rumors.

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"People only know what they see or read, so the immediate panic social media -- and then on the news -- perpetuates rumors and creates fear. This is exactly what terrorists want," Chermak said. "The ongoing news in the days and weeks following attacks -- and opinions and emotions through media -- can continue the terror cycle."

Governments, police and others involved in public safety need to be ready to offer accurate, regular information to minimise negative fallout, the researchers said.

Terrorist violence, as the report explained, is intended to elicit intense and vivid reactions. Thus, by neglecting how to manage post-event situations is a current weak point in many governmental counter-terrorism frameworks.

The increasing volume of communication channels allows different groups to voice alternative interpretations of the same event, causing multiple narratives and accounts circulating in the post-event environment.

Martin Innes, director of the CSRI and lead author of M2M, recently issued a report that identified the systematic use of fake social media accounts spreading disinformation. The accounts, linked to Russia, amplified the public impacts of the four terrorist attacks that took place in the UK in 2017: Westminster Bridge, Manchester Arena, London Bridge and Finsbury Park.

"Over the past five years or so, both the mechanics and dynamics of terrorism and how it is reported via media sources, have altered dramatically," Innes said. "Over the same period, the logics of media and the information environment have been fundamentally transformed."

Because of these changes Innes believes that changing communication is the key to the post-attack wake of terror.

"Taking a pragmatic view, that despite the best efforts of police and security services, not all future plots will be prevented, developing an understanding of how any harms can be mitigated is an important undertaking."

This report was made available to funders and internal stakeholders in July 2018 before it was published to the public on October 24, 2018.
A 6-year-old girl was killed when a dressing mirror inside a shop in Foxtown Mall in Feizhou International Building collapsed on Saturday evening.

The girl suffered severe head injuries and died in No. 6 Peoples Hospital, close to the building in Xuhui District.

Shanghai TV reported on that the tragedy took place at about 7pm on Saturday.

The girl was with her mother in the shop, I.T Outlet. At the time of the incident, her father and grandmother were in another part of the mall at the time.

The mother said the mirror didnt look like it would fall on people and tried to save her daughter when she saw it topple, but was not quick enough to save her.

The mirror, about 3 meters in height, 1 meter in width and weighing least 50 kilograms, was allegedly leaning on the wall and not fixed to anything at all.

The shop has suspended business.

A manager from the operating company told Shanghai TV that company inspectors had never found any problems with the mirror before, but they were not sure whether it had been fixed on the wall or not.
A Queensland University of Technology (QUT) led collaboration with University of Adelaide reveals that Australia's pint-sized banded hare-wallaby is the closest living relative of the giant short-faced kangaroos which roamed the continent for millions of years, but died out about 40,000 years ago.

Published in Systematic Biology, the research involved the first near-complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequencing from extinct Australian megafauna.

DNA was sequenced from inner ear bones (petrous bones) of a 45,000-year-old giant short-faced kangaroo, Simosthenurus occidentalis, part of the Sthenurinae sub-family, found at Mt Cripps in Tasmania

These are the longest DNA sequences ever recovered from Australia's extinct megafauna, with more than 16,000 base pairs of mtDNA, which is used to help understand evolutionary relationships

The results support an evolutionary link between giant short-faced kangaroos (Sthenurinae) and the threatened banded hare-wallaby, Lagostrophus fasciatus

The study also combined the DNA evidence with fossil and anatomical data to trace body size change over the evolutionary history of kangaroos and wallabies

The analysis was conducted by QUT evolutionary biologists PhD researcher Manuela Cascini and Associate Professor Matthew Phillips, from the Science and Engineering Faculty, in collaboration with University of Adelaide's Professor Alan Cooper and Dr Kieren Mitchell, who undertook the DNA sequencing at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA.

Lead author Ms Cascini, a molecular biologist who moved from Italy to undertake her PhD research with Associate Professor Phillips, said her project also involved analysis of mtDNA sequenced from the inner ear bones of another ancient extinct macropod that was found in Tasmania -- the giant wallaby, Protemnodon anak, which weighed up to 150 kilograms.

Small fragments of ancient DNA sequenced from this giant wallaby species and from the giant short-faced kangaroo were first reported on by University of Adelaide scientists in 2015.

"Our analysis confirmed their conclusion that the giant wallabies are close relatives of the iconic living 'Macropus' genus of kangaroos and wallabies," Ms Cascini said.

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"However that earlier study provided insufficient DNA to confidently place the giant short-faced kangaroos on the evolutionary tree.

"We've now been able to show the strongest evidence yet that the closest living relative of these massive Sthenurinae kangaroos, which weighed up to about 240 kilograms, is the tiny, 2-kilogram banded hare-wallaby. These wallabies live in the wild only on islands off Western Australia and are classified as vulnerable."

Associate Professor Phillips said the larger amount of mtDNA sequenced in this study by the University of Adelaide collaborators helped enable the strong finding on the banded hare-wallaby link.

"This is by far the most genetic data that anyone has extracted out of Australian megafauna, and it was taken from the petrous bones which are denser and often seem to hold DNA better," he said.

"You find a lot of ancient DNA studies of megafauna from permafrost in northern Europe and northern America because the cold helps preserve the DNA. But in Australia the hotter climate and older age of the megafauna is far less favourable for DNA preservation."

Dr Mitchell said Tasmania's cooler climate and higher-altitude caves "make for much better DNA preservation than we find elsewhere in Australia, so we focused our hunt for high-quality megafaunal DNA there."

Associate Professor Phillips said other findings of the study on the evolution of kangaroos and wallabies (macropods) included:
What happens when lava and water meet? Explosive experiments with humanmade lava are helping to answer this important question.

By cooking up 10-gallon batches of molten rock and injecting them with water, scientists are shedding light on the basic physics of lava-water interactions, which are common in nature but poorly understood.

The project -- a long-term, ongoing study led by the University at Buffalo -- published its first results on Dec. 10 in the Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR): Solid Earth.

The scientists caution that the number of tests so far is small, so the team will need to conduct more experiments to draw firm conclusions.

The research shows that lava-water encounters can sometimes generate spontaneous explosions when there is at least about a foot of molten rock above the mixing point. In prior, smaller-scale studies that used about a coffee cup's worth of lava, scientists in Germany found that they needed to apply an independent stimulus -- in essence pricking the water within the lava -- to trigger a blast.

The results reported in JGR: Solid Earth also point to some preliminary trends, showing that in a series of tests, larger, more brilliant reactions tended to occur when water rushed in more quickly and when lava was held in taller containers. (The team ran a total of 12 experiments in which water injection speeds ranged from about 6 to 30 feet per second, and in which lava was held in insulated steel boxes that ranged in height from about 8 to 18 inches.)

"If you think about a volcanic eruption, there are powerful forces at work, and it's not a gentle thing," says lead investigator Ingo Sonder, PhD, research scientist in the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB. "Our experiments are looking at the basic physics of what happens when water gets trapped inside molten rock."

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Sonder will discuss the findings at the 2018 AGU Fall Meeting today.

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Understanding lava-water encounters at real volcanoes

In nature, the presence of water can make volcanic activity more dangerous, such as during past eruptions of Hawaii's Kilauea and Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull. But in other cases, the reaction between the two materials is subdued.

Sonder wants to understand why: "Sometimes, when lava encounters water, you see huge, explosive activity. Other times, there is no explosion, and the lava may just cool down and form some interesting shapes. What we are doing is trying to learn about the conditions that cause the most violent reactions."

Eventually, findings from the long-term project could improve scientists' ability to assess the risk that volcanoes near ice, lakes, oceans and underground water sources pose to people who live in surrounding communities.

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"The research is still in the very early stages, so we have several years of work ahead of us before we'll able to look at the whole range and combination of factors that influence what happens when lava or magma encounters water," says Valentine, study co-author and director of the Center for Geohazards Studies at UB.

"However, everything we do is with the intention of making a difference in the real world," he says. "Understanding basic processes having to do with volcanoes will ultimately help us make better forecasting calls when it comes to eruptions."

Large-scale volcanic experiments

Lava-water interactions are associated with a phenomenon known as a molten fuel coolant interaction, in which a liquid fuel (a heat source) reacts violently with a liquid coolant. Much of the experimental work in this field has been done in the context of industrial safety, with a focus on understanding potential dangers in nuclear power plants and metal production sites.

The lava-water experiments build on previous research in this area, while focusing on molten rock.

The work takes place at UB's Geohazards Field Station in Ashford, New York, some 40 miles south of Buffalo. Run by the UB Center for Geohazards Studies, the facility gives scientists a place to conduct large-scale experiments simulating volcanic processes and other hazards. In these tests, researchers can control conditions in a way that isn't possible at a real volcano, dictating, for example, the shape of the lava column and the speed at which water shoots into it.

To make lava, scientists dump basaltic rock into a high-powered induction furnace. They heat it up for about 4 hours. When the mixture reaches a red-hot 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit, it's poured into an insulated steel box and injected with two or three jets of water.

Then, a hammer drives a plunger into the mix to help stimulate an explosion. (In some cases, if enough molten rock was present above the injection point, an intense reaction began before the hammer fell).

In addition to identifying some preliminary trends, the published study attests to the wide variety of physical processes that can occur when lava and water meet.

"The system response to water injection varied from mild, evaporation-dominated processes, in which only a little melt was ejected from the container alongside some steam, to stronger reactions with visible steam jets, and with melt domains ejected to several meters height," the scientists wrote in JGR: Solid Earth.

Breaking the vapor film?

The study did not examine why box height and water injection speed corresponded with the biggest explosions. But Sonder, whose has a background in geosciences and physics, offers some thoughts.

He explains that when a blob of water is trapped by a much hotter substance, the outer edges of the water vaporize, forming a protective film that envelops the rest of the water like a bubble, limiting heat transfer into the water and preventing it from boiling. This is called the Leidenfrost effect.

But when water is injected rapidly into a tall column of lava, the water -- which is about three times lighter than the lava -- will speed upward and mix with the molten rock more quickly. This may cause the vapor film to destabilize, Sonder says. In this situation, the unprotected water would expand rapidly in volume as it heated up, imposing high stresses on the lava, he says. The result? A violent explosion.

In contrast, when water is injected slowly into shallower pools of lava, the protective vapor film may hold, or the water may reach the lava's surface or escape as steam before an explosion occurs, Sonder says.

He hopes to explore these theories through future experiments: "Not a lot of work has been done in this field," he says, "so even some of these basic processes are really not well understood."
Urban sophistication has real sex appeal -- at least if you're a Central American amphibian. Male frogs in cities are more attractive to females than their forest-frog counterparts, according to a new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution.

Frogs in urban areas have more conspicuous and complex vocal calls, in part because they have fewer predators than those in natural habitats, say scientists from Vrije Universiteit (VU) in the Netherlands, The University of Texas at Austin, Purdue University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.

University of Texas at Austin professor of integrative biology Mike Ryan joined team leader Wouter Halfwerk and colleagues to investigate how city life has altered the signaling behavior of male tungara frogs. The trappings of cities often interfere with animal communication, as noise and light pollution affect the visual and auditory signals animals use to attract mates. Halfwerk previously has published work showing how urbanization affects birdsong in Europe.

The research team recorded the characteristic 'chuck' calls made by the one-inch frogs living in forests near the Panama Canal and in nearby human-disturbed areas, including small towns and cities. They found that the urban males would call more often and with greater call complexity, meaning they made more of the 'chuck' sounds that females prefer, compared to the frogs in the forest. The authors played back both calls to female frogs in a lab, and they discovered that three-quarters of the females were more attracted to the complex urban calls, compared to the simpler forest calls.

"In the forest, these more attractive calls have a higher cost," Ryan explained. "The sound can attract frog-eating bats and bloodsucking midges."

Evolution may select for the trait that allows the frogs to make more complex vocal calls in cities and towns, where the eavesdropping predators are scarcer there than in the forest. To help test this idea, the researchers examined what would happen when they moved urban frogs into forest habitats and forest frogs into urban habitats. It turned out that the urban frogs were able to actively reduce the complexity of their calls in the new environment, but forest frogs couldn't make the switch to making their calls more complex to attract females.

Ryan, his graduate students and colleagues have been studying sexual selection and communication in the tungara frog for decades. His 2018 popular science book A Taste for the Beautiful describes how males of this species and other species have evolved over the years to attract more females.
A physicist in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University hopes to improve cancer detection with a new and novel class of nanomaterials.

Liviu Movileanu, professor of physics, creates tiny sensors that detect, characterize and analyze protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in blood serum. Information from PPIs could be a boon to the biomedical industry, as researchers seek to nullify proteins that allow cancer cells to grow and spread.

Movileanu's findings are the subject of a paper in Nature Biotechnology (Springer Nature, 2018), co-authored by Ph.D. student Avinash Kumar Thakur. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has supported their work with a four-year, $1.17 million grant award.

"Detailed knowledge of the human genome has opened up a new frontier for the identification of many functional proteins involved in brief physical associations with other proteins," Movileanu says. "Major perturbations in the strength of these PPIs lead to disease conditions. Because of the transient nature of these interactions, new methods are needed to assess them."

Enter Movileanu's lab, which designs, creates and optimizes a unique class of biophysical tools called nanobiosensors. These highly sensitive, pore-based tools detect mechanistic processes, such as PPIs, at the single-molecule level.

Even though PPIs occur everywhere in the human body, they are hard to detect with existing methods because they (i.e., the PPIs affecting cell signaling and cancer development) last about a millisecond.

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Movileanu's response has been to create a hole in the cell membrane -- an aperture known as a nanopore -- through which he shoots an electric current. When proteins go near or through the nanopore, the intensity of the current changes. The changes enable him to determine each protein's properties and ultimately its identity.

The concept is not new -- it was first articulated in the 1980s -- but only recently have scientists begun fabricating and characterizing nanobiosensors on a large scale to detect DNA, sugars, explosives, toxins and other nanoscale materials.

Movileanu hopes his real-time techniques will detect cancers before they spread.

One type of cancer in which he is particularly interested is lymphocytic leukemia, a common and aggressive disease that starts in the bone marrow and spills into the blood. Because leukemia cells do not mature and die properly, they often spiral out of control.

"Leukemia cells build up in the bone marrow and crowd out normal, healthy cells," Movileanu explains. "Unlike other cancers, which usually start in the breasts, colon or lungs [and spread to the bone marrow], lymphocytic leukemia originates in the lymph nodes, hence the name."

Over the summer, he received another four-year grant from NIH -- his third million-dollar one to date -- to build nanobiosensors. This project involves colleagues at SUNY Upstate Medical University, led by Michael Cosgrove G'93, G'98, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology.

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Movileanu's projects are part of a burgeoning field called interactomics, which uses experimental and computational techniques to study interactions -- and the consequences of those interactions -- between proteins.

"The data gleaned from a single protein sample is immense," says Movileanu, a member of the Biophysics and Biomaterials research group in the Department of Physics. "Our nanostructures allow us to observe biochemical events in a sensitive, specific and quantitative manner. Afterward, we can make a solid assessment about a single protein sample."

As for the future, Movileanu wants to study PPIs in more complex biological samples, such as cell lysates (fluid containing "crumbled" cells) and tissue biopsies.

"If we know how individual parts of a cell function, we can figure out why a cell deviates from normal functionality toward a tumor-like state," says Movileanu, who earned a Ph.D. in experimental physics from the University of Bucharest in Romania. "Our little sensors may do big things for biomarker screening, protein profiling and the large-scale study of proteins [known as proteomics]."

In June, Movileanu presented at the first Northeast Nanomaterials Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS)'s Northern New York Section, held in Lake Placid. He has since reprised his ACS talk at Brown and Clarkson universities and at the 15th annual International Conference on Flow Dynamics in Sendai, Japan.
You are here: China

Eight people have been pulled out of the debris of a landslide that toppled three houses Sunday afternoon in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Three died en route to hospital and the other five were under emergency treatment in hospital, local government said.

Twelve people were estimated buried in the landslide that occurred at about 5 p.m. in Fenshui township in Xuyong county. More than 600 rescuers were racing against the clock to reach more survivors.

Of the 12 people, eight were local residents and four were renters, Tang Jie, the county head leading rescue efforts at the scene, told Xinhua.
You are here: China

The 31st fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) set sail on Sunday to undertake escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somali, reports cnr.cn.

Carrying more than 700 naval officers and soldiers and three helicopters, the fleet departed from a port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang, south China's Guangdong Province at around 9 am.

The fleet is composed of a landing vessel, a missile frigate and a supply ship.

Starting from 2008, the Chinese Navy has sent 31 batches of escort fleets to the Gulf of Aden and Somali sea areas for escort missions, involving 100 naval ships, 67 helicopters and over 26,000 naval officers and soldiers.

In the past ten years, the Chinese navy has escorted over 6,000 ships and aided more than 60 Chinese and foreign ships.
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against an Ohio resident and his Pennsylvania business partner in connection with an unregistered and fraudulent binary options business.

According to the SEC's complaint, Jared Jeffrey Davis and various shell companies controlled by Davis and his business partner, Dale Burke Pinchot, engaged in the fraudulent offer and sale of unregistered binary option securities under the brand names OptionMint, OptionKing, Option Queen, and OptionPrince. According to the complaint, Davis misrepresented the number of investors who successfully traded binary options and failed to disclose that, to be successful, an investor would need to win an unlikely high percentage of trades. The complaint alleges that Davis, Pinchot, and their companies effectively took the opposing position on each trade and therefore made money when customers entered into losing binary options trades. The complaint further alleges that Davis failed to inform investors that he frequently manipulated the options trading software to increase the odds of investor losses.

To learn more about binary options fraud, see Investor Alert: Binary Options Websites may be Used for Fraudulent Schemes.

The SEC's complaint, filed in federal district court in Ohio, charges Davis with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, the registration provisions of Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act, and the broker-dealer registration provisions of Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act and charges Pinchot with violating antifraud provision Section 17(a)(2) of the Securities Act. Without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, Davis and Pinchot consented to the entry of judgments that permanently enjoin them from violating the above-mentioned provisions of the federal securities laws, and from participating in the issuance, purchase, offer, sale, or promotion of any binary option security. The final judgments provide that the court will determine disgorgement and civil penalties at a later date. The settlement is subject to court approval.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced criminal charges against Davis on June 5, 2018.

The SEC's investigation was conducted by James Thibodeau and Justin Sutherland of the Commission's Salt Lake Regional Office and supervised by Regional Director Daniel Wadley. The litigation will be led by David Whipple and Amy Oliver. The Commission appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission in this matter.
What's the problem?

Faith schools are often justified in terms of choice. But three in ten families live in areas of high or extreme restriction on non-faith primary schools. Many families struggle to find a suitable local school, either having no option but a faith school or facing religiously discriminatory admissions. Choice based narratives also mischaracterises the challenges facing families and public education's role in a diverse society. Though this issue is a problem across all four UK nations, the different ways in which data on schools and admissions are recorded mean that the methodology for the figures below can only be used for England.

2021

In 2021 we launched the local authority scorecard featuring analysis of almost half a million postcodes, along with the latest admissions data, providing an unprecedented new level of detail. For the first time, policymakers and the public can see how faith schools restrict choice in every local authority. 30% have little or no choice but a faith-based primary school

In each of the three worst performing authorities by this measure, more than four in five families live in areas of high or extreme restriction.

In each of the three worst performing authorities by this measure, more than four in five families live in areas of high or extreme restriction. 10% have little or no choice but a faith-based secondary school

In each of the three worst performing authorities by this measure, more than six in ten families live in areas of high or extreme restriction.

In each of the three worst performing authorities by this measure, more than six in ten families live in areas of high or extreme restriction. 20,792 pupils assigned faith schools against preferences

In the worst performing local authorities by this measure, over 1,000 pupils, or more than one in ten are affected.

2021 Local authority scorecard (Document, 1.1 Mb) Download the local authority scorecard to explore the impact of faith schools restricting choice in your area, compare these to national figures and the overall performance of other local authorities.

The Choice Delusion 2021 (Local Authority Scorecard) Briefing (PDF, 252 Kb) Download and share a two-page briefing covering the problem and what can be done.

Locked in and locked out: how faith schools restrict families choices State funding of faith schools means many families are left without suitable schools. The narrative that faith schools are justified on the grounds of choice should be confronted.

2020

The figures for September 2020 showed: 20,340 assigned faith school despite non-faith preference (8,821 primary | 11,519 secondary). Between September 2014 and 2020, 132,216 pupils were assigned faith schools despite a non-faith preference.

2019

The 2018 report contained figures for the number of children assigned faith schools against their wishes in September 2017 and 2018. The updated figures for September 2019 showed a further rise. 20,644 assigned faith school despite non-faith preference (8,333 primary | 12,311 secondary).

2018

In 2018 we published a ground-breaking report which examined the actual primary school choices available across England, and within rural areas specifically. It also analysed school admission data and other school preference research to quantify how these effects impact school choice. Almost three in ten families across England live in areas where most or all of the closest primary schools are faith schools. There is significant regional variation and the problem is more prevalent in rural areas. However, even in urban areas around one in four families live in areas with high or extreme restrictions.

There is significant regional variation and the problem is more prevalent in rural areas. However, even in urban areas around one in four families live in areas with high or extreme restrictions. Every year between 45,000  60,000 families apply for primary schools in areas with extreme restrictions on non-faith school choice , with a further 111,000  136,000 in areas of high restriction.

, with a further 111,000  136,000 in areas of high restriction. In 43.4% of rural areas restrictions on non-faith school choice are categorised as "high" or "extreme". In fact, 53% of rural primary schools are faith-based.

In fact, 53% of rural primary schools are faith-based. 20.6% (7,727) of those who missed out on their first choice of a non-faith primary school in September 2018 were assigned a faith school. This includes 1,398 people who had made all their preferences (typically five) for a non-faith school.

This includes 1,398 people who had made all their preferences (typically five) for a non-faith school. When parents appeal against the allocation of a faith school, there is no guarantee they will succeed  effectively forcing children into faith schools against their parents' wishes.

Read the full 2018 report The choice delusion: how faith schools restrict primary school choice in England Read More

Unravelling the choice delusion We often hear that faith schools improve choice. But an NSS report shows that choice centred narratives mischaracterise the challenges facing families and public education's role in a diverse society.

Printed copies of the report are available on request.

What can be done?

The absolute best way to address these problems is transitioning to a fully inclusive, secular (i.e., community-ethos) school system which provides a suitable education for all pupils irrespective of religion or belief. In the meantime, a range of other measures are consistent with a wide range of positions, from those who wish to move entirely away from faith-based schooling to those focussed on mitigating inequities: The Department for Education should monitor faith-based restrictions on school choice and suitability across England. New school plans should focus on addressing these. There should be a legal entitlement for all families to have reasonable access to a non-faith (community-ethos) school. Local authorities' duty to ensure adequate school provision should include monitoring faith-based restrictions on school choice and suitability, and prioritising addressing these in decisions about amalgamations or new provision. Faith-based discrimination in admissions should be phased out, starting in areas of significant restrictions on school choice. A moratorium should be introduced on the opening of new faith schools. This could be phased in starting in the areas with the highest faith-based restrictions on school choice and suitability. It should be made easier for faith schools to lose or downgrade their religious ethos, particularly in areas where they are contributing to high faith-based restrictions on school choice or are significantly unrepresentative of their local communities.

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Parents' perspectives
You are here: China

A survey reported in China Youth Daily showed that 60.4 percent of the respondents consider cities featuring environmental protection and cultural soft power development most attractive.

Some 58 percent of the 2,014 respondents prefer cities which encourage citizens to make innovations and start businesses and support small- and medium-sized companies.

Another 51 percent of those surveyed are attracted by "smart cities," which are driven by information technology, and around half of the respondents said they like open and inclusive cities.

Around 53 percent attributed cities' development to favorable locations, and 49.7 percent regard innovation the main driver of a city's development.

Hu Xiaowu, vice dean of the Institute of Urban Sciences, Nanjing University, said a well-developed city should have innovative and far-sighted policies, effective implementation and high-quality public service facilities, according to the report.

Meanwhile, 83.6 percent of those surveyed said their hometowns are becoming more and more appealing.

Professor of Renmin University of China Yao Yongling suggested that cities should find development paths suitable to their own conditions, the report said.
Paulette Brown and her family walked into St. Ignatius Church on Sunday afternoon and quietly shuffled into a pew saved for special guests.

Reserved for Survivors of Gun Violence, read the piece of paper taped to the edge of their seats.

Days before the sixth anniversary of one of the countrys most devastating mass shootings  the massacre of 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.  two gun violence advocacy organizations, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, held a vigil at the San Francisco church to honor those killed by gun violence.

Brown was there to honor her son, Aubrey Abrakasa. His killer, she said, still has not been arrested.

My sons case should have been solved by now, she said. Im still in the battlefield. Im my sons only voice.

Sitting in the pews across from Brown were House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, who have pledged to pass legislation that would help end gun violence in the country. On Sunday, the lawmakers said they were buoyed by the results of the midterm elections  in which the Democrats took control of the House  and said legislative changes are finally on the horizon.

Pelosi told the crowd that she is working on a gun violence prevention bill that will be as bipartisan as possible.

This is commonsense gun violence prevention, she said. This is not just about the high-profile events, as tragic as they are. Its about what happens every single day in our country.

Sundays vigil was one of 100 nationwide timed around the anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting. Speakers at the San Francisco event called on lawmakers to take action on gun violence. They repeatedly referenced one jarring statistic: Nearly 100 Americans are shot and killed every day, with hundreds more wounded.

I lost friends and family to gun violence, and as a kid, I thought that was normal, Mayor London Breed said. In our schools they dont only have earthquake drills, but gun drills. Its time for a change. A change so that no other parent has to bury their child again.

At the end of the hour-long vigil, Supervisor Catherine Stefani, director of the local chapter of Moms Demand Action, asked everyone in attendance who had lost a loved one to gun violence to stand. One by one, about a dozen people stood up to talk about their children, nieces, nephews and friends who had been killed. Some spoke of the number of bullets that struck their loved ones; one speaker told of the screams from a child who just learned his father had died.

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.

One woman who stood up was Clare Senchyna, whose 26-year-old son, Camilo, was killed in the Mission District a few years ago, the day after he graduated from paramedic school.

My son was killed four years ago, but we (his family) are still alive, and we remember him, Senchyna said, wearing a red Moms Demand Action shirt. Its important to remember them publicly. Sandy Hook should have been a turning point.

Mary Senchyna, Camilos aunt, said the midterm elections made her hopeful that something will finally change.

Its painful, she said. I come every year, but I feel much more hopeful this year.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
They have become as much a part of the city streetscape as the homeless  drug dealers who sell hundreds of $10 bindles of cocaine, Fentanyl and heroin on Tenderloin and South of Market street corners while rolling in and out of jail.

On the night of Nov. 29, for example, a suspect known as Cena was arrested at the corner of Turk and Larkin streets with 237 bindles of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. At the time of the bust, Cena was out of jail awaiting trial on an earlier arrest.

Another example is Carlos V., who was arrested for possession of 197 bindles of heroin, cocaine and meth on Nov. 18.

Like Cena, Carlos V. was awaiting trial for a previous drug arrest. He was also under court order to stay out of the Tenderloin.

Cena and Carlos V. account for two of the 288 arrests made by police since October under an ongoing surveillance operation designed to clean up downtown. Their arrests also count among the 600 drug dealing busts in the Tenderloin this year.

While the ultimate goal is to drive the dealers away, given the revolving door at the Hall of Justice, the suspects often are back on the streets within days.

But if they cant get rid of them, the police can make the dealers lives as miserable as possible by seizing their product and cash. Police seized 1,072 bindles of heroin, cocaine, meth and fentanyl in the Tenderloin and South of Market from Oct. 2 to Nov 7.

If we can, we will make a case and charge them, said Police Chief Bill Scott. If not, we can make it difficult for them.

The renewed surveillance and buy-bust operations come after years of criticism that such programs unfairly singled out minorities and that they werent a long-term solution to the drug problem.

But with the election of Mayor London Breed, who has gotten an earful from residents fed up with the sordid street life, word has gone out to clean up the streets.

Breed said the goal is to bring the rights of suspected criminals and the rights of the general public back into balance.

While Breed said she supports treatment for drug users, the fact is we cant tolerate illegal behavior on our streets in any part of the city, she said. We will help those who need help, but law enforcement is out there doing their job.

The change is already being felt in the courts.

In October, we easily saw a doubling in the number of felony drug cases over any recent month, and it does seem to coincide with news that Mayor Breed is unhappy with the state of things, said Danielle Harris, who heads the felony drug division in the Public Defenders Office.

Harris said similar crackdowns have been tried before and have had little long-term impact.

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.

They go after the low-level dealers, and someone always takes their place, Harris said.

Maybe, but Scott says he plans to keep up the pressure.

People tend to take the easy route, and when we are doing what we are supposed to do as police, it makes it more difficult for them to do what they do.

So I think we win either way, Scott said.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
The fires broiling vast swaths of California get deadlier and more destructive every year because of bone-dry vegetation and increasing temperatures brought on by climate change. But the landscape isnt the only thing permanently altered by the flames.

Fire departments across the state have had to rethink the way they train for unpredictable infernos and are rushing to install new risk-prevention measures.

James Connors, co-coordinator of City College of San Franciscos Fire Academy, said firefighting used to be a mix of rescues, evacuations and battling blazes. But in recent years, initial responses have focused largely on evacuations.

The shift in priorities forced Connors, a retired San Francisco Fire Department captain, to repeatedly revise his fall semester course in introductory wildland firefighting because of last years Wine Country fires, and this summers Carr Fire and Mendocino Complex Fire.

Novembers Camp Fire got the gears in his mind turning again.

My curriculum is going to change even though theres 2 weeks left, Connors said. I definitely am going to spend way more time getting the students involved in looking into this interaction of fuels and topography in fire weather.

In March and April of every year, firefighters get together to revise escape strategies and the challenges posed by different combinations of brush fire fuels and dry conditions. Even though urban fire departments might not manage much wildland, theyre commonly called in to help out with wildfires and departments still have to worry about foothill communities and open spaces.

A fire that once burned a few acres could now char twice as much land given the states dry climate, and if firefighters arent prepared, the consequences could be deadly.

The bottom line is that were just going to have to think bigger, because these fires are just burning so much more rapidly and greater intensity and frequency than were used to, said Eric Nickel, Palo Altos fire chief. Its scary.

This process includes annual inspections for homes in the foothills, sending crews to review evacuation routes and regularly reviewing building codes and red-flag warning procedures.

Keith May, an assistant fire chief in Berkeley, said the departments plans used to be reviewed every two years, but theyre now being updated more frequently. He cited the Tubbs and Thomas fires as catalysts for recent revisions.

Like Connors, May said the Camp Fire has also spurred another re-evaluation. The two-lane road that left many people in Paradise stuck in traffic as the fire came roaring down has prompted the department to consider revising evacuation plans for the Berkeley hills.

Scrutinizing major wildfires has now become a continuous process that leaves little time to rest.

We need to be on the forefront of what is changing, even if it doesnt necessarily impact my community in the worst way, Nickel said.

Man guilty of murder in gin bottle attack

It took Raymond Best six days to die last summer after being smashed in the head with a Tanqueray gin bottle outside the Kaiser hospital on Geary Boulevard in San Francisco. It took a jury just one day to find his killer guilty in the brutal crime.

Randall Marshall, 42, was convicted Tuesday of second-degree murder, residential burglary and commercial burglary.

This defendants unprovoked attack on an unsuspecting victim is alarming, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon said after the verdict. He is a significant danger to our community and needs to be taken off of our streets.

Marshall smashed Best, 50, in the head with the green booze bottle as Best sat on the sidewalk outside the hospital on the morning of Aug. 20, 2017.

After landing the brutal blow, Marshall bolted and took off his shirt as he fled the scene. A few blocks away he went into the backyard of a home, broke down a door leading into the kitchen and demanded two women inside give up their phones.

One of the women began screaming, and Marshall again was off and running.

Later that afternoon, Marshall broke into an office on Sacramento Street where police arrested him still in possession of the Tanqueray bottle used in the murder.

After being struck, Best stumbled into the hospital where doctors found he had a traumatic brain injury and rushed him to the trauma center at San Francisco General.

He held on for six days but eventually succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Marshall is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 2. He faces a maximum term of life in prison.

BART cops feel the love

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.

Until Thursday, BART police held a dubious distinction as the Bay Areas second-lowest-paid law enforcement agency, according to a union-funded study of 10 departments in the region.

Keith Garcia, president of the transit agencys Police Officers Association, said that explains why BARTs department was short 26 officers when it confronted a string of violent crimes and homicides over the summer, including the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Nia Wilson. But now the understaffed force is about to get a pay bump, and officials say that should help in drawing some new recruits.

The new four-year contract, unanimously approved by BARTs Board of Directors on Thursday, includes a one-time 6 percent salary increase with annual raises of 2.5 to 2.75 percent over the course of the contract.

BART Police Chief Carlos Rojas, who temporarily enacted mandatory overtime shifts this summer after Wilsons death, lauded the new agreement and said it will make us a more attractive destination for potential hires.

After 10 months of negotiations, Garcia also seemed pleased with the deal.

Its a labor of love, he said.

The biggest crime news from last week

San Quentin prison officials scrambled together for an emergency meeting after two more inmates on Death Row died from what appeared to be drug overdoses.

The ex-girlfirend of former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster said team officials tried to interfere in a Tampa police investigation into abuse allegations.

San Jose cops and federal officials busted an alleged drug ring that posed as a computer company in South Bay office parks. In addition to seizing more than 800 pounds of drugs and $600,000 in cash, police said the gang of four men also had guns and a rocket launcher.

A 16-year-old boy in San Francisco was fatally stabbed while recording a street brawl in the Outer Mission, authorities said.

A study found that having more police walk the streets of San Francisco led to a reduction in crime  but auto burglaries remain at epidemic levels.

Gwendolyn Wu, Evan Sernoffsky and Rachel Swan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com, esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com, rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu, @evansernoffsky, @rachelswan
The Atlantic magazine hosted a Free Speech (Un)Limited event in San Francisco last week, during which outgoing Facebook communications honcho Elliot Shrage talked with Conor Friedersdorf, an Atlantic staff writer.

Friedersdorf asked Shrage whether he had told Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg about the companys hiring of opposition research consultants whose tactics included trying to discredit George Soros.

My feeling is that Mark has been an extraordinary leader and has done an extraordinary job across two or three dimensions. One of the dimensions is, hes identified how to apply technologies to provide extraordinary opportunities for people to connect with each other and share information. ... I think it is also true, and hes recognized, that while he has been an extraordinary product visionary, he has also been more idealistic than the real world permits.

In other words, mistakes were made  My teams were responsible for what happened, and I accept responsibility for that, said Shrage  but hes not throwing anyone under the bus.

Haiku seen by Deborah Kaufman and Alan Snitow, on a sign on Solano Avenue, erected by the Albany Arts Commission: Alexandria/ Ocasio-Cortez is/ almost a haiku. The credited author is Stephen Lopez.

New Michelin stars are being flung across the restaurant heavens, but in other places, there are other qualifications. In Star, Idaho, Ann Cowmey called the Durty Dawg to see if it served doughnuts. No, she was told. We are a gourmet restaurant. We serve hot dogs and hamburgers.

When Ishmael Reed introduced award winner Boots Riley at last weeks SFFilm gala, Reed mentioned that he, too, was a moviemaker. In 1980, he was the writer of Personal Problems, which was directed by Bill Gunn and cost $40,000.

A few days later, Reed emailed a link to the December 2018 issue of Artforum, in which writer Melissa Anderson selected that movie, recently restored, to her list of the best films of the year. She describes it as a meta-soap opera that abounds with matchless talkers, improvisers and scene-stealers.

The kickoff party for the swells holiday season was Wednesday at Harris Restaurant, generously hosted by Seth Matarasso and Gary and O.J. Shansby. There was a Santa (Doug McKechnie), elves, carolers and cocktails, as well as extra-thick steaks and extra-slim guests.

Valets were on hand to stow a long line of elegant cars, and I am herein expressing gratitude for extra-quick assistance. If one happens to drive up in a 25-year-old Volvo, the middle of a sandwich with a Bentley on one side and a Mercedes on the other, the professional parkers impulse is to hide the filling as soon as possible.

Thank goodness no such strategy applies to the guests. We were happy and grateful to be there.

I talked with scientist and mountain climber Arlene Blum, who as Steve Rubenstein described in a news story was one of this years inductees into the California Hall of Fame, about the installation ceremonies Tuesday, Dec. 4, which she said were awesome. Also, from her point of view, useful.

After the awards, theres an afterparty, said Blum, whose long campaign is about protecting consumers from dangerous chemicals. We have been working for 10 years so that flame retardants are not required in building insulation, and the hearing is coming up Jan. 15. So basically I am quite involved in things in Sacramento. The afterparty gave her a chance to lobby. I met all kinds of people who could help us. I was really busy talking to people and giving out information.

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.

Blum stayed at the party at the California Museum, talking to state officials, for quite some time. Eventually, a museum staffer approached and said, All the other honorees have left long ago. For all the years that we have had this event, no one has stayed as long as you at the afterparty.

This years Hall of Fame class included Joan Baez, Belva Davis, Thomas Keller, Ed Lee, Nancy McFadden, Robert Redford and Fernando Valenzuela. Most of these celebrities come to the event and people congratulate them, Blums daughter Annalise told her, but for you it was an incredible opportunity to connect with people who can help. Annalise herself took the opportunity to tell Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom about her mothers work.

In this amazing array of celebrities, said Blum, not so many are working in Sacramento.

PUBLIC EAVESDROPPING

Hey, dude, I just gotta ask you: Is that the sun?

Young man watching the moon rise over the ocean on the beach in Kauai, overheard by Kurt Huget

Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, 415-777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik
President Trumps revolving door keeps spinning.

On Friday, he announced his intention to fill two important positions in his administration, each questionable. For U.S. Attorney General, hell nominate William Barr. Meanwhile, Heather Nauert is getting the nod for United Nations Ambassador.

The nominations are very different  Barr is a respected litigator who served as attorney general during the George H.W. Bush presidency, while Nauert was a Fox News television anchor before becoming the State Departments spokeswoman in 2017.

Yet both picks are in keeping with Trumps unorthodox governing philosophy.

Like Trumps former Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, Barr is a known Republican figure with appropriate experience for the position. Senate Republicans have already given the news of his appointment a warm reception.

But Barr is also a well-known supporter of executive power whos raised eyebrows for his criticism of the Russia investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Hes also defended Trumps calls for a new investigation into Hillary Clinton.

With his transactional perspective on governance, its easy to imagine Trump eyeing these missteps as qualifications.

Nauert is a more typical Trumpian pick  heavy on loyalty to the president, light on experience for the position.

Shes worked in government for less than two years, and she has never specialized in international relations or diplomacy. Trump reportedly appreciates her television skills and is looking to her to sell the global public on his policies.

The Senate needs to question both of these nominees thoroughly about their beliefs, positions and experience during their confirmation hearings. Their potential service isnt just for the president  its for the public.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
President Xi Jinping pledged to uphold the path of human rights development that fits the Chinese context and promotes well-rounded human development.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the statement in a congratulatory letter to a symposium marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Beijing Monday.

In the letter, Xi called the declaration a significant document in the history of human civilization and recognized its profound impact on the development of the human rights cause around the world.

Chinese people will work with people of other countries to uphold the common values of humanity, which are peace, development, equality, justice, democracy and freedom, to safeguard human dignity and rights, to promote fairer, sounder and more inclusive global human rights governance, and to build a community with a shared future for humanity, he said.

Noting that the CPC has always taken human development as its goal, Xi said hundreds of millions of Chinese people have had their lives improved since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, particularly over the past four decades of reform and opening-up.

China has been combining the principle of human rights' universality with the reality of modern times and staying committed to a path of human rights development that fits the Chinese context, Xi said in the letter.

China adheres to a people-centered vision of human rights, considers the rights to subsistence and development as the primary and basic human rights, and works for coordinated development of the people's economic, political, social, cultural and environmental rights, the letter read.

Xi also called on people who work in the human rights research field to make greater contributions for the sake of diverse human civilizations and the world's human rights cause.

Huang Kunming, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, read Xi's letter at the symposium and urged for careful study and implementation of Xi's instructions.

The symposium was attended by about 150 people including officials and scholars in the human rights field.




WASHINGTON  The Trump administration has arrested 170 undocumented immigrants who came forward to try to take migrant children out of government custody, federal officials said Monday. More than 100 of those arrested had no criminal record.

The arrest totals were released as the number of undocumented immigrant children in government custody has reached record highs, with no signs of slowing down. The number has surged to more than 14,700, according to a source familiar with the total.

Its outrageous, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said in reaction to the news. I dont know if this is intended or unintended, but a natural consequence of this is that these children will have nowhere to go.

According to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman, the agency arrested 170 immigrants from July through November on the basis of information the government learned about them when they applied to take an immigrant child out of custody. Of that group, nearly two-thirds, or 109, had no criminal record.

ICE had confirmed 41 such arrests in September, prompting Democrats to propose legislation to block the practice. Harris has signed onto a bill in the Senate, which has a bipartisan House counterpart, that would bar ICE from using information uncovered in a background check to arrest an adult seeking to take in a child.

For years, the Department of Health and Human Services has housed undocumented immigrant children who arrive in the U.S. by themselves or are separated from an adult at the border. The government typically releases those children into the custody of a qualified adult, often a relative.

In the spring, however, ICE began additional background checks and fingerprinting of potential sponsors for the children and other adults living in the would-be sponsors homes.

Advocates for migrant children argue that increased background checks and arrests will scare away potential sponsors, resulting in more children being stuck in long-term federal custody while they seek legal permission to stay in the U.S. An adults immigration status is irrelevant to whether a home is safe for a child, and a childs welfare should be the only focus of such background checks, advocates argue.

Roughly 80 percent of undocumented immigrant childrens sponsors are in the U.S. illegally, according to ICE. The Obama administration did not consider a persons immigrant status as a factor in placing children in homes.

The number of immigrant children in federal custody has been steadily climbing since the summer, even though most of the thousands of children separated from parents at the border during the height of the administrations family separation practice have been released. Insiders attribute the increase in large part to the background check policy.

Childrens advocates fear that conditions for migrant youths could worsen as the number in federal custody grows. The Health and Human Services care system was intended to be a bridge for often traumatized children into a more stable home while they sought legal status in the U.S. Advocates fear the administration is treating it like a penal system.

The increase has been beyond what the network of shelters across the country can accommodate.

Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan
Camino was  is, for its last regular dinner service Monday, Dec. 17  a perfect realization of an impossible idea.

That idea, to operate a restaurant without compromises, belongs to Russell Moore and Allison Hopelain, who opened their restaurant on Grand Avenue in Oakland 10 years ago. It was an idea informed by Moores 20 years as chef at Chez Panisse, but in a way it went further than Chez Panisse.

The idea of Camino was partly an aesthetic one. No restaurant looks or tastes like it. The fireplace, which gives the food its distinctive rusticity, like an altar at the center of the open kitchen. The exuberant garlands draped over hooped chandeliers, sagging now with dried orange discs and bay leaves. The redwood planks for communal tables and church pews for seats. The bitter crunch of chicories, the smoky char of pork loin hung over the fire, the buttery indulgence of Dungeness crab in the winter.

The cocktails, which tell you everything you need to know about Camino  well get to that later  unadorned, served to the brim in small tumblers, as if you were in the living room of someone whod just moved and hadnt yet unpacked all their kitchen wares. You can never quite believe the layers of flavors those unassuming packages unfurl.

It will never exist again  not this restaurant, not this particular idea. The last regular dinner service is Monday, Dec. 17. Then commences a devolving series of closing parties, Hopelain says: a final, ticketed dinner party on Dec. 20 ($200), a more raucous cocktail party on Dec. 22, and finally a staff-only blowout, to which theyve invited pretty much everyone who has ever worked at Camino, about 180 people.

Then Christmas Eve its Moores birthday. And then he and Hopelain move on.

But theres more to celebrate about Camino right now than the cocktails and the fireplace cooking. As much as the idea of Camino was aesthetic, it was equally an ethical one. While Moore and Hopelain might have succeeded in realizing the feel of Camino perfectly, uncompromisingly, in the end it is the restaurants uncompromising moral code that makes its survival impossible.

Moore and Hopelains commitment at Camino is to use only ingredients that are local and responsibly grown, from the salad to the drinks to the desserts. As Hopelain puts it: to have a restaurant where the buying practices were as strict as how we purchase food for our home.

Sarahbeth Maney / Special to the Chronicle

If that mission sounds commonplace in the Bay Area, in its extreme form it really isnt. For example, I dont think there are any other restaurants here that will only serve local fish, Hopelain says. The difficulty isnt merely that local fish is expensive. Its that sometimes you cant serve fish at all.

So Caminos menu is always short. Moore works in the kitchen every night, the master of the exacting art of fireplace cooking. Staff is treated like family. Even after many Bay Area restaurants abandoned the momentarily faddish tipless model, Camino stuck with it because Moore and Hopelain believe its best for their staff, even though its difficult for the restaurant to sustain financially  committing to paying their workers a livable wage even on slow nights.

You know the story. Labor costs, food costs, rent all go up. Financially things were not great at the restaurant, Hopelain says. Caminos never made a lot of money. Sometimes its lost money. By the time they decided to close, earlier this year, business had definitely slowed down.

Hopelain and Moore did what all small business owners do when times are tough: work harder. But it started to feel like they couldnt keep it up much longer. A decade in, running the restaurant wasnt getting any easier.

Russ and I are in our 50s, Hopelain says. How do we want to spend our lives?

The couple would rather see Camino die than see it compromised. We wanted to stop the restaurant when were still in love with it, Hopelain says, and before it crushed us.

The announcement that they would close Camino at the end of the year has produced an outpouring of nostalgia and reservations. Whats funny is that the restaurant feels like its the highest of the high right now, Hopelain says. Its beautiful, but its also temporary.

Sarahbeth Maney / Special to the Chronicle

Its hard enough to steer a kitchen with Moores rigorous principles. But what Camino never got enough credit for is that it applied those principles just as rigorously to the bar.

More Information To order: Pisco drink, aged rum drink, mezcal drink (all $14) Where: Camino, 3917 Grand Ave., Oakland. 510-547-5035, www.caminorestaurant.com When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Thursday. Until 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Final night of regular dinner service is Monday, Dec. 17. See More Collapse

Moore and Hopelain had never run a bar before. So before opening they enlisted the help of the Bay Areas local-organic spirits guru: Thad Vogler, owner of Trou Normand, Bar Agricole and the upcoming Obispo.

Thad threw down this challenge to us, Hopelain says. Hed thrown this challenge to a lot of people hed consulted for, and I dont think anybody understood what he was talking about. We didnt either. The challenge: Run your bar like you run your kitchen. Use only produce that youd eat in a salad. Buy from small distributors, not the corporations. Seek out spirits that taste distinctively of their place and materials of origin, unadulterated by coloring or additives.

Thads approach changed everything for us, Hopelain says.

Following this philosophy, Camino has never bought spirits from big wholesale companies like Southern Wine & Spirits or Youngs Market Co.  a practice in line with the kitchen, which opts to buy food from companies like Veritable Vegetable instead of Sysco. Their refusal to pour spirits made from genetically modified crops meant that, for a long time, they didnt carry whiskey.

Most audacious is Caminos refusal to make drinks from any produce that isnt organic, from California and in season. Which means, for example, that the bar frequently cant use limes or lemons  staple ingredients in so many cocktails. That shocked Thad when Russ was actually willing to do that, Hopelain laughs.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Within a year of opening, the reins were handed over to Tyler Vogel, who continues to manage Caminos bar. Soon after starting, he began asking the pastry chefs for their leftovers each night, and the discarded syrup from candied orange peels suddenly became a citrusy cocktail sweetener. Apple and quince cores, simmered for hours, became a fruit stock, which Vogel transformed into a lightly effervescent, barely fermented drink  something between a soda and a kombucha. Caminos little living creature, he calls it.

In recent years, when Vogel has been unable to source organic California lemons through normal distribution channels, he has taken to walking up the street to the home of a woman who has a big lemon tree in her yard. He estimates hes picked 10 cases of lemons from her tree this year alone. He trades her credit at the restaurant.

Sarahbeth Maney / Special to the Chronicle

And Caminos bar doesnt merely mimic its kitchen in moral code; it enacts its distinctive vibe, too. The structure of the cocktail menu is so simplistic that it almost feels twee: gin drink, Armagnac cocktail, amaro cocktail. (In the Camino bar-menu lexicon, cocktail refers to something thats spirit-forward; drink is something shaken with citrus.) These creations feel like a natural extension of the food menu, rustic and minimalist, each items central ingredient accented with whatever seasonal produce happens to be available this month.

Take the pisco drink on a recent visit, wafting the floral aromas of Muscat wine, bright with Seville orange, creamy with egg white, hinting at a sharp herbal note. Or the dangerously poundable mezcal drink, a perfect balance of lemon and honey, warmed by rosemary. Or the deeply layered aged rum drink, tasting unmistakably of funky, earthy, savory rum  those bass notes brightened by orange and lime. (All cocktails are $14.)

Order a round of drinks, and you might not be able to tell them apart. Where many bars today appear to be engaging in an arms race for the most outlandish garnishes and the most novel serving vessels, at Camino most drinks register varying shades of neutral, and are served in that fleet of 5- or 7-ounce tumblers.

Sitting at Camino, with one of these tumblers perched alongside your braised greens or mushroom-short rib ragu or butter lettuce salad, you feel yourself starting to enter into a zone. The flavors are pure and clear  not a symphony but a hushed a cappella performance. Every bite, every sip, precious. The lighting is universally flattering. And framing your peripheral vision are the garlands with their strings of razor-thin, desiccated, brilliantly colored orange slices.

All of it, the food, the drinks, the room, the mood of service, come together to form a harmonious whole. Its a great restaurant, and a unique restaurant, and the Bay Areas dining scene will be a little bit less distinctive without it.

Sarahbeth Maney / Special to the Chronicle

The couple will focus their efforts on their other restaurant, the more casual Kebabery. Once they take a little break, the idea is to open more Kebabery locations. Theyre looking at some food halls. Will Moore and Hopelain get burnt out on that business, too, just as they did with Camino? They dont think so. Its a menu that doesnt change much. It doesnt have a fireplace, Hopelain says of the Kebabery. It isnt based on one persons personal vision of food and dining.

The singular Camino space will become a location of the Zacharys Pizza chain. The new tenant is not keeping the fireplace.

When she learned that, Hopelain called Pascal Faivre, the stone mason who built the fireplace for the restaurant back in 2008. Would he like to take his creation back, or at least salvage some of its parts? Faivre told her no; it was so reinforced that he didnt think he could get it out without destroying it. Besides, he said, I built it for you guys, and now that era can be over.

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob
Anthony Lucas, proprietor of Anthonys Cookies, strolled through the kitchen of his new Berkeley production center, a cavernous 4,000-square-foot facility meticulously lined with industrial mixers, ovens and enough refrigeration space to last him a lifetime.

I knew one day that Id need a space like this, Lucas said.

About a dozen blocks down San Pablo Avenue, Eurydice Manning, another black baker, was busy coordinating the opening of a new Oakland outpost of her bakery, James and the Giant Cupcake. Such was the same for Lila Owens, the owner of Berkeleys Cupcakin Bake Shop, who also happens to be black. She was plotting not one, but two new Oakland branches of her popular business.

The booming businesses are indicative of the rise  and proliferation  of black-owned bakeries in the East Bay. Collectively, they represent a quiet truth about a few-mile swath east of San Francisco: It is a hotbed for talented black bakers.

Black and brown hands have long been behind some of the East Bays most popular pies and cookies. Stalwarts like Lois the Pie Queen, the Oakland institution dating to the early 1950s, and the family-owned Its All Good Bakery that opened in 1996 continue to anchor the regions baking scene.

Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle

In recent years, though, a new generation of black-owned bakeries has sprouted up: PieTisserie, Gregorys Gourmet Desserts, and Crumble and Whisk, among others, all of which are scattered across the East Bay in various forms.

I was born and raised in Oakland. Thats where I started, so I have roots in this area, Owens said. Whats happening now is crazy, but this growth was something that I always knew was possible.

The situation is particularly unique in the food world, where black people make up only 4.3 percent of the East Bay restaurant workforce, according to advocacy group Restaurant Opportunities Centers United. The data also show theyre rarely owners.

Anthony Lucas began to make a name for himself  and his baked goods  in the late 1990s, when he would drive across the Bay Area to deliver chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies to customers. But it wasnt until 2009 that he opened a small store in San Franciscos Mission District, buoyed only by his mother, who charged a new refrigerator to her credit card so he could launch his cookie business.

The purchase was a leap of faith. Lucas had no experience in commercial baking. He now sells thousands of cookies each week through retail and wholesale. To keep up with the demand, he has moved into the new Berkeley production facility, which is filled with industrial-strength cooking equipment.

I just kept my head down and worked. Thats just the truth, he said. You have to bust your butt in this business and thats exactly what I did for years.

In many ways, the success stories of Anthonys Cookies and its counterparts are antithetical to much of the Bay Areas modern restaurant landscape, both in terms of diversity and the probability of success for first-timers.

Photos by Michael Short / Special to The Chronicle

Part of the reason is the cost of entry. Opening even a straightforward restaurant can cost well over $500,000 when factoring in the cost of a build-out, putting equipment in place and hiring a staff. A new cafe in the Mission called Mannys required nearly $600,000 to open. Robin, an upscale sushi restaurant in Hayes Valley, was reportedly closer to $700,000. Its not uncommon for restaurants to spend more than $1 million.

The business model of bakeries is able to sidestep many of the entry costs associated with restaurants. There is no need for a liquor license, which in some neighborhoods can cost up to $300,000. Small physical footprints  and thus lower rent  are conducive to bakeries. Because most operations dont require large staffs, labor costs can be kept low as well.

Lucas said he has zero outside investors in his company. Aside from the refrigerator purchased by his mother early on, the veteran baker has used his own money to finance his growth.

All it took early on was an oven, he said. I made work what I had and just went from there. I didnt need a ton of money to make things happen.

Manning took a similar approach to launching her business. What buoyed her efforts was her flair for social media. James and the Giant Cupcake has more than 15,000 followers on Instagram, more than many of the Bay Areas more celebrated bakeries.

You just have to know where your crowd is, Manning said. You have to be available and you have to just keep building your following.

Small bakeries can tap into another wisdom of the restaurant industry: growth and various revenue streams are essential for continued success. Cupcake recipes, for example, are relatively easy to scale, and can be replicated in new locations, by new staff. And as Lucas has proved, catering and wholesale accounts represent another frontier of sales, beyond the retail storefront.

As four children walked past James and the Giant Cupcake on a recent afternoon, all in school clothes and laughing as they shifted their swaying backpacks, the group slowed in front of the bakery.

Hey there. Were open, Manning told them with a smile. Go on in.

Manning greeted the group while moving a few chairs and a table from inside the store to the sidewalk. Over the last few months, the shops afternoon crowds had ballooned, making the seating a hindrance during service. Simply put: The tables had to go because the bakery had become standing room only.

Manning opened James and the Giant Cupcake in 2011, though she had been cultivating a following for years before that, thanks to her baking blog. She opened a second Oakland location in 2016 on 17th Street. A third outpost is scheduled for Jack London Square.

I think black bakers out here have just been able to find what works for us, individually, Manning said.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Mannings quirky cupcakes, like the Jack Frost (chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting, topped with blue frosting and snowflake sprinkles) or the Thanksgiving-themed Autumn Leaves (vanilla cupcake with orange vanilla buttercream, autumn leaf sprinkles and edible glitter), have made her a neighborhood favorite. Manning said between the two locations of her bakery and the business online sales, James and the Giant Cupcake sells roughly 300 dozen cupcakes per week.

East Bays African American-owned spots Anthony's Cookies: 2575 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. 510-833-2469 or www.anthonyscookies.com. Also at 1417 Valencia St, San Francisco. Crumble and Whisk: 1047 Murray St., Berkeley. 415-237-3318 or www.crumbleandwhisk.com Cupcakin Bake Shop: 2391 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. 510-529-4448 or www.cupcakinbakeshop.com. Also at 538 Ninth St., Oakland. Gregory's Gourmet Desserts: 285 23rd St., Oakland. 510-272-9722 or www.gregorysgourmetdesserts.com It's All Good Bakery: 5622 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland. 510-597-9700 or www.itsallgoodbakery.com James and the Giant Cupcake: 6326 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. 510-596-8834 or www.jamesandthegiantcupcake.com. Also at 341 17th St., Oakland. Lois the Pie Queen: 851 60th St., Oakland. 510-658-5616 PieTisserie: 1605 Second Ave., Oakland. 510-859-7437 or www.pietisserie.com See More Collapse

As James and the Giant Cupcakes customer base ballooned over the last five years, so did that of Lila Owens Cupcakin Bake Shop in Berkeley. Her carrot cakes and key lime pies have reached a cult status in the Berkeley baking community, even enticing Black Panther director Ryan Coogler into becoming a regular.

Owens flagship location was originally on Durant Avenue, but she recently relocated it to a pedestrian-heavy stretch in the heart of Berkeley at 2391 Telegraph Ave. She has opened a new location in old Oakland at Swans Market and has plans to take over Berkeley's Virginia Bakery (1690 Shattuck Ave.).

Lucas sprawling Berkeley space fell into his hands thanks to good credit and a consistent revenue stream over the past two decades. He plans to use the momentum to open small, cookie-focused cafes across the Bay Area.

I have a lot in the works, he said. What it came down to was just being prepared for success. I was always prepared for it. And now its happening.

While the East Bays black baking movement is worth celebrating, several of the entrepreneurs see the identifier of being a black-owned business as an added weight when it comes to success, especially when it happens to be the first phrase used to describe their company.

I dont want people just thinking of this place as only a black-owned business, Lucas said. I want them to come in, love what they buy and just respect the business.

He added with a laugh: Now, if they find out later that Im black, Im fine with that too.

Manning, who has known about Lucas San Francisco operation for years, said she didnt originally know he was black. She shared his sentiment that its important, at least at first, that people just respect their businesses for being what they are on paper: some of the most successful bakeries in the East Bay.

For Lucas, the goal with his business is to find a type of perfection associated with some of the Bay Areas Michelin-starred restaurants.

I want to be the Thomas Keller of cookies, Lucas said, referencing the chef and owner of the world-renowned French Laundry restaurant in Yountville. Thats what Im capable of doing.

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
This article, Donald Trump #SmockingGun typo sets Twitter on fire, originally appeared on CNET.com.

Most typos dropped on Twitter stay under the radar. US President Donald Trump, however, is under a social-media magnifying glass, and Twitter users took notice when he misspelled "smoking" twice in one tweet Monday.

The typos came during a tirade against the federal government's investigation into possible Russian ties to Trump's presidential campaign.

Democrats cant find a Smocking Gun tying the Trump campaign to Russia after James Comeys testimony. No Smocking Gun...No Collusion. @FoxNews Thats because there was NO COLLUSION. So now the Dems go to a simple private transaction, wrongly call it a campaign contribution,...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2018

The typos sent #SmockingGun shooting up the trending chart as Twitter users delighted in references to smocks, apron-like garments usually worn to keep people clean while making artwork.

"#SmockingGun sounds like an arts and crafts shop in Texas where kids build their own AR-15s," wrote comedian Marie Connor.

#SmockingGun sounds like an arts and crafts shop in Texas where kids build their own AR-15s.  Marie Connor (@thistallawkgirl) December 10, 2018

Minnesota Representative-elect Ilhan Omar chimed in, saying, "I bet we can find a #SmockingGun online somewhere, and use it to whip up some adorable 1980's throwback children's wear."

I bet we can find a #SmockingGun online somewhere, and use it to whip up some adorable 1980s throwback childrens wear. https://t.co/oQknzi2RKG  Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) December 10, 2018

Kerry O.C. drew a line between the smocking gun and fashion consultant and TV host Tim Gunn, writing "Found one!!"

The Gunn-pun tweet works even better once you know the true meaning of "smocking." The Merriam-Webster dictionary try to set everyone straight by dropping this definition: "'Smocking' is a type of embroidery made of many small folds sewn into place."

Today in Spellcheck Can't Save You:



'Smocking' is a type of embroidery made of many small folds sewn into place. https://t.co/3wbxPG24ne  Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) December 10, 2018

Twitter user Matthew Kick gave a humorous shout-out to one of Trump's most famous Twitter spellings of all time, the mysterious "covfefe" back in 2017.

Im going out for a smock break



Me: Can you pick me up a large covfefe on your way back?#SmockingGun  Matthew Kick (@MatthewKick) December 10, 2018

The typo also dredged up a bit of distant political history from back in 1992, when Vice President Dan Quayle misspelled "potato" while helping out with a spelling bee. "Somewhere Dan Quayle is smiling because he's no longer the worst speller associated with the White House," screenwriter Ryan Malik said.
Filipa Ioannou

A man stole a car and crashed head-on into a San Francisco police vehicle Saturday night in the Mission District before fleeing the scene, authorities said.

The suspect, a 25-year-old male, rammed the stolen car into the patrol vehicle around 10:34 p.m. on the 2000 block of Mission Street and then fled the scene, according to San Francisco police.
Few things today universally interest Americans. But there was something so horrifically fascinating about the combination of very wealthy young people, disastrous island weather, and a rapper popular in the early naughts that painted the short-lived Fyre Festival as a singular, headline-grabbing catastrophe.

Streaming giant Netflix is working on a documentary to tell the Fyre Festival's dire tale through the eyes of its own organizers. The film, called "Fyre," will hit Netflix next year. It was produced by Danny Gabai at Vice Studios with Chris Smith, Library Films and Mick Purzycki at Jerry Media, and there's already a trailer (see below).
Actor Tom Cruise is known to do many of his own daring stunts and, based on leaked photos, it appears some of his most recent are currently taking place in Northern California for "Top Gun: Maverick."

It's only been a week since heavy snowfall blanketed Lake Tahoe, but the weather hasn't stopped Cruise from shooting active scenes requiring him to sprint through a forest and ride a motorcycle down what appears to be an airplane runway.
WASHINGTON  Environmental activists are ramping up a pressure campaign designed to drum up Democratic support for a sweeping agenda to fight climate change, with the 2020 presidential campaign in their sights.

Democrats are being pushed on a package of ambitious environmental goals  including a nationwide transition to 100 percent power from renewable sources within as few as 10 years  thats collectively dubbed the Green New Deal.

The program  named for the New Deal that reshaped America under former President Franklin D. Roosevelt  is designed to nudge prospective Democratic presidential candidates to stake out aggressive positions on climate change. Some cast the goals as idealistic and politically risky.

Organizers with the Sunrise Movement activist group frame it as a make-or-break issue for Democratic voters, particularly young ones. But theyre fighting recent history on that point.

Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., jockeyed during the 2016 Democratic presidential primary over their plans to stave off the devastating effects that scientists have warned of as temperatures continue to rise. Ultimately, however, other issues dominated the debate, and climate change barely registered during the 2016 general election.

Any senators or any other politician who wants the votes of young people in 2020 needs to back a Green New Deal that would transform our economy and create millions of new jobs stopping climate change, said Stephen OHanlon, a spokesman for the Sunrise Movement.

As he weighs another White House run, Sanders has staked out an early claim on the issue, hosting Ocasio-Cortez for a climate change town hall last week and preparing a forthcoming proposal that an aide said is likely to align with the broad goals of the Green New Deal.

Next Congress I will be working on legislation that addresses the scope of the crisis we face, creates tens of millions of jobs and saves American families money while holding fossil fuel companies accountable for the enormous damage they have done to our planet, Sanders said in a statement to the Associated Press. Our job is to be bold, to think very big and to go forward in a moral struggle to protect our planet and future generations.

When Sanders introduced single-payer health care legislation last year, most Senate Democrats also considering presidential runs signed on at the outset. Its not clear, however, whether other prominent Democrats eyeing the White House would back Sanders forthcoming climate change bill or seek to carve out their own territory.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said last week that obviously, we have been doing a lot of work trying to find some bolder things we as a nation could be doing on climate change. Booker spokeswoman Kristin Lynch that his staff has held dozens of meetings since the summer aimed at shaping a broad climate bill and that he welcomes the activists effort to spotlight the issue.

The staff of Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., has been in contact with the organizers behind the Green New Deal push, according to spokeswoman Lily Adams, who said the senator is broadly supportive of the sort of sweeping climate change agenda that the effort envisions.

Elana Schor is an Associated Press writer.
ODENTON, Md.  Gun rights advocates like to say, The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun. Some black gun owners, though, are not so sure its a wise idea for them to try to be the good guy and pull out a weapon in public.

Twice in the span of 11 days last month, a black man who drew a gun in response to a crime in the U.S. was shot to death by a white police officer after apparently being mistaken for the bad guy.

Some African Americans who are licensed to carry weapons say cases like those make them hesitant to step in to protect others.

Im not an advocate of open-carry if youre black, said the Rev. Kenn Blanchard, a Second Amendment activist and host of the YouTube program Black Man With a Gun TV, a gun advocacy show. We still have racism. ... We still scare people. The psychology of fear, its bigger than the Second Amendment.

The recent shootings of Jemel Roberson and Emantic Bradford Jr. amplified long-held fears that bad things can happen when a black man is seen with a gun.

Roberson was working security at a Robbins, Ill., bar when he was killed Nov. 11 while holding at gunpoint a man involved in a shooting. Witnesses said the officer ordered Roberson, 26, to drop his gun before opening fire. But witnesses also reportedly shouted that Roberson, who had a firearms permit, was a guard. And a fellow guard said Roberson was wearing a knit hat and sweatshirt that were emblazoned Security.

Bradford, 21, was killed Thanksgiving night by an officer responding to a report of gunfire at a shopping mall in Hoover, Ala. Police initially identified Bradford as the gunman but later backtracked and arrested another suspect.

Ben Crump, a lawyer for Bradfords family, said witnesses claimed he was trying to wave people away from the shooting. Crump said Bradford was licensed to carry a weapon but was presumably seen as a threat because he was a black man.

The two shootings have brought up some of the same questions about racist assumptions and subconscious fears that were asked after the killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla.

Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show, lamented Bradfords death.

Thats what they always say, right? The good guy with a gun stops the crime, Noah said. But then if the good guy with a gun turns out to be a black good guy with a gun, they dont get any of the benefits.

According to the advocacy group Mapping Police Violence, 1,147 people were killed by police in 2017, 92 percent of them in shootings. While blacks made up 13 percent of the U.S. population, they accounted for 27 percent of those killed by police, 35 percent of those killed by police while unarmed, and 34 percent of those killed while unarmed and not attacking, the organization said.

Andre Blount of Tomball, Texas, once pulled out his shotgun to help a neighbor who was being attacked by an armed white man. The police eventually arrived and defused the situation, he said.

For me, being a legally registered owner and having a concealed weapon permit, I feel like I have to be more careful than the next person, Blount said. Because if not, the only thing anyone sees is a black man with a gun.

Blount said he tells younger black gun owners to consider whether its worth risking their lives in coming to someones aid with a weapon.

You want your kids to help someone, but you dont want them to be shot trying to help someone, he said. Its a sad thing.

Jesse J. Holland is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  The incoming Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee said Sunday it would be an impeachable offense if its proved that President Trump directed illegal hush-money payments to women, stressing a need for continuing investigations and a deeper look by Congress into the extent of presidential misconduct.

Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York described the details in prosecutors filings Friday in the case of Trumps former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as evidence that Trump was at the center of a massive fraud. Prosecutors for the first time link Trump to a federal crime of illegal payments to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign, and they lay out previously undisclosed contacts with Russians during the 2016 election.

They would be impeachable offenses, Nadler said of the illegal payments. Whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question, but certainly theyd be impeachable offenses because even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office.

Nadler said it is too early to say whether Congress would pursue impeachment proceedings based on illegal payments alone. Lawmakers would need to weigh the gravity of the offense to justify overturning the result of the 2016 election, he said. He and other lawmakers said Sunday they will need to await findings from Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign.

Mueller has not said when he will complete a report of any findings, and it isnt clear that any such report would be made available to Congress. That would be up to the attorney general. Trump said Friday he would nominate former Attorney General William Barr to the post.

Nadler indicated that Democrats, who will control the House in January, will step up their own investigations into possible collaboration between the Trump campaign and Russia. He said Congress, the Justice Department and the special counsel need to dig deeper into the allegations, which include questions about whether Trump lied about his business arrangements with Russians and about possible obstruction of justice.

We will try to get to the bottom of this, in order to serve the American people and to stop this massive conspiracy, he said.

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of Burbank, the incoming chairman of the House intelligence committee, also stressed a need to wait until we see the full picture.

In legal filings Friday, the Justice Department stopped short of accusing Trump of directly committing a crime. But it said Trump told Cohen to make illegal payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom said they had affairs with Trump more than a decade ago and who threatened his White House bid. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

Nadler appeared on CNNs State of the Union and Schiff on CBS Face the Nation.

Hope Yen is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  Federal prosecutors appear to have struck a plea deal with Maria Butina, the Russian woman accused of running a secret campaign to influence powerful American conservatives, according to court papers filed Monday.

The prosecutors and Butinas lawyers jointly requested a hearing for Butina to change her plea. The move is almost always the final step before announcing a deal.

Although neither side disclosed details of what they may have agreed upon, a deal would likely require Butina to cooperate with investigators. Her arrest in July stemmed from what officials described as a broader counterintelligence investigation by the Justice Department and FBI, and investigators probably want to hear what Butina could tell them about covert Russian influence efforts in the United States. The inquiry is separate from the work being done by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Any deal would bring to a close a case that drew headlines with prosecutors accusing Butina, 29, of running a years-long campaign to work her way into the upper echelons of the Republican Partys elite, using sex as spycraft when necessary. The government later backed off that allegation.

In the governments telling, Butina used her position as a gun-rights activist in Russia to establish connections with powerful American conservatives, including leading members of the National Rifle Association.

Her lawyers also have pointed to Butinas open life in the United States  she was a frequent poster on social media  as evidence to counter the governments claims. For an alleged Russian agent funded by an oligarch, they say, Butina hardly lived a life of fake identities and secret communications.

During her time as a graduate student at American University, she openly advocated Russia-friendly policies and closer ties between her homeland and the United States in speeches. She posted photos on Instagram of herself toting guns and checked in on Facebook from locations like Russia House, a caviar-slinging lounge in Washington.

Butina also proved adept at getting close to powerful older men. She snapped pictures with prominent Republicans, including Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin and other former presidential candidates.

Matthew Rosenberg is a New York Times writer.
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court signaled Monday it is not anxious to revisit the abortion controversy in the year ahead, disappointing conservative activists who were cheered by the appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

After weeks of debate behind closed doors, a divided court turned down appeals backed by 13 conservative states that sought to defund Planned Parenthood.

The courts action leaves in place federal court rulings in much of the country that prevent states from denying Medicaid funds to women who go to a Planned Parenthood clinic for health care, including medical screenings or birth control. It is already illegal to use federal money like Medicaid to pay for abortions, but some states wanted to go further, cutting off all Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood because the organization offers the procedure using alternative revenue sources.

In dissent, Justices Clarence Thomas, joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, accused their colleagues of allowing a politically fraught issue to justify abdicating our judicial duty.

The lower courts are divided on the Medicaid funding dispute, making the high courts refusal to clarify the issue all the more surprising to some.

We created the confusion. We should clear it up, Thomas wrote in Gee vs. Planned Parenthood. So what explains the courts refusal to do its job here? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named Planned Parenthood.

The courts brief order denying the appeals from Louisiana and Kansas suggest Chief Justice John Roberts and Kavanaugh were not willing to hear the cases.

Last year, the 8th Circuit Court in St. Louis, splitting with other appeals courts, upheld Arkansas decision to cut off funding to Medicaid to Planned Parenthood clinics. Lawyers for Louisiana and Kansas hoped that split would prompt the high court to take up the dispute.

It takes four justices to hear a case, and these appeals were considered in a series of closed-door meetings since late September. But the courts conservatives were unable to gain the needed fourth vote. Kavanaugh took his seat in the second week of October, and his supporters assumed he would vote in favor of restricting abortion rights when given the opportunity.

Catherine Foster, president of Americans United for Life, said her group was disappointed with the courts action. We join the dissent in calling on the court to do its duty, she said.

In the past decade, conservative states have sought to defund Planned Parenthood because it is the nations largest single provider of abortions. None of the Medicaid money pays for abortions, and most of these state funding bans have been blocked by federal judges. Republican lawmakers who sponsored the defund laws argue the states should not indirectly subsidize facilities that perform abortions.

David G. Savage is a Los Angeles Times writer.
HERSHEY, Pa.  On a recent Friday night, Pennsylvania Republicans tucked into a catered meal at the Hershey Lodge as Donald Trump Jr. took the stage, following his girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, in what has become their pattern on the campaign trail this fall.

If theres one question that Donald Trump lied to all of you in this room about ... the presidents eldest son said to the hundreds of party officials at the annual fall state GOP dinner. He trailed off as the room seemed to quiver with nervousness at the use of the word lied.

Dont worry, dont worry, Im getting somewhere  its not a gaffe, promise, Trump said to laughter. If theres one thing he lied about, its that youd all be sick of winning.

The line has become a staple at many of the 60 events the younger Trump has held since May for Republican candidates and committees, as he has emerged as one of the GOPs most visible headliners in a challenging midterms climate for the party.

It has also been a re-emergence of sort.

After damaging headlines in 2017 about possible Trump campaign collusion with Russia and Trump Jr.'s role in the infamous Trump Tower meeting with Kremlin-connected Russians, the presidents son is appealing to the Republican base anew and mostly ignoring the investigation by Robert Mueller, the special counsel, and all things Russia. He and Guilfoyle are instead radiating a carefree, tag-team vibe at events, in interviews and in a television ad for the super PAC supporting his father.

Trump has echoed his fathers attacks on Democrats, mocked former President Barack Obama for talking about a magic wand solving problems  Abracadabra, buddy! Trump chuckled from the stage in Hershey  and stoked fear about the out-of-power party winning a House majority in Tuesdays elections.

The president is the first politician to ever get killed on a daily basis for doing everything he said he would do  its mind boggling, Trump said in his speech. The mistake we sometimes make is thinking he can do it alone. He cant.

Visits from President Donald Trump have been a double-edged sword for Republican candidates in certain states, who want his backing but who fear blanket media coverage of his controversial statements.

A guest appearance by Trump Jr. has become the next best thing for several candidates, some of whom hes campaigned for repeatedly in states like Montana (where his father holds a grudge against Sen. Jon Tester, who is up for re-election), Ohio (a key part of the Trump 2016 victory), Nevada (a purple state that Trump would like to add to his column in 2020) and North Dakota and West Virginia (which, like the others, have high-profile Senate races this year). He is scheduled to headline six rallies in five states Monday.

The GOP base, with whom Trump was a family ambassador when his father campaigned in 2016, is almost as protective of Trump as they are of his father, seeing him as a looser version whom they can relate to, someone who does not carry himself like a celebrity.

As unfiltered and caution-free as his father is, Trumps online persona can be even more reflexive and abrasive, mocking his fathers critics and seizing on instances of hypocrisy.

On Twitter, Trump has unapologetically defended Brett Kavanaugh, the new Supreme Court justice who faced sexual assault allegations, and claimed Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was late in his support of the justice  despite having decided to back Kavanaugh before some of his GOP colleagues.

Trump has also attacked news outlets with gusto and amplified conservative memes, including retweeting a conspiratorial thread about murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In recent days, he declared that Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, wants to repopulate Maine with Syrian and Somalian refugees. At times, he has irked White House aides by being so vocal.

David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Obama and an architect of Obamas historic win in 2008, described the younger Trump as hotheaded and even more unrestrained than his dad when it comes to mixing it up.

If Trump Sr. employs a dog whistle, Jr. favors a bullhorn, joyfully transmitting nutty conspiracy theories that even his dad might be hesitant to embrace, Axelrod added.

Trump, 40, said in an interview that he does not regret his use of social media, which often outdoes the presidents own. His father is teaching other conservatives to fight, Trump said.

He focuses heavily on amplifying alternatives to established outlets that appeal to his fathers base of support, including some that traffic in misinformation, scrolling through his Twitter feed repeatedly to look at what is being said.

We can fight back, he said of the lesson of his fathers win. We dont just have to lose. We dont just have to take it when they say youre one of the ists. We can be right.

As Trump travels with Republican politicians on the campaign trail far from Washington, questions about the special counsel investigation and the Trump Tower meeting that he held with a Russian lawyer are absent.

I have literally never been asked about it on the trail, he said, adding that voters realize its nonsense.

I did what any business guy would do. I took an unsolicited meeting, sat there for 20 minutes, wasted my time, Trump said in the interview, saying the focus on it became a frenzy. (He said in 2017 that the meeting was primarily about Russian adoptions; a year later, the president said the meeting was to get information on an opponent, Hillary Clinton.)

If anything, Trump Jr. appears unconcerned about what may come with the Mueller inquiry after the midterms. He noted that he had cooperated fully with congressional committees looking into the 2016 campaign.

Guess who didnt plead the Fifth  me, Trump said, referring to invoking Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, which others connected to the investigations have done.

He has remained focused on his travels and his road show with Guilfoyle.

Shes definitely a force multiplier, Trump said of Guilfoyle, the ex-wife of the Democratic candidate for governor in California, Gavin Newsom, and his own constant companion since his recent split from his ex-wife, Vanessa. In Hershey, Guilfoyle told the crowd that her nickname for him, Junior Mints, would change to Hersheys Kiss. Delicious, she added for effect.

His fluency in the language of the Republican base, which comes more naturally to him than any other Trump family member besides the president, has prompted constant questions about whether he will run someday.

People love to hear him. Hes good at his delivery, said Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and hes got the passion of what hes fighting for, but he connects with the average person.

Trump said he is not trying to blanket the field with appearances  he is ruthless about not helping candidates who are lost causes  and he makes his picks based on a few specific criteria.

There are two things Im going to help people for  one is theyve been exceptionally good to my father, the administration or me personally, he said. And then theres what the numbers tell me.

Republicans say he has made a difference, both in closed-door fundraisers and on the stump, because he is able to be at ease with both audiences.

Hes like a relief pitcher  kind of loose and relaxed and easy to hang around with, said Jeff Roe, the Republican strategist and general consultant for a number of high-profile races this year. And all the sudden he comes in and throws 100 miles-per-hour fastballs.

Roe said that Trump has to find a place to live, and he has to find a place hed enjoy, because he has to run for office.

Trump says he is asked questions about his own future every day, but if there is a specific office he would be drawn to, he did not say. His supporters have mentioned possible runs for statewide office, almost certainly in red states where his father performed well.

Right now, Im focused on other things, but you never know. I love the intensity of campaigning, he said. I love aspects of the fight. I dont know how much I would love aspects of the actual job yet.

On the stump, he excoriates democratic socialism and tethers it to the form of socialism practiced in Eastern Europe, where his Czech-born mother, Ivana, sent her children to see her parents for over a decade when they were growing up. Trump said his grandmother watches democratic socialism described on cable news and says her views  You dont understand how bad it is, you dont know what happens, he recalled her saying  have shaped his.

While his father has taken over the GOP, Trump said he is mindful that there are still holdouts within his own administration who miss the days before the Trump administration.

I think theres still plenty of people that are still old-school, established people that want those things back, he said, even if it means going back to losing.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times
Fire crews responded to a two-alarm fire this afternoon at a business in San Francisco's Inner Sunset district.



The blaze, in the 2000 block of Irving Street, was reported shortly after 2 p.m., San Francisco Fire Department officials said.



As of 2:30 p.m., no injuries have been reported in the fire, according to a social media post by the fire department.



Motorists were asked to avoid the area.





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The Emeryville Planning Commission on Thursday will host a study session focusing on a proposed mixed commercial/residential project anchored by a 54-story residential tower that would become the tallest structure in the East Bay.



The Omni Christie Mixed-Use Project, as currently planned, would be built just north of Powell Street between Interstate Highway 80 and Christie Avenue. It would include a the 54-story tower with 638 residential units; a separate 16-story office tower with approximately 238,000 square feet of office space; about 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space; and 1,105 parking spaces.



The project would also feature a new half-acre public park fronting Christie Avenue.



The nearby existing six-story, 87,410-square-foot office building occupied by Wells Fargo Bank and other commercial tenants would remain, but the adjacent one-story, 44,000-square-foot building now occupied by Allegro Ballroom and other commercial tenants would be demolished.



Thursday night's planning commission begins at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council chamber at City Hall, 1333 Park Ave.







A disabled man suffered serious burns Sunday afternoon in a two-alarm fire that damaged a house in central San Jose, fire officials said.



The fire was reported about 2:17 p.m. in a house in the 2100 block of Lanai Avenue just east of U.S. Highway 101, according to San Jose Fire Department Capt. Brad Cloutier. When firefighters arrived, two residents who had escaped the house said a third person, a disabled man in his 60s, was still in the house.



Firefighters went into rescue mode and got the disabled man out of the house. He was taken to the Valley Medical Center burn unit with what Cloutier called "pretty significant burns."



One of the two other inhabitants of the house sustained a hand injury, which was treated at the scene.







It was an emotional final journey Sunday morning for Hector, the San Ramon Police Department K-9 officer, and his handler Officer Allen Molien, as a procession along city streets honored the 7-year-old German shepherd who succumbed to cancer Sunday, a department spokesman said.



Hector had been with the department for about five years, said police Capt. Denton Carlson. Diagnosed with cancer several months ago, Hector had missed time in recent months undergoing chemotherapy, and had been back on the job for about a month when, in the last few days, the cancer "just came back with a vengeance," Carlson said. "We were told that might be the way it would happen."



With Hector increasingly in pain, plans were made quickly for a procession to honor him, Carlson said. Molien and Hector arrived at the south edge of San Ramon at about 11 a.m. Sunday, and from there the procession went north up San Ramon Valley Boulevard to Bollinger Canyon Road, and then east to a veterinary clinic where Hector was put to sleep.







A driver was injured Sunday when a car slammed into a Walnut Creek apartment building, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District reported.



The accident happened at about 2:50 p.m. when a white Lexus drove through a ground-floor wall of an apartment building in the 800 block of Tampico, just south of Ygnacio Valley Road, said Con Fire Capt. Steve Aubert.



The driver was extricated from the car and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries, Aubert said.



The accident remains under investigation. Aubert said there was no obvious explanation Sunday night as to why the driver went into the building. No one else was injured.







The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District has narrowed its search for a new chancellor to three finalists, all of whom are set to take part in open public forums on each of the district's two main campuses this week.



The finalists are Lisa Avery, president of Portland Community College's Sylvania Campus in Portland, Oregon; David Dore, campus president and Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development at the Pima Community College District in Tucson, Arizona; and Walter Tribley, superintendent/president of Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey.



Each of the three finalists will be the focus of hour-long public forums at Las Positas College in Livermore and at Chabot College in Hayward.



The district seeks a successor to Jannett Jackson, who resigned in August. Two interim chancellors, Susan Cota and Thomas Fallo, have served since August.





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OAKLAND (BCN)



Despite dwindling demand from China for U.S. scrap paper, shipments of the commodity from the Port of Oakland are up 3 percent so far this year, according to port officials.



Waste paper is the port's largest export when measured by container volume, said Oakland Maritime Director John Driscoll.



"We can't be certain if this trend will last, but the figures seem to show that there's no loss of demand globally," Driscoll said. "It appears that shippers are finding new markets for their scrap paper products."



The port shipped the equivalent of 110,400 20-foot containers of wastepaper in the first 10 months of this year. The shipments accounted for nearly 18 percent of Oakland total export volume.



Nearly all the recyclable paper went to Asia, to be used primarily for packaging goods that will be exported back to the U.S., port officials said.



The U.S.-China tariff standoff and China's new, tougher quality standards for foreign scrap products accounted for a 37 percent reduction in scrap paper exports to China this year, port officials said.



Neighboring countries picked up the slack, with Oakland scrap paper exports to Taiwan up 522 percent and to Vietnam up 344 percent.



Scrap metal exports have increased 10 percent this year, port officials said.





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Thousands of Kaiser Permanente mental health clinicians across California will walk off the job during a five-day strike starting Monday, calling for the HMO to increase staffing and resources for mental health services.



Psychologists, therapists, social workers, psychiatric nurses and addiction medicine specialists will be among 4,000 clinicians on picket lines at several locations around the state, including at Kaiser's San Francisco Medical Center and the San Jose Medical Center, said union spokesman Matt Artz.



Kaiser representatives said the union wasn't seeking improvements for patient care and access, but higher wages and benefits.



Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum, will join the clinicians' strike Monday in San Francisco and Tuesday in Oakland. Kennedy will also appear at a mental health care forum from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Oakland Masonic Center, 3903 Broadway.



All Kaiser hospitals and medical offices will remain open during the strike, officials said. Patients needing urgent mental health or other care will receive the services, but some non-urgent services are being postponed.







A 22-year-old Antioch man was hospitalized after a shooting Saturday night on Renwick Lane, Antioch police said.



Police responded about 6:35 p.m. to reports of several shots fired in the 2200 block of Renwick, according to Antioch police.



Officers found the victim with a non-life threatening gunshot wound and he was taken to a hospital, where he was expected to recover.



Police did not locate any suspects and said the shooting is under investigation.



Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)778-2441. Tips may be texted to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH







The Oakland Unified School District issued a warning over the weekend to Oakland High School teachers planning a work stoppage Monday to not call-in sick, according to district officials.



The teachers plan to march to City Hall to call attention to a bargaining impasse between the school district and the teacher's union, organizers said.



District officials said educators who participate in the sick-out might be subject to disciplinary action and a loss of pay. The teachers can't use sick leave or personal leave - it will go unpaid and a doctor's note may be required from teachers who use sick leave, according to district officials.



Organizers are hoping Mayor Libby Schaaf will take time to speak with them Monday.







Police arrested a man suspected of stealing power tools from a Petaluma home improvement store, taking a cell phone from a unlocked car and shoplifting at Kohl's on Saturday.



Evan David Thomas, 25, of Sebastopol, is suspected of breaking into Friedman's Home Improvement at 429 North McDowell Blvd. at 5:10 a.m.



He reportedly entered the store's nursery area and gathered items until he was confronted by a staffer and fled with several power tools, according to police. Video surveillance from the store of a suspect was provided to police.



Later in the morning, a resident in the 200 block of Prince Albert Court told Petaluma police that someone had rummaged through his car overnight and taken small items, including a cell phone.



At 1:25 p.m., officers were then dispatched to Kohl's at 1363 North McDowell Blvd. on a report of a shoplifting suspect in the store. When officers arrived, they recognized Thomas from video surveillance footage from the earlier burglary at Friedman's.



Thomas had several stolen items from Friedman's and the stolen cell phone from the Prince Albert Court auto burglary with him, police said.













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EMERYVILLE (BCN)



The Emeryville Planning Commission on Thursday will host a study session focusing on a proposed mixed commercial/residential project anchored by a 54-story residential tower that would become the tallest structure in the East Bay.



The Omni Christie Mixed-Use Project, as currently planned, would be built just north of Powell Street between Interstate Highway 80 and Christie Avenue. It would include a the 54-story tower with 638 residential units; a separate 16-story office tower with approximately 238,000 square feet of office space; about 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space; and 1,105 parking spaces.



The project would also feature a new half-acre public park fronting Christie Avenue.



The nearby existing six-story, 87,410-square-foot office building occupied by Wells Fargo Bank and other commercial tenants would remain, but the adjacent one-story, 44,000-square-foot building now occupied by Allegro Ballroom and other commercial tenants would be demolished.



While the 54-story tower would be 638 feet and the shorter building 202 feet, they would be built in an area where the maximum building height is 75 feet. To earn "bonus points" allowing taller buildings, developer Omni Group of Los Angeles plans to make 108 of the residential units "affordable," and provide "community benefits" including public open space.



City of Emeryville staff will ask Omni Group hold a community meeting to solicit public comments on the project, followed by review of the project by various city committees. An environmental document will also be prepared once the project description and site circulation are finalized.



Thursday night's planning commission begins at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council chamber at City Hall, 1333 Park Ave.









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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



A fight between a man and a woman in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood Saturday afternoon escalated and ended with the woman being shot, police said.



Around 3:10 p.m., officers responded to the shooting in the 1200 block of Turk Street near Webster Street.



They arrived and learned a 25-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman had gotten into a fight before the shooting, according to police.



The woman was suffering from an injury not considered life-threatening and she was taken to a hospital.



Officers were unable to locate the shooter, who remains at large.





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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



A 38-year-old woman was arrested after using counterfeit money to buy jewelry from a seller at the Alemany Farmers' Market in San Francisco on Sunday and then attacking the seller with scissors when he chased after her, police said today.



The case was reported at about 2:15 p.m. at the farmers' market in the area of Alemany Boulevard near the U.S. Highway 101/Interstate Highway 280 interchange.



The woman, whose name is not yet being released, used a fake bill to pay for the jewelry and when the 66-year-old man selling the jewelry realized it, he chased after her, according to police.



The woman cut him with the scissors and fled with the jewelry, but was later found and arrested with both the jewelry and scissors, police said.



The man was treated at the scene for injuries that are not considered life-threatening.





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Today's globalized economy, which every country is weaved into, means that only those who retain their edge through innovation end up ahead of competitors.



At a time when contemporary economies are relying more and more on high-quality growth, China too is relying on original ideas to overcome low-yielding strategies. Several factors are promising for China's aim of transforming from "workshop of the world" to a forerunner in finance and technology.

The Chinese system is efficient in adopting a top-down approach when state plans are to be implemented. With innovation now a national strategy, the government has been building an environment of out-of-the-box solutions to a variety of challenges.

A guideline released in 2016 set three milestones for innovation-driven development. By 2020, the plan is to make China an "innovative nation." Subsequently, by 2030, the country will mature into an international leader in innovation. A further 20 years ahead in 2050, China will solidify its position as a powerhouse of scientific and technological innovation.

The recently concluded China International Import Expo (CIIE) was another effort by the government to pitch for an open economy which needs to be innovative and inclusive. A science and technology innovation board at the Shanghai Stock Exchange was also launched during the expo to spur the city's financial competence and to push the domestic stock market higher.

Apart from the official innovation drive, the private sector is also playing its requisite part. Contributing over 70 percent of technological innovations and 60 percent of GDP, it is a major player in shaping the industrial direction and maintaining a leading role in the relentless international market.

The tendency of private entities to take greater risks as compared to state-owned enterprises makes them even more suitable to introduce inventive means of development. This attribute allows them to contribute to a vibrant structure while making use of the opening up policies.

In like manner, their successes are instilling a simultaneous bottom-up spiraling of innovation. Widespread adoption of digital payment systems and the steady rise of tech giants like Alibaba, Tencent and Baidu are the result of this workable arrangement actualizing the government's vision of an evolving economy.

China's achievements in innovation guided development can be further attributed to investment in research. Forming 2.2 percent of the GDP last year, the funding has revamped a manufacturing based development model into a more sustainable one that is based on knowledge.

Meanwhile, the quality of education in universities has strikingly improved  producing world class scholars who are continuously contributing to national progress. These young academics form the base of novel ideas which need a common place to be fused together for their practical manifestation.

Addressing this precondition, numerous areas across China have evolved into clusters of talent and capital. Shanghai is one such city striding with its innovative prowess. Zhangjiang hi-tech park in the east of the city is home to thousands of enterprises varying from pharmaceuticals to software houses. The park is a birthplace of many technologies that have found their way to all parts of the globe.

Then there is the Greater Bay Area  an integrated economic zone encompassing the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao, as well as nine cities in southern Guangdong province. By housing the most innovative tech companies, it is spearheading the nation's advancement. Its combined GDP, greater than that of many countries, is expected to retain the area's crucial role in modernization.

It has been well established by financial experts that innovation strongly influences prosperity of a country. China, on one hand, is utilizing this approach in favor of the economy, while on the other it is pushing to make the economy conducive for innovation. Either way, the results are speaking for themselves.

Daniel Hyatt is a Pakistan-based freelance journalist and commentator.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a milestone achievement of the United Nations which outlined the fundamental human rights that everyone is entitled to.



Seventy years ago, in the aftermath of the Second World War, people around the world had faced immense suffering. The international community vowed to never again permit the atrocities and destruction of the preceding world wars. It was thought that human societies should adhere to a set of common principles and therefore guarantee the same rights of all individuals everywhere. Member states hoped that these principles would provide a common standard in which to hold all people and nations to account.

With this inspiration in mind, on December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris. This milestone document, drafted by representatives from vastly different cultures and societies, represented the shared goal of guaranteeing peace, security and development across all human societies. For the first time in history, the Declaration spelt out the basic civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that every human being should enjoy. Since then, a series of international human rights treaties and other instruments have been made at the regional and global levels on the basis of UDHR. Until now, most states have also adopted constitutions and other laws which formally recognize the basic human rights.

The UDHR is not a human rights treaty; it is a General Assembly resolution approved by a vote. Despite such a resolution being technically nonbinding, several scholars have argued that the UDHR, or at least many of its provisions, have emerged as international customary law. Several UN charter-based and non-conventional procedures of the United Nations make use of the UDHR. The jurisdiction of these procedures reaches all states and even when states have not ratified the relevant treaties, the UDHR will constitute a likely reference text. This is true for the Universal Periodic Review as well as the special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council. These UN mechanisms are entrusted with inspecting state compliance with general human rights. They have been successful in keeping most of the UN member states under UN scrutiny from time to time. By doing so, UN human rights principles bring positive benefits to the world. Today, human rights are widely accepted on both international and domestic levels and cover all the aspects of human society from the government to businesses.

However, the universal values enshrined in the original declaration are buckling under the weight of ascendant forms of nationalism, populism, xenophobia, and misogynism. Intolerance, hate and discrimination are rising across the globe. These trends are largely driven by the real problems of poverty, extremism, terrorism, and the enormous disparities of opportunity, wealth and power. Governments, too, often cynically co-opt the language of human rights for their own political motivations; fighting trade wars, aggression and gaining political benefit. Too many times, human rights have been used as a slogan, without real meaningful intentions. As a result, the declaration is often viewed with cynicism and many people doubt whether all humans really are "members of the same family."

Against this background, it is necessary to once again reaffirm the values enshrined in the UDHR and keep in mind that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" and "everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedomswithout discrimination of any kind." In order to promote and equally protect the fundamental human rights of all peoples, there is an urgent need to improve the application of human rights across governments and other state institutions.

The UDHR also reminds us how important it is to foster a spirit of international cooperation. No state can deal with the enormous challenges facing humanity alone. In this regard, the international community should work together to tackle the many human rights challenges and humanitarian crises, and ensure that all the fundamental human rights can be universally protected. We must build a community with a shared future for humankind.

Dr. Zhang Wei is co-director of the Institute for Human Rights, China University of Political Science and Law.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
 Flash

French President Emmanuel Macron told his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump not to interfere in French internal affairs after Trump had taken a fresh swipe on twitter at "Yellow Vests" demonstrations, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian said on Sunday.

"I say to Donald Trump and the President of the Republic also told him: we do not take part in American debates, let us live our life of nation," Le Drian told RTL radio, Le Monde newspaper and LCI.

Commenting on "Yellow Vests" protests, some of which turned violent, Trump on Saturday tweeted "Very sad day and night in Paris."

"Maybe it's time to end the ridiculous and extremely expensive Paris Agreement and return money back to the people in the form of lower taxes?" he wrote.

Earlier this week, Trump, via a series of tweets, had mocked Macron over retreating on a fuel tax plan with which he targets to protect environment and speed moves to fight global warming.

In recent television interview, the French president stressed "I do not do policy or diplomacy via tweets, comments," in response to Trump's tweets last month in which he mocked Macron for falling approval ratings and criticized his recipe for Europe's defense cooperation and global trade.

"... I will not have a debate with the president of the United States through tweets, " he said.
The Virginia paramedic uses a racist slur for African-Americans, calling them "dindus."

In his world - the world of open white supremacists - that's supposed to mean something like "didn't do anything."

More for you Jury in Virginia weighs sentence in racist rally killing

On the popular neo-Nazi podcast he co-hosts, Alex McNabb once compared an African-American woman he cared for to a gorilla.

And he's got a name for a Southern Virginia neighborhood where lots of African immigrant families live. He refers to it as "Ebola Alley."

The question isn't whether McNabb, 35, is a bigot. He's all over social media with some pretty vile stuff. He doesn't hide his outbursts on "The Daily Shoah" podcast, where he talks about life on the job and his conclusions about African-Americans he encounters.

McNabb is being investigated by the state's Department of Health, HuffPost reported, and department spokeswoman Marian Hunter confirmed it for me Monday.

They're investigating him because his job is a vital, even noble calling that puts people in his care at their most traumatized.

McNabb is an EMT. So when you're having a heart attack, have been in a car crash, slipped and broke a bone in the bathtub or were shot in Patrick County, Virginia, there's a chance that McNabb will be the one who can help save your life.

"In EMT training, we often say, this is the worst day in that person's life, when they call 911. They are at their most vulnerable, they are often scared," said Allison G.S. Knox, an emergency management instructor for the online American Military University. "So maintaining objectivity in patient care is important."

As is a little mercy.

And mercy is not a word that comes to mind if you listen to any of McNabb's podcasts or read his social media feeds.

In one episode of "The Daily Shoah" - named to mock the Hebrew term for the Holocaust - he talked about his line of work. "It's hard to find a dindu vein anyway, because they're black," he said.

And, assuming the name "Dr. Narcan" when he tells stories from the world of emergency medical technicians, he talked about the delight he took in taking the blood of an allegedly unruly black boy.

"Dr. Narcan enjoyed great, immense satisfaction as he terrorized this youngster with a needle and stabbed him thusly in the arm with a large-gauge IV catheter," he said.

McNabb, who did not return a request for comment, posted his exchange with the HuffPost reporter, Christopher Mathias, when Mathias asked about the Dr. Narcan sketch. He ridiculed Mathias for not recognizing comedic satire and hid behind a whole "Doctor Narcan is a work of fiction" shtick.

The ha-ha excuse isn't good enough for most people in the field, Knox said.

Plenty of agencies have fired first responders for bigoted tweets, rants and posts, Knox said. Police in many cities have been accused of outright brutality in the way they treat African Americans. Research shows many of us struggle with implicit, unconscious bias toward minorities. Subtle prejudice can be hard to prove - or address - in our judicial system because so many people are in denial about it.

But what about the billboard way a guy like McNabb advertises his thoughts?

We've yet to hear back from the Jeb Stuart Volunteer Rescue Squad, where McNabb works, on its social media policy. But most agencies - from Washington state to Michigan to New York - fire those who get vile in public.

I checked in with the National Association of EMTs in Mississippi. Spokeswoman Kathleen Taormina didn't want to get anywhere near McNabb's case but referred me to their code of conduct, which includes this:

"The actions, comments and decisions of EMS personnel should be provided in an environment that respects the diversity of the patients being served. EMS decisions and actions concerning treatment, patient transportation, hospital destination, and ancillary services should be made without bias."

Last summer, a Twitter campaign outed marchers identified in photos from the deadly "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. (McNabb was a proud participant who also tweeted support this week for the man convicted in Heather Heyer's death.)

A hot dog shop worker in California lost his job, and universities condemned the actions of their students identified at the rallies. And some Americans wondered whether public shaming and firing isn't today's flip-side McCarthyism.

But this one is different.

If you've ever chased ambulances - as I did during many years as a crime reporter - you see the important work that first responders do. You also appreciate the vulnerability of people in their care.

They are often bleeding, crying, naked or helpless. EMTs cut away shirts and see bellies and breasts. Pants are removed, things are exposed. I've always been moved by the sight of an EMT - in the heat of calamity and stress - offering compassion by covering someone up, holding a hand or whispering an assurance.

It's impossible to believe that Dr. Narcan - or his creator - can spend so much time dehumanizing, humiliating and hating people, then put a uniform on and treat the targets with respect when their lives depend on him.
It's been more than 30 years since a California condor chick has reached maturity in Santa Barbara County, but last month, a six-month-old condor took flight from its nest in the backcountry of Los Padres National Forest.

Known as condor 933, the chick hatched in late April to a six-year-old mom and a 38-year-old dad, known as AC-4, who was among the last-remaining 22 California condors that scientists captured in the 1980s to create a captive breeding program. AC-4 was released into the wild four years ago, having sired 30 chicks during his time in the California Condor Recovery Program, a multi-entity effort to recover the endangered species.

Condor 933 is the first of AC-4's offspring to successfully leave the nest, as well as the first second-generation wild fledgling in Southern California, officials say.

"This is cause for celebration for everyone dedicated to saving California condors, but is particularly rewarding for us at the Santa Barbara Zoo, as the chick fledged in our 'backyard,'" said Santa Barbara Zoo CEO Rich Block in a statement. The zoo joined the recovery program in 2002 and has focused much of its field conservation efforts on condors and other local endangered and threatened species, Block said.

Scientists consider 2018 a "record-breaking" nesting season for California condors, recording a total of 12  the highest number of nests across the broadest range ever documented in the region, officials said.

Scientists will continue to monitor condor 933 and expect to tag and attach a GPS transmitter to the bird within the next year.

California condors can be found in the mountains of Fresno, Kern, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties.

Their numbers dropped drastically in the mid-20th century, with the number-one killer of the bird being lead poisoning, caused by condors feeding on carcasses with lead bullet fragments. In 1982, only 22 California condors remained in the wild. The population has since grown to 470 birds, half of which are in-captivity, thanks to extensive recovery efforts led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

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Kelsey Rae Zwick and her 11-month-old daughter had pre-boarded their American Airlines plane and settled into their window seat with the baby's oxygen machine when a flight attendant approached her.

The attendant told her that a man in first class was offering to switch seats with them so they could be more comfortable. Stunned, the young mother and her infant made their way to the luxury cabin with the help of the attendant, who gathered up their belongings.

"Not able to hold back tears, I cried my way up the aisle while my daughter Lucy laughed! She felt it in her bones too... real, pure, goodness," Zwick later wrote in a Facebook post.

Zwick and Lucy were traveling from Orlando, where they live, to Philadelphia last Thursday so the infant could be treated for her chronic lung disease at the city's Children's Hospital.

Her interaction with the stranger was brief: "I'm just standing there looking at him saying, 'Thank you, thank you,'" she told WSVN 7 in Miami. "He just quickly smiled and said, 'You're welcome, you're welcome,' and that was it."

Zwick sought the man at the gate after the flight, but couldn't find him. So she took to Facebook to express her gratitude: "Thank you. Not just for the seat itself but for noticing. For seeing us and realizing that maybe things are not always easy," she wrote.

"AA 588 passenger in seat 2D, we truly feel inspired by your generosity."

MORE: United CEO gives up first-class seat to elderly passenger

The post went viral, and eventually she was able to get in contact with the man in 2D.

Thursday had been his birthday, and Zwick said he thanked her for making it a birthday to remember.

---

Read Mike Moffitt's latest stories and send him news tips at mmoffitt@sfchronicle.com.

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BEIJING  China summoned the U.S. ambassador to Beijing on Sunday to protest the detention of an executive of Chinese electronics giant Huawei in Canada at Washingtons behest and demanded Washington cancel an order for her arrest.

The official Xinhua News Agency said Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng lodged solemn representations and strong protests with Ambassador Terry Branstad against the detention of Huaweis chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou. Meng, who is reportedly suspected of trying to evade U.S. trade curbs on Iran, was detained on Dec. 1 while changing planes in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Xinhua report quoted Le as calling Mengs detention extremely egregious and demanded the U.S. vacate an order for her arrest. It quoted Le as calling for the U.S. to immediately correct its wrong actions and said it would take further steps based on Washingtons response.

The move followed the summoning of Canadian Ambassador John McCallum on Saturday over Mengs detention and a similar protest warning of grave consequences if she is not released.

Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and has been the target of deepening U.S. security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government. The U.S. has pressured European countries and other allies to limit use of its technology, warning they could open themselves up to surveillance and information theft.

A Canadian prosecutor urged a Vancouver court to deny bail to Meng, whose case is shaking up U.S.-China relations and spooking global financial markets.

Meng, also the daughter of Huaweis founder, was detained at the request of the U.S. during a layover at the Vancouver airport on the same day that President Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, agreed over dinner to a 90-day cease-fire in a trade dispute that threatens to disrupt global commerce.

The U.S. alleges that Huawei used a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment in Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. It also says that Meng and Huawei misled American banks about its business dealings in Iran.

Christopher Bodeen is an Associated Press writer.
TIJUANA  Before dawn each morning, migrants slip away from a Tijuana shelter within sight of the U.S. border to head to jobs across the sprawling city. Moving alone or in pairs, they are easily recognized by their determined strides as people with someplace to be.

By sunrise, another crowd has gathered at a corner near the shelter to wait for job offers. On a recent morning, a dozen migrants scrambled into the bed of a pickup truck, their enthusiasm bringing a chuckle from the driver. The migrants didnt even know where they were going or when theyd be back  some carried bedrolls  but said the work would be peeling tomatoes.

Facing a likely months-long wait in Tijuana before even getting the chance to request asylum in the United States, many migrants are looking for work. Others who have already decided to stay in Mexico have applied for, and in some cases received, permits to work in Mexico. Its something the Mexican authorities have encouraged all the migrants to do in the hopes that jobs will help them put down roots in Tijuana rather than crossing into the U.S.

In most cases the migrants are relieved to have something that takes them away from the miserable conditions in the overcrowded shelter, where the hours pass slowly, and puts some money in their pockets.

Here you make a little money, said Nelson David Landaverde, a 21-year-old Honduran who was out looking for food for his 16-month old son when someone approached and asked if he wanted to work at a car wash. He didnt think twice. He and his pregnant wife have put their names on an informal list of thousands of potential applicants for asylum in the U.S., but in the meantime hes eager to earn money to make their lives a little easier in Tijuana.

The job pays about 75 cents per car, and by washing as many as 10 cars on a good day he hopes to take in more than Mexicos minimum wage, which is less than $5 a day.

While authorities have closed the shelter near the border and relocated many of the migrants to another more distant shelter, hundreds have refused to leave the old one and are camped outside. The reason many give is that they have found jobs nearby.

Migrants gather at a downtown location to start the paperwork to apply for temporary visas in Mexico that allow them to work legally. Once they get their Mexican identification numbers they can meet with recruiters for assembly plants, where turnover is high and jobs are available.

Baja California state officials say they have identified thousands of jobs that the migrants could apply for.

Attendance at a job fair set up to help the migrants find work has surged since a Nov. 25 march on the U.S. border devolved into chaos when some migrants breached the border and U.S. agents responded by firing tear gas into Mexico. Before the march, only about 100 migrants were showing up each day, a number that has grown to 400-plus or more since.

Christopher Sherman is an Associated Press writer.
This 68-year-old in Mountain City, Tennessee, decided to send a fun snow message to his daughter and her three kids all the way in sunny Austin, Texas.



"Hey guys! Wish you were in Mountain City to enjoy this ride with Papaw!" He says in the video. "Just watch!"



He then slides down the snowy hill while sitting on a green disc, cheering on his way down.



Liz, who shared the video online, said her father sent her the video in the morning. "We are jealous of the snow!" She said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Community Agency for Senior Citizens recently hosted its 19th annual Poetry Contest/Festival in the Old Bermuda Inn, Rossville.

This year, 102 seniors submitted poems for the festival. In exchange, each participant received a copy of all the other poems submitted.

Among this years first-place winners were Patrice Harvey-Livingston in the category Poetry of Art for Fernando Boteros Dancer, Edith Merle in the category Poetry of Happiness for Recipe for Living and Carol C. Gucciardo in the category Poetry of Symbolism for Tree.

The festival was made possible through contributions from John Vincent Scalia, Victory State Bank, the office of Borough President James S. Oddo and Claire Coyle.
Click here for an update to this story.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A police officer was hit with a stray bullet Sunday night after cops opened fire on, and killed a knife-wielding suspect in Fort Wadsworth.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea told reporters at a press conference at Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze that footage taken from the officers' body cameras shows the man attempt get past a woman police believe is his wife repeatedly telling officers to shoot him while he held a 10-inch blade in his hand.

Officers attempted to use a taser to subdue the man, but when that failed they fired approximately 10-12 shots at the man, according to Shea.

The officer, who was shot, is at the hospital, and expected to recover.

The suspect was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, where he was pronounced deceased, according to police.

Neither man has been identified by authorities.

NYPD Commissioner James ONeill said officers were responding to a reported domestic incident involving an intoxicated male at a side apartment on Bridge Court around 9:43 p.m. He could not say whether the deceased had a criminal background.

This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers and challenges our officers face in the line of duty, ONeill said.

Joshua Garcia, a local resident, said he was sitting in his car when the shooting happened.

I just started seeing all these cops cars, Garcia, who didnt hear any gunshots, said. They were going crazy.

Zach Mastrangelo, who is stationed with the Coast Guard at Fort Wadsworth, said he only heard one of the shots as he was returning to his base.

You could imagine what a gunshot would sound like, he said.

Tompkins Avenue was closed between Fingerboard Road and Lyman Avenue as officers investigated the scene.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- No one loves their pastries more than Staten Islanders.

From Cannolis to Napoleons, theres no shortage of bakeries and supermarkets where you can find Italian pastries on Staten Island.

Because these desserts -- and not only those that have roots in Italy -- are so savored, theres a day in honor of them.

National Pastry Day is celebrated each year on Dec. 9.

The pastry is a name given to a large variety of baked goods which are made with ingredients such as flour, sugar, milk, butter, shortening, baking powder, and eggs, said the National Day Calendar website.

Pastry dough is rolled out thinly and then used as a base for different baked products. A few of the more common bakery items include pies, tarts, quiches, and pasties.

The origin of pastries date back to the ancient Mediterranean where they had almost paper-thin, multilayered baklava and Phyllo dough, said the National Day Calendar website.

However, pastry making began in Northern Europe shortly after the Crusaders desired the tasty treats and brought it back from the Mediterranean, the website said.
UPDATE: Cop shot in incident has been identified.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The man killed in a police-involved shooting Sunday night in Fort Wadsworth has been identified.

Faustino Dioso, 50, was fatally shot by police after he allegedly rushed the officers with a knife, according to a law enforcement source.

Neighbors and public records confirmed Dioso as a resident of the home on Bridge Court where two officers responded to a domestic dispute call around 9:43 p.m.

NYPD Commissioner James ONeill told reporters at a press conference early Monday morning in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, that the NYPD has two domestic incident reports on record for the home. Neighbors told the Advance they have seen cop cars at the house before.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said that footage taken from the officers' body cameras shows the man attempt get past a woman police believe is his wife, repeatedly telling officers to shoot him while he held a 10-inch blade in his hand.

SHOOTING UPDATE: Cop shot, man killed and more details from Ford Wadsworth chaos Posted by Staten Island Advance on Sunday, December 9, 2018

The weapon also had a 4-inch handle, according to police.

Officers attempted to use a stun gun to subdue him, but when that failed they fired approximately 10 to 12 shots, according to Shea.

A 26-year-old police officer who was shot in the incident is in Staten Island University Hospital, and is expected to recover. Police have not identified the officer.

The man shot by police was taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

Mayor Bill de Blasio visited the officer Monday morning, but did not speak with the press. A spokesman for his office declined comment, but said a statement would be released.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The principal of PS 20 in Port Richmond has pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge following an alleged drunken driving incident in June.

Marie Munoz, 50, of Elizabeth, N.J., struck a deal in Richmond County Criminal Court in exchange for a 90-day suspension of her license and a $300 fine, sources told the Advance. She also had to attend a victim impact panel for drunken driving, according to a spokesman for the district attorneys office.

PS 20 Principal Marie Munoz pleaded to disorderly conduct in Richmond County Criminal Court after being charged in June with driving while intoxicated.Staff-Shot

Police said the school administrator was arrested just after 11:30 p.m. June 22 near the intersection of Forest Avenue and Manor Road. Sources said she was on her way home from an end-of-the-year party in the Staaten, West Brighton.

In exchange for her plea, Munoz will be sentenced to a conditional discharge.

She remains the principal of PS 20.

Neither Munoz nor her attorney responded Monday to a request for comment.

A Department of Education spokesman said officials will review the final outcome of the case and determine any appropriate follow-up action."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 23-year-old woman on Monday became the latest defendant to admit guilt stemming from the takedown last year of a wide-ranging operation that peddled drugs in several North Shore communities.

Beatrice Adegbenro pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to two felony counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, along with one count of first-degree perjury to satisfy charges in three indictments.

Adegbenro admitted to selling cocaine on Nov. 16, 2016, and to peddling heroin five days later.

She also admitted to testifying falsely at a proceeding in which she swore to tell the truth in March 2017.

Adegbenro was among 15 suspects arrested in late June of last year after an 11-month investigation dubbed Operation "Final Kut."

A number of the defendants have since pleaded guilty to drug or conspiracy charges.

Authorities said the suspects were part of a violent ring that sold heroin, fentanyl, suboxone (buprenorphine) and cocaine in and around New Brighton, West Brighton and Port Richmond.

The synthetic opioid fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than the heroin it is typically mixed with. However, some of the defendants sold straight fentanyl, prosecutors said.

One defendant, Stephen Cummings, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter for allegedly selling a lethal dose of fentanyl to a 52-year-old victim in December 2016.

Cummings, 33, is mulling an offer that calls for him to plead guilty to the manslaughter charge and a felony drug-sale charge in exchange for a six-year prison sentence.

His case is pending in state Supreme Court, St. George.

Cummings was the first person charged with manslaughter in New York City for allegedly selling the illegal drugs that caused a victims fatal overdose.

In exchange for her pleas, Adegbenro will be sentenced Jan. 29 to three years in prison and two years post-release supervision for each drug conviction and to one to three years for the perjury conviction.

The sentences will run concurrently.

The defendant, who wore a gray hooded coat Monday, stood with her hands clasped behind her during the proceeding.

She made no statement beyond admitting guilt and responding to procedural questions.

She remains free on $10,000 bond.

Public records show most recent addresses in Mariners Harbor for Adegbenro.

Biju Koshy, her lawyer, declined comment on the case.

Assistant District Attorney Michele Molfetta is prosecuting it.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Speaking to reporters at the White House on Oct. 2, President Trump said it's "a very scary time for young men in America."

He was right on the money.

While Trump's remark came in response to the unsubstantiated allegations of sexual abuse made against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, it applies with particular force to male college students throughout the country today.

While sexual assaults against women on college campuses should be severely punished, the rights of the accused to defend themselves must be protected with equal vigor.

That would be self-evident in any other context. Today, however, many college administrators, like their counterparts in other businesses and industries, seem to be operating on the principle that if a woman makes a sexual abuse allegation against a man, it must be accorded the strongest presumption of truthfulness.

Part of the problem is that they, themselves, are being targeted for derision and, often enough, legal action, if they fail to approach complaints with that mentality.

A large part of the blame for that falls on the Obama administration which, in 2011, issued interpretations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that have little regard for the rights of accused students.

A recent New York case involves a young man who certainly appears to have been railroaded by administrators at the State University of New York at Potsdam.

THE FACTS

On Sept. 7, 2014, Benjamin Haug, a freshman at the upstate school, ran into a female student with whom he had been friends for several years. The two proceeded to have sex in her dormitory room. Shortly thereafter, she reported to campus police that she had been sexually assaulted. This despite admitting that she had not declined to have sex nor made any "gesture saying that [the sexual encounter] wasn't welcome." She also refused to reveal the identity of her alleged assailant or submit to a sexual assault examination.

After an anonymous tip subsequently identified Haug as the alleged perpetrator, he was charged with sexual misconduct in violation of SUNY's code of student rights, responsibilities and conduct.

Following a disciplinary hearing at which the woman did not appear, a Hearing Board found Haug guilty and recommended that he be suspended for the remainder of the semester. His appeal to SUNY's Appellate Board was not only summarily rejected but resulted in an unexplained recommendation that his punishment be increased to expulsion.

After SUNY's President, Kristen Esterberg, did, indeed, expel him, Haug initiated legal action to annul the determination and reinstate him to the school.

COURT RULINGS

On April 6, 2017, the Albany-based Appellate Division, Third Department, granted his petition, criticizing the manner in which the school had conducted the disciplinary hearing.

The court noted that Haug never had a chance to confront and cross-examine his accuser because she never even appeared. Instead, the case against him was based entirely on the hearsay statements allegedly made by the woman to third persons. Included in those statements was an admission that when Haug suggested that they have sex, she responded by taking her shirt off.

And while she told a third party that she "froze up" and otherwise "did not respond" to his advances, there was no evidence of how, if at all, her claimed inner turmoil was actually conveyed to Haug, or that he should otherwise have been aware of it. The court also noted with disapproval that the college had apparently increased the penalty from suspension to expulsion merely because Haug exercised his right to appeal.

Haug's victory was short-lived, however, as on Oct. 18, 2018, the New York Court of Appeals overturned the Appellate Division ruling and affirmed the college's decision to expel him. The state's highest court cited the well-established principle that the findings of an administrative decision-maker, such as the college here, must be accorded substantial deference.

MINIMAL STANDARD

Hence, if there is any rational view of the evidence that would support those findings, a court is powerless to overturn them even if the court itself disagrees with them. The standard for upholding such findings is, therefore, minimal, and the Court of Appeals concluded that the hearsay evidence introduced against Haug was sufficient to meet it.

The case against Haug was extremely weak. That he was nevertheless adjudged guilty and expelled, with all the negative consequences to his life and reputation, seems more like the machinations of a star chamber than a public college operating on American soil.

Recently, in an effort to restore fundamental fairness to the college disciplinary process, several schools have amended their procedures to require that accused students have the right to cross-examine their accusers. That same right is being embodied at the national level in new guidelines announced by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to replace the Obama-era interpretation of Title IX.

As the Haug case graphically illustrates, these changes are sorely needed.
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Three of Australia's biggest banks, Westpac, ANZ and NAB, could face strikes against their remuneration reports over the next week with industry super funds and proxy advisors leading the protest against a bonus culture which has survived the fallout of the banking royal commission.

Westpac will already be in possession of the proxy votes ahead of its annual shareholder meeting in Perth on Wednesday.

Influential proxy firm International Shareholder Services (ISS) has recommended a vote against its remuneration report, and against NAB's next Wednesday.

ACSI chief executive Louise Davidson. Credit:Jesse Marlow

Ownership Matters, which advises super funds on corporate governance issue, has recommended a vote against all three banks, but ANZ could be saved from a strike against its remuneration report after receiving the support of ISS and CGI Glass Lewis ahead of its shareholder meeting next Wednesday.
Tokyo: Prosecutors have charged Nissan Motor's former chairman Carlos Ghosn, another executive and the automaker itself for allegedly violating financial laws by under-reporting income.

The charges imposed on Monday involve allegations Ghosn's pay was under-reported by about 5 billion yen ($61.3 million) in 2011-2015. The prosecutors said earlier that the allegations were the reason for Ghosn's arrest on November 19.

The arrest of an industry icon admired both in Japan and around the world has stunned many and raised concerns over the Japanese automaker and the future of its alliance with Renault SA of France.

The prosecutors issued statements on Monday outlining new allegations against Ghosn and Greg Kelly, the other executive. Those are of underreporting another 4 billion yen ($49 million) in 2016-2018. Nissan as a company was not mentioned in the latest allegations, which did not give details about the income thought to have been under-reported.
The tax office will gain an unprecedented view of small business superannuation payments after legislation extending single-touch payroll was agreed upon in the Senate last week, opening up new penalties for those who don't pay their workers the superannuation guarantee.

But while the changes are designed to shore up the multi-billion dollar superannuation payments shortfall, they won't address the deeper concerns smaller operators have about the system, says the country's peak small business organisation.

Council of Small Business Australia chief executive Peter Strong says the changes won't address the biggest pain points smaller operators feel on superannuation. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The fourth set of amendments to Treasury Laws was agreed to in the Senate last week, securing two significant changes affecting how business super payments are recorded.

The extension of single-touch payroll to all employers by July 1, 2019 means businesses will have to report salary and superannuation payments to the ATO in real time.
Small businesseses say there is little transparency from social media sites on how they rank paid advertising, and the ACCC's suggestion of a digital platforms ombudsman would help level the playing field when resolving disputes with the likes of Facebook and Google.

Companies with smaller advertising spends often don't have a point of contact to resolve disputes, says founder of CP Communications, Catriona Pollard, and are often in the dark over how the tech giants' algorithims rank their advertising.

Catriona Pollard says small businesses often have "zero bargaining power" when buying advertising from big providers. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

"Its quite hard to understand how the algorithms work, and what to do if you want to complain. There is often literally nowhere to go," said founder of PR firm CP Communications, Catriona Pollard.

As well as being a small business owner herself, Ms Pollard regularly sets up her client's social media spending strategies, often with amounts as small as $1000 a month.
The federal government, through the Minister for Small Business Senator Michaelia Cash, has announced $3.8m funding to help focus on the mental health of the self-employed.

This is a great decision. But it has taken many years to get the recognition that a self-employed person is just that, a person, with all the same health issues as the other group of people in the workplace, employees. We are all people.

Senator Michaelia Cash announced a small business mental health package on Sunday. Credit:AAP

Some six years ago there was a day when the needs of the self-employed reached a low point when it came to health. In those days the Department of Health, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and even peak employer groups did not recognise self-employed as people. It was on that day I received a visit from a representative from the department of health who asked me to sign a joint statement about healthy workplaces.

The statement mentioned employees and workers and the responsibilities of employers. I asked why there was no mention of the health of the self-employed? There were some 2.5 million Australians in workplaces who were invisible as human beings to the department of health and peak industry bodies. Why?
British actor Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in the Lord of the Rings movies, has brought his most famous character back to life to mercilessly mock UK Prime Minister Theresa May over her controversial Brexit deal.

Dressed as May in a blue jacket and grey wig, with painted red nails, Serkis-as-Gollum-as-May hilariously battles himself over the Brexit strategy and perfectly sums up the conflicted public opinion of the deal that many  including Sir Richard Branson  have labelled a disaster.

With his trademark scratchy voice, gurgling and split personality just as disconcerting as in the Lord of the Ring films, "Gollum" parodies May for close to three minutes, starting off with "bad" May describing the Brexit deal as "precious".

"Our agreement. This is it. Our deal! Yes. We takes back control - money, borders, laws... blue passportses," Serkis says, as May.
The government will consider setting up a safe injecting room in Canberra in response to a rise in opioid-related deaths.

But it appears to have taken a step back from investigating raising the smoking age and banning smoking from prisons, with both not explicitly mentioned in the drug strategy report released on Tuesday.

The government will investigate setting up a safe injecting room in Canberra. Credit:Wolter Peeters

The long awaited ACT Drug Strategy Action Plan outlined 43 "priority actions" over the next three years to tackle the harms from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The government released a draft report earlier this year, but a safe injecting room was not mentioned.
A Canberra court was shown footage on Monday of a violent altercation in the Alexander Maconochie Centre last year in which a man was stabbed.

Convicted killer Kai Yuen, 34, appeared in the ACT Supreme Court for a sentence hearing for recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm on a fellow inmate.

Yuen, appearing in court in a dark grey suit flanked by corrections officers, had earlier pleaded guilty to the attack which took place in November last year.

The court was shown graphic footage in which Yuen and the other detainee can be seen throwing punches at each other before the other detainee is seen wiping blood from his face and leg.
Few military aircraft have ever been as roundly condemned before they ever even left the ground than the F-35 joint strike fighter.

The fifth generation fighter bomber, which marries stealth technology with capabilities straight out of science fiction, was always going to be the subject of friendly fire for a whole range of reasons.

The first was that as the product of the most expensive weapons development program in history, with an estimated cost well in excess of one trillion dollars to build and maintain, it was always a large target.

The second was that thanks to a unique global marketing program that saw international customers signed up on a sight unseen basis on the understanding they would get a slice of the construction pie, it has given Lockheed Martin the closest thing to a monopoly on combat aircraft the western world has ever seen.
Do you know more? Contact daniella.white@fairfaxmedia.com.au confidentially. Partially redacted emails in March from clinical director of the hospital's neonatal department, Dr Hazel Carlisle, showed she was concerned X-rays from the neonatal intensive care unit were being reported offsite despite an agreement made in August 2017 that infants' reports would be done onsite. The emails said the agreement not to send out babies' reports came out of a root cause analysis - which is an investigation into a serious incident - but the details of the case it related to were redacted. Dr Carlisle said external providers did not have enough clinical details or previous X-rays to compare to and it was difficult to get timely reports. "This has not yet been actioned," Dr Carlisle said. "I have contacted Mark Duggan again but I thought I should update you also as I believe it is a risk to the department."

In an email in April she reiterated her concerns babies' X-rays were still being reported on offsite. "Radiology support for NICU [the neonatal intensive care unit] is becoming a major problem," Dr Carlisle said. Loading "How can we escalate further to get some resolution. "Do we need to consider sending neonatal MRIs to Sydney?"

Other emails obtained detailed clinicians urging management to create an urgent list of reports that needed to be prioritised, and concerns the hospital planned to use offsite reporting as an ongoing strategy. "I'm also unsure if we would be classed as a tertiary hospital (or be doing adequate services to the public) without on-site radiology and I suspect this raises a host of other complex issues which only management could appreciate," a registrar said in an email. Medical imaging director Mark Duggan denied offsite reading of scans was an ongoing strategy or a replacement for staff specialists, saying instead it was a necessary way to deal with staff absences and unplanned leave. I'm unsure if we would be classed as a tertiary hospital without on-site radiology Hospital registrar "I don't want to send out studies to Everlight but I have a responsibility to ensure we continue to provide a service," he said in the emails.

Clinical director of radiology Stuart Berry outlined short and long-term alternative solutions to using the outside provider, including filling unfilled radiology positions and making an urgent list of scans to be prioritised. The clinical director of oncology, Desmond Yip, raised his concerns in March 2018 about significant delays in the reporting of oncology patients' MRIs and that offsite reporting was an ongoing strategy for the Canberra Hospital. He asked for urgent reports to be reported on urgently. Dr Yip cited a recent case where an urgent scan was not reported on for a number of days and the patient was later found to have a imminent spinal cord compression. We have found that we are not able to get back easily to the radiologist who may be in another part of the world Clinical director of oncology Desmond Yip

Such conditions involve a tumour pressing on the spinal cord, usually require urgent treatment and can result in paralysis. "We would object to [offsite reporting] as being a solution to improve the turnaround times," Dr Yip said in the email. "We have found that we are not able to get back easily to the radiologist who may be in another part of the world to discuss the case and they also do not usually have access to the prior imaging in order to do a comparison for us." In response Mr Duggan said there were only a few studies sent offsite purely to manage the unplanned leave situation. Dr Berry told Dr Yip radiologists strongly wanted to report the MRI and CT studies inhouse for patient safety.

The patient safety implications of a bashed out report from a distance are well documented Clinical director of radiology Stuart Berry Dr Berry said insufficient staff, a decision not to recruit for vacant 2.5 full time equivalent radiologists and years of historic leave were making it difficult. "The patient safety implications of a bashed out report from a distance are well documented," Dr Berry said. He again urged the created of an urgent scans list as a short-term solution. The Canberra Times asked Mr Bone whether the outsourcing of radiology had affected patient care.

He did not answer the question directly, instead saying it was a recognised strategy of many hospitals. The dedicated urgent list requested a number of times by clinicians has since been developed, but Mr Bone did not answer questions about when. "[Canberra Health Services] has a very robust contract in place with the off-site provider," Mr Bone said. "This contract has always included the reading of urgent images. "There is a requirement for the off-site provider to read urgent images and provide a report within 90 minutes.

"[Canberra Health Services] has no concerns about the off-site providers performance against this requirement." While the offsite reading of scans was originally claimed to be only a very short-term stop-gap measure, Mr Bone said he expected it would continue into next year to account for staff shortages and sick leave. He said three new radiologists had recently been appointed, with a new round of recruiting underway which will greatly reduce the need to use external agencies. "We have already received a significant number of applications for this round of recruitment," Mr Bone said. When asked what had been done regarding the death of a baby raised by Mrs Dunne in the Legislative Assembly, he said images from the neo-natal intensive care unit were no longer sent off-site.
A local prosecutor with more than 16 years of experience was announced Tuesday as the new ACT Director of Public Prosecutions.

The appointment of Shane Drumgold, who is currently deputy director of the ACT office, was welcomed by the legal community who recognised his significant professional and life experience.

And the man who he will succeed in the role, Jon White SC, said Mr Drumgold had forged a reputation during his career as a fearless and scrupulously fair advocate.

The new ACT DPP Shane Drumgold. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

He said his deputy's appointment as the new director was a vote of confidence in the office.
At one of his other venues, Mezzalira, theres a page of Clonakilla shiraz viognier verticals back to 2006 and a five-course Italian tasting menu matched with local Canberra wines, both of which are also very popular. What hes drinking now: Barbarescos are always a treat, wines that are great value, versatile and flexible, they can be as light as you want them to be, or as powerful as any good burgundy. Its all about the tannins and the structure and how it marries with the food. The winemaker Nick OLeary, Nick OLeary Wines Nick O'Leary: "2018 is probably one of the best vintages Ive seen." Credit:Jamila Toderas

2018 was a successful year for OLeary. James Halliday gave him five red stars (the highest rating) in his Wine Companion and listed the vineyard as one of the top 10 best value wineries in the country. And his 2018 White Rocks riesling also took out best white wine of the show at the NSW Wine Awards. There are expansion plans out at the Wallaroo estate as well. Hes doubling the size of the production facility and planting another five hectares of grapes. We can't get enough riesling from the district, we're short and we can't buy it so we have to grow it ourselves, he says. OLeary says its been a great vintage for the whole Canberra district.

Probably one of the best vintages Ive seen. We had really nice, even, weather, we didn't have too many hot days, we had rain at the right times, it was an easy growing season and there was not much disease pressure in the vineyards. Varieties were coming off in the order that they should, we didn't have reds and whites coming off the vine in the same week like we did in previous seasons. Hes been impressed by all the 20187 rieslings hes tasted. It just shows Canberra district riesling at its best, very pure, sort of lime and lemon flavours coming through, they can be drunk now but they're going to live in the cellar for a long period of time as well.

What hes drinking now: We're big champagne drinkers in our household. We go through a fair bit of champagne, growers champagne and anything that we can get our hands on really. I love Clare Valley rieslings as well, Ill be drinking those over the summer for sure. The brewer Richard Watkins, Bentspoke Richard Watkins: "We've got some great beer in our own backyard." Watkins isnt afraid to admit 2018 has been a testing year. Bentspoke has grown from a staff of 45, employing 30 more people to meet production demands. But theres no problem that cant be solved over a few beers.

As a brewing team we get together and talk about wanting to always enjoy our own beers, its an important part of what we do, he says. Hes pleased the Canberra brewery is starting to be recognised nationally, in the Beer Cartel 2018 Craft Beer Survey, Bentspoke ranked sixth nationally. But at the same time weve had better support than ever from the Canberra community. From deals with Canberras W-League team, to a beer that celebrated our relationship with sister city Wellington, Bentspoke was always in the news. The Brew Pub in Braddon continues to go from strength to strength as well, with 18 varieties of beer and cider on tap and a menu that continues to surprise.

The zucchini and mint fritters never fail to please nor do the grain crusted hot wings which are coated in malted brewers grain Theres a new beer for summer too, Easy, with a 3.2abv. Its a cleansing ale, an easy drinking mid-strength beer with tropical fruit hop aromas and a clean finish, Watkins says. What hes drinking now: Im loving what Stone and Wood are doing, and Balter are making some quality beers. But weve got some good beer in our own backyard. Wade Hurley is doing a great job at Capital Brewing making some really interesting beers. The distillers

Toby Angstmann and Claudia Roughley, Underground Spirits Brother and sister owners of Underground Spirits Distillery, Toby Angstmann and Claudia Roughley. Credit:Elesa Kurtz The team at Underground Spirits say 2018 has been a great year, its only their second if you can believe that, given their market success and community support. Were enjoying the process of moving from being the new kids on the block to a more established part of the scene, says Angstmann. We've had some great success with our rebranding, with the Canberra focussed labels, and we've been smashed by people who love gin and thats great.

Hes enjoying collaborations with local producers, the coffee vodka produced with Bellerophon back in August was a great success and look out for some whiskey produced with the help of local barley and wheat growers. We've got some interesting navy strength gin coming in 2019, which will be something different for us and we're looking at potentially playing with some pre-mix stuff as well, he says. Were growing our line, focussing on quality over quantity, and mixing things up. Roughley, the Spirits CEO says the company tagline this year was the spirit of Canberra and shes pleased thats where the company is positioned. Weve got people talking about us, she says, people behind us, it does feel like we're the talk of the town at the moment, we're riding high.
Up to 60 per cent of planned caesarean sections are being performed before "full term" without a medical reason despite mounting evidence of the risks, from respiratory problems to poorer school performance, a new report shows.

The Third Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation has found wide disparities in the provision of treatments such as antibiotics in children, colonoscopy and gastroscopy across the country and also places the spotlight on caesarean section births.

Babies should be delivered after 39 weeks for better health outcomes.

For a long time, doctors considered 37 to 41 weeks of gestation "full term" but new evidence has prompted the definition to be tightened to between 39 and 41 weeks.

The report, to be released by Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on Tuesday, found up to 60 per cent of planned caesarean sections are occurring before 39 weeks and up to 22 per cent before 37 weeks for no good reason and against guidelines.
It was claimed that without this bill, law enforcement agencies face risks of going dark  a term used by the FBI to describe when communications cant be intercepted. Labor MP Peter Khalil told Parliament: "Weve heard  that members of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security have heard evidence from security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies about the risks of the surveillance environment going dark because of some of this technology where terrorists, paedophiles, organised crime and drug traffickers all utilise encrypted technologies and applications for their communications and their planning." In practice, the picture for law enforcement is more grey than completely dark.

Israeli company NSO Group already sells spyware that is reportedly able to gain full access to iPhone and Android smartphones. It is almost certain that Australian intelligence and some law enforcement bodies have software with similar capabilities.

Loading But this type of spyware relies on accidental security flaws in Android and iOS, which may be fixed by updates from Google or Apple at any time. There has been considerable debate as to how effective the bill will be in enabling access to end-to-end encrypted messaging, were a warrant to be issued. In my opinion, a law enforcement body could use capabilities gained from issuing technical capability notices to get access to just about anything on a standard smartphone or PC, including end-to-end encrypted messages. This would be the case even if the encrypted messaging system was developed by a foreign company beyond the direct reach of Australian law. A technical capability notice could be used to compel the supplier of system software for a smartphone or PC (for instance, Google, Apple, Microsoft, a smartphone hardware manufacturer, or even an Australian telecommunications company that distributes custom firmware for the phones it sells) to hide spyware in an update targeted at a specific smartphone or computer user who is the subject of a law enforcement warrant or an ASIO investigation.

Loading The spyware would be able to see everything done on the device. This includes the contents of end-to-end encrypted messages after they are decrypted, or the decrypted contents of a hard disk encrypted using full disk encryption. But while the act is an extremely powerful tool for law enforcement seeking help to access encrypted information, there will be circumstances where it will not be effective. Not every system that can be used to run an end-to-end encrypted messaging system has an Australian corporate or individual presence that can be served with a technical capability notice. In theory, only law enforcement and intelligence agencies will be able to gain access to material through the mechanisms detailed in the new law.

The law specifically prohibits the creation of systemic vulnerabilities. That includes changes to systems that might allow hackers to gain access to information from other users of the system. But it is extraordinarily difficult to create mechanisms that allow law enforcement to gain access to information about specific people from specific systems, while posing no risk that anyone else can use the same mechanism to gain unauthorised access to other information. In other words, a targeted capability could easily end up becoming a systemic vulnerability. Access tools used by intelligence agencies have been stolen and used in extremely damaging ways in the past. Its impossible to guarantee that it wont happen with the access mechanisms created under this law. One major concern with the bill is its potential effect on parts of the Australian IT industry, as foreign customers may be concerned that their own secrets may not be protected from Australian governments. This may pose a particular problem for companies selling into the European Union, where a strict data privacy law known as the General Data Protection Regulation applies.
When Sean Spicer took the gig that took him to Donald Trumps White House, he retained enough selfawareness to ask: If I do this, will I ever be able to work again?

The answer, somehow, is yes.

The former POTUS press secretary is due in Sydney this week to speak to investors and we hear at least two big-name fund managers will be well and truly represented.

Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit:

First off the rank, Kerr Neilsons Platinum Asset Management.
Former Canterbury Council planning boss Spiro Stavis had not been the most qualified candidate when he was interviewed for the role, as far as the council's general manager, Jim Montague, was concerned.

But Mr Montague told a corruption inquiry that Mr Stavis had presented confidently and had experience as a planning consultant, so he reckoned he was "worth a punt".

Former Canterbury Council general manager Jim Montague after an earlier ICAC hearing in October. Credit:Wolter Peeters

He said he arrived at that decision after councillors Michael Hawatt and Pierre Azzi made it clear Mr Montague's pick for the job  a woman with experience in a senior council planning role  wouldn't get a look-in.

The alleged involvement of councillors in Mr Stavis' appointment and the way he conducted himself in that role are under the spotlight of the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Rugby league player Jarryd Hayne has appeared at Sydney's Burwood Local Court where his lawyer said he maintained his innocence and would be pleading not guilty to rape.

Accompanied by his mother and manager Wayne Beavis, Mr Hayne arrived at the courthouse shortly after 9am on Monday, dressed in a suit and black sunglasses.

Jarryd Hayne arrives at Burwood Local Court for a committal hearing on an aggravated sexual assault charge. Credit:Jessica Hromas

He was charged with aggravated sexual assault last month, after he allegedly bit a woman on her genital area, causing severe bleeding that required her to seek medical attention.

There was standing room only in the packed courtroom before registrar Brenda Ibbotson, where Mr Hayne's barrister Richard Pontello said the former Parramatta Eels fullback "maintains his innocence and maintains he will be pleading not guilty".
One of the largest privatisations under the state's Coalition government will come under intense scrutiny after the competition watchdog launched legal action against NSW Ports for striking alleged anti-competitive deals with the state.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is alleging that entering agreements containing provisions, which would effectively compensate Sydney's Port Botany and Illawarra's Port Kembla if the Port of Newcastle built a container terminal, was "anti-competitive and illegal".

The Coalition government privatised Port Botany and Port Kembla in 2013 and the agreements  known as port commitment deeds  were struck as part of the $5 billion deal for a period of 50 years.

The deeds oblige the NSW government to compensate the operators of Port Botany and Port Kembla if more than 30,000 containers are transported each year though the Port of Newcastle, itself privatised in 2013.
Alan Laird got such bad blisters on his feet walking from Sydney to Mount Kosciuszko he had to resort to wearing Crocs for a day.

Mr Laird and other protesters have spent over a month marching from Sydney to Australia's rooftop to protest against the laws protecting feral horses in the national park.

A group of protesters from Save Kosci reach the top of Mount Kosciuszko on Saturday, December 8 to protest against wild horses in the park. Credit:Finbar O'Mallon

Scientists found feral horses, and other feral animals, were damaging Kosciuszko's riverbanks, spreading weeds, destroying habitats for native wildlife and polluting waterways and bogs.

One of the few who walked the full distance, Mr Laird said it was challenging, exciting and hard work.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most controversial artworks in Australian history  the wrapping of Little Bay. Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude teamed up to cover a 2.5 kilometre stretch of our coastline for a work that immediately polarised audiences.

What was Wrapped Coast, One Million Square Feet, Little Bay, Sydney, Australia trying to say? Was it brilliant? Was it barmy? Was it a work of rare genius?

Wrapped Coast by Christo, pictured, and Jenne-Claude, 1969, Little Bay, Sydney.

What everyone could agree on, however, is that it was brave.

Reading art collector and philanthropist John Kaldors role in the piece and his recollections of the collaboration in the Herald reminded me of the power of the work. Sadly, it also reminded me that we appear to be losing our courage when it comes to public art.
The operator of an optometry business in south-west Sydney has been jailed for at least three years for defrauding Medicare by more than $4 million.

Tisha Thi Thi Phan, owner of I Design Optical stores in Macquarie Fields and Minto, submitted almost 30,000 claims for more than 49,000 optometry services that were not actually provided to patients over an 18-month period between October 2013 and March 2015.

Phan, 37, used the Medicare provider numbers of six optometrists who worked for the business to lodge services falsely for more than 5000 patients, or other people who were named on the Medicare cards of patients, recorded in the business' database.

"The six optometrists employed by the business were unaware that their Medicare provider numbers were being used to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare," a statement of agreed facts seen by the Herald says.

"Many of the fraudulent claims were for optometry services purportedly provided to patients on days those optometrists were not working."
Gold Coast City Council will spend the next 12 weeks investigating a renewed push to get a cable car project airborne between Mudgeeraba and Springbrook as a major tourism initiative.

It is the latest example of a 20-year wish to build a Gold Coast equivalent to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway between Smithfield and Kuranda, north of Cairns.

The popular Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Gold Coast council chief executive officer Dale Dickson is expected present a report to the council on the recommended way forward by April.

The broad suggestion is for an hour-long cable car journey up into the Gold Coast hinterland near Springbrook.
But something is missing. The curve model barely features in images on her own. Each time she features, shes flanked by a petite model. At first glances, it might look like an equality win, as if the models are on an equal footing in Showpos books, but keep scrolling. Of Showpos hundreds of Instagram posts over the past four months, many are of petite models on their own. Only four images have featured a curve model on her own. Sure, its not an overt failure in curve marketing but the constant stream of side-by-side shots of the petite and curve model come across as tokenistic, as if the brand is desperate to tell shoppers: Not to worry girls! It comes in petite too!. How hard is it to post solo images of the curve model, when the petite models are featured on their own in thousands upon thousands of posts?

This kind of body representation matters. More images of women of different body sizes can alter how women view themselves and help reduce body dissatisfaction. Two weeks ago, I messaged the retailer on Instagram, asking why it wouldnt feature curve models on their own. This was the reply: At Showpo, we dont believe in PR stunts or comparison - We just want women of different sizes to know that we support them by offering a broader size range than most. I will pass this feedback onto our team for them to consider. Four days later, Showpo uploaded an image of a curve model, on her own. The fourth in four months.

When I spoke with founder Jane Lu on Friday, she said more posts of the curve model on her own were scheduled "actually for this weekend", images that "were meant to go up last week". Sure enough, two new images of curve models on their own featured over the weekend. But why didn't this happen earlier? "We've definitely got some [of the curve model on her own] but it just doesn't get as much engagement. We're trying to increase our engagement. Engagement tells you what your customers want to see," Lu said. These images don't achieve the same number of likes and comments that the other images do. So, do the customers want to see the petite model? "Yes, because she gets engagement," Lu said. Sure, the retailer doesnt have a specific responsibility to act as warriors of inclusion, but with a following of 1.5 million, its does wield a degree of influence. And if it is already selling curve fashion, why not sell the whole image?

But this raises another question: should brands be accountable in this way? According to Lu, establishing the curve line wasn't easy. "We don't have our own factory, so we're not as vertical as we'd like. So it's been all about assisting manufacturers because they don't have the size range we want," said Lu. "Creating the bigger size isn't just proportionately bigger, it's the length. And we wanted to make it fit well. Even to have something we were happy with took a lot of back and forth." She also conducted market research, surveying women who said existing retailers did not make "the best shapes and latest styles in bigger sizes". These women also said: "Why should brands dictate to us what we get to wear?" In the end, Lu's creation of the curve line was about "putting the decision back on the customer".
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton was involved in a major murder investigation that used Informer 3838, while also developing strategies to protect the police force and the government in the event of a royal commission into police corruption.

Police affidavits obtained by The Age reveal the extensive involvement of Mr Ashton and current Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius in the ill-fated Briars investigation, including a string of highly secretive meetings of which no records were kept.

Mr Cornelius and then deputy commissioner Simon Overland were part of a special advisory group to Operation Briars, which considered potential scenarios including ''a catastrophic leak or the potential of one of the witnesses being identified and killed."

The advisory group discussed appointing Frank Costigan, QC, who had previously served as a royal commissioner, to provide guidance and "help test our thinking."
A Melbourne family has been dealt a triple blow with callous looters stealing their Christmas presents and family heirlooms a day after their home was gutted by a fire capped off by a distressing airline bungle.

Sam Taylor, who was in Hong Kong visiting her sick father when her Armadale home caught fire on Saturday morning, was told by Qantas that she would need to cough up an extra $500 to get home to her family despite buying a flexible ticket.

Sam Taylor inside her home which was destroyed by fire. Credit:Simon Schluter

Ms Taylor's husband Ben was home with their two young daughters when he woke on Saturday morning to a jogger yelling "fire".

Seeing flames in the air-conditioning unit, he grabbed his young daughters and rushed them outside. Minutes later, the roof collapsed and the home was engulfed.
Police from Northampton, Kalbarri and Geraldton have located a missing nine-year-old boy after hours combing bushland in Western Australia's Mid West.

Tye.

At 7pm on Monday, State Emergency Services volunteers aboard a search plane sighted Tye in an isolated area near a riverbed near North West Coastal Highway outside Ajana, a town about 50 kilometres north of Northampton.

He responded by waving to the aircraft and the air crew were able to direct an SES ground crew to his location.

St John Ambulance paramedics assessed the boy, who was understood to be dehydrated but otherwise in good health.
A bold new plan by the state government to intervene in WA's rock lobster industry is expected to create 500 extra jobs and pump more than a billion dollars back into the economy  but lobster fishers say the interference isn't wanted.

Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly formally announced the government's "development package" on Monday, with the commercial catch limit to increase from 6300 tonnes to 8000 tonnes.

Rock lobster retail at $90 a kilogram uncooked. Credit:Henrique Kwong

Those with an existing western rock lobster license can also expect an increase in their catch allocation by 315 tonnes. The remaining 1385 tonnes will be available to the state government to sell off.

The package is aimed at pushing rock lobster in local WA markets rather than overseas, where the majority of the state's supply is sold.
Political leaders are being urged to reject "dog whistles" that fuel anxiety about migration in a new call from employers citing a $9.7 billion budget gain from the steady arrival of skilled foreign workers.

Business groups are calling for a new approach to population policy including a bipartisan group to guide future decisions, arguing the nation needs a "bold and outward-looking" vision rather than cuts to migration.

The new call heightens pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state leaders to recognise the need for migrants to boost economic growth when they meet in Adelaide on Wednesday to discuss the permanent migration intake.

Population policy is at the top of the agenda at a Council of Australian Governments meeting that will also deal with drought, violence against women, early childhood education, Indigenous affairs and national security.
The Morrison government is escalating its attacks on Labor over a draft law to transfer sick asylum seekers to Australia, warning the changes need a character test to give ministers the power to turn away known criminals.

Immigration Minister David Coleman called on Labor to apply the character test to its plan or explain how the draft law could be used to stop those with criminal histories from entering the country.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Immigration Minister David Coleman. Credit:John Veage

But Labor is insisting there are no holes in the draft law passed by the Senate last week to allow doctors to recommend the medical transfer of asylum seekers from Nauru and Manus Island, subject to security safeguards.

The dispute over the fine print of the bill is growing ahead of a debate in the House of Representatives in February, when the government is worried it could lose the vote against Labor, the Greens and most of the crossbench.
Industrial Relations Minister Kelly O'Dwyer is set to unveil a bold plan to stop casual workers from "double dipping" on loadings and entitlements, while promising to codify the right to convert to permanent employment.

On Tuesday, the minister will recommend that the Governor-General create a regulation to ensure that employers caught by the WorkPac v Skene judgment will not have to pay workers twice for the same entitlement, as foreshadowed by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on Monday.

Industrial Relations Minister Kelly O'Dwyer is set to unveil her plan to address casual worker entitlements on Tuesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The new regulation will provide that employers found to have wrongly categorised employees as casual workers will be able to ask the court to offset casual loadings already paid, against any orders to backpay workers for entitlements such as annual leave.

It is designed to address employer concerns that emerged from a Federal Court finding in August that truck driver Paul Skene, employed casually through labour hire firm WorkPac at a Rio Tinto mine, was a full-time employee entitled to annual leave and sick pay.
State governments have joined a High Court battle over free speech for public servants, backing the federal Immigration department's decision to sack a bureaucrat for her tweets.

NSW, Western Australia and South Australia are supporting the Commonwealth's arguments defending the 2013 dismissal.

Michaela Banerji's lawyers last week told the court her anti-government tweets were anonymous, and argued the then-Immigration Department risked shaking public faith in its own work by outing her as their author.

Michaela Banerji was dismissed by the Immigration Department in 2013 over anonymous tweets criticising the federal government. Credit:Karleen Minney

Lawyers representing NSW, Western Australia and South Australia's governments made written submissions to the court last month denying Ms Banerji's use of the pseudonym @LaLegale should have exempted her from punishment.
The leader of Tibet's government-in-exile has been telling his story about Bob Carr around the world for years and always gets a laugh. Last week he recounted it during a visit to Parliament House in Canberra.

Ever since the Dalai Lama split his job into two some years ago, remaining spiritual leader of the Tibetans in exile and handing over the political leadership to be elected from among the free Tibetans, Lobsang Sangay has been their President.

Lobsang Sangay, President of the Tibetan government-in-exile, right, smiles as he listens to the Dalai Lama in Dharmsala, India. Credit:AP

In 2013 Sangay visited Canberra and a reporter asked him whether Carr, Australia's then foreign affairs minister, would be meeting him. It's always a delicate matter.

A government that meets the Dalai Lama or Sangay risks the wrath of the Chinese Communist Party, which has claimed to be the sole representative of the Tibetan people ever since its army invaded Tibet in 1950.
Luxembourg: The European Union's top court ruled on Monday that the British government may reverse its decision to leave the bloc without consulting other member states in a decision welcomed by those campaigning to stop Brexit.

In an emergency judgment delivered just a day before the British Parliament is due to vote on a Brexit deal agreed with the EU by Prime Minister Theresa May, the Court of Justice (ECJ) said: "The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU."

The ECJ said in its statement that Britain should suffer no penalties if it halts the Article 50 process. Credit:AP

The ruling is in line with an opinion delivered last week by a Court legal adviser. That had boosted the hopes of British Brexit opponents that a new referendum could be held that would prevent Britain's scheduled departure on March 29, 2019.

May faces heavy opposition in Parliament to her Brexit deal and many expect her quest for approval to be defeated, setting up further tense talks with the EU when she goes to Brussels on Thursday for a summit of national leaders.
Washington: Maria Butina, a Russian gun rights activist, is poised to plead guilty in a case involving accusations that she was working as an agent for the Kremlin in the United States, according to a new court filing.

Maria Butina. Credit:AP

Attorneys for Butina and federal prosecutors jointly requested in court documents Monday that US District Judge Tanya Chutkan set a time for Butina to withdraw her previous plea of "not guilty." They said they could be available for her to enter her plea as early as Tuesday.

A plea is not final until it is entered in court and accepted by a judge. Monday's filing did not indicate to what charge she will plead.

Butina was accused of working to push the Kremlin's agenda by forming bonds with National Rifle Association officials and other conservative leaders and making outreach to 2016 presidential candidates.
The Fact Checker has not identified statements from any other current elected official who meets the standard other than Trump. In fact, 14 statements made by the President immediately qualify for the list. The President's most-repeated falsehoods fall into a handful of broad categories - claiming credit for promises he has not fulfilled; false assertions that provide a rationale for his agenda; and political weaponry against perceived enemies such as Democrats or Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Trump has falsely claimed his promised border wall, funded by Mexico, is under construction. Congress has refused to fund it. Credit:AP Some of Trump's regular deceptions date from the start of his administration, such as his claim that the United States has spent $US7 trillion ($9.3 trillion) in the Middle East (36 times) or that the United States pays for most of the cost of NATO (87 times). These were both statements that he made repeatedly when he campaigned for president and continues to make, despite having access to official budget data. Another campaign claim that has carried into his presidency is the assertion that Democrats colluded with Russia during the election (48 times). This is obviously false, as the Democrats were the target of hacking by Russian entities, according to US intelligence agencies. (The assertion, also spread widely by Trump allies in the conservative media, largely rests on the fact that the firm hired by Democrats to examine Trump's Russia ties was also working to defend a Russian company in US court.)

On 30 separate occasions, Trump has also falsely accused Mueller of having conflicts of interest and the staff led by the long-time Republican of being "angry Democrats". Loading A good example of how objective reality does not appear to matter to the President is how he has framed his tax cut. When the administration's tax plan was still in the planning stages, Trump spoke to the Independent Community Bankers Association on May 1, 2017, and made this claim, to applause: "We're proposing one of the largest tax cuts in history, even larger than that of President Ronald Reagan. Our tax cut is bigger." He reinforced that statement later that day, with similar wording, in an interview with Bloomberg News. From the start, it was a falsehood, as Reagan's 1981 tax cut amounted to 2.9 per cent of the overall US economy - and nothing under consideration by Trump came close to that level. Trump's tax cut was eventually crafted to be just under 1 per cent of the economy, making it the eighth-largest tax cut in the past century.

Yet Trump has been undeterred by pesky fact checks showing he is wrong. He kept making the claim - 123 times before the midterm elections - and still says it. "We got the biggest tax cuts in history," he told Chris Wallace of Fox News in his November 18 interview. A local resident sits with his dogs in front of the US border fence at the beach in Tijuana, Mexico. Credit:AP Similarly, in June, the President hit upon a new label for the US economy: it was the greatest, the best or the strongest in US history. He liked the phrasing so much that he repeated a version of it every 1.5 days until the midterm elections, for a total of 99 times. The President can certainly brag about the state of the economy, but he runs into trouble when he repeatedly makes a play for the history books. By just about any important measure, the economy today is not doing as well as it did under presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson and Bill Clinton - not to mention Ulysses Grant. Loading Trump has 40 times asserted that a wall was needed to stem the flow of drugs across the border - a claim that is contradicted the by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which says most illicit drugs come through legal points of entry. Traffickers conceal the drugs in hidden compartments within passenger cars or hide them alongside other legal cargo in tractor trailers and drive the illicit substances right into the United States. Meanwhile, fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, can be easily ordered online, even directly from China.

Some of Trump's most repeated claims verge on the edge of fantasy. Thirty-seven times, he has asserted that US Steel has announced that it is building new plants in response to his decision to impose steel tariffs. Depending on his mood, the number has ranged from six to nine plants, suggesting a bounty of jobs. But US Steel made no such announcement. It merely stated that it would restart two blast furnaces at the company's Granite City Works integrated plant in Illinois, creating 800 jobs. The company in August also said it would upgrade a plant in Gary, Indiana, but without creating any new jobs. Similarly, Trump has repeatedly inflated the gains from his 2017 trip to Saudi Arabia, upping the amount from $US350 billion to $US450 billion when he came under fire for defending the Crown Prince believed to have ordered the killing of Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi. Separately, he also inflates the jobs said to be created, at one point offering a fanciful figure of 1 million. The Fact Checker obtained detailed spreadsheets of both the military and commercial agreements that showed a total of $US267 billion in agreements; we determined that many were simply aspirational. Many of the purported investments are in Saudi Arabia, indicating few jobs would be created for Americans. Loading Other claims on the list include:
As Australia tries to strike a balance in relations between the US, our key strategic ally, and China, our biggest economic partner, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has argued that Australia can keep on side with both superpowers.

But a legal battle in Canada between China and the US provides a warning of how hard that balancing act can be.

Huawei Technologies executive director Wanzhou Meng. Credit:Alamy

Canada could be forced to choose between China and the US in the case of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of communications group Huawei and a so-called "princess" because she is the daughter of the company's founder.

Australia, New Zealand and the US have long regarded Huawei with suspicion because, although independent, it is susceptible to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. All three countries have imposed bans on the use of Huawei's equipment because of concerns it could be used by Chinese security services to hack their communication networks.
Washington: Nick Ayers has announced he is leaving the White House and will not be President Donald Trump's next chief of staff, with four other candidates now in the running to succeed John Kelly as Trump eyes a decision by the end of the year.

US Vice President Mike Pence, left, with his Chief of Staff Nick Ayers in Georgia last year. Ayers said he is also leaving the White House. Credit:EPA/AP

Ayers, a longtime operative who is currently Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, said in a tweet that he would leave his position at the end of the year but "will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause."

"Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House," he said.
Wellington: A woman says she was in regular contact with the man who has been charged with the murder of British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand, and they'd planned to meet for a date.

The woman, who does not want to be identified, said she and the 26-year-old man, whose name has been suppressed by a court, met six months ago via a dating app and had been messaging each other.

Grace Millane was last seen on December 1. Her body was found in bushland outside Auckland a week later. Credit:stuff.co.nz

They talked about meeting face-to-face for the first time in West Auckland on Saturday, December 1, but the woman was busy so postponed.

That same night, police allege Millane met the man at SkyCity in central Auckland, the eve of her 22nd birthday. Millane was last seen alive entering the CityLife Hotel on Queen Street at 9.41pm. Her body was found in a bush near a road in the Waitakere Ranges a week later.
PHILIPSBURG  On Monday, December 10, 2018, St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance For Equality (SAFE SXM) and Lalliance en faveur de legalite (SAFE Lefdl) in collaboration with the University of St. Martin will be holding its 4th International Human Rights Day Lecture at 7:00 pm in room 202.

The lecture, which was held annually in the first three years of the organization, was skipped last year due to circumstances beyond SAFE SXMs control. This year two lectures of 15 minutes each will be delivered by Clara Reyes, who will focus on The importance of being an Ally and Cassandra Richardson, who will examine The history of Human Rights Day, Womens Rights and Sexual Orientation Rights. After both presentations, the floor will be opened up for questions from the audience.

The organizations SAFE SXM & SAFE Lefdl (entities which both work towards the empowerment of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, plus persons) will also make use of the event to launch the new French side chapter and introduce the members of that team.

Laurent Drouin Le May, who is the secretary of the Dutch side chapter and the president of the French side chapter explained the expansion of the organization saying, When SAFE SXM started in 2013 the intention was for it to cover both sides of the island and every effort has been made to ensure that this is the case. However, over the years we saw the need to make more of a headway on the French side and this led to the idea that a French side chapter was necessary. I am proud to head this association and to continue to create an atmosphere in which the two organizations can work together as one for the LGBTQI+ community of our island.

The public of St. Maarten and St. Martin is invited out to this event, which will end with snacks and drinks after the presentations and q&a.

Every year we think it is important to connect with the LGBTQI+ community and the members of the public on this day. It is both the anniversary of the legal birth of our organization and a day that reminds us that as LGBTQI+ persons we must continue the work. It is important to remember that once not so long ago the idea of rights for LGBTQI+ persons or publically saying you were an ally to LGBTQI+ persons were no nos; this year we want to look at how far we have come, while still discussing how much further we have to go in the future, Nadjesca Gumbs, SAFE SXM treasurer said.

This is our fourth lecture starting with Denise Vijber from Curacao in 2014, discussing human rights in general and how it is linked to the recognition of rights for LGBTQI people, then we had Kenita Placide and Maria Fontenelle, of United and Strong St. Lucia, in 2015 discussing regional community building and the importance of local mobilizing and efforts and Desiree Croes, Member of Parliament from Aruba in 2016 discussing the Civil Union Bill and its approval in the parliament of that island. Shifts in the board in 2017 and the impact of Hurricane Irma meant that we were not able to host a lecture in 2017, but we are back in 2018 and looking forward to the conversations that will come out of our two presentors Clara Reyes and Cassandra Richardson. We thank USM for the opportunity to partner with them once again and look forward to seeing everyone there, Lysanne Charles, President of SAFE SXM said.
China Cross-border Data Telecommunications Industry Alliance Successfully Convenes 2018 Members Meeting in Beijing

China Entercom recognized alongside other Alliance members for rectification efforts

HONG KONG, Dec 7, 2018  (ACN Newswire)  CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (\CITIC Telecom CPC\), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), today announced its subsidiary China Enterprise ICT Solutions Limited (\China Entercom\), a member of the China Cross-border Data Telecommunications Industry Alliance, participated in the annual Members Meeting. A representative of China Entercom was also invited to speak at this key event.

The China Cross-border Data Telecommunications Industry Alliance annually holds its Members Meeting to summarize the Alliance\-\-s activities over the past 12 months and discuss plans for the upcoming year. This year, the event was held in Beijing on November 16, 2018.

During the 2018 Members Meeting, Mr. Zhang Jianhua, Director of the Marketing Department at the Information and Communication Bureau of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the PRC, spoke on various key areas of China\-\-s information and communications market, including explaining regulations of concern to enterprises (such as the reform and regulation of the Internet access service market), and elaborated on efforts made to manage credit. Mr. Zhang also reported on the rectification status of the Alliance\-\-s official members, in the members\-\- efforts toward compliance with the latest government standards, and proposed a key step for regulating China\-\-s information and communications market in 2019: \Highlighting regulation focus, strengthening enforcement and accountability\. Mr. Zhang also urged China\-\-s domestic telecom operators to devote more effort toward upgrading network performance while reducing tariffs. He also stressed all Alliance members should maintain high levels of integrity, and that the Alliance should continue to serve as a bridge to facilitate industry collaboration. Mr. Zhang also recognized Alliance and its members for their efforts.

As official Alliance members, China Entercom and the other eight telecom companies were acknowledged by the local Communications Administration for successful rectification. A representative of China Entercom was invited to deliver a speech, during which he conveyed the company\-\-s gratitude for recognition received from senior officials of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the PRC, as well as for the Alliance\-\-s support and invaluable services. He reiterated that China Entercom will continue to maintain a high level of integrity to ensure its business operates in compliance with established law and to the satisfaction of relevant authorities dedicated to the advancement of the industry.

CITIC Telecom CPC is greatly honored that China Entercom was acknowledged by the local Communications Administration for its rectification efforts, as well as for meeting communications service requirements and providing reliable and stable network access services. This latest recognition milestone also means enterprise customers can benefit from the company\-\-s full range of ICT solutions, capture opportunities arising from the One Belt, One Road Initiative, attain greater success and further extend their global business footprints.

About CITIC Telecom CPC (www.citictel-cpc.com)

CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited (\CITIC Telecom CPC\), a wholly owned subsidiary of CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited (SEHK: 1883), serves multinational enterprises the world over by addressing their specific ICT requirements with highly scalable tailored solutions built upon the company\-\-s flagship technology suites, comprising TrueCONNECT(TM) private network solutions, TrustCSI(TM) information security solutions, DataHOUSE(TM) global unified cloud data center solutions, and SmartCLOUD(TM) cloud computing solutions.

As one of the first managed service providers in Hong Kong to achieve ISO 9001, 14001, 20000, 27001, and 27017 ICT-related certifications, CITIC Telecom CPC delivers on its superior quality commitment through a broad global footprint encompassing some of the highest growth markets in Asia, Europe and America, with over 140 points of presence, 18+ Cloud service centers, 30+ data centers, and two dedicated 247 Security Operations Centers.

About China Entercom (www.china-entercom.com)

China Enterprise ICT Solutions Limited (\China Entercom\), a subsidiary of CITIC Group, is a trusted Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions provider. China Entercom possesses strong reputation, financial and regulatory background, wide network coverage, diversified products and services, as well as world-class infrastructure. It has Type-I and Type-II IP private network licenses from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and is the first value-added service provider in China with nationwide IP VPN license, IDC multi-region license, and ICP nationwide license. China Entercom is also the only value-added service provider in China with multiple certifications: TRUSTED CLOUD, TL9000, ISO9001, ISO20000, ISO27001 and ISO 27017.

At CITIC Telecom CPC and China Entercom, \Innovation Never Stops.\

Media Contacts:

Rowena Leung

CITIC Telecom International CPC Limited

(+852) 2170 7536

Email: rowena.leung@citictel-cpc.com

Lucia Li

China Enterprise ICT Solutions Limited

(86) 010 8841 1188  2115

Email: lucia.li@china-entercom.net
Why face recognition as a credential is the ideal choice for access control?

In the field of access control, face recognition has come a long way. Once considered too slow to authenticate people's identities and credentials in high traffic conditions, face recognition technology has evolved to become one of the quickest, most effective access control identity authentication solutions across all industries. Advancements in artificial intelligence and advanced neural network (ANN) technology from industry leaders like Intel have improved the accuracy and efficiency of face recognition. However, another reason the technology is gaining traction is due to the swiftly rising demand for touchless access control solutions that can help mitigate the spread of disease in public spaces. Effective for high volumes Face recognition eliminates security risks and is also virtually impossible to counterfeit Modern face recognition technology meets all the criteria for becoming the go-to solution for frictionless access control. It provides an accurate, non-invasive means of authenticating people's identities in high-traffic areas, including multi-tenant office buildings, industrial sites, and factories where multiple shifts per day are common. Typical electronic access control systems rely on people providing physical credentials, such as proximity cards, key fobs, or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, all of which can be misplaced, lost, or stolen. Face recognition eliminates these security risks and is also virtually impossible to counterfeit. Affordable biometric option Although there are other biometric tools available, face recognition offers significant advantages. Some technologies use hand geometry or iris scans, for example, but these options are generally slower and more expensive. This makes face recognition a natural application for day-to-day access control activities, including chronicling time and attendance for large workforces at construction sites, warehouses, and agricultural and mining operations. In addition to verifying personal credentials, face recognition can also identify whether an individual is wearing a facial covering in compliance with government or corporate mandates regarding health safety protocols. Beyond securing physical locations, face recognition can also be used to manage access to computers, as well as specialised equipment and devices. Overcoming challenges with AI So how did face recognition become so reliable when the technology was once dogged by many challenges, including difficulties with camera angles, certain types of facial expressions, and diverse lighting conditions? Thanks to the emergence of so-called "convolutional" neural network-based algorithms, engineers have been able to overcome these roadblocks. SecurOS FaceX face recognition solution FaceX is powered by neural networks and machine learning which makes it capable of authenticating a wide range of faces One joint effort between New Jersey-based Intelligent Security Systems (ISS) and tech giant Intel has created the SecurOS FaceX face recognition solution. FaceX is powered by neural networks and machine learning which makes it capable of authenticating a wide range of faces and facial expressions, including those captured under changing light, at different resolution levels, and varying distances from the video camera. Secure video management system A common face recognition system deployment begins with IP video cameras that feed footage into a secure video management system connected to a video archive. When the software initially enrolls a persons face, it creates a "digital descriptor" that is stored as a numeric code that will forever be associated with one identity. The system encrypts and stores these numeric codes in a SQL database. For the sake of convenience and cost savings, the video server CPU performs all neural network processes without requiring any special GPU cards. Unique digital identifiers The next step involves correlating faces captured in a video recording with their unique digital descriptors on file. The system can compare newly captured images against large databases of known individuals or faces captured from video streams. Face recognition technology can provide multi-factor authentication, searching watchlists for specific types of features, such as age, hair colour, gender, ethnicity, facial hair, glasses, headwear, and other identifying characteristics including bald spots. Robust encryption SED-compatible drives rely on dedicated chips that encrypt data with AES-128 or AES-256 To support privacy concerns, the entire system features an encrypted and secure login process that prevents unauthorized access to both the database and the archive. An additional layer of encryption is available through the use of Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs) that hold video recordings and metadata. SED-compatible drives rely on dedicated chips that encrypt data with AES-128 or AES-256 (short for Advanced Encryption Standard). Anti-spoofing safeguards How do face recognition systems handle people who try to trick the system by wearing a costume mask or holding up a picture to hide their faces? FaceX from ISS, for example, includes anti-spoofing capabilities that essentially check for the "liveliness" of a given face. The algorithm can easily flag the flat, two-dimensional nature of a face mask, printed photo, or image on a mobile phone and issue a "spoof" alarm. Increased speed of entry Incorporating facial recognition into existing access control systems is straightforward and cost-effective Incorporating facial recognition into existing access control systems is straightforward and cost-effective. Systems can operate with off-the-shelf security cameras and computers. Users can also leverage existing infrastructure to maintain building aesthetics. A face recognition system can complete the process of detection and recognition in an instant, opening a door or turnstile in less than 500ms. Such efficiency can eliminate hours associated with security personnel checking and managing credentials manually. A vital tool Modern face recognition solutions are infinitely scalable to accommodate global enterprises. As a result, face recognition as a credential is increasingly being implemented for a wide range of applications that transcend traditional access control and physical security to include health safety and workforce management. All these capabilities make face recognition a natural, frictionless solution for managing access control, both in terms of performance and cost.
WASHINGTON  Representative-elect Jahana Hayes will join the House Democrats Gun-Violence Prevention Task Force, which was formed in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass-shooting to lead House Democratic efforts on new gun laws.

Hayes arrival on the 145-member body comes as its vicechair, Rep. Elizabeth Esty, is about to depart. A position on the task force is virtually a must for a House member representing the Newtown area. The mass shooting on Dec. 14, 2012, took the lives of 20 school children and six adult staff members.

Communities across my district made it clear to me during the last election that they want reform of our gun laws, said Hayes in a statement. There are concrete steps we can take right now to make our cities and towns safer, and I cant wait to work with my colleagues to make them a reality.

Her joining the task force comes as Democrats take over the House for the first time in eight years.

Gun proposals such as expanded background checks and preventing suspected terrorist from purchasing weapons were stymied in the GOP House. A background-check bill died in the Democratic-controlled Senate in 2013 when Democrats from Republican-leaning states voted with Republicans.

But Connecticut Democrats on Capitol Hill are expressing cautious optimism that prospects for new gun legislation are brighter than before. Not only is the House under Democratic control but Democrats defeated pro-gun Republicans in National Rifle Association strongholds such as Georgia, Florida and Texas  and even in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Hold on to your horses, Esty told an audience of activists assembled by Newtown Action Alliance last week. Newly empowered Democrats will push forward on issues such as permitting research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on gun violence, Esty said.

But Esty, who arrived on Capitol Hill in 2012, will miss the opportunity to serve Connecticuts 5th Congressional District as a majority Democrat.

Esty dropped her re-election bid earlier this year after revelations that she failed to promptly oust her D.C.-office chief of staff who was abusing a subordinate.

Hayes, who won the teacher-of-the-year award in 2016 for her work in Kennedy High School in her home town of Waterbury, upset the Democrats hand-picked candidate in the Democratic primary and went on to beat former Meriden Mayor Manny Santos in the general election last month.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., chair of the task force, suggested that Hayes inner-city Waterbury background gave her a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding easy availability of firearms.

Jahana has seen first-hand the devastation gun violence has on a community, Thompson said in a statement. We have a chance to enact real change that will help keep our communities safe from gun violence and I am confident that her leadership and passion on this issue will only strengthen our ability to take action.

At the meeting last week, Thompson praised Esty, his vice chair, as an incredible partner and a great ally. Esty received a standing ovation, mouthing the words thank you, thank you as the audience cheered and clapped.

dan@hearstdc.com
One of the most important things I've learned as the founder of multiple businesses is how to find partners that can enable growth and support your company vision. Partnerships are more vital than ever -- the economy is changing at an unprecedented pace, and working collaboratively toward a common goal increases speed and better serves customers.

Related: How to Leverage Your Ideal Partnerships to Scale Your Business

Partnerships cannot be transactional. Think of the difference between an ATM and a personal financial adviser -- the former gives you access to cash whenever you need it, but the latter helps you develop a long-term strategy for making investments and managing your money. Both are providing financial services, but one is a true partner while the other is a machine that spits out cash when you press a button.

Partnerships reduce costs by giving companies access to technology and other resources that would be far too expensive to develop on their own. They also help companies operate more efficiently by allowing them to focus on the things they do best. These are the reasons why partnerships will continue to give companies a robust competitive advantage in the coming years -- but only if those companies choose the right partners for their specific needs.

Understand your market and find partners that will help you tap into it.

Partnerships are particularly important in retail, which is undergoing a series of major changes -- from the relentless growth of mega online retailers to the digital transformation that's taking place more broadly. While brick-and-mortar stores are still the mainstay of the American retail world, ecommerce platforms are consuming more and more market share. And while Amazon goes it alone, becoming everything for everyone, all other retailers are adopting best of breed partners to help them not only compete but create a customer experience advantage. These partnerships can generate a huge boost in customers and meet their needs with improved experiences at every stage of the transaction.

Related: How to Choose a Business Partner (Infographic)

There are plenty of examples of retailers working with digital platforms to extend their reach -- like the recent partnership between Macy's and Buzzfeed's Goodful. Macy's will offer 100 Goodful products (such as appliances, kitchenware and other home products) in its stores and online, providing the brand with a much larger distribution platform and increasing brand awareness. Meanwhile, the partnership gives Macy's access to the 45.2 million consumers Goodful reaches every month -- many of whom are millennials.

It's no surprise that one of the most iconic brick-and-mortar retailers in the world recognizes the importance of forging creative partnerships to expand its ecommerce operation. As the market continues to shift online, successful companies will need to search out dynamic partners to help them keep pace.

Partnerships help you overcome your technical limitations.

We're in an era of rapid digital transformation, and partnerships are often the only way for companies to keep up with the surging pace of change.

Whether you're searching for a better way to collect and analyze consumer data or trying to improve user experiences across devices and channels, there are plenty of potential partners that specialize in these areas. By forming relationships with them, your company will save money, tighten its focus on core business objectives, and bring its technology solutions into closer alignment with those objectives.

The largest tech companies are taking advantage of the unique capabilities offered by strategic partners. For example, the recent partnership between Google Cloud and Atos will provide both companies with access to technology solutions, shared facilities and human capital that will help them take full advantage of their respective digital platforms. Google Cloud will benefit from tightened security and new collaboration tools, while Atos will use Google's machine learning platform to develop "industry specific solutions across multiple verticals."

As industries become more fragmented (particularly in the technology space), companies are developing increasingly specialized expertise. This means partnerships are more pivotal than ever before -- they close gaps in your knowledge, provide technology that would be too expensive to develop internally, and give you access to a broader range of customers.

Related: This Founder Shares How to Get Out of an Awful Partnership

But, execution of partnerships is hard.

While strategic partnerships can accelerate a business -- and most startups would love to work closely with larger brands to help solve a shared problem -- the execution of this strategy is hard. Porch has had to make our partner capabilities a core part of our DNA, which impacts how we work (running cadences that align with key partners), develop products (to ensure high quality), improve the customer experience (as this represents not just us, but our partner), and assure customers that we stand behind our service (100 percent guarantee).

When companies form partnerships with one another, it's essential to make the experience as frictionless as possible. One of the best ways to ensure that a new relationship is healthy right from the start is to seek out companies that share your perspective and approach business in a similar way. This will make it easier to integrate your workforces, complement each other's products and services, and bring your technology assets into alignment.

Let's take another look at the Google Cloud-Atos partnership. Both companies are investing heavily in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) research, and they've both developed a wide range of cloud-based solutions for their clients. They recognize that the future of the digital transformation lies in AI and the cloud, and they have built their workforces and technical infrastructure around this fact. Now Atos is establishing new innovation labs in the U.S., Britain and France, and Google will provide machine learning experts from its Advanced Solutions Labs to assist in training efforts.

When companies have similar cultures, they can establish creative partnerships that add value for customers across the board.

In 2015, Starbucks joined forces with Spotify to provide what it described as a "first-of-its-kind music ecosystem." All Starbucks employees received subscriptions to Spotify Premium, which allowed them to come up with their own in-store playlists. Meanwhile, Spotify users were given access to more than two decades of Starbucks playlists and offered points in the My Starbucks Rewards program. Starbucks has made music a central part of its customer experience for decades -- from the promotion of new artists to its Artist Choice series (playlists chosen by the musicians themselves). This made its partnership with Spotify a natural fit.

Your company should always be on the lookout for potential partners that share your vision, understand your market and can help address any limitations you might have. With the constant diffusion of knowledge and technology -- as well as ever-increasing specialization and competition -- it has never been more crucial to find partners that will enable your business to grow. And if a partnership strategy is right for your business, go all in, as anything less just won't get it done.

Related:

Don't Go It Alone: How to Use Partnerships as a Growth Strategy

RadioShack Is Now Selling in Unexpected Places. Will Anyone Buy?

How to Strike a Balance When You're in Business with Your Closest One



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Swedish Social Democratic leader Stefan Lofven is now facing a defeat in a potential prime minister vote after an attempt at forging a broader coalition failed.

After a week of talks, the opposition Center Party on Monday rejected forming a government with the Social Democrats, throwing negotiations wide open again three months after the Nordic nation's inconclusive election that saw big gains by a nationalist party.

The Center Party worked "day and night" and is "disappointed" that the Social Democrats weren't willing to compromise enough, leader Annie Loof said at a press conference. The "differences are still too big," she said.

The decision means a potential parliament vote on Lofven will be put off, the speaker's office said in a statement. Talks with the party leaders will now be held over the next "few days" after which a decision will be made on the next step, the speaker said.

At a press conference on Monday, Lofven said he remains willing to find an agreement and will now wait for what the speaker decides after talks with the party leaders.

"Sweden needs a new government and I will do what I can to try to make that happen," he said, adding he made concessions on income tax cuts and labor market reforms and that there was a final cooperation agreement that his own party approved but that was rejected by the Center Party.

Sweden is at an impasse and needs three more votes in parliament before a new election can be held. Moderate Party leader Ulf Kristersson last month lost his bid to form a narrow conservative government after the Center and Liberal parties balked at backing a government that relies on support from the nationalist Sweden Democrats.

As government talks founder, the nation also faces a vote on next year's budget. The Center Party let it be known on Monday that it aims to vote for its own plan on Wednesday and will then abstain in other votes, suggesting a spending plan from the conservative Moderates and Christian Democrats is likely to pass. The care-taker government headed by the Social Democrats has proposed a transitional budget that can be amended by any new government.

But uncertainty remains since the Liberals are still undecided on which way they will go on both the budget vote and the prime minister process, party leader Jan Bjorklund said in a tweet on Monday. A decision will be made on Tuesday. The Liberals have the potential to push the government's transition budget over the finish line.
M ore warning lights flashed over the UK economy on Monday as a deluge of data signalled slowing growth in a crucial week for Brexit.

The latest official estimates for the economys performance revealed a deceleration in the quarter to October as overall output expanded 0.4%. That compared with a much faster 0.6% in the three months to September.

The Office for National Statistics data painted a grim picture, with only services keeping the UK from stagnation in October as construction and manufacturing slid into reverse.

A 0.2% expansion for the UKs dominant services firms in the month, accounting for nearly 80% of overall growth, kept the UK just about in expansion territory, growing 0.1%. The latest evidence of a stuttering economy comes amid growing business uncertainty as the countrys EU exit looms closer.

Theresa Mays withdrawal agreement will almost certainly be voted down in the House of Commons tomorrow night, opening the door to yet more chaos and a potential leadership challenge to the Prime Minister by the end of the week.

More recent survey data for November also signals that the news could get still worse for the economy as growth from services firms virtually ground to a halt, according to the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

PwCs chief economist John Hawksworth said: It is possible that overall GDP growth in November could be flat or even negative. The marked weakening of the UK economy this autumn is as we expected given the continued high level of uncertainty around Brexit. Until this is resolved, the UK economy is likely to remain in the doldrums as businesses will be reluctant to invest and households may also be reluctant to commit to big-ticket items like house and car purchases.

In October manufacturing output shrank 0.9%, led by falling car output, while construction fell 0.2%. There was also bad news on trade as the UKs total trade deficit widened by 3.1 billion in the three months to October.

The British Chambers of Commerces head of economics Suren Thiru said: The widening in the UKs trade deficit is a concern and reflects a sharp rise in goods imports. Trading conditions for UK exporters are deteriorating amid moderating global growth and uncertainty over Brexit.
T omorrow night the Prime Minister would have lost the vote on her withdrawal agreement with the European Union. So she had to delay.

But the House of Commons is acting perfectly rationally. The deal that Theresa May negotiated is a bad one. The claim that voting it down now will lead either to no-deal chaos or another referendum is  for the next three months at least  simply not credible. Parliament is right to call the Prime Ministers bluff, to pause and take stock.

The withdrawal agreement puts Britain in a weak position, as we enter the next phase of these interminable negotiations. The EU may use its best endeavours to reach a deal by the end of 2020 but it will be a negotiation in which the UK has few cards left to play, reflecting a catalogue of negotiating blunders, from failing to prepare for no deal through to starting the Article 50 process without a plan.

By talking tough soundbites at home while furtively making concessions in Brussels, the Prime Minister failed to prepare her party or the people for the inevitable outcome. Had she been clear from the beginning that Brexit would be difficult and take a decade to sort, and sought to create a cross-party consensus, the outcome might have been different.

In a more chivalrous age a prime minister who lost a vote on their only distinctive policy would resign. Thats what Gladstone did in 1886 when the House of Commons foolishly rejected his proposal for home rule for Ireland. But in this case its unlikely that Mrs May will take such a step. She has made a virtue of carrying on. But even if she does go, it will not change the substance of the negotiations.

So what happens next?

Somewhere in a bunker in Whitehall the Civil Service will be wargaming all the options. Even if they have been instructed by the Prime Minister not to carry out contingency planning, they will be doing so. The job of permanent officials is to maintain the functioning of government. My get-out clause when I was at the Treasury was that it was legitimate to make contingency plans about contingency plans.

Lord Macpherson / Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament (Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0))

Whatever Mrs May has said to her backbenchers in recent days, one thing is certain. The European Union is not going to change the legal text of the withdrawal agreement. Its carefully crafted to reflect their interests.

As the larger entity for whom Brexit matters much less in economic terms, they can hang tough. The EU has dealt with enough populist challenges to know it can afford to play the long game. Greece discovered this to its cost.

And so the only realistic prospect is to change the political declaration which accompanies the legal text. This has no legal force, and at present is long on adjectives and short on substance. In the days ahead Parliament could assert itself and impose a clearer direction of travel for the trade agreement which will follow withdrawal.

The sensible wing of the Tory Party has advocated a Norway arrangement whereby the UK stays in the single market and a customs deal, at least until the Irish border problem has been solved by other means.

That might well be preferable to the present deal. But it will be difficult to negotiate and it does not address the main concern of people who voted for Brexit: freedom of movement.

Then there is the option of another general election. But that requires Tory support, and it did not work well last time around. And if Parliament cannot agree the way forward, it could always abdicate its role again and ask the people for a second opinion.That may yet happen but it is hard to see how any Tory prime minister could advocate a second referendum and survive, and Jeremy Corbyn does not have the numbers to form a government.

If Parliament having asserted itself fails to find a solution, I would expect Mrs May either to seek to extend the Article 50 process or bring some variant of her package back to the Commons in February or early March. Faced at the 11th hour with a choice of accepting a bad deal and going over the precipice  joining Venezuela, Yemen and a few other failed states which trade solely on WTO terms  MPs will probably support the Prime Minister.

Over the last two centuries, the British state has generally avoided doing anything very stupid. It prefers to step back from the brink.

Over the last two centuries, the British state has avoided doing anything very stupid. Theres always a first time

But there is always a first time. And just as train timetables are claimed to have precipitated the First World War, so the date of March 29 could become the trigger for the hardest of Brexits.

The latter is not yet in the market. The foreign exchange and stock markets are already discounting a lot of bad news. But we can expect market volatility to increase through January and February. The associated uncertainty is already holding the economy back.

But remember. If no-deal chaos is half as bad as the Government is predicting, it will be forced back to the negotiating table within weeks.

TODO: define component type apester

And if, as seems more likely, the Prime Minister gets parliamentary agreement at some point, thats just the end of the beginning. The next stage involves agreeing a trade agreement running to several thousand pages.

There will be many more cliff edges. And we will still be negotiating many years hence.
I f a cat rolls over onto its back, does it catsize?

This is one of the many baffling questions Ive been mulling since coming into ownership of a jet-black one-year-old shorthair named Hiccup, who my girlfriend Saskia and I liberated from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home last month.

For the past week Ive had to look after him alone while Saskias been away, and it has been an exercise in accelerated maturity. Parents, at risk of offending you all, I dont know how we do it. Is he watching how I unlatch the kitchen windows? Is it OK to watch BBCs Dynasties with the lions in front of him, or will this give him ideas? I am a nervous catstodian.

Honestly, I worry about him all day, I texted my mum. I know the feeling, she replied.

Having never owned an animal larger than a goldfish before, I find him endlessly fascinating while, for the most part, he regards me with mild disdain. This is fine. Many major studies have shown how eager we are to anthropomorphise everything from our pets to our toasters

(Mr Burns, in our case). A more interesting study has, in the past month, shown just what they might say about us in return.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool found that while dogs look like their owners, cats behave like them. The findings, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, were possible thanks to the recent development by another group of scientists of a personality test for cats. Known as the feline five, they are friendliness, dominance, spontaneity, neuroticism and how outgoing they are. Our results suggest that owner personality may have an influence on the type of cat a person is first attracted to, or the decision to maintain ownership of the cat, says the report.

Closer to home, Hiccup is a show-off, skittish around people he knows, gobbles his food in seconds and then complains that there isnt any more. Who needs a therapist? Get a cat.

We wish you a corny Friendsmas

Each year before Christmas, my friends and I descend on a rural Airbnb for the weekend, before going to do battle with our families.

Box-white trainers are missing, presumed dead, along muddy paths, carols are sung at neighbour-defying decibels indoors, wine is decanted into the carpet. We sound awful, but at least were out of your way. More excruciatingly, high-street brands have tried to dub this Friendsmas, to shift yet more festive tat. It smacks of marketings most crapulent idea, cooked up the morning after their own office party. But these close relationships are priceless. Pals are for life, not just for friendsmas.

Need cash fast? Value your exes gifts!

What is a relationship worth? I have just watched a play wrestle with a pertinent question for any cash-strapped millennial in December: could I cash in such a relationship to pay for a late utility bill?

Haley McGees one-woman show The Ex Boyfriend Yard Sale, at Camden Peoples Theatre, saw her apply research by mathematician Melanie Phillips (not the columnist) to calculate a value for eight gifts given to her by separate former partners, including a bicycle, typewriter, and mix CD, which shed needed to sell to pay off her Visa bill.

It was a brilliant concept, with shades of Phoebe Waller-Bridges Fleabag. McGee, armed with complex algebra, weighted each relationship by value added to her life minus emotional cost. The CD  a gift from her first boyfriend  went for 2,000.

A beguiling idea for anyone struggling with a tax return due in January, and a timely point about self-worth. In an age where lives can feel depreciated by the sheer volume of other stories to compare your own to, its appropriate to remind ourselves we set our own values by the lives we touch. Still, who would you cash in?

K-pops Swift rise spawns a leg-end

Taylor Swift / Getty Images
Anyone whos made a trip to Copenhagen will know that Danish girls have an innately cool approach to dressing.

And none more so than two of Denmarks coolest stylist-cum-influencers, Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars.

With a combined following of 180k, their Instagram feeds are an enviable stream of nonchalantly paired jumpsuits, chunky trainers and blazers peppered with pitch perfect party dresses and sparkly heels.

When, therefore, the old friends and ex-colleagues (who met four years ago when both working on COSTUME magazine) decided to put their heads together and create a dress-centric label, we were more than a little excited.

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We felt that this type of brand was missing in the market, they tell the Standard. We were both looking for a dress brand with modern, sexy and sophisticated designs at reasonable prices so thats when we thought that we should be the ones to do it ourselves.

Madsen and Valdimars teamed up with Copenhagen-based concept store Birger Christensen to launch their first collection at Copehagen Fashion Week back in August, and we have already seen the puff sleeved '80s-inspired pink micro mini dress popping up all over the gram.

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Not surprising perhaps given that, as influencers-turned-designers, how something will look on social media is always front of their minds. We are both very visual, and have worked in the fashion industry as stylist and influencers as well so we know what works really well in a picture - thats something that springs to mind often when we are picking materials.

Like so many of the other seriously stellar fashion brands to have come out of Copenhagen recently (think Stine Goya, Saks Potts, Ganni and Brogger), Rotate firmly subverts the notion of Scandinavian minimalism. Its all crystal embellishment, jewel colours and the kind of flirty '80s-inflected silhouettes that make you want to go out and shimmy on a dance floor. Sweden is still very minimalistic in its design, say Madsen and Valdemars, where us Danes are more daring with colours and print.

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A personal favourite is the Swarovski crystal-embellished tuxedo jacket, which paired with jeans and flats makes the perfect festive season desk-to-drinks outfit. We have both worn it as a dress when going out. Thora wore it during fashion week with a hoodie, tights and heels. While Jeanette wore it with a black tee, jeans and heels the other day.

Their tips for nailing a party outfit? Focus on your assets and dress accordingly. If you dont like you arms then pick a dress with amazing sleeves, if you have big breasts chose a v-neck. Focus on the parts of your body that you like.

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And their go-to party look when they don't know what to wear? A short black dress and sexy heels. Works every time!

Luckily for us, the new Rotate collection boasts several.
A legendary London gallery that was recently priced out of its Mayfair home is to sell more than 300 of its artworks at auction.

The Fine Art Society's major sale, which will take place at Sothebys auction house on February 5, will see works by the likes of American artist James McNeill Whistler, British avant-garde painter Gluck and pop artist Sir Peter Blake go under the hammer.

Earlier this year, The Fine Art Society sold the lease on its New Bond Street location, where it had been based for 142 years. The gallery cited rising rents and the soaring level of the Westminster Councils business rates. It has since relocated to offices in Chelsea.

The Fine Art Society is the oldest commercial gallery in London and the first to move into Mayfair in the nineteenth century, helping to establish the district as the centre of London's art world. The gallery was an early exponent of the one-artist exhibition, presenting a groundbreaking solo show of work by Whistler in 1883.

The sale will also include versions of the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park by George James Frampton, which has an auction estimate of between 80,000 and 120,000, and a cast of Albert Gilbert's Eros statue in Piccadilly, which has an estimate of up to 150,000. The gallery will also be selling a print of the Fine Art Society's flag, which was designed by Blake in 2012 to hang outside the New Bond Street premises.

The Fine Art Society: 142 Years on New Bond Street will take place at Sotheby's on February 5 2019. For more information, visit sothebys.com
he rising stars of the costume world saw their sketches come to life last week as their designs were presented on stage in Clerkenwell.

The MA Costume Design for Performance show gives students a chance to showcase their work to family and friends. Standout pieces from this year's event included a costume made out of plastic that addressed pollution concerns, as well as garments exploring issues such as domestic abuse and body dysmorphia in men. Previous years have focussed on topics including beauty conformity, sustainability and the suffragettes.
Tomorrowland Winter, March 16-19

Legendary Belgian dance festival Tomorrowland is launching a sister event in the French Alps this March, with Tomorrowland Winter taking place for the first time in the village of Alpe dHuez. As youd expect with the organisers pedigree, some of the worlds biggest DJs are in town, with Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike performing at the festival. It promises to be a huge event, with around 30,000 people attending from around the world. Tickets are already proving very popular  those wishing to attend should sign up to the waiting list.
N eil Young has called the announcement of his forthcoming Hyde Park gig a massive f*** up.

Details of the show, in which the guitarist will perform on the same bill as Bob Dylan, were revealed on November 29.

However, in a post on the Neil Young Archives website, the 73-year-old claimed he had no idea the announcement was coming that day.

Young wrote: I was still finessing the art for the poster and trying to make sure all the details of the show were agreeable to me.

Then, suddenly someone jumped the gun. The tickets were put on sale and the announcement was made, all without my knowledge.

Young added he was angry subscribers to the website didnt get access to pre-sale tickets, before expressing his dismay that the show was sponsored by Barclays, which he called a fossil fuel funding entity.

Winter music festivals to book now 1 /4 Winter music festivals to book now Rise festival, December 15-22 As well as combining snowsports and music, Rise festival is putting a real focus on wellbeing in December. There are 220km of pistes for skiers and snowboarders to explore throughout the week, before taking part in mindfulness and health-orientated events, such as alpine yoga, and trying out more extreme experiences like paragliding, snowmobiling and mountain husky rides. When it comes to the music, expect an eclectic lineup up of DJ sets from the likes of Annie Mac, Camelphat, David Rodigan, Richy Ahmed and Sonny Fedora. Tomorrowland Winter, March 16-19 Legendary Belgian dance festival Tomorrowland is launching a sister event in the French Alps this March, with Tomorrowland Winter taking place for the first time in the village of Alpe dHuez. As youd expect with the organisers pedigree, some of the worlds biggest DJs are in town, with Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike performing at the festival. It promises to be a huge event, with around 30,000 people attending from around the world. Tickets are already proving very popular  those wishing to attend should sign up to the waiting list. Snowboxx, March 23-29 Music fans will be flocking to the French town of Avoriaz to see the likes of Craig David perform at Snowboxx this March. Jax Jones, Wilkinson and Rudimental will also play at the festival, which takes places over one week in the mountains. The organisers really know how to put on a party, with apres ski events taking place in the sites igloos andeMike Skinner hosting a tree house rave. Seven days of accomodation and a festival wristband start at 239. March 23-29 Snowbombing, April 8-13 Ibiza on ice is the experience fans can expect from Snowbombing, which takes place nearly 9,000ft up in the Austrian Alps between April 8 and April 13 in Mayrhofen, Austria. Expect some of the wildest parties to be thrown to celebrate the festivals 20th birthday, as well as some of the most high-profile live performances  Stormzy, the Prodigy and Fatboy Slim headline, while expert skiers and novices alike are welcome on the slopes. Packages for festival passes and accommodation begin at 249. Rex Features

That doesnt work for me, Young wrote. I believe in Science. I worry about the Climate Crisis and am deeply concerned about its massive global ramifications and my beautiful grandchildrens future.

He added: Theres no doubt about it  its been a massive f*** up!
As brands, beauties and the best-dressed prepare for The Fashion Awards tonight, on the menswear side, many are wondering which designer will cop the coveted award for British Emerging Menswear Designer.

The spoken truth, however, is that only one name rises to the top of everyone's tongue: Samuel Ross, the 27-year-old Brixton-born creative director and founder of A-COLD-WALL* (ACW), known simply as Sam Ross.

After presenting his fourth collection at the Spring/Summer 2019 menswear shows in London back in June, Ross's ACW was dubbed the one to have seen.

Samuel Ross Spring/Summer 2019 menswear show

Staged in East London at the Truman Brewery (which is the new home of London Fashion Week Men's), the show was  by all means  Rosss most moving production and London's most memorable show.

Major takeaways were the branded safety goggles and a ventilation masks given to guests (to protect from the dust generated by whirring industrial fans during the presentation), a mortar-covered army reminiscent of J. R. R. Tolkiens Orcs, who opened the show, a heftily diverse casting of unique faces and the naked man covered in a conceptualized embryonic fluid who pushed the broken structure that incubated him across the catwalk to end the show.

Samuel Ross Spring/Summer 2019 menswear show

Equally notable was the attendance of streetwear king, Virgil Abloh, who flew in from Paris to witness it all. Of course, none of this overtook the clothes  streetwear heightened with the detachable components and details that A-COLD-WALL* is known for.

It is no secret that streetwear is the new black in fashion and Samuel Ross is a wunderkind of sorts in this realm. Cutting his teeth working for Virgil Abloh at Off-White and Kanye West at Yeezy, Ross's rise has not been a traditional one. He didn't go to fashion school and he doesn't come from a fashion lineage.

Samuel Ross Spring/Summer 2019 menswear show

He does, however, emerge from artistic roots via his father, who studied art at Central Saint Martin in the '80s, and a rich cultural heritage from grandparents who arrived from the Caribbean on the SS Empire Windrush.

Samuel Ross Spring/Summer 2019 catwalk show

Ross's creative start came as a graphic designer who dabbled in different art forms after studying graphic design at De Montfort University. In 2013 a pitch to Abloh sealed an invitation to work for him (and West) and the rest, as they say, is history. Today Ross sits in the upper echelon of streetwear royalty and his clothing is worn by the likes of Jaden Smith, Lebron James, Nick Jonas, Offset and legions of streetwear denizens.

Samuel Ross Spring/Summer 2019 menswear show

Samuel Ross's approach to design has been heralded as cerebral, sculptural and utilitarian. Irrespective of his well known clientele, what's clear is that Ross's clothing is wearable and smartly different in a "dope" kind of way.

Every design brings together elements that create something both functional and aesthetically unique. Whether it's featuring fittingly idiosyncratic faces for ACW's catwalk show or campaigns with casting magician Marqee Miller or re-imagining a Nike favourite, Ross's creations are both creatively assertive and appropriate.

Kanye West and Virgil Abloh, who invited Ross to work with them (Getty)

The Fashion Awards' Best Emerging Menswear Talent award lauds the innovation and creative influence of an emerging British-based designer whose collections have gained international attention.

Ross was previously a finalist for this year's prestigious LVMH Prize, as well as the 2018 ANDAM Fashion Award. He was also a nominee at last year's Fashion Awards.

Samuel Ross Spring/Summer 2019 catwalk show

In October, Oakley tapped him to design a twenty-piece experimental performance-wear capsule for the brand and last month Nike announced their second collaboration with the young fashion designer. For the Nike capsule collection's highly anticipated launch, which was released globally, Nike and Ross staged an immersive pop-up experience in Shoreditch in partnership with the Architectural Association.

A-COLD-WALL* is now stocked in every major market, from New York to Tokyo. At The Fashion Awards tonight, ACW's ingenious young leader, Samuel Ross is most definitely the one to watch

@geoffkcooper is a fashion consultant, men's style aficionado, writer and founder of Sagaboi.com

The Fashion Awards 2018 in partnership with Swarovski will be held on Monday 10th December at The Royal Albert Hall in London and will be hosted by British actor, writer and comedian Jack Whitehall and South-Sudanese British model and activist, Alek Wek.
G oogle is today celebrating the 127th birthday of Nobel Prize-winning poet and playwright Nelly Sachs with a special commemorative Doodle.

Sachs was born into a Jewish family in Berlin on December 10, 1891 but fled the horrors of the Nazi regime to Sweden with her mother in 1940.

She became known for her poetry documenting the Holocaust and the suffering of Jews in Nazi Germany, and she was later awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Here's why Nelly Sachs deserves to be celebrated...

Who was Nelly Sachs?

Getty Images

Leonie "Nelly" Sachs was born 127 years ago today to a wealthy family in Tiergarten, Berlin.

A talented dancer, she was home-schooled because of concerns over her health and grew up introverted and sheltered.

She started to write as a teenager and began a pen pal friendship with Swedish novelist Selma Lagerlof, who later helped her escape to Sweden as the Nazis took power in Germany.

Nelly fled Germany with her mother Margarete in 1940 after their apartment was ripped apart by the Gestapo, a week before they were scheduled to report to a concentration camp.

She was so terrified of the Nazis and the impending tyranny that at one point she lost the ability to speak.

Nelly and Margarete settled in Sweden as refugees in a small flat, and the younger Sachs supported them by working as a translator.

It was during this time that she started to write powerful poems and plays that expressed the horrors of the Holocaust.

Nelly, who never married, spent the remainder of her time caring for Margarete before her mother's death in 1950.

Nelly was granted Swedish citizenship in 1952 but suffered a number of nervous breakdowns after her mother's death and would spend time in a mental institution, tormented by hallucinations of Nazi persecution.

She was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literatures in 1966 after publishing a number of poetry collections.

She died in Stockholm on May 12, 1970 aged 78, after battling intestinal cancer.

Nelly Sachs' famous poems, plays and poetry collections

Nelly Sachs' most famous poem is called O Die Schornsteine, which translates to O the Chimneys. It addresses the concentration camps where many of her Jewish relatives were killed.

Most of her works, such as her poetry collections In Death's House, published in 1947, and Darkening of the Stars in 1949, expressed the grief of the Jewish people during the Holocaust

Through her work Sachs became an unofficial spokesperson for the pain of the Jewish people.
T he Foreign Office is providing support to a group of British nationals after four teenagers and their teacher were reportedly sexually assaulted in Ghana.

According to The Sun, four girls aged between 16 and 17 and their teacher were sexually assaulted at gunpoint on Saturday during a school trip to the country.

The victims were reportedly attacked by a man with a rifle, and a Ghanaian security guard was shot and seriously injured after trying to stop the attack on Saturday night.

The victims, who were staying in guesthouses while on a volunteering trip, have now returned to the UK, according to the report.
A man appeared in court today charged with murdering British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand.

Jesse Kempson, 26, sat yards from members of Ms Millanes family, including her property developer father David and an uncle, for his first appearance at the District court in Auckland.

He was arrested after police discovered a body in scrubland on the outskirts of the city yesterday morning.

The discovery came after a week-long search for Ms Millane, a gap year student from Wickford, Essex, launched when she stopped contacting her family.

Kempson, who appeared in court wearing a blue prison boilersuit, was led back to the cells by prison officers as a man in the gallery shouted scumbag following todays 90-minute hearing.

Grace Millane was found dead after going missing in New Zealand (Grace Millane / Facebook)

He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear at the High Court on January 23.

Kempson had applied to keep his identity secret but the judge rejected the bid from his lawyer.

Police are analysing this car as part of a probe into the death of Grace Millane / PA

An immediate appeal meant he still cannot be publicly identified in New Zealand but the restrictions do not apply to international media.

Today Kempsons grandmother described him as a very confused young man.

It has emerged that the suspect had contacted 22-year-old Ms Millane on social media, calling her beautiful and very radiant on a Facebook photo shortly before she was last seen alive.

A man has been charged over the murder of Grace Millane, 22 / PA

The remark was said to have been posted at 9.29pm local time on December 1. Prosecutors claim Kempson killed her that night or the following day, on what would have been her 22nd birthday.

Officers have said Millane and the accused had not previously known each other and declined to confirm reports they met through an online dating app.

Tributes to Grace Millane are left at a roundabout in Auckland / Getty Images

Judge Evangelos Thomas addressed members of Millanes family.

He said: All of us hope that justice for Grace is fair, swift and ultimately brings you some peace. I dont know what we can say to you at this time  your grief must be desperate.

The body of Ms Millane, was discovered about 17 miles from where she last seen entering the central CityLife hotel with a man on December 1.

New Zealand PM issues apology to family of murdered Grace Millane

She graduated from the University of Lincoln in September with a degree in advertising and was on the second leg of a world tour, arriving in New Zealand last month after visiting Peru.

Her brother Declan left a poignant tribute after the body was found, posting the lyrics to You Are My Sunshine on Twitter and sharing pictures of his sister.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard appeared on the verge of tears as he spoke about the distraught state of Ms Millanes father who arrived in New Zealand on Friday to join the search for his only daughter.

David Millane, father of missing English backpacker Grace, travelled to New Zealand to assist with a search for her before receiving the devastating news / AP

Mr Beard said: Any father, any parent in this situation, will struggle.

I feel for him. I have a daughter in her twenties. So we have put in a lot of support around him. Its difficult.

He is here, with a brother from England, and the rest of the family are back home. Our hearts go out to them.

At a news conference in Auckland on Friday, Mr Millane, described his daughter as lovely and family-orientated.

Tributes to Ms Millane have been placed close to the area where the body was found. New Zealanders have also paid tribute to her on social media.

The family have given permission for members of the public to hold vigils but have declined to attend, police said.

The suspects grandfather today told local reporters that Kempsons parents had split up when he was young.

He told Stuff.co.nz: He was a nice kid, but he sort of fell out with everybody, which is what happens with broken-up marriages.
N ew Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern has apologised to the family of British backpacker Grace Millane on behalf of the whole of New Zealand saying: "Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasn't, and I'm sorry for that."

Ms Millane, 22, went missing from a hostel in Auckland on December 1 and a body was found in the Waitakere Ranges on Sunday.

A 26-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and appeared in an Auckland court on Monday.

Speaking to reporters about the death, Ms Ardern said: "I cannot imagine the grief of her family and what they would be experiencing and feeling right now.

"My thoughts and prayers are with her father David, who is in the country, her mother Gillian, who cannot be here, and her wider family, friends and loved ones.

"From the Kiwis I have spoken to, there is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality, on our manaakitanga (a Maori term meaning kindness and generosity) especially to those who are visiting our shores."

Grace Millane murder accused appears in court

Appearing to become choked with emotion, the PM added: "So on behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologise to Grace's family.

"Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasn't, and I'm sorry for that."

Earlier on Monday her alleged murderer, who can not be named, faced court for the first time. In a 90-minute hearing the accused sat in the dock in Auckland District Court.

After the hearing a man from the public gallery shouted "scumbag" at him as he was led back to the cells.

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Judge Evangelos Thomas told members of the Millane family, who were in court: "Your grief must be desperate.

"All of us hope justice for Grace is fair, swift and ultimately brings you some peace."

Documents submitted to the court suggested police believe the University of Lincoln graduate was killed between December 1 and 2, her birthday.

A charge sheet also listed the suspect as living at the hotel where she was last seen alive.

Detectives said they had identified a "location of interest" after the investigation led them to a spot on Scenic Drive, a country road about 12 miles west of the city centre, on Saturday night.

Grace Millane went missing last Thursday (Grace Millane / Facebook)

Speaking at the scene on Sunday afternoon, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said investigators had "located a body which we believe to be Grace" about 10 metres from the roadside.

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm on December 1, the day before her birthday, at the Citylife Hotel, when she was seen with a "male companion".

A man has been charged over the murder of Grace Millane, 22 / PA

Since arriving in New Zealand from Peru on November 20, she had been in near-daily contact with her family.

Police received a missing person report on Wednesday and began a major search and public campaign that saw dozens of calls made to a helpline.

Ms Millane's father, David Millane, flew to Auckland and made a public appeal for help finding his daughter, who he described as "lovely, outgoing, fun-loving (and) family-orientated".

Her brother, Declan Millane, paid tribute by sharing pictures on social media of him and his sister, adding the lyrics of You Are My Sunshine.
T he family of a teenager stabbed to death in south London today spoke of their devastation as police launched a manhunt for his killers.

The 18-year-old, who police named as Aron Warren, was found collapsed with knife wounds in a flat at a housing block in Greenwich at about 9.40pm on Saturday. He was pronounced dead 40 minutes later.

Aron is the 23rd teenager to be murdered in London so far this year.

Last night friends gathered to lay flowers and candles in the shape of A1 outside Topham House, which was sealed off and guarded by police officers.

His aunt Anne Marie Murray, who runs a guest house in Jersey, said the teenager - who was also known locally as Aron Murray - was a talented artist.

She told the Standard: Its devastating. Were all gutted for the whole family across the globe, in Jersey and in Ireland, its quite raw. Were all trying to get our heads around the news.

His mother is devastated because she was with him on Saturday until five oclock. He was a lovely person, very timid and very gentle. A little lad at the end of the day. 

The teenager is thought to have been staying at a flat with his one of his brothers, while his mother is believed to live nearby.

One friend, who attended John Roan School in Greenwich with the teenager, said: I first met him when I was 12 years old and he was that cheeky little Irish kid running around the playground.

He cared the most for his family and friends, always made everyone laugh and he truly was a respectful, kind person that was easy going and easy to get along with.

People need to realise he is not just another statistic or another victim. He was most definitely not a man - he was a young boy that liked music and being with his friends.

He never deserved to have his life taken away from him, people need to stop assuming this is gang culture. Im angry that people think boys like Aron deserve this fate just because they are young and living in south east London.

Neighbours said they were shocked by the stabbing and described the six-storey block of flats as usually quiet and happy.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder but later released with no further action.

Detectives are believed to be investigating how a row at the flat involving a number of people led to the stabbing.

The murder came as London Mayor Sadiq Khan today announced a 600,000 grant from Google to help charities tackle youth violence.

The cash will fund more than 500 social and youth workers, teachers and other frontline professionals from the Catch22 and Redthread charities with a focus on how young people use social media.

So far this year 128 people have been victims of homicide in London with police battling a surge in the number of gang related attacks.
T he distraught families of the murdered Babes in the Wood schoolgirls have branded killer Russell Bishop as "evil personified" after he was convicted following a 32-year wait for justice.

The girls' loved-ones told of their "living death" over the last three decades as Bishop was finally convicted for the 1986 murders.

Bishop was 20 years old when he sexually assaulted and strangled nine-year-olds Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway in a woodland den in Brighton.

He was cleared of their murders on December 10 1987 but within three years went on to kidnap, molest and throttle a seven-year-old girl, leaving her for dead at Devils Dyke on the edge of the Sussex seaside city.

Karen Hadaway (left) and Nicola Fellows were found dead in Wild Park near Brighton / PA

While serving life for attempted murder, Bishop, now 52, was ordered to face a fresh trial under the double jeopardy law in light of a DNA breakthrough.

He was today convicted at the Old Bailey after just two and a half hours, on the anniversary of Bishop's original acquittal.

Michelle Hadaway, the mother of Karen Hadaway (left) and Sue Eismann the mother of Nicola Fellows, outside the Old Bailey in London / PA

Afterwards, Karen's mother Michelle Hadaway said Bishop was an "evil monster".

She said: "After 32 years of fighting, we finally have justice for Karen and Nicola.

"Time stood still for us in 1986. To us them beautiful girls will always be nine years old. They will never grow up.

Bishop, pictured circa 1988, has been found guilty of murdering Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway / PA

"What people like Bishop inflict on the families of their victims is a living death."

She added: "People talk to me of forgiveness, but I can never forgive or forget what that evil monster did to my beautiful Kaz and Nicky."

The Fellows family said: "Nicola and Karen. Our beautiful girls. We will never forget their smiles that would light up a room. Their laughter. Their cheekiness.

"During the past eight weeks, we have endured re-living the horrific details of their murders and we have learned an awful lot about the true meaning of heartbreak all over again.

Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway were playing in Wild Park before they were murdered / PA

"We stand here as two families united in our grief. United in our fight for justice. And now united in our elation at today's guilty verdict.

"Together we have changed history with this 'double jeopardy' ruling and we finally have the correct outcome - Russell Bishop remains behind bars where he belongs.

"The guilty verdict doesn't bring Nicola and Karen back, but we know that other children are now safe from the hands of Russell Bishop.

"He is a monster. A predatory paedophile. Russell Bishop truly is evil personified."

The case, dubbed Babes in the Woods murders, shocked the nation in 1986 and blighted the tight-knit community of Moulsecoomb, on the edges of the South Downs in Brighton.

It is believed to be the oldest double jeopardy case and Sussex Police's longest-running murder inquiry.

In the retrial, a sweatshirt discarded on Bishop's route home was linked to the defendant by DNA while fibre, paint and ivy hairs placed it at the murder scene in Wild Park.

Tests on a sample from Karen's left forearm also revealed a "one in a billion" DNA match to Bishop.

Adjourning sentencing until Tuesday, Mr Justice Sweeney paid tribute to the families' "extraordinary diginity" throughout the trial.

Nigel Pilkington, of Crown Prosecution Service South East, said Bishop was an "extremely dangerous man" who had been convicted on "overwhelming and incontrovertible" evidence.

He said: "He is a violent predatory paedophile and he gets cross when you call him that. He also considers himself to be a victim in the sense of the 1990 conviction."

Bishop had denied all the charges against him.
T he Babes in the Wood killer who strangled two young girls and dumped their bodies in the undergrowth is facing the rest of his life behind bars after a jury today reversed one of the longest running miscarriages of justice in British legal history.

Russell Bishop, 52, grabbed nine-year-old best friends Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway while they were out playing together, sexually assaulting and murdering them before hiding their bodies in a Brighton park.

The brutal 1986 murders shocked the country and Bishop, then a local car thief and occasional painter and decorator, was swiftly identified as the prime suspect.

However, he was cleared at trial in 1987 and allowed to go free.

Within three years of his acquittal Bishop had struck again, abducting a seven-year-old girl in 1990 who he sexually assaulted and throttled, again dumping her body in woodland.

The victim miraculously survived and Bishop was sent to prison for life for the attack.

While serving life for attempted murder, Bishop was ordered to face a fresh trial under the double jeopardy law in light of a DNA breakthrough.

Guilty: Russell Bishop was acquitted of the same charged 31 years ago / Sussex Police/PA Wire

A Pinto sweatshirt discarded on Bishop's route home was linked to the defendant by DNA while fibre, paint and ivy transfers placed it at the scene.

Tests on a sample from Karen's left forearm also revealed a "one in a billion" DNA match to Bishop.

At the Old Bailey today a jury found him guilty unanimously of both murders after deliberating for just two-and-a-half hours.

The mothers of the two girls, who sat through each day of the harrowing trial, broke down in tears as the jury delivered its verdict.

Bishop, who abandoned his own defence case midway through and refused to come back to court for the end of the trial, was not in the dock today.

Prosecutor Brian Altman QC said todays verdict, which followed a two-month trial, was putting right the 32-year-old injustice which the two girls families and friends have suffered.

Mr Justice Sweeney said he "requires" Bishop to be present at a sentencing hearing tomorrow afternoon. He is likely to condemn the killer  who has refused to accept his guilt  to the rest of his life behind bars.

Bishop, pictured circa 1988, has been found guilty of the Babes in the Woods murders / PA

Nicola and Karen had gone out to play together on October 9, 1986 when they were preyed on by Bishop, who lived close to their homes in the Moulsecoomb area of Brighton.

At around dusk, Bishop spotted the girls playing in Wild Park and seized his opportunity, the prosecution said.

During the attack, he punched Nicola in the face, to "subdue" or "punish" her for being disrespectful to his teenage girlfriend earlier that day, Brian Altman QC suggested.

The day after the killings, he joined the desperate search for the children, claiming his dog Misty was a trained tracker.

He was nearby when two 18-year-olds spotted the bodies and rushed ahead of a police officer.

Bishop described details of the murder scene which only the killer could have known, including foam around the mouth of one of the girls, the court heard.

Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway were playing in Wild Park before they were murdered by Bishop / PA

In the original trial, the prosecution said the girls must have been killed before 6.30pm, by which time he had been seen heading home on foot and the girls were spotted outside a fish and chip shop.

But in the retrial, jurors heard the time of death could have been later and Bishop simply doubled back to intercept the children, both of whom he knew.

When he was accused of the killings, he denied having anything to do with the attack and claimed his DNA had only got on the bodies when he had checked their pulses on finding them in the undergrowth.

But others in the hunt party testified that Bishop did not go anywhere near the girls bodies.

Bishops story changed over time as he tried to shift the blame, pointing the finger at others for the murders including Nicolas father Barrie.

Mr Fellows, 69, was forced to give evidence during the trial, tearfully denying suggestions that he had been involved in the sexual abuse of his own daughter. He too was in court and overwhelmed with emotion as the jury reached its verdicts.

A blue Pinto sweatshirt contained crucial DNA evidence which led to Bishop's conviction / PA

Nigel Pilkington, of Crown Prosecution Service South East, said Bishop is an "extremely dangerous man" who had been convicted on "overwhelming and incontrovertible" evidence.

He said: "He is a violent predatory paedophile and he gets cross when you call him that. He also considers himself to be a victim in the sense of the 1990 conviction."

He said Bishop had tried to blame Nicola's father to create "the most havoc" possible, adding: "There is not a shred of evidence against Barrie Fellows, not realistically at all."

Detective Superintendent Jeff Riley said Bishop was a "wicked" paedophile.

He said: "I still feel it's a shadow over Brighton to this day. I'm very proud of the investigation we have put together. We have been meticulous.
T he Met have launched a desperate appeal to find the family of an asylum seeker who was found dead in the River Thames as Wapping.

Officers said Moustafa Ragouni, a Moroccan national, was found dead in the waters on October 14 and it is believed the 27-year-old has no family in the UK.

Detective Constable Gavin Markey said "all other avenues have been exhausted" in trying ro find Mr Ragouni's family, and that police were releasing an image of him as a "last resort".

On October 13, police were alerted to a man seen entering water at Luralda Wharf, Isle of Dogs.

After searching the area, police found no trace. The next day, a body was recovered in Wapping and, according to officers "it transpired that he was the same male seen entering the water the previous day".

The man was later identified as Mr Ragouni, who police said entered the UK last August to claim asylum.

He had lived in Coventry, Glasgow and Bedfordshire.

DC Markey, of the Central East Command Unit, said: We have carried out a number of enquiries with various agencies including the Home Office and the Moroccan Consulate but unfortunately we have not been able to trace any of Moustafas relatives.

Issuing his image to the media and public is the last resort in our enquiries as all other avenues have been exhausted. Any next of kin he has deserve to know what has happened to him.

Anyone who recognises Moustafa and may have information that could help police inform his family are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 2765/10 Oct.
L ate-night volunteers will be out making Soho a safer space for people partying in central London over Christmas.

Specially trained volunteers, dubbed the Soho Angels, will be handing out water, sick bags and helping drunk people get medical attention.

They will also help vulnerable people who need to charge their phones or fall victim to crime during the festive period.

During a test night last Friday eight Soho Angels and six St John Ambulance workers helped 80 people.

These included a 50-year-old man from Kent, called Steve, who had been at a work party and was found slumped on the pavement with his laptop bag and belongings covered in his own vomit.

He was brought into the Angels base, at St Annes Church, where he spent five hours sobering up.

When the Soho Angels escorted him to Charing Cross in the morning he told them: I dont know what I would have done without your help. It brings tears to my eyes that there are so many good people in this world.

They also came across an extremely drunk and unresponsive man with a group of friends from Australia.

They had been travelling around Europe and this was their last night before catching a 5am plane back to Sydney. The Angels called for an ambulance and he was taken to A&E. He missed his flight the following morning.

The initiative is by Westminster Council and charity LGBT Foundation.

The idea started in Manchester in 2011 and has been credited with helping to reduce crime and alleviate pressure on emergency services.

Paul Martin, chief executive of LGBT Foundation, said the Angels had carried out life-saving interventions in Manchester and added: Unfortunately, we know that people can be targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and that LGBT communities still face discrimination and barriers to accessing support.

Sarah Shimmons, from Smirnoff which is supporting the proposal, said their aim was to make nightlife a safer space for LGBTQ+ people.

The Soho Angels will work every Friday throughout December. If it is a success, it will be rolled out every Friday and Saturday from February next year.
T heresa Mays critics have savaged her humiliating decision to delay the Commons vote on her Brexit deal, deriding her for making the UK look foolish and adding the whole world is laughing at us.

The PM called off Tuesdays vote, blaming division over the Irish backstop, to avoid defeat on an unprecedented scale that could have proved fatal to her premiership.

Mrs May confirmed the move in a statement to the Commons after a day of disarray and conflicting signals.

Her critics rounded on her on Monday evening, with Eurosceptic Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg saying the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit had now increased.

Theresa May returns to Downing street after postponing a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal / AFP/Getty Images

He said: "I think we should aim for managed no-deal.

"But, I've made clear and I'll happily reiterate we need a new Prime Minister to do that.

"If you look at today this is the failure of the Prime Minister's policy. The Withdrawal Agreement was her policy."

Asked if his cause had been advanced by the day's events, Mr Rees-Mogg added: "I think it's been a damaging day for the Conservative Party, which is a major part of my cause.

I think it's been a humiliating day for the country, which is an even more important part of my cause.

"But, does it mean that it's more likely we will leave the European Union without a withdrawal agreement, then yes. So, one little bit of my cause has been advanced, but two primary bits have been damaged.

Jacob Rees-Mogg on why he is the best candidate to deliver Brexit

"This is not a good day for the Conservative Party or the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom looks foolish on the world stage."

Boris Johnson said the backstop should be removed from the withdrawal agreement.

He tweeted: We are told that the EU does not even like the backstop. Well, if the EU doesnt like it, and the UK government doesnt like it, and the British people dont like it, why on earth is it there? Let us get rid of it and move on.

Johnson warns of EU blackmail risk under Mays Brexit deal

Nigel Farage said on his LBC show: My recent experiences of life in the EU is they are laughing at us, I think the whole world is laughing at us.

I think today and the way that it played out, the whole thing is a national humiliation.

Tory MP Mark Francois said: The whole House wanted to debate this, we wanted to vote on it, the people expected us to vote on it and the government have gone away and hidden in the toilets.

Tusk and Barnier Brexit Deal - In Pictures 1 /7 Tusk and Barnier Brexit Deal - In Pictures EU Council President Donald Tusk holds British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit letter in notice of the UK's intention to leave the bloc under Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty at a press conference in Brussels. AP European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier attends a news conference to hand over the Brexit draft text to European Council President Donald Tusk Reuters European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and European Council President Donald Tusk pose with the Brexit draft text in Brussels, Reuters European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and European Council President Donald Tusk pose with the Brexit draft text in Brussels Reuters EU Brexit chief negociator Michel Barnier (L) hands over to European Council President Donald Tusk the "draft agreement of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union" during a press statement at the European Council in Brussels AFP/Getty Images European Council President Donald Tusk shows the "draft agreement of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union" AFP/Getty Images EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, left, and European Council President Donald Tusk flip through the pages of a draft withdrawal agreement AP

However Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, came out in support of Mrs Mays move.

Asked if her position was safe for now, he told the BBC: "I think lots of people have predicted the prime minister's downfall, they have been wrong when they have done so.

"Lots of people might go about making predictions in the other way.

"I think it's best to recognise we are in uncertain times. A very difficult point in British politics.

"But we have just seen the prime minister, I think doing the right thing.

"None of this is going to be easy in the coming weeks or months."

Mrs May is now expected travel to Europe to seek reassurances over the Northern Ireland backstop.

European Council President Donald Tusk said he had called a meeting of the council to discuss Brexit on Thursday and that the EU "will not renegotiate the deal including the backstop but is ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification".

He said: "The government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray." Labour later said it would table a motion of no confidence in the Government "when we judge it most likely to be successful".

Mrs May told MPs that "she had listened very carefully to what has been said" since the Commons debate on the deal began last week and that the vote will be deferred so that she can hold emergency talks with the EU leaders to discuss possible changes to the backstop.
B oris Johnson has demanded Theresa May goes back to Brussels to renegotiate her Brexit deal.

Former foreign secretary Mr Johnson who resigned over Mrs Mays Brexit approach, called for MPs to vote down the Prime Ministers Withdrawal Agreement in the Commons on Tuesday.

The Tory backbencher, who has refused to deny claims he is gunning for Mrs Mays job, called for the Prime Minister to finally show some steel and determination and take the deal back to EU leaders.

Writing in his Daily Telegraph column on Monday, Mr Johnson said: We dont want the appalling constraints of the Irish backstop.

Boris Johnson says the Brexit backstop allows the EU to 'blackmail' Britain

With their instinctive feeling for the realities of power, MPs can see how the backstop works as a trap  forcing us to choose between the effective break-up of the Union with Northern Ireland and the wholesale subjection of the UK to Brussels.

Boris Johnson called for Theresa May to 'finally show some steel and determination' / Jeff Overs/BBC/Getty Images

So when tomorrow night many MPs vote  as I devoutly hope they will  to protect our democracy and our union by throwing out this deal, a huge proportion will justifiably cite the backstop as the reason for their decision.

TODO: define component type apester

He continued: We need to go back to Brussels and do what they have been expecting all along  and that is finally show some steel and determination.

We are told that the EU does not even like the backstop. Well, if the EU doesnt like it, and the UK government doesnt like it, and the British people dont like it, why on earth is it there? Let us get rid of it and move on.

If Mrs May loses the vote on Tuesday, renegotiating the deals terms with EU leaders is one of the options she could choose. The Prime Minister is set to head to Brussels on Thursday for the European Council summit where she could seek concessions.

Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan claimed his Tory colleagues lining up to oppose Mrs May's Brexit deal had not "thought strategically enough about what the consequences of that would be".

"The first is that even if they overturn it they are not necessarily going to get an alternative which they are campaigning for, and instead what they will probably do is set in train a course of events which could lead to chaos in many, many areas," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

He warned there could be a leadership contest, or a general election, and said the UK could be "top dog in Europe at the moment when France is burning and Germany is in transition" but instead "we're just beating ourselves up".

Sir Alan also said Tory former foreign secretary Boris Johnson would be "met with a very, very loud raspberry in many, many different languages" if he walked into a negotiating room in Brussels.

And he warned: "Let's be absolutely clear that if this goes pear-shaped in the way that it really could on the back of people opposing the deal that is on offer tomorrow night, the wreckers in history will forever be known as the wreckers."
T heresa May has confirmed plans to delay the Commons vote on her Brexit deal blaming division over the Irish backstop.

The Prime Minister has humiliatingly called off Tuesday's Brexit vote to avoid defeat on an unprecedented scale that could prove fatal to her premiership.

Speculation had mounted on Monday that the vote on the Withdrawal Agreement would be postponed or scrapped in the face of an open revolt by Conservative MPs and fierce opposition from other sides of the House.

Mrs May confirmed the move in a statement to the Commons after a day of disarray and conflicting signals over whether the vote would be delayed. She said she would be going back to the EU to seek reassurances over the Northern Ireland backstop.

European Council President Donald Tusk later said he has called a meeting of the council to discuss Brexit on Thursday and that the EU "will not renegotiate the deal including the backstop but is ready to discuss how to facilitate UK ratification".

Theresa May delivers her update to the Commons today

Jeremy Corbyn said that if Mrs May "cannot be clear that she can and will renegotiate a deal then she must make way." He said: "The Government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray." Labour later said it would table a motion of no confidence in the Government "when we judge it most likely to be successful".

The Prime Minister told MPs that "she had listened very carefully to what has been said" since the Commons debate on the deal began last week and that the vote will be deferred so that she can hold emergency talks with the EU leaders to discuss possible changes to the backstop.

Mrs May said she believed there was "a majority to be won" in the Commons on her deal, if she is able to "secure additional reassurance on the backstop".

Prime Minister Theresa May leaving Downing Street on Monday morning / REUTERS

Mrs May is now expected to seek clarity from the European Union over how Britain could escape from being trapped indefinitely in a Northern Ireland backstop.

This is the rule that either the Province or the whole of the UK must obey EU rules until Brussels agrees that a hard border with Ireland is not a prospect.

Commons Speaker John Bercow dished out a telling off to ministers, saying it was "deeply discourteous" to delay the vote and urging the Prime Minister to hold a vote on the matter before "unilaterally" deciding to postpone. But Mrs May's spokesman said the Government would not give MPs the opportunity to vote on the delay.

Addressing MPs in the Commons, the PM said the fundamental question for MPs to answer was: "Does this House want to deliver Brexit?"

TODO: define component type apester

If so, she said that they needed to ask themselves whether they were willing to make compromises.

Mrs May said it was an "inescapable fact" that the Northern Ireland/Ireland border would become the external EU border on March 30.

She told the Commons: "The challenge this poses must be met, not with rhetoric, but with real and workable solutions.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks following Prime Minister Theresa May's statement in the House of Commons / PA

"Businesses operate across that border, people live their lives crossing and recrossing it every day.

"I have been there and spoken to some of those people, they do not want their every-day lives to change as a result of the decision we have taken. They do not want a return to a hard border.

"If this House cares about preserving our Union it must listen to those people because our Union will only endure with their consent."

Mrs May said she would meet her EU counterparts in advance of the European Council this week.

Countdown to Brexit: 109 days until Britain leaves the EU

She told MPs: "I am clear from what I have heard in this place and from my own conversations that these elements do not offer a sufficient number of colleagues the reassurance that they need.

"I spoke to a number of EU leaders over the weekend and in advance of the European Council I will go to see my counterparts in other member states and the leadership of the Council and the Commission. I will discuss with them the clear concerns that this House has expressed."

In his response, Mr Corbyn said: "This is a bad deal for Britain, bad deal for our economy and a bad deal for our democracy. Our country deserves better than this.

"If the Prime Minister cannot be clear that she can and will renegotiate a deal then she must make way. And if she is going back to Brussels then she needs to build a consensus in this house.

"There is no point at all in this Prime Minister bringing back the same deal again which clearly does not supported by this house.

"We have endured to two years of shambolic negotiations. Were on our third Brexit secretary and it appears each one has been excluded from vital negotiations. Theyve become the first government in British history to be held in contempt of parliament.

"People are in despair at the state of these failed negotiations. The fault lies solely at the door of this shambolic government."

Lib Dem leader Vince Cable said the Government had completely lost control and that he would support Labour if it chose to issue a no confidence motion against the Government.

DUP leader Arlene Fosters, whose MPs prop up Mrs May's Government, said the Government's approach to Brexit is "chaotic".

Mrs Foster said: "The fundamentally flawed Withdrawal Agreement would have undermined our United Kingdom economy and the Union itself.

"The backstop would have left Northern Ireland trapped as a hostage to the European Union."

On Monday morning, at least eight Cabinet ministers were pressing Mrs May in private to back away from what was looking like a defeat by 100 or more votes in the Commons.

However, at 11.20am the Prime Ministers official spokesman told a regular meeting of journalists at Westminster that it would go ahead as scheduled tomorrow evening.
The Labour leader took aim at the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon after she confirmed her intention to postpone the so-called meaningful vote.

Mr Corbyn described the situation as "unprecedented" and "serious".

The Government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray, he said.

If the Prime Minister cannot be clear that she can and will renegotiate a deal then she must make way."

Theresa May updated the Commons on the situation on Monday / REUTERS

After Mr Corbyn's address, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable said his party would support Labour if the party pushed for a no confidence vote in the PM. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon earlier said she would do the same.

During the tense exchange in the Commons, Mr Corbyn then said it was inevitable for weeks the deal would not be supported and asked if Mrs May would seek changes to the deal or merely reassurances.

He also quoted statements from EU officials that the deal cannot be changed and is the only one on offer.

TODO: define component type apester

Describing the deal as botched, he said bringing it back to Parliament without major changes will not change the objections. He said it was a bad deal for Britain.

As well as this he spoke of red lines which have been boldly announced and then cast aside, while also criticising the Government for being found in contempt of Parliament.

Jeremy Corbyn made the comments as the Commons gathered for an update on the vote ( PARBUL/PA Wire) / PARBUL/PA Wire

He called for the PM to build a consensus in this House and for a debate on the negotiating mandate which she could take to Brussels.

There is no point, no point at all, in this Prime Minister bringing back the same deal again, which clearly is not supported by this house, Mr Corbyn said.

Britain's leader of the Liberal Democrat party, Vince Cable said he would back a no confidence vote in the PM / REUTERS

The Government is in disarray, uncertainty is building for business, people are in despair at the state of these failed negotiations and concerned about what it means about their jobs, their livelihood and their communities. And the fault for that lies solely at the door of this shambolic Government.

The Prime Minister is trying to buy herself one last chance to save this deal.

If she doesnt take on board the fundamental changes required then she must make way for those who can.

The two leaders clashed across the Commons / PA

Mrs May responded that Mr Corbyn argued on one hand that they EU would not allow the deal to be changed but on the other that he would only accept the deal being renegotiated.

The fundamental question that members of this House need to ask themselves is whether they want to deliver Brexit and honour the result of this referendum," she said.

If you wish to deliver Brexit, if you wish to honour the result of the referendum, then the deal that does that, that best protects jobs and our economy, is the deal the Government has put forward.

She said that a backstop would be necessary for any deal and the ability to strike trade deals worldwide would be impaired by the connections she said Mr Corbyn would want to trade with the EU bloc.
M Ps will vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal on Tuesday, in the most important parliamentary decision in decades.

After days of debates, the Commons will vote on the plan she agreed with Brussels after months of political wrangling.

Parliament will sit again on Monday to resume the Brexit debate. Following another weekend of pressure on Mrs May about the details of the deal, Downing Street could make some concessions on certain parts of the blueprint for Britain's exit ahead of Tuesday's vote.

Here is what could happen if her Withdrawal Agreement is rejected by the Commons.

Johnson warns of EU blackmail risk under Mays Brexit deal

Go back to Brussels

The EU has been adamant the deal cannot be renegotiated. But, if faced with the threat of a calamitous no-deal Brexit, Mrs May might fancy testing its resolve and see if she can win some changes to appease enough MPs to win a second vote. The Prime Minister is set to head to Brussels on Thursday for the European Council summit, where she could seek concessions.

Resign as Prime Minister

In recent weeks, Mrs May has refused to answer questions asking if she would quit if her deal is voted down in the Commons.

Under pressure on Brexit: Theresa May / AFP/Getty Images

Leadership contest

Hardline Tory Brexiteers may have failed to muster enough letters of no confidence in the Prime Minister to backbench supremo Sir Graham Brady last month to trigger a leadership battle. But other players could make a move.

Second referendum

Mrs May has constantly refuted this idea, while Labour is pushing for it if it does not get a general election. It would possibly require an extension of Article 50 to delay Brexit.

General election

Jeremy Corbyn has been calling for a general election / Getty Images

The ultimate gamble for the Prime Minister, who would have to hope that voters will, via the ballot box, back her plan. But Labour has long called for an election believing that, after the 2017 election resulted in a hung parliament, it has the advantage.

Labour tries to engineer an election

Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act, the opposition would have to win a vote of no confidence in Mrs May in the Commons and then hope the Conservatives could put together a government which could win a second vote. In this case, a general election would be called. It would mean the DUP and a clutch of Tory rebels would have to side with Jeremy Corbyn, which seems unlikely.

No-deal Brexit

The warnings from institutions like the Bank of England, the CBI, and the government's own technical papers have been calamitous about the impact of leaving without a deal on March 29. Some Brexiteers say much of this is an exaggeration. But if everything else fails, it's possible it could happen.

Key events this week

ECJ ruling

Brexit looks as if it will make headlines from the get-go, with the European Court of Justice due to rule on Monday morning whether the UK can unilaterally revoke Article 50. Campaigners say that if the ECJ rules the UK can unilaterally revoke Brexit it could give the country the option to "stop the clock" on leaving the EU as it would give an alternative to the options of the Prime Minister's deal or no-deal.

Commons vote

Parliament will sit again on Monday to resume the Brexit debate, with a vote scheduled to take place on Tuesday. Following a weekend of pressure on Mrs May about the details of the deal, Downing Street could make some concessions on certain parts of the blueprint for Britain's exit. Should the Prime Minister not secure a victory in the vote, then interest will turn to the numbers. Conservatives could send the 48 letters needed to the 1922 Committee to force a leadership contest and Labour could also table a vote of no confidence in Mrs May.

PMQs

The weekly spectacle of Prime Minister's Questions is scheduled for Wednesday at 12pm. How the vote goes on Tuesday will govern whether the Prime Minister can use the occasion to hail a historic victory, or will be left facing enormous pressure to explain what comes next for Brexit.

Return to Brussels

Mrs May is due to head to the Belgian capital on Thursday for the European Council summit. Brexit is not on the agenda - instead the EU's long-term budget, single market, migration and external relations are up for discussion - but should the vote not go the way of Mrs May, she could look to secure concessions in Brussels.

Supreme Court challenge

The highest court in the UK - the Supreme Court - will rule on Thursday on a challenge brought over Brexit legislation passed by the Scottish devolved administration. The court has been asked to rule on whether the EU exit bill passed by the Scottish Parliament in March is constitutional and "properly within devolved legislative powers".
Ms Rudd told the Today programme: "A lot of people have a perfect vision of what they think Brexit should look like, and that 'perfect' is not available.

"What we need is a compromise deal. That's what the Prime Minister has proposed and I would urge my colleagues to think about, first of all, why people voted to leave the European Union [and] what their interpretation is of that. And secondly, what the alternatives are.
L abour's Dennis Skinner today lashed out at weak Theresa May, labelling her frit which is a jibe famously used by Margaret Thatcher.

The Labour backbencher also accused the Prime Minister of handing over the power to the EU by delaying parliaments vote on the Brexit deal.

Mr Skinner said: Doesn't the Prime Minister realise that she's handed over power, not to people in this House, but she's handed over power to the people she's going to negotiate with  over there in Europe.

She looks very weak, and she is.

Mrs Thatcher had a word for it, what she's done today, F-R-I-T, she's frit.

Mrs Thatcher had previously accused Labour politician Denis Healey of being Frit in the 1980s  an abbreviation for frightened.

Mr Skinners comments came after the PM confirmed plans to delay the Commons vote on her Brexit deal.

Under pressure on Brexit: Theresa May (Parliament TV. ) / Parliament TV.

Mrs May humiliatingly called of Tuesdays vote, blaming division over the Irish backstop.
T heresa May is expected to struggle to get her Brexit deal through Parliament for a second time this evening, with her own Attorney General dealing her a major blow with his legal advice.

Geoffrey Cox admitted the Irish backstop, which has generated much of the opposition to the PM's deal, could still see locked forever into EU rules.

He concluded the legal risk remains unchanged and unless the UK could prove the EU was acting in bad faith in future, there was no internationally lawful means of exiting the Protocols arrangements, save by agreement.

Last night, Mrs May claimed to have secured new "legally binding" assurances on the backstop and urged MPs to back her "improved deal" in tonight's meaningful vote.

The backstop, which is aimed at preventing a hard border in Ireland, has seen MPs voicing their dissaproval on two main issues.

Some fear the UK could become trapped indefinitely in the backstop while others dislike the fact that Northern Ireland would be operating under different regulations to the rest of the UK.

The DUP, which props up Mrs May's government, has also displayed fierce opposition to it.

Below, the Standard answers some key questions on the backstop within Mrs Mays deal.

Brexit pressures: Theresa May / REUTERS

What has the PM achieved?

Three new documents were agreed with Mr Juncker.

The first is a "joint instrument" that relates to the Withdrawal Agreement. The PM said it reduces the risk that the UK could be "deliberately held in the Northern Ireland backstop indefinitely".

The second is a "unilateral declaration" by the UK which sets out "the sovereign action the UK would take to provide assurance that the backstop would only be applied temporarily".

The third is a supplement to the Political Declaration "setting out commitments by the UK and the EU to expedite the negotiation and bringing into force of their future relationship".

What does all that mean?

The joint instrument gives Britain the ability to suspend the backstop if the EU is deemed to have deliberately applied it indefinitely, but the UK would have to win the backing of an independent arbitration body to do so.

The unilateral declaration is a statement on the record that the UK can "instigate measures" to remove itself from the backstop if talks break down.

This could carry legal weight if it is lodged with the UN without formal objection by the EU.

The supplement to the declaration states the intention that both sides will set about finding an alternative to the backstop as soon as possible.

Countdown to Brexit: 17 days to go

What was planned for the Irish border?

A backstop solution aims to prevent the establishment of a hard border, and the reintroduction of border checks, between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

It would mean the UK will remain in a customs union with the EU "unless and until" "alternative arrangements" are found to avoid a hard border if future trade talks between the two parties fail once a transition period ends.

But it also means some extra regulations relating to Northern Ireland remain aligned with the rest of the EU to ensure the order remains open.

It is an insurance policy if no answer can be found through a permanent trade deal after a transitional period from next March but unionists fear it could create regulatory disparity between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The EU says it has no plans to change its negotiating stance and the UK Government has also said it would not accept a hard border in place after Brexit.

But both sides have been reluctant to concede too much ground over the issue.

What exactly does the backstop propose?

The Prime Minister says she will negotiate a special customs and trade arrangement with the EU once the Brexit transition period ends in December 2020.

But the Irish government, along with the rest of the EU, insisted on an insurance policy in case those talks fail.

This backstop, which was agreed on as part of the Withdrawal Agreement struck in November will apply only until such a time as a subsequent agreement is in place.

This would create a single EU-UK customs territory avoiding the need for tariffs, quotas or checks on rules of origin between the EU and the UK.

Northern Irish businesses would not face restrictions when placing products on the EU's Single Market.

But there will be separate regulations for Northern Ireland on some extra rules of the single market, to avoid a return to a hard border on the island.

What has been the Irish Government's reaction?

Dublin is keen to ensure a free-flowing border to protect the peace process and north-south trade links and wants this insurance policy to protect it.

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it is not possible to renegotiate the backstop without reopening all aspects of the draft withdrawal treaty.

Mr Varadkar pledged to defend the backstop, but said it was important to remember it was an insurance mechanism and a way of avoiding the return of a hard customs border on the island.

Brexit: Meaningful Vote Front Pages - In Pictures 1 /9 Brexit: Meaningful Vote Front Pages - In Pictures

What has been the DUP's reaction?

Party leader Arlene Foster said the Prime Minister must get rid of the backstop and backed calls for alternative arrangements to be made.

The DUP is concerned remaining aligned to Europe would create a regulatory divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, requiring extra checks on east-west trade and threatening the integrity of the UK as a whole.

MP Sammy Wilson told the BBC that Theresa May's Commons defeat reaffirmed his party's concerns over the backstop and that the Prime Minister must renogotiate with Brussels.

Other opposition to the backstop

Many MPs dislike the prospect of being bound to EU rules and customs duties that would prevent Britain doing its own trade deals and leave it overseen by EU judges.

Mrs May has pushed the EU to put a time limit on the backstop, possibly in 2021. Some EU governments have considered such a deadline - perhaps more like 2025 - but Ireland and all other EU leaders have rejected that.

Staunch Brexiteer Boris Johnson has previously said the EU would use the backstop to "blackmail" the UK.

He told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show last year: The real problem with the backstop arrangement, it gives the power to Brussels and all the other EU states effectively to blackmail us and to get what they want out of the future trade negotiations. It is a diabolical negotiating position to be in.

Mr Johnson insisted that there could be a withdrawal agreement without the Irish backstop.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his Brexit deal would not include a backstop and that the DUP clearly disliked it "for very good and sensible reasons".

What have Remain voices in Northern Ireland said about the backstop?

Four pro-Remain parties in Northern Ireland including Sinn Fein and the nationalist SDLP declared it should be "banked" rather than discarded to protect the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
A nti-Brexit campaigners ramped up calls today for a second referendum after European judges ruled Britain can unilaterally slam the brakes on quitting the EU.

The European Court of Justice decided that the UK does not need to plead with Brussels to be allowed to revoke Article 50 which currently means the country will leave the European bloc on March 29.

Cabinet minister Michael Gove swiftly brushed aside the emergency judgement, insisting that the UK will brexit in four months time.

But the ruling buoyed campaigners for a Peoples Vote, many of who hope it will overturn the June 2016 referendum result.

Two recent polls show there is now a double digit lead for people who believe voting to quit the EU was the wrong decision / REUTERS

Tottenham Labour MP David Lammy tweeted: Brexit is not inevitable.

We can revoke Article 50. After two and a half years of failed negotiations, broken promises and lies, it must be up to the British people to decide in a #PeoplesVote.

Bracknell Tory MP Phillip Lee added: We chose to put a political gun to our head nearly two years ago with Article 50.

In view of the current circumstances, we should remove that gun.

Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stressed: So an extension of Article 50 to allow time for another vote, followed by revocation of Article 50 if the outcome is Remain seems to be an option that is now open to the House of Commons.

However, Environment Secretary Mr Gove insisted: We voted very clearly - 17.4 million people sent a clear message that we wanted to leave the European Union and that means also leaving the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

So, this case is all very well but it doesnt alter either the referendum vote or the clear intention of the Government to make sure that we leave on March 29.

Two recent polls, though, show there is now a double digit lead for people who believe voting to quit the EU was the wrong decision, compared to those who still think it was right.

Other surveys show a similar yet not so stark trend towards Remain since the 52/48 per cent vote to Leave in June 2016.

The ECJ ruling was a blow to Brussels which had argued that Britain could only go back on Article 50, which triggered the two-year process of quitting the EU, if it had the backing of all the blocs other states.

The judges stressed: In todays judgment, the full court has ruled that, when a member state has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the European Union, as the UK has done, that member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification.

TODO: define component type apester

It added: The revocation must be decided following a democratic process in accordance with national constitutional requirements. This unequivocal and unconditional decision must be communicated in writing to the European Council.

The court had rushed through the case, sparking accusations that it was engaging in politics as its judgement, which was in line with an opinion delivered last week by the courts top legal adviser. came the day before Theresa May was due to hold her crunch vote on her Brexit proposals.

The judges also found, contrary to the Governments position, that the case is relevant and not hypothetical.

A new poll revealed today that Londoners would overwhelming vote to Remain in the EU rather than leave on Theresa Mays deal.

A survey of people in the capital reveals opinion is running at over two to one in favour of a referendum - and that people in the capital would vote to stay by a clear majority.

The findings come from a YouGov poll of 1,020 Londoners commissioned by Queen Mary University of London.

It found Londoners would be happy to have a fresh referendum by a clear margin of 46 per cent to 30. Among Labour voters, the divide increased to 61  19, which will increase pressure on Jeremy Corbyn to support a vote.

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In a referendum between leaving the EU on Theresa Mays terms or remaining in the EU, Londoners would vote to stay by a clear majority of 54 per cent to 22.

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Prof Philip Cowley, of QMULs Mile End Institute, said: With the exception of the over-65s age group, Londoners strongly want a referendum and would vote overwhelmingly to remain in the EU rather than accept the Governments deal. Among young people, the support for a vote and for Remain is more than five to one.

The legal case was brought by a cross-party group of Scottish politicians, Labour MEPs Catherine Stihler and David Martin, SNP MP Joanna Cherry and MEP Alyn Smith, and Green MSPs Andy Wightman and Ross Greer, together with lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project.

It was originally heard by the Court of Session in Edinburgh and two attempts by the UK Government to appeal against the referral to the European Court were rejected.
T heresa May appeared to muddle her words in the Commons today as she said she wanted to ensure a "smooth exit from Brexit."

Opposition MPs were quick to jump on the Prime Minister's slip of the tongue as she addressed MPs on her intentions to delay the meaningful vote on her Brexit deal.

The Lib Dems tweeted a clip of the error with the caption: "The awkward moment when you realise an Exit from Brexit is the right choice for the country."

Mrs May had said: This House has a responsibility and there will come a point, where it will be up to every member of this House, to determine whether they are going to accept the result of the referendum and deliver a deal for the British people that ensures a smooth exit from Brexit, and that protects jobs and livelihoods.

Theresa May told the Commons on Monday she planned to delay the vote on her deal (Parliament TV) / Parliament TV.

The exit from Brexit motto is used heavily by the Liberal Democrats, a party which strongly supports a people's vote on Brexit and has stated it would support Britain staying in the European Union.

Mrs May appeared to muddle her words after Yvette Cooper, a Labour MP, said: Nothing has changed in the level of Parliamentary concern about her deal since last week.

Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrat party, which uses the slogan 'exit from Brexit' / REUTERS

She then expressed her frustration at a day of disarray and mixed messages from the Government over whether the vote would be delayed.

Does she not realise how chaotic and ridiculous this makes our country look, and given the importance of trust and credibility in this entire process, how can she possibly talk about duty and honour and faith in politicians, when we cannot even trust the most basic things her ministers are saying," she said.

TODO: define component type apester

Mrs May said the decision to delay it was taken late morning and it was taken over concerns in relation to the backstop, which she would be going back to the European Union about.

Jeremy Corbyn responding to Theresa May's statement

The statement on Parliaments responsibility and exit from Brexit quote then followed.

After Ms Cooper shared a clip of the back and forth, one person wrote: You made her say exit from Brexit. Well done.

Another said: Oops  did she really just say that?

Referring to it potentially being a Freudian slip, one wrote: May have been a slip of the tongue, but we know what Mr Freud would have said...

The exchange came after the Prime Minister told MPs that "she had listened very carefully to what has been said" since the Commons debate on the deal began last week, which has led to her decision to defer the vote so she can hold emergency talks with the EU leaders.
T he European Parliaments Brexit coordinator has said he cant follow anymore and warned of further uncertainty after Theresa May shelved the key Brexit vote.

Posting on Twitter on Monday, Guy Verhofstadt slammed the Prime Ministers last-minute decision to postpone the vote, saying: Its time they make up their mind.

He wrote: I cant follow anymore. After two years of negotiations, the Tory government wants to delay the vote. Just keep in mind that we will never let the Irish down.

This delay will further aggravate the uncertainty for people and businesses.

EU Parliament Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt / PA

The comments were mirrored by remarks made by Ian Talbot, the chief executive of the business network Chambers Ireland, who said Britain could fall off a cliff unless a decision is made to do something.

We need some clarity, Mr Talbot said after the vote was postponed on Monday. We absolutely need to know whats happening so we can have some preparation time.

What we want to achieve is get the message over that Britain cant keep deferring making any decisions whatsoever, because having triggered the Article 50 deadline and March 29, unless some decision is made to do something Britain could fall off a cliff.

Theresa May has delayed her key Brexit vote / Toby Melville/Reuters

He said a delay would create uncertainty for businesses, such as the aviation industry, as he called for action that brings the UK nearer to a solution.

Mr Talbot, deputy president of Eurochambres, added: "As long as we keep deferring coming to a decision on where we're going to move forward, investment is drying up, for example, in anything involving Brexit, research, education, all these things - everyone is standing back waiting to see what happens."

He made the comments on a visit to Westminster with other members of the association of European chambers of commerce and industry, where they will be meeting members of the Commons Brexit committee.

The statement comes hours after Mrs May abruptly decided to pull a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, throwing Britain's plan to leave the European Union up in the air on the eve of the vote.

After repeated warnings that the vote would humiliate her government as opponents and supporters of Brexit joined in opposition to her deal, Mrs May convened a conference call with senior ministers on Monday.

She gave a statement to Parliament at 3.30pm confirming plans to defer the vote. Afterwards, leader of Commons Andrea Leadsom, who organises business in parliament on the government's behalf, is due to speak.
H MS Queen Elizabeth will return to Portsmouth today after a four-month deployment in the US.

Britains largest warship will be making the return back to the Solent this afternoon with more than 1,000 members of the ships company.

15 navigational aids on Portsmouth Harbour will mark the deep water channel to enable the carrier to safely navigate its way back to Portsmouth Naval Base.

HMS Queen Elizabeth left in August to begin flight trials in the US, during which two F-35FB fighter jets conducted 500 takeoffs and landings.

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York on October 19 for a week-long visit. / Getty Images

The 65,000 tonne vessel cost 3bn to build and the Ministry of Defence spent 190 million on each F-35.

When the ship first set off four months ago, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: The largest warship in British history is joining forces with the most advance fighter jets on the planet.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to enter active service in 2021 and will be joined by sister ship HMS Prince of Wales in Portsmouth next year.

Where can I see HMS Queen Elizabeth arrive?

The warship will be making its way back to Portsmouth Naval Base, located on the eastern shore of Portsmouth Harbour.

For the best view, spectators can gather at the Hotwalls, Round Tower and Square Tower.

What time will HMS Queen Elizabeth arrive in Portsmouth?

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York 1 /9 HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in New York PA Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Ministry of Defence Getty Images Getty Images

Onlookers should be able to see HMS Elizabeth in the Solent from 1.30pm today.

Crew have instructed that the precise timing could change depending on weather conditions.

How to follow HMS Queen Elizabeth's return:
T emperatures in the UK are set to plummet to as low as -3C as a cold snap hits the UK.

Scotland and northern England can expect frost as the mercury plummets.

London and the south east are also expected to see temperatures plunge to -3C overnight on Monday.

Meanwhile in the capital, a cold wind from the east is expected to bring cooler daytime temperatures of 4C in the capital by Thursday.

Mark Wilson from the Met Office told the Standard: Across the UK, Monday will be dry with a few showers in the north west of England.

London during the day will have sunshine and it will be colder in Scotland, he added.

Temperatures across the UK are set to plummet / PA

Tuesday across the UK will be cloudy, bringing rain and stronger winds across the far west by the evening.

While on Wednesday, the west of the UK will be showery rain.

Mr Wilson said: Moving towards Thursday, it will be colder due to air coming in from the east. Temperatures will struggle to get higher than 4-5C, considerably lower than the start of the week.

However it will be drier compared to the last few days.

Moving onwards to next week, the Met Office says it could be wet and very windy in the northwest of the country.
D onald Trump has again misspelled the word smoking while insisting on Twitter that his campaign did not collude with Russia.

The US president was implicated by his own former attorney in a felony on Friday but in a series of frantic tweets, has remained defiant by claiming he did nothing wrong.

On Monday morning, the US president tweeted: Democrats cant find a Smocking Gun tying the Trump campaign to Russia after James Comeys testimony. No Smocking Gun...No Collusion. @FoxNews Thats because there was NO COLLUSION. So now the Dems go to a simple private transaction, wrongly call it a campaign contribution,...

In a second tweet minutes later he continued: ....which it was not (but even if it was, it is only a CIVIL CASE, like Obamas - but it was done correctly by a lawyer and there would not even be a fine. Lawyers liability if he made a mistake, not me). Cohen just trying to get his sentence reduced. WITCH HUNT!

It appears the presidents misspelling of the word smoking is more than just a typo.

In August, he posted a tweet, which has since been deleted: We already have a smocking gun about a campaign getting dirt on their opponent, it was Hillary Clinton. How is it OK for Hillary Clinton to proactively seek dirt from the Russians but the Trump campaign met at the Russians request and that is bad? Marc Thiessen, Washington Post

Mr Trump has a history of not spell checking his posts.

This year he has tweeted special councel instead of special counsel multiple times when writing about the Robert Mueller investigation.

He has also spelled numerous names wrong including that of former US president Barack Obama and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
F rances President Emmanuel Macron has caved in and promised to raise the countrys minimum wage after violent protests.

Responding to weeks of demonstrations, Mr Macron also vowed to raise tax concessions so as to end an "economic and social state of emergency".

Speaking in a special address ot the nation, he promised all means will be used to restore calm after the disruptive protests that have caused chaos in Paris and across France.

Hundreds of people have been protesting in France for the past four weekends over high living costs, fuel tax rises and other issues.

Dramatic scenes unfolded in Paris over the weekend, as police fired tear gas at protesters and used water cannons and horses to charge into demonstrators.

Riot police use tear gas on Paris protesters

On Monday, Mr Macron addressed the nation for the first time since the protests turned to rioting in Paris.

He acknowledged "anger and indignation" among the public over the cost of living, but he also said "no indulgence" would be given to people behind the protest violence.

He said "no anger justifies" attacking police or looting stores, saying both threaten France's cherished liberty.

Paris 'yellow vest' tax protests 1 /32 Paris 'yellow vest' tax protests A car burns during a protest of Yellow vests (Gilets jaunes) against rising oil prices and living costs on the Champs Elysees AFP/Getty Images Demonstrators wearing a yellow vest face anti-riot police as demonstrators blocking a road near the oil depot of La Rochelle AFP/Getty Images French member of the National Assembly Jean Lassalle, wearing a yellow vest, addresses media as ambulance drivers block traffic during a protest demonstration at the Place de la Concorde in Paris Reuters A demonstrator wearing a yellow vest (gilet jaune) stands behind barricades blocking a road near the oil depot of La Rochelle AFP/Getty Images Demonstrators wearing a yellow vest (gilet jaune) face anti-riot police as demonstrators blocking a road near the oil depot of La Rochelle, southwestern France AFP/Getty Images Demonstrators wearing a yellow vest face anti-riot police as demonstrators blocking a road near the oil depot of La Rochelle AFP/Getty Images Firefighters work to put out cars set on fire on a road nearby Arc de Triomphe Getty Images Demonstrators destroy cars during a protest of "Yellow vests" AFP/Getty Images The third 'Yellow Vest' (gilets jaunes) rally in Paris over increased fuel taxes and leadership in the government today caused over 150 arrests in the city with reports of injuries to protesters and security forces Getty Images A vandalized car is seen on a street the morning after clashes with protesters in Paris REUTERS Protesters burnt cars in the streets in the worst rioting in Paris in years REUTERS A barrage made of debris blocks a street the morning after clashes with protesters REUTERS Hundreds of people were arrested and injured REUTERS A policeman patrols outside a vandalized building the morning after clashes REUTERS charred cars in a street of Paris on December 2, 2018, a day after clashes during a protest of Yellow vests (Gilets jaunes) against rising oil prices and living costs AFP/Getty Images A passer-by takes a photo of the damage caused in the rioting REUTERS A vandalized car is seen the morning after clashes with protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel fuel taxes, in Paris, France, December 2, 2018 REUTERS A yellow vest hangs inside a vandalized store front REUTERS Demonstrators destroy a car during a protest of Yellow vests (Gilets jaunes) against rising oil prices and living costs on the Champs Elysees, in Paris, on December 1, 2018 AFP/Getty Images Demonstrators walk by a burning barricade near the Arc de Triomphe AP Demonstrators gather during a protest of Yellow vests (Gilets jaunes) against rising oil prices and living costs on the Champs Elysees, in Paris, on December 1, 2018 AFP/Getty Images French riot police stand guard during clashes with protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes REUTERS A protester wearing a yellow vest, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, holds a French flag during clashes at the Place de l'Etoile in Paris REUTERS Protesters wearing yellow vests (gilets jaunes) clash with riot police in a cloud of teargas during a demonstration over high fuel prices on the Champs Elysee in Paris EPA Demonstrators raise their arms as they surround the tomb of The Unknown Soldier at The Arc of Triomphe AFP/Getty Images French riot Police clear out the Place de l'Etoile with water canons and tear gas around the Arc de Triompe EPA Riot police officers chase demonstrators near the Arc de Triomphe AP Protesters wearing yellow vests (gilets jaunes) chase a french riot police officer EPA Protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a French drivers' protest against higher diesel taxes, face off with French riot police d REUTERS A protester holds a French flag during the clash REUTERS Demonstrators stand behind a barricade as they face policemen during a protest of Yellow vests (Gilets jaunes) against rising oil prices and living costs AFP/Getty Images Masked demonstrators use street barriers as shields as they clash with riot police officers near the Arc de Triomphe AP

Mr Macron promised to speed up tax relief for struggling workers and to scrap a tax hike for retirees.

He reiterated earlier promises to raise the minimum wage and pledged to abolish taxes on overtime pay starting on January 1, several months before schedule.

He also said a tax hike on pensioners would be scrapped.

Protesters wearing yellow vests stand next to burning items near the Champ Elysees / AFP/Getty Images
N ew York is considering using taxes from legalised marijuana to pay for multi-billion-dollar upgrades to its ailing public transport network.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has signalled an interest in the Weed for Rails plan, drawn up by a former city council speaker. Melissa Mark-Viverito, who is running to be Public Advocate, unveiled the proposal last week and suggested that $1.3 billion raised each year from marijuana taxes should go to transit improvements.

A spokesman for Mr de Blasio told the Standard that it was an interesting concept and that it should get a real look. However, it is currently hypothetical as marijuana is only legal for medical purposes in New York. But that looks likely to change as officials are reportedly putting together legislation to legalise the drug for adult use.

New York needs at least $40 billion over 10 years to solve the worst transit problem in a generation. Congestion charging, another option on the table, would not generate enough money on its own. Now politicians and experts are looking to states such as Colorado, which generated $247 million in taxes last year from $1.5 billion in sales of cannabis.

New York state governor Andrew Cuomo has set up a panel to look at all funding options, and it could come up with ideas as soon as next month. This is against a backdrop of a lack of willing investors in the subway and buses.

As she launched Weed for Rails, Ms Mark-Viverito said: The train system is literally falling apart around us... I think this is an area where we could see quick results if the political will is there.

City council speaker Corey Johnson told the New York Times: The biggest issue we hear about as elected officials is the state of the subway system. To be able to tie these things together is something that could be highly impactful and potentially transformative.

A report by Mitchell Moss, a transport expert at New York University, found there was an immense opportunity for New York with legalisation. He said that based on a price of $374 per ounce of cannabis, the state could reap $500 million to $750 million a year in taxes

Former London Underground manager Andy Byford was hired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in January and came up with the $40 billion plan. A spokesman for Mr Byford, president of New Yorks transit authority, said: Were focused on improving the service in the short term and completely modernising the transit system with new infrastructure and better accessibility in the medium and long term.
A kangaroo who went viral for his huge muscles and towering height has died aged 12.

Roger, who lived at Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs in Australia, grew to be more than 6ft 7 tall and weighed nearly 200lbs.

The roo was saved by Chris Barns, who runs the rescue centre, after his mother was killed in a car accident.

The sanctuary mourned the death of our darling Roger on social media after he passed away from old age at the weekend.

The Sanctuary posted the last photo taken of Roger, taken last week before he passed away over the weekend / Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs

Mr Barns said in a video posted to Facebook: Its a very sad day here today for we have lost our beautiful boy, Roger.

Ten years ago, I built this sanctuary to house Roger and a couple of his wives, Ella and Abigail.

We built it so theyd have a place to live.

The beloved roo died aged 12 over the weekend / Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs

Roger was our alpha male for many years and he grew up to be a kangaroo that people from all over the world have grown to love as much as we love him too.

Roger became the worlds most famous kangaroo in 2015, when the sanctuary posted pictures of him flattening a metal bucket using his massive arms.

In his later years, Roger had struggled with arthritis and fading vision, but was "loving his retirement", Mr Barns said in 2016.
A Siberian policeman, described as Russia's most prolific mass murderer in modern times, has been convicted of killing 56 more people bringing his total number of victims to at least 78.

A court in Siberia found Mikhail Popkov, from the city of Angarsk, guilty of the murders between 1994 and 2000 and sentenced him to life in prison.

He killed the victims after offering them late-night rides in his car.

Popkov, who was arrested in 2012 after a DNA match identified his car, is already serving life for 22 other killings.

The victims were all women between the ages of 15 and 40 apart from one man, a police officer. In three cases he was on duty in his police car.

Former police officer Mikhail Popkov during a verdict announcement at the Irkutsk Regional Court in the city of Irkutsk, eastern Siberia, Russia in January 2015. / EPA

Popkov killed his victims around Angarsk with an axe and hammer. He dumped their mutilated bodies in forests, by the roadside and in a local cemetery. At least 10 were also raped.

He claimed to be "purging" Angarsk of what he saw as immoral women.

Some of his victims were found alive but died later in hospital.

The verdict makes him Russias most prolific serial killer in at least the past century.

Local police have for years been investigating murders in the Irkutsk region.

Psychiatric tests run on Popkov, a police lieutenant who retired in 1998, have concluded that he is sane but with a "pathological attraction to killing people," according to prosecutors.

Popkov's lawyer told Russian news agencies that his 54-year-old client would appeal the verdict as well as the motion to strip him of his police pension, which he has been receiving despite the 2015 guilty verdict.
E mmanuel Macron has ruled out a wealth tax as a solution to the law and order crisis sweeping France, his finance minister said today.

President Macron was expected to meet opponents including trade union leaders in Paris before a live TV address to the nation this evening aimed at halting weeks of rioting and blockades.

But finance minister Bruno Le Maire, who is one of Mr Macrons closest allies, indicated that there would be no return to socialist-style taxes on the rich.

Our country is deeply divided between those who see that globalisation has benefited them and others who cant make ends meet and who see globalisation not as an opportunity but as a threat, said Mr Le Maire.

Protesters wearing yellow vests stand next to burning items near the Champ Elysees / AFP/Getty Images

However, he said the Solidarity Tax on Wealth  known as the ISF  which his government scrapped in September last year would not be reinstated.

It was a direct wealth tax on all those with assets of more than 1.1 million.

Ending ISF earned Mr Macron the nickname President of the Rich, but Mr Le Maire told RTL radio: Does the ISF help reduce poverty, reduce our debts, reduce public spending?

No, if you want to hunt for money, go knocking on the doors of the digital tech companies.

Police officers clash with demonstrators wearing yellow vests in Paris / Thibault Camus/AP

He added that France would unilaterally tax online giants from next year if the EU cannot reach an agreement on the issue.

Mr Le Maire said it was the presidents role to unify the country, especially as the riots were an economic catastrophe costing billions.

Cities including Paris and Bordeaux saw looting, arson and attacks on police on Saturday, during the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations by Yellow Vest protesters.

Riot police throw tear gas during the protests / AFP/Getty Images

On Saturday, police used armoured cars, water canon and tear gas against protesters, who have been joined by agitators from the Left and Right, as well as criminal groups. Across France, 1,723 people were arrested.
T he London playwrights behind The Jungle have told how they had to overcome Donald Trumps travel ban to transfer their acclaimed production to New York.

The play, which tells the stories of refugees and migrants trying to get to Britain from the former camp in Calais, opened at off-Broadway theatre St Anns Warehouse in Brooklyn last night after huge success at the Young Vic and the Playhouse Theatre in London.

Joe Murphy, who co-wrote the play with Joe Robertson, said it took nearly a year to organise the transfer because three members of the company  Moein Ghobsheh, Yasin Moradi and Ammar Haj Ahmad  were affected by the presidents controversial travel ban, which suspended visas to people from countries including Syria and Iran.

Murphy, 28, told the Evening Standard: The trip over to New York has been really a monumental task. Its taken 10 months to get visas for three of our company to come here, one who was Syrian and two Iranian actors who were not eligible to enter the country under the presidential travel ban.

Travel ban: Yasin Moradi, left, and Moein Ghobsheh, right / Dan Wooller/REX

But a wonderful law firm and a huge network of support has meant that theyve been able to get here.

The campaign to get the actors visas attracted support from figures including actor Benedict Cumberbatch, director Richard Curtis, the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams and the mayors of London and New York.

Robertson, who is also 28, said the plays arrival in New York has been a triumph of civic society.

He added: To have religious leaders, politicians on both sides of the Atlantic and celebrities sort of arguing for the relevance and importance of the piece is really amazing.

Actor Ammar Haj Ahmad

New York mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter: On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to welcome the cast of @TheJungleUS to our city.

"They overcame many obstacles, including @realDonaldTrumps racist travel ban, to bring this important story about refugees to our city. Were very glad youre here.

Justin Martin, 38, who co-directed the play with Stephen Daldry, said: The humanity here has been equal to what we felt in London.

The play, which won an Evening Standard Theatre Award for best design, received largely positive reviews.

The New York Times said it was heartbreaking and The Washington Post claimed all politicians should be required to experience it.
E ast London energy tech start-up Bulb has been crowned the fastest growing tech company in the UK by online investment platform SyndicateRoom.

The start-up, which launched in 2015, uses software to reduce energy costs for its customers across the UK. Set up by friends Hayden Wood and Amit Gudka, Bulb is turning the energy industry on its head.

Its an honour to be included in this report alongside these other great companies, Wood tells the Standard. Im most proud of what we do for our members.

Heres what you need to know about Bulb and why its different.

1. Bulb is using modern tech to change the energy industry

Bulb uses its in-house proprietary technology to reduce the costs of running an energy business, and is able to pass the savings onto its customers.

You see a lot of tariffs which arent sustainable in the energy industry and so we wanted to have a different model, explains Wood.

We have a much lower cost base, so our customers are given these great self-service tools. Our support team at Bulb is given the best tools so they can give the best support to our customers. All that means is things are more efficient and lower cost.

2. Bulb focuses on renewable energy

The start-up supplies 100 per cent renewable electricity and 10 per cent green gas to power homes in places including Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester, as well as its native London.

Around 30 to 50 per cent of our individual carbon footprint comes from powering our homes, so using renewable energy is one way to decrease this impact.

3. Bulb believes trust is essential

Over the past 12 months, Bulb has increased its customer base from 85,000 to over 870,000 and has raised 60 million in growth funding. Wood thinks this growth is down to the trust its customers have in the company.

If you want to help manage peoples energy for them, youre going to have to get them to trust you to do that and we put a huge emphasis on earning that trust with fair transparent pricing, fast customer service, and answering the phone and replying to emails quickly, he says.

Bulb's founders, Hayden Wood and Amit Gudka / Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures

4. London is in its DNA

Wood and Gudka are proud of Bulbs status as a successful East London energy company because there arent many of them.

Everyone from the energy industry told us we were crazy to start an energy company in London, says Wood. [They said] because the salaries are too high, no ones able to run an energy company in London.

Were desperate to prove them wrong. We think London is an incredible city, with an incredible workforce of talented people, and were proud that weve been able to do that here.

5. Bulb wants to make a difference

And not just with energy. The start-up is a certified B Corp company  which means it meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.
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One of Romania's objectives during the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU is vaccination, Healthcare Minister Sorina Pintea stated on Sunday evening.

"In Brussels, one of the objectives that Romania has while holding the Presidency [of the Council of the EU] is vaccination, which was also promoted by the Austrian Presidency. We also had discussions with Commissioner Andriukaitis [European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis] on this topic and he appreciated our efforts very much (...) Right now, there are problems in France too, there are also powerful anti-vaccination movements," Sorina Pintea told B1TV private television station.

The Minister of Healthcare also mentioned that the Vaccination Law is on Parliament agenda right now and discussions are carried out about the word "compulsory," mentioning that, she personally is for the obligation to inform about the vaccination.

"The Vaccination Law is in Parliament and there are still talks related to the word "compulsory," whether vaccination should be compulsory or information about vaccination should be compulsory. Personally, I am for making compulsory the information about vaccination, but we must mention the word "compulsory." (...) For those communities [of the Roma] there is this type of campaign that I promote, door to door campaign (...) For these communities, the Vaccination Law is like it didn't even exit, but they are still ours to consider," said Pintea.

The Minister said this year she went to visit many poor communities around the country to support vaccination.

"It is a different world there, a different Romania [talking about some of the communities she visited], which I would have preferred not to exist this year, but unfortunately they do exist (...) Yes, I was there, I visited those communities, I vaccinated the children, there are more vaccination staged to follow, and we don't know if they'll do it, which is why I decided to watch them closely. On the other hand, however, there are these areas where people are poor and I haven't seen any special implication of the local authorities, meaning we cannot just say that 'that's the way they are,' for it's out duty to try to educate them, educate the children, since education can change them after all. This is another world I am talking about, it's a very good thing that I started this campaign," Minister Sorina Pintea stated.
Romania recorded a negative population growth in October 2018, compared with the previous month, in the context in which the number of deceased was higher by 5,112 persons compared to that of the newborns, informs the National Institute of Statistics (INS) in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

In October 2018, the birth of 18,131 children was recorded, by 1,076 more than in September 2018. The number of deaths recorded in October 2018 was 23,243, with 4,517 more than in September 2018. The number of deaths of children under 1 year, recorded in October 2018, was 106, up by three compared with September 2018.

Also, in October 2018, 13,084 marriages were recorded, by 7,065 less than in September 2018. The number of divorces pronounced under final court ruling and according to Law no. 202/2010 was 2,776, by 192 more than in September 2018.

Compared to October 2017, the number of newborns was higher by 2,504, and the number of deaths was by 1,513 higher. The population growth was negative both in October 2018 (-5,122 persons) and in October 2017 (-6,103 people).

The number of children who died under 1 year was higher by 11 in October 2018 than in October 2017. The number of marriages was by 829 higher in October 2018 than the one recorded in the same month of the previous year. By final court ruling and according to Law no. 202/2010 there were pronounced 172 less divorces in October 2018 than in October 2017.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila announced on Monday that the approval of an ordinance amending the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code in the sense of adopting those articles in the Codes which have been declared constitutional was discussed and decided within the PSD National Executive Committee, according to Agerpres.

Asked if there was a discussion about adopting an ordinance to modify the codes, the premier said, "Yes, there was such a discussion within the National Executive Committee. Unanimously it was decided that [in the case of] the articles declared constitutional we should see the opportunity to promulgate them through an emergency ordinance. More details in this regard, because they have a legal nature, will be given by the minister of justice."

The prime minister then explained the motivation for the adoption of an ordinance and not a draft law. "We have seen that many laws have been disputed, sent to the Constitutional Court of Romania, but as far as the application of these laws is concerned, the term was far exceeded. We talked about this opportunity," Dancila said.The head of the Executive has stated that this is an ordinance regarding the amendment to the Criminal Codes and Criminal Procedure Code."I cannot give you more details, because we need to see how we fit into the legal rules to be able to do this. But in the National Executive Committee we decided to have this possibility to issue an emergency ordinance based on what was declared constitutional. We know very well that when CCR [the Constitutional Court of Romania, ed.n.] decides an article, a law as constitutional, it is binding for everyone. So, based on this reasoning, we had this discussion," the prime minister explained.As for the articles declared unconstitutional, Viorica Dancila said that they "will come back to Parliament".
President Klaus Iohannis will participate on Thursday and Friday in the meeting of the European Council in Brussels.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the head of the state will participate in the Euro Summit in extended format.

There will be discussions, according to the agenda of this meeting, about the negotiations regarding the future EU budget post-2020, aspects related to the Union's internal market, the management of the migration phenomenon, combating climate change and fighting racism and xenophobia.

"Regarding the future budget of the Union, the Romanian President will plead for its adoption as fast as possible, while mentioning that, while holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Romania will act in making significant progress in negotiations." reads the release.

President Klaus Iohannis will support the advancement of efforts of the EU member states in respect to the external dimension of migration and an active involvement in the dialogue with foreign partners, countries of origin and transit, based on the traditional relations with these states, in view of a more efficient approach of the phenomenon.

Moreover, the head of the state will support the continuation of efforts for strengthening the Internal Market of the European Union, showing that our country will promote, while holding the Presidency of the EU Council, demarches meant to contribute to deepen and advance the process of implementing the strategy in this field.

On Friday, President Klaus Iohannis will participate in the Euro Summit in extended format, where he will reiterate Romania's support for the objective of strengthening the Economic and Monetary Union. The head of the state will underscore that the decisions referring to the consolidation of the Eurozone are very important for the future of the EU and, thus, he will endorse that such debates be held in an extended format, with the participation of all member states, including those which are not part of the Eurozone.
Social Democratic Party (PSD, major at rule, ed.n.) leader Liviu Dragnea stated on Monday that the decision of the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) is fundamental with regard to the referral lodged by the Government in relation to the appointment of the new ministers of Regional Development and Public Administration and Transport.

"We are waiting for the Court's decision, which is fundamental," Dragnea said Monday, ahead of the meeting of the PSD National Executive Committee, asked whether any decision will be taken at the meeting on how to "counter" President Klaus Iohannis.

The head of state announced last week that he would decide on the appointment of the two new ministers after the CCR would issue an opinion to the Government's referral in this case.
Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu said on Sunday evening that a motion of censure stands no chance of passing through Parliament at this moment, because the opposition is missing at least 50 votes.

"The assumptions for the censure motion are very simple (...) I do not dispute the right of the opposition to table a censure motion, I just think the time is not right. (...) The second aspect is of a strictly technical nature. If we count the votes of the Opposition we see that they are at last 50 votes short of succeeding. There is no chance for a censure motion to pass at this moment," Tariceanu told Romania TV private broadcaster.

In his opinion, the attempt to force the overthrow of Liviu Dragnea as speaker of the Chamber of Deputies demonstrates that the Opposition is resorting to "desperate attempts" to grab power.

According to Tariceanu, the Opposition "seems in disarray" and President Klaus Iohannis "encourages" the overthrow of the majority, although none of the opposition political parties proved that it could represent an alternative to the government.

"We see that Mr. Barna [of the Opposition Save Romania Union (USR)] has had talks with the President of the country, who I can see that encourages his actions, but (...) the Opposition seems rather in disarray, there is no big deal with the National Liberal Party (PNL) or with USR; we cannot see anything to prove, however, that the Opposition could be an alternative. Unfortunately, this game also engages the president, with the various decisions he has taken, the discussion with Mr. Barna (...), the steps he has been taking to block government reshuffle, all this fits into a specific picture that clearly aims at the current majority being overthrown, but not through elections, which would have been normal. (...) This is not about some democratic steps. It is backstage, underground scheming, occult forces that try by various means (...) to overthrow the majority and the government," said Tariceanu.
There were two big stories in US news media last week. The state funeral of former President George HW Bush; and the increasing moves by Congress to impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia.

Yet, as far as mainstream media coverage was concerned, the two stories appeared completely unrelated. Except, in reality, they intimately connected. It was George Bush Senior as the director of the CIA who brought the US and Saudi Arabia into close partnership for global repression.

Since the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, there has been a growing disgust among US public, the media and lawmakers with the despotism of the House of Saud, in particular Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the oil-rich kingdom. He is accused of ordering the heinous killing of Khashoggi, whose body was hacked to pieces and disposed of, according to Turkish investigators. Even the CIA has pointed fingers at the Crown Prince.

US Senators last week introduced a resolution calling for the heir to the Saudi throne to be held to account over the murder. The senators are also calling for an end to the horrendous Yemeni war and the Saudi-led blockade of neighboring Gulf state Qatar, events which the Crown Prince has personally directed.

There is thus a palpable sense in Washington that the US must dissociate itself from Saudi barbarity, even though the countries have had a strategic partnership going back nearly eight decades. An historic meeting between former President Franklin D Roosevelt and the founding king of Saudi Araba, Ibn Saud, in 1945 near the end of World War II marked the beginning of that bilateral relation.

The US-Saudi relationship has always been about oil supply, maintaining the petrodollar as world reserve currency, and of course massive American weapons sales vital to the US military-industrial complex. The deeply conservative Saudi rulers with their Wahhabi Sunni religion are also important surrogates for Washington to suppress democracy movements in the Middle East, and to act as a bulwark against Iranian Shia influence.

That function was openly expressed recently by President Donald Trump, his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary James Mattis when they said the US could not afford to alienate Saudi rulers with sanctions over the Khashoggi murder because the Saudis were essential to US interests of countering Iran.

To a point, American media and lawmakers have shown a degree of ethical awareness in slamming the Trump administration for its transactional relationship with Saudi rulers. Business profits and politics are being put above moral values regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the war in Yemen, say critics.

However, those well-meaning concerns seem superficial and ignorant of the inherent and truly abhorrent nature of the US-Saudi relationship. Washingtons foreign policy and in particular the nefarious role played by the CIA and other unaccountable secret agencies are very much dependent on Saudi despotism for reaching their illicit objectives, whether in suppressing democratic movements, overthrowing governments and waging covert war with terror proxies.

Those Americans demanding an overhaul in the bilateral relation, in which Washington stands up for American values of human rights and rule of law, do not seem to understand the fundamental nefarious nature of US global power and its reliance on Saudi henchmen.

The person who very much developed that pernicious partnership was George HW Bush. A good reference source is Russ Bakers book on the Bush Dynasty.

During the 1970s, various congressional committees began investigating the clandestine, criminal activities of the CIA. Probes, such as the Church Committee, were set up out of increasing American public concern over the involvement of US intelligence agencies in assassination campaigns and repression around the world. One of the assassinations included that of President John F Kennedy in 1963. Out of those congressional investigations, there were calls for more public oversight on the financing of the CIA.

George Bush Senior served as CIA director (1976-77) during those heady times of sharp public scrutiny. He would later become the 41st president of the US (1989-93). And his son, George W, would subsequently become the 43rd president for two terms (2001-2009).

It was Bush Senior as CIA chief who oversaw the new role of covert Saudi funding as the means to bankroll clandestine US global repression and regime-change intrigues. The Saudis were assigned this vital role because of US public demands for greater congressional accounting of CIA activities. A neat innovation was found.

A classic demonstration of this arrangement is seen during the past eight years of war in Syria. Washington and its NATO allies, Britain and France, wanted regime change against President Bashar al Assad, a close ally of Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. The CIA, as well British and French military intelligence, provided the tactics and logistics for proxy militants trying to overthrow Assad. But it was the Saudis and other Gulf clients who funneled the billions of dollars to wage the war.

This arrangement of American intelligence and Saudi money for entirely criminal purposes involving deployment of terror groups stems from the legacy of George HW Bush.

So, when Saudi despots feel that they can get away with murder and genocidal war, it is because they have been cultivated by Washington despots. The barbarity of head-chopping Saudi potentates is the corollary of American so-called democratic leaders who feel entitled to overthrow foreign states and sanction mass murder.

This inherent function of US global power in league with Saudi dictators, among other repressive regimes such as the Neo-Nazi cabal ruling Ukraine, is what escapes those American critics who are demanding that Trump take punitive action against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed.

The proof of that glaring disconnect was the media outpouring of sentimental eulogies to the late President George HW Bush, who was roundly praised as a great and noble leader. Why US policy is embroiled with Saudi corruption and criminality is because of criminals in high office like Bush.
President Duterte is trying to be realistic in his policy towards China but that seems to be making the situation worse. Duterte points out that China is already occupying the disputed territory in the South China Sea and no one is willing or able to push them out. China has hired several hundred Chinese fishing boats and their crews as a part-time naval militia to conduct a blockage of bits of land in the South China Sea that the Philippines physically occupies, hoping to block supplies and force the Filipinos to evacuate these outposts so that China can take possession. Again no one with sufficient military power (like the United States) is willing to confront China over these actions and the Philippines is trying to get clarifications over what exactly the mutual defense treaty the U.S. and Philippines have long had actually covers.

This pragmatism has caused problems because Filipino public opinion favors vigorously opposing these moves while the government does not want to offend the Chinese and endanger the growing number of Chinese economic programs in the Philippines. The government is accused of being bought by the Chinese while the government points out that opposing the Chinese claims in the South China Sea and off the Filipino cost is futile because the Chinese are much more powerful militarily and economically. Yet the public opinion continues to oppose the Chinese, especially since none of the Chinese economic benefits have actually come to pass. This leaves the impression that China thinks so little of Filipinos that it can buy compliance with empty promises and more substantial threats. President Duterte is pressuring China to make good on its economic promises and so far is just getting more assurances that good things are coming. This leads critics of the Duterte approach to point out the Chinese track record of promising much and delivering little in all its diplomatic endeavors.

December 8, 2018: The government has canceled plans to buy Russian helicopters because of the sanctions. Earlier this year Canada also ceased to be a supplier of transport helicopters because many Canadians opposed the way the Filipinos were dealing with their rebels and drug gangs. The Russians were going to replace Canada as the main helicopter supplier. Instead, the new transport helicopters (16 UH-60s) are now being obtained from the United States and ten helicopter gunships (T129s) from Turkey.

December 6, 2018: In the south (Sulu province) Abu Sayyaf released a hostage they had taken in September. It is unclear if a ransom had been paid.

December 5, 2018: In the south, across the Sulu Sea off nearby Malaysia (Sabah) Abu Sayyaf pirates attacked an Indonesian fishing boat near Pegasus Reef. The boat was looted and three crewmen kidnapped to hold for ransom. The pirates apparently headed for a hideout in the Philippines (Sulu province.) Malaysia has reported that its naval and air patrols off the east coast of Sabah have detected and driven off at least ten Abu Sayyaf boats trying to land men in Sabah to seek and kidnap people who would yield a large ransom. Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have been coordinating their air and naval patrols in the waters between them that are sometimes threatened by Abu Sayyaf boats seeking ships to loot and take hostages from. The Sulu Sea, that separates Sabah from Sulu province in the Philippines, has become particularly active.

In the Philippines, the government refused the NPA offer of a holiday ceasefire because the NPA has violated more agreements than it has complied with in the last few years. Earlier this year it was revealed that the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) has not only abandoned peace talks (as of early 2018) but is trying to revive its military force in the Philippines (the NPA or New Peoples Army) with a secret plan to raise money and obtain more weapons and recruits to provide it with the ability to finally carry out the CPP revolution the NPA supports. Captured documents revealed details (including a planned uprising to replace the current government) as well as proof that the revival plan is not working. The plan involves raising more cash (by going after large companies operating in the country side) and obtaining more weapons. The police and army were alerted when details of these plans were uncovered. That made it even more difficult for the NPA revival plan to work. Some NPA factions want a peace deal but they are apparently a minority.

December 4, 2018: In the south (Maguindanao province), soldiers, acting on a call from local civilians went to a village where they encountered four armed BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) Islamic terrorists. There was a brief gun battle that left all four BIFF men dead. Villagers reported that the four planned to raise the ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) flag in the village and declare the place under ISIL control. BIFF the organization survived a three-month effort (that ended in early September) to eliminate their presence in Mindanao (where most BIFF members are). Over a hundred BIFF men were known dead and it is not yet known how many died of wounds or deserted. The army has found several BIFF camps including one with a bomb workshop. Also found were ammo and weapons supplies as well as military equipment and documents. When the army planned this offensive they believed there were as many as 400 BIFF members in the area of operations and have set no end date on the current campaign. The 6th Infantry Division, which is supplying most of the troops, were able to rotate units in and out of the area for months. The object was to destroy BIFF presence on Mindanao Island (including Maguindanao province) and captured documents and prisoner interrogations indicate that this was a possibility. But the reality is the BIFF are hardcore and consider themselves a branch of ISIL. BIFF has become a magnet for many Filipino Moslems who are unhappy with the Bangsamoro Moslem autonomy agreement and believe it does not go far enough (ISIL believes that all Filipinos should be Moslems). The four BIFF men found in the village may or may not be part of a larger group and the army is going to guard the village and patrol the surrounding area to look for any BIFF presence.

November 29, 2018: In the south (Agusan del Norte), an NPA landmine killed three soldiers and the lone survivor was then fired on by NPA gunmen.

November 27, 2018: In the south (Northern Samar province), NPA gunmen killed a soldier and wounded another.

Elsewhere in the south (Cebu Province), police cornered a major drug gang leader and four of his subordinates. There was a gun battle but after the gang leader was killed the other four men surrendered. Back in September 69 local police were relieved of duty for involvement in the drug trade. Eight are being prosecuted and the rest transferred with some still under investigation. Replacements were brought in from other areas.

November 24, 2018: The Philippines, Japan, South Korea and other East Asian nations are complaining to China about the increase in illegal Chinese workers showing up in their territory. These illegals come in as tourists or business visitors and stay behind when their visa expires. China is believed to be deliberately tolerating this as part of some espionage effort. In the Philippines, it was worse because corrupt local officials allowed over 100,000 of these Chinese tourists to get short-term (3-6 months) work permits so they could staff online gambling operations that had been set up in the Philippines. Most of the online gamblers were in mainland China and few Filipinos spoke Chinese. The issue here was that the gambling operation managers sought to keep their lack of jobs for Filipinos secret.

November 23, 2018: An agreement was signed with China to jointly develop oil and natural gas deposits found in what is technically Filipino territory. China has threatened military action against Filipino moves to develop these deposits by themselves. The same aggressive tactics were used against Vietnam. China and the Philippines also signed 28 other economic agreements, none of them particularly binding on China. In 2016 China signed a similar collection of investment deals which involved China putting $24 billion worth of economic investments into the Philippines. So far only $62 million has arrived, for an irrigation project. Thats less than a one-quarter of one percent. Most Filipinos are not impressed, at least not in a positive fashion.

November 21, 2018: In the north (near Bataan), the military conducted a training exercise where three of its new MPAC 35 ton coastal patrol boats demonstrated the use of their Israeli Spike ER missile systems. These missiles have a range of 8 kilometers and are fire and forget. Its similar to the U.S. Hellfire missile. This is effective against small craft but not against larger warships.

November 20, 2018: The Philippines agreed to a number of economic deals with China, including allowing China to take the lead exploring for oil and natural gas in Filipino offshore waters. This was not popular with many Filipinos but the government feels it has no other choice in the face of Chinese threats in the South China Sea.

November 18, 2018: In the south (Sultan Kudarat province), police at a checkpoint arrested two Abu Sayyaf Islamic terrorists who were transporting a bomb for a terror attack in the area.

November 16, 2018: In the south (Negros Oriental), troops confronted a group of armed NPA rebels in a village where they were seeking refuge from the army and police. Local civilians called in the army. The NPA resisted for about 15 minutes until two of them were killed and the rest fled into the forest. The rebels left ammo and supplies behind.

Further south (Sulu province), troops searching an area where Abu Sayyaf is active encountered about 70 of the Islamic terrorists and a battle ensued. Five soldiers were killed and 23 wounded during an hour of fighting. Then the Abu Sayyaf force withdrew, taking their dead and wounded with them. The soldiers were seeking 15 kidnapping hostages Abu Sayyaf had taken from two Indonesian ships in September and may have run into the Abu Sayyaf group holding some of the hostages. Abu Sayyaf frequently changes the location of its few remaining base camps to avoid detection and airstrikes. These movements involve large groups of armed Abu Sayyaf escorting the hostages and vehicles or porters carrying equipment. In this case, it was later discovered that this Abu Sayyaf group contained Hatib Hajan Sawadjan, an Abu Sayyaf leader who was known to be organizing new kidnapping efforts.

November 15, 2018: In the south (Lanao del Sur province), seven members of the Maute Group surrendered and turned in their weapons as well. This gang, one the three components (along with BIFF and Abu Sayyaf) of ISIL in the Philippines, has been trying to recruit and replace heavy losses it took during 2017 when ISIL forces sought to take the city of Marawi. That led to a major ISIL defeat and the loss of most of the senior leadership of all three factions. These three groups did manage to steal a lot of cash from banks in Marawi and Maute is using that to entice new recruits. That is proving difficult considering the large number of Maute Group fighters who went off to Marawi in 2017 and died there. In addition, the army is still very active in the areas where Maute is seeking recruits.

November 12, 2018: In the south (Iloilo province), soldiers encountered a group of armed NPA after responding to calls from local civilians. The NPA fought back for 30 minutes until one was killed and the other nine surrendered. The NPA men were apparently on their way to destroy equipment at a construction site because the company involved refused to meet extortion demands.

November 11, 2018: In the south, across the Sulu Sea in nearby Malaysia (Sabah), local police revealed that in the last two weeks they had conducted several raids that resulted in the arrest of seven Abu Sayyaf members, one of them a notorious executioner who admitted beheading people for Abu Sayyaf. The seven Abu Sayyaf men had sneaked into Malaysia after the defeats Abu Sayyaf and other Islamic terrorist groups suffered in late 2017. The seven had assumed false identities and got construction jobs. It was unclear if they were still planning to work for Abu Sayyaf. Earlier this year Malaysia police did encounter several still active Abu Sayyaf in Sabah.
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The enquiry team working on the murder of British tourist Grace Millane have continued their investigations throughout today.

The scene examination on Scenic Drive is ongoing and will continue tomorrow.

The 0800 number has received a number of calls from people with information about the 2016 red Toyota Corolla hatchback, says Detective Inspector Scott Beard.

We would like to hear from anyone who travelled along Scenic Drive on Monday December 3, between 6am and 9.30am.

The vehicle was rented for a 24-hour period and was returned to a central Auckland rental car company on Monday December 3 at lunchtime.

We would also like to hear from anyone who walked along Scenic Drive, or who parked in the Waitakere Dam carpark during this time.

The post-mortem examination was also carried out today.

Scott says the results of the examination will not be released.

We have been approached by a number of people who would like to hold vigils for Grace.

The Millane family are very grateful for the kind thoughts and give their blessings to these vigils, but have respectfully declined to attend.

They have decline to make any further public comment at the moment and ask for continued privacy.

The accused has appeared in court today.

Scott says the court has granted him interim name suppression.

We would like to remind the public that whilst we appreciate the feeling around this care, it is an offence to breach a court order such as a name suppression, and this includes naming someone who has name suppression on social media.
In todays weather forecast we are expecting a few showers, possibly heavy from the afternoon. Also light winds.

Its a one-clothing layer day today with a high of 21 and an overnight low of 17 degrees. Humidity is 93 per cent.

High tide is at 10.30am and low tide at 4.50pm (Tay St). Theres a sea swell of 0.5m and sea temperature is 19 degrees. Sunset tonight is at 8.25pm.

If youre going fishing the next best fish bite time is between 3 and 5pm.

On this day in NZ history in 1907 the parliamentary library escaped a fire. The country narrowly avoided a great library bonfire when fire swept through Parliament Buildings in Wellington.

In 1931 the Statute of Westminster was passed. The British Parliament passed the Statute of Westminster, confirming the complete autonomy of its six Dominions. Australia and New Zealand held back from adopting this status, but in 1947 New Zealand became the last of the Dominions to do so.

On this day in world history in 1882 a production of Gilbert and Sullivans Iolanthe at Bostons Bijou Theatre became the first performance in a theatre lit by incandescent electric lights.

In 1936 Britains King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry American Wallis Warfield Simpson. In 1941 the United States declared war on Italy and Germany.

In 1964 Frank Sinatra, Jr., is returned home to his parents after being kidnapped for the ransom amount of $240,000. In 1967 the Concorde, a joint British-French venture and the worlds first supersonic airliner, waa unveiled in Toulouse, France.

In 1972 Challenger, the lunar lander for Apollo 17, touched down on the moons surface.

In 1997 the Kyoto Protocol international treaty intended to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses, opened for signature. In 2001 the Peoples Republic of China joined the World Trade Organization.

Today is the birthday of Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Russian writer and winner of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize. Born in 1918 he once wrote The battleline between good and evil runs through the heart of every man.

To get involved in activities around the Bay of Plenty, please check out our Whats on page.

Have a great day!
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Collin Barrett wrote a letter to Cicero police officers, asking them to take him on their "Shop with a Cop" event this weekend.

But the gifts, he said, wouldn't be for him.

The 7-year-old Cicero boy wanted to give all the presents to the children at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse.

Barrett, a second grader at Cicero Elementary School, was one of eight children selected to shop with a cop Sunday at the Cicero Target. The Cicero Police Benevolent Association gave each child a $100 gift card to buy gifts.

Dozens of other children throughout Central New York also participated in "Shop with a Cop" and "Shop with a Firefighter" events this weekend with local police officers and firefighters.

In Syracuse, city firefighters and police officers took 39 children shopping Saturday at Destiny USA. All of the children were from Syracuse, and victims of criminal activity, fires, accidents, medical emergencies or other unfortunate circumstances.

A group of children from the Jamesville-DeWitt, Fayetteville-Manlius and East Syracuse-Minoa school districts went shopping in style Saturday. Manlius and DeWitt cops gave them a police escort to the Fayetteville Town Center, where they met Santa Claus and ate treats. The children were then paired up with police officers from both the town of Manlius and town of Dewitt as they shopped at Target to buy gifts for family members using gift cards donated by sponsors.

The children selected were either underprivileged and/or facing difficult situations, police said. The "Shop with a Cop" event was sponsored by the Manlius and DeWitt PBAs.

Other departments throughout Central New York, including the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office, also held a "Shop with a Cop" this weekend.

In Cicero, Barrett said he will always remember his experience shopping with police officers.

He and his mother, Amanda, looked online before Sunday's "Shop with a Cop" event to figure out how much the toys would cost, what aisle they were in, and how many toys he could afford.

Collin Barrett was able to buy 12 gifts using the gift card and a Target toy coupon found in the Sunday Post-Standard newspaper ads. Since Upstate University Hospital told his mother they needed toys for babies to teens, Collin Barrett said he chose the gifts carefully.

He picked a "rock-a-stack" for a baby because that was one of his favorite toys when he was younger; "Bounce Off" board game because that's also on his Christmas list; a Nerf gun because it's just like the one he received for his seventh birthday in August; and other toys and games for children of various ages.

But to his surprise, Collin's shopping trip wasn't over yet.

Cicero Police Officer Eric Flansburg told him to pick out one last gift -- something for himself. Collin said he chose the "Quick Cups" game.

"This was one of my favorite days because I get to give kids who are sick and in the hospital presents," Collin said, "and I got something from a cop (that the officer bought) and I was happy. That was nice of him."

Collin and his family plan to drop off the gifts Thursday at Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse, his mother said.

"I think (the gifts) are going to help the kids in the hospital because it will be like they're home on Christmas and they'll still get presents," Collin said. "It will be like Santa came."
Homer, N.Y. -- Two teen boys talked as they fed the pigs at Luke Park's farm. The evening was cool for early summer.

They didn't talk about girls or cars or parents. That night, like most, they talked about the farm they dreamed of starting together. They'd call it "Frost and Smith Dairy."

It was July 1, 2015. Zane Frost was 17. Alex Smith was 14. Smith was the little brother Frost didn't have. Both boys had farming roots, but no family farm. They became friends working for Park.

In the summer and after school, they fed the animals and mucked the stalls. They helped cut and bale the hay. And they talked about their dream to have farm of their own soon.

That day, after imagining their future, Smith's life was cut short.

He was lifting a hay bale, using equipment he was too young to operate, when something went terribly wrong in Cortland County, according to police reports. The boy, not yet old enough to drive, was found by the farmer, underneath a skid steer, a machine similar to a small tractor.

It was still running, the weight of the machine and a bale of hay crushing the child. Only his legs were sticking out, police reports said.

Court papers, police reports and interviews with Smith's family and Frost tell a tale that could have been from 100 years ago.

For Smith, working the land gave purpose to his life and, then, took away that life.

Farming has always drawn the independent. There's work to be done - often hard and dangerous work that doesn't wait for excuses or rules.

But it was 2015, and there are laws. A 14-year-old boy died at work, which left the community to decide: Should someone pay for this?

Alex Smith in an undated photo.

****

Smith and Frost grew up in the hills that rise up around Interstate 81 near Cortland. They both found their way to Luke Park's farm. Frost had worked there since he was 11, according to court papers. Smith had been there for a little more than a year.

That night, after feeding the pigs and doing chores at the cow barn, Smith drove the tractor and feeder wagon across town to a different barn of Park's.

A short time later, the farmer and another found the skid steer running at that barn with no one in it, a police report said. His body was pinned under the boom that held a bale of hay. He had suffocated under the weight of both, according to police and court records.

How it happened is unclear. There were no witnesses. When a farm equipment expert tried to recreate it, he couldn't.

The police decided it was an accident and charged no one. But the state attorney general's office continued investigating, building a case against Park for breaking the laws designed to keep kids safe when they work on farms.

In September, Park pleaded guilty to three charges. Two were violations of state labor law for failing to pay unemployment insurance for Smith and for letting Smith operate machinery he was too young to use. The other charge was endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, for allowing Smith to be put in danger.

In exchange for his plea, Park was offered a sentence of 60 days in Cortland County Jail and a fine of $10,500, according to court papers. He will be sentenced in January. Park and his lawyer did not return requests for comment. The attorney general's office declined to discuss the case.

*****

The Park Family farm in Homer, NY Tuesday, December 4, 2018. The family of Alex Smith waits for the final sentencing of Luke Park, the farmer held responsible for the Alex's death after a farm equipment accident. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

The same man who will serve jail time for his role in Alex Smith's death helped carry the child's coffin to his grave. And Luke Park eulogized the boy, drawing laughter through tears about how Smith loved the smell of the farm so much he sometimes reeked so bad it made your eyes water.

Luke Park was not family to Alex Smith, but he was about as close as you get. Alex Smith grew up across the street from Park's family. V. Mark Smith, Alex's dad, owns the house there. Alex lived there when his parents were together. And when they split up, he still came back to spend time with his dad.

V. Mark Smith's family used to have a farm up the road, on the same hill. That's where the elder Smith, who went into logging, grew up.

He was no stranger to the harsh reality of farm life. When V. Mark Smith was 4 and his brother, Marvin, was 13, Marvin died in an accident on the family farm. Marvin was baling hay when his clothes got caught in the machinery, according to news reports. He was pulled into the baler and killed.

The farm is a few hills away from where Alex, the nephew Marvin never met, was crushed under the skid-steer.

"Every day I try to figure out what could have happened," V. Mark Smith said.

Smith blames himself. Alex loved to be around the farm and machines. He started going to Park's farm with his dad. Smith, who was injured in a logging accident, helped out Park from time to time. Their properties were so close, Smith would keep calves for Park in his barn and feed them. Alex used to help.

One of the charges against Park was for how he paid V. Mark Smith. Just like with Alex, the farmer paid Smith off the books, according to the attorney general's office. Smith said Park was young and struggling to turn a profit, so he simply wanted to help out. He maintains that he was never paid, except the rent for letting Park keep calves in his barn.

Alex Smith started going to the farm regularly, hanging out with Frost and helping with chores, his dad said.

V. Mark Smith said he always worried about his son being around the farm machinery. His own brother's death on the farm when Smith was just a child haunted him as a father.

The summer he died, Park told Alex's dad that he was worried about the boy being there without supervision, V. Mark Smith said.

"But we both agreed if he wasn't feeding calves or hanging out, he'd be home playing video games," V. Mark Smith said. "We didn't want to discourage his enthusiasm."

And in a year of struggle, Luke Park's farm was a place of purpose and escape for Alex Smith, said his mom, Vicky Smith.

Alex had always had trouble in school. He was good with practical things, but reading and writing were hard. He longed to be outside. In January 2015, he became ill for weeks. He had no energy. He was throwing up. He laid in his bed, his dog, Duke, at his side, for weeks on end.

Extensive medical tests turned up nothing, Vicky Smith said. The final diagnosis was anxiety, she said.

The doctor's prescription: Do whatever 14-year-old boys do.

So Alex Smith said, "I'm going to the farm," Vicky Smith said. "In his mind, that's what kids did."

When his mom couldn't drive him, Alex Smith begged rides from his older sisters or other farm workers, like his friend, Zane Frost.

Sometimes, the work was too hard for the child, his mother said. She recalled a day when he helped with hay for so long he was in tears when he called for a ride home. Then, he worried he wouldn't get paid because he left early, his mother said.

Park paid Smith off the books, Vicky Smith said. When Alex Smith died, Park called him a "worker of mine," in his statement to police after the accident.

But as the state attorney general began investigating, Park's story changed. In a statement almost a year later, Park said Smith never worked for him.

"During the non-winter months, I hire seasonal, part-time workers and pay them minimum wage on a weekly basis," Park wrote. "(Smith) was never an employee on our farm."

But in accepting the plea deal in September, Park acknowledged Smith was an employee and that he was responsible for the child's well-being the day he died.

Working at Park's farm was one of the few things Alex Smith looked forward to doing in the last year of his life. He liked the work and he liked getting paid. He bought a hunting bow, which cost about $300, with some of the money. He went hunting just once, killing two deer.

One deer didn't die by the arrow the boy shot, so Alex had to finish the job with his knife. He cried, but made his hunting partner promise not to tell anyone that he cried, Vicky Smith said. She never let on that she knew the boy's secret.

His bow now hangs on the wall with pictures of the boy fastened to it. He is frozen at 14, somewhere between child and man.

****

Alex Smith and his dog, Duke, the winter before he died in a farm accident. Smith was ill that winter with anxiety about school; he found health going back to the farm where he worked.

Based on the numbers, Alex Smith was in a dangerous place.

Farming is among the most dangerous, only behind construction and mining, said Barb Lee. Lee is head of the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.

For more than 30 years, Lee has been keeping track of kids getting hurt and killed on farms, and advocating for safety on farm. Every three days, a child gets killed on a farm, she said.

On a recent Monday, there were seven news clippings in the email her group sent out. Seven kids were hurt on farms the week before; four were killed. That's an average week, Lee said. Though there's no official clearinghouse of data on child agricultural deaths, Lee's organization estimates it's about 120 kids a year. The injury rate is much higher: in 2014 more than 700 kids hired to work on farms were injured, the institute said.

Lee had heard about Smith's death. Her voice got tight when she talked about how some people called it an accident.

"It's not a freak accident. We go nuts when we hear that," Lee said. "The bottom line is: The farmer is the one who has these kids on the farm. He still has to be responsible for them."

Kids younger than 16 aren't allowed to use most farm machinery. And they aren't allowed to drive tractors on public roads, as Smith also did the day he died, court records said. There are loopholes: If the child is the child of the farmer, the laws don't apply.

Lee said that in some recent cases, law enforcement has decided to hold farmers accountable even when it's their own children who have been killed. Lee also said that skid steers, the tractor-like device Smith was using, are among the most dangerous pieces of farm equipment around.

"They've become a killer," Lee said.

****

The muddy boots of Alex Smith is one of the few items left Vicky has of her son after his tragic death at the Park Family farm. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

When Zane Frost got the call that Alex had died, he was milking the cows. Park called.

Frost wept, dropping the phone into a gutter of cow manure. Then the 17-year-old went back to work.

"There were 20 more cows to milk," he said.

He said everyone was devastated, including Park. Frost, too, was a pallbearer.

"That was a very hard day," he said.

There were hard days after, too. Frost was called to testify against Park, for whom he had worked since he was 11, according to court papers. Frost began working for Park full-time when he dropped out of school, he said.

Frost honestly answered questions about how much he worked. "It's a little crazy for someone to be on a farm for 8 to 10 hours a day, but I loved it," Frost said. His family had a farm that's now in foreclosure.

"If our family still had a farm, I'd be there right now, working all day and half the night if I had to," Frost said. After Smith's death, Frost kept working for Park for a while. Then he worked at a different farm.

But when that farm changed management, he left the business and now works as a mechanic.

"If I could find a farm that would give me steady work ... I'd go there in a heartbeat," Frost said.

He still thinks of Smith and their "Frost and Smith Dairy."

He's been to the cemetery to visit the boy's grave but has had trouble finding it. It's not marked yet.

Vicky Smith still isn't sure what she wants to put there. For a while, she had a little wooden barn a friend of Alex's made and gave to her. The cemetery association told her she couldn't leave it there, she said.

Alex Smith and his uncle are buried inches from each other. The two boys who lost their lives working the earth 50 years apart are now at rest together, in the same ground. A red barn and tall silo watch over them from the opposite hillside.

When Vicky Smith talks about Alex, that day is always, "the accident."

She wants to make it clear that she's not angry.

She is heartbroken that her son will never come home or grow up. His dog, Duke, follows her around day and night, hovering, still looking.

But Alex Smith died doing the thing he loved, his mother said. "So if this is the plan for his life, this is what he would have wanted to be doing," she said.

In her garage, the boy's size 10 1/2 brown work boots still wait, covered in mud from the farm.

Marnie Eisenstadt is an enterprise reporter who writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246
A Catholic priest who resigned following allegations of sexual abuse was able to go on to a 25-year career as a guidance counselor at a Liverpool middle school. He resigned only after the district learned of the allegations in 2003 and threatened to fire him. He died shortly after.

Donald J. Crosby remained in a position to have daily interaction with children after a teen-aged girl reported instances of sexual abuse to his superior, Monsignor H. Charles Sewall, at a Catholic school in 1974.

The victim came forward again, decades later, amid a national reckoning for abusive priests. She was outraged to learn Crosby was no longer a priest but was instead working in a school.

A diocesan spokeswoman said last week the church had no record of the victim's first report, or any records of inappropriate behavior by Crosby. Sewall, it seems, never filed a report, and the school district didn't learn of the allegations until 2003.

Crosby was one of 57 priests with credible allegations of sexual abuse against them who were identified by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse last week. Sewall was also on the list. Both are now dead.

Crosby's abuse came into the public eye only after he died in 2004. A story in The Post-Standard outlined the following series of events, which were confirmed recently in interviews with the victim and a diocesan official.

Valerie Radzisz, who is now 60, said she reported Crosby's abuse to Sewall in 1974 when she was a 15-year-old at Utica Catholic Academy. Sewall was a monsignor there and Crosby was a guidance counselor.

Radzisz said Sewall told her he would take care of it and urged her not to go to police. Sewall told her Crosby admitted to abusing her and other girls, Radzisz said in a letter to the diocese and the Oneida County District Attorney's Office in May 2002.

The diocese has no record of any allegations against Crosby, according to diocese spokeswoman Danielle Cummings.

Crosby resigned from the priesthood in 1975. Soon after, he got a job as a guidance counselor at Soule Road Middle School. Sewall wrote him a letter of recommendation for that job.

In 1988, the diocese paid to settle a sexual abuse lawsuit against Sewall. In 2002, three men filed lawsuits against him, claiming sexual abuse in the 1970s. He admitted to abusing a male student in 2002 and the diocese removed him from ministry.

Radzisz went to the Oneida County District Attorney in 2002 after learning about Sewall's admission. She said she also called the diocese about Crosby at the time. Cummings said she had no record of a report in 2002, but was contacted by Radzisz in 2003.

Cummings said the diocese would not have had a way to know Crosby was working in a school, and only learned of his alleged misdeeds in 2003. Once Crosby left the clergy, the diocese had no reason to keep tabs on him. There were no reports of inappropriate behavior on file for Crosby, since Sewall didn't bring them to superiors.

Radzisz said she learned Crosby was working at a school during the course of the Oneida DA's investigation. She had assumed Crosby was still a priest when she first contacted the DA and the diocese.

She was floored to learn he was working in an environment with children. She said she went public at the time because she felt she had a moral obligation to protect other children. She wasn't seeking money - she just wanted Crosby out of the school.

"That this was allowed was beyond disturbing," she said in a recent phone interview. "You couldn't leave children in that kind of situation. We needed to make sure this never happens again."

At least four women came forward to the Oneida County District Attorney's Office during an investigation in 2002 and 2003, detailing sexual abuse by Crosby, according to Post-Standard archives. Two of those women, including Radzisz, signed depositions outlining the abuse.

Crosby was ordained in 1963 and worked at the Utica Catholic Academy. After Radzisz reported him to Sewall, he was named diocesan director of religious instruction for the Syracuse public schools, according to Post-Standard archives.

Crosby resigned from the priesthood in 1975 -- about a year after Radzisz reported him -- and requested laicization in 1980, permanently removing him from the clergy, with approval from the Vatican.

Crosby resigned from Soule Road Middle School in June 2003, two weeks after the district learned of the accusations against him and threatened to fire him. He denied the accusations.

The Liverpool superintendent also reported Crosby to the New York State Office of Teaching after learning of the allegations, according to Post-Standard archives.

Crosby died on Jan. 2, 2004. The school closed on the day of his funeral so staff and faculty could attend.

Crosby's obituary makes no mention of his former career as a priest.

School officials said there were no records of allegations against Crosby during his time in Liverpool.

The diocese has no records of any allegations against Crosby.

Sewall died in 2015.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- In addition to earning a high school diploma, some students at Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler will be able to graduate as certified emergency medical technicians.

Emergency medical technician is one of several career and technical education programs offered at Fowler.

The city school district announced EMT students can now take the New York state EMT basic certification class during school hours. After completing the course students will be able to take the certification test beginning in May, 2019.

The training is provided through a new partnership between the district and Upstate Medical University's paramedic program.

EMTs respond to emergencies such as car accidents, violent traumas, heart attacks, childbirths and falls. EMTs perform basic, noninvasive interventions to stabilize patients and transport them to receive further medical care in places like hospitals.

Students are required to wear an EMT uniform during classes and training sessions taught by Upstate. The training covers how to handle mass casualty incidents and remove injured passengers from cars.

Upstate teaches the EMT class every Tuesday through Friday.

Each class begins with students taking a blood pressure reading and listening to the lungs of a classmate.

After graduating, students with an EMT certification will have the option of furthering their education to become a paramedic, a professional trained to provide advanced emergency medical care.

Students can earn credits at some colleges for having an EMT-basic certification. At SUNY Broome Community College, for example, EMT certification is worth nine credits.
Three employees at a Sonic Drive-In restaurant in Texas have been arrested after an ecstasy pill was found in a child's hamburger.

NBC reports police were called to the fast-food chain's location in Taylor, about 30 miles northeast of Austin, when a family said they found the drug when they picked up dinner Thursday night. An 11-year-old girl spotted the pill when she unwrapped her 4-year-old brother's hamburger, according to police.

"Is this candy?" the girl asked her parents, according to Taylor Police Chief Henry Fluck. "Of course when they came to the police department they were very upset and we understand why."

ABC reports the parents took their entire meal to the Taylor Police Department, and the pill tested positive for ecstasy.

The Sonic Drive-In's manager, 30-year-old Tanisha Dancer, was arrested along with two employees, 35-year-old Jonathan Roberson and 22-year-old Jose Molina.

Police said Dancer had three more ecstasy pills hidden in her clothing and also had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation. She was booked at the Williamson County Jail on felony charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and endangering a child.

According to Fox, Roberson was arrested on four outstanding warrants for driving without a license, marijuana possession, theft and failure to appear in court. Molina was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.

A corporate spokesperson for Sonic Drive-In said the franchisee is cooperating with police in its investigation.

"The franchisee takes guest safety and food safety very seriously," a statement said.
By David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

WASHINGTON -- A divided Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear an abortion-related case from conservative states that sought to defund Planned Parenthood.

It was a sign that at least some members of the newly strengthened conservative majority are not yet ready to move the court to the right on sensitive issues such as abortion.

The court's action leaves in place federal court rulings in much of the country that prevent states from denying Medicaid funds to women who go to a Planned Parenthood clinic for healthcare, including medical screenings or birth control. It is already illegal to use federal money like Medicaid to pay for abortions, but some states wanted to go further, cutting off all Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood because the organization offers the procedure using alternative revenue sources.

In dissent, Justices Clarence Thomas, joined by Justices Samuel A. Alito Jr. and Neil M. Gorsuch, accused their colleagues of "abdicating our judicial duty."

"So what explains the court's refusal to do its job here? I suspect it has something to do with the fact that some respondents in these cases are named 'Planned Parenthood,' " Thomas wrote.

The court's brief order denying the appeals from Louisiana and Kansas suggest Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh were not willing to hear the cases.

It takes four justices to hear a case, and these appeals were considered in a series of closed-door meetings since late September. But the court's conservatives were unable to gain the needed fourth vote.

Kavanaugh took his seat in the second week of October, and his supporters have assumed he would vote in favor of restricting abortion rights when given the opportunity.

In the past decade, conservative states have sought to defund Planned Parenthood because it is the nation's largest single provider of abortions. None of the Medicaid money pays for abortions, and most of these state funding bans have been blocked by federal judges.

Lawyers for Louisiana and Kansas argued the state should not be forced to subsidize organizations that perform abortions.

Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and the states, and Congress has said its funds may not be used to pay directly for abortions. But more than 2 million people go to Planned Parenthood clinics for birth control and general healthcare, including cancer screenings and pregnancy tests. And for low-income women, this healthcare can be paid for through Medicaid.

Republican lawmakers who sponsored the "defund" laws argue the states should not indirectly subsidize facilities that perform abortions.

But lawyers for Planned Parenthood and their patients have gone to federal courts and won rulings blocking most of these laws from taking effect. They have done so by relying on a provision in the Medicaid Act that says eligible patients may go to any doctor's office, hospital or clinic that is "qualified to perform" the required medical services. If a federal law creates a right for individuals, plaintiffs like the Planned Parenthood patients may go to court and sue if that right is denied.

But in their appeals, lawyers for Kansas, Louisiana and 13 other states argue that Medicaid is a healthcare spending agreement, not a law that establishes rights for individuals. If so, they say, states may decide who is a qualified provider of healthcare.

On Monday however, the court said it would not hear Gee vs. Planned Parenthood from Louisiana or Andersen vs. Planned Parenthood from Kansas.
cogWheel BHPian



Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Mangaluru Posts: 151 Thanked: 686 Times

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THE BACKGROUND

We bought an Abarth Punto earlier in May this year.

This wasn't as simple as it sounds. We had tried last year in 2017 and failed. We tried again this year and succeeded in buying one.



Need for a(nother) car

A Manza QJet EXL purchased in 2013 has been serving our needs capably. Since I am the lone driver in our family of five and my wife and I work in the same place, a second car was not a requirement. However, by 2017, my wife needed rides in the evening to a couple of places in the city for her medical practice. As she does not drive, I ended up spending quite a lot of time chauffeuring and waiting around. While I did not mind the driving, the waiting around was wasteful. It was then that we decided to look for a second car and a part-time driver for her evening hospital visits. The idea was to buy a hatchback, new or used, within a budget of 8 lakhs on the road, that I could use for my daily 30 km commute, while my wife could use the Manza.



Search for a(nother) car - Round 1

So, in the early part of 2017, we looked at quite a few hatchback options including the Tiago, Figo, Grand i10 and the Liva.

At this stage, the requirements were rather straight forward: Hatchback Petrol (use case of 30km/day - could make a case for either gasoline or diesel, but we already had an oil burner) Safety - minimum two airbags + ABS Within 8L OTR

I test drove several cars during the period. The Brio was alright to drive but felt drab and dated. The Liva was uninspiring except for its certified safety. The Tiago appeared to be promising. Seemed to be a rounded package and value for money too. The petrol motor though seemed to be just adequate. The Grand i10 AT felt sluggish, steering too light for my taste and at that time did not come with dual front airbags. I have driven the First generation Figo Petrol for a bit and found the newer Figo watered down in terms of build quality, steering feedback and handling. The petrol engine which has been carried over was always inadequate. Did not look at the diesel option seriously then. I was scanning the used car market too, mainly on OLX, and came across a Brio and a Fiesta 1.6 that got me interested but the asking prices were unrealistic.



The warm hatch wish is born

There's a Volkswagon dealership close to where we live, and one day in June 2017, we just dropped in to take a look at the Polo GT TSi. We knew well enough that it was outside our planned budget, but I just wanted to drive it after having read about it on TBHP. We had a test drive, and both of us were mighty impressed. I had always admired its understated looks and solidity. The responsive engine and the effortless driving experience provided by the quick shifting DSG was refreshing. That test drive rekindled my interest in fun-to-drive cars. The cars that I had owned and driven extensively earlier (60K km in an Indica Xeta 1.4L and the 50K in the Manza QJet) were essentially commuter cars whose choice was dictated by family needs and a search for value. Though I started driving relatively late in life (early-thirties), I had quickly realized that I enjoy driving and was developing an appreciation for the finer things in cars. So, the Polo TSi was a tempting proposition. What kept us from stretching the budget and making a choice were two things  one, the DSG failure worries that were discussed on TBHP and the fact that we had still not found a driver and hence could put off the buying decision for some time.



The Abarth idea pops up

In mid-July 2017, I came across a post on T-BHP which claimed that the Abarth Punto was back in production after a gap of nearly a year and that a batch of cars was available for sale.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/india...o-resumes.html (Scoop! Production of Abarth Punto resumes)

I remembered having seen a couple of threads about the Abarth Punto on T-BHP and dug them up and poured through them. The time I first read nkrishnap's ownership thread and S2!!!'s official review in 2015, fast hatches were not really on my mind. While I loved the Grand Punto's looks, I had felt that the Evo was a step down from the exteriors point of view and that the decals on the Evo Abarth version to be a bit too garish. But in the context of our search for a second car and my new-found interest in fun-to-drive petrol cars, the Abarth Punto captured my attention.



Attempt One at Acquiring an Abarth.

A couple of days later, we went to Hanuman Cars Ltd., the lone Fiat dealership in town (Mangaluru). The place was deserted, with a Punto MJD and a Linea Classic on display. The lone Sales Advisor appeared to be surprised to see us and even more surprised when we asked for the Abarth Punto. There was no demo or test-drive car and the lone car that they had in the showroom since 2015/2016 had been sold to a customer from Bangalore a couple of months earlier. He offered a test drive in an Urban Cross MJD, a brochure, and a price list. I wasn't too surprised or disappointed by all this because I had expected this from the struggling Fiat dealership. We did go back a couple of days later, and took a short test drive of the Urban Cross. I spoke to the Sales Manager who said they would accept booking for the Abarth Punto and deliver in four to six weeks. To cut a long story short, over a couple of phone calls, e-mails and an additional visit, we negotiated for a discount of 60K over the OTR price and paid an advance of 50K to booked a Pearl White Abarth Punto on 2nd August 2017.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/what-...ml#post4251816 (The "I Booked my Car" Thread)



About 10 days later, we were visiting Mysore for a family social event and took the opportunity to drop in at Urs Kars, the FCA dealership at Mysore. This was around the time when the Jeep Compass was just launched, and the dealership was bustling with people waiting for a test drive of the Compass. To their credit, the staff at Urs Kars were friendly and attended to us quickly. The Assistant Sales Manager to whom I spoke there had no hesitation in offering a test drive even after I told him that I had already booked the car at Mangaluru. I drove the car for a few kilometers on the ring road and came back with a wide grin on my face which was hard to wipe off for the rest of the day. My wife was happy too and we both felt smug about the decision we had taken even before the test drive.



Then began the wait. Four weeks and then six weeks came and went, but there was no sign of the car. The Sales Manager at the Mangaluru dealership told us that the first batch of 2017 cars produced in July was sold out and that the next production run was scheduled for the 2nd week of September. But then he started becoming elusive, and the delivery date got pushed to 15th of October 2017. When there was no news about the car from the dealership, I contacted the Customer Relations Manager of FCA with the help of a fellow BHPian. He mailed back saying that the production run was most likely to be in November. By this time patience was wearing thin, especially of my wife. We had found a diver for the Manza which she was using now, and I had become car-less. I had to depend on Uber / OLX which was rather unreliable in Mangaluru or request for lifts from friends and colleagues. Finally, in early November, we canceled the booking. It took another six weeks for us to get a refund of the advance amount from a dealership which was on the verge of shutting down. The Sales Manager, who himself was about to lose his job, did try his best to help us and generally was responsive. Kudos to him for not dumping us outright. The dealership, by the way, shut down before the end of the year 2017.



A rear-wheel drive hatchback interlude

I could not muster enough courage to buy the Polo GT with its DSG gamble, and after having driven the GT and the Abarth, it was very difficult to think about the other hatches. I decided to buy an inexpensive used hatch as a stop-gap arrangement for a year or two until finding the right fun-to-drive petrol car. This lead to the purchase of an 18-month-old Nano XTA at about 60% of its current new-car price. The Nano XTA became my daily commute, was delightfully convenient to drive and very practical. But of course, it was on the other end of the spectrum of hot-hatchness! That's a different story, for some other day.



The search for a "propah" hatchback resumes

My car-life was quite alright except for occasional protests from my wife about the lack of safety in the Nano. We have generally been safety conscious. Our Manza has dual front airbags and ABS. Our son, right from his second car ride has always been in a child car seat. My daily commute includes an 8 km stretch of highway which is generally crowded and therefore more like a two-lane city road. But with some changes in my work pattern, I was making frequent return trips in the Nano at late hours. There were a few occasions road-bullying which Nano drivers would be familiar with and general sense of vulnerability at times. This set us thinking about finding a replacing it with a "proper" safer hatch earlier than what we initially planned to. The budget was in the 8 to 10 Lakh OTR range. While I would, of course, be happy with a driver-oriented car, the brief from the wife was to save as much as we can on this. I was trying to "sell" the idea of a used Linea T-Jet or a Fiesta (2014 or later) or even a First Generation Figo TDI. She was not convinced about the used car approach.



A relook at the hatchback options - Round 2

From the VFM perspective, we looked at the Tiago AMT (XZA) which was now available. Nothing wrong with it, except that it seemed even less responsive with the AMT. The Ignis did not seem value for money to me. I felt the Tiago in either manual or AMT guise was a more attractive package than the Ignis counterparts. When we went to see the Tiago, we saw the Nexon. While we both liked it, we agreed that we would not buy a cross-over / mini-SUV now. Such a car would be a replacement for the Manza when the time came. Hence, we did not pursue that.



The Polo GT TSi that we almost bought

I continued to pitch my "fun-to-drive" plea to my wife. I knew that though she does not drive herself, she does enjoy quick, agile cars. I was right, she had not forgotten the Polo GT TSi ride from last year. Besides, she was appreciative of its safety and build quality. So we were veering towards the Polo again. We revisited the VW dealership one day in April 2018. The test-drive car was not available on that day. They asked us to come back again on another day. Curiously, no one bothered to take our contact details. After a few days, I called the dealership and fixed an appointment for a test drive. When we arrived at the dealership, the SA apologized and said that the car was taken out for another test drive and would not be available that day. I was given the price list. As expected, there were no offers or any hint at discounts. Again, no one took our contact details. I called a couple of days later and was asked to come on a Sunday morning, which suited us well. So we finally got our second test drive, and we were more or less sure that we would go ahead with it. The SA who accompanied us on the test drive asked us to come back on a weekday to discuss the booking process with the other SA whom we had earlier met. Next day, I called the SA and asked him for a final quote excluding the Insurance premium. He said that he needs to discuss that with his Sales manager and that he would revert the next day.



During the same week, the Ford Freestyle was launched and we visited the dealership. The Sales Advisor was quite knowledgeable about the car, was polite, and non-intrusive. He called back the next day, which was a holiday and offered a longish test drive. I found the new Dragon 1.2L engine quite peppy and the overall car well balanced in terms of ride quality and handling. The SA also talked about substantial offers for the Figo Sport Edition. However, they did not have test-drive cars for it. I did take a test drive of the 1.5TDI Figo and quite liked the torquey engine. I think I would have liked the sport edition with the stiffer suspension.



So by the middle of April 2018, we were on the verge of making a choice between the Polo GT TSi and the Figo 1.5TDI Sport. I had found threads on T-BHP reporting easy under-warranty replacement of the DSG mechatronic unit, sometimes even after warranty. Emboldened by this, I was more or less ready to cut a cheque towards advance for the Polo. Frankly, one, just one follow-up call from VW during that week would have got them a booking.



Amusingly enough, the call never came.



Despite the apparent disinterest by the dealer, we had more or less made up our minds about going for the Polo.



The Abarth pops up... again

On 28th April 2018, just a day before I was planning to visit the VW dealership to book the car, my brother sent me a link to a news article in AutoWorld about the Abarth being back in production. So the next day, instead of visiting the VW dealership, I called the erstwhile Sales Manager of Hanuman Cars. He reported that there was currently no FCA dealership in Mangalore, neither was there a chance of one coming up in the short term and advised me to contact dealers in Mysuru or Bengaluru. I spoke to the Assistant Sales Manager at Urs Kar, Mysuru who remembered my earlier test drive and promptly confirmed the availability of both black and white Abarth Puntos at the Ranjangaon plant. Thus, the Abarth was back in contention.



For me this was probably the last opportunity to buy a petrol motor with decent performance and the other driver oriented characteristics. I think we are in the last decade or so of the dominance of the Internal Combustion Engine. Towards the end of its era, the ICE Motor Car is likely to stagnate in terms of new technology development and move towards providing greater efficiency and value at the cost of raw performance. For someone whose affordability is in the range of one to one-and-half million rupees rupees in India, the chances of a true hot hatch coming into the market in the near future is remote. With this in mind, we decided to try one more time to buy the elusive Abarth. Not to forget, the absence of a follow-up call from the VolksFolk helped.



Attempt Two at Acquiring an Abarth

Over the next week, I obtained the price list, negotiated on the price and finally got a quotation offering a 50K discount on the initially quoted OTR. So on 4th May 2018, we transferred an amount of 50K as advance and booked a Pearl White Abarth Punto for the second time in 9 months. The Sales Advisor (actually, Assistant Sales Manager) was responsive and responsible. Though I was doing everything on the phone, it was not a stressful experience.



Pre-delivery experience: Delivery was promised in four weeks. Within two weeks, got a message from the SA that the car was on its way from the factory. I requested for pictures of the car on its arrival at the stockyard. I did get four pictures of the car in the evening the car was unloaded at Mysuru. We were offered assistance in financing for the car through a Private Sector bank at Mysuru. We, however, decided to avail an Overdraft Account linked loan for part of the cost (less than 50% of OTR) from the State Bank of India branch where my wife as an account.

I had to forgo a pre-payment inspection as it was not practical for me to travel in advance for that to Mysuru. We transferred funds to the Dealership account and cleared the bank for releasing the rest. The car was invoiced and was scheduled for temporary registration at the Mysuru RTO. We made arrangements to reach Mysuru on the day after the temporary registration appointment. I had ordered installation of a rear view camera, an official Fiat Accessory (the Linea's camera) as the only accessory.



Delivery

My wife, eight-year-old son and I reached the dealership at around 10 AM on the 26th of May 2018. The Assistant Sales Manager with whom I had interacted so far, was not available on that day as he had been deputed for some training related to the Jeep Compass. A different Sales Advisor had been assigned to us. Within about 15 minutes of arriving, the paperwork was readied for us. The SA walked us through the invoice, the sales receipts, owner's manual, warranties, etc. By now the car was brought up from the service area. We were given a walk around and a quick demo of features. I had taken a Pre-delivery checklist which I had prepared based on the Team-BHP checklist. I put it to good use and completed my inspection efficiently. There was nothing amiss in the car. I requested for the plastic covers on the seats and sun-visors to be removed. We went back in and signed the papers. One issue which was a bit of concern for me was that the temporary registration document and hence the temporary registration number was not yet available. I was assured that the receipt of the temporary registration fees along with the sale invoice would suffice and that the TR document would be available within a couple of days. With the paper work completed, The key was formally handed over to us by the Sales Manager who turned out to be from Mangaluru. Just as we were about to drive away, the Sales Manager reminded his staff to stick "Registered" stickers on the front windshield and rear glass. Also, Bright red "Abarth" stickers were pasted on the registration board areas. With that, we drove out of the Dealership at around 12.30PM, straight into the Shell outlet a couple of hundred meters down the road. Filled up the tank with Shell Power and headed to our hotel for shooting a few first pics.



Ex-showroom price: Rs. 9,33,190

Road Tax: 1,49,682

Insurance: Rs. 21,000

Accessories - Rear View camera: Rs. 7,000

Overall delivery experience: Excellent. The sales team was prompt, efficient and communicative. The knowledge level of the car was also good.



(Continued in next post...) We bought an Abarth Punto earlier in May this year.This wasn't as simple as it sounds. We had tried last year in 2017 and failed. We tried again this year and succeeded in buying one.A Manza QJet EXL purchased in 2013 has been serving our needs capably. Since I am the lone driver in our family of five and my wife and I work in the same place, a second car was not a requirement. However, by 2017, my wife needed rides in the evening to a couple of places in the city for her medical practice. As she does not drive, I ended up spending quite a lot of time chauffeuring and waiting around. While I did not mind the driving, the waiting around was wasteful. It was then that we decided to look for a second car and a part-time driver for her evening hospital visits. The idea was to buy a hatchback, new or used, within a budget of 8 lakhs on the road, that I could use for my daily 30 km commute, while my wife could use the Manza.So, in the early part of 2017, we looked at quite a few hatchback options including the Tiago, Figo, Grand i10 and the Liva.I test drove several cars during the period. Thewas alright to drive but felt drab and dated. Thewas uninspiring except for its certified safety. Theappeared to be promising. Seemed to be a rounded package and value for money too. The petrol motor though seemed to be just adequate. Thefelt sluggish, steering too light for my taste and at that time did not come with dual front airbags. I have driven the First generation Figo Petrol for a bit and found the newerwatered down in terms of build quality, steering feedback and handling. The petrol engine which has been carried over was always inadequate. Did not look at the diesel option seriously then. I was scanning the used car market too, mainly on OLX, and came across a Brio and a Fiesta 1.6 that got me interested but the asking prices were unrealistic.There's a Volkswagon dealership close to where we live, and one day in June 2017, we just dropped in to take a look at the Polo GT TSi. We knew well enough that it was outside our planned budget, but I just wanted to drive it after having read about it on TBHP. We had a test drive, and both of us were mighty impressed. I had always admired its understated looks and solidity. The responsive engine and the effortless driving experience provided by the quick shifting DSG was refreshing. That test drive rekindled my interest in fun-to-drive cars. The cars that I had owned and driven extensively earlier (60K km in an Indica Xeta 1.4L and the 50K in the Manza QJet) were essentially commuter cars whose choice was dictated by family needs and a search for value. Though I started driving relatively late in life (early-thirties), I had quickly realized that I enjoy driving and was developing an appreciation for the finer things in cars. So, the Polo TSi was a tempting proposition. What kept us from stretching the budget and making a choice were two things  one, the DSG failure worries that were discussed on TBHP and the fact that we had still not found a driver and hence could put off the buying decision for some time.In mid-July 2017, I came across a post on T-BHP which claimed that the Abarth Punto was back in production after a gap of nearly a year and that a batch of cars was available for sale.I remembered having seen a couple of threads about the Abarth Punto on T-BHP and dug them up and poured through them. The time I first read nkrishnap's ownership thread and S2!!!'s official review in 2015, fast hatches were not really on my mind. While I loved the Grand Punto's looks, I had felt that the Evo was a step down from the exteriors point of view and that the decals on the Evo Abarth version to be a bit too garish. But in the context of our search for a second car and my new-found interest in fun-to-drive petrol cars, the Abarth Punto captured my attention.A couple of days later, we went to Hanuman Cars Ltd., the lone Fiat dealership in town (Mangaluru). The place was deserted, with a Punto MJD and a Linea Classic on display. The lone Sales Advisor appeared to be surprised to see us and even more surprised when we asked for the Abarth Punto. There was no demo or test-drive car and the lone car that they had in the showroom since 2015/2016 had been sold to a customer from Bangalore a couple of months earlier. He offered a test drive in an Urban Cross MJD, a brochure, and a price list. I wasn't too surprised or disappointed by all this because I had expected this from the struggling Fiat dealership. We did go back a couple of days later, and took a short test drive of the Urban Cross. I spoke to the Sales Manager who said they would accept booking for the Abarth Punto and deliver in four to six weeks. To cut a long story short, over a couple of phone calls, e-mails and an additional visit, we negotiated for a discount of 60K over the OTR price and paid an advance of 50K to booked a Pearl White Abarth Punto on 2nd August 2017.About 10 days later, we were visiting Mysore for a family social event and took the opportunity to drop in at Urs Kars, the FCA dealership at Mysore. This was around the time when the Jeep Compass was just launched, and the dealership was bustling with people waiting for a test drive of the Compass. To their credit, the staff at Urs Kars were friendly and attended to us quickly. The Assistant Sales Manager to whom I spoke there had no hesitation in offering a test drive even after I told him that I had already booked the car at Mangaluru. I drove the car for a few kilometers on the ring road and came back with a wide grin on my face which was hard to wipe off for the rest of the day. My wife was happy too and we both felt smug about the decision we had taken even before the test drive.Then began the wait. Four weeks and then six weeks came and went, but there was no sign of the car. The Sales Manager at the Mangaluru dealership told us that the first batch of 2017 cars produced in July was sold out and that the next production run was scheduled for the 2nd week of September. But then he started becoming elusive, and the delivery date got pushed to 15th of October 2017. When there was no news about the car from the dealership, I contacted the Customer Relations Manager of FCA with the help of a fellow BHPian. He mailed back saying that the production run was most likely to be in November. By this time patience was wearing thin, especially of my wife. We had found a diver for the Manza which she was using now, and I had become car-less. I had to depend on Uber / OLX which was rather unreliable in Mangaluru or request for lifts from friends and colleagues. Finally, in early November, we canceled the booking. It took another six weeks for us to get a refund of the advance amount from a dealership which was on the verge of shutting down. The Sales Manager, who himself was about to lose his job, did try his best to help us and generally was responsive. Kudos to him for not dumping us outright. The dealership, by the way, shut down before the end of the year 2017.I could not muster enough courage to buy the Polo GT with its DSG gamble, and after having driven the GT and the Abarth, it was very difficult to think about the other hatches. I decided to buy an inexpensive used hatch as a stop-gap arrangement for a year or two until finding the right fun-to-drive petrol car. This lead to the purchase of an 18-month-old Nano XTA at about 60% of its current new-car price. The Nano XTA became my daily commute, was delightfully convenient to drive and very practical. But of course, it was on the other end of the spectrum of hot-hatchness! That's a different story, for some other day.My car-life was quite alright except for occasional protests from my wife about the lack of safety in the Nano. We have generally been safety conscious. Our Manza has dual front airbags and ABS. Our son, right from his second car ride has always been in a child car seat. My daily commute includes an 8 km stretch of highway which is generally crowded and therefore more like a two-lane city road. But with some changes in my work pattern, I was making frequent return trips in the Nano at late hours. There were a few occasions road-bullying which Nano drivers would be familiar with and general sense of vulnerability at times. This set us thinking about finding a replacing it with a "proper" safer hatch earlier than what we initially planned to. The budget was in the 8 to 10 Lakh OTR range. While I would, of course, be happy with a driver-oriented car, the brief from the wife was to save as much as we can on this. I was trying to "sell" the idea of a used Linea T-Jet or a Fiesta (2014 or later) or even a First Generation Figo TDI. She was not convinced about the used car approach.From the VFM perspective, we looked at the Tiago AMT (XZA) which was now available. Nothing wrong with it, except that it seemed even less responsive with the AMT. The Ignis did not seem value for money to me. I felt the Tiago in either manual or AMT guise was a more attractive package than the Ignis counterparts. When we went to see the Tiago, we saw the Nexon. While we both liked it, we agreed that we would not buy a cross-over / mini-SUV now. Such a car would be a replacement for the Manza when the time came. Hence, we did not pursue that.I continued to pitch my "fun-to-drive" plea to my wife. I knew that though she does not drive herself, she does enjoy quick, agile cars. I was right, she had not forgotten the Polo GT TSi ride from last year. Besides, she was appreciative of its safety and build quality. So we were veering towards the Polo again. We revisited the VW dealership one day in April 2018. The test-drive car was not available on that day. They asked us to come back again on another day. Curiously, no one bothered to take our contact details. After a few days, I called the dealership and fixed an appointment for a test drive. When we arrived at the dealership, the SA apologized and said that the car was taken out for another test drive and would not be available that day. I was given the price list. As expected, there were no offers or any hint at discounts. Again, no one took our contact details. I called a couple of days later and was asked to come on a Sunday morning, which suited us well. So we finally got our second test drive, and we were more or less sure that we would go ahead with it. The SA who accompanied us on the test drive asked us to come back on a weekday to discuss the booking process with the other SA whom we had earlier met. Next day, I called the SA and asked him for a final quote excluding the Insurance premium. He said that he needs to discuss that with his Sales manager and that he would revert the next day.During the same week, the Ford Freestyle was launched and we visited the dealership. The Sales Advisor was quite knowledgeable about the car, was polite, and non-intrusive. He called back the next day, which was a holiday and offered a longish test drive. I found the new Dragon 1.2L engine quite peppy and the overall car well balanced in terms of ride quality and handling. The SA also talked about substantial offers for the Figo Sport Edition. However, they did not have test-drive cars for it. I did take a test drive of the 1.5TDI Figo and quite liked the torquey engine. I think I would have liked the sport edition with the stiffer suspension.So by the middle of April 2018, we were on the verge of making a choice between the Polo GT TSi and the Figo 1.5TDI Sport. I had found threads on T-BHP reporting easy under-warranty replacement of the DSG mechatronic unit, sometimes even after warranty. Emboldened by this, I was more or less ready to cut a cheque towards advance for the Polo. Frankly, one, just one follow-up call from VW during that week would have got them a booking.Amusingly enough, the call never came.Despite the apparent disinterest by the dealer, we had more or less made up our minds about going for the Polo.On 28th April 2018, just a day before I was planning to visit the VW dealership to book the car, my brother sent me a link to a news article in AutoWorld about the Abarth being back in production. So the next day, instead of visiting the VW dealership, I called the erstwhile Sales Manager of Hanuman Cars. He reported that there was currently no FCA dealership in Mangalore, neither was there a chance of one coming up in the short term and advised me to contact dealers in Mysuru or Bengaluru. I spoke to the Assistant Sales Manager at Urs Kar, Mysuru who remembered my earlier test drive and promptly confirmed the availability of both black and white Abarth Puntos at the Ranjangaon plant. Thus, the Abarth was back in contention.For me this was probably the last opportunity to buy a petrol motor with decent performance and the other driver oriented characteristics. I think we are in the last decade or so of the dominance of the Internal Combustion Engine. Towards the end of its era, the ICE Motor Car is likely to stagnate in terms of new technology development and move towards providing greater efficiency and value at the cost of raw performance. For someone whose affordability is in the range of one to one-and-half million rupees rupees in India, the chances of a true hot hatch coming into the market in the near future is remote. With this in mind, we decided to try one more time to buy the elusive Abarth. Not to forget, the absence of a follow-up call from the VolksFolk helped.Over the next week, I obtained the price list, negotiated on the price and finally got a quotation offering a 50K discount on the initially quoted OTR. So on 4th May 2018, we transferred an amount of 50K as advance and booked a Pearl White Abarth Punto for the second time in 9 months. The Sales Advisor (actually, Assistant Sales Manager) was responsive and responsible. Though I was doing everything on the phone, it was not a stressful experience.Delivery was promised in four weeks. Within two weeks, got a message from the SA that the car was on its way from the factory. I requested for pictures of the car on its arrival at the stockyard. I did get four pictures of the car in the evening the car was unloaded at Mysuru. We were offered assistance in financing for the car through a Private Sector bank at Mysuru. We, however, decided to avail an Overdraft Account linked loan for part of the cost (less than 50% of OTR) from the State Bank of India branch where my wife as an account.I had to forgo a pre-payment inspection as it was not practical for me to travel in advance for that to Mysuru. We transferred funds to the Dealership account and cleared the bank for releasing the rest. The car was invoiced and was scheduled for temporary registration at the Mysuru RTO. We made arrangements to reach Mysuru on the day after the temporary registration appointment. I had ordered installation of a rear view camera, an official Fiat Accessory (the Linea's camera) as the only accessory.My wife, eight-year-old son and I reached the dealership at around 10 AM on the 26th of May 2018. The Assistant Sales Manager with whom I had interacted so far, was not available on that day as he had been deputed for some training related to the Jeep Compass. A different Sales Advisor had been assigned to us. Within about 15 minutes of arriving, the paperwork was readied for us. The SA walked us through the invoice, the sales receipts, owner's manual, warranties, etc. By now the car was brought up from the service area. We were given a walk around and a quick demo of features. I had taken a Pre-delivery checklist which I had prepared based on the Team-BHP checklist. I put it to good use and completed my inspection efficiently. There was nothing amiss in the car. I requested for the plastic covers on the seats and sun-visors to be removed. We went back in and signed the papers. One issue which was a bit of concern for me was that the temporary registration document and hence the temporary registration number was not yet available. I was assured that the receipt of the temporary registration fees along with the sale invoice would suffice and that the TR document would be available within a couple of days. With the paper work completed, The key was formally handed over to us by the Sales Manager who turned out to be from Mangaluru. Just as we were about to drive away, the Sales Manager reminded his staff to stick "Registered" stickers on the front windshield and rear glass. Also, Bright red "Abarth" stickers were pasted on the registration board areas. With that, we drove out of the Dealership at around 12.30PM, straight into the Shell outlet a couple of hundred meters down the road. Filled up the tank with Shell Power and headed to our hotel for shooting a few first pics.Ex-showroom price: Rs. 9,33,190Road Tax: 1,49,682Insurance: Rs. 21,000Accessories - Rear View camera: Rs. 7,000Overall delivery experience: Excellent. The sales team was prompt, efficient and communicative. The knowledge level of the car was also good. Last edited by cogWheel : 9th December 2018 at 22:50 .
What just happened? On Sunday Google revealed plans for the wide-scale development of its hometown of Mountain View, California. The search giant is looking to build offices, retail shops, public, and residential spaces on the property it owns around the area of its future campus.

According to Mountain View city documents obtained by CNBC, the company has extensive real estate holdings centering around the North Bayshore area. Google is planning 3.12 million square feet of office space, both new and redeveloped. It is also looking at adding 400,000 sqft of retail zoned buildings and 35 acres of public space.

It wants to construct up to 8,000 new homes. Google has already consulted with a developer to build 6,600 residences, 20 percent of which will qualify for affordable housing.

The tech company is working closely with the Mountain View city council to ensure it complies with the Precise Plan development rules it instituted in 2017.

Of course, this project is about much more than just office space; its about doing more with the local community as well, said Googles Vice President of Real Estate David Radcliffe in a blog post. So were adding lots of bike paths and retail opportunities, like restaurants, for local businesses. We also hope to bring new life to the unique local environment, from enhancing burrowing owl habitats to widening creek beds.

Approval of the plans has not yet been granted, but the city is set to start discussions early in the new year. Google does not foresee any problems getting the proposal approved. The city already gave the go-ahead to plans for a new campus in North Bayshore (illustration below) and construction has already begun on that project.

CNBC estimates the company has spent nearly $2.8 billion buying up property in Mountain View and outlying areas including San Jose in the last couple of years. It has also been approved just this week to purchase another 10 acres in San Jose for $110 million.

You can read Googles complete plan at the Mountain View city website, but as of this writing the site is down.
A SpaceX Dragon ship has made a special cargo delivery to the International Space Station this weekend. The spacecraft caught up with the ISS early Saturday, Dec. 8, three days after its launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Christmas Treats For Expedition 57 Astronauts

The spacecraft brought 5,600 pounds of equipment and supplies, which include fresh fruits and holiday treats for six Expedition 57 astronauts who will spend Christmas and New Year aboard the orbiting laboratory.

"We did fly some extra food, some Christmas-type food for the crew, standard things, candied yams, turkey, corn, green bean casserole, some Christmas traditional standard stuff like that," said space station deputy program manager Joel Montalbano. "There's also some fresh fruit for the crew."

ISS crews also received Christmas supplies and gifts in previous years. In 2017, crew members also had a Christmas tree and gifts from families and friends. Cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov said that there were packages onboard the space station labeled to open on Dec. 25 for U.S. astronauts and Dec. 31 for crews from Russia.

Last year, Christmas dinner menu for crew members include turkey, gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa, and cornbread stuffing.

Science Gears And Other Supplies

Dragon also brought equipment for scientific research. It carried a rodent habitat carrying 40 mice, powerful GEDI laser to study Earth's forests, a SlingShot device that can launch up to 18 CubeSats from a Cygnus cargo ship already at the ISS, and 36,000 worms.

It also brought space station hardware, computer equipment, spacewalk tools and suit components, clothing, and other supplies for the crew.

SpaceX's 16th Cargo Delivery Mission

The latest space rendezvous is the 16th cargo delivery mission of SpaceX for NASA. The cargo ship called CRS-16 also delivered supplies to the ISS in February 2017.

The Dragon capsule will spend about a month at the space station before returning to Earth. In January next year, astronauts will fill it with 4,000 pounds of experiment results and other gears.

It is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean once it returns to Earth and will be retrieved by a recovery ship.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
What first appeared as precious gemstones unearthed from an opal field in Australia turned out to be the opalized fossils of a previously unnamed dinosaur.

Dog-Sized Dinosaur

The dinosaur was named Weewarrasaurus pobeni after the Wee Warra opal field near the small country town of Lightning Ridge where the fossils were recovered, and Mike Poben, an opal dealer who got the fossils in 2013.

Poben later donated the fossils to the Australian Opal Center, a museum in Lightning Ridge that houses the world's largest collection of opalized fossils.

Based on the size of the creature's jaw and teeth, which were the parts immortalized in the opal, paleontologists determined that the fossils were small pieces of ornithopod, a group of bipedal herbivores that includes the Parasaurolophus and the Iguanodon.

The dinosaur species was about the size of a Labrador retriever, walked using its hind legs and had a beak and teeth for eating vegetation. The creature may have moved in herds or small groups for protection.

Preserved In Opal

The nearly 100-million-year-old remains were hewn from brightly-colored opal that formed over the course of many years from the concentration of silica-rich solution below the ground. These gemstones give off a rainbow of colors and in this case, a sparkling green and blue.

Poben came across the sparkly remains when he bought rough opals from miners and had them inspected by Phil Bell, a paleontologist from The University of New England in Australia.

Bell related that the first time he saw the specimen, his jaw dropped and tried hard to contain his excitement.

"When you're working in Lightning Ridge, you can't ignore the fact that some of these things are preserved in spectacular opal that's all the colors of the rainbow," Bell said. "There's no place in the world like this, where you have dinosaurs preserved in beautiful opal."

Bell and colleagues described the dinosaur species and the implications of its find in the journal PeerJ on Dec. 4.

"These results support those of previous studies that favour a general abundance of small-bodied basal ornithopods in Early to mid-Cretaceous high-latitude localities of southeastern Australia, including the Wonthaggi and Eumeralla formations in Victoria and the GCF in New South Wales," the researchers wrote in their study.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Louisiana's top-rated school districts also showed some of the largest enrollment gains in the past decade, according to newly-released headcounts.

The list includes the Central School District, up 30 percent since 2008; Zachary, up 25 percent; and the Ascension Parish school system, which rose by 18 percent.

Those school systems are rated fifth, first and second, respectively, in annual school performance scores released in November.

The Jefferson Parish School District remains the largest in the state with 48,912 students  up 24 percent.

The East Baton Rouge school system is still No. 2 in Louisiana despite losing 8 percent of its students in the past decade.

Enrollment totals 41,041 students, according to the Oct. 1 snapshot compiled by the state Department of Education.

Public schools in Caddo Parish, which includes Shreveport, are No. 3 statewide but soon may be overtaken by the fast-growing St. Tammany Parish School District.

St. Tammany's enrollment totals 38,542 students, up 7 percent and just 56 students behind fast-declining Caddo.

Population growth in St. Tammany  roughly 30 percent since 2000  accounts for some of the rise in its student count.

Enrollment is often but not always a sign of a thriving school district.

Six of Louisiana's top-10 rated districts showed enrollment gains in the past decade, including the Central, Zachary, Ascension, Vermilion, Plaquemines and DeSoto school districts.

+5 BR area places 3 of top 5 public school districts in annual Louisiana academic results Once again, the Baton Rouge area is leading Louisiana's academic rankings, but thanks to big changes in how the state calculates school and di

But the Lafourche School District, rated No. 3 for student performance, fell 18 percent in its student count in the past decade, to 14,532 students.

The West Feliciana Parish school system, rated seventh in the state, was almost static during the period. Enrollment totals 2,291 students, 35 fewer students than the district had in 2008.

The student count at Baker, one of the state's lowest-performing districts, is down 28 percent  1,321 students.

The other two districts in the Top 10 academically that lost students are the Vernon and Lincoln school systems.

Statewide enrollment rose 4 percent since 2008, to 719,215.

Superintendents often cringe when classrooms grow thinner because state aid is based in part on headcount.

Losing a student in the current school year costs districts $3,961 per child through Louisiana's funding formula.

Again, state aid for public schools will go unchanged for 2018-19 school year Basic state aid for public schools will be frozen for the 10th time in 11 years under legislation that won final approval Thursday in the Loui

Public schools in Central showed a 30 percent enrollment gain over the past decade despite temporary drops triggered by the historic flooding two years ago.

"We were on sort of a steady trend, and when we had the flood in 2016 our numbers dipped," said Jason Fountain, superintendent of the district.

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Some students were displaced. Others relocated. But the district reached its highest enrollment with the Oct. 1 snapshot.

"The school system is just part of the ecosystem of the community," Fountain said. "This is a growing community."

Demand for classrooms has been evident since Central broke away from the East Baton Rouge Parish School District in 2007.

Mike Faulk, former superintendent, said initial projections called for about 2,600 students to enroll when the doors first opened 11 years ago. Instead, 3,000 students signed up that August, he said.

Several large districts have shown solid gains since 2008.

That list includes the Lafayette Parish school system, 31, 356 students, up 5 percent; Livingston, 25,855 students, up 18 percent; and Ascension, 22,862, up 18 percent.

Zachary has been the top-scoring district in Louisiana for 14 consecutive years  every year it got a rating.

Less known is the fact it is a majority-minority school system. Minority students make up 56 percent of enrollment, which totals 5,586.

Zachary broke away from the East Baton Parish school system in 2003. During the first seven or eight years the district experienced huge enrollment gains, said Zachary Superintendent Scott Devillier.

"Over the past seven years, it has sort of leveled off," Devillier said. "We have small growth each year, about 100 kids each year."

The East Baton Rouge Parish School District has lost students for a variety of reasons, including low-performing schools being taken over by the state.

During a two-year period starting in 2009, 1,500 students were moved into the state-run Recovery School District when Dalton and Lanier elementary schools and Crestworth and Kenilworth middle schools were absorbed by the state.

Conversely, enrollment has risen by more than 1,100 students since last year when four charter schools opened -- BASIS Baton Rouge, The Emerge School, IDEA Bridge and IDEA Innovation.

Enrollment can skyrocket for reasons that have little to do with academics.

The St. Bernard Parish School District is 67 percent bigger than it was in 2008 -- 7,816 students.

Hurricane Katrina leveled every school building in the district in 2005.

"Eleven weeks after the storm I opened a trailer in the parking lot at Chalmette High and the first day I had 334 kids," said Doris Voitier, superintendent since 2004.

Lots of students moved in from New Orleans, remaking the district demographically.

More than 80 percent of St. Bernard students live in low-income homes.

However, the district earned a "B" on its latest state-issued report card.

According to one rating system, St. Bernard is the top-performing district in the state when poverty is factored in.

Some information for this report was provided by Advocate reporter Charles Lussier
More than $43 million in budget priorities  mostly law enforcement expenditures  has been delayed again, after state House leadership again objected to an attempt at upgrading the state's economic forecast on Monday.

House Speaker Taylor Barras was the only member of the Revenue Estimating Conference to reject the advice of state economists about improved projections that would free up money to fund pay raises for corrections officers and cover costs of local sheriffs who house state inmates, among other priorities lawmakers identified in the state budget that began July 1.

"There just seems a number of concerns and we would seem to be taking a big leap of faith," said Barras, R-New Iberia. "I have to put our taxpayers first."

All other members of the revenue panel, Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, LSU economist Jim Richardson and Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, voted in favor of the latest projections, but REC votes must be unanimous, so Barras' vote against blocked the maneuver.

It was the second time in as many weeks that state House Republican leaders have blocked the funding boost. Two weeks ago, House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry, a Metarie Republican who took part in the meeting in Barras' absence, was the lone vote against.

After tense meeting over possible rosier Louisiana financials, no update to revenue forecast Just when it seemed fights over Louisiana's state budget had become a thing of the past, tempers flared again at the State Capitol on Tuesday 

"The more information we have, the more accurate we are with the forecast," Barras said. "If we wait later in the fiscal year to make this adoption, not much gets affected."

The Legislature, in approving a budget plan for the fiscal year that started July 1, left about $43 million in items to be funded if the state forecast was upgraded.

"It seems to me that the will of the Legislature was made clear," said Dardenne, who serves on the panel at Edwards' direction. "I think it's unfortunate that we've injected a funding discussion into the process."

Barras also blocked an attempt to boost the projection for the next budget cycle.

The move could complicate the drafting of Gov. John Bel Edwards' executive budget proposal that will be released next month.

Edwards, a Democrat who is seeking re-election next year, has been an outspoken proponent for pay raises for K-12 teachers in the coming year. Without the additional revenue recognized, that proposal may not make it into his executive document that kick-starts the budgeting process.

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"In all fairness to our teachers, we need to make sure that funding is there and is reliable," Barras said.

Also in limbo is $10 million to open a new youth offender facility in Bunkie that has been repeatedly delayed because of funding concerns.

Dardenne argued that an update this month would be more accurate than the current projection, which was adopted in June.

"It's obviously not early in the process," he said. "We have always taken action at this point in time."

The economists on Monday had recommended adjusting the budget outlook to reflect about $130 million more in revenue the state is on track to collect before the budget ends June 30.

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee, which includes senators and House members from the chambers' spending panels, would ultimately get to say which items on the contingency budget would be funded if more revenue is recognized.

"Our job is to estimate revenue," Dardene said. "It's up to the Legislature to determine how it's spent."

Alario said he respects Barras' position but he voted in favor of the updated figures.

"I know how dedicated he is to this state and trying to make the right decisions," he said. "(But) by us denying the actual facts of an increase, we prohibit the budget committee from having an opportunity to vote on those things."

"This is a refreshing time for us and a sign the economy is heading in the right direction," Alario added.
A new bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge is doable but would require support from voters in five area parishes, the founder of the Shaw Group said Monday.

Jim Bernhard, who now heads a private equity firm, made his comments to the Press Club of Baton Rouge.

Last week Bernhard said his company  Bernhard Capital Partners  would be willing to help underwrite the cost of a bridge, which would be more than $1 billion.

He said he thinks other firms would also be interested in providing equity and other support for any such project.

In a first, Louisiana to gauge private firms' interest in helping improve I-10 in Baton Rouge In a first for Louisiana, state transportation officials announced Monday they will solicit input from private firms to fast track major impr

The businessman said tolls would be needed to help finance the improvements, and repay private investors over 30 or 40 years.

However, Bernhard said voters in East Baton Rouge and four other parishes would also have to agree to tax themselves to finance better roads leading to and from the bridge.

Under state law, voters in East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston and Iberville parishes could approve tax or fee hikes to finance road and bridge upgrades.

Sen. Rick Ward, R-Port Allen, is leading an effort to do just that.

Bernhard said it was encouraging to see voters in East Baton Rouge Parish on Saturday approve a half-cent sales tax hike to finance $912 million in road projects. Bernhard, a former chairman of the state Democratic Party, did a TV advertisement that urged voters to endorse the plan.

The roads tax was approved by a margin of 61 percent to 39 percent. Voters also endorsed a property tax hike to finance a psychiatric facility called The Bridge Center. The mental health center captured 68 percent of the vote.

"I mean, that was amazing Baton Rouge has chosen to lead the way in the state, to be the city we want to be," Bernhard said. "Now we want the state to move forward and be the state we want to have."

Previous efforts to strike an agreement among area parishes to build a loop or bypass around Baton Rouge died amid bickering over preferred routes and other issues.

Bernhard also said that, despite the fact 2019 is an election year, the Legislature should tackle the thorny topic of how to improve roads and bridges statewide.

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An effort to approve a gas tax increase, possibly next year, is being led by former Baton Rouge Republican state Rep. Erich Ponti.

A push to boost the gas tax by 17 cents per gallon, which would raise $510 million per year, died in the Legislature last year without a vote in either chamber.

"I am not going to comment on what I think of that," Bernhard said.

Louisiana has a $14 billion backlog of road and bridge projects.

Tolls? Taxes? Here's what might be done to battle the 'cancer' of Baton Rouge-area traffic Traffic congestion has become a "cancer" in the Baton Rouge area, and a new bridge across the Mississippi River is the top need, the leader of

Motorists who use the bridge and nearby interstates have long complained about daily backups.

Can't see video below? Click here.

Shawn Wilson, secretary for the state Department of Transportation and Development, said last week the state has no way to repay the costs of a new bridge, even if someone offered to front the money.

Bernhard said he has not had any detailed talks with Wilson about his bridge plans.

"But it is something that can be financed," he said "What I do for a living is finance infrastructure."

Bernhard said he watches backups on the bridge daily from his 10th floor office in downtown Baton Rouge.

"We need to move forward on it," he said. "It is not going to get any better."
In a first for Louisiana, state transportation officials announced Monday they will solicit input from private firms to fast track major improvements on Interstate 10 in the Baton Rouge area.

Officials also said the request will make good on Gov. John Bel Edwards' campaign promise to find innovative ways to tackle the state's road and bridge problems, including a $13 billion backlog.

"Private investors have their eyes on Louisiana and are eager to invest here," state Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson said in a prepared statement.

"These innovative financing methods have worked in other states that have invested in infrastructure," Wilson said.

He added in an interview, "We are serious about infrastructure. We are serious about long-term solutions."

The stretch of I-10 targeted for improvements is the source of daily complaints from motorists, and is considered one of the most congested sections of interstate in the state.

Projects could include the widening of I-10 from the Mississippi River Bridge to the I-10/I-12 split; work on the Pecue Interchange and widening I-10 between La. Hwy. 415 and La. 1.

Also, work on the La. 415 interchange in West Baton Rouge Parish as well as improvements to interchanges at the La. 30 in Gonzales and La. 22 near Sorrento, are on the $600 million list.

Those and other projects are being called the I-10 Capital Corridor Improvements.

Any such agreements between the state and private companies are known as public/private partnerships, or P3s in transportation jargon.

They generally consist of private firms supplying the money for construction in exchange for long-term payments from the state, such as toll revenue.

However, firms could also reap dividends on their investments through yearly payments from state, federal or other sources, depending on the financing plan.

"We will make payments to them," Wilson said.

Companies that do such projects are part of the global market.

A task force named by Edwards, which finished its work in December, said public/private partnerships should be pursued to help trim longstanding road and bridge problems. The panel also said the state needs another $700 million per year to start trimming Louisiana's $13 billion backlog, and its $16 billion list of "mega" projects like a new bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge south of the current "new" bridge.

However, exactly what the governor will recommend during the 2017 Legislature is unclear.

A state gasoline tax hike of 23 cents per gallon would be needed if that was the sole source of nearly $700 million per year in new transportation dollars.

In addition, the state faces another budget shortfall of $400 million or more for the financial year that begins July 1.

+2 Before funding for transportation overhaul becomes reality, three key questions must be answered While a special panel named by Gov. John Bel Edwards has called for $700 million a year in 

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The session starts on April 10.

Wilson said Monday's announcement will not affect what Edwards recommends to the Legislature on transportation.

What state officials are sending out is called a Request for Information, or RFI, aimed at testing interest in firms teaming with the state and, if so, which projects and how the private companies think those contracts should look. Officials of the firms will be asked whether they have done similar work, what the initial financial arrangements would be and what would be the minimum time needed to submit such a proposal for I-10 work.

Responses are due by March 31.

The answers will help state officials decide on future solicitations for work on I-10 in East and West Baton Rouge parishes and Ascension Parish.

DOTD won authority to solicit interest from private companies from a 2016 state law pushed by the Edwards administration.

"This is the first step in positioning the state to leverage private sector resources in delivering major enhancements to the I-10 Capitol Corridor," Edwards said, also in a prepared statement.

"We aren't likely to have the revenue needed to make a P3 work for the entire corridor today, but we will be ready to advance such a partnership if the Legislature acts in a meaningful way to fund transportation during the upcoming regular session," he said.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Page Cortez, R-Lafayette, said Monday DOTD's proposal is worth exploring.

"I think we need to look at all the options," said Cortez, who was a member of the task force.

"Ultimately in the P3 you have to have a governmental funding source," he said. "But in many cases the private sector can do it maybe more effective and more efficient."

The announcement could spur legislative interest in finding dollars for transportation if they could make a public/private partnership reality, and speed work on high-profile projects.

How to repair Louisiana's roads and bridges has sparked pleas for bold steps versus political realities about tax hikes, especially when other state services are facing major cuts.

Gasoline and other tax hikes require the approval of two thirds of the House and Senate.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Kenny Havard, R-St. Francisville, said DOTD's plan holds possibilities.

"Obviously we are going to have to start thinking outside the box," Havard said. 'It is an opportunity."

Said Wilson, "We are asking the public and that industry to tell us what will be attractive."

The widening of I-10 between the "new" bridge and the I-10/12 split would cost between $350 million and $400 million.

It has been discussed off and on for more than a decade.

The aim is to ease backups on one of Baton Rouge's most congested corridors.
Traffic congestion has become a "cancer" in the Baton Rouge area, and a new bridge across the Mississippi River is the top need, the leader of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber said Friday.

"All is not well," said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of BRAC. "Our place has a crisis."

Knapp made his comments to a regional meeting of Gov. John Bel Edwards' 18-member transportation task force.

The panel is holding hearings statewide before making recommendations by Jan. 1 to the governor on how to tackle road and bridge problems, including a nearly $13 billion backlog.

A boost in the state's gasoline tax  up to 20 cents per gallon is being floated  is one of the likely suggestions of the panel.

"There is a growing chorus across the state saying we have to make a change,"said Shawn Wilson, secretary for the state Department of Transportation and Development.

Motorists in Louisiana pay 38.4 cents per gallon in state and federal gasoline taxes, including 16 cents in state taxes for rank-and-file projects. (The national average is 48.7 cents per gallon. Louisiana is about a tenth of cent more expensive Texas and about two cents more than Mississippi.)

"It has been 27 years since we have done anything like this," Wilson told the group. "It has to happen."

+8 While task force barely underway, hike in Louisiana gas tax likely to emerge The first increase in Louisiana's gas tax in more than a quarter of a century is all but cer

Wilson also said Edwards "is willing to be big and bold in transportation."

Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge, told the task force the Baton Rouge area is in dire need of traffic relief.

"By God, we as a group are united to make sure the area is taken care of," Carter said. "Please make sure this area is taken care of."

What needs to happen before Louisiana sees gas tax hike U.S. Rep. Garret Graves said Friday the state needs to build more credibility with the publi

Knapp said the state needs at least $600 million more per year for transportation.

Each penny of the state gasoline tax raises about $30 million per year, which means a boosts of 20 cents per gallon would raise around $600 million annually.

Other funding options are also under review, including tolls and public/private partnerships.

A new bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge south of the current, newer one would cost at least $1 billion.

Knapp said it would also take 8-10 years to build a new one.

"No project stands out more than a new southern bridge," he said. "We know more revenue is going to be needed to make that possible."

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Knapp said Baton Rouge area employment has grown three times faster than the rest of the state, and overwhelmed an already stressed transportation system.

He said a 2016 survey of business leaders put transportation over flood recovery as the top priority.

How La. flood might change plans for state's transportation overhaul A study touted as the forerunner to the most sweeping overhaul of Louisiana's roads and brid

Carter noted that a 1989 transportation bond issue called TIMED mostly excluded the Baton Rouge area even though motorists pay four cents per gallon to help retire that debt.

"Whatever it might be," Carter said of possible funding sources. "We know what is wrong and we need help."

Carter and others also quizzed DOTD officials on why a new bridge is on the state's second tier of mega projects, which means it has less priority than A-list improvements.

John Pacillo, operations director for Mexichem Fluor in St. Gabriel, said road and bridge troubles are crippling the area's economy.

Pacillo said delays getting in and out of plants drive up costs.

"The infrastructure problems in this region, right now, are making the plants less competitive," he added.

Pacillo said backups on the Mississippi River bridge result in four, five and six-hour delays for businesses.

"We do need more lanes across the Mississippi River," he told the group.

A tax hike to boost state aid for roads and bridges is likely to be a key issue during the 2017 regular legislative session.

However, any such increase requires two-thirds majorities in both chambers, always a high hurdle.

Carter and state Rep. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, said area lawmakers have the political will to boost state aid for transportation.

"This is the sort of thing we don't want to miss out on," Edmonds said.

Eric Kalivoda, deputy secretary for DOTD, said an additional $700 million per year would allow the state to tackle a wide range of major projects, including a new bridge in Baton Rouge.

Kalivoda said how to raise the money needs attention.

"That is what we need to get to," Kalivoda.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Kenny Havard, R-St. Francisville and a member of the task force, said he would back a hike in the state's gasoline tax.

"I know we need it," Havard said. "I don't know if it is going to be 20 cents, I don't know if it is going to be 10 cents."
LSU graduate Max Faget deserves a statue in his honor at a prominent place on the LSU campus. At the dawn of the space age, Faget served as NASA's director of engineering and development at the Space Center in Houston. In that role, he was the chief designer of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo manned space crafts. His Mercury capsule brought the first American into space.

Later, Wernher von Braun was the chief designer of the rocket and Faget was the chief designer of the manned spacecraft that brought the American astronauts to the moon.

During the NASA years, Faget would, from time to time, return to LSU to give lectures on space science. According to Christopher Craft, NASA's first flight director, "there is no one in space flight history in this or any other country who has had a larger impact on man's quest in space exploration than Max Faget."

Letters: Koch Brothers don't know best Wisdom and good common sense finally prevailed in the last special session of the Legislature and with the funding of the universities that we

In this writer's opinion, Faget is the LSU graduate who has made the greatest contribution to the advancement of the human race and yet, very few people know who he was and what he achieved.

LSU has honored several athletes and one U.S. senator with statues, but no academics.

A Max Faget statue would inform and inspire students, alumni and visitors to the campus, letting them know who this man was and what he did to drive the world forward into a new dimension.

Howard Franques

retired lawyer

Lafayette
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?

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A federal judge in New Orleans has dealt a blow to the government's case against former federal drug agent Chad Scott, ruling that the 14 counts he and co-defendant Rodney Gemar face must be split into two trials.

Scott, a former special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Gemar, a former Hammond police officer, are scheduled to go to trial in late January in a case that already has been delayed more than a year. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo's ruling splitting the trial could push that back even further.

Even before Milazzo's ruling last week, Scott's attorney moved to have the trial delayed.

Scott and Gemar were indicted in October 2017, then hit with new charges in May.

The investigation into the Scott-led federal drug task force began nearly three years ago, when Johnny Domingue, then a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office deputy and a member of the task force, was booked on drug and theft counts. Domingue later pleaded guilty to federal drug charges.

Since then, another former member of the task force, Karl Newman, also a former Tangipahoa sheriff's deputy, also pleaded guilty in federal court.

Both remain in custody pending the outcome of the cases against Scott and Gemar.

Last month, Matt Coman, who represents Scott, argued that the counts against the two men should be separated into different trials because there was no unifying element or conspiracy. Prosecutors countered that the unifying factor was that the two defendants were federal drug agents who used their positions to steal, lie and hide information.

Milazzo sided with Coman.

"The two sets of allegations are otherwise unrelated and allege different participants and different overt acts," she wrote in her ruling Wednesday.

In her decision, Milazzo said the indictment's 14 counts can be divided into two groups: counts 1-7, which accuse Scott alone of perjury, obstruction of justice and falsification of government records and relate to his interactions with a drug witness named Frederick Brown; and counts 8-14, some of which target Scott and some of which accuse Gemar. Those counts allege that the two of them took property and cash in their role as drug agents.

Coman did not return a call for comment, but Bradley Egenberg, Gemar's attorney, hailed Milazzo's decision.

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"The ruling couldn't have come at a better time than right now," he said. Gemar "is still eager for trial," he said.

The ruling marks the latest blow for what was at one time a sprawling and ambitious investigation involving the DEA's Office of Professional Responsibility, the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General and the FBI.

Early in the probe, those agencies conducted highly visible raids on the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and the Hammond Police Department. But the case never got beyond Scott.

In August, Diidri Robinson, the federal prosecutor supervising the probe, left for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Her departure followed that earlier in the year of Antonio Pozos, who had handled the case's courtroom work. He left to join a Philadelphia law firm.

In the fall, DEA Special Agent Justin Moran, another former Tangipahoa Parish deputy, was quietly returned to full status. For approximately two years, he had been on limited duty, forbidden from taking part in investigations, while the inquiry played out.

Since the superseding indictment was filed in May, Scott's and Gemar's attorneys have ramped up their attacks on the government's case, including accusations that the government has withheld evidence and made it difficult for defense attorneys to view crucial documents.

Recently, they criticized the government for notifying the court that prosecutors intend to bring up previous internal DEA administrative actions against Scott in 1999 and 2004. The prosecutors also allege that Scott told a former suspect to lie to investigators in an unrelated matter. None of those incidents resulted in criminal charges against Scott.

At the same time, the government has sought to limit the defense's ability to bring up Scott's or Gemar's years of "meritorious" service, court documents show.

On Wednesday, before Milazzo's ruling was posted, Scott's attorney had already asked the judge to delay the case, arguing that introducing those previous administrative actions will require the defense to go through more than 1,000 pages of new evidence and interview a raft of new witnesses, creating an undue burden as they prepare for the trial in a little more than a month. Milazzo has yet to rule on that motion.
Facebook and Google are scrambling to respond to tough new Australian recommendations over privacy and data collection they fear will have global ramifications and limit their market dominance.

In a 374-page report released on Monday - which reveals several ongoing investigations into potential misuses of market power by the digital giants - the competition watchdog proposed sweeping controls over the handling of personal data, and the advertisements consumers are shown online.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims released the preliminary report on digital platforms in Sydney on Monday. Credit:AAP

Declaring the digital giants have "substantial" market power, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) wants to create an ombudsman to investigate complaints from consumers, media companies and marketers about Google and Facebook over issues such as defamatory comments and fake ads.

It further calls for the introduction of a new regulatory body to monitor how the digital platforms drive traffic to publishers, and the prices they charge for advertising.
Cassandra Thorburn has asked paparazzi to stop harassing her amid a flurry of stories about ex-husband Karl Stefanovic's weekend wedding in Mexico.

On Monday, New Idea published a story claiming Thorburn had called the father of her three children a "fake person" while leaving Sydney Airport after spending time interstate. The magazine also quoted her questioning whether Stefanovic's famous sexism experiment was genuine.

Now, the journalist-turned-children's author has slammed the report, saying she didn't give any doorstop interviews while passing through the airport, and claiming that a man who identified himself as an "experienced journalist" had even followed her to the bathroom.

"It's got to stop," she said. "I am leading a very happy life. I don't need people like this coming and misrepresenting who they are. I think this is the same person who followed my mother in Mildura and the same person who followed me to Hamilton Island. This is not OK. I am constantly harassed like this by people."
You know by now that the Espy is back. You cannot not know. The fanfare around the phoenix-like rising of the place that holds the secret shames of countless Melburnians, collected over its 100-plus years of operation as luxury hotel and infamous music venue, has been Royal News huge. It might as well have been rebirthed by Duchess Meghan Markle herself.

You could stretch to a royal connection if you think that the work of the Sand Hill Road pub group, whose schtick is to transform old venues like the Prahran and Bridge hotels into glitzy playgrounds for adults, makes them kings of the reinvention game. Not everyone holds with that. Some worried they'd ruin the natural charms of an institution whose sticky carpets and beer lines might have qualified for historical protections.

Golden booths for larger groups inside Mya Tiger at the Hotel Esplanade. Credit:Simon Schluter

So. How is it? That's a question too big to answer in one page. Top to bottom, Hotel Esplanade comprises 10 bars, two restaurants, podcast studios and the revamped 550-person Gershwin Room. But topline notes. It is busy. Queue busy. Paul Kelly's checked in and everyone's flooding social feeds with that dramatic sweeping staircase, framed by peeling paint. The scuzzy charm will take time to build, and the poster-clad, tiled-for-spillage downstairs rooms will be the place for that.

Upstairs, it's a whole new world of glamour thronged by people who arrived in Maseratis, not thongs. And even if you find the dressing of the place a little Hollywood, the level of detail, from the artefact-stuffed cocktail bar at the top to the semi-hidden Deco powder room on the middle level makes for a space unlike any other in Melbourne. And Mya Tiger, the Canto restaurant on the middle floor, helmed by ex-Longrain chef Sarah Chan, is one of the package's best.
Literary agent Selwa Anthony has lost a high-profile lawsuit against bestselling Australian author Kate Morton, instead having to fork out more than $500,000 for the Shifting Fog writer.

Ms Anthony began NSW Supreme Court proceedings over an alleged breach of contract after Ms Morton suddenly sacked her in 2015 following a longstanding working relationship.

Author Kate Morton. Credit:AAP

Ms Anthony claimed she and Ms Morton agreed during a telephone conversation in March 2002 that the agent would get a 15 per cent commission of all money earned by the author for the life of the works for which she negotiated the publishing agreement.

Morton, whose five bestsellers have earned her royalties of more than $17.3 million since she came onto the literary scene in 2005, counter-sued, accusing Ms Anthony of depriving her of opportunities as a fledgling author.
In her closing address to the jury, Crown prosecutor Donna Daleo said Petch, a longtime Ryde councillor who served as independent mayor for a number of terms including between 2012-13, made an implied threat to Ms Dickson in May 2013 that he would not support her bid for a permanent job unless she resolved a dispute about legal costs in his favour. Loading "He underestimated Ms Dickson's integrity and her internal fortitude to do the right thing," Ms Daleo said. At the time, Ms Dickson had been acting general manager for three months and was responsible for deciding whether the council would reimburse Petch and five other councillors for their legal fees in a messy NSW Supreme Court dispute with the council. Judge Noman said she proceeded on the basis "the minimum at stake" in the dispute was $80,000 shared between all six councillors but she was "not in any position" to resolve the issue.

Ms Dickson's view at the time  formed after talking to the council's external lawyers  was that each side should pay its own costs. The controversial high-rise redevelopment of Ryde Civic Centre. Credit:Jon Reid Ms Dickson told the court Petch "leaned back" in his chair during the May 2013 conversation and told her in "a gentle tone" she needed to be "very careful" how she handled the costs issue and she needed the support of councillors as she sought to be appointed permanent general manager. She said Petch "leaned forward" and became "more strident" and "very red-faced" after she stood up to leave the mayoral chamber because she believed "we really shouldn't talk about this". It followed a taped telephone call in April 2013 in which Petch told a colleague he would give Ms Dickson a "firm talking to" and suggest she be "very, very careful" in handling the costs issue.

Petch's legal team characterised the subsequent conversation, reported by Ms Dickson to ICAC, as "fatherly advice" and denied any threat was made. His barrister, Phillip English, said on Monday "this is not an offence motivated by greed" and his client was seeking to enforce a legal entitlement rather than to make a financial gain. "There was no threat of violence here," Mr English said. "The event was very short in time, lasting some few minutes in the mayoral chambers." Mr English said the threat related to job prospects, which were not certain "in any event". Ms Daleo said this "misses the point" and "the gravamen of the conduct is using his position as mayor to obtain a benefit for himself".

"The Crown says this: of course there was a financial benefit to him," she said. He "may well" have had a legal entitlement to costs, but "at that stage" the issue was unresolved and he chose to pursue it with Ms Dickson "in that threatening manner", she said. Petch's eldest daughter Camille Haskell-Petch told the court on Monday that her father had told her it was "never" his intention to cause any hurt or offence to Ms Dickson and if he had done so he was "certainly very sorry". "He was passionate about making a difference for the local community. He was always available to his constituents," she said. ICAC made seven corruption findings against Petch in June 2014, including that he sought improperly to influence Ms Dickson.
A man has been arrested and is being investigated by the police unit responsible for targeting would-be lone wolf extremists after an incident in the centre of Parramatta on Monday morning.

Emergency services were called to Church Street about 10.20am following reports a man had threatened two people with a knife after attempting to set fire to a car.

Officers from Parramatta Police Area Command were on scene within minutes and arrested the 20-year-old man.

No one was injured and there are no ongoing concerns for public safety, police said in a statement.

Church Street was closed in both directions near Campbell Street until mid-afternoon as police investigated.
A newly-minted Queensland union boss ordered two officials to burn tonnes of documents and when that didn't work hired a truck to dump them at an Ipswich tip, a court has heard.

David Arthur Hanna is accused of destroying, concealing or mutilating documents in April 2014 that could have been required as evidence at a royal commission into alleged trade union corruption.

Ex-CFMEU boss Dave Hanna (right) arrives with his lawyers at the Supreme Court in Brisbane. Credit:AAP

The former president of the Queensland CFMEU is on trial in the Brisbane District Court, where prosecutors on Monday argued he deliberately buried reams of documents soon after taking on the senior role.

Prosecutor Glen Rice, QC, told the court Mr Hanna deliberately set out to destroy nearly seven tonnes of documents after learning the Trade Union Royal Commission would focus on the CFMEU.
I have failed at Christmas Party 101. I did not bomb dive into the spiked punch bowl. My pants at no point sat jauntily upon my head. My carefully washed and expensively groomed buttocks remained disappointingly un-photocopied, un-scanned and un-emailed to the new management team. I would take full responsibility for my abject failure, except that it was not my fault.

I blame Brisbane Times After Dark editor and embattled anti-scooter fanatic Jasper Catfield. Long have I suspected Catfield of secretly substituting plain orange cordial for my Chinese language brand imitation Cointreau and semi-synthetic monkey powder fruit punch; a tremendous tipple which used to make our office Christmas parties the envy of rival publications and outlaw motorcycle gangs.

What could have been... Credit:Julian Kingma

Catfield it was who decided this years party would be held in the rooftop bar of the obscure warehouse where, by inexplicably odd coincidence, he enjoys the benefits of a rent-free fold-up cot in a store room, allowing him to gorge on all the avocado toast that our younger, millennial team members who are paid in exposure and shopper dockets cannot possibly afford.

Why, oh why, did I trust the link in the invite he sent?
With students across the nation receiving their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank later this week, it is timely to remember that an ATAR determines ones start point, not end point. It is journey-defining, not destination-defining.

A few years ago we conducted a study investigating predictors of undergraduates achievement in their first four semesters of university. I was struck by two findings. First, after taking into account numerous background factors, students university entrance rank was not a very strong predictor of their university achievement. Second, after first year, there was almost no relationship between their high school achievement and their university achievement.

Research has found almost no relationship between high school achievement and university achievement. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Essentially, we found that school students university entrance rank got them into university, but it was their efforts and achievement once they were at university that determined how well (or not) they then performed academically. Put another way, their university entry rank determined students start point. From there, many different journeys began, as it has done for countless students, year-in, year-out.

Other research has confirmed that particularly as students move into university, factors such as intelligence play a lesser role than they did in, say, primary school. It turns out that other attributes have an equal or greater role. Conscientiousness, for example, becomes one of the most salient ingredients in academic success at university.
With the weight of anti-Semitism pervading the air, five Jewish families (orthodox and modern) invited WAtoday into their homes to show the holiday's true significance of freedom". The Chernys celebrate Hanukkah low-key, often lighting candles at home or inviting friends over. They enjoy cooking for the holiday. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar The Chernys Hanukkah is one of those holidays those in the Jewish community [on which we] are able to express how weve overcome hardship as a nation. It brings the family together to remember our Judaism, Gila Cherny said. Gila is fourth-generation orthodox Australian-Jewish. She says that Hanukkah is an eight-day, back-to-back celebration of the Maccabees triumph over the Ancient Greeks in second-century B.C. Jerusalem.

Its one of those stories that sound like an action movie. The Jews [Maccabees] rose up against the Greeks, under Antiochus IV [Syrian-Greek king]s rule to drive them out of Israel, she said. The story goes on to say that there was only enough olive oil to keep the Chanukiah burning for one day in the temple, but it miraculously continued for eight-days. The sages proclaimed it Hanukkah or festival of lights". The Chernys consider lighting the candelabrum the most important part of Hanukkah as it symbolises ushering in "light." Credit:Dakshayani Shankar In Gilas family, her brother Jacob, mum Sharon and dad David light their special diamond candelabrum (a gift from her parents 15th wedding anniversary) as night falls. Each day, they light the shamash (attendant candle) and use it to light the other branches of the candelabrum as the day passes from the first to the eighth.

Where we have other festivals where we fast, the lighting of the candles in Hanukkah is a big deal. The very physical action of doing it makes us recall the entire reason why were celebrating even if it's just for seconds, Gila said. Gila says the candle holds up for half an hour only, far less than the legend. Once the candle is lit and two blessings are sung, the Chernys focus their attention on two Hanukkah staples : potato latkes and jelly doughnuts. Gila preps the potato latkes for Friday's gathering as they try to finish it before "Shabbat" when they aren't allowed to cook. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar The miracle surrounds oil  were supposed to eat foods with lots of oil. This year, my brother made latkes and my mum made doughnuts, she said. Gila says Hanukkah food is the epitome of celebration in comparison to other Jewish holidays.

So, Pesach (our exile from Egypt), we eat unleavened bread. Its not very nice. Shavuot (wheat harvest in Israel), we eat a lot of dairy. Rosh Hashanah  some have the head of a fish to symbolise new beginnings. Apple dipped in honey is the classic. This is the sweet side. The Halls Like the Chernys, Sara Hall, a progressive Jew, says the process of making doughnuts allows the cultural connection behind Hanukkah, dating thousands of years back, to be passed down. Sara's Hanukkah delicacy is doughnuts and she takes the craft seriously, prepping caramel, lemon, jam ahead for the batches of 12 she does. Credit:Sara Hall The first night, last Sunday, I made 35 doughnuts. Its a bit of a mission. My daughters usually help after the first rise by rolling them with cinnamon and sugar, Sara said.

I then slather lemon, jam, caramel. They ruin every other doughnut once youve had them. Sara, a pathologist, says Hanukkah in her family isnt as big as other Jewish holidays. Her daughter Noah considers Yom Kippur, the day of atonement where one fasts for 25 hours, the main holiday. But Hanukkah is the fun holiday. For Noah, its listed as: fun, doughnuts, candles, presents. Sara's prized depiction of Hanukkah is her oil lamp from the Maccabees era that she whips out as a remembrance of the past. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar Similar to the Chernys, Sara possesses a wooden chanukiah, gifted from her parents. She also has an oil lamp dating back to the Maccabee era but doesnt use it.

Its not a chanukiah but its one they would have used during that time and it still has soot on it. We put that out for a historical point of view during the holiday. Unlike Gila Cherny, whose parents' descent are Austrian and German Jewish, Saras parents are Polish and migrated to Australia before the Holocaust. Married to a Catholic, Sara says her kids celebrate Christmas too but are proud Jews. They like having both because they get presents. My eldest is getting boots for rock climbing. This year were going to my husband Daves cousins for Christmas. Ive gotten good at putting on Christmas dinners now. When I was a kid, I cherished Christmas day as we would go to the park and have a picnic. No ones around. The Freedmans

The Freedmans dont celebrate Christmas like Sara. Joshua, his wife Kirsten and their three children chant blessings just after lighting six candles to signify the "sixth" day of Hanukkah. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar "People place Hanukkah and Christmas together because they often overlap or occur at similar times. We think that people attach them to be inclusive and respectful to each other's religion, Josh Freedman, an orthodox Jew, said. Chanukah (Hanukkah) literally means dedication. It represents a process of Jewish renewal on a national and individual level as well as spiritual and religious freedom." Josh, a chiropractor, and wife Kirsten celebrate Hanukkah with an extra oomph: individual chanukiahs for their three children-Benjamin, Sophia and Abi.

Joshua's kids light each branch under Josh and Kirsten's guidance while singing praises of bringing in the light. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar Each of them have their own chanukiah which they light (under parental supervision) so theyre very much involved in the festival. The childrens chanukiahs, made of clay, are often made by the kids themelves at school or the synagogue. "The chanukiahs have special significance as they grow older and use it each year." Unlike the Chernys who dont play a Hanukkah-specific game unless they have company, the Freedmans of German-Polish and South-African Lithuanian descent relish it.

They have M&Ms or chocolate money in the middle. They each hold a spinning top  a dreidel  and spin it until it falls onto one side. The sides have one part of the four-letter Hebrew inscription, 'Nun', 'Gimmel', 'Hay' and 'Shin', with each letter representing a word. Benjamin looks on towards his mum, Kirsten's dreidel to see whether she'll get to take a chocolate money or have nothing at all. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar Depending on which side they land, they either take one M&M, leave, or put one in. For us, it is a fun interactive game with the kids and it draws out the kids' inquisitive side, bringing the story of Chanukah to life. As we play the dreidels, the letters 'Nun, Gimmel, Hay, Shin' remind us of the phrase of how 'this great miracle happened there' in Israel.'" "This connection to the land of Israel is a very strong bond and an inseparable part of being Jewish."

The Bryants Helen Bryant, a teacher at the Temple David Progressive Synagogue, said the dreidel game had a deeper meaning: of survival. In the time of the Maccabees, the Greeks forbade us to study our Torah (equivalent to the Bible). Essentially, they would study secretly. Someone would be on guard," she said. The elders hand out bags of chocolate money to kick-off the dreidel game for the young ones attending the synagogue's "Shabbat + Hanukkah" services. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar As soon as they saw a guard coming, they said a password, everyone hid their Torahs, got their dreidels out and gambled. Then, it was money. Now, its chocolate money as the kids are involved."

Helen and her husband Harry come from London. Helens grandparents were in Auschwitz and her mother died at the time while journeying through the mines of Czechoslovakia. For Helen, an unofficial grandparent to the many children in Temple Davids Synagogue, Hanukkah is the time families come together to light of the chanukiah. One of the joys is that it makes us take the effort to do things together. We only had one night where we didnt celebrate with other people," she said. Celebrations like Hanukkah signify a light beyond the rise of anti-Semitism to Helen. Helen and Harry, both British, consider themselves the official grandparents to the synagogue's kids and prepare them for bar mitzvahs. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar

Weve been there before, weve heard about it, and we havent learnt. I think that we arent open enough to say to others were here, we belong here, were doing good things. Hanukkah does this. Helen also says theres often a lapse in communication between Jews and other faiths. Look, we arent strange. Israel has some amazing programs, run by Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs together. Yet, people dont hear anything about it. The Maces Like Helen, the Maces - a Canadian-Australian Jewish couple - prize communication on inclusivity through events like Hanukkah.

The Maces send all their kids to public schools in the week and Hebrew school on Saturday. Their main aim is to foster an appreciation of Judaism in their kids. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar As a parent with kids in a public school, our schools fantastic and they make them feel included. "All of my kids classrooms have been open to hearing about Hanukkah. My youngest is in kindy; the teacher did a session on Hanukkah in class, Amanda Mace, the President of Temple David Progressive Synagogue, said. Its something I want to pass on to my children that they need to light up the world with their goodness. Amanda Mace Mrs Mace says Hanukkah was even more important given its direct competition to Christmas.

Its something I want to pass on to my children that they need to light up the world with their goodness, she says. She says the best way shes brought her kids attention to Hanukkah has been through the music. We dont have Hanukkah movies like Christmas Love Actually. I love that though. I used to watch the Rugrats Hanukkah special. But, weve got the music from bands like Maccabeats and Six Thirteen. They sing the story out and we play it weeks ahead. It gets us in the spirit.

The music is played before or after the candelabrum lighting but never in between. During the lighting, the family chants two blessings about God saving their ancestors and sustaining them. The blessing is about thanking God for giving us the candle to light the light. Rabbi Adi Cohen leads the chant as the Maces and other families light their prospective Chanukiahs on Shabbat day. Credit:Dakshayani Shankar Temple Davids Rabbi Adi Cohen stresses Hanukkah at the end symbolised triumph over tragedy". We stand united on Hanukkah with the opportunity for interfaith discussion.
A New Zealand man has been refused entry to the country after being caught by Australian Border Force with 54 kilograms of undeclared tobacco at Perth International Airport.

The man was sent back on a flight out of Australia on Monday. Credit:ABF

The 23-year-old arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur on Sunday and underwent a full baggage examination.

During the search ABF officers located 54 one-kilogram packets of tobacco in two suitcases and a backpack, with the duty evaded on the tobacco calculated at more than $58,000.

The mans visa was cancelled and he was sent back on a flight to Kuala Lumpur.
A stark warning about the threat posed to the Australian economy by the housing and banking sectors has prompted a tit-for-tat war of words between the government and Labor Party over tax policy.

As the ASX200 shed $39 billion in value on growing concerns about global trade tensions and the strength of the Chinese economy, the major parties sparred over the key findings of the OECD's examination of Australia's parlous housing sector.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg led the business growth fund meeting on Thursday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The Paris-based think tank said Australian authorities should start preparing for a house price fall-induced blow to the economy that could put at risk some of the nation's major banks.

House values in Sydney have dropped by 9.6 per cent since their most recent peak, while in Melbourne they have slipped by 5.8 per cent. Some private sector analysts have predicted falls of up to 20 per cent.
Taxpayers shelled out $4.5 million in severance fees to government staffers as a result of the change of prime minister in August.

Nearly $1.9 million was paid to 35 former prime ministerial staffers, including ousted prime minister Malcolm Turnbull's most trusted adviser Sally Cray.

More than $560,000 was paid out to 12 of Julie Bishop's staff following the member for Curtin's failed leadership bid and subsequent departure from the foreign ministry to the backbench.

Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:AAP

One of the largest payouts would have gone to Ms Bishop's long-serving staffer Murray Hansen who, as her chief of staff, was on one of the higher salaries in the government.
The design of the Queensland government's new trains were flawed "from day one", with middle management blamed for being afraid to share bad news up the chain.

Retired District Court judge Michael Forde has released the findings from his inquiry into the procurement of the $4.4 billion New Generation Rollingstock trains and their failure to comply with disability laws.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Transport Minister Mark Bailey and retired District Court judge Michael Forde. Credit:Jack Tran/ Office of the Premier

The trains have disability access issues, including the toilets and pathways being too small for wheelchairs.

Ordered from Bombardier under the previous LNP government, the first NGR trains were due to be operational in mid-2016, but after the discovery of significant issues, including problems with braking, airconditioning, sight lines for drivers and disability access, delivery was halted in March 2017.
The education of Victorian children is being put at risk by Premier Daniel Andrews' refusal to sign up to the federal government's multibillion-dollar school funding offer, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said.

The Morrison government on Monday ramped up its battle of brinkmanship with Victoria over the Gonski 2.0 school funding deal, accusing Labor of using non-state school parents and students as hostages by holding out on an agreement.

Education Minister James Merlino, left, Premier Daniel Andrews and his wife Catherine. Credit:AAP

The Commonwealth has offered Victoria $5 billion next year as part of a five-year deal that would boost its contribution to Victorian state school funding from 16.7 per cent to 20 per cent by 2023.

But the Andrews government said this deal would in fact short-change state schools and leave them hundreds of millions of dollars below the funding benchmark the Gonski 2.0 deal said was needed to improve learning outcomes.
Santiago: Chile has become the latest country to pull out of a controversial United Nations migration pact, its Interior Ministry indicated, provoking fury among opposition parties who accused Sebastian Pineras government of shameful and authoritarian behaviour.

Rodrigo Ubilla, Chile's Interior Ministry sub-secretary, told Chilean Sunday paper El Mercurio in an interview that the country's representatives would not attend the event to adopt the pact early next week in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh.

A man shouts anti-migrant slogans as a pro-migrant protester argues with him in Santiago, Chile, last month. Credit:AP

"Our position is clear," he said. "We have said that migration is not a human right. Countries have a right to determine the entry requirements for foreign citizens."

The ministry did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation of the policy.
The Four Seasons. Photo: Chris Goodney/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Back in my former, fancy life as the editor-in-chief of a Conde Nast fashion magazine, I spent a lot of time putting in command performances. Mostly they had to do with advertisers: lunching with them, accompanying them to black ties at the Waldorf (always the Waldorf), meeting with their offspring to discuss internships, which were always theirs for the asking. But there was one event, this one in-house, that loomed so far above the rest in terms of importance that it wasnt even fair to put it in a league with the others. You would not dare claim a scheduling conflict: Heavy-stock Save the Date cards went out via interoffice mail months in advance. Editors whose magazines were based on the West Coast flew in for it. I cannot imagine a circumstance, barring labor or death of an immediate family member, that would have prevented anyone on the guest list from showing up. The holiday lunch was that important.

The holiday lunch was held, as it had been for years, at The Four Seasons, in a private dining room off the pool room, right before Si Newhouse, the companys chairman, flew off to Europe to begin his winter vacation (in Vienna, always, for the opera). Many of the companys senior executives attended, but it was most notable for being the only time all the editors-in-chief and publishers were in the same room at the same time the entire year, and was therefore employed as an opportunity to let the seating arrangement speak to ones  and ones titles  current standing in the company.

This rendered the event the subject of a great deal of anticipation and fascination  not only among those of us in the room as we all strained to see how wed made out in comparison to our rivals (and how others had made out in comparison to their rivals) but by the New York media world at large. The Posts media columnist would always run a postmortem the next day that included enough surprisingly accurate details about what was said and done there to assume that at least one person in attendance had to be leaking choice bits. (At least I always assumed the leaks were multiple  everyone had an interest in making sure Keith Kelly shined his light kindly upon them, and sharing information about the lunch was a pretty low-stakes risk.) Still, the paper always managed to botch the seating chart, so one year, Conde Nasts PR department started just sending it over so theyd get it right. Which only made sense, really. No other publishing company had a ritual that incited nearly so much fascination and chatter among media watchers.

Lip service would be paid each year by the bosses as to how irrelevant seating at the lunch was, but everyone knew better. How could that be when the boldface editors never failed to get prime spots? And why would there be a large poster board erected at the entrance to the room  comically, I always thought, as there was a place-card table rendering it redundant not three yards away  with a diagram of all the tables and its exact seating configuration, if we were we not supposed to take more than passing note of it? In fact, it was tough not to stand there and openly study it, as one might an oversize copy of ones Oscars office pool.

The golden ring, of course, was a seat at Sis table. The other two key tables were Steve Florios  he was the CEO  and editorial director James Trumans. A place with one of the other top 11th-floor guys was nothing to be ashamed of for all but the most pathologically competitive among us. Anywhere in the front half of the room, really, was reason to not fear for your livelihood. But be seated in the back half  particularly if you were the editor of one of the bigger titles  meant that lunch couldnt end soon enough.

Siberia didnt necessarily mean trouble  somebody had to sit there. It definitely meant the Post was going to take note, though. But as long as at least one of your dining companions was a person you knew the company considered a valued player, you could console yourself that you were in decent company. Still, one never knew. You didnt necessarily have to make your numbers every year to stay in favor at Conde Nast  that was a wonderful thing about being at a company that took the long view and valued creativity, which Conde Nast really did in those days  but if you werent making your numbers, Siberia meant that at the very least the 11th floor was watching.

I always anticipated the holiday lunch with dread. Sweating the seating was part of it, but the very least of it. Never was my inability to fully get it together as a member of the Conde Nast community more apparent to me than it was there. The expression not a hair out of place could quite literally have been invented to describe all the assembled women, and a great number of the men. I could show up with a manicure, a blowout, possibly even professional makeup, and still have regretted not making time for the eyebrow wax and oxygen facial. There was simply no way to ever feel polished enough.

And I had nothing that came even close to fitting the rather narrowly-defined-but-unspoken dress code for the occasion. The holiday lunch called for something that toed the rather tricky line between unimpeachably stylish and yet completely work-appropriate. Not a touch of sexiness; not precisely trendy, but, in the parlance of fashion caption copy, completely on-trend. This wasnt so easy to pull off, and yet, these enviably composed women, in their sharp color-paneled Narciso Rodriguez sleeveless shifts that revealed (inevitably) perfectly toned arms; their military-themed YSL suits with just a touch of froufrou; their thoughtfully belted arty-corporate dresses from Marni  they managed it. Some came by their good style naturally; others paid stylists and personal shoppers to wheel rolling racks into their offices and endow them with it for a price. Either way, the effect was flawless. At home the night before, I would attempt to mimic them. And would almost invariably fall dramatically, hilariously, short.

I had plenty of clothes, but they were the wrong clothes. I relied far too heavily on the color black, which was viewed upon by upper-tier fashion editors as a sign of weakness and lack of imagination. I was allergic to belts and other finishing touches. I preferred a big flat boot to a sharp high one, a cardigan over a jacket, and a pair of dark tights over bare legs (which these ladies  all of whom I have long thought could handily survive a month in the frozen wilderness  routinely pulled off in any weather).

Some years, after emptying the entire contents of my closet onto my bed the night before and trying and retrying everything repeatedly, I would manage to compose an outfit I did not view as a complete humiliation. But most years Id just throw myself at the mercy of the fashion closet. (I can not count the number of times the fashion closet  and its endless racks of designer samples; its embarrassment of handbags; its sub-closet of shoes  had saved my ass in similar circumstances. But there were many.)

And yet. Even with a passable outfit, even with a good table  and Id always done reasonably well, always in the front half of the room  I was miserable. Because for me, the great misery of this event was the event itself. It was preceded by a cocktail hour, and this was the keenest source of my horror. I was being paid to display some mastery of the social graces. A reasonable demand, given the nature of my job. So I wanted to negotiate this moment with some degree of grace, and yet feared that I failed terribly. I could never understand why this was, and loathed this about myself and viewed it very much as my own shortcoming.

In my personal life, I could handle pretty much any room; in my previous professional life Id never had any problem. I had interviewed celebrities and rock stars  some of whom Id worshiped since adolescence  and had never been at a loss for words. Even after having to give up the handy social lubrication a few glasses of wine could provide, I found that I could chat up almost anyone. But in a room full of these colleagues or advertisers; whether at a work-related benefit, black tie, or perfume launch, I skied the bunny slope. Poorly.

This was one tough room  I always felt a distinct spirit of exclusion the moment I walked in the door. I could remind myself in advance of the handful of other editors I actually liked and would make a point of seeking them out, and that there were other corporate types who could be relied upon to fill a few anxiety-neutral minutes. But the rest of the time was a nerve-jangling reminder of the yawning gap between myself and the other people in the company; how much they thrived on this intense internal rivalry, and how much it ate away at me. Id be certain to say hello to the other editors in my peer group, even my closest competitors, who always displayed a kind of glossy, well-calibrated warmth that for years I mistook for the real thing.

I was acutely aware that no matter how eager anyone was to talk to you, they were equally eager to move on to the next person, or whatever little power huddle they spied just beyond you. Indeed, they all seemed to possess unnaturally superior peripheral vision that rendered them capable of sizing up whoever was about to enter their field of vision without appearing to move even the faintest of facial muscles. Whether or not theyd turned to look at you at all as you walked past was no indication of whether theyd seen you. Whether youd been snubbed was a question best left to ponder on the ride back to the office.

On a normal year, this was all too dispiriting to contemplate. This year  it was December 2003, and I was in a depression so thick and so resistant to medication that I felt less hopeful of a cure by the day  the very thought of it flattened me. In some respects, the distastefulness of the event couldnt help but be diminished in the wake of my current state of mind: whether or not I would be ignored on the way to the bar for my Pellegrino-and-lime scarcely mattered when it was a struggle to even contemplate getting across that room. I could barely bear to be around my closest friends at this time, and was in the habit of retreating up to my bedroom when my husband and I had guests over, because the pressure of trying to engage in normal conversation was just too much to stand. When we visited my mothers house with my brothers and their families for Sunday dinner, everyone would head to the living room after arriving, and Id take my coat off and slide directly off to the guest bedroom and get under the covers. How Id carry on even the simplest conversation with my professional peers when I could barely manage such a thing with my best friends and closest family members was the central concern.

Predictably, the morning of the lunch found me in a very dark place: the task of getting out of bed had become, in those days, challenging on a level that felt almost physical. Bed was the only place I felt safe; the only place my life knew any grace, and trying to get out of it was an especially ugly undertaking on those days when I knew I had no other option but to do so. I laid there with the dog curled up close  unlike the humans who surrounded and worried over me, she wasnt the least bit concerned over the amount of time I spent in bed; shed prefer if I stayed there all day. Her look of alarm when I did get up was so impossibly sweet, and so much more appealing than anything the day had on offer, that Id often lose what tiny bit of resolve Id managed to muster and just crawl right back under the sheets and hang on to her for dear life, like she was my blankie.

Eventually I slunk off to the shower and got on with things. Because the odds were actually quite good that Id be seated at Sis table  the magazine had had a pretty excellent year, not that Id allowed myself to enjoy a minute of it  Id gotten a reasonably suitable outfit together the night before: a skinny boucle skirt suit that looked retro-y and cool and kind of French and expensive even though it was DKNY; Prada Mary Janes that might ideally been some color other than black, given that the suit was brown, but kind of worked anyway; and a top that probably wasnt entirely right, but that the fashion closet would be able to fix if the editors I polled for a reaction deemed that it wasnt. Under the circumstances, I was not entirely displeased with my efforts at styling.

The morning passed like sludge. I read pages without concentrating, left them on the desk to approve later. The half hour before I was scheduled to leave saw me sitting in the office with my door closed, staring down the sofa and willing myself not to cross the room, lay down and feel the wave of relief that I knew simply closing my eyes would bring. But getting up once I did would have required a more heroic effort than I had in me.

I was pretty sure thered be some stale cigarettes under my bathroom sink, and was wildly tempted, but stopped myself: I was just two weeks out from surgery to remove a minuscule but quite definitely malignant growth in my left breast, and its discovery had propelled me to kick the habit Id picked up again when the depression entered its current, brutal phase. Plus, practically speaking, it would not do to reek of tobacco today. So I swiveled my chair away from the desk, crossed my arms around myself and bent over with my head in my lap for a while, hoping to gain just a nominal amount of relief from the unbearable ache in my chest that was the constant companion to my sadness.

Eventually my assistant knocked on the door to give me the five-minute warning. I stood up, checked myself in the mirror, dotted some concealer on my puffy eyes  by then I was only ever two or three hours away from my last or next crying jag  applied something bright to my lips and cheeks, and headed downstairs.

By the time I got to the 43rd Street entrance there were only a few town cars left. Everyone was either on their way over or already there. Most years, I aimed to time my arrival for the last 15 minutes of cocktail hour  just respectful enough, not a second longer  but I was pushing it today. As the car crept up 52nd Street, I tried to comfort myself with the thought that the anticipation of certain events is almost never as bad as the event itself  I generally believe this to be true, but today the words washed over me like so much noise.

By the time I arrived, the room was completely full, as Id figured it would be. My plan was to proceed to the bar immediately, without making eye contact with anyone  just quickly get some sense of the room and how Id manage it. This immediately proved impossible, however: from the moment I entered, a variety of other guests, were giving me air kisses, patting me on the back, congratulating me on my year. Everywhere I turned, it seemed, was somebody who wanted to say hi, to put in a kind word. Publishers whod never thought to do more than say a quick hello now lingered to chat for a moment. The room opened itself up to me in a different way. Luckys stock at Conde Nast had risen to the point where nobody could ignore its success, and this seemed to have earned me a few points toward membership at the holiday lunch.

It was torture. For each person who came by to offer the same hello, the same congratulations, I had to manufacture the same smile (could they see horrible effort it required? I was certain they could) to repeat the same thanks, to make the same pale attempt at small talk. I felt paralyzed.

Eventually I made my way over to the place card table and opened the envelope with my name on it. Table 1. Which could only mean one thing. I went to the poster board. There I was. Right next to Si.

I felt punchy with fear and excitement. This was a very good moment, a very big moment, and certainly one Id never banked on having any version of, even five years ago. How weird life was! I might have hated the holiday lunch, but I knew what an honor it was to have made it to this room; what it meant to have been given this magazine. What a wild thing it was that Lucky was such a success. And of course I wasnt so entirely uncompetitive as to not to be happy at the thought of how much this would displease my rivals.

And then, in a second, all that excitement, and the sliver of happiness it generated, was gone. Just like every other moment when I tried to truly feel proud of what Id done at Lucky, or to feel any joy it might generate. It existed at a distance from me now, on the other side of a thick, glassy wall. All I was left with was a walloping dose of fear. The other side of the reality  that I would now have to actually engage in a couple of hours worth of conversation with Si  had kicked in.

I did my best. I ate enough of my chicken pot pie to not appear as though I had an eating disorder and attempted to engage my boss on a variety of topics, but in the end just had to give in and let his other dining partner take over. She was an editor-in-chief of roughly my age, the protege of a very spit-and-polish member of the Conde Nast community, impeccably dressed on all occasions and so far my superior in this sort of endeavor that it wasnt even fair to have us attempt to charm an important person at the same time. I had seen her in action before and she was unstoppable. So I engaged the person to my left, the publisher of one of the companys biggest titles. He was exceptionally affable  the best publishers are gifted in their ability to talk to anyone. It was like scaling a mountain, but it was the far simpler of the two propositions.

The way it worked, generally, was that nobody left before Si did, and then pretty much everyone left immediately, except for a few stragglers who stayed behind for bourbon and cigars. I couldnt get out of there soon enough. I negotiated the logjam at coat check as gracefully as I could and dashed to the car.

I felt taxed beyond belief, and recalled something Id overheard once. I was doing a story for Spin and was on a chartered jet that was on the runway in Oslo, about to take off for Paris, with a rock star and her entourage. The publicist was saying that her sister was terrified of flying, and that at the end of every flight, she was exhausted from the pure exertion of keeping the plane in the air.

I would return to that notion again and again during that horrible time; when I was in meetings, or out with family, when friends came over to visit. Maybe at some boutique, trying on clothes and having to deal with a chatty shop girl. Really, just being in the world of human interaction, having to show up and exist. When youre not depressed, all of this is as simple as breathing air. When you are, there is no greater trial, nothing more downright bone-wearying, than keeping the plane in the air.

The next day, when I arrived at work, the Post was waiting for me along with all of the local papers, stacked neatly on my desk. I flipped right to Keith Kellys column, saw the layout they did every year of the seating chart, with my disembodied head floating on the page right next to Sis, and skipped ahead to the accompanying copy, which read: Few were surprised to see Lucky editor-in-chief Kim France at Sis left hand. I read it again. I couldnt ask for much better than this, and in truth I wasnt displeased. Here, in print, was hard evidence that I had succeeded  at something big, even. But as for the feeling of outsize triumph I might have expected myself to experience, that eluded me entirely. Instead, I felt a huge emptiness, one that I would refuse for years to acknowledge had anything to do with the job itself. Being the editor of a fashion magazine was never my dream, and its the type of job that should only belong to somebody whos never wanted anything else. I wished, not for the first time, that this was all happening to somebody else  not quite realizing that that wish, too, would come true soon enough.

This essay was originally published in 2016 on Medium.com.
2 Nuns Allegedly Embezzled $500,000 From California Catholic School, Went Gambling: Reports

Two nuns at St. James Catholic School in Torrance, California, are accused of embezzling $500,000 in tuition, fees, and donations, according to reports. The nuns then allegedly spent some of the money on gambling and traveling over the years.

St. James Catholic Schools former principal Sister Mary Margaret Kreuper and Sister Lana Chang, a former teacher, allegedly pilfered the money over a 6 year period of time, according to a report from the Beach Reporter.

The nuns then allegedly told parents that the school was operating on a tight budget, said parents and officials.

The $500,000 figure is only what auditors can piece together over 6 years of bank records, and it might not include cash transactions, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles said, reported ABC7.

The school said Kreuper, a former principal who had been at the school for 29 years, and Chang admitted to stealing the money. Chang retired this year after being an eighth-grade teacher for 20 years.

Theyre taking away the money from kids in school, from kids that need the money. To do that, its terrible, said Francis Grimes of St. James Catholic Church, according to the ABC affiliate report.

This matter came to our attention during financial reviews in connection with the change in leadership at our School. Other staff persons were not implicated or responsible, the parishs pastor wrote in a statement.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the nuns order, said the pair are cooperating and will pay the money back in full.

The archdiocese told ABC7 that the school didnt want to pursue criminal charges at first, but they are now considering it as the investigation into the nuns alleged dealings goes on.

Michael Meyers, the churchs monsignor, explained that a family wanted a copy of a check made out to the school, and staff found that it was deposited into a bank account other than the schools, according to the Beach Reporter.

Kreuper also became very nervous and very anxious about the upcoming financial review. She also requested that staff alter the records, Meyers said.

He alerted an internal auditor performing the review that something was off. Meyers said the improper use of funds had been going on for at least 10 years.

The systems that were set up were dividing people, so nobody knew what was happening, Meyers said.

The archdiocese then hired a retired FBI agent to investigate the matter, interviewing nuns and staffers. When he was talking to Sister Mary Margaret, she did acknowledge that she had been taking all the money, so thats not a question, Meyers told the Beach Reporter.

No other staff members are suspected of taking any money.

Bank records on a long forgotten church bank account that was opened in 1997 are missing prior to 2012, auditors told parents. Only Chang and Kreuper knew about the account, they added.

After a parent asked what the money was spent on, a lawyer said: We do know that they had a pattern of going on trips, we do know they had a pattern of going to casinos, and the reality is, they used the account as their personal account.
The house on Parkcliffe Avenue, Younsgtown, Ohio, where 5 children were killed in a fire on Dec. 9, 2018. (Screenshot/Googlemaps)

5 Children, Including 1-Year-Old Twins, Die in Ohio House Fire

Five children have been killed in a house fire in Ohio, according to local reports, including 1-year-old twins.

Heavy smoke and flames were already coming out of the Youngstown house by the time firefighters arrived late on Dec. 10.

Along with their mother, there were five children inside the house when the fire started. Firefighters were unable to reach two of them in time in the flames. Three others were rescued, but at the local hospital, they succumbed to their injuries.

According to WYTV, the children were aged from 1 to 9 years: 9, 3, 2, and 1-year-old twins.

The childrens mother survived and is currently being treated at Mercy Health Hospital, according to the latest reports at the time of writing.

She had jumped out of a window after the fire started at around 11:30 p.m., according to WFJM, telling firefighters that five children were still inside.

A neighbor had seen the fire and called 911.

Once they had quelled the flames at the front of the house, firefighters were able to enter and search for the children, but it was too late. They managed to get to three of them and give them CPR, but they died later in hospital.

Two firefighters were injured in the fire, according to WDTN. One was taken to Mercy Health and the other was treated at the scene.

Its extremely hard, Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley told WDTN. We have a relatively young department and most the guys have children. So it hits pretty hard and the fact that its so close to Christmas hits even harder.

Prayers and Teddy Bears

The assistant fire chief of a nearby fire department wrote on Facebook, My heart goes out to all my Brothers and Sisters at Youngstown Fire Department. The job itself is extremely physical, but calls like these are what make for sleepless nights.

5 children died overnight in house fire in Youngstown, Ohio. The ages of the children are 9, 3, 2, and 1-year-old twins. More: https://t.co/KtbiSNTJ6B pic.twitter.com/9koV1X7Gz6  Austin Kellerman (@AustinKellerman) December 10, 2018

People in the town have already been expressing their sorry and compassion, according to WYTV, bringing teddy bears to the scene and offering condolences.

It is such a devastating loss. Five kids. It seems like every time this time of year something like this happens and we have a loss of life that just cant be replaced, Anita Davis, 6th Ward Councilwoman told WYTV. I am just hoping the mom has family around here that can embrace her and give her the support she needs.

Once the childrens schools have been identified, counselors will be available today, according to the Youngstown school district administrators.

The little kids this is going to impact them, Youngstown City Schools spokeswoman Denise Dick told WYTV. They are going to need a lot of loving, thats all I can say. Theyve lost a schoolmate.

On social media, locals expressed their sorrow and prayers.

I just went over our fire escape plan with the kids last night, wrote one person. You just never know  If you dont have a plan please make one and go over it often. And always make sure your alarms work! It could possibly save your family. Praying for this family.

Some criticized the mother for apparently leaving her children in the house. Meanwhile, other social media users urged caution in rushing to judgment.

Unless you have been inside a burning building full of smoke, heat and raging flames, we cannot rationally talk about what we would do, wrote one local. Im pleading with every ounce of humanity, to please join me in making every attempt to not judge this situation based on media reports of supposed actions. None of us were there.

Our judgments dont bring back lost lives. They serve to inflict more pain on the living.
Migrants walk back to their camp after a failed attempt to rush the U.S. border and enter illegally, just west of the San Ysidro crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 25, 2018. The fence in the background is not the border, it's a secondary fence on the Mexico side. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

8-Month-Old Boy Pushed Under Hole in Border Wall as Migrants Enter US

A Honduran migrant pushed his 8-month-old son under the US-Mexico border wall in Tijuana as some from the migrant caravan were able to cross into the United States.

Joel Mendez, 22, pushed Daniel Mendez to his girlfriend Yesenia Martinez, 24, who took the baby into America as the father stayed behind in Tijuana to work because he feared immediate deportation, Fox News reported.

Martinez surrendered to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were waiting for border crossers on Dec. 7.

Like many of the migrant caravan, it wasnt clear if Martinez and her young son would qualify for asylum. Hundreds of migrants have described conditions that prompted their journeys from Honduras and El Salvador but few have described persecution from the government or other conditions that would fit the narrow set required to qualify for asylum.

Migrants in Tijuana trickling over and under border wall https://t.co/n3YS2CMf0h pic.twitter.com/BwvprLIR08  NBC Chicago (@nbcchicago) December 10, 2018

The United States has been processing around 100 claims a day from migrants in Tijuana but the thousands who have poured into the border city have been getting impatient and some have taken the chance to illegally cross the border.

A mob of migrants tried to enter on Nov. 25, only to be pushed back by Border Patrol agents responding to the mostly-male, rock and projectile hurling group.

The migrants retreated and many have stayed in Tijuana to work while pondering their options. Others accepted offers from the Mexican government to be flown or bussed back to their home countries.

Among those who have trickled over the border recently was a 19-year-old Honduran woman who gave birth to her second child less than 24 hours after entering America.

Martinezs crossing, meanwhile, came on the same day that the left-leaning 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said in a 2-1 decision it wouldnt allow President Donald Trumps administration to enforce a ban on asylum for aliens who cross between ports of entry, following a Nov. 19 order by District Judge Jon Tigar (pdf).

Trumps administration has called out the 9th Circuit, which has frequently seen its rulings overturned by the Supreme Court, but two judges held fast and claimed that the Executive Branch didnt have the power to mandate the ban, despite a similar measure on dangerous majority-Muslim countries ultimately being approved by the Supreme Court.

In a dissenting opinion, 9th Circuit Judge Edward Leavy said the administration adopted legal methods to cope with the current problems rampant at the southern border and noted that the Immigration and Naturalization Act the judges cited does not prevent Trumps rule barring eligibility for asylum based on how migrants enter the country. The final ruling by the court on Trumps order will be issued on Dec. 19.

Danger, Arrests

Some crossings have proven dangerous recently, with at least one death coming in the past week. Border Patrol agents witnessed a man drown in the All-American Canal near Calexico after he illegally entered the United States on Dec. 6.

This incident tragically illustrates how human smuggling organizations place migrants in perilous situations, Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez said in a statement. This man put his trust in human smugglers and it cost him his life.

The next day, Border Patrol agents found a group of 63 illegal aliens in brush west of Laredo, Texas.

Recent apprehensions have also included five confirmed gang members, including a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, and two convicted child predators.

Border Patrol said that the number of people apprehended crossing the southwest border reached 51,856 in November, a slight uptick from October and a 78 percent jump from last November. Both months saw over 9,000 more apprehended border crossers than any month last fiscal year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Wine Australia to launch new education programme in 2019

Wine Australia will launch a new education programme in January at its annual Australia Trade Tasting in London.

The programme, Australian Wine Discovered, will provide free information packs, tools and resources to discover and share Australian wine. It will cover more than 20 topics, including key Australian regions, varieties and current themes.



Wine Australias regional general manager, EMEA, Laura Jewell MW said: We are thrilled to launch this new education programme at the Australia Trade Tasting in London. Its a phenomenal resource for wine educators, importers, distributors, retailers and consumers all over the world who are keen to learn more about Australian wine.



As part of the global launch, guests at the Australia Trade Tasting in London will be able to view demonstrations of the programme, test out the modules and discover more about the content and how it can be used.



Joining the Wine Australia EMEA team at the launch will be Wine Australia chief executive officer, Andreas Clark and general manager marketing, Stuart Barclay.



The Australia Trade Tasting 2019 will be the biggest and most diverse showcase of Australian wine in Europe and it will showcase more than 1000 wines from 250 producers.



The Australian Wine Discovered education programme has been created with the support of the Australian Governments $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package.

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Arrest of Huawei CFO Highlights Chinese Tech Companys Threat to US National Security

News Analysis

The Chinese tech company Huawei has been in the media spotlight since Dec. 1, when Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada at the request of U.S. authorities.

Huawei, which is privately owned yet has close links to the Chinese military and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is suspected of involvement in underhanded deals with Iran, in violation of U.S. sanctions.

U.S. prosecutors are now seeking to extradite Meng to the United States to face charges of fraud in relation to skirting Iran sanctions, according to evidence presented at a court hearing in Vancouver, Canada, on Dec. 7.

If the charges are true, they would put Huawei into the same bind as the Chinese regimes other major telecom company, ZTE, which was found in April 2018 to have violated promises it made in court to rectify its behavior, after pleading guilty to having breached U.S. sanctions on Iran in 2017. ZTE was slapped with an export ban, and only allowed to resume procurements from U.S. suppliers after it agreed to pay a $1 billion fine and be subject to regular inspections.

Meng is alleged to have misrepresented the relationship between Huawei and Skycom, a Hong Kong-based company reportedly doing business with Iran. Prosecutors also allege Huawei controls Skycom.

Rumors began to surface in April that New York prosecutors were investigating whether Huawei violated U.S. sanctions against Iran, and that, since at least 2016, they were investigating alleged Huawei shipments to Iran.

In May, The Epoch Times received an intelligence memo showing that Pentagon technologies were transferred to Iran between May 2009 and December 2009, and that Huawei may have played a role.

The transfer was tied to Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, a Japanese-owned company based in North Carolina. The Pentagon contracted the company to develop next-generation fiber-optic cable for the U.S. military, and through its offices in Beijing, Sumitomo sold the technology to ZTE and Huawei.

A U.S. military intelligence officer, under condition of anonymity, told The Epoch Times that soon after Sumitomo sold the technologies to ZTE and Huawei, the technologies were obtained by the Chinese military.

It wasnt stolen. It was for civilian, or nonmilitary, purposes, he said. In China, it is being used for naval and for aircraft, like the J-10 jet, the high-end destroyers, cruisers, as well as for these evolving carriers.

Its unclear whether Huawei played a role in the transfer of Sumitomo technologies to Iran, but the intelligence memo alleged that a substantial quantity of FTTx Service Drop cable and about 30 (or many more) of the Type 39 Alignment Splicer were transferred to Isfahan Optics Industries, as part of Irans state-owned defense operation.

It notes the products were first sent to Malaysia, then Dubai before being transferred to Iran. It included unconfirmed analysis that four additional companies were involved in the transfers to Iran.

The Recent Arrest

Mengs arrest in Canada adds another chapter of scandal to Huaweis growing portfolio.

Meng, 46, faces a maximum sentence of 30 years for each charge in the United States. After arguments from prosecutors and Mengs lawyer, a bail hearing on Dec. 7 ended without a definitive conclusion. The hearing is scheduled to continue on Dec. 10.

Meng was initially granted a publication ban by the British Columbia Supreme Court, which would have restricted the medias ability to report on what happens in court. The ban was lifted Dec. 7, just before the court hearing.

In the United States, the U.S. District Attorneys Office in the Eastern District of New York is handling the case. John Marzulli, spokesperson for the Eastern District office, refused to comment about the case.

Theres been much speculation about whether the arrest would have implications for the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States. In fact, both the U.S. administration and Chinese authorities have made statements expressing that they are committed to negotiations and sorting out a deal within the 90-day period agreed upon between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the recent G-20 meeting.

What needs closer scrutiny are the repercussionsif the allegations about Huawei hold truefor U.S. national security.

Mengs Background

Meng dropped out of high school but took a job at a bank in Chinas southern metropolis of Shenzhen. She joined Huawei in 1993, and was named CFO in 2011. But the fact that she is the daughter of Huawei Chairman Ren Zhengfei wasnt publicly revealed until 2013which drew speculation that she would succeed her father to take Huaweis helm.

Notably, Meng and Ren dont share the same surname. That is because of the prominent social status of Mengs mother and Rens ex-wife, Meng Jun. Chinese culture traditionally follows a patrilineal family system, whereby women marry into their husbands families. Some men, however, do marry into their wives families, due to the higher economic or social status of the latter.

Meng Juns father was Meng Dongbo, deputy secretary of a political committee with the East China Field Armya CCP army unit during Chinas civil war. Meng Dongbo later enjoyed a long political career in Sichuan Province. Ren, on the other hand, came from a poor area of Guizhou Province, and his family was persecuted during the Cultural Revolution.

Because of the political prominence of the Meng family, Ren moved in with the Meng family following his marriage. As a result, their first child, Meng Wanzhou, born in 1972, took her mothers surname.

Technology Transfers

Huawei has been historically controversial because of its opaque operations, accusations of espionage, its part in the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) programs for economic theft and technological sovereignty, and its role in the regimes exported programs for high-tech tyranny.

Among the key accusations against Huawei is that it shares sensitive data with Chinese authoritiesan allegation that it denies. There is also an ongoing concern about its ties to the CCPs Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

Ren was an officer in the PLA and was a delegate to the 12th National Congress in 1982, a once-in-five-years political conclave when the CCPs leadership transitions.

The debate about Huaweis alleged ties to the CCP and whether it shares data with Chinese authorities often misses a key point, however. Under CCP law, there are no true private industries, and any company dealing with data is required to allow access by the CCP.

In 2015, the CCP created a national security law that allowed it to selectively ban foreign imports to the benefit of its own companies. Bundled into that law was a requirement that all key network infrastructure and information systems held to Chinese law need to be secure and controllable.

The U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission released a report at the time, noting the new rule would require any company operating in China to turn over to the government its computer code and encryption keys, as well as to provide a backdoor entry into commercial computer networks.

The rule expanded on a previous CCP program from 2006, the National Medium to Long-Term Plan for the Development of Science and Technology, which required foreign companies selling in China to hand over their technology to Chinese companies.

The requirement that the CCP needs to control all data passing through companies means that whether or not Huawei engaged in these programs directly, under Chinese law, it is required to grant this access.

In a November report, The Australian news outlet cited secret Australian intelligence reports that confirmed Huawei had turned over passwords and access details to Chinas intelligence services, to allow them access to a foreign network (though not an Australian one, a source said).

5G and Five Eyes

With Huawei beholden to Chinese law, which requires data monitoring by authorities, there has likewise been concern about whether countries that use Huawei systems expose sensitive communications to the Chinese regime.

This has been of particular concern for the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing programs between the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

So far, Huawei is banned from 5G networks in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand; yet, it is still allowed in Canada and the United Kingdomalthough BT Group, a major UK telecoms operator, recently announced it would not use Huaweis 5G equipment, and would remove Huawei equipment from its 3G and 4G networks.

The Chinese company has committed close to $50 million to Canadian universities to help develop 5G technology.

Last month, the U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission issued a report also warning that the CCP was heavily investing in 5G, and that the CCP had dedicated a significant amount of state funding for 5G as part of a program for global technological dominance.

The report noted that Huawei and ZTE play key roles in the CCP push, and warned that U.S. personal and corporate data might be exposed through the CCPs role in 5G and internet-connected devices.

The concerns around Huaweis interest in technology theft arent unwarranted. Among the most recent cases was one in October, when a civil lawsuit filed in California revealed that Huawei had been flagged by U.S. intelligence as a security threat to steal trade secrets from U.S. companies. A former Huawei employee, Jesse Hong, said he was fired by Huawei after he refused to pose as a staff member of a fake company in order to gain entry to a technology summit hosted by Facebook.

Similar concerns around Huaweis interest in 5G surfaced in Australia in July. An unidentified government source told Reuters: [Huawei] is a Chinese company, and under communist law, they have to work for their intelligence agencies if requested. There arent many other companies around the world that have their own political committees.

Epoch Times staff members Frank Fang, Allen Zhong, and Margaret Wollensak contributed to this report.
California couple Matt and Laura Trayte were promised a baby girl from a pregnant woman, but it was all a lie. (GoFundMe)

California Couple Promised a Newborn Adoption Finds Out Theres No Baby

Matt and Laura Trayte were determined to adopt a sibling for their 6-year-old son, but they ended up victims of a bizarre psychological con game, as they arrived at the hospital on Nov. 29, to find out there was no baby.

The Southern California couple told the OC Register their heart-breaking story, which has caused them to question ever considering adoption again.

The Traytes had already endured an initial adoption attempt that fell through earlier this year. In April, they were connected with a woman in South Carolina through Angel Adoptions, a service that cost them $16,000. They borrowed and raised money to pay for the steep bill.

We were really excited, Matt told the Register. Hudson was running around the house saying, Im getting a baby brother.

The mother told the Traytes she had moved to New Jersey to be with family. As Laura made plans to visit her there, the woman stopped answering her phone. Angel Adoptions then told the couple they dont work with women in New Jersey and certain other states.

They soon found out the mother had decided to keep the baby. They were devastated.

As the Traytes attempted to get a refund from Angel Adoptions, Laura decided to look for a birth mother on her own.

Death of a unicorn: Couple endures emotional crime in bizarre botched adoption https://t.co/vByOsvLAXn  O.C. Register (@ocregister) December 8, 2018

A Second Chance

Laura started a website and a GoFundMe campaign, and she also paid money to Facebook to send out a post about their story to a large number of people.

In early September, the couple received several replies, and they chose a woman named Elizabeth Jones in Virginia who said she was expecting a baby girl.

Jones never asked for any money. She said she was an Army veteran and was attending online classes. She was married with two children, and they couldnt afford another child.

We never planned to add another baby to our family, Jones wrote in a Facebook message to Laura, according to the Register. Adoption seemed like the best route. I was super excited that I had finally found a family. One that was down to earth, nice, shared many values I did.

Laura and Jones began communicating daily, and it was decided they would keep the adoption open. The baby girl would always know her birth mother.

On Nov. 9, Laura traveled to Virginia to visit Jones.

We talked for hours and hours, Laura told the Register. She was anxious and nervous. She was very, very insecure.

Laura thought Jones must be feeling ashamed about giving her child away.

They went shopping, went out to eat, and posed for pictures together. Then they visited a local law office to sign paperwork giving the Traytes the power to make medical decisions for the new baby.

The attorney, Jared Williams, provided his services free of charge.

Laura returned home feeling confident about the adoption of the newborn baby they decided to call Noella.

She doesnt want anything from us, she said, according to the Register. She never asked us for a penny.

A Nightmare

When the Traytes arrived in Virginia in late November, ahead of the babys due date, Jones and her two children spent some time with the couple and their son Hudson. Everything was going smoothly.

Jones said she was scheduled to be induced on Nov. 29. But early that morning, she began sending messages to Laura saying she was already in labor at home.

Oh dear gosh. The pain is unreal, she wrote, reported the Register.

Jones sent a picture of a bloody toilet and other graphic details. She said they called an ambulance, then her husband decided to drive her to the hospital. Then they abandoned the car on the freeway and flagged down a different ambulance.

Meanwhile, the Traytes rushed to the hospital.

Then Jones said they were headed to a different hospital three miles away, with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) waiting for her. She said the babys head was out.

Oh my god we have a baby omg, Jones texted.

The Traytes finally found Jones in the emergency room of the Holston Valley Medical Center, fully clothed. However, Jones suddenly claimed she didnt know the couple.

A nurse said Jones was at the hospital complaining of back pain.

Matt and Laura realized nothing Jones had told them was true. They cried and screamed at her.

What am I supposed to tell my son? How could you lie to us? How could you lie to our 6-year-old? Matt said, according to the Register.

Later that day, Jones sent another message saying she lost the baby a couple weeks earlier. Over the course of the next week, she gave several other conflicting stories. She offered no proof for any of them.

The Traytes say they cant afford an attorney, and with no money exchanged, local law enforcement did not bring any charges against Jones.

The couple says they have given up on adoption for now. They only wish to share their devastating experience with others.
Veterans stand during a ceremony in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, on the eve of National Day on Sept. 30, 2018. (Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images)

China Detains 10 After October Protests by Military Veterans

BEIJINGChinese authorities in the eastern province of Shandong have detained 10 people who were involved in protests by military veterans in early October, state media said on Oct. 9.

State television said the Oct. 4-7 protests took place in Shandongs Pingdu city, when some 300 people from different parts of China gathered under the banner of being military veterans for what it called an illegal demonstration.

The Chinese regime had set up a Ministry of Veterans Affairs (MVA) as part of a broader reshuffle of ministerial departments. The MVA was formed on March 19 and formally began operations on April 16.

Zhu Xinxin, a senior media commentator in China, said that the Chinese Communist regime is reserved in its suppression of veterans because harsh government actions could have a negative impact on current soldiers. Many of these veterans battle companions, relatives, and friends are still in the army, so the Chinese regime fears that a suppression could have a bad effect on them.

Veterans Protest in May

In May, veterans across China have protested to demand proper welfare benefits and other government assistance.

Veterans of the Vietnam War in Leizhou City, Guangdong Province, held a demonstration on May 9. A source told The Epoch Times that more than 100 veterans dressed in military uniforms and paraded with banners. When local authorities learned about the demonstration, police officers and other security agents, rushed to the scene to disperse the veterans.

The Leizhou City government did not arrange jobs for them [upon returning from service], as stipulated in policies. They did not give out subsidies, either, the source told The Epoch Times. They are requesting the government to arrange work for them and give them the subsidies and welfare benefits they deserve.

On May 8, a group of veterans who work for Chinas Big Four state-owned banksIndustrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Agricultural Bank of Chinaappealed outside of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs (MVA) building. Some veterans were stopped and turned away when they tried to submit petitions to the central authorities.

More than 300 people participated in petitioning, the source told The Epoch Times. When the banks were restructured, they were laid off. Some only had a one-time severance package of 50,000 to 60,000 yuan ($7,894 to $ 9,473). They also did not receive retirement pensions.

Grievances over military pensions and other benefits have been a long-running issue in China and there have been sporadic organized protests in recent years.

Early last year hundreds of military veterans demonstrated in central Beijing for two days, demanding unpaid retirement benefits.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced in 2015 the Peoples Liberation Army would cut troop levels by 300,000, aiming to make the bulk of the reductions by the end of 2017, which the government has said has already been broadly achieved.

The Epoch Times contributed to this report.
A cargo truck drives amid stacked shipping containers at the Yangshan port in Shanghai, China on March 28, 2018. China's export growth sank in November, 2018, as global demand weakened, adding to pressure on Beijing ahead of trade talks with Washington. (AP)

China Exports Weaken Ahead of US Trade Talks

BEIJINGChinas export growth sank in November as global demand weakened, adding to pressure on Beijing ahead of trade talks with Washington.

Exports rose 5.4 percent over a year ago to $227.4 billion, a marked decline from the previous months 12.6 percent increase, customs data showed Dec. 8. Imports rose 3 percent to $182.7 billion, a sharp reversal from Octobers 20.3 percent surge.

That adds to signs a slowdown in the worlds second-largest economy is deepening as Chinese leaders prepare for negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump over Beijings technology policy and other issues.

Chinese exports to the United States rose by a relatively robust 12.9 percent over a year ago to $46.2 billion. Shipments to the U.S. market have held up as exporters rush to fill orders before additional duty increases, but forecasters say that effect will fade in early 2019.

Imports of American goods rose 5 percent to $10.7 billion, down from the previous months 8.5 percent growth. Chinas politically volatile trade surplus with the United States widened to a record $35.5 billion.

Trump agreed during a Dec. 1 meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to postpone tariff hikes by 90 days while the two sides negotiate. But penalties of up to 25 percent imposed earlier by both sides on billions of dollars of each others goods are still in effect.

The Chinese economy grew by a relatively strong 6.5 percent over a year earlier in the quarter ending in September. But that was boosted by government spending on public works construction that helped to mask a slowdown in other parts of the economy.

An official measure of manufacturing activity fell to its lowest level in two years in November. Auto sales have shrunk for the past three months and real estate sales are weak.

Chinese leaders have responded by easing lending controls, boosting spending on construction and promising more help to entrepreneurs who generate the state-dominated economys new jobs and wealth. But they have moved gradually to avoid reigniting a rise in corporate and local government debt that already is considered to be dangerously high.

The Trump administration imposed 25 percent duties on $50 billion of Chinese goods in July in response to complaints that Beijing steals or pressures companies to hand over technology. Washington also imposed a 10 percent charge on $200 billion of Chinese goods. That was due to rise to 25 percent in January but Trump postponed it.

Beijing responded with tariff hikes on $110 billion of American goods. Trump has proposed to expand U.S. penalties to all goods from China.

Washington, Europe and other trading partners complain that the Chinese regimes Made in China 2025which calls for creating Chinese global champions in artificial intelligence, robotics and other fieldsviolates Beijings market-opening obligations.

Trump said Beijing committed to buy American farm goods and cut auto import tariffs as part of the tariff cease-fire. Chinese officials have yet to confirm details of the agreement.

Chinas Commerce Ministry expressed confidence the two sides can reach a deal during the 90-day delay. That indicates Beijing sees resolving the conflict as too important to allow it to be disrupted by last weeks dramatic arrest in Canada of an executive of Huawei Technologies Ltd., one of Chinas most prominent companies, on accusations of violating trade sanctions on Iran.

Private sector analysts say that is little time to resolve sprawling conflicts that have bedeviled U.S.-Chinese trade for years. That suggests Beijing will need to find ways to persuade Trump to extend his deadline.

The weakness in Novembers Chinese imports came despite tariff cuts on imports from other markets as part of official efforts to generate consumer-driven economic growth.

Xi presided over the opening of an import fair in Shanghai in November that was meant to rebrand China as a welcoming import market. Some 3,600 companies from 152 countries took part in the five-day event. But he gave no response to foreign complaints about technology policy and investment barriers.

By Joe McDonald
Majed El Shafie, president and founder of One Free World International, speaks at a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Dec. 10, 2018. (Limin Zhou/NTD)

China Targeted by Canadian Coalition on International Human Rights Day

Canadian government urged to stand firm on arrest of Huawei executive

OTTAWAA number of groups subjected to human rights abuses by Chinas ruling communist regime urged the Canadian government to take action on Dec. 10International Human Rights Day.

At a press conference on Parliament Hill, led by One Free World International (OFWI), Xun Li, president of the Falun Dafa Association of Canada, called on Ottawa to sanction 14 current and former Chinese Communist Party officials under the Magnitsky Act for their human rights abuses, torture, and killing of Falun Gong practitioners.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a Chinese spiritual practice of ancient Buddhist traditions that espouses the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Practitioners work on self-improvement and perform five sets of meditative exercises.

Under the Magnitsky Act (known as the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Bill), the wealth and freedom of known human rights abusers is targeted.

The atrocities committed by the 14 officials are part of the communist regimes eradication campaign against our practice that has persisted for over 19 years, fuelled by relentless hate propaganda, Li said.

There is no safe haven in Canada, he added, regarding the perpetrators.

MP Peter Kent, chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Falun Gong, said human rights abuses in China are worsening and the Magnitsky Act should be used to curb that trend.

I agree with those in this delegation who have called on the Liberal government today to use the proven effective tools of the Magnitsky Act to impose sanctions against those individuals readily identifiable who have been involved in any number of violations of human rights, he said.

Itibar Artis of the East Turkistan Association of Canada said the Chinese regime has been sending millions of Han Chinese to monitor Uyghurs by staying in their homes. Uyghurs are a Muslim sect in Xinjiang long repressed by the regime.

The Chinese government is doing ethnic cleansing and genocide of Uyghurs, he said. There are no words to explain the severity of the physical abuses.

Artis urged Canada to call on China to release all Uyghurs being held in detention centres.

Huawei Black Eye

The coalitions appeal coincides with Beijings threats against Canada and the United States over the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wangzhou who was detained in Vancouver on Dec. 1. The United States is seeking Mengs extradition on allegations she violated U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Huawei is the worlds largest supplier of telecommunications equipment and a darling of the Chinese regime. Meng faces charges in the United States that carry 30-year sentences.

The Chinese embassy in Canada has strongly protested Mengs arrest and wants her human rights protected. Meanwhile, the regime is accused of persecuting, torturing, and killing untold numbers of Falun Gong practitioners (since 1999), Christians, Tibetans, and Uyghursa far worse fate than Meng would ever face in Canada or the United States.

Sheng Xue, representing the Federation for a Democratic China, said the situation is getting worse and Chinese people need to stand up for their human rights. She urged the Canadian government not to make a deal with Beijing regarding Mengs case.

If our Canadian government were to make a deal with them, its not only to sell our principles but also to sell out the chance of the Chinese people fighting for human rights because the Chinese government, they are using their own people as the hostage, she said.

Majed El Shafie, president and founder of OFWI, said Canada has to stand strong as a law-abiding society.

I think this is a great opportunity to show the Canadians and the Canadian public that Canada is not a small little guy in the middle, he said. Canada is also a giant when it comes to human rights and we can make a difference.

Li brought up the case of Sun Qian, a 52-year-old Canadian citizen being held in detention in Beijing for 21 months. He provided a list of 10 family members of Canadians currently incarcerated in China for their belief in Falun Gong.

Other groups accompanying OWFI on Dec. 10, which marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, included International Students for a Free Tibet and the Church of Almighty God.

Follow Rahul on Twitter @RV_ETBiz
(File photo) U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad was summoned by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng on Dec. 9 over the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

China Urges US to Withdraw Arrest Warrant for Huawei CFO

The Chinese regime dialed up the pressure on the U.S. and Canada governments to release arrested Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, ahead of the resumption of her bail hearing in British Columbia on Dec. 10.

Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested in Vancouver on Dec. 1 at the request of U.S. law enforcement. She is accused of committing fraud in relation to skirting U.S. sanctions on Iran. She allegedly misrepresented the relationship between Huawei and Skycom, a Hong Kong-based company that sold U.S.-manufactured equipment to Iran and that prosecutors say is, in fact, controlled by Huawei. The United States is seeking her extradition.

Chinas foreign ministry on Dec. 9 summoned the U.S. ambassador to lodge a strong protest over the arrest. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng told U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad that the United States had made an unreasonable demand on Canada to detain Meng while she was passing through Vancouver, Chinas foreign ministry said.

The actions of the U.S. seriously violated the lawful and legitimate rights of the Chinese citizen, and by their nature were extremely nasty, Le told Branstad, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who, at the time of the arrest, was in a meeting on trade negotiations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the G-20 summit in Argentina, didnt have foreknowledge of the action.

On Dec. 10, the Beijing regime warned Canada there would be severe consequences if it did not release Meng. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Dec. 10, any consequences would wholly depend on the Canadian side.

Regime Has Difficulty Understanding Rule of Law

North American commentators were swift to point out the difference between the judicial systems in liberal democracies such as Canada and the United States, and under one-party-rule in China.

Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said the regimes threats against Canada wont work.

Perhaps because the Chinese state controls its judicial system, Beijing sometimes has difficulty understanding or believing that courts can be independent in a rule-of-law country. Theres no point in pressuring the Canadian government. Judges will decide. https://t.co/rJh4lgPCbe  Roland Paris (@rolandparis) December 8, 2018

Perhaps because the Chinese state controls its judicial system, Beijing sometimes has difficulty understanding or believing that courts can be independent in a rule-of-law country. Theres no point in pressuring the Canadian government. Judges will decide, Paris wrote on Twitter on Dec. 8

I think this is very typical of Chinas behavior, said Brian Lee Crowley, managing director of the think tank Macdonald-Laurier Institute. They look at how they behave domestically, and how every institution in China must bend to the will of the Communist Party, and they just assume that every other society is organized the same way.

Trade Talks Separate

Meanwhile, U.S. officials stressed the trade talks with China are a separate issue to the arrest.

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Fox News on Dec. 10 that Trump didnt know about the arrest when he met with Xi on Dec. 1.

This is a criminal justice matter, Robert Lighthizer, the U.S. trade representative leading the trade negotiations with the Chinese regime, said on CBS Face the Nation on Dec. 10. It is totally separate from anything that I work on or anything that the trade policy people in the administration work on.  We have a lot of very big, very important issues. Weve got serious people working on them, and I dont think theyll be affected by this.

Kudlow similarly described the matter as a law enforcement issue.

I dont know how its going to turn outIt seems to me theres a trade lane and theres a law enforcement lane, Kudlow said. Theyre different channels, and I think they will be viewed that way for quite some time.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A woman walks to a Christian church in Beijing on April 17, 2011. All religious groups are required to register with the ruling Communist government and worship in officially sanctioned churches. The Beijing Christian Chongwenmen Church, first established in the 1870's by American Methodists and known as Asbury Church, is one of the largest Protestant churches in Beijing. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images)

Chinese Authorities Detain Prominent House Church Leaders, Members

BEIJINGPolice have detained dozens of churchgoers and leaders of one of Chinas most prominent Protestant house churches, congregation members and activists said, in the latest government action against unregistered religious groups.

Teams of police and state security officials in the southwestern city of Chengdu came to the homes of leaders and members of the Early Rain Covenant Church on Dec. 9 and detained them, according to church announcements sent to members and passed to Reuters by churchgoers and activists.

The time has come. O, Lord! Did you not establish this church for this very purpose? the church said in one of its announcements. We will wait for Thee, as one keeping vigil waits for daybreak.

More than 100 people are believed to have been detained, according to a church elder, who declined to be identified.

Neither the Chengdu nor national-level Public Security Ministries responded to faxed requests for comment.

Since Chinese leader Xi Jinping took office six years ago, the government has tightened restrictions on religions seen as a challenge to the authority of the ruling Communist Party.

The Chinese regime requires that all places of worship register and submit to government oversight, but some churches have declined to register, for various reasons.

The Early Rain Church is one of the best known unregistered house churches in China.

Members of the church have been unable to contact Pastor Wang Yi, the churchs founder, or his wife, and church groups on the instant messaging platform WeChat also were blocked, the church said in an announcement. Reuters was unable to reach Wang for comment.

Beijing-based journalist Ian Johnson, who wrote about Wang and his congregation in his 2017 book, The Souls of China, said on Twitter that the crackdown was really disturbing news.

Im afraid this is part of a bigger crackdown on unregistered Christian churches as the government pushes its efforts to dominate society, he wrote.

Police told Zhang Xianchi, 84, a well-known author and church member, not to visit the church, because it had been outlawed and that all its top leaders had been detained, according to an account from Zhang shared with Reuters by church members.

A video posted online by activists in China and overseas, which Reuters was unable to independently verify, showed a group of about a dozen plainclothes policemen taking church-goers away from a meeting. In the footage, police told a woman they were taking a man to the municipal public security bureau to be investigated, while a child cried in the background.

Churches across China have been under growing pressure to register since a new set of regulations to govern religious affairs came into effect in February and increased punishments for unofficial churches.

By Christian Shepherd
Chinese Woman Dies Suddenly While in Custody, Organs Extracted, Says Report

A 64-year-old Chinese woman died suddenly while in custody, and her internal organs were extracted by Chinese communist authorities, according to a report.

Ma Guilan was arrested on July 4 near Qinhuangdao City in Hebei Province and was sent to a detention center for speaking to people about Falun Gong, according to Minghui, a website dedicated to exposing the persecution of Falun Gong.

Falun Gong, also known as a Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice based on meditative exercises and moral teachings centered on three principles: truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, according to its website. But in China, its been subjected to brutal persecution since July 1999, with widespread reports of torture, brainwashing, forced labor, extrajudicial killings, and organ harvesting in labor camps throughout the country.

Two months after she was arrested, Ma reportedly fell ill and was taken to the Qinhuangdao Police Hospital. Two hours later, she was dead.

Several government agents with unknown identities came to the hospital, cut open her abdomen and removed her internal organs for some alleged examinations, Minghui reported, citing state insiders. It wasnt clear where they were taking her organs.

Mas family didnt provide any information to Minghui, fearing retaliation from the Chinese Communist Party. Its not clear if her family knew about Mas organs having been taken.

A month before Mas death, two other detainees also died under suspicious conditions. According to Minghui, they were not Falun Gong adherents.

Some local Falun Gong practitioners suspect that the three suspicious deaths may have had something to do with Chinas state-sanctioned organ harvesting, especially with Ms. Mas organs confirmed to have been removed, said the report. Human rights researchers have concluded that most of the organs came from living, non-consenting Falun Gong practitioners, who have been vulnerably subjected to all kinds of inhumane tortures after being captured.

After Mas death, the prison fired some of its staff and brought in new personnel, according to Minghui.

Organ Harvesting in China

Falun Gong practitioners are targeted by the Chinese regime for their organs, which are then sold for profit.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) recently highlighted the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) campaign of organ harvesting.

The Chinese government and Communist Partys ongoing efforts to eradicate Falun Gong practice is a black mark on recent Chinese history. The CCPs need to control even the consciences of the Chinese people has led to horrific human rights abuses, torture, arbitrary detention, and organ harvesting, said Smith on Dec. 3.

In the United Kingdom, a tribunal said its examining evidence that shows the regime targeting prisoners of conscience.

In a press briefing ahead of the tribunal, the executive director of the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC), Susie Hughes, said there has been an increase in organ transplants that has coincided with the persecution of Falun Gong.

During the 2000s, analysis of various sources of emerging evidence led to the conclusion that people who practiced Falun Gong were being killed to provide the organs fueling Chinas transplant boom, she said, according to a Dec. 9. report.

Human rights lawyer David Matas, who has long been highlighting organ harvesting by the regime, suggested there has been a significant number of doctors involved in the grisly practice.

Its dispiriting to see the number of doctors involved. This, of course, was the Nazi experience, there was a lot of medical abuse in the Nazi period, said Matas.

Several Chinese witnesses testified in front of the panel, saying they fled persecution in China. All of them said they were detained for practicing Falun Gong, and described torture and other forms of abuse while detained.
Mom of Five Accused of Killing Twins After Leaving California Shelter: Police

A California woman is accused in the death of her twin 10-month-old children while staying at a hotel in Tulare after reportedly leaving a womens shelter.

Heather Langdon, 37, allegedly killed her twin boys, Mason and Maddox Murguia, inside the Virginia Motor Lodge at 709 S K Street.

She was given a free night at the motel by a nonprofit agency after she was escorted away from a womens shelter by police because she allegedly had created disturbances, NBC2 reported. Officers arrived there and the shelter asked that she leave for causing the disturbances, Sgt. Jon Hamlin said.

The twins were found in a bathtub at the motel.

She kept saying that I almost drowned them. I almost drowned my babies, and she was trying to help the babies. But I didnt know that they were already deceased, said witness, Maria Marez, in the NBC affiliate report.

Marez said she ran to room 24 after she heard the woman calling for help. But when she arrived, it was too late.

Susan Diaz, who was staying at the motel, said she saw Langdon dazed and confused.

She was just standing there looking around. She looked kind of worried like something was wrong, Diaz said.

Sad. Real sad that I saw something like that, added Marez to YourCentralValley. Got to take it day by day and remember this day. December 6th for the rest of my life, said Marez.

Her family members said Langdon and her husband have been divorced for a few years. They have three other children, including a 5-year-old, a 13-year-old, and a 14-year-old.

Its not clear why Langdon was initially staying at the womens shelter.

There was no confirmation that Langdon had appeared before a judge or entered a plea. She is in jail without bail, People magazine reported. Its also not clear if she has an attorney to respond to the charges.

Police have yet to state a possible motive in the killings.

Workers at the Lighthouse Rescue Mission said they are the only womens shelter in Tulare. They couldnt confirm if she had stayed there, according to YourCentralValley.

Tulare is located in Central California about 100 miles north of Bakersfield and about 50 miles southeast of Fresno.

Violent Crime Declines in 2017

The FBI said that in 2017 violent crime had dropped by 0.2 percent, according to a release, but aggravated and rape offenses increased by a respective 1.0 percent and 2.5 percent. The murder rate dropped by 0.7 percent, the agency said.

In 2017, there were an estimated 1,247,321 violent crimes. The estimated number of robbery offenses decreased 4.0 percent, and the estimated number of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter offenses decreased 0.7 percent when compared with estimates from 2016. The estimated volume of aggravated assault and rape (revised definition) offenses increased 1.0 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively, said the FBI.

The agency added: By violent crime offense, the arrest rate for murder and nonnegligent manslaughter was 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants; rape (aggregate total using the revised and legacy definition), 7.2; robbery, 29.3; and aggravated assault, 120.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. Meanwhile, the FBI said that there are now 670,279 sworn officers and 286,662 civilian officers in the U.S, which is a rate of 3.4 employees per 1,000 inhabitants.
Donor Found for 2-Year-Old With One of Worlds Rarest Blood Types

A donor in the United Kingdom was revealed as a match for an American 2-year-old girl who has one of the worlds rarest blood types.

Zainab Mughal needs either O or A blood types, but in addition to the normal requirements, she also needs blood that is missing the antigen called Indian B.

The antigen is present in the majority of peoples red blood cells.

The toddler is suffering from neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer.

The OneBlood group, which launched a worldwide search for matches, said that potential donors must be exclusively Pakistani, Indian, or Iranian descent, meaning the donors birth parents are both 100 percent Pakistani, Indian, or Iranian, according to the group.

This group of people is already relatively rare, and less than 4 percent of them are actually missing the Indian B antigen.

British Donor Revealed

A British woman has been revealed as a match for Zainab.

The donor was described as a mother-of-two who lives in Nottingham but has chosen to remain anonymous.

The 50-year-old is of British-Indian Origin. She told the BBC that she felt very humbled to be able to donate blood to the little girl.

I do hope the publicity encourages more people to donate, especially from the Asian community, she said. Even a single donation can make a massive difference to someone who needs it.

The search isnt over for matches for Zainab.

Two other donors were located in the United States but doctors said at least seven donors need to be found so that Zainab can receive fresh blood throughout the intensive treatments for neuroblastoma.

The match in the United Kingdom was found through the countrys rare donor panel.

Tears

Zainabs father said that the family cried when they learned their little girl had cancer.

We were all crying, said Raheel Mughal in a video published by OneBlood. This was the worst thing we were expecting.

Frieda Bright, the reference laboratory manager for OneBlood, urged people to come forward, no matter where they live.

This is all hands on deck, Bright said in the video. We are searching the world to try to find blood for this little girl.

Mughal and a number of other family members tried to donate but their blood wasnt a match.

Its a humble request and I request it from my heart, Mughal said in the video. My daughters life very much depends on the blood.

Blood Donation Statistics

An estimated 6.8 million people donate blood every year in the United States, which is good because every two seconds someone needs blood in the country, according to the Red Cross.

Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured and can only come from volunteer donors. Just one donation has the potential to save three lives.

The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O. About 45 percent of the people in America have Group O blood.

People wanting to donate blood must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 16, 17, or 18 years old, depending on where you live in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Reasons blood donations arent accepted include if a person is sick, is taking antibiotics, or if they have received a blood transfusion within the past year.

From NTD.com
Then President Barack Obama (C) speaks to the media after meeting with then Attorney General Loretta Lynch (L) and then FBI Director James Comey in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, on July 19, 2016. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Ex-FBI Director Questioned About Secret Memo on Lynch Ahead of Testimony

A controversial and classified document, alleging potential misconduct by former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, resurfaced on Dec. 7, suggesting lawmakers may press Lynch about the memo during her own deposition.

While the contents of the document remain classified, media leaks suggest it includes an email from then-chair of the Democratic National Committee Debbie Wasserman Schultz to Leonard Benardo of the Open Society Foundations, the nonprofit organization run by billionaire Democratic fundraiser George Soros. The email shows Lynch assured Clinton-campaign staffer Amanda Renteria that the FBIs investigation into Hillary Clintons unauthorized access to the private email server would not go too far.

U.S. intelligence agencies obtained the email from stolen material stored on Russian networks and handed it to the FBI, according to The New York Times.

Lynch denied knowing Renteria or ever discussing the Clinton-email investigation with her. Renteria likewise denied the claim made in the supposed email.

In a series of bipartisan letters in June 2017, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) asked Benardo, Renteria, and Lynch about the supposed email. Grassley also requested a (pdf) copy of the document from the Justice Department.

Comey said the document was one of the factors that led him to break from established protocol and announce the exoneration of Clinton in a press conference. During his transcribed deposition (pdf) on Capitol Hill on Dec. 9, Comey answered questions about the document to both a Democrat and a Republican.

[Ive] tried to be very careful in public comments about this. There was material that had not been verified that I believed, if it became public, would be used to cast doubt on whether the Attorney General had acted appropriately with respect to the investigation, Comey said in response to a question from Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) about the document on Dec. 9. I dont think Im allowed to go beyond that in characterizing that material.

So far as I knew at the time, and still think, the material itself was genuine, which is a separate question, though, from whether it was what it said was accurate, Comey added in response to a question from Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.).

Comey had previously written about the document in his book, explaining that he made the exoneration announcement because of a development still unknown to the American public that cast serious doubt on Lynch.

During his testimony, Comey agreed disclosing information in the document to the public would have caused some to question the objectivity of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

According to Comey, Lynch and then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates were briefed on the contents of the document. The FBI then interviewed Lynch about the matter, although he was not present, Comey said.

If, since last year, the FBI or lawmakers had of found a way to verify the accuracy of the document, it would prove that Obama administration officials at the highest level were using their power to further a political agenda. The finding could be especially devastating since it could implicate the head of the Justice Department, an entity traditionally independent of The White House and politics.

Lynchs actions are behind three of the main reasons that Comey cites for announcing that no charges will be brought against Clinton. The usual protocol is for the Justice Department, not the FBI, to make a determination about bringing charges. Neither the FBI nor the DOJ announce details of investigations that do not result in prosecution.

Comey said he decided to make the announcement because of the way Lynchs tarmac meeting with Bill Clinton could be perceived. Lynch had also told Comey to refer to the Clinton investigation as a matter.

The FBI would go on to interview Clinton on July 2, five days after the tarmac meeting. According to Ratcliffe, Clinton was never asked about the tarmac meeting during the FBI interview.

FBI Special Agent Peter Strzok, one of the officials who interviewed Clinton, said in notorious messages with his FBI mistress in the months before the interview that then-candidate Trump was a loathsome human and that Clinton should win the election 100 million to zero.

According to questions Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) directed to Comey, a second unnamed FBI agent wrote to an FBI colleague after interviewing Clinton that Im done interviewing the President. When the employee asked, you interviewed the president? The agent wrote back, spelling the initials for Hillary Rodham Clinton, you know, HRC.

Comey confirmed for the first time on Dec. 7 that Strzok and his FBI mistress, Lisa Page, helped him draft the statement to exonerate Clinton. Text messages between Strzok and Page show they spoke about stopping Trump from becoming president and discussed an insurance policy in the event he does.
Kelsey Berreth, 29, was last seen in Woodland Park, Colorado on Nov. 22, 2018. (Woodland Park Police Department)

Family Members Push for Expanded Search for Colorado Mother Last Seen on Thanksgiving

Family members are pushing for an expanded search for a Colorado mother who was last seen on Thanksgiving as officials urged her to make it clear if shes not in danger and just doesnt want to be in contact with her family.

Kelsey Berreth, 29, was last seen on the holiday several places, including the Safeway in Woodland Park.

She was wearing a white shirt, gray sweater, and blue pants. Though she vanished on Thanksgiving, she wasnt reported missing until Dec. 2.

A few days after the holiday, he cellphone pinged nearly 800 miles away outside of Gooding, Idaho, not far from where some of her relatives live.

The ping could mean different things.

It makes us wonder what shes doing up there, or what the phone is, potentially, because she may not be there, Cmdr. Chris Adams of the Woodland Park Police Department told ABC.

Some officials believe she may have vanished out of choice but want to hear directly from her to ascertain if that is the case.

If shes out there and doesnt want to be contacted, just let us know that shes safe and well let her family know, Adams told CBS on Dec. 9. The department planned a press conference for Dec. 10 but the details werent immediately clear. Family members said they would be posting further details after the press conference.

Please be patient with us. We are all very tired and doing our best, the family said on the Help Find Kelsey Berreth Facebook page.

On Dec. 8, the department shared a missing person poster with two photographs of Berreth and asked members of the public to contact them with any information regarding her whereabouts.

The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

Did Not Pack

Her brother-in-law held a vigil for Berreth in Washington state, where he urged anyone who sees her to speak up.

If they see her anywhere, please, please, please, please say something, Kindle said. He later traveled to Colorado and said from all appearances that Berreths departure was spur of the moment.

After arriving at Kelseys house last night and combing through her things, we know 1 thing is certain. Kelsey did not pack to go anywhere. All luggage is here. Her purse is all that seems to have gone, he wrote in a Facebook post. Both of her cars are also still in Colorado.

The young mother is a flight instructor who has a 1-year-old daughter. She typically works in Pueblo and resides in Woodland Park, which is about 80 miles south of Denver and has a population around 7,600. Shes described as a white female with brown hair and green eyes, standing 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 110 pounds.

Her brother said the family doesnt know if any foul play was involved in his sisters disappearance.

We really have no idea, we dont have any more information on it, brother Clint told Q13. Shes a flight instructor  never done anything like this.

From NTD News
Co-hosts Senator Marilou McPhedran (3rd R), MP Cheryl Hardcastle (4th R), and MP Tom Kmiec (2nd L), along with attendees MP Steven Blaney (1st L), film producer and director Leon Lee (3rd L), MP Arnold Viersen (4th L), MP David Anderson (2nd R), and MP Harold Albrecht (1st R), at the screening of the award-winning documentary Letter from Masanjia on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Dec. 5, 2018. (Grace Dai/The Epoch Times)

Parliamentarians Moved by Letter from Masanjia Doc Screened on Parliament Hill

Its a lesson of courage, of hope, and also vigilance, says MP Steven Blaney

Senator Marilou McPhedran said tears came to her eyes while watching Letter from Masanjia, an award-winning documentary about a man held in a labour camp in China notorious for its brutal treatment of detainees.

The film tells the story of prisoner of conscience Sun Yi, who wrote a desperate SOS letter and hid it in a box of K-Mart Halloween decorations made by slave labour at the Masanjia Labour Camp. The letter finds its way into the hands of Julie Keith, a mother of two living in Oregon.

In the letter, one of several he wrote at great risk to himself and hid in packages bound for export, Sun details being jailed for his practice of the traditional spiritual discipline Falun Gong, also called Falun Dafa, and how he and others in the camp were being subjected to torture and brainwashing. Keith releases the letter to the media, which goes viral and eventually leads to the closure of Chinas entire labour camp system.

Like many people in this room, it brought tears, said McPhedran following the screening on Parliament Hill on Dec. 9.

McPhedran added that she is deeply concerned about the case of Vancouver resident and Falun Gong practitioner Sun Qian, who was detained in Beijing in February 2017 while on a trip to China. Sun is one of the tens of thousands of practitioners who have been snared in the Chinese Communist Partys campaign of persecution against Falun Gong that was launched in 1999.

[The detention of] Canadian citizen Sun Qian and many, many other practitioners of the Falun Gong religious practice is clearly a violation of the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights, Convention Against Torture, and indeed the Canadian Constitution, McPhedran said.

We havent been able to bring her to safety.  It is time to regroup, reinforce, and to work even harder to bring her back to Canada.

Incredible Courage

MP Harold Albrecht said he found the documentary very disturbing.

Just to see the story tonight was very disturbing, to see how human rights are being violated in the prisons and the security issues surrounding it, he said.

[Sun Yi] had incredible courage to take a chance writing the letter in the first place, but then follow up on many occasions where his life would be at risk. He has that kind of perseverance and faith. Very, very commendable. I think he has a lot to teach all of us.  He did an excellent job living out what he really believes, standing firm and persevering.

The screening was hosted by McPhedran, MP Cheryl Hardcastle, and MP Tom Kmiec. Hardcastle said she wanted to be silent in order to think more deeply about what she saw.

Tonight I will be silent, thinking more and more of this, she said.

A movie like this is extremely profound and helpful for us. It makes us all think that we cannot give up. Sometimes it seemed these problems are so overwhelming and our hearts break, we feel so much anguish, but we cannot give up, it is too important.

MP Steven Blaney said he was glad he was able to view the screening and recommended everyone to watch the movie.

Its very inspiring, Its a lesson of courage, of hope, and also vigilance. It sheds some light on the situation of human rights in China, of the challenges, and of the great courage of the individual who wants to make the situation better.

Harrowing Footage

Blaney also thanked the director, Peabody Award-winning Leon Lee of Vancouver-based Flying Cloud Productions, who joined the Q&A session after the screening.

I have seen things in my life but this is particularlyI find that this is so real, and so actual, it is really a masterpiece. I thank you for your courage as well. Sun Yi gave his life but you are risking a lot as well, and this speaks highly of you and your movie, Blaney said.

Lee is not welcome in his native country because of his prior films about Chinas human rights abuses. So in Letter from Masanjia, he teaches Sun Yi to use camera equipment via Skype. For over a year, Sun Yi secretly captures harrowing footage of his daily life as a human rights defender, leading up to his tense run from the Chinese authorities.

Lee said that the film, which has won several awards, was just released Dec. 4 on several digital platforms such as Amazon and Blu-ray. The more people who see it, the better, he said, so that people can learn of the urgent situation of Falun Gong practitioners in China, who can be arrested and tortured for simply handing out flyers to raise awareness about the violent persecution.

I do hope Sun Yis story will catch on and people will, through him, learn about many, many other people like him in China whose stories we do not know, who are risking their lives every day even doing the mundane work of producing a flyer, a DVD, for the public to know whats going on, Lee said.

The ultimate goal is, of course, to one day see my fellow Chinese will also enjoy the same freedom that people here in Canada enjoy. Now this is not something taken for granted for the Chinese people. They have been fighting very hard, but it is not an easy battle.

Taking Action to Help

Sun Qian, a Falun Dafa adherent and Canadian citizen detained in China since February 2017, in an undated photo. (The Epoch Times/Handout)

Regarding Sun Qians detention, Lee explained theres a way to help, and that is by going to LetterFromMasanjia.com and clicking on the Take Action tab, where people can send a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging him to help have Sun freed.

Despite holding a Canadian passport, she is now detained in China and being tortured, so we really hope that we can bring her back to Canada, he said.
A U.S. flag flies at a Goodyear Tire facility in Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S., July 25, 2017. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Goodyear Permanently Ceases Venezuela Operations

CARACASGoodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is halting operations in Venezuela because of dire economic conditions and U.S. sanctions, the company said on Dec. 10, part of an exodus of foreign corporations from the country.

Demand for consumer goods has plummeted and firms are unable to import raw materials, leading companies ranging from Kimberly-Clark Corp. to Kellogg Co. to leave for good.

Goodyear-Venezuela has made the difficult decision to stop producing tires, the firm said in a statement. Our goal had been to maintain its operations, but economic conditions and U.S. sanctions have made this impossible.

The statement did not offer details on how the operations had been affected by sanctions against Venezuela, a member of OPEC.

Union leader Jorge Rodriguez said he had been told by a lawyer that operations were being halted.

U.S. sanctions, levied against the government of President Nicolas Maduro on accusations he has undermined democracy, do not block commercial transactions. But they have made banks reluctant to be involved in any Venezuela-related transactions.

Goodyear is making legally mandated severance payments and is giving each worker 10 tires, which are of enormous value amid chronic shortages, the company said in a letter written to workers and seen by Reuters.

Dozens of multinationals are hanging on in Venezuela by maintaining minimum operations, hoping for a turnaround. Many survive by limiting their product lines, which economists and corporate advisers call a strategy to prepare for an eventual exit.

Maduro says his socialist government is victim of an economic war waged by his political adversaries with the help of the United States. Maduros critics say indiscriminate printing of money and dysfunctional regulations are to blame.

Venezuelas consumer prices rose 1.3 million percent in the year ending in November, the opposition-controlled National Assembly said on Dec. 10.

By Corina Pons
Heavy Snow Kills One, Snarls Travel, in U.S. Southeast

ATLANTA An intense snowstorm headed out to sea on Dec. 10, after dumping up to 2 feet of snow on parts of the southeastern United States, leaving one person dead in North Carolina and cutting off power for more than 200,000 people.

School districts across North and South Carolina and Virginia canceled classes for the day and emergency officials warned that heavy snow and icy roads were slowing their responses to reports, such as those of hundreds of stranded motorists.

The storm dropped its heaviest snow in the appropriately named Whitetop, Virginia, tucked in the Appalachian Mountains along the western end of the Virginia-North Carolina border, the U.S. National Weather Service said. Whitetop received 2 feet of snow, while Greensboro, North Carolina, had 16 inches and Durham, North Carolina, got 14 inches.

David Ashby, chief deputy for the sheriffs office in Grayson County, Virginia, where Whitetop is located, said in a phone interview that heavy snowfall had made responding to emergency calls difficult in residential areas.

Someone passed away in her house and normally it would have been a short amount of time for us to verify, but it took about four or five hours, Ashby said, adding that the death was unrelated to the storm. Tremendous amount of gravel roads to clear up.

A motorist died and a passenger was injured in Matthews, North Carolina, on Sunday when a tree fell on their vehicle as it was traveling, causing the driver to slam into a church, Matthew police officials said in a statement.

In Kinston, North Carolina, divers searched for a driver whose 18-wheeler was found in a river, an NBC affiliate in Raleigh reported.

More than 220,000 customers were without power in the Carolinas and Virginia, Poweroutage.us reported.

The storm prompted the cancellations of one in four flights into and out of Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, the sixth-busiest in the country, and other airports across the region, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.

Greensboro, North Carolina Mayor Nancy Vaughan, who declared a state of emergency for the city on Sunday, said online that its police and fire departments have responded to over 100 accidents and 450 stranded motorists.

Stay off the roads if you can, Vaughan tweeted on Monday.

More than 100 counties across Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia have delayed or canceled classes on Monday due to severe weather.
A sign of Swiss private bank Julius Baer is seen on the top of a building at sunset on Sept. 30, 2018 in Geneva. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images)

Julius Baer in Talks With Santander Over Venezuela Business: Sources

ZURICHSwiss private bank Julius Baer is in talks about transferring its Venezuelan book of business to Spains Banco Santander as Baer reorganizes operations in Latin America, sources close to the situation have told Reuters.

Baer said in October it was closing its branches in Peru and Panama as part of its effort to focus on larger markets in the region such as Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.

A source familiar with the situation, who asked not to be identified, said on Dec. 8 that talks with Santander over Baers Venezuelan book of business were underway but had not yet been concluded.

Last month, another source told Reuters on condition of anonymity that Santander was talking to Julius Baer about taking over some of the Swiss banks clients in Venezuela.

A third source said a potential deal would not involve the transfer of any portfolio or assets, but rather come as referral agreement where the Spanish bank could access Baers clients.

A spokesman for the Spanish bank declined to comment.

Switzerlands Neue Zuercher Zeitung newspaper reported on Dec. 9 that Baer had ended ties in April with hundreds of clients in Venezuela with less than $1.5 million each in assets, and that the remaining clients there had more than $20 million each in assets.

Santander has not operated in Venezuela since agreeing in 2009 to sell its stake in Banco de Venezuela to the countrys government for 1.05 billion euros ($1.19 billion).

Baers possible exit from Venezuela follows legal proceedings involving a former executive in Latin America. The bank itself has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Matthias Krull, a former Julius Baer Panama vice-chairman, was sentenced to 10 years in U.S. prison in October after pleading guilty for his role in a billion-dollar scheme to launder money embezzled from Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA.

By Michael Shields, Jesus Aguado Gonzalez, & Carlos Ruano
Key Takeaways From James Comeys Testimony Before Congress

On Saturday, Congress released the 234-page transcript of closed-door testimony from ex-FBI Director James Comey before the House Judiciary and Oversight Committee the day prior. This is a summary of notable moments with page number citations so you can read for yourself.

Hillary Clinton probe

Comey confirmed that controversial FBI lovers Peter Strzok and Lisa Page served both on the team investigating Hillary Clintons email practices and the team investigating Trump-Russia connections (p. 18).

Context: Strzok and Page were pulled from the Special Counsel Robert Mueller probe in summer 2017 after the DOJ Inspector General discovered they had exchanged many, pejorative text message and emails. For example, emails lambasted Trump, saying that Hillary should beat him 100 million to zero. One email referred to Hillary as the President. Strzok and Page left the FBI earlier this year amid ongoing controversy.

Comey says he would not have allowed Strzok and Page to serve on the Hillary email investigation if he had known about their private communications (p. 18).

Analysis: This appears to be an acknowledgment that the FBI investigation was tainted, or has the appearance of being tainted, by bias.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch

Comey said the tarmac meeting between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former President Bill Clinton five days before Hillary Clintons FBI interview was problematic and potentially inappropriate. Comey acknowledges he didnt take steps to find out the substance of the conversation (pp. 33-34).

Comey says he also learned of material that, if made public, would be used to cast doubt on whether [Lynch] had acted appropriately in the Hillary investigation (p. 35). He did not say what the material entailed.

Context: Comey first revealed the existence of the Lynch material in his book. According to a report on CNN, the material may refer to discussions between Lynch and Clinton staffer Amanda Renteria or former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. However, Lynch has denied discussing any aspect of the investigation with them.

Comey said there was the appearance of conflict or the appearance that [Lynch] was compromised in some fashion (p. 48).

Comey also said that Lynch should have recused herself from the Clinton investigation (p. 77).

Comey says he raised his concerns about Lynchs objectivity with Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, and that Lynch was subsequently briefed and interviewed about the nature of that material by McCabe and others (p. 36).

Note: McCabe was battling his own appearance of bias with his wife, Jill McCabe, a political candidate, receiving a large amount of campaign funds from Clinton connections.

Analysis: Lynch, McCabe, Strzok, and Page were key players in the Clinton email probe who ended up with conflicts of interest or the appearance of bias. Comey expressed no concern over the question of whether Lynchs tarmac meeting and refusal to recuse may have amounted to obstruction of justice.

Hillary Clintons FBI interview

Comey said he doesnt know who drafted the questions for Hillary Clintons FBI interview. He says he didnt read them. The FBI didnt record the interview. Comey said he also doesnt remember why Clintons interview wasnt conducted before a grand jury (p. 38).

Comey said he doesnt know for sure why the witnesses in the Clinton email investigation werent subpoenaed and questioned before the grand jury. He says the FBI investigative team deemed it unnecessary (p. 212).

Comey would later tell the DOJ Inspector General that prior to Hillarys interview he didnt think there was any there there. (Comey says he doesnt remember saying this to the IG, but agrees he did say it because its reflected in a transcript.) (p. 39).

Comey says the fact that he drafted a memo concluding Clinton shouldnt be prosecuted, two months before her FBI interview, doesnt indicate that hed prejudged the case before the facts were in (p. 42).

Comey says he doesnt know whether anyone at the FBI or DOJ shared the questions for Clinton in advance with her attorney Cheryl Mills or attorney Heather Samuelson (p. 211).

Context: The FBI granted Mills and Samuelson immunity from prosecution and allowed them to sit in on Clintons FBI interview.

Comey said it was very unusual for the FBI to have allowed Mills and Samuelson to sit in on Clintons FBI interview because youd ideally like people not to know what others stories are so theyre not able to get their story together. Comey doesnt remember why the arrangement was permitted. He said the decision was made by the Justice Department, not the FBI, but that the FBI didnt object. Comey says he doesnt remember whether he, personally, knew of the arrangement (pp. 202-204).

Analysis: With Comey stating that Attorney General Lynch was potentially conflicted and that she should have recused herself, its unclear why her agency, the Justice Department, was allowed to call important shots on the FBIs procedures, and why Comeyas FBI Directorwasnt more read-in on an investigation involving a woman most thought would likely be the next president.

Comey doesnt know what, if anything, the FBI asked Hillary Clinton about her husbands tarmac meeting with Lynch five days earlier (p. 45).

Note: No such questions are reflected in the FBI interview summary.

Analysis: Comey and the FBI agents on the Hillary case appear oddly lacking in curiosity about a tarmac meeting that Comey says he found so problematic, it caused him to distance himself from Lynch. The FBI apparently didnt interview Hillary, Bill or Lynch about the tarmac discussions.

Comey said he doesnt remember if the FBI asked State Department employee Bryan Pagliano who instructed him to set up Clintons unusual private server. Comey says he doesnt remember who Paul Combetta is (pp. 199-201).

Note: Combetta was involved in maintaining at least one of Clintons private servers. He destroyed subpoenaed email evidence, then is said to have lied to the FBI about doing so.

Context: The FBI granted Pagliano, Combetta and other Clinton associates immunity from prosecution. Typically, immunity is granted in return for information to prosecute others, but no such information was obtained from the immunized officials in the Clinton email probe.

Comey says he doesnt remember why the FBI granted Pagliano immunity (pp. 199-201).

Comey says he doesnt know if the FBI interviewed State Department official Patrick Kennedy (p. 204).

Comey acknowledged that FBI general counsel James Baker originally believed it was appropriate to charge Hillary Clinton with violating various laws regarding the mishandling of classified information (p. 230).

Note: Baker later changed his mind.

Comey says he sees no further reason to investigate Hillary Clintons handling of classified email and claims Theres no serious person who thinks theres a prosecutable case there (p. 84).

The Russia investigation

Comey said he first got information about Americans who might be working with Russians the last week of July 2016 when an allied nation reported conversations their ambassador had in [London] England with [Trump campaign associate] George Papadopoulos. Comey says the talks were about stolen emails that the Russians had that would be harmful to Hillary Clinton.

The FBI opened an investigation into four Americans. Comey will not name them. He says at least some of the Americans were affiliated with the Trump campaign but insists the probe was not into Trump or the Trump campaign (pp. 23, 79, 136-138, 140, 142, 161).

Context: Around this time, the FBI reportedly applied to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to wiretap four Americans. The FISC judge rejected the application.

Comey says if anybody at the FBI was collecting information prior to the last week of July 2016, he was unaware or doesnt recall it now. If Comeys general counsel Baker received information prior to this time directly from the Democratic National Committee law firm Perkins Coie, Comey says he didnt know about it and Baker didnt inform him. Comey doesnt think its noteworthy that Baker would have kept this secret from him (pp. 23, 79, 136-138, 140, 142).

Comey later said that the FBI first learned of credible evidence that the Russians were trying to interfere in the election with the mid-June 2016 release of stolen emails of Democrats by Guccifer 2.0 and the website DCLeaks (p. 148).

Comey said hes not aware of any Justice Department or FBI effort to target the Trump campaign or Trump (p. 66). Comey says neither the Clinton nor the Trump campaigns were subject of an FBI counterintelligence investigation (p. 77-78). Comey said the FBI and DOJ never investigated Trump for political purposes. He says he knows of no request by the Obama administration to do so (p. 162).

Comey says he doesnt know who drafted the FBI document initiating the Russia probe (p. 24).

Note: It was Peter Strzok who drafted the document.

Comey says he doesnt think he ever read the FBI document launching the probe and doesnt remember the FBIs stated predicate for it (pp. 24, 26-27, 30).

Note: A predicate is the justification or basis. The FBI is prohibited from starting up investigation on hunches or suspicions and must follow strict procedures.

Analysis: As FBI Director, Comey is saying he didnt read the documents that opened what arguably became one of the FBIs most important investigations ever, and he doesnt know what the justification for opening it was.

When asked about the meaning of collusion, Comey says it doesnt constitute a crime and the word has no particular meaning in terms of U.S. Department of Justice vernacular (p. 27).

Comey says the Russians conspired to help Trump and hurt Hillary Clinton (pp. 85-86).

Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn

Context: President Trump and Comey dined privately in Feb. 2017. The FBI was investigating National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn about discussions Flynn had with Russias ambassador. The discussions were not deemed illegal, but Trump fired Flynn for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about them. Trump reportedly said he needed Comeys loyalty. On another occasion, Trump reportedly told Comey that Flynn is a good guy and I hope you can let it go. Comey remarked that Flynn was indeed a good guy. Comey says he took Trumps comments as an improper order to stop the FBI investigation into Flynn (pp. 81, 99, 102-103).

Comey says the presidents comments were enough to potentially launch an obstruction of justice investigation. Comey says he doesnt remember for sure whether he opened such an investigation, but he doesnt think so. Comey says Trumps order had no impact. When asked if he was obstructed, Comey said hes not sure but doesnt think so. When asked about a similar statement President Obama made in a different case, Comey says he didnt take that as obstructive (pp. 81, 99, 102-103).

Comey says he wrote up a memo about Trumps order and convened a meeting to notify senior FBI staff. He didnt alert Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Comey says thats because he knew Sessions would be recusing himself from Russia matters in a few days. Comey says he doesnt remember who told him in advance that Sessions would probably recuse himself soon (p. 192).

Comey said he decided to keep the information on the Trump directive on a close hold until future staff changes were made at the Justice Department.

Analysis: As told by Comey, he failed to follow an order from the president. Yet Comey never objected, advised, asked for clarity or discussed the matter with Trump; instead, he pretended everything was okay and agreed that Flynn was a good guy. Theres no word that Trump followed up to find out what became of his order. Comey now claims two of his former superiors, Lynch and Trump, did unethical or improper acts; yet in each case, Comey continued serving, and only revealed his concerns after Trump fired him.

Comey says he doesnt remember if he spoke to the FBI agents who interviewed Flynn. Comey says the agents concluded Flynn was lying to them, but that Flynn didnt display any of the normal physical manifestations of lying (pp. 105-106).

The Democrats Steele dossier

Comey says he never met Christopher Steele (p. 109, 114).

Note: Steele is the author of the anti-Trump opposition research dossier that the FBI presented to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court to obtain wiretaps on Trump associate Carter Page.

Comey says he doesnt know how long the FBI relied on Steele as a source and doesnt know the particulars of FBI agreements with sources (p. 109, 114).

Comey says that as FBI Director, he never knew that Steele worked for a political opposition research firm hired by a law firm paid by the Democratic National Committee. Comey believed Republicans had first funded the dossier prior to Democrats (p. 112).

Note: Republicans had begged off on the opposition research project prior to Steele being hired. Steele was hired under the Democrats.

Comey says he doesnt think Steele had any direct knowledge about collusion, coordination, or conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia (pp. 123-124).

Comey says hes not sure how Steeles dossier got to the FBI. Comey says he doesnt know what steps the FBI took to verify Steeles information before or after the FBI presented it to the FISA court. He says the FBI was still evaluating the information months after using it in court. Comey says the FBI made efforts to identify Steeles sources, but he doesnt remember if they were able to (p. 115, 118).

Comey says he reviewed and signed the Oct. 21, 2016, FBI wiretap application against Carter Page. Comey says he didnt know details, he simply signed off procedurally. He doesnt remember if the paperwork was entitled verified application. Comey remembers the FBI alleged Page was working for or with the Russian government, but Comey doesnt recall if the application mentioned probable cause (pp. 113, 121, 123).

Analysis: The issue of verification of the dossier is crucial. Intel sources say presenting a single unverified fact to the FISA court violates the FBIs strict Woods Procedures installed to prevent the FBI from obtaining wiretaps based on false or questionable information. There seems to be no recognition by Comey or anyone else of these important FBI rules or how the FBI apparently violated them. Comey appears to have taken a surprisingly hands-off approach in terms of oversight when it came to the controversial wiretapping of a political campaign associate in an election year.

When Comey signed off the wiretap, he says the FBIs corroboration of Steeles information was in its infancy or only minimally corroborated. Comey acknowledges he signed off on the wiretap as verified even though the information was unverified. He said he did so because the information came from a reliable source with a good track record (p. 126).

Note: Steele is a former British intelligence agent.

Comey says it wouldnt be important for the FBI to tell the FISA court which Democrats or Republicans funded or gathered evidence presented for a wiretap; the court only need be told that there could be political motivations (p. 145). Comey says he doesnt know if the FBI has a legal duty to present to the court any evidence indicating the target may be innocent, but he says as a matter of trust, the FBI should tell the court about strengths and flaws of the evidence (p. 132).

Comey says he didnt know and still doesnt know whether Steele was terminated as an FBI source (pp. 125-126).

Note: Steele was reported to have been terminated as a source in late 2016 after improperly leaking anti-Trump dossier information to the press. After his termination, the FBI still reportedly used him as a source, possibly improperly.

Context: Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) referred Steele to the FBI and Justice Department for criminal charges months ago but no known action has resulted.

Comey says he doesnt know whether Steele had a working relationship with Justice Department attorney Bruce Ohr. Comey says he doesnt know if its proper that Ohr would have been used as a conduit to provide information for a FISA warrant. Comey says he doesnt know who would have approved Ohr being in the chain and doesnt know of any other time when such a thing has happened (pp. 130-131).

Context: Ohrs wife, Nellie, worked for the same opposition research firm as did Steele: Fusion GPS.

Etc.

Comey says he thinks Trump fired him because of the FBIs Russia investigation (p. 159). He doesnt know if Trump firing him constitutes obstruction of justice (p. 30), and he doesnt remember if he talked to McCabe the day of his firing (p. 101).

After he was fired, Comey says he didnt speak to Trump or Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He says he didnt speak with Mueller prior to Mueller becoming Special Counsel (p. 139).

Comey says hes friends with Bill Barr, Trumps new nominee for Attorney General. Comey says Barr is fit for the job and that he thinks highly of him (pp. 92-92).

Comey says he and Mueller are not friends. I admire the heck out of the man, but I dont know his phone number, Ive never been to his house, I dont know his childrens names. I think I had a meal once alone with him in a restaurant. I like him.. Im an associate of his who admires him greatly. Were not friends in any social sense (pp. 60-62).

Note: Comey and Mueller worked together for years. Comey once served as Muellers supervisor when Comey was at the Justice Department and Mueller headed the FBI.

Analysis: Theres been much focus on whether President Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey and telling him I hope you can let this go (referring to Flynn). But by Comeys own account, he didnt follow Trumps instruction and it didnt change the Russia probe. On the other hand, Comey, the FBI and Justice Department took many questionable and unusual steps in the Hillary email investigation that benefited Hillary at a time when Comey says he was extremely concerned about Attorney General Lynchs real or perceived conflicts. Yet nobody apparently questioned whether potential obstruction of justice was an issue in that case.

Sharyl Attkisson is the New York Times bestselling author of Stonewalled, a five-time Emmy Award winner, and the host of Sinclairs national investigative television program Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson. She is a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award for investigative reporting and has reported nationally for CBS News, PBS, and CNN.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated Andrew McCabes former title. He served as FBI deputy director. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
Lil Bill Might Be Worlds Smallest Cow and Is the Size of a Cat

Scroll down to see the calf

After photos of several gigantic steers went viral, university researchers say they might have the worlds smallest cow.

Two steer, Knickers and Dozer, were taller than most people and each weighs more than a car. But Lil Bill weighs just about 9 pounds and is about the same size as a cat.

The calf was taken to the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, who said the animal is about a 10th of what other calves weigh at its age.

Occasionally, we get a case that has us scratching our heads a bit. Lil Bill is one of those cases! He was born weighing a little over one-tenth of what newborn calves typically weigh. Stay tuned for more updates on Lil Bill, the college wrote on Facebook.

Vets have yet to determine why the calf is so small, but theyre working to find out.

Rest assured that Lil Bill is still receiving incredible care and lots of love! We are working on a story that will give you all an idea of why hes so small, what were doing for him, and what his prognosis is, so keep your eyes peeled! the university stated.

Gretchen Grisset, a doctor at the university, said the calf was struggling to breathe due to underdeveloped lungs. The calfs owners really wanted us to save him, and I think they really wanted to keep him, but he was in really tough shape with a lot of respiratory issues when he came to us, Grissett said on the university website.

Calves normally weigh between 50 and 80 pounds at birth depending on the breed.

With that said, its obvious that Lil Bill, weighing just 7.9 pounds when he was first brought in, is far from the norm. Dr. Grissett and her team have ordered extensive DNA tests, believing that the calf may have some form of dwarfism, in addition to being premature, said the universitys website.

Grisset said the team is carefully monitoring the animal.

Right now, Lil Bills bones are not fully developed so we have his legs splinted to provide adequate support. Allowing too much activity on his joints could lead to long-term orthopedic issues for this little guy, she said. Many of the issues we are facing with him are, in fact, very similar to those experienced with premature babies. It often takes them months to grow and become as strong as they should have been at birth, and they commonly face development delays and other such problems if theyre fortunate enough to survive.

Grissett said the cow is getting bigger and stronger while behaving like other calves.

Other than sleeping a lot, which is normal for preemies, Lil Bill behaves much like most 5-week-old calves, she said. Once awake, he trots around looking for attention, often head-butting team members to demand more milk!

Im feeling much more confident that he will make it, but we definitely still have some hurdles to jump over for him to make a full recovery, she added. Well know much more when we have the results of the genetic testing and the other detailed lab work we completed.

The universitys website said Lil Bill was delivered on Oct. 27, and vets believe it is about one month premature.

Most of the time, calves more than three to four weeks premature, dont have a great chance of survival, she continued. Lil Bill has beat the odds by making it past his one-month mark. He certainly has the will to survive. Our goal is to make sure he has the very best opportunity to do so!

The animal has garnered tens of thousands of likes and shares on Facebook.

Some people asked the university to create a separate page for the calf.

One person wrote, Lil Bill is adorable! Hope he is a healthy little man and makes it.

Move aside micro pigs, micro cows have arrived! added another.

A Canadian man has insisted that his steer is among the largest in the world and even larger than Knickers, the steer from Australia that went viral earlier this week due to its large size.

Karl Schoenrock, who runs Kismet Creek Farm, a sanctuary for animals near Winnipeg, Manitoba, said Dozer is about an inch taller than Knickers.

RAISING THE STEAKS: Knickers, an Australian steer who stands at 64", gained internet fame this week. But Dozer, a Canadian Holstein Friesian, clocks in at 6'5" https://t.co/Tev9oeCs2x pic.twitter.com/YEb0M8xUXt  ABC News (@ABC) December 2, 2018

Knickers was measured at 6 feet, 4 inches tall and Dozer reportedly is measured at 6 feet, 5 inches tall. Both are Holstein cows, according to the Daily Mail. Schoenrock recently measured the animal and found Dozer was 6 feet, 5 inches tall. In comparison, former Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan is 6 feet, 6 inches tall, and current Houston Rockets star James Harden is 6 feet, 5 inches tall.

On average, Holsteins weigh about 1,500 pounds and are 4 feet 10 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Holsteins breed is known for being quite tall, according to an industry website about the animals. Holsteins are most quickly recognized by their distinctive color markings and outstanding milk production. Holsteins are large cattle with color patterns of black and white or red and white, it says.

Knickerss Massive Appetite

Every day, Knickers eats 70 pounds of natural green pasture and cereal grain, his owner, Geoff Pearson, said.

He was always a standout who stood above the rest. We kept him on because we thought he had potential to be a big steer but never imagined hed grow to be this huge, Pearson told the Daily Mail. Its quite daunting being up close to him, hes far bigger than any other steer Ive had. But hes very placid, not aggressive, just inquisitive.
Mentor of West Australian MP Linked to Chinese Communist Party

The businessman who mentored Labor Member of Parliament in Western Australia Pierre Yang (Shuai Yang), has close ties to a key agency of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that seeks to establish Beijings influence in the West, The Australian newspaper reported.

Perth businessman Dr Edward Zhang (Ye Zhang) owns the Australian Chinese Times newspaper, and is understood to be one of the most senior figures in Perths Chinese community with extensive links to the CCPs United Front Work Department (UFWD), according to the article.

The UFWD is an arm of the CCP that Chinese embassies run around the world to create a united front for the CCPs propaganda warfare, which aims to subvert and influence elements in foreign societies to work on behalf of the Chinese regimes interests. One of its main tactics is to build influence through appointing ethnic overseas Chinese.

The Australian reported that some members of the Labor Party in WA are worried about Yangs rising influence. Since being elected to parliament Yang, 35, has recruited a record 500 new members to the WA division of the Labor Partys total membership of about 7,000, with almost all of the recruited members being from his local ethnic Chinese community.

Like An Uncle

Yang currently serves as the Western Australian governments upper-house whip. He was elected to parliament in 2017 with support from United Voice, a left-wing union party.

Yang said he spent 10 years as a lawyer and more than another decade serving in the Australian Army reserve.

In his inaugural speech to the West Australian Parliament in May 2017, Yang said he met with Zhang after he arrived in Perth as a 15-year-old from China, and described Zhang as like an uncle.

He advised me, encouraged me, and supported me on my journey to become a parliamentarian, said Yang. Dr Zhang is like an uncle to me, and I am privileged to have known Dr Zhang.

Zhang is the president of two UFWD-linked groups: the Northeast China Federation Inc. (NECFI) and the Association of Great China (AOGC).

The main goal of NECFI is to promote the Belt and Road Initiative in Australia. The AOCG, formerly known as Association of Australian Chinese Mainlanders and Friends Inc., has supported Beijing in its stance on the South China Sea.

Yang is a member of both groups, and confirmed he acted as a voluntary legal adviser to both NECFI and AOCG for several months after starting his parliamentary term. He said he did not directly work for them, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Yang also said he had only done legal work for individual members of the groups, not the groups themselves.

People would call up and they say theyve got a family law issue, Ill probably spend 10 or 15 minutes on the phone because of my family law background, he told the ABC.

The Australian revealed that Yang failed to disclose his membership of the two groups to the parliamentary register on Dec. 3. He resigned from both groups on Dec. 4. and said he had overlooked his membership of the two organisations but admitted he should have declared them to parliament, The Australian reported.

Pierre Yang's business link with Edward Zhang goes back a long way. Yang used to be the legal adviser for The Association of Great China Inc.  founded by Zhang. https://t.co/ts4XT7CxMC  C.A. Yeung (@WLYeung) November 16, 2018

Zhang is the honorary chairman of the WA branch of the Australian Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China (ACPPRC), a prominent front group for the UFWD.

Chinese-language media reports show Zhang had praised the CCP for leading the people to create a happy and prosperous life and hastening the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation at the 2011 inauguration of the WA ACPPRC, according to The Australian.

The ACPPRC website listed Yang as an an executive member, a claim he has denied and he has since instructed his lawyers to remove his name (pdf) from the ACPPRC website.

The Australian also reported that Yang is close to Ben Pan (Bangyu Pan), who chairs the WA ACPPRC.

Top photo: to the right of Ben Pan was Edward Ye Zhang . Pan & Zhang, ACPPRC members, attended a party to celebrate the election of Pierre Shuai Yang , another ACPPRC member, to the WA State Parliament. https://t.co/dQSeUY6DvO https://t.co/QoX9tM8vwZ  C.A. Yeung (@WLYeung) November 16, 2018
Paryn Peterson, 14, was found safe this weekend. (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children)

Missing 14-Year-Old Utah Girl Found Safe, Reports Say

Police said a missing 14-year-old girl from Utah was found safe, according to reports on Dec. 9.

Paryn Peterson, 14, of Draper came back home after she left a note to her family saying that she would be gone for a year and wont be back. The note explained that she left with someone the family didnt know, Fox13 reported.

She also told police she lied to a man about her age, saying she was 18.

When he learned her age, he brought her back to her family.

Crane said that when the girl spoke to the police, she said the man didnt harm her.

She had been reported missing on Thursday, Dec. 6.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children previously stated that she might be in need of medical attention, according to a prior report.

Other details about the case are not clear.

Missing Kids

In recent days, there have been several high-profile cases involving missing children.

Earlier this week, 13-year-old Hania Aguilars body was found about one month after she had reportedly been abducted outside of her family home in Lumberton.

This is heart-wrenching; we are absolutely devastated, Lumberton Police Chief Michael McNeill told WMBF News of the discovery.

This is the outcome that we all feared, he also said. We did not want to hear this. We wanted to bring Hania back home and bring her back home alive to our community. It hurts.

A suspect, Michael McLellan, was arrested in her disappearance over the weekend, officials told WLOS.

McLellan was charged with ten felonies, including first-degree murder, first-degree forcible rape, and abduction of child, said the report. Hes due in court in the Robeson County Courthouse at 9 a.m. on Dec. 10.

Michael Teague, a forensic psychologist, said the circumstances surrounding the abduction suggest the McLellan and Hania may have known each other.

This just didnt happen out of nowhere. I mean, this person didnt just drop out of Mars, he told WRAL. They would be walking around the area. I mean, you almost have to be from there, working from there.

Autopsy results are pending following the girls death.

There were about 464,324 missing children reported in the FBIs National Crime Information Center last year, says the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. When a child is reported missing to law enforcement, they must be entered into the database as per federal law. Unfortunately, since many children are never reported missing, there is no reliable way to determine the total number of children who are actually missing in the U.S., said the group.

Of the nearly 25,000 runaways reported to NCMEC in 2017, one in seven were likely victims of child sex trafficking. Of those, 88 percent were in the care of social services when they went missing, the group says on its website. Another five percent are family abductions, less than 1 percent are non-family abductions, and 1 percent are lost, injured, or otherwise missing children.

Meanwhile, the organization has received more than 10 million reports via its online tipline and the majority are about of images that show alleged sexual abuse of children, online sextortion attempts, child sex trafficking, and sexual molestation.
Escambia County Sheriffs Office identified the body as belonging to Eva McBride, 74, who went missing Nov. 24, reported AL.com. (Evon McBride / Facebook)

Missing 74-Year-Old Alabama Woman Found Dead; Homicide Investigation Opened

A body found in a Florida river is that of an Alabama woman who went missing last month, according to law enforcement.

Escambia County Sheriffs Office identified the body as belonging to Eva McBride, 74, who went missing Nov. 24, reported AL.com.

McBride, from Pollard, Escambia County, was found next to the Escambia River in Jay, Florida, NBC15 reported.

On 12/9/18 at approximately 11:00 am, the Santa Rosa County Sheriffs Office Dispatch Center received a call in reference to an individual who was found deceased along the bank of Escambia River in Jay, said a press release from officials, according to AL.com. The location was approximately 1 mile south of Terrell Landing Boat Ramp.

Officials said, Detectives are actively working this death investigation. The deceased was an adult female.

A daughter of the woman, Cindy Brittingham, said she became alarmed when her mother didnt show up for church for cleaning services on Nov. 24, WKRG reported.

I call this disappeared, Brittingham said last month. Absolutely just gone. No trace is here, every single thing, purse, everything, just disappeared.

UPDATE 7:19pm on December 14, 2018. Friends and family, I keep trying to write this post. I didn't know how hard it  Evon McBride  20181124

Officials with the Escambia County Sheriffs Office previously said that no foul play has occurred in her disappearance. However, they are assuming the worst in the case and opened a homicide case, the report said.

Police and search crews went through her home and searched a nearby wooded area. McBride reportedly also suffers from a medical condition that may impair her judgment.

Another daughter of the woman, Evon McBride, said she thinks her mother was abducted.

I dont feel like shes in the woods over here, the daughter told WKRG. The only thing that makes sense is that someone was involved.

I dont know if someone came by, if they took her, it was someone she knew, if it was someone she didnt know. It seems odd it would be someone she did not know, the woman said.

Anyone with tips in the case is being urged to call the Escambia County Sheriffs Office at 251-809-0741.

Missing People

There were about 464,324 missing children reported in the FBIs National Crime Information Center last year, says the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. When a child is reported missing to law enforcement, they must be entered into the database as per federal law. Unfortunately, since many children are never reported missing, there is no reliable way to determine the total number of children who are actually missing in the U.S., said the group.

Of the nearly 25,000 runaways reported to NCMEC in 2017, one in seven were likely victims of child sex trafficking. Of those, 88 percent were in the care of social services when they went missing, the group says on its website. Another five percent are family abductions, less than 1 percent are non-family abductions, and 1 percent are lost, injured, or otherwise missing children.

Meanwhile, the organization has received more than 10 million reports via its online tipline and the majority are about of images that show alleged sexual abuse of children, online sextortion attempts, child sex trafficking, and sexual molestation.
PM Ardern Apologizes to Family of British Tourist Killed in New Zealand

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern fought back tears as she apologized on Dec. 10 to the family of a 22-year-old British woman who was killed while she was on a backpacking tour, two days after a man was charged with the Britons murder.

The killing has shocked residents of New Zealand, where serious crimes are relatively rare and camping in remote mountains and farmlands is widely regarded as safe for tourists and New Zealanders alike.

Grace Millane, who was traveling the world after finishing university, went missing in Auckland, New Zealands largest city, on Dec. 1.

Police found Millanes body on Dec. 9 in a bush area just a few meters from a scenic drive in Aucklands Waitakere Ranges. The body had not yet been formally identified but police said they believed it to be that of Millane.

On behalf of New Zealand, I want to apologize to Graces family, Ardern told a weekly news conference in parliament.

There was an overwhelming sense of hurt and shame among New Zealanders that this happened in their country, she said.

Your daughter should have been safe here and she wasnt, and I am sorry for that, Ardern said.

A 26-year-old man appeared in an Auckland court on Dec. 10 charged with murdering Millane. He was questioned by police after being seen with Millane at several places.

The man requested that his name be suppressed in media coverage but this was declined by judge Evangelos Thomas, according to Radio New Zealand (RNZ).

However, his lawyer Ian Brookie appealed against the judges decision and the man cannot be identified until a decision on that appeal is made, RNZ reported.

The man was remanded in custody until he appears in court in January.

Thomas also addressed members of Millanes family, who traveled from Britain to New Zealand and attended the court hearing on Dec. 10.

I dont know what to say to you at this time but your grief must be desperate, Thomas said, according to RNZ. We all hope justice will be fair and swift and ultimately brings you some peace.

Tributes poured in for the young backpacker from Essex, with flowers placed on Dec. 10 near the spot where her body was found. Nationwide candlelight vigils are being planned.

The case has also sparked a debate on Twitter about whether New Zealand was still safe for female backpackers and whether the killing would discourage women from traveling alone.

By Praveen Menon
A home reported to be owned by Huawei Technologies CFO Meng Wanzhou is seen in Vancouver, Canada, on December 10, 2018. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Police Investigate Break-In at Huawei Executive Meng Wanzhous Vancouver Home

VANCOUVERA Vancouver home that a court heard is owned by a recently arrested Huawei executive and her husband was broken into early morning on Dec. 9.

Vancouver police say the break-in was reported just before 5:30 a.m. at the home on West 28th Avenue and the suspects fled the area after being challenged by someone in the house.

A defence lawyer for Meng Wanzhou told a bail hearing on Dec. 7 that the Huawei chief financial officer and her husband purchased that home in 2009.

Land title documents show the registered owner is Xiaozong Liu and B.C. Assessment says the property is valued at $5.6 million.

Police say no one was injured and no arrests have been made.

A bail hearing for Meng is scheduled to continue on Dec. 10 in Vancouver as the United States seeks to have her extradited on fraud allegations.

Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and has been the target of deepening U.S. security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government.

Reached by phone, Liu declined to comment, saying he was too busy.'
Bravest Faizal Coto, 33, was killed in an apparent road rage attack in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Dec. 9, 2018. (FDNY)

Police Search for Gang Members Car After Firefighter Killed in Road Rage Attack

Police officers in New York City are hunting for a vehicle registered to a known gang member after the vehicle was one of two involved in an apparent road rage attack.

Early on Dec. 9, off-duty firefighter Bravest Faizal Coto, 33, who had been a firefighter for three years, was driving on Belt Parkway in Bath Beach when he encountered another vehicle.

Officials arent sure if the two vehicles made contact with each other or if one of the drivers cut the other off at some point, but soon enough Coto and the other driver had pulled over and engaged in a confrontation.

The argument turned physical and the other driver used an unknown object to hit Coto in the head. He also suffered puncture wounds that werent consistent with a car crash.

A witness called 911 and said they watched the exchange, which ended with Coto lying on the ground.

Police officers and medics rushed to the scene and Coto was taken to Coney Island Hospital but was pronounced dead.

Its a tragedy, said Fire Department of New York spokesman Jim Long, reported the New York Post. He was a young man who decided to dedicate himself and his life to serve others. Now hes gone.

Coto did not have any children but was engaged to be married, according to his Facebook page.

Gang Member

Police officers are now searching for the other vehicle and driver involved in the incident.

The vehicle is described as a 2006 silver four-door Infiniti sedan and has a New York license plate with JEA 2402 on it, reported CBS New York.

The sedan is registered to a known gang member. Neither the person nor the gang has been publicly identified.

The car was damaged on its front drivers side.

Cotos vehicle also had damage on one side. Police officers werent sure if either or both vehicles had suffered damage prior to Sunday.

The case is being investigated as a homicide.



Keep your ears peeled.    Faizal Coto     

Tributes

Tributes to Coto poured in on his Facebook page, which identified him as a lifelong Brooklyn resident who graduated from Midwood High School and studied at Hunter College.

This one is hard to swallow. Why??? Not a hint of malice, always smiling and spitting his love for others. He was proper, decent, and lovely, friend with all and a dream maker, said Louis Rigaud Bois.

I always enjoyed talking to him during my shifts back in residency. He was a Great guy, kind to everybody, genuinely nice person, talented, traveled the world, and tried to enjoy life. Always trying to better himself. My condolences to his family, added Sammy Selahi.

So young and handsome. A good man. My heart breaks for you and your family. RIP, said Catherine Leonardo DeVinci.

I miss you already my brother, this seems like a bad dream. It was too soon for you. You will always be among the best men I have known. Until we meet again my friend, added Michael Anthony.

From NTD News
Second Day of Bail Hearing of Arrested Huawei CFO Meng Concludes, Will Go to Third Day

VANCOUVER, CanadaThe bail hearing for Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei who was arrested in Canada earlier this month, will continue for a third day after a judge in a Vancouver court made no decision on her bail on Dec. 10.

During the first hearing session on Dec. 7, lawyers representing the attorney general of Canada argued that Meng is a flight risk and should be denied bail because she doesnt have ties to Vancouver. On Dec. 10, Mengs lawyer, David Martin, focused on establishing what possible conditions could justify granting her bail request.

Martin told the court that Mengs husband, Liu Xiaozong, has volunteered to be her community surety. A surety is someone who supervises an accused person while they are out on bail and also pledges bail money. Liu says he would remain in Canada with Meng, as well as pledge both his Vancouver homes and cash deposits, with a combined value of C$15 million ($11.2 million).

Justice William Ehrcke said that if Liu is the surety, his primary role would be to ensure that Meng respects the conditions of her bail, adding that the amount pledged is a secondary consideration. The judge said he still has questions about whether a non-resident of British Columbia (BC)the Western Canadian province where Vancouver is locatedcan be a surety for bail. This issue caused the bail hearing to go to a third day.

Lawyers for attorney general of Canada argued that there is an issue with Liu being Mengs surety, since as he has a lack of connection to Canada.

Meng is alleged to have lied to U.S. banks about Huaweis connection to Hong Kong-based Skycom, which reportedly attempted to sell equipment to Iran. This caused the banks to indirectly breach sanctions when they cleared transactions for Huawei, American prosecutors say.

She was arrested in Vancouver on Dec. 1, and could be extradited to the United States. She faces charges of conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions, with each charge carrying a maximum prison sentence of 30 years. Meng denies the charges.

During the Dec. 10 hearings, the judge clarified to the court that, at this point in time, there hasnt yet been a formal extradition request for Meng from the U.S. government. U.S. authorities have 60 days from the time of the Dec. 1 provisional arrest to make the request, he added.

In his experience and based on past cases, the judge said that an extradition hearing could take months or even years. This would mean that as Mengs surety, Liu, who is in Canada on a visitor visa, would need to reside in Canada for that length of time. Mengs lawyer says there are a number of options for Liu. For example, he could return to Hong Kong and fly back to Canada on a different visa, or he could apply for a guardian visa for his daughter, who studies in Canada.

Mengs Monitoring Proposal

Mengs lawyer also brought in security firms to propose measures on how Meng would be monitored if released on bail. An expert from one of the firms proposed 24/7 surveillance of Meng, with provisions involving two security officers, one security driver and vehicle, and two security devices.

The proposal would allow Meng to travel within a permitted zone, which would include all of Richmond, a municipality south of Vancouver. Meng would be willing to pay for the costs of monitoring, her lawyer said.

The lawyer for the attorney general of Canada said he would prefer Meng be put under house arrest, except for cases of medical emergency, rather than being permitted a travel zone.

Huaweis Ties to Beijing

Huawei was founded by Mengs father, Ren Zhengfei, who is a former member of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

Intelligence officials in different countries have raised concerns about the use of Huaweis equipment in telecommunications infrastructure, citing the threat of the companys gear possibly being used for spying for Beijing.

Chinas Foreign Ministry has issued a warning to Canada over Mengs arrest, summoning the Canadian ambassador in Beijing to lodge a strong protest and demand for the release of Meng, warning of serious consequences otherwise.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that he was made aware of the arrest a few days before it happened, and that the decision for the arrest was made without any political involvement or interference.

HuaweiSkycom Relationship

Huawei operated Skycom as an unofficial subsidiary to do business in Iran, U.S. prosecutors say, and Meng is accused of repeatedly misrepresenting the nature of Huaweis relationship with Skycom to banks in the United States.

The court heard that Huawei used Skycom to do business with Iran from 2010 to 2014. Prosecutors say the principal role of Skycom was to act as an investment holding and a contractor for contracts with Iran.

In 2013, Reuters reported that Skycom had tried to sell U.S.-made computer equipment to telecom companies in Iran. The report alleged Skycom had close ties with Huawei.

At the time, several banks asked Huawei if the allegations were true, and Huawei employees and executives allegedly made public and private statements denying the connection. Meng herself allegedly made a presentation to one of the banks in 2013, stating that business with Skycom was part of its normal business cooperation and that Huawei was no longer a shareholder of Skycom as of 2009, according to court documents.

However, Huawei and Skycom were effectively still the same company, said the attorney for Canadas justice department. According to court documents, an unrelated entity that Skycom was sold to in 2009 was also allegedly controlled by Huawei until about 2014.
Voter Becky Visconti completes her mail-in ballot at a Ballot Party at a private residence in Laguna Niguel, in Orange County, Calif. on Oct. 24, 2018. (Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

Some California Voter Records Possibly Switched From Poll to Mail Ballots, Says Nonprofit

Some Californians who were listed as poll voters in county data were classified as voting by mail in state records for the June primary election. This could be a major concern for the states election process, nonprofit Election Integrity Project California (EIPCa) has stated.

The non-partisan volunteer group found that more than 97,000 voters in Los Angeles County alone who were classified as going to the polls in person were listed as voting by mail in state records.

The group believes a similar issue may have affected the November midterm elections.

I dont know if its a software glitch or something else, Ellen Swensen, co-founder and chief analyst of EIPCa, told The Epoch Times.

This may be related to provisional voting, but they should match. The bottom line is that illogical data differences like this prevent EIPCa from independently validating the results of our elections, and that should concern everybody.

The group purchased the individual state voter records from Californias VoteCal database and compared those numbers with the official primary election results for four counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura. The group was also able to obtain individual county voter records from solely Los Angeles County.

The differences between the individual voter records and official election results were remarkable, Swensen said.

In Los Angeles County, the official June 29 results reported that 825,427 people voted at the polls, while the individual VoteCal records on Oct. 17 added up to only 669,448 peoplea difference of 155,979. Meanwhile, official results showed 665,075 people mailed in their ballots, while the VoteCal tally showed 798,753 mail-in ballotsan increase of 133,678.

We were very shocked to see this data difference, said Swensen. My first question to my programmer was, Are you sure you didnt read it wrong? 

EIPCa plans to compare the same kind of voter data for the November general election, likely for every county in California, and will release the results soon.

On Nov. 20, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office announced charges against nine individuals for allegedly paying homeless people to sign voter registration forms and ballot petitions. The defendants were accused of engaging in the solicitation of hundreds of false and/or forged signatures, stated a press release.

EIPCa has also received an unprecedented number of witness statements, signed under penalty of perjury, describing a variety of problems observed during the states election process in 2018.

For example, Swensen said there was a huge surge in people with permanent vote-by-mail status who ended up going to the polls after they never received a ballot. Since they had no ballot to surrender, they had to use provisional ballots.

WHERE IS MY MAIL BALLOT LA COUNTY?  Ursula Lawrence (@UrsulaLawrence) November 2, 2016

Additionally, when many long-time poll voters went to vote, they found they had been changed to vote by mail without their consent, said Swensen. However, many of them also did not receive a ballot in the mail.

What happened to all those mail ballots? Where are they? she said.

Swensen said at least hundreds of voters reported not receiving vote by mail ballots, which forced them to vote provisionally.

So this surge in provisional voting caused long lines and chaos, and then a lot of people were worried that people didnt vote because they just didnt want to stand in the line. It was a disaster, a fiasco.

Swensen strongly urged everyone to double check their own voter status and voting history on the California Secretary of State website and with their county elections office.

If any problems are found, Californians can report them to the EIPCa, and the group will record them in their database.

The EIPCa was founded in 2010 to help defend the integrity of the voting process that protects our freedoms and way of life, the groups website states.

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Xinyang Xu, a 17 year old girl whose father died as a result of the torture he endured in China because of his belief in Falun Gong, poses after speaking at the Deteriorating Human Rights and Tuidang Movement in China forum, at Congress in Washington on Dec. 4, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Stories of Persecution Told on Capitol Hill Before Human Rights Day

WASHINGTONThese are the stories of three Falun Gong practitioners who managed to survive a brutal persecution and escape China:

I saw my father for the first time when I was 7, as he was sentenced to 8 years before I was born for producing Falun Gong materials.

I lost my mother, father, and sister during the persecution of Falun Gong. I am the only surviving person in our entire family.

I was detained more than 20 times and tortured very severely during the past 19 years.

The three told their stories at a forum on Dec. 4 on Capitol Hill to highlight the deteriorating human rights situation in China, just before Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, which marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Lifelong Regret

Seventeen-year-old Xu Xinyang grew up during the persecution of the spiritual discipline Falun Gong, which began in 1999, before she was born. In my memory, most of my childhood was spent in fear and horror, she said.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual discipline based on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. In July 1999, then-Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin ordered a campaign to eradicate Falun Gong. Jiang feared how popular the practice had become and the appeal of its traditional moral teachings to the Chinese people.

In February 2001, both her parents were arrested for printing materials to expose the persecution of Falun Gong.

At that time, her mother was pregnant with Xu and was exempted from prison. But her mother was arrested again when she was four months into her pregnancy and nearly tortured to death. Meanwhile, her father was given an eight-year sentence.

My dad was transferred within four prisons for continued persecution because he did not give up his beliefs. In my memory, I saw my dad for the first time in prison when I was 7 years old, Xu told the audience at the forum.

He wanted to hold me, but I was scared and hid behind my mom. I refused to let him hold me because I never had a chance to know him. This became my lifelong regret.

Xu couldnt go on at this point, and audience members started weeping.

Her father died only 13 days after he was released to return home following his eight-year sentence. At that time, Xu was only 8 and still dared not approach her father, as he was still a stranger to her.

Within 100 days, Xus uncle, grandfather, and grandmother all passed away, either directly because of the persecution, or because they couldnt bear the pain of losing family members.

Eight-year-old Xu lost not only four family members, but also her right to attend school.

I was forced to transfer to three different schools when I was in the third grade of elementary school, she said.

She found some peace and happiness in her fourth school, as the principal and most teachers at this school were Falun Gong practitioners. Her teacher even promised to give her a gift on her birthday.

But she didnt get her gift, as all the teachers were arrested on her birthday.

She managed to escape with some classmates.

However, many students werent so lucky and were taken away by the police.

One boy was interrogated for a long time and wasnt allowed to sleep for four nights in a row. The police tried to extort information from him regarding who the teachers had contacted, and so on.

The boy was so terrified that he collapsed and died soon after he was released back home.

After that, Xu also was wanted by the police. She had no school to go to and had to wander around in the country with her mother.

The two eventually escaped to Thailand when Xu was 12. After being granted refugee status by the U.N., they were able to come to the United States last year.

The Only Survivor

Yang Chunhua from Liaoning Province in China once had a happy family of four: her parents, her sister, and herself. Everyone except her father practiced Falun Gong.

In January 2001, her mother, Dong Baoxin, was detained in Liaoning Reeducation Center. Dong suffered many kinds of torture there, and died in October 2004.

Her sister, Yang Chunling, was arrested for the first time in April 2002 and again in 2005. After suffering severe torture in the notorious Masanjia Forced Labor Camp for two years and five months and then in Liaoning Province Womens Prison for seven years, she died in 2014.

Because of these blows, Yangs father also passed away, leaving Yang alone.

Over 20 Arrests in 19 Years

Liu Xitong, a well-known calligraphy artist in China, was detained and persecuted more than 20 times, including three years in labor camps and four years in prison.

While he was in prison, criminals were encouraged to torture him.

They took off my clothes, peeled off my back skin with a peeler, sprayed salty water onto my back, Liu said. The pain was so unbearable that I would rather die. They also brushed hot pepper solution onto my penis, poked my fingers and toes with needles, burned my skin with cigarettes, burned my body with flame, and put mint oil on my eyes. The prisoners forced me to swallow poison liquid; I then passed out.

Lius wife was disabled after being tortured in prison for one year. His two daughters were arbitrarily arrested four times, and his mother died while he was in prison.

Liu only managed to come to the United States in June this year.

Senators: What Is the US Government Doing?

At a Senate hearing on The China Challenge on Dec. 4, Senators Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) all sharply questioned two witnesses from the Department of State about what the U.S. government has been doing to tackle the deteriorating human rights situation in China, and whether human rights had been mentioned when President Donald Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires, Argentina, earlier this month.
The World Order of George H.W. Bush (19242018)

Commentary

A generation later, George H.W. Bushs many presidential speeches about the new world order are especially striking for a naive-sounding but rigidly ideological outlook with origins on the Utopian and Marxist left.

He saw what he wanted to see, and tried to use his awesome powers to force his vision thing into being. He didnt succeed. No one does. What such seers do, however, is enable the tricksters, frauds, and villains of the world to advance. We might start with former President Bill Clinton.

What accounts for Bushs posthumous popularity in the news media that shook off his presidency like a Reagan hangover? Republican or not, George H.W. Bush, like George W. Bush, is now, in the Trump era, recognized as one of themthe internationalists, the globalists, the believers in a new world order, or liberal world order, or post-World War II order, all threatened to their communist foundations (literally, at the United Nations and International Monetary Fund, which were fostered into existence by Soviet agents Alger Hiss and Harry Dexter White) by the advent of President Donald Trumps America First victory.

Whereas the wider left once had the luxury of railing against Bush on certain social issues, today they lock shields around him as an essential ally against We, the Deplorables, who were stirred for the first time to victorious action in 2016 by Trump and would like nothing better than to restore our democratic republic.

Not New World Order Bush. Indeed, as well see, George H.W. Bush not only renounced George Washingtons famous warning against entangling alliances, he believed these alliances to be essential.

Essential to what? After a centurys attrition, we may see that all too many of these entangling alliances, from detrimental trade agreements to treaties at odds with our Constitution, to costly wars and military occupations, have undermined the strength and protections of our nation, including our sovereignty and Constitution.

This isnt to suggest that all trade, treaties, and interventions pose existential peril; however, there is such peril in entanglements that are designed or exploited to strengthen globalism and diminish the nation-state.

Here are some excerpts from the speeches of the 41st president.

Sept. 11, 1990: Address Before a Joint Session of Congress

We stand today at a unique and extraordinary moment. The crisis in the Persian Gulf, as grave as it is, also offers a rare opportunity to move toward an historic period of cooperation.

As I learned in writing American Betrayal, beware leaders who see opportunity in war.

Out of these troubled times, our fifth objectivea new world ordercan emerge: a new erafreer from the threat of terror, stronger in the pursuit of justice, and more secure in the quest for peace. An era in which the nations of the world, East and West, North and South, can prosper and live in harmony.

Did he really believe this?

A hundred generations have searched for this elusive path to peace, while a thousand wars raged across the span of human endeavor. Today, that new world is struggling to be born, a world quite different from the one weve known. A world where the rule of law supplants the rule of the jungle. A world in which nations recognize the shared responsibility for freedom and justice. A world where the strong respect the rights of the weak. This is the vision that I shared with President [Mikhail] Gorbachev in Helsinki. He and other leaders from Europe, the Gulf, and around the world understand that how we manage this crisis today could shape the future for generations to come.

How Gorbachev must have laughed.

In the final analysis, our ability to meet our responsibilities abroad depends upon political will and consensus at home. This is never easy in democracies, for we govern only with the consent of the governed.

Darn that will of the people stuff  Bush will return to these unfortunate (to him) constraints again.

And although free people in a free society are bound to have their differences, Americans traditionally come together in times of adversity and challenge. Once again, Americans have stepped forward to share a tearful goodbye with their families before leaving for a strange and distant shore. At this very moment, they serve together with Arabs, Europeans, Asians, and Africans in defense of principle and the dream of a new world order.

Utopians should never command armies, because men should never be asked to die for a dream of anything, and especially not a new world order in which their own nation, the one whose uniform they put on, is fated to disappear.

Oct. 1, 1990: Address to the United Nations

Much has changed over the last two years. The Soviet Union has taken many dramatic and important steps to participate fully in the community of nations.

Such as disband its espionage armies waging wars of destabilization? Nope.

And when the Soviet Union agreed with so many of us here in the United Nations to condemn the aggression of Iraq, there could be no doubtno doubt thenthat we had, indeed, put four decades of history behind us.

A meaningless criterion.

We are hopeful that the machinery of the United Nations will no longer be frozen by the divisions that plagued us during the Cold War, that at lastlong lastwe can build new bridges and tear down old walls, that at long last we will be able to build a new world based on an event for which we have all hoped: an end to the Cold War.

Glory be the U.N. This, too, is another theme in Bushs rhetoric.

The United Nations can help bring about a new day, a day when these kinds of terrible weapons and the terrible despots who would use them are both a thing of the past. It is in our hands to leave these dark machines behind, in the Dark Ages where they belong, and to press forward to cap a historic movement towards a new world order and a long era of peace.

Jan. 16, 1991: Address to the Nation on the Invasion of Iraq

This is an historic moment. We have in this past year made great progress in ending the long era of conflict and Cold War. We have before us the opportunity to forge for ourselves and for future generations a new world ordera world where the rule of law, not the law of the jungle, governs the conduct of nations. When we are successfuland we will bewe have a real chance at this new world order, an order in which a credible United Nations can use its peacekeeping role to fulfill the promise and vision of the U.N.s founders.

Note: At the U.N.s charter conference in 1945, the secretary-general was Soviet agent Alger Hiss, who, while wearing his disguise as a U.S. State Department official, was instrumental in the creation of this first world body.

March 6, 1991: Address Before Joint Session of Congress on the End of Gulf War

Now, we can see a new world coming into view. A world in which there is the very real prospect of a new world order. In the words of Winston Churchill, a world order in which the principles of justice and fair play protect the weak against the strong.  A world where the United Nations, freed from Cold War stalemate, is poised to fulfill the historic vision of its founders. A world in which freedom and respect for human rights find a home among all nations. The Gulf War put this new world to its first test. And my fellow Americans, we passed that test.

Tonight, as our troops begin to come home, let us recognize that the hard work of freedom still calls us forward. Weve learned the hard lessons of history. The victory over Iraq was not waged as a war to end all wars. Even the new world order cannot guarantee an era of perpetual peace. But enduring peace must be our mission.

Perpetual war for perpetual peace.

Jan. 5, 1993: Address at West Point

Our objective must be to exploit the unparalleled opportunity presented by the Cold Wars end to work toward transforming this new world into a new world order, one of governments that are democratic, tolerant, and economically free at home and committed abroad to settling inevitable differences peacefully, without the threat or use of force.

Unfortunately, not everyone subscribes to these principles. We continue to see leaders bent on denying fundamental human rights and seizing territory regardless of the human cost. No, an international society, one more attuned to the enduring principles that have made this country a beacon of hope for so many for so long, will not just emerge on its own. Its got to be built.

Two hundred years ago, another departing president warned of the dangers of what he described as entangling alliances. His was the right course for a new nation at that point in history. But what was entangling in Washingtons day is now essential. This is why, at Texas A&M a few weeks ago, I spoke of the folly of isolationism and of the importance, morally, economically, and strategically, of the United States remaining involved in world affairs. We must engage ourselves if a new world order, one more compatible with our values and congenial to our interest, is to emerge. But even more, we must lead. 

No, the United States should not seek to be the worlds policeman.

Wait, you said 

There is no support abroad or at home for us to play this role, nor should there be. We would exhaust ourselves in the process, wasting precious resources needed to address those problems at home and abroad that we cannot afford to ignore.

But in the wake of the Cold War, in a world where we are the only remaining superpower, it is the role of the United States to marshal its moral and material resources to promote a democratic peace. It is our responsibility, it is our opportunity to lead. There is no one else.

Leadership cannot be simply asserted or demanded. It must be demonstrated. Leadership requires formulating worthy goals, persuading others of their virtue, and contributing ones share of the common effort and then some. Leadership takes time. It takes patience. It takes work.

It is exactly such leadership that would lead the United States into the bloody, costly defeats in Iraq and Afghanistan under the 41st presidents successors, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Trump ran directly against such leadership and won, but has yet to halt the pointless loss of U.S. life in Afghanistan by bringing our remaining forces home.

Some of this work must take place here at home. Congress does have a constitutional role to play. Leadership therefore also involves working with the Congress and the American people to provide the essential domestic underpinning if U.S. military commitments are to be sustainable.

Its nice to see the executive branch acknowledge its co-equal; however, the way Bush phrased it, Congress doesnt sound so co-equal. It is one of those unspoken truths: The will of the peopleWe, the Peopleisnt a feature of any world order, new or otherwise.

Something to think about as the nation lays its 41st president to rest.

Diana West is an award-winning journalist and the author of two books: American Betrayal: The Secret Assault on Our Nations Character and The Death of the Grown-Up: How Americas Arrested Development Is Bringing Down Western Civilization.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
President Donald Trump and members of his delegation hold a dinner meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Chinese government representatives, at the end of the G-20 Leaders' Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 1, 2018. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

To Be Fair, a Trade Deal With China Must Be Tough

Commentary

The key question following the recent meeting in Argentina between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is not just whether there will be a deal to lift tariffs and de-escalate the U.S.China trade war but, also, what the terms will be.

Chinese officials have long engaged in a propaganda campaign to portray themselves as the aggrieved party and Trump as the unfair, protectionist aggressor who is inappropriately intruding on Chinas domestic policy prerogatives. But while it is to be expected that the Chinese would attempt to spin their egregious innovation mercantilism this way, its disappointing that many commentators and opinion leaders in the West seem to have fallen for the ruse.

Case in point is a recent Washington Post op-ed by Lawrence Summers, former Treasury secretary in the Clinton administration, in which he suggested giving up on pressing China for systemic reforms and focusing instead on feasible objectives to address U.S. grievances.

Summers was a key supporter of Chinas entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), so he should be offended rather than indulgent in the face of its innovation mercantilism. Indulgent engagement has been an unfortunate pattern in U.S.China relations that Stewart Patterson documents in his excellent new book, China, Trade and Power.

Yet, Summers argues that it is also easy to sympathize with Chinese leaders who insist that Chinas political system is for it to choose, and that economic negotiations should focus on the pragmatic identification of winwin opportunities, rather than on questions of ideology.

No, Chinas economic and trade policies arent entirely for it to choosenot if it wants to remain in the WTO and enjoy the open market access that WTO membership confers. Joining the WTO requires following a set of rules that are designed to enable market-based trade. It doesnt allow agreeing to such a system with ones fingers crossed behind ones back.

And when it comes to pragmatic identification of so-called win-win opportunities, Summers sounds like so many Chinese officials who spin mercantilist practices, such as forcing foreign companies to transfer technologies to Chinese partners, as a win-win.

There is a well-known joke in the business community and among China experts that when Chinese officials talk about win-win scenarios, they really mean China gets to win twice.

China knows the practices in questionsuch as theft of U.S. intellectual property, compulsory joint ventures with forced technology transfers, and massive and unprecedented subsidies to state-picked industrial championsare not win-win. They are win-lose: Chinese firms win, and foreign firms, including U.S. firms, lose.

Be that as it may, Summers counsels there is nothing the United States or the rest of the world can do to stop China from becoming the largest economy on the planet. Thats true: China has a population of 1.4 billionfour times the U.S. populationand its economy is growing faster. But that isnt the point and never has been.

Summers and others imply that the Trump administrations goal is to hold down the Chinese economy. That just plays into the Chinese governments narrative that China is the victim here, and U.S. tariffs are just one more insult in a long list of examples of foreign imperial aggression.

I dont believe the Trump administrations goal is to hold down China; nor is that the goal for most advocates of a get tough approach to Chinese trade. The administrations true goal is simple: China needs to stop cheating and start playing by the rules of global trade. Rules like dont steal intellectual property. Rules like when trading partners open up their markets for your producers then you need to reciprocate by opening up your markets to themwith no strings, such as forced tech transfers, attached. And rules like hold subsidies for your domestic industries to some reasonable limits.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer made this clear when he stated, The Trump Administration has patiently urged China to stop its unfair practices, open its market, and engage in true market competition. We have been very clear and detailed regarding the specific changes China should undertake. Unfortunately, China has not changed its behavior.

Finally, this is not a fight about the goals of Chinas high-tech strategy, known as Made in China 2025; it is a fight about the means by which China goes about achieving its objectives.

As the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation has pointed out, many nations have established national strategies to win in the next wave of innovation industries, including artificial intelligence. But with the exception of China, all are doing it the fair wayby investing in basic science, supporting skill development, encouraging government adoption of new technologies, ensuring widespread availability of data sets, spurring tech transfer from universities, and the like.

Only China is willing to throw away the Marquess of Queensberry rules of fair competition and try to get ahead by illicit means like industrial spying.

Its time for China to start acting like a globally responsible trading partner. If it does, then the Chinese economy and the world economy will be better off.

Robert D. Atkinson is president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
UK Can Back Out of Brexit on Its Own, Rules EU Court

LONDONThe UK can reverse Brexit without the agreement of the EU member states, an EU court has ruled, lighting the constitutional path for British lawmakers the day before a crucial vote on leaving the EU.

The ruling will strengthen the campaign for a second referendum on Brexit. It allows the UK to put the firing pin back in the Brexit grenade before it explodes on March 29, without losing its current bespoke arrangement with the EU.

The ruling on Dec. 10 is in line with the advice of the Advocate General of the court, given last week.

Prior to the ruling, it hadnt been clear whether the UK would need the agreement of all 27 member states if it wanted simply rejoin on the same terms, as if nothing had happened. In theory, one EU state could have derailed the process by demanding renegotiation of issues such as fishing rights, or that the UK join the Euro.

The UK and EU are coming to the end of an interim period, separated but still married, as they hash out a divorce agreement before a deadline of March 29, 2019.

Lawmakers will vote on a draft version of that divorce agreement on Dec. 11. Prime minister Theresa May had intended it as a take it or leave it vote: accept the deal or leave the EU without a bespoke deal in place.

However, last week lawmakers crowbarred in a third option to the vote, opening a confusing web of possibilities, including that of a second referendum and the possibility of overturning Brexit.

Article 50 of the EU membership treaty is clear that Brexit can be stopped at any point within two years, as long as all 27 member states and the UK agree. However, it wasnt clear whether the UK can decide on its own that it no longer wants to leave.

To answer that question, Scottish lawmakers opposed to Brexit filed a petition in the Scottish court, triggering a request to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), on Sept. 21.

The ECJ court case was expedited, with a ruling coming on Dec. 10, just before the crucial parliamentary vote.

The court said in statement, When a Member State has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the European Union, as the UK has done, that Member State is free to revoke unilaterally that notification.

The UK would simply need to write a letter to the European Council in accordance with British constitutional requirements.

That possibility exists for as long as a withdrawal agreement concluded between the EU and that Member State has not entered into force, said the statement. Or, if no such agreement has been concluded, for as long as the two-year period from the date of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, and any possible extension, has not expired.

Just a Bad Dream

Theresa Mays government has insisted all along that there would be no going back from Brexit, but political winds have been building behind a second referendum, as her negotiated Brexit deal looks increasingly unlikely to get the approval of British lawmakers.

May had insisted that lawmakers have only two options: accept her negotiated deal, or crash out of the EU with no deal. But many lawmakers reject this binary choice, and believe that there is a third way.

If the UK needs permission from all 27 member states of the EU to reverse Brexit, then it could effectively end up having to renegotiate its membership.

The UK doesnt have standard membership with the EU, but has, over the years, negotiated various arranged benefits and opt-outs of the standard treaty deal, including keeping its own currency and a handsome rebate. If the UK wishes to remain a member, EU states might decide it needs to start over with the standard package.

If we can revoke the notification without permission, we will retain the rebate and opt-outs we presently enjoy, the Good Law Project, one of the parties behind the case, said in a statement. It can be, legally, like the decision to Brexit was just a bad dream.

If we have to go cap-in-hand to the other 27 for permission, we are at risk that a country that will benefit from transfers of financial services or manufacturing will block our path to remain.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer speaks during a Cabinet meeting held by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Oct. 17, 2018 in Washington DC. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

US Says March 1 Hard Deadline for Trade Deal With China

WASHINGTONUnless U.S.-China trade talks wrap up successfully by March 1, new tariffs will be imposed, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said on Dec. 9, clarifying there is a hard deadline.

Global markets are jittery about a collision between the worlds two largest economic powers over Chinas huge trade surplus with the United States and U.S. claims that China is stealing intellectual property and technology.

As far as I am concerned it is a hard deadline. When I talk to the president of the United States he is not talking about going beyond March, Lighthizer said on the CBS show Face the Nation, referring to U.S. President Donald Trumps recent decision to delay new tariffs while talks proceed.

The way this is set up is that at the end of 90 days, these tariffs will be raised, said Lighthizer, who has been tapped to lead the talks and appeared to tamp down expectations that the negotiation period could be extended.

After a turbulent week in markets, investors can be reassured that if there is a deal that can be made that will assure the protection of U.S. technology  and get additional market access  the president wants us to do it, Lighthizer said. If not we will have tariffs.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said both countries economic and trade teams were intensifying contacts and consultations, when asked if China was sending a trade negotiation delegation to the United States this week.

We hope both can earnestly, with joint efforts, put into effect the consensus reached by the two countries leaders at the Argentina meeting, he told a daily news briefing.

In Argentina last weekend, Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to a truce that delayed the planned Jan. 1 U.S. hike of tariffs to 25 percent from 10 percent on $200 billion of Chinese goods while they negotiate a trade deal.

However, the arrest of a top executive at Chinas Huawei Technologies Co Ltd has roiled global markets amid fears that it could further inflame the China-U.S. trade row.

In a series of appearances on the Sunday morning talk shows, Lighthizer, economic adviser Larry Kudlow, and trade adviser Peter Navarro insisted the trade talks with China would not be derailed by the arrest, which they deemed solely a law enforcement matter.

U.S. equity markets have staked much on the outcome of the talks. Stocks climbed early in the week on optimism tensions between the two sides were easing, then cratered after Trump claimed he was a tariff man after all. He also seemed to indicate the talks could be extended.

But Lighthizer, in his first comments since being appointed to lead the negotiations, said the United States would need concessions across a number of areas in coming weeks if the higher tariffs are to be avoided.

That includes demands for increased purchases of U.S. goods in a more open Chinese market, as well as structural changes to a system that, for example, forces American firms to turn over technology to Chinese partners as a condition of doing business.

We need agricultural sales and we need manufacturing sales. We need structural changes on this fundamental issue of non-economic technology transfer, Lighthizer said.

The demands are similar to those made under previous Democratic and Republican presidents, but Lighthizer said he felt Trumps willingness to go beyond dialogue and impose tariffs would produce results.

By Howard Schneider
Fairfield County continues to win the battle with New York as a destination to live, but on a dwindling basis according to fresh estimates by the federal government, with Connecticuts southwesternmost county continuing to lose ground to the New Haven and Hartford areas.

On a net basis, nearly 900 households relocated to Fairfield County in 2016 from Bronx County, N.Y., according to updated U.S. Census Bureau calculations, along with another 860 moves to Fairfield County from its economic rival Westchester County, N.Y.

Including other New York City-area communities including on Long Island and extending north along the Hudson River, Fairfield County picked up more than 3,800 households on a net basis, with the figure subject to margins of error that could make the actual totals higher or lower. Another 1,500 New Jersey households relocated to Fairfield County, the Census Bureau estimates.

Even as New Yorkers arrived by the thousands in 2016, however, larger numbers of Fairfield County residents were decamping for lower-cost cities and towns, the Census Bureau determined. More than 1,100 families landed in New Haven County, with another 2,500-plus headed to Hartford County and Tolland County just east.

Add it up, and more than 7,900 residents moved away from Fairfield County in 2016, if the Census Bureau estimates are accurate, reversing a 5,200 gain the year before.

Gov.-elect Ned Lamont has pledged to reinvigorate Connecticuts image as a destination to live and work, with Lamont having convened a panel of economic advisers in advance of Jan. 9 when he takes office and begins installing heads of varying departments, including former Bridgewater Associates executive and Fairfield resident Ryan Drajewicz as chief of staff in the governors office.

This will be a new office of the governor with a new energy, entrepreneurial spirit and creativity, Drajewicz said last week at a Hartford press conference. This is a new chapter for Connecticut and we are going to do things differently.

The Census Bureau figures do not include net migration totals for foreign countries, with nearly 8,900 new arrivals from overseas, but the Census Bureau not offering estimates on how many people moved abroad from Fairfield County.

Of communities outside the orbit of New York City, Fairfax County, Va., gave up the most ground to Fairfield County, at more than 200 factoring in departures and arrivals. Massachusetts Suffolk County and Middlesex County pulled 900 households out of Connecticut in 2016, coinciding with General Electric moving 200 executives to a new headquarters in Boston from its longtime home in Fairfield.

Florida drew more than 1,500 Fairfield County residents in 2016, the Census Bureau found, about even from the year before.

Includes prior reporting by Kaitlyn Krasselt.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
We all know what happened when Boston decided to bury its downtown elevated interstate highway, known as the Central Artery. What was intended to be a seven-year, $2.6 billion project ended up taking a decade and costing $14.6 billion.

Heads up: New Yorks Metropolitan Transportation Authority  the parent company of Metro-North  has similar designs for our beloved Grand Central. Nicknamed the East Side Access project, the goal is to bring some Long Island Rail Road trains into Grand Central.

The plan would use the lower level of the already built 63rd Street subway tunnel, allowing some LIRR trains from Queens to enter Manhattan and then follow a new, very deep tunnel under existing Metro-North tracks beneath Park Avenue.

Trains would terminate 14 stories under Grand Central on eight tracks with up to 24 trains arriving per hour. Exiting passengers  an estimated 162,000 per day (compared with the 115,000 who arrive and depart at GCT from Connecticut  would be whisked upward on high-speed escalators, into an underground concourse complex stretching from 43rd to 48th streets beneath Vanderbilt Avenue.

A few years ago, I donned boots and a hard hat and surveyed the construction. It was so massive, it looked like something out of a James Bond movie.

The cost has already ballooned from $3.5 billion to $11 billion in a project rife with corruption. In 2010, the MTA discovered it was paying 200 workers $1,000 a day each with no assigned duties. This year, we learned that relatives of high-ranking union officials were being paid $42 an hour (plus $23 in benefits) to deliver coffee to the workers. Construction analysts say it costs four times as much in New York City to build projects like these compared to Asian and European jobs.

The East Side Access project will give LIRR riders better access to midtown. But is todays subway ride connection from Penn Station to GCT really all that bad? Imagine what we could do with $11 billion to improve commuter rail service in the tri-state region.

Another concern is what will doubling the number of passengers in GCT mean for Connecticut commuters? If you think the station is crowded now, just wait until this project is complete.

GCT would quickly be maxed out for trains and platforms, making much-needed expansion of train service to Connecticut a real problem.

And just imagine the already jam-packed Lexington Avenue subway station with even more riders.

Diverting LIRR trains into GCT should open slots in Penn Station for some Metro-North trains, which would travel there by way of the Hell Gate Bridge. But dont count on it, considering New Jersey Transit, Amtrak and LIRR will also be vying for Penn Station access.

If all of this concerns you, dont get your knickers in a knot. Theres nothing you can do to stop it. The moneys already been appropriated and the project should be finished in 2022.

What role did Connecticut play in this boondoggle? Zero. New Yorks MTA didnt ask our opinion or seek our approval. Connecticut commuters pay the bills and New Yorks MTA calls the tune, building a really big dig that benefits Long Island, but penalizes us. Whats wrong with this picture?
NORWALK  The telephone started ringing Friday at Fairfield County Bank on New Canaan Avenue with callers alarmed that the building, a 157-year-old former schoolhouse, would be razed.

On Friday, I received a call from our call center and one of our reps said that someone had inquired, they were concerned that our office was going to be knocked down, said Kareen Perez, customer service at the bank at 121 New Canaan Ave. Seeing as we just went through the renovations, they said, I dont think you guys are going to be knocked down, are you?

Perez said the bank branch called its district manager Monday morning and had the matter clarified.

We are not going knocked down. Its the building next door, the old liquor store. Were here to stay, Perez said.

The demolition notice, posted on a window of the adjacent building at 119 New Canaan Ave., formerly New Canaan Avenue Liquor, had stated that 119-121 would be demolished, according to Andrea Coreau, senior vice president at Fairfield County Bank. The notice listed Carl Lecher of Lecher Inc. as the contact.

We called the individuals number listed on the building next door and had them come out and change it immediately, Coreau said. It said 119 through 121. It was corrected Friday afternoon to 119.

Coreau said Fairfield County Bank recently spent a very large sum of money to redesign the interior of the bank building. The work was completed in April.

We dont want our customers to think the building is being demolished and weve done everything to keep it intact, especially since weve put all of our efforts into redesigning the interior of the office, Coreau said. Its very important to our organization to stay connected to the community.

Built around 1861, the small building had been home to Broad River School House, as attested by a plaque on the outside of the bank building and historic photographs inside. Fairfield County Savings Bank purchased the property in December 1980. The bank later became Fairfield County Bank when the two banks merged.

On Friday afternoon, preservationists and others raised alarm on social media that the historic schoolhouse building might also be raised.

Tod Bryant, Norwalk Preservation Trust president, said he filed with the city a demolition delay request, as allowed under city ordinance to give property owners and preservation advocates an opportunity to seek alternatives to demolition, on Friday only to learn afterward of the address error.

It freaked out a lot of people, Bryant said of initial concern that the old school house was threatened. I finally called the bank after I put it (the delay) in and asked them directly. Apparently, I wasnt the first person to call them. But I think what it does do is let everybody know that were always watching and respond quickly.

Lecher, a member of 119 New Canaan Ave. LLC, which owns the adjacent property, faulted himself for the confusion. He said he had the demolition notice reference 119-121 New Canaan Ave., based on the fact that two businesses once occupied the building.

I didnt check the addresses. I assumed the address was 119 to 121. This has been like nightmare, Lecher said. Theres a liquor store and a rental store. I assumed one was 119 and the other was 121.

Lecher realized his error after speaking with someone in the Norwalk Building Department.

She said, You cant demolish the red schoolhouse, Lecher said. I said, What are you talking about? She said thats a historic building. I said it has nothing to do with the red school house.

The error extended beyond demolition. Lecher said he had to call Eversource Energy, informing the utility company not to cut the electricity to the bank. He said he also planned to call the Norwalk Historical Society on Monday.

The historic schoolhouse building is staying and the bank property is actually expanding, according to Lecher, who said hes an authorized representative of the bank.

One nineteen is going to be a driveway to a drive-up addition onto the existing bank building, Lecher said. So they bought the piece (parcel) just to make a circular driveway, so you can make a neat turn, with a flagpole and grass.
Edwardsville  Only a few tickets remain for Christmas at the Wildey, Opera Edwardsvilles inaugural holiday concert that takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. The event features three internationally-renowned professional opera performers  Evan Bravos, Sofia Troncoso and Edwardsvilles own Chase Hopkins.

Both Bravos and Troncoso met Hopkins during their studies at Northwestern Universitys Bienen School of Music. At the time we were both in the voice studio of Karen Brunssen. During our time there, we performed together on several occasions including two operas, Die Fledermaus and Albert Herring, Bravos recalled. We also spent time singing in and around the Chicago area.

Troncoso recalled a similar background with Hopkins, but also credited him to have furthered her career. Chase and I have been close friends since our freshman year of college at Northwestern where we both studied voice, she said. I have even spent Thanksgiving with his family in Edwardsville on multiple occasions. Thanks to his advise I eventually followed him to Europe and the rest is history.

Ive been living and working in the UK for the last five years and am currently an Emerging Artist at Scottish Opera, Troncoso added. Before that, I did my masters in London at the Royal Academy of Music. I originally got into singing as a child through a school musical and subsequently choir. As a teenager, I was guided into opera though mentors which is what I primarily do at the moment alongside concert work.

Bravos is currently an Artist-In-Residence with Opera Theatre of St. Louis (OTSL) and is doing a series of concerts in and around the St. Louis area for the next couple of weeks. We are singing for people ages three to 93 throughout this two weeks of community engagement, OTSLs Holiday Gala and other development events  lots of fun, Bravos said.

He also has several performances lined up for the upcoming 2018-2019 season. Bravos will be a Studio Artist at Sarasota Opera this winter covering the roles of Papageno (Mozarts The Magic Flue) and Count Gil (Susannas Secret) and Gasparo (Rita) in the Donizetti double-bill.

On the concert stage this winter and spring, audiences can see Bravos as Elijah with the Milwaukee Symphony in Carmina Burana and with the Chippewa Valley Symphony in Eau Claire, WI, as Jesus in St. Matthew Passion at the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston. Bravos will also be in an exclusive performance of The Long View: A Portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsberg in Song at the Spertus Institute in Chicago.

Bravos will then spend the summer as a Fellow at The Music Academy of the West singing the leading role of Inman in Jennifer Higdons Cold Mountain.

Guests at the Christmas at the Wildey performance are in for a special performance by both Bravos and Troncoso.

I will be singing a number of gems including some sacred arias by Handel from the Messiah and other works. Some lovely arrangements of carols will also be peppered-in alongside some tastefully chosen opera arias, Troncoso noted.Im very excited to be singing some Baroque selections, which are both quite exciting, including a few Handel arias  Sibillar gli angui dAletto from his opera Rinaldo and Behold, I tell you a mystery The Trumpet Shall Sound from his hallmark classic, the ever-popular Messiah, Bravos said. Also offered on the program will be a wintry favorite, Purcells chillingly beautiful What power art thou, which is appropriately referred to as The Cold Aria. Among other standards, we will be singing some stunning arrangements of classic Christmas carols to round out the evening.

Bravos, Troncoso, and Hopkins will be accompanied by a quartet of St. Louis musicians, providing a memorable evening of classical music and Christmas favorites.

Chase has always had a knack for organizing tasteful, well  programmes and atmospheric events. I am so excited to be involved in this project with him, Troncoso added.

Bravos was equally excited to be asked to perform. When Chase asked me if I would be interested in performing a concert with him in Edwardsville, I was thrilled at the prospect, he said. It has been six years since we worked together. Opera Edwardsville looks to be off to a fantastic start, and Im honored to be debuting with such an exciting new company.

Remaining tickets are available to purchase for $35 at www.WildeyTheatre.com. In addition, 1818 Chophouse, Cleveland Heath, Bigelos, Mike Shannons Grill, Peel, and Kyoto Sushi & Steakhouse will be offering pre-theatre menus or promotions on Dec. 22 in honor of Opera Edwardsvilles launch.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is under fire after posting tweets Saturday encouraging his followers to visit Myanmar, without mentioning allegations of genocide and gang rape by its military against of Rohingya Muslims - nearly a million of whom have been forced out the country.

The backlash began Saturday evening, when Dorsey posted about his 10-day trip to the Myanmar town of Pyin Oo Lwin for a meditation retreat. In the thread, Dorsey wrote about how he had isolated himself from technology to "hack at the deepest layer of the mind and reprogram it" using an intense form of Buddhist meditation called "Vipassana."

He went on to call the country beautiful, writing "the people are full of joy and the food is amazing." Toward the end of the thread, Dorsey encouraged his 4.12 million followers to try Vipassana for themselves, and even go to the country in the Southeast Asian nation: "If you're willing to travel a bit, go to Myanmar."

Many of his critics, however, noticed that in promoting the country, Dorsey failed to speak about the accusations of mass killings and war crimes reportedly carried out by the country's military last year.

In August, a report from the United Nations called for Myanmar's military leaders - including its commander in chief - to be investigated and prosecuted on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The military is accused of atrocities such as raping women and killing children - driving out nearly a million Rohingya to the neighboring country Bangladesh, creating a large refugee camp.

The report found "patterns of gross human rights violations and abuses committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan state" that "undoubtedly amount to the gravest crimes under international law," a statement announcing the report's findings said.

The Myanmar military has denied reports of the atrocities, stating instead that it is responding to security challenges.

"Military necessity would never justify killing indiscriminately, gang raping women, assaulting children, and burning entire villages," the report said. "The Tatmadaw's tactics are consistently and grossly disproportionate to actual security threats, especially in Rakhine State, but also in northern Myanmar," the report added, using the official name for the armed forces in Myanmar.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo referred to the Myanmar military's actions as "abhorrent ethnic cleansing," adding that the United States would "continue to hold those responsible accountable."

The United States also imposed sanctions on three Myanmar military commanders for their roles in the "ethnic cleansing."

In response to Dorsey's thread, John Stanton of BuzzFeed wrote, "It's actually pretty on brand for @jack to promote going to a country where they're committing genocide as some sort of low key meditation retreat."

In response to another tweet in which Dorsey wrote that the people of Myanmar "are full of joy," a user replied: "The people are so full of joy! I suppose you didn't visit any of the hundreds of villages burnt by government forces or talk to any of the more than half million Rohingya forced to flee the country who are now living in overwhelmed refugee camps in Bangladesh? Meditate on THAT."

Andrew Stroehlein, European Media Director for Human Rights Watch, wrote: "I'm no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention you're in a country where the military has committed mass killings & mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, in one of today's biggest humanitarian disasters?"

Another user quoted Dorsey's tweet that encouraged people to travel to Myanmar, writing: "@Jack is recommending Myanmar as a hip cool tourist destination at the same time as hundreds of thousands of members of the Rohingya Muslim minority have been forced to flee the country (to Bangladesh & elsewhere) due to persecution, violence, rape, murder, & attempted genocide."

Dorsey did not publicly comment on the criticism as of Sunday afternoon. A person who said they were familiar with Dorsey's intentions said in an interview with The Washington Post that Dorsey traveled to Myanmar because Vipassana - which has numerous adaptations - is practiced in its most traditional form only within the country.

"It's the only place he could do this," the person said. "No one else follows the traditional tenants of this particular practice. That's why he went to this particular location."

The person said they could not comment directly on the criticism but highlighted Dorsey's final tweet in the thread, in which he wrote that he was "happy to answer any questions about [his] experience" and "will track responses to this thread."

- - -

The Post's Shibani Mahtani contributed to this report.
John Badman | The Telegraph

ALTON  The Elm St. Presbyterian Church will soon be closing its doors for good.

The church, located at 101 W. Elm St. in Alton, is closing due to lack of funding and a limited congregation, leaders said. Members of the congregational have been notified about the church closing.
A bundled-up Lylah Blurton, 4, of Greenville, hands over an item she is purchasing at the Edwardsville Winter Market Saturday. Customers braved temperatures in the mid- to lower-20s to shop for a variety of goods. The market is sponsored by the Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department.

Bundled-up customers walk along inspecting stalls at the Edwardsville Winter Market Saturday. Customers braved temperatures in the mid- to lower-20s to shop for a variety of goods. The market is sponsored by the Edwardsville Parks and Recreation Department.
CARBONDALE  Each year soybean farmers across the country contribute a small, but significant, 0.005 of a percent of their crop sales to soybean research, development and promotion.

Its the industrys way of thinking long-term, searching for stronger, more useful plants, new products, and new markets, to increase the value of U.S. soybeans for farmers nationwide, in years to come.

At only 50 cents per $100 sold, these soybean checkoff funds, as theyre known, dont sound like much, but they have accounted for more than $1.38 billion in soybean R&D and marketing since 1970.

In the past, the checkoff money supported researchers like Khalid Meksem, of Southern Illinois University Carbondales Department of Plant, Soil Science and Agricultural Systems.

Since he joined the university in 2000, Meksem has been awarded multiple patents for his work identifying pest-resistant genes in soybeans and potatoes, and has been published three times in Nature, the most cited scientific journal on the planet.

Despite that success, he is fighting for funding to continue research at his lab.

Last year I was funded at the level of $160,000, in soybean checkoff funds, Meksem said. This year, zero dollars.

The checkoff funds are split between state, regional and national soybean boards, each of which disburses its share of the money as it believes will best help the farmers it represents to maximize value.

In Illinois, the Illinois Soybean Association is governed by 24 elected volunteer farmers from across the state, who allocate the checkoff dollars, about $12 million last year, according to Chairwoman Lynn Rohrscheib.

In recent years, the ISA has cut university research funding, to focus on other priorities.

The board as a whole decided to shift how it invested, Rohrscheib said. ISAs farmer-leaders felt that private industry donors, chemical and seed companies, and the United Soybean Board, the national organization that allocates 50 percent of all soybean checkoff money, could have more impact [on research] than we can with our yearly funds, Rohrscheib said.

But as the ISA turns to other priorities, like opening new foreign markets to Illinois soybeans, and advocating for improvements to Illinois roads and waterways, researchers like Meksem face a funding shortage that undermines their work.

In 2008, Meksems colleague, professor Stella Kantartzi, was hired to head SIU Carbondales Soybean Breeding and Genetics Program, with financial assistance from the ISA.

She started with an ISA budget of about $170,000 a year, which she used to establish her lab, and begin research that has led to more than 60 publications and the development of several proprietary soybean varieties, bred for traits like yield and disease resistance.

Back then, it was common for the ISA to fund start-up packages for faculty that it wanted to work with, said Dr. Karen Jones, who chairs Kantartzis department at SIUC. Thats part of the reason Meksem, Kantartzi and other researchers came to SIU in the first place.

But by 2011, Kantartzis support was down to half its 2008 level.

Then, in 2013, without any notice, without even a thank you for our years of collaboration, we were by ourselves, Kantartzi said, without a cent of ISA funding ever since.

I felt that I was fully supported by ISA, and I needed that support and the yearly communication with the farmers, Kantartzi said, to continue her work. Now, we feel pretty isolated.

Every soybean scientist has been affected differently by the ISAs shift away from direct funding for university research, said Jason Bond, a professor of plant pathology at SIUC.

Today, Im a better researcher for it, Bond said.

Bond and a colleague adjusted their research to pursue support from the North Central Soybean Research Program, which distributes checkoff dollars to much of the Midwest, and from the national-level United Soybean Board.

To win those organizations support, you need to have research thats important to the Illinois grower, and to the wider region, Bond said. We looked at projects that could get other universities involved, and we built teams across states. That was a result of the ISA choosing to put resources in other areas.

Bond has seen his ISA losses replaced with an influx in support from the regional and national boards, which are also funded by Illinois checkoff dollars.

Today my funding looks different, but it didnt destroy my program, Bond said.

Since he lost his ISA funding, Meksem has been able to secure some money from the USB, he said. But that funding is getting more competitive, as federal support for university research dwindles.

The National Science Foundation is funding less and less and the United States Department of Agriculture is funding almost nothing, Meksem said, two institutions that previously supported his work. Now you have some of the biggest labs, big names and well-established researchers, also applying to the USB.

Meksems lab now competes for funding against labs at Harvard, the University of California at Berkeley and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whose budgets, staff and facilities dwarf his own at SIUC.
EDWARDSVILLE  The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, recognized organizations, cities, and universities from across the state that went above and beyond in promoting fairness, equality and human rights in Illinois.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), the City of Carbondale, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) were among those presented the 2018 Human Rights Day Award at a celebration Monday afternoon at Harold Washington College in Chicago.

According to IDHR, the universities were honored for their outstanding commitment to the Fairness and Equality Campaign, a campaign that sought to secure the participation of local units of government interested in reaffirming Illinois rich history of valuing diversity, promoting inclusion and conscientiously working to end discrimination.

All three awardees provided exemplary support for the campaign, going above and beyond to make this campaign a great success, an IDHR release says.

IDHR Director Janice Glenn presented the award to SIUE, the City of Carbondale and SIU and other entities from across Illinois, totaling seven honorees.

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being, said Glenn. I can think of no better day to honor organizations from across the state for their efforts, than on this historic day. As the year draws to a close we are proud to continue this great campaign into 2019. We have come a long way since 1948 but we still have a long way to go to ensure that the rights of every human being are protected and upheld. It is my hope that IDHRs Fairness and Equality campaign aids in reaffirming not just our states commitment to human rights but Illinois citizens and leaders commitment to promoting and protecting human rights.

The celebration Dec. 10 kicked off with a performance by the Harold Washington College Jazz Band. Jill Hopkins, host of the Morning Amp on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM, was the emcee and keynote remarks were given by Juan Carlos Linares, Chairman of the Illinois Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights and Executive Director, LUCHA.

SIUE was selected for its inaugural Diversity Day event on Tuesday, Oct. 16, which was organized by Venessa A. Brown, Ph.D., associate chancellor for diversity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer. The Diversity Day theme was From Awareness to Action, SIUE Shaping a Changing World. Olympic legend and gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee kicked off the event with community stakeholders the previous evening.

This award recognizes SIUEs exemplary support for the IDHR Fairness and Equality Campaign through its extraordinary efforts in promoting inclusion, equality, and respect by issuing a municipal proclamation, engaging the public through social media, and joining forces with the City of Edwardsville to host a successful first-ever Diversity Day celebration, said Glenn. It is our hope that you and the other honorees will be inspired to continue to work together to tackle and resolve pressing issues related to inequality through additional partnerships and creative solutions.

We are creating a new tomorrow with SIUEs Diversity Day as people have the opportunity to gain new knowledge, have an open dialogue, meet someone new, and embrace the concept of what diversity and inclusion means at SIUE, Brown said. Planning has already begun for Diversity Day on Oct. 15, 2019.

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff and community members of varying ethnicities, ideologies, gender identification, and sexual orientation took part in Diversity Day activities that encompassed the Edwardsville, East St. Louis and Alton campuses. The daylong event was designed to be educational, motivational, challenging and fun. Speakers from the Metro East, dance, art, presentations, posters, and cuisine representing varying ethnic roots were all featured at the event. The Diversity Day committee also presented SIUEs Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.

Other Human Rights Day Award honorees include:

 Peace School, for their efforts in promoting peace and for helping people of all ages practice peace in everyday life through its numerous meditation exercises. Peace School coordinates the Chicago Build the Peace Committee, responsible for organizing the largest annual Peace Day celebration in Illinois, drawing hundreds of people, schools, and international consulates to its downtown event in Chicago since 1978.

 John Marshall Law Schools Fair Housing Legal Clinic for its dedication to educating the public about fair housing law and providing legal assistance to individuals facing discriminatory practices and private or public organizations working to promote fair housing practices in their communities.

 University of Chicagos Pozen Family Center for Human Rights for supporting innovative interdisciplinary teaching and research initiatives that critically explore the theory and practice of global human rights. The center provides students with exposure to human rights issues through its internship opportunities with non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and international human rights bodies in the U.S. and across the world.

 TRICAMEX Chicago: The Northern Triangle of Central America and Mexico in Chicago for its vision and efforts to providing consular support and protection to fellow nationals living in Illinois. TRICAMEX is comprised of the three Central American countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, as well as Mexico. Through TRICAMEX, these consular offices are better able to address pressing issues in migrant communities by sharing information and best practices in a respectful and constructive way.

For more information about IDHRs Fairness and Equality Campaign or to pledge your support, visit the Fairness and Equality Campaign page on IDHRs website.
DOW  Isaac has been a good boy this year, so Santa is bringing him some paper towels for Christmas.

Isaac, whose full name is Isaac Newton, is a resident turkey vulture at the TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow and was part of Sundays annual A Very Critter Christmas. Event visitors were encouraged to bring items on the centers Critter Holiday Wish List in exchange for a reduced-fee photo with jolly Old St. Nick and one of the centers owls.

Isaac got his paper towels, and his fellow resident eagles, owls, hawks, pelicans, foxes, coyotes and deer must have been good little birds and mammals because they also received just what they needed  animal food, trash bags, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies, not to mention cash donations to purchase these items.

As the gifts imply, every holiday season is a Messy Christmas at TreeHouse.

Oh my goodness, yes! said TreeHouse fundraising coordinator Kelly Vandersand. Every day the animal cages get cleaned so the animals will have a healthy environment to live in. We also do a lot of laundry because many of our animals get blankets for warmth or privacy.

We couldnt do it without our donors and volunteers, Vandersand said. All of the proceeds go directly to benefit the animals. Its always the animals first at TreeHouse.

Children bent the ear of Santa Claws during A Very Critter Christmas and posed for photos with his trusty sidekick, a Barred Owl named Chili whose eyes shined as brightly as Rudolphs nose.

I think Santa needs more beard because my dads beard is bigger than Santas, said six-year-old Critter Christmas visitor Kaylee Kulupka from Collinsville. I like coming here because I get to see the owls and the other animals I like. I made friends with a vulture and made noises with a coyote.

Sunday was five-year-old Josiah Emerys first TreeHouse visit.

Im gonna give them some money to buy food for the animals, said Emery, a resident of West Alton, Missouri who asked Santa Claws for a train set. I liked seeing the owls because they make sounds.

Four-and-a-half-year-old Hudson Lyons of Jerseyville was impressed with A Very Critter Christmas.

I liked the animals I saw when me and mommy walked in, Lyons said as he made a keepsake craft of wood, sparkles and glue that looks like a snowflake.

A Very Critter Christmas visitors made a nature-based holiday craft to take home, learned about winter season backyard wildlife, saw the centers birds up close, and purchased unique Christmas presents in sites gift shop.

TreeHouse Wildlife Center was established in 1979 and is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and the educational promotion of environmental stewardship and awareness. They are open daily for free public visitation, and offer both on-site and off-site educational programs.
EDWARDSVILLE  Aidon Cook swore he has been nice this year, Jenia Wilson put way too many sprinkles on her Christmas cookie, and Maia Sweezey-Errar really liked the sausages.

Add in Kris Kringle and some crafts, and the annual Breakfast with Santa at Woodland Elementary in Edwardsville gives a lot of children happy Christmas memories and helps a lot of other people.

The breakfast, which has about 700 people registered each year, is part of the schools American Cancer Society Relay for Life program.

There are events throughout the building, said Principal Tara Fox.

They have been doing it for seven or eight years.

The program takes about 40 volunteers, most of them being faculty and staff, or family members, although some high school students also help.

Several years back we had a teacher who had cancer, so it became a much bigger response and a much bigger commitment from all of us, Fox said. Its a passion of our staff. Our building has actually been the top school in the area, we raise about $10,000 annually.

They picked Breakfast with Santa as their main fundraiser to fill a holiday need in the community.

We found in the community that there used to be different Breakfasts with Santa, then they all fell away, she said.

Some people would travel as far as Belleville to participate in programs, so they decided to do one locally and make it less expensive.

While some other groups have started doing it again, she said it was still going strong.

Its neat for the kids, said parent Matt Holmes, of Glen Carbon. It helps get them into the Christmas spirit. Its for a good cause, the American Cancer Society, and the kids get to get together outside of school and do something fun.

Jenia and her brother, Tyler, were making cookies. While Tyler was carefully placing his sprinkles, Jenia was a little more enthusiastic, with predictable results.

I was going to pick up and eat my cookie, but all of the sprinkles fell off, she said. It was really good, the frosting was the best.

She was able to get a small bag for her sprinkles and planned to shove them in my face later.

In the Santa letter writing room, Sweezey-Errar was drawing a picture of Santa Claus.

I really like it, she said. I like doing art and I do classes today and were going to go after this. I think its cool for kids to play and have fun and eat breakfast here. I really like the sausages.

Her mother, Kendra Sweezey-Errar, brought Maia and her brother, Kai, because she enjoys seeing smiles on my kids faces.

Theyre having fun at all the different stations, she said.
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With their new majority in the state Senate, Democrats are finally preparing to pass long-stalled progressive legislation. Perhaps the most expansive and expensive item on the agenda  and among the most controversial  is the New York Health Act, which would establish a single-payer health care system in the state, and one study estimated it would cost $139 billion in 2022. Many incoming lawmakers campaigned on the promise that they would get it done, but even if it does pass, it likely wont be implemented right away.

The Democratic-controlled Assembly has passed the legislation every year since 2015, but in that time it never came up for a vote in the state Senate thanks to the Republican majority. Now that the chamber will be in Democratic hands, the legislation seems far more likely to pass.

A single-payer health care system means that a single entity covers the cost of all health care, which is still delivered by private or nonprofit providers. Everyone pays into a single plan run by the government, which in turn is the only provider of coverage paying claims. Assemblyman Richard Gottfrieds single-payer bill has proposed one public option and a ban on the sale of private insurance unless it offers additional coverage not included in the state plan.

One major obstacle the New York Health Act must overcome is a less than enthusiastic governor. Although Gov. Andrew Cuomo has expressed support for single-payer health care as a concept, he has repeatedly said that it would be better implemented at the national level. In a recent interview on WCNY, he expressed doubt that the state would be able to finance the $150 billion program, since that would nearly double the states budget. There will be rhetorical desire to do things, Cuomo said. Governmentally there will have to be a reality test to get all things to fit in the budget.

Although this sounds like it could put a serious damper on the future of the legislation, Gottfried called the governors stance a perfectly reasonable position for a governor, noting that Cuomo is already far more progressive than other governors by simply supporting the concept of single-payer health care. Gottfried said he has been in talks with the administration and expects those conversations to accelerate now that passage is more realistic.

Gottfried said that stakeholders who have remained quiet in the past are coming forward to voice their concerns. Most recently, Gottfried and state Sen. Gustavo Rivera, the bills Senate sponsor, have been negotiating with New York City public unions over concerns that union members would pay more or have fewer benefits. What were talking about is modifications just to accommodate concerns that people are raising now that it looks like it can easily pass both chambers this session, Gottfried told City & State. People who we havent heard from are starting to come forward and say, Gee, could you add this nuts and bolts? or Tighten it up here.

Gottfried said making tweaks to the bill will continue at least a couple weeks into the session, which begins in early January. However, Gottfried said that he and Rivera will not make any major structural changes to the bill and said the Assembly is well positioned to pass the bill this upcoming session.

People who we havent heard from are starting to come forward and say, Gee, could you add this nuts and bolts? or Tighten it up here.  Assemblyman Richard Gottfried

Rivera expressed more caution, telling City & State that he feels confident that the chamber will engage in meaningful conversations about the bill, which it has never done before, but did not want to make any promises about a timeline for passage. This is not a simple thing that were trying to do, Rivera said. We want to make sure that we dont put anything up for a vote, to be signed by the governor, unless its ready to go.

Bill Hammond, a health policy expert at the right-leaning Empire Center for Public Policy, argued that no amount of change to the New York Health Act would actually make the legislation viable. I think (Gottfried and Riveras) posture right now is not to acknowledge the sacrifice, its to make it even more attractive to whatever interest group thinks theyre going to lose, Hammond told City & State. He added that any changes would likely add to the already astronomical cost of the bill.

But Gottfried maintained that a single-payer system will lead to lower overall health care spending despite the introduction of a new payroll tax because the average New Yorker would no longer pay insurance premiums and copays. He cited the Rand Corp. study, commissioned by the New York State Health Foundation, which found total health care spending could be lower under the New York Health Act than under the status quo. To me, the issue is not about where your check goes, Gottfried said. What people really care about is how much are they going to have to spend, and how much they will be able to keep under the New York Health Act.

However, Hammond pointed out that since there is no precedent for the system in the country, the details of the new tax plan have not been worked out yet and it is hard to accurately predict the cost of the program, so the Rand study could be wrong. He added that it also hinges on the federal government providing waivers to in order to divert Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid funding into the single-payer system, an unlikely prospect with the current administration. Theres all kind of doubt and uncertainty about whos going to pay more and whos going to pay less, Hammond said.

Rivera dismissed the idea that the New York Health Act depends on receiving those federal waivers, saying they would be helpful, but not necessary. We believe, both my colleague and myself, believe that there are ways within the system that we could actually extend the New York Health Act as a wraparound service that would ultimately not require waivers, Rivera said. He added that since the single-payer system would take years to put into place, he remained hopeful that a different, more sympathetic administration would be in the White House by then.

Another sticking point in evaluating and passing the New York Health Act is the fact that the previous legislation contained no specific language on tax rates for the proposed payroll tax, forcing Rand to use a hypothetical tax schedule. Gottfried said no language about tax brackets will be added to the legislation that he and Rivera will introduce and that it will be worked out after the bills passage since the program will take years to implement. He added the absence of this information will not pose an impediment to passage and that it could be easily added in if it becomes necessary.

Despite the many obstacles the legislation appears to face, Gottfried said that he and Rivera have learned from their previous mistakes, such as not including a revenue stream, and they remain confident New York will lead the country in single-payer health care. Anything has to start with somebody, Gottfried said. And New York is ideally suited to be the state that begins single-payer coverage.

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How to expand your Thai business to other Asian countries



By In Conjunction

Monday 10 December 2018, 10:23AM

Asia is one of the most important markets in the world and expanding a business here is without a doubt a great idea, no matter where you come from.

Thailand is a very appealing country not for tourists only, but also for those who decide to open companies here. Most of the times, these companies reach maturity and generate good profits which allow them to expand their operations in other countries.

When deciding to expand a Thai business, the best way to start is by reaching neighboring markets and Asian countries represent some of the best solutions in this case. China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam are countries which have similar laws to those in Thailand and they can represent a great way of expanding a Thai company.

Expanding a Thai business through a subsidiary

One of the best ways of expanding an existing business is by opening a subsidiary. This type of entity can be registered as a limited liability company, which is one of the most advantageous business forms in a country like Singapore. Those who wonder how to set up a company in Singapore , even when it means expanding a Thai business, incorporating a subsidiary is quite simple and takes a few days only.

No matter the country chosen, a subsidiary will grant a high level of independence to the company established abroad, but also a series of incentives given that Thailand has good economic relations with its neighbors.

The branch office  another option for expanding a Thai company in an Asian state

The branch office is the second option when deciding to expand the operations of a Thai company. Compared to the subsidiary, the branch office offers a better control of the parent company. The costs of setting up a branch office can also be lower, depending on the country chosen for expansion.

The process of opening a company in Hong Kong under the form of a branch office is a good example in this sense. Branch offices are often met in Asian countries, as companies all over the over the world choose this business form to expand in this corner of the world.

Thailand is a great country to start a business in because the government offers a lot of support to both local and foreign entrepreneurs. When it comes to expanding these companies, there are various solutions which can be employed depending on the industry the business operates in, the market it addresses and the services it offers.
With Democrats in firm control of both houses of the state Legislature, a number of bills are coming back from the dead. State Senate Republicans have blocked certain legislation in past years despite support from lawmakers. These include the state DREAM Act, the Child Victims Act and the Reproductive Health Act, among other bills. Early signs suggest that the Democrats plan to pass some of these bills early on in order to make good on campaign promises. Other issues, however, are more contested and could take months of negotiations before a bill is ready for a vote.

Heres a quick breakdown of the major outstanding issues and where they stand.

DREAM Act

In contrast to a federal bill that would provide a route to citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, New Yorks DREAM Act would allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public universities and make them eligible for state financial aid programs. This legislation has passed in the Assembly in various forms since 2013, but it has not come up for a state Senate vote since 2014.

Child Victims Act

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For the past two years, the Child Victims Act passed in the Assembly, which would make it easier for child sex abuse victims to bring criminal charges against their alleged assailants. One part of the legislation would retroactively extend the statute of limitations, which has catalyzed opposition in the Senate. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York is reportedly reconsidering its longtime opposition to the bill, now that Democrats will take over the state Senate, and proponents are feeling optimistic about the bill becoming law.

Reproductive Health Act

Christopher Penler/Shutterstock

This bill would update abortion protections in state law and codify the privacy protections stemming from the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. The Assembly has passed the bill before, only to see it die in committee in the state Senate. Hopes are high that the bill will pass in early 2019 because of backlash against the Trump administration and its successful nomination of conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Congestion pricing

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There have long been proposals to charge motorists a fee to enter the central business district in Manhattan. Now with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in desperate need of funding for badly needed upgrades, there is more consensus than ever to pass a bill that would raise revenue to pay for billions in repairs to public transit. The big questions are how to implement congestion pricing and what share of any new revenue would go to the New York City subway system.

New York Health Act

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An effort to institute single-payer health care got a boost over the summer when a Rand Corp. study found that the idea could work in theory. Given the consequences of effectively replacing private health insurance statewide, this will likely be one of the most contentious legislative issues  though the bill did pass the Assembly in June.

Marijuana legalization

a katz/Shutterstock

With more and more states legalizing recreational marijuana, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers may not want to miss out on a potentially lucrative revenue stream. Efforts are ongoing within the state Legislature to draft a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana statewide, following the 2014 passage of a medicinal marijuana program for people with certain illnesses.

Ethics reform

Nigar Alizada/Shutterstock

Government watchdogs have said state legislators should curtail or eliminate outside income before they consider raising their own pay, which has not been increased for nearly two decades. Also on the table is the elimination of lulus  the tens of thousands of dollars lawmakers can receive in stipends for serving in leadership positions.

Campaign finance reform

Shutterstock

Registered limited liability corporations are allowed under state law to donate $65,100 to statewide candidates, even though corporations are limited to $5,000. The upcoming year will show whether Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Democratic lawmakers will fulfill their promises to end the so-called LLC loophole now that Republicans cant stop them in the state Senate.

Voting reform

Mark Lennihan/AP/Shutterstock.

With some of the most onerous voting requirements in the nation, lawmakers have said that state law is due for an update. Proponents want automatic voter registration, same-day registration and other measures that would make voting easier for citizens and increase civic engagement.

Rent regulation

Some activists have said that an overhaul of rent regulation should not happen until the power of the real estate lobby is decreased through campaign finance reform. Whether or not that happens, tenant advocates are eager to eliminate vacancy decontrol and preferential rent  or even try to expand rent control statewide to confront rising housing costs.

RELATED: The Democratic divide
Langhams Splash Beach Resort Phuket hosts largest Indian wedding in Thailand

PHUKET: Hong Kong entrepreneur Kishore Samtani hosted a reception banquet and five-day destination wedding celebration for more than 1,300 guests at his sons wedding at Splash Beach Resort, Mai Khao Phuket last week.

tourismculture

By The Phuket News

Monday 10 December 2018, 05:09PM

The wedding of Kunal Samtani to Divya Vaswani was the largest wedding ever held in Thailand with five days of festivities held on the resorts 118-rai (19-hectare) grounds on Nov 28 through Dec 3.

The wedding of Kunal Samtani to Divya Vaswani was the largest wedding ever held in Thailand with five days of festivities held on the resorts 118-rai (19-hectare) grounds on Nov 28 through Dec 3.

The wedding of Kunal Samtani to Divya Vaswani was the largest wedding ever held in Thailand with five days of festivities held on the resorts 118-rai (19-hectare) grounds on Nov 28 through Dec 3.

The wedding of Kunal Samtani to Divya Vaswani was the largest wedding ever held in Thailand with five days of festivities held on the resorts 118-rai (19-hectare) grounds on Nov 28 through Dec 3. Photo: Supplied

The wedding of Kunal Samtani to Divya Vaswani was the largest wedding ever held in Thailand with five days of festivities held on the resorts 118-rai (19-hectare) grounds on Nov 28 through Dec 3. A 3,200-square-metre air-conditioned marquee, Thailands largest, was built for the wedding celebrations.

The wedding entourage occupied the entire resort of 615 rooms, villas, all function space and F&B outlets. Guests at the wedding reception were entertained by a number of world-class performances by international artistes, Akon, Jason Derulo, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan.

The resort served guests more than 25,000 meals, 12,000 coconuts, over 1,500 bottles of premium liquor and champagne throughout the five-day celebrations.

It was a real honour and privilege to be the venue of choice for the wedding of Kunal and Divya. To be part of Thailand largest wedding ever was a great opportunity for Splash Beach Resort, said John Oshea, Managing Director, Splash Beach Resort.

Our team worked diligently and extremely long hours in the months leading up to the wedding to make everything perfect and memorable for every guest.

One of the key features of the resort is the 1,000sqm pillar-less Convention Centre, the largest single-structure conference facility on Phuket. The Convention Centre can flexibly cater to all types of events, the facility can seat 1,000 guests theatre style and cater to up to 1,300 guests for a standing cocktail reception, he added.

Managed by Langham Hospitality Group, Splash Beach Resort, Mai Khao Phuket has 615 rooms, suites, penthouse and villas. The resort offers practical, functional and comfortable lodging to young, fun-loving families. Phukets only integrated resort on Mai Khao beach, Splash Beach Resort has a modern fun waterpark complex, Splash Jungle Waterpark set within the resort.

As the wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings, Langham Hospitality Group encompasses a family of distinctive hotels under the Langham Hotels and Resorts and Cordis Hotels brands with more than 30 projects currently either confirmed or in a developed stage of negotiation from Asia, Europe and North America to the Middle East. The Group takes its name from the legendary Langham in London which, now standing more than 150 years old, was widely recognised as Europe's first Grand Hotel.
Mid-flight health seizure forces emergency landing at Phuket airport

PHUKET: An Ethihad Airways flight en route from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta was forced to make an emergency landing at Phuket International Airport yesterday (Dec 9) after a passenger suffered a health seizure on board.

healthdeathtourismtransportpolice

By Chutharat Plerin

Monday 10 December 2018, 11:02AM

Cabin staff provided medical assistance but his condition did not improve, forcing the pilot to make the unscheduled landing at Phuket airport.. Photo: The Phuket News / file

Flight EY474 touched down in Phuket and Indonesian national, Syafrial Syarifun Waham, 63, was rushed to Thalang Hospital, but was later pronounced dead. Doctors have not given a suspected cause of death, but the incident report by Capt Ekkasak Koanwan of the Thalang Police noted that Mr Syafrial, who was travelling with his wife, suffered a coughing fit and lost consciousness mid-flight. Cabin staff provided medical assistance but his condition did not improve, forcing the pilot to make the unscheduled landing at Phuket airport. On landing and en route to the hospital, Mr Syafrial still had a weak pulse, but medical still succumbed to the attack despite emergency assistance provided by doctors once he arrived at the hospital, Capt Ekkasak said. Mr Syafrials wife told police that her husband had a pre-existing medical condition, Capt Ekkasak also noted in his report. Capt Ekkasak also confirmed that Indonesian embassy officials had been notified of Mr Syafrials death.
More than 3,000 cyclists join Phuket Bike Un Ai Rak

PHUKET: More than 3,000 cyclists in Phuket took part in the Bike Un Ai Rak national cycling event yesterday (Dec 9), the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department has reported.

culture

By The Phuket News

Monday 10 December 2018, 11:23AM

Although the number is less than the 5,362 people in Phuket who had registered to take part in the event (see story here), more riders could have easily joined without registering or taking part along only some parts of the route, officials noted.

Phuket Governor Phakkaphong Tavipatana presided over the official opening of the event, which started on Narisorn Rd in Phuket Town.

Cyclists then continued along the 27.122km route 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.

Some 200 race marshal volunteers provided assistance, and emergency medical teams from Vachira Phuket Hospital, Mission Hospital and rescue foundations were stationed along the route.

No health incidents were reported from the event.

Tourism Police, Highway Police and officers from Phuket Provincial Police, Wichit Police and Chalong Police stations were also stationed along the route to provide assistance in keeping traffic at bay so riders could safe;ly pass along the route.

His Majesty The King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun presided over the opening of the Bike Un Ai Rak 2018 event in Bangkok before leading a 39km round trip ride from the Royal Plaza to the Lad Pho Park in Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district late yesterday afternoon.

The opening ceremony was held at 3.30pm at the Royal Plaza. At about 6.27pm, His Majesty led other cyclists along the route, which runs past various historical sites. (See Bangkok Post report here.)
Safety measures ordered to reduce accidents at Chalong-Kata roadworks

PHUKET: Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung today (Dec 10) ordered for warning lights and more safety signs to be installed on the road from Chalong Circle to Kata-Karon in ordered to reduce the number of accidents being created by roadworks.

transporttourismaccidentsSafetyconstruction

By The Phuket News

Monday 10 December 2018, 06:06PM

Vice Governor Prakob, under orders from Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana to make the road safer, inspected the state of the road today (Dec 10). Photo: PR Dept

Vice Governor Prakob, under orders from Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana to make the road safer, inspected the state of the road today (Dec 10). Photo: PR Dept

Vice Governor Prakob, under orders from Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana to make the road safer, inspected the state of the road today (Dec 10). Photo: PR Dept

Vice Governor Prakob, under orders from Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana to make the road safer, inspected the state of the road today (Dec 10). Photo: PR Dept

Vice Governor Prakob, under orders from Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana to make the road safer, inspected the state of the road today (Dec 10). Photo: PR Dept

Vice Governor Prakob, under orders from Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana to make the road safer, called a meeting today and inspected the state of the road.

Present were representatives from the Phuket office of the Highways Department and the construction company that has been hired by government concession to carry out repairs and to resurface about 1.5 kilometres of the road for B12 million.

According to the contract, the roadworks is to take three months, Oct 16, 2018 through to Jan 16,2019.

Many people have had accidents because of the poor condition of the road caused by the repairs and resurfacing work, such as gravel being left on the surface and the road, making it slippery, V/Gov Prakob said.

V/Gov Prakob ordered for install more warning lights to warn motorists at night, and to have more signs posted to warn people in the day.

The warning signs must be clear and be in Thai, English and Chinese languages. Tourists must be able to see  and understand  the signs, too, he said.

The contractor was also ordered to keep the road as clear of debris as possible to prevent motorcycle accidents.

Phuket has many road construction and renovation projects that affect people travelling here, V/Gov Prakob said.

The Phuket Governor is worried about the safety of people on the island. He has ordered the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning and the Highways Department to improve their efforts in informing people about these projects and to warn them about hazards, such as the condition of the roads.

All local administrations must discuss this with contractors in their areas. Every construction project must inform local people to beware the construction area, he added.
Split Decision: Watertown Lakers hockey teams notch win, loss in season openers

The Watertown Lakers and Mitchell Marlins split two South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association varsity games Saturday in the Maas Ice Arena.
Whether you love or hate Nickelback, you gotta admit this is pretty goddamn funny.

Proud Canadian (and full-time shit talker) Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, has brought in his fellow Canadian countrymen Nickelback into his latest movie trailer for 'Once Upon A Deadpool', where he and co-star Adam Savage debate over the merits of the band's music.

The trailer starts off with Savage taking shots at Nickelback, calling the band "over-produced, formulaic ear garbage". Looking at our text machine, we'd say many of you agree with this statement.

Reynolds defends the 'back.

50 million albums worldwide. 11th best selling musical act of all time. Billboards most successful rock group of the last decade, six Grammy nominations. 12 Juno Awards  those count. Six Billboard Music Awards. Two American Music Awards. One Peoples Choice Award (Canadian). And a partidge in a fucking pear tree.

The two then end up settling their argument with a rendition of 'How You Remind Me'.
Duff McKagan, best known for being the iconic Guns N' Roses' bassist, has a new solo album on the way, due out some time in 2019.

He's been working with producer Shooter Jennings on what he's calling a "musical follow-up" to has 2015 book How to Be a Man (And Other Illusions). The songs for the so-far untitled record were inspired by McKagan's global travels on Guns N' Roses' 'Not in This Lifetime' tour, according to a press release.

I wrote a couple of articles about historical places I passed through on this last tour, and people kept asking if that was going to be the focus of my next book. But an unseen and irrepressible force guided me to write little vignettes of reflective prose little instant-reactions. The heartbreak, anger, fear, confusion and divide I have experienced over the last two and a half years of traveling this globe of ours coerced these words into songs that tell my truth, and one that I hope will spread and help us all. I do this for my daughters  I do this for my love of where I grew up I do this because I truly feel it must be done and said right now," McKagan said.

From the first night we sat together at my piano hashing out arrangements of his songs, before going into the studio to record them, I felt it was a really important record that had to be heard. The songs have so much heart and are so musical that I could just hear all the arrangements immediately and I could really feel them," said producer Jennings.

The son of country legends Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, Shooter Jennings has been recording as a solo artist since 2005 and portrayed his father in 'Walk the Line', the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic. He began recording with McKagan at Station House studios in Echo Park, California, back in March this year, and fit sessions in between both of their busy schedules. They have shared a long-standing friendship, and this is the latest step for the pair.

I met Duff right after I moved to Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago," Jennings noted. "I was such a massive Guns N' Roses fan when I was younger. I'd say that they had a lot to do with me even moving to L.A. But there was some kind of magnetic force, I guess, that kept us orbiting each other over the years. When the idea of collaborating with him on this album came up, I was very eager to get the job as producer. I felt like the music this man made was part of the fabric of my own musical identity and that I would really love building a record with him. Once we sat down and started going over the songs he had, I instantly knew that the two of us were going to be a great fit together.
China accused Canada of violating a bilateral agreement by failing to speedily inform its consulate of the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co. chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou  an accusation the Canadian government denies.

According to the China-Canada consular agreement, if a Chinese citizen is arrested by the Canadian government, the Canadian government should immediately notify the Chinese embassy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing on Monday. But the Canadian government didnt do that.

Despite followup questions on when Beijing found out about the detention, Lu declined to provide more details. Canada, however, said it notified Chinese envoys on the day of the arrest.

Chinas consulate general in Vancouver was notified of Ms. Mengs detention on Dec. 1, the same day that the detention took place, Philip Hannan, a spokesman for the countrys foreign ministry, said in a written statement Monday. Consular access was provided later that day. Chinas Ambassador in Ottawa was also in contact with Canadian officials later that same day to discuss the situation.

Strained Relations

Over the weekend, Chinese authorities separately summoned the ambassadors of Canada and the U.S. to protest Mengs arrest on allegations she committed fraud to sidestep sanctions against Iran. The case has become a flashpoint in ties between the U.S. and China thats rattled investors and sent stock markets tumbling.

Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng warned Canadas ambassador that his nation could face severe consequences if it didnt release Meng immediately. Le said earlier in a separate statement that U.S. actions have violated the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and are extremely bad in nature, while also pledging further action.

China and the U.S. are grappling with how to react to the incident, which threatens to upend progress in trade talks achieved in Argentina. President Donald Trumps trade team sought to insulate talks with China from the growing dispute on Sunday, while officials in Beijing have debated the pros and cons of retaliation.

On Friday, the U.S. began a case against the Chinese telecoms giant in a Vancouver courtroom, alleging Meng had hidden ties between Huawei and a company called Skycom that did business in Iran, a lawyer representing Canada said during the court hearing. Canada is presenting the case on behalf of the U.S., which wants to extradite Meng.

Her lawyers have cited health issues in a bid to free the Huawei finance chief, painting a picture of a cancer survivor whos undergone multiple surgeries and needs daily medication to cope with a plethora of health issues. They also outlined how her entire family has deep roots in Vancouver, where shes being held. Shes also offered to put up a couple of multimillion-dollar homes as collateral.

Equipment Bans

Mengs case has struck a nerve with Chinese officials in part because Huawei, founded by her father Ren Zhengfei, is a national champion at the forefront of President Xi Jinpings efforts for China to be self-sufficient in strategic technologies.

Along with Huaweis growing prominence has come increased scrutiny from the U.S. and its allies over fears its equipment could be used for spying, with Kyodo News reporting that Japan could join Australia and New Zealand in keeping Chinese equipment away from their phone networks. China seeks fair, transparent and non-discriminatory treatment from Japan, Lu said.

Lu also pushed back against comments from those in other nations who allege Huawei may pose a security threat, saying there isnt any evidence of cybersecurity problems.

I want to stress that the Chinese laws and regulations do not authorize any institutions to force any enterprise to install forced backdoors, Lu said. The Chinese government always encourages its enterprises to abide by international rules and local laws.

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The 2018 election was an assertion of New York Citys political power in state government as much as progressive politics in general. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Queens native, won a third term on the strength of his downstate support, and the Democratic majorities in both houses of the state Legislature are largely made up of city lawmakers. Upstate senators have held significant sway in the Republican-dominated state Senate  but not next year.

This change has assigned a new task to the incoming state Senate Democratic majority, which will hold as many as 40 out of the 63 seats and has an ambitious legislative agenda: keeping the suburbs happy. Though they are only a fraction of their majority, suburban lawmakers make up the difference between Democrats eking out narrow legislative wins or passing bills with ease. Roughly two-thirds of the Democratic majority will hail from New York City, and city Democrats also make up the bulk of the partys representation in the Assembly. Add to this the fact that Cuomo won re-election despite losing almost every upstate county and its not hard to see how rural and suburban voters might worry that they would have less influence under Democratic rule.

This fear of downstate dominance was a common talking point for Republicans leading up to the election. The GOP has continued to promote this idea in defeat as GOP lawmakers scramble for relevance. State Senate Republican Leader John Flanagan warned Democrats wont renew a 2 percent cap on property tax increases. Republican state Sen. Catharine Young, who lost her recent challenge to Flanagans leadership in a 14-9 vote, said funding for education and transportation will dwindle under Democrats. These worries are not only partisan talking points. Western New York also has less sway in the state Legislature now that its four GOP senators are in the minority and state Sen. Timothy Kennedy of Buffalo is the lone Democrat representing the area. Worries that upstate will lose out under Democratic control has even prompted Cuomo to assert that he is the voice for upstate New York in Albany. The thinking goes that if Democrats miscalculate, then they could endanger their Senate majority in the next round of elections  rather than get the chance to relegate the GOP to a permanent minority party through redistricting, once and for all.

The key person in keeping the state Senate Democrats united is incoming Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Democrats are eager to do big things with their majority, and her mix of patience and pragmatism will be needed to push through their legislative agenda. She has said in interviews since the election that she will start the upcoming session with easy wins like passing the Reproductive Health Act and other bills with little fiscal impact that had been blocked by Republicans. What comes next will likely be determined when the conference meets for the first time at a meeting scheduled for Dec. 11 in the Albany area. Democrats could take up bills in early 2019 that would give in-state tuition and drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants, limit outside income for legislators, tighten campaign finance laws, expand gun control, eliminate the use of student test scores in teacher evaluations, pass sexual harassment protections and figure out what universal rent control means legislatively  but they have to do so despite likely contentious battles over funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and education, taxes and single-payer health care. A misstep could cause a fault line to crack wide open between New York City and suburban Democrats, endangering the partys long-term prospects of holding the majority.

Theres no question that some of the fiscal measures are trickier for a whole host of reasons, said Mark Guma, a Democratic political consultant who helped knock out several state senators who were members of the now-defunct Independent Democratic Conference. But people, for some reason, seem to forget that Andrea Stewart-Cousins has been a suburban legislator for going on three decades now. She understand the suburbs. Shes lived them. Shes governed them.

Jordan Laird

For now, suburban Democrats are optimistic that there will be a strong counterbalance to city lawmakers next year. Interviews with senators, Democratic insiders and activists show that there is abundant optimism following the elections. I think we can eliminate the us versus them, upstate versus downstate, or upstate versus Long Island, said state Sen. Neil Breslin, a veteran Democratic lawmaker who represents the Albany area. Were all on one team.

Stewart-Cousins has suggested that she has an open mind about what should be considered by the state Senate next year. In a recent appearance on The Brian Lehrer Show, she said that legislative action would be relatively quick and straightforward on issues like codifying Roe v. Wade into state law, increasing the waiting period for gun purchases from three to 10 days, reforming bail, passing the Child Victims Act and the state DREAM Act, which would allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public universities statewide. But she hedged on saying definitively that these issues will come up first next year, with Democrats yet to meet as a full conference. We collectively have not had a conversation on most of these things and so I will see what is on the table, examine everything carefully, she said during the radio interview. Obviously my members will be very, very involved in it.

Activists are not losing any time in trying to sway lawmakers before they gather, and there is increasing competition over what they will prioritize first. In recent weeks, tenant advocates have marched in the snow to urge legislators to address rent control early on. Others say campaign finance reforms need to happen first in order to limit the influence of landlords and the real estate industry. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York has signaled that its willing to work with legislators on the Child Victims Act, a bill it had long opposed because it could reopen child sexual abuse claims against the church by temporarily dropping the statute of limitations.

Still others think the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court means that the Reproductive Health Act should be the first piece of legislation taken up by the new Senate majority. We have not a moment to waste, said Christina Chang, chief external affairs officer at Planned Parenthood of New York City. LGBTQ advocates also say that Trump administration policies necessitate quick passage of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, or GENDA. We are definitely hopeful that it will pass early in the session, said Shijuade Kadree, chief advocacy officer at the The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center.

I think we can eliminate the us versus them, upstate versus downstate, or upstate versus Long Island. Were all on one team.  state Sen. Neil Breslin

The good news for state Senate Democrats is that they have wiggle room, which is a key difference from the slim majority they held in 2009 and 2010 when they last controlled the chamber.

Similarly, Republicans have had to contend with narrow majorities in recent years, including last year when the GOP had a one-seat majority. In some years, Republicans maintained power thanks to a controversial power-sharing agreement with the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference. More recently, nominal Democrat Simcha Felder continued to caucus with Republicans this year, even as the eight former members of the now-defunct IDC rejoined the mainline Democrats. With six of the eight former IDC members having lost their seats in this years elections and Felders influence diminished  he may or may not be the 40th member of the Democratic majority  there is little reason to believe that individual senators will be able to exert outsized leverage.

The Democrats commanding majority in the state Senate means that they can afford to have some members defect on an issue without endangering the passage of a bill. And while only one issue can be voted on first, it is possible that the Democratic Senate could pass legislation on all these fronts with ease.

Judging by the outcomes on Election Day, social issues dont seem to be dividing suburban and urban Democrats, although the same may not be true for issues with a significant fiscal impact.

On Long Island, Democrats now control six out of nine Senate seats, largely because they ran as progressives on social issues while at the same time touting their support for tax relief and funding for education and transportation. Several Long Island Democrats beat Republican incumbents by running as unabashed progressives on issues like GENDA, the Child Victims Act, the Reproductive Health Act and gun control. We as a state needed to be more progressive and I believe the voters in District 6 really believed that they needed change, state Sen.-elect Kevin Thomas told City & State after his upset win over Republican state Sen. Kemp Hannon in Nassau County.

This strategy of mixing social liberalism with issues like tax relief extended upstate where progressives notched several wins. Rachel May handily defeated Syracuse-area state Sen. David Valesky, who drew criticism for having joined the IDC, in the Democratic primary. Progressive policies were also an asset rather than a liability for Rosendale Councilwoman Jen Metzger, who won an open seat in the Hudson Valley vacated by retiring GOP state Sen. John Bonacic.

In past years, upstate and suburban Democrats have at times had to distance themselves from their party in order to appeal to voters. Democratic state Sen. Ted OBrien, for example, was the only member of his party to vote against the state DREAM Act in 2014, but it was not enough to win re-election against Republican Rich Funke, who cast his opponent as beholden to New York City interests. But issues like immigration and abortion may not have the hold they once had on upstate and suburban voters. This was a year when the Republican candidate for governor even embraced protecting abortion rights. I think its a new game, said Robin Chappelle Golston, president of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts, which represents the organization statewide.

Activists are even optimistic that rent regulation  long an issue that pitted New York City and several suburbs against the real estate interests in the state Senate GOP  now has a much broader appeal as rents continue to rise across the state. While the real estate industry is battling advocates over preferential rent, vacancy decontrol and other related issues, they have hedged their bets on the GOP by donating more to the other party  even if they have little chance of influencing Democrats, who appear increasingly poised to do more than ever next year to expand tenant protections. Whatever happens on the issue, it does not appear primed to divide Democrats, especially since the party appears willing to pass campaign finance reform along with tenant-friendly legislation. This is not going to be cast as a New York City versus suburbs, or New York City versus upstate with the Democratic caucus, said Michael McKee of the Tenants Political Action Committee. I think youre going to find a good deal of support from senators statewide to protect tenants.

When you poll Long Island voters about what concerns them most, the first three are: taxes, taxes, taxes.  Lawrence Levy, Hofstra University National Center for Suburban Studies executive dean

Three issues in particular could pit New York City Democratic senators against their suburban counterparts. When you poll Long Island voters about what concerns them most, the first three are: taxes, taxes, taxes, said Lawrence Levy, executive dean at the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University. Referring to the six Democratic senators who will represent the region next year, Levy continued, The Long Island Six have to show they are at least holding the line on taxes.

Taxes are also a hot-button issue for other Democratic senators who represent suburban districts  like Stewart-Cousins  that were hurt by the new $10,000 federal cap on state and local tax deductions. Those of us that face high property taxes like in Long Island and the Hudson Valley obviously have very strong concerns, said Democratic state Sen. Shelley Mayer of Yonkers. This bloc of senators who want to limit property tax increases could narrow the options that Democrats have for striking compromises on issues involving spending  especially given Cuomos insistence that the 2 percent cap on state budget increases remain in place.

I think the challenge here will be, can that Democratic conference collaborate in a way where they come up with a common agenda that does not put forth a mushy type of centrism but a vital type of centrism that can re-elect Democratic senators from these hard-to-win seats, said Bruce Gyory, a Democratic political consultant. If they can do that, theyll be in a good place.

With Democrats now having their largest state Senate majority since 1912, there is a strong incentive to avoid fostering factionalism, whether it be ideological or geographic. The primary election losses by former IDC members made an example of senators who undermined party unity, but the lopsided nature of the Democrats new majority has nonetheless spurred talk of how the suburbs and upstate can provide a counterbalance to New York City lawmakers. The Long Island Six would be smart if they joined arms with suburban lawmakers from other areas of the state to pursue a suburban agenda, Levy said.

Such an alliance could prove especially effective on the fiscal front when senators consider how to increase funding for the MTA and education. While some form of congestion pricing  which would impose a charge on vehicles entering the central business district of Manhattan  may pass next year, it would not be enough to fully fund the MTAs needed fixes. The agency has estimated it will require about $40 billion in new revenue over the next 10 years to modernize the deteriorating subway system. Assuming that congestion pricing would provide $1 billion or so in additional funding for the MTA annually, there would still need to be some type of increase on gasoline, sales or income taxes, or fees on auto registrations, according to an analysis by transportation expert Charles Komanoff. But a deal to increase funding for city subways would also need to include money to improve service on the Long Island Rail Road and the Metro-North Railroad  which each serve millions of suburban customers a year  in order to garner support from suburban lawmakers. The MTA payroll tax is cited as a key reason why two Long Island Democrats lost their Senate seats in 2010 and Democrats relinquished their majority. The tax was subsequently reduced, but it remains unpopular in suburban counties because of the costs it adds to businesses, nonprofits and schools. Reducing or eliminating it could help buy goodwill for senators from Long Island and the Hudson Valley.

A similar give-and-take will likely play out with education. Billions of dollars in Foundation Aid is still owed to districts across the state. How and when that money is allocated determines who gets teachers, art programs and other funding for schools. The primary campaign of state Sen. David Carlucci serves as a warning of what can happen if lawmakers fall short in delivering such funding to their districts. Back when Carlucci was still a member of the IDC, he joined other members of his conference in proposing $1.47 billion in Foundation Aid funding last year. But critics pointed out that a bill that Carlucci supported in March included much smaller funding increases for his district than originally proposed, inspiring a tough primary challenge from educator Julie Goldberg. Carlucci lived to legislate another day, but was quick to mention in an interview with City & State that Foundation Aid is a key priority for his Hudson Valley district in the upcoming year, along with issues like GENDA, voting reforms, rent regulation and recreational marijuana legalization.

Asked whether there had been any talks since the election about how suburban senators might unify on a formal or informal basis, Carlucci said no. Thats a sentiment shared by colleagues across the state. The Democrats are firmly in control of state government and they say they are ready to make good on years worth of promises, whether on social issues like abortion or addressing tougher problems like MTA funding. But New York state politics has had its fair share of intrigue in the past, and the future of the Democratic majority will depend on just how well Stewart-Cousins and other senators can work together and remain unified in the months before she, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Cuomo get in a room to hammer out the final state budget due in the spring. If the dominance of three downstate Democrats somehow appears unfair to the suburbs or upstate, then new factions could emerge among Democrats. Yet, as Breslin put it, I think its a little bit early to move quickly in that direction.

But for now, suburban, upstate and urban Democrats alike remain hopeful that they can govern together in relative peace and unity  at least for as long as they can hold it together.

RELATED: The progressive bills of 2019

Correction: Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts advocates for Planned Parenthood in New York. The organization's political arm is a separate entity.
SYDNEY, N.S.The sudden closure of a Cape Breton call centre continued to reverberate Monday, with about 450 former employees briefed on a potential buyer  and sympathetic members of the public warned to be careful about where they send their donations.

We havent really authorized or endorsed anyone to do fundraising for us, said Tanya Wilneff, a former manager at the ServiCom Canada facility in Sydney.

Wilneff said Monday she had spotted at least six GoFundMe sites that purported to be raising money for the almost 700 ServiCom employees  all of whom lost their jobs last Thursday as part of a bankruptcy protection process involving the companys U.S. parent.

The sites may have been set up by well-meaning people, but it is often difficult to tell if they are legitimate, said Wilneff, a former human resources manager who worked at the centre for 15 years.

Later in the day, many former employees gathered for a meeting in Sydney, where they learned about short-term assistance from the provincial and federal governments, as well as the prospects for an unnamed buyer to reopen the facility in the New Year.

Todd Riley, the call centres former director, said a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday between the U.S. judge handling the bankruptcy proceedings and the parent companys creditors, as well as the potential buyer.

We truly believe were going to have a deal in principle very, very soon, he said.

Cecil Clarke, mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and Nova Scotia Business Minister Geoff MacLellan have both indicated the centre was in the process of being sold when the bankruptcy proceedings interrupted the sale.

MacLellan, who attended Mondays meeting, repeated his claim that a buyer is keen to reopen the call centre early in the new year.

He said the sale cant go ahead until the American judge completes bankruptcy proceedings.

Theres nothing (stopping the sale), from my perspective, he said after the meeting. Theres no show-stoppers.

The cabinet minister, who represents a Cape Breton district, said the potential buyer represents a committed group who want to stay at this site for a long time.

MacLellan said representatives from key government departments, including Employment Nova Scotia, were on hand at the meeting to discuss what the government has to offer the workers.

There was concern and sadness in the room, he said. But people are very positive (because) they understand that options are available ... (And) the magnitude of reaction from people looking to give money and donate to these workers has been incredible. Its sort of what we do in Cape Breton.

Riley said the former employees decided Monday to set up a employee-management committee devoted to fundraising.

We do not want anybody setting up a fraudulent account to reap benefits from this situation, he said after the meeting. Well focus on one account that we will put out there.

Wilneff said she and her colleagues have been stunned by the outpouring of help from friends and neighbours.

Its been overwhelming, the amount of people who have been supporting us, she said, her words trailing off as she drew a deep breath to maintain her composure. I get a bit emotional talking about it.

In particular, she said volunteers at the local food bank  operated by the Salvation Army  have stepped up to make sure every former ServiCom employee has enough provisions to make it through the holiday season.

As well, a local pizza joint  Alexandras Pizza in Sydney  has handed out $3,000 in gift cards, she said.

Every day, theres somebody calling to ask about making a donation, Wilneff said, adding that her former colleagues include married couples and single parents who are now without work on an island where the jobless rate is hovering around 15 per cent.

People are being generous, and I dont even think they understand what a huge impact it is having on our employees.

ServiCom provided customer support to major firms, such as OnStar Corp., a subsidiary of General Motors, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, AT&T Inc. and Allstate Insurance company.

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Tuesdays hearing by the House Judiciary Committee into transparency and accountability at Google will place Sundar Pichai in the hot seat as committee members quiz the CEO on the mega-companys practices in data collection and filtering.

That sounds a little dry, so lets spice it up: what about China?

The arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, comes as Washington continues its examination of the power of Google, which accounts for close to 90 per cent of worldwide search traffic, and, as outgoing Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy phrases it, has great influence over what millions of people can and cannot find on the Internet.

Latterly McCarthy has grown alert to the China angle, noting reports claiming that Google is compromising its core principles by complying with repressive censorship mandates from China.

He doesnt use the word Dragonfly, but Project Dragonfly is what hes referring to there.

That story, broken by the Intercept in August, dates the inception of Dragonfly to the spring of 2017, and its accelerated development to a meeting in December of that year between Pichai and Wang Huning, identified by the news site as a top Chinese government official.

The Google plan, as reported by the Intercept, was to launch a censored version of its search engine in China that will blacklist websites and search terms about human rights, democracy, religion, and peaceful protest.

Google has been out of China for a decade. The new customized app, the Intercept reported, will comply with the countrys strict censorship laws, restricting access to content that Xi Jinpings Communist Party regime deems favourable.

The companys own employees were caught unawares. Senior research scientist Jack Poulson, who worked in Googles research and machine intelligence division, did two things. One, he quit. Two, he penned a letter to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee criticizing his former employer for directly contradicting its own AI Principles, specifically the commitment not to design or deploy any technology whose purpose contravenes widely accepted principles of  human rights. Whats needed, Poulson argued, was not just increased oversight and accountability of data, but the systems that are designed and deployed based on such data.

A coalition of human rights organizations quickly rose up in protest over censorship concerns  Poulsons blacklist of prohibited search terms included human rights in English and the Mandarin phrase for student protest  and the threat of potential surveillance.

Pichais responses did nothing to calm critics nerves. Two months ago, the CEO of the company previously known for its Dont Be Evil motto, defensively told a Wired conference that the app would answer 99 per cent of the queries put to it. That echoed what Poulson had been told by the companys head of artificial intelligence research in response to his objections to the project. The corporate line: only a small number of queries would be censored.

At the end of November, Ryan Gallagher, who broke the first story for the Intercept, published a follow-up investigation detailing the corporate secrecy around Dragonfly and the exclusion of members of Googles privacy team from key meetings. That story could serve as a handy primer for Tuesdays proceedings. How accountable is Google to privacy concerns? How deep was its privacy review? How transparent has the company been? According to Gallagher, an internal report concluded that Google would be expected to function in China as part of the ruling Communist Partys authoritarian system of policing and surveillance.

Perhaps Pichai will insist that no such report found its way to his desk. The follow-up question will be crucial: to what degree does he believe that those conclusions as stated are true?

Those core principles that Rep. McCarthy referred to havent served Google well of late. In advance of an extraordinary walkout of more than 20,000 employees last month, Pichai expressed support and admiration for those coming forward to complain of sexual harassment, pay and opportunity inequality, and the lack of safe processes for reporting misconduct.

That protest came in the wake of the New York Times expose of the $90-million (U.S.) payout to Andy Rubin subsequent to an internal claim of sexual misconduct. Pichai promised that the corporation would do better, and that there would be serious consequences for inappropriate behaviour. The culture, including the excessive use of alcohol, would be reined in.

Last week, contract workers sent a letter to Pichai complaining about the companys two-tiered system. Even when were doing the same work as full-time employees, these jobs routinely fail to provide living wages and often offer minimal benefits, the letter states. This affects not only us, but also our families and communities. Accountability, transparency and structural change have been called for.

These issues may appear to be disconnected from the companys potential foray into China. But there is a symmetry there, in a company carrying through with pledges of accountability and transparency only when its own purposes are served.

In his letter to the Commerce committee last September, Jack Poulson insists that Project Dragonfly was a catastrophic failure of the internal privacy review process.

Sindar Pichai hasnt answered to that charge. Tuesday presents an opportunity to ask the central question: if Google were to operate in China, just what exactly would that look like?

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The Dec. 1 Canadian arrest of a leading Chinese corporate executive has been widely reported as a threat to Canada-China relations, at a time when the Trudeau government seeks a trade deal with the worlds second-largest economy.

But thats an unlikely outcome of the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Shenzhen-based Huawei Technologies Co., as she was changing planes in Vancouver, news of which broke last Thursday. China has, of course, demanded the return of the high-profile Wanzhou. But Beijing expects Canada to extradite Wanzhou to America, as the U.S. demands, and it will understand Canadas need to honour Canada-U.S. extradition treaties. The reality is that Canada, pretty much alone, has been an enthusiastic enabler of Huawei in its audacious bid to gain world leadership in fifth-generation mobile technology (5G) that could be 100 times faster than existing technologies.

Huawei is a long-suspected leader in Chinese intellectual property theft, and has been treated with hostility in the U.S., Europe and Australasia. By sharp contrast, Canada has embraced Huawei, one of Canadas biggest R&D spenders. Huawei counts telecom giant Telus Corp. among its many Canadian clients, and has partnered with at least 10 Canadian universities on research projects, including the University of Waterloo, the Stanford of Canada.

That and Huaweis sizable Canadian cultural sponsorships have earned it a reputation for good corporate citizenship, in a Canada whose private-sector R&D spending is shamefully low.

All to say, Chinese media bluster about Wanzhous fate disguises Beijings appreciation of Canadas warm welcome for a flagship Chinese enterprise. China wont let a diplomatic dispute over Meng affect trade relations between itself and Canada.

Read more:

Bail hearing resumes Monday for Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei CFO arrested on fraud allegations

Huaweis CFO seeks bail citing poor health, offers homes as collateral

Canada could be at risk of nasty retaliation from China

A troubled Alberta needs to look itself in the mirror

Eventually, someone will have to tell Alberta to look in the mirror before continuing to blame Ottawa for its oilpatch crisis.

Over the past decade, Alberta producers massively increased their output, knowing there was no way to get it to market.

That was a bad bet.

It accounts for the near-record gap between the price for Albertas landlocked bitumen and lighter grades like West Texas Intermediate (WTI). Neither is Ottawa to blame for Albertas failure to diversify away from fossil fuels, ignoring then-Alberta premier Peter Lougheed wise counsel to do so back in the 1970s.

And Ottawa is blameless in Edmontons repeated raiding of its oil-royalty piggy bank, the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, also created by Lougheed, to soften the blow of crises like this one.

Norways oil-royalty fund tops $1 trillion (U.S.) in assets. The Heritage Fund has a pathetic $17.4 billion (Canadian) in assets, meaning an Alberta bailout, if it comes to that, will have to be financed by all Canadians.

Ottawa has doted on the oilpatch. Both the Harper and Trudeau governments have tried to increase crude-oil pipeline capacity.

Yet many Albertans are angry that Ottawa has not challenged a court decision blocking completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, instead abiding by the courts demand that the project be halted until B.C. coastal residents are better protected from oil spills and that Indigenous peoples in the region are properly consulted.

There comes a point when we can no longer allow the Alberta oilpatch to hold hostage world-class environment standards and living conditions for Albertas fellow Canadians, to say nothing of Athabascas enormous complicity in global warming.

When Canada had a friend in the White House

The astonishing resume of George H.W. Bush, who died last week at age 94, does not mention, in any official way, at least, that Bush was one of Canadas greatest friends among American presidents.

The Bush presidential record points to better times ahead, when American voters, as they so recently did in giving Barack Obama back-to-back electoral majorities, will soon again chose a person of dignity, sagacity and common sense to lead them.

As Americas 41st president, and in partnership with then-Canadian PM Brian Mulroney, Bush put an end to the acid rain that was destroying Central Canadas lakes and waterways. Bushs Clean Air Act was a bold rebuke to Corporate America, chiefly its politically powerful electric utilities. Bush ended the impunity with which that sector was poisoning with its emissions the fresh water supplies of the continent, mostly in Canada.

And in partnership with then Canadian PM Jean Chretien,Bush invited Mexico into what was to be the worlds biggest free-trade zone, transforming the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The NAFTA that Donald Trump, the current U.S. chief executive, has long decried as a disaster for America has roughly quadrupled trade among the three countries. And a Mexican manufacturing sector whose immense growth was triggered by NAFTA gave North America a low-cost workshop to match the role played by Spain and the Czech Republic in Europe, and by Vietnam and Malaysia for Japan, reversing a North American slide in global competitiveness.

In his youth, Bush was a remarkable ballplayer with major-league promise. In his dealings with Canada, he came close to pitching a perfect game.

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GoPro Inc. will move most of its U.S.-bound camera production out of China by next summer in a step to minimize the impact of potential tariffs.

Todays geopolitical business environment requires agility, GoPro chief financial officer Brian McGee said in a statement Monday. Were proactively addressing tariff concerns.

GoPro shares fell 2.8 per cent in New York.

The San Mateo, California-based company said it expects shifting its U.S. production to come at a relatively low cost since the company owns its production equipment. Cameras headed for other countries will continue to be made in China, GoPro said.

Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed in Buenos Aires on Dec. 1 to hold off on increasing tariffs for 90 days. But the arrest of Huawei Technologies Co. CFO Meng Wanzhou at the behest of U.S. authorities has stoked renewed fears of a further escalation in the trade war.

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EDMONTONEnvironment Canada announced a freezing rain warning for a swath of central Alberta, urging anybody walking or driving in those areas to proceed with caution.

Monday morning, the agency reported patchy freezing rain in Evansburg and Mayerthorpe, west of the city, and Slake Lake to the north. It is headed for the cities of Edmonton, St. Albert and Sherwood Park and will continue to move eastward into the afternoon.

Drivers and pedestrians are asked to prepare themselves for slippery outdoor surfaces, including roads, highways, sidewalks and parking lots.

Drivers in particular have been advised to adjust their driving to the weather.

Environment Canada issues freezing rain warnings when rain falling in below 0 C creates an icy buildup on surfaces.

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Alerts have also been issued for areas east of the city, including Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Redwater and Smoky Lake.

West of Edmonton, Spruce Grove and Morinville fall under the warning, along with Leduc, Camrose, Wetaskiwin and Tofield to the south.

Westlock, Barrhead and Athabasca north of Edmonton are included in the warning as well.

To report severe weather to Environment Canada, the public can email ABstorm@canada.ca. Online weather tracking and reporting is also available over social media by following and tweeting the #ABstorm hashtag on Twitter.

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Toronto council will debate on Thursday whether to opt out of provincial legislation permitting private cannabis stores to operate in the city beginning April 1.

Its not that we want to ban cannabis sales, but we want some sort of mechanism that gives us local control, said Councillor Gord Perks (Ward 4, ParkdaleHigh Park) comparing whats happened in Toronto so far to the lawless Wild West, with illegal pot stores operating openly.

On Oct. 16, the day prior to legalization this year, there were 92 illegal storefronts reportedly operating in Toronto, according to a report by city staff. Despite a crackdown, 11 stores continued to operate illegally as of Nov. 27.

Its left a bad taste in the mouth of Torontonians. They want to make sure they have access to a process to control how this happens, said Perks.

Under provincial legislation, private cannabis stores can open in Ontario beginning April 1, but municipalities are allowed to vote to opt out. They have until Jan. 22 to decide. Richmond Hill and Markham are considering motions to opt out, after banning recreational smoking or vaping of cannabis in public.

A staff report for council recommends Toronto not opt out of allowing retail cannabis stores to operate. It points out that the licensed system operated by the province provides an alternative to the illegal market and includes controls designed to minimize social harms and address safety issues.

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It also points out that prohibiting cannabis retail stores in Toronto would limit Toronto residents access to legal and government-regulated recreational cannabis. The only other ways to legally purchase recreational cannabis would be online, through the Ontario Cannabis store, or in other municipalities with legal cannabis retailers.

According to the report, between March 16, 2016 and Nov. 23, approximately 1,260 charges were laid against storefront owners, operators, employees and landlords involved in the illegal sale of cannabis products in Toronto. The charges have so far resulted in 548 convictions and total fines imposed of $724,200.

What do you think?

Based on staffs experience with the illegal market since 2016, it is anticipated that banning legal retailers would have the unintended consequence of encouraging the illegal market, including through the operation of illegal storefronts, according to the report.

The province has agreed to provide funding to help municipalities with the implementation costs of cannabis legalization. Cities that permit stores to operate would be eligible to receive a portion of the federal excise duty if there is a surplus.

Mayor John Tory said Monday he will ask council to approve a push for more powers for municipalities to control the locations of private cannabis retail stores.

I continue to be concerned about safety for children, public health, and the proximity of cannabis stores to places like schools, said Tory in a statement issued Monday. While I dont believe saying no to cannabis retail stores in our city is a practical position, we should be maximizing safety and the protection of children and neighbourhoods from any negative effects that may come about as a result of these stores.

Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 11, University-Rosedale) said he is concerned that a concentration of cannabis shops in one area, for example, in a neighbourhood like Kensington Market, could drive up rents for other businesses.

If we were to look at Kensington Market, you sadly might end up pricing out the retail grocery stores that cant pay the same rents as nightclubs and pot shops, said Layton.
BRUSSELS Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel scrambled to hold on to power Sunday, as his nation became the latest to face political upheaval caused by the planned adoption this week of a symbolic global pact on migration.

The controversy over the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration revealed the degree to which the issue has become politically poisonous in the era of U.S. President Donald Trump and rising far-right leaders in Europe. The non-binding agreement, proposed by European leaders in the aftermath of the 2015 migration crisis in Europe, reaffirms existing commitments to human rights and seeks to broaden international co-operation to avoid future crises. But the United States, Israel, Australia and a lengthening tally of European countries say they will not sign on.

In Belgium, Michels decision to commit his country to the pact led the right-wing N-VA Flemish nationalist party to leave the ruling coalition late Saturday. The N-VA, which had held power over migration policy and sought to speed deportations from Belgium, declared that taking part in the pact meant giving up sovereignty over the countrys borders. Michel said he would pursue a minority government as he departed for the United Nations conference in Marrakesh, Morocco, where he will sign the document.

Migration is an issue that cannot be solved alone, he said Sunday.

The pact, which seeks to reduce the root causes of migration while making it safer for people who choose to move across borders, was the result of a European push to avoid repetitions of the drama of 2015. That year, more than a million people streamed into Europe, often by foot and under painful conditions. By signing the pact, countries pledge to respect the human rights of refugees and economic migrants, reduce the detention of migrants and offer them basic social services.

The effort has exposed just how controversial migration is, with a growing list of countries breaking away after the declaration was negotiated in July.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel found herself fighting a rebellion not only from the far-right Alternative for Germany party but also from prominent members of her own centre-right Christian Democratic Party. At a parliamentary debate last month, Merkel said the pact would simply seek to ensure refugees and economic migrants are treated the same around the world as they are in Germany.

Its in our national interest that the conditions around the world, for refugees on the one hand and migrants on the other, are improved, Merkel said.

The debate has roiled Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, Slovakia and Latvia, among others. Even Austria, which was the lead negotiator of the pact on behalf of the European Union, has rebelled, with the ruling coalition declaring in October that it wanted to defend its national sovereignty instead of signing the agreement. Its defection set off a stream of new decisions to split from the pact.

The United States  which decided last year to sit out the negotiations  denounced the agreement Friday, saying in a statement from the U.S. Mission to the United Nations that decisions about how to secure its borders, and whom to admit for legal residency or to grant citizenship, are among the most important sovereign decisions a state can make.

Far-right campaigners have stoked the controversy. In Brussels on Saturday, former Trump campaign adviser Stephen Bannon appeared at a rally with far-right French politician Marine Le Pen, where both denounced the compact.

At the heart of a country, at the heart of citizenship, is control of our borders and the citizens determination of that country on what its migration policies are going to be, Bannon told the crowd.

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Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is under fire after posting tweets Saturday encouraging his followers to visit Myanmar, without mentioning allegations of genocide and gang rape by its military against of Rohingya Muslims  nearly a million of whom have been forced out the country.

The backlash began Saturday evening, when Dorsey posted about his 10-day trip to the Burma town of Pyin Oo Lwin for a meditation retreat. In the thread, Dorsey wrote about how he had isolated himself from technology to hack at the deepest layer of the mind and reprogram it using an intense form of Buddhist meditation called Vipassana.

He went on to call the country beautiful, writing the people are full of joy and the food is amazing. Toward the end of the thread, Dorsey encouraged his 4.12 million followers to try Vipassana for themselves, and even go to the country in the Southeast Asian nation: If youre willing to travel a bit, go to Myanmar.

Many of his critics, however, noticed that in promoting the country, Dorsey failed to speak about the accusations of mass killings and war crimes reportedly carried out by the countrys military last year.

In August, a report from the United Nations called for Burmas military leaders  including its commander in chief  to be investigated and prosecuted on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The military is accused of atrocities such as raping women and killing children  driving out nearly a million Rohingya to the neighbouring country Bangladesh, creating a large refugee camp.

The report found patterns of gross human rights violations and abuses committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan state that undoubtedly amount to the gravest crimes under international law, a statement announcing the reports findings said.

The Burma military has denied reports of the atrocities, stating instead that it is responding to security challenges.

Military necessity would never justify killing indiscriminately, gang raping women, assaulting children, and burning entire villages, the report said. The Tatmadaws tactics are consistently and grossly disproportionate to actual security threats, especially in Rakhine State, but also in northern (Burma), the report added, using the official name for the armed forces in Burma.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo referred to the Burma militarys actions as abhorrent ethnic cleansing, adding that the United States would continue to hold those responsible accountable.

The United States also imposed sanctions on three (Burma) military commanders for their roles in the ethnic cleansing.

In response to Dorseys thread, John Stanton of BuzzFeed wrote, Its actually pretty on brand for @jack to promote going to a country where theyre committing genocide as some sort of low key meditation retreat.

In response to another tweet in which Dorsey wrote that the people of Burma are full of joy, a user replied: The people are so full of joy! I suppose you didnt visit any of the hundreds of villages burnt by government forces or talk to any of the more than half million Rohingya forced to flee the country who are now living in overwhelmed refugee camps in Bangladesh? Meditate on THAT.

Andrew Stroehlein, European Media Director for Human Rights Watch, wrote: Im no expert on meditation, but is it supposed to make you so self-obsessed that you forget to mention youre in a country where the military has committed mass killings & mass rape, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, in one of todays biggest humanitarian disasters?

Another user quoted Dorseys tweet that encouraged people to travel to Myanmar, writing: @Jack is recommending Myanmar as a hip cool tourist destination at the same time as hundreds of thousands of members of the Rohingya Muslim minority have been forced to flee the country (to Bangladesh & elsewhere) due to persecution, violence, rape, murder, & attempted genocide.

Dorsey did not publicly comment on the criticism as of Sunday afternoon. A person who said they were familiar with Dorseys intentions said in an interview with the Washington Post that Dorsey travelled to Burma because Vipassana  which has numerous adaptations  is practiced in its most traditional form only within the country.

Its the only place he could do this, the person said. No one else follows the traditional tenants of this particular practice. Thats why he went to this particular location.

The person said they could not comment directly on the criticism but highlighted Dorseys final tweet in the thread, in which he wrote that he was happy to answer any questions about (his) experience and will track responses to this thread.

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WASHINGTONTop House Democrats on Sunday raised the prospect of impeachment or almost-certain prison time for U.S. President Donald Trump if its proved that he directed illegal hush-money payments to women, adding to the legal pressure on the president over the Russia investigation and other scandals.

Theres a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time, said Rep. Adam Schiff, the incoming chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. The bigger pardon question may come down the road as the next president has to determine whether to pardon Donald Trump.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, described the details in prosecutors filings Friday in the case of Trumps former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as evidence that Trump was at the centre of a massive fraud.

They would be impeachable offences, Nadler said.

In the filings, prosecutors in New York for the first time link Trump to a federal crime of illegal payments to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign. Special counsel Robert Muellers office also laid out previously undisclosed contacts between Trump associates and Russian intermediaries and suggested the Kremlin aimed early on to influence Trump and his Republican campaign by playing to both his political and personal business interests.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and has compared the investigations to a witch hunt.

Read more:

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Former Trump lawyer met Russian who offered political synergy with election campaign

Sentences for Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort likely to diverge in Russia probe

Nadler (D-N.Y.) said it was too early to say whether Congress would pursue impeachment proceedings based on the illegal payments alone because lawmakers would need to weigh the gravity of the offence to justify overturning the 2016 election. Nadler and other lawmakers said Sunday they would await additional details from Muellers investigation into Russian election interference and possible co-ordination with the Trump campaign to determine the extent of Trumps misconduct.

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Regarding the illegal payments, whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question, but certainly theyd be impeachable offences because even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office, Nadler said.

Mueller has not said when he will complete a report of any findings, and it isnt clear that any such report would be made available to Congress. That would be up to the attorney general. Trump on Friday said he would nominate former Attorney General William Barr to the post to succeed Jeff Sessions.

Nadler indicated that Democrats, who will control the House in January, will step up their own investigations. He said Congress, the Justice Department and the special counsel need to dig deeper into the allegations, which include questions about whether Trump lied about his business arrangements with Russians and about possible obstruction of justice.

The new Congress will not try to shield the president, he said. We will try to get to the bottom of this, in order to serve the American people and to stop this massive conspiracy  this massive fraud on the American people.

Schiff (D-Calif.) also stressed a need to wait until we see the full picture. He has previously indicated his panel would seek to look into the Trump familys business ties with Russia.

I think we also need to see this as a part of a broader pattern of potential misconduct by the president, and its that broad pattern, I think, that will lead us to a conclusion about whether it rises to the level to warrant removal from office, Schiff said.

In the legal filings, the Justice Department stopped short of accusing Trump of directly committing a crime. But it said Trump told Cohen to make illegal payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom claimed to have had affairs with Trump more than a decade ago.

In separate filings, Muellers team detail how Cohen spoke to a Russian who claimed to be a trusted person in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign political synergy and synergy on a government level. Cohen said he never followed up on that meeting. Muellers team also said former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to them about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials, including in 2018.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida called the latest filings relevant in judging Trumps fitness for office but said lawmakers need more information to render judgment. He also warned the White House about considering a pardon for Manafort, saying such a step could trigger congressional debate about limiting a presidents pardon powers.

Such a move would be a terrible mistake, Rubio said. Pardons should be used judiciously. Theyre used for cases with extraordinary circumstances.

Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine and a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, cautioned against a rush to impeachment, which he said citizens could interpret as political revenge and a coup against the president.

The best way to solve a problem like this, to me, is elections, King said. Im a conservative when it comes to impeachment. I think its a last resort and only when the evidence is clear of a really substantial legal violation. We may get there, but were not there now.

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut urged Mueller to show his cards soon so that Congress can make a determination early next year on whether to act on impeachment.

Lets be clear: We have reached a new level in the investigation, Murphy said. Its important for Congress to get all of the underlying facts and data and evidence that the special counsel has.

Nadler spoke on CNNs State of the Union, Rubio was on CNN and ABCs This Week, and Schiff appeared on CBS Face the Nation. Murphy spoke on ABC, and King was on NBCs Meet the Press.

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As U.S. President Donald Trump heads into the fight of his political life, the man he had hoped would help guide him through it has now turned him down, and he finds himself in the unaccustomed position of having no obvious second option.

Nick Ayers, the main focus of Trumps search to replace John Kelly as chief of staff in recent weeks, said Sunday that he was leaving the administration at the end of the year. Ayers, 36, chief of staff to Vice-President Mike Pence, is returning to Georgia with his family, which includes young triplets, according to people familiar with his plans.

The decision leaves Trump to contend with fresh uncertainty as he enters the 2020 campaign amid growing danger from the Russia investigation and from Democrats who have vowed tougher oversight, and could even pursue impeachment, after they take over the House next month.

As the president restarted the search process, speculation focused on a group that was led by Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) who is the hard-edge chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, but also included Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin; Trumps budget director, Mick Mulvaney; and the U.S. trade representative, Robert Lighthizer.

Former Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who as a one-time U.S. attorney could help Trump in an impeachment fight, was also being mentioned. And some Trump allies were pushing for David N. Bossie, the deputy campaign manager in 2016.

Trumps ultimate choice will be faced with a president whom the two previous chiefs of staff found nearly impossible to manage. But Meadows, for instance, could still aid Trump in the coming political battle with congressional leaders, despite his own frayed relationships on Capitol Hill.

Read more:

Trump says chief of staff John Kelly to leave at years end

John Kelly questioned by Mueller investigators amid speculation about his White House exit

Trump picks Gen. Mark Milley as next top military adviser

The president on Sunday disputed news reports that he had settled on Ayers as his pick. I am in the process of interviewing some really great people for the position of White House Chief of Staff, he said on Twitter. Fake News has been saying with certainty it was Nick Ayers, a spectacular person who will always be with our #MAGA agenda. I will be making a decision soon!

But two people close to Trump said that a news release announcing Ayers appointment had been drafted, and that the president had wanted to announce it as soon as possible.

Advisers to Trump were stunned by the turn of events. One former senior administration official called it a humiliation for Trump and his adult children, an emotion that the president tries to avoid at all costs.

For more than six months, Ayers had been viewed as the favoured candidate of the presidents daughter and son-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who have been seen as manoeuvring for greater control and influence around the president. They had clashed repeatedly with Kelly as he tried to establish more regulated channels to the president, and believed that he was trying to undermine them.

Before turning down the job, Ayers was careful in discussions with Trump and his family about the conditions under which he would take the job. He told the president that he would be willing to do it only on an interim basis, through the spring. But Trump wants a long-term chief of staff, given the difficult period approaching, and he and Ayers were unable to agree on certain other terms, including whom he could dispose of from the current staff, three people familiar with the events said.

Other factors may also have weighed on Ayers. His ascension to the top West Wing job would have meant new-found scrutiny of his personal finances  last year he reported a net worth of $12.2 million (U.S.) to $54.8 million, a sizable sum for a political operative in his 30s who has amassed his own fortune. He accumulated his wealth partly through a web of political and consulting companies in which he has held ownership stakes.

And Ayers, who has been seen as a potential candidate for statewide office in Georgia, could have potentially faced a fate shared by many who have left the administration: a diminished public standing after an ugly parting with a mercurial president who often insults his former aides on Twitter.

Those who remain in the White House past the end of the year will have to face a fraught and uncertain dynamic. Several potential outcomes of the battles Trump confronts  on impeachment, in the special counsel inquiry and over allegations that he directed illegal hush payments in 2016  may not have been advantageous for Ayers if he makes a run for office.

On Sunday, Ayers took to Twitter to say that it had been an honour to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause, he wrote.

The months-long process to replace Kelly, whom Trump announced Saturday is leaving at the end of the year, is a rare instance in which the president has not been courting candidates simultaneously. Historically, he has signalled to competing prospects that each one is his choice, and then picks one even as he tells both that they are still in the running.

But this time, Ayers was the only person Trump had focused on since he made up his mind to part ways with Kelly. With a head of blond hair, Ayers somewhat resembles Trump in his younger days, a fact that the president often looks for as a positive signal. The president had an unusual affinity for Ayers, telling aides who expressed concern about Ayers that he liked him.

And after barrelling from a chief of staff recommended by Republican congressional leaders (Reince Priebus) to a military general who shared some of Trumps personality traits (Kelly), the president seemed intent this time on simply picking someone he personally liked.

Kelly is expected to stay on only another three weeks, at least one of which the president is scheduled to spend at his private club in Florida. Hiring to fill several open jobs in the West Wing has been on hold for weeks, as people waited to see whether Kelly would depart and Ayers would replace him and bring in his own team.

Ayers replaced Pences initial chief of staff, Josh Pitcock, in 2017. A former executive director of the Republican Governors Association, he is the type of raw political operative whom Trump had felt he needed as he heads into what will almost certainly be a brutal re-election campaign.

While Kelly and Trump were barely talking in recent weeks, the retired four-star Marine general was a figure the president had difficulty firing. Kelly fought loudly with the president over some of Trumps most incendiary ideas.

One such shouting match came earlier this year, when Trump wanted to pull security clearances from up to a dozen former national security officials or Cabinet secretaries who had criticized him. Kelly argued vociferously against it, according to people familiar with what took place.

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OHCHR Moldova: Apel deschis pentru aplicatii din partea OSC-urilor de a aplica pentru a beneficia de suport in desfasurarea activitatilor de advocacy la nivel international in contextul celui de-al treilea ciclu de Evaluare Periodica Universala (EPU) a Re
Maria Butina, a Russian gun rights activist, is poised to plead guilty in a case involving accusations that she was working as an agent for the Kremlin in the United States, according to a new court filing.

Attorneys for Butina and federal prosecutors jointly requested in court documents Monday that U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan set a time for Butina to withdraw her previous plea of not guilty. They said they could be available for her to enter her plea as early as Tuesday.

A plea is not final until it is entered in court and accepted by a judge. Mondays filing did not indicate to what charge she will plead.

Butina was accused of working to push the Kremlins agenda by forming bonds with National Rifle Association officials and other conservative leaders and making outreach to 2016 presidential candidates.

A native of Siberia, she founded a group to expand gun rights in Russia, a profile that allowed her to develop relationships with U.S. conservatives intrigued with her work. Prosecutors said Butina, 30, stepped up her activities after moving to Washington in September 2016 to attend graduate school at American University.

Her lawyers had said her interactions with the NRA and others were typical of an ambitious student anxious to network and eager to build better relations between the U.S. and her country. They had at one point argued her outreach should be covered by constitutional protections for free speech and noted that she was not accused of attempting to steal U.S. secrets or working with Russian intelligence.

Read more:

Judge orders accused Russian agent Maria Butina to remain in jail, says shes flight risk

Accused Russian agent used sex and deception to gain influence, prosecutors say

Pro-gun advocate arrested, charged with acting as covert Russian agent in U.S.

But prosecutors said her goal was to advance the foreign policy aims of the Kremlin and that she was acting at the direction of a Russian government official, Alexander Torshin, a former senator who now serves as deputy director of the Russian central bank.

Butina has been jailed four months since her July arrest. In that time, her case had been embraced by the Russian government, which had vigorously protested that she was an innocent student whose incarceration was unjust. With the plea deal, Butina could be released in coming months and deported to Russia.

Butina was prosecuted by U.S. attorneys office in Washington, rather than special counsel Robert Mueller  an indication that Mueller may have determined that her activities did not directly connect to his investigation, which involves scrutinizing any links between Russia and U.S. President Donald Trumps campaign.

Still, Butina intersected with Trumps campaign several times before the 2016 election. In June 2015, she authored a column for an American magazine in which she argued that only the election of a Republican president would result in better ties between the U.S. and Russia. A month later, at a public town hall event in Las Vegas, she was able to ask a question directly to Trump, inquiring about how he viewed sanctions imposed on Russia after its 2014 invasion of Crimea.

We get along with Putin, he told Butina, referring to the Russian president. I dont think youd need the sanctions.

Butina was then involved with an unsuccessful effort to organize a meeting between Torshin and Trump at an NRA convention in May 2016. Instead, she and Torshin briefly interacted with Donald Trump Jr., the presidents son, at the event, according to documents turned over to Congress.

In September 2016, she sought out J.D. Gordon, who had served as a national security adviser to Trumps campaign and then was given an advisory position on Trumps transition committee. Emails show the two attended a concert by the rock band Styx and that Butina attended a birthday party for Gordon in October 2016. Gordon has said the contacts were innocuous and ended after the party.

Butinas efforts to network with U.S. conservatives coincided with what the U.S. intelligence committee has said was an elaborate effort by the Russian government to interfere with the American electoral system and help elect Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Prosecutors have alleged that Russian operatives hacked the email accounts of leading Democrats, releasing private correspondence through WikiLeaks and also posed as Americans on social media, skilfully spreading propaganda and false news articles designed to hurt Clinton and exploit divisions in American society.

How Butina fit into those efforts is not entirely clear. However, experts have said her activities are a reminder of the sophistication of the Russian targeting of the American political system, which successfully pinpointed the NRA and other conservative interest groups as an avenue to mould opinion of Republican elected officials.

Butina and Torshin, a lifetime member of the NRA, struck up friendships with several of the organizations past presidents and were treated as VIPs when they attended the organizations annual meetings. They twice hosted NRA members in Moscow, including during a December 2015 visit when Torshin arranged for a group of NRA dignitaries to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The NRA, which spent $30 million (U.S.) to help elect Trump, has not responded to questions about the groups interactions with Butina and Torshin.

Prosecutors have said that Butinas efforts to meet top level conservatives at NRA meetings and elsewhere were assisted by a South Dakota GOP operative identified as Paul Erickson. Erickson and Butina met during a trip of the NRA leaders to Moscow in 2013 and that the two have been involved in an romantic relationship, her lawyer said.

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SANTIAGO, CHILEAn Irish-born priest of the Legion of Christ religious order has been given 72 hours to leave Chile after he finished serving a four-year sentence on Monday for sexually abusing minors.

Chiles Congress earlier revoked the honorary citizenship it gave to the Rev. John OReilly in 2008 and the government ordered him to leave the country or be expelled now that his term of conditional liberty has finished.

Its an unusually harsh finale for such a prominent priest and it comes at the end of a year that has seen Chiles Catholic hierarchy humiliated over decades of abuse and coverup.

In 2014, OReilly was convicted of sexually abusing a minor while he was a chaplain at a prestigious school operated by the Legion in Santiago. The court also banned him from any job near children and ordered that his genetic data be added to a registry for abusers.

He had been working in Chile since the mid-1980s.

OReillys downfall is also further evidence that the problems in the Mexican-based Legion of Christ did not end with its founder. The late Rev. Marcial Maciel was found to have been a serial pedophile who fathered at least three children with two women.

While OReilly was convicted by Chiles courts, his canonical case has languished in the Vatican. Victims have cited it as evidence of how the Chilean Church discredited victims in favour of clerics for years.

Meanwhile, an attorney for a victim said Monday that someone had tried to bribe a witness to change the testimony in an attempt to avoid OReillys expulsion. Lawyer Jose Ignacio Escobar said it wasnt clear who had made the offer, which was audiotaped.
Hi sweety its me your dad joe. I love you and I miss you Melissa I think about you every day. I would really like to get to know you sweety hart

There have been 92 homicides in Toronto this year. Joseph Perron was No. 41.

Not just a number. None of them are.

He was Melissa Tomas long-lost father  mostly lost and literally lost on the night he was beaten to death in Parkdale, June 13. Couldnt find wherever he was staying, an assisted living residence, when he was set upon by a man hed never met before. Suffered from schizophrenia and had at some point in his bedraggled existence experienced a serious brain injury.

Tomas hadnt seen her dad in two decades. Shed actually grown up believing someone else was her father. But in recent years, Perron had reached out on Facebook to re-establish contact. There was residual bitterness and some wariness on the daughters part.

Hate you? I dont know you Joe. I cant hate some one I dont know. Good talk, hear from you in another two years.

Perrons murder was particularly messy. It isnt easy pummeling someone to death, up close, fist on flesh. Even worse was the very real possibility that the 51-year-old might have survived, had police answered the call-out for a beating in progress with more alacrity.

The first 911 call came in at 20:31 p.m. Man being assaulted by the train tracks. The assailant had allegedly come back to the victim twice, continuing the thrashing.

But it was a busy Wednesday night in Toronto and 11 Division had its hands full with a robbery and sexual assault happening simultaneously. There were no police cars immediately available.

At 21:09, paramedics called the dispatcher, wondering where those cops were.

At 21:41, EMT reported theyd taken the victim to St. Mikes, where hed gone into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead.

At 22:37, paramedics directed officers to the scene of the crime.

More than two hours after the original call-out.

Somebody messed up and theyre trying to bury it, Tomas tells the Star.

Joseph Perron had no I.D. on him. It took some time before police were able to put a name to the body.

He was a vagrant, says Tomas, explaining that her father had spent some 20 years mostly in the Maritimes before arriving in Toronto. But he was a human being. Why was he less important than somebody being robbed or a woman being sexually assaulted? In all of Toronto, there was not a single police officer who could get to my father in time?

It was on June 21 that Thomas received a message from Toronto Police, saying her name had come up during an investigation.

When I called back, the voice on the line said, youve reach the homicide department. My heart was in my chest. The officer I talked to said, hes been murdered, he was beaten to death. I was in shock.

It was a hell of a day.

Whats up dad. How has life been treating you. Its been a really long time since I heard from you last. I hope that you are doing well and that you are happy. Im going to school in the fall, and I have moved back to Oshawa. I have two little kittens and I am moving to an apartment soon. K, be good daddy i love you, love your baby girl.

After the homicide and laggard response time was reported by media, Chief Mark Saunders said he would not allow one regrettable occurrence define his police department. To isolate and cherry-pick any call and say thats the Toronto police is inflammatory, its wrong.

Supt. Heinz Kuck, unit commander of 11 Division  which only a few weeks earlier had been amalgamated with neighbouring 22 Division  told the Star he would conduct an internal review of what happened that night, looking at deployment and communications and, if everything was jammed, there had been proper reallocation of resources, which clearly there hadnt been.

We all shoulder the responsibility to find out what happened and, if there was an error in judgment, to see what we can do to make sure it better not happen again.

In September, Perrons measly effects were turned over to his daughter: razors, shaving cream, medicine and some ragged clothes.

She complains that nobody from the police department or the Crown attorneys office has kept her apprised of the case, though she has a meeting next week with the lead homicide investigator.

Tomas wrote in a recent email to the Star: Six months after I have not heard one word about what the f  was so important that they could allow my father, who I desperately wanted in my life, to be beaten to death  I understand that it has been an extremely traumatic year for all Torontonians, we have all experienced so much loss back to back, and I feel for every person who has been affected this year. But my father was just as important as any other, who do I feel so brushed aside?

I wonder if I am the only individual feeling like this, in a system so crowded so of us who are in great need of answers and consistent support are falling through the cracks. I just dont know what to do.

From Perron: LOVE YOU I THINK OF YOU ALL THE TIME YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND

Tomas has consulted lawyers. But family members of crime victims cannot sue police, a decision affirmed (in another case) by Ontarios Court of Appeal in April. Tomas was advised to push for a coroners inquest.

So what has become of that internal review?

Its a multi-pronged investigation, Kuck tells the Star. He has completed his part but cant released its contents. It has to go through the chain of command.

Subscribe to the Star to support reporting and analysis from award-winning columnists like Rosie DiManno

Kuck has turned his part of the report over to Deputy Police Chief Shawna Coxon, who, in September 2017, was assigned the task with a high level review of the police departments communications centre. Her recommendation was for 50 more call-takers, which was approved in April.

The Star could not reach Coxon for comment on the Perron review. But police spokesperson Meaghan Gray touched based with the deputy on the Stars behalf.

What I can offer is that anytime we have an issue we always look into the circumstances to find out what we can do better, Gray writes in an email.

In this particular case, all three units involved (11 Division, communications and TPOT)  Toronto Police Operations Centre  collectively looked at what happened and what could have been done differently. All of the issues we spoke to you about in June were substantiated by that review.

What does that mean? Havent got a clue. But this is an internal review that absolutely must be publicly released. 9-1-1 is the citys life-and-death line. We are owed answers.

Raymond Moore, 41, was arrested six days after the Perrons death, so that part of the policing job was swiftly resolved. Hes been charged with second-degree murder.

Hello, anyone out there??? Where r u father?
EDWARDSVILLE  Sugarfire Smoke House is pleased to announce the opening of its thirteenth and newest location in Edwardsville by mid-year 2019. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the award-winning smokehouse is slated to open within the Ironworks development located off of Plum Street, near the Madison County Transit Districts Goshen Trail.

Having had interest in expanding into Edwardsville for a while, founder-chef Mike Johnson, alongside St. Louis natives and family members Jim Cook, Matt Martin, and Doug Lang, look forward to offering Sugarfires award-winning que to another part of Illinois. Mike Johnson will join forces with St. Louis natives and family members Jim Cook, Matt Martin, and Doug Lang

There is already so much excitement about the overall development at the Ironworks, says owner-operator and Sugarfire veteran Matt Martin. Having Strange Donuts and Global Brew for neighbors is going to be great for the community. The entire site is shaping up to be a hot spot in town and were stoked to be a part of it!

The Sugarfire Edwardsville menu will be consistent with the other Sugarfire locations, with main meats made-to-order on Ole Hickory smokers offered alongside signature sides and famous sauces. The counter-service menu will also highlight concept staples such as house-made cookies, pies, and boozy milkshakes, as well as over-the-top daily specials incorporating locally farmed produce and meats that are announced via the restaurants social media platforms each morning. The fast-casual atmosphere will be enjoyable for food fanatics, families and SIU-E students alike, with 4,500-square-feet of dining inside, plus a large courtyard patio shared with neighbor Global Brew.

Typical to the brand, glass mosaic flames by local artist Red Keel, hand-painted signage by Phil Jarvis and reclaimed materials from Reclaim Renew will make an appearance throughout, and, setting it apart from most locations, Sugarfire Edwardsville will house a larger-than-life shake & beer bar nearby its entrance.

The fast-casual concept founded its flagship restaurant in 2012, and since then, Johnson has expanded Sugarfires imprint across Missouri to eight locations, including a location within the National Blues Museum, an extensive catering program, and additional locations in Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, and Kentucky (slated for early 2019). With a background in fine dining and training under the renowned Emeril Lagasse, chef Johnson created Sugarfires menu to reflect a variety of barbecue styles, techniques, and influences found throughout the United States.

Sugarfire founder Charlie Downs and Johnson, Cook, Martin and Lang hope to introduce Sugarfire to outer Missouri and Illinois markets. Sugarfire veterans, Cook and Martin have partnered with Johnson and Downs since 2014 as operating partners of Sugarfires first franchised location in Winghaven, in OFallon Mo., and expanded the partnership with family member Doug Lang via the opening of Sugarfires Cape Girardeau Mo. location earlier this year. The trio, along with founding members, looks forward to continuing their success.

Known for its succulent brisket, pulled pork and ribs, as well as its signature sandwiches and sides, Sugarfire has consistently been ranked best barbecue in St. Louis by local and national publications alike. Additionally, Johnson has served as a celebrity guest pitmaster and competitor in events globally, including Hogs for the Cause, the Perth Yak Ales BBQ Competition, and Memphis in May. Johnson has also been featured on a variety of national television shows, including Food Networks BBQ, Brews & Que, Travel Channels Food Paradise and Destination Americas BBQ Pitmasters.
TheProtection Associate (Community-Based) is a member of the Protection Unit in aCountry Operation and may report to the Protection Officer, Protection Officer(Community-Based), or another more senior staff member in the Protection Unit.The incumbent will work in close coordination with other UNHCR staff,government, NGO partners and other stakeholders, the Protection Associate(Community-Based) works directly with communities of concern to identify therisks they face and to leverage their capacities to protect themselves, theirfamilies and communities. The incumbent may have direct supervisoryresponsibility for part of the protection and/or support staff and supports theapplication of community-based protection standards, operational procedures andpractices in community-based protection delivery at the field level. To fulfilthis role the Protection Associate (Community-Based) is required to spend asubstantial percentage of her/his time working outside the office, building andmaintaining networks within communities of persons of concern. The developmentand maintenance of constructive relationships with persons of concern thatmeasurably impact and enhance protection planning, programming and resultsforms the core of the work of the Protection Associate (Community-Based). Theincumbent also supports the designing of a community-based protection strategyby ensuring that it is based on consultation with persons of concern.
Who moved my cheese? If the question is by an Air India passenger, the answer is possibly worth Rs 2.5 crore.

As India's airlines struggle to stay afloat despite robust passenger growth due to the double whammy of low competitive fares and high fuel costs, everything is above board if it can help in shaving a few pennies off the expenditure column. Every drop counts.

Every slice of cheese, too. One of the measures taken by the national carrier, which reportedly made losses of Rs 3,579 crore last year, to reduce costs is to halve the portions on its cheese board served to passengers on international flights. The logic behind Air India's move is that passengers mostly take only a bit from the cheese board anyway and the rest goes waste. By halving the quantity presented on the cheese board, Air India hopes to save Rs 2.5 crore every year.

Last year, some of the suggestions discussed internally by Air India to lighten load and thereby reduce fuel costs ranged from the pragmatic to farcicalfrom removing salads from the meal tray and keeping fewer number of in-flight magazines on board to doing away with curtains and hooks from the front of the cabin.

As they hunt high and low for solutions in increasingly desperate skies, the line between no-frills budget carriers and full-service operators is fast blurring. Recently, Vistara which reportedly had losses of Rs 431 crore last yeardecided to stop serving free food to its Economy Lite passengers, instead offering them a cafe menu to buy snacks and beverages on board, like on budget airliners like Indigo, SpiceJet and GoAir.

Jet Airwayswhich recorded losses last year of Rs 636 crore and has seen losses of Rs 2,587 crore this year, so farhas promptly followed suit. Jet Airways has cut meals for those booking on the Deal and Light categories (out of the total five categories of fares it has in economy class).

Jet Airways went a step further this week, announcing it was doing away with meals from two more categories in economy class from January 7, beside renegotiating contracts with lounge operators across Indian airports to limit complimentary access only to First and Premiere (Jet-speak for business class) travellers. This cuts out members of its loyalty programme JetPrivilege (in the Platinum and Gold category) from a facility they've enjoyed till now.

From December 1, JetPrivilege members would lose this 'privilege', according to a rather apologetic email the airline sent to its members last week, mentioning this to be a 'difficult decision,' which it said would be 'temporary'. A risky move indeed, as the loyalty programme, where members accrued miles which could be converted into free tickets, was the bulwark of Jet Airways against market flux for long, helping the carrier bag and retain the lucrative domestic business traveller segment, which favoured the airline due to such perks.

The ancillary revenue additional purchases brings in is the obvious attraction, as evidenced by market leader Indigo, which has taken the lead in trying to charge for everything from food on board to seats with extra leg space, though its move to charge for all web check-ins recently earned it an immediate rap on the knuckles from the Union civil aviation ministry. Our relentless efforts to optimise costs have yielded Rs 500 crore savings in the first half of [this] financial year, points out Vinay Dube, CEO, Jet Airways.

But loathe to be put on par with the low-cost airlines, Jet Airways and Vistara have interestingly put a spin on the new measure on meals. Contrary (to this being a cost-cutting measure), this is in sync with consumer feedback... Increasing number of guests want the flexibility of enjoying competitive fares with the option to buy meals that are best suited to their taste, a Jet Airways spokesperson told THE WEEK.

It is the age of flexibility, of deciding for yourself... We observed this consumer behaviour over a period of time, Vistara CEO Leslie Thng had explained at the launch of the new measures.

Abhijit Mishra, India director of travel portal Kayak.com, justifies the measures. (With) steep growth in number of flyers over the years, comes a change in the needs and preferences for services provided. Unbundled services and no-frills option... provide... passengers more options, Mishra reasoned.

Meanwhile, with no respite from rising ATF prices (oil prices have soared after the OPEC's decision to cut oil production last week), airlines are trying anything and everything. Whatever budget airlines try to earn additional revenue from is now suddenly fair game for the full-service carriers as wellJet Airways and Air India now charging for selected seats on web check-ins is simply one of the examples.

"Every aspect of expenditure and all contracts are being reviewed for cost savings, a Vistara official told THE WEEK, while Jet Airways's plan is to reduce all non-fuel costs by up to 15% in the coming months, which includes cutting maintenance costs and renegotiation of all contracts, as seen by the changes in in-flight food and lounge access.

Will this mean, in turn, a windfall for airport restaurants? And what about the many in-flight catering firms that will have to possibly cut hundreds of their staff? That is another story.
Touched by the compassion of the nurses who tended to her...
The Centre has rejected the Karnataka governments proposal demanding minority status to Lingayats. Following this, the Karnataka High Court on Monday disposed of a batch of Public Interest Litigations challenging the state government's move to declare Lingayats/Veerashaivas as religious minority.

While the state government was aware of the rejection of its plea on November 13, it became public only after Additional Solicitor General Prabhuling Navadgi informed it to the court on Monday while responding to a PIL filed by senior counsel G.R. Gurumath. The PIL was withdrawn after Navadgi conveyed to the court that the proposal had been rejected by the home ministry and the National Commission for Minorities, which reiterated that Lingayatism was only a sect of Hinduism and not an independent religion.

Incidentally, a three-day Lingayat conference was flagged off at Talkatora stadium in New Delhi on Monday, where seers and community leaders submitted a memorandum to the national minorities commission chairman Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi, demanding minority tag to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats (believers of Basava Tatva) as recommended by the Karnataka government in March.

It may be recalled that the Karnataka government had sent the proposal after a seven-member committee headed by retired High Court Judge H.N. Nagamohan Das, set up by the then Siddaramaiah government in December 2017, submitted a report on March 2, 2018 favouring a minority tag to the communities. Subsequently, the state minorities welfare department notified the Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats as religious minority on March 22, but said the notification would come into effect after the Centres nod. The state then forwarded the proposal to the Centre for approval and a notification under the National Commission for Minorities Act.

The proposal had resulted in a political face-off between the Congress and the BJP with the latter accusing Siddaramaiah of trying to divide the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community for electoral gains ahead of the the crucial assembly election. The tussle further led to the fragmentation of the decades-old Akhila Bharatiya Veerashiva Lingayat Mahasabha, with the Congress ministers lead by former water resources minister M.B. Patil floating the Jagathika Lingayat Mahasabha (World Lingayat Council).

Meanwhile, the minority affairs ministry placed the proposal before the registrar general and census commissioner for a detailed examination and suggestions.

The Centres decision will have political ramifications, too, as Lingayats and Veerashaivas constitute 17 per cent of the states population and can impact the electoral outcome in 100 out of 224 assembly segments. Interestingly, the community favours the BJP and has stood by its tallest leader and BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa. That is perhaps why the Karnataka BJP chose to stay neutral on the issue, while accusing the Congress government of trying to divide the community. The Centre has reiterated its earlier stand that considers Lingayatism as an integral part of Hindusim. While the Lingayat movement is said to have adversely impacted the Congress partys poll outcome, JD(S) had dismissed the demand as unnecessary before polls. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, too, refused to be drawn into the sensitive issue by stating there are far more important and pressing issues facing the state.

The Centres stand is illogical. In 1871 census, Lingayats were not part of Hindu religion and were accorded an independent status. It is not true that Lingayats and Veerashaivas, who are availing SC reservation benefits, will be deprived of it if they are accorded a separate religion status. This has been proved when Sikh and Jain community were accorded the minority tag. There is no reason for the community members to be anxious as the community leaders and religious heads will deliberate on the issue and decide on the future course of action, said former minister and Babaleshwar MLA M.B. Patil, one of the leaders who had spearheaded the Lingayat movement.
BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday mocked the scheduled meeting of opposition parties in New Delhi planned for Monday, and said they should first declare a prime ministerial candidate before thinking of ousting the Narendra Modi government.

In a major step towards forming an anti-BJP front, top opposition leaders will huddle in the national capital on Monday to discuss forging a grand alliance to take on the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"It's really good to see opposition parties trying to forge an alliance to fight against us [BJP]. But, first let them declare their prime ministerial candidate, then they should dream of fighting against us and ousting us," Vijayvargiya said.

"We have Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is their PM candidate?" Vijayvargiya added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee left for New Delhi on Sunday to take part in the meeting of opposition parties.

Taking a dig at Banerjee, senior BJP leader and former TMC office-bearer Mukul Roy said Banerjee should clarify whether the CPI(M) and the Congress, also part of the opposition meeting, were friends or opponents of the TMC in West Bengal.

"When the TMC was born in 1998, Mamata Banerjee and her party used to say both the Congress and the CPI(M) are political opponents," Roy said.

"The TMC throughout its 20-year history has termed the CPI(M) as its number one political opponent. So, now it should clarify whether the two have become friends," Roy said.
After independence, the US and Soviet Union courted India for strategic ties as part of their Cold War machinations. And New Delhi could only choose one, which for the most party of history was the Soviet Union.

Now, nearly 30 years after the fall of the Soviet Union, and despite India's rising engagement with the US, New Delhi has seemingly succeeded in keeping both Washington and Moscow 'pleased'. Evidence of this was on display on Monday at Indian Air Force bases in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and Kalaikunda, West Bengaltwo places that are literally geographic extremities of India.

#AviaIndra2018 : A variety of missions would be flown in a counter-terrorism scenario during

Aviaindra-18.

Aim of ex is dual fold: To enhance mutual cooperation & understanding between IAF & RFASF while flying missions in fighter, transport & helicopters of Russian origin. pic.twitter.com/Wx70MLXV9r  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 10, 2018

At Jodhpur, Exercises AVIAINDRA between the IAF and Russian Air Force kicked off on Monday and will continue till December 21. Meanwhile, at Kalaikunda and Panagarh in West Bengal, the IAF and United States Air Force have been engaged in Exercise Cope India-18 since December 3. The Cope India exercise will end on December 14.

Not surprisingly, there are significant differences between the exercises. While 12 USAF F-15 C/D air superiority fighters and three C-130s are participating in Cope India, the IAF describes AVIAINDRA as a unique exercise in which the foreign participants will not bring their air assets. The AVIAINDRA exercise is the second phase of drills between India and Russia this year, with an earlier exercise taking place at Lipetsk, Russia, in September. During the first phase, IAF pilots flew in Russian Air Force aircraft.

In AVIAINDRA, the IAF tweeted that the exercises would include a counter-terrorism scenario, which would see Indian and Russian pilots fly fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters of Russian origin.

#CopeIndia2018 :Glimpses of IAF & USAF C-130's airborne assault phase during CI-18.Multiple missions were undertaken for austere zone capture,airborne guidance post, insertion of forces by airdrop & assault landing for furtherance of ops & extrication of forces.

A Job Well Done. pic.twitter.com/QjdLvbyYgg  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 10, 2018

Cope India, on other hand, has seen the IAF and USAF practise airborne assaults on 'enemy' territory using their C-130 aircraft as well as manoeuvres involving the F-15s and the SU-30MKI, Mirage-2000 and Jaguar fighters from India. This is the fourth Cope India exercise.

India's dexterous handling of animosity between Russia and the US is also on display during Cope India and AVIAINDRA. Only Russian origin systems will be used in AVIAINDRA, perhaps to reassure the US that technology on US-origin aircraft like the C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft isn't being compromised.
The first day of the 10-day winter session of the Karnataka legislature that began at Belagavi on Monday witnessed massive protests by farmers in the city. While the sugarcane growers staged a protest before the deputy commissioners office, the farmer groups with allegiances to the BJP and JD(S) held separate rallies, reiterating similar demands total farm loan waiver, drought relief measures across 17 districts, setting up of procurement centres, payment of arrears to sugarcane farmers and implementation of irrigation projects in north Karnataka region.

With the JD(S)-Congress coalition governments farm loan waiver scheme proving to be a non-starter, as the much promised debt-free certificates are yet to reach the farmers, the BJP seems to have sensed a political opportunity as its leaders allege step-motherly attitude by the Kumaraswamy government towards the north Karnataka region. While the BJP legislators rushed to the farmers rally organised by the Raita Morcha immediately after the customary condolence references in the house, cooperation minister Bandeppa Kashempur, too, rushed to a rally organised by farmer organisations like the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers Association (KSSGA) and Hasiru Sene under the leadership of Kodihalli Chandrashekhar to pacify the agitating farmers.

Launching a tirade against the coalition government, former chief minister Yeddyurappa equated the coalition rule to Tuglaq durbar and vowed to fight for the farmers cause both inside and outside the assembly.

For the last six months, Kumaraswamy has been chanting loan waiver and neglected all development works in the state. Farmer suicides due to mounting debt are on the rise. But the CM has failed to implement the loan waiver. In a face saving bid, he has distributed debt-free certificates to only a few farmers ahead of the legislature session. Nowhere in independent India have we come across a CM who speaks ill of women, the opposition and the media who question his government. We will launch a statewide protest. Five teams of BJP MLAs have toured the drought-hit areas and we hear of distressed sale of cattle to slaughter houses. I want to ask the CM if his government is alive? Have any of your ministers visited the drought-hit districts?, said Yeddyurappa adding that massive farmers protests indicated that people had no trust in this government.

Hitting back at his detractors, Yeddyurappa said that he would not be sidelined owing to his old age. Let me assure you, I will remain strong for another 15 years, he said. The three-day old government led by Yeddyurappa had collapsed on May 19, with the chief minister announcing his decision to resign without facing a trust vote. My critics believe this was my last stint as the CM and I will fade away. It was a bad luck that we fell short of a majority though we were the single largest party by winning 104 seats. In about 30 seats, we lost by a small margin. Had the BJP come to power, we would not have let down the farmers, said the Lingayat strongman.

Former Athani MLA and Raita Morcha president Laxman Savadi claimed that the arrears of sugarcane was Rs 1,600 crore in three districts of Belagavi, bagalkot and Vijayapura and most of the defaulters (sugar factory owners) were part of the ruling party. The state government should pay the sugarcane farmers their arrears instead of settling the bills for power purchased from these defaulting sugar factory owners, said Savadi.

Former deputy chief minister R. Ashok charged that the JD(S) was ruling the state through Holenarsipura. The BJP leader accused the chief minister and the government of neglecting the north Karnataka region.

Earlier, Dharwad MP Prahlad Joshi lamented that the state government had failed to open procurement centres for all crops except paddy. The Centre has fixed the MSP for 25 crops, but the state is not inclined to facilitate procurement. The Swaminathan Committee report tabled in 2006 was not implemented by the UPA. Swaminathan has lauded the Modi government for implementing his report, while the previous governments slept over it, said Joshi.

Udupi-Chikmaglur MP Shobha Karandlaje reminded Kumarswamy that he had vowed to waive off farm loan before the deities of Dharmasthala and Sringeri. Even after six months, none of the farmers' loan has been waived off. He is trying to mislead the farmers by distributing debt free certificates to a few in Chikkaballapur and Sedam. Yeddyurappa had tabled a separate agriculture budget, waived off farm loan and gave power subsidies. When farmers are demanding power, you boast of selling power abroad. This is an anti-farmer stand. In Mysuru, the water resources minister wants to build a Disneyland at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore, when the dam (sluice) gates are in need of repair. The Krishna tribunal awarded 172 tmc to Karnataka but not a single tmc is being utilised.
It will not be a trial by politicians, says Westminster Magistrate court chief magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot in her 471 point judgment ordering extradition of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya to India on Monday. I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do.... There is no evidence that the prosecution is politically motivated, Judge Emma says in her judgment, a copy of which is accessed by THE WEEK.

I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt, says Judge Emma as she sets aside the defence counsels arguments one by one, expressing confidence in the CBI and the Indian judicial processes.

She even draws a parallel with the UK judicial processes saying, Any suggestion that CBI courts are too pliable when it comes to CBI cases is not borne out by reliable evidence.

It would be like saying because Southwark Crown Court hears the majority of SFO cases that means it would lack independence in some way or because Westminster Magistrates Court deals with all extraditions at first instance it lacks independence from the Crown Prosecution Service extradition unit which brings these specialised cases, she said.

The concluding part of the judgment sums up Mallyas fate.

1. The criticism made of the possible effect of the considerable media attention which would attend a prosecution of Mallya is not significant enough for this court to find he would not have a fair trial. There is insufficient evidence for this court to find that he will not be tried by a competent and fair court.

2. I accept the Indian governments contention that because Dr Mallya has such a high profile his trial will be under great scrutiny. I find that Dr Mallya will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity. I accept the criticisms that there has been much political commentary made about his prosecution and the lending that was sanctioned by the banks, nevertheless it will not be a trial by politicians. Courts are used to dealing with high profile cases which are accompanied by often ill-advised political commentary.

3. I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do. As I have already said, the court will be under great scrutiny. I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt.

3. There was no evidence which allowed me to find that if extradited Dr Mallya was at real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice.

4. The defence argues abuse of process. Bearing in mind the findings I have made above, that there is a prima facie case, that there is no evidence that the prosecution is politically motivated... I find no grounds for finding an abuse of process.

5. I find that the allegations set out in the Request are extradition offences within the meaning of section 137(3) of the Extradition Act 2003. The conduct occurred in the category 2 territory of India. If the conduct occurred in this jurisdiction, the conduct would constitute the offences of making false representations to make a gain for himself, conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. The conduct is punishable in India by imprisonment for longer than 12 months.

6. I have considered this above and I have found a prima facie case in relation to three possible charges.

7. In the light of the decisions outlined above I am sending Dr Mallyas case to the Home Secretary of State for a decision to be taken on whether to order his extradition.
Sri Lanka's current political crisis is a result of a clash between external and local values, defiant President Maithripala Sirisena has said as he accused "foreign forces" of intimidating him.

The island nation has been in a political crisis since October 26 when Sirisena removed Ranil Wickremesinghe and installed ex-strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place.

Sirisena later dissolved parliament, almost 20 months before its term was to end, and ordered snap election. The Supreme Court overturned Sirisena's decision to dissolve parliament and halted the preparations for snap polls.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Friday reserved its verdict on a bunch of petitions against Sirisena's controversial decisions.

"When I acted according to the principles of nationalism without giving in to foreign forces and without being intimidated by their threats, foreign forces have become a challenge. The shadows of the old imperialism stand in our way," Sirisena said, without naming any country.

"The current crisis is the result of the concern by the world powers over the affairs of our country due to Sri Lanka's geographical importance or its location in the world map," Sirisena was quoted by Daily Mirror as saying at a gathering in his home base Polonnaruwa on Sunday.

"This is an issue between those who believe in foreign thinking and those who respect local values", Sirisena said.

Sirisena said that he would accept whatever the Supreme Court's ruling on the petitions filed against the gazette notification issued by him to dissolve parliament.

"I look forward to the constitutional interpretation of the Supreme Court. Whatever it may be, I will take future political decisions accordingly, to the best interest of our motherland, not to the benefit of any person, group or party," the president tweeted earlier on Sunday.

His remarks were apparently aimed at the United National Party, with whom Sirisena was running the national unity government since 2015.

The partnership ended on October 26 when Sirisena fired Wickremesinghe, who is the leader of UNP, triggering a never-before-seen political stand-off in the island nation.

Since firing Wickremesinghe, Sirisena has highlighted the "shortcomings" of Wickremesinghe in a bid to justify his sacking and dissuade his reinstatement.

The president has already said he has no intention of making Wickremesinghe Prime Minister again no matter what the outcome of the case is.

Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa claim to be the prime ministers. Wickremesinghe says his dismissal is invalid because he still holds a majority in the 225-member parliament.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has officially conveyed that the House does not recognise Rajapaksa as the legal prime minister until he proved his majority in the House.

The United National Front (UNF) coalition led by Wickeremesinghe has moved three motions of no trust against Rajapaksa. However, he refused to step down. Prior to the crisis, Wickramasinghe's party 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.

Sirisena has said due to sharp personal differences with Wickremesinghe, he would not reappoint him as the prime minister.

However, the UNP claims that Sirisena will be left with no other choice as Wickremesinghe would be the man who will command the confidence in the House. Violent scenes were witnessed in Parliament last month as it went on to approve motions which proved that Rajapaksa lacked majority.
As UK Prime Minister Theresa May readies to face parliamentary vote on Brexit, the European court of jJustice has ruled that the UK can unilaterally stop the Brexit process.

The emergency judgment has come just ahead of Tuesday's critical House of Commons vote on May's Brexit divorce deal. The court has said that any EU member state can revoke the article 50 process without needing approval from every other member state. This basically means that the UK can cancel Brexit without the permission of the other 27 EU members.

The court said: The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU. The judge observed that this could be done without altering the terms of Britain's membership.

The ECJ in a statement said that the ability for a member state to change its mind after telling the EU it wanted to leave would last as long as a withdrawal agreement had not been entered into, or for the two-year period after it had notified the bloc it was leaving. The member state could still change its mind during any extended period required over the two-year period.

But the ECJ also said that the decision must be taken democratically. In this case, the UK parliament would have to approve the decision and then inform the EU. The ECJ said it made the ruling ahead of the Tuesday's vote to "clarify the options open to MPs".

The case was initially brought to the Court of Session in Edinburgh, by a group of politicians from different parties and was ultimately passed to the ECJ. The group of politicians include Scottish Green MSPs Andy Wightman and Ross Greer, SNP MEP Alyn Smith and MP Joanna Cherry and Labour MEPs David Martin and Catherine Stihler have been supported by Jolyon Maugham QC of the Good Law Project.

ECJ's advocate general Manuel Campos Sanchez-Bordona had said last week that article 50 of the Lisbon treaty allows the unilateral revocation of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU, until such time as the withdrawal agreement is formally concluded.

He also observed that such a move should be made only after certain conditions and limits were met. This includes the withdrawal being a parliamentary decision, and observing "the principles of good faith and sincere co-operation... to prevent abuse of the procedure".

The ruling is likely to affect decisions for Tuesday's vote as MPs are widely expected to reject May's proposals. The Brexit parliamentary vote is likely to be May's biggest political fight. But she appears to be facing a heavy defeat in parliament on the draft withdrawal agreement she signed with Brussels last month.

The text defining terms on which the island nation leaves its main trading partner after 46 years is the most important to face the House of Commons in years. A big loss could spark immediate challenges to May from both within her Conservative Party and the opposition Labour party.
New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) Cracking the whip, the government has barred 156 NGOs from receiving foreign funds for six months for defying an order to open accounts in any of the 32 designated banks.

The Home Ministry said about a year ago, it had directed all non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business entities and individuals who receive funds from abroad to open accounts in any of the 32 designated banks for higher level of transparency.

However, the latest order said that it has been observed that the associations have not yet opened their bank accounts in central government's Public Financial Management System (PFMS)-integrated banks and contravened the provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010 by not complying with the December 2017 direction.

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the power conferred by section 13 of the FCRA, 2010, pending consideration of cancellation of their certificates, the central government hereby, suspends the registration under FCRA 2010 of the said associations (including their branches and units) for a period of one hundred and eighty days..," the latest directive said.

Suspension of the FCRA registration means the NGOs and entities cannot accept funding from abroad, an official said.

The directive to the NGOs, companies and individuals to open foreign contribution accounts in banks, which are integrated with the central PFMS, was given for a higher level of transparency and hassle-free reporting compliance.

The FCRA 2010 provides for the regulation of acceptance of the foreign funds or foreign hospitality by certain individuals, associations, organisations and companies "to ensure that such contributions or hospitality is not being utilised for the activities detrimental to the national interest", the ministry had said.

The 32 designated banks where individuals, NGOs and other entities can open their accounts are Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, ICICI Bank, The Cosmos Co-Operative Bank, Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India, South Indian Bank, IDBI Bank, Central Bank of India, Corporation Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd, The Catholic Syrian Bank Ltd, HDFC Bank, UCO Bank, IndusInd Bank Limited, City Union Bank and Syndicate Bank.

Allahabad Bank, The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd, Punjab National Bank, Allahabad UP Gramin Bank, DCB Bank Ltd, Manipur State Co-op Bank, Vijaya Bank, Bombay Mercantile Co-operative Bank Ltd, Yes Bank, Oriental Bank Of commerce, Dena Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Andhra Bank and Axis Bank are the others.

The PFMS, which functions under the Controller General of Accounts in the Ministry of Finance, provides a financial management platform for all plan schemes, a database of all recipient agencies, integration with core banking solution of banks handling plan funds, integration with state treasuries and efficient and effective tracking of fund flow to the lowest level of implementation for plan scheme of the government.

It also provides information across all plan schemes or implementation agencies in the country on fund utilisation leading to better monitoring, review and decision support system to enhance public accountability in the implementation of plan schemes.

Introduction of the PFMS resulted in effectiveness and economy in public finance management through better cash management for government transparency in public expenditure and real-time information on resource availability and utilisation across schemes.

It also resulted in improved programme administration and management, reduction of float in the system, direct payment to beneficiaries and greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

The Narendra Modi-led government tightened the rules for NGOs and took action against all such entities for violation of various provisions of the FCRA 2010 which include

non-filing of annual returns as mandated in the law.

Last month, the Home Ministry had served show cause notice to 1,775 entities for their "failure" to submit annual income and expenditure statement on foreign funding for up to six years.

PTI ACB SRY
New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) Hailing the UK court order on Vijay Mallya's extradition, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday said the offender who benefited during the UPA rule is being brought to the book by the NDA government.

A UK court has ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to India's efforts to bring back the fugitive wanted for loan default worth Rs 9,000 crore.

Delivering the verdict, Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot said that there was "no sign of a false case being mounted against him".

"Great Day for India. No one who cheats India will go scot free. The Judgement of UK's Court is welcome. An offender benefited during the UPA. The NDA brings him to book," Jaitley said in a tweet.

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. PTI DP NKD RAM

RAM
(Eds: Adding former PM Manmohan Singh's statement)

New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) Opposition parties on Monday attacked the government over RBI Governor Urjit Patel's resignation, with former prime minister Manmohan Singh saying it was a "severe blow" to the country's economy.

Patel, who had a run in with the government over autonomy of the central bank, resigned from his job earlier on Monday, citing personal reasons. He had more than eight months left in his three-year tenure.

He was hand-picked by the BJP-led government after his predecessor Raghuram Rajan was denied a second-term. His resignation came amid widening rift between the government and the RBI on several key issues including the central bank's autonomy.

In a statement, Singh said he hoped that the RBI Governor's sudden resignation is not a harbinger of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's attempts to "destroy" the institutional foundations of India's USD 3 trillion economy.

He said it will be "foolhardy" to diminish institutions for short-term political gains.

After Patel announced he was stepping down due to personal reasons, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded his contribution and legacy, saying he steered the banking system "from chaos to order" and ensured discipline.

Leaders of various opposition parties alleged that institutions like the central bank were under "assault" and there was a "financial emergency" in the country.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said one more independent institution has "fallen" and alleged that the BJP has "demolished every temple of modern India" and will destroy India, if not stopped.

Addressing the media after a meeting of opposition leaders, Gandhi said in the middle of the meet "we were told that RSS-BJP agenda is progressing further".

The RBI chief has resigned because he can no longer work in this government, he alleged.

"With the RBI Governor's resignation one more independent institution has fallen. The BJP has demolished every temple of modern India and if not stopped, will surely destroy India itself," Gandhi said in a tweet.

While Modi said Patel leaves behind a great legacy and will be missed immensely, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley appreciated the service rendered by Patel saying it was a pleasure to deal with him and he has benefitted from the economist's scholarship.

The opposition, however, was unsparing in its criticism of the government over the development and alleged interference in the working of all institutions.

"Building institutions take a long time and effort but they can be destroyed in a whimper. It is institutions such as the RBI, among many others that have served as the edifice of our great nation's progress since independence. It will be foolhardy to diminish these institutions for short-term political gains," Singh said.

"Patel's sudden resignation, at a time when the Indian economy is faced with many headwinds, is very unfortunate and is a severe blow to the nation's economy," he said.

He noted that he has known Patel to be an economist of high repute and also someone who cared deeply about India's financial institutions and economic policy.

The former prime minister recalled RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya's apprehensions about the government's intent to raid the capital reserves of the RBI for fiscal purposes.

"I hope the resignation of the Governor is not a sign that this may soon become a reality," Singh said.

Former finance minister P Chidambaram said he was saddened but not surprised by Patel's resignation and claimed no self respecting scholar or academic can work in the NDA government.

In a series of tweets, the senior Congress leader said the last meeting of the Reserve Bank of India Board, held on November 19, was the "day of reckoning" and Patel should have resigned on that day.

"Government's immediate agenda is to grab the reserves of the RBI to meet its fiscal deficit target and to get funds for spending in an election year," Chidambaram alleged.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also attended the opposition meeting, hit out at the Modi government over Patel's resignation, saying it was a matter of "great shock".

"Institutions, from the CBI to the RBI, have become total disasters. This has never happened before. It is a matter of great shock. We must protest," she said.

The Trinamool Congress chief proposed that the meeting be continued on Tuesday and opposition leaders should meet President Ram Nath Kovind over Patel's resignation.

Later, in a tweet, Banerjee said: "The RBI is the custodian of public money. The credibility of all institutions is being destroyed. This is a financial and economic emergency".

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, who coordinated the opposition meeting that was held to discuss forging of an anti-BJP front for 2019 polls, alleged that there was "pressure" from the government on RBI to give its surplus.

"He (Patel) tried his best to protect the economy and the nation in the interest of the public. Finally he was unable to bear the pressure and resigned," he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that RBI governor Patel was eased out by the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre to bring in a "more pliable" person to fill the post.

No announcement of Patel's replacement has been made yet. PTI ASK SKC MPB SKC DIV

DIV
New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) India on Monday expressed "deep satisfaction" over the judgement of a UK court which ordered Vijay Mallya's extradition after concluding that the "flashy billionaire" does have a case to answer in the Indian courts over substantial "misrepresentations" of his financial dealings.

Chief Magistrate of the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, Judge Emma Arbuthnot ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to India's efforts to bring back the 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airlines boss wanted for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India will continue to work with the British government for "expeditious" implementation of the court order.

"We express our deep satisfaction at the judgement and note that justice has been delivered today. We thank the UK authorities for their help in this matter," Kumar said.

"We will continue to work with the UK Government for expeditious implementation of today's court order and early extradition of Mallya to India," he added.

Delivering the verdict at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Judge Arbuthnot said there is a prima facie case against Mallya and that she is satisfied that his human rights would not be infringed in Barrack 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where he is to be held on being extradited.

The court accepted the Indian government's contention that because Mallya has such a "high profile", his trial in India will be under great scrutiny and he will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity.

Addressing the jail conditions, the judge expressed her satisfaction with the evidence provided by the Indian government, describing the video of Barrack 12 at Arthur Road Jail as an accurate portrayal of the conditions which will apply to Mallya. However, the court made a specific reference to special medical conditions being made available to the businessman, who is described as "far from healthy".

The court also dismissed the defence's attempts to dispute Indian prison conditions as a bar to his extradition on human rights grounds, saying the video of the Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, where Mallya would be held, "gives accurate portrayal and has been recently redecorated". PTI MPB CPS
New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal on Monday reserved its order on a plea by Mining company Vedanta Ltd challenging closure of its sterlite copper plant in Tamil Nadu, where a massive protest was witnessed in May against alleged pollution by the factory.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel said the order would be uploaded on the tribunal's website next week.

At least 13 people were killed and several injured on May 22 when police had opened fire on a crowd staging protest in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu.

The company had earlier offered before the tribunal that it would invest Rs 100 crore in Tuticorin for the welfare of people, including construction of schools, hospitals and supply of drinking water.

It had said this amount would be in addition to the Rs 10 crore spent by the company annually in social work under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The tribunal had earlier set up an independent committee to look into the allegations of environmental pollution by Vedanta-owned Sterlite copper factory.

The committee, headed by former Meghalaya High Court Chief Justice Tarun Agrawal, had said that no notice or opportunity of hearing was given to Vedanta before the closure of the plant.

"The impugned orders cannot be sustained as it is against the principles of natural justice. No notice or opportunity of hearing was given to the appellant. The grounds mentioned in the impugned orders are not that grievous to justify permanent closure of the factory. Other issues raised also does not justify the closure of the factory even if the appellant was found to be violating the conditions/norms/ directions," the committee had said.

Vedanta's counsel had said their plea has merits and they have accepted the report of the committee.

One of the counsel representing the Tamil Nadu government had earlier said there were large scale protests after which police started firing. The state government counsel had claimed that there was no provision in the NGT Act to form the committee and even the panel has certain limits.

The committee, in the report submitted in November, said that in the event the tribunal was of the opinion that the factory should commence production, the committee was of the view that it should be directed to monitor ground water quality, including heavy metals such as Arsenic, Cadmium, Silver, Copper, Fluoride in and around the factory premises and nearby villages once a month and such report should be furnished to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

The NGT had directed that a soft copy of the report be furnished to counsel for the company, Tamil Nadu government, TNPCB and CPCB by e-mail.

The tribunal had earlier said a credible mechanism, through which rival contentions can be balanced and final view taken, has to be evolved.

The green panel had said the committee, which includes representatives of the CPCB and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, may visit the site and consider technical data.

It had noted in its order that it cannot be ignored that the smelting plant contributed to Copper production in the country and employed 1,300 people.

On August 9, the tribunal had allowed Vedanta to enter administrative unit inside its plant at Tuticorin, observing that no environmental damage would be caused by allowing access to the section.

The green panel had, however, said the plant would remain closed and the company would not have access to its production unit and directed the district magistrate to ensure this.

On July 30, the court had refused to grant any interim relief to Vedanta, which had challenged the Tamil Nadu government's order to permanently shut down its plant, even as the firm termed the government action "political".

On July 5, the tribunal had issued notices to the state government and the pollution board seeking their response after Tamil Nadu raised preliminary objections with regard to the maintainability of Vedanta's plea.

The state government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the mining group's copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns. PTI SKV RT
Mumbai, Dec 10 (PTI) Anushka Sharma's spokesperson has refuted the reports claiming that the actor has been signed on to star opposite Salman Khan in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next project.

Anushka's spokesperson said the actor would love to collaborate with the director in future.

"Anushka Sharma would love to collaborate with Sanjay Leela Bhansali but as of now, there is no truth to the speculations claiming Anushka has been signed for his next. "We request you to kindly refrain from reporting on the same," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The 30-year-old actor is currently looking forward to the release of her film "Zero", which also features Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif.

The film, directed by Aanand L Rai, will hit the theatres on December 21. PTI SHD SHD

SHD
New York, Dec 10 (PTI) Some rights and advocacy groups have opposed President Donald Trumps decision to nominate chief State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as Americas next envoy to UN, saying she is unqualified and lacks the foreign policy experience crucial for the post.

Trump on Friday picked Nauert to succeed Indian-American Nikki Haley as US ambassador to the United Nations.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation, called on the Trump administration to withdraw its nomination of Nauert for the position of UN ambassador.

CAIR said Nauert promoted "Islamophobic smears" while employed as a Fox News anchor. It said, in 2013 she criticized special swim classes for a group of Somali-American girls, describing the classes as the "minority becoming the majority at one community pool. Sharia law is now changing everything."

The group said other than her current position as State Department spokesperson, Nauert has no apparent diplomatic or government experience or expertise.

"Heather Nauert does not represent our nations diversity or its commitment to treating all Americans with equality and respect," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

The International Womens Health Coalition (IWHC), which advances the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls worldwide through advocacy and strengthening womens movements, said the nomination of Nauert as US ambassador to the United Nations "signals a continuation of the Trump administrations regressive policies at the UN.

It said Nauert, currently the State Department spokesperson, is a former anchor on Fox News and has no prior diplomatic experience.

"Nauert lacks the foreign policy experience and commitment to human rights and multilateralism crucial for this post," IWHC Director of Advocacy and Policy Shannon Kowalski said in a statement.

Critical of US ambassador Haleys record at the UN, IWHC said she "ostracized civil society, removed the US from the Human Rights Council, undermined sexual and reproductive health and rights, and oversaw an overall decline in US leadership at the United Nations.

"Nauerts tenure at the State Department does not indicate that she will take the necessary steps to reengage with civil society and reignite the United States commitment to human rights globally, rather than on a politicized basis, it said.

Kowalski added that there is nothing in Nauerts record to suggest that she would restrain the administrations efforts to censor language or to undermine and remove UN commitments on gender equality, sexuality education, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. PTI YAS NSA

NSA
Paris, Dec 10 (AP) Pressure mounted on French President Emmanuel Macron to announce concrete measures to calm protests marked by violence when he addresses the nation Monday evening, and breaks a long silence widely seen as aggravating a crisis that has shaken the government and the whole country.

The president will consult in the morning with an array of national and local officials as he tries to get a handle on the ballooning and radicalising protest movement triggered by anger at his policies, and a growing sense that they favour the rich.

Macron will speak from the presidential Elysee Palace at 8 pm (1900 GMT), an Elysee official said. The official wasn't authorised to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said earlier on LCI TV station he was "sure (Macron) will know how to find the path to the hearts of the French, speak to their hearts."

But, he added, a "magic wand" won't solve all the problems of the protesters, known as "yellow vests" for the fluorescent safety vests they often wear.

Last week, Macron withdrew a fuel tax hike  the issue that kicked off protests in mid-November  in an effort to appease the protesters, but the move was seen as too little too late.

For many protesters, Macron himself, widely seen as arrogant and disconnected from rank-and-file French, has become the problem. Calls for him to resign were rampant on Saturday, the fourth weekend of large-scale protests.

"Macron is there for the rich, not for all the French," 68-year-old retiree Jean-Pierre Meunuer said Saturday. Retirees are among the categories to be punished by his policies.

Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud dampened any notion that the minimum wage would be raised, telling LCI that "there will be no boost for the Smic (minimum wage)," because "it destroys jobs."

Paris tourist sites reopened Sunday, while workers cleaned up debris from protests that left widespread damage in the capital and elsewhere. At least 71 were injured in Paris on Saturday.

The economy minister, meanwhile, lamented the damage to the economy.

"This is a catastrophe for commerce, it's a catastrophe for our economy," Bruno Le Maire said Sunday while visiting merchants around the Saint Lazare train station, among areas hit by vandalism as the pre-Christmas shopping season got underway.

After the fourth Saturday of nationwide protests by the grassroots movement with broadening demands, officials said they understood the depth of the crisis. Le Maire said it was a social and democratic crisis as well as a "crisis of the nation" with "territorial fractures." However, the president must also speak to protesters' pocketbooks. Among myriad demands was increased buying power.

French media reported 136,000 protesters nationwide on Saturday, similar to the previous week. However, the number of injured in Paris and nationwide was down. Still, TV footage broadcast around the world of the violence in Paris neighbourhoods popular with tourists has tarnished the country's image.

Several tourists questioned at the Eiffel Tower, which reopened Sunday after closing Saturday, said they were avoiding the Champs-Elysees, Paris' main avenue that is lined with shops and cafes and normally a magnet for foreign visitors.

"Yes, we're very concerned with security ... but we couldn't cancel the trip," Portuguese tourist Elizabet Monteero said. But, she added, "We don't go to dangerous zones like the Champs-Elysees."

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian politely chastised U.S. President Donald Trump for mocking France in tweets over the 2015 Paris climate accord, which the U.S. is leaving and which Macron has championed worldwide.

"We don't take part in American debates. Let us live our own national life," Le Drian said in an interview on the LCI TV station. He said Macron had told Trump the same thing.

Trump tweeted twice on the issue over the weekend, saying in one that "the Paris agreement isn't working out so well for Paris," referring to Macron's predicament.

Nearly 1,000 people, almost 100 of them minors and most without police records, were being held in custody after the Saturday protests in the French capital, Paris chief prosecutor Remy Heitz said, adding that most of those in custody were men under 40 from various regions who came to Paris to protest. Most were taken in for carrying weapons, like knives, or objects that could be used to cause injury, including petanque balls or tear gas.

Courts were working overtime to process the cases, he said.

France deployed around 89,000 police but still failed to deter the determined protesters. More than 125,000 "yellow vests" took to the streets Saturday around France with a bevy of demands related to high living costs and a sense that Macron favors the elite and is trying to modernize the French economy too fast.

Thierry Paul Valette, who helps coordinate yellow vest protesters who come to Paris, said the president must announce concrete measures to quell the fury.

It won't be enough to announce negotiations, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. People want change and "concrete, immediate, right now" measures.

Even if Macron withdraws his signature slashing of the wealth tax, "half of the yellow vests will go home, the other half will want him to resign and will stay in the streets," Valette predicted. "Because the movement isn't controllable." There was also damage in other cities, notably Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux. (AP) IND

IND
New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) Following are the top foreign stories at 1700 hours:



FGN16 UK-2NDLD MALLYA

Vijay Mallya arrives in court for extradition case; says his offer to banks 'not bogus'

London: A defiant Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, Monday sought to disprove the narrative that he has "stolen" money and said his offer to repay the principal amount to the Indian banks was "not bogus". By Aditi Khanna



FGN20 CHINA-INDIA-MILITARY

China hopes resumption of Sino-India military drills will provide impetus to bilateral ties

Beijing: China on Monday expressed hope that the resumption of military exercises between the Indian and Chinese armies that will begin on Tuesday would inject impetus and yield good results for the improvement of bilateral ties.



FGN11 IMF-LD RBI

Important for Indian govt to heed RBI's message on financial stability, says IMF Chief Economist

Washington: The Indian government must heed the RBI's message on financial stability, IMF's Chief Economist Maurice Obstfeld has said, amidst reports of friction between the central bank and the finance ministry over several issues, including how much capital the apex bank needs. By Lalit K Jha



FGN10 US-HALEY-LD PAK

Pak continues to harbour terrorists, US should not give it even one dollar: Nikki Haley

New York: Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill American soldiers, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, asserting that Washington should not blindly give Islamabad even a dollar until it steps up efforts to combat terrorism. By Yoshita Singh



FGN9 LANKA-CRISIS-LD SIRISENA

Sirisena accuses foreign forces of intimidating him

Colombo: Sri Lanka's current political crisis is a result of a clash between external and local values, defiant President Maithripala Sirisena has said as he accused "foreign forces" of intimidating him.



FGN8 PAK-INDIA-DIPLOMAT

Indian diplomat walks out of SAARC meeting in Pak over PoK minister's presence

Islamabad: An official of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan staged a walkout of a SAARC meeting over the presence of a minister from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at the event, according to source here.



FGN19 JAPAN-2NDLD NISSAN

Ex-Nissan chief Ghosn charged, served with fresh arrest warrant

Tokyo: Japanese prosecutors Monday formally charged Carlos Ghosn with financial misconduct for under-reporting his salary and also served him a fresh warrant on separate allegations, meaning the tycoon will likely spend Christmas in a cell. (AFP)

PTI AMS

AMS
Marrakesh(Morocco), Dec 10 (AFP) A United Nations conference adopted a migration pact in front of leaders and representatives from around 150 countries in Morocco on Monday, despite a string of withdrawals driven by anti-immigrant populism.

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration -- finalised at the UN in July after 18 months of talks -- was formally approved with the bang of a gavel in Marrakesh at the start of a two day conference.

But the United States and 15 other countries either opted out or expressed concerns, with some claiming the pact infringes national sovereignty.

Billed as the first international document on managing migration, it lays out 23 objectives to open up legal migration and discourage illegal border crossings, as the number of people on the move globally has surged to more than 250 million.

Describing it as a "roadmap to prevent suffering and chaos", UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sought to dispel what he called a number of myths around the pact, including claims that it will allow the UN to impose migration policies on member states.

The pact "is not legally binding", he said. "It is a framework for international co-operation... that specifically reaffirms the principle of state sovereignty.

"We must not succumb to fear and false narratives", he told an audience that included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela and Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras.

Merkel launched an impassioned defence of the pact and multilateralism, saying her country "through Nazism brought incredible pain to humanity".

"The answer to pure nationalism was the foundation of the United Nations and the commitment to jointly searching for answers to our common problems," she said.

The pact, said Merkel, seeks to prevent, rather than encourage, illegal migration.

"This is about safe orderly and regular migration -- it says (this) clearly in the title."

On Friday, the US hit out at the pact, labelling it "an effort by the United Nations to advance global governance at the expense of the sovereign right of states".

It was the first country to disavow the negotiations late last year, and since then Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland and Slovakia have pulled out of the process.

Rows over the accord have erupted in several European Union nations, hobbling Belgium's coalition government and pushing Slovakia's foreign minister to tender his resignation.

From the United States to Europe and beyond, right-wing and populist leaders have taken increasingly draconian measures to shut out migrants in recent years.

US President Donald Trump has pledged to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and has focused his recent ire on a migrant caravan from Central America, while a populist coalition government in Italy has clamped down on boats rescuing migrants at sea.

Belgium's liberal premier Charles Michel won the support of parliament and is in Morocco to back the accord, but was left leading a minority government on Sunday after the Flemish nationalist party said it will quit his coalition over the pact.

Belgium is among a group of seven nations described by the UN's special representative for migration Louise Arbour as still "engaged in further internal deliberations" over the accord.

Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy, Israel, Slovenia and Switzerland also fall into this category.

The pact has been welcomed by the Catholic Church as an important step towards addressing migrants' needs and reducing their vulnerability.

"While some states have decided not to participate in the process or this inter-governmental conference, the Holy See is convinced that the enormous challenges that migration poses are best faced through multilateral processes rather than isolationist policies," said papal envoy Cardinal Piero Parolin, calling for its implementation.

The UN's children's agency noted that over 100 countries still have policies of migration detention for children, but said implementation of measures proposed in the pact would enable states to "better address the causes that uproot children from their homes".

Honouring the pact would "provide migrant children with better access to education and health services, and offer them stronger protection from exploitation and violence", said a UNICEF statement.

Other organisations, including Amnesty International, see the pact as just a first step towards protecting migrants.

It "is very aspirational in many areas, with limited implementation commitments," said Amnesty International's senior advocate for the Americas, Perseo Quiroz, in comments emailed to AFP.

After the Marrakesh conference, the UN General Assembly is set to adopt a resolution formally endorsing the deal on December 19. (AFP) SMJ

SMJ
London, Dec 10 (PTI) Beleaguered CBI special director Rakesh Asthana got a reason to cheer as a UK court, while allowing extradition of Vijay Mallya, Monday observed that the Indian official had not acted "corruptly" as alleged by the liquor baron's defence team.

Asthana, a 1984-batch Gujarat cadre officer, had headed the Special Investigation Team of the CBI after Mallya escaped from India in 2016 and keenly pursued his extradition from the United Kingdom.

He was benched by the government along with CBI Director Alok Verma last month after the investigative agency booked him for allegedly taking bribe in a case related to a Hyderabad-based businessman Sathish Sana, a matter challenged by him in the Delhi High Court.

Both the officers have levelled allegations of corruption against each other and shielding Sana.

These developments took place after the extradition order was reserved by the Westminster Magistrates Court in September and were not brought before it.

However, the defence team of Mallya had produced its witness Professor Lawrence Saez who had made serious allegations about the character and professional integrity of Asthana.

During cross questioning, Saez had agreed that he was no longer saying there were issues with Asthana but there were with the independence of the CBI, the Judge has noted.

On Monday, Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot in her order said Asthana was criticised by the defence in its attempt to persuade the court that the prosecution was corrupt and politically led.

The judge said she found no evidence that the prosecution was corrupt or politically led.

"Allegations were made against the professional integrity of Asthana who leads the CBI and is the prosecutor which makes the first two allegations in this extradition Request, a serious allegation to make. I find that there is no evidence that Asthana has acted corruptly," the judge said.

She noted "the Supreme Court cleared Asthana of the allegations made against his integrity and there was no reliable or significant evidence produced by the defence expert Professor Saez which undermined that finding." PTI ABS ABS ZH

ZH
Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar), Dec 10 (PTI) President Ram Nath Kovind arrived here on Monday on a five-day visit to Myanmar during which he will hold talks with his Myanmarese counterpart U Win Myint and state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit from December 10 to 14.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that President Kovind and First Lady Savita arrived at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport where they were welcomed by U Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for International Cooperation and Myo Thein Gyi, Union Minister for Education.

The president's visit will continue India's high level engagements with Myanmar under the rubric of 'Act East Policy' and 'Neighbourhood First Policy', Kumar said.

President Kovind's Myanmar visit comes amid China's foray into the southeast Asian country with which it has signed a mega port deal.

Kovind will have his first engagement on Tuesday during which he will hold talks with U Win Myint and Suu Kyi, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said in New Delhi last week.

The president will visit the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education and the Rice Bio-park, both of which have been funded with Indian assistance on December 12, Gokhale said.

Kovind and the First Lady will travel to Yangoon and lay wreath at the Martyrs Mausoleum, where Gen Aung San, father of Aung San Suu Kyi rests, on the same day. They will also visit the Shwedagon Pagoda.

The president will also interact with the surviving veterans of the Indian National Army (INA).

On December 13, the president will visit the Shri Kali Temple and also the 'mazhar' (shrine) of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor who was exiled to Myanmar and died in Yangoon.

He will visit the Dhamma Joti Vipassana Meditation Centre and inaugurate the 'Enterprise India' exhibitions in which 45 Indian companies are expected to participate.

The foreign secretary said that Myanmar was a "close neighbour" and served India as a link to Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Myanmar last year, while Suu Kyi visited India in January for the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit.

Late last year, the two countries signed the Rakhine State Development Programme, designed to assist the Myanmarese government in Rakhine to build housing infrastructure for the return of the displaced Rohingyas.

In the first phase, 250 units have been planned and through virtual means, the president will be handing over the first 50 units, Gokhale said.

According to the UNICEF, as of April 2018, an estimated 6,93,000 Rohingyas have been driven into Bangladesh, of which over half of them are children, after the violence in the Rakhine state. India has over 40,000 Rohingyas. PTI CPS AKJ CPS
BJP booth level leader shot dead in West Bengal

Burdwan(WB), Dec 10 (PTI) A BJP booth level leader was

shot dead and a party worker seriously injured when

unidentified miscreants attacked them in West Bengal's Paschim

Burdwan district, police said Monday.

The BJP booth level president, Sandip Ghosh and party

worker, Jaidip Banerjee, were returning home after attending a

meeting when they were attacked by the miscreants at

Malandighi Saraswatigunj area of the district on Sunday night,

they said.

Banerjee has been admitted to a private hospital in

Durgapur, they said.

Bijay Ghosh, the father of the deceased, said his son

had told him that he was going to attend a picnic.

The BJP alleged that Ghosh was killed by TMC goons.

Denying the allegations, a Trinammol Congress district

leader said that BJP's internal party rivalry was responsible

for Ghosh's death. PTI COR

RG RG
Plane reports bird hit while landing at NSCB Airport

Kolakta, Dec 10 (PTI) A US-Bangla Airlines flight from

Dhaka to Kolkata reported a bird hit while landing at the N S

C Bose International Airport here Monday, airport sources

said.

After landing, an inspection was carried out and no

damage to the aircraft was found, an Airports Authority of

India (AAI) spokesperson at Kolkata said.

The time of the arrival of the Dhaka-Kolkata flight

number BS 201 was 10.19 am.

The flight departed for Dhaka at 12.05 pm, the

spokesperson added. PTI SBN

RG RG
New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) The electoral fate of over 8,500 candidates of five states which went to polls recently is sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs which will be opened Tuesday.

These electronic voting machines are now stored in over 670 strongrooms across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana.

A total of 1,74,724 EVMs were used at polling stations in the five states.

The maximum 65,367 machines were used in Madhya Pradesh.

A little over 8,500 candidates were in fray in the five states with 2,907 in Madhya Pradesh.

After voting, the EVMs have been stored in strongrooms. According to the Election Commission, there is one strongroom earmarked for every assembly seat.

EVMs which were kept as reserve or had developed snag are kept in a separate facility.

A total of 679 assembly seats in the five states were to go for election, but due to the death of a candidate in Rajasthan, polling was countermanded on one seat.

The strongrooms will be opened Tuesday in the presence of candidates or their representatives from where machines will be taken to counting centres.

The results will set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

These five Assembly elections would be crucial for the BJP as it gears up for the Lok Sabha election next year and is in power in three of these states  Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. While the Congress is in power in Mizoram, Telangana Rashtra Samithi ruled Telangana before the Assembly was dissolved.

The BJP is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and to retain power in Rajasthan. The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general election, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states.

The elections also hold significance for the Congress, which is out to challenge the BJPs rule in the states even while protecting its last bastion in the North-East. Mizoram is the only remaining state in the North-East, which is not under the rule of BJP-led NDA. The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats. PTI NAB NAB ABH

ABH
New Delhi, Dec 10 (PTI) Top leaders of 21 opposition parties, barring the BSP and the SP, Monday met here and vowed to forge a united front to fight and defeat the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, alleging "systematic denigration of democracy" and assault on the Constitution and institutions like the RBI under the BJP government.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP), who are major players in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, skipped the meeting held on the eve of the winter session of Parliament starting Tuesday but no reason was given.

It is for the first time that AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart and TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu attended a joint opposition meet.

The meeting held in Parliament House annexe also came a day ahead of the results of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly polls.

After the meeting, the opposition leaders said their parties decided to get together irrespective of their political ideologies due to "democratic compulsions", to help protect the country, the Constitution and its institutions which allegedly were under attack by the BJP and the RSS.

They said the opposition leaders will meet again and chalk out a strategy to oust the BJP from power and will move jointly forward and prepare an action plan in the coming days.

A joint statement issued later said India needs a government, for which Democracy is the "magna carta" beyond the victories and losses of electoral battles.

"Innumerable deficiencies, failures and plausible doubts on the neutral functionality of EVMs per se have raised a question on the neutrality of poll process itself. It is our firm belief that this needs to be redressed without question and without delay," it said.

"It is in the interests of safeguarding and strengthening our Constitutional Republic and Peoples livelihood that this RSS/BJP government is ousted," the statement said, calling upon all secular progressive parties to join hands.

Leaders of the Congress, Left parties and various regional parties like the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), DMK, All-India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (Secular), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) besides some small parties were present during the meeting. In all, 21 opposition parties attended the meeting, according to a participant.

Among some of the prominent leaders who attended the meet were former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, DMK's M K Stalin and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav.

Rahul Gandhi said the meeting was very productive and everyone decided to stop the BJP from further assault of institutions and the Constitution.

"The voices in the room are the voices of opposition in the country. We respect every single of them, regardless of how big or small they are. The goal of everybody is to defeat BJP and protect India's constitution and our institutions.

"There was consensus in the room that we have to stop BJP's assault on Constitution and all our institutions like the CBI, RBI and Election Commission. There was consensus that BJP's corruption on Rafale, demonetisation is simply not acceptable.

"We are going to fight it. We are going to do whatever we can to expose it. There was a consensus that we are going to work together to defeat the BJP-RSS combination," Gandhi told reporters after the meeting.

The Congress chief said the opposition leaders will hold similar meetings in future also, both inside and outside Parliament and chalk out a joint strategy.

To a question on SP and BSP not attending the meeting, Gandhi said, "The process is to bring together everybody and this process is going to be carried out in an open, friendly and respectful manner".

Naidu, who coordinated with all parties to convene the meeting, termed the parleys as "historic" and said "this is an anti-BJP platform".

"The main motto is 'Save India, Save democratic institutions'. Therefore, we all have joined together. This is a national voice....For last so many days, there has been an attack on institutions like the CBI, the ED, the IT, and today the RBI," he said.

"That is why irrespective of our political compulsions, we have joined here. It is a democratic compulsion. We want to protect this nation and save the nation and protect its institutions," Naidu said, adding that the opposition parties will jointly take up an action programme inside and outside Parliament.

"We have to join together. 2-3 parties are outside. We will pursue with them in the interest of the nation. Ultimately, this government should go. Otherwise, there will be greater damage to this great nation."

Banerjee proposed that the meeting should continue on Tuesday and leaders of opposition parties should also meet President Ram Nath Kovind over Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor. Patel's announcement came when the opposition meeting was underway.

"The BJP is behaving like a dictator. There should be a campaign against this rule. Everybody has agreed to that," she said. PTI LUX/SKC GSN SKC GSN

GSN
Mathura, Dec 10 (PTI) Union ministers Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala Sitharaman pitched for women empowerment and equality, citing examples of women who have brought laurels to the nation.

At the concluding day of the 'Nari Shakti Kumbh' in Vrindavan on Sunday, Swaraj, the External Affairs minister, said the society needs to change its attitude towards women.

She said, "Women need to take a lead in the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign."

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said this is the time the society gives equal rights to women as they have excelled in every field.

"Now, women are not limited to four walls of their home, they have brought laurels for the country in different fields," she said.

The two-day event, organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, was attended by Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya, UP Governor Ram Naik, state ministers Rita Bahuguna, Shrikant Sharma, among others. PTI CORR















Nari Shakti Kumbh: Vrindaban ( Mathura), Dec 10 (PTI)- Vrindaban, the land of Radha Rani , where echoe of Radhe Radhe is common, reverberated with patriotic slogans for two days during Nari Shakti Kumbh concluded on Sunday evening, in Akshay Patra ,Vrindaban.







Every effort was made by the speakers to charge the battery of woman so that they may excel more in different field, Uttar Pradesh Minister Srikant Sharma , who virtually was instrumental for the success of this Kumbh said, organized jointly by Bhim Rao Ambedkar University Agra and department of tourism U.P.







Union Minister for foreign affairs Sushama Swaraj on Sunday, stressed the need of change in thinking of society and woman both.







Remember the glorious past of woman  she said, with an advise to society to change its attitude towards woman.







While festival of male God is celebrated only once a year, the festival of woman Goddess in the form of Navratri is celebrated twice a year for 18 days, she said.







Motivating woman for their empowerment ,she cited example of animals where feminine gender always dominates ,owing her supremacy in her intelligence.







While hunting is being done by lioness , however she takes her share after offering it to her cubs and lion, she elephant always leads a hurd of elephants, citing intelligence of feminine gender in animals, she said.







Swaraj gave a call to woman for eliminating annomlies in the family and take a lead in Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (save and educate girl child) program.







Speaking on the occasion of this kumbh , Union defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman said, society now would have to give right of equality to woman, since they have excelled in every field.







Now women are not limited to four walls of their home, as they have brought laurels for the country in different field, she said.







Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik was sure that nector coming out of this Kumbh would act as catalyst in the life of the participating five thousand odd participants.







With woman empowerment, the country would become powerful, he said with stress on woman education.







After inaugurating exhibition ,highlighting the glorious past of woman, through their pictures, Babirani Maurya, the Governor of Uttarakhand termed the venue befitting one as it is a place where Radhey is pronounced first and Krishna afterwards.







Mahilayen Swabhiman Aur Maryada ke sath agrasar hon (maintaining dignity and self respect women shoud come forward), she added.







Inaugurating the two day Kumbh, alongwith RSS Akhil Bhartiya Sanyojika Mahila (All India convenor of woman coordination RSS) Geeta Tai Gunde, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Power Srikant Sharma said, the two day program would prove a pace setter for woman empowerment.







According to Uttar Pradesh Minister for tourism Rita Bahuguna Joshi, the duel role of society towards women require a change as it runs Kanya Pujan (a religious ritual) and not allowing the birth of girl child side by side.



Arvind Dixit,the vice chancellor, Bhim Rao Ambedkar university Agra was thrilled with the success of this Kumbha, the inspiring lecture of Sadhvi Ritambhara, the head of Vatsalya gram inspirted the participants.







Nari Shakti Kumbha while for Varsha Gharote(Uttarakhand) gave a message that woman through her power may bring social change, for Chhaya Naik (Nagpur) it has given a message to woman to use her power in right direction i.e. be soft but if the need be, be bold.



According to Sangita Gokhle from Gwalior,Nari Shakti Kumbha has awaken the inherent power of woman. Similar was the reaction of Aruna Singh (Jharkhand), Arti Sharma (Sultanpur ).EOM





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Bengaluru, Dec 10 (PTI) The Karnataka High Court was Monday told by the Centre that the Lingayats were treated as Hindus since the first census in 1871 following which it disposed of pleas challenging the recommendations of a panel to grant religious minority status to the sect.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice S Sujatha disposed of the petitions, saying the case did not merit any consideration after the additional solicitor general submitted a copy of the Centre's letter to the Karnataka government in this regard.

The Karnataka government had written to the Centre on March 23 to grant separate religious minority status to the Lingayat sect with a copy of the panels recommendations.

However, the Ministry of Minority Affairs in its letter to the state government dated November 15 said, "The demand for separate religious status by Lingayat and Veerashaiva has been considered earlier also and it was observed that Lingayat has always been classified under Hindus ever since 1871 census, the first official census in India."

"Those scheduled caste members professing Veerashaiva Lingayat sect would be bereft of all the benefits given to them once they are provided separate religion code other than Hindus," it said.

The 'Jagatika Lingayat Mahasabha' secretary general S M Jamdar, who has been spearheading a movement to grant separate religious tag for Lingayats, vowed that he would fight for it at every forum till the objective was achieved.

"The Centre is misleading. The 1871 census report the Centre referred to for rejecting the proposal always treated Lingayats separate from Hindus," Jamdar said.

The Lingayat sect was founded by 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara, whose belief revolved around social justice, benevolence and piety instead of orthodox rituals and castism prevailing during his time. PTI GMS BN AAR
Hyderabad, Dec 10 (PTI) A day before the Telangana

Assembly poll results, the BJP Monday hinted that the option of extending support to the TRS in case it falls short of numbers is not closed, even as it expressed readiness to sit in the opposition.

BJP national spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao noted

that most of the exit polls point towards the TRS (Telangana

Rashtra Samiti) retaining power in Telangana and they are

likely to turn out to be right.

On options before his party in case of a hung Assembly, Rao said it's difficult to comment as one does not know as of now what the shortfall (for TRS) is going to be.

"The BJP will have nothing to do with the Congress or

the MIM (led by Asaduddin Owaisi)," he told PTI, dropping

hints that the BJP may not be averse to do business with the K Chandrasekhar Rao government to keep the Congress at bay.

"....BJP certainly wants a stable government and in

case of a hung assembly we will see who seeks our support, our support will certainly be not available for the Congress or

the MIM," Rao added.

In the previous elections in 2014, the BJP had won five seats in an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The BJP had gone it alone in the December 7 polls,

while the TDP was part of the Congress-led "Prajakutami"

(People's Front) which also comprised the Telangana Jana

Samiti (TJS) and the Communist Party of India (CPI).

Friday's exit polls predicted that the BJP's seat tally would remain in single digits.

"So, our own expectation is our seat tally and vote-share will go up substantially in this election," Rao said.

"We have fought the (Telangana) elections both against

the Congress and TRS, so we would be happy to be an opposition party...to play the role of a constructive opposition party. That's the role people will give us and we are happy to

perform that role," he said. PTI RS SS DV

DV
Chennai, Dec 10 (PTI) Questioning the rationale behind deporting a man to Sri Lanka, the Madras High Court has summoned the regional foreigners registration officer to appear before it and explain the procedure followed in such cases.

The issue pertains to a habeas corpus plea moved by K Sundar Lingam, whose son was deported to Sri Lanka.

A habeas corpus is \Ra petition filed to ensure a person under arrest is brought before a court to determine if the detention is legal.

Lingam submitted that he is a Sri Lankan national who escaped to India in 1987 in view of the then ongoing ethnic crisis in the island nation.

His son, S Anand, was born at Thirumala Devasam Medical College and Hospital, Alappuzha District, Kerala on December 25, 1992.

He completed his school education in a private school in Chennai and in 2013, he went to Australia. He came back to India on October 27, 2018.

The petitioner said that 'to his shock and surprise" his son was detained by Indian immigration authorities on his return and was deported to Sri Lanka, following which he moved the high court.

In response to the plea, the immigration department submitted that Anand entered Australia illegally by boat and sought asylum there. However, the Australian government rejected his plea.

Anand, instead of going back to Sri Lanka, went to the Indian Embassy at Melbourne and fraudulently obtained an Indian Emergency Certificate on September 21, claiming to be an Indian national and arrived from Australia on September 27, the authorities sid.

The Sri Lankan embassy was later duly informed and he he was sent to Sri Lanka, the immigration authorities said.

Recording the submissions, a division bench of Justices N Kirubakaran and Abdul Quddhose wondered how Anand was allowed to move out of the refugee camp in Australia and reach the Indian Embassy

"If the asylum application of Anand was rejected by the Australian government, he would not be allowed to move out of the refugee camp/asylum seekers camp and there is no scope for the asylum seekers to come out of the camp.

"Therefore, prima facie it is doubtful as to whether the asylum application of Anand was rejected, as contended by the authorities," the court said.

If the petitioner's son had fraudulently obtained an Indian Emergency Certificate from the Indian Embassy at Melbourne, claiming to be an Indian national and travelled to India, the usual course should be to send him back to the country from where he has travelled, the bench said.

However, surprisingly, the authorities had sent him to Sri Lanka after informing the Sri Lankan Embassy and obtaining an emergency certificate.

"When the petitioner's son was born and brought up and educated in India and he has got no connection at all with Sri Lanka, it is not known as to how the authorities had deported the petitioner's son to Sri Lanka," the bench added. PTI COR APR AAR
Hyderabad, Dec 10 (PTI) Leaders of the Congress-led alliance in Telangana was upbeat on Monday over the combine's electoral prospects in the state, discounting exit polls, most of which predicted that the TRS would return to power.

For its part, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has repeatedly said that it would get a second term with a two-third majority.

Congress leaders have claimed that the alliance would win 75 to 80 seats in the 119-member Assembly, which went to the polls on December 7.

"I strongly feel that 'Prajakutami' (People's Front) will come to power," Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) president Prof. M Kodandaram, told PTI on the eve of the result day.

The 'Prajakutami' comprised the Congress, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the TJS, and the Communist Party of India (CPI).

Kodandaram dismissed exit polls forecast, saying he does not know the method and "sources" used in such post-poll surveys, and added that the alliance would be a clear winner.

Senior TDP leader Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy claimed the alliance would win 65 seats.

On options before the alliance if it falls short of the number required to form government, he told PTI: "We have four-five Independents (who will win). They are in favour of the Congress."

Reddy suggested that some of the exit polls which predicted that the TRS would retain power might be "motivated", and claimed that two pre-poll surveys had also predicted a hung assembly.

Listing the reasons for his confidence that the alliance would emerge victorious, Kodandaram claimed that apart from party cadre, the TRS has a very narrow support base in villages, essentially from those who got pensions and benefited from government schemes.

"Most of the youth, unemployed, particularly students, government employees, SCs and STs, a chunk of OBCs, upper castes, they are all with the Prajakutami and it has a wider social base," he claimed while pointing to the collective strength of the four parties in the alliance.

Those who fought for Telangana and campaigned for the TRS in the 2014 elections are now on the 'Prajakutami' side, the TDP leader claimed.

According to him, the campaign by the alliance went very well, particularly in the last 10 days of hustings.

"The only limitation was... had they (the alliance) launched the campaign from the 1st of November, the results would have been much better," Kodandaram said.

But that "limitation" has been overcome to a considerable extent by a concerted campaign, he said. PTI RS

VS NSD
Amritsar, Dec 10 (PTI) A three-day long 'Akhand Path' organised by the SAD concluded Monday.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by party patron Parkash Singh Badal, had offered prayers on Saturday at the Akal Takht here, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, to seek atonement for the "mistakes" it committed "inadvertently" in the past.

On being questioned by media for which mistakes they sought forgiveness, Badal said, "I did not submit any list before the guru. I sought pardon as whatever wrong has been done by me or my men in the past".

"I even seek apology from media if I have ever hurt them in the past," he said.

He said, "I will not talk on any other issue except religion or spirituality. Our party had decided earlier to dedicate three days for 'sewa' in the Golden Temple which were solely for guru (Almighty) and not for any kind of political talk".

Badal refused to comment on sacrilege issue.

For the last two days Badal, his son and party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Sukhbir's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Bikram Majithia and other leaders were taking part in 'Ardas' (prayers) at the Akal Takht.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had ridiculed the opposition party for indulging in "political theatrics" in the name of religion with their "farcical" display of regret over the "misdeeds" committed during their 10-years of misrule.

The SAD had faced severe criticism over several incidents pertaining to desecration of Guru Granth Sahib and following police firing incidents in 2015 that had taken place during the SAD-BJP regime.

The party was also eye of storm over the issue of granting pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case, which was later withdrawn by Akal Takht. PTI JMS CHS

DPB
Mathura (UP), Dec 10 (PTI) Tension prevailed in two villages here after cattle carcasses were reportedly found in Kosi Kalan area Sunday, following which additional police force was deployed, officials said.

District Magistrate Sarvagya Ram Mishra said Monday an FIR was registered against unidentified persons and efforts were being made to arrest those responsible.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Chhata) Jagdish Kaliraman said on the direction of senior officials, additional police force was deployed in some areas before the situation could spin out of control.

The carcasses were sent for examination to a veterinary hospital, he said.

In another incident, a resident of Janakpuri here lodged a complaint, alleging that some people were smuggling cows in a vehicle, police said.

The man claimed he was travelling in a car when he saw the vehicle and tried to stop it, but instead it tried to ram into his car. The vehicle overturned some metres away.

Some of its occupants managed to escape. The man and his friends were able to catch one of them, Shahid , a resident of Arnia in Bulandshahr.

Senior Superintendent of Police Babloo Kumar told reporters that a body was found near the vehicle in the morning, which Shahid identified as his cousin, Munna.

A case was registered and a probe was underway, the officer said. PTI CORR

HMB
ZOOT BOSCHWITZ, Chariho, Football, Boschwitz rushed for two touchdowns and passed for two others as Chariho lost to Narragansett in the Division III Super Bowl. For the season, Boschwitz threw for 1,174 yards and 13 TDs. He also rushed for eight touchdowns.

SAM MONTALTO, Stonington, Boys Soccer, Montalto, scored a pair of goals as Stonington defeated Ellington, 3-1, for the Class M state title. It was the teams second state championship in three years. Montalto finished his career with a school-record 105 goals. He scored a school-record 36 goals this season despite missing three games with an injury.

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Vietnam's pavilion at the event (Photo: VNA)



The 23rd edition of the L Artigiano in Fiera takes place from December 1st-9th. It is an international industry event thats been celebrating artisans across the world and their creations for more than 20 years.

The event is also a rendezvous for Vietnamese handicraft businesses to promote their goods, such as rattan and bamboo products, brocades to international customers in recent years.

In addition, Vietnams conical hat is featured in the fairs promotional video this year.

Trade Counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy Nguyen Duc Thanh said the L'Artigiano in Fiera offers opportunities for Vietnamese firms to promote their products and study market demand, as well as learn experiences in production and design to meet the demand of consumers in Italy and other nations in Europe and the world.

Diego Sala, International Sales Manager of the event, voiced his hope to ink a memorandum of understanding with the trade office of the Embassy of Vietnam in Italy to jointly promote Vietnamese handicrafts and other staples of Vietnam like tea and coffee in the European country.

Statistics showed that in the first 10 months of 2018, trade value between Vietnam and Italy reached USD3.87 billion, a rise of 3 percent year-on-year. Vietnam earned USD2.4 billion from exports to Italy in the reviewed period./.
Amazon is planning to open one of its high-tech till-free supermarkets in London's West End, it has been claimed.

The Amazon Go stores allow customers to pick up their shopping and leave without having to go through a checkout, by charging them automatically through their phones.

The internet giant wants to open its first British bricks-and-mortar store close to Oxford Circus, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Amazon is planning to open one of its high-tech till-free supermarkets in London's West End, it has been claimed

There are already seven of the stores in the US  Seattle, where Amazon is based, Chicago and San Francisco. Another is reportedly planned in New York.

To use them, customers install the Amazon Go app on their phones.

They then scan a code on their way into the shop and are tracked as they move around by hundreds of cameras and facial recognition software.

Their credit card is automatically charged when they leave.

Amazon has so far stuck to opening convenience shops which sell staple items. It has reportedly been looking at vacant retail space in the UK for several months.

The company did not comment yesterday.
Ted Baker founder Ray Kelvin

Ted Baker faces another week of turmoil after founder Ray Kelvin took a leave of absence over more 'serious allegations' about his behaviour with employees.

Investors in the fashion retailer are braced for a bumpy ride when markets open today.

Its shares plunged 3 per cent in the final minutes of trading when Kelvin's leave was announced on Friday.

The 62-year-old boss, who owns 35 per cent of the firm, is accused of giving 'forced' hugs and straddling a female employee in the office.
The boss of Ford's European business has warned a no-deal Brexit would be a 'catastrophe'.

Steven Armstrong said crashing out of the EU could lead to factory closures and job losses, and that a free-trade deal was needed on top of Theresa May's withdrawal agreement.

'If the industry can't continue to operate competitively, we would have to think about where we continue and how we continue to invest,' he said.

Brexit would be 'catastrophe' for car market: Ford Europe's Steven Armstrong is the latest car boss to raise concerns around Brexit. Ford currently employs around 15,000 staff in the UK

Ford this year reported a $1 billion loss in Europe, with $600 million attributed directly to Brexit and the fall in value of the pound since the EU referendum.

The motoring giant has its European headquarters split between Cologne  where the majority of its cars are made for the continent's market  and Essex, home of production for vans and commercial vehicles.

And while the commercial side of the business is performing better than passenger-vehicle operations, Armstrong warned that nothing should be considered Brexit-proof.

Ford, like many others in the car industry, is backing Theresa Mays Withdrawal Agreement, which is due to be voted on by MPs this week.

But Armstrong, speaking to the Mail on Sunday, said the Government still has a lot of work to do to satisfy his industry.

My view is that whats on the table isnt perfect, he said.

The Withdrawal Agreement does not contain enough to ensure the continuation of frictionless trade between the UK and EU, Armstrong added.

Its important to recognise that we cant just push the cliff edge to 2020, he adds.

We need to use the implementation period to get a free trade agreement and protect the ability to trade.

Ford's Essex HQ in Dagnenham, which is the home of production for vans and commercial vehicles sold across Europe

Fears are mounting that the industry could be one of the hardest hit by Brexit, with various car brands refusing to commit to their UK manufacturing hubs in the country.

Asked if Brexit could result in pulled investment, factory closures and job losses in the UK, Armstrong said: All of the above could happen.

If the industry cant continue to operate competitively, we would have to think about where we continue and how we continue to invest.

He added: I love being in the UK, not just because Im English, but because its been a very good place for us to do business.

'But if the final deal erodes the competitiveness of our business and our facilities here, then the economic facts will prevail.

Ford employs around 15,000 people in the UK.
Hybrid vehicles should be banned from using motorway chargepoints because they take too long to top up, according to a report.

Slower-charging plug-in hybrids with batteries and electric motors that supplement their petrol and diesel engines are blocking equipment required for battery-only vehicles on long journeys, a study for the RAC Foundation warned.

The latest battery-only cars need just five minutes at the quickest chargepoints to add 15 miles to their range, compared with an hour for almost all plug-in hybrids.

Blocking the network: Some electric vehicles should be banned from using motorway chargepoints because they take too long to top up, according to a report

Battery-only cars have no combustion engine and are therefore more reliant on the network or public chargers that are available in the UK.

On the other hand, when a plug-in hybrid model runs low on battery capacity it can fall back on using conventional fuel or a combination of both power sources.

Report author Harold Dermott recommended that chargepoints at motorway service areas should be reserved solely for battery-only cars until plug-in hybrids have a greater electricity-only range and can charge faster.

The latest battery-only cars need just five minutes at the quickest Rapid chargepoints to take on enough electricity to add around 15 miles of range.

However, because of the limitations of their on-board control units, it will take almost all plug-in hybrids an hour or so  or twelve times as long  to achieve a similar level of charge.

This mismatch means that expensive, high-specification equipment which is essential to battery-only vehicles on long journeys could be blocked by other, slower-charging vehicles.

Types of recharging behaviour on the public network, according to the report 1. Journey charging Where the primary purpose of being at the chargepoint location is to fill up with electricity 2. Grazing charging Where recharging is secondary to other activities such as shopping, visiting a leisure centre, parking at a railway station

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: 'Ever-faster and more powerful chargepoints might sound like the answer to creating the electric car recharging network we need, but if the cars themselves can only be recharged at a certain rate then at best were going to be disappointed and at worst were going to waste money. Compatibility between car and charger is key.

'In an area where policy, technology and the market are almost falling over themselves, such is the pace of change, communication between all parties is fundamental.

'Neither society nor drivers will reap all the potential rewards of greener transport if there is confusion about how it should best be delivered.

'However, there are good signs of progress. Even as we go to print some of the issues highlighted in the report are being addressed.

'Government is funding seventeen electric vehicle charging hubs through its Go Ultra Low Cities programme, and work is proceeding apace in both the Mayor for Londons chargepoint Task Force and the national Electric Vehicle Energy Taskforce.

'Ultimately, refuelling electric vehicles should be at least as convenient and fuss-free as filling up with petrol or diesel. As the report makes clear we may be on the right road but we are not there yet.'

Plug-in hybrid models like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (pictured) not only take longer to charge but are also not entirely reliant on their electric power

Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said in 2016 that motorway electric charge points should be primarily used by battery-electric car owners

This isn't the first time hybrid-car owners have been called out for blocking chargepoints.

Back in 2016, Ecotricity - which operates over 300 plug-in points on the motorway network - said for hybrids, like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, to use fast charger on the motorway was 'inappropriate use'.

Founder Dale Vince told Radio 4 listeners in an aired interview: '[The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV] is not designed to be used on electric power for long journeys. It's designed for running around town on its very small electric battery, filling up at home or at your destination over a period of several hours.

'It's an inappropriate use of a fast charger at motorway services.

'It is only the Mitsubishi that can plug into a fast charger  all of the others [PHEVs] just plug into a type-two or three-pin socket over a period of several hours.

'The [Mitsubishi] hybrid is essentially a compromised car. It's an electric vehicle with a very small battery and a petrol engine so that you have the back-up of the petrol engine for long journeys.

'It's designed to use its petrol engine for long journeys. It takes half an hour to charge on a fast charger, and then you can travel 20 to 25 miles, and then you have to stop for another half an hour - it's just not practical.

'The point of a hybrid is that they don't have to charge. They have a petrol engine for a long journey, that's the whole point of them. It's just been an anomalous use of our network and our fast charge technology.'

Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, which has a network of more than 300 chargepoints up and down the UK's motorway network

The latest battery-only cars need just five minutes at the quickest Rapid chargepoints to take on enough electricity to add around 15 miles of range. It will take almost all plug-in hybrids an hour or so  or twelve times as long  to achieve a similar level of charge

The report also looked at the reliability of the public chargepoint network, which has been criticised by many electrified-car owners who have frequently turned up to find a plug-in point is out of use.

The study found that the number of out of service chargepoints fell from 14.8 per cent to 8.3 per cent in the last year.

While this is an improvement, there are still too many malfunctions, Mr Dermott said.

At the end of July 2018 there were 112,000 plug-in hybrid and 54,000 pure battery-electric vehicles registered in the UK.
The following companies are subsidiares of Sherwin-Williams: Acquire Sourcing LLC, CTS National Corporation, Comex North America Inc., Compania Sherwin-Williams S.A. de C.V., Contract Transportation Systems Co., Dongguan Lilly Paint Industries Ltd, Duron, EPS (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., EPS B.V., Geocel Holdings, Geocel Limited, Guangdong Valspar Paints Manufacturing Co Ltd., Inver East Med S.A., Inver France SAS, Inver GmbH, Inver Industrial Coating SRL, Inver Polska Spoka Z O.O, Inver Spa, Invercolor Bologna Srl, Invercolor Ltd, Invercolor Roma Srl, Invercolor Torino Srl, Invercolor Toscana Srl, Isocoat Tintas e Vernizes Ltda, Isva Vernici Srl, Leighs Paints, M.A. Bruder & Sons, Omega Specialty Products & Services LLC, Oy Sherwin-Williams Finland Ab, PT Sherwin-Williams Indonesia, PT Valspar Indonesia, Paint Sundry Brands, Pinturas Condor S.A., Pinturas Industriales S.A., Piton Paints Limited, Plasti-Kote Co. Inc., Plasti-kote Limited, Productos Quimicos y Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Quest Automotive Products UK Limited, Quetzal Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Ronseal (Ireland) Limited, SWIMC LLC, SWIPCO  Sherwin Williams do Brasil Propriedade Intelectual Ltda, Sherwin Williams Colombia S.A.S., Sherwin-Williams (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Belize) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Caribbean) N.V., Sherwin-Williams (Ireland) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sherwin-Williams (Nantong) Coatings Technology Co. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Nantong) Company Limited, Sherwin-Williams (S) Pte. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Shanghai) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Vietnam) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (West Indies) Limited, Sherwin-Williams Argentina I.y C.S.A., Sherwin-Williams Aruba VBA, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Mexico S.de R.L.de C.V., Sherwin-Williams Balkan S.R.L., Sherwin-Williams Bel Unitary Enterprise, Sherwin-Williams Benelux NV, Sherwin-Williams Canada Inc., Sherwin-Williams Cayman Islands Limited, Sherwin-Williams Chile S.A., Sherwin-Williams Coatings India Private Limited, Sherwin-Williams Coatings S.a r.l., Sherwin-Williams Czech Republic spol. s r.o, Sherwin-Williams Denmark A/S, Sherwin-Williams Deutschland GmbH, Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands Limited, Sherwin-Williams France Finishes SAS, Sherwin-Williams Italy S.r.l., Sherwin-Williams Norway AS, Sherwin-Williams Paints Limited Liability Company, Sherwin-Williams Peru S.R.L., Sherwin-Williams Pinturas de Venezuela S.A., Sherwin-Williams Poland Sp. z o.o, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, Sherwin-Williams Realty Holdings Inc., Sherwin-Williams Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sherwin-Williams Spain Coatings S.L., Sherwin-Williams Sweden AB, Sherwin-Williams UK Coatings Limited, Sherwin-Williams do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., Spanyc Paints Joint Stock Company, Syntema I Vaggeryd AB, Taiwan Valspar Co. Ltd., The Sherwin-Williams Acceptance Corporation, The Sherwin-Williams Headquarters Company, The Sherwin-Williams Manufacturing Company, The Sherwin-Williams US Licensing Company, The Valspar (Asia) Corporation Limited, The Valspar (Australia) Corporation Pty. Ltd., The Valspar (Finland) Corporation Oy, The Valspar (France) Corporation S.A.S., The Valspar (France) Research Corporation SAS, The Valspar (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn Bhd, The Valspar (Nantes) Corporation S.A.S., The Valspar (Singapore) Corporation Pte. Ltd, The Valspar (South Africa) Corporation (Pty) Ltd, The Valspar (Spain) Corporation S.R.L., The Valspar (Switzerland) Corporation AG, The Valspar (Thailand) Corporation Ltd., The Valspar (UK) Corporation Limited, The Valspar (Vietnam) Corporation Ltd., The Valspar Corporation, The Valspar Corporation Limitada, UAB Sherwin-Williams Baltic, Valspar (India) Coatings Corporation Private Limited, Valspar (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Valspar (Uruguay) Corporation S.A., Valspar (WPC) Pty Ltd, Valspar Aries Coatings S. de R.L. de C.V., Valspar Automotive (UK) Corporation Limited, Valspar Automotive Australia Pty Limited, Valspar B.V., Valspar Coatings (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Valspar Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Valspar Coatings (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Valspar D.o.o Beograd, Valspar Industries (Ireland) Ltd., Valspar Industries (Italy) S.r.l., Valspar Industries GmbH, Valspar LLC, Valspar Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Valspar Paint (Australia) Pty Ltd, Valspar Paint (NZ) Limited, Valspar Powder Coatings Limited, Valspar Rock Company Limited (Japan), Valspar Specialty Paints LLC, and ZAO Sherwin-Williams.
The following companies are subsidiares of Carnival Co. &: 1972 Productions Inc., 6348 Equipment LLC, A.C.N. 098 290 834 Pty. Ltd., A.J. Juneau Dock LLC, AIDA Kundencenter GmbH, Adventure Island Ltd., Air-Sea Holiday GmbH, Alaska Hotel Properties LLC, Barcelona Cruise Terminal SLU, Bay Island Cruise Port S.A., Belize Cruise Terminal Limited, CC U.S. Ventures Inc., CCL Gifts LLC, CSSC Carnival Italy Cruise Investment S.r.L, Carnival (UK) Limited, Carnival Bahamas FC Limited, Carnival Bahamas Holdings Limited, Carnival Corporation & plc Asia Pte. Ltd., Carnival Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Carnival Corporation Korea Ltd., Carnival Corporation Ports Group Japan KK, Carnival Finance LLC, Carnival Grand Bahama Investment Limited, Carnival Investments Limited, Carnival Japan Inc., Carnival License Holdings Limited, Carnival Maritime GmbH, Carnival North America LLC, Carnival Port Holdings Limited, Carnival Ports Inc., Carnival Support Services India Private Limited, Carnival Technical Services (UK) Limited, Carnival Technical Services Finland Limited, Carnival Technical Services GmbH, Carnival Technical Services Inc., Carnival Vanuatu Limited, Costa Crociere PTE Ltd., Costa Crociere S.p.A., Costa Cruceros S.A., Costa Cruise Lines Inc., Costa Cruise Lines UK Limited, Costa Cruises Shipping Services (Shanghai) Company Limited, Costa Cruises Travel Agency (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Costa Cruzeiros Agencia Maritima e Turismo Ltda., Costa Group Digital & Strategic Services GmbH, Costa International B.V., Costa Kreuzfahrten GmbH, Cozumel Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Creative Travel Lab Ltd., Cruise Ships Catering & Services International N.V., Cruise Terminal Services S.A. de C.V., Cruiseport Curacao C.V., D.R. Cruise Port Ltd., Ecospray Technologies S.r.L., F.P.M. SAS, F.P.P. SAS, Fleet Maritime Services (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services Holdings (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services International Limited, GXI LLC, Gibs Inc., Global Experience Innovators Inc., Global Fine Arts Inc., Global Shipping Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Grand Cruise Shipping Unipessoal LdA, Grand Turk Cruise Center Ltd., HAL Antillen N.V., HAL Beheer B.V., HAL Cruises Limited, HAL Maritime Ltd., HAL Nederland N.V., HAL Properties Limited, HAL Services B.V., HSE Hamburg School of Entertainment GmbH, Holding Division Iberocruceros SLU, Holland America Line Inc., Holland America Line N.V., Holland America Line Paymaster of Washington LLC, Holland America Line U.S.A. Inc., Ibero Cruzeiros Ltda., Iberocruceros SLU, Information Assistance Corporation, International Cruise Services S.A. de C.V., International Leisure Travel Inc., International Maritime Recruitment Agency S.A. de C.V., Milestone N.V., Navitrans S.R.L., Ocean Bahamas Innovation Ltd., Ocean Medallion Fulfillment Ltd., Operadora Catalina S.r.L., P&O Princess American Holdings, P&O Princess Cruises International Limited, P&O Princess Cruises Pension Trustee Limited, P&O Properties (California) Inc., P&O Travel Limited, Prestige Cruises Management S.A.M., Prestige Cruises N.V., Princess Bermuda Holdings Ltd., Princess Cays Ltd., Princess Cruise Corporation Inc., Princess Cruise Lines Ltd., Princess Cruises and Tours Inc., Princess U.S. Holdings Inc., RCT Maintenance & Related Services S.A., RCT Pilots & Related Services S.A., RCT Security & Related Services S.A., Roatan Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Royal Hyway Tours Inc., Santa Cruz Terminal S.L., SeaVacations Limited, SeaVacations UK Limited, Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, Shanghai Coast Cruise Consulting Co. Lda, Ship Care (Bahamas) Limited, Sitmar Cruises Inc., Spanish Cruise Services N.V., Sunshine Shipping Corporation Ltd., T&T International Inc., Tour Alaska LLC, Transnational Services Corporation, Trident Insurance Company Ltd., Westmark Hotels Inc., Westmark Hotels of Canada Ltd., Westours Motor Coaches LLC, Wind Surf Limited, and World Leading Cruise Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd..
The following companies are subsidiares of Valero Energy: AIR BP-PBF DEL PERU SAC, BELFAST STORAGE LTD, CANADIAN ULTRAMAR COMPANY, COLONNADE TEXAS INSURANCE COMPANY LLC, COLONNADE VERMONT INSURANCE COMPANY, DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY LLC, DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OF CANADA INC., DIAMOND GREEN DIESEL HOLDINGS LLC, DIAMOND GREEN DIESEL LLC, DIAMOND K RANCH LLC, DIAMOND OMEGA COMPANY L.L.C., DIAMOND SHAMROCK REFINING COMPANY L.P., DIAMOND UNIT INVESTMENTS L.L.C., DSRM NATIONAL BANK, ENTERPRISE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT INC., GCP LOGISTICS COMPANY LLC, GOLDEN EAGLE ASSURANCE LIMITED, HAMMOND MAINLINE PIPELINE LLC, HUNTWAY REFINING COMPANY, MAINLINE PIPELINES LIMITED, MAPLE ETHANOL LTD., MICHIGAN REDEVELOPMENT GP LLC, MICHIGAN REDEVELOPMENT L.P., MRP PROPERTIES COMPANY LLC, NECHES RIVER HOLDING CORP., NORCO METHANOL LLC, OCEANIC TANKERS AGENCY LIMITED, PARKWAY PIPELINE LLC, PENTA TANKS TERMINALS S.A., PI DOCK FACILITIES LLC, PICKARD PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, PORT ARTHUR COKER COMPANY L.P., PREMCOR USA INC., PROPERTY RESTORATION L.P., PURE BIOFUELS DEL PERU S.A.C., PURE BIOFUELS HOLDINGS L.P., Parkway Pipeline, Premcor, Pure Biofuels Del Peru, SABINE RIVER HOLDING CORP., SABINE RIVER LLC, SAINT BERNARD PROPERTIES COMPANY LLC, SUNBELT REFINING COMPANY L.P., THE PREMCOR PIPELINE CO., THE PREMCOR REFINING GROUP INC., THE SHAMROCK PIPE LINE CORPORATION, TRANSPORT MARITIME ST. LAURENT INC., ULTRAMAR ACCEPTANCE INC., ULTRAMAR ENERGY INC., ULTRAMAR INC., Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, V-TEX LOGISTICS LLC, VALERO (BARBADOS) SRL, VALERO (PERU) HOLDINGS GP LLC, VALERO (PERU) HOLDINGS LIMITED, VALERO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO ARUBA ACQUISITION COMPANY I LTD., VALERO ARUBA FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO ARUBA HOLDING COMPANY N.V., VALERO ARUBA HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO ARUBA MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS COMPANY N.V., VALERO BROWNSVILLE TERMINAL LLC, VALERO CANADA FINANCE INC., VALERO CANADA L.P., VALERO CAPITAL CORPORATION, VALERO CARIBBEAN SERVICES COMPANY, VALERO COKER CORPORATION ARUBA N.V., VALERO CUSTOMS & TRADE SERVICES INC., VALERO EAST BAY LLC, VALERO ENERGY (IRELAND) LIMITED, VALERO ENERGY ARUBA II COMPANY, VALERO ENERGY INC., VALERO ENERGY LTD, VALERO ENERGY PARTNERS GP LLC, VALERO ENERGY PARTNERS LP, VALERO ENERGY UK LTD, VALERO ENTERPRISES INC., VALERO EQUITY SERVICES LTD, VALERO FINANCE L.P. I, VALERO FINANCE L.P. II, VALERO FINANCE L.P. III, VALERO FOREST CONTRIBUTION LLC, VALERO GRAIN MARKETING LLC, VALERO H2 PIPELINE COMPANY LLC, VALERO HOLDCO UK LTD, VALERO HOLDINGS INC., VALERO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC., VALERO LIVE OAK LLC, VALERO LOGISTICS UK LTD, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY (PANAMA) LLC, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY COMPANY, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPY INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO MARKETING IRELAND LIMITED, VALERO MKS LOGISTICS L.L.C., VALERO NEDERLAND COOPERATIEF U.A., VALERO NEDERLAND COOPERATIEF U.A., VALERO NEW AMSTERDAM B.V., VALERO OMEGA COMPANY L.L.C., VALERO OPERATIONAL SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO OPERATIONAL SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO OPERATIONS SUPPORT LTD, VALERO PARTNERS CCTS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS CORPUS EAST LLC, VALERO PARTNERS CORPUS WEST LLC, VALERO PARTNERS EP LLC, VALERO PARTNERS HOUSTON LLC, VALERO PARTNERS LOUISIANA LLC, VALERO PARTNERS LUCAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MCKEE LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MEMPHIS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MERAUX LLC, VALERO PARTNERS NORTH TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS OPERATING CO. LLC, VALERO PARTNERS PAPS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS PORT ARTHUR LLC, VALERO PARTNERS SOUTH TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS TEXAS CITY LLC, VALERO PARTNERS THREE RIVERS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WEST MEMPHIS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WEST TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WYNNEWOOD LLC, VALERO PAYMENT SERVICES COMPANY, VALERO PEMBROKESHIRE LLC, VALERO PEMBROKESHIRE OIL TERMINAL LTD, VALERO PLAINS COMPANY LLC, VALERO POWER MARKETING LLC, VALERO RAIL OPERATIONS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO RAIL OPERATIONS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO RAIL PARTNERS LLC, VALERO REFINING AND MARKETING COMPANY, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-ARUBA N.V., VALERO REFINING COMPANY-CALIFORNIA, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-OKLAHOMA, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-TENNESSEE L.L.C., VALERO REFINING-MERAUX LLC, VALERO REFINING-NEW ORLEANS L.L.C., VALERO REFINING-TEXAS L.P., VALERO RENEWABLE FUELS COMPANY LLC, VALERO SECURITY SYSTEMS INC., VALERO SERVICES INC., VALERO SKELLYTOWN PIPELINE LLC, VALERO TEJAS COMPANY LLC, VALERO TERMINAL HOLDCO LTD, VALERO TERMINALING AND DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, VALERO TERMINALING AND DISTRIBUTION DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO TEXAS POWER MARKETING INC., VALERO ULTRAMAR HOLDINGS INC., VALERO UNIT INVESTMENTS L.L.C., VALERO WEST WALES LLC, VRG PROPERTIES COMPANY, VTD PROPERTIES COMPANY, WARSHALL COMPANY LLC, and ZELIG COMMERCIAL INC..
Rotterdam

Thomas Dalton Bambury, who nurtured actors and entertained audiences for decades as a busy, vital presence in community theaters around Capital Region, died suddenly Sunday. A cause of death was not immediately available. He was 49.

Involved in theater since he was a child, as an adult Bambury had different professions but one encompassing passion: theater. He directed or was otherwise involved with dozens of productions over the last 25-plus years for community troupes in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. His longest association was with Schenectady Light Opera, where he also held positions on the board of directors. Other companies he worked with included Not So Common Players in Clifton Park, Classic Theater Guild in Schenectady, Local Actors Guild in Saratoga, Albany Civic Theater in Albany and Family Players of Northeastern New York, which performed around the region.

Known for being a compassionate stage director who helped accomplished performers excel and neophytes learn and grow, Bambury was even more cherished as a friend. He exuded warmth and affection, according to friends and colleagues, and was quick with encouraging words, entertaining quips and a social-media presence that every day for years contained a new messages  usually inspirational, sometimes silly or funny.

"I think his greatest gift was being able to touch people individually. He looked at you as an individual, saw you for who you were and what you needed, and tried to make that one-on-one connection," said Connie Rowe Rauhauser of Scotia. Vice president of SLOC's board of directors and a veteran costume designer for the company, Rauhauser worked on a variety of productions with Bambury, including "The Scarlet Pimpernel" in 2009 and "Side by Side by Sondheim" the following year.

Wendy Szabo-Jordan of Amsterdam met Bambury when her daughter was auditioning for SLOC's 2006 production of "Oliver."

"When I saw him flick his scarf over his shoulder, I knew I wanted to be his best friend," Szabo-Jordan said. Her wish came true. Bambury grew close to her family, first through theater and, later, professionally, when Bambury and Szabo-Jordan became colleagues at Mohawk Opportunities, where he was a counselor at a group home run by the agency.

After Szabo-Jordan's husband, David Jordan, was cast by Bambury in a production of the drama "A Few Good Men" that Classic Theater Guild performed at a small theater at Proctors in Schenectady in 2011, an injury made it likely Jordan would have to drop out. Bambury wouldn't hear of it, devising accommodations that allowed Jordan to stay in the production.

"That changed everything about my husband's attitude about getting better," said Szabo-Jordan. "Him being able to get out of bed: That was largely because of Thomas. (Bambury) was so filled with positivity."

"He had a total sense of caring for other people and their lives," said Dave Dixon, who met Bambury 23 years ago and was his partner for 14 years. Bambury cast Dixon in a SLOC production of "Godspell" in 1995. They worked on many shows together, including an Albany Civic production of "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" for which Bambury recruited Dixon although the latter had not intended to audition.

"He had that eye for seeing something that maybe even you didn't," said Dixon, recalling that Bambury once approached a stranger in a bar, sure he would be right for a role in a 1998 SLOC production of "Blood Brothers."

"He ended up being fantastic in the show -- and he even designed part of the set," said Dixon. "Thomas saw something. He just knew."

Bambury's last message on Facebook, posted the day before he died, reflected what those who knew him say his mission was to reach out to others. The meme said, "True friends are those people who come to find you in dark places and lead you back to the light."

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Below it, Bambury wrote this:

"Good Morning My Friends and Happy Saturday! True Friends are hard to find! Enjoy your Saturday!! PEACE!!"

"That was so much the way he was," said Marlene Countermine of Malta, who produced seven of Bambury's shows.

She said, "He was always reaching out to others to make them feel better."

Bambury's body was found Sunday morning in Shamrock Tavern on Clinton Street in downtown Schenectady when an employee arrived for work. A Schenectady Police Department spokesman said the death was not considered suspicious, and an autopsy confirmed the finding.

Bambury is survived by his mother, Jean Connelly Bambury of Rotterdam; sisters Meg Lisi of Rotterdam and Beverly Moquin of Connecticut; and extended family. His father, V. Dalton "Duff" Bambury, who was a member of Rotterdam town government for four decades, died in 2002.

Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Ave., Schenectady. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Bambury died at home. His body was found inside Shamrock Tavern in Schenectady.
Coeymans

The builders of the new Tappan Zee Bridge are throwing their support behind a bid to keep open a temporary expansion of the Port of Coeymans into the Hudson River.

The request by Tappan Zee Constructors, of Tarrytown, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers involves four large riverfront trestles and cranes that extend hundreds of feet from the privately owned port into the river, according to a notice issued by the Corps last week.

At issue are four concrete trestles that are used to stage, load and unload heavy cargo from ships, including about 90,000 tons of steel bridge components for the new Tappan Zee bridge, which is now open.

A federal permit issued to the company in 2014 for the project expires on Dec. 31, which would require that the trestles be taken out of the river.

However, in July an affiliate of port owner Carver Laraway also filed a request with the Corps that the trestles be made permanent, arguing it would allow the port to pursue more projects and create more jobs.

If approved, it could make the private port a more direct competitor of the publicly owned Port of Albany, which has been controlled by a state-appointed commission representing Albany and Rensselaer since the 1930s.

A river advocacy group opposed allowing the structures to remain.

"These trestles should be removed as was previously agreed," said John Lipscomb, who runs the Hudson River patrol boat for Riverkeeper, a not-for-profit environmental advocacy group.

"Tappan Zee Constructors has no further use for these trestles upon completion of the new bridge. Permits whose terms are changed at the last minute are not really permits," said Lipscomb.

In August, the state Department of Environmental Conservation determined that the application by P & M Brick  the Laraway affiliate  was not complete and lacked critical information. DEC sought additional information from the company in November.

A call to Carver Laraway for comment Monday was not returned. A spokeswoman for Tappan Zee Constructors could not provide comment for this story.

The P & M application to the Corps sought that the trestles be made permanent so the port could pursue other projects, including work on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, FDR Drive, and the Lincoln Tunnel.

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Two so-called "sled finger" trestles extend 136 feet into the river, while two larger crane trestles extend 276 feet into the river, according to the application. These four concrete structures are supported on a total of 71 piles that were driven into the river bottom.

The new application from Tappan Zee Constructors indicates that dropping the requirement that the trestles be removed would not "leave the structures in place permanently. Any proposal to leave the trestle structures in place permanently would require additional authorization" from the Corps.

The application also asked that Tappan Zee Constructors be relieved of a requirement to post a "financial assurance" that funds would be available to remove the trestles should the company ultimately fail to do so.

That application also requested that the revised permit allow the company to transfer operations of the structures to an unspecified "third party." It could not immediately be determined if this would be Carver Laraway or another entity.

Laraway purchased the former brickyard in 2007, with assistance from the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and has been expanding it ever since.

The site off state Route 144 is the former Powell & Minnock Brick Works, which closed in 2001. Laraway also is the owner of Carver Construction and Carver Sand & Gravel, based in Altamont.
Los Angeles

Jennifer Aniston calls it "amazing" that "Friends" still has an audience big enough to prompt multi-million-dollar business deals to keep it from disappearing on Netflix.

"I find it amazing that it's continued to have such love and such an audience and such an appetite for it," Aniston told The Associated Press Thursday at the premiere of her Netflix film "Dumplin'."

After an outcry from fans, Netflix announced earlier in the week that it was keeping the adventures of Ross, Rachel, Phoebe and Joey available to subscribers through 2019  at a reported $100 million price tag to the streaming service.

"I think it says a lot about the show. Especially since it takes place at a time where it's so different from now. You know, people actually spoke to each other and hung out with each other and talked," Aniston said.

WarnerMedia owns the show, which aired on NBC for ten years ending in 2004. It won six Emmy Awards, including a best comedy actress Emmy for Aniston.

Netflix paid more than triple the $30 million a year it had been paying for "Friends," The New York Times reported earlier this week, citing two unidentified people with direct knowledge of the deal.

"Friends" could soon appear more places online. The Times said that nothing in the Netflix deal prevented the show from appearing on a streaming service AT&T plans to launch in 2020.
Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Film Critics Association announced its 2018 winners for the best in film Sunday with top honors going to Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma."

The black-and-white film, about a middle-class Mexican family and its live-in nanny, took the awards for best picture and cinematography. Cuaron, who served as cinematographer as well as director, was also awarded runner-up for directing the film and for editing with Adam Gough.

Barry Jenkins' "If Beale Street Could Talk" was also shown love at the annual deliberations, taking awards for supporting actress (Regina King) and score as well as recognition as runner-up for cinematography. (Elizabeth Debicki was runner-up as supporting actress for "Widows.")

An adaptation of James Baldwin's novel of the same name, "Beale Street" is expected to have legs well into awards season with three Golden Globes nominations, for screenplay, supporting actress for King and drama picture.

The lead actor award went to Ethan Hawke for his performance as a pastor who spirals out of control in "First Reformed." Hawke also won a New York Film Critics Circle Award for the role. Ben Foster was runner-up for "Leave No Trace."

After some debate on whether to include her in the lead or supporting actress categories, Olivia Colman took lead actress for "The Favourite." Toni Collette was runner-up for "Hereditary."

"Leave No Trace" director Debra Granik beat out Cuaron for the director award. Granik is only the third woman to win for director after Kathryn Bigelow won for "The Hurt Locker" in 2009 and Jane Campion won for "The Piano" in 1993. The award follows criticism aimed at the Golden Globes for failing to nominate a female director.

Supporting actor went to Steven Yeun for his role as a morally ambiguous Gatsby type in Lee Chang-dong's "Burning," which also tied with Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Shoplifters" for best foreign film and took runner-up honors for best picture. Hugh Grant was runner-up for "Paddington 2."

Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty won the screenplay award for "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" while Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara were runners-up for "The Favourite."

Sony's "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" was animation winner with Disney's "Incredibles 2" runner-up.

Hannah Beachler won for production design for her work on "Black Panther" with Fiona Crombie runner-up for her work on "The Favourite." James Laxton was runner-up to Cuaron for his cinematography work on "If Beale Street Could Talk." Joshua Altman and Bing Lu took the award for editing on "Minding the Gap."

Nicolas Brittell took the award for music for the score of "If Beale Street Could Talk." Justin Hurwitz was named runner-up for "First Man."

Sandi Tan's "Shirkers" won for documentary/nonfiction film with "Minding the Gap" runner-up. The latter film took home the statue at NYFCC, with both critics' groups choosing smaller films over the year's larger documentary hits "RBG," "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" "Three Identical Strangers" and "Free Solo."

Awards will be handed out Jan. 12.
Kelsey Grammer was in Schenectady over the weekend to visit the Jay Street Pub, one of the locations that serves the actor's beer.

Grammer, best known as the character Frasier Crane on "Cheers" and "Frasier," operates Faith American Brewing Co. in the Catskills.
Q: I'm curious  how many municipalities in the Capital Region provide vehicle charging stations?

I'm aware of a few in Albany, but how about cities like Troy and Saratoga Springs?

 Matt Burke, Albany

A: New electric vehicle charging stations continue to pop up around the Capital Region.

The Capital District Transportation Committee's (CDTC) Capital District Communities Coalition installed five charging stations since last fall, with support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, in cities identified in the Capital District Electric Vehicle Charging Station Plan.

The report was published by the Capital District Clean Communities Coalition, in collaboration with the CDTC, to identify gaps in the current electric vehicle charging infrastructure network.

New stations were installed at the 5th Avenue Parking Garage in Troy, the Schenectady County Public Library on Clinton Street, Schenectady, and the Woodlawn Avenue Parking Garage in Saratoga Springs. Two additional charging stations were installed by the Capital District Transportation Authority at the East Greenbush Park and Ride on Route 4 and at the Rensselaer Train Station.

"We are excited to offer Capital Region EV drivers two new locations to charge their vehicles," said Carm Basile, CEO of CDTA. "We know the benefits of electric vehicle technology and it's something that is becoming increasingly important across our industry and right here at home as we look to add electric buses to our fleet."

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The installations are part of a broader campaign by New York state to provide charging stations along the I-90 corridor, as well as to increase the use of electric vehicles.

In total, 25 dual-port charging stations are being installed along the corridor through the project with support from Energetics, an energy technology and management consulting firm.

As of June 2018, there were more than 36,000 electric vehicles registered in New York state, with more than 2,000 in the Capital Region.

Do you have a question about transportation? Email gettingthere@timesunion.com. Please include your name, town and telephone number.
COLONIE  Albany County will receive upwards of $4.5 million this year for housing federal immigration detainees at the county jail.

That number more than doubles what the county typically receives for boarding people at the jail. The income previously was generated through housing detainees accused of crimes outside of Albany County, like individuals facing federal charges, or those transferred from crowded facilities like Rikers Island in New York City.

The county already collected $7.1 million for detainees by the end of November  more than half of it from reimbursements by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of the current U.S. administration's push to place undocumented immigrants in federal custody.

The 1,040-bed jail, which in recent years as remained half empty, reached a high of holding more than 300 ICE detainees over the summer at a payment of $119 per day, per person. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said the number has since lowered to about 100 people.

Because of a high number of vacancies in jail staff and the budget already covering meal costs for a full jail, it costs very little to take care of borders, Apple said. The estimated $8.1 million that will be received by year's end for all jail borders goes back into the county's general coffers.

Federal revenue for ICE detainees has been so abundant that the Albany County Legislature last week noted that it was allocating $941,018 in ICE monies to help provide property owners with a tax decrease in 2019.

The legislature said it also was using $6 million in projected increases in sales tax to reduce property taxes by 4.3 percent.

"The County has seen an unprecedented increase in its revenues," notes the legislature's release on the budget.

The program to board immigrant detainees, the statement said, " helps to lower the tax levy, and provide immigrants with legal and other services."

Apple said he was surprised by the legislature's characterization of the money  noting that the revenue is only possible because of continued cuts in the yearly jail budget itself.

"That's a horrible message, I wouldn't have went there at all," Apple said. "I'd rather say that it's due to increased border revenue and running things efficiently."

Meanwhile, the federal government has been criticized by auditors for decades for its over-payment to outside facilities to house people in federal custody. The issue has become controversial in recent months as reports have surfaced about private corporations making millions off holding adults and children detained by ICE.

The Albany County sheriff has been vocal in defending the county's willingness to board the detainees, saying that his facility is providing legal and other assistance for them.

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Among the about 300 migrants sent from the southern border to the Albany County Jail over the summer, the majority have since been transferred to a federal detention facility in Batavia in Western New York. Detainees who are transferred have had credible-fear interviews, which is required to determine whether they have a right to asylum in the United States. An immigration judge then reviews their case in a court hearing and decides whether they receive asylum.

The detainees at the county jail have come from more than 25 countries and arrived at the southern U.S. border, reportedly to escape violence in their native country. Only half are from Central America, with others arriving to the southern U.S. border from overseas, including India and Ukraine, according to the New York Immigration Coalition.

The county has partnered with volunteers from Albany Law School, in conjunction with the Legal Project, to provide asylum-seekers with legal representation and translators. Last month, Albany County announced it was spending $170,000 on an in-house immigration attorney to provide relief to the legal volunteers.

"I'm very comfortable putting my head down at night knowing that we're treating people fairly. We're displaying some compassion and kindness," Apple said. "We're still accomplishing our mission, we're still bringing in millions of dollars above and beyond, and we're treating people humanely. I've got no problem with that."

How much income Albany County will receive in 2019 from the federal government to pay for the transfer undocumented immigrants is unknown because the Trump administration's immigration policy is subject to change.
New York officials tout their deal to land a new Amazon headquarters as can't-miss math. The city and state put up $2.8 billion in tax breaks and grants. In return, they get an economic engine expected to generate $27 billion in new tax money over a quarter-century.

"This is a big moneymaker for us. Costs us nothing," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said when the agreement was announced.

Experts say the economic equation isn't that simple.

The state's predicted 9-to-1 return on its investment was based on a widely used economic model that compares the costs of tax incentives with expected tax gains, but it didn't factor in the substantial costs of accommodating Amazon's growth in the city, economic development researchers said after reviewing the documents.

The city and state will have to spend money to educate the children of Amazon workers, improve public transportation to get them to work, collect their garbage, adjust police and fire coverage, and provide all sorts of other services for a growing number of people.

"Claiming 9-to-1 isn't just implausible. It is a dishonest way to present the return on these incentives," says Nathan Jensen, a University of Texas professor of government who has been critical of the way economic development incentives are used.

The reports also don't measure the Amazon "HQ2" project against any other possible development of its intended site in the booming Long Island City neighborhood.

Four academic and think tank researchers who weren't involved in the state's cost-benefit analyses said that while its methods were standard, its scope was limited.

"It's a standard cost-benefit approach, but it tends to talk a lot about the benefits and not a lot about the costs," said Megan Randall, a research analyst at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. "That's not to say that the costs will automatically override all the benefits ... (but) cities should be armed with that knowledge."

New York state's evaluation of the Amazon deal is based on an assumption that the company will ultimately create 40,000 relatively high-paying jobs in the city by 2034. That's the maximum number foreseen in a deal that starts with a promise of 25,000 jobs by 2028.

The state-commissioned analysis by Regional Economic Models Inc. also predicts Amazon's presence in the city will eventually create 67,000 other jobs outside the company, in industries from tech to real estate to restaurants that might serve Amazon workers.

Over 25 years, all those new jobs will generate about $14 billion in state income and sales taxes and about $13.5 billion in city taxes, according to that analysis and a city report also involving a REMI model.

Cuomo lauded that as "the highest rate of return for an economic incentive program that the state has ever offered."

REMI's analysis is deep and thorough, the state's economic development agency said.

"Their model is widely considered to be the gold standard for economic and fiscal impact analysis and has been recognized for its analytical depth, sophistication and flexibility," Adam Kilduff, a spokesman for Empire State Development, said in an emailed statement.

A representative of the city's economic development agency did not respond to questions about the analysis.

The analysis may be right about tax revenue, but "it's incomplete," said Timothy Bartik, a senior economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and a leading expert on incentives. "You need to look at the spending side."

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Opponents of the project have raised alarms about adding to the strain on subways, sewers and schools already struggling to keep up in the fastest-developing neighborhood in New York City.

Some improvements are already in the works. The Amazon agreement promises a new school and infrastructure upgrades. Critics, including some local politicians, are skeptical it will do enough.

They've held a series of rallies and protests and are exploring possible options to try to stop the project.

While voters in New York City support bringing Amazon's campus to the city, they are divided when it comes to the incentives from the city and state, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.

The survey, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points, found that 57 percent of city voters support Amazon's decision, while 26 oppose it. Forty-six percent of respondents support the incentives, however, compared with 44 percent who said they are opposed.

Beyond the costs of growth, the New York analyses also don't address some other questions, experts said.

David Merriman, a University of Illinois at Chicago public administration professor who specializes in tax issues, said it didn't consider the possibility of economic growth in Queens even if Amazon never came.

There were prior plans for big commercial and residential development on part of the potential Amazon site that have now been scuttled in favor of accommodating the company.
ALBANY  Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and state legislative leaders have agreed to delay the appointment of a commission that was created to investigate misconduct by district attorneys under a law that is set to take effect on Jan. 1.

The agreement, filed late Friday, was crafted in response to a legal challenge from the state district attorneys association, which filed a lawsuit in October seeking a court order declaring the law unconstitutional.

But neither side retreated from their positions: The governor's office said the law's constitutional defects will be repaired through legislative amendments and the commission will be established; the district attorneys association declared its members will "not tolerate unconstitutional interference" in their work.

The legislation, signed into law by Cuomo in August, incited a fierce response from the district attorneys association, who argued in their court papers that the law "unlawfully subjects prosecutors to discipline without any governing standards, in contravention of their due process and equal protection rights."

Cuomo had acknowledged when he signed the bill creating the Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct that it "suffers from several flaws." An analysis by the state attorney general's office found the legislation was poorly crafted and would likely not withstand a court challenge because of "several constitutional defects."

But Cuomo said those defects could be repaired through legislative amendments after the Legislature returns to Albany in January.

The new stipulation "is consistent with what we've said all along  the current version of this legislation must be amended and should not go into effect before those issues are resolved," said Tyrone Stevens, a spokesman for the governor. "We're proud to usher this piece of criminal justice reform into law, and we're confident that once amended, this groundbreaking reform will strengthen public trust in our justice system.

Albany County District Attorney David Soares, president of the district attorneys association, indicated their group would revive their litigation should the state leaders proffer a new version of the law that is legally deficient.

"The constitutional infirmities inherent in the legislation that would have established a Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct are incurable," Soares said in a statement. "Should the Legislature and the governor seek to create a constitutionally appropriate mechanism to improve the oversight of the conduct of prosecutors and all attorneys in our state, the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York stands ready to help find effective legal solutions.

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The state's district attorneys have said there is already a system to review misconduct by attorneys, including prosecutors, and that the governor has the authority to remove a district attorney for cause.



Proponents of the legislation, which passed the Assembly and Senate, have included state Sen. John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, who said there was a critical need to create the commission and pointed to instances of people wrongfully convicted of crimes as one justification.

The state Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers also supported the bill, citing what the group said is a "lack of public accountability" by prosecutors who violate ethics rules and criminal procedure laws.

The analysis released Aug. 13 by the office of Attorney General Barbara Underwood was done at the request of Cuomo's office and highlighted flaws in the legislation. The 11-page report raised questions about the breadth of the commission's authority, and also the manner in which appointments would be made, including naming judges as members.

The stipulation suspending the litigation requires state leaders to keep the district attorneys apprised of any developments next year in their efforts to retool the legislation. If the law is not amended by June 30  after the scheduled end of the legislative session  the lawsuit challenging the original version of the law will be revived, according to the agreement.
ALBANY - Police officers who don't respond to people in custody who are in obvious medical distress could face criminal charges as the result of new legislation.

In response to last year's death in Schenectady of a man in police custody, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, a Bronx Democrat, introduced legislation imposing a criminal liability for law enforcement and corrections officers who fail to obtain medical services for a person in their care who dies or suffers injuries after displaying signs of medical distress.

In May 2017, 36-year-old Andrew Kearse was apprehended by Schenectady police officers after fleeing on foot from a traffic stop. He subsequently complained of breathing problems, nausea and dizziness, and was unresponsive by the time he was brought to the police department.

Kearse later died at Ellis Hospital.

An investigation by state police exonerated the department's handling of the case, and a grand jury in October found no laws were violated.

The same day the grand jury released its finding, Fernandez's legislation, the "Andrew Kearse Act," was introduced. The language was recently amended to reflect what happened in the Schenectady case.

"The death of Andrew Kearse on May 11th, 2017, was unwarranted and unjustified," said Fernandez.

"The officers neglected to give Mr. Kearse proper medical attention despite his calls for help. As such, crafting this bill became a legislative priority of mine," she said. "Furthermore, when a grand jury declined against pressing charges, it became increasingly clear that this legislation that will require adequate medical attention and reprimand malicious neglect is necessary."

The legislation is opposed by the union representing the 1,200 members of the New York State Agency Police Services Unit, which argued the bill was overly broad.

"Holding police officers criminally liable for something  and this is important  for a situation, that they may not have caused and may be completely unaware of will add to the long list of stresses and risks associated with the profession," said PBA of NYS Executive Director Daniel De Federicis.

"There have been tragedies and we should constantly improve training and awareness," he said. "Regular awareness and first aid training with timely refresher courses would be a good start to avoid tragedies, but holding police officers criminally liable for even the most minor of injuries that they simply may not be aware of is simply wrong."

In addition to expanding the definition of criminal negligence, the legislation also requires correctional facilities and law enforcement agencies to create a training program for handling people in medical distress.

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The proposal requires a law enforcement officer "to make reasonable effort to provide medical care."

"A pair of handcuffs is no reason for someone to die," reads the legislation memorandum. "This act will provide consequences for said negligence of any officers that leads to the death or injury of an inmate or person in custody."

As described by the legislation, medical distress would include breathing difficulties, migraines, muscle pains or a general need of immediate medical care.

Last month, the Schenectady Police Department announced it was clarifying its policies to ensure that a suspect in custody would receive medical treatment if it was requested.

Revisions to the department's policies were recommended in October by the state attorney general's office, which investigated Kearse's death.

Fernandez plans on reintroducing her bill for the new legislative session in January. It doesn't have a companion in the state Senate.

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87
Washington

Top House Democrats on Sunday raised the prospect of impeachment or almost-certain prison time for President Donald Trump if it's proved that he directed illegal hush-money payments to women, adding to the legal pressure on the president over the Russia investigation and other scandals.

"There's a very real prospect that on the day Donald Trump leaves office, the Justice Department may indict him, that he may be the first president in quite some time to face the real prospect of jail time," said Rep. Adam Schiff, the incoming chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. "The bigger pardon question may come down the road as the next president has to determine whether to pardon Donald Trump."

Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York's 10th Congressional District, the incoming chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, described the details in prosecutors' filings Friday in the case of Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as evidence that Trump was "at the center of a massive fraud."

"They would be impeachable offenses," Nadler said.

In the filings, prosecutors in New York for the first time link Trump to a federal crime of illegal payments to buy the silence of two women during the 2016 campaign. Special counsel Robert Mueller's office also laid out previously undisclosed contacts between Trump associates and Russian intermediaries and suggested the Kremlin aimed early on to influence Trump and his Republican campaign by playing to both his political and personal business interests.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and has compared the investigations to a "witch hunt."

Nadler, a Democrat, said it was too early to say whether Congress would pursue impeachment proceedings based on the illegal payments alone because lawmakers would need to weigh the gravity of the offense to justify "overturning" the 2016 election. Nadler and other lawmakers said Sunday they would await additional details from Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign to determine the extent of Trump's misconduct.

Regarding the illegal payments, "whether they are important enough to justify an impeachment is a different question, but certainly they'd be impeachable offenses because even though they were committed before the president became president, they were committed in the service of fraudulently obtaining the office," Nadler said.

Mueller has not said when he will complete a report of any findings, and it isn't clear that any such report would be made available to Congress. That would be up to the attorney general. Trump on Friday said he would nominate former Attorney General William Barr to the post to succeed Jeff Sessions.

Nadler indicated that Democrats, who will control the House in January, will step up their own investigations. He said Congress, the Justice Department and the special counsel need to dig deeper into the allegations, which include questions about whether Trump lied about his business arrangements with Russians and about possible obstruction of justice.

"The new Congress will not try to shield the president," he said. "We will try to get to the bottom of this, in order to serve the American people and to stop this massive conspiracy  this massive fraud on the American people."

Schiff, D-Calif., also stressed a need to wait "until we see the full picture." He has previously indicated his panel would seek to look into the Trump family's business ties with Russia.

"I think we also need to see this as a part of a broader pattern of potential misconduct by the president, and it's that broad pattern, I think, that will lead us to a conclusion about whether it rises to the level to warrant removal from office," Schiff said.

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In the legal filings, the Justice Department stopped short of accusing Trump of directly committing a crime. But it said Trump told Cohen to make illegal payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, both of whom claimed to have had affairs with Trump more than a decade ago.

In separate filings, Mueller's team details how Cohen spoke to a Russian who "claimed to be a 'trusted person' in the Russian Federation who could offer the campaign 'political synergy' and 'synergy on a government level.'" Cohen said he never followed up on that meeting. Mueller's team also said former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to them about his contacts with a Russian associate and Trump administration officials, including in 2018.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida called the latest filings "relevant" in judging Trump's fitness for office but said lawmakers need more information to render judgment. He also warned the White House about considering a pardon for Manafort, saying such a step could trigger congressional debate about limiting a president's pardon powers.

Such a move would be "a terrible mistake," Rubio said. "Pardons should be used judiciously. They're used for cases with extraordinary circumstances."

Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine and a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, cautioned against a rush to impeachment, which he said citizens could interpret as "political revenge and a coup against the president."

"The best way to solve a problem like this, to me, is elections," King said. "I'm a conservative when it comes to impeachment. I think it's a last resort and only when the evidence is clear of a really substantial legal violation. We may get there, but we're not there now."

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut urged Mueller to "show his cards soon" so that Congress can make a determination early next year on whether to act on impeachment.

"Let's be clear: We have reached a new level in the investigation," Murphy said. "It's important for Congress to get all of the underlying facts and data and evidence that the special counsel has."

Nadler spoke on CNN's "State of the Union," Rubio was on CNN and ABC's "This Week," and Schiff appeared on CBS' "Face the Nation." Murphy spoke on ABC; King was on NBC's "Meet the Press."
COLONIE  American Airlines flights between Albany International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the sixth busiest airport in the country, were canceled Sunday as a winter storm buries the south in snow.

The National Weather Service said a "prolonged period of snow" began late Saturday and would last until Monday in the Carolinas and Virginia. Some areas saw more than a foot of snow by Sunday afternoon.

Doug Myers, spokesman for Albany Airport, said that the big impact will be connecting flights through Charlotte. American Airlines reduced its operations with more than 1,000 flights canceled on Sunday.

American Airlines also issued a travel alert for nine airports throughout the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia, meaning passengers may be able to change travel plans without a fee.

Myers said there appeared to be no delays to or from other southern destinations like Atlanta.

Service to and from Charlotte was unpredictable. Sunday evening several departing flights were cancelled.

One flight to Albany arriving from Richmond was cancelled Sunday.

You can check the status of flights at Albany International Airport  here.

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More than 300,000 power outages were reported across the region with the majority of those  about 240,000  in North Carolina, according to poweroutage.us. Parts of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia also saw outages.

The Charlotte Observer Dispatch reported Sunday that up to half a million customers might not have power by the time the storm moves out later Sunday into Monday.

Cities under the winter storm warning include Asheville, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; and Roanoke, Virginia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
TROY  The fate of a dog facing euthanasia could be resolved or head toward an extensive legal face off as attorneys meet Tuesday with the Rensselaer County Court judge handling the appeal from City Court.

Luna, a 6-year-old mixed breed, awaits a decision while shes held at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Luna bit another dog and that canines owner on Oct. 25 leading to the city taking her into custody.

Lunas case sparked the City Council to change the citys dangerous dog ordinance Thursday night to ensure a dog wont automatically face being put down after a first offense of biting a person or another dog. Mayor Patrick Madden immediately signed the measure into law.

Unfortunately, it doesnt apply to the situation we have, Jonathan Schopf, the attorney for the humane society, said Monday, because the law is not retroactive.

"I still maintain the city statute is preempted by state law," said Schopf, who specializes in animal law. Under state law, dogs are generally not killed for a first offense that results in "mere physical injury," he said.

Judge Jennifer Sober has a conference scheduled Tuesday with Schopf; Margaret E. Donnelly, the attorney representing Lunas owner, Cade Saba; and an attorney from the citys Corporation Counsels office.

John Salka, a spokesman for Madden, said the city would have one of its lawyers present. He said that it would be premature to comment on what would happen before Sober proceeds with the conference.

Donnelly could not be reached for comment Monday regarding the case.

Councilman David Bissember, D-5th District, pushed forward a simple wording change in the citys dangerous animal law to give city judges and animal control officers leeway in dealing with dog bite cases. The City Council voted 7-0 Thursday night at its regular December meeting to rewrite the law by substituting the word may in place of shall.

The revised ordinance now reads, Any dangerous dog which attacks a human being or animal may be ordered destroyed."

Corporation Counsel James Caruso told the council members that his staff had offered Saba a deal that would have resolved the case without an order to euthanize Luna. Saba turned down the set of conditions for avoiding euthanasia as being too expensive for her to do.

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The bites Luna inflicted on the other animal, an American Eskimo dog, and its owner, Alexi Carpenter, were described in court documents as minor injuries. When Luna bit the other dog, who is called Light, it left bruises and cuts to his pelvis and abdomen area. Carpenter was bitten while trying to break up the dog fight, according to court documents.

Luna is at the human society in Menands.

Luna is doing very well. She really is a great dog, Schopf said.

The humane society is raising money to cover the costs for keeping Luna while the court action is pending.
Albany

The state Board of Regents wants an additional $2.1 billion for school spending next year.

Though the board has traditionally asked for more money than they end up getting in the state budget, members are cautiously optimistic that this year may be a bit different.

Thats because both houses in the legislature are now solidly Democratic, with Democrats wresting the majority in the Senate from Republicans in the November election.

Many in the states education lobby believe that Democratic senators, who have received a lot of support from the teachers unions, will push for more state spending on schools.

And some of them, such as Manhattan Democratic Senator-elect Robert Jackson, have a track record for doing that.

Some of them we know, remarked Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa, who said she knew Jackson when he was a New York City school board member and she was a high school principal.

Jackson sued the state in 1993 alleging that New York City schools dont get their fair share of state aid. That led to a settlement in 2007 in which much of the state aid comes as Foundation Aid, a broad category that is designed to help the poorest school systems in the state.

Of the $2.1 billion extra that the Regents want, $1.6 billion of the increase would go for Foundation Aid.

The request would bring state school aid from $26.7 billion this year to $28.8 billion for the 2019-20 year.

While the Regents set education guidelines, lawmakers and the governor decide on the final budget amount.

Thats also true with some education policies, which lawmakers adopt through the lawmaking process.

It can be an awkward situation, especially when it comes to controversial issues.

The Regents, for example, on Monday also moved to extend through the 2019-20 school year a moratorium on an oft-criticized proposal to link teacher evaluations to student test score results. The moratorium will be subject to a 60-day public comment period starting Dec. 26, meaning it will be at least two months before it is finalized.

At the same time, however, the legislature may simply outlaw the evaluation-test link when they begin their session in January, making a moratoriums irrelevant.

Assembly Democrats passed such a bill last spring but it stalled in the Senate which at the time was under Republican control.

But now with the Senate in Democratic hands, that bill will likely come up again.

The states major teachers union, New York State United Teachers, helped Democrats take control of the Senate in November. Theyve made it clear that putting a ban in statute was their top priority.

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Regents members and Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said they hoped the research and input theyve gathered on the moratorium plan would be useful for lawmakers.

They are going to take up what they are going to take up. We want them to know that we want to be very thoughtful about this and support their work, Elia said.

Rosa added that the moratorium, as well as their budget request, was being constructed well before Novembers election made it clear Democrats would be in charge of the Senate as well as the Assembly.

Regents members also discussed a report released Monday by The New York Equity Coalition, which pushes for racial equality, that found black students are suspended at more than four times the rate as white students. In New York City, the rate was five times more.

Thats changed in some districts, such as Albany, however, where they are operating under an agreement with the state Attorney Generals office to alter their disciplinary procedures.

Former AG Eric Schneiderman in 2015 found that black students in earlier years were suspended at three times the rate of their white counterparts in Albany public schools.

School officials agreed to make changes following those findings.

rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU
ALBANY  The state Legislature's first raise in two decades will be tethered to limitations on lawmakers' outside income.

A report released Monday by a special state committee authorized a 63 percent raise for state legislators that will be phased in over the next three years  a boost from $79,500 to $130,000 by 2021  while also restricting what they can earn in private employment. The changes imposed by the committee, which has been dogged by questions about its legitimacy since its inception in the most recent state budget deal, is expected to draw legal challenges.

The committee's report was expected to tie pay hikes in 2020 and 2021 to legislative action on the outside income restrictions, but committee Chair Carl McCall told the Times Union the committee has the authority to impose those limitations as part of its power to determine compensation. State legislators simply need to pass a "timely" budget to get the future increases.

"We were able to decide they should not get additional money from outside income," McCall explained.

Read the report on the Capital Confidential blog.

The restriction on outside income, which would take effect in 2020, is modeled after current limitations on members of Congress, who are limited to earning 15 percent of their government salary from outside income and are prohibited from certain private professions.

The same restrictions are not imposed on New York's executive agency heads, who will also receive a pay raise, but McCall said they have to get their outside work approved in advance.

He acknowledged the limitations might prevent a "few people" from serving in the Legislature, but argued it was an important tool for battling corruption.

"We have to look at the greater good here," McCall said.

State Sen. George Amedore, R-Rotterdam, who makes in excess of $325,000 annually leading his family's home construction business, previously said limitations would be a "horrible idea."

Amedore warned that it would foster a culture of career politicians in Albany, and noted that corruption hasn't ended in Washington, D.C.

Because the restrictions take effect before the next general election, it's possible members of the Legislature could have to resign their seats next year or abandon their outside jobs. The two chambers include a realtor, a funeral director, a pharmacist and many lawyers.

McCall acknowledged that questions had been raised about the committee's ability to limit outside income, and he encouraged the Legislature to enact a law reaffirming the committee's decision.

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Incoming Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Westchester County, said last week that she expects her chamber to pass legislation limiting outside income during the coming legislative session, and Cuomo supports the restrictions. Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, a Bronx Democrat, hasn't been willing to make the same commitment.

The committee is also curtailing the number of legislative stipends, which run as high as $41,500 for leadership posts, to just 15 of the 213 sitting legislators. Approximately 160 lawmakers currently receive a stipend worth at least $9,000.

The salaries of the state attorney general and comptroller will rise from $151,500 to $220,000 by 2021. The governor's salary is recommended to go from $179,000 to $250,000 by 2021, but that increase would require legislative action.

The final report from the committee did not include a laundry list of reforms that some good government groups wanted to see attached to the pay hike. McCall said those areas were beyond the panel's authority.

During the committee's hearing process, concerns were repeatedly raised about whether the state Constitution allowed lawmakers to delegate the pay increase issue to the special panel, whose term expires at the end of the month.

"We're looking at whether anything this committee is doing regarding legislative pay is constitutional," said Cameron MacDonald, executive director for the conservative Government Justice Center.

Even if the language creating the committee and its ability to set salaries is constitutional, MacDonald said its legislative prescriptions went beyond the authority the panel was delegated.

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87
It has been confirmed that the Tipperary International Peace Award will be presented to the former President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, above, at a ceremony in Tipperary Town on Friday November 16.

The former President and Nobel Laureate will travel to Tipperary to accept the award in person, which is being bestowed on him in recognition of his efforts in bringing peace to Colombia and for the historic agreement that put an end to more than 50 years of fighting by the FARC guerrilla army.

Peace Convention secretary Martin Quinn says that it is appropriate to recognise the former Presidents efforts and vision for peace. Juan Manuel Santos brought peace to his country through an agreement that put an end to more than 50 years of fighting, and has seen some 10,000 former fighters disarm and enter civilian life with 10 former FARC leaders taking their seats in Congress, he said.

He has left Colombia a much better and decidedly more peaceful country than when he assumed office and without doubt history will judge him kindly for his efforts.

The former President says that he is honoured to be able to accept the Tipperary International Peace Award on behalf of all the victims of the conflict and the many that have worked tirelessly to bring about peace in Colombia and is very much looking forward to his visit to Tipperary.

The ceremony will take place in the Tipperary Excel Centre in Tipperary Town and will be attended by representatives of the Government, Diplomatic Corps, Irish Defence Forces, An Garda Siochana, Members of the Oireachtas, Latin American Community and delegates from Northern Ireland who were involved in the Peace Process there.

Minister John Halligan will attend on behalf of the Government and also in attendance will be the former Labour Party leader, Eamon Gilmore, who is EU special envoy for the peace process in Colombia.
[December 10, 2018] Global Brazil Medical Devices market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% and reach USD 56,738.3 by 2023

Brazil Medical Devices Market Research Report -: Today, people judge how good, or bad the medical facilities in a region or a particular hospital are, on the basis of what kind of advanced medical devices are available in that hospital. Some hospitals justify expensive medical treatments as they want money to maintain all the sophisticated devices and big machines that they use for medical diagnosis and treatment.







Today, the market for medical devices is rising due to various factors including advancements in connectivity and processing power of devices, cloud integration, demand for early detection and noninvasive therapies (like those for cancer), development of stronger biocompatible materials growth of healthcare mobile applications, growing awareness and spread of information technology (IT). When devices like injections and stethoscope entered the world of medical sciences, their roles were limited. Science made progress, and today there are various kinds of machines that are integral to medical sciences. Due to the falling cost of production, some medical devices are available today at nominal prices. Their usage can also boost the Brazil medical devices market.



Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a research report about the Brazil medical devices market that adumbrates massive growth during the forecast period between 2017 and 2023, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 9%. In terms of cash, it is expected to grow from the current US $ 1100 mn to US $ 1844 mn by the end of the forecast period. In this report, the Brazil medical devices market has been segmented on the basis of end users, product type, and therapeutic application. Based on end-users, this market has been segmented into ambulatory, homes, and hospitals. Based on product types, the market has been segmented into automation, bioimplants, diagnostic devices, drug delivery devices, molecular diagnostic devices, monitoring devices, robotics, surgical devices, and stimulation devices, and others.





Being the largest economy in South America, Brazil has its healthcare sector divided into public and private. Local manufacturing is limited to consumables and ordinary articles and there are a handful of high tech devices manufacturers.



Get Sample Copy @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2869 Key Players The key players of Brazil medical devices market include Baxter International (USA), Boston Scientific Corporation (USA), Cardinal Health (USA), Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. (Germany), General Electric (USA), Hitachi Medical Corporation (Japan), Johnson & Johnson (USA), Medtronic (USA), Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV. (Netherlands), Siemens AG (Germany), St. Jude Medical Inc. (USA).



Latest Industry News Thubrikar Aortic Valve, Inc., a privately held medical device company is developing a next-generation Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) system. Its licensee, Labcor Laboratorios of Brazil, is set to receive an additional investment of $460,000 cash and a $500,000 promissory note, to widen the reach of TAVI when it gets released. Labcor is a world-renowned company that specializes in the manufacturing of biological prostheses.



InspireMD, Inc., a leader in embolic prevention systems (EPS), neurovascular devices, and thrombus management technologies that announced that CGuard EPS was featured at the SBHCI Congress. Sponsored by the Brazilian Society of Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology, SBHCI Congress took place in Curitiba, Brazil from June 13-15, 2018. It hosted approximately 1,200 participants including doctors from across Brazil and Central and South America.



Browse Complete Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/medical-devices-market-2869 Major Table of Contents: 1 Introduction 1.1 Definition 1.2 Scope Of Study 1.3 Research Objective 1.4 Assumptions & Limitations 1.5 Market Structure: 2 Research Methodology 2.1 Research Process 2.2 Primary Research 2.3 Secondary Research 3 Market Dynamics 3.1 Drivers 3.2 Restraints 3.3 Opportunities 3.4 Challenges 3.5 Macroeconomic Indicators 4 Market Factor Analysis 4.1 Porters Five Forces Model 4.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers 4.1.2 Bargaining Power Of Customer 4.1.3 Intensity Of Competitors 4.1.4 Threat Of New Entrants TOC Continued.! About US: Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.



Contact Us: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: [email protected] As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments.

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[December 09, 2018] Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company Announces Withdrawal from Hong Kong Government Employees' Compensation Terrorism Pool

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI) announced that it has withdrawn from the Hong Kong Employees' Compensation (EC) terrorism pool (the pool) effective December 1, 2018. This decision benefits all BHSI's new and existing EC customers for policies incepting or renewing on or after December 1, 2018. BHSI is now the first insurer in Hong Kong to provide EC terrorism coverage to customers directly, backed by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company's financial strength. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181209005006/en/ BHSI Hong Kong (Photo: Business Wire) The EC terrorism pool was established to provide terrorism cover for Hong Kong EC policyholders after the September 11th terror events when capacity had receded in the international markets. Whilst participation is voluntary, the pool provides a maximum limit of HK $10 billion which until now was shared among all EC policyholders for all terrorism claims on a "first come, first served" basis. Insurers participating in the poolmust charge their EC policyholders a 3% levy on policy premiums which is then remitted to the Hong Kong SAR Government. According to the terms of the pool, those participating insurers are not obligated to pay EC terrorism claims to their customers until the pool first pays the insurer for the claims.



Effective December 1, the EC terrorism coverage provided by BHSI is no longer subject to any of the pool's restrictions. BHSI's customers are no longer subject to the 3% levy on their EC policy premiums; BHSI policyholders no longer need to share a limit with all the other EC policyholders in Hong Kong; and payments for terrorism claims are no longer contingent upon payment or reimbursement from the pool. "The feedback from the customers and brokers we have discussed our approach with has been incredibly encouraging," said Marc Breuil, CEO of BHSI Hong Kong. "BHSI's Employees' Compensation policies are now exclusively backed by its own financial strength - which carries the same S&P rating as the Hong Kong SAR Government - and provide EC terrorism coverage to policyholders without the obligation to pay the levy. We are excited to offer this market-changing coverage development to our current and future EC customers, said Mr. Breuil."

To learn more, contact [email protected]. Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (www.bhspecialty.com) provides commercial property, casualty, healthcare professional liability, executive and professional lines, surety, travel, programs, medical stop loss, accident and health, and homeowners insurance. The actual and final terms of coverage for all product lines may vary. In the Asia Middle East region, it underwrites on the paper of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, which holds financial strength ratings of A++ from AM Best and AA+ from Standard & Poor's. Based in Boston, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Indianapolis, Irvine, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Ramon, Seattle, Stevens Point, Auckland, Brisbane, Dubai, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Macau, Melbourne, Munich, Perth, Singapore, Sydney and Toronto. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181209005006/en/

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ABLIC Inc. Launches the S-19192 Series, a 3-serial to 6-serial Cell Battery Monitoring IC for Automotive Use

ABLIC Inc. (President: Nobumasa Ishiai; head office: Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture; hereinafter "ABLIC") today launched the S-19192 Series of 3-serial to 6-serial cell battery monitoring IC for automotive use. Battery monitoring ICs are mainly used for monitoring the state of lithium-ion batteries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181209005038/en/

S-19192 (16-Pin HTSSOP package) (Photo: Business Wire)

The new S-19192 Series of products is a 3-serial to 6-serial cell battery monitoring IC for automotive use with the following characteristics: (1) robust standalone monitoring capable of operating without microcontroller oftware, (2) the capability to operate as a secondary monitoring IC for automotive BMS (*1), which significantly contributes to system safety, and (3) a self-diagnosis function for detecting random failures.







These characteristics deliver solid automotive BMS capability in a simple configuration for greater safety against failures and other issues.

[Major Features]

1. A simple configuration providing standalone monitoring with self-diagnosis function for detecting failures

2. A secondary monitoring IC for automotive BMS that further enhances system safety

(*1) BMS = abbreviation of "Battery Management System"

[Application Examples]

- Automotive BMS

[S-19192 Series Detail]

https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/datasheets/automotive/automotive-lithium-ion-battery-protection-ic/s-19192/

[Website]

https://www.ablic.com/

Inheriting the semiconductor business of Seiko Instruments Inc., ABLIC Inc. is an IC manufacturer pursuing the further development of analog semiconductors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181209005038/en/
[December 10, 2018] Bahrain Credit Signs 5-year Digital Banking Deal With Clayfin

CHENNAI, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Clayfin will craft Digital Banking experiences for Bahrain Credit's Retail Business Bahrain Credit, a leading financial company in Bahrain and part of Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company has entered into a multi-year contract with Clayfin and Computer World to transform their retail digital banking business. Dr. Adel Hubail, CEO of Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company comments, "As part of our Digital Transformation strategy we wanted to use technology to challenge the way retail credit business is done in Bahrain. And we needed a strong digital banking experience partner like Clayfin to accelerate transformation initiatives and change the way we do business." Clayfin's Retail Digital Banking solution comprising of Internet Banking and Mobile Banking will enable the company to swiftly launch a rich and seamless omnichannel digital experience for its customers. Along with an enhance user experience the solution will help in improving customer engagement and enhance upsell / cross-sell opportunities. Clayfin has partnered with Computer World, a leading Microsoft partner in the region to host the solution on Microsoft Azure Cloud Platform.



Adding on Mr. Ali Al Marzooq - Head of Innovation and Business Technology of Bahrain Credit said, "In a new era of digital banking, Clayfin's solution will help us to create personalized and customer focused omnichannel experience. We chose Clayfin after a rigorous evaluation process for their proven track record and experience of working with leading financial institutions in the region." While mentioning about the contract, Clayfin's CEO Kannan Ramasamy mentioned, "Bahrain Credit's digital strategy aims to use unique customer experiences to retain their leadership and stay ahead of the curve in Bahrain. And we are proud to be the company's partner of choice to power its transformation journey."

About Clayfin Clayfin is a provider of Digital Banking Experience solutions that help Financial Institutions craft unique customer experiences that enrich customer life journeys. In the rapidly evolving digital world, Clayfin enables banks to nurture and grow close ties with customers through a seamless omnichannel experience. Clayfin offers clients simple, flexible and adaptable opportunities to grow their revenue with distinct digital banking experiences for their Retail, SME and Corporate banking customers. Find out more at http://www.clayfin.com Media Contact:

Vijai C Dhas

[email protected]

+91-8041228093

Head Marketing, Clayfin





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[December 10, 2018] Basilea Pharmaceutica AG : Continued strong Cresemba (isavuconazole) U.S. sales performance triggers CHF 10 million milestone payment to Basilea

Basel, Switzerland, December 10, 2018 - Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today that the sales of the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) by Astellas Pharma Inc. ("Astellas") in the United States exceeded the threshold triggering a milestone payment to Basilea in the amount of CHF 10 million. Basilea is entitled to receive sales milestone payments from Astellas based on them exceeding certain thresholds from the sales of Cresemba (isavuconazole) in the United States within a calendar year. A first milestone payment in the amount of CHF 5 million was received in October 2017. Under the agreement with Astellas, Basilea is still eligible for additional sales milestone payments of up to CHF 275 million in addition to tiered, double-digit royalties on U.S. sales. Adesh Kaul, Chief Corporate Development Officer of Basilea, said: "We are very pleased with the continued commercial success of Cresemba. The strong U.S. sales ramp-up has resulted in two sales milestones being achieved in consecutive years. Since launch, there have been more than one million patient days of therapy in the U.S. alone, underscoring the high medical need of patients suffering from invasive mold infections. Through our range of partnerships, covering more than 100 countries, we have been able to significantly broaden the potential geographic reach for this important treatment option. By the end of this year, Cresemba is expected to be available in more than 20 countries and over the course of the next three years this number is expected to more than triple." About Cresemba (isavuconazole) Isavuconazole is an intravenous (i.v.) and oral azole antifungal, commercialized under the trade name Cresemba. Cresemba is approved in the United States for patients 18 years of age an older for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis.1 Cresemba is also approved in the European Union and several additional countries in and outside of Europe. It has U.S. and European orphan drug designation for its approved indications. Basilea has entered into several license and distribution agreements for isavuconazole covering the United States, Europe, China, Japan, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa region, Canada, Russia, Turkey and Israel.2



About Basilea Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company developing products that address the medical challenge of increasing resistance and non-response to current treatment options in the therapeutic areas of bacterial infections, fungal infections and cancer. With two commercialized drugs, the company is committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products to meet the medical needs of patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Additional information can be found at Basilea's website www.basilea.com .

Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica 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 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica 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. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD

Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

+41 61 606 1102

[email protected]

[email protected] This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com . References 1 Cresemba U.S. prescribing information [Accessed: December 07, 2018] 2 The registration status and approved indications may vary from country to country. Attachment Press release (PDF).pdf

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[December 10, 2018] Twilio Names David Parry-Jones Regional Vice President of EMEA Sales

Twilio (NYSE:TWLO), the leading cloud communications platform, today announced that David Parry-Jones joined the company as the regional vice president of EMEA sales reporting to Twilio's (News - Alert) SVP of sales Marc Boroditsky. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005220/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) "Twilio's experiencing phenomenal traction with developers and enterprises for our cloud communications solutions in EMEA," said Marc Boroditsky, Twilio's senior vice president of sales. "With the addition of David, a seasoned go-to-market leader, we're confident we will accelerate our growth with enterprises and as developers' first choice for cloud communicatios, expanding our European community, which is nearly a million developers strong."



Parry-Jones brings more than 25 years of experience in the software industry and will oversee business growth and expansion across EMEA; he will be based in the company's London office. Prior to joining Twilio, Parry-Jones spent nearly seven years at VMware, most recently serving as the company's regional vice president for Northern Europe. Prior to VMware, Parry-Jones has held UK, EMEA wide and global sales leadership roles with start-ups and leading organizations such as Lotus/IBM (News - Alert) and Microsoft. Parry-Jones holds a bachelor's degree in physics from Bangor University. He has also completed leadership programs at the Center for Creative Leadership Colorado Springs and at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

David currently sits on the boards of The Princes Trust in Wales and The Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. He's also a champion for mental health awareness and is the non-executive director of Transforming Systems, a healthcare startup that helps the National Health Service and social services use real-time information to make data-driven decisions. "Twilio's been around for 10 years and has truly transformed the communications industry. I'm excited to join a company that will continue to improve customer engagement through its innovative platform, while further expanding in global markets," said Parry-Jones. "In Europe, Twilio has a tremendous opportunity to continue to grow through new and existing customers. Additionally, I'm also focused on building a strong culture where our employees and future employees can thrive." About Twilio Millions of developers around the world have used Twilio to unlock the magic of communications to improve any human experience. Twilio has democratized communications channels like voice, text, chat, and video by virtualizing the world's telecommunications infrastructure through APIs that are simple enough for any developer to use, yet robust enough to power the world's most demanding applications. By making communications a part of every software developer's toolkit, Twilio is enabling innovators across every industry - from emerging leaders to the world's largest organizations - to reinvent how companies engage with their customers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005220/en/

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[December 10, 2018] EQT Mid-Market Credit II Holds Final Close at EUR 2.3 Billion - Increasing EQT Credit's Presence in European Direct Lending

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 10, 2018 EQT today announces the final closing of its second European direct lending fund, EQT Mid-Market Credit II (the "Fund"). The Fund received commitments equivalent to EUR 2.3 billion of available capital, including anticipated leverage. Since launch in 2008, the EQT Credit platform has raised over EUR 6 billion and invested over EUR 5.1 billion in over 170 companies. The Fund will continue EQT Credit's strategy of providing financing solutions to European mid-market companies, with a focus on high-quality performing businesses with defensive characteristics. Over 30% of the Fund has already been committed in 12 investments, including recent financings for Medifox, Dukes Education and VPS. Investors in EQT Mid-Market Credit II include a diverse group of European, Asian and North American pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and family offices. Paul Johnson, Partner at EQT Partners, Investment Advisor to the Fund, comments: "We are confident that the significant opportunities in the market play to EQT Credit's strengths as a due diligence-focused investor with the ability to leverage the knowledge that resides in EQT having invested in the same geographies and industries over the last 24 years. Thanks to the strong support demonstrated by existing and new investors, the Fund is well positioned to capitalize on these opportunities over the coming years as the direct lending market continues to grow across Europe." Andrew Konopelski, Partner and Head of EQT Credit at EQT Partners, continues: "Our focus on local sourcing and diligence, supported by EQT's network of Industrial Advisors, as well as the capacity to invest in a broad range of situations, has been key to EQT Credit's investment approach over the last ten years. The EQT Credit platform has developed significantly and we are looking into ways of transforming and broadening the offer even further." "The growth of the EQT Credit platform has been extremely successful and complements EQT's offering across the entire spectrum of alternative investments. The Fund far exceeded its initial target, which further confirms investors' appetite for this asset class as well as their support and trust for EQT and EQT Credit. With a strong ten-year track record in the market and an experienced investment advisory team led by Andrew Konopelski, EQT has firmly cemented its position as an integrated capital provider across the full range of risk profiles", says Thomas von Koch, CEO and Managing Partner at EQT. The fundraising for EQT Mid-Market Credit II has now closed. As such, the foregoing should in no way be treated as any form of offer or solicitation to subscribe for or make any commitments for or in respect of any securities or other interest or to engage in any other transaction. This press release is translated into multiple languages for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, the English version shall prevail. Contacts

Andrew Konopelski,

Partner and Head of EQT Credit at EQT Partners,

+44-20-7430-5525 Paul Johnson,

Partner at EQT Partners,

+44-20-7430-5520 Jussi Saarinen,

Partner and Head of Investor Relations at EQT Partners,

+46-8-506-55-368 Carlota Sanchez-Marco,

Managing Director,

Investor Relations at EQT Partners,

+34-674-345-701 EQT Press Office +46 8 506 55 334, [email protected] About EQT Credit The EQT Credit platform, which spans the full risk-reward spectrum investing with three strategies: senior debt, direct lending and credit opportunities, has invested over EUR 5.1 billion across over 170 companies since inception in 2008. For more information: www.eqtpartners.com/Investment-Strategies/Credit About EQT EQT is a leading investment firm with approximately EUR 50 billion in raised capital across 28 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership. For more information: www.eqtpartners.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/eqt-ab/r/eqt-mid-market-credit-ii-holds-final-close-at-eur-2-3-billion---increasing-eqt-credit-s-presence-in-,c2694959 The following files are available for download:







https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/2694959/960340.pdf PDF

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eqt-mid-market-credit-ii-holds-final-close-at-eur-2-3-billion--increasing-eqt-credits-presence-in-european-direct-lending-300762451.html SOURCE EQT AB

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[December 10, 2018] AI-powered Insurtech, Zesty.ai Closes Series A Funding of US$ 13 Million

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Zesty.ai , a leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup based in the San Francisco Bay Area, has announced today the closure of its Series A financing round of US$ 13 million. Luxembourg-based private investment fund, Blamar has led the financing. Plug & Play Ventures and existing investors also participated in the round demonstrating their continued commitment to the company. This funding confirms zesty.ai's position as an innovative leader in the large-scale digital transformation underway in the $5 trillion-dollar global insurance industry. Zesty.ai harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence to help Property & Casualty insurance carriers, reinsurers, Managing General Agents and Insurtechs better assess risk. The company has developed cutting-edge computer vision technology leveraging satellite and aerial imagery combined with structured data sources to capture billions of data points on buildings and their surroundings without ever setting foot on the premises. Zesty.ai leverages machine learning to model multi-peril catastrophic loss events (e.g., hurricane, wildfire, flood etc.) at the property level with unprecedented accuracy. Zesty.ai insurance customers benefit from: Decreased loss ratios driven by more accurate underwriting,

Tighter customer an agent relationships given a delightful, digital purchasing experience,

Decreased expense ratios due to lesser need for physical inspections.



California wildfires amounting to US$ 16 billion in 2017 and up to US$ 19 billion to date in 2018. Insurers rely on outdated Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps to assess wildfire risk that missed the mark in ~85% of the cases during the 2017 wildfire in Santa Rosa , CA. Zesty.ai has released its wildfire model that integrates high fidelity property level features about vegetation, building materials, neighborhood characteristics, topography, weather patterns and more. Zesty.ai uses machine learning to combine these unique risk modifiers, most of which have never been accurately captured before, with actual loss data from the various wildfire events into a predictive risk score that dramatically impacts underwriting decisions and risk mitigation strategies. "We are honored that zesty.ai has chosen Blamar as their capital partner. Our long-term investment philosophy aligns closely with the momentous opportunity in front of the company," said Laszlo Bots, CEO of Blamar. "We know Attila and Kumar well and have the utmost confidence in their execution capabilities."

Partner insurance executives of Plug & Play, a leading Insurtech ecosystem of 80+ global insurance companies voted zesty.ai the Most Innovative Insurtech Startup in August 2018. "Many of our members are excited to partner with zesty.ai and the feedback on the product has been overwhelmingly positive," commented Ali Safavi, Partner of Plug & Play Ventures. "This is the reason why we decided to invest in this financing round." "Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize the traditionally data-driven insurance industry and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this massive change," said Attila Toth, CEO and Co-Founder of zesty.ai. "We are immensely thankful to our customers, employees, investors and partners for enabling us to become a leader in this space!" The company will use the capital infusion to expand its data science, engineering and customer success teams and ingest additional proprietary data into its platform. About zesty.ai

Zesty.ai leverages Artificial Intelligence to help the trillion-dollar global property insurance industry better assess risk. We use the latest advancements in computer vision and deep learning on 115+Bn data points on residential and commercial properties to extract key building features to accurately model the potential impact of catastrophic and attritional loss events. For more information visit: https://zesty.ai . CONTACT:

[email protected],

650-999-9900 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-powered-insurtech-zestyai-closes-series-a-funding-of-us-13-million-300762423.html SOURCE zesty.ai

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[December 10, 2018] ASG Technologies' Latest Release of its Data Intelligence Solution Accelerates Automated Identification of Personal Data Across the Enterprise Data Estate

ASG Technologies, a trusted provider of proven solutions for information access, management and control for the world's largest enterprises, today announced ASG Data Intelligence 9.8, an updated release of its metadata management, data governance and data catalog solution. Named a leader in the 2018 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Metadata Management Solutions, the latest ASG release helps chief data officers and data protection officers comply with privacy regulations and streamline attestation by automatically finding and reporting personal data stored in both structured and unstructured sources. Highlights of ASG Data Intelligence 9.8 include: Intelligent Data Analyzers : Enhanced architecture and capabilities for defining lineage and improving performance streamline the development of analyzers utilizing a best practices approach that reduces source code and accelerates time-to-value.

: Enhanced architecture and capabilities for defining lineage and improving performance streamline the development of analyzers utilizing a best practices approach that reduces source code and accelerates time-to-value. Big Data, Databases, Languages : New and enhanced analysis and metadata/data ingestion for pervasive enterprise technologies including Cloudera Navigator, Apache Spark, Python, Apache Parquet, DB2, Informatica, ODBC, UDB, Oracle, Teradata (News - Alert) and PostgreSQL.

: New and enhanced analysis and metadata/data ingestion for pervasive enterprise technologies including Cloudera Navigator, Apache Spark, Python, Apache Parquet, DB2, Informatica, ODBC, UDB, Oracle, Teradata (News - Alert) and PostgreSQL. Personal Data Identification : Enhanced governance to automatically find, filter and report personal data stored in unstructured sources, including ASG Content Services Platform (Mobius) and Apache Tika supported formats, alongside structured sources.

: Enhanced governance to automatically find, filter and report personal data stored in unstructured sources, including ASG Content Services Platform (Mobius) and Apache Tika supported formats, alongside structured sources. Self-Service Datasets: New capabilities offer improved dataset stewardship and workflow, usage tracking, user-defined dashboards and interoperability ith Tableau which enable business users to rapidly find, share and analyze trusted data for better decision-making.



"A recent ASG study revealed that ninety-five percent of CIOs surveyed indicated they are structuring their organizations to manage all data with a common approach that provides holistic understanding regardless of where data is stored and its format. ASG Data Intelligence 9.8 supports this direction by enabling a single discovery and governance view of enterprise information," said Marcus MacNeill, SVP of Product Management at ASG Technologies. "ASG is the only data management vendor delivering on this vision."

ASG Data Intelligence 9.8 provides a comprehensive solution that addresses multiple data management use cases, whether it's managing risk and ensuring regulatory compliance or enabling citizen data users to quickly find, understand, share and analyze trusted data with minimal IT dependence. "ASG's market leading capabilities for understanding information supply chains have become even stronger with the 9.8 release, especially with the big data analyzer enhancements," said Kevin Moos, President of Primitive Logic. "ASG Data Intelligence is an important part of our growing data discovery and analysis business and these enhancements provide us with a great foundation to provide our customers with the trusted understanding supporting their regulatory compliance and change management needs." Learn more about ASG Data Intelligence 9.8. About ASG Technologies

ASG Technologies Group, Inc. provides global organizations with a modern approach to Digital Transformation to succeed in the Information Economy. ASG is the only solutions provider for both Information Management and IT Systems. ASG's Information Management solutions enable companies to find, understand, govern and deliver information of any kind, from any source - whether structured or unstructured - through its lifecycle from capture to analysis to consumption. The IT Systems Management (News - Alert) solutions empower companies to support traditional and modern digital initiatives, operate their IT infrastructure more efficiently and effectively and reduce the cost of managing and running their internal IT systems landscape. ASG is proud to serve more than 3,000 customers worldwide in 60 countries and in top vertical markets including Healthcare, Financial Services, Insurance and Government. For more information, visit ASG.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005069/en/

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[December 10, 2018] CERESPIR INCORPORATED and the NATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE SINGAPORE Announce Positive Data Showing Beneficial Effects of CERESPIR's Clinical Stage Compound Itanapraced in a LRRK2 Model of Parkinson's Disease

Itanapraced blocks LRRK2 expression and LRRK2-mediated neurotoxicity

Itanapraced ready to advance to Phase 2 in Parkinsons disease patients with and without genetic mutation NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CERESPIR INCORPORATED a pharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of disease-modifying therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and THE NATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE SINGAPORE, a national and international center of excellence in neuroscience with its mission to improve lives through integrated clinical service, research and education, announced today that they have obtained animal proof of concept for CERESPIRs clinical stage compound itanapraced in Parkinsons disease models. Specifically, itanapraced, which was previously tested with positive results in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), was shown to block the expression of LRRK2 and, additionally, prevent neurotoxicity resulting in the preservation of healthy dopaminergic neurons. These data support the initiation of Phase 2 trials in Parkinsons disease and may have broad applicability for neurodegenerative diseases. The study was conducted in collaboration with Professor Tan Eng King, Deputy Medical Director, Senior Consultant Neurology and Research Director at the National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Co-Director of the US National Parkinson Foundation International Center of Excellence, and Dr. Li Zeng, a senior research scientist at the National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore. Itanapraced works via a novel target that is central to the neurodegenerative process causing dysregulation of the cellular response to oxidative stress. Specifically, itanapraced is the first of a new class of molecules known as AICD inhibitors that bind to AICD (amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain) and inhibits its transcriptional activity. Under conditions of acute or chronic oxidative stress, AICD interacts with FoxO3a (a critical component of the stress response system), to promote the expression of pro-apoptotic factor BIM, causing neuronal death. Parkinsons disease is a common, progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons which produce the essential neurotransmitter, dopamine. LRRK2 gain of function mutants are responsible for the majority of cases of familial Parkinsons disease. Additionally, LRRK2 kinase activity is aberrantly increased in vulneable dopamine neurons by oxidative mechanisms involving a-synuclein and mitochondrial impairment, suggesting LRRK2 inhibition will be useful for the majority of Parkinsons disease patients. Previously the research team led by Professor Tan and Dr Zeng showed that AICD becomes transcriptionally active when it is phosphorylated by LRRK2, leading to loss of dopaminergic neurons in vivo (Chen et al., Sci. Signal. 10, eaam6790 (2017). The investigators now aim to publish, in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, the new data showing the ability of itanapraced to block expression and neurotoxicity of LRRK2.



The new data confirms Professor Tans prediction that an AICD inhibitor should have utility for the treatment of Parkinsons disease. The study was well-controlled with multiple lines of evidence showing that AICD promotes the expression of LRRK2 and that this effect can be prevented by itanapraced in vivo, giving us confidence to proceed to Phase 2 trials in Parkinsons patients, said Daniel G. Chain, PhD, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of CERESPIR. We have the most advanced compound that targets LRRK-mediated neurotoxicity and aim to rapidly progress this promising therapeutic agent as a disease modifying treatment for patients suffering from Parkinson disease, said Adrian N. Hobden, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of CERESPIR. Importantly, itanapraced is derisked compared to other compounds in development for Parkinsons disease by virtue of significant clinical trial experience involving more than 200 subjects in three Phase 1 studies and patients with MCI in a Phase 2 study treated for up to 90 weeks in which the compound showed good safety and tolerability.

Rapidly ageing populations around the world will contribute to a significant rise in neurological diseases such as Parkinsons disease, said Associate Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Medical Director of the National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore. As the national institute for neurological diseases and an international center of excellence for Parkinsons disease care, the National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore will continuously advance treatment options through rigorous research to improve patients lives. These key findings will spur an exciting new phase of development to bring better therapeutic drug options for Parkinsons disease. About CERESPIR CERESPIR is a privately held, science-driven pharmaceutical company with an innovative approach to treating neurodegenerative disorders. Its lead compound, itanapraced (CSP-1103), is a small molecule with good oral bioavailability, a long plasma half-life and substantial penetration into the brain. In a Phase 2 study in patients with MCI treated up to two years (double blind for 3 months; open label thereafter), it was found to be well tolerated and produced dose-related and statistically significant reductions, in the brain, of two key neuroinflammatory mediators, soluble CD40 ligand and TNF-a as well as, total tau, a recognized marker of neurodegeneration. In addition, patients exhibited stable cognitive function throughout the long duration of the trial. CERESPIR has a medicinal chemistry program aimed at identifying next generation AICD inhibitors that could be developed for a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases. For more information about CERESPIR, visit www.cerespir.com. About NATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE SINGAPORE The National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) is the national specialist and regional center of care for the brain, spine, nerve and muscle. NNI offers Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology services with advanced technology and multi-disciplinary care teams. Committed to improving patients lives, NNI aims to shape neuroscience for a better tomorrow through innovation, research and education. NNI is a member of the Singapore Health Services (SingHealth)  a public healthcare cluster which manages four hospitals, five specialty centers, eight polyclinics and a network of community hospitals. For more information, visit www.nni.com.sg . Contacts Corporate Communications

CERESPIR INCORPORATED

DID: +1 646 202 2562: MOBILE +1 718 406 1331

[email protected] Ms Jenny Kwok

Corporate Communications Department

National Neuroscience Institute

DID: +656357 7162 | MOBILE: +658333 7231 EMAIL: [email protected]

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[December 10, 2018]

InfiniDome Appoints Former General Manager of Microsemi FTD as Chairman of the Board

CAESAREA, Israel, December 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

InfiniDome Ltd. (previously, GPSdome Ltd.), the cyber company, announced the appointment of Mr. Sri Purisai as its Chairman of the Board.

Sri Purisai served as the Vice President and General Manager for Microsemi Frequency and Time Division (previously Symmetricom), where he led the business transformation to profitability. Prior to Microsemi, Sri spent several years at Altera/Intel Corporation in their communications business unit involved in business strategy and international business development for Europe and Israel.

"We are excited to have Sri joining us as our chairman of the board," said Ehud Sharar, InfiniDome President. "Sri's experience in global marketing of GPS-based systems will expedite the global cmmercialization of our wireless cyber products and support our corporate development in this fast-growing market."







"Sri brings strategic leadership to our fast-growing company," said Moshe Kaplan, InfiniDome CTO. "His experience in developing international markets and background in the Semiconductor industry, will push forward our innovative cyber product development, and will assist in engaging strategic business partners and strategic investors."

"GPS/GNSS, V2V/V2X and cellular ports are becoming vulnerable to malicious attacks and pose safety & security threats in Autonomous Vehicles," said Sri Purisai, InfiniDome new Chairman. "InfiniDome brings world class mission critical anti-jam/spoof expertise to provide 'data safety belts' for AV. I am excited to join this team that is working hard to bring safety and security to next gen AV worldwide."

InfiniDome Ltd. provides front-end cyber solutions protecting wireless communications from jamming and spoofing attacks. The company's first product, GPSdome, protects against jamming and spoofing of GPS-based systems, which are critical for autonomous vehicles, drones and connected fleets. GPSdome has been successfully proven in the field and sold to customers globally.

For information regarding investing in InfiniDome: http://inportalusa.com/infinidome

For more information: www.infinidome.com

SOURCE InfiniDome Ltd.
[December 10, 2018] Harris Corporation Plans $125 Million R&D Investment in Florida

Harris Corporation (News - Alert) (NYSE:HRS) plans to invest more than $125 million in internal research and development (R&D) in Florida this fiscal year - bolstering high-paying jobs and the company's innovation leadership in the state. Florida-based R&D activities primarily will take place at the company's Central Florida locations and focus on areas such as electronic warfare, robotics, avionics and smallsats. The region will receive over a third of the company's overall $300 million-plus annual internal R&D budget - representing an industry-leading 5 percent of company revenue. The total excludes customer-funded R&D. The internal R&D will support the company's nearly 7,000 employment base in Florida, including over 3,300 engineers and scientists, as well as generate new high-paying positions. The company pays an average salary of $95,000 in Florida and has about 375 openings in the state, primarily in engineering. "As the largest Aerospace and Defense company headquartered in Florida, Harris Corp plays an integral role in our state," said U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). "With the announcement of this research and development, I'm pleased to see that they are continuing to invest in our state's aerospace industry and economy as well as the future of U.S. national security." The investment also will help foster Harris' partnership with companies and universities throughout the state. Harris spends more than $200 million annually with Florida based suppliers. The company also partners with multiple Florida colleges and universities, including the University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida and Florida Institute of Technology. These partnerships provide technological insight for Harris and increase company visibility to help fill key technology positions. "Our industry-leading R&D investment is good for our stakeholders and the state - advancing the company's techical capabilities and bringing high-quality jobs to the area," said William M. Brown, chairman, president and CEO. "We strive to advance technology initiatives at all levels by supporting emerging technology today and the workforce of tomorrow."



Harris is one of the largest public companies headquartered in Florida, and its solutions are used by customers throughout the state in public safety, air traffic management, space and defense. It has 15 locations with 3.5 million square feet of office and manufacturing space, including the 464,000-square-foot Harris Technology Center and 23,000-square-foot Global Innovation Center. The company's Florida presence will be bolstered by its recently announced plans to merge with L3 Technologies. The combined company, L3 Harris Technologies, will be headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, creating opportunities for additional employment and investment growth in the state.

About Harris Corporation Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving customers' toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports government and commercial customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $6 billion in annual revenue. The company is organized into three business segments: Communication Systems, Electronic Systems and Space and Intelligence Systems. Learn more at harris.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about research and development investments are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005391/en/

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[December 10, 2018] ParkJockey Announces Investment from SoftBank

ParkJockey, a fully-integrated parking technology solutions provider, announced an investment from the SoftBank Group ("SoftBank") today. ParkJockey and Mubadala Capital are also pleased to announce they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Imperial Parking Corporation ("Impark") from a subsidiary of Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (Ontario Teachers') and have acquired Citizens Parking Inc. ("Citizens"), one of the leading parking management operators in the U.S. The Impark transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions with a close expected in the first half of 2019. Owl Rock provided principal debt financing. Ari Ojalvo, CEO of ParkJockey, said: "ParkJockey's technology enables property owners to better serve their consumers and improve the performance of their real estate assets. We are excited to partner with Impark and Citizens given their strong operating capabilities, complementary geographic reach and dedication to customer service." Ojalvo added: "This acquisition will create growth opportunities for our real estate partners, our clients and our employees as urban mobility and infrastructure develop in the coming years. I look forward to working with James Hyman, CEO of Citizens, who will lead our parking platform business across North America and Europe and with Ty Stafford who will be responsible for all North American operations." "We are excited to join forces with ParkJockey," said James E. Hyman, CEO of Citizens Parking. "ParkJockey is applying the latest technologies in online booking, consumer insights, and data analytics to maximize the value of parking spaces. We look forward to partnering with ParkJockey and Impark to leverage our platform and bring new offerings to drivers andto property owners that we serve at our Lanier, Ameripark and ParkOne operations."



"The parking industry is a significant market but remains fragmented with many opportunities for technological innovation," said Michael Ronen, managing partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. "Human mobility, however, is undergoing huge secular change and there is demand for new driver services, refueling, parking and vehicle staging near key high traffic locations. We believe ParkJockey is ideally placed to capitalize on these themes and transform the parking industry to create significant value for consumers and real estate owners alike. We are excited to support the combination of ParkJockey, Impark and Citizens and to work with Ari and his team to accelerate growth and explore emerging opportunities in the sector." Adib Mattar, Head of Private Equity at Mubadala Capital, the financial investment arm of Mubadala Investment Company, added, "We are pleased to partner with ParkJockey and SoftBank on this transaction. The investment is a great example of the evolving role technology can play to positively impact even the most traditional of industries, like parking."

Ty Stafford, President & CEO of Impark, commented, "As mobility evolves, there are a series of enhanced use cases which present exciting opportunities alongside traditional parking. We look forward to joining forces with ParkJockey which will allow us to explore the potential of technology and deploy new services while maintaining an unwavering focus on our consumers, landlords and employees." About ParkJockey ParkJockey is a fully-integrated parking technology solutions provider for real estate owners and consumers. ParkJockey utilizes proprietary software and best-in-class hardware to make the parking experience more efficient for customers and help real estate owners and operators maximize the value of their parking space. ParkJockey's app-based technology includes customized account management tools to help clients identify ways to improve revenue, reduce costs and identify opportunities to future-proof assets. About Impark Impark is one of North America's largest and most successful parking management companies. Since its inception in 1962, Impark has transformed from a single surface lot operator into an industry trailblazer with a portfolio of over 3,600 locations. As of 2018, the company employs over 8,700 personnel in more than 330 cities. Impark's strong entrepreneurial drive and dedication to superior service has led it to develop a selection of value-added services that includes valet, shuttle, enforcement, automated solutions, and revenue control. About Citizens Parking Created in 2014, Citizens has written a new story that originated leadership in branded parking services. With 3 brands, over 900 locations and more than 6,000 employees across the United States, it has harnessed the power of its brands and leveraged a collaborative business platform to seize and capitalize on exceptional opportunities for long term performance. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005389/en/

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[December 10, 2018] ECi's Andrew Pryor Named HR Executive of the Year by DallasHR

ECi Software Solutions, a leader in cloud-based business management solutions, today announced that Senior Vice President of Human Resources Andrew Pryor was named 2018 HR Executive of the Year-Large Company by DallasHR. The HR Executive of the Year award recognizes an HR executive who has exemplified the strategic role of human resources in the past 12 months and who is an outstanding leader within the HR community. Awards were provided in two categories based on company size: medium (51-499 employees) and large (500+ employees). The award committee for Executive of the Year is chaired by the 2018 President of DallasHR, Dustin Paschal, and includes four current DallasHR members and/or previous award winners, along with the DallasHR Executive Director, Brad C. Shanklin. Winners were named at the 2018 HRStars Gala on Saturday, December 1 at the Westin Galleria in Dallas, Texas. ECi employs more than 1,000 people around the world, many of whom are industry experts who came to the company through mergers and acquisitions. Despite operating across different geographies and incorporating new roups of people into its employee base, ECi has stayed true to its consistent, supportive culture, investing in employee benefits and maintaining an 88 percent favorable rating from its workers. The DallasHR award recognizes Pryor's role in achieving these goals.



Pryor's impressive credentials, including his past presidency of the SHRM Fort Worth Chapter and position as International Human Resource Executive of the Year by the International Business Awards, dually contributed to his inclusion on the shortlist of honorees and his eventual winner status. "My passion is helping people build stronger careers for themselves and create better lives for their families," said Pryor. "Winning this award validates all the hard work that we've done to make ECi the best place to work possible, and I'm excited to continue helping our employees attain success and grow here."

This award follows ECi's placement in the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in America for the third year in a row, as well as Pryor's Gold Stevie in the 2018 International Business Awards for Human Resources Executive of the Year. For more information on the HRStars Gala and the award presentations, visit https://www.dallashr.org/Gala/. For more information about working at ECi, visit https://www.ecisolutions.com/careers/. About ECi ECi Software Solutions provides industry-specific business software solutions and services, focusing on cloud-based technologies. For 30+ years, ECi has served small to medium-sized manufacturing, wholesale/retail distribution, building and construction, and field service organizations. Privately held, ECi is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, with offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, England, the Netherlands, and Australia. For information, email [email protected], visit www.ECiSolutions.com or call (800) 959-3367. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005415/en/

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[December 10, 2018] Portnox Named Network Access Control Market Leader for Midsize to Large Organizations by Frost & Sullivan

Portnox, a leading provider of network visibility, access control and device risk management solutions, today announced it has been named the leader for network access control (NAC) products among midsize to large organizations with a 22% market share by global research firm Frost & Sullivan. In the new report, analyst Tony Massimini says: "Portnox's (News - Alert) simplified architecture, which supports both 802.1X authentication and SNMP based control, sets it apart from competitors." According to "NAC Market, Global Forecast to 2022", NAC revenues are expected to grow from 2017 to 2022 at a 16.9% CAGR, reaching $2.1 billion. A full copy of the report is available here. "Midsize enterprises are choosing Portnox because our technology can be deployed on-premise or as a cloud service, support any device from all access layers and eliminate the management complexity of other network access control products," said Ofer Amitai, CEO and Co-Founder of Portnox. "We expect to extend our mrket lead in 2019 as more managed service providers adopt our cloud-delivered CLEAR product to offer NAC-as-a-Service."



The Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) report highlighted several Portnox innovations, including: An agentless architecture that supports an optional agent for specific use cases, including continuous risk monitoring and compliance checks for roaming devices

Powerful RESTFul API which enables customers to automate threat response workflows

Unique, patent-pending profiling (fingerprinting) technology

Support for both 802.1X and non-802.1X devices

Vendor agnostic design that connects directly to network infrastructure equipment via native protocols About Portnox

Portnox provides next-generation network access control and management solutions that enable organizations to reduce risk and enforce security policy compliance. The company's products provide automated security, visibility and control for every device accessing the network including Internet of Things (IoT), BYOD, mobile and unmanaged systems. Portnox CORE for On-Premise NAC and CLEAR for cloud-delivered NAC support hybrid environments, are easy to deploy and manage, scalable and adapt to evolving customer needs. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop (News - Alert) ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S. and Europe. Visit us at www.portnox.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005167/en/

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[December 10, 2018] Health and Health Care Quality Improvers from 56 Countries Gather for IHI's 30th National Forum

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) has opened its 30th National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care in Orlando, Florida, with more than 5,000 people in attendance from all over the world. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005178/en/ IHI President & CEO Derek Feeley addresses the faculty at the start of IHI's National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care (Dec. 9-12, 2018) (Photo: Business Wire) IHI, a recognized leader in health and health care improvement worldwide, convened this year's National Forum (December 9-12, 2018) to highlight innovative thinking and methods that are bringing about improved outcomes for patients and communities. Sessions are focused on 10 topic tracks, including improving health equity, concepts and methods in improvement science, moving from volume to value in health care, and practicing person-centered care. "This year's Forum demonstrates the willingness of so many people to look outside their own organizations to learn new approaches for addressing health care's thorniest problems," said IHI President and CEO Derek Feeley. "In an increasingly global world, it's worth recognizing that innovation and knowledge can come from anywhere - other organizations, other industries, other countries - and that those who share their successes can help others to succeed." Feeley will discuss these themes in a joint keynote session on Tuesday with Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director, Healthcare Quality and Strategy, Scottish Government. Other keynote speakers throughout the conference include Maureen Bisognano, President Emerita and Senior Fellow at IHI; Celine Gounder, MD, an internist, journalist, and author; Vania Deonizio, founder and Executive Director of Dancin Power; Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, pediatrician and public health advocate; Don Berwick, MD, MPP, President Emeritus and Senior Fellow at IHI and former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; Gregory Boyle, founder and CEO of Homeboy Industries; and Zubin "ZDoggMD" Damania, MD. Among the highlights of this year's gathering are the release of new recommendations to help health care system trustees take their rightful place as stewards of health care quality. The Framework for Effective Board Governance of Health System Quality breaks new ground with the accompanying Governance of Quality Assessment (GQA) Online Tool, which outlines specific oversight responsibilities and concrete actions trustees can take to achieve them. The purpose of the assessment is to help trustees compare what they're doing now to what they could be doing to oversee all dimensions of health care quality. Prior research has shown a correlation between how well health care systems perform on quality measures - evidence-based processes that improve outcomes - and the board's demonstrated focus on quality of care. Until now, however, resources and program to educate and engage health care trustees have focused heavily on hospital settings and on patient safety. While those are still important concerns, broader attention is warranted.



"Our research revealed a real need for both better and more consistent guidance around the core health care knowledge in quality that governing boards should have and for a practical way to assess and extend board oversight to all quality domains," said Beth Daley Ullem, MBA, lead author of the new framework and assessment tool. "Health care quality encompasses the entire care continuum, especially outpatient settings, and there is a growing need for trustee oversight of efforts to address areas such as population health; equity in care delivery, access, and quality; mental health and addiction; and the prohibitive costs of care for many patients and families." The new tools are meant to help health system trustees - some 80,000 in the US alone - make sense of this expanding universe of accountability and how to navigate it. The guidelines also help standardize and prioritize what, more precisely, trustees need to better master to ensure their organizations live up to stated commitments to high quality.

This work was a collaboration of IHI's Research and Development team and Lucian Leape Institute (LLI), an initiative of IHI. Their research included in-depth interviews, literature review, and the insights of an expert panel. It was funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Medtronic, inaugural funder of LLI. Changing the Narrative Around Substance Use Disorder The IHI Open School is a learning community of more than 700,000 interprofessional learners from universities, organizations, and health systems around the globe who are building core skills in improvement, safety, system design, and leadership. Through online education, peer-to-peer support through the Chapter Network, and project-based learning, IHI Open School change agents are leading improvement in health and health care across the world. This year at the IHI National Forum, the Open School is launching the Recover Hope Campaign with the aim of improving the lives of 50,000 people affected by substance use disorders by 2020. This afternoon, health professionals will be invited to join this effort to raise awareness and reduce stigma, support prevention efforts, and improve treatment of substance use disorders around the globe. Mapping the Pathways to Better Care for Patients with Complex Needs Across the US, pioneering health care organizations are testing promising new models of care for individuals with complex medical, behavioral, and social needs. Many of these activities occur in isolation, however, with little opportunity for innovators to learn from each other and advance best practices collectively. The Blueprint for Complex Care, a joint project of the National Center for Complex Health and Social Needs, the Center for Health Care Strategies, and IHI, provides a strategic plan to support these innovations and accelerate opportunities to improve care for individuals with complex health and social needs. "The Blueprint seeks to advance professionalism and coordination in the field of complex care and encourages research and innovations based on collective need, rather than independent efforts that benefit relatively few," said Kedar Mate, MD, Chief Innovation and Education Officer at IHI and a contributor to the new work. "Advancing this growing field can best be done through coordinated effort across organizations, communities, and states to align common goals." This new resource was developed with funding support from The Commonwealth Fund, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and The SCAN Foundation, and with input from stakeholders across the US. The Psychology of Making and Sustaining Change What factors prevent improvement initiatives from taking hold and spreading? Often the technical challenges are more easily surmounted than the challenges involving people and their motivation to change. A full-day session today highlights the IHI Psychology of Change Framework, which was developed to link the what and how of improvement work to the who and why - with the goal of helping teams sustain improvement and scale up change. This new resource, along with the Blueprint for Complex Care and the Framework for Effective Board Governance of Health System Quality, will be discussed at a lunchtime event at the National Forum on Wednesday, December 12. Journalists are invited to tune in to a livestream broadcast of four keynote presentations as well as five Spotlight Sessions. For details on how to listen and watch, contact Joanna Clark at [email protected]. OPTIONS FOR MEDIA ACCESS Journalists unable to travel to the 2018 IHI National Forum have the following options for hearing highlights: Media Briefing

Monday, December 10, 2:00 PM ET

Call (781) 469-0157 and use the conference ID #16979333 to join the call. Livestream Broadcast of Keynotes and Spotlight Sessions

For access, please contact Joanna Clark at [email protected] WIHI Broadcast:

Thursday, January 17, 2019, 2:00 PM ET

Reporters are welcome to join this session, NEW Guidance for Governance of Health Care Quality: What Trustees Should Know and Do, by registering online. About the Institute for Healthcare Improvement The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is an independent not-for-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. For more than 25 years, IHI has used improvement science to advance and sustain better outcomes in health and health systems across the world. IHI brings awareness of safety and quality to millions, catalyzes learning and the systematic improvement of care, develops solutions to previously intractable challenges, and mobilizes health systems, communities, regions, and nations to reduce harm and deaths. IHI collaborates with a growing community to spark bold, inventive ways to improve the health of individuals and populations. IHI generates optimism, harvests fresh ideas, and supports anyone, anywhere who wants to profoundly change health and health care for the better. Learn more at ihi.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005178/en/

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[December 10, 2018] CTD Holdings to Present at Brains for Brain Conference on Lysosomal Storage Diseases

ALACHUA, Fla., Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CTD Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: CTDH), a clinical stage biotechnology company that develops cyclodextrin-based products for the treatment of disease with unmet medical need, today announced its presentation at the annual Brains for Brain conference held under the auspices of the European Task Force on Brain and Neurodegenerative Lysosomal Storage Diseases (LSDs). The conference brings together academic researchers and industry representatives from around the world to discuss advances in the understanding neurodegeneration in LSDs and prospects for treatments and cures. The conference includes sessions on mechanisms to deliver therapeutics across the blood-brain-barrier. The conference will be held in Frankfurt, Germany between January 2426, 2019.

CTDs presentation, Update on CTDs Clinical Program, will be made by Sharon H. Hrynkow PhD, Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs. The presentation will take place: Saturday, January 26, 10:40 am

Hotel Mercure, Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt, Germany Dr. Hrynkow will discuss initial data from the companys two clinical trials for Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC), both of which use intravenous Trappsol Cyclo, CTDs proprietary formulation of hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin. CTD is nearing completion of enrollment for its US-based phase I trial, with sites in Oakland, California and Morristown, NJ (see ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02939547 ) and for its phase I/II trial with sites in the UK, Sweden and Israel (see ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02912793 ). A third study is also open, an Extension Study for the US trial, which allows eligible patients who have completed the US phase I study to continue to receive Trappsol Cyclo until the drug receives market approval. The Extension Study allows patients to receive the drug at home or in the hospital setting.



Dr. Hrynkows presentation slides will appear on the CTD company website ( www.ctd-holdings.com ) on or before January 26. About CTD Holdings:

CTD Holdings, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops cyclodextrin-based products for the treatment of disease. The companys Trappsol Cyclo, an orphan drug designated product in the United States and Europe, is used to treat Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, a rare and fatal genetic disease, on a compassionate use basis as well as in two ongoing formal clinical trials (Clinical Trials.gov NCT02939547 and NCT02912793). Additional indications for the active ingredient in Trappsol Cyclo are in development. For additional information, visit the companys website: www.ctd-holdings.com

Safe Harbor Statement:

This press release contains forward-looking statements about the companys current expectations about future results, performance, prospects and opportunities. Statements that are not historical facts, such as anticipates, believes and expects or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results in future periods to differ materially from what is expressed in, or implied by, these statements. The factors which may influence the companys future performance include the companys ability to obtain additional capital to expand operations as planned, success in achieving regulatory approval for clinical protocols, enrollment of adequate numbers of patients in clinical trials, unforeseen difficulties in showing efficacy of the companys biopharmaceutical products, success in attracting additional customers and profitable contracts, and regulatory risks associated with producing pharmaceutical grade and food products. These and other risk factors are described from time to time in the companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the companys reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Unless required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events. Investor/Media Contact:

Sitrick and Company



Wendy Tanaka

(415) 369-8447

[email protected] Thomas Mulligan

(212) 573-6100, Ext. 395

[email protected]

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[December 10, 2018] NJBIZ Recognizes WorkWave as One of New Jersey's Top Businesses

HOLMDEL, N.J., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- WorkWave , a leading provider of software solutions for the field service and last-mile delivery industries, today announced that it has been recognized as one of this year's 2018 NJBIZ Businesses of the Year, an awards program that celebrates New Jersey's most dynamic businesses and business leaders who share a commitment to professional excellence, business growth and the community. Over the past year, WorkWave has made great strides within the field service space, especially with field service industry veteran, Marne Martin, at the helm as WorkWave's CEO appointed in August. Martin is also the President of IFS's Service Management Business Unit (IFS acquired WorkWave in fall 2017). In her dual role, Martin is providing the leadership required to capitalize on both companies' strengths, and propel both brands into their next stages of growth and market expansion as they continue to advance their top position in the field service management space. "It is an honor to be chosen as a finalist in this year's NJBIZ Business of the Year Awards for the outstanding work we have done throughout the year," said Martin. "It is because of our outstanding employees and dedicated teams that we have been able to really succeed over the past year. We are dedicated to continuing our contribution to New Jersey's flourishing technology community and being one of the best places to work in the state." WorkWave has had a series of great successes over the past year, starting with the acquisition of Cube Six, Inc., the provider of ServMan software, which expanded WorkWave's market-leadership in the field service space to HVAC, electricaland plumbing. Across its field service and routing solutions, WorkWave also continued to bring to market and develop modern SaaS products through its WorkWave Service and WorkWave Route Manager platforms. Last month, WorkWave held yet another successful PestPac User Conference in New Orleans, where customers had the opportunity to learn from and network with WorkWave and IFS executives, as well as their industry peers. WorkWave also recently received a Silver Stevie Award for Great Employers, and CEO Marne Martin won a Bronze Stevie Award for Women in Business.



WorkWave prides itself on supporting New Jersey as a growing technology hub, being named a best place to work for seven years, and holding job fairs throughout the year where each candidate gets an on-site speed interview. WorkWave also supports the local community through beach cleanups and contributions to the local food bank. Finalists were selected in six categories: Business of the Year (1-50 Employees), Business of the Year (51-100 Employees), Business of the Year (101+ Employees), Corporate Citizen of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, and Executive of the Year. Finalists were chosen by an independent panel of judges including: Judith Sheft, Associate Vice President, Technology & Enterprise Development, New Jersey Innovation Institute @ NJIT; Larry Samilow, Founder of Samilow Harvest Group; and Francis Giantomasi, Member of Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC.

The award program, produced by NJBIZ, is presented by Santander Bank and Oscar. About WorkWave WorkWave, a division of IFS's Service Management business unit, provides comprehensive field service management solutions that connect every facet of a business through its unified, easy-to-use platforms. The company's suite of solutions allows field service professionals across industries to easily attribute and automate sales and marketing activities, improve back office efficiency and increase their visibility into field operations through its mobile solutions. WorkWave's platforms provide over 8,000 customers an unprecedented level of business insight and information, enabling them to increase efficiency, increase revenue and provide an exceptional customer experience. Founded in 1984, WorkWave has been recognized with multiple awards for its outstanding products, growth and culture, including the Inc. 5000, SaaS Awards, IT World Awards and Best Place to Work by NJBiz and Inc. Magazine. For more information, visit www.workwave.com . About IFS IFS develops and delivers enterprise software for customers around the world who manufacture and distribute goods, maintain assets, and manage service-focused operations. The industry expertise of our people and solutions, together with commitment to our customers, has made us a recognized leader and the most recommended supplier in our sector. Our team of 3,500 employees supports more than 10,000 customers worldwide from a network of local offices and through our growing ecosystem of partners. For more information, visit: www.IFSworld.com . MEDIA CONTACT:

Brittany Kinsella

[email protected]

800-762-0301 ext 617 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/njbiz-recognizes-workwave-as-one-of-new-jerseys-top-businesses-300762557.html SOURCE WorkWave

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[December 10, 2018] UnitedHealthcare Expands Navigate4Me to Bring Personalized, Holistic Care to More People

UnitedHealthcare announced that it will significantly expand its Navigate4Me program to bring the benefits of personalized, holistic care to more people enrolled in its Medicare Advantage plans. Navigate4Me offers concierge services from health navigators who support and guide people through the complexities of a fragmented health care system. UnitedHealthcare launched the program in fall 2017 for people enrolled in its Medicare Advantage plans who are facing complex health issues such as diabetes, congestive heart failure or multiple chronic conditions. People who have experienced a sudden health event such as joint replacement surgery or a new cancer diagnosis are often also eligible for the program. Results have been positive, with a 14 percent reduction in hospitalizations and a 9 percent reduction in emergency room visits for people with congestive heart failure. Navigate4Me has a 95 percent satisfaction rate among plan participants who have received navigator support. UnitedHealthcare grew its team of navigators from a dozen at launch to more than 800 today, supporting approximately 215,000 people. The company plans to double enrollment in 2019 by expanding the population eligible for the program to more than 1 million. Navigate4Me will be newly available to four groups of people: those who are under 65 and qualify for Medicare due to a disability; those who receive post-acute care following a hospitalization and meet other eligibility criteria; those who are newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; and those who are at risk for social isolation.i The company plans to add more than 500 navigators to its team to support these additional people. "We created Navigate4Me to ease the burden of navigating the health care system for our members, taking that burden on as their health partner so they don't have to carry it alone," said Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. "By treating the people we serve with compassion when they're at their most vulnerable, we're able to build more trusting relationships with them, which in turn enables us to better support them through their health journey." Navigate4Me goes beyond disease management to enable holistic, whole-person care. UnitedHealthcare designed the program to address not just clinical needs but also a host of other factos that affect well-being and health outcomes, including fear and stress associated with managing a major health event and a lack of support between doctor visits or during care transitions, such as being discharged to home or a skilled nursing facility following a hospitalization.



Nurses or highly trained customer service advocates serve as health navigators who help alleviate the burden of managing a serious health issue. Navigators provide support with both clinical and administrative needs associated with people's health issues, ranging from answering health questions and resolving claims or billing issues to helping them follow a personalized care plan, coordinating care and helping to address social determinants of health, such as connecting people with reliable transportation or housing assistance. For people facing some of the most complex health issues, their health navigator serves as their single point of contact, becoming a familiar and consistent partner throughout their entire health care journey.

Modernizing Care for Today's Seniors and Other Beneficiaries

Navigate4Me is part of UnitedHealthcare's efforts to modernize the way it cares for the people enrolled in its Medicare Advantage plans as the baby boomer generation continues aging into Medicare. Nearly 40 percent of the people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage plans have four or more chronic conditions, and nearly the same percentage live alone. These individuals are especially vulnerable when dealing with serious health issues and trying to navigate a complicated health care system. By providing the support of dedicated health navigators, UnitedHealthcare aims to personalize the health experience for these individuals and improve their health and quality of life. More people have chosen UnitedHealthcare to provide their Medicare coverage than any other company.ii UnitedHealthcare serves nearly 12.5 million people enrolled in Medicare, including more than 4.9 million people in Medicare Advantage plans, more than 4.7 million people in stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans, and more than 4.5 million people in Medicare supplement plans. About UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.2 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,500 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter (News - Alert). Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. Y0066_181119_033959_M i Other eligibility criteria apply.

ii CMS enrollment data and UnitedHealthcare internal data, 2018 Statistics in this release can be attributed to 2018 UnitedHealthcare internal data. Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for UnitedHealth Group. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005113/en/

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[December 10, 2018] NASA's Voyager 2 Probe Enters Interstellar Space

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second time in history, a human-made object has reached the space between the stars. NASA's Voyager 2 probe now has exited the heliosphere  the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields created by the Sun. Members of NASA's Voyager team will discuss the findings at a news conference at 11 a.m. EST (8 a.m. PST) today at the meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in Washington. The news conference will stream live on the agency's website. Comparing data from different instruments aboard the trailblazing spacecraft, mission scientists determined the probe crossed the outer edge of the heliosphere on Nov. 5. This boundary, called the heliopause, is where the tenuous, hot solar wind meets the cold, dense interstellar medium. Its twin, Voyager 1, crossed this boundary in 2012, but Voyager 2 carries a working instrument that will provide first-of-its-kind observations of the nature of this gateway into interstellar space. Voyager 2 now is slightly more than 11 billion miles (18 billion kilometers) from Earth. Mission operators still can communicate with Voyager 2 as it enters this new phase of its journey, but information  moving at the speed of light  takes about 16.5 hours to travel from the spacecraft to Earth. By comparison, light traveling from the Sun takes about eight minutes to reach Earth. The most compelling evidence of Voyager 2's exit from the heliosphere came from its onboard Plasma Science Experiment (PLS), an instrument that stopped working on Voyager 1 in 1980, long before that probe crossed the heliopause. Until recently, the space surrounding Voyager 2 was filled predominantly with plasma flowing out from our Sun. This outflow, called the solar wind, creates a bubble  the heliosphere  that envelopes the planets in our solar system. The PLS uses the electrical current of the plasma to detect the speed, density, temperature, pressure and flux of the solar wind. The PLS aboard Voyager 2 observed a steep decline in the speed of the solar wind particles on Nov. 5. Since that date, the plasma instrument has observed no solar wind flow in the environment around Voyager 2, which makes mission scientists confident the probe has left the heliosphere. "Working on Voyager makes me feel like an explorer, because everything we're seeing is new," said John Richardson, principal investigator for the PLS instrument and a principal research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. "Even though Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause in 2012, it did so at a different place and a different time, and without the PLS data. So we're still seeing things that no one has seen before." In addition to the lasma data, Voyager's science team members have seen evidence from three other onboard instruments  the cosmic ray subsystem, the low energy charged particle instrument and the magnetometer  that is consistent with the conclusion that Voyager 2 has crossed the heliopause. Voyager's team members are eager to continue to study the data from these other onboard instruments to get a clearer picture of the environment through which Voyager 2 is traveling.



"There is still a lot to learn about the region of interstellar space immediately beyond the heliopause," said Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist based at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Together, the two Voyagers provide a detailed glimpse of how our heliosphere interacts with the constant interstellar wind flowing from beyond. Their observations complement data from NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX), a mission that is remotely sensing that boundary. NASA also is preparing an additional mission  the upcoming Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), due to launch in 2024  to capitalize on the Voyagers' observations.

"Voyager has a very special place for us in our heliophysics fleet," said Nicola Fox, director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. "Our studies start at the Sun and extend out to everything the solar wind touches. To have the Voyagers sending back information about the edge of the Sun's influence gives us an unprecedented glimpse of truly uncharted territory." While the probes have left the heliosphere, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have not yet left the solar system, and won't be leaving anytime soon. The boundary of the solar system is considered to be beyond the outer edge of the Oort Cloud, a collection of small objects that are still under the influence of the Sun's gravity. The width of the Oort Cloud is not known precisely, but it is estimated to begin at about 1,000 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun and to extend to about 100,000 AU. One AU is the distance from the Sun to Earth. It will take about 300 years for Voyager 2 to reach the inner edge of the Oort Cloud and possibly 30,000 years to fly beyond it. The Voyager probes are powered using heat from the decay of radioactive material, contained in a device called a radioisotope thermal generator (RTG). The power output of the RTGs diminishes by about four watts per year, which means that various parts of the Voyagers, including the cameras on both spacecraft, have been turned off over time to manage power. "I think we're all happy and relieved that the Voyager probes have both operated long enough to make it past this milestone," said Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. "This is what we've all been waiting for. Now we're looking forward to what we'll be able to learn from having both probes outside the heliopause." Voyager 2 launched in 1977, 16 days before Voyager 1, and both have traveled well beyond their original destinations. The spacecraft were built to last five years and conduct close-up studies of Jupiter and Saturn. However, as the mission continued, additional flybys of the two outermost giant planets, Uranus and Neptune, proved possible. As the spacecraft flew across the solar system, remote-control reprogramming was used to endow the Voyagers with greater capabilities than they possessed when they left Earth. Their two-planet mission became a four-planet mission. Their five-year lifespans have stretched to 41 years, making Voyager 2 NASA's longest running mission. The Voyager story has impacted not only generations of current and future scientists and engineers, but also Earth's culture, including film, art and music. Each spacecraft carries a Golden Record of Earth sounds, pictures and messages. Since the spacecraft could last billions of years, these circular time capsules could one day be the only traces of human civilization. Voyager's mission controllers communicate with the probes using NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), a global system for communicating with interplanetary spacecraft. The DSN consists of three clusters of antennas in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia. The Voyager Interstellar Mission is a part of NASA's Heliophysics System Observatory, sponsored by the Heliophysics Division of NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. JPL built and operates the twin Voyager spacecraft. NASA's DSN, managed by JPL, is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the solar system and the universe. The network also supports selected Earth-orbiting missions. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia's national science agency, operates both the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, part of the DSN, and the Parkes Observatory, which NASA has been using to downlink data from Voyager 2 since Nov. 8. For more information about the Voyager mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/voyager More information about NASA's Heliophysics missions is available online at: https://www.nasa.gov/sunearth View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasas-voyager-2-probe-enters-interstellar-space-300762568.html SOURCE NASA

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[December 10, 2018] SANS to Bring Some of the Industry's Top Cyber Security Practitioners to Dallas for Training Event

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SANS Institute, the global leader in cyber security training, today announced the agenda for SANS Dallas 2019 (#SANSDallas) taking place February 18-23 in Texas. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn effective, actionable cyber security techniques crucial to combatting today's cyber threats from some of the brightest minds in the industry. During his evening talk Am I the Purple Fox or the Purple Hound: Understanding the New Tools of the Red Team Trade, SANS Instructor Greg Bailey (@GRBail) will address the question many cyber security professionals struggle with, am I a hunter or the hunted? According to Bailey, hopefully, both. "Our job in a red team is the emulation of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), in order to improve the detection capabilities of the blue team. These red and blue boundaries are beginning to blur into a nice purple, which has given us a number of new and exciting tools to perform various exercises. From table-top to full scope attack exercises, there are different tools for different jobs. Join me in Dallas where I will walk through the various open-source red team tools and touch on how to use them effectively to help elevate an organization's overall security," says Bailey. In addition to his evening discussion, Bailey will also teach SANS' flagship penetration testing course SEC560: Network Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking. This course is designed to get students ready to conduct a full-scale, high-value penetration test which they will conduct at the end of the course in a final real-world penetration test scenario.



SANS Dallas 2019 features 10 immersion style training courses for security professionals at every level. Cyber security expert Keith Palmgren will teach SEC301: Introduction to Cyber Security, Windows expert Jason Fossen will teach SEC505: Securing Windows and PowerShell Automation, Attorney Benjamin Wright will teach LEG523: Law of Data Security and Investigations and ICS expert Monta Elkins will teach ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials. For a complete list of courses, instructors and evening talks, or to register for SANS Dallas 2019, visit:

https://www.sans.org/dallas-2019

About SANS Institute

The SANS Institute was established in 1989 as a cooperative research and education organization. SANS is the most trusted and, by far, the largest provider of cyber security training and certification to professionals at governments and commercial institutions world-wide. Renowned SANS instructors teach over 60 different courses at more than 200 live cyber security training events as well as online. GIAC, an affiliate of the SANS Institute, validates a practitioner's qualifications via over 30 hands-on, technical certifications in cyber security. The SANS Technology Institute, a regionally accredited independent subsidiary, offers master's degrees in cyber security. SANS offers a myriad of free resources to the InfoSec community including consensus projects, research reports, and newsletters; it also operates the Internet's early warning system--the Internet Storm Center. At the heart of SANS are the many security practitioners, representing varied global organizations from corporations to universities, working together to help the entire information security community. (https://www.sans.org) View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sans-to-bring-some-of-the-industrys-top-cyber-security-practitioners-to-dallas-for-training-event-300762577.html SOURCE SANS Institute

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[December 10, 2018] OSE Immunotherapeutics Invited to Present Mechanistic Data on Clinical Stage Anti-Interleukin-7 Receptor Antagonist OSE-127 at Two International Scientific Conferences

Data presented at the Annual World Congress of Digestive Disease in Rome, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, and at the Antigen-Specific Immune Tolerance Europe Summit in London, Dec. 10 - 12

Presentations highlight OSE-127's differentiated mechanism of action and significant therapeutic potential for treatment of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.

Clinical Trial Application Approval to initiate a Phase 1 dose-escalation study with OSE-127 recently received. NANTES, France, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OSE Immunotherapeutics SA (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE) was invited to present data on OSE-127, its anti-interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) antibody, including preclinical results from inflammatory and autoimmune chronic disease models and ex-vivo human biopsies, at the Annual World Congress of Digestive Disease in Rome, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, and at the Antigen-Specific Immune Tolerance Europe Summit in London, Dec. 10 - 12. The data presented, partially described in OSEs recent publication in Nature Communications(1), highlight the differentiated mechanism of action of OSE-127, currently in a first-in-human Phase 1 study, and confirm the potential therapeutic value of its further clinical development in inflammatory bowel diseases: IL-7R, expressed on T effector cells and target of OSE-127, is strongly overexpressed in colon biopsies from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases who are in therapeutic failure following treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressors or anti-TNFa compounds.

In patients with active mucosal lesions IL-7R expression is significantly increased and is predictive for non-response to anti-TNFa treatment. Moreover, this non-response is strongly correlated to a mucosal defect in regulatory T-lymphocytes.

OSE-127 has shown: A good safety profile in relevant preclinical models by selectively targeting pathogenic effector cells while preserving quiescent T cells and natural T cell regulators. Long-term control of specific memory T cell mediated autoimmunity and chronic inflammation including local decrease in colon inflammation and a role in restoring a favorable immune balance between regulatory T cells and effector T cells. Full antagonist properties in vivo via blocking two sites of IL-7R (Sites 1 and 2b). Two other mAbs against IL-7R that only target Site 1 were tested in parallel and presented paradoxical agonist and antagonist properties, thereby limiting their efficacy (1) .

OSE-127 is highly differentiated by its mechanism of action, which makes it a true antagonist of IL-7R and more likely to deliver therapeutic benefits and we look forward to initiating Phase 1 clinical trial, said Alexis Peyroles, CEO of OSE Immunotherapeutics. On Nov. 26, 2018, OSE Immunotherapeutics received authorization from the Belgian health authorities to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of OSE-127. This first-in-human dose-escalation, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 trial aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single- and multiple-ascending intravenous and subcutaneous doses of OSE-127 in 63 helthy volunteers.



OSE-127 is being developed under an option license agreement with Servier* up to the completion of a Phase 2 clinical trial, planned in ulcerative colitis, a bowel autoimmune disease, and in parallel in Sjogrens syndrome. *Servier is an independent international pharmaceutical company governed by a foundation with Headquarters based in France.

(1) Cf. Press release of October 26, 2018: Belarif, L. et al.IL-7 receptor blockade blunts antigen-specific memory T cell responses and chronic inflammation. Nature communications, 26 October 2018 ABOUT OSE-127

OSE-127 is a monoclonal immunomodulatory antibody targeting the CD127 receptor, the alpha chain of the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) that induces a powerful antagonist effect on effector T lymphocytes. Interleukin-7 is a cytokine which specifically regulates the tissue migration of human effector T lymphocytes, especially in the gut. The blockage of IL-7R prevents the migration of pathogenic T lymphocytes while preserving regulator T lymphocytes (2,3) which have a positive impact in autoimmune diseases. OSE Immunotherapeutics has signed a license option agreement with Servier in December 2016 for the development and commercialization of OSE-127. (2) Powell, N. et al. The transcription factor T-bet regulates intestinal inflammation mediated by interleukin-7 receptor+ innate lymphoid cells. Immunity 37, 674684 (2012)

(3) Yamazaki, M. et al. Mucosal T cells expressing high levels of IL-7 receptor are potential targets for treatment of chronic colitis. J. Immunol. 171, 15561563 (2003) ABOUT OSE Immunotherapeutics

OSE Immunotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and partnering therapies to control the immune system for immuno-oncology and autoimmmune diseases. The company has a diversified first-in-class clinical portfolio consisting of several scientific and technological platforms including neoepitopes and agonist or antagonist monoclonal antibodies, all ideally positioned to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases. Our most advanced asset, Tedopi, is a proprietary combination of 10 neo-epitopes aimed at stimulating T-lymphocytes and is currently in Phase 3 development in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after checkpoint inhibitor failure (anti PD-1 and anti PD-L1). In April 2018, Boehringer Ingelheim and OSE signed a global license and collaboration agreement to develop checkpoint inhibitor OSE-172 (anti-SIRPa monoclonal antibody) in multiple cancer indications. In July 2016, Janssen Biotech exercised a licensing option to continue clinical development of FR104 (an anti-CD28 mAb) in auto-immune diseases after positive Phase 1 results; termination of licence agreement effective Dec. 31, 2018 due to strategic portfolio prioritization and OSE regained all worldwide rights on this asset. In 2016, Servier signed a two-step license option to develop OSE-127 (monoclonal antibody targeting the CD127 receptor, the alpha chain of the interleukin-7 receptor) to develop the product up to the completion of a Phase 2 clinical trial planned in autoimmune bowel disease and Sjogrens syndrome. In November 2018, OSE received CTA approval to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of OSE-127. Click and follow us on Twitter and Linkedln

https://twitter.com/OSEIMMUNO

https://www.linkedin.com/company/10929673 Contacts OSE Immunotherapeutics

Sylvie Detry

[email protected]

+33 143 297 857



French Media: FP2COM

Florence Portejoie

[email protected]

+33 607 768 283 U.S. Media: LifeSci Public Relations

Darren Opland, Ph.D.

[email protected]

+1 646 627-8387



U.S. and European Investors

Chris Maggos

[email protected]

+41 79 367 6254 Forward-looking statements

This press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as expect, anticipate, believe, target, plan, or estimate, their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import. Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Reference Document filed with the AMF on 26 April 2018, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2017, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics website. Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements.

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[December 10, 2018] Enzo Biochem Reports Fiscal 2019 First Quarter Results

Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ), an integrated diagnostics and therapeutics company, today reported operating results for the first fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2018, in addition to providing an update on the company's development of lower cost products, platforms and services for the diagnostics and therapeutics markets. Recent Developments Optimizing diagnostic processes towards FDA clinical trials on Enzo's proprietary and affordable open system platform capable of high throughput to meet the needs of clinical laboratories of all sizes. Enzo's platform includes automation-compatible reagent systems and associated products for sample collection and processing to further drive costs down for diagnostic testing. Enzo's programs also include manufacturing and assembly of all components required for each step in the diagnostic process for integration into an open platform. Focusing on molecular diagnostics, immunohistochemistry and ELISA platforms which consist of a significant percentage of the cost of goods for clinical laboratories. The Company's programs encompass all steps from research and development to manufacturing, translation, clinical trials, to FDA approval.

To address the tightening reimbursement paradigm, Enzo is expanding its approach to centralize lab to lab reference services providing margin improvement, expanding its specialized testing menu to the Company's clientele, developing opportunities with institutional clients, and expanding its geographical reach. To support Enzo's strategic approach, it recently obtained a license from the State of Connecticut allowing Enzo to open a new free standing clinical laboratory in the state. The new facility expands Enzo's geographical reach, allowing it to expand its Lab-to-Lab reference services in the Northeast. It will also enable Enzo to open additional patient service centers in collaboration with commercial insurance providers to address this large patient population need. Enzo is already designated an in-network provider for three health insurance providers in New England.

Impact of diagnostic reimbursements pressures on clinical laboratories is now more widely evident throughout the industry, irrespective of laboratory testing volume. Enzo's early recognition of the industry challenges has driven the development of the Company's innovative, expanding line of cost effective, highly efficient platforms and reagents, as well as establishment of a nationally available reference laboratory incorporating these advances.

Reported on publication in recent Journal of Lipid Research of a preclinical study by scientific collaborators involving a company-developed proprietary Sphingosine Kinase 1 inhibitor drug candidate effective in reversing resistance to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, potentially a first line treatment for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients. With more than 50% of patients who initially respond to tamoxifen ultimately failing therapy due to development of resistance, these results suggest that SK1-I may have potential in the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers. Enzo research results, as well as those of its collaborators, show that SK1-1 may address significantly unmet medical needs in the treatment of multiple oncology indications and immune-related disorders, warranting further development anticipated in the coming year.

Continuing to build one of the most comprehensive intellectual property estates in the industry with recently awarded patent for optimizing real time nucleic acid detection processes.

Completed purchase of previously announced additional 36,000-square foot commercial facility in Farmingdale, NY, adjacent to the Company's current Long Island campus. A renovation underway will add needed infrastructure to produce and distribute Enzo's expanding low cost, open architecture diagnostic platform products and broaden related services, including automation-compatible reagent systems and associated products for sample collection and processing through to analysis. This new facility will also include GMP manufacturing capabilities. Barry Weiner, President, Comments: "In the few weeks since we last reported on fiscal 2018 results and commented on how we viewed the inevitable consequences of PAMA reimbursement reductions, estimated by some to be at least $2 billion industry wide, we are seeing industry wide impact today. With these developments, Enzo's strategy to provide low-cost, efficient and high capacity diagnostic solutions has become even more important and critical for an industry being challenged to maintain high quality services, while being paid less for work performed. Our investment and focus on development of cost effective products should assist in the improvement of our financial performance in the future. "Also, we believe that it will prove to be a beneficial solution for a large number of independent and hospital labs adversely affected by lower reimbursement rates. For some time, Enzo has recognized the inevitable negative impact of both Medicare reimbursement reductions, along with more stringent policies of private payors, and the inflexible high pricing of products associated with closed end diagnostic systems. Our unique operating structure, coupled with innovative product development make Enzo uniquely positioned to provide unique laboratory solutions for our industry. "In this environment, our strategy to build upon our deep knowledge and experience to develop an extensive line of products and services that are inexpensive, highly efficient and utilizing open ended architecture is now also a commercially available alternative as a service. "Enzo is moving quickly to capitalize on opportunities that lie ahead. We continue to expand our comprehensive menu of tests for the market. Our commercialization efforts are well underway, which we believe will address the economic challenges we see throughout the industry and to create future value for our shareholders. The industry challenges play to our strengths as a developer and provider of unique platforms and reagents. In addition, due to our expanded Farmingdale campus, our ability to provide clinical laboratories anywhere in the U.S. with reference diagnostic services utilizing our tools will prove highly attractive and economical, as well as rewarding, for them and for Enzo." "In light of the significant reimbursement changes that have impacted Enzo and other clinical laboratories in this quarter, Enzo has taken a number of steps to adjust its operations to this new paradigm. These actions include tightening billing and client services practices, expanding our reference laboratory services menu of tests, and hiring sales professionals in new geographical regions. Most importantly, our vertically integrated structure allows Enzo to move quickly to position our broader lab to lab reference service. " First Quarter Operating Results Total revenues were $21.3 million, compared to $26.9 million in the prior year, a decrease of $5.6 million. Clinical services revenues were $14.3 million, compared to $19.5 million in the prior year, a decrease of $5.2 million, largely due to reduced insurance reimbursement payments and mix of testing, which were reimbursed at higher than average rates, in the prior year. Total diagnostic testing volume, measured by the number of accessions, decreased 5% year over year, again due to lower high-value testing, partially offset by an increase in esoteric testing, including Enzo's AmpiProbe woman's health panel which has increased in volume each quarter since its launch last fiscal year. Product and royalty revenue was $7.0 million compared to $7.3 million in the prior year. The decline year over year was the result of elimination of product royalties due to expiration of the agreement in April 2018.

Clinical services revenues for the three months ended October 31, 2017 have been restated to reflect adoption of new revenue recognition rules on a full retrospective basis. Under the new rules, Enzo reports uncollectible balances associated with patient responsibility as a reduction in net revenues; historically these amounts were separately classified in operating expenses as a provision for uncollectable accounts receivable, and amount to $0.6 million and $0.8 million in the three months ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Consolidated gross margins were 33% compared with 42.6% in the prior year. Clinical services gross margins were 23.3% compared to 38.4% a year ago. Gross margins in the current year were negatively impacted by lower reimbursement revenue from Clinical Services, as noted above. Clinical products gross margin was 53% compared to 52% in the prior year period.

Operating expenses totaled $13.0 million, up 8% compared to $12.0 million a year ago. The increase reflected legal fee expenses in anticipation of a patent infringement and contract related trial, where Enzo is plaintiff, slated to occur next calendar year. Total legal expenses were $1.3 million compared to $0.4 million in the prior year. Selling and general administrative expenses (SG&A) as well as research and development (R&D) expenses were slightly higher year over year in support of the Company's growth strategies.

The GAAP and Non-GAAP net loss was $6.0 million compared to $0.6 million a year ago. The GAAP and non-GAAP net loss per share was $0.13, compared to $0.01 a year ago. EBITDA was a loss of $5.5 million compared to $0.1 million a year ago. Total cash and cash equivalents at October 31, 2018 were $52.8 million compared to $60.0 million at July 31, 2018. Cash used in operations was $6.2 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and cash used for investing activities, principally capital expenditures, was $1.0 million. Working capital at October 31, 2018 was over $57.3 million. Conference Call The Company will conduct a conference call Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 8:30 AM ET. The call can be accessed by dialing (888) 459-5609. International callers can dial (973) 321-1024. Please reference PIN number 3927608. Interested parties may also listen over the Internet at: https://tinyurl.com/ybstv2tp To listen to the live call, individuals should go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. Any pop up blocker installed on your PC should be disabled while accessing the webcast. A rebroadcast of the call will be available starting approximately two hours after the conference call ends, through December 25, 2018. The replay of the conference call can be accessed by dialing (855)-859-2056. (International callers can dial (404) 537-3406) and, when prompted, use the same PIN number 3927608. Adjusted Financial Measures To comply with Regulation G promulgated pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Enzo Biochem attached to this news release and will post to the Company's investor relations web site (www.enzo.com) any reconciliation of differences between GAAP and Adjusted financial information that may be required in connection with issuing the Company's quarterly financial results. The Company uses EBITDA as a measure of performance to demonstrate earnings exclusive of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjustments to EBITDA are for items of a non-recurring nature and are reconciled on the table provided. The Company manages its business based on its operating cash flows. The Company, in its daily management of its business affairs and analysis of its monthly, quarterly and annual performance, makes its decisions based on cash flows, not on the amortization of assets obtained through historical activities. The Company, in managing its current and future affairs, cannot affect the amortization of the intangible assets to any material degree, and therefore uses EBITDA as its primary management guide. Since an outside investor may base its evaluation of the Company's performance based on the Company's net loss not its cash flows, there is a limitation to the EBITDA measurement. EBITDA is not, and should not be considered, an alternative to net loss, loss from operations, or any other measure for determining operating performance of liquidity, as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The most directly comparable GAAP reference in the Company's case is the removal of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We refer you to the tables attached to this press release which includes reconciliation tables of GAAP to Adjusted net income (loss) and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA. About Enzo Biochem Enzo Biochem is a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the convergence of clinical laboratories, life sciences and intellectual property through the development of unique diagnostic platform technologies that provide numerous advantages over previous standards. A global company, Enzo Biochem utilizes cross-functional teams to develop and deploy products, systems and services that meet the ever-changing and rapidly growing needs of health care today and into the future. Underpinning Enzo Biochem's products and technologies is a broad and deep intellectual property portfolio, with patent coverage across a number of key enabling technologies. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be 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, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management, including those related to cash flow, gross margins, revenues, and expenses which are dependent on a number of factors outside of the control of the Company including, inter alia, the markets for the Company's products and services, costs of goods and services, other expenses, government regulations, litigation, and general business conditions. See Risk Factors in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2018. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.







ENZO BIOCHEM, INC. (in thousands, except per share data) Three months ended Selected operations data: October 31 (unaudited) 2018 2017 Total revenues $ 21,260 $ 26,876 Gross profit $ 7,021 $ 11,445 Gross profit % 33.0 % 42.6 % Loss before income taxes (5,981 ) (640 ) Benefit for income taxes - - Net loss $ (5,981 ) $ (640 ) Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share ($0.13 ) ($0.01 ) Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted 47,186 46,914 Selected balance sheet data: 10/31/2018 (unaudited) 7/31/2018 (unaudited) Cash and cash equivalents $ 52,777 $ 60,041 Working capital $ 57,315 $ 63,014 Stockholders' equity $ 75,670 $ 81,121 Total assets $ 94,183 $ 101,660

The following table presents a reconciliation of reported net income (loss) and basic and diluted net income (loss) per share to non-GAAP net income (loss) and basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three months ended October 31, 2018 and 2017: ENZO BIOCHEM, INC. Non-GAAP Reconciliation Table (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data) Three months ended October 31 2018 2017 Reported GAAP net loss $ (5,981 ) $ (640 ) Adjusted for: Legal settlements, net - - Legal fees associated with settlements - - Separation payments - - Non-GAAP net loss $ (5,981 ) $ (640 ) Weighted Shares Outstanding Basic and diluted 47,186 46,914 Basic and diluted earnings per share Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share GAAP ($0.13 ) ($0.01 ) Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share non-GAAP ($0.13 ) ($0.01 ) The following table presents a reconciliation of reported net income (loss) for the three months ended October 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: ENZO BIOCHEM, INC. EBITDA & Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation Table (Unaudited, in thousands) Three months ended October 31 2018 2017 GAAP net loss $ (5,981 ) $ (640 ) Plus (minus): Depreciation and amortization 766 749 Interest income (274 ) (157 ) Benefit for income taxes - - EBITDA $ (5,489 ) $ (48 ) Adjusted for: Legal settlements, net - - Legal fees associated with settlements - - Separation payments - - Adjusted EBITDA $ (5,489 ) $ (48 ) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005790/en/

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[December 10, 2018] National Research Council of Canada signs Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Science and Technology of Thailand

Former Women in Engineering and Science program participants from Canada and Thailand share career highlights at Women in Science Symposium OTTAWA, Dec. 10, 2018 /CNW/ - The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is committed to supporting women in research careers and providing opportunities through international collaborations. The NRC and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Thailand are working together to advance research collaborations in food innovation and smart and efficient farming. Today, NRC President Iain Stewart and Permanent Secretary of Science and Technology of Thailand Dr. Soranit Siltharm signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote scientific research collaboration between the to countries. This partnership will facilitate connections and business opportunities for companies in the food sector, and in the Protein Industries Supercluster with Thailand and other Southeast Asian economies.



Following the official signing, the NRC hosted the Women in Engineering and Science Symposium. Speakers included former students from Thailand who worked at the NRC as part of its Women in Engineering and Science training program. Several Thai students built decades-long careers in Thailand and Canada with organizations including major universities in Thailand, the NRC, Employment and Social Development Canada, and McGill University. Two former students remained at the NRC, where they contributed toward science and technology development by applying the technical knowledge and expertise built at the NRC. Quick facts

From 1996 to 2004, the National Research Council of Canada hosted 20 Thai women under its Women in Engineering and Science program. Former participants spoke at the Women in Science Symposium to share career highlights and the positive impact the program had on their careers.

of hosted 20 Thai women under its Women in Engineering and Science program. Former participants spoke at the Women in Science Symposium to share career highlights and the positive impact the program had on their careers. The majority of former participants in the Women in Engineering and Science program built careers in science and engineering, including roles in Canada within the NRC, Employment and Social Development Canada, BIOTEC, and McGill University , and in Thailand with Thammasat and Mae Fa Luang Universities.

within the NRC, Employment and Social Development Canada, BIOTEC, and , and in with Thammasat and Mae Fa Luang Universities. A key pillar of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Thailand 's policy and economic model ( Thailand 4.0) is to make Thailand a food innovation hub through engagement in agriculture and biotechnology research. Quotes "This Memorandum of Understanding is important because we continuously look for opportunities to be connected internationally with innovative partners to maintain Canada's reputation for excellence in science. By creating knowledge through research collaboration with international partners and government departments, we accelerate the delivery of novel products and services. The National Research Council of Canada also focuses on providing its industry clients and collaborators with access to global partners who can grow and contribute to theirs, and Canada's, success."

Dr. Roman Szumski

Vice President, Life Sciences, National Research Council of Canada "The former Women in Science and Engineering program allowed Thai students to build a solid foundation at the National Research Council of Canada on their path to becoming accredited scientists and engineers. Their participation benefited not only their personal development, but the organizations where they chose to build their careers. At the NRC, we strive to provide women with opportunities to develop and apply their knowledge and expertise."

Dr. Genevieve Tanguay

Vice-President, Emerging Technologies, and Champion for Women in Science, National Research Council of Canada Twitter: @nrc_cnrc

Instagram: @nrc_cnrc SOURCE National Research Council Canada

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Why Don't We Know the Identity of the KU Hospital Shooter? - The Sentinel At about 11:30 p.m. on Monday, December 3, a man shot and wounded a couple near Seventh Street and Osage Avenue in KCK. The wounded couple rushed to KU Hospital. Hoping to finish the job, the shooter followed and killed the man as he tried to enter the hospital.

The story behind the shooting is prurient and probably not anybody's business. The drama over recent funerals has been been even worse. As the local Latino community attempts to recover, there's still a more important argument about. . . While he might not be privy to KCK & Westside family drama deets, Conservative Jack Cashill does anjob of taking apart progressive arguments against guns which seek to politicize this neighborhood tragedy. Take a look:
Eight years ago, Jason Crowell tried to do in the Missouri Senate what voters did last month. The Legislature was debating an overhaul to state political ethics laws, and Crowell, a Republican from Cape Girardeau, sought to add an amendment to the bill that would create a two-year waiting period before state lawmakers could become lobbyists.
Remember VWs plans to build 1,000,000 EVs a year by 2025? Well, the car maker from Wolfsburg is now aiming to roll out 15,000,000 cars based on the new MEB platform in the first wave. That calls for a continuous flow of money that will see Volkswagen cut costs by eliminating some of the ICE models from its lineup and curtail redundancies in various administrative departments.

Volkswagens plans with the I.D. family are undoubtedly grand, and the German manufacturer is going to great lengths to make sure their upcoming EVs will be best-sellers from the word go, but internal combustion engines wont be killed off by the end of 2026 as previously reported.

VW will focus on EVs but gas-powered cars will still be a thing seven years from now

A few days ago, a report from Bloomberg came our way that stated, in short, that VW will send all of its cars that are powered by internal combustion engines into retirement by the end of 2026.

At the same time, it was said that the automaker would instead focus solely on its I.D. family of electric cars and trucks that's received funding in doves over the past couple of years.

Now, Frank Welsch, Volkswagens Head of the Technical Department, talked to Autocar to clarify Michael Josts statement, that "were gradually fading out combustion engines to the absolute minimum, which he made during the Handelsblatt auto-related summit in Wolfsburg. Welsch said that "It is not correct to say we will stop developing internal combustion engines from 2026."

Instead, Welsch pointed out that "What I think has happened is that people were talking about the 2040 date widely talked about for stopping selling ICE cars in Europe and then worked backward in a logical way." He added that "Europe is not the only market, other regions have their own regulations and requirements, and I can see us developing more and more efficient ICE cars long beyond the quoted 2026 date.

So, now that we know that VWs with an ICE under the hood will still be offered in some corners of the world well into the 2030s, we can get back to what the manufacturer is doing to find more cash to pour into the I.D. family of models.

Reuters reported that VW will resort to some extra cuts that will rise to $3.4 billion to continue the development of the MEB platform and the cars that will sit on it.

"By 2020 we will achieve three billion euros in cost savings, and now aim for a further three billion euros by 2023," Arno Antlitz, the board member responsible for finance at the VW brand, told a press conference in Wolfsburg, Germany, according to Reuters. How will they do that? Well, some models will disappear as VW aims for a more streamlined offering. Also, there will be some shaving going on in the administrative arms of the company as well as an effort to increase the output of the factories by 30% in just six years. This should see the company return a 6% profit three years earlier than in their original timeline - in 2022.

The $3.4 billion that is slated to be saved in two years time will be joined by over $12,5 billion that will be invested in internal infrastructure, autonomous driving, EVs, and more. Its worth pointing out that out of those $3.4 billion, $2 billion should be scrimped by the end of this year alone.

The first model from the I.D. family will debut in the second half of next year and VW plans to flood the market with a plethora of crossovers although a few light trucks are also planned - think of the I.D. Buzz concept. Plans to team up with Ford are apparently still up, as is VWs wish to establish a new plant in the U.S. that will be focused on EV construction only.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion Concept.

Read our full review on the 2017 Volkswagen I.D. Buzz.

Read our full review on the 2017 Volkswagen I.D. Crozz II

Read our full review on the 2017 Volkswagen I.D. Crozz

Read our full review on the 2016 Volkswagen ID Concept.

VW big surge in EV production

Updated facility to house EV production

Many new EV subcompact cars on the way from VW

Source: Reuters
The second edition of HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle Easts largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, recorded more than double the number of attendees along with debut of many new prominent exhibitors.



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - December 9th, 2018 - The second edition of HITEC Dubai 2018, the Middle Easts largest hospitality technology exhibition and conference, recorded more than double the number of attendees along with debut of many new prominent exhibitors. Endorsed by Dubai Tourism and co-produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and Naseba, the show brought together top industry experts to present ground-breaking regional and international case studies, thought provoking panel discussions and game-changing technology demonstrations. The two-day expo and conference was 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.

Frank Wolfe CAE, CEO of HFTP, said, The continued growth of HITEC Dubai is testament to the massive opportunity that exists for hospitality technology providers in the Middle East. Our core aim is to gather hospitality and technology leaders to share their success stories and tackle common challenges.

This years edition showcased the latest trends and innovations emerging at the local, regional and global level. For the first time in Dubai, HFTPs expanding Entrepreneur20X (E20X) competition was introduced to give a unique opportunity for startups to present their breakthrough business concepts to the industry. Taking centre-stage at the show was Promobot, an intelligent humanoid robot. The show conference featured many extraordinary presentations such as Expo 2020 Hotel of the Future by Emaar and the Worlds Largest IoT Deployment in Hospitality by Nytec.

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 was a great success. The expo brought together hospitality and technology professionals to discuss the potential of emerging technologies in the Middle East geared at enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency. It was very interesting to see and explore the latest innovations shaping our industry and opening new opportunities for growth.

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

###
Bahrain  Swiss-Belhotel International has signed a management agreement with HRR Properties W.L.L.



(TRAVPR.COM) UAE - December 10th, 2018 -

Bahrain  Swiss-Belhotel International has signed a management agreement with HRR Properties W.L.L. for Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair in Bahrain. Featuring 174 keys (studios, 1- 2- and 3-bedroom suites and 3 unique penthouses), equipped with outstanding facilities, the hotel is expected to begin operations by mid-2019.

Making the announcement, Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said, Swiss-Belsuites is a distinctive brand that delivers a compelling guest experience. We are delighted to introduce it in the gulf region with a unique property like Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair and very excited to partner with the HRR Properties W.L.L. We have a strong presence in Bahrain and this latest addition to our portfolio will further strengthen our offering in the Kingdom.

Designed for both business and leisure travellers, the hotel is strategically located right at the start of the vibrant American Alley facing the US navy base.

Mr. Abdulhameed Mohamed Hasan Dawani, Chairman, HRR Properties W.L.L., Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair is being developed to meet the needs of both extended and short-stay guests offering contemporary accommodation with comfortable living areas and flexible working spaces. It will provide an enhanced experience to travellers with its excellent location, design and wide range of facilities combined with Swiss-Belhotel Internationals signature hospitality. We value our partnership with the group and look forward to working with them on this wonderful project.

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said, Bahrain is a leading business and leisure hub and, therefore, a significant market for us. We are very happy to continue our expansion in the country with an exceptional hotel like Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair and extremely grateful to HRR Properties W.L.L. for having given us this opportunity. We are confident it will be a popular choice for visitors to the Kingdom.

The high-end suites at Swiss-Belsuites Admiral Juffair are equipped with a wide array of facilities including fully-fitted kitchens. The penthouses too are exceptional and offer stunning sea views along with exclusive amenities such as their own private pools and BBQ stations. The hotel also boasts multiple one-of-a-kind food and beverage options spread over huge spaces. These range from an all-day-dining outlet, with shisha serving terrace, to specialty restaurants and bars, an upscale lounge and a lobby cafe. Other facilities include a meeting room, a large spa, an indoor swimming pool, kids club and a kids splash pool.

###

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

###
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Representatives of AirAsia and Thien Minh Group sign the MoU (Photo: ndh.vn)



Under the MoU, the two sides will invest in aircraft to form a fleet for the new airline.

According to Thien Minh Groups CEO Tran Trong Kien, the fleet will mainly consist of Airbus A320s and A321s, both short- to medium-range, narrow-body aircraft.

AirAsia will own 30 percent of the new venture, the maximum allowed for foreign ownership of an airline under Vietnamese law, though the authority is considering lifting the limit to 49 percent.

AirAsia expects the joints venture to focus on underserved routes connecting key cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while also flying to Southeast Asia, China, the Republic of Korea and Japan from HCM City, Hanoi and Da Nang.

"We expect to enhance our contribution to Vietnams aviation and increase locals in one of the most promising markets in the region," AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said on the news website Nikkei./.
shalender@tribune.com

SC Vasudeva

Q. My wife is a teacher with Delhi administration and now on deputation in a university in China. The Government of India deputed her and Consulate in China is paying her salary. For five months in AY 2018-2019, she got only basic pay of Rs 88,500 per month of her pay scale after conversion in US dollars. She received foreign allowance in US dollars in AY 2018-2019 which is non-taxable under Section 10(7). Please clarify whether basic pay of Rs 4,42,000 received in US dollars is taxable? If so, under what section?  Bhupal Walia

A. You have mentioned in your query that the foreign allowance received by your wife is exempt under Section 10(7) of the Income tax Act (i.e., any allowances or perquisites paid or allowed as such outside India by the Government to a citizen of India for rendering service outside India). With regard to the salary of Rs 4,42,000 received by your wife, please note that the same will be taxable in India as it is deemed to accrue in India as per Section 9(1)(iii) of the Act (i.e., income chargeable under the head Salaries payable by the Government to a citizen of India for service outside India).

Q. I had a fixed deposit with SBI Model Town Branch, Patiala, which got matured on 07.10.2017. TDS for the year 2017-18 amounting to Rs 10,681 + Rs 22 (TDS on previous interest) was deducted by the bank on 07.10.2017. This amount is not being reflected in Form 16A of 3rd quarter as well as in Form 26AS of the Income-tax Department. The matter was taken up with SBI authorities and I was told that it will be corrected along with 4th quarter but it is again not appearing in the finally generated form 26AS of the Income-tax Department. Now I have taken up the matter with DGM (Taxation) SBI, Mumbai for revision of form 16A. Please guide me how to show this TDS amount in my ITR for the year 2017-18. Will the penalty clause of Rs 200 for each day of default for delay in filing TDS statement with the I-T Department also applicable on bank authorities?

 Pawan Kumar Garg

A. The amount of tax deducted at source, if not reflected in Form 16A issued by the bank, will have to be refunded to you by the bank as it seems from your letter that the amount of tax though deducted has not been deposited by the bank with the department.

The penalty clause for not filing the TDS statement with the department is applicable to all the assessees. It may, however, be noted here that if SBI has filed the TDS return for the respective quarters on time but with certain errors, then penalty will not be levied. SBI can merely file revised TDS returns for rectifying the mistakes without attracting any penalty.

Q. I am a senior citizen of 86 years and an income tax payee. I was allotted a plot by HUDA in 2004 and I have paid the instalments as under with dates:

Amount Date Instalments

Rs 94,991 01.05.2004 Initial payment of 10%

Rs 1,42,485 14.02.2006 Balance 15%

Rs 1,18,738 18.01.2008 1st instalment

Rs 1,18,738 14.01.2009 2nd instalment

Rs 1,18,738 11.01.2010 3rd instalment

Rs 1,18,710 19.01.2011 4th instalment

Rs 1,32,000 14.02.2012 5th instalment

Rs 57,043 02.04.2010 Due to increase in area

Rs 1,33,910 03.04.2008 Enhanced compensation

Rs 1,175 02.01.2009 Enhanced compensation

Rs 57,202 02.03.2012 Enhanced compensation

Rs 12,31,468 Total amount paid

In addition, I have paid Rs 51,850 as extension fee from 02/2012 to 01/2018.

I have got a buyer who is ready to pay me Rs 1.5 crore for this plot all in white.

My queries are:

(a) How much amount is the long-term and short-term gain in my case?

(b) Can I demolish my old house and construct a new one from the gain amount?

(c) I have been told by my CA that if I deposit the balance amount (after construction) or whole of Rs 1.5 crore in the bank for three years with an interest of 6.5%, I will not have to pay any income-tax. Is there any limit of amount that can be deposited in the bank out of short-term or long-term gain?  JK Jain

A. (a) The amount of long-term capital gain works out at Rs 1,27,86,539 after taking into amount of indexed cost of instalments and extension fee. While computing the above cost, it has been presumed that extension fee of Rs 51,850 was paid in January 2018 i.e. in financial year 2017-18.

(b) You should be able to claim exemption in case amount of capital gain is utilised for constructing a new house after demolishing the old house within three years after the sale of the plot.

(c) The suggestions given by your CA is not correct as the amount of capital gain is required to be utilised for purchase or construction of a new house within the specified period or the same can be invested in tax-saving bonds to the extent of Rs 50 lakh so as to claim exemption of capital gain from taxability. Such bonds have a lock-in period of five years and the interest earned thereon is taxable. The bonds have to be purchased within six months of the date of sale of the plot. The amount of capital gain remaining after utilising the amount for purchase or construction of a house and/ or for buying bonds worth Rs 50 lakh will be taxable @20% plus applicable surcharge and health & education cess.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Mumbai, December 10

In its worst session in two months, Indian equity benchmark Sensex Monday tumbled by 714 points after "unfavourable" state exit poll results for the ruling BJP, while analysts warned that a bigger crash may be in store on Tuesday due to sudden resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel.

This was the worst single-session fall for the benchmark BSE index since October 11.

As far as the RBI Governor's resignation is concerned, it alone has the ability to knock off 200 points from the Nifty, an analyst opined.

The Sensex tumbled nearly 714 points, or 2 per cent, to close at 34,959.72.

Similarly, the broader NSE Nifty fell 205.25 points, or 1.92 per cent, to end at 10,488.45.

Exit polls for the recently concluded assembly elections have predicted a tight finish between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and a win for the opposition party in Rajasthan, impacting trading pattern on the domestic bourses in a big way.

Besides, a weakening rupee, which hit 71.44 per dollar intra-day, and fresh foreign fund outflows further pulled the key indices.

All sectoral indices on the BSE and NSE ended in the red, led by realty, banking, metal, pharma, pharma and financial stocks.

Globally, market participants remained watchful as uncertainty prevailed over the temporary US-China trade war truce.

The US markets continue to tumble for various reasons and while the 90-day ceasefire on Sino-American trade talks is on, there is little action on the ground as officials continue to give conflicting views, analysts said.

"The state assembly exit polls have shown a reducing vote share of the BJP in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh after 15 continuous years of incumbency. The poor performance of BJP will mean added uncertainty in the markets till general elections in 2019," V K Sharma, Head PCG and Capital Markets Strategy, HDFC Securities, said.

Among the Sensex constituents, Kotak Bank shares cracked over 6 per cent after the bank said it had moved the Bombay High Court against RBI's decision with respect to the bank reducing promoter holding using preference shares.

In August, Uday Kotak, the founder and promoter of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has pared down his stake in the bank to 19.70 per cent from about 30 per cent following issuance of preference shares.

Within few days, the Reserve Bank said the stake dilution by Kotak does not meet its regulatory norms on the same, something the private sector lender contested.

Other top losers include Reliance Industries, Asian Paints, Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, L&T, PowerGrid, HDFC, Axis Bank and Bajaj Auto, falling up to 4 per cent.

Coal India and Maruti were the only two gainers on the 30-share index, rising up to 0.79 per cent.

Multiple factors impacted the market sentiment as the bears held complete control of the market from opening till the closing bell, said Joseph Thomas, Head Research, Emkay Wealth Management.

This was the biggest one-day fall in the last two months for both indices, falling up to 2 per cent, he said.

On a net basis, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 817.40 crore Friday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) were net buyers to the tune of Rs 242.56 crore, provisional data available with BSE showed.

Brent crude oil futures was trading at 0.31 per cent down at USD 61.48 per barrel.

Elsewhere in Asia, Korea's Kospi fell 1.06 per cent, Japan's Nikkei dropped 2.12 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 1.19 per cent and Shanghai Composite Index tumbled 0.82 per cent.

In Europe, Frankfurt's DAX shed 0.67 per cent and Paris' CAC 40 fell 0.47 per cent in early deals. London's FTSE too slipped 0.41 per cent. - PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 9

The UT police have initiated a drive against landlords who fail to get tenant verification done by the police. During the past three days, 16 persons have been arrested under Section 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the IPC.

The police registered 11 cases in this regard at various police stations yesterday.

Among those who have been arrested are Kuldeep, a resident of Colony No. 2, Khuda Lahora village, Mohit Soni, a resident of Sector 22, Munesh Tandan, a resident of Sector 27, Gurmit Singh, a resident of Sector 30, Rakesh Dutt, a resident of Daria village, Bhajan Bansal, Ugam Gupta and Manoj Kumar, all residents of Kishangarh village, Rajan Mehta, a resident of Sector 47, Balwinder Singh and Sunil Kumar of Burail village and Ashwani Kumar, a resident of Sector 56.

All of them were later released on bail.

The police said according to orders issued by the Deputy Commissioner, people were required to get the verification of their tenants and servants done by intimating the area police station. The drive will continue in the coming days, said a police official.
editorial@tribune.com

Chandigarh, December 9

A 35-year-old man was found hanging from a tree opposite the District Courts Complex in Sector 43 on Sunday morning.

The police were informed about the incident, who took the victim to the GMSH, Sector 16, where doctors declared him brought dead.

The victim has been identified as Shankar Bahadur, a native of Nepal, who was residing at Madanpura, Phase II, Mohali. The police said the victim had arrived from his native place around two weeks ago at his brothers house.

The police have ruled out any foul play behind the incident. The victim was depressed due to which he took the extreme step, said a police official.  TNS
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 9

The local police have arrested a woman for allegedly kidnapping a three-year-old girl of a migrant family from the Sohana area here.

The suspect has been identified as Sonam, who reportedly lifted the girl on December 4 from Aerocity, where her parents live.

Inspector Tarlochan Singh, SHO of the Sohana police station, said the suspect had come to the area a few days ago and started living with some other migrants there. She developed friendly relations with the childs family and later kidnapped her, said the SHO.

The police conducted raids at various places in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to nab her. We located her through one of her acquaintances and called her here, said Tarlochan Singh.

After recovering the child, the police handed her over to her parents. The SHO said Sonam was married and her husband was lodged in jail.

A case under Section 363 of the IPC has been registered at the Sohana police station in this regard.
HS Phoolka

HS Phoolka

Rights activist and Punjab MLA

UNDER the law, a victims role is merely to support the State  investigators and public prosecutors in criminal trials. Somehow, when it comes to the 1984 carnage cases, the approach of the administration has been to shift the burden of bringing forth evidence and securing punishment on victims and their families. To this extent, even the media has been responsible for highlighting the cause to esnure justice for the victims. Is the failure to secure punishment for those responsible not a failure of society? Is the law catching up with the perpetrators not a victory of the entire nation?

Mr Justice RK Gauba of the Delhi High Court in his recent judgment upheld the conviction of 88 persons for mob violence in 1984 and observed there is also a constraining view that such dark chapters in the history of the land must never get effaced from memory since they confront us, the civil society at large, by showing a mirror to expose to us the rot that lies within. This warning assumes significance in our country, where 1984 was the dawn of a new trend of killing the innocent, using it to win elections and rewarding perpetrators by giving them plum posts. The law never caught up with those guilty.

During a debate on the release of my book When a Tree Shook Delhi in 2007, former law minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid had said the book serves as a caution to those who indulge in such crimes that law will eventually catch up with them. The recent convictions are a warning to those who have taken comfort in manipulating the system all these years, assuming that they will go scot-free due to their power. In a case of killing of Sikhs in Mahipalpur, two hoteliers were recently awarded sentences by Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey. One of them has been awarded death sentence and another has gotten life imprisonment.

The Supreme Court appointed a fresh SIT to reinvestigate cases that were closed, changing the whole approach and sending a clear message that justice needs to be done, no matter how much time may have elapsed. Besides the recent convictions, in other cases also, judgments are expected shortly. The reopening of the cases is also expected to result in fresh trials in many cases.

In the Delhi High Court case referred above, the HC upheld a five-year sentence of 88 persons for rioting. As many as 107 rioters were arrested on November 2, but the police deliberately filed the chargesheet against them only for rioting and not murder, even though nearly a hundred bodies had been recovered. The court has directed the Police Commissioner to take action with respect to 22 unidentified bodies out of these 95.

One wonders how 95 bodies are recovered in Trilokpuri alone and 107 persons are arrested on the spot, whereas in the rest of Delhi, nothing of the sort has been reported. As much as one would like to believe, this is not because the police did a good job here, to the contrary, the police was itself a party to the killings, but it was forced into action due to two journalists. Block Nos. 30 and 32 were inhabited by Lubana Sikhs who had migrated from Alwar, Rajasthan. On November 1, they were attacked by a mob led by then Congress leaders. Sikhs came out with swords in their hands and the mob retreated. However, a police team led by the SHO reached the spot and coaxed them to retreat into their houses, assuring their safety. Trusting the police, the Sikhs disarmed and retreated into their homes. The mob then individually pulled each Sikh out. In these two blocks, 400 Sikhs were killed in two days. One young Sikh ran towards the fields, managed to borrow a pair of scissors, cut his hair and spent the night in the fields. Next morning he went to the police headquarters to request for help, but was turned away. Next to the police headquarters was the Indian Express office, where the youths friend worked in the canteen. He narrated his story, and two journalists, Rahul Bedi and Joseph Maliakan, decided to visit Trilokpuri. But they were not allowed to enter the colony. They proceeded to the police station, where the duty officer assured them that Trilokpuri was totally peaceful. While they were leaving, they saw a truck standing in the corner and flies all over it. They decided to check it out and found that it was full of bodies. From among the bodies, they heard the shout of a Sikh who was crying for help and barely alive. He told them that he was from Trilokpuri and the Sikhs were being massacred. The journalists went back to the police station and asked them to send the injured Sikh to hospital, but were told that the DCP would take the decision. When he could not be contacted, they went to the headquarters and made a hue and cry, on which the ACP asked the DCP to reach Trilokpuri. The journalists again went to Trilokpuri and were allowed entry, only to find streets strewn with bodies.

It is in these circumstances that the police was forced to send the bodies for postmortem and arrest rioters who were still indulging in looting and killing. The journalists filed their affidavits before the Justice Mishra Commission. Yet, none of the police officers have been punished. It has taken 35 years for the law to finally catch up with the 88 rioters.

One tends to lose the count of commissions that have gone into the events of 1984, but sadly the number convicted is even less than the number of members of these commissions. The grievance of victims is justified that the convictions are too little and too late. But whatever be the cost, in my case, a personal cost, for I resigned from the post of Leader of Opposition of the Punjab Legislative Assembly to appear in 84 cases; at least as a nation we can now say that the culprits are finally meeting their fate.
Manoj Joshi

Manoj Joshi

Distinguished fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi

LT GEN DS Hooda (retd) is right when he talks about needless hype over operations like the surgical strikes. Note, of course, that he is not arguing that such strikes are wrong, but that the accompanying hype, often aimed at playing to the political gallery, undermines their military value.

There is, of course, the larger question as to the very nature of the so-called surgical strikes of September 29, 2016, that had been launched to avenge the Uri militant strike of September 18. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh who, as DGMO, announced the strikes, responded to Hooda by saying that the strikes were a successful tactical operation that had conveyed a message to Pakistan.

Lt Gen Ranbir Singhs statement is not borne out by facts. Pakistan did not stop its misadventures as he quaintly put it. Almost two months later, on November 29, Jaish militants attacked an Army base in Nagrota and in the ensuing shootout 10 soldiers, including three officers were killed.

The Nagrota strike was far more serious than the Uri one. Unlike Uri, which is very close to the LoC and more vulnerable, Nagrota is somewhat inland. More important, it is the headquarters of the huge 16 Corps and should thus have had a much higher level of protection.

But by far the more damaging was the fact that the Indian Army did not react to this provocation. If the surgical strikes after Uri were meant to deter further Pakistani misadventure, the only way it would work as a strategy, would be if the Army hit Pakistan hard every time it launched an attack.

The next year, 2017, there were several attacks across the LoC attributed to Pakistani jihadis and forces. In one, an Indian patrol was attacked in Krishna Ghati sector of the Poonch district, killing two soldiers. In December, a Pakistani Border Action Team (BAT) came half a kilometre into Indian territory and killed four soldiers, including a Major.

Early this year, there was another Jaish attack on the Sunjuwan camp housing soldiers and their families, a few kilometres to the east of Jammu City. As many as 11 soldiers and a civilian were killed and 20 injured. Yet, there was no reaction comparable to the surgical strikes. So it is evident that the strikes did not deter Pakistan.

You can draw many conclusions from this. One is that the Indian policy of surgical strikes was flawed to start with. Perhaps publicising it the way it was done was not a good idea. Or, the Army had not thought through its strategy because if it was aimed at sending a signal that India would no longer sit back and tolerate attacks such as the ones on Pathankot and Uri, the Army needed to demonstrably hit back at Pakistan every time jihadis or BAT attacks took place.

Clearly, there are hazards in the latter policy. If demonstrable strikes take place, the two countries could get locked into an escalatory cycle which could eventually lead to war. That neither side wants this is evident from the fact that their cross-LoC activity remains limited. Even episodes of cross-border bombardment that occasionally take place on the LoC or the border in Jammu, usually end in a ceasefire. That is why, it is important to keep a tight control on the escalatory framework. The way of doing this earlier was to keep the retaliatory cycles secret and not let them enter the political or electoral cycles in either country because hype tends to be the hand-maiden of politics. That the strikes were politicised is no secret. Whether it is in the speeches of BJP leaders or the posters that came up, the strikes were widely featured in the Uttar Pradesh state Assembly elections of 2016.

At the end of the day, there is the challenge of deterring Pakistan. It is one thing to deter it from the point of view of nuclear weapons and large-scale conventional conflict, and quite another to make it cease and desist from sending groups of militants in the name of political support to the Kashmiri militancy.

India has not yet found the formula of dealing with them. The so-called surgical strikes were mooted as the solution, but they have clearly not worked.

Having initiated a policy, it was important for the Army to follow through with that policy, which it did not, because the main purpose of the strikes was to make a political statement which was aimed at the UP elections. The Indian challenge was neatly side-stepped by Islamabad which simply denied that such strikes took place and did not feel compelled to respond to the Indian action in word or deed.

New Delhi certainly has the option of using military retaliation every time the Pakistanis act. The politicians do not mind basking in the glory of the strikes because they took out a few terrorist launching pads for no loss of life. But escalation, even a larger skirmish, always has the possibility of going awry and putting pressure on the government to enhance the level of violence when things dont go according to plan. We cannot be sure just how Islamabad will react and we should not exaggerate our capabilities with regard to Pakistan. In such matters, sober realism is the best approach, and this would tell us that we need a different menu of options when it comes to bringing down and eliminating the violence in Jammu & Kashmir.
laxmi@tribune.com

UP CM Yogi Adityanath covered all the bases soon after a UP Police official was killed by a mob of gau-rakshaks in Bulandshahr. He met the family of the slain cop and announced a generous compensation (Rs 40 lakh for the widow, Rs 10 lakh for his parents and a government job for a family member), just like the time he papered over the police encounter of a youth in the heart of the state capital. Only this time around, it was a policeman at the receiving end. And while investigations were on, the Chief Minister announced his verdict: No mob lynching incident took place in UP. What happened in Bulandshahr was accident. In an accident, there may or may not be a culprit. But when gunshots are fired at a police posse attempting to get unruly citizens to end an impromptu vigilante blockade, it surely is a criminal act, plain and simple.

With the Supreme Court breathing down on states over incidents of lynching and mob violence, Yogi may have been clever in describing a case of brazen lawlessness as an accident. He may or may not fall foul of the Supreme Court when it examines the states report card in reining in intimidation and reprisal. But what is clear is that there is a partisan administration at work. Cops of the Meerut range, which also includes Bulandshahr, have acted on 41 cattle smuggling incidents in the past five years but not against vigilantism.

The basic tenet of governance  impartial administration  stands on shaky legs in UP. The covert official sanction to gau-rakshak mobs has now acquired an air of impunity and brazenness because of the climate of disdain in the governing arrangement that now extends to the courts. The same crowd that was attacking a Pehlu Khan or an Akhlaq is now adequately emboldened to take on the security forces. The demand for mob retribution is here and now; no mediating institution is to be allowed a hearing. Mob fury is not easy to regulate. The UP CM should not discover this axiom the hard way.
laxmi@tribune.com

NO matter what the political dispensation, there has been unanimity in Indian polity about the need for the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks being punished. The Pakistani hand in the attack is by now well accepted, as is indeed shown by the attempt, however ineffectual, by the Pakistan government to punish some of those who worked behind the scenes. Rather than examine chinks in Indias approach, Pakistan has to tackle its internal demons, the kind that kill public prosecutors to thwart justice and allow the Hafiz Saeeds to roam free.

PM Imran Khans attempt to deflect his governments inability or unwillingness to walk the talk on tackling terrorism by calling the BJP anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan is a disservice to the Indian Muslims. Indeed, it is not clear how Pakistan has managed to acquire such an exaggerated notion of itself as the sole representative of Muslims. What about the rest of the Islamic nations? India, of course, remains home to as many Muslims as Pakistan. It is time Islamabad stopped looking at the world through the lens of religion alone.

PM Narendra Modi, soon after he was sworn in, had made an impromptu visit to Pakistan calling on the then PM Nawaz Sharif. However, soon after that, there was an attack on the IAF base in Pathankot, which carried an unmistakable cross-border signature. Pakistan and its PM know what has to be done to assuage the hurt that has scarred relations between the two neighbours. The question is whether the present leadership is bold enough to take action against terrorists that it cultivated and launched onto India. India and its institutions, political and administrative, are robust enough to ensure that the nation remains true to its multi-cultural and secular base. Whether Imran can loosen the theocratic constraints that have hobbled his country remains to be seen. If all the elements of the Pakistani state are on the same page, as Imran claims they are, he may find building on the Kartarpur opening more fruitful rather than finding motives in Indias cold shoulder.
laxmi@tribune.com

FAMILY, clan and caste play a major role in Haryana, perhaps even more so than in other parts of the country, especially in politics. Political power and pelf are treated as assets by the family and naturally, there are disputes about inheritance. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), till now the legacy of the late Devi Lal, who rose up to be Deputy Prime Minister of India, is now split months after the expulsion of Dushyant Chautala, and younger brother Digvijay.

The banner of revolt against his uncle, Abhay Singh, by the great-grandson of the late patriarch was not without support, from within the family. Dushyant and his mother drew a large crowd. Even as political pundits read the tea leaves, the die is cast for a battle between two family wings, with elections around the corner. While it is easy to predict a diminished INLD, the dynamics of the power play will be watched with interest. Even now, there are indications of AAP interest in Dushyants outfit while the BSP already has an alliance with INLD. Since the days of Devi Lal, who claimed to and did represent the Jat interest in the state, many other claimants have emerged fracturing the Jat vote. Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda now faces a challenge from within the party by Randeep Singh Surjewala. The Chautala progeny will have to sort out their inheritance issues, while other leaders will also throw their hat in the ring.

The thought, indeed, that 70 years after Independence, dynastic and family politics has a firm hold on the body politic is a sobering one. The feudalistic hold of families of political satraps is one of the unfortunate aspects of our democratic process. However, this is a reality, much as we may crave for political leaders who want to serve the people they represent, be icons of moral values and maintain a high degree of probity in their conduct. The ideal has seldom been as far as it is from the real in these days of entitled politics and opportunistic groupings.
editorial@tribune.com

Panipat, December 9

About 3,000 residents of Babarpur mandi here on Sunday announced to boycott the Municipal Corporation (MC) elections. They demanded exclusion of their area from the MC jurisdiction.

The decision was taken during a mahapanchyat in Babarpur mandi.

Members of the mahapanchayat said Babarpur mandi was included in the Panipat MC in 2012 to ensure its speedy development. Six years hence, no MC official has paid heed to our problems. Before inclusion in the MC, Babarpur mandi was under the jurisdiction of Kachroli village. At that time, we never faced any problem, said one of the residents Punit Ahuja.

After getting information about the poll boycott, Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar reached Babarpur mandi and tried to pacify residents.

He assured residents of taking up their demands with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and appealed to them to cast their vote on December 16.

The resident, however, remained adamant, Ahuja added.  TNS
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Chandigarh, December 10

Five people were killed when an SUV collided head-on with a pickup vehicle in Haryana's Rewari district, police said Monday.

The accident occurred near Saharanwas village late on Sunday evening, Rampura Station House Officer (SHO) Vidya Sagar said.

The driver of the SUV apparently lost control of it, which jumped the road divider and rammed into the pickup vehicle coming from the other side of the road, the officer said.

Of the three people travelling in the pickup vehicle, two died and one was injured. Three persons travelling in the SUV were killed and one was injured, the officer said.

The deceased included a lecturer, an advocate and a village head, the officer added. PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, December 10

The Bhiwani District Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, earlier known as Land Mortgage Bank, has displayed at public places in Siwani posters of 50 farmers who have defaulted in repayment of loans over the years.

Along with their names and photographs, the bank has displayed an appeal to other banks and financial institutions not to give any loan or financial grant to them. The action of shaming defaulters has evoked a sharp reaction from farmers organisations, which have threatened to launch a stir.

It has been mentioned in the posters that the defaulters owe a total of about Rs 5 crore to the bank. These farmers have defaulted in payment of between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 12 lakh. Sukhram of Bidhwan village said four farmers in his village featured in the list of defaulters.

He said Om Pati, a woman farmer, owned six acres and defaulted in payment of Rs 3 lakh, Umed owned four acres and defaulted in payment of Rs 2.26 lakh, Rajesh owned four acres and defaulted in payment of 2.40 lakh and Subhash owned seven acres and defaulted in payment of Rs 4.61 lakh.

Agriculture Minister Om Prakash Dhankar had raised the issue last year, urging banks not to shame defaulting farmers. Dhanesh Adlakha, chairman of the Haryana State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, said they had identified only those farmers who had the capacity to repay their loans.

I scanned the list and started the drive to recover about Rs 50 crore in the first phase. A person who does not want to repay Rs 25 lakh despite owning 70 acres and a three-storey house, besides having a government job, cannot be spared. We have identified about 600 such persons across the state, he said.

Farmers leaders said they had been facing crop losses for the last few years. They said the last kharif crop had been a huge setback as about 50 per cent of the crop in the Siwani region had got damaged due to drought-like conditions in the absence of irrigation facilities.

Dayanand Punia, leader of the Kisan Sabha, said the kharif crop on about 55,000 acres in villages of the Siwani subdivision had not yielded good results in the absence of irrigation facilities. This situation has been prevailing for about a decade, he said.
editorial@tribune.com

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, December 10

The mayoral election in Karnal has turned into a faceoff between the BJP and united Opposition, forcing Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to campaign for the party candidate ahead of schedule.

The BJP has fielded Renu Bala Gupta as its mayoral candidate. Independent candidate Asha Wadhwa is being supported by the INLD-BSP combine, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and several former MLAs of the Congress.

Since the Karnal is the Chief Ministers constituency and his prestige is at stake, Khattar and his ministers are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure victory of the party candidate.

The Chief Minister was scheduled to campaign in Karnal on December 13 and 14, when a roadshow and public meetings were planned.

As per party sources, with resentment brewing among party workers as well as local residents, the Chief Minister arrived on Sunday evening.

He had dinner with traders in the city and held closed-door meetings with party workers, leaders and prominent residents of the city to discuss the poll strategy.

The source claimed that the meetings of the Chief Minister with residents reduced resentment among party leaders, who were pacified.

On Sunday evening, the Chief Minister held meetings with the party think tank and discussed the poll strategy. During dinner with traders, he exhorted them to strengthen the BJP.

Later, he held a meeting with party leaders and took feedback on each ward. As per the sources, he asked the party cadre to work at the ground level to ensure a BJP sweep.

We will win all five seats as the Congress, INLD and other opposition parties have left the field. They have extended support to an independent candidate, but we will win, said the Chief Minister.

On Monday morning, he met members of various sections of society and urged them to support the BJP mayor candidate.

He went to the residence of Congress leader Desraj Gaba to enquire about his health. As per the sources, he sought the support of Gabas family as he was a prominent Punjabi face in the district.
editorial@tribune.com

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, December 9

Three Mandi district residents, who were released from Riyadh jail in Saudi Arabia, reached India on Sunday.

The family members have heaved a sigh of relief. Among those released are Harjinder Singh of Bhojpur, Ashwani Sankhyan of Dadoh and Joginder of Sadhyani.

Saroj Kumari, wife of Harjinder Singh, said her husband called her from Hyderabad airport on Sunday and informed her about his arrival along with two others at the airport.

I am very happy on return of my husband. We were waiting for him desperately ever since we came to know that he was in trouble in Saudi Arabia, she said.

In July this year, 14 men from Mandi district were duped by local travel agents who sent them to Saudi Arabia on the promise of providing them lucrative jobs.

They were sent to Saudi Arabia on three months tourist visa. Company owner started harassing them and forced them to work on meagre wages for long hours, which distressed them. The company owner also refused to extend their work visa, which put them in a quandary.

Finding no other way, they finally surrendered before the police in Riyadh, who locked them up in jail. As soon this news reached Mandi, the family members of these trapped men got worried. They met CM Jai Ram Thakur and sought his help.

Saroj said: We are thankful to Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal and others who helped us during this tough time and rescued our loved ones. Ten others are still waiting for their return and are in utter distress.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 9

At a time when the state government is trying hard to rope in big investment in the state, the Congress has decided to oppose the setting up of cement plants in the larger interest of the state and its people.

In a statement issued here today, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said the Congress will oppose any cement project, including the proposed one at Sikridhar in Chamba. The past experience has proved beyond doubt that the state and its people have not gained anything due to the setting up of cement plants. On the contrary, they are sufferers whether it concerns pollution and the resultant ailments, traffic congestion and degradation of roads or vehicular emissions adding to air pollution, he said.

Incidentally the BJP, including Kangra Lok Sabha MP Shanta Kumar, has promised that the cement plant will be set up at Sikridhar in Chamba and a white cement plant in Nauradhar area of Sirmaur. Now with the two political players adopting divergent views on the issue of setting up of cement plants, it will be interesting to see how the issue plays out.

Sukhu said the people of Himachal are even deprived of employment opportunities in the cement plant. Barring the odd jobs of drivers they gain nothing, he added. He said what hurts the people of the state most was the fact that the cement produced in Himachal is sold at lesser prices in other states while the Himachalis have to pay more for a product made here, using local war material.

Sukhu said the difference in prices of cement bags in Himachal and other states is quite huge. While the production cost of one cement bag works out to be a mere Rs 60 to Rs 70, it is sold for Rs 360 to Rs 370 to the people in Himachal. The price of ACC cement bag in Delhi is Rs 230, in Haryana Rs 255 and in Punjab Rs 285, he claimed. He said Ambuja cement is sold for Rs 225 in Delhi, Rs 250 in Punjab, Rs 245 in Haryana and Rs 365 in Himachal. Similarly, giving details of the prices of Ultratech cement, he said it is sold for Rs 200 in Delhi, Rs 240 in Haryana, Rs 275 in Punjab and Rs 360 in Himachal.

He said the entire area where a cement plant comes up faces environmental degradation. It is common knowledge that most companies undertake illegal mining even outside the lease area, causing damage to the ecology of the area, he said.
amansharma@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, December 10

A Delhi court on Monday ordered framing of charges against former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh for alleged criminal misconduct and amassing disproportionate assets of over Rs 10 crore, saying he intended to cause loss to the tax authorities by presenting unaccounted money as sale proceeds of apples.

Apart from the two offences under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, Special CBI Judge Arun Bhardwaj said prima facie charges of alleged forgery and attempt to cheat under the IPC were also made out against the 82-year-old Congress leader and former Union minister.

The court also ordered framing of charges against his wife, Pratibha Singh, and seven others for allegedly abetting in the offences and listed the matter for January 7 when all of them will have to inform the judge whether they plead guilty to the charges or not.

After formal framing of charges, the court commences trial in the case.

The other seven accused are LIC agent Anand Chauhan, Chunni Lal Chauhan, Joginder Singh Ghalta, Prem Raj, Vakamulla Chandrasekhar, Lawan Kumar Roach and Ram Prakash Bhatia.

The court in its 105-page order said Virbhadra Singh and Anand Chauhan "fraudulently and dishonestly" signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by ante-dating it to give an impression that it was signed on June 15, 2008 by them.

"They knew that MoU was not made, signed or executed by them on June 15, 2008. They prepared and signed this MoU with the intention of causing it to be believed that this MoU was made by them on June 15, 2008.

"The investigation of CBI has shown that this MoU was ante-dated. Therefore, they can be said to have made a false document," the court said.

It added that since the document was made for showing unaccounted money as sale proceeds of apples, they were liable to be charged for the offence of forgery.

"Resultantly, Virbhadra Singh is liable to be charged under section 13 (2) (misconduct) read with Section 13 (1) (e)(amassing disproportionate assets) of PC Act.

"Since an attempt was also made to cheat the Income Tax authorities using a false document i.e. ante-dated MoU to procure favourable Income Tax assessment order, Virbhadra Singh is also liable to be charged under section 511 (attempt) of IPC read with section 420 (cheating) of IPC," the court said.

The punishment for the offences of criminal misconduct and disproportionate assets under the PC Act range between one to seven years jail term, forgery under IPC entails a maximum of two years imprisonment and the offence of cheating could lead to a maximum sentence of seven years.

On the role of his wife, the court said there was "grave suspicion" that she committed the offence of abetment under the IPC.

Advocate Tarannum Cheema, representing Virbhadra Singh, had argued that no prior consent of the Himachal Pradesh government was taken for carrying out investigation in the state.

Dealing with the argument, the court said the Delhi High Court in October this year had held that for registration of case in a state other than in a Union Territory, the consent of that state government was required.

"No consent is required for investigation in another State, if the case is registered in Delhi," the special court said referring to the high court decision.

CBI had registered the case against Singh and others for allegedly amassing assets worth around Rs 10 crore disproportionate to their known source of income when he was the Union Minister in the UPA government.

A charge sheet running into over 500 pages, filed in the court, claims that Singh had amassed assets worth around Rs 10 crore which were disproportionate by 192 per cent of his total income during his tenure as a Union Minister.

The final report, filed against nine people for alleged offences punishable under section 109 (abetment) and 465 (punishment for forgery) of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act, arrayed around 225 witnesses and 442 documents.

The matter was transferred by the Supreme Court from the Himachal Pradesh High Court to the Delhi High Court, which on April 6, 2016 had asked the CBI not to arrest Singh and had directed him to join the probe.

The CBI had approached the apex court against an order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court barring the agency from arresting Singh.

The apex court had transferred Singh's plea from Himachal Pradesh HC to Delhi HC, saying it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, but "simply" transferring the petition "in interest of justice and to save the institution (judiciary) from any embarrassment". - PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Dharamsala: As the entire government machinery would shift to Dharamsala for the next six days, it would give people and various organisations of lower Himachal a chance to air their grievances. Farmers under the banner of Kisan Sabha committee of Baijnath have planned a protest on December 11.

They said the Forest Rights Act became a law in 2006. Under the Act, the farmers have the right to the forest wealth in their vicinity. Many states have already given forest rights to the residents of the state. However, the Himachal Government was dithering over the issue.

The committee has been alleging that the farmers of the Baijnath area, who live on the fringes of Dhauladhar wildlife sanctuary, are worst effected due to the failure of the state government to grant forest rights to its citizens. The people cannot even gather fodder and grass for their animals from the forest area legally. The farmers are also demanding that their forest rights be settled before the forest land in Jadrangal area was transferred to the Central University Himachal Pradesh. Besides the farmers, people whose land was being acquired for fourlaning of the Pathankot-Mandi national highway were also planning a protest during the winter session. The effected people are alleging that they were not being given adequate compensation for the land acquired.  TNS
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Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, December 9

Dharamsala, the quasi-winter capital of the state, wore a festive look on Sunday as banners, gates and lighting welcomed the legislators, ministers and the Chief Minister for the six-day winter session of the Himachal Assembly starting on Monday.

Most of the legislators and the Chief Minister arrived this evening. Both the ruling BJP and the Congress held a meeting of the legislative groups during the day.

During the session, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will stay at Dharamsala Circuit House. The ministers and MLAs have been housed in various hotels around Dharamsala.

Sources here said with the BJP planning to celebrate completion of its one year in power with a rally at Dharamsala on December 27 that is likely to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress would try to corner the government on its failures in the last one year during the current Assembly session.

CLP leader Mukesh Agnihotri, while talking to The Tribune, said though the state government was planning to celebrate its one year in power, it had failed to deliver on various fronts. He alleged that the schoolchildren had not been provided school uniforms in the last one year. About 8 lakh students had been bereft of the benefit. This was a failure of the state government.

Agnihotri said the land had once again been allotted virtually free to Baba Ramdev.

The BJP had been alleging that the electric buses were purchased at higher prices during the stint of the previous Congress government. However, now the BJP government itself was purchasing low-quality electric buses at higher rates.

The BJP, while in the opposition, had promised permanent jobs to the youth in the state. However, it was now resorting to outsourcing resulting in exploitation of the youth. The party was also making backdoor entry into government departments.

A horticulture project worth Rs1,200 crore that was to be implemented in entire state and a forestry project worth Rs400 crores that was to be implemented in Una district have been shelved, he alleged.

Agnihotri said the Congress would take up these issues in the winter session of the Assembly.

The ruling party, on the other hand, would try to counter the offensive of the Opposition by listing the achievements of the government. It would also try to push through five major legislations in the current session prominent among which include a Bill proposing changes in higher education policy, a Bill for stringent action against narcotic peddling and a Bill for setting up Gau Samwardhan Ayog.

Minister for Education and Parliamentary Affairs, Suresh Bharadwaj said the Bill for setting up Gau Samwardhan Ayog would be discussed in the Cabinet on December 11. It would be taken to the House after that.

BJP MLA from Nurpur Rakesh Pathania has sought discussion on using natural water for irrigation in the state. He would also raise the issue of the impact of NGT decision over not allowing any stone crusher within 100 metres of natural water bodies and purchase of buses by the HRTC in the last 4 years.

Independent MLA from Dehra Hoshiar Singh plans to take up the issue of higher cement prices in Himachal and the issue of tax not been paid by cement companies to the state.

Issues Congress will take up
shalender@tribune.com

Universal healthcare has been a promise that is made by every regime, but in the seven-decade-old history of Independence, the ground reality remained the same. While the public healthcare facilities increasingly deteriorated, proliferation of non-state service providers soared ever since the National Health Policy was announced in 1983. Private investments in the sector started growing exponentially particularly after the introduction of neo-liberal economic reforms in early 1990s that saw a decline in the public spending on healthcare.

As an outcome of these developments, almost entire healthcare sector started getting commercialised. Private sector entered the sector with profit motive that led to several malpractices such as needless referrals, unnecessary medicine prescriptions, prescribing branded medicines, unnecessary diagnostic tests and avoidable surgeries. These malpractices were largely triggered by the phenomenon of 'supplier induced' demand.

In fact, there exists an issue of 'information asymmetry' in healthcare sector, which leads to lack of informed choices for the patients that vitiates the market dynamics. 'Asymmetric information' occurs when one party to an economic transaction possesses higher material knowledge vis-a-vis another, e.g., a doctor, because of his education and experience he knows more about medical practices compared to the patients. Besides, in India, the collusion among doctors, pharmacies and diagnostic centres under neo-liberal settings is fleecing the patient. For example, a private hospital had handed over a bill of Rs 16 lakh for dengue treatment of seven-year-old child in Gurugram even as the child subsequently died.

A recent report by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) observed that there has been an absence of well-implemented regulations that would ensure transparency and ethical practices in the Indian healthcare sector. It has also pointed at almost non-existent competition between hospitals on the parameters of price, quality or choice. All these culminate into the phenomenon of higher and unaffordable household cost of healthcare services, which leads to another phenomenon of socio-economic inequalities in optimal utilisation of healthcare services.

The average costs of the medicines are astronomical vis-a-vis price of the same medicine under public procurement and distribution system. This is due to unreasonably high trade margins, which is mainly due to unethical practices of pharmaceutical industry. Pharma companies provide gifts and other incentives to doctors. Unquestionably, the pharma companies should have a reasonable level of profit margin, but margins like 1,000 per cent are unwarranted and need to be regulated.

It is, therefore, not surprising that 50-65 per cent of the Indian people do not have regular access to essential medicines. Thus, the argument that the health outcomes would be efficient if healthcare sector is left to the open market, is erroneous. Rather, the private sector works with the motive of profit maximisation, rather than welfare of the people.

Notwithstanding so many issues with the non-state healthcare sector, the governments over the decades have increasingly been reliant on it to deliver healthcare. Even recently introduced flagship initiative of the government, 'Ayushman Bharat', which aims to provide health insurance cover for hospitalisation in secondary and tertiary healthcare (with a cap of Rs.5 lakh per year per family) to economically deprived sections, is mainly reliant on the private sector. Given the aforesaid issues with the private health providers these private healthcare providers are expected to earn huge profits from this scheme.

The government must, therefore, recognise that healthcare facilities are essential for all citizens and it is the prime responsibility of the welfare state. This critical sector cannot be left to be served by the market forces. The state must own up the responsibility and take the lead in providing healthcare facilities. It should not be forgotten that public spending on healthcare is associated with manifold externalities and, as such, is considered as the most productive investment.

In order to check the malpractices in health sector, it is important to implement measures such as Clinical Establishment Act, 2010 in letter and spirit. Furthermore, it is also important to cultivate a sound culture of ethics amongst healthcare providers. In order to keep prices of medicines under check, the suggestions of CCI should be implemented. There is a need for the public procurement of essential drugs and setting up of e-pharmacies to make medicines affordable. The task is, however, difficult. A strong political will is necessary for an affordable healthcare system, which is not possible in a system that is overweighed by corruption and crony capitalism.

Ayushman Bharat

Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) provides for an annual financial protection up to Rs 5 lakh per family to 10.74 crore families for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation

So far, 25 states and union territories signed memorandum of understanding for its implementation

Uttar Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Island, Lakshadweep, Dadar & Nagar Havelli, Daman & Diu, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Jharkhand, Bihar, Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Uttarakhand, J&K, Manipur, Meghalaya, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Andhra Pradesh

 The writer is faculty, Department of Economics, Panjab University Rural Centre, Kauni
editorial@tribune.com

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 9

Security forces have gone the whole hog against the militants in the last five months. They have neutralised 128 militants, including some of the most-wanted commanders.

During this period (since July 1 to November 30), forces have lost 43 men in the course of duty bringing the kill ratio to 3:1. The police have faced the maximum brunt followed by the Army. Policemen have been largely targeted by militants either at their homes or off duty, especially in the volatile area of south Kashmir.

The Governors rule was imposed in J&K on June 20, a day after the BJP pulled out from the state coalition headed by Mehbooba Mufti. Two months after the Governors rule was imposed, the J&K Government suddenly shifted Shesh Paul Vaid as the police chief and replaced him with Dilbag Singh.

According to figures, security forces killed 11 militants in July, 25 in August, 29 in September, 26 in October and 37 in November 37. In all, 227 militants have been killed this year, which is highest since 2010.

J&K Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh who took over on September 7 credited the successful anti-militancy operations to excellent synergy between the forces and agencies.

Apart from the synergy, the formations on ground are working hard. There is also a lot of public cooperation as well, the DGP told The Tribune. Militant atrocities on civilians have increased and people are fed up of them. Moreover, the militants are not being given shelter by people. They keep on wandering in the forests and residential areas.

Most of the operations in the past few months that led to the killing of militants, including top commanders, were carried out during night hours and early morning to avoid civilian causalities in clashes, which had been badly hampering the operations since 2017.

Moreover, since July, there has been a slight decline in civilian killings near the encounter sites. While at least five civilians were killed in clashes near the encounter sites, seven also died in a blast at a gunfight site in south Kashmirs Kulgam.

The way the anti-militancy operations are being planned and executed, there are a fewer chances of clashes, a security official said. Except Kulgam, where seven civilians died in October, most of the anti-militancy operations have been mostly clean.

Since July, 16 civilians, including mainstream political workers and separatists, have also been killed by suspected militants.

The major worry for the security grid continues to be the local recruitment. During the last five months, more than 70 youth are believed to have joined militant ranks in Kashmir. According to officials, there was a slight decline in militant recruitment only in October, when less than 10 youth joined militant ranks.

In the past five months, over 70 youth have joined militant ranks, an officer said, preferring anonymity.

For forces, August was a deadly month as they lost 17 of its men in either militant attacks or counter-infiltration operations. This year, the forces also halted the anti-militancy operations in the month of Ramazan, which began on May 17.

Casualty count

Militants killed this year 227

Militants killed since July 128

Security forces killed this year 81

Security forces killed since July 43

Civilians killed this year 98

Civilians killed in law and order 58
editorial@tribune.com

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 9

A Class IX student, the youngest militant recruit in the Valley, was among three ultras killed in a 17-hour encounter on Srinagars outskirts today.

Mudassir Parray, 15, a resident of Hajin town of Bandipora in north Kashmir, had joined militant ranks in September, two days after two Pakistan Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were killed in a gunfight in his native town. His picture holding an AK-47 rifle in one hand and a knife in the other recently went viral on the social media.

The gunfight started last evening when joint teams of security forces carried out a cordon and search operation at Mujagund, 15 km from the city centre, along the Srinagar-Bandipora highway.

As searches were on, militants opened fire, injuring a soldier. The gunfight continued through the night and ended around 9 am, said CRPF IG Ravideep Sahi.

Sources said while two militants were gunned down within a few hours of the gunfight, the third kept shifting from one house to another. At least seven single-storey houses were damaged.

The second slain militant was identified as Saqib Sheikh, also a resident of Hajin. The identity of the third militant could not be established. Police sources believed he was a Pakistan national.

Clashes broke out as locals staged protests to disrupt the operation. Nearly half a dozen civilians were injured.

Meanwhile, there is a fear that the killing of one of the youngest militants may trigger recruitment of more vulnerable teenagers. While the United Jihad Council has instructed not to recruit students, militant outfits are wooing teenagers to their fold.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 10

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL challenging J&K Governor Satya Pal Maliks decision to dissolve the Assembly last month.

We are not inclined to interfere (with the decision of the Governor), said a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi dismissing the petition filed by BJP leader Gagan Bhagat, who was an MLA in the dissolved Assembly.

Unlike other states, the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir has six-year tenure but the Governor chose to dissolve it on November 21, two years before its term was due to expire. Currently, the state is under Governors rule which ends on December 18. This will be followed by Presidents rule.

Governors rule was clamped in the state on June 19 this year for a six-month period following the collapse of the Mehbooba Mufti-headed PDP-BJP coalition government after the saffron party withdrew support. The Assembly was kept in suspended animation so that political parties could explore the possibility of forming a new government.

The Assembly was suddenly dissolved by Malik, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the support from the National Conference and Congress.

Thereafter, the two-member Peoples Conference also staked claim to form a government with the purported support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti had written to the Governor that her party having 29 MLAs had the support of National Conference (15 MLAs) and Congress (12 MLAs). But Malik chose to dissolve the Assembly.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 9

The State Administrative Council (SAC) on Sunday approved the transition of the Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) as regular teachers and creation of a separate cadre for them.

The council, under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik, acted on the recommendations of a committee, which had proposed an action plan for streamlining the teaching cadre in the state.

The committee was constituted on August 13 and submitted its recommendations to the government recently. It was mandated to devise a comprehensive strategy to review the issues of all teachers in the school education department, including those funded under the ongoing Centrally sponsored scheme Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and suggest possible solutions.

Under the new separate cadre, ReTs, once shifted to general line teachers cadre, will get the pay scale of Rs 29,200-92,300 (L-5) under the 7th Pay Commission from September 1, 2018, in the school education department.

The cadre has been created exclusively for the purpose of adjusting ReTs and will gradually get abolished over a period of time.

In this regard, the school education department will amend the J&K School Education (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 2008. The action plan envisages formal merger of 526 posts of headmasters and 3,132 posts of subject-specific masters created under the RMSA and creation of 28,363 supernumerary posts of teachers.

To implement the action plan, the government has decided to withdraw all vacancies of lecturers and teachers referred to the Public Selection Committee and the Service Selection Board.

The action plan will enable meeting the salary deficit of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and RMSA teachers, which is over Rs 1,400 crore per annum, out of the state Budget.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 10

Normal life was hit across Kashmir on Monday following a shutdown called by the separatists on Human Rights Day.

The joint resistance leadership of separatists comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had called for a shutdown against the human rights violations in Kashmir.

In Srinagar, shops and business establishments remained closed and public transport too was off the roads. However, private vehicles plied normally.

Reports of shutdown were also received from other districts in the Valley. Moreover, train services between Banihal and Baramulla was also suspended by the authorities.

Additional forces were deployed in the sensitive parts of the Valley to maintain peace. However, the situation remained by and large peaceful.

Meanwhile, clashes broke out at Hajin town in north Kashmirs Bandipora district following the burial of two teenage militants killed in a gunfight on the outskirts of the city on Sunday. Mudasir Parrey, 15, and another teenage militant Saqib Sheikh were killed in a gunfight at Mujgund along with a Pakistani militant.

Kin of missing persons protest

On International Human Rights Day, family members of disappeared persons who have gone missing in the two decades of the Kashmir conflict, gathered at Press Enclave on Monday and demanded to know the whereabouts of their kin. They said they would continue to seek justice. Where are our children? We will not give up. We will protest till we are alive, said Parveena Ahanger, chairperson of the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons.

Set up probe panel, separatists urge UN

The joint resistance leadership (JRL), comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, has written to the United Nations, saying "Kashmir is not a frozen conflict. In the joint letter to the UN Secretary General on the occasion of World Human Rights Day, the trio has highlighted the grave human rights situation in the Valley, urging him to establish a UN commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive and independent international investigation into human rights violations in Kashmir. Acknowledging the UN report on the human rights situation in Kashmir, the JRL has written that they were not allowed to peacefully observe December 3 to 9 as Human Rights Week. The repressive and authoritarian state even disallowed us to observe Human Rights Week by using force and arrested those participating in candlelight protests, reads the letter, urging the UN to impress upon New Delhi to stop gross human rights violation forthwith. Meanwhile, urging New Delhi to allow international human rights organisations to visit violence-hit J&K, Awami Ittehad Party leader and former legislator Engineer Rasheed on Monday claimed that security forces were not making sincere efforts to capture militants alive during gunfights.
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Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Slehar (RS Pura), December 9

The ongoing panchayat elections are nothing but a cruel joke for nearly 1,500 Dalit families of RS Pura subdivision of Jammu district as they dont voting rights.

Scattered over nearly 30 villages of RS Pura, these families have been living here since 1947. However, they are being debarred from participating in any democratic process except the Lok Sabha elections. The reason is that their elders had entered J&K from West Pakistan at the time of Partition and the refugee tag continues to haunt them.

During Partition, my grandfather and his family entered Jammu. Now, 71 years have passed and we are still treated as Pakistani guests and denied all constitutional rights, laments Ravinder Kumar, a resident of Gazipur Kullian village, where polling is going to be held on Monday. Ravinder is the third generation of West Pakistan refugees struggling to get the democratic right.

Since these stateless families have no voting rights, the elected panchayat representatives ignore them. As a result, the areas being inhabited by them lack basic amenities. We are part and parcel of this village. We have been living here since 1947, but we have no right to cast vote in the panchayat elections, he said.

Labha Ram Gandhi, chairman, West Pakistani Refugees Action Committee, told The Tribune, Like other border areas of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, a large number of West Pakistan refugee families have been living in the RS Pura subdivision and they have been singled out in the panchayat elections.
Javeed Ali

Javeed Ali

MANJOT SINGH KOHLI, a 23-year-old Sikh girl from Udhampur district, is a rights activist. Her name is trending on social media, for what is an inspirational act. She is going to donate her kidney to an ailing Muslim friend, battling for her life at SKIMS, Srinagar. Her friend, 22-year-old Samreen Akhtar from Rajouri district, is suffering from organ failure and needs kidney transplant to survive. Her mothers kidney was declared unfit for transplantation.

When none of her relatives came forward, they posted a message on social media seeking a donor. Manjot was unaware of her friends illness and came to know about it through another friend.

In a flash, she called Samreen, saying she was coming to Srinagar to donate her kidney. She boarded the flight and upon landing, approached the authorisation committee at SKIMS for the transplant. Dozens of tests were performed on her and she was deemed fit for the transplant.

But the procedure is being delayed as Manjots family has sent a representation to SKIMS, urging the hospital authorities not to go ahead with it. But Manjot is resolute on her decision and has even pledged that she will knock the doors of the court if doctors acted against her will.

Manjots father has requested his daughter to reconsider her decision and return home. In a video message that has gone viral, he pleads that he is suffering from 75 per cent disability and wants her back home.

At a time when every soul is praising the selfless and humanitarian act, her family is apprehensive about their daughters health. They have rejected their daughters aspiration to save her friends life.

Every religion stresses on humanity. They say, saving one soul is like saving the whole humanity. Manjot is doing the same thing. Despite her different religious affiliation, she is willing to save her friend by donating an important organ. The uneasiness of her father is expected. After all, he has already lost his wife. He does not want anymore tragedy to befall his family. But our destinies are written by the Creator. We cannot rewrite it. We can only strive for the good of humanity.

In times of extreme animosity, when people are killing one another in the name of religion, here is a young Sikh girl, setting an incredible example of communal harmony. This compassionate and humane act has already won thousands of hearts and more will be inspired when she will finally donate her kidney to save a Muslim girl. Besides saving a human life, it will serve as an important message for communal harmony in a strife-torn state.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 9

Launching a massive show of strength in the national capital ahead of the winter session of Parliament, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and affiliate VHP today stepped up the heat against the Narendra Modi government on building a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Without naming anyone, senior Sangh leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi accused its political arm BJP of not fulfilling its promise on building the temple, saying we are not begging but expressing sentiments. Some among the right wing leaders and members of the sant samaj, who spoke at the congregation to pressure the BJP-led government to enact a legislation in the winter session without waiting for the Supreme Courts verdict on the Ram temple, also directly warned Modi of perils of ignoring the promise made by the BJP in subsequent manifestoes, including in 2014.

Joshi said those in power today had promised to construct the temple and should listen to people and fulfil their demands. Significantly, he also said a country that develops distrust for the judicial system cannot walk on the path of development. The Supreme Court should also delve into this factor and take public sentiments into account, he said.

Aiming at the BJP, Sadhvi Rithambara said: Ram ki baat karne wale thaath main hain (those who used to talk of Ram are now living a life of luxury) but still the mandir could not be made. However tall a statue of Ram you can make and light diyas Ayodhya till the time a Ram temple is not constructed, there can be no relief for Ram bhakts, she said in an obvious attack against UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Swami Hansdevacharya of Haridwar warned the Prime Minister of the perils of ignoring the warnings: We will not let him off until the temple is built. He must fulfil his promise. VHP president Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje said public sentiments should be respected in democracy.

The rally saw thousands of people in saffron topis descend on the Ramlila Maidan. Notably, not many BJP politicians could be sighted apart from some like Delhi MP Maheish Girri.

The title suit of the Ayodhya land dispute case is pending before the SC. In January, the court is expected to announce a date for the beginning of the hearing. With the dispute remaining unresolved for over 25 years, right-wing groups are demanding that the Centre sidestep the courts and go ahead with the temple building.

Law only option

We are not begging but expressing sentiments. Enacting a law is the only option for Ram temple. The movement will continue till the promise is fulfilled, The country wants Ram Rajya. Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, RSS leader
rajivbhatia82@gmail.com

New Delhi, December 10

Hectic political parleys marked the eve of counting of votes for five state assemblies, billed as semi-finals before the 2019 national polls, with the Congress asserting that the mandate from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram on Tuesday would send a "clear message" against the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

Rejecting the exit-poll results, most of which have forecast gains for Congress in at least four states including a clear majority in Rajasthan, the BJP leaders said the final results should be awaited even as they sought to de-link the state polls from the next year's Lok Sabha elections.

However, the stock markets reacted negatively with the benchmark Sensex plummeting by over 700 points on Monday, tracking the exit poll results.

On the other hand, opposition parties appeared emboldened with Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Samta Party quitting the ruling NDA (National Democratic Alliance) to join their ranks on a day when a number of non-BJP parties came together on a single platform in what was seen as their show of strength.

In Telangana, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi met interim chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao to extend his support and said he was sure about the ruling TRS coming back to power, while the BJP also hinted at its possible support.

The Congress-led alliance, however, appeared upbeat that it would get the mandate to dislodge KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known as, and form the next government. It also told Governor ESL Narasimhan that it should be treated as a single entity in the event of no party getting a clear majority.

For Madhya Pradesh, senior Congress leader Kamal Nath exuded confidence that his party would get at least 140 seats to form a majority government.

Counting of votes for the five state assemblies would begin at 8 am on Tuesday and a clear trend is likely to emerge by afternoon. Exit polls have mostly forecast a tight-race between the ruling BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Chhattisgarh, while many of them have given a clear majority to the Congress against the ruling BJP in Rajasthan.

For Telangana, exit polls have been divided between the TRS and the Congress-led opposition alliance. Same is the case for Mizoram where the ruling Congress is being challenged by its arch-rival in the state, Mizo National Front, while the BJP is also separately in fray.

Ahead of the results, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said people will give a "clear message" in form of results for the five assemblies and exuded confidence that the BJP would be ousted in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Over 8,500 candidates were in fray in polls for these assemblies and their electoral fate is currently sealed in over 1.74 lakh EVMs, stored in over 670 strongrooms across the five states.

A total of 678 assembly seats across five states went for polls, after polling was countermanded in one seat in Rajasthan due to death of a candidate.

Tight security arrangements have been made for the counting, especially in Chhattisgarh where at least 12 assembly seats are in Naxal-affected areas. Besides, there have been allegations related to the electronic voting machines.

These assembly elections are being seen as crucial for the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections as it is in power in three of these states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The Congress is in power in Mizoram, while the TRS ruled Telangana before the assembly was dissolved there.

The BJP is trying for a fourth term in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and is seeking to retain power in Rajasthan. The three states also played a significant role for the BJP in the 2014 general elections, when it had won 62 out of the 65 Lok Sabha seats in these three states.

The elections are also significant for Congress, which is out to challenge the BJP's rule in three states and protect its last bastion in the North-East, where Mizoram remains the only state not (rpt) not under the rule of BJP-led NDA. The eight North-East states together have 25 Lok Sabha seats.

In the multi-phase polling, Chhattisgarh voted on November 12 (18 seats) and November 20 (72 seats); Madhya Pradesh (230 seats) and Mizoram (40 seats) on November 28; and Rajasthan (199 seats) and Telangana (119 seats) on December 7.

In the 2013 elections in Mizoram, the Congress had won 34 seats, while MNF got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat. Since 1987, Mizoram has been ruled by either Congress or the MNF, while the BJP is yet to win an assembly seat there.

In Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the BJP has been in power for three consecutive terms, while Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government Rajasthan is seeking to defy a recent trend of the saffron party and the Congress being in power alternately.

KCR-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had formed the first government of the country's youngest state in 2014 after it was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

In the maiden polls for the 119-seat Telangana assembly, 1821 candidates were in fray and a voter turnout of 73.20 per cent was recorded.

Chhattisgarh recorded 76.60 per cent voter turnout, while the same for Madhya Pradesh was 75.05 per cent. Rajasthan recorded over 74 per cent voting, while it was nearly 80 per cent in Mizoram. - PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Jaipur, December 9

Boundary walls would be raised at accident-prone spots along rail tracks to stop people from crossing in those areas, Director General of Railway Police Force (RPF) Arun Kumar said here today.

A large number of people cross the tracks illegally and railways conduct awareness drives on a regular basis. Now, RPF teams have been directed to identify areas where people generally cross railway tracks, he told reporters here today. Kumar said after identifying such locations, permanent boundary walls will be constructed.

Raids were conducted across the country to bust the nexus of agents who booked rail tickets illegally through the e-ticketing system during the festival season, the officer said, adding a mobile application is being developed for the passengers to lodge their complaint in case of theft during journey.

Safety and security at stations and trains will be strengthened by monitoring the suspicious activities through network of CCTV cameras being installed in a phased manner, he said.  PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 9

Former Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash (retd) today did a reality check, pointing out how China outweighs India militarily, technologically and economically. For New Delhi to implement the idea of being the net security provider in the Indian Ocean will need resources, he said.

Even a threat by China is enough to set any government (in India) thinking, he said, during a discussion on Evolving Indo-Pacific Concept  A Game Changer on the concluding day of the Military Literature Festival here today.

The Admiral warned: If we neglect the armed forces, it will not help. Slogans are fine but people (other countries) are watching you intently and making assessments. On the future of the Indo-Pacific region  an area covering the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean  he said, questions remain if China will impede our sea-going trade through the South China Sea or the Pacific. Will it then force us to pull out our naval assets from the Indian Ocean, questioned the Admiral, a Naval Pilot who, when attached to the IAF, was awarded the Vir Chakra for his daring air raid on Peshwar in 1971.

The US, he said, had helped the rise of China by providing technology to encourage them to join the global world. All of a sudden, the US, based on intelligence reports, discovered that China was far ahead and reacted by announcing the pivot to Asia and also the rebalance. None has worked, he said. He made an interesting assertion saying over the years, the invaders, who came overland got assimilated, however, those who came over sea (British, French and Portuguese) colonised us.

Speaking at the session, Lt Gen AK Singh (retd), former Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said: Nobody is sure if China will remain within the system or will it establish a new one. A somewhat cold war has emerged in trade, technology and IPR (intellectual property rights).

Trade, he said, from South East Asia would not flow through the North-East via the road route. Questioning the diplomatic options, the retired General said: We are trying be omni-aligned, trying to be with everyone.

Former Ambassador Gurjit Singh pointed out how India had seen a great rise in stature and enjoyed more trust in Asia and Africa even though China was more visible.

Neglecting forces wont help

If we neglect the armed forces, it will not help. Slogans are fine but people (other countries) are watching you intently and making assessments. Admiral Arun Prakash (retd), ex-navy chief
editorial@tribune.com

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 9

As the opposition parties gear to hold their first big common strategy meeting here tomorrow to discuss the 2019 Lok Sabha elections strategy, all eyes will be on the two crucial regional players from Uttar Pradesh, the BSP and the SP.

Top sources privy to arrangements for the all-party opposition meet to be held tomorrow indicated that Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party may not attend the gathering. Sources also said the presence of Samajwadi Party representatives was expected but not confirmed.

The BSP is unlikely to be there and the likelihood of SPs presence is fifty-fifty, a top Congress strategist said today. Mayawati has already snubbed various Congress overtures in the past to stitch viable statewide alliances in order to prevent the division of anti-BJP votes. The BSP aligned with Ajit Jogi in Chhattisgarh and went alone in Madhya Pradesh accusing the Congress of arrogance in power-sharing talks.

Later, the BSP chief announced her plans to go alone in the LS poll as well. The SP, too, had appeared cut up with the Congress on the eve of the just-concluded five state elections with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav ruing over inertia on the part of the Congress in finalising seat-sharing modalities.

Although TDP Chief and Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, who is hosting tomorrows meet is expecting the BSP to change its mind about a wider non-BJP alliance for 2019, Mayawati hasnt shown any signs of thawing yet.

Let us wait and see who turns up tomorrow, a senior Congress leader said. Trinamool Congress Chief and Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is slated to attend the meeting so is the CPM and CPI leadership. NCP, RJD, RLD, NC, DMK are the other major parties in tow for tomorrows gathering.

Indications are that Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal may attend the meeting with the larger opposition expected to chalk out the contours of potential alliances for the 2019 General Election.

Both Mamata Banerjee and NCP chief Sharad Pawar favour state-wise pacts to maximise the electoral strength of the anti-BJP camp. Congress veteran P Chidambaram has also backed a similar plan, saying dominant state parties should strike viable alliances with other opposition parties to ensure the defeat of the BJP in 2019.

The Congress calculation is simple  BJP got only 31 per cent of the votes in 2014 LS polls. The remaining are out there to be tapped.

However, worries linger in the Opposition over the continued disenchantment of the BSP and recently of the SP. Uttar Pradesh with 80 LS seats remains the most crucial state for any potential anti-BJP plan. Without the BSP and the SP on board the oppositions UP applecart would be disturbed, upsetting national calculations. The BJP on its part is projecting PM Narendra Modi as the fulcrum of opposition efforts pitching 2019 as a Modi versus all battle.

Those expected

The meeting will see the presence of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh apart from Opposition stalwarts like Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah, Sitaram Yechury and perhaps even Arvind Kejriwal
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Islamabad, December 10

An official of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan staged a walkout of a SAARC meeting over the presence of a minister from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at the event, according to sources here.

Diplomat Shubham Singh left the meeting to register Indias protest over the presence of PoK minister Chaudhary Muhammad Saeed at the SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry meeting on the SAARC Charter Day in Islamabad on Sunday.

India considers Kashmir as its integral part and does not recognise any minister for PoK.

In 2016, India had pulled out of the 19th SAARC summit that was to be held in Islamabad after the deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri.

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to attend. No SAARC meeting has happened ever since.

India called off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September after the brutal killing of policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and the release of a postage stamp by Pakistan that glorified Kashmiri militant commander Burhan Wani. PTI
editorial@tribune.com

New Delhi, December 9

A small stretch of less than two per cent of the Yamuna accounts for 76 per cent of the rivers pollution, according to a monitoring committee overseeing its cleaning.

The committee has further said that the river is fighting to stay alive and it would not be possible to rejuvenate the Yamuna unless minimum environmental flow is provided as it is virtually reduced to a trickle and remains dry in some stretches for almost nine months of the year.

National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice AK Goel had in July formed the monitoring committee comprising retired expert member BS Sajwan and former Delhi chief secretary Shailaja Chandra and directed them to submit an action plan and detailed report on cleaning of the river by December 31.

The committee has submitted the details to the Delhi Government.

In the action plan, it is mentioned that although the Yamuna river flows only for 54 km from Palla to Badarpur through Delhi, the 22-km stretch from Wazirabad to Okhla, which is less than 2 per cent of the river length of 1,370 km from Yamunotri to Allahabad, accounts for about 76 per cent of the pollution level in the river.

This 2 per cent stretch from Wazirabad to Okhla sees maximum discharge of untreated industrial and domestic wastes.

The committee has suggested that a team of scientists be formed from CPCB, DPCC and other institutions like IIT-Delhi or NEERI to carry out inspections and submit reports to it for remedial action.

The team can look into the risks and benefits of an alternative way of routing the same quantity of water which can help in reducing the pollution level, it said.

The committee has also recommended a mechanism to be worked out jointly with DPCC and CPCB to install an online system for quality testing of water in the Yamuna at Palla and Wazirabad. Not only standard parameters would be included but also ammonia because this is brought up as a recurrent problem which impacts drinking water supply to Delhi, it said.

Another area of concern is the direct discharge of completely unregulated waste from industries and residences into the river. The industrial pollutants when mixed with domestic sewage are not amendable to treatment even by the STPs due to limitation of treatment technology, the committee rued.

Environmental experts have raised concern over the report of the committee, calling it a matter of shame and regret for Delhiites. This reflects very poorly on Delhi. It is a matter of great shame and regret for Delhiites. The condition of Yamuna could be bettered by improvement in the flow which is the only way through which it can be rejuvenated, said environmentalist Manoj Misra.

Another environmentalist Fayaz Khudsar suggested that building of constructive wetlands is a must for saving the Yamuna. The only way to save Yamuna is through building of constructive wetlands to mitigate pollution and using sewage treatment without energy consumption, said Khudsar, scientist in-charge of the Yamuna biodiversity park.

All sewage going directly to river causes massive pollution but if it passes through aquatic plants before entering the river then pollution can be reduced. It needs to be understood that a city of this size cannot be devoid of pollution and sewage needs to be treated at source, he said.  PTI

DIRTIEST FLOW

Although the Yamuna flows only for 54 km from Palla to Badarpur through Delhi, the 22-km stretch from Wazirabad to Okhla, which is less than 2% of the river length of 1,370 km from Yamunotri to Allahabad, accounts for about 76% of the pollution level in the river
amansharma@tribunemail.com

London, December 10

A UK court on Monday ordered the extradition of Vijay Mallya, wanted in India for alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

Following is the chronology of the case and its origin:

May 9, 2005: United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL) Chairman Vijay Mallya's luxury airline - Kingfisher Airlines - starts commercial operations.

2013: A consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India approached United Breweries Holdings Ltd for the payback of a loan amounting to Rs 6,493 crore on behalf of Kingfisher Airlines.

March 3, 2016: Mallya fled from India and took refuge in London.

February, 2017: India sent extradition request to UK.

April 18, 2017: Scotland Yard arrests Mallya on an extradition warrant after he surrenders at a central London police station. He is released on bail within hours after providing a bail bond worth 650,000 pounds.

June 13, 2017: The first case management hearing takes place at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London in the extradition case. Mallya's bail is extended until December 2017, for the start of the extradition trial.

July 6, 2017: Mallya appears for a hearing in the case despite an exemption from appearance in court.

September 14, 2017: Another case management hearing in the case when Mallya's defence team informs the court of plans to depose six experts they intend to rely upon in their evidence.

October 3, 2017: Mallya is re-arrested in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is released on the same bail conditions, as the CBI and ED cases are clubbed together for the purposes of the extradition trial.

Novembver 20, 2017: A pre-trial hearing in the case takes note of additional "supplemental" charges of money laundering to the previous charges of fraud, amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores.

December 4, 2017: Mallya's extradition trial begins.

December 5, 2017: Mallya's defence team lays out its counter-arguments, claiming there was no evidence to support the "nonsensical" case of fraud against their client.

December 7, 2017: The hearing resumes with Mallya's defence claiming his offer to pay back nearly 80 per cent of the principle loan amount owed to the Indian banks, led by State Bank of India, had been rejected.

December 11, 2017: Mallya's defence continues deposing its experts and tries to establish that the case against him is "politically motivated".

December 12, 2017: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) takes Mallya's defence team's political expert to task, claiming that he had relied on flawed material to discredit Indian investigation agencies like the CBI and ED in his testimony.

December 13, 2017: Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where Mallya is to be held on extradition, comes into focus as the defence seek to discredit its suitability through the witness statements of UK-based prison service expert Dr Alan Mitchell and the CPS dismiss his claims.

December 14, 2017: Both sides conclude the evidence stage of the trial, with the case moving into 2018 to complete all procedures.

January 11, 2018: The hearing returns for the judge to hear arguments for and against the admissibility of certain evidence in the case.

March 16, 2018: The judge notes that it is "blindingly obvious" to her that rules were being broken by Indian banks, which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines as the case returns for hearing.

April 27, 2018: The CBI gets a boost as the judge confirms that the bulk of the evidence submitted by the Indian authorities in the extradition case will be deemed admissible.

July 31, 2018: The court asks the Indian authorities to submit a video of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai to allay all doubts over its suitability as the case edges towards conclusion.

September 12, 2018: At the final hearing in the case, Mallya tells media outside the court that he met finance minister Arun Jaitley before he left India in March 2016. Jaitley instantly issues a statement to dismiss the comments as factually incorrect.

December 10, 2018: Westminster Magistrates' Court judge ordered the extradition of Mallya. The UK Home Secretary will have to sign Mallya's extradition order within two months. However, Mallya's defence team has a chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the verdict. - PTI
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

London, December 10

A UK court today ordered Vijay Mallyas extradition and said there were substantial misrepresentations in the billionaires characterisations of his financial dealings, in a major boost to Indias efforts to bring back the fugitive wanted for alleged bank fraud amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Judge Emma Arbuthnot said there was a prima facie case against Mallya and his human rights would not be infringed if he was extradited to India.

READ: Mallya extradition: Arthur Road Jail keeps high security cell ready

(Read the complete court order here)

She said 62-year-old Mallya misrepresented the state of the company and was not above using round robin methods to use the funds acquired for purposes other than specified to the banks.

She said loans were obtained based on false documents and banks had been fooled by ostensibly billionaires flamboyant personality.

The judge also said there was no sign of a false case being mounted against him. She referred the extradition case to Home Secretary of State Sajid Javid, who must also approve it.

The former Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail since his arrest in April last year. Mallya remains on the same bail conditions as before while the extradition order is signed off or not by the Home Secretary. He, meanwhile, has time to appeal the decision in the UK High Court.

In case Mallyas team does not file an appeal, and the Secretary of State agrees with the magistrates decision, then he must be extradited from the UK within 28 days of the Home Secretarys extradition order.

In Delhi, a CBI spokesperson welcomed the verdict.

Judge Arbuthnot said she accepted the Indian governments contention that since Mallya had such a high profile, his trial will be under great scrutiny. I find that Mallya will be able to raise with the court any overly prejudicial publicity, the judge said.

She said any suggestion that CBI courts are too pliable when it comes to CBI cases is not borne out by reliable evidence. I do not accept that the courts in India are there to do what the politicians tell them to do. As I have already said, the court will be under great scrutiny. I do not find any international consensus which would enable me to find that the judges in India are corrupt.  PTI

Banks in his thrall

Banks themselves had made a number of failings but there was little evidence officials had been involved in planning to defraud their own bank. They might have been in the thrall of this glamorous, flashy, famous, bejewelled, bodyguarded, ostensibly billionaire playboy who charmed and cajoled them into ignoring their own rules, regulations. Emma Arbuthnot, Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 10

There is consensus among opposition parties that the assault on institutions such as the RBI must be stopped, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Monday following the resignation of the central bank's governor Urjit Patel.

Gandhi's remarks came after top leaders of over a dozen opposition parties met here as part of attempts to forge a front to take on the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The much-anticipated Opposition meeting to discuss 2019 Lok Sabha election strategy was held at the Parliamentary House annexe in the National Capital.



The meeting was facilitated by N Chandrababu Naidu, TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh CM.

Chandrababu Naidu made a PowerPoint at the meeting flagging various issues. Stating that Modi is the first PM of democratic India to not hold a single press conference in the four years of his rule, he cited PMs governance failures on every front from jobs and MSP to Rafale deal and farmers insurance policy.

He accused the PM of promoting Gujarat-cadre officers in plum central government posts.

Naidu also flagged the issue of institutional crisis under the BJP-led NDA government talking of the ongoing standoff between the Centre and RBI, besides flagging gaps on MSP, rising fuel prices and inflation.

Following leaders attended the meeting: TDPs Naidu; Congress Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ashok Gehlot; TMC chief Mamata Banerjee; AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal; NCPs Sharad Pawar; NCs Farooq Abdullah; DMKs MK Stalin and M Kanimozhi; AIUDFs Badruddin Ajmal; RJDs Tejaswi Yadav; CPMa Sitaram Yechury; CPIs D Raja; and former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Upendra Kushwaha, who resigned from the council of ministers today, didnt attend the meeting.  With PTI inputs
editorial@tribune.com

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 9

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is more vulnerable than ever before even as long-range standoff weapons fired from planes and beyond visual-range missiles and drones have taken over in the modern air warfare where daring air raids with fighter jets flying across border may not be needed anymore.

These views were expressed by experts and former pilots, who have seen air battle during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, while debating Air Power Lessons Learnt from the 1965 War and their Implementation on the last day of the Military literature Festival (December 7-9) here today.

Responding to a question about the now role of the Indian Air Force in the context of Pakistan and China, Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd), who is Additional Director General of think-tank Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), said: A tandem manned and unmanned mission will be a reality. A human sitting inside a manned plane (fighter jet or transporter) will control the UAV that will be flying ahead to fire at a target. There will be a human behind the decision.

He said the capability existed to have long-range strikes, but unless we have total air dominance, the intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) facilities make it difficult. Yes, the beyond visual range (BVR) missiles are here to stay, he said, adding space-based weapons are far away. We are too far to see something fired from space at a ground target.

New Delhi-based Pushpinder Singh, author of several books on military, including one on the PAF, said: The PAF is more vulnerable than ever before. In 1965, he said, the PAF was cocky, they were young. Deep down inside they knew if they made a mistake, they could be wiped out.

They had this plan to strike at IAF bases, but they fumbled and messed up. However, he said, in the past five to seven years, the PAF honed its skill in fighting a mountain battle due to its efforts in North Waziristan.

Jagan Pilarisetti, author of two books  one each on 1965 and 1971 wars pointed out that during the 1965 battle, India did not have the air-to-air missile that the PAF had. There was no strategy to win the war. We were just reacting. Lessons were learnt and in 1971 it was a different no-holds-barred fight.

Air Marshal Bharat Kumar (retd) moderated the session. Group Captain RS Chhatwal discussed the role of radars in helping fighter pilots.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Islamabad, December 10

Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday.

Khans remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10.

This year, the Human Rights Day marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

On the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we reaffirm our full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for human dignity, respect and inalienable right to self-determination, he said.

He said this year is also significant for Pakistan as it had joined the UN Human Rights Council.

Pakistans membership of the Council, for the fourth time, is a testimony to the confidence of the international community in Pakistan, as a consensus builder within the international human rights policy framework, he said. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 10

Reaching out to the opposition a day ahead of Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his government is ready to discuss all issues of concern.

'We are ready to discuss all issues raised by the opposition. I hope the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament will be fruitful and constructive. I look forward to receiving the support of all parties, the PM said at the all-party meeting attended by top opposition leaders.

If needed, we will pass important bills till late into the evening, he said.

However, the opposition did not appear to be satisfied with the PMs appeal saying it would press for a joint parliamentary committee probe into the Rafale deal.

Several others issues, including the misuse of central probe agencies and autonomy for the RBI, were also raised by the opposition leaders which, they said, would be taken up during the session.

BJP ally Shiv Sena also raised the issue of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Amid a tussle between the government and the RBI, opposition parties have accused the NDA government of trying to damage every institution in the country by interfering in their autonomy and alleged that the central bank was being forced to open bank funding to defaulting corporates.


editorial@tribune.com

By Satya Prakash

More than 150 years after English philosopher and legal theorist Jeremy Bentham said witnesses are eyes and ears of justice, India has finally realised the importance of witnesses in criminal justice system.

Last week, the Supreme Court approved the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, prepared by the Centre. It directed all states and Union Territories to implement it forthwith in letter and spirit. A Bench headed by Justice AK Sikri declared that it shall be the law until a suitable enactment comes on the subject.

The scheme aims to ensure safety of witnesses and expeditious completion of trial and provides for identity protection and giving a new identity to witnesses in appropriate cases. Vulnerable witness deposition complexes have to be set up by states and UTs in each district by 2019. Protection is not expected to go on for infinite time; rather it would be for a specific duration on need basis which is to be reviewed regularly.

The top courts intervention was triggered by threat to witnesses in rape cases against self-styled preacher Asaram. But the Indian justice system is replete with instances of witnesses being threatened and even killed.

Witnesses often turn hostile in high profile cases, inflicting a body blow to prosecution case. Be it Vyapam scam of Madhya Pradesh or fodder scam of Bihar or the National Rural Health Mission scam of Uttar Pradesh  witnesses have been at the receiving end of the criminal-politician nexus with the police being a mute spectator, leaving courts with no option but to acquit the accused, at least the influential ones, for want of evidence.

Hostile witnesses are considered to be one of the main reasons for poor conviction rate in criminal cases, which stands at 46% in Indian Penal Code cases. But in many states its much lower.

Why do witnesses turn hostile? Primarily witnesses retract their statements before courts either due to threat or inducement as muscle and money power is used by accused to influence them to achieve a favourable outcome of trial. But what is ignored is the fact that protracted trials and hassles faced by witnesses during investigation and trial often play spoilsport in criminal cases. No wonder the SC termed the conditions of witnesses in the Indian legal system as pathetic.

In such a scenario, witnesses lose interest in the case. Also, due to inordinate delay they would fail to recollect exact details of the crime in question and their testimony may not be of the level of beyond reasonable doubt needed to convict an accused.

The present legal system takes witnesses completely for granted. They are summoned to court regardless of their financial and personal conditions they are not even suitably remunerated for the loss of time and the expenditure towards conveyance etc., the SC noted with concern.

Its not that the problem of witness protection was unknown or that it was not deliberated upon. The SC, the Law Commission, Malimath Committee, various high courts and even NGOs have been highlighting the problem and suggesting remedial measures from time to time. Despite all this, the issue was not on the priority list of the government, which had no scheme to deal with witnesses turning hostile due to threat or inducement.

While the SCs initiative on witness protection must be welcomed, its a sad commentary on the misplaced priorities of the Legislature and the Executive which often complain about judicial activism and overreach. If legitimate concerns of citizens are not addressed by the Legislature and the Executive, they are bound to approach the courts which in turn are obliged to intervene.

Its never too late for the political class to take note of it and address the issue of legislative and executive inaction.
editorial@tribune.com

New Delhi, December 9

A unanimous resolution by the Odisha Assembly urging the Centre to pass the Womens Reservation Bill today led Rahul Gandhi to ask Congress-led states to follow suit.

In a letter urging Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and CMs of Congress-ruled states and those where the party is in ruling alliance, party president Rahul Gandhi asked for resolutions to be passed regarding one-third reservation for women in Assemblies and Parliament.

Odisha Assembly was the first to pass the resolution on November 20. Citing it, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging for passage of the pending law.

Gandhi said detractors of the quota Bill have been proved wrong in the past by the way women have handled Panchayati Raj Institutions after the 73rd and the 74th amendments.

While Indian women have made rapid strides in all spheres, they continue to be severely under-represented in Parliament and Assemblies. India ranks 148th out of 193 countries in terms of percentage of women in Parliament, Gandhi wrote.

Recalling Rajya Sabha passing the Constitution 108th Amendment Bill in 2010 and the Bill subsequently lapsing after the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha, Gandhi said the Congress and several other parties had called on the PM to ensure the passage of the Bill and pledged support.

Meanwhile, a host of political leaders led by PM Narendra Modi, today wished UPA chief Sonia Gandhi on her birthday as she turned 72. A delegation of the DMK also called on her.  TNS
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

New Delhi, December 10

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL challenging the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly by Governor Satya Pal Malik.

We are not inclined to interfere (with the decision of the Governor), a Bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul said.

The Bench was hearing a PIL filed by BJP leader Gagan Bhagat, who was an MLA before the Assembly was dissolved.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which was in suspended animation, was abruptly dissolved by the Governor on November 21, hours after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress.

This was followed by another bid from the two-member Peoples Conference, which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti wrote to the Governor that her party, which has 29 MLAs, was backed by the National Conference and the Congress with 15 and 12 legislators, respectively.

The dissolution was announced by Malik in a communique released by the Raj Bhavan.

The six-month tenure of Governors rule ends on December 18. This will be followed by Presidents rule. The state Assemblys tenure was till October 2020.

Governors rule was clamped in the state on June 19 for a six-month period following the collapse of the Mehbooba Mufti-headed PDP-BJP coalition government after the saffron party withdrew support.

The state Assembly was kept in suspended animation so political parties could explore the possibility of forming a new government. PTI
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 10

Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) chief Upendra Kushwaha resigned from the Union Council of Ministers and walked out of the BJP-led NDA on Monday, a day before Parliaments Winter Session begins.

Kushwaha, in his resignation letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said he was dejected and betrayed by the PMs leadership, according to party sources.

It is unfortunate that the governments priority is not to work for the poor and oppressed, but to fix political opponents by hook or crook, Kushwaha said in the letter.

Making official his decision at a press conference, Kushwaha said, "Modi has failed to rise to peoples expectations.

We had high expectations from the Prime Minister. We had hoped that the BJP under Modi would work for the social upliftment. We also hoped that he would announce a special package for Bihar.

Kushwaha said he was feeling "cheated" on many counts. "Not just did the PM could not meet our expectations on the upliftment of Dalits and backward classes, there was also no effort on getting their correct numbers through Census despite our repeated requests," he said.

The RLSP is the second ally to leave the NDA fold after the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP

Kushwaha also criticised the BJP for liaisoning with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led JD-U, who had walked out of the alliance after Modi was announced the prime ministerial candidate in 2013. Kushwaha said not just was Bihar rapidly sliding, Kumar was personally against him and his party.

Kushwaha is expected to join the Opposition parties meeting today.

Kushwaha has been critical of the BJP since it announced that the saffron party and the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) would contest 17 seats each in Bihar.

As per the tentative arrangement, the RLSP was to be given two seats, one less than the number it had contested in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, leaving the lions share for the JD-U.

Coming ahead of the declaration of Assembly election results of the five states tomorrow, the decision will come as a blow to the NDA unity and also perceptions against the BJP-led alliance.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 10

With the exit polls predicting confusion, all eyes are on December 11 when results will be declared for the Assembly elections to five states.

Whichever way they swing, the results of the mini general election will hold important clues for all political parties on trends and messages from the ground, including on much-written-about farmers anger and agrarian distress, especially in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Rural distress is said to be a big game changer in the 2019 general election for the BJP, which believes the anger has been whipped up by opposition for political gain to counter the good work in the sector done by the Modi government. Also, the allegations it is facing on unemployment.

For regional players, especially fence-sitters (and they include some small partners currently with the BJP-led NDA), Tuesdays result will provide a clearer picture of the way forward. They will also be barometer of their independent political relevance other than being an alleged vote spoiler a Plan B operator for main partiesthe BJP and the Congress.

For some of the key regional players like the Samajwadi Party and the BSP, they are a test of their standalone negotiating capabilities. For example, in the 90-member Chhattisgarh Assembly, exit polls have given only around five to seven to an interesting alliance between Mayawati-led BSP and breakaway Congress leader Ajit Jogi, providing a third angle to what would otherwise have been a direct fight between the Congress and the BJP.

In the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly, an independent BSP has averaged only around two seats in the exit polls. The vote share of others in the gamut will be something to watch out for as it will show whether regional players are capable of more other than dividing the anti-BJP votes or hold on their own on the basis of individual relevance in the eventuality of an anti-BJP Third Front taking shape.

Meanwhile, so far as the Congress is concerned, it has a lot more riding on this mini general election than the BJP, which is definitely in a better position to absorb a setback; one, because of an advantageous position at the Centre and two, because of better reach in several states.

If the Congress does not do well now with all the odds visibly stacked against the BJP, the grand old party can kiss goodbye any chances it may be harbouring for 2019. Ground reports suggest better tidings for it, despite the confused exit poll results, though.

For the grand old party, any recovery from this stage would not just be more difficult, it may also stand to lose much on the negotiation table if it wants to join any anti-BJP grouping. In fact, sources in the BJP say they would rather not do very well in these elections and let the peoples anger, if any, be expended now than carry it forward and manifest later in the general election.
editorial@tribune.com

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, December 9

Residents of Fazilka are suffering for lack of medical intervention. About 80 per cent posts of ayurvedic medical officer and para-medical staff have been lying vacant for long.

Sources said there were 21 dispensaries in Fazilka district, out of which 20 were in rural areas, while the lone urban dispensary was in Abohar. Only four ayurvedic medical officers are running 21 dispensaries, which have five pharmacists.

The remaining posts are yet to be filled.

Due to the staff crunch, the dispensaries are opened only two days a week. A doctor visits a dispensary every week to attend to patients. On other days, the dispensaries are managed by midwives, Dr Joginder Pal, District Ayurvedic and Unani Officer, Fazilka, said.

The office of District Ayurvedic and Unani Medical Officer is on the third floor of the Civil Hospital. The board put up outside his office is broken.

Residents said the government should open dispensaries in Fazilka and Jalalabad to offer subsidised ayurvedic services.

Pal said the matter had been brought to then notice of the higher authorities many times, but to no avail.
editorial@tribune.com

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 9

Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday said he would not attend the Cabinet meeting on Monday as he has been advised by his doctor not to speak till his next visit to Apollo Hospital in Delhi on December 11.

Showing his recently penned poem on relations with Pakistan while basking in the winter sun at his official residence here, Sidhu said, My vocal cords are damaged and need rest and treatment to recuperate. Continuous helicopter travel is detrimental to my health as I had suffered a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) due to excess air travel some years ago. I am undergoing balm therapy and have been asked not to speak till Tuesday, wrote Sidhu on a pad.

On his participation in the election campaign recently, Sidhu wrote, I can say with full confidence that we are winning the elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Public reaction showed that they want a change.

When asked that he would miss another opportunity to meet Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh after his controversial remark, Sidhu scribbled, I have nothing in my heart. The statement - Who Capt - has been distorted. The press conference was over and the journalist had asked me a question on Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. He then connected it to Capt Amarinder Singh. In the news, later, he picked up just one line and chose to ignore the fact that I had also said Capt Sahab is like a father figure.

He wrote, I am convinced that in case the Congress wins the 2019 General Election, our borders with Pakistan will open.

He showed his lines that he claimed got 300 likes on Twitter: Ekk jhappi je langha khole, Taan dooji jhappi paiyae, Teeji chauthi panjvi chhevin, Sauvin jhappi paiyae

Earlier, Sidhu along with a group of Indian journalists had taken part in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor in Narowal, 120 km from Lahore, on November 28.

The 4 km-long corridor will connect Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district with Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, Narowal in Pakistan. The corridor will provide visa-free access to the Indian Sikh pilgrims to the gurdwara.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 9

Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar today said SAD president Sukhbir Badal and his family should be subjected to a 10-year ban from public and professional life for having dishonoured Akal Takht and used it to their political ends.

Jakhar also questioned the SGPC chief on his role in allowing the Badal familys rituals and whether Akal Takht could be allowed to be used for political atonement for sins.

Speaking to media, Jakhar said: The Badals have used religion for political gains. Does a court or a judge ever roll out a red carpet for a convict. Sukhbir has become his own convict, advocate and judge. He has misused the religion in the 10 years of his reign and now in the name of seeking atonement he is using the name of Akal Takht. I request the Jathedar to ban the Badal clan from public and political life for 10 years.

He said: "I would also like to ask the SGPC chief about his role in the matter. He is setting a bad precedent and bringing disrepute to the top Sikh body. Can every political offender walk on the red carpet and do sewa?
editorial@tribune.com

Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Bargari (Faridkot), December 9

Winding up the 192-day Insaaf Morcha at Bargari to press for action against those responsible for the acts of sacrilege in 2015, parallel acting Akal Takht jathedar Dhian Singh Mand today said he had not reached a tactical understanding with the Punjab government. We are not ending the morcha but entering a new phase of struggle for greater success.

He said the next phase would be announced after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple on Tuesday.

Even as the gathering seemed unimpressed, Mand explained they had modified their strategy in the larger interests of the Panth to force those resisting the arrest of the people behind sacrilege cases, action against police officials who opened fire at Behbal Kalan and release of Sikh prisoners to give in.

Before Mands announcement, Congress ministers Sukhjinder Randhawa and Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa told the protesters that the demands of their leaders had been accepted. Not convinced, people began to walk away even as Panthic leaders Simranjit Singh Mann (SAD-Amritsar chief) and Baljit Singh Daduwal tried to mollify the crowd.

Randhawa and Bajwa assured that the government had decided to cancel the cases registered against Sikhs under Section 295-A of the IPC (hurting religious sentiments) on the complaint of Dera Sacha Sauda followers, to rechristen Bargari as Bargari Sahib and award compensation to those injured in the Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura police firing.

All 23 culprits in the sacrilege cases have been arrested. A battery of senior lawyers will oppose the stay on the arrest of four police officers held guilty of police firing, Randhawa tried to convince the gathering.

On the Sikh prisoners, he claimed the government would introduce a Bill to ensure their release or transfer to Punjab.

When Daduwal pointed out that the protesters wanted to see the Badals arrested in sacrilege cases, the minister said an SIT was probing their role.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 10

The Punjab cabinet meeting on Monday has been cancelled because of CM Capt Amarinder Singhs ill-health. The meeting has been postponed to Tuesday afternoon.

Amarinder also skipped the Navjivan function at Mohali near here on Monday. A spokesman of the Chief Ministers office said he was advised rest for 48 hours.

Amarinder had undergone routine tests at the PGI on Sunday as a follow-up on the viral illness he had suffered last week.

Doctors had said that all tests were found okay and the Chief Minister was suffering from slight weakness as a result of the earlier bout of viral fever.

Meanwhile, Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday had said that he would not attend the cabinet meeting on Monday as he had been advised by the doctor not to speak till his next visit to Apollo Hospital in New Delhi on December 11.

Showing his recently penned poem on relations with Pakistan while basking in the winter sun at his official residence here, Sidhu said, My vocal cords are damaged and need rest and treatment to recuperate.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 9

Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal today announced that the state government would set up a special corpus to making the Military Literature Festival a permanent annual feature, regardless of party in power.

Speaking at the conclusion of the festival, he underlined the need for an amendment to the Constitution for nominating representatives from the ex-servicemen fraternity to the Rajya Sabha, besides ensuring their due representation in block samitis, zila parishads, panchayats and other democratically constituted bodies.

Badal said after having deliberations with the ex-servicemen and serving defence personnel by visiting various parts of the country, he was convinced that they preferred izzat (self-esteem) to pecuniary benefits. He underscored the need for giving due respect and recognition to these great sons of the nation, to whom the society owed a debt.

Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh could not attend the concluding session due to health reasons. The festival was organised in collaboration with the Armys Western Command.

Chief Ministers senior adviser Lt Gen (retd) Tejinder Singh Shergill said the event would go a long way in motivating youth to join defence forces in the larger interest of the nations security, integrity and sovereignty.

A remembrance ceremony was held where lineal descendants of World War I martyrs and Victoria Cross recipients were honoured. These included Lt John Smyth, 2nd Battalion, Sikh Regiment; Subedar Darwan Singh Negi, 6 Mechanised Infantry Battalion; Rifleman Gabbar Singh Negi, 2nd Garhwal Rifles; Lance Dafadar Gobind Singh, 2nd Lancers; Major George Godfrey Wheeler, 18 Cavalry; Subedar Lala, 3 Dogra; Rasaldar Badlu Singh, Deccan Horse; Lt Frank Alexander Depass, Poona Horse; Major George Wheeler, 2/9 Gorkha Rifles; and Riflemen Karan Bahadur Rana, 2/3 Gorkha Rifles.

Manpreet Badal later released a book, An Insight  The Iconic Battle of Saragarhi  Echoes of the Frontiers, written by Brig Kanwaljit Singh (retd).
laxmi@tribune.com

MR. Banerjea in his speech in Bradlaugh Hall claimed that the only way of saving the Montagu-Chlemsford scheme was to take up the attitude in regard to it that he and others had done. The Sydenham party in England, said the speaker, condemned the scheme on the alleged ground of it going too far. Here in India some people said that it did not go far enough. What the British Parliament and the British Government might well say on hearing both was that the scheme might as well be dropped because it failed to please any party. With all the respect that is due to his eminent position and his vast experience of public affairs we are bound to join issue with our distinguished countrymen. It is easy to cite any number of cases of proposed reform in every country in regard to which it could be said, with just as much truth as in this case, that while some people thought it went too far, others thought it did not go far enough. Was the proposed reform abandoned in all those cases?
editorial@tribune.com

Dehradun, December 9

Migration from development-starved villages of Uttarakhand, especially those in the hills, continues to present a grim picture with over 700 of them totally depopulated in seven years.

Of nearly 16,500 villages in Uttarakhand, as many as 734, mostly in the hilly areas, are totally depopulated. Not a soul lives in them, vice president of Uttarakhand Rural Development and Migration Commission S S Negi told PTI.

Such ghost villages with their houses lying in ruins and fields overgrown with vegetation abound in Pauri district where 186 out of 298 villages are totally depopulated, he said citing a report submitted to the state government recently by the commission.

Pauri is the worst hit by migration followed by Almora district where a study by a commission team is already underway.

The data covers a period of seven years after the 2011 census, he said.

Describing the situation as grim, the commissions vice president said while migration from development-starved hill areas is a common problem total depopulation of villages is unique to Uttarakhand.

Wherever there is lack of development in the country or anywhere in the world, migration is a reality but total depopulation of villages is a rare phenomenon which seems Uttarakhand specific, he observed.

One of the reasons behind total depopulation is that while migration from states like Bihar is of a temporary and seasonal nature, outflux from the hill villages of Uttarkhand is of a permanent nature, he said.

While people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh for instance migrate often to work as labourers in urban areas temporarily and come back, those who migrate from Uttarakhand hills are often educated people who do so in search of better employment opportunities and prospects for settling down, the commissions vice president said.

There are also a number of villages in the state where the population size is 8-10 or 2-3 people.

Citing an instance, Negi said while touring Nainidanda block of Pauri district they came upon a village where no one lives except a retired post master and his wife who said they bolt the doors of their house at 4 pm and keep indoors in the fear of leopards.

There are also villages in Nainidanda block where there is no male population with all of them working outside and in case of one of the women dying men have to be sent from neighbouring villages to carry the bier on their shoulders and participate in the funeral, he said.

Pegging the rate of migration at 50 per cent, Negi underlined the need for immediate steps to boost rural economy to stop further migration from Uttarakhands villages.

The basic factors behind the high rate of migration from Uttarakhands villages is lack of income avenues, non-accessibility of quality education and quality health care.

The situation can be improved only through creation of better income avenues with fresh impetus to ecotourism, Negi said.

Five-star tourism is obviously not going to work in villages. A renewed thrust on ecotourism like home stays and adventure tourism activities like trekking, rafting, etc, may create better income avenues for locals and stop further migration from our villages, he said.

Temple tourism is another area which needs to be paid more attention as villages of Uttarakhand abound with centuries-old temples that can attract people and generate income avenues for locals, he suggested. Better facilities can be created for devotees around these temples which will create employment opportunities for locals and increase their income, he said.  PTI

Lack of income avenues, healthcare to blame
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Washington, December 10

Jamal Khashoggis final words were I cant breathe, CNN said on Sunday, citing a source who has read the transcript of an audio tape of the final moments before the journalists murder.

The source told the US network the transcript made clear the killing was premeditated, and suggests several phone calls were made to give briefings on the progress.

CNN said Turkish officials believe those calls were made to top officials in Riyadh. Khashoggi, a Saudi contributor to The Washington Post, was killed shortly after entering the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

The transcript of the gruesome recording includes descriptions of Khashoggi struggling against his murderers, CNN said, and references sounds of the dissident journalists body being dismembered by a saw.

The original transcript was prepared by Turkish intelligence services, and CNN said its source read a translation version and was briefed on the probe into the journalists death.

Saudi Arabias foreign minister on Sunday, meanwhile, rejected demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of Khashoggi as sought by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan has repeatedly called on Saudi Arabia to hand over suspects in the killing. According to Turkey, a 15-member Saudi team was sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia, however, holds that it was a rogue operation gone wrong--a claim undercut by the reported transcript. For his part US President Donald Trump has refrained from blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, even though the CIA reportedly concluded that he ordered the assassination.

The murder has damaged Riyadhs international reputation and Western countries, including the United States, France and Canada, have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals. AFP
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Yerevan, December 10

Armenias acting prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, bolstered his authority as his political bloc won early parliamentary elections in the former Soviet country on Sunday, the Central Election Commissions (CEC) results showed.

My Step Alliance, which includes Pashinyans Civil Contract Party, won 70.4 percent of the vote based on results from all polling stations, the CEC said on its website.

Results showed that two moderate opposition parties - Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia - got enough votes to clear the 5 percent threshold to enter parliament.

Pashinyan came to power in Armenia in May after weeks of mass protests against corruption and cronyism. The former newspaper editor, who was jailed for fomenting unrest in 2008, marked a dramatic break from the cadre of rulers who have run Armenia since the late 1990s.

He stepped down in October so parliament could be dissolved ready for the early election but remained the acting prime minister.

Armenian citizens created a revolutionary majority at the parliament, Pashinyan told reporters at his blocs headquarters after first results were published.

If this trend continues, the majority wont face any problems in implementing legislative changes, he said.

After a change of power in the South Caucasus country of around 3 million people, Pashinyans government sought to initiate changes to the electoral code. But the move was blocked by the former ruling Republican Party, which dominated the parliament.

The Republican Party received 4.70 percent of the vote and it was not clear whether it managed to enter parliament. Under Armenias constitution, 30 percent of seats in parliament must go to opposition parties.

Former high-ranking officials were sacked and some were arrested following the change of power. An appeals court ordered the detention of former President Robert Kocharyan on Friday on charges of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order.

He was first arrested in July but freed the following month, and the case was sent to the appeals court. Kocharyan was Armenias second president, serving from 1998 to 2008, when mass protests erupted over a disputed election.

Pashinyan promised after taking office there would be no major shifts in Armenian foreign policy and has offered assurances he will not break with Moscow.

Armenia hosts a Russian military base and is a member of Russia-led military and economic alliances.

Pashinyan also suggested he would stick with existing policies on the long-running issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.

A mountainous part of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh is run by ethnic Armenians who declared independence from Baku during a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union crumbled in 1991.

Though a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia still regularly accuse each other of conducting attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Azeri-Armenian border. Reuters
uttara@tribuneindia.com

Oslo, December 10

Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege and Yazidi activist Nadia Murad, an Islamic State sex slave survivor, will be presented with the Nobel Peace Prize Monday, as they challenge the world to combat rape as a weapon of war.

Mukwege, dubbed "Doctor Miracle" for his work helping victims of sexual violence, and Murad, who has turned her experience into powerful advocacy for her Yazidi people, will receive the prize at a ceremony in Oslo.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee in October said the prize was "for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict".

The laureates, who have dedicated their award to rape victims across the world, have said they hope the Nobel will raise awareness of sexual violence and make it harder for the world to ignore it.

"We cannot say that we didn't act because we didn't know. Now everyone knows. And I think now the international community has a responsibility to act," Mukwege told reporters at a news conference on Sunday.

The prize was not a "victory", but could be seen "as the start of a new struggle, a new struggle against this type of evil", he added.

The surgeon has spent 20 years treating the wounds and emotional trauma inflicted on women in the DR Congo's war-torn east.

"What we see during armed conflicts is that women's bodies become battlefields and this cannot be acceptable," he said.

Fellow laureate Murad has become a tireless campaigner for the rights of Yazidis since surviving the horrors of captivity under the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria where they targeted her Kurdish-speaking community.

Captured in 2014, she suffered forced marriage, beatings and gang-rape before she was able to escape.

She said the Nobel was "a sign" for the thousands of women still held by jihadists.

"This prize, one prize cannot remove all the violence and all the attacks on pregnant women, on children, on women and give them justice," Murad said on Sunday.

But she said she hoped it would "open doors so that we can approach more governments", to bring the perpetrators to court and "so that we can find a solution and actually stop what is happening".

The co-laureates have come to represent the struggle against a global scourge that goes well beyond any single conflict.

"Each of them in their own way has helped to give greater visibility to war-time sexual violence, so that the perpetrators can be held accountable for their actions," said Nobel committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen, when the award was announced in October.

Mukwege has treated tens of thousands of victimswomen, children and even babies just a few months oldat Panzi hospital which he founded in 1999 in DR Congo's South Kivu province.

Murad, now UN ambassador for victims of human trafficking, was among thousands of Yazidi women and girls who were abducted, raped and brutalised by jihadists during their assault in 2014.

Older women and men faced summary execution during the Islamic State assault, which the United Nations has described as a possible genocide. Murad's mother and six of her brothers were killed.

A UN team authorised to investigate the massacre of the Yazidi minority is due to finally start fieldwork in Iraq next year.

Murad said "steps towards justice" had given her hope.

But she stressed that "not a single ISIS terrorist" (using another acronym for the Islamic Sate) has appeared in court, adding "this injustice will continue in this world if it is not dealt with now".

The choice to highlight campaigns against sexual violence comes as a rape scandal has shredded the reputation of the Swedish Academy and led to the postponement of this year's Nobel Literature Prize to 2019.

A Stockholm court on December 3 found the 72-year-old husband of a Swedish Academy member guilty on appeal of two counts of rape, jailing him for two-and-a-half years.

The Nobel Peace Prizea gold medal, diploma and nine million Swedish Krona (880,000 euros, a million dollars)will be officially presented in a ceremony in Oslo City Hall on Monday.  AFP
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

New York, December 10

Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill American soldiers, US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said, asserting that Washington should not give Islamabad even a dollar until it addresses the issue.

Haley, the first Indian-American ever appointed to a Cabinet position in any US presidential administration, said the US did not need to give money to countries that wish harm to America, go behind its back and try and "stop us from doing things".

"...I think there should be a strategic view on which countries we partner with, which ones we count on to work with us on certain things, and move forward accordingly. I think we just blindly allow money to keep going without thinking that this is real leverage. We have to use it," Haley told US magazine 'The Atlantic'.

"The one example I'll give you is, look at Pakistan. Giving them over a billion dollars, and they continue to harbour terrorists that turn around and kill our soldiers that's never okay. We shouldn't even give them a dollar until they correct it. Use the billion dollars. That's not a small amount of change," she said.

Haley will step down as the UN envoy at the end of this year. US President Donald Trump last week nominated chief State Department spokeswoman and a former Fox News journalist Heather Nauert as Haley's successor.

In October, Haley announced that she was leaving the post by the end of the year. The 46-year-old former South Carolina governor has served nearly two years in the post.

She said Pakistan should be told "you have to do these things before we will even start to help you with your military or start to help you on counterterrorism".

Asked if she does not agree that foreign aid can turn an adversary into an ally, or can make a country more favourable than it would be otherwise, Haley said, "no, I think it absolutely can. I think that you do have to use it as leverage".

"I don't think you should blindly give it and then expect goodwill. You have to ask for goodwill and then give it when you see good things happen," she said.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled US$ 300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.

Last month, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying Islamabad does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government helped late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Rawalpindi.

Referring to Laden and his former compound in Abbottabad in Pakistan, Trump told Fox News, "you know, living  think of this  living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer".

"But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," Trump said.

The US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed Laden in 2011 and demolished the compound.

"We give Pakistan US$ 1.3 billion a year... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them USD 1.3 billion a year - which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

Trump began the new year by launching an attack on Islamabad in his first tweet of 2018, accusing it of "lies and deceit".

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools," he wrote.

"They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump added. PTI
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

London, December 9

Thousands of protestors marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard.

The pro-Brexit march through London, dubbed the Brexit Betrayal march, was met by a counter-protest at the same time but taking different routes.

The Metropolitan Police had earlier urged protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful but indicated it is taking no chances against the backdrop of some violent clashes during the Yellow Vests street protests in the neighbouring French city of Paris over the weekend.

The right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption, said Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor.

The Met Police has said it would keep the two rival sides apart by issuing two separate routes for them to follow though the West End. The conditions have been imposed under Section 12 and 14 of the UKs Public Order Act, 1986.

Far-right group English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson has joined the pro-Brexit march called by the anti-Europe UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the counter-protesters including groups like Unite Against Fascism and grassroots group Momentum rallying together against the far-right extremists.

Meanwhile, a rally is also taking place in London organised by pro-EU group Best for Britain and the Peoples Vote campaign for another referendum to revisit the June 2016 vote.  PTI
Photo taken on Dec. 8, 2018 shows the scene of the 4th Global Diplomats Chinese Cultural Night in Beijing. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

The 4th Global Diplomats Chinese Cultural Night themed Tasting China, Strengthening People-to-people Ties was held in Beijing on Dec. 8, 2018. Over 400 diplomats from 157 countries and regions and about 1,000 Chinese representatives of enterprises and scholars attended the activity.

The Global Diplomats Chinese Cultural Night was first launched by LOOKWE. Founded in 2003, LOOKWE International Cultural Development Co. Ltd. Functions as a platform for promoting communications on aspects of economic & trade, culture, and tourism between China and other countries around the world.

8

1

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
Advantis Engineering, a subsidiary of Hayleys Advantis Limited, recently completed the design, construction and furnishing of a lobby area for patients awaiting heart surgery at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH).

The team at Advantis Engineering, who have been working with the staff of LRH for many years, identified the need for a lobby that would help sooth a scared child who is on the way for a surgery.

The new lobby is furnished with comfortable seating, colorful walls, plenty of toys, a fish tank, and a TV to keep the children entertained and distracted whilst they await their surgery.

Commenting on the upgraded lobby Dr. Shehan Perera said, The newly gifted Cath-lobby is a fantastic addition to the hospital, especially to the kids who are undergoing heart catheter procedures and their parents at the Heart Centre at Lady Ridgeway Childrens hospital. In the past, children were lined up in a busy, noisy and crowded corridor, with no space to breathe or move around. They were terrified at awaiting their turn to be taken for the procedure. Also, seeing those who have had their procedure being taken past them was also very traumatic and stressful, which is a terrible experience.

Now the Cath- Lobby provides them with a fairytale like space where they completely forget about the scary procedure that they are to undergo. The kids who come now do not want to leave the lobby because they feel so comfortable and happy in it.

Dr. Shehan Perera extended a very big thank you to the Advantis team for the wonderful gift of an out-of-this-world Cath-Lobby. He commented, Seeing the relieved faces of kids and their parents is an absolutely heartwarming experience, and any expression of gratitude from kids as well as parents for such a beautiful place is worth more than a thousand words.

This was the second phase of Advantis Engineerings ongoing work with LRH which began in 2016 when the company stepped forward to construct the storage area for the HOPE Operating Theater. This first phase of development, enabled the hospital to open up space for another operating theater which added to their capacity to save lives. Ultimately, this helped the hospital to perform two to three additional surgeries per day.

The Advantis Engineering team handled the entire process from planning and design to the final construction of the lobby. Advantis Engineering also donated all furniture and entrainment equipment as well. The construction of the space required the careful demolition of an existing hospital area without disrupting the day-to-day activities or causing any additional distress to the patients. With extensive experience in the construction business, Advantis Engineering was able to complete this complex project safely, efficiently and on time.

Commenting on the project, Kamal Wimalaratne, General Manager, Advantis Engineering, said, As a company that always puts the community first, we at Advantis Engineering are proud to be able to assist LRH in the great work they are doing through the use of our innovative space solutions. We hope that this new lobby with its enjoyable features will continue to create a better environment for the children preparing for treatment, and reduce the stress-levels of parents in the waiting room.

Founded in 1895 the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children is Sri Lankas premier pediatric hospital and is considered amongst the largest pediatric hospitals in the world with a bed-strength of over 900.

Advantis Engineering, a fully owned subsidiary of Hayleys Advantis Limited, constantly strives to provide innovative accommodation solutions for a wide variety of industries. Operating with the latest technology applications, the company has expanded its service offering over the years, ensuring that the best of mobile accommodation solutions are available right here in Sri Lanka. It is also the only company in Sri Lanka that is operating with a fully-fledged sheltered manufacturing plant for container conversions. Hayleys Advantis is the transportation and logistics arm of Hayleys PLC, a diversified blue-chip multinational conglomerate, recognized as the number 1 listed company in Sri Lanka.
UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today informed UNP MPs, provincial councillors and organizers that a mass protest rally participated by members of several political parties and civil society organizations will be held in Colombo on Monday, December 17.

According to what the UNP leaders told those gathered at Temple Trees, the protesters will march from all over the country for the rally at Galle Face Green.

Our lawyers have informed us that the Supreme Court decision on the petition filed against the dissolution may be delayed even till Friday. Therefore we decided to hold 'Jana Bala Meheyuma protest next week after the judgement is given, Mr. Wickremesinghe said. We will join this protest with the others who are concerned over the President and his cohorts attempting to administer this country by bypassing Parliament. It is the people who have the right to decide when the election should be held. We must be alert to the fact that the present political crisis has everything to do with the peoples rights."

He said it was Parliament and the people who should decide who becomes the Prime Minister. There have been times when the President is from one party while a rival party obtains a majority in Parliament. I got the opportunity of becoming the Prime Minister in such a situation in 2001, Mr. Wickremesinghe said.

UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa said the struggle against the constitutional coup is continuing because of the interest shown by party members at grassroots level. He stressed the need to launch the struggle at the village level as well. (Yohan Perera)
Our sister paper Lankadeepa on Thursday reported that 35 students of Paanama Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya had to submit affidavits to sit for the GCE Ordinary Level examinations, as their names in their national identity cards and examination admission cards had been distorted. It said that lack of knowledge in Sinhala among the officials in Batticaloa Divisional Secretariat had caused the blunder and this had seriously affected the young minds of the concerned candidates of the examination.

Very few in the country might know that the matter is a minor manifestation of a larger issue that had largely contributed to the thirty-year long war which claimed nearly hundreds of thousands of lives. That is why we chose to discuss the issue which might have been ignored by the large majority of the population.



Needless to say that the psychological effect of the incident has the potential to dishearten at least some of the students affected by the blunder made by the officials. The Lankadeepa story further states that this was not the first time Paanama school students had faced this problem. In fact, it cannot be only Paanama students who had been faced with this injustice, as in many places and on many occasions names of people belonging to one linguistic community are written in official documents by the members of another linguistic community.



Though this issue might have so far been new or trivial to the Sinhalese community, distortion of names of Tamil-speaking people in official documents by the Sinhalese officials is a long drawn or decade-long complaint among the Tamil-speaking communities -- Tamils and Muslims. Especially distortion of names in birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, identity cards, and title deeds etc., had been a continuous complaint. And this and the correspondence between the state and the Tamil-speaking people in Sinhala language had been a part of a greater issue called the language problem.



It is a well-known fact that the war between the Tamil armed groups and the armed forces triggered in 1970s and 1980s was a violent political manifestation of frustration against the language issue that came to a head with the introduction of the Official Language Act of 1956, commonly known as the Sinhala Only Act, among others. And as we have mentioned above the distortion of names in documents and sign boards is a long drawn indication of the language problem.

Despite Tamil Language also becoming an Official Language through the much talked-about Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987 and the resultant controversial 13th Amendment to the Constitution, Tamil media still complain about distortion of names of people and places in official documents and sign boards. In Colombo alone there are so many sign boards of government institutions where the names are wrongly written. They also lament on the government officials corresponding with the Tamil-speaking people in Sinhala.



On the other hand, Sinhalese in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, like the students of Paanama also complain about the distortion of their names and correspondence with them in Tamil. Hence, in spite of the Tamil armed rebellion being militarily suppressed nearly ten years ago, we still have to discuss about the causes of ethnic distrust.



Some 25 years ago, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), on behalf of the Tamils and the Muslims in the coastal areas of Ampara District, demanded a separate Kachcheri or a District Secretariat in Kalmunai manned by officials conversant in Tamil. The reason they cited was the inability of the Tamil-speaking people in those areas to interact with the Sinhalese officials at the Ampara District Secretariat who were not conversant in Tamil. However, some elements among the politicians and the media depicted it as a separatist demand and it is still an unresolved issue.



Despite we, the journalists, too sometimes making mistakes in this regard, we are taught to pay special care when writing names, as nobody likes to see his/her name distorted and hence nobody has the right to distort another persons name. Since Sinhala and Tamil languages are phonetically written, they are more prone to make mistakes in this regard.



Despite some issues seeming to be trivial, they might have the potential to create crises involving an entire nation, as we witnessed for over 30 years since 1970s.
The Sweden-based global asset management company, Tundra Fonders Tundra Sustainable Frontier Fund in its latest update has said that an early election would be clearly positive for Sri Lankas stock market.



The funds November update noted that the ongoing political crisis is negative for the countrys economy in the short-term.



But the fund is of the opinion that the Colombo bourse is now one of the cheapest frontier markets, from being one of the most expensive in the past.

Despite the risk of continuing turbulence in the short-term, we conclude that much of it has been discounted by the market, the update stated.



Meanwhile, commenting on the investor behaviour post-October 26, the fund noted that local investors had been strong buyers.



From a purely cynical market perspective, investors find that Rajapaksa, despite all allegations of corruption and human rights violations during the civil war, is better suited to leading the country.



As of March this year, Tundra Fonder had US $ 400 million in assets under management and US $ 150 million in the Frontier Sustainability Fund, which had invested US $ 20 million or 12 percent of the fund portfolio in Sri Lanka.

Following is the extract from the November update relevant to Sri Lanka:



Many were surprised that Sri Lanka, in the midst of what constitutes a constitutional crisis, was one of the winners during the month and rose almost 3 percent. President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in late October and appointed former President Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister. Given the complicated history between Sirisena and Rajapaksa, where the former unexpectedly changed sides in conjunction with the presidential elections in 2015 and supported the Opposition to defeat Rajapaksa, this nomination was very unexpected.



However, the Opposition has argued that the changes are unconstitutional. Two votes of no confidence against Rajapaksa have passed without any action by President Sirisena. Instead Sirisena announced the dissolution of Parliament and new elections in January, more than a year before planned elections. The Supreme Court is currently investigating whether Sirisena is entitled to take these actions. At this point it seems doubtful they will allow it.



The situation is further complicated by both sides claiming they represent the peoples will. Earlier this year, local regional elections were held in Sri Lanka, where Rajapaksa progressed very strongly. It is likely that if elections were to be held today, team Sirisena/Rajapaksa would win. However, the accelerated pace at which they have tried to achieve this win has probably reduced support for them.



Regarding the markets reaction, we conclude that local investors have been aggressive buyers since the process began in late October. From a purely cynical market perspective, investors find that Rajapaksa, despite all allegations of corruption and human rights violations during the civil war, is better suited to leading the country.



The current political crisis is of course negative for the countrys economy in the short term. Over the last five years, Sri Lanka has faced some criticism in terms of its economic policy, which means that the Sri Lankan stock market is now one of the cheapest frontier markets, from being one of the most expensive in the past. Despite the risk of continuing turbulence in the short term, we conclude that much of it has been discounted by the market. An early election would be clearly positive for the stock market.
EFL achieved a significant milestone in cross-border trade by creating a tailor-made logistics solution and acting as the key facilitator to handle the very first bonded Cross-Border Land-Air Transshipment, on behalf of a leading European retail brand. This alternative efficient gateway was used to strengthen ties between Indo-Bangladeshi trade routes and to enhance the efficiency of logistics by reducing the waiting times at the port of origin. EFL trucks from Bangladesh crossed into India with the Transshipment to reach Kolkata within the stipulated time-frame.

For this Transshipment, the EFL offices in Bangladesh and India collaborated in handling the cargo at the point of origin. The transfer of cargo weighing 4.1 tonnes from Bangladesh trucks into Indian trucks took place at the Benapole (Dhaka)  Petrapole (India) border, moved in GPS enabled trucks to Kolkata airport and were airfreighted to reach the final destination in Europe within the stipulated time-frame. This trial movement has proved Kolkata to be a strategic and a useful Transshipment gateway for inbound and outbound air transportation to Bangladesh.

Hanif Yusoof, Founder & President of EFL and Group CEO of Expolanka Holdings PLC stated that, "This movement proves EFLs best practices in action through a simplified cross border logistics process leading to accelerated and enhanced bilateral trade between the two countries. I'm pleased that we are opening up new opportunities for trade in the South Asian region that has been identified by the World Bank to have potential to grow from $23 billion to $67 billion by simply reducing man-made, trade barriers of this nature.

The facilitation of this Transshipment after strategically liaising with the respective countries is certainly a stepping stone to foster trade, enable seamless movement and positively impact business growth, beyond borders. The success of this movement was followed by an additional shipment of similar volume transhipped within a few weeks of this inaugural movement.

CEO of the EFL Group, S. Senthilnathan said, We are proud to enrich ties between India with Bangladesh through this movement and alternative solutions of this nature will enable us to enhance efficiencies of our logistics operations to promote international trade.

With this impactful breakthrough that began with the signing of BBIN agreement in 2016, EFL looks forward to enhancing regional trade and connectivity to large markets and continuously re-iterating its presence as a key contributor to seamless cross-border movements.

EFL (Expolanka Freight) is a leading provider of supply chain solutions across 18 countries and over 60 cities. Founded in 1982, EFL is headquartered in Sri Lanka and is ranked among the top five forwarders in the Indian Subcontinent and recognised as an expert in fashion logistics.

EFLs foray into international markets began with the establishment of EFL Bangladesh in 1993. The operation has grown to include a state of the art airfreight hub in Tongi and a bonded QC inspection centre in Chittagong. EFL India was founded in 1996 and is the networks largest single origin operation offering logistics services for multiple verticals in over 18 offices.
Opening the annual event, Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga, who is spouse of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and sponsor of this years edition, thanked international friends, embassies, ASEAN Women's Circle of Hanoi and businesses for their participation and contributions to the festivals charity activities in recent years.

The festival featured 130 booths run by 90 units from embassies and foreign organisations in Vietnam, agencies of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and businesses in the northern and southern regions. Guests included ambassadors, representatives of foreign cultural organisations, the media, and local authorities nationwide.

In addition to food  pre-made or prepared on the spot, handicrafts, local specialties, folk art performances from Vietnam and foreign countries were also available, with proceedings going to charity.

The festival, held as an informal diplomatic activity, is a prominent cultural exchange event between units in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with foreign embassies, international organisations in Vietnam, provincial and municipal Foreign Affairs Departments and a number of enterprises.

Many kinds of special cakes of Vietnams southern region are introduced at the food festival. (Photo: VOV)

From previous editions, it raised donations worth nearly VND2 billion (US$85,800) to support disadvantaged people, particularly the disabled, orphans and poor women, in nearly 10 provinces and cities nationwide.

The funds raised from the festival supported the construction of a kindergarten in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai and a bridge in the southern province of Long An. Ten scholarships were gifted to poor students in the southern province of Ba Ria  Vung Tau from its donations, while organisers paid charity visits to northern provinces to support ethnic minority students and disabled children in Ha Giang, Vinh Phuc, and Nam Dinh.
Butterflies for Democracy is LGBTIQ community members coming together under a common banner against homophobia, misogyny, racism, sexism and inequality

We are no longer a hidden community quaking in our boots, but a vibrantly open and brave community that are willing to risk their lives and their reputations to fight for democracy and freedom

In the light of the recent political turmoil in our country it is fair to say we have witnessed, and not for the first time, the ugliness of politics in Sri Lanka. That politicians from all sides can play with our lives, squabble pettily and behave in the most ungracious and ugly way is so unbecoming of their stature and goes to reiterate that politicians are only in office for their own gain and have no good intention to serve the people as they should rightly be doing. That our President, the highest power in the land, stoops to flinging homophobic slurs, wishes his wife, who apparently worships him on bent knee each day, is born a man so she will reach the ultimate avatar on her way to nirvana is only indicative of the decay of sensibility and good character that is prevalent in this land today.



Butterflies for Democracy is LGBTIQ community members coming together under a common banner against homophobia, misogyny, racism, sexism and inequality. From the first protest at Liberty Circle along with the Pro-Democracy groups protesting against the complete disregard the President has shown for the constitution and democracy, the Butterflies for Democracy came together to protest at the Presidents use of the word Butterfly to derogatorily refer to the PM and some of his cabinet members perceived sexual orientation in an offensive fashion. However, the latest protest by the LGBTIQ community at Lipton Circle on December 7, 2018, was to remind those factions in the government that are anti-LGBTIQ, that we are citizens of this country deserving of all rights as outlined in our Constitution. We are also voters who have the might of over four million strong in this country. Our parliamentarians must work for us, not the other way around. It is time therefore, that democracy is restored in our island nation. Its time for changes to afford rights for all citizens. Its time for legal reform to change the archaic British Laws criminalizing consenting same sex relationships. Its time to embrace equality and forward thinking and make our country a beacon of hope, tolerance and acceptance for all.

As the press release on the protest said: Politicising and denigrating the LGBTIQA community has been the mantra of conservative politicians in order to garner votes and scare people into thinking that being LGBTIQ is some sort of sickness or perversion  neither of which is true and neither of which can be proved scientifically or medically. What is even more worthwhile is that this is the first time the LGBTIQ community have come together to step out publicly, showing their faces proudly, to demand their rights. We are no longer a hidden community quaking in our boots, but a vibrantly open and brave community that are willing to risk their lives and their reputations to fight for democracy and freedom.



The systematic discrimination and marginalization that has been firmly entrenched in our society for 135 years continues, over and over again. While successive governments have focused on building dams, highways, ports, airports and mega port cities, they have missed the wood for the trees. In all of this development the most important factor of all, has been glaringly and purposely omitted  human development. How can we move forward as a nation if our thinking is still stuck in the Victorian era? How can we be a developed nation if our people are unable to think broadly and inclusively? Development cannot be measured by the wealth of the nation, but only in the depth of the people and their ability to embrace diversity, accept difference and divest from racism, homophobia, sexism and misogyny.

This has to be foremost on the agenda of all politics, regardless of personal gain or personal biases. Safeguarding our national assets, our flora and fauna, investing in our youth, protecting our children and our women and creating opportunities for all our citizens, equally. Eliminating poverty, revamping our school curriculum to teach broader human substance  the list may seem endless, but a start is needed, and needed badly. And all need to be addressed in a systematic non-partisan way.

It is no surprise that the world economic index of 2018 has indicated that the most developed countries in the world are countries such as Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, USA and Canada, to name a few. These countries also all accept Marriage equality and have nondiscriminatory policies safeguarding their LGBTI citizens. They also have implicit policies of eco conservation and protection, gender parity, child protection etc., all toward safeguarding its citizens and promoting equality and freedom.



Butterflies for Democracy symbolises the anticipation of social change, the hope of freedom and dignity, a deep respect for life and diversity. It is time Sri Lanka  it is time to set the butterflies free.



It takes no compromise to give people their rights...it takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression.



- Harvey Milk
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was arrested by the countrys anti-graft agency over alleged tampering of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) audit report, Channel News Asia reported a short while ago.

Najib was arrested at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters shortly after he arrived at the premises for further questioning over the issue. However, he was later freed on bail at around 1.20 pm.

On Nov 25, Auditor-General Madinah Mohamad revealed that the final audit report on 1MDB had been tampered with and that Najib had knowledge of it.

She also disclosed that two crucial matters dropped from the report were regarding the presence of fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho at a 1MDB board meeting, as well as the financial status of 1MDB.
At least five persons including a woman were injured after two gunmen opened fire at them in Modara a short while ago, Police said.

Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said the two gunmen arrived on a motorcycle had opened fire at the three-wheeler in which the victims were travelling in at Panganada Junction at around 3.00 pm today.

The injured were admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.

Meanwhile, hospital sources said a pedestrian who was hit by the three-wheeler after it was shot at, was also admitted to the hospital.(Darshana Sanjeewa)

Video by Sanath Desmond and Susantha
The first comprehensive survey of Sri Lankan art organized by a US museum-The Jewelled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka-would be presented by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Art Daily reported on Monday.

Drawn in part from LACMAs collection of Sri Lankan art, and including numerous domestic and international loans, the exhibition presents some 240 works addressing nearly two millennia of Sri Lankan history.

The Jewelled Isle presents a timely exploration and celebration of a geographically complex, ethnically diverse, and multicultural South Asian hub.

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Robert L. Brown and Dr. Tushara Bindu Gude, of LACMAs South and Southeast Asian Art Department, and is designed by Los Angeles-based architecture firm Escher GuneWardena Architecture.

LACMA has a long history of collecting South and Southeast Asian art and its Sri Lankan holdings are more expansive and diverse in range than those found in any other U.S. collection, said LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director Michael Govan. These works are at the heart of this exhibition.

According to the exhibition curators, Sri Lankan culture developed in a complex web of foreign influences and local customs that have never been fully explored in previous exhibitions. These multiple influences were woven together in a fusion that is uniquely Sri Lankan. The art shown in The Jeweled Isle reflects this development and also offers a window onto Sri Lankas rich history and culture.

The image of a bejewelled isle, invoked in ancient Sanskrit texts and in Greco-Roman accounts of Sri Lankas precious gems, inspired numerous literary descriptions of the islands wealth and lush tropical beauty.

The notion of jewels is apparent throughout the exhibition, which includes precious decorative objects fashioned from gold, silver, and ivory, and 19th-century photographs documenting Sri Lankas extraordinary monuments, people, landscapes, and flora.

Following the introductory gallery, The Jewelled Isle is loosely organized around three chronological sections that examine the major capitals of Sri Lankan history: Anuradhapura (3rd century BCE10th century CE), Polonnaruwa (11th13th century), and Kandy (15th19th century).
The on-going political and constitutional imbroglio in Sri Lanka could put on the back-burner, all discussion on giving the country a brand new constitution to take care of many pending issues, such as the powers of the Executive Presidency and the question of devolving power to the provinces, a core issue for the minority Tamils.



According to Lal Wijenayaka, Chairman of the Public Representations Committee of the Constitutional Assembly (which comprises all members of the present parliament), a draft of the new constitution had been prepared and distributed to all MPs in October.



But it could not be taken up for discussion because of the political turmoil precipitated by the unceremonious and unexpected sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 by President Maithripala Sirisena.



There is another question: In case the Supreme Court allows parliament to be dissolved, what happens to the draft new constitution prepared by committees appointed by the dissolved parliament? Will a new parliament have to start the process from scratch?



Wijenayaka said that the draft constitution was based on consensus on all issues except two: number 1, the question of keeping, or abolishing or diluting the Executive Presidency and number 2, electoral reform.

In case the SC allows parliament to be dissolved, what happens to the draft new constitution prepared by committees appointed by the dissolved parliament? Will a new parliament have to start the process from scratch?



Apparently, there was consensus even on the touchy issue of power-sharing with the periphery, namely, the provinces. Perhaps this was why the United National Party (UNP) led by Ranil Wickremesinghe reportedly assured the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that the draft constitution would be presented in parliament before February 2019. On the now controversial 19th Amendment (19A),Wijenayaka said that the contents of 19A were not questioned at any stage because it had diluted the Presidents powers and enhanced those of the Prime Minister and parliament by common consent and that too very recently.



Contentious Issues



However, the Executive Presidency and the 19A have become extremely contentious now. These issues have brought the country to a standstill. Sri Lanka is now without a Prime Minister and a Council of Ministers, thanks to a Court of Appeal injunction. A Presidential gazette proclaiming parliaments dissolution and the ordering of fresh elections has been stayed by the Supreme Court. Parliament may continue to exist or may be dissolved at any time. It will be for the Supreme Court to decide on this but theres no knowing as to when it will pronounce its verdict. Sri Lankans are truly on tenterhooks.



Given the nature of President Sirisenas actions from October 26 onwards, the UNP seems to want a total abolition of the Executive Presidency in line with the Joint Opposition (JO)s 2015 Presidential manifesto.



The Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) and the two major Muslim parties also want the Executive Presidency to go given its potential to turn Presidents into dictators and also its dismal record in solving the Tamil question.



Suresh Premachandran of the Eelam Peoples Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRLF) says that though directly elected and sometimes elected with critical support from the Tamil population, Sri Lankas Executive Presidents have ignored the Tamils after getting elected. Therefore, the directly elected Executive Presidency has been of no use to the Tamils, he asserts.



TNA spokesman M.A.Sumanthiran says that in a parliamentary system the Executive will need parliaments support on a daily basis, and Tamil MPs can get multiple opportunities to play an influential role in shaping the decisions of the Executive. However, there are popular forces which are in favour of a strong Executive Presidency such as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.



According to the SLPP and its allies, a strong Executive Presidency helps make quick decisions in a perpetually divided polity like Sri Lankas. It gives the Executive, the wherewithal to carry out rapid economic development and effectively meet threats to national security emanating from within the country and outside. SLPP members say that terrorists and separatists could not have been defeated and economic regeneration could not have taken place (between 2006 and 2014 end) but for an effective and powerful Executive President like Rajapaksa.

SLPP members say that terrorists and separatists could not have been defeated and economic regeneration could not have taken place (between 2006 and 2014 end) but for an effective and powerful Executive President like Rajapaksa



The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) led by President Sirisena is also in favour of retaining the Executive Presidency. It wants the 19A to be tweaked to give the Executive President the teeth he now lacks. Much of his power had been taken away by the Independent Commissions set up under the 19A.



Some of the issues relating to the Executive President are now before a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court and its verdict is eagerly awaited not only to get out of the present predicament but also to secure guidance on what could be done in regard to the draft constitution.



A key issue before the court is whether the Presidential act of dissolving Parliament is justifiable. Related to this is the scope and nature of the legal immunity granted to the President when his actions are challenged in court. While it is agreed that a litigant can challenge the executive and administrative actions of the President, can he challenge a political action such as the dissolution of parliament? Is it not a prerogative of the President to summon, prorogue and dissolve parliament? How can dissolution of parliament accompanied with an order to hold fresh elections be seen as being undemocratic when it recognizes the sovereignty of the people?

The counter argument to this is that there is nothing anywhere in the constitution to suggest that the framers intended the President to have the freedom to act in violation of constitutionally entrenched clauses. The 19A had clearly set limits to Presidential power.



Unbridled discretionary powers given to a President will only give rise to populism and misuse of power for aggrandizement. It will replace constitutionalism. The stability of States and political systems is critically dependent on constitutionalism. Mature democracies either circumscribe discretionary powers or do away with them altogether.



Also, Sirisenas act of dissolving parliament can be deemed a violation of the peoples will as expressed in the August 2015 parliamentary elections, even if fresh elections are ordered to secure a fresh mandate. The distinction between a political act and an administrative act has been made to prevent judicial overreach. But in a case like the one facing Sri Lanka today, the political act of dissolving parliament can be seen as a violation of the constitution since it explicitly breaks specific articles of the constitution. No political act which violates the constitution can be condoned or kept out of the purview of the Supreme Court which is the final arbiter in constitutional matters.



Admittedly, the drafting process of the 19A was chaotic. It was not debated in a cool and calm manner. It did not adhere to contemporary norms of transparency and public consultation. But ultimately, there was a consensus and a compromise.

Sirisenas act of dissolving parliament can be deemed a violation of the peoples will as expressed in the August 2015 parliamentary polls, even if fresh elections are ordered to secure a fresh mandate



The 19A neither took the Rajapaksa nor the Wickremesinghe line, the former wanting most Presidential powers retained, and the latter wanting as little of them as possible. The compromise came about when the Supreme Court insisted that any fundamental change in the 1978 constitution should be subjected to a two thirds majority as well as a referendum.



But the nett result of all this is that Sri Lanka has neither an Executive Presidency nor a Westminster style parliamentary democracy. This has thrown the doors open to conflicts of the type it is facing now.
President Maithripala Sirisena will request Chief Justice Nalin Perera through the Attorney General to deliver the order on the dissolution of parliament without delay, MP Wimal Weerawansa said today.

He told a news briefing that the President would make the request tomorrow morning.

MP Weerawansa said the entire country was waiting for the SC ruling on the Fundamental Rights petitions filed against the dissolution of parliament. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

Video by Susantha
United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe would not be appointed as the Prime Minster even if the confidence motion would be passed in Parliament, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) said today.

The UNP is to move a Confidence Motion on Wednesday in Parliament pledging solidarity with its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister.

Addressing a news briefing, PHU Leader Udaya Gammanpila said according to the internal sources of the UNP, the MPs who would vote in favour of the motion were to file a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court in order to receive an order that Mr Wickremesinghe would be appointed as the Prime Minister.

There is no appropriate requirement for the Supreme Court to deliver an order to appoint a new Premier because there is a Prime Minister, whose privilege to function as the Prime Minister has only been nullified through an Interim Order issued by the Appeal Court, Gammanpila said.

Most of people are of the opinion that the interim order has restrained Mahinda Rajapaksa from being the Prime Minister. It is not so. It has only retrained Rajapaksa from functioning as the Prime Minster, he said.

Gammanpila reiterated that even though the motion of confidence passed in Parliament, Wickremesinghe could not be appointed as the Prime Minster. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Video by Susantha
In February 1835, the historian, politician, and imperialist Thomas B. Macaulay in a well received address known today as the Minute on Indian Education urged the then Governor General of India,William Bentwick, to reform secondary education in the country so as to deliver useful learning. Colonial policy until then had been one of conciliation, of funding places of learning to promote native languages (especially Persian and Sanskrit). Ever since Warren Hastingss term as Governor General, it had been recognised and taken for granted that to obtain the loyalty of the native subjects, it was necessary to make concessions to them.



But by the time of Macaulays ascent in British India, Britain was undergoing a transformation. Macaulay belonged to the Whig faction of the Conservative Party, which stood for the interests of industrialists. Between 1815 and 1846, the campaign of these industrialists was the abolition of the Corn Laws. This pitted them against the traditional elite, the farmers. The Whigs, in their support of the industrialists over the aristocracy, espoused a utilitarian philosophy: they judged everything by its use, and whether it promoted the maximum happiness of the maximum number of people. Put simply, they measured everything in terms of returns and profits.



Dickens would lampoon and ridicule the Utilitarian in Hard Times:



A man of realities. A man of facts and calculations. A man who proceeds upon the principle that two and two are four, and nothing over, and who is not to be talked into allowing for anything over. With a rule and a pair of scales, and the multiplication table always in his pocket, sir, ready to weigh and measure any parcel of human nature, and tell you exactly what it comes to. It is a mere question of figures, a case of simple arithmetic.



At the same time, Utilitarianism became the secular expression of an evangelical movement that found its footing in the heat and dust of India. As the authors of The Great Indian Education Debate put it, it was an alternative vision of the Empire that challenged the likes of Hastings, who had stood for a policy of conciliation and had stood behind the school referred to today as the Orientalism.



The first person to openly challenge and spurn Hastings and the Orientalists was Charles Grant, who had served twice at the British East India Company (1768-1771 and 1774-1790) and who was a prominent member of the evangelical movement. In 1776, two years into his second tenure, he underwent a religious conversion that led him to oppose the upholding of Indian traditions. He enunciated his views in a book published in 1821, Observations on the State of Society among the Asiatic Subjects of Great Britain, which indicted the British for being no better than passive spectators of the unnatural wickedness in the faiths adhered to by Indians. The solution he proposed was simple: introduce the natives to Western learning.



Translated to official policy, this meant educating the natives on what were perceived to be the significant and enlightened aspects of British rule, in particular the language of the ruler. As Macaulay stood in 1835 and delivered his verdict on this controversial issue, he made a remark that has been endlessly quoted since:

We must at present do our best to form a class who may be interpreters between us and the millions whom we govern  a class of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in tastes, in opinions, in morals and in intellect. To that class we may leave it to refine the vernacular dialects of the country, to enrich those dialects with terms of science borrowed from the Western nomenclature, and to render them by degrees fit vehicles for conveying knowledge to the great mass of the population.

There were two aspects to this new education policy, and they stemmed from his belief that subjects of colonial rule needed to be Anglicized. At the same time, he did not believe in Anglicizing every native. It was directed instead at a class of people who would be nurtured to be English in everything but the colour of their skin, and who would convey Western ideas to the mass of the population. The teaching of English was one route through this class could be created; another route was Christianisation, though Macaulay stood for a policy of religious neutrality. (His contention was that abstaining from the conversion of native Indians did not mean expiating monstrous superstitions such as the killing of goats.)



How would this be useful? Consider that until then, several institutions had been established by the British, at their cost, to educate the natives on their own languages. These included the Calcutta Madrasa, established in 1780; the Fort William College, established in 1800; and the Sanskrit College, established in 1824. Contrary to usual practice, students didnt pay for their education; they were instead paid a stipend to learn the languages, and to this end, funds were allocated for the translation of key Sanskrit, Urdu, Hindi, Arabic, and Bengali texts to English.



Macaulays argument, in keeping with the Utilitarianism in vogue in England at the time, was that this rebelled against basic principles of political economy. What people find useful, he reasoned, they would gladly pay for. Or in his words, What we spend on the Arabic and Sanskrit Colleges is not merely a dead loss to the cause of truth. It is bounty-money paid to raise up champions of error.



With such a point did he triumph against the Orientalist educationists, the most prominent of whom, Henry Prinsep, defended the old policy on the basis that it was rooted in not just the South Asian tradition but the Western tradition as well. The Orientalist argument here was that Western seats of learning had been financed by grants which did not always generate returns. What Prinsep did not know, however, was that Macaulay had criticized the funding of such institutions on home soil: some years before, he had attacked the endowments which supported the study of Greek, Latin, and mathematics at Cambridge University.



The tide, in any case, was against Prinsep.Macaulay won the debate; the Minute had vindicated him. The debate had been put in place to question the merits of the English Education Act of 1835. With Macaulays speech, the Act was quickly enforced, and the result, as historians have noted, was that vernacular education, while not stifled or deprived of funds, received little, if at all any, attention from the Company.



The effect of this was to reduce British intervention in the education of the masses; schooling remained for decades the preserve of the elite, the class which Macaulay had baptized. How adversely this affected India can be gleaned by what Will Durant observed in his seminal work.



The Case for India: There are now in India, 733,000 villages, and only 162,015 primary schools. Only 7% of the boys and 1.5% of girls receive schooling, i.e. 4% of the whole. Such schools as the Government has established are not free, but exact a tuition fee which, though small to a Western purse, looms large to a family always hovering on the edge of starvation.

There were two aspects to this new education policy, and they stemmed from his belief that subjects of colonial rule needed to be Anglicized. At the same time, he did not believe in Anglicizing every native



It comes to no surprise that investments in education were severely lacking: The total expenditure for education in India is less than one-half the educational expenditure in New York State. In the quarter of a century between 1882 and 1907, while public schools were growing all over the world, the appropriation for education in British India increased by $2,000,000; in the same period appropriations for the fratricide army increased by $43,000,000.



Or in other words, at a time when the Government was spending 83 cents per head on its army, it was spending eight cents per head on education. As far as the Utilitarian-evangelical argument went then, the experiment was a failure; useful education had, in the end, become a mere exercise in exploitation, poverty, and ignorance.



What was even more significant was that this spread out to other parts of the Empire, most notably Sri Lanka. Six years before Macaulay made his speech, a Commission had been tasked with the object of proposing reforms. Among the recommendations made by this, the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission, were the abolition of the free compulsory scheme of labour known as rajakariya, the establishment of an Executive Council and Legislative Council (where members would be selected, not elected), the amalgamation of the Maritime and Kandyan provinces as a single administrative unit, and the admission of Ceylonese into the Civil Service. As Patrick Peebles has noted, while these recommendations were endorsed by the Governor, most of them were never implemented or weakened over time.

In one area, however, they were adhered to: the need for an education policy. That the Colombo Academy, the first public school in the country, was established in 1835, the same year in which the English Education Act was passed in India, couldnt have been a coincidence. As I will make clear in the next essay, while the schools policy of the British in Ceylon was not exactly in concert with trends in colonial education policy in India, there were recurrent parallels between the two. When you consider that both Colebrooke and Cameron had been in British India, at the Company, and had come under the growing influence of the Utilitarians (or the Anglicists as some call them) over the Orientalists, you will realize that in part at least, British education policy in Ceylon followed, if not imitated, the policy of the British Raj.



The author can be reached on UDAKDEV1@GMAIL.COM
A 36-year-old Sri Lankan housemaid in Bahrain has claimed that she was tortured and forced into prostitution for almost two years, the Gulf Daily News reported on Monday.

The victim says she survived only on bread and was made to sleep with up to 20 men every day.

A 40-year-old Bangladeshi is facing charges including forcing the victim into prostitution, holding her against her will, theft, assault and operating an illegal vice network.

His alleged accomplice, a 43-year-old Sri Lankan woman, is still at large and being tried in absentia.

The victim told investigators that she had been tricked by the defendants, who allegedly promised to help her find employment and provided shelter at an apartment.

The 43-year-old called some Asian men and demanded I have sex with them. When I refused she took my money, Bahrain Dinar (BD) 100, my phone, a gold necklace and three gold rings and threatened to beat me if I didnt comply. When the men came in I was forced to sleep with them out of fear of my captors. When I refused the 43-year-old would beat me up, punch me and pull my hair. She would also use pepper, water and salt and burn my private parts to torture me. I did their bidding for two years because I was afraid and, if I refused, they would assault me, the victim said in her statement to prosecutors.

The woman said clients paid anywhere between BD7 and BD30 to have sex with her, but the cash was pocketed by her alleged captors.

I would plead with customers to help me, but none of them did, she said.

When the 43-year-old heard this she would beat me even more.

I tried to escape many times, but I failed and I would get beaten for my attempts.

However, she said she seized her chance to escape in July when another woman, from Indonesia, entered the apartment where she was being held.

She (the Indonesian woman) gave me the key to an apartment and told me to head there because a customer was waiting, the victim said.

She told me she would follow in 15 minutes, but I grabbed the key and ran away to the police station.

I could never run away before because the defendants were always nearby.

The victim added that she first moved to Bahrain to work as a housemaid for a Bahraini family, but ran away just one month into the job.

She said she then spent five months working for an Indian family, but was left jobless when that family moved away.

That is when she says she turned to the defendants for help.

I kept searching for work in Riffa and whenever I would run into a Sri Lankan I would ask if they knew of any job opening, the victim said.

The male defendant said he had a job for me and took me to the 43-year-old Sri Lankan woman at an apartment.

The Bangladeshi defendant has previously claimed during questioning at the Public Prosecution that his female co-defendant was the mastermind behind the vice racket.

He and a 41-year-old Indonesian woman, who has been charged with prostitution, were arrested during a police raid on September 5.

The trial has been adjourned until December 23 for a lawyer to be appointed for the Bangladeshi, while an arrest warrant has been issued for his female Sri Lankan co-defendant.
 Becomes Sri Lankas number one insurance company for the second consecutive year at NBEA 2018

 Wins five awards at CA Awards 2018, becomes first insurance company to achieve the feat

 Triumphs at SLIM Brand Excellence 2018 with two Silver awards

 Only Sri Lankan company to be shortlisted at Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2018

Ending the year on a winning spirit, Sri Lankas number one health insurer, Softlogic Life, has become the countrys most awarded life insurance company in 2018. Softlogic Life rewrote the history books recently after it was conferred with eightprestigious accolades at three of the most prominent industry awards ceremonies in Sri LankaNational Business Excellence Awards, Annual Report Awards and SLIM Brand Excellence Awards.

While applauding their expertise in disruptive technologies and smart innovations, which has paved a path for state-of-the-art life insurance solutions for Sri Lankans, these industryawards commend the unique brand excellence and fortitudeSoftlogic Life has displayed during the last few years,ensuring consistency and true commitment for their policyholders countrywide.

Stamping its authority in the life insurance sector, Softlogic Life won the esteemed Gold award in the Overall Insurance Sector at the National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA) 2018, becoming Sri Lankas number one insurance company for the second consecutive year. Whilst securing the Insurance Gold award, Softlogic Life was able to clinch this awardat the 15th edition of this awards ceremony of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), continuing its consistent run of success in Sri Lankas life insurance sphere.

Softlogic Life posted another outstanding win at the 54th Annual Report Awards by theInstitute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), bringing home a total of five awards including the coveted Insurance Sector Gold Award. The other awards won were the bronzeaward for Corporate Governance Disclosure, the bronze award for Management Commentary, the bronze award for Integrated Reporting and the silver award for Integrated Reporting  Best Disclosure on Business Model.

With these five awards, Softlogic Life became the first insurance company to win five awards in the history of CA Awards. Prepared under the theme Spirited, Softlogic Life became the first company in Sri Lanka to present its integrated annual report in video format for its key stakeholders via a QR code in the report.

At the SLIM Brand Excellence 2018, Softlogic Life set new benchmarks for the insurance and corporate sector by winning two Silver accolades for Local Brand of the Year and Service Brand of the Year. These awards were presented to Softlogic Life in recognition of its uniquely compelling brand promise of Choose your Life, which relates to wellness, fitness and nutrition, and the continuing elevation of standards of Sri Lankans through a range of industry-first services as one of the top home-grown brands of Sri Lanka.

Commenting on these significant industry recognitions, Softlogic Life Managing Director Iftikar Ahamed said, It is indeed a great privilege for Softlogic Life to be recognized with these industry-leading awards at three of the most prominent award ceremonies of the country. These awardsnot only stand as a clear demonstration of Softlogic Lifes novel offerings as a proud Sri Lankan brand but also the delivery of the promise we have made to commit to excellence in all fronts.

We also take pride in the fact that our spirited approach has transcended our industry and helped us to stand out as one of Sri Lankas leading brands. Over the past year, we have continued to take on challenges with enthusiasm in order to deliver winning solutions enhanced by technology. This helped us to bring cost-effective, customer-efficient solutions to the market while reshaping the countrys insurance landscape towards a better and more prosperous future for all Sri Lankans, he added further.

Apart from these high-valued local recognitions, Softlogic Life made its presence felt among the Asian insurance giants after making it to the top three insurance companies at the 22ndAsia Insurance Industry Awards 2018. Softlogic Life was the only South Asian Insurance Brand to be shortlisted as a finalist in the in the prestigious Life Insurance Company of the Year category at this years edition. In June 2018, Softlogic Life bagged the Best Life Insurance Company of the Year and two other country awards at Emerging Asia Insurance Awards 2018, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

Softlogic Life Insurance PLC is a subsidiary of Softlogic Capital PLC and is part of the Softlogic Group, which is recognised as one of Sri Lankas most diversified and fastest-growing conglomerates, with interests in Healthcare, Retail, ICT, Leisure, Automobiles and Financial Services. Significant stakeholders in the company also include FMO and DEG, who are rated AAA Development Financial Institutions from the Netherlands and Germany, respectively.
Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh and his RoK counterpart Suh Choo-suk co-chaired the dialogue.

Vinh expressed his pleasure at the strong development of the Vietnam-RoK relations in the fields of culture, society, and people-to-people exchange.

He said Vietnam is keen to boost cooperation with the RoK and hoped the dialogue would help further deepen the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership.

For his part, Suh said the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries has been reinforced in various fields such as economy, investment, trade, people-to-people exchange, and sports.

The annual defence policy dialogue plays a crucial role in promoting exchanges between the two countries as well as the defence ministries, he said.

It is also a good chance for the two sides to review their cooperation over the past time and discuss future cooperation development orientations, he added.

At the dialogue, the two sides talked about global security situation and other matters of common concerns, thereby increasing mutual understanding and trust.

They focused on reviewing the outcomes in some areas such as exchange of high-level delegations, personnel training, marine security, humanitarian assistance in addressing post-war aftermaths.

The two sides agreed to continue maintaining and promoting the achievements and increase collaboration in defence industry and United Nations peacekeeping activities.

They pledged to step up coordination at multilateral forums such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Asia Economic Forum (AEF), Shangri-La Dialogue, and Seoul dialogue.
With all this chaos around us, my mind goes back to the late Dudley Senanayake

Dr Colvin R de Silva, a constitutional wizard and a lawyer warned President Jayewardene, about bringing in the Executive Presidency

This remark was made recently by a Colombo wit at a recent function. The political uncertainty caused by the constitutional coup together with the disgraceful behaviour of lawmakers recently, has brought about gloom and a sense of doom. Non recognition of the illegal Government internationally,which is clearly against the Constitution has led to unprecedented tourist cancellations, stalling of aid, downgrading in the Fitch ratings and pull back of investment. How can those responsible for ruining our economy by playing ducks and drakes with our coffers with their rampant corruption, blatant show of extravagance, using public funds even for family memorials, now state that they and only they can manage the country and bring in good governance which they failed to do during their long tenure of office? White vans, disappearances and murders were a trade mark of their time, in steering the ship of state. When the underprivileged are only able to buy chilly powder in minute quantities, they waste kilos of it by throwing it at opponents in Parliament, and at the Speaker who stood his ground admirably and courageously, in spite of disrespect, threats, intimidation and disgraceful show of thuggery. There is no doubt that we have become a pariah state once again. The main speakers for the chief culprits in this ongoing catastrophic drama, are two who were not even elected by the people and failed to win their seats. Another who I expected better things from, is reported to have stated that they will take umbrage against those Governments who have brought a travel ban on Sri Lanka. Does he seriously think that the Governments of those democracies will care a hoot about these threats ?

Warnings of Dudley and Colvin



With all this chaos around us, my mind goes back to the late Dudley Senanayake who stating his reasons for opposing the executive Presidency, many decades ago said  The Presidential system would be disastrousIt would create a tradition of Caesarism. It would concentrate power in a leader and undermine Parliament and the structures of political parties Another great politician of the past,. Dr Colvin R de Silva, much respected like the late Dudley as a man, a politician, a constitutional wizard and a lawyer told the late President Jayewardene, when he warned him about bringing in the Executive Presidency and the dire consequences of the wrong man in the role. We have seen this happen now and the words of these past two politicians, one from the right, one from the left, both gentlemen to their fingertips, having had the privilege of their upbringing and education, have come true. Political decisions which affect the country as a whole, should never be based on personal vendettas. Men in high office must think beyond their own agendas and put the country first. They must also watch their words, think, get the words sorted out in their brains before they speak. In an media interview Mahinda Rajapaksa has stated thus  I was recently given a copy of a report published by an intergovernmental organization called the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. The member states of this organisation include Germany,Australia,Canada, Switzerland. Also India and Japan. According to that report,there are only two countries that require a two thirds majority to dissolve Parliament.-Kosovo and Lithuania. However even in those countries, the head of state can dissolve Parliament if a no-confidence motion against the Government is adopted or if the statement of Government policy is rejected. Sumit Bisarya from the Institute has issued a denial. He says, I Saw this in a Sri Lankan paper citing our work. This reference is completely out of context and I would like to add that theres nothing in this primer or any of our resources, justifying discretionary, extra constitutional dissolution of Parliament.Another individual, Milinda Rajapakse, said to speak for one of the Rajapakse brothers, had stated thus Thrilled to hear Shahidul my friend, well known human rights fighter and artist had been released from the jail Shahidul from Bangladesh commented in reply  Have we met before? Sad to see #couplk mar the democratic systems long upheld in Sri Lanka Both these quotes speak for themselves.

The political uncertainty has brought about gloom

White vans, disappearances and murders were a trade mark of their time, in steering the ship of state

The Presidential system would be disastrous

Men in high office must think beyond their own agendas and put the country first

We UNPers voted for Sirisena wholeheartedly, because our Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe requested us to do so

I admire the courage and the principles of the two young men who recently refused to accept an award from two so called Ministers of the unconstitutional cabinet. It is also heartening to find that the judiciary has acted independently and for our ever vigilant, brave civil society, who are standing up for Democracy, for what is right and not who is right. We UNPers voted for and supported President Sirisena wholeheartedly, at the Presidential election, because our Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe requested us to do so. Many of us had not even heard of him. I had seen him just once when as the then Minister of Health he attended an event at the De Soysa Hospital which was built and donated to the nation by my great-grandfather, the late Charles Henry de Soysa. Later on, long after the elections, when some UNPers criticised him, they were asked to refrain from doing so by our Leader. He supported him to the hilt and all along as Prime Minister worked for the unity in the Government. Despite differences of upbringing and education, he stood by him, never hit back when he was hit and just turned the other cheek.

I admire the courage and the principles of the two young men who recently refused to accept an award from two so called Ministers of the unconstitutional cabinet



His is an example for young politicians that one should never rant, rave and insult people, but keep ones cool through all situations that one encounters in life. We are not Gods and have failings, but these in Ranils case are mere human frailties. He may not pat you on the back with a ready smile, but one can be quite sure, that he will never stab you in the back as many have done to him. In many such cases he has forgiven, forgotten and some have even been rewarded with.



I have always had deep faith which has helped me through the storms in my own life, and I know that God Almighty will help us through and find a solution for this calamity which hit us like a bolt from the blue. For over one month the country has been in a state of limbo and surely those who are responsible for this situation must realize this. Or is to them something which they do fail to comprehend through sheer ignorance?
Andrew Leon Hanna (the winner of the Bracken Bower Prize 2018), Christian Busch (finalist) and Piyumi Kapugeekiyana (finalist)

STAX has long been known to attract top talent from some of the worlds most prestigious universities and corporates. Its Head of Research Piyumi Kapugeekiyana is a testament to this.

Piyumi was recently selected as one of three finalists across the world for the prestigious and coveted Bracken Bower Prize. The Bracken Bower Prize, organized yearly by The Financial Times and McKinsey, awards 15,000 for the best business book proposal by an author under 35. Its a dream come true for any budding business writer looking to get off their feet. Apart from the attractive cash prize, the organizers conduct a masterclass for all finalists in London, where leading publishers provide guidance and advice on how to take an idea from proposal to shelf.

The finalists are selected through a rigorous process where each proposal is reviewed by executives from The Financial Times and McKinsey and passed on to the judges only when a green light is received from both parties.

Piyumis proposed book One Billion in Reserve makes a case for rethinking both work and workplaces with a view to including the global talent pool of people with disabilities and the neurodivergent (people with learning and cognitive differences).

Commenting on her journey, Piyumi said, Im thrilled to have made it to the top 3 of the Bracken Bower Prize  its such an excellent platform for aspiring authors. Im especially grateful to my colleagues and mentors at STAX. Ours is a company with a rich history of advising and cultivating double-bottom line companiesones with both economic and social impactand Ive long enjoyed a wide berth to explore and test new ideas. Looking forward, Im hopeful about the prospect of mainstreaming disability and neurodivergence inclusion in workplaces worldwide. For the most part, this is an area that gets little attention in the broader discourse on diversity and inclusion, where race and gender diversity almost always get pre-eminence.

Ruwindhu Peiris, Managing Director and head of the Colombo office said We are truly proud of and delighted byPiyumis significant global achievement. This is a true testament to our STAX purpose statement of Freedom to Dream, Power to Make It Happen! What an exciting time for Piyumi. I cannot wait to see her dream unfold and am happy we are able to give her the power to make it happen.

STAX is driven by a leadership team that encourages a culture of social responsibility. As Rafi Musher, STAX Founder and CEO emphasizes, I dont think you need to wait to be innovative in driving social benefit  in fact  you need to be impatient, rather than patient.

STAX DevCorp, the social arm of STAX, embodies this spirit by creating and supporting new startup companies and joint ventures to address significant needs identified by the companys strategy consulting practice. A case in point is STAX DevCorps role in supporting ULTRA Testinga New York-based provider of software testing services whose competitive advantage stems from employing teams of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Through a research-driven approach, STAX DevCorp guided ULTRA to successfully launch, secure customers and secure funding.

In 2017, Piyumi also reached the finals of the Peter Drucker Challenge organized by the Global Peter Drucker Forum for her essay on inclusive prosperity Navigating the Battlefield of the Mind. Piyumi holds a PhD in Politics, History and International Relations, and is the Head of Research at STAX Inc. She can be reached at strategy@stax.com for more details.

STAX is a global management consulting firm headquartered in Boston, with branch offices across Chicago, New York and Colombo. With a rich client base comprising 30+ local conglomerates and family businesses, 15 of the top 20 global investors and 25+ Fortune 500 companies, STAX prides itself on being a full service consulting firmfrom strategy to implementation. If you are looking for a nimble, collaborative, and highly focused firm dedicated to finding implementable solutions, we invite you to find out more at www.stax.com
Three men were hacked to death and another man was hospitalised in two separate incidents in Ratnapura and Peradeniya yesterday, Police said.

They said two men aged 34 and 35 had been hacked to death while another was injured at Goraka-Ela in Ratnapura last night.

Police said the officers of the Ratnapura Police had admitted three victims who were with severe cut injuries near the Theppanawa Road.

They said two of them succumbed to their injuries after admission to the Ratnapura Hospital.

The deceased were identified as Dewage Sanath Kumara alias ' Podi Man' and Suranga Rasika, who were residents of Dodampe.

The investigation is underway to arrest the suspects under the direction of Ratnapura Division DIG.

Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man from Dangolla in Kandy was also hacked to death near the Pine forest in Peradeniya yesterday evening.

Police said two relatives of the deceased man, were arrested by the Peradeniya Police in connection with the murder. The suspects aged 25 would be produced in the Kandy Magistrate's Court today.(DS)
The board of directors of TKS Finance Limited in a statement said the company has successfully completed its rights issue announced in August, raising a total sum of Rs.109 million on October 6, 2018.



With the completion of the rights issue, the stated capital of the company now stands at Rs.1.01 billion.



The statement said TKS Finance major shareholder, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, had fully subscribed to his entitlement of the rights issue and the balance of the rights was taken up by new investors of the company.

At the same time, the company has appointed Dato Seri Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi as the Independent Chairman of the company, which was duly approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) with effect from October 1, 2018.



Dato Seri Azim, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries, United Kingdom and holds an MA (Business Law) from London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.



He is a banker by profession and was the Chairman of Bank Simpanan National (BSN), the biggest national savings bank in Malaysia.



In the year 2000, he was also appointed as President (Asia Pacific) for World Savings Bank Institute (WSBI) and as a member of WSBIs Board of Directors in 2003. He was also the Vice President and Treasurer of the WBSI from 2006 to 2009.



The board of directors of TKS Finance Ltd is confident that the new Chairman Dato Seri Azim will take steps to turn around the performance of the company to ensure the profitability implementing effective methods for recovery of the non-performing loans of the company and better quality lending moving forward.



Meanwhile, TKS Finance said the issue of the core capital requirement of the company will be addressed accordingly.



The company statement further said that the TKS Finance major shareholder is exploring a merger with another finance company in Sri Lanka and preliminary discussions are underway.



The merger, subject to CBSLs approval, will put the company on a firmer footing in terms of core capital to face the challenges of financial institutions in Sri Lanka, the statements said.



This move is also in line with the directive from CBSL, it added.



The company said any further developments in this area will be announced at a later stage.



Meanwhile, TKF Finance said the major shareholder is committed to inject additional capital to the company to ensure the CBSLs core capital requirement.



TKS Finance has been rated (SL) B- (Stable) by ICRA Lanka Limited.
Washington (AFP): Ride-share company Uber quietly has filed paperwork this week for its initial public offering, the Wall Street Journal reported late Friday.

The move comes one day after rival Lyft launched the process to take the company public with a stock offering.



The Journal, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, said that Uber could go public as soon as the first quarter, while Lyft is targeting its market debut for March or April 2019.



Uber, which operates in over 60 countries, is in a race with Lyft to be the first to enter the market.



Company CEO Dara Khosrowshahi had mentioned since joining Uber in late August 2017 that he was hoping for an IPO in the first half

of 2019.



Uber is already the largest of the venture-backed unicorns valued at more than US $1 billion, which until recently was considered rare without tapping stock markets.



In mid-October, the Journal reported that JP Morgan had been chosen along with Credit Suisse and Jefferies Group for its IPO next year, which could value Uber as high as US $ 120 billion.

If its valuation tops US $100 billion Ubers IPO would be the biggest ever in the tech sector, and worth more than the combined value of the three big automakers General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.



An IPO of such magnitude would especially be a mark of investor confidence for Khosrowshahi, who replaced the controversial Travis Kalanick, pushed out the door by investors anxious over a string of scandals.



Khosrowshahi has vowed to fix the companys work culture and business practices after a series of missteps and scandals over executive misconduct, a toxic work atmosphere and potentially unethical competitive practices.



For now, Uber has further increased its losses in the third quarter to more than a billion dollars.



The San Francisco-based Uber has been a disruptive force in many cities where regulators and taxi operators have challenged its business model.
Sirisena is more vulnerable than Rajapaksa was in 2015

The political impasse in the country has been described in many ways than one. The latest comes from president Maithripala Sirisena himself. Sirisena has said that though people want to relate the political stalemate to a clash between him and ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, it is more to do with a battle between Western influenced thinking and national thinking.



In other words the president implies that the West is influencing the unrest here, like in Syria. What the president says leaves us room to also think that the west doesnt like him. This is apart from the Wests influence on the island given the geographical position it enjoys in the world map. True, the West has its ways of disrupting nations which do not fit in with their agendas. But what Sirisena fails to fathom is that the educated present generation doesnt wish to be stifled and demands a proactive, liberal and a just leader. This may be too much of a package to ask for. But thats exactly what Sirisena promised to offer when he was sworn in as president in 2015. But then, this man has changed!



The present educated generation wants its country to adopt strategies of the West and for politicians to be honest and put country before self. This scenario goes without saying that the present generation would prefer to live in a Western country if the lawmakers of this island dont move to the next level of thinking; a thinking that would make Sri Lanka an economically sound nation.



If there is one good thing that came off the 2015 Presidential Elections it was the immerging of an era of peaceful protests. Despite sporadic violent incidents in the north, the country was rather peaceful. This thinking is of course applicable only to the period till the Yahapalana Regime was in power. But now the situation is changing and the peace has been disturbed. Very recently we saw some university students being tear gassed and chased away. Are these signs which suggest that anything which has a Rajapaksa flavour is ruthless and dictatorial?



unable to walk the talk



After being sworn in as prime minister, Rajapaksa took some decisions; which the public appreciated. He slashed petrol prices and gave tax concessions. Rajapaksas critics point out that all this is propaganda and was not done with patriotic thoughts in mind. The Sri Lankans labelled as those influenced by the West see these moves by Rajapaksa as suicidal. The countrys economy is in bad shape and needs both reduced spending and means of generating state income through taxes. The rich can be taxed in proportion to how they earn and the less affluent can be taxed without making their purses feel it.



Former ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe talked much about restoring the countrys economy, but his rhetoric was confined to impressive speeches. The liberal-minded leader proved himself to be unable to walk the talk.



Wickremesinghe loves the West, travels there often and tries to implement their policies here. However, we must not forget that he also has the support of the Western nations. Wickremesinghe has reiterated the need to make Sri Lanka a knowledge-based highly competitive hub with a dynamic socio-market economy. But all these plans have been left with much to be desired.



Its in this context that this writer wishes to remind that no outside country which is party to the FTA wishes to see constant regime changes and political turmoil in Sri Lanka; for that matter in any country. Thinking further on these lines, the West would prefer to have Wickremesinghe in the hot seat of Sri Lanka politics. This is because Wickremesinghe is termed well-educated and welcomes foreign investors where as Sirisena is skeptical of them.



If Wickremesinghes idea is to give Sri Lanka prominence and importance in the world scene, Sirisenas wish is to protect it from Western forces which the president warns can be disruptive.



Caught in this quagmire are its countrys citizens who are also divided on the role that Western nations can play in Sri Lanka. The outcry of the Western nations was negative towards Sri Lanka when the president prorogued parliament on November 9; largely because the government could not muster enough support within the parliament. President Sirisena recently said on television that things would not have worsened if the grieved parties had refrained from seeking the assistance of the law and opted instead for a negotiated settlement.



But Sirisenas newly acquired attitude is somewhat negative and doesnt allow for the accommodating of the ideas of others. He sees all this mess created as the work of the West and rules out his thinking having had anything to do with it. He doesnt see that his thinking was unconstitutional when he appointed Rajapaksa as Premier when the constitution states that the person who commands the highest confidence in Parliament must be appointed to this post. The majority of people have called for elections as the remedy to the problem, but Sirisena has ruled out snap elections.

If Wickremesinghes idea is to give Sri Lanka prominence and importance in the world scene, Sirisenas wish is to protect it from Western forces which the president warns can be disruptive



We need not be surprised if Sirisena says that the Western world now wants to see the lawmakers impeach him. The majority who oppose Sirisena have minds of their own devoid of the western world and are mulling over the thoughts of impeaching him anyway. Sirisena must be remembered of an old saying- the enemy that destroys comes from within. A good example is Sirisena emerging from within the UPFA ranks and taking on his leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. The latter never expected this to happen at the 2015 presidential elections.



Sirisena is more vulnerable than Rajapaksa was in 2015, as we are about to usher in 2019; an year lined up with at least two major elections. Compared to Rajapaksa, Sirisena is isolated and stands alone at this juncture.The West was annoyed with Rajapaksa because he is a dictator and also unhappy with him due to the manner in which he finished off the war. But still they would accept the fact that Rajapaksa is the more capable leader if a comparison has to be made between the two. As for Sirisena he has shown through his actions that the post of president was a little too hot for him to handle.

Members of the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force stand guard near the Sri Lankan Supreme Court in Colombo ahead of an expected ruling on whether President Sirisena broke the law by dissolving parliament last month. (Photo by LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP)
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* Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on December 8 to soon arrange a meeting between security delegations of the two countries.

* Iranian security forces have detained 10 people suspected of links to a suicide car bomb attack this week that killed at least two policemen, police chief Hossein Ashtari said on December 9.

* French President Emmanuel Macron is set to make a major announcement early in the coming week, his government's spokesman said on December 9, following a day of violent nationwide "yellow vest" protests against the high cost of living.

* The Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) annual summit was set to open in Riyadh on December 9, with regional unity imperilled by a bitter row between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which is mired in a diplomatic crisis over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

* The United States wants to continue support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's war and will remain engaged in efforts to combat Iranian influence and Islamist militancy in the Arab state, a State Department official said on December 9.

* Armenia kicked off snap elections on December 9 to pick a new parliament for the next five years, after a second failed attempt by the National Assembly in November to elect a prime minister.

* Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar and his Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterpart, Ri Yong Ho, have agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties between their countries, the Mongolian Foreign Ministry said on December 9. Ri arrived in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator on December 8 for a two-day visit at the invitation of the Mongolian foreign minister.

* Iran's navy plans to stage large-scale military drills in the Indian Ocean in the coming months, Press TV reported on December 8.

* The Moroccan security services have seized over one ton of cocaine in the coastal city of El Jadida, the Interior Ministry announced on December 8.
Philippines to Buy 16 Black Hawks, 8 Turkish T-129 Attack Helicopters



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By Dino Grandoni and Juliet Eilperin

6 December 2018

(The Washington Post)  Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has resurrected a federally chartered board that advises the National Park Service with his own appointees, nearly a year after most of its former members resigned in frustration. [cf. Nearly all members of U.S. National Park Service advisory panel resign in frustration  Our requests to engage have been ignored and the matters on which we wanted to brief the new Department team are clearly not part of its agenda Des] The newly reconstituted National Park System Advisory Board  composed largely of current or retired business executives  was set to meet for the first time Wednesday in Washington. The Interior Department postponed the session, however, because the federal government observed a national day of mourning out of respect for former president George H.W. Bush.The new panel includes a California winemaker, a beer distributor in Texas and three veterans of the real estate and home-building industry. All of the 11 new members appear to be white, and nine of them are men. Public records show all of the new board members are either registered Republicans or have voted repeatedly in GOP primaries.The current committee poses a stark contrast to the 12-member panel picked under President Barack Obama. Two-thirds of those members were women, and the group included African American members and members of Latino and Asian descent. []The appointments reflect the latest instance of Zinke reshaping the work  often in a more business-friendly direction  of the more than 200 advisory boards that help Interior manage the roughly 500 million acres of public land it oversees.The newly appointed board also did not include any working academics, as the previous version did. Among the old panelists were professors from Harvard and Yale universities, as well as the University of Maryland and the University of Kentucky.The new group includes three big-dollar donors who have each contributed more than $500,000 to GOP candidates and causes since the 2008 election cycle.They are John C. Cushman III, a Los Angeles-based commercial real estate executive who gave $537,950, mostly to Republicans and GOP-affiliated political action committees; John L. Nau III, who runs the nations largest distributor of Anheuser-Busch products and gave $847,022, largely to Republicans; and Boyd C. Smith, a Bay Area-based real estate developer who contributed $986,407, largely to GOP candidates.Cushmans firm, Cushman & Wakefield, also contributed to Zinke  who served as Montanas lone House member before joining President Trumps Cabinet  during the 2014 and 2016 cycles. []Nearly all of the boards former members submitted letters of resignation in January after they concluded the Trump administration was ignoring their requests to meet twice a year as prescribed by law. [more]
Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Le Yucheng is seen in this file photo taken on Nov 7, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Vice-Foreign Minister Le Yucheng urgently summoned United States Ambassador to China Terry Branstad on Sunday over the detention of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

Meng, chief financial officer of Huawei, the biggest global supplier of network gear for cellphones and internet companies, and also the daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested in Canada while transferring in Vancouver for a flight to Mexico on Dec 1.

Le made representations over, and strongly protested against, the US "unreasonably demanding" Canada detain Meng.

What the US has done seriously violates the legitimate and justified rights and interests of a Chinese citizen, and the violation is extremely serious in nature, Le said.

China is firmly opposed to this, and strongly urges the US to attach great importance to China's solemn position, take immediate measures to correct its wrong practices, and revoke the arrest warrant against the Chinese citizen, Le said.

China will base its further responses on the US actions, Le added.

On Saturday, Le summoned Canadian Ambassador to China John McCallum over Meng's detention, calling it "unreasonable, unconscionable and vile in nature".

Le said Meng's detention at the request of the US was a "severe violation" of her "legitimate rights and interests".

The detention of Meng by Canadian authorities in Vancouver without providing any explicit reason constitutes a severe violation of her human rights, observers said.

Washington claimed Huawei has violated sanctions the US imposed on Iran. Huawei has stated that it complies with all laws and rules where it operates, including export controls and sanctions of the United Nations.

Liu Deliang, a professor of law at Beijing Normal University, said the US request for Canada to arrest Meng does not comply with international law, and the long-arm jurisdiction the US adopts is a typical embodiment of its hegemonic practices.

A bail hearing took place at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver with no conclusion after hours of debate. Meng was reportedly placed in restraining devices used on convicted felons. The hearing will resume Monday after Meng spends the weekend in custody.
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By WND , Dec. 09, 2018





The chief of an international religious-liberty organization is warning that lawmakers in Bulgaria are considering legislation reminiscent of the nations communist past.





Gregor Puppinck, director general of the European Center for Law and Justice, an affiliate of the American Center for Law and Justice, says the bill would significantly restrict religious freedom and impair the free exercise of Christians in the former communist nation.

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Zheng Dongqiang, former deputy head of Xiamen public security bureau, is one of the corrupt fugitives who have returned China to plead guilty. [Photo/Chinacourt.org]

Party's top watchdog to repatriate more corrupt officials seeking refuge overseas

China will strengthen judicial cooperation with other countries to repatriate corrupt fugitives after the International Criminal Justice Assistance Law took effect earlier this year, the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said ahead of International Anti-Corruption Day, which fell on Sunday.

The law, which was put into force in October, includes a section on the transfer of fugitives and confiscation of their illicitly gained assets abroad.

The law provides "a domestic legal basis to conduct law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries to extradite and repatriate corrupt fugitives, and seize or return their illicitly gained assets," a senior CCDI official, who declined to provide his name, told China Daily.

"Under the new law, we will enhance communication and information exchanges with Western countries and carry out joint investigation with them on major cases," he said.

Since April 2015, when China launched the Skynet operations to hunt down fugitives, judicial officers have extradited, repatriated or persuaded 4,833 economic-crime fugitives from 125 countries and regions to return and stand trial in China, the CCDI said.

Meanwhile, more than 10.3 billion yuan ($1.49 billion) of illegally acquired assets have been recovered from overseas.

In 2015, Interpol issued red notices for 100 major economic fugitives.

To date, 54 have been brought back from more than 17 countries and regions to face justice, including Yang Xiuzhu, who was brought back to China in November 2016 after 13 years on the run in the United States.

In June, Chinese authorities released information on 50 individuals accused of corruption and/or economic crimes and encouraged the public to provide tips on their whereabouts. Since then, four have been repatriated.

A typical case occurred on Wednesday.

Zheng Dongqiang, former deputy head of Xiamen's public security bureau, Fujian province, returned to plead guilty after two years on the run.

Zheng, 65, was accused of bribery and fled to New Zealand in 2016, then escaped to Malaysia and Hong Kong. He turned himself in and voluntarily returned to seek a more lenient ruling.

According to the CCDI, most of the fugitives are still at large in Western countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

China will beef up pragmatic cooperation with Western countries and encourage them to sign bilateral extradition treaties or agreements on mutual assistance in criminal cases to help combat cross-border organized crime activity, including apprehending fugitives and recovering their ill-gotten assets.

According to the Foreign Ministry, China has signed 54 bilateral extradition treaties and 63 agreements on mutual assistance in criminal cases with 71 countries.

"Justice will come sooner or later. We encourage fugitives to return and confess their crimes before the end of December to obtain more lenient punishments," the anonymous official said.

The law, which clearly defines the tasks and responsibilities of relevant authorities, is considered "a powerful legal weapon to (help) China and foreign countries hunt down fugitives and cut off the source of their dirty money," said Huang Feng, a law professor at Beijing Normal University.
Memories of a not much loved President Bush By Thomas M. Sipos

Like Winston Smith in Orwell's 1984, I see the telling of history changing before my eyes. This past week, commentators across the political spectrum praised the late President George H.W. Bush. But I don't recall him having gotten much love during his political career. Here are my memories of the years 1980 - 1992. Yours might differ. Voodoo Economics I first noticed Bush during his 1980 presidential run. Reagan was espousing "supply side economics," the theory that cutting tax rates increases productivity, and thus revenue. Bush derided that as "voodoo economics." That did not endear Bush to conservatives. They saw him as an "eastern elitist Rockefeller Republican," a once powerful, but even then dwindling, GOP clique. Reagan won the Republican nomination, but he was considered by some to be dangerously far to the right. Opponents painted him as an extremist who would start a nuclear war with the Soviets. (Some leftists called him "Ronnie Ray-Gun" -- ha, ha, such wit!) And so Reagan was advised to balance his ticket with a safe, trusted, establishment man. Like George H.W. Bush. Breaking presidential tradition, Reagan was not a member of the CFR or Trilateral Commission. When he was shot, conspiracy theories abounded that the CFR had arranged the hit to reclaim the presidency. I saw posters to that effect in lower Manhattan, put up by a local Trotyskyite party. No, I didn't believe it. But on both political extremes, "Bush the Trilateralist" was part of his then reputation, so I mention it. Over the next eight years, Bush's reputation evolved into that of a loyal, do-nothing vice president. It was pretty much what was expected of VPs then and now. Dick Cheney was the first, and only, active VP in my memory. Bush's main task was to attend funerals for foreign leaders. He attended three for Soviet heads of state in under two and a half years. Brezhnev, Andropov, and Chernenko had died in quick succession. Here's a joke I heard at the time: Q: What did Bush say upon meeting Gorbachev? A: Hello. I'm George Bush, Vice President of the United States of America. If you die, I get to go to your funeral. A Kinder, Gentler Nation When Bush ran for president in 1988, he described America as "a thousand points of light." A poetic summarization of his belief that Americans were eager to help the less fortuante. Randians didn't care for the catchphrase's altruisic assuptions, but libertarians could at least appreciate that Bush called for voluntaryism rather than state handouts. More problematic was Bush's call for "a kinder, gentler nation." Kinder than what? Than it had been under Reagan? The phrase seemed a rebuke. It didn't endear Bush to conservatives. Bush was selling himself as a former liberal who'd seen the light while serving under Reagan. Yet this "kinder, gentler" talk implied that the "voodoo economics" liberal still lurked beneath the born-again Reaganism. Both those catchphrases from 1988 (and the following) were attributed to speechwriter Peggy Noonan. Read My Lips More pleasing to conservatives was Bush's "read my lips, no new taxes" pledge. It was from his speech wherein he promsed to dig in his heels. No way, no how, no matter the circumstances, would he raise taxes. Some say Bush didn't win in 1988. Reagan did. Bush merely served out Reagan's third term. Maybe so. But Bush's "read my lips" catchphrase overcame many conservatives' doubts about him being a closet liberal. The speech certainly helped him win the election. It arguably lost him reelection four years later. Read My Hips I first saw the clip on C-SPAN. Bush had signed a deal with the Democrats to raise taxes. Following Bush on a morning jog, reporters badgered him about his breaking his "read my lips" pledge. They wanted a comment. Bush retorted with a dismissive "read my hips." Conservatives were outraged. It wasn't so much that Bush broke his promise. It was his flippancy. It was said that conservatives were the only group that Bush genuinely disliked. That he was respectful to everyone -- expect to conservatives. His "read my hips" brushoff reminded conservatives that Bush had never been one of us. I don't think that Bush, or his people, ever appreciated the deep and lasting damage his flippant "finger" of a remark did to his support among conservatives. We loved Reagan. We accepted Bush. No more. There were other, sometimes small things, that revealed Bush's inner liberal. He was quoted as telling aids, "I want to sign a civil rights bill." What I found noteworthy about this quote was its vague goal. He didn't cite a specific problem that needed fixing. He wanted to sign "a" civil rights bill. Any civil rights bill. Something for his legacy. He got his wish with the ADA. Did he sign it because he believed in its particular mandates? Or because it was the civil rights bill that happened to fall on his desk? Bush hoped to win the admiration of polite (liberal) society by betraying his conservative base. Many Republicans have tried it and come away empty handed. Democrats continued to hate Bush. In 1992, The New Republic published Bushisms, a book that ridiculed him. I still own a copy. In the leadup to the Gulf War, Bush called for "a New World Order." This tone deaf call to arms reminded conservatives of Bush's Trilateralist ties. Pat Buchanan's insurgency campaign (populist, nationalist, proto-Trumpian) demonstrated conservatives' growing disgust with "King George" (as Buchanan called him). After Buchanan dropped out of the race, his "Buchanan Brigades" turned to Ross Perot instead of returning to the GOP. Further cementing Bush's "silver spoon" reputation was the UPC scanner scandal, wherein Bush supposedly revealed his ignorance about the device. I think the accusation was unfair. Bush's defenders insisted that he knew about UPC scanners, and had simply remarked about them. That the media had taken his remark out of context, to make him appear ignorant. I'm inclined to believe Bush on this score. No Fire in the Belly Bush ran a remarkably inept reelection campaign (to the extent that he even campaigned). Like many moderate Republicans, he spent more energy defeating a conservative rival for the nomination than in fighting the Democrat once he secured the nomination. Clinton began campaigning in 1991 and never stopped. Bush stopped after Buchanan dropped out. As his poll numbers dipped, Bush demonstrated remarkable complacency. Critics said he had no "fire in the belly." I remember driving down Sunset Blvd., listening to Rush Limbaugh interview the leader of the Orange County Young Americans for Freedom. The Los Angeles riots had hurt Bush's support in California. The smug YAF leader "personally guaranteed" that Orange County would deliver California to Bush. Instead, California went blue for the first time since 1964. It's stayed blue ever since. Bush denied that he had no "fire in the belly." His announced plan was to wait for the October debates. Trying to sound enthusiastic, he'd say, "Oh boy, I can't wait to get in there and debate!" And yet he did wait. By which time, he was too far behind to catch up. Did Bush even want to win? Former New York City mayor Edward I. Koch didn't think so. After the election, Koch spoke of having met Bush at the White House in 1992. Bush said to him, "Oh boy, I can't wait to get out of here." Koch said he knew the feeling. Thomas M. Sipos writes horror fiction, satire, and film reviews. His website is http://www.CommunistVampires.com/ Home
Looking at the structural problems of Canadian conservatism at the close of 2018 (Part Three) By Mark Wegierski

The impact of the so-called right-wing blogosphere is certainly far less in Canada than in the United States. The impact of various personal blogs (such as those of Kate McMillan, Kathy Shaidle, or Richard Klagsbrun) is difficult to accurately gauge. There are as well the party-based Blogging Tories. The website conservativeforum.org is only an archive site. Free Dominion could be called a self-posting forum where commentary is not formally structured. Unfortunately, Free Dominion has been recently subjected to vicious lawfare and its situation is highly tenuous. Enter Stage Right is an independent, formally structured, consistently-edited, frequently updated, conservative Canadian e-zine. There is also Judi McLeods Canada Free Press. In the wake of the failure of the Sun News Network, Ezra Levant has launched a major website, called The Rebel (or The Rebel Media) with dozens of bloggers regularly contributing to it. Two websites of the culturalist opposition are capforcanada.com and eurocanadian.ca . In July 2013, there arose with great fanfare, the daily webzine, Freedom Press Canada Journal, but it was forced to greatly reduce the frequency of its postings as of November 30, 2013, and, in subsequent months, appears to have been completely removed from the Internet. Since mid-2014, short article postings have begun to very sporadically appear on the website. Freedom Press Canada has also published, over the last several years, a number of hard-hitting conservative books. It is also commonly considered that mass-circulation newspapers like The National Post, Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen, and The Toronto Sun are heavily right-wing. However, that is not really the case. There are also a considerable number of blogs of varying political complexion now associated with major newspapers and magazines, such as that, for example, of Colby Cosh  who had previously had a long-running personal blog. There had also arisen, in April 2011, a right-leaning cable-based news station  Sun News Network. However, it completely shut down on February 13, 2015. In the U.S., there are hundreds of private, frequently religiously-affiliated colleges, which may constitute the basis for a network of conservative dissent. There is clearly some conservative presence in much of the U.S. academy. In Canada, conservative professors are few and far between; perhaps the University of Calgary is the only public university with a significant conservative presence (in its department of political science). And, there are only a few private colleges, notably, Trinity Western University in British Columbia, and Redeemer University College in Ontario. Trinity Western University has recently faced strong opposition when it endeavoured to launch a law school. The law school was rejected as legitimate by the Ontario and Nova Scotia bar associations, meaning that its graduates would be unable to practice law in those provinces. There was also agitation continuing against its earlier recognition by the British Columbia bar association. On October 30, 2014, the result of a binding referendum of the B.C. bar association members was to instruct the bar associations benchers to withdraw the recognition of Trinity Westerns law school. There was indeed a highly orchestrated campaign against the recognition of the law school. This culminated in the 2018 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada that the provincial bar associations were justified in forbidding Trinity Western University law school graduates from practicing law in their provinces. Taking into account the disparity in resources as between small-c conservatives and left-liberals in Canada  which is clearly astronomical  the situation of conservatism in Canada may indeed be seen as rather difficult. One supposes that one of the few possible reassurances for so-called small-c conservatives is that they, after all, have human nature and commonsense on their side. However, what traditionalists call human nature is considered merely a fiction by most left-liberals  who believe that human beings are almost entirely determined by their immediate environment, and can indeed be shaped in any direction left-liberalism chooses. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
Climate summit language reveals real but hidden agenda By David Wojick, PhD

People complain all the time about UN jargon. But the technical language of the Katowice, Poland climate summit is actually very revealing. It is all about changing the world order. Words exist because there is something important to talk about. Words also embody basic beliefs. In this context, it is very useful that the ever-green Climate Change News has published a Glossary of the 32 technical terms they think are most important in Katowice. Analyzing this list tells us a great deal about what is really going on there this week. To begin with, not one word on the list addresses climate or climate change. That means calling this a climate summit is just a semantic smokescreen. These folks are designing a New World Order. The primary focus is how the world will be changed and who is going to pay for it  and who is going to be in charge. In fact, the largest group of terms includes those that refer to the various political alliances at the New World Order design table. There are twelve such groups, plus the term "negotiating group" itself. These are groups of countries that feel they share enough of a common interest to team up. Thus a full 41% of the technical terms refer to interest groups. The largest negotiating group by far is called the G77 + China. Despite the old name, this group has 134 member countries. I have no idea why China gets special mention, except it is by far the most powerful member. These are the countries that stand to benefit immensely from the new world order, because its central feature is enormous, never-ending payments from the so-called developed countries to the developing countries. (I say so-called because the USA is still developing. Its also important to recognize that the more these rich developed nations are forced to reduce their fossil fuel use, de-industrialize and pay money to developing countries like China, the less developed and wealthy they will become, the lower their living standards will be, the less they will be able to make the never-ending payments.) Africa has its own group, since those countries stand to make more money per capita then any other region. (Most likely, though, most of that money will go to their kleptocratic ruling elites.) The United States is part of something innocuously called the Umbrella Group, which includes many developed countries outside of the EU, which is a group of its own. Brexit appears not to have happened here, because the UK is not listed separately from the EU. The avowed Socialists from the Western Hemisphere even have their own group of eleven countries, further demonstrating that this Katowice business is all about a New World Order, not climate change. Mind you these Socialists are not the only anti-capitalists at the table; far from it. The next largest language group comprises five wealth transfer terms. The definition specifically says that this is a central element of the New World Order (which it calls international cooperation, which presumably alludes to the international community and civil society). One of these terms is climate finance. However, it is not about financing climate, whatever that might mean. It is about the developed countries paying for everything the developing countries do in the name of stopping, or at least adapting to, supposedly human-caused climate change. Annual payments of $100 billion (!) are supposed to begin in 2020, but may well rise thereafter if developing countries decide they need (and will demand) more, which they no doubt would. The more they demand or receive, the more money they will expect to get. But this $100 billion a year is by no means the big ticket when it comes to payments. That honor belongs to something called loss and damage. This is basically compensation for all of the damage allegedly caused by climate change  which now appears to include all bad weather. Every hurricane, drought, wildfire, snowstorm and flood is now attributed to human-caused climate change, not to mention sea level rise. All must be compensated. The Paris Accord acknowledges loss and damage, but stops short of requiring the developed countries to pay for it. That they do pay is certainly part of the New World Order agenda. The tentative figure put out by the UN is $400 billion a year, but it could easily get much bigger. There is a lot of bad weather in the world. One of the sneakier wealth transfer terms is technology transfer. In the US, this term is widely used to mean the licensing of new technologies to companies, who then move them from the laboratory to widespread use. At Katowice, the term means something entirely different, including the unlicensing of technologies. The idea is that companies holding patents will waive them, to allow developing countries to manufacture the patented stuff free of charge. It can even mean that these companies build manufacturing facilities and train the workers, also for free. I am not making this up. Then there are various important words referring to other aspects of the New World Order, as well as to specific actions to be taken along the way. Chief among these are the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are what each country (sort of) promises to do to reduce its emissions and the scourge of dangerous manmade climate change. The NDCs are defined as climate targets, but of course they are not target climates. They are milestones on the way to the New World Order. As with most of this UN summit language, climate is a code word. The NDCs are to be renewed every five years, including in 2020, so this is another hidden agenda item in Katowice. In short, what is on the table at Katowice is moving toward a New World Order, in the name of dealing with supposedly human caused climate change. One of the central elements is a vast wealth transfer from the developed countries like the USA to the developing countries. Another is the reduction or elimination of national sovereignty, in favor of control and decision-making by the United Nations, international community, negotiating groups and New World Order. This is something the UN has always wanted to do, and the climate change scare is their grand chance to do so  or so they think anyway. Tens of thousands of national negotiators from around the world are hard at it in Poland. The language is deliberately deceptive. But once you understand it, things get pretty clear. Language is like that. David Wojick is an independent analyst specializing in science and logic in public policy. Home
Climate lunacy takes center stage in Poland By Paul Driessen

The unwritten rule seems to be that each successive climate report and news release must be more scarifying than any predecessors, especially during the run-up to international conferences. Thus Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report 15 claims governments worldwide must make unprecedented changes in all aspects of society, spend $40 trillion by 2035 on renewable energy, and impose carbon taxes that climb to $5,500 per ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) by 2030. Or temperatures could climb another 1 degree F (0.5 C) and bring utter cataclysm to human civilization and our planet. Not to be outdone, the 1,700-page 2018 US National Climate Assessment wailed that failure to eliminate fossil fuels and roll back American industry and living standards would send global temperatures soaring 15 degrees F by 2100! Chaos and food shortages would ensue; US economic growth would plummet. The hyperbole continues in Katowice, Poland  where 30,000 activists and bureaucrats (and a few scientists) are meeting to finalize regulations to implement the 2015 Paris climate treaty and compel wealthy nations to give trillions of dollars in adaptation, mitigation and compensation money to poor countries that have been victimized by climate change, even as the rich nations de-industrialize. All of this certainly plays well with those who orchestrated these reports and programs, are ideologically opposed to fossil fuels, or get paid to advance climate chaos and renewable energy narratives. However, a very different response among other audiences is increasingly evident around the world. People look out their windows and realize the unprecedented climate and weather chaos isnt actually happening, is little different from what they and previous generations experienced, and cannot possibly be attributed solely to fossil fuel use. They know the sun and other powerful natural forces have driven frequent climate changes throughout history, and play equally important roles today. They understand that the scary headlines are the product of scenarios conjured up by computer models that blame climate change on greenhouse gases. They see the boy who cried fifty 20-foot-tall wolves far too often. They dont buy the notion that todays incredibly wealthy, high-tech, energy-rich societies are somehow less able to deal with climate change than those that lived through the Little Ice Age, for example. They typically put climate change at the bottom of any list of pressing concerns. More and more people understand that fossil fuels provide 80% of US and global energy  and are essential to lifting billions more people out of crushing poverty. They see Asian and African countries building thousands of new coal- and gas-fired electrical generating plants, and making and driving millions of new cars. They know even Germany and Japan are burning more coal, as they realize that wind and solar subsidies and facilities raise energy costs, kill jobs and hurt poor families the most. People resent being scammed and get angry when they realize their taxes and energy payments often line the pockets of climate activists, scientists, bureaucrats, politicians, and wind, solar and biofuel cronies. Above all, a growing number see the proposed solutions as far worse than the wildly exaggerated and even fabricated climate disasters. They wont tolerate having their livelihoods and living standards disrupted or destroyed by carbon taxes, even higher energy prices or fossil fuel bans  especially when the antipathy toward those fuels is combined with plans to terminate nuclear and even hydroelectric power. In recent weeks, millions of mostly poor, working class and rural French citizens have joined the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) movement, protesting and even rioting against President Macrons proposed carbon tax hikes on their driving and living standards. Even a French police union has sided with the protesters. A shaken Macron finally postponed the tax for six months, then scrapped the plan entirely. The protests are the first serious backlash against international eco-imperialism. They wont be the last. In Africa alone, twice as many people as live in the USA still do not have electricity, or have it only rarely and unpredictably. Can you imagine your life without electricity? And yet they are told by the EU, environmentalists, the World Bank and others that they must restrict their ambitions to what is possible with wind, solar and biofuel energy. Would you accept such carbon colonialism? Can actual, real-world climate risks possibly be worse than the horrid poverty, deprivation and disease that afflicts them now? The World Bank recently said it would kindly give poor countries $200 billion during its FY2021-25 cycle, for adaptation and resilience in the face of manmade climate change. But still nothing for fossil fuel or nuclear power. The White House should read it the riot act, especially if US money is involved. Poor countries dont need climate cash. They need to develop: energy, infrastructure, factories, jobs, health, living standards. They need to do what rich countries did to become rich  not what (some) rich countries are doing (or at least saying) now that they are rich. Thankfully, many are doing exactly that. Abundant, reliable, affordable electricity, motor fuels and factory power creates its own prosperity; its own ability to improve roads, hospitals, schools, homes and so on; its own drop dead money to tell carbon colonialists to take a hike. Green energy is insufficient, unsustainable and ecologically harmful. With America likely being joined soon by Brazil in rejecting the Paris climate trap, poor nations are on firm ground. Ontario (Canada), Poland. Australia, China, India and other countries have also rejected carbon taxes and coal use restrictions. The Paris deal is fast becoming a climate Potemkin Village. But what about that National Climate Assessment? Wasnt that a Trump White House document? It certainly needed some adult supervision, to ride herd on the 1,000 Deep State scientists and bureaucrats who prepared it. However, the White House let them prove how loony climate alarmism has become. Indeed, as Nick Loris, Roger Pielke, Jr. and other experts have pointed out, the NCA was based on absurd assumptions (eg, vastly increased coal use and no energy technology advances over the next 70 years) and a ridiculous worst-case global temperature increase of 15 degrees F by 2100. Thats twice as high as even the IPCCs worst-case projections, and far worse than Garbage In-Garbage Out climate models are predicting. Its more than 15 times the total warming our Earth has experienced since 1820! The NCA is also based on rampant cherry-picking of data, to wildly inflate climate risks; an almost total failure to factor in the incalculable benefits of fossil fuels; and a refusal to consider the plant-fertilizing benefits of more atmospheric carbon dioxide. It just depicts the CO2 we exhale solely as a dangerous climate-changing pollutant. The NCA also ignored the fact that actual observations show no increases in drought, no increases in the frequency or magnitude of floods, no trends in the frequency or intensity of hurricanes. It didnt mention the 12-year absence of Category 3-5 hurricanes making US landfall. Just as egregious, the Deep State NCA claimed continued fossil fuel use would hit the United States with $500 billion in annual climate related costs by 2090. Thats more than twice the percentage lost during the Great Depression. Its 10% of the US economy in 1971. Even with modest economic growth, its likely to be a trivial 0.6% of Americas GDP in 2090. The NCA bogeyman is a little stuffed bear. But based on IPCC and NCA fear mongering, America and the world are supposed to keep their fossil fuels in the ground  including what the US Geological Survey says is the largest continuous oil and gas resource potential ever assessed!! Over 46 billion barrels of oil, 280 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 20 billion barrels of natural gas liquids in just part of the Texas-New Mexico Permian Basin. No one denies that the climate changes, or even that human activities have some effects on climate and weather. But there is no real-world evidence that human CO2 emissions have replaced the sun and other natural forces; that another degree of warming would be cataclysmic; or that humans can control climate changes and weather events by tweaking the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Want some facts and common sense? See what CFACT and Heartland have been saying in Poland, and read books by Dr Roy Spencer, Marc Morano, Anthony Watts and others. Theyll be a breath of fresh air. Paul Driessen is senior policy analyst for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT) and author of books, studies and articles on energy, climate change, the environment and human rights. Home
Third Temple revealed By Dr. Robert Owens

Do you think were living in the End Times? If you spend much time with Evangelical Christians youre bound to be asked this question. Perhaps, more times than youll be able to remember. I know I have. Those who believe that the Revelation of John found in the New Testament foretells future evets are constantly looking for signs that the End Times have begun. Theyre always on the lookout for the birth of the Red Heifer, the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant, and the building of the Third Temple. News flashes from around the world: 1. The writer of the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament tells us that the end times were already upon us back in the first century when he said, God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son 2. The Temple Institute in Jerusalem announced in September of 2018 that the first red heifer born in Israel in 2,000 years was certified by a board of rabbis as fulfilling all the Biblical requirements. 3. According to the Smithsonian.com the Ark of the Covenant may not have been lost at all. Through the centuries, Ethiopian Christians have claimed that the ark rests in a chapel in the small town of Aksum, in their country's northern highlands. It arrived nearly 3,000 years ago, they say, and has been guarded by a succession of virgin monks who, once anointed, are forbidden to set foot outside the chapel grounds until they die. And there are scholars who agree with the Ethiopian Christians. While the idea that the Ark was taken to Ethiopia is not new there has been renewed interest after evidence was unearthed by the Bible Archaeology, Search & Exploration Institute (BASE). In a blog post on the organizations website it said: "As unusual as this may sound, the BASE team has uncovered compelling evidence that the Ark may well have been spirited up the Nile River to an eventual resting place in the remote highlands of ancient Kushmodern-day Ethiopia. According to their research the Ark was taken out of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem during the reign of Manasseh where it was first taken to a Jewish colony on Elephantine Island in Egypt. After that it is thought it was taken down the Nile to Lake Tana in Ethiopia and in particular Tana Kirkos Island, which is considered to be a holy island only populated by Christian monks. 4. And in this article I will reveal the location of the Third Temple. Let me digress: When I gave my life to Christ and was born-again into a new life I was an alcoholic drug addict. Id never thought that was a bad or unusual thing, either before I was born-again or immediately afterward. Let me explain. You see I thought everyone was an alcoholic drug addict except of course for those bland bobble-heads I called squares or citizens and they meant no more to me than the gravel under my feet. Everyone who was anyone in my life was someone who either helped me get alcohol and drugs or enjoyed them with me. I didnt think there was anything wrong with using and abusing alcohol and drugs because where I came from everyone did. At least everyone I knew or interacted with. The local priest had his own stool at a local bar and was famous for his capacity to drink people under the table. The pastor of the church my parents attempted to make me attend was a notorious drunk. I knew police officers who got high and arrested people just to seize their drugs. I sat in police cars drinking with on duty officers. My best connection for weed was a Chicago police captain. In my neighborhood teachers, judges, doctors, everyone self-medicated. I figured the only reason drugs were illegal was because the government had to throw a bone to the mob when they made alcohol legal. And besides in my mind the government made more money running people through the system then they would if they just taxed drug sales. I figured the presidents and others running the country got high they just had the real good stuff. After I was born-again I was consumed with reading the Bible. As much as possible that was all I did. I would walk around my house reading the Bible drinking whiskey while chain-smoking cigarettes and joints. I just figured I was getting a spiritual high to augment my self-medicated continuous life buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. It was beautiful. Then I ran headfirst into I Corinthians 3:16-17, Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. This brought me up short. Im the temple of God! I thought. Looking at the eight ounce tumbler of whiskey in one hand and the cigarette in the other I thought, What am I doing? Right there and right then I set down that glass of whiskey, put out that cigarette looked at the bag of weed lying next to my hands on the desk and gave them up. That was it. No withdrawals. No regrets. God did all the heavy lifting and He made me clean. Since that day Ive never been drawn off course by anyone wondering about when the Third Temple was going to be built because God makes it clear that we are the temple of God. In I Corinthians 3:16-17 He says it straight out, you are the temple of God. And if that wasnt enough there are other references to this fact in the Bible as well. Such as I Peter 2:4-5, Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. What is the Temple besides Gods house? What is it for? It is where the priests offered sacrifices. In the new world, the New Earth we inhabit when we become a new creation the sacrifices are spiritual and they are offered up in Gods house, His Holy Temple, which temple we are. Secret revealed: Where is the Third Temple? It is right here right now  it is the body of Christ made up of all believers collectively and individually. So dont be drawn off base looking for that which has been revealed. Our Father God calls every Christian to be Christ to the world around us. To see with His eyes, hear with His ears, touch with His hands, and love with His heart. He told us that we will do the same kind of works He did while He walked among us only greater. So lets not waste our time navel gazing into a reflecting glass of superimposed meanings when Revelation tells us clearly; Jesus is God, God wins in the end, and no matter how bad it gets we should pray, Even so come Lord Jesus. Dr. Robert Owens teaches History, Political Science, and Religion. He is the Historian of the Future @ http://drrobertowens.com  2018 Contact Dr. Owens drrobertowens@hotmail.com Follow Dr. Robert Owens on Facebook or Twitter @ Drrobertowens or visit Dr. Owens Amazon Page / Edited by Dr. Rosalie Owens Home
NARVIK, Norway, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held Sunday to officially open Norway's second largest bridge that has been built by a Chinese company and its partners some 220 km inside the Arctic Circle.

With a total length of 1,533 meters and a free span of 1,145 meters, the Halogaland Bridge near Norway's northern port city of Narvik is the longest suspension bridge within the Arctic Circle.

It is China's Sichuan Road and Bridge Group (SRBG) that delivered the steel constructions and was responsible for the mounting of the bridge, which contributes to a significant shortcut on European route E6 -- the main north-south road through Norway and the west coast of Sweden.

"It's been great to see Chinese participation in this project," Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg told reporters at the inauguration ceremony on the Halogaland Bridge over the Rombaken fjord.

"It is a very beautiful bridge that is very important for the local community," she said.

Chinese Ambassador to Norway Wang Min, who was also present at the inauguration ceremony, said the bridge has shown Chinese companies' efforts to carry out the Belt and Road Initiative.

The project "is an important result of the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Norway," Wang said. "It will set an important example to further promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries."

In 2013, the SRBG won the steel contract for the bridge in a tough competition with the world's leading builders.

The steel contract includes preproduction of all the parts -- cables and steel boxes and site construction. The production of the steel parts was carried out in four different factories in China.
Written by ACM



*Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- For the 2nd Time in an Exceptional Row, CoE's Highest Political body, that of its 47 Member States' strong (including Russia) Committee of Ministers, slamed anew Turkey's Persisting Refusal to Cooperate on monitoring the execution of ECHR Judgements, which have notoriously Condemned Ankara for a series of Massive and Continuing Violations of Human Rights of Greek-Cypriot Refugees/Displaced persons and even "Missing" People and their Families, since the 1974 Military Invasion and Occupation of the Northern Part of EU Member Cyprus, (See, already : http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/turkeuyrefusescooperationwithcoe.html + http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/eucoereactonturkeyrefusaltocooperate.html , etc).



---------------------



Turkey not only Refused to Participate in CoE's relevant Discussions (Extending now on December 2018 the Negative Stance that it Adopted since last September), and did Not Cooperate with its Committee of Ministers in its Task to supervise ECHR's Judgments' Execution, but even Persisted to its Long Abstention from Paying the Just Satisfaction awarded by the European Court to the Victims, in more than 30 Cases of Greek Cypriot Refugees/Displaced Persons, and in the landmark "Varnavas" Case of 9 "Missing" People, (at least 2 of whom had been found "Detained at the Time of their Disappearance", as CoE reminded), as well as on the cases of Homes and other private Properties of "Enclaved" Greek Cypriots inside the Occupied Territories Controlled by Ankara's Army, who are included in the overall, Inter-State Case of "Cyprus v. Turkey" (which concerns almost All Violations of Human Rights committed by Ankara in Cyprus).



=> According to the Officially Published CoE's Decisions, the PanEuropean Organisation for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law, expressed its "Deep Regret" anew for "the decision of Turkey Not to Participate in the Discussions" of CoE's Committee of Ministers on all these affairs, 'and called, once again, on Turkey to Cooperate with the Committee", while Also "Insist(ing) again Firmly on the ...Obligation of Turkey to Pay the just satisfaction Awarded by the European Court" in those cases, "withOut further Delay".



+ For that purpose, CoE also Decided "to Resume Consideration" on the issues of Greek Cypriot "Missing" Persons (Both on Compensations and Investigations for their Fate), and Refugees/Displaced persons (Compensations), the Earliest possible : I.e. at its Next Meeting for Human Rights, on "March 2019".



This will be Closely Followed by CoE's Examination of "Individual Measures" that Turkey has to take in the 33 Cases of GC Refugees/Displaced persons, as well as on the "Information" that "certain (COE Member States' National) Delegations requested" concerning "the Situation of the ... Property" of the Refugee/Displaced person in "Loizidou case" (that Turkey curiously seeks to ..."Close", withOut even Replying to Questions ! See Infra), on "June 2019".



Further, "the Issue of the Property Rights of the Enclaved persons", in the Inter-State case "Cyprus v. Turkey"), will be resumed on "September 2019".



--------------------------



Significantly, this important Meeting, which durated during 3 Days (November 4 to 6, 2018) , was Chaired by French Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Mattei, (according to an established practice), just a few Months before France takes over CoE's rotating Presidency, from May to November 2019.



------------------------------------------



Cyprus Denounced the fact that, at least in the well-known Refugee/Displaced persons' "Case of Xenides-Arestis", "almost 12 Years (sic !) have Elapsed since Just Satisfaction fell Due", i.e. Turkey's Refusal to Pay the Compensation judged by ECHR, resulted in "the Longest Default in the History of the (European) Convention system" !...



+ Moreover, Cypus had "Urged" the CoE to "Resist" to Turkey's "Blackmail", which is notoriously Seeking mainly a ..."Closure" of the Most Famous, "Loizidou" case, among Refugees/Displaced persons(added even to 2 Other such cases), Threatening, Otherwise, to Persist even Longer in its Refusal to Participate at CoE's Deliberations in all those other affairs (Comp. Supra). But, such "Closure(s)", Paradoxicaly, ..."would Reward Turkey for its Non-Payment, and, in particular, for its Non-Cooperaton with (CoE's) Committee" of Ministers, and "it would be utterly Wrong to End (CoE's) Supervision, in circumstances where Turkey Seeks to make Closure a Condition for its future Cooperation".



Simply Because,



- in Addition to the Fact that there are still Many pertinent UnAnswered "Question"s in this Case (Loizidou, etc), some Already Raised also by Other National Delegations, (See Infra),



+ + "FurtherMore",,Otherwise, a "Closure" of the remaining Loizidou affair and/or Other 2 Cases singled out by Ankara, "would send a most Unfortunate Signal to any Other State that might, in Future, contemplate embarking upon a Similar Policy of Non-Cooperation, in order to Pressurise the (CoE's) Committee into Favouring its point of view", so that "Undermining the work of (CoE's) Committee" Risks to become "a Practice that is Tolerated, and, in fact, bears fruit", Cyprus Warned.



------------------------------



As for the still UnAnswered Questions in the Landmark "Loizidou" case, they are related with the most Fundamental Human Rights' Key-Issue in Refugees/Displaced persons cases, both in Europe and Worldwide :



- That for "RESTITUTION" of the Victims' Family Homes and/or other Private Properties, as Preferable to mere Financial Compensation, since it Helps much More (and Often is really Necessary, in Practice) for their voluntary RETURN to their Ancestral Land, (as it's Stressed even by UNO's most Important Report and Guiding "Principles", drafted by Professor Pinheiro, and Endorsed by UNHCR, UNHCHR and UNO's Secretary General, at nearby Geneva : Comp., f.ex. ...). Cyprus' Government also finds these Questions "Vitally Important".



Indeed, Turkey Refused any "Restitution" of Miss Loizidou's properties (as for Most Other Greek Cypriot Refugees/Displaced persons) in the Occupied Territories of Cyprus, controlled by Ankara's Military, by Claiming that this would have become "ImPossible", mainly because they would have been "Transferred" to so-called "Turkish Cypriot Refugees", (in fact, People who had freely Left the Non-Occupied, but Government-controlled, Areas, leaving their belongings "by way of Exchange"), and, Afterwards, her Properties would have undergone so "considerable Changes", that these would "Prevent the ....Restitution", (Even ... "After the Solution of Cyprus' [Political] Problem" !)... Thus, Turkey reportedly offered to the Greek Cypriot Refugee/IDP, Only a mere Financial Compensation, which, in addition, appeared too much Lower than what had been previously attributed by ECHR (See Infra)...



=> But, this Raised a series of Questions, which have Not yet been Answered by the Turkish side, as Cyprus observed :



(1) Where is the EVIDENCE that those alleged Turkish Cypriots would have left the Government-controlled Areas, leaving behind their Belongings for exchange, and to whom would have been Transferred the properties of Greek Cypriot Refugee Loizidou, in the Territories of Cyprus still Occupied by Ankara's Militay ? No Reply yet...



(2) WHEN were reportedly Transferred to those Turkish Cypriots the above-mentioned Properties of that Greek Cypriot Refugee/IDP ? Before, or After ECHR's JUDGEMENT of 1996, which, notoriously, "Confirmed" that she Remained the Lawful Owner ?



(3) Which are the alleged "CHANGES" that Turkey Claims on the Greek Cypriot Refugee/IDP's properties ? On the Contrary, at least "Some of that Property" seems to be "EMPTY and UnDeveloped", therefore, "so, in principle, Available for Restitution", Cyprus observed...



(4) Why was the Turkish Offer (for Finanial Compensation) so LOW ? Cyprus calculated, indeed, that they would have "Valued the use of the Property at barely HALF the rate awarded by the ECHR" for a previous period...



+ Moreover, Significantly, the Chair of a Controversial "Immovable Property Commission" unilaterally set up by the Turkish side in the Occupied Territories of Cyprus, controlled by Ankara's Invasion and Occupation Military, claiming to give there a Monopoly in Dealing with Greek Cypriot Refugees/Displaced persons' Rights, Quoted in a Press Article ("Diyalog", 24/3/2018), has reportedly stated that, inter alia, also that "....the More LAND is TURKIFIED, the Right of the Greek Cypriot side to demand Land in the North will be Abolished" (sic !)...

=> In Consequence, it "would be Manifestly UnJust" to "Close the Case", while "Turkey is (still) under an Obligation to provide Answers to these Questions, so that the (CoE's) Committee may be in a position to take a fully Informed Decision on that matter", instead of "resolv(ing) those UnCertainties withOut Evidence", Cyprus concluded.



---------------------------------------------



On the Contrary, it's Only in 2 Other Cases, among those 33 ECHR Judgements still Pending for Execution, in various Individual Affairs of Refugees/Displaced persons, that "Friendly Agreements" were reached between the Appliquants and Turkey, after the First "Surrendered ...the Ownership of their Properties", and "Turkey has Complied with the terms of those Arrangements", the Government of Cyprus pointed out, apparently Concluding that these 2 Individual cases, may be, Exceptionally, Closed.



Something which, Obviously, isn't but a Tiny part among More than +180.000 - 200.000 Greek Cypriot Refugees/Displaced persons, who were Obliged to Flee Turkey's Military Invasion and Ocupation of the Northern Territories of Cyprus by Ankara's Army since 1974, and are Still Hindered Today to Return Back to Family Homes and Ancestral Land.



A Few Years Ago, around 2016, UN-sponsored Top Level Talks on Cyprus, mainly at nearby Switzerland, reportedly had managed to Mark an exceptional Advance, including, particularly, on an eventual Draft Plan with Map for Refugees/Displaced persons' possible Return, which was, exchanged for the 1st Time between the parties.



But, shortly Afterwards, all that was Blocked mainly because Ankara's Instisted to Keep, not only a Number of Troops in Cyprus, even After a Political Solution, but even a Claim for more Unilateral Military Interventions, whenever, in the Future, Turkey might deem necessary.

(Something that, on the Contrary, Both Greece and the UK, accepted to Stop, as Cyprus naturally wished to Prevent Other Tragedies, as in the Past, by Building, this Time, a "Normal, Independent and Sovereign State", that New UNO Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, reportedly found Natural).



Following that, Later-on, the Turkish-Cypriot side even, reportedly, Asked and Withdrew the Map that had been Earlier exchanged and agreed, (Comp. Supra)...



-------------------------



Meanwhile, this week, Both COE's Secretariat and Cyprus' Government, reminded the Fact that, Already 4 Years Ago, since 2014, CoE's Committee of Ministers, (facing Turkey's Failure to Pay, at least, the Compensations awarded by ECHR's Judgements to several Greek Cypriot Refugees/Displaced persons), had adopted 2 Resolutions Warning Ankara that its Continued Refusal to Pay that Just Satisfaction awarded by ECHR to the Victims of the "Varnavas" Case ("Missing" Persons and their Families), as well as to 33 Cases of Refugees/Displaced persons in the so-called "Xenides -Arestis Group", was in Flagrand Conflict with its International Obligaions, Not Only as a Contracting Party to the PanEuropean Conention on Human Rights, but Also as a CoE's Member State...



=> Obviously, the Double Supplementary Fact that such a Problem (of Refusal to Pay ECHR-awarded Compensations to the Victims) still Persists for Turkey, even on 2018, to which was Recently Added even an UnPrecedented Refusal to Cooperate with CoE for the Execution of ECHR's Judgements, (Comp. Supra), makes Ankara's position inside the CoE, even More Problematic...



It's in such a particularly "Hot" Context, f.ex. that an Exasperated Appliquant Refugee/IDP, who had already Waited ... 13 Years (between 1997 and 2010) for an ECHR Judgement Condemning Turkey for Violating his Human Rights, later Added to anOther + 8 Years More (2010 - 2018+), withOut any Payment, until now, by Ankara of the Just Satisfaction ordered by the ECHR, (=> thus Resulting in ... 21 Years of Delay : 1997 - 2018 !), suddenly erupted :



- CoE's Committee of Ministers should "Go Beyond Literary Decisions, that are Repeatedly Ignored" by Turkey, "and take Practical Measures to EnForce and achieve Execution of the ... ECtHR Judgement", he suggested in a Letter send to Strasbourg :



=> "To this end", f.ex., CoE should "Issue a Final Warning" to Turkey, "to Immediately Execute the Judgement on Just Satisfaction, (issued 8 Years Ago), since Failure to Execute the Judgement would indicate that :



"1. Turkey Continuously Breaches, and does Not fully Implement the European Convention on Human Rights, and, Consequently, does Not Meet anymore the Copenhagen eligibility Criteria (needed in order) to Be Candidate for Accession to the EU",



"2. there is ground for a process for Expulsion of Turkey from the CoE, due to Violating its Statutes".



+ Also, if" Turkey "Fails Again to Implement the Judgment", CoE's "Committee of Ministers" could "Initiate a Process leading into Confiscating Assets/Holdings" of Ankara "in a European Country; ( e.g. France, where both ECtHR and CoE are Based), for Payment of the above", he finally suggested...



It's a Scandalous Fact that, meanwhile, several Victims of Human Rights' Violations by Turkey in Cyprus have already Started to ...Die, Passing Away in Old Age, while vainly Waitibng for Ankara to Implement ECHR's Judgements, (See, f.ex.: http://www.eurofora.net/newsflashes/news/turkeyblocksechrjudgementswhilevictimsdie.html, etc). Former long-time President of ECHR, Luzius Wildhaber, from Switzerland, was the 1st to ask sincere "Excuses", for the Death of an Old Woman Refugee, who disappeared withOut even seeing an ECHR Judgement implemented in her case, after Waiting for Decades : - "This is Not Normal, and Must Not Happen again !", President Wildhaber had said then, sincerely moved, in Reply to a Question by "Eurofora"s co-Founder, (Published then at "TCWeekly").

(../..)





------------------------------






China recently enacted a law that could prevent China-based individuals and entities, including the China-based subsidiaries of non-Chinese companies, from providing certain assistance in criminal proceedings outside of China.

The law appears to block such companies, absent approval from the Chinese government, from disclosing evidence in China to criminal enforcement authorities outside of China in connection with a criminal matter.

On October 26, 2018, Chinas legislature, the National Peoples Congress, enacted the International Criminal Judicial Assistance Law (ICJA Law). As the name suggests, the law applies only to criminal matters, not to civil or administrative matters.

The ICJA Law describes the processes to obtain assistance and evidence in criminal matters outside of China, including service of documents; evidence collection; witness testimony; freezing, seizure, and confiscation of assets; and transfer of convicted persons. The ICJA Law applies to entities and individuals outside of China seeking assistance from China, and China-based entities and individuals seeking assistance from other countries. The ICJA Law requires all such assistance in criminal proceedings be routed through a competent authority (currently five agencies in China are so designated).

In some respects, the ICJA Law is a gap-filler for countries where China does not have a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty or similar agreement. According to the Chinese equivalent of legislative history of the ICJA Law, the restrictions aim to restrict the extraterritorial application of other countries laws in China, including in situations where criminal enforcement authorities request information directly from China-based organizations and institutions. The press release announcing the measure further stated that the ICJA Law would help fight corruption by allowing the Chinese government to obtain evidence against corrupt Chinese officials who have fled outside of China.

Of particular note for multinational companies, Article 4 of the ICJA Law states:

Without the approval of the competent authority of the Peoples Republic of China, foreign agencies, organizations, and individuals shall not initiate criminal proceedings hereunder within the territory of the Peoples Republic of China, [and] agencies, organizations, and individuals within the territory of the Peoples Republic of China shall not provide to a foreign country any evidentiary material [or] the assistance set forth hereunder.

The first part of Article 4 is not new or surprising: China has long asserted its judicial sovereignty, and has long prohibited obtaining evidence in China without approval, even voluntary depositions in civil cases, and approval is rarely granted. (As a result, depositions for civil cases and DOJ witness interviews typically occur in Hong Kong or elsewhere outside of mainland China.)

The second part of Article 4 is new, and will be of particular interest to multinationals with operations in China. On its face, the new law would seem to prevent such agencies, organizations, or individuals from providing evidence or testimony in criminal proceedings outside of China without approval. This suggests that a China-based subsidiary of a multinational company could not, absent approval from the Chinese government, provide evidence or testimony to criminal enforcement authorities such as the U.S. DOJ or UK Serious Fraud Office. The U.S. SEC, without criminal enforcement authority, would not appear to be covered.

The reading of Article 4 may even be broad enough to prohibit a China-based subsidiary of a multinational from providing such information to its parent outside of China, absent approval, as the prohibition applies to providing evidence or assistance to a foreign country, and is not limited to providing information the government of a foreign country.

A multinational company requested to provide evidence or testimony for a criminal investigation related to alleged wrongdoing by its affiliate in China may face the unenviable task of choosing among (1) seeking approval to transfer the evidence or provide witness testimony  which, if experience is a guide, is likely to be very slow or unobtainable  and, by alerting the authorities to the conduct, could result in criminal enforcement in China, (2) telling the criminal authorities in the other countries that the company cannot provide the information sought, or (3) providing the information in potential violation of PRC law.

U.S. officials have encouraged dialogue when there are conflicts of laws that restrict companies from disclosing information; however, U.S. officials have also signaled that companies may ultimately have to decide whether to violate a foreign law or be held in contempt by a U.S. court. The ICJA Law does not contain penalties for violations, although China could presumably choose to not recognize any judicial decision based on evidence obtained in violation of the ICJA Law.

Notably, the ICJA Law does not appear to apply to an internal investigation initiated by the company. However, it could apply if the evidence developed during the internal investigation is to be submitted to a criminal enforcement authority outside of China.

Some commentators have asserted that the ICJA Law is a Chinese response to the US Department of Justices November 1, 2018 China Initiative, which states that DOJ will prioritize identifying FCPA cases involving Chinese companies that compete with American businesses. But the ICJA Law was enacted on October 26  a week before the DOJ announced the China Initiative  and has been under consideration since 2015. The ICJA Law does seem to be a reaction, though, to broader concerns about perceptions of overreach of the long-arm jurisdiction exercised by certain other countries, and presumably the United States is top of mind in that regard.

After China National Peoples Congress enacts a law, it is very common for the government to issue implementing regulations providing more details and interpretation of the law.

____

Eric Carlson, pictured above, a contributing editor of the FCPA Blog, is a Shanghai-based partner at Covington & Burling LLP specializing in anti-corruption compliance and investigations, with a particular focus on China and other regions in Asia. He speaks fluent Mandarin and Cantonese and can be contacted here.

Nicole Ma, an associate in Covingtons Shanghai office specializing in anti-corruption compliance and investigations, provided research assistance for this post.

A bilingual version of this post is available from the authors upon request.
GUANGZHOU, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The 31st fleet from the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy has left the port city of Zhanjiang in south China's Guangdong Province for the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia to escort civilian ships.

Composed of a landing vessel, a missile frigate and a supply ship, the fleet started its mission Sunday morning.

The fleet has 700 officers and soldiers, dozens of special operation soldiers and three helicopters on board.

The Chinese Navy began to carry out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia in December 2008.

In the past 10 years, the Chinese Navy has sent out 26,000 officers and soldiers, escorted 6,595 ships and successfully rescued or aided more than 60 Chinese and foreign ships.

The navy also carried out various other missions, including the evacuation of Chinese nationals from war zones in Libya in 2011 and Yemen in 2015, the search and rescue for the missing Flight MH370 and supplying fresh water to Maldives.
Yuri Williams and Rodney Smith Jr. are preparing for their third Hand of Hope tour, where they will attempt to visit all 50 states in less than a month.
China's Ministry of Public Security(MPS) has closed 1,100 self-media accounts and 31 websites suspected of engaging in trolling and extortion since the start of the year.

The ministry said that it cracked down on 28 cases involving online trolling and ghostwriters hired to post slanderous content, and arrested 67 people.

More than 80 enterprises and organizations were blackmailed.

Claiming "legal and social supervision," some suspects organized large-scale operations in paid comments or posts on social media platforms such as Sina Weibo and WeChat, which have about 400 million and 1 billion active users per month, respectively, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

They also provided services, including paid public activities and deletion of online content, to manipulate public opinion.

In a statement, the MPS accused the suspects of engaging in extortion, fraud, running illegal businesses, causing trouble, libel, and violating personal information, Xinhua reported.

Some suspects have been sentenced to jail time, others are awaiting trial, and the rest are being investigated.

Zhu Wei, a professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, said it was a good start to normalize legal regulation of activities in cyberspace.

Such operations have been a cancer that has seriously violated net users' right to knowledge and merchants' legitimate management, Zhu told the Global Times.

Service purchasers who promote the black-market chain should also be punished. Chinese authorities, including law enforcement departments and market regulation administrations, should jointly act to fight similar cyber crimes, Zhu said.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country's cyber authority, has vowed a thorough clean-up of self-media that publishes rumor-based and malicious content.

It had shut down or punished more than 9,800 self-media accounts in a campaign that began in late October.

The CAC met with media platforms, including Baidu, Tencent, Sina and Jinri Toutiao, and urged them to seriously regulate self-media on their platforms.
Campaign week against alcohol and drugs : Bonn police step up checks on motorists

Bonn Police in NRW are starting increased checks on motorists for alcohol and drugs on Monday. Bonn police are also taking part in the campaign week.

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The NRW police campaign week against alcohol and drug consumption while driving starts on Monday. The European police network Tispol called for the action. Bonn police are taking part in the increased checks from Monday 10 December to Sunday 17 December.

Its the time for Christmas parties and markets. Drivers must therefore expect more checks to be carried out. The campaign week by the European network Tispol is an event we have gladly taken part in, said Simon Rott from the Bonn police press office.

In addition to alcohol tests, where possible drug use is suspected, a check will be carried out as a matter of course said the Bonn police spokesperson. Signs of this are, for example, uncontrolled speech, dilated pupils or altered light reflections. On the spot tests include urine tests or the use of test strips.

Appeal by the European police network Tispol

The European police network Tispol has long supported the campaign against drug and alcohol consumption while driving and is appealing to all European countries to take part. A similar campaign week took place last year.

Driving after consuming alcohol is dangerous and also illegal if the drink drive limits have been exceeded. Even with lower alcohol levels, drivers will have slower reactions, poor judgement of speed and reduced coordination and concentration while driving, said Tispol president Paolo Cestra, explaining the reasons for the special measures described on the Tispol website.
Impact of strike : Regional rail traffic in NRW virtually at a standstill

Bonn Regional traffic has largely come to a standstill in North Rhine-Westphalia because of a token strike at Deutsche Bahn. Long distance traffic has been halted across Germany.

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Deutsche Bahn has suspended its long distance traffic throughout the country because of a token strike, a spokesperson for the company told the German Press Agency early on Monday morning. The suspension will initially last until the officially announced end of the strike at 9am. There will also be huge disruptions to national long distance travel throughout the entire day, said a rail spokesperson. He urged travellers to delay their journeys until Tuesday. All tickets remain valid on Tuesday.

In NRW, regional traffic has largely come to a standstill. More than two dozen signal boxes are on strike and rail traffic is only operating in a few parts of the state, said NRW spokesperson Dirk Pohlmann on Monday morning. Deutsche Bahn trains are not the only ones affected. No Mittelrheinbahn trains are operating this morning either. Due to the strike by the EVG union, no traffic is currently possible on the Mittelrheinbahn, said the company.

The Railway and Transport Union (EVG) had called for a token strike between 5am and 9am. A spokesperson for the EVG said a return to the normal timetable was first expected in the early afternoon. Once the timetable is disrupted, it takes a while before everything is up and running again.

The reason behind the strike is that the hoped-for breakthrough in wage negotiations at Deutsche Bahn on Saturday was not achieved. The EVG broke off wage negotiations for around 160,000 employees on Saturday. In the unions view, the company had not made sufficient concessions with regard to wage increases - hence the stoppage.

Deutsche Bahn said all tickets purchased for long distance travel on Monday would remain valid on Tuesday. Restrictions on train connections for certain saver tickets would also be lifted. Refunds of tickets and reservations are planned for travel cancellations because of the strike.
A newsstand in Beijing. WANG JING/CHINA DAILY

Street kiosks challenged by ubiquity of internet

Zhang Fan, 33, stopped by a newsstand one recent Sunday morning near his home in Beijing to buy a magazine, only to find the stand had been shut down.

Zhang, a designer living on the Guangqumenwai street in Chaoyang district, used to visit a stand just 500 meters from his residential community to buy newspapers and magazines.

But since he started to read news and other material on his phone, he can count on one hand the number of times he has visited the stand in the past year. He had not even noticed it had been closed for the past four months.

Due to falling demand for newspapers and magazines, newsstands in many cities have been closing. They have also been criticized for obstructing roads and sidewalks and for generally being eyesores.

The Beijing municipal government has decided to upgrade and regulate the city's newsstands by turning them into "innovative reading spaces" and "convenient service providers" to better serve the public.

Li Zhigang, who is in his 40s and comes from Anhui province, runs a different newsstand in Guangqumenwai.

"I haven't been given any notice of closure, but I noticed most newsstands within the Second Ring Road were torn down this year," he said. "I don't know any details about the new policy, but I hope I can continue my business."

According to the Beijing Municipal Commission of City Management, the city's newsstands will be better located based on passenger flow, the number of people living in nearby residential communities, and public demand.

Under the plan drafted by the commission and the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, newsstands will become more like convenience stores and be "more fashionable".

The plan has been submitted to the municipal government for approval. An official with the commission, who declined to be named, said the plan clearly states that the number of newsstands in the city should be based on public need.

"There is no easy way to solve the contradiction between people who love the printed word and have the habit of buying from the newsstands, and the owners' continued operational losses," the official said. "It's also difficult to decide which department is responsible for footing the bill to upgrade newsstands."

The commission - and many people in Beijing - wants the streets to be wider and cleaner. With this in mind, it introduced a regulation in summer last year banning all 352 newsstands in the downtown districts of Dongcheng and Xicheng from selling food and drinks. Three stands were closed for selling food illegally.

Since then, many stands in the two districts have closed because most of their business came from food and drinks, while sales of newspapers and magazines were highly unprofitable.

There are 1,186 newsstands in the city, of which 306 - that are not in the two districts - are licensed to sell food and drinks.

The closure of stands has attracted public attention, with many people, especially the elderly, strongly opposed to administrative intervention, as they have happy memories of visiting them.

Some people raised the idea of introducing newspaper vending machines, which are clean and convenient, but China Post Group is unwilling to pay for them as it believes they would be too costly to set up and they would not make a profit, according to an industry insider who declined to be named.

The official with the commission said: "The new policy has considered all aspects, and attempts to solve problems. We put the public interest first. The city will not keep a newsstand running for just a few people. Also, we won't remove a stand that has a good turnover. It all depends on the market and needs."

Generally, newsstands will be closer to their customers after they are moved to residential communities or become part of convenience stores. The government will make those that remain more attractive, the official said.

Newsstands may be facing pressures now, but they have had their good days.

Yang Na, who is in her 50s and comes from Hebei province, started running a stand in Beijing in 1998. In 2002, she bought her first apartment in the capital for 400,000 yuan - money she made from selling newspapers and magazines.

Before the internet became widely available, and with Beijing being the country's cultural and political center, most people liked to get their news from newspapers and television bulletins.

In 1997, the Beijing municipal government made setting up newsstands a city-level project and approved 75 stands that year.

In 1999, the city began setting up newsstands on a large scale. Two years later, the authorities decided to regulate the stands through an overall planning, management and supply channel.

The peak year was 2008, when the city had 2,500 newsstands, more than twice the number now.

At that time, Yang's stand only sold newspapers and magazines. Her profit was about 7,000 yuan a month. Ten years later, she makes almost the same amount with the help of food and drink sales.

"I miss the days in 2007 when I sold several boxes of fashion magazines each day," she said.
(Photo/China Daily)

The international community is deeply shocked by what occurred in Canadaa country that claims to always stand up for human rights. A Chinese citizen transferring flights in Vancouver, Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of the Chinese tech firm Huawei Technologies, was arbitrarily detained in Canada at the behest of the United States. The vile act was a serious violation of the lawful rights and interests of a Chinese citizen, triggering a tornado of criticism and creating unnecessary tensions between the two countries.

In a commentary bylined Zhong Sheng ("Voice of China"), the Peoples Daily sternly condemned the act by Canada and the US, saying the detention of an individual without clear reason constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights. It said Canadian police even ignored the spirit of the law by presuming Meng Wanzhou guilty without trial, trampling on her basic human rights, and insulted her personal dignity by handcuffing and shackling her like she was some kind of notorious criminal. Canada should really reflect on what it means to be a civilized country with lawsand for that matter, a sovereign country.

Canada and the United States have a special relationship and the two countries share deeply integrated economies. However, as the arrest of Meng Wanzhou shows, Canada sometimes acts more like Americas 51st state than a sovereign country with a will of its own.

Rather than frequently act like Americas trusty sidekick, Canada should exercise its sovereign right to reject the underlying anti-China bias driving the US governments plan to crush Huawei, and instead do what is best for Canada and its important and growing relationship with China. As Canadas second largest trading partner in agriculture and food, China is vital to the continued growth of the Canadian economy.

The use of all kinds of dirty tricks to suppress Huawei has exposed some truly dark intentions toward China and its leading technology firms, but those who harbor such intentions are destined to shoot themselves in the foot. This is because every move that Huawei makes affects the world.

Huawei, which its founder Ren Zhengfei started with just 20,000 yuan in Shenzhen some three decades ago, has grown to become one of the worlds most valuable companies, with more than 2,000 component and service suppliers, including Chinese companies such as AAC Technologies, BYD, and Foxconn, but also American companies such as Qualcomm, Intel, and Broadcom. After it was reported that Huaweis CFO was detained by Canadian authorities, US stocks fell sharply across the board.

The Peoples Daily commentary warned that while China does not want to cause trouble, China is not afraid of trouble either, adding that it would be a mistake to underestimate the confidence, will, and strength of the country.

After learning about Meng Wanzhous detention in Canada, the Chinese government lodged a protest with the Canadian side, made clear its position, and provided consular assistance to the Chinese national. On Saturday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng summoned Canadas Ambassador to China, John McCallum, to issue a stern warning: immediately release our citizen or bear the consequences. Then, on Sunday, the Chinese side summoned US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad to protest Meng Wenzhous detention by Canadian authorities at the unreasonable behest of the United States.

Chinas message to Canada is clear: Canada must correct its mistake and immediately stop violating her lawful rights and interests, as well as give the Chinese people a proper explanation for this disgusting and vile act made at the behest of the United States.

Otherwise, as the Chinese side has warned, Canada will pay a heavy price.
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.
Hundreds of elated Acero charter school educators decked out in union red cheered, chanted and danced at a Sunday afternoon rally to celebrate their historic victory: a tentative contract agreement with management that ended the nation's first charter school strike.More than 500 teachers and support staff will return to 15 Acero campuses across the city Monday after walking off the job and missing four days of school last week. The workers will vote in the coming weeks to approve the contract, which promises better pay and hours for teachers as well as smaller class sizes and sanctuary school protections for the majority Latino student body."Today, our students and our families have won -- bottom line," Andy Crooks, an Acero staffer and one of the bargaining unit's lead negotiators, told a jubilant crowd that filed into the Chicago Teachers Union headquarters Sunday.The tentative agreement was reached about 5 a.m. Sunday after nearly a week of staff picketing. Acero management has also dropped a complaint it filed against the union with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, a spokeswoman said.In a statement Sunday, Acero School CEO Richard Rodriguez thanked students and parents for their patience during a difficult week of negotiations."Thanks to hard work and very long hours from both bargaining teams, we were able to reach an agreement that values teachers and staff for the important work they do, while still maintaining the attributes of our network that help produce strong education outcomes for our students," the statement said.For the union, the victory seemed to extend beyond Chicago, acting as a warning to all charter school operators. The strike garnered national headlines and came at a time when the movement in Chicago seems to stalling. At last week's Chicago Board of Education meeting, members voted to close two non-Acero charter schools at the end of the school year and deny three pending applications to open new elementary and high school charter campuses."What we've learned is that ... working in a charter school poses some particular problems. Our employers have business interests, and sometimes those are in conflict with our students' interests," said Chris Baehrend, the CTU charter division chair. "We are going to push back and change the charter school industry so they stop exploiting our students, and we are going to defend public education, and our students are going to have better lives."CTU represents Acero and other city charters, which are funded with public money, following changes to the labor group's constitution and bylaws in January. Acero charter schools, the rebranded name of a 15-school network previously known as the UNO Charter School Network, narrowly avoided a strike in 2016.Sunday's rally also drew droves of Acero parents, labor activists and politicians, including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Chicago mayoral candidate who just won an endorsement from the CTU.Preckwinkle, a former high school teacher, reiterated her plan to put a freeze on charter school expansion if she wins the election, a position met by a stream of applause."Let's be clear. This strike was a testimony to the failed policies of Rahm Emanuel and Acero's management," she said.Not everyone, however, was cheering the outcome.The Illinois Network of Charter Schools criticized the involvement of CTU, which it said has its own political interests and motives."While the CTU attempts to stifle charter growth and limit innovation and flexibility in the classroom, INCS will continue working to preserve these values and partner with charter public schools to enable students to succeed in the classroom and in life," spokeswoman Melissa Ramirez Cooper said in a statement.But teacher Brad Staples, a bargaining committee member, said the contract will improve learning conditions for students."It's going to keep good teachers in our network and attract good teachers to our network," he said. "All in all, its a huge win. I'm very happy with it. ... We've been just working crazy long hours to get this done this week and make sure we can get our teachers back in the classroom as quickly as possible to do what's best for our kids."
SPEED READ:

Several cities are seeking to open the country's first supervised injection site as a way to combat the opioid crisis.

The federal government issued its first letter to one of them, warning Denver officials that they could be incarcerated if they help open and run one.

Studies show that supervised injection sites reduce drug overdoses without increasing drug use or crime in a community.

After receiving the feds' letter, Denver is "moving forward" anyway.

With opioids killing more than 115 people a day, cities across the country have been toying with the idea of opening a supervised injection clinic for the past couple of years. That is, a place where people can safely use their own illegal drugs under the watchful eye of a medical professional who steers them toward social services like drug and mental health treatment.These clinics currently only exist in foreign countries -- our neighbor to the north as well as Australia and Europe. Dozens of studies have shown that they reduce overdoses without increasing drug use or crime in the community.The federal government recently weighed in on the matter for the first official time, issuing the city of Denver a stern rebuke over its plans to open one next year. joint letter from the U.S. Attorneys office and the Denver field office of the Drug Enforcement Administration warned the city last week against moving forward with its plan. The letter stressed that such a facility is technically illegal under federal law.Just like so-called crack houses, these facilities will attract drug dealers, sexual predators, and other criminals, ultimately destroying the surrounding community, the letter read. More importantly, the government-sanctioned operation of these facilities serves only to normalize serious drug usage.The letter threatens "criminal fines, civil monetary penalties up to $250,000, and imprisonment up to 20 years in jail for anyone that knowingly opens, leases, rents, maintains, or anyone that manages or controls and knowingly and intentionally makes available such premises for use."That isnt stopping city officials.Were moving forward, maybe even with more vigor, says Denver City Councilmember Albus Brooks. Drug users are not the enemy. They are people dealing with a sickness. When I had cancer, people gave me a lot of sympathy, and we should show these people the same sympathy."Philadelphia, one of the other cities pursuing a safe injection clinic, is similarly defiant. After Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein told NPR this year that people involved in running one are "vulnerable to civil and criminal enforcement," Ed Rendell, a former governor of Pennsylvania leading the effort to open one there, said, "They can come and arrest me first."But even before the feds' warning, the lack of federal support -- and clues from the Trump administration that supervised injection clinics wouldnt be tolerated -- halted some cities' plans. Outgoing Attorney General Jeff Sessions sent out a memo in 2017 encouraging prosecutors to go after "serious drug offenses." He also rescinded an Obama-era policy that urged lax enforcement of federal law in regards to marijuana.Im not one to shy away from a fight, but we need further guidance from the feds if were going to proceed with this, then-Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen told Governing in 2017.Reports indicated that 2018 would be the year that the first supervised injection clinic opened in the United States, with Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle coming close. But the cities keep setting targets and missing them.Aside from the lack of federal support,city officials have had difficulties finding a host location, getting communities on board and securing a nonprofit partner to run the site.And pushback isn't just coming from the Trump administration. States aren't on board either.The Colorado General Assembly rejected a bill earlier this year that would have legalized Denver's efforts under state law. Despite that, Denver city officials passed a measure late last month to open a safe injection site -- though Councilmember Brooks says theyll still need state approval. In California, Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, vetoed a similar bill in September. Brown said, Enabling illegal and destructive drug use will never work. Nevertheless, San Francisco officials say they plan on moving forward.Continuing with the status quo and just hoping that things will get better is not an option," said San Francisco Mayor London Breed after the governor's veto. In the meantime, Brooks has ledlocal officials on trips to supervised injection sites in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Barcelona, hoping to win over more support for them. While he doesn't think the clinics would solve the opioid crisis, he's confident they would be one piece in an overall strategy to reduce fatal overdoses and get more people in treatment."This provides us a path forward," he says.
A white nationalist was found guilty of all counts, including first-degree murder, for killing counterprotester Heather Heyer and injuring dozens of others with his car during the "Unite the Right" rally in Virginia in 2017.James Fields Jr., who had been known for idolizing Adolf Hitler, was tried in Charlottesville Circuit Court. In addition to the murder count, he was also convicted of five counts of aggravated malicious wounding, three counts of malicious wounding and one count of failing to stop at an accident involving a death.He drove his Dodge Challenger toward the counterprotesters on Aug. 12, 2017, and fatally struck Heyer, who was 32.Heyer, a paralegal and civil right activist, was one of dozens of people who were marching against the white nationalists.The rally in Charlottesville, which included hundreds of Ku Klux Klan members, neo-Nazis and other white nationalists, was organized in part to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.During the trial, jurors heard phone calls from Fields' mother to the jail, including one where he referred to Heyer's mother as a "communist" and "one of those anti-white supremacists." In addition, a judge allowed jurors to see a text message sent by Fields that included an image of Hitler.Fields' lawyers argued during the trial that he was "scared to death" when he drove into the crowd after seeing violent clashes earlier in the day. He told a sheriff's deputy "I'm so sorry" after he was apprehended, the law enforcement official testified.In a video played for the jury, Fields cried and hyperventilated after police told him a woman had died and others had been injured.Susan Bro, Heyer's mother, said before the trial that she is doubtful it will bring closure for her."I'm not obsessed with him," she said of Fields. "I feel like I've turned him over to the justice system. He's their problem, not mine."
Cyntoia Brown, a former teenage runaway who was forced into prostitution, was sentenced to life in prison more than a decade ago after shooting and killing a man who bought her for sex. Despite changes in sex trafficking laws since then, Brown must still stay behind bars for at least 51 years, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled last week.In 2004, 16-year-old Brown was picked up on the side of the road by Nashville real estate agent Johnny Allen, 43, who took her home for sex. The teenage girl, who had run away from home and was living with her 24-year-old boyfriend, a pimp who went by "Kut Throat," fatally shot Allen in bed after she thought he was reaching for his own gun, her lawyers said.During her trial, Brown, now 30, claimed she was choked, beaten and raped frequently in her home and threatened at gunpoint.Brown was tried as an adult, convicted of first-degree murder, felony murder and aggravated robbery and was sentenced to life in prison.Tennessee laws have changed since Brown was convicted, though, and a person must be 18 or older to be charged for prostitution. Children are automatically considered the victim in sex trafficking cases.Brown has called her life sentence "cruel and unusual punishment," citing a 2012 Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for juveniles without the possibility of parole are unconstitutional. But the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee ruled Thursday that the 2012 decision did not apply to Brown because she will be eligible for parole at age 69.A 2011 PBS documentary, "Me Facing Life: Cyntoia's Story," thrust Brown's case into the spotlight and a number of celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, have taken up her cause.Kardashian used Brown as an example when she met with President Trump about prison reform in May."The system has failed," the reality star tweeted in Nov. 2017 with the hashtag "Free Cyntoia Brown."It's heart breaking to see a young girl sex trafficked then when she has the courage to fight back is jailed for life! We have to do better & do what's right. I've called my attorneys yesterday to see what can be done to fix this."On Saturday, the Women's March announced that it would dedicate January's protest to Cyntoia "and all those criminalized for surviving."Leaders of the organization also urged supporters to contact Gov. Bill Haslam and demand a pardon for Brown."Gov. Haslam has the power to #FreeCyntoia," the group tweeted. "Every day she remains in prison, he is actively choosing not to."
SPEED READ:

The Supreme Court's Janus ruling was expected to lead many members to drop out of unions.

But so far, union membership remains steady or is actually increasing in some places.

This can partially be attributed to actions that states have recently taken to protect unions.

Conservative groups will seek to build on their Janus momentum in state legislatures next year with legislation that further erodes union power.

Why Hasn't Union Membership Dropped Since Janus?

Five months ago, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt what was seen as a massive blow to unions in Janus v. AFSCME. The justices banned the collection of union fees from public workers who receive union-negotiated benefits but choose not to belong to the union.The ruling had an immediate negative effect on union finances. In Pennsylvania, for instance, refunding fees to nonmembers resulted in a roughly 15 percent loss of the $42.5 million that unions collected from executive branch members and nonmembers in 2017, according to the states Office of Administration.The courts decision also led many to predict that massive defections of union members would follow. But so far, even as anti-union organizations wage campaigns to convince members to drop out, most are staying put. Some unions have actually increased their numbers since the Janus verdict.I think the right wing thought this would decimate public-sector unions, and they were clearly wrong, says Kim Cook of the Cornell University Worker Institute, which provides research and education in support of unions and workers rights.According to Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, After the Janus case, public-service workers are choosing to join AFSCME at a much higher rate than those who drop.But Ken Girardin, analyst for the fiscally conservative Empire Center for Public Policy in New York, says that many employees are still uninformed about their right to leave unions and that it will take a few years to see significant declines in membership.Based on what weve observed, you will likely see a multi-year drop in membership, driven chiefly by the fact that people arent going to join in the first place," says Girardin. "The next cohorts of employees wont join at the same rate as the retirees they are replacing.In the meantime, state unions are seeing similar trends to AFSCME.In Pennsylvania, 50,072 state executive branch employees were members of unions at the time of the Janus decision. That number has increased to 51,127, according to the states Office of Administration. In Oregon, the Local 503 chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) reported in September that new union members have outnumbered dropouts by three to two. In California, data from the Controllers Office show a small increase in state employee union membership, which totaled 131,410 in October -- up a small fraction from 131,192 in June.The decision didnt have the major impact on membership that was anticipated, says Science Meles, executive vice president of a Chicago chapter of SEIU, which had about 23,800 members in August 2017 and now has about 26,000.While the National Education Association, which represents roughly 3 million employees of schools and colleges, says it immediately lost dues from 87,000 people who were nonmembers being charged, it has not seen a significant drop in membership. According to Staci Maiers, the groups senior press officer, Our affiliates have signed up more new members as of October 1 than they have previously by this point in time.Fearing a loss at the Supreme Court, unions have been running aggressive membership drives since before the Janus ruling . Their membership may also be sustaining or thriving because people aren't aware of the Janus decision or because of actions taken by states to protect unions. As we previously reported , some Democratically controlled states have recently made it harder for public employees to leave unions.New Jersey limited the time frame when government workers can withdraw from their union. New York banned state agencies from releasing employees personal data that could be used by union-busting groups to persuade members to pull out. California, New Jersey and Washington now prohibit public employers from discouraging union membership and guarantee unions full access to hiring orientation sessions so they can explain the advantages of membership. In New Jersey, employers that break this law will be forced to reimburse unions for any lost dues.Due to procedural hurdles and union tactics, the number of folks who have successfully resigned post-Janus is much smaller than the number that have attempted to resign, says Maxford Nelsen, director of labor policy for the Freedom Foundation, which has waged an aggressive campaign in the Northwest to urge public-sector employees to give up their union membership.Meanwhile, labor experts believe that counter-legislation will emerge that seeks to lessen union power. When conservative lawmakers convened at the American Legislative Exchange Council conference last month, Mark Janus himself, the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case, urged them to champion the model bills ALEC is pushing that would further hurt unions.In Pennsylvania, a Senate committee held a hearing at the end of October to consider a comprehensive bill that would change the commonwealths practices to make it easier to leave unions.If the rules arent settled now by legislation, they will be determined by aggressive tactics by unions to keep their members, said Terrence J. Pell, president of the Center for Individual Rights, at the Senate hearing.Groups that cheered the Janus ruling are also continuing to take laws that protect unions to court. The Fairness Center, self-described as a public interest law firm that provides free legal services to those hurt by public-sector union officials, is suing AFSCME over a Pennsylvania law that lets unions impose a limited time frame in which members can drop out.But some say the ultimate survival of public-sector unions will depend not on preventing dropouts but on their ability to convince new employees that union membership is important.As new employees are hired, unions have to make a pretty strong case that people should join, says Cook of the Worker Institute. Were feeling good about the lack of impact so far on union membership because of the Janus decision. But thats no guarantee for the long run.
Description

GIS - 10 December, 2018: The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, expressed sincere appreciation to diplomatic corps for their contribution in advancing bilateral and international partnerships, yesterday at the annual diplomatic gathering organised by the Prime Ministers Office at Le Maritim Hotel in Balaclava. The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth,

Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted that the traditional end of year diplomatic gathering is an opportunity to renew and celebrate the bond of friendship that unites all diplomatic corps to reaffirm their shared commitment with a view to enhancing ties.

He emphasised that close cooperation, global and collective responses as well as strong multilateral commitments are integral to combating confluence of crises such as climate change, marine environmental degradation, migration, transnational and cyber crimes involving human trafficking, arms and drugs.

With regard to the Chagos issue, Prime Minister Jugnauth conveyed gratitude to all countries for oral and written submissions to the International Court of Justice for the claim of the Chagos Archipelagos sovereignty by Mauritius. He also seized the opportunity to express his thankfulness to the European Union and African Union for their unflinching support on various fronts.

The Prime Minister further reiterated the longstanding relations that Mauritius share with India, China, France, Russia, Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland and several African countries. These countries, he underlined, have continuously provided support to Mauritius in economic, cultural, educational and technological fields.

On this occasion, he paid tribute to statesmen who passed away during year 2018 namely the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, the former Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former President of Vietnam, Tran Dai Quang, the former President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush for their outstanding achievements and commitments in their political careers.

Prime Minister Jugnauth reaffirmed that Mauritius will continue to work hand-in-hand with countries while simultaneously ensuring collective interest for a fair and secure society. On this note, he presented his seasons greeting to the diplomatic corps as well as their respective Heads of State and Government.

For her part, the Ambassador of the European Union to Mauritius and the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Mrs Marjaana Sall, pointed out that Mauritius has come a long way after fifty years of independence to thrive as a successful country in the African continent. She underlined that international partners have accompanied Mauritius in its socio-economic development which she said, has brought closer cooperation at all levels.
(TNS)  With news that license plate readers new to St. Johns County, Fla., are likely linked to a significant drop in certain crimes, officials say that, while new crime-fighting technology is great and does make their jobs easier, it is not going to replace the need for officers on the street."They are a force multiplier," St. Johns County Sheriff's Office spokesman Chuck Mulligan said Thursday of the new license plate readers, or LPRs, recently put to use.The devices  30 of them now  are thought to have contributed to a nearly 50 percent reduction in car burglaries here in the first half of this year as compared to the same period in 2017.Mulligan provided other numbers on Thursday also linked to the devices that scan tags on public roads looking for plates flagged as being linked to serious crimes or missing people.Since the beginning of a pilot program in January and through the full implementation of the 30 devices, they have been credited with locating 81 cars flagged as stolen and 57 stolen tags as well as aided in the arrest of 27 people listed as wanted and the location of 11 missing or endangered people.That's because the devices do nothing but look for tags that have been flagged in a database for being associated with such things, Mulligan explained. And that is quite a departure from the way things used to be.Mulligan said deputies used to be given a dozen or so vehicle descriptions or plate numbers to be on the lookout for at the beginning of a shift. On the next shift they would get new ones. The numbers would add up and some would be subtracted as cases got resolved."The human would not be able to process that kind of data," he said.With the LPRs in place it's "like having 30 deputies out there serving one function."That's the type of advancement that law enforcement here hasn't seen since the upgrade of the county's radio system to the 800-MHz system in use today, Mulligan said.There's other technology also getting layered in, like "speed trailers" that monitor motorists' speeds, flash warnings and collect data in areas where authorities are worried about speeding. But Mulligan said those have less to do with enforcement than they do with creating awareness about a problem.The St. Augustine Police Department has also put items in place over the past year and is exploring ways to possibly use LPR technology as well.The agency doesn't have the readers, but the city uses them for parking enforcement, Chief Barry Fox said.None of the information scanned or collected through those devices go through his department, he said, but he is interested in possibly "getting in the chain of information" so his officers can be alerted if they happen upon a tag that is flagged as wanted in some way.While he did not offer a timeline as to when that may happen, he did talk a little on Thursday about the addition of security cameras, about a year ago, in certain areas downtown, something that he said is helping as a deterrent and in information gathering."We want people to know they are out there," he said of the cameras added to public spaces as part of a partnership with the National Park Service and Flagler College.While the feeds from those cameras do come directly into the Police Department's communication center, they are not necessarily continuously monitored for the purpose of identifying problems or generating a call.They are recording though."So if something does happen we can go back and take a look," Fox said.But that still requires officers to respond to the original call and follow up with any investigation if necessary.Mulligan said much the same thing about his agency's recent technological advances."LPRs are not going to replace the human element in law enforcement," he said.And while having devices that do nothing but look for flagged vehicles certainly increases efficiency in certain areas, Mulligan said they, or any other technology, will not likely eliminate the need for additional deputies as the county continues to grow."We respond to may calls that are not criminal in nature," he pointed out.They also deal with highly emotional situations, like domestic violence calls, where there is an element of "human need.""Technology can't respond to that," he said.
Photo taken on Dec. 6, 2018 shows a shovel truck clearing debris in the old city of Mosul, capital city of Iraq's northern province of Nineveh. A year has passed since Iraq announced full liberation from the Islamic State (IS) militant group, but Iraqis are still desperately struggling to restore their normal life amid lackluster reconstruction process. In Mosul, life restoration is running faster in the eastern side, which witnessed fewer battles than the western side. Defiant residents in Mosul have never lost hope in their efforts to rebuild their beloved home city. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

MOSUL, Iraq, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A year has passed since Iraq announced full liberation from the Islamic State (IS) militant group, but Iraqis are still desperately struggling to restore their normal life amid lackluster reconstruction process.

In Mosul, the capital city of Iraq's northern province of Nineveh, life restoration is running faster in the eastern side, which witnessed fewer battles than the western side.

In one of the fiercest battles since World War II, IS extremists stayed holed up in the narrow alleys of Mosul's Old City center, where they booby-trapped buildings and planted a large number of roadside bombs.

The battles killed thousands of innocent people, with dozens of thousands of buildings damaged or destroyed, including the iconic al-Nuri Mosque and its leaning minaret.

Nevertheless, defiant residents in Mosul have never lost hope in their efforts to rebuild their beloved home city.

Sabhan, 47, a resident in the Old City in western Mosul, returned to home immediately after the defeat of IS militants in July 2017, as his house was only slightly damaged in the battles.

"I am repairing the damage step by step whenever I can collect some money, and many of my neighbors are also doing so," Sabhan told Xinhua.

"Many families are unable to return because they need compensations from the government. They lost their jobs and savings during the years of displacement when the IS took control of the city after 2014," he noted.

Muthanna Fadhil Younis, 37, is one of those unable to return to home in the old city because he lost his job of fixing refrigerators and washing machines, in addition to the expensive treatment for his two daughters who suffer from kidney disease and malnutrition.

"There were no food, no medicine, no milk for infants. My youngest daughter was born in 2015. I was almost lost her because she was very weak because of malnutrition," Younis said.

IS extremist militants "left us dying by diseases, hunger and bombing and ... prevented us from leaving our homes to safety with the Iraqi security forces," he added.

Younis is now working as a wireman and lives with his family in a small cold rented house in the eastern side of Mosul.

Like many other traumatized people in Mosul, Younis is yearning to return to his destroyed house. However, he cannot afford to rebuild it.

At a small coffee shop in the Old City of Mosul, a group of men were exchanging views on the corruption issues in the slow reconstruction process.

Reconstruction "will continue slowly because there is no genuine sign for serious efforts to rebuild the city because of corruption," said Abu Mohammed, a member of the group.

On Thursday morning, shove-trucks came for the first time to begin removing debris from the site of the ancient Great Mosque of al-Nuri, which was destroyed in the middle of 2017 during battles to dislodge IS militants from the Old City center.

"Removing the debris was preceded by checks to defuse bombs possibly planted by IS militants," Ahmed Ghazi, an officer from the engineering force of the army's 16th Division, told Xinhua at the scene.

In April, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and UNESCO signed a partnership agreement to rebuild the historic mosque, which was erected in 1172 along with its famous leaning minaret, which gave the city its nickname "al-Hadbaa," or "the hunchback."

The al-Nuri mosque is of great symbolic value, as it was where the IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared his cross-border caliphate in Iraq and Syria in his sole public appearance in July 2014.

"The reconstruction of this mosque (al-Nuri) is an important step that would give people hope, as the reconstruction of the historic al-Nuri Mosque and its leaning minaret would encourage tourism, hence providing jobs for residents," said Jamal al-Mosuli, who lives in an old house near al-Nuri Mosque.

Abu Ahmed Dha An-Noon, another resident of Mosul, also sees a "positive sign" for a serious start to rebuild the mosque which is part of the identity of Mosul, the second largest city of Iraq.

"So far, nearly 30 percent of the residents have come back, but with the rebuilding of the mosque, I believe the rate will increase to 70 percent," Dha An-Noon told Xinhua at the scene.

Back in 2014, the IS militant group announced the establishment of a Caliphate over a large swathe of territories across Iraq and Syria.

Since then, the Iraqi forces backed by an international coalition fought three years of fierce battles to free the country from the extremist militants.

On Dec. 9 of 2017, then Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, also commander-in-chief of Iraqi forces, officially announced the full liberation of Iraq from IS militants.
(TNS)  The first fixed license plate reader in Marietta, Ga., has led to an arrest, police said.Landis Coulter, 26, triggered the automated reader Wednesday morning, the Marietta Police Department said in a statement.He had been wanted on charges of aggravated assault and robbery, according to arrest warrants filed in Cobb County.After a license plate associated with Coulter led to a notification, officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect that may have otherwise continued hiding in plain sight, the statement said.Authorities did not disclose the location of the fixed reader, which was quietly installed several months ago.In 2013, the police department bought its first two mobile license plate readers, which were mounted on cars, police spokesman Officer Chuck McPhilamy said.The police department has not tracked how many citations or arrests came from the mobile units, he said.The police department plans to meet with business owners and apartment complex managers in the hopes of installing more fixed units in the next few months.Strategically implementing technology will enable us to continue to reduce crime within our city, the statement said.Coulter was wanted for allegedly violently assaulting his girlfriend late last month. They were in the process of breaking up and she was trying to get him to leave her apartment, a police report stated.According to the warrant, they got in an argument and Coulter allegedly punched the woman in the face about 10 times, stomped her head into the ground and threatened her with a butcher knife. He also allegedly snatched her iPhone and left the scene.According to the police report, Coulter stood over her and waved the knife back and forth in her direction shouting, You know I can kill you, right?He is being held at the Cobb County jail without bond, according to records.
(TNS) - Saturday was not Patty Wells' first foray responding to a devastating, out-of-season twister in central Illinois.That would be the EF-4 tornado that barreled through Washington in Tazewell County, just more than five years ago. Wells, a 56-year-old loan processor from Decatur, had a sister just miles from the damage path whose church was devastated. Wells wanted to help."My mom read in the (church) bulletin that they were having this emergency response," Wells said. "She said you need to go to this class. So we always do what our parents tell us to do."Wells listened to her mom and enrolled in the Lutheran Emergency Response Team (LERT) training course. She has since become a seasoned veteran at responding to all sorts of natural disasters.On Saturday, Wells and more than 200 LERT volunteers, along with response teams from the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Team Rubicon, were deployed to the tornado-ravaged streets of Taylorville to offer a helping hand to those in need.The response teams were the only volunteer groups certified by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide disaster relief.Such groups are more favored than "spontaneous" volunteers, who despite good intentions, many times end up getting in the way of recovery efforts."Everyone here's trained," said Stephen Born, LERT's central Illinois coordinator. "They know not to self-deploy, they know what to do, what not to do, what to wear, what not to wear."The group's volunteers huddled in the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church at 8:30 a.m. Saturday to form teams and receive assignments.LERT solicited work orders from the community before hand, with most requests dealing with the removal of debris from property and breaking down tree branches. More complex requests involved chainsaws and forklifts.While the community still recovers from the EF-3 tornado, volunteers went about their business like seasoned pros."The locals don't realize that they're in shock. And we don't feel like we're in shock," said the Rev. Rodney Blomquist, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. "And at times, we feel like we don't know what we should do next, but these guys do. They come from the outside, they're clear-minded, and they know what needs to be done."Born said the massive show of manpower is a credit to the coordinated disaster response effort, as timing  a week after the storm  allowed the groups to assemble volunteers and plan relief efforts while first responders dealt with the immediate aftermath."What that did allowed the first responders to do their job and to get things established," Born said. "So it's a coordinated and collaborative effort with us working with the emergency management agency. By us arriving here today, we can come full force with 170 people on a Saturday and get a lot of work done versus coming in on a Wednesday and bringing 17 members."LERT volunteers helped on 31 work orders, finishing at least 14 of them, Born said.Mike Crews, the Christian County emergency manager, credited the "very well-organized" groups for helping accelerate relief efforts."The amount of progress we've made in a week's time could not have possibly been done without these people," Crews said. "The big advantage is that they are able to get onto private property to help those people, whereas municipal workers are not able to do much beyond the easements of the boulevards."An order Wells' crew fulfilled involved clearing the dismembered pieces of a barbecue grill from a backyard, taking down splintered pieces of fence and raking other remaining debris from the property."To me, this sometimes is more than money," Wells said. "Because I see this guy has a handicapped (symbol) on his license plate. ... He can't do it. Being the hands for the person, to me, is a pretty rewarding thing."A group of about 10 volunteers from the University of Illinois Springfield students also made the trek down to help tornado victims, partnering with Team Rubicon.Ben Szalinski, a sophomore, said the tornado hit home for many of his classmates."There's a lot of students at UIS who are from Taylorville, so this impacted a lot of students directly," Szalinski said. "... And since it was so close by, it's one of those things where you can picture yourself in that situation. We saw what it did to Taylorville, and we thought this was something we need to go help with."As was the case for many LERT volunteers, Taylorville was not the first foray into disaster relief for Szalinski and many of his classmates. Many of them were on a school-sponsored trip to Houston in March, when they aided in relief efforts in the months after Hurricane Harvey."We gutted a lot of houses and picked up a lot of debris in neighborhoods that actually kind of look like some of the neighborhoods in Taylorville do today," Szalinski said.U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker and Lt.-Gov.-elect Juliana Stratton on Saturday joined the line of elected officials who have toured the destruction this week.Pritzker, who spoke with residents still picking up the ruins in some of the hardest-hit areas, praised local relief efforts while assuring local leaders the state would be there to help with the recovery."Honestly, Taylorville people have been out volunteering, helping their neighbors in a way that I haven't seen really for quite some time," Pritzker said. "It's really tremendous the volunteer activity that's going on, neighbor helping neighbor. I'm proud to be an Illinoisan, proud to be here in Taylorville and proud to support you here and the families here."Both Pritzker and state Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, indicated that additional state funding for long-term relief could be appropriated once the new legislative session begins in January.Durbin, on the other hand, all but ruled out federal relief, given FEMA's high threshold for disaster costs."The formula is not good for those of us from downstate and small-town America," Durbin said.But for now, Crews said the response at the local level will focus on debris management, while starting to look at some long-term housing issues.Whatever comes, locals say they are grateful for the outsiders  who range from folks who live just minutes out of town to some who made the early morning trek from the Chicago area  for helping boost Taylorville's recovery."This is a kickstart," Blomquist said. "The overwhelming amount of work and cleanup that comes in on a disaster and these groups come in like this, that takes a heavy load off the people."One group that's felt a heavy load this past week? The town's first responders.But even as the volunteers pack up, the first responders that remain got their due Saturday night at the city's rescheduled Christmas parade. Postponed last week as the tornado was barreling toward town, the parade was dedicated to all the tornado victims and the town's first responders."We're going to go with it, and since it was such short notice, we've invited the fire department and other responders to be part of it to get their accolades from the community, which they deserve," Crews said. "It's just a good event for the city right afterward."Contact Brenden Moore: 788-1526, brenden.moore@sj-r.com, twitter.com/brendenmoore13.2018 The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Ill.Visit The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Ill. at www.sj-r.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS)  California Secretary of State Alex Padilla is refusing to turn over public documents that could shed light on problems with the states Motor Voter program, which launched earlier this year to automatically register people to vote when they visit the Department of Motor Vehicles.Motor Voter has come under fire after thousands of Californians were improperly registered to vote , and it remains unclear whether any non-citizens voted this year.last month submitted a records request for written communications to or from Padilla and his chief of staff, Bill Mabie, regarding a batch of approximately 1,500 registration errors.Padillas office released 268 pages in response, though half the pages were newsletters he received from news organizations that referred to the registration errors. His office said it did not have to disclose additional material. Some attorney-client privileged communications and other documents reflecting the deliberative process and official information privileges were not included in the page count, along with records that reflect the candid evaluations and exchange of ideas that assist the decision-makers in making their final policy and other executive decisions.An attorney working on behalf ofdisagrees with Padillas assertions.I dont think its a legitimate response to a (Public Records Act) request, said Karl Olson, a partner in Cannata, OToole, Fickes & Olson LLP. Theyre just kind of lumping together any possible exemption that they can think of, including many that it would seem obvious could not possibly apply.  Unfortunately, its not that unusual that you get this kind of a  response.Olson on Thursday sent a letter to Padilla demanding the release of additional records.Seeing how the Secretary of State did or didnt handle registration errors is a matter of intense public interest, he wrote. The interest in disclosure of records relating to this clearly outweighs any interest in non-disclosure.Padilla has declined to be interviewed. It is our policy not to comment on pending investigations, he said in a statement.Padilla declined to explain what investigation he was referring to. The Department of Finance is now auditing the DMV . The two agencies said they are not aware of any other ongoing investigations beyond the audit.Emelyn Rodriguez, executive director of Californians Aware and an attorney specializing First Amendment cases, said there appears to be a lack of transparency.Whats kind of surprising is theyre not willing at all to provide any details or speak to this serious issue and allegation of irregularity in the voting, Rodriguez said. There should be some response there, and thats troubling, quite frankly. Hes a public official. Hes accountable to the public. There should be some statement about whats being done.Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, has been a vocal critic of the DMV . He fell one vote shy in August on his request to have state Auditor Elaine Howle investigate the DMV. Patterson plans to renew calls for an audit in January and questioned Padillas response to The Bees inquiry.It is suspicious, Patterson said. If theres nothing to see here, then open up the file, show the light. Unfortunately my experience in government has been that if there is something to see, oftentimes theres all kinds of reasons why only this information will be allowed and that information is kept secret. When it comes to voting, there should be no secrets at the Secretary of States Office. Period.Among the 268 pages of material is a Nov. 9 letter Padilla sent to state Sen. John Moorlach, R-Costa Mesa. Moorlach had demanded answers in September, soon after 23,000 erroneous voter registrations were disclosed The DMV informed us that certain individuals that declined to respond or answer no to any one of the five eligibility questions were incorrectly registered through no fault of their own, Padilla wrote to Moorlach. We have notified county election officials to cancel these records.The five eligibility questions include one asking people to confirm they are a U.S. citizen and a resident of California and at least 18 years old. Padilla said in his letter the inaccurate registrations do not constitute voter fraud because they were the result of errors made by the DMV and California Department of Technology. He told Moorlach his office continues to explore various strategies that can help voters identify and report irregularities.Moorlach is not pleased with the response and questioned the integrity of the vote in the last election.Theres a shadow over the results that make a lot of constituents wonder what is going on, and I dont have any evidence other than I have to assume that the Democrats did a great job of getting ballots to the Registrar of Voters, Moorlach said. All Im concerned about is a fair fight. I dont want to go to a knife fight and end up looking at machine guns.Hes now considering introducing bills that would place stringent voting requirements that would likely reduce turnout. His proposals are unlikely to see the light of day in the Capitol, given historic Democratic advantages . Among the ideas Moorlach is floating is eliminating Motor Voter completely, clearing the rolls of any person who hasnt voted in the last four years and implementing strict ID requirements.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has expressed interest in signing up Mick Schumacher.

Schumacher, the son of F1 great Michael and the new European F3 champion, is moving into Formula 2 in 2019.

"It will be an opportunity to watch closely at how everything works in formula one," the young German said.

When in the paddock regularly next year, top F1 teams - especially the top outfits Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull - will be looking to sign Schumacher to their driver development programmes.

"He won F3 this year with a Mercedes engine, but he is not part of our young driver programme," Wolff said at the FIA gala in St Petersburg.

"He is now in F2 but I am sure he has the potential to become a winning F1 driver. Maybe with us, maybe not," he added.

Wolff also spoke about other topics, including his altered view about Halo. Earlier in 2018, the Austrian said he would like to chop it off the cars with a chainsaw.

"I'm glad I was never given one," he laughed.

"I still don't like how it looks, but I am glad that Jean Todt insisted. I really like Charles (Leclerc) and I would not have forgiven myself if something had happened to him and we had voted against it," Wolff added.

Wolff also admitted that Mercedes recently suffered "a small setback" with development of its 2019 engine.

"We set high goals when we heard how well the competition was going in engine development," he said.

"We achieved very nice results in the wind tunnel, but the engine had a small setback with the new concept. But I am confident our guys will reach the numbers they have targeted," Wolff added.

Finally, after Lewis Hamilton missed the FIA gala press conference due to illness, Wolff clarified: "I think he did not come because he is tired of answering the same questions."

(GMM)
Chinese President Xi Jinpings latest successful diplomatic activities have again sent a signal to the world that however the international situation changes, China will always increase indispensible stability to the world that stands at critical moment by maintaining strategic composure, keeping a clear mind, and acting constructively and proactively.

China adds stability by showcasing a responsible stance to safeguard multilateralism and enhance global governance, which was expressed by Xi during his 9-day trip to Europe and Latin America.

From Nov. 27 to Dec. 5, Xi paid state visits to Spain, Argentina, Panama and Portugal, and attended the 13th Group of 20 (G20) summit in Buenos Aires.

Currently, the world needs to get rid of the deep-seated influence of the financial crisis, quicken the pace to replace old growth drivers with new ones, and conquer social pressure that came along with technological and industrial revolutions.

Against this backdrop, the G20 is placed with the hope to continue adopting a strategic vision and play a leading role in safeguarding multilateralism and improving global governance.

Xi called on G20 leaders to fulfill responsibility and steer the global economy in the right direction, in a speech delivered at the G20 summit.

He said that G20 leaders should stay committed to openness and cooperation and uphold the multilateral trading system, forge strong partnership and step up macro policy coordination.

The Chinese President also called on the G20 leaders to stay committed to innovation and create new momentum for growth, and stay committed to win-win cooperation to promote inclusive global development.

Kept abreast with the change of the international situation, Xis proposals offer a solution to the current challenges and are conducive to strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of global economy.

It also played a key role in propelling the G20 summit to reach consensus on major international agendas and release a declaration.

China injects stability by working actively to push for benign relations between major countries.

During the G20 summit, the meeting between President Xi and his US counterpart Donald Trump was the focus of global attention.

The two presidents agreed to jointly work toward a China-US relationship tuned by coordination, cooperation and stability, and promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges in various fields for more outcomes.

The important consensus not only conforms to the interests of China and the US, but also to expectations of the international community.

China-Russia relations, special and developing at a high level, are a role model for relations between major countries. During the G20 summit, President Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting like they did on multiple multilateral occasions.

The two heads of state, in their talks, made plans to celebrate the 70th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations next year, in order to lead their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination to a higher level.

China contributes more stability by showing willingness to deepen partnership through cooperation. In the latest years, Chinas closer cooperation with Europe and Latin America has given a boost to development of both sides, and expanded their global influence.

Xis visits to the above four countries have not only injected strong impetus into bilateral cooperation, but also created new engines for Chinas cooperation with the two regions.

Xis trip has indicated that as China further deepens reform and expands opening-up, it is unleashing more development opportunities to the world, and countries are having stronger confidence in fostering partnership, and achieving win-win cooperation with China.

Thanks to Xis visit, Spain, Argentina, Panama and Portugal are more willing to join the Belt and Road cooperation, and their pragmatic cooperation with China is embracing a promising prospect.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pointed out that Spain is laying more importance on Asia, especially China, which is opening itself wider to the world.

(Zhong Sheng, a homonym in Chinese for voice of China, is a pen name often used by Peoples Daily to express its views on foreign policy.)
by

Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see Disclose and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.

Are you considering visiting China? Well, you should and its a great thing to do and an experience to have. Here are some top tips to do so.

Eat Well

Outside of Chinas borders, impressions of their food are often defined by the balanced, sweet flavors of Cantonese food. While dim sum and most Cantonese dishes are delightful, there are so many regional cuisines to be discovered like the sour funkiness and freshness of food from Yunnan and Guizhou and the fiery spice of Hunan and Sichuan cuisine.

And dont forget the light, refined seafood, and dumplings from Shanghai and Hangzhou, and Xinjiangs hand-pulled noodles and hearty quasi Turkish kebabs. While you could travel around to try some of these dishes, the great thing is that major Chinese cities host restaurants that offer cuisine from different parts of the country.

Go online

Google Maps, Youtube, Facebook and a majority of Western email providers wont be easy to access in China, so you might want to down a VPN or Virtual Private Network to help you get past Chinas Great Firewall.

However, in China, you can still find some handy apps like WeChat, which can be considered to a Chinese WhatsApp but is, in reality, a combination of the app, Paypal, Facebook, a food delivery platform and so much more. Some of its features are hard to navigate even with limited Chinese; however, you will still need the app to make new friends and follow restaurants, museums, magazines and other establishments on the app to stay updated about exclusive deals and events. So, experience China by booking flights and getting your passport and visa ready to go  you can order here.

Learn Some Chinese

While Chinese languages can be intimidating, attempting to learn some Mandarin, which is the most widely spoken language in China, will be useful. If you are in China for a short stay, consider signing up for a short language course to learn the basics of the language.

The most basic Mandarin will prove handy when it comes to moving around, and locals will be happy to see that you are making an effort. Printing out or writing down addresses in Chinese or using Chinese characters will certainly ease things for you.

Take the Train

In most countries, this option would imply enjoying the romance of seeing the countryside roll by as you head to your destination. However, that is not the case in China. Their high speed rail network is renowned for its convenience. With railway stations much closer to cities than airports, a journey between two major cities is faster, more comfortable and much cheaper than domestic flights.

The five hours it takes to travel between Shanghai and Beijing compare quite favorably to flight times, but with lesser stress. Furthermore, the bustle in Chinas modern stations will allow you to see the direction the nation is taking.

Avoid the Coast

As tempting as it is, consider traveling away from major cities that sit near coastlines. Provinces and cities further inland have more distinct cuisines and cultures, and often have stronger ties with tradition.

In Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar and Laos, China takes a Southeast Asian flavor. On the other hand, Chengdu, which is in Sichuan province, has a relaxed pace and is a gateway to the wilderness that sits along the edge of the Himalayas. Chongqing, which is not that far off, is a surreal mega city with skyscrapers that hug hills on Yangtze Rivers banks.

Shop A Bit

Well, China is home to some of the best fake goods in the world. However, there is so much the country has to offer. So, when visiting, why not buy yourself some quality puer tea or oolong? In the alleys, known as hutongs, around Beijings Guloudongdajie, boutiques stock nostalgic socialist chic homeware and attire from local designers. Stores like Shanghai-based Closing Ceremony offer a variety of Chinese art magazines and photo books.

Catch a Show

Chinas contemporary art has firmly established itself internationally, so consider checking out some art exhibits right at the source. Some of the most prominent galleries in China include Shanghais Power Station of Art, Beijings Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, and Shenzhens OCT Contemporary Art Terminal.

If you love music, then Beijing bars like School carry on the citys decades-long tradition of gritty rock. Furthermore, the electronic music scene in Shanghai is one of the best in Asia.
(HedgeCo.Net) SEC Files Subpoena Enforcement in Possible Market Manipulation Scheme. The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a subpoena enforcement action against NVC Fund LLC and its principal, Frank Ekejija, seeking an order directing them to comply with an investigative subpoena for documents and testimony.

According to the SECs application, filed on November 30, 2018 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the SEC is investigating whether certain individuals or entities engaged in a potential pump-and-dump scheme in the stock of three penny-stock companies, Cherubim Interests, Inc., PDX Partners, Inc., and Victura Construction Group, Inc. Because the SEC was concerned about the accuracy of the companies disclosures, the SEC suspended trading in their securities on February 15, 2018 for ten business days. Based on its ongoing investigation, the SEC has reason to believe that each company issued false public statements in January 2018 to pump their stock price, claiming that NVC Fund owns trillions of dollars in AAA-rated assets, and that each company acquired hundreds of millions of dollars of these assets from NVC Fund. After the stock price and trading volume for each company increased as a result of the news, an entity associated with the companies may have dumped their overvalued shares for significant profits.

In June and September 2018, the SEC issued subpoenas to NVC Fund and Ekejija for the production of documents and testimony. According to the SECs application, NVC Fund and Ekejija produced a limited number of documents, and Ekejija gave limited testimony. Both refused to produce key documents responsive to the subpoenas, and Ekejija refused to testify about matters relevant to his participation in the conduct being investigated.
Scheinin points out that the public display of a symbol such as swastika can constitute ethnic agitation depending on the context and objective of the user already under the current legislation, regardless of whether the symbol is accompanied by a verbal message.

Martin Scheinin, a professor of international law and human rights at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, says he would be hesitant to ban the display of national-socialist symbols in Finland.

This interpretation is in line with the human rights treaties of Europe and the UN, he tweeted on Thursday.

Im generally opposed to one-point criminalisations, because what should be punishable is a criminal mind rather than the ways it manifests itself. Thats why Id rather use the already criminalised ethnic agitation than add a new section on displaying swastika, explained Scheinin.

The issue has stirred up widespread public debate and calls to prohibit the public display of extremist symbols after police confiscated three swastika flags from far-right protesters in Helsinki on Thursday, 6 December. Kai Mykkanen (NCP), the Minister of the Interior, contributed to the debate by reminding that the possibility of banning the symbols of illegal extremist organisations is already under consideration at the Ministry of Justice.

Ex-President Tarja Halonen, in turn, said she would show a yellow light to the ban.

Id show a yellow light for determining whether it could be help in investigating incidents. On the other hand, prohibitions dont really help: values must be internalised, because you cant use the legislation to encourage people to do good, she said in an interview on YLE TV1 on Saturday.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi Suomi
The Finns Party has invited all opposition parties to support its interpellation to determine if the government has succeeded in its asylum policy, the integration of immigrants, maintaining social peace, and protecting children and citizens.

The Social Democratic Party has stated that it will not back an interpellation to be lodged against the government of Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre) by the Finns Party.

Every Finns Party MP has personally approved the immigration policy of the government of Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre). Do you intend to measure confidence in yourselves? Antti Lindtman, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group, asked on Twitter.

The Finns Party has zero credibility when it comes to submitting an interpellation on this topic. The Social Democrats wont be participating, he retorted.

Leena Meri, the chairperson of the Finns Party Parliamentary Group, on Saturday stated in a press release that the inability of the government in asylum policy making has led to a situation where social peace is under a serious threat.

Security is a core duty of the administration. If the administration cannot protect the daily lives of its citizens, it has to step aside, she said.

The Finns Party called attention to both news that several men of foreign background have raped and sexually abused underage girls in Oulu, North Ostrobothnia, and the stabbings carried out by an unsuccessful asylum seeker in Turku in August 2017.

People who have received a negative asylum decision cause social instability. They are a prime target for the recruiters of criminal organisations and extremist ideologies, commented Meri.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi Suomi
A joint construction of the Belt and Road will extend cooperation space for Asia and Europe by linking the two economic circles, complementing their advantages and propelling the connectivity on the Eurasian continent, a key region for Belt and Road construction, representatives attending Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Rome Conference said on Wednesday.

The conference, organized by the BFA on Wednesday, gathered about 300 experts, policymakers and business representatives from 15 countries and regions in Europe as well as Asia Pacific.

The deputies discussed on the Belt and Road Initiative, digital economy, and sustainable economy, offering advice on how to build a new type of Asia-Europe partnership and an open world economy.

Many countries will benefit from Belt and Road Initiative that seeks common development of en-route countries, said former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta, adding that the proposal has brought enormous benefits to peoples along the route and offered new solutions to development of world economy.

We find new fronts and models based on which we can cooperate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other Asian countries under the Belt and Road framework. We are optimistic on the initiative, added Letta, also Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) at Sciences Po in Paris.

The EU has been Chinas largest trading partner for 14 years in a row, while China is the EUs second biggest partner. Given the circumstance, both sides are required to find opportunities in sincere collaboration and create brighter future in mutually beneficial cooperation, in order to build an open world economy and safeguard trade facilitation and investment liberalization.

Romano Prodi, former Italian prime minister, highlighted the importance of economic globalization to global growth.

The Belt and Road Initiative is in line with the common goal of development, he said, saying that Europe should conduct closer practical cooperation with China and Asia.

Admitting that globalization indeed brought certain challenges to Europe, Prodi said some new development models and drivers are needed to address new challenges, but they should never be isolation and protectionism.

The giant Eurasian continent, home to over 4 billion people, accounts for half of global GDP and about 70 percent of international trade. Covering about 50 million square kilometers, it is the largest contiguous landmass on Earth by surface area.

The two continents, which were bound by ancient Silk Road in history, have shaped an all-round communication and cooperation with extending connotation in recent years.

Belt and Road Initiative means not only more trade chances, but also physical connection and digital connectivity, which can help improve peoples life, better deal with the unbalanced development and generate welfare for more countries and peoples, noted Surakiart Sathirathai, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and chairman of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council.

Though Asia scored remarkable economic achievements over the past 50 years, its per capita income is much lower than that in Europe. Countries from both sides, in recent years, have strengthened their cooperation by giving play to their respective advantages, laying a foundation for their promising future.

Europe and Asia, which differ in cultural backgrounds, understand and interpret globalization in a different way, but connectivity is an irresistible trend since what both sides pursue are the prosperity across the whole region, said Lorenzo Fioramonti, deputy minister of Education, University and Research of Italy.

He called on Europe and Asia to ride on the train of Belt and Road construction and share its development dividends, saying that it is of great significance for future world.

The EU can have strategic alignment with Belt and Road Initiative, as it harbors a vision to connect Europe with Asia like what the initiative advocates, said Li Baodong, secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia.

Europe and Asia should join efforts to intensify all-layered cooperation in technology innovation, settlement of climate change, culture and education, and strive for innovative, balanced, green, open and shared development, Li added.
On the morning of May 27, 1944, a British transport aircraft descended out of the clouds near the Iberian Peninsula and approached the Allied airfield at Gibraltar. A formation of military and political officials, all wearing their finest red tabs and neckties to welcome the important guest, obediently waited near the runway. Unexpectedly, the aircraft pulled into a turn and began circling the field. It lingered overhead for nearly an hour while the crowd stood by.

Finally, the pilot banked toward the run-way and landed, taxiing to the assembly who snapped back to attention. The British general for whom they all waited strode out of the airplane door and down the steps with elan. The officers immediately recognized the mans diminutive stature, the trademark beret, the neat mustache hanging under a sharp nose, and the brow that was always furrowed as if he was looking into the sun. Bernard Law Montgomery. Monty.

Good morning, gentlemen, the general said, returning a salute. Where is Foley?



James, an actor before the war, reenacts his impersonation of Montgomery arriving in Gibraltar for a 1958 film. (TCD/Prod. DB/Alamy Stock Photo) James, an actor before the war, reenacts his impersonation of Montgomery arriving in Gibraltar for a 1958 film. (TCD/Prod. DB/Alamy Stock Photo)

A major in the British Army, Frank Foley, stepped forward and the two men briefly chatted before leaving in a staff car manned by a driver and an armed escort. They drove to the house of the governor of Gibraltar, waving along the way to those who recognized the colors fluttering from the cars staff. Well, Foley, the general remarked, looking around with an air of familiarity. It hasnt changed much since I was here last.

At Government House, Foley led his guest into a large room with a table already laid out for breakfast. Montgomerys penchant for lavish breakfastseven while operating in the deserts of North Africa in the previous two yearshad preceded him. Foley closed the door, turned, and let out a long dramatic sigh. God, what a marvelous show! he said. I wouldnt have believed it! Just wait until the governor sees you. Hell be tickled to death.

A few minutes later, when Foley exited the room and left him alone, the famous general became again a lieutenant no one knewfor the time being, anyway.

ONE ESSENTIAL PART OF PLANNING for the Allied invasion of Normandy was the creation of an elaborate deception campaign aimed at misleading the Germans about the location and timing of the attack. When, in late 1943, Montgomery, 56, was appointed commander of Allied forces under American general Dwight D. Eisenhower, the possibility of a new, specialized component of the deception campaign arose. Montgomery, who had successfully led the British Eighth Army in North Africa, was respected by the Germans, who would no doubt be watching his movements closely. Perhaps that could be used to advantage.

The plan, which came to be known as Operation Copperhead, got its conception in January 1944, when British deception specialist Brigadier Dudley Clarke saw a film called Five Graves to Cairo. In it, actor Miles Mander plays a British officer who bears a striking resemblance to Montgomery. If the actor, outfitted as Montgomery, made some public appearances in the Mediterranean theater shortly before the invasion, perhaps he could fool the enemy into thinking the push would come through southern France. At the very least, it would imply the invasion wasnt imminent, since Monty was away from England.

Clarke developed the concept over the next several weeks, but its implementation quickly hit a snag. When military planners met Mander in person, they discovered he was too tall to convincingly portray the five-foot-six Montgomery. Other efforts involving other actors were no more fruitful, but in May 1944 came an unexpected find. Captain Stephen Watts, an officer with MI5, the British intelligence agency, happened across a newspaper photo of British Army lieutenant M. E. Clifton James dressed as Montgomery for a stage show in Leicester. The resemblance was uncanny. An obscure Australian actor before the war, James, 46, had been assigned to the Royal Army Pay Corps, based in Leicester, and performed in shows in his spare time. Watts and Clarke quickly put the operation back in motion.



Deception specialists first considered actor Miles Mander to play Montgomery, only to find he was too tall. They discovered James in a newspaper photo. (Courtesy of the News Chronicle) Deception specialists first considered actor Miles Mander to play Montgomery, only to find he was too tall. They discovered James in a newspaper photo. (Courtesy of the News Chronicle)

They asked Lieutenant Colonel David Niven, a well-known actor then assigned to the armys film unit, to contact James by phone under the guise of hiring him for army training films. He instructed James to meet with a talent scoutsomeone James would come to know as Colonel Lester, a pseudonym for MI5 intelligence officer T. A. Robertsonwho evaluated Jamess suitability for the task. Only after James signed a nondisclosure document did Robertson tell him the real plan: You have been chosen to act as the double of General Montgomery before D-Day.

The walls of the room began to sway, and his voice seemed to come from a long way off, James later wrote. My head began to ache and my throat felt suddenly dry. James nevertheless accepted, despite his own uncertainty: Could I really play such a tremendous role?

WITH THE INVASION ONLY DAYS AWAY, the key planning teamRobertson, Watts, and a lieutenant named Jack Herveyquickly got down to business. Because the role would involve air travel, they arranged for a trial flight to ensure James would not get airsick. At Heston Aerodrome, just west of London, James climbed into the smallest and most decrepit airplane on the field. The pilot took him on a 75-minute aerial jaunt through black clouds and rain and, despite the buffeting and lurching, James didnt get sick.

For the ruse to be successful, planners recognized that details were just as important as broad strokes. They told Jamesto his chagrinthat he would not be permitted to drink alcohol or smoke for the duration of his act, as Montgomery abstained from both vices. And although the general enjoyed large breakfasts, he did not eat eggs or pork products and never took milk or sugar on his porridge. James would have to put aside all his personal tastes and preferences and dive into the role completely.

James then visited Montgomery and his staff, all of whom were dressed in an eclectic mix of military and civilian garbberets, slacks, and cardigansjust like their general. The actor closely studied his subject, whose diminutive figure was never still and strode along, dominating the scene. Every now and then he stopped and fired questionschecking up, offering advice, issuing orders. After an outing and lunch, James had a short meeting directly with Montgomery to learn the tone and cadence of his voice. It was an easy conversation, and even James was struck by their resemblance. All I had to do, he later wrote, was to broaden my moustache, slightly whiten my greying hairand I was General Montgomery.

AFTER RECEIVING WORD that the general approved of James as his double, the team put the actor through repeated rehearsals using arranged chairs to represent seating inside an aircraft and a staff car. They drilled James on how he should sit in the carMontgomery preferred the left side of the back seatas well as how to swiftly climb in and out of the vehicles until the planners were satisfied that the actor had properly captured his subjects habits, voice, and mannerisms.



The real Bernard Montgomery. (Ullstein Bild via Getty Images) The real Bernard Montgomery. (Ullstein Bild via Getty Images)

After a final dress rehearsal on May 26, James learned that he would fly to Gibraltar for the first phase of the deception that very evening. But at that late moment, Watts noticed a detail overlooked in the bustle of preparation that threatened to derail the operation.

As a private in the Royal Fusiliers during the First World War, James had been hit by enemy fire, which severed the middle finger of his right hand. As Montgomery rarely wore gloves and waved with that hand, this was a key challenge to overcome. Watts quickly sent Hervey to obtain skin-colored adhesive plaster and cotton wool, which they used to fashion a false finger. James found it to be a quite realistic solution, as it gave the impression that Monty had simply cut himself and dressed it. But, still nervous, he began to wonder whether we had overlooked anything else.

The nerves ratcheted upward as the deception neared. I felt restless, rather like one does on the first night of a show, when each member of the cast wonders whether it will be a smashing hit or a resounding flop, James recalled. In this show, of course, the stakes were immeasurably higher. En route to RAF Northolt, an airfield west of London, and fearing that he looked as much like General Montgomery as Hitler did, James calmed when he noticed several civilians waving and smiling at his car. He assumed his role and waved back, flashing what he hoped was the true Monty smile. The show was on.

THE AIRCRAFT REACHED GIBRALTAR on the morning of May 27, flying past the Rock toward the airfield and circling conspicuously for an hour. With a nearby observation post known to be collaborating with the Germans, the welcoming hubbub would no doubt catch their attention. Clearly someone important was arriving, and the British were counting on those manning the post to transmit their observations up the chain of command.

At Government House, Major Foley took James to a large room to wash and shave before meeting with Gibraltar governor Sir Ralph Eastwood, who was also in on the deception. Left by himself for the first time since taking on the role, James felt a wave of loneliness rush in. I was literally shaking, he recalled. I could have screamed with nerves. But a waiter bringing a breakfast tray to the famous general snapped James back into character.

One of Jamess props was a khaki handkerchief embroidered with Montgomerys initials. After eating, James dropped it on the floor of his room, ensuring that the waiter or one of the workers would find it and believe they had the generals own monogrammed handkerchief. The lucky person would likely brag about his treasured souvenir, and talk would spreadas intended.

After a brief meeting, Governor Eastwood led James across the grounds, chatting openly with him to keep up the appearances for all to see. James was the center of attention and noticed onlookers as they leisurely strolled back to the mansion. Hundreds of Spanish citizens lived and worked on Gibraltar; British intelligence suspected many of them of working with the Germans, and the success of the plan counted on them reporting Montgomerys visitwhich they did.

Eastwoods car then drove them back to the airfield and, after a ceremonial farewell with waving crowds and saluting officers, James boarded the aircraft. With Gibraltar behind them, the aircraft had one more stop: Algiers.

THE NEARLY 500-MILE FLIGHT took them eastward along the coast of North Africa. Approaching Algiers, the pilot avoided a straight approach and instead flew them around behind the city to avoid attracting antiaircraft fire. Otherwise, he told James, everyone, including the Americans, British, and French will start banging away at us. The usual assembly of high-ranking officers waited on the tarmac, along with, James later wrote, a motley group of French, Arabs, and every race under the sun, all eager to catch a glimpse of the great Montgomery. He obliged them with another performance, following orders to show himself off as much as possible. A staff car, following a pair of American military policemen on motorcycles, took him on a short drive to British general Henry Maitland Wilsons headquarters.

Once inside the large building, aides led him to an isolated room and closed the door. And suddenly, Clifton Jamess performance was finished. Aides collected the generals uniform and packed it awayalong with the false finger. After he was dressed in his actual uniform, James recalled the surreal transformation: Lieutenant Clifton James was led out of the back door of the house where shortly before General Montgomery had gone in by the front door.

Led to an isolated villa overlooking the water, James recalled a wave of horrible depressiona touch of anti-climax. Less than an hour ago I had been playing the part of Britains greatest General. Now the show was over. Brigadier Dudley Clarke paid a visit, congratulating James on a job well done but also warning him to stay hidden until they could quietly fly him off to Cairo, where he was to lie low for an indefinite timea few weeks he was tolduntil after D-Day.



James reprised his famous role postwar, playing Montgomery and himself in the film adaptation (top) of his memoir of the same name. (Mary Evans/Studiocanal Films Ltd/Alamy)

It was a stark contrast to the past several days, during which he was the center of attention for a great many military and political figures. In Cairo, as James looked out over the sprawling web of streets and houses before him, he reflected on the uncertainty of the whole enterprise. Had it been a success? On the stage you could tell by the applause. Here there was no applause.

As far as the War Office was concerned, Lieutenant James had completed his assignment. On the morning of June 7, 1944, he boarded a DC-3 transport that took him on a series of bumpy and jarring flights northward to England. He reported back to Leicester, where he returned to his duties in the Royal Army Pay Corps.

IN OCTOBER 1945, only weeks after the end of the war, the London Daily Express broke the story of Jamess wartime leading role. European and North American newspapers ran brief items on the story, but it generated only mild interest; much of the world was fed up with war and looked forward to moving on.

Clifton James stayed in the army until he was demobilized in June 1946. He returned to Australia and, like so many veterans trading in their uniforms for civilian suits, struggled to find a place for himself. That same year, he wrote a book about his exploits called The Great Deception, but the manuscript sat with the British War Office for vetting with no given timeframe nor explanation.

The following year, local newspapers reported that he had applied for unemployment benefits. In a short article titled Montys Double Broke, James claimed that he had been able to acquire only three days work as an actor. Producers, he explained, were hesitant to cast him in plays, as audiences were only interested in seeing Monty, not seeing James in another role. It seemed that fame could be of the wrong sort, he mused. No actor ever got more publicity than I did. Managers and others rushed to greet me, set me on a pedestal for all to seebut none of them thought of offering me a job.

Granted a small government pension, James was compelled to secure another source of income. Agreeing to reprise his most famous role, James toured and played Monty to amused crowds across Australia and England before planning a similar trip to South Africa. I know it is cheap and at first I resisted offers to do it, but I must eat and think of my wife and two schoolboy sons, he said in 1947.



James in 1954; upon his death, Montgomery said the actor completely fooled the Germans." (Popperfoto/Getty Images) James in 1954; upon his death, Montgomery said the actor completely fooled the Germans." (Popperfoto/Getty Images)

In 1954, eight years after James submitted his memoir to the War Office, the manuscript finally received the go-ahead and was published as I Was Montys Double. The book was successful, and Hollywood soon came knocking. The 1958 film adaptation featured Jamesboth as himself and as Montgomeryand took several liberties with the story, going so far as to gin up a German plot to assassinate him.

In the wake of renewed interest in his story, James appeared on the American television game show To Tell the Truth in January 1959. It was his last screen appearance. On May 8, 1963, on the 18th anniversary of V-E Day, M. E. Clifton James died at the age of 65. Upon hearing the news, Bernard Montgomery said: He performed a very useful purpose at a very dark time of the war. What he did completely fooled the Germans.

BUT DID IT? It is difficult to evaluate Jamess contribution alone, and we may never know for certain. German agents did indeed report Montgomerys arrival in Gibraltar to their stations in Madrid and Berlin. In his 2011 book, Operation Fortitude: The Story of the Spies and the Spy Operation That Saved D-Day, historian Joshua Levine contends that the Germans were so overwhelmed by conflicting intelligence about the impending invasionthe work of at least 30 separate deception operationsthat Montys apparent visit to the Mediterranean was but a tiny scrap of information amid countless reports of varying veracity: one sheet of paper in a stack of hundreds.

However, the overall deception campaign did succeed, and Operation Overlord caught the Germans by surprise on the morning of June 6. By those terms, Clifton Jamess performance helped sell the plausibility of the whole showand it was a roaring success. 

This story was originally published in the February 2019 issue of World War II magazine. Subscribe here.
Polling places closed in Perus referendum on political and judicial reform at 4 pm on Sunday, with many voters also casting their ballots in the second round of the elections for the governors of 15 of the countrys regions.

More than 24 million Peruvians were eligible to vote in the referendum on the control of the campaign financing, non-immediate re-election of lawmakers and reforming the National Justice Board, a selection council for judges that has been marred by scandal.

According to initial exit polls, Peruvians delivered a resounding win to the government of Martin Vizcarra by approving the reform of the National Justice Board, controlling campaign financing and prohibiting lawmakers from immediately running for re-election, but they rejected forming a parliament made up of two chambers.

Forming the National Justice Board received yes votes from 87.1 percent of the public, while controlling campaign finance was approved with 85 percent and the immediate re-election of lawmakers rejected with 85.1 percent in favor of that option, the exit polls said.

Of the countrys eligible voters, more than 9 million were also be able to participate in the run-off votes for governors in 15 of Perus 25 regions.

One of the first people to cast his ballot on Sunday was Vizcarra, who arrived at his local precinct in the southern Moquegua region, more than 1,100 kilometers (about 680 miles) from Lima.

The president of the National Elections Board (JNE), Victor Ticona, said in a message to the public that his organization is committed to guaranteeing the legality of the referendum and the run-offs.

He said that the JNE will see to it that the results are the faithful reflection of the popular will and called upon citizens to contribute to strengthening democracy by casting their ballots.

He also urged political organizations and the public to conduct themselves in a measured manner on election day and to respect the official results.

Authorities said that 60,000 National Police officers would provide security throughout the country during and after the balloting, with the polls slated to close at 4 pm.

Vizcarra proposed the referendum on July 28, after a huge network of corruption was discovered in the judiciary, a scandal that sparked tremendous outrage among the public, already highly disturbed by the reach of the Odebrecht scandal - Latin Americas biggest corruption scandal - into the top echelons of power.

Vizcarra, who last March replaced Pedro Pablo Kuczynski as president after the latter resigned due to the Odebrecht scandal, promised the public that he would fight corruption, a task in which he has faced significant opposition by the Fujimori-backing majority in Congress.

Because of the Odebrecht scandal, the Peruvian Attorney Generals office is currently investigating former Presidents Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), Alan Garcia (1985-1990, 2006-2011), Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) and Kuczynski (2016-2018), as well as former presidential candidate and opposition leader Keiko Fujimori , who is in prison.
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Temperatures plummeted to below minus 40 degrees Celsius recently in Mohe, China's northernmost county in Heilongjiang Province, with locals and tourists making the most of the freezing temperatures by tossing hot water into the cold air and watching it freeze instantly.

Its worth the cold, said Tan Jian, a tourist from east Chinas Jiangxi province, who specifically traveled to Mohe to witness the spectacle. While there, he took many beautiful photos of the county as well as the phenomenon of turning hot water into snow.
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The Board of Health asked to be informed of updates regarding camping activities at Bowe Field.

Adams Board of Health Asks to Be Involved in Bowe Field Camping

ADAMS, Mass  The Board of Health asked to be notified about activities held at Bowe Field.

The board met with Agricultural Fair organizers Charles Felix and Patricia Wojcik on Wednesday to discuss camping on the grounds and Felix said it would not be an issue to include the Board in their notice to other town departments.

"We want to be on the same page with you guys with what we need to do and we like to send out a letter to the forest warden, the fire department, the police, and the ambulance service," Felix said. "We will add you guys so you know what is going on."

Vendors often camp on the grounds during the fair but the field also serves as a campground during the Solid Sound and Fresh Grass music festivals held at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

Felix said he already compiled a list of upcoming events at Bowe Field and would have informed the board in the past but was just never told by the town to do so.

Board of Health member David Rhoads said this has been an ongoing issue in town.

"This is a larger issue that we are dealing with quite often on the board of health," he said. "We are often the last to know and we are working on better communication with the town so everybody is informed."

In other business, the Board met with local trash haulers to continue a discussion on recently accepted new regulations.

One issue the haulers brought up was scrappers and permitting. Unlike the haulers, scrappers do not need to apply for a permit.

"I think we are on the same page here we just want to see everyone have to follow the same rules we do," Paul Laliberte of PJ's Appliance & Trash Removal said.

Rhoads said although he understood Lalibertes concern he said it really does not fall under the boards purview.

"It is not a board of health issue," he said. "If it was a contaminated refrigerator with food in it then it would be but they do not run business they just run around and pick stuff up we can't regulate that."

Laliberte said he thought there needed to be some kind of oversight and while he may properly discharge freon from a fridge and receive the proper permits before scrapping it, a scrapper might just toss it somewhere in town.

"That is why we pay the scrap yard for that sticker," he said. "The guy that doesn't can pick it up and throw it up on East Hoosac St. and charge the person."

The board said it would contact the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District for guidance and asked that if there is an instance of anyone polluting or taking scrap that does not belong to them that it is reported.

"If there is an ongoing issue where someone is cutting into your business that should not be," board member Bruce Shepley said. "We should hear about that."

Laliberte also had a recommendation for the town and suggested that they require residents to pay for a permit when renting a dumpster.

"Thats what they do in a lot of other communities," he said. "It could be an income for the town."

He added that often times the dumpster supplier takes on this fee and it helps dictate how long a dumpster can be left on the premise.

Rhoads said he never heard of a dumpster permit but would look into it.
Berkshire Health Systems Named a 2018 WWCMA WorkWell Massachusetts

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Berkshire Health Systems and its Wellness at Work program have been named a WorkWell Massachusetts Award Program Gold Level winner for exemplary worksite health promotion for the fourth straight year.



The award recognizes Berkshire Health System's achievements developing, implementing and participating in corporate health improvement and wellness programs. BHS is one out of six Gold Level award recipients for 2018, and is the only organization to have received a Gold Level award each of the four years of the program.



Committed to the health and well-being of the entire Berkshire community, the BHS Wellness at Work team works with local employers as a partner to develop and implement a wellness program that best addresses the individual company's needs and budget.



"There is no one size fits all or one generic website that can help create real change; those approaches have been proven to be ineffective. We know what works because we have been developing and analyzing wellness programs for over 15 years," said Maureen Logan-Daniels, BHS' director of Wellness and Community Health. "It all started with our commitment to wellness for our 4,000 employees at BHS and the development of an award-winning, but most importantly, life-changing wellness program."



"We are proud to recognize these innovative Massachusetts employers for their outstanding wellness programs," said Kristie Howard, chairwoman of the WWCMA Board of Directors. "The WorkWell Massachusetts Award is an important program put forth to honor the work being done by employers in our state to improve the health and vitality of our communities."



WorkWell Massachusetts is a corporate award program created by the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. The award program's criteria are based on the HERO Employee Health Management Best Practices Scorecard, in collaboration with Mercer, a tool designed to help organizations learn about best practices, discover opportunities to improve their programs, and measure progress over time. Applicants are required to provide details on their strategic planning and organizational support, program design and implementation, participant engagement, and measurements and evaluation, and applications were reviewed and designated by a WWCMA appointed committee of industry professionals. Information on WWCMA and the award program can be found online.
(Photo/Weibo account of Ma'anshan police)

A picture of a birthday cake has recently gone viral on Chinese social media. Differing from an ordinary birthday cake, which would typically come with a Happy Birthday message written in icing, this cake came with the message 14 is the age when one turns criminally liable.

The birthday cake was designed by the son of a policewoman in Ma'anshan, eastern Chinas Anhui province, who turned 14 on Nov. 30.

Police officer Yan Chengyan told Beijing Youth Daily that both she and her husband work for the police department. They often teach their son about common law, and he's inherited a love of the subject.

Yan said she had previously told her son about criminal liability, so he knew that the age of 14 was significant. Therefore, he asked for 14 is the age when one turns criminally liable to be iced onto his cake, alongside the Black Cat Detective, a famous Chinese cartoon figure.

Personally, we were not that surprised when he came up with the idea, but it did surprise the cake maker, Yan said.

She told Beijing Youth Daily that her son loves to read police-related magazines, and hopes to become a lawyer or policeman when he's older.
Television | TV Channels Zee Kannada to have exclusive content for HD channel If there's any broadcaster known to be a pioneer it's the Zee Network. With a wide reach in the regional part of India, Zee already has leadership positions in Bangla, Marathi and Bhojpuri markets as per BARC data week 48. Now it wants to buck up in the Kannada market with the newly launched HD channel for its GEC.

continue reading... Television | TV Channels Sony Marathi new player in BARC data week 48 BARC data for week 48 shows that in the Bengali space, Zee Bangla and Star Jalsha continued to be in the first and second positions. No changes were observed in Bhojpuri, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil segment. In the Telugu space, Star Maa retained its first position. Sony Marathi emerged as the new player in the Marathi space.

continue reading... Television | TV Channels NDTV 24X7 returns to top 5 in BARC week 48 NDTV 24X7 re-entered the top five of the English news genre in week 48 of BARC ratings. Aaj Tak yet again stood on top in all the three genres. Republic TV continued to dominate the English news genre. English business news genre saw no changes this week again.

continue reading...
December 09, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The Trump administration, which has slashed about half a billion dollars in aid to Palestinians this year, is scrambling to introduce a loophole into a new US law that will effectively outlaw all aid to the Palestinian Authority.

The US wants to protect funding of PA security forces which cooperate with Israel.

Aid to PA security forces amounted to $61 million this year alone, according to the Associated Press.

Security coordination between Israel and PA forces plays a primary role in suppressing Palestinian resistance to Israels military occupation.

Israel frequently arrests Palestinian activists after their release from Palestinian Authority detention.

The PA also passes information it obtains on Palestinian activists to Israeli interrogators who routinely use torture.

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In 2015, the Obama administration warned that the forced insolvency and collapse of the PA would harm the interests of Israel and its settlers in the occupied West Bank.

Yet a bill signed into law by President Donald Trump in October may do just that if no changes are made before it goes into effect on 31 January.

The Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018 would disqualify the PA from receiving US aid unless it agrees to pay court judgments of sometimes up to hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of American victims of Palestinian attacks, AP stated.

Legal experts told AP that the easiest fix would be to have Congress amend the law to allow the president or secretary of state to waive the aid cut-off on national security grounds.

Morally bereft

US officials appear less concerned about the harm that funding cuts will have on the lives of millions of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza and in the refugee camps of Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

USAID, the State Department development agency, could close down all its operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip next year due to the Trump administration cuts.

USAID has some 130 employees in the occupied territories  half of whom are to be dismissed by early next year.

The body provided more than $319 million in funding to projects in the West Bank and Gaza in 2016.

In addition to freezing more than $200 million in bilateral aid to the Palestinians, the Trump administration has cut $300 million in funding to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestine refugees.

Humanitarian officials have warned of the particular harm funding cuts will have in Gaza, where 11 years of Israeli economic blockade and successive military assaults have degraded health, water and sanitation infrastructure and plunged its refugee-majority population into poverty and aid dependency.

Its folly, not to mention morally bereft, to imagine that you can experiment with the breaking point of two million people, Tania Hary of the Israeli rights group Gisha told media.

The aid cuts are at once a punishment against the Palestinian leadership for protesting Trumps declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and an attempt to bludgeon Palestinians into submitting to the White Houses peace process and erase Palestinian refugees out of existence.

In 2016 the Obama administration and Israel signed the largest aid package in US history, giving Israel $38 billion in military assistance over 10 years. President Donald Trump signed a defense bill codifying that aid pledge into law.

Israel wary of aid cuts

Some in Israels military establishment are wary that Trumps cuts in aid to Palestinians will threaten the status quo of managed crisis in Gaza.

A US diplomatic cable from early January published this week following a freedom of information request states that officials with COGAT, the bureaucratic arm of Israels military occupation, told US interlocutors that UNRWA funding cuts would worsen the dire economic situation in Gaza.

Speaking off-the-record, the US cable states, our contact cited particular concern with any move to reduce UNRWA funding in Gaza.

The cable paraphrases the COGAT representative as asserting that the existence of UNRWA was a political poke in the eye to Israel.

Nonetheless, according to the cable, COGAT continued to believe that UNRWA provided valuable humanitarian relief in Gaza.

Israel, as the occupying power, is obliged under international law to provide essential services for the millions of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza living under military occupation.

While its leaders publicly attack UNRWA and call for its dismantling, Israel remains content for third parties to alleviate it from its obligations by providing foreign aid.

Maureen Clare Murphy is the managing editor of The Electronic Intifada and lives in Chicago.

This article was originally published by " Electronic Intifada " -

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December 09, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - It is clear the US is pushing the battle line to our door  We can completely regard the US arrest of Meng Wanzhou as a declaration of war against China.

So read an editorial in the Global Times of China on December 6, the day after Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of the Chinese company Huawei was taken hostage by the Canadian and American governments on December 1. The daughter of the founder of Chinas largest telecommunications company was arbitrarily arrested and detained by Canadian police in Vancouver in transit between planes on December 1on the pretext of a US extradition request.

The arrest has shocked and angered China while in Canada the large Chinese population must wonder how safe they are. The background to the arrest is fairly simple. Huawei has become a global competitor in the global phone market and their 5G phones are cutting edge technology and so not welcomed by competing phone companies in, US, Japan, south Korea, France, and Sweden, who are so afraid of the competition that they and their governments have spread stories that the phones are loaded with spyware and are a danger to national security. The company has even been threatened by the US and allied governments with criminal charges in Americas increasingly hostile economic war against China alongside its increasing military pressure, provocations and insults. Its one way to control the market. But now, acting as a mafia they have kidnapped, detained, and hold hostage a Chinese woman whose simple crime is going to work every day. The lack of outcry from womens rights groups in the west is not surprisingly, deafening.

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The pretext for her arrest is that Huawei has violated US sanctions against Iran. But the sanctions imposed on Iran by the US recently are illegal under international law, that is under the UN Charter that stipulates that only the Security Council can impose economic sanctions on a nation. The latest American sanctions are not approved by the Security Council. Sanctions imposed unilaterally by one nation against another are not legal and are violation of international law. There is, therefore, no law that she or Huawei is violating. There is no legal justification for her arrest by the Canadians who detaining her without legal justification.

The Canadian prime minister claims he had no hand in this arrest, yet admits he knew about it days before hand. But he cannot claim that since the police that arrested her and the prosecutors handling the file are federal officials and so he must have been involved. John Bolton in the US also admitted that he knew that this was going to happen several days in advance so there must have been communication between he Canadian authorities and the American authorities at a high level to set this up. In fact to add insult to injury the arrest took place as President Trump was sitting with President Xi who was trying to seek an accommodation with the Americans to ease the economic war being waged against China by the Americans. So as Trump sat with Xi, smiling like a lizard in the sun, he knew that Meng Wanzhou was being arrested, and continued to act like the lizard he is, while Xi acted in good faith unaware of what was happening further north in Canada.

Trudeaus statement that this arbitrary arrest was not politically motivated and that he was not involved in giving orders for Canadian police to detain her once she landed in Vancouver is preposterous since the Extradition Treaty between Canada and the United States requires that the United States inform the Canadian foreign ministry of its request and send them the documents supporting the request.

Further Article 2 of the Treaty requires that Canada can only act on such a request if, and only if, the offence alleged is also an offence by the laws of both contracting parties. But the unilaterally imposed and illegal sanctions placed against Iran by the USA, are not punishable acts in Canada and even in the USA the sanctions are illegal as the are in violation of the UN Charter.

Article 4 (1) of the Treaty states:

Extradition shall not be granted in any of the following circumstances:

(iii) When the offense in respect of which extradition is requested is of a political character, or the person whose extradition is requested proves that the extradition request has been made for the purpose of trying to punish him (or her) for an offense of the above-mentioned character. If any question arises as to whether a case comes within the provisions of this subparagraph, the authorities of the Government on which the requisition is made shall decide.

So, Prime Minister Trudeau cannot evade responsibility for this hostage taking, this arbitrary arrest and detention since his government had to consider the US request and consider whether it was politically motivated. Therefore the matter had to be considered at the highest level, by him. Since he has clearly ignored all the circumstances including the fact, firstly that the offence alleged is not an offence in Canada, and cannot exist under international law and secondly, that the US request is clearly politically motivated and has the objective of damaging both Iran and China, he made a political decision to order his security forces to arrest and detain her. It was a political arrest. The rule of law in Canada has been suspended, at least in her case, and so can be in any case.

But can we be surprised that the rule of law has ceased to exist in Canada when we remember that in 1999 Canada took part in the aggression against Yugoslavia, when it took part in the aggression against Iraq, when in 2004 its special forces assisted US marines to put a gun to the head of President Aristide of Haiti, kidnap him and exile him to Africa, when it took part in the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, of Libya, of Syria, when this year it took in white helmet elements of the terrorist proxy forces attacking Syria, when it has been involved in plots to overthrow the Venezuelan government, and the Ukrainian government where it supports the fascists who have taken power in Kiev and when it supports the illegal sanctions that is, economic warfare against Russia?

Canadians should be angry about their nation being led by people whose loyalty is to Washington instead of the Canadian people, whose interest they could care nothing about. They should be angry about slapping the face of the great Chinese people for whom Dr. Norman Bethune, the great Canadian communist, died helping the Peoples Liberation Army during the Long March and resistance to the Japanese in the 1930s.

They should be angry about these traitors isolating Canada from China, from Russia, from Iran and their great cultures, and condemning Canada to be nothing more than an outpost of the American empire. For traitors they are as they betray the Canadian people by serving he interests of the Americans and their war machine. Free Meng Wanzhou, for so long as she is held hostage, so are we all.

Christopher Black is an international criminal lawyer based in Toronto. He is known for a number of high-profile war crimes cases and recently published his novel Beneath the Clouds. He writes essays on international law, politics and world events, especially for the online magazine

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Home Search ICH How the West Eats Its Children



By Thierry Meyssan For Thierry Meyssan, by taking to the streets, the French have become the first Western population to take personal risks to oppose financial globalisation. Although they do not realise it, and still imagine that their problems are exclusively national, their enemy is the same force that crushed the region of the African Great Lakes and a part of the Greater Middle East. In order to understand the project which inextricably unites these apparently disparate events, we have to take a step back. The cause of Western recession December 09, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - International relations experienced a profound change with the paralysis of the Soviet Union in 1986, when the State was unable to control the civilian nuclear incident in Tchernobyl [1], then with the revocation of the Warsaw Pact in 1989, when the East German Communist Party [2] destroyed the Berlin Wall, and finally, with the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.



At that time, the President of the United States, George Bush Sr., decided to demobilise one million soldiers and devote the efforts of his country to its own prosperity. He wanted to transform US hegemony within its zone of influence, and expand it into that of the leader of the world, the guarantor of world stability. With that, he laid the foundations for a  New World Order , first of all in the speech he gave side by side with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, at the Aspen Institute (2 August 1990), then during his speech to Congress (11 September 1990), announcing operation  Desert Storm  [3].



The world of the apres-Soviet Union is one of free circulation, not only of merchandise, but also world capital, under the unique control of the United States. In other words, the passage from capitalism to financialisation  not the triumphant culmination of free exchange, but an exacerbated form of colonial exploitation of the whole world, including the West. Within the space of a quarter of a century, the major US fortunes have multiplied many times, and the global wealth of the world has increased considerably.



By allowing capitalism to run wild, President Bush Sr. hoped to extend prosperity to the world. But capitalism is not a political project, it is simply a system of logic designed for creating profit. The logic of the US multinationals was to increase their profits by delocalising production to China, where it is now possible, and where workers are the lowest paid in the world.



Those who were prepared to measure the cost of this advance for the West were few and far between. New middle classes began to appear in the third world, and although they were, of course, far less wealthy than those in the West, they enabled new, mainly Asian states, to play a role on the world stage. But simultaneously, Western middle classes began to disappear [4], meaning that it became impossible for the democratic institutions they built to survive. Above all, the populations of entire regions were to be entirely crushed, starting with those of the African Great Lakes. This first regional war caused 6 million deaths, in Angola, Burundi, Namibia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, and was met with general incomprehension and indifference. The aim was to continue to seize the natural resources of these countries, but to pay less and less for them, which meant dealing with gangs rather than with the States who had to feed their populations. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The sociological transformation of the world is happening very fast and is clearly without precedent, although we do not have the statistical tools available today to evaluate it with precision. However, everyone can witness the increase in power of Eurasia, (not in the Gaullist sense of  Brest to Vladivostok , but that of Russia and Asia without Western and Central Europe), which seeks liberty and prosperity, while the Western powers, including the United States, are slowly and progressively declining, limiting individual freedom and ejecting half of their population into zones of poverty.



Today, the percentage of imprisonment in China is four times inferior to that of the United States,while their purchasing power is slightly higher. Objectively therefore, with all its faults, Chine has become a freer and more prosperous country than the United States.



This process was predictable from the beginning. Its application was studied for a long time. So, on 1 September 1987, a US forty-year-old published a page of counter-current publicity in the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Boston Globe. He warned his compatriots about the role that President Bush Sr. was planning to allocate to the United States  to assume and finance out of their own pockets the responsibility for the developing  New World Order . People read it and laughed. The author of these texts was real estate promoter, Donald Trump.



The application of the economic model to international relations



One month after the attacks of 11 September 2001, US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld nominated his friend Admiral Arthur Cebrowski as Director of the new Office of Force Transformation. He was tasked with changing the culture of the entire US military in order to enable it to respond to a complete change in its mission



There was no longer question of using US armies to defend principles or interests, but to use them for a reorganisation of the world by dividing it into two parts  one one side the states integrated into the globalised economy, and on the other, the others [5]. The Pentagon would no longer fight wars in order to steal natural resources, but to control access to those resources by the globalised nations. A division directly inspired by the process of globalisation which had already trashed half of the Western populations. This time, it was half of the worlds population which was to be excluded [6].



The reorganisation of the world began in the political zone known as the  Greater Middle East , that is to say stretching from Afghanistan to Morocco, with the exception of Israel, Lebanon and Jordan. This brought about the alleged epidemic of civil wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Syria and Yemen, which has already caused several million deaths.



Like a monster eating its own children, the global financial system based in the United States faced its first crisis in 2008, when the subprime bubble burst. Contrary to a commonly-held belief, this was absolutely not a global crisis, but a Western problem. For the first time, the NATO states experienced the first consequences of the policy they were supporting. Yet the upper Western classes changed nothing in their behaviour, as they witnessed with compassion the wreck of the middle classes. The only notable modification was the adoption of the  Volcker rule  [7], which forbade banks from profiting from information obtained from their clients in order to speculate against their interests. But while conflicts of interest enabled a number of crooks to get rich fast, they are not the root of the problem, which is far more wide-reaching.



The revolt of the Western populations



The revolt of the Western middle and working classes against the globalised upper class began two years ago.



Aware of the Western recession as compared with Asia, the people of the United Kingdom were the first to attempt to save its life-style by leaving the European Union and turning to China and the Commonwealth (referendum of 23 June 2016) [8]. Unfortunately, the leaders of the United Kingdom were unable to conclude the agreement they hoped for with China and experienced great difficulty in reactivating their links with the Commonwealth.



Then, witnessing the collapse of their civil industries, a part of the United States voted, on 8 November 2016, for the only Presidential candidate who was opposed to the New World Order, Donald Trump. He spoke of a return to the  American dream . Unfortunately for his voters, although Donald Trump began to question the rules of globalised commerce, he had no team with him apart from his family, and was only able to modify, but not change, the military strategy of his country. Almost all of the general officers had adopted the Rumsfeld-Cebrowski ideology, and could no longer imagine themselves in any other role than defenders of financial globalisation.



Aware of the collapse of their national industry, and certain that they would be betrayed by their upper class, the Italians voted, on 4 March 2018, for an anti-system party composed of the Ligue and the 5-star Movement. These parties built an alliance in order to implement social policies. Unfortunately, they were rejected by the European Union [9]. In France, tens of thousands of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), subcontractors of industry, had gone bankrupt over the last ten years, but their compulsory tax deductions, already among the highest in the world, increased by 30 % over the same period.



Several hundreds of thousands of French people suddenly took to the streets to demonstrate against abusive financial measures. Unfortunately for them, the French upper classes have been contaminated by the very idea that was rejected by the United States, and therefore did their best to adapt their policies to the popular revolt, but not to change its basic causes.



If we look at each of these four countries separately, we will find four different explanations for what is happening there. But if we analyse the situation as a single phenomenon affecting different cultures, we will discover the same mechanisms across the board. In these four countries, consecutive with the end of capitalism, the middle classes disappeared more or less rapidly, and with them the political system that they incarnated  Democracy.



So either the Western leaders abandon the financial system they have developed and return to the productive capitalism of the Cold War, or they will have to invent a different organisation that no-one has so far been able imagine. Failing that, the West, which has directed the world for five centuries, will sink into a long period of internal chaos.



The Syrians were the first non-globalised People capable of surviving and resisting the destruction of Rumsfeld-Cebrowskis infra-world. The French were the first globalised people to rise up against the destruction of the West, even if they are not aware that they are fighting the same unique enemy of all of humanity. President Emmanuel Macron is not the man for the situation, not because he has any responsibility for the system that preceded him, but because he is pure product of that system. In response to the riots in his country, he spoke from the G20 in Buenos-Aires, declaring that the meeting was a success in his eyes, (which it was not), and that he intended to advance more efficiently than his predecessors  in the wrong direction.



How to save privilege



It appears that the British ruling class has its solution  if London in particular and the Western nations in general are no longer capable of ruling the world, it will be necessary to cut ones losses and divide the world into two distinct zones. This is the policy implemented by Obama in the final months of his presidency [10], then by Theresa May, and now by Donald Trump, with their refusal to cooperate and their ready-made accusations, first of all against Russia and now against China.



It also seems that Russia and China, despite their historical rivalry, are aware that they will never be able to ally themselves with these Westerners who have never ceased trying to carve them up. This is the source of their project, the  Eurasian Economic Union   if the world must be split in two, each participant will have to organise its own. In concrete terms, for Beijing, this means abandoning half of its  Silk Road  project and its redeployment with Moscow only in Greater Eurasia.



How to determine the line of demarcation



For the West and Greater Eurasia, it will be necessary to determine the split line as fast as possible. For example, what side will Ukraine choose? The construction by Russia of the Kertch bridge was aimed at separating the country, absorbing the Donbass and the Azov Sea basin, then Odessa and Transnistria. On the contrary, the incident at Kertch, organised by the Western powers, is aimed at enrolling all of Ukraine into NATO before the country fractures.



Since the ship of financial globalisation is sinking, many people are beginning to save their personal interests without any care for others. For example this is the source of the tension between the European Union and the United States. As far as this game is concerned, the Zionist movement has always had a lengths lead, which explains the mutation of Israeli strategy, which has abandoned Syria to Russia, and turned to both the Gulf States and East Africa.



Perspectives



Taking into account what is at play here, it is obvious that the insurrection in France is only the beginning of a much wider process which is going to spread to other Western countries.



It would be absurd to believe that at a time of financial globalisation, a government, whatever it might be, could resolve the problems of its country without first of all questioning international relations and at the same time regaining its capacity for action. But precisely, foreign policy has been kept on the sidelines of the democratic field since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It is both necessary and urgent to resign from almost all of the treaties and engagements of the last thirty years. Only the states which are able to re-affirm their sovereignty can hope to recover. Thierry Meyssan is a Political consultant, President-founder of the Reseau Voltaire (Voltaire Network). Latest work in French  Sous nos Yeux. Du 11-Septembre a Donald Trump (Right Before our Eyes. From 9/11 to Donald Trump). NOTES [1] According to Michail Gorbatchev, this was the event that made possible the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union in so far as it delegitimised the State.



[2] Contrary to a commonly-held belief in the West, it was the nationalists from the East-German Communist Party (and the Lutheran churches), and not the anti-Communists (and pro-US movements), who broke down the symbol of Soviet domination, the Wall.



[3] The main purpose of the invasion of Iraq was not to liberate Kuwait, but to use this affair to build the strongest coalition possible under US command, including the USSR.



[4] Global Inequality. A New Approach for the Age of Globalization, Branko Milanovic, Harvard University Press, 2016.



[5] The US military project for the world, by Thierry Meyssan, Translation Pete Kimberley, Voltaire Network, 22 August 2017.



[6] It is obvious that the wars of Bush Jr. and Obama were never intended to expand the Empire. First of all because by definition, democracy can only come from the People, not imposed by bombs. And then because the United States was already a plutocracy.



[7] The ex-president of the US Federal Reserve, Paul Volcker, is on the other hand, one of the architects of global financialisation. It is Volcker who took legal action on behalf of the UNO against the people and entities who had helped Iraq to bypass the UN embargo (the  oil for food  affair). Volcker is one of the principal personalities of the Pilgrims Society, the trans-Atlantic club presided by Queen Elizabeth II. As such, he became the main economic advisor to President Barack Obama, and organised part of his cabinet.



[8] The new British Foreign Policy, by Thierry Meyssan, Translation Pete Kimberley, Voltaire Network, 4 July 2016.



[9] Replacing the European Common Market, which was originally a system for cooperation between states, the European Union, as defined by the Treaty of Maastricht, is a supranational



[10] Two separate worlds, by Thierry Meyssan, Translation Pete Kimberley, Al-Watan (Syria) , Voltaire Network, 8 November 2016. This article was originally published by " Voltaire " - 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.
December 09, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - This week, the United Nations released a damning report. The short version: We have about 12 years to actually do something to prevent the worst aspects of climate change. That is, not to prevent climate changewe're well past that pointbut to prevent the worst, most catastrophic elements of it from wreaking havoc on the world's population. To do that, the governments of Earth need to look seriously at the forces driving it. And an honest assessment of how we got here lays the blame squarely at the feet of the 1 percent.

Contrary to a lot of guilt-tripping pleas for us all to take the bus more often to save the world, your individual choices are probably doing very little to the world's climate. The real impact comes on the industrial level, as more than 70 percent of global emissions come from just 100 companies. So you, a random American consumer, exert very little pressure here. The people who are actively cranking up the global thermostat and threatening to drown 20 percent of the global population are the billionaires in the boardrooms of these companies.

There are probably no individuals who have had a more toxic impact on public and political attitudes about climate change than the Koch brothers, and it would take an absurd amount of space to document all the money and organizations they've scraped together for that purpose. (Investigative reporter Jane Mayer's groundbreaking Dark Money does basically that.) And they have every reason to: In her book, Mayer notes that "Koch Industries alone routinely released some 24 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere a year."

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But the scope goes far beyond merely sowing dissent and skepticism. While billionaires and the companies they run have spent years insisting that climate change either doesn't exist or is overblown, they've known the reality of the situation for a long time. PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel, for example, used to donate to the Seasteading Institute, which aimed to build floating cities in order to counteract rising sea levels. And Exxon Mobil allegedly knew about climate change in 1977, back when it was still just Exxon and about 11 years before climate change became widely talked about. Instead of acting on it, they started a decades-long misinformation campaign. According to Scientific American, Exxon helped create the Global Climate Coalition, which questioned the scientific basis for concern over climate change from the late '80s until 2002, and successfully worked to keep the U.S. from signing the Kyoto Protocol, a move that helped cause India and China, two other massive sources of greenhouse gas, to avoid signing.

Even when Republican lawmakers show flashes of willingness to get something done, they're swiftly swatted down. There are myriad examples, but one example comes via Dark Money, where Mayer describes an incident in April 2010 when Lindsey Graham briefly tried to support a cap-and-trade bill: A political group called American Solutions promptly launched a negative PR campaign against him, and Graham folded after just a few days. American Solutions, it turns out, was backed by billionaires in fossil fuel and other industries, including Trump-loving casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.

In recent years, fossil-fuel companies have tried to cast themselves as being on the same side of the general public. Just this month, Exxon pledged $1 million to fight for a carbon tax, a stopgap measure that charges a fee of $40 per ton of carbon produced and increases as production goes up. At a glance, that may seem magnanimous, but the truth is that Exxon can afford the tax. Not only is the oil and gas industry experiencing a serious boom right now, companies know that the only real solutions to climate change will hurt them even more than a measly tax.

That's largely because there is no "free market" incentive to prevent disaster. An economic environment where a company is only considered viable if it's constantly expanding and increasing its production can't be expected to pump its own brakes over something as trivial as pending global catastrophe. Instead, market logic dictates that rather than take the financial hit that comes with cutting profits, it's more reasonable to find a way to make money off the boiling ocean. Nothing illustrates this phenomenon better than the burgeoning climate-change investment industry. According to Bloomberg, investors are looking to make money off of everything from revamped food production to hotels for people fleeing increasingly hurricane-ravaged areas. A top JP Morgan Asset investment strategist advised clients that sea-level rise was so inevitable that there was likely a lot of opportunity for investing in sea-wall construction.

Even today, after literally decades of radical libertarian billionaires fostering disbelief in climate change and skepticism about the government, three out of five Americans believe climate change affects their local community. That number climbs to two-thirds on the coasts. Even the Trump administration now admits that climate change is real, but their response to it is dead-eyed acceptance. If popular support actually influenced public policy, there would have been more decisive action from the U.S. government years ago. But the fossil-fuel industry's interests are too well-insulated by the mountains of cash that have been converted into lobbyists, industry-shilling Republicans and Democrats, and misinformation. To them, the rest of the world is just kindling.
An exceptional year is drawing to a close on one of the most famous streets in the world, New Yorks 5th Avenue. That is where, for the final time, Jaquet Droz will be telling its Story of the Unique, before preparing to write some more new chapters next year.

In the heart of the Big Apple, Jaquet Droz is closing a cycle of exhibitions that has travelled from Milan to Moscow, Singapore to Tokyo, and Macao to Zurich via Hong Kong. On every continent, the watchmaker has showcased some of its greatest accomplishments to collectors and friends of the brand. The itinerant exhibition has also introduced the public to some of the companys historic pieces, as well as its most exclusive new creations.

 Jaquet Droz

The watch industrys most famous parrot

The year 2018 naturally featured a number of pieces created for the 280th anniversary. Two of them made a particularly strong impression. The first, a conversation piece par excellence, was the Parrot Repeater Watch, unveiled at Baselworld.

Parrot Repeater Pocket Watch  Jaquet Droz

It took three years to develop and, perhaps even more interestingly, almost every division of Jaquet Droz added its own touch to this unique piece, numerus clausus 01/01. The Parrot Repeater, a descendent of the Bird Repeaters, is an automaton featuring a pair of parrots with two chicks, set against an animated waterfall. Engraving, applique, miniature painting, gem-setting and enamelling: all of Jaquet Drozs artistic crafts are present. Apparently, the timepiece, which has an estimated value of one million francs, was snapped up immediately it went on display in Basel.

The Grande Seconde bares all

At the other end of the spectrum, a completely different creation marked the 280th year: the worlds first skeletonised Grande Seconde. Everyone had an opinion on the cleverly named Skelet-One. On the one hand, there were the defenders of the historical integrity of the Grande Seconde, whose design has remained virtually unchanged for almost three centuries. And on the other, there were the proponents of a modern alternative, who thought the iconic complication should evolve with the times. In the centre stood Jaquet Droz, trying to answer both sides of the question, without falling into the trap of tame compromise.

Grande Seconde Skelet-One, pink gold  Jaquet Droz

The result was not a disappointment, because it eschewed compromise in favour of making a statement: its modern, progressive and bold. Jaquet Droz has kept the 8 that defines the dial of the Grande Seconde, but only in outline  one in gold, the other in sapphire. Because the watch has no casing ring it is very spacious, allowing the maximum amount of light into the movement. The bridges are reduced to their simplest expression, their taut lines contrasting with the residual curves of the figure 8. The Skelet-One is beginning to find an audience, and we fully expect to see some new variations in the coming year.
December 09, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - French people are standing up for their rights and speaking out for many others around the world who are sick at the injustice of capitalism. None more so than people of Western states who have had to endure decades of economic austerity while a tiny elite become ever more obscenely wealthy.



In addition to the irrational malign distribution of wealth that capitalism bestows, Western states  that is, the oligarch-serving politicians  spend and waste inordinate financial resources on militarism and waging criminal wars.



For the fourth weekend in a row, the French public have taken to the streets of Paris and other major cities to demand economic justice.

They also want President Emmanuel Macron to resign. Macron has so far kept his usual aloof silence on the protests, leaving it up to his prime minister Edouard Philippe to placate the angry nation.



Bringing the country to almost a standstill by blocking transport links and fuel supply, the French have demonstrated "people power" and what can be achieved when we organize for our rights.

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Macron's government has caved in to scrap plans for tax hikes on the transport fuel. Those proposed price hikes is what triggered ordinary people's fury, donning the now symbolic "yellow vests" that all drivers in France are obliged to carry in vehicles for safety reasons.



The French public say the new taxes would hit their livelihoods.

Macron claimed the new fuel levies were for raising government funds in order to pay for transition to a more ecologically sustainable society.



However, ordinary citizens point out that Macron  whom they disparage as "president for the rich"  recently abolished taxes for the very wealthy. That giveaway could have been used instead by the government to fund whatever green projects it is planning.



Macron's administration is also planning major tax reductions for big business and corporations. Again, that move shows the elitist priorities of this president and his ministers. The Elysee Palace is intent on making the majority of working people pay for social changes, rather the rich class who could easily afford it.



In addition, the French state spends about $50 billion a year on military. If that expenditure was, say, halved, then there would be no need for austerity and arbitrary cuts in public services and welfare.



The French extravagance on military is typical of all Western states and NATO members in particular. If they slashed their militarism, then other countries like Russia and China would also be able to reduce their military budgets, which are maintained out of defensive posture owing to the aggressive stance of Western states.



The French yellow vest movement appears to be at a momentous turning point. It could go either of two significant directions.



Already, the Macron government has capitulated over its brazen tax burdens on ordinary citizens. There is a sense that the elitist president and his administration are teetering to stay in office. For the French people their protest movement has gone beyond fuel levies.

They are questioning the entire neoliberal capitalist system, and why they have been made to endure decades of economic exploitation and oppression.



Moreover, there are signs that the yellow vest movement is inspiring the public in other European countries to likewise take to the streets and finally hold the oligarchic system to account. There are reports of similar solidarity protests taking place in neighboring Belgium. We can be sure that governments across Europe are wary of a tidal wave of people power.



There is also a more ominous, sinister direction. A foretaste of that was seen last week when French riot police arrested dozens of high school students rallying against education reforms, and made them kneel on the ground, hands on head. Some of the students were forced to kneel with their faces against a wall.



That scene has horrified many people in France and further afield. It bore the actions of a police-state dictatorship and the abrogation of legal rights. Some commentators even remarked that the detained students cowering in front of armed officers looked like a mock-execution scenario.



This weekend ahead of the planned protests in Paris, hundreds of people traveling to the capital to join demonstrations were arrested "preemptively" by police, and taken into custody. The French authorities claim they were preventing "trouble makers" from inciting violence.



Though many other French citizens fear that what is really going on is the beginning of repressive crackdown by the state against democratic rights to free speech and public assembly.



Recall too how only a few weeks ago, during World War One commemorations, President Macron sparked a hue and cry when he praised former General Philippe Petain for his battlefield bravery. Petain later became the leader of Vichy France which collaborated with the German Third Reich during World War Two. Ignominiously, the French state functioned as a fascist regime, rounding up tens of thousands of its citizens, and dispatching them to Nazi death camps.



Arguably, capitalism is an irrational, anti-democratic system that always has a tendency towards oligarchy, militarism and fascism. When the economy is doing relatively well, then the system tolerates forms of "liberal democracy". But when the system is running on empty, then more extreme powers are exercised to control the restless masses.



Decades of economic austerity and mass impoverishment across Western states show that capitalism can no longer disguise itself as liberal democracy. The people are rightly becoming restless and angry for their human rights: to have decent jobs, salaries and public services.



The rebellious French are inspiring all people to demand what is their natural rights and to overthrow the injustice of capitalism. That could go in an historic progressive direction, not just in France, but across all Western oligarchic states.



There again, the powers-that-be may, out of desperation to retain their privileges and wealth, go full fascism. The liberal mask of Western democracies appears to be slipping to reveal the brute force beneath.



We seem to be at a historic juncture.

Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent.

This article was originally published by " Sputnik " -

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The Khashoggi Skeletons in America's Closet



US officials are keen to condemn Jamal Khashoggi's murder but remain silent on US crimes against journalists.





By Azeezah Kanjiby

December 09, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Donald Trump's commitment to "remain[ing] a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia," despite the regime's gruesome torture and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey, is clearly symptomatic of the malignantly self-serving nature of US foreign policy, which has long propped up dictatorships and enabled atrocities around the world for the sake of profit and power.

However, many of Trump's most vocal critics on the Saudi file show signs of an equally dangerous pathological condition: a profound historical amnesia that permits some of the most prominent proponents of the US' own torturous and murderous policies to now parade as champions of human rights, without any apparent sense of irony.

Obama-era CIA Director John Brennan, for instance, has insisted that "the US should never turn a blind eye to this sort of inhumanity [referring to the murder of Khashoggi]  because this is a nation that remains faithful to its values" - a curiously self-righteous stance for a man who not only repeatedly turned a blind eye to the inhumanity of past and present CIA practices such as extraordinary rendition, torture, and drone assassination, but actively defended and (in the case of drone use) expanded them.

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell decried the brutal murder of Khashoggi as "completely abhorrent to everything the United States holds dear and stands for in the world". Yet he praised another perpetrator of abhorrent deeds, CIA "black site" torture prison manager Gina Haspel, as an "excellent choice" for Director of the CIA.

Republican senator and drone war enthusiast Lindsey Graham called Saudi's extrajudicial killing of Khashoggi a "barbaric act which defied all civilized norms" - even while maintaining that casualties of US' own international norm-defying extrajudicial killing programme "got what they deserved."

The idea that the US is in a position to hold anyone to account for "barbaric acts" of extraterritorial violence defies reality. Far from serving as a model to be emulated, the American precedent exemplifies the dangers of lethal state power wielded without adequate restraint.

"If other states were to claim the broad-based authority that the United States does, to kill people anywhere, anytime, the result would be chaos," UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions Philip Alston presciently warned in 2010.

Among the global targets of the US's lethal drone programme - which have included first responders at missile strike sites, mourners at funerals, and families celebrating weddings - are, allegedly, at least two media workers.

In 2017, Al Jazeera's former Islamabad bureau chief Ahmad Zaidan and American media activist Bilal Abdul Kareem filed a lawsuit against the US government, claiming they had been placed on the government's "disposition matrix" - although the absolute secrecy surrounding who is on the extrajudicial kill list, and why, makes it impossible to know for sure. A US court shot down Zaidan's case but allowed Abdul Kareem's to proceed, rendering it the first legal challenge to the drone programme to make it past the preliminary stage.

While Trump may have been the first US president to openly and explicitly declare the media "the enemy of the people," the treatment of journalists as a hostile force has been a consistent feature of the US's so-called "war on terror".

The Pentagon's 2015 Law of War Manual stated that journalists may in some instances be considered "unprivileged belligerents" (enemy fighters without the protections and privileges accorded to lawful combatants), since "reporting on military operations can be very similar to collecting intelligence or even spying" - an apparent licence to target journalists that was only revised because of a sustained outcry from media organisations.

The illegal US-led war of aggression on Iraq has been one of the deadliest wars for journalists in modern history. In its first year, it "inflict[ed] a proportionally higher number of casualties on journalists than on members of the coalition's armed forces" according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

At least 16 journalists and six media workers were killed directly by US fire, including several "at checkpoints or near US bases, in most cases without [the US military] accepting responsibility," as the Guardian reported. "Often they promised to hold investigations but never released the findings."

In addition to dealing out death to journalists with impunity, US powers also made a habit of arresting and jailing them for long periods of time without charge, including journalists working for Reuters, CBS News, and the Associated Press.

"By early January 2006, Camp Bucca, an American detention centre in southern Iraq, had become the biggest prison for journalists in the Middle East," observed Reporters Without Borders. Journalists were also imprisoned in the detention and torture camps at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. Al Jazeera cameraman Sami Alhaj was held in Guantanamo for more than six years; tellingly, 125 of the 130 interrogations he was put through had nothing to do with the activities of any terror organisation but with the operations of Al Jazeera.

While US commentators have rightly called out the farcical nature of Saudi Arabia's investigation into the death of Khashoggi, the pretence that the US government has provided anything resembling accountability for its own crimes against journalists and other civilians is equally laughable. None of the senior officials implicated in the Iraq torture scandal, for instance, have ever been prosecuted, and authorities ignored reports of abuse from human rights organisations for six months before they were publicly exposed - a fact cited by Saudi's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in an attempt to rationalise his own country's delayed response to Khashoggi's disappearance.

Perversely, punishment has primarily been reserved for those who have dared to call attention to the assault on journalists, rather than those responsible for the assault itself. Chelsea Manning was incarcerated for seven years in a military prison under conditions the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture concluded violated international law, for leaking evidence of US military atrocities including video footage showing US soldiers slaughtering two Reuters journalists and several other Iraqi civilians. In 2005, CNN's chief news executive Eason Jordan was forced to resign because he suggested on a panel discussion that coalition troops were targeting journalists in Iraq.

The popular conceit that American "values" are inherently antithetical to the torture and killing of journalists renders invisible the victims of US torture and killing policies. Propagating such myths in the name of advocating for justice for Jamal Khashoggi only serves to bury the Khashoggi-like skeletons in America's closet further out of sight.

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An Abuja apartment being occupied by the sons of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, Aliyu and Mustapha Abubakar, was recently searched by personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to Premium Times, the building, which is located in Maitama, Abuja, also houses the apartment of Chiemeka Orji, son of Theodore Orji, former governor of Abia state  which was also raided by the EFCC men.

The incidence was confirmed by Paul Ibe, spokesperson of Abubakar Atiku on Sunday, stating that the EFCC operatives, who carried out the grievous act of intimidation were unable to find anything implicating.

Premium Times also reports that the sons of the former VP, werent in town, during the raid on their apartment but the people they share the building with were said to have been taken to the EFCC office.
Publisher of Ovation magazine, Mr Dele Momodu has also reacted to a recent statement by Mrs Aisha Buhari, wherein she asked Nigerians to take back their country from the two men, holding it hostage.

During a recent summit, wife of the President, again stated that her husbands government has been hijacked, just as she had pointed out before.

If 15.4 million people can bring in a government and only for the government to be dominated by two people or three people, where are the men of Nigeria? Where are the Nigerian men? What are you doing? Instead of them to come together and fight them, they keep visiting them one after the other licking their shoes (Im sorry to use those words).

In his reaction, Momodu, who spoke via his Twitter handle on Monday said though he likes the president, his leadership has been impeded with the cabal, who wont let competent people in his cabinet function.

I like BUHARI as a simple, humorous personality but his leadership style leaves much to be desired and his cabal wont let the competent people around him function. His wife has cried out endlessly I weep for the man in the gilded cage. I wished he could liberate himself!
Reno Omokri, who was an aide to ex President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to news that the Economic and Financial Crimes(EFCC) raided the apartment of sons of Atiku Abubakar.

The news comes just a day after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), raised the alarm that the accounts of its vice presidential candidate for the 2019 presidential election, Peter Obi were frozen by agents of president Muhammadu Buhari.

Although both the ICPC and the EFCC have denied freezing the accounts of the former Anambra state governor, the PDP is yet to name the agency involved in the act.

Premium Times, had broken the news of the raid on the Maitama, Abuja residence of the sons of Atiku Abubakar, former VP and now presidential candidate of the PDP, by the anti-graft agency  which has left many PDP supporters, questioning the present administration and its agencies.

Omokri in his reaction, questioned why EFCC would freeze honest Obis account, leaving Babachir, and raiding Atikus sons. He went on to ask, if the EFCC is now an arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has said the arrest of the son of a former governor of Abia state, Theodore Orji, has nothing to do with Atiku Abubakar.

There were reports earlier that the anti-graft agency had searched the apartment of two sons of the former vice President in Maitama, Abuja.

The building which houses the apartment being occupied by the younger Atikus, also houses that which is occupied by the former governors son, Ogbonna Orji.

Although earlier report didnt state that the son of the former governor was arrested as sources quoted by Premium Times, who broke the news said though the officers also searched the apartment of Orjis son, the Atikus were of paramount interest to the EFCC operatives.

The EFCC via its official Twitter handle has come forward to set the record straight and put an end to speculations, by revealing to the public, that Theodore Orjis son was arrested but the arrest has nothing to with the 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP).

See statement below

#Alert The recent arrest of Ogbonna Orji, son of Sen. Theodore Orji, over money laundering, has absolutely nothing to do with son of ex-VP Atiku Abubakar.

The former Abia governor has been under investigations by the EFCC, for money laundering activities, which was discovered to have been carried out through his sons.

The EFCC had been on the trail of cars allegedly bought by the sons, and last Friday the cars were traced to a night club in Abuja, where operatives waited patiently through the night to arrest the owners  Ogbonna and his friend, Kelvin Ilonah.

They were arrested at about 5am on Saturday, and they led operatives to their three-flat apartment, where documents retrieved showed that it was rented at a rate of N13million per annum.

They have so far given useful information to the EFCC, which is aiding in investigations. It should be made clear that the EFCC never went after Atikus sons, neither was Atikus son arrested by the EFCC.
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has debunked reports, he has decided to remain neutral as regards the forthcoming general elections.

According to the former president, in a statement on his behalf, by Kehinde Akinyemi, his spokesman, only a fool with stay neutral when his country is being destroyed by incompetence.

In the statement, Obasanjo made it clear that Nigerians must vote for credible candidates, who will drive growth and development and make their lives better than it is now.

See statement here:

While Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is in Cairo to attend the maiden edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), of which he is Chairman of the Advisory Council, his attention has been drawn to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) with the headline Atiku: Obasanjo Shifts Political Gear to Neutral.

It is disingenuous, if not malicious, for anyone to suggest that Chief Obasanjo was being neutral when he chose not to use the Owu Convention as a platform for political campaign but instead adopt a communal and familial approach in talking to members of his Owu family.

For the records, and as accurately reported by some media organisations, what the former president said at the convention in Iwo was that while he would not impress any candidates on them, Nigerians should vote for credible candidates who will drive growth and development and make their lives better than it is now.

Only a fool will sit on the fence or be neutral when his or her country is being destroyed with incompetence, corruption, lack of focus, insecurity, nepotism, brazen impunity and denial of the obvious. Chief Obasanjo is no such fool nor is he so unwise.

They must know that beneficial change will not come if they remain inactive just complaining and complacent and they allow themselves to be deceived by sycophants and enemies of Nigeria.

If they do not become active and get much needed change of the current administration to a government that will improve the economy, regain the confidence of investors and generally drive growth, development and economic progress with security, what is coming will be much worse than what Nigerians currently suffer.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has disowned its gubernatorial candidate for Ogun state, Kashamu Buruji, as mole working for the All Progressives Congress, APC, to truncated democracy.

According to the PDP, the senator currently representing Ogun East, printed and sold fake PDP, nomination forms to members of the public  An offence, for which he will soon be prosecuted.

In a statement signed by its National publicity secretary on Sunday, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, the senator will also be prosecuted for conducting phony guber primary in Ogun state, with the name and colours of the PDP, an activity which only the NWC has the powers to conduct.

See full statement

Ogun Guber: Senator Kashamu Buruji is a desperate paid agent of anti-democratic forces working in cohorts with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cause confusion, trigger violence and bloodletting in the 2019 general election and derail our hard-earned democracy.

Sen. Buruji is an interloper and impostor, who will soon face prosecution for printing and selling fake Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, nomination forms to members of the public, in violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act & the PDP constitution, which vest such powers only on the NWC.

Sen. Buruji will also face the law for conducting phony guber primary in Ogun state, with the name and colors of the PDP, an activity which only the NWC has the powers to conduct and which it had done after which it submitted the name of our guber candidate, Adebutu to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

4. It is instructive to note that under the Electoral Act and the @OfficialPDPNig constitution, only the National Working Committee, and no other organ of the party at the national or state level, is empowered to submit a governorship candidate to the INEC.

We therefore urge all security agencies and Nigerians in general to note that Senator Buruji is the aggressor and directly hold him responsible for any breakdown of law and order, since he has given a hint into such inclination by his violent outbursts and threats.
The presidency has dismissed claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that the accounts of its vice presidential candidate for the 2019 election, were frozen, as false.

In a statement signed by Garba Shehu, spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday evening, the presidency also debunked claims by the opposition, it raided the Maitama, Abuja home of Atiku Abubakars two sons.

The presidency further hailed the opposition party, as number one group in Nigeria, propagating fake news  Adding that Nigerians must be tired of this trend by the opposition.

See full statement

The story about the raid ordered by Buhari-led government on the home of PDP Presidential Candidate, Atikus son and the fairy tale on the alleged blockage of the bank accounts of the running mate, Governor Peter Obi and his family are both untrue, and should be dismissed as just another manifestation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDPs growing expertise in fake news.

Nigerians must be becoming wary by now, of a political party with absolutely nothing to offer in the coming elections and has instead, transformed into a knight in shining armor, slaying the truth.

It is impossible to find in Nigeria today, anyone propagating fake news more than the PDP. Our advice to Nigerians is: ignore them.

In this so-called transformation, PDP has changed into nothing but to a ceaselessly flowing stream of fake news.
Viral internet sensation by name Speed Darlington is ending 2018 with a bang.

The Nigerian rapper who is famous for his viral videos and unique rap skills has drawn the attention of Chocolate City to himself. The US based indie artist recently clinched a record deal with Chocolate City.

Audu Maikori who is the Chocolate City boss shared the news on Instagram. He also shared a photo with the Cash and Carry crooner.

Mr Maikori said he is a fan of the rapper and has also been inspired by Speedy. The music mogul also revealed he has been on Speedys trail for about a year before the deal was worked out.

Read the tweet below.

https://twitter.com/officialdaddymo/status/1072121667915272193
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The passage of the US tax reform law ushered in big changes to the global tax landscape. Governments and businesses globally have since expended considerable efforts to understand and assess the wide-ranging impacts of these critical changes. Wade Wagatsuma, Xiaoyue Wang, David Ling, Shirley Shen, Koko Tang and Jennifer Weng, discuss the key changes and their impact on China.
A Chinese patent court has passed a preliminary injunction on the sale of iPhones for violating two of Qualcomms patents. The preliminary ruling bans the sale and import of certain iPhone models in China, though Apple and its vendors are still free to manufacture and export devices from the country.

The two patents which Apple was deemed to be violating include the way applications are managed on a smartphone and how photos are resized.

Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us, Don Rosenberg, general counsel of Qualcomm, said in a statement.

The order is limited to sale and import of the following iPhones:

iPhone 6s

iPhone 6s Plus

iPhone 7

iPhone 7 Plus

iPhone 8

iPhone 8 Plus

iPhone X

Apple has also issued a statement on the ban calling the move desperate by the San Diego chip maker.

Qualcomms effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world. All iPhone models remain available for our customers in China. Qualcomm is asserting three patents they had never raised before, including one which has already been invalidated. We will pursue all our legal options through the courts.

The iPhone 8 and iPhone X are still popular in China despite the launch of Apples 2018 iPhone lineup so this ban is definitely going to have a negative impact on the companys business activity in the country. Since the two patents are software related, Apple can always circumvent the ban by making some software changes.

While this ban is definitely going to give a huge relief to Qualcomm, it is also going to further worsen the relationship between the two companies. Qualcomm has shown interest in settling matters out of court with Apple, though the latter has no such intentions.

[Via Axios
Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex Lahore Jobs 2019 for Professors

Latest Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex Medical Posts Lahore 2021 Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex Lahore, Pakistan required candidates to fill the posts of Professor, Professor Radiology, Professor Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Associate Professor, Associate Professor Radiology, Associate Professor Medicine, Associate Professor Critical Care Medicine, Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor General Surgery, Assistant Professor Gastroenterology, Assistant Professor Hematology.

Skills Required Medical

How to Apply on Shaikh Zayed Medical Complex 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.
Egypt's Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Anany told MPs on Sunday that the prosecution is currently investigating a video that was recently posted online reportedly showing a foreign couple scaling what appears to be the Great Pyramid of Giza.

El-Anany said that prosecution is investigating "how a Danish photographer and his girlfriend were able to scale the Pyramid of Khufu, and whether they really filmed an explicit pornographic video atop the Pyramid."

The minister filed a memo on Friday with the prosecutor-general to investigate the short viral clip, which shows the couple illegally climbing to the top of the Great Pyramid of Giza and posing naked for a picture.

The video was uploaded on YouTube on 5 December by self-described photographer Andreas Hvid, who posts images on social media of different sites from high vantage points around the world, sometimes depicting nudity.

El-Anany, addressing the members of parliament's media, culture and the antiquities committee on Sunday morning, said that "I demanded that experts be tasked with checking the video and determine whether they are real or fake."

"The prosecution authorities will tell Egyptians how the two tourists were able to scale the Great Pyramid of Khufu, whether the video is real or fake, and negligent officials will be brought to justice," El-Anany said.

"The explicit video has sparked fury and outrage among Egyptians in general, and the officials affiliated with the Ministry of Antiquities in particular."

"I stress that scaling the pyramids is strictly forbidden," said El-Anani.

El-Anany also stressed that the Ministry of Antiquities has rejected offers from some of the world's most wealthy people who wished hold their wedding parties by the pyramids.

"It is strictly forbidden that any kind of celebrations be held around citadels, tombs and temples," said El-Anany, adding that "when some alleged on social media that a wedding party was held at Luxor's Karnak temple, I decided to refer this case to the prosecutor-general, but we discovered that it was just a dinner party that was organised in line with the rules."

El-Anany said that "organising wedding parties is allowed at the front of some mosques and some ancient forts."

"Some also alleged on social media that a wedding party was held at the temple of Philae in Aswan, but it was just a two-hour dinner party without belly dancing or alcoholic drinks," said El-Anany.

"I urge all to exercise caution because what is published on social media mostly turns out to be untrue, and let prosecution authorities do their investigation on the explicit video."

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University of Engineering & Technology UET Texila Jobs 2019

Latest University of Engineering and Technology UET Labor Posts Taxila 2021 University of Engineering and Technology UET Taxila, Government of the Punjab required individuals to fill the posts of Security Officer, Tube Well Operator, Security Guard, Electrician Helper, Plumber Helper, Mali, Sweeper.

How to Apply on University of Engineering and Technology UET 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.
Mount Gay

Barbados is famous for sailing, beautiful beaches and Rihanna  but true connoisseurs know the real attraction is rum. Mount Gay Rum, the world's oldest rum brand, was established on the island in 1703, though in fact documents have been uncovered dating its distillation back even further. Today its the expertise of longtime master blender Allen Smith who, rather than resting on his laurels, is using Mount Gays terroir and heritage to add bold new chapters to the story.

Jared Paul Stern

The distinct character and bold flavor profile of the brands classic expression, Eclipse, are derived from the purest coral filtered water and finest Barbadian molasses, with notes of vanilla, ripe banana, mocha and sweet almond, that can found across its range of products. And Mount Gays unique double distilling process using historic copper stills as well as its maturation in oak bourbon barrels abetted by Barbados year-round tropical climate yield an ultra-premium rum like no other.

Jared Paul Stern

The coral rock formations of the island act as a natural filter for the water sources which are essential to Mount Gays distillation process, which cannot be duplicated, although as Smith has shown there is plenty of room for innovation. The brand now creates numerous expressions using various combinations of distillation and maturation, including the delectable Black Barrel and XO expressions, as well as some rare and un-exported bottling such as Charred Cask and a Mauby Rum distilled with bark from the Mauby tree to which islanders attribute all sorts of health benefits.

Jared Paul Stern

Mount Gays latest and greatest, however, is XO The Peat Smoke Expression, a unique batch of only 6,120 bottles priced at $250 apiece. To create it Smith carefully selected and combined column and pot still rums, matured for eight to fifteen years in American oak barrels. The blend was then finished in peated whisky casks from the Isle of Islay in Scotland for an additional six months, giving it some of the Scotchs signature smokiness with a touch of salt and brine, as well as a long, opulent presence on the palate.

Jared Paul Stern

Its a particularly unique and delectable take on Mount Gay XO, the highest awarded rum in the world and an exceptionally full-flavored, mellow elixir. XO (for Extra Old) is a blend of the distillerys best tropically aged rums in the range of eight to fifteen years, which presents notes of ripe banana, toffee and mocha primarily by blending older barrels of predominantly double pot distilled spirits, which are renowned for their round, crisp notes and subtle balance.

Another rare rum from the Mount Gay portfolio is 1703. To create it, Smith selected the finest single and double distilled rums from Mount Gays oldest reserves, named after the year the brand was officially established. 1703 is an exclusive blend comprised of rare and noteworthy barrels that Allen has carefully kept an eye on over the years. Forty-four blends were necessary to reach the subtle, perfectly balanced and harmonious final blend.

Mount Gay

We highly recommend traveling to Barbados to sample all of it in situ. One of the most appealing features of Barbados for the thirsty traveler is that the island is dotted with rum shops, sometimes not much more than simple wooden shacks but always welcoming, where the custom is to purchase a bottle of Mount Gay rum along with whatever mixers you prefer. These can be found by the side of every road, but the most alluring are those perched on one of the many picturesque beaches.

It's especially easy to while away an afternoon at one of these admirable, well-stocked establishments, with a view of the clear blue water, fishermen plying their trade, and expanses of fine white sand. They are the social hubs of the island, usually found near churches and just as important. The locals are friendly and always ready to bond over a rum and tonic or two. Calypso music is the soundtrack to these excursions, growing steadily more raucous as the evening progresses.

Jared Paul Stern

Barbados is small enough to explore in the course of a day or two, and the preferred method for many sightseers are the Island Safari 4x4 tours that will take you everywhere from the sugar cane fields  the raw material of rum, which is fermented and distilled from molasses or sugarcane juice  to the beaches on both coasts. And of course youll want to sign up for the Mount Gay Visitor Experience, with five different programs to choose from, including tastings, of course. The Rum & Food Pairing Experience, for example, is not to be missed.

Boat tours and catamaran charters are a popular alternative to the safari trucks, and the best ones, of course, have bars on board. Its the best way to see the coastal attractions of the island, ranging from private beaches presided over by imposing coral stone mansions to stretches of sand that seem to be host to non-stop parties where the only requirement for entry is a laid-back attitude and a nearby rum shop with plenty of Mount Gay in stock. Weigh anchor in a tropical bay and be prepared for some snorkeling before supper.

Regardless of how you choose to do your sightseeing, you'll want to book rooms at The Sandpiper, one of the island's most iconic boutique luxury resorts opened nearly 50 years ago. The five-star property, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), is set on a beautifully landscaped oceanfront plot including a stunning stretch of white sand beach and is a bastion of relaxed elegance where you can unplug from the annoyances of daily life in the digital age. Its also the perfect place to sample some Mount Gay cocktails starting with their signature rum punch.

And speaking of cocktails, we corralled some holiday recipes from Mount Gays master mixologists so you can get a taste of Barbados wherever you are. Just procure some bottles of Black Barrel and XO and away we go:

Toasted Almond

2oz Mount Gay XO

3oz Vanilla Almond Milk

.5oz Clove Syrup

Add all ingredients to shaker, add ice and shake. Strain into chilled rocks glass, garnish with grated cinnamon.

Merry Maple Sour

2oz Mount Gay XO

1oz Fresh Lemon

.5oz Maple

.5oz Egg White

Add all ingredients into a shaker, dry shake, then shake with ice and strain into chilled coupe. Express lemon oils over the surface, garnish with a lemon peel.

Chalet Chai

2oz Mount Gay Black Barrel

3oz Coconut Milk

3oz Fresh Pineapple Juice

1oz Lime Juice

.5oz Chai Syrup

Add all ingredients to shaker, add ice and shake. Strain over ice in Collins glass, garnish with pineapple or lime zest.

Beet, Drink and be Merry

2oz Mount Gay Black Barrel

1oz Fresh Lime

1oz Beet Juice

.5oz Simple Syrup

Add all ingredients to shaker, add ice and shake. Strain into a chilled coupe, garnish with a lime wheel.

Mount Gay

Jared Paul Stern

Mount Gay

Mount Gay
The Flair Air logo is seen in this undated handout photo. The Canadian Union of Public Employees has called off a job action by 139 Flair Airlines flight attendants that was set to begin at midnight tonight. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Flair Air
A British Columbia sheriff looks on as people line up at a Vancouver courthouse prior to the bail hearing for Meng Wanzhou, Monday, December 10, 2018. Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of telecommunications giant Huawei and daughter of its founder, was detained at the request of the U.S. during a layover at the Vancouver airport on Dec. 1 (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press via AP)
Two young puppies are seen at the Calgary Humane Society in this undated handout photo. The Calgary Humane Society is hoping someone can help identify who may have abandoned two very young puppies in a Costco parking lot.The society says a Good Samaritan found the six-week-old pups in a box on Nov. 30 when temperatures were freezing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Calgary Humane Society *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High around 50F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low around 35F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Egypt's Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Anany has said that the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to be officially inaugurated in 2020, saying the ministry has strict directives from the country's political leadership for the opening to be held that year.

El-Anany said that the entrance tickets are to be priced at EGP 5 for Egyptian students, 10 EGP for a public ticket, and free for students of free schools.

The minister gave the statements during a meeting of the Egyptian parliament's culture, media and antiquities committee on Sunday.

El-Anany announced that the terms and conditions booklet will be ready soon for the Emirati company and international consortiums that have said they will be bidding to administer the facility.

The GEM complex is located on an area of approximately 500,000 square metres adjacent to the Pyramids of Giza. It is one of the largest museums in the world displaying the heritage of a single civilisation.

The construction of the museum began in 2006 with funding from the Japanese government.

"GEM construction slowed down following the outbreak of the revolution in January 2011, but in 2019 the construction began to move ahead again at a great pace and 80 percent of the work has so far been completed," El-Anany told the committee.

He said that the great value of Egypt's new museum led the government of Japan to loan Egypt $450 million to build it, but the total cost of the museum is expected to reach $1 billion.

"So far we have been able to transport 45,000 antiquities to the new museum to be ready for display when it opens in 2020," said El-Anany.

The museum will contain over 100,000 artefacts, reflecting Egypt's past from prehistory through to the Greek and Roman periods.

Speaking about the ministry's work, El-Anany said there is currently a major archaeological discovery in Egypt almost every week.

"There will be a great archaeological discovery in Giza's Saqqara region, and I invite all members of parliament to attend the event next week," said the minister, without providing further details.

On the renovation of the religious archaeological heritage, El-Anany affirmed that Jewish heritage is an important part of Egyptian heritage, and is top priority for the ministry, as is the Pharaonic, Roman, Islamic and Coptic archaeological heritage of the country.

The minister also revealed that the ministry will raise the price of entrance tickets to the pyramids for foreigners from EGP 80 to EGP 200, starting next November.

"Egyptians aged 60 years and older will be exempted from the entrance fee, while the ministry will issue an annual subscription ticket for Egyptian students for EGP 150, the minister said.

On the latest developments in retrieving Egyptian artefacts that have been smuggled abroad, the minister said that a number had been discovered in Sharjah Emirate in the UAE, and many have been retrieved directly or by lawsuits.

El-Anany also revealed that the ministry is investigating a recent case of an artefact that was stolen from inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, adding that he can't reveal the details of the incident at the time being.

On the case of the smuggled artefacts discovered in Naples in May, El-Anany said that the case involved 21,000 ancient coins and 151 small statues. All were retrieved by the Egyptian general prosecution within only a month.

This is the shortest period of time known to retrieve smuggled artefacts, El-Anany said; however, he added that the full details of the case are still being investigated by the prosecution, who will identify the smugglers and who the artefacts were intended for.

In May, Italian authorities seized a huge collection of artefacts in Naples from several countries, including Egypt.

According to officials in the Ministry of Antiquities, the objects were stolen from illegal excavation sites, as there are no records of the artefacts in Egyptian museums.

The artefacts include a collection of pottery from different ancient eras, parts of sarcophagi and coins. Also among the artefacts were objects from the Islamic period.

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Oscar Murillo's "Pulsating Frequencies" is on view at Kukje Gallery in Seoul / Courtesy of the artist and Kukje Gallery



Oscar Murillo transforms energy into dynamic art



By Kwon Mee-yoo



Oscar Murillo is an artist of energy who encapsulates the instability of his contemporaries living in the 21st century, who cannot truly feel a sense of belonging or stability. The artist is holding "Catalyst," his first solo exhibition in Korea, at Kukje Gallery in downtown Seoul.



"Catalyst is a word I use to explain myself and the dynamics of my work. This show becomes a platform to exercise that," the artist told The Korea Times during an interview on Nov. 30.



The 32-year-old artist, originally from Colombia, immigrated to London with his family at the age of 10.



"My physical environment was incredibly important. I did not have art education in Latin America, so not in terms of art, but growing up in a certain tropical context. It was coming to London that began to shape a focus on the possibilities of art in my life," Murillo said.



For Murillo, art is a therapeutic process that keeps him living and functioning.



"I don't choose to be an artist, but art was with me throughout my life even from a very early age. Art was a tool to survive for me," he said. "The moment I got displaced from my previous cultural context and life, I became isolated in art, or the act of drawing, became kind of a refuge to me. I was already a lonely person anyway, so it was perfect for me."





Oscar Murillo poses in front of his painting at Kukje Gallery in downtown Seoul. / Courtesy of Kukje Gallery



Murillo borrows a variety of iconographies from different cultures. For instance, in his "Pulsating Frequencies," the artist used imagery of a Korean stamp featuring the logo of the Korean Red Cross. However he didn't create the piece specifically for the Korean exhibit. Murillo feels he is entitled to use anything from any context.



"There is no longer a sense of belonging and I've become a free agent and I feel completely comfortable with appropriating and borrowing from any cultural context," he said. "The idea of belonging in the contemporary moment is a privileged position. There is no awareness and everything is taken for granted without any critical filter. So I can move from one part to another without any consequences."



Murillo's iconic black canvas work "Institute for Reconciliation," on view at the gallery's K2 and K3, excites the five senses as visitors walk into the gallery. Canvases are colored with layers of black oil painted and sewn into unique patterns by the artist and his family and friends. The strong scent of oil paint and the large size of the canvases overwhelm visitors.



"I started as a way to offload a certain kind of burden  the burden of being too conscious about the world, the burden of people who surround me. Then it became a symbolic placeholder, like a crucifix," he said. "These canvases are part of the collective burden, so I sew them with my family and friends. However, I don't want to make it about being performative, but it's more of a symbolic gesture. It is a kind of an abstract platform where these feelings can be offloaded."



The pieces, once created, travel around the world as Murillo exhibits them in different places as if they become witnesses of thoughts. The first "Institute for Reconciliation" presented in Korea was for the Anyang Public Art Project in 2016. He collaborated with a mudang (shaman) and displayed the black canvases in a forest, bringing in spiritual elements. That exact canvas is on view at K3.



"It was instinctive and I felt this sense of exchange. The mudang could interpret it in her own way, but from my point of view, it was connection of energy and frequency that could not have been identified."





Oscar Murillo's "flight #69" / Courtesy of the artist and Kukje Gallery




By Oh Young-jin







A guessing game is going on about whether Pope Francis will visit North Korea next year.







The latest round has been triggered by reports on the Voice of America (VOA), the U.S. government-funded international radio broadcaster, that the pope will not visit North Korea next year.







Then, Yonhap News, the South Korean government-funded news service, reported that the VOA's report could not be entirely trusted.







"The Vatican is making a hidden effort to create a consensus with North Korea about the Pope's visit next year," Yonhap quoted an unnamed source as saying over telephone. It is not clear whether the source is employed at the Vatican or is a South Korean diplomat there.







Yonhap said that in October, when President Moon Jae-in visited the Vatican, the Pope told him he would unconditionally visit the North, once Pyongyang invited him.







"I don't see it happening in 2019  too many other trips on the schedule, or in the plans. And they are all easier than N. Korea," VOA said, quoting an email message sent to its Korean Service.







There are no reports that the Vatican has made any official reference to the reports. Neither has the South Korean government.







Meanwhile, there appears to be a tug of war between South and North Korea regarding Kim Jong-un's promised visit to Seoul. There are some indications that Kim's visit may not occur this year, although there is the chance of a surprise announcement.




Former Gwangju Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun answers questions from the press upon his arrival at the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office, Monday, before being questioned over his alleged influence peddling and violation of the Election Law. / Yonhap



By Kim Jae-heun



Former Gwangju Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun was questioned by the prosecution Monday over an alleged violation of the Election Law and influence peddling.



He appeared at Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office, a day after returning from Nepal where he was doing volunteer work.



"I am sorry to have caused worries over my unwise decision. I apologize as a former mayor to the citizens of Gwangju," Yoon said at a press conference before facing prosecutors. "I will commit myself to the investigation based on facts and tell no lies. If there is something I need to take responsibility for, I will do so."



Last December, Yoon was swindled out of 450 million won by a 49-year-old scammer surnamed Kim, who claimed to be the former first lady Kwon Yang-sook, the widow of President Roh Moo-hyun.



Kim asked to borrow the money, and Yoon, believing it was really Kwon, took out 350 million won in bank loans and borrowed the remaining 100 million won from an undisclosed acquaintance to give to her.



People became suspicious of Yoon's motive for sending the money to Kim, leading the prosecution to suspect he was trying to curry favor with Roh's former aides in the ruling Democratic Party of Korea to win a nomination in the June local elections.



At the time Yoon was considering running for a second term; but during the party primary he withdrew his bid.



"I never talked about the election directly with the woman. If she had suggested helping me win a party nomination in the first place, I'd have become suspicious about her and things would have not come this far," he told reporters.



Yoon said he lent Kim the money only out of sympathy. He did not reveal to reporters who he had borrowed the 100 million won from, only saying he would tell the prosecution.



Yoon is also accused of abusing his power to find jobs for Kim's daughter and son, who she said were Roh's illegitimate children.



Kim visited Yoon at his office a few times, telling him that she was the foster mothers of Roh's illegitimate children.



The former mayor got the son a job at a Gwangju City-affiliated organization and the daughter at a private middle school in the city.



Yoon acknowledged his influence peddling for the two children.



Kim had text messaged 10 other politicians pretending she was Kwon or current first lady Kim Jung-sook and requested money. Yoon was the only one deceived.



The prosecution indicted Kim last Friday on fraud charges.


President Moon Jae-in speaks during a meeting with his secretaries at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul, Monday. Yonhap



President Moon Jae-in said Monday that efforts to bring permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula will help promote human rights.

Moon said in a speech to mark the 70th anniversary of Human Rights Day, which commemorates the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"Clearing away the vestige of the Cold War on the Korean Peninsula and bringing permanent peace to the peninsula will promote human rights of all people," Moon said.

"This will set the stage for freedom, justice and peace on the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia and in the world," Moon said.

He stressed that fostering peace will guarantee the promotion of human rights and vice versa.

"Among countries that experienced colonial rule, dictatorship and war, there are few countries that have the level of human rights of South Korea," he said. "But we have a long way to go. War on the Korean Peninsula has not ended and peace has yet to be established."

It marked the second time that a sitting South Korean president attended a ceremony to mark Human Rights Day, following liberal President Roh Moo-hyun's 2003 participation.

At the ceremony, late lawmaker Roh Hoe-chan, who jumped to his death in July, was posthumously awarded Mugunghwa Medal, the country's highest order of civil merit, for his contribution to enhancing human rights.

Roh, the floor leader of the leftist Justice Party, took his life amid a probe into allegations that he received illegal political funds.

Roh, long known for his clean image, was a towering figure in the nation's labor movement and progressive politics. (Yonhap)
Egypt's Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal slammed on Sunday a press release issued by the United Nations special rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha, on Egypts housing policies.

During a plenary parliamentary session, Abdel-Aal called on the secretary-general of the United Nations to take all required measures against Farha as he said she had violated the UN charter and had not committed to the principles of international law.

Farhas stance was prejudiced and she used her position as a UN official to serve personal motives, Abdel-Aal said.

The independent rights expert had said in a Tuesday press release that she was "shocked" to learn that after her visit to Egypt in September and October a number of the people she spoke to were forcibly evicted, arrested, or had their homes demolished.

Farha had also said that unless Egypt ensures that human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations can interact with UN human rights envoys without fear of reprisal, it is in our view not ready to host further visits.

The parliament speaker urged the Egyptian foreign ministry to file a complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Council.

On Thursday the ministry strongly decried the press release issued by the special rapporteur, accusing the UN expert of having ulterior motives and taking human rights and fundamental freedoms as cover, especially as she deliberately ignored talking about any positive side in the country's housing policies.

The ministry said in a press statement that Farha also failed to provide any evidence supporting her claims and turned a blind eye to the government's unprecedented accomplishments in providing appropriate housing units to citizens.

The ministry said that in her statement, the UN official did not talk about the government's plan to set up 600,000 social housing units, of which 300,000 were already set up in record time, to meet the needs of limited-income people.

She failed to mention the development underway of 46 unsafe slums inside and outside Cairo, the ministry added.

The UN official's statement, which lacks credibility, requires the UN Human Rights Council to take deterrent measures towards officials trading on their positions, the ministry said.

The ministry also condemned her threat that special rapporteurs will not pay further visits to Egypt unless it took serious steps in the housing domain, saying the Egyptian government will not leave this matter unanswered and will take necessary measures to guarantee that this special rapporteur is blamed for her unprofessional and irresponsible behaviour.

Special rapporteurs are independent human rights experts that examine and report on thematic rights issues and country situations for the United Nations.

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A derailed KTX train lies across the tracks in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Saturday. Fifteen of the 198 passengers onboard suffered minor injuries. / Yonhap



By Lee Suh-yoon



An underground fire blacks out communication, a hot water pipe bursts, a KTX train derails  a string of high-profile infrastructure failures have plagued the nation in recent weeks, making Koreans question the safety and reliability of basic services they once took for granted.



Poor maintenance and disaster prevention measures were common factors in the incidents. In the fire at KT's network tunnel, which cut off hundreds of thousands from phone and internet connections, Nov. 24, the telecom company did not have a worker stationed there or an automatic fire response system. Similarly, the Dec. 4 pipe rupture in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, which unleashed a scalding flood that claimed one life and left thousands of households without hot water or heating for hours, could have been prevented with regular inspections.



Saturday's derailment of a KTX train on the new Seoul-Gangneung line, which opened a year ago in time for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, did not occur out of the blue. It was the 10th incident to occur on tracks operated by the state-run Korail in just the last three weeks.



Fifteen aboard the Seoul-bound train suffered minor injuries, as the two front cars completely jumped the tracks. The latest incident, which could have been a large-scale human tragedy, was the last straw for many citizens.



"What is the point of riding the expensive KTX if it can't even guarantee the minimum level of passenger safety?" asked Hong Young-key, 23, a university student who sometimes uses the KTX train to visit his hometown in Busan. "I don't know how they allocate their budget but they should be investing the most on track maintenance and safety personnel."








By Kang Seung-woo



The Seoul Metropolitan Government said, Monday, it would extend operation hours on some of its bus services from Dec. 17 to 31 for the year-end season.





The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to extend operation hours on some of its bus services from Dec. 17 to 31 for the year-end season. / Yonhap
Korea Forest Service Deputy Director Park Jong-ho, right, shakes hands with Kim Song-jun, deputy director of the North's Ministry of Land and Environmental Protection, during an inter-Korean forestry talk at a liaison office in the North's border city of Gaeseong on Oct. 22. / Yonhap



By Lee Min-hyung



A South Korean delegation embarked Monday on its trip to Pyongyang for a working-level discussion on inter-Korean forestry cooperation, the Ministry of Unification said.



The 10-member delegation  led by Korea Forest Service managing director Lim Sang-seop  will arrive in Pyongyang on Tuesday via Beijing and stay there for three days.



A planned schedule for the team includes a visit to a tree nursery in Pyongyang.



The move came as part of a follow-up to an inter-Korean forestry agreement in October when they agreed to modernize 10 nurseries in the North and make concrete efforts to ensure the preservation of nature across the peninsula.






More than 53 percent of Koreans said they believe Korean society is corrupt. Yonhap



More than half of South Koreans believe their society is corruption, a poll released Monday showed.

According to a survey of 1,400 Korean adults by the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission, 53.4 percent of respondents said Korean society is corrupt, a decrease of 13.4 percentage points from a similar poll conducted last year.

Asked the reasons for believing Korean society is corrupt, 58.1 percent said corrupt acts are widespread, while 20.9 percent said they were influenced by press reports on corruption.

Asked to pick the reason for corruption, 34.7 percent cited a corruption-inducing social culture.

The share of ordinary Korean people who believe government officialdom is corrupt also fell to 40.9 percent from 52 percent last year.

The survey, which was carried out by the Hyundai Research Institute at the request of the commission, also polled 1,400 civil servants, 700 business people, 630 experts and 400 foreigners by telephone, email and interview from May to October.

Asked whether corruption will decrease in the future, 52.1 percent of ordinary people, 49.8 percent of experts and 69.1 percent of civil servants answered in the affirmative. But 47.7 percent of business people and 48.2 percent of foreigners said there won't be much change.

Half of civil servants said the government's fight against corruption will prove effective but only 16.6 percent of business people agreed to the view.

As for the ways to fight corruption, the majority of civil servants called for the elimination of a corruption-inducing social culture, while the four other groups demanded crackdown and punishment be toughened against corrupt acts. (Yonhap)
Stalled nuclear talks between US, NK also pressuring Kim



By Lee Min-hyung





President Moon Jae-in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is unlikely to visit Seoul this year for a much-anticipated inter-Korean summit, as both sides have yet to make any progress in arranging a schedule, according to officials.



Cheong Wa Dae has stated that it would welcome a possible summit this year; but chances that this can be arranged in the next couple of weeks are slim given that the North has yet to confirm Kim's visit to Seoul.



The ongoing deadlock in denuclearization talks between Washington and Pyongyang is also pressuring Kim, as he would have to give details on the timeline and roadmap for his country's denuclearization if he makes the trip.



In recent months, North Korea has complained that the U.S. has not taken "reciprocal steps" in exchange for the regime's ongoing moves for denuclearization, including the destruction of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in May.



Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat who defected to the South, also shared a dim view on Kim's potential Seoul visit this year.



"Kim Jong-un appears to have not made a decision on the Seoul visit in that he has not met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to disclose the schedule," he wrote on his blog Sunday.




Sohn Hak-kyu, left, the leader of the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party, and Lee Jeong-mi, the leader of the Justice Party, stage hunger strikes for five days at the National Assembly, Monday. The two urged the two largest parties to support electoral reform by introducing a proportional electoral system. / Yonhap



By Park Ji-won



The leaders of two minor opposition parties continued their hunger strike for the fifth consecutive day, Monday, demanding talks with the two biggest parties for electoral reform.



Bareunmirae Party (BMP) Chairman Sohn Hak-kyu and Justice Party leader Rep. Lee Jeong-mi braved cold weather to continue the strike in the lobby of the National Assembly, calling for the introduction of a new proportional representation system that is viewed as more advantageous to minor parties.



In his speech to commemorate his 100th day as chief of the BMP, Sohn said his won't stop his fight until his demand is met.



"The proposed system better reflects the people's choice in general elections. That is the way to reinforce the power of the Assembly and reduce the tyranny of the imperial presidency," Sohn said during a press conference.



His move came after the two largest parties, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and Liberty Korea Party (LKP), approved the record government budget bills for next year while smaller parties boycotted the vote to demand electoral reform.



"Unless we make a multi-party system that can monitor big parties, our politics will never get better," Lee said.



"I made it clear I will never quit the hunger strike unless (large parties) immediately start a National Assembly session to give a clear answer over the direction of electoral reform and come up with an agreement at the politics reform committee based on that answer."



A hypothetical result conducted by Hankook Ilbo, shows, if proportional representation and single-member district systems were retrospectively applied to the last general elections, the ruling DPK would have won 110 seats with a 34.3 percent support rating, while the LKP, the People's Party and the Justice Party would have won 105, 83 and 23 seats, respectively.



According to the results, the DPK, which currently has 129 seats, would have lost 19 seats while the LKP with 112 seats would have lost two seats. The BMP and the Party for Democracy and Peace, which have 30 and 14 seats, respectively, would have gained 39 more seats, while the Justice Party, with five seats, would have had 18 more seats.



Meanwhile, an alliance of three minor parties, non-parliamentary parties and civic organizations, held press conferences separately Monday at the National Assembly to urge electoral reform and criticize the DPK and LKP for their political collusion, urging them to support the electoral reform.


Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks at an opening ceremony for a week-long meeting with South Korean ambassadors stationed abroad, at the ministry building in Seoul, Monday. A total of 181 ambassadors and consul generals are attending the annual meeting. / Yonhap



By Kim Bo-eun



Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on Monday called on the country's envoys to boost diplomatic efforts for denuclearization and consolidation of peace on the Korean Peninsula.



"Diplomatic efforts need to be doubled so that inter-Korean relations and denuclearization create a virtuous cycle and lead to complete denuclearization and establishment of a lasting peace regime," she said at an opening ceremony for a week-long meeting in Seoul of South Korean ambassadors to foreign countries.



Kang said the global community is focusing on South Korea's diplomatic role to lead talks between Seoul, Pyongyang and Washington, as efforts to achieve peace and prosperity on the Peninsula.






President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shake hands after signing a set of agreements at their summit in Pyongyang in September. / Korea Times file



By Kim Bo-eun



The government has allocated 1.1 trillion won ($977 million) for inter-Korean affairs for next year, according to the unification ministry, Monday.



This is up 15 percent from the 959 billion won fund this year, reflecting the reconciliatory mood that developed between the Koreas, as the leaders held three summits and reached agreements to promote peace.



"The budget was drawn up to give an impetus to carrying out agreements reached between the South and North and develop sustainable inter-Korean ties," a unification ministry official said.



The budget includes 5.9 billion won that was set up to enable video meetings between family members separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.



President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed at their summit in September to enable separated family members to have video meetings to see each other more often, as they are elderly and in-person meetings cannot be held frequently.










The casket of former President George Herbert Walker Bush is carried past the president, former presidents, vice presidents and spouses at his funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Dec. 5. The mourners include George W. Bush, President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter. /UPI-Yonhap



By John J. Metzler




Lawmakers under fire for stipend raise, pork barreling



The National Assembly once again disappointed the people by passing next year's budget bill on Dec. 8, six days after the Dec. 2 legal deadline. The two largest parties railroaded the bill through the Assembly with three other minor opposition parties boycotting the vote.



The Assembly also repeated the old-fashioned practice of passing nearly 200 bills all together just before the closure of the year's regular sessions without meticulously deliberating them.



It is regrettable that the feud between the two big parties  the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the major opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP)  and the minor three opposition parties has cast dark clouds over the operation of the Assembly.



The two leaders of the minor Bareunmirae Party and the Justice Party entered their fifth day of a hunger strike against the two major parties' unilateral passing of the budget bill. The strike is expected to deepen the political deadlock and paralyze the National Assembly.



In the meantime, lawmakers swiftly increased their monthly stipend by 1.8 percent, or 1.82 million won, year-on-year. Thus their annual "salary" will rise to 104.72 million won next year. They are under criticism for fattening their own pockets without heeding the difficulties of the people, particularly the poor and underprivileged, amid a prolonged economic slump. Public petitions opposing the raise are flooding the website of the presidential office.



More worrisome is that lawmakers, especially of the DPK and the LKP, went all-out to increase budgets for pork barrel projects for their constituencies through closed-door dealings. What shameful behavior!



The regular session of the year ended without anything being done as it should have been, except for the passage of the budget bill. It is no wonder the people call this kind of legislature a "necessary evil." The rival parties should immediately convene an extraordinary session to tackle pending bills related to judicial reform and a plan to conduct a National Assembly investigation into hiring irregularities at state-run enterprises.








Egypt's Armed Forces is instructing the owners of textile companies and factories not to produce fabrics that can be used to create army and police uniforms, a statement by Egyptian army spokesperson Tamer El-Refai said on Monday.

The Armed Forces also calls on the textile industry not to import army-style uniforms that can be used by terrorists to carry out attacks.

The army warned that whoever fails to abide by these rules would be subject to legal inquiry.

The statement also urged citizens to report any violations.

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South Korea is not 'free rider' in defense alliance



U.S. President Donald Trump is apparently putting stronger pressure on South Korea to contribute a bigger share of defense costs for the upkeep of American troops stationed here. Such pressure should not come as a surprise given that Trump has described Korea as a "free rider" in the bilateral defense alliance since he hit the campaign trail in 2016.



But a recent report by the Wall Street Journal shows how far Trump went in asking for Korea to pay more for hosting U.S. forces. Citing sources familiar with the ongoing defense cost sharing talks between the two countries, the journal reported Friday that Trump wants Seoul to pay roughly double the current amount, raising it to $1.6 billion every year.



If the story is true, the U.S. president is certainly seeking to get the South to foot the entire bill. Currently Seoul pays 960 billion won ($854 million) per year for the stationing of 28,500 U.S. troops here. The sum is more than half the total cost of $1.6 billion. The journal also quoted other sources as saying the Trump administration is pushing for a 50 percent increase to about $1.2 billion.



The U.S. side has yet to confirm the journal's report. Yet what is certain is that the Trump government is bent on having Korea shoulder a far greater share of the defense cost. And we have to pay more heed to such a report because it came right before the two countries hold the 10th round of Special Measures Agreement (SMA) talks in Seoul from Dec. 11 to 13 to reach a new agreement on defense cost-sharing.








By John Burton





The nuclear talks with North Korea have fallen into a twilight zone  a state of suspended animation  six months after U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in Singapore.



This state of affairs has not necessarily been a bad thing. We have seen tensions ease on the Korean Peninsula. The possibility of war has receded. North Korea has not conducted a nuclear test or missile launch in more than a year. Inter-Korean reconciliation has blossomed with President Moon Jae-in visiting North Korea and Kim Jong-un promising to respond with a return visit to Seoul.



But can this situation last? Will it get better or worse?



The nuclear talks have stalled largely over the issue whether the U.S. should first ease sanctions and establish normal relations before North Korea begins dismantling its nuclear program as demanded by Pyongyang or whether this sequence should be reversed as demanded by Washington.



Talks involving U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the new U.S. North Korea envoy Stephen Biegun with senior North Korean negotiators have been suspended.



Even if the talks resume soon, discussions will likely get tougher since the two sides are likely to disagree over what constitutes the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" as promised in the Singapore declaration. Does this mean just the removal of nuclear weapons from North Korea or an unlikely pledge by the U.S. that it will abandon any nuclear weapons that can be used against North Korea?



Moreover, North Korea hawks in Washington are starting to reassert their voices, saying that North Korea is cheating on its promises. There have been a recent spate of U.S. intelligence leaks claiming that Pyongyang is continuing to produce and deploy nuclear-armed missiles at military bases around the country despite its recent closure of a test stand for new rocket engines.



But it is unlikely that we will see a move back to the situation in 2017 when it appeared the U.S. and North Korea were on the brink of nuclear conflict. This was when Trump was threatening "rocket man" with "fire and fury."



Nikki Haley, Trump's outgoing U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, let the cat out of the bag recently when she revealed in an interview with Atlantic magazine that Trump's rhetoric against North Korea amounted to a giant bluff, a play on Richard Nixon's "madman" strategy of frightening adversaries into making concessions. Haley said Trump had no intention of launching an attack against North Korea unless Pyongyang had fired a missile at or close to the U.S.



Instead, "love" now reigns between Trump and Kim. Trump plans to hold a second summit with Kim early next year despite Pyongyang's failure to start dismantling its nuclear weapons program. John Bolton, Trump's national security adviser and superhawk whose appointment was once seen as raising the possibility of a U.S. attack on North Korea, is now making excuses for Trump's "softly, softly" approach. Although the North Koreans "have not lived up to the commitments so far, that's why I think the president thinks another summit is likely to be productive," he said.



This rather benign view is likely to encourage President Moon Jae-in to continue with his rapprochement with the North despite recent worries in Seoul that such a policy would anger Washington.



Momentum in implementing tension reduction measures between the two Koreas has not slackened. In recent weeks, we have seen North and South Korea blowing up some of their guard posts in the DMZ and clearing mines as they prepare for the joint excavation of the remains of soldiers killed during the Korean War. A survey to establish rail links continues.



What has added to Moon's confidence is that he was told by Trump during the G20 summit in Argentina that he appreciated Seoul's initiatives to reduce military tensions with Pyongyang, while endorsing his middleman role in helping arrange a second Trump-Kim summit.



If Kim does visit South Korea, it would further support the reconciliation process. An inter-Korean deal to promote economic development could create favorable conditions for a Trump-Kim summit such as the U.S. agreeing to ease U.N. sanctions, provide economic aid and declare a formal end to the Korean War in return for Pyongyang presenting an inventory of its nuclear arms.



Trump appears committed to finding a way to break the current impasse. Whether he can do so will depend on whether he will be willing to make big concessions up front. One major reason why Trump will stick to his dovish North Korea policy is that it potentially represents one of his biggest foreign policy achievements. As for Kim, he may decide to cooperate knowing that Trump's eventual successor may not be so easy to deal with.





John Burton (johnburtonft@yahoo.com), a former Korea correspondent for the Financial Times, is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and consultant.


Razor wire is seen on a fence at the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women, where Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou is being held on an extradition warrant, in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, Dec. 8. Reuters



China summoned the U.S. ambassador to Beijing on Sunday to protest the detention of an executive of Chinese electronics giant Huawei in Canada at Washington's behest and demanded Washington cancel an order for her arrest.

The official Xinhua News Agency said Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng ''lodged solemn representations and strong protests'' with Ambassador Terry Branstad against the detention of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou. Meng, who is reportedly suspected of trying to evade U.S. trade curbs on Iran, was detained on Dec. 1 while changing planes in Vancouver, Canada.

The Xinhua report quoted Le as calling Meng's detention "extremely egregious'' and demanded the U.S. vacate an order for her arrest. It quoted Le as calling for the U.S. to ''immediately correct its wrong actions'' and said it would take further steps based on Washington's response.

The move followed the summoning of Canadian Ambassador John McCallum on Saturday over Meng's detention and a similar protest warning of ''grave consequences'' if she is not released.

The Canadian province of British Columbia said in a statement Sunday it cancelled a trade mission to China because of Meng's detention. The announcement came amid fears China could detail Canadians in retaliation.

Huawei is the biggest global supplier of network gear for phone and internet companies and has been the target of deepening U.S. security concerns over its ties to the Chinese government. The U.S. has pressured European countries and other allies to limit use of its technology, warning they could be opening themselves up to surveillance and theft of information.

Meng's arrest has threatened to increase U.S.-China trade tensions and shook stock markets globally last week. But U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, speaking on CBS' ''Face the Nation,'' downplayed the impact of the arrest on trade talks between the two countries aimed at defusing the tensions.

''It's my view that it shouldn't really have much of an impact,'' he said.

Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said that Chinese pressure on Canada's government won't work.

''Perhaps because the Chinese state controls its judicial system, Beijing sometimes has difficulty understanding or believing that courts can be independent in a rule-of-law country. There's no point in pressuring the Canadian government. Judges will decide,'' Paris tweeted in response to the comments from Beijing.

A Canadian prosecutor urged a Vancouver court to deny bail to Meng, whose case is shaking up U.S.-China relations and spooking global financial markets.












Taxi drivers around the nation hold a rally in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Nov. 22, to protest against Kakao that is pushing ahead with its plan to launch the ride-sharing service. / Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han



By Jun Ji-hye



Kakao is pushing ahead with launching its ride service despite continued protests from taxi unions, continuing with the trial service that started last Friday.



The IT firm said it will offer full-scale services to all users on Dec. 17 based on the results of the trial service.



Taxi unions, which have opposed the plan of the firm, are claiming they will hold a larger-scale rally by mobilizing all taxies around the nation, if the company presses ahead with rolling out the formal service.



Lawmakers, who have sided with taxi drivers, also claimed the ride-sharing service is in violation of the standing law, calling prosecutors to launch an investigation into the case.



Kakao Mobility said it has prepared to launch the service after acquiring the ride-sharing startup Luxi in February in an effort to offer alternative means of transportation to users who have had difficulties in using mass transportation during rush hour and late at night.



"We have given consistent efforts to have consultations with the existing industry for coexistence," said an official from Kakao Mobility.



Kakao Mobility is a Kakao subsidiary formed in August to expand and monetize transportation services.



The company said it began offering the pilot service to a number of randomly selected users on the Kakao T app to raise technical safety and generate diverse opinions of the service.








By Baek Byung-yeul



LG Chem, Samsung SDI and SK Innovation have been rushing to build lithium-ion battery plants in China, the United States and Europe to meet the rapidly growing global demand for electric vehicles (EVs), company officials said Monday.



In particular, LG, Samsung and SK are placing greater priority on China, the world's largest EV market, as the Chinese government plans to phase out state subsidies to carmakers using batteries from Chinese makers by 2020. This is expected to help Korean battery makers compete on the mainland.



Samsung SDI is mulling over adding a second battery plant in Xian, China, according to Chinese news outlets.



Samsung SDI is considering investing 10.5 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) in a 160,000-square-meter site, to construct five battery production lines. A Samsung SDI spokesman said it is true that the firm is considering building another battery plant in Xian but added nothing has been decided yet.



Samsung SDI currently has three battery plants in Ulsan, Hungary and Xian. Each plant has battery production capacities to produce enough battery cells for 60,000 EVs, 50,000 EVs and 30,000 EVs, respectively. The firm also announced in November that it will build a battery pack plant in Auburn Hills in Michigan after investing $62 million.



LG Chem, the largest battery maker here, is putting its focus on Europe and China, where demand for EVs are getting higher.



The firm decided to invest $571 million to expand battery production capacity in its Wroclaw Energy plant in Poland. With the expansion, the Poland plant will have a yearly output of 15 gigawatt hours (GWh) while it now has an output of 6 GWh.



LG Chem said the decision to increase its battery manufacturing capacity is to meet the demands of European car makers.



"We have been supplying EV batteries to numerous car makers in Europe such as Volkswagen, BWM, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Volvo and Renault. By 2020, LG Chem is expected to have a yearly output of between 100 GWh and 110 GWh. And, we estimate Europe will account more than half of our total capacity," an official from LG Chem said.



LG Chem has been operating four battery manufacturing plants in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province, Holland in the U.S., Nanjing in China and Wroclaw in Poland.



The firm said it would invest 2.1 trillion won ($1.8 billion) by 2023 to build its second plant in Nanjing. Among its plants, the official said its Poland plant is expected to be responsible for more than half of its battery manufacturing capacity.



SK Innovation is also accelerating its move into the EV battery market.



The firm said it will invest 1.14 trillion won ($1.01 billion) in Georgia, the U.S. to build a battery plant, which will have a yearly output of 9.8 GWh. The firm said it will begin construction in 2019 and plans to start mass production in 2022.



SK Innovation is building EV battery plants in Hungary and Changzhou in China, which will have a yearly output of 7.5 GWh each. The firm said it will expand its combined battery power output to 55 GWh by 2022.



The number of EVs is expected to be about 6.1 million in 2019 and grow to 22 million in 2025, accounting for 21 percent of total vehicle sales, according to data from market researcher SNE Research.


Hyundai Motor's sedans are assembled at a factory of the carmaker in Asan, about 100 km south of Seoul, Jan. 22, 2013. Reuters



Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. said Monday that they sold over 20 million vehicles in the United States since entering the market 33 years ago.

The two carmakers, which are the flagships of world's fifth-biggest automotive conglomerate by sales, started selling cars in the world's most important market in 1985. As of November, sales reached 20.69 million units, the companies' data showed.

By company, Hyundai sold a total of 12.22 million autos and Kia sold 7.85 million units in the U.S., where their best-selling models were the Elantra compact, the Sonata midsized sedan, the Santa Fe sport-utility vehicle and the Sorento SUV.

This year, the sedan-focused Korean carmakers have struggled with a lack of competitive SUV models in the U.S. and other markets amid a growing consumer appetite for crossovers and recreational vehicles.

To boost U.S. sales, Hyundai launched the all-new Santa Fe crossover in the U.S. this summer and plans to introduce the Palisade flagship SUV next year. (Yonhap)


By Park Jae-hyuk



Korea will outpace China in terms of the number of shipbuilding orders this year and retake the top spot for the first time in seven years, due to growing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers amid stricter environmental regulations worldwide, industry analysts said Friday.



Shipbuilders have maintained a technological edge over their Chinese rivals in how to build LNG ships that are more energy efficient and produce fewer emissions, attracting larger numbers of increasingly environment-concerned global shipping firms.



According to the analysts, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) won four orders for LNG carriers worth $740 million in just the past two weeks.



As of Friday, the country's largest shipbuilder has won deals worth $12.4 billion, 94 percent of its annual target. This was the largest amount since HHI secured deals worth $13.9 billion in 2013. The company can exceed its initial goal of 2018, if it wins orders of two more LNG carriers.



Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) also said it signed a $370 million deal with a U.S. shipping company, Wednesday, for an order for two LNG carriers. It also won an order for an LNG carrier from a Greek shipping company, Monday.



As of Monday, the company won deals worth $6.2 billion, 85 percent of its annual target figure. It is expected to win additional orders worth up to $1 billion by the end of 2018.



In addition to the two shipbuilders, Samsung Heavy Industries is riding high on LNG carrier orders as it signed a 400.4 billion won ($357 million) deal with an Asian shipping company, Friday, for two vessels.



As of that day, it has won deals worth $5.4 billion, 66 percent of its initial goal.



According to Clarksons Research, a data provider for the offshore industry, Korean shipbuilders have won orders for over 50 large LNG carriers globally.



Analysts say the rising shipping costs for LNG carriers will result in additional orders until the year-end.



America's growing shale gas exports and China's trend of eco-friendly energy consumption are also mentioned as reasons for higher demand for LNG carriers.



Clarksons expects the amount of global LNG transports will reach 324 million tons in 2018, up 11 percent from 292 million tons in 2017. It has even forecast the amount will reach 600 million tons in 2030.



Moreover, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightening environmental regulations on the offshore industry from 2020 will boost sales of the Korean shipbuilders even more, as the market will grow not only for LNG carriers but also for LNG-powered ships. All the three shipbuilders have experience of building LNG-powered ships.



Against this backdrop, BlackRock said it additionally bought a 4.42 percent stake in DSME.



After the acquisition, the world's largest asset management company has become DSME's third-largest shareholder owning a 5.57 percent stake in the shipbuilder. The first- and second-largest shareholders are Korea Development Bank and KEB Hana Bank, respectively.



Analysts attributed BlackRock's decision to DSME's competitiveness in building LNG carriers.



"Despite the lowest production costs, DSME has built LNG carriers of the best quality," Hana Financial Investment analyst Park Moo-hyun said.


By Park Jae-hyuk







POSCO and its affiliates will donate 10 billion won ($8.9 million) for disadvantaged people, the steelmaker said Monday.







"We have underscored the duties of corporate citizens who fulfill social responsibilities beyond the economic scope of generating profit," a POSCO official said. "Our affiliates therefore decided to make the donation for our neighbors in need of love and hope during the year end."







According to the company, the 10 billion won will be comprised of 8 billion won raised by POSCO and 2 billion won from its affiliates.







POSCO Daewoo, POSCO E&C and POSCO Chemtech will spend 500 million won each, while POSCO C&C, POSCO M-Tech and POSCO Terminal donating 100 million won each. POSCO Energy will raise 200 million won for the donation.







POSCO will give the money to the Community Chest of Korea, and the charity fund will use it towards basic living expenses and education for children, adolescents and senior citizens. The money will be spent on improving their living conditions and medical treatments.







Since 1999, POSCO has donated money to the charity fund every year. As its affiliates also began making donations starting 2004, the amount of donations made by POSCO Group reached 132 billion won as of 2017.


Two tugboats have been dispatched on Sunday to look for a fishing vessel that disappeared on Saturday in the Gulf of Suez, according to a representative from the fishermen syndicate.

In statements to the press, Amr Emara, a fishermen syndicate representative in Suez, said that previous search efforts had failed to locate the missing vessel, which was carrying 14 fishermen.

He added that the search vessels, which will cross the Suez Canal to the Gulf of Suez, are equipped with advanced radar and sonar.

The fishing boat disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and some of the equipment from the vessel has been found on the water's surface.

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Elon Musk stuck a finger in the SECs eye Sunday night on 60 Minutes.

I want to be clear: I do not respect the SEC. I do not respect them, the Tesla chief executive told Lesley Stahl on the nationally broadcast CBS news program.

Discussing a stock fraud settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in October that stripped him of his chairmans title, Musk told Stahl that bringing in a new chairman as a baby-sitter is not realistic because Im the largest shareholder in the company and I could call for a shareholder vote and get anything done that I want.

Telecommunications executive Robyn Denholm was named Tesla chairwoman Nov. 8.

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Musk also said no one is reviewing his tweets, as called for in the settlement. The only tweets that would have to be, say, reviewed would be if a tweet had a probability of causing a movement in the stock, Musk said. Otherwise, its hello 1st Amendment. Freedom of speech is fundamental.

But, Stahl asked, how will anyone know a tweet could move the market if no ones reading them first?

I guess we might make some mistakes, who knows, said Musk, with a facial expression and laugh that should be watched to be fully appreciated.

He explained that I use my tweets to express myself. Some people use their hair. I use Twitter.

Youre abiding by the settlement, arent you? Stahl asked.

Because I respect the justice system, Musk replied.

After the interview was aired, Tesla said in a statement that the company is complying with the SEC settlement. The part that requires pre-approval of communications that could affect the stock price technically must be in place by Dec. 28, the company said.

The 15-minute interview covered a lot of ground, though without much detail  Musks violent and terrible childhood with an emotionally abusive father; a life or death summer at Tesla when we were losing $100 million a week; heroic efforts as Musk, by his reckoning, spent 120 hours a week at the Tesla plant supervising the rescue of a botched attempt at automation.

He said the long-promised $35,000 Model 3 (the car now costs at least $46,000) probably will be available in five or six months: Thats my guess.

Stahl told him that critics are calling him erratic, unstable, reckless and operatic. Operatic, he said. Thats not bad, actually, I kind of like that one. He disputed the erratic label: The system would have failed had I been truly erratic.

Musks importance to Tesla elicited a highly confident response. There are people who say that the company cannot survive without you, Stahl said, to which Musk replied, I think thats true, yeah.

When she added, And there are people who say the company cannot survive with you, Musk told her, Ha, ha, thats hilarious.

Associated Press contributed to this report.

russ.mitchell@latimes.com
GoPro Inc. will move most of its U.S.-bound camera production out of China by summer, becoming one of the first brand-name electronics makers to take such action to minimize the impact of the U.S.-China trade war.

Todays geopolitical business environment requires agility, GoPro Chief Financial Officer Brian McGee said in a statement Monday. Were proactively addressing tariff concerns. The company is still deciding where to put the manufacturing operation.

The trade war between the worlds two biggest economies has made more than $250 billion worth of goods from China more expensive for Americans, and President Trump has threatened to place tariffs on all goods from China.

Trump and Chinas president, Xi Jinping, agreed Dec. 1 to hold off on increasing tariffs for a few months. But that days arrest of Meng Wanzhou  chief financial officer of Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co.  in Canada at the behest of U.S. authorities has stoked renewed fears of a further escalation.

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U.S. legal action against Huawei executive could backfire in unexpected ways 

GoPro shares fell 1% on Monday to $4.92. They have declined 35% so far this year.

This is a sign that those in the technology supply chain arent confident well get a clean resolution soon to the trade war, said Joe Wittine, an analyst at Longbow Research.

The San Mateo, Calif., company said it expected shifting U.S. production to come at a relatively low cost since GoPro owns its production equipment. Cameras headed for other countries will continue to be made in China, GoPro said. In the third quarter, more than 40% of the companys revenue came from the Americas, while about 25% came from countries in Asia and the Pacific area.

China became the worlds factory as multinational companies took advantage of the lower production costs. Yet the tariffs are hurting already thin margins, causing companies to turn toward countries in Southeast Asia as an alternative base if they want to move manufacturing away from China. About one-third of more than 430 companies in China are considering sourcing components or assembly outside of the country as a result of tariffs, according to a survey by AmCham China and AmCham Shanghai.

GoPro could provide an early look of the post-Make America Great tech supply chain, where your gadget is made in Vietnam or Indonesia instead of China, Wittine said.
Qualcomm Inc. says it has won a ruling in China against Apple Inc. that bans the sale of several iPhone models in that country.

The Fuzhou Intermediate Peoples Court ruled that Apple was infringing on two Qualcomm patents and issued injunctions against the sale of the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, the San Diego chipmaker said in a statement Monday. The most recent models, introduced in September  the iPhone XS, XR and XS Max  are not covered by the ban.

The ruling could affect iPhone sales in the worlds biggest market for smartphones, where Apple generates about a fifth of its revenue, and comes at time when demand for the Cupertino, Calif., tech giants most important product is slowing.

Apple, meanwhile, said its still selling its full range of phones to customers in China. It also said it had filed a request for reconsideration with the court, the first step in appealing the preliminary injunction.

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The two companies are locked in a worldwide dispute over licensing fees that Qualcomm charges for use of technology that, the chipmaker says, underpins all modern phone systems. Apple has argued that Qualcomm, which is a former supplier to Apple, unfairly leverages its position as the biggest supplier of chips for smartphones to force payment of the fees. Qualcomm has countered that Apple is using the chipmakers intellectual property without paying for it and that the legal cases are aimed at forcing Qualcomm to lower licensing charges.

Apple continues to benefit from our intellectual property while refusing to compensate us, Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel at Qualcomm, said in a statement. These court orders are further confirmation of the strength of Qualcomms vast patent portfolio.

Apple shares fell Monday morning, then rebounded to close with a gain of 0.7% at $169.60. Qualcomm shares rose 2.2% to $57.24. Shares of major suppliers of components for the iPhone, including Skyworks Solutions Inc. and Qorvo Inc., lost ground.

The patents are related to adjusting and reformatting the size and appearance of photographs and managing applications using a touch screen, Qualcomm said. They are just two of a number of patents Qualcomm is using against Apple in disputes in several countries.

Qualcomms effort to ban our products is another desperate move by a company whose illegal practices are under investigation by regulators around the world, Apple said in a statement. All iPhone models remain available for our customers in China.

Aaron Rakers, an analyst at Wells Fargo Securities, said he didnt think Apple will be much affected by the ruling, since it doesnt cover the most recent phones, which come pre-loaded with the current operating system, iOS 12, and that system doesnt violate the patents in question. Still, Rakers said Apple faces risks from the developing trade war between the United States and China. China accounts for about 18% of iPhone shipments, Rakers said, citing data from IDC.

Qualcomm wants to force Apple to the negotiating table in what it says is a commercial dispute. The iPhone maker has stopped paying licensing fees, Qualcomms largest source of profit, and no longer uses Qualcomm chips. That has cost Qualcomm billions of dollars in revenue, and the company has reported shrinking sales since 2014.

Apple and one other unnamed company are the only major phone makers that do not pay Qualcomm licensing fees. Qualcomm charges a percentage of the selling price of each handset sold, regardless of whether the device is based on its chips. Apple contends that Qualcomms fee should be based on the price of the component, not the price of the phone, a difference of hundreds of dollars per phone.

Even amid disputes and non-payments, the fees provided Qualcomm with more than half of its profit last year.

Apple is likely to ask a federal court in California to prevent Qualcomm from enforcing the ban until the overall royalty dispute is resolved. Thats what Samsung Electronics Co. successfully did when Huawei won an order blocking Samsung from making or selling smartphones in China. The U.S. judge in that case said an order in China would render meaningless the contract dispute he was considering.

Although a U.S. court has no jurisdiction over a court in China, American judges have issued orders that limited parties from acting on cases in other countries. Usually it comes down to whether a company is willing to defy a judge presiding in the worlds largest economy.

Qualcomm intends to seek enforcement of the Chinese ruling in the court system there, the chipmaker said in a follow-up statement. The injunction orders are in effect now and arent specific to which version of the operating system is installed on the phones.

An appeals court in Washington is considering whether the judge has that type of authority. Arguments were heard Dec. 3, and it could be several months before a decision is announced in that case.
Alfonso Cuarons Roma has scored early plaudits from critics organizations, having been named the best picture of the year by the New York Film Critics Circle and the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn., as well as critics organizations in Toronto, Chicago, Washington and Philadelphia. Times critics Justin Chang and Glenn Whipp, who are members of the L.A. organization, sat down to discuss the results and what they say (or dont say) about the state of awards season.

JUSTIN CHANG: As of this writing, Glenn, I imagine that Roma, Alfonso Cuarons shimmeringly beautiful portrait of his 1970s Mexican childhood, is just a few more prizes away from being dismissed in some quarters as a tediously overrated awards season front-runner. While I wouldnt have minded seeing the top prizes spread out a bit more myself, I can hardly fault our colleagues for rallying around a black-and-white Spanish-and-Mixtec-language neorealist epic  one that will need all the acclaim it can get to overcome resistance from the subtitle-averse and Netflix-allergic sectors of the motion picture academy.

You and I were both present for Sundays six-hour L.A. Film Critics Assn. meeting, along with our Times colleagues Kenneth Turan, Mark Olsen, Jen Yamato and Geoff Berkshire. And what excites me especially about our slate of winners is that Roma, consensus favorite though it may seem, was hardly our only way of acknowledging what should be obvious to all at this point: This was an extraordinary year for world cinema.

I would go further and state something equally obvious if possibly reductive: This was an extraordinary year for movies directed by and featuring Asian and Asian American talent. LAFCAs runner-up for best picture was Burning, the gripping psychological thriller from South Korean writer-director Lee Chang-dong, which also drew supporting actor honors for Steven Yeuns marvelously slippery performance. Burning also shared the foreign-language film prize in a tie with Shoplifters, the Palme dOr-winning drama from Japanese master Hirokazu Kore-eda.

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What else? Chloe Zhao, the Chinese-born, U.S.-based director of the wrenching drama The Rider, won the groups New Generation prize for a breakthrough film talent. Minding the Gap, a beautifully trenchant documentary from the Chinese American filmmaker Bing Liu, won the editing prize. It also placed second for best nonfiction film after Shirkers, Sandi Tans twisty and beguiling tale about the odd fate of the narrative feature she shot in her native Singapore in the early 90s.

Nobody foresaw this confluence of outcomes  not outside our group and not inside it, either. LAFCA, which includes about 50 members of widely divergent tastes and sensibilities, is far too unwieldy to execute an agenda even if it had one. I dont think it dawned on anyone until we were packing up that we had just given prizes to three female directors  Zhao, Tan and of course Debra Granik, worthy winner of LAFCAs directing prize for her hushed and intimate drama Leave No Trace.

I know its poor form to diss other folks awards, Glenn, but in a year when the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. couldnt find room for a single female filmmaker in best director, I think I will pat us on the back, just a bit, for offering a principled corrective.

Rachel Weisz, left, and Olivia Colman in the film The Favourite. Colman won the actress prize at this years Los Angeles Film Critics Assn. awards, though there was debate if the performance should be considered supporting. (Yorgos Lanthimos / 20th Century Fox Film Corp.)

RELATED: Roma named best picture of the year by the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn. 

GLENN WHIPP: You are right, Justin. It was only after we finished and the circulation returned to my legs  six hours!  that I realized the breadth of our selections. LAFCA has a well-earned reputation for casting a wide net. Roma follows Michael Hanekes Amour as the second foreign-language feature that weve named best picture this decade. Thats something that the motion picture academy has never done in its 90-year history, though I think Cuarons Roma could break that barrier this year.

While I acknowledge the hurdles facing Roma that you mention, I think this new academy  nearly 2,400 members invited these past three years, with many more women, people of color and international filmmakers voting  will continue to redefine what kind of movie can win best picture. We saw that with Moonlight. I think well see it with Roma.

What Ive never seen in my 20 years of voting with this group was a situation quite like we encountered Sunday in which members struggled over where to place several worthy actresses. There was the terrific trio from The Favourite  Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone  along with Thomasin McKenzie, whose sensitive and thoughtful performance was an essential part of Graniks Leave No Trace. Many LAFCA members loved their work and wished to see it honored, hoping we might reach some consensus, before voting, about whether their turns were lead or supporting.

But good luck with that. Believing 48 film critics could come to a general agreement on anything  like, say, what actually constitutes an animated movie (Paddington 2 won several LAFCA members votes in that category  which says a lot about the love in the room for that sweet family film)  is optimistic at best. As we began voting for supporting actress, though, it became clear to me that some members were choosing the women I mentioned not because they believed their performances truly constituted supporting turns but because they were worried they wouldnt be later mentioned in the lead category.

I think all four are leads. But Stone, Weisz and McKenzie are all being campaigned by their studios in supporting, under the calculated (but also correct) assumption that their chances are better there than in lead. While Im not deeply invested in what Oscar campaigners or Oscar voters do  and if McKenzie earns an Oscar nomination and more people see Graniks powerful film because of it, then huzzah  I do care what we do. And in this case, I think we got it right. It just took a little extra time.

Hugh Grant was the runner-up for supporting actor at the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn. awards for his performance as Phoenix Buchanan in the family adventure Paddington 2, which received strong support from the critics group in multiple categories. (Warner Bros. Pictures)

From A Star Is Born to Roma: The 2019 Oscars Buzzmeter 

CHANG: The category confusion became a running joke as the day went long: One member cast a vote for (the wonderful!) Paddington 2 as best documentary, while another jokingly mentioned Olivia Colman during the lead actor balloting. But yes, I agree with you that the four actors you mentioned are all leads, and I also think we got it right in the end. Without delving too much into the headache-inducing procedural minutiae, I will simply note that Colman and McKenzie had a lot of love in both actress categories  and that, in the end, they both received more votes in lead than in supporting. And Colman of course ultimately prevailed in lead actress over her nearest competitor, Toni Collette (Hereditary).

That a movie can in fact have multiple leads is a simple, uncontroversial fact, albeit one that it often suits awards strategists to ignore. The debate becomes especially fascinating with regard to The Favourite, in part because Yorgos Lanthimos delicious movie  which itself proved highly competitive in our races for picture, screenplay and production design  is all about three women jockeying for position. Im reminded of All About Eve, a movie to which The Favourite bears no small or accidental resemblance, and especially the long-held assumption that Anne Baxters lead actress nomination ultimately cost Bette Davis the Oscar in the same category.

The carefully structured campaigns for Colman, Stone and Weisz seem designed to ensure that Colman  the movies dominant presence, in dramatic impact if not screen time  doesnt fall victim to the same fate, and also to ensure that all three of them get recognition. Im glad we took the time to hammer out the particulars and reach our own decisions, though the fact that we had to have a debate in the first place just shows how easy it can be to follow whatever parameters the studios and specialty divisions dictate. It also reminds us that, as much as we critics like to pride ourselves on our integrity and independence, we know all too well that our prizes play a role, however small, in the all-consuming machinery of awards season.

That machinery is often creaky and dubious, as our own glitchy, gloriously subjective voting process bears out. Over the course of the day, we found ourselves pondering all kinds of annoying questions: How could Burning come in second for best picture, but then tie with Shoplifters in foreign-language film? (As a lover of both films, I confess that if Burning had lost by a single vote, it might have broken me.) Why even give a separate foreign-language film prize if weve already stated that the top two movies of the year were made in other countries? How could anyone possibly have voted for Green Book? OK, only a few did  but thats still a few too many.

Zack Mulligan, left, and Keire Johnson in a scene from Minding the Gap, the winner of the editing prize and runner-up for nonfiction film at this years Los Angeles Film Critics Assn. awards. (Keire Johnson / Hulu)

Envelope Oscar Roundtables 2019: Watch every single video interview 

WHIPP: Justin, Im getting the distinct impression  and correct me if Im wrong  that you didnt particularly enjoy Green Book. Ill leave it to teary-eyed fans of the movie to decide just what kind of monster you are. What I will note is that, yes, there were votes for Green Book  and A Star Is Born too. (My favorite came from the Wall Street Journals Joe Morgenstern, who prefaced his first-place lead actress vote for Lady Gaga by observing that we did seem to be underestimating a little movie that a few people really, really like.)

I mention this because critics groups like LAFCA are often derided for being out of touch with their oddball choices that only the elites have seen. (At least, thats the Zagat Guide version, a reference that labels me as being comically removed from the Postmates generation.) But if all that were true, then Black Panther wouldnt have finished in the top five of our best picture voting. Hugh Grant wouldnt have been the supporting actor runner-up for his delightful turn as the villain in Paddington 2. And someone wouldnt have championed Blake Livelys funny, caustic work in A Simple Favor, hoping against hope that more than a few others in the group put her among their top choices. (That would be me. And Im heartbroken.)

But then, with LAFCA, you never know what suggestions will take hold and gain momentum. I wouldnt have guessed that Lius Minding the Gap, which had a small theatrical run in August, would have won our editing prize as well as placing as the documentary runner-up. A look at the precarious lives of three friends bonded by their love of skateboarding, Lius film is a remarkable, revealing examination of class and manhood in Rust Belt America. If youre a Hulu subscriber, you can watch it right now while youre waiting for Season 3 of The Handmaids Tale.

And if youre a member of the film academys documentary branch, perhaps these awards  following honors from the New York Film Critics Circle and nominations for the upcoming Film Independent Spirit Awards  will serve as a gentle nudge to consider Lius movie. Because, as you noted, Justin, we critics do like to believe we play a role this season, even if its just to call attention to something like Minding the Gap, an unforgettable movie thats resting in millions of peoples streaming accounts, waiting to be discovered.

justin.chang@latimes.com

glenn.whipp@latimes.com

Twitter: @glennwhipp
A few weeks ago, when Juan Mendez returned home from a long weekend playing Berghain, Berlins famously decadent techno venue, the producer and DJ known as Silent Servant got back to his downtown L.A. apartment and snapped a photo of the sunrise.

Mendez was used to seeing them in his line of work: writing and performing muscular, Gothic electronic music for crowds of leather-clad nightcrawlers.

But this one felt different.

Instead of an ending for a big headlining set  or the start of a jet-lagged hangover  it felt like a new beginning. Mendez, now 41, had decided to put the DJ life to bed for a while.

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My booking agent asked, How are you feeling right now? And I just sent her a photo of this sunrise, Mendez said. When youre around nightlife people all the time, you can show up at bars at 2 a.m. because you know you can stay there and go to someones house or an after-hours (club). Its fine once in a while. But your social behavior gets skewed. Youve got to be cognizant of those things: doing things I dont like, being a person I dont like.

Thats not to say hes giving up on music.

Silent Servants new album, Shadows of Death and Desire, out this month on the acclaimed noise and electronic imprint Hospital Productions, is a bold and emotional dispatch from the small hours of the L.A. underground. Its savage in sound but often tender in tone and reckons with the toll that a life in club music can take on your spirit.

Mendez is one of the most important figures in the current flowering of underground techno in L.A. Since the early 2000s, hes co-founded two influential record labels, Sandwell District and Jealous God, which helped lend L.A. electronic music a distinct sensibility.

Rather than ultra-precise minimalism or festival-ready crowd pleasers, Mendezs vision drew from the Cures Goth-rock moodiness, the hands-on analog synths of 70s acts like DAF and Tangerine Dream, and a kind of scraped-up, post-punk glamour that rejected Hollywood gloss but reveled in its underbelly. His 2012 album, Negative Fascination, was a landmark for the citys techno culture and helped set the precedent for the scene to come.

I grew up with KROQ and Rodney Bingenheimer, and at the end of day, Im really just a new wave nerd, Mendez said, referring to the influential DJ and tastemaker long associated with L.A.s largest modern rock station. Im really into Smiths and Echo & the Bunnymen, and I love Detroit techno because its a response to all that, with strings and soul. For me, put that in a blender: Suicide, New Order, Tangerine Dream, thats my brain.

As L.A. became a global center for EDM, Mendez was at the forefront of a subversive underground scene that existed in parallel in the fringes. But over the last few years, the underground got really popular. Fans started rejecting corporatized EDM for more challenging sounds, and L.A. earned a reputation as a hub for them.

I dont have heavy anxiety, but sometimes you just dont feel like doing it, and you get into this headspace where you have to fake it to not bum people out. Juan Mendez

Suddenly, an artist like Mendez, who had years of goodwill and credibility at his back, could make a serious living as an underground DJ in L.A.

So two years ago he tried it full time, jetting between Europes most esteemed venues and festivals, often several in a weekend, before heading back to California or his part-time base in Berlin, the genres center. Whatever there was to do in techno, Mendez did it.

But it left him exhausted, unwell and unable to write his own music, the craft that brought him into this world in the first place.

Something that isnt talked about much in nightlife culture is how hard they push you, Mendez said. Youre running yourself ragged, the hours are ungodly. Our jobs are open bar with anything at your disposal. I dont have heavy anxiety, but sometimes you just dont feel like doing it, and you get into this headspace where you have to fake it to not bum people out.

Even when he gave himself time off to write, after years in that lifestyle, the well ran dry.

I took two months at home to write the record, and I just failed. So I kinda fell into party spiral in L.A. and did a lot of things that Im not happy about, Mendez said. Its a cliche, but I am sensitive person, Im affected by things. I was in a bit of depressed headspace, but I tried to turn that into a positive thing on this record.

Over its seven tracks, Shadows follows that arc of frustration and release. It starts furious  Harm In Hand and Damage rank with Mendezs most aggressive work yet, with de-tuned synths and industrial drum programming throttling the A-side of the LP.

But the flip finds him more melancholy, introspective and back in touch with all the music that inspired him as a kid. Loss Response, Glass Veil and Optimistic Decay edge into real beauty and contemplation, the sunrise after a long night where you promise yourself youll do better.

Given times were in, the last thing I want to propagate is negative feelings. I wanted to end the album on a certain note  a life and death, birth and renewal thing, Mendez said. Ive played all the best clubs in world, and thats insane. But clubs arent always where people care the most about music, and I want to care about things.

Outside of a few shows to promote the album, Mendez will be taking a long break from being Silent Servant full time. He wants to return to visual art and art direction, which has always been a defining element in his musical life as well (both of his labels had a Gothic-romantic sensibility and a sly sense of humor in their design).

With the L.A. techno scene at a full boil, perhaps its validating to know he can walk away for a while and that everything will be fine. Even Berghain can feel like a day job, and when you clock out, it feels great to get back home.

Im getting older, and I want to think about whats next. I dont want to leave L.A., my parents moved here from Central America and built lives here, my friends are here and I want to build my life here, Mendez said. Until now, people just assumed I was flying to shows unless I called them and did the the rounds. At the end of day, life matters, and you have to forge life how you need it.

For breaking music news, follow @augustbrown on Twitter.
The unprovoked attack caught on a surveillance video was shocking: A man was walking along a downtown L.A. street near South Broadway when a stranger jumped up from a bench and shoved him into the path of a truck.

Moments later, the attacker casually picked up a bracelet hed knocked out of the victims hand, then left.

On Sunday, Albert Davtyan, 58, was being treated in a hospital for severe injuries, including broken ribs, collapsed lungs and lacerations, according to friends and relatives who created an online crowd-funding platform to help with his medical and financial hardships.

Hes gone through several surgeries over the past few days, said Malik Khan, general manager of Roger Stuart Clothes, which has referred clients to Davtyans nearby Alberts Tailoring business for more than 15 years.

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This was a brutal, tragic attack on a humble, very fine man who is like family to us, Khan said. Hes also a highly regarded master tailor specializing in alterations and making custom suits from scratch.

Davtyan was one of several people authorities said were randomly attacked last week by Garret Boldt, 41, a homeless man in the area.

Boldt was charged Friday with one felony count of premeditated attempted murder, three felony counts of assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury and one misdemeanor count of petty theft, according to the criminal complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The charges include an allegation that Boldt personally inflicted great bodily injury.

Prosecutors are recommending that bail be set at $1.09 million. The case remains under investigation.

Boldt is accused of tackling a woman to the ground on the morning of Dec. 4 at West 7th and Hill streets, the Los Angeles County district attorneys office said.

The following morning, Boldt was sitting on a bench at West 6th Street and South Broadway when he stood and pushed Davtyan into the street, where he was hit by the oncoming truck, prosecutors said. As Davtyan lay injured in the street, Boldt walked back to pick up the bracelet knocked out of the victims hands, according to prosecutors.

Boldt punched a woman later that afternoon at a bus stop at West 1st and South Hill streets, prosecutors said.

Police arrested him a short time later.

The attacks appear to be random and unprovoked, prosecutors said in a statement. Boldt faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.

In the meantime, relatives are trying to raise money for Davtyan, a father of two, who remains in critical condition.

He was minding his own business when he was pushed onto the street and under a truck, a statement attached to the fund web page says. He is in a critical condition in the ICU with multiple broken bones, collapsed lungs and open wounds. He has needed multiple blood transfusions and went through an intensive surgery.

In an interview Sunday, Davtyans son Zorick added, My father is in lots of pain, and were by his side around the clock.

louis.sahagun@latimes.com

Twitter: @LouisSahagun

Times staff writer Ben Poston contributed to this story.
To stop apartment buildings from being turned into rogue hotels, Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin put forward a plan.

Under his proposal, Angelenos would be allowed to rent out only their primary residence for short stays on websites like Airbnb. Tenant activists and the hotel industry backed the idea, saying it would prevent corporate entities from buying up housing and renting it out constantly to a revolving door of travelers.

More than three years later, Los Angeles is finally on the brink of passing new rules to regulate the popular practice of renting out rooms or whole homes for short stays. And just as Bonin proposed, those regulations would limit Angelenos to hosting such rentals in their own homes.

But a week before the expected vote, a council committee made a crucial change to its plans: The new rules could not go into effect before Los Angeles had another set of regulations that would allow people to host short-term rentals in other properties besides their primary residence.

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Around City Hall, the practice of hosting guests for short stays in a property other than a primary residence, such as a second home or investment property, has been informally dubbed vacation rentals.

It is a hotly contested part of the short-term rental market. Critics such as Bonin argued that permitting vacation rentals could undermine the effectiveness of the proposed ordinance.

Its a Christmas gift to the short-term rental industry  and the people who have the pay the bill are the people who will lose rental housing, Bonin said.

The move, proposed to the committee by Councilman Mitchell Englander, heartened online platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway, which have argued that totally banning vacation rentals will eliminate lodging options for families and other travelers who want the comforts of home.

We are ecstatic that theyve opened the door to creating a policy for our industry, said Philip Minardi, director of policy communications for HomeAway. If you pass a law that only addresses one part of the industry, it doesnt work  Traditional vacation rentals have been in L.A. for generations.

Airbnb, in turn, has cautioned the city it would not enter into a pass through registration system that could forward host information to the city unless L.A. included vacation rentals, according to a report from the planning department.

Connie Llanos, a deputy policy manager for the company, said Airbnb is not pushing for the city to allow vacation rentals without restriction, but that L.A. needs to have a comprehensive policy that recognizes and regulates part of the industry that predates platforms like Airbnb.

Doing so will make it easier for the city to protect neighborhoods and preserve critical housing stock while preserving the economic benefits that the vacation rental industry brings to the region, Llanos said in a written statement.

Englander and other members of the committee did not spell out what restrictions, if any, they wanted the city to impose on vacation rentals. The councilman said his motion appropriately recognizes the difference between primary residences engaging in home-sharing activities and secondary properties which a family may use intermittently and then wish to rent when not in use.

Any effective legislation should recognize this distinction, Englander said in an email.

Other groups are alarmed by the move, fearing that it will delay the long-awaited ordinance and could ultimately undermine its effectiveness. Any possible regulations on vacation rentals have not even begun to be vetted, said Judith Goldman, one of the cofounders of Keep Neighborhoods First, a group concerned about commercialized short-term rentals.

City officials said their goal would be to pass the ordinance on vacation rentals by July  the same date that the regulations on renting out primary residences were initially intended to take effect. Many were skeptical that would happen, pointing out that it had taken more than three and a half years of debate to hammer out the proposed rules on short-term rentals.

It is a blatant delay tactic that only helps the illegal operators, Goldman said, arguing that the lag time would allow more housing to be taken off the market.

Cynthia Strathmann, executive director of the tenant advocacy group Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, said she was worried that allowing vacation rentals would create a way for people to do exactly what theyre doing now  having residences in Los Angeles that they dont live in, that theyre renting out like hotel rooms, so they cant be used as part of the housing stock.

If the city is going to delay the rollout of the new rules indefinitely, Strathmann said, it should step up enforcement of its existing laws. As it stands, renting out dwellings for less than 30 days at a time is prohibited in much of the city, according to L.A. officials, but that has been contested by rental operators, who have fought and sometimes won such cases in court.

HomeAway argues that the city could still impose other limits to prevent vacation rentals from worsening the housing crisis, such as capping the number of vacation rental permits for each host, limiting the total number in each ZIP Code or census tract, or restricting the number of such rentals in each apartment building.

Minardi said that simply banning vacation rentals would probably drive the activity underground. It could also lead to political blowback, he said, pointing to a San Diego law restricting such rentals that was repealed after tens of thousands of people signed on to a referendum.

Several members of the council, including Curren Price, Jose Huizar and Paul Krekorian, have gotten income from renting out secondary properties in Los Angeles to tenants, according to their most recently filed financial disclosure forms. That has raised questions at City Hall about whether they can vote on any matters involving vacation rentals.

When asked whether those council members would have to recuse themselves on the upcoming vote, Rob Wilcox, a spokesman for City Atty. Mike Feuer, said his office was providing advice and could not comment further. The Los Angeles City Council is expected to vote on the proposed ordinance on Tuesday.

emily.alpert@latimes.com

Twitter: @AlpertReyes
Stafford Taylor was his usual self, vigorous and sharp-minded, when he left a friends party late on the Fourth of July.

But sometime after, the 64-year-old Malibu artist and master carpenter was attacked and left wandering Pacific Coast Highway. He didnt receive medical attention for hours, his family says, because the sheriffs deputies who picked him up left him at a day laborers center. Nearly half a year later, he is still suffering from brain damage and has difficulty speaking.

His family is convinced that deputies thought he was homeless.

The Taylor family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Los Angeles County and the Sheriffs Department this fall, claiming they showed a deliberate indifference to medical needs.

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The suit alleges that deputies from the Lost Hills station doomed Taylor to suffer severe injuries before he was hospitalized, causing damage that will require medical attention for the rest of his life.

The Sheriffs Department, or at least certain deputies, are treating people like throwaway people, said Arnoldo Casillas, the familys attorney.

A decade ago, Los Angeles faced national scrutiny for a series of highly publicized cases in which police and hospitals dumped homeless people  often in downtowns skid row.

While patrolling the area in 2005, a Los Angeles police captain saw sheriffs deputies dump a man near San Julian Street. The deputies said they were taking the man to a mission, but the captain said there wasnt one nearby. LAPD officers at the time also reported seeing patrol cars from four other agencies  El Monte, Pasadena, El Segundo and Burbank  dropping off homeless people downtown.

A year later, a video circulated showing a dazed woman wandering skid row in a hospital gown and 60 Minutes did a segment on patient dumping in L.A. The city sued several hospitals and the issue faded from national focus.

But the practice hasnt disappeared and isnt confined to skid row.

In January, L.A. City Councilman Joe Buscaino criticized the Sheriffs Department for dropping off a homeless man along a street in San Pedro, which is outside of their jurisdiction. The councilman learned about the case from a resident, who recorded video as a deputy dropped off the man, who appeared agitated and flailed as he walked down the sidewalk. Hey, thanks for dropping him off! the resident shouted sarcastically as the deputy drove away.

The Sheriffs Department says deputies were performing an act of compassionate service by taking the man to a bus stop at his request. But the Taylor family cited the San Pedro case in their lawsuit, arguing it shows a pattern.

In July, city and county prosecutors announced a $550,000 settlement with Silver Lake Medical Center, which authorities say violated the law by dropping off potentially hundreds of patients at bus and train stations  the eighth such settlement with a healthcare facility in the past five years.

People make assumptions and, unfortunately, instead of taking them to the hospital, they dump them off on a shelter or in [Taylors] case a day laborers center, said the Rev. Andy Bales, who heads the Union Rescue Mission on skid row.

Terry Taylor shows off some of her husband Stafford Taylors artwork and carpentry at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center on Nov. 16. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Taylor left the Malibu party around 10:30 p.m. At dawn the next day, private security guards at a home near Geoffreys restaurant noticed him, half-naked and confused, wandering from car to car. The guards called sheriffs deputies, who picked up Taylor and dropped him off at the Malibu Community Labor Exchange about five miles away. Taylor had suffered severe head injuries and the incident is still under investigation, sheriffs officials said.

His wife, Terry, says the deputies must have assumed her husband was homeless.

How could they not see he needed help? she said.

Oscar Mondragn, who directs the labor exchange, said several workers have told him that theyve seen deputies dump people outside the exchange in the past.

Mondragn said he saw Taylor slumped on a bench outside the exchange when he arrived for work at 7 a.m. on July 5. He must be sleeping, Mondragn thought. Eventually, he wondered if the man might be sick so he tapped his shoulder and asked, Sir, are you OK?

He said, yes, Mondragn said. I didnt know how bad he was.

It wasnt until 10:20 a.m.  five hours after deputies left him at the hiring center  that a woman who was waiting to find work called 911. An ambulance transported Taylor, who was semi-conscious, to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he was admitted as John Doe  a factor in his family not knowing where he was for 36 hours.

Terry had spent the Fourth of July in the Midwest visiting family, returning two days after the assault to find her husband in a hospital bed with a deep purple bruise ringing his swollen right eye. He could only breathe through a plastic tube inserted into his windpipe. Doctors told her he might die unless part of his skull was removed to alleviate pressure on his brain.

She thought about her husbands work  about the intricate tree house he built in the backyard of Robert F. Kennedys daughters home and about his detailed pen drawings.

Will he ever draw again? she wondered.

The Sheriffs Department doesnt deny that deputies dropped Taylor at the labor exchange that morning. But in a July press release about the assault investigation  which remains ongoing  sheriffs officials said it was unknown at this time when or how the victim sustained his injuries.

In a written statement, spokeswoman Nicole Nishida said the department is reviewing the incident as it relates to policies and procedures.

We care about the well-being of Mr. Taylor, Nishida said. We have followed up with the family at the hospital and offered assistance to them during this challenging time.

Its still hard for Terry to believe that it was deputies who left her husband that morning. She ran a preschool in Malibu for years and once had sheriffs officials come speak to her students.

Ive taught young children that we can count on them, she said.

She doesnt fixate on the deputies, though, or on the person who attacked her husband. She prefers to think about the undocumented woman who called to get her husband an ambulance that morning.

She saved his life, Terry said, as tears filled her eyes. The swelling wouldve killed him.

Sometimes she thinks about how the couple had planned to move to Wisconsin to be closer to family and how she had let their insurance lapse during those crucial few months before the attack, gambling on the fact theyd soon be eligible for Medicare. In the hospital, Terry said, she talked to him or sang him songs, hoping he could hear.

Because of the brain damage, Terry said, he lost the ability to fully express himself or understand. But recently, she has noticed improvements.

During one visit, an occupational therapist brought markers and a big sheet of paper to the hospital room. Taylor switched between blue and black markers, drawing a series of concentric, squiggly rectangles.

It was reminiscent, his wife said, of a signature geometric design from many of his past drawings.

One afternoon, before moving to a rehabilitation facility in Downey, Taylor sat quietly on his hospital bed, listening to the dull beep of a monitor checking his heart rate and oxygen.

When Casillas walked in, Terry asked her husband if he remembered their attorney.

I hear youre eating again! Casillas said. You feel good?

I do well, Taylor said, glimpsing over at Terry for reassurance. She nodded.

marisa.gerber@latimes.com

@marisagerber
A 29-year-old man who had been drinking suffered life-threatening injuries after crashing a rented scooter into a building in Pacific Beach early Monday, San Diego police said.

Alcohol was believed to be a factor in the crash, which was reported around 2:20 a.m. on the south sidewalk of Garnet Avenue near Everts Street.

Police said the man was riding a Lime scooter eastbound when he veered to the right and hit the building. He was not wearing a helmet and suffered serious head injuries, police said.

He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. San Diego police traffic officers are investigating the crash.

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Kucher writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
Rosanell Eaton, an African American voting rights activist who successfully helped challenge voting restrictions supported by North Carolina Republicans, has died. She was 97.

Eatons daughter, Armenta Eaton, said her mother died Saturday at home in Louisburg, North Carolina.

Rosanell Eaton was a poll worker or precinct judge for decades who had registered to vote as a young woman in rural Franklin County despite Jim Crow restrictions.

When white men told her she had to recite the preamble to the U.S. Constitution before she could register to vote, she did it from memory, her daughter said.

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Eaton grew up on a farm and went to segregated schools. Her advocacy for voting rights came in the face of racist attacks, as her house was shot at and crosses were lit on fire in her yard, her daughter said.

Armenta Eaton said her mother taught her four children to stand for what they believed in, even if it meant standing alone.

She was a lady of principle, Armenta Eaton said.

In her 90s, Rosanell Eaton was a lead plaintiff in a lawsuit that caused voting restrictions supported by North Carolina Republicans to be struck down. In 2016, a federal court determined that tougher ballot access rules adopted in 2013 were written with almost surgical precision to discourage black voters who tended to support Democrats. An evenly divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2016 that it would not restore the GOP-backed law.

Eatons lifetime of civil rights advocacy caught the notice of President Obama, who invited her to the White House in 2016.

Armenta Eaton said her mother agreed to meet the president only when she found out the timing wouldnt conflict with an upcoming primary election.

She didnt want to go until the primary was over, Armenta Eaton said.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has expressed Egypt's keenness on boosting relations with Gambia in all fields, especially in infrastructure, technical assistance and training.

The president's statements came in a meeting on Monday with Gambian President Adama Barrow in the presence of Egypt's foreign minister and general intelligence chief.

Presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said that El-Sisi hailed the distinguished ties binding Egypt and Gambia.

The Gambian leader praised the development in relations, saying he was keen to participate in the recent Africa 2018 forum, which proved to be one of the most important investment gatherings.

The spokesman said that the two leaders discussed the latest developments in Gambia, and that El-Sisi expressed Egypt's keenness on supporting Gambia at international forums.

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The 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides that no person shall be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb. But that seemingly clear command didnt protect Terance Gamble, an Alabama man with a robbery conviction on his record.

In 2015 Gambles vehicle was searched at a traffic stop and a gun was found. Gamble pleaded guilty to a state charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and was sentenced to a year in prison. But during the state prosecution he was also charged by the federal government for essentially the same crime arising from the same incident, and sentenced to more time.

Last week, Gambles lawyer asked the Supreme Court to overturn a legal doctrine that allows such dual prosecutions despite the constitutional prohibition. The court should do so, even though it would involve overturning previous rulings.

Those rulings depended on a legal theory known as dual sovereignty, which holds that a state and the federal government are separate sovereigns. Under this theory, the 5th Amendments Double Jeopardy Clause isnt violated when both levels of government punish the same defendant for what is essentially the same crime.

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The court shouldnt lightly cast aside precedents, but there is a good reason for doing so in this case.

But as the late Justice Hugo Black pithily pointed out in a dissent in a 1959 ruling upholding the doctrine: If double punishment is what is feared, it hurts no less for two sovereigns to inflict it than for one.

And why is it wrong to repeatedly try a defendant for the same offense? Heres Black again: The state with all its resources and power should not be allowed to make repeated attempts to convict an individual for an alleged offense, thereby subjecting him to embarrassment, expense and ordeal and compelling him to live in a continuing state of anxiety and insecurity, as well as enhancing the possibility that even though innocent he may be found guilty.

The Double Jeopardy Clause protects not only a defendant who is acquitted from further prosecutions for the same crime; it also protects someone who is found guilty from the ordeal of being put in legal jeopardy again.

In urging the court to overturn Gambles federal conviction, attorney Louis A. Chaiten ran into skepticism from the bench. The justices greatest concern seemed to be that dismantling the dual sovereignty doctrine would require the court to (as Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh put it) depart from the humility of respecting precedent.

We agree that the court shouldnt lightly cast aside precedents, but there is a good reason for doing so in this case. Chaiten noted that the dual sovereignty doctrine has already been undermined by the Supreme Courts holding in 1969 that states as well as the federal government are bound by the Double Jeopardy Clause. If federal and state prosecutions are governed by the same constitutional rules, it makes sense to read the Double Jeopardy Clause as forbidding successive prosecutions and punishment for the same crime regardless of whether the prosecutor works for the state or the federal government.

Moreover, the notion that the federal and state government are always separate sovereigns when it comes to law enforcement is naive. It is belied by the rise in joint task forces in which state, local and federal law enforcement officials cooperate and strategize together. In the real world, the two sovereigns often operate as one.

Overruling precedent wasnt the only issue on the justices mind at last Thursdays oral argument. Some justices also worried that a ruling for Gamble might hamper enforcement of federal civil rights laws, which have been used to prosecute individuals acquitted in state courts.

For example, after a jury in Simi Valley jury acquitted two police officers of state assault charges in the 1991 beating of Rodney King, the U.S. Justice Department successfully prosecuted them for violating Kings civil rights. Justice Stephen Breyer alluded to another example: the ability of the Justice Department in the 1960s to prosecute defendants in the South who were acquitted in state court of crimes of violence against African-Americans or civil rights workers.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion 

Federal civil rights laws can serve as a safety valve for when state courts fail to do justice. But the idea that a ruling for Gamble would hobble federal civil-rights enforcement is alarmist. As Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg noted, federal and state charges growing out of the same conduct can have different elements and thats enough to take it out of double jeopardy.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which supports Gamble, agrees. An article co-authored by its legal director David Cole notes: State crimes like murder and assault, which law enforcement officers sometimes commit, are generally different from the federal statutes the Justice Department uses to later prosecute those officers. If the criminal laws are different, the crimes would not be considered the same offense, and a second prosecution would not violate double jeopardy, which bars successive prosecutions only for the same offense.

Yet Gamble was prosecuted twice for the same offense, a double dose of punishment that clearly violates the Double Jeopardy Clause. That is how the court should rule, even if means overturning previous decisions.

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When it comes to climate change, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti talks the talk. Since President Trump pulled out of the Paris climate accords in 2017, Garcetti has repeatedly reaffirmed L.A.s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He has pledged to make the city carbon neutral by 2050.

Yet despite Garcettis enlightened climate oratory, transportation trends in L.A. are going in the wrong direction under his watch. Car use is ticking up, while Metro ridership has declined 15% over the past five years. Making the city more walkable is one key to increasing transit use, but pedestrian deaths have surged in spite of Garcettis Vision Zero street safety policy. Transportation now comprises the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in California  with L.A. no doubt responsible for a lions share.

It takes strong, sustained leadership to change infrastructure and travel behavior. That means confronting inevitable resistance to change, and continually restating the need to make transportation in Los Angeles more balanced. It also means establishing specific goals and programs, and doggedly pursuing them. But instead of this kind of results-oriented leadership, the Garcetti administration is too fearful of motorist backlash to fully implement smart transit ideas.

There are far too many compromises built into Los Angeles sustainable transportation efforts.

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Light rail slows to a crawl entering downtown because street signals prioritize cars. Buses move a majority of the citys transit riders, but there are only three bus-only lanes on 7,500 miles of L.A. city streets. Reserving more lanes for buses would speed them through traffic and that in turn would help turn plunging ridership around.

Despite Garcettis enlightened climate oratory, transportation trends in L.A. are going in the wrong direction under his watch.

Under Garcetti, the citys Department of Transportation Great Streets program  which aims to make streets less auto-oriented  is transforming less than one street a year. Sidewalks and safe pedestrian crossings near rail and bus stops are afterthoughts, where they exist at all. Even the process of fixing up bus-stop shelters is hopelessly mired in city bureaucracy, requiring approval from eight different city agencies.

Driving, meanwhile, remains relatively cheap and extensively provided for.

The mayor was supposed to change all this. Garcetti was Measure Ms strongest champion in 2016, rallying voters behind the countrys largest-ever transit funding initiative. But as the city has tried to move forward on transit gains, it has allowed decision-making to be held hostage by NIMBYs; the agencies he oversees are not empowered to push back and execute stated policy.

Meanwhile, Seattle and San Francisco have ongoing programs that each year deliver new bus lanes, more streets with traffic signals timed to move buses and light rail faster, and newly redesigned intersections where there were high rates of traffic crashes. Since 2014, San Francisco and Seattle, have installed, respectively, 27 and 35 miles of bus lanes. Leaders in those cities frame the need for these changes in clear terms, winning sufficient public support to move ahead.

Click here for the full Livable City archive 

When Garcetti references transit in L.A., he typically talks about rail. But rail will take decades to complete. Nor is it a sure bet for increasing public transportation ridership, absent improved pedestrian access and planning that treats rail and bus routes as integrated parts of a single system.

Garcetti should empower the Department of Transportation to create new dedicated bus lanes, and to change streetlight signal timing to prioritize transit over cars. He should launch a crash program to improve walking conditions around transit stations and high ridership bus corridors. Of course, city government needs to reach out to communities when it changes streets. But there is a fine line between seeking input on how best to achieve essential city goals and asking permission to pursue them.

Garcetti is a gifted orator. He has the ability to make it clear to Angelenos that there is a direct connection between fighting climate change and L.A.s car addiction. The city needs him to use his rhetorical skills to push back against motorists who demand personal convenience over the future of our planet  and to back those words up with action.

Hayley Richardson and Jon Orcutt are the communications team at TransitCenter, a national foundation that works to improve public transit .

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The challenge created by wildfires in California  and our need to adapt to a hotter, drier climate  cannot be overstated. The state, which leads the nation on environmental issues, must call upon the creativity of its innovators and the adaptability of its citizens to secure its future. The reality of climate change means we need to make urgent big investments in infrastructure that will keep us safe.

The Legislature began to implement wildfire solutions last session that, over time, will make California safer. Gov. Jerry Brown added more than $250 million to this years budget, doubling the states forest-thinning efforts and increasing prescribed burns, which could make parts of the state less combustible. Stricter building codes are also under discussion, along with limiting new construction and rebuilding in the likely path of fires. There are also calls to put power lines underground  at tremendous cost.

But these strategies will take time  probably a decade or more. And we cannot afford more firestorms like the ones that swept through Santa Rosa and Ventura in 2017, and Paradise and Malibu in November.

The most destructive fires in recent California history have been traced, to a high degree of probability, to downed utility power lines or electrical equipment malfunctions. (The causes of last months Camp fire and Woolsey fire have yet to be determined, but electrical infrastructure problems are the suspected cause.) In the fires terrible wake, California residents are also faced with bailing out utilities when they are found liable for the conflagrations.

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Deploying clean distributed energy  individualized power generation and storage  could be a kind of green New Deal.

There is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of utility-caused wildfire, and it doesnt take decades to implement: Shut the power off when and where wind and drought create wildfire risk. All other options for preventing these fires  such as putting power lines underground or trimming trees that threaten power infrastructure  will take too long or are too prone to error to adequately address the crisis were facing.

To make it acceptable to turn off whole sections of the electricity grid, the state will have to start a crash program to build a backup power supply for households and businesses in high-risk wildfire areas. The logical choices are individual solar and battery setups for households, and microgrids linking business districts. We need to make it OK for the utilities to take decisive action to avoid wildfire threats: When the main grid has to go down for safety, backup power must be available to keep medical devices, refrigerators and the internet up and running.

Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion 

Deploying clean distributed energy  individualized power generation and storage  could be a kind of green New Deal. It would not only cut down on destructive wildfires, it could create enormous numbers of new jobs all over the state. And it could speed up our pursuit of statewide emissions-free energy. Establishing an alternative to the massive, interconnected grid that delivers power would also add security to a system vulnerable to other natural disasters as well as cyber threats. It might expand over time to include areas not threatened by wildfire.

Setting up off-the-grid power sources would be costly, but its a much smarter investment than repeatedly bailing out utilities after fires. As massive as the project would be, it compares in scale and cost to wildfire losses in just the last two years.

By my back-of-the-envelope calculation, it would cost something like $30 billion to install individualized backup power for 1 million of the highest-risk homes if the costs were fully funded by the state. But the state wouldnt have to foot the whole bill; it could provide very low-cost financing, paid back over many years on customer utility bills, while providing additional assistance to low- and moderate-income customers.

California cant afford to have more towns and neighborhoods destroyed or hollowed out by fire. Spending billions on alternatives to utility-delivered power might have seemed like an unaffordable luxury once, but now its clear what doing nothing will mean: more lives, livelihoods and communities lost in what the governor calls the new abnormal.

Michael W. Wara is the director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University.

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Newsoms budget proposes $3 million for Alzheimers research, brain task force By Melody Gutierrez Amyloid plaques, shown here in human brains, are a hallmark of Alzheimers disease. (UCLA School of Medicine) Gov. Gavin Newsom will call for the creation of a brain health task force and dedicate $3 million annually from the states general fund to Alzheimers disease research in the budget proposal he will release Thursday, a source close to the administration said. The money for Alzheimers research would target the new grants at understanding why the disease is more prevalent in women and people of color. Former California first lady and Alzheimers activist Maria Shriver pushed for the funding to be included in the state budget. Shriver said in a statement Wednesday that the funding would make California the first state to make understanding our brains a priority. The states former first lady, whose late father Sargent Shriver was diagnosed with Alzheimers, founded the Womens Alzheimers Movement, an advocacy group raising awareness about womens increased risk for developing the disease. In 2011, she wrote a comprehensive assessment on the disease, to which Newsom  then mayor of San Francisco  contributed a portion called What one city is doing. This is personal to me, just like it is to millions of California families, Shriver said. Alzheimers is one of the largest medical, social and economic crises in our state, and of our time. I am so proud that, once again, California is leading the way. Wiping out Alzheimers is going to require bold thinking, and there is no doubt in my mind that California is home to bold thinkers who can make this happen. Facebook

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Gov. Gavin Newsom orders reinvention of troubled California DMV By Patrick McGreevy A line of people stretches around the South L.A. location of a California Department of Motor Vehicles Office on Aug. 7. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday ordered an overhaul of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which has been plagued by hours-long wait times at field offices, computer crashes and voter registration errors involving tens of thousands of customers. Just a few days after taking office, Newsom appointed a top advisor to a new DMV Reinvention Strike Team to revamp the beleaguered agency over the next six months. By any metric, California DMV has been chronically mismanaged and failed in its fundamental mission to the state customers it serves and the state workers it employs, Newsom said in a statement, adding Its time for a reinvention. The governor appointed state Government Operations Agency Secretary Marybel Batjer to lead the strike team with a goal of modernizing the agency and enacting changes that improve customer satisfaction, employee performance and transparency. Newsom also ordered an accelerated review of initial findings of an ongoing audit ordered last year by Gov. Jerry Brown. The action was welcomed by lawmakers who have been critical of the DMV, including Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield). The egregious management failures of the DMV have been self-evident, which is why I have been calling for new leadership and a comprehensive independent audit of this troubled state agency over and over again as the problems grew significantly worse, Fong said. Last summer, Californians seeking new driver licenses complained of wait times of four to six hours at DMV offices, which the agency blamed partly on snafus caused by a rush of people trying to get Real IDs, a new identification card design required for airline passengers starting in late 2020. Delays were also blamed on computer crashes at DMV offices as the agency struggled to update its aging automation systems. The DMV also admitted that there were an estimated 23,000 errors as people either were unknowingly registered to vote or mistakes were made in their registration status as part of the states new motor voter program. The agency registered to vote as many as 1,500 people with legal U.S. residency but no citizenship. Last month, DMV Director Jean Shiomoto retired from the agency. Legislators were angered earlier this week when the DMV said it needed an additional $40 million to prevent the return of long lines at its field offices. In addition, the agency has been under fire for issuing driver licenses in the last year that do not comply with the federal Real ID standards requiring two forms of identification by applicants. Facebook

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California police unions are preparing to battle new transparency law in the courtroom By Maya Lau Just as a landmark police transparency law is going into effect, some California police agencies are shredding internal affairs documents and law enforcement unions are rushing to block the information from being released. The new law, which begins to unwind Californias strictest-in-the-nation protections over the secrecy of law enforcement records, opens to the public internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. But the lawsuits and records destruction, which began even before the law took effect Jan. 1, could tie up the release of information for months or years, and in some instances, prevent it from ever being disclosed. The fact that police unions are challenging this law is on some level not surprising, said Peter Bibring, director of police practices at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, one of the principal supporters of the new law. They have a long history of fighting tooth and nail against transparency. Read More Facebook

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Secretary of State Alex Padilla begins second term with challenge to ensure every Californian is counted By Jazmine Ulloa Secretary of State Alex Padilla takes the oath of office as his family stands by his side on Monday in Sacramento. (Jazmine Ulloa / Los Angeles Times) Secretary of State Alex Padilla was sworn in for a second term on Monday, saying he would continue the battle to protect the right to vote at a time when voter suppression efforts, online disinformation campaigns and interference from foreign adversaries have polarized the public and threatened to undermine trust in U.S. elections. I am doubling down on our fight here in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C., to defend our democracy, he said. Working on the front lines with so many of you, I know that our collective resolve has never been stronger. But the loudest applause came when Padilla promised to fight back against the Trump administrations changes to the U.S. census, saying he will ensure every Californian gets counted. Padilla, a former state senator and Los Angeles City Council member from the San Fernando Valley, led the cause for a new motor voter registration law in 2015, and a new system for online business registrations. But the programs have had experienced problems: More than 23,000 Californians were registered to vote incorrectly by the state DMV, the agency reported last year. On Monday, Padilla said he would continue to push back against false claims of voter fraud in California and pointed to the states voter turnout as proof that his office was involving more people in the democratic process, a promise he made when he was first sworn in four years ago. More than 12.7 million voters cast ballots in the Nov. 6 midterm election, representing roughly 65% of the states registered voters, the highest number of any midterm election since 1982, according to state certified results. I made that promise based on a shared belief that we are a stronger democracy and a better California when we hear all voices from all corners of California, and when those voices are not just heard but counted, Padilla said. Facebook

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Ricardo Lara, Californias first statewide officeholder to come out as gay, sworn in as insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara on the floor of the state Senate in 2016. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Ricardo Lara took the oath of office as California insurance commissioner on Monday, pledging action to boost healthcare coverage and combat climate change. Lara, a Democrat from Bell Gardens, is the first elected statewide officeholder in California who has come out as gay. He began his speech in downtown Sacramento by thanking LGBTQ leaders who came before him and celebrated the occasion. Today, because of you, weve shattered the pink ceiling, Lara said. In his inaugural speech, Lara announced the creation of an executive position in his office to address climate change. There is no other industry that has the necessary expertise to ensure that California is prepared to mitigate and reduce risk to our communities and our environment, Lara said. Our planet cant wait. Im ready, and I hope you are too. Lara served as a state legislator and in 2017 introduced a bill to create a single-payer healthcare system in the state. He promised to work with new Gov. Gavin Newsom to expand coverage across California. Lara was sworn in by retired U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who declared unconstitutional Californias Proposition 8 gay marriage ban. State Sen. President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) was on hand for the ceremony along with multiple other state lawmakers. Facebook

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New California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis says she will help expand access to universities in the state New Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, center, is shown in June talking with attendees at the Power to the Polls rally in Sacramento. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) More Californians should be given access to public universities, Eleni Kounalakis said as she took the oath of office Monday to become the states first woman elected lieutenant governor. Kounalakis was given the oath of office by Gov. Gavin Newsom, her predecessor in the job, who pledged they would work together. As lieutenant governor, Kounalakis serves on the University of California Board of Regents and the California State University Board of Trustees, she noted in a speech at her swearing-in ceremony at the main Sacramento Library. In that role, she said, she will be committed to expanding access to affordable public higher education here in our state. Its wise, its smart and it is the best way to address our rapidly changing digital economy. Kounalakis is former president of a development company founded by her father, Angelo Tsakopoulos, and served during the Obama administration as the U.S. ambassador to Hungary. In November, she won her first run for statewide office. Also attending the ceremony were House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Facebook

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California meets Dutch Newsom, who steals the show at his fathers inauguration By Taryn Luna Gov. Gavin Newsom gives his inaugural address while holding his youngest son, Dutch. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) In the California political world, all eyes were on Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday until his 2-year-old son stole the show. Dutch, the youngest of four children in the Newsom brood, climbed onstage in the middle of his fathers inaugural address in a tent outside the Capitol on Monday. The unplanned moment saw the 51-year-old governors big day interrupted by the toddler, bringing levity to the ceremony. Newsom was recounting Gov. Jerry Browns last inaugural speech and reference to the Sermon on the Mount, a biblical story about two men who built separate homes on sand and rock, when Dutch approached his father, a pacifier in his mouth and blanket in hand. Now more than ever we Californians know how much a house matters and children matter, Newsom said, improvising as he scooped the boy into his arms. The governor kissed Dutch on the cheek and held him for several minutes as he continued with the speech. This is exactly how it was scripted, Newsom joked. Newsom eventually put his child down and Dutch walked to the edge of the stage before retreating behind the podium to hide from his mother, First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The crowd roared. Siebel Newsom was able to briefly divert her son only for him to return to the stage minutes later. She grabbed him again and this time, the crying toddler did not reemerge. When fires strikes, when kids cry and the earth shakes, well be there for each other, Newsom said. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who said the moment humanized Newsom, threw cold water on any theories that Dutchs cameo was planned. No, I know it was not, Garcetti said with a laugh after Newsoms speech concluded. I could see that look of absolute abject terror [on Newsoms face]. Weve all been there. Kids always think its about themselves and theyve proved it. California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) agreed. I worked in early childhood education for 20 years and theres no way you can ever get a child to do anything when you want them to do it, Rendon said. Facebook

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Fiona Ma takes oath as Californias new treasurer By Liam Dillon State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Fiona Ma took the oath of office in Sacramento on Monday as the states 34th treasurer, promising to boost Californias economy. Ma previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, in the state Assembly and on the California Board of Equalization. I want to thank everyone for entrusting me with this important job. I understand my role here as your state treasurer is to build that financial wall around California so that we will remain the fifth-largest economy, Ma said in brief remarks. That is my promise to you. California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye administered the oath to Ma. Following the ceremony, Ma held an ice cream social for guests. On Wednesday, she will host a public event in San Francisco to celebrate her swearing-in. State Treasurer Fiona Ma takes the oath of office. (Liam Dillon / Los Angeles Times) Facebook

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Expectations are high for newly sworn-in state schools chief Tony Thurmond Tony Thurmond shakes hands with retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Gordon Baranco after taking the oath of office. (Melody Gutierrez / Los Angeles Times) Tony Thurmond took the oath of office as Californias state superintendent of public schools on Monday, promising a labor-friendly agenda before the teachers, students and Democratic officials who filled an auditorium at McClatchy High School in Sacramento to watch him being sworn in. We cant close the achievement gap without a great teacher at the head of every class, Thurmond said Monday to applause. We have to make sure we provide quality compensation and support to our teachers and our classified staff and all the educators who support our kids. Thurmond, a Bay Area Democrat who served in the state Assembly, won a hotly contested and expensive race with the help of labor leaders against charter school executive Marshall Tuck. The race took several days to sort out after Tuck held an initial lead in early returns on election night before falling behind thereafter. Thurmond was sworn in Monday by retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Gordon Baranco. He was joined on stage by labor rights leader Dolores Huerta and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). Thurmonds former colleagues in the state Assembly took turns praising him and promising to be an ally in improving schools. Many said they expected Thurmond would be a strong leader focused on improving student outcomes. We know we are going to work hard to give you the money you need and the budget you need to fully fund education and our schools so we can put our money where our mouth is and make sure our children have everything they need, Assemblywoman Connie Leyva (D-Chino Hills) said. As state superintendent, Thurmond will oversee the education of 6.2 million students at 10,000 schools. Thurmond was a member of the West Contra Costa County School Board and a Richmond city councilman before he was elected to the state Assembly. Tony is the right man at the right time to fight the federal, Donald Trump, Betsy DeVos anti-child, anti-education, anti-civil and -human rights agenda, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said. Tony is going to do that for us. Facebook

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State Controller Betty Yee takes oath of office with call for more affordable housing and healthcare State Controller Betty Yee California Controller Betty Yee took the oath of office Monday for a second term, saying she still has work to do addressing problems that include a lack of affordability in housing, healthcare and higher education. A San Francisco native, Yee is the chief financial officer of California  the fifth-largest economy in the world  having first won election to the post in 2014 before winning reelection in November. No region is spared from the widening inequality and increased poverty that plague our state, fueled by the lack of affordable, stable housing, the cost of healthcare and transportation, limited educational opportunities, student loan debt, displacement caused by disasters and more, she said. Yee was administered the oath of office by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento before an overflow crowd that included state Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. As a public official it is about governance that delivers results and stays accountable while upholding the underlying value of dignity for all, Yee said. Facebook

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California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra begins new term promising to fight Trump policies California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra on Monday took the oath of office for a new term, saying he would continue his role as a leading challenger to Trump administration actions that he believes are counter to the states interests. Becerra, a former 12-term congressman, has become a national opposition figure to Trump, having sued the federal government 45 times since he was appointed as the states first Latino attorney general in 2017. Weve been a little busy stopping the dysfunction and insanity in Washington, D.C., from infecting California, Becerra told an audience during a swearing-in ceremony at the California Museum in Sacramento. Whether its the criminals on our streets or the conman in the boardrooms or highest office of the land, Becerra said, the California Department of Justice, well, weve got your back. Becerra won his first statewide election as the states top cop in November, two years after he filled the post vacated when predecessor Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate. He has peppered the Trump administration with lawsuits challenging federal policies on healthcare, the U.S. census, the environment and immigration. Our state builds dreams, not walls, he said in a direct criticism of Trumps proposal to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Just last week, Becerra led a coalition of 17 Democratic attorneys general in announcing an appeal of a federal judge in Texas that ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. The ACA has been the law for nearly a decade and is the backbone of our healthcare system, Becerra said last week. This case impacts nearly every American  workers covered by employers, families, women, children, young adults and seniors  so we will lead the ACAs defense as long and far as it takes. Facebook

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California Democratic Party Vice Chairman Daraka Larimore-Hall announces bid to lead group By Christine Mai-Duc Daraka Larimore-Hall. (Dominic Parisi / Courtesy of Daraka Larimore-Hall) Daraka Larimore-Hall, a top official at the California Democratic Party, said Monday hes running to replace former chairman Eric Bauman, who resigned abruptly in November after being confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct. Larimore-Hall, a longtime state party activist and former chairman of the Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County, was one of the party leaders who urged Bauman to resign following the allegations. In an email to supporters announcing his bid, he urged both structural and cultural change at every level of our Party. He also repeated his call for a top-to-bottom investigation of the allegations, the party and its culture. In a Times investigation, 10 party activists and staff members said Bauman made crude sexual comments and engaged in unwanted touching and physical intimidation in professional settings. In order to be where we need to be for 2020, we have to confront the culture of abuse and fear that allowed someone to behave in such a vile way for so long, Larimore-Hall said in an interview. We cant brush it aside or think that our activists or our candidates or our donors are going to forget about this overnight. Larimore-Hall said his first priority would be to fully investigate the allegations and restore rank-and-file confidence in the partys leadership. The second would be to refocus the party on political priorities as the 2020 presidential election nears. The Bauman episode, Larimore-Hall said, threatens to derail the Democrats plans to help defeat President Trump and keep the seven congressional seats gained in the midterm elections. Its definitely a crisis, Larimore-Hall said. But the component parts  the energy, the enthusiasm, the volunteers, the infrastructure  its still there. We just need to direct it toward something. Larimore-Hall was elected vice chairman of the state party in February following Baumans razor-thin victory over Bay Area activist Kimberly Ellis. Ellis has announced another bid for the chairmanship and former state Senate leader Kevin de Leon is also mulling a run. The vote will take place at the partys May convention in San Francisco. Facebook

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Newsom will vow to seize this moment, and swipe at Trump in Monday inaugural address By Melanie Mason Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and his family attend an Inauguration Family Event at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento on Jan. 6. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Building on the theme of California exceptionalism that defined his campaign, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will depict the state as a guardian of progressive values and a counterweight to President Trump in his inaugural address Monday, according to excerpts of his prepared remarks. What we do today is even more consequential, because of whats happening in our country, read the excerpts obtained by The Times. Peoples lives, freedom, security, the water we drink, the air we breathe  they all hang in the balance. The country is watching us. The world is waiting on us. The future depends on us. And we will seize this moment. The speech casts Californias political stakes in a decidedly national scope, promising an agenda that will unify and be an example to the rest of the country. It contrasts the governing goals of Newsom, a Democrat, with that of Trump, the incoming governors perennial foil. We will offer an alternative to the corruption and incompetence in the White House, the excerpts say. Our government will be progressive, principled, and always on the side of the people. Newsom campaigned on an ambitious and wide-ranging platform, promising sweeping solutions on housing, healthcare, education and other issues that rank among Californians top concerns. In the weeks after his election, he struck a more muted tone, taking pains to emphasize his fiscal caution and need for patience in achieving those goals. The inaugural excerpts indicate a return to lofty pledges. While Newsom will vow to prepare for uncertain times ahead by building budgetary reserves and paying down debt, the prepared remarks quickly turn to a vow to be bold. Newsom has already floated several proposals for his first budget that carry significant price tags, including a nearly $2-billion plan to boost early childhood development for low-income families and a dramatic expansion of paid family leave from six weeks to six months. When asked for a preview of his inauguration speech during a news conference Sunday evening, Newsom predicted pundits would criticize his address as short on specifics. Well, of course, Im at an inaugural, Newsom said. But Ill be very detailed in the budget, a few days later. And then we will architect, in much more nuance and detail, in state of the state. I really see this as three opportunities  to communicate over the next few weeks our agenda, our vision for the state. Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report. Read More Facebook

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Newsom-hosted benefit concert raises nearly $5 million for wildfire victims By Taryn Luna Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom speaks at a concert to benefit wildfire victims at the Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento on Jan. 6. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) On the eve of the gubernatorial inauguration, Californias political class rubbed elbows in Sacramento for a benefit concert hosted by Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and headlined by the rapper Pitbull. Newsom told the crowd gathered at the Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening that the fundraiser brought in nearly $5 million for the California Wildfire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports the families of fallen firefighters and communities affected by wildfires. You know, a lot of folks feel anxious about not just politics, but government, Newsom said on stage before introducing the rapper and activist Common. But those firefighters, they are the antidote to the fear and cynicism; they are the manifestation of why government matters and why you should care. Top sponsors, including Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente and other interest groups, paid up to $1 million each to support the cause and curry favor with the new administration. Nathan Click, a spokesman for Newsom, said organizers sold more than 7,000 tickets. Several state lawmakers attended the concert alongside Capitol staff, lobbyists and business types, who mingled on the floor of the arena and offstage in private VIP areas. The rock band X Ambassadors and a duo called the Cold Weather Sons from the town of Paradise, which was destroyed by fire in November, were among several performers who entertained the crowd during the four-hour event. The California Rises concert is the final in a series of festivities held Sunday to celebrate the inauguration of Californias 40th governor. Earlier in the day, Newsom attended a private brunch at Sacramentos Crocker Art Museum and his inaugural committee hosted a free party for families at the California State Railroad Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Newsoms inauguration is set to begin at 11 a.m. Monday on the steps of the Capitol. Facebook

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Inauguration fever hits Sacramento as Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom prepares to take office By Phil Willon Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom holds his son, Dutch, as he and his family attend an inaugural event at the at the state Railroad Museum Sunday. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Incoming Gov. Gavin Newsom doesnt officially take the oath of office until Monday, but the parties celebrating his inauguration were in full swing all day Sunday. Newsom and his family were mobbed by well-wishers at the California State Railroad Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront in the afternoon, where his inaugural committee hosted a free party for families. He just has charisma. Hes able to really connect with people, said Rosielyn Pulmano, an attorney from Elk Grove who came to see Newsom with her husband, two sons and her niece. I think he cares about working Californians and a lot of their issues. Newsom arrived with his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and their four young children, and the governor-elect spent a good deal of his time wading through crowds, taking selfies with supporters and signing autographs as music boomed in the background. As the family toured the inside of the museums locomotives and the bevy of exhibits, Newsoms two-year-old son, Dutch, was wide-eyed, impressed by all the train cars and seemingly a little overwhelmed by the crowd. Newsom said that for his son, all that was missing from the museum was Thomas the Train, popular fictional locomotive in childrens books and cartoons . If theres one thing I can contribute to Sacramento maybe its getting a Thomas the Train exhibit for the two years olds, Newsom joked when talking with reporters afterward. Newsom said he wanted to include such an event in his inaugural festivities to highlight families and children, whose wellbeing will be among the top priorities of his administration. Youll see that not only as a preamble to the inaugural and the budget that well be submitting next week, but I think itll be a big part of the administration, Newsom said. The museum event followed a private, high-dollar brunch at Sacramentos Crocker Art Museum. A steady rain failed to dissuade as many as 200 guests who sipped wine and dined on chicken and salmon while waiting for a photo with Californias new first couple. Seen at the event were representatives of some of the states most powerful political interests, among them organized labor, healthcare companies and tribal gaming interests. A few other high-profile guests attended, too, including Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants, and Erika Jayne, a singer and cast member of the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Im excited to see someone like Gavin  young, vibrant  taking over the state and leading us into the future, Jayne said after attending the brunch with her husband, attorney Tom Girardi. Hes got a lot of great plans. Attendees said the event, which was closed to reporters and held under a tent in the museums outdoor atrium, did not include prepared remarks by Newsom. Among those seen leaving the event were representatives of AT&T, the California Medical Assn., Uber, Kaiser Permanente and the State Building and Construction Trades Council. A fundraising invitation obtained by The Times offered bundled tickets to all of the inauguration events, including those on Sunday and the Monday ceremony, ranging in price from $25,000 to $200,000. The money will be collected by a committee specifically organized to pay for Newsoms inaugural weekend. Sundays festivities are scheduled to end with a benefit concert headlined by Pitbull at the Golden 1 Center, home of the NBAs Sacramento Kings, to raise money for the victims of Californias recent deadly wildfires. Among the attendees at @GavinNewsoms pre-inaugural leadership brunch: Real Housewife of

Bev Hills @erikajayne. Im excited to see someone like Gavinyoung, vibranttaking over the state and leading us into the future. Hes got a lot of great plans. pic.twitter.com/561NHiy2XQ  Melanie Mason (@melmason) January 6, 2019 Facebook

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As Newsom inaugural events begin, he unveils more state budget promises on education and paid family leave Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, seen here last April, will propose new state budget efforts on paid family leave and education subsidies. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Californias incoming governor, who must send his first state budget plan to the Legislature this week, has already signaled a significant new focus on programs to help families and children from infancy to college. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom campaigned on a platform that included a number of child-focused efforts specifically aimed at helping lower-income families. The price tag for the initial efforts is expected to approach $2 billion  a cost paid out of an unrestricted tax revenue windfall that could be one of the largest in state history. Newsom may also seek help for families through new subsidies paid by California employers. The governor-elect is expected to propose a dramatic expansion of paid parental leave  from six weeks to six months  according to an internal document provided by a source close to the Newsom transition team, first reported on Sunday by the New York Times. The document doesnt offer a full explanation for how the program will be funded, saying instead that the budget will set a goal of ensuring that all newborns and newly adopted babies can be cared for by a parent or a close family member for the first six months. Employers across the state are currently assessed a payroll tax that helps offer a subsidy to parents who temporarily leave their job to care for a newborn. Newsoms plan, according to the document, would pay for some of the new costs by shrinking the mandated cash reserve of the state fund that administers the program, allowing more of the money to be paid in benefits. The increase in paid leave would not all happen at once but instead be phased in over a multi-year period. A task force to help implement the expanded care plan is also envisioned, according to the document. It would determine whether two parents could split the six months of paid leave and whether an extended family member could be enlisted to help care for the child of a single parent over the six-month period. The incoming administrations focus on young children will also include $1.8 billion in new spending on early childhood education programs, with a particular focus on training childcare workers and pushing for more California schools to offer full-day kindergarten. Those costs, according to an overview memo obtained by the Los Angeles Times, are considered to be a one-time expense while leaving the long-term costs of the effort to be determined later. More community college students would get free tuition under a third initiative expected in the new governors budget plan. Newsom will propose spending $40 million to offer a second year of tuition-free college to California students, according to an outline provided by a transition official, first reported by Politico. Students are already eligible for a single year of paid tuition under a plan agreed to by Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers in 2017. The incoming governor embraced the idea of free community college during the 2018 campaign as part of a broader focus on additional investments in higher education. Education is an economic development strategy, Newsom said at a higher education forum last spring. We need to significantly increase the investment from the general fund of this state on higher education. Theres no greater higher return on investment. Whether the proposal would be targeted to students based on a familys financial need is unclear. Many low-income students are already eligible for fee waivers at community colleges. The new governor must submit his full state budget plan to lawmakers no later than Thursday. Facebook

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Gavin Newsom and his family decide Sacramento is the place to be The Old Governors Mansion State Historic Park in Sacramento. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will move his family into the mansion. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and his family will give up the Marin County life and move to the Victorian-style governors mansion in Sacramento after he takes the oath of office Monday. Newsom and his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, had debated whether or when to relocate to the state capital since his election in November. The couple have four young children and expressed reservations about moving in the middle of a school year. To best serve the people of California while also maximizing family time together, the Newsoms have therefore decided to move to Sacramento, said Newsoms spokesman, Nathan Click. On Monday, they will move into the Governors Mansion  along with their four children, their two family dogs, and their family bunny rabbit  and reside there for the immediate future. The Newsoms currently live in Marin County. Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife, Ann Gust Brown, moved into the grand house in 2015 after it underwent $4.1 million in renovations to update electrical and plumbing systems, as well as to remove lead-based paint and install a fire sprinkler system and other security features. The mansion was built in 1877 and has been home to 14 governors, but before Brown it had not housed a California governor for nearly half a century. The state bought the mansion from a wealthy Sacramento hardware merchant, Albert Gallatin, in 1903 for $32,500. It was one of the few California homes at that time to have indoor plumbing. Facebook

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Newsom announces top labor, business liaisons as he prepares to take office Julie Su will be secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency for Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Friday named two advisors on issues related to the California economy, each recognized for their expertise on business and labor. The incoming governor will appoint Julie Su as secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and Lenny Mendonca as chief economic and business advisor and director of the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development. Su, 49, has served as state labor commissioner under Gov. Jerry Brown since 2011 and has led an office tasked with the enforcement of Californias labor laws. She won a MacArthur Foundation genius grant in 2001 and previously worked as a civil rights attorney representing low-wage workers. In her new position, Su will be tasked with coordinating the work of several workforce departments in state government, including those that administer unemployment benefits and oversee the relationship between agriculture workers and employers. Mendonca, 57, has been a longtime advocate for rethinking government operations as co-chairman of the nonprofit organization California Forward. Previously, he was partner at McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting firm. While he will be a key advisor to Newsom on the states economy, Mendonca will also lead the office often referred to as Go-Biz, designated as a high-level way to encourage job growth and economic development. In his new role, Mendonca will help ensure that California is rolling out the welcome mat to current and future California businesses and growing a sustainable economy for every Californian, said a statement from the Newsom transition team. Newsom will take the oath of office as governor Monday. He has previously selected key advisors on the state budget, legislative affairs and the executive branchs wide array of agencies and departments. Facebook

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Joshua Groban, aide to Gov. Jerry Brown, sworn in to California Supreme Court By Taryn Luna California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban gives remarks after he is sworn into the court by Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday. (Taryn Luna) California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban, a lawyer and longtime aide to Gov. Jerry Brown, was sworn into the states highest court Thursday in Sacramento. The ceremony marked Browns fourth appointment to the state Supreme Court and gave the seven-member bench a Democratic majority. We live in a highly chaotic, ever-changing and ever-confusing world, Groban said in prepared remarks at the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building. But Im happy to report that Im joining an institution whose fundamental purpose, at core, is to provide stability and consistency amidst this chaotic place we live. I look forward to doing that with a sense of reflection, respect, fidelity to the law and compassion. None of Browns appointees, Groban included, have judicial experience. Groban served as legal counsel to Browns 2010 gubernatorial campaign and joined the administration as a senior advisor to the governor, overseeing the appointments of some 600 judges over the last eight years. Prior to working with Brown, Groban, 45, practiced law for more than a decade. In perhaps his final public appearance before his successor, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, takes office next week, Brown pushed back on notions that he stacked the court. I dont want this to be known as a Brown court, the governor said before administering the judicial oath of office. First of all, the so-called Brown appointments do not agree with themselves and nor should they. They are individuals. They will differ. Its not anybodys court. The governor called the court a high calling and said Groban possesses the values for the job. Probably, next to my wife, Ive talked to no person as much as Ive talked to Josh Groban, Brown said. I think youve talked to him more, Californias First Lady Anne Gust Brown interjected. I cant tell you what the hell hes going to do, Brown later quipped. I warned him, dont screw up, at least not at first. Facebook

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California campaign watchdog agency seeks law barring use of campaign funds to fight harassment claims Former state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). ( (Steve Yeater / Associated Press)) Elected officials accused of harassment or discrimination would be barred from using political contributions to cover their legal defense costs under legislation proposed by Californias campaign watchdog agency. The state Fair Political Practices Commission has agreed to pursue a law change to clear up confusion after an attorney for one former state lawmaker argued political funds could be used in such legal defenses. Commission Chairwoman Alice Germond said putting a prohibition into the law would provide some much needed clarity. As chair, I would like to show the public their lawmakers are held to a standard that is above reproach, Germond said in a statement. People dont give money to campaigns for lawmakers to use it to defend their own bad behavior, so lawmakers shouldnt be able to use it in that manner. The issue came up a year ago when an attorney for former Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) sought a formal opinion from the FPPC after the Senate launched an investigation that later concluded Mendoza likely engaged in a pattern of harassment against female aides. Mendoza resigned in February under threat of expulsion by the Senate. In a Jan. 10, 2018, letter, Cassandra Ferrannini, an attorney for Mendoza, wrote to the FPPC that she believed Mendoza should be allowed to establish a legal defense fund able to defray his legal expenses in defending himself against the allegations. The use of campaign funds for attorneys fees under these circumstances would fall squarely within the scope of legislative matters, since it involves the alleged conduct of a legislator with regard to legislative staff that he supervised, Ferrannini wrote. The commission staff originally issued an advice letter that said Mendoza may use campaign and legal defense funds to defend himself from claims of sexual harassment that arose directly out of his activities or status as a candidate or elected officer. But the panel later rescinded the letter after some members questioned using campaign funds to fight sexual harassment claims. That left uncertainty about what was allowed, which Germond said could be cleared up by a new law. The FPPC is still looking for a legislator to carry the bill, a spokesman said. Facebook

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Californias landmark police transparency law takes effect after court denies police union effort to block it California Supreme Court building (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) A new state law allowing the public disclosure of internal police shooting investigations has gone into effect after the California Supreme Court on Wednesday denied a bid by a police union to block it. The law opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Employees Benefit Assn. challenged the law last month, asking state Supreme Court justices to decide that the law only apply to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. The court rejected that request Wednesday, allowing members of the public to seek all applicable records held by police departments. Union president Grant Ward said in a statement that his organization was disappointed with the decision and is now seeking other legal options. We feel this is a statewide issue and should be considered accordingly, Ward said. Last month, the city of Inglewood authorized the destruction of more than 100 police shooting investigations and other records in advance of Jan. 1, when the disclosure law was scheduled to take effect. California law requires police departments to keep such records for five years, and Inglewood City Council voted to destroy records older than that. Mayor James T. Butts has said the decision had nothing to do with the new law. In Los Angeles, Police Chief Michel Moore has said that complying with the new disclosure rules could take hundreds of thousands of hours of work. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of the transparency law, has said she has no immediate plans to propose changes to it. Facebook

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Few complaints of racial profiling are sustained by police agencies in California, state panel finds CHP Officer J. Nelson stands outside the office of Gov. Jerry Brown as activists in 2015 support requiring the tracking of police stops. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Law enforcement agencies in California sustain few citizen complaints of racial or identity profiling, according to a report Wednesday by a state panel set up to help reduce bias in policing. The states Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board recommended in its annual report that law enforcement agencies improve training and adopt clear guidelines for tracking and reporting data on who is stopped by officers. The panel said that 453 law enforcement agencies in the state received 9,459 civilian complaints in 2017, including 865 complaints alleging racial or identity profiling. Of the racial and identity complaints that reached a disposition that year, 1.5% were sustained, 14.6% resulted in officers being exonerated and 83.9% of complaints were not sustained or were determined to be unfounded, the report said. A clearer picture of the issue is expected from a 2015 law that requires police agencies to report demographic data on all detentions and searches. The first reports by the eight largest agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, are due to be submitted in April. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, whose office oversees the board, said tracking of all detentions and searches will be helpful to understand the scope of the issue. The Boards recommendations will help make our law enforcement agencies more transparent and promote critical steps to enhance, and in some cases, repair the public trust, Becerra said in a statement Wednesday. Facebook

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California housing crisis podcast: What Minneapolis decision to end single-family zoning might mean for California A view of downtown Minneapolis in 2014 (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images) Theres a national movement brewing to roll back zoning rules in cities that only allow one house on a plot of land. The epicenter of that movement is Minneapolis, which passed a plan last month to eliminate single-family zoning citywide and let landowners build duplexes and triplexes on residential property. On this episode of Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast, we talk about the reasons why Minneapolis leaders took this action, including their desire to combat a history of racial exclusion and spur more housing density to fight climate change. We also debate how Minneapolis decision might affect housing politics in California. Our guest is Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, who helped shepherd the new zoning rules to passage and a former San Francisco city planner. The episode also crowns 2018s Avocado of the Year  the most ridiculous story exemplifying Californias housing woes  and includes our predictions for the most under-the-radar important themes in housing politics in 2019. Gimme Shelter, a biweekly podcast that looks at why its so expensive to live in California and what the state can do about it, features Liam Dillon, who covers housing affordability issues for the Los Angeles Times Sacramento bureau, and Matt Levin, data and housing reporter for CALmatters. You can subscribe to Gimme Shelter on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Google Play and Overcast. Facebook

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How young immigrant Dreamers made flipping control of the House a personal quest By Jazmine Ulloa Gabriela Cruz, who was brought to the U.S. illegally when she was 1, couldnt vote, but in the final hours before the Nov. 6 election, she was making one last run to get people to the polls. The sun was setting in Modesto when she found Ronald Silva, 41, smoking a cigarette on a tattered old couch behind a group home. He politely tried to wave her off until she reminded him he had a right that she as an immigrant without citizenship didnt have. It could really make a change for us, said Cruz, 29. Read More Facebook

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Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will propose almost $2 billion for early childhood programs (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Seeking to frame his new administration as one with a firm focus on closing the gap between children from affluent and poor families, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will propose spending some $1.8 billion on an array of programs designed to boost Californias enrollment in early education and child-care programs. Newsoms plan, which he hinted at in a Fresno event last month, will be a key element in the state budget proposal he will submit to the Legislature shortly after taking office Monday, a source close to the governor-elects transition team said. The spending would boost programs designed to ensure children enter kindergarten prepared to learn, closing what some researchers have called the readiness gap that exists based on a familys income. It would also phase in an expansion of prekindergarten and offer money to help school districts that dont have facilities for full-day kindergarten. The fact that hes making significant investments with his opening budget is really exciting, Ted Lempert, president of the Bay Area-based nonprofit Children Now, said Tuesday. Whats exciting is the comprehensiveness of it, because its saying were going to focus on prenatal through age 5. A broad overview document reviewed by The Times on Tuesday shows that most of the outlay under the plan  $1.5 billion  would be a one-time expense in the budget year that begins July 1. Those dollars would be a single infusion of cash, an approach favored by Gov. Jerry Brown in recent years. Most of the money would be spent on efforts to expand child-care services and kindergarten classes. By law, a governor must submit a full budget to the Legislature no later than Jan. 10. Lawmakers will spend the winter and spring reviewing the proposal and must send a final budget plan to Newsom by June 15. Though legislative Democrats have pushed for additional early childhood funding in recent years  a key demand of the Legislative Womens Caucus  those actions have typically come late in the budget-writing season in Sacramento. Quite frankly, to start out with a January proposal that includes that investment in Californias children reflects a new day, state Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) said. The governor-elect will propose a $750-million boost to kindergarten funding, aimed at expanding facilities to allow full-day programs. A number of school districts offer only partial-day programs, leaving many low-income families to skip enrolling their children because kindergarten classes end in the middle of the workday. Because the money would not count toward meeting Californias three-decades-old education spending guarantee under Proposition 98, which sets a minimum annual funding level for K-12 schools and community colleges, it will not reduce planned spending on other education services. Close behind in total cost is a budget proposal by Newsom to help train child-care workers and expand local facilities already subsidized by the state, as well as those serving parents who attend state colleges and universities. Together, those efforts could cost $747 million, according to the budget overview document. An expansion of prekindergarten programs would be phased in over three years at a cost of $125 million in the first year. The multiyear rollout would, according to the budget overview, ensure the system can plan for the increase in capacity. Lempert said the Newsom proposal is notable for trying to avoid the kinds of battles that in recent years pitted prekindergarten and expanded child care against each other for additional taxpayer dollars. The reality is we need to expand both simultaneously, he said. Another $200 million of the proposal would be earmarked for programs that provide home visits to expectant parents from limited-income families and programs that provide healthcare screenings for young children. Some of the money would come from the states Medi-Cal program, and other money from federal matching dollars. Funding for the home visits program was provided in the budget Brown signed last summer; the Newsom effort would build on that. Emphasizing a policy area with broad appeal in his first state budget could reflect Newsoms political sensibility about the challenges ahead. Democratic lawmakers and interest groups will be especially eager to see how Newsom addresses the demand for an overhaul of healthcare coverage in California  especially after a 2017 effort to create a single-payer, universal system fizzled. The path forward on healthcare is complex and costly, making early childhood education a more achievable goal in the governor-elects early tenure. Newsom is likely to face considerable demands for other additional spending. In November, the Legislatures independent analysts projected that continued strength in tax revenues could produce a cash reserve of some $29 billion over the next 18 months. Almost $15 billion of that could be in unrestricted reserves, the kind that can be spent on any number of government programs. Kim Belshe, executive director of the child advocacy organization First 5 LA and a former state health and human services secretary, said the initial Newsom budget proposal suggests the next governor will focus on a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for children from low-income families. School-ready kids deserve quality early learning, strong and well-supported families, and access to early screening services, Belshe said. Newsom understands the whole child, multifaceted needs of our kids and is clearly ready to lead. Mitchell, the chair of the Senate budget committee, said shes eager to see the details of the governor-elects proposal to determine whether it might signal the beginning of an even broader expansion of early education efforts. Similar efforts have been hindered by a lack of money and ongoing debate over which services to help children 5 and younger need state funding the most. Universal preschool, in particular, has been debated for more than a decade. California voters rejected a ballot measure to fund a full prekindergarten system in 2006. Its clear theres a new movement afoot trying to engage on investment for universal preschool, Mitchell said. How we invest, and how we prioritize that investment, is going to be a great conversation for the coming months. Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: A final conversation with Gov. Jerry Brown No Californian has served longer as governor, signed more laws, granted clemency to more felons or waged more high-profile campaigns than Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown will leave behind a unique legacy when he packs his last belongings for the trip from the governors mansion in Sacramento to his Northern California ranch. His final two terms in office could be his most consequential. The governor reviewed some of the more notable moments from the past eight years in a far-reaching interview with The Times on Dec. 22. This weeks podcast episode includes extended portions of that conversation. Facebook

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A sagging economy could doom a 2020 ballot measure to raise commercial property taxes, Gov. Jerry Brown says Gov. Jerry Brown, at his Colusa County home on Saturday, said a ballot measure to raise commercial property taxes could struggle in 2020. (Randall Benton/For The Times) An effort to remove commercial property in California from the tax limits imposed by the landmark Proposition 13 could be felled by an economic slowdown, Gov. Jerry Brown said. In a Saturday interview with The Times at his Northern California ranch, Brown said liberal activist groups that have successfully placed the proposal on the November 2020 statewide ballot shouldnt read too much into early poll numbers showing support for the plan. That isnt as easy as you think, Brown said. Because youre going to be in a downturn of the business cycle. And youre talking many kinds of business. And the cost of doing business in California is already high. The ballot measure would allow counties to more frequently assess the market value of commercial property in California than allowed under Proposition 13, a 1978 ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to place strict limits on assessing property values and taxation for both homeowners and businesses. An analysis of the new measure, which qualified in October for the 2020 ballot, estimates it could bring in some $10.5 billion a year in new tax revenue. The business community will fight it, Brown said. And the minimum wage, the family leave, the environmental rules  business[es] have left California, thats going to be the big argument. And I think thats something you really have to think a lot about. The governor, who leaves office early next month due to term limits, declined to either endorse or oppose the ballot measure. He said Californias economic health in two years time could be a key factor in how voters weigh the proposal. Well be in a recession by then, Brown said. So its anybodys guess. Facebook

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Inglewood to destroy more than 100 police shooting records that could otherwise become public under new California law By Jack Dolan Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts (Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times) The city of Inglewood has authorized the shredding of more than 100 police shooting and other internal investigation records weeks before a new state law could allow the public to access them for the first time. The decision, made at a City Council meeting earlier this month, has troubled civil liberties advocates who were behind the state legislation, Senate Bill 1421, which takes effect Jan. 1. The law opens to the public internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The legislature passed SB 1421 because communities demanded an end to the secrecy cloaking police misconduct and use of force, Marcus Benigno, a spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said in a statement. Inglewood PDs decision to purge records undermines police accountability and transparency against the will of Californians. California law says police departments must retain records of officer shootings and internal misconduct investigations for five years. The city of Inglewood, however, had kept records longer than that, including case files of police shootings dating to 1991. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of SB 1421, intended for her bill to allow public access to all qualifying records held by a department, no matter the date of the incident. Inglewood City Council approved the destruction of records that have been in the police departments possession  more than 100 cases  longer than required by law. The city staff report and council resolution describing the action makes no mention of the new police transparency law. Instead it says the affected records are obsolete, occupy valuable space, and are of no further use to the police department. It added the traditional method of destroying such records is to shred them. It is unclear whether the records have since been destroyed. A spokesman for the Inglewood Police Department along with Inglewoods city manager, attorney, clerk, four council members and Mayor James T. Butts, a former Santa Monica police chief, did not respond to requests for comment. Inglewoods City Hall is closed the last two weeks of December. The Inglewood Police Department has a reputation for secrecy and using excessive force. In 2008, the departments officers fatally shot four men in as many months, three of whom turned out to be unarmed. The U.S. Department of Justice launched a civil rights probe and found significant flaws in the way the department oversaw use-of-force cases and investigated complaints against officers. Civil rights advocates still question why Inglewood police opened fire on a couple found sleeping in a car in 2016, killing them both. California police have a long history of shredding records to avoid scrutiny of their actions. In the 1970s, the LAPD famously destroyed more than four tons of personnel records after defense attorneys began requesting them as part of criminal cases against their clients. The move resulted in the dismissal of more than a hundred criminal complaints. In response, the Legislature demanded that records be preserved but then took other measures, supported by police unions, to ensure the public had very little access to them, making California the most secretive state in the nation when it comes to police misconduct. Skinners legislation begins to unwind those laws, which have been on the books since 1978. No video or audio of the Dec. 11 council action is available on the citys website and neither are meeting minutes or any record of the decision. A city spokeswoman, Courtney Torres, confirmed that the council had voted in favor of the police records purge, and said all the relevant reasons for the decision were included in the city staff report. The Jan. 1 implementation for SB 1421 has prompted other police officials to act. A police union in San Bernardino is asking the state Supreme Court to determine that Skinners bill only applies to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore sent a letter to Skinner earlier this month warning that complying with the law in regard to older records in the departments possession could take hundreds of thousands of work hours. Facebook

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Federal officials question California DMVs process for issuing Real IDs (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has notified the California Department of Motor Vehicles that its process for providing residents with federally recognized identification cards is not adequate. DMV spokesman Armando Botello said Friday that 2.3 million residents who received Real IDs under the current process will have to submit additional documentation when their cards are renewed in five years but will be able to use them in the meantime. The DMV is developing a way for residents to submit more documentation online or via email to comply with the stricter federal requirement, he said. But some state legislators are upset about delays in notifying them of the problem and say Homeland Security could eventually require additional documentation provided by current holders. The DMV has known for a month that millions of Real IDs theyve been dolling out are potentially invalid, Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) said. The DMVs only hope is that the Department of Homeland Security takes pity on California and gives the DMV more time to fix this mess. Real IDs are a new kind of driver license and identification card that federal law will require legal residents to present when boarding domestic flights or visiting military bases and other federal facilities starting Oct. 1, 2020. The DMV has only been requiring one form of documentation, including a current lease or utility bill, to verify the residence of a card applicant. But the federal government said in a Nov. 21 letter to the agency that two such documents are needed. On Friday, DMV Director Jean Shiomoto released a letter defending the current process but said her agency will start requiring a second document to prove residency in April. In order to minimize confusion among our customers, the CADMV will work to inform individuals who have been issued a Real ID under the current process that their card will be accepted for official federal purposes, even if their renewal occurs after the October 1, 2020, final enforcement date for Real ID, Shiomoto wrote to the federal agency. Legislative officials worry there is still a possibility that those issued Real IDs in the past might be required to present a second document to have their cards designated as compliant. The more complex process for obtaining Real IDs has led to hours-long waits for customers at DMV field offices this year, although wait times have been reduced recently by an increase in staffing. Shiomoto last month announced that she is retiring amid problems with the motor voter registration system and after the governor ordered an audit of her agency in response to the long wait times. On Friday, Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron of Escondido blasted the DMV for waiting a month to tell legislators of the problem. This is unacceptable and flies in the face of security for our citizens, which is what Real ID was created for in the first place, she said in a statement. Facebook

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Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom taps Keely Bosler to be his finance director Keely Bosler, the director of the California Department of Finance, will continue in that role under Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. (California Department of Finance) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Friday appointed Keely Martin Bosler as director of the California Department of Finance, continuing the role she has served under Gov. Jerry Brown since August. Bosler will become Newsoms chief fiscal advisor, and will play a pivotal role in shaping Newsoms spending plan for the state that will lay the foundation for his top policy priorities. Newsom must roll out his first budget plan within days of taking office on Jan. 7. Californias brighter future depends on a strong, stable fiscal foundation, Newsom said in a statement released Friday afternoon. Keely is an accomplished public servant of sound fiscal judgment. She understands that state budgets are more than numbers on a page  they are value statements affecting the fate and future of millions of families reaching for the California Dream. We are fortunate to have her on our team. Prior to being appointed finance director, Bosler served as Browns cabinet secretary for two years and, before that, as the chief deputy director for budget in the Finance Department for three years. Earlier this year, Brown picked Bosler to lead an audit of the Department of Motor Vehicles, which had come under fire for long wait times at DMV field offices and numerous computer problems, including errors in the new motor voter program that registered Californians to vote. As we have discussed, long wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles do not reflect the high standards of service that Californians expect from their state government, Bosler wrote in a letter in September to DMV Director Jean Shiomoto. The audit is still ongoing, but Shiomoto has since announced she will retire at the end of the year. Facebook

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Californias legislative analyst, after decades of nonpartisan research for lawmakers, calls it a career Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, who has led the state research unit since 2008, will retire on Dec. 31. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Only five people have led the independent research office of the California Legislature since its creation in 1941. And each of them has had a pretty simple mantra to live by in reviewing public policy proposals and government programs: Call it like you see it. The job of any analyst, to me, is you maintain that nonpartisanship, Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor said. Taylor, 65, will retire from the post at the end of December after a four-decade career with the research team that began, as he likes to tell it, just after the passage of the landmark property tax rollback, Proposition 13, in 1978. He became the leader of the office, with the title of legislative analyst, in October 2008. Two months later, state government found itself in arguably the worst fiscal crisis in its history  a projected shortfall that ultimately grew to $42 billion by the following winter. There were forces beyond our control, Taylor said of that time. But dont underestimate the policy changes that were made afterward. Those changes, most notably a boost in taxes paid by high-income earners and a robust state budget cash reserve fund, have helped lead to successive years of fully funded government services. The state is projected to have some $24 billion in reserves by the end of the current fiscal year. Taylor announced his intention earlier to step down this year. Leaders from both houses of the Legislature select the analyst, who leads a staff of almost five dozen researchers. The office provides in-depth reports on pending legislation, as well as on broader policy topics like education and healthcare, and produces an independent analysis for every proposed ballot measure. A succession of lawmakers and governors alike have praised or panned the work of the Legislative Analysts Office based on their own political worldview. Taylor said his staff is mindful that they work for legislators, but try to ignore the rhetoric that follows the release of a major report. People are going to do what theyre going to do with our information, he said. They dont always like it, but they appreciate that we give them our best advice. Taylor oversaw a transformation in the way the Legislative Analysts Office distributes its information, embracing the release of research reports through social media instead of relying on traditional printed copies and journalist roundtable events. But he said the work of the researchers has remained largely unchanged through the decades. Having an independent take on things, I think, is good for the Legislature, he said. No replacement for Taylor has been announced, which means a short transition for his eventual successor before Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom sends his first budget proposal to lawmakers in early January. Taylor, who lives in the Sacramento suburbs, said he will honor the tradition of his predecessors in stepping away from public policy debates in order to give the new analyst space to lead the team as he or she sees fit. He said he hopes to travel in the coming years and spend time with his children who have moved to the East Coast. Forty years in state government, Taylor said in why he was stepping aside now. Isnt that enough? Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown sues to save California sentencing laws By Don Thompson, Associated Press (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown sued Thursday to protect one of his signature actions in office, a voter-approved measure that allows most prison inmates to seek earlier release and participate in rehabilitation programs. His administration filed a lawsuit challenging a pending 2020 initiative that seeks to toughen criminal penalties as part of an effort to roll back reforms adopted by voters within the last decade. Browns lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court contends the measure lacked enough valid signatures to overturn a previously approved constitutional amendment. County officials and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla certified the signatures in July but said they were submitted too late to qualify for last months election. The lawsuit names Padilla and the ballot measures official proponent, Nina Salarno Besselman, president of the advocacy group Crime Victims United. Padilla said the measure exceeded the required roughly 366,000 valid signatures, equal to 5% of votes cast for governor in 2014. Browns lawsuit says he used the wrong threshold. It says changing the state Constitution requires 8%, or more than 585,400 signatures. That makes the pending initiative more than 150,000 signatures short, the lawsuit says. Hes wrong, said Jeff Flint, a spokesman for the campaign backing the measure. He predicted a judge will be reluctant to reject a measure that already has qualified for the ballot. The secretary of state told us how many signatures are required, and thats how many we collected, Flint said. Padillas office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The measure would reverse reforms adopted by voters through Proposition 47 in 2014 and Proposition 57 in 2016. Proposition 57 allows most inmates to seek earlier paroles, and Proposition 47 reduced some drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. The combination has helped keep Californias inmate population below a population cap set by federal judges. Corrections department spokeswoman Vicky Waters said the measure gives corrections and parole officials broad discretion to protect our communities and fashion a rational system of rehabilitation and punishment. This new initiative unlawfully seeks to supplant the departments constitutional authority to implement these critical reforms to our criminal justice system. The pending initiative would shorten the list of crimes that qualify for earlier parole and change some theft crimes from misdemeanors back to felonies. It would also increase the number of crimes for which DNA is collected, a list that was limited when some crimes went from felonies to misdemeanors. Those supporting the tougher penalties say easing criminal penalties has increased the number of dangerous criminals on the streets, but those backing the changes say they have helped reduce mass incarceration and rehabilitate convicted criminals. Facebook

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California Supreme Court orders records unsealed in pardon of ex-state Sen. Roderick Wright Former state Sen. Roderick Wright (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times) The California Supreme Court has granted a request to unseal court records involving Gov. Jerry Browns decision last month to pardon former state Sen. Roderick Wright for felony convictions involving lying about living in his legislative district, officials said Thursday. The court order was in response to a request by the nonpartisan First Amendment Coalition, which argued that the public has a right to know what information went into the governors decision to grant clemency to Wright. This is an important victory for public access to court files involving the exercise of executive clemency, said coalition spokesman Glen A. Smith. We are gratified the court has recognized that these decisions should be subject to the same public access rules that apply to other judicial records under California law. The court gave Browns office until Jan. 2 to redact confidential material before giving the court documents that can be released to the public. The court files submitted by the governors office include letters of support for a pardon and an internal review of Wrights case. The court denied a motion to unseal the records of all clemency cases but left open consideration of requests on other individual cases. Browns office is currently evaluating the courts decision, said spokesman Brian Ferguson. The governor argued against unsealing records in a recent court filing that said confidentiality is consistent with historical practice and is supported by state law. In pardoning Wright on Nov. 22, the governor wrote: He has shown that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law abiding citizen. Facebook

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California political watchdog agency fines BART, urges prosecution over using public funds for campaign A Bay Area Rapid Transit train leaves the station in Oakland in this 2013 file photo. (Ben Margot / AP) Californias state political watchdog agency on Thursday imposed a $7,500 fine against the Bay Area Rapid Transit District and called for a possible criminal or civil prosecution over allegations the district used public resources to campaign for a 2016 bond measure. The state Fair Political Practices Commission levied an administrative fine against BART for its failure to disclose spending on YouTube videos, social media posts and text messages to promote Measure RR, which authorized $3.5 billion in general obligation bonds. Though the panel lacks authority to seek criminal charges over the misuse of public funds, it also urged county district attorneys in the BART service area and the state attorney general to pursue possible criminal or civil charges over the spending of taxpayer dollars for campaign purposes, Commission Chairwoman Alice Germond said. It is the concept of misusing public funds that I think we all here are very disturbed about, and we want to send a warning and not create a precedent that is a minor, little slap on the wrist, Germond said, adding that the referral to criminal prosecutors would further send a message that this is wrong. Commissioner Brian Hatch also called for the state Legislature to consider granting the FPPC power to go after public agencies that spend taxpayer money on campaigns. Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) called on the agency to increase the fine to the maximum level of $33,375. The proposed $7,500 fine represents a slap on the wrist for a very serious violation of the law and the publics trust, Glazer said in a letter to the panel. In supporting the fine recommended by the staff, Germond said BART has agreed to pay the penalty. Somebody did something wrong and they have admitted it, she said. A staff report said there were factors in favor of a fine below the maximum. Although the Commission considers BARTs violations to be serious, the absence of any evidence of an intention to conceal, deceive, or mislead; the voluntary filing of the delinquent campaign statement; and the absence of a prior record are mitigating, the report said. Facebook

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California police union seeks state Supreme Court review of new law disclosing internal investigation records Los Angeles Police Department officers. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A police union is asking the California Supreme Court to block the release of internal officer investigations before a new state law takes effect next year. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Employees Benefit Assn. filed a petition Tuesday asking justices to rule that only investigations of incidents that occur after Jan. 1 would be available under the law  and not those the department has on file from years prior. The litigation comes after this years passage of Senate Bill 1421, which opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department has told the union it intends to make available in response to public records requests all the information it has. The union is very concerned about any plans to retroactively apply Senate Bill 1421, Grant Ward, the unions president, said in a statement. We believe retroactive application violates our members rights and we hope the California Supreme Court will consider the serious issues raised by our legal challenge. The bills author, Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), does not agree with the unions interpretation. She has said her legislation should apply to all the records in a police departments possession because the law simply declared that affected records were no longer confidential. If the record exists, its disclosable, Skinner said. A decision on what records will be available under the law is key to how far-reaching it will be. If the court restricts access to incidents that occurred prior to 2019, those cases will not be subject to public scrutiny. The police union in San Bernardino County is not the only one raising concerns about the law. Earlier this month, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore sent a letter to Skinner expressing concern that his agency would be overwhelmed if the law required the department to disclose older incidents. Even if the law only applied to the previous five years, Moore wrote, it could take nearly 300,000 hours of work to comply with its provisions. The LAPD operates with a guiding principle of Reverence for the Law; as such, we will diligently comply with SB 1421, Moore wrote. We maintain, however, that a retroactive implementation of SB 1421 will be exceptionally burdensome and would require significant reallocation of front-line investigative personnel. Skinner said if complying with the law becomes untenable for law enforcement agencies that maintain records for a long time, she would consider modifications. But she said agencies did not raise this concern during discussion over the bill. SB 1421 went through multiple committee hearings, multiple floor debates, extensive opportunity for all parties to weigh in on concerns with its structure, she said. That was not an issue that was raised by law enforcement at the time. Facebook

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Gov. Brown warns of backlash for Republicans in 2020 if Obamacare repeal is upheld Gov. Jerry Brown at the National Press Club in April. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Gov. Jerry Brown warned Republicans on Tuesday that repeal of the Affordable Care Act would devastate the partys political chances in the 2020 election. Brown, speaking at a Sacramento Press Club event moderated by Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton and Brown family historian Miriam Pawel, said a federal judges ruling last week to strike down the 2010 law  if upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court  will build such a backlash that the Democrats will not only take over the Senate, theyll win the presidency and will win with the kind of momentum, particularly on the issue of healthcare, that [the law] will be replaced probably with something even better. The governor, who leaves office in less than three weeks, said he did not believe the ruling by a Texas judge would ultimately prevail. I think the decision will probably be overturned, Brown said. Few states have embraced the law championed by former President Obama more than California, both through its healthcare exchange, Covered California, and by expanding access to government-funded services under Medi-Cal. Some 12 million Californians now receive healthcare through Medi-Cal, and Brown said a final ruling affecting the federal dollars that subsidize that care would be a serious blow. California would not be able to afford it without the subsidy, the governor said. Facebook

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Bars in Los Angeles, San Francisco could stay open until 4 a.m. under new bill A bar in Sherman Oaks (acuna-hansen) For the third year in a row, a California lawmaker is trying to keep bars open until 4 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation that would allow Los Angeles, San Francisco and seven other cities to extend the sales of alcohol in bars, clubs and restaurants by an additional two hours. Nightlife brings people together, fosters creativity and innovation, supports small businesses, and creates middle-class jobs, Wiener said in a statement. Its time to embrace our nighttime economy and give our cities the tools they need to foster the best nightlife possible. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill by Wiener, writing: I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem. Should this years measure, Senate Bill 58, advance through the Legislature, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom would decide whether to sign it into law. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has endorsed SB 58, saying the city should have more flexibility than it does now. Every community has its own needs, and cities should be able to make informed decisions about what nightlife hours make sense for residents, visitors, and neighborhoods, Garcetti said in a statement. The bill would create a five-year pilot program where Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs could decide to allow restaurants and bars within their cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. with the approval of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Facebook

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Bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco could stay open until 4 a.m. under new bill A bar in Sherman Oaks. (Acuna-Hansen) For the third year in a row, a California lawmaker is trying to keep bars open until 4 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation that would allow Los Angeles, San Francisco and seven other cities to extend the sales of alcohol in bars, clubs and restaurants by an additional two hours. Nightlife brings people together, fosters creativity and innovation, supports small businesses and creates middle-class jobs, Wiener said in a statement. Its time to embrace our nighttime economy and give our cities the tools they need to foster the best nightlife possible. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill by Wiener, writing: I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem. Should this years measure, Senate Bill 58, advance through the Legislature, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom would decide whether to sign it into law. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has endorsed SB 58, saying the city should have more flexibility than it does now. Every community has its own needs, and cities should be able to make informed decisions about what nightlife hours make sense for residents, visitors and neighborhoods, Garcetti said in a statement. The bill would create a five-year pilot program where Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs could decide to allow restaurants and bars within their cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. with the approval of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Facebook

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Californias DMV director announces retirement amid problems with motor voter program (Kent Nishamura/Los Angeles Times) The director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles will retire at years end with a number of questions unanswered about the implementation of a major voter registration system and long wait times experienced by customers for much of the past summer. Jean Shiomoto will not continue in her current role as Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom takes office, and announced to staff several weeks ago her intent to retire at the end of the year after 38 years in state service, spokesman Armando Botello said in an email to The Times on Friday. Newsoms transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on who might lead the department in 2019. Shiomoto was appointed DMV director by Gov. Jerry Brown in the fall of 2013, having served in prior leadership roles with the department. DMV officials have been sharply criticized by lawmakers in recent months for delays in serving customers at its field offices across the state. Last week, DMV officials revealed errors in registering California voters for the November election  mistakes that followed a series of problems in the rollout of the states new motor voter registration system. Secretary of State Alex Padilla last week said he had lost confidence in Shiomotos leadership as a result of the voting registration problems. Facebook

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New law could break the stalemate over housing on the site of a near-vacant Cupertino mall By Liam Dillon For more than a decade, developers have tried to build new housing on the site of an all-but-empty mall in Cupertino, a city in the heart of Silicon Valley and home to Apple headquarters. A well-organized group of neighbors, upset about traffic, building heights and the potential loss of the communitys suburban lifestyle, turned away every plan. Now, for the first time, the stalemate might be broken  thanks to a decision made in the state Capitol. In an effort to address Californias housing affordability problem, legislators passed a law last year that requires cities and counties to approve housing projects if they comply with local zoning rules and other standards, forcing some resistant communities to agree to new homebuilding. In September, the city of Cupertino, citing the state law, approved developer Sand Hill Property Co.s proposal to build an office park and more than 2,400 homes where the Vallco Shopping Mall sits. Read More Facebook

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Local government was a last bastion for struggling California Republicans. Not anymore By Mark Z. Barabak Theres no shortage of watery metaphors to describe the disaster that befell California Republicans this midterm election. A blue wave. A Democratic tsunami. But the most apt may be a flood, with the casualties steadily rising as the vote count climbed in the days and weeks following Nov. 6. Eventually half the GOP congressional delegation was washed away, along with the entire slate of statewide Republican candidates. In Sacramento, Democrats claimed 29 of 40 state Senate seats and seized three-quarters of the 80-member Assembly  the largest number since 1883, when Chester A. Arthur was serving in the White House. Read More Facebook

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For the Republicans left in Californias Legislature, fewer lawmakers will have to do more work By John Myers From January to late summer every year, the California Legislature is a perpetual motion machine. And in the new year, the people most likely to struggle in keeping up will be Republicans, vastly outnumbered but still responsible for representing millions of the states residents. There are 22 standing committees in the state Senate, plus at least a dozen more subcommittees or special committees. And after Novembers election, only 11 Republican senators will be left to divvy up the work. To the victors go the spoils. To the vanquished go the extra assignments. Read More Facebook

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Californias DMV failed to finish registering 329 new voters before November election (Los Angeles Times) Officials at the California Department of Motor Vehicles said Friday that the agency failed to send information for 329 new voters to state elections officers in time for the November election, the latest revelation in a string of mishaps regarding voter registration. Secretary of State Alex Padilla responded with a blistering letter, calling on Gov. Jerry Brown or Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom to replace Jean Shiomoto, the DMV director. The Director of DMV has lost my confidence and trust, Padilla wrote. In all, the agency revealed that 589 mailed voter registration records that should have been processed under election deadlines werent sent to Californias secretary of state until late November, including forms from 260 drivers who had intended to update their address on existing voter registration records. The DMV had been instructed to not send registration forms that came in after Oct. 22, but the voters in question had forms that were postmarked before the deadline. In some cases, when the postmark wasnt legible, the agency said, documents inside indicated the voter had intended to finish their registration in time for the Nov. 6 election. The DMV recognizes the pause in transmittals was an error and affected the timing of the registration of the 589 individuals referenced above relative to the November election, Shiomoto wrote in a letter to Padilla on Friday. The pause was due to a misunderstanding on the part of the department, for which we take responsibility. Those who were trying to update their address for voter registration would not have been blocked from casting ballots. But officials said its unclear whether any of the 329 new voters were able to participate in the election. Shiomoto said in her letter that DMV will work with elections officials. The errors were not related to previous DMV mistakes about registering voters, problems associated with the rollout of the states new motor voter law. In those cases, multiple registration forms were sent to local elections offices for some voters, some people were assigned the wrong political party preference and others who are noncitizens were incorrectly placed on the list of registered voters. DMV officials have yet to respond to questions posed by The Times over the last several weeks about who knew of those mistakes and when. Facebook

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Newsom appoints a labor advocate and a former staffer as his chief deputy Cabinet secretaries By Taryn Luna A labor advocate and a San Francisco political operative have accepted positions in Gov.-elect Gavin Newsoms new administration. Angie Wei, a Capitol insider with deep ties to organized labor in California, will serve as a chief deputy Cabinet secretary with a focus on policy development. As a legislative director and chief of staff at the California Labor Federation, Wei has represented more than 1,200 unions and 2.1 million workers in Capitol fights over a host of policy issues, including drug-pricing transparency and paid family leave. The governor-elect also tapped Jason Elliott, a policy advisor to Newsom during his time as mayor of San Francisco and a chief of staff to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, as another chief deputy Cabinet secretary overseeing executive branch operations. Elliott and Wei will serve under Ana Matosantos, Newsoms previously
The Trump administration is poised to roll back Clean Water Act protections on millions of acres of waterways and wetlands, including up to two-thirds of Californias inland streams, following through on a promise to agriculture interests and real estate developers to rewrite an Obama-era rule limiting pollution.

The administrations plan for a vastly scaled-down Clean Water Rule is expected to be released as soon as Tuesday. Officials said nearly two years ago that they had begun the process of reversing the rule President Obama put in place, and internal talking points laying out its case were disclosed late last week by the environmental media outlet E&E News.

For the record: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that as much as 80% of streams in California could lose federal Clean Water Act protection under a new Trump administration plan. The 80% figure applies to streams throughout the arid West. The figure for California is 66%. The earlier version also failed to note that some wetlands adjacent to navigable waterways would continue to be covered under the administration plan.

The talking points signal that the Environmental Protection Agency intends to strip federal protections from many of the nations wetlands and streams that do not flow year-round. The administration has not challenged the accuracy of the talking points.

The previous administrations 2015 rule wasnt about water quality, the draft talking points said. It was about power  power in the hands of the federal government over farmers, developers and landowners.

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At stake are billions of dollars in potential development rights, the quality of drinking water for tens of millions of Americans and rules that affect farming in much of the country, as well as wildlife habitat for most of the nations migratory birds and many other species.

Under the administrations plan, the Clean Water Acts protections would no longer apply to most seasonal ponds, wetlands and streams, including those that form major parts of drinking-water systems and fisheries throughout the nation, particularly in the arid West. As many as 1 in 3 Americans drink water derived in part from seasonal streams that may no longer get protections, according to scientific studies the Obama-era EPA relied on in writing the original rule.

In California, where many significant stretches of fresh water dry up in the summer, as much as 66% of the states freshwater streams could lose federal protection. The waters would continue to have protection under state law, but few states are in position to replace the regulatory systems currently run by federal officials.

These protections have been around for 50 years, said Jessica Kao, who until this year was the EPAs lead Clean Water Act enforcement attorney in the Southwest. Its not that easy for a state to just step in and take it over. You need to build up expertise and devote significant resources to it.

Trump administration officials reject the federal data that show as many as 66% of the freshwater streams in California  and 81% in the arid Southwest overall  could lose Clean Water Act protection, saying the Obama EPA lacked enough specifics to back up that estimate.

The premise  is wrong, EPA spokesman John Konkus said an email. The previous administration did not have enough information to accurately or responsibly quantify changes in federally regulated waters. That means there are no data to support the 80% estimate.

The Trump administrations plan would preserve protections for some seasonal streams that regulators would classify as perennial and intermittent tributaries to traditional navigable waters. Protections would also be preserved for wetlands adjacent to navigable waters.

Administration officials have declined to specify how many streams fall into the intermittent category.

The EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers share authority over development that affects lakes and rivers used in interstate commerce. But because pollution flows downstream, the government also has taken jurisdiction over nonnavigable waters that connect to those.

The issue that has generated battles through four consecutive administrations involves how far upstream the governments reach can extend.

Environmentalists have pushed to extend protections to seasonal waters, seeing them as key resources for healthy ecosystems. Agricultural and real estate interests have pushed back hard, complaining of intrusions by heavy-handed bureaucrats.

Farmers have argued the Obama-era rules could force them to get costly and cumbersome permits just to dig a drainage ditch. Developers warned the new restrictions could needlessly complicate home building.

They are joined by mining and oil companies seeking to limit the reach of environmental rules that hold the firms accountable for industrial activities disrupting streams and wetlands.

In a federal court brief filed in June in North Dakota, a large coalition of industry groups argued they risked crushing fines and possible criminal penalties for failing to get permits to discharge pollutants into waters that were never meant to protected by the Clean Water Act.

Under Obama, the EPA found many of those fears exaggerated. The agency concluded that the protections it put in place would actually create a net economic benefit for the nation of as much as $550 million a year.

You cant protect the larger bodies of water unless you protect the smaller ones that flow into them, said Ken Kopocis, who was the chief EPA water official under Obama. You end up with a situation where you can pollute or destroy smaller streams and bodies, and it will eventually impact the larger ones.

All of the historic federal water cleanups have involved repairing damage that was done to intermittent streams flowing into a major navigable river or lake, he said.

The latest look at the Trump administration and the rest of Washington 

Because of conflicting court rulings, the Obama rules have been in effect in only part of the country. Federal courts covering 22 states, including the West Coast, New England, the mid-Atlantic and parts of the upper Midwest, have allowed the rules to go into effect. In those states, mostly controlled by Democrats, state governments have generally supported the Obama-era rules.

Courts covering most of the South, the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountain states have put the rules on hold in response to suits brought by developers, farm groups and conservative states that have sought to overturn the Obama rules.

In those states, regulators have provided Clean Water Action protections to seasonal streams and wetlands on a case-by-case basis.

Those legal battles came nearly a decade after the Supreme Court waded into the issue, with the justices split on what waters warrant Clean Water Act protections. A deciding opinion by former Justice Anthony M. Kennedy created a path for the Obama administration to apply its rules to seasonal streams and wetlands.

Environmental groups warn the new Trump rules would restrict the EPA from any enforcement, leaving the job entirely to the states and giving some of the most crucial bodies of water the least amount of protection they have had in decades.

It is hard to overstate the impact of this, said Blan Holman, managing attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, an advocacy group.

This would be taking a sledgehammer to the Clean Water Act and rolling things back to a place we havent been since it was passed. It is a huge threat to water quality across the country, and especially in the West.

More stories from Evan Halper 

evan.halper@latimes.com

Twitter: @evanhalper
Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) will meet with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday, the kickoff of up to 10 days of political posturing and negotiations over whether the presidents border wall should be funded as part of a year-end spending bill that needs to pass by Dec. 21.

The bill, which funds a portion of the government, represents Trumps last chance to get taxpayer funding for the border wall while the House and Senate are both controlled by Republicans. Trump campaigned heavily on the issue, though he originally promised Mexico would pay for the wall.

Schumer and Pelosi, the top two Democrats in Congress, say there is no way their members will support funding for the wall, especially after flipping 40 House seats in last months midterm election.

If they cant come to an agreement, a portion of the government could shut down Dec. 22, just days before Christmas. The deadline, originally set to Dec. 7, was pushed back two weeks following the death of former President George H.W. Bush.

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Democrats have put two offers on the table, neither of which has wall funding: $1.6 billion in fencing along the southern border or a continuation of last years spending levels for the Department of Homeland Security, about $1.3 billion.

The $1.6 billion that Democrats are proposing is the same amount already approved by the Senate. The House version of the spending bill would provide $5 billion for the wall.

Democrats act as though they have little to lose. Theyre pinning responsibility to fund the government on the GOP, which currently controls both chambers of Congress and the White House.

If President Trump wants to throw a temper tantrum and shut down the government over Christmas over the wall, thats his decision, Schumer said last week in the Capitol.

Trump has been uncharacteristically silent in public about the prospects of a holiday funding deal or shutdown. Nor has he tried in recent days to shore up support among his base for the need to include border wall funding in the spending bill, as might be expected if he were considering a partial shutdown over the issue.

His GOP allies in Congress acknowledge that he has a lot at stake and are awaiting his cues.

John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said lawmakers could approve funding at last years levels in order to avoid the border wall dispute, but they still arent clear whether Trump would sign it.

Will the president accept that? the Texas senator said. It would represent a failure of what he has asked for, which is more money for border security. And so it would surprise me if he would somehow all of a sudden accept that.

Republicans had hoped they could get some Democratic support by pairing the wall with something Democrats want: long-term security for immigrants brought to the country illegally who grew up in the United States, also known as Dreamers.

But even Pelosi  an advocate for Dreamers  shot down that idea last week. Theyre two different subjects, she said at a news conference Thursday.

Trump and Democrats have a slim record of working together. In September of last year, the president undercut his GOP allies on Capitol Hill by striking a deal with Chuck and Nancy to raise the countrys debt limit.

But days later, another attempt at a deal fell apart. Schumer and Pelosi left a White House meeting declaring they had an agreement with the president to extend protections to Dreamers and fund border security, not including the wall. But by the next morning, the president said no deal had been agreed to.

A few months later, Schumer and Pelosi bailed on a scheduled meeting with the president to discuss a government funding bill because hed tweeted earlier that day that he didnt see a possible deal.

That history has made Democrats deeply skeptical of cutting deals with Trump, which could undermine Tuesdays meeting at the White House. It is the first time the trio have met in a year.

Tuesdays meeting could be a harbinger of how Washington may operate for the next two years, when Trump will need House Democrats to get any legislative priority through Congress. For Pelosi, the meeting could serve as the first opportunity to prove to her newly elected colleagues how she will represent them in negotiations with the president if she wins the speakers gavel in January, as expected.

Top Republicans in Congress had put off a battle over Trumps border wall until after the 2018 midterm elections. But now, the spending bill is the presidents last shot to get Congress to pay for the wall before Democrats take over the House next year.

GOP lawmakers in both the House and Senate have introduced legislation to give Trump the full $25 billion he is seeking for the wall, but it has not been brought up for a vote and has little chance of being passed.

Republicans say the decision of whether to shut down the government rests with Democrats.

The number is $5 billion, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise said Monday morning on Fox and Friends. If there is a better way to get there than what the president has laid out, then [Democrats] need to come with an alternative.

From my view of the negotiation, theyre holding this up right now, said Alabama Sen. Richard C. Shelby, the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Shelby said he and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell hope to meet with the president again after he meets with the Democratic leaders.

But even some Republicans acknowledge that Trump needs to decide how badly he wants the border wall  and if he is willing to shut down the government to do so.

It doesnt matter how much appetite there is for a shutdown [in Congress], if he is willing to have a shutdown over this issue, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said. And hes given every indication that he would.

The latest from Washington 

jennifer.haberkorn@latimes.com

Twitter: @jenhab
President Trumps troubled search for his third chief of staff reflects the sharp decline in power and appeal of a job that long was among the most prestigious in politics  either the capstone for a prominent career or a launching point for one.

But as with so much Trump touches, he has changed that calculus.

The disruptive president has made clear he prefers to operate as his own chief of staff, rebuffing attempts to streamline White House communications and decision-making as he goes his own way. That makes filling the high-profile post especially difficult.

Both Reince Priebus, Trumps first chief of staff, and his replacement, John F. Kelly, were mauled by the experience, battered and belittled as frequent targets of Trumps ire. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly will be leaving  I dont know if I can say retiring  at the end of the year.

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Both have been humiliated publicly, said Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, a researcher at the nonpartisan Brookings Institution who studies White House staffing issues. The position under Trump will never be what it was with other administrations, given his impulsiveness and inability to delegate to others.

The chief of staff, a political appointment that does not require Senate approval, traditionally serves as gatekeeper to the Oval Office and enforcer for the White House staff as it tries to deliver on the presidents legislative and political agenda.

Over the decades  President Truman first appointed a senior deputy in 1946  the job has drawn officials with stature.

Trump simply hasnt turned in those directions because of how unusual and how different he is, said David Gergen, a top advisor to presidents in both parties since Richard Nixon in the 1970s. Hes his own chief of staff, just like hes his own secretary of State and his own Treasury secretary.

Gergen said it was surprising Trump would let Kelly go without a replacement ready while the investigation by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has the potential to inflict great damage on the president.

To have a lame-duck chief of staff who will be out the door trying to manage the response and counterattack will be very difficult, he said.

Under Trump, however, the chief of staffs job has become pointless, an exercise in futility, said a former White House official.

No rational qualified person would jeopardize their reputation, said the former official, who requested anonymity to avoid upsetting his employer and relationships in the administration. And you just cant manage Trump.

Trumps first choice to replace Kelly, Nick Ayers, abruptly withdrew his name over the weekend and will leave the White House to return to his home in Georgia and work on Trumps reelection campaign.

Since Ayers is chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, his impending departure  as well as Kellys  will leave two gaping holes near the top of the White House lineup, portending further turmoil in an administration that already has seen record-breaking staff turnover.

The most notable firings and resignations in the Trump administration 

Ayers appointment had appeared so certain that aides prepared an official news release last week, according to a White House official who asked for anonymity to discuss internal planning. Trump also alerted Pence to the plan.

The official said Ayers worried about the growing threat to Trump from the investigation led by Mueller and a related federal inquiry in Manhattan, which last week said Trump  identified as Individual 1  had directed an illegal scheme to pay hush money during the 2016 election.

Ayers didnt want to be chief of staff to Individual 1 and get walked all over once Kelly left, the official said.

Ayers told Trump he would take the job for a few months, but Trump wanted him to remain until the 2020 election, according to another White House official who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive issue.

Normally, an ambitious operative like Ayers, who is 36 years old, would have jumped at the chance to be White House chief of staff, historically a career builder that has catapulted powerful officials into even more powerful positions.

After serving as President Reagans chief of staff, James A. Baker III went on to serve as Treasury secretary and then, under President George H.W. Bush, as secretary of State before he returned for a second stint as chief of staff.

Leon E. Panetta, chief of staff under President Clinton, later led the CIA and then the Pentagon under President Obama. And Rahm Emanuel, who left a seat in Congress to serve as Obamas first chief of staff, later was elected twice as mayor of Chicago.

People close to Trump and the White House floated a variety of potential replacements for Kelly on Monday.

They included Rep. Mark Meadows, a North Carolina GOP firebrand who has been close to Trump; Steven T. Mnuchin, Trumps loyal Treasury secretary; Mick Mulvaney, Trumps budget chief who also did fill-in work running the federal consumer agency; Matthew Whitaker, who is currently the acting attorney general; and Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor who has long sought a position in the Trump administration. Other names might also emerge.

On Capitol Hill, Meadows told reporters that although he spoke with Trump regularly, he had not talked with him in the 24 hours after Ayers withdrew. He was noncommittal on whether he would accept the job if offered, calling himself honored to be considered.

I think any job that is difficult and hard, the fun has to be in what you accomplish, not in the day to day, he said.

Kelly was hired in July 2017 to impose order and structure after Priebus proved unable to tame the chaotic information flow coming to the president or restrict the impromptu visits of staffers from across the administration hierarchy.

But Kelly struggled to tell Trump hard truths, to limit his late-night phone calls to informal outside advisors who had their own agendas, or to rein in explosive tweets and impulsive orders.

No one in the White House expects an empowered replacement for Kelly, given Trumps demand to remain the focal point. One of the White House officials said the new chief of staff should function as a top political strategist before correcting herself to say Trump would always be No. 1 and that whoever took the job could be his assistant.

The presidents always his [own] chief strategist, the official said.

Anthony Scaramucci, who lasted 10 days as Trumps top communications official and was fired by Kelly in July 2017, told CNN that Kellys lack of personal respect for Trump had hampered him in the job.

I want the next chief of staff to be somebody that really likes the president, Scaramucci said. Its not enough, he added, to believe Im serving the country, but I dont really like the president.

Kelly, like many who work for Trump, saw his own reputation diminished as he defended Trumps behavior and rhetoric while the president did little to back him up in public. Kellys replacement also will have to contend with the Mueller investigation  and Trumps tweets.

Democrats cant find a Smocking Gun tying the Trump campaign to Russia No Smocking Gun  No Collusion, Trump tweeted Monday, provoking a counter-storm of social media mocking his twice misspelling smoking.

But the struggle to replace Kelly reflects a bigger problem for Trump, who enters his third year in office battling a federal investigation, a Democratic House expected to launch other probes and a trade war with China that has sent stock markets into a swoon.

And anyone considering the job knows Trumps last two chiefs of staff were hardly happy in their work. Kelly, a retired four-star Marine general, moaned that working for Trump was the worst job hed ever had.

Recruitment for White House jobs gets more difficult over time, once the post-election glow fades and the first-stringers leave, said Tenpas, the Brookings scholar. With Trump, that whole process is magnified tenfold, especially with the chief of staff job because of whats happened already.

Why would someone take a job like that when theyve seen two other people fail? she said.

Times staff writers Jennifer Haberkorn and Chris Megerian contributed to this report.

Follow the latest news of the Trump administration on Essential Washington 

noah.bierman@latimes.com

Twitter: @noahbierman
Few jobs in American politics have been more prestigious or powerful in modern history than White House chief of staff. But as the week begins, its hard to know who, if anyone, really wants to be the third person to hold the position under President Trump.

IN SEARCH OF A CHIEF

As with so many brief but blustery chapters of the Trump presidency, the weekend saw a rapid-fire progression of storylines reported from Washington.

First, and perhaps most importantly, John Kelly will leave the White House within a matter of weeks.

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Though Trump and Kelly reportedly are no longer on speaking terms, the president called the retired four-star Marine general a great guy on Saturday and said, I appreciate his service very much.

But no faster had speculation centered on Nick Ayers, the chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, then Ayers made it clear: Hes not taking the job. The young Georgia politico tweeted his thanks to Trump on Sunday afternoon.

A number of other names were floating across social media as the weekend came to an end. For his part, the president fell back on a familiar response of blaming the press for any suggestion that the process is going less than smoothly.

I am in the process of interviewing some really great people for the position of White House Chief of Staff, he tweeted on Sunday. Fake News has been saying with certainty it was Nick Ayers, a spectacular person who will always be with our #MAGA agenda. I will be making a decision soon!

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NATIONAL LIGHTNING ROUND

-- The I word made its way through the Sunday talk shows after last weeks developments in the investigation being led by special counsel Robert Mueller III. Democrats said, yes, impeachment of Trump may be warranted  but they cautioned, too, it was still premature to consider it.

-- Trump announced Saturday that hes picked a battle-hardened commander who oversaw troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to be the nations next top military adviser.

-- Wisconsins Democratic Gov.-elect Tony Evers said Sunday hes not optimistic that outgoing Gov. Scott Walker will veto bills approved by the states Republican-dominated Legislature that would limit the new governors power.

-- People in Canton, Miss. have said for years theyve heard of election campaigns buying votes with cash or beer. But it wasnt until the past few days when the former police chief, a former fire chief and others were arrested on election fraud charges that locals realized the depth of the problem.

UNTIL ALL THE VOTES ARE COUNTED

Californias secretary of state will officially certify the tally from the Nov. 6 election this week, the kind of event that used to come a few weeks after the ballots had all been counted in the states 58 counties.

But thats been gradually changing. This fall, we saw 43% of the states ballots still to be sorted and counted once the sun rose the morning after election day.

Michael Finnegan and Ryan Menezes took a closer look at how those ballots dramatically shifted the outcome of a number of races, none more so than the seven congressional seats Republicans lost to Democrats.

AND THEN MILLIONS OF UNDER-VOTES

Also worth noting from the election thats now in the history books is what happened in the races where there was no clear partisan distinction between the two candidates that advanced to November.

A lot of voters skipped it.

Three races, I noted in my Sunday column, had no Democrat-versus-Republican contrast for voters. And those races saw significantly fewer votes cast  whats known as an under-vote when that part of the ballot is left blank.

In short, Californians have said they like the top-two primary, the system that removed a guaranteed spot for each party on the fall ballot. But when that primary results in a single partys candidates moving forward, a sizable number of voters decide theyre no longer interested.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom spent Friday in Fresno reassuring business, agricultural and labor leaders of his commitment to the Central Valley.

-- Newsom will mark his Jan. 7 inauguration with a fundraiser for wildfire victims and a swearing-in ceremony outside the state Capitol.

-- Days after Democrat Tom Umberg took the oath of office as the winner of the states 34th Senate District seat, Orange County elections officials said Friday that former Republican incumbent Janet Nguyens camp has asked for a partial recount.

-- Five former political directors of the California Republican Party are calling on state GOP leadership to renounce nationalist speech used by President Trump as well as candidates who embrace messages of hatred, division and rhetoric that divides us by race.

-- State officials on Friday moved ahead with a plan to allow marijuana deliveries to homes throughout California, including in cities that have outlawed pot shops.

-- Rep. Dana Rohrabachers defeat marks the end of a line of fierce anti-communist politicians who represented Orange County for decades.

-- Groups seeking a change in the law or Californias Constitution will find it significantly harder  and more costly  to qualify ballot measures beginning next year, following high voter turnout for the Nov. 6 statewide election.

LOGISTICS

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The new two-year legislative session wasnt even one day old when Democrats introduced bills to spend countless billions of tax dollars.

Money to provide Medi-Cal healthcare coverage for immigrants of all ages living here illegally. A big boost in K-12 school funding. Free community college tuition in a students second year.

Introducing a bill is easy. From there, its usually a long, arduous journey to final passage and a governors signature. But those proposals apparently reflect a dominant Democratic mood: The moneys there. Spend it before its eroded by a recession.

Right now the state vault is spilling over. The nonpartisan legislative analyst projects a budget surplus of nearly $15 billion. Additionally, theres a so-called rainy day fund of about $14.5 billion thats a hedge against the economy tanking.

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The total state budget is around $200 billion, $139 billion of it in the main general fund checking account.

Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom spoke the language of fiscal conservatism last week as the Legislature met to organize.

We are eight years in this bull market and thats a reality all of us have to accept, Newsom told reporters. Youre seeing a global economy that is slowing down. We all have to prepare for that. So I dont think youre going to see something dramatically different  from me than you have seen in the past with Gov. [Jerry] Brown.

Browns hobby as governor seemed to be vetoing spending bills. But he still aggressively pushed two embattled, monstrous infrastructure projects: the $77-billion bullet train and $17-billion twin water tunnels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Newsom has said he wants to scale back both mega-projects.

More from George Skelton 

Speaking to reporters, the Democrat also talked like the candidate who advocated expensive universal healthcare and early childhood education.

That said, the governor-elect continued after implying hed be a Brown clone on spending, conditions have advantaged our ability to make investments in areas where, frankly, we need to make investments. And thats where Ill put my attention.

Then, as a horde of spending bills was being introduced, Newsom told the Sacramento Bee: All of this will be whittled down and we all will live within our means. Were not going to deviate from being fiscally prudent.

Even if you wanted to provide universal preschool, you could not achieve that in the immediate term. It would take years and years.

There will be many impatient Democrats, however. They havent had this much power in Sacramento for 136 years. Its one-party rule-plus. Democrats occupy roughly three-fourths of the seats in both legislative houses, and only a two-thirds supermajority is needed to pass tax increases.

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But dont fret about a tax hike, Brown advised right after the election.

The chances of getting the Legislature to vote by two-thirds on new taxes is very, very limited and unlikely, the four-term governor told reporters.

The fact is, its a simple formula: The more Democrats win legislative seats, the more conservative are the ones who win. People dont have to worry. If there is a two-thirds vote for a tax, it will be very popular or it wont happen.

Perhaps. But Democrats may not be sensing much political risk after riding the blue tsunami on election day. In 2020, the political climate could be even sunnier for California Democrats because President Trump probably will be on the ballot drawing his haters to the polls.

Brown says only a very popular tax could pass. Would that include a tax on semiautomatic guns? Maybe in urban areas. But in suburban and rural competitive legislative districts, voting to tax gun sales could be dangerous.

Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) introduced a bill to tax the purchase of semiautomatic weapons, the kind often used in mass shootings, including the recent Thousand Oaks bar massacre that killed 12 people. Hes thinking about a $25 tax that would fund gun violence prevention programs.

Even more controversial, I suspect, will be a proposal to extend Medi-Cal coverage to adult immigrants without legal status. Kids are already covered up to age 19. Covering 1.8 million adults would cost an estimated $3 billion a year.

One good argument for it is that placing undocumented adults under Medi-Cal is less expensive than caring for them in emergency rooms, where they are currently treated. Also, we dont want sick people walking around spreading disease.

The other side contends that if California starts providing health insurance for undocumented people, the state will quickly become a magnet for illegal immigration. Opponents also argue that American tax dollars should be spent on people living here legally.

One bill author is Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno), a former emergency room doctor. Working on the front lines of healthcare, the lawmaker says, he has seen gross inequality  people whose lives are threatened or ruined because of their inability to access healthcare. I hope the incoming administration will be bold  a beacon for the rest of the United States.

Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) introduced legislation to gradually raise K-12 school funding by $35 billion a year. He says that would place California in the top 10 states for per-pupil spending. The state general fund now provides $56 billion annually.

Two questions: Where would the extra money come from? How about throwing in some education reform?

Well find out which Newsom emerges  whether he can corral the Legislature and stand up to the spending lobby, especially labor.

george.skelton@latimes.com

Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter
A Huntington Beach man died after the SUV he was driving slammed into a signal pole, a utility pole and an iron fence in a residential neighborhood in Costa Mesa early Saturday, officials said.

The crash occurred at about 12:25 a.m. at Victoria Street and Pacific Avenue, the Costa Mesa Police Department said.

Paramedics pronounced the driver dead at the scene, officials said. He was identified as Diogo Carlos Matera Moya, 36, the Orange County coroners office said Monday.

The cause of death had not been determined, the coroners office said.

The Police Department was investigating the crash.

A single Toyota SUV appeared to hit a signal pole before the vehicle struck a wooden Edison pole and then continued westbound [on Victoria], where it struck an iron fence, according to a police statement.

Victoria Street and Canyon Drive were temporarily closed in the area as workers repaired damaged equipment, police said.

The crash was the second fatal wreck on that stretch of road in three months. A Huntington Beach man was killed early Sept. 15 when his car crashed into a traffic signal pole near Victoria and Pacific.

Sclafani is a Daily Pilot staff writer.

UPDATES:

This article was originally published at 7:30 a.m. and was later updated with additional details.